If you have any problems with the way I am portraying Winry Rockbell (Fullmetal Alchemist), or with myself, then please feel free to comment here.

All comments are screened, and anonymous as well as signed comments are accepted.

You can also email me at strawberrypixie {at} gmail dot com, or IM me on AIM at peachedwine.

Don't worry; I take criticism pretty well, and appreciate it when someone helps me out. ^^

Thank you~

It was about time I wrote this! So many people ask me about automail here that I figured I should write it all down instead of constantly having to repeat myself.

A brief summary of automail

Automail is a type of prosthesis. Unlike a normal prosthetic limb, it gives the user full control over the new limb. If you lost a hand, you would be able to pick things up and control the pressure you use. If you lost a leg, you could walk and run again. Automail can be used by both humans and animals.

Automail is made from metal and connected directly to a person's nerves. It is a surgical procedure, and extremely painful. Even grown men are known to pass out from the agonizing sensation caused by the nerves connecting to the port. Obviously this isn't meant for wimps!

Intense rehabilitation is required as well as regular maintenance to keep it working properly. It normally takes years for a person to get completely used to their new limb.

There are a few drawbacks to automail. You cannot feel with it. As advanced as it is, automail cannot replace human skin. When exposed to extreme temperatures the automail can either burn the skin or cause frostbite (unless you have specialized automail, of course!)

Perhaps the biggest drawback is the strain it will put on your body. Instead of your regular flesh-and-blood arm, leg, or whatever else you lost, there is metal. If it isn't made just right it can really wear a person down.

If you are reading this and contemplating automail surgery, or simply have a question, contact me! I would be more than happy to help you out.


[ooc; More about automail: 1, 2, 3 ]

[ Someone has been neglecting her communicator.

There's a yell of surprise as it zaps her, and Winry immediately throws it to the ground. ]

Stupid thing...!

[ She sighs in resignation and picks it up, sits down, and turns the video feed on. ]

How annoying.

[ But she doesn't really look all that unhappy. On the contrary Winry looks quite content. She had been tinkering around with a couple projects, and needless to say the table behind her was covered in metal parts and tools, old books from the library, and notes. ]

Anyways, I should probably go ahead and let everyone know that I'll be doing mechanical repairs in Computer Lab A at the High School from now on. If you need anything fixed, stop by there and I'll see what I can do.

However, when it comes to automail, I ask that you contact me privately beforehand. It's a lot riskier in a place like this, and the supplies needed are very limited.


[ooc; I have some errands to run ad;kfd I'll reply to tags as soon as I get back! ♥♥♥ ]

[ When she starts speaking, Winry sounds panicked. ]

What is wrong with everyone?! Things were normal yesterday!! Even [ Elysia ] little kids aren't acting right!

[ Sudden screaming can be heard outside the building, and she can't help but gasp before falling silent. No need to worry though -- the screams don't last very long at all. After a moment longer she adds: ]

...What are we supposed to do?


[ ooc; Even though Winry still has her chip in, I couldn't bring myself to do anything to her this time. :< ]

I guess we've all been pretty lucky lately -- other than a few weird happenings, that is. But weird seems to be manageable here.

Elysia, how are you doing? I'd like to visit you soon.

[ She suddenly sounds overly-nice. ]

Oh, and Ed...when you have a moment, I'd like to talk with you. No excuses!

Whatever it is that people are coming down with, I hope it's not contagious! Ed, I better not see you so much as sneeze. Though if you do end up getting sick, it would be the perfect opportunity to really overhaul your automail...

And Al, don't think you get off easy just because you can't get sick! You still have to wash your hands frequently and keep an eye on your brother. He should definitely avoid rolling around in the snow right now.

Now, let's see... Tir! How is your hand? I take it nothing has happened since the last repair, but I'd still like to see you fairly soon just to check on things.

( private; )


[ In need of some fresh air, Winry decided to go out for a stroll. She's all bundled up and walking along Marshall Street, in the direction of Lander. Despite the fact that she has a lot on her mind at the moment, Winry is in a fairly pleasant mood, and up for company. ]


[ooc; Pretend this was earlier -- she wouldn't go traipsing about in the dark. XD And feel free to bother her. =3 ]

Alright. The whole 'snow in summer' thing was amusing for a little while, but I'd like the rest of my summer back.

Elysia, how are you doing? Have you been having fun in the snow?

And Mr. Hughes, Mr. Mustang, Miss Hawkeye, Mr. Elric...

[ long, slightly pained pause ]

Ling, too -- everyone is doing well, I hope?

( private; )


...I hope all this ash stops soon. It's really irritating.

( Unimportant Action Stuff )


[Audio // English]

[It takes her a few moments before she speaks, and when she does she sounds very hesitant and unsure of herself.]

Edward? Al? I...

[Trails off for a moment, feeling almost embarrassed.]

What happened?



[ooc; The action stuff I wrote out mostly for myself. But she woke up and...really doesn't know what happened.]

[ When the device clicks on you can see Winry standing in her apartment, back against a wall. Her sundress is a bit wrinkled and her hair tangled; it's obvious that she hasn't gotten much sleep lately. There are dark circles beneath her eyes and she looks upset...and angry ]

Hasn't this gone on long enough?! Someone has to know of a cure, or...or some way to help these people!

[ Her voice cracks a bit -- because even though she might be angry at the unfairness of it all, she is more worried about Al than anything. ]

I'm tired of having to stay inside and worry! And I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Al...

[ She trails off for a moment before continuing. ]

We need to help Al. I can't take it anymore! Seeing him suffer like that, it just --

[ And suddenly Winry just stops speaking. Her eyes are wide open; a look of shock on her face. The communicator is dropped as she falls to the floor dead. ]


[ooc; Winry's dead. =( ]

It's hard to believe that June is here already! I love nice weather. And then summer will be here soon...

[a small sigh of contentment; she sounds cheerful!]

Summer is the best. Even all you grouchy people have to admit that it's harder to stay unhappy when there's lots of sunshine!

Oh, Mr. Hughes -- how have you been doing?

Those fireworks were awesome! And the petals -- it's all so pretty.

Too bad things like this don't happen more often.

( [Locked to Tir McDohl] )


How could I have lost two days?! I'm not the type of person who could sleep that much, not to mention I have work to do!

Not funny, scientists.

There's so many this time...

I wonder if there's anyone from back home?

In any case, lots of new people means more potential customers! If anyone needs repairs done just ask for Winry!

( private; )


Ed, Al -- I won't have you two moping spending all day inside and missing out on the nice weather. We can all take a nice walk, unless someone has a better suggestion.

Oh, and I think I'll stop by the library and see what books they have. I've been meaning to do that and never got around to it.

[ There's the sound of her yawning, and shoving some tools that were laying on the desk in front of her out of the way. However when she starts to speak Winry doesn't sound tired at all. ]
Alright, that's it. I want my own place to do repairs. It's ridiculous trying to get work done in the apartment, and since I have a habit of staying up late I wouldn't want to keep anyone else up.

[ A thoughtful pause, and when she continues Winry sounds a bit nostalgic. ]

It makes me miss Den...he'd keep me company all night long while Granny was sleeping. Whether I was studying or working he was always right there by my side. And having him there would help remind me to take a break every now and then...

[ Trails off for a bit before quickly changing the subject. ]

Well! At least it's been quieter around here lately. Maybe the fact that it's spring is lifting people's spirits a bit. All you pessimistic people can be so exhausting.

Oh, and speaking of spring...! We probably missed the Spring Sheep Festival back home. 


[ooc; akfdjs Lmao shut up I had to mention the random (but totally canon!) Rizenbul Spring Sheep Festival >_> ]

[Aaand have a sigh. The rest is all text.]


This past week has been exhausting. Hopefully things will calm down for a while and we can all get some peace. I don't know about anyone else, but my nerves could use a break.

Ran Fan, how are you doing? You should stop by and visit! Same for you, Mr. Mustang.


[ooc; She doesn't know Roy left yet. =X Please feel free to bother her; anything goes, really!]

Well, getting a rose was nice. Too bad it wasn't from someone I actually know though.

Some of you already know this but I figured I'll say it again: if anyone needs repairs done, feel free to ask me! I don't normally like to brag or anything, but I am a good mechanic.

Oh, and Mr. Mustang! Are you settling in alright?

Normally, bugs don't freak me out. Really. Honestly. I can handle most bugs!

But these tongue bugs, parasites, things -- are seriously creeping me out!! And whoever wanted to keep it as a pet is seriously insane!

Ed, Gene -- you two better not have one! That's the last thing I need, having to worry about you guys.

I don't think they would like metal so Al, you should be alright. Thankfully.

Melfina? How are you doing?