Shadowbug Tidbits!

This is another IZ sideblog belonging to raccoonzinspace. This blog is for all the Shadowbug tidbits that crop up.

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Introduction (Pinned Post)

Basic Info:

Shadowbugs are the larger, more primitive cousins of the Irkens. Their average height ranges from 12-25 feet (~3.66-7.62 meters) and their average weight ranges from 4,000-20,000 lbs (~1,814,37-9,071.85 kilograms), though there are some that are above or below average.

Posts:

Posts on this blog will consist of tidbits, art, memes, and submissions (if desired). Some posts will be more suggestive, but will be kept as SFW as possible. All posts will be reblogged to raccoonzinspace (my main blog) for visibility.

DNIs:

-MAPs/Zoos

-Transphobes/Homophobes/Panphobes/Etc

Warnings and Triggers:

-Some posts on this blog will depict or mention gore and some suggestive situations (things that are 18+). Though it will be kept as SFW as possible, it is not reccommended to view these topics if you are upset by them. These will be tagged as such (ex: gore warning, etc).

-End of Pinned Post-

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When a Shadowbaby starts trying to play or begins teething...

It's often referred to as "baby bites".

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"Baby bites" would also be a pretty cute name for treats made specifically for Shadowbabies. They're probably a puree or soft treat so the little ones can safely eat them. XD

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Sometimes trying to eat in the presence of a Shadowbug is like trying to eat in the presence of a kitty...

But instead the kitty has hands. And can reach all the way across the room to nab your snackies.

Especially infuriating when it's the snackies you're hanging onto for the Tallest.

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Shadowbugs and Poultry

Shadowbugs are somewhat of a mixed conundrum when it comes to poultry (chickens, turkeys, etc).

On one hand, the Shadowbugs' high intelligence, opposable thumbs, and ability to slip into any sized crevice in their shadow form make them a total nightmare to deal with when trying to protect poultry from predators.

However, if a poultry keeper were to become friends with a Shadowbug and teach them that the birds are friends, then that person would probably have one of the best protectors for their flock outside of roosters and geese. Shadowbugs are a great poultry protector if extraneous circumstances disallow a keeper to have aforementioned roosters or geese (city jurisdictions, noise, etc).

That person will also gain an intelligent buddy who can help out with feeding the birds, cleaning the coops, keeping pests away, etc.

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Breaking News:

"Local Shadowbaby manages to scale a 3-story building, is rescued by a team of volunteer Firebugs (Shadowbugs working alongside firefighters)"

"A quote from a human friend of the Shadowbaby: 'This is why you need eyes on the back of your head with these...uhh..." *Tries to come up with a word to describe a Shadowbaby that's already as tall as he is* "...Little ones. You'll never know what they'll do next.'"

"The little one is reportedly alive and safe...And trying to climb the building again..."

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When a Shadowbaby starts trying to play or begins teething...

It's often referred to as "baby bites".

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AI-generated videos of babies made of spaghetti: ❌

Human-made videos of Shadowbabies eating and making messes with spaghetti: ✅

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Shadowbabies: Fussy Eaters

Though a lot of befriended Shadowbabies aren't too picky about what pureed or ground food they're given, you sometimes get individuals that are a bit...pickier.

A befriended Shadowbaby might not like the taste or texture of certain foods. It often limited to just one or two specific foods.

However, it can be sometimes a little frustrating to try and deduce what specific flavors or textures your Shadowbaby friend doesn't like.

Though it's hard to stay frustrated at the little ones, mainly because they're often not too good at "speaking hoo-min" and can't quite tell you what specific textures or flavors gives them a bad taste in their mouth.

Feral Shadowbabies can't afford to be picky, so they will never refuse whatever their parents, older siblings, etc bring back from their hunts.

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Have a Merry Christmas this year...and make sure that your Shadowbug friend doesn't accidentally knock down the Christmas tree.

*Hears a crash and ornaments clattering on the floor* STINKER NO-

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Somewhat Funny Tidbit:

Humans that have never seen or heard of Shadowbugs may initially think that they're relatively small little beans. But then, they meet one of these lovable lugs and are a bit frightened at the size of them.

The fear often dissipates when the Shadowbug starts asking for pets or offering to play, however.

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The biggest risk when befriending your Shadowbug friend's young Shadowbaby?

It's getting gummed to death when the little guys start teething. XD

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Shadowbugs: Speculation (Worldbuilding, etc)

The abilities, psychology, and biology of these creatures are well-documented from years of research and observation.

However, there's one thing that nobody has figured out: What exactly happened to make Shadowbugs...shadowy?

From hidden records on Irk, it is confirmed that the populations of all Shadowbug subspecies were hit by a space-time anomaly as they were being exiled from Irk and on their way to other planets such as Earth. They passed through this anomaly relatively unscathed, but were granted with their odd abilities (shadow form, more strength, etc).

However, no one knows what caused the space-time anomaly to occur or why the all of the Shadowbugs happened to encounter it and survive. Records indicate that there was nothing in that part of space that could have caused the anomaly to happen, almost as if the anomaly came out of nowhere. After several years, the anomaly seemed to instantly vanish as if it were never there. Newer readings from that area came up as normal, as if it was business as usual.

Much speculation is had regarding this matter, with no clear answer from anyone as to who or what caused the anomaly to appear. However, at around the time the anomaly occurred, some individuals of races with ties to long-forgotten civilizations and alien occultism made claims that were dismissed. Though seemingly not plausible, one could make a roundabout connection between this and the anomaly that affected the Shadowbugs. They were along the lines of:

"...Two forces beyond our comprehension are locked in a vicious battle outside the Multiverse. Forces that are so incredibly powerful that they caused a ripple effect that either destroyed or distorted the properties of many universes, even from that incalculable distance."

Phew, that was a lot to write. There's a reason why I am typing all this. It's meant to be a way to sort of tie all of my concepts together and have some modicum of explanation as to why oddities like Shadowbugs are a thing in my AUs.

...I'm going to end up writing the IZ Edition of the Lovecraftian mythos, aren't I? XD

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Shadowbugs: The Wake-Up Call

Befriending a Shadowbug often means you won't need an alarm clock...and you might have to try harder to sleep in.

Once a Shadowbug gets settled into your routine, they will wake up at whatever time you do.

However, on days in which you try to sleep in, your Shadowbug friend will still stick to the routine and wake up around the time you usually do. When they see you sleeping in, they might start trying to wake and get you out of bed so you can start the day.

They might try things such as pulling the blanket off, nibbling your fingers, gently mouthing your head, or giving your face little "mlems". If these don't work, the Shadowbug might opt to go back to sleep alongside you or find something to keep them occupied until you wake up.

Newly befriended Shadowbugs and Shadowbabies are a different story. Due to their circadian rhythms not being aligned with yours, newly befriended Shadowbugs and Shadowbabies have a tendency to try and wake you up in the middle of the night (around 12 AM, etc). So, you might wake up at this time because the lovable lug has started trying to get you out of bed...Which is adorable but can be aggravating.

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Little Fun Factoid:

In lieu of animatronic performers, some family restaurants have one or two Shadowbug performers that often interact with the patrons and employees. These Shadowbugs are socialized and trained to be gentle with the guests, as well as given many cuddles and treats for their efforts. A lot of times, the Shadowbugs are just told to "be silly goobers" during their performances and to not do a show if they're not feeling it. The Shadowbugs also have control over the show schedule, so they can pick times they think would be best. There are many human employees at these places to help out so the Shadowbugs aren't carrying the whole load themselves (though they may be asked to go into their shadow form to help clean the indoor playground; those tubes are filthy and hard to clean).

Despite the fact that many people are wary or even terrified of Shadowbugs, many who are neutral towards or love Shadowbugs enjoy going there with their children. Little kids especially love playing games with the Shadowbugs, like hide-and-seek or tag.

These Shadowbugs might be ones that the owner has befriended, or they may be ferals that wandered in and decided to stick around for snacks and affection.

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Sometimes, Shadowbabies will struggle to stay awake if they don't get to take a nap every once in a while.

They might also do this if they're particularly bored, like a young kid in the middle of algebra class.

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Shadowbug-Themed Foods (Because Potatoes)

Shadow Sorbet: A scoop of berry sorbet with charcoal added to it, giving it a distinct black coloration; comes with two pieces of black licorice shaped to look like a Shadowbug's antennas

Moobug Milkshake: A vanilla shake infused with chocolate cookies and fudge swirls; topped with whipped cream, drizzled with chocolate syrup and comes with a vanilla straw

Shadowbug Supreme: An XL, stuffed and garlic butter flavored crust pizza with five different types of meat; is topped with pepperoni, hamburger meat, bacon, veal, and chicken

Feel free to add your own to this list!

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Some people will tell you that Shadowbugs are incredibly spiteful and easily hold grudges. This is only partially true.

Though Shadowbugs can hold grudges and even take revenge, you would have to do something extremely drastic. Like, you'd have to be going out of your way to seriously harm or kill them, their Shadowbabies, friends, or family. That's the things that they won't forgive. It's a whole different story if these are accidental, however.

A Shadowbug won't be too mad if you accidentally step on their tail or tug at their antennas like some believe. If this was the case, then Shadowbugs would a lot more dangerous (especially around kids, who are more likely to be rough because they might not know any better).