OOTS #1169 - The Discussion Thread

[The Giant]

New comic is up.

[Hardcore]

I have a suspicion the friendly banter is to lull us into some false security before RB drops a bomb.
Super first too!

[ellindsey]

Nice artwork on the stairs and the Blade Barrier in this one.

[HouseRules]

Nice artwork on the stairs and the Blade Barrier in this one.

Better than Tarquin's Swords?
Sure, these blades are moving, not fixed in one place.

[Hardcore]

Nice artwork on the stairs and the Blade Barrier in this one.

Yeees, they are indeed not swords this time. Looks like some kind of shuriken or obscure indian weapon.

[HouseRules]

Yeees, they are indeed not swords this time. Looks like some kind of shuriken or obscure indian weapon.

Woo, it looks like you could see my post before I hit "submit reply".

Just joking.

[HorizonWalker]

Logann kinda reminds me of a short, hairy Roy, right down to the constant talking.

I like it.

[Alabenson]

Ouch, Durkon's cousin's going to need another Cure Critical Wounds for that burn :smalltongue:

[Quebbster]

I kind of want to see Sigdi turning the battle around.

[Fyraltari]

Is Gontor* just walking away in panel 7?
Poor Logann, he was trying so hard to get his moment.

So are the characters going to pretend Blade Barrier always looked like that or do Clerics of Hel get a different one? Or maybe the caster can choose the melee weapon that makes the barrier?

[Coyote0715]

Mom just being mom.

[brian 333]

Just like old times! Logann and Durkon picking up where they left off.

[declinator]

Last time I looked, Sigdi had a weapon at the end of #1166 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1166.html), but I can't see it now. Did the Giant retcon the mysteriously appearing weapon out of existence? Or do I misremember things?

EDIT: Not misremembering (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?589763-OOTS-1166-The-Discussion-Thread&p=23959381#post23959381). Art mistake - fixed (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=23959601&postcount=91).

[Peelee]

Those damage lines... I thought a simple punch was going to take him down before Durkon cleric'd all over the place.

[Cicciograna]

Dwarves are awesome.

[tigerusthegreat]

Logann kinda reminds me of a short, hairy Roy, right down to the constant talking.

I like it.

What if (if this was a real d&d game) the DM let the players roll up dwarven characters to participate in the inner battle and this one is Roy's? Now we meed to find the rest of the party.

[Fyraltari]

Last time I looked, Sigdi had a weapon at the end of #1166 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1166.html), but I can't see it now. Did the Giant retcon the mysteriously appearing weapon out of existence? Or do I misremember things?

Yes the Giant admitted the mistake and fixed it.

[White_Mouse]

Wait, who else did this "What am I doing, I'm getting distracted" bit in the comic?
It sounds so familiar, it's unfunny!

[anonynos]

Last time I looked, Sigdi had a weapon at the end of #1166 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1166.html), but I can't see it now. Did the Giant retcon the mysteriously appearing weapon out of existence? Or do I misremember things?

He did, because she dropped the axe and thus shouldn't have had it at the end there. IIRC he said he'd drawn the panels out of order and then forgotten to go back and remove the axe after he decided it was a good visual to show it down in the pit.

(edit to add link)
Here is his comment about it. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?589763-OOTS-1166-The-Discussion-Thread&p=23959601#post23959601)

[Goblin_Priest]

It's but a flesh wound. :P

[johnbragg]

Not using 3.5/OGL engine at all anymore--some system where you can take multiple actions on your turn, presumably some sort of regenerating mana system.

[Morquard]

Damn Durkon, your cousin will need another heal after that burn :D

[RyanW1019]

That is funny! Better living through magic.

[redwizard007]

Not using 3.5/OGL engine at all anymore--some system where you can take multiple actions on your turn, presumably some sort of regenerating mana system.

Or haste, or quicken spell, or it wasn't in combat so no turns...

[Fyraltari]

Not using 3.5/OGL engine at all anymore--some system where you can take multiple actions on your turn, presumably some sort of regenerating mana system.

Or the fight was over since Gontor went away in panel 7 (presumably to the Inner Chamber) and the dwarves are going after him in the last one.

To the one who asked wich dwarves would be analoguous the other PCs:

Haley: the Rogue Twins,

V: Logann's spellcasting sister.

Elan: Jenna.

Bekar: NotThad?

[Grey Watcher]

Stealing his thunder seems perfectly fair Durkon. Balances the scales between you two (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0962.html), I think.

[johnbragg]

Or haste, or quicken spell, or it wasn't in combat so no turns...

3.0 haste maybe. Metamagic has generally been announced. And we've been in combat for a while, initiative has definitely been rolled.

We're outside the 3.5 parameters, and in the story. If you REALLY need 3.5 RAW to still be in effect, then sure, it was a quickened cure critical wounds from an 8th level slot.

[Hardcore]

Nice artwork on the stairs and the Blade Barrier in this one.

Yeah, but I don't like the art creep. Hopefully the comic will end before it goes totally realistic.

[kiapet]

Torn between laughing at the family's antics and worrying about the unnecessary spell slot usage for Cure Critical Wounds

[Moriel64]

Ahh, Sigdi. She sounds just like my mother on long car trips. All we need now is for two of them to start bickering over which vamp is "theirs" to kill. . .

"Sarge, he's whaling on MY vamp!"
"I got here first!"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Both of you shut up. Do I have to separate you again? Dust him and move on before I stop this whole fight and turn us around!"
(in unison)"Yes, Sarge."

And gorgeous art on the wall of blades. And love Durkon cutting off the heroic speech. . . he's used to Roy, who doesn't do that.:cool:

[johnbragg]

Or haste, or quicken spell, or it wasn't in combat so no turns...


Or the fight was over since Gontor went away in panel 7 (presumably to the Inner Chamber and the dwarves are going after him in the last one.

To the one who asked wich dwarves would be analoguous the other PCs:

Haley: the Rogue Twins,

V: Logann's spellcasting sister.

Elan: Jenna.

Bekar: NotThad?


3.0 haste maybe. Metamagic has generally been announced. And we've been in combat for a while, initiative has definitely been rolled.

We're outside the 3.5 parameters, and in the story. If you REALLY need 3.5 RAW to still be in effect, then sure, it was a quickened cure critical wounds from an 8th level slot.


Yeah, I wouldn't have DM'ed it that way, because movement rates are a factor, but "we go off initiative after the blade barrier" is a solid explanation.

[redwizard007]

So with one panel D burned his cousin, hyped his buddy, and established relative power levels.

3:1 odds that cuz bites it in the next fight.

[Peelee]

Yeah, but I don't like the art creep.

Really? I can't get enough of it!

[Fyraltari]

Yeah, but I don't like the art creepReally? I can't get enough of it!

No I agree, I can't stand that guy. Always following me with his brushes and canvas, looking at me throught the windows...

[zimmerwald1915]

No I agree, I can't stand that guy. Always following me with his brushes and canvas, looking at me throught the windows...
Thinks real life is like Moulin Rouge. . .

[HandofShadows]

Love how casual he is about it. :smallcool: Really though, has the Order gotten that powerful compared to many adventurers and we don't really see it since it's been a gradual climb?

[redwizard007]

Love how casual he is about it. :smallcool: Really though, has the Order gotten that powerful compared to many adventurers and we don't really see it since it's been a gradual climb?

There was that time Hailey soloes a flesh golem. That's CR7 in 3.5 and it was about a million strips ago. Or the soul grafts. We could always try to estimate based on spell use.

I think we might be in top tier play

[Jannoire]

3:1 odds that cuz bites it in the next fight.

Bite attack against vampires?
Or do you mean he gets bitten?

[Peelee]

No I agree, I can't stand that guy. Always following me with his brushes and canvas, looking at me throught the windows...

I greatly enjoyed that one. Well played.

[redwizard007]

Bite attack against vampires?
Or do you mean he gets bitten?

I meant dies, but with dwarves you can't rule out the odd bite once in awhile.

[zimmerwald1915]

Bite attack against vampires?
Or do you mean he gets bitten?
"Bites it" is an idiomatic expression meaning "dies."

[Kish]

Love how casual he is about it. :smallcool: Really though, has the Order gotten that powerful compared to many adventurers and we don't really see it since it's been a gradual climb?
Yes (except for the part where we totally did see it). They're near-epic. And Qarr pointed out that very few wizards ever see tenth level.

[Jannoire]

I meant dies, but with dwarves you can't rule out the odd bite once in awhile.

I'm aware of the connotation (every queen fan will be), I just wanted to get that low hanging pun opportunity.

Oppuntunity?

[zimmerwald1915]

Yes (except for the part where we totally did see it). They're near-epic. And Qarr pointed out that very few wizards ever see tenth level.
"Near-Epic" was a bit of hyperbole on Mr. Burlew's part. The Order is decidedly mid-teens and while that makes them high-level, Epic is still a ways off.

[Fyraltari]

I greatly enjoyed that one. Well played.

I aim to please.

[semi]

Nice artwork on the stairs and the Blade Barrier in this one.


Glaive from Krull?

[ken]

Glaive from Krull?

That was five armed - these appear to have 3 arms...

...but then again, OOTS characters appear to have 3 digits on their hands instead of 5 ...so... possibly!

[Elkad]

Glaive from Krull?

Not enough arms.

More of a weaponized fidget spinner :)

[Psychronia]

Ah....Family.

I have many questions about Blade Barrier now. Is it based on the weapon culture of the cleric's sect? Or is it something a cleric can just...choose?

If it's the former, what happens in cultures that don't use bladed weapons for some bizarre reason? If it's the latter, I'm left to ponder creative alternative uses for the spell.

[drazen]

Or haste, or quicken spell, or it wasn't in combat so no turns...

Isn't a round something ridiculously short, like 6 seconds? Not a D&D player, but feel like I saw that somewhere. So 12 seconds instead of 6. Gontor was ignoring them anyway.

[SilverCacaobean]

Funny strip, but there's something I don't understand. How did they get rid of the dominated guards?

[Grey_Wolf_c]

Funny strip, but there's something I don't understand. How did they get rid of the dominated guards?

By reducing their HP to under the total of nonlethal damage.

Grey Wolf

[hroþila]

Ah....Family.

I have many questions about Blade Barrier now. Is it based on the weapon culture of the cleric's sect? Or is it something a cleric can just...choose?

If it's the former, what happens in cultures that don't use bladed weapons for some bizarre reason? If it's the latter, I'm left to ponder creative alternative uses for the spell.
Which cultures don't use any blades?

[gatemansgc]

Not using 3.5/OGL engine at all anymore--some system where you can take multiple actions on your turn, presumably some sort of regenerating mana system.

there's also the fact that the giant has stated that good storytelling > RAW

[Rollin]

Wait, who else did this "What am I doing, I'm getting distracted" bit in the comic?
It sounds so familiar, it's unfunny!

Although this isn't quite the same, since Vampire Gontor mentioned his master getting distracted, I do think of #1126 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1126.html).

Maybe Belkar's shot (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1164.html) struck home after all... at least communicating the essential fact that a vampire can be defeated from within. Maybe the real Gontor, with his rhetorical bent, can take it from there.

I always thought we'd get to see what "worst moment" of Gontor's makes his vampire so absurdly preoccupied with place and role (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1086.html). I won't be surprised if that's coming up soon, although I expect I will be surprised by everything else about it, of course.

[Jay R]

What a delightful family moment.

When Rich finishes with the Order of the Stick, I think I'd like to see All in the Dwarven Family.

[Peelee]

Which cultures don't use any blades?

Hirsutites. :smalltongue:

[Anansiil]

Let's work to make all fights and disagreements just like this!
Sidgi, putting the giant heart in the battleground. (Gitbg)

[Rollin]

Let's work to make all fights and disagreements just like this!

Yes! "I can defend you better than you can defend me! See?" "Well, you just wait..."

[Anansiil]

I kind of want to see Sigdi turning the battle around.

Lol, that's too adorable/hilarious to imagine...
*begins imagining*

[Frozenstep]

Wait, who else did this "What am I doing, I'm getting distracted" bit in the comic?
It sounds so familiar, it's unfunny!

One of the frost giants. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1071.html)

[Anarion]

That is a gorgeous blade barrier. I am sad for its brief existence.

[woweedd]

I'm loving the banter.

[Rogar Demonblud]

That much burn could take out a troll.

[zimmerwald1915]

That much burn could take out a troll.
One does not joke about trolls in Durkon's company.

[Shoelessgdowar]

Ah....Family.

I have many questions about Blade Barrier now. Is it based on the weapon culture of the cleric's sect? Or is it something a cleric can just...choose?

If it's the former, what happens in cultures that don't use bladed weapons for some bizarre reason? If it's the latter, I'm left to ponder creative alternative uses for the spell.

That's easy, I have two answers.

1) They're real tools, and so are the blades in their walls.

2) The go green, weed wack people with blades of grass... of course perhaps they cane them, since technically bamboo is a type of grass, so a bamboo rod is a blade of grass. Good way to really give your opponent the shaft.



Hirsutites. :smalltongue:

That sounds like a hairy situation. Though Occam's Razor probably says they still have blades as torture devices and grooming supplies.


I meant dies, but with dwarves you can't rule out the odd bite once in awhile.

Well, technically the full version is "Bite the big one", and that is almost never a dwarf (Dwarves are like the second smallest playable species in the Medium Size Category, only Gnomes being less big, anything else playable that is smaller actually being literally in the Small or lower size categories), so it is unlikely a Dwarf can Bite the Big One.


I'm aware of the connotation (every queen fan will be), I just wanted to get that low hanging pun opportunity.

Oppuntunity?

Pungeon Masters always seek maximum punitive damage when attacks of oppuntunity are triggered, just be cautious as to not make them to pungent, as those stink (though even those can be the bomb, just don't let them blow up in your face).

[zimmerwald1915]

That's easy, I have two answers.

1) They're real tools, and so are the blades in their walls.

2) The go green, weed wack people with blades of grass... of course perhaps they cane them, since technically bamboo is a type of grass, so a bamboo rod is a blade of grass. Good way to really give your opponent the shaft.




That sounds like a hairy situation. Though Occam's Razor probably says they still have blades as torture devices and grooming supplies.



Well, technically the full version is "Bite the big one", and that is almost never a dwarf (Dwarves are like the second smallest playable species in the Medium Size Category, only Gnomes being less big, anything else playable that is smaller actually being literally in the Small or lower size categories), so it is unlikely a Dwarf can Bite the Big One.



Pungeon Masters always seek maximum punitive damage when attacks of oppuntunity are triggered, just be cautious as to not make them to pungent, as those stink (though even those can be the bomb, just don't let them blow up in your face).
Gnomes are Small in 3.5.

[The_Weirdo]

Durkon's cousin is a showoff. I like it, that has style! :smallbiggrin:

[woweedd]

That much burn could take out a troll.
You would know. I swear, you people are everywhere in this Playground.

[Gluteus_Maximus]

Logann: male dwarf fighter <14

Love these jokes.

[Fyraltari]

If it's the former, what happens in cultures that don't use bladed weapons for some bizarre reason? If it's the latter, I'm left to ponder creative alternative uses for the spell.
It's Blade Barrier, not Bladed Weapon Barrier. Unless you are talking about a weapon that doesn't use any kind of blade at all, it would probably summon cutting tools, and if you are, that culture is so remove from human mentality I don't really see how it could come into war with human(-like creatures). Here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hand_axe)'s a pretty old knife.

Although this isn't quite the same, since Vampire Gontor mentioned his master getting distracted, I do think of #1126 (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1126.html).

Maybe Belkar's shot (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1164.html) struck home after all... at least communicating the essential fact that a vampire can be defeated from within. Maybe the real Gontor, with his rhetorical bent, can take it from there.

I always thought we'd get to see what "worst moment" of Gontor's makes his vampire so absurdly preoccupied with place and role (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1086.html). I won't be surprised if that's coming up soon, although I expect I will be surprised by everything else about it, of course.
I would be very surprised if we get to see Gontor's darkest moment because either it works and cheapens Durkon's own triumph or it fails and what was the point of seeing it then? Gontor is just a random NPC the protagonists exchanged two sentences with and who is being used/was turned into a minor antagonist, he's just not that important.

[Jaxzan Proditor]

It is kind of amusing to see Durkon in an upstaging sort of situation for once. I hope they can catch up to Gontor* quickly!


Really? I can't get enough of it!

I would agree. The art just grows more and more beautiful.

[Peelee]

It's Blade Barrier, not Bladed Weapon Barrier. Unless you are talking about a weapon that doesn't use any kind of blade at all, it would probably summon cutting tools, and if you are, that culture is so remove from human mentality I don't really see how it could come into war with human(-like creatures).

With hammers. Warhammer, greathammers, claw hammers of you're more of a dagger person, and in a pinch there's always sledge.

Woe be unto those who dismiss bludgeoning damage!

[JumboWheat01]

Sigdi saying such a mom line and I love it.

[Fyraltari]

With hammers. Warhammer, greathammers, claw hammers of you're more of a dagger person, and in a pinch there's always sledge.

Woe be unto those who dismiss bludgeoning damage!

First, good luck making a hammer without cutting tools.

Second, I wasn,'t asking about the technique. Ain't nobody waging war with amoeba.

[ManuelSacha]

Oooooh!
Sick burn!
A shame Durkon will have to spend a Heal spell now...

[NihhusHuotAliro]

Mad props to Logann for straight-up running through a wall of blades just to press a point.

[Peelee]

First, good luck making a hammer without cutting tools.

You hammer it into shape with a rock. Or, as they call it, "Nature's Hammer." They fought other hammer cultures.:smalltongue:
This was during the era known as "Hammer Time."

[Fyraltari]

Mad props to Logann for straight-up running through a wall of blades just to press a point.

That Cure Critical Wounds could be missed by someone wounded in ways that couldn't have been avoided (like the dominated guards who the good guys plan to beat up to an inch of their life) or used offensively. eanwhile he looked like after going through that, Gontor could have killed him with a coughing fit.

It was dramatic and ballsy but it wasn,'t the best thought-out plan by a margin.

Somebody needs to learn that "stupid risks are just that: stupid (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0827.html)" and that "Noble sacrifices only make sense when they solve the problem at hand. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1022.html)"

Edit:

You hammer it into shape with a rock. Or, as they call it, "Nature's Hammer." They fought other hammer cultures.:smalltongue:
This was during the era known as "Hammer Time."
Halt! Did you not see what that old knife link was?

Besides you can't sculpt with a hammer, you need a chisel, with a, you know, blade on it.

[Peelee]

That Cure Critical Wounds could be missed by someone wounded in ways that couldn't have been avoided (like the dominated guards who the good guys plan to beat up to an inch of their life) or used offensively. eanwhile he looked like after going through that, Gontor could have killed him with a coughing fit.

It was dramatic and ballsy but it wasn,'t the best thought-out plan by a margin.

Somebody needs to learn that "stupid risks are just that: stupid (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0827.html)" and that "Noble sacrifices only make sense when they solve the problem at hand. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1022.html)"

None of those lines were said by dwarves. :smallamused:

Also, sure you can sculpt with a hammer. It's just harder. That old knife link was just a sharpened hammer. Very silly, that'll never do good bludgeoning damage. :smalltongue:

[Fyraltari]

None of those lines were said by dwarves. :smallamused:
Are you saying that he is purposefully trying to get killed in battle? But wouldn’t that endanger the world for his own convienience and thus be dishonorable?

[zimmerwald1915]

But wouldn’t that endanger the world for his own convienience and thus be dishonorable?
What have you got to say that endangering the world for one's personal convenience is necessarily dishonorable?

[Peelee]

Are you saying that he is purposefully trying to get killed in battle? But wouldn’t that endanger the world for his own convienience and thus be dishonorable?

Short version? No.

Long version?

No decent dwarf would trade a glorious death for a few more decades of weak-willed life. No, sir. Dwarven life is long enough already, and putting your own life above the needs of the community is just self-serving greed.

Look at Sigdi in the first strip she appears in. She is not in combat; she is retired. But when an accident happens in front of her, she springs into action—even though she is less equipped to help than any other adult present. If that dwarven laborer had dragged her off the mountain, she would have died with honor, but she did not help that man because doing so would have allowed her to die with honor. She helped him because it was the right thing to do. That's the dwarven way: Do the right thing regardless of the danger, knowing that if the danger overwhelms you, you'll be rewarded in the next life.

[JT]

Besides you can't sculpt with a hammer, you need a chisel, with a, you know, blade on it.

Sure you can. You chip off small (or not so small) flakes, or powder a small divot, depending on how you strike.

In point of fact, the earliest blades that were made were likely created by pounding one rock with a hammer-stone.

(A “blade” should not be confused with a “point” ... so charring spear-tips to get a pointy stick is not creating a blade.)

[Emperor Time]

Glad Durkon saved his cousin from dying too early on. Because he young enough to have many more chances of dying an honorable death in the future. And can drink with Thor at that time instead.

[Ridureyu]

I'm sorry, but in the comic I'm used to, only the bad guys get to effortlessly dispel their opponent's plans :p

[Fyraltari]

Short version? No.

Long version?
How does that relate to the situation? Sigdi was doing everyhting she could to save that man. If my understanding of what you said Logann was doing is correct, thzat would be like sigdi shoving an able-bodied person (thus with a better chance of rescueing the falling dwarf) out of the way so that she could get the chance to go to Valhalla.



What have you got to say that endangering the world for one's personal convenience is necessarily dishonorable?
Because most examples of honorable deaths we're given in-and-out of comic (azs well as general dwarven attitudes towards life) points to putting the community ahead of oneself as honourable and the opposite as dishonourable.

[Kareeah_Indaga]

Still loving Sigdi. :smallsmile:

[Peelee]

How does that relate to the situation?

Sigdi was less equipped to help than any other adult present. Logan is less equipped to help than Durkon. Sigdi helped because it was the right thing to do, regardless of the danger. Logann chased after the Ex-Exarch because it was the right thing to do, regardless of the danger.

The Sigdi example I only left if because the parts that relate to every dwarf frame it through Sigdi's actions there.

Or, of you would like it put another way: Dwarves are weird. :smallwink:

[brian 333]

Still loving Sigdi. :smallsmile:

I will be sad when she stays behind to care for Kudzu. Sigdi gets my vote for favorite minor NPC.

[TerrickTerran]

That last comment was one of the best laughs I have had in a while.:smallbiggrin:

[Fyraltari]

Sigdi was less equipped to help than any other adult present. Logan is less equipped to help than Durkon. Sigdi helped because it was the right thing to do, regardless of the danger. Logann chased after the Ex-Exarch because it was the right thing to do, regardless of the danger.

The Sigdi example I only left if because the parts that relate to every dwarf frame it through Sigdi's actions there.

Or, of you would like it put another way: Dwarves are weird. :smallwink:

Sigdi was the only one close enough to catch the guy and she was doing everything she could to save the guy, that is wholly different from Logann intentionnally screwing up and depleting Durkon's spells. Especially since this is a team effort.

[LtPowers]

Now I'm really worried Sigdi isn't going to survive this chapter.


Powers &8^]

[Peelee]

Sigdi was the only one close enough to catch the guy and she was doing everything she could to save the guy, that is wholly different from Logann intentionnally screwing up and depleting Durkon's spells. Especially since this is a team effort.

Logan was doing everything he could to fight Gonetor. And he didn't deplete Durkon's spells any more than I depleted my friends money when he offered to buy my lunch after we ate.

[Fyraltari]

Logan was doing everything he could to fight Gonetor. And he didn't deplete Durkon's spells any more than I depleted my friends money when he offered to buy my lunch after we ate.

Okay, so this:



None of those lines were said by dwarves.Are you saying that he is purposefully trying to get killed in battle? But wouldn’t that endanger the world for his own convienience and thus be dishonorable?
was a misunderstanding.

[Grey Watcher]

Sigdi was the only one close enough to catch the guy and she was doing everything she could to save the guy, that is wholly different from Logann intentionnally screwing up and depleting Durkon's spells. Especially since this is a team effort.

In fairness, unlike Roy, Logann probably doesn't know what spells Durkon typically has prepared, so just went with his instincts rather than stop and ask.

[Peelee]

Okay, so this:


was a misunderstanding.

I think so, yeah. He's not purposely trying to get himself killed, he just doesn't mind if he dies trying to take the enemy down as much as Roy would. Taking him down is still priority 1, but a Wall of Blades ain't giving him pause.

[Matt620]

Even in battle, Sigdi is still polite.

[mjasghar]

"Bites it" is an idiomatic expression meaning "dies."
The full expression is to bite the dust - presumably from the concept that you fall forward with your mouth open

[understatement]

Awesome Blade Barrier depiction.

...and, uh, let's go dwarfs! They'll make it in someday.

[Rogar Demonblud]

You would know. I swear, you people are everywhere in this Playground.

Soon the polymorph potion will take effect, and you will be one of us as well.

[Ruck]

Oooooh!
Sick burn!
A shame Durkon will have to spend a Heal spell now...
Why is that?

[Jannoire]

Why is that?

On the burn Logan got

[Quartz]

Glaive from Krull?

That was my first thought.

[Wizard_Lizard]

Awesome Blade Barrier depiction.

...and, uh, let's go dwarfs! They'll make it in someday.

GO DWARVES!!! haha...

[Malphegor]

guys, maybe the vampires all have the feat Spell Thematics and decided to have the Blade Barrier look like a bunch of pointy looking shuriken thingies.

As to dwarven philosophy, I guess it could be summed up as "we do what we can, and if we can't, well, at least we tried." The dwarven mindset is all about trying to be the best you you can be, and if you can't meet those standards, och, aye, ye failed, but at least you reached for the stars.

[monomer]

Huh, I assumed that the multiple blades shown in the artwork was just depicting single blades spinning super-fast, not shuriken-like multi-bladed objects.

[Peelee]

Huh, I assumed that the multiple blades shown in the artwork was just depicting single blades spinning super-fast, not shuriken-like multi-bladed objects.

It looks like both to me. The solid colored blades are the shape of the object, and the more transparent ones are indications of spinning.

[Silent Wrangler]

Cultures without blades use an upgraded version: Booze Barrier. In addition to bludgeoning damage, it makes target confused on a failed Fort save.

[Rogar Demonblud]

That would never work on dwarves. Two livers, remember.

[Ruck]

On the burn Logan got

Oh, haha. The line between someone making a joke and someone missing something in the comic can be hard for me to tell.

[Xel]

It was dramatic and ballsy but it wasn,'t the best thought-out plan by a margin.

Somebody needs to learn that "stupid risks are just that: stupid (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0827.html)" and that "Noble sacrifices only make sense when they solve the problem at hand. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1022.html)".
Since Logann has been hanging out (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1133.html) with Squeaky and Janna (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1146.html) for a while (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1165.html), I suspect you may be underestimating the plan. Imagine the warping of reality possible by the sheer mass of drama we are presented with by this family of the dwarf varietal...

[woweedd]

That Cure Critical Wounds could be missed by someone wounded in ways that couldn't have been avoided (like the dominated guards who the good guys plan to beat up to an inch of their life) or used offensively. eanwhile he looked like after going through that, Gontor could have killed him with a coughing fit.

It was dramatic and ballsy but it wasn,'t the best thought-out plan by a margin.

Somebody needs to learn that "stupid risks are just that: stupid (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0827.html)" and that "Noble sacrifices only make sense when they solve the problem at hand. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots1022.html)"

Edit:

Halt! Did you not see what that old knife link was?

Besides you can't sculpt with a hammer, you need a chisel, with a, you know, blade on it.
Not for Dwarves. For Dwarves, when you get the chance to sacrifice yourself, you do it.

[Pampukin]

I kind of want to see Sigdi turning the battle around.

Same.


guys, maybe the vampires all have the feat Spell Thematics and decided to have the Blade Barrier look like a bunch of pointy looking shuriken thingies.

I forgot 3.5 had that, I always gave that feat to my casters. Why wouldnt your scorching ray look like a pack of fire wolves jumping the enemy, or fire platypuses?

[Lombard]

Lol. Everybody's a tough guy when they have a high level cleric standing right behind them.

[woweedd]

Lol. Everybody's a tough guy when they have a high level cleric standing right behind them.
Including, and perhaps especially, the Cleric themselves. Seriously, my running theory on why people didn't like the Healer category being called "Leader" in 4E was because it's too honest. :smallbiggrin: I'm not even joking: The situational awareness needed to be a good healer and the situational awareness needed to be a good field commander actually map very well.

[Fyraltari]

Lol. Everybody's a tough guy when they have a high level cleric standing right behind them.

Except the undead. They get all sweaty. Well, they would if they could.

[RabanoDOOM]

Dwarves don't believe in the weapon triangle, and luckily for everybody, D&D doesn't believe in it either.

[RabanoDOOM]

Including, and perhaps especially, the Cleric themselves. Seriously, my running theory on why people didn't like the Healer category being called "Leader" in 4E was because it's too honest.:smallbiggrin: I'm not even joking: The situational awareness needed to be a good healer and the situational awareness needed to be a good field commander actually map very well.

Couldn't agree more. I remember too clearly a dungeon crawl session where, instead of saving my spell slots for potentially hype 3rd or 4th level spells, I just loaded my party up with Protection from Acid and Death Ward on a hunch they'd probably be very important. These ended up being the decisive factor in a boss fight against a massive demon ooze, and if neither had been up on the monk in particular, he would've been instantly obliterated by a pair of nat 20 attacks. Making long-term decisions like that is the cleric's thing, it's so satisfying to make a good call like that!

[Squire Doodad]

I forgot 3.5 had that, I always gave that feat to my casters. Why wouldnt your scorching ray look like a pack of fire wolves jumping the enemy, or fire platypuses?

Fire walruses are my favorite. It technically improves the range, too! Just...don't try it as a Fire Tarrasque.

[LuminousWarrior]

I forgot 3.5 had that, I always gave [Spell Thematics] to my casters. Why wouldn't your scorching ray look like a pack of fire wolves jumping the enemy, or fire platypuses?

That has got to be the most useless feat I've ever seen. All it gives you is +5 to Spellcraft checks to identify your spells and implies that "minor visual customization that has no real mechanical benefit" needs a feat when it should be standard. Obviously the necromancer's Fireball should be shaped like a giant skull made of unnatural green flame, why do I need to give him a feat for that?

[Squire Doodad]

That has got to be the most useless feat I've ever seen. All it gives you is +5 to Spellcraft checks to identify your spells and implies that "minor visual customization that has no real mechanical benefit" needs a feat when it should be standard. Obviously the necromancer's Fireball should be shaped like a giant skull made of unnatural green flame, why do I need to give him a feat for that?

What I would have done is make it so that it explicitly has use, for tricking people and impressing them. Your wizard needs to make a CHA role to wow the crowd in a carnival? With the feat he can make a Cone of Cold shaped like a charging rider and get a bonus on his roll/reward.

This is just to improve that one feat, it doesn't take the existence of anything else into account. Basically the addition would amount to "justifies roleplaying moment with loosely defined but concrete benefits", but that's better than what it already has.

[Rogar Demonblud]

That has got to be the most useless feat I've ever seen. All it gives you is +5 to Spellcraft checks to identify your spells and implies that "minor visual customization that has no real mechanical benefit" needs a feat when it should be standard. Obviously the necromancer's Fireball should be shaped like a giant skull made of unnatural green flame, why do I need to give him a feat for that?

You didn't need to in 2Ed. Customizing the appearance of your spells was part of the fun. I still remember the sea mage whose magic missiles were little sharks that swam up and bit people.

[JumboWheat01]

You didn't need to in 2Ed. Customizing the appearance of your spells was part of the fun. I still remember the sea mage whose magic missiles were little sharks that swam up and bit people.

... I may now have an idea for a water genasi wizard.

[Rogar Demonblud]

If you want more ideas, I think the Dragon article was titled 'Color of Magic'.

[Seward]

The situational awareness needed to be a good healer and the situational awareness needed to be a good field commander actually map very well.

Yeah. We called it "Medic-Support", with "SUPPORT" being the key.

When I had a character in that role by the time we were past level 10 in critical fights I would sometimes save 3 different people in one round by doing something with my standard action, my swift action and my move action. As an example of how it usually isn't just healing, the first example that comes to mind was right after a bunch of party members failed key saves - move action pulled one paralyzed guy out of a drowning situation, standard action used an offensive ability to obliterate a minor demon threatening to coup-de-graze a second paralyzed guy and quickened remove sickness got the fighter who blew a nausea save while standing next to the biggest demon back into the fight just in time for her full attack....

We went from "oh **** we're all gonna die" to "we're fine" in the space of my action (and that fighter's full attack wrecking the main threat). Moments like that are why it is fun to play those kinds of characters. Most actual healing happens between fights, but there are a lot of ways to save lives with other abilities that don't involve doing 200 damage per round.

[Chantelune]

Ouch, is that burnt beard I smell ? :smallamused:

[mjasghar]

Lol. Everybody's a tough guy when they have a high level cleric standing right behind them.
Except from his reaction he wasn’t counting on getting healed - so he really is tough

[Lombard]

Except from his reaction he wasn’t counting on getting healed - so he really is tough

I think I agree with you. On the other hand there's always the possibility this is a "Hold Me Back, Guys" type of guy!

[F.Harr]

And you do not want me to turn this battle around.

[Wizard_Lizard]

Except from his reaction he wasn’t counting on getting healed - so he really is tough

Most dwarves are tough, if they aren't, they're bearded gnomes.

[JumboWheat01]

Most dwarves are tough, if they aren't, they're bearded gnomes.

But gnomes can grow beards just fine...

[Peelee]

Most dwarves are tough, if they aren't, they're bearded gnomes.

I think we've seen gnomes can be plenty tough.

[Personification]

Most dwarves are tough, if they aren't, they're bearded gnomes.

Anything that can survive as many lab incidents as the average gnome does on an average day is much tougher than some weakling with a measly poison resistance. And my Apparatus of Kwalish will back me up on that.

[KorvinStarmast]

Including, and perhaps especially, the Cleric themselves. Seriously, my running theory on why people didn't like the Healer category being called "Leader" in 4E was because it's too honest.:smallbiggrin: I'm not even joking: The situational awareness needed to be a good healer and the situational awareness needed to be a good field commander actually map very well. Yep. Also, loved this strip, and cannot fathom why people are getting all argumentative about the details. (been on vacation for a week, and coming back to this strip was quite a nice treat to offset the "damnit, vacation is over" blues).

[Versen]

These are the best dwarves.

[Wizard_Lizard]

I think we've seen gnomes can be plenty tough.

true... Maybe they are halflings then.. wait.. ALL the short people are tough!

[Riftwolf]

Im kinda glad the people complaining that Durkon cast two spells in one round sorta died out before page 4. But its annoying because I came up with a detailed rationale using 3.5 rules. It hinges on Logann having the Die Hard feat.
1st round
Gontor: casts Blade Barrier, move action to walk away.
Logann: uses move action to walk through Blade Barrier, takes damage that drops him into negative hp. Loses standard/2nd move action (charging Gontor wasnt possible as steps count as difficult terrain). Speech is a free action.
Durkon: casts G. Dispel on Blade Barrier.
2nd round
Gontor: takes double action to move away.
Logann: still on negative hp; only has a move action (that would lose him hp), delays his turn to see what Durkon does
Durkon: moves forward, casts healing spell as his standard action.
Logann: now had two actions/turn, joins Durkon in double moving forward to chase Gontor

And yes, I did overthink this.

[Peelee]

Im kinda glad the people complaining that Durkon cast two spells in one round sorta died out before page 4. But its annoying because I came up with a detailed rationale using 3.5 rules. It hinges on Logann having the Die Hard feat.


Well, he was prepared for battery...

[Riftwolf]

true... Maybe they are halflings then.. wait.. ALL the short people are tough!

Halflings aren't tough, they're just lucky and harder to hit. Gnomes are tougher. Smurfs are the toughest though. They're not LA+4 for nothing.

[Emmit Svenson]

For those whose enjoyment of the comic is enhanced by a neat fit to the rules, assume this happened:

In the first round after the Blade Barrier was cast, Durkon went after his cousin. He cast Greater Dispel Magic, then used a move action to move next to him.

In the second round, his cousin delayed his action until after Durkon cast his healing spell on him.

Delaying initiative is a too-often forgotten tactical move.

[Particle_Man]

That Cure Critical Wounds could be missed by someone wounded in ways that couldn't have been avoided (like the dominated guards who the good guys plan to beat up to an inch of their life) or used offensively. eanwhile he looked like after going through that, Gontor could have killed him with a coughing fit.

I think that the dwarves will be in the "no magic or you are stone" place beyond the blue barrier long before Durkon has to worry about running out of spells.

Oh, and Belkar is pretty tough.

[JumboWheat01]

Oh, and Belkar is pretty tough.

Now that's just insulting. Belkar isn't tough. He's a sexy, shoeless god of war. Completely different level. :smallwink:

[Peelee]

Now that's just insulting. Belkar isn't tough. He's a sexy, shoeless god of war. Completely different level. :smallwink:

I do agree that Belkar isn't tough; after all, he did get his ass knocked back to basic by an unarmored human with a plank of wood. :smallamused:

[The MunchKING]

I do agree that Belkar isn't tough; after all, he did get his ass knocked back to basic by an unarmored human with a plank of wood. :smallamused:

What does Armor have to do with how much damage the human can do with a plank? :smalltongue:

[JumboWheat01]

Unarmored means he only has 10+Dex Mod AC, so the Belkster should have easily stabbed him before he got planked.

[Peelee]

In fact, Belkar did easily hit him. Multiple times. Vs. the one hit Roy got in.

Also, I was thinking along the lines of "no magic items like Belt of Giant Strength on the human, and still got him in one shot.:smallwink:

[zimmerwald1915]

In fact, Belkar did easily hit him. Multiple times. Vs. the one hit Roy got in.

Also, I was thinking along the lines of "no magic items like Belt of Giant Strength on the human, and still got him in one shot.:smallwink:
Power Attack's a beach.

[JumboWheat01]

Power Attack's a beach.

No, power attack's a beast. The plank was beech. :smalltongue:

[Riftwolf]

No, power attack's a beast. The plank was beech. :smalltongue:

That j-oaks been overdone. I don't cedar point in it anymore.

[Jannoire]

That j-oaks been overdone. I don't cedar point in it anymore.

I willownly answer to your post, because I share that o-pine-ion

[D.One]

Oh, gosh. I've missed a pun stand-off!

Punny me...

[HorizonWalker]

Come on, guys, this is no time for acorny joke or tree.

[Rogar Demonblud]

All these puns can be a real pain in the ash.

[jwhouk]

I'm suddenly pine-ing for a new strip.

[D.One]

I see we have many branches in this debate...

[Havelocke]

A new strip would Spruce up the place a bit.

[Coyote0715]

I wood add to the a-corniness, but I tree-t the English language with respect. Plus, I'm stumped.

[Riftwolf]

A new strip would Spruce up the place a bit.

Conifer? I 'ardly knew 'er!
Oh wait I already made that joke today. I must be bushed.

[D.One]

Conifer? I 'ardly knew 'er!
Oh wait I already made that joke today. I must be bushed.

That's not a grove mistake...

[brian 333]

In a nutshell, when the OotS community is board, life's a birch.

[Rogar Demonblud]

That's not a grove mistake...

If it was, we'd likely never cottonwood to it.

[JumboWheat01]

I do not apple-gize for staring this train.

[Rogar Demonblud]

Orange you glad we kept it going?

[zimmerwald1915]

Orange you glad we kept it going?
I'm plum tired of it, myself.

[Bob_McSurly]

To all the punners: Centreel command says "arbort! arbort!"
If I had a nickel for every truly awful pun I've made, I'd aspend a lot of money, so don't let mahogany of the limelight.

[Wizard_Lizard]

you know, I just read through the last page of posts and I can't think of anything to add, so, Insert relevant pun here.

[Jannoire]

you know, I just read through the last page of posts and I can't think of anything to add, so, Insert relevant pun here.

That lack of creativity forced a facepalm...

[brian 333]

Facepalm. I get it.

This topic has gone banannas after only six pages, but it's starting to lose it's appeel. We usually get ten or fifteen pages before we walk the plank this way.

[zimmerwald1915]

That lack of creativity forced a facepalm...
Date or coconut?

[D.One]

This topic has gone banannas after only six pages, but it's starting to lose it's appeel. We usually get ten or fifteen pages before we walk the plank this way.

I beg you not to summon the Great Banana in vain. His Wisdow Musa be invoked only in times of great seed.

[Rogar Demonblud]

Yes, to be summoned for something so trivial is almonds insulting.

[Jasdoif]

This topic has gone banannas after only six pages, but it's starting to lose it's appeel. We usually get ten or fifteen pages before we walk the plank this way.I beg you not to summon the Great Banana in vain. His Wisdow Musa be invoked only in times of great seed.
Yes, to be summoned for something so trivial is almonds insulting.Oh for the Angel's sake, are we still stuck at "it's a plant that grows out of the ground really tall?" A tree theme would be better represented by an actual theme using an actual tree (product)....This isn't how herbal therapy works; you may think you're barking up a tree, but it'd be better to stem the inaccuracy before someone gets too stern. You're not the police of me. Pay attention.

[D.One]

Oh for the Angel's sake, are we still stuck at "it's a plant that grows out of the ground really tall?"

Yeah, that's just grass...

[Rogar Demonblud]

At least we didn't try to summon the banana for peanuts.

Which are actually beans.

[Personification]

This descent from the true topic, a veritable forest of tree puns, into discussion of dates and coconuts and almonds is making me drupe. You guys are so nuts that you should all be sent to an a-xylum. If we don't take this discussion back to its roots, all will be fir naught.

[Sir_Galliant]

We might be going a bit cocoa.

[davidbofinger]

It's time for some Doraleous and Associates re-joinery (https://youtu.be/qNxRYMZLRSU?t=117)

[D.One]

Yew! That's rose of you, mister. That I mustard say.

[Peelee]

Yew! That's rose of you, mister. That I mustard say.

Well here we are. Ike, Mike, and Mustard.

[danielxcutter]

At least we didn't try to summon the banana for peanuts.

Which are actually beans.

Uh... so "legumes" is the scientific name for beans or something?


Well here we are. Ike, Mike, and Mustard.

If that was a reference, I didn't get it.

[Peelee]

If that was a reference, I didn't get it.

I cannot recommend Kiss Kiss Bang Bang highly enough. Shane Black's magnum opus, I tells ya!