Alternatively, a town where every resident has a specific role determined by an ancient ritual. The protagonist arrives and discovers the town's secret. Or a researcher uncovering an otherworldly phenomenon. Another angle could be a cursed book that the protagonist finds, and reading it pulls them into a different reality where they must navigate a surreal landscape.
“You’ll take my place,” Hargrove gasped. “They won’t break the lock while your soul holds it.” fansadox collection 275 pdf best