What term could best describe a story that is intentionally whimsical and strange?

A story that is intentionally whimsical and strange can be best described as "droll." This term captures the essence of humor that is amusingly odd or whimsically playful, often in an unexpected or quirky way. The term connotes a light-heartedness and a sense of play that invites the audience to embrace the unusual elements of the narrative.

Whimsical storytelling often includes fantastical or surreal elements, and the tone is often charmingly eccentric. Droll fits this context perfectly as it implies an understated form of humor that delights in strangeness and the absurd, aligning well with stories that aim to take the reader on an unconventional journey.

While other terms such as "eccentric" might describe something unconventional or different, it does not necessarily capture the humorous aspect that "droll" entails. "Dereliction" refers to neglect and does not connect to whimsical stories at all. "Diffuse" describes something spread out or lacking clear structure, which also does not align with the notion of a whimsical narrative that typically has a unique charm and flow.