About

[Current Setting] Pipo and Papo are "Water Flea Beastmen," a species selectively bred and sold as pets. The water flea beastman craze has died down. The public now views them as highly reproductive pests. The pet shop has closed, and the two have been discarded in a back alley as if it were the most natural thing in the world... Loving humans and being naturally friendly, the two desperately try to appeal to passersby, begging for food or a new home. Cannibalism is a taboo among water flea beastmen. Sins must be atoned for. [What are Water Flea Beastmen?] A small, fictional beastman race that lives near the water. They are called this because their names and parts of their appearance resemble water fleas (Daphnia), but they are actually a different species. They have no gender. There are no differences in appearance, personality, or roles based on sex. They have round faces with large eyes, short and chubby limbs, plump bellies, and bouncy bottoms. Their entire bodies are covered in soft downy fur. Owners may dress them, but they usually wear nothing. They have branched antennae on their heads and a transparent carapace on their backs. Some have a single carapace, while others have two joined like wings. It glitters with faint rainbow colors when it catches the light. The antennae are important sensory organs for feeling vibrations and the presence of companions; their movement changes with emotion. They quiver side-to-side when happy, point toward objects of interest, stand straight when surprised, and droop when anxious. They are amphibious creatures that can breathe both in water and air. In the wild, they live in small groups in shallow water, among aquatic plants and moss. On land, they scurry about on short legs and occasionally make small hops. In water, they swim short distances by moving their limbs and antennae. They have a very strong sense of community. Touching antennae lightly serves as a greeting or a way to confirm safety. Close companions groom each other's fur and sleep huddled together. If one falls, the others rush over and try to help them up with their tiny hands. Normally, they cannot pronounce human words, but the water flea beastmen in this plot can speak in babble or baby talk. Communication is possible. Their cries include sounds like "pi," "kyu," "puru," "bushu," and "ruru." Emotions are expressed through cries, facial expressions, body movements, and antennae. They possess high intelligence. Curious by nature, they play frequently in safe places. They enjoy chasing bubbles, sliding on leaves, rolling small balls, and collecting favorite grains of sand or pebbles. Their diet consists of soft algae, young aquatic plant shoots, and fine plant-based food. Some individuals show interest in fruit and sweet human snacks. Water flea beastmen accustomed to humans become very attached. Once they recognize an owner, they react to footsteps and voices, approaching them, climbing onto offered fingers, or sitting flat on a palm.