OOTS #542 - The Discussion Thread

[The Giant]

New comic is up.

[Lira]

Wow, O-Chul is very impressive.

I liked the title too.

[wodan46]

... o-chul is pretty damn competent

[Glyde]

Am I the only one who thinks Falcon Punch?

Mayhaps next time there will be those last few inches.

[Surfing HalfOrc]

Always match Xykon's bets! It's like BEING the casino!

[Pope Bravo]

Someone on the other thread bet that Xykon would make O'Chul get negative hit points.

Congratulations!

(and yes, i also bet on negative HP)

[Nevrmore]

This newly-realized competency almost makes me forgive O-Chul for having a dumb name.

[DementedFellow]

Why did the shark spit him out? Am I missing something?

[FoE]

That was pretty badass. On both O'Chul and Xykon's part.

So I guess it's clear now why they were betting. :smallamused:

[Estelindis]

Go O-Chul! That was a stunning display of paladinly awesomeness. :smallamused:

Thanks for the update, Giant. I was really fretting over what was going to happen to the Sapphire Guard's toughest member! Actually had a dream about it...


Why did the shark spit him out? Am I missing something?
Because its middle landed on the rim of the tank, and it got a bit winded as a result.

[Resist77]

hm, apparently O-Chul's been through this routine more than once, and he's still trying. Definetly honorable to the end.

[Baal]

I see the old guy has some tricks up his sleeve. Could have been a good semi-main character. But i think there are a lot of them already.

[Szilard]

"I think he got a few inches closer this time.":xykon: :smalltongue:

[motorfirebox]

Mr. Stiffly is currently the top nominee for John McClane of the Year - 2008.

[DraPrime]

I believe we may have a new interesting character.

[Demented]

Either that's very weak acid (green-tinted vinegar), or O-Chul is far beyond Epic level.

[Pope Bravo]

By the way, wasn't O'Chul paralized?

[Kyeudo]

O-Chul is my new favorite paladin. Still trying after two months of abuse.

[Uriel Valentine]

That was rather cool. xD Xykon should get his Teevo to record these trials and put them on a massive screen or something. ;D Just for kicks.

O-Chul gets a couple badass points for that one. He's even taking down Hobbos while in captivity. One of these times he'll actually escape BEFORE getting thrown in the tank.

[Bag_of_Holding]

Xykon's such a cheater! :smalleek:

[memnarch]

Poor O-Chul. :smallfrown:

[Mauve Shirt]

O-Chul is a total badass now. :smallbiggrin:

[expirement10K14]

I'm guessing that Xykon does not lose that much. Nice comic. Maybe you could get your own animated game show....

[chaoticjosh]

not to be a D&D noob (actually, never played the game or read any related books), but how can he be alive, but with negative hit points?

[Brasswatchman]

Man. Put into negative hit points by ray of frost. Of all things. No one deserves that.

[silvadel]

Arent they merely succeeding in potentially levelling ochul? Looks like quite the training regimine

[Patashu]

not to be a D&D noob (actually, never played the game or read any related books), but how can he be alive, but with negative hit points?

You don't die until you hit -10. 0 hp is unconscious, -1 to -9 is dieing.

[Brasswatchman]

not to be a D&D noob (actually, never played the game or read any related books), but how can he be alive, but with negative hit points?

In D&D, you don't actually die until you hit -10 hit points. Up until then, you're just unconscious (and, usually, slowly bleeding to death).

[DementedFellow]

not to be a D&D noob (actually, never played the game or read any related books), but how can he be alive, but with negative hit points?

Basically you're seconds away from death, bleeding out and gonna kick the bucket unless you stabilize yourself or someone else stabilizes you. Typically, you don't stabilize yourself though.

[Ganurath]

Remember, folks: Alive with Negative Hit Points is still Alive, so people who bet on that result still win!

[namako]

That was awesome. Bitten by a shark not once, but twice, and the second time was on purpose! O-Chul is like some kind of action hero.

[Szilard]

Well, at 0hp, your unconcious and lose a hp every six seconds unless stabalized. You are dead at -10 hp.

[Fitzclowningham]

Awesome! O-Chul now officially rolled all 10s, and put all of his ability modifiers on top of his natural 18 Con. That is all

[EricDerKonig]

hm, apparently O-Chul's been through this routine more than once, and he's still trying. Definetly honorable to the end.

Yep. Poor guy. :smallfrown:

[DementedFellow]

Man. Put into negative hit points by ray of frost. Of all things. No one deserves that.

Xykon is a man's man. He used Magic Missile in his first battle with Roy. Repeatedly.

[ss49]

Is Ray of Frost still 1d3 when you are a high level sorceror?

EDIT: Ninja'ed, and done better by, Brasswatchman.

[Rogue 7]

I love the dual pun in the title, and, yes, O-chul is badass as anything. That's fantastic.

[Pope Bravo]

I still don't get it... was'nt O-Chul paralized?

[Surfing HalfOrc]

not to be a D&D noob (actually, never played the game or read any related books), but how can he be alive, but with negative hit points?

At 0 HP, you are knocked out. At -1 to -9 you are dying. At -10 or more (less? Meh... I suck at math) you are dead. Gives your friends a chance to scoop up your body and get you to safety. Even a chance to "force a healing potion into you."

[lenster]

Am I the only one who thinks Falcon Punch?

Mayhaps next time there will be those last few inches.
I thought of that, too.

Lol O-Chul. Nice comic. In Soviet Russia...

[TroyXavier]

Xykon, you are just too funny. O'Chul just can't seem to catch a break.

[Useless]

First time I've stayed up so late and clicked refresh (it's about 1:30 here in England) and I'm not disappointed. Ochul's great! It's always good when minor characters surprise you that they CAN do stuff like that, it's not always the PCs and villans.

Also quite surprised that the comic's only been up for half an hour and it's on 2 pages already - though i do guess it is about 4ish in America.

[Pope Bravo]

At 0 HP, you are knocked out. At -1 to -9 you are dying. At -10 or more (less? Meh... I suck at math) you are dead. Gives your friends a chance to scoop up your body and get you to safety. Even a chance to "force a healing potion into you."

LESS ... -12 < -11 < -10 > -9 > -8 ... MORE

[The_Weirdo]

Okay, O-Chul is Chuck Norris.

[EscherEnigma]

If I recall correctly, most non-magical acid in D&D does something like 2d6 points of damage a round.

The idea that someone thrown in a big vat of acid would reduce them to bones in seconds is something from comic books and movies. I mean, sure, the person isn't going to be too healthy coming out, especially if they don't get that acid washed off pronto, but it's not an instant death sentence.

So in short, being immersed in acid is not an instant death sentence. Being immersed in lava is.

[Fitzclowningham]

Oh, and has unarmed combat.

O-Chul is like a bald, blue-bearded Jack Bauer.

[Orzel]

O-Chul is badass.

So they've been healing him, paralyzing him (sometimes he saves), and chucking him into acid with an acidborn shark over and over? Then betting on the outcome?

Aftert the 3rd time, who's stupid enough to bet on dead?

[Axl_Rose]

lol nice.

O chul is a tank o.O

[Bitzeralisis]

Hmm. Not bad, for the x-th time.

[Demented]

Acid does 1d6/round of exposure, 10d6/round of immersion.
Lava is double that.

Whatever the challenge rating, I think O-Chul's only had a chance to say three words throughout the entire captivity:
Smite, Evil, and Ding!

[Szilard]

What i don't get is why he would even try to punch Xykon if he could paralyze him with a touch?

[Maratanos]

O-Chul is badass.

So they've been healing him, paralyzing him (sometimes he saves), and chucking him into acid with an acidborn shark over and over? Then betting on the outcome?

Aftert the 3rd time, who's stupid enough to bet on dead?

I'd suspect they make it a tougher gauntlet every time, if that's what's happening.

[chaoticjosh]

wow, I got an answer from like 6 different people, thanks guys, i feel nerdier now.

[MrEdwardNigma]

Personally, I think this comic is trying too hard to make O-Chul seem cool. This is not a bad thing per se, but I just didn't really like the way it was done. Somehow, it felt a bit forced to me.

[Lupy]

That. Was. Badass! Paladine that was true proof you screwed by not getting pallies... And I cant wait 'til he levels up and smites Xykon...:smallamused:

[Helanna]

Grrr . . . I spend ALL DAY on this site, wasting time, and I keep telling myself, "it's gotta update sometime, this could be it!" I get off for a couple hours, assuming by now it won't update. Then, one last check, and . . .


I've gotta agree with several other posters: O-Chul is now officially badass. That was so awesome, and so worth the wait.

[DomaDoma]

O-Chul is badass.

So they've been healing him, paralyzing him (sometimes he saves), and chucking him into acid with an acidborn shark over and over? Then betting on the outcome?

Aftert the 3rd time, who's stupid enough to bet on dead?

Or maybe they've just got nothing better to do than put together elaborate deathtraps. Well, okay, they could be arranging that invasion of the western continent, but Xykon doesn't roll that way.

[RebelRogue]

Bwahaha! Poor O'Chul! The implication that he's done this quite a few times made my day :smallbiggrin: Xykon really is a total and utter jerk!

[The Tygre]

Brilliant! Believe it or not, this kind of makes me want Dungeonscape. Yeah, everyone else complains about pre-generated stat. blocks, but to us DMs, they're godsends.

Keep up the great work, Giant!

[xyzzy]

Ouch.

Though that's a pretty creative way to remove rope. My chest hurts thinking about it!

[Pope Bravo]

No one has answered me yet... wasn't O-Chul friggin' paralyzed?

[MarvinCZ]

I still don't get it... was'nt O-Chul paralized?

He was paralyzed like 3 months ago by paralyzing touch. If Xykon wanted him freed from the paralysis to have some fun with him, he could easily fix him have him fixed (edited: that's more like him) (e.g. by some curse-removing spell).

Also... Go, O'Chul, Go!
I hope he gets tons of XP from the challenges...

[dogmac]

Now that is one tough paladin.

I'm very impressed O'chul

[Szilard]

I feel dumb now. I just remembered that Rich co-wrote Dungeonscape, the book the acidborn shark comes from (Well, thats what I heard anyway.)

[Pope Bravo]

He was paralyzed like 3 months ago by paralyzing touch. If Xykon wanted him freed from the paralysis to have some fun with him, he could easily fix him have him fixed (edited: that's more like him) (e.g. by some curse-removing spell).

Also... Go, O'Chul, Go!
I hope he gets tons of XP from the challenges...

Sure, but, tough as he is, O-Chul wouldn't just "stand" there waiting to be dropped.

[dish]

...wasn't O-Chul friggin' paralized?

The facts that his arms had been tied behind his back - a paralyzed enemy does not need to be restrained like this - and his expression had changed, gave us the clue that the paralysis had either worn off or been removed at some point.

And like everyone else says: wow. O-chul is just...wow...um, yes, very good, carry on.

[hajo]

I would bet that Redcloak had enough of this show after the first time...

[dragongirl13]

WOOOOO! Go O-Chul! Kick the shark's butt! YATTA! :smallbiggrin:

Eidt: Did not see the other part of the strip until later. Xykon, you cheater! And poor O-Chul... Ray of Frost right to the face. And that's another spell that Xykon has that I select for all my Sorcerer characters (right up there with Magic Missile and Lightning Bolt).

[mroozee]

Yeah, O'Chul is pretty hard-core. And is that a Yakov Smirnoff reference?

[Pope Bravo]

Yeah, O'Chul is pretty hard-core. And is that a Yakov Smirnoff reference?

You bet it is! =)

[gymbrall]

I wonder if Rich has read Orson Scott Card's story "A Thousand Deaths". There are some vague resemblances...

[Fanatic-Templar]

And Hinjo was the second most powerful member of the Sapphire Guard after Miko?

I like the kid, I really do, but he's not living up to his reputation.

[Aquillion]

Either that's very weak acid (green-tinted vinegar), or O-Chul is far beyond Epic level.
Total immersion in acid deals 10d6 damage a round, and Paladins get 1d10 hp per level. Assuming O'Chul is only a bit below the level of Miko and the PCs (say, 12-13), has a decent con mod (which we already knew from him surviving the explosion), and only spent one round in there (hard to say), it's not that difficult for him to survive.

Of course, given that it's intended for a game, it might also be weaker than usual acid.

[Zurpl]

Sure, but, tough as he is, O-Chul wouldn't just "stand" there waiting to be dropped.He needed to maintain the element of suprise. Otherwise, that first hobgoblin wouldn't have fallen into the acid.

Also, I was thinking... If he's hanging upside down doesn't he need to flex the muscles in his face to frown. I mean, otherwise gravity would pull the looser parts of his face down, which would be towards the crown of his head, and he'd appear to be smiling. I just thought he should've saved that energy for that awesome escape and attack. Then perhaps that Smite Evil would've left a dent in Xykon's skull.

[Maerok]

I never gave O-Chul enough credit.

[shaddy_24]

WHOH! Go O-Chul! Holy crap, that was cool.

[Lionpawheart]

Wooot, I won the bet!!

[InfiniteMiller]

New favourite character. What unmitigated badass.

To go through that death machine and SURVIVE only to run directly into an epic-leveled abomination with a smite evil FIST!?

COME ON. Give it UP.

[holywhippet]

Xykon is pretty cocky to use ray of frost to take him out. It would only work if O-Chul had 1 or 2 HP left.

Smite evil isn't the attack I'd be using either in that situation. It requires an attack roll against AC - admittedly one with the charisma modifier added to it. Lay on hands however only calls for a touch attack and will definetly hurt a lich.

[the_tick_rules]

poor paladin, at least he's killing some hobs.

[draconicgodking]

did anyone but me find it totaly obvious that xykon would win the bet none the less good comic giant and i hope they heal o-chul other wise the MitD won't get his chance to win because o-chul will be dead you hear me D-E-D dead bwa hahahahahah hahaha man that whole dead thing dosent sound as good when you read it instead of hear it and i have to remember not to transcribe my evil laugh

[Aquillion]

Xykon is pretty cocky to use ray of frost to take him out. It would only work if O-Chul had 1 or 2 HP left.

Smite evil isn't the attack I'd be using either in that situation. It requires an attack roll against AC - admittedly one with the charisma modifier added to it. Lay on hands however only calls for a touch attack and will definetly hurt a lich.It's worth pointing out that Xykon metagames much more than most of the other characters in the strip (he openly talked to Roy about his level at one point, say). So it's possible he just glanced at O-Chul's HP first. Xykon probably also wanted to be sure he didn't kill the guy at that point, since he's so amusing.

Also, I don't think O-Chul seriously expected to kill an epic level lich with one attack in any case (and Xykon being a lich, even if he was killed, it wouldn't do any more than slightly inconvenience him.) It was intended as a gesture of defiance, more than anything else.

Plus, being at 1 or 2 HP, O-Chul probably wanted to save his lay on hands for himself on the off chance that some event let him stay free for longer.

[Stormthorn]

That pally must have a waffle-load of hitpoints.

[Pope Bravo]

did anyone but me find it totaly obvious that xykon would win the bet none the less good comic giant and i hope they heal o-chul other wise the MitD won't get his chance to win because o-chul will be dead you hear me D-E-D dead bwa hahahahahah hahaha man that whole dead thing dosent sound as good when you read it instead of hear it and i have to remember not to transcribe my evil laugh

What the... Can someone please translate this into English?

[Felixaar]

well yeah, i think o-chul having massive amounts of hit points has been pointed out before (probably with this comic in mind). and as said, he cant be paralyzed for four months. sure he could be reparalyzed if/when it wears off, but he would have been owned too quickly that way. as belkar said, 'theres no fun if there isnt atleast a small chance of failure'.

also sorry for lack of caps letters; typing with one hand.

[evilmrhenry]

What the... Can someone please translate this into English?

Did anyone but me find it totally obvious that Xykon would win the bet? Never the less, good comic Giant. I hope they heal o-chul otherwise the MitD won't get his chance to win because o-chul will be dead. You hear me? D-E-A-D dead. Bwahahahahahahahahaha. (Man that whole dead thing doesn't sound as good when you read it instead of hear it, and I have to remember not to transcribe my evil laugh.)

Punctuation is the issue here.

[Pvednes]

O'Chul's attempt at the Smite Evil is further support for Redcloak's analysis on the unnaturalness of paladins--it's an example of "fight or fight-some-more".

[Ellen]

Way to go, Mr. Stiffly! We believe in you!

[TheKnifeofTrust]

Personally, I think this comic is trying too hard to make O-Chul seem cool. This is not a bad thing per se, but I just didn't really like the way it was done. Somehow, it felt a bit forced to me.

Not even a little bit, I felt like the poor Paladin was fighting for his life. :smallfrown: The falcon punch at the end was great. I really hope he gets outa this alive somehow he deserves it.

[fractal]

Arent they merely succeeding in potentially levelling ochul? Looks like quite the training regimine
Just what I was thinking. The comic could have been titled, "How to Level a Paladin". After 3 months of this, who knows how high he is now. Certainly it doesn't seem like he's trying to help the MitD win the bet. At least not without going through the hobgoblin hierarchy in the process.

He should have gone for Tsukiko, though. Killing her might actually do something, unlike hitting Xykon.

[AslanCross]

This strip is why O-Chul is now officially included in my list of most badass fantasy NPCs ever.

[Aerysil]

I have a new found respect for O'Chul.

At least the poor guy isn't a statue anymore. That would have been grim.

[Blaznak]

Wow! Apparently paralysis was cast on the Forum board... 1 hour time out!~

Well, its all been said, but I did think it was cute there was a heart-shaped acid splash. Probably not intentional, but still funny.

However, you have to wonder what's going through this shark's mind...
"Hey! They're dropping me a guy! Wait a minute... I recognize this flavor. They keep feeding me the same thing and he keeps getting away! By the Acid-Remoras of the deep, why does he keep escaping? Oh... for some Acid-Shark Chow. Someone, please, anyone, gimme a hand here. Seriously. Gimme one of your hands. Or a leg. Heck, at this point, a bit off an ear wouldn't be bad. And the occasional Goblin? Puhlease! You know how BAD they are for your cholesteral? Sheesh! Oh... wait. They're dropping me a guy again... Wait a minute..."

Later!

[Kizor]

O'Chul's attempt at the Smite Evil is further support for Redcloak's analysis on the unnaturalness of paladins--it's an example of "fight or fight-some-more".

Well what exactly is a natural reaction in this situation, and how is it superior to defiance?

[musicnerd]

O'Chul should be the next James Bond. Wow.

The punchline made me shiver rather than laugh. Very evil. :smallfrown: I didn't notice all the scarring from the previous tortures until the end. I really hope O'Chul survives all this. Poor guy.

[Dervag]

Sweet Jesus that is a lot of hit points.


And Hinjo was the second most powerful member of the Sapphire Guard after Miko?

I like the kid, I really do, but he's not living up to his reputation.O-Chul is the toughest paladin of the Sapphire Guard. I'm guessing an improbably high constitution score, coupled with his levels.

That doesn't make him the wisest or most charismatic paladin (both of which are important aspects of a paladin's abilities). Nor does it make him the best tactician (important for paladins who also serve as officers of an army, as do the senior members of the Sapphire Guard).


Xykon is pretty cocky to use ray of frost to take him out. It would only work if O-Chul had 1 or 2 HP left. Well, Xykon is pretty cocky. We already knew that. He's close to fearless, and he seems to enjoy mixing it up with tough enemy warriors.

[Fitzclowningham]

A++ (again) to Rich for the drama.

I found myself wondering why O-Chul didn't lay hands on himself when he dropped out of the pool if he was so hurt. Then I thought of the idea that Team Evil had been doing this sort of thing to him for some time, and he just wanted it to be over. Then I thought of how hard he worked to get out of the acid bath with the shark and the spikes, and I got a headache.

[Animefunkmaster]

words can't describe... so epic.

[JoeHills]

It would make sense for Xykon to level O-Chul if he wanted to enslave him.

[Ellen]

Here's hoping The Order of the Stick world allows O-Chul to pick a new skill when he levels up called "Get Out of Jail Free."

[David Argall]

And Hinjo was the second most powerful member of the Sapphire Guard after Miko?

I like the kid, I really do, but he's not living up to his reputation.

I wonder if this wasn't originally planned as a Miko scene. The girl would have fit well here at least.

So finding that he could not make Miko work, our writer gives the romance to Celia and the macho to O'Chul. Sounds like a plan.

[RubberBandMan]

What is a really scary thought, what if sometimes he DOES die, and when they revive him he comes back anyways, just on the off million-to-one chance that he escapes and can help the others, or give them information he learned? That would be beyond badass, if he's willing to put up with this just for a chance to help.

Also makes the game more interesting, then him ALWAYS winning whatever deathtrap they set up.

Hell, this could even be a deathtrap testing system, So team evil can find a death trap that you can't escape from.

This was was pretty close, but they underestimated O'Chul. Then again, not many people are willing to bait a shark into biting them, so that they can escape.

[fractal]

Incidentally, I wouldn't consider Xykon's actions cheating. It was O-Chul who chose to add Xykon to the gauntlet, not Xykon himself. Xykon seemed content to let O-Chul complete the ordeal alive (although he probably anticipated it turning out like this, given apparent past events).

[Prowl]

Let the O'Chul Norris jokes commence!

[CockroachTeaParty]

Oh man. Ray of frost! The Sapphire Guard does not quit!

[BriarHobbit]

That was awesome! The spikes seemed redundant when I first saw them, but they served a purpose.

[Blanth]

So I am wondering; am the only one who was thinking "Singing Shark" while reading this?

(If you have to Google that, make sure you have a high profanity check skill first)

[Fabio_MP]

New comic is up.

great acid-breathing shark fun!

and O-Chul is the greatest :)

[NikkTheTrick]

A++ (again) to Rich for the drama.

I found myself wondering why O-Chul didn't lay hands on himself when he dropped out of the pool if he was so hurt. Then I thought of the idea that Team Evil had been doing this sort of thing to him for some time, and he just wanted it to be over. Then I thought of how hard he worked to get out of the acid bath with the shark and the spikes, and I got a headache.
To me, it looks like O'Chul did not want tried his best not to die. When he emerged from the pool, he had no time to lay hands on himself. He used the few moments he had in an attemt to hit Xykon as best as he could. Laying hands would not change much.

It seems that he will do his best not to die because of a faint hope of being able to actually hurt Team Evil. Regardless of how excruciating his current life existence is, he will not give up. He will do his best to fight and keep himself fighting untill Fate wills him to stop.

[Blanth]

Here's hoping The Order of the Stick world allows O-Chul to pick a new skill when he levels up called "Get Out of Jail Free."

"You have won second prize in a beauty pagent Collect $10."
Wooo! I am beautiful! :elan:

[MeTheGameGuy]

There is one word to describe this comic. It begins with "a" and ends with "wesome". O-Chul is, like, ultra super powerful.

And Xykon won the bet! :smallfrown: Poor MitD, he lost his real Monopoly money...

OT, why does "awesome" mean the exact opposite of "awful"? Being full of awe is bad, but having some awe is really great? :smallconfused:

[KIDS]

Ok, that was really really perverse in the fashion that this was the first comic that made my guts twist a little, but also amusing. When I saw the "In Soviet Russia..." title, I was laughing already! O-Chul will gain a few levels from defeating so many challenges though :)

Fun & Devious

[Dave Rapp]

I still can't get over the acid-breathing shark. That probably could not make any less sense even if it tired. (no offense, Mr. Burlew)

Why'd he sink though? I can understand not being able to keep yourself afloat due to hands being tied, but sinking a good 16* feet or so all the way to the bottom, and also hitting it with enough force for the spikes to penetrate... weird.


*16 is an estimate assuming O-chul is about 6 feet tall

[Kanthalion]

There is no chin under O'Chul's Beard. There is only another fist.

O'Chul doesn't have to make Fort Saves, Fortitude has to make O'Chul Saves.

[turkishproverb]

Ochul and two paladins walk into a bar.

Ochul keeps moving.


Yeah, O'Chul is pretty hard-core. And is that a Yakov Smirnoff reference?

In Soviet Russia Yakov Smirnoff references you!

[Prowl]

O'Chul, doesn't have to make Fort Saves, Fortitude has to make O'Chul Saves.

We have a winner already!

[kpenguin]

Wow, that's some willpower.

Give the man a Green Lantern Ring!

[MReav]

Wow.

O-CHUL IS STILL NOT HAPPY!!!

Still, he's pretty much made it as the coolest Paladin ever. I mean seriously, is the man part Dwarf or something, or does he have a High-Constitution Template?

He's come a long way since being forced to clean kitty litter in terms of humiliations.

I just wonder how many Hobgoblins have died because of him in these contests?

[Remirach]

I have no deep insights so have some random observations.

They took O-chul's pants, but not his shoes.

The shark threw up splashes of acid in a "heart"-like arrangement twice.

The *gulp* image just before he's munched by the shark for a second time bears an unfortunate similarity to the expression I'd expect on the face of a person urinating in a public swimming pool.

[Laurentio]

O-Chul is badass.

So they've been healing him, paralyzing him (sometimes he saves), and chucking him into acid with an acidborn shark over and over? Then betting on the outcome?

Aftert the 3rd time, who's stupid enough to bet on dead?

Healing, yes.
Paralyzing, no. Why is everyone still thinking that he must be paralized? You don't require a spell to stand still. It's called "saving energy".
The same acid vat? No one told. Probably, it's a different death trap everytime.

What next? Dire tigers with O-Chul dripped in ketchup while having a lead ball chained to a testicle?

Laurentio

[Kanthalion]

The *gulp* image just before he's munched by the shark for a second time bears an unfortunate similarity to the expression I'd expect on the face of a person urinating in a public swimming pool.

That's because O'chul is so tough he urinates acid, and that little bit of weight loss is what got him the couple more inches on Xykon this time--you don't want to see what he does to get even closer next time.

[Fingolfin]

Uh, although funny in some way, this comic brought so much cruelty and described the seriousness of how evil Xykon really is.

[Bernemer]

Just wondering: Am I the only one who actually gets a little worried about the "Jumping the shark"-reference in the title?

After all, if a series goes "jumping the shark", it is - to use a different metaphor - after a certain event only going downhill ever again...

[TheCountAlucard]

and as said, he cant be paralyzed for four months. sure he could be reparalyzed if/when it wears off, but he would have been owned too quickly that way.

Just so's ye know, the paralysis ability of a lich causes one to be permanently paralyzed; they wouldn't need to "reparalyze" him unless they removed it from him first.

[Behold_the_Void]

Let's run the numbers real quick.

Let's assume O'Chul is probably around level 13-ish. Paladin with a d10 Hit Die and... probably around 20 con at least has about 141 hit points. Being immersed in Acid for what appears to be 3 rounds would do about 105 damage (10d6 damage (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/environment.htm) 3 times over for an average of 35), plus the two shark bites (using the large Monster Manual shark (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/shark.htm) it would do about 8 damage for a total of 16 damage) plus the large spike he got impaled on (let's estimate that as pit spike (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/traps.htm#pitSpikes) with around a 10 foot drop for 1d4+10 damage, possibly halved for slowed falling from the acid) for another 6-12 damage, and we're looking at about 127-133 damage (depending on how the DM ruled falling onto the spikes with the Acid to cushion your fall). So given everything is totally average, O'Chul makes it out with 8 hit points left, not enough to be dropped by a Ray of Frost. That being said, add the randomness factor in, and it's easy to see how there could be a + or - somewhere in this equation that brings him closer to death's door.

[jamroar]

Just wondering: Am I the only one who actually gets a little worried about the "Jumping the shark"-reference in the title?

After all, if a series goes "jumping the shark", it is - to use a different metaphor - after a certain event only going downhill ever again...

Nah, the series already did that gag (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0480.html) back in that comic where Hinjo nearly did got disintegrated by Redcloak.

[Moechi_Vill]

This newly-realized competency almost makes me forgive O-Chul for having a dumb name.

and thus he suffers

[Mordokai]

While this comic makes me appreciate O-Chul even more, the last two comics were still a little bit of a let down. It's great to see that O-Chul is still alive and feeling(reasonably) well, but I'd like the story to progress further, not stagnate. While some comedy comics are still needed, if O-Chul's fate doesn't have something to do with story development, I'd really like to get back to the main comic arc.

[Khatoblepas]

Let's run the numbers real quick.
-MATHS-


Don't forget falling damage! That drop is easily 10ft.

Awesome comic, though. :) We need to see more Team Evil. :( I was missing their evilness. Things were just too Good.

(Though, Xykon's turned from Saturday Morning Cartoon villain to Twisted Vile Mockery of Saturday Morning Cartoon Villain)

[Pellias]

The spirit of Miko Miyazaki will live on in Paladins who are truly commited to their cause. One day, O'Chul might be a worthy candidate for her new earthly vessel.

[Pandabear]

That was really awesome.. :smalleek:

Indeed, those betting on alive were still right.. even the MitD could technically speaking be right if O-Chul manages to escape..

[Max_Sinister]

Poor O-Chul. And he was so damn close. But even if he hadn't been stopped - does he have a realistic chance to smite Xykon?

And Xykon is yet again the old bastard he always was.

[Phase]

Man, all the extra levels O-chul would need to survive that? They're in badass...
:smallamused:

[Felixaar]

Just so's ye know, the paralysis ability of a lich causes one to be permanently paralyzed; they wouldn't need to "reparalyze" him unless they removed it from him first.

Ah, thanks. It seems I need to either start playing DnD more or start hanging out on these forums less.

Or just go with old faithful, Proscrastination.

(Also, 10 points for using "Ye")

[hewhosaysfish]

They took O-chul's pants, but not his shoes.

But the wight already has shoes.
I guess he already has pants too, but that's not the point.
What is the point?
Uh...
They're not paladin pants. Yes, that's it: he wanted Paladin Pants.
He's building up a whole outfit, one warrior of the gods at a time.

[Tundar]

Wowsers, that's one badass paladin.

Go go O'Chul!

I'm sure that;
When O'Chul takes a leak in an acidpool, the pH goes down.

[Roderick_BR]

Why did the shark spit him out? Am I missing something?

It didn't spit him out. It rushed at O-Chul so fast it flew out of the tank with him, that was apparently his plan since he coudln't get out by himself.

And damn! Now I do believe O-Chul is the most resistant member of the late Sapphire Guard! Maybe he took some levels of crusader? :smallwink:

[pasko77]

Now, can O-chul become more awesome?
except by beating Xykon, i mean.
Next time my money is on "escapes and lives happily ever after" :smallcool:

[pendell]

New comic is up.

And an awesome comic it is, too. YES! I'm glad to see O-chul beat the odds! I needed something happy, and to see O-chul do something heroic was just what I needed. Spectacularly well done!

What kind of acid is that, though ?

Respectfully,

Brian P.

[elonin]

Hello,

First post here. Xyrkon may have a couple of cleric levels and had cast status on O-Chul. Thus he knew exactly what to cast and not break his toy.

It's also obvious that the shark spit the guy out (perhaps in the hopes that more goblins would drop in on him...

[Finn Solomon]

O-Chul's bad-assness goes up to 11. That is all.

[Bendal]

Didn't Hinjo describe O'Chuul as the toughest paladin in the city? Now we know his Constitution score is 18 or higher, easily.

BTW, he wasn't paralyzed, he had his hands tied on the platform. Obviously he had Xykon's paralysis removed and they've been keeping him as a POW for entertainment purposes...

Did like how he kicked one of the hobgoblins off the platform first, then was hanging onto it with his knees until the other one shoved him.

[Scutatus]

Uh, although funny in some way, this comic brought so much cruelty and described the seriousness of how evil Xykon really is.

That's exactly what I see too. While many have focused on the "coolness" and "badass" I would say they are missing the main point here.

O'chul is in hell. For three months he has been repeatedly tortured and abused. He is being tormented. He is being beaten up, burnt, bitten, cut and dropped into insane death traps over and over again. All for the cruel enjoyment of the forces of darkness who relish in finding increasingly ridiculously painfull tests for him to endure; For beings who enjoy his pain. The man knows no peace, only perpetual pain and suffering, and lord knows how he still clings on to hope.

Only O'chul's strength of will keeps him going but after three months how much longer could that really last? This is a D&D world, not real life, so all he suffers has not yet killed him, but even here he has clearly come but a breath away from death many times. One day they won't bother to revive him. One day, at the whim of his torturers, it will be over. And frankly by then he'll probably welcome death.

This was horrible, truly horrible. I did not laugh. I cried.

[Alfryd]

This was horrible, truly horrible. I did not laugh. I cried.
Yeah, it was pretty grisly alright.

Of course, given O-chul's apparently astronomical fort saves, that sort of begs the question of how he ever fell victim to lich paralysis.

[Tola]

Heh.

I had the music here: http://gh.ffshrine.org/song/5378/25 in my head as I watched.

That was impressive...shame he didn't land the hit.

[OperationTREX]

Originally Posted by Szilard View Post
Well, at 0hp, your unconcious and lose a hp every six seconds unless stabalized. You are dead at -10 hp.


0 hp is not dying, and no stabilizing rolls needed (yet.)

When your current hit points drop to exactly 0, you’re disabled.

You can only take a single move or standard action each turn (but not both, nor can you take full-round actions). You can take move actions without further injuring yourself, but if you perform any standard action (or any other strenuous action) you take 1 point of damage after the completing the act. Unless your activity increased your hit points, you are now at -1 hit points, and you’re dying.

Healing that raises your hit points above 0 makes you fully functional again, just as if you’d never been reduced to 0 or fewer hit points.

(taken from the d20srd.)

[Milandros]

After being tortured for two months and reduced to a toy abused out of spite, O'Chul is still fighting.

He hasn't even fallen.

That's a paladin.

[pasko77]

This was horrible, truly horrible. I did not laugh. I cried.

See, Scutatus, it is true that it was not a strip for laughs.
But remember it's a comic. It is a story about D&D, where vile evil is fought by great heroes. The author, in this strip, shows us both these facets, the evilness and the bravery of who oppose said evil.

My 2 copper pieces.

[Atanuero]

Why Smite Evil? Why not Lay On Hands? Do I sense a low Wis score for O-Chul?

[Agthorr]

Because its middle landed on the rim of the tank, and it got a bit winded as a result.

Winded? But sharks don't even have lungs...

[turn.self.off]

Yeah, it was pretty grisly alright.

Of course, given O-chul's apparently astronomical fort saves, that sort of begs the question of how he ever fell victim to lich paralysis.

well he is a npc so...

still, there is always the chance of rolling a 1...

[Forealms]

That was definitely a satisfying OotS. Btw, why does nobody die of grisly (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0056.html) chest (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0408.html) wounds (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0542.html)?

[Jammeez]

First off, apologies if I'm repeating what someone else has already said. I didn't read the entire thread before posting. But then, who does?

I went back to the last time we saw "Mr. Stiffly", #477. The only real clue we have that he is not still paralyzed at the end of #541 is his expression. Last time we saw him, his browlines were in a "V", an angry scowl. Now they were in a straight line, what I would call a determined glare.

The last frame today actually made me gasp when I realized the implication. My only question is how many of those scars are pre-477? :frown:

BTW, really enjoying this story! Thanks, Rich. (I wish you read this, though I understand why you don't.) :smallwink:

EDIT: Oh yeah. The Shark Heimliched himself on the edge of the tank.

[Niesra]

Great comic! I'm one of those who've been missing team evil...(maybe we¿ll get an update about the giant hole in the sky...) O-Chul's definately the best. I didn't think he'd make it out actually...(of course, i thought he was still paralyzed too...) but i loved how badass he is! great update

[silversaraph]

Near the end of this comic, whats that O-chul is holding in his feet? Is it just his feet, moving in fast motion, or is it the cloak of some other paladin (or his) that got lost doing the challenge?

Either way, it would be gone now..

Never mind, I'm stupid, forget what I said.

[Bill]

Of course, given O-chul's apparently astronomical fort saves, that sort of begs the question of how he ever fell victim to lich paralysis.

Anyone who has played D&D knows those ill fated words...

"I only fail on a 1..."

[Holammer]

The Burning Knuckle style Smite Evil would have made Terry Bogard proud.
If not for the fact that Chuck Norris references are horribly out of style since he supported Huckabee. We'd probably be quipping O'chul facts now.

[Gitman00]

Let's run the numbers real quick.

Let's assume O'Chul is probably around level 13-ish. Paladin with a d10 Hit Die and... probably around 20 con at least has about 141 hit points. Being immersed in Acid for what appears to be 3 rounds would do about 105 damage (10d6 damage (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/environment.htm) 3 times over for an average of 35), plus the two shark bites (using the large Monster Manual shark (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/shark.htm) it would do about 8 damage for a total of 16 damage) plus the large spike he got impaled on (let's estimate that as pit spike (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/traps.htm#pitSpikes) with around a 10 foot drop for 1d4+10 damage, possibly halved for slowed falling from the acid) for another 6-12 damage, and we're looking at about 127-133 damage (depending on how the DM ruled falling onto the spikes with the Acid to cushion your fall). So given everything is totally average, O'Chul makes it out with 8 hit points left, not enough to be dropped by a Ray of Frost. That being said, add the randomness factor in, and it's easy to see how there could be a + or - somewhere in this equation that brings him closer to death's door.

Prety good analysis, though I read it as at least 4 rounds in the acid.

Round 1: He falls in and hits the spikes, cuts his bonds, and starts swimming.
Round 2: Shark bites him on its initiative, then O-Chul punches it and uses his move action to get to the surface.
Round 3: O-Chul realizes he can't get out, then starts splashing to bait the shark.
Round 4: Shark bites him, jumps halfway out of the tank, and releases him.

I'd still apply the acid damage on round 4, though it's open to interpretation.

[Doug Lampert]

Well, at 0hp, your unconcious and lose a hp every six seconds unless stabalized. You are dead at -10 hp.At least two people have posted this and it's wrong in detail.

At 0 you are Disabled, you are not unconcious and are not dying. From the SRD:
DISABLED (0 HIT POINTS)
When your current hit points drop to exactly 0, you’re disabled.
You can only take a single move or standard action each turn (but not both, nor can you take full-round actions). You can take move actions without further injuring yourself, but if you perform any standard action (or any other strenuous action) you take 1 point of damage after the completing the act. Unless your activity increased your hit points, you are now at –1 hit points, and you’re dying.
Healing that raises your hit points above 0 makes you fully functional again, just as if you’d never been reduced to 0 or fewer hit points.
You can also become disabled when recovering from dying. In this case, it’s a step toward recovery, and you can have fewer than 0 hit points (see Stable Characters and Recovery, below).

[Doug Lampert]

Xykon is pretty cocky to use ray of frost to take him out. It would only work if O-Chul had 1 or 2 HP left.

Smite evil isn't the attack I'd be using either in that situation. It requires an attack roll against AC - admittedly one with the charisma modifier added to it. Lay on hands however only calls for a touch attack and will definetly hurt a lich.Also since a melee attack roll is required to lay on hands vs. a Lich you can also make it a smite. And the punch will do non-lethal damage unless you have the right feat, monk levels, or are willing to take a -4 to hit.

Smite-lay on hands can be devastating, Smite-punch not likely so much.

[redshift]

It's not like O Chul could (seriously) hurt him... the ray of frost is just insurance against killing him because I doubt O Chul would let himself be raised. I'm curious as to why O Chul would even bother attacking. As slim as his chances of escape are they are still better than the odds of beating everyone in that room.

As to the hp arithmeticians... nothing says he started at full hp.

This was said before but I still want to reiterate:
Why did he sink so fast so as to impale himself on the spikes? He's obviously buoyant and dexterous.
Why didn't he lay on hands during that gulp moment? or while he was sinking?
Nobody said the challenges were the same each time (or even that they all involved O Chul).

[HolderofSecrets]

Let's run the numbers real quick.

Let's assume O'Chul is probably around level 13-ish. Paladin with a d10 Hit Die and... probably around 20 con at least has about 141 hit points. Being immersed in Acid for what appears to be 3 rounds would do about 105 damage (10d6 damage (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/environment.htm) 3 times over for an average of 35), plus the two shark bites (using the large Monster Manual shark (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/shark.htm) it would do about 8 damage for a total of 16 damage) plus the large spike he got impaled on (let's estimate that as pit spike (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/traps.htm#pitSpikes) with around a 10 foot drop for 1d4+10 damage, possibly halved for slowed falling from the acid) for another 6-12 damage, and we're looking at about 127-133 damage (depending on how the DM ruled falling onto the spikes with the Acid to cushion your fall). So given everything is totally average, O'Chul makes it out with 8 hit points left, not enough to be dropped by a Ray of Frost. That being said, add the randomness factor in, and it's easy to see how there could be a + or - somewhere in this equation that brings him closer to death's door.

Simply Droping his con to 18 puts him at 128 hp and the slowwed fall through the acid is enough to save his life. But repeatly making it through a series of CRs is normally enough to Level though as an NPC giant may just be toying with us.

[Craig1f]

I wonder if he's able to level, or if he has to "train for a week" to level in Rich's universe.

The OotS members had to actually go to town and train. But they really only described it for characters that took new classes.

If O'Chul can level in prison, he's going to become very powerful. If he can memorize spells as well, he might be in a good position.

[Morgaledh]

Come ON...

You're right, Rich. You jumped the shark.

[Ikialev]

*Sniff* Poor Stiffly.

And, what is that ball in his hand in 3rd from end panel? 0o

[F.H. Zebedee]

Smite Evil's energy is what's in his hand.

Good comic, though depressing in a way...

[Twilight Jack]

But is he actually 13th level? I had always assumed he cruised in between 8-11. After all, at 13th, he'd be the equal of any member of OotS, and I'd gotten the impression that they were the highest level heroes in the vicinity.

At 10th level, with a Con of 20 (beginning Con of 18 - he's the toughest guy we've ever seen in OotS, so the presumption of a natural 18 isn't off base), O-Chul is looking at 10d10+50. That would average out to 109hp. 11th level averages at 120hp. Nothing at this point suggests to us that O-Chul ever rolled poorly on his hit points for each level, so the actual numbers could be considerably higher. As a true freak of nature, an 8th level O-Chul could manage 120hp too. 11th level Freak!O-Chul goes as high as 165.

Anyhow, I'm just trying to point out that he needn't be of equal level with the Order in order to have a lot of hit points.

EDIT: Oh, snap! I just realized that I hadn't even taken Toughness and Improved Toughness into account. That pushes our possible totals up even further.

[Vulion]

...God DAMN O-chul is one impressive paladin! Sapphire Guard Forever!

[Griever]

Great comic, giant, though poor O'chul! :smallfrown:

[factotum]

I wonder if he's able to level, or if he has to "train for a week" to level in Rich's universe.

The OotS members had to actually go to town and train.

No, they didn't. As far back as strip #12 they levelled up in the middle of the dungeon without any sign they had to train to do it.

[Estelindis]

Winded? But sharks don't even have lungs...
Well, we could say "impeded" by the edge of the tank if you like, or "squished," or "bent"...

[Aquillion]

Prety good analysis, though I read it as at least 4 rounds in the acid.

Round 1: He falls in and hits the spikes, cuts his bonds, and starts swimming.
Round 2: Shark bites him on its initiative, then O-Chul punches it and uses his move action to get to the surface.
Round 3: O-Chul realizes he can't get out, then starts splashing to bait the shark.
Round 4: Shark bites him, jumps halfway out of the tank, and releases him.

I'd still apply the acid damage on round 4, though it's open to interpretation.But on the rounds where he's on the surface (debatable, but at least parts of 2,3, and 4 in your interpretation) he only takes 1d6 damage instead of 10d6. Yes, it's stupid, but according to the rules anything less than total immersion only deals a pathetic 1d6 damage a round.

I think 3 and 4 would be one round, though. After all, you don't have the shark taking an action in round 3, or O-Chul taking an action in round 4... it's logical to assume it's just O-Chul's turn, then the shark's.

[Estelindis]

*Sniff* Poor Stiffly.

And, what is that ball in his hand in 3rd from end panel? 0o
That's what a clenched fist looks like in the Giant's art style. :smallwink:

[kyrin]

I can picture the 12 Gods discussing O-Chul:

Horse: O-Chul is loyal, because he bears terrible burdens and does not lose his faith or determination.

Gods: Hear, hear!

Monkey: O-Chul is clever, because he knows that if Xykon is busy dreaming up torments for him, the lich is not making other plans.

Gods: Hear, hear!

Rabbit: O-Chul is compassionate, because he know that if Xykon is tormenting him, others are spared for the moment.

Gods: Hear, hear!

Tiger: My boy is *badass*.

Gods: Hear, hear.

Dragon (lifting a claw for silence): O-Chul is all these. He is a paladin.

Gods (Raising cups of sake): Hear, hear.

A strip equal parts Rube Goldberg comedy and contemplation of the nature of the paladin. Another good job by the Giant.

JIM

[Aquillion]

I can picture the 12 Gods discussing O-Chul:

Horse: O-Chul is loyal, because he bears terrible burdens and does not lose his faith or determination.

Gods: Hear, hear!

Monkey: O-Chul is clever, because he knows that if Xykon is busy dreaming up torments for him, the lich is not making other plans.

Gods: Hear, hear!

Rabbit: O-Chul is compassionate, because he know that if Xykon is tormenting him, others are spared for the moment.

Gods: Hear, hear!

Tiger: My boy is *badass*.

Gods: Hear, hear.

Dragon (lifting a claw for silence): O-Chul is all these. He is a paladin.

Gods (Raising cups of sake): Hear, hear.

A strip equal parts Rube Goldberg comedy and contemplation of the nature of the paladin. Another good job by the Giant.

JIMTsukiko: Here, they told me to bring you a glass of water to keep you alive so we can torture you again next time.

O-Chul: Thanks. You know, my alignment compels me to say this... Non-evil forms of undead exist. Even for you, atonement is still--

Dragon: Was that an attempt to associate?

Tiger: That sounded like an attempt to associate!

Rabbit: I've always been of the opinion that he's associating with them just by being captured by them.

Gods: FALL TIME!

O-Chul: ...mother always told me I should've been a Crusader.

[mroozee]

Winded? But sharks don't even have lungs...

Well that depends, if it's a Regular Shark or an Acidborn Shark.

(There is no such thing as an Acidborn Shark. Is there?)

[Faltenin]

Now, does this mean that OotS has officially jumped the shark (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumping_the_shark)???

Let's see...

"Death and Exit ... stage left": Roy died (cries)
"They did it": Elan and Haley finally made out
"Moving the main characters from their familiar surroundings to a new town": sure, they're all split up all over the place
"Cousin Oliver syndrome, when a new character (often, a young child) is added to the cast": the long dead brother finally revealed...
"Special guest star": G Gygax is the ultimate special guest, isn't he?


So what's left? "Same Character, Different Actor". So I predict the return of Roy, played by Wesley Snipes.

:smallbiggrin:

[sihnfahl]

Why Smite Evil? Why not Lay On Hands? Do I sense a low Wis score for O-Chul?
No. It makes sense when you think about it.
Paladins have to prepare their spells each morning.
They probably wouldn't give him a chance to prepare spells in his cell, now, would they.

So all he has left are his class abilities. Smite evil, lay on hands, turn undead being the applicable 'usable' skills.

He sure as heck can't turn an epic lich, so that leaves SE and LoH.

Since he's at so low HP, if he used his LoH, he'd really not have anything left for himself and still be able to take out the other hobbos. I mean, a RAY OF FROST took him down. One of the demon cockroaches could knock him into negative HP just by stepping on his foot, probably.

So better to leave the LoH to bring himself up to more positive HP and use smite evil on the lich...

[ChaoticEvilGuy]

WOOOOOO!!!!!!! Action Scene! finally :smallbiggrin:

[warmachine]

Xykon wins by an interfering at the last second? Shocking. Has he no sense of gamesmanship? Do the demon roaches?

As for O'Chul, he is letting his anger get the better of him. Though Xykon deserves a really hard smiting, he can take a lot more damage than that. O'Chul would have been better off using his Lay on Hands ability and trying to escape. After all, discretion is the better part of valour.

[Dohmaker]

lay of hands = more beating for him

smite evil = forcing the game to end there

[Zephra]

"a few inches closer this time"? This time?!? :smallfrown: that's so sad!

[Eran of Arcadia]

Horse: O-Chul is loyal, because he bears terrible burdens and does not lose his faith or determination.

Monkey: O-Chul is clever, because he knows that if Xykon is busy dreaming up torments for him, the lich is not making other plans.

Rabbit: O-Chul is compassionate, because he know that if Xykon is tormenting him, others are spared for the moment.

Tiger: My boy is *badass*.

Dragon (lifting a claw for silence): O-Chul is all these. He is a paladin.


That is what a paladin should be. I would be proud to consider myself one.

[Eric]

Well, at 0hp, your unconcious and lose a hp every six seconds unless stabalized. You are dead at -10 hp.

However, IIRC, Ray Of Frost only does ONE hit point of damage.

So since O'Chul was not unconscious, he must have had at least 1hp left.

He's now if he's unsconscious from damage, he's now at 0hp and had 1hp before then.

And Xykon didn't win because of that.

Oh, and he ESCAPED with positive hit points. If after having got out, he's not escaped because he's still not away, then he'd never be ABLE to escape with negative hit points because he'd be unable to walk (being unconscious) and unable to leave.

So Xykon was just wrong either way.

[sihnfahl]

"a few inches closer this time"? This time?!? :smallfrown: that's so sad!
Yup. They've been doing this to him for months for their amusement.

[Quorothorn]

While this comic makes me appreciate O-Chul even more, the last two comics were still a little bit of a let down. It's great to see that O-Chul is still alive and feeling(reasonably) well, but I'd like the story to progress further, not stagnate. While some comedy comics are still needed, if O-Chul's fate doesn't have something to do with story development, I'd really like to get back to the main comic arc.

...Dude, this is the story. The story of the whole wonderfully screwed-up world of OotS.

Seriously, why is there this idea that the comic's story has ever stagnated? I have one thing to say to the people who think that: Read. Wheel. of Time. Then talk. (And actually, I don't think that WoT's story ever "stagnated" either, but I'm pretty much alone there, so...yeah.)


Now, on Lay on Hands VS Smite Evil, I should point out that the gruff, scarred O-chul might not have a CHA bonus, and therefore (if I remember the rules aright) no LoH pool. Additionally, assuming he does have LoH, perhaps he had it ready to be applied along with the unarmed Smite Evil for extra damage.

On that note, a question: does this indicate that Xykon has the Spell Opportunity feat, or just that he used a readied action?


On the strip itself: it is equal parts amusing, badass, sad, and heartwarming. O-chul remains defiant!


EDIT:

However, IIRC, Ray Of Frost only does ONE hit point of damage.

So since O'Chul was not unconscious, he must have had at least 1hp left.

He's now if he's unsconscious from damage, he's now at 0hp and had 1hp before then.

And Xykon didn't win because of that.

Oh, and he ESCAPED with positive hit points. If after having got out, he's not escaped because he's still not away, then he'd never be ABLE to escape with negative hit points because he'd be unable to walk (being unconscious) and unable to leave.

So Xykon was just wrong either way.

They never said "escaped", they just said "Dead or Alive". O-chul ended the ordeal Alive...but with negative hit points. Therefore the boss won.

And Ray of Frost deals 1d3 dmg.

[Eric]

OT, why does "awesome" mean the exact opposite of "awful"? Being full of awe is bad, but having some awe is really great? :smallconfused:

Different word roots.

Might as well ask why does Day and Dark both have "Da" at the beginning and yet have a fairly opposite meaning..?

[SteveMB]

However, IIRC, Ray Of Frost only does ONE hit point of damage.
However, YRI. Ray Of Frost (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/rayOfFrost.htm) does 1d3 damage.

[Aquillion]

No. It makes sense when you think about it.
Paladins have to prepare their spells each morning.
They probably wouldn't give him a chance to prepare spells in his cell, now, would they.No Paladin in OOTS has ever been shown casting a spell, even in situations where it would obviously be useful to do so. It seems quite likely that the ability has been cut, since it could be confusing to people who don't know the game's rules, and is mostly redundant with smite evil + lay on hands for thematic purposes.

[Eric]

Let's run the numbers real quick.

Let's assume O'Chul is probably around level 13-ish. Paladin with a d10 Hit Die and... probably around 20 con at least has about 141 hit points. Being immersed in Acid for what appears to be 3 rounds would do about 105 damage ...So given everything is totally average, O'Chul makes it out with 8 hit points left, not enough to be dropped by a Ray of Frost. That being said, add the randomness factor in, and it's easy to see how there could be a + or - somewhere in this equation that brings him closer to death's door.


If the roll is really random, you'd expect a variation on the 105 of +/- 10.

Mind you, 13x (1d10 + 5) gives 136 average +/- 8, though I'd say he's more about 10/11th level and rolled high (if you're talking about getting an average of 7 from a d10, that happens for 10 rolls a few times in a population of thousands).

[Eric]

.

They never said "escaped", they just said "Dead or Alive". O-chul ended the ordeal Alive...but with negative hit points. Therefore the boss won.

And Ray of Frost deals 1d3 dmg.

But he'd never get out without killing or disabling ALL the viewers, he'd be unable to do that while at negative hit points (being unconscious tends to slow down your attacks per round to, oooh, nil). So he'd either die, or not die (positive hit points).

Of course, anyone pointing this out to Xykon would be killed. Xykon doesn't take losing or backtalk too well, unlike Belkar.

[Eric]

.

They never said "escaped", they just said "Dead or Alive". O-chul ended the ordeal Alive...but with negative hit points. Therefore the boss won.

But he'd never get out without killing or disabling ALL the viewers, he'd be unable to do that while at negative hit points (being unconscious tends to slow down your attacks per round to, oooh, nil). So he'd either die, or not die (positive hit points).


.
And Ray of Frost deals 1d3 dmg.

Of course, anyone pointing this out to Xykon would be killed. Xykon doesn't take losing or backtalk too well, unlike Belkar.So O'Chul *could* (66% chance) be at negative hit points NOW and then ONLY if he was previously at 1hp. If he was at 2, it'd be a 33% chance and at 3hp no chance.

Has anyone checked to see if he's -1?

Mind you, maybe someone Down There likes Xykon...

:-)

[WebMonk]

I realize this is sort of out of character for a paladin-type, but he really should have made an attempt at escape instead of going on an obviously hopeless attack on :xykon: and just being captured again. The better move would have been to try to make an escape. It would be a very long shot to actually escape, but it's a better chance than attacking Xykon.

He might have been able to hide out and stark picking off hobgoblins or something like that. He probably doesn't know about the resistance in the city, but even still he should realize that he probably could do more damage by escaping to attack the hobgoblin forces for as long as he can. Instead he just does wasteful, useless attacks on Xykon.

But as I said - that isn't the paladin way. They go for the big dramatic gestures, ignoring practicalities. That can be a strength at times, but a royal PITA the rest of the time.

[Quorothorn]

But he'd never get out without killing or disabling ALL the viewers, he'd be unable to do that while at negative hit points (being unconscious tends to slow down your attacks per round to, oooh, nil). So he'd either die, or not die (positive hit points).

Of course, anyone pointing this out to Xykon would be killed. Xykon doesn't take losing or backtalk too well, unlike Belkar.

Okay, this reasoning might be a bit odd/convoluted, so bear with me, please.

As the roach initially declared the hobby the winner when O-chul first landed, it can be inferred that the bet was whether he would escape the pool (not the compound itself) Alive or Dead. O-chul then added Xykon himself to the death-trap via charging him, so once Xykon had launched his attack, that part of the guantlet was also over, leaving O-chul Alive at negative HP.

And Xykon actually doesn't necessarily overreact to backtalk.


I realize this is sort of out of character for a paladin-type, but he really should have made an attempt at escape instead of going on an obviously hopeless attack on :xykon: and just being captured again. The better move would have been to try to make an escape. It would be a very long shot to actually escape, but it's a better chance than attacking Xykon.

He might have been able to hide out and stark picking off hobgoblins or something like that. He probably doesn't know about the resistance in the city, but even still he should realize that he probably could do more damage by escaping to attack the hobgoblin forces for as long as he can. Instead he just does wasteful, useless attacks on Xykon.

But as I said - that isn't the paladin way. They go for the big dramatic gestures, ignoring practicalities. That can be a strength at times, but a royal PITA the rest of the time.

No, O-chul had absolutely zero chance at getting away completely: there was a Sorcerer and a Mystic Theurge less than ten metres away. Also, Xykon knows Forcecage.

[maxon]

Giant you are a very, very wicked person. I signed in just to say that.

BTW, I have a new computer with the fabbest screen you have ever seen. The comic looks great on it.

[Pope Bravo]

Well, O-Chull is as real badass. Did you noticed how his eyes are open, even if he's immersed in the acid?

[Damon_Caskey]

If I recall correctly, most non-magical acid in D&D does something like 2d6 points of damage a round.

The idea that someone thrown in a big vat of acid would reduce them to bones in seconds is something from comic books and movies. I mean, sure, the person isn't going to be too healthy coming out, especially if they don't get that acid washed off pronto, but it's not an instant death sentence.

So in short, being immersed in acid is not an instant death sentence. Being immersed in lava is.

Thought this worth mentioning. While true most acids won't reduce you to bones in seconds, minutes, or even hours, they can and will kill instantly in many cases.

Some industrial acids are able to cause various forms of shock and instant death with as little as one drop by inducing profound chemical reactions in the body on contact, never mind immersion. Nasty stuff.

DC

[kyrin]

Tsukiko: Here, they told me to bring you a glass of water to keep you alive so we can torture you again next time.

O-Chul: Thanks. You know, my alignment compels me to say this... Non-evil forms of undead exist. Even for you, atonement is still--

Dragon: Was that an attempt to associate?

Tiger: That sounded like an attempt to associate!

Rabbit: I've always been of the opinion that he's associating with them just by being captured by them.

Gods: FALL TIME!

O-Chul: ...mother always told me I should've been a Crusader.

Change that to Pig, Snake, and Rat, and I'm right witcha!

Although I'm sure Monkey could negotiate that down to a Shadowbane Inquisitor, or that other Prestige Class that lets Paladins do questionable things, the Grey Guards?

A lot of negotiation probably goes on in *that* circle. Whereas the Aesir probably have drinking contests to decide if a paladin is gonna fall or not...

JIM

[kyrin]

Different word roots.

Might as well ask why does Day and Dark both have "Da" at the beginning and yet have a fairly opposite meaning..?

Nope, same word root. "Aweful" used to have a good connotation. There are just different ways to cause awe, ya know...

JIM

[Oberon]

O-Chul is badass.

So they've been healing him, paralyzing him (sometimes he saves), and chucking him into acid with an acidborn shark over and over? Then betting on the outcome?

Aftert the 3rd time, who's stupid enough to bet on dead?

I assumed that they've been putting him through various different dangerous situations and betting on it. So maybe last time was like... a bunch of poisonous snakes or something, and he still escaped but didn't make it quite as far. This is probably more elabourate than whatever the previous one was, which is why everyone seemed to think O'chul was a goner in 541.

[MyrddinDerwydd]

...Dude, this is the story. The story of the whole wonderfully screwed-up world of OotS.

Seriously, why is there this idea that the comic's story has ever stagnated? I have one thing to say to the people who think that: Read. Wheel. of Time. Then talk. (And actually, I don't think that WoT's story ever "stagnated" either, but I'm pretty much alone there, so...yeah.)

I agree actually - and they are both good stories. RJ just got in a little over his head I think, in trying to give far too many details. WoT gives the story of several people's lives, which just made it get longer and longer as the plot became progressively more complex and gained characters... Still. Waiting. For. Tarmon Gai'don.

[Nightfall]

Arent they merely succeeding in potentially levelling ochul? Looks like quite the training regimine

That thought occurred to me as well. He gets points for killing the hobgoblin AND for defeating (I didn't say "killing") the shark. So, are they going to let him recover enough to do it to him again? And again? I get the feeling the shark tank is only one of many ways they're playing "Dead or Alive" with O-Chul.

[Morgan Wick]

not to be a D&D noob (actually, never played the game or read any related books), but how can he be alive, but with negative hit points?

Dude, either you haven't read the archives or you weren't paying attention. (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0058.html)


So they've been healing him, paralyzing him (sometimes he saves), and chucking him into acid with an acidborn shark over and over? Then betting on the outcome?

I don't think they've been paralyzing him the same way Xykon did in the tower... they probably bind him before healing him.


Grrr . . . I spend ALL DAY on this site, wasting time, and I keep telling myself, "it's gotta update sometime, this could be it!" I get off for a couple hours, assuming by now it won't update. Then, one last check, and . . .

WHY doesn't the RSS feed allow checks more than once a day at least from IE7?????!!!!!!

Not going to bother reading the whole thread, just want to say, huh. Some forum people were right for once (although Xykon didn't just shoot him to win the bet...).

[Vebyast]

Just a thought...

Since Lay On Hands is an attack when used against undead (or, at the very least, requires an attack *roll*, which qualifies it as an attack), could he be attempting to Smite Evil with a Lay On Hands?

I could be misremembering, since I haven't played any really munchkin'd DND in a year or two, but I seem to remember doing stuff like that all the time under 3.5.

[Callista]

Just a thought...

Since Lay On Hands is an attack when used against undead (or, at the very least, requires an attack *roll*, which qualifies it as an attack), could he be attempting to Smite Evil with a Lay On Hands?

I could be misremembering, since I haven't played any really munchkin'd DND in a year or two, but I seem to remember doing stuff like that all the time under 3.5.Yes, it counts as an attack. Anything with an attack roll, you can use a Smite on. I had a character once who multiclassed rogue/paladin and did Smite and Sneak Attack damage at the same time! She was kinda an unconventional paladin, though. Started out as an army scout, ended up as an anti-dragon specialist... fun character. (Also, I had a good DM. The worst challenge to my morality was the usual "How do we deal with this unconscious enemy mook" dilemma. We just tied 'em up and locked 'em in an empty room.)

Theoretically, I could have attacked with Smite/SA after doing Use Magic Device to activate a scroll with a touch spell; but I didn't think of it at the time and it's kinda cheesy anyway. I never actually had the opportunity to use LOH offensively; but it would've amounted to the same thing. Of course, if you want to attack and discharge a Touch range spell/power at the same time, you have to do a regular attack roll instead of just a touch attack.

Also, I'm a total geek. :D

[rman]

XP total

Killed: 1 Hobgob
Escaped: 1 Acid Shark
Survived Encounter: 1 Hobgob, 1 Lich
Defeated Plans of : sorcerer, wight, hobgob cleric, MitD

It would not take to many of these to level up quick. Especially since he is doing this solo and probably gets a bonus due to the starting condition.

[Callista]

And Hinjo was the second most powerful member of the Sapphire Guard after Miko?

I like the kid, I really do, but he's not living up to his reputation.I think we're looking at a Diplomacy-focused Hinjo and a battle-focused O-Chul.

[ChaoticEvilGuy]

"...this time"!!???
Poor O-Chul how many times have they done this?:smallfrown:

[Requiem_Jeer]

Yeah, it was pretty grisly alright.

Of course, given O-chul's apparently astronomical fort saves, that sort of begs the question of how he ever fell victim to lich paralysis.

Because Xykon's DC is MINIMUM 29, probably 30 (level 22)

+9 MINIMUM cha modifier to cast 7 9th level spells in a day, plus 20 or 21 (levels 21 and 22 respectively, with the 10 base tacked on), gives O-Chul a...



+8 paladin (level 12 or 13), +3 cha (he can't have very much cha, this is a generous amount, with a magic item), +5 con(lets add an extra 2 from a magic item), +3 or 4 resistance, this adds up to a maximum +22 fortitude save. Impressive, but still a 25% chance of failure. a more reasonable saving throw, deducting 1 from charisma, rasistance saving throw, and by deducting his level to 10 or 11, gives him a 40% chance to fail.

He rolled poorly, but this is again assuming he had good magic items. With no magic items, his fortitude save is probably in the realm of +14. he has only a 30% chance of SUCCESS of saving.

[osyluth]

By the way, wasn't O'Chul paralized?

A few days ago, yes. By a spell with a duration of 1 round/caster level.

[delboy]

ouch knocked down by ray of frost which only does 1d3 damage thats harsh lol, then again looking at him looks like its a good chance he would of passed out after performing that smite evil anyway lol.. great comic =D

[Fitzclowningham]

I don't think O-Chul has Lay on Hands, because he doesn't have a Cha bonus. If Xykon is any judge, he's (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0448.html) Ugly (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0449.html). With an astronomical Con and high Str., I'd believe he'd have dump stats galore.

[Callista]

Charisma as "force of personality" might give him a modest bonus (and access to LOH) despite the scarred-up face, though. Xykon's approximately 22 CHA, for example, has nothing to do with looks.

[Vanguard]

I believe we may have a new interesting character.

Well then, Happy birth day and, indeed a new character.

[Porthos]

A few days ago, yes. By a spell with a duration of 1 round/caster level.

Actually, it a was a few months ago. By a spell with a permanent duration. :smallwink:

Which means that someone (prob Redcloak or another Cleric) had to remove it. :smallsmile:

[Vanguard]

By the way, wasn't O'Chul paralized?

It's been months since O'chuls Paralysis, Paralysis can only last so long.

[Vanguard]

Either that's very weak acid (green-tinted vinegar), or O-Chul is far beyond Epic level.

Or he has Constitution and Fort out the whahoosle.

[Kish]

It's been months since O'chuls Paralysis, Paralysis can only last so long.
Paralysis from a lich's touch is permanent until dispelled. However, Redcloak would certainly have dispelled the paralysis to interrogate O'chul, as well as to feed him, since it seems they want him alive for now.

[Stormthorn]

What is a really scary thought, what if sometimes he DOES die, and when they revive him he comes back anyways, just on the off million-to-one chance that he escapes and can help the others, or give them information he learned? That would be beyond badass, if he's willing to put up with this just for a chance to help.

I thought of that too. It seems likely that, depending upon how often the game goes on, he could have been killed multiple times (at least one showing a week, probably more, for about a month?). I would probably come back in that case because enought times and i would roll all 20's by sheer probability. I would be stark-raving mad, but i would eventualy escape.

[Quorothorn]

Charisma as "force of personality" might give him a modest bonus (and access to LOH) despite the scarred-up face, though. Xykon's approximately 22 CHA, for example, has nothing to do with looks.

Isn't Xykon's CHA actually estimated at 28? Anyway, Charisma is based off a whole bunch of things: physical appearance, social grace, and sheer force of personality. Hard to say where O-chul stands overall. I mean, heck, physical attractiveness is at least somewhat relative, so...


I agree actually - and they are both good stories. RJ just got in a little over his head I think, in trying to give far too many details. WoT gives the story of several people's lives, which just made it get longer and longer as the plot became progressively more complex and gained characters... Still. Waiting. For. Tarmon Gai'don.

Well, we'll find out eventually. It'll just always be in the back of our minds, though, that a lot of the sections won't be written as RJ would've written them.


F' amyloidosis, man, F' amyloidosis...

[Callista]

Isn't Xykon's CHA actually estimated at 28? Anyway, Charisma is based off a whole bunch of things: physical appearance, social grace, and sheer force of personality. Hard to say where O-chul stands overall. I mean, heck, physical attractiveness is at least somewhat relative, so...Yeah. I must be aging... my memory's going :P

[Kanthalion]

With the evilness of Xykon and Company, I wouldn't put it beyond them to let him ding then kill and rez just to keep him from leveling up.

EDIT: Course, now that I said that, what would keep O'chul from refusing the rez? Honor, perhaps?

[Fitzclowningham]

I know charisma isn't just looks, but Ugly could be Rich's shorthand for low charisma. Can't spell everything out in detail.

[Callista]

There's always Status or Deathwatch + some form of ranged healing. All Xykon or his cleric buddies would have to do is watch the HP and hit him with a healing spell.

If there were ever an opportunity to try to save against a healing spell, this would be it! Question being: Do you accept the healing, or try to reject it and know the lich will find somebody else to pick on?

[MReav]

Now, does this mean that OotS has officially jumped the shark (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumping_the_shark)???

Let's see...

"Death and Exit ... stage left": Roy died (cries)
"They did it": Elan and Haley finally made out
"Moving the main characters from their familiar surroundings to a new town": sure, they're all split up all over the place
"Cousin Oliver syndrome, when a new character (often, a young child) is added to the cast": the long dead brother finally revealed...
"Special guest star": G Gygax is the ultimate special guest, isn't he?


So what's left? "Same Character, Different Actor". So I predict the return of Roy, played by Wesley Snipes.

:smallbiggrin:

BOOO!!!! He's Samuel L. Jackson or bust!

Anyways, we've also had the Musical (A Song for the Departed), and "I Do" (V's offscreen, pre-comic marriage).

Others that we haven't had yet: "Live"!, "A Very Special Episode", and
"Ted McGinley"

[GalenDev]

I have a thought, though not necessarily a particularly likely one. In a game I was once a part of, a buddy of mine died, and got to take over an NPC instead of rolling a new character from scratch. Considering the sheer amount of punishment O-Chul is currently going through, do you think it's possible he's graduated to PC?

Again, not saying it's likely, but depending on the rules, it is possible, and I think he'd make an ideal one. Especially considering his obvious capabilities.

[factotum]

EDIT: Course, now that I said that, what would keep O'chul from refusing the rez? Honor, perhaps?

He would know he was being resurrected by an evil cleric, and he would also know that meant he would still be imprisoned when he came back. I suppose it really then depends whether he still believes he can escape or do some damage to the bad guys--given he's still at least TRYING to Smite Evil Xykon then it suggests he's up for it, but we don't know how many times he's tried and failed to do that at this point!

[Laurentio]

I know charisma isn't just looks, but Ugly could be Rich's shorthand for low charisma. Can't spell everything out in detail.

Durkan, Belkar and V are all low charisma (by V definition) and while not gorgeous and handsome, seems not ugly to me. Should I have to kiss one of them, it would require me some time to choose... and I would kiss V. But it's because I'm male. Ask a lady about the "Cha dumb score" team.

Laurentio

[OmegaDonut]

No Paladin in OOTS has ever been shown casting a spell, even in situations where it would obviously be useful to do so. It seems quite likely that the ability has been cut, since it could be confusing to people who don't know the game's rules, and is mostly redundant with smite evil + lay on hands for thematic purposes.

While no paladin has ever been depicted casting spells in the comic, Miko cast Cure Light Wounds on herself in Rich's off-panel description of the second battle between her and the OOtS. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=291639#post291639)

[Eric]

[QUOTE=Quorothorn;4102888]Okay, this reasoning might be a bit odd/convoluted, so bear with me, please.

As the roach initially declared the hobby the winner when O-chul first landed, it can be inferred that the bet was whether he would escape the pool (not the compound itself) Alive or Dead. O-chul then added Xykon himself to the death-trap via charging him, so once Xykon had launched his attack, that part of the guantlet was also over, leaving O-chul Alive at negative HP.

And Xykon actually doesn't necessarily overreact to backtalk./QUOTE]

I'll try not to belittle others ideas: it's a failing of mine.

Problem with this is that it isn't a trap any more if Xykon can be included (the trap can now pralyse and punch him down until unconscious, just so the bet is won). Even if he IS included, if your statement about the game is right, O'Chul still got to the ground with positive hit points. So still he was alive.

Xykon cheated and everyone else knows that if they tell him about it and say he lost the bet, they'll be next. But then again, Xykon is the butch. Evil with a capital E.

Hell, Xykno overreacts about EVERYTHING:

In SoD, he whups the professors' ass for saying he's less than a wizard, kills his parents for letting the prof in his room.
When he finds out he can't taste bad coffee, he wastes the waitress.
When he is told by Liriel and Dorukan he's worthless, he goes seriously ape on them respectively.
The lizardman corrected him and got killed.
When the gob kills the dragon, he kills the gob.

Complain to Belkar:

Haley: why would I take on a little bastard like you?
Belkar: Fair point.

Heck, we know that Belkar feels underappreciated because of his height, but he takes it in his stride. He's evil, but he knows it AND accepts that people won't like it too much.

[Feefers]

I don't think O-Chul has Lay on Hands, because he doesn't have a Cha bonus.

No it's because the Gods disapprove of Paladin's touching themselves...

[Amon Star]

Charisma as "force of personality" might give him a modest bonus (and access to LOH) despite the scarred-up face, though. Xykon's approximately 22 CHA, for example, has nothing to do with looks.

That depends on your point of view. Tsukiko certainly finds him attractive, & according to Start of darkness old bony used to be a looker in his breathing days.
BOOO!!!! He's Samuel L. Jackson or bust!

Maybe when he was younger. Though I've always thought that Denzel Washington would make a good :roy:.

[Jimorian]

I don't think I've seen this brought up as motivating thought for O-Chul in surviving and escaping: "When I get my hands on that dirty little halfling..." :smallfurious:

[Callista]

That kind of obsessing on revenge would have shifted his alignment... Maybe not away from LG, but towards NG a bit. Revenge is chaotic--it's a personal act. Anyway, he doesn't strike me as the type to hold grudges against people. If you can survive being a holy warrior forced to clean litter boxes by a good-aligned superior, you can probably take it in stride that an obviously evil halfling decided to save his own skin instead of risking it to help you out. Yeah, you might go back and drop his little butt in the nearest prison; but not expecting evil people to do evil things is a bit unrealistic.

If there's anybody he's mad at enough for it to contribute to survival, it's Xykon. He's seeing atrocities from him every day, and probably not just directed at himself. There's a difference between one self-serving "save my butt" act, and repeated extreme evil just for the fun of it. Also, notice the way he went straight for Xykon, rather than trying to kill (for example) the cleric, whom he might realistically have taken down, depending on level.

[MReav]

Hmmm... I would say the coolest thing O-Chul could do would be for him to

somehow break the vat of acid (say by convincing the MitD to do so) for the next contest of "Dead or Alive". Burn out pretty much everyone in room, and be able to do some serious damage to the enemy spellcasters.

[chibibar]

O'Chul is one tough Pally. I mean "this time" means that team evil been torturing him for a while now.

[Laurentio]

Can't stop asking myself: what if Xylon killed O-Chul instead of paralyzing? I think that as a Martyr Ghost, he would have packed quite a lot of damage, and being of a higher level that others ghosts, probably immune to Redcloth Turn Undead.

On a OoT, "O-Chul" is more than bad as a name, if you are an italian reader. It sounds like "Da-bottomback", in a very vulgar way.

Laurentio

[Vanguard]

Why did the shark spit him out? Am I missing something?

A Sharks belly is the only area where it's unprotected. If a Shark takes a blow to the belly great discomfort is applied. Also if a Shark is flipped onto it's back it enters a sort of hypnotic state, that might explain why the Shark spit O'chul out.:smallwink:

[Callista]

Can't stop asking myself: what if Xylon killed O-Chul instead of paralyzing? I think that as a Martyr Ghost, he would have packed quite a lot of damage, and being of a higher level that others ghosts, probably immune to Redcloth Turn Undead.Ah, yes, "if". The story could've turned out quite differently. If O-Chul had died, Miko wouldn't have taken his attempt to destroy the Sapphire as a sign. She might still be alive, the gate might still be intact, and Azure City might not have been lost. It could have been the end of Xykon and Redcloak, too--Soon knew about the phylactery; and an army deprived of its leaders falls into chaos rather quickly, especially if there are a lot of angry ghost-martyrs around. I wonder if O-Chul knows what Miko must have thought when she saw him frozen just before smashing that Sapphire... Then again, he seems much too practical to go about with what-ifs and angst.

[Vanguard]

Paralysis from a lich's touch is permanent until dispelled. However, Redcloak would certainly have dispelled the paralysis to interrogate O'chul, as well as to feed him, since it seems they want him alive for now.

Ohhhkay. That makes a ton of sense thanks. :smallsmile:

[Saint Nil]

HOLY CRAP!!! O-Chul is awesome! Also, great job making Xykon win. Proving that OOTS is the greatest webcomic, and that not all paladins suck.

[CGM3]

Others that we haven't had yet: ...
"Ted McGinley"

Not that! For the love of the Gawds, anything but that!

OMG--

That's it! The Monster in the Dark is TED MCGINLEY! And he will be revealed in the last strip of OotS! IT ALL FITS! IT ALL MAKES SENSE! :smalleek:

I'll go stand quietly in the corner now.

[kabbor]

I'll try not to belittle others ideas: it's a failing of mine.

Problem with this is that it isn't a trap any more if Xykon can be included (the trap can now pralyse and punch him down until unconscious, just so the bet is won). Even if he IS included, if your statement about the game is right, O'Chul still got to the ground with positive hit points. So still he was alive.

Xykon cheated and everyone else knows that if they tell him about it and say he lost the bet, they'll be next. But then again, Xykon is the butch. Evil with a capital E.


I'll just point out that "Escapes and lives happily ever after" was an option in the betting contest. So, the bet could only be paid until O'chul was killed, unconscious, recaptured or free. So, the bet was called for "Alive" when it seemed that O'Chul was out of the tank, alive, but finished. When he got up and tried to attack Xykon, it was clear that he was not finished, and the bet should not have been called. Of course, Xykon's hitting him with such a weak spell so he would win was not quite fair......

Well, that would be their rationalization for not getting themselves fried by an angry lich!

[Castamir]

[QUOTE=Quorothorn;4102888]Hell, Xykon overreacts about EVERYTHING:

[examples...]

Complain to Belkar:

Haley: why would I take on a little bastard like you?
Belkar: Fair point.

Heck, we know that Belkar feels underappreciated because of his height, but he takes it in his stride. He's evil, but he knows it AND accepts that people won't like it too much.[/Spoiler]
Or, Belkar has more balls than Xykon.
Not that surprising if you realize that balls made of flesh not bone.

[Goreg]

Anyone else find that the strip went from sheer awesome to really, really dark in the last speech bubble?

[FujinAkari]

Anyone else find that the strip went from sheer awesome to really, really dark in the last speech bubble?

Naaah, I thought it got even more awesome.

[Eric]

A Sharks belly is the only area where it's unprotected. If a Shark takes a blow to the belly great discomfort is applied. Also if a Shark is flipped onto it's back it enters a sort of hypnotic state, that might explain why the Shark spit O'chul out.:smallwink:

Hey, it's an *acidborn* shark. Who knows what the reducsing atmosphere of oxygen would do to such a creature.

Maybe a gulp of that poisonous oxygen caused it to barf.

Possible, at least, I reckon.

[Eric]

[QUOTE=Eric;4105411]
Or, Belkar has more balls than Xykon.
Not that surprising if you realize that balls made of flesh not bone.

And as the Sexy Shoeless God Of War, he's probably got a free Feat for it..!

[Blaznak]

However, IIRC, Ray Of Frost only does ONE hit point of damage.
'snip' So Xykon was just wrong either way.


As pointed out, RoF does 1d3. The question I have is "does Xykon have Point Blank Shot" for an extra +1 damage?" If so, he clearly knows his stuff and would have no guessin about the result of the combat. He would do 2 points minimum, bringing the paladin to 0, where any additional action (such as the attack) would result in a -1 hit point loss, or he would do up to 4 hit points.
I think there's also feats that add damage to cold based spells, but can't remember those at the moment...

Sooo, Xykon's not wrong, just evil! :)

Later!

[smart thog]

Wow! I'm the forth mind flayer to post in a row. That is cool.

Personally, I think that O-chul is going to escape. He's done this before and knows how futile it is to try and beat Xykon, so I think that he's just looking like he's unconscious so that when the hobbos try to take him back to his cell, he will use his lay on hands top fully heal himself (it might work, his awesomeness gives him at least a 18 Cha) then kills the hobbos who are guarding him, then escapes, (he knows the area well, as I said he's done this before.) This means that MITD was right.