Chapter Text
Common Questions Out of Universe
1) What are Bittybones?
"Bittybones" refers to the Undertale alternate universe originally created by Fucken-Crybaby on Tumblr. In this universe, all the undertale characters you know and love are miniature versions of themselves that humans take care of as pets. Their size and sentience varies from creator to creator, but typically they are between one foot and 3 inches in size, and are capable of basic logic and reasoning (if not always speech). Since the AU's creation, a wide variety of creators have taken to making use of the Bittybones by doing things like writing stories, drawing art, and creating dolls, pushes, and models of them or involving them.
2) Can I make my own Bittybones or use them for something else?
Since the original creator has allowed people to use their bittybones however they see fit, you are welcome to do as you please. However, some writers consider it to be in bad taste to abuse the Bittybones on purpose without improving their circumstances, or writing/drawing/etc them specifically to depict them being tortured as much as possible. It is, however, considered good form to credit the original creator of the AU.
3) How do I adopt a Bitty?
Bitties can traditionally be adopted by creating art of them, such as a drawing, plush, or story. This depiction would then be your own personal bitty. However, if you aren't a good artist in any medium, you can just pick a Bitty and decide that they are yours. (Bitties are cool like that). However, there is a hard limit of 5 on how many you may own at one time.
Questions Regarding In-Universe Lore
1) Where do Bittybones come from?
Bittybones are a species of monster who lived under Mount Ebott like their full-sized cousins. Their bodies are composed of mostly magic with very little physical matter, so they typically have a very low amount of HP and are prone to spontaneous bursts of wild magic. After their release from the mountain due to the actions of a human named Frisk, Bittybones have become almost like pets, as their fragile nature makes them unable to survive on their own for any long periods of time. Because of their technical classification as "pets" an entire "pet trade" has risen up around them with pedigree breeds, adoption shelters, and some of the nastier aspects as well. Bitties at the moment have no protection in a court of law, so breeding mills, fighting rings, and the occasional mad scientist have taken advantage of the gap in the legal system. However, a few more morally sound people have taken to arguing for Bitty rights, such as Monster Ambassador Frisk.
Another note of interest: while the vast majority of Bitties as tame, there are a few wild varieties known as "Feral" Bitties. These Bittybones have evolved over time to be bigger and/or more dangerous than other varieties, so as to better survive on their own without aid. And yes, when I say dangerous, I mean even to humans. These Bitties typically live in abandoned buildings, caves, in garbage dumps, and other locations where humans don't usually travel. If you here of any disappearances in areas like the ones I mentioned previously, please steer clear.
2) What are Mama Cry's Adoption Centers?
These stores function as pet stores, shelters, and pet hospitals rolled into one. Here, would-be owners get into interact with all sorts of Bitties so they can figure out which one is right for them, and must fill out the necessary paperwork before adoption. They can also buy pet supplies, Bitty manuals like this one, and Mama Cry can give you medication if your Bitty is sick or injured. Mama Cry's Adoption Centers also have a strict return policy- if a purchased bitty is returned to the store more than three times, the bitty may choose to live at the center permanently.
3) How do Bittybones reproduce?
Reproduction is a tricky subject when it comes to Bitties. Most Bitties seem able to reproduce with one another regardless of gender and species, but if two different species reproduce together, the resulting offspring is occasionally unstable. The exact method of reproduction is unknown, but seems to follow a pattern similar to mammals. When in doubt, ask your Bitty for the details yourself, as most seem to have an instinctual knowledge about these sorts of things.
4) What do Bittybones eat?
Typically, Bitties eat tiny portions of monster food- magic compressed into the shape of food- but most can eat human food as well. The dietary restrictions and preferences of each Bitty will be listed in their respective entries.
5) How long do Bitties live?
Bittybones have strong bonds with their owners and the people they care about, and these bonds can dramatically change the life expectancy of your Bitty. This is due to the nature of a Bitty's existence- since Bitties are so small and yet have such strong magic, that means that their souls are incredibly fragile and sensitive to emotional shifts. A Bitty who is too emotional may lose control of their magic for this very reason. This also means that having any sort of emotional tie to another creature can cause shifts in the soul- a Bitty who has been abused or who is experiencing extreme sadness may very easily die of grief, while a Bitty with a loving owner may live for as long as 40 years. On average though, my research puts the Bitty life expectancy at between 10 and 30 years.
6) How do I prepare to bring a Bitty home?
I would recommend you treat the situation just like you would when bringing a newborn baby home. Put tape over unused electrical outlets, hide some of your breakable objects, and block off any areas you don't want hem getting into. Another way you can prepare is to install small ladders, stairs, and pulleys for your Bitties to use to get from one place to another, especially between the floor and other high locations like tables and chairs. These little guys are called Bitties for a reason, and what might seem like a few steps to you can be like miles to them. Bittybones-sized ladders and similar objects can be bought at the nearest Mama Cry's, or if you need a cheaper option, can be made of knitted scarves or Popsicle sticks.
7) I want to adopt a Bittybones, but I already have a pet. Can I still adopt them?
This depends on the type of Bitty and what sort of pet. My rule of thumb is if the Bitty is more energetic or ill-tempered, they will likely be fine with meeting your other pet, while more delicate or shy Bitties likely will not. It will also depend on the type of pet you already own; birds, fish, rabbits, and mice are perfectly fine, while hamsters and rats might not be, especially if they show a tendency to chew on any and every hard object in sight. Dogs and cats are a bit tricky- as natural born hunters, their first instinct will be to try and chase your Bitty around the house. My best recommendation in that sort of situation what be to drag a string or other toy around the house. If your pet chases it, it probably won't be safe to bring home a Bitty unless you keep a very close eye on them.
8) What are the main types of Bitties?
Bitties typically fall into 4 categories: Sans types, Papyrus types, Gaster types, and Grillby types. Grillby types are the elemental based Bitties, while Gaster type Bitties are known for their incomplete, unstable, or non-solid forms. Papyrus and Sans types are both skeletal in nature, but where Sans types are known to have poor health and are prone to be short, Papyrus Bitties are very hardy and are unlikely to get sick.
Hello ladies, gentlemen, and others, my name is Ferris and I'm your guide to all things Bittybones. I'm an assistant librarian and translator at one of the local universities around Mount Ebott, and Bitties are my chosen field of study. I own a few of my own, and have chosen to write down my personal experiences, as well as any useful information I can offer to first-time Bitty owners. I hope you find my notes useful!
