I'll swap from Repulsed to Averse, then. Should I edit my post proper...?
Nah, I got it this time.
Voting is now closed. Results:
Job:
Hobbies:
- Cooking (13)
- Gaming (9)
- Music (8)
Sexuality:
Romance:
"A
veterinarian who
cooks? The
music was kind of a given-" Agent Jones glances meaningfully at the grand piano dominating one corner of your living room, "-and everyone plays
games these days, but cooking?"
You chuckle. 'Playing games' would be putting it mildly. One whole wall of your basement has been taken up by nothing but shelves upon shelves of games, both digital and physical. If it has rules (and sometimes even if it doesn't), you've played it, and probably won it too.
"I considered becoming a chef for a while," you admit finally. "Animals were always my passion though, so now I just do it as a hobby."
Admittedly most 'hobby' cooks didn't need an entire shelf in their room just to hold all the trophies their dishes had won. Back when you were getting your doctorate the local bake fair actually banned you from competing so someone else would have a chance.
You glance at the piano and smile. Many species have keen hearing, so you spent some time going through your library of sheet music and selecting pieces that would be acceptable to all ears. Whether you're playing one of your many instruments or just singing, you doubt they'll be disappointed.
"Right, that should be everything," Jones announces, breaking you out of your internal reflection. "Now I just need to know which species you requested."
"I think the joke has gone on far enough," you state flatly as another flash of lightning lights up the room. "You already know what species I requested to host, they're waiting outside and are likely miserable by now. Can we just get on with it?"
"Actually, I don't know who you requested," she answers in an equally serious tone. "Mistakes happen. Some poor bastard in Japan didn't even sign up for their program but somehow wound up with a Lamia on his doorstep. I need to be sure these are the people you were assigned to host before I bring them in."
"Alright, fine."
You think back, remembering the horrifically written form they'd had you fill out regarding your hosting preferences. The text stuck with you because it had been obviously written by someone who had never even seen a liminal before. You actually thought it was a joke at first, but no, the form really did say...
---
Extra-Species Hosting Preference Form
Due to high demand for certain types, these are the only subspecies currently available in your area. Hosts will not be expected to pay renovation costs or living expenses for their guests, but are responsible for all other forms of expenditure. To ensure diversity, hosting more than one member of a specific subspecies is not permitted.
Lamia - The Snake Women*
[ ] Basic - not venomous, these brightly-colored ladies hunt by constriction, making them great huggers! Measuring around 20 feet from head to tail, there's plenty of love to go around!
[ ] Echidna** - though technically poisonous, these exotic beauties are quite harmless, and their predatory instincts make them great at dealing with household pests!
[ ] Melusine*** - these majestic winged serpents are an amazing sight as they soar through the air. Plus they're great with water, so they make excellent beach companions!
[ ] Medusa - rumors of their ugliness are greatly exaggerated, and they certainly won't turn you to stone! Sweet and shy, these snake-haired women are known for their keen eyesight.
*: All Lamia breeds are cold-blooded and will require their host to maintain a warm environment so they may stay active. They are carnivores and can only eat meat. Lamia are an all-female species.
**: Echidna venom is lethal to humans if not treated. Please do not host if you have small children or aggressive pets.
***: Melusine cannot actually fly.
Harpy - The Bird Women*
[ ] Basic - agile and energetic, these girls really know how to move. Small and light, they won't need much space so are suitable for any home.
[ ] Land - though they can't fly, these hardworking broads don't let it get them down. They're very strong, great for helping with chores, and can even give rides!
[ ] Poultry - bring one of these home and you'll never go hungry again! This breed lays fresh eggs every day, no fertilization needed. Show your kids the miracle of nature!
[ ] Raptor - the noblest of all Harpies, these are the Queens of the skies. Their keen eyesight and hunting instincts mean you'll never have to worry about rabbits in your garden again!
*: Harpies are an all-female species. All eggs laid are the sole property of the Harpy that produced them and may not be eaten, sold, or otherwise removed without permission.
Centaur - The Horse People*
[ ] Basic - all the joys of a horse without any of the hassle of cleanup, this is the perfect choice for those who love to ride but just can't find the time for such a large responsibility.
[ ] Lightweight - ride like the wind on the fastest breed of centaur! Star athletes, they are very driven, and their smaller size makes them suitable for homes with less room to roam.
[ ] Heavyweight - though a bit dim, these gentle giants can't be beaten for strength! The ultimate work horse, they will happily take over those heavy chores so you can relax.
[ ] Dairy** - Got milk? These girls do! Their maternal instincts make them perfect nannies, and the milk they produce is extremely healthy. After a look at these jugs, even surly teens will want a glass!
*: Centaurs are herbivores and cannot eat meat.
**:Centaur milk is the sole property of the centaur who produced it and may not be bottled, sold, or otherwise removed without permission.
Mermaid - The Fish People*
[ ] Basic - rulers of the seven seas, nothing will make your friends green with envy like bringing one of these to your local pool! Great on land and in the water!
[ ] Freshwater - slim and fit, nothing can stop a freshwater mermaid! They'll tackle any chore, no matter how stressful. Great for helping cleaning grime from pools, showers, and tubs!
[ ] Shark** - Yar! These piraty predators will eat almost anything, making them a snap to feed! Don't be scared though: as the saying goes, they're more scared of you than you are of them.
[ ] Eel - enjoy massages? The secretions of these mermaids have a proven rejuvenating effect that will take years from your skin! Even better, their gills don't dry out, so they don't need to be near water!
*: Mermaids cannot allow their gills to dry out or they will die. They cannot swim in chlorinated water.
**: Shark Mermaids are considered aggressive and are not suitable for homes with small children, pets, or individuals with irritating personal habits. They are carnivorous.
Arachne - The Spider People*
[ ] Basic - their lower halves may be scary, but these clever weavers are really handy to have around! Their silk is as strong as steel, great for everything from clothing to hammocks.
[ ] Small - these adorable little critters make the perfect playmates for small children. Bouncy and full of energy, their childlike innocent will bring joy to any home.
[ ] Long-legged** - no need for a guard dog! Called 'Sergeants' for their military dedication, the webs of these stoic soldiers will keep the homefront safe day or night!
*: Arachne are carnivores and can only eat meat. All threads created are the property of the Arachne that spun them and cannot be woven, sold, or otherwise removed without permission.
**: Long-legged Arachne cannot spin thread.
. . . . .
Hosts are considered legally responsible for the actions of their guests, and forfeit the right to pursue legal action against this agency for any accidental damage or injury caused by guests during their stay.
A completely separate page had been stapled to the back of the first, without letterhead and in a much less decorative typeface than the main form:
Slime - Recently discovered species. Intelligence grows through mimicry. Inclusion in host program recommended to study and further educate the species.
[ ] Basic - highly fluid, mildly acidic. Seeks out water.
[ ] Red - predatory, strongly acidic. Can be hazardous. Do not allow hosting.
[ ] Green- poisonous, difficulty holding shape. Dangerous if ingested. Do not allow hosting.
[ ] Pink - sweet flavored, strong sexual appetite. Not suitable for homes with minors.
---
Agent Jones smirks as she sees you shudder, remembering the terrible form.
"Yeah, that's what happens when stuff gets handled by the lowest bidder," she said with a nod. "Hope you didn't actually pick based on the descriptions, they're all crap. So to confirm: which species did you request?"
You think carefully, but remembering which species you had decided to host wasn't really hard.
"I selected..."
Choice Summary:
Monster Species:
Lamia (Female Only)
[ ] Basic Lamia
[ ] Echidna Lamia
[ ] Melusine Lamia
[ ] Medusa Lamia
Harpy (Female Only)
[ ] Basic Harpy
[ ] Land Harpy
[ ] Poultry Harpy
[ ] Raptor Harpy
Centaur (Male or Female)
[ ] Basic Centaur
[ ] Lightweight Centaur
[ ] Heavyweight Centaur
[ ] Dairy Centaur (Female Only)
Mermaid (Male or Female)
[ ] Basic Mermaid
[ ] Freshwater Mermaid
[ ] Shark Mermaid
[ ] Eel Mermaid
Arachne (Male or Female)
[ ] Basic Arachne
[ ] Small Arachne
[ ] Long-legged Arachne
Slime (No Gender)
[ ] Basic Slime
[ ] Red Slime
[ ] Green Slime
[ ] Pink Slime
You may select up to four. Gender will be determined randomly if applicable.
Duplicate species are allowed, but duplicate subspecies are not. For example, selecting all four different types of Centaur would be fine, but selecting four Dairy Centaurs would not.
The eventual winners will be the four guests your character will start with. You will eventually have the opportunity to add more to your household if you desire, including several of the more exotic species not currently on the list.