Rob And Jack, An Interactive Webcomic

[Lyinginbedmon]

Referencing the game "Go"; applied to this comic in luring the huge monster troll/giant/whatever somewhere to kill it easier.

Also going to guess that's where brimsalt loses his limbs.

"Luring the tiger out of the mountains" specifically is the name of the stratagem.

[BRC]

Right Stratagem, Wrong Source (It's Older than you think, much older), And you have missidentified the Tiger.

[Blayze]

...Sarah. Sarah's the tiger. We haven't seen her ears, she could be an elf (Or a half-elf) Brimsalt raised as his own child.

[Lyinginbedmon]

Right Stratagem, Wrong Source (It's Older than you think, much older), And you have missidentified the Tiger.

Well, I suppose the Tiger could be the ice giant. Certainly that would fit the "mountain" just as well as the barracks.

As for source, Sun Tzu?

[BRC]

...Sarah. Sarah's the tiger. We haven't seen her ears, she could be an elf (Or a half-elf) Brimsalt raised as his own child.
Finally. Nobody had said "Zomg, Captain Brimsalt is Marshal Brimsalt's Daughter!", or anything. I was worried you hadn't noticed, and I refuse to have an audience that is so very genre unsavvy. And if you didn't realize the Sara from the flashback was the same as the Sara Brimsalt Rob, Oscar, and Greg are working with, I will be deeply ashamed.
Anyway, Character Backstory!
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Rob%20and%20Jack%20stuff/Sara.png

Years ago, A young Sergeant named Anthony Brimsalt was getting a drink on his last night of leave in a city called Oakaln. At the bar he met a charming young woman named Emily partridge who liked a man in uniform. They had an enjoyable evening, and the next morning Brimsalt went back to his regiment, the 25th mixed infantry. About a year and a half later, the 25th has just aided in repelling an attack by a wasteland warlord. Anthony Brimsalt, now a Captain, had personally helped take down the warlord and his honor guard. There was a victory parade in Oakaln, with the triumphant heroes at the front (There were three squads present, Brimsalt’s, a cavalry squad led by a man named Parwright, and a team of mercenaries hired from the I.G.M.A.)
At one point of the parade, a somewhat familiar looking young woman stormed out of the crowd holding a bundle. She slapped Anthony in the face, spat on his boots, shoved the bundle into his arms, and stormed back into the crowd. And that is how Anthony Brimsalt met his daughter Sara. For years Sara tagged along with her father from warzone to warzone, learning on the mail-clad knees of imperial soldiers. She learned to read and write from reports ,casualty lists, and letters from home. Her first word should not be spoken in polite company. Though the men treated her kindly, and she had a loving father, it was a hard life, and that shows. By the age of eight, she knew how to sharpen, care for, and use a longsword (Albiet, an appropriately sized one). By the age of ten, she knew how to treat an arrow wound to the stomach. By the age of thirteen, she knew four different ways to disembowel an ork (she doesn’t know any for Orcs though, so Dr Roca is safe). At the age of fifteen, she was sent off to military academy. After a week, her swordsmanship instructor tried to teach the class their first complex technique, the “Feint-step-flank#1”, used to get around an opponent’s guard. Upon being asked by the instructor to try the technique she declared it useless, and proceeded to demonstrate a much more effective technique she had learned two years earlier, on the instructor . (If you must know, the technique in question is called the “Dopol’s Knee”, named after the bandit Carl Dopol, who supposedly made it famous. It involves feinting an overhead swing, kicking your opponent in the knee, and then bringing the pommel of your sword down onto their face. The instructor in question, whose training had involved phrases like “Assume Stance A, then proceed to stance B”, had never seen nor heard of Dopols Knee, and lost several teeth on that account). When the Instructor tried to tell her why she should use the “Feint-Step-Flank #1”, she replied colorfully. Sara Brimsalt graduated from the academy a year early, and was given the rank of Sergeant, though she rose to Captain fairly quickly. When her father lost his hand in the southern campaign, she received the enchanted greatsword he’d taken off the warlord all those years ago.
Today she is a Captain with the 42nd mixed infantry, provided it survives the current story arc with enough manpower and cohesion to remain a regiment at all. She’s an accomplished swordswoman and a good frontline commander. The current situation is, however, the first major fight against the undead (she was once involved in a barfight with a drunken vampire, but that doesn’t really count).



Edit: Also, in case you are wondering, the Imperials are the Tiger. The elves shoot some arrows at the outpost, the imperial melee fighters run out to flatten some ears, and the Frost giant stomps the imperials, thus making the outpost easily takeable to further evil elven schemes.

[Traker]

HA. Yesterday I was thinking about how said"Sara, give daddy his sword" or somthing like that, and then I notest that Bremsalts Sword glowed like Saras, so I came to the cunclusetion The other comander person was Mr.Bremsalts daghter. (Yay I remmembered the name Bremsalt)

[BRC]

So yeah, I was planning to do a comic tonight, I really was. But I had an idea for a steampunkish Comic awhile ago. I'm not planning on dropping Rob and Jack or anything (Though I might do a few comics for this one and then switch off and on, or take a vote). Anyway, I felt like doing a little artwork (Mainly featuring the three as of now unnamed protagonists and their tank). So yeah, take a gander at it and tell me what you think.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VP1.png
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VP2.png
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VP3.png

[Drakefall]

My first impression is: Oooooh tanks*!:smallbiggrin:

I must ask though, what is the guy standing atop the tank in the first scene? I can tell the other two are a human and waforged/robotoman respectively but the the other one confuses me.


*Said in a German accent of course.

[BRC]

My first impression is: Oooooh tanks*!:smallbiggrin:

I must ask though, what is the guy standing atop the tank in the first scene? I can tell the other two are a human and waforged/robotoman respectively but the the other one confuses me.


*Said in a German accent of course.
Who, This guy?
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VP4.png
He's the mechanic.
See what I did there, answering your question without actually doing so..
But anyway. A new race I thought up for the setting. Currently, I'm thinking they have psychic powers (Different varieties as shown by eye color. Blue= Telekinesis, Red= Pyrokinesis, Yellow= Electric control, Purple= Mind powers). Though this guy, like most of his race, hasn't really developed them. Basically, all he knows how to do is levitate small objects, and use it to win at darts (Also, throwing knives). Currently they are unnamed, as are most things in the setting).

But yeah, More Comments!

[BRC]

I decided to make one, massive screen-stretching comic, with the characters in those scenes. They now have names, and hints at background stories for them.
But yeah, we will return to our regularly schedualed Rob and Jack soon. I'm not gonna leave you hanging...

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPtrial.png
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPtrial2.png


Comments? Or somthing to that effect.

[memnarch]

Hehehe, not the kind of response you want to hear after a statement like that. :smallcool:

[Lyinginbedmon]

One of those tank drivers looks familiar, I think from some anime about a high school fight club...

Still, that's going to hurt.

[Mad Mask]

The distance between the two tanks seem awfully close for launching rockets... :smallconfused:

[BRC]

The distance between the two tanks seem awfully close for launching rockets... :smallconfused:
On this note, I know. But the last panel was big enough. Maybe Luggins is intentionally staying too close for the rocket tanks to fire. I dunno, I'll need to think of some artistic way to do long-range combat.

Or I could have just shown rockets flying towards the Vox Populi, that would have been better...yeah...

Or, I can say there are two more Buggy's behind these two, which are trying to overtake the Vox Populi and trap it. There are countless explinations for why the two rocket tanks are that close.
Edit:Which Tank Driver. The two rocket-buggies are both piloted by Free Clorks like Hev. Both of which have one eye. So you must be talking about Luggins (Who looks like he has one eye, he's actually just looking through a periscope, I decided a big glass bubble was stupid).

[BRC]

Life: Saved

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ79.png
What should Brimsalt do?
1 Call a general retreat back to the outpost, and get back inside as quickly as possible.
2: Gather the infantry and attack the giant, trying to take it down.
3: Rush the giant himself before it recovers from Grathnar's attack, trying to take it down.
4: Gather the infantry and try to keep the giant still so Grathnar or the Ballista can get a powerful shot in.
5: Rush the Giant and try to keep it busy until Grathnar or the Ballista can take it down.


Also. Because I so far havn't thought up an overaching plot, I've decided what I might do is do Rob and Jack normally. Occasionally, I'll do a Vox Populi short story, I've got a few in mind. (Currently, the circumstances behind Luggin's desertion is bouncing around. Mainly because it involves some global backstory, but who knows). Anyway, What's peoples general reaction to the idea of taking a break from Troperiffic fantasy for the occasional story about a steampunk mercenary tank crew and their poorly designed tank (It was built by Rebels who needed all the tanks they could get, pretty much out of whatever they had lying around. Hence why the Driver has to look out of a periscope, and the Gunner only has cover from one direction).

Edit: Also, before you try to correct my use of the term "Jarl", which I think is a real term that I probably used wrong, remember 1) This is a fantasy setting and 2) Brimsalt probably dosn't know much about Frost Giant culture, so you can't expect him to get somthing like that right.

[Drakefall]

With regards to steampunkishness:

Ah, so this Pak fellow is a member of an organic humanoid race with limited to awesome mind powers of varying types then. He is also a musician, mechanic and knife fighter. I approve of him greatly and vote yes to steampunk short stories soley on my like for this character concept.:smallbiggrin:

Also: Meh, close range rockets means more boom!


Returning to the Rob and Jack:

1 please my good man. Such a large melee beasty should be taken out with magic, arrows and more dakka from the safety of a fortress wall. Afterwards they can charge out and smack elf face.

[Traker]

I will take#3. Please! Lord!

[BRC]

Thats odd, never seen people this shy about voting before...
That said, I have 2 things for you.

Thing 1
Know your Teleran Power Subtypes
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/KnowyourTelerans.png. More details on Telerans later.

Thing 2, by kidnapping Vulion's family, I got him to draw Young Brimsalt. It's pretty awesome.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/Li_Kenta/BRCRequest.jpg

[BRC]

What's going on here, did people forget how to vote? Don't be shy, the thread won't bite.


However, this is not just a random bump. In fact, I have a Comic for you! "But BRC" I hear you say "The Voting on the last one is nowhere near complete. How can you make a comic". Good question theoretical questioner, I respond by saying, BEHOLD, The start of a half-developed in my head Vox Populi Short Story. I'm rather proud of it, So read it, then Vote on the latest Rob and Jack, and Comment on both.
Simple: Part 1.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPSimple1.png

The Suspense, is it not killing you? No? Well, give it some time. These things often have a delayed reaction.

[memnarch]

Jaw's seems to favor the "kick-the-door-in" style of entrances.

I'll vote one. I had been waiting to see if anyone came up with any alternatives but i guess not.

[BRC]

See last post for the things I was going to say This post. Except that I made a new comic
Simple: Part 2

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPSimple2.png

[Uncle Festy]

L4D references FTW! :smallbiggrin:

[Lyinginbedmon]

I'm going to vote 1 as well. 2 is feasible but 1 includes the possibility of engaging the giant at range without putting any risk to his own men from it.

[Drakefall]

The Vox Populis comics are giving me a case of the want mores. One just doesn't see enough steampunk. Through in a good helping of goggles and you've got yourself a party!

At this point I'm thinking anything BRC makes is an entertaining read at worst.:smallsmile:

[BRC]

Keep Them Votes a-Comin!
Also
Simple, Part 3

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPSimple3.png
I don't know why, but Vox Populi comics take so much less time to make than Rob and Jacks. Maybe because the panels are smaller, or because I've got less characters running around doing things. Or maybe it's just that the SVG is smaller so Inkscape lags less. Who knows.

[BRC]

Nothing? Ah well. I'll give it more time.

Current Votes:
#1: 3
#3: 1

Also, A question, when it comes to showing rapid movement, like attacks, which method do you prefer, transparent Swooshes or Lines. Let me show you some examples:
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/SwooshvsLine.png

So Yeah.

[Zenos]

I vote 1. and swooshes.

[Uncle Festy]

Definitely the transparent swooshes.
Those actually look really cool and I can't believe I've never thought of that.
*absconds with the idea*

[Traker]

1! please.
So, so far its 3 and 0

[memnarch]

Swooshes!!

[Lemming]

*Woosh! Woosh! Swooosh!*
And I vote 3. While screaming some kind of battle-cry. And swooshing. :smalltongue:

[BRC]

Swooshes win!
I think I'll finish up Simple this week (I'm kind of on a comic-a-night kick right now, and It isn't much longer), then continue Rob and Jack.
Speaking of Which
Simple Part 4

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPSimple4.png
OH THE SUSPENSE!
...Yeah, why couldn't I get the Manager's mouth to look right? I dunno. Comments?

[Lyinginbedmon]

The mouth looks fine to me.

My expectation is he'll have shot the only person with metal skin.

[Uncle Festy]

… hm.
Gonna have to say that the problem is that the top of the mouth is curved.

[BRC]

Well, he's supposed to be smirking, hence the curve.

Anyway
Simple 5

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPSimple5.png


So children, what did we learn today
1: The Megalomania is insisting on taking the shot yourself when you've got a pair of trained guards right there that could do a much better job of it.
2: Ricochet is more than a cool word.
3: Hev looks really weird from the front. Which is odd because otherwise he's my favorite character design by far. Ah well, thats the problem with oots style.

The exciting conclusion of this story tommorow! Or maybe Friday, or maybe saturday, no promises.

[BRC]

Whoo-hoo, Forum, back up. Anyway, Look what I got for you,
Simple Part 6

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPSimple6.png
Note, I don't actually mind what Hev is ranting about here, but Hev apparently does. I only kind of have these character sketched out in my mind, I like it better that way. If I say "Alright, Pak is going to be optimistic, Charles is going to be angry, and Hev is going to be intellectual", then you end up with Pak saying "It will all work out" every other sentence, Charles hating more things than bonecrusher, and Hev's dialoug being incomprehensible without a dictionary or an English degree. Instead, I like to let my characters develop on their own, and Hev has developed a pet peeve.
So yeah, tell me what you think, of this comic, of this storyline, of Vox Populi itself, of the art, and of these guys
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/DustDevils.png
I think they will show up in the next Vox Populi storyline, but it's back to Rob and Jack for now. Voting still open yaknow.

[BRC]

Two updates in Two days, and nothing at all? This depresses me. I shall drown my sorrows in emoticons :smallfrown::smallfrown::smallfrown:

[memnarch]

Well... they aren't exactly Rob and Jack, are they?

Critique, make the comics bigger for next time so they're easier to read.

[BRC]

So, yeah, nobody else has anything to say, and the bartender said I had too many emoticons. *takes a swig from a bottle of cheap :smalleek:*

You'd think that one would be standard?

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ80.png
I'll get another comic up soon that will explain things and lead us to the last part of this flashback sub-arc. So yeah, comments about this, or Vox Populi or whatever. *Swigs*

[Lemming]

*Disappears. You notice your cheap :smalleek: disappeared as well.*

[Traker]

Good comic.

[Drakefall]

So, yeah, nobody else has anything to say, and the bartender said I had too many emoticons. *takes a swig from a bottle of cheap :smalleek:*

You'd think that one would be standard?

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ80.png
I'll get another comic up soon that will explain things and lead us to the last part of this flashback sub-arc. So yeah, comments about this, or Vox Populi or whatever. *Swigs*

No BRC! Don't lose yourself to the demons of alcohol and emoticon abuse!

Uhhhh... I think Vox Populi is entertaining and as well drawn as Rob and Jack always is. Unfortunately though I really don't have anything else to comment on about the actual scenes. I am, however, interested in the history behind the tanks name and the rebellion that created it as well as Pak's past.

At any rate, hurrah for BRC and his comic-mastery!

[BRC]

Yeah, I'll try to get out the next Rob and Jack tonight or tomorrow. For now, Random Vox Populi related Artworks.
First, the great city of Coalsmoke. It's got another name, but everybody simple names it after it's most obvious feature. It's actually a pretty nice place to live, provided you don't mind the smell.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/CoalsmokeCity.png
Ahh, Coalsmoke, amongst it's other features, it's also the setting of a Vox Populi story I have in mind. It's a flashback/backstory thing, that touches on that revolution I mentioned earlier. Here's a little promo thing, feel free to pick it over, see what you can gather from it.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/OldScarsandMemories.png

[Drakefall]

First, the great city of Coalsmoke. It's got another name, but everybody simple names it after it's most obvious feature.
It wouldn't be Midgard, would it?:smalltongue:



Ahh, Coalsmoke, amongst it's other features, it's also the setting of a Vox Populi story I have in mind. It's a flashback/backstory thing, that touches on that revolution I mentioned earlier. Here's a little promo thing, feel free to pick it over, see what you can gather from it.


Hmmm... angry psionic-people-race-whose-name-eludes-me arsonists/terrorists and a one-of-that-race-again in a hoody who could possibly be Pak which would alude to the nameof the strip. Methinks they were being oppressed! Queue the Monty Python gags...

[Uncle Festy]

Awesome badassery. :smallbiggrin:

[BRC]

It wouldn't be Midgard, would it?:smalltongue:

Actually, my inspiration was the Vinci cities from Rise of Legends. Which happens to be the same game I shamelessly stole the idea of Glass Magic from.
Here's my current lineup of the teleran rebels for Old Scars and Memories
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Teleranrebels.png
Also, the one in the hoodie is, indeed, Pak (Albeit, a younger Pak), but he's not the only character in that Promo Pic (The one in my last post) that you've met...
Anyway, Looky what I've got for you!
Tricksy Elves

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ81.png
And now, the question

The Outpost is surrounded by elves and at least one frost giant, they don't know how many, but obviously not enough to simply storm the walls. The nearest large body of Imperials is about half a day away on foot. I'll post some potential plans tomorrow or Tuesday, but in the meantime, get your strategist hats on and make suggestions. Other information that would be available to Brimsalt and Grathnar will be provided if you ask. When in doubt, ask anyway, the worst you'll get is a "No"

Here are the current plans. If you have a new one, make it.1) The Great Escape: A small group (Brimsalt and Grathnar) sneaks out of the outpost, through the elves, and back to Imperial Lines.
2)"Hold This line Mother****ers!": Brimsalt leads the garrison of the outpost on a breakthrough attack against the elven lines, hopefully breaking through and making it to imperial command with the message.
3) Druid, Mo' like DEADID!: Capture an elf, interrogate them to figure out where the druids are, then hit the nearest circle of druids. Hopefully the imperials will win and the elven line will fall apart.

So yeah, give it your best shot

@ Memnarch: It looks something like this (http://midlifeslices.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/explosion-finger.jpg)

[memnarch]

Describe the explosion in detail please. :smallcool:

[Drakefall]

but he's not the only character in that Promo Pic (The one in my last post) that you've met...

Oho... ahem... er... aha! Methinks Charles was one of the human-dudes-in-black-stormtrooper-like-armor!

Hmmm... I'm at a loss to choose a favourite teleran sub-species. I do like my purple but I disapprove of telepathy (though I thoroughly approve of mindrape), but telekinesis is always fun. I think I'll wait to see what the electrical ones can do first.

On to the Rob and Jack, or Grathnar and Brimsalt at least.
Questions:
- Are their any other "elite" individuals in the fortress other than Grathnar and Brimsalt themselves?
- If so are any of them particularly knowledgeable on snowy environments/warfare?

I'm thinking giant hunting:smallbiggrin:

[ThePhantom]

Well, they might to hunt down the druids to make the snow stop. No snow, no frost giants.

[BRC]

On to the Rob and Jack, or Grathnar and Brimsalt at least.
Questions:
- Are their any other "elite" individuals in the fortress other than Grathnar and Brimsalt themselves?
- If so are any of them particularly knowledgeable on snowy environments/warfare?

No, just infantry and crossbowmen, Sara, the outpost cook, the quartermaster, the ballista chief, and the carpenter.
Some of the soldiers at the outpost are veterns from the northland regiments, who know a thing or two about fighting and moving in snowy environments, but none of them are really "Experts".

On Hunting down the druids: Brimsalt dosn't actually know where the druids are, and circles of them are spread throughout the warzone. The Druids will be well-guarded, but the elves probably don't expect an attack on them. Druids also hold leadership positions within elven society, and are probably the ones that negotiated with the frost giants, so if they are taken out the elven line may collapse in a flurry of low morale and the Frost Giants may wander off, or the elves may descend on the killers with a vengeful fury, meaning the message dosn't get through and all the other groups of druids succeed in their plan.

Brimsalt and Grathnar arn't going to be able to directly stop the plan themselves, but they can thwart it by getting a message through to the imperial lines. The question is, how do they do that? Taking out the nearest circle of druids is one option.

[BRC]

Alright, here are the potential plans. I'll add them to the origional comic post as well. If other suggestions are given that have a chance of working, I'll add them.

1) The Great Escape: A small group (Brimsalt and Grathnar) sneaks out of the outpost, through the elves, and back to Imperial Lines.
2)"Hold This line Mother****ers!": Brimsalt leads the garrison of the outpost on a breakthrough attack against the elven lines, hopefully breaking through and making it to imperial command with the message.
3) Druid, Mo' like DEADID!: Capture an elf, interrogate them to figure out where the druids are, then hit the nearest circle of druids. Hopefully the imperials will win and the elven line will fall apart.


Also, Random Vox Populi Picture from the era of what will become known as the Disastrous Revolution
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Loveinrebellion.png

[Bago!!!]

1) The Great Escape..... Sounds like a bad idea for some reason. I dunno why though. But seems like a more liable option if there is no information.
2) Hold this line, while a bad@$$ thing to do and pull off, I have my doubts, atleast without knowing what the numbers of the elves are. Easily remedied if some interogation is put in order.
3) Killing druids, again without enough info, it would be a bad idea. This seems like the most bad@$$, but the hardest thing to pull off. If its possible, fantastic!

May I suggest interogatting maybe 10 elves and get some more information out of them. If they all confirm the same information, then we can know without a doubt (unless they were instructed to give the same response if caught) whether its managable or not. If managable and close, then a strike at the druids may work. If not close enough but managable, break through the line. If not close or managable, then sneak out!

And if a strike at the druids can be done, send a few guys to try and sneak past the elven line to try and gain some reinforcements. Just a thought!


Uhhhh..... Yeah thats all I got. Madness!! :smallbiggrin:

[memnarch]

Personally, I'd vote for one, just because you could probably pull some jokes from that movie or a spinoff of it, "Chicken Run", and work them in.

[Lyinginbedmon]

I too vote for number one.

Number two is a bit too dirty.

[Drakefall]

Hmm... Number two makes me think of Samuel L. Jackson the elf for some reason:smallconfused:. Moving on, I think I'm going to throw in my vote for number 1) as well for the following reasons:

1: While option two is certainly more epic-like and I definitely approve of it, I can't help but think that leaving the fort unguarded is not a good idea.
2: Small groups do move faster than large ones.
3: Who would watch Sara if everyone was busy being bada$$?!


Also:


Also, Random Vox Populi Picture from the era of what will become known as the Disastrous Revolution
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Loveinrebellion.png
Awwwwww....

[BRC]

In the case of option 2, civilians in the fortress (Sara, the cook, the quartermaster, ect) Will be riding in a wagon marked with symbols that designating that it's occupants are not soldiers, so nobody will intentionally try to kill them. Besides, we know for a fact that Sara turns out okay in the end.

[Drakefall]

In the case of option 2, civilians in the fortress (Sara, the cook, the quartermaster, ect) Will be riding in a wagon marked with symbols that designating that it's occupants are not soldiers, so nobody will intentionally try to kill them. Besides, we know for a fact that Sara turns out okay in the end.
Yes but it'd be nice to prevent her getting exposed to perverted elven culture:smalltongue:

I think I'll be sticking to option number one. It seems more fitting to Brimsalt's one unit leadership abilities and I still think it's silly to abandon the fort when the elves still don't really seem to want to storm it just yet.

[Bago!!!]

Who would be incharge of the fort while Brimsalt and Grathnar are out?

[BRC]

Who would be incharge of the fort while Brimsalt and Grathnar are out?

Sgt Collinson of course.

[BRC]

Whoo, More Info. Namely, a map of the immediate area, and some people at the outpost whose talents may come in handy. It should be noted that for option 1, the group shouldn't consist of more than three people, Brimsalt and Grathnar are two of them for plot purposes, and because they are the most capable combatants in case the group runs into any elves, and because, as officers, they are far more likely to get the commanders at Kormon's mill to listen to them, so if that option is chosen, you may pick a third from the four people I list below. You will also need to pick the route they will take, to the Mill. Either through Fort Midstream, Trappers Ford, or going near Stone Fang Hill.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Mapandpotentials.png
Corporal Kint: A Local with a bit of elven blood in him. He speaks fluent elven and knows more about their methods and culture than anybody else in the outpost.
Pvt Olivean: A Thief who joined the military to escape the wrath of a nobleman he angered. Skilled at general stealth work (especially in buildings), lockpicking, ect.
Cpl Simo: AKA “Scary Simo”, a ranger usually deployed at Fort Mainstream. He escorted Grathnar to Outpost 137, and was grabbing a hot drink when the attack occurred. Rumor has it he grew up as a hunter in the ruined wastes, but he’s not talking. A skilled marksman and very good at moving through wilderness, especially during winter conditions.
Pvt Karls: The second best melee combatant in the outpost (After Brimsalt).

[Uncle Festy]

<.<
Lurking, but too lazy to vote.
Whoo.

[Drakefall]

Well since no one else is posting anything I'll post some of my thoughts.

I'm currently still leaning towards option one, i.e. a small party tries to break through the enemy lines. Here ae some of the scenario's I'm envisioning.

1: Fjord the river
Brimsalt, Grathnar and Cpl Simo head South East towards Trappers Ford (Fjord?). With Simo's expertise they should be able to make good time, navigate the treacherous terrain and, hopefully, remain hidden from the elven heretics on their mission to Kormon's Mill.

2: The big scary building
Brimsalt, Grathnar and Pvt Olivean head East South East to Fort Midstream hoping to accomplish any of the following:
A: Find some Imperials to accompany them the rest of the way
B: Find some secret tunnels that'll help them in the right direction. Olivean's skills will come in handy here methinks.
And make their way to the Mill.

In both of these cases it seems to me that it would be useful to have along another Imperial member. Option 1 would benefit form Cpl Kint's knowledge of elvenness, which hopefully include general battle tactics. Though this could possibly be replicated by simply talking to him before hand I suppose. Option 2, on the other hand would definitely benefit from the aid of Pvt Karl for when they encounter whatever horrible evil things you just know have holed up in the fort.

[BRC]

I'm going to close the voting for number 1, now, you get to say which route they will take and who they will bring with them. Now, let's see what people suggest before I put up my list.

Edit:Brimsalt probably knows more about elven battle tactics than Kint, but Kint speaks elven, which means he can interrogate elves, or disguse himself as one of them.

[BRC]

Alright, here are the plans that have been brought up so far,

1) Over the River and through the woods:Teaming up with Simo, Brimsalt and Grathnar try to avoid elven patrols and cross the river at Trappers ford. (Note to Drakefall, Ford is the correct word, it also means "To cross a river", or something to that effect. I think thats where we get names like "Oxford" (A place where Oxen crossed a stream) and Stanford (A guy named Stan crossed a stream? I dunno).
2) Hey, Anybody home?: Teaming up with Olivian, the team heads for Midriver Fort and judge the situation there depending on whether or not it's still in Imperial hands.

[Drakefall]

[B](Note to Drakefall, Ford is the correct word, it also means "To cross a river", or something to that effect. I think thats where we get names like "Oxford" (A place where Oxen crossed a stream) and Stanford (A guy named Stan crossed a stream? I dunno).
Oh, my bad:smallredface:. I got confused between similar geographical terms... or something... because I'm pretty sure a fjord is a blockage in a river which may be used to cross it or something along those line.

On to voting: I'd like option 1 please. I'm quite interested in seeing Scary Simo in action.

[Lyinginbedmon]

I shall vote for option 2

[BRC]

Oh, my bad:smallredface:. I got confused between similar geographical terms... or something... because I'm pretty sure a fjord is a blockage in a river which may be used to cross it or something along those line.

On to voting: I'd like option 1 please. I'm quite interested in seeing Scary Simo in action.
Ford (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_(crossing)), Fjord (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fjord)

[Drakefall]

Ford (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_(crossing)), Fjord (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fjord)

Aha! It is the complete opposite of what I thought it was... also I am disappointed in myself for not just using wikipedia in the first place... My internets has been weak lately:smallsigh:

[Deathslayer7]

going with 2. Crossing a river in snow sounds like a bad idea. Crossing a river at all sounds like a bad idea.

[memnarch]

"hello? anybody home?"

[BRC]

Slow Voting is Slow...

Anyway. I don't know when the next comic will show up. This weekend is my Grandmother's memorial service, and AP exams are the week after next, but I'll try to do somthing. In the meantime, I KNOW there are more of you than those who voted, what are ya waiting for?

Anyway, some Vox Populi Art. A tenative world map (No nations marked on it yet), and an important political figure.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPMapandARchduke.png

[memnarch]

He's got clown feet! :smalltongue:

[Lyinginbedmon]

He's got steampunk'd :smallbiggrin:

[BRC]

He's got steampunk'd :smallbiggrin:
Nah, he got assassination-attempt'd. I'd tell you more about him, but he's kind of tied up into the Disastrous Revolution, and I don't know if I want to give you that infodump before or after I do Old Scars and Memories.

[Rion]

I'm guessing you got some inspiration from Giacomo? (Regarding the face thingie).

[BRC]

I'm guessing you got some inspiration from Giacomo? (Regarding the face thingie).
A little. The half-mask is a fairly common thing, and in his case he could have gone with something less conspicuous than a brass coating over half his face. Why he didn't will be explained when I write up and feel like posting the story abotu him, and by extension, the Disastrous Revolution. Which I might try to do in Comic form, rather than Wall-of-text info dumps. Though the comics would be more like Illustrations than actual comics.

So yeah, I don't know if I'll get a comic out this week. AP exams are next week, I need to pick a college to go to by tommorow to get the letter in on time, and I've been playing Fable: the lost chapters. So yeah.

[BRC]

Hey, Rather than a Comic. I give you part one of the Vox Populi Disastrous Revolution Infodump. With Pictures!

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPInfodump1.png


Also, if two Coalcoats (The Soldiers. Their uniforms are that color because Chalsing was the first nation too industrialize, so things got rather sooty. Any uniforms ended up that way after a patrol past the factories anyway, so they just started wearing dark colors, hence the nickname) who look alot like the ones in the infodump above show up in Old Scars and Memories, don't assume they are the same. It's rather difficult to make people wearing the same uniform look unique (In fact, it's kind of the point of a uniform to make people look, well, uniform), so expect to see alot of Coalcoats that look like those above.

Also, The "Powerless Duke" picture is a metaphor. The Duke isn't that short and his ministers arn't really that tall.
Voting is still open for Rob and Jack. Who knows when the next Rob and Jack, or VP infodump, or VP storyline, will go up. So yeah, Comments?

[BRC]

Blarg, Sorry for the Triple Post. First, Obligatory Comment-Junkie complaint.

Secondly, I was recently reminded of one of my favorite tropes, I won't tell you what it is, but you can probably take one look at Mister Gear and Mister Tooth here and figure out what it is, especially if you are sufficiently trope-savvy. I don't know what to do with them art wise. I had a nifty idea of putting them into one body, but I don't know if I could make it work Artistically. So yeah, I had some more out-there designs, but none of them looked right, so the question is, Two heads? Or do I just make them separate. I can't decide
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/GearTooth.png

[Blayze]

"Those Two Bad Guys", I assume?

[BRC]

"Those Two Bad Guys", I assume?
You're Right!

Three Things
Thing One: I made my decision this week, and it looks like I'll be going to Skidmore! So Yay. I probably won't try to do the 1st semseter in london program, but I'm thinking about it.

Thing 2, Check it out, it be Luggins, all shaded and fancy-like. I'll need to vector this at some point.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/Li_Kenta/BRCRequest-1.jpg

Thing Three,
Departure

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ82.png
Comments? Questions? Concerns?

[memnarch]

Keeheeheehee! :smallbiggrin:

[Traker]

For those who did not get that he said:
"I launch us out of the fortress with a spell."

[Drakefall]

Wow, a few days without the interbutts and it's a webcomic palooza!:smallbiggrin:

I verily approve of this and I'm pretty interested in this metalfaced archduke fellow who's been mentioned.

[BRC]

Vox Populi Infodump number Two, featuring big explosions, tear gas, and understatement in caption form.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPinfodump2.png
Comment Please.

[memnarch]

Fun times all around. :smalltongue:

[BRC]

Fun times all around. :smalltongue:
Oh no, the fun times start AFTER Stainwell.

Oh, an answer to somthing that's certainly going through your mind after reading that. In standard Wall-O-Text format.
Namely, Why the Hell would the military be stupid enough to send men with firearms to raid a munitions factory? And why would the Ministers use the military when the workers were complaining about an issue that it was very much in their interest to fix?
Second question First. Sending in the Coalcoats had worked before when it came to quelling civil disobedience. Also, If they started negotiating with the workers, they felt it would make them seem weak, only inviting more disobedience. Plus, the safety inspectors (Who happened to be very close to the plant operator) had rated the factory as safe enough to handle a large fire inside. To acknowledge the worker's complaints would be to acknowledge that the inspectors were either incompetent or corrupt (two words that could describe a large part of the government).

This leads directly to the answer for the first question I preemptively posed. Why the hell would the military be stupid enough to use firearms in this factory. Well, it was rated to handle a large fire, so some small arms fire shouldn't have done anything. Plus, the commanders were ordered to make a Show of Force. The Workers had very few firearms themselves, and weren't using them (Because they knew how dangerous the place was), and those they were using they wern't very good with. On the other hand, the Coalcoats had plenty of guns and were pretty good with them. However, to resort to melee only would be exactly what the worker's wanted. Soldiers in Vox-Populi are primarily gunmen, and so in a melee slugfest they wouldn't be much better than the workers. The Ministers wanted a Show of Force, that meant minimal casualties for the soldiers and a swift defeat for the workers. Which meant filling the place with incapacitating gas, then shooting strikers until the rest surrendered. So they were told "Show of force" and "This factory is safe against anything short of an artillery bombardment", so they told their men to Lock and Load. With rather explosive results.

Whew, that's a wall o' text forya. More comments on the infodump/speculation on what's going to happen next and why the call it the Disastrous Revolution.

[BRC]

So I had almost finished this one, when Inkscape died. Maybe I'll finish this tonight, probably not. Anyway, it works fairly well unfinished.
Vox Populi Infodump #3


http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPinfodump3.png
Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reminders that people still read this thread?

Edit: it is Finished! Read it! Gossip concerning it!

[Drakefall]

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Reminders that people still read this thread?

Remind, remind, remind? :elan:

I have a sneaking suspicion, nothing more than a hunch really, that the government may be in for a but of a hardship in the near future... one can only pray they've properly prepared their annual budget.

[BRC]

Infodump Finished. Check my previous post!
I think I'll do the next Rob and Jack this week, if I get a chance between AP studying.

[memnarch]

Interesting Mech design there.

[Fredricus]

Aww... I missed the votes.

I like Rob & Jack

Keep up the good work

[BRC]

Sorry about the Wait. Here ya go


One Guess as to the Brother in Question

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ83.png

Edit: Oh dear. I accidentally looked at the earlier comics I did, before the Inkscape file got wiped and I had to redesign all the characters. I think I need to stab my eyes out now.

[Lyinginbedmon]

Edit: Oh dear. I accidentally looked at the earlier comics I did, before the Inkscape file got wiped and I had to redesign all the characters. I think I need to stab my eyes out now.

Yeah, it's...generally not a good idea to do that I find.

[BRC]

Yeah, it's...generally not a good idea to do that I find.
As do I *Shudder*.

Anyway, I feel like ripping of Neorice, and opening up a Q&A session. As I graduate from high school in a week, I'll have plenty of time for awhile, so Ask questions about Rob and Jack, Vox Populi, the settings of either, Whichever! They shall be answered! Probably.

So yeah, I await your submissions.

[Drakefall]

Ok I'll bite.

I'd like to know more about the Teleran race. General culture, belief and societal structure kinda stuff. If you would grant such knowledge I would be most honoured oh great BRC of the Comic Makings!

[BRC]

It's time for the Rob and Jack SUPERPOST!

First of all, we've got the first A of our Q and A. Usually, I'll answer these questions in comic form,but this particular answer was far too long. And it would mostly just have been a massive wall of text in-panel anyway. So yeah.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RobandPak.png
We mostly come from the area now known as Telrine. Yeah, uncreative I know, but in the old language Teleran actually means “One From Telerine”. It’s not our fault humans applied it to our entire species. Anyway, Teleran society tends to be based around smaller, very insular groupings of between 50 and a hundred fifty individuals, led by up to three mentalists. I’ll get to that later.
You see, technically any Teleran has the potential to become incredibly powerful with their psionic powers. However, it’s like any other skill, and becoming a true psy-adept takes a lot of training. It’s probably about equivalent to becoming a neurosurgeon or something. And you’d be surprised how few applications there are for being a living flamethrower, or being able to lift a train car with your mind, so most of us don’t bother to really develop our abilities. Most Thermals, for example, basically just save money on matches.
Mentalists, however, are different. You see, Mentalists are very rare, less than ten percent of telerans are Mentalists. It’s about 30% each for Thermals, Kinetics, and Electrics. Well, anyway, having people who can interfere with the minds of others leads to problems. A lot of our history was Mentalists taking over communities, engaging in warfare with one another. Societies tried various things. Killing Mentalists at birth, or stopping them from developing their powers. But one would always slip through the system and bring things down.
Well, then came along a Mentalist named “Tel the Lawmaker”. I’d tell you his story, but there are literally libraries full of different versions. All people agree on, is that he established the current policy towards Mentalists. He wrote a document called “The Laws Of the Mind”. The general idea behind his teachings was that stopping Mentalists from ruling wasn’t going to end well. So instead, you teach them to rule well. Under His laws, as soon as their powers become apparent, at around age seven, they begin learning “The Art and the Trade”.
“The Art and the Trade” refers to two teachings all Mentalists are supposed to know. “The Trade” refers to their psionic abilities, but that’s considered secondary to “The Art”. “The Art” tells Mentalists how to rule, when to and when not to use their powers, and most importantly, to always do what’s best for those they are leading. A close equivalent would be the section from The Republic on Philosopher-Kings.
In Current Teleran Society, Mentalists serve as community leaders and judges for small, tight-nit communities. In the countryside, each group corresponds to a village, in urban areas, it’s more like neighborhoods. They use their powers and training to solve disputes, to quickly canvass a community, to get the word out quickly, judge civil and criminal suites, ect. As one may imagine, when you try to transplant this structure to a human society, cultural clashes do occur. The idea of crimes being judged by a guy with glowing purple eyes isn’t appreciated by police. And when A teleran is accused of a crime against a human, or vice versa, things can get really nasty when legal systems clash.
Back in Telerine, all communities are under the authority of the Telmind Gestalt, abunch of celebrated Mentalists who sacrifice their individuality to join a collective mind. Because all knowledge from one member of the Gestalt gets spread to the others, including knowledge inherited from previous gestalt members, the Gestalt includes the knowledge and personalities of every Mentalist to ever join it, going right back to Tel the Lawmaker himself.

But wait, there is MORE!

Tunnel Vision

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ84.png
Which Entrance should they use
1) The Main Gate
2) The Elven Tunnel

Comments? Votes? Questions? Or all three preferably. Don't be afraid to ask follow-ups for your questions.

[IsaacTheHungry]

2) elven tunnel

[Drakefall]

Oooooh... superpost is awesome post...

I thank you very much highly informative wall of text. I'll leave the next Q for some else who will not bombard you with infodump questions.:smallbiggrin:

As for the Rob and Jack I'm all for option 2): The Elven Tunnel.

[memnarch]

Number 2! Number 2!

[BRC]

No more votes/comments/questions? :smallfrown:

Ah well. I graduated today! And I felt like starting something. So yeah children, use your psychic powers to pull up a coal-stained chair. Because it's Storytime.
Vox Populi

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs1.png

[Lyinginbedmon]

Well, gates commonly precede the courtyard, which may be full of combatants. However if it was, they'd most likely be able to hear the battle going on.

The tunnel was prepared in a hurried fashion, so it may be unstable, and currently they're only assuming that it leads inside.

I'm gonna say #2, simply because using the gate almost certainly involves combat and the tunnel is far more likely to be empty.

[BRC]

Well, gates commonly precede the courtyard, which may be full of combatants. However if it was, they'd most likely be able to hear the battle going on.

The tunnel was prepared in a hurried fashion, so it may be unstable, and currently they're only assuming that it leads inside.

I'm gonna say #2, simply because using the gate almost certainly involves combat and the tunnel is far more likely to be empty.
Point of interest. It's likely these tunnels are very old and very stable, predating the Imperial occupation of Fort Midriver. Midriver was originally an elven fortress, and elves are known for digging tunnels in and out of their fortresses, then hiding them Often, the tunnels don't actually break the surface outside, but can be reached with a spade if you know where to look. The Imperials don't think they found all the tunnels, which is why they don't use fort midriver as a primary headquarters. Instead they just keep a small force of rangers there.

So the elves didn't just dig the tunnel in question, they knew where to find it and broke into it. It was dug, probably by a druid taking the form of a giant badger or something, when Midriver was first built.

[BRC]

No more questions, or comments, or whatever?
Ah well.
Old Songs and Memories, Part 2
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs2.png
Don't worry, this story will pick up pretty quickly. Yeah, it used to be "Old Scars and Memories, but I changed it to fit the new hook. Also, in the standard Chalsing Infantry uniform, you couldn't tell Luggins apart from the other soldiers, so I put him in a Tank drivers uniform. So yeah, the promo pic wasn't official on all the details, but it's still got the general idea.

So yeah, Votes, Questions, Comments, you know the Drill.

Edit: Woah, MUCH bigger than the last installment. I guess Photobucket shrunk the last one to a size I liked better. I've got to get these sizes under control.

[Drakefall]

I find the tanker's uniform to be far more visually appealing than the traditional infantry uniform... which brings up an interesting question: Why do people tend to dress better in flashbacks? Unless they're kids in the flashbacks... then they're usually dressed terribly... but the question still generally applies.

[BRC]

I find the tanker's uniform to be far more visually appealing than the traditional infantry uniform... which brings up an interesting question: Why do people tend to dress better in flashbacks? Unless they're kids in the flashbacks... then they're usually dressed terribly... but the question still generally applies.
I dunno. But one advantage of Vox Populi's short story format is that it's alot easier to do character redesigns. I can just say "They changed clothes/grew their hair out between this story and the last".

Anyway.
Old Songs and Memories, Part Three

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs3.png
Questions, Comments, Votes, ect.

[Uncle Festy]

Ahem.
DUN DUN DUN!

[Lyinginbedmon]

He's a great musician, I hear his notes are explosive.

[memnarch]

Heh heh heh. :smallamused:

[Blayze]

Sure to leave an impression -- no encores necessary.

[Traker]

I don't get it. Why do's he have explosives?:smallconfused:

Edit: oops. sorry I really need to read comics word for word.

[BRC]

I don't get it. Why do's he have explosives?:smallconfused:

Edit: oops. sorry I really need to read comics word for word.
Just to make sure, everybody Does realize they are a rebel cell, right? Specifically they are part of the Children of Kepple group mentioned in the Infodump.

Also, I have an urge Rob, Greg, Oscar, and Sarah Brimsalt (geeze, between Jack and Grathnar, the flashback, and Vox Populi it seems like forever since we saw them) as the L4D survivors. Rob would be Bill, and Sarah would be Zoe, but I can't decide about Francis and Louis. Neither Oscar nor Greg posesses the Hatred required to be Francis, but who knows.

Edit: I'll try to get a comic up soonish, but I'm heading off to hang out with by brother in San Fransisco on Thursday, so I won't be able to make a comic wednesday.

[BRC]

Hey, speaking of conspiracy to commit violent rebellion, lets check in on those crazy telerans with
Old Songs and Memories, Part Four

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs4.png

Questions (come on, nobody has any more questions?), comments, more votes. You know the drill.

[ThePhantom]

Here is a question? When are we going back to the flashback? It was very interesting.

[Uncle Festy]

*cracks up at "Cymbal"* :smallbiggrin::smalltongue:

[BRC]

Finished just in time for dinner, so yeah.
Old Songs and Memories Part Five

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs5.png
Questions? Com...Meh, you know the drill.

[memnarch]

Pretty cool; took a moment to realize that the purple text was thought projection.


Also, no more Rob and Jack?

[BRC]

Also, no more Rob and Jack?
Rob and Jack is still around. The entire comic was always on a "When I feel like doing it" Schedual. Currently, I feel like doing this Vox Populi story, after this, I'll try to wrap up the Flashback before I do another one.

[BRC]

Welcome to BRC 59, The Swerve. Tonight were going to bring you an Old Song, one that should bring back Memories.
Old Songs and Memories Part Six

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs6.png
What. You didn't think this story was ONLY about Pak, did you?

Anyway, my psychic artist powers (All artists have them. Any who claim they do not are lying) tell me that people are impatient for the return of Rob and Jack. So I'll try to finish up Old Songs and Memories quickly. Unfortunately, the next couple days will be spent hanging out with my brother in San Fransisco, and while I will have my laptop, time to make comics will be hard to come by. I might get something done on the plane, but no promises.
The week after that, I'll likely be bedridden from getting my wisdom teeth out, so yeah. But i'll get us out of this flashback and back to the other flashback quickly.

On that note, Questions, Comments, Ect?

[memnarch]

Wonder what the yellow sound effect is for...

[Drakefall]

I wish I had a useful comment to put up.. but I don't. So I'll just have to settle for: Keep up the good work BRC, I think your comic's awesome.

[Traker]

BRC I made a banner for you:

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/g24601/aBanner-1.gif (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72014)

[BRC]

BRC I made a banner for you:

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/g24601/aBanner-1.gif (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72014)

Nice, except for the spelling errors.

Anyway,
Old Songs and Memories Part 7

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs7.png
This will wrap up soon enough then we'll be back to Rob and Jack. In the meantime, Comments?

[memnarch]

Yeah, what's the grey things?

[BRC]

Yeah, what's the grey things?
Swooshes, to show movement. I already use swooshes for small movements (Like a swinging knife), I'm experimenting with using it for larger movements like people running.

[Traker]

Nice, except for the spelling errors.

Fixed.

http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq355/g24601/aBanner-2.gif (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72014)

Is that every thing?

[Uncle Festy]

*coughs*
Explosive.

[The Gremlin]

Hey, awesomesauce comic. I especially love the Song subplot. I would, however, like to request that you place it in the archives, perhaps in a separate spot, but I almost missed this and it's annoying to have to go through the thread to find these.

[BRC]

Behold, the exciting Finale to Old Songs and Memories, just in time for me to get my wisdom teeth yanked out and spend the next couple days doped up on painkillers
Old Songs and Memories, Part 8


http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs8.png

And, because Gremlin pointed out something I should have done long ago, The Vox Populi Archive!

Intro (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPtrial.png) Comic (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPtrial2.png)

Simple
Part One (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPSimple1.png)
Part Two (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPSimple1.png)
Part Three (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPSimple3.png)
Part Four (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPSimple4.png)
Part Six (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPSimple6.png)

Old Songs and Memories
Part One (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs1.png)
Part Two (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs2.png)
Part Three (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs3.png)
Part Four (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs4.png)
Part Five (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs5.png)
Part Six (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs6.png)
Part Seven (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs7.png)
Part Eight (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Oldsongs8.png)
Infodump: The Disastrous Revolution
Part One: Before the Storm (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPInfodump1.png)
Part Two: The Stainwell Massacre (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPinfodump2.png)
Part Three: Revolutionary Forces (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPinfodump3.png)


Edit: Also, Traker, it's spelled "Vox Populi".

Also, author's note
origionally, Crazy Shotgun Guy was going to be on fire as well, but I couldn't make it work. This incident is pretty important for Pak. I would say it leads towards character development, except that development has already happened by the time Simple started. So yeah.

After I recover from my surgery, I'll get back to Rob and Jack, and try to stick with that for awhile before springing another Vox Populi on you.
Questions about or comments on this story? Or, you know, general questions.

[BRC]

No comments? this saddens me.


Anyway, I'll try to do Rob and Jack tonight. Still recovering from getting my wisdom teeth out yesterday, so no promises, but I'll try.

[Drakefall]

No comments? this saddens me.


Anyway, I'll try to do Rob and Jack tonight. Still recovering from getting my wisdom teeth out yesterday, so no promises, but I'll try.

This might happen to me sometime in the future... I can feel the little buggers poking out.:smallfrown:

You know, I really liked Crazy Shotgun Guy. May he rest in peace.

[The Gremlin]

No comments? this saddens me.


Anyway, I'll try to do Rob and Jack tonight. Still recovering from getting my wisdom teeth out yesterday, so no promises, but I'll try.

So is Pak gonna be in the actual plot, or was this just some backstory?

[BRC]

So is Pak gonna be in the actual plot, or was this just some backstory?
Pak is in Vox Populi, which is a separate from Rob and Jack.

The way it works is mainly I do Rob and Jack, but when I feel like taking a break, I do a Vox Populi story. Unlike Rob and Jack, which is continuous, Vox Populi is a bunch of short stories, so far, I've done two of them. Simple and Old Songs and Memories.

Speaking of which

The Thief that came in from the Cold
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ85.png
What should they do?
1): Press on through the fortress avoiding conflict.
2): Go and reinforce the Rangers, recruiting any survivors to help get to the mill.
3): Try to figure out what happened to Corporal Olivean.

[memnarch]

I vote number 2. Possible reinforcements are usually always good.

[Drakefall]

Number 3): Never leave a man behind!:smallannoyed:<- determined face of rescueyness.

[Rion]

Number 3: Olivean's disappearance seem to have something to do with enemy spellcasters, this way they can both rescue him and have a chance to take out enemy spellcasters.

[Trodon]

3 never leave a man behind like Drakefall said

[The Gremlin]

I vote 3. Otherwise this/these spellcaster/s will just continue making life difficult for them.

[JackofAllBlades]

Steps out of the shadows he has been lurking in...

I vote 3, no man shall be left behind.

Also great work as always BRC. If I wasn't too lazy I would tell that after each comic and make some comments ,nevertheless I am that lazy:smallbiggrin:

Goes into the shadows to lurk...

[BRC]

So, I worked twelve hours today, most of it on my feet. Then I came home, watched Chuck, and made you a comic.
Be Grateful.

On Utility
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ86.png

Comments, Questions (I mean, I've got two different, barely-explored settings and nobody wonders anything about them? Don't be shy.)

Now I'm going to bed, for my feet are killing me.

[BRC]

Today, We learn that I have no shame. Also, I couldn't think of a way to end this one, so I went with a copout.
Samuel Elf Jackson

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ87.png
In other news, I've decided to take a new approach to how I do Vox Populi. Rather than saying "I feel like doing a Vox Populi Story this week", I'm going to work on them on those nights when I feel like doing a comic, but am still waiting for Rob and Jack votes to come in. Then, when I have most of a story done, I can start posting it. I'm working on some promo pics for the stories I have in mind, to see which ones you guys feel like doing. Next Rob and Jack will hopefully get done in the next few days.

[ThePhantom]

Sweet, one of the best ways to fix a problem with understanding what the other guy is saying, frying his head off.

[memnarch]

Hm, he seems to be missing a head?

What?


:smalltongue:

[Uncle Festy]

Nice, I liked it. :smallbiggrin:

[Drakefall]

Much like Samuel L. Jackson the jedi, so too does Samuel L. Jackson the druid lose his life to some punk with elemental powers.:smalltongue:

BRC asks for universe questions so here is one of one: Do you get paladins in either of your comic universes?

[Blayze]

This update just won at everything.

[Lyinginbedmon]

I consider that to not be a copout, but to be awesome. I'm sure Threeshades will approve.

[BRC]

Glad everyone liked it. Maybe for the Archives I'll go with my origional title: Samuel Elf Jackson.

Here, some random art that I'm working on for one of the Vox Populi stories I have in mind. It's Pak and Tilla during the later stage of the revolution.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/LaterRevolutionaries.png

[JackofAllBlades]

I'm back again (like anyone cares) to say "what" was totally awesome.
(Meaningless pun intended)

[BRC]

Working on the next Rob and Jack, in the meantime, here's somthing for you guys to chew over. I'm going to try to get the next Vox Populi story done whilst I am waiting for Rob and Jack votes to come in, but to do that, I need to know what it should be. I've come up with three options, this isn't an official vote per say, but please chime in.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Potentialstories.png

[memnarch]

Speak of the Devils.


Also, what's the voting for Rob and Jack anyway?

[Drakefall]

Speak of the Devils sounds like a good way to go, and I do like my deserts.

[Lyinginbedmon]

I'm gonna say Ferro Familia

[The Gremlin]

Speak of the Devils.

[BRC]

Well, who am I to break up a winning formula
What?

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJwhat.png

Or, if you cannot recognize comedic gold for what it is, see below.

Spell-Captain Roca flunked out of Elvish

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ88.png
What do they do?


I'll let you guys throw out some suggestions before I post some plans. As always, more information is available if you ask for it. And I'm still looking for suggestions on the next Vox Populi story.

[X2]

I suggest they run into some machinists! :smallbiggrin:

[BRC]

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Chucklesannoyed.png

With no suggestions forthcoming, I am forced to provide my own solutions.

1) Operation Big Bang: Grathnar charges up a spell, putting almost all his remaining energy into one blast that will cripple or eliminate both the giants and the elves.
2) Operation GENTLEMEN: Olivean silently takes out the snipers, then the group tries to sneak past the Giants.
3) Operation Sneaky Sneaky: The trio dosn't bother to engage, and tries to sneak past the giants and the snipers.

[ThePhantom]

Gentlemen is the way to go, it conserves their resources.

[Lyinginbedmon]

2) Operation GENTLEMEN: Olivean silently takes out the snipers, then the group tries to sneak past the Giants.

I'm going to gut you like a cornish game hen.

This gets my vote :smalltongue:

[Blayze]

With no suggestions forthcoming, I am forced to provide my own solutions.

4) Operation Sneaky Gentlebang! Combine elements of all three previously-stated plans for maximum hilarity. And death.

[BRC]

4) Operation Sneaky Gentlebang! Combine elements of all three previously-stated plans for maximum hilarity. And death.
While I rarely mind your pattern of mixing the options presented. I must point out that it is physically impossible to both sneak past them without fighting, and use a massive spell to wipe them out.

[memnarch]

Let's go with option 2.

[Drakefall]

While I rarely mind your pattern of mixing the options presented. I must point out that it is physically impossible to both sneak past them without fighting, and use a massive spell to wipe them out.

Oho, but you have overlooked the possibility of sneaking past the giants, silently killing off the snipers and then blowing up everything. This plan, of course, hinges on the characters knowing what lulz are and being for them.:smalltongue:

[Blayze]

While I rarely mind your pattern of mixing the options presented. I must point out that it is physically impossible to both sneak past them without fighting, and use a massive spell to wipe them out.

Good sir, I aim to exploit every situation in every game for the maximum EXP available. Thus I endeavour to obtain all the EXP which requires NPCs to still be alive, then I commence with the slaughter.

It is entirely possible. :P

[The Gremlin]

Oho, but you have overlooked the possibility of sneaking past the giants, silently killing off the snipers and then blowing up everything. This plan, of course, hinges on the characters knowing what lulz are and being for them.:smalltongue:

I second this. Minus the lulz part, anyway.

[BRC]

Alright Blayze, give me a more specific plan then "Combine them", and we'll talk.

Also, I need more imput on the next Vox Populi story. Since "Speak of the Devils" seemed to be winning, I did some character costumes.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Speakofthedevils.png

[Blayze]

Fair enough, serious plan time -- I know, it's as much of a shock to me.

4.5/5.0) Grathnar puts that talent for destroying stuff with magic to good use, using it to "dig" out a tunnel underneath the enemy forces -- one he can then collapse right underneath them by detonating the ground above the tunnel once safely back in their current location. If dug well enough, it should be fatal to a large portion of the enemy army.

Either that or he could just dig them a tunnel out of there.

[BRC]

Fair enough, serious plan time -- I know, it's as much of a shock to me.

4.5/5.0) Grathnar puts that talent for destroying stuff with magic to good use, using it to "dig" out a tunnel underneath the enemy forces -- one he can then collapse right underneath them by detonating the ground above the tunnel once safely back in their current location. If dug well enough, it should be fatal to a large portion of the enemy army.

Either that or he could just dig them a tunnel out of there.
Because there is a river in the way, he can't dig them to safety, though undermining the enemy troops is an option.

[BRC]

While you slowpokes get with the voting. Let's check back in with that Vox Populi Infodump.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Infodumpvictory.png

In unrelated news. I just watched Ghostbusters for the first time in years. I no know what to do if somebody asks me if I'm a god.

[BRC]

You guys disappoint me.
He was not shown, who is the boss

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ89.png

Were reaching the end of this little flashback, and I'm really proud of how the frost giants turned out.

Also, Olivean was not origionally intended to be anywhere near this badass. It just happened.

[Blayze]

Also, Olivean was not origionally intended to be anywhere near this badass. It just happened.

They're only elves. What were they gonna do, angst all over him?

[Drakefall]

Ho hum, those giants are quite manly and intimidating, not to mention very well drawn.

I quite like the badass Olivean and his sneak-attacking exploits even if he is just taking down panzy elves.

[BRC]

They're only elves. What were they gonna do, angst all over him?
"If you promise not to get angst on my suit, I'll kill you quickly."
I'm going on vacation tomorrow, but I'll have my laptop, and internet for the first few days, and I'm hoping to finish the flashback during that time. Maybe I'll spend some of that time doing the first few parts of "Speak of the Devil's". Once I get the entire story done, or a big part of it, I'll start posting each piece daily, so not as to interrupt Rob and Jack.

So yeah, comments, questions, ect.

[memnarch]

Which side of the bridge are the giants on? The same side as them?

[BRC]

And I'm Back. Sadly, I was having too much fun to make comics for you losers. But here's Rob and Jack anyway. Hopefully, this answers your question memnarch.

Anticlimatic

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ90p1.png
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ90p2.png

My, It feels like forever since we were back in the present. Since I didn't have to snow over every panel. My only question is who is that guy in the weird blue hat?



So yeah, Comments. Questions, whatever.

[memnarch]

Cool. :smallcool:

Hopefully that's enough to convince him that he's legit.

[Drakefall]

My only question is who is that guy in the weird blue hat?

I thought he was a she:smallconfused:... My world is being turned upside down!!!

[BRC]

I thought he was a she:smallconfused:... My world is being turned upside down!!!
I was talking about Jack, the joke is that it's been so long since we've seen him that I forgot about one of my title characters... Yeah, Amanda is a girl.

[ThePhantom]

Yay! Back to the present, and the undead horde of Chuckles.

I wonder who is going to be the spanner in the works, or Chuckles is going to be unstoppable, unless he wants to be stopped.

After all, he has the Xanatos Roulette, and that gives him a lot of power.

[BRC]

For some reason, this week I am feeling very comicky. Two Rob and Jacks, I did a pair of X-Comics over in the X-Com Let's Play.

That's right, I said TWO Rob and Jacks. Which, if you can do basic math, and you can, means that you will be expecting some bold text soon, perhaps followed by a spoiler box.

Catching Up

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ91.png

Quick Unofficial-Poll. I'm still trying to think of what I exactly want to happen in the next scene, so who would object to me stalling for time with a villainous interlude, specifically, Chuckles and Co vs the General Carthage's counterattack. Specifically, how does the idea of voting on the actions of team evil sit with you guys.

[memnarch]

That would be an interesting change of pace. :smallcool:

[Drakefall]

Specifically, how does the idea of voting on the actions of team evil sit with you guys.

Insidiously well. I've always had a fondness for humorous necromancers.

[BRC]

You asked for it, and here it be.
Dark Poetry

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ92.png
And Now, the situation.
The situation: Chuckles is held up the city's Cathedral. It used to be consecrated in the name of the fire god, but the blood of the Cathedral's priests fixed that right up. In front of the Cathedral is a big plaza, where Chuckle's horde is chillaxing. The Imperials are moving towards the cathedral down a major road. Most of the side streets are blocked with rubble from the shelling. Small groups can move through them, but it's tough. This rubble is also perfect for concealing groups of undead...or imperials.
Chuckle's Assets are as follows.
A large horde of mindless undead capable of following simple instructions (Ghouls and Zombies). Some moderately intelligent undead (like Skitterers and Laughing Shadows and the like) that are good for Ambushes. An elite group of Five Grinners. Pablo (War Ghoul, Fully Intelligent), Sal (Banshee, Fully Intelligent), and Chuckles himself.

Chuckles' presence will bolster any undead in the immediate vicinity, and he's a decent combatant. However, he should not be mistaken for a combat powerhouse. His skills lie in making things to fight for him.



Now, you may Plan. If nobody has anything, I'll post some basic strategies. As always, you can ask any questions you need. If Chuckles and Co would know the answers (And they probably will), I'll tell you.

Also, just comment, even if you don't have any plans. I'm not charging for posts or anything.

[Blayze]

Define "immediate vicinity", please. Do the surrounding undead have to know he's there to receive the bonuses his presence grants, or could he -- say -- float just under the ceiling of one floor of a building to provide a benefit to the troops on the floor above?

[BRC]

Define "immediate vicinity", please. Do the surrounding undead have to know he's there to receive the bonuses his presence grants, or could he -- say -- float just under the ceiling of one floor of a building to provide a benefit to the troops on the floor above?
In order to really boost them, he needs Line of Sight. The closer the better. He could, for example, sit on his balcony in the cathedral tower and watch the entire battle, but then he couldn't really focus on anything. Plus it makes him a target for every Warmage and Rifleman in blue. He could, say, hide in a pile of rubble and watch his troops, giving them a boost. He needs to watch the provide any boost, and the closer they are, the more of a boost he applies. Also, the fewer undead he tries to boost, the power powerful each gets.

[Blayze]

What would happen if Chuckles became a being such as a lich, and tried to empower himself? Would the "undead empowerment" BE the extra power or whatever he would receive as a lich, or could he focus on himself to increase his own power?

How does his empowerment of undead scale with other benefits, such as those obtained from the music -- I seem to remember something about the music boosting them -- of his subordinates? Do they only grant specific values regardless of the number of buffers focusing on an individual target, or does the empowerment suffer from diminishing returns or increasing gains?

(If, say, Chuckles provided a +50% bonus and another source provided an additional +25% bonus, would the +25% apply to the target's base score for a flat increase of +75%, or would it apply to the 150% after Chuckles' boost?)

[BRC]

What would happen if Chuckles became a being such as a lich, and tried to empower himself? Would the "undead empowerment" BE the extra power or whatever he would receive as a lich, or could he focus on himself to increase his own power?

How does his empowerment of undead scale with other benefits, such as those obtained from the music -- I seem to remember something about the music boosting them -- of his subordinates? Do they only grant specific values regardless of the number of buffers focusing on an individual target, or does the empowerment suffer from diminishing returns or increasing gains?

(If, say, Chuckles provided a +50% bonus and another source provided an additional +25% bonus, would the +25% apply to the target's base score for a flat increase of +75%, or would it apply to the 150% after Chuckles' boost?)
He could boost himself if he turned into a lich, yes. However Chuckles is not a lich so that is irrelevant.

Only Strings has the undead booster music, and he's needed to oversee the excavation, and in his case it's less "Boosting" and more "Better control and coordination". You see, Mindless undead are kind of stupid, the Corpse Minstril's Music smartens them up. It's less that they hit harder and can move faster, and more that they know where too hit, know how to work together, and know that they CAN move faster. His music kind of weaves the nearby undead into a sort of hive-mind.

Chuckles CAN do something similar, or he can just pour more juice into them, making them temporarily stronger/faster/better. The latter method is easier, and lets Chuckles focus on other things while he's doing it. And it's more of a flat bonus than a multiplier.

[BRC]

Well you guys are boring. Well, here's something for you to talk about while your guys are being boring, and coming up with a plan for Chuckles.

It's....Another Vox Populi Infodump!
*Crickets*

Ah whatever.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Vpinfodump4.png


Ah...so THAT'S what I've been calling it the "Disastrous Revolution". Don't pretend you weren't wondering. And don't worry. Things get worse :smallbiggrin:

[Drakefall]

Behold! Drakefall's probably poor attempt at a plan of Evil!

As far as I understand it the situation in Rob and Jack at current can be summarised as follows: the silly Imperials are a charging down the main street of the town towards Chuckle's base of operations. There are pretty much no sideroads so the Imperials are stuck with the options of continuing forward or retreating if things get bad and little else.

Thus I propose that Chuckles send his main horde charging, in turn, towards the imperials. Accompanying the horde will be Chuckles himself and Sal. Chuckles will be bolstering his horde and keeping Imperial attantion on himself. Sal will pretty much be acting as his body guard and extra set of eyes, making sure the Imperials never get close to him. Walls of undead soldiers should hopefully keep him safe from accurate rifle fire.

Now, when this battle gets into full swing and the Imperial leadership has its attention firmly focused on Chuckles, Pablo and his ambush brigade of the slightly intelligent undead shall strike from the sides at the imperial force. By targeting officers and riflemen and making swift, precise hit-and-run attacks the ambushers should hopefully be able to at least sow chaos within the ranks and at best remove the Imperials' leadership and a good deal of their ranged attack potential, allowing for an easy victory for the undead horde.

Fairly straightforward strategy, but effective non-the-less I would think. The Imperial intelligence hardly seems, well, intelligent at all, so I don't forsee much in the way of tactical counter-attacks from them.

[Deathslayer7]

could we get a simple layout of the battlefield? Would be helpful i think. If I see the battlefield, I could probably make an ingenious evil plan that would make others jealous. :smalltongue:

[BRC]

Certainly, Here

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/battlemap.png
Chuckles is in the Cathedral. The Imperials bombarded most of the surrounding area into Rubble, but didn't want to risk hitting the Cathedral itself, so the buildings around it are intact. Currently, Chuckle's horde is in the square itself. The Blue arrow represents the direction the Imperials are attacking from.

[Drakefall]

Questions: How visible is Chuckles' undead empowerment ability? Could he be easily spotted if he were to hide in the rear of his undead horde, surrounded by zombies and what have you, and using this ability?

[BRC]

Questions: How visible is Chuckles' undead empowerment ability? Could he be easily spotted if he were to hide in the rear of his undead horde, surrounded by zombies and what have you, and using this ability?
Yes. The main manifestation is that his undead become more badass, their eyes might glow a little, but that happens anyway. However, just the fact that the undead are more powerful means that the Imperials will be able to figure out his general location if he is empowering. They won't be able to figure out where he is specifically however.

[The Gremlin]

Hmm...can anybody cast earthquake or a similar spell which could collapse the entire cathedral? If so, they should cast it (repeatedly if possible)until it completely collapses, then send in some people to take out the hopefully-revealed controller.

[BRC]

Hmm...can anybody cast earthquake or a similar spell which could collapse the entire cathedral? If so, they should cast it (repeatedly if possible)until it completely collapses, then send in some people to take out the hopefully-revealed controller.
First of all, we are coming up with a plan for Chuckles. Not the Imperials. And if the Imperials wanted to destroy the cathedral, they would have bombarded it into dust with their mortars. However, the Pedigree's arn't the type to destroy cultural monuments (They have no problem wiping out several city blocks "Just Because" though).

[The Gremlin]

First of all, we are coming up with a plan for Chuckles. Not the Imperials. And if the Imperials wanted to destroy the cathedral, they would have bombarded it into dust with their mortars. However, the Pedigree's arn't the type to destroy cultural monuments (They have no problem wiping out several city blocks "Just Because" though).

Whoops. Sorry, you didn't say. Well, these are adventurers, they might blow it up. Could make for an interesting exchange.

[BRC]

No plans yet besides Drakefalls. So here is the voting list. You can still submit new plans for voting though.
1) Hold the Line: Line up in the square and take what the Imperials throw at you. Grinners form a bodyguard for Chuckles, while Pablo and Sal act as mobile reserves, reinforcing weak spots in the line of battle.
2) Charge of the Rotten Brigade!: Chuckles, the Grinners, Pablo and Sal lead the attack as they counterattack the Imperials.
3) Come inside and play: Allow the Imperials the break through a weakly held line of basic undead, let them enter the Cathedral, where the semi-intelligent undead, the Grinners, the intelligent undead, and Chuckles ambush them. The undead outside then move in to trap those who got inside. Once the first group gets slaughtered in the cathedral, let some more inside. Rinse, Lather, Repeat.
4) Drakefall's Plan: Chuckles sends his main horde charging, in turn, towards the imperials. Accompanying the horde will be Chuckles himself and Sal. Chuckles will be bolstering his horde and keeping Imperial attention on himself. Sal will pretty much be acting as his body guard and extra set of eyes, making sure the Imperials never get close to him. Walls of undead soldiers should hopefully keep him safe from accurate rifle fire.

Now, when this battle gets into full swing and the Imperial leadership has its attention firmly focused on Chuckles, Pablo and his ambush brigade of the slightly intelligent undead shall strike from the sides at the imperial force. By targeting officers and riflemen and making swift, precise hit-and-run attacks the ambushers should hopefully be able to at least sow chaos within the ranks and at best remove the Imperials' leadership and a good deal of their ranged attack potential, allowing for an easy victory for the undead horde.

Fairly straightforward strategy, but effective non-the-less I would think. The Imperial intelligence hardly seems, well, intelligent at all, so I don't forsee much in the way of tactical counter-attacks from them.

On an unrelated note, working on the final main team redesign. This is the most extreme change yet. And this picture hints at something that may or may not happen. Tell me what you think of the design, which version you like better.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RadicalRedesign.png

[Drakefall]

If anime has taught me anything it's that goggles makith the man, though they do make Oscar's (I think) eyes look a bit weird. Perhaps he can push them up onto his forehead where they may sit until needed for practical and/or dramatic reasons?

As for the plans, I vote for 4 because I can be an egotist too:smalltongue:

[memnarch]

I like number three. If only because it requires the imperials to enter a building they know isn't safe and could be killed from who knows which direction. :smallamused:

[ThePhantom]

Number 4, the other plans have too many weakpoints

[Lyinginbedmon]

Design 1, plan 2

[BRC]

Hey, Haruki Did A Guest-Comic for Vox Populi
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll190/Haruki-san/VoxPopulliGuest.png
Which reminds me, I should really get to work on "Speak of the Devils"

No more votes?

[BRC]

Alright, and thus, I have finished the Vox Populi Infodump, I'll present it in it's entirety.
Infodump: The Disastrous Revolution
Part One: Before the Storm (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPInfodump1.png)
Part Two: The Stainwell Massacre (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPinfodump2.png)
Part Three: Revolutionary Forces (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPinfodump3.png)
Part Four: Victory (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Infodumpvictory.png)
Part Five: Disastrous (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Vpinfodump4.png)
Part Six: In the Storm's Wake (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPinfodump5.png)
Please comment on this story. I put a lot of thought into this plot, a lot more than I put into most back stories, so I want to know what people think about it. I also want to know what people think about the format I used. The pictures with text. How did you like the art? The Story? The Writing? Are you glad I did this, or do you look at this post and think "Five things that could have been Rob and Jack updates".


I think you get where I'm going with this, and I know I ask for comments constantly, but this is more than my usual comment-seeking, as it's at the end of a story. An untried format for an untried setting, with an untried style of story (as it's a history, as opposed to following a group of people like with Rob and Jack). So I've got alot more questions concerning this than I do concerning, say, the Deepwinter War arc we just went through in Rob and Jack.

So yeah, read through the Disastrous Revolution story, Tell me about it, and if the wall of text makes your eyes bleed, don't sue me.

[memnarch]

comic 4 (i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/Vpinfodump4.png)
comic 5 (i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/VPinfodump5.png)

Wow. Archduke guy is rather ruthless.

Review: Erhem. While I found that this was rather amusing, I am left wondering why on earth I should care that the archduke lost and reclaimed Chalsing. It reads a bit like an action history lesson, but I have no background as to why I would read it.
I suppose the best way to put it is that I've forgotten why this was made in the first place. http://www.mspaintadventures.com/phpBB3/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif :smallredface:

[Drakefall]

Art: As with Rob and Jack, the art for the Disastrous Revolution was top notch. I approve of its steampunky goodness.

The Story: History lesson or no, I rather liked the story. Political anarchy gone wrong, tragedy across the board and the general folly of man. I particularly liked the way that the story was not just another rebels vs state affair, but rather a throng of endless conflict. That struck me as very human and realistic. Another point I'd like to make is that the best villains are made from good men, as in the case of the Archduke. I'm sure he'll prove an excellent BBEG if you continue with the Vox Populi story.

The Writing: Informative and detached as a look in to history should be but not boring in the slightest. Though at one point you did mention that the Workers Army was well organised twice in the same block. I think comic three. Beyond that though, I could find nothing wrong.

Characters: Well, while the history exert did not have much in the way of this, I would like to point out that you're main Vox Populi characters have much more depth than your average webcomic characters, and in such a short time (or perhaps short list of comics would be a better way to put it?) they've managed to actually show some non-stereotypical personality. Bravo!

[Lyinginbedmon]

Definitely worth the read just for the carefully considered writing, though I'm not sure as to the Archdukes pre-existing mentality if the failed assassination pushed him in a complete polar reversal. Hitler survived a bomb under his table and was actually reinvigorated for his cause, thinking he was almost invincible after surviving it.

[The Gremlin]

Definitely worth the read just for the carefully considered writing, though I'm not sure as to the Archdukes pre-existing mentality if the failed assassination pushed him in a complete polar reversal. Hitler survived a bomb under his table and was actually reinvigorated for his cause, thinking he was almost invincible after surviving it.

Did Hitler lose his entire family top the blast? It's enough to drive anybody over the edge.

[BRC]

Did Hitler lose his entire family top the blast? It's enough to drive anybody over the edge.
Gremlin has the right of it. Archduke Phillipe has been raised to expect people to try to kill him, and to consider it a normal part of ruling. The mortar shell was not the first assassination attempt, in fact, as assassination attempts go, it was one of the less succsessful and proffessional. A Mortar isn't exactly a precision weapon, it had more chance of landing in the crowd than it did of hitting the Archduke. It was the death of his family that really did it.


Another thing to consider, he offered Stability, Mercy, and Reform, but, and this should not be taken as Word of God, I havn't even decided yet, but maybe he was just playing politics. He realized storming in there full of righteous anger wouldn't do anything to get him back in power. He could have simply been playing politics. So it might not have been as much of a turnaround as you think. After his family died he may have thought "Screw this, I'm in power again, an they just killed my family".


Or maybe, once he was in exile, he had time to actually think about what the Rebels had been saying, and realized they had some pretty good points, so he came back with the best of intentions, but the grief from his families death, combined with all the other stress he had on him, what with being exiled, watching his country tear itself apart, ect, finally broke him, driving him mad.


@Memnarch: The whole "Disastrous Revolution" thing started as simple Backstory for Pak and Luggins. As you know from Old Songs and Memories, they both fought in it, on opposite sides in fact. I'm hoping to explore how they feel about that, and how it's shaped them. I was going to explore that some more in "Bullet Sparks and Broken Hearts". So yeah, it started as a means to an end, but with my habitual overthinking, it turned into an End in of itself. Also, you linked comics 4 and 5 to show the Archduke's ruthlessness, but the Archduke was only in power for comic 5. The ruthlessness in comic 4 was all the rebels.

@ Everybody else who posted thanks for the comments. Keep em coming.
@ Everybody who hasn't posted yet: What are you waiting for, speak up, I won't bite.



Also, on a random note, two songs I have in my Itunes that I began to associate with different aspects of this story.

My unofficial anthem for the Revolutionaries. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpKGWGqq7OQ)

The Unofficial Theme Song for the Archduke (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzPxL_TZWcM)

[BRC]

Woah, Hello, I forgot one of the Infodump pages. A very important one at that.

The compilation post has now been fixed.

[memnarch]

Now part three is broken.

[Deathslayer7]

My late plan of action!


Chuckle's Assets are as follows.
A large horde of mindless undead capable of following simple instructions (Ghouls and Zombies). Some moderately intelligent undead (like Skitterers and Laughing Shadows and the like) that are good for Ambushes. An elite group of Five Grinners. Pablo (War Ghoul, Fully Intelligent), Sal (Banshee, Fully Intelligent), and Chuckles himself.

Chuckles' presence will bolster any undead in the immediate vicinity, and he's a decent combatant. However, he should not be mistaken for a combat powerhouse. His skills lie in making things to fight for him.


Ok have the mindless undead ready for battle. As soon the Imperials enter the plaza, attack. Let some imperials in, but not too many.

Skitters and Laughing Shadows should be hidden in the rubble beforehand (probably along with some mindless undead to provide defense (but not attack yet)). So when the battle starts off, they immediately attack the flanks from both sides while the mindless undead attack the front.

This should stop the first charge with little casulities. The Imperials will probably try again. This time, bring Sal and Chuckles (to bolster Sal, the grinners, and any nearby undead) forward with the elite grinners, as well as the mindless horde as they attack again. The Skitters and Shadows should move to a new place (or the same) and attack the flanks again. This time with the mindless undead as well.

Once that is done, at this point, they should push the Imperials and do a full fledged attack, but stop at a certain point. You never want to go too far out. At this point Chuckles is not needed anymore, and should probably leave and/or hang back. Pablo should stay and guard the Catherdral. Sal will mop up.

[BRC]

It looks like we have a new plan. So here is the voting list
1) Hold the Line: Line up in the square and take what the Imperials throw at you. Grinners form a bodyguard for Chuckles, while Pablo and Sal act as mobile reserves, reinforcing weak spots in the line of battle.
2) Charge of the Rotten Brigade!: Chuckles, the Grinners, Pablo and Sal lead the attack as they counterattack the Imperials.
3) Come inside and play: Allow the Imperials the break through a weakly held line of basic undead, let them enter the Cathedral, where the semi-intelligent undead, the Grinners, the intelligent undead, and Chuckles ambush them. The undead outside then move in to trap those who got inside. Once the first group gets slaughtered in the cathedral, let some more inside. Rinse, Lather, Repeat.
4) Drakefall's Plan: Chuckles sends his main horde charging, in turn, towards the imperials. Accompanying the horde will be Chuckles himself and Sal. Chuckles will be bolstering his horde and keeping Imperial attention on himself. Sal will pretty much be acting as his body guard and extra set of eyes, making sure the Imperials never get close to him. Walls of undead soldiers should hopefully keep him safe from accurate rifle fire.

Now, when this battle gets into full swing and the Imperial leadership has its attention firmly focused on Chuckles, Pablo and his ambush brigade of the slightly intelligent undead shall strike from the sides at the imperial force. By targeting officers and riflemen and making swift, precise hit-and-run attacks the ambushers should hopefully be able to at least sow chaos within the ranks and at best remove the Imperials' leadership and a good deal of their ranged attack potential, allowing for an easy victory for the undead horde.

Fairly straightforward strategy, but effective non-the-less I would think. The Imperial intelligence hardly seems, well, intelligent at all, so I don't forsee much in the way of tactical counter-attacks from them.
5: Deathslayers plan, see above


If voting doesn't pick up, i'll just close the voting.

In the meantime, I'll do some work on "Speak of the Devils", perhaps while watching Chuck.

[BRC]

With no more votes, I'm declaring Drakefall's plan the Winner!

Hey Lookie, A Comic
Call and Response

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ93.png

Also, just today I made three incredibly awesome new undead types. One of them can be seen in this comic. The other two (Their fairly similar) should show up shortly.

In the meantime, Comments?

[ThePhantom]

So, Chuckles' staff doubles as a scythe, well, that makes him a bit more dangerous if you somehow get close to him.
Also, I feel that the Imperals are going to lose this fight, the question is, how badly are they going to be beaten?

[BRC]

Hey, Lookie, A comic
Command Decisions

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ94.png

Now, to explain the somewhat odd style of this comic:

Here, I was faced with a decision. Advance the story in the way I needed to, or show the battle going on. So, I decided to mix the two, with the overlay images, achieving (I think) both my purposes, and adding a nice touch of Chaos to an otherwise rather dull scene.

[BRC]

No Comments saddens me.
Let's wrap up this whole Chuckles Thing.
Things Fall Apart

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ95.png

For those of you that read the image names. This is the 95th Rob and Jack! Getting close to the big 100!

Comments, Questions, Congratulations?
I'm bouncing between doing another Chuckles comic, perhaps revealing some more of his nefarious scheme, and it is nefarious (His motivations for it, while primarily described as "For the Lulz", do go past that).

[memnarch]

THE GNOME!!!!! :eek:

[Drakefall]

Oho, two comic updates for me! I guess that's what I get for ignoring the interbutts for a few days. Maybe I should do it more often.

I was wondering where that gnome had got to. I also see you have some new undead there sir. Shadowy and deadly they do appear. I particularly like the dog shaped ones by virtue of their being dog shaped.

[Deathslayer7]

nicely done. I thought Command Decisions went pretty well. but whos the guy in the green hat/trenchcoat? :smallconfused:

[The Gremlin]

nicely done. I thought Command Decisions went pretty well. but whos the guy in the green hat/trenchcoat? :smallconfused:

Remember the Gnome?:smalleek:

[Blayze]

nicely done. I thought Command Decisions went pretty well. but whos the guy in the green hat/trenchcoat? :smallconfused:

Sir Gnomely Esquire, the "Grin Reaper".

[BRC]

Indeed it IS the Gnome. Our friend from Granitania, and the Artifact department of Dimen-Foress. Also, it IS another comic
Recouping Losses

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ96.png
Next up, back to our Heroes. For now, Comments?

[memnarch]

Can I say "Oh crap!"? :smalleek:

[Lyinginbedmon]

For some reason all I can think of is the end battle scene of Bedknobs & Broomsticks :smallconfused:

[BRC]

You confuse me Lying.

Sorry about the lack of comics. I've been busy getting ready for college/Being on vacation/writing a short story for a Community worldbuilding project on the homebrew forums.



Either way, to keep you happy, I just reconstructed some lost templates for the next arc. Some members and Servants of the noble house of Jaquel
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/JaquelChars.png

[BRC]

Whew, back home in STL, at least for two weeks until I go to College.

Anyway, sorry about the delay. Heres' a Comic

Diagnosis: Zombies

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ97.png
Questions, Comments, Ect please.

[Lyinginbedmon]

So it's nearly sun-up and a group of people in a fairly hopeless military situation are about to receive some significant cavalry.

I'm getting Battle of Hornburg flashbacks but that is not a bad thing :smallbiggrin:

[BRC]

No more comments, this saddens me. I do need to update the archive's though.

On another note, if you mosey on over to the first post you'll notice I replaced the logo thing. This time I have back stories for the various characters, though I haven't really gotten into them yet (That should change, at some point, perhaps soon). Each of them was, or is, affiliated with a different organization, as hinted in the new title art. You can probably guess three of them, but one I havn't so much as hinted at (Well, technically two I havn't mentioned yet, but one of them is pretty obvious).

Maybe if you can figure out the three organizations you can guess, somebody will get a prize!

[memnarch]

Ooo, Update.

Hopefully we get to see big fireworks in the next comic or two. :smallbiggrin:

[Drakefall]

Prize you say? I heartily endorse this product and/or service!

Right, I've checked the new banner out (and quite like it); so lemme take a crack at this organisational guessing game:

Jack - That House of Jaquel you just mentioned a while ago.Hmm... Jack, Jaquel... I see what you did there.:smalltongue:
Rob - I can't remember if the Empire's symbol was ever shown but blue, silver/grey and gold seem to be its prevailing colours so I'm going for them/it.
Oscar - Church of Solam, god of sun, sand and lemons.
Greg - Some kind of non-kobold mafia? the Assassins Guild of Ankh-Morpork? Perchance this is the unanswerable one...

[BRC]

Prize you say? I heartily endorse this product and/or service!

Right, I've checked the new banner out (and quite like it); so lemme take a crack at this organisational guessing game:

Jack - That House of Jaquel you just mentioned a while ago.Hmm... Jack, Jaquel... I see what you did there.:smalltongue:
Rob - I can't remember if the Empire's symbol was ever shown but blue, silver/grey and gold seem to be its prevailing colours so I'm going for them/it.
Oscar - Church of Solam, god of sun, sand and lemons.
Greg - Some kind of non-kobold mafia? the Assassins Guild of Ankh-Morpork? Perchance this is the unanswerable one...


Woah, Four out of Four. Though I wouldn't call the Ancient and Honorable Society of Haberdashers a mafia, it's really more like... but I digress.

And the Empire's symbol has been shown. All the Steelwind footsoliders (Well, not those in the Winter War or the Pedigrees) wear it on their tabards. Officers get blue sashes though, and those who are bodyguarding/assisting high-ranking officers get white sashes.
Next comic will come up eventually. I'm hoping to get to 100 before I head off to College.

In the meantime, MOAR COMMENTS

[BRC]

Rob and Jack updates at night, when you least expect is
Prescription: Lasems

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ98.png

I can never decide how to do fire/explosions. It's different every time I guess. I'm not too sure about the last panel, it's really just some space-filler to cap the comic off.

2 more comics!

[Lyinginbedmon]

I actually had to draw a wall of fire in one of my more recent comics for Remember, and I think it turned out as one of the best fire representations I've seen. Page 186/188 (Book 3, pages 42 or 44)

[BRC]

I actually had to draw a wall of fire in one of my more recent comics for Remember, and I think it turned out as one of the best fire representations I've seen. Page 186/188 (Book 3, pages 42 or 44)
Ego stroke much Lying? It's not that I don't know how to draw fire and explosions, it's that I can't decide between a more cartoony loook, or a less cartoony look with more blurs.

And for the record, I didn't really like your fire wall there, it looks too regular, like a quilt.

[Lyinginbedmon]

Ego stroke much Lying? It's not that I don't know how to draw fire and explosions, it's that I can't decide between a more cartoony loook, or a less cartoony look with more blurs.

And for the record, I didn't really like your fire wall there, it looks too regular, like a quilt.

Fair enough, but I personally like it over any other Burlewan representation I've seen in recent memory.

And hey, my fanbase is near mute, I need all the ego-stroking I can get :smalltongue:

[IsaacTheHungry]

Not in the face, not in the face!!!:smallbiggrin:

well I guess it is hitting us in the back of the head and coming out of the face so its all good :smallamused:

P.S. Brains

[BRC]

Another Day, another Comic. I head to college on wed.
They Love each other, Really

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ99.png

Comments? Questions? Anything?

[memnarch]

Good thing Oscar is there, otherwise I wouldn't know that this was Rob and Jack! :smalltongue:

[BRC]

Good thing Oscar is there, otherwise I wouldn't know that this was Rob and Jack! :smalltongue:
Bah, you don't understand my work
*Storms out of room in a pretentious Manner*

Alright, we'll get back to our core team doing things soon enough. Either way

Expovation

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/bloddyredcommie/RandJ100.png

Originally I had something else planned for this comic, But I figured you would like Chuckles's evil scheme better than Brimsalt family issues.

On an unrelated note: WHOOO! ONE HUNDRED! They said it would never happen. Okay, they didn't, but I imagine they were thinking it.

[IsaacTheHungry]

hat from last panel covers word in 4th box

otherwise cool

[Drakefall]

hat from last panel covers word in 4th box
Hats are more important than mere words.:smalltongue:

Congratulations BRC on your hundredth comic! It has certainly been an excellent read.:smallbiggrin:

[BRC]

The hat, it has been shortened.

Tommorow I start college, so my schedual will change drastically. I don't know how much comic-making time I will have, so bear with me while I figure out an update frequency that works.

Now Comment, or I have Chuckles have somebody kill you.

[memnarch]

A risen king. Sounds like it wouldn't be a whole lot of use. c(:

Also, Now Comment, or I have Chuckles have somebody kill you, doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

[The Gremlin]

A risen king. Sounds like it wouldn't be a whole lot of use. c(:

Also, Now Comment, or I have Chuckles have somebody kill you, doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Chuckles would have an undead minion kill us, he wouldn't kill us himself, silly. :smalltongue:

[Deathslayer7]

awesome monolouge :smalltongue:

[Bago!!!]

Unless he intended to raise us from the dead. We're like commoners, which means cats can still kill us.

[BRC]

Attention: I'm not dead, just in college. I'll try to get a comic up this week.

[IsaacTheHungry]

Attention: I'm not dead, just in college.

There is a difference? :smallconfused:

[Deathslayer7]

misses Rob n Jack :smallfrown:

[BRC]

misses Rob n Jack :smallfrown:
GAH, STOP MAKING ME FEEL GUILTY!

Alright, here's how it is. Back home, I did alot of sitting around messing around on the computer, alot of time by myself. No, I don't look back on that time with regrets, I wasn't terrified of interacting with people, but I was fairly stay-at-home. In short, lots of time for comics, the resualts of which are demonstrated in this thread.

Now I'm at college and I'm having a blast. Lots of fun, I've found an awesome group of people who I hang out with constantly, throw in some classes, and I find I don't have as much time as I used to, and Comics just havn't been occurring. It's not that I don't have time, I mean, I could probably squeeze out a comic a week with all the time I waste, it's that I don't have the inspiration. It's been a month since the last Rob and Jack update, and I honestly have no idea what to do next, and I never feel like making comics. Rob and Jack had always been on a schedual of updating when I feel like it, and technically, that schedule has not changed, I just havn't felt like it since getting here.
That said, I feel terrible, because I did love doing Rob and Jack, and I loved seeing your guys reactions to it, which is why I havn't said anything before now. So yeah, I'm sorry. If it's any consolation, if I did try to force myself to make comics they'd probably end up rushed, poorly written, and generally sucky.
So yeah, I'm sorry, I really really am. It was good times, and maybe I'll start comicing again at some point, maybe with Rob and Jack where we left off now, maybe with Vox Populi, maybe something completely new.

And maybe it will never happen again, who knows.

So yeah, thats all I have to say on the subject. I'm semi depressed now, and I should get to bed. Despite what my crazy roomate seems to think, Sleep is, infact, important.

[The Gremlin]

Eh, it's fine. I'm confident that we'll be able to get you back to comicing later on. And I'm a chicken, we're precognitive. This comic isn't going to die, just go into hibernation. If we have to, we'll wait for college to end. It's only a few years. :smalltongue: