OOTS #520 - The Discussion Thread

[The Giant]

New comic is up.

[kpenguin]

MR SCRUFFY RETURNS!:smallbiggrin: :smallbiggrin: :smallbiggrin:

[Artega]

He's back! Huzzah and jubilation!!!

[Zoolooman]

That was a great character moment.

[Kay]

Hurrah!! Mr. Scruffy! :D

[Rutee]

I approve in full of posting this at the dead of the night. I hate being unable to check up on game threads because of the forum shutdowns. >.>


Also, KITTY. <.<

[JackMage666]

Who woulda thought Mr Scruffy had levels in Barbarian too....

[Lord Anath'Kash]

Oh yeah! Power to the Scruffy!

*coughs*

Sorry, forgot myself a bit there...

[SPoD]

Who else sees an Animal Companion in Belkar's future?

[Lord Herman]

Woo! It's Mr. Scruffy!

Awesome strip, Giant.

[Heads_or_Tails]

Ah, flinging housecats at people, such fun, the memories... and really Belkar could have taken that position fairly confidently. Xykon is an epic level spellcaster after all, and for all Belkar knows he could remove the MoJ with a snap of his fingers, sure he wouldn't owing to lack of memory and him probably just killing and raising Belkar as a faster way, but thems the breaks.

[Voidhawk]

All bow to the mighty Scruffy!

And there was much rejoicing.:smallbiggrin:

[Tajdi]

Kitty Kat!!!!

...

That is all.

~~~

Honestly though, I'm surprised the comic was up so late. This should happen more often :smallbiggrin:

[Pastel]

How was he supposed to be an executioner if he can't kill anyone?

[Aquillion]

That was a great character moment.
Indeed. Mr. Scruffy is the best character in the strip.

...wait, that is the character you meant, right?

[Bunny]

You know, I had one of those days where it seems that nothing got done and no one could make up their minds. A day of delay. A truly unrewarding hamsterwheel sort of day, in spite of my own efforts.

I just happened to check the strip before toddling off to bed .. .and now I will go to bed laughing.

The power of immediate gratification, indeed! Good old Mr. Scruffy! Here's to the true power of Azure City!

Thanks, Giant!

[Bobnik]

I think the animal companioin thing is likely. How else do you get a cat INTO a bag without serious HP loss?

[Dragonath]

I laughed my ass off once I read the last panel.

Epic comic :D

Scruffy, go get em boi !

[spookymo]

True Power in AC, indeed.

All hail Scruffy!

awesome comic.

[Neopolis]

Ah. That's what happened to him.

[fluffybunny]

Belkar still got it! Go Sexy Shoeless God of War!!!

After a dissapointing #519 comic, this totally makes it up for it!

Mr.Scruffy takes a slice of vengeance pie! Ohh how delicious!

All this time I thought the sack Belkar was carrying was food from the raid...

[The Wanderer]

Hilarious comic, and it's great that someone realizes the very real possibility of an angry cat to the face being a deadly weapon. Also good to see that Scruffy defied my expectations and lived through the castle exploding. :smallbiggrin:

Thanks Giant, and for bringing it to us so late. :smallsmile:

[holywhippet]

How was he supposed to be an executioner if he can't kill anyone?

He can't kill anyone inside of the city walls. He could just take them outside and kill them.

[battleburn]

The true power of Azure City makes a wonderful comeback.
Mr. Scruffy rules all!!

Belkar saying he was going to take the offer is really weird though. He cannot kill, so who was he going to execute?

large scale killing, for he is not getting any younger? How old is 'the Belkster' anyway?

-Battleburn

[The Wanderer]

How was he supposed to be an executioner if he can't kill anyone?

Maybe that 15+ level evil cleric or near epic level lich sorcerer could have done something about the whole Mark of Justice thing...

[SPoD]

Belkar saying he was going to take the offer is really weird though. He cannot kill, so who was he going to execute?

Put the guillotine just outside the city walls.

(Actually, more likely that Xykon could just remove the Mark of Justice, but if Belkar had thought of that, he would certainly have accepted.)

[hanzo66]

Kittens... Dangerous weapons in the hands of a skillful user indeed...

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z305/hanzo661/housecats.jpg

[Monk]

Yay To Mr. Scruffy!!

[warmachine]

The most underestimated of weapons: the cat.

As it happens, even for Belkar, working for Xykon would be a dumb idea. Xykon does indeed kill people on an impulse.

[Tundar]

Go go Mr. Scruffy.

And Belkar saves the day, yay!

[Snake-Aes]

Mr. Scruffy revealing himself, the true ruler of Azure City!


Brilliant :D

[Shott]

Mr. Scruffy Strikes back!

[Niknokitueu]

Absolutely ace.

Felt a little uncomfortable about how close Belkar was to accepting the deal, but then he is evil afterall...

Mr Scruffy for the win!

Have Fun!
Niknokitueu

[Randugulf]

The cat to the face trick is mighty indeed.

In fact it has been known to kill level 1 commoners outright.

[Johnny Blade]

YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS!!! :smallbiggrin:

And from now on, the resistance shall stand unified under the banner of Mr. Scruffy, who has returned to take his rightful place on the throne.

Great comic.

[lord_khaine]

hehe, i was looking forward to see who belkar could find with a spot check.

[shylocxs]

Rock me, AmaScruffy!

[Elfanatic]

This comic is dripped in awesome sauce!

* lick lick *

[H. Zee]

Belkar's right. Flinging angry housecats is great fun. But remember kids: Those claws are sharp and dangerous, so wear oven mitts and safety goggles before you try this at home!

All joking aside, this was a great comic. Do you think Belkar has Weapon Expertise: Pineapples and Cats?

[pendejochy]

Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

Mr. Scruffy returns! :smallbiggrin:

[Malik]

woooooohooooooo! go mr scruffy

[MBV]

So that's what Belkar spotted a couple of comics back, cool.

Ow, and all hail Scruffy!

[Johnny Blade]

All joking aside, this was a great comic. Do you think Belkar has Weapon Expertise: Pineapples and Cats?
Hm...he's having a good time with improvised weapons lately, that's right. :smallbiggrin:
And seeing how they were all thrown ones, he already gets a nifty +1 on his rolls.

But I really wonder what a report about this battle might sound like.

:smalleek: : "Sir, we've... we have lost the Black Squadron. And...our scouts...they say...they say that...HE has returned!"
:smallconfused: : "He?"
:smalleek: : "Yes...the Halfling, the Avatar of Death, Harbinger of Doom, Gatekeeper of the Nine Hells, Agent of the Abyss. And this time...he has pineapples."
:smallconfused: : "Pineapples?"
:smalleek: : "Pineapples, yessir. +3, presumably, give or take one."
:smallconfused: : "Okay, no further questions. What about Tsukiko?"
:smalleek: : "Missing in action. She was last seen when an infernal beast summoned by the Halfling clawed away her skin."
:smallconfused: : "What kind of beast?"
:smalleek: : "A...a housecat, sir."

[factotum]

This is one of those "Did Rich always plan to bring Mr. Scruffy back, or did all the speculation on the forum tip his hand?" moments...still, LOLed to see the return of the King!

[Yagerr]

weird that belkar is still loyal to the old king, more then likely because he had paladins cleaning cat litter.

maybe he is going to switch to chaotic neutral

[Fabio_MP]

New comic is up.

this spell of strips is getting better and better...

and Belkar rules!

[Lyinginbedmon]

Mr Scruffy demands blood! :biggrin:

Also, props on the two comics in one week Giant. It's been a while and the joy of it is certainly overwhelming

[banjo1985]

Yay Mr Scruffy's back :smallbiggrin:

This reminds me of Monty Python and the Holy Grail so much...watch out for rabbits and little kitties!

[Terbovus]

Hehe, I obviously spend too much time doing the work I'm paid to do, having completely missed the 'scruffy' speculation.

I think it's clear the Belkster wasn't going to take the job with Xykon, after all, where's the fun in pulling a guillotine lever? BORING! And between his boredom threshold and Xykons boredom threshold either Xykon would have killed him or he'd have wandered off to kill more interesting things. :belkar: isn't in it for power or any organised gain, he's just out to kill things and, ideally, harvest bits of them. (One presumes he has a big box of dripping kidneys somewhere... :eek: )

[Targan]

Yes, much surprised and happy was I to see the new comic so soon after the last. And I am so happy to have seen the awesome power of Mr Scruffy unleased upon the goth girl. Excellent! More power to Belkar the Bootless! More power I say!

[Fingolfin]

Haha, typical of Belkar to pull a stunt like that in the end, that was some funny stuff :smallbiggrin:

[Bayar]

Belkar=true monument of what Chaotic Evil is all about

Also, YAY! Mr. Scruffy is back! and he owns Tsukiko !

[DracoDei]

I beleive that in this case both the pineapples and the cat would count as grenade-like weapons (since he was just trying to get attention with the pineapple, not deal damage). EVERYONE is proficient with those... it is so basic they don't even bother listing it in proficiencies...

[Helios Sunshard]

Rejoice, Mr Scruffy has come to free azure city from the evil lich!
...mmmm, i still prefer "Go for the eyes, boo, go for the eyes"

[Jade Falcon]

Awesome

that´s gonna hurt :smallbiggrin:

[Heads_or_Tails]

Hehe, I obviously spend too much time doing the work I'm paid to do, having completely missed the 'scruffy' speculation.

I think it's clear the Belkster wasn't going to take the job with Xykon, after all, where's the fun in pulling a guillotine lever? BORING! And between his boredom threshold and Xykons boredom threshold either Xykon would have killed him or he'd have wandered off to kill more interesting things. isn't in it for power or any organised gain, he's just out to kill things and, ideally, harvest bits of them. (One presumes he has a big box of dripping kidneys somewhere... )

That is precisely what could have made Belkar such a wonderful executioner for Xykon, he wouldn't just use a guillotine, he'd make each death into a show (possibly a musical of some description), guaranteeing his continued life for as long as he makes Xykon laugh. Oh what could have been...

[Yendor]

Oh yeah. That was totally worth the risk. Nice work, Belkar.

[cheesecake]

The Kittehs approve of your submissions!

[cheesecake]

The Kittehs approve of your submissions!

[pendell]

Y'know yesterday I complained that the arc was boring?

I take it back. The entire arc was worth it just for this one strip. YOU ROCK!

On the inside, where no one can see, I'm giggling madly. All Hail Mighty Scruffy!


Respectfully,

Brian P.

[carebearbecky]

Two lunchtimes... and two strips which I have greatly enjoyed. Wonderful.

:smallsmile:

[Jinura]

Power cat attack. Great Richie boy! Great

[Fitzclowningham]

I can has theurgeburger?

[evileeyore]

I think the animal companioin thing is likely. How else do you get a cat INTO a bag without serious HP loss?By not being a Commoner...


The cat to the face trick is mighty indeed.

In fact it has been known to kill level 1 commoners outright.Speaking of which, here's hoping Tsukiko doesn't have any Commoner levels.

[Eogan]

I think the animal companioin thing is likely. How else do you get a cat INTO a bag without serious HP loss?

You hold the bag open in front of the cat and make the bottom of the bag wiggle.

[Surfing HalfOrc]

Looks like Belkar got himself some... Nah, too easy. :smallbiggrin:

Excellent strip, nice to see Mr. Scruffy in all his feline fury!

[dogmac]

MR SCRUFFY!!!!!

Welcome back puss, puss, puss, puss, puss

And Haley, did you REALLY think he was bluffing. But flinging a cat surpasses all. Just ask my brother. He hit me over the head with a cat when I was a baby.

[Catskin]

Poor kitty.

Belkar's orange hair was cute.

Cool as always, Giant.

[Eldpollard]

The return of Mr. Scruffy certainly fills me with gladness. And now I know what animal I'm having as my next familiar. Kitty!

[NeonRonin]

At first I thought Belkar was being a twerp for leaving the battle; I take that back now.

All hail Mr. Scruffy! :smallbiggrin:

[Holammer]

Mr. Scruffy!
This is such fan service I feel all dirty! :D

[Wych]

YES!

I can't think of anything else to say on the matter :(

[dish]

Indeed ^ it does appear to be fan service.

But, for once, I got an accurate prediction. (Or rather, I agreed with somebody else's accurate prediction.)

Anyway, hurrah for Mr Scruffy, and hurrah for Belkar.

[Yoritomo Himeko]

I just have to say, this was a great comic! I'm so glad Mr. Scruffy is ok. He should make a great animal companion for Belkar. :smallsmile:

[shylocxs]

That is precisely what could have made Belkar such a wonderful executioner for Xykon, he wouldn't just use a guillotine, he'd make each death into a show (possibly a musical of some description), guaranteeing his continued life for as long as he makes Xykon laugh. Oh what could have been...

Oh the Twelve Gods! LOLOL...

That's what I want to see someday...

Belkar, the Musical!

Maybe, just maybe, if we all clamor for it loud enough, we can get Rich to one of those specials (I miss the specials, when the 4th wall totally broke down and we had a break from the action to do things like answer readers' mail)....

I can see it now, "Young Belkar" with Roy's corpse singing "Puttin on the Ritz"!

[Lorna]

*giggle*

Love it!!

[Balathustrius]

Go For The Eyes, Go For The Eyes! Raughhhhhhhhh!

[Vondre]

Go For The Eyes, Go For The Eyes! Raughhhhhhhhh!

Hehe. Minsc.

Man. So glad that Mr. Scruffy is all right.

[ObadiahtheSlim]

Belkar once again reminds us that you can't spell slaughter without laughter.

[Supermagle]

Executioner sounds like a nice job in an D&D setting, especially if you get to keep all the XP from the kills! :smallcool:

[Mauve Shirt]

Finally the return of Mr. Scruffy! :smallbiggrin:

[Kaelaroth]

Thanks Rich, another great comic. Go Mr.Scruffy!

[Oslecamo]

Wow, Belkar surely knows how to be chaotic evil.

Hmm, Tsukiko is granting me the chance of becoming a powerfull villain under the full suport of a mighty lich, and slaughter inocents all day and night, in oposition to work with this bunch of losers

On the other hand, it would surely be fun to throw a angry cat at her face and see it tear apart her soft skin.


Yay Belkar to save the day. Altough I couldn't predict this secret weapon of his.

Screw riding dogs, cats are now my animal companion of choice.

Who do you think that saved the old lord of Azure city from ninjas all this time? Mr Scruffy of course!

[shakes019]

My goodness, I love Belkar. His punch line made me laugh out loud.

Great strip.

[fractal]

Everyone keeps mentioning level 1 commoners, but a housecat will take down a level 1 wizard, too, at least so long as that wizard doesn't get off a magic missile. Tsukiko is very lucky she's not level 1 anymore.

Unless Mr. Scruffy is an advanced housecat? Woe to evildoers everywhere! Umm, except Belkar.

Incidentally, Belkar and Xykon would probably have gotten along fine, if they made it past the initial getting-to-know-each-other stage. Belkar and Redcloak, possibly not so much. Assuming the Mark was removed, I can't really see Belkar restraining himself when business was slow and hobgoblins were around.

[Hranat]

Long live the TRUE ruler of Azure city! Hail Lord Scruffy!

[Archpaladin Zousha]

:smallbiggrin: Looks like the cat's out of the bag now!

HAHAAAA! GO MR. SCRUFFY! GOHOHOOOOOOOOOO!

[Darkhands]

Everyone keeps mentioning level 1 commoners, but a housecat will take down a level 1 wizard, too, at least so long as that wizard doesn't get off a magic missile. Tsukiko is very lucky she's not level 1 anymore.

Unless Mr. Scruffy is an advanced housecat?

I betcha that's why he's giving someone like Tsukiko trouble. :) The ruler of the kingdom would have nothing less at a pet! :smallbiggrin:

[Meshakhad]

I think we need Chuck Norris to play Scruffy in the OOTS Movie.

[Wolfie_1066]

ROFL i have that same dream. in fact when i feel like it i'll hold up a cat threateningly to someone...ah well i can dream about makeing a cat flinging cannon...i can dream

[Albonor]

Certainly in my top 5 considering my reaction: Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

[Dib]

:smalleek: :smallfrown: well that's just mean! ... so long as she's not dead or disfigured it should turn out ok...

[Wolfie_1066]

:smalleek: :smallfrown: well that's just mean! ... so long as she's not dead or disfigured it should turn out ok...

...you've never had a angry cat on you have you? might as well say byebye to her arms :smallamused:

[SilentNight]

Mr. Scrufffy will rule the world!!!

[Sengoku]

Mr.Scruffy is back!!!!!:smallbiggrin:

Dun dun dun!!

Rofl, I missed him.

[sihnfahl]

Unless Mr. Scruffy is an advanced housecat? Woe to evildoers everywhere! Umm, except Belkar.
Mr. Scruffy has been co-leading Azure City since Shojo took him as a pet.

And, ever since the destruction of the Throne, Mr. Scruffy has been living in a hobgoblin-occupied city. He's got to have gotten more than a few levels due to that.

Beware the Level 5 monk cat!

[mregecko]

I'd actually like to point out, I highly doubt Xykon COULD remove the Mark of Justice.

He's a sorcerer... Let's assume that the MoJ would take a Break Enchantment (maybe, won't remove a Geas) or Remove Curse to cure. What's the likelihood that the Sorcerer (who concentrates in blasting) would have those spells as his limited spells known?

The other options, a Wish or Limited Wish, are also unlikely... X wouldn't waste xp on a halfling mortal servant.

So, we'd have to hope Redcloak's caster level is > than the MoJ for purposes of Remove Curse... Otherwise he'd have to use a Miracle, which I doubt he can cast (haven't seen him whip out anything 9th level yet).

-- Gecko

[sihnfahl]

So, we'd have to hope Redcloak's caster level is > than the MoJ for purposes of Remove Curse... Otherwise he'd have to use a Miracle, which I doubt he can cast (haven't seen him whip out anything 9th level yet).
Ah, but Break Enchantment is also a Cleric (5) spell. And we KNOW Redcloak can cast level 5 spells.

[Solara]

KITTY! ^.^ :smallbiggrin:

So I take it Mr. Scruffy is what Belkar saw in the granary?

[Holammer]

Just occurred to me that Rich "Let the cat out of the bag (http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/227250.html)" in this strip. Cheap pun I'm sure.

[Blaznak]

Mr Scruffy Rules!

[PhallicWarrior]

MR SCRUFFY!!!


Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I must say "Thank You," to The Giant for brightening up my morning. My sister is being a royal pain in the bum this morning, and I find myself wanting to tear her lungs out. Thanks for distracting me, Mr. Burlew.

[pankake]

Nice read. I loved the dialog of Belkar as he's debating wether or not to swap side. Maybe Roy has more power over Belkar than even He realzes, I don't remember a single time that Belkar has outrightly betrayed any of the OOTS cast

As a Side note.. maybe Mr. Scruffy is a cat Levels as a Wirling Dirvish

[hajo]

"Hands-on job" ? Sounds more like a "Heads-off job" :smallamused:
And I doubt that Belkar would last at that job, considering his int, and the fate of last guy there, just because of a misspelling...

[dauvis]

Great comic. This one reminds me of this:


In fact, the mere act of opening the box will determine the state of the cat, although in this case there were three determinate states the cat could be in: these being Alive, Dead, and Bloody Furious.

[Adeptus]

Excellent!

My favorite for a long while :D Go Belkar and mr. Scruffy!

Also "OMG, he has a kitty!"

[RandomLogic]

I <3 Belkar.

[Adeptus]

"Hands-on job" ? Sounds more like a "Heads-off job" :smallamused:
And I doubt that Belkar would last at that job, considering his int, and the fate of last guy there, just because of a misspelling...

Come on, the Belkster is clever, just has the wisdom of a table.

[Johnny Blade]

My sister is being a royal pain in the bum this morning, and I find myself wanting to tear her lungs out. Thanks for distracting me, Mr. Burlew.
Hm, maybe this strip can provide more than just a distraction...inspiration, perhaps.
Say, do you have any pets?:smallwink:

[vegetalss4]

GO MR: SCRUFFY
this is so cool, we need more cats in this comic

[chibibar]

that was SOOOOOO not expected :)

Flinging cat.. is that a new skill? ;)

[Megalomaniac2]

How absolutely fantastic. Even in death, Shojo's sheer awesomeness (combined with the cat's, of course) continues to impress even Belkar- saving Haley's life and Belkar's allegiance in one fell swoop.

[garylian]

Just another strip that shows that BELKAR ROCKS!

Fear the kitty!

[Nargrakhan]

Noooooo!!! :smallfurious:

Not in the face! Not on pretty, lovely, perfect Tsukiko's face!

Damn you halfling! Damn you and that cat!

Don't worry my dear... I'll still love you... even with the scars. We'll get through this, I promise. :smallredface:

[Pepz]

MR. SCRUFFY ATTACK! :smallbiggrin:

oh, and nice to see that we've jumped 101 comics in order to see the True Ruler of Azure City again :smallwink:

[Ronald_saveloy]

Banzai, Scruffy-sama, banzai! :biggrin:


Just one thought: Belkar called Hinjo a tool in the fist panel of the last line. Is this an inuendo to Erfworld? Like Hinjo is as useless as Stanley the tool?

[Sequinox]

HE'S ALIVE!!! Now we just need to see him use magic. But still, three cheers for mr. Scruffy!

...

God, I love oots.

[OmegaDonut]

Banzai, Scruffy-sama, banzai! :biggrin:


Just one thought: Belkar called Hinjo a tool in the fist panel of the last line. Is this an inuendo to Erfworld? Like Hinjo is as useless as Stanley the tool?

No, "tool" is a general insult, and slang for particular male body parts (in Australian-English originally, but it's common enough here in America as well). Parson calls Stanley a tool because Stanley doesn't know that it is an insult - he comes to think of it as a title of greatness.

[Alfryd]

New comic is up.
That was pretty good.
In a good way.


God, I love oots.
But not in that way. Y'know. Strictly professional.

[Belkar Rocks]

Oh, yeah, my man, er, my halfling is the man! Er, the halfling! I mean ... let me come in again.

Who the halfling? That's right. Belkar's the halfling.

[Valiena]

Who else sees an Animal Companion in Belkar's future?

One can only hope.

[droyer]

Belkar's right. Flinging angry housecats is great fun. But remember kids: Those claws are sharp and dangerous, so wear oven mitts and safety goggles before you try this at home!

All joking aside, this was a great comic. Do you think Belkar has Weapon Expertise: Pineapples and Cats?

I really think those would be separate feats since they really have nothing to do with each other.

[HOLEkevin]

My favorite bit here was the set-up about "The true power in Azure City."

Very funny.

[Tyrmatt]

Hehe awesome stuff. Cat Power!
Also we got the dark tower thingy explained to us as well which is nice.

[the_tick_rules]

oh belkar, why do we all love you so?

[Mechsae]

I laughed when he opened the bag and threw the cat at her, calmed down, then laughed again at the last panel. :amused:



Great comic. This one reminds me of this:
In fact, the mere act of opening the box will determine the state of the cat, although in this case there were three determinate states the cat could be in: these being Alive, Dead, and Bloody Furious.


Who doesn't love the wit of Terry Pratchett? :belkar:

[Daimbert]

I kind of like that when we get comics two days in a row the second one is entitled "The Power of Immediate Gratification" [grin].

[MReav]

Mister Scruffy's triumphant return!!!

[redzimmer]

And so Scruffy shall light our darkest hour.

I always wondered if the Belkster would take on an animal companion.

[Bel_Bel]

It's official.

BELKAR = WIN!!!

Also, thanks for getting this one out so quickly! :smallsmile:

[Doctor Zuber]

ROFL. I think it's pretty safe to say that nobody anticipated a flying feline attack. Nice job Belkar. Who needs weapons, or even good die rolls when you've got a kitty!

The whole conversation back and forth was priceless too. So typical of Belkar. Love it.

[Rokiyo]

Chaotic evil at its best!

[Porthos]

Hurrah and Huzzah for the return of Mr Scruffy!!!! :smallbiggrin:

[happyturtle]

I had to go back to my old avatar for this. I haven't been so delighted to see anyone since Roy's return. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0484.html)

[FoE]

KITTY! :smallbiggrin:

On the other hand, the "Belkar is not evil" wishers just lost a little more ground.

[happyturtle]

KITTY! :smallbiggrin:

On the other hand, the "Belkar is not evil" wishers just lost a little more ground.

Don't be silly. They'll say his devotion to Mr Scruffy is a sign of decreasing evilness.

[SteveMB]

KITTY! :smallbiggrin:

On the other hand, the "Belkar is not evil" wishers just lost a little more ground.

I thought of this XKCD strip (http://xkcd.com/325/). (And I don't think anybody denies that "Black Hat Guy" is evil. :smallsmile: )

[DrivinAllNight]

mmRRRRROWWW!!

GO SCRUFFY!, GO SCRUFFY!, GO SCRUFFY! (picture a cheerleader saying that)

Belkar and his favorite animal are back, I knew scruffy couldn't have been lost for good YEAH !!!

[TigerHunter]

Dang.

I wanted Belkar to switch sides so badly... :smallfrown:

[David Argall]

So much for my short range prediction that our writer would see that everyone was expecting a Belkar rescue, and thus it would not happen. However ....
Longer range I have hope. They were taking Haley prisoner, which makes no obvious sense in the short range. So Haley may still end up "hired" by Xykon for some anti-Snarl activities.

[The Glitter Ninja]

Mr Scruffy's back... 'bout freakin' time.

[Ronfar]

One word:

CATDOKEN!

[Aerysil]

Go Scruffy!

When I read these comics, I try to scroll a bit at a time to not give anything away. When I got to the bottom line, I had to hold my hand up :)

[Vulion]

Scruffy returns! All the problems of the world just got solved!:smallbiggrin:

[d'Bwobsling]

Yay, my favorite charater has returned!

[Faramir]

Well, talk about fan service.

The Giant just made a lot of people (including myself) a bit happier. Mr. Scruffy!

[Mad Scientist]

Hurray for this comic! I love Mr. Scruffy!!!

[Faramir]

Mr. Scruffy has been co-leading Azure City since Shojo took him as a pet.

And, ever since the destruction of the Throne, Mr. Scruffy has been living in a hobgoblin-occupied city. He's got to have gotten more than a few levels due to that.

Beware the Level 5 monk cat!

So he started out with a bunch of levels in Aristocrat and then switched to monk? Or the other way around?

[bluewind95]

MR SCRUFFY! ASWESOME! I hope he stays in the comic!

It'd be neat if he stays as Belkar's animal companion, but any way he stays is fine. Even if he just follows the group around. But it's Mr Scruffy! A NAMED cat! He's too important to just leave!

[Warlord JK]

For a while, I almost actually pictured Belkar up on a gulliotine with a black hood on. Then I remembered the Mark of Justice, right about where "Mr. Scruffy" came in.

[fractal]

For a while, I almost actually pictured Belkar up on a gulliotine with a black hood on. Then I remembered the Mark of Justice, right about where "Mr. Scruffy" came in.
Remember, he only releases the rope, it's the guillotine that deals the damage. It's kind of like setting up a trap.

[Flying Platypus]

I love how The Giant let :belkar: rescue :haley: without straying from his charecter at all! I had predicted that :belkar: would not get an animal companion because it don't fit with his charecter...
but this is PERFECT!!!

[Exalted_Hater]

and that's why we love the Belkster!!!!

[Bitzeralisis]

Hahaha! Mr. Scruffy! I do so love cats (if they're nice to me), but sadly, I'm half-deathly allergic to them.

[Covenantwgw]

Oh please tell me he didn't spot the stupid cat!

Oh well...it was a great comic anyways. Here's hoping there was more to it than that...oh and for the record...I think he was just messing with Haley. I don't think he would have REALLY turned on her.

[stickygoo]

of all the re-entrances of any character, I'd have to say Mr. Scruffy tops them all.

[Fiery Diamond]

MR SCRUFFY!!!
*does happy dance*


-Fiery Diamond

[sihnfahl]

So he started out with a bunch of levels in Aristocrat and then switched to monk? Or the other way around?
No, he started out as an aristoCAT. He got a few NPC levels there before he went monk.

[bird2234]

Woo, great new comic. :smallsmile:

[kerravon]

YAY! Mr. Scruffy is back!!!!


Hey...what if the reason Shojo didn't come back when resurrected was because he was already alive - in Mr. Scruffy? That really would make the cat the "TRUE power in Azure City", wouldn't it?

LOL - just a thought...

I'm just glad he's not dead!

[kerravon]

The cat, I mean....

[Martok]

Pure awesomeness. This is probably the best strip I've seen in a long time, and definitely the funniest. Go Mr. Scruffy!! :smallamused:

[Prowl]

Hey...what if the reason Shojo didn't come back when resurrected was because he was already alive - in Mr. Scruffy? That really would make the cat the "TRUE power in Azure City", wouldn't it?

I have cats. If you were to make a reference to the "true power" in my home, I'd assume you were talking about one of them!

[Eldhrin]

Both my music teachers have cats. They pass judgement by leaving the room when I do something hideously wrong.

Hurrah for Mr Scruffy!!

[St.Sinner]

Yay! I am so happy Mr. Scruffy is all right! And I liked the banter between Belkar and Tsukiko too. Great comic.

[David Argall]

Belkar may have gotten his cat-a-toss idea from Roy.

http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0146.html

[Earl_Of_Wessex]

Yay Mr Scruffy!
One of the best strips of recent times!

[factotum]

I think he was just messing with Haley. I don't think he would have REALLY turned on her.

Didn't take long for the "Oh, Belkar isn't REALLY evil, honest" explanations to start up, I see... :smallamused:

[Kyaragwo-kye]

Its a Kitty! Weeeeee!!!

[Kaerou]

haha, yay! Mr. Scruffy returns!

[Shatteredtower]

Didn't take long for the "Oh, Belkar isn't REALLY evil, honest" explanations to start up, I see... :smallamused:One of the Giant's gaming essays notes that evil people are quite capable of displaying loyalty, even having friends.

Admittedly, friendship and loyalty matter less to Belkar than sadistic entertainment value. We've also seen that it matters more to him than wealth and power, making me wonder just how much he's in tune with his inner slaad at moments like this.

I'm also amused by the thought that the good guys are currently in such trouble because a paladin didn't stick around to "rescue" a housecat.

[Agalyon]

Belkar is a sexy shoe-less god of cat throwing. :smallsmile:

[Sebastian]

Unless Mr. Scruffy is an advanced housecat?

Advanced housecat? he has probably high level in some PC class, with levels in some broken PrC, like Master of Claws or something like that.

[BURNhollywoodBURN]

No, I believe that Belkar really does think that Mr. Scruffy is the true ruler of Azure City.
Great comic!

[Castamir]

Mr. Scruffy has been co-leading Azure City since Shojo took him as a pet.

And, ever since the destruction of the Throne, Mr. Scruffy has been living in a hobgoblin-occupied city. He's got to have gotten more than a few levels due to that.

Beware the Level 5 monk cat!
Let's see how his advancement can go...
Lepus
(Chaotic Evil male fiendish awakened rabbit Fighter 8)
Effective Character Level: 12, Challenge Rating: 11
Hit Dice: 2d8 plus 8D10 (50 hp)
Initiative: +3, Speed: 10 feet (2 squares), Burrow 10 feet
Armor Class: 15 (+2 size, +3 Dexterity, +3 leather armor) Touch 15, Flat-footed 12.
Base Attack/Grapple: +11/-5
Attacks: Bite +15/+10 (1d6+2 piercing) or Unarmed Strike +15/10 melee (1d3+3/18-20x2, blugeoning)
Saving Throws: Fort +8, Ref +2, Will +2.

STRENGTH 14
DEXTERITY 16
CONSTITUTION 10
INTELLIGENCE 14
WISDOM 12
CHARISMA 14

Skills and Feats: Intimidate +3, Listen +6, Sleight of Hand +4, Improved Critical (Unarmed Strike), Improved Natural Attack, Improved Unarmed Strike, Weapon Focus (Bite), Weapon Focus (Unarmed Strike), Weapon Finesse, Weapon Specialization (Unarmed Strike).

Special Attacks: Smite Good 1/day (+2 damage to a target on next attack when this ability is declared).

Special Qualities: Darkvision out to 60 feet, Resistance to Cold and Fire 5, Spell Resistance 7.

Equipment: None, though he tends to steal people's pants due to an unusual pants fetish.

Source: Dungeon Crawl Inc (http://www.dungeoncrawlinc.com/)

[maxon]

Ah Mr Scruffy - oh, how I like Rich's long term jokes. Also, another small animal kept in a bag. Is Belkar paying Roy the sincerest form of flattery by imitating him?

[Nightfall]

MR. SCRUFFY!!!!!!!! >^..^<
<3 :smallsmile:

[SteveMB]

Both my music teachers have cats. They pass judgement by leaving the room when I do something hideously wrong.

Could be worse. My mom's cat used to bite her on the ankle when she didn't like her singing.

[Belkar Rocks]

So he started out with a bunch of levels in Aristocrat and then switched to monk? Or the other way around?All cats naturally have levels in Aristocat Aristocrat.


Ah Mr Scruffy - oh, how I like Rich's long term jokes. Also, another small animal kept in a bag. Is Belkar paying Roy the sincerest form of flattery by imitating him?Yeah, I guess the cat's out of the bag now. :smallbiggrin:

[raichi]

Noooooo!!! :smallfurious:

Not in the face! Not on pretty, lovely, perfect Tsukiko's face!

Damn you halfling! Damn you and that cat!

Don't worry my dear... I'll still love you... even with the scars. We'll get through this, I promise. :smallredface:

i know that, that hurt... right here, i mean don't get me wrong i love that mr scruffy returned and all, but tsukiko so could've removed the mark of justice, the belkster scores, and goes on a massive killing spree with, in my opinion, the hottest oots character, like ever, but still overall a good stirp.

[nybbler]

Didn't take long for the "Oh, Belkar isn't REALLY evil, honest" explanations to start up, I see... :smallamused:

Oh, he's really evil. But there's no way that offer was tempting to him. Executions? After the first dozen or so, BORING. And paperwork, which if done wrong gets you killed? Not Belkar's style at all. If Xykon were to be less of a hands-on manager than Tsukiko was making him out to be, it'd be a different story.

Anyone else think the title was also a bit of a joke at the audience's expense, seeing how 519 and 520 were posted in quick succession?

[fractal]

i know that, that hurt... right here, i mean don't get me wrong i love that mr scruffy returned and all, but tsukiko so could've removed the mark of justice, the belkster scores, and goes on a massive killing spree with, in my opinion, the hottest oots character, like ever, but still overall a good stirp.
We don't know that Tsukiko could have removed the Mark, although there's a good chance that Xykon or Redcloak could have. However, Belkar certainly wouldn't "score" with Tsukiko unless he was reanimated as undead first; not something he's likely to agree to.

[Traker]

true he wood not do that:belkar:

[fractal]

Anyone else think the title was also a bit of a joke at the audience's expense, seeing how 519 and 520 were posted in quick succession?
Actually, I was thinking that a clever title could have been "The Cat's Out of the Bag", but I guess that could have given away the punchline.

[SomethingElse]

Actually, judging by the type of gaming archetype Belkar represents, I think he'd be perfectly happy to be reanimated as a vampire or something to "score" with Tsukiko. On the other hand, I doubt that occurred to him... or Rich. Belkar in general is fairly asexual, even given our glance into the workings of his brain and what he thinks of Hermione Granger and Ms. Butterworth.

[wymarc]

MR. SCRUFFY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Belkar has an animal companion :)

[headhoncho]

given our glance into the workings of his brain and what he thinks of Hermione Granger and Ms. Butterworth.

OK, this scares me. What do we know about that? My memory fails me.

[Groundhog]

Doesn't he just act perverted whenever it suits him?

[Faramir]

On the other hand, I doubt that occurred to him... or Rich. Belkar in general is fairly asexual, even given our glance into the workings of his brain and what he thinks of Hermione Granger and Ms. Butterworth.

Nah, though you have to read On the Origin of PCs to see that you're wrong.

[Rheb]

I love it!

First, I didn't realize the talk about the "true power". Then I remembered, the kitty. Of Course!!! You're the best Giant!

[CelestialStick]

Mister SCRUFFY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I laughed! I cackled maniacally! I ran into the other room to annoy my own cat! I LOVE it!

[shakes019]

Nah, though you have to read On the Origin of PCs to see that you're wrong.


Not (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0304.html)necessarily (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0242.html), although Origin definitely makes it very clear.

[moleytov]

Here are a few excerts from the latest edition of OOtS

" A new power is rising..."
Blood for the blood kitty!!!
Take a Break, Have a KillKat.
Schroedinger'sBelkar's Cat Experiment
Azure Wars Episode VI : Return of the Kitty

Last panel is straight up genius.

[Bongos]

Is that a Darth Vader quote on the first panel by Tsukiko?*

Love it!

Mr. Scruffy, the true leader of Azure City has returned and has Belkar as his loyal subject! Look out world!


(*Has this been mentioned? I have'nt read the whole thread)

[Silverhawk1o1]

LOL Go Mr. Scruffy!, I wonder if he still has that slip of paper that says "mew"?
:smallbiggrin:

[fractal]

Belkar in general is fairly asexual, even given our glance into the workings of his brain and what he thinks of Hermione Granger and Ms. Butterworth.
That was actually a glance into the workings of Varsuvius's brain. Just because that's how (s)he imagines Belkar's mind works doesn't mean it's actually true.

Belkar only has time for hotties, smoking or otherwise, and we don't really know Tsukiko's Charisma. It might well be one of her dump stats.

[dakiwiboid]

Belkar has an animal companion :)

You have it backwards. Mr. Scruffy has graciously allowed Belkar to transport him a short distance in order facilitate his wreaking of vengeance upon his enemies. After a battle or two, Mr. Scruffy might consider whether or not to allow Belkar to become his companion.

[Covenantwgw]

Didn't take long for the "Oh, Belkar isn't REALLY evil, honest" explanations to start up, I see... :smallamused:

Wow...way to make a snap judgement buddy. For the record Belkar is as evil as Highlander 2. I just don't think he would turn on Haley. Not really a good/evil thing. It's a friendship/convienient situation/smoking hottie situation.

I also think he likes to mess with people's heads...like when Roy was a girl and he kept hitting on him....er...her.

[Munktar]

Great now the cat can get killed and turned into some nice undeadcat,

Scruffy the VampireCat

[FaustianFeste]

Great now the cat can get killed and turned into some nice undeadcat,

Scruffy the VampireCat

Should stack with all the levels in Monk quite nicely.

Also: Belkar not only stuffed that cat into the bag, but he also threw it at someone without immediately worrying about it turning around and going after him. Truly, his Animal Empathy check must have been astronomical.

And if it is Mr. Scruffy, I will love this comic forever.

[DrivinAllNight]

..... Belkar in general is fairly asexual, even given our glance into the workings of his brain and what he thinks of Hermione Granger and Ms. Butterworth.

not to be nit picky but asexual (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/asexual) means 'Lacking interest in or desire for sex.' And Belkar from what i seen is highly interested in sex and has desired it before.

[Charity322]

This strip should so have been called letting the cat out of the bag! :smallbiggrin:

Yay for Mr Scruffy. *crosses fingers for animal companion*

[pendell]

OK, this scares me. What do we know about that? My memory fails me.

Waaayy back when (not going to look it up, but someone else can) ... just after the trial before Shojo and just before the Elan Swashbuckler arc, V explained his* theory that Belkar only had two emotions: HATE and LUST. Butterworth et al were in the LUST category. It was just a checklist in one panel.

V explained this because he assumed that, when he saved Belkar's life, that pushed V from the HATE into the LUST category. Therefore, he played a number of practical jokes on Belkar to reassert himself as being hated. The alternative .. being lusted after by Belkar .. .did not bear thinking about.

* Yes, I know V's gender is ambiguous, but I got tired of writing he/she/it.

Respectfully,

Brian P.

[Superglucose]

Waaayy back when (not going to look it up, but someone else can) ... just after the trial before Shojo and just before the Elan Swashbuckler arc, V explained his* theory that Belkar only had two emotions: HATE and LUST. Butterworth et al were in the LUST category. It was just a checklist in one panel.


As said before, this is a Theory of V's, and as such is not necessarily accurate, and is more of an insight into V's mind than Belkar's.

Belkar doesn't lust after Roy, and obviously doesn't Hate roy. Belkar doesn't lust after Elan, but on many occasions likes Elan.

[Huckminster]

When Mr. Scruffy goes berzerk, he goes berzerk!

[Shatteredtower]

As said before, this is a Theory of V's, and as such is not necessarily accurate, and is more of an insight into V's mind than Belkar's.I lean toward this view.


Belkar doesn't lust after Roy, and obviously doesn't Hate roy.I'm not so sure about this, however. Worse, I'm not sure which category would more accurately describe Belkar's feelings for Roy. On the one hand, Belkar is at least somewhat aware of how much Roy's held him back and causing Roy's death is on the halfling's wish-list. On the other, our li'l headheadhunter's treatment of Roy has always been... unique.

I'm not just talking about the SSGoW's behaviour toward She-Roy, though that's an example of the pattern. Belkar would not hesitate to inflict physical injury on anyone else that got in his way somehow (or even if they didn't), especially if the target was completely at his mercy. For example, V got fed to an owlbear (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0322.html) and exposed to killer hornets (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0334.html), and he's never missed a chance to strike (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0281.html) Miko (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0409.html) on the head (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0419.html), but when Roy is completely helpless, we get this (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0038.html).

Forget all those Miko/Belkar pairings that used to make the rounds here -- if the SSGoW has it bad for anyone, it's his Greenhilt buddy. :smallwink:

[El_Jefe]

Ha ha ha wanted to say I loved the comic.

Yep, Belkar still has the touch...

All in all I love how we got a look once again in to Belkar...

I mean the man (halfling) doesn't really care much for the rest of the party he is just there because, well just because.

I love him!

[Shadowbane]

Belkar is evil. That much is true. His casual brutality and willingness to kill, maim, and destroy anything that gets in his way tells us that. However, I think that V's theory that Belkar only feels "Hate" or "Lust" is wrong. While perhaps true in most circumstances, Belkar's attitude toward Roy seems to dispel this theory.

Belkar seems to enjoy annoying Roy. He does not, however, seem to hate Roy. Aside from the fact that he wants to kill Miko, her horse, or Roy, he does not seem to hate the man. His attitude is peculiar, that much is true. Does he feel lust? No. Does he feel hate? I'm not sure. I lean toward the fact that he merely enjoys irking Roy.

His loyalties are toward people who are either, A) Hot. Smoking hot. B) Can provide him with ways to become a mass murderer, or C) Someone who has something like the Mark of Justice to control him.

[Nightfall]

Great now the cat can get killed and turned into some nice undeadcat,

Scruffy the VampireCat

Uh, right now he seems to be more like Scruffy the Vampire Slayer.

[Healer Hobo]

And people we have a winner! Mr. Scruffy comes in for the win! I'll be taking all that money people bet on it against him.

[David Argall]

Belkar doesn't lust after Roy, and obviously doesn't Hate roy.

Roy was scared to sleep in Belkar's presence, and Belkar's question to the Oracle seems to put Roy well up on the Belkar to kill list.

[teratorn]

Oh, he's really evil. But there's no way that offer was tempting to him. Executions? After the first dozen or so, BORING.
Not for Belkar. The smell fo human blood filling his nostrils... It would be like Roy playing blocks with his kid brother: no concept of time.


Belkar in general is fairly asexual, even given our glance into the workings of his brain and what he thinks of Hermione Granger and Ms. Butterworth.
Magic word: whores!

You guys should read OtOofPCs

[Dib]

...you've never had a angry cat on you have you? might as well say byebye to her arms :smallamused:

:smalleek: weird thing is, i have :smalltongue: and i agree, not at all nice experience :smallwink:

[Doctor Zuber]

I find the arguements about Belkar's alignment rather amusing. It is like this.

Is Belkar Chaotic? YES!!! Belkar clearly demonstrates a complete disregard for law. In many cases he actually demonstrates a complete lack of comprehension of the very concept of Law.

Is Belkar Evil? yes. This is a bit less black and white so I can see why it may confuse some people. But the bottom line is that Belkar must fall into one of three choices: Good, Neutral, or Evil. Belkar does many things that are clearly evil, killing people at random for personal profit, for gain of character experience, for revenge, or even simply for his own personal gratification.

The biggest arguement I can see for Belkar being anything other than evil would be the fact that he is in an adventuring party which is actively attempting to preserve all life on the planet by stopping the snarl. While true, this does at face value look like a very good act, You must look at Belkars motivations. If Belkar does this for the very simple selfish reason of not wanting to be killed when the world ends, it remains a selfish and evil act. I think It should be quite clear here that Belkar is completely indifferent to what happens to pretty much everybody else on the planet, He only cares about himself here and possible a friend or two that he may find amusing. This is not good.

Another arguement is the concept of Belkar having any friends at all. This is ludicrous. There is nothing saying that Evil is not allowed to have friends. One is not required to kill every single living thing on the planet to be classified as evil. One must simply do signifigantly more evil than good. I think Belkar quite clearly demonstrates this in his frequent acts of random death and violence against anybody whatsoever. Their values and alignment are a matter of complete indifference to Belkar, he kills because it amuses him, or because he dislikes someone. This is evil.

The last and least relevant possible arguement I can see would be the "Dumb Animal Defense". This arguement basically requires one to be as dumb as an animal and kill purely for reasons of survival. This is to say: Killing for food, Killing for personal defense, or Killing for defense of your own young or pack members. Belkar does not apply for this defense for the simple reason that he kills for pleasure and revenge. The very fact that he is intelligent enough to kill for pleasure and revenge means he is not an animal and thus does not qualify to be neutral from the "dumb animal defense".

It's really not as complicated as some people try to make it. The whole arguement really boils down to trying to view good and evil too much like pure absolutes. There are very few examples of Pure absolute good or Pure absolute evil. Belkar is clearly still evil, he just is not pure absolute evil. Few people are.