^ 37 Comments...

1. Jason
   July 21st, 2009 at 3:11 am

   I’m-a hoping Mentl gets to teach him some humility. 8D

2. Acipenser
   July 21st, 2009 at 3:22 am

   I don’t think Mentl will start anything. If Pontagar starts something, then I could see something happening, but otherwise not.

   I still like his twin boytoys, though.

3. The MacNut
   July 21st, 2009 at 3:55 am

   Yep, looks like those of us who saw Pontagar as trouble called it. Even Mentl can tell this guy is bad news. Not as bad as a hunting pack of Urrts, maybe, but that sneer on his face is VERY telling.

4. Ligyron
   July 21st, 2009 at 4:33 am

   The story of Pontagar and Zona is told in “The 3 challenges of Zona”. I think JED has taken over this background entirely.
   He is not really a good guy, but as you said, also not a pack of Urtts. Wonder what he is really up to and if the main reason is as he says (no Erogenian would ever lie? with some exceptions, I suppose).
   What are Gonthargs, btw?

5. wysiwyg
   July 21st, 2009 at 5:44 am

   Mentl’s going to feel a bit jealous and sing a love song. At this time everyone will discover that Pontagar is secretly gay.

   How awkward! :-p

6. Steve
   July 21st, 2009 at 6:43 am

   Or Mentl could go for the musicals - how about Happy Talk from South Pacific, just to stop any fights breaking out? After all, he’ll have picked up from the girls what they really thin about Pontagar & co from their body language & tone of voice.

7. Tricksterson
   July 21st, 2009 at 7:16 am

   Nah, I would consider Pontagar and crew more roleplaying annoyances than threats, although considering that the Big Bad is the god of fire I have to wonder whose side the Fire clan will come down on in the long run.
   Even Mentl isn’t immune to a mild case of testosterone poisoning though. While I can understand his being protective of them I think they’re both fully capable of taking care of themselves thank you.

8. Khrys
   July 21st, 2009 at 7:18 am

   Just wanna say ‘Mmm!’ about the twins! Loving the comic. Been a reader for a long time, and I’ve got to say it’s great having watched your style evolve and get better over time. Do you accept fan-art? I wouldn’t mind trying my hand at Zona, always loved the Red Sonja Barbarian Warrior Woman type character (platonically, mind…)

9. Hugh
   July 21st, 2009 at 10:21 am

   I don’t see any violence here. Just some verbal sparring and chest thumping. The twins actually seem kind of nice so far, but we will see.

10. firegoat
    July 21st, 2009 at 10:35 am

    I think we’re about to see the famous Erogenian philosophy concerning right relations sorely tested by someone who, from the look on his face, is more interested in the letter than the spirit of the law.

11. Kamatu
    July 21st, 2009 at 10:43 am

    Heh, this is fun for a wait and see. Erogenian diplomacy in action here, which could result in a simple introduction of a potential obstacle later, a little backstory or a confrontation (to introduce a potential obstacle ).

    While Erogenian’s may not be able to lie (I think it is more they are trained to be honest), there are lots of ways of lying, including telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth….unconvincingly. They may be hunting a Gontharg, but that might just be cover for something that is nobody else’s business.

    I think his reply to the last panel will be telling, but even then, it needn’t be evil, he could simply think that all Kivalians should be Urtt food or that anyone who cannot defend themselves against X should be X food.

    Heh, then there is the possibility that Pontagar is simply a total and utter prick who will be there to kick arse and take names when the chips are down.

    Choices, choices, but then that is what we are reading for.

12. Lora
    July 21st, 2009 at 11:14 am

    Heh, the gals are keeping their cool, and Mentl is staying smart. Good.

13. AdamZero
    July 21st, 2009 at 11:37 am

    Well I was wrong. But I tried to think well of a person, and hey, so what.

    But the point with the twins stands. They’re twin synch of greeting Zona by her Rank, I think, shows they respect her (though they don’t have a princehood to bolster their smiles make me think they’re honest…

14. Swordmasterb
    July 21st, 2009 at 11:39 am

    @Ligyron:
    My guess would be something that has horns?

15. JE Draft
    July 21st, 2009 at 12:25 pm

    Jason - Pontagar’s not a fast learner in that category.

    Acipenser - Yes, but in these tales things generally get interesting in one way or another, no matter who starts it.

    MacNut - But he’s got such great pecs!

    Ligyron - Yes, the main thrust of their relationship, minus a couple of details, is as it was in “3 Challenges.” And Gonthargs are the furry, horned dino that range in the southern part of the Erogenian forests. Zona killed one on page 31.

    wysiwyg - Well, Mentl may be ticked, but he’s not a naturally jealous person and Zona, so far, hasn’t given him any reason to feel insecure. Also, in Erogenian society no one needs to hide their orientation. If Pontagar is gay he wouldn’t need to be secret about it. And just a point of info is that in Erogenia situational bisexuality is also very common and not stigmatized. Both the princesses have had lovers of both sexes in their time, though both have a preference for the opposite sex.

    Steve - Mentl was never in South Pacific. Actually, he’s been in three high school musicals: My Fair Lady, Music Man and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Guess who he played?

    Tricksterson - No, Mentl is definitely not immune to macho horseshit, as you’ve seen in the past. Wonder how that’s going to play out here?

    Khrys - Thanks very much for the kind words! Since August is nearly here and I’ve totally missed the July calendar page I promise an extra gallery post of Carshik and Brantik. And I have no problem whatsoever with fan art. Go for it! I’ll be happy to post it. In the past we’ve even had one of the fans make a Zona action figure, which was ultimately cool.

    Hugh - You will, indeed, as they say, see.

    firegoat - An interesting take on it. One of the things that I hope I’ve made clear is that, for all their cultural mores and rules the Erogenians are still very very human. So, while lying and cheating is an extremely bad offense, it is hardly unknown. In our culture real violence and murder are also not acceptable and against the law, but they happen a lot. So, while a liar in Erogenian society may be scorned and shunned and punished, there is still such a thing as a liar. Obviously, you don’t make a rule against something unless there’s a problem.

    Kamatu - I cannot add anything here except to smile and tell you to check back on Friday.

    Lora - yup. So far …

    AdamZero - Well, all we can say for sure - unless we’ve read “The Three Challenges Of Zona” - is that Mentl definitely thinks Pontagar is a dick. Also, a little Erogenian language and culture point: The word for princess is “suvremana.” Carshik and Brantik say “suvremani,” which is plural. they’re recognizing and greeting both the princesses.

16. AdamZero
    July 21st, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    Just noticing now, maybe, but are his armbands glowing? the orange trim is just consistently bright.

17. Lora
    July 21st, 2009 at 7:30 pm

    Okay, sorry if this is considered spam, but I just had to post this here. (’Cause it’s a great comic and I want to spread the word).

    The Cartoon Art Museum of San Francisco (www.cartoonart.org) is organizing “Monsters of Webcomics,” a showcase of cutting-edge webcomics work. The show’s ten spotlight artists have already been selected. However, the museum also wants to include a virtual gallery of as many other webcomics as possible. If you’re interested in having your art included in the virtual gallery, email curator Andrew Farago at gallery@cartoonart.org.

    Feel free to spread this information around the webcomics community. The museum wants a wide range of comics included in the show.

    More info can be found here: http://shaenon.livejournal.com/102787.html

18. hans
    July 21st, 2009 at 9:30 pm

    Nice, the encounter is going about as I expected. The twins seem cooler than I expected, though it´s hard to tell ATM. Hopefully they will show more typical Erogenian behavior, compared to the arrogance of the “princeling”.
    Maybe they´re more like minders (on Daddie´s orders?) having an eye on junior, instead of typical followers? We´ll see.

    As for the “testosterone poisoning” (yuk), Mentl better reconnect with his inner MAN quickly. But I´m confident he´ll get the hang of them “Barbs” relatively soonish.

    @ Lora: Very interesting link. Zona definitely has to be on that list too.

19. Nytsky
    July 21st, 2009 at 10:11 pm

    Lora; Thanks for the link Gosh, I wish Zona had gotten in sooner. With a couple of exceptions, these are not even very “good”; our Zona Kicks Butt! No… truly, I hope Mr Drafts work is recognized (by someone other than his adoring fans), thanks for posting the link.

20. Gary (Steel Trap)
    July 21st, 2009 at 11:12 pm

    Steve,
    Considering the (near-universal) assment of Pontegar, I’m not sure “Happy Talk” would be a good choice. Consider the line
    “Talk about things you like to do!”

21. Lora
    July 22nd, 2009 at 5:34 am

    *bows* You’re welcome. Feel free to spread it to other webcomics as well. I got it from one of those on the list I follow. The only one on the list I know…

    And yes, Zona should definitely be a part of this.

22. Fatuncle
    July 22nd, 2009 at 12:06 pm

    Um … where can I lay hands on The Three Challenges of Zona? I’ve not heard of it before the reference made here.

23. JE Draft
    July 22nd, 2009 at 1:07 pm

    Adamzero - It’s a common thing among the elite warriors, especially, to have a little extra protective enchantment in the form of charms, bracers, chainmail bikinis, etc. As has been said, Zona’s have spells of protection on them. It’s reasonable to assume that Pontagar’s are the same. That being said, the little glow on the bands is the result of one of Poser’s eccentricities when dealing with shaders in low-light situations. I think I’ll change the red-gold material I used on it to something else.

    Lora - Oh, dear. Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained, eh? And I follow and admire all ten of the artists featured. Thanks for pointing this up, and for your confidence in this artist’s humble work! Definitely NOT spam.

    hans - Hope we can surprise your expectation a little - or at least meet it in an entertaining way.

    Nytsky - You’re extremely kind, and your loyalty is touching. I’ll get in touch with them and see what their requirements are.

    Gary - Good point! Not sure you’d all like to hear what the Fire Prince “likes to do.” Tho some of you might, I dunno …

    Fatuncle - You can get “Three Challenges” by donating ten bucks or more! Scroll down on the home page to the blog entry where I beg shamelessly for money and it will `splain everything!

24. Tricksterson
    July 22nd, 2009 at 4:23 pm

    Ah, didn’t remember the bit about protective charms (My memory is unto a sieve). That makes the scanty clothing the warriors wear a lot more sensible.
    As to the lying issue, there’s a fair amount of grey area between “the whole truth and nothing but the truth” and boldfaced lying and I’m sure that even though they’ve never seen “Galaxy Quest” the Erogenians are intelligent enough to know when and how to exploit that.

25. hans
    July 22nd, 2009 at 9:28 pm

    While we´re talking about body ornaments, what the heck are those neck thingies every single Erogenian has?

    I´m not aware that these have been explained anywhere.

26. Hugh
    July 22nd, 2009 at 9:30 pm

    This might be instructive for some of you. It’s posted on the Erogenia link above. BTW, when did you put that map up JE?

    The Fire Tribe

    This is the tribe ruled by King Arrogand. He is a proud and chauvinistic sort, being in the minority of Erogenians who believe that women are inherently inferior to men, and therefore unsuited for warfare or the crown. He has launched a number of underhanded plots to wrest the control of the Erogenian Tribes from Ipola, all unsuccessful so far. His men are permitted to dominate their women, who have no voice in council and are allowed to own no property of their own larger than a brooch. Why they don’t just leave, I couldn’t tell you. Low self-esteem, I guess. It’s a classic case of codependency on a grand scale.

    There are twelve villages in the territory of the Fire Tribe, most of which are forest dwellings surrounded by a thick palisade to ward off the many wild beasts which inhabit the land. The Fire Tribe deals chiefly in furs and iron from iron mines dug into the eastern slopes of the Mountains of Lendor.

    Population: 4000 men and women, but since women are not allowed to wield weapons, the force of arms-bearing folk is only about 1200, with 450 being members of the warrior class.

    Fire warriors tend to be brash, boastful and arrogant as a rule, and are not popular with most of the other tribes, rarely getting invited to parties as they tend to get drunk and obnoxious and when the fighting starts (as it quite often does at Erogenian parties) they will take it all too seriously and sometimes will even hold a grudge if they are too badly beaten up. (Especially if they get their ass kicked by a woman, as frequently happens.) They’re a little bit too competitive for most Erogenians’ taste, not to mention that they consider honor a thing reserved for dealings with men - and only Erogenian men (well, be honest: Only Fire Tribe men) exclusively.

27. Hugh
    July 22nd, 2009 at 9:51 pm

    This bit of backstory is on the same link as that above:

    Because of the proud and fiercely tribal nature of the Erogenians, Ipola was able at first only to extract an oath for the space of one year from each tribe’s king or queen. At the end of that year, Ipola had so distinguished herself with deeds that the tribes unanimously pledged themselves again for one more year. As their prosperity and prestige grew, the Erogenians largely seemed to recognize a good thing when they had it, and agreed to a yearly ritual pledge on the night of the full moon in the month of Ulmak, at Moonhenge in the Valley of the Moon, one of the two holiest places in all of Erogenian spiritual life. The pledge is generally only a formality, but the law allows any king or queen to challenge the pledge, and Ipola or her champion must answer the challenge or forfeit the right to lead the tribes of Erogenia.

    Since that time, only once has the challenge been given, and that was by the ambitious King Arrogand of the Fire Tribe. Ipola’s eldest daughter Zona answered the challenge and defeated Arrogand’s son Pontagar, putting an end to Arrogand’s plans to supplant Ipola as leader of the Erogenian tribes, and firmly consolidating the Moon Queen’s leadership once again.

28. The MacNut
    July 23rd, 2009 at 12:28 am

    Hugh,
    the links you refer to add even more confirmation, Pontagar’s gonna be trouble, nice pecs notwithstanding.

29. Hypertrophobic
    July 23rd, 2009 at 2:39 am

    I found it interesting that Mentl refers to Zona and Tula as “his gals”.

30. Lora
    July 23rd, 2009 at 4:48 am

    Well, they are hanging out with him, aren’t they? Or he is hanging out with them…

    And nice background info.

31. Sleepinin
    July 23rd, 2009 at 10:17 am

    I just hope that Mentl force-feeds Pontagar some humble pie sometime ^_^

    Maybe at breakfast or something, the guy must be a bit drained from the fight they just went through.

    And, on that subject, if Pontagar was riding nearby, why the hell didn’t he come in to help?

32. Ligyron
    July 23rd, 2009 at 10:25 am

    Hey Sleepinin,

    apparently, Pontagar was not nearby when the battle was fought.
    JED stated in the last page that “some days have passed since the great battle. They have washed and healed while I diverted your attention to The Otherwhen. ‘Look! Over there!’ “

33. Fatuncle
    July 23rd, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    I note with amusement that Zona introduces Mentl as merely our friend. Not a wizard of power, not a magick user, not a warrior mage, nor our worthy companion.

    Nope. Just our friend.

    Or, to translate, Go ahead, Pontagar. Be yourself. Earn a sorely needed lesson. And educate your companions while you’re at it.

34. Lora
    July 23rd, 2009 at 5:17 pm

    He he, I like that ‘translation’ of what Zona means. And why should she reveal Mentl’s powers? It’s nice to have a surprise in the back of your hand.

35. Abeo
    July 23rd, 2009 at 6:38 pm

    I’m predicting a disrespectfully delivered dismissal of the credibility of the threat the Urtts pose. Which is, of course, foolish. But that seems like a role Pontagar is likely to fill.

36. The MacNut
    July 23rd, 2009 at 9:41 pm

    @Fatuncle & Lora;
    revealing Mentl’s powers could make it even MORE likely that Pontagar would challenge him. “THIS, big-eared, horse-nosed little man is a WARRIOR MAGE??? HA!!! This I’ve GOT to see!”

    And who’s to say the resulting confrontation would go Mentl’s way? He’s been lucky to some extent so far-remember in the preceding battle, his “gals” had to save his life twice. Even if a fight does go his way that could STILL be bad, considering the way Fire tribespeople tend to hold grudges. Mentl would have to watch his back around Pontagar forever afterward.

    Worst case scenario: Mentl overreacts with his spell and seriously injures or even kills Pontagar. Can you say Major Diplomatic Incident? Perhaps with the Fire Tribe king calling for Mentl’s head (on a pike) in recompense as a condition for remaining an ally?

    Zona may be protecting Mentl by not revealing his power. Especially since Mentl himself is not fully comfortable with it yet.

37. Sleepinin
    July 23rd, 2009 at 11:42 pm

    Ooh, didn’t think of that angle, Mac…

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