The Animated Portal

[Albedo]

One cloudy day, this bright and colorful animated portal opened in the new docks near downtown muffinville. It looks so drawing, what's through it??? No one is watching it,the news media has stopped caring about random portals. Maybe someone should investigate it themself?

[Feng]

What can only be described as a hobo approaches the mysterious, clad in a menagerie of metallic doodads and gizmos, no doubt liberated from a nearby scrap heap. Holding a pair of dowsing rods, he is lead by an unseen force to the portal!

"Crikey!" exclaims the strange man with a hint of a British accent. "It seems I've stumbled across a portal! Could it possibly be the access point I'm looking for? What say you Comrade Steve?"

He holds a Rubby Ducky up to his ear, listening intently.

"Well put, Comrade! Let us investigate this portal at once!"

The hobo jumps into the portal...

[Albedo]

A hobo. Didn't see that coming, but...
The hobo finds himself... In muffinville? No, a brighter and more colorful version of Muffinville. There's a moon up in the sky with rings around it, and one faint star visible in the daytime sky. Wherever this is, it's another world entirely~ and the portal's not there.

Meanwhile, the portal on the normal end remains open.

[Feng]

"By St. Christopher!" swears the 'hobo'. "It appears I have stumbled into some strange bardo. Who knows what treasures lurk here!"

He does not seem disturbed by the lack of an exist. Instead he continues to explore the area, led onward by the curious dowsing rods.

[Albedo]

Many of the people seem not concerned by the stick. Though interestingly the trees and all seem more strange and alien. Perhaps a map would be handy?

[Feng]

"It would appear that my device is acting on the fritz again. I do hope its not due to havoc."

He shakes the rod again, hoping it will become cooperative. After minimal success he decides to go investigate the trees.

"Quite curious. Quite, quite."

[Albedo]

Upon investigation, the trees seem utterly normal. Well aside for their looks, but they give off no astounding magical readings or feel odd or anything. I doubt this hobo has a geiger counter, however.

[Feng]

A geiger counter? No, the hobo is without one. A geiger counter duct taped to his hat? Check. Clearly this is not your average hobo.

"Hmmm... These trees seem safe," says the man speaking into his rubber duck like its a tape recorder. "I doubt they are animated... Exploring further now. ADVENTURE HO!!!"

[Albedo]

Well his counter may note rather odd radiation levels.... everywhere.... and if he had some way to measure mana, he'd find that's the source! What the nonsense? Well as he adventures on he may stumble upon a cottage of sorts, with a sign depicting a cupcake out front. Oh how quaint~

[Feng]

Our fearless hobo bumps into said cottage. Literally!

"Ow! I say, watch where your going you!" he shouts, shaking his fist at the cottage.

He walks over to the door, glancing up at the sign.

"Eh? What's this?"

<Enters>

[Albedo]

Inside, there is an ordinary.... looking bakery, with a woman behind the counter. "Hello there, did you come for something to eat?"

[Feng]

".... .... ...."

The Hobo stares at the hot shop keep, holding a graphic calculator outstretched towards her. There is a low humming sound. The hobo consults the screen, mumbling intently to himself before putting it away.

"Why yes! What do you recommend?"

[Albedo]

The woman smiles "Well what kinds of sweets do you tend to enjoy? We have all kinds."

[Feng]

"Hmmm... I'm undecided. It's been a while since I've indulged my sweet tooth. Let me ask my friend what he wants."

The Hobo places his rubber ducky on the counter.

.... .... .... ....

"Ooh. That sounds good. I'll have what hes having!"

[Albedo]

She nods and brings in a pair of purple-frosted cookies, "Here you two go."