Cursed, of Course: A Fantasy Comic

[Shoreward]

CURSED, OF COURSE
(Images should be fixed. Keep me updated.)
A Fantasy Comic by Shoreward

https://s19.postimg.cc/4dk52jxtf/Cu_Co_Coverv2.png

Pellan wants to be a warrior, with all the rescuing, fighting, and celebrating that implies. Unfortunately, there's a slight problem…
This comic follows in Pellan's attempt to correct a curse, and all the people who come to help – or hinder – that effort.

The Update Schedule:
I will be aiming to update once a week, usually towards the end of said week. I write, so my daily word-count may divert my attention if I don't organise my time properly like a big, dumb idiot. Any other disruptions will be noted as they come up. I try not to miss two weeks in a row except in serious situations.

The Beginning:
https://s19.postimg.cc/8lexbdc4j/Cu_Co1.png

Archive:
Part One: To Cure a Curse (Introduction)
The Map (https://i.postimg.cc/63Hc4v8p/CuCo-Map.png)
Page 1 – Not right (https://s19.postimg.cc/8lexbdc4j/Cu_Co1.png")
Page 2 – Warrior in Need (https://s19.postimg.cc/n4m2d0i6r/Cu_Co2.png)
Page 3 – A Last Resort (https://s19.postimg.cc/y479omo1f/Cu_Co3.png)
Page 4 – Panic at the Temple (https://s19.postimg.cc/88nj5ftxf/Cu_Co4.png)
Page 5 – Fallen Star (https://s19.postimg.cc/d7b1jz5g3/Cu_Co5.png)
Page 6 – Taking Counsel (https://s19.postimg.cc/bfi2p6gz7/Cu_Co6.png)
Page 7 – Questions and Answers (https://s19.postimg.cc/r0ze94dhv/Cu_Co7.png)
Page 8 – At Last I See (https://s19.postimg.cc/o6w8voj1f/Cu_Co8.png)
Page 9 – Right of Heights (https://s19.postimg.cc/lct3i9jg3/Cu_Co9.png)
Page 10 – Looking Back (https://s19.postimg.cc/9axpo8kj7/Cu_Co10.png)
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Part Two: Flame of the East - Cover (https://s19.postimg.cc/xsptbmuo3/Flame_of_the_East_Cover.png)
Page 11 – Hit the Road (https://s19.postimg.cc/nvesijcrn/Cu_Co11.png)
Page 12 – The Flame (https://s19.postimg.cc/ar985usfn/Cu_Co12.png)
Page 13 – Tempting Fate (https://s19.postimg.cc/65d3xk4cj/Cu_Co13.png)
Page 14 – Never Far Along the Warrior's Way (https://s19.postimg.cc/ijzvxw3kj/Cu_Co14.png)
Page 15 – Hearth Home (https://s19.postimg.cc/le31bcl6b/Cu_Co15.png)
Page 16 – Life Story (https://s19.postimg.cc/dy3rpkkmb/Cu_Co16.png)
Page 17 – Shadows (https://s19.postimg.cc/fd5ceb14z/Cu_Co17.png)
Page 18 – Reading the Signs (https://s19.postimg.cc/532xf40zn/Cu_Co18.png)
Page 19 – Foot Plus Mouth (https://s19.postimg.cc/6i4i3u9sj/Cu_Co19.png)
Page 20 – Oh, Pellan... (https://s19.postimg.cc/pzz5jtoqr/Cu_Co20.png)
Page 21 – Meanwhile (https://s19.postimg.cc/40sqwmfmb/Cu_Co21.png)
Page 22 – Perception is a Wisdom Skill (https://s19.postimg.cc/7x62smg1f/Cu_Co22.png)
Page 23 – You All Expected This (https://s19.postimg.cc/532xf710j/Cu_Co23.png)
Page 24 – Hubris Schmubris (https://s19.postimg.cc/eav5vwfsj/Cu_Co24.png)
Page 25 – Caged (https://s19.postimg.cc/532xf966b/Cu_Co25.png)
Page 26 – Loot to Go (https://s19.postimg.cc/f0dy8bt7n/Cu_Co26.png)
Page 27 – Inspirational Speech (https://s19.postimg.cc/huh3lrno3/Cu_Co27.png)
Page 28 – Title (https://s19.postimg.cc/77nage58z/Cu_Co28.png)
Page 29 – Sounds Like a Personal Problem (https://s19.postimg.cc/ijzvyavz7/Cu_Co29.png)
Page 30 – The Job (https://s19.postimg.cc/9c7nhm4cj/Cu_Co30.png)
Page 31 – Cunning Plans (https://s19.postimg.cc/5fublmbn7/Cu_Co31.png)
Page 32 – Brave, Brave... (https://s19.postimg.cc/r3j9vkjlv/Cu_Co32.png)
Page 33 – A Promise Made (https://s19.postimg.cc/ec53p1ueb/Cu_Co33.png)
Page 34 – Everyone Should Have One (https://s19.postimg.cc/o9g4i49pv/Cu_Co34.png)
Page 35 – The Moment (https://s19.postimg.cc/mhn5naqdv/Cu_Co35.png)
Page 36 – Priorities (https://s19.postimg.cc/iy17xi33n/Cu_Co36.png)
Page 37 – Point of View (https://s19.postimg.cc/txmf93lsz/Cu_Co37.png)
Page 38 – How Things Go (https://s19.postimg.cc/y6r5bazcz/Cu_Co38.png)
Page 39 – Opportunities (https://s19.postimg.cc/muejtiydv/Cu_Co39.png)
Page 40 – Guess Who (https://s19.postimg.cc/78x89nmgj/Cu_Co40.png)
Page 41 – She Will Remember That (https://s19.postimg.cc/kd2sme48j/Cu_Co41.png)
Page 42 – Photo-Map-ic Memory (https://s19.postimg.cc/f1nw1opvn/Cu_Co42.png)
Page 43 – Making Plans (https://s19.postimg.cc/b5ak5pclv/Cu_Co43.png)
Page 44 – Natural Ones (https://s19.postimg.cc/9rixa3843/Cu_Co44.png)
Page 45 – Samurai Cat (https://s19.postimg.cc/7zpyf6wgz/Cu_Co45.png)
Page 46 – Fight or Flight (https://s19.postimg.cc/clm2nj2kj/Cu_Co46.png)
Page 47 – Vengeance (https://s19.postimg.cc/9204xx2hf/Cu_Co47.png)
Page 48 – Projectiles (https://s19.postimg.cc/67wzkh80z/Cu_Co48.png)
Page 49 – Wham (https://s19.postimg.cc/4g40pkwdv/Cu_Co49.png)
Page 50 – Echoes (https://s19.postimg.cc/x5qwma5jn/Cu_Co50.png)
Page 51 – Have No Fear... (https://s19.postimg.cc/s73e7r9gj/Cu_Co51.png)
Page 52 – And I am Also Here (https://s19.postimg.cc/att3swlv7/Cu_Co52.png)
Page 53 – Last Thing You Want to See (https://s19.postimg.cc/nl79zgdnn/Cu_Co53.png)
Page 54 – Invested (https://s19.postimg.cc/oaq2bttmr/Cu_Co54.png)
Page 55 – Hasty Egress (https://s19.postimg.cc/43cmji903/Cu_Co55.png)
Page 56 – Don't You Forget About Me (https://s19.postimg.cc/4g40pqopv/Cu_Co56.png)
--
Part Three: Apart of a Team
Page 57 – Good Morning (https://s19.postimg.cc/wn9pcbxgj/Cu_Co57.png)
Page 58 – Curse Mandatory, Snark Optional (https://s19.postimg.cc/h1sdsdt83/Cu_Co58.png)
Page 59 – Major Minor Skills (https://s19.postimg.cc/3kvf9iyc3/Cu_Co59.png)
Page 60 – A Many-Layered Skill (https://s19.postimg.cc/yru2dg1o3/Cu_Co60.png)
Page 61 – Bullseye (https://s19.postimg.cc/waib66a1v/Cu_Co61.png)
Page 62 – Like a Truck (https://s19.postimg.cc/cfw9k2ppf/Cu_Co62.png)
Page 63 – Lessons Learned? (https://s19.postimg.cc/6276gtsj7/Cu_Co63.png)
Page 64 – Bonding Moments (https://s19.postimg.cc/hejryllsj/Cu_Co64.png)
Page 65 – Running in the Rain (https://s19.postimg.cc/3kvf9o3ir/Cu_Co65.png)
Page 66 – Shelter (https://s19.postimg.cc/rom6xz1f7/Cu_Co66.png)
Page 67 – Team Talk (https://s19.postimg.cc/5coe4kulf/Cu_Co67.png)
Page 68 – Getting to Know You (https://s19.postimg.cc/ns8v21dvn/Cu_Co68.png)
Page 69 – It's a Wonder the Paper Wasn't Soggy (https://s19.postimg.cc/tt6jz487n/Cu_Co69.png)
Page 70 – Once Upon a Time (https://s19.postimg.cc/8jixoauhv/Cu_Co70.png)
Page 71 – The Box (https://s19.postimg.cc/7h8r5r3yr/Cu_Co71.png)
Page 72 – Hurt (https://s19.postimg.cc/hejrytr03/Cu_Co72.png)
Page 73 – It's Raining (https://s19.postimg.cc/mpyojkv37/Cu_Co73.png)
Page 74 – Good Morning (https://s19.postimg.cc/h1sdsoj0z/Cu_Co74.png)
Page 75 – Sights (https://s19.postimg.cc/t3nrmu7oz/Cu_Co75.png)
Page 76 – Forward (https://s19.postimg.cc/6rpytidqr/Cu_Co76.png)
Page 77 – Symbols (https://s19.postimg.cc/yru2dswmr/Cu_Co77.png)
Page 78 – Connections (https://s19.postimg.cc/n2q2ptxyb/Cu_Co78.png)
Page 79 – Foreign Diplomacy (https://s19.postimg.cc/8jixofzoj/Cu_Co79.png)
Page 80 – Sunspot (https://s19.postimg.cc/d5f1wt0n7/Cu_Co80.png)
Page 81 – Urgent Message (https://s19.postimg.cc/3xmtg3lv7/Cu_Co81.png)
Page 82 – A Long Story (https://s19.postimg.cc/xpjvvbb9f/Cu_Co82.png)
Page 83 – I Want Off This Ride (https://s19.postimg.cc/i42kbdeqr/Cu_Co83.png)
Page 84 – Wardrobe Change (https://s19.postimg.cc/mpyojpsk3/Cu_Co84.png)
Page 85 – To the Point (https://s19.postimg.cc/7iioysfyr/Cu_Co85.png)
Page 86 – Shiny (https://s19.postimg.cc/jx5gz4f6r/Cu_Co86.png)
Page 87 – Rules of Entry (https://s19.postimg.cc/brnf0yynn/Cu_Co87.png)
Page 88 – Man of the Hour (https://s19.postimg.cc/meh86fwj7/Cu_Co88.png)
Page 89 – Long Time No Zap (https://s19.postimg.cc/d6ozpr4wj/Cu_Co89.png)
Page 90 – Present the Witness (https://s19.postimg.cc/y3l7uev7n/Cu_Co90.png)
Page 91 – State Your Case (https://s19.postimg.cc/4bo5f9qer/Cu_Co91.png)
Page 92 – Step One (https://s19.postimg.cc/meh86htz7/Cu_Co92.png)
Page 93 – Stories (https://s19.postimg.cc/fo0qx1rdv/Cu_Co93.png)
Page 94 – Shoe Dropped (https://postimg.cc/image/jeorwk5tb/)
Page 95 – The Other Shoe (https://s19.postimg.cc/cdyxyg0mb/Cu_Co95.png)
Page 96 – Hold up (https://s19.postimg.cc/on7134mer/Cu_Co96.png)
Page 97 – No More No More (https://s19.postimg.cc/n896ct7ab/Cu_Co97.png)
Page 98 – Criminal Records (https://s19.postimg.cc/op3kkpuk3/Cu_Co98.png)
Page 99 – You're On My Crew (https://s19.postimg.cc/uimehabhv/Cuco99.png)
Page 100 – Last Resort (https://s19.postimg.cc/91ev8clmr/Cu_Co100.png)
--
Part Four: The Cage
Page 101 – Here We Are Again (https://s19.postimg.cc/u7p9421lv/Cu_Co101.png)
Page 102 – Jailhouse Blues (https://s19.postimg.cc/kzr3asi77/Cu_Co102.png)
Page 103 – Getting a Word In (https://s19.postimg.cc/8gh3e56ub/Cu_Co103.png)
Page 104 – A Penny (https://i.postimg.cc/tgBKFg6L/Cu_Co104.png)
Page 105 – The Story Begins (https://postimg.cc/SnZ3Bn8J)
Page 106 – Memories (https://i.postimg.cc/sxy9K58r/Cu_Co106.png)
Page 107 – Ruined (https://i.postimg.cc/XYh6GH32/CuCo107.png)
Page 108 – Flashbacks (https://i.postimg.cc/XqHtQWTB/CuCo108.png)
Page 109 – Leave Me Be (https://i.postimg.cc/TP2b8c2D/CuCo109.png)
Page 110 – Here We Go (https://i.postimg.cc/qRGMCFfm/CuCo110.png)
Page 111 – A Brief Briefing (https://i.postimg.cc/BQGcpnj0/CuCo111.png)
Page 112 – Must We? (https://i.postimg.cc/7YM1WrzT/CuCo112.png)
Page 113 – The Issue on the Table (https://i.postimg.cc/NGPFSbBQ/CuCo113.png)
Page 114 – Building Character (https://i.postimg.cc/6QpV3ZD4/CuCo114.png)
Page 115 – Further Statements (https://i.postimg.cc/N0C6rMcJ/CuCo115.png)
Page 116 – Contempt of Court (https://i.postimg.cc/RVPtBBfv/CuCo116.png)
Page 117 – Recess (https://i.postimg.cc/NMghy0nF/CuCo117.png)
Page 118 – Turnabout (https://i.postimg.cc/KjdXCCNg/CuCo118.png)
Page 119 – Verdict (https://i.postimg.cc/MGCS0Vcj/CuCo119.png)
Page 120 – Change of Focus (https://i.postimg.cc/ZqnGZCkR/CuCo120.png)
Page 121 – Champion of the Sun (https://i.postimg.cc/0Nt2tWdt/CuCo121.png)
Page 122 – And so the Night Passes (https://i.postimg.cc/PfLxMmbm/CuCo122.png)
Page 123 – Tentative (https://i.postimg.cc/9Qdqn3Mn/CuCo123.png)
Page 124 – Check-up (https://i.postimg.cc/GhYf1XVV/CuCo124.png)
Page 125 – Preshow (https://i.postimg.cc/mr8mmDmw/CuCo125.png)
Page 126 – Advantage (https://i.postimg.cc/qMHc7367/CuCo126.png)
Page 127 – Air and Water (https://i.postimg.cc/wv143yyk/CuCo127.png)
Page 128 – Intermission (https://i.postimg.cc/vmMWxgWC/CuCo128.png)
Page 129 – Uncle (https://i.postimg.cc/WbZnn1QR/CuCo129.png)
Page 130 – Curtains (https://i.postimg.cc/3Rk0RKCY/CuCo130.png)
Page 131 – Time's Up (https://i.postimg.cc/1RKQRvSt/CuCo131.png)
Page 132 – Trial of the Century (https://i.postimg.cc/m2dnQx7D/CuCo132.png)
Page 133 – The Approach (https://i.postimg.cc/gjY4CRRp/CuCo133.png)
Page 134 – In This Corner (https://i.postimg.cc/VkpV7vtF/CuCo134.png)
Page 135 – First Exchange (https://i.postimg.cc/k5HfW2m6/CuCo135.png)
Page 136 – Cracks (https://i.postimg.cc/PfD4kWN0/CuCo136.png)
Page 137 – Bad to Worse (https://i.postimg.cc/1tsPhzJJ/CuCo137.png)
Page 138 – Interference (https://i.postimg.cc/Jh70fjRY/CuCo138.png)
Page 139 – Results Hazy (https://i.postimg.cc/1tVj3KKs/CuCo139.png)
Page 140 – Major Upset (https://i.postimg.cc/bwX458c8/CuCo140.png)
Page 141 – The Prosecution Rests (https://i.postimg.cc/prLKs2WH/CuCo141.png)
Page 142 – The Laws of This Land (https://postimg.cc/YGQJfFp7)
Page 143 – Composure (https://i.postimg.cc/ht2LYWMB/CuCo143.png)
Page 144 – Establishing a Precedent (https://postimg.cc/xXHL8GwW)
Page 145 – Direction (https://i.postimg.cc/RZPv75hC/CuCo145.png)
Page 146 – Worth a Shot (https://i.postimg.cc/5ySrrJBr/CuCo146.png)
Page 147 – Conditions May Apply (https://i.postimg.cc/qRyxMZjV/CuCo147.png)
Page 148 – On the Trail Again (https://postimg.cc/vD10M81M)
Page 149 – An Interesting Week (https://i.postimg.cc/wjBr1Hy8/CuCo149.png)
--
Part Five: Shadows
Page 150 – Rewind (https://i.postimg.cc/m2ZSZ17f/CuCo150.png)
Page 151 – Scapegoat (https://i.postimg.cc/cHqhr55J/CuCo151.png)
Page 152 – We Now Return (https://i.postimg.cc/PxWPM3pX/CuCo152.png)
Page 153 – No Smoking (https://i.postimg.cc/bvbjZtgW/CuCo153.png)
Page 154 – Coughin' (https://i.postimg.cc/nztT36Xp/CuCo154.png)
Page 155 – The Long Hall (https://i.postimg.cc/pdrGxFnS/CuCo155.png)
Page 156 – Imperfect Extraction (https://i.postimg.cc/8CMcDDGY/CuCo156.png)
Page 157 – Cheese It (https://i.postimg.cc/zfGDmjNt/CuCo157.png)
Page 158 – Roadblock (https://i.postimg.cc/CKkFh5Tr/CuCo158.png)
Page 159 – Problems Keep Piling On (https://i.postimg.cc/cCCVSCGC/CuCo159.png)
Page 160 – Blackout (https://i.postimg.cc/JnHgNvS7/CuCo160.png)
Page 161 – Sacked (https://i.postimg.cc/8zH3j6LG/CuCo161.png)
Page 162 – Low Profile (https://i.postimg.cc/HxF5zQnf/CuCo162.png)
Page 163 – Stop Right There (https://i.postimg.cc/YjBLv6KQ/CuCo163.png)
Page 164 – You Shall Maybe Pass (https://i.postimg.cc/7ZBdgQ0C/CuCo164.png)
Page 165 – Turn Around (https://i.postimg.cc/y8rpJ3Cc/CuCo165.png)
Page 166 – It's Been a While (https://i.postimg.cc/tg36K8kJ/CuCo166.png)
Page 167 – To Be Fair, It Wasn't Much (https://i.postimg.cc/QtdG6Kyq/CuCo167.png)
Page 168 – Dead End (https://i.postimg.cc/k5v3ZDYG/CuCo168.png)
Page 169 – Freebooter (https://i.postimg.cc/XJcWwfS4/CuCo169.png)
Page 170 – Acting Out (https://i.postimg.cc/wMR62tLw/CuCo170.png)
Page 171 – HP Restored (https://i.postimg.cc/R0Rz3bkB/CuCo171.png)
Page 172 – Bedside Manner (https://i.postimg.cc/pX7m6CBK/CuCo172.png)
Page 173 – The Lost People (https://i.postimg.cc/pLSDTWJF/CuCo173.png)
Page 174 – Never a Good Sign (https://i.postimg.cc/KY54ZfV8/CuCo174.png)
Page 175 – Dropping Eaves (https://postimg.cc/wtj5JTgq)
Page 176 – Somebody at the Door (https://i.postimg.cc/fWF7k7fG/CuCo176.png)
Page 177 – Table Talk (https://i.postimg.cc/ydYdfhRh/CuCo177.png)
Page 178 – I'm Sure Nothing Will Go Wrong (https://i.postimg.cc/6qrrqT8j/CuCo178.png)
Page 179 – Distractions (https://i.postimg.cc/HsTF0t1t/CuCo179.png)
Page 180 – The Mines (https://i.postimg.cc/25s3F60N/CuCo180.png)
Page 181 – Inside Man (https://i.postimg.cc/tJ12NfWB/CuCo181.png)
Page 182 – Reason (https://i.postimg.cc/q7T04vZX/CuCo182.png)
Page 183 – Maybe It's Just a Drill (https://i.postimg.cc/zGNm561Q/CuCo183.png)
Page 184 – Visitation (https://i.postimg.cc/76Yfy96C/CuCo184.png)
Page 185 – Attendance (https://i.postimg.cc/HLQHZzry/CuCo185.png)
Page 186 – That's What the Marks are For (https://i.postimg.cc/6p7B5WNN/CuCo186.png)
Page 187 – Total Chaos (https://i.postimg.cc/nznwBkLB/CuCo187.png)
Page 188 – Bonk (https://i.postimg.cc/fTHtTmtC/CuCo188.png)
Page 189 – Chronic Rescue Disease (https://i.postimg.cc/qR7dmkps/CuCo189.png)
Page 190 – Even (https://i.postimg.cc/wM92rLZW/CuCo190.png)
Page 191 – Through the Gateway (https://i.postimg.cc/vBRxkd2P/CuCo191.png)
Page 192 – Ominous Phrasing (https://i.postimg.cc/1tpVZYLy/CuCo192.png)
---
Part Six: Walking on Air
Page 193 – More Prison Starts than an Elder Scrolls Game (https://i.postimg.cc/XJ4NnYrh/CuCo193.png)
Page 194 – Parley (https://i.postimg.cc/Rh0MnpQL/CuCo194.png)
Page 195 – Ol Buddy Ol Pal (https://i.postimg.cc/SxVsTg17/CuCo195.png)
Page 196 – Uncontrolled Burn (https://i.postimg.cc/sDGnXJDJ/CuCo196.png)
Page 197 – Hell in a Cell (https://i.postimg.cc/0jH9GGVR/CuCo197.png)
Page 198 – Pulling Rank (https://i.postimg.cc/769Hhr7L/CuCo198.png)
Page 199 – Hand Over (https://i.postimg.cc/CLj8WGrH/CuCo199.png)
Page 200 – Unseen (https://i.postimg.cc/FzJ3q7LR/CuCo200.png)
Page 201 – The Host (https://i.postimg.cc/wM7dp9jg/CuCo201.png)
Page 202 – Hospitality (https://i.postimg.cc/fRxQZ2Dt/CuCo202.png)
Page 203 – Give and Take (https://i.postimg.cc/FHtXM55X/CuCo203.png)
Page 204 – Q&A? (https://i.postimg.cc/7YJytPRN/CuCo204.png)
Page 205 – Second Round (https://i.postimg.cc/C5XpM9RD/CuCo205.png)
Page 206 – A Decisive Blow (https://i.postimg.cc/ryPk9Rfm/CuCo206.png)
Page 207 – Levity (https://i.postimg.cc/FKgNX7Lk/CuCo207.png)
Page 208 – Had to Say Something (https://i.postimg.cc/wvqHqgXf/CuCo208.png)
Page 209 – Left in the Dark (https://i.postimg.cc/yd9380Th/CuCo209.png)
Page 210 – New Digs (https://i.postimg.cc/LsTZ1p26/CuCo210.png)
Page 211 – Speak Friend (https://i.postimg.cc/bvkGPYf6/CuCo211.png)
Page 212 – Propriety (https://i.postimg.cc/HL9skLyp/CuCo212.png)
Page 213 – Voiced Concerns (https://i.postimg.cc/j2g4HSvG/CuCo213.png)
Page 214 – The One About the Lore (https://i.postimg.cc/44qDndG9/CuCo214.png)
Page 215 – Then There's This Guy (https://i.postimg.cc/JhPSkVgS/CuCo215.png)
Page 216 – Under Duress (https://i.postimg.cc/rFpDn329/CuCo216.png)
Page 217 – The Surface (https://i.postimg.cc/W1tqqnBN/CuCo217.png)
Page 218 – On High (https://i.postimg.cc/7LQ8hQFr/CuCo218.png)
Page 219 – Hot and Cold (https://i.postimg.cc/nLGQhVkd/CuCo219.png)
Page 220 – Reach and Grasp (https://i.postimg.cc/bN8xwNjF/CuCo220.png)
Page 221 – Safe in Custody (https://i.postimg.cc/0QNDPKvp/CuCo221.png)
Page 222 – Clearance Level (https://i.postimg.cc/gJ6Kf91C/CuCo222.png)
Page 223 – Up to Her Old Tricks (https://i.postimg.cc/DfLJtB1N/CuCo223.png)
Page 224 – Yes, but... (https://i.postimg.cc/BZpzNM1x/CuCo224.png)
Page 225 – The Search (https://i.postimg.cc/4dGFWwJ7/CuCo225.png)
Page 226 – Change of Plans (https://i.postimg.cc/Y09HqNwb/CuCo226.png)
Page 227 – Fruitful Interrogation (https://i.postimg.cc/rmg9y94w/CuCo227.png)
Page 228 – Gotcha! (https://i.postimg.cc/3NJpYCfZ/CuCo228.png)
Page 229 – Unless... (https://i.postimg.cc/bwdDTwyy/CuCo229.png)
Page 230 – Caste Iron (https://i.postimg.cc/GhQyVjjx/CuCo230.png)
Page 231 – Oaths of the Warrior (https://i.postimg.cc/nL4VhT5C/CuCo231.png)
Page 232 – Escape Artist (https://i.postimg.cc/Bn8YXzrc/CuCo232.png)
Page 233 – One Step at a Time (https://i.postimg.cc/4xKts728/CuCo233.png)
Page 234 – There's Always B (https://i.postimg.cc/X7G6WrSV/CuCo234.png)
Page 235 – Expected Outcomes (https://i.postimg.cc/G28JzJq5/CuCo235.png)
Page 236 – Best Laid Plans (https://i.postimg.cc/Gm1Jz59s/CuCo236.png)
Page 237 – At the Seams (https://i.postimg.cc/8Pn8DHzp/CuCo237.png)
Page 238 – Back to Business (https://i.postimg.cc/vTXgXssR/CuCo238.png)
Page 239 – Pray I Do Not Alter it Further (https://i.postimg.cc/Y2xWt1mX/CuCo239.png)
Page 240 – Legally Binding (https://i.postimg.cc/02ck0dKK/CuCo240.png)



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https://s19.postimg.cc/be84vv2bn/Bannerv2.png
https://s19.postimg.cc/jwhl07gk3/Banner2.png
Avatars:
http://s19.postimg.cc/ujbe5m1k3/Avatar_-_PEllan.png https://s19.postimg.cc/8k4zidi4z/Avatar_-_Cataletta.png https://s19.postimg.cc/mdtc7gl0z/Avatar_-_Shh.png https://s19.postimg.cc/hrx7z2hhf/Avatar_-_Burned_Out.png https://s19.postimg.cc/z57idxs83/Avatar_-_Cursed.png https://s19.postimg.cc/wb4d0hxrn/Avatar_-_Fallen_Star.png https://s19.postimg.cc/dvjw33z2r/Avatar_-_Shadowed.png https://s19.postimg.cc/5q1u4y343/Avatar_-_Inner_Flame.png

[Shoreward]

Big thanks to whoever put this up! I really appreciate it, and it just goes to show that I should get over my worries about bothering people with things like this.

Now that we're here, I can get down to business! I have a little buffer just in case I miss a week, but I'll chip into it in celebration of our thread's grand-but-subdued opening. I hope you guys like them!

Page 2 - Warrior In Need.
https://s19.postimg.cc/n4m2d0i6r/Cu_Co2.png

Page 3 - A last resort.
https://s19.postimg.cc/y479omo1f/Cu_Co3.png

[Tiffanie Lirle]

I really dig your art style, skele-dude is a qt3.14. :smallbiggrin:

You seem like you've already drawn a lot before in your style, seeing how polished everything looks! I hope to see more of this. Good luck, I wish you more creative stamina than I have. :smalltongue:

[Shoreward]

I really dig your art style, skele-dude is a qt3.14. :smallbiggrin:

You seem like you've already drawn a lot before in your style, seeing how polished everything looks! I hope to see more of this. Good luck, I wish you more creative stamina than I have. :smalltongue:

Thank you tons! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Yeah, this isn't my usual style these days, but I was practicing for a little while on other, never-uploaded ideas before having the stones toss anything into the crazy wilderness that is the internet. It seemed like something light and fun to do after I write my main project each week, you know?

I've been making pages every week since I posted it for approval so I could try and get into the habit of keeping the schedule, which is why I was able to post two just now. I'm going to do my best to keep that up!

[V'icternus]

That face when no GF.

Also that face when you are a skeleton and have no face.


Anyway, really glad to see a new comic up, and with excellent art as well. That first strip told so much of the introduction with so little dialogue, and your character (Pellan) has a design with detail, but that isn't overdrawn.

Really looking forward to more!

[Shoreward]

Thanks to you as well, then! I'm just glad anyone is interested in reading my weird little comic.

Funny thing, I got a bit confused for a second when you named the main character, since it hadn't happened in the comics yet - but then I remembered I wrote it into the summary in the OP.

[ti'esar]

Wow, a new fan comic! I didn't even notice this until I saw it in your signature.

I'm enjoying the style and humor so far - it's pretty professionally done. The only real thing that bugged me is that Pellan's exclamation at the end of the first comic seemed a little clunky/oddly worded.

[Shoreward]

Wow, a new fan comic! I didn't even notice this until I saw it in your signature.

I'm enjoying the style and humor so far - it's pretty professionally done. The only real thing that bugged me is that Pellan's exclamation at the end of the first comic seemed a little clunky/oddly worded.

Thanks to you as well!

And yeah, I could see that feeling "off". I went through a few sentences before settling on that one, and I wonder if dropping the "Then" off the beginning of the sentence would be enough to make it feel smoother.

I've been known to intentionally load my written character dialogue with weird grammar from time to time just because people can be like that, but this wasn't one of those times.

Glad to see someone else interested, in any case!

[danielxcutter]

This... is actually pretty sweet. Is this just a generic fantasy setting or does it run on D&D 3.5 rules like OotS?

[Shoreward]

This... is actually pretty sweet. Is this just a generic fantasy setting or does it run on D&D 3.5 rules like OotS?

It's not running on D&D rules, and I hope I'll be able to explore the little details of the setting itself, too, but a lot of it isn't relevant to Pellan's story so far. Not yet, at least. We'll see how the journey goes.

Glad to hear it's entertaining so far!

[IntelectPaladin]

Wow. I stumbled across this comic by accident, and I'm loving it!
I'm actually in the exact same boat as Pellan, Pathwinder-wise, due to...
Well, DM anti-fiat. In pathfinder, I'm an Undead Gravenight.
And yet somehow still a good guy.
Actually, I've posted quite a bit about it already. Have a look, if you like!

Here they all are, in order. I hope they prove to be good material!
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=21264831&postcount=665
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=21267431&postcount=676
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=21269519&postcount=681
http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=21274219&postcount=695
And here is the definition of a graveknight:
http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/bestiary3/graveknight.html
(Note: I got to keep from being evil, sort of.)

I'm quite a fan of the comic already, as well as looking forward to the next update.
Also, feel free to message me about how I handled various
situations, if you need inspiration. Or just curious.
Yes, I'm being rather cringe-worthy. I'm well aware of this.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Shoreward]

Early update, since I did some really speedy work with my weekly wordcount this week. Another two pages to help clear out some buffer and get the momentum going!

Page 4 - Panic at the Temple.
https://s19.postimg.cc/88nj5ftxf/Cu_Co4.png

Page 5 - Fallen Star.
https://s19.postimg.cc/d7b1jz5g3/Cu_Co5.png

"Long had we gazed at the stars in wonder, thinking them beyond our reach, and when our mystics read the signs, we hardly believed it. It was to be an age blessed by the great Skyfather, lord above lords above lords. Who could say what that meant for those of us scurrying below?"

- Drato Perek, Ruminations on the Descent of Heaven.

[V'icternus]

Well, at least they're not turning undead or some equivalent. Though, who knows if Pellan is even actually undead. Curses, right?

Also, this part;



"Long had we gazed at the stars in wonder, thinking them beyond our reach, and when our mystics read the signs, we hardly believed it. It was to be an age blessed by the great Skyfather, lord above lords above lords. Who could say what that meant for those of us scurrying below?"

- Drato Perek, Ruminations on the Descent of Heaven.

is interesting. Hard to say whether it's mythology or history being discussed. But it seems to have something to do with this Stormfallen, whoever she is exactly.

She seems to draw some healthy amusement from people being hit in the face, so that's nice.

I also like her non-symmetrical design. And with all that bright blue, she certainly stands out herself.

[IntelectPaladin]

A large update, a new character, and quite a bit more more story!
I'm pleasantly surprised to see it out so soon, for that matter.
Again, I do apologize for my own cringe-worthiness.
I'm really enjoying this series so far, especially the attention to detail,
and I'm hoping you keep at it for a long while.
Not any longer than you would like, however.
thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Shoreward]

Thanks guys!

I'm not sure how often I'll drop a little quote like that into a post. I don't want to use them to explain character, plot, or setting details I should be explaining in the comic itself, after all. Consider them 'bonus content pieces' to drum up some curiosity and get people wondering about things. I'll make sure that anything important to the story gets explained in-story at some point, so don't you worry about that.

[ti'esar]

Hmm, interesting. I feel like there's just not quite enough information here to really formulate any guesses, other than that a larger cast has probably taken its first steps toward forming.

[Prince Zahn]

Oh yes, I am enjoying this :smallsmile:
A very creative idea, posing the question "what's left for a dashing Knight in shining armor once he's cursed to be a skeleton Knight?" you've put up a solid start, and the art is impressive, the characters are about a step or two more detailed than oots characters, for a slightly more serious, but still somewhat lighthearted story.

I hope you keep it up! It's been far too long since I saw new and interesting stuff in the Webcomics forum. I'm keeping this in my bookmarks :smallbiggrin:

[Shoreward]

Thanks for reading!

The extra detail is a function of how I would be drawing if it weren't loosely OotS-inspired. I decided to give my character designs a little more freedom of expression - literally. I've always found the movement of eyes to be important for emotion. One rather simple and subtle thing you can't do in a fully OotS style is move the eyes independently of the head (or really express with the eyes at all), so I designed my changes to let me do just that.

It's a little similar in principle to the difference between the Batsuits of the Dark Knight trilogy and the old Batsuit Keaton wore. Keaton couldn't turn his neck very well, so he often had to turn his whole body. Both are functional Batsuits, but one serves me a little better for what I want to do and how I work. Even if I don't always have the need to take full advantage of it, I like to have the option for when I do need it.

Anyway, that's enough of me for now. I'll try to drop another couple next week. I don't think I'll keep doing two updates each update day, but it's a nice way to get us into the story a little quicker at the start. Once we're out of my introductory arc here, I think I'll keep a more ordinary schedule. Never know, though.

[IntelectPaladin]

So, what do you intend the regular schedule to be, if I may ask?
It's been on my mind quite a bit.

Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Shoreward]

Page 6 - Taking Counsel.
https://s19.postimg.cc/bfi2p6gz7/Cu_Co6.png

Page 7 - Questions and Answers.
https://s19.postimg.cc/r0ze94dhv/Cu_Co7.png


So, what do you intend the regular schedule to be, if I may ask?

Once a week, usually towards the end but sometimes earlier. Extra updates come if I'm doing well for spare time that week or if, like the last few, I already have a buffer prepared and can drop something extra to get the momentum going faster.

[V'icternus]

A quest to find...

THE WHITE TOWER

You have two days. On the third, we ride for Gondor. And war.



Also, I am now curious as to what happens to anyone who is touched with the storm. It does not sound pleasant.

[ti'esar]

I'm thinking what I was sort of thinking before: "the Storm" is some kind of divine power, not necessarily harmful except to things like the undead. Hence why it's in question what would happen, since Pellan's only kind of undead.

[IntelectPaladin]

Yes! A new comic!
Thank you for posting this, it's always nice to see,
and I'm loving the story so far.
PPPFFFTT His expression with the broom! Hah!
So. The White Tower. I'm sure we'll get backstory about this little quest soon enough.
I'm also wondering just how deep this storyline will get,
as well as looking forward to the next update.
Yup. Just as cringe-worthy as always. And just as apologetic, which just makes it worse.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Shoreward]

Finished my major writing project. Bonus update while I let it sit and plan out my next project.

Page 8 - At Last I See.
https://s19.postimg.cc/o6w8voj1f/Cu_Co8.png

[V'icternus]

I love how Pellan can only express himself with his eyes. His blank, constant grin keeps amusing me.


But he really needs to learn when he meets a fellow protagonist! Blue hair, special magical powers, quest-visions, you'd have to be crazy not to go along with it!

[ti'esar]

For someone who was apparently your standard dashing knight before the whole curse issue came up, Pellan seems a bit oblivious to how these things tend to work. :smalltongue:

[danielxcutter]

For someone who was apparently your standard dashing knight before the whole curse issue came up, Pellan seems a bit oblivious to how these things tend to work. :smalltongue:

Considering that he's been showing his face to everyone since the first strip, I'd say yeah.

[Shoreward]

Another bonus update. Because I have no self control.

Page 9 - Right of Heights.
https://s19.postimg.cc/lct3i9jg3/Cu_Co9.png

"Eyes like gleaming stars, hair like the sky, and power like a tumultuous storm; all at once, we knew they had come to rule."

- Drato Perek, Ruminations on the Descent of Heaven.

[IntelectPaladin]

And then there were nine!
I wasn't expecting another comic so soon after the first! This certainly put a bright spot on my day!
And oof, that's got to sting, being conscripted like that. Never a good thing, in my experience.
I'd constantly object such actions if they happened to me, RPG-or-otherwise.
I'm certainly glad to see another comic so soon, however,
and I'm certainly looking forward to the next release, lack of self-control notwithstanding.
I hope Pellan survive's whatever's next, and I also hope I stop being cringe-worthy. Somehow.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[ti'esar]

"Stupid railroad plot."

Who's that guy peeking around the corner, I wonder?

[Shoreward]

Another update! What a crazy week, huh?

Page 10 - Looking Back.
https://s19.postimg.cc/9axpo8kj7/Cu_Co10.png

This also marks the end of the introductory arc.

[ti'esar]

I want to go ahead and say that this probably marks the introduction of the villain (or at least a villain), but then again our protagonist is a skeleton, so that might be a bit judgmental.

[IntelectPaladin]

Congratulations, we've made it to the second page!
This is certainly an intriguing scene, with plenty of detail, as usual.
Also, thank you for updating the comic so rapidly. It really is refreshing.
As in, refreshing the page. And the cringe-worthiness continues.
I'm still looking forward to the next update,
but for now I'll settle for re-reading what we have thus far.
The comic is certainly starting to take shape, well done.
Also, I've been meaning to ask,
Is there any way we can add an advertisement to our own signatures?
If only to help spread the comic around.

Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Shoreward]

If you mean banners, I could always pop the image of the banner I use in my signature into the first post for other people to attach the thread link to for themselves. I don't have any other banner images at the moment.

For now, if you want to use it in your signature, just quote my post to find the formula used to make this link and pop it in. I'll put it in this spoiler tag so as not to clutter things too much.

https://s19.postimg.cc/be84vv2bn/Bannerv2.png (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?508403-Cursed-of-Course-A-Fantasy-Comic&p=21572894)

Obviously, delete the spoiler tags when you use it, unless you need to use them.

I might make more banners in the future, but I was careful not to spoil any future characters or details in my first one, since I already had a bunch of designs drawn and a good idea of what things were going to look like.

As an aside, the update schedule will not remain "One a day" as it has been, at least after this week. It'll go back to once a week while I get started on another long-term writing project.

[V'icternus]

Remember to mention in your sig who writes the comic!


Anyway, not sure if Peku is going to live through this encounter. But odds are good this shadowy figure is going to be tracking Pellan either way.

[Shoreward]

Now that we're out of the introduction, we begin in earnest. Unfortunately, the mystery of the previous page will remain a mystery for now...

Page 11 - Hit the Road.
https://s19.postimg.cc/nvesijcrn/Cu_Co11.png

[V'icternus]

Topograhpic map of the area with a big red X. But instead of treasure, it leads to a person(?) unknown. Cool.


Also, it has to be said, while we can't see all of Cataletta's face in panel 4, her sudden pouting frown is pretty cute.

Also also, nice detail in the first two panels. I assume that's a mile marker they just passed, or some equivalent?

[IntelectPaladin]

Another amazingly detailed comic, as to be expected!
And I'm glad you're getting onto a usually schedule.
Not to mention that it's nice to see another comic so soon.
Especially since I'm currently more sick that the proverbial dog.
As usual, I'll be looking forward to the next update,
as well as enjoying what you've already posted.
I hope to bring a few others into this soon.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Shoreward]

New update. Enjoy!

Page 12 - The Flame.
https://s19.postimg.cc/ar985usfn/Cu_Co12.png

[danielxcutter]

Love the effects in the last panel.

[IntelectPaladin]

I've gotten the flu, so seeing this just made my day.
Does anyone else recognize those shoulderspikes, or is it just me?
Another amazingly detailed comic, as usual. I certainly wasn't expecting the map joke.
I'm looking forward to the continuation of the series,
but I hope you pace yourself as need be.
I've always been a fan of the "skeleton hero" genre. I'm even writing a book about it.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[ti'esar]

This is updating almost too fast to keep up with commenting! Not that I'm seriously complaining.

"The Flame" sounds like quite a... character, if they can ever find him.


Does anyone else recognize those shoulderspikes, or is it just me?

They aren't the same as the guy's from comic 10, if that's what you're getting at. His were smaller, more like normal (if large) pauldrons.

[IntelectPaladin]

They aren't the same as the guy's from comic 10, if that's what you're getting at. His were smaller, more like normal (if large) pauldrons.
So they are. My mistake. I won't let myself make that little blunder again.
I'll be sure to pay more attention.
And to keep on trying to stop my own cringe-worthiness.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Shoreward]

Page 13 - Tempting Fate.
https://s19.postimg.cc/65d3xk4cj/Cu_Co13.png

Our "week of updates" is fast drawing to its conclusion, but I hope you've enjoyed it all the same. The speculations are always fun to read, too.

[IntelectPaladin]

I should've seen this one coming.
I particularly enjoying the scenes in this one,
along with the expectations of what's to come,
Not to mention my usual love of detail.
Hey, I wasn't that cringe-esq that time!
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Shoreward]

Page 14 - Never Far Along the Warrior's Way.
https://s19.postimg.cc/ijzvxw3kj/Cu_Co14.png

I hope you enjoyed our week of daily updates. We'll return to a regular weekly schedule with occasional bonus strips from here on.

[ti'esar]

Ah ha, the misfortunate adventuring shoe is on the other foot now, Cataletta!

Somehow I don't see this going as simply as all that, especially not now that the map has been destroyed.

[IntelectPaladin]

I'm going to run out of things to say at this rate!
It's always nice to see another comic,
especially one with a healthy dose of humor! That expression alone is priceless.
And yet, somehow, the cringe continues.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[V'icternus]

There are some advantages to being a skeleton, it seems.

But without smooching rescued ladies, I guess they're just not worth it.

[Shoreward]

Page 15 - Hearth Home.
https://s19.postimg.cc/le31bcl6b/Cu_Co15.png

This week's update.

[ti'esar]

Huh, I was kind of expecting them to have gotten ambushed by bandits by now.

Which means that the figure from before might have been something other than a bandit...

Edit: Incidentally, I like the lighting.

[danielxcutter]

This is getting interesting... *rubs hands*

[IntelectPaladin]

Ah, further insight into the world of this comic.
Enjoyable and detailed as usual, another bright spot to my day.
especially due to the detail of lighting you've managed to create.
Somehow, my cringe goes on.
I'm still waiting for this to somehow go wrong.
Also, I find the "house rivals" tidbit particularly interesting.
I just hope we don't have another "game of thrones" setting.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Shoreward]

Bonus update as the week draws to its end.

Page 16 - Life Story.
https://s19.postimg.cc/dy3rpkkmb/Cu_Co16.png

"They were as children; without knowledge or understanding, but gifted in the art of learning. And it came to pass that many sought our libraries. We hurried to their aid, but still there came a great trepidation. A man cannot lead until he has been taught, but are we fit to teach the divine?"

- Drato Perek, Ruminations on the Descent of Heaven.

[V'icternus]

There's always that one adventurer who just wants to sit and possibly grumble occasionally while everyone else is having a conversation.

The main problem with that being I want to know more!


Hopefully Pellan will open up sometime soon, and Cataletta can explain what she even is.


The characters and the world are really making me curious. Great work, Shoreward. And keep up your excellent art quality as well.

[ti'esar]

Yeah, the worldbuilding so far is really whetting my appetite to find out more.

And I'm starting to wonder if Pellan's grumpiness is merely because he's upset about being turned into a skeleton and dragged unwillingly on someone else's quest... or whether he was just always a grouch.

[danielxcutter]

Hmmm, this is interesting... Wonder why Pellan's keeping his jawbone shut.

[IntelectPaladin]

Well done with this comic, a certainly welcome update.
With all the houses involved, I wonder what pellan's own involvement was.
Or, rather, how it ended. Another detailed, amazing comic. Keep it up!
Honestly, the cringe in my words comes from not knowing what to say each time.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Shoreward]

Page 17 - Shadows.
https://s19.postimg.cc/fd5ceb14z/Cu_Co17.png
This week's update.

[ti'esar]

Huh. Not sure what to make of this until we see more.

[danielxcutter]

Yeah... Why do I have the feeling that this new character is one of several girls/women that will join Pellan's journey?

Of course this could just be a symptom of me reading too much manga and light novels, but I hope I'm right. ;)

[IntelectPaladin]

We've now hit page three,
due to another interesting weekly update!
A new character means new events, all of which I'm looking forward to!
I'm not looking forward to continued cringe, but so it goes.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!
{EDIT} Also, has anyone else noticed the second chapter cover-art in the archives?

[Prince Zahn]

OOOoooh this is getting interesting...:smallsmile:

Also, the girl with the wacky bird thing reminds me of avatar Korra :smalltongue: I consider this a plus. :P

[Shoreward]

Page 18 - Reading the Signs.
https://s19.postimg.cc/532xf40zn/Cu_Co18.png
This week's update! I wonder what these strange symbols mean...

[danielxcutter]

The plot thickens. If it gets any thicker, it would provide an AC bonus as a +5 tower shield.

[ti'esar]

Cursed, of Course: Come for the grouchy skeleton knight, stay for the intriguing world-building.

[IntelectPaladin]

Cursed, of Course: Come for the grouchy skeleton knight, stay for the intriguing world-building.

And the details that make up said world-building.
Thank you, Shareward, for continuing this amazing series.
ANd for putting up with my usual cringe.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Kantaki]

Okay, I'm starting to believe that Cataletta really fell from the sky.
And landed on her head...:smallamused:

Reacting to the info "Those marks mean she's a criminal of some sort" with "Oh, I have to talk to her" is a clear sign that she didn't grow up in the normal world.

So it is either that or she lived a amazingly sheltered life and for whatever reason they tell little girls with weird hair (and arm) colours they fell from the sky. the "fell from the sky"-thing is actually a myth/belief/Story that's supposed to explain why some people look the way Cataletta does.
And have weird powers(?) I guess.

[Prince Zahn]

Okay, I'm starting to believe that Cataletta really fell from the sky.
And landed on her head...:smallamused:

Reacting to the info "Those marks mean she's a criminal of some sort" with "Oh, I have to talk to her" is a clear sign that she didn't grow up in the normal world.

So it is either that or she lived a amazingly sheltered life and for whatever reason they tell little girls with weird hair (and arm) colours they fell from the sky. the "fell from the sky"-thing is actually a myth/belief/Story that's supposed to explain why some people look the way Cataletta does.
And have weird powers(?) I guess.

Well, it's a Wisdom penalty, all my wizards have it and they came out just fine! :smalltongue:
The way I see it, there is also a third possibility, where, however unlikely, Cataletta learned in her past that there are no bad people, only people with bad experiences. but at the same time, the evil, too, can return to the path of the righteous, perhaps she even learned that lesson the hard way, but doesn't talk about it. which is why she would make a point to be friendly and open and reinforce her borderline naively optimistic view of life.

either that, or I'm giving this loveable ditz way to much credit :smalltongue: but that's the thing - we don't know until we get a glimpse into her truth :smallsmile:

[Kantaki]

Well, it's a Wisdom penalty, all my wizards have it and they came out just fine! :smalltongue:
The way I see it, there is also a third possibility, where, however unlikely, Cataletta learned in her past that there are no bad people, only people with bad experiences. but at the same time, the evil, too, can return to the path of the righteous, perhaps she even learned that lesson the hard way, but doesn't talk about it. which is why she would make a point to be friendly and open and reinforce her borderline naively optimistic view of life.

either that, or I'm giving this loveable ditz way to much credit :smalltongue: but that's the thing - we don't know until we get a glimpse into her truth :smallsmile:

Well yeah, Wis-penalty is the crunch. Landing on her head/ upbringing/ her experiences before adventuring would be the fluff explaining the penalty.
Those things don't contradict each other.

[Prince Zahn]

Well yeah, Wis-penalty is the crunch. Landing on her head/ upbringing/ her experiences before adventuring would be the fluff explaining the penalty.
Those things don't contradict each other.
Fair enough, I just wanted to start with a snarky comment, it wasn't the point I was trying to make but it's okay. :smallsmile:

But yeah, there's no doubt that Cat may as well be from another planet ^_^ I can't speak for anyone else, but I certainly would never have done what she did.

[Shoreward]

Page 19 - Foot Plus Mouth.
https://s19.postimg.cc/6i4i3u9sj/Cu_Co19.png
Love seeing all the chatter between updates! Nothing makes a writer cackle more than knowing all the answers to people's speculations. :smallwink:

[danielxcutter]

Yuuuuup, definitely dumped Wis. Perhaps she's the equivalent of a Favored Soul, which base casting on Cha.

[ti'esar]

So is part of the brands' effect to enforce some kind of muteness, or is she just not much of a talker?

[Prince Zahn]

So is part of the brands' effect to enforce some kind of muteness, or is she just not much of a talker?
If someone I never met came to me and asked me what my sin was, I wouldn't want to answer her either.

[Kantaki]

"But her brand says she killed someone important! What about them?"

Well, crazy sky lady, obviously they weren't killed "'round there".
Why should the barkeep care about what happened elsewhere? His job is to look after this inn not other places.:smallamused:

And she landed definitely on her head. I think Elan might have been more subtle there.:smallbiggrin:
Or not. Depends on when we talk about.

[danielxcutter]

"But her brand says she killed someone important! What about them?"

Well, crazy sky lady, obviously they weren't killed "'round there".
Why should the barkeep care about what happened elsewhere? His job is to look after this inn not other places.:smallamused:

And she landed definitely on her head. I think Elan might have been more subtle there.:smallbiggrin:
Or not. Depends on when we talk about.

Asking "who did you kill?" isn't too much of an Elanish thing to me. Imo, of course.

[IntelectPaladin]

Oh, joy. This won't end well.
This week's comic is suddenly filling me with as much trepidation as OOTS.
And that is not a good thing.
However, It's nice to see that the strip is still as fine-detailed as ever.
and as usual, I"m anxiously awaiting the next strip.
Sadly, not positively anymore. I can only think of what will go wrong.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Prince Zahn]

I actually have faith it would go well, Cat hasn't really shown herself to be the judgmental type, even though the innkeeper is jumping to intervene before anything happened.

with that being said, Shoreward, do you do each panel individually or do you copy templates? the detail in this stuff is spectacular :smallsmile:

[Shoreward]

I use templates, but there's a good deal of redrawing backgrounds in the more active pages. When things are more static I can usually get away with building a few "camera shots" of a location and re-using them at various zooms. The shadows are re-drawn every panel.

Page 20 - Oh, Pellan...
https://s19.postimg.cc/pzz5jtoqr/Cu_Co20.png

Meanwhile...

[danielxcutter]

Oh come on, this practically screams "trap".

[ti'esar]

Wow, it's an entire party of people with WIS as a dump stat. :smalltongue:

Yeah, that red speech bubble doesn't seem suspicious or anything. To say nothing of the rest of her act.

[IntelectPaladin]

Pffftt! I can't help but laugh at this one.
As expected, he story has certainly gone in new, unexpected directions.
I wonder what she'll say, as well as wonder what the trap is.
As a Paladin, I find the punchline hilarious. However, the story implications are still worrying.
Regardless, It's always nice to have my week's dose of Shoreward's detailed entertainment,
and as usual I'll continue to wait for the next one, and to continue enjoying what comics we have.
And as usual, I seem to be unable to escape what cringe follows me.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Kantaki]

I wonder if she is specifically after Pellan- or Cataletta as the case may be -and if it is the case why?
I guess this is either about his past, taking out Cataletta’s bodyguard or she's a bandit.
Either way I expect violence in the near future.


Oh come on, this practically screams "trap".

Obviously. The only question is will Pellan take the bait? The usual reactions to his face might discourage him.
Wait. Can he „take the bait”? I thought he was completely skeletal.
Not that this necessarily stops him from thinking with missing parts.


Wow, it's an entire party of people with WIS as a dump stat. :smalltongue:

Well, to be fair, it seems Cataletta literally fell from the sky (and landed on her head) and I don't think Pellan has much in his head considering his current state.:smalltongue:


Yeah, that red speech bubble doesn't seem suspicious or anything. To say nothing of the rest of her act.

Huh, didn't even register that.
I just thought her act was incredibly blunt to be anything else.
But yeah, something is off there.

[V'icternus]

Oh come on, this practically screams "trap".

It's well-aimed, as well. No hero can resist a damsel in distress!

Though I do wonder how he can sweat from his helmet... he can't even sweat from his skin!

[Shoreward]

Another update!

Page 21 - Meanwhile.
https://s19.postimg.cc/40sqwmfmb/Cu_Co21.png
And some answers.

[V'icternus]

And here we see the only situation in which it is acceptable to study miming.

[danielxcutter]

I assume magic is rather scarce in this comic, especially healing magic.

[IntelectPaladin]

I'm sensing tragedy here, confirming a few of my theories already.
It's interesting to wonder at her backstory,
as well as seeing how she'll be accepted into the party, if at all.
Either way, her reaction to Pellan will be worth seeing.
As usual, the level of detail is appreciated,
as well as the story's continuation.
The continuation of my own cringe, however, is not appreciated.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!
{P.S. Just a reminder, I usually leave hidden messages in my posts. Click and hold between sentences.}

[V'icternus]

{P.S. Just a reminder, I usually leave hidden messages in my posts. Click and hold between sentences.}

I honestly thought you did those for yourself and were hoping we didn't notice, and I thought it more polite not to bring them up.

[IntelectPaladin]

I honestly thought you did those for yourself and were hoping we didn't notice, and I thought it more polite not to bring them up.

I do them for both myself and others. I would've stopped,
but I've actually had fans complain when I stopped.
What's more surprising is that I have fans.
To directly address you all: Thanks, guys and gals.
If it's annoying you, or anyone, I'll probably stop.
Probably.
Or, probably not.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!
{Edit: I seem to have inadvertently started a new page. Whoops.}

[ti'esar]

I have this thread set to give me email notifications whenever it updates, so I see the whitetext messages automatically.

[Shoreward]

Been a pretty crazy week for me on the side-project front. Made good progress on my new writing project and I've done some side art stuff, for one. On top of that, here's an update!

Page 22 - Perception is a Wisdom Skill.
https://s19.postimg.cc/7x62smg1f/Cu_Co22.png

[ti'esar]

Ooh, that looks like a look of recognition in the last panel.

And thus began Mime and Cat's Excellent Adventure.

[IntelectPaladin]

Oh, joy. This won't go over well at all, will it. The princess off to save the knight.
Always an entertaining spectacle.
Who else is looking forward to finally seeing some combat scenes?
...Minus any tragedy, of course. It's late, so it's a short post.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Prince Zahn]

Ooh, that looks like a look of recognition in the last panel.

And thus began Mime and Cat's Excellent Adventure.I look forward to finding out her name, instead of calling her Mime(doesn't do her justice). Shore, you are clearly talented at conveying emotions through characters who can't always show it. We saw it with Pellan with his limited facial expressions, and now we see it with the ex-criminal without a tongue. I look forward to seeing more of your skills :3


Oh, joy. This won't go over well at all, will it. The princess off to save the knight.
Always an entertaining spectacle.
Who else is looking forward to finally seeing some combat scenes?
...Minus any tragedy, of course. It's late, so it's a short post.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!
You seem rather pessimistic that nothing good will come of this story, as I always say to my players "you can trust your DM to screw you over at every opportunity, but also trust him to offer you a way out." let's see where Shoreward is going before we call it a tearjerker :smallwink:

[IntelectPaladin]

You seem rather pessimistic that nothing good will come of this story, as I always say to my players "you can trust your DM to screw you over at every opportunity, but also trust him to offer you a way out." let's see where Shoreward is going before we call it a tearjerker :smallwink:

Let me just say that any and all pessimism was purely accidental in my attempts to convey a sense of foreboding.
I-e I wasn't trying to be like that, and I apologize.
Thank you for pulling me out of that.
Now, then. We've seen how humans and townsfolk react to pellan,
but how will the monsters and encounter'sfolk react? However it is,
It's sure to be entertaining, humorous, and assuredly nice to see.
Two words: Action scenes!
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Prince Zahn]

Let me just say that any and all pessimism was purely accidental in my attempts to convey a sense of foreboding.
I-e I wasn't trying to be like that, and I apologize.
Thank you for pulling me out of that.


No trouble, I didn't take it to heart, in your shoes I still wouldn't :smallsmile:

[Shoreward]

Page 23 - You All Expected This.
https://s19.postimg.cc/532xf710j/Cu_Co23.png

Also made some avatars, just for fun. Might add them to the OP.
http://i.imgur.com/wWOx1tw.png http://i.imgur.com/FnRsJfx.png http://i.imgur.com/TIN0qZC.png http://i.imgur.com/VHAgYIz.png

Not sure if they're a pixel or two too big. Hopefully not. They look smaller than my current one!

[danielxcutter]

Wow, those are impressive.

[V'icternus]

Great job, Pellan. Now April O'Neil has you cornered with Donny, Mike, Leo and Raph all backing her up.

Better hope they're afraid of skeletons.

[ti'esar]

That top bandit's helmet actually makes him look more like a scuba diver than a ninja.

So was the red speech bubble meant to just indicate a charming tone of voice, or did it signify something explicitly magical? Because I noticed it vanished once the inevitable occurred.

[Prince Zahn]

Wow gotta dig those avatars :D well done! and the backgrounds are a nice touch :3


Great job, Pellan. Now April O'Neil has you cornered with Donny, Mike, Leo and Raph all backing her up.

Better hope they're afraid of skeletons.
Yup... betcha wish you brought yer sword wit ya, dont'cha, O noble, fleshless knight?:smallwink:
place your bets guys - Pellan's reaction: Fight or Flight?:smalltongue:

[IntelectPaladin]

place your bets guys - Pellan's reaction: Fight or Flight?

I'll put down three "I told you so" 's on fight. Also, I agree with zahn, amazing work on the avatars!
They are a rather welcome addition to what artwork we have from the comic, honestly.
Also, I have to admit, I'm still looking forward to the bandits/thieves/brigands reactions.
And hopefully, the Action Scenes! And hopefully my cringe has stopped! ..wait.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!
{Edit: I find the thief that is second from the top the most disturbing. Well done.}

[Doorhandle]

Page 23 - You All Expected This.
http://i.imgur.com/B95r7zn.png



Thinking with the wrong head there, Pellan. Which is honestly impressive considering he's a skeleton.

edit:


place your bets guys - Pellan's reaction: Fight or Flight?

As an adventurer, Pellan is motivated entirely by the fight-or-fight reaction.

[Prince Zahn]

for the sake of competition, I'm gonna put my "I told you so" on "Flight". he's outnumbered, and unarmed, against several armed bandits. odds are likely, that if he fights, he'll lose his armor.

[Kantaki]

Thinking with the wrong head there, Pellan. Which is honestly impressive considering he's a skeleton.

Wasn't that clear from the very first comic? Or at least from the moment he went along for a reward he can't even claim afterwards?
On the other hand his other brain is absent too, so thinking this through was never a option.


As an adventurer, Pellan is motivated entirely by the fight-or-fight reaction.

True. If he chooses a tactical retreat I'll be very impressed.

[IntelectPaladin]

Well, I'm officially concerned.
It's been awhile since the last update to the comic.
Are you feeling alright, Shoreward?
I've gotten ill, recovered, and gotten ill again in the past month alone.
If you needed some time off, or some time for the family,
that would be fine. But I'm rather sure we'd like to be told as such, at least.
Hope to see you back online soon, Shoreward.
And I also hope to end my own cringe showing up, but we can't have everything.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[ti'esar]

If you look at the first post, the comic has actually been updating ahead of schedule. I wouldn't worry.

[V'icternus]

You know you've been spoiling your readers when they start worrying about your health after you don't update ahead of schedule.

[Shoreward]

Aside from the day being a bit hot, I'm doing just fine. :smalltongue:

I've been updating a little ahead of schedule because most weeks I find the time between my daily writing to get one out before the weekend, but sometimes either the strip is a bit difficult to work with or the week ends up swamping me with other stuff. Still, I try to get one out a week. The "Sat/Sun/Mon" set-up is just the usual expectation, even if it's not the usual reality.

Speaking of which, an update.

Page 24 - Hubris Schmubris.
https://s19.postimg.cc/eav5vwfsj/Cu_Co24.png

[V'icternus]

Welp. That could have gone considerably better.

[IntelectPaladin]

Well, at least I got one detail right.
He clearly intended to fight. Sadly, might alone doesn't make right.
Also, I think the fact that he's lost his armor shows that they really weren't afraid of a skeleton,
so that's cleared up.
Zhan, I'll be taking those six gold "I told you so" 's we bet at your leisure.
So, let's have a look. Pellan is captured with someone, whom he will probably team up with.
Stormlady and co. need to find him,
and the bandits are still at large yet unaware that Pellan was accompanied.
This can only get more interesting, folks.
I've waited this long for action scenes, i can wait longer still.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Kantaki]

Welp. That could have gone considerably better.

Nah, don't think so.
Pellan being unarmed merely accelerated this.
And spared the bandits some pain.
But I think the general outcome would have been the same.
The only difference would be the bandits (and Pellan* I guess) getting hurt and being a sword richer.

*Hurt, not richer. Unless experiences count.

[Prince Zahn]

Zhan, I'll be taking those six gold "I told you so" 's we bet at your leisure.
You get 4 gold "I told you so's". because A) I only bet 1 to your 3, and B) I get to keep at least one of those because because I totes called him losing his armor, and because the bandits used my arguments as theirs.

Welp, a bet's a bet. *hands the "I Told You So's", as per in-house rules* :smalltongue: we should do this again sometime.

[ti'esar]

Considering that everyone besides the deeply odd Cataletta has been completely freaked out by Pellan being a skeleton, these are some pretty gutsy bandits, I'll give them that.

Have we seen that other guy in the cage before? He looks kind of familiar.

[IntelectPaladin]

You get 4 gold "I told you so's". because A) I only bet 1 to your 3, and B) I get to keep at least one of those because because I totes called him losing his armor, and because the bandits used my arguments as theirs.
Fair enough. I look forward to next time. So,
I think the post above mine has a point, Could it be that northerner from the bar,
or is it simply a man with a similar beard? It could go either way,
but I'm looking forward to finding out.
And I'm still looking forward to the Action Scenes, if any.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Shoreward]

Update!

Page 25 - Caged.
https://s19.postimg.cc/532xf966b/Cu_Co25.png

[V'icternus]

Ah, the melancholic warrior. Just what we needed!

[danielxcutter]

That girl(woman? I dunno how old she is) has some guts considering the MC's a literal freakin' skeleton.

[ti'esar]

Why don't these guys ever find, like, a therapist instead of dumping all their issues on the nearest adventurer with ears (or even without them in this case)?

Also, I'm really actually starting to like the bandit leader now that she's mostly dropped the silly pink-voice-damsel-in-distress act. I kind of hope she sticks around for a while.

[danielxcutter]

Why don't these guys ever find, like, a therapist instead of dumping all their issues on the nearest adventurer with ears (or even without them in this case)?

Also, I'm really actually starting to like the bandit leader now that she's mostly dropped the silly pink-voice-damsel-in-distress act. I kind of hope she sticks around for a while.

Pretty sure that that's a trope, which is why I'm betting on that as well. You know, the attractive female thief/bandit who initially tries to rob the hero but ends up joining his harem team.

[IntelectPaladin]

Another new comic, always a welcome sight.
I wonder for how long he'll be stuck in there.
Long enough to actually be saved dramatically and just at the last moment, I'm sure.
The story is progressing quite well so far. I wonder what's happening next.
It's a short post because at the moment, I'm tired enough to be nearly as dead as Pellan.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!
{Edit: It's also interesting to see Pellan as a full skeleton. Well done, Shoreward.}

[Kantaki]

These two make great cage-mates.
One is crazier than the mad hatter after failing a SAN-check and the other’s a bit... thin-skinned.
Not to mention the obvious weight-problem.
Healthy bones through.:smallamused:

[Doorhandle]

Pretty sure that that's a trope, which is why I'm betting on that as well. You know, the attractive female thief/bandit who initially tries to rob the hero but ends up joining his harem team.

Hey now! The harem thing only applies to anime these days! :smallbiggrin:


Why don't these guys ever find, like, a therapist instead of dumping all their issues on the nearest adventurer with ears (or even without them in this case)?
Well, it's not like there are many therapists in the vaguely-medieval setting of fantasy...

[ti'esar]

It may be a quasi-medieval setting, but I'm getting the sense it's a pretty structured one, what with the caste system and the Houses and the religion and the franchise of neutral ground taverns.

I mean, the therapist comment was a joke, but it actually is an interesting thing I'm picking up about the world so far.

[Shoreward]

Page 26 - Loot to Go
https://s19.postimg.cc/f0dy8bt7n/Cu_Co26.png

An update. Still loving the conversation! Sorry I don't talk much between updates. It might sound silly, but I'm worried I'll be the last person to talk and I'll have to double-post when an update comes.

[danielxcutter]

Not being the only idiot is a victory not worth it, Pellan. :smalltongue:

Don't worry, I have no plans to drop out of this thread. Who knows, maybe you'll even have a Tvtropes page someday! :smallbiggrin:

[ti'esar]

I'm not sure if he's implying that the bandits are idiots or the depressed hooded guy is.

Could be both, I suppose.

[Kantaki]

He's calling himself an idiot?
Well, recognizing your flaws is the first step to work on them.
Maybe Pellan isn't as boneheaded as he looks.
Time will tell I guess.

[IntelectPaladin]

It could go either way, with regards to Pellan's intelligence.
However it goes, I'm still looking forward to seeing it.
I'm also looking forward to, guess what? Action scenes!
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Kantaki]

It could go either way, with regards to Pellan's intelligence.
However it goes, I'm still looking forward to seeing it.
I'm also looking forward to, guess what? Action scenes!
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

Meh, I'm pretty sure Pellan is severely lacking in the gray matter department.
Being a skeleton and all...

[Shoreward]

Page 27 - Inspirational Speech
https://s19.postimg.cc/huh3lrno3/Cu_Co27.png
Got another update for ya!

[Kantaki]

So that other guy is as dead on the inside as Pellan is on the outside?
Fitting. And kinda ironic.
I bet they would make a great team.:smallbiggrin:

[Prince Zahn]

So that other guy is as dead on the inside as Pellan is on the outside?
Fitting. And kinda ironic.
I bet they would make a great team.:smallbiggrin:

I put my money on witchcraft that killed his hopes.

[danielxcutter]

So that other guy is as dead on the inside as Pellan is on the outside?
Fitting. And kinda ironic.
I bet they would make a great team.:smallbiggrin:

Oooh, deep. Also, seconding the theory that this guy is going to join the party.

[ti'esar]

So that other guy is as dead on the inside as Pellan is on the outside?

...I don't think I can top this.

[IntelectPaladin]

Well, at least Pellan is trying. Bonus points there.
Though I suppose being a skeleton does have it's charisn'tma modifier after all.
What a shame.
Zahn, I'll take you up on that. I bet 2 silver "oh, well"s on no witchcraft effects in his story.
In the meantime, I'll continue enjoying this comic as much as possible.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[V'icternus]

"So ball up those fists!"

Could Pellan be any more anime?

[danielxcutter]

"So ball up those fists!"

Could Pellan be any more anime?

Well, I don't see him punching out eldritch abominations yet, so...

[Hish]

Just read through the whole thing and I'm a huge fan so far. I hope you keep this up!
Probably won't comment much. I prefer to lurk.

[IntelectPaladin]

Probably won't comment much. I prefer to lurk.

Welcome to the comic, HisHighestMinio!
We look forward to you lurking with us.
Well, not in my case, but still.
Don't worry, we're all friendly here. Friendly-ish, at least.
Some of them might be rabid, I can't tell, but still nice!
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Prince Zahn]

Well, at least Pellan is trying. Bonus points there.
Though I suppose being a skeleton does have it's charisn'tma modifier after all.
What a shame.
Zahn, I'll take you up on that. I bet 2 silver "oh, well"s on no witchcraft effects in his story.
In the meantime, I'll continue enjoying this comic as much as possible.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!
"CHARISN'TMA" :smallbiggrin: give me a moment to admire that.
no bet, I'm so focused on my inquisition/witch hunt story that I'll call nearly anything witchcraft. :P

[Shoreward]

Double Update!

Page 28 - Title.
https://s19.postimg.cc/77nage58z/Cu_Co28.png

Page 29 - Sounds Like a Personal Problem.
https://s19.postimg.cc/ijzvyavz7/Cu_Co29.png

The beginning of a fun little detour.

[IntelectPaladin]

Well, goodness gosh!
I was having such a terrible day, and then?
Salvation! A positive occurrence!
Thank you, Shoreward! I look forward to your further work!
No, I haven't read it yet. I will do so now.
Look's like the cringe never left. Sadly.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!
{Edit: Wow, I should've seen that coming. That was amazing to read. "It was about a Girl!?" Priceless stereotype, well done. Good work with the detail, as usual. This has been building since page 2.}
Also? Some of us were right, he DOES have a brain up there. Surprisingly.

[danielxcutter]

Woot! Two updates for the price of one!

[Kantaki]

Of course it is about a girl, Pellan.:smallsigh:
This kind of story always is.:smallamused:

[ti'esar]

...I did not see that coming.

So apparently these guys are actually his gang, and are just holding him in the cage because he's so obnoxiously depressed? That's hilarious.

[Prince Zahn]

starting another betting pool (which I won't be part of but will be spectating since I'm fresh out of "I Told you so"s and "called it"s)
Place your bets! What caused the breakup?
(min wager: 2 silver "I told you so"s, betting fee: 3 "called it" copper pieces. payoff: x2 the wager pool from all involved, sans betting fee)

[ti'esar]

Who says there was a breakup? Given the way this guy has been characterized, it's possible merely meeting a woman who didn't fall for his charms was enough to drive him to depression.

[danielxcutter]

Who says there was a breakup? Given the way this guy has been characterized, it's possible merely meeting a woman who didn't fall for his charms was enough to drive him to depression.

...OH.

That makes sense.

[Shoreward]

I for one support all theories, as they are obviously fact and no one can say otherwise until someone of the proper authority comes forward. Good thing none of us know anyone like that.

[V'icternus]

So, Pellan needs some skin, Bortha needs some positivity, and Cataletta needs a clue (and a tower).

I don't know if the Wizard of Oz has any of those things to give, but maybe they should get it out once they resolve the current... predicament.

[Prince Zahn]

Perhaps I should rephrase that to "what happened that caused hiss heartache?"

[Kantaki]

Perhaps I should rephrase that to "what happened that caused hiss heartache?"

She was a snake person!:smalltongue::smallwink:

[ti'esar]

On an unrelated note, I can't help but notice that Pellan completely dodged the question of how he was cursed in the first place. And looking back through the archives, he's done that consistently.

Hmm...

[danielxcutter]

On an unrelated note, I can't help but notice that Pellan completely dodged the question of how he was cursed in the first place. And looking back through the archives, he's done that consistently.

Hmm...

I mean, would you want to bring that up?

[Shoreward]

Page 30 - The Job.
https://s19.postimg.cc/9c7nhm4cj/Cu_Co30.png
Gonna flash back.
Back to the past.
Go get a snack.

[ti'esar]

Wow, a ton of worldbuilding here.

[Kantaki]

Aww... Is that a cat person?
How cute...:smallbiggrin:

World info is nice too.

[danielxcutter]

Hey, Shoreward, why don't you put this up on your DeviantArt account or your Tumblr blog or something? Then other people will be able to see how much work you're putting into this as well!

[Shoreward]

Hey, Shoreward, why don't you put this up on your DeviantArt account or your Tumblr blog or something? Then other people will be able to see how much work you're putting into this as well!

I don't have either. I guess I feel like this is still fundamentally a fancomic which wouldn't and couldn't exist without OotS, and in my mind this is where it best belongs. I'm more than happy to have a small but passionate fanbase here on the forum because, when it really comes down to it, this whole project is something I'm doing for fun rather than any sort of recognition. I appreciate the enthusiasm, though!

[V'icternus]

Look at those silver triangles. Why are all our modern coins so boring and round when we could have triangles?

[Prince Zahn]

Look at those silver triangles. Why are all our modern coins so boring and round when we could have triangles?

Lol, I'll bet it's because triangles are too edgy for the modern world to grasp. :smallcool:pun definitely intended, I seek not applause nor forgiveness.

[Shoreward]

Page 31 - Cunning Plans.
https://s19.postimg.cc/5fublmbn7/Cu_Co31.png

[danielxcutter]

Simple, but practical. I believe real-life safe-crackers took the actual safe with them if they could, so they could take their time picking the lock later.

[ti'esar]

That was a pretty good plan.

"No promises," heh.

[IntelectPaladin]

I've returned from my four-day oblication,
and I return to two new comics!
Both incredibly world-building, detailed, and worth reading.
Keep up the good work!
Zahn, no more bets. Honestly I need to quit my newfound gambling addiction.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Prince Zahn]

I've returned from my four-day oblication,
and I return to two new comics!
Both incredibly world-building, detailed, and worth reading.
Keep up the good work!
Zahn, no more bets. Honestly I need to quit my newfound gambling addiction.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!
I will honor this request. I'll need to find another way to express myself here.

[Kantaki]

A simple plan.
Those are usually the best ones .
I wonder what went wrong. Since this seems to be about a girl maybe she is in the chest.

[Shoreward]

UPDATE!

Page 32 - Brave, Brave...
https://s19.postimg.cc/r3j9vkjlv/Cu_Co32.png

[Kantaki]

Well I guess there was no way a simple smoke bomb could have done more than slowing that spearfighter.
I mean just look at him- fancy armor, glowy aura around the spear... No way that's just some moook.

[ti'esar]

Pretty sure the joke is that the smoke bomb was only ever meant as a distraction for his "cunning, bold" plan of... running away very fast.

[danielxcutter]

Great comic!!

[Kantaki]

Pretty sure the joke is that the smoke bomb was only ever meant as a distraction for his "cunning, bold" plan of... running away very fast.

Well, of course it was just a distraction to flee.
It is a smoke/flash bomb. What else should it be for?
The point is that even that didn't work very well.
The spear-guy follows him almost immediately and seems ready to throw his (magic?) spear.

[IntelectPaladin]

Finally!
It may not have be a combat scene, but still.
An action scene, at last! Thank you, shoreward.
Now, let's see if he(?) hit or missed.
Also, the "her" that's mentioned could either be in the chest, or in that armor. Any clues?
As usual, the level of detail is staggering, the humor is still humorous,
and the comic is, as always, enjoyable and worth reading.
Dang it, the cringe is back.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[Prince Zahn]

@IntelectPaladin For some reason the only parts I ever feel like discussing are those you white text over. strange. I'ma reverse the B/W out of spite. :smalltongue::smallwink:


Finally!
It may not have be a combat scene, but still.
An action scene, at last! Thank you, shoreward.
Now, let's see if he(?) hit or missed.
Also, the "her" that's mentioned could either be in the chest, or in that armor. Any clues?
As usual, the level of detail is staggering, the humor is still humorous,
and the comic is, as always, enjoyable and worth reading.
Dang it, the cringe is back.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

1. after examining the body shape of the armor, the "her" mentioned at the beginning very well could be the armored spearknight. it could be someone else, too, whom we haven't met yet, but in the absence of information That's where the clues are taking us.

2. Your cring is justified. We already know he messed up, or screwed up, or that he otherwise led to his own downfall (this is a flashback afterall). The real question we're all dying to know is how exactly?

[ti'esar]

Yeah, I'm also tending to the theory that the Company of the Shining Spear's leader might be the very woman Borty's telling this story about. The full-face helmet tends to raise that possibility.

[Shoreward]

Page 33 - A Promise Made
https://s19.postimg.cc/ec53p1ueb/Cu_Co33.png

[Kantaki]

Well, it seems the spear fighter can be trusted to keep their word.:smallamused:

[danielxcutter]

Hmmm... maybe the girl with the mark on her head and can't speak is the spear-thrower? A bit of a stretch, but hey, most theories are.

[ti'esar]

Hmm, that's a slightly cryptic title.

And is that just a dust-skid cloud, or is some kind of mist/smoke coming out of the box?

[Shoreward]

I think we can agree this is a slightly early update. Or an additional late one, depending on timezone.

Page 34 - Everyone Should Have One.
https://s19.postimg.cc/o9g4i49pv/Cu_Co34.png

[V'icternus]

Seems like more of a Plan F.

For Failure, Falling, or something slightly more colourful.

[IntelectPaladin]

Ah, an RPG classic: desperate, unthinking suicidal planning.
Classic for a reason. Well done, Shoreward!
A wonderful comic, and an excellent continuation!
Thank you for continuing to write this little masterpiece of a story. I always look forward to it.
I just hope that in my games, I'm never forced into Plan C circumstances.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a better day!

[ti'esar]

Seems like more of a Plan F.

For Failure, Falling, or something slightly more colourful.

If Plan C is already this desperate, I hate to imagine what it'll be like when we go down a few letters more.

[Kantaki]

If Plan C is already this desperate, I hate to imagine what it'll be like when we go down a few letters more.

Maybe we are misunderstanding him?
It's possible he means C as a roman number.
Although in that case I would be worried about the sheer number of plans he went through already...

[Shoreward]

Update!

Page 35 - The Moment.
https://s19.postimg.cc/mhn5naqdv/Cu_Co35.png
Some may have guessed this, so pat yourself on the back.

[danielxcutter]

*pats self on back*

[V'icternus]

Well, honestly, when has anyone ever been ambiguously armoured, had their helmet removed, and not been either female, royalty, or someone the main cast knows personally?


Still, we all have our Achilles' Heel. And as far as weaknesses go, incredibly deadly women isn't bad.

[danielxcutter]

Well, honestly, when has anyone ever been ambiguously armoured, had their helmet removed, and not been either female, royalty, or someone the main cast knows personally?


Still, we all have our Achilles' Heel. And as far as weaknesses go, incredibly deadly women isn't bad.

Technically Tarquin is none of the above. :smalltongue:

[Shoreward]

Still, we all have our Achilles' Heel. And as far as weaknesses go, incredibly deadly women isn't bad.

Is that an unusual weakness? Asking for a friend.


Technically Tarquin is none of the above. :smalltongue:
C'mon, Elan's tried really hard to count as a main cast member, and Tarquin at least considered himself royalty! :smalltongue:

[danielxcutter]

C'mon, Elan's tried really hard to count as a main cast member, and Tarquin at least considered himself royalty! :smalltongue:

I meant that Elan didn't really know Tarquin, but yeah I get it.

[ti'esar]

I'm not sure whether I should be impressed or appalled by his sense of priorities.

[danielxcutter]

I'm not sure whether I should be impressed or appalled by his sense of priorities.

Why not both?

[IntelectPaladin]

In the face of all this wonderful story, I have two words:
Called it.
Now, in all seriousness, I'm rather interested in seeing where the story goes from here!
The level of detail is, as usual, impressive!
(Did anyone else notice his hood shift when he talked about her?)
The storyline is, as usual, interesting!
And frankly I've said it often enough that giving you accolades is getting repetitive!
Not a usual compliment, I admit, but my own repetitiveness hit hard.
Which means I'll try something new next post or so, I can assure you on that.
In the meantime, here is your usual:
Thank you for making this comic, and keeping it interesting!
It's still enjoyable to check for if this comic's updates, and each update feel's worthwhile!
This time, my "cringe" is in the sheer length of this post. Dangit.
And thank you for reading this! Also, I hope you have a better day!

[Kantaki]

Okay, I can understand why his comrades locked him up.:smallsigh:
Especially if they lost the loot over this.:smallannoyed:

[V'icternus]

Is that an unusual weakness? Asking for a friend.

Of course not! "I dig women who can beat me up" is perfectly natural.

[Shoreward]

Update!

Page 36 - Priorities.
https://s19.postimg.cc/iy17xi33n/Cu_Co36.png

[danielxcutter]

Yeah, I'm honestly not too surprised.

[ti'esar]

I'm beginning to think 'The Flame' has somewhat exaggerated his skills as both a master thief and ladies' man. (Which would make Pellan's whole excursion here even more pointless, but that might just be further reason to believe it).

[danielxcutter]

I'm beginning to think 'The Flame' has somewhat exaggerated his skills as both a master thief and ladies' man. (Which would make Pellan's whole excursion here even more pointless, but that might just be further reason to believe it).

Hmm, just because he's not as good as advertised doesn't mean he's not one of the best, and to be honest I'm pretty sure he's at least decent, if not far more talented than that. Although I'm inclined to agree with you on the ladies' man part.

[S@tanicoaldo]

Can I just say I'm loving this comic?

The art style and worldbuilding are great!

In special the armor aesthetics and the different "houses". Keep it up.

[Shoreward]

Can I just say I'm loving this comic?

The art style and worldbuilding are great!

In special the armor aesthetics and the different "houses". Keep it up.

Always nice to see another reader!

I'm a fan of armour design myself, so you're in luck with that one. It's always fun to imagine, if this were a game, what sets people might want to find as loot. As for the rest, I've got a good few pages of worldbuilding information which I sometimes wonder if I can ever fit in without having a sudden adventure in the land of the pop-quiz bandits. :smalltongue:

For now, a steady trickle of the surface details will have to do.

Anyway, hop on board! We have snacks.

[V'icternus]

Tentacle beasts. Why did it have to be tentacle beasts.

[Kantaki]

I guess giving the spear-lady her weapon back isn't the worst idea right now. The treasure stealing watcher in the water definitely has priority.

Regarding armor designs: I think Pellan's armor, especially the pauldrons, looks really... interesting considering his current predicament.
A bit too fitting to be a coincidence.:smallamused:
At thhe very least it doesn't speak well of his character. Good guy armor usually doesn't look like that.

[danielxcutter]

Tentacle beasts. Why did it have to be tentacle beasts.

Uh... anime cliche?


I guess giving the spear-lady her weapon back isn't the worst idea right now. The treasure stealing watcher in the water definitely has priority.

I'm pretty sure that both of them have enough common sense to realize that taking out the beast is more important right now.


Regarding armor designs: I think Pellan's armor, especially the pauldrons, looks really... interesting considering his current predicament.
A bit too fitting to be a coincidence.:smallamused:
At thhe very least it doesn't speak well of his character. Good guy armor usually doesn't look like that.

It's possible that he was cursed because he did something bad, and he regretted it and is trying to be a good person, or at least a less bad person.

Or I could be talking out of my ass. Hooray for random guessing!

[ti'esar]

Well, it's a safe bet at least that Pellan isn't exactly a saint. A truly heroic knight wouldn't be so upset about the people he saved being scared by his appearance.

[V'icternus]

I mean, the first strip is him being upset that he didn't get to smooch a lady he rescued. That was, apparently, the point.

So, while we have to guess at the specifics... it's hard to imagine the curse being anything but retributive.

[danielxcutter]

I don't think Pellan's a bad person, just a jerk. There are far worse people than him.

[IntelectPaladin]

While pellan is certainly not the best of people, he is surely far from being the worst.
Better a vain hero than no hero at all.
Still, I hope pellan learns a bit more about Empathy.
Also, I'd like to say that I just love how much attention you're paying to armor design!
As a fan of the Infinity Blade series, as well as many others, I just adore amazing armor!
Thank you for that detail,
and for keeping the comic as detailed as it's always been!
And while I've been enjoying this side-story, I hope we get back onto pellan's tale soon.
Now, what can we do to help you keep the comic going?
I ask because frankly, I'm enjoying the comic more than I probably should.
I made it different, like I promised last post. And yet, the cringe remains.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a nice day!
{{Edit:Oh dear, I've started a new page by accident. Again. Why is it every 4th page!?}}

[Shoreward]

Don't worry, this flashback-story isn't an endless affair.

Loving the discussion, by the way. It's really fun to watch people speculate on stuff like this.

[V'icternus]

It's really fun to watch people speculate on stuff like this.

I bet he was cursed by a sexy witch!

[Drakeburn]

Hello there. Long time reader, first time posting in this thread. I've been enjoying the comic, and I'm really loving the art and world building!

As for my thoughts on Pellan, I think he's more of an idiot rather than a jerk. I wouldn't be surprised if he got cursed by accidentally/unknowingly desecrated an artifact, altar, or temple of a god.

[danielxcutter]

Hello there. Long time reader, first time posting in this thread. I've been enjoying the comic, and I'm really loving the art and world building!

As for my thoughts on Pellan, I think he's more of an idiot rather than a jerk. I wouldn't be surprised if he got cursed by accidentally/unknowingly desecrated an artifact, altar, or temple of a god.

...You know, that's the best theory anyone's come up with.

[ti'esar]

While it might have been an accident originally, I think Pellan knows what he did now, given his conspicuous reluctance to talk about it.

[danielxcutter]

While it might have been an accident originally, I think Pellan knows what he did now, given his conspicuous reluctance to talk about it.

Well, a lot of the major curses in fiction do come with a "yes you screwed up by doing X", with an occasional "do Y to undo the curse" part.

[Shoreward]

Let it be known that missing last week's update day was not my fault.

Update!
Page 37 - Point of View.
https://s19.postimg.cc/txmf93lsz/Cu_Co37.png
Page 38 - How Things Go.
https://s19.postimg.cc/y6r5bazcz/Cu_Co38.png

[ti'esar]

Oh yeah, called it. :smallcool:

(Good to have this - and the forums in general - back!)

[danielxcutter]

Oh yeah, called it. :smallcool:

(Good to have this - and the forums in general - back!)

Same here, on both points! :smallbiggrin:

[V'icternus]

One rejection, and life is now pointless.


Coupled with our skeleton "hero" and our absentminded Stormfallen, we've got quite the... assembly.

If mutegirl joins up as well, we'll have a lovely little group of problems with characters attached to try and help each other maybe find some solutions.

[Prince Zahn]

So the hopeless romantic did get his heart broken after all... Rejection is rough though. At least when you're not used to it.

In his defense though it's easy to misinterpret the situation when you're attracted to the other person.

[IntelectPaladin]

Well, I've returned.
Que the usual applause for Shoreward's great story, amazing detail,
and wonderful comic! Especially on his expression in those three panels!
I'm as ill as a sack of sick, but hurting my throat was worth it to laugh at that.
I almost feel sorry for the poor sap. I wonder how his joining them will go about.
Besides, with his recounting of his woes finished,
we can finally get back to the skeletal story of Pellan!
And co. Of course, and co. is probably a majour understatement.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a nice day!

[Shoreward]

Page 39 - Opportunities.
https://s19.postimg.cc/muejtiydv/Cu_Co39.png

Just dropping an update, don't mind me.

[ti'esar]

Call it a wild hunch, but something tells me that's not an actual bird chirping.

[Shoreward]

Call it a wild hunch, but something tells me that's not an actual bird chirping.

Perhaps it is the enigmatic "Off-screen Bird", whose conspicuous call has made a number of fictional character suspicious, but of whom no actual sightings have been reported. What a majestic animal.

[danielxcutter]

I have a feeling that not everyone in the bandit gang wants to give up on the leader completely just yet.

[V'icternus]

Well, not "just yet", but apparently by tomorrow, at which point they will kill and bury him. Possibly in that order.

Which is fair, I mean, he's been moping long enough to grow that beard. And it's hard seeing someone who used to be cool falling so low.

[danielxcutter]

Well, not "just yet", but apparently by tomorrow, at which point they will kill and bury him. Possibly in that order.

Which is fair, I mean, he's been moping long enough to grow that beard. And it's hard seeing someone who used to be cool falling so low.

Actually, I meant whoever's in the bushes. Maybe not everyone wants to bury him alive.

[Kantaki]

Actually, I meant whoever's in the bushes. Maybe not everyone wants to bury him alive.

So they are going to kill him during the night?
Works for me.:smallamused:

I mean that little display was beyond pathetic.
I could accept moping for a few days- maybe a week or two if he was never rejected before.
But this? Over someone he knew for a hour tops?
Burying him- alive or otherwise -would be a mercy.:smallyuk:

[Shoreward]

Update!

Page 40 - Guess Who.
https://s19.postimg.cc/78x89nmgj/Cu_Co40.png

[danielxcutter]

I'd say that she knows lots of words, especially of the insulting variety. :smallbiggrin:

[V'icternus]

Bright blue anti-camo. I'm sure this rescue will go off without a hitch!

[ti'esar]

It really is hilarious just how much Cataletta doesn't blend into the forest.

[Shoreward]

What? She's wearing brown! :smalltongue:

[IntelectPaladin]

I apologize, everyone. College finals kept me from posting on here.
However, with my summer's beginning, I'm finally free to post!
Both comics, as expect, were completely worthwhile sights!
Almost anything would be, after finals, but in this case it's all you.
Thank you for making such detailed comics, as usual, shoreward!
I'm still looking forward to the next comic, and to enjoying what we have now.
And as usual, wonding where the uniqueness of my posts has gone.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a nice day!

[Prince Zahn]

Oh wow....

I wanted to post something last update, something along the lines of "I'LL EAT MY HAT IF IT'S NOT CATALENNA!" but Intpally told me to stop betting so I held back:smallredface: I can't prove it now that I'm right >__< daijoubu I'm fine :P

still, I'm looking forward to see how Cat and Pellan and Tongueless get out of this one, hopefully with the depressed bloke, forgot his name but I'll browse the archives in the morning. something tells me it wouldn't be subtle in the least. either that, or that the guards of a thief camp are competently vigil.

[Kantaki]

Well, I guess four people make a adventuring party.
And what a party this is. A idiot, a moron, a dunce and a mute girl*.
Nothing can stop them now.
From failing epically that is.:smallbiggrin:

*I'll let others determinate who's who.

[ti'esar]

Never underestimate the power of a bunch of inept ragtag misfits.

[Jakodee]

I just found and read through this comic, and let me say that I've enjoyed it greatly! In my mind the question has now been raised as to what the moral alignment on a dashing-murderous scale of Mr. Flame's merry band of thieves considering they now plan on burying him alive for becoming a useless sop. Were they better when he was in charge, or did he experience a lot of cognitive dissonance between how he though of himself and his actually actions?

[Shoreward]

Always nice to see new people hopping into the discussion! I really should think about making more banners.

Update! A bit of a busy weekend coming so I'm throwing this out here even earlier than usual.

Page 41 - She Will Remember That
https://s19.postimg.cc/kd2sme48j/Cu_Co41.png

[danielxcutter]

I see that her plan defaults to "when in doubt, hit it with pointy sticks". :smallbiggrin:

[ti'esar]

Maybe they should try hitting the bars with Bortha's head.

[danielxcutter]

Maybe they should try hitting the bars with Bortha's head.

Who's Bortha again?

[ti'esar]

Who's Bortha again?

The Flame of the East's real name. (http://imgur.com/geYCZqG) I think it's more appropriate to use than his codename given his current state. :smallwink:

[danielxcutter]

The Flame of the East's real name. (http://imgur.com/geYCZqG) I think it's more appropriate to use than his codename given his current state. :smallwink:

Thanks! I knew that wasn't a reference to something...

[IntelectPaladin]

And so the heist begins.
Personally, I wasn't expecting her to attempt to break open the cell.
And at least now we know that Pellan can sort of close his eyes.
Interesting. I have high hopes for this story still, shoreward. But you've met so many already.
I wonder what it will take to have Bortha go along with our little group.
Ah, well. Nothing that waiting for the next incredibly detailed comic can't solve.
Please just re-read my past compliments and mentally add them to this space. They're still valid.
Thank you for reading this, and I hope you have a nice day!

[Kantaki]

Well, that's the level of competence I expect from our heroes.
Good to see they don't disappoint.:smallamused:

[Shoreward]

Update!

Page 42 - Photo-map-ic Memory
https://s19.postimg.cc/f1nw1opvn/Cu_Co42.png

[danielxcutter]

Oooh, clever. It looks like Pellan really is the smartest guy here.

Which is actually worrying. :smalltongue: