Flattery McKinley/IF-3.303

Rumor / Community Lore
This article contains lore created collaboratively by the Blaseball community. It is just one of many Rumors that we've found in the Interdimensional Rumor Mill. You can find more Rumors about Flattery McKinley at their Rumor Registry.

Flattery McKinley (they/she) is a terran biologist from a deep sea region of Atlantis. They can be recognized by the faint glow of their skin, their sharp teeth, their asymmetric limbs, and their hair, which appears to be an octopus, though whether it's part of them or a symbiotic organism is something even they don't know. From a young age, terran biology has been a special interest of Flattery's, and over the years they have studied the topic extensively, becoming one of the leading experts on the subject in Atlantean society. While Flattery can often seem bitter and standoffish at a glance, they are passionate about terran biology, and can talk about it for hours when given the chance.

Flattery is a lesbian, and has been married to her wife, Niq Nyong'o, for roughly five years. Niq was first met by Flattery as a castaway during a marine biology expedition. Flattery, seeing her stranded, took her to safety in Atlantis, where she was subsequently nursed back to health. Flattery routinely checked in on Niq as she was healing, and the two slowly became acquainted with one another, bonding over a shared interest in biology. The two shared common knowledge from their respective world, with Niq introducing Flattery to land animals such as cows, squirrels, and ██████, while Flattery introduced Niq to well-known deep sea organisms such as █████████, ██████, and ███ ███████.

Upon healing, Niq decided to remain in Atlantis due to its proximity to the ocean, allowing her and Flattery to grow closer. The two reside in a submarine that was originally intended as a research vessel, but became a home to them after several renovations. The couple, now in their 40s, have a close relationship in both their work and home life, frequently assisting each other in their research. Flattery notably often spends long sleepless nights fueling themself with caffeinated Ooze, to a point many consider slightly concerning.

In the year ████, Niq Nyong'o developed an interest in blaseball, and invited Flattery to join her. Flattery was initially hesitant, but grew excited by the prospect of away games on the surface, and eventually decided to join as a pitcher on the Atlantis Georgias. Despite this, however, Flattery considers themself a researcher first and a blaseball player second. They frequently tag along with the rest of the team during away games even when not pitching, spending most of their time off researching the local wildlife. They particularly enjoy Yellowstone and Ohio, though they are bothered by the prospect of a snail being considered a type of worm.

Due to prioritizing research over blaseball, Flattery has gained a reputation as a mediocre player, as they rarely spend time practicing in favor of advancing their studies. That, and their refusal to pitch with their right arm. Flattery's left arm is a tentacle, and due to the suction cups holding a tight grip on the ball, they often struggle to throw it well. Niq has suggested that Flattery could consider switching their pitching arm, but Flattery has always retorted that since they are left-handed, they know perfectly well what they are doing.

Alternate Reality

In the Season 13 elections, Flattery McKinley was swapped for a version of herself from an alternate dimension who is more passionate about blaseball. This version of Flattery was considered a competent and trustworthy member of the Atlantis Georgias, and frequently found time to balance her research with her time as a blaseball player. This version of Flattery was additionally a batter, often nicknamed "Battery McKinley". However, her contract in her current dimension demands she plays as a pitcher, where she remains plagued by the same left-handed problems as her prime counterpart.