[Setting] The Dreamkin Carnival

[Sparrow]

Nobody ever came to this town. The small community, highly insular, often fearful of what lies beyond their walled borders in the dangerous Chimrean countryside, was used to chasing away fierce beasts, desperate bandits, and unthinkably horrifying Mirajin mutants gone hopelessly insane. Silisk, human, elf, chimaera, perhaps even the odd outcast hybrid made their home here. Most made their living as artisans of various sorts, though there was always need for a medical doctor and musketeers. All worked side-by-side, and helped their neighbors in need, for all knew that to wander the Chimrean wilds alone would mean almost certain death. Theirs was a hard existence… most would be mad to live here. But the inhabitants of this place were either indeed mad, or too hardened to care. Perhaps even some of them, through accident or misfortune, had little choice but to stay.

And yet, one night, some very strange things began to happen in the deep woods on the outskirts of this dismal town. First it was a loud rumbling sound like the approach of distant thunder. Then came weird murmurs and shouts, and the faint sound of mechanical music, like an organ, could be heard. Once at dusk, a few frightened children even claimed they saw a demon hovering above the trees, swooping into the darkness just as quickly as it appeared. Finally one night, several large, very colorful posters mysteriously appeared in the town square:

Come one, come all!
Starting TONIGHT, the Traveling Extravaganza of Chimrean Countryside!
The Wandering DREAMKIN CARNIVAL!!
Recoil in terror at mutants never before seen!
Gawk in amazement at the exotic bestiary!
Hear the finest mechanical organ music for miles around!
Have your fortune told!
Food, fun, games and prizes to be had for all!
Performances will be held every night at sundown.

A few brave souls finally ventured into the woods during the day where this carnival seemed to be located, and indeed found a large assortment of colorful tents with rough painted signs like “The Mutant Bestiary,” or “Refreshments: Meat, Drink, or Otherwise” and even “Tattoos, Piercings, Fortune Telling.” But the place seemed almost abandoned in the daytime… or at least no one was active in the encampment. Only the unseen eyes of several leupaks watched the unsuspecting newcomers from the shadows.

So the question is: who will be the first to sample the pleasures of the carnival come nightfall?

((I've decided to give this roleplay a brand-new start! The original thread was deleted during the forum clean-up, but that's okay, it was slowly dying anyway. Anyone is more than welcome to join, as any character you wish! I have no set plan for anything that happens from here on in, but I'm going to introduce the characters a little differently this time. All the leupaks of the large Carnivale Gig--for this is a leupak-owned carnival--are pictured below. They run this show, and each one has a different responsibility. It's up to the players to decide who they wish to speak to, and find out what they all do! Alternatively, you can ask any character for a specific event you want to see, and they will direct you to it. Or they should, anyway. :) Keep in mind that most of them are in a booth or tent during the show, but a few may wander about the grounds. These 'paks have booths and/or tents:



And these are the "floaters:"


Even I haven't decided on a personality for all of them-- this is just as much of an improvisational activity for me as it is for you! If you have an idea for a fun steampunk carny activity—like, I dunno, some weird dangerous mechanical joyride or a hot-air balloon or something even better—by all means bring it up during roleplay, and it can be worked into the story!

Now finally-- jump in and enjoy!))

[Akmalla]

((OOC: An excellent opportunity to unleash the third of my trifecta of siblings and develop him! Excuse the length; introductions always manage to make me run at the mouth... err, keys.))

Gloaming had always been his favorite hour. Everything seemed like out of a painting: colors bled together and distorted with the sinking of the sun, your senses were heightened, there was a comfortable moisture in the air. Corriad Deft loved to walk in the dusk, inhale the sweet, tumultuous air, and welcome the night. These outings had started as a habit- his work required him to become a night owl- but evolved into a pastime. Tonight he had invited his companions along, and as if in reward received a special treat: the gaudy advertisement flashed in the twin suns' last rays. His mind, thirsty as ever for new experiences, demanded that he go; his companions agreed, eager for a taste of the unusual.

So it came to be that Corriad Deft of the Somnambulists and his two friends- Addonexus and Belvedere, bat-paks both- approached the entrance of the carnival grounds. Corriad was tall, dressed in casual slacks and long, regal brown coat; he went without shoes, though this did not detract from his air of intelligence and aura of command, his keen amber eyes flashed in the sallow light. Despite being a chimaera he took humanoid form to better please his bipedal acquaintances, rich brown hair tied in a short queue. Belvedere was leathery black complete with wings which acted as hands; orange stripes of fur wound about his neck like a mane and about his tail and stomach; he had the longest of ears and a befanged grin as he approached. Addonexus was similar in structure but had instead white bone protruding from his spine and tail, his lower jaw and his footclaws were entirely bone; his wings were smaller and came from the shoulder, he had hands which caressed an orange bat which rested upon his shoulder similar to the pirate's companion, the tropical bird.

Corriad, with cooly lidded eyes, withdrew from his coat a small sack which chinked softly with krus, a demure sound for such a bulging and self-important object. "Three tickets to the faire, please," he said, words crisp and clipped, clearly scientific, "four if you count the little one," and by this he meant the small bat atop Addonexus' shoulder. He made no eye contact with the ticketholder yet, he was too busy digging within his substantial purse for the correct change. He was unaware that they, most unusual guests, were the first of the evening; though undoubtedly there were to be more.

[Sparrow]

((Yay, welcome back, Akmalla! :D ))

"Only three--"
"--not four, you see!"
"Are all that are necess-ary!"

The trio of squeaking voices comes from three very little dark-green leupaks, no bigger than large puppies. They giggle at the end of their improvised rhyme, and their next verse is spoken in tandem, each leupak reciting the same lines.


"Welcome, friends, to our fair show!
Just pay your krus-- 30 each, you know,
And bedazzle your brain with wonders grand!
Our only warning-- mind your hands."

The trio giggles again and holds up three tickets to the newcomers. The littlest one squeaks:

"Anything in particular sir wants to see?"

[ceobrie]

((My first try at this, hope you enjoy.))

The little pygmy Prrb named Izaac heard some commotion to the east. His ears perked up as he sniffed in that direction. There had to be food there, he and Hak would be eating good tonight!

Izzy toddled over to his giant sand-cavy companion. Hakarn was sleeping under a tree. "Prrrb, prrb prrrbr," Izzy purred. There was no response, the lazy beast could sleep through a nuclear war. Izzy climbed up on to Hak's back and started to gnawl on his ear. "Prrggugrrglb."

Hakarn slowly awoke and shook his head vigorously, like a dog after getting a bath. Izzy was flipped off and went rolling into a nearby bush. Hak lifted his paw and slowly rubbed his ear. Izzy then burst forth from the bushes and barreled into Hakarn. Hak in return just looked over and blinked the sleep out of his eyes. He grunted a little as a hello. Izaac chomped down on a tuft of Hakarn's fur and started trying to pull him towards the east. Of course, he failed miserably and wound up just tread-milling in the dirt. Eventually, he gave up, panting, and nudged Hakarn - indicating the sounds coming from the carnival.

Hakarn sniffed the air and sighed a little as his stomach grumbled. He then leaned his head over and assisted the little one onto his back. Izzy, delighted, hugged tightly onto Hakarn back as they traveled over to the carnival.

First order of business: sneak in and find where the garbage is disposed off. Food was the only thing on their minds as they forgot that a large a beast as a sand cavy is would not be incredibly stealthy.

((Hakarn and Izaac were both lost when they found each other. They formed a symbiotic bond. Izzy is very good at finding food, and Hakarn is great at taking orders. :) ))

[Akmalla]

((OOC: Hey Sparrow! ^^ I couldn't resist coming back. Sorry if Corriad comes off as a little stiff... he's had his great share of problems, he'll hopefully loosen up as time goes on. 'Nexus is just a big softie and Belvedere is a lump of gullible ADD. XD Sorry if my writing stinks, I'm having writer's block with NaNoWriMo, but I'm writing through it. Again, please forgive my writing.))

Corriad jerked his head upwards immediately, the unusual harmony of the voices catching him off-guard, which he hated. His heart calmed when, looking down, he saw the small leupaks offer their tickets in miniature fists. With a face as smooth as stone, but not unkind, the chimaera thanked the little doormen and handed the correct amount- 30 krus to each leupak- over from within his satchel. Putting the bag away, he swept a hand towards the other two. "They shall tell you what they wish to see tonight."

"Oh, live it up a little, Corriad." Belvedere, the orange-furred batpak, laughed and slapped the man firmly on the back. "You have a fortune teller right? I want to go see them first!" The kindly leupak nuzzled his head down into his mane, ears upright with curiosity. "Then you go without me." Addonexus, the rather gothic halleupak, smiled and swept a hand lovingly over his shoulder-companion. "Chiroptera and I are hungry... I believe food is in order. It's past dusk, I need some breakfast."

Corriad sighed, and let a tired smile through to his face. "I'd like to look at the... mutants, if you two don't mind splitting up." A hurried nod from both leupaks answered his question; he knew they cared little for his research, and tonight was as much for them as for the tired chimaera. Bending down to address the little leupaks, he formally requested, "Could you direct us to those areas? It would be greatly appreciated."

[Sparrow]

((Awww, such cuteness, ceobrie. ^_^ Thanks for joining! And Akmalla, your writing doesn't stink, what're you talking about. It's always a pleasure to roleplay with you. :D ))

"Oh yes sir!" The tiny leupak nods enthusiastically. In an instant, each leupak is pointing in a different direction-- one to a nearby concession stand, the other two to far-flung tents, near the edges of the woods. "My colleague Jalad does point the way, to where the mutants spend the day. For food and drink none can compare, to Sally's stand; Jacqui points there. At last for mystics, good sir, yonder, lies your tent for fortunes-- to, uh, ponder..." Lil fumbles a bit on this last rhyme, but he shakes his head and bows, trying to cover it. "Er, anyway, many thanks, sirs! We trust you will enjoy the show."
___

Elsewhere on the carnival grounds, a leupak with striped scales and a fuzzy white mane emerges from his tent, yawning and stretching sleepily. Naptime was over. He scratches himself with long red claws as he looks about for his animals, "prrrrbing" softly for them.

Oh Maggie? Come along now, Maggie. Bring everybody with you, my loves, it's almost showtime!

Slowly, one by one, several large and colorful prrbs amble out of the shadows towards the leupak, snuffling the evening air and blinking happily at their keeper. Amadeus ruffles their fur and smiles affectionately.


Suddenly a huge dark shape outside the camp grounds catches the leupak's eye. Amadeus squints at the moving shape in puzzlement.

Eh? What's that... s'that one o' mine, then? Dropping to all fours, the stocky leupak, looking rather like a scaly prrb himself, warily approaches the... whatever sort of creature might be lurking just outside the encampment.

Hmmm... new arrival, then, maybe? The other prrbs just snuffle and watch.

[Akmalla]

Corriad bowed richly to the three young gate-minders. "Thank you, little ones." From some hidden place within his coat, he drew a handful of buttercreme bars. Without an explanation, the man who was aged before his time dropped the bars into the little leupak's hands and made off swiftly towards the tent containing the mutant display; his mind mostly focused on research. It could be seen though, that a small smile painted his face as he walked... Corriad always had a big brother instinct about him.

Belvedere also granted the miniature leupaks a small bow, flapping his wings rapidly in mock applause of their rhyming. "That was good! Well, I'll have to go see the fortune teller now..." Trailing off awkwardly, the furred leupak bumbled up to the tent's entrance, just as his gig-mate was heading in the opposite direction, to the consession stand. Addonexus withdrew his own pouch of krus as he drew up to the countertop, and little Chiroptera fluttered gracefully down, opening her fanged mouth wide and making a yawning noise. The little bat was always hungry, it seemed.

((OOC: Ceobrie, that was adorable! x.x))

[Jennabob]

Alraus had heard rumors about this place. A carnival, full of mutants, beasts and stories...Many, many stories.

So she followed the rumors. It was what she did.

They had led her to this small nowhere town, tucked away the Chimrean wilds, wary of strangers. She didn't bother approaching the walls. The stories there could wait. She could see lights in the trees beyond, enticing. Alraus made her way towards them, switching from two to four feet as the terrain demanded.

She stood at the edges of the garish camp, soaking in the color and sound, noting others trickling in. A contented grin spread across her features. Where to start? She could see a trio of tiny leups welcoming newcomers. She could smell fresh, hot food. And were those prrbs she saw?

Bears it was. Alraus strolled towards the colorful pack of prrb.

[Sparrow]

With delighted squeaks of thanks, the three tiny leups accept the gift of buttercreme bars and immediately chow down. *om nom nom nom...* Such generosity! They certainly liked this chimaera visitor all the more now, and it was always a good thing to be in favor at this carnival.
________

At the concession stand, a rotund orange leupak, somewhat resembling a pumpkin, is tending to the griddle, where a variety of meats-on-a-stick and deep-fried fare are sizzling away. A large brass drinks machine hisses away in the back of the stall, puffing out clouds of steam, and perhaps most curiously, three little dark blue Imps seem to be performing various menial tasks in the background. They chatter rapidly to each other as the orange leupak barks orders.

Ehh, get away from the sugar! 'As not fer you, innit? Get back to cleaning, before... The orange leupak notices Addonexus approach the stand, and she stops her reprimand to give the new customer a big welcoming grin.

'Ello, dearie! Welcome to the Carnival, you kin call me Sally! Now, what can I getcha, then? We've got things for the sweet-tooth and stuff for those that like the savory, plus any sort of refreshing beverage! Iced tea, birch beer, ginger ale, lemonade... well, it's all there on the menu! She gestures to a painted sign on the front of the stand, with names and prices of all the food and drink. Take yer time! And awww... what an adorable little batty! Hello there! Sally coos adoringly at Chiroptera, and bends down to pet her, when something on the stove catches fire. Oh! Oh dear, not again! The imps chatter in alarm as Sally grabs the flaming pan and expertly tosses the fried contents up and into a waiting bowl, then douses the remains of the grease fire. Upon closer inspection, it may be possible to see that there is a large steak knife sheathed in her side, but Sally gives no indication that this is in any way unusual. There, 'ats better. Fresh pan-fried liver, if ya want it! My specialty.
_________

Back at the prrb pile, Amadeus continues to watch the approaching dark shape just beyond. Exceedingly curious, and indifferent to any possible danger, he is about to investigate more closely when he hears the arrival of Alraus behind him. The prrbs coo hopefully, wondering if the new leupak had any treats. Amadeus nods in greeting.

Well, hello there. Come to see my animals, then? Thee in luck, it's almost time for their show! They'll dance for thee, they will. He looks back to the large prrb-ish shape beyond and squints. But tell me meantime, stranger... does ta see something out there? Sorta... like one o' mine, y'know? Maybe gotten lost? Only I don't think I'm missing any. He gestures to his animals with one of his writhing, striped tails.
__________

I told you the spirits were restless tonight.
I don't sense anything unusual.
You never sense anything! You couldn't even sense me if we weren't--
Hush, stupid! I think someone's coming.

With sudden hushed whispers, the Fortune Teller's tent opening is pushed aside. A handsome cream, red and black patterned leupak pokes its nose out to look at Belvedere.

Ah, hello there, friend! Come to have your fortune told? You've come to the right place. Step inside, please.
And mind you don't track anything on the carpets. says the second voice.
Be quiet. Aheheh... this way, stranger.

He pulls the tent drape aside to reveal a second leupak... or is it...?

The two heads watch Belvedere intently. The first one smiles warmly. The second wears an irritated scowl.
_____
The mutant bestiary tent is somewhat larger than the rest, and painted in an ominous monochrome pattern of black and white stripes-- not at all like the welcoming, garish color of the other attractions. Out front, a crudely-painted sign reads: "WARNING-- BESTIARY MAY CONTAIN CURIOSITIES DISTURBING TO THOSE WITH WEAK STOMACHS. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK." As Corriad approaches, the owner of this tent peers out through the opening, gazing at the chimaera with bloodred eyes.

Hello, sir. I take it you are interested in seeing some of the more gruesome delights this place has to offer. The voice of this skull-faced leupak is solemn and stony, and whispers like the sound of dry autumn leaves. You seem like the sort who could handle it... yesss, I see in your face that you are not here by accident. But of course... I must give fair warning. Come inside.

[CruxianAzelf]

No rumors dared escape her ears. She would find each of them eventually, the grape vine carrying the word on the wind to her sooner or later.. this one was particularily interesting.
A chance to wander out into the wild, to examine the wild- and plant-life, how it was developing from the close quarters with the Mirajin, to see if there was anything worth dragging back to her lab-apartment to test further upon.

She grinned each time she saw those who were twisted by mirajinoid taint, every moment a new species would meet her eye.. the leupak came to a stop, rearing onto her hind legs momentarily to get a better look at the collection of tents in the distance.
A thick globbule of miratoxin dribbled from her mouth, sizzling as it hit the ground.

Well, look at that.. they really were right about that carnival all the way out here.
What do you say, Thiot, swee'heart?

The Xxaltidis at her shoulder clicked a couple times, black eyes unblinking as he looked up to his mistress.

Riine gave a faint smirk, exhaling deeply as she fell back onto all fours, thick tail swishing slowly behind her as she walked, the two tips coiled around each other in rest.
And so, she approached the carnival, looking up to one of the vivid signs with copper-colored eyes. Blinking a couple times as she noticed a section on exotic beasts and mutants, the leupak's smirk only grew as she continued on.
A chimaera speaking to a dark leupak, skull-like marks on his face. The lovely sounds of monsters being mentioned made her red-tipped ears fall forward, and her smirk grew back to an open-mouthed grin, multiple rows of predatory teeth visible from beneath her lips.

Hello there. I, too, would like to see the.. collection.

Reaching back to a pack over her shoulder with her prehensile, multi-tipped tail, she had fished out a notebook and a pencil, curling her tailtips around the two objects in preparation, ready to write something down on a dime.

[Jennabob]

((@Sparrow: do you have an idea of what's out there, or are we making it up as we go?))

Alraus pauses alongside the bears, reaching up absently to scratch one behind the ears. She considers the shadow lurking outside the camp...from a safe distance.

"A fine group of beasts you have. I don't believe I've seen so many colors at once." She peers more intently at the shadow, eyes shading to a worried pink. "Would you not have noticed a creature of that size escaping? It does resemble a prrb, but..." She notices how close Amadeus is to the shadow. He seemed to have all the good sense of one of his animals. "You do realize there are monsters and mutants around these parts?" she asks delicately.

[HarleyChiot]

((This is my first RP attempt. I'll try to figure it out!))

Off in the distance, the lassen griffin saw lights. He heard.. music? His humanoid partner was watching too. "What's wrong, Koop? Wanna go see what's over there?" Koop nodded, and his partner hopped on his back. Koop ran to the lights, noticing that it was a carnival.

His partner looked interested. She pulled out some krus. They approached the carnival, then stopped. Koop tilted his head to hear the music. Then he smelled the food. His partner hopped off his back and tried to find the entrance. But when she turned around, Koop was gone.

Koop already had found the entrance. He dashed inside. A group of leupaks tried to stop him. "Where's your krus?" Koop strained to get in. He had to taste that food. His partner had caught him before he could get through. She gave him a long look,and then said, "OK, we can stay a bit."

[Sparrow]

((@Jennabob: The dark thing out there is actually ceobrie's creatures, but he may or may not be returning to this story. For now, we can continue without him, and if he decides to come back, he can do so easily.))

Amadeus turns away from the dark shape and smiles slowly. Aye, my dear. Dangerous parts, these are, indeed. But, if we were afraid of everything, t'would never learn nothing. Still... He takes one last look at the creature outside of camp, then shakes his head and pads back to his animals. T'was nothing, likely. I suppose it's not mine, no. I'm sure if it decides to attack, Bones'll be here in a second to capture it, ha ha! He runs the Bestiary yonder... why, it might even be one of HIS mutants, y'know! But doona' woory, you're safe here. Safe from whatever that critter was, anyway. This Carnival could be dangerous, but only to those who looked for danger. So! The time is come. Maggie! Lead the rest o' your clan in song and dance. The chubby leupak reaches into the soft scales of his belly, and with a "schlurp!" noise, pulls out a large brass accordion and begins to play a merry tune. The honey-colored prrb called Maggie perks up her ears and rises to her hind legs, beginning to dance. The other prrbs follow her lead, but this is no ordinary clumsy bear-dance. These prrbs seem light, almost graceful as they twirl and stomp, each one following the other, all with happy prrb-smiles.
_______________
At the Bestiary, Bones raises his head as Riine appears. Ah, excellent. It is always good to have visitors with a healthy appreciation for the weird. Some might even say, the perverse. But come in. He stands aside to allow the patrons inside, and gives just the hint of a smile to Riine when she readies her notepad. Mmm... a scholar of mutations, perhaps? There shall be much to observe here. First, the medical curiosities. I think that would interest you.
_______________
At the entrance, little Jacqui laughs at the griffin's eagerness to get in. "A pretty feathered beast is this, pray he doesn't go amiss!" She looks to Koop's owner with twinkling beady eyes and asks "Was there anything in particular you wished to see? Food is there, and games of chance, tattoos and piercings, at a glance! If you want something, it is here, you only have to ask, my dear."

[Akmalla]

((OOC: Sorry guys, since Friday I've been down with H1N1. But I'm feeling a bit better now and ready to reply. Again, sorry about the delay.))

Eee? Chiroptera let loose an unbearably high-pitched inquiry, scrambling awkwardly on the counter with the thumbs on her wings towards the steaming liver. The tall, skeletal leupak withdrew his own bulging sack of krüs, which had been given to him by Corriad not a week earlier. "It sounds- and smells- quite delicious, madam. Two of your livers, please." As he bent his head to withdraw a fistful of the cool metal coins, one of his eyes caught the glint of something metallic; looking closer he saw an unbelievably large knife sheathed in the kindly cook's side. Without thinking, he blurted, "By Kelan, there's a knife in your side!" Only a moment later did he recover his gentlemanly attitude and murmur an apology for his rudeness. "Does it hurt you any?"

Belvedere fluttered back a few feet as the two-headed thing emerged from the tent. Realizing that this was a leupak, and surely also the fortune teller, he grinned and began to address the more welcoming of the two heads. "Oh, hello, you're the fortune teller, right? Or fortune tellers? Goodness, I'd only heard about leups like you from friends, before, it's impressive to see one in person. How much do I owe you for this? Or is it hourly? I can't wait, this is all exciting!" His chattering paused for a moment, as he flapped his wings lightly by his sides and waited for some sort of reply.

Bowing shortly and standing aside to allow Riine into the tent first, he followed suit, only wondering at what gruesome things might lie within the darkness of the tent. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the gloom within the tent, and he reminded himself bitterly that his inability to remember to take a notepad no matter where he went would be his downfall someday. He took a deep breath and trained his eyes on Bones; now he would see exactly why he had refused to join the Rose.

[HarleyChiot]

Koop began to speak in a low voice. "Food? Games? Tattoos?" His partner nodded, and Koop dashed inside. He could no longer control his body. He couldn't decide where to go first. The food smelled great. The games sounded fun. Tattoos sounded cool. He ended up running in circles. His partner pointed to the games. She wanted to play. Koop took a last look at the food. "Bye, food, I'll be back for you soon!"

The games looked interesting, and most of them Koop had never seen before. He was so excited he was panting. Everyone looked happy. His partner lead him towards the most interesting-looking game...

[CruxianAzelf]

To this question, Riine gave a brief nod, curling her tail flexibly over her back and a shoulder, then passing a pencil to her tongueclaw, continuing to grasp her notebook with her dexterous tailtips.

Hilarious enough, that's actually a rather precise description to call me by. Riine Layaho at your service, doctor in the practice of mirajinoid mutagens and genetic manipulation.

Her voice now had an odd drawl, an accent put into her voice from the way her purple-hued tongueclaw was hanging out of her jaws, the occasional dribble of miraslime continuing to drip uncontrollably from her jowls.

She looked to the fellow beside her, taking into note his expression and posture, and a gutteral chuckle came from her, unable to keep herself from being amused.
It was one of the funnier things in the world, seeing one from outside the SRO be taken into the messier, crazier types of work and the outcomes.

The leupak twitched an ear, the sparkle of a Dreamshard visible in the purple mane that adorned her head.

Heh.. steel yourself, you've got no idea what kind of things that can come out of Rose incidents. As for me, I'll be enjoying the views, but I hope you aren't the queasy type! Ahahaha!

[Sparrow]

((I apologize for the delay in replying! I've been busy with work this week, but it's time for me to post again! Thanks to everyone who has joined so far, you make this story great! :D ))

Indeed. But somehow I doubt our guest is the queasy type. Bones shares a very faint smile with Riine as she enters the tent. And it is always good to meet someone from the Rose. I think that both of you will appreciate what I have to offer here. A spotlight suddenly clicks on, illuminating a series of long rough wooden shelves. These shelves are crowded with glass vials and jars of all shapes and sizes, each one filled with some pale greenish, translucent liquid. Twisted shapes seem to glow faintly from within each container; none of them move, but they are all preserved specimens of something that was once alive. None of them appear normal.

These are my Medical Curiosities. Here are mutants of all types, both mirajin and... natural, you could say. Birth defects, freak deformities. Things that even Nature herself might have scorned. Look upon them, and... enjoy. His mouth curls into a smirk.
___________________

The very round, dark leupak looks up with a jovial smile as Koop and his partner approach. "Well, h'lo there, friends. Ready to try your luck?" The colorful lighted sign above the booth reads 'Take A Chance--Games and Gambling.' "My name's Roy. What sort of games d'you like best? Cards, dice, spin-the-wheel? I got it all! Just choose your game and place your bets! 100 minimum for all games, but... I am also more than happy to accept collateral." Roy leans casually on the counter, an open, toothy smile on his face. "So, what'll it be?"
___________________
What's that? Oh, hoho, so that's where it went! I've been lookin' all over for this knife! Sally laughs as she removes the knife and wipes it down with a clean cloth. The wound starts to close over immediately, and soon it heals completely, without the trace of a scar. Nah, it don't hurt none, dearie! I'm always forgetting where I put things, though... She checks the rest of her body for any similar utensils, then without finding any, she flicks open a paper bag and tosses two fried livers inside. There y'are, sir! That'll be 60 for the both. Can I getcha anything else? She beams at little Chiroptera again. Oooh, and she's just so cuuuute! I want a little batty just like her.
___________________
Ach, so many questions... The scowling head rolls its eyes at Belvedere's enthusiasm, but the kinder head shoots it a warning look.
Be quiet, you. Ah, but come in, fair stranger! You mustn't mind my counterpart. He is always so grouchy. But yes, we are the fortune tellers! You may call us Dicephalus, and thank you for the compliment. Yes, I suppose it isn't every day one sees a leupak with two heads!
Unless you're me. I'm stuck with one. The grumpy head snorts, but both heads retreat into the tent, motioning for Belvedere to follow. The tent is decorated in brightly-colored scarves and symbols of the occult. A small table is set up in the center of the tent, and several cushions are spread about on the floor, inviting one to sit. A little golden leupak idol with incense sits at the foot of the table, filling the tent with a sweet odor. Money is paid up-front. 100 for a short reading, and twice that for the detailed.
What was it you had in mind, sir? Perhaps the cards, or a reading of runes? I sense that you are excited about being here, at least. The second head scoffs, as though to indicate that this is obvious, but both of Dicephalus' heads watch intently as they shuffle a pack of tarot cards.
___________________

[Akmalla]

((OOC: I understand Sparrow. This is actually my favorite plot! Your characters are my absolute favorites, I love them so much, I'd wait forever for a reply! If my characters had their way, they'd live in the carnival. 8D))

Corriad flinched with the dramatic and sudden flood of harsh light, his pupils flashing rapidly to the correct size. He stepped up to the shelves, knuckles whitening as his fisted hands clenched with his proximity. No small wonder the Rose could find living things so mutable... it seemed that even Nature had it'd wicked sense of humor. His eyes narrowed slightly with pity, revulsion, and something resembling vague curiosity. They were like the creations of one's nightmares, or a leupak capable of such: here, a stunted something with the barest flesh imprint of a face on it's stomach, there, an Aeneski head which sprouted a... "Sir, is that a fingernail in this elf's eye?"

No, more than a nail, a whole boney finger, straight from the pupil. He forced himself to stare, remind himself of why he refused to join the Rose, why he refused to associate them, trust them, or their horrifying information. They turned creatures into things that Nature could not bear to keep alive. For the sake of it. He sighed and rubbed the corners of his mouth, queue bobbing. He continued down the line, brow furrowing. "Where do you find these... are they alive when you come upon them? Sentient?" He did not attempt to hide his morbid curiosity- he was a Somnambulist. Despite his esteem for ethics and personal grudge, his thirst to know why and what and how ran deep.

- — -

"Thank you, mis- Sally." He cracked open the bag the instant it was within his hand, quite like a quaggy on Morostide, effectively destroying his elegant, gentlemanly aura. Popping a liver into the air as one would toss a coin, Addonexus allowed his tongueclaw to snatch it midair, recoiling back into his mouth. "My-" he paused mid-chew, eyebrows raised, "you are quite the cook." Swallowing and sweeping his claw about his mouth to catch any loose morsels, he slammed the 60 krüs on the counter, and then some. "We'll have a few more... and perhaps sample more of your savory snacks as well." Chiroptera had vanished within the greasy bag, identifiable by the loud and frequent sonic bursts that issued from the frantically-crinkling bag.

The little thing removed her head, chin covered with a spot of grease, and regarded the sweet cook, seeming to hear her name. Addonexus also noticed. "She's a clever thing, and quite a dear companion of mine. We have quite a few of these gloomwings in my gig's glen, as well as several pipistrelles and all manner of fauna." He smiled fondly at the mention of his glen. "I found little Chrioptera there." A clatter and squeal came from the direction of the rest of the kitchen, and it was the visitor's turn to question. "Where did you find those little beasties? I've come upon none in the glen, or in my evening walks with my companion." He coughed, and fiddled with a coin on the counter. "I don't leave the glen much, as you could probably tell."

- — -

"Oh no, I've never seen a leupak with two heads before," he parroted, "but then I don't leave my home much, you see." He blathered on, withdrawing a clawtongue-full of coins from his pouch, which he set upon the floor, having no functional hands. Clattering the surplus coin on the small table, he plopped his soft and generous behind before it, uninvited. "This is a great smell in here, I love incense, we can't get enough of the pinecones and leaves back home." Quite forgetting himself, he chuckled and smiled at the kinder head, whom he'd taken quite a friendly shine to. "I'd like the detailed fortune, good sir, leave nothing of my future out, it may be important someday! Oh yes, something about my future!" Though the leupak's chatter and occasional shed bit of orange fur could be annoying, he was not a fool... any prophesy of death or sudden riches would glean only a laugh from Belvedere, not a re-visit. Perhaps the angry head knew this, or perhaps, as was more probable, Belvedere's annoying, well intentioned nature had set the poor thing off.

((OOC: Make up whatever you want, I'll probably play it true. ^^ For information, the Glen Gig lives in Chimre's more dense woods, and Corriad is living with them and studying with them for a while. He's not stupid but not exactly an world-traveler... he doesn't know what the more exotic creatures are, etc.))

[CruxianAzelf]

((OOC: This is fun, I have to agree. I haven't roleplayed Riine for a while, and it's always great to have her around with somebody completely weirded out by her.. interests. xD))

Riine blinked a couple times to the rapid change in light before trundling in, body expanding and squishing to accommodate the space allocated within.
Her bronze-colored eyes watched Corriad for another moment or two, and another low, almost sinister chuckle left her as she turned away. Looking up and down the shelves with great fascination, her attention finally on a large unit, a little under her height.

Inside was what appeared to be an adult human being -- with twisted, mutated forearms that possessed large claws, multiple sets of eyes staring out from a thigh, and, as she stepped closer to get a better look.. a secondary jaw beginning to split the unfortunate humanoid's chin.
The most defining features were great, crystalline growths that studded its back, head and chest, making the cause of these mutations clear.
Beside it was the form of a Talstag, hooves spread and antlers preserved in the semi-green liquid.. or so it seemed to Riine until she looked it over -- in fact, it was two Talstags, fused together at the side, possessing their own unique heads, limbs and tails, yet sharing body mass.
Shame that it isn't bi-sectioned, I would love to see if it had multiple respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems..

Busily writing down notes with the pencil her tongueclaw grasped, the leupak gave only a knowing ear-flick to the nearby Somnambulist's questions, plodding to the other side of the tent, looking over the smaller jars.
A Luxi Fennac with seven limbs, a Land-Drake embryo that possessed multiple pairs of eyes, the twisted, tiny body of a sprite that resembled a freak cross between a mantid and a wasp.. it was all too interesting not to note.

Quite an expansive collection you've got going here.. it's very nice to see things I've never seen before.
I too, would pose the question the little, clothing-wearing person gave, but that would be.. impolite, asking over somebody else. Heehee.

Welgaia, do clean up, I wouldn't want anybody to step in something unpleasant.

With a soft trill, the large Varanius on her back had bounded onto the floor, beginning to wipe up the trails and puddles of miraslime that its owner had drooled.

[Sparrow]

Some are alive, when I collect them. Bones pads up behind Corriad and looms over his shoulder, gazing at the shelf of specimens with unchanging eyes. His voice is slow and even more of a quiet whisper than before. But they never remain alive for long, no... If they are sentient, may the Watcher have mercy on their brief lives. As to where I acquire them, well. I cannot always reveal, however... most of these specimens have come to me, you might say. He lifts up the jar with the deformed Aeneski head inside. Chimre is a land of natural mutations... in some places, the mirajin is very strong indeed. The unfortunate mothers who give birth to such things-- as this young Aeneski was-- are often ashamed of their poor offspring, if they live. Exiles, outcasts... it's really quite unfortunate. But in this way, the mutants find their way to me. And I have a place for them all. He glances sidelong at Riine. Thank you, friend. I am glad my collection has something novel to examine. I am flattered.
___________________
Oh, good! I'm so glad you like it! Beaming, she tosses a handful of fried livers into a new bag, then snaps her claws the three imps. Oi! A large bag of savory snacks, and NO TRICKS this time! Or I'll flay ya and serve ya up to my friend here. Sally winks at Addonexus as the imps scramble to fill the order, chattering. Ah, sometimes I wish I hadn't found the little beasties. Although I guess you could say, they found me. Y'know sir, it's funny-- I don't even know how they got here. They just appeared one day while we were touring in Northern Chimre, about a year ago. It was the oddest thing. I think someone was playing a trick on us, perhaps. But they wouldn't let me alone-- well, they wanted the food, you know. Such little pests! They nearly drove all the customers away. But, in the end... I managed to do something with 'em. It took a while, and they ain't completely housebroken, if you know what I mean. But at least they make themselves useful, most of the time. Ah, here's the snacks, now! Two of the imps flutter to the counter, carrying a large brown bag between them, and place it before Addonexus. One imp notices Chiroptera and inches closer, eyes wide. It pokes the gloomwing with a claw and then scuttles back behind its companion, still watching.

You know something... this glen where your gig lives. Do you think you could capture a little gloomwing, just like her, for me? I would be very happy to trade one of my beasties, if you like. Sally looks up sweetly at Addonexus with hope in her eyes.
___________________
Dicephalus' friendly head chuckles, amused at Belvedere's eager talk. Oho, something in the gentleman's future, then! This could include many things, many things indeed. I can sense already that your future is in motion. And I think it may have something to do with your gig-companions, yes... let us see what the cards tell us, just to start with. A simple spread. The two-headed 'pak rapidly sets out four squareish cards on the table, arranged in a diamond: a king, a queen, a knight on a flame-colored horse, and a leupak with eyes of gold coins. All the cards are reversed, that is, upside-down. As the friendly head examines these cards thoughtfully, the grouchy head squints at Belvedere keenly.

You are a native of Chimre, are you not? Perhaps from the countryside. He glances at the cards briefly. I shall be brief... my counterpart will give the details, as he always does. But your gig-mates shall lie to you. There is treachery from someone close to you.

Now now, Di, that is only part of the picture, the last card. He points to the knight on the horse. We must not jump to conclusions! However... hmm. I can see that you must be more communicative with your gig. A power struggle may be taking place, and you must make your desires known. Do not let the others manipulate your decision, or confuse you!

Hmph. With their lies, you mean. This advice may be wasted... the cards say you are not a daring individual. Consider this is a warning not to be so passive. The grouchy head scowls in derision. There is one among you who is not a leupak. A shapeshifter, correct? He wants money that is rightfully yours.

((I hope this made some sense, lol! I used an actual reading from my set of mini-cards here, just a quick four-card spread. It was fun, though!))

[Jennabob]

((late Jenna is late. I'm dogsitting and have sporadic internet access))

"T'would be a pity to learn nothing," Alraus murmured, mimicking the other leup's accent. She liked the slight burr of it.

Laughing aloud as the prrbs began to dance, she paused, studying the motions. Timing it with taps of her foot, she skipped into the pack, following along enthusiastically, if not perfectly.

Only a few beats later, she stumbled and stepped out. Still laughing, Alraus straightened her mane and tried to catch her breath. "Not as young as I once was. But the bears doona' judge." She winked a now-purple eye at Amadeus. "That was a treat, friend. I've seen few animals so well trained. I'll make an effort to come back this way, but I have a lot of ground to cover in a night...I believe you mentioned a bestiary?"

[Akmalla]

Corriad forced himself to stand still and kept himself from flinching as Bones pulled down the jar and explained the horrible truth of the mutant's plight in Chimre. He listened with a mixture of- as always, in this place- pity, fascination, and utter disgust. These things were alive, they suffered, they wandered for Kelan knows how long before either dying, crystalizing, or arriving here. The thought put a thought into his brain, one that he did not want to voice, but he forced himself to, for the sake of knowing. "Then, you have live, sentient specimens? Sentient mutants?" His eyes narrowed with disbelief, but something in his mind jumped at such a chance, such an opportunity, causing him to frown. "I should like to see them, sir."

'Nexus smiled at the cook's enthusiasm and quickly tossed two livers at his tongueclaw for it to grab; shutting his mouth and savoring the taste. However, not wanting to keep the lady waiting for a reply, he made certain to swallow their juicy remains as quickly as possible. "They are certainly unique creatures; Northern Chimre you say? I'm afraid I don't live that far up the continent where these little fellows live, what a sight that might have been." Smiling fondly at the curious things, currently staring inquisitively at Chiroptera, he nodded his head. "Capture isn't even necessary, if you were to come along with me, I'm certain one of the more daring critters would take a shine to you. It's certainly no problem," he finished. Chiroptera, in the meanwhile, was emitting small sonar waves in bursts at the enthralled imps, gobbling up a few of the treats and scrambling towards the petite rogues, curiosity brimming over.

Belvedere watched the leupak's fluid hand movements with wide eyes, he bit at the claw at the end of his wing as he sat, watching the cards swim before his face. When the final cards were shown, the furry 'pak continued to stare at their frightening, solumn patterns as his fortune was revealed. At the revelation that he lived in the countryside, he bobbed his head furiously, mouth slightly ajar, eyebrows raising clear off his face, or so it seemed, as they mentioned his gig, and a power struggle therin. "Oh, yes, that sounds likely; Ghast did seem rather displeased the other day..." He trailed off, biting his lip as the harsher head warned him about his shy nature; though finally, when they mentioned Corriad, the skittish young leupak could only flush his large ears against his head and murmur, "No... he just, he wants to observe us. He knows we're not like other leupaks..." he narrowed his eyes in thought, chewing yet more on his claw, continuing, "...yet he does give us all large sums of money. Perhaps because he is confident he will make more stealing from us than he gives away?" He slammed more of the mentioned krüs ont he table. "Tell me more, I must know!"

((OOC: Long post is long. :| ))

[CruxianAzelf]

By now, Riine had reached up behind her facet, tucking the notepad and pencil between her curved golden horns for the time being, quickly retracting her tongueclaw but leaving the taloned digits spread for whatever use that would come back up again. She slowly looked back and forth between Bones and Corriad, doing her best to keep copper-eyed attention on the other leupak, but enjoying the expressions the little (or so she would describe him) Somnambulist would take.
It was hard not to burst out laughing at his tone and overall presence here; it was impossible not to sense that feeling of uneasiness and disgust that emanated from his mind.. yet, it was still visible that she was amused by this, that smirk still viciously tugging at the sides of her mouth.

Setting up something like this, in a country like this.. that's a very novel plan you have going here.
Does this carnival tour any? Your collection would garner plenty of interest, moreso than what it has already, if you brought it to Laps-du-Ment.
They would, no doubt, appreciate such a thing, for all to know, for us to learn..

A brief pause settled in her voice as she heard the question of living mutants, possibly sentient beasts, but in that momentary silence, another burst of excitement detonated within her.

If you do have such things on display, I concur -- it would be wonderful to see what else you may keep here.

The leupak reached a purple-tinted paw into the small pack slung around a shoulder and her neck, taking out a krüs or two and tossing it Bones' way.

[Sparrow]

Bones inclines his head at Corriad's question of sentient specimens. Very good. Yes, you shall see them. They are among my favorites, and they are the main attraction. He looks at Riine and nods in approval. I knew you would like to see them. We do tour, in fact. We have been all over the countryside of Chimre, but we have not yet ventured into the cities... some among our gig have been... reluctant to do so. Still, I have no such fears. Ah, to go to Laps-du-Ment would be a dream... He sighs very softly, but is quickly brought from his reverie when Riine tosses the coins his way. With a flick of his tongueclaw, he catches the money delicately, and raises an approving eyebrow. He transfers the coins to a fleshy pocket in his cheek and smiles. I thank you, Riine. But, onto the live specimens. There is nothing quite like a live mutant. In fact... He pauses and then gives Corriad an appraising look. Yes. I think the good gentleman would be very interested in one such creature. This way. He leads his two patrons to a different part of the tent. It is shadowy and poorly lit, but the air is filled with vague murmurs and mumblings and scratches of something... many somethings... alive. A second spotlight flares up to reveal, among several captive creatures bearing obvious mutations-- extra heads, no mouths, conjoined bodies, etc.--a single orange-scaled manticore, its hind leg chained firmly to a post. The manticore squints painfully in the light, whimpering. But when the creature sets eyes on Corriad, something like recognition flares in its strangely human face. Grunting wordlessly, the hybrid rises to its feet and struggles against the chain. Bones smirks quietly.

This is Igor. I think he wants to say hello.

______________________

Oh, it was quite a sight, indeed! Sally laughs heartily as she keeps a close eye on the imps. They are equally curious about Chiroptera, and for once they don't seem to be pulling any tricks... oh dear, except that one. With a swatting motion, she strikes the third imp out of the air like a fly. Gotcha! Heheh, I'm so sorry, sir. This one 'ere... She shakes the squeaking creature in her paw. This one was about to pour coffee on the poor batty darling. Well NO MORE of that! She tosses the naughty imp back to the drinks machine and laughs. Oh, I would LOVE to come along with you! Ooh, it sounds so wonderful, and the little creatures would be so lovely. But... well, the carnival is still on tour for several months. She sighs longingly. But, I will be sure to come and visit on our break!
______________________

Large sums of money, you say? Dicephalus considers this with an intrigued, thoughtful look. That is most unusual! It is not like a chimaera to pay such sums, unless there was something valuable in return. But perhaps he is not stealing it as such, no... I do not get that sense...
Why does he study you, if there was not profit in it? The grouchy head snorts. But for once I think my counterpart is correct... your companion, though greedy, is not stealing. There is someone else involved... perhaps the selling of information about your gig, eh?

Dicephalus smoothly accepts the bag of krus and places it under the table. He then deals out five more cards and studies them. Each one somehow incorporates an image of shining golden coins. Ahh... yes. Just as I thought. Money figures heavily here. And possible... legal entanglements, if you are not careful with your chimaera friend! Dealings are happening unbenownst to you. Dear oh dear. Yet, the cards can only tell us so much.
The crystal, then?
The crystal.

Dicephalus searches under the table and produces a large, uncut but polished miracrystal, set in a simple brass stand. The colors in the irregularly-shaped crystal shimmer and swirl, as dream-crystal will do.

Now we shall discover more. Only touch the crystal, and as long as we both remain in contact with it, we shall see an image of your fate.
______________________

Ah yes, my dear! Bones' collection o' creatures is that way, the largest tent there at the edge of the grounds. Amadeus laughs delightedly. You're quite the dancer, though! Almost as good as my prrbs. T'was a pleasure to perform for ye. He bows respectfully, still beaming. The prrbs cease their dance and smile, and a few of them nudge Alrus in an affectionate and hopeful way, perhaps searching for treats, or shiny pretty coins.