OOTS #1105 - The Discussion Thread

[zzyss]

The memo was printed onto a series of billboards, rather than traditional paper.

LOL.

Sorry, I'm just a casual reader, I'm not a forum regular... I only pop in whenever the strip updates. Don't judge me. Thanks for those who posted links to in-comic and Rich's comments for incontrovertible evidence. Much appreciated.

In other n00b questions.... Vaarsuvius is female? Hahaha... just stirring.

[internisus]

Speculation that someone else may or may not have beaten me to:

Upon seeing through the High Priest's eyes that he has a child, Durkon will finally manifest the willpower to intervene and disrupt his vampire self from within.

[schmunzel]

Turn Undead, from a cleric of an evil god? Not Rebuke Undead? I wonder if she's changed gods.

I think that this strip is now a must read.
Just to review the break up ...
And here's the other plot twist to consider.
Durkon defeated, becomes Durkon again, and then he has to (being lawful) acknowledge his child.
Is he gonna adventure with the OoTS?
Horns of the dilemma aren't just about Hilgya's anger.

(Oh, nuts, how much time "in world" has passed since the conception. A year and a half, ish? Less?)

I am sure that Durkon has had a lot of character developement since this time to probably have some more finely grained (diverse? developed?) views on that matter

and first looks might indicate that even Hylgia had some character developement

Took Durkons words to heart and worked on herself becoming a honorable dwarv - to the best of her abilities.
What are her prospects of being well received with an illegitimate child?
Is this even a problem in dwarven soviety?

Now who was/is her husband? Is he still alife? What does he do? Was he perhaps an *******?

What does Durkons Mum say? Does she know? (of Hylgia)
Will his Mum die trying to protect other dwarves from the evil his body is about to unleash?

damn all these questions ...


sch

Edit

Unlike many here, I can't say I'm surprised by either development.

I've been expecting the return of Hilgya ever since Greysky, and it really did make a ton of sense for her to be here in this arc (Durkon facing his past).

As for having a baby in tow? Didn't give as much thought to that. But it makes sense, especially with Rich's idea that character actions should have in-story consequences.

There is a bit of a needle to thread here about casual sex, but I trust Rich to thread it.

I suspect the character action Rich would be commenting on is Durkon's callous attitude toward Hilgya when he found out her backstory. He could have been supportive while still not approving of past actions. He could have tried to make things work, even from within the rigid dictates of his culture.

But not only didn't he try hard, he didn't try at all. At the very least, he could have at least tried to find a dwarven solution.

He did feel bad about throwing her out of his life, yes. Doubt Hilgya thinks much of that, however.

you called that out much nicer than I did ...

[The_Weirdo]

She probably had some *off comic* moral developement.

Why would she need moral development? The comic doesn't show her doing anything evil. She might well have been Chaotic Neutral all that time.

[Anonymouswizard]

Wow, did not see that coming.

Now I'm just wondering two things:

1) We know that rivals are automatically the same level as you, do level adjustments affect this?

2) Based on what we can see... do baby dwarfs count as holy symbols? I assume all babies count.

Yes, I know her holy symbol is behind the baby.

Also, I'm thinking that Durkon's lecture to her had an effect. This doesn't feel like 'woman scorned' to me, I feel like this is

'Bein' a dwarf is about doin' yer duty, even if it makes ye miserable. ESPECIALLY if it makes ye miserable.'

[KorvinStarmast]

Huh, I had an odd thought, given Durkson's position in the baby carrying sling (we had one for our kids) that Rich probably won't do: the baby is Hilgya's holy symbol. As I pondered that more, I figure that Rich would not write that in, but it seemed sort of "Golden Child" in inspiration and Rich has drawn inspiration from a diverse set of cultural references ... but I admit that it doesn't "feel" right.

[skaddix]

Don't know why people are jumping on Hilyga being evil....its not especially relevant considering Loki of all gods spearheaded the defense of the mortal world at the Godmoot. Hiemdall is normally good and yet he voted to burn the world down.

As for how messages get sent sure the High Priest might not be able to leave but they all got 2 Bodyguards who can go outside and cast Sending.

[Svata]

But that list lacks the most important stat ever: how many XPs will my character get?

Negative one.

[recneps]

What are her prospects of being well received with an illegitimate child?
Is this even a problem in dwarven soviety?
sch

Thor, at least, understands these things..

[Vendanna]

'Bein' a dwarf is about doin' yer duty, even if it makes ye miserable. ESPECIALLY if it makes ye miserable.'

Also if she was informed by Loki of the situation at hand, she may have come even if risk exist, to die honorabily and avoid her soul be dragged to hel. Recall that as per rich comments, kids go to the afterlife of her parents, She wouldn't probably want the baby to end in Hel's realm!! (don't forget this)

now, the real question is: Is there a second baby on her back? we cannot tell just from the two images we have seen. the "death and destruction" kid's names ain't discarded just yet.

[The_Weirdo]

But that list lacks the most important stat ever: how many XPs will my character get?

Zero, plus a quick trip to Evilsville, PLUS a mother with some +8 bonuses to hit you and kill you. :p

[Riftwolf]

More of a Chekhov's Howitzer in my opinion.

Something this far-reaching isn't a gun of any description.

This qualifies as Chekhovs Comet.

Also by my eyeballing of timeline, that whiskery nipper would be less than a year old, assuming dwarf pregnancy is similar to human.

[schmunzel]

Why would she need moral development? The comic doesn't show her doing anything evil. She might well have been Chaotic Neutral all that time.

In my perception (!) she had to learn to take on responsibility

the last time we saw her was about her not taking resonsibility for her old live. (Due to reasons unknown to us. Her Husband might as well have been an evil drunk mass little kitten murderer and the mentor of Thog)
Now we see her in a position that seemingly screams about her having learned everything about responsibility (for her child)

sch

[Vendanna]

That kid is going to have a hel(la) problem with having to work on TWO items of legacy!!! his mother Fire Helm and his Daddy Thundershield!

Good thing uncle roy have a book for him!

[Tundar]

Yet another well played game by mr. Burlew.
And I like how baby Durkon has small stubs on his chin.

[skaddix]

That kid is going to have a hel(la) problem with having to work on TWO items of legacy!!! his mother Fire Helm and his Daddy Thundershield!

Good thing uncle roy have a book for him!

Lol OOTS: Next Generation

Roy/Celia and Haley/Elan can join Durkon Jr and V's Two Kids just need to replace Belkar.

[JumboWheat01]

Yet another well played game by mr. Burlew.
And I like how baby Durkon has small stubs on his chin.

Well of course. What dwarven lad would go without a beard? They're born with 'em, ya know.

[oppyu]

Since I'm late for the "HOLY FECAL MATTER IT'S HILGYA", I'll make the obvious joke that's probably been made already. So when's Redcloak's niece coming back?

[The_Weirdo]

In my perception (!) she had to learn to take on responsibility

the last time we saw her was about her not taking resonsibility for her old live. (Due to reasons unknown to us. Her Husband might as well have been an evil drunk mass little kitten murderer and the mentor of Thog)
Now we see her in a position that seemingly screams about her having learned everything about responsibility (for her child)

sch

Her old life *wasn't* her responsibility. People in her situation pre-Linear Guild aren't at fault for anything they do.

[137beth]

Since I'm late for the "HOLY FECAL MATTER IT'S HILGYA", I'll make the obvious joke that's probably been made already. So when's Redcloak's niece coming back?

Redcloak ‘s niece is Haley and she’s already there. The real question is when Trigak will invent the spell Halflings Don’t Have To Breathe.

[Grey Watcher]

I think the best part of that is how unperturbed that kid is by all the violence and the unholy mockeries of life and sanctity. Proper dwarf stoicism in the making.

Also, Elan, isn't this time for one of your catchphrases?

On a side note, there's a decent shot she's high level enough to resurrect Durkon, but is she going to want to do so? :furiously munches popcorn in anticipation:

[zimmerwald1915]

Lol OOTS: Next Generation

Roy/Celia and Haley/Elan can join Durkon Jr and V's Two Kids just need to replace Belkar.

Vaarsuvius has no children. She signed away any rights she had to intervene in their lives, for their own good (and to punish herself), remember?

[schmunzel]

But... but... that would be durkula's kid then! since we know that durkula has been defined as "Not Durkon." but there has not foreshadow for that to happen! \:o/

nope logic dictates that its NOT Durkulas child.
(as in Durkula being NOT Durkon)

sry

sch

[Shining Wrath]

Huh, I had an odd thought, given Durkson's position in the baby carrying sling (we had one for our kids) that Rich probably won't do: the baby is Hilgya's holy symbol. As I pondered that more, I figure that Rich would not write that in, but it seemed sort of "Golden Child" in inspiration and Rich has drawn inspiration from a diverse set of cultural references ... but I admit that it doesn't "feel" right.

My opinion is that the baby is carried in a front sling so as to obscure Hilgya's (un?)holy symbol, leaving us guessing for a while as to whether she's still Loki's priestess.

[Jasdoif]

Vaarsuvius has no children. She signed away any rights she had to intervene in their lives, for their own good (and to punish herself), remember?

There are two children who presumably identified Vaarsuvius as a parent at some point in their lives, though. And "CWPIVaaPaSPiTL" is way too long.

They'd also have an easy time exceeding the standard displayed by Vaarsuvius, which would be a refreshing change of pace for next-generational "Second verse, same as the first" stories.

[skaddix]

My opinion is that the baby is carried in a front sling so as to obscure Hilgya's (un?)holy symbol, leaving us guessing for a while as to whether she's still Loki's priestess.

I am not sure why Loki would be an issue. Last I checked Loki was the one leading the defense of the Planet. Good or Evil isn't especially a problem right now. Especially since Evil is not as the Directors state "One Big Happy Family"

[WindStruck]

Maybe everyone is taking her use of "murder" way too seriously?

It's almost certain Hilga recognizes and remembers the OOTS and that Loki also told her of the situation with Durkon becoming a vampire and High Priest of Hel. And end of the world stuff.

So I imagine now it could be possible she's making a joke with a straight face.

[DaggerPen]

HahahahhahahaHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Oh my god, from that title I had a feeling it was her from the moment we heard an unaccented female voice who was suspiciously offscreen, but this is beautiful. Just beautiful.

[Keltest]

Her old life *wasn't* her responsibility. People in her situation pre-Linear Guild aren't at fault for anything they do.

So she's... not? responsible for attempting to murder Ivan due to circumstances beyond his control?

[The_Weirdo]

So she's... not? responsible for attempting to murder Ivan due to circumstances beyond his control?

They were beyond her control as well.