OOTS #1198 - The Discussion Thread

[The Giant]

New comic is up.

[Keltest]

Heh. Belkar and Roy bonding over the disrespect of their enemies not remembering them. Didn't see that one coming.

[Alcore]

Oh Roy... I think he'll remember you this time (just don't expect a name)

[Reboot]

I dunno. He seemed pretty unbothered in the desert, it was only Redcloak who recognised him.

[i6uuaq]

Ooo... wasn't really expecting an update today for some reason. Just popped by out of habit.

I'm wondering why they haven't tried sending to the two paladins yet. I thought that would have been the first thing to do on arrival. How long has it been since the last sending?

[Kantaki]

Belkar's realization at the end seems like it could indicate a huge step into the right direction. Also that he didn't follow up with a "Good thing I don't.".
Although, seeing that everyone tends to include yourself, is caring about others truly required to avoid the "everybody dies" Option?

[Schroeswald]

Ooo... wasn't really expecting an update today for some reason. Just popped by out of habit.

I'm wondering why they haven't tried sending to the two paladins yet. I thought that would have been the first thing to do on arrival. How long has it been since the last sending?

I don't think he's ever posted on a weekend (and he definitely hasn't since I started reading), so I'm lucky I was doing a binge of the history of the MitD thread and noticed his tweet.

Also, dumb joke incoming: V and Haley had to do some social distancing during the spy mission (I know I know, I'll go crawl into that hole now).

[faustin]

I wonder how many times a GM have to tell players "No, you cannot solve this by murdering others or blowing up things" just for them to look at him like he would have grown a second nose.

[Kamunami]

Ah, the shell game conversation from It Takes a Thief, glad to hear that's still remembered. It's a personal favorite of mine and one I use for other subjects quite a bit.

[Draconi Redfir]

so you think this means that team evil already searched around and under the dwarf statue? That seemed to be the common fan-theory of where the gate really was.

[The MunchKING]

I wonder how many times a GM have to tell players "No, you cannot solve this by murdering others or blowing up things" just for them to look at him like he would have grown a second nose.

"Sounds like an amazing lack of creativity on your part then."

:p

[Ronan]

I love new Belkar ^^

[hamishspence]

Roy doesn't even glare at him in the last panel. Maybe he gets that Belkar's trying.

[Peelee]

I wonder how many times a GM have to tell players "No, you cannot solve this by murdering others or blowing up things" just for them to look at him like he would have grown a second nose.

Imean, I let em. But i also let 'em know they have to deal with the consequences afterwards. Makes it a less attractive option.

so you think this means that team evil already searched around and under the dwarf statue? That seemed to be the common fan-theory of where the gate really was.

And debunking it is a common fan-pasttime.

[Kantaki]

Roy doesn't even glare at him in the last panel. Maybe he gets that Belkar's trying.

I think it's two things at play here.
First Roy knows Belkar's clock is running out, so as long as the halfling isn'tt being disruptive/hurting people he lets him be.
And second Belkar's genuinely thoughtful and after the vampire debacle Roy might be a bit more receptive to what he is saying.

Both leading to Roy being more patient with Belkar, allowing him to see that Belkar is having a genuine realization, not setting up some joke.

[woweedd]

Heh, I'm liking new, "genuinely trying" Belkar.

[bunsen_h]

Heh, I'm liking new, "genuinely trying" Belkar.

Oh, he's always been genuinely trying. Just not in the same way.

[trtl]

WHAT?!? Ridiculous, of course Xykon will remember you. Who could forget about Ralph Greensword?!?

[Hiro Quester]

"limited strategic options" makes challenges more challenging and makes for a better story, when the murderhobos PCs have to solve problems in unusual ways that don't involve just killing people and taking their stuff.

"get creative to think inside the box". Brilliant line.

[Vrock Bait]

Didn’t they technically blow up the gate all three previous times?

[Schroeswald]

Didn’t they technically blow up the gate all three previous times?

Yes, but they defeated Xykon before that the first time.

[Fyraltari]

I hope that this will put the ‘the Gate isn’t under the statue’ guesses to rest but I know it won’t. Also lovely interactions between our heroes there.

[DaOldeWolf]

Everything seems fine so far. It makes me wonder if the negative aspects of their mission has to do with the disappearance of Lien and O chul.

[Grey Watcher]

Sometimes I feel like "Caring about the lives of other people really limits one's strategic options" needs to be on a banner in every gaming space.

[Kantaki]

I hope that this will put the ‘the Gate isn’t under the statue’ guesses to rest but I know it won’t. Also lovely interactions between our heroes there.

Of course it isn't under the statue. One of Xykon, Redcloak or the MitD (If he thinks it makes them waste time) probably suggested to check.
You might want an is there.

[Tarthalion]

Everything seems fine so far. It makes me wonder if the negative aspects of their mission has to do with the disappearance of Lien and O chul.

Probably they will only note that they have been unable to find and contact them.

[Peelee]

Oh, he's always been genuinely trying. Just not in the same way.

I don't think I'll ever tire of that joke on early-Belkar.

[understatement]

Great comic!

So how in the living world is Roy going to plan the attack?

[The Pilgrim]

Caring about other people's lives is always the main weak point of the Good Guys. That's why the villiain usually takes hostages sooner or later.

What I wonder is the lack of concern in the Order about the fact that they lose contact from the Paladins.

[Eragon123]

What I wonder is the lack of concern in the Order about the fact that they lose contact from the Paladins.

Them losing contact is probably what is motivating the need for scouting. If the paladins were they they would likely rendezvous first.