New Koopa City Week 1

Henry and Star

Adjusting their fall pattern using the balloons to ensure a landing at the south-westernmost borough was not terribly challenging for Henry, but twas cake for Starman. He could've done that creepy short range teleportation thing he likes to do, but nah. The two dudes just rode the balloons they'd been provided with. They landed on the north shore of it, which coincidentally happened to be the most urban part of the borough. Not that it was that undeveloped in the other areas, but that seemed to be where the maximum amount of people and buildings were clustered. Once they were able to get a good look from up closer, it was evident where they'd ended up - this was Chinatown- wait, no it wasn't. Not at all. Japantown? Or something? Asiatown? No, that couldn't be, because this wasn't an ethnic conclave. Sure, there were some people of varying Asian ethnicities running around, patronizing the tantalizingly good smelling restaurants, shopping at tempting looking markets, and doing all kinds of things anyone would do, but there were also some caucasian types afoot, and tons of black people. This was quite obviously a very different part of the city than any of the other four segments had to offer.

Henry and Star

Fueled by curiosity, the extremely weird looking pair of guys walked down the street as if they didn't stick out like a pair of sore thumbs. Despite a majority of people ignoring them entirely, they received more than a few shares as they made their move. Even as Starman vanished from place to place alongside his stick partner, nobody approached them. They weren't just stared at - they stared as well. There were more than a few locations of note just from staring and chilling out - for one, there were a surprising amount of... Blacksmiths? Yes, there were at least a few of those, despite the fact that nobody was wearing swords on them. No, most people seemed to be fairly peaceful, with no major cacophony breaking out anywhere near them. Passing down streets, the two men also spot a comparatively large dojo, inside which there appeared to be many men and women practicing some form of martial art that was familiar to neither of the two.

Starman Data Analysis: Resemblance to clothes worn in Dalaam or by specimen identified as 'Prince Poo' are statistically unlikely to be anything except superficial.

As well, right next to the dojo, they happened to notice a pretty shady looking curio shop, and down the street a bit there looked to be a big record store.

Also, badass rap music was played by many of the locals using devices. It seemed that was what their tastes leaned toward. It wasn't crappy rap, either - this was the good stuff!

Inside a Shady Looking Curio Store



Okay, the rap playing outside was completely drained out by some fucked up shit the owner of this shop was playing. Aside from that, the strong scent of incense blasted Henry Stickman's nose and Starman's air filter input. There were all sorts of things in this shop - strange statues on pedestals, gnarly looking bladed weapons on the walls, and weirder things still hanging from the ceiling... Behind the register near the back wall was thin old man smoking a pipe and wearing some old ass style Chinese shirt.

"Ohhhhhh~" This tiny little bald black dude put down his pipe and sped over to the two entrants with all due speed. "I sense two brave strangers in my store. Have you come seeking... treasure?!" He laughed out loud, and elaborated. "This store has many TREASURES but they each have a PRICE!"

Starman Data Analysis: This specimen talks in fonts. Any specimen that talks in fonts is fucked up

Actual Starman Data Analysis: This place of business is unlike others.

Henry and Starman

Numerous books are present in the mysterious shop. There were a few that very obviously proved unreadable to both of them since neither of the adventurers spoke Chinese. There were, however, some Kung Fu manuals that were mostly pictures and simple phrases that had helpful English translations. They described a variety of martial arts, ranging from the classic to the unexpected. In order, the short stack included:

Crane Style Kung Fu, specializing in balance above all
Praying Mantis Style Kung Fu, specializing in deflecting and then following up
Buddha's Palm Kung Fu, specializing in chi control
Toad Form Kung Fu, specializing in leaping and croaking
Shotokan Style, focusing on shooting fireballs and sick uppercuts
and Martial Farts, focusing on using one's butt gas to augment their attacks

"Any of them fit your fancy, boys?" The shopkeep noticed their interest in books.

Henry and Starman

Scooting over on his walking cane, the shopkeep of this curio vendor was excited to hear the selection. "The Toad Style of Kwan Lun, eh? Not a bad choice, sonny boys! Some of the deadliest killers in history have fought with that style! Do you have any cash to pay for the manual, or perhaps a barter?" This tiny little elderly dude was evidently amenable to trades, but he also seemed to be blind. It wasn't clear if he could even see the two guys in his shop.

Starman Data Analysis: He cannot see the two individuals in his shop.

Henry Stickman and Starman

A big ass smile popped onto the shopkeeper's face. "Allow wiser men than you or I to explain." He pulled out a stereo from under the store's main desk, and cued up some music.



Apparently, it's cash that rules everything around him (C.R.E.A.M.) dolla dolla bill y'all specifically.

The old man adds a bit as the song plays. "Most stores around the city use Coins, thanks to that Koopa clown, but Shaolin holdin' it down mo-fuckaaaaaa!"

Stat- I mean, Shaolin was clearly a very strange part of the city. Perhaps not what anyone would expect, but certainly not a place without legitimate cultural heritage.