Expedition Munchmore

Expedition Munchmore was a segment on the Flipline Blog that featured the adventures of Ripley, the explorer at Gigaloaf Labs, as she embarked on her expedition in the Land of Munchmore. Her mission was to introduce the inhabitants of the Land of Munchmore to the X-plainer, a pocket-sized device that allows for communication between unfathomable distances across the known Flipverse. She was also tasked to map and catalog any interesting plants, snackimals, and notable landmarks along the way.

Fans were asked to help guide Ripley along her journey by participating in Gigaloaf Command Center's Twitter polls. The story was not predetermined; rather, it was shaped by the fans' votes.

Blog Announcement[]

Greetings!

We here at Gigaloaf Labs are proud of the many technological breakthroughs that we have made through our efforts to better understand the mysterious Warp Coins. Our latest technological leap comes in the form of a new device called the X-plainer. This pocket-sized wonder allows us to communicate between unfathomable distances across the known Flipverse.

We have tasked our best explorer, Ripley, to seek out peaceful societies within the Land of Munchmore and setup a productive level of communication with these potential allies.

Ripley’s Mission is as follows:

Meet up with Sprout at the Teaberry Outpost located on the outskirts of Wintergreen Way.
Travel with Sprout to the Pepita Prairie and introduce yourselves to the local inhabitants known as the Gourdos.
Deliver an X-plainer to the Gourdos, and teach them how to properly work the device.
Always Report your progress to Gigaloaf Labs using your own personal X-plainer.
Map and catalog any interesting plants, snackimals, and notable landmarks along the way.

This is a fun little diversion where you, the fans, can help Ripley complete her mission through the Land of Munchmore. Ripley will occasionally send transmissions back to Gigaloaf Labs using her handy dandy X-splainer. After each transmission, you will help guide Ripley along her journey by Gigaloaf Command Center Twitter polls. The story is not predetermined, and this is not a lead up to any sort of future game. We’re just having fun and seeing where the story goes, so vote now! [1]

Transmissions[]

Transmission #001[]

"Ripley Here!

I do hope this new X-plainer is working properly. The ride itself was a bit different than my previous experiences. Although it is difficult to describe, as my as senses are usually overwhelmed by the warping process, I do know something was amiss. The outcome of which seems to have sent me considerably off course. The temperature alone tells me that I am nowhere near our intended target of Wintergreen Way. I have found myself in a clearing on the banks of a river. Upstream, the sun is quickly setting behind a sizable mountain range. I will have to set up camp for the night and start my journey in the morning. There seems to be a great deal of kindling across the river where the forest grows rather wild. Luckily there is a fallen tree that will make for an excellent bridge. Cheers!" [2]

Gigaloaf Labs Command Center: Which way should Ripley Go?[]

Upstream (38.6%)
Downsteam (15.6%)
Into the Woods (45.7%)

647 votes were cast. [3]

Transmission #002[]

"Ripley Here!

Upon awakening, I set about packing my belongings and making preparations for a journey into the woodland. In the light of day, I was able to appreciate the beauty of the cold, effervescent waters that flowed nearby my campsite. I crossed the river, watching as small, slumbering cream puffs, known as Vanilla Dollumps (Fig. 2a), floated downstream from their source high in the chilly mountains. This charming, bronze-colored watercourse shall henceforth be known as the Sarsaparilla Stream. I lingered for a moment to savor the serene scenery one last time before reluctantly entering the ominous woods.

After several grueling miles, the light struggled to penetrate the dense canopy of radicchio-like leaves. During my hike, I was forced to take cover quickly as a twirl of Dill Wheels passed by. After a short period of hiding, I resumed my journey, only to be pursued by a pair of unexpected Dill Wheels that had trailed far behind the main group. I made eye contact with them and they promptly gave chase. I ran as fast as I could, over rocks and fallen trees, a treacherous terrain that was easily traversed by those formidable pickled creatures. My escape was achieved only by chance when I blindly dove into a hollowed-out pretzel log. The Dill Wheels circled the area for a while before departing to search for their group. I now remain here, hesitant to leave my refuge, for in the distance I see a lone Runt Tomato bounding over a small boulder." [4]

Gigaloaf Labs Command Center: What should Ripley do?[]

Quietly Sneak Away (27.7%)
Introduce Yourself (61.1%)
Scare it Away (11.2%)

465 votes were cast. [5]

Transmission #003[]

"Ripley Here!

After taking a brief respite to regain my composure, I cautiously ventured out of the cramped pretzel log. Dusting salt off of my shoulder, I slowly approached the Runt Tomato, startling the poor creature in mid-leap with my nearing presence. Marring its landing, the tiny tomato tumbled towards me, settling near my feet. I attempted to introduce myself, but it could only stare at me in tremulous confusion. I have found that in the Land of Munchmore, the inhabitants tend to fall into one of two orders. The first order consists of beings capable of communication and transcendent thought. The second order, to which this creature resides, tends to mimic those of our animals back home. Once the tomato was assured that I posed no threat, she hopped away, disappearing into the shoulder-high bushes that flanked the clearing.

I continued on my journey, when roughly ten minutes in, the sound of snapping twigs rattled from behind. I stopped, rigid with fright, and slowly turned around to confront the source of the sound. To my relief, it was only the Runt Tomato timidly trailing me (Fig.3a). I crouched down and kindly waved. The tomato's eyes grew with delight as she leaped onto my backpack, letting out a few soft squeaks. Together we traveled down the now widening trail. Over time, I found myself conversing quite often to my quiet little companion. I feel at this point I must give her a proper name, but I am torn between which one to choose." [6]

Gigaloaf Labs Command Center: What should Ripley name the Runt Tomato?[]

Ketcha (42.2%)
Tomi (42.5%)
Rossa (15.4%)

586 votes were cast. [7]

Transmission #004[]

"Ripley Here!

Tomi and I perserved in our arduous trek through the Radicchio Woods, ascending the incline of the trail with dogged determination. From a clearing, I had a panoramic view of the horizon, where Mount Monterey loomed majestically in the distance. It's rare to have a sense of direction in these woods, but for once, I was able to orient myself in relation Wintergreen Way. Following rough calculations, I ascertain that we are almost three days away from our intended destination. This predicament is quite worrisome, for my dear friend Sprout will be expecting my arrival by the end of today. At the conclusion of this protracted journey, I must remember to procure an additional X-plainer for Sprout, so as to avoid a similar dilemma.

As I discern it, we have two possible courses of action. The first is to continue along this trail, which is presumed to lead to Smoggler's Pass. Despite the lack of first-hand knowledge about this winding road, it should convey us to our final destination of Teaberry Outpost in no more than three days. The second option is to traverse the Gumwich Valley, an alternative that could save us half a day of travel. However, the rough terrain and lack of a trail could present additional challenges. Irrespective of our chosen path, we have established a comfortable encampment at this panoramic overlook, with Tomi basking in the warmth of the campfire. We must take ths opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and prepare for the formidable journey that lies ahead of us tomorrow. [8]

Gigaloaf Labs Command Center: What Route should Ripley Take?[]

Smoggler's Pass (40.7%)
Gumwich Valley (59.3%)

462 votes were cast. [9]

Transmission #005[]

"Ripley Here!

At daybreak, my companion Tomi and I set out on an expedition to the Gumwich Valley. The descent into the valley was quite steep, prompting us to secure a rope to a tree to assist us in our descent. The valley emanated a calliope of sounds, with the most prominent being that of a group of snackimals whose calls echoed through the valley with a distinct "Shruuuuu Pop". As we made our way down, Tomi nestled into my backpack as I rappelled down the hillside.

The valley was a sight to behold, with its picturesque landscape dotted with a gumdrop bushes and bubblegum patches. Halfway through our descent, I failed to notice an adolescent Cloudberry Puff growing admist the slope's weeds. As it hastily doubled in size, I lost my group and began tumbling down the hillside. For a moment, I believed my fate was sealed as I toppled over the edge.

To my surprise, I found myself suspended upside down from a string of gum that had ensnared my shoes. As I dangled from the outcropping, with the valley floor still some thirty feet beneath me, I am uncertain how best to escape this unfortunate situation. [10]

Gigaloaf Labs Command Center: What should Ripley do???[]

Send Tomi to Find Help (43.2%)
Yell "Shruuuuu Pop" (46.4%)
Just Hang In There (10.4%)

433 votes were cast. [11]

Transmission #006[]

"Ripley Here!

As I hung upside down over the ledge, I attempted to communicate with the unknown snackimals below by yelling "Shruuuuu Pop" at the top of my lungs. A strange silence followed, but was quickly replaced by scurrying noises growing ever closer to me. Suddenly, I found myself completely covererd by dozens of blue iridescent beetles, each measuring six inches in length. Tomi scurried deeper into my backpack in an attempt to escape the insects. Though I was initially scared and disgusted, I soo discovered that these beetles were not hostile. Instead, they opened their elytra to reveal a pink bubble that expanded with air, emitting a loud "Shruuuuu" sound as it grew. Once the bubble reached three inches in diameter, the beetles released the air in a resounding "POP", filling the air with a scent of banana and cloves.

I remained suspended in mid-air, covered in these loud beetles, for approximately twenty minutes. However, as the weight of the insects began to stretch the bubble gum, I felt the valley floor slowly press upon my head, and was eventually able to safely reach the ground. As I regained my footing and shook off the bugs, I pondered what to name these peculiar creatures. Though they were undoubtedly helpful, their presence was still off-putting (Fig.6a). I shall continue on my trek towards Teaberry Outpost until nightfall. [12]

Gigaloaf Labs Command Center: What should Ripley name those bugs?[]

Blow Weevil (20.8%)
Blue Shrupop (43%)
Popping Gumbug (36.2%)

467 votes were cast. [13]

Transmission #007[]

"Ripley Here!

After our exhilarating encounter with the Blue Shrupops, we continued onward with eager hearts and sturdy feet. As night began to fall, we sought a safe haven to rest and set up camp. It was a peaceful and quiet night, with only the rustling of leaves and the occsasional "Shruuuuu Pop" to break the silence. As the sung began to rise, we packed up our belongings and set off once again. Our path led us further north, and as we journeyed onwards, we noticed the occurrence of bubblehum patches (sic) increasing with every mile. Tom's (sic) sharp eyes then spotted a rare and captivating sight - three sleeping Feathered Daloons perched on a branch, their buoyancy gently lifting the branch upwards. It was a breathtaking moment, and we silently marveled at the incredible beauty of nature.

As we continued along our hike, we were suddenly alerted by noises coming from above the west ridge of the valley, where Smoggler's Pass curved towards the bluffs hanging over the valley. We quickly hid in the bushes below, and listened with bated breath as an unknown group traveled south some fifty feet above us.

Once the noise disappeared into the distance, we continued on our journey. However, our path eventually led us to an impasse - a large swathe of bubble gum spanning the entire valley floor, roughly twenty feet in all directions. We found ourselves at a loss for what to do, as the sticky substance proved to be an insurmountable obstacle. We took a moment to ponder and consider our options, determined to find a way forward. [14]

Gigaloaf Labs Command Center: How should Ripley cross the giant bubblegum patch?[]

Weathered Rocks (25.4%)
Tangled Vines (33%)
Feathered Daloons (41.6%)

279 votes were cast. [15]

Transmission #008[]

Ripley Here!

The necessity to traverse through the treacherous bubblegum bog was, indeed, rather urgent. After much deliberation, we concluded that employing the use of the Feathered Daloons (Fig.8a) would be our most auspicious option in overcoming this conundrum.

Posthaste, I commenced a search for an object capable of enticing the peculiar creatures, upending stones with reckless abandon. It was upon the discovery of the tenth stone that I unearthed a succulent, iridescent gummy worm, assuredly the ideal bait for our endeavors. Tomi and I hastened towards the branch where we had last observed the trio of reposeful snackimals. I brandished the gummy worm in a manner most enticing, rousing one of the slumbering Feathered Daloons. The creature descended rapidly, its solitary, robust leg stretching forth to seize the tempting morsel. Alas, our assumptions proved misguided, for the Daloon's preference was tomatoes, not gummy worms. It ensnared Tomi instead, whisking him away into the valley and towards the formidable bubblegum thicket. Tomi's alarmed squeaks echoed through the air as I endeavored to scale the cliff and reach the remaining Daloons.

With courage and determination, I leapt from my perch and secured my grip on the legs on the still-dozing Daloons, rousing them from their repose. They spirited me away in a flurry of panic, careening in the opposing direction of poor Tomi. After enduring in a tumultuous quarter of an hour aloft, the Feathered Daloons' fear began to wane, and I discovered that I could rather clumsily maneuver them by tugging upon their legs.

With great effort, I managed to rectify our course and set off in pursuit of Tomi and his unwitting abductor. I finally found myself closing the distance between the Feathered Daloon and my pendulously carried comrade, Tomi, as they traverse the treacherous expanse of the Bubblegum impasse.

With hope rekindled, I was left to ponder the most prudent course of action to rescue my dear friend from his precarious predicament. [16]

Gigaloaf Labs Command Center: How should Ripley approach the Daloon?[]

With Speed (30.1%)
With Stealth (50.8%)
With Indifference (19.1%)

439 votes were cast. [17]

Transmission #009[]

The Daloon continued fleeing with Tomi in its clutches as it swiftly followed the natural curvature of the valley floor. Being a solitary Daloon, I knew it could easily outmaneuver me and my two unwitting escorts. Thus, stealth and surprise would be my best bet at rescuing my tiny tomato companion. My opportunity arose when the valley took an extended bend around a rocky ridge. I drew the two Daloons close, prompting them to ascend rapidly. We soared high above the cliffs and meandering valley below. The shortcut allowed me to catch up with the tomato bandit. I discreetly descended by extending my arms out, granting the Daloons a more comfortable distance apart. Soon, I was directly above Tomi's captor. I forcefully stomped its head temporarily stunning the Daloon while I quickly swooped down to its level. Releasing my left hand, my original Daloon floated away as I swiftly grasped the leg of Tomi's Daloon. It slackened its grip on Tomi who leapt into my backpack.

With the assistance of the two Feathered Daloons and the wind at our backs, we managed to fly our way to Teaberry Outpost just as the sun began to set. As I landed safely back on the ground, I released my captive Daloons, and they promptly floated away. Tomi and I exchanged glances of weary happiness and relief. I approached the cabin door and anxiously knocked. After a few moments of silence, I knocked again, and again. Receiving no response, I opened the door and entered Teaberry Outpost. I called for Sprout, but he was evidently absent. I unpacked and settled in, glad to be indoors once more. The Outpost boasted a robust cabin, featuring a quaint kitchen and functional workspace. Nestled above the kitchen, a spacious loft housed six cozy beds providing an inviting retreat for its Occupants. Tomi and I sat down on a comfortable sofa, and I began paging through a book on the indigenous flora of Wintergreen Way as we awaited Sprout's return.

The next thing I knew, I awoke in a sunlit cabin, the warmth of the morning rays gently rousing me from sleep, with Tomi still slumbering peacefully on my shoulder. Basking in the rare sensation of being well-rested, my thoughts gradually turned to the unsettling realization that Sprout had never returned to Teaberry Outpost. I was soon pacing back and forth, attempting to comprehend where Sprout could be and contemplating my next course of action. [18]

Gigaloaf Labs Command Center: What should Ripley Do?[]

Search Inside the Cabin (73.7%)
Search Outside the Cabin (26.3%)

354 votes were cast. [19]

Transmission #010[]

Ripley Here!

With a sense of urgency coursing through my veins, I fervently rummaged through every corner of the cabin, desperately seeking any trace of dear Sprout. Alas, he seemed to have vanished into thin air, leaving not a single clue save for his absent backpack and supplies. Sensing my concern, Tomi, swiftly lept into action and assisted in the search. Using her short stature to our advantage, Tomi was able to bring a new perspective to the hunt. Soon she unearthed a message that lay concealed beneath a stately display case. It must have been whisked from its resting place upon the ottoman by a draft as we made our way into the cabin yesterday. The correspondence, penned in Sprout's unmistakable hand, proceeded thusly:

Heya Ripley,
Not gonna lie, I'm a bit worried. You should have gotten here a day and a half ago! I can't sit around here and just wait any longer. You could be lost, hurt, who knows, I'm freaking out. I'm going to be heading down the Teaberry Bridleway towards Smoggler's Pass. Don't worry, I'm bringing my slingshot just in case. If you're reading this, Awesome! That means you made it here safe nad sound, and I'll be back here before it gets dark.
Your Pal, Sprout

It appears the tables have now been turned, for Sprout is missing and I fear for his safety. The question is, should I take the Bridleway to its terminus at Wintergreen Way, or take the Brindleway halfway and continue down Smoggler's Pass? [20]

Gigaloaf Labs Command Center: Which Way Should Ripley Go?[]

Wintergreen Way (57.1%)
Smoggler's Pass (42.9%)

371 votes were cast. [21]

Transmission #011[]

Ripley Here!

Tomi and I embarked down the Teaberry Bridleway in hopes of finding our dear friend, Sprout. By my estimates it was around noon when we became privy to a most delightful sight - tiny snowflakes frolicking in the refreshing cool breeze. Tomi, bless her heart, seemed as though she was beholding this wintry ballet for the very first time, such as the magnitude of her awe.

Shortly thereafter, our journey intersected with that of a Scoopian, who was elegantly perched upon a most well-behaved Honicorn. This remarkable snackimal, boasted a majestic purple twist-cap horn, rising proudly from a golden, translucent body that refracted the daylight in a shimmering display.

I promptly halted the Scoopian to make introductions and pose a query concerning the whereabouts of our missing companion, Sprout. The Scoopian, Luna Blu, was garbed in a wide-brimmed hat of the purest white, its simplicity contrasted by a billowing shawl, as deep and mysterious as a midnight sky.

Miss Blu, unfortunately, had no information to offer about Sprout's whereabouts, but did present us with a tantalizing clue that she found along the path- a well-worn wooden slingshot that undoubtedly belonged to our absent friend.

We took leave of Luna, the slingshot in our possession a beacon guiding us on our quest. Although Sprout remained elusive, we were emboldened by the knowledge that we were indeed navigating the correct course. [22]

Characters[]

Ripley: The protagonist and explorer of the Land of Munchmore.
Sprout: An anthropomorphic carrot kid who assists Ripley with her expeditions. He has gone missing in this story.
Tomi: A runt tomato that Ripley befriends and her companion on this journey.
Gourdos: Local inhabitants of the Pepita Prairie.
Vanilla Dollumps: Small, slumbering cream puffs found in the Sarsaparilla Stream.
Dill Wheels: Baddies from Papa Louie 2: When Burgers Attack!.
Cloudberry Puffs: Baddies from Papa Louie 3: When Sundaes Attack!.
Gummy Worms: Collectables from Papa Louie 3: When Sundaes Attack!.
Blue Shrupop: A species of beetles that are known to make a "shruuuuu-pop" noise.
Feathered Daloons: A species of flying snackimals.
Honicorn: A snackimal with a golden, translucent body and a purple twist-cap horn. It is described as obedient to its owner.
Luna Blu: A Blue Moon Scoopian that found Sprout's slingshot. She is the Honicorn's owner.

Locations[]

Teaberry Outpost: Located on the outskirts of Wintergreen Way.
Pepita Prairie: Home to the Gourdos.
Sarsaparilla Stream: Cold, effervescent watercourse near Ripley's initial campsite.
Radicchio Woods: Forest that Ripley and Tomi pass through.
Smoggler's Pass
Gumwich Valley: Valley themed after bubblegum. Ripley almost falls to her death, but is rescued by the Blue Shrupops.
Teaberry Bridleway

Trivia[]

Transmission #11 is the first transmission to not ask the viewer to vote on what Ripley should do.
Tomi is incorrectly described as a male in Transmission 008, even though she is female.
Transmission 007 received the least votes, while Transmission 001 received the most.
Smoggler's Pass lost both votes it was featured in.