# 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:** 339
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2013, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6762 "2013-08-18T19:06:42Z")
> [@Crowbar\_of\_Irony\_3](#): > > I wonder if there’s any significance as to the psion turning up now… I think she’s how some or all of this group (+V, hopefully) will get to the continent where the next gate will be found. > [@squeegee](#): > > I think that gate (or whatever it is) is how whatever group is going to Kraagor’s Tomb will get there, when it’s time for that to happen. Xykon and buds are already there, haste is needed. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2013, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6763 "2013-08-18T19:09:13Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > Anybody know which flashback panels? The expository ones where Tarquin talks about conquering/losing/conquering kingdoms? And later disagreeing **strenuously** with Nale? [Found her](http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0758.html). (Sorry for over-posting and self-replying.) ---
**Author:** ![chorpler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chorpler/32/2888_2.png) [@chorpler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chorpler)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2013, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6764 "2013-08-18T23:07:14Z")
So, the fact that Laurin Shattersmith is a psion rather than a cleric or wizard – does that indicate whether the big portal she created is a Gate, or a teleportation circle, or some special psion-only thing? ---
**Author:** ![Tabby\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Tabby\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabby_Cat)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6765 "2013-08-19T01:22:17Z")
[http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0763.html](http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0763.html) “Like, a big burn on the side of my face”? HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6766 "2013-08-19T01:40:38Z")
> [@Tabby\_Cat](#): > > [763 Plotting Something - Giant in the Playground Games](http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0763.html) > > “Like, a big burn on the side of my face”? > > HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Avatar reference IMO. Zuko. But perhaps I’m missing a more obvious one. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6767 "2013-08-19T01:46:07Z")
> [@chorpler](#): > > So, the fact that Laurin Shattersmith is a psion rather than a cleric or wizard – does that indicate whether the big portal she created is a Gate, or a teleportation circle, or some special psion-only thing? Probably a [Star Gate](http://dnd-wiki.org/wiki/Star_Gate_%283.5e_Power%29). ---
**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:** [August 19, 2013, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6768 "2013-08-19T04:37:58Z")
If we’re going to say that it’s homebrew, we might as well just assume that it was Rich’s homebrew rather than anyone else’s. And I have to imagine that Rich’s homebrew would be a heck of a lot better balanced than that one. ---
**Author:** ![Garula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ea666f/32.png) [@Garula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Garula)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6769 "2013-08-19T05:30:17Z")
I read through _Haleo & Julelan_ and had some thoughts. [spoiler]Roy doesn’t seem to appear at all in the main narrative (unless I missed it). Even Belkar gets a cameo. Obviously, we’re meant to engage in wild conjecture about the deeper significance of such an absence. I was a bit surprised no one ever comments on the detail that dead characters don’t have XX eyes. I assume it’s because it’s a play rather than a comic (insofar as that makes any sense) so the conventions are different. The lack of acknowledgement is a bit odd to me because it turns out to be crucial to the ending. H&J Tarquin is well versed in dramatic conventions, but seems to mistakenly think he’s the protagonist. I wonder if this is meant to foreshadow OotS Tarquin’s downfall? OotS Tarquin thinks Elan is the central protagonist, when in actuality that role falls to Roy. Will that eventually lead to his comeuppance? I like that H&J Vaarsuivius’ idea of descriptive language is basically reading off a stat block. Poor Therkla/Parisa. Even in alternate realities she doesn’t get to be with Elan. The Rosaline fakeout is a cute nod to Haley’s oft ignored latent bisexual tendencies.[/spoiler] ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6770 "2013-08-19T07:22:22Z")
I finally read through _Haleo and Julelan_, and as far as I’m concerned, “Elan McTarquinson” is now canon. **Garula** : In the beginning of a strip, Haley asks for a story without Roy in it. Which is a shame, because Rich missed a perfect opportunity to bring back sex-changed Roy to play the nurse. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6771 "2013-08-19T07:57:24Z")
> [@Garula](#): > > I was a bit surprised no one ever comments on the detail that dead characters don’t have XX eyes. I assume it’s because it’s a play rather than a comic (insofar as that makes any sense) so the conventions are different. The lack of acknowledgement is a bit odd to me because it turns out to be crucial to the ending. [spoiler]I think it being crucial to the ending is WHY it’s done. Oh, and as you probably could read for yourself in my previous post, I entirely agree about Tarquin.[/spoiler] ---
**Author:** ![MHaye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bbe5ce/32.png) [@MHaye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MHaye)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6772 "2013-08-19T09:14:57Z")
[Next!](http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0912.html#) ---
**Author:** ![Tabby\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Tabby\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabby_Cat)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6773 "2013-08-19T09:24:38Z")
Prediction, coupled with my observation a few posts above: Nale presses a confrontation with Tarquin (with that big burn on his face) and Tarquin is the one who takes Nale down for good. … I love this guy. So. Much. ---
**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:** [August 19, 2013, 9:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6774 "2013-08-19T09:33:17Z")
Tarquin’s so sharp, he’s going to cut himself some day. ---
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6775 "2013-08-19T09:56:11Z")
> [@Garula](#): > > I read through _Haleo & Julelan_ and had some thoughts. > > [spoiler] I was a bit surprised no one ever comments on the detail that dead characters don’t have XX eyes. I assume it’s because it’s a play rather than a comic (insofar as that makes any sense) so the conventions are different. The lack of acknowledgement is a bit odd to me because it turns out to be crucial to the ending. The creator answers that one: [http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15831169&postcount=281](http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15831169&postcount=281) ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6776 "2013-08-19T11:20:41Z")
This is my favorite strip in a long time. Tarquin, you magnificent bastard. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6777 "2013-08-19T11:41:40Z")
I imagine Tarquin has a plan to rebuild the Gate in such a way that he can control it. ---
**Author:** ![Lightray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightray/32/391_2.png) [@Lightray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightray)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6778 "2013-08-19T12:54:29Z")
> [@Garula](#): > > I read through _Haleo & Julelan_ and had some thoughts. > > Roy doesn’t seem to appear at all in the main narrative (unless I missed it). Even Belkar gets a cameo. Obviously, we’re meant to engage in wild conjecture about the deeper significance of such an absence. There’s no deeper significance; it’s answered in the text. Haley tells Elan that she doesn’t want to hear a story about Roy, so he doesn’t tell one. ---
**Author:** ![Gagundathar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a183cd/32.png) [@Gagundathar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gagundathar)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6779 "2013-08-19T13:32:20Z")
Gosh, I sure didn’t see THAT coming! Thank you, Oh Great Giant, for making my Monday morning happier. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6780 "2013-08-19T14:47:56Z")
Wow, 36 hours between updates. Things are moving pretty quick. Hail Rich! ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2013, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/6781 "2013-08-19T16:10:48Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > I imagine Tarquin has a plan to rebuild the Gate in such a way that he can control it. I don’t get the impression that he knows/knew enough about the Gate to consider reconstructing it. He was going there to capture and hold it, study it and decide whether or not to destroy it. Now that it’s a crater with a rift at the bottom, there’s not a whole lot to study or rebuild. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323.md?page=338) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323.md?page=340)