PSS: The Anderson Archives No 1

A Dispatch from the Desk of the Archivist

Esteemed Explorers,

The Paper Secrets Society has charted a new course, diving headfirst into the murky, magical waters of the Anderson Archives. Our first file comes directly from the Cryptozoology Division. Inspired by the deep-sea oddities and cinematic absurdities of The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, your mission is to discover, document, and deliver a dazzling new creature to the Society’s growing compendium of unknowns.

Your assignment: Create an original creature. This can be playful or peculiar, fearsome or fabulous—but it must be entirely your own creation, straight from the depths of your imagination. We understand that discovery can be a process of trial and error, so inspiration may be sought through any means necessary, but documenting must be your own work.

Swap Requirements

A portrait of your creature on paper no smaller than 4x6 inches (but feel free to go bigger!). This can be illustrated in any medium—hand-drawn, painted, collage (this is where the “any means necessary” comes in, not everyone is an artist, but we can all curate something weird and wonderful from different pictures cut and pasted), or paper pieced—whatever your muse inspires.

Note: On your travels, you may encounter fantastic beasts on land, in air, or on the wild waters of the ocean. It does not have to be a sea creature if another biome inspires you.

Optional extras you may include, should the tides inspire you:

• A scientific name and field notes from your exploration

• A brief backstory or encounter report

• A field journal page, nautical chart, or artifact swatch (scrap of "scales," perhaps?)

• A vintage label, postage stamp, or research vessel logo related to the discovery

There is no pressure to include extras, but the Society always appreciates a thorough report!

Eligibility

⭐ Must be a member in good standing of the Paper Secrets Society

Ratings

📬 Rate upon receipt—no explorer wants to be lost at sea

✅ Follow Official Swap-Bot Rules

5️⃣ If you receive a 4x6 (or larger) creature portrait, your partner has fulfilled their mission. Artistic style and additional content may vary—appreciate the adventure!