The Nightfall Event

The predicted eclipse occurs, plunging Kalgash into Darkness and revealing the Stars, leading to mass insanity and the destruction of civilization.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Eve of Eclipse

The Final Hours Gathering at the Observatory On the evening of Theptar 19, the Observatory staff prepares for the eclipse. Athor 77 is tense but determined. Beenay 25 oversees the photographic equipment. Sheerin 501 arrives unexpectedly, having left the Sanctuary to witness the event. Theremon 762, despite Athor's hostility, is allowed to stay as Siferra's guest. The Apostle's Intrusion Folimun 66, the Apostle of Flame, breaks into the Observatory. He demands that the scientists destroy their records and submit to Mondior's authority, threatening an attack by the Army of Holiness. The astronomers ignore him, but the tension rises. The First Contact As Dovim begins to be eclipsed, a black chip appears on its edge. The crowd gasps. The eclipse has begun. The countdown to totality starts.

Totality and the Stars

The Darkness Descends The Moment of Totality Dovim is completely covered. The world is plunged into absolute Darkness. Panic erupts in the city below. In the Observatory, the astronomers work frantically to photograph the event. Then the Stars appear—thousands of brilliant points of light filling the sky. The Madness Begins The sight of the Stars is overwhelming. Folimun 66 goes into a trance, reciting the Book of Revelations. Theremon 762 feels his mind shatter. Sheerin 501 hides in the basement. The mob from the city, driven insane by Darkness and fear, storms the Observatory, destroying equipment and killing Athor. The Collapse Beenay, Theremon, and Siferra escape separately into the night. The city of Saro City burns as people light fires to combat the Darkness. Civilization collapses in a single night.

The Aftermath

A World in Ruins The Survivors In the days following Nightfall, the survivors emerge. Sheerin 501 finds Yimot 70 alive but later Yimot is killed by a child. Sheerin himself is eventually killed by anti-intellectual crazies. Beenay 25 wanders in a daze before reaching the Sanctuary, where Raissta 717 waits. Siferra 89 kills her colleague Balik 338 in self-defense and later joins the Fire Patrol. Theremon 762 lives in the forest, surviving attacks. The New Order Altinol 111 establishes the Fire Patrol, a vigilante group that controls fire use. The Apostles of Flame consolidate power in the north. Fragmented provinces spring up along the Great Southern Highway. Beenay and Raissta are stranded at a Search station due to her injury. The Journey South Theremon and Siferra meet again and decide to travel to Amgando National Park, where a provisional government is forming. They face many dangers, including hostile Searchers and the Apostle army.

Theptar 19, evening

during the eclipse

days after the eclipse