Mist Harbor Library Lectures - 2025-03-09 - Bugs and Not-Bugs (log)

The following is a log of a lecture delivered on Sunday 9th March as part of the Mist Harbor Library lecture series.

Rumplesnoots, Doubery and Aubrige of the Rumplesnoots Adventuring Company were the guest speakers.

Topics covered in the lecture series must be lore-based but are otherwise left to the discretion of the speaker(s). This lecture discusses the difference between bugs and not-bugs.

The log has been edited to remove excess noise and chatter but some engagement and digression have remained to reflect the audience participation and subsequent discussion.

---

[Library, Meeting Hall - 29806] (u3223132)
A trio of wide stairs lead down from a wide archway into this brightly lit room. A small podium stands atop a small dais opposite the archway, and several cushioned benches have been arranged throughout the space, each offering an excellent line of sight. A number of elliptical windows line the walls of the hall, and a rich crimson-patterned carpet covers the entirety of the floor underfoot. You also see the repousse copper Riend disk raised in leafy designs, a makeshift table of linden planks propped on stacks of old books with some stuff on it and a small table with some stuff on it. Also here: Lady Zyandi who is sitting, Librarian Amminar who is sitting, Tabubu who is sitting, Kippe, Lord Kothos who is sitting, Lord Teveriel who is sitting, Meril who is sitting, Bathcwyn Missoni who is sitting, Lucraine who is sitting, Aubrige, Loremaster Issalya who is sitting, Rumplesnoots, Rivienne who is sitting, Master Fisher Tenacity who is sitting, Adalfuns who is sitting, Adjutant Yunni who is sitting, Doubery, Riend who is sitting, Imrys who is sitting, Nalira who is sitting, Dahcre Reader Ordim who is sitting Obvious exits: none

You see Rumplesnoots the Very Brave Catcher of Bugs.
He appears to be a Halfling.
He is shorter than most and has an adorably rotund shape.  He appears to be young and robust.  He has thickly lashed mahogany brown eyes and freckled skin.  He has short, curly dark rowan hair with a pair of tiny mithril horns sticking out.  He has a round face, a slightly bumpy nose and deep laugh lines.  He has a matted woolly rolton charm with ivory horns dangling from one of the tiny mithril horns on his head and a blue-spotted toadstool beetle charm from the other.
He is in good shape.
He is holding a sugar-dusted strawberry and vanilla cream scone in his right hand.
A rotund miniature rolton totters forward and back on his shoulder, shaking its tail to maintain balance.
He is wearing a round dark silk hat adorned with virulent orange ribbons, a dark silk cape lined with vivid red velvet, a bright fuchsia silk ascot patterned with sunshine yellow roly-polies, a pale ecru linen shirt with silver ladybug buttons, a furry brown goat pin, some rumpled dark linen breeches adorned with tiny mithril rolton-shaped buttons, a pair of thick woolen socks adorned with tiny invar beetles, and a pair of leather boots stamped with tiny ladybugs reading books.

You see Doubery the Member of the Rumplesnoots Adventuring Company.
He appears to be a Halfling.
He is short and has a round physique.  He appears to be an adult.  He has red-rimmed amber eyes and copper skin.  He has cropped, curly russet hair sticking out from under a headband affixed with curly wire antennae.  He has a plump face, a crooked nose and a double chin.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing an enormous pincer-shaped gauntlet, a tiny iron catapult pin, a side-strapped specimen board slung over his shoulder, a domed red leather backpack painted with symmetrical black spots, a jam-stained grey linen tunic, a pair of waxed suede leggings, and some adorable dusky green leather boots studded with scarlet ladybugs.

You softly say, "Welcome all! Please help yourselves to refreshments."

Speaking squeakily to you, Rumplesnoots asks, "Ares the roltons heres?"

Speaking amusedly to Rumplesnoots, you exclaim, "That's next week and I would prefer no roltons in the Library!"

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Ise dressed ups for fancy library roltons."

Speaking to Rumplesnoots, Doubery asks, "Wait, there's roltons?"

Speaking squeakily to Doubery, Rumplesnoots says, "I thoughts sos, but she says nos."

Rumplesnoots points at you!

Rumplesnoots sniffs.

Doubery frowns.

Rumplesnoots taps a bright fuchsia silk ascot patterned with sunshine yellow roly-polies that he is wearing.

Speaking softly to Rumplesnoots, you whisper aloud, "Let me just settle everyone and introduce you all."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "I tieds its myself."

Speaking to Rumplesnoots, Ordim greets, "That is a very nice pattern."

Ordim nods.

Doubery helps himself to a fragile gold-colored lace cookie.

Speaking confusedly to Doubery, Aubrige asks, "People don't know who we are?"

You walk behind a small podium.

Rumplesnoots beams happily at Ordim!

Speaking to Aubrige, Doubery asks, "Really?"

You giggle softly at Aubrige.

Speaking to Aubrige, Doubery asks, "Who doesn't know who we are?"

Speaking squeakily to Ordim, Rumplesnoots says, "I thoughts so toos. The weaver persons was a bits dubiousess."

Aubrige shrugs at Doubery.

Doubery shrugs at Aubrige.

Ordim nods understandingly.

You softly say, "Please help yourselves to refreshments and find a comfortable place to sit. I do believe there a few here at the front if you're brave enough."

You surreptitiously glance at Rumplesnoots.

You carefully exclaim, "After Maylan's ... wonderful demonstrations last time ... you can never tell!"

With exaggerated slowness you take a deep breath, then pinch the bridge of your nose.

You softly exclaim, "Where was I!"

You clear your throat.

You softly say, "Oh yes ..."

You softly greet, "Good afternoon everyone!"

You softly begin, "As the Library's Loremaster, it gives me great pleasure to once again welcome you to another in our lecture series."

You brightly explain, "As I'm sure you are all aware by now, the aim is to provide a platform for imparting knowledge and encouraging discourse."

You gently remind, "I ask that everyone be considerate to the speaker, as well as those who comment or ask questions."

You warmly correct, "I should say speakers today!"

You softly continue, "Remember that all opinions are welcome and indeed encouraged, as long as they are courteously expressed."

You nod firmly.

Doubery leans against a small podium.

You softly say, "The formalities over ..."

You softly say, "I cannot begin to tell you how delighted and excited I am that our speakers agreed to be here today."

You softly say, "I am sure that they need no formal introduction..."

You softly continue, "So, without further ado, please give Rumplesnoots, Aubrige and Doubery of the RAC a warm Library welcome."

[APPLAUSE]

Speaking to Rumplesnoots, Doubery whispers aloud, "She said my name."

Rumplesnoots squeakily exclaims, "Yays us!"

Rumplesnoots squeakily exclaims, "Ise Rumplesnoots, the Very Brave!"

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "And we's are going to lets Doubery talks first."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Rumplesnoots points at Doubery.

Doubery asks, "We are?"

Doubery nervously says, "Okay..."

Rumplesnoots nods at Doubery.

Aubrige nods enthusiastically at Doubery!

Doubery says, "Today I am going to tell you how to identify bugs. And not-bugs."

Aubrige points at Rumplesnoots.

Aubrige formally announces, "Not bug."

Doubery giggles at Aubrige.

Aubrige nods sagely at Doubery.

Doubery exclaims, "'If you were ever not sure what was a bug and what was not a bug or what kind of bug you had, you won't be after today!"

Doubery says, "There are five kinds of bugs. Beetles, crickets, flying bugs, not-flying bugs, spiders, and rolypolies."

Doubery adds, "And worms."

Rumplesnoots nods at Doubery.

Doubery says, "And the crunchy worms."

Speaking to Aubrige, Doubery whispers aloud, "Centipedes?"

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Ands the too-bigs spiders."

You softly whisper aloud, "But not bookworms."

You wrinkle your nose.

Doubery nods at Rumplesnoots.

Speaking to Doubery, Aubrige whispers aloud, "With the scary legs?"

Doubery says, "If you want to know if you have a flying bug or a not-flying bug, you can tell very simply."

Speaking to you, Kothos says, "Much harder to crush under a boot."

Doubery asks, "Is it flying?"

Doubery says, "Of course this could be confusing because birds also fly and they are not bugs."

Ordim giggles.

You gaze in amusement at Doubery.

Doubery says, "So make sure if it is flying that it is not a bird. If it's not a bird, it's a flying bug."

Aubrige nods in agreement.

Doubery says, "You can tell if it's a mean flying bug if it stings or bites you."

Doubery says, "If it does, it's probably a wasp. Or a bee."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "If youse not sure if bird, gets a bird persons and asks."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Missoni furrows her brow.

Doubery says, "You can tell if it's yellow and black."

Doubery nods.

Issalya curiously mouths, "Bird person?"

Doubery exclaims, "If you want to know if something is a spider, check how many legs it has!"

Doubery says, "If it has 8 legs, it is probably a spider, unless it's crunchy, then it is a scorpion."

Speaking to Issalya, Kothos says, "I think they refer to a birdwatching hobbyist."

Issalya nods understandingly.

Speaking to Issalya, Aubrige says, "Not an actual person who is a bird, although that would be interesting because why would they want to be a bird-sized person."

Doubery says, "If you can't tell if your bug is a spider or not, call the Snoots."

Doubery says, "If he screams and runs away, it's a spider."

Rumplesnoots stares at Doubery.

Issalya nods once at Aubrige.

Ordim nods slowly.

Doubery gives a sidelong glance at Rumplesnoots.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Ise tryings to gets better."

Doubery says, "If you want to know if you have a worm..."

Speaking to Aubrige, Doubery says, "Show us how a worm moves."

Aubrige beams happily at Doubery!

Speaking to Aubrige, Doubery says, "You do the best demonstration."

Missoni gazes with interest at Aubrige.

Aubrige drops to the ground and wiggles around for a moment before standing up with a bow.

[LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE]

Doubery says, "If your bug is moving like that, it's either a worm or a crunchy worm."

Aubrige informs, "You have to really get your body moving in a wave."

Missoni murmurs, "Remarkable."

Kothos says, "...crunchy worm."

Tabubu seems to be waiting for something.

Doubery says, "If you tap it on it and it is not squishy, it's a crunchy worm."

Aubrige says, "But if a bird person sees you doing it, watch out."

Rumplesnoots nods at Aubrige.

Doubery nods in agreement at Aubrige.

Issalya surreptitiously glances at Aubrige.

Tabubu quietly asks, "Can you demonstrate the motion for us?"

Doubery nods at Tabubu.

Doubery taps on Aubrige's head lightly with his fingertip.

Tabubu gazes with interest at Doubery.

Doubery says, "Not squishy. Crunchy worm."

Doubery nods.

Doubery giggles.

Tabubu's shoulders shake subtly as she struggles to compose her features, revealing a glimmer of mirth before returning to a poker face.

Rumplesnoots stands in place and tries to wave his body about, but he mostly succeeds in sending flecks of strawberry scone about the room, narrowly avoiding several books.

Doubery says, "Crunchy worms usually have legs, too."

Issalya glances between Doubery and Aubrige.

Doubery says, "Worms don't."

Doubery works his fingers under his pincer-shaped gauntlet and scratches his head.

Missoni dusts herself off.

Doubery asks, "Did I forgot one?"

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Nots snakes are worms."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Rumplesnoots squeakily asks, "But worms are not snakes. I thinks?"

Missoni thoughtfully says, "Crunchy worms have legs."

Rumplesnoots peers quizzically at Doubery.

Doubery nods in agreement at Rumplesnoots.

Doubery says, "Okay that is all the bugs I could remember."

Doubery exclaims, "Now you will be more confident in identifying bugs!"

Rumplesnoots beams happily at Doubery!

Rumplesnoots applauds Doubery.

Doubery says, "Oh, I forgot crickets."

Speaking to Aubrige, Doubery exclaims, "I knew I forgot one!"

Aubrige adds, "They're also crunchy."

Issalya raises both eyebrows, looking quite taken aback.

Doubery says, "You can tell if it is a cricket because they go..."

Doubery imitates a cricket with high pitched "Chirps!" as he hops around.

Doubery says, "Like that."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Ands they sorts of flys but nots really."

Doubery nods at Rumplesnoots.

Missoni nods understandingly.

Imrys appears to be struggling to keep a straight face.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "So crunchy not-flyers with chirpy chirps are crickets."

Doubery agrees with Rumplesnoots.

Aubrige nods sagely at Rumplesnoots.

Doubery says, "To help you identify bugs the best, use your eyes and ears."

Doubery nods.

Doubery glances at Rumplesnoots.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "You cans use mouth for crunchies."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Buts...not always tastes good."

Doubery giggles at Rumplesnoots.

Doubery adopts an agreeable expression.

Doubery says, "When you identify all the features, you will know what bug it is based off what I taught you today."

Doubery says, "The end. For me. I think they are talking."

Rumplesnoots beams happily at Doubery!

Doubery giggles.

Doubery glances at Rumplesnoots.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Doubery is sos smarts."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Rumplesnoots applauds.

You nod in agreement at Rumplesnoots.

Doubery beams!

Aubrige applauds Doubery with enthusiasm, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "And also sos smarts is Aubrige who finds all our special bugs."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Doubery turns to Aubrige and cheers!

Rumplesnoots squeakily asks, "Ares yous readys to tell them how?"

Speaking to Aubrige, Doubery exclaims, "How do you do it?!"

Rumplesnoots peers quizzically at Aubrige.

Aubrige blinks at Doubery.

Aubrige hesitantly asks, "H-how do I find the bugs?"

Aubrige scratches her nose.

Doubery nods at Aubrige.

Doubery says, "Aubrige is the most smart."

Aubrige slowly says, "Well, some book person in the Shining City told me they had a collection of dusty tomes."

Doubery clarifies, "A person that knows about books not a person made of books."

Doubery nods.

Aubrige says, "So I spent a lot of time trying to butter him up so I could take a look at them."

Speaking squeakily to Aubrige, Rumplesnoots asks, "Dids you use a lots of butter?"

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Because you coulds have mades tarts with that."

Speaking proudly to Rumplesnoots, Aubrige says, "Enough that he even said, "Aubrige take these books because you won't stop talking about butter and that is weird."

Rumplesnoots beams happily at Aubrige!

Rumplesnoots applauds Aubrige.

Doubery asks, "What's weird about that?"

Aubrige says, "So I came back Icemule and spent all my time trying to figure out what all the pictures meant in all the books."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Elves maybes not understand butters like halflings."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Speaking to Rumplesnoots, Doubery whispers aloud, "It doesn't speak to them."

Aubrige says, "And using my expert skills in "Squinting with one eye and trying to cross the other," I interpreted these ancient texts."

Doubery nods in agreement at Aubrige.

Aubrige nods in agreement.

Aubrige explains, "If they don't look like a bug we've seen, it's clearly rare and important."

Doubery adopts an agreeable expression.

Rumplesnoots beams happily at Aubrige!

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Sees, so smarts."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Ordim nods understandingly.

Doubery adds, "I help identify them."

Aubrige nods in agreement.

Doubery asks, "Crunchy, not crunchy, worm, not worm. Does Snoots scream?"

Doubery nods.

Aubrige says, "We even give them nicknames, like "Probably Too Crunchy for Popcorn."

A pained expression crosses Issalya's face.

Teveriel gazes in amusement at Aubrige.

Aubrige continues, "Mister Snoots Wants an Entire Farm of Them."

Rumplesnoots nods at Aubrige.

Rumplesnoots squeakily exclaims, "Farms are best!"

Aubrige adds, "Doubery's Favorite Because We All Do the Worm."

Doubery adopts an agreeable expression.

Aubrige nods enthusiastically at Rumplesnoots!

Tabubu seems to be waiting for something.

Aubrige looks thoughtfully at Tabubu.

You nod encouragingly.

Aubrige drops back onto the ground and wiggles for a minute before rising.

[MORE LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE]

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "We cans put all the spiders on the farm in a special spiders room and I can stay away."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Speaking to Aubrige, Doubery asks, "So how do you know where the bugs in the book are?"

Speaking formally to Doubery, Aubrige says, "I close my eyes and point at a map."

Speaking to Aubrige, Doubery asks, "Did that take special training?"

Doubery says, "I think if I closed my eyes and pointed at a map, I would miss the map."

Speaking seriously to Doubery, Aubrige says, "The pointer finger takes days of bending to formally point straight."

Doubery nods at Aubrige.

Aubrige says, "I practiced by pointing in directions."

Speaking to Doubery, Aubrige exclaims, "Test it!"

Doubery ponders.

Aubrige holds up her pointer finger in the air.

Doubery says, "Everyone can practice."

Doubery nods.

Doubery holds up his pointer finger.

You hold up one finger.

Tabubu points up.

Missoni glances appraisingly at Aubrige.

Aubrige thoughtfully exclaims, "Quick, point at a food!"

Missoni holds up one finger.

Aubrige points at a fragile gold-colored lace cookie on a makeshift table of linden planks propped on stacks of old books.

Doubery points at Aubrige.

Rumplesnoots closes his eyes and spins around, pointing this way and that.

Missoni wiggles her fingers.

You point at a fragile gold-colored lace cookie on a makeshift table of linden planks propped on stacks of old books.

Doubery says, "Oh. A food."

Doubery giggles.

Speaking to Doubery, Aubrige whines, "I am not a food!"

Tenacity points at herself.

Tenacity ducks her head.

Doubery points at a blackberry-glazed lavender honey scone on a makeshift table of linden planks propped on stacks of old books.

Rumplesnoots staggers a bit and points at a scone.

Doubery beams!

Rumplesnoots blinks.

Rumplesnoots shivers.

Aubrige says, "If you continue these types of exercises, you too can become a not-actually-famous bug hunter."

Doubery nods in agreement at Aubrige.

Rumplesnoots squeakily exclaims, "Wese are verys not actually famous bug hunters!"

Rumplesnoots beams!

Rumplesnoots takes a bite of his strawberry scone.

Doubery exclaims, "And you will be able to identify them!"

Doubery lets out a cheer!

Doubery glances at Rumplesnoots.

Rumplesnoots beams happily at Doubery!

Rumplesnoots squeakily asks, "Shoulds I speak now?"

Aubrige quickly grabs a scone and stuffs her face with it, nodding at Rumplesnoots.

You nod encouragingly at Rumplesnoots.

Doubery turns to Rumplesnoots and cheers!

[APPLAUSE]

Rumplesnoots straightens up and is still very short and rotund.

Aubrige curtsies as she scoots closer to the table.

Rumplesnoots squeakily exclaims, "Ise goings to talks about the RAC!"

Doubery applauds.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Peoples ask me whys we formed it, and I thinks it all starts with my sister."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Tallberry is studying to be a Very Important Mage."

Doubery says, "VERY Important."

Doubery adopts an agreeable expression.

Aubrige mouths, "Very."

Doubery helps himself to a blackberry-glazed lavender honey scone.

Doubery gobbles down a big bite of his lavender honey scone.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "And VIMs need times to study, so she saids to me, Rumplesnoots, go find something to do!" He draws himself up even taller and mimics someone, shaking his finger at something. "Just go hunt a bug or something!"."

Doubery nods.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "I think she meants to say read a book, but a spider wandered across the floor, and Ise screamed and she gots flustered."

Rumplesnoots squeakily exclaims, "And wells, bug huntings seems like something I coulds do! So I gots my friends and we decideds to do it!"

Rumplesnoots beams happily at Doubery!

Rumplesnoots beams happily at Aubrige!

Speaking helpfully to Rumplesnoots, Aubrige says, "Your screams are very flustering."

Aubrige nods enthusiastically!

Doubery beams happily at Rumplesnoots!

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "And Aubrige had used all that butter on thats scholar."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Doubery says, "And I wanted to find all the ladybugs."

Doubery beams!

Rumplesnoots squeakily exclaims, "And the roly-polies!"

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "These the best."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Doubery says, "Roly-polies you can identify because they look like rabbit pebbles."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "And I thoughts, whys not ask others to join us? And then yous all started comings."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Ordim adopts an agreeable expression.

Doubery agrees with Rumplesnoots.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "And once, runnings from a spider, I fell in the river and found a tiny pea crab, and wese thought it would be funs to find them too."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "And sometimes birds eats our bugs, so we might as wells find them too."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Doubery says, "Also sometimes I get confused and forget that not all flying things are flying bugs."

Rumplesnoots squeakily exclaims, "And nows I have all these friends and a companys and so many bugs and things!"

Doubery says, "Some are birds."

Doubery nods.

Rumplesnoots nods at Doubery.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Easier to justs include birds, just in case."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Aubrige says, "But not bird people."

Doubery adopts an agreeable expression.

Rumplesnoots squeakily exclaims, "Oh ands we not hurts what we find!"

You nod approvingly at Rumplesnoots.

Aubrige vows, "We are only there to observe."

Rumplesnoots squeakily asks, "Tallberry tolds us about these special magicky things that preserve the looks or somethings?"

Doubery nods at Rumplesnoots.

Doubery says, "Tallberry knows everything."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "And then peoples can collects without hurtsings bugs."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Doubery says, "VERY important."

Rumplesnoots squeakily asks, "Dids I leaves anything out?"

Kothos says, "Some beetles produce a resin that can be used to make a stiff sort of glue. I have used that for some botanical specimens."

Speaking to Rumplesnoots, Doubery exclaims, "Uh, your favorite bug!"

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Ise don't like the beetles with the juice. These sticky."

Kothos grins at Rumplesnoots.

Doubery says, "I like the beetles with the juice."

Aubrige wrinkles her nose.

Speaking to Rumplesnoots, Kothos says, "It's very useful goo."

Doubery whispers aloud, "I love beetles."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "My favorite bug is the roly-poly in that scary place."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Doubery nods at Rumplesnoots.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "And the fat bees."

Ordim ponders.

You uncomfortably whisper aloud, "No more talk of goo, please."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Not the stingy bees."

You squirm uncomfortably in place.

Teveriel helpfully offers, "Bumblebees."

Ordim procures a glowing poison green roly poly from a cubbyhole inside the witchwood case.

Doubery says, "Fat bees."

Rumplesnoots beams happily at Teveriel!

Doubery nods at Teveriel.

You softly exclaim, "Oh I love fat bees!"

Kippe gazes in amusement at you.

Kothos grins at you.

You wrinkle your nose.

You demurely lower your misty grey eyes.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Chubby bees are bestest bees."

Rumplesnoots nods.

You nod eagerly at Rumplesnoots.

Rumplesnoots turns to face you.

Doubery says, "I like when they nap in flowers because I love naps."

Speaking to you, Kothos asks, "Chunky honeybees, hm?"

Ordim carefully places a glowing poison green roly poly into a cubbyhole inside the witchwood case.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "I thinks we ares done with the presen..pres...talky portions."

You beam at Rumplesnoots, delighted!

Doubery turns to Rumplesnoots and cheers!

Aubrige adopts an agreeable expression.

You walk behind a small podium.

Doubery exclaims, "Now we will take questions!"

You graciously inquire, "Do we have any questions from the audience?"

Doubery glances at you.

You gaze with interest at your surroundings.

Speaking embarrassedly to you, Doubery whispers aloud, "Oh sorry."

You wiggle your nose at Doubery.

Speaking kindly to Doubery, you mouth, "It's fine."

Speaking amusedly to Rumplesnoots, you exclaim, "You're stunned them all into silence!"

Doubery asks, "No questions?"

Missoni raises her hand.

Aubrige helps herself to a coffee meringue cookie swirled with dark chocolate.

Aubrige takes a bite of her coffee cookie.

Zyandi asks, "Where can I get a bug catchy thing?"

You nod encouragingly at Missoni.

Rumplesnoots lets out a gleeful half-guffaw, half-bleat then snorts in surprise as he startles himself.

Missoni asks, "You have mentioned that the way to find out if a flying bug is able to sting or bite, is to get stung or bitten. Is there perhaps a way to find out without putting oneself through that process?"

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Ise let Doubery answers that."

Ordim looks thoughtfully at Missoni.

Tabubu quietly says, "Trallihn wishes that bettle flew for the reasons we don't want any flying bug mounts."

Doubery gazes at Missoni.

Speaking to Zyandi, Aubrige whispers aloud, "From the Rumor Woods jousting place shop places."

Speaking to Missoni, Doubery asks, "A way without getting bit or stung?"

Doubery ponders.

Doubery exclaims, "Eyes!"

Rumplesnoots squeakily exclaims, "Or lets someone else gets bit and stung!"

Speaking to Aubrige, Zyandi says, "Thank you."

You confusedly echo, "Eyes?"

Aubrige nods enthusiastically at Zyandi!

You giggle softly at Rumplesnoots.

Missoni glances between Rumplesnoots and Doubery.

Doubery agrees with you.

Doubery exclaims, "You use your eyes!"

Speaking squeakily to you, Rumplesnoots says, "Gets close ands look for stinger."

Issalya stares over the top of her half-lensed spectacles with a look of utter disbelief.

Doubery asks, "Does it have a pointy behind?"

Missoni nods thoughtfully at Doubery.

You understandingly exclaim, "Oh!"

You nod slowly.

Doubery says, "It might be stingy."

Doubery nods.

Rumplesnoots giggles at Doubery.

Missoni repeats, "Pointy behind. Stingy."

You uneasily counter, "But ... what if they then sting your eye?"

Doubery says, "I don't know if you can see teeth on a bug but I would check just in case."

You bite your lip.

Speaking to Doubery, Missoni says, "Thank you."

Aubrige looks thoughtfully at Doubery.

Missoni asks, "Do bugs have teeth?"

Missoni leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Doubery shrugs at Missoni.

Speaking to Missoni, Doubery says, "I've never seen teeth but that doesn't mean they don't have them."

Kothos says, "Mandibles, perhaps."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "If nots teeth, theys have bitey things."

Speaking softly to Missoni, you exclaim, "I'm not getting close enough to one to find out!"

Doubery says, "They might be invisible."

Missoni gazes in amusement at you.

Doubery nods at Rumplesnoots.

Kothos says, "...bitey things."

Aubrige giggles at Doubery.

Yunni agrees with Kothos.

Missoni nods understandingly.

Ordim frets.

You nod at Kothos.

Kothos chuckles.

Tenacity softly says, "Hear termites have buck teeth."

Zyandi says, "Spiders have fangs."

Tenacity softly says, "Or was it bark teeth."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Spiders ares evil."

Rumplesnoots nods.

Doubery removes a grey-speckled red fighting antlion from in his red leather backpack.

Zyandi agrees with Rumplesnoots.

Doubery asks, "See this?"

You softly say, "You see a pretty fat bee and then, all of a sudden you're faced with a set of vicious teeth! There's no recovering from that."

Doubery shows his antlion around.

Speaking to Rumplesnoots, Nalira asks, "Even the pretty ones?"

Doubery says, "Bitey thing."

Doubery nods.

Doubery taps a grey-speckled red fighting antlion, which is in his right hand.

Speaking squeakily to Nalira, Rumplesnoots says, "Especiallys."

Doubery says, "Crunchy."

Nalira laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Doubery giggles.

Zyandi says, "That might have teeth."

Zyandi nods.

Rumplesnoots squeakily exclaims, "I hopes everyone comes next times we meet!"

Doubery removes a chubby teddy bear bee from in his red leather backpack.

Doubery shows Missoni his teddy bear bee.

Speaking softly to Doubery, you squeal, "A fat bee!"

Speaking to Doubery, Missoni says, "Oh, what a charmingly chubby bee."

Ordim giggles.

You wrinkle your nose.

Aubrige agrees, "I see a lot of familiar faces and some we have yet to kidn-convince to join us."

Speaking to Missoni, Doubery says, "Pointy but fluffy."

Aubrige takes a bite of her coffee cookie.

Rumplesnoots nods at Aubrige.

Missoni nods understandingly at Doubery.

Speaking to Doubery, Missoni says, "I do not see teeth."

Speaking to Missoni, Doubery says, "Fluffy means it's nice and it probably won't sting you."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Everyones welcome! Even withouts the capturing thingys."

Doubery says, "Even though it is pointy."

Doubery nods once.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Peoples share."

Rumplesnoots nods.

You graciously inquire, "Do we have any more questions from the audience?"

You glance around the room.

Doubery says, "Don't be shy! I was afraid at first to talk but it was fine."

Ordim raises his hand.

Speaking softly to Doubery, you praise, "You did brilliantly."

You nod encouragingly at Ordim.

Ordim inquires, "Which bug has the most legs, and how many legs does it have?"

Doubery glances at Aubrige.

Speaking to Aubrige, Doubery says, "This sounds like a question for you."

Speaking to Ordim, Aubrige says, "Millipedes and I never can count them all because they keep wiggling away from me."

Speaking to you, Ordim explains, "I'm going to start making bug shoes."

Doubery nods.

Ordim nods knowingly.

Rumplesnoots shivers.

Doubery clarifies, "Crunchy worm."

Ordim nods understandingly at Aubrige.

Speaking to Ordim, Aubrige says, "With their tiny crunchy worm legs."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "These kind of cutes but too many legs."

Doubery exclaims, "There's at least a thousand legs!"

You nod thoughtfully at Ordim.

Ordim repeats, "Worm legs!"

Ordim nods.

Speaking confusedly to Ordim, you say, "I see."

Doubery says, "I think they are kind of scary."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "One rans over my foot once, and it tooks forever for all the legs to go by."

Doubery agrees with Rumplesnoots.

Ordim nods slowly.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Ands I could feels it in my sleeps days."

Rumplesnoots nods at Ordim.

Ordim fidgets.

Missoni mouths, "Days?"

Doubery shudders.

Ordim glances down.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "For days and days."

Speaking softly to Aubrige, you say, "Perhaps don't consult your book for one of those."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Or nights and nights. Sometimes I just sleeps a lot."

Aubrige sagely says, "Phantom crunchy worms."

Speaking to Aubrige, Doubery asks, "What if we find the bug with the most legs in the whole world?"

Aubrige beams happily at Doubery!

Speaking to Doubery, Aubrige asks, "Would it need tiny shoes?"

Doubery adopts an agreeable expression.

You surreptitiously glance at Ordim.

Doubery says, "We would need a good cobbler, I guess."

Speaking to you, Ordim exclaims, "See!"

You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.

Ordim folds his arms over his chest in a display of stubborn pride, tilting his chin up slightly in defiance.

Speaking softly to Ordim, you concede, "I see."

You softly exclaim, "Last chance for another question!"

You glance around the room.

Doubery glances around the room.

Nalira amusedly says, "Tiny bug shoes, now I've heard everything."

Doubery exclaims, "We'll never answer another question again so ask now!"

Doubery giggles.

Aubrige begins to giggle, then bursts out in a silly laugh.

Missoni gazes in amusement at Doubery.

You amusedly comment, "Such a fascinating and engaging lecture today, I have learned so much about bugs and not-bugs - especially the crunchy kind."

Doubery adopts an agreeable expression.

Missoni agrees with you.

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Tallberry once tolds me about earwigs crawling in your ears while yous sleep when we were youngs, and I slept with earmuffs on for months."

Rumplesnoots squeakily says, "Aubrige promised theys don't do that for reals."

Ordim shivers.

Aubrige surreptitiously glances at Rumplesnoots.

Speaking to you, Doubery exclaims, "Thank you for inviting us to teach about bugs and about the Rumplesnoots Adventuring Company!"

You smile at Doubery.

Rumplesnoots squeakily exclaims, "And now comes join us next times we meet!"

Speaking softly to Doubery, you exclaim, "Thank you all for agreeing!"

You kindly conclude, "I am sure you will all join me in showing your appreciation for the wonderful RAC!"

Doubery exclaims, "If you visit you get to be part of our company!"

[APPLAUSE]

Doubery beams!

Rumplesnoots's cheeks flush with a soft pale rose shade, darkening his freckles even more.

Aubrige lets out a cheer!

Doubery hugs Rumplesnoots.

Doubery hugs Aubrige, who wraps him in a warm embrace.

Kothos applauds Doubery.

Doubery exclaims, "We did it!"

Doubery says, "...I forgot to talk more about not-bugs."