# Order of the Stick - Book 6 Discussion Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 3, 2014, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755 "2014-03-03T16:07:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 223
**Author:** ![Prof.Pepperwinkle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/prof.pepperwinkle/32/13627_2.png) [@Prof.Pepperwinkle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Prof.Pepperwinkle)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4442 "2018-07-23T18:14:28Z")
Durkula, holding his son in his lap after hearing what Durkon’s Ma did? Advantage, Durkon. ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4443 "2018-07-23T18:24:32Z")
> [@Prof.Pepperwinkle](#): > > Durkula, holding his son in his lap after hearing what Durkon’s Ma did? Advantage, Durkon. But its not his son. ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2018, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4444 "2018-07-23T19:19:09Z")
“I ne’er let go” Her arm is buried with Tenrin, still holding his hand… ---
**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:** [July 23, 2018, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4445 "2018-07-23T19:33:40Z")
It’s a lovely strip, and powerful tale of sacrifice and healing. Why though, should we expect it to affect something that, as RedCloak noted about the wights and Xykon, isn’t a man, but rather is a collection of dark energy in the shape of one? Burlew seems to be asking us to believe that a negative energy spirit will not only do a selfless act, but will directly betray its patron, creator, and the source for most of its power. All because he’s moved by a story from Durkon’s mother? I don’t see it. ---
**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:** [July 23, 2018, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4446 "2018-07-23T20:05:29Z")
> [@dtilque](#): > > “I ne’er let go” > > Her arm is buried with Tenrin, still holding his hand… Which could be why she didn’t get a new arm. That way, her right hand is forever holding his. ETA: Rich is suddenly pouring out the strips, isn’t he? ---
**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:** [July 23, 2018, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4447 "2018-07-23T20:09:11Z")
> [@Hypno-Toad](#): > > ETA: Rich is suddenly pouring out the strips, isn’t he? Probably finishing this bit and then we’ll get slapped with a “See you in Book #—” whatever book we’re up to. ---
**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:** [July 23, 2018, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4448 "2018-07-23T20:10:39Z")
> [@Gray\_Ghost](#): > > Burlew seems to be asking us to believe that a negative energy spirit will not only do a selfless act, but will directly betray its patron, creator, and the source for most of its power. All because he’s moved by a story from Durkon’s mother? I don’t see it. I suspect he’s got another twist coming up–otherwise, appealing to the heart of a vampire is sort of like pleading your case to a shark and hoping it’ll take pity on you. > [@Hypno-Toad](#): > > Which could be why she didn’t get a new arm. That way, her right hand is forever holding his. I totally missed that the first read-through. That’s lovely. > [@](#): > > ETA: Rich is suddenly pouring out the strips, isn’t he? Also lovely. ---
**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:** [July 23, 2018, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4449 "2018-07-23T20:11:30Z")
…And her hand now holds a Silmaril. Yup, still just as badass as when Tolkien did it. And it’s not just what Sigdi did, but what she said, about eventually telling her son, when he’s old enough. Just like Durkon is now looking forward to telling things to his son. Now, it’s a valid point that, while that’s a powerful bond for Durkon, it might not apply to the vampire. But remember, evil though it is, the vampire is still made out of Durkon, psychologically as well as physically. It’s Durkon as he was on his worst day… but even on his worst day, he still had these memories of love and sacrifice stashed away deep down inside. ---
**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:** [July 23, 2018, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4450 "2018-07-23T20:12:24Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > I suspect he’s got another twist coming up–otherwise, appealing to the heart of a vampire is sort of like pleading your case to a shark and hoping it’ll take pity on you. Yeah, it’s like trying to pluck at Durkula’s heart strings. You’re only playing air guitar. ---
**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:** [July 23, 2018, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4451 "2018-07-23T22:33:44Z")
So, the story is a thing to0 bury, and don’t tell anyone except your son when he’s old enough. And now Durkon is telling it to Durkula. Are we heading for an “I am your father” moment? Elan would be so proud. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4452 "2018-07-24T01:21:49Z")
If he was truly heartless, his reactions wouldn’t make much sense. My guess is that he is finding out how horrible being with Hel must be if she’s willing to do all this just to save some strangers from winding up with her. ---
**Author:** ![TaoPilot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/77aa72/32.png) [@TaoPilot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TaoPilot)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4453 "2018-07-24T01:45:22Z")
If this memory helps to stop Durkula, then why would Durkon wait so long to use it? ---
**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:** [July 24, 2018, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4454 "2018-07-24T03:30:29Z")
> [@Gray\_Ghost](#): > > Burlew seems to be asking us to believe that a negative energy spirit will not only do a selfless act, but will directly betray its patron, creator, and the source for most of its power. All because he’s moved by a story from Durkon’s mother? I don’t see it. I’m absolutely expecting Durkula’s blank stare to segue into “God_damn_, boy. I always knew you goody two shoes were retarded, but not \*\*that \*\*much !” ---
**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:** [July 24, 2018, 8:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4455 "2018-07-24T08:31:23Z")
> [@Max\_Torque](#): > > Mine! Yes, that’s where they are. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4456 "2018-07-24T12:37:22Z")
> [@Sigdi](#): > > Wha was I gonna do, pull ‘im outta paradise when five others right in front o’ me were damned ta thru na fault o’ their own? > … > I ne’er let go. Dammit, Burlew, now you’ve made me all weepy. Stoopid stick figures. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4457 "2018-07-24T14:28:29Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > I’m absolutely expecting Durkula’s blank stare to segue into “God_damn_, boy. I always knew you goody two shoes were retarded, but not \*\*that \*\*much !” This is the only reaction that would make sense to me. Any kind of sudden revelation or turnaround on the part of the embodiment of pure evil energy would feel really cheesy. Durk-mom’s reasoning for raising the miners over her husband was really quite good though. ---
**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:** [July 24, 2018, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4458 "2018-07-24T14:30:07Z")
> [@Johnny\_Bravo](#): > > This is the only reaction that would make sense to me. Any kind of sudden revelation or turnaround on the part of the embodiment of pure evil energy would feel really cheesy. > > Durk-mom’s reasoning for raising the miners over her husband was really quite good though. I think you must be right, that Durkula won’t be moved by this moving story and will mock Durkon for trying–at which point Durkon will reveal, too late for Durkula to do anything about it, his real reason for telling that story. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4459 "2018-07-24T15:19:13Z")
Yep, I’m really hoping Rich has something clever in mind and didn’t write himself into an ‘unconvincing change of heart moment’ corner. ---
**Author:** ![Stanislaus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stanislaus/32/3391_2.png) [@Stanislaus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stanislaus)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4460 "2018-07-24T15:24:42Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > I think you must be right, that Durkula won’t be moved by this moving story and will mock Durkon for trying–at which point Durkon will reveal, too late for Durkula to do anything about it, his real reason for telling that story. I like to think you’re right, but re-reading [1007](http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1007.html)(Your Worst) makes me think this will resolve exactly how it looks set to: “When a new vampire spirit springs into existence, the first memories it absorbs are the lowest, darkest moments of its host’s life.” I.e. vampires are not mere dark energy in a convenient form, but something more complicated. “You are who you are on your very worst day. And that’s who I am, your very worst day personified.” On his worst day, Durkon might _say_ he wants to damn every last dwarf to Hel, but would he actually _do_ it? “Hel may have created me, but she shaped me to fit perfectly in the hole in your heart” - we’ve just learnt that there’s already something in that hole. “Who knows? Some other vampire spirit who was made to order for a different dwarf might’ve done as Roy suggested and rejected Hel’s plan from the start.” Needs no further comment. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2018, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755/4461 "2018-07-24T16:58:19Z")
> [@Stanislaus](#): > > “Hel may have created me, but she shaped me to fit perfectly in the hole in your heart” - we’ve just learnt that there’s already something in that hole. I looked back at the comment before reading your own analysis and this is the line that popped out at me. I’ll still be disappointed if that’s how this all resolves, but it can’t be said that it wasn’t foreshadowed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755.md?page=222) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-book-6-discussion-thread/682755.md?page=224)