Bigwheel

Bigwheel is a free enclave devoted to laughter and shows, founded by Dualeaper, the raccoon who carries Dreamsinger. He bought the ruins of an old human amusement park from Baron Embergrunt of Corktown, then restored them through courage and sweat. He also restored the big wheel, which stands at the center of the grounds, gave the place its name and is his pride.

All year round, minstrels, troubadours and street artists put on shows here. Other animals live here permanently: aging artists for whom traveling has become hard, and craftspeople and merchants who came to help Dualeaper.

Dualeaper is convinced that visitors will eventually come, perhaps once the world's villains have been defeated. Bigwheel stands for that hope, a beacon in the darkness: the brighter its light shines, the sooner the tyrants will fall. For now, few animals dare to take the road, what with spreading tyrannical powers and fear of brigands and monsters.

Bigwheel also shields Dualeaper from the Riders on the Storm, a rival troupe whose leader Edmund sells the nightmarish nights of his trumpet, Nightscreamer.