The Lost Heir of Atlantis

A short story written by Matt Gardner with PlotWeaver: Cards of Creation, a storytelling game made by Mod Hob Cooperative.

This story uses a Frame Tale Plot Pattern, written in 15-minute timed acts with all story cards drawn at random. For more information, visit www.plotweavergame.com

Act 1: Outer Frame Introduction

(Story Element Cards: The Enigmatic Charmer, The Orphan, City Streets, and Fairy Tale)

Once upon a time, in a city on the edge of the world, lived a young man named Fielding. He spent his days cleaning the streets that hundreds of people littered and spat on as they went about their lives, thoughtless of their actions.

One day, as Fielding was emptying yet another bin in a long line of them, he was approached by a beautiful woman. Her hair flowed freely, as did her skirt and blouse. She held out her hand and said, “Hello, my name is Claire. What is yours?”

Fielding looked around to see if she was speaking to someone else. “Why would she be talking to me?” he thought, staring at her in complete awe.

“Who, me?” he asked sheepishly.

“Of course, you,” she smiled and giggled.

“I am Fielding. I handle cleanup in this part of the downtown core. This block and the one east of us,” he said, with as much pride as he could muster.

“Nice. It is always good to have a purpose. Could I talk to you for a minute?” Claire asked.

“I guess I have some time,” Fielding replied, glancing at his empty wrist.

Claire laughed and maintained the most intimate eye contact. For the first time in a long while, Fielding felt seen. His face flushed as an unexpected excitement washed over him.

“What can I help you with?” he asked, nervous and hopeful.

“Well,” she said softly, “I come from another land, where I hold a very important title. I am curious about your city. Can you tell me your story, Fielding?”