[jidasfire]

Originally Posted by Anarion

That was a very interesting read. A few thoughts, spoiled since you liberally reference SoD spoilers in your analysis.

Spoiler

One thing that you touched on, but didn't outright state, is Xykon's role in setting the tone for the story. When he's relaxed and joking, the story as a whole tends to be relaxed and joking, but when Xykon gets angry, even when we simply know that he's angry while following the Order of the Stick, there is a sense of dread that permeates the comic. This was true when we saw Redcloak finally begin to settle down in his goblin village and knew it couldn't last, and it was true during the vast majority of the arc on the western continent, where we continue to wait for the moment when Xykon and Redcloak teleport in and completely change the dynamic with the Order and Tarquin.

The conclusion of my spoiler being that Xykon has become larger than life in this comic. He's a presence that can be felt and create tension even when he's not on panel, simply by knowing his current mood and intentions.

That's a pretty good point. I hadn't really thought about it that way, but Xykon's mood does make for a good series barometer as far as funny vs. serious. That said, I'm not 100% convinced that the Order or the Linear Guild will face off with Xykon and Redcloak in this arc. I have a strong suspicion that they'll get there once the Gate is blown and there's nothing left to do but head for Kraagor's.

EDIT: Also, apologies about the spoilers. I do say at the start of the Villains Month series that I intend to use spoilers from time to time, but I guess it wasn't overtly said in that one.