#escape from snaxburg

[gnarlyimp]

WHEN YOU PLAY BUGSNAX ALL THE BUGSNAX AROUND YOU EITHER ATTACK YOU OR ACTIVELY AVOID YOU, RIGHT? AND YOU’RE ALLERGIC TO BUGSNAX, RIGHT? THAT’S PLOT ARMOR, YEAH? WRONG. IT’S ACTUALLY FORESHADOWING FOR WHEN YOU MEET LIZBERT IN HER BUGSNAX FORM IN THE UNDERSNAX, WHEN YOU FIND OUT BUGSNAX ARE PARASITES. THEY ATTACK YOU AND ARE AFRAID OF YOU BECAUSE THEY CAN’T CHANGE YOUR BODY OR YOUR MIND, SINCE YOUR ALLERGY TO THEM MAKES YOU IMMUNE TO THEIR PARASITE-LIKE ABILITIES. THEY KNOW THAT YOU’RE IMMUNE.

[ghoul--doodle]

My uni requires us to learn photoshop which is hell on earth for me but oh well

Take this Bluey I scribbled on there

[dee-does-arts]

Escape from Snaxburg

Yippee I made an art.

it’s been a long time since I last did a digital painting, so it was really fun to work on and see it come together.

[bugsnaxaudio]

I know this technically isn’t an AUDIO-audio post, but it’s about the game’s soundtrack so it counts in my heart, dang nab it!

Listening to the soundtrack, I noticed a rather interesting coincidence between the leitmotifs of "Sunrise Over Snaktooth Island", "The Undersnax" and "Escape from Snaxburg". I'm probably grasping at straws here, but it's still something pretty interesting.

I'm by no means a music theorist, but I find it interesting that "Sunrise Over Snaktooth Island" is the song you're introduced to when you first play the game. It's a song with a relaxing, fun atmosphere. "The Undersnax" and "Escape from Snaxburg" turn the previous song on its head, as they are the last songs you hear in the game. They give the listener a sense of unease and dread and alert and and neurotic, respectively. A real tonal shift from the original song’s leitmotif.

…I realize I’m talking complete nonsense, but it’s just something interesting I noticed.

[greeb-theartist]

Fun Fact: Had I not listened to Escape From Snaxburg the day after finishing my first playthrough of Bugsnax, then Deadsnax wouldn't exist. That song was my whole inspiration for this fic... also Wambus' ending lines if he dies in the end of the game. Just thought... now look where it got me /vpos

Oh btw I'm making an official cover instead of that picture of Wambus and Triffany so be on the lookout for that :3

[supercasey]

Meet my Grumpus OC, Tedissifer! I’ve been obsessed with Bugsnax all month, so I finally caved and made an OC, though I couldn’t resist tying him to Wambus and Triffany, my favorites in the game (save for, well, everyone. They’re all fantastic)! Here’s some basic info about ‘im, though there’s way more under the readmore including his main quest, side quest, and interview with the Journalist!

Name: Tedissifer “Tes” Troubleshoot

Pronouns: He/Him

Loves: Wambus, Triffany

Likes: Gramble, Chandlo, Floofty, Filbo, Eggabell

Neutral: Lizbert, Snorpy, Shelda, Beffica

Dislikes: Wiggle, Cromdo

Favorite Snak (To Eat): Fryder

Favorite Sauce: Ketchup

Character Ideas

+Has a pet Bunger (named Lil’ Mac) that’s been following him around since he arrived on the island. Snorpy helped him put a bow-tie on him to keep him from accidentally getting captured by Lizbert (the bow-tie has a tracking device/trap neutralizer installed in it). Tes goes to the edge of Snaxburg every night to visit Mac, but after completing his side quest, Mac moves in with him and Gramble, and follows him around during his morning routine.

+Wants to be helpful, but oftentimes just comes off as annoying/tiresome, leading to most of the other grumps avoiding him, save for his friends and relatives.

+He can usually be found either petting the Snax in Gramble’s pen, or visiting his aunt and uncle around town. Sits on the ground in front of the campfire every night beside Wambus.

+He has a lot of repressed issues due to a sense of hopelessness from watching Wambus and Triffany lose their farm; his personal quest helps him open up about this to the journalist.

+Through his personal quest, Tes attempts to please both Wambus- who he admires and loves- and Gramble- who's taught him to tame Bugsnax- leading to an altercation between the two older grumps that Tes has to resolve. In the aftermath, Wambus relents and allows Tes to keep his Bunger/help Gramble with the rest of his Bugsnax, opening the town to having more snax as Tes convinces Gramble to let at least a few be available to eat for emergencies.

Main Quest Tie-in (takes place after Small Celebration!)

(Note: I’m following the format of the IGN/Bugsnax Wiki page for character side quests, so that’s why things may be worded weird.)

Summary: During the fight between Gramble and Wambus during Small Celebration, Gramble mentions that the only person who isn’t a “hungry maniac” isn’t back in town, and that he wishes it was him who came back and not Wambus, prompting Wambus to warn him to stay away from his nephew. The next morning, Filbo suggests that the Journalist try to find Tes, as he can help Gramble keep the Snax well taken care of in his barn.

Find Tes: Filbo said something about Wambus’s nephew being able to help Gramble with his barn. I should be able to find him somewhere back in Flavor Falls. Objective: return to Flavor Falls and search for Tes.

Lil’ Mac: There’s a weird Bunger wearing a bowtie that’s running around Flavor Falls. I should catch it for Gramble’s barn! Objective: catch the mysterious Bunger.

Escape Arsonist: Despite having caught the Bunger in my Snaktrap, the trap rejected the Snak and let it loose. This is no ordinary Bunger! Objective: follow the Bunger and find out it’s secrets.

Where There’s A Will: I followed the Bunger to a  secret encampment, but it disappeared behind a makeshift wall that I can’t get through. If I can make it to the other side, I might be able to find Tes. Objective: find a way past the wall.

Tes Craves Flavor

Inferiority Complexion: Tes seems eager to return to Snaxburg, but he’s embarrassed to come back when he has nothing to show for his time away. I can relate. Objective: catch and feed 2 Baja Tacroach.

It’s The Inside That Counts: Apparently certain snax don’t taste very good to Tes, but he has an idea on how to “fix” them. Objective: collect 10 hot sauce and catch 1 Inchwrap.

Seasons Is The Reason: Tes has discovered how to change the flavors of Bugsnax, but he wants to experiment some more. Objective: collect 5 ketchup, 5 ranch, and 1 Fryder.

Get Tes Back to Snaxburg: Now that Tes has a handle on his new discovery, it might be a good time to convince him to go home. Objective: convince Tes to go back to Snaxburg.

Side Quest (takes place after Ghost Stories)

Summary: Tes wants Wambus and Gramble to get along so he can stop feeling like he’s choosing a side, leading him to enlist the Journalist’s help to make it seem like they’re doing nice things for each other. After feeding a Crystal Sweetiefly to Wambus (his favorite) and donating a Sweet Fryder and BBQ Bunger to Gramble (they seem like Wambus-like gifts), the two of them get into another scuffle, forcing Tes to come clean about the plot. Both Grumpuses end up being disappointed in him, leading Tes to consider leaving town again, since he thinks they hate him now. After some convincing from the Journalist (and creating some more Bugsnax variants as make-up gifts) Tes invites Wambus and Gramble to the campfire for a late night talk. Tes finally tells both men the truth; that he loves to eat Bugsnax, but still thinks they can be tamed and kept as pets. He goes on to admit that their fights have been making him feel like he needs to pick between them, but he just can’t bring himself to do so, as he loves them both. While they still aren’t anything close to friends, Wambus and Gramble agree to try tolerating each other better, both for the sake of Snaxburg and their relationships with Tes.

Tes Finds Compromise: Tes looks upset about something. I should probably see what’s bothering him. Objective: speak with Tes.

Family Knows Best: Tes is frustrated with how much Wambus and Gramble hate each other, and wants to find a way for them to get along. Obviously, this means I have to do most of the heavy lifting. Objective: Catch and feed 1 Crystal Sweetiefly to Wambus, then tell him it’s from Gramble.

Roommates Know Better: With Wambus’s gift having gone so well, Tes wants to give Gramble something, too. Hopefully he has something good in mind. Objective: Catch and donate 1 Sweet Fryder and 1 BBQ Bunger, then tell Gramble they’re from Wambus.

More Than He Can Chew: It looks like there’s a commotion at the front gate involving Gramble and Wambus. This can’t be good. Objective: Witness the confrontation between Wambus and Gramble.

Honesty Is The Best Policy: Thanks to Tes’s (stupid) idea, both Gramble and Wambus are giving him the cold shoulder. I should try to patch this out before there’s another fight. Objective: Talk to Gramble and Wambus, then meet them at the campfire anywhere from 10PM-12AM.

INTERVIEW DIALOGUE

Journalist: Who are you?

Tedissifer: I’m Wambus and Tiffany’s nephew! 

Journalist: Can I get a little bit more than that, namely a... name?

Tedissifer: Oh, sorry ‘bout that; I’m Teddisiffer Troubleshoot, though most everybody ‘round here calls me Tes :3

Journalist: Why come to Snaktooth Island?

Tedissifer: Truth be told, it didn’t interest me that much when I heard about it on the news- figured it was nothin’ but fairy tales ‘n gossip- but then I heard that my uncle was going, so I got in touch with him and, well, I suppose the rest speaks for itself.

Journalist: Are you and your uncle close?

Tedissifer: Grump yes we are; he’s been my idol ever since I was a pup! Every summer my folks would send me ‘n my siblings over to Uncle Wamb’s to help with the farm... also it was nice to get a break from us for a season. Can’t say I’m particularly bitter about it or nothin’; those summers were the best days of my life!

Journalist: Let’s circle back; what are your thoughts on Bugsnax?

Tedissifer: They’re pretty grumpin’ tasty, if I do say so myself! Tricky to catch ‘n swallow, ‘specially when they're so darn cute, but they’re worth the trouble.

Journalist: Any info on Lizbert?

Tedissifer: Sorry to say, but my well of knowledge is as dry as it gets with her. We got along perfectly fine when she was around- as fine as acquaintances can be- but truth be told, I’m not much for talkin’ to newcomers unless they're aimin’ to stay awhile, and she just wasn’t built for that like her partner was. To each their own, I reckon.

Journalist: What about her partner Eggabell?

Tedissifer: Aw, Eggsy’s the sweetest! She’ll chew you like a snak if you go 'n rough yerself up real bad, but she’s great company! I used to sit by the fire with her ‘n chat the night away with all kinds ‘a stories, mostly ‘bout our lives before we settled out ‘ere. She may not be an adventurer like her missus, but I honestly think she’s way tougher, at least in the brain. I reckon she’s only gotten tougher out there, wherever she’s off to.

Journalist: What happened to Snaxburg?

Tedissifer: What didn’t happen? As soon as Elizabert ‘n Eggsy vanished, everyone up ‘n lost their grumpin’ marbles, even Uncle Wamb! Sure, we had less food without ‘em around, ‘n no one’s all that good at huntin’, ‘specially compared to Elizabert, but we shoulda been just fine with sauce.

Journalist: How can a community only survive on condiments?

Tedissifer: Grumpit, I don’t know, but we weren’t as helpless as everybody made it out to be! ...Look, I know I’m young ‘n all, ‘n I haven't been through nearly as much as most of these Grumps, but you’d  think we coulda held it together for at least a week or so, right? Grump knows me ‘n my kin have survived through worse, and we’ll do it again if we gotta!

Journalist: What do you mean by that? What else have you survived?

Tedissifer: Um… nothin’, forget I said anything.

END INTERVIEW

Journalist: We’re just about finished here; any closing remarks?

Tedissifer: Actually, yeah... before I forget, Eggsy told me somethin’ important before she went missin’; said she was headin’ up to the mountain to “prove herself”, or somethin’ like that. I wanted to stop her, but she looked so happy ‘n excited... supposed that’s gonna haunt me ‘til I’m dead. I figure you're gonna look for ‘er, right? Lemme draw ya up a map, try ta give ya a good idea where to search. And, by the way... thanks. For everything. Some ‘a us ‘round here aren’t very good at sayin’ as much, but I’m not afraid to be appreciative. Good luck with your investigation!

Oh my g-d that was so much, why tf did I type all this out?? I doubt this’ll get any traction, but at least I can share my unhinged rants with my bro and his fiance. To anyone whose read this far, I love you <3

[bugsnax-community-questions]

Bugsnax Community Questions ~ Poll #5

Everyone knows escape from snaxburg- everyone loves escape from snaxburg. We all love the different osts all jammed up into one during the epic final battle.

[cyberaxolotl]

Bad Flesh

TWs: Corpses, graphic cannibalism, death, gory

Illustrations: None in fic, one here

AO3 Alternative

Fic below the cut

A community.

That was one word that could be used to describe the Snaxburg of the past. A community of people, who, while not all of them got along, didn’t truly wish harm on each other. The journalist fed everyone, and in turn, each grump supported their neighbor. Spare sauce for the vegans and the allergic, knit a blanket for the cold winter, start a fire and a conversation.

Dreary. Dark. Empty.

That was the state of Snaktooth Island in the present.

After the bugsnax had made their ravages on the grumpuses of Snaxburg, their world turned upside down. The ground made way and split apart to reveal what the island was made of, and with it, the bugsnax became violent.

But they didn’t want to convert the grumpuses into them- they were hungry. Ravenous. They’d crawl down your throat and you wouldn’t turn into them. They’d eat you from the inside out, leaving you as a shell of bone, muscle, and fat, with no guts inside. And afterwards, they’d nibble off your skin through your fur.

The journalist managed to light the air balloon and escape. They promised they’d get help. They’d come back for everyone so long as they survived long enough. But that was the hard part.

Sauce wasn’t nutritious, and nobody wanted anything to do with bugsnax. They weren’t even around anymore, as though they’d left to hibernate after having their biggest meals. There was nothing to eat… or was there?

It was mid-day, eleven days after the journalist had left. Chandlo was starving, but residual energy from his last bulking session kept him going. “Snorpy?” He called out, walking into the cabin. They’d returned to their home in the woods after the massacre, a place that had become deafeningly quiet without the creatures' songs to be sung.

Snorpy was not as lucky. He was in poor physical shape before, with breathing trouble and bad bone and muscle health, and without the previously consistent source of energy, he’d become violently unwell. He’d been bedridden for five days by then.

He barely moved to look at his boyfriend. “I got sauce. From every plant on the mountain.” Chandlo said, walking over with a basket in his arms. Like he said, it was full of fresh peanut butter.

The engineer smiled softly. “Thank you, Chandlo.” He noticeably struggled to sit up on his own, but tried nonetheless.

But his boyfriend could tell he wasn’t satisfied by what he saw. “Eat what you can from all of this.” He put the basket on the table, “I’m going to get you something good. I promise I’ll come back with more than just sauce.” With that, he turned around.

“Don’t-“ Snorpy started, getting his attention. “…You know there’s nothing else.” He said weakly. “Don’t leave me alone.”

Chandlo’s heart sank at those words. He didn’t want to leave his lover alone again. Not when he was weak. But he had to. “I’ll find a way. I’ve spent my life trying to protect you and I’m not going to fail before Scarla comes back and helps us.” He turned back to the door, “I’ll be back soon, okay?”

He felt his boyfriend’s weak gaze on his back. “…Okay.” He heard, hearing a sauce pod be picked from the pile. With that, he left, shutting the door tight behind him.

He wasn’t going to find what he was looking for on the mountains. He knew what he wanted was horrible, but everyone would understand, wouldn’t they? Being driven to the edge of his grumpmanity? And it wasn’t like he’d be the one hurting anybody, he’d just be… making the most of his resources.

Walking down the bridge to Snaxburg, it was as he expected. A massacre. Huts had fallen apart to leave charred wooden blanks on the ground, the research tent was torn to shreds, and the mill that he called his home had collapsed. The only thing that managed to go unchanged was the firepit, not moved, not touched, and still a perfect stone circle.

He felt the first wave of nausea come over him. Spells of dizziness had become regular in starvation, but it was worse now that he could smell one thing.

Rotting flesh.

Walking into the town and knowing that there’d be bodies, and immediately smelling them, gave him a sense of nausea and horror that could not be rivaled. But the bodies were what he was there for. As he walked into town, he wondered which one he’d see first, who the unlucky soul whose body was left to rot in the open would be. And he wondered if they’d be worthwhile to stop at.

“-!” Chandlo’s answer came faster than he expected, and more suddenly than he wanted.

Filbo’s body had been slung over a fallen pole, mouth hanging open and eyes wide with permanent terror. The color had long since left his face and eyes, but with no bugs to feast on his remains, he was almost untouched on the outside. Almost, except for the patches of missing skin and fur that had fallen to the ground, being nibbled away by the straggling bugsnax before they left.

The athlete stood there and stared. They had fled to the mountains before they could watch the bugsnax’s feast at its fullest, they had not seen the extent of the bloodshed, and he wished he never had.

He noticed another one. Past Filbo was Beffica, her body pinned under the wreckage of a hut. She was in a similar state with her mouth agape, missing some color, and missing some skin. He didn’t want to look for bodies anymore, his goal was to find one that’d sustain them the longest, and he felt like he had.

With a gulp, he walked past Filbo. Despite his faltering strength, he picked a plank of wood off of Beffica, leaving her uncovered. He tossed it aside as he bent down.

“Am I really doing this..?” He muttered, kneeling beside her. Her eyes stared endlessly up at the sky, her body stiff and ever so cold. He didn’t get a response from her or himself. He couldn’t bear to make another sound or think any clear thoughts as he grabbed her paw, which had sharper claws than he did. It was the only way to get through her to what he really needed.

But why did he choose Beffica over Filbo? It was simple. Filbo was lean, skinny, and while he was tall, he wasn’t very big. Beffica might’ve been short, but she was fat. Meat off of her body would be rich, and Chandlo knew that.

He drove one of her claws into her arm, using her own paw as a blade. He scratched down her flesh, watching blood come out, but he didn’t think about it. He couldn’t think about it. It’d drive him away from what he had to do. Once a line was drawn, he dropped her paw, using his own paws. He peeled apart her flesh, keeping his eyes on the layers. He had to strip her of her skin while taking out her thickest parts.

He grabbed her paw again. Using her claw, he wedged the tip under her skin, snapping all that connected her muscle and fat to it. He couldn’t stop looking. He couldn’t start thinking. He peeled back her skin himself then messily scooped out her flesh, feeling his paw lightly tap a bone, but he couldn’t focus on that.

He realized then that he needed somewhere to put it. He couldn’t carry all of that meat in his arms, he needed a basket, and the closest place to get a basket would be… the barn.

Standing up, Chandlo took a deep breath, holding back his emotions. He had started, he had to keep going. Turning around, he walked down the path to central Snaxburg, past Filbo, and down the east path.

The barn was in shambles. The door had managed to stay standing in its frame, but that didn’t matter when the walls to its sides had collapsed. The roof had fallen off of the rest of the building, sliding into the river and jamming the water wheel.

He stared at the collapsed building and at his own fallen home. He remembered playing his part in building the community, making huts for everybody… That was over a year ago.

“-!” He jumped when he kicked something heavy while walking. He looked down with a hard fear in his heart, unsure of who he’d see now.

Triffany. He gulped down the lump in his throat, looking down the path to her hut. Wambus. Shelda. And a little further down, Wiggle.

The sight of Shelda hit him a little harder than all the others. With a sharp breath, he stepped over the corpse that he had hit, stumbling shakily over to the barn. He had to do it.

He had to do it.

Entering what used to be the home of a good friend, he looked around. Hay from the enclosures had been scattered around the floor, fence posts wedged into impossible places, and scraps of fabric and knitting tools were thrown everywhere.

Avoiding splinters and reaching the stairs, he looked up. Through where the roof once was, he could see the sun. Dull and weak.

When he walked up the stairs, a different sight greeted him. Gramble, curled up in bed.

“Gramble..?” He asked, unsure. He didn’t get a response. He could see a woven basket in the corner, but his priorities changed temporarily. The idea of someone else being alive had surprised him. “Gramble?” He asked again, walking up to the bed.

No response. The pink mouse didn’t move. When Chandlo put his paw on him, he was cold. “...” His eyes widened with a sharp inhale, unsettled. But if Gramble was untouched by the bugsnax, the only conclusion was that he succumbed to weakness already.

With a sickened mind, he turned around, picking up the woven basket. The bodies of those who he’d previously been friends with, previously been a community with, made it harder and harder for him to focus. But in a way, it gave him more determination to keep going. If not for them, then to keep Snorpy alive.

He avoided staring down the paths as he exited the barn, walking with his gaze forward and shoulders tense. Every little sound had started getting to him, the water flowing, the wood creaking, the wind howling, it became louder the more time he spent alone. It put thoughts in his head to stifle the silence.

It wouldn’t have to be like that forever. He hoped, after that day, he’d never have to “hunt” like that again. The journalist had made a promise eleven days ago, they’d come back, and all who survived would be brought back into society. But that made another worry strike his mind.

Who had survived beside him and Snorpy? The only grumpuses he hadn’t found dead were Eggabell, Floofty, and Cromdo. Had they fled to other parts of the island too? Were they living off of whatever sauce they could get their paws on? He felt bad, it certainly wouldn’t be pleasant to live off of hot sauce, but then again, maybe it’d be more enriching than just peanut butter.

Chandlo put the basket down on the ground when he reached Beffica’s body. He kneeled down to reach in and scoop out the flesh of her arm, separated from her fur, and place it in the basket. It fell with a wet squelch, a sound that ran shivers up his spine, but he kept going. He parted her skin further up her arm, tearing out muscle and fat in chunks, and putting them in the basket.

What would raccoon meat taste like? Would it be like anything he’d ever had before? Was he supposed to try some before he went to Snorpy? He looked into the basket at the thick clumps of flesh, bloodily red and raw, and considered his options. Should he cook it in the fireplace at home? Should he get some sauce from what was left of Wambus’s garden? He couldn’t dream of eating meat with chocolate or peanut butter, but maybe cheese sauce or ranch would help the taste. Maybe cheese sauce or ranch would help him forget what he was eating.

Sometimes, he liked tangy, so ranch would be his option. But what would Snorpy’s be? He searched his memories for tastes he knew his boyfriend liked, and it wasn’t hard when they’d known each other for several decades. ‘Cheese sauce.’ He thought, ‘I remember him asking for it when we were kids.’

He let the thoughts of his childhood distract him as he cut and carved away at Beffica’s body, harvesting until the basket was full enough.

Chandlo looked into the basket. The sight of so much raw, bloody, messy flesh was disorientingly gross, especially when he’d made little effort to get clean cuts rather than hunks of meat. He hoped it’d look better cooked, or smothered in sauce, or anything. At least it wasn’t recognizable as Beffica’s.

He picked it up as he stood, taking one more glance at the corpse beside him. He’d removed extensive amounts of flesh from her arms, leaving points of exposed bone and empty peeled away skin, but she was untouched other than one arm. He could feel her aged blood caked in his paws, reaching all the way up to his elbows, a visual reminder of his faltering morals. He’d need to bathe before he went inside.

Walking over to the other side of town again, he needed to make his selection of sauces. Wambus’s corpse was in the dead center of the garden, lying on his front, in a position like he had fallen while running. Chandlo felt guilty at the sight, like if he had stayed longer without fleeing, maybe he could’ve saved somebody. Anybody. But the whole reason he was in that wrecked town was to save the one person he could.

He picked the ripe cheese sauce off of its stalks, putting them opposite in the basket to the meat. With nobody there to tend the plants, he doubted he’d get more than the five from each plant. Next to it, he added ranch to his basket, then stopped for a moment. That was his chance to try it.

With a gulp, he picked up a white pod, putting the basket down. He took one of the smaller hunks of muscle and fat, squishing it so that it mixed more, then burst the pod into it. When he’d squeezed the last of the sauce out of it, he mixed it in the rest of the way.

He felt sick to his stomach staring at the new hunk of “food” that he’d made. The white had discolored the bloody red into a pink, making it look even more raw, but he couldn’t worry over looks. Something to eat was something to eat, and he shut his eyes before stuffing it into his mouth.

The ranch was overpowering any other flavor that could’ve possibly been there. He felt lucky in a way, to not taste raw meat, but nauseous in another. He really could pass the body of another grumpus as food.

With a swallow, he picked the basket back up, feeling a new sense in his body. Maybe it was having something in his stomach for the first time in over a week. Maybe it was knowing the “something” was once somebody he knew. He didn’t care to find out as he turned around and headed for the path out of Snaxburg and up the mountain.

Chandlo stopped before the incline up to the cabin, standing beside the pond. He kneeled before it, and for a moment, he wanted to pray. He splashed the water from his paws up to his arms, the blood washing away, but only slowly. A reminder of his violence. A reminder of his failure.

In a minute, he was clean, but wet. There was no use in trying to dry himself anywhere but beside the fire, and feeling as ready as he could be, he picked up the basket and started heading home.

He opened the door. “Snorpy?” He asked, stepping in. He could see that only a few peanut butter pods were missing off of the top of the old basket, and felt a little worried. “Snorpy?” He asked again, placing the basket by the door.

“I’m awake.” Those two words washed away his worries. Snorpy turned over, laying on his side, looking nothing short of exhausted.

“I got something.” The athlete picked the basket up, walking across the room. “I’ll have it ready soon.” He stopped at the fire, looking behind him.

“What is..?” He heard his boyfriend sit up. “What is that?”

“It’s the best thing I could get.” He said, trying to hide the guilt in his voice. He grabbed a nearby metal bowl, one that had hooks attached, and placed it over the fireplace. He could feel eyes on him as he picked out the first chunk of meat, burst a cheese pod onto it, and left it over the fire.

Snorpy already understood the implications of what had been done. He didn’t want to know what it was, but it was undeniable; it was another grumpus. He didn’t need to know who. There was no other source of meat on that island. He felt unruly for accepting it so fast, but he’d do anything to have his energy back, and have his stomach full.

They waited in silence as it cooked, not looking at each other, not saying a word. Just watching the flames sear the flesh of someone they knew. Was this acceptance, or was it madness? Neither of them could tell. Neither of them wanted to.

When it was done, Chandlo picked the hook out of the fireplace, picking up a small wooden square. He dumped the cooked, cheese-mixed meat onto it, smoothing it out a little with the bowl, then turning around. “The first one is yours.” He said quietly, holding his arm out.

The rabbit took it with dull eyes, looking into it. It was leaking some kind of juice, one that was too red to be melted cheese, and it dizzied his mind to see it. He realized it would be better not to think while he ate, and just to eat without care. If it would fill his stomach, he would need it, so he tilted his head back and let it fall into his mouth.

Chandlo could hear his boyfriend grunt in disgust. He looked back with tired eyes, seeing distaste and vitriol in Snorpy’s expression, and realized that the taste of cheese would be far more mild than ranch would. “I’m sorry.” The athlete let out blankly.

Snorpy swallowed quickly. “I’ve… tasted worse.” He groaned, putting the wooden platter down. It simultaneously soothed his aching stomach, and made it churn at the same time. “Can I ask… who it was?” There was more fear in his eyes than before when he said that.

“It wasn’t Floofty.” Chandlo immediately knew what he was looking for. “Or Gramble. Or Egg.” Those were the three he knew he’d care for.

He relaxed, but only a little. He knew it wasn’t those three, and he figured it wasn’t Shellsy either. “You had to have gone into Snaxburg for this. Did you see them?”

He was disappointed to see a shaking head. “Not Floofty or Egg. Gramble…” He drifted off, turning back to the fire.

“…I see.” The rabbit looked down at the platter, seeing the liquid reflect the firelight. Part of him was disgusted that he’d eaten the flesh of another grumpus. Part of him was just glad it wasn’t someone he loved.

“Another piece is done.” Chandlo said, reaching back for the platter. “You need it more than me.”

Snorpy took a deep breath, knowing he was right. “You’ll have to eat too,” He tried to fight, “I need to settle my stomach.”

“I don’t like cheese.” The athlete’s eyes became a little worried. “I’ll eat the next one.”

He handed the platter back, letting the meat be placed onto it. Neither of them liked how bad the circumstances had become, but they had no idea how long they’d be there anymore. They had to fill their stomachs while they had the chance.

And an hour later, they’d both had as much as they could stand.

“How do you feel?” Chandlo asked, standing up and walking over to the bedside.

“As good as I can for having cannibalized somebody.” Snorpy sighed. “…But I’ll probably have more energy in the morning.”

“I'm sure everyone will get it.” The athlete said, speaking what he hoped was true.

“…” His boyfriend had no response. “…Chandlo?” He asked quietly.

“Yeah?” He prompted, the two looking into each other's eyes.

“They’re waiting for you. You have to wake up.”

“-!”

Chandlo gasped as his eyes opened wide.

He was staring up at the sun, a big, beautiful sky, and hearing the waves crashing nearby him. The journalist was kneeling beside him, leaning over him and looking down at him.

“We’ve got movement!” They yelled, looking behind them. Then, they turned back to him. “Hey, big guy, you feeling okay?”

He looked at the grumpus beside him, unsure of what was going on. “…What?” He asked. Was that all… a dream? He hadn’t really eaten anyone’s body?

“Ah, jeez, you’re all messed up. You’re on the beach outside New Grump City.” They explained, putting their paw behind him. “Come on, sit up before you choke on your spit.”

He was forced to a sitting position, looking out at the open ocean. He could see Snaktooth Island in the distance. “…What happened?” He turned to them and asked.

“It was a massacre, man. I dunno what happened after I left, but you were in hysterics, and almost everyone was dead.” They shrugged, looking past him. “The only ones of you I found alive were you four.”

He looked to where they were gazing. Eggabell was sitting on a log with her head in her paws, Floofty was pacing around mumbling to themself, and Cromdo was looking at the ocean with a numbed expression. “Where’s Snorpy-?” He turned to them.

“…” They paused, looking at him worriedly.

“Scarla, where’s Snorpy-?” He sat up further, expression scrunching.

“He, uh…” They looked away, eyebrows furrowing. “We aren’t really sure, but given I found Beffica dismembered and a lot of meat in your cabin, something to do with cannibalism. Floofty said something about corpses decomposing to the point where they’re pretty much pure poison.” Chandlo’s eyes widened. “I guess the bugsnax made Beffica hit that point quicker, and Snorpy didn’t know that. It was like she had bad flesh.”

“…” He looked to the ocean again, his mind numbing.

“I’m surprised you didn’t know what happened. You were hysterical on the cabin floor when we found you.”

“I thought it was a dream.” He let out.

“…Huh?” They looked intently at him.

He wasn’t having a dream.

It wasn’t just a dream.

He was reliving a memory.

And it explained the full feeling in his stomach.

[yandere--stuck]

So you said that snorpy would insist you shouldnt leave snaxburg anymore, would he ever force you to stay??? Because if he did imagine if you started trying to sneak out to keep investigating/exploring.

Also lord imagine after the ending. After everyone has to escape and everything.

I think ive got a sudden hyperfixation lmao

!! You sneaking out to complete tasks for other grumpuses or further tour investigation into Lizbert 's disappearance, only to be startled by the sounds of Snorpy screaming your name. He'll crash into you, hugging you tight as he babbles about how much he missed you and how worried he was, and dragging you (or asking for Chandlo's help) home, saying something about danger and The Grumpinati.

And Post-Snaktooth? He still has you bugged, of course - along with your whole house! He has schematics of your home on his conspiracy board, along with a layout of your schedule, various pictures of you, mad scrawlings about how much he loved you and needed you and how he had to protect you!

Soon, he'd put his plans into motion, keeping you safe and sound with him and Chandlo, protected from the dangers of The Grumpinati and the rest of the outside world. Finally, you'd be truly safe and all theirs.

(Also feel free to send any more ideas whenever you want, I love talking about this game ^^)

[onetrickjeffrey]

Jaythony Simmersound Interview

Thank you so much to @cheesesteakphil for the amazing interview sketch! It really helped me figure out the final holes in this, on top of just looking amazing! Phil still has 2 comm slots open as of the time I'm writing this, so please consider supporting her!

Interview below cutoff! I've been excited to get some of this written down for the longest time! A little more purply and indulgent than these things are supposed to be I think, but it was fun 💖

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("Hello?")

The Grumpus gives no acknowledgment, relaxing in the field in front of Cromdo's hut with his eyes lazily shut. Headphones are wrapped over his head as vague, abrasive sound leaks from its earmuffs.

("*AHEM* Um, excuse me?")

Again, no response. None of the sights and sounds of Snaxburg are able to permeate his senses.

(The journalist gives a slight tap of the foot to the grumpus' side )

"Ugh, come on, Cromdo. You and I both know it hasn't been fifteen minutes y-" The grumpus pauses as his eyes focus on the journalist towering above him. Realizing his mistake, his perturbed frown turns to a lackadaisical smile. "Oh hey! The journalist from the gorge, right?"

("The very same. Did you have time for an interview?")

"Well, this is like the only time old Mr. Face gives me to myself all day…but you did us a pretty big solid when we were melting back there. It's only right to return the favor."

("Who are you?")

"Call me Jaythony. Simmersound! Grump State alum, math and finance whiz…professional number cruncher is probably the best way to put it! Well, all that's what I put on the resume, at least. I'm really just some guy who likes the sun and some tunes. You see that Wiggle Wigglebottom's here? Crazy, right?? A lot of deep cuts on that album of hers…"

("...Why come to Snaktooth Island?")

"Well…it's where my job took me. Not much more to it than that, really."

("A Grump State degree and financial skills got you…a job at Cromdo-Mart?")

An anxious wince breaks through Jaythony's casual demeanor. "Weird job market, right? That's one thing they don't really prepare you for in the lecture hall, heh…"

("Isn't Cromdo-Mart a bit of a shady venture for a fresh graduate?")

Jaythony's gaze turns to the ground in defeat. "I…guess I'm not giving you the full story. Cromdo-Mart was a…spur-of-the-moment choice I took. My career, my whole life in New Grump City, wasn't really going the way I planned. I needed an out.

("Fired?")

"No, I quit. I was fresh meat at one of the top banks in the city. I had the skills and the background to make my way up the totem pole. But I…"

("You what?")

Jaythony shrugs. "I hated it. I made it, did everything I was told to do growing up, got all the good marks and the recommendations, got the dream job…and I grumping hated it. It shatters a dude, y'know? Not realizing the miserable kind of life you were preparing yourself for. After a month of trudging through it, I couldn't handle it. I rushed out of my cube and out the door. Didn't look back - no two-weeks-notice or anything.

("And Plan B was Snaktooth?")

"I guess that's where fate came in. I ran out the skyscraper, desparate to escape to…anywhere, really…but I didn't get too far. This gruff, shady, and pretty grumping old fellow stopped me right outside the revolving doors. He gave a clearly rehearsed pitch about some groundbreaking business opportunity in an exotic land, in the world of - and I quote - "superfood". Any other day, I wouldn't have wasted a second of my time on the crazy old man…but the very sight of New Grump City was making my stomach churn. I packed up my clothes, the tin cans on my head, and a good bit of my record collection, and we headed out in two days' time."

("What exactly IS your job at Cromdo-Mart?")

"Mr. Face titles me the 'C.F.O. of Cromdo-Mart'. In reality, I'm sitting at a beat-up wagon and taking inventory on the same 4 pieces of junk lying around like it's my summer Grump-Mart job from when I was fifteen."

("And the pay?")

"Let me put it to you this way: you know those multivitamin gummies they make for kids? Shaped like little grumpuses? 2 bottles of those make up the 'Cromdo-Mart competitive healthcare plan'. I asked about a 401k and he told me there was 'no way he was running that far'. Probably should've read the fine print, or lack thereof…"

("Thoughts on Bugsnax?")

"I'll give the old man one thing: he really wasn't kidding about the 'superfood'. Pretty amazing, aren't they? I had a bit of a scare trying out my first razzby - ran to Eggabell like a lost child when my nose turned all fruity. She didn't really like me wasting her time like that; faded away after a few days anyhow."

("Why did you leave town?")

"Wasn't my choice, really. Place was falling apart at the seams, and I don't think anyone was really keen on parading around with the Cromdo-Mart lacky, especially after Beffica called out Mr. Face on his…you know…theft."

("Can you blame them?")

"Buddy, please, can you trust me on one thing? I'm no conman. I'm just…trying to find some new reason out here. I haven't done any of the shady stuff Cromdo gets up to." He sighs. "But I did follow him to the gorge. Might as well stay on the payroll." He pauses, then continues with a chuckle. "Heh, it's funny: The guy probably thought he was getting some big-shot financier to launder his money and dodge his taxes for him. Instead, he got some aimless, unemployed twenty-something. Weird twist of fate, huh?" (He attempts to prolong his smile, but is clearly unamused by his own joke)

("Any info on Lizbert?")

"I tried to stay out of Lizbert's way for the most part. We both knew I was out of my element on this trip. She didn't say it - didn't even really imply it - but I think we both knew I wasn't meant to be here. I was more familiar with Eggabell, but even then, can't say I have much info..." (He pauses, fidgeting the headphones back and forth on his neck) "Though Eggabell said something weird when she was checking out my snakked-up nose. The way she described these Bugsnax…seemed almost l-"

(Cromdo's voice echoes out from his hut, "DING-DING kid! Recess is over. And get those dumb things off your neck for once! Scarin' away customers when you look like a grumpin' space station!")

Jaythony winces at Cromdo's gravelly orders, but returns a smile to the journalist. "Meet up with me around the campfire when my shift ends. We can keep this going then."

("Fair enough. Thanks for your time.")

Jaythony reaches up to his headphones, but stops before he can comply with Cromdo's order. "Eh...Not THAT desperate for the gig." He lowers his hands and returns to behind the dilapidated market wagon, his blasé expression contrasting hard with the carefree guise he had before the journalist cut his escapist travels short.

[funkbun]

how was it when the queens became, well, queens? how did it happen and how did they reign?

Based on what Lizbert stated in game, the process of becoming a snakqueen is… bad it's fuckin baaad, it's an awful experience. Like they fall down into the Undersnax, probably break multiple bones after that fall, have hundreds of snax shove themselves down their throat, trying to speedrun the snakification death thing. Buuuut, if a grumpus is somehow strong enough, they won't end up dying and instead make the snax into themselves, basically getting queened. So yea, bad experience.

With Queen 1, she became queen during one of the Stone Grumpus Snax Ceremonies (I'll get an actual name for it one day lol). These are once a month events Stone Grumpus communities did that end in the sacrifice of one random grumpus chosen by the matriarch as a "Thank you" to the bugsnax. Queen 1 (or Alabee at this time) hasn't gone to one of these ceremonies in years, so when she is the one chosen she feels extremely betrayed and attacks her matriarch who she respected for almost her entire life.

During that fight (beautifully drawn below), she ends up getting pushed into the Undersnax cavern, gets queened due to her extreme hatred of her matriarch and everyone who didn't do anything to help her, and passes out for a week.

After waking up, her reign was very deadly. She used her control to make the snax more aggressive (similar to how they were in the Escape from Snaxburg section), leaving Snaktooth a very dangerous place for grumpuses (but not Broken Tooth). During her 200 years of ruling, snax became less and less dangerous once Queen 1 started becoming weaker and was "rotting" (snakqueens are supposed to spend multiple years in the Undersnax to stay stable, once Queen 1 woke up she never went back in). Also grumpuses got better at fighting off snax, even if they still can't eat them. So yeah, she starts out making Snaktooth Island a living hell, didn't follow the Official Snakqueen Rules, and died having her work completely reversed by a second Funny Food Bug Lady.

With Queen 2, she willingly became a queen a few hundred years after Queen 1's death, going through the same thing as Queen 1, and once she woke up she used her snakqueen control to pacify the island's snax to a kinda unreasonable degree. She used her control to make sure that snax no longer feel the need to forcibly snakify grumpuses, thus making snakification deaths less likely to happen (they still did happen during her reign but shh shhhhhh don't worry about that, they just weren't strong enough okay Ok).

Her reign as queen wasn't bad for grumpuses at least, but her idea of making the snax completely harmless backfired almost a thousand years into her reign. You can't make an entire species completely stop doing the thing they're known for doing ma'am.

world's smartest queen

[snappjawz]

everytime i listen to escape from snaxburg the theatre kid inside my soul so DESPERATELY wants to write a lyrical adaptation to it; going chronologically through the song with each pairing through the endgame singing about their story and struggles aligned with each different leitmotif section of the song, and the bridges between each section being a ethereal and ghostly choir of either the snax or lizegg

like FUCK i cant stop thinking about this idea

[snorpdawg]

I think it’s really funny that in the “Escape from Snaxburg” segment when one character in a pair dies they show actual remorse but when Shelda dies Floofty says some Joss Whedon type beat shit

[dee-does-arts]

More WIP (part 3)

Another WIP of my Escape from Snaxburg piece. I’ll probably try to finish it tomorrow :3

[the-artist-of-chaos]

Thank you all so so so so SO MUCH for the motivation! Now, for what you all have been waiting for.

Even the toughest of grumpuses can crack.

By Bugsnax-liker

WARNING, POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR THE GAME.

It was all happening so fast. One moment, it was a big celebration party for the success of getting everyone back to snaxburg, and next thing you know, the volcano erupts, and bugsnaxs are trying to kill everyone. Wambus and Triffany were the final people to help before they could all get out of there. Wambus gripped his gardening hoe in anger, doing his best to wack away all of the parasitic foods. Triffany however..she was losing hope. Infact…she had given in. She suddenly drops the cactus that she was using to defend herself.

“Triffy?” Wambus questioned. “Well…no sense delayin’ the inevitable.” she quietly declared before suddenly letting the bugsnaxs crawl down into her mouth. Wambus could only watch in horror…he didn’t know what to do. And while he did try his best to keep anymore bugsnaxs from getting over to his partner, it was too late. Before long, Triffany was already looking sick and ill as her body parts transformed. “Triffany, are ya alright!? Why did ya do that!?” wambus shouted. Triffany gave no reply; she only smiled sadly. “Come on, we gotta get out of here before these here vermins cause more damage!” the farmer exclaimed before trying to head up to the ship. But when he noticed that Triffany wasn’t following him, he turned around, and gasped in horror.

Triffany was standing there, with tears streaming down her beautiful blue eyes. Her body was suddenly falling apart. She looked wambus, her partner, who has been by her side for almost 30 years, right in the eyes, and choked out her final words. “This is now my end…yea? I was gonna end up here, one way or another, not like it mattered anyhow…the only thing that mattered out here…is bugsnax.”

And just like that..she was gone. Her food themed remains fell onto the ground as wambus just stood there. He was shocked. He was heart broken. But most of all…he was angry. At himself. “TRIFFY! NO…t-that…that can’t be!” He told himself. But that was reality. No matter what, he knew that the diamond in his rough was now gone forever…suddenly, reality started collapsing around the poor man. Everything was fading to black as wambus held triffany’s hat close to his chest. He wanted to scream, he wanted to yell, he wanted to cry, but he somehow couldn’t. It was like his mouth was glued shut. And just like that…

“AH GRUMP-” wambus would Yelp before falling out of the bed. A small but loud thud would echo across the slightly lit room. As he sat up to regain his thoughts, He then remembered that Triffany was in fact, still alive, for that they had all escaped snaktooth in one piece. They all were now living together in one big apartment, which had about 4 floors, and wambus and Triffany were on the 2nd floor, as well as wiggle, gramble, and Filbo.

“My head…grump, that hurt like hell” he mumbled to himself. He was covered in a cold, and hard sweat, and he was trembling like a sad and wet lost kitten. But something in his head told him that he shouldn’t be acting like that, so he did his best to stop trembling and wipe the sweat off. He then picked himself off of the floor, and looked at his gorgeous wife….who was wide awake.

“Wamby dear, what are ya doin up so late? It’s almost 3 in the mornin’?” Triffany inquired. Wambus just stood there in silence, trying to figure out what to say without seeming stupid. “Well? Is somethin on your mind?” Triffany asked. Wambus would then speak. “Nope, I’m positive that I am fine, I-I just need to get…um- ! A glass of water, yea, I just woke up with dry throat, that’s all.” He explained. Triffany just stared..she knew something was off, for her husband rarely stutters.

“Glass of water, yea? Then why did I wake up to you on the floor?” she interrogated. Wambus now knew that unless he could find a way to convince her that everything was fine (Spoiler alert, NOTHING IS FINE), he was in what he thought was boiling water. Triffany waited for an answer for 1 minute. Then 2. And finally, wambus spoke again. “Well see, I rolled out of bed on accident, and it woke me up, and I realized I had a dry throat so-” “alright wambus, I don’t wanna sound mean, but you shouldn’t really lie..” those words made wambus freeze. How could Triffany tell he was lying?!

“I wasn’t lyin about anything!” Wambus exclaimed, but Triffany knew better. She knew that wambus was lying, no matter how he tried to convince her. “Wamby, hon, I ain’t dumb. Plus, ya look like you’ve seen a ghost! And you’re hands look a little clammy, yea?” She replied. Wambus would look at his hands, which were infact clammy. “Crap.” Triffany then sat up, and approached her husband. “Now to get to the bottom of this. Wambus, what’s goin on?” She demanded. Wambus didn’t answer her question, and instead, he started walking away. And Triffany was NOT having that

“Wambus, please do not walk away when I ask you a question like this, now what is wrong?” She asked, with a more stern voice than before. Wambus was as silent as a mouse. It’s almost as if he was forcing himself from telling his wife about the horrific nightmare that he encountered in his sleep. He shook his head. “I ain’t tell ya.” He mumbled. “Why not?” “Because I don’t wanna!” Soon enough, it went from talking, to squabbling. “wambus, listen to me, it’s better to tell someone about what’s wrong than to just keep it in! I ain’t taking no for an answer, so just tell me what’s wrong! Please!” She pleaded. “I already said it enough times! The answer is N O!” He barked back. Now, if his wife was different, she would’ve attacked him, or insulted him to make him talk, but no. Triffany knew that she had to convince him. And so, in a calmer voice, she said, “honey, if you think I’m gonna make fun of you, you are wrong. I promise, whatever the issue is, I will NOT treat you with disrespect..now,would you like to tell me what’s wrong?”

Those words..those calm, and beautiful words..was what finally made wambus’s hard, stubborn, and tough shell crack. He suddenly looked to the side, with a saddening expression on his face. Tears would start appearing in the corners of his beautiful dark green eyes. This concerned Triffany a little, for it was rare to see her husband tear up, let alone cry. She took wambus’s hands into her own. “Wamby…are you alright?” She asked. “N…no. I aint alrighty..at all. I..had this- this nightmare about snaktooth. We were tryin to defeat those..those vermins, and you suddenly stopped and just- it was almost as if you were sacraficin’ yerself to the damn critters! As if you were tryin to save..me. I didn’t know what else to do, a-and you just- you suddenly..”

Before he could get another word out, he started crying..this shattered triffany’s heart. “It was the worst moment I’ve ever had *hic*, nightmare or real life! You were gone, a-and I- you were dead, and I just- I felt so grumpdamn horrible because I couldnt keep you safe! It was as if it was MY fault that you were grumping dead! I’m such a damn failure!” At this point, wambus was wailing his poor heart out. That’s how much this one nightmare got to him. Triffany hugged her husband close to her, tears prickling up in her own eyes.

“Oh Wamby…I recognize how ya feel, I really do..listen to me..you always do a good- no, excellent job at keepin’ me safe, no matter how small or big the danger is! And I promise, even if I do get hurt, it’s not ever gonna be you’re fault! And you are NOT a failure! You are a successful grumpus that is sadly misunderstood by lots of people, yea?” Triffany assured before wiping wambus’s tears with her thumb. Wambus chuckled sadly and smiled. “Remember, if you ever need to talk to me, you do not need to be afraid, no matter what the topic is, understood?” Triffany stated. Wambus nodded. “Understood” he replied before yawning quietly. “Now, let’s get back to sleep, shall we?” He asked.

Triffany would nod before suddenly picking up wambus. “W-wow, yer strong…very strong” wambus complimented, blushing an emerald green. Triffany chuckled. “Of course I’m strong! And plus, I’ve picked up lots of heavy stuff back at snaktooth, ya just weren’t there to watch!” she explained as she put wambus down onto the bed before snuggling close to him. Wambus would then kiss Triffany on the forehead. “I love you very much triffy..” he whispered before dozing off to sleep. Triffany would carefully hold wambus’s hand. “I love you too Wamby” she replied, before drifting off into a quiet and peaceful slumber.

(Hi everyone! I really hope you all enjoyed my first hurt/comfort oneshot! It took about 2 days, but I’m pretty proud of it! Bai!)

Bonus-

*the next morning*

Wambus and Triffany: *snuggling*

Filbo; Um- should we wake them?

Beffica, recording: nah, ima show this at their anniversary!