OOTS #476 - The Discussion Thread

[The Giant]

New comic is up.

[berrew]

Loved the ending! :)

And good to see the Belkar can even Intimidate roaches!

[Lhyviathan]

Step aside, Nigella.

Cooking has a NEW sex symbol!:smallbiggrin:

[Ertier]

Small world huh...
GREAT JOB RICH!!!!
...Sexy Shoeless god of Cooking as well, way to go Belkar.

[RedScholarGypsy]

I declare the MitD as Belkar's Animal Companion! And excellent comic. Little funny, but plot-o-licious.

[PirateMonk]

Very amusing.

[Verick Severith]

lol, nice way to end it...

"Small Campain world huh?" haha! great...

[Sisqui]

I wonder if the MitD is thinking Arby's...:smalltongue:

[BRC]

Best Last Panel EVER

[Yeril]

Wow, being awake at 4am DOES have its advantages!

[Swordguy]

I'm thinking this is gonna hurt...them.

[Bucephalus]

uh oh... this one has me worried

[Arcane_Secrets]

I really hope Haley can Bluff well...great strip.

[malakim2099]

Heh, not like Haley can't bluff her way out of this one... looking forward to it!

(Heck, Belkar might intimidate the MITD into backing off, also!)

Loved the comic... sexy shoeless god of cooking, indeed!

[caboose117]

niice haha that's classic

who doesn't love a sexy shoeless god of cooking?

[Elderac]

I have two jobs for you....

Great line!

:smallsmile:

[yoshi927]

I guess Vaarsuvius is going to end up hauling their corpses out of there?

[Gerli]

Jajaja oh wow....

[Ephir]

Nothing like a good pot of half cooked vulture stew ... along with the news that the cook is part of a group of folks that are slated for terminating ...

[Skyshot]

Is panel six a reference to those old Life Cereal commercials?

Also, does anyone ever actually want to be the thimble in Monopoly? I mean, they have a cannon. And that's for the poor sucker that didn't get the top hat.

[North]

Does this mean we will finally see what lurks in the shadows?

Of course not. But still....

DUH DUH DUH

[bladewyrm]

Man MitD is gonna kick there a**es! lol

[mockingbyrd7]

Wow, being awake at 4am DOES have its advantages!

4 A.M.? Wow, it's 8 P.M. here. Where are you??

[Baalzebub]

Holy Sh... I can't wait for the bext strip!! great comic!!

[Bocc Kob]

I guess Mr. Stiffly's still alive after all.

For now.

[LtNOWIS]

I didn't get the Rachel Ray reference. Was the roach saying that Belkar's ugly, and thus stands in contrast to Rachel Ray?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachael_Ray <--(In case anyone's wondering)

[Fascisticide]

Bon appétit Monster

[NeonRonin]

Ha! I SO called it! Demon Roaches: next best thing to a Coleman stove! :smallbiggrin:

And I guess it goes without saying... once again, Belkar's yammering screws everything up.

:mitd: I think I'm supposed to devour you. Small campaign world, huh? ROFL!!!

Great work, Rich!

[Elderac]

Is panel six a reference to those old Life Cereal commercials?

It sure looked like it to me. :smallwink:

[RoG623]

I wonder what the MitD was before the thimble.

[Behold_the_Void]

4 A.M.? Wow, it's 8 P.M. here. Where are you??

It's 8:00 here as well, so I'm betting he's somewhere in England, that's London's timezone.

Anyway, good comic, I had a feeling of what was coming when I read the title :smallsmile:

[Hankosha]

Hehe. Bad time to mention you're one of the OOTS gang, huh?

Awesome, though.

[Coldin_Torrence]

Wow, you guys pounce on these threads quick.

Love the comic strip. Sexy shoeless god of cooking indeed. I wonder if they'll actually have to fight MITD, and maybe we'll finally get to see what's beyond the darkness.

[Raiser Blade]

Belkar said he'd been cooking for ten minutes but they played a whole game of monopoly?

[Sigbru]

Heck, that was what the third time they said the were the Order of the Stick, the're very lucky

[Dane_Bramage]

Sweet Iron Chef reference. One of my fav shows. Great comic as usual.

[BarGamer]

Belkar said he'd been cooking for ten minutes but they played a whole game of monopoly?

As with most great arts, the preparation takes much longer than the application.

[dakiwiboid]

Mmmm...stewy! Boy, this would be a convenient time for something to set off that Booty Talisman, wouldn't it?

[Vulion]

To repeat the time honored saying of a beloved television character...D'OH!!

[SPoD]

Belkar said he'd been cooking for ten minutes but they played a whole game of monopoly?

No, they're about to play a game of Monopoly. He means "this time" as opposed to previous times he played Monopoly in his life, presumably with just Mr. Dragon and the roaches (such as while waiting in the darkness back in the dungeon). Not that he just played one game and is about to play a second.

[Fitzclowningham]

This is it. This is where Belkar dies. They're going to split up, and Belkar's going to get it.

Haley will manage to get Roy's corpse.

Thus spake Koboldthustra.

[TigerHunter]

RUN GUYS RUN!
I loved this strip. Especially the demon roach being used for fire.

[Wonton]

:elan: DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN...
:roy: Shut up, Elan.

[Tirian]

Belkar said he'd been cooking for ten minutes but they played a whole game of monopoly?

I presume that meant that MitD has played Monopoly in the past.

And Haley sure had better be able to Bluff. Miko >>> injured Haley and Windstriker > Belkar, so the smart money is against them in a fight with MitD.

[dogmac]

Oh no!!

But surely he is full after all those scones and stew.....

[tboneplayerj]

I didn't get the Rachel Ray reference. Was the roach saying that Belkar's ugly, and thus stands in contrast to Rachel Ray?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachael_Ray <--(In case anyone's wondering)


This could be a reference to looks, or that fact that rachel ray cooks 30 minute meals from stuff you can just find around your kitchen on the food network, either or seems to work.

[Shatteredtower]

...Wow.

Yeah, we're never going to find the oscillating unit in that dungheap.

[Derivious]

Whoa, humor AND intensity, nice comic, Rich, nice.

[teratorn]

When I saw the tittle I thought that the creature formerly known as the TiaB would recognize and eat them. I don't care about Belkar but I'm glad to see Haley is still alive. I hope she manages to stay that way into the next strip.


This is it. This is where Belkar dies. They're going to split up, and Belkar's going to get it.

Haley will manage to get Roy's corpse.


Too good to be true. Belkar is like the paladins, hard to kill.

[Fitzclowningham]

Hey Mikey! He likes it!

[cyberchihuahua]

The MitD gets sick from the half-cooked stew, thus allowing our heroes to escape!

[Chronos]

It just goes to show: When things are going your way, keep your mouth shut.

[Lizard Lord]

Belkar didn't cause the daeth of any of the people he spoke to the oracle about yet.

No I don't think the thing with Roy counts.

[DragonTounge]

:mitd: "Order of the stick! Your broken corpses will taste delicious lightly seasoned with nutmeg!" OOTS #103
Awsome title Giant! Even better comic!!!:smallsmile:

[Shatteredtower]

Well spotted, DragonTounge.

[Krytha]

Now what? Make more stew? Wacky Hijinks ensue?

[Gamaliel_the_Bard]

Oh no!!

But surely he is full after all those scones and stew.....


Well let us all hope :mitd: has had enough sconces and stew to be hungry for :haley: :belkar: .

Unless he's ready for desserts.

And let us all remeber that "desserts" spelled backwards is "stressed".

Which our OoTS Heros and fans are until the next comic posts.

Dun DUHN Dunnn!

[Tach13]

Best use of the roaches ever, so many great lines they stole a good comic.

[exxor]

dun dun DUN!!!!!

[Wolfie_1066]

...

...

BUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAA AAA *falls off chair and suffocates laughing* great job!

[Glyde]

YES.

Go :mitd:

[O.T.R]

Ladies and gentlemen, choose your deus ex machina!


Booty Talisman?
Tsukiko?
V?
MiTD's total incompetence?
Roaches to the rescue?
Hiding in a bag of holding?
Dramatic neccessity?!

[Aquillion]

...so Haley managed the DC 20 Spot check or DC 15 Heal check needed to spot the fact that O-Chul was still alive?

Also, the obvious question is now: What will O-Chul's first words be on getting unparalyzed?

[DrivinAllNight]

:roach: Do you need it hotter? Because I can do hotter.

This one is total awesomeness, so well worth the randomness of posting.

And I think it is time to break open the NOT a Booty Talisman of Roy's girlfriend, I mean it has been in every scene with Roy since he tried to break it, and now there it is right there in the last panel, just calling out for it to be broken so that maybe Celia can do something to help Roy and the others. well, thats my crazy 2cp idea :)

[War]

I just want to note how fun it's been to watch Haley stepping up to her acting leadership role. Doubtless this is especially the case in light of the last couple arcs, but I really like how she's effective yet different from Roy.

...On a different note, and apropos of nothing, has anyone actually responded to the demon roaches before? I can't remember it offhand. PCs are so weird.

[IlanaAeryn]

This could be a reference to looks, or that fact that rachel ray cooks 30 minute meals from stuff you can just find around your kitchen on the food network, either or seems to work.

It was a double Food Network reference. Iron Chef (and Iron Chef America) are staged in one-hour battles. Rachael also does 30 minute meals, so it seems to be mostly a time reference. (Though, I wouldn't be suprised if the demon roaches thought she was hot, too.)

::edit:: D'oh, reread. "Frankly, you're no Rachel Ray, either." Possibly more likely to be in reference to looks than time. ! Oh, and it's spelled Rachael.

Hope you're feeling well, Rich. I got addicted to the Food Network when I was sick and allowed only a liquid diet. Not at all in a good fun liquid diet kind of way.

Anywho, great comic, loved all the pop culture references. (He likes it!)

[Inigo Montoya]

Belkar is a sexy shoeless god of...COOKING!

Great strip Giant.

P.S. Why would :mitd: be a thimble when there's a battleship?

[waffletaco]

Nice comic.

The shoe!!!! The Shoe wins all!

[Kurien]

Yet another great strip!

I wonder what Mama Bitterleaf's Secret Ingredient +2 is? It appears to be some kind of herb.

Also, how did the MITD hold the pot? I didn't see a hand or anything. It's not something one is supposed to think about, but perhaps the appendage it used to hold the pot was behind the pot, in the darkness, or maybe it used magic to hold it?

[Rufio]

I declare the MitD as Belkar's Animal Companion! And excellent comic. Little funny, but plot-o-licious.

Haha, Plot-o-licious indeed. It IS a small campagn world. I wonder if :mitd: will devour them... It seems very unlike it to do so.

[Haruki-kun]

I wonder why they keep telling their name to every bad guy they meet.

[Borris]

The shoe!!!! The Shoe wins all!
Excuse me? it it not legal for a show to own property, let alone a boardwalk.

As for the comic, you didn't seriously expect everything to go as smoothly as planned, did you? Time to ready the nutmeg.

[Aimbot]

Haley's bluff skill verses MITD's extreme gullibility, I wonder who will win...

[DragonTounge]

Also, how did the MITD hold the pot? I didn't see a hand or anything. It's not something one is supposed to think about, but perhaps the appendage it used to hold the pot was behind the pot, in the darkness, or maybe it used magic to hold it?

Maybe :mitd: knows telekenises. I can think of one creature the right size, and powerful enough and knows telekenises.

*cough* balor *cough*

[David Argall]

1st time I recall getting a new comic at this hour, so maybe he meant it when he said irregular.


Ladies and gentlemen, choose your deus ex machina!


Booty Talisman?
Tsukiko?
V?
MiTD's total incompetence?
Roaches to the rescue?
Hiding in a bag of holding?
Dramatic neccessity?!



Booty won't work too well just now. Too much emergency. Might fit in a bit later.
Tsukiko might work. As I have suggested before, the lich sends her out here to fetch the MitD and she arrives and orders it to to get into the city. When it says it needs a minute, she says Right Now! and Haley & Belkar are left alone.
V is without spells or magic, and should be visible by now. Not easy to see how s/he can help.
Roaches? No way
Hiding in Bag? won't work.
MitD incompetence is very likely involved, say by being bluffed by Haley some way.
But there are several ways to escape.

[Axl_Rose]

lol awesome, but we all know that we can't have 3 dead Oots members, which means that there is no doubt Halry and Belkar will survive.

Pity too, because I would love to see the Mitd kick some ass. Especially since it wouldn't my that of my fave Oots characters (V and Elan :D )

[Leo_Forestclaw]

OK, you gotta love titles that make reference to double digit comics...

(OK, maybe early triple digits but it's too late/early for me to look it up)

Well done, Rich, very well done!

*** D'oh! Ninja'ed! Thanks for saying it was #103. ***

[Siwenna]

Belkar is a sexy shoeless god, period. It'll be interesting to see how Haley and Belkar manage to get out of it. I don't think they'll be devoured, that would be too many losses, but maybe they'll have to leave Roy.

[Jagg]

Mikey likes it???


What's the reference? Or did we just find out the MITD's NAME:smalltongue:

[The Wanderer]

... oh they're so screwed.

Seriously, I do wonder how Belkar and Haley will get away... I remember thinking awhile ago that maybe they wouldn't be able to get back to the boat before it had to leave, which would split the Order and all the relevant NPCs into two groups, and that's starting to look more likely.

On the plus side, while MITD is very strong, we don't know that it's very fast. Hopefully it can be outrun... (or V will choose the perfect time to make an entrance).

[Bel_Bel]

Wow...

All I can say is:

PWND*

[Derailuer]

Mikey likes it is a reference to a Life cereal commercial from the 80's. Sigh. you young'uns.

[Jagg]

Mikey likes it is a reference to a Life cereal commercial from the 80's. Sigh. you young'uns.

Actually it's more of a case of....


You damn foreign people...G'day

[tainted spud]

total win, loved every panel.

[tainted spud]

whoops double

[Rumex]

I honestly think the MitD will go on to say that he looks forward to devouring them whenever Xykon finally gets around to ordering it, rather than taking any initiative to do so now.

Probably with a comment on how the goblin and Xykon never let him do anything fun, anyway. And they'll get upset if he ruins their all too important plans that don't seem to involve anything beyond him sitting forever under this dark umbrella. And other whining.

[Thormag]

The last panel left me with this expression in my face:

:eek:

Great comic!

[den452001]

O_O Looks like they are in trouble :P

[Bitzeralisis]

Exploiting the demon roaches. Genuis. :smallbiggrin:

[jmucchiello]

::edit:: D'oh, reread. "Frankly, you're no Rachel Ray, either." Possibly more likely to be in reference to looks than time. ! Oh, and it's spelled Rachael.Actually I thought it was a dig on his cooking skills since Ray always says she's no chef. She's just someone who knows how to cook and prepare simplified recipes. Yet Belkar was claiming to be a gourmet chef. So saying he's no Rachael Ray would disparage his cooking skills. When you consider he has Wisdom penalty and he claimed only 1-2 ranks in profession (gourmet chef), his Profession (gourmet chef) check bonus is probably +0 or +1 at best. Not someone you want appearing on Iron Chef.

[Demitel]

Yet another great strip!

I wonder what Mama Bitterleaf's Secret Ingredient +2 is? It appears to be some kind of herb.

Also, how did the MITD hold the pot? I didn't see a hand or anything. It's not something one is supposed to think about, but perhaps the appendage it used to hold the pot was behind the pot, in the darkness, or maybe it used magic to hold it?

Well maybe he refers to the cocroaches' girlfriend :P
Who knows...still this Comic rocks xD
PS. 1st post yipieeeee ^^

[Archpaladin Zousha]

:smalleek: I only hope the Monster in the Darkness is as naive as it seems to be! If Miko at full health could be smashed through a brick wall with the lightest tap it could muster, then our tired and injured heroes don't stand a chance! Can't Belkar ever keep his mouth shut?!:smallmad:

[holywhippet]

...so Haley managed the DC 20 Spot check or DC 15 Heal check needed to spot the fact that O-Chul was still alive?


It's unclear whether she knows he is alive or just intact. Since his body is there she probably figures she can get him raised if nothing else.



Also, the obvious question is now: What will O-Chul's first words be on getting unparalyzed?

Given what he's been through, I'd say it will be something like: "OUCH OUCH OUCH F*&#@)! OUCH".

[berrew]

It's unclear whether she knows he is alive or just intact. Since his body is there she probably figures she can get him raised if nothing else.No - remember she didn't stuff him in the bag of holding because she said that he would suffocate.

[Bocc Kob]

Unless corpses can suffocate, I'd say she's quite aware that Mr. Stiffly is alive.

Edit: Drat. Distracted by giant man-bosoms. :smalleek:

[IlanaAeryn]

Actually I thought it was a dig on his cooking skills since Ray always says she's no chef. She's just someone who knows how to cook and prepare simplified recipes. Yet Belkar was claiming to be a gourmet chef. So saying he's no Rachael Ray would disparage his cooking skills. When you consider he has Wisdom penalty and he claimed only 1-2 ranks in profession (gourmet chef), his Profession (gourmet chef) check bonus is probably +0 or +1 at best. Not someone you want appearing on Iron Chef.

... There was a special episode of Iron Chef America at Thanksgiving with Giada/Flay v. Ray/Batali. Check it out... and who won.

[Bunyip]

Actually it's more of a case of....


You damn foreign people...G'day

I think I recall seeing the Mikey ads over here with appropriate accents.

I liked how the roaches had a bit more than the usual throw-away lines in this one. I am sure our heroes will pull out a win in this situation. Just don't know what but there have already been some good suggestions. I am sure Mr. Rich will come up with a twist on anything suggested.

:roach: slaving away over a hot stove.

[Genghis Cohen]

I guess Vaarsuvius is going to end up hauling their corpses out of there?Or V will show up and help save the day.

"Small campaign world, huh?" was classic.

[Antina]

Funny, funnier, 476!

Great! Nicely done!

From the hat to the roach! rofl!!!

Thank you!

[Ikol_777]

Perhaps mama Belkar's +2 ingredient will help. in one episode of a tv show called futurerama one of the characters was given a secret ingredient to help him in an iron chef face off. At the end it turned out to be a powerful drug. I could see Belkar using something similar

[The HellJack]

Personally, I hope that "Special +2 Circumstance Bonus Ingredient" gives the MitD the trots...

It would be a perfect way to get him mad at the OotS, and give our heroes and heroic dead weight a chance to escape.

[Artega]

OMG, A main character actually talked back to the roaches!!!!

This hasn't happened before, has it?

[Aerysil]

You know, MitD doesn't have to really TRY to be scary...

[Eogan]

:roach: slaving away as a hot stove.
Fixed that for you.

[eilandesq]

It's all up to Haley now. . .

Haley's a 13th level rogue with a decent CHA and a self-admitted maxed out Bluff skill. The MitD, on the other hand, seems to have a Wisdom penalty and the next Sense Motive rank he buys will be his first. Given that MitD seems more apologetic than bloodthirsty at the moment, odds are that not only will our heroes escape, the MitD will give Haley any treasure he's been hoarding as a parting gift. . .:smallcool:

On the other hand--if that approach unexpectedly fails--Haley is carrying a sword that has proven in the past to be rather contemptuous of DR (as Sabine and Xykon could testify to), and she's quite capable of catching the MitD flat-footed and hitting with a full attack even if she applies a -4 nonproficiency penalty for using a greatsword. The MitD has proven to be insanely strong and seems to have high DR, but its size does not necesarily suggest a huge hit point total. A couple of quick sneak attacks for about 9d6+5 each might scare the MitD into cowering or even fleeing as Haley and Belkar beat a hasty retreat.

The first scenario is quite reasonable and consistent with what we know about Haley and the MitD (and would make an amusing contrast to Miko's approach to the MitD). The second scenario is a longshot, but we've seen more implausible things happen in this strip, and Rich could certainly do a good job of making it funny.

[silvadel]

Belkar succeeds at intimidation check -- and Haley makes a stupid statement of revealing too much information...

[Bunyip]

Thanks Eogan. Yours is much better.

[16oz]

Excellent stuff! While I believe that Haley and Belkar will find a way out, my faith is not at 100%. After all, if Rich can kill off Roy, who's to say that two more won't join him?

:elan: Bluff, bluff, bluff, bluff the stupid umbrella carrying monster!

[Regneva]

Oh my god, he remembers them! MitD has better memory than Xykon!

Well no wonder Xykon doesn't have to memorize and prepare spells...

[soni]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Derailuer View Post
Mikey likes it is a reference to a Life cereal commercial from the 80's. Sigh. you young'uns.
Actually it's more of a case of....
You damn foreign people...G'day

Mikey is from the 70's



man, I feel old...



is three demonic roaches a record for them?

[Moral Wiz]

Or V will show up and help save the day.


How? s/he is out of spells, remember.

[TheJustWiseSage]

Still a great comic, keep it up gaint, (and keep well too!)

As to the latest cliffhanger....

I'll love to eat you all but I'm full up on vulture stew....and you'd spoil the taste. Smell ya later.....

[Porthos]

OMG, A main character actually talked back to the roaches!!!!

This hasn't happened before, has it?

Do you count Xykon as a main character? If so, then there is this strip (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0369.html) where Xykon places a bet with a Demon Roach. Otherwise, the closest example would be in a bonus strip in Dungeon Crawlin' Fools where V thanks a Demon Roach for saving his life.


is three demonic roaches a record for them?

Nope. We've had three "on screen" at once at least a couple of times. :smallsmile: The one that comes readily to mind is this one: http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0116.html

[jolus]

That "give stew to mitd" reminds me a bit of Maniac Mansion... In the end, mitd is a tentacle? You should have rather given the wax fruit to it. now it is thirsty...

[Forealms]

I better not have to be the first one to say this:

Ooooh... Awkward.

[Eldhrin]

Oh my god, he remembers them! MitD has better memory than Xykon!

Well no wonder Xykon doesn't have to memorize and prepare spells...

Actually I think Xykon has an excellent memory - but only for things which he's interested in. He did remember killing Roy's father's master, but only when Roy described the situation so it tallied with a detail which Xykon had been interested in (his personal inconvenience due to the blood) rather than what Roy was interested in (who it actually was). I mean, Xykon actually remembered what day it was because of the laundry.

So yeah, I just think Xykon doesn't bother paying attention to anything he doesn't find interesting and/or immediately demanding of his attention.

[Max_Sinister]

Ooops. That was a mistake, Belkar.

[Castamir]

...so Haley managed the DC 20 Spot check or DC 15 Heal check needed to spot the fact that O-Chul was still alive?
In a normal D&D world, you would need the check (easily doable by Haley anyway) to notice this, but if you know you're fighting a lich (Haley and Belkar know) and have read the lich's monster page (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lich.htm) (which is a given for Haley), you know what to look for.

But this is the OOTSverse. Here, the need for any spot checks is circumvented by the XX eyes or lack thereof...

[shylocxs]

That was great, totally great.

Once again, Belkar proves that he's the Kwisatz Haderach, this time of cooking!

[Freelance Henchman]

:smalleek: Aaahhh! Run away!!

[Scribble]

Cooking with Belkar, the newest series on the Food Netowrk!

Could this possibly lead the the reveal of the MitD????

...prolly not...

[Pantler]

Just can't wat to see some :mitd: action. Geez, people, remember how friggin' HARD can it hit? :smalleek:

[Talitha]

I reckon the MITD will only be revealed in the final splash panel of the final comic, at which point it will be revealed as consisting of only a hovering pair of yellow eyes.

[Haruspex]

After all that they have to fight anyway. Now maybe we can see the thing in action (the incident with Miko doesn't count).

[KIDS]

Small campaign world, huh?

One of the best lines EVER!!! You're getting better and better even if it seems impossible to do at certain times! Awesomeness! :smallsmile:

[shylocxs]

Instead of MitD, should we start referring to him/her/it as Thing Under The Umbrella?

Tutu?

Hehe

[pjackson]

To repeat the time honored saying of a beloved television character...D'OH!!

Another fan of Peter Glaze (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Glaze)?

[Emperor Ing]

YAY! now the MITD can really see if the Order of the Sticks corpses will taste good lightly seasoned with nutmeg! :smallbiggrin:

[jolus]

I may be wrong, but the first panel is one of the (very) few times Belkar :belkar: is actually sort of smiling without any visible eyebrows indicating anger or schadenfreude or greed or fear or whatever.

The little angel :amused:

[cheesecake]

The MitD gets sick from the half-cooked stew, thus allowing our heroes to escape!



who knows what else he may of dumped in it!

Belkar surely isn't a rachael ray :-D

[hanzo66]

The one time that damn thing isn't completely ignorant...

[Daimbert]

P.S. Why would :mitd: be a thimble when there's a battleship?

All of these questions have a simple answer: like myself, the Giant played Monopoly a long time ago, before the cannon and the battleship were added to the game [grin].

[Adeptus]

Excellent! The giant is in the zone.

[Amon Star]

So much have been said already. Well, I'm left with just two things. First, another great comic.

Secondly:

Belkar Bitterleaf
The Shoeless One, The sexy One
Demigod
Symbol: :belkar:
Home Plane: Prime Material
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Portfolio: War, Cooking, Being Badass
Worshippers: Hunters, Psychos
Cleric Alignments: Chaotic Evil, Neutral Evil, Chaotic Neutral
Domains: Chaos, Evil, Trickery, War
Favoured Weapon: Dagger

[Manga Shoggoth]

I cannot believe that we have got 5 pages of responses and nobody has said this:

Now :haley: and :belkar: are in the stew...

[Freelance Henchman]

Belkar Bitterleaf
Alignment: Chaotic Evil

Nah, he's Chaotic Neutral at worst.

[Albion]

"I think I'm supposed to devour you."
ONE OF THE GREATEST LINES EVER!
Haley is just intimidating me with her strength now... sword on her back and dragging a dead, armored Roy along.

Oh, that thimble is a Monopoly "vehicle"... thanks guys


I may be wrong, but the first panel is one of the (very) few times Belkar :belkar: is actually sort of smiling without any visible eyebrows indicating anger or schadenfreude or greed or fear or whatever.

The little angel :amused:

Yeh, the only other time I recall on the top of my head is when he had Owl's Wisdom cast on him so that doesn't really count.

[Eldhrin]

Nah, he's Chaotic Neutral at worst.

Umm, no, Belkar is Chaotic Evil. That's a known fact. I can't remember what the source is, but it's fact.

[Emperor Ing]

Umm, no, Belkar is Chaotic Evil. That's a known fact. I can't remember what the source is, but it's fact.

the source is the giant himself! Belkar is chaotic evil! get over it!

[chorpler]

Yeh, the only other time I recall on the top of my head is when he had Owl's Wisdom cast on him so that doesn't really count.

Well, back in 469, he was smiling without any eyebrows while he talked about Skullsy. He didn't get an eyebrow line until he said "Emergency chamber pot..." And incidentally, me and my kids agree that when he's wearing his little hood, he looks SO FRICKIN' CUTE that we can barely stand it.

[kierthos]

I'm betting that Mama Bitterleaf's secret ingredient is going to either be a hallucinogen, some sort of knockout drug, or an diuretic.

[explanetpluto]

Great comic.

What I'm wondering is:
How many people Celia can carry? Because Haley summoning Celia to fly all four out would be an excellent solution. Or even just the dead guys, so Haley and Belkar can run faster.

[Silverblaze]

GREAT Comic, Mr. B :smallbiggrin:

SPOILER - if you don't want to know, don't click on the link, but I can't remember how to do the spoiler thingies...

I do believe it's time for the lovely Miss Starshine to draw upon her family talent http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0008.html *GG*

[Scutatus]

Belkar said he'd been cooking for ten minutes but they played a whole game of monopoly?

Well he did have to hunt and kill the food first. Then pluck it, wash it, remove the intestines and so forth, rub any herbs and spices he may want into the skin... preperation, it all takes time. :D

[TroyXavier]

That was fun. MITD is just perfect in that comic. Good stuff from Belkar too.

[Monan]

Giant,

Thanks for putting up the new strip!

[ferganam]

1. MitD is full of stew.
2. MitD is chronically unmotivated.
3. MitD is friendly.

Conclusion: MitD is predisposed to let them go and not tell Xykon he even saw them. It probably wouldn't even take that much convincing. Why go to the trouble of devouring them if no one knows you had the opportunity? Plus, have you ever tried to get motivated on a full stomach? I'd rather take a nap.

Problem: The Demon Roaches will talk.

Solution: Mama Bitterleaf's Special Ingredient. MitD makes the Fortitude save (or is immune to poison), but the roaches roll badly.

Afterthought: It isn't like Xykon is going to destroy, or even really punish, his "secret weapon" for letting them go. On the one hand, it would be tactically bad to ruin an "advantage", and on the other, he just wouldn't care that much.

[EllysW]

"Sexy shoeless god of cooking . . ."

Please, oh please, oh PLEASE put it on a T-shirt!!! It would make the time in the kitchen almost bearable.

Yeah, great strip overall, too.

[Fitzclowningham]

"Sexy shoeless god of cooking . . ."

Please, oh please, oh PLEASE put it on a T-shirt!!! It would make the time in the kitchen almost bearable.

Yeah, great strip overall, too.

Better yet, Rich - an apron!

[Rhuna_Coppermane]

"Sexy shoeless god of cooking . . ."

Please, oh please, oh PLEASE put it on a T-shirt!!! It would make the time in the kitchen almost bearable.

Yeah, great strip overall, too.

Seconded, all of it. And if you do decide to make that a T-shirt, I want to pre-order, in XX, on heather grey.

Better yet, on an apron. :belkar:

[CGM3]

How will Our Heroes get out of this predicament?

"Order of the Stick? Oh, no, you must have misunderstood, we're the Order of the Stack! And it's been fun, we'll really have to do this again sometime, but our friends are waiting for us, we must be going. Bye!"

If Haley can smile in full-bore Flustered Innocence mode, she should be able to pull it off.

But fight the MitD off with Roy's ancestral weapon?

"There's a reason you don't carry a sword." :elan:

[Blood]

*hands over some nutmeg*

[Solmage]

uh oh... this one has me worried

I'll second that.. uh oh.. :eek:

I liked the cockroach joke, but hum.. I hope noone has any nutmegg on them, since it seems now Belkar & Co. will take over for the roach as a side dish..

[Mojique]

1. What is a buzzcut?

The german word for buzz saw is "Kreissäge". A buzzcut seems to be something like an "abgebrochener Riese" in german, isn't it?

2. The roach today reminds me of the Little Helper of Gyro Gearloose.

3. Is "Mickey" the real name of the MITD? (row 2, panel 3)

[factotum]

A buzzcut is just a very close-cropped haircut--it's also known as a crew cut or a skinhead, depending who you're talking to.

[Rinquist]

A buzzcut is just a very close-cropped haircut--it's also known as a crew cut or a skinhead, depending who you're talking to.

Meh, "Skinhead" usually has a lot of negative connotation to it. "Buzzcut" is interchangeable with a lot of other terms, but no one looks at a bunch of cancer victims and calls them "skinheads".

[Dalan Graycloak]

Bluff Haley!!! Bluff like the Wind!!!!

"...er no MITD, you're supposed to devour a group called The Linear Guild

[azule74]

Wow that was a great strip. I think that the MiTD is finaly going to see some action!

[Calemyr]

:haley: "What? No, no, no... you're confusing us with the Linear Guild. Everyone always does it, too, so don't worry about it. I heard they were holed up in the city - is that why you're attacking it?"

Outside of some such masterwork line of bull from Haley, these seem likely escape routes:
1) Belkar's cooking contained a lot of "confidence". In other words, drugs.
2) Summon Roy's girlfriend to talk legal circles around MitD. (It may not be his name, but I still want to call him Mikey.)
3) MitD finishes his statement by saying something along the lines of "not right now".

[Mojique]

A buzzcut is just a very close-cropped haircut--it's also known as a crew cut or a skinhead, depending who you're talking to.
Got it! In german it's called a "Stoppelschnitt".

[Daimbert]

I actually see it being totally consistent with the character of the MitD for him to say "But you were nice to me and the stew was good, so I don't feel like devouring you right now".

Or even "I'd rather play Monopoly than devour you."

[MaxKaladin]

Also, the obvious question is now: What will O-Chul's first words be on getting unparalyzed?Maybe: "The itch on my nose has been bothering me for days now! Thank the twelve gods I can finally scratch it!"?

:smallbiggrin:

[Fluff]

We said that the Roach would be the flame! We did we did!

[Surfing HalfOrc]

MitD used to equal "Monster in the Darkness"

now means: Mikey in the Darkness!

From this moment forward, to me, the MitD is "Mikey."

[Shinton]

Goods and Bads:

Good - We might finally figure out whats under the Umbrella.

Bad - Belkar and Haley get eaten

:smalltongue:

Good comic. I didn't know that you could intimidate roaches...

[Hushdawg]

Oh for the love of peanut butter...

http://www.lifecereal.com/LFE_LifeThroughTheYears/MikeyLikesIt.cfm

Here's the original ad for anyone who is interested:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYEXzx-TINc


As a food network fiend I was very happeh to have both Iron Chef and Rachael Ray mentioned.. in the same panel no less.

Yes, the RR reference is in regard to time, NOT appearance. The whole joke is about time since he mentioned that he'd only been cooking for 10 minutes and he's no Iron Chef. Iron Chefs get one hour and Rachael Ray's show is focused on making meals in 30 minutes with stuff you have lying around. (double meaning perhaps on that one)

Good grief.. sometimes these forum-ites overthink the simplest jokes.

[tiroskassie]

Ok, i've read the comic abot 3 or 4 times now and every time I come back to that page, i still giggle at the roaches.. Great job giant! :)

:roach:

[Repzak]

Ladies and gentlemen, choose your deus ex machina!


Booty Talisman?
Tsukiko?
V?
MiTD's total incompetence?
Roaches to the rescue?
Hiding in a bag of holding?
Dramatic neccessity?!


No, no, NO. When will people learn what "Deux Ex Machina" actually means before they fling it around?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deus_ex_machina

None of your ideas are even remotely close to Deux Ex Machina...

[Hushdawg]

No, no, NO. When will people learn what "Deux Ex Machina" actually means before they fling it around?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deus_ex_machina

None of your ideas are even remotely close to Deux Ex Machina...

Thank you.

All the supposedly "Deus Ex" conceptualizations are known as "Plot Devices" not "Deus Ex"

Deus Ex should come out of nowhere, something that is unexpected and has no previous allusion to its use.

Deus Ex in this case would be a flying chunk of rubble that suddenly lands inbetween the intrepid adventurers and MiTD allowing for their escape.

[factotum]

Meh, "Skinhead" usually has a lot of negative connotation to it.

That's why I specified it depends who you're talking to...

[silvadel]

Cooking with Belkar, the newest series on the Food Netowrk!



Now THAT would be one cooking show I could watch,...

[Calemyr]

Hushdawg, some of us know all to well the "Hey! Mikey likes it!" ads for Life cereal. That is why I, for one like the idea of unofficially dubbing MitD "Mikey" simply because the idea amuses me. Of course, it also amuses me to think of any possible plot device regarding MitD now as a "Deus Ex Mikey", which just goes to show that my sense of humor is clinically dead.

And yes, I know it's not proper Deus Ex. I can't tell you how many times I've gone Inigo Montoya ("You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.") on people regarding the proper use of the term. Now could someone call Chekov for me? He left his gun on the table.

[meioziz]

...so Haley managed the DC 20 Spot check or DC 15 Heal check needed to spot the fact that O-Chul was still alive?

Also, the obvious question is now: What will O-Chul's first words be on getting unparalyzed?


In a normal D&D world, you would need the check (easily doable by Haley anyway) to notice this, but if you know you're fighting a lich (Haley and Belkar know) and have read the lich's monster page (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/lich.htm) (which is a given for Haley), you know what to look for.

But this is the OOTSverse. Here, the need for any spot checks is circumvented by the XX eyes or lack thereof...

This can very well be true, but there's a simpler explanation, possibly:

The fact that O-Chul's unnatural posture (for a corpse) provided a significant circumstance bonus (+2? +4?) to Spot for Haley, who has bought some ranks in Spot since the first few strips. She's the party scout, after all.

I really don't think we have to justify everything as "oh it's artistic license", when regular D&D rules will suffice.:smallsmile:

[Surfing HalfOrc]

Indeed, it's NOT Deus Ex Machina, it's "What bullet is currently in the chamber of Checkov's gun?"

I'm betting it's the Celia bullet, but maybe that's just a red herring. The Talisman has been shown a bit too conspicously.

[Calemyr]

Russian Roulette with Chekov's Gun
...
...
...
I love it.

[Porthos]

Indeed, it's NOT Deus Ex Machina, it's "What bullet is currently in the chamber of Checkov's gun?"

Okay, that made me laugh. Well done. :smallsmile:

[Seragon]

NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW!!! This one has me almost exploding with anticipation!!! :smallfurious: (that smiley should be followed up by a smiliey exploding into pieces from the anticipation)

What will happen next, I don't know if I can wait. Loved this one.

Someone said MITD as Belkar's animal companion! YES!!! I LOVE IT! Imagine the frivolity and the antics these two would have.

*cue Odd Couple Theme song*

[SurlySeraph]

I'd guess Belkar's use of Intimidate and Haley's use of Bluff will be enough to get them out of there.

:mitd: But I'm really sure Xykon said -
:haley: It's easier to mishear. "Linear Guild" sounds just like "Order of the Stick."
:belkar: Yeah, and besides, if we WERE the Order of the Stick we would have ripped out and sold your kidneys by now. Not that anything's stopping us from doing that right now.

[Gerli]

It's getting darker... has been a long day and many things happens...

[Greebo]

No, no, NO. When will people learn what "Deux Ex Machina" actually means before they fling it around?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deus_ex_machina

None of your ideas are even remotely close to Deux Ex Machina...
Let me also say *THANK YOU* for pointing this out.

Previously established events, items, actions, etc, which end up saving the day are not Deus Ex Machina. If it was introduced previously and can plausibly be connected to the situation, or if it wasn't introduced, but its appearance solves a mystery that was previously unsolved, it's perfectly valid.

Examples from another currently extremely popular work:
Harry Potter - Chamber of Secrets. The appearance of Fawkes, who was mentioned earlier in the book as showing great loyalty, is not a DeM. However, the carrying of the Sorting Hat, which drops a sword onto Harry's head, is a very serious DeM. The existence of such a sword, it's likelihood of being in the hat, or the odds of Fawkes knowing that the sword exists and it's in the hat are never suggested or hinted at during any part of the book.

By contrast, in Prisoner of Azkaban, the presence of the Time Turner explains a mystery that has been built upon for the entire book, beginning with MacGonnagle's meeting in private with Hermione upon their arrival at school. The Time Turner was not introduced in the book until late, but the need to explain how Hermione made it to all of her classes lead to it.

Class dismissed.

[darkgolem]

Anyone could get out of this danger, the monster of the darkness is complete moron.

[galdon]

Hmm... well, MitD is way too powerful for them to fight, i mean, accidentally blasting miko out of the tower with it's softest blow, if he wanted to hurt them, they'd be vulture st-- they would be in serious trouble

[pedrokraemer]

I´m just getting woried about Rich´s intencions with the whole story...

Will evil prevails?

Will OOTS came to an horrible end?

Will we have the chance to EVER say "Hah, I knew it!!!"?


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Have anyone ever read the "Holy Avenger" RPG-manga comic produced by brazilian artists in the late 90´s??? Well, in that comic, even though it was one of the best ever made, things didn´t end pretty well for all the heroes, if you know what I mean...

[Caractacus]

I also think that Belkar added something interesting to the stew...:smallbiggrin:

Interesting that the MitD only remembers the name, not the actual people...:smallsmile:

[elan the mighty]

Do any of you know what rich burlews email address because i want to email him my fanart.:elan: :haley:

[Aris Katsaris]

I´m just getting woried about Rich´s intencions with the whole story...

Will evil prevails?

Will OOTS came to an horrible end?

Well, the Oracle said that the story will end happily -- for Elan at least. And I think that this in turn implies that Haley at least will also have to stay alive.

[Surfing HalfOrc]

Originally Posted by pedrokraemer
I´m just getting woried about Rich´s intencions with the whole story...

Will evil prevails?

Will OOTS came to an horrible end?


Well, the Oracle said that the story will end happily -- for Elan at least. And I think that this in turn implies that Haley at least will also have to stay alive.

Unless:

It's Elan who turns Blackguard! Then Elan will be perfectly happy in his Evilness, after he overthrows Xykon and becomes Emperor of the World!

Dun dun DUN!!!

Bet NO ONE ever though of that one!
I need to quit hanging out on these boards. My mind is warping!

[PhallicWarrior]

Oh...
Oh no...




RUN HALEY(and Belkar) RUN!!!!

[teratorn]

Do any of you know what rich burlews email address because i want to email him my fanart.:elan: :haley:

The best thing is to post it in the arts and crafts forum. That way all of us can see it.



Bet NO ONE ever though of that one!
I need to quit hanging out on these boards. My mind is warping!

Sorry, I've heard it before.

[SteveMB]

I need to quit hanging out on these boards. My mind is warping!

Run! Run while you can!

It's too late for me, but you might still be able to save yourself.... :smallsmile:

[Omega]

Current Favorite Quotes, from OOTS

:mitd: I think I'm suppose to devour you. ... Small campaign world, huh?

:belkar: :haley: *look of fear and shock*

:roy: *that good 'ol death look*

Just though I'll share... :smallsmile:

[Monstershach]

dont´forget about the supreme sidekick demon roaches^^
Have to ask my mum if she buys one for me :smallbiggrin:

yes, maybe haley can bluff the MitD.
If she fails....well... Durkon will be the new leader of the Order^^

[holywhippet]

dont´forget about the supreme sidekick demon roaches^^
Have to ask my mum if she buys one for me :smallbiggrin:

yes, maybe haley can bluff the MitD.
If she fails....well... Durkon will be the new leader of the Order^^

If they can't get out of this then the OotS is just about finished. Elan, Durkon and V will be the only survivors and only the Gods know where V is hiding out. Neither has any real leadership potential. I suppose they could use true ressurection or a few wishes to bring back their companions, assuming they can get access to spells of that level.

It occurs to me that Belkar came really close to death in the previous strip. If he'd followed his natural instincts he would have attacked the MitD and would have been smashed into a fine mist.

[silvadel]

Hmmmmm Elan + helm of opposite alignment.... That would be scary.

[humanpylon]

So with Belkar apparantly carrying all his cooking gear everywhere, is anyone else reminded of Sam Gamgee?

[sealemon]

Well, crap.

I'm pretty hopeful Haley and/or Belkar will be able to talk their way out of this, otherwise, my prediction that the tea party might grow by tw mroe might come true...shudder

[Nathander]

This is it. This is where Belkar dies. They're going to split up, and Belkar's going to get it.

Haley will manage to get Roy's corpse

You have no idea how little that would bother me. I don't "hate" Belkar as I had before, but I certainly wouldn't mind seeing him killed. Of course, being one of the main characters, I doubt he would stay anyway and that they would, eventually, resurrect him.


I just want to note how fun it's been to watch Haley stepping up to her acting leadership role. Doubtless this is especially the case in light of the last couple arcs, but I really like how she's effective yet different from Roy.

I agree completely. The whole scenario has been a breath of fresh air from the heaviness of the majority of this arc.


Belkar succeeds at intimidation check -- and Haley makes a stupid statement of revealing too much information...

Right concept, wrong on how it works. If anything, I'd expect it'd be Haley to make a successful Bluff check, with Belkar screwing them up. But that's just me.


I´m just getting woried about Rich´s intencions with the whole story...

Will evil prevails?

Will OOTS came to an horrible end?

Will we have the chance to EVER say "Hah, I knew it!!!"?

I doubt evil will prevail in the end. I think Rich even said in one of his commentaries in No Cure for the Paladin Blues that he was worried about making evil look too good and good look too stupid and bad. I can't remember exactly what he said, and I really don't want to go and dig through NCftPB right now. But, in the end, while I don't think all of the heroes will have the "best" endings, evil will not be allowed to prevail.

As for getting to say, "Hah, I knew it"....probably not. I'm certain Rich will keep us guessing, incorrectly, until the end. :smallwink:

I thought it was a great comic, with a great cliffhanger. Nice to see you still want to keep us on the edge of our seats with anticipation.

[holywhippet]

Well, crap.

I'm pretty hopeful Haley and/or Belkar will be able to talk their way out of this, otherwise, my prediction that the tea party might grow by tw mroe might come true...shudder

I find that to be unlikely. It's already been established that the MitD, even when trying to pull his punches as much as possible, is still insanely strong. If he seriously attacks either Haley or Belkar there won't be enough left of them to invite to the tea party.

[humanpylon]

I find that to be unlikely. It's already been established that the MitD, even when trying to pull his punches as much as possible, is still insanely strong. If he seriously attacks either Haley or Belkar there won't be enough left of them to invite to the tea party.

But then he'd have some jelly for his scones!

[Fabio_MP]

New comic is up.

..."I am supposed to devour you" ... "small campaign world"

rotfl :)

thanks :)

[David Argall]

This is it. This is where Belkar dies. They're going to split up, and Belkar's going to get it.





Among the reasons to be more optimistic about Belkar's chances is that the Oracle said he was to savor his next birthday, which makes him safe for several more months.

[ishnar]

Haley must have some seriously calloused hands to pick up that boiling pot of stew with her bare hands.

[factotum]

Among the reasons to be more optimistic about Belkar's chances is that the Oracle said he was to savor his next birthday, which makes him safe for several more months.

Why is that a spoiler? The Oracle's prophecies have been discussed to death on the forums...

Anyway, the visit to the Oracle occurred some time ago--we have no guarantee Belkar's birthday didn't occur "off camera" in the interim.

[Bendal]

I have no doubt that the fast-thinking Haley will be able to BS the MitD enough to allow her and Belkar to get away with O'Chuul and Roy.

As long as she gags Belkar first, that is. I'm not sure that he could make a Wisdom check for "shutting up when you need to" if his life depended on it, which it certainly does now.

[the_tick_rules]

haley may be able to bluff her way out, MITD is about as wise as belkar. So does everyone but redcloak on team evil have memory problems?

[Porthos]

Anyway, the visit to the Oracle occurred some time ago--we have no guarantee Belkar's birthday didn't occur "off camera" in the interim.

Two Points.

First off, believe it or not, it has been only a week in campaign time since their visit to the Oracle: :smallsmile:

A (Semi-Abbreviated) Timeline behind a Spoiler Bar, to save screen space:
Day 1: The OotS visit Oracle. Belkar finds out (and forgets) he won't live much longer.
Night 1: Roy gets message from Nale.
Day 2: Teleport to Cliffport. Nale infiltrates the OotS and Elan and Thog are imprisoned. OotS teleport out of Cliffport and into a (very surprised) Roc's nest. Sabine flies out for a 3 day flight to Azure City. Elan and Thog break out of jail and hitch a ride to Azure City.
Day 5: Sabine and the OotS arrive simultaneously at Azure City.
Night 5: Elan and Thog arrive at Azure City. Sabine, Nale, Thog, Elan and Haley have a big throwdown - Haley regains her voice. The Linear Guild is defeated when Durkon and Varsuvius arrive on the scene.
Day 6: The Linear Guild is imprisoned, and Miko returns heralding news of Xykons imminent arrival. Miko then goes nuts and kills Lord Shojo, Falling in the process.
Night 6: Azure City prepares for the impending attack.
Day 7: Azure City and Xykon's Army duke it out. The Linear Guild escapes the Azure City prison, and flee the city, looking for another Gate to control. Roy and Miko are killed, most of the Sapphire Guard is wiped out, the Azure City Gate goes kablooie and Azure City falls to Xykon.
Night 7: Hinjo holds the Last Boat Out of Azure City awaiting Haley and Belkar. Haley and Belkar, who are retrieving Roy and O-Chul, meet the Creature in the Darkness. Belkar cooks for the CitD, and inadvertently mentions that they are part of the Order of the Stick. Hilarity ensues.

So it really hasn't been that much time, even though it seems like it has been forever, since the visit to the Oracle. :smallsmile:

Secondly, I would think that something of this importance (i.e. the starting of the Belkar Death Watch) would at least get a mention in passing from one of the characters. :smallwink: So while it is certainly possible that Belkar's birthday will happen "off-screen", I don't feel that enough time has quite yet passed to really think that has happened.

[Rumex]

Secondly, I would think that something of this importance (i.e. the starting of the Belkar Death Watch) would at least get a mention in passing from one of the characters. :smallwink: So while it is certainly possible that Belkar's birthday will happen "off-screen", I don't feel that enough time has quite yet passed to really think that has happened.

Except that the forget spell on the Oracle's valley is in place for just that reason- to keep random comments from spoiling his 'answers for money' ethic. All they remember is the questions they asked and the answers they got, along with a vague idea of passing trials and meeting the Oracle.

Nobody's in the OOTS is going to remember that Belkar only has one birthday left.

However, I suspect Rich might slip it in somehow for those fans who do remember and are keeping track. A little self-pity for Belkar ("I can't have a really cool party"), or maybe a special surprise from V to enforce that hate thing going on.

[Porthos]

However, I suspect Rich might slip it in somehow for those fans who do remember and are keeping track. A little self-pity for Belkar ("I can't have a really cool party"), or maybe a special surprise from V to enforce that hate thing going on.

Errr... That's exactly what I meant. :smallsmile: None of the OotS will have any reason to mention it. But the fans of the comic? Oh yes, we have plenty of reasons to want to know when the Belkster has his next birthday cake.

Hmmmm... As long as Belkar doesn't have any birthday cake, then he's safe ("... savor his next birthday cake. 'Nuff said."). After all, if a birthday passes and he has no cake, then he can wait a whole year and savor it then. I mean, after all it's technically his next birthday cake, not his next birthday. :smalltongue:

An interesting loophole (and we all know how much the Oracle loves loopholes :smallwink:). So if Belkar doesn't eat any birthday cake soon, then he doesn't die. Course the flip side if he eats someone else's birthday cake, then he's screwed! :smalleek:

Man I would laugh and laugh if that is how the clock got started! :smallbiggrin:

[johnnyriot999]

I think I'm supposed to devour you...

Great strip! :smallamused:

[Surfing HalfOrc]

Two Points.

First off, believe it or not, it has been only a week in campaign time since their visit to the Oracle: :smallsmile:

A (Semi-Abbreviated) Timeline behind a Spoiler Bar, to save screen space:
Day 1: The OotS visit Oracle. Belkar finds out (and forgets) he won't live much longer.
Night 1: Roy gets message from Nale.
Day 2: Teleport to Cliffport. Nale infiltrates the OotS and Elan and Thog are imprisoned. OotS teleport out of Cliffport and into a (very surprised) Roc's nest. Sabine flies out for a 3 day flight to Azure City. Elan and Thog break out of jail and hitch a ride to Azure City.
Day 5: Sabine and the OotS arrive simultaneously at Azure City.
Night 5: Elan and Thog arrive at Azure City. Sabine, Nale, Thog, Elan and Haley have a big throwdown - Haley regains her voice. The Linear Guild is defeated when Durkon and Varsuvius arrive on the scene.
Day 6: The Linear Guild is imprisoned, and Miko returns heralding news of Xykons imminent arrival. Miko then goes nuts and kills Lord Shojo, Falling in the process.
Night 6: Azure City prepares for the impending attack.
Day 7: Azure City and Xykon's Army duke it out. The Linear Guild escapes the Azure City prison, and flee the city, looking for another Gate to control. Roy and Miko are killed, most of the Sapphire Guard is wiped out, the Azure City Gate goes kablooie and Azure City falls to Xykon.
Night 7: Hinjo holds the Last Boat Out of Azure City awaiting Haley and Belkar. Haley and Belkar, who are retrieving Roy and O-Chul, meet the Creature in the Darkness. Belkar cooks for the CitD, and inadvertently mentions that they are part of the Order of the Stick. Hilarity ensues.

So it really hasn't been that much time, even though it seems like it has been forever, since the visit to the Oracle. :smallsmile:

Secondly, I would think that something of this importance (i.e. the starting of the Belkar Death Watch) would at least get a mention in passing from one of the characters. :smallwink: So while it is certainly possible that Belkar's birthday will happen "off-screen", I don't feel that enough time has quite yet passed to really think that has happened.

Is there a longer, yet equally accurate timeline somewhere? I'd like to keep track of something I think MIGHT be happening:

Durkon and Hilgya's Love Child. If Durkon didn't have a "Dwarven Defender" in his wallet (and it's likely he didn't, since it was his first time :smallredface: ), there is a very real possibility that Hilgya is pregnant. And angry at the dwarf who knocked her up, then kicked her out.

Hell hath no fury, and all that.

I actually had lost track of the timeline... I though it was a month or so since the Oracle. I think I misread "Three and a half Days earlier" for "Three and a half WEEKS earlier." My mistake.

[David Argall]

Is there a longer, yet equally accurate timeline somewhere? I'd like to keep track of something I think MIGHT be happening:

Durkon and Hilgya's Love Child. If Durkon didn't have a "Dwarven Defender" in his wallet (and it's likely he didn't, since it was his first time :smallredface: ), there is a very real possibility that Hilgya is pregnant. And angry at the dwarf who knocked her up, then kicked her out.

Hell hath no fury, and all that.


There is a large uncertainity in the timeline as the trip South is described as a very long one, but is largely passed over in 1 picture. The presumption is that we are talking a month or two here.

http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0198.html says it took weeks to finish looting the dragon horde. And there were other breaks that could be of any length desired.

so...
By this point Hilgya definitely knows one way or the other. She could be on her way to "have a talk" with the party cleric. However, the final gate is presumed to be in the dwarf area, so it seems more likely there will be a surprise waiting there.

[Dalan Graycloak]

"Dwarven Defender" = That's absolutely hysterical. :smallbiggrin:

[Solara]

Hehe, does this comic make anyone else think Belkar took lessons from Shojo? "There are two jobs available for you..."

[draca]

Is panel six a reference to those old Life Cereal commercials?

Also, does anyone ever actually want to be the thimble in Monopoly? I mean, they have a cannon. And that's for the poor sucker that didn't get the top hat.

In my family, all the good fights would break out over who gets to be the scottie dog.

[Ganurath]

I'm going to laugh and laugh and laugh if Haley and Belkar are saved by a stew-related tummy-ache.

[aristodeimos]

I'm going to laugh and laugh and laugh if Belkar and Haley *ARE* the stomach ache. MUHAHAHAHA!

[Anessen]

I'm going to laugh and laugh and laugh if Haley and Belkar are saved by a stew-related tummy-ache.

This is perfect.

I wonder if MitD can actually get stomach aches though.

[humanpylon]

In my family, all the good fights would break out over who gets to be the scottie dog.

We all wanted to be the car.

[rgoodfellow]

This is going to hurt like hell.

[azule74]

I am really looking forward to seeing how they get out of this. There are so many possibilities that it boggles the mind.

[humanpylon]

Gotta say the MITD's tactics leave a lot to be desired. If I overheard someone say that they were part of a group that I was supposed to devour, I'd just devour I wouldn't tell them that I was supposed to :smalltongue:

Mind you this might mean that it doesn't plan to do any devouring.

[Bilbo27]

Well, will we FINALLY see whats under the umbrella?
Will Haley sweet talk out of this?
Will Belkar make more stew to elude the darkness?

Tune in next strip
Same random time...same site

[Ithekro]

So instead of "I attack the darkness" the line should be changed to "I feed the darkness."?

[holywhippet]

Gotta say the MITD's tactics leave a lot to be desired. If I overheard someone say that they were part of a group that I was supposed to devour, I'd just devour I wouldn't tell them that I was supposed to :smalltongue:

Mind you this might mean that it doesn't plan to do any devouring.

Could be. It didn't actually say that it intends to eat them here and now. It just said that it's understanding is that Xykon expects it to at some point.

[humanpylon]

Wow I feel dense. I looked at the title of the comic earlier and thought it was just a cooking joke. Didn't get the reference to MITD's "scary opening line" till just now. :smallfrown:

[Freelance Henchman]

Poor O-Chul. "Eyes.. so.. dry.. but.. can't... blink!!!"

[Arin]

I didn't get the Rachel Ray reference. Was the roach saying that Belkar's ugly, and thus stands in contrast to Rachel Ray?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachael_Ray <--(In case anyone's wondering)

I think your answer is right at the beginning of the criticisms section... "Some have criticized Ray's "perky" demeanor". Belkar's definitely not perky. :)

Also, I don't know if anyone's posted it yet, but I'm so proud to have gotten the nutmeg reference in the title. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0103.html)

[stickygoo]

I'm just afriad that with that wonderful cliff-hanger we're going to cut to the ship, or Team Evil.

[Deuce]

So instead of "I attack the darkness" the line should be changed to "I feed the darkness."?

In the OotS-verse, The darkness attacks you!

:smallbiggrin:

[ophiuchi]

Rich Burlew you are my hero. I wrote about this somewhere in the new members section, now I'm just trying to see if I got my home made avatar to work.
You and your comic make me SO happy, especially as I never could get into RPGs. But your comic is hilarious and accessible to me anyway. Quite an accomplishment!
Respect!
BTW if my avatar doesn't show up - I added it to a blog in just the right dimensions JUST so I could use the link - can someone benevolently help me out? Rich is worthy of the respect of this effort! He works hard and makes me laugh and care about stick figures, dammit! He must be treated right.
http://bp1.blogger.com/_l6kBRaRNx9o/RpxR3rdJ3FI/AAAAAAAAABE/BBhuKY8cbC0/s1600-h/ootsicon.jpg

[Hackman]

Among the reasons to be more optimistic about Belkar's chances is that the Oracle said he was to savor his next birthday, which makes him safe for several more months.

Perhaps the tea party is for MitD's birthday and it will offer Belkar and Haley some cake before devouring them with a mild nutmeg seasoning?

[Warfare]

Hahaha, nutmeg (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0103.html).

[Faramir]

:mitd: "Order of the stick! Your broken corpses will taste delicious lightly seasoned with nutmeg!" OOTS #103
Awsome title Giant! Even better comic!!!:smallsmile:

Thanks, missed that one.

And now that the MitD is intending to devour them I really don't think they have much to worry about. If he wanted to be their friend they'd be in much more danger.

Of course there's also my pet off the wall theory that even I don't believe (warning Start of Darkness spoiler):


That Haley is Redcloak's niece transformed to look like a human and sent to be raised by human's in safety. Then when the MitD realizes who she is he joins the Order of the Stick. Hilarity ensues.

"Elan, I'm not what you would call..." human. She's a transformed goblin.
Her father is a first edition thief. Check.

Of course then she'd have recognized Redcloak early on unless her memory was messed with somehow so the whole thing pretty much falls apart right there.

[Porthos]

Of course there's also my pet off the wall theory that even I don't believe (warning Start of Darkness spoiler):


That Haley is Redcloak's niece transformed to look like a human and sent to be raised by human's in safety. Then when the MitD realizes who she is he joins the Order of the Stick. Hilarity ensues.

"Elan, I'm not what you would call..." human. She's a transformed goblin.
Her father is a first edition thief. Check.

Of course then she'd have recognized Redcloak early on unless her memory was messed with somehow so the whole thing pretty much falls apart right there.


Your theory is fine, except for a little thing I like to call a Ransom Note (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0131.html)

Really, the two ideas are completely incompatible when you look closely at them. :smallsmile:

[Faramir]

OMG, A main character actually talked back to the roaches!!!!

This hasn't happened before, has it?

Aside from the instances mentioned above Miko used one to free herself from Xykon's moderately inescapable force cage. Doesn't really count as talking I suppose.

And another vote here for a Sexy Shoeless God of Cooking apron.

[Faramir]

Your theory is fine, except for a little thing I like to call a Ransom Note (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0131.html)

Really, the two ideas are completely incompatible when you look closely at them. :smallsmile:


That one could easily be explained away by it being her adoptive father. Not that I'm arguing in favor of my theory, just that the note doesn't disprove it.

[Lizardmen_are#1]

Well, they're boned
Course the monsters not that bright and hes a nice guy

[stickygoo]

Thanks, missed that one.

And now that the MitD is intending to devour them I really don't think they have much to worry about. If he wanted to be their friend they'd be in much more danger.

Of course there's also my pet off the wall theory that even I don't believe (warning Start of Darkness spoiler):


That Haley is Redcloak's niece transformed to look like a human and sent to be raised by human's in safety. Then when the MitD realizes who she is he joins the Order of the Stick. Hilarity ensues.

"Elan, I'm not what you would call..." human. She's a transformed goblin.
Her father is a first edition thief. Check.

Of course then she'd have recognized Redcloak early on unless her memory was messed with somehow so the whole thing pretty much falls apart right there.


That has got to be the most bizarre, pointless, convaluted theories I've seen here yet.... I love it.:smallbiggrin: :smallwink:

[Faramir]

That has got to be the most bizarre, pointless, convaluted theories I've seen here yet....

Thanks!

We aim to please :)

[rockwilder]

great job =)

[VariaVespasa]

We're gonna hafta wait at least till sunday to find out though I think- I daresay the Giant is frying his brains out reading a certain book at the moment, same as I am. :P

[Maulem]

Great work Rich.

As for what I think comes next...
Tsukiko: Xykon said to bring you too him right now!
Haley: You go on. We'll be right here when you get back.

[Hushdawg]

We're gonna hafta wait at least till sunday to find out though I think- I daresay the Giant is frying his brains out reading a certain book at the moment, same as I am. :P

I don't think Rich particularly cares for that book series. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0253.html)

Which makes two of us.

[VariaVespasa]

Heh, grumpypants! :P

[Hushdawg]

Heh, grumpypants! :P

Yeah, I admit that. I have been pretty damn grumpy lately.

[VariaVespasa]

Yeah, I admit that. I have been pretty damn grumpy lately.

Yes, but have you been pantsed? :P

[Hushdawg]

Yes, but have you been pantsed? :P

Neither pantsed, wedgied nor shanked. At least not in 18 years.

oooh man.. that just made me shudder... the fact that I can measure time longer than most of the people on this forum have been alive.

[VariaVespasa]

Neither pantsed, wedgied nor shanked. At least not in 18 years.

oooh man.. that just made me shudder... the fact that I can measure time longer than most of the people on this forum have been alive.

Tell me about it, I'm a decrepit antique too. Darned young whippersnappers! Kids today! And, oh yeah, You darned kids get off mah lawn! :P

[David Argall]

I don't think Rich particularly cares for that book series. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0253.html)

Which makes two of us.

The evidence presented is rather the reverse. Recall this whole comic is just as much an "attack" on what he does like.

[Hushdawg]

The evidence presented is rather the reverse. Recall this whole comic is just as much an "attack" on what he does like.

No, it's an expression of his enjoyment with what he likes. All the subtle nuances and the exploitation of rules and such is just the mark of a lifelong gamer who really gets a kick out of the game.

That strip pointedly made biting satire out of the entire Harry Potter genre and then ended up mercilessly killing the Harry Potter doppleganger.

Totally different.