Share
MidReal Story
The TwoLegged Stud
Scenario:At our all male men’s college, the male students in the multi limb studies course meet in one of their dorm rooms and talk about what is the ideal number of legs for a man, and for what reasons.
Create my version of this story
Jackson
outspoken, and confident. In a dorm meeting with fellow students, he argues that two legs are sufficient for a man to be effective and desirable. He is part of a closeknit group of friends who engage in lively discussions about limbology. Despite his strong opinions, he values his friendships and the camaraderie among his peers.
Bryson
opinionated, and playful. During a dorm meeting, he jokingly suggests that having more than six legs would make a man impractical. His lighthearted nature and quick thinking contribute to the lively debates among the group. Bryson enjoys bantering with Jackson and contributes to their engaging discussions about limbology with wit and humor.
Caleb
knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. Caleb shares exciting findings from his research trips with his friends, such as discovering new species with unique limb configurations. His excitement about discovering these creatures showcases his deep interest in multilimbed biology and his eagerness to share this passion with his friends.
"More than two legs and you’re just asking for trouble."
I grin at my friends and lean back in my chair, bracing my hands behind my head.
This is a topic we’ve discussed before, but it’s one I never get tired of talking about.
Mainly because it’s so damn fun to watch them get their panties in a twist.
"Trouble? You’re the one who’s always in trouble, Jackson. Literally. I’m surprised you haven’t gotten yourself killed yet."
Bryson leans forward, bracing his elbows on his knees, a small smile playing on his lips.
He knows as well as I do that I’m not serious about my stance on this topic.
At least most of the time.
It’s all about the discussion and where it can lead.
And the fact that it drives my friends slightly batty has become a fun little side benefit.
I glance to my right, meeting the quiet stare of Finn, my closest friend among us, before he looks away to focus on the others.
He remains silent, listening more than participating, and I know he does this because he values our opinions and respects what we have to say.
It’s not because he doesn’t have thoughts of his own or because he’s not confident enough to speak up.
I shift in my chair, straightening my back and adopting a more serious posture as I lay out my argument.
The dorm room seems to shrink as everyone’s attention turns to me.
"Two legs have served us perfectly well for thousands of years. We’ve climbed mountains, built cities, and mastered every sport imaginable."
Caleb speaks up, his voice calm and even.
"But what about creatures with more than two legs? They can move faster, cover more ground. They’re stronger and more agile."
I shake my head, leaning forward to brace my elbows on the desk in front of me.
"Sure, they may be able to move faster or jump higher, but what about the other things we can do with two legs? We can use tools. We can walk upright and still have the use of our hands. We can run for miles and miles without getting tired."
I gesture to the stack of papers on the desk next to me, filled with notes from my research on the topic.
"There are studies that show how our bipedal stance has given us an evolutionary advantage. We can see farther, cover more ground, and adapt to different environments more easily than any other creature." Bryson rolls his eyes, but I press on.
"And let’s not forget about balance. With two legs, we have a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to stay upright and balanced. It’s why we can walk along a tightrope or balance on one foot."
I stand up and walk over to the whiteboard mounted on the wall.
Grabbing a marker, I begin to draw a simple diagram of the human body.
"See how our weight is evenly distributed between our two legs? It allows us to move efficiently and maintain our balance."
Caleb frowns, clearly unconvinced by my argument.
"But what about all the creatures that have more than two legs? Don’t they have an advantage over us?"
I shake my head again.
Finn finally speaks up, his voice thoughtful yet firm.
"Maybe it's not about the number of legs, but how we use what we have. Evolution isn't just about physical traits; it's about adaptability and intelligence."
Bryson nods slowly, a hint of realization dawning on his face.
I grab a marker and start sketching a human figure on the whiteboard, adding four legs arranged in a square formation beneath the torso.
Bryson leans forward on his bed, genuinely interested now instead of joking.
I explain how the wider base could improve stability while maintaining our upright posture and arm dexterity.
Caleb points out potential muscle attachments, moving closer to trace the theoretical leg placement with his finger.
When Finn questions the practical aspects of walking, I demonstrate a possible gait pattern by moving my hands in alternating pairs.
The room falls silent as I cap the marker, leaving the image of a four-legged human hanging in the air like an unspoken challenge.