As you’re walking down the main stretch of town, you realize pretty quickly why you’d never seen this place before. With its entrance buried into an alcove wedged between two buildings, you couldn’t blame anyone for not knowing there was a record shop just beyond those doors and up a flight of stairs. The neon signs glowing in the store’s windows let you know you’re in the right place though. One reads: “
RECORDS, CDS, CASSETES & MORE!” The other: “
COME IN AND SPIN!” You figured you might as well listen. You enjoy music just as much as the next person. You step into the stairwell and make your way up to the second level.
Once you step your way into the hallway at the top of the steps, you see it. To your right, a cozy shop, packed to the brim with record crates and racks of other music media. There’s an electronic song playing over the stereo, the sound spilling out of the store’s door. In the middle of the showroom, a kalon stands behind a horseshoe shaped desk, cleaning vinyl and labeling their jackets with price stickers. He looks up at you, dark eyes in stark contrast to his brightly colored fur. He smiles at you and nods, then welcomes you in.
“Hey, welcome in! Don’t think I’ve seen you stop by my shop before. Welcome to ‘Beats & Black Wax,’ the hippest place in town!” He sets down the record in his paws and folds his arms over the countertop, tapping his toes to the rhythm of the music. “I like to keep it fresh and fun in here, so here’s what I like to do. You can go through the bins and shop to your heart’s content, or, you let me do the work for you! I like to call it ‘shopping by vibes.’”
Well that’s certainly different, you think to yourself. But what exactly does he mean? You ask him for an explanation.
“Well, everyone who walks in has got their own style and energy. I love to read other kalons, so that’s why I give the option to let me pick something that I think fits who you are! Of course, if you don’t feel it, there’s no shame in going the more traditional route. So, what’ll it be?
[Here's your first choice! Follow the symbols to make the story your own.]
☁︎Shop by yourself! or ★ Shop by vibes!
☁︎ As tempting as it is, you love getting to explore new places! What's more fun than digging through the crates? You politely choose to shop by yourself and the kalon at the desk smiles and nods.
"Can't blame you one bit. Let me know if you need any help!" You make your way further into the shop, eager to see what awaits you.
Ending #1★ You've never heard of anything like it before, might as well give the whole 'shopping by vibes' thing a chance! The kalon at the desk seems thrilled.
"I knew you'd pick that! Told you, I know how to read my patrons. Now, while I try to figure you out, you might as well get to know me a little to. The name's Skratch. I'm the most recent owner of this fine establishment, but it's been around here for almost 50 years. Crazy, right? I became a regular here about a decade ago, learned everything the guys here could teach me. When the time came, they made the decision to pass it on to me. I couldn't be more grateful. Now, what album should I pick for you?"
He looks you up and down, practically reading into your soul. It's a strange experience, but he seems like someone you can trust. Other shoppers are in the store, so it seems like he has some credibility. You can't help but wonder, what exactly is he looking for?
[Skratch is busy at work. What vibes are he getting from you?]
❤︎ You are warm and kind with a soft coat of fur and a softer heart. You are in touch with your emotions and use that to radiate kindness and empathy.
▲ You are strong and independent. No challenge is too big and you love competition. You're most comfortable when life is fast paced and exciting.
■ You like to keep it cool and relaxed. You have a strong sense of self and are comfortable with coming off as 'weird.' Life is better when you don't restrict yourself.
❤︎ "You've got a good vibe, I'm digging it! It's comfortable. I've got just the thing for you! While I bet you enjoy some good ol' love songs, I think this'll be something fun for you to try."
Skratch hands you a copy of Lindsey Stirling's "Brave Enough," and you eagerly take it from him. What a great addition to your collection! You'll have to stop back in again soon.
Ending #2▲ "I'm sensing some fierceness from you, that's an awesome vibe! You seem like you'd be a fan of something upbeat and loud. Try this!"
Skratch hands you a copy of Powerwolf's "Call of the Wild," and you eagerly take it from him. What a great addition to your collection! You'll have to stop back in again soon.
Ending #3 ■ "Cool as a cucumber I see, and you seem to know yourself pretty darn well. It's a good vibe to have. Maybe give this a spin? I think it'll suit you well."
Skratch hands you a copy of David Bowie's "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars," and you eagerly take it from him. What a great addition to your collection! You'll have to stop back in again soon.
Ending #4
