# Order of the Stick - Book 5 Discussion Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 31, 2009, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323 "2009-08-31T04:09:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 175
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3482 "2012-02-07T01:06:18Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > I don’t get why so many people get a sinister vibe from Jirix squishing the roach. To me, it was exactly the opposite: He’s trying to cleanse the city of fiendish influence, to make a fresh start, to be a good ruler. Obviously most of that work is going to be considerably more difficult, but squishing the roach was a symbolic start. Depends on how much you sympathize or root for Xykon, I suppose. It’s a symbol of the goblins beginning their stratagem of breaking off from Xykon without Xykon killing them all. ---
**Author:** ![Agent\_Foxtrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3483 "2012-02-10T19:41:11Z")
Sorry to bump without an update, but am I the only one getting the feeling that we’ve just started one of Rich’s extended absences? ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3484 "2012-02-10T19:46:23Z")
I think that Rich is trying to gear up production of the books and other goodies, so he doesn’t have enough time to work on the comic. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3485 "2012-02-10T22:31:08Z")
It hasn’t been all that long; we just got spoiled by having a few in rapid succession. And the whole Kickstarter thing is taking up a chunk of his time, too (fancy that, him putting a higher priority on the thing that involves money). ---
**Author:** ![shantih](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@shantih](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shantih)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2012, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3486 "2012-02-10T23:07:03Z")
I think the wild success of the Kickstarter drive took him by surprise. He has been scrambling to set new goals faster than they can be achieved, and that’s been a challenge. It’s up to more than $610,000 right now (from an initial goal of $57,750) and still has 10 days to go. He put out a number of strips fairly quickly and brought the story to a natural pause; I’ve got no complaints if he focuses on the drive in its final active days. ---
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2012, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3487 "2012-02-11T00:58:10Z")
> [@shantih](#): > > I think the wild success of the Kickstarter drive took him by surprise. He has been scrambling to set new goals faster than they can be achieved, and that’s been a challenge. It’s up to more than $610,000 right now (from an initial goal of $57,750) and still has 10 days to go. > > He put out a number of strips fairly quickly and brought the story to a natural pause; I’ve got no complaints if he focuses on the drive in its final active days. Yep. I expect that it’ll be a little slow until the drive closes out, and then we’ll see the end of book 5 pretty quickly. Probably a hiatus after that so he can focus on sending everything out. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2012, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3488 "2012-02-11T02:31:36Z")
I’m perfectly OK with waiting while Rich is trying to get some books back in print. I’m delighted to know that he’s getting rewarded for his efforts. And also amazed. ---
**Author:** ![Gagundathar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a183cd/32.png) [@Gagundathar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gagundathar)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2012, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3489 "2012-02-11T02:34:57Z")
I agree. I expected this. Yeah and the Kickstarter thing kind of took a lot of folks by surprise. Sure am happy for him (and us all by proxy). Anyway, bet you by 15 Feb 2012 we will see something new. ---
**Author:** ![Gray\_Ghost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c0e974/32.png) [@Gray\_Ghost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gray_Ghost)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2012, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3490 "2012-02-11T18:46:05Z")
> [@Gagundathar](#): > > …Anyway, bet you by 15 Feb 2012 we will see something new. I agree with you, and am posting just to mention his latest [Kickstarter update](http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/599092525/the-order-of-the-stick-reprint-drive/posts/173428)says, “Hey gang, this will be the only update this weekend (I’ll be back Monday).” So I wouldn’t expect anything until Monday at the earliest, though Burlew has surprised us before. ---
**Author:** ![Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malleus_incus_stapes/32/3293_2.png) [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3491 "2012-02-12T03:35:08Z")
While we’re waiting for the next strip, here’s some OOTS-themed lightbulb jokes my brothers and I came up with today: [spoiler]How many Vaarsuviuses does it take to change a lightbulb? One, but s/he has to give a four-hour speech on why understanding the true nature of electricity will drive you MAD first. How many Mikos does it take to change a lightbulb? “The bulb died! It must be a sign from the gods!” SLASH SLASH SLASH tinkle tinkle How many Belkars does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Screw you! How many Sabines does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Only one, screwing things is her specialty. How many MitDs does it take to change a lightbulb? Bulb? What bulb? How many O-chuls does it take to change a lightbulb? None; lightbulbs change themselves when they see him coming. How many Haleys does it take to change a lightbulb? One to- wait, where did that lightbulb go?? How many Redcloaks does it take to change a lightbulb? As many as the Plan requires. How many Tsukikos does it take to change a lightbulb? None, she prefers them dead. (Alternatively, something about ‘wightbulbs’)[/spoiler] ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3492 "2012-02-12T10:39:05Z")
To follow up on a question I asked on the last page: if I were to get just one of the books (and it seems opinion says that the “reprint” series is best in my case), which one in specific should I get? ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3493 "2012-02-12T12:56:05Z")
_Start of Darkness_ is best for filling in backstory and such. In addition, it’s one hell of a powerful character study of Redcloak and worth it just for that. Honestly, though, I advise getting them all. But I know you’re just thinking one. So go with SoD. But they are addicting. Be warned. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3494 "2012-02-12T15:14:10Z")
> [@Leaper](#): > > To follow up on a question I asked on the last page: if I were to get just one of the books (and it seems opinion says that the “reprint” series is best in my case), which one in specific should I get? I think the overwhelming consensus will be _Start of Darkness_. The other books are very good but that one is great. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3495 "2012-02-12T15:18:50Z")
> [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](#): > > While we’re waiting for the next strip, here’s some OOTS-themed lightbulb jokes my brothers and I came up with today: How many Roys does it take to change a lightbulb? The lightbulb’s been in his family for generations so you fix it instead of changing to a new one. How many Elans does it take to change a lightbulb? Keep Elan away. Who do you think broke the original lightbulb? ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2012, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3496 "2012-02-12T23:27:56Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > _Start of Darkness_ is best for filling in backstory and such. In addition, it’s one hell of a powerful character study of Redcloak and worth it just for that. > > Honestly, though, I advise getting them all. But I know you’re just thinking one. So go with SoD. But they are addicting. Be warned. > [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > I think the overwhelming consensus will be _Start of Darkness_. The other books are very good but that one is great. Even if I’ve already read someone else’s copy? ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2012, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3497 "2012-02-13T10:34:37Z")
[834 up](http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0834.html). Back to the main story. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2012, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3498 "2012-02-13T12:48:12Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > How many Roys does it take to change a lightbulb? > The lightbulb’s been in his family for generations so you fix it instead of changing to a new one. YOU! BROKE! MY! LIGHTBULB!! \ ---
**Author:** ![Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malleus_incus_stapes/32/3293_2.png) [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2012, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3499 "2012-02-13T14:11:48Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > [834 up](http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0834.html). Back to the main story. Belkar’s on the trip to get V back. V has Yukyuk, who shot Belkar’s cat. If Mr. Scruffy does something that tips him off, I think there’s gonna be some kobald hat-making. ---
**Author:** ![Hypno-Toad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b2d939/32.png) [@Hypno-Toad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypno-Toad)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2012, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3500 "2012-02-13T14:36:50Z")
> [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](#): > > Belkar’s on the trip to get V back. V has Yukyuk, who shot Belkar’s cat. > > If Mr. Scruffy does something that tips him off, I think there’s gonna be some kobald hat-making. Although it may be done off-panel and revealed through the presentation of Yukyuks head as a punchline. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Borgia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_borgia/32/156_2.png) [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2012, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/3501 "2012-02-13T17:11:11Z")
> [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](#): > > Belkar’s on the trip to get V back. V has Yukyuk, who shot Belkar’s cat. > > If Mr. Scruffy does something that tips him off, I think there’s gonna be some kobald hat-making. Or possibly a bowl to hold some tasty red salsa. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323.md?page=174) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323.md?page=176)