Spotlight Archives!

[mo money]

This is where staff will keep record of all the winners we've had for our Spotlights!


For a list of prizes, please refer to THIS thread!

[BELS™]

Member of the Month: Kitsune

Although Kitsune is new, she has proven herself deserving of this spot day by day! Impressively, she already has three characters including Toshiro, Leon, and Anubis. All characters are in-depth and well though out, including detail and personality that has just blown us away. Her activity is constant and consistant as she puts out brilliantly imaginative posts day by day quickly and efficiently. She is always online from posting to being an awesome addition to our sight by talking in a friendly manner on the c-box all the time. It is because of these reasons that we are proud to announce her as our Member of the Month! (Now go give her some high-fives.)

Female of the Month: Starr

Starr is a character of surpressed emotions and stoic dispositions. Complex, saracastic, and yet beautiful in every way, she is a Fulsi Delta with the weight of her ring on her shoulders. Carrying out her duties, she is not afraid to be sure that her responsibilites are well taken care of and even when she meets others, she does not let them get in her way. Although she seems to have this emotional wall up, inside her thoughts are racing with intense intellect. She can out-wit near anyone in the M and probably beat most in a fight aswell. Congrats to Starr!

Male of the Month: Manic

Manic manifests your every night-terror. He is an above and beyond character, full of heart-wrenching twists and thrilling plots. Being the powerful and frightening Alpha of the Carna, he leads the way he wants and lets no one influence his own decision. He is known to be a cannibal, preferring the flesh of women's arms. He has one son(Adison Sotero) born from one of his victims(Leila Agnello) and several siblings. He nearly single-handedly took down the Anthropomorphic race with few survivors to his vicious raids. Rarely showing affection, he's 'in a relationship' with Skye, the Fallen Alpha. But there's always a flip-side to his intentions. Unpredictable in every way, every post with Manic is a frightening joy to read.

Thread of the Month: The City is Glowing Tonight

The City is Glowing Tonight is the thread that we have all been waiting for. The Carna have taken a dramatic turn and snatched the Fulsi Alpha, Legend, from his very ring. Holding him captive and doing God knows what to torture him, the Fulsi are in a total panic. With the help of Damian and Starr and cooperative members, they've managed to pull it together for a bit. But all went to Hell when the Carna started the raid, burning down their homes and blowing up their brothers. All are in a scramble for survival...Their goal has twisted from winning to simply living.

[mo money]

K R I S S
member of the month

Kriss has been a member of The M for 3 months - and already she's shown how dedicated and active she can be. Never at a loss for a creative character, plot, or post, Kriss is one of our top posters and members. Even while juggling other sites, she manages to consistently post and plot and appear on the c-box, even with quite a few characters to maintain. Such as notable Zackariah (a high ranking Retro in the Nilda Pack) and other intricately detailed and well developed characters. Kriss seems able to handle them all <3 And for this we award her Member of the Month!

M A D D O X   M C C L E O D
female character of the month

Maddox McCleod is what you would call a text-book Carna; though not overly violent, she is quite argumentative, stubborn and unafraid to speak her mind and quite prickly due to her 7 (that's right, seven) knives. With a fear of fire her best friend is, ironically, a pyromaniac. You wouldn't want to meet this hot-headed redhead in battle, though; paired with her impressive equine shift and well equipped arsenal she surely is a force to be reckoned with.

C A S I M I R
male of the month

Being a fearless 'protector and enforcer' of the Menagerie, Officer Casimir is truly something to behold! He and his faithful canine pup Sparklet patrol The Menagerie for lawbreakers and citizens in danger. Casimir, AKA Burkely Burclay is an interesting character, to say the least. Full of hilarious comments that are spoken in total seriousness seem to just leave you in stitches. He's not one of the most violent Carna, but he sure ranks up there amongst the most strange - possibly what the CarnaRing is most well known for these days.

MORNING MAYHEM
thread of the month

Starring one of our character spotlights, it highlights the hilarity that ensues when Casimir is around. This thread is a nice change of pace from the serious and often depressing (and quite dramatic) threads that are seen here on The M; this thread shows the more human side of the Carna, and of Shifters in general. I won't spoil the fun of reading it - let's just say you're bound to laugh.

[grace!]

MEMBER OF THE MONTH: SOY

A long time member of The M who recently returned to us after a small hiatus, Soy has proven to be a wonderful part of our ever-growing community. Her dedication to the site is shown by how active she is on a daily basis and her willingness to plot with any one of our other members. She’s almost always one of the first people to respond to signature requests and never fails to make awesome sigs with her amazing photoshop skills. She also has two fantastic characters, Elizabeth (a sweet and religious member of the FallenRing) and Casimir (the unofficial ‘sheriff’ of the CarnaRing who delights in arresting unlawful citizens – even if they aren’t exactly being ‘unlawful’ to begin with, as poor Kenre and Holly found out), and is always coming up with new and interesting threads with both of them. It is for all of these reasons and more that we have decided to name her Member of the Month!

MALE OF THE MONTH: PETER MYERS

Peter Myers is one of the more ‘classic’ examples of the FallenRing; not overly friendly and well known for being cool-tempered (just like his fearsome black panther shift), he’s a brutally honest man who isn’t afraid to confront others should the need arise. However, he’s also level-headed, and doesn’t needlessly start fights - of course, he has no qualms about finishing the ones he didn’t start. As the Beta for the FallenRing, he has to make tough decisions every day, but he manages to do so with little trouble and for this, we award him Male of the Month. Together with Skye, the Fallen Alpha, they prove once again that the FallenRing is not to be trifled with.

FEMALE OF THE MONTH: ROSALINDE BLAUVELDT

A newer member of the FulsiRing, Rosalinde Blauveldt has had her fair share of troubles settling in to the Menagerie lifestyle and finding out where she truly belongs, having no real desire to accept the fact that she is, in fact, a shifter. Despite all of this, though, and regardless of her small size – both in her badger shift and out of it-, she’s already proven to be a force to be reckoned with, shown through her ability to deal with opponents that are almost twice her size. Enthusiastic and intelligent, she’d make friends within her ring easily if only she let them into her life. Perhaps, in time, she’ll become more accepting of her true nature. For now, we think she is deserving of the title as Female of the Month.

THREAD OF THE MONTH: DRUNKEN MISHAPS: LESSON 101

Dude, just read the thread. Seriously. You will understand why it was chosen as Thread of the Month. (I dare you not to laugh!)

[mo money]

S P E C T E R
member of the month

This month’s spotlighted member is our newly-appointed site organizer, Specter! He’s been a dedicated member of the site for over a year now, and is fervent about helping out about the site. Specter makes sure the site lists remain updated and tidy, all the while being active in the C-box, and posting with his multiple characters in threads. Some of his most notable characters include Damian, the Fulsi Beta, and Lovely, a Carna hunter with a screw or two loose. No matter what thread his character takes part in, Specter always manages to make his posts interesting , and even hilarious if the situation calls for it. It’s hard to imagine The Menagerie without Specter, and that’s why our new staffer has nabbed this month’s spot!

T I L L Y
female character of the month

Though saddled with a rather sad, tragic past, the brave little fox Retro Tilly Littoralis - or Chief Tilly as she is known these days - faces life with an astounding and often dangerous curiosity. As Chief of the retromorphic Nilda Pack, Tilly is surrounded by larger, much stronger canines then she, constantly on the lookout for uprising - but manages to keep the peace with her sharp intellect and handing situations without violence, trying to mirror the ways of some humans. Obsessed with the way the world and it's inhabitants work, Tilly is constantly observing, much like the scientists who interacted with her on her little island so long ago. She is intrigued by the human Shifters, and is never at a loss for questions for them when they happen across her territory.

S H E P H E R D
male of the month

Our male character of the month for August is Shepherd, The Fallen Ring’s new chief medic! Played by the wonderful Lizzy, this Shifter manages to do what most others in the Menagerie can’t seem to do— He holds onto his sense of morality and humanity, and it shows through in his work as a medic. He can’t turn away a patient, Fallen or otherwise, and always seems to do the best by them. Though at times the kind-natured man may seem a little awkward, he’ll still patch you right up with a surprisingly steady hand! This good doctor has earned his place as Male Character of the Month, showing that though the inhabitants of The Menagerie live in a turbulent world, not everyone has to turn into an animal.

A WISH FOR THE WORLD
thread of the month

Both the Carna and Fulsi have had their group threads - and now we're getting a taste of the Fallen! This thread devotes itself to who the Fallen truly are as a group - a family. A major part of their territory was recently taken over by the Fulsi, but in a time of crisis and need the Fallen have once again banded together and provided safety and warmth - and not just from the fire over which delicious fooditems are roasting - but from the strength and surety of their Alpha calling them together to ensure the future of her Ring and her family.

CRASH VS BONI
relationship of the month

Two of the longest standing characters currently in play here at The M, Carna Beta Crash Laurence and Fulsi Scout Bonifacio Russovo are, as it seems, in the midst of a personal war. They each bear the marks of their long standing hatred for each other; Bonifacio bears the burden of guilt and sorrow, mourning the deaths of his apprentice Matthew and his beloved Jovi, whose lives ended in the claws of, you guessed it, Crash. The Carna Beta, on the other hand, bears more physical marks, such as the deep scar that mars his face, carved into his flesh by Bonifacio with Crash’s own knife, and the words ‘Nex’ and ‘Addo’ carved into his hands, meaning Death Bringer. The bubbling hatred that lies between them finally reached it’s boiling point when the Carna raided the Fulsi, and Crash took his revenge, forever scarring Bonifacio with the flames of a Molotov cocktail. As for how long this violent back-and-forth will go on, no one knows, but it seems that the rivalry between the two shifters is everlasting, and can only end in blood.

[mo money]

H A N
member of the month

It's not hard to see why Han is our member of the month. She's active, even while juggling a job! She never seems to have a lack of new character ideas, and though she has plenty, she handles them all well with unique and willing plots. Currently playing Quinn, a feisty maned wolf anthro with a spitfire wit and a taste for booze; Dexter, a Fulsi with a sad past and a hatred for the Carna; Mercy, an odd girl with a habit for observing fellows a bit too closely; and Roxanne, a flightless macaw Retro learning the ways of the wilderness.

K I M B E R
female character of the month

An interesting woman who is one feisty female with a helluva right hook, never at a loss for sarcasm with a cynical twist. But despite this tough exterior, there is the ever present shadow of a girl still suffering from lack of confidence, hiding behind a bravado of tough, surly determination, throwing herself into her job as Head of Border Patrol with a startling ferocity - though it may be to keep herself busy from thinking too much on the past. She sticks out in the relatively peaceful Fallen Ring, to be sure.

A D A M
male of the month

Full of love to give that is often rejected due to his fumbling, stuttering personality, Adam seems to have captured the heart of the staff, as well as a certain Ven Volkov's (shh). Quickly working his way through the ranks of the Fulsi, first as a Tenderfoot then scout, then challenging incumbent Restan for the position of Head of Border Patrol and winning, there is no doubt that Adam, played by Hazard, is an active and well played character. Though he may seem silly and goofy, perhaps not able to lead, there is definitely a darker side to Adam, who suffers from D.I.D. It is this darker side that takes control when situations get tense.

REMINISCING
thread of the month

An interesting thread revealing the complex history behind Lyric Shikov and Ven Volkov, two Russians who knew each other as children. The mystery's unfold between them as well as an unrivaled bitterness.

AERON & DOLLY
relationship of the month

The relationship chosen for this month is certainly an odd one. Given the new 'emotions' that Viruses are to feel, amongst other curiosities and personal 'experiments', Aeron Mortem, a virus strain of tuberculosis, has taken Dolly Charm captive. Dolly is a mute butterfly Shifter and currently chained to the leg of a hospital bed. Aeron's hospital bed, in fact. Suffering from some sort of Stockholm syndrome, Dolly is forced to live with several other viruses, with absolutely no interaction with other Shifters. She is surrounded by monsters, with only her silent thoughts as solace. Will she ever be free of Aeron? Or will she fall into the greedy claws of the Viruses?

[mo money]

H A Z A R D
member of the month

Hazard is one of our most dedicated members, and for having been here for almost a year, she's done more than even some of our ancient members have (LOL NAWKS IS TALKING BOUT HERSELF. >.>) She's active in both roleplaying and in the community, constantly posting and talking in the C-box to our other members. Hazard has a ton of active characters, including the Fulsi Alpha, Adam Petite, and the leader of the Bellator, Tempest. In addition, Hazard recently became a Global Moderator, and has fufilled her duties and more, always happy to lend a helping hand to the Admins. We could go on and on listing reasons why Hazard deserves recognition, but it all boils down to the fact that she's a friendly, valued member of The Menagerie, and it wouldn't be the same without her!

A N N
female character of the month

With an innocent looking human shift, but a deeper, darker side hidden underneath that angelic face, Anita Gellard is unlike any other bird retromorph on the site. Despite her constantly cheerful demeanor, Ann is easy to anger, extremely manipulative (especially with human men), and just over all crazy. Though, regardless of all this, Ann has successfully has brought together and commanded a massive flock of retromorphs, fittingly named the Lawaii, since her arrival to the Menagerie. With quick wit and a bright mind, she has become queen of the Citadel Mountains and the skies around it, what better candidate of FOTM?

N O A H
male of the month

While he may look just like every other shapeshifter in the Menagerie, Noah St. Anthony has been keeping a secret from the rest of his companions, one that would likely prove disastrous for him if word ever got out about it. Only Manic, the Carnaring alpha, is aware of his true nature, and has allowed him to live amongst the Carna and pose as a regular shifter. Noah is, in actuality, a shifter and a virus; however, he is a failed prototype - an early version of the more deadly viruses to come. Without the antivirals that he receives from Keepers on a weekly basis, he would succumb to the virus within him. In spite of this, though, he is possessed of a fine sense of humor and is intensely loyal to whoever befriends him. It is all this and more that makes him such an interesting character, and for that reason we award him MOTM!

O, SACRED CACTUS
thread of the month

What happens when you mix a broken-hearted Carna, a light-hearted Fallen, and a hallucinogenic desert plant? Sheer comedy ensues, that’s what! In O, Sacred Cactus, Crash, the Carna Beta is wandering in the desert when he stumbles upon Desidero DeSoto, a Fallen Omega. It seems that Desi has discovered some strange cacti growing in the Fallen desert, and he and Crash drown their thirst in the potent juice, which is known to have psychoactive effects. The hallucinations have just begun, so who knows what sort of mischief these two can get themselves into...?

ADAM, VEN AND DMITRI
relationship of the month

Long before Adam Petite became Alpha, he was tenderfoot assigned to Ven Volkov. The partnership was rocky,at least until Ven showed he had a bit of a heart. Then, when Fulsi Hunter came home ill and despite his protests, Adam was the one to nurse him back to health over a month-long period. When it was all said and done, Adam was a permanent resident of Ven’s room. They had some small fights, but the pair only continued to grow closer. That is until one snowy day when Ven asked Adam out. After that when Ven had nightmares about his crippling past, Adam would be there to hold him and when Adam struggled to write his paperwork, Ven would guide his shaking hand. One day that all changed. On an impulse Ven left the Fulsi to track down his childhood sweetheart, Dmitri Shikov. He didn’t expect to actually find the man however nor did he expect Dmitri to snap and attack him, enraged that much of what he believed of the past was a lie. The next day Dmitri once again tortured Ven, only to come to his senses half way through and demand the truth. Upon learning it, he resumed trying to kill Ven in a blind rage that was only stopped by a blurted confession and a heartbreaking kiss. Rushing Ven into his best friend’s care, Dmitri avoided the pair in favor of planning to use Ven as a spy, while poor Adam believes his lover is dead and is now hell bent on making the Carna pay.

[mo money]

SNOW
member of the month

Snow hasn’t been a member on the Menagerie for very long but yet already she’s won over the hearts of almost all of us. On the C-Box she’s sweet and always fun to talk to, whatever the subject of conversation might be. On the forum itself, she’s an active plotter and poster. In fact she’s probably role-played with at least half of the site in the few months she’s been here and every thread has been both enjoyable to read and be in. It’s also ridiculous to say that she isn’t heavily involved in the site. For one her character Joseph Hill has earned the position of Fallen Leader Hunter and her Fulsi character Greyson has both participated in the Raid and will soon be named as the Alpha’s personal Tenderfoot. Needless to say, her good nature even in times of personal crisis and her captivating plot ideas make her the perfect candidate for this month’s member of the month spotlight! We all expect great things from her in the future as well.

O N I
female character of the month

What is there not to say about Soy’s Bellator, Oni? Beautiful enough to capture the heart of the Bellator Ductor but stubborn enough to hold her ground to assert her independence, Oni is the perfect candidate for FOTM. Even without superior fighting skills, Oni uses her speed and quick wits to get out of any situation, no matter how difficult the situation may seem to be. Her hypocritical and aloof nature can sometimes ward people away, but underneath it all Oni truly is a herd mare has the potential to truly care. Rational and level-headed, Oni is the best horse around, and we thought it was about time to give her the credit she deserves.

C A S E Y
male of the month

Casey Delaney is a character that seems to stand out amongst the crowd. Even though he has spent years in The Menagerie, surrounded by constant death and violence, he has managed to for the most part keep his hands clean of such things. The violence of his past would lead you to believe that he would wish some sort of revenge or justice for what he had suffered - but Casey goes through life managing the best he can, lending aid to his troubled Alpha Adam and never ceasing in caring deeply for others or tending to their wounds with his healing and a soft smile. And though he has been through so much - nearly dying at the hands of several Viruses, being partially cannibalized and beaten by the Carna Alpha himself in the violent Raid, Casey refuses to let the world turn him into a killer. And even when all else had failed and his hands did end up covered in blood - it was not a shout of victory or a surge of pride or sick satisfaction like most others would have felt. It was a deep sense of sadness and sorrow, a profound and refreshing reaction to killing when The Menagerie has made murder seem so common place. Casey killed defending his lover Sascha from Sascha's own murderous brother, and still the guilt and sadness clings to him. Casey was chosen as Male Of the Month because though the Menagerie has affected him in many ways - he has not let it change who he truly is - he has not let it make him a mindless animal.

IT'LL TAKE A LOT MORE THAN WORDS AND GUNS
thread of the month

Some love stories are peaceful affairs and others end in tragedy; It'll Take A Lot More Than Words And Guns is a thread that showcases the later. Ven Volkov, the beloved of the Fulsi Alpha Adam Petite, had been spying for the Carna Ring for a while now but he’s also been doing a side job. In the wake of the recent raid, Ven has also been systematically murdering Fulsi Scouts while they patrol the borders. Adam on the other hand has been far too busy to notice his lover’s odd behavior, instead spending his days plotting revenge on the Carna in Ven’s name. For months they maintain this forced and awkward routine. Yet when Adam sets a trap for the Scout killer, using his new shift as bait, both lovers are forced to face the truth of the matter. Fists and words fly, injuring them both beyond belief and neither comes out of the encounter without both physical and mental scars. But the shining moment of the thread is it’s ending, when Ven is exiled and both men face opposite sides praying that the other is looking back as they walk away. The only question is, what will the Fulsi do now that their information is compromised, their spies outed, and their Alpha feeling so utterly betrayed?

P Y / T A I N
relationship of the month

How can a fistfight be romantic? Well, this colorful-haired pair sure seem to know how to make it as such. What started as a relationship built on hate has gradually grown into something far more passionate. Tain and Py first met during the Carna’s raid on the Fulsi; in a fit of blind rage, Py attacked the medic. In the end, both of them were left near-death, and they parted ways. Their second encounter was at the Speakeasy, where Py had been waiting for his date, Holly. They fought again, until Py ended it by kissing Tain as a distraction from their fight. A long series of events followed, and culminated with Tain, who was under the guise as a rogue, being brought back to Carna. In reality, he was a spy for the Fulsi. In the months to come, they became more tolerant of each other. While Tain acted as though he truly liked (and desired) Py, he still had an undercurrent of bitter feelings towards him, and the act was primarily to gain Py’s trust and any useful information. Py, in the meantime, grew to have strong feelings for the medic, and was left confused by the mixed signals he was receiving from him. In more recent months, they have grown closer, and Tain has become a permanent guest in Py’s bed. The hunter plans to ask him out in the near future, but what lies in store for them both might prove disastrous for their current relationship.

[mo money]

R A Y N E
member of the month

We chose Rayne for our Member of the Month spotlight this month because even though she's only been a member for about a month, she's already got four awesome kick-ass characters and has involved herself in countless plots! She's always flitting about the c-box - well, more like steamrolling around the c-box (Rayne the Steamroller strikes again!) and never at a loss for a plot idea. And even though she's in at least five different threads as it stands, she manages to keep up a speedy-quick reply time that leaves us slower posters blown away. Needless to say, Rayne is definitely worthy of our Member Spotlight because she is, to put it simply: SHAMAZING.

C H A R M E I A   A N T O N I
female character of the month

Charm Antoni is the epitome of a loyal Fulsi. It’s clear she has her Ring’s best interests in mind, and most definitely doesn’t play around when it comes to keeping them safe. At the same time though, Charm knows how to have fun. Miss Antoni is often found hanging around with her friends Dalton and Tarrik, and it is this healthy balance of seriousness and playfulness that makes Charm such a great character. When the Fulsi were left without a leader, her well-rounded personality also made her a good candidate for Alpha. Charm remains a valuable member of the Fulsi, and this month’s Female Character of the Month!

V E N   V O L K O V
male of the month

Kitsune's Ven Volkov is a character who demands notice if only because his actions have effected so many and on such a huge scale. And yet even if he had never spied, never killed so many Scouts in revenge, never almost killed the Fulsi Alpha, Ven would still have been a compelling character. Perhaps it's his past as a hit-man and the way it still haunts him through nightmares that make him wake up screaming some nights or the way he hates to trust others simply because he has the fear that they'll die since in his old line of work, they did. Or the way that despite his serious attitude, somehow Kitsune manages to flawlessly intertwine his hit-man training with the normal playful nature of a young man of nineteen. This makes it so easy to relate to Ven as he goes between the two loves of his life, the Fulsi Alpha and the Carna Delta. We watch his tears as he's tortured at the hands of someone he just wants to be loved by, we feel his pain at having to stand by while the Carna is raided, and we cheer him on as he fights for acceptance in his new Ring. Whatever Ring Ven is in, whatever his journey might be, we'll all rest happy knowing it's one that we'll love to read.

DEVIL'S GONNA FOLLOW ME WHEREVER I GO
thread of the month

An encounter between shifters of opposing rings is always an intriguing occurrence, and in the thread “devil’s gonna follow me wherever”, this is no exception. The Speakeasy is known to attract all types, despite its foul-tasting liquor, and it draws both Kitty Richmond, a newly initiated Carna, and Natalia Sierra, a rogue fresh out of the labs, into its residence. The two start off their meeting on shaky ground, but tensions soon ease a little when Kitty acknowledges that Natalia is neither a Fulsi nor a man. Natalia, being new, is unaware of what a Fulsi actually is, but her question is soon answered when Quick Taylor, a Fallen scout who’s been in the Menagerie for some time, makes an appearance. Things are surely bound to get interesting given the dynamic characters involved in this thread, and it is for that reason that it has been awarded ToTM!

C A S E Y & J O N N Y
relationship of the month

What is there to say about Jonny and Casey? Well, when you throw a Scottish ego-maniacal flirt in with a nice Irish guy and make them roomies, you don't expect the best results. And you'd be pretty much right, in this case! Although Jonny McNabb flirts outrageously with every Fulsi he can find, he still finds the time to annoy the hell out of Casey with his shenanigans and silly pranks. Jonny is known for all sorts of pranks, from hanging Casey from the flagpole on the top of Gospel Towers to painting mustaches on Casey's painstakingly painted wall murals, to his famous Pancakes, where he flops on a peacefully sleeping Casey and refuses to budge; believe it or not, Jonny was even responsible for shooting Casey in the ass with an arrow (a <s>hilarious</s> accident.) And to think this all started over Jonny making eyes at Casey's comfortable mattress. Despite Casey's apparent anger towards Jonny, only time will tell if Jonny's suave smile will eventually break through Casey's grudges. But there's a twist - Casey's "loyal" albeit annoying tenderfoot is actually working as a spy for the Carna, his original ring, using Casey to get close to the Fulsi Alpha. Who know what will happen next? Will their silly arguments and tussles lead to something more? Or will hearts and possibly lives be shattered?

[mo money]

F U L É A O
member of the month

Fuleao, or Foolie as she is affectionately called around here, is this month’s spotlighted member! You can always find Foolie in the C-box, talking to the other members and being all-around good fun! She’s always friendly, and actively plotting and posting with other people. Even more, Foolie is extremely original and creative when it comes to her characters, like her Nakoma, Persephone! Though she’s only been around a few months, Fuleao is an active member of the Menagerie that deserved some recognition!

" W A N D E R E R " aka E D E N
female character of the month

This retro is a seemingly quiet figure among the Analoya tribe, though don't let this fool you. She is also known to be both sarcastic and cruel, taking what she wants; which is why some think she was given the position as Teller. Others think she just merely took the position because she thought it rightfully hers; and she might agree with you. She is a force to be reckoned with and don't you dare push her buttons ... lest you be clawed into itty bitty pieces. Treat her with respect though, and you will have a pleasant lady to talk to; that choice is yours if you happen to meet her.

M A X W E L L " Q U I C K " T A Y L O R
male of the month

Impulsive, stubborn, and always up for a fight when defending the Fallen, Quick more than proves why you shouldn't lightly mess with the desert ring. He's been in the Menagerie nearly as long as any other shifter, and knows the ins and outs of Fallen's territory, to the dismay of trespassers and thieves. With a strong fighting shift and remarkable loyalty, Quick makes an invaluable asset to his ring.

SO MAD I COULD SPIT
thread of the month

An encounter between shifters of opposing rings is always an intriguing occurrence, and in the thread “devil’s gonna follow me wherever”, this is no exception. The Speakeasy is known to attract all types, despite its foul-tasting liquor, and it draws both Kitty Richmond, a newly initiated Carna, and Natalia Sierra, a rogue fresh out of the labs, into its residence. The two start off their meeting on shaky ground, but tensions soon ease a little when Kitty acknowledges that Natalia is neither a Fulsi nor a man. Natalia, being new, is unaware of what a Fulsi actually is, but her question is soon answered when Quick Taylor, a Fallen scout who’s been in the Menagerie for some time, makes an appearance. Things are surely bound to get interesting given the dynamic characters involved in this thread, and it is for that reason that it has been awarded ToTM!

A N I T A & T A R R I K
relationship of the month

A relationship built on lies and betrayal – what more could you ask for? Anita, leader of the Lawaii, is well known for her manipulative and possessive nature among her fellow birds. When she happens upon Tarrik, a stubborn Fulsi tenderfoot, she sets about claiming him for herself. During their first meeting she poses as a rogue to him and uses her empathy to win over his trust and affection. From then on, Tarrik makes it his mission to try and convince her to join the Fulsi. They go through many trials together, such as defeating a virus and learning to master their skills. Ann becomes something of a love interest to Tarrik, although she only partially reciprocates these feelings in return, her mind being much more focused on ‘keeping’ him than loving him. However, she soon comes to suspect that Tarrik and Dalton are more than just friends, and her jealousy towards him for ‘betraying’ her leads her to take action. When they wind up in her territory, the tables are then turned on Tarrik – she betrays him. Given her unpredictability and Tarrik's resilience, who knows what will happen next?

[mo money]

S I L F R V A R G
member of the month

One of our more recent members, Silfrvarg, has really become a part of the Menagerie family! When she’s not chatting it up in the c-box, she’s getting involved elsewhere. Whether it be plotting in Sideplots, or posting with one of her three characters, she’s always active. In January, her writing skills shone when she placed second in the ‘fear’ themed fiction contest! More than all that though, Silfrvarg is just a great person to have around. With all these traits combined, it’s no wonder that Silfrvarg is February’s Member of the Month!

H A R L E Q U I N S T . C L A I R E
female character of the month

What to say about Miss Harlequin St. Claire? This spit-fire of a Carna Scout is certainly not the woman to trifle with. Although she isn't known to start fights, she sure as hell won't hesitate to finish them. She's got a silver tongue and isn't afraid to speak her mind--which is usually in the form of snarky commentary. A rather aggressive member of the Carna (as they are known to be) she is of rather interesting heritage: half Cherokee and half French, who grew up ridiculed and insulted on a Cherokee reservation, which formed who she is today. Over all an interesting combination that makes this feisty Carna woman worth of female of the month!

M A T T H I A S   G O T T M O R D E R
male of the month

Matthias Gottmorder, affectionately known as Fix due to his penchant for building various things, is an anomaly in the eyes of most shifters. Fix, while still considered a shifter by the Keepers, is actually a human chimera with shifter DNA thanks to his never-born twin brother's genes. Though this means that he has no animal shift, he is a skilled rider and a talented archer. He roams as a rogue, occasionally terrorizing the Bellator and often finding his words lost-in-translation due to his broken English. His past, which can be read about here, is just as interesting as his nature. Did I mention that while he maintains the youthful age of 25, he is really 76 years old? And that he would burn down a church for a chocolate bar? All of this definitely makes Fix a worthy candidate for Male otM!

NOT SO EMPTY SPACES
thread of the month

Oh Seraphim, Seraphim, what have you unleashed? A childlike virus prowls the halls of the rotting hospital, emotions and commonthought as much a mystery to her as the stranger Ghost, who sought refuge within the whitewashed walls. Pompeii knows little more than her purpose; to infect the abomination, the shifter, while Ghost fights with failing strength to survive. Will Ghost escape? If he does, will it really be a victory after Pompeii's efforts to infect him? Keep reading and find out!

CARNA & FALLEN RING
relationship of the month

If you could describe the relationship between the Carna and FallenRings, the word would be disastrous. Although the two Rings have never truly been complete and utter enemies, there has always been a long-standing undercurrent of anger and on some personal levels, hatred. Throughout the seven or so years The Menagerie has been open, it has come to pass that despite the Fallen's best efforts to remain on the fringes of this forced society, they have been thrown headlong into the fray. With the ever-changing hierarchy of the FulsiRing and their constantly shifting modus operandi on interring relationships, the Fallen have found themselves in a tense alliance with the Carna after several Fulsi takeovers on their land. Manic and Skye, the two Alphas are carrying on a secretive affair while their Ringmembers struggle with their own frustrations at having to share supplies and patrols. Things are as tense as ever, as the alliance continues to fray as expectations aren't met. Who knows what will happen, especially with this surprising shedding of blood between the ill-matched lovers Manic and Skye? Only time and the Keepers can tell what will ultimately come between these two Rings.

[mo money]

EVE
member of the month

Eve, to put it bluntly, is an amazing member who definitely deserves this months spotlight! Although she has only been with us for a month, she already has five extraordinary characters and keeps them all readily active and ready to plot! Her first character was a very ambitious one in the form of Fafnir, a deadly Virus with a creative design and a terrifying personality. Her knack and tenacity for character creating is topped only by her plotting and posting! Whenever you look in the recent posts, it's likely you'll catch Eve in action in one of her many threads be it with Fafnir or one of her kick ass Retromorphs. For her outstanding activity and general all around awesomeness, Eve is our Member of the Month!

KALIAL LOCKEHILL
female character of the month

Kalial Lockehill, played by Kerr, is an interesting addition to the Carna ranks. Her supreme dedication and loyalty to the Carna shines through, and lends to her winning this months spotlight. She stands out among Ring members who sometimes put their own needs above the Ring's--but this Hunter doesn't let that come first. She pushes aside her hunger to donate to the Ring's food supply. She isn't your typical Carna woman, who thrives off bloodlust and violence (although she won't hesitate to kick ass if necessary). Most of all though, these days you can't throw a stone in The Menagerie without hitting Kalial! Kerr has been plotting and posting with this hard-headed girl, truly bringing her to life.

DEAN 'GHOST' SHEPPHARD
male of the month

Largely laid back despite his recent run of bad luck, Ghost aka Dean Shepphard seems to be getting the short end of the stick recently. His cautious curiosity has left him wounded and infected after a run in with one of the Keepers' monsters, and now he's landed in the odd company of a Carna hunter. His loyalty has served him ill before with his team, -that's right, he's ex-UNIT- and now he seemed hesitant to extend trust again, even at risk of his own life. Will he live? Will he die? Will he infect the hunter he's drinking with, or others? Only time will tell!

NEED YOU NOW
thread of the month

For those of you who have been following the escapades of Jonny McNabb and Casey DeLaney, this is a bit of a surprising turn. Jonny McNabb, under the alias Jonny Lawless is a Carna spy who was assigned to Casey as his Tenderfoot. In this thread, despite being a notorious prankster and mischievous Tenderfoot who causes Casey nothing but endless frustration, Jonny has found himself needing to provide comfort instead of catastrophe. Casey has just found out that his boyfriend may be cheating on him (with a Carna woman, no less!) and is terrified of losing him. This thread highlights the humanity that still lingers in The Menagerie, diffused with the reality that the enemy that may seem far away is in your bed, his arms wrapped around you, just waiting for the moment to strike.

CASEY AND SASCHA
relationship of the month

Casey DeLaney and Sascha Stark have never had a normal relationship. In fact, from the second they met, they found themselves in unusual circumstances. Sascha, the bat-winged anthropomorph, then just a stranger to Casey, helped save Casey’s then-fiancee Damian from a bloodthirsty virus. Injured in the battle, Sascha returned with the pair to the Inn, where Casey healed him, and they found they had an undeniable connection. Even though he was still in a long-term relationship with Damian, Casey couldn’t get Sascha off his mind. This eventually broke the two Fulsi apart in a violent clash, and Casey fled the Fulsi only to be found by Sascha, and his brother Misha, who like his other brothers, lived to make Sascha’s life a living hell. In a bloody battle, Casey killed Misha to save both his life and Sascha’s. The rest was history. Though Casey is a Fulsi, and Sascha an anthro, never allowed to join his Ring, the two somehow make it work, staying together and in love. This is why Casey and Sascha (Caysha!) are June’s Relationship of the Month.

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[mo money]

FULEAO
member of the month

Fuléao! You know her, you love her! WHY, might you ask? Her characters are a hot commodity in threads all over the map, from Nakoma to Carna and all the inbetweens! She's a shoutbox lurker by nature, and has taught us all the meaning of Nudibranch [something we didn't even know we didn't know], and informed us to our collective bewilderment that we were, in fact, fish! Generous and overambitious[have you SEEN her lineup of the Nakoma? Yes, ALL OF THEM.], but stubbornly humble and notoriously friendly, she is worth her weight in soap to the Menagerie! Carry on, Funoodle!

RANEEN THORPE
female character of the month

Raneen Thorpe, although a rather new anthropomorph, has already proven herself to be quite capable of surviving in the Menagerie. Previously an African fruit bat shifter, she now sports an impressive set of wings which, when coupled with her skills, makes her a deadly addition to the Nakoma tribe. It is not just her physical attributes that make her an asset, though. She is a brutally honest individual with firm opinions and a generally happy disposition. And, as shown by her helping out Sascha Stark when he gets into trouble, she’s always willing to lend a hand if someone’s under threat. Of course, like anyone else, she has her flaws as well. Her moods often shift without explanation, and she’s prone to tearing up, but these flaws only add to her interesting characterization. Overall, we feel that Baghera plays her fabulously, and that Raneen definitely deserves to be female character of the month!

FAFNIR
male of the month

Eve’s Fafnir is not your run-of-the-mill virus. Unlike most other viruses, who are simply mindless, shifter-eliminating machines, Fafnir has two distinct sides to his personality. Most dominantly, he is the killer that the other residents of the dome have come to fear from a virus, but underneath that is another side to him, one which thanks to the addition of emotions to the viruses, feels remorse and guilt for his actions. It’s an interesting twist to see a virus being a coldblooded killer one moment, and then a confused creature the next moment, struggling with emotions that conflict with the task he was designed to do. Beyond his personality, Fafnir also has a brilliant character design, and thanks to Eve’s illustrations, his shift form is a joy to look at. ( Though it must be terrifying for all of the Menagerie’s inhabitants! ) A unique design and a captivating character to read, it’s no wonder that Fafnir is male character of the month!

IN THE ABSENCE OF GOD
thread of the month

They didn't know what hit them when they were brought in by the Keepers, but Tarrik and Dalton had bigger things to deal with when they find out they were dumped back into retro-territory. Not to mention they were in the feathered-retros lands, those that didn't like passerby's very well. They didn't realize just how much trouble they were in, or whom it was that wanted to get even with Ari; and she wasn't afraid to use Dalton to do such a thing. So in the middle of nowhere, tied up and useless, they must deal with the ill-tempered Lawaii leader. Wait ... what the heck did she do to them?!

MANIC AND SKYE
relationship of the month

One would assume that due to the often tense and violent history between the Carna and Alpha Rings, the relationship between their respective Alphas would be much the same. Although their history is indeed fraught with violence and plenty of tension, it is also laced with a strange, twisted love (if you could call it that). Their history is filled with years of turmoil and betrayal, too much to list in one paragraph. From rivalry and a war of ultimate wills, an obsession grew between the two and it became Manic's goal to break his beloved Skye. From obsession grew lust, and lust again transformed and became a grotesquely, yet somehow beautifully, twisted love.

The latest installment of their twisted love story has ended in Skye kidnapped and stowed away in the depths of Carna territory, locked away in Manic's quarters and finally, he has her right where he wants her. With a relationship founded on murder and betrayal, built up with manipulation and sugar-coated lies--What else would you expect?

[/blockquote]

[mo money]

AUGUST

VERTIGO
member of the month

Vert, Verty, T-go--she goes by many names in the c-box and and within such a short time she has become a common sight amongst the M goers, always willing to plot and post! Her sudden burst of activity really surprised most of us staff that after a month long vacation, she came back full force! Making characters, six and counting, and being active with all of them all within two months is no small feat, after all. She truly is an inspiration to the rest of us and has become a great part of our little community. She is a wonderful addition to the M family and we hope she sticks around!

QUINN LYNCH
female character of the month

What to say about Quinn? You could say she's a maned wolf Anthro with a hell of a right hook. But that wouldn't do her justice. Han has created a complex character that is filled with incredible strength, as well as incredible sadness and pain. Quinn's history is heart-wrenching, a past that shaped her who she is today and leads her to show the world that she's a crazy, rough-and-tumble (and occasionally drunk) woman who won't take crap from anybody--with, yes a helluva right hook and a sharp wit to match. But interestingly enough, beneath all of this bravado is a scared little girl who panics at the thought of feeling anything she can't drown out in alcohol. To sum her up in the words of those who nominated her for female of the month, "she's a fun, drama-filled, sweet character. I always enjoy reading her posts, no matter how long; I always know I'll get to the end wishing there was more!"

CHARLIE HAYNES
male of the month

Charlie Haynes is a special case, initially a Keeper canon, whose concept and personality were created by Mourge. He was recently adopted by Eve, who transformed him into a character all his own. He’s a genuinely good security officer, who despite being part of the menagerie’s less scientific staff - often known for their outspoken hatred of the abominations in the dome- isn’t a complete monster to the shifters, anthros, and retros he deals with on a daily basis. He does his job and does it well, often with a lighthearted smile or a clever quip to throw back at those who might not be so happy to be dealing with a keeper. His strong sense of self, which sometimes leads him to break company policies, like chatting it up with subjects while working, is what makes him such a great, unique character. Congrats to Charlie Haynes for being the Menagerie’s first keeper character to win Male of the Month!

THE WEIGHT ON MY SOUL
thread of the month

The thread Weight on Your Soul does a remarkable job in capturing the pain of loss and the dynamics between two very interesting characters. Athena, a young denmother for the Analoya tribe, gives birth one day in the seclusion of a den. However, things go horribly awry when the cub is born weak and sickly, and it dies shortly thereafter. Darrik, one of Analoya’s hunters who had accompanied her earlier, seeks her out after beginning to worry that all is not right. Although not friends, per se, they become closer throughout the duration of the thread, forming a strong and lasting bond of friendship as Darrik helps to comfort the grieving mother. A must read for those who want a kick right in the feels!

ATHENA AND DARRIK
relationship of the month

Mutual acknowledgement blossomed into friendship between these two retros following Athena's tragic miscarriage, when Darrik stepped up in her time of need to provide comfort and closure. In the years since their relationship has solidified, and you'd be hard pressed to find closer friends in all of Analoya. What will the future hold for them? More trials, or good times? Unfortunately in the Menagerie, one's much more common than the other.

[/blockquote]

[mo money]

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

PAJAMAS
member of the month

Pajamas, the proud owner of four characters here on the M, is a active and social chicka that we are proud to call Menagerie family! Having only joined back in July she has quickly become a commonlity around here and with it, activity from her characters! She loves to plot, since what M person doesn't?, and is seen plotting in the boards or in the c-box. She is a wonderful addition to our ranks, and we wouldn't have it any other way!

WANDERER
female character of the month

Carefully controlled, and calmly controlling of her pride, Wanderer has many facets that keep the feline retros under her paw, and the majority of trespassers wary. Proud but not to a self-sacrificing extent, smart and willing to employ her human form, she is able to handle the often insane situations that regularly occur in the Menagerie with feline grace (occasional falling through floors excluded). And more than once her path has crossed with member of the Carna ring, something she's thus far managed to handle and survive. But how will her most recent encounter fare? All eyes tuned to her posts to find out!

MAGGOT
male of the month

Maggot might be what one would consider to be a classic example of a retromorph, preferring his dog form over that of his human form. True to his doggish nature, the Nilda predator is intensely loyal and protective to his pack, as well as to the handful of friends he has made during his time spent in the Menagerie. All things considered, he is a relatively calm dog, preferring to quietly observe rather than to partake in adrenaline-fueled activities. However, when trouble comes calling to anyone he’s close to, he won’t hesitate to help them out of a jam. Those who tread on his bad side should step lightly, as his bite (which is far worse than his bark) will definitely leave some lasting damage. Gia-Chan plays this character brilliantly, and his posts are always a delight to read. It is for this reason that we believe he fully deserves the title of Male of the Month!

WANDERING INTO THE DEVIL'S GRASP
thread of the month

Andromeda, a Fulsi Scout, has found herself in quite a predicament--wandering alone in the Carna territory. Even the most skilled of fighters would know this is something akin to a death-wish, and the promise of violent confrontation rings true when the Carna Delta happens upon the wandering Fulsi. This thread is a great, if not gruesome, read. It deals with violence in a psychotic, almost childish manner in the form of Lovely, the Carna Delta. This axe-wielding woman with a fancy for spilling blood is interesting opposition for the daring, sassy Andromeda who never seems to lack a snarky comeback even in the midst of pain. A great thread without a dull moment, full of snark and sass and, and a nice dose of violence. Not to mention the great writing of both Vertigo (Andromeda) and Dionysus (Lovely)!

ADISON AND ADELINA
relationship of the month

Adison Sotero and Adelina Russovo couldn’t have come from more opposite places. He, the son of the Carna Alpha, and she the daughter of Bonifacio Russovo, a caring Fulsi who had her raised in the Fallen. Still, somehow they’re a perfect match for each other. Both wild and aggressive, the two first met in a clash of violence, fighting before they even knew each other’s names. They became friends, and then more, and this passion showed in their relationship. There was no doubt that the two loved each other, and they soon had a baby girl together. Adelina, Adison, and Reagan were a happy family for a few months. Until the baby fell ill. There was nothing they could do to help her, and she passed away in Lina’s arms. Distraught, she chased Adison away to hide her suffering, and to shield herself from the face that reminded her of Reagan. Adison left at first, but refused to be kept apart from Adelina for long. He now follows her, determined to get back to Adelina, whether she wants him to or not. Adelina is just as determined to keep him away, and neither one of them is willing to back down. Their complicated, emotional relationship is what makes Adi and Lina relationship of the month!

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[mo money]

NOVEMBER

KRISS
member of the month

Although life got in the way, Kriss has returned to us and as our spotlight nomination thread puts it, "SHE CAME BACK AND BROUGHT SEXY WITH HER (aka Lyric)"! She's an active, consistent poster with creative and intriguing characters that just leave you wanting more. Besides bringing sexy back Kriss is also bringing some life back into the Bellator as the herd's new extremist leader, Reach Wilds. She's never at a loss for plots or ideas for her five various characters (including Mr. Sexy himself, Lyric Shikov) and one only has to look at the most recent posts to catch sight of a few of Kriss' characters in action!

ZEPHYR WOODWIND
female character of the month

If your ring was all but destroyed, could you forge it back together in the face of nearly total adversity? That's exactly what Nakoma leader Zephyr Woodwind has done, and she's done it in style. Negotiating new allies and rallying her people around her with a calm front and deeply interred sense of fairness. But will her eagerness to expand the reach of her Tribe go as planned? Not everyone can be trusted, and the stubborn hope that has won the hearts of the players on the Menagerie to Zephyr's side could be her downfall. Look sharp, and we can all find out together!

FINNEGAN BALDINOTTI
male of the month

Despite being relatively new to the Menagerie’s harsh conditions, Finnegan has already solidified himself as a character that people adore. In truly fascinating fashion, this man has grown up believing that he is, in fact, a swashbuckler of the high seas. Yes, you heard correctly folks, he is dead-set on the idea that he’s a pirate, attire and all, which is simply fantastic. And in true pirate fashion, he’s a lively, social chap who’s rather inclined to pilfer the shiniest of objects on a regular basis. Of course, given that he's chosen to make the Carnaring his home, he best be watching his back when it comes to picking pockets. As it were, he’s already started making acquaintances with his fellow shipringmates; you best be keeping your eye on this one in the future – I’m sure a lot of adventurous plotting is on the horizon.

C'EST LA VIE, C'EST LA MORT
thread of the month

Adelina Russovo and Adison Sotero have a long and trying history together, full of ups and downs and everything in between. Their love is undeniable, but now tragedy has torn them apart. Adelina hasn’t spoken to Adison since their daughter, Reagan, died, and Adi’s fed up with waiting. What will happen when these two, both charged with powerful and bottled-up emotions, finally come face to face again? Will Adi be able to bring Lina to her senses? Or will they be separated for good? Either way, one thing is for certain: This thread is bound to punch you in the feels!

MAGGOT AND ABIGAIL
relationship of the month

They are young, but show what it means to be friends in a place where there are few and far between, doing anything to make sure that the other is safe. A retromorph and a Shifter having become this close is slightly rare, as well as dangerous as made known when Abi was taken into Nilda custody. They are both a little rough around the edges with a softer inside, which makes them the best of friends in this case and our center of attention for RoTM.

[mo money]

DECEMBER 2012

SOUPDRAGON
member of the month

Although she has only been on the site for several weeks, Soup has already become a well-respected member of our community. She is always lurking in the cbox and coming up with fun plots with everyone else, partaking in our holiday events with no small amount of festiveness, and creating memorable characters such as her Nilda retro Bennett. In addition to all of this, she is also a great artist, as shown by the graphics and artwork she has made. It is for all these reasons and more that we believe Soup deserves to be MotM!

ALEXIA
female character of the month

Alexia, played by the awesome Thunderbolt, is an active and exuberant Nilda member. She is very active, plotting and threading with many others so far - and more than likely many to come! She isn't very hard to figure out, the coyote retro is a loyal pack member and very defensive of those she cares about as well as the ones in her pack; making her a great asset to the Nilda and a perfect selection for this month's FotM!

BENNETT
male of the month

This rough around the edges Retromorph, played by Soupdragon, has been attracting attention, his over-tried patience and laid back charm are fun to read, and he's showing a knack for digging himself into interesting situations. He's got a bit of a run in with a member of his own pack in the dubiously named Safehouse, where he's trying to avoid the rain and an arrow to the face. Elsewhere he's come across one of the Analoya making like a rock in the ocean, sinking. Mayhaps he'll even be motivated to help them out! A good plan, we wouldn't want a death to be mucking up potential negotiations between their respective groups!

NO WINNER
thread of the month

As there was no unanimous vote for this month's Thread Spotlighted, there is no one winner. However, we suggest checking out some of the threads that were nominated! You can see them here!

IXCHEL AND SEIJA
relationship of the month

As a Carna Lead Hunter, and a Fulsi Medic, Seija Mulviene and Ixchel De Leon are naturally enemies. The Menagerie has pitted them against one another in a life-or-death battle, which surely only one of them will walk away from. It is a relationship that is seen throughout the Menagerie day after day, but that doesn't make it any less impacting; they are enemies and battle opponents, just because of the Ring they belong to. Had they been on the outside, Seija and Ixchel might have been friends, or perhaps they wouldn't have even given the other a sideways glance, but it is the Menagerie that has driven them to the violent clash that they find themselves in now.

[SEIJA-CHAN]

JANUARY 2013

MARE
member of the month

Mare is yet another new member who has demonstrated her skills as a talented writer, and is a wonderful part of our community. Despite her extraordinarily busy schedule outside of the Menagerie (particularly in regards to her horses), she still manages to find time to plot with other people, interact in the cbox, and participate in our events and games. Somehow, she is also able to juggle four characters at once, and has created some delicious plots with our other members! You should definitely check out her stalker thread if you think you've got some cool plots to cook up with her as well. It is for all these reasons and more that we believe she deserves to be Member of the Month!

AURORA STONERUE
female character of the month

Aurora Stonerue, played by IronChild, is a remarkable character. Despite living through a life of captivity even before being brought to the Menagerie, she maintains a sweetness and innocence that would not be expected of her. Not only that, but even after being selected for the Anthro project and enduring the painful tests and treatments that left her mutated, she remains herself. That’s something to be said in such a harsh place that can turn good people into killers. Now she faces life as part of the Nakoma tribe, a group who has had nothing but hard times since they began. Will the Menagerie change her like it changes so many others? Or can a good-natured person like Aurora manage to survive?

TAI
male of the month

Tai, played by Sparrow, is something of a rarity in the all feline Analoya--he's described as an "adorable little nuisance" who is never at a loss for words or a quirky reply. He keeps his chin up and head held high, choosing to laugh at the situations life throws at him, pulling pranks left and right to lighten the mood--which makes him pretty much a sight for sore eyes in The Menagerie, and makes for an entertaining (and adorable) read! Despite this seemingly childish way of looking at the world, Tai does have a rather aggressive territorial streak running through him and he won't stand for having what's his taken away or trifled with. All in all Tai is an all around loveable kitty, and we look forward to more of his threads!

GAUNT AND NAJERI
relationship of the month

Gaunt and Najeri, the two leaders of the Nilda, work together to keep their pack and lakeside territory safe. Most groups in the Menagerie are led by a group of high ranking members, but there is always a single leader who has the final say in decision-making. This is what makes the Nilda, and their relationship, so unique. They are true to their canine nature and together are like co-alphas to their pack, Chief and Cheiftess, working in unison to do what’s best for the group. It remains to be seen what these two will do in a time of crisis, which is never too far away in the Menagerie—will they be able to make tough choices together? Or will tension tear the Nilda apart? This new dynamic opens a door of possibilities that keeps us all on the edge of our seats, and makes Gaunt and Najeri relationship of the month.

FIDDLES AND DRUMS
thread of the month

Group threads are always scintillating, and this one is no different! Although it is a Pride meeting and there isn't a dramatic clash of claws, there is indeed a clash of minds. The all feline Analoya Pride faces a decision when the all canine Nilda Pack surprisingly offers them an alliance. Wanderer, the Teller of the Analoya has brought this potential alliance up for discussion with her Pride and let them each speak their minds if they desire--and lets just say these felines aren't at a loss for words! Chock full of interesting, witty characters who make up the Analoya played by equally interesting and witty players, this thread is certainly one you don't want to miss!

[mo money]

FEBRUARY 2013

IRONCHILD
member of the month

If you haven’t seen Ironchild around the site, then you must be living under a rock! She’s a super active member, constantly posting with her characters Aurora, Bran, Sorcha, and adding yet another character, Emmeth, to her cast of shifters! Not only has she swept the boards with her posts, but she’s also a talented graphics maker, making unique and stunning images for characters. She’s one of the special ones, Iron, having previously been a member of the site! Back then she went by Greenie, and even led the newly-formed Bellator herd at one point. For returning members, she’s one of the most enthusiastic upon her return, and we definitely appreciate the energy she brings to the site!

NOISETTE TODD
female character of the month

Boy, this purple-haired European sure does come on strong! Though that is probably one of the many reasons why Noisette Todd is our winner of FoTM played by Fuleao. From her silver-tongued comments, to her love-hate relationship between other people, she is quite a loud specimen; all wrapped up in her awesome little package. She tends to speak what she thinks, much to the creators flailing pleas, and has made herself at home in the dome among the Fulsi Scouts. Needless to say, she does just fine looking out for herself; except when it comes to staying out of trouble. Not that a dark cloud seems to follow the young girl, oh no. It just so happens that she enjoys a romp down the un-beaten path just to say she did so, no matter how dark or treacherous it ends up being. So long as she gets back in one piece and makes up a reason for her to logically go down said path, she's just fine.

BRONE
male of the month

Wow, there certainly was no contest this time around about who the MotM should be! Brone, played by Boomboom, is a relatively new addition to the M, but has already grown to be quite a popular character amongst the M’s community – and for good reason. His cool exterior is the result of the feral world he grew up in, since he lived mostly in his bear form outside of the Menagerie, and this coolness has only solidified thanks to the Keepers’ cruel experiments on him that turned him into the anthro he is today. However, not all is as it seems, for beneath the surface he harbours a more kind and contemplative nature – a miraculous thing given what he went through in the labs, having been forced to watch his sisters die. Boomboom’s talent with writing has brought to life a truly fascinating character, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for him in the future!

AURORA AND LYRIC
relationship of the month

This pair are in a seemingly constant state of emotional upheaval, never able to get far without crossing each others boundaries; though they vary between emotional, mental, and physical. Lyric is a fickle creature, demanding one moment and utterly withdrawn the next, romantic and then desertingly cold. Rory arrived a gentle creature, innocent and untested. The cruel stress of the Menagerie has pushed her near and perhaps over the breaking point, when she tried in vain to cut off the wings that marked her as a freak among freaks. How their friendship, or more, will fare will be seen; a Nakoma and a Carna is asking for trouble in all the right ways, and the pair have drawn the attention of many a Menagerie member, winning them Relationship of the Month!

KEEP THE LIGHTS OFF
thread of the month

This thread is one of the longest we've had yet at The Menagerie, spanning three pages! It's an interesting combination of personalities--usually when two shy, nervous creatures meet there isn't much that happens. Maybe a few odd glances exchanged, and that's that. But this thread, starring two adorable Fallen girls by the name of Denver Grace and Monica Jones (played by Franz and Vivian, respectively) really goes beyond that. The two Fallen, wandering into the Fulsi territory meet and quickly become what some would say enamored with each other. Will their blossoming friendship develop into something more, or will the trying life they live in the Menagerie only bring them apart?

[SEIJA-CHAN]

MARCH 2013

NO OTMs THIS MONTH
nominations were put on hold due to Golden Badgers Events