#rodent tutorial

[bajingo]

Do you have any advice for drawing rodents? Any advice help as I'm having trouble drawing their faces.

Hey there! I hear you honestly, rodent faces took me forever to figure out. I will say my style is very cartoonish, and I take a lot of liberties with my characters so I can have them fit a persona, style, or look that I'm going for.

But if you'd like a quick little tutorial I'd be happy to give it!

Most important thing is to study. Look at real life rodents, look at rodent skulls. The skulls especially are the building blocks of the entire anatomy of the face.

I'm mainly going to focus on side profile of a rat for now! Pads here is a good example of how you can take the basic form of the skull and add your own style to it.

When I look at the rat skull I break it down into the separate forms. I use circles here but you could easily use rectangles and squares to assist you with the volume/depth. I like to imagine the muzzle area as one slightly stretched egg shape. When switching to front view you're looking at the egg from top down, it's almost completely round.

You can use these forms when you are sketching out the outlines to help you draw the face. The most prominent feature on rats is their large upper jaw. A lot of mammals share this trait, but on rats its more pronounced and it's far more sloped.

Here's a quick step by step. Rat/rodent heads are far more narrow and sloped downward than say a canine head, which often sports a longer more upward turned snout.

Once you have the basic of the form down you can pretty much go crazy from there! Pads here is a bit more angular and intense than say his sister Sorcha, who I've softened and made more sleek in comparison. Here's a pic of her and a few other rats!

But creating stylized characters is all about breaking rules. Once you have a basic understanding of the form, you can learn all the angles from there!

Hope this helped!

[barra400]

That image of someone aggressively holding a rodent.

Remember to squish your cat's face with care (it'll charge their ult).

[improvewithtutorials]

[felvahkiir]

Okay so, I've been seeing a lot of Undertale AU fanart that gives Sans a tail, and that's great and all but y'all keep making it look like a rat tail and I just--

Do y'all not know how to draw a tailbone? It feels like y'all don't know how to draw a tailbone so here lemme give you a little art tutorial:

^ Okay so first draw the initial shape of the tail-- make it thinner than you actually want it to be bc we'll be adding to it-- and draw curved lines along it to plot out the ends of each vertebrae. If you WANT the tail to look like it belongs on a rodent, this is where you'd stop, but we're gonna make this actually look like it belongs on a skeleton.

^ Next, draw these m-shaped bumps along both edges of the tail, connecting them with the curved vertebrae lines. It'll look better if the bumps are asymmetrical. I added little bumps on the base of the tip to connect it seamlessly with the other vertebrae, but you don't have to.

^ Erase the guidelines that made up the initial shape of the tail, making sure that the vertebrae still connect to each other properly.

^ Finally, draw a curved line beneath each vertebrae segment to represent the spinal cord/cartilage disks that separate them. Now the bones have space to bend and move without looking like they're scraping against each other.

And tada! Now you have a (somewhat) anatomically correct skeleton tail. Now please stop turning Sans into a rat I beg you

[chickenmcnuggies]

Modding Master Post

A collection of all my modding work together in one place for future reference.

Animal Crossing New Horizons:

Animal Crossing Gamecube Hourly Music

Dwarf Fortress:

Accurate Cat Graphics

Accurate Dog Graphics

Accurate Bovine Graphics

Accurate Equine Graphics

Accurate Wool Graphics

Accurate Rodent Graphics

Accurate Ungulate Graphics

Accurate Domestic Animal Graphics Compilation

Bravely Default Bestiary

Mcnuggy's Mythical Beasts

Mythical Beasts Centaur Entity Patch

Interface Tweaks Adventure Mode

Additional Races: Gnolls Graphics Update

Additional Races: Naga Graphics Update

Additional Races: Ratfolk Graphics Update

Fire Emblem: Fates:

Unofficial Gay Fates (Now managed by a new team!)

Playable Lilith Mod

Importing, Exporting, and Merging (Fates) Mods together (Tutorial)

Creating Supports with Paragon (Tutorial)

Fire Emblem: Engage:

Better Animals

Octopath Traveler (Switch):

Better Summons

Larger Monster Roster

Long Distance Banter

Side Stories Helper

Octopath Traveler ll (Switch):

Guaranteed Auto-Capture

Increased Monster Slots

Long Distance Banter

New Dawn, ver 110 Patch

Octopath Traveler Hard Mode

Octopath Troubler, ver 110 Patch

Octopuff Pot Guarantees Octopuff

Quiet Path Actions

Side Stories Helper 2

Unlimited Summons

[legendguard]

Waited until I finished the [true] teeth before uploading. Behold! The parts of Eowenah's skull! Because she isn't complicated and overly designed enough... There is *one* missing element in this (aside from the hyoids/tongue bones), a tiny bone called the pterygoid. In mammals, this is mostly reduced and sits behind the palatine. In birds, however (And Eowenah) this bone is part of a bony system that allows the upper mandible to flex, something a mammal is completely incapable of. That bone I need to wait to do until I can get the other angles of the skull done, so I can know where exactly to put it. Until then, it is excluded.

Note that most of the elements, such as the upper mandible and neurocranium, are made up of multiple different bones, but have become completely fused together - to the point that none are visible at all. So there are no visible sutures anywhere on the skull. When it comes to her skull, if it ain't mobile, it's fused. The bones that are mobile are all deeply socketed, to the point that - if the skull were somehow separated from the body - the bones would all stay connected to each other. So dislocating these joints would take a hell of a lot of force, which is important to keep the skull's strength intact. This does also mean though that there is very little flexibility around these joints, so certain movements, like moving the mandible from side to side, are pretty much impossible. Fun fact, Eowenah chews like a rodent! She moves her molars forwards and backwards instead of from side to side like we often do while chewing.

I plan on making another give showcasing the mobility/movements the skull can make... but first I have to figure out how to do that. If anyone has any advice or tutorials, feel free to shoot them my way!

You can see the DA link here: https://www.deviantart.com/legendguard/art/Anatomy-The-Parts-of-Eowenah-s-Skull-GIF-2025-1164972935

And the colored, full head and skull here: https://www.deviantart.com/legendguard/art/Anatomy-Eowenah-s-Head-Base-Colors-1165360276

[sable-dream]

I see a lot of 'diy gear' around so I'm surprised I've hardly ever seen bleach dyed shirts! They're honestly one of the coolest, easiest, and relatively inexpensive ways to make discreet gear - especially if you're like me and you can't exactly find shirts of your theriotype being sold.

Tutorial under the cut!! :3

What you will need:

A black t-shirt, preferably 100% cotton (avoid polyester and spandex)

Bleach

Water

Sidewalk/blackboard chalk, or a chalk pen

A paintbrush to apply the bleach

A disposable cup

A bit of cardboard or plastic to put under the shirt (to prevent the design from bleeding through onto the other side)

GLOVES and other safety gear (ie, a mask and goggles)

fabric paint, not puffy paint (optional but if you're heavy handed like I am it helps so you can fix screw ups)

SAFETY:

Work in a well ventilated area.

Wear gloves, goggles, and ideally a filtration mask when handling bleach.

WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly after handling the bleach and do not touch your eyes or face before washing your hands

Be mindful of chemical reactions that can occur when mixing bleach with other cleaning products - never, ever, EVER mix bleach with anything containing ammonia as it can react and create toxic chlorine gas.

Keep bleach out of the reach of pets and small children, and if you have small animals like birds or rodents, work AWAY from them as the fumes can damage their lungs.

Make sure you read the back of your bleach container so you know how to handle and dispose of it safely.

Process:

Slide the cardboard into the shirt, adjusting it so you'll be drawing on the side you want your design on.

Use the chalk to draw your design on the fabric - don't worry about screwing up here, it'll wash out later. (If you want to, you can digitally draw your design, print it out, then trace the back with chalk and press it onto the shirt to transfer the art)

Put on your safety gear (ESPECIALLY your gloves) and move to a ventilated area (I did this on my back porch)

Carefully pour some bleach into your cup, then cut it with water. Remember that the more water you add, the more of the solution you'll need to apply to get your design to show up.

Apply the solution over your sketch using your paintbrush. You might need to apply it multiple times if your bleach solution is less concentrated.

Once your satisfied with your design, let it sit for 20 minutes to allow the bleach to fully stain the fabric.

After 20 minutes, rinse out the fabric under cool water. Make sure you're wearing your gloves as you do this so you don't hurt your skin.

Wash your shirt in your washing machine by itself, otherwise the bleach might transfer to other laundry. Put it in the dryer after or hang it up to air dry.

Clean up your area, wash your paintbrush out thoroughly, throw the cup away, and then remove your gloves to scrub your hands with soap and water.

Once your shirt is clean and dry, you can use fabric paint to touch up any mistakes. I used black paint to remove excess lines and white to give my design eye shines. Follow the directions for fabric paint on the back of the bottle, as the instructions for washing it can be different. Don't use puffy paint, the touch ups will end up raised and it'll look funny.

And there you have it! :D DIY gear shirt for all your alterhuman needs >:)

[s3ashellss]

INTRO POST

Hello guys! I thought I’d make an introduction post for anyone new to this blog :D

Hello, I go by AC online, I’m -18 so if you’re an adult and uncomfortable PLEASE feel free to block me/dni, I wouldn’t want anyone feeling weird, I’m from England, use any pronouns and this is my blog where I post multifandom (!!) stuff

My other main platforms are tiktok (although after the Americans go it’s gonna be dull as hell) and Pinterest, both of which’s usernames are s3ashellss too :)

In terms of interests, I have way too many 😓 but my main ones rn are:

DHMIS

Stardew Valley (Shane, Harvey and Maru haters are NOT safe on this blog)

James Marriott, WillNE, George Memeulous and other British YouTubers but MAINLY JAMES

Stray (the silly goofy cat game)

Reading (specifically ya fantasy)

Animated movies

Animal crossing

The sims 4 (I’m a console player eugh)

I’m a newish musical theatre fan, I’ve seen: the lion king (2018), the aadams family (2022) and blood brothers (2024) (I’m actually studying this play in school for drama hehe). My current fav is wicked and I’m hyping myself up to watch a “slime tutorial” to see what happens in part 2 lmfao

Cats, axolotls, foxes, dragons (stfu I know they’re not real), rodents, southern tamanduas

I love learning about the human body and medicine. I probably would’ve been a surgeon in the future if I weren’t so squeamish and heavy handed, sort of like a Harvey sdv situation where I can’t do my dream job due to limiting factors (except he became a doctor in the end and I can’t be one effectively 😭)

In terms of other music I’m all over the place. I love artists like Olivia, Chappell, billie etc, but I also love Tyler the creator mitski and jhariah so 😭

I am a passionate writer and want to work in fiction novel writing when I get older

If you couldn’t tell, my fav school subjects are English language, English literature, drama, history and biology (the other sciences can eat dirt)

I really love furbys too theyre so funny

I make ocs and have multiple different oc universes (all linked by dilfy bisexual/gay men characters for some reason…)

I am ALL FOR fun fandom stuff like oc x canon, self shipping, cosplay etc and am not a boring toad

On this account I may swear, but I will NEVER say slurs (dream I’m looking at you fuck you), and if you do too then go please

NSFW and heavy gore posts are never gonna be posted/reblogged on this account (if I post things with blood in it I will give a warning), and please refrain from sending me any

Thank you for reading all this (if you care) and if you wanna mutual me feel free to :D

- AC :3

[bentosandbox]

Reclamation Algorithm 2 blog(???)

damn i wish i took down notes on what i did every day but i didn't so point form it is (currently on day 16)

the game calculates your score every 3 days and you get the node upgrade points to upgrade your tree and the shop currency to buy kestrel then so you can get her around day 10?

tutorial is much better this time and the little cutscenes inside the map are so cute (btw kestrel here gets attacked by a bunch of enemies after but her hp doesn't go below 1 lmao)

there's a quest tracker now lol

you have to upgrade your base ASAP from 1 to 2 to unlock the harvester so its 60+ wood you have to manually chop (+ because you also need 5 water)

crabby pumpies now have an expiry timer, you can upgrade them to last longer

everything generally is more expensive to make (like im only making my first wall on day 15, prob skill issue though) i've only fought a raid at base like... once and i was trying to finish them off before but i fumbled hehe. anyw my base is literally just 4 rice planters (you start with 1 and my current cap is 4) and like.. nothing else other than a platform atm its so dire

you can use crude gold to repair your base, it's easier to get them now but repairs aren't super cheap anyways

they really want you to use ALL your ops/raise more, the new stamina system basically requires you to have 2 'bottles' that are 60 units each for every battle you enter, and you can bring 6 units, or 12 units if you have 3 bottles, and you can only use a unit once every day

also they killed off some recipes (but apparently they added a LOT more so you'll get mystery (failed) dishes that give you 60 when you recycle it for juice (eg. triple rice isn't a recipe anymore)

there are now 3 outposts? around your base that enemy raids will pass through before reaching your base which is nice but also one of their layout looks like

i need walls man

my game crashed on day 9 upon entering a map and it basically forced me to day 10, but i could rollback to day 7 which was nice

these new rodent enemies are so cute

[dirty-c0yot3]

Hello! Do you have any coyote tips? BTW love ur user!

Thank you so much !! And i gotchu ^^ 1. Go on nature walks or go camping (if you have a therian/supportive friend, have them go with you! coyotes are very social) 2. Try hunting plushies like fish, rabbits, squirrels, and mice and any other rodents 3. Make a den in your bed (you can find tutorials on TikTok and YouTube) 4. If you are able to wiggle your ears, and get phantom ear shifts, try moving your real ears depending on how your phantom ears move (aka if your phantom ears pull back make your real ears move similarly) 5. (similar to number 1) Go outside at night and/or stargaze (coyotes are not strictly nocturnal but they do tend to come out at night) 6. Watch a documentary (it doesnt have to be about coyotes) 7. If you like to play video games or mobile games try to find some where you play as a coyote or similar animal 8. If you like to read books try to find some about coyotes in your local library (if you have one) 9. Try making your room look more like a prairie/forest (I recommend painting your wall/walls, putting up tapestries, or changing your bedspread/blankets) 10. Buy vampire/cosplay fang teeth (this is good for if you get canine teeth shifts) 11. If you want to simulate tearing through flesh and crunching into bone, you can take a hard pretzel stick and wrap it in a thick layer of cheese or dough (if you use dough please bake it) 12. Wear neutral colored or earth toned clothing to look physically more like a coyote (coyotes tend to be light brown, dark brown, tan, beige, light grey, amber, white, or black) 13. if you have pets, try to play with them often (coyotes are very playful animals)

Hope this helped! btw you don't have to do any of these Anyways goodbye and I hope you have a good day !!

[cheesechompers3d]

Cheese Chompers 3D - The Hilarious Rat Battle Royale That’s Taking

In the fast-evolving world of browser games, few titles have captured players' attention quite like Cheese Chompers 3D. With its hilarious gameplay, accessible design, and unique physics-based mechanics, this free-to-play indie game has become a rising star in 2025. From social media virality to browser-based convenience, Cheese Chompers 3D checks all the boxes for casual gamers and content creators alike.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes this title such a success, how to play it, what features set it apart, and why it might be the next big thing in browser gaming.

What is Cheese Chompers 3D?

Cheese Chompers 3D is a free browser-based battle royale game where players control goofy-looking rats in an oversized kitchen-themed arena. The goal is simple: knock other players off the map and be the last rat standing.

The game leverages chaotic physics and a cartoonish 3D environment, resulting in endless unpredictable moments and laugh-out-loud outcomes. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself seriously, and that’s exactly why it works.

Despite its silliness, Cheese Chompers 3D is surprisingly engaging. Each round lasts just a few minutes, making it ideal for quick breaks, casual sessions, or social gaming among friends.

How to Play Cheese Chompers 3D

Basic Controls

Cheese Chompers 3D is designed for instant access, so there are no complex tutorials or mechanics to learn. The game uses simple movement keys:

WASD to move

Spacebar to jump

Jump again after being knocked out to restart the round

On mobile, the controls are just as intuitive with on-screen directional arrows and a jump button. Speed platforms scattered around the map can launch players into the air, leading to chaotic aerial acrobatics and unpredictable knockouts.

No Registration, No Downloads

The game runs directly in modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. There is no need to download or install anything. You can play immediately from your browser tab—whether you're at home, on the go, or even at school or work (with a VPN, if needed).

What Makes Cheese Chompers 3D So Popular?

Physics-Based Chaos

One of the most appealing aspects of Cheese Chompers 3D is its ragdoll physics engine. The characters move in unpredictable, floppy ways that turn even the simplest movement into comedic gold. Players often find themselves laughing not at winning, but at how absurdly they lost.

Viral Appeal

The game has found an active audience on platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, where creators share clips of unexpected moments, hilarious fails, and incredible mid-air recoveries. This virality has driven tens of thousands of new players to try it out—especially since it's free and requires no signup.

Unique Visual Style

Although the 3D graphics are not polished or high-end, the intentionally rough and cartoon-like aesthetic fits the game perfectly. The exaggerated furniture, oversized kitchen utensils, and absurd level layout enhance the feeling that you're part of a ridiculous rodent-sized obstacle course.

Inside the Kitchen Arena

The game takes place in a large 3D kitchen environment where everything is oversized. Players jump on tables, chairs, and countertops while trying to push each other off into the abyss. The map is filled with dynamic elements like:

Speed boost zones

Elevated surfaces

Edges with no guardrails

Randomly spawning enemies (bots)

This layout adds layers of verticality and surprise to every match. There’s always a new way to fall—or a new trick to pull off.

Tips and Tricks to Win in Cheese Chompers 3D

Stay Near the Center

Falling off the edge is the quickest way to lose. Try to stay near the center of the map where it's safer and where you can better control your attacks and recoveries.

Use Speed Boosts to Attack

Running over a speed platform at the right time can send your rat flying through the air and land you directly on another player. This high-risk, high-reward tactic is especially effective when used strategically.

Aim for Ground Slams

If you can time your jump correctly, you can slam down on enemy bots, stunning them. While stunned, it's much easier to knock them off the stage.

Master Mid-Air Movement

Because the game includes a lot of vertical motion, becoming comfortable with jumping and maneuvering mid-air gives you a clear advantage. You’ll have more control during flips and landings, which can save you from accidental knockouts.

Why Cheese Chompers 3D is Perfect for Casual Gamers

In a gaming world dominated by massive downloads, season passes, and complex mechanics, Cheese Chompers 3D is refreshingly simple. Here’s why it’s ideal for casual play:

Instant access from any device

Quick matches under five minutes

No login required

Minimal system requirements

Funny and light-hearted gameplay

Whether you’re taking a break between tasks or looking to relax for 15 minutes, Cheese Chompers 3D fits perfectly into your schedule.

Where to Play Cheese Chompers 3D

Cheese Chompers 3D is currently available on:

The developer’s official browser-based site

Itch.io, under indie action games

The game is also starting to appear on game aggregation sites and browser gaming portals, helping it reach an even wider audience. If you’re in a restricted network, like a school or office, you may need a VPN to access it.

Community Reactions and Social Proof

Players have responded enthusiastically to Cheese Chompers 3D, calling it:

“The most fun I’ve had in a browser game since Flash died”

“Peak chaos in the best way”

“A perfect 10-minute game between meetings”

Many users have also taken to creating memes, streaming live gameplay, and recording high-score runs. The game’s light-hearted tone and instant replayability make it an excellent choice for content creation.

Cheese Chompers 3D may not have AAA graphics or a massive development team, but it doesn’t need them. With charming chaos, creative mechanics, and an ever-growing player base, it’s clear this indie gem is here to stay.

For gamers tired of complex menus and paywalls, Cheese Chompers 3D is a reminder of what made browser games fun in the first place. It's accessible, silly, competitive, and highly shareable—a combination that ensures it will continue to grow in popularity.

Whether you're a seasoned gamer looking for something new or just someone who wants to laugh while flinging a cartoon rat across a digital kitchen, this game is worth checking out.

[sl33py-g4m3r]

charging my switch then to start the rodent only playthrough of pokemon violet~~~

and hopefully not give up on it this time~~~!!! I've been known to give up on things a lot~~~

was gonna pick fuecoco as a "starter" cause my first pokemon is going to be a diggett cause it's the first rodent you can catch iirc (pre catch tutorial i think?) but will that make this harder? lol

should I save scum for natures and abilities again or just use what the game gives me?

this run isn't a nuzzlocke but still a self imposed challenge~~~

and there's another question I have~~~ I have the dlc, should I include any rodent pokemon in the kitakami pokedex? or do that during the endgame like I did on my first run playing casually?

completely ignoring it until after game completion?

what kitakami mons are rodents anyway?

only one there I'm seeing is morpeko, or are sandslash/shrew rodents? if yes, that's only 3 more T_T;;

obviously I don't know what rodents are~~ T_T;;

oooo if I include the blueberry pokedex that gives me access to alolan digglett/dugtrio if I can make it that far~~~ and alolan sandshrew/slash~~~ drillbur and excadrill? chinchino/minchino? plusle and minun?

I'm guessing at this point, lol. doubt I'll get that far but here's hoping

[stomach-hugs-n-loves]

O No intro

Yeah Idk if that's anything, but here is the first part of a g/t story (may turn into vore, not sure yet, just in case I'll tag it). I'm trying to get back into writing and wanted just a trope story but I got carried away, so this is more exposition and characterizing than real g and t interactions, so feel free to skip if you're just hankering for the Good Stuff and don't care too much about characters/world building. That's why it's the intro!

Word count: 1.5k

Warnings: food, meal skipping mention, poorly written, g/t and possibly vore down the line for the whole story, I'm making it up as I go a little bit

Enjoyyyyy

“Shit!” Devon ripped his hand away from his unfinished project, attempted to shake the remnants of hot glue from his finger tip.  The deep tan skin of his brow wrinkled in a wince, and he set the glue gun on a scrap of cardboard.

“Try to be nice to mice, and this is what it gets me,” He huffed, glowering at the minor burn he sustained.  Something has been eating holes in his cereal boxes and pillow cases, and as a sophomore in college, he had to pinch every penny he could.  Sure, for now it was barely a contamination concern, but he couldn't afford to call in sick to his job or buy new bed clothes if he let the infestation grow.

That being said, he was a biology major with a minor in keeping sane (read: art).  Hence the contraption he had burned himself creating: a humane mousetrap.  It consisted of a bucket, a ladder, a dowel rod, and some ingenuity.  A large hole was cut in the middle of the bucket lid and a hot glue hinge attached the perimeter of the lid to the loose piece.  Food is put in the middle, mouse goes for the food, falls into the bucket, problem solved.  In theory, at least.  He honestly should have looked up some sort of tutorial rather than building it off the dome.  But Devon was nothing if not determined, even to his detriment.

“Whatever, it should be fine.” He put a bit of pressure on one side of the seesaw-like part of the lid and sighed in relief when it quickly gave way.  He contemplated adding a sort of hide and using extra materials to secure one side, but after checking his watch, bulked.  He knew rodents weren't brainless, but he didn't want to delay the set up of the trap for much longer.  He'd already lost his appetite for his honey-nut cheerios after finding a hole in the box, he'd have to start skipping breakfast if he didn't avert the contamination of his precious corn flakes, too.

He stood on creaky legs, sighed.  He had class in the morning, and he hadn't gotten enough sleep last night.  He shuffled into the bathroom, mindlessly going through his nighttime routine until he threw himself under the dark red sheets of his bed.  Rolling onto his side, he took deep, steady breaths, let the anxieties of the day flow out with each exhale, until one final thought left his weary mind.  Tomorrow, I'm catching that dang rat.

-

Sunlight squeezed through a small crack in the mortar between brown-beige bricks and right into the eyes of a man sleeping in a matchbox full of cloth.  He snorted awake, rubbing his eyes and staring blearily at his surroundings.  Small ornaments, earrings, stamps, and dulled glass adorned the “walls” of his “room,” which was a section of inner wall he'd hollowed most of the insulation out of.  Yawning, the man pushed himself up out of the box, shielding his brown eyes with a pale hand.  He scooted to the edge, threw his legs over, and stood, a patterned rug shielding his feet from the cool concrete.  He grabbed a comb made from straw and ran it gingerly through his short black side part, only glancing in the mirror piece mounted next to his bed.  

“Beck,” He started at the shout, “you're gonna be late to the meet up and miss out on your trades!”

The man, Beck, let his shoulders sag. “Coming, Tallulah.”

He shuffled over to a drawer made of some sturdy fabric and picked out a fast outfit: a burgundy robe.  A bit informal, but he was up later than usual.  Plus, it's not like he would have to impress anyone.  Beck had been living in the community for two whole years at this point.  He could rock casual for one meeting.  He slid on some sandals made mostly of cardboard, grabbing his burlap bag from the floor.  Thank God he’d already packed it, otherwise he’d have to make the trip alone.  As it was, he pushed open the door, the back of a remote’s battery case, to Tallulah.

“You’re lucky I hate you the least.”

“I feel it.”

She was a stout woman – well, more so than Beck – with long silver hair that framed the delicate features of her face.  If one were so rude as to guess her age, they would be about a decade too low.  She aged like wine, as she often reminded those around her.  She wore a lengthy blue dress with flower print, perhaps literally from some drapes, with her own sandals with matching fabric going over top of the foot.  In her hands was a sort of bucket full of sweet smelling, small, white crystals.

“Sugar?” Beck seemed to look at it too long, as she flicked his forehead with a sigh. “Ow!”

“Don’t even think about it!”  She went off deeper into the building, exaggerated.

“Sheesh, you could have concussed me.” Beck rubbed his head with a smirk, latching his door shut before catching up.  The gray, tunneled halls were well trodden, even and flat like a road.  Because Beck was on the outskirts, it was less so until it intersected with another, more traveled path.

“Anything you’re especially looking for this week?” Beck asked, making room for some others passing them.

“You mean aside from ol’ Vernon’s face when everyone leaves his sweetener for mine?”  She adjusted her hold with a smug look. “I sure ain’t looking for what you drag in, Mr. Under the Fridge.”

“That was a year and a half ago!  How was I supposed to know why no one has ever brought ice to share?”  He fiddled with his bag strap. “Besides, it was still water!”

“Yeah, dirty water even the gardeners didn’t want to take!”  She stopped to cackle, careful to keep hold of the pot.  “I’ll tell you what, you may not be good for trades, but you are fun to watch!”

Beck rolled his eyes, still tugging the belt.

“Come on, you know I’m messing with you.”  She reached up and tousled his hair, perfectly restoring his bed head before he could duck away.

“Tally!”  He complained as he worked on mitigating the damage, but the dimples on his cheeks betrayed him. “I know, I just don’t remember the last time I really got congratulated beyond pity points.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Becky, you’ve done plenty.”  She said, then pointed her chin down the path. “The market’s just ahead, and you brought stuff, right?”  He nodded, not meeting her eye. “Exactly.  Even if you hadn't, and even if you never did and never will, you are a part of this community, Becky, and that makes you worthy.”  She squeezed his shoulder.  Then she punched it. “Now get set up fast because I ain’t setting this anywhere but a prime stall, pretty boy!”  She proceeded to run with surprising agility, leaving Beck in her trail.

The man sputtered, shook his head. “God help me if I ever do understand her, it means I’ve lost it, too.”  She may be right about him, but she was also right that he should get a move on lest he have to set up on the floor outside.

He entered a much deeper path, leading to the market site.  It was in the very center of the building, and it led to an immediate, metal opening.  Early birds sometimes had to open this mesh doorway themselves, but at this time, it was held open to welcome all.  He stepped through it alongside a few others, and entered a large metallic chamber with grated side walls and a ceiling, unlike the solid steel of the entrance wall and the one Beck was facing.  Before that wall, though, were dozens of people like him, but also in all different shapes and sizes. Most stood behind stalls with miscellaneous scraps and crafts, some sat behind their set ups, others just gave from their own hands as they passed.  Tallulah was already at a dark wood table making faces at salt and pepper man with his own container of white shards, making Beck’s smile widen.

After a bit of searching, he discovered an unclaimed counter.  He quickly made his way over, swinging his pack off onto the rickety birch planks. From the corner of his eye he saw others closing in, doubtless with their own goods to trade.  He can’t leave them empty handed!  He rummaged through his things before giving up and upturning it and letting everything spill straight onto the table. An abundance of soft white cloth, and another bag, this one sealed plastic, tumbled out.  As the visitors strolled closer, Beck ripped open the opaque plastic, revealing its contents: several beige ‘O’ shapes, smelling distinctly of processed oats and honey.

“Come take a look at what I’ve brought,” Beck called to passers by, “There’s plenty more where this came from!”

[arctic-hands]

New, safe whittling kit arrived. Tried carving a fox using Carving Is Fun's YouTube tutorial, didn't quite get there and made a critter instead. Any ideas as to what this critter species should be named?

[Image Description: a rudimentary small rough- looking pale wood figure, seen from the side. It's short and stumpy with four short and wide legs, a short yet poofy tail sticking straight out, and a narrow head with an attempt at pointed ears that turned out a bit blunt and rodent-like. Also quite a few knicks and roughness in it. End I.D]

[Image Description: the wooden critter, now seen head- on. It has a very narrow face that ends in a stub nose, and a few choppy grooves at the top of the head in between the ears that hopefully give it the impression of fur. End I.D]

[hydrochloric-hugs]

Chapter 1

Old blog got reported and I really wanted my icon and background, so here's a repost of the first draft! I plan to edit bc I was out of my head trying to write flying by the seat of my pants, but for now, this is a bit more put together at least!

Word count: 1.5k

Warnings: food, meal skipping mention, g/t. Additionally, while not shown in this chapter, this story will probably have non-sexual vore down the line.

“Shit!” Devon ripped his hand away from his unfinished project, attempted to shake the remnants of hot glue from his finger tip.  The deep tan skin of his brow wrinkled in a wince, and he set the glue gun on a scrap of cardboard.

“Try to be nice to mice, and this is what it gets me,” He huffed, glowering at the minor burn he sustained.  Something has been eating holes in his cereal boxes and pillow cases, and as a sophomore in college, he had to pinch every penny he could.  Sure, for now it was barely a contamination concern, but he couldn't afford to call in sick to his job or buy new bed clothes if he let the infestation grow.

That being said, he was a biology major with a minor in keeping sane (read: art).  Hence the contraption he had burned himself creating: a humane mousetrap.  It consisted of a bucket, a ladder, a dowel rod, and some ingenuity.  A large hole was cut in the middle of the bucket lid and a hot glue hinge attached the perimeter of the lid to the loose piece.  Food is put in the middle, mouse goes for the food, falls into the bucket, problem solved.  In theory, at least.  He honestly should have looked up some sort of tutorial rather than building it off the dome.  But Devon was nothing if not determined, even to his detriment.

“Whatever, it should be fine.” He put a bit of pressure on one side of the seesaw-like part of the lid and sighed in relief when it quickly gave way.  He contemplated adding a sort of hide and using extra materials to secure one side, but after checking his watch, bulked.  He knew rodents weren't brainless, but he didn't want to delay the set up of the trap for much longer.  He'd already lost his appetite for his honey-nut cheerios after finding a hole in the box, he'd have to start skipping breakfast if he didn't avert the contamination of his precious corn flakes, too.

He stood on creaky legs, sighed.  He had class in the morning, and he hadn't gotten enough sleep last night.  He shuffled into the bathroom, mindlessly going through his nighttime routine until he threw himself under the dark red sheets of his bed.  Rolling onto his side, he took deep, steady breaths, let the anxieties of the day flow out with each exhale, until one final thought left his weary mind.  Tomorrow, I'm catching that dang rat.

-

Sunlight squeezed through a small crack in the mortar between brown-beige bricks and right into the eyes of a man sleeping in a matchbox full of cloth.  He snorted awake, rubbing his eyes and staring blearily at his surroundings.  Small ornaments, earrings, stamps, and dulled glass adorned the “walls” of his “room,” which was a section of inner wall he'd hollowed most of the insulation out of.  Yawning, the man pushed himself up out of the box, shielding his brown eyes with a pale hand.  He scooted to the edge, threw his legs over, and stood, a patterned rug shielding his feet from the cool concrete.  He grabbed a comb made from straw and ran it gingerly through his short black side part, only glancing in the mirror piece mounted next to his bed.  

“Beck,” He started at the shout, “you're gonna be late to the meet up and miss out on your trades!”

The man, Beck, let his shoulders sag. “Coming, Tallulah.”

He shuffled over to a drawer made of some sturdy fabric and picked out a fast outfit: a burgundy robe.  A bit informal, but he was up later than usual.  Plus, it's not like he would have to impress anyone.  Beck had been living in the community for two whole years at this point.  He could rock casual for one meeting.  He slid on some sandals made mostly of cardboard, grabbing his burlap bag from the floor.  Thank God he’d already packed it, otherwise he’d have to make the trip alone.  As it was, he pushed open the door, the back of a remote’s battery case, to Tallulah.

“You’re lucky I hate you the least.”

“I feel it.”

She was a stout woman – well, more so than Beck – with long silver hair that framed the delicate features of her face.  If one were so rude as to guess her age, they would be about a decade too low.  She aged like wine, as she often reminded those around her.  She wore a lengthy blue dress with flower print, perhaps literally from some drapes, with her own sandals with matching fabric going over top of the foot.  In her hands was a sort of bucket full of sweet smelling, small, white crystals.

“Sugar?” Beck seemed to look at it too long, as she flicked his forehead with a sigh. “Ow!”

“Don’t even think about it!”  She went off deeper into the building, exaggerated.

“Sheesh, you could have concussed me.” Beck rubbed his head with a smirk, latching his door shut before catching up.  The gray, tunneled halls were well trodden, even and flat like a road.  Because Beck was on the outskirts, it was less so until it intersected with another, more traveled path.

“Anything you’re especially looking for this week?” Beck asked, making room for some others passing them.

“You mean aside from ol’ Vernon’s face when everyone leaves his sweetener for mine?”  She adjusted her hold with a smug look. “I sure ain’t looking for what you drag in, Mr. Under the Fridge.”

“That was a year and a half ago!  How was I supposed to know why no one has ever brought ice to share?”  He fiddled with his bag strap. “Besides, it was still water!”

“Yeah, dirty water even the gardeners didn’t want to take!”  She stopped to cackle, careful to keep hold of the pot.  “I’ll tell you what, you may not be good for trades, but you are fun to watch!”

Beck rolled his eyes, still tugging the belt.

“Come on, you know I’m messing with you.”  She reached up and tousled his hair, perfectly restoring his bed head before he could duck away.

“Tally!”  He complained as he worked on mitigating the damage, but the dimples on his cheeks betrayed him. “I know, I just don’t remember the last time I really got congratulated beyond pity points.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Becky, you’ve done plenty.”  She said, then pointed her chin down the path. “The market’s just ahead, and you brought stuff, right?”  He nodded, not meeting her eye. “Exactly.  Even if you hadn't, and even if you never did and never will, you are a part of this community, Becky, and that makes you worthy.”  She squeezed his shoulder.  Then she punched it. “Now get set up fast because I ain’t setting this anywhere but a prime stall, pretty boy!”  She proceeded to run with surprising agility, leaving Beck in her trail.

The man sputtered, shook his head. “God help me if I ever do understand her, it means I’ve lost it, too.”  She may be right about him, but she was also right that he should get a move on lest he have to set up on the floor outside.

He entered a much deeper path, leading to the market site.  It was in the very center of the building, and it led to an immediate, metal opening.  Early birds sometimes had to open this mesh doorway themselves, but at this time, it was held open to welcome all.  He stepped through it alongside a few others, and entered a large metallic chamber with grated side walls and a ceiling, unlike the solid steel of the entrance wall and the one Beck was facing.  Before that wall, though, were dozens of people like him, but also in all different shapes and sizes. Most stood behind stalls with miscellaneous scraps and crafts, some sat behind their set ups, others just gave from their own hands as they passed.  Tallulah was already at a dark wood table making faces at salt and pepper man with his own container of white shards, making Beck’s smile widen.

After a bit of searching, he discovered an unclaimed counter.  He quickly made his way over, swinging his pack off onto the rickety birch planks. From the corner of his eye he saw others closing in, doubtless with their own goods to trade.  He can’t leave them empty handed!  He rummaged through his things before giving up and upturning it and letting everything spill straight onto the table. An abundance of soft white cloth, and another bag, this one sealed plastic, tumbled out.  As the visitors strolled closer, Beck ripped open the opaque plastic, revealing its contents: several beige ‘O’ shapes, smelling distinctly of processed oats and honey.

“Come take a look at what I’ve brought,” Beck called to passers by, “There’s plenty more where this came from!”

[nathandiary]

Week 4 breakdown

Monday:

Over the weekend I did research on solarpunk, eco anxiety, new urbanism. I am interested in exploring the idea of new urbanism, self sufficence and community through community gardens in my illustration (maybe not the magazine)

Did some fox studies and fixed the head of the fox, illustration is ready for inking

Did artist studies of Catherine Meurisse’s drawings

Book binding workshop -> need to explore that with prints

Made a small hardback sketchbook

Tuesday:

Went to the careers fair

Went to the library and borrowed books on illustration and comic books to do some studies

Did research into MAs so I can start thinking about applying and considering my options

Did some writing and drawing in the new sketchbook I made

Wednesday:

Did studies of Catherine Meurisse, Zerocalcare and Lisa Mandel’s art

Thumbnails for the Day in the Life of an Art Student comic

Drew people in a ‘comic’ style by looking at reference pictures and using the style of the artist I studied

Had a group crit with the critique club, it made me think of how I was going to do for the binding of the poetry book

The use of letterpress embosses the letters on the paper so we can see them on the back. I need to try papers and see if I use folios or something else

Think about what the hand made version’s cover is gonna look like

Thursday:

Painted the fox and the rodents illustrations

Did a draft of the day in the life comics, I need to refine it on Monday morning to show it for the group crit

Friday:

Printmaking day

I made a new lino cut

I set the type for the colours list poem

I tried a million different papers to determine which one I should use for the book

I decided to go with the Sommerset in tan because it is smooth enough that I get a nice black without texture on it. The letters print in a clean way. It is sturdy enough to be bound (I liked the Japanese paper as well but it wouldn’t have been strong enough)

Had the tutorial with Flora, she helped decide which paper to get and was very supportive of the project. She suggested to look into poetry.