Introduction

Mothlight Cavaliers of Winter Market is a festive economic strategy game set in a perpetual, magical winter market, where the player is a merchant knight and where every small decision—which rare mothlight to sell, which stall to upgrade, which customer to favor—sends ripples through the market's economy and across the wide, snowy commons, influencing your reputation, attracting unique patrons, and determining your standing in the Cavaliers guild. The project is focused on highly tactile and satisfying merchant interactions, rewarding a player's entrepreneurial curiosity and strategic patience with increased wealth, rare commodities, and political influence within the market.

We are creating an adaptive, festive soundtrack where baroque cues and market chatter dynamically answer to the player's rhythm of trade and their intent, making the hustle and bustle of the market feel alive and reactive to your success. Environmental storytelling is baked into every stall and transaction; every vendor's stand, heated noble's lounge, and mothlight lantern hint at the deep history of the Winter Market, the intricate social hierarchy of the Cavaliers, and the cutthroat competition that lies beneath the festive veneer. Our camera work is designed to be intimate and bustling, shifting seamlessly from a close-up on a valuable trade to a wide shot of the market's glowing activity, all without breaking the player's focus on their ledger.

The core loop involves careful planning of your investments and stock for the day, engaging traversal across the crowded market to make deals and gather gossip, and moments of lucrative serendipity as a rare customer appears or a market event causes a price surge. Kringle & Quill prototypes the feel of every trade and upgrade weekly, ensuring that the core fantasy of being a merchant knight is consistently engaging and strategically deep. We are dedicated to smooth performance, ensuring the warm, glowing atmosphere of the Winter Market is a delight to spend time in.

The Problem

Too many games ask for endless hours instead of intentful moments. Stories are often fragmented by grind rather than elevated by play. Players deserve experiences that trust them to read, listen, and act with care.

We think pacing is a feature, not an afterthought that fills calendars.

Our Mission

Our mission with Mothlight Cavaliers of Winter Market is to deliver meaning through motion, sound, and space. We commit to transparent development and respectful community management. We cultivate a studio culture that treats health and creativity as inseparable.

We ship with accessibility presets and remappable inputs on day one.

How Your Contribution Will Be Used

Funds are allocated to art, engineering, narrative, audio, QA, and certification. We keep a contingency to cover delays without rushing or cutting corners. A public budget breakdown and monthly updates will be shared with backers.

We will prioritize fair pay and predictable schedules for our collaborators.

Stretch Goals

If we exceed the base goal, we will add a photo mode and a maker-friendly level editor. Further milestones include an original EP release and additional accessibility options.

Why This Matters

Backing thoughtful mid-scope games widens the space between tiny and gigantic projects. Your support demonstrates that care, craft, and calm can succeed in the marketplace.

Rewards for Donors

• $10 – Backer role and digital thank-you postcard.
• $20 – Early demo access and name in credits (supporters).
• $30 – Digital soundtrack sampler and feedback forum access.
• $50 – Full soundtrack, exclusive wallpaper pack, and beta key.
• $100 – In-game cosmetic set and supporter credit upgrade.
• $250 – Founder credit, private Q&A session, and two launch keys.

Support Us

If this resonates, lend your support and tell a friend who loves thoughtful games. Your pledge helps us turn months of prototypes into a complete experience. Together we can publish a title that respects your time and rewards curiosity.

Join us as early stakeholders in a world that will keep growing after release.