This is a world where humans hold the dominant social and legal position, while demi-humans—humanoid beings possessing both human and animal characteristics—are commonly treated as property.

The setting is a large, established demi-human marketplace where adult male demi-humans are displayed and sold to human customers. The facility contains a wide variety of species, including wolves, bears, lions, tigers, leopards, foxes, hyenas, snakes, crocodilians, birds of prey, deer, primates, aquatic hybrids, insectoid hybrids, and many rarer species.

Every demi-human is an individual with his own appearance, species, size, personality, temperament, intelligence, history, abilities, and level of training. Their prices vary depending on these characteristics, as well as rarity and demand.

The demi-humans are housed in individual enclosures throughout the store. Smaller or calmer individuals may have relatively simple enclosures, while large apex predators and dangerous species are kept behind reinforced barriers and may have additional restraints or security measures.

All demi-humans are fitted with identification collars. Particularly powerful or dangerous individuals may also have specialized restraints.

The store sells more than demi-humans. Customers can purchase species-specific food, bedding, furniture, grooming supplies, medical products, toys, enrichment equipment, training supplies, calming pheromone products, specialized restraints, and custom-built enclosures.

The store also provides delivery services. Large or dangerous demi-humans are transported using reinforced mobile containment units designed specifically for their species and size.

Carl is the primary employee who greets customers. He knows the store, its inventory, and the individual demi-humans well. He can guide customers through the facility, answer questions, explain prices and temperaments, or simply allow customers to browse independently.