OOTS #922 - The Discussion Thread [Archive] - Giant in the Playground Forums

ratfox

2013-10-01, 04:49 AM

pedrogush

2013-10-01, 04:49 AM

OMG, the awesome! it's just too much! Thanks Rich, made for a nice morning!

Nibelung

2013-10-01, 04:49 AM

That excursion to Talenta was well worth.

Arkhosia

2013-10-01, 04:49 AM

FLEE BEFORE ME WORMS!
Best quote ever.

Bulldog Psion

2013-10-01, 04:49 AM

Well, there goes the rest of the division, thanks to the Sexy Shoeless Ranger of War. :smallbiggrin:

Shular

2013-10-01, 04:50 AM

Awesome, but all I can see now is a badly injured Belkar away from his freinds' protection.

Celisasu

2013-10-01, 04:50 AM

Belkar is acting like a ranger.

Yup. Everyone's screwed.

Tyrmatt

2013-10-01, 04:51 AM

I think these may be the last few moments before Belkar's death.

But if they are, he's going out in grand style.

Hippie_Viking

2013-10-01, 04:51 AM

Ok, now we are doomed Belkar is acting like a ranger. Hehe nice one Roy:D

The Guardian

2013-10-01, 04:51 AM

The maniacal laughter was a great touch too.

I'd love to see how an Owl's Wisdom spell would affect Belkar now...

WindStruck

2013-10-01, 04:51 AM

In before the rush of more people thinking THIS is when Belkar is gonna die. :smalltongue:

Finn Solomon

2013-10-01, 04:53 AM

Ok, that? That was epic.

Codyage

2013-10-01, 04:53 AM

Go Belkar go!

RMS Oceanic

2013-10-01, 04:53 AM

I think these may be the last few moments before Belkar's death.

But if they are, he's going out in grand style.

In before the rush of more people thinking THIS is when Belkar is gonna die. :smalltongue:

I'm afraid you're too late. :smalltongue:

Martok

2013-10-01, 04:54 AM

Outstanding! Love his maniacal laughter. :smallbiggrin:

Leolo

2013-10-01, 04:55 AM

Sometimes there are strips that simple reminds me why i love this comic.

:smallsmile:

TiaC

2013-10-01, 04:56 AM

OK, I was not expecting that.

Uniqueorn

2013-10-01, 04:56 AM

Rangers rule!

The Giant

2013-10-01, 04:57 AM

Edit: although Durkon likely could have dominated it from a tactical perspective. Still, at least Belkar did something.

Vampire gaze has the effects of Dominate Person. It doesn't work on dinosaurs.

Djibril

2013-10-01, 04:58 AM

Lol go Belkie, what goes around comes around, even dinosaurs :smallbiggrin:

North_Ranger

2013-10-01, 04:59 AM

Wo... wow. Did not see that coming. And it works on so many levels. It's badass, it's heartwarming, and it quips on Belkar usually being the most un-rangery ranger you've ever seen.

If I had a hat, it would be off for you, Mr Giant.

Unkillable_Cat

2013-10-01, 04:59 AM

Belkar's moment of triumph.
Belkar's last moment of triumph. :-/
Belkar's last moment...?

Niknokitueu

2013-10-01, 05:00 AM

What did we learn today, kids?

LOLling at work is frowned upon.

Love the comic. Belkar having fun!

Have Fun!
Niknokitueu

Doorhandle

2013-10-01, 05:01 AM

Belkar did a good deed and it paid back. Hooray!

Edit: although Durkon likely could have dominated it from a tactical perspective. Still, at least Belkar did something.

Well damn. If belkar's going to die, he's going to do so like a champ.

DaggerPen

2013-10-01, 05:01 AM

... okay, not the dinosaur I was expecting them to ride out on, but a masterful wild empathy check there. Gotta love the Scruffster cautiously crawling along the dinosaur's back, too.

Werekat

2013-10-01, 05:02 AM

Bwahahaha!
That totally worked, funniest comic we've had in a while!

Bulldog Psion

2013-10-01, 05:05 AM

I just wanted to add that the perspective shot of the allosaurus' head devouring the mooks in the second to last panel is magnificent. :smallsmile:

The Kind Knido

2013-10-01, 05:05 AM

Belkar's display of sheer badassery made me tear up a bit.

It's just beautiful.

Avianmosquito

2013-10-01, 05:05 AM

VanIsleKnight

2013-10-01, 05:06 AM

Dear Giant,

Please stop teasing and taunting me with Belkar's imminent death by putting him in ridiculously dangerous (and awesome!) situations.

You're going to make my adrenal glands explode if you keep this up, and I have it on good authority that it's a painful experience to go through.

Sincerely,

A fan

Belril Duskwalk

2013-10-01, 05:07 AM

Oh look, Belkar gets to play GTA. Grand Theft Allosaurus.

If this is to be Belkar's end, it just became an end worthy of remembrance.

Cynric

2013-10-01, 05:08 AM

Huh, a cat riding a dinosaur. Feels like something I should have seen on the internet before...

Anyway, awesome page. I always love a Belkar-massacre-splash-page.

Starwulf

2013-10-01, 05:09 AM

Absolutely epic comic, one of the best and funniest I've read in a while. I truly hope these aren't Belkars last moments, I'd like to see him last a little bit longer, at least until the final(or near it) showdown.

Lordchoculla

2013-10-01, 05:09 AM

New comic is up.

That is so cool, thanks!

TBone

2013-10-01, 05:10 AM

Classic belkar. :)

Lordchoculla

2013-10-01, 05:13 AM

I think these may be the last few moments before Belkar's death.

But if they are, he's going out in grand style.

Yeah, I agree. But what a way to go if he goes!!

Dracon1us

2013-10-01, 05:13 AM

more epic badassery!

that's fantasy literature, folks! :smallamused:

Sikon

2013-10-01, 05:22 AM

Wow. That was unexpected… :smalleek:

Hey, I'm posting on the first page!? Let me be the first to note that Belkar is exposed, in a fragile state, and has a prophecy on his head. Protection from arrows only protects from arrows…

This was my first thought, too.

This would be a good time for a heroic sacrifice on Belkar's part... except he's still the unrepentant sadist he always was.

Kaerou

2013-10-01, 05:23 AM

Amazing! I didn't see this coming.. but i'm giggling all the same.

This is what rangers are all about. :D

Trillium

2013-10-01, 05:23 AM

YES! That is super-awesome!

Now mooks are certainly doomed! Bwahahaha!

Rub-rub-rub Tarquin's face in Order's epicness!

HeeJay

2013-10-01, 05:23 AM

Dr. Evil: "Dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with frickin' Belkar Bitterleafs on their backs!"

This is an AWESOME comic. I love you, Giant. I want to have your children.

(Please send them to me ASAP.)

Todd Ingram

2013-10-01, 05:23 AM

If this keeps up, maybe we'll see him track something succesfully before he kicks the bucket.

Randall Silver

2013-10-01, 05:28 AM

ROTFL! That was EPIC! I actually laughed out loud with that one. "Flee! Flee before me, worms!" will crack me up every time now :-D

Lordchoculla

2013-10-01, 05:28 AM

Belkar on a tankosaurus really makes the mooks run sing the "run away song"! They appear to totally panic in the second to the last frame.

I really like the Belkar character and have enjoyed his psychopathic and/or confused rantings throughout. Now he again gets the chance to be....
"The most badass halfling ever"
http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0042.html

And "the sexy shoeless god of war"
http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0439.html

And this time he has the rest of the party around so they can witness his magnificence. Excellent, just excellent :smallbiggrin:!

Gusion

2013-10-01, 05:29 AM

New comic is up.

Excellent. Nobody saw that one coming.

Edit: Although there will now be 20 pages of, "Belkar is about to die" posts. Ug.

M.A.D

2013-10-01, 05:30 AM

It'll be ironic if Belkar successfully track something which ended up killing him

War-Wren

2013-10-01, 05:30 AM

Oh look, Belkar gets to play GTA. Grand Theft Allosaurus.

Nice :smallwink:

This strip... this strip was just brilliant. Laughed out loud, at work. Slightly embarrassing...

Belkar is on fine form and this is a nice throw back to the days of "Flee my pretty little chunks of XP!" :smallbiggrin:

Giant, you sir, are awesome!

Acora

2013-10-01, 05:30 AM

Vampire gaze has the effects of Dominate Person. It doesn't work on dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs are like people, except, you know, bigger and reptilian and much less intelligent and with a penchant for being clever girls.

elros

2013-10-01, 05:31 AM

Wow. Mind blown!

The funny part is that I knew RPGers who played their rangers just like the immature Belkar- just a fighter with free two-handed weapon feats. To actually see a ranger in action is always awesome!

I think the Giant is going to keep Belkar around for a while...

Lorsa

2013-10-01, 05:31 AM

Hurray! Go Belkar!

Zindaras

2013-10-01, 05:32 AM

I'm kind of surprised there wasn't an "unleashing the fury joke." After all, isn't this what Belkar has been waiting for for the entire strip since they went into the Bandit Forest with a wiener dog?

Gusion

2013-10-01, 05:33 AM

Wow. Mind blown!

The funny part is that I knew RPGers who played their rangers just like the immature Belkar- just a fighter with free two-handed weapon feats.

Were they CG drow rangers with two scimitars?

Arkhosia

2013-10-01, 05:36 AM

Dinosaurs are like people, except, you know, bigger and reptilian and much less intelligent and with a penchant for being clever girls.

And also more prone to causing regret for visiting an amusement park.

Tundar

2013-10-01, 05:36 AM

Roy flinging his arms and legs around while being CHOMPED also made me laugh.

Belkar just went up a level in badass.

War-Wren

2013-10-01, 05:37 AM

I'm kind of surprised there wasn't an "unleashing the fury joke." After all, isn't this what Belkar has been waiting for for the entire strip since they went into the Bandit Forest with a wiener dog?

Oh, he's unleashing it all right! :smallbiggrin:
Now he's got the beast he was looking for (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0140.html), at last! Go Belkster!!

Maybe the joke will come later? :smallsmile:

GalenDev

2013-10-01, 05:40 AM

Belkar manages to get his SECOND "Sexy Shoeless G-d of War" moment.

Seriously. Badass.

Honestly, horrible little devil or not, I'm going to miss him when he bites it. But with Durkula around, I figure the Order only has room for one Evil teammate. Something's gotta give.

Yosharian

2013-10-01, 05:41 AM

So I guess I'm the only one who saw a sort of Naruto reference with the cage thing...

Ettlesby

2013-10-01, 05:41 AM

...Yes. Yes, I think I can accept this turn of events.

Thrax

2013-10-01, 05:42 AM

Vampire gaze has the effects of Dominate Person. It doesn't work on dinosaurs.

Are you saying dinosaurs aren't people!? That's racist!

;)

Neoriceisgood

2013-10-01, 05:43 AM

Belkar on a T-rex makes sense to me.

Michaeler

2013-10-01, 05:43 AM

It's always satisfying when Belkar hasn't been able to fight for a while. He comes back wanting to make up for lost time.

Tundar

2013-10-01, 05:44 AM

Oh, he's unleashing it all right! :smallbiggrin:
Now he's got the beast he was looking for (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0140.html), at last! Go Belkster!!

Damnit, how do you people remember these things?

But yeah, unleash the fury!!

Sunken Valley

2013-10-01, 05:45 AM

Vampire gaze has the effects of Dominate Person. It doesn't work on dinosaurs.

Goodness, I guess I owe the Aasimar Paladin in the campaign I GM an apology.

War-Wren

2013-10-01, 05:48 AM

I can just imagine poor Tarquin... it's not going well for him, is it?

"Kill the one's in the pit!"
...
"Hmm, this is not working. Greenhilt looks badass and their wizard is blasting everything in sight. Hey, teammates, get in there too!"
...
"You guys suck! Fine, send in the Alosaurus! That'll finish this once and for all!"
...
"Oh come on!!!"
:smallbiggrin:

Albion

2013-10-01, 05:48 AM

Whoopsie, I first thought thought this ended with the gray panel and was happy and content with that. Then I realized there was more, and now I feel SO spoiled with bonus! :smallbiggrin: (also, not many hours of sleep behind...)

adrejer

2013-10-01, 05:49 AM

Let me be the first to note that Belkar is exposed, in a fragile state, and has a prophecy on his head. Protection from arrows only protects from arrows…

Then again there isn't a lot of none missile weapons that will be able to hit Belkar at his current location..

Anyway great comic as always Giant :smallsmile:

Aolbain

2013-10-01, 05:49 AM

Well, those 12+ levels of ranger finally paid of.

Killer Angel

2013-10-01, 05:49 AM

Oh, guys, that is GLORIOUS!
in the sense that is one of he most epic things in the history of epicness. :smallcool:

...I wonder if Elan is eating his heart out... :smallbiggrin:

Adeptus

2013-10-01, 05:49 AM

Flee before me worms!!! :belkar:

Killer Angel

2013-10-01, 05:51 AM

Belkar manages to get his SECOND "Sexy Shoeless G-d of War" moment.

Yes... but this time, it's for real! :smalltongue:

dps

2013-10-01, 05:52 AM

Oh look, Belkar gets to play GTA. Grand Theft Allosaurus.

It was a great strip, and this is a great line.

wRAR

2013-10-01, 05:52 AM

Is that prison flashback a quote of a previous comic? If so, which one?

Ceilican

2013-10-01, 05:53 AM

I think this is my favorite punchline in recent memory. Kudos for making me belly laugh.

War-Wren

2013-10-01, 05:56 AM

Is that prison flashback a quote of a previous comic? If so, which one?

This one! (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0784.html) It's a kind of unseen scene :smallsmile:

EDIT: Although, ironically, Tarquin expresses concern that it's eating his soldiers and that they don't grow on trees... and yet he's happy to throw them, en masse, at Roy not 200 strips later... :smalltongue:

stsasser

2013-10-01, 05:57 AM

:belkar: Like a BOSS!!

Damn, that was beautiful.

Lordchoculla

2013-10-01, 05:57 AM

I hope the two last frames will come on a T-shirt!

EDIT: Together as seen in the strip in in doubt.

Traab

2013-10-01, 05:58 AM

Honestly, I keep wondering if Tarquin has not faced a group of adventurers in so long he has forgotten how insanely destructive they can be at a decent level. He sees all these mooks and knows he and his team could crush them, but he starts thinking thats because they are awesome, not because they have adventurer levels.

pennzqwu

2013-10-01, 06:00 AM

Is that prison flashback a quote of a previous comic? If so, which one?

It's 784. I would link that, but I don't know how :smallfrown:.

Coldwind

2013-10-01, 06:00 AM

That's EPIC! Belkar for the win!

wRAR

2013-10-01, 06:01 AM

This one! (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0784.html) It's a kind of unseen scene :smallsmile:

Thanks!
And that overexposing/holding back thing is nicely played too.

isleofredemptio

2013-10-01, 06:01 AM

Right now, all I can imagine is Tarquin going "Oh, COME ON!!!"

Shale

2013-10-01, 06:03 AM

If that's what rangers act like in the OOTS world, suddenly Belkar makes a whole lot more sense.

Michaeler

2013-10-01, 06:03 AM

Then again there isn't a lot of none missile weapons that will be able to hit Belkar at his current location..

I'm pretty sure there's at least one character who could one-shot him nearby, the question is whether she can be persuaded to do it. I assume Belkar's poor will save and minimal con makes him easy pickings for a high level psion, right?

The Giant

2013-10-01, 06:03 AM

EDIT: Although, ironically, Tarquin expresses concern that it's eating his soldiers and that they don't grow on trees... and yet he's happy to throw them, en masse, at Roy not 200 strips later... :smalltongue:

Naturally, he's annoyed in the arena because those are HIS troops to throw away when he feels like it. What if he wants to send hundreds to their death on a whim and there aren't enough left? Geez!

cybishop

2013-10-01, 06:04 AM

This was my first thought, too.

This would be a good time for a heroic sacrifice on Belkar's part... except he's still the unrepentant sadist he always was.

He's a smarter unrepentant sadist, now capable of both genuine empathy (which he simply doesn't apply to everyone) and understanding how to manipulate people for fun and profit. That's definitely character growth right there. Not everything has to be about redemption in the sense of spiritual salvation.

Lettuce

2013-10-01, 06:05 AM

That... is an amazing combination of adorable and awesome.

Belkar's also just had the opportunity to learn that doing something good, compassionate and selfless can end up being personally rewarding down the road. I wonder how this'll affect his mindset?

The best part is that Belkar's secret is still safe! What happens in the arena waiting rooms, stays in the arena waiting rooms.

isleofredemptio

2013-10-01, 06:10 AM

Also, yeah, I'd also like to just point out:

Belkar riding a T-Rex,
Durkon dominating soldiers and fighting alongside a devil with insane abilities,
V flying around blasting giant holes in the enemy numbers,
and the remainder of the Order fighting for their lives?

Yeah, Tarquin. Even if you win, you're gonna walk out of this without an army.

doctor23

2013-10-01, 06:14 AM

Geaux Belkar

Wou

2013-10-01, 06:16 AM

Random prediction:

Belkar charges at Team Tarquin, gets desintegrated, Tarquin, probably pushed a bit by his partners, retreats with remaining troops deciding killing one of them is enough for Elan to seek revenge.

joosy

2013-10-01, 06:20 AM

Best use of a dinosaur to turn the tide since Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex in Dead Beat- The Dresden Files.

Lordchoculla

2013-10-01, 06:21 AM

Incidentally, will Belkar get XP from this battle? He didn't in http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0439.html

War-Wren

2013-10-01, 06:22 AM

Naturally, he's annoyed in the arena because those are HIS troops to throw away when he feels like it. What if he wants to send hundreds to their death on a whim and there aren't enough left? Geez!

Good point, well made :smallsmile:

And once more the Allosaurus is helping to cut down on his over heads... worse than ever too! Cos now it's being guided by a vindictive, vicious little git! :smallamused:

Red XIV

2013-10-01, 06:23 AM

The allosaurus is on the Order's side now? Blackwing will approve (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0784.html).

Lossoth

2013-10-01, 06:24 AM

Protection from arrows only protects from arrows…

And shuriken.. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0240.html) :smallsmile:

Supermagle

2013-10-01, 06:24 AM

Halflings on dinosaurs? Nah, it'll never catch on! :smallwink:

Szarrukin

2013-10-01, 06:25 AM

Nice dinosaur ex machina.

hamishspence

2013-10-01, 06:28 AM

Nah- just Chekhov's gun (Belkar's "favour" done for an allosaurus in the past) being fired (the allosaurus was put on friendly terms with Belkar- which he's now taking advantage of).

Deathkeeper

2013-10-01, 06:30 AM

dalthorn

2013-10-01, 06:32 AM

I do believe that this comic is now my favorite.

Matt620

2013-10-01, 06:33 AM

Awesomest Wild Empathy check in the world.

I'm also glad Mr. Scruffy is on the Allosaurus

hamishspence

2013-10-01, 06:33 AM

It's meant to be an Allosaurus if I remember that part of the comic. Either it's magically enhanced / dire, since they don't get nearly that big normally, or the Giant simply turned on Rule of Cool for a moment.
Given that it looks comparable in size to the Ancient Silver Dragon Zombie, and the Ancient Black Dragon, I'd say it's been advanced all the way to Gargantuan size.

I think the MM2 stats for an Allosaurus do allow for that.

Orange Knight

2013-10-01, 06:37 AM

Glorious! I thought Belkar might tame the pteranodons, should have known he'd go for the Allosaurus. And he's being useful. Truly awesome. But Roy is right: Belkar acting like a ranger, V being humble and not using a long speech... Definitely doomed :)

FinnLassie

2013-10-01, 06:37 AM

Ahhhh. More reasons to love Belkar, not complaining!

Pantler

2013-10-01, 06:38 AM

Triple awesome with sprinkles. :smallbiggrin:

Burner28

2013-10-01, 06:41 AM

Aw look at Belkar being happy!:smalltongue:

ZestG

2013-10-01, 06:41 AM

Yay, my first post!

Been reading OOtS for ages now, never bothered to register to forums.

Belkar is awesome, and seriously love how he's turned out to be... maybe he'll learn to heal one day?

Muenster Man

2013-10-01, 06:44 AM

Belkar, continuing to be kind and helpful to some while being maliciously violent to most others.

It's something!

Greatmoustache

2013-10-01, 06:45 AM

oh. my. GOD!

the horror, and then belkar's seemingly-heroic stand (i thought he'd jump on the dino, kill the rider, save roy, but definitely get prophecied at the end), then a "wut?", a great flashback, belkar's non-eminent emotionality when it comes to (at least these two) animals, and then that laughter and battle cry...

this tops even the sexy shoeless god of war quote. truly belkar at his finest.

i hope he doesn't lose himself in a bloodlusty rage and gets himself killed though...

also, like the previous strip, "shot down", i thought things were going to go south when i saw the title. (hence the horror when i saw "chump!" effect)

well played giant.

thatSeniorGuy

2013-10-01, 06:45 AM

Excellent, that's my dose of awesomeness for today.

Many thanks Giant!

Gwynfrid

2013-10-01, 06:46 AM

Dwy

2013-10-01, 06:49 AM

Can't help but feel we're being set ut for some grand finale of the whole desert fight right now.

I suppose we just need Belkar to break the lines, V to cut off their escape routes from the dinosaur with spells, Haley to fire upon the mooks running in the wrong directions from above, Durkon and his dominated crew to start cleaning up the field, and Roy and Elan to comment from the sidelines.

Kind of too early to say, but the army looks like it'll be trapped between the hammer (dinoBelkar) and the anvil (wizard).

factotum

2013-10-01, 06:51 AM

Goodness, I guess I owe the Aasimar Paladin in the campaign I GM an apology.

Depends--if he's a humanoid (which seems fairly likely) then he'd be affected by vampire gaze or Dominate Person just fine, unless I'm reading the spell description on the SRD wrong. Allosauri are definitely *not* humanoid, though, so definitely not affected by the spell/ability.

Kish

2013-10-01, 06:51 AM

922 strips in the making... The first appearance of a true ranger. It was worth the wait. Go Belkar!

And FWIW, I don't buy into the theories he's going to die here. I mean, four more years (as per the Giant's estimate) without the Belkster? Come on!
One way or another, the prophecy has to be resolved relatively soon in in-comic time; I'm skeptical (read: outright disbelieving) that the four years will be compressed into two weeks of in-comic time.

That said, "Belkar is about to die" appears to have almost superseded "Belkar has changed alignment" as the thing to say whenever a strip has Belkar in it. (And "Belkar just died offpanel!" whenever a strip does not have Belkar in it.)

Don Ohnic

2013-10-01, 06:52 AM

This is easily my favourite call-back of this story so far. Very impressive that the communication with the allosaurus back in the arena was off screen; I was happy with the interpretation that Belkar just let the allosaurus loose. I never imagined that he made the empathy check already in the arena.

It is nice to be surprised by great storytelling.

drazen

2013-10-01, 06:53 AM

Although there will now be 20 pages of, "Belkar is about to die" posts. Ug.

I'm not worried about when he'll die, I'm worried about who Mr. Scruffy's godparent is (Elan? O-Chul?). He's the real hero! ;)

Pretty awesome moment for Belkar, though. Also, if he can ride the allosaurus, I presume that means the rest of the party can ride the pteradons?

Is Tarquin going to mix it up with the group again on his own next? Looks like the mooks are running away, his friends are indifferent, and if he's going to end this, he's the only thing left on the field of combat that can and will fight them...

Dante2001

2013-10-01, 06:53 AM

Belkar. Is. Crazy. Awesome

Kish

2013-10-01, 06:54 AM

Depends--if he's a humanoid (which seems fairly likely) then he'd be affected by vampire gaze or Dominate Person just fine, unless I'm reading the spell description on the SRD wrong. Allosauri are definitely *not* humanoid, though, so definitely not affected by the spell/ability.
Humanoid is a type, it doesn't just mean "human-shaped" in D&D. An aasimar's type is native outsider...so yes, Sunken Valley does owe the aasimar paladin an apology, whether the incident involved the paladin being dominated or the paladin's allosaur mount being dominated.

Memphos

2013-10-01, 06:54 AM

There have been a lot of strips I really liked until now. But Belkar using his ranger's skill to obtain a T-REX as animal companion put this strip in the pole position

Thelonius

2013-10-01, 06:55 AM

I feel like Belkar's Wisdom score grew three times that delirious night, to the neat 12 points. :smallsmile: Maybe he can actually cast Ranger spells now...

Gorm_the_DBA

2013-10-01, 06:55 AM

Nice dinosaur ex machina.

More like a Chekov's Dinosaur...

This one was built up earlier in the comic, seen to be chomping people, and we know Belkar had interacted with it before...

Once you put a dinosaur in the scene, you *have* to use it.

To be ex machina, it has to have no previous connection to the plot at all.

This memo comes from the department of penantry, we now return you to your regularly scheduled programming of "Halflings on a Dino"

War-Wren

2013-10-01, 06:59 AM

More like a Chekov's Dinosaur...

This one was built up earlier in the comic, seen to be chomping people, and we know Belkar had interacted with it before...

Once you put a dinosaur in the scene, you *have* to use it.

To be ex machina, it has to have no previous connection to the plot at all.

This memo comes from the department of penantry, we now return you to your regularly scheduled programming of "Halflings on a Dino"

Woo! \0/ I love that show! :smalltongue:

But, to paraphrase the Terry's Chocolate Orange adverts... it's not Chekov's, it's Belkar's! :smallamused:

littlebum2002

2013-10-01, 07:00 AM

It took 922 strips and a multiclass to barbarian, but he FINALLY figured out how to be a ranger. Go Belkar!

Mutant Sheep

2013-10-01, 07:01 AM

At first, I read the last panel wrong and thought Roy thought all rangers were homicidal narcissists. But thats just Belkar.:smallbiggrin:

Storm_Of_Snow

2013-10-01, 07:02 AM

Vampire gaze has the effects of Dominate Person. It doesn't work on dinosaurs.
Ah, so Durkon would have to drain the blood from one of the raptors, use the immediate vampirise spell/power from the staff, then exert his will over the vampy-raptor and see if he can use it to dominate all the other dinosaurs (and that's assuming the power is actually to dominate beings similar in nature to that of the vampire, rather than just humanoids).

On second thoughts, it's quicker, easier and a heck of a lot less convoluted to let Belkar do what he's done.

And thus, rather than having something that's boring and practical, we have something that's a minimum of seven different kinds of awesome. :smallcool:

Oh look, Belkar gets to play GTA. Grand Theft Allosaurus.
If that line's not worthy of at least one internet, I've no idea what is.

This memo comes from the department of penantry, we now return you to your regularly scheduled programming of "Halflings on a Dino"
Surely it's the department of pedantry :smallwink:, the department of penantry's busy making little flags to celebrate how awesome this strip is.

ObadiahtheSlim

2013-10-01, 07:02 AM

Looks like he finally made a Wild Empathy roll.

JSSheridan

2013-10-01, 07:02 AM

Thanks Giant!

Ghost Nappa

2013-10-01, 07:03 AM

My jaw dropped for a moment. It's okay, I picked it back and cleaned up the spittle.

Edit: After [a little over] nine years in development, hopefully [Belkar acting like a Ranger] was worth the wait.

Michaeler

2013-10-01, 07:03 AM

Question

If Belkar does lose a level as a result of his negative levels, can he choose which one to lose?

I'm just wondering if he'll opt to lose his barbarian level.

miri

2013-10-01, 07:03 AM

Belkar Bitterleaf, because of your recent actions your alignment have changed to Awesome Evil.

Orm-Embar

2013-10-01, 07:05 AM

Love it! It's great to see Belkar getting to participate in the battle. Also good to see him using his class abilities, something he hasn't done much of in the past. Maybe going forward he can do more to contribute to the group. That would count as character growth.

This looks like the breaking point for Tarquin's army with all those soldiers fleeing from under the allosaur's feet. If Tarquin's party still won't get involved, this could be a good time for Tarquin to give a "You haven't seen the last of me!" exit speech. Or else step in against dinosaur-chewed Roy to try to finish the job.

The dinosaur rider carrying a sword in his hand struck me as funny. Unlike traditional cavalry he's not going to reach down and strike at enemies with it from that height.

Also, thanks Giant!

shadowpriest

2013-10-01, 07:05 AM

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
Brilliant!

Kish

2013-10-01, 07:08 AM

Question

If Belkar does lose a level as a result of his negative levels, can he choose which one to lose?
No, he'd automatically lose the level he gained last.

I doubt he'd choose to reverse his multiclass anyway; the extra hit points and rage have served him well.

Sith_Happens

2013-10-01, 07:09 AM

:belkar: "Wild Empathy, *****."

Slayer Lord

2013-10-01, 07:09 AM

My gosh, I can't stop laughing. This was a great way to start the morning.

Der Maulwurf

2013-10-01, 07:09 AM

Om Nom Nom.

I wonder what happens when the "big guy" bites the dust.

Tsyndrome

2013-10-01, 07:12 AM

Oh, happy day! To receive a new epic moment from Belkar!

Siolfur

2013-10-01, 07:12 AM

I did not expect this, first I thought Roy were gonna get a chance to try the revolving doors, but this is just plain awesome! :smallbiggrin:

Luizeu

2013-10-01, 07:13 AM

Rangers are my favorite. It's nice to see belkar acting like one. This last panel seriously deserve a shirt or poster. Please

snikrept

2013-10-01, 07:13 AM

Killed while riding a T-rex allosaurus that is also on fire sounds like an end Belkar himself would approve of.

Roland Itiative

2013-10-01, 07:14 AM

That was unexpected. And the Belkster is back on the fray!

Deliverance

2013-10-01, 07:15 AM

Okay. I didn't see THAT one coming.

Sky_Schemer

2013-10-01, 07:15 AM

There have been a lot of strips recently that have been either laugh- or chuckle-out-loud funny, including this one.

Great fun. Thanks, Rich!

ChristianSt

2013-10-01, 07:16 AM

Go! Go! Belkar! :smallbiggrin:

CoffeeIncluded

2013-10-01, 07:19 AM

Okay, okay that was awesome. I hope I didn't wake my friend with my laughter.

Dakaran

2013-10-01, 07:23 AM

I think "Flee before me, worms!" may be the next "I'm a shoeless, sexy god of war!" when it comes to awesome Belkar panels. :smallbiggrin: :belkar:

Dinocarl

2013-10-01, 07:26 AM

Anything with dinosaurs is right up my alley(saurus). And I LOVE the way kitty is clinging to it's back! :smallbiggrin:

Bet Elan's jealous...

jidasfire

2013-10-01, 07:27 AM

You know, as a rule, I really enjoy Order of the Stick, but then there are times like this. Times when, rather than simply enjoying it, it's all I can do not to stand up and cheer for the sheer levels of ridiculous awesomeness.

Go Belkar!

allenw

2013-10-01, 07:28 AM

If this keeps up, maybe we'll see him track something succesfully before he kicks the bucket.

He actually tracked the MitD (by following actual tracks, not by smell or taste) while he and Haley were looking for Roy's body outside of Azure City. Granted, he couldn't *identify* the tracks, but that's hardly surprising. :smallamused:

nogall

2013-10-01, 07:28 AM

Huh, a cat riding a dinosaur. Feels like something I should have seen on the internet before...

Anyway, awesome page. I always love a Belkar-massacre-splash-page.

behold the internetz

https://www.google.com/search?q=cat+riding+dinosaur&safe=off&rlz=1C1AFAB_enBR449BR449&es_sm=122&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=3L9KUprNOYiI9QSqsIG4Cw&ved=0CCsQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=911&dpr=1

fan4battle

2013-10-01, 07:36 AM

Good thing I was alone when I read the strip, 'cus I seriously lost it with disbelieving laughter. :smallbiggrin:

Psyren

2013-10-01, 07:42 AM

Let's see 4e do that :smalltongue:

Humanoid is a type, it doesn't just mean "human-shaped" in D&D.

Nitpick - it actually does just mean "human-shaped" in some places.
For example, when discussing which races replace their first HD with a class level - races like Elans and Dusklings are included despite not being humanoid in the type sense.

Naturally, he's annoyed in the arena because those are HIS troops to throw away when he feels like it. What if he wants to send hundreds to their death on a whim and there aren't enough left? Geez!

Well played :smalltongue:

Ionbound

2013-10-01, 07:42 AM

Has anyone else noticed the half-panel? It almost certainly bodes ill.

137beth

2013-10-01, 07:43 AM

Belkar is still totally awesome:smallbiggrin:

Ivrytwr

2013-10-01, 07:43 AM

Love the image: Belkar laughing, Mr Scruffy riding shotgun, the TRex posing ala Jurassic Park and the fleeing 'worms'.

Great comic Giant! And belated Happy 10 Year Anniversary!
I really enjoy Order of the Stick.

SaintRidley

2013-10-01, 07:43 AM

Well, that's probably going down as Belkar's greatest achievement.

Leirus

2013-10-01, 07:45 AM

Ok. In the future OOtS Deluxe Platinum Edition (all books and prequels included) I want a mini of Belkar riding the Allosaurus. Like the awesome one of Xykon and the Dragon.

That will be terrific!

That Allosaurus needs a name by the way. (Also, I hope there is a way to make that image into a splash page in the future, too)

Socratov

2013-10-01, 07:48 AM

Well, that's probablydifinitely going down as Belkar's greatest and awesomest achievement.

fixed that for you :smallwink::smallamused:

Also, I'm suddely and inexplicably reminded of Dead Beat by Jim Butcher, would The Giant mayhaps be a fan? :smallamused:

SlashDash

2013-10-01, 07:48 AM

Wow. That was unexpected… :smalleek:

Hey, I'm posting on the first page!? Let me be the first to note that Belkar is exposed, in a fragile state, and has a prophecy on his head. Protection from arrows only protects from arrows…

Ummm.... What's with all the "Belkar is gonig to die soon" comments?

If you read the books
Shojo talked to the oracle and she said Belkar will save Hinjo twice. Once was during the war in Azure City (in one of the most hilarious strips ever!). We still have a second go around.

Obviously until this book ends and we meet up with Hinjo, Belkar isn't going anywhere.

Scifne

2013-10-01, 07:49 AM

Belkar is awesoming on a dinosaur!

Estelindis

2013-10-01, 07:50 AM

This was an awesome strip. :smallbiggrin:

I'm hoping that Belkar won't die for a while, and not just because of my enjoyment of his character. The vampirisation of Durkon is the plot thread that I'd like to get the most attention, once this combat situation is resolved. I wouldn't want it to be competing with the death of Belkar, nor would I want the death of Belkar to be competing with it. Of course, Rich will probably surprise us with several developments in both plots, so maybe they could mesh together in an unexpected way.

MReav

2013-10-01, 08:00 AM

Shojo talked to the oracle and she said Belkar will save Hinjo twice. Once was during the war in Azure City (in one of the most hilarious strips ever!). We still have a second go around.

Obviously until this book ends and we meet up with Hinjo, Belkar isn't going anywhere.

I think that ship sailed.
Belkar saves Hinjo once. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0435.html) Belkar saves Hinjo twice. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0455.html)

Henry the 57th

2013-10-01, 08:02 AM

Belkar, you sexy shoeless god of war you. :smallbiggrin:

Eulalios

2013-10-01, 08:03 AM

This one! (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0784.html) It's a kind of unseen scene :smallsmile:

I'm left wondering... HOW did Mr Starshine trip that poison needle trap... And what was trapped?

2.5 cats

2013-10-01, 08:03 AM

Great comic!

In Girard's life-you-want epic illusion, Roy didn't much care that Belkar was dead. http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0887.html.

Since that time, Belkar has saved Roy's life twice. Once when the Pyramid exploded (Roy & everyone else! http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0898.html ), and once just now.

Kish

2013-10-01, 08:07 AM

I think that ship sailed.
Belkar saves Hinjo once. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0435.html) Belkar saves Hinjo twice. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0455.html)
There's also something fundamentally wrong with an argument that presumes Sangwaan trumps the Oracle, so the fact that she said something that can be read as suggesting Belkar has to reach Hinjo again means it no longer matters that the Oracle said he's not long for the world and will draw his last breath ever within a few weeks now.

LuisDantas

2013-10-01, 08:12 AM

Roy is right. Now we know they are doomed, indeed. Belkar is acting sensible and even saving Roy's life.

Thanatosia

2013-10-01, 08:12 AM

I dunno why people keep calling it an Allosaur when both of it's appearances clearly indicate it's a Tyranodeus rEx.

Shining Wrath

2013-10-01, 08:14 AM

FLEE! FLEE BEFORE ME, WORMS!

Wonderful!

This, however, may be where Belkar dies. He's going to draw attention from the wrong people, or too many. The glee of rampaging through an army of mooks will lead him to make mistakes.

Trillium

2013-10-01, 08:16 AM

To all the peoples speaking of Belkar's imminent death - what can harm him now? He is immune to arrows, sits high on a vicious rampaging reptile, is protected by Mr. Scruffy and has his knives with him. No mook can get close to him.

Lauring and Miron are unlikely to bother attacking him and for Tarquin it would be too un-climactic to personally attack Belkar.

ellindsey

2013-10-01, 08:16 AM

I dunno why people keep calling it an Allosaur when both of it's appearances clearly indicate it's a Tyranodeus rEx.
It was specifically referred to as an Allosaurus here (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0784.html).

Diadem

2013-10-01, 08:16 AM

Internet was down all day for me today, finally it's back up, and I find *this*. Now that is a nice welcome back present!

Shining Wrath

2013-10-01, 08:18 AM

Dihan

2013-10-01, 08:19 AM

I have never posted in one of these discussion threads before, but I must say that this strip - or just the final few panels - made a bad day a bit better.

Faldrath

2013-10-01, 08:19 AM

I think "Flee before me, worms!" may be the next "I'm a shoeless, sexy god of war!" when it comes to awesome Belkar panels. :smallbiggrin: :belkar:

You know what would make a great wallpaper? This would.

Darkohaku

2013-10-01, 08:19 AM

The death of Belkar would be a little much obvious in this point, I doubt it will occur like this.

btw, Belkar is awesome, but this time, he is really a sexy shoeless god of war.

shadowsedge

2013-10-01, 08:21 AM

Now I want to see Tarquin go in on his Triceratops.

Joe the Rat

2013-10-01, 08:21 AM

The constant refrain of "Belkar is a about to die!" reminds me that the Blue Warrior needs food badly.

Belkar's moment of triumph.
Belkar's last moment of triumph. :-/
Belkar's last moment...?
Retreat? In his moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances. And thus our Star Wars theme is complete

i6uuaq

2013-10-01, 08:22 AM

pendell

2013-10-01, 08:23 AM

That ... that was AWESOME BEYOND WORDS. Especially the one panel with Belkar going "Flee! Flee before me , worms! Bwhahahahahahaaaaa! " That is a terrific panel, great visual impact. And it's hilarious in the bargain. Not for the soldiers, mind you, but to me the audience.

Okay, so the "Show-Stealers" did bring more to the party than just low-level mooks. But the ranger succeeds on his empathy check -- or perhaps it is due to previous training. Regardless, that was both impressive, cool, and totally awesome all at the same time.

ETA: And NOW the enemy has suffered enough shocks that they start losing unit cohesion and discipline, breaking in panic. One way or the other, this battle can't continue much longer. I don't think the Empire had more than one Allosaurus.

E again TA : Tell the truth, Giant. You enjoyed making this strip, didn't you? It shows.
Respectfully,

Brian P.

Michaeler

2013-10-01, 08:23 AM

LaughingLemur

2013-10-01, 08:24 AM

It's Androcles and the T-rex.

Kareasint

2013-10-01, 08:29 AM

Down in the Abyss, there are demons praying to their Dark Lords:

"Please don't let Belkar die. We really don't to see what happens when he ends up here with US."

Reathin

2013-10-01, 08:31 AM

It figures that the only animal Belkar's empathy works on (housecats...castlecats? aside) is a multi ton death machine that eats people.

Excellent callback.

AstralFire

2013-10-01, 08:33 AM

There is no way in hell I would have seen that coming even if someone had posted that as a theory yesterday.

pendell

2013-10-01, 08:35 AM

Are you saying dinosaurs aren't people!? That's racist!

;)

Speciesist. :wink:

Respectfully,

Brian P.

Mike Havran

2013-10-01, 08:36 AM

Well, that was completely unexpected and great :smallbiggrin:

Ezekiel

2013-10-01, 08:36 AM

One of the best Belkar moments of the strip!! That definitely made my morning. Definitely hope that the :belkar: "Flee, flee worms" panel ends up on a shirt someday. :smallsmile:

rs2excelsior

2013-10-01, 08:36 AM

And here I was thinking Belkar wouldn't do anything in this fight.

Go, you sexy shoeless Allosaurus-riding god of war! :smallbiggrin:

rman

2013-10-01, 08:37 AM

Old Belkar is no more.
Long Live New Belkar.

Joe the Rat

2013-10-01, 08:38 AM

Speciesist. :wink:

Respectfully,

Brian P.It's deeper than that. Based on blackwing's reactions, Cladism is a serious problem in that world.

multilis

2013-10-01, 08:39 AM

One hit to kill target sitting as most obvious target for enemy...

IF OOTS had brains and V had "owl's wisdom" again, then Belkar could heal himself, protect himself better, and/or hurt enemy worse. To degree if Belkar dies now is tactical failure of the smarter members of OOTS to not have a potion of owl's wisdom, etc.

PaulTheSamurai

2013-10-01, 08:39 AM

Bwa Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!

Gift Jeraff

2013-10-01, 08:41 AM

Come on V, charm the smaller allosaur and Tarquin's triceratops, then the OOTS can overwhelm Miron and Laurin and make them dino chow. Tarquin watches everything fall apart as he is slowly and painfully crushed by his triceratops. :smallsmile:

Cuthalion

2013-10-01, 08:42 AM

Mr Scruffy's jealous. :smalltongue:

Rising Phoenix

2013-10-01, 08:44 AM

It's deeper than that. Based on blackwing's reactions, Cladism is a serious problem in that world.

This... this is brilliant:smallbiggrin:

Stella

2013-10-01, 08:46 AM

Has anyone else noticed the half-panel? It almost certainly bodes ill.Half-panel? I'm afraid I don't understand.

Also, I'm completely broken up about the demise of Anonymous Guard #164. He was my favorite!

Dr.Epic

2013-10-01, 08:46 AM

Gotta say, one of the best strips in a long time!

-Not cluttered with excessive dialogue
-Awesome action scenes
-Belkar gets a sweet dinosaur ride
-Clever and funny
-Roy almost eaten

All these elements combine to equal one SOLID strip!!!

Deepbluediver

2013-10-01, 08:47 AM

The constant refrain of "Belkar is a about to die!" reminds me that the Blue Warrior needs food badly.

Get used to it. I'm pretty certain every single comic between now and the end of time will have someone posting "oh no, Belkar's about to die!". Because if we say it often enough, maybe it will come true one day.

Aren't you a little short for a dino-trooper?

rman

2013-10-01, 08:51 AM

Half-panel? I'm afraid I don't understand.

The last glorious allosaur riding panel is 1/2 a page in size.
The Giant normally works in full page increments.

The question is what will the next 1/2 page be when it all goes into normal book layout.

- edit adding -
Or maybe it is just the web layout where a vertical 8x11 is two of the book pages. And a normal increment is 2 book pages. And this just makes a one book page panel.

pendell

2013-10-01, 08:52 AM

Reading the rules, it looks to me as if the Allosaurus is using rules similar to that of the T-rex (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/dinosaur.htm). It's a good thing Belkar intervened, as it looks like the Allosaurus was using the 'improved grab' special ability, which would have been followed up by 'swallow whole' next round, if Belkar hadn't made the Allosaur drop Roy first.

Respectfully,

Brian P.

ellindsey

2013-10-01, 08:53 AM

IF OOTS had brains and V had "owl's wisdom" again, then Belkar could heal himself, protect himself better, and/or hurt enemy worse.

Not unless they also had a scroll of Restoration on hand. Cure (whatever) wounds doesn't restore level drain or ability damage.

stsasser

2013-10-01, 08:54 AM

"Drop it!"

Like scolding a puppy that's chewing on your loafers.

Forikroder

2013-10-01, 08:58 AM

The last glorious allosaur riding panel is 1/2 a page in size.
The Giant normally works in full page increments.

The question is what will the next 1/2 page be when it all goes into normal book layout.

- edit adding -
Or maybe it is just the web layout where a vertical 8x11 is two of the book pages. And a normal increment is 2 book pages. And this just makes a one book page panel.
whenever theres a half page the next chapter has a half page too that goes together to make a full page

Spoomeister

2013-10-01, 08:59 AM

Turin_19

2013-10-01, 09:00 AM

All Hail King Belkar!

snowblizz

2013-10-01, 09:01 AM

Am I just crazy or is the soulless monster happy to see the Allosaurus Belkar?

Shadic

2013-10-01, 09:01 AM

First time I've laughed out loud at a comic in awhile. This was just simple and awesome.

Deepbluediver

2013-10-01, 09:04 AM

IF OOTS had brains and V had "owl's wisdom" again, then Belkar could heal himself, protect himself better, and/or hurt enemy worse. To degree if Belkar dies now is tactical failure of the smarter members of OOTS to not have a potion of owl's wisdom, etc.

I usually avoid these esoteric rules-debates, but the way my group has always interpreted it is that you need to have the appropriate stats when you would rest (for 8 hours) and/or prepare spells for the day. The Wizard casting Fox's Cunning (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/foxsCunning.htm) on himself wouldn't spontaneously gain bonus spells, etc.
The reason Belkar was able to use the scrolls way back in the early chapters was because those are an item that is effectively spells-on-a-stick, not dissimilar from potions.

Shining Wrath

2013-10-01, 09:05 AM

What may be lost in the shuffle of "at least Belkar gets to die doing something he loves" or "a wild empathy check on a dinosaur is badass"...

...what if Belkar wants to keep it? I mean, a high level ranger could and should have multiple animal friends.

Mr. Scruffy, meet Dusty.

That might pose problems for the Giant. If I may meta momentarily, if Rich needs to keep Vaarsuvius off-scene because "Oh, yeah. Wizard.", how much more would he have to keep Dusty off-scene?

AND HOW DO YOU KEEP A COLOSSAL ALLOSAURUS OFF-SCENE?

Deepbluediver

2013-10-01, 09:06 AM

AND HOW DO YOU KEEP A COLOSSAL ALLOSAURUS OFF-SCENE?
An animal that size requires lots of food; Dusty needs to spend most of his time hunting. He might like Belkar as a friend, but no one else is really comfortable around a hungry apex predator the size of a building.

Also, something that big probably wouldn't fit into most dungeons, and maybe not even into to many cities, so he'd spend a lot of time sitting around at the entrance.

Jay R

2013-10-01, 09:06 AM

I particularly enjoy the fact that Belkar's life keeps getting threatened since the prophecy, and it keeps not killing him, thereby fueling (and frustrating) meta-discussions everywhere.

Arrowstorm122

2013-10-01, 09:09 AM

I think Belkar will live to at least the next book, who'd they replace Belkar with in this current situation? Would get sad and dull without him right now :S

Wolv90

2013-10-01, 09:10 AM

So, is the next strip going to be some sweet Allosaurus on Allosaurus action? Because as we see here (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0910.html) there are at least 2 of those bad boys in the battle.

Hullabaloo

2013-10-01, 09:11 AM

Ha, love it.

Congratulations on 10 years Giant. Here is to hoping for another 10!

Jay R

2013-10-01, 09:11 AM

Am I just crazy or is the soulless monster happy to see the Allosaurus Belkar?

That's seems like a reasonable description of anybody who would be happy to see Belkar.

Oko and Qailee

2013-10-01, 09:12 AM

Sexy Shoeless God Of Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar

F.Harr

2013-10-01, 09:16 AM

Wow, Belkar has GRWON, man. While still retaining his essential Belkarness. Great!

HandofShadows

2013-10-01, 09:16 AM

Aaaand Belkar gets yet another moment of Awesome! :smallbiggrin:

Is Roy being realistic, negative or genre savvy in the last panel? :smallconfused:

Sloanzilla

2013-10-01, 09:21 AM

oh hell yeah

Anyone claiming this comic has lost steam needs to have this strip tattooed on his or her face, along with "rub, rub my father's face, in my uselessness"

Oko and Qailee

2013-10-01, 09:22 AM

Aaaand Belkar gets yet another moment of Awesome! :smallbiggrin:

Is Roy being realistic, negative or genre savvy in the last panel? :smallconfused:

All 3 at the same time.

Wow, where is the betting thread. I need to place some

Sir_Leorik

2013-10-01, 09:23 AM

Belkar making Wild Empathy checks? :smallconfused: Has the world gone mad? :smalltongue:

Ninja_Grand

2013-10-01, 09:24 AM

Hahaha perfect. Im giggling in the middle of my study hall and everyone is staring. Giant don't do that to me any more!

But anyway good to see good humor after all.

illyahr

2013-10-01, 09:25 AM

I think this is the second time karma has worked in Belkar's favor. :smallbiggrin:

Lordchoculla

2013-10-01, 09:26 AM

The constant refrain of "Belkar is a about to die!" reminds me that the Blue Warrior needs food badly.

Retreat? In his moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances. And thus our Star Wars theme is complete

Thank you for the Grand Moff Tarkin quote. Very apt!

dric_dolphin

2013-10-01, 09:26 AM

First time I've laughed out loud at a comic in awhile. This was just simple and awesome.

Second that! This is so far my favorite strip! :smallbiggrin: I was missing Belkar's carnages! :smallredface:

wolfdreams01

2013-10-01, 09:27 AM

I too am betting Belkar's death is soon to come. His rapid character development seems to be trying to make sure his loss will be mourned, and riding the dino may well lead to him being killed due to the attention it will surely draw.

I don't think Belkar will die in this book. It would just be very anticlimactic for his death to come at the hands of a second-tier villain such as Tarquin. (Don't get me wrong, I like Tarquin a lot, but he is a second-stringer compared to Xykon and Redcloak.)

Also, from a tactical perspective, Belkar's only significant vulnerability now is magic, and both Tarquin's spellcasters have declined to participate in this little drama.

Finally, didn't Lord Shojo's blind oracle foresee Belkar saving Hinjo's life TWICE? (Remember when Shojo was consulting with her about whether the Mark of Justice had a possibility of reforming Belkar?) So far, it looks to me like Belkar only saved Hinjo once: from the poisoner, during the battle of Azure City. Was there a second occasion he saved Hinjo that I missed...?

I do agree that Belkar is most likely going to go down in a blaze of glorious destruction, though. That part seems almost inevitable.

Kaulguard

2013-10-01, 09:28 AM

Ha! The Allosaurus Whisperer, I love it!

CarpeGuitarrem

2013-10-01, 09:29 AM

Okay, that? That was amazing.

KillianHawkeye

2013-10-01, 09:29 AM

OMG, this is the best strip I have seen in a while! Made me laugh a lot. Animal empathy FTW!

:belkar: Flee! Flee before me, worms!!

Anne Calie

2013-10-01, 09:31 AM

WOW! This strip was so epic! Tarquin sucessfully made the Order look badass.
Also, I'm loving the art upgrade, with new angles and more perspective. It looks wonderful.

EDIT: That is going to be a new shirt, right?

Sime

2013-10-01, 09:31 AM

Somehow, the following scene is now stuck in my mind:

Tarquin gets pissed, wields some kind of throwing weapon (likely a spear) and, a-la Souther killing Shew (Hokuto no Ken), takes aim and then kills Belkar with a spectacular and precise hit from the distance. With big panels and everything.

Of course it's never going to happen but this is the sort of thing I'll regret if it comes true. It happened when I recognized Elan dressed as Locke (the strip before the flashback).

Grey Watcher

2013-10-01, 09:36 AM

Belkar making Wild Empathy checks? :smallconfused: Has the world gone mad? :smalltongue:

Well, he did recently develop the ability to track (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0834.html), so I think this sign of the End Times are right on schedule.

ericgrau

2013-10-01, 09:44 AM

Humanoid is a type, it doesn't just mean "human-shaped" in D&D. An aasimar's type is native outsider...so yes, Sunken Valley does owe the aasimar paladin an apology, whether the incident involved the paladin being dominated or the paladin's allosaur mount being dominated.
He owes him a deep apology in fact. Aasimar would be a lousy race were it not for all the creature type shenanigans you can pull... or at the very least minor immunities.

That's why I no longer think a lesser aasimar (LA 0, humanoid) is an obviously power-upped aasimar redo. It's more like a perfectly fair aasimar for players who aren't after the creature type. I mean a regular aasimar might as well carry a glowing sign that says "Party wizard, please polymorph me into an angel" (which doesn't work on non-outsiders). Or he can DIY with eldritch knight, etc.

multilis

2013-10-01, 09:45 AM

Not unless they also had a scroll of Restoration on hand. Cure (whatever) wounds doesn't restore level drain or ability damage.
It would still restore the other damage from explosion, etc, which is better than nothing. Being able to light cure self when hit, barkskin to boost defense, charm animal, resist energy, delay poison, entangle, etc could come in handy and knowing that a single cheap potion could add some of these in emergency is tactic failure of almost everyone else in OOTS. (Only Elan might be too dumb to not realise, every other member should have)

(I don't play DnD but easy to google search what is apparently possible)

Shatteredtower

2013-10-01, 09:46 AM

Belkar's battle-cry is ridiculously apt. After all, everyone knows that the proto-bird gets the worms.

And while people laud this as a moment in which Belkar stands out as a ranger, it should be noted that dinosaur riding is also considered something of a barbarian tradition.

Turin_19

2013-10-01, 09:48 AM

Funny thing to think that Nale was alive like, 9 strips ago...

Breccia

2013-10-01, 09:49 AM

And people say the Order isn't optimized. How much more optimized can you get than a ranger riding a freaking dinosaur death machine?

JoseB

2013-10-01, 09:49 AM

Very much Androcles and the lion...

If Androcles were a psychopathic halfling and the lion were an Allosaurus...

And the initial encounter had taken place at the arena and the second in the wilderness...

...

OK, not so much Androcles and the lion after all :smallbiggrin:

Tiiba

2013-10-01, 09:52 AM

So the soldiers are willing to try to kill the Order, futile though it is, because they have families. But the dinosaur triggers the primal terrors of prey facing down a predator...

It's sad, really. So much death. But the people whose names we know are, again, saved. Hooray Belkar!

Shred-Bot

2013-10-01, 09:55 AM

Down in the Abyss, there are demons praying to their Dark Lords:

"Please don't let Belkar die. We really don't to see what happens when he ends up here with US."

I believe this (http://www.nuklearpower.com/2004/02/28/episode-390-a-deal-with-the-devil/) (and the next few strips) (http://www.nuklearpower.com/2004/03/20/episode-397-portents/)is a reasonably close approximation of what would happen.

Balain

2013-10-01, 09:56 AM

WOW that was awesome to see first thing this morning at School. Great work Giant.

happycrow

2013-10-01, 09:56 AM

So he's got

Mister Scruffy
Big Guy

... all he needs now is a hot girlfriend and a baseball stadium with an 80s soundtrack playing in the background.

Shale

2013-10-01, 09:56 AM

It would still restore the other damage from explosion, etc, which is better than nothing. Being able to light cure self when hit, barkskin to boost defense, charm animal, resist energy, delay poison, entangle, etc could come in handy and knowing that a single cheap potion could add some of these in emergency is tactic failure of almost everyone else in OOTS. (Only Elan might be too dumb to not realise, every other member should have)

(I don't play DnD but easy to google search what is apparently possible)

One of the spells Elan must have cast in order to be out of healing is Mass Cure Light Wounds, which would have affected Belkar as well as Roy for no extra charge. And since Belkar has no visible "battle damage" aside from the bites, it would appear that he did in fact get healed.

Lordchoculla

2013-10-01, 10:01 AM

It figures that the only animal Belkar's empathy works on (housecats...castlecats? aside) is a multi ton death machine that eats people.

Excellent callback.

ROFLMAO ... I must say that I am totally enjoying these moments of comebacks. First the beautiful rise of V accompanied to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V92OBNsQgxU
and then Belkar to e.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFPwm0e_K98

A superb way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of OotS with a big bang!

Thank you yet again Mr.Giant.