Banjo is gonna save the day.

[pyrefiend]

So we know that in the event of a tie, the priests of the demigods vote to break the tie. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1000.html)

And we have reason to think that the priests of the demigods are being held up somehow. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1005.html)

We also have (lots of) reason to think that mortals can raise up their own gods. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0275.html)

We know that Banjo and Giggles are recognized as gods by a whole island of orcs. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0561.html)

And finally, we know that those orcs consider Elan to be Banjo's prophet. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0557.html)

I'm beginning to think that when all is said and done, Banjo has enough mortal support to count as a demigod. I think Elan could cast the deciding vote on Banjo's behalf to save the world. I know this is silly but I had to share.


EDIT: Some further considerations... Maybe Odin accepts Banjo into the northern pantheon so Elan can get a legitimate vote. Banjo is already a divine entity by virtue of having mortal worshipers; he just hasn't been claimed by any pantheon. That makes him uniquely positioned to get a last minute representative and save the day!

[Gruffe]

But wouldn't Banjo and the other consist as Southern Demigods?

The orcs who worship them and recongise Elan as a prophet live in the South, not the North, and the Southern Gods have already voted.

So no, I kinda doubt Banjo has any say what so ever here.

[Dire Moose]

Odin was considering bringing him into the Northern Pantheon though.

[Gruffe]

Odin was considering bringing him into the Northern Pantheon though.

But Elan withdrew that offer, and now Banjo is worshipped by Southern Orcs.

Besides if Odin could just start accepting Demigods, then wouldn't he just do that with a bunch of random people to sway the vote in his favour?

[Eboksba]

If Banjo becomes the tiebreaker, I'll eat my hat.

[Talion]

The most immediate issue I see with this, barring Banjo's capacity to count as a legitimate vote, is getting Elan, his representative, into the moot since everyone is still (presumably) outside.

Of course, between his levels in both Bard and Dashing Swordsman, I could see Elan making a very finely timed dramatic entrance, rendering the above point....moot.

[Talon Sky]

Banjo's vote, via Elan, could arrive just in the nick of time!

This is just cheesy enough to be deliciously possible!

[Malfarian]

Here's my conundrum. Does my hating Banjo (not for the comic relief he had in the strip, but because of the forum people taking him seriously) make him stronger?

If so, perhaps he will have a role to play.

[Kantaki]

This again?:smallsigh:

Honestly? I think this is about as likely as Roy revealing he took wizard or cleric levels and defeating Durkula with magic.
No, let me correct that: That Tarquin turns out to have been chaotic good all along is likelier than Banjo saving the world.

Unless Banjo feeds on the negativity towards this theory, if that is the case he might be strong enough to destroy the Snarl. Retroactively.

[littlebum2002]

Here's my conundrum. Does my hating Banjo (not for the comic relief he had in the strip, but because of the forum people taking him seriously) make him stronger?

If so, perhaps he will have a role to play.

Our combined hatred of Banjo only leads to our suffering. Which will apparently lead to the dark side.

But I agree, Banjo was fun in the comic, but the fanbase just makes me wish to never see him again. :smallyuk:

[sammycat]

I believe there's a saying: A coincidence that gets characters into danger is funny, but a coincidence that gets them out of it is cheating. I think Banjo saving the day would be too much of a twist.

[karizake]

Guys, we're all forgetting one possibility.

Banjo will vote to destroy the world.

[archon_huskie]

All will hear his call. the CALL OF BANJULHU!

[rbetieh]

I think it more likely that Leeky Windstaff save the day, by turning into a Vampire eating Owlbear.

[pyrefiend]

I think it more likely that Leeky Windstaff save the day, by turning into a Vampire eating Owlbear.

That was my first thought too, but I thought it would be a little too obvious.

[Belksworth]

What if Elan votes for Banjo and the orcs vote for Giggles, god of Slapstick?

[Peelee]

What if Elan votes for Banjo and the orcs vote for Giggles, god of Slapstick?

Ummm.... Elan doesn't get a vote. And even if he did, he couldn't vote for Banjo, since the vote is on whether out not to end the world. "Banjo" is not a valid answer to that.

[Spanish_Paladin]

If Banjo becomes the tiebreaker, I'll eat my hat.

I see your bet good sir and raise it, if Banjo becomes the tiebreaker i'll perform the "dance of joy" on a batman outfit. :smallbiggrin:

[nleseul]

Ummm.... Elan doesn't get a vote. And even if he did, he couldn't vote for Banjo, since the vote is on whether out not to end the world. "Banjo" is not a valid answer to that.

Remember that Elan is a known fan of write-in candidates. See #283/#284.

Of course, it could ruin everyone's plans if Mr. Scruffy casts a surprise vote for "Meow."

[Peelee]

Remember that Elan is a known fan of write-in candidates. See #283/#284.

And it would have just as much effect now as it did then.

[pyrefiend]

And it would have just as much effect now as it did then.

It wouldn't be Elan voting 'Banjo,' it would be Banjo voting 'no,' and Elan acting as Banjo's high priest and representative.

[ti'esar]

I've never understood why some people are so hostile to this idea.

I mean, not for one single second do I think Banjo is going to play a role here. This confrontation - and arc as a whole - is about Roy and Durkon and to a lesser extent Belkar. One of Elan's running gags will not resolve it; all the in-universe logic problems are secondary to that. But I'm really puzzled by why anyone would regard the mere mention of Banjo saving the day as cause for, in their own words, "hatred".

[Porthos]

But I'm really puzzled by why anyone would regard the mere mention of Banjo saving the day as cause for, in their own words, "hatred".

Because it keeps getting brought up over and over and over and over

<long pause>

and over again.

If it wasn't brought up so much and/or it was only in one or two threads, I don't think the backlash would nearly be as great. But because it is getting brought up in almost every Main Discussion thread and because it keeps generating new threads on the first page, some are sick and tired of the argument.

Throw in the hostility to the, hmmm how to put this, less-dramatic aspects of the comic that has been emerging slowly but surely over the years and it isn't that surprising at all to me.

[Pyrous]

Because it keeps getting brought up over and over and over and over

<long pause>

and over again.

If it wasn't brought up so much and/or it was only in one or two threads, I don't think the backlash would nearly be as great. But because it is getting brought up in almost every Main Discussion thread and because it keeps generating new threads on the first page, some are sick and tired of the argument.

Throw in the hostility to the, hmmm how to put this, less-dramatic aspects of the comic that has been emerging slowly but surely over the years and it isn't that surprising at all to me.

Also, the part that Elan will be the HPoB, when he is a arcane caster. There are 2 divine caster's in the Order: one is currently serving as vessel for HPoH; the other one doesn't have wisdom to actually cast (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0058.html), the last time we saw him he was falling (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0996.html), and he doesn't worship Banjo anymore (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0085.html).

[Peelee]

It wouldn't be Elan voting 'Banjo,' it would be Banjo voting 'no,' and Elan acting as Banjo's high priest and representative.

If you'll scroll up a bit, you'll see that you are not correct; at least, not for the contention that I responded to. Unless you wish to claim the are orcs representing Giggles at the Godsmoot.

[Bongos]

I dunno, Banjo might want a world where he has more worshippers...

Banjo votes....Yes!

[OmnivorousOgre]

I find it more likely that Loki would elevate Belkar to demigod status, but that's probably not what's going to happen, either.

[Seto]

Honestly, Hel, who is a major god, could not participate in earlier such meetings due to her lack of appropriately-leveled clergy. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0995.html) Even in the unlikely event that Banjo is allowed to vote, I very much doubt one of his followers is a high-level Cleric. I know Elan isn't.

(That's for the rational response to this theory. But the main reason to cast it aside is that it would be utterly dramatically inappropriate and go against the principles of Burlew's storytelling).

[King of Nowhere]

as others pointed oout, it would be dramatically inappropriate to solve such a dramatic story arc with a silly comedic quirk.

oots is a mixture of crazy and awesome, and it need to get the two parts right. it wouldn't ddo to be awesome when the situation calls for sillyness and viceversa.

[Mith]

The only reason why I find the idea of Odin inviting Banjo into the Pantheon in order to sway the vote is because that would make Odin a literal Puppet Master.

And the pun amuses me.

I agree that from a narrative point of view, it is a bad idea. And it is brought up way too often.

[sumneros]

The only reason why I find the idea of Odin inviting Banjo into the Pantheon in order to sway the vote is because that would make Odin a literal Puppet Master.

And the pun amuses me.

I agree that from a narrative point of view, it is a bad idea. And it is brought up way too often.

Odin did say that he likes puppets when banjo original wanted to join the pantheon in strip #137

[Alex Warlorn]

as others pointed oout, it would be dramatically inappropriate to solve such a dramatic story arc with a silly comedic quirk.

oots is a mixture of crazy and awesome, and it need to get the two parts right. it wouldn't ddo to be awesome when the situation calls for sillyness and viceversa.

I think it would be fitting in this case, as readers have come to see Banjo as part of the team.

[Peelee]

I think it would be fitting in this case, as readers have come to see Banjo as part of the team.

When did this happen?

[Kantaki]

I think it would be fitting in this case, as readers have come to see Banjo as part of the team.

No. Just no. The puppet is neither a god of any description nor is it a member of the Order. It isn't even a character. It is just a puppet.


When did this happen?

Weeell, there has to be a reason that this idea keeps returning. Sure, sometimes it might be trolls, but I fear some of them might be serious.

[Peelee]

Weeell, there has to be a reason that this idea keeps returning. Sure, sometimes it might be trolls, but I fear some of them might be serious.

Oh, i know; i was just trying to glibly refute the assertation that there was a consensus of Banjo acceptance as part of team on all the reader's behalf

[Souhiro]

If Banjo becomes the tiebreaker, I'll eat my hat.

http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130704164559/nonciclopedia/images/5/5c/Rockerduck_si_mangia_la_bombetta.png

I had to put this one!

[Kantaki]

Oh, i know; i was just trying to glibly refute the assertation that there was a consensus of Banjo acceptance as part of team on all the reader's behalf

To be fair the quote doesn't say that all readers see it that way.


I think it would be fitting in this case, as readers have come to see Banjo as part of the team.

Even if only two or three people think this way and it would still be true.

[Peelee]

To be fair the quote doesn't say that all readers see it that way.



Even if only two or three people think this way and it would still be true.

True, but only semantically; it heavily implies the vast majority of readers, since it would not be "fitting" if only, say, three people felt that way.

[Kantaki]

True, but only semantically; it heavily implies the vast majority of readers, since it would not be "fitting" if only, say, three people felt that way.

Sure, if you look at this that way you are right. I just think thats boring.

[Alex Warlorn]

Since Elan as a bard knows narrative rules beats game rules in the world he inhabits, who wants to bet he heard the promise of free cake, and all you have to be is a priest for a demi-god, and he presents his little hand puppet? You got to admit, the complete and utter MELT DOWN that Hel's High Priest would have, not to mention the 'besides herself with fury and exasperation' Hel herself would feel at being thwarted by a damn hand puppet would be rather sweet.

[FriendComputer]

I like the idea of Banjo saving the day....but only sort of.

I could actually see Banjo seriously advocating for the destruction of the world. Balking at being placed in the same company as a ridiculous puppet, pretty much all of the minor gods vote to save the world.

And yes, the free cake would have been the lure to draw Elan into the minor gods moot, if there ever was one. Or more to the point, Banjo, who probably loves cake.

Also, while somewhat off point, I'm calling revenant Belkar coming back to step into the undead field and gank Durkula, but only after Durkula learns of his defeat at the hands of a puppet (by proxy).

Both of these would make for a satisfying and humorous conclusion, as well as play well into the Giants previous plot twist styles.

[Lord Stoneheart]

Since Elan as a bard knows narrative rules beats game rules in the world he inhabits, who wants to bet he heard the promise of free cake, and all you have to be is a priest for a demi-god, and he presents his little hand puppet? You got to admit, the complete and utter MELT DOWN that Hel's High Priest would have, not to mention the 'besides herself with fury and exasperation' Hel herself would feel at being thwarted by a damn hand puppet would be rather sweet.

Well you have to be a priest of a demi god of the Northern Pantheon. Banjo isn't in the Northern Pantheon, because Odin never got to the opportunity to make his offer. And Elan isn't a priest anyway. (Or any sort of divine caster). And sure, Hel would would be frustrated to epic proportions by such a twist, but the same could go for any of the villains schemes being undone by any sort of ridiculous twist. We might as well speculate how The Dark One would react if it turned out that the Snarl was just a big harmless ball of yarn.

And just because Elan knows the narrative rules, doesn't change the fact that he's on a ship, outside the temple, with no way of hearing the High Priest of Baldur.

In any case all of these guesses about Banjo is starting to make me feel like Durkon.

:durkon: "Cannae ye see tha thar just puppets!"

[FriendComputer]

In any case all of these guesses about Banjo is starting to make me feel like Durkon.

:durkon: "Cannae ye see tha thar just puppets!"


Which is precisely why so many people find it amusing. They are just stupid puppets... but they also are gods. They are benevolent, they are malevolent. They are the plot twist that keeps on giving.

The only rule I can see that has to hold true, is that Elan with giggles and banjo can't actually make decisions of real consequence. But, other people "can" make decisions of consequence, while being affected by what the puppets and puppeteer say or do in some way.

That's why Elan can't vote to save the world through banjo, but he can vote (banjo has spoken!) to destroy it. Obviously, the Gods have mixed feelings about Banjo... recognizing him as a minor deity while at the same time acknowledging that he's just a puppet.

So, they can accept his words while at the same time thinking he's just a stupid puppet. That's why I figure most gods wouldn't want to be seen voting the same way as a puppet.

Either way, should he be lured in by cake, Banjo / Elan can't actually vote to save the world.

Also, as far as making it inside, Elan could easily be amusing himself outside with Banjo...only to have someone come around and usher him inside, given .. you know... Banjo is a god and he should be voting.

So, technically, should the vote not pass, Elan could be attempting to console poor Durkula because...you know... only Banjo voted the way he wanted. *insert Hel rage here*

[Lord Stoneheart]

Which is precisely why so many people find it amusing. They are just stupid puppets... but they also are gods. They are benevolent, they are malevolent. They are the plot twist that keeps on giving.

The only rule I can see that has to hold true, is that Elan with giggles and banjo can't actually make decisions of real consequence. But, other people "can" make decisions of consequence, while being affected by what the puppets and puppeteer say or do in some way.

That's why Elan can't vote to save the world through banjo, but he can vote (banjo has spoken!) to destroy it. Obviously, the Gods have mixed feelings about Banjo... recognizing him as a minor deity while at the same time acknowledging that he's just a puppet.

So, they can accept his words while at the same time thinking he's just a stupid puppet. That's why I figure most gods wouldn't want to be seen voting the same way as a puppet.

Either way, should he be lured in by cake, Banjo / Elan can't actually vote to save the world.

Also, as far as making it inside, Elan could easily be amusing himself outside with Banjo...only to have someone come around and usher him inside, given .. you know... Banjo is a god and he should be voting.

So, technically, should the vote not pass, Elan could be attempting to console poor Durkula because...you know... only Banjo voted the way he wanted. *insert Hel rage here*

Banjo has precisely one worshipper: Elan. Okay, so first, Odin might recognize Banjo as a god, but Banjo is not a member of the Northern Pantheon because Elan changed his mind before Odin could make the offer. So thus, Banjo doesn't get to vote. Second, it doesn't matter if the other gods want to vote the same way as a puppet or not, because their votes are already locked in stone. Loki pushed for a "No backsies" rule. Third: Elan isn't right outside the main chamber. Elan isn't right outside the temple. Elan is quite a bit outside, because he is back on the ship with Haley, and V. And none of them have any idea that the fate of the world is being voted on right now.

In any case, Banjo isn't the plot twist that keeps on giving. Banjo is a running gag that hasn't played a large role in the main plot. (Popping up in a diversion on the Orc Island can hardly count as the main plot).

[Alex Warlorn]

If the gods are DESPERATE here, it depends how much formality is needed BEFORE they accept the divine hand puppet among their ranks for a tie breaker. If it's something that takes hours or years, then they're screwed. It just depends on how fast Banjo can be accepted. He may be just a hand puppet, but since the is the fate of the world, they might be willing to bend the rules since Hel herself has done just that.

[StLordeth]

If Banjo becomes the tiebreaker, I'll eat my hat. Similar things were said when the "crazy conspiracy theorists" were suggesting Julio was going to save the day from Vector Legion :smallwink: