"A magical spell gone wrong between a Sham-Wow and a pinecone." (That's about the only "semi-real" explanation I have for this species on a whole XD!)

Conceptualised him back in early 2000, whereupon our art college asked us to design a little mascot to resemble ourselves throughout the course of our studies. Unfortunately, it could not be an already established character based on popular media, so Vee-Jay was counted out. I was struggling with the concept until I ended up on a train bound for home after grocery shopping with my then-boyfriend (now husband <3). The trainline ran close to a pine forest and as it passed by, the wind picked up and sent all these pinecones hurling down at the train. James made a comment that it sounded like the pinecones were getting slaughtered out there and then said, "If only they had a softer landing like these sponges we bought".

And G'Mugg was born!

Seasons, climate and equatorial positioning can cause G'Mugg's gender to fluctuate between the spectrums, although the primary creature identifies as Cis male. On a whole, they cannot breed; however, when in close proximity to a loved one (an owner or a foster parent, or even a pet or a favoured object like a gemstone), they clone themselves into something akin to that being/thing's colouration. In essence, it's only present when a bond of absolute trust is formed. These are known exclusively as "G'muggles", and there's a number of them out there, cloning themselves on further :3

G'muggles emit a soft, or loud 'Mmugg!' sound when they are present with a loved one or object. They are small enough to be ferried in a pocket or on one's shoulder. Their little hands and feet act as suction cups to tether to things to climb up or down, or to hang on for dear life in strong winds. Most do not have limbs attached to their tiny hands and feet (but a few do!), so it's not unusual to question one's alcohol intake when a G'muggle shows up in your home unexpectedly, aha XD

G'muggles "speak" using these sounds too, and have more creative ways of getting through to their owners. They do understand human speech, but have some trouble relaying what they want back to you. If you have a computer or a mobile phone, don't be too surprised to find an alert for a message left by your G'muggle. Some are quite creative with their leaves and paint/ink, or with small pebbles, whilst others have found ways to use pencils (despite said pencils being much taller than themselves!). There's a few I know of who have used old magazine letters and words to communicate with their owners.

When a G'muggle enters your home, try to spend as much time as possible with them. The more time spent, the more subconscious the understanding level between you both will grow. Do be warned that it may be seen as "talking to yourself", as your G'muggle will likely be tucked out of sight of other people (they prefer to establish a rapport with just you at first - your friends will come later).

They have a small stem-like appendage that usually ends in a leaf, a seed or a small unripe fruit, which is similar to the feelers on a bug. Sensitivity in its surroundings is measured by this leaf/fruit. Some G'muggles do not like it being touched, others will absolutely melt at being touched there, much like a puppy. They are fond of being stroked along their backs, much like a cat, too.

Their 'spines' change colours depending on seasons: Spring may bring you a small, green and bloom-covered G'muggle, Summer might bring on an amber/red mix or its traditional mix of greens and browns. Again, climate plays a part in this. In a tropical area, be advised that some G'muggles may resemble the fruit in your fruit bowl. An accidental nom may lead to your G'muggle refusing to speak with you for a time XD

They are not considered fragile creatures; their pinecone-like spines are soft to touch, most folks claim it's like plush minky fur or velvet or leather-like in feel. If they fall, they curl up back into their pinecone-like shape and bounce, uncurling when it is safe for them to do so. For the most part, a high fall would leave one dazed for a few minutes rather than outrightly killing it. Most creatures mistake them for chew-toys, but fortunately piercing the little pinecone spines is practically impossible to do, most just end up covered in drool and in need of a bath afterwards. Some absolutely adore water and will float and splash about in it for hours...and others prefer to be wiped down with a damp cloth. Personality fluctuates between G'muggles and is based on either colouration or the personality of their owner/friend.

Food-wise, G'muggles are not picky. Some adore sushi, others adore pasta, most adore fruit (especially grapes!). They will eat anything you put in front of them. If you have a particular food craving, your G'muggle may share the same craving. If you have food allergies, they will also share the same allergy. In winter, you would expect most G'muggles to hibernate, but that is not the case: some will, and it will last for about three months, and others won't.

A sluggish G'muggle is rare. They do not conventionally get sick as we do, but too much of a good thing can cause a sick-like state. The solution is simple: plenty of rest in their own little designated nook, fluids and the occasional piece of fruit. If they are a fruit-lover, a piece of candy (any candy really, most favour boiled sweets or caramels, some prefer chocolate and others salt-water taffy or licorice) will do it. You should see improvement within a day or so.

They have minds of their very own and are highly intelligent and sensitive to change. If a friend of their owner is sick or feeling down, they will pack themselves up in a gift box (don't ask me how they find the stamps and get past the X-ray machines, I haven't yet been able to work that out!) and post themselves to that friend. Don't be too alarmed if your G'muggle goes 'missing' for a while; chances are they're not even in your state/country and are off visiting friends of yours! If you get a postcard with a pawprint on it from somewhere in the world, that's your G'muggle letting you know they're okay and will be back soon. G'Mugg has ended up in England, Ireland, China, Singapore, several states in the USA, Canada and New Zealand - a very-well travelled soul!

They are like tiny children who never grow bigger, prone to accidents and getting into trouble, but are too super-cute to stay mad at for very long XD

There are several versions of G'Mugg out there in the world, based on some friends of mine, and other more limited gemstone and creature versions I released way, way back in 2001/2002...which haven't been seen for quite some time. G'Mugg and I hope they're doing well wherever they've ended up =3

G'Mugg belongs to Victoria S. Rodda, 2000 - 2020
G'muggles belong to their respective owners (in short, feel free to make your own and show us the results, yay <3!)