Author Topic: Chapter 39: Discussion  (Read 26029 times)

SparcMan

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #60 on: January 24, 2014, 03:13:20 pm »
LOL. Polly's the "Bowler"... :)

...needs more skulls though.

Very underrated movie IMO. I still think of it before Shrek when I hear the song "All-Star"

I wonder how the Colosseum deals with a sorcerer/sorceress. Would they be allowed to use a weapon and sorcery or would they have to have to choose between one or the other?

Polly already said that sorcery isn't allowed, but magic weapons are. If the sorcerer/sorceress doesn't have an enchanted weapon or know how to enchant a weapon, they're going to have a tough time.

... ...

What is WRONG with people today!!!

Indian Village Court Orders Gang-Rape Sentence!

..sometimes, I'm really ashamed to be called 'human'.

What's wrong is that those people are still stuck in an archaic and savage time culturally. Even in the USA, it was only recently that women have gained all the same rights as men. For these "elders", for most of their lives, women were always someone's property and not treated like a person. I'm not excusing their actions (which are horrendous and vile), it's just that their actions are not that unexpected.


Hmm, it seems Bloody Mary must have eaten page 21

Daikun

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #61 on: January 27, 2014, 02:27:57 am »
I've been unable to see page 21 for the past few days.

What's going on? ???

Stargoat

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #62 on: January 27, 2014, 07:42:35 am »
I've been unable to see page 21 for the past few days.

What's going on? ???

It's so awesome a strip that the website has needed to warm up for a few days to get ready.

maddhopps

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #63 on: January 27, 2014, 11:53:30 am »
Hmmm... well if you mean by 'threatened' force he... pointed the sword at her and she grabbed it, but not while it was in motion.  Not sure if that makes a difference to your points though?
My original point was that Bern would be willing to make the first move in a fight if stakes are high and she has no other options, I was using the confrontation at the healers as an example. I'm willing to agree to disagree on that example.

 

Polly already said that sorcery isn't allowed, but magic weapons are. If the sorcerer/sorceress doesn't have an enchanted weapon or know how to enchant a weapon, they're going to have a tough time.
I wasn't really being clear when I typed that, it was her wording that got me thinking about it, the use of "isn't exactly allowed."  She was probably referring to magic weapons when she said it, but I first read it as limited sorcery being allowed.

Stargoat

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #64 on: January 27, 2014, 02:15:08 pm »
Yeah.  This is going to end with Bern ranked Class S and put up against the Bloody Mary clones.

sunphoenix

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #65 on: January 28, 2014, 03:04:08 pm »
Yeah, I think its time to open that size 10 can of whup-ass on this wench! Come-On Bern... engage!

Fight! Iczer-1 !!!
« Last Edit: January 30, 2014, 08:13:13 pm by sunphoenix »
"...no amount of force can control a free man, a man whose mind is free.  No, not the rack, not fission bombs, not anything - you can't conquer a free man; the most you can do is Kill him." - Robert A. Heinlein

Stargoat

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #66 on: January 31, 2014, 12:46:06 pm »
"It hurts and stings."

sunphoenix

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #67 on: February 01, 2014, 12:38:46 am »
Oh Yeah...

"I feel a fisting coming on!"
"...no amount of force can control a free man, a man whose mind is free.  No, not the rack, not fission bombs, not anything - you can't conquer a free man; the most you can do is Kill him." - Robert A. Heinlein

Azure Priest

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #68 on: February 01, 2014, 02:37:34 am »
... ...

What is WRONG with people today!!!

Indian Village Court Orders Gang-Rape Sentence!

..sometimes, I'm really ashamed to be called 'human'.

They're not the first. Pakistan's "tribal council" did the same thing just a few months before, only that time, they had a beef with the girl's family over some issue as opposed to her boyfriend.

Even outside of "kangaroo courts," India is a very dangerous place for women to go. Gang rapists have so little shame over their actions that they send videos of the act to their wives and children! In fact, in the few cases where they ARE arrested and go to trial, they stare blankly through the proceedings as if everything going on was being dictated in Mandarin Chinese, and don't even get me started on how women are being treated in their own families. I'll just say there's a reason ultrasound machines are popular in India, and it has little to nothing to do with neonatal health.

As for Friday's strip, I wonder if the fight is being seen by an audience. It would surely be quite popular.

weirdguy

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #69 on: February 03, 2014, 12:46:39 pm »
wonder how long it'll take warden to figure out that she should stop attacking her

mittfh

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #70 on: February 03, 2014, 02:49:44 pm »
(Hi all, yes, first post here - spent most of last week reading the tale from start to present)

Bernie Being up close and personal to Warden limits Warden's ability to use the handheld cannon thingy she used a couple of strips ago, so it looks as though they're going to be using fists only. Added onto which, Warden can't use her chain as that's currently tying up Polly. Warden's rules state that if Bernie can knock her down, she'll automatically be promoted to Class A.

Once this match is over, given Bern's preferred fighting style is counter-attacks, it might be fruitful for her and Polly to discuss tactics at some time - perhaps when they get more experienced fighters, Polly starts off the fight (if their opponent doesn't make the first move) then Bern completes it. Of course, if they're fighting as a duo, it may mean they have to face two opponents - in which case, the perfect counter may be putting #2 in the way of #1's attack, or coaxing #1 and #2 to start attacking each other.

Regarding the speculation about Bern and Polly facing Mary / Mary's clones, I'd say very unlikely. Mary's currently up in Eschelon and will probably bump into Suspira and Crest at some point (possibly in Ch. 41, since 37 was the Three Paths, 38 was Suspira, 39 is Bern, so logically 40 will probably be Maytag). Bern and Polly are down in Marvallo - starting off at a town about a month's journey away from Eschelon (~600 miles [1]) - which, after all, is a different country (albeit there aren't any border controls - then again, with portals they'd probably be pointless). I don't think deporting criminals is The Conclave's style - besides which, dead people usually remain dead :)

Now if it's not considered too off-topic, a couple of quick thoughts on the other two paths:

Suspira probably still blames Mary for Kin's death, so I can't imagine the two teaming up soon. However, given both Maytag and The Thin Man speculating that despite her need for flesh and bloodlust, she doesn't necessarily have to be the ogre she is currently, maybe at some point in time she teams up with someone who happens to have (a) a conventional diet, (b) high pain resistance, (c) high regeneration ability. It's remotely possible Crest's healing sword may have a beneficial effect, but I wouldn't count on it.

With Maytag, The Dark Cell sounds rather ominous - albeit more of a psychological experiment rather than a biological one. I'm not yet convinced by the Qualia's existence - untold billions of nanobots floating around in the air, capable of producing any effect perceived as magical? Then again, The Thin Man is the closest we've got to Mad Scientist territory, the kind of villain who thinks his experiments will eventually benefit all of humanity, so in the grand scheme of things won't mind a few dozen / hundred failures en-route.

[1] In the real world, horses can travel about 20 miles a day (with breaks every couple of hours). So assuming Flipside months are approximately the same length as earth months (~30 days), then Bern's about 600 miles away from Eschelon. She may be slightly nearer or slightly farther, depending on where The Colosseum is in Marvallo.

sunphoenix

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #71 on: February 05, 2014, 05:16:44 am »
Well I can say this... the Warden's got a nice 'Rack'! :)
"...no amount of force can control a free man, a man whose mind is free.  No, not the rack, not fission bombs, not anything - you can't conquer a free man; the most you can do is Kill him." - Robert A. Heinlein

maddhopps

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #72 on: February 05, 2014, 11:46:12 am »
Even if Bern does get a S rank she will still have to fight A rank fights, to stay teamed up with Polly, according to the rules we know so far.

It will be interesting to see how Bern and Polly combine their fighting styles when they face opponents who force them to coordinate. I wouldn't be surprised if most fighters were magic weapon users which would put Bern at a disadvantage.

I wonder what role Grant will play in all this? Maybe he'll try to recover the sword he sold to repay Bern. 

mittfh

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #73 on: February 06, 2014, 12:46:14 am »
Ouch! That CRACK doesn't sound very healthy - hopefully Bern's got another strategy up her sleeve.

Even if she can't defeat Warden (and get promoted to Category A), the skill and initiative she's shown may be enough to raise her to a B.

Azure Priest

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #74 on: February 06, 2014, 05:12:14 am »
OY! Breaking Bern's arm like that was uncalled for, Warden. Yes, we get that your ranking system is a point of pride for you. Yes, we understand your reasoning (wrong as it was), but the fact that Bern is standing up to you and fighting you, FAIRLY without backing down or using dirty tactics deserves respect, not abuse. Besides, Warden, YOU are the one who made this personal.

dynamicmoves

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #75 on: February 06, 2014, 07:13:25 pm »
I seem to never post unless it's to criticize the comic in some way, so I'm sorry for that.  I truly do like this one, and I'm glad the author takes the time to discuss it with the fans.  While I certainly understand artistic liberty and what the artist likes over what I do, I'd just like to voice my opinion here.

A straight punch like that from the warden doesn't get ducked (usually), it gets slipped.  A bend at the waist usually.  For example in this video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngZyJGy3Xkc
Check out around 1:33

Yes, that is Mike Tyson.  Offensive beast, but more importantly a defensive master.  He slips most of those punches, ducks a few wide looping hooks, and counters from there.

Oh well, just looked weird to me is all.


EDIT: Oh crap, wrong thread. Sorry, if the mods could move it.

mittfh

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #76 on: February 07, 2014, 08:27:14 am »
Ack! It seems as though Warden's peeved that Bern showed some skill - but not quite enough to defeat her. So, it looks as though Bern's now on the slow, lonely route to escaping the Colosseum unless / until she expands her range of tactics.

Still, not every inmate's going to be as tough as Warden, so with a bit of luck she may be able to advance beyond D before too long...

Cheshyr1

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #77 on: February 10, 2014, 02:21:43 pm »
 ;D Boo-ya! Now Bern can show them what a true knight is capable of. Get'm, girl! And go, Daddy, for getting the sword!

mittfh

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #78 on: February 10, 2014, 11:36:22 pm »
;D Boo-ya! Now Bern can show them what a true knight is capable of. Get'm, girl! And go, Daddy, for getting the sword!

That, of course, depends on whether he can convince the Powers That Be to give Bern the sword, which is far from guaranteed...

Meanwhile, I think I remember reading someone on a previous discussion thread predicting that Bern's actions would convince Grant to buy back the sword - whoever they were, congratulations on accuracy :)

Azure Priest

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #79 on: February 11, 2014, 05:09:13 am »
Well. Grant, congrats on turning over a new leaf and making amends. Shame you're a bit late to the party. Bern could have used those spell breaker swords a day or so earlier when she was being tested.

weirdguy

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #80 on: February 11, 2014, 12:46:19 pm »
What's a story without an intricate series of unfortunate events designed to show your character growth through circumstantial struggle?

Stargoat

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #81 on: February 11, 2014, 02:13:08 pm »
What's a story without an intricate series of unfortunate events designed to show your character growth through circumstantial struggle?

Porn?

sunphoenix

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #82 on: February 11, 2014, 03:02:39 pm »
What's a story without an intricate series of unfortunate events designed to show your character growth through circumstantial struggle?

Porn?

LOLS! Yep, too true.
"...no amount of force can control a free man, a man whose mind is free.  No, not the rack, not fission bombs, not anything - you can't conquer a free man; the most you can do is Kill him." - Robert A. Heinlein

mittfh

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #83 on: February 14, 2014, 12:35:23 am »
So it looks as though Chapter 40 will be continuing Bern's adventures in the Colosseum - possibly with Grant as well, if he gets too impatient to to wait for bureaucracy and breaches the "No violence" rule...

maddhopps

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #84 on: February 14, 2014, 03:37:57 am »
The title of chapter 40 is "The Dark Cell" so it is probably moving back to May.

I just realized it has almost been two years real time since May and Bern last interacted, but I'm not sure how much time has passed in the comic since then.

mittfh

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #85 on: February 14, 2014, 12:03:48 pm »
The title of chapter 40 is "The Dark Cell" so it is probably moving back to May.

Well, that cover image is of May, so it's likely returning to her experiences (and if it's a reflection of her attire in the Dark Cell, then we'll also be seeing plenty of strategically placed scenery / props!) - so I predict Chapter 41 will take us back to Suspira and Crest, and 42 back to Bern. 43 will either repeat the cycle or have the three groups meeting up again.

In the story's timeline, I think everything that's happened so far has taken place within a few months - while the story's largely been continuous, we have had a few time jumps, for example we're told Bern's ~600 mile journey South took about a month, and was covered in a single page.

weirdguy

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #86 on: February 14, 2014, 12:12:55 pm »
well, at least it's more groping and not bonesaws

sunphoenix

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #87 on: February 14, 2014, 12:17:35 pm »
Hubba-hubba Maytag! Hey! I'd like to volunteer a hand or two to play shadow 'Tag' with Maytag! Pleeeeseeeee! :)
« Last Edit: February 14, 2014, 12:22:22 pm by sunphoenix »
"...no amount of force can control a free man, a man whose mind is free.  No, not the rack, not fission bombs, not anything - you can't conquer a free man; the most you can do is Kill him." - Robert A. Heinlein

maddhopps

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #88 on: February 16, 2014, 08:13:15 pm »
In the story's timeline, I think everything that's happened so far has taken place within a few months - while the story's largely been continuous, we have had a few time jumps, for example we're told Bern's ~600 mile journey South took about a month, and was covered in a single page.

I just meant the time passed since Bern and Maytag were last together, when they first met Grant. May was kidnapped the same day and Bern was arrested a few days after. Hard to tell how long both have been captured. I'm just thinking about the time passed because it seems like one possible setup is that all the protagonist will spend some time apart from each other.

I can barely remember how Dark Cell was described earlier, just that May was a good candidate to enter it, so seeing her "emotionless" state on the cover makes me wonder if this chapter will focus more on explaining why she can possibly enter Dark Cell or her time actually in it.

mittfh

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Re: Chapter 39: Discussion
« Reply #89 on: February 17, 2014, 10:00:17 am »
I can barely remember how Dark Cell was described earlier

Here's what Lehm asked of Maytag, together with the preamble (and yes, he does use double exclamation marks for added emphasis):

Quote from: Lehm in Chapter 37
So are the answers coming from the Qualia themselves, or from their creator?
Why am I allowed to find out information about the Qualia, but not about their creator?
Was a power such as mine anticipated?
Who or what is their creator?
And what is the purpose of magic?
Is it simply a generous gift for humanity?
What if our lives on this planet are nothing more than a game?
Or an experiment?

The answers to all of these questions are within my reach!
The truth must be revealed!! This world is shrouded by the greatest lie mankind has ever known! I believe it's my duty to lift that veil!!

Just so you know, Maytag, we didn't bring you here to experiment on you. There is something we need you to do. It involves a place called "Dark Cell." But we'll talk about that more tomorrow. For now, take some time to yourself to reflect on what I've told you. It's a lot to digest.

The journey down to Grant's house took about a month, then there were probably a couple more days to find his house - whereupon there was a brief reunion between Bern and May. Taking Grant to a healer, getting violent when they asked for money, getting arrested and taken to the Colosseum probably took about a week or so. So, if you ignore the brief flying visit from what was probably a week or two ago for them, they've probably been separated for about 1? months to date. As for how much longer they'll remain separated, barring a miracle another four months at the earliest: the sentence is 500 marks. Polly claimed it's possible to earn up to 50 marks a week (presumably at Rank A or S, so maybe up to 5 marks per fight?), while Rank D is the slow route (1 mark per fight?)

So, all together, a total separation time of somewhere between six months and a year looks a feasible range.
« Last Edit: February 17, 2014, 10:03:39 am by mittfh »