OOTS #445 - The Discussion Thread

[The Giant]

New comic is up.

[Euphemism]

No fair on using Danny Boy. NO FAIR. *sniffle*

[niking]

brilliant! so emotional, and then Belkar! :-)

[Winged One]

Belkar's bit at the end was a nice touch.

[RVallant]

Lol funny ^_^ So Roy will get rezzed then ^_^

[Geilan]

Touching, and hilarious all at once, I love it.

[idioscosmos]

Belkar just keeps getting better and better lines lately, yanno?

[OOTS_Rules.]

I knew that Elan would sing a song in honor of Roy!

[KurenaiYami]

Beautiful.

Well done, Giant.

[Bobbis]

Is it wrong that I found O Danny Boy on my computer then listened to it while synching up the words?

[White Blade]

Thats where all the skill ranks went aye?

[GTRanger]

Oh wow, I apparently randomly read it right after it was posted. :O

At any rate, this is another make-me-login-and-comment comic. Belkar going stabbity on what's-his-face the goblin...all deadpan...

*tear of joy*

*edit* Oh, and who IS that goblin? Bluecloak = cleric?

[katana2665]

So it takes the death of Roy for Elan to find his voice? Bizarre.

[OmegaDonut]

What does T-P-K mean?

[slayerx]

Oh man, Brilliant!
Y'know, normally i'd be against a comical end to an emotional page, but in this case i don't mind as much since you don't really feel THAT emotional... i mean, it's emotional noen the less, but not AS emtional as it would have been if we could actually hear those lyrics done to music (kinda hard to try a sing it in my head... don't know the tune well enough)... seems like one of those moments that if it were done in a film, it would have me rather moved... "O Buddy Roy"... someone who knows how to sing and play guitar/piano should record that tune

I mean think about it, many of the hobgoblins and even BELKAR of all poeple was moved by Elan's song...

And it does seem that they are indeed planning a raise dead for Roy, no surprise there... though i wonder if anything will stop them?

[Quikngruvn]

[standing O]

And Belkar has a sensitive side. Who knew?

[Daze]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who got all misty... Danny Boy always does that to me... :smallfrown:

[GTRanger]

What does T-P-K mean?

Total Party Kill (had to wikipedia it :P).

[Xanthos]

Gotta love Belkar.

[Shatteredtower]

You, sir, are the master. That was beautiful on so many levels.

[Amiria]

A beautiful song. :smallamused:

And Belkar is helpful as ever. :smallbiggrin:

[Penny]

*sniff* That was just beautiful. And now I have "Danny Boy" in my head.

[Wanderer]

Elan's best performance yet, it seems.

[Mc. Lovin']

If only I knew how 'O danny boy went'...

[Poeir]

Amiria,

I'm not sure you realize the half of it. Belkar's being really helpful: By stopping the clerics from reaching the dead, he's preventing a second wave from getting a foothold. More importantly, he's stopping Roy from being brought back on the other side before Durkon can cast Raise Dead or equivalent.

[Woot Spitum]

As if we didn't already have enough reasons to like Belkar.

[Casinodwarf]

:belkar: "Got it out for you."

Bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha... weeze, snort, plunk.

What a touching tribute to :roy: by :belkar: It made perfect sense.

[Skjaldbakka]

*applause*

That was the most awesomist tear-jerkingist strip ever. I don't think a comic strip has ever made me depressed before.

*applause*

[Holy_Knight]

Hey, that was really nice. Good (well, "parody" seems the wrong word, but I guess that's it) of Danny Boy, Giant. I liked how everyone on both sides stopped to listen. :smallsmile:

[Norenche]

Just wonderful strip.

And Belkar had an awesome punch line also.

[Khantalas]

If only I knew how 'O danny boy went'...

You mean you don't have it in your playlist?

Tsk tsk.

[tonberryking]

...This was so touching and stabbingly cute. ;_;

[Teiran]

Indeed... you have brought forth sorrow over Roy with such a deep and spiritual song. (Though if you just speak the words you can't help but laugh) and even Belkar's twisted soul felt it.

Though, he's still Belkar.

[Eldpollard]

Ha, that was excellent. Sheer genius as always. Although Danny boy will not leave my head now of course.

[Imrahil]

That was simply a beautiful touch, and I had to sing along with it. Tis truly one of the best songs of rememberance ever to have existed.

[Namron7]

If only I knew how 'O danny boy went'...

Indeed. I also am unaware of the tune to 'O danny boy.'

[riffin]

*edit* Oh, and who IS that goblin? Bluecloak = cleric?

Amazingly, i think so, but Redcloak is a cleric as well.
*edit* O danny boy, great touch. Belkar, way to kill a moment.

[Rapida]

lol that was great. I loved the line about the TPK. So now everyone is going to get mad circumstance bonus to attacks for that beautiful bard song. Belkar was also hilarious as always.

[Insert Name Here]

Wow. Quite touching. Sad, and in :elan: 's style. I went and looked the song up so I could match it with Elan's song.
Edit: For those who don't have the song (I don't), here's a link to a video of it. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5023352520102531741

[SPoD]

*edit* Oh, and who IS that goblin? Bluecloak = cleric?

All of the unnamed low-level hobgoblin clerics wear blue cloaks, just like most of the goblin clerics in the dungeon wore grey cloaks. It's the "I'm not important enough to get my own color" color.

[cheese534]

what is there to say? it was awesome. And second,um is "new comic is up" all you can type? :smallconfused:

[Talya]

Oh god.

I never comment in these threads, normally, but damn.

That was one of the best ever.

Thanks, Giant.

[Gaelbert]

Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

[sun_tzu]

It would appear that his grief has driven Elan to new heights of artistic accomplishment. Beautiful strip.
As for the tune of Danny Boy, YouTube is your friend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVhn_-5GkWs).

[thecommodore6]

Is it wrong that I found O Danny Boy on my computer then listened to it while synching up the words?

No, once I read the asterisk that it was to the tune of Danny Boy I started it over and sang it a capella myself.

Then I recorded it in GarageBand.

[lord_khaine]

must say its pretty amazing how long belkar has apperently survived outside the wall, in his little corpsecastle.

[Nogard]

I concur with Belkar.

[WalkingTarget]

I've just gotta say that "SPLORTCH!" will probably remain the default eye-stabbing sound effect in my mind for a while (like "BAMF" for teleporting, even though "PLOT" was pretty good).

[Behold_the_Void]

Very nice, well done!

[Grungydan]

Absolutely fabulous!! Writing that to fit Danny Boy is a master stroke. I also love the Belkar-man in his awesomeness. (Due to my love of Danny Boy, I knew the tune to sing along with long before I realized that a hint was provided. :D)

/can't wait to hear what Roy has to say, and am seriously hoping that we're not being set up for a worse fall

[Mordokai]

Touching. And funny at the same time.

I enyojed this strip. Also, I believe it was the first strip I actualy read right after midnight. Maybe I should wait more often for it.

[Wikkin]

Cute, but I think it's time for another Intermission. Where's the concession stand gang?

[SKarious]

Beautiful, beautiful.
I'm misting up already.
and Belkar was great, but I was too sad to laugh.:smallfrown:
Win this battle, guys.

[5tephen]

Totally, utterly, brilliant Giant.

(I heard the tune even before I read the panel note, too. You did it that well.)

For those of you looking for the tune, (apart from those of you who have seen that someone found a version on youtube) its proper title is "Londonderry Air." But that doesn't fit so well in a comic panel, and most people know it by the first lyrics.

[Vhaidara]

* sniff * It was brilliant! Belkar can never claim Elan is useless again. Dashing Swordsmen must be a pretty high skill point class. And as usual, Belkar found the only way of making a seemingly perfect strip even better.

[Studoku]

Wow, that song was brilliant. Perhaps even better than the Roy poem in my sig.

[Drekhan]

A version of danny boy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaPFCvzzcFM

[WingedCheetah]

*sigh* There will always be a special place in my heart for bards ... I long to play one again ... :-)

And way to rock it, Belkar! :-)

[Aimbot]

Someone with a decent singing voice should totally put that rendition on Youtube. My voice is too deep.

[Crolack]

Best. Song Parady. Evar.

TPK! TPK! TPK!

[Magus]

I love you Giant, and I want to have your babies.

[Paramajic]

That :belkar: always ready to lend a dagger and help out.

[elliott20]

*sniff* I promised myself I wouldn't cry.... *sniff*

btw, was this the first time Elan succeeded a bardic music check?

[mikeejimbo]

That was beautiful.

I think I have something in my eye.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Wow, the 'Ode to Roy' thread was failed to attempt that one. Though the remake of 'American Pie' was particularly potent, in my opinion.

This might be Elan's first decent song. It actually stopped Belkar's killing spree, temporarily.

[chrono]

*sniff* I promised myself I wouldn't cry.... *sniff*

btw, was this the first time Elan succeeded a bardic music check?

It's the first time he crossed the "halfway useful" line. And Belkar pwns as usual.

[Amotis]

If only I knew how 'O danny boy went'...

'Tis a beautiful ballad.

Take one! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJp0XwWpTqA)

Take two! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCbuRA_D3KU)

[lunar]

For those of you (like me) that aren't that familiar with Danny Boy (except Chumbawamba) I found this:

http://www.thebards.net/music/lyrics/Danny_Boy.shtml

It includes some decent singing. In fact as soon as I got to that point in the comic I stopped so that I could read Elan's lyrics while listening. It made the comic quite poignant.

But then Belkar comes along... LOL! See even if you hate him, you gotta admit, we need him. Elsewise, we would all be crying about a STICK figure comic. That would increase our nerd XP by 1,000.

That link is helpful. Perhaps I'll give it it's own thread.

[Morty]

Meh. That's all I got to say. Though Belkar is as awesome as usual.

[lunatic113]

*cries* T'was beatiful... :smallfrown:

:roy: better kill :xykon:'s butt...

[Martok]

Beautiful, Rich. Both sweet/sad (because of Elan's song) and hillarious (Belkar's deadpan was great)!

[Setra]

I liked it

Yet am incredibly surprised by Belkar's reaction.

[Baalzebub]

:elan: is CG!!

Oh but :belkar: totally ruled.

[Liliedhe]

Thanks for all the links to the song, it's beautiful...

Poor Elan... But at least they will attempt raising Roy and didn't spontaneously forget that possibility :smallsmile: - it's still hard enough on anyone anyway.

[Quercus_Arbor]

Indeed. I also am unaware of the tune to 'O danny boy.'

OK. For those of you who don't know the name, here is the tune:
of Danny Boy (http://www.ireland-information.com/downloads/midi/dannyboy.mid)


(http://www.ireland-information.com/downloads/midi/dannyboy.mid)

[RMS Oceanic]

Let's chart up the awesome list:

Roy: Taking on a Lich single-handedly, making a courageous stand.
Haley: Figuring out the shell game.
Vaarsuvius: Dismissing the Titanium Elementals, Making Giant Soldiers
Belkar: Being a Sexy Shoeless God of War.
Elan: Singing a beautiful song, the tune of which refers to a Northern Ireland city in its (proper) name.

Looks like it's Durkon's turn to do something awesome and character-defining before the battle is out. I knew he never forgot he could raise dead, but I'm glad the Giant spelled it out.

And Belkar remains on top form, multitasking being moved by a beautiful song and stabbing an enemy spellcaster. Great comic!

[Particle_Man]

Can Belkar *get* any cooler? I love that guy! :smallsmile::smallsmile::smallsmile:

[kreszantas]

Durkon has done something special

weather control weather control weather control

[Arian]

Nicely filked. :smallsmile:

And I'm another who recognised the tune from reading the first line, and sang it all through. :smallbiggrin:


(Although I have to confess that my usual name for that tune is "The London Bum" - London Derrière, you know [duck] :smallwink: )

[Zeb The Troll]

Wow. That was beautiful. I actually sat here and sang that out loud.

And Belkar rocks as usual. :smallcool:

[RMS Oceanic]

Durkon has done something special


I meant during the Battle of Azure City. All the characters have done cool stuff before the battle, but Durkon has yet to really steal a strip of this battle as his own, and I hope he does.

[Agalyon]

Well this answers the question as to 'Will Elan still sing?'. That was a Beautiful strip giant.

[Darkxarth]

:smallfrown: *sniff*:smallfrown:

That was beautiful...

I- I've got something in my eye. No, no, really, I don't need any help getting it out.:smalleek:

[Elven Paladin]

Amazing. Simply amazing.

[Alycat]

I cried. *sniffle*

Beautiful, Giant.

[Rift_Wolf]

Finally gets some mileage out of those perform ranks (Even if he had them in Lute and not singing, if we're gonna get character sheet anal). Way to inspire heroics!
Also Belkar gets the punchline again. Who would've thought singing Danny Boy could render a goblin helpless to an eye-poke coup de grace?

[JackShandy]

O danny boy, great touch. Belkar, way to kill a moment.

I think Roy would have wanted it that way. Besides, Belkar was still in the moment, he didn't even look away from Elan as he stabbed the guy.

[jindra34]

Belkar apparently took lower emotional output as a feat... or is that a trait?

[BluesScale]

That was spooky - before I read the bit about what tune to use, I was already singing the words to the tune of Danny Boy.

A masterful comic. Thank you, Rich

Blues

[Hinton]

Well done, Giant. A very touching tribute to Roy and a nice touch with Belkar at the end.

[Lòkki Gallansbayne]

Damnit, that has got to be one of the best OotS strips ever. The song parody was great (I'm not terribly familiar with the song it's based, but it wasn't had to put the words to a tune) and Belkar's line at the end was amazing. I burst out laughing so hard. :smallbiggrin:

[JetTheOne]

Durkon has done something special

weather control weather control weather control


It's actually "control weather"...

Anyways, I do feel bad for Elan though, he lost his pseudo big brother and he realizes that he won't see Roy in the afterlife, which makes the song all the more touching...

I like how Argent (Hinjo's wolf) stops in mid hobbo munch to pay attention.

Also, Belkar shows he really is somewhat capable of compassion or some related emotion, all without V's crushing despair... this is an awesome strip on many levels... I bet Roy is crying in the afterlife, realizing that he did mean so much to Elan, despite Elan's childish antics.

[tmacdevitt]

Giant,

You have given me an unknown birthday gift by posting your strip early. Thank you sir! Have a great weekend.

[Duffren]

*sniff*

Farewell Roy. May your death be short, and ressurection swift.

[JackShandy]

* sniff * It was brilliant! Belkar can never claim Elan is useless again. Dashing Swordsmen must be a pretty high skill point class. And as usual, Belkar found the only way of making a seemingly perfect strip even better.

I don't think it's that he suddenly got a lot better -- after all, he flubbed the pre-battle inspirational speech pretty badly. I think it's that he really cares about Roy, and got one heck of a circumstance bonus because of it.

[Suraht]

Giant, you have not ceased to impress me yet. Bravo.

Having even Argent take a second out of combat to look back at Elan was priceless.

[Fingolfin]

Oh common Giant :smallsmile: This one goes to one of my favorite list indeed. Oh buddy Roy.. tralallla, *snap*, too good, just too good. Well done.:smallwink:

[Matuse]

One death is sad, but six deaths is a TPK...so true, so true.

Plus, good clerical insight from Durkon about how dead people don't get deader when you wait for a day. But:
It's not impossible for him to get deader if Redcloak uses his body to cast some form of create undead...undead don't really go for being raised

However, what's with all of these people who don't know Danny Boy? I picked it up reading the first line, before I saw the little explanation box.

[Icewalker]

Aaawwwww, that's touching.

Nice.

[brionl]

Best song Evar.

And a good Belkar moment too.

[Solara]

I meant during the Battle of Azure City. All the characters have done cool stuff before the battle, but Durkon has yet to really steal a strip of this battle as his own, and I hope he does.

I was thinking about that too. Hopefully the reason he's being saved for last is because he's getting a really cool scene that'll take a few strips. Maybe against the huecuva? Though on the other hand I'm almost hoping he doesn't get that cool scene, because after what happened to Roy I know the Giant isn't pulling any punches and it might also be Durkon's turn to fulfill the 'posthumous' part of the oracle's prophecy. Now, I'm sure Hinjo would see that they were both raised, but that of course requires Azure City to win...

[Jaguira]

I'm not sure on the "rules" of the after-life planes... Would Elan really not be able to see Roy? I mean, they're both good, I don't see why the LG plane would mind so long as Elan followed the rules while he was there.

Anyways, I loved the strip. Deffinately one of the best I've read.

[The_Wiz_Kid]

If ever there was a strip that defiened Belkar's and Elan's characters, this is it. This could've been the first strip I'd ever seen and it would tell me everything I needed to know about these two characters. I loved it! Great job Rich.

[jindra34]

I'm not sure on the "rules" of the after-life planes... Would Elan really not be able to see Roy? I mean, they're both good, I don't see why the LG plane would mind so long as Elan followed the rules while he was there.

He would have to fill out like 100 sheets of paper work and be under observation but yeah...

[Malhavok]

SWEET !
Great song then a great punchline to end it.

[Hushdawg]

Wow... Just... Wow...


Elan had to suffer true loss in order for the real bard to come out.

Great... now he'll be the EMO bard...

*sigh*

should I slit my wrists now or later?

[xyzchyx]

Is it just me, or are these comics starting to get depressing?

[Fitzwalrus]

445 strips, and Giant finally gets me to register!:smallbiggrin:

Absolutely brilliant strip: funny, sad, and answers at least some of the questions that have been driving people to distraction since Monday.

Well done Rich!! :smallcool:

[Simons Mith]

I was laughing before I even saw the comic. Saw the title, 'A Song for the Departed.' "Ah," I thought, "that's nice." *Beat* "Oh, God, that means Elan's going to sing."

Oh and that's the most beaten-up I've ever seen Vaarsuvius.

Also touching to see Belkar at the end. He's just a big softy really, isn't he? :-)

[Sinsie]

T-P-K = Team Players Killed?

[Ailurus]

Even Hinjo's Wolf stopped to listen, very nice touch.

[jindra34]

T-P-K = Team Players Killed?

Total Party Killed

[Balathustrius]

Belkar is just beyond cool.

Great strip. Though it occurs to me that it might be unwise to alert the enemy to the death of your most powerful warrior...

[Carolyn]

Belkar, you magnificent bastard. Thank you.

I think Elan's song actually brought a tear to my eye. :smallfrown: I love Elan, he's so innocent.

[TigerHunter]

The way this follows the format of the latest Erfworld almost exactly... shocking.
This is, I can honestly say, the best strip to date. The song made it awesome, and the punchline made me laugh harder than any other strip.
Rich, you rock.

[geez3r]

Sheer awesome.

[SandroTheMaster]

Nice Requiem... in the given context...

:belkar: Got it out for you.

[Velazquez]

Oh,boy.That was indeed god.:)

[daydreamer]

Wonderful, this comic keeps surprising me with new found depth.

[Priceless_Ming]

And here I thought he peaked with Shoeless God of War.

Singularly the Greatest Installment yet, and the greatest chapter ever.

And infuriatingly so because I can never tell if Belkar or Roy is my favorite.

Drama, tears, belly-laughs, it's almost more than a man can bear.

Bravo Mr. Burlew.

I'll go and wipe my nose now.

Dizzam, he makes it look easy.

[Nightfall]

OMG, that's got to be the funniest yet, Giant! What a hoot! Elan's really out-done himself.

[Caractacus]

Excellent! I am almost giddy with lack of sleep, but when I finally decided to go to bed I thought "I'll just quickly check to see if..."

And it was!

Excellent.

Now it's twenty past two in the morning, so I'm off to bed...

(As noted several times above - nice idea to make Argent look round, too):smallcool:

[Fred Fumblrol]

I'm Irish.
I sang it at my Fathers wake.
Thanks Rich. Mean it.


Tis done. Back to the jocularity.

[The Extinguisher]

Aww, how sad.

[Lycar]

*sniff* this is just beautiful...

:elan: Go Elan ! :elan:

If you can even make a raging celestial dire wolf pause at dimembering evil humanoids, then you truly are a bard !


Lycar

[Alysar]

As soon as I got to the fourth panel I had to stop and google for a midi file of O Danny Boy so I could listen to it as I was reading the words.

*sniff*

[dragon95046]

For those who just want the tune so you don't have to overlay the existing singer with your own imagination, here (http://www.ireland-information.com/downloads/midi/dannyboy.mid) is a midi version of it.

If you heard me singing Elan's lyrics to this song, you'd be crying, too...or at least think it's time to put the cat out.

[BDO]

Stop posting so fast, can`t follow all of your sayings...

Anyway, great job, Giant. 'Specially the Belkar line. Now, I'm turning up the volume and start annoying my neighbors. (It's 1:30 in the morning over here...)

After that, sleep. Have to rest for more comics....

[Sammi_Somara]

Wow. This is the first time I've ever cried while reading OotS. Good job, man. Good job. *snif* So beautiful.

[drewnchick]

Perhaps this has been mentioned already -- I didn't read all 12,000 posts up to this point -- but The Giant in the Playground website has reached a momentous peak in webcomic history. Today, OOTS does "Danny Boy" and Erfworld quotes Shakespeare. Mark your calendars, webcomic fans. It doesn't get any better than this!! :)

[Crimsonfur]

What does T-P-K mean?

TPK means Total Player Kill, its a nasty thing us DMs do to keep from boredom, TPK means usually that everyone is either -10 or close to that area. Hope that helped ^^

[the_tick_rules]

For a second i thought that was redcloak belkar killed. then i realized his cloak was blue. i wish i coulda remembered more of the tune of danny boy, woulda helped me get more in the moment.

[Alysar]

I hope I get to meet Rich face to face some day, like in a comic conn or something, so I can look him square in the eye and tell him what a master storyteller he is.

[jindra34]

I hope I get to meet Rich face to face some day, like in a comic conn or something, so I can look him square in the eye and tell him what a master storyteller he is.

I believe master storyteller is an understatement...

[Alysar]

For a second i thought that was redcloak belkar killed. then i realized his cloak was blue. i wish i coulda remembered more of the tune of danny boy, woulda helped me get more in the moment.

This was posted further up the page

http://www.ireland-information.com/downloads/midi/dannyboy.mid

[Aotrs Commander]

Masterful Rich, masterful. Both poignant and really funny. All good comedies need a bit of Shakespearian tragedy.

Myself, I have to count that as one of the very few scenes that affect me emotionally - and as freakin' Lich that takes some doing! Elan's dirge ranks with vaunted company as Spock's funeral and the final parting of the Fellowship at the Grey Havens.

I salute you, sir.

[NeonRonin]

Aww... that's just what I'd hoped to see from Elan. Used Inspire Courage and commemorated Roy in probably his best song to date; that was real sweet.

And, as has been mentioned many a time, cap it off with a little Belkar stabbity action.
:hobgoblin: 'I think there's something in my eye...'

STAB!

:belkar: Got it out for you.

Thanks, Rich.

[uncle_beastly]

Ohh -- "Danny Boy" rocks. (I maybe biased - I'm half Irish.) It's such a good lament. And Belkar @ the end? How would he react to a tempting target within a dagger's thrust? :biggrin:

[Pholiant]

I just registered to say that this was the best one yet. Love Belkar, love Elan, and after this one I still can't choose my favourite among them, because they both moved me today. They both showed that a little bit of salvation can come from unexpected corners when the need arises.

[VariaVespasa]

Lol funny ^_^ So Roy will get rezzed then ^_^

He will get ressed. If they win. If the body is still there at the end of the battle. If its still in sufficient condition for them to afford the required components for the needed spell (the worse the condition the more expensive the spell thats required to fix it). If the required components are available (large battle, lots of casualties, may be high demand for diamond dust, and thats assuming something bad hasnt happened to the supply during the battle). And if he wants to come back in the first place. Although that last is likely since he made a promise.

[i.jason]

Awesome.

And I guess I can brag about picking up the tune immediately from the lyrics as well.

[Alysar]

I believe master storyteller is an understatement...

A good storyteller can make you laugh or cry. Only the true masters can make you do both at the same time.

[Blood]

I could totally see the movie-like transition during a huge fight where it shows a bunch of main characters surrounded by enemies, with Elan's voice in the background. Awesome!

[DeathQuaker]

I had to sing along with it while I read. I lost the meter on the last verse, but who cares... it was awesome.

And the ending was even better.

[Dabble]

It's been said before, and it will be said again.

Loved the strip, Elan should totally use something like You Killed Roy!as a tagline, so no more puns needed.

"O Buddy Roy" was a very nice tribute to Roy, I think even he might have liked it.

And of course, Belkar helpful as always :-)

[Krimm_Blackleaf]

That actually got a tear out of me. That's never happened.

[Nanaki]

You know, I had never heard "Oh Danny Boy" before reading the strip, and thought it was a nice strip. Then I found the link to the song on one of the pages and read it again while listening to it.

Damn.

Giant, that was a masterpiece. Kudos to ya.

[Gorm_the_DBA]

I don't think it's that he suddenly got a lot better -- after all, he flubbed the pre-battle inspirational speech pretty badly. I think it's that he really cares about Roy, and got one heck of a circumstance bonus because of it.

I'm sure the Natural 20 on the roll helped.

Let's see...DC 30, CHA of 18, +5 Situational Modifier, 4 or 5 ranks in perform...yeah, he rolled a natural crit.

(Or the Giant has one of those house rules 'Roll a 20 and it's a crit, roll *2* consecutive 20's and it's an ubercrit, roll *3* and you can use control weather to obliterate a bunch of trees...roll *4* and I'm confiscating your dice)

[warmachine]

Not only can Elan jam with an accordian player (lute and accordian together is even possible?), his singing gets the attention of people fighting for their lives. Now, that's musical talent!

[Bilbo27]

When the Bard needs to get er done, He does it by rolling a natural 20! Way to go Elan.

[Tach13]

Loved the TPK line in the song, had me laugh so loud my wife thought I was laughing at what happened on the TV.
And the ending? Absolute perfection, just what I'd expect from our favorite little psychopath.
Absolutely fantastic work from the master of webcomics.

[Laesin]

As a folkie myself I have to lodge a complaint. There is no such tune as 'Danny Boy', the song is sung to the tune of 'Londonderry Air'

Right, now that I'm safe from my fellow folkies, bravo giant that was beautiful. Can we please have an encore?

[PsyBlade]

Masterful work as always Giant.

Oh, I knew Danny Boy, but I don't know Danny Boy, if you catch my drift. Thankfully, there are plenty of posts to links to the song, hehe.

[The Glitter Ninja]

In our gaming sessions, when bards started singing songs that hadn't been written yet (like "Danny Boy") we usually created special prizes for them. "Special" as in "oops your healing potion turned into a bottle of marbles". I would have made an exception for Elan's song, though.

[Obsidian Blade]

My choir sings "Danny Boy" at every occasion we can. Now I'm never going to be able to sing it with a straight face again.
...wow. Belkar actually said something nice.

[Tobrian]

Reaction #1: Whoa, so this is what a bardic Fascinate effect on a whole battlefield looks like!
Reaction #2: Go, Belkar, go!

Reaction #3: Wait... isn't "Danny Boy" a love song, sort of? :smallconfused: (Not that I complain... the lyrics are very fitting, and hey Elan is the kind of guy who loves the whole wide world and its fluffy kittens.)


It would appear that his grief has driven Elan to new heights of artistic accomplishment. Beautiful strip.
As for the tune of Danny Boy, YouTube is your friend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVhn_-5GkWs).

As I picture Elan as more of a light tenor than a bariton, I found this version (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jgma--0WYU&mode=related&search=) on YouTube.

I must admit I fired up my playlist and looked for other Irish rebel songs... I got stuck on "The Bold Fenian Men" (http://sniff.numachi.com/pages/tiGLNSFEN;ttGLNSFEN.html) :smallsmile:


(...)
'Tis fifty long years since I saw the moon beaming
On strong manly forms and their eyes with hope gleaming
I see them again, sure, in all my daydreaming
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men.

When I was a young girl, their marching and drilling
Awoke in the glenside sounds awesome and thrilling
They loved poor old Ireland and to die they were willing
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men.

Some died on the glenside, some died near a stranger
And wise men have told us that their cause was a failure
They fought for old Ireland and they never feared danger
Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men
(...)

Let's hope that after this siege is over we won't have to sing "The Minstrel Boy" (http://ogallchobhair.org/minstrelboy.htm) for Elan. :smalleek:

The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him

[Xi-1]

Perfect. Elan shows his Bardic roots once more, and everyone pauses to listen, although V was in mid-cast and a hobbo was cutting down a paladin. Then Belkar's version of a coup de grace for humour. Absolute perfection.

[Shadic]

Listening to a Midi of that song while Elan was singing it REALLY made that comic work.

Glad to know that they plan to raise Roy, let's hope that they win!

[1337_master]

So tell me...Does he get XP for killing that moment?

[Alysar]

Let's hope that after this siege is over we won't have to sing "The Minstrel Boy" (http://ogallchobhair.org/minstrelboy.htm) for Elan. :smalleek:


The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him

Am I the only one who can't look at that without thinking of Chief O'Brien?

[warmachine]

Elan might just save the day! As the maths suggests an even battle, the poor morale of Azure City means they'll probably lose. However, a foreigner giving his all to take on the powerful lich and Elan's musical talent should restore the Azure morale. It's about time Elan played to his strengths.

Also, if Xykon is dumb enough to land in the throne room and get zapped by lots of Lay on Hands, a lich body paraded in the streets should clinch victory. Xykon will come back, of course, but most of the battle will already be over.

[jindra34]

So tell me...Does he get XP for killing that moment?


If belkar got Xp every time he killed a moment he would be epic by now... so no...

[Yahzi]

New comic is up.
It was worth reading that whole silly bard song just for this:

"But six spells T-P-K"

:smallbiggrin::smallbiggrin::smallbiggrin:

[Enlong]

Wow, so beautiful.

Anyone think it funny that Belkar stabbed the guy in the eye? If he didn't have something before, he does now.

[nerdman3000]

Beautiful:smallfrown:
Perfect:smallfrown:

[malakim2099]

You mean you don't have it in your playlist?

Tsk tsk.

I'm not going to review the whole thread to see if this has been referenced yet...


But the Johnny Cash rendition of Danny Boy is awesome. So now I have The Man In Black singing Ode To Roy. :smallcool:

[Midnight Lurker]

Nicely filked. :smallsmile:

And I'm another who recognised the tune from reading the first line, and sang it all through. :smallbiggrin:


(Although I have to confess that my usual name for that tune is "The London Bum" - London Derrière, you know [duck] :smallwink: )

I like to think of it as "The Tanu Song."

[Roderick_BR]

That was awesome. And was that Redcloak?! Damn, score for Belkar!

[dpm]

Every single panel is my favorite bit. However, my most favorite is that Elan still has to be reminded what to do, even at the moment of his greatest triumph.

This is so very much like certain players I've known, who would constantly ask "what should I do now?". "Can I borrow a sword?" at the beginning of a battle (which we had days to plan for) is another classic.

ok
dpm

[MReav]

How many rounds did Elan sing that song?

And I'm betting that that was Inspire Courage, since it can affect more people.

By the way, Elan now gets props for his improv song making abilities.

[Dunstan]

Registered only to say that this is one of the best.
And, wow, that's saying a lot.

[king korath]

good comic. Belkar showed an emotion other than anger. Then he stabbed a hobgoblin in the eye. Go Belkar.

[Admiral W.]

Words alone fail to say how beautiful that was. The wonderful matching of Danny Boy to DnD vocab in an ode to Roy, the rendition of the paused characters (on both sides), the classic Belkar ending... beautiful.

The Giant has once again shown what a truly talented artist he is.

"One death sucks, but six spells T-P-K" priceless.

[Platinum_Mongoose]

I would like to start a committee to name this the best strip to date, unless someone beat me to it, 'cause I'm too lazy to read through the six pages of posts here.

[Bork The Fallen]

whoa...

beautiful...
just beautiful...

then

:belkar: !!!

You, giant, are a genious. I've never seen such a heavy drama followed by such a heavy laugh, without tearing it apart!!!

I'm officially addicted now

[Megalomaniac2]

Wow. I think this is the very first time Belkar has ever been touched by something non-violence related. Awesome comic.

[MReav]

Does anyone else think Belkar plucked out the wrong eye? The Hobbo was wiping something from his left eye, but Belkar plucked out the right.

Ah well, what can you expect from someone conducting impromptu eye surgery without looking?

[lemmor]

I could also be great win Amazing Grace or Auld Lang Syne... with sccotish bagpipes...

[Paperfury]

Belkar's last few panels were completely histerical.

[TroyXavier]

Great comic and I loved Belkar's reaction.

[dragon95046]

Even while reading it for the fifth time with the accompanying music, it still gave me goosebumps.

[enigma]

That was the best ending of any comic. You are a genius Giant. When are you coming to Seattle so I can shake your hand?

Enigma

[Shott]

Simply beautiful.

[cavalier973]

Oh and that's the most beaten-up I've ever seen Vaarsuvius.

)

Is...Is that a 4 on V's cheek?

[Simons Mith]

My choir sings "Danny Boy" at every occasion we can. Now I'm never going to be able to sing it with a straight face again.

Heh, there's a Jeeves and Wooster story about some hapless audience getting it about six times in the same performance.

But I'm most reminded of the crew of I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue singing it as a race. That is to say, whichever team sung it fastest won. But of course they still had to sing it sensitively. I think the winning time was twenty past eight.

[Alysar]

Is...Is that a 4 on V's cheek?

It's one of those # marks used to signify someone getting scuffed up.

[HomerHT]

I'm tossing in my vote for best comic yet.

[dekai]

You know, at first I was not that crushed about Roy's death, but after that...

Great! Now I have to redo my eyeliner before I go out.
*Starts crying....again*

[Malik]

Great comic Giant it was brilliant, an emotional osng and then, stab, ROTLMHO.:smallbiggrin::smallbiggrin::smallbiggrin: :smallbiggrin::smallbiggrin::smallbiggrin::smallbi ggrin:

Edit: And see Belkar does have a soul for all those people out there who dont reckon he does his reaction proves it, even though it is a little twisted.

[Behold_the_Void]

That was the best ending of any comic. You are a genius Giant. When are you coming to Seattle so I can shake your hand?

Enigma

I agree. I keep hoping someday you'll show up at Sakura Con or PAX so I can personally tell you how awesome you are.

[Mad Scientist]

That was *sniff* beautiful. So sweet that Elan sang his best song just for Roy. And then I laughed when Belkar stabbed the crying hobgoblin. I never thought a comic could be so emotional.

[Bel_Bel]

Beautiful.

Well done, Giant.

I couldn't have said it better myself. <='-)

[Taee]

So sad now.:xykon: :roy:

[JoshuaZ]

Two thoughts:

First, is there someone who has a good voice who can maybe sing this song for us? I could definitely see it as a youtube video using previous pictures of Roy.

Second, this does raise an issue I've had for a while with dramatic death in D&D: If ressurections are somewhat easy, then why is sudden death that emotional? The best explanation I can think of is that almost everyone is of low level where it isnt easy so the general culture is that death is a sad, sad thing.

[cucchulainnn]

WOW just WOW.

I cried, I laughed, two thumbs up. :smallbiggrin: :smallbiggrin:

Elan you multi talented hobgoblin killing dog :smallcool:

I realize the in DnD bards aren’t much but during the iron age and dark ages heck even into the medieval period bards where very important. In fact if you where a powerful lord it was almost a must. They filled many roles tribe historian, moral officer, propaganda spreader, and most of all too inspire the warriors before and during battles. When officials of other powerful clans or tribes came to parlay with your the meeting would start with a bard singing tales of valor and battle prowess from your clans history. This was done to let the new comers know to be careful because they are in the presences of warriors.

I read some where that a large part of William the Conquer army was Breton and joined up believing that they where retaking the lost lands from the Saxons. At Hastings several bards sung songs King Arthur and Badon hill which raised the moral of Normans helping them win the battle. You can see the bards on the Beaux tapestry. I’m willing to bet there where bards present at the battles of Alesia and Battle of Clontarf, where Vercingetorix lost Caesar and Brian Boru defeated the Vikings. Heck almost ever culture had bards of some sort.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDaB-NNyM8o

While that is only a representation of the tapestry it is pretty cool.

With out bards we would not know the names of Cuchulain, Finn and Fiana, Beowulf, Sigurd, Odysseus, Achilles, Jason, Sir Gawain, king Arthur, Sir Percival and too many to list. Most of the heroes through out history have done what they have intentionally to get bards to write songs about them. For instance when cuchulain was still a boy one day a prophecy was made that “Who ever took up their weapons this day, would live a very short life but his name would live forever”. Even thoe cuchulain was to young to do it he demanded to become a warrior that. History and mythology can be really great stuff. I’m such a nerd.

Of course Elan can’t hang with Roy in the after life cause Roy is currently in Valhalla waiting for a resurrection or Ragnorok, which ever comes first, at the side of Thor and Odin, fighting during the day and drinking and wenching at night. If the snarl gets out ragnorok it is.

So in conclusion I would like to offer a harty grats to Elan for being a bard.

Hey Rich, I too live in Queens and I would like to shack you hand and take you out for a drink. The only other comic that ever got an emotional response was dark knight returns in the 80’s as they where coming out. WOW RICH WOW, you are defiantly one of my favorite authors. You sir have talent.

[cavalier973]

Here's another version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCbuRA_D3KU&mode=related&search=

[Mr. Mud]

This has got to be top 5 or 10 at the most brilliantly done... 'O Danny boy'...

[cavalier973]

It's one of those # marks used to signify someone getting scuffed up.

Look at both cheeks, V's right cheek has a tiny mark on it that could be a "#", and the left cheek has a lightning bolt scar that could be construed as a "4". Now, look at Belkar's cheek and chin. There's the number sign on his cheek, and what looks like a "3" on his chin. Go back and look at dead Roy. . . I thought people were just being paranoid, but now I'm starting to get spooked.

[InsertNameHere]

Heh... groundy-ground.

[jindra34]

Look at both cheeks, V's right cheek has a tiny mark on it that could be a "#", and the left cheek has a lightning bolt scar that could be construed as a "4". Now, look at Belkar's cheek and chin. There's the number sign on his cheek, and what looks like a "3" on his chin. Go back and look at dead Roy. . . I thought people were just being paranoid, but now I'm starting to get spooked.

who's number 2

[timbot]

*Sniff* *Laugh* *Applaud*

[ref]

Excuse my ignorance, but what's Danny Boy?

[timbot]

BTW, the various "#" signs are normal for Rich's drawing of fights. However, the three and four are a bit mysterious.

[Abacab]

Excuse my ignorance, but what's Danny Boy?

It's a song...I don't know who it was by, but I think it was by Elvis...



Look at both cheeks, V's right cheek has a tiny mark on it that could be a "#", and the left cheek has a lightning bolt scar that could be construed as a "4". Now, look at Belkar's cheek and chin. There's the number sign on his cheek, and what looks like a "3" on his chin. Go back and look at dead Roy. . . I thought people were just being paranoid, but now I'm starting to get spooked.

That's so weird and creepy...

[Alysar]

Look at both cheeks, V's right cheek has a tiny mark on it that could be a "#", and the left cheek has a lightning bolt scar that could be construed as a "4". Now, look at Belkar's cheek and chin. There's the number sign on his cheek, and what looks like a "3" on his chin. Go back and look at dead Roy. . . I thought people were just being paranoid, but now I'm starting to get spooked.

Umm... I'm not seeing it. You think you might be reading too much into it?

[Abacab]

Do you see Roy's shirt?

If you turn the scars about 180 degrees...

[Alysar]

Excuse my ignorance, but what's Danny Boy?


It's a song...I don't know who it was by, but I think it was by Elvis...

http://www.standingstones.com/dannyboy.html

[garylian]

Great comic, Giant. A definite top 10 moment in this strip for me.

[Alysar]

Do you see Roy's shirt?

If you turn the scars about 180 degrees...

#1?

I still think they're just random lines and you're reading too much into it. # is a very common thing to put on a cartoon character who's been beaten up.

[timbot]

After listening to it with "Danny Boy" playing in the background, I must admit, I shed a tear or two, it was so emotional. I have never cried, laughed, and been so interested in any other comic in the world.

[Wolfie_1066]

The song was great but belkar and the hobgoblin was the icing on the cake

[Jamie Fameflame]

That was possibly one of the funniest, yet strangely touching comics ever. I -loved- the ending. :smallbiggrin:

[Shara_Littlebottom]

Awesome. Really.

[BigDumbFighter]

"I know I called you a mean-meanyhead sometimes, but I never wanted your meany-meanhead to hit the groundy-ground!"

Awesome comic. Elan's "Danny Boy" Bard Song was awesome and about as emotional as Elan could possibly be. And then Belkar actually saying it was beautiful (and the subsequent stab-age) was awesome as well. Not to mention there's finally a mention of planning to revive Roy!

[Killer Munchkin]

That was beautiful!:redcloak:

:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

[timbot]

About the 1, 3, 4, and # signs: Sometimes I think the Giant puts random stuff into his strips just to see how much we read into it, and how much of a conspiracy he can create. My conspiracy is that Roy was the first to go, and Belkar will be third, and V will be fourth. Possibly to beat the Snarl, they have to die, or maybe Azure City will just rez them because they save them, which is part of the reason they die, which also fulfills the prophecy.

[musicnerd]

I sang along. Is it weird that I cried?

[jindra34]

I sang along. Is it weird that I cried?

Not at all...

[Krimm_Blackleaf]

I sang along. Is it weird that I cried?I know I did.

[Slash_712]

LOVED IT! I saw the Belkar thing comin right when the hobgoblin says I got something in my eye. I just knew it would be Belkar's dagger. CLASSIC!

[Hiruma]

Belkar stabbed the hobgoblin the wrong eye. Made me laugh that much harder.

[Luklan]

I just love the emotional buildup, followed by stabbity-death-in-the-eye to the hobgoblin. There's just something about it you've got to chuckle about.

Two thumbs up! (As usual. Don't think I've put either of them down yet)

[ralphmerridew]

Reaction #3: Wait... isn't "Danny Boy" a love song, sort of? :smallconfused:

Perhaps, but it's usually sung by a man.

(Also, am I the only person who can never understand the lyrics when sung? I can hear them quite clearly if I'm looking at a printed version, but if I look away, most of it is barely intelligible.)

[gnomas]

ha i knew that it was a simple matter of rezing roy! of course they have to win the battle to do it..

i like the song, it should have a really strong effect from being acually good.

[Sturmjaeger]

You can always count on Belkar to provide the counterpoint.

[musicnerd]

I'm glad I'm not the only one, then. :smallredface:

[Archpaladin Zousha]

Has anyone besides me noticed that it seems like each member of the Order is getting some spotlight in this battle? First we have Elan's "inspiring" speech, then we've got Hinjo (technically not a member but the point stands regardless) with his dire wolf mount (honestly, what paladin hasn't wanted one of those? :smallbiggrin: ). Next we have V's time to shine with the clever use of his/her spells. Then we have Belkar, who actually makes the choice to be a hero for once, and ends up killing more hobgoblins than the rest of the Order put together. And next, Roy in his second duel with Xykon. I'm honestly surprised he managed to hold out as long as he did, and then his sad demise at the hands of...the ground. Finally, we have Elan in the spotlight again with his amazing singing talent. I can only imagine that Haley will have her time, seeing as how Durkon has declared her the new leader of the OotS, and I wouldn't doubt that Durkon is going to turn more than a few undead. It's good to get a chance to see what they are truly capable of! :smallsmile:

[cavalier973]

Perhaps, but it's usually sung by a man.

(Also, am I the only person who can never understand the lyrics when sung? I can hear them quite clearly if I'm looking at a printed version, but if I look away, most of it is barely intelligible.)

I always took it that it was a father singing to his son, Danny. The pipes were calling Danny to war, and the father is now too old to go.

I had always assumed this was an old Irish song, but apparently, only the tune is Irish. The words were written by an Englishman who never set foot in Ireland. He wrote the words and an accompanying tune. The song was a flop until his sister sent him the tune, "Londonderry Air."

I got that from this site: http://www.standingstones.com/dannyboy.html

[MoelVermillion]

I will agree with Belkar, that was beautiful. But the Hobgoblin cleric being stabbed in the eye somehow complemented the amtosphere as opposed to ruining it.

Good show Giant.

[Anmat]

Man, the fact we possibly won't be seeing too much of roy for a long time never got me until now, this comic really made me sad, and when a webcomic can make you sad... Congratulations Giant, this one is a masterpiece.

[Pokemaster]

I read the strip's title and immediately thought about Oh Danny Boy. And then there was much awesomeness.

[Tarl]

Not seeing Roy for a long time? I guess that's true, but I'm kinda hopping that Redcloak gets to the carcass first and zombifies him. I guess I'm a bit of a jerk that way.

But the Danny Boy/Buddy Roy song rocked.

[Fawkes]

Words cannot express the joy I felt after reading the second panel.
*sniff*
I love this comic.

[Snipers_Promise]

I have an idea! Lets make a new thread and we can post OOTS-ified songs. That comic really made my cry. Great song. Wheres the crying smilie?

[Techonce]

I always took it that it was a father singing to his son, Danny. The pipes were calling Danny to war, and the father is now too old to go.

I had always assumed this was an old Irish song, but apparently, only the tune is Irish. The words were written by an Englishman who never set foot in Ireland. He wrote the words and an accompanying tune. The song was a flop until his sister sent him the tune, "Londonderry Air."

I got that from this site: http://www.standingstones.com/dannyboy.html


I had always assumed it was from a father to a son, but after recently hearing Celtic Woman sin git here in Detroit, it could also be sung by a woman about her love who is leaving/left/dead.

All in all it was a wonderful strip and I only wish I had the ability to sing it well enough to record it.

[fwiffo]

I am surprised Bisected8 is not here. Because he totally and completely called what happened in #445.

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2481402&postcount=47

[Late Shift]

two thumbs way, way up. One of the best strips of the set.

[Midnight Lurker]

I went to the trouble of saving the picture and zooming in. Try it yourself.

Not only is that not a four on V's face, but the thing on Belkar's chin isn't remotely a 3.

[HealytheHealslime]

That was perhaps one of the best strips yet. Which reminds me; anybody want to make some kind of sound file/video where they sing the lyrics to the tune of Danny Boy?

[Mr Teufel]

I'll come back to read the whole thread later. Just want to say...

Rich, remember that whole "laugh and cry" thing I said when Roy died?

Dude, you did it again.:smalleek: :smallsmile:

Awesome.

[marknuconnel]

Finally, a fitting tribute to Roy.
BRING_BACK_ROY!!!

[Martichoras]

Another great strip in a series of great strips! Using Danny Boy was a nice touch- although I personally associate it primarily with Johnny Cash, and my brain is twitching slightly at the thought of Elan having the voice of the Man in Black :smallbiggrin:

[Schattenjaeger]

Even Belkar was moved...

Sadly, I don't know the song, or at least, not that well, so I had to think up my own way for that to be sung (probably not in the least how it was intended)

Now we just need a strip with Roy communing with his father in the land of the dead...

[Lazy_Harry]

I don't post much, HOWEVER
Elan's Preform Check roll => 20 + mod's

Rich B. 's Craft (comic) roll => 20 + mod's

Hard on the heart using Danny Boy, but damned this comic just rocks your face off, takes a peice of string, and wears your face like a mask.

Owned.

[fluffybunny]

Awww, Elan actually gets to make a high end Bard Song (did he roll a natural 20 or is it dramatical bonus?).

Again, I can't stress it enough: Belkar - Rules - Big - TIME!

Thanks Giant!!!

[Traveling_Angel]

Several things I noticed about this most excellent comic. First, Oh Danny Boy is the perfect tune to use. I am hypersensitive to moods in songs, and when I played one of the above links, I realized how perfect the song is for the moment. It is not a funeral song (as close as I can tell), but still a good mourning, with a direct speaking to the deceased. Second, Elan seems to have a creative affinity for bad feelings. The only time we've seen him be creative are when he's under a lot of negative emotions, Once when he had just seen a good friend smooching up with his evil twin, which lead to some rather witty remarks, and once now, when Roy has just died. Yes, people have different moods where they are most creative. I get crazy ideas for books (I'm an aspiring author) when concentrating on music, and The Giant mentioned in his most recent interview that he does his best work at night.

[Fineous Orlon]

OK, The Giant has been kicking ass for a couple of months solid on this arc, and hits another high with "Buddy Roy" and the in-strip responses.

I had just been thinking how great the latest Erfworld was with its Shakespearean sonnet with excellent imagery, and Parson 'waking up', and the Giant brings Danny Boy, Elan and Belkar.

This site rules.

I guess this could be called a comparison, but I'm just trying to say how great it is that both strips are rocking. I'm being happy, not comparing.

[Professor Tanhauser]

That was beautiful.

I think I have something in my eye.
Let me get it out for you....

[Elliot Kane]

And there I was listening to Hayley Westenra singing that not so long ago...

Funny, poignant and clever. I think the siege as a whole is the highest point of OOTS so far, and that's really going some.

[Professor Tanhauser]

You can tell belkar was touched by elan's song. He didnt smile at the news of roy's death or even when he killed the hob wizard. (BTW, try telling us he doesn't get XP for the mages.)