August 7th, 2009
Page 297
Comics for August 7, 2009 - Page 297
|
|
 |
 |
Support Your Local Barbarian Princess!
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| « Jul | Sep » | |||||
| 1 | 2 | |||||
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
| 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
| 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| 31 | ||||||
| THIS WEEKS FEATURED |
 |
| FAN-GUY |
|
 |
|
| MustaphaMond |
| Willow Creek, CALIFORNIA |
|
| Are you in the market for a new or pre-owned boyfriend? Our special this week features an IT Consultant with a love for the outdoors. A Silicon Valley native, he grew up in San Jose before studying engineering in Sa....more |
|
| FAN-GAL |
 |
|
| Willowy |
| Austin, TEXAS |
| Have been a comic book reader my entire life, love everything Joss Whedon has done or will do (exception: Dollhouse - sorry Eliza), and Star Trek and Star Wars are in my permanent personal lexicon. Also love Western....more |
Home | Who We Are | Create/Update profile | My Account Portal | Member Search Scan
Chatrooms | Forums | Scan Image Banks | Scan Blogs | Scan Fan-Fic| The Dealer’s Room
Testimonials | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | FAQ | Contact Us | Advertise With Us | Site Map
Membership Upgrade | Help | Soul Geek Community Safety Tips | Convention Blog | SoulGeek Webcomics
Soul Geek Gurus | News Update | SoulGeekTV | Downloads, etc... | Who Are Our Mascots? | Be On SoulGeekTV
August 7th, 2009 at 1:32 am
He’s just the gift that keeps on givin’ …
August 7th, 2009 at 1:34 am
…Indeed. I wonder who will react to this and how.
August 7th, 2009 at 2:04 am
Yeah I saw something like this coming.
Unfortunately for Mentl, I think by the rules of unarmed combat set down thus far, he is going to have to deal with Pontagar this time. Alone, without Zona’s help, just as he couldn’t interfere when Ponty and Zona had their little disagreement.
And I don’t think he’s “allowed” to use magick either, not unless Ponty does (and who here thinks he knows any?). So if it comes to blows (and it most likely will), unless Mentl’s MUCH better at the fisticuffs than he’s been shown so far, this time he’s the one who’ll get pounded.
In other words, there’s a good chance that Mentl’s about to catch a beating. And Zona will have little choice but to stand there and watch. That is really gonna hurt.
August 7th, 2009 at 2:06 am
Somehow I’m not suprised that Pontagar now tries to bully Mentl. And Mentls answer seems to allow big P to right his Cha by fighting with him. So two questions arise now:
Can Zona step in or does Mentl have to face Pontagar as he must follow their codex?
And much more interesting, can Mentl use magic while fighting?
From size and strenght he seems to be the underdog, but maybe he learned something in the streets in San Bernadino.
Just read the whole story again yesterday, it is still the first webcomic I check every morning for new pages. Just great. Please keep up the good work.
August 7th, 2009 at 2:45 am
I think if Mentl uses magick that’ll be considered “cheating”. And maybe Ponty will feel obliged to pull out a weapon in response, escalating things to a possible duel to the death.
If it doesn’t go there though, I have a feeling that even if Mentl loses,he’ll have scored major points with Zona for standing up to Ponty’s bullying. I said “if” above because I just realized the only time we’ve seen Mentl do any physical fighting was when he clubbed that Urrt with a skillet a hundred or so pages ago-and that didn’t work out so well then, but maybe Mentl will surprise us.
Against the likes of Pontagar though, it better be a heckuva surprise-Mentl had better be a black belt in Krav Maga or something…
August 7th, 2009 at 2:48 am
Pontagar is like a human punching bag. I laughed when I read the “gift” joke, JE.
What makes people think Mentl won’t use magic? Seems to me this is the opportunity to introduce him and his abilities to the Erogenian clans at large!
August 7th, 2009 at 2:54 am
Actually, no, Pontagar offended Mentl’s cha. Mentl is clearly not Erogenian, yet Pontagar treated him as a torcless (and presumably therefore not-graduated-into-adulthood-according-to-Erogenian-customs) callow youth of no consequence, rank, or importance. Not once did Pontagar ASK what Mentl’s social, economic, magical, religious, or whatever status was. By assuming these things (and you know what they say about that) and then treating him as nothing more than a servant, Ponty offended Mentl’s cha.
As for fighting…I don’t think the Erogenians limit it to fisticuffs, so much as they limit it to non-lethal, non-maiming. Ponty will come at him swinging, and Mentl will duck, dig through his repertoire, and hopefully come up with something which will stop the big idiot without hurting him. (”Shotgun” would therefore be A Very Bad Idea to reprise, but I have confidence Mentl can figure that out.)
Or Mentl might be able to talk his way out of this one, pointing out where Ponty went wrong, offending his cha. Zona and Tula could also speak…though if just Zona speaks, I can see Ponty getting high on his horse. Tula, as a priestess, could have a little more impact on reminding him that the ways of others aren’t the same as Erogenian ways, and that to offend someone else without first trying to understand is an offense against his own cha…
August 7th, 2009 at 3:00 am
…Personally, as a huge Depeche Mode fan (squee, concert in just a few more days!), I’d love to hear him singing “People Are People”…but I’m not sure that’d be enough to stop Ponty from swinging. Maybe to make him –THINK– (which he needs to do), but prevent a fight? Dunno…but it’d be trés cool…
August 7th, 2009 at 3:37 am
Thing is, I’m not sure whether Mentl using magick would be equivalent to him pulling out a weapon, and therefore against the Code of Erogenian Unarmed Ritual Combat. Without it he probably has no chance against ol’ Ponty, but with it…?
And sorry Jean, but you don’t “talk” to a guy like Ponty in a situation like this. You either beat the snot out of him, or get the snot beaten out of you BY him. Or you run away, which is probably not the option Mentl will take.
August 7th, 2009 at 3:51 am
He is SO deep in it now !
Ok a few options would be….
Ac Dc - Hard As Rock
MC Hammer - Cant Touch This (This WILL come sooner or later)
Bee Gees - Kung fu Fighting
Any other options? Becase without magic
he will be in a stretcher for a long time
August 7th, 2009 at 3:57 am
Poor Pontagar; a day can’t pass without him getting into a fight, can it? ^_^
I wonder; might Mentl get out of this one simply by -showing- he has magic? I get the impression that magic in Erogenia is not something any common boy can just whip out, so just by possessing magical talent, Mentl might fall into their learned scholar/priest category. In which case, just wiggling his fingers and singing “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” or something like that would give Ponty a way to back down without losing face.
Loranna
August 7th, 2009 at 4:12 am
I’d suggest :
The Tokens - The lion sleeps tonight
The Hollies - Stop Stop Stop
Searchers - Needles and Pins
1910 Fruitgum Company - Simon Says
Gremalkin - Kung Fu fighting is from Carl Douglas not the Bee Gees.
Also Mentl’s repertoire consists of ’50s ’60s and ’70s, I doubt MC Hammer is going to be used, though it would be nice to see.
August 7th, 2009 at 4:45 am
How about he dose “Eye Of The Tiger” (lol)
August 7th, 2009 at 4:46 am
Or “I’M Gona Knock You Out”
August 7th, 2009 at 5:22 am
Hmm, “Eye Of The Tiger” is from 1982, but as it was a big hit, maybe Mentl knows it nevertheless
August 7th, 2009 at 5:36 am
Wow, apparently he didn’t get enough of a pounding the first time. I’ll go get the popcorn.
August 7th, 2009 at 5:47 am
Maybe one that Mentl can use to give himself some fighting ability :
Sgt Barry Sadler - The Ballad of the green beret.
(Ye gods i’m so old)
August 7th, 2009 at 6:01 am
Thinking Mentl might solve this one without magic somehow. Mind you, the mental image of him singing “Stop (in the name of love)” complete with supremes style hand movements and dance steps in front of Pontagar is almost too good to resist
All together now “Stop! In the name of love, be-fore you break my face”..
August 7th, 2009 at 6:06 am
Mentl might have a ton of 50’s, 60’s and 70’s music stuck in his head, but he’s not an idiot. He’s been playing musing for a long long time. No way he wouldn’t know the more popular songs from the 80’s 90’s etc at the very least. Even the more catchy Rap / Hip Hop music would stick in his head.
His list of songs to pull from are nearly limitless, so yes, MC Hammer “Can’t Touch This” is very appropriate, catchy, and sticks in peoples heads like glue. LOL He knows the song I’m sure.
Anyway, one of two things happens. The situation is explained to Bonehead… or Mentl explains it the hard way. Personally, I’d love to see Mentl deliver another beat down… SO fun. :p
August 7th, 2009 at 6:08 am
August 7th, 2009 at 6:15 am
Of course, Mentl isn’t Erogenian so maybe Erogenian unarmed combat rules won’t apply to him? Nah, can’t be that simple…
August 7th, 2009 at 6:31 am
^^ everybody was kungfu fighting .. =P
i think though as its been said that just that he has magic will change the rules alot
August 7th, 2009 at 6:36 am
I can´t believe the magic users would be forced to leave their main advantage aside in these ritualized “discussions”.
So forcing them to self enhancements only would make sense. “Kung-Fu” fighting would be my best bet too. If John will allow magic to operate in such a way. As usual, can´t wait for the next page.
August 7th, 2009 at 6:49 am
How about
The Fightin’ Side of Me - Merle Haggard
August 7th, 2009 at 7:02 am
Another one could be “Blinded By The Light”, then we can see how good Ponty is at blindfighting.
August 7th, 2009 at 7:04 am
Several possible outcomes:
“Shotgun!” to the nearest tree and Mentl says, “Look, I don’t want to kill you and you don’t want to be dead.”
More likely, JED has some cool song up his sleeve where Mentl stops Ponty or turns the confrontation without killing him.
Zone steps in.
I am betting on #2, but we will see.
The idea that Mentl cannot use his natural gifts (i.e. magic) but Ponty can (i.e. his 80 lb advantage) does not make much sense to me.
August 7th, 2009 at 7:08 am
JED, just in case you think we are not paying attention, I like how there still a hint of a bruise under Ponty’s left eye….
August 7th, 2009 at 7:48 am
Zona should be able to step in if Pontagar escalates to violence. Pontagar offended Mentl, he offended back. Not pleasant, but fair. But we’ll see.
August 7th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Sex Changes by the Dresden Dolls? Muahahahaha
“Boys will be boys will be boys will be boys will be boys will be boys will be girls with no warning
Girls will be girls will be guys will be boys that don’t cry over toys that they use to beat girls they
Despise by the morning
They always said that sex would change you…”
August 7th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Universal rules for dueling - you start the fight, the other guy chooses the weapons.
If Pontagar doesn’t want magic used in a fight, he shouldn’t start the fight.
Maxwell’s Silver Hammer; Bringing Down The Sky; Hit The Road, Jack; A Long Swim Back To Shore; Walking on Sunshine (Mentl stops singing when Pontagar is about twenty feet off the ground); Kickin’ Yo’ Ass To The Curb; These Boots Are Made For Walking; Stomp, Stomp! (they don’t all have to be hits, you know); and we could get into some of the really weird stuff that came out of the seventies like that pothead song Been Lookin’ In My Navel An’ Seeing Out My Ass … which would leave Pontagar tucked up so tight that Mentl could roll him away like a hoop.
August 7th, 2009 at 8:37 am
But the fact remains, he told Ponty to kiss his ass. Major league points for Mentl in that case ^_^
And besides, he can get the crap beaten out of him, but what if he starts singing: “I get knocked down…but I get up again…you’re never going to keep me down…” Lol.
August 7th, 2009 at 8:45 am
I agree with Hugh. The same idea came in to my head as soon as I read the page. Mentl points at Ponti’s head, yells shotgun, something wizzes close enough to Ponti’s head that he flinches and the nearest tree behind him is sawed in half. Then we see how diplomatic Ponti can be.
Nice work as always JED. (Still working on that time machine.)
August 7th, 2009 at 8:51 am
I agree with those people who say that it would be unbalancing to *not* allow each person the use of all of their abilities in a fight. I also feel that Ponty probably won’t back down just because Mentl is a caster, whether out of meatheadedness or lack of belief in Mentl’s abilities. As for songs, I don’t know how dangerous it would be, but AC/DC - Thundertruck… =D
August 7th, 2009 at 8:52 am
err.. Thunderstruck (I really need to spellcheck before posting)
August 7th, 2009 at 9:06 am
I want to see Mentl use “walk like an Egyptian” on Pontagar, I’d laugh SO hard!!
August 7th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Mentl’s majick is a part of natural abilities, just like Pontagar’s muscles and loud mouth. Now I’d really like to hear how such a mismatch (Pontagar’s got to have a hundred pounds, hight, reach , not to mention a lifetime of martial arts training over Mentl) could be considered a ‘fair’ fight physically that is. WTF is a fair fight anyway? Mentl is a stanger in a strange land and Erogenian fighting customs don’t necessarily apply to him. In any case, I agree with Fatuncle, Mentl gets choice of weapons/rules and he had better be fast because sonnabitches like Pontagar ain’t gonna be talked down or hesitate to get in the first shot. Good thing there’s bit of distance between them. I’m gonna give up trying to second guess JED on this one and enjoy the ride.
Anyone notice the slight mouse under Pontagar’s left eye. Tula apparently didn’t use her healing arts to their fullest and left him a reminder in manners. Guess it didn’t take.
August 7th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Well, I’m pretty sure Mentl already has a plan. He had enought time to choose his answer, as Zona interrupted and Ponty ordered him again to hand him the bedroll.
Mentl tries to adopt the erogenian behaviour. One way or another this will score highly with Zona and Tula.
So let’s get some popcorn and enjoy the happening.
August 7th, 2009 at 9:31 am
As much as BigP deserves another punch for his display of fine diplomatic skills - in civilised company, it should be enough for Mentl to point out that he is a guest, not a servant.
But I wonder, what they were talking about during the whole meal, as Mentl obviously didn’t get properly introduced ?
August 7th, 2009 at 9:43 am
1. If you pick on someone whose abilities you do not know, you deserve the results.
2. Mentl is smart and may not need magick to handle the situation.
3. Don’t piss off the wizard.
August 7th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Sock it to him is all I can say! The big guy really needs to learn to keep his mouth shut. LOL
August 7th, 2009 at 10:13 am
I thinjk Mentl’s use of magic will be seen as acceptable as long as he does not go overboard. no killing magic. Perhaps start with The Wall by Pink Floyd just to slow him down. Can you just see it Arghhhh, a mad rush at Mentl then BANG iinto an invisable wall.. I also thought of Kung fu fighting, if he can cast magic onto himself that might work.
PS: As I was thinking of songs I came across a scarry one, imagine Mentl singing the Immigrant Song at some point in this story as hord of vikings appear out of the mist behind him….
August 7th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Whenever I type Zone, I almost certainly meant to type Zona, but i seem to make that typo a lot. When I said that Zona might step in, I really meant that she might step in to protect Pontegar more than Mentl. Zona knows that Mentl can blow things away, but Tula may have warned her that less lethal effects may take more training than Mentl has.
But we will see. JED usually has a surprise or three.
August 7th, 2009 at 10:17 am
And although making Pontegar “Dance like an Egyptian” would be funny as hell, I think humiliating him would make him a life-long enemy, which might not be the best idea….
August 7th, 2009 at 10:19 am
LurkerAbove-well, Mr. High and Mighty Big Britches probably didn’t even deign to notice Mentl during the dinner, and just kept on talking with Zona and Tula. Then, he inserts his big princely foot into his mouth, gets pounded, and then it’s time for bed. So it’s not surprising that he wasn’t introduced, especially if he immediately assumed that’s why Mentl was there-to be servant boy. Tula and Zona are princesses-in his mind, it’s natural for him to travel with servants (the twins maybe?) so it would be natural for him to assume that Mentl is filling that capacity.
Also, I agree with the fact that since Pontar made the first insult, or “challenge”, or will (”A boy like you could never beat me!”) then Mentl is allowed to choose the weapons, and if I’m correct, the payment type. (I’m thinking from a book where a squire is challenged-a girl squire, so she’s getting a lot of these challenges and invites to joust to “prove” herself-gets to name a winners purse of 10 gold pieces if she wins or loses.
Granted, Pontar may have years of experience and 100 pounds of pure muscle over Mentl, but the question is-does his magical ability allowed to compensate? Since he isn’t Ergornian, I would guess that it may be allowed to compensate but I’m not sure.
Definitely waiting with breath held to see what happens in the next update!
August 7th, 2009 at 10:39 am
“do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for you would not like the taste of flies”.
if Erogenians insist on settling social disputes by brawling, that’ll give their biggest and strongest people an advantage in their society — right after the advantage their magic-users get, that is. the basic rule can still be “don’t do any harm the nearest priest/ess can’t fix”, but the winner of the fight still win. fair? maybe not, but who said even Erogenian life had to be entirely fair?
August 7th, 2009 at 11:13 am
That has got to be a world record for how fast one can reinsert one’s foot in one’s mouth. Pontagar has a Gift. Slow learner, too.
August 7th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Okay - wow. Lotta responses. I think we’ve tipped this onto a new level. I can’t tell you all how gratifying it is to see my little story provoking such interactions and speculations and how many new people we get posting as time goes by. Thanks to you all, and continue, by all means! This is one of those times when I will let the story explain itself, since this is meant to reveal another nuance of character and the world Mentl finds himself in, so if I don’t comment on some of the speculation it’s because Tuesday and next week will, I hope, be fun and informative for y’all and much of what you’re wondering about will be shown in action.
Striker - yes, you shall, as I said, see.
MacNut - Well, pretty much everybody saw something like this coming, and far be it from me to disappoint. Heh.
Calimachus - Thanks so much! Please keep reading. I often update with art or incentives or stuff. Nonetheless, the comic itself is Tuesday and Friday. Unless I have a crisis, and then I usually post something about having a crisis, you know.
Moox - Yeah, well, as Kirk said in one of the good movies: “I’ll give him this: He’s consistent.”
Jean - I like that one, too! Not saying what’s gonna happen here, tho.
Gremalkin - Heh. I’ve been itching to get this one out. Definitely taking notes on song titles …
LorannaPyrel - Thing is, Pontagar is not used to losing fights, and he’s making some assumptions here that are not completely out of line with his experience. Nonetheless - yeah, he’s an ass.
Verdi - *scribble-scribble-scribble …*
Lady Amber - Good, good … putting that in the book.
demas - Oh, that’s a funny picture!
Calimachus, Balkin - If you recall, Mentl’s first description of his band was that they did covers of the classics - 60s,70s,and 80s. Plus he also is at leaast familiar with most pop and popular rock, R&B and Hip Hop from beyond that.
Dani - What? Oh, the suggestion! Pontagar is a peaceful, tranquil soul who abhors violence. Heh.
mine - Could be, could be …
hans - I can neither confirm or deny any speculation based on an ongoing investigation of Erogenian head-buttishness.
Sockpuppet - Don’t know that one. Was it ever on the pop charts?
Hugh - Frankly I’m betting that there will finally be the tea and crumpets …
Abeo - You shall indeed. And will it be fair? Maybe. Will it at least be fun? Oh, hopefully.
wysiwyg - That is disturbed. Just a disturbed picture. Hugely entertaining, of course …
Fatuncle - Wow, you’ve given some thought to this! *scribble-scribble-scribble …*
Sleepinin - Oooh, like all T-1000 time, huh? Heh. I like it.
Lebbrin - I want it working by my birthday, okay?
Lachesis - Very cool, especially with that chorus making such a good trigger phrase. And we don’t grade on spelling.
Karyl - Well, I’m already laughing at the picture.
Ga’Tor - Well, there aren’t any mirrors around, so Pontagar isn’t even aware of it. I haven’t decided whether it’s just the case of her putting only enough energy into the spell to do the minimum job, or whether there are other factors that make some healings, such as the ones she would give to her own sister versus someone she doesn’t even like much - better or worse. I think I’ve explained that this stuff basically just supercharges the body’s own repair mechanisms, and so perhaps there’s a physical harmonic that would make things more or less complete.
LurkerAbove, Mishlady - That’s a fine point, and I think that it’s safe to say that Mentl kind of hung back and the ladies stuck to neutral Erogenian topics. There was no further need to give Pontagar - and by extension Arrogand - details of their adventures before they gave the full report to Ipola.
Mr.Todd37 - Very good points. I like writing smart characters rather than stupid ones, because they require me to think things through. One of the things about RE Howard’s Conan is that Howard himself was not a terribly clever writer. In most situations Conan just hacked and clove his way out of trouble. Magic sorcerer? HACK! Giant snake? BANG! HACK! Etc, etc.
mcleve - But if he kept his mouth shut, then whom would we sock?
Deris - That would be some serious summoning!
Hugh - And these days I will have to retype “zone” at least once because my fingers are so used to it having an “A” on the end. In my job, of course, I support a product that needs to zone LUNs in order to present them to a host. So I can relate.
And I hope this is unexpected - if not, at least entertaining.
Nomen Nescio - No, you’re quite right. It’s not entirely fair or perfect, and I really think it would be a mistake to pretend that human beings are capable of perfection in anything. Besides, anything like that that would work perfectly would be positively Stepford and boring.
SamuraiDemonPuppy - Oh, ya think? But I’ve KNOWN people like that.
August 7th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Does anybody hear “Another one bites the dust” already playing?
August 7th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I’m thinking Boy George -
“Do you really want to hurt me, do you really want to make me cry?”
August 7th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
It’s fair to say we all want to find out how Mentl takes care of the lummox. Remember how he surprised Queen Yanora? Alas, it’s doubtful Pontagar will leave the encounter with respect for Mentl. The poor littl guy’s going to have to watch his back for a while.
Something unexpected (at least on Pontgar’s part) is about to happen. Isn’t the suspense wonderful?
August 7th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Or he could play something really gay by Erasure, and make Pontagar take his pants off and dance around nakie for Zona’s and Tula’s amusement. That’s a nice non-violent solution.
Sorry, sorry, I’m feeling perverse today.
August 7th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
*I’m* betting that the twins step in. see, I think they are more than *just* minders: they may be Ponty’s old childhood friends. It’s not an unheard of scenario, and makes sense. Old ties are hard to break, and who among us doens’t have some kind of foolish friend that we love nonetheless? (if you can’t think of anyone, you’re the foolish one!).
They may be able to speak sense to him, in ways he wouldn’t tolerate from anyone else, and he may stay friends with them for just that reason.
I envisions something along the lines of “Old friend, I know you won’t want to hear this, but you were wrong in your assumption and you’ve insulted his cha. I know an honorable *man* like you would want to make amends.” Subtext: “you’ve trusted me since childhood, and I know that even though you don’t want to hear this, you’ll listen to me”.
That’s my take. I just can’t predict when they would step in.
Any way, I’m sitting here with my popcorn, ready for the next installment!
August 7th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
I hear the opening strains of “Whip It” by Devo starting up, myself.
August 7th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Possum, I wanna see the *twins* dance around nekkid for MY enjoyment!
August 7th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Wait wait wait, I think I have a better prediction/theory/idea than before.
What if this is where Mentl finally loses it for real? Do not forget that he had hardcore loser issues, and everything he said after first discovering he had magic, and later, after Ginsha and melting the tunnel. He’s been barely keeping it together the whole time up till now, as evidenced by his “i’m okay” freakout in the last battle.
If he loses it, it’ll be a heck of a turning of the tables from last page, where his natural reaction was to try to hold Zona back. If Mentl starts in on the “Shotgun” or something similar, he’s going to be inches from killing Pontagar! While the git has it coming, the death of an important Erogenian prince is NOT going to be a good thing for anyone. Zona will have to step in and hold Mentl back!
Then what happens? He will lose so much progress! Mentl’s complex fear of his own powers, will develop, as he already has come close to throwing up his hands entirely.
I could definitely see Mentl ragesploding all over Pontagar here.
August 7th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
aPrincess - Ha … I have a few of those friends.
The twins might not know that Mentl isn’t Erogenian - even though they are probably smarter than Pontagar. Though, I agree that they might be paying slightly more attention if Zona/Tula try to say Mentl isn’t an Erogenian/is a mage and try to get Ponty’s attention.
Pontagar’s probably overreacting even more than he normally would ’cause he just recently got schooled and wants to restore his ego.
I cannot see this ending with Pontagar happy.
August 7th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Wait! Gorshash doesn’t get a third crack at Zona and crew, AND Pontagar shows up! I’m wondering if he’s made a deal (or going to make one) with Shuach?
Wildass speculation, nothing more.
-Z
August 7th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Assuming, Zona wants Pontagar alive I would go with “Kung Fu Fighting” myself (Although “Walk like an Egyptian” would be great). Otherwise, I always like “I am the God of Hell Fire and I bring you…….. FIRE!”………. roasted Pontagar.
August 7th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Guys, I bet JE has a surprise for us & it will not go the way anyone expects.
August 7th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
“Cruel To Be Kind - Nick Lowe” or even better “Iron Man - Black Sabbath” both hits from the 70’s and could be so instrutional but if mentl wants to keep things so that Zona will be happy with what about “Instant Karma - John Lennon” one of the top 100 songs in the 70’s and so “Cha” like…..HEHEHE
August 7th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
just looking over the comic for today i wonder if “Kiss my Ass” has some special meaning. if you look at the last panel he has one of those “thats something we never talk about in public” like of looks and do they use Ass the same way we do or is it Ass like half horse/half donkey?
August 7th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Long time lurker, 1st time poster. I see 2 possible things likely to happen;
1. Mentl will magic himself with comparable fighting ability as Pontagar or
2. fight the fight as he is himself, get his ass kicked after a somewhat respectable couple of punches, and then save the whole party from an Urt attack with his magic.
He fought Pontagar on a man-to-man level keeping Pontagar’s honor in balance, but also showed him that “I could have done that to you as well, but I respect your Cha enough not to.” Big brownie points all around.
August 7th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Hey, uh…does any guy have chest hair there? Perhaps the bareness is a sign of their masculinity? Perhaps they’re so manly that they tweeze it off, hair by hair?
August 7th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Zaraya: I don’t think Pontagar is a traitor. A jerk yes, outright evil no. I think there are elements of the Fire Clan that might be or will be working with Shuach but I don’t think Pontagar or the twins are them.
I’ve been thinking about Tula. How does she handle these sort of situations? by Erogenian standards she’s something of a runt . Does she get to use magic
in a duel or is she protected by her priestess status? Are there non-priestly spellchuckers in Erogenia? Or Kivalia ? I got the impression that Kivalians have the “Burn the witch!” attitude towards magic but I could be wrong. Anyway Mentl is small but if his goal is simply not to be squashed that could be an advantage.
As to spells i recall JE saying that Mentl had worked out a few. may I suggest the following for a situation where he wants to stop a foe without killing?
“Slip slidin’ away
Slip slidin awaaaaay
You know the nearer your destination
The more you’re slip slidin’ awaaaay”
August 7th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Traitor? That’s not what I was thinking. I think more along the lines of incredibly vain fathead out for revenge on those that bested him (Zona just now, and in the past) and Mentl (soon). Might Shuach seduce him, or arm him to defeat them without revealing that he’s an evil god?
My Theory: Pontagar slightly smarter and stronger than the average pawn, pawn.
-Z
p.s. it’s fine to play in JED’s sandbox. I hope he doesn’t mind.
August 7th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
fine = fun. I meant fun.
August 7th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Mentl’s too little to get into fisticuffs with this turd. “Up Up and Away” and Big Mouth goes floating away in a hot air balloon! Ha!
August 7th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
firegoat
Or point him in the other direction …“Working in a coal mine, going down down down …”
Tricksterson
Oh, I like that. Among other reasons, the term “slipping a punch” comes to mind. I have a picture of Pontagar throwing punch after punch, whiff whiff, not landing a one, and the ground under his feet turning slick as ice, untill at last he goes down on his butt. And Mentl turns and walks away. And then Zona explaining to Pontagar, carefully, that in the last fight half the body count was Mentl’s, so don’t annoy the wizard, all right? ‘Cause he doesn’t know the rules, and if he accidental - like kills you dead, no one is going to blame him. Or miss you much.
August 7th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
@Moox: if Mentl “ragesplodes” all over Ponty, his power is such that the Fire Tribe prince could be a pile of smoking ashes before Zona could even react.
August 7th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
And I wonder, in all seriousness, if Mentl can compose his own, or modify one he knows, to more closely suit his need …
August 7th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
In the first panel, Mentl’s lute is strapped to the supplies behind the saddle. How convenient for Mentl and how potentially unfortunate for Pontagar. Heh heh.
August 7th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
FatUncle…
I’ve had that same thought. There’s no reason he can’t modify an existing tune with a few different words. And who says he needs a whole song? I couple words, a single sentence… yeah, he can modify to suit his needs. He might need a bit of practice, but I am sure it’ll happen.
Right now, I’d love to see him AC/DC Ponty with “THUNDERSTRUCK” with a bolt about 20 feet behind him. enough energy to knock him down/out and leave him twitching for hours afterwards… That’d get the point across.
August 7th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
And lord, if Mentl has any folk music in his inventory, the possibilities just go on and on … Alligator Annie, with its refrain about the gator that ate the chain gang comes to mind…
August 7th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
I’ve given up all hope on Mister-P.
KICK HIS ASS MENTL! literally, or socially, but in a musical fashion.
August 7th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
As usual, the number of songs available are vast. “Kung Fu Fighting” would be fun, even if it was a bit cliche. I’m going to have fun with what JED gives us. I mean he had to give us “Great Balls of Fire”, it was just too obvious, so he did the mass horde attack and got that out of the way, especially when we are talking about something Mentl had to decide to do in less than a minute or two to take down a whole lot of vermin. “Body Language” and “Shotgun” were surprises to most if not all of us. So, do we get the cliche out of the way or not?
Of course part of the fun could be the twins going “uhoh” and charging in afraid that a wizard might not stop (or wizards have their own rules) right at the time “kicks were fast as lightning” in time to have a triple whammy.
August 7th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
I still maintain that a sizeable boom in the right direction will definitley change Pontagar’s attitude. To paraphrase somebody:
“You get more with a kind word and a massive wave of musical pyrotechnic magick power than with just a kind word.”
Or something to that effect.
August 7th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
While I think it would be interesting to see Mentl use music to bust P’s chops, in the end, I think a better solution would be for him to use music to have him finally SEE HIMSELF AS OTHERS SEE HIM. Like bustin’ loose with Elvis’ “Nothin’ But A Hound Dog” and having P realize that he’s truly a pathetic individual. Having Mentl smash P around with magic, something his opponent can’t possibly match, just doesn’t seem right from that Erogenian “cha” point of view, and I think Mentl probably would know that.
August 7th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
You know - make it a learning experience. Change his life for the better. Etcetera. Beating his butt won’t change anything. And forcing Mentl to get his butt beat definitely doesn’t change anything.
August 7th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
I would be surprised if Mentl was confident enough in his own magic to try to buff himself with something like Kung Fu Fighting (and have you read the Black Sabbath Iron Man lyrics? - that would make a terrible spell), but of course JE surprises me all the time. I wonder if Freeze-Frame, Stop and Stare or even Stop in the Name of Love could be used to temporarily paralyze?
August 8th, 2009 at 12:20 am
Erogonians have magic therefore they have rules to cover this. I believe the magic worker of whatever stripe would have to calmly state just what they can do, give fair warning and then let them have it. Just like any other lesson involving the “cha”-you brought this on yourself, so here ya’ go one fresh reality check courteousy of Mentl.
Also I would vote for “You don’t mess around with Slim”. I don’t know if that is the title or not? “You don’t tug on Superman’s cape, you don’t spit into the wind. You don’t tug the mask off the Lone Ranger and you don’t mess around with Slim hmmm hmmmm hmmm hmmmmmmmmm”. This is a very “learn the lesson boy” kind of song that I believe would apply to this situation and should empower Mentl enough to whoop some ass. Also whatever else Mentl is definitely more mature than temper tantrum barbarian boy.
August 8th, 2009 at 2:00 am
I think it’s about time for some of the King
Maybe “You ain’t nothin but a hound dog!” for a quick polymorph?
Or “All shook up” for something akin to an Earthquake spell?
This arrogant bully isn’t really going to be trouble enough to have to bring out the really big guns, songwise, I don’t think. Mentyl wouldn’t want to KILL him, just make his point that he can look after himself.
August 8th, 2009 at 2:02 am
@Hugh: for Time manipulation, how about “Time is on my side” to slow the enemy down to a crawl. or “Get back” by the Beatles to reverse time to whatever point he’s concentrating on, or just banish a demon or whatever?
August 8th, 2009 at 3:25 am
What was that (c)rap song “Momma said knock you out”? Could Mentl survive self-petrification ? (”I am a Rock”, which should take a good punch) S&G “The Boxer”? or Queen’s “We are the champions” - a lullaby to just put the guy to sleep?
Hey, maybe poetry? “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”? If he sings it? Bet Ali takes Pretty boy in 2…
August 8th, 2009 at 4:50 am
Deris…you want a REALLY scary song? “The Spam Song” from the Monty Python Sketch.
XD
Yes, I’m just that evil…
August 8th, 2009 at 4:58 am
aPrincess… A) that’s a very good idea for someone to do. I don’t think JE has it in mind, but I like the way how you think. Very diplomatic, and face-saving.
B)…*joins you in drooling, offers you popcorn, and pulls out some spare change to stuff into their Erogenian versions of undershorts*
C) Hey, JE, when are we ladies gonna get our servings of double cheesecake?
August 8th, 2009 at 4:59 am
(…I should point out that normally I do actually behave in a mostly classy and tasteful way, but…dayamn, you have some hotties in this story!)
August 8th, 2009 at 6:27 am
@ Jean
Methinks the Lady doth protest tt much!
August 8th, 2009 at 6:28 am
oops! too, not tt
August 8th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Professor 61771 …. I think that would be You Don’t Mess Around With Jim.
Elfguy …. all right, for manipulating time - has anyone here seen The Wizard of Speed And Time? Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoLhLn9hVkE&feature=related
At a speed ratio of ten or twenty to one, Mentl could be all over Pontagar like white on rice, and Pontagar couldn’t lay a hand on him.
August 8th, 2009 at 7:56 am
How about “Step Back”?
I mean, the name itself is pretty self-explanatory ^_^
August 8th, 2009 at 8:13 am
JE, while you may never use it in the main storyline, I don’t suppose you could do a Mentl montage to ‘I get knocked down’? Yeah, the twins are pretty, but he’s the main character and he kinda reminds me of myself as a kid. It’s quite a testament to his character that he keeps coming back for more - and if you guys haven’t thought of this with ‘I get knocked down’, Ponty’d get free intoxication via magic and spontaneously start singing! Entertainment for all.
August 8th, 2009 at 8:14 am
Wait…next tuesday? Dammit! Should’ve waited till next week so I didn’t have to sit on this one. *grumbles*
August 8th, 2009 at 9:25 am
My thoughts on what I’d like to see…?
“Bom, bom, bom… Another one bits the dust.”
Ponty’s legs go out from under him.
Predictable, but hilarious; and neither side would come to harm.
Buuut, overall, I’m just going to sit back and let the JED-genius-juices flow. (JGJ for short?) He’s surprised me more than a couple of times and frankly, I’d rather wait and be surprised, than speculate and try to work out what I want to happen. Definately going to be over-eager to check back Tuesday…!
…Also I can’t help but suspect that “kiss my ass” isn’t a common insult in Erogenia.
Anyway. I think I said when we first met Ponty that I desperately wanted Mentl to teach him a lesson in humility; it seems I will get my wish after all. <3
August 8th, 2009 at 10:17 am
Well, I don’t know what Mentl will do but I think I finally figured out why Ponti thinks Mentl is the hired help. Last panel of the previous page. Tula’s healing Ponti, Zona is talking to the twins, and Mentl is turning the spit roasting the pig. Just a thought. Too bad Ponti is making the wrong assumption. As stated before, we all know what that means. I’m just dying to see how big of an ass Ponti makes of himself.
August 8th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Devo - Whip It.
August 8th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Y’know I said I wasn’t going to try and second guess JED, but with so many different scenarios tossed out here, one more couldn’t hurt. It’s possible that Mentl may well play out the whole fight scene. I mean he doesn’t really have a chance in hell of taking on Pontagar ‘mano a mano’ and he knows this. But he also knows that, barring some major accident, that Zona (and Tula the Healer) aren’t going to let him get killed. i say he stands his ground looks way up, meets Pontagar eye to eye and says somethng to the effect of, “I said, I’m not a boy and I’m not a servant and you can kiss my ass if you think I am.” Pontagar either backs down or unloads. If the later, Mentl picks himself up, goes eyeball on Pontagar again and says “You balance your cha yet, asshat?”
One thought, I may be wrong, but direct insults don’t seem to be part of Erogenian reparte’ so any kind of epithet by Mentl may be way out of bounds. Again, its a matter of major cultural differences that are of yet unknown.
August 8th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I have absolutely no guess as to what comes next, though I do hope Mentl can kick Pontagar’s butt SOMEWAY. I do know I am highly anticipating the next few pages.
August 8th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
It’s not well known and I forget the name of the song but there’s one with the line “Boom, Boom, out go the lights” that I think would work nicely.
August 8th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
@Ga’Tor; now THAT would be a cool way for Mentl to make an ass out of ol’ Ponty without even having to throw a punch (futile) or a spell (possibly “unfair” and maybe causing serious injury or death).
He’ll also score major points with Zona for not backing down from big, bullying Pontagar. The downside is he’ll almost certainly take at least one punch and may have to endure a beating. Obviously the rest of our viewing audience really doesn’t want to see that.
August 8th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Ya know, the more I think about this, the more likely Mentl is to just block Ponty completely. Make himself invulnerable, or wall himself off (Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”. This way he can make his point, and no one takes a beating, and Ponty can back out with a little cha left with a “Oh, sorry about that.”
Who knows though I’ve been surprised at every turn with this comic. We’ll just have to wait and see!
August 8th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
I really want to see, “cant touch this” Its such a silly song, and can you imagine the humiliation for Pontagar as he swings his fists around in vain as mentl does the silly dance that goes with the song?
in case anyone doesnt remember the dance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c4L4CPfQY8
August 9th, 2009 at 1:05 am
Jeez people, more than a hundred comments? There IS a Zona FORUM guys. Much easier to have discussions over there.
Oh and can we pleeease stop mentioning MCHammer. Took long enough to forget those pants. Thankayouverymuch.
PS. YAY for 102nd post!
August 9th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Ok, coming in kind of late here, but there’s a song that’s perfect for this situation:
When you find yourself in danger
When you’re threatened by a stranger,
When it looks like you will take a lickin’
There is someone who will hurry up and help you,
Just ca-a-a-alll
for Super-Chicken!
I can imagine a giant chicken attacking, sword drawn. That’s summoning power, baby!
I just re-found an album from my childhood filled with superhero songs from the Justice League. How cool to just pick up the Flash’s powers. (I know, that’s out of bounds.) BTW, the Wizard of Speed and Time is an amazing cool movie, but no songs in there that I remember.
August 9th, 2009 at 4:01 am
I did a little ‘can’t touch this’ dance the other day at d&d. A paladin with a celestial pegasus mount is a lot of fun when the dm gives you room to take off. *swoosh!* Hack at them with a greatsword on the past and bugger off before they can hit you! Basically, when asked what I wanted to do with my turn now that I was on horseback and ready to enter the fray, I just stood up and did a little ‘can’t touch this’ hammer dance - the dm then said ‘ah, you want to use your flyby attack, don’t you?’ ‘Yep.’ ‘Carry on.’
Lots more interesting stuff happened, and we basically had to flee through a portal and ended up in the realm of the gods. The good ones - the Shuach type one was the one we’d pissed off. Either way, much fun was had by all.
August 9th, 2009 at 5:33 am
Ahhh, so nice to meet a fellow female gamer…only in my case, right now I’m the Evil GM™. (You know I’m evil because I have a very bad habit of giggling when setting up each new room’s scenario in the dungeon my players are traversing–I just can’t help it! They’re such gooooood ideas, muahahahaaa! Like the room filled with Chickens of Doom, the C is for Cookies trap ,the Balsa-Wood Golem Dragon {balsa wood TRAPS any slashing or piercing weapons, muahahaha}, and one mustn’t forget the mysterious crystal in the center of the room which will transport all the gear and clothes of the players’ characters into the NEXT room…and they still have to figure out the trap and/or fight the monsters in THIS room…)
*basks in her evilness, because it’s fun and a lovely stress-relaxer…*
August 9th, 2009 at 7:32 am
On the continuing subject of possible song choices, Rob Zombie’s “Never Gonna Stop Me”; Disturbed’s “Master of War”; and Queen’s “Princes of the Universe.”
Just some ideas.
Also, I’m thinking Mentl could probably get in at least one good shot on Ol’ Ponty with a swift kick to the junk. Erogenians don’t really strike me as the sort of people who would use that sort of tactic, so Pontagar most likely wouldn’t expect it.
August 9th, 2009 at 7:50 am
I have a four word response to all the people who can’t see how he would win without blasting the guy, and it involves music of which he would doubtless be aware.
I. Am. Iron. Man.
August 9th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Though….
But that one might require a more severe situation than this clown. Mentle as a 200+ foot tall juggernaut of destruction, I mean, how cool is that?
Go go Godzilla would be EXCEPTIONAL.
August 9th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Elizabeth-Mentl didn’t have his lute with Ginsha, and he was able to magick her severely enough to beat her senseless/into death, plus the “Great Balls of Fire” song where he just let loose with both hands with fire (which would not have been good for the lute). So I’m guessing there are other songs he can do without the lute.
August 9th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Who was it said Ponty is treating Mentl like he was Torcless?
Fact is, Mentl IS Torcless. Banded to Zona, but Torcless. Which leads to wondering if he’s going to have to be Torced if he’s planning on taking this romance any higher when they reach Zonas’ tribelands…
August 9th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Hmp…….
I still maintain Ponty needs a major-league pantsing from Mentl. Something in the embarrassing situation variety, and god knows there are plenty of songs that could do that.
August 9th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Captain Marsupial …. I was thinking of the Wizard Of Speed and Time trailer, on YouTube - there’s a song that starts about halfway into the clip.
Sadly, I’ve never had the chance to see the movie.
August 9th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I’m beginning to wonder if this entire meeting hasn’t been arranged, by the Goddesses, purely for Pontagar’s benefit. A prince of the Fire tribe would be a great force for the Goddesses in the upcoming war – if they can arrange to have the arrogance beaten out of him.
August 9th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Wow, we have passed the hundred mark of comments. I think you’ve got a pretty strong community growing here, JE!
August 10th, 2009 at 12:15 am
I agree with Moox. There’s a Huge following here. (Or so it seems) But Zona is still only 36th at Top Web Comics?!!? Stop! Do not pass Go and do not collect $200. Scroll to the top of the page and press the vote button. You can voe every 12 hours or so. This comic should be in the top 10…
(Sorry. Shameless plug for JED again. I am not him. Just someone who really enjoys waiting for Christmas twice a week.)
August 10th, 2009 at 1:29 am
Here are a few that may be useful if Mentl can “buff” him self… though the lyrics can maybe do other things as well…
“The Warrior”, recorded by Scandal featuring Patty Smythe
“Tom Sawyer”, recorded by Rush
“Lightning’s Hand” recorded by Kansas, written by Steve Walsh and Kerry Livgren
“The Chain” recorded by Fleetwood Mac, written by Lindsay Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Stevie Nicks
August 10th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Oh, look, there’s a vote button. Huh. Go figure.
Jean, maybe I should have you get in touch with our poor DM, who now has to figure out what the heck to do with us now that we’ve ended up in Ysgard when his original plan probably had nothing to do with extraplanar travel. Or you could help my hubby DM our other game - we had a little teleporting incident, and so far he’s taken us through Discworld, Starwars(appeared on endor and took out an AT-ST with an enchanted arrow), Stargate… and fought some grog smugglers in Capone era earth with Elliot Ness. And he was going to have us make our way home courtesy of a funny-looking old guy(who would take away all our collected energy weapons and possibly the stormtrooper armor) who shows up in a blue police box of all things…but we didn’t get to that bit as my dear husband was somewhat intoxicated and got lazy. Apparently it was going to be all my wizard’s fault that the machine gets stuck as a police box, but I decided against taking the spell dimensional anchor after all.
Anyway, I was originally just going to say ‘I’m impatient! Want more Zona! Oh, and I voted too.’ but got carried away. Again.
August 10th, 2009 at 9:28 am
……can I join that second D&D game?
August 10th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Hehe, if we see a MC Hammer song I would bet on Stop, Hammer time!
Freeze the opponent, and then whack em with a giant spectral hammer
But like many I would be thinking that Kung Fu fighting is the next song we’ll see.
August 10th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Sleepinin…do you really think that’s wise? Did I also mention the fact that I took my characters through a Pac-Man style maze?
Yes, I’m twisted. Bring me a pair of male twin lurveslaves, however, and you *might* survive…
August 10th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Oh, yes, and I should state that, although several characters have come within hair-widths of dying more than once (to the point where I decided to be nice and fudge the damage roll for at least one of ‘em), they still haven’t run into the LETHAL traps. Yes, the ones which are actually highlighted on my crib sheets in yellow as LETHAL. (Mainly because I promised them they wouldn’t during the first few encounters–these traps are coming up randomly, rolled off of a list of 100…)
August 10th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Hugh and all you others please remember the song no matter what song is just the frame work the spell is hung on. the magic comes from concentration, intent and emotional energy (pg 170) so if the songs lyrics do not really fit to well its ok. I hope this clarifies things.
August 10th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Actually, I am pretty sure that JED has said that the lyrics do matter somewhat. You are correct that the concentration, intent and emotional energy are paramount, but I think it also helps if the lyrics match the purpose as well.
August 10th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Am I the only one, who wonder where Mentl and Zona’s chains are? I don’t see either of them wearing them.
Also; I think a simple protection song should do the work. Perhaps ‘Wonderwall’ or some other speel to make him untouchable.
August 10th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Zona and Mentl’s chains are around their right ankle.
JED - Thank you for one of the most addiciting webcomics. Your weaving a helluva story!
August 10th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Wow, look at all teh responses we’re seeing…
And Jean, if you think your DMing is cruel and unusual, you ain’t seen my style of DM. Last time I took control, it was an adventure in the Demonweb Pits. Of twelve heroes, one guy walked out dragging all of the loot, his comrades bodies, and the corpse of the Queen of the Demonweb Pits.
And he only cause he got lucky on the one last dice roll ^_^
August 11th, 2009 at 3:46 am
Huh. And here the husband’s barbarian/dragon disciple has died…what is it…three times? Four? I’ve told him he’s the Daniel Jackson of d&d - one free resurrect per scenario etc. The priests at my temple(ie the temple that likes us and is intact…wait…sorry…not anymore, oops) are starting to give us discounts for true resurrection - ie the DM should stop leaving ‘how many high level Demons/Undead/Werewolves/Vampires are going to show up’ to the dice roll.
Can I pick your collective(Jean, Sleepinin, whoever else does the DMing thing) brains at some point? You can follow the link in my name(I think it’s working) to my pathetically bare livejournal(I was sick of commenting anonymously on people’s cool creative stuff) and say hi.
August 11th, 2009 at 3:47 am
Oh, and notice - it’s not tuesday yet and we still have another comic!
*happy dance*
August 11th, 2009 at 4:31 am
Ahhh, but they haven’t encountered the LETHAL traps, yet. One of which “says”, “Leave now or die!” …but in reality the warning sign was deliberately altered; it originally said “Leave now AND die!” with a DC of 35 to notice the alteration, since it was altered by a forgery spell. Another one, 6 huge gems adorn pedestals, each worth tens of thousands of gold. A very complex riddle awaits the adventurers. If they touch the wrong gem…they take so much damage, most of them will die, unless I roll really, really low…or am feeling nice. They’ve already failed 1 of the riddles, but it was on a lesser dungeon level, so I “cheated” on how much damage they took.
Then there’s the Scales of Justice…the part drops down a chute and gets divided, odd numbers to the left, even numbers to the right…and if their WEIGHT–yes, encoumbrance does count–is not balanced…one side of the grate-style scales they land on slides up towards spikes in the ceiling, the other slides towards spikes on the floor, picking up speed as they go. There’s a stable platform they could jump to…with statues of gargoyles on it which will activate once they land…and if they don’t all jump together, the scales will simply tip that much faster toward the spikes awaiting either side…
100+ traps, riddles, puzzles, and methods of nasty slaughter. (I added the pac-man maze the other night on a whim.) The amusing place is, they disliked one corridor so much that when they encountered another one exactly like it, they decided to avoid it…without realizing that if they traverse X number of those corridors safely, they get to a big prize.
Oh, and my favorite, the Physics Trap. Here’s the riddle: A man puts a very heavy lead brick in the bottom of his boat and rows out to the middle of a lake. He tosses the brick overboard. Does the level of the water in the lake go up or down? …A LOT of people get this one wrong, muahahahahahah!
August 11th, 2009 at 4:37 am
Oh, did I mention the Scales of Justice is a TIMED trap? As in, I’ll warn them it’s timed, explain what is happening…and hit “start” on a stopwatch? They’ll have exactly 12 seconds to figure out what to do, before they go SPLORCH! This is what I mean by a lethal trap.
…The timed thing is deliberate, btw. Several of the lethal traps are timed, and they’ll just have to shout out what they’re going to do, random order reaction checks and all.
You see, I’ve gamed with this group of players now for about 2 years, and they have a bad habit of dissecting everything in roundtable discussion. Particularly one player, who LOVES to argue the rules. Except he’s *bending* the rules, and rules-lawyering like a con artist…and I’ve had enough of him slowing down the game and stalling the action.
Which will make Wednesday’s game interesting, since they’re finally high enough up the Tower, I can start throwing in lethal and other timed traps. They WILL learn to think on their feet and not debate everything to death!
…Or they WILL debate themselves to death.
August 11th, 2009 at 7:42 am
You are a cruel, cruel person Jean.
I like you ^_^
August 11th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Traps really depend on the party. I had a party that just hack and slashed thru everything, So i sent them to recover an artifacte. In the underground layer on lvl 2 was a picturesque area with a pond and simulated sun; two lvl’s down, straight down, they come to a narrow stone bridge over a pit of lava with a door at the end. Can you quess where the door went and what the party did do?
August 11th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Sleepinin - *purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr*
Pat - *WHOOOOSSSSHH!*
August 12th, 2009 at 4:57 am
Jean…I’m not sure how to put this but…
Can I keep you?