# 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:** 420
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2013, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8383 "2013-12-20T01:57:07Z")
> [@Trepa\_Mayfield](#): > > Vaarsuvius does not seem like the type of elf to lie. Also, trying to bluff a psion wouldn’t be entirely brilliant… ---
**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:** [December 20, 2013, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8384 "2013-12-20T02:00:58Z")
> [@Knorf](#): > > Also, trying to bluff a psion wouldn’t be entirely brilliant… So why didn’t the psion read V’s mind right when the encounter began? Then she’d know how or whether to fight V. ? ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2013, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8385 "2013-12-20T02:06:08Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > So why didn’t the psion read V’s mind right when the encounter began? Then she’d know how or whether to fight V. ? Would that reveal how many spells Vaarsuvius has left? In any case, we know from an earlier incident that Laurin can casually tell truth from falsehood [when she needs to](http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0913.html). On the other hand, there’s no sign of her glowy psionics effect in that frame where V talks about her/his remaining spells. But my guess is that Vaarsuvius knows better than to try to bluff a psion. ---
**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:** [December 20, 2013, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8386 "2013-12-20T02:30:41Z")
Or because [Vulcans in fantasy-drag](http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0781.html) never bluff? ---
**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:** [December 20, 2013, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8387 "2013-12-20T02:35:28Z")
I assumed that Nale was actively thinking about how he killed Malack when he taunted Laurin to read his mind (and intentionally allowing her to do so) so it wasn’t especially casual. If Laurin was running low in psionic points, she may not be willing to blow the points attempting to read V’s mind (I assume there’s a save for that an V has a decent chance to resist). I don’t know enough to guess at how many slots V should have (including INT bonuses, the _Ring of Wizardry_, etc) but I first took it that V was bluffing. But, maybe not and even if V’s remaining slots were a lot less impressive than the previous spells cast, I suppose a pointless psion can still get whittled down quickly by first and second level spells. ---
**Author:** ![Grumman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/43a26b/32.png) [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2013, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8388 "2013-12-20T02:42:28Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > Weird that V took no visual damage from the one “blow” the psion landed on her. Usually the upside-down grin means a good damage hit. She’s a psion. Directly attacking someone’s mind isn’t going to cause visual damage until you start using powers like Cranial Deluge. ---
**Author:** ![galen\_ubal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/galen_ubal/32/4440_2.png) [@galen\_ubal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/galen_ubal)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2013, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8389 "2013-12-20T03:16:44Z")
H’m. Panel 8 - is that Julio still hanging on to the rope? ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2013, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8390 "2013-12-20T05:47:20Z")
> [@Knorf](#): > > On the other hand, there’s no sign of her glowy psionics effect in that frame where V talks about her/his remaining spells. Her eyes are glowing yellow but whether that’s evidence of using her psionic power or afterglow from dispelling the bubble, I couldn’t say. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2013, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8391 "2013-12-20T08:20:59Z")
> [@Lightray](#): > > I believe that Ioun Stones – some or all, don’t recall – can also add to a Psion’s power points. Even the dull grey “burnt out, useless” ones. Hence Rich often depicting Psions as using them. Exactly the dull grey “burnt out, useless” ones, in fact - although ones that give a stat boost would be helpful too. ---
**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:** [December 20, 2013, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8392 "2013-12-20T09:13:23Z")
> [@galen\_ubal](#): > > H’m. Panel 8 - is that Julio still hanging on to the rope? Yes ---
**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:** [December 20, 2013, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8393 "2013-12-20T17:04:42Z")
On a totally unrelated topic, what are the D&D rules on zombies as far as longevity? Do they wear out over a period of time or are they pretty much ever-lasting unless they get destroyed? The reason I’m asking is because Xykon has created some distinctive zombies (like Barky, Grandma, and Right Eye) and we never see them around in later strips. The only zombies we’ve ever have a “call back” are Lirian and the silver dragon. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2013, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8394 "2013-12-20T17:51:51Z")
Per the description of the Animate Dead spell, zombies (and skeletons) remain animated until they are destroyed. The spell itself doesn’t wear out unless directly disrupted, be it by positive energy, high level priesting, or the repeated application of a blunt object right in the face. However, since zombies specifically have to be created from a fresh corpse ; and the negative energy they’re stuffed with doesn’t really scream “preserves tissue”, more like the opposite ; I could see a DM ruling that zombies turn into skeletons over time as their fleshy bits just rot away and fall off. There are no official rules for this, least not in the books I own, but it’d make sense to me. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Goob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c77e96/32.png) [@Mr.Goob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Goob)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2013, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8395 "2013-12-21T03:58:52Z")
At my first read I thought V was bluffing, there is no way he/she/it has 25 spells (and cantrips) left. But Y’all have me wondering at the wisdom, or logic of bluffing a psion. Blackwing catching an ion stone makes me think that Laurin did a Myron and decided that it was time to get the hell out of Dodge. This now leaves Daddytarq whipping around along the taffidrail all alone for a round or three with only Elan to deal with. Haley is broken and Roy/Durkula and Belker are all belowdecks. V in the spirit of character development will spend a bit of time on blackwing and be unawares of the Elan/Tarquin moment. * * * What I’d laugh to see is; Then all hell breaks loose when Laurin/Myron/Tarq/Julio/Roy/Durkon/Belker/Elan/V/Bandana/Haley/Sabine/Mr. Scruffy/Blackwing/and even Thog all get into a battle royal and the airship nose dives into the rift once and for all. End of book. ---
**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:** [December 21, 2013, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8396 "2013-12-21T06:42:30Z")
> [@Mr.Goob](#): > > Laurin did a Myron and decided that it was time to get the hell out of Dodge. For what it’s worth, Miron had no choice in the matter. He had a spell on himself that, when a set condition is met (such as losing 50% of your hit points in a single round), teleports you to a predetermined safe location. Laurin on the other hand has seemingly made the conscious (and rational) choice to book it. ---
**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:** [December 21, 2013, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8397 "2013-12-21T15:55:27Z")
> [@Mr.Goob](#): > > At my first read I thought V was bluffing, there is no way he/she/it has 25 spells (and cantrips) left. Hmm…at 15th level, a wizard gets a baseline of 26 spells. Add +1/level for high in, and we’re at 34. Add another +1/level for specialization, and we’re at 42. With an int of 28–not unreasonable–we’re at 48 spells. I don’t know V’s level or int, but it’s totally plausible V has a buttload of spells left. ---
**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:** [December 21, 2013, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8398 "2013-12-21T17:50:22Z")
Vaarsuvius also has a [Ring of Wizardry](http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Ring_of_Wizardry) that he took as his share of the treasure following the first fight with Xykon. We don’t know what kind it is, but it doubles one level’s worth of spells. ---
**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:** [December 21, 2013, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8399 "2013-12-21T21:46:05Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Hmm…at 15th level, a wizard gets a baseline of 26 spells. Add +1/level for high in, and we’re at 34. Add another +1/level for specialization, and we’re at 42. With an int of 28–not unreasonable–we’re at 48 spells. > > I don’t know V’s level or int, but it’s totally plausible V has a buttload of spells left. According to the OotS forum, V has to be 16th level with Int 24+; according to the Giant, that figure of the number of spells V had left was a guesstimate. ---
**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:** [December 27, 2013, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8400 "2013-12-27T07:55:08Z")
What is the “nova” spell that Tarquin is demanding Laurin cast on V? SRD is not being helpful. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2013, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8401 "2013-12-27T08:12:48Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > What is the “nova” spell that Tarquin is demanding Laurin cast on V? SRD is not being helpful. Thanks! According to the thread for the strip on the OOTS forum, it’s not a spell. It’s game-slang for “spam all your most powerful attacks to overwhelm V”. ---
**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:** [December 27, 2013, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-5-discussion-thread/508323/8402 "2013-12-27T08:14:50Z")
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