# Order of the Stick General Discussion Thread (Open Spoilers and Speculation) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 2, 2009, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096 "2009-02-02T07:39:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**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 24, 2009, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/121 "2009-02-24T18:06:57Z")
Could we just drop the “es” and “hir”? Either avoid gender references or pick an arbitrary gender and use it. These made-up gender-neutral words are distracting. ---
**Author:** ![Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/122 "2009-02-24T18:29:35Z")
This is where Celia’s legal talents might actually come in handy. That is, if she weren’t such a doofus. ---
**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:** [February 24, 2009, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/123 "2009-02-24T19:47:53Z")
If V can think sufficiently straight, he’ll realise that no amount of magic can defeat the dragon, because the dragon can render itself immune to magic. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/124 "2009-02-24T19:52:42Z")
It can? How? 'Cos if it’s through the invocation of its own magic, I can’t see how that would work. 'Cos if the dragon is rendered immune to magic, that would include the magic that bestowed the immunity, wouldn’t it? ---
**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:** [February 24, 2009, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/125 "2009-02-24T19:59:22Z")
The dragon can cast an Anti Magic Shell. ---
**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:** [February 24, 2009, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/126 "2009-02-24T19:59:54Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > It can? How? > > 'Cos if it’s through the invocation of its own magic, I can’t see how that would work. 'Cos if the dragon is rendered immune to magic, that would include the magic that bestowed the immunity, wouldn’t it? It’s already had up an anti-magic shield. I assume that’s a spell rather than an innate ability (because I don’t remember any dragon having any innate anti-magic abilities), but it’s already worked against V once. ---
**Author:** ![Ogre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecb155/32.png) [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/127 "2009-02-24T20:06:32Z")
V will probably think of this, which will tempt him to use his infernal powers to find some horrifically potent and arcane magical way to defeat the dragon’s anti-magic shell. The use of this power will damn him forever and prove that he did not take the deal to save his children (who might die in the conflagration V releases anyway), but to gain magical power. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/128 "2009-02-24T20:11:46Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > It’s already had up an anti-magic shield. I assume that’s a spell rather than an innate ability (because I don’t remember any dragon having any innate anti-magic abilities), but it’s already worked against V once. Oh, _shield_ itself from magic. I was regarding that as a separate matter from rendering itself invulnerable to magic, but I guess that makes sense. Still, I wouldn’t think a 100% impregnable magic shield can exist, even theoretically, can it? I’m no lore-master, so if I’m mistaken, please feel free to point it out, and why. ---
**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:** [February 24, 2009, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/129 "2009-02-24T20:12:49Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > Oh, _shield_ itself from magic. I was regarding that as a separate matter from rendering itself invulnerable to magic, but I guess that makes sense. > > Still, I wouldn’t think a 100% impregnable magic shield can exist, even theoretically, can it? I’m no lore-master, so if I’m mistaken, please feel free to point it out, and why. Oh, don’t look at me for lore! I’m at least 2 1/2 editions behind anyway… ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/130 "2009-02-24T20:31:54Z")
Pretty sure the anti magic shell only stops magic from being cast while inside the bubble, notice V was still able to fire off a spell at the fleeing dragon before it teleported off. ---
**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:** [February 24, 2009, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/131 "2009-02-24T20:40:22Z")
> [@DigitalC](#): > > Pretty sure the anti magic shell only stops magic from being cast while inside the bubble, notice V was still able to fire off a spell at the fleeing dragon before it teleported off. That’s because the dragon dropped the shield so it could cast teleport. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/132 "2009-02-24T21:08:50Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > If V can think sufficiently straight, he’ll realise that no amount of magic can defeat the dragon, because the dragon can render itself immune to magic. I’ve dealt with that a few times. One of the favorite spells of my clerics was ‘Cometfall’. Also known as ‘rocks fall, everyone dies.’ It summons a chunk of ice and rock which then falls upon said target. The chunk of rock isn’t magic. ---
**Author:** ![runcible\_spoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9fc29f/32.png) [@runcible\_spoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/runcible_spoon)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/133 "2009-02-24T22:04:46Z")
> [@E-Sabbath](#): > > I’ve dealt with that a few times. One of the favorite spells of my clerics was ‘Cometfall’. Also known as ‘rocks fall, everyone dies.’ It summons a chunk of ice and rock which then falls upon said target. > > The chunk of rock isn’t magic. Ah, yes, the old magic-immunity end-run. Other favorites include the earthquake (obviously not the best option against a dragon), setting your target’s surroundings on fire, and of course the ballistic whale. As I recall, there were statistics for dropping a wall of iron on people in 2nd edition. Or maybe we just made those up… ---
**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:** [February 24, 2009, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/134 "2009-02-24T22:49:18Z")
Doesn’t matter: as was demonstrated a few episodes ago, all the dragon has to do with the Anti Magic Shell is get close to V. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Some\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ad7895/32.png) [@Just\_Some\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Some_Guy)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/135 "2009-02-24T23:10:11Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Doesn’t matter: as was demonstrated a few episodes ago, all the dragon has to do with the Anti Magic Shell is get close to V. And on approach V teleports/dimension doors/hastes/blinks/time stops/unleashes whatever nuclear strike that does an end run around magic/whatever before the shell is in range and just moves away. The trick worked once because V didn’t realize the dragon could do that; it won’t work again. ---
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/136 "2009-02-24T23:21:41Z")
One of the evil wizards is a conjurer, so unless there are rules about a summoned creature entering an anti-magic shell, it seems like that’s the way to go. (And even if there are, it’s not like Burlew prioritizes the rules over the storyline.) ---
**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 25, 2009, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/137 "2009-02-25T03:38:05Z")
Another point is that V doesn’t have to defeat the dragon. V could just use the magic to get to his family first and get them to safety before the dragon arrives. ---
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2009, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/138 "2009-02-25T15:21:15Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Another point is that V doesn’t have to defeat the dragon. V could just use the magic to get to his family first and get them to safety before the dragon arrives. Given that she’s already used divination spells to track them down, I don’t think that’s a good plan. ---
**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 25, 2009, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/139 "2009-02-25T17:17:37Z")
V’s family is currently living in a defenseless cotage in the woods. The dragon has shown she has a good sense of self-preservation. V could transport his family to someplace like a well-defended city or fortress that the dragon wouldn’t attack. That would give V time to plan a more long-term strategy. ---
**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 25, 2009, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096/140 "2009-02-25T17:37:47Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > If V can think sufficiently straight, he’ll realise that no amount of magic can defeat the dragon, because the dragon can render itself immune to magic. Nothing in the multiverse could ever convince V that a problem exists that can’t be solved by a sufficient amount of magic. That’s, like, his key personality trait. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/order-of-the-stick-general-discussion-thread-open-spoilers-and-speculation/484096.md?page=8)