Nightvale

Nightvale is a fictional desert town that is the setting for the podcast Welcome to Night Vale. The podcast is presented as a radio broadcast from the town, detailing its unusual events and inhabitants. These events often defy the laws of physics and common sense, featuring a cast of recurring characters and peculiar occurrences.

The town is known for its highly regulated and surreal environment. The local government, led by the unseen and benevolent Glow Cloud, dictates many aspects of daily life. Citizens are encouraged to report all phenomena to the Sheriff's Secret Police, a notoriously opaque and often terrifying organization. Forbidden zones, such as the Dog Park, are strictly off-limits, and the existence of any supernatural entities is a matter of public knowledge and acceptance.

Welcome to Night Vale began as a podcast in 2012 and has since grown into a multimedia franchise, including novels, live tours, and merchandise. The narrative is delivered through the voice of Cecil Palmer, the town's radio host, who provides a calm and matter-of-fact account of the bizarre happenings. His reporting often contrasts with the absurdity of the events, creating a unique blend of horror, comedy, and science fiction. The podcast's popularity stems from its inventive storytelling, its exploration of themes like community and acceptance in the face of the unknown, and its distinctively unsettling yet endearing atmosphere.