Something's off in strangerville, but no one's saying it out loud. The air buzzes with secrets, the neighbors act strange, and the military presence is just a little too strong for a sleepy desert town.This story follows three threads converging:A secretive base with an agenda no one's willing to explain.Gloria, a newcomer with nothing left to lose and a knack for noticing what others ignore.And Bo, a loner who came to find the truth while hiding a secret of her own.Each character is drawn here for different reasons. Some came seeking answers. Others? Planned only to pass through. But no matter the reason, they all stay... because something won't let them leave.All this unfolds across my custom Strangerville builds, and each update will reveal more of the mystery. Feel free to follow along, and I look forward to reading everyone's thoughts and theories!Next up: Meet the residents. Not all of them are what they seem.Roll CallEpisode One: Not just the ovenEpisode Two: She was "fine"Episode Three: The edge of recall

Nothing in StrangerVille ever happens by accident. And Gloria? Well, she moves like the rules don't apply to her. Maybe that's what I like about her, what's scaring me. I told her Don't worry about the fire; it probably was just an accident but I lied.Bo sat in silence, fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk. Her thoughts were restless, moving faster than she could keep up. Gloria's last text echoed in her mind; light, casual, like they hadn't struck a match in her gut. "They say it was the pizza oven, what do you think?" "Probably," she had answered while mentally chiding herself for lying. She didn't tell her that she was also suspicious about the timing of the fire, that bad things happened to those who asked too many questions, the wrong questions. No, instead, she parroted the official report, because it was easier.She leaned back, the chair creaking beneath her as she stared up at nothing. How many times had she run this through in her head? Replayed what she could’ve said? What she should've said? Maybe if she’d stayed, they wouldn't have tried it... Maybe... She sighed.Bo slumped in her chair, throwing her arms over her eyes, hoping, wishing it could block out more than just light. But her thoughts turned once again to Gloria. She couldn't explain this overwhelming need to keep her safe, she wasn't sure if she even still had a heart capable of loving. Not after last time.There's a faint noise. Maybe the soft click of a lock? Footsteps? Bo's head snaps forward as she cranes her ear to listen. I'm not expecting anyone, she reasoned. She got to her feet quickly, even though she didn't hear the noise again. She shook her head wryly. "I'm probably just being paranoid." Before she could form the next thought, almost as if on cue, her phone buzzed...Bo glances down. Unknown number. Again. She furrows her brows, part dread, part weary expectation. These calls have been happening a lot lately. Always late; never traceable. Still, she answers.The voice on the other end was cocky, cold and coiled tight with threat. "Tell your little friend that she best mind the business that pays her...or else." His words sent a shiver down Bo's spine. A beat passed before he added with a cruel curl of amusement, "I'm being courteous here, you're welcome."She jerked the phone from her ear. "Who is this?! Stop calling me!" But by the time she gets the words out, the line's already dead; just a blank screen staring back at her.Bow lowered her phone and scoffed while shaking her head in disgust. Just another coward hiding behind a voice and a screen.The tension had faded, but it left something behind; a heaviness that settled into the quiet. As Bo sank into her couch, thumb hovering over the phone, she reread Gloria's last message. A teasing acceptance about needing a new oven; it should make her smile, but she lingers. Because it wasn't the message, but the memory beneath it; all the things still left unsaid.Her fingers paused, hesitation thick in the air, and then with purpose they began to move. "Glo... I have to tell you something. There's a lot I haven't said..." She stared at her words, thumbs twitching. No, it's too much. too soon. Backspace. She tried again. This time something...safer. "Yeah." Simple. She hits send. After she carefully set her phone down, almost as if she was afraid it would break under the weight of her secrets. Well, that's it then, she thought, arms crossed in quiet contemplation. She may get upset later, but I have to believe I made the right call. If she thinks it's just a faulty oven, maybe she won't dig; maybe it'll be enough to keep her safe.... For now, anyway. Because I know something's coming, and I don't think any of us are ready for it.Thanks for reading!Don't forget you can download Bo's house from the gallery: Bo's Home Base DownloadYou can view the video here for further immersion: Shadows in the Dust: Episode One

🗂️Roll Call | Meet The Main Cast🛸Bo PowersKeeps to herself, avoids the locals for the most part, spends most days observing and recording. Came to strangerville on purpose, hoping the strange happenings would help her learn more about who she really is. Withdrawn, curious, and always watching. She might be the only one who truly senses what's coming.🌵Gloria CrossNew to town, still unpacking her stuff and trying to figure out what she's doing here. Inherited the trailer park and office from a grandma she barely knew. Strangerville was meant to be a temporary stop, but Bo makes her want to stay... that and figuring out what's up with the people in this strange place.👮♂️The Male CadetsLeft to right: Khristian- artist at heart, soldier by obligation. Joined to appease a strict father and now just wants to finish his service and settle down somewhere he can breathe.Kent- Signed up as a last resort; either enlist or serve time. Hates being told what to do, and it shows. No one's betting on him making it to the end of his contract.Chi- Cocky, loud, and more focuses on flirting than following orders. Wants rank for the respect, not the responsibility. Secretly hates kids and quietly dreams of power.👮♀️The Female CadetsLeft to right:Penny- College fund vanished in her dad's snack company scam. Figured the military was her next best shot at affording a decent education and maybe a way out.Lacienega- shipped off to get a taste of the real world after one too many scandals. She's serving time in camo and dreaming of silk sheets and brunch. She's counting the days until she can go home and forget this was even a thing.Dijonay- A hopeless romantic who's here for the views, not the drills. Loathes working out but doesn't mind the uniformed eye candy.Zoe- No clue how she got in. Not built for the life, but smart and loyal. She's sticking it out to support her friends, and that's enough... for now.👨✈️Major Micah FischerSecond in command. Clean-cut, dependable, and deeply loyal. Loves his job but is starting to feel the pull of family life and something more quiet and less.... classified.🍳The Cook- IssaSupposedly came to town for a comedy gig... now she wakes up on a base every morning like it's always been that way. She's not sure what happened, and to be frank, neither are we.👩🔬The ScientistsLeft to right:Chloe, Kerry, Christy, and Taiwo - Cold, precise, and cagey about their work. Two of them aren't even human. What are they working on? It's classified.👩✈️General Vivian HopkinsSmart, ruthless, and always ten steps ahead. Worked her way up with grit and ambition. She's head of operations at the Delta Stange black site and knows exactly what's causing the spread and how far it's reached. Her secrets have secrets. And that's who we know so far. The dust hasn't settled yet, and Strangerville doesn't give up its secrets without a fight.

The midday sun scorched the cracked ground of the Cactus Gulch Trailer Park, heat waves distorting the air as Bo approached Gloria's Office.She was supposed to be here. They had planned for her to come over and help with the new oven, but as she neared the door, a prickle of unease settled in; something was not right.The blinds were drawn shutting out the relentless sun. The neon sign stood dark, lifeless. Even Bo's knock seemed to be swallowed up by the heavy silence.Her knock unanswered, she stepped inside to find the place eerily untouched, silent; the air was stagnant, the shadows stretched long across the floor. It looked as if Gloria had just stepped out, like she meant to return in 5 minutes, not vanish completely. But the air was wrong, Stagnant, undisturbed; much too still for comfort. Bo hovered in the doorway, her pulse ticking up through the roof as a lump rose in her throat. She wasn't one to jump at shadows but everything about this forced normalcy felt like a trick, and the panic she was feeling refused to be reasoned with. It coiled tight, pressing against her ribs as she forced herself to take a deep breath. She told herself "Gloria could walk in at any moment" laughing uneasily to try to dispel her anxiety but it did nothing to soother her. After spending a few minutes frantically searching for something...anything out of place she found nothing. Half drank coffee cup now cold, papers neatly stacked, a calendar with crossed out appointments; all things you'd expect to find normally. She did find it odd that her bag and phone was still there, but it further confirmed in her mind Gloria did not plan on being gone...Not this long.Eventually Bo sat down at Gloria's desk and shook the mouse to wake the screen. Emails? Search history? Nothing. No threatening messages or rushed goodbyes. A deep sense of unease curled in her chest; she was running out of places to look.The door creaked open, breaking the stillness. Bo tensed instinctively, but it wasn't Gloria; it was one of the regulars. He strolled in, moving with the casual ease oof someone who knew the place well, but the concern in his eyes was unmistakable. After scanning the room is gaze shifted to Bo. There was hesitation, he wasn't sure yet if Bo was friend or foe. Once he was satisfied his stance eased."Saw her early yesterday," he said while pacing; "Mentioned heading to the library." Bo absorbed his words, turning them over in her mind. It'd been well over twenty-four hours since then, she knew it'd be a long shot. Still, it was something and she'd take anything right now.Bo followed the lead and stepped into the cool hush of the town library. She scanned the room eye sweeping over quiet patrons and hunched figures; none of them Gloria. Bo found the Librarian at one of the desks and questioned to if she had seen anyone fitting Gloria's description.But she hadn't, not since the day before. Bo mined her for all the information she could get but it wasn't much just another dead end. The more she searched the more it felt like she was chasing nothing at allBo spent the rest of the afternoon checking various spots around town to no avail. She needed time to regroup so she headed to the bar, more for the noise than the drink.She perched at the counter and made small talk with the bartender, idle words, empty distractions. Bo tried not to fidget, to be present in the moment, to not keep one eye glancing at the door, hoping to see Gloria walk in.But her mind wouldn't stop spinning. Then. A voice. Just muffled word half lost in the hum of the bar conversations, but Bo knew it. Gloria.She stiffened and turned, her pulse hammering as her eyes searched the crowd. She was only able to glimpse her right as she slipped out the door. Bo hurried after her, weaving past chairs and sidestepping patrons with barely a glance. She dashed through the exit and made a quick left finding herself suddenly in an alley. The abrupt shift from the noisy bar to the silence made her breath hitch. She saw Gloria already rounding the corner. Bo waited for just a breath before choosing to follow. She needed to know what the heck was going on.She found herself at a locked door she had no idea existed and waited for what felt like an eternity before the door finally clicked open. Bo turned and there she was. Gloria; framed by the doorway, her expression unreadable.She looked.... fine. Bo didn't mean to, but her words came out sharp, edged with frustration. "Where have you been?!" "Why didn't you take your phone?!" Gloria tried to wave the whole thing off, but her tone was just a little...too even. practiced. She said "It was just those base folks behind the trailer trying to buy the land, apparently they had a deal with my gran before she passed..." But Bo knew better. She heard the lie, felt it in the space between the words. Gloria wasn't fine. The conversation faded into quiet tension. Bo knew there was no use trying to pry further, so she softened her tone, "I was just very worried is all, this place, this place has a way of swallowing people up and I just don't want to see you hurt."Gloria stood silently, she never intended to make Bo worry, heck she never even intended to be gone this long. She desperately wants to tell her what she's learned over the last 48 hours but she's too afraid to get her involved further. She doesn't know what she'd do if Bo got hurt because of her. She hugged Bo maybe for a beat longer than she should've and then stepped into the night shoulders slumped and mind heavy with unsaid words and feelings.Bo stood still as she watched her go. She watched as she slipped further from reach willing herself not to run after her. She clearly needed a moment to herself. "nah the answers could wait" she thought to herself as the night settled around her. She knew now was not the time to press.Still Gloria was hiding something. Bo knew it. And she's not the only one watching.Thanks for reading!Don't forget you can find all builds hereTrailer: Cactus Gulch TrailerLibrary: Strangerville Information CenterBar: 8 Bells ReduxAnd watch the video here for further immersion: Shadows in the Dust: Episode Two

That night, sleep came hard and fast. But it was restless. The nightmares had begun again; only, they didn't feel like just dreams. They were deeper. Older. Long-buried fragments clawing their way up from the depths of her subconscious, from beneath her skin. A memory long forgotten; or maybe not hers at all.Every night, it's the same. A little girl. Alone. She doesn’t speak. Just sits—head down—coloring; her quiet hands busily working in the quiet room. But even from a distance, Gloria can feel it. That eerie calm. Too calm.At first, she’s always caught between two women, Vivian, and another she can never quite place. Their voices blur, too muffled to follow. But before she can grasp this space, she’s already inside the room. A vague flicker of familiarity catches in her chest and the air begins to feel like it's pressing in from all sides. And just when she's about to suffocate from the lack of air her mind lurches back to consciousnessIt seems something doesn’t want her to remember. Or maybe her own mind won’t let her. She always starts losing air just as it nears the surface. The moment before clarity forever eluding her.The next day she woke with new purpose to start digging. She didn’t know what she was looking for. But she had to start somewhere. The office had always been part of her daily routine, but today was anything but routine; stepping inside she felt like a stranger. Still, she hoped somewhere among the scattered boxes and file cabinets held the key to all the questions she's been too afraid to let herself ask.Gloria hadn’t touched the old boxes until now. They’d always been there; tucked behind furniture, stacked beside the desk because she hadn't been ready to dig that intimately into someone else's life... but she can't avoid it forever she got to work. Folders, scraps. names she didn’t recognize, none of it made sense.And then… she found something curious.A photo. She's not sure what it means but the moment she saw it, the air left her chest; like someone had punched straight through her.So, it wasn’t just a dream. But how?Across town, someone else had been chasing ghosts of their own.Deep beneath the surface, Vivian descended into the cold and familiar corridors that crisscrossed beneath what to the outside world appeared to be a normal base. She'd gone down this ladder a thousand time but today felt different. She was unsettled, the meeting with Gloria had knocked her off center. She'd searched for years. Combed through witness sightings, followed every failed lead, and yet there was... nothing.Now without warning the girl was back, as if from the dead. Vivian thought back to their meeting. She'd question her about her why she was in town, her interest, why so many questions. But she denied knowing anything. Still, Vivian couldn't ignore the timing.A knock at the door. Vivian didn't bother looking up. She already knew what would be said once the door opened."Come in."It was Chloe, a young, capable scientist handpicked by Vivian herself to head her research team. Her Tone was Clipped and professional. "Ma'am it's a match." The words fell like a bomb in the room.Vivian didn't answer immediately and instead rose slowly to her feet buying time to think. Of course it's a match. She'd never believed for a second that the experiment had been truly terminated. But how had Glorinda kept this buried for so long....Even from me.When she finally spoke, she said, "I suspected as much, we'll have to run it again to be certain."But how is this possible?" Chloe asked, her voice lower now. "This sample is from a program terminated over a decade ago."Vivian cut her off before Chloe could say more and leaned menacingly forward. Her voice was sharp and controlled "I don't recall asking for your opinion...Just run it again taking care to keep this off the radar...This goes strictly through me understood."Chloes hesitated, she looked as though she may say more but thought better of it and instead just nodded her head in confirmation before leaving. The door made a soft click as it closed behind her, but Vivian didn't move, she stood transfixed; staring at it as if somehow it would open to place with all the answers.Back at Gloria's the place was a mess. She had made good on her vow to go through every nook and cranny and had amassed a pile of chaos in the living room. Her mind was just as jumble, and she was going to need help if she was going to make heads or tails of what this all meant.She plopped herself down on the couch and called the only person she feels could help her begin to figure out any of this. The phone rang once, twice and then Bo's voice came through, warm and grounding. Gloria hesitated as she stared at the photo on the coffee table before launching into a cliff notes version of what she's found out so far. "I know it sounds strange," she said, voice just above a whisper. "But I-I just need someone else to see it too."Gloria nodded as if Bo could see her through the phone, her face softened slightly before saying "yeah...see you soon."Glora let out a long sigh as she laid on the couch. Seemed like even the house had been holding its breath. she should've just sold like planned she mused, it would've been easier. But now she's seen too much, feeling too much. her mind turned to the woman she called grandma. What exactly was she mixed up in and what does that have to do with me. Outside, the wind stirred the dust across the dry lot as Bo strode with determination towards the front door. Inside Gloria was still staring at nothing. her body felt heavy, caught between resolve and dread. "I don't even know what I'm dragging her into.The knock was soft. She's here Gloria thought as she slowly rose to her feet, the phone still warm in her hand. She crossed the room in a few strides but paused just short of the door. She needed one last breath to steady herself, before reaching for the handle. There's no turning back now she thought as she turned it to let Bo in. Thanks for reading! Phew things are starting to heat up right? Where do you think we're headed?Find out next time...Watch the video here for further immersion:Episode 3: The Edge Of Recall

Author's note: I like that we linger in the quietness. Like Bo wants to tell Gloria more but she's hoping that Gloria will just heed her earlier warning and keep to herself and maybe then she'll be safe. It's the tension between wanting to protect someone but not really knowing how to and the guilt we feel sometimes for making the calls we feel we need to.Thanks for sitting with me... And I can't wait to hear everyone's feedback.

Strangerville: Shadows in the Dust | A Manicpot8to LP

47 Replies

ManicPot8to
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
We'll be exploring that next episode! Gloria has a lot of secrets some she's not even aware are hers.
rosemow
Hero
2 months ago
It was very suspenseful as Bo was searching for Gloria! We can feel the anxiety that Bo is feeling, and now how she is feeling at the result of her search. I am wondering what has been happening with Gloria over the last days and will wait to see what happens in the next episode!
ManicPot8to
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
The midday sun scorched the cracked ground of the Cactus Gulch Trailer Park, heat waves distorting the air as Bo approached Gloria's Office.
She was supposed to be here. They had planned for her to come over and help with the new oven, but as she neared the door, a prickle of unease settled in; something was not right.
The blinds were drawn shutting out the relentless sun. The neon sign stood dark, lifeless. Even Bo's knock seemed to be swallowed up by the heavy silence.
Her knock unanswered, she stepped inside to find the place eerily untouched, silent; the air was stagnant, the shadows stretched long across the floor. It looked as if Gloria had just stepped out, like she meant to return in 5 minutes, not vanish completely. But the air was wrong, Stagnant, undisturbed; much too still for comfort.
Bo hovered in the doorway, her pulse ticking up through the roof as a lump rose in her throat. She wasn't one to jump at shadows but everything about this forced normalcy felt like a trick, and the panic she was feeling refused to be reasoned with. It coiled tight, pressing against her ribs as she forced herself to take a deep breath. She told herself "Gloria could walk in at any moment" laughing uneasily to try to dispel her anxiety but it did nothing to soother her.
After spending a few minutes frantically searching for something...anything out of place she found nothing. Half drank coffee cup now cold, papers neatly stacked, a calendar with crossed out appointments; all things you'd expect to find normally. She did find it odd that her bag and phone was still there, but it further confirmed in her mind Gloria did not plan on being gone...Not this long.
Eventually Bo sat down at Gloria's desk and shook the mouse to wake the screen. Emails? Search history? Nothing. No threatening messages or rushed goodbyes. A deep sense of unease curled in her chest; she was running out of places to look.
The door creaked open, breaking the stillness. Bo tensed instinctively, but it wasn't Gloria; it was one of the regulars. He strolled in, moving with the casual ease oof someone who knew the place well, but the concern in his eyes was unmistakable. After scanning the room is gaze shifted to Bo. There was hesitation, he wasn't sure yet if Bo was friend or foe. Once he was satisfied his stance eased.
"Saw her early yesterday," he said while pacing; "Mentioned heading to the library." Bo absorbed his words, turning them over in her mind. It'd been well over twenty-four hours since then, she knew it'd be a long shot. Still, it was something and she'd take anything right now.
Bo followed the lead and stepped into the cool hush of the town library.
She scanned the room eye sweeping over quiet patrons and hunched figures; none of them Gloria. Bo found the Librarian at one of the desks and questioned to if she had seen anyone fitting Gloria's description.
But she hadn't, not since the day before. Bo mined her for all the information she could get but it wasn't much just another dead end. The more she searched the more it felt like she was chasing nothing at all
Bo spent the rest of the afternoon checking various spots around town to no avail. She needed time to regroup so she headed to the bar, more for the noise than the drink.
She perched at the counter and made small talk with the bartender, idle words, empty distractions. Bo tried not to fidget, to be present in the moment, to not keep one eye glancing at the door, hoping to see Gloria walk in.
But her mind wouldn't stop spinning. Then. A voice. Just muffled word half lost in the hum of the bar conversations, but Bo knew it. Gloria.
She stiffened and turned, her pulse hammering as her eyes searched the crowd. She was only able to glimpse her right as she slipped out the door.
Bo hurried after her, weaving past chairs and sidestepping patrons with barely a glance. She dashed through the exit and made a quick left finding herself suddenly in an alley. The abrupt shift from the noisy bar to the silence made her breath hitch. She saw Gloria already rounding the corner. Bo waited for just a breath before choosing to follow. She needed to know what the heck was going on.
She found herself at a locked door she had no idea existed and waited for what felt like an eternity before the door finally clicked open. Bo turned and there she was. Gloria; framed by the doorway, her expression unreadable.
She looked.... fine. Bo didn't mean to, but her words came out sharp, edged with frustration. "Where have you been?!" "Why didn't you take your phone?!" Gloria tried to wave the whole thing off, but her tone was just a little...too even. practiced.
She said "It was just those base folks behind the trailer trying to buy the land, apparently they had a deal with my gran before she passed..." But Bo knew better. She heard the lie, felt it in the space between the words. Gloria wasn't fine.
The conversation faded into quiet tension. Bo knew there was no use trying to pry further, so she softened her tone, "I was just very worried is all, this place, this place has a way of swallowing people up and I just don't want to see you hurt."
Gloria stood silently, she never intended to make Bo worry, heck she never even intended to be gone this long. She desperately wants to tell her what she's learned over the last 48 hours but she's too afraid to get her involved further. She doesn't know what she'd do if Bo got hurt because of her. She hugged Bo maybe for a beat longer than she should've and then stepped into the night shoulders slumped and mind heavy with unsaid words and feelings.
Bo stood still as she watched her go. She watched as she slipped further from reach willing herself not to run after her. She clearly needed a moment to herself. "nah the answers could wait" she thought to herself as the night settled around her. She knew now was not the time to press.
Still Gloria was hiding something. Bo knew it. And she's not the only one watching.
Thanks for reading!
Don't forget you can find all builds here
Trailer: Cactus Gulch Trailer
Library: Strangerville Information Center
Bar: 8 Bells Redux
And watch the video here for further immersion: Shadows in the Dust: Episode Two
ManicPot8to
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
Thank you I want us to feel her anxiety ratcheting up!
DaniRose2143
Hero
2 months ago
I enjoyed the way you built the tension. That feeling of foreboding slowly building as we hear Bo's thoughts on the past and horrors to come was fun. I'm looking forward to the next episode 😃
ManicPot8to
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
Thank you. I'll probably start working on episode 2 on Monday lol
Ellupelluellu
Hero
2 months ago
Great start , video was cool thing to have as extra 😊
I will be very curious what's next , now when story gets rolling 😄
ManicPot8to
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
Thanks! I figured it would tie in nicely with the whole someone’s always watching theme.
ManicPot8to
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
Thank you! That's high praise coming from you and means a lot.
I’m rereading now and realizing I rushed it—I missed some punctuation, and a whole section was off, haha. (Fixed now! The part under her arm should make more sense.) Didn’t even realize I typed the same thing twice because I numbered it wrong in my notepad. Love when that happens, lol.
Still, I’m really happy you’re enjoying it, and when it’s all said and done, I just hope I can do this story justice.
ManicPot8to
Seasoned Ace
2 months ago
Thanks! I always try to add details that really ground the story so you feel like you’re right there, watching it unfold. That’s what my favorite novels did, and I love bringing that same depth into my writing.
And yeah, I’ve decided I’m going to weave Luna’s missing memories and disappearance into this story. She’s too important not to, and honestly, I don’t see myself not playing with her with her until this Let’s Play finally wraps up—whenever that happens, lol. Bo’s real struggle is missing Luna. Even if she keeps telling herself it’s impossible for it to be connected, StrangerVille has a way of proving people wrong. Bad things happen when you ask too many questions, but worse still when you get too close to Bo.
Appreciate you sticking with me through this. Can’t wait to dig deeper!