Order of the Stick - Book 5 Discussion Thread

[kaylasdad99]

I've been counting the days waiting for the Order of the Stick to return, and SQUEEEEE! It's almost here! I recall from the last thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=504715) a suggestion that we start a new thread when the new story arc comes along.

So, I'm getting the ball rolling. Any bets on where the story will be picking up? I'm going to guess an encounter with the Linear Guild when the Order makes landfall at Sandsedge.

[chorpler]

My 11-year-old daughter got addicted to Order of the Stick a few weeks ago and is bouncing off the walls waiting for the new book to begin. We just got the board game yesterday and she's anxious to play it, but I've been busy studying up on MySQL and Java all weekend.

I can't wait. I'm guessing there'll be a Linear Guild encounter soon too; they didn't show up at all in the last book, did they?

[Silophant]

Only as sort of a foreshadowing. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0668.html)

I was so hoping it'd be up at midnight. Guess I should just go to bed.

[shantih]

Hey, it's the 31st! I have nothing to add to an actual pre-strip discussion, but I wanted to chime in on the squees. Squee!

Is the new strip up yet? How about now? Now?







Now?

[Hal Briston]

Nope...and not yet, either.








Nope, still nothing.

[E-Sabbath]

Dude, wait till tomorrow.

[Farren]

It is tomorrow.

http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0673.html

[jayjay]

Yaaaaay!

[Malleus, Incus, Stapes!]

Haley has been officially upgraded from Awesome to Stratospherically Awesome.

[silenus]

Why, oh why didn't I check this from home before I left for work? The site is blocked from school access because the url has "tit" in it! :smack:

Now I have to wait until I get home for my fix.

[kaylasdad99]

Some very nice teamwork on Haley's part. Other than that, kind of a slow start. But what with the fact that we've had several weeks to anticipate it, I guess anything would have seemed like one.

[Alessan]

It is ON!

Some very nice teamwork on Haley's part. Other than that, kind of a slow start. But what with the fact that we've had several weeks to anticipate it, I guess anything would have seemed like one.

Remember, all of the his arcs start slowly. Patience.

[Quartz]

Yay!

[ultrafilter]

Some very nice teamwork on Haley's part. Other than that, kind of a slow start. But what with the fact that we've had several weeks to anticipate it, I guess anything would have seemed like one.

As frustrating as it is to wait for the comics, Burlew is really good at pacing. I'm sure things will pick up before too long.

[Chronos]

Man, I hope that beige doesn't become the new blue. The Azure City backgrounds were bad enough, but at least you can do things with blue. It's going to be annoying to see a full book of desert scenes.

[vislor]

Woo hoo! It's back!

Luvs it!

vislor

[Windwalker]

Haley has been officially upgraded from Awesome to Stratospherically Awesome.

I love how all the major characters in the series have had a chance to shine, multiple times.

I hope we get to see what happens in Azure City; will Operation Peregrine actually accomplish anything?

[kaylasdad99]

I suspect that liberation will succeed by virtue of coming out into the open immediately following the departure of Xykon and Left-Eye.

[JoseB]

I personally like this character in the 2nd panel, towards the left, who appears to be wearing Luke Skywalker's outfit from the 1977 "Star Wars" movie :D

[Lightray]

I'm assuming that the apparently miles-long queue lined up to get into Sandsedge in the first panel is an in-joke or something... but damn if I can get the reference.

[JoseB]

I don't think it is a line of people waiting to go in; more of a "two-way" road for the caravans that go out into the desert for their trek to other cities, and those that are arriving to Sandsedge after their crossing. Lots of people coming and going.

After all, our heroes have arrived there (if I am not wrong) by sea... There might be a seaport of some description at the *other* edge of the city, not shown in the 1st panel.

[Jonathan Chance]

He does like to start soft, doesn't he?

As a storyteller, though, it does allow him to set the stage for this next cycle. We've done woodland, mountain, and city. This presents us a new terrain type and possibly new, and unfamiliar monsters for our heroes to overcome.

[Miller]

He does like to start soft, doesn't he?

As a storyteller, though, it does allow him to set the stage for this next cycle. We've done woodland, mountain, and city.

And dungeon.

[Chronos]

And HeavenCelestia, of course.

[Quartz]

As a storyteller, though, it does allow him to set the stage for this next cycle. We've done woodland, mountain, and city.

And ocean and island.

[Just Some Guy]

I have nothing to add to this discussion; I'm just pinging the thread because it was a convenient way to know when the new strip was up.

Yes, more convenient than an RSS feed.

[choie]

A nice opening salvo! The desert appearance could get a bit samey but I'm not too worried about that; I didn't even mind the blue of Azure City. I got a kick out of Elan's disappointment at having been beaten to the string prize.

Of course, as a Vaarsuvius fan, I'm very glad to see that Blackwing is on V's shoulder. Nice subtle characterization touch there by Rich (so subtle it's easy to miss, in fact).

(BTW, I'm actually sad to see the other thread go. It was through its beginning that I was introduced to OotS, so curious was I by the Vaarsuvius/Ancient Black Dragon strip that was discussed there. I also love that it grew to become the second biggest thread in CS of all time -- even beating the famous "If ___ wrote LOTR" thread!)

[choie]

Sorry for the double post but I'm rather astonished there's been a new strip (#674: The Elf Who Cried Raven (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0674.html)) for a couple of hours and no one's noted it yet!

Is Blackwing able to cast amnesia spells or something? It seems odd that the Order can't remember him at all, especially Haley! Poor V, as if being ignored while paralyzed (and having one's cloak used to cover Roy's nekkidness) wasn't bad enough. Heh. Well, as BW says, serves him/her right for forgetting a familiar for so long.

[Hal Briston]

Four "laugh out loud" moments in one strip -- nicely done, Rich!

[Crowbar of Irony +3]

Sorry for the double post but I'm rather astonished there's been a new strip (#674: The Elf Who Cried Raven (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0674.html)) for a couple of hours and no one's noted it yet!


Woah, he's fast!

[Chronos]

(BTW, I'm actually sad to see the other thread go. It was through its beginning that I was introduced to OotS, so curious was I by the Vaarsuvius/Ancient Black Dragon strip that was discussed there. I also love that it grew to become the second biggest thread in CS of all time -- even beating the famous "If ___ wrote LOTR" thread!)And the longest thread that really belongs here-- The Diablo II thread really should be in the Game Room, except that it lived and died before that forum existed. The LotR thread is probably still the longest in absolute length, though (word count or bytes or whatever), since it tended to have long posts in it.

CrazyChop, coming off of a hiatus like this, he probably has a reserve of strips built up right now. So we'll probably see a semi-regular MWF schedule for the next couple of weeks.

[appleciders]

I'm still thrilled to get another strip in such quick succession. I had figured he'd revert to a twice-weekly update system, (Monday-Thursday, I think, was one attempted OoTS schedule) so I was pleased to see a fresh comic this morning.

[robertliguori]

I foresee a Share Spell: Ray of Enfeeblement and a halfling cutely wriggling on the ground pinned by the weight of his light armor, followed by "Does anyone else wish to advance the hypothesis that Blackwing is not in fact my familiar?" in the near future.

[Mr Shine]

For anyone looking at the thread in several months time, link to original

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=504715

And if this is going to be the new real thread, could a mod change the title? Preferably including the full name of the comic, rather than initials.

[kaylasdad99]

I really, really liked Elan's familiar...

:D

[cletus]

Can a mod please change the title to include 'Order of the Stick' rather then simply OoTS? I skipped right past this thread yesterday. I'll try reporting my own post and see if that gets a mods attention. Unless some of our mods are fans too.

[Just Some Guy]

I really, really liked Elan's familiar...

:D

I was surprised it wasn't a Psyduck. :)

[C K Dexter Haven]

Thread name has been changed, as requested.

[Mr Shine]

It still says "staging area". Could you change it to "Order of the Stick book 5 discussion thread" or similar?

[C K Dexter Haven]

OK, done. For future ref (this means everyone) please be specific when requesting title changes. I have no idea what any of this means or is about, so no way of knowing how to change to be more specific without clear direction. ;)

[Lok]

OK, done. For future ref (this means everyone) please be specific when requesting title changes. I have no idea what any of this means or is about, so no way of knowing how to change to be more specific without clear direction. ;)
But if you get a clear direction, what kind of fun is it to herd the cats?

[Windwalker]

Anyone else think Elan's familiar is the cutest thing ever? I hope it becomes a recurring character like Banjo.

[Mr Shine]

http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0675.html

Elan's characterization takes a step backwards.

[Captain Amazing]

At least he didn't try to buy any bridges.

[Miller]

I forget - what do the boots do again?

[cckerberos]

I forget - what do the boots do again?
They're Boots of Speed.

[satogata]

Haley's lime green boots of speed are even referenced as far back as strip 3: http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0003.html. I suspect she's going to kick some major butt with them. What sort of armor do y'all thnk she got for 16k?

[wolfman]

What sort of armor do y'all thnk she got for 16k?

Well he started out at 25k. which means it was probably round a 20K base cost piece. He said heat resistant. If it had actual fire resistance any salesman would have mentioned that. So I'm guessing it gives immunity from some sort of home cribbed desert heat-exhaustion impairment. Then probably a +4 armour bonus. At their levels +4 would be the minimum I would expect them to be buying.

[Peter Morris]

They're Boots of Speed.

Haley's lime green boots of speed are even referenced as far back as strip 3: http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0003.html.



Mentioned again here (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0573.html)and shown here (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0608.html).

[Mr Shine]

I do like the discussion on female armour effectiveness.

[Chronos]

Once upon a time, I had a link to a picture of genuine NASCAR-branded lime green women's boots for sale, but the link is unfortunately dead now.

And no offense to Elan or Haley, but that color looks really, really bad on her, even if her boots are dyed to match.

[Trepa Mayfield]

So...will Durkon be summoning food for this random trader?

[Crowbar of Irony +3]

So...will Durkon be summoning food for this random trader?

I wonder if there's an alternative dialogue if V was there instead of Durkon. "Make it 16,000 gp or else I ask the mage to rain arcane destruction on your tent"

Heck, it would be interesting to see V go shopping, though the last time he did he run into some moronic shop-keepers. (100 potions of Heroism?)

[Just Some Guy]

Hey, those potions came in handy!

[wolfman]

Heck, it would be interesting to see V go shopping, though the last time he did he run into some moronic shop-keepers. (100 potions of Heroism?)

Yeah but her negotiating isn't that good.
"But it was only one word!"
ONE!
WORD!


she didn't get any break at all. ;)

http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0306.html

[Crowbar of Irony +3]

Yeah but her negotiating isn't that good.
"But it was only one word!"
ONE!
WORD!


she didn't get any break at all. ;)

http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0306.html

(S)he is the victim of dramatic irony. Glad the strip is frequently updated now! And I love that the Order is back together now. After a 'Helm's Deep' sequence, and V's turning Darth V, the light humour is really appreciated.

Remembering the shop-keeper's discussion on armor tho', a loincloth in the vein for Conan may even be better than full-plate, or is that 'less is more' only applies to female armor? :P

[robertliguori]

(S)he is the victim of dramatic irony. Glad the strip is frequently updated now! And I love that the Order is back together now. After a 'Helm's Deep' sequence, and V's turning Darth V, the light humour is really appreciated.

Remembering the shop-keeper's discussion on armor tho', a loincloth in the vein for Conan may even be better than full-plate, or is that 'less is more' only applies to female armor? :P

Interestingly speaking, armor is armor in D&D; there's nothing stopping Elan or Roy from purchasing their own corsets +4 with matching heeled boots.

That being said, I wonder if V will react in his or her characteristic manner to exploitable financial opportunities.

[E-Sabbath]

I have a lovely comic in Dragon Magazine about that, where a monk explains to the Order how bliss can be experienced by ignoring the fluff text. Don't bathe! Eat gruel only once every three days!
I suspect the answer is 'dramatic convention', and that it is fluff text, which can be mechanically ignored. So... Roy, loincloth works fine...

[Grumman]

Remembering the shop-keeper's discussion on armor tho', a loincloth in the vein for Conan may even be better than full-plate, or is that 'less is more' only applies to female armor? :P
It's not true, for men or women. Lighter armour can be better because of the other effects of wearing heavy armour, but it's never better for your base AC until you're superhumanly agile. Even a Monk 5 with 18s in DEX and WIS only gets a +9 to AC, the same as the Commoner 1 with a DEX of 12 and a suit of full plate. Give him a shield, and the commoner comes out in front.

[E-Sabbath]

Yes, but you can name it Full Plate and describe it as a chainmail bikini.

[Chronos]

Interestingly speaking, armor is armor in D&D; there's nothing stopping Elan or Roy from purchasing their own corsets +4 with matching heeled boots.Well, nothing except dignity and good taste. In Roy's case, at least.

[JoseB]

http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0675.html

Elan's characterization takes a step backwards.

I imagine that you say that because of how Elan "haggled" with the merchant... However, take into account how Haley described haggling to Elan:

"Rather than paying the asking price, the buyer and the seller argue over what it is worth until they agree." Haley doesn't say anything about "getting the merchant to lower the price"!

If Elan genuinely felt that the belt should be worth 8000 gp... That is how he would "haggle"! In my opinion Elan is not so much stupid as very naïve, and as never in his life having had to engage in this kind of "haggling" thing.

[appleciders]

They're Boots of Speed.

And they should make her noticeably better in a fight, too. Boots of Speed are not game-breaking, but they're reasonably powerful in their own right. Haley apparently has one hell of a dedication to how her boots match her skin tone to not ever wear them in the last 600-odd strips, especially when she was leading a freakin' guerrilla band on hit-and-run raids.

[wolfman]

Remembering the shop-keeper's discussion on armor tho', a loincloth in the vein for Conan may even be better than full-plate, or is that 'less is more' only applies to female armor? :P

The shop keeper was referring to armour within a class. Leather armour is leather armour no matter how it is tailored. Same with Chair or plate. The Boris Vallejo Chain mail pasties and panties count as chain and gives the same protection as a Man-at-Arms dressed head to toe in heavy chain with overlapping coverage. And Conan's Loin cloth if it is leather armour is as good as anything else counted as leather armour (ie ignoring things that are classified as reinforced or studded etc because they are defined as different base armour type)

[Knorf]

And they should make her noticeably better in a fight, too. Boots of Speed are not game-breaking, but they're reasonably powerful in their own right. Haley apparently has one hell of a dedication to how her boots match her skin tone to not ever wear them in the last 600-odd strips, especially when she was leading a freakin' guerrilla band on hit-and-run raids.

I think she probably did wear them, just not when she was, you know, "on camera."

[Grumman]

Yes, but you can name it Full Plate and describe it as a chainmail bikini.
A chainmail bikini that weighs 35 pounds...

Some DMs might let you get away with it, but I'm not one of them.

[Alessan]

New strip up. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0676.html)

Belkar is trying to help!

[Miller]

Haley apparently has one hell of a dedication to how her boots match her skin tone to not ever wear them in the last 600-odd strips...

And, apparently, to paying full price to have them dyed any earlier.

[kaylasdad99]

Looks like Mr. Scruffy might be in the mood for a snack...

[chorpler]

New strip up. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0676.html)

Belkar is trying to help!

I can already tell that when I show this strip to her in the morning, my 11-year-old daughter is going to think this is the cutest Belkar strip EVER. Maybe even rivaling Belkar-in-his-cloak.

[shantih]

And this answers the question I've had since Roy said, "Belkar says he has a lead on what I need for the mission." Why on earth would Belkar have a lead on anything other than where to find whores or strong drink?

Question asked, question answered.

[sohvan]

Does anyone else think Belkar knows exactly Roy meant both times, but is just messing with his head?

[JoseB]

Does anyone else think Belkar knows exactly Roy meant both times, but is just messing with his head?

*raises hand*

I find this messing-with-Roy's-head, for some reason, a very Belkar-ish thing to do.

[Just Some Guy]

Does anyone else think Belkar knows exactly Roy meant both times, but is just messing with his head?

With Belkar's spot and listen checks, I doubt it.

[Der Trihs]

I find this messing-with-Roy's-head, for some reason, a very Belkar-ish thing to do.He's done it before (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0244.html), in the sequence when Roy used the Belt of Gender Changing to turn female.

[jayjay]

I don't know...it doesn't seem like Belkar to spend that much money (it has to be expensive to get a cart o'gophers AND a wagon o'chinchillas at short notice) for a joke.

[Der Trihs]

I don't know...it doesn't seem like Belkar to spend that much money (it has to be expensive to get a cart o'gophers AND a wagon o'chinchillas at short notice) for a joke.Unless he decided to get them with the stabby discount . . . it would also be like Belkar to commit a massacre just to pull off a joke.

[DigitalC]

I think she probably did wear them, just not when she was, you know, "on camera."

Near the beginning of the strip she mentions having them and not wearing them because of the awful color.

[Alessan]

Does anyone else think Belkar knows exactly Roy meant both times, but is just messing with his head?

I think Belkar is actually trying to do the right thing, insomuch as he is capable of knowing what that is.

Shojo sure conned him good.

[Captain Carrot]

A chainmail bikini that weighs 35 pounds...

Some DMs might let you get away with it, but I'm not one of them.

Also, chain mail and full plate aren't even close to the same thing.

[Knorf]

Near the beginning of the strip she mentions having them and not wearing them because of the awful color.

:rolleyes:

Really? Are you serious? Because, you know, no one in this thread has mentioned that!
[/snarky]

Back to the comic -- I'm enjoying the turn towards joke-telling as well to start this new chapter.

[jayjay]

Unless he decided to get them with the stabby discount . . . it would also be like Belkar to commit a massacre just to pull off a joke.

True, true.

I'm so old, I remember when you had to be GOOD to be a ranger...

(And true Neutral to be a druid!)

[Alessan]

:Back to the comic -- I'm enjoying the turn towards joke-telling as well to start this new chapter.

He always starts his arcs that way. Check out strips 121 though 141, or 301 through 320. Expect another 15 strips or so until the story picks up.

[Alessan]

True, true.

I'm so old, I remember when you had to be GOOD to be a ranger...

(And true Neutral to be a druid!)

Hey, I remember when "Halfling" was a charater class.

[Chronos]

I'm so old, I remember when you had to be GOOD to be a ranger...

(And true Neutral to be a druid!)Old? That was only Second Edition. That's practically yesterday!

[appleciders]

I like how Mr. Scruffy is looking expectantly at the chinchillas.

[Grumman]

New comic is up. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0677.html)

V's shopping again!

[Bosstone]

New comic is up. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0677.html)

V's shopping again!Right away, the throw-away joke in the first panel is great.

[Alessan]

Oh, V.

[Chronos]

Right away, the throw-away joke in the first panel is great. That's my favorite part, too. Though there is something to be said for dangling baubles...

[Just Some Guy]

Yes, the best part was definitely the shiny, dangling baubles.

[appleciders]

On first glance, this is classic V, but now there's a definite darker undertone. Kudos to Rich; this gives V even more depth.

[Captain Amazing]

And this is why you don't have a raven for a familiar.

[Knorf]

He always starts his arcs that way. Check out strips 121 though 141, or 301 through 320. Expect another 15 strips or so until the story picks up.

I'm glad you mentioned that, because I certainly haven't read the whole strip, several times through, nor ever noticed that. Indeed not. Wait, V is an elf??

[Leaper]

New comic! (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0678.html)

I did NOT see that one coming.

[Alessan]

I'm surprised it took Spouse so long.

Oh, and Knorf:

:p

[Kobal2]

What the hey ? If he was some kind of multiclass wizard/lawyer, and only there to serve the injunction, why go through the elaborate taunting ?

[Grumman]

What the hey ? If he was some kind of multiclass wizard/lawyer, and only there to serve the injunction, why go through the elaborate taunting ?
Maybe he is V's spouse's lawyer, and wants to use V's temper as ammo?

[Just Some Guy]

What the hey ? If he was some kind of multiclass wizard/lawyer, and only there to serve the injunction, why go through the elaborate taunting ?

Because he's a process server, of course. You've never gotten served before? That's how it always goes.

I suspect that this is going to go uncontested and consequently just make it all worse. Given the choice between running back to deal with a divorce or sticking around to safeguard all of reality then V's (especially the new V) is going to take the emotional blow for the good of the universe.

[shantih]

Oh. Oh, dear. I do like Blackwing's attempt to put a positive spin on V's hairtrigger use of aggressive magic ('So, progress.'). I wonder if V is going to mention this to the rest of the OotS or just let it happen.

[robertliguori]

Oh. Oh, dear. I do like Blackwing's attempt to put a positive spin on V's hairtrigger use of aggressive magic ('So, progress.'). I wonder if V is going to mention this to the rest of the OotS or just let it happen.

"Good news, my adventuring companions! I have located a short and lucrative side-quest for us to pursue! It will involve looting and demolishing a guild of lawyers!"

[Trepa Mayfield]

For some reason, I keep hearing Blackwing's lines as spoken by Wayne Knight (Newman from Seinfeld). Issat just me?

Also, :( Poor V.

[Malleus, Incus, Stapes!]

My brother thinks that maybe Smith and Rodriguez will tun up during the divorce procedings.

[Captain Carrot]

Sad, but not surprising.

[choie]

For some reason, I keep hearing Blackwing's lines as spoken by Wayne Knight (Newman from Seinfeld). Issat just me?


Not anymore. :)

Also, :( Poor V.

Ditto. Poor elf can't catch a break -- he's OOTS's buttmonkey. Of course it's not surprising and Kyrie's understandably upset at V's scary behavior, but I still think going straight to the divorce papers is jumping the gun. Two days is like five seconds in an elf's life, isn't it? Dayum. Harsh.

I'd like to see V fighting this but s/he might not.

All that said, the strip was pretty funny until the bottom set of panels. Wizard/process server got what he deserved, the little creep! And V's use of the Bigsby hand never fails to get a grin out of me.

[Captain Amazing]

Actually, the last panel was pretty funny too. There's actually a D&D spell called Drawmij's Instant Summons. But you'd have to be a D&D geek to get that, I guess.

[choie]

True, I probably miss a lot not knowing much about D&D (aside from what I've picked up since starting to read OOTS. But I was too moved by Vaarsuvius's Closed Eyes of Sad Resignation, which gets me every time Burlew uses it. (Especially for V, for whom it's particularly poignant since V's normally such a stubborn/egotistical little elf.) What can I say, I'm a sap.

[Malacandra]

Actually, the last panel was pretty funny too. There's actually a D&D spell called Drawmij's Instant Summons. But you'd have to be a D&D geek to get that, I guess.

Geek reporting for duty, sah!

[Alessan]

New strip up. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0679.html)

[shantih]

My only question: where did they find a teeny-tiny sombrero?

[Finagle]

Two days is like five seconds in an elf's life, isn't it?

Two days of strip time since the fight with the dragon? I guess they really did take the fastest ship to the desert continent. Seriously, their voyage only took one day?

[Alessan]

Remember, they teleported near the shore.

My only question: where did they find a teeny-tiny sombrero?

Banjo's wardrobe?

[Leaper]

My only question: where did they find a teeny-tiny sombrero?

In the Kingdom of Loathing? :D

[jayjay]

Banjo's wardrobe?

I miss Banjo. :(

I don't miss Banjo enough to try to call up Banjulhu, though...

[Just Some Guy]

My only question: where did they find a teeny-tiny sombrero?

It's a spell component. They don't even have to keep track of those.

[tanstaafl]

My only question: where did they find a teeny-tiny sombrero?
In the Kingdom of Loathing? In the Kingdom of Loathing? :D
Except there the Sombrero is the familiar. And the raven always flies off after finding the Black Market.

[Yllaria]

Aw! V's being responsible and, barring baubles, the familiar is acting as a conscience. And it's so sad.

[Alessan]

Does anyone here believe V will survive the end of the story?

[jayjay]

Does anyone here believe V will survive the end of the story?

I never really thought of that. Has s/he had any foreshadowings of death like Belkar and Durkon have?

[Alessan]

Just a feeling I have. I just don't see him getting out of his Soul Splice deal any other way.

The way I see it, Belkar and Durkon are dead meat, V's prospects aren't looking good, Roy won't die again (too redundant) and Elan, of course, will have his happy ending - which means that Haley will survive, too.

[jayjay]

Just a feeling I have. I just don't see him getting out of his Soul Splice deal any other way.

The way I see it, Belkar and Durkon are dead meat, V's prospects aren't looking good, Roy won't die again (too redundant) and Elan, of course, will have his happy ending - which means that Haley will survive, too.

The Belkar/Durkon deaths don't really worry me too much. In a world with Resurrection/Raise Dead/Wish spells, death is (more or less) temporary. Durkon's prophecy was that he wouldn't return to his homeland alive...which doesn't preclude his body being returned to his temple's high priest for Resurrection. And as for Belkar...I don't know. I can see him cheating death (actually, I can see him backstabbing Death and stealing his scythe and cloak). I'm willing to bet that at the end of Book 5 they'll all be alive or at least plausibly revivable.

[Malleus, Incus, Stapes!]

I wouldn't be suprised if Belkar pulled a Screw Destiny (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ScrewDestiny) and stayed alive just out of spite.

Roy: Uh, Belkar, weren't you supposed to be dead for several strips already?
Belkar: *waves daggers* Just try and do something about it.


Back on topic, poor V still can't catch a break.

[appleciders]

...barring baubles...

The bauble thing is just a nod to ravens having a penchant for shiny objects, right?

[ultrafilter]

Does anyone here believe V will survive the end of the story?

Not in a wider sense. V is a classic tragic hero (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragic_hero), which means that he'll at least be ruined if not dead.

[Yllaria]

The bauble thing is just a nod to ravens having a penchant for shiny objects, right?

That seems to be the case, yes.

[shantih]

I wouldn't be suprised if Belkar pulled a Screw Destiny (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ScrewDestiny) and stayed alive just out of spite.



See, that's just not nice. It's late, I'm tired, I should already be asleep, and that's going to be problematic if I spend the next three DAYS following one tvtropes link after another.


Just one more and I'll turn off the laptop ...

[kaylasdad99]

Just a feeling I have. I just don't see him getting out of his Soul Splice deal any other way.

The way I see it, Belkar and Durkon are dead meat, V's prospects aren't looking good, Roy won't die again (too redundant) and Elan, of course, will have his happy ending - which means that Haley will survive, too.Umm, I htink Elan got his happy ending somewhere between strip 400 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0400.html) and strip 401 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0401.html), if you catch my drift. :D

And probably on several subsequent occasions.

[Kobal2]

Not in a wider sense. V is a classic tragic hero (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragic_hero), which means that he'll at least be ruined if not dead.

They do say that "whoever the gods want to destroy, they first make mad" - and V's got a big headstart there :D

[iftheresaway]

Whew! I have finally read everything there is to read online about OOTS (help me out and let me pretend there is no such thing as a GitP forum, 'kay?) I've seen all these OOTS threads before, but I always thought it was a TV show or something and wasn't particularly interested. Then someone at the Giraffe boards posted about a webcomic they loved, and I thought to myself, "what the heck? I've got a couple of hours to kill." That was about a week ago, and I've spent every spare moment (i.e. those not devoted to sleep, work, or the beginning-to-end Lost marathon my brother and I are conducting) reading the entire comic, the 2000+ post original thread, this thread, the one at 'Raffe, and anything else I could find. It was amazing. I am definitely buying all the books! I want this to be a cartoon and a video game. I added it to my RSS feed. And now... I have to wait for new strips to come out like everyone else instead of having 600-odd strips to plow through in one sitting? Damn it, cruel fate!

[jayjay]

Another one snared...excellent! Bwahahahahaaaa!

[Peter Morris]

New strip up
http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0680.html

[Alessan]

And an old plot thread has officially been picked up.

[Windwalker]

Logically, if the kingdom is that messed up that it doesn't exist anymore, then Haley's dad's ransom is probably null and void by now. Either someone else took him prisoner (and doesn't know about or plan on honoring the ransom), set him free, or just killed him. But the Elan in me thinks it wouldn't be resolved that way...

[shantih]

I have to admit, when I read the title, I expected to see Explosive Runes. Love the Roy/Belkar interaction offstage!

[Just Some Guy]

Haley's new character design is really bothering me. I think it's the fact that her cleavage looks really awkward on Burlew's basic model.

[Wolverine]

New strip is up. Strip 681 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0681.html)

They're coming quick.

[appleciders]

Seriously! I didn't even check it this morning. This whole "frequent updates" thing is pretty cool.

[Leaper]

The message boards reminded me that the little old lady in the flashback may be a sweet little old lady, but she's a sweet little old lady who lives in Greysky City, which makes Haley's dad's warnings all too reasonable. Nice touch there.

[Chronos]

Or, for that matter, might be a creepy 30-something man with a bunch of ranks in the Disguise skill.

[Qadgop the Mercotan]

OK, after seeing this thread, I decided to check out this OOTS thingy.

That was a few weeks ago. Now I'm up to speed.

[E-Sabbath]

Opinion, good sir? Your evaluation is always interesting and useful.

[Qadgop the Mercotan]

Opinion, good sir? Your evaluation is always interesting and useful.
Very entertaining, I'll be following it regularly.

More later. I think.

[Qadgop the Mercotan]

Very entertaining, I'll be following it regularly.

More later. I think.
To elabore further:

I like it, it's funny! :)

[Ferret Herder]

To elabore further:

I like it, it's funny! :)
One of us, one of us!

[jayjay]

One of us, one of us!

Darn you!

rassinfrassinstolemylinemumblemumble

[Peter Morris]

Seriously! I didn't even check it this morning. This whole "frequent updates" thing is pretty cool.


But this "Keeping us waiting a week" thing isn't. :(

[Malleus, Incus, Stapes!]

You said it. I was waiting and waiting and then I saw someone had finally posted... tease!

[tanstaafl]

New strip is up (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0682.html)!

Wonder if Belkar had planned that when he directed Durkon to that tree in the first place.

[Hypno-Toad]

So is Mr. Scruffy Belkars animal companion? I thought that was a druid thing, not for rangers.

[chorpler]

New strip is up (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0682.html)!

Wonder if Belkar had planned that when he directed Durkon to that tree in the first place.

Wasn't it Haley who directed Durkon to the tree, to distract him from her trip to the cart-of-gopher to help find her dad?

[Lightray]

Wonder if Belkar had planned that when he directed Durkon to that tree in the first place.
It was Haley that had sicced Belkar on the tree, to give him the slip while following up on a lead on her father.

Belkar was busy taking Roy to find some sex taints.

[Bosstone]

So is Mr. Scruffy Belkars animal companion? I thought that was a druid thing, not for rangers.Rangers get animal companions at a higher level than druids.

[tanstaafl]

Wasn't it Haley who directed Durkon to the tree, to distract him from her trip to the cart-of-gopher to help find her dad?
Doh! You're right! IGNORE ME!

[Hal Briston]

Well, he's got to have some kind of special bond to get a cat to obey a command beyond "Sit there and lick yourself".

[Yllaria]

Would anyone care to predict whether a 'helpful' Belkar is going to get on everyone's nerves more than the homocidal Belkar did?

[Malleus, Incus, Stapes!]

Yes... come to think of it, THAT's how Belkar's going to die in seven weeks. Strangled by a fellow member of the Order.

[Knorf]

Would anyone care to predict whether a 'helpful' Belkar is going to get on everyone's nerves more than the homocidal Belkar did?

The odds support this hypothesis.

[John DiFool]

Good punch line: "...with a hump." laffowtlowd.

[Der Trihs]

Good punch line: "...with a hump." laffowtlowd.And note the title of the strip:

Plus, He Probably Spits, Too

[Just Some Guy]

Hey, a new one (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0683.html).

Subplot, ahoy!

[Hypno-Toad]

More of a side quest.

[Alessan]

I don't have a Monster Manual handy - what are those things?

[Grumman]

I think they're Thri-Kreen, from the Expanded Psionic Handbook and Monster Manual II.

[Alessan]

Ooh! Maybe we'll finally find out whether the OotS world has psionics!

[jayjay]

I think they're Thri-Kreen, from the Expanded Psionic Handbook and Monster Manual II.

This would make sense, since they are generally desert creatures. They were a major race in the Dark Sun setting, for instance.

[tanstaafl]

"Stupid, entirely justified comeuppance!" - ROFL

[Alessan]

I have to say, the fact that Belkar even understands the concept of justice represents a huge amount of progress.

[Lightray]

Ooh! Maybe we'll finally find out whether the OotS world has psionics!
I think I can, I think I can... (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0494.html)

[Malleus, Incus, Stapes!]

Hey, a new one (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0683.html).

Subplot, ahoy!

Fixed link.

Why does Elan think V is half-camel? Is he just being silly, or am I missing a pun here?

[Trepa Mayfield]

Fixed link.

Why does Elan think V is half-camel? Is he just being silly, or am I missing a pun here?

It's from waaay back in Comic #87 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0087.html). That's why V calls Elan a "bottomless pit of self-reference"--'cuz he's always referring to obscure stuff from earlier in the comic.

[jayjay]

Never mind...pedescribe beat me to it. :)

[E-Sabbath]

Hey, look who's in the bathroom line ahead of Haley!

[Alessan]

Who?

[Chronos]

"I Think I Can" could still conceivably have been fiction within that world, just like we could have a story about a psion in our world. The more conclusive evidence is the psionic blue Redcloak used to interrogate O-chul (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0546.html).

[Miller]

"I Think I Can" could still conceivably have been fiction within that world, just like we could have a story about a psion in our world. The more conclusive evidence is the psionic blue Redcloak used to interrogate O-chul (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0546.html).

Also, in "On the Origin of PCs," a psion is among those auditioning to join the party.

[Peter Morris]

Who?

A pixie with a resemblance to Celia, but isn't her?

The snake haired woman from the Blind Date marathon (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0416.html)?

[E-Sabbath]

Good catch, but yes, the pixie with the resemblance to Celia... who is _normal pixie sized_. I find that interesting.

[jayjay]

Good catch, but yes, the pixie with the resemblance to Celia... who is _normal pixie sized_. I find that interesting.

I thought Celia was a sylph.

[Mr Shine]

"I Think I Can" could still conceivably have been fiction within that world, just like we could have a story about a psion in our world. The more conclusive evidence is the psionic blue Redcloak used to interrogate O-chul (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0546.html).

I guess I glossed over this reading it before, but Redcloak is offered an "18th level Incarnum user" but prefers a magic 8 ball. I'm not very knowledgeable about D&D, but I looked it up and it seemed like Incarnum had some useful powers. Why such a brusque dismissal?

[Lightray]

I guess I glossed over this reading it before, but Redcloak is offered an "18th level Incarnum user" but prefers a magic 8 ball. I'm not very knowledgeable about D&D, but I looked it up and it seemed like Incarnum had some useful powers. Why such a brusque dismissal?
It's a joke. The stuff in Magic of Incarnum was received, by and large, with astounding indifference by D&D fans. Thus, Redcloak humorously rates it as less useful than the Magic 8-Ball and the fortune cookies.

[Alessan]

It's still better than Ghostwalk.

[ultrafilter]

New comic (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0684.html).

[Knorf]

Go, V. And Elan, as well. Nice pile of corpses, there!

[E-Sabbath]

Fly, blackbird, fly...

[Little Nemo]

An obscure issue, perhaps, but why doesn't Elan have a surname? We've seen he has a family. Roy, Haley, Durkon, and Belkar all have surnames as do several of the minor characters. Vaarsuvius doesn't, but presumedly elves don't go in for them.

[E-Sabbath]

For drama, of course.

[Little Nemo]

I was wondering if it was an obscure D&D reference that I wasn't getting.

[Leaper]

Another new one already! (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0685.html)

He deserved to die. No one messes with Mr. Scruffy.

[Chronos]

To clarify on Incarnum, the biggest problem with it was that it was too front-ended. A first-level Incarnate is hideously overpowered, probably on a par with a 2nd- or 3rd-level character of most classes. An 18th-level Incarnate, meanwhile, is probably on a par with a 5th- or 6th-level spellcaster. And even aside from the power level in general, Incarnum really doesn't have anything that would be useful in an interrogation at all-- The best you could do would be a +8 or so to Sense Motive.


As for Elan's (and Nale's, of course) surname, the general consensus is that they're related to someone dramatically-significant, and that relationship obviously can't be revealed until the moment of maximum drama.

[Der Trihs]

As for Elan's (and Nale's, of course) surname, the general consensus is that they're related to someone dramatically-significant, and that relationship obviously can't be revealed until the moment of maximum drama.They are the sons of a barmaid and an un-named "ruthless warlord". (http://oots.wikia.com/wiki/Elan#Early_years) The fact that no name at all is attached to that warlord does seem to lend itself to your scenario.

[Hypno-Toad]

The latest strip makes it clear that Belkar really is just acting.

I like that he's drawn pink and sunburned, per Durkons witheld protection spell.

[Left Hand of Dorkness]

I just regret that V didn't use chain lightning on Belkar's group: I would love to have seen some electric Buggy Lou.

[silenus]

You...are going on the list.

[chorpler]

The latest strip makes it clear that Belkar really is just acting.

Was that ever in question? I thought it was specifically spelled out that he had to pretend that he was developing character just so he could continue "playing" with the good guys.

ETA: Left Hand of Dorkness, that was awesome. Elan couldn't have done better.

[ultrafilter]

Belkar may just be pretending to not be a psychopath, but he clearly actually cares about Mr. Scruffy.

[Chronos]

That pun was so perfect, that I'd almost suspect Rich Burlew of setting it up deliberately, except that he's never going to get the chance to deliver the punchline.

[chorpler]

Belkar may just be pretending to not be a psychopath, but he clearly actually cares about Mr. Scruffy.

When I read the new strip with my daughter (it's become a ritual now; in fact, when I found out the Beatles-pun strip was up, I shouted "Hey! There's a new Order of the Stick!" and she came in to my room and said "Oh yeah, I know, I saw it last night," and I said "The one called 'V Was Only Waiting For This Moment To Arise'?" and she said "Oh, I don't know, I didn't read it yet, I was waiting for you to get home so we could read it together.") we both thought that was pretty sweet. And the strip title is "On Friendship," which (as we figured it) shows that Belkar considers Mr. Scruffy to be a much better friend than his old slaver pal or his drinking buddy Buggy Lou.

[chorpler]

That pun was so perfect, that I'd almost suspect Rich Burlew of setting it up deliberately, except that he's never going to get the chance to deliver the punchline.

That occurred to me too after I read Left Hand of Dornkess's post. Perhaps Rich was going to use it when he came up with Buggy Lou's name but then changed the strip? I guess it's probably more likely just a hilarious coincidence.

[Alessan]

Was that ever in question? I thought it was specifically spelled out that he had to pretend that he was developing character just so he could continue "playing" with the good guys.



That's obviously what mind-Shojo wanted him to think. I have my suspicions - namely,that the manipulative old bastard tricked him into developing actual character.

[chorpler]

That's obviously what mind-Shojo wanted him to think. I have my suspicions - namely,that the manipulative old bastard tricked him into developing actual character.

That's a good point. I suspect that a normal person forced to act like a good guy all the time might actually develop some good guy attributes. Of course, this is Belkar, so who knows... but it would be nice if he did.

[Alessan]

In his case, I'd settle for Chaotic Neutral.

[Wargamer]

Aha! Rich B. IS Left Hand of Dorkness.


[/bows to superior punmanship]

[Left Hand of Dorkness]

Thanks, guys! (I too wondered, on seeing the name, if "Buggy Lou" was setup for a pun--but I figured I'd snag the pun before Rich could. Yoink!)

[Little Nemo]

That's obviously what mind-Shojo wanted him to think. I have my suspicions - namely,that the manipulative old bastard tricked him into developing actual character.It's a cliche (which Burlew usually avoids) but Belkar doesn't know he's supposedly going to die soon so he could end up faking virtue right up to the point of death.

[chorpler]

Holy crap, my daughter and I were just re-reading the latest strip and I just barely figured out what the "pssssssssssssss" noise, and the "marinade" that Belkar refers to, is. After re-reading that first panel. Jeepers CRIPES.

[robertliguori]

Holy crap, my daughter and I were just re-reading the latest strip and I just barely figured out what the "pssssssssssssss" noise, and the "marinade" that Belkar refers to, is. After re-reading that first panel. Jeepers CRIPES.

He's Chaotic Evil, not Chaotic Nice.

Wait, that actually makes less sense than "Not Lawful Nice." Nevermind.

[chorpler]

He's Chaotic Evil, not Chaotic Nice.

Wait, that actually makes less sense than "Not Lawful Nice." Nevermind.

Heh heh ... well, we have no trouble believing Belkar would do that (even if he is a little cutie with his stealth cloak hood on!), but it's hilariously gross that Rich Burlew would actually include a scene of him "piss[ing] down [Buggy Lou's] neck hole."

ETA: And the guy Belkar "rescued" seems to be quite shocked at what Belkar is doing, also. Heh heh ... good times, good times...

[Little Nemo]

Warning: wild ass guessing ahead.

I was thinking about Durkon. Of the six members of the Order, he is the only one would didn't experience a major event during the seperation which changed his way of living. So I'm figuring he's due for something. Maybe something foreshadowed in 667 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0667.html).

Moving on from that, the question is why everyone else experienced their life-changing moment while the group was seperated and Durkon presumedly will experience his as part of the group. My assumption is that somehow Durkon's LCE will involve the group as a whole rather than just him as an individual.

And a wilder surmise is that while everyone's eyes are on Belkar, Burlew will throw another surprise into the story and fulfill Durkon's prophecy first. I think it's very likely that Burlew intends to show the results of all of the Oracle's prophecies within the storyline and there's only one way we'll see Durkon's coming true.

So my prediction: Durkon is going to die as a result of doing something uncharacteristically foolhearty.

[ultrafilter]

Roy learned his lesson (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0686.html).

Also, there's a new announcement (http://www.giantitp.com/index.html#jiVK0XNj4XIQku3ceeO).

[Crowbar of Irony +3]

Roy learned his lesson (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0686.html).

Also, there's a new announcement (http://www.giantitp.com/index.html#jiVK0XNj4XIQku3ceeO).

That kind of reminds me of Serenity.


If it is Mal instead of Roy, he would ask Harely to shoot the captured townsfolk

[Alessan]

Big damn hero.

[Just Some Guy]

Also, there's a new announcement (http://www.giantitp.com/index.html#jiVK0XNj4XIQku3ceeO).

I was hoping for an announcement of the print edition of book four. I hope that comes along soon...

[shantih]

Sweet! New book soon!

[Just Some Guy]

And I just flipped back to that tab and their ad had a covered up OOTS book with October 26 on it so I guess it'll be available for preorder then.

[Chronos]

Is that definitely the OotS book that's coming? The dead-tree version of Erfworld is due to show up around then, too, and the announcement said they're publishing it through GitP.

[Little Nemo]

deleted

[ultrafilter]

The bottom portion of the book on their homepage looks pink to me, which doesn't match up with any of the first three or prequel books. On the other hand, I don't know how well my monitor is calibrated (but it's probably not *that* bad). The tiny bit of the cover image that's visible also doesn't match up with the books I have, so I'm thinking that maybe it is a new book. I figured Burlew would want to get it out before Christmas, but I'll be a little surprised if it's this early.

ETA: Also the author name is Rich Burlew, which kinda precludes its being an Erfworld book.

[Steve MB]

Is that definitely the OotS book that's coming? The dead-tree version of Erfworld is due to show up around then, too, and the announcement said they're publishing it through GitP.

Probably -- the latest news on the Erfworld site is that their book is expected in January/February.

[Lok]

I just want to say, I have empirical evidence that visiting TVTropes and reading their OotS page is a very bad idea. At least if you have anything else you need to get done in a particular 12 hour period. But it was entertaining. :D

[shantih]

New strip is up!

Whoops, forgot the link: http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0687.html

[Alessan]

Belkar is... a work in progress.

[John DiFool]

I am absolutely convinced that the strip creator is building us up to a point where Belkar does something completely and utterly altruistic (tho he may do so to keep the world from being destroyed, or at least that would be his rationalization).

[ultrafilter]

I am absolutely convinced that the strip creator is building us up to a point where Belkar does something completely and utterly altruistic (tho he may do so to keep the world from being destroyed, or at least that would be his rationalization).

He already killed the slavers just to save Mr. Scruffy.

[jayjay]

Belkar is... a work in progress.

Like Duke Nuke'm Forever?

[Alessan]

I am absolutely convinced that the strip creator is building us up to a point where Belkar does something completely and utterly altruistic (tho he may do so to keep the world from being destroyed, or at least that would be his rationalization).

And then he'll die, and end up in Valhalla - where he can fight forever.

[Uosdwis R. Dewoh]

And then he'll die, and end up in Valhalla - where he can fight forever.
He'll probably wind up here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_War).

Something I've been wondering. Now that Roy has been accepted to heaven and been resurrected, will he get back there regardless or has his judgement begun again? Does the D&D rules say anything about judgement in the afterlife?

[Just Some Guy]

He'll probably wind up here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_War).

Something I've been wondering. Now that Roy has been accepted to heaven and been resurrected, will he get back there regardless or has his judgement begun again? Does the D&D rules say anything about judgement in the afterlife?

There's nothing in the official rulebook but I think it's safe to say that if he did an alignment change he'd be evaluated again when he died.

Personally I feel sorry for any afterlife that Belkar winds up in. He'll be running the place in three months tops.

[Captain Carrot]

He already killed the slavers just to save Mr. Scruffy.

Murdering bad guys isn't altruistic for Belkar.

[jayjay]

Personally I feel sorry for any afterlife that Belkar winds up in. He'll be running the place in three months tops.

You can just see Demogorgon looking over the immigration lists, stopping wide-eyed, and whispering, "Shit!"

[Der Trihs]

Heh. Check out the strip title ( on the left ), and then read the last panel again if you missed it.

[Miller]

He'll probably wind up here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_War).

Something I've been wondering. Now that Roy has been accepted to heaven and been resurrected, will he get back there regardless or has his judgement begun again? Does the D&D rules say anything about judgement in the afterlife?

There was a strip when Roy was in heaven that showed the "returning guest" entrance used by heroes who die a lot. Entry through that door was a lot less formal than through the big gates.

[Hal Briston]

Heh. Check out the strip title ( on the left ), and then read the last panel again if you missed it.I generally love how Burlew works in the strip title, but that one was pure gold -- second biggest laugh in there (after "Trying!").

[Chronos]

The strip title often only makes sense with the last panel, though I don't have time to dig up other examples right now.

And Belkar's not the type to take over anywhere-- That's too organized for him. Besides, he's a halfling of simple pleasures: As long as he gets a few whores and can murder a couple of folks a day, plus torment a few more, he's happy. He'll probably end up as the Lower Planes equivalent of a sergeant, and then leave it there for lack of higher ambition.

[Just Some Guy]

The strip title often only makes sense with the last panel, though I don't have time to dig up other examples right now.

And Belkar's not the type to take over anywhere-- That's too organized for him. Besides, he's a halfling of simple pleasures: As long as he gets a few whores and can murder a couple of folks a day, plus torment a few more, he's happy. He'll probably end up as the Lower Planes equivalent of a sergeant, and then leave it there for lack of higher ambition.

I'm picturing more of a situation where he winds up running the place by default after the gruesome murders of every archfiend. The kind of thing where he spends four or five hours killing his way up the ladder to a point where no one bothers him any more.

Besides giving orders to Belkar is a scenario that will not end well for those above him.

[Der Trihs]

The strip title often only makes sense with the last panel, though I don't have time to dig up other examples right now.Here's one (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0645.html); the strip title is It's Where the Cool Kids Swim. Another would be this (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0244.html); the title is What? It's a Legitimate Magic Item .

[shantih]

:tapping fingers impatiently:

It's October 26th, already, why is the book title still hidden?

:continuing to tap fingers impatiently:

[chorpler]

Yeah, I'm wondering the same thing, darnit. WHERE'S THE BOOK?!

The teaser image on the front page is titled "slideshow_DPtP_teaser.gif". I wonder if the DPtP is an abbreviation for the title of the book. The P's would fit the "it probably has party in the title" speculations...

[chorpler]

Blast, Rich says there's a typo in that filename, so it doesn't help clue-wise.

[chorpler]

Don't Split the Party. Hooray!

[Peter Morris]

And the name is ....

Don't Split The Party


(Is that a joke? Most of the titles are puns on famous movie or book titles. What does this refer to? I don't get it.)

[shantih]

"A recap of events-to-date by Belkar Bitterleaf" Woo hoo hoo!! I bet that's worth half the price of the book all by itself!

[Peter Morris]

Apparently there's no joke or reference in the title.

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129597

The poster named The Giant is the strip's author.

[Chronos]

Besides giving orders to Belkar is a scenario that will not end well for those above him.Belkar doesn't mind obeying orders as long as they're orders he'd enjoy obeying. If an archfiend ordered him "Torment this group of souls", he'd do it. After all, he was planning on tormenting some souls anyway; what difference to him what particular group of souls it is?

Basically, it's the same way that Roy manages Belkar: He's going to be killing anyway, so just make sure the folks he's killing are the party's enemies.


Peter, the title isn't a reference to anything in particular, but it's a long-running piece of advice in role-playing games that you shouldn't split the party.

[Trepa Mayfield]

Apparently there's no joke or reference in the title.

:(

[Little Nemo]

I was thinking it was a political reference (http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-1294986.html). But apparently it's also a gaming term (http://www.errantdreams.com/static/split_party).

[kaylasdad99]

I thought it was in reference to the fact that the party spent pretty much all of the last book split to hell and gone.

Okay, split to the Celestial Plane and gone.

[Alessan]

Heh. My DM loves splitting the party up - sometimes the characters don't even meet each other until the third gaming session.

[Der Trihs]

688 up! (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0688.html)

The Comics Must Flow

[Just Some Guy]

Fortunately Belkar's name is a killing word.

[silenus]

Frak! This is getting annoying. I check the strip every morning before work. Today, no new strip. Then I get to work (where I can't access the site) and blam! The new one is up. Come on, dude. Wake up earlier and get it done before us West Coast early risers have to go to work. Now I have to wait until I get home for my Belkar fix.