Murphy's Law 6: Will we ever stop burning through threads so quickly?

[Dusk Eclipse]

Technically I leave school this friday; but the last few weeks have been just tests, and since I only had to do my Spanish Literature and philosphy test, in reality I have had roughly three or so weeks of vacation.

[leakingpen]

Ya'll make me feel OLD! hell, that means I was surfing the internet back when most of you were still loading your diapers!

[Silverraptor]

I've been out of school for a few weeks and I'm currently working at Philmont Scout Ranch.:smallcool:

[CoffeeIncluded]

Haha, what a wide age range here! And update time!

#139: Not To Mention The Cart (http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac294/caffeineincluded/NotToMentionTheCart.png)

[Volthawk]

That's...a lot of guards. I love how the wheels randomly set on fire.

[Maquise]

...And of course it's now on fire.

[John Cribati]

Matt does Assassin's Creed and Old Spice Guy?

I don't know what to say, honestly.

[Dusk Eclipse]

Swan dive? wasn't it Leap of Faith or somesuch?

Also what is the reference to the Old Spice Guy? It seem I have missed one.

[John Cribati]

Swan dive? wasn't it Leap of Faith or somesuch?

Also what is the reference to the Old Spice Guy? It seem I have missed one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtF13U5t8xE

[Dusk Eclipse]

Oh right, now this all make sense... I still like the assassin's creed references more though.

[Lix Lorn]

Oh Matt ♥♥♥

[CoffeeIncluded]

Yes, Matt is awesome. Horrible thief, but excellent at freerunning.

...I think the TvTropes page needs updating. :smalltongue:

[SoupLadle]

Haha, brilliant.

Edit: Okay, so there's Assassin's Creed, Old Spice, and... parkour? Ooh, stuff catching on fire! Wait, that's stuff exploding that has its own trope page. Nevermind.

[blackjack217]

LOL.... that is all

[Marnath]

That's...a lot of guards. I love how the wheels randomly set on fire.

Me too. :smallsmile:

[Alagaesian]

I love how the cart is now on fire. Every car crash must end with an explosion and tons of flames - even if said car is actually a hay cart from before the discovery of gasoline.

[SamBurke]

There was a torch, OK?
:smalltongue:

[Draconi Redfir]

Swan dive! Into the greatest hay of your life!

[HalfTangible]

Swan dive! Into the greatest hay of your life!

Hello ladies.

Look at your fighter. Now back to me. Now back at your fighter, now back to me.

Sadly, he isn't me. But if he started running off rooftops and jumping into hay he could SMELL like he's me.

Look down. Back up. Where are you? You're all alone. With the rogue your fighter could smell like. What's in your hand? Back at me, i stole it. It's an oyster with two tickets to that thing you love.

Look again. I'M RUNNING AWAY WITH YOUR STUFF.

Anything is possible when your man smells like a rogue and not a fighter. I stole your clothes.

[Strife Warzeal]

Hello ladies.

Look at your fighter. Now back to me. Now back at your fighter, now back to me.

Sadly, he isn't me. But if he started running off rooftops and jumping into hay he could SMELL like he's me.

Look down. Back up. Where are you? You're all alone. With the rogue your fighter could smell like. What's in your hand? Back at me, i stole it. It's an oyster with two tickets to that thing you love.

Look again. I'M RUNNING AWAY WITH YOUR STUFF.

Anything is possible when your man smells like a rogue and not a fighter. I stole your clothes.

I love it every time someone makes this joke. Well, as long as they do a good job at it that is. Which you did.

[RandomTiger]

Lookie, hey, I'm not a ghost floating around aimlessly anymore! I checked my email for my username, and now I'm solid and noticeable again! :smallsmile:

On a more serious note, hello. I've been stalking you guys for a while. Nice to introduce myself!

[RdMarquis]

On a similar note, I really should feel kind of bad for the hay seller, but I can't help snickering at the cart bursting into flames.


Lookie, hey, I'm not a ghost floating around aimlessly anymore! I checked my email for my username, and now I'm solid and noticeable again! :smallsmile:

On a more serious note, hello. I've been stalking you guys for a while. Nice to introduce myself!

Hi. And welcome. :smallsmile:

[CoffeeIncluded]

Lookie, hey, I'm not a ghost floating around aimlessly anymore! I checked my email for my username, and now I'm solid and noticeable again! :smallsmile:

On a more serious note, hello. I've been stalking you guys for a while. Nice to introduce myself!

Hey, RandomTiger! Nice to take off the stalker mask. Thank you so much for enjoying my comic!

[MoleMage]

For some reason, the cart starting on fire spontaneously makes me think of the GTA games; whenever you flip a car over it starts on fire and explodes a few seconds later.

[Moose Man]

Hi, like the comic. 'BOOKMARK'

[Nihilistic_One]

Just a question, but if Janine's name comes from the source I think it does, wouldn't she likely know a few spells related to Poison?

[CoffeeIncluded]

Hi, like the comic. 'BOOKMARK'

Aww, thanks! :smallbiggrin:


Just a question, but if Janine's name comes from the source I think it does, wouldn't she likely know a few spells related to Poison?

Nope, no relation to Fuchsia City Gym Leader Janine. The name similarity was a coincidence.

[Nihilistic_One]

Aww, thanks! :smallbiggrin:



Nope, no relation to Fuchsia City Gym Leader Janine. The name similarity was a coincidence.

Thank you for clearing that up. Now my sister owes me $1.50.

[Moose Man]

Aww, thanks! :smallbiggrin:Aw, stop. :fakeblush: Thanks for an entertaining read. The prospect of good online comic reading material cheered me up after the regents.

[CoffeeIncluded]

Yaaay, update time!

#140: I'll Be Shocked If You Didn't See It Coming (http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac294/caffeineincluded/IllBeShockedIfYouDidntSeeThisComing.png)

[SamBurke]

Lolz. Good speech, though.

[super dark33]

I thought he will fall over the building, not through this cheap wood...

[Moose Man]

Be shocked.:smallamused:

[fizzybobnewt]

Ditto.

I figured you used some shortcut for all of them, but I actually didn't notice the palette swaps. (For some reason I at first spelled palette with two Ls and my iPad tried to correct it to pal être.)

[Lix Lorn]

Oh Matt. (laugh track) :smallbiggrin:

[Marnath]

He's got a point. He didn't technically do anything, but they broke all kinds of stuff chasing him. So who's really at fault there? :smallwink:
I wonder who he'll drop in on next update?

[RdMarquis]

I guess you could argue he was creating a public disturbance, and that it's the responsibility of the guard to keep him from hurting himself.

But, then again, you could also argue that he just got his comeuppance.

Also, maybe he'll break something worth arresting him over after on the other side of that plank. :smalltongue:

[Asta Kask]

This is what we call "GM gets tired of Matt's Diplomacy check."

[Draconi Redfir]

i don't think they are pallete swaps of one annother, at least not in the face department. alot of them look quite diffrent.

[legomaster00156]

And this is what a vengeful DM does when his players are doing stupid things.

[HalfTangible]

i don't think they are pallete swaps of one annother, at least not in the face department. alot of them look quite diffrent.

In skin tones and hair color yes but otherwise they're the same.

That's what a pallete swap means.

... i think

[John Cribati]

In skin tones and hair color yes but otherwise they're the same.

That's what a pallete swap means.

... i think

Yeah. Essentially, they are the same base character, but the colors are different, sort of like shiny pokemon.

[leakingpen]

actually, there ARE two hairstyles.


I notice the women are all in the front rank...

[CoffeeIncluded]

actually, there ARE two hairstyles.


I notice the women are all in the front rank...

Palette swap. :smalltongue:

Okay, I'm really busy this week because I'm graduating high school! (Classes ended last week) So I'm only going to be able to do one update this week. Sorry. And next week I'm going on vacation for a couple of weeks, so I won't be back until the second week of July. I'll be a legal adult by then! :smallbiggrin:

[Dusk Eclipse]

Palette swap. :smalltongue:

Okay, I'm really busy this week because I'm graduating high school! (Classes ended last week) So I'm only going to be able to do one update this week. Sorry. And next week I'm going on vacation for a couple of weeks, so I won't be back until the second week of July. I'll be a legal adult by then! :smallbiggrin:

Congratulations on your graduation!! And don't worry of not updating you definitely deserve those vacations.

[RdMarquis]

Congratulations and enjoy your summer break. We'll see you when you get back.

[Asta Kask]

Have a nice vacation. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc9wIzi96_E)

And watch those sweet, sweet sideburns.

[Asta Kask]

Now I have the strange urge to solicit pictures from the threadwalkers: how do they picture Coffee on vacation?

[Draconi Redfir]

Now I have the strange urge to solicit pictures from the threadwalkers: how do they picture Coffee on vacation?

hmmm... Coffee on vacation...

I think it'd go bad before too long... Can coffee go bad?

[Mystic Muse]

hmmm... Coffee on vacation...

I think it'd go bad before too long... Can coffee go bad?

Coffee going bad implies it was ever good in the first place.:smalltongue:

Naturally, I'm referring to the drink here and not the poster.

[leakingpen]

When shes good, shes good, when shes bad? Shes even better...

[Asta Kask]

Coffee is a sweet 17-year old girl. So, nothing that someone like... say SMEE wouldn't do.

[CoffeeIncluded]

Coffee is a sweet 17-year old girl. So, nothing that someone like... say SMEE wouldn't do.

Well, I will be 18 in 9 days...But the drinking age in the US is 21...

And I'm graduating in a few hours!

[Admiral Harkov]

Have a happy vacation!.

I imagine her vacation to be awesome vacation.

[SamBurke]

Well, I will be 18 in 9 days...But the drinking age in the US is 21...

And I'm graduating in a few hours!


Congraduations! /Pun

Congrats on that graduation.

[Silverraptor]

Well, I will be 18 in 9 days...But the drinking age in the US is 21...

And I'm graduating in a few hours!

I'll be 20 in the same time. Funny how that works.:smallbiggrin:

[Qwertystop]

Congratulations on graduating, and happy almost-birthday!

[Marnath]

Congratulations on graduating, and happy almost-birthday!

Yeah, what he said. :smallsmile:

[Dusk Eclipse]

Congratulations coffee; hope you have (had*) loads of fun.

*in case you see this after the ceremony and/or party.

[Asta Kask]

Knock'em dead, tiger. :smallbiggrin:

[Mina Kobold]

Congratulations on graduating, and happy almost-birthday!


Yeah, what he said. :smallsmile:

What they said.

Happy Bee-Day, Coffee!

[Moose Man]

Happy Boif-Day, Cawfee!

[CoffeeIncluded]

Aww, you guys are the best. :smallsmile: Update later tonight or tomorrow!

[Socratov]

happy b-day.

anyway, love the comic series, at the start i thougt this would be a rip-off-gone-bad, but I stand corrected, It's actually quite deep and thoughtful. keep up the good work :smallwink:

but seriously, I think you have the characters thought out well, and with less of the meta-gaming or meta-storytelling, which makes for a better story imho

[Alagaesian]

Happy Graduation and Birthday Rolled into an Awesome Vacation!

It's too bad you couldn't have turned 18 before you graduated. When you reach legal adulthood, you can excuse yourself from school. I would have done that a couple times after the AP tests were over - free-study hours aren't that useful when you no longer have any classes you need to study for. But, it didn't make sense to excuse myself from school in the middle of the day when I didn't have a car.

[CoffeeIncluded]

Thanks, everyone. :smallsmile: And here's the update!

#141: Going Meta (http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac294/caffeineincluded/GoingMeta.png)

[SamBurke]

I have a quote here from my client, along with a cease and desist order. :smallcool:

"It... hurts! So much! Just when I thought I was safe!"
-Mr. Wall the IV :smallfrown:

So, I advocate for my client: Keep on doing what you're doing. I love the comic. :smallbiggrin:

[Draconi Redfir]

The return of teh orcish wizard!

[Dusk Eclipse]

A rules jokes, the "real" reason we are all here :smalltongue:, good job as always coffee.

[Asta Kask]

The two of them probably pack enough firepower to level all of Pavlaan-town...

And Happy Birth-day in advance! What will you get? :smallsmile:

[blackjack217]

The return of teh orcish wizard!

I really hope those too end up as Machiavellian baddies.

[Marnath]

I have a bad feeling about this. Don't they know you should never split the party?:smallwink:

[Lix Lorn]

I really hope those too end up as Machiavellian baddies.
I hope they end up as secondary protagonists and occasional allies.

[Admiral Harkov]

More like Jim and R2D2's player in draths and droids.

[RdMarquis]

Or they could go on their own separate but equally significant adventure.

And lest I forget, Happy Birthday, Coffee.

[legomaster00156]

Happy birthday, Coffee.

Ah, yes, the half-elf bonuses. They mean scotch if you have no ranks at 9th level.:smalltongue:

[Asta Kask]

I really hope those too end up as Machiavellian baddies.


I hope they end up as secondary protagonists and occasional allies.

They could end up as lovers. We need more love in the world. ADVENTURERS OUT! MAKE LOVE, NOT RAID DUNGEONS!

[Eleanor_Rigby]

They could end up as lovers. We need more love in the world. ADVENTURERS OUT! MAKE LOVE, NOT RAID DUNGEONS!

This message was so important I got emailed about it in my subscribed threads thrice. :smallbiggrin:

A belated happy birthday to Coffee also and the comic's still good.

[Asta Kask]

And now she's leaving us to go west... what's west of New York City?

[HalfTangible]

And now she's leaving us to go west... what's west of New York City?

Lake Ontario? And then Erie? Then canada? Then Michigan?

[CoffeeIncluded]

I'm going to glacier national park and the grand tetons. I should be back in two weeks, though I'll try to drop in along the way (my birthday's Saturday!) Thanks, everybody! :smallsmile:

[Qwertystop]

And now she's leaving us to go west... what's west of New York City?

Most of the US. Most of North America if you widen the north-south range a bit.

[Asta Kask]

I'm going to glacier national park and the grand tetons. I should be back in two weeks, though I'll try to drop in along the way (my birthday's Saturday!) Thanks, everybody! :smallsmile:

Have a good time! Don't go near the grizzly bears - you are small and they could eat you in one bite! :smallwink:

[McDouggal]

Coffee, this comic is amazing. You are quite good as a storyteller. Also, Matt falling through the roof was Karma in Action. Hilarious.

BTW, can I get the picture of Matt on fire from the banner to use as my profile pic?

[Asta Kask]

Coffee no read. Birthday stuff.

Coffee's birthday is Saturday. Can we get a picture of her avatar (i.e. Vaarsuvius) in the glcaier national park until then? I know there are many good artists reading this thread. Maybe her defending the children from a grizzly?

[SamBurke]

Hm. A good idea... anyone know any artists? Is Arenevigusta (sorry... Pink-Haired August) watching this thread? Any other artists, step forth!

[Silverraptor]

Well, I'm making another group birthday comic for Coffee and me, but its probably different then what you have in mind.

[McDouggal]

Oh, and Happy Birthday, Coffee.

[Asta Kask]

Hm. A good idea... anyone know any artists? Is Arenevigusta (sorry... Pink-Haired August) watching this thread? Any other artists, step forth!

An artist who have previously posted in this thread is working on project Coffee as we speak.

[Silverraptor]

An artist who have previously posted in this thread is working on project Coffee as we speak.

*Wonders if he's talking about me*

>.>
<.<

[Asta Kask]

Nope. We can say she's of the nautical persuasion. *raises eyebrow*

[Worlok]

Nope. We can say she's of the nautical persuasion. *raises eyebrow*
I think I know exactly who you mean. *mysterious eyebrow wiggle* Also, that's a really good idea. (Also also, at first all the "Happy Birthday"-s above made me think I'd missed tomorrow yesterday. Being from the future (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/) sure is taxing. :smalltongue:)

[CWater]

Haha, well Asta requested a grizzly bear (yeah, that's what the alien on the left is trying to be^^') attacking V, Inky & kids... and that was also what I was aiming for. Unfortunately whatever I did, it always looked like it was V who was attacking the bear:smallbiggrin:, so I changed a few details...

Anyway, Happy Birthday, Coffee!!:smile:
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/meriwater/FanArt/B-day.jpg
Have fun in the national park!
(don't be like V here:smallwink:)

[Asta Kask]

:smallbiggrin:

I like it.

[Silverraptor]

*Drops this here. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205600) Goes off to party.*

[CoffeeIncluded]

I like it, CWater. Thank you guys! I'll be on later tonight; maybe I'll see a bear!

[Asta Kask]

Birthday Music. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9TGj2jrJk8)

[Worlok]

I may be a little late, but I have to say it: Happy Birthday! :smallsmile:

Also, that picture is really good. I like! :smallbiggrin:

[Remmirath]

I've been reading and enjoying this comic for a while now, so I figured I should drop in and say something at some point. You do good work, Coffee. :smallsmile:

[CoffeeIncluded]

Thanks, everyone. I had mostly a goodnday today. I hope everyone here had a good day too.

[Asta Kask]

Were there... bears?

[Moose Man]

That would be my kind of day... No day is complete without a healthy dose of bears.

[Ranielle]

Hey. Keep up the good work.

[enderlord99]

when are you going to post #142 please?

[Dusk Eclipse]

Coffee is in vacations, I think she will be back in a week and a half or so. Be patient, is not as if Webcomic authors don't have other things to do.

[enderlord99]

Coffee is in vacations, I think she will be back in a week and a half or so. Be patient, is not as if Webcomic authors don't have other things to do.

oh... right... :smallredface:

[Dusk Eclipse]

Hey no problem:smallwink:

[CoffeeIncluded]

Hello from the tetons! I just saw a mama bear and her two cubs from my hotel window, quite far off of course. I'll be back Sunday morning but I'm going to have really nasty jet lag, so no comic until Tuesday or Wednesday. Sorry. But I'm having fun!

[CWater]

Good to know!:smallsmile: (Both that you're having fun and that you will eventually be back to make more comics.:smallamused:)

I'd like to go to some nature park too...though of course here in Finland, we have bears in our backyards already on normal circumstances.:smallwink:

[McDouggal]

Don't go close to those bears, Coffee. We like you in one, non-clawed piece.

[Marnath]

Great to hear you're having fun.:smallsmile:
The tetons are supposed to be beautiful, I should really go there some time.

[Asta Kask]

Hello from the tetons! I just saw a mama bear and her two cubs from my hotel window, quite far off of course. I'll be back Sunday morning but I'm going to have really nasty jet lag, so no comic until Tuesday or Wednesday. Sorry. But I'm having fun!

If you want to see the bears closer, you could use your brother as bait... :smallwink:

[leakingpen]

FEED THE BEARS! FEED THE BEARS!

(yes, I'm a dirty old man, and that quote identifies me as both dirty and old. sigh. )

[McDouggal]

What do you call a man who just got chased up a tree by a bear?
Claude Bottom.:smallbiggrin:

[CoffeeIncluded]

Hey guys, I'm back! But, about the comic. I have all my college matriculation forms and stuff to do this week, so I can only do the Friday comic. I'm sorry about this, but please hang tight for just a few more days!

[Dusk Eclipse]

We waited for the giant for roughly a month didn't we? I think we can manage 5 days :smalltongue:

So don't worry and just focus on the important stuff right now (I.E your college paperwork).

[Silverraptor]

We can wait. Hope you enjoyed yourself.:smallsmile:

[Asta Kask]

Also, we want pictures in the YOU thread.

[enderlord99]

RANDOM BANTER: Y U NO HAVE ALLITERATIVE TITLE?...

...Wait... so this isn't random banter? It's a thread about a webcomic? WOW, people are off topic A LOT here.:smallannoyed:

Even the OP is off HER OWN TOPIC!:smallconfused:

EDIT: since everyone changed the topic to bears:


PUN WARNING

[RdMarquis]

I'll look forward to Friday, then. Welcome back.

[Shadowknight12]

I stumbled upon this by complete accident. I am hooked by this comic. I'll give this a proper review later on, but I'd just like to say that Murphy's Law has swept up and stolen first place among my webcomics. And it's the first time it's happened to me.

In short, thank you for having created this! Count me as a loyal fan.

[CoffeeIncluded]

I stumbled upon this by complete accident. I am hooked by this comic. I'll give this a proper review later on, but I'd just like to say that Murphy's Law has swept up and stolen first place among my webcomics. And it's the first time it's happened to me.

In short, thank you for having created this! Count me as a loyal fan.

Aw, thank you so much, Shadowknight!

[Mixt]

Hello, i'm a former lurker who didn't bother to sign up until today.

And i would just like to say.
I love this comic.
So much.
Especially Tinder.

Not to fond of Kago though, they remind me of some people i know :smallannoyed:
All the more reason to hope half the country goes down in a fire though.

[reality warper]

i've been reading this webcomic for a few weeks now. up till now i haven't made an account but seeing everyone else thanking you for the comic i decided to do the same. So thanks alot for making this comic it's one of the top three best i've read (and the best D&D webcomic i've read) and i am currently reading 57 updating webcomics. :smallcool::smallwink:

[CoffeeIncluded]

Thank you so much, everybody! And woo, finally! Update!

#142: Actually, You Kind Of Did (http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac294/caffeineincluded/ActuallyYouKindOfDid.png)

[Symmys]

This may not end well...

[SamBurke]

Summon Battlescene IV!

[Asta Kask]

Nothing a few fireballs can't handle... :)

[super dark33]

i like that kind of sword, like a kukri but sword-sized.

[Marnath]

Are those based on a specific type of sword Coffee? Or are they just generic fantasy (man, what an oxymoron eh?) swords?

[Shadowknight12]

Ooo khopesh! Excellent choice! Can't wait to see what's next.

[RdMarquis]

Nothing a few fireballs can't handle... :)

Or maybe something less violent. Like hold person or something? Also, whatever these guys have between them has me interested. Do they worship the same god/dess, then?

[Alagaesian]

I'm pretty sure they worship different gods entirely. Rockwell is the god of orcs, and Golek is the god of goblinoids. Despite a lot of people trying throw the Plaavans into a single box marked "Heretic Hellspawn", the Plaavan races are not all chummy brothers. They have different religions and traditions, and this can sometimes lead to conflicts between the different races. It reminds me of what happened to the Native Americans and other tribal civilizations when imperialism swept through.

Nice comic as always, Coffee.

[CoffeeIncluded]

I'm pretty sure they worship different gods entirely. Rockwell is the god of orcs, and Golek is the god of goblinoids. Despite a lot of people trying throw the Plaavans into a single box marked "Heretic Hellspawn", the Plaavan races are not all chummy brothers. They have different religions and traditions, and this can sometimes lead to conflicts between the different races. It reminds me of what happened to the Native Americans and other tribal civilizations when imperialism swept through.

Nice comic as always, Coffee.

A round of applause for Alagaesian, who got it!

[Asta Kask]

Or maybe something less violent. Like hold person or something?

"As the power of the explosions go to infinity, the number of social situations they can't solve go to zero."

[Marnath]

"....And that would be wrong." :smallbiggrin:

[legomaster00156]

"As the power of the explosions go to infinity, the number of social situations they can't solve go to zero."

I don't think that getting something translated is one of the situations that an explosion can solve.

[HalfTangible]

I don't think that getting something translated is one of the situations that an explosion can solve.

No, but if you make the explosion large enough the need to translate will sooner or later be unneeded, either because the explosion caught the sheet or the explosion caught the problem.

[CoffeeIncluded]

Please remember that they are guests of the prince. It's not exactly the time to blow up his city.

Also, I'll just come out and say it: The Plavaan are extremely tribal. Why do you think they haven't united yet, even with all the, uh, "outside pressures"? Now they're being forced to unify, simply for survival, but...

I'd be able to describe this better if I were less tired.

[Asta Kask]

How'd the animal shelter thingy go?

[Alagaesian]

Yay, applause!

I always kind of figured that the Plaavans were organized into several small, farm-based towns trading with nearby towns for any vital resources. Towns of similar race are bound together by a shared religion and racism against other the other two races. However, since Astrid did not bless their land, their fields are not very fertile. They don't have the time or technology to focus on anything besides putting food on the table and protecting their fields from the other Plaavan races.

By my perception of things, the Plaavan towns had a technology level similar to the Dark Ages. When Kago marched in with its steel swords and armor, the Plaavans didn't stand a chance. They didn't have any sort of inter-town government, so there was no one out there to make a united Plaavan army. Plus, it's not like any Drow town is going to send soldiers to a neighboring Orc village when they've been having land disputes for centuries.

There are two things out there that could unite the Plaavan races. The first one is the integration of the Plaavans into a modern society where they will become equals to humans, elves, etc, and most importantly, each other. The second one is a super-charismatic leader going from town to town, city to city, urging all the Plaavan races to unite against the common foe of Kago so that they may avenge their loved ones with the blood of those savages.

[CoffeeIncluded]

Yay, applause!

I always kind of figured that the Plaavans were organized into several small, farm-based towns trading with nearby towns for any vital resources. Towns of similar race are bound together by a shared religion and racism against other the other two races. However, since Astrid did not bless their land, their fields are not very fertile. They don't have the time or technology to focus on anything besides putting food on the table and protecting their fields from the other Plaavan races.

By my perception of things, the Plaavan towns had a technology level similar to the Dark Ages. When Kago marched in with its steel swords and armor, the Plaavans didn't stand a chance. They didn't have any sort of inter-town government, so there was no one out there to make a united Plaavan army. Plus, it's not like any Drow town is going to send soldiers to a neighboring Orc village when they've been having land disputes for centuries.

There are two things out there that could unite the Plaavan races. The first one is the integration of the Plaavans into a modern society where they will become equals to humans, elves, etc, and most importantly, each other. The second one is a super-charismatic leader going from town to town, city to city, urging all the Plaavan races to unite against the common foe of Kago so that they may avenge their loved ones with the blood of those savages.

Actually, large swaths of the Alavaan plains are extremely fertile. But they're very nomadic, and tend to fight over the best spots. The rest is close though.

[Asta Kask]

Nomadic herders tend to be the best warriors available - plain nomads were the bane of civilization from the very beginning up until the 18th century.

Slash-and-burn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slash-and-burn) agriculturalists, OTOH, would move every few years and do not tend to be great warriors (although there are exceptions - the Germanic tribes that threatened Rome and were stopped by Gaius Marius, for instance.)

[M@XWeru]

By my perception of things, the Plaavan towns had a technology level similar to the Dark Ages. When Kago marched in with its steel swords and armor, the Plaavans didn't stand a chance.

This would make sense, if it weren't for the fact that they're using DnD rules. They probably just didn't have as many wizards. :P

[Hawkfrost000]

Nomadic herders tend to be the best warriors available - plain nomads were the bane of civilization from the very beginning up until the 18th century.

This is true, I has been proven that nomadic herders/hunter gatherers were actually bigger, stronger and healthier than people in an agriculcheral economy.

The hunter gatherers of the ice age stood closer to 6 feet while the 9th to 14 th century farmers were much closer to five feet.

DM

[Alagaesian]

This would make sense, if it weren't for the fact that they're using DnD rules. They probably just didn't have as many wizards. :P

I'm not too familiar with DnD, but I'm pretty sure full steel armor adds more to your AC than leather. Also, a lower tech level in the Plaavan civilization means that it's harder for them to produce masterwork weapons. A group of 100 Kago soldiers with a masterwork weapon each is definitely stronger than a village of 100 Plaavans with maybe twenty assorted masterwork weapons, some kitchen knives and farm tools, and a ton of sharpened sticks they prepared at the last minute.

But, yeah, they probably don't have many wizards either. They ones they do have can't be too strong because their civilization couldn't have discovered the high-level spells yet.

[M@XWeru]

A group of 100 Kago soldiers with a masterwork weapon each is definitely stronger than a village of 100 Plaavans with maybe twenty assorted masterwork weapons, some kitchen knives and farm tools, and a ton of sharpened sticks they prepared at the last minute.

Not if the Plavaans were wizards. :smallcool:

[CoffeeIncluded]

No, very few Plavaan know magic. And if you don't know the proper training, you won't know much. Learning spells is like going to school in this world. A basic education will give you basic low-level spells. You need to go to labs or universities to learn more, and it's the labs and research universities that can develop the higher-leveled spells. You'll see what I'm talking about in a few comics.

Update tomorrow, guys!

[Asta Kask]

Could have a few sorcerers, though.

[HalfTangible]

Could have a few sorcerers, though.

Sorcery in most stories requires you have a lineage traceable to a highly magical creature. They're probably very rare, and even then it's possible Coffee decided to make hers different and need study.

[legomaster00156]

Could have a few sorcerers, though.

Their dependability depends on what spells they spontaneously learn.

[Hiro Protagonest]

A group of 100 Kago soldiers with a masterwork weapon each is definitely stronger than a village of 100 Plaavans with maybe twenty assorted masterwork weapons, some kitchen knives and farm tools, and a ton of sharpened sticks they prepared at the last minute.
Not according to D&D rules. Orcs get +4 strength, which means +2 to attack and damage, compared to a masterwork's +1 attack. Drow have some racial abilities. Goblins are going to outnumber humans.

Their dependability depends on what spells they spontaneously learn.

In D&D, you get to pick your sorcerer spells, so it works the same way in the Murphy's Law universe.

[HalfTangible]

Not according to D&D rules. Orcs get +4 strength, which means +2 to attack and damage, compared to a masterwork's +1 attack. Drow have some racial abilities. Goblins are going to outnumber humans.


In D&D, you get to pick your sorcerer spells, so it works the same way in the Murphy's Law universe.

You forgot their armor.

[Worlok]

You forgot their armor.
And their wizards. (Sorry! :smalltongue:)

But come to think of it - Was the drow with the snake familiar that Lloyd and his unit... uhm... pacified way back then, perhaps a bigger deal in Plavaan lands than we know about? Where magic is rare, I'd figure someone with such abilities would come to hold some relevance, even beyond the limits of his own community - which I understand the guy led, anyhow? Did I miss the relevant information or will that encounter have some as-of-yet-unspecified repercussions further down the road? (or, well, both of the above?) :smalleek:

[Alagaesian]

No, very few Plavaan know magic. And if you don't know the proper training, you won't know much. Learning spells is like going to school in this world. A basic education will give you basic low-level spells. You need to go to labs or universities to learn more, and it's the labs and research universities that can develop the higher-leveled spells. You'll see what I'm talking about in a few comics.

Update tomorrow, guys!

Are you implying that college students are high-level wizards? :smalltongue:

That would actually be pretty cool. People would be using Time Stop to finish their term papers on time.

Also, I always assumed that drow with a snake was a druid.

[Hiro Protagonest]

Are you implying that college students are high-level wizards? :smalltongue:

That would actually be pretty cool. People would be using Time Stop to finish their term papers on time.

Time Stop only lasts about 18-24 seconds.

[Worlok]

Create infinite term paper completion loop.

Break reality.

Final destination!

That would actually be cool. :smallconfused:

[HalfTangible]

Time Stop only lasts about 18-24 seconds.

He never said it would be a GOOD paper :P

[M@XWeru]

Time Stop only lasts about 18-24 seconds.

Yeah, that sounds about right.

[CoffeeIncluded]

*Whew* Finally, update time!

#143: Again, A Weekly Occurrence (http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac294/caffeineincluded/AgainAWeeklyOccurrence.png)

[Strife Warzeal]

Time Stop only lasts about 18-24 seconds.

It would be 12-30 seconds. 1d4+1 rounds, 6 seconds to a round.

[Marnath]

I like how he's hiding the swords behind his back, as if they didn't stick up past his shoulders.:smallbiggrin:

[RdMarquis]

Hey, she took my suggestion! :smallsmile:

[Ninjaman]

Deus ex machina!

[Asta Kask]

Nope, I suspect foreshadowing.

[legomaster00156]

Jarxaxle's a female?:smalltongue:

[Hawkfrost000]

Jarxaxle's a female?:smalltongue:

That's not Jarlaxle silly

He doesn't have his hat!

Plus being female would ruin his entire backstory.

DM

[CoffeeIncluded]

Jarxaxle's a female?:smalltongue:

Who's Jarxaxle?

[Admiral Harkov]

Swashbuckler/duelist/pirate/merchant/spy/shadowdancer/fancypants/fancyhat drow of the Drizz't books.

[CoffeeIncluded]

No, Zivka's a straight cleric, as are Mikol and Hazet. Think about how she could have lost her eye.

[enderlord99]

No, Zivka's a straight cleric, as are Mikol and Hazet. Think about how she could have lost her eye.

Initiation ritual?

[Shadowknight12]

GRUUMSH, I CHOOSE YOU!

( Did I get it right? :smalltongue: )

[enderlord99]

GRUUMSH
--snip--

My thoughts exactly!

[Admiral Harkov]

That, or she opened the door of a carpenter god at the wrong moment.

[Draconi Redfir]

Nonononono. Obviously she wants the eye of vecna and is keeping the spot in reserve:smallwink:

But other then that, the Orc seems really good at standing on one foot.

[Asta Kask]

I think took a sip of her tea and had forgotten to removed the spoon.

Although, I suppose, it could be interpreted as being remotely related to the 'pacifying operations' in Plaavan territory.

[CoffeeIncluded]

Although, I suppose, it could be interpreted as being remotely related to the 'pacifying operations' in Plaavan territory.

...Yes. That's why.

[Asta Kask]

*sings* I am a genius. I am a genius. *stops singing*

[Hiro Protagonest]

Jarxaxle's a female?:smalltongue:

No no, he's most definitely male. He's also bald, wears a big hat, a ruby eyepatch over one eye (he switches which it's over from time to time) and has a rainbow cloak. And it's Jarlaxle.

[Worlok]

That, or she opened the door of a carpenter god at the wrong moment.
Sooo many non-board-appropriate, "glory hole"-based puns to be made right there... Shame on you! :smallyuk: :smallwink:

Apart from that though: Yay, update time! :smallbiggrin: I've got to use "Yes, I know, I'm always perfect." in casual conversation sometime. I've also got to implement that catch-up archive binge I had been planning on. Excuse me, y'all... :smallamused:

[CoffeeIncluded]

I'm curious. I believe that my strength lies with characterization; I make good characters. From Hazet, Mikol, and Zivka's very brief appearances, what (if anything) can you tell about their characters?

[Hiro Protagonest]

Pragmatic drow with a bit of a superiority complex (possibly from being of a stronger race/and or being female), highly traditional and religious orc, don't know about the goblin.

[enderlord99]

...Yes. That's why.

Wait... If X is from Kago and kills Y, Y comes back from the dead with an eyeball missing?!?!?!?!? What.

[HalfTangible]

Pragmatic drow with a bit of a superiority complex (possibly from being of a stronger race/and or being female), highly traditional and religious orc, don't know about the goblin.

Drow societies are generally portrayed as matriarchal too, so it's possible she acts that way because in their society she was somebody of importance.

[Hiro Protagonest]

Drow societies are generally portrayed as matriarchal too, so it's possible she acts that way because in their society she was somebody of importance.

Yeah, that's why I said the reason might be because she's a woman.

[HalfTangible]

Yeah, that's why I said the reason might be because she's a woman.


Drow societies are generally portrayed as matriarchal too, so it's possible she acts that way because in their society she was somebody of importance.

Even drow have females that AREN'T in positions of high power. :smalltongue:

[Alagaesian]

Wait... If X is from Kago and kills Y, Y comes back from the dead with an eyeball missing?!?!?!?!? What.

I assumed that all three of those Plaavans are the sole survivors of their tribes. Zivka just happened to get her eye poked out when she was trying to escape.

By the way, Coffee, I personally think your greatest strength is your world-building, but that doesn't mean your characterization isn't good. From what I understand, all three of those guys are clerics, but Zivka is the most powerful one. They've all joined forces because the profiting (non-Plaavan) businesses won't hire them and none of them can run a business by themselves without going bankrupt or getting robbed. Zivka feels she is superior to her two coworkers because she is the more powerful cleric and she's endured more hardships.

By the way, since all of three of these Plaavans appear to be clerics, they should have no problem telling Radic and Serrin about the contents of their respective holy books.

Also, I just found a discrepancy between the Astrid religion and the Rockwell one. We see in comic 83 (http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac294/caffeineincluded/CollectiveGuilt.png) that Rockwell shot Salblaze with an arrow. BUT, we have just learned that Rockwell doesn't use a bow. He uses those funky ritual swords.

[Hiro Protagonest]

Even drow have females that AREN'T in positions of high power. :smalltongue:

Rubbish! In medieval human society, all men were powerful! :smalltongue:


Also, I just found a discrepancy between the Astrid religion and the Rockwell one. We see in comic 83 (http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac294/caffeineincluded/CollectiveGuilt.png) that Rockwell shot Salblaze with an arrow. BUT, we have just learned that Rockwell doesn't use a bow. He uses those funky ritual swords.
Who said he can't use both? Besides, ritual swords aren't meant for combat anyway, he probably uses something else.

[Strife Warzeal]

Also, I just found a discrepancy between the Astrid religion and the Rockwell one. We see in comic 83 (http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac294/caffeineincluded/CollectiveGuilt.png) that Rockwell shot Salblaze with an arrow. BUT, we have just learned that Rockwell doesn't use a bow. He uses those funky ritual swords.

A fighter (the idea, not the class) uses a great axe, it doesn't mean they can't use a dagger. If my metaphor makes sense that is, it was the best I could think of.

[HalfTangible]

Rubbish! In medieval human society, all men were powerful! :smalltongue:

Serfs. :smalltongue:

[Alagaesian]

Who said he can't use both? Besides, ritual swords aren't meant for combat anyway, he probably uses something else.
I believe those swords are used in rituals by the orcs BECAUSE Rockwell, their god, uses them. If the Plaavan gods really wanted to team up to kill Salblaze, a god that specialized in ranged weapons would have made the shot. Plus, considering these last few comics, the idea that all three Plaavan gods tolerated each other, much less teamed up long enough to plan and execute an ambush on a demigod, seems laughable.

Besides, I'm not saying that there's a goof in the comic. These discrepancies could show how Astrid and her religion are quite a bit mistaken with how things played out on the Day of Ascent.

My current theory is that all the Plaavan gods descended at the same time, each with the intent of convincing Astrid to come to their race's land first. A fight broke out between the three of them, and a stray arrow hit Salblaze.

[CoffeeIncluded]

My friend made this comment when he read it:

You [Mikol and Hazet] may sound, look, and act like you want each other's skins nailed to the doors but Zivka would actually be more shocked if they tried it for real than if they shut up and started deferring to each other

Also, I knew exactly what I was doing when I made the comic about the Day Of Ascent. You'll all find out eventually! :smallbiggrin:

[Draconi Redfir]

You [Mikol and Hazet] may sound, look, and act like you want each other's skins nailed to the doors but Zivka would actually be more shocked if they tried it for real than if they shut up and started deferring to each other

Allright, i offically have begun shipping Mikol <3- Hazet.
Oh dear gog what is happening to me!?:smalleek:
I want it black, your black romance.

[Shadowknight12]

You [Mikol and Hazet] may sound, look, and act like you want to nail each other against the doors but Zivka would actually be more shocked if they tried it for real than if they shut up and started deferring to each other

Fixed that for him/her. :smallamused:

Also, I have to agree that by far your greatest strength is characterisation. You've made me care about characters where professional writers, script-writers, film-makers, comic artists and playwrights have failed. Your world-building skills are very strong and everything you've shown us looks quite original, interesting and flavourful, but it's the characters that make this comic pretty much indispensable to me.

I was meaning to ask, however, how exactly would you want me to go about giving you a review? I noticed that you said they were welcome and I'm somewhat experienced on the matter (I've been reviewing fan fiction for years. Trust me, I can spot gold when I see it, and by golly, this webcomic has it).

Anything in particular you'd like me to focus? How "painfully honest" should I be? Anything you'd like me to avoid/aren't interested in hearing about? Anything you've always been curious about? Be as general or as minutely specific as you'd like.

[CoffeeIncluded]

Fixed that for him/her. :smallamused:

Also, I have to agree that by far your greatest strength is characterisation. You've made me care about characters where professional writers, script-writers, film-makers, comic artists and playwrights have failed. Your world-building skills are very strong and everything you've shown us looks quite original, interesting and flavourful, but it's the characters that make this comic pretty much indispensable to me.

I was meaning to ask, however, how exactly would you want me to go about giving you a review? I noticed that you said they were welcome and I'm somewhat experienced on the matter (I've been reviewing fan fiction for years. Trust me, I can spot gold when I see it, and by golly, this webcomic has it).

Anything in particular you'd like me to focus? How "painfully honest" should I be? Anything you'd like me to avoid/aren't interested in hearing about? Anything you've always been curious about? Be as general or as minutely specific as you'd like.

Aw, thank you! Uh, I don't know about focus. One thing that I'm starting to delve into is that none of the cultures or nations are completely sympathetic or innocent. Uh, so I guess review everything? :smallbiggrin:

[CoffeeIncluded]

And we learn a bit more about Zivka...

#144: A Little Self-Indulgence (http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac294/caffeineincluded/ALittleSelfIndulgence.png)

[McDouggal]

Are Serrin and Radic moving foward or backward? Art doesn't make it clear. Other than that, it's a kind of weird comic. I honestly hadn't thought that I could feel anything other than sympathy for a Plavaan, but this seems like the most evil Plavaan character yet. I'm finding the stuff is not overly dangerous yet, but they should PROBABLY move out... FAST.

[CWater]

Ooh, a nice one... (Well, not excatly a "nice" comic perhaps, but YKWIM:smallamused:)

It appears Zivka has some serious grudge...

And I agree with McDougal, that it could be made a little more obvious that Radic and Serrin are backing. Movement lines?

[Alagaesian]

Nah, I think the problem is in the feet. People never stick their their toes in the air when they're walking backwards. I have a couple hilarious marching band stories about that - mostly people trying to transition from marching forward to marching backward. They step on their heel, keeping their toe into the air when they're supposed to be stabbing it into the ground. They try to stop, but their momentum pulls their center of gravity too far forward, and thus they fall flat on their faces.

I think the best way to go would be to leave their front foot flat on the ground, then draw their back foot as if walking forward. You might also pull it off by letting the back foot rest flat and drawing the front one like their toe is angled forward to push off of the ground, but I'm not sure how well that will work with stick figures. It might just look like a straight line.

So, the angles of the feet should be either __ / or / __ but never \ / .

[Draconi Redfir]

Amaizing just how much you can improve a Drow woman's day by pretending you killed a Kagoin but not saying how :P

[CoffeeIncluded]

Nah, I think the problem is in the feet. People never stick their their toes in the air when they're walking backwards. I have a couple hilarious marching band stories about that - mostly people trying to transition from marching forward to marching backward. They step on their heel, keeping their toe into the air when they're supposed to be stabbing it into the ground. They try to stop, but their momentum pulls their center of gravity too far forward, and thus they fall flat on their faces.

I think the best way to go would be to leave their front foot flat on the ground, then draw their back foot as if walking forward. You might also pull it off by letting the back foot rest flat and drawing the front one like their toe is angled forward to push off of the ground, but I'm not sure how well that will work with stick figures. It might just look like a straight line.

So, the angles of the feet should be either __ / or / __ but never \ / .

Ah, thank you. I'll go fix that now.

[CWater]

Yup, looks better, now the direction of their movement is clear:smallamused:

[Worlok]

By risk of repeating myself: I like her style. I mean, if that were to actually happen to Lloyd, I'd be seriously disturbed, of course, but as it stands, daaamn... so much wrath. Interesting bit of insight into her character, that. And the goblin suddenly all tactfully foreboding is just gold. :smallbiggrin:

[John Cribati]

On a side note... This thread has lasted 5 months.

New Record!

[Dusk Eclipse]

5 months already? People, we should make a bigger effort.... it is far too long for us.

Besides we are on last page alrady =P

[Draconi Redfir]

Looks like we DID stop burning through threads so quickly :P

[CoffeeIncluded]

So what do you all think of Zivka now?

[Dusk Eclipse]

I find his desires for revenge and rather interesting... urges let's say, quite funny; but I think this will return to bite the party in the donkey

[McDouggal]

This will turn out bad if Lloyd ever shows up. However, the nation of Kago is sounding more and more chaotic neutral, or even neutral evil. Honestly, I think that this will turn out to be really bad when it's found out that Lloyd is actually still alive, and Zivka can no longer act like he's not been killed in nasty ways/ Brave, Brave, Brave, Brave, Sir Robin.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

For those of you that don't get that, go out and BUY Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Immediately. Then run home, and watch it.

[M@XWeru]

Finally, a likeable character! =D

[CoffeeIncluded]

Haha, I met a couple of my fans today (you know who you are). I know I seemed shy and in a hurry (I was), but thank you so much. It's different, meeting fans in the physical world instead of on the internet. But it makes me proud, in a way.

Also, I don't know if I'll be able to update tomorrow, since I'll be out all day.

[McDouggal]

Meh. We live with other unspecified update times, so, we'll survive.

[SamBurke]

Come on guys, let's get this thread ending! I wanna see #7.

Debate topic:
Zivka's likely alignment.
Neutral Evil?

[McDouggal]

Come on guys, let's get this thread ending! I wanna see #7.

Debate topic:
Zivka's likely alignment.
Neutral Evil?

She doesn't seem evil to me, more like really needs some psycological help. I'd say... Chaotic Neutral with Evil tendencies. However, the Lords of Kago REALLY need someone to buck up against them, and put them in their place.

[HalfTangible]

If the leadership of Kago DOES change into something that's either for or neutral to the plavaan... I bet (most of) the Plavaan will still be hungry for blood like our now-favorite drow here (though perhaps not quite as psychotically) You don't commit mass genocide without making a few enemies.

[fizzybobnewt]

Except sometimes you do, because you killed them all.

[legomaster00156]

Come on guys, let's get this thread ending! I wanna see #7.

Debate topic:
Zivka's likely alignment.
Neutral Evil?

More likely NG, TN, CG, or CN. Doesn't seem all that evil (after all, the Kagoans were the ones who killed his(?) family), but definitely is not Lawful. If I were to bet, I would place my cash on True Neutral.

[goldendragon]

Psychotic Plavan alert!Awesome new comic

[Lord Raziere]

Looks like we DID stop burning through threads so quickly :P

yea, by now the thread title applies more to the pony thread than this one.

[Worlok]

Looks like we DID stop burning through threads so quickly :P
Mission accomplished. Yay for us! :smallbiggrin: And just like that, the point is moot again.

[Lord Raziere]

Mission accomplished. Yay for us! :smallbiggrin: And just like that, the point is moot again.

and with that post it has reached 50th page and we have to make a new one....

meaning your post is delicious in its irony. MMMMMmmmm....Irony...

[fizzybobnewt]

It has a rather metallic taste. :smallwink:

[CoffeeIncluded]

New thread here! (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209177)

[Worlok]

Then let's literally end this one on a metallic note (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZU6eMxeltk), shall we? :smalltongue: