Dullers

A rare photograph capturing a Duller entity's shadowy form in Level 0, taken by M.E.G. researchers

Dullers are dangerous entities encountered within The Backrooms, most commonly found in Level 0 and Level 1. First documented by the Major Explorer Group (M.E.G.) in 2020, these beings are characterized by their ability to drain the consciousness and mental acuity of humans they encounter, leading to a state of profound cognitive deterioration in their victims. The entities gained widespread public recognition after their prominent feature in the film NoCliped (2022), where they served as one of the primary antagonists during Maria Diaz's initial journey through Level 0.

Characteristics

Dullers manifest as amorphous, shadow-like entities that appear to absorb both light and sound from their immediate surroundings. Their presence is often first detected through a gradual dimming of nearby fluorescent lights and a dampening of the omnipresent buzzing sound characteristic of the Backrooms. Unlike more aggressive entities such as Smilers or Hounds, Dullers employ a passive hunting strategy, preferring to slowly drain their victims' mental faculties rather than engaging in direct physical confrontation.

The entities derive their name from their most distinctive effect: the gradual dulling of human consciousness and cognitive function. Exposure to a Duller typically progresses through several stages, beginning with mild confusion and difficulty concentrating, advancing to severe memory loss and cognitive impairment, and potentially culminating in a catatonic state if exposure is prolonged.

Behavioral Patterns

Research conducted by Dr. Arnold Malkinson and the M.E.G. Scientific Division has revealed that Dullers exhibit complex hunting behaviors that belie their seemingly mindless nature. They are known to congregate in areas where humans are likely to become disoriented or lost, particularly in sections of Level 0 where the monotonous yellow wallpaper and repeating room layouts already contribute to spatial confusion.

M.E.G. researchers conducting controlled experiments on Duller behavioral patterns using specialized monitoring equipment

Dullers demonstrate a remarkable ability to coordinate their activities, often working in loose groups to herd potential victims away from safe zones and into more isolated areas. This behavior was dramatically portrayed in NoCliped, during the sequence where Maria and Cindy encounter a group of Dullers that systematically cut off their escape routes, forcing them to retreat deeper into an unexplored section of Level 0.

Effects on Human Subjects

The impact of Duller exposure on human subjects has been extensively documented by M.E.G. researchers. Initial symptoms typically manifest within minutes of exposure and include:

• Progressive difficulty with basic problem-solving

• Deterioration of short-term memory

• Impaired spatial awareness

The consumption of Almond Water has been proven to provide temporary resistance to Duller effects, though the mechanism behind this protection remains poorly understood. The development of this survival strategy is credited to early Backrooms explorers who noticed that Almond Water's natural properties seemed to counteract the cognitive dampening caused by Duller encounters.

Prevention and Defense

The M.E.G. has established several protocols for avoiding and defending against Duller encounters. The most effective strategy remains prevention through careful monitoring of environmental changes that might indicate Duller presence. The organization has developed specialized detection equipment that measures subtle variations in light and sound levels, allowing explorers to identify potential Duller activity before direct contact occurs.

In cases where contact is unavoidable, the M.E.G. recommends immediate consumption of Almond Water and rapid relocation to well-lit areas, as Dullers appear less able to manifest in brightly illuminated spaces. The development of Luminal Barriers, specialized light-emitting devices that create temporary safe zones, has provided explorers with an additional tool for Duller defense, though these devices remain in limited supply.

Cultural Impact

The portrayal of Dullers in The Backrooms Trilogy has significantly influenced public understanding of these entities. Their appearance in NoCliped, particularly during Maria's first encounter with them in the maintenance corridors of Level 0, established them as one of the most recognizable threats within the Backrooms universe. The film's depiction of their effects - showing Maria's growing confusion and disorientation through subtle changes in cinematography and sound design - has been praised for its accuracy to documented encounters.

Research and Ongoing Studies

Current M.E.G. research focuses on understanding the relationship between Dullers and the fundamental nature of consciousness within the Backrooms. Some researchers, including the controversial Dr. Malkinson, have suggested that Dullers may not be predatory entities in the traditional sense, but rather manifestations of the Backrooms' ability to affect human consciousness directly. This theory remains hotly debated within the scientific community, particularly following the revelations about Dr. Malkinson's true nature and motivations in City in the Rain.

See Also

• The Backrooms Trilogy (2022-2027)
• Level 0
• Almond Water
• Luminal Barriers

References

• M.E.G. Entity Classification Database
• Backrooms Survival Guide, 3rd Edition
• "Understanding Consciousness Dampening Entities" - Dr. Arnold Malkinson, M.E.G. Scientific Journal
• NoCliped (2022) Production Notes and Commentary