A squid on the mantelpiece is a reference from the Turkey City Lexicon, a document that defines terms of use in science-fiction writing workshops. The squid is contrasted with Chekhov’s quote about pistols over the mantelpiece, which addresses the point that a plot element should be deployed in a timely fashion and with proper dramatic emphasis. When list discussion tackled the topic in February 1999 Pouncer dragged the squid to Barrayar, and a squid has been periodically placed on the mantel of Vorkosigan House since.