Patchwork Universe

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 91 Location: The Zoo

From the mists to the east of Chimera trots a small, Oriental-looking man in a drab grey uniform.

When he'd first crossed the mists, a distortion had made it appear as if there were two grey-clad men present. But as Moon trotted forward it was quite clear that there was in fact only one of him.

Sticking his hands in his overall pockets, he pauses to take in this strange place he has found himself in, and a look of disappointment momentarily crosses his features.

Still, where there's life, there's hope! He begins to whistle a merry tune as he drags his boots in the rough general direction of the central clock tower.

[OOC NOTE: This post edited by the GMs to fit with abilities of NPCS. Edited portions are in italics. Players should now feel free to continue this thread from the most recent post.]

Harlequin · Average Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Chimera

He passes through narrow streets sandwiched between tall buildings. Most of them look like houses, but a couple of them have signs hanging outside. "Shop" and "Post Office" catch his eye.

[ooc note : this thread now unlocked. We apologise for the inconvenience.]

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 91 Location: The Zoo

The little man penetrates further and further into this strange township, casting his eyes about him for signs of life. Is he mistaken, or does nothing stir in this whole eerie place? The longer he goes without there being any sign of life, the more crestfallen he seems, the more his shoulders slump.

Eventually, he comes to a halt and puts a pensive finger to his lips. The clocktower looks no less deserted than the rest of the town. Maybe it would be better for him to head back already...

Harlequin · Average Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Chimera

Hmm...
The man in grey didn't seem to have spotted Harlequin floating down towards him. If he hadn't been seen, Harlequin reckoned, he could have a laugh by dropping on the man's head! He tried to suppress a giggle, but ended up with an audible snort. Hoping the man hadn't heard, Harlequin released the brake on the stirrup and slid down the kite string, hoping to land on his head...

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 91 Location: The Zoo

If it hadn't been for that one tiny snort of amusement, Harlequin might well have scored a direct hit on the grey man's skull and put an end to him there and then.

As it was, Moon flung himself flat just in time, before rolling over onto his back and sticking his hands up in a gesture of abject surrender.

"Please sir! Please sir! I no mean nothing bad! I on... nature ramble!" he gabbled excitely at the strange figure looming over him.

Harlequin · Average Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Chimera

The sight of the man rolling on the floor was just the thing to cheer Harlequin up. He was so amused that he forgot to re-apply his rope brake and slid right down the kite string, and ended up flat on his back, laughing raucously.
"Oh, the look on your face! Oh, I could have..." he trailed off into a fit of laughter. With a start, he realised his kite was gusting upwards. Still giggling, he chased after the string, jumping at it to catch it.
The kite twisted and turned in the breeze, dropping almost to his grasp, but then floating back up. It eventually tangled itself around a T.V. aerial.
"Bah. I'll get it later." Wandering back to the prone gentleman, he asked, "So what kind of nature you rambling for?"

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 91 Location: The Zoo

A whole range of different emotions crossed Moon's face as he gazed up from the dirt at the bizarre and not a little scary giggling man; but finally he seemed to decide that Harlequin's obvious good humour was reassuring. He propped himself on his elbows in order to converse with marginally greater dignity.

"That good question. Answer depends. What kind of nature you *got*?"

Harlequin · Average Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Chimera

"Birds mainly. They wake me up in a morning anyway. Don't know where they go in the day. Oh, oh, oh! I know! We could go to the Gardens! Last time I went they had peacocks and bengal tigers!"
He started jogging away and shouted "It's this way!" over his shoulder, before remembering his manners, jogging back and offering the strange man a hand up.

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 91 Location: The Zoo

Harlequin needn't have concerned himself with politeness. At the mention of peacocks and bengals the little man had sprung to his feet with remarkable alacrity.

"The Gardens! Oh my! Tip-top! Let us go there, yessir!"

Harlequin · Average Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Chimera

He was promptly grabbed by an excited Harlequin, who practically dragged him along the street. A more observant passer-by may have noticed a few grey faces peering out of some of the house windows, but Harlequin paid them no heed.
"I'm Harlequin by the way. I'm not sure if I mentioned. I haven't seen you in Court - where are you from?" he gabbled breathlessly as they jogged along.
As they travelled east, a wall of mist appeared to be getting closer...

Trubshawe · Good Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 91 Location: The Zoo

"I from zoo! Trubshawe zoo!" said the little fellow in his broken English as they dashed along together.

"Most many animals in all galaxy, big time. Find more animals, win plenty commendation big boss Trubshawe, payrise maybe, chance fine thing. You come see zoo? 6d, 4d concession, very nice alright. Hey, watch where going, mist up ahead!"

Harlequin · Average Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 33 Location: Chimera

"Can't say I've heard of it, old chap, but it does sound exciting! The zoo that is, not the mist. It does look a bit foggy up ahead. Oh well. It's quite warm, it should clear later. Come on!"
He grabbed Moon's arm once more, and plunged into the mist...

[OOC: Continued in Academy: Wow! New Gardens!]