Grrl Power VII: Let Me Explain For The Next Thirty Comics!

[Shining Wrath]

I wonder if Sydney will become Halo and put up the globe of force.

[KillianHawkeye]

I wonder if Sydney will become Halo and put up the globe of force.

I'm doubtful that would be of any use considering the two of them are already in close contact.

Also, your word choice here puzzles me. Halo is Sydney's codename, not her alter ego. Sydney doesn't change anything more than her outfit when she's doing super hero stuff.

[Rater202]

I'm just gonna say that the last couple of pages really make me think I'm onto something when I suspect that Dabbler's "we like our bond's" sentiment is some form of rationalization.

[Shining Wrath]

I'm doubtful that would be of any use considering the two of them are already in close contact.

Also, your word choice here puzzles me. Halo is Sydney's codename, not her alter ego. Sydney doesn't change anything more than her outfit when she's doing super hero stuff.

By "become Halo" I mean she goes from "woman having fun with a friend" to "superhero defending herself against a supernatural attacker", with all the emotional baggage that implies.

The size of the globe seems to be under Halo's control. If she can get any opening at all she can create a small one and then, I think, expand it.

Doing that to Parfait would doubtless cause some serious hurt feelings.

[Dragonus45]

I mean, can it ever be specific enough for lawyers? Someone could certainly argue that it is 'natural' and not 'supernatural' because the lust aura and hypnotic glamor is something that a succubus produces unless the succubus delberatly reigns it in. Like breathing. You can moderate your breathing, but normally it just happens without thinking about it.

Of course another lawyer could argue that succubi aren't natural at all since they are artificial creations (at least historically) and thus all of their abilities are supernatural on the basis that nothing is natural about them. Furthermore, what may be natural for one species may be supernatural for humans. And since this is a human court of law we should be using the human definition of the word.


That aside, I was expecting Parfait to make an advance on Sydney on this girls night of theirs. I wasn't expecting Parfait to lose control and go full lusty sexual assault, so I'm disappointed that Dave went for that.

Oh I don't particularly think that "natural" and "unnatural" or "supernatural" are even useful comparison points here even. I think it should be an issue of influence versus compulsion which the article just sort of assumes the glamour is inherently compulsive enough to remove a persons ability to consent.

[Forum Explorer]

Oh I don't particularly think that "natural" and "unnatural" or "supernatural" are even useful comparison points here even. I think it should be an issue of influence versus compulsion which the article just sort of assumes the glamour is inherently compulsive enough to remove a persons ability to consent.

A vampire glamor typically would remove the ability to consent, after all, someone being glamoured usually can be flat out eaten by the vampire in question and not fight back.

Dave's Succubi auras, well that's a bit blurrier. And how far does something have to go before you consider it removing someone's ability to consent? Like maybe it can be resisted and fought off. But if you don't resist it, are you just basically guaranteed to have sex with the succubi? Because in that case, I'd say it absolutely is removing someone's ability to consent, just like someone using drugs to knock someone unconscious is a sex crime.

[Shining Wrath]

A vampire glamor typically would remove the ability to consent, after all, someone being glamoured usually can be flat out eaten by the vampire in question and not fight back.

Dave's Succubi auras, well that's a bit blurrier. And how far does something have to go before you consider it removing someone's ability to consent? Like maybe it can be resisted and fought off. But if you don't resist it, are you just basically guaranteed to have sex with the succubi? Because in that case, I'd say it absolutely is removing someone's ability to consent, just like someone using drugs to knock someone unconscious is a sex crime.

How much removal of consent is required before it becomes illegal? "Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker".

[Forum Explorer]

How much removal of consent is required before it becomes illegal? "Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker".

That's complicated and hard to prove. Most of the time. Because I've seen alcohol used to say it wasn't consent before as well.

But proving against a succubus lust aura is likely easier. After all, you didn't have a choice about being subjected to the aura.

[Dragonus45]

A vampire glamor typically would remove the ability to consent, after all, someone being glamoured usually can be flat out eaten by the vampire in question and not fight back.

True.

Dave's Succubi auras, well that's a bit blurrier. And how far does something have to go before you consider it removing someone's ability to consent? Like maybe it can be resisted and fought off. But if you don't resist it, are you just basically guaranteed to have sex with the succubi? Because in that case, I'd say it absolutely is removing someone's ability to consent, just like someone using drugs to knock someone unconscious is a sex crime.

If the aura is analogous to an inebriating substance on someone else sure, I think with the Grrl Power succubi it's been more of an exceptional charisma bonus super makeup "I'm to sexy for this webcomic page." kind of thing. It's been sadly ill defined, and as much as I would like to get more specifics to work out the details I would actually rather Dave time skip forward a month and never speak of this again.

[lord_khaine]

I'm just gonna say that the last couple of pages really make me think I'm onto something when I suspect that Dabbler's "we like our bond's" sentiment is some form of rationalization.

The last couple of pages are very clearly a hamfisted attempt from the author to state your dont have anything.
The Author does a spectacular bad job of it. But the intent is clear i think.

Also its the wrong route in my opinion.
I think, a better route would have been that the bond provided emotional and moral grounding for a young succubus.
Giving them a person they cant manipulate or trick as easily as most others.
Kinda like one stable father/mentor/husband figure.

edit.

Alright todays comic was hilarious.
To bad Max was out of the blast radius.

[Rydiro]

edit.

Alright todays comic was hilarious.
To bad Max was out of the blast radius.

Waiting for Dragonus' reaction.

I'm surprised that no one made their saving throw.
Parfait is a low level succubus after all and not juiced up Vehemence.

[Keltest]

Waiting for Dragonus' reaction.

I'm surprised that no one made their saving throw.
Parfait is a low level succubus after all and not juiced up Vehemence.

Didn't Parfait explain at one point that she had to work on toning it down, not cranking it up?

[Forum Explorer]

The last couple of pages are very clearly a hamfisted attempt from the author to state your dont have anything.
The Author does a spectacular bad job of it. But the intent is clear i think.

Also its the wrong route in my opinion.
I think, a better route would have been that the bond provided emotional and moral grounding for a young succubus.
Giving them a person they cant manipulate or trick as easily as most others.
Kinda like one stable father/mentor/husband figure.

edit.

Alright todays comic was hilarious.
To bad Max was out of the blast radius.

I have no idea what you are trying to say here.


Anyways, I'm going to say that this page pushes the lust aura firmly into the 'overriding consent' part. The fact that everyone immediately drops everything to have sex/masturbate is more than just a 'nudge'.

[Radar]

Alright todays comic was hilarious.
To bad Max was out of the blast radius.

Agreed on both points. I keep wondering though, whom Arianna was texting.

edit:
it also appears that Gwen is reading Grrl Power.

[Dragonus45]

Also its the wrong route in my opinion.
I think, a better route would have been that the bond provided emotional and moral grounding for a young succubus.
Giving them a person they cant manipulate or trick as easily as most others.
Kinda like one stable father/mentor/husband figure.

I actually think the current idea works, where you have this potentially very unhealthy bond built into your soul but have reclaimed enough agency as a people to be able to vet and control it and arguably turn it into an advantage in a lot of cases despite the unhealthy implications. I just think Dave was ham fisted about it.

edit.
Alright todays comic was hilarious.
To bad Max was out of the blast radius.

Nah she would be the ultimate party pooper here, the best part though is that Dabbler missed it.

Waiting for Dragonus' reaction.

I'm surprised that no one made their saving throw.
Parfait is a low level succubus after all and not juiced up Vehemence.

Given how Arc has occasionally come across as one nudge away from being an orgy the entire run of the comic and several of these couplings have been variously hinted at or established I would more surprised if people had actually bothered putting a fight up about it. I would say I am curious who Ariana was texting though I don't remember it being mentioned she had a relationship?

[lord_khaine]

I have no idea what you are trying to say here.

Eh whatever then. Its hardly relevant.
Going to take to long to explain something thats just a personal idea for a better bond explanation, to be worth it.

I actually think the current idea works, where you have this potentially very unhealthy bond built into your soul but have reclaimed enough agency as a people to be able to vet and control it and arguably turn it into an advantage in a lot of cases despite the unhealthy implications. I just think Dave was ham fisted about it.

Dave is often hamfisted yeah. There are people in healthy versions of that kind of relationship though.
And hence i think the addition of magic pleasure rewards only adds unhealthy implications. Instead of removing them as was clearly intended.

Else on the consent part. We can see that Gwen who was on her own just started to surf porn.
So yeah i suspect these are people who were already likely to fool around on their own.
I certainly think the Math/jabberwonky relation has been teased before. They do spend a lot of time together.

While for Adriana. No we have not been told anything about her personal life.
But it makes sense as such she has a life besides Archon.

[Traab]

I actually think the current idea works, where you have this potentially very unhealthy bond built into your soul but have reclaimed enough agency as a people to be able to vet and control it and arguably turn it into an advantage in a lot of cases despite the unhealthy implications. I just think Dave was ham fisted about it.


Nah she would be the ultimate party pooper here, the best part though is that Dabbler missed it.



Given how Arc has occasionally come across as one nudge away from being an orgy the entire run of the comic and several of these couplings have been variously hinted at or established I would more surprised if people had actually bothered putting a fight up about it. I would say I am curious who Ariana was texting though I don't remember it being mentioned she had a relationship?

I wonder how dabbler would have reacted. I honestly think there is the potential for her to realize whats happening and go "Oh no" and run off to try and stop it because this is a loss of control on parfaits part. We dont know precisely what sort of effects there may be for sydney in particular if she gets sexxed up by a succubus who isnt controlling their powers properly. I mean, we have already seen some concerning side effects from dabbler and her exploits and she has tons of experience using them. The amnesia hammer thing so the dude she slept with isnt ruined sexually by nothing ever matching up to what he ahd that night with her ever again. Jabberwoky and her obsession with dabbler, etc etc etc.

[Dragonus45]

I wonder how dabbler would have reacted. I honestly think there is the potential for her to realize whats happening and go "Oh no" and run off to try and stop it because this is a loss of control on parfaits part. We dont know precisely what sort of effects there may be for sydney in particular if she gets sexxed up by a succubus who isnt controlling their powers properly. I mean, we have already seen some concerning side effects from dabbler and her exploits and she has tons of experience using them. The amnesia hammer thing so the dude she slept with isnt ruined sexually by nothing ever matching up to what he ahd that night with her ever again. Jabberwoky and her obsession with dabbler, etc etc etc.

Yea the person I am actually legit worried about right now is Sydney, and how that gets handled is gonna really answer the question of if I even keep reading this comic.

[Shining Wrath]

I'm wondering if losing control like this is not a major "sin" or "crime" or "social faux pas" for Parfait. I'm also pretty sure that if everyone in the building is doing what birds do and bees do that means that Sydney and Parfait are currently losing control / completely out of control.

[AvatarVecna]

And then Deus came in and banged everyone and made notes about it in his canonical bang book which is a sign of how awesome he is rather than cringy or creepy or disrespectful. And everyone clapped.

[Dragonus45]

I'm wondering if losing control like this is not a major "sin" or "crime" or "social faux pas" for Parfait. I'm also pretty sure that if everyone in the building is doing what birds do and bees do that means that Sydney and Parfait are currently losing control / completely out of control.

Probably depends on consequences, Dabbler is an extreme variation of it but most succubae/non earth folks tend to be kind of loose about this stuff to a vaguely smug degree and I wouldn't be surprised if it mostly settles into faux pas unless someone gets hurt. Also I just noticed the title of that book. Someone seems to have already had plans for the night and didn't even need the nudge.

[lord_khaine]

Dabblers possible reaction had she been around is an interesting topic.
I think its plausible she might have calmly walked over to suggest a board game or a simular change of topic.
And equally likely she had just leaned back to enjoy the ambience of the entire base being at it.

I mean, we have already seen some concerning side effects from dabbler and her exploits and she has tons of experience using them.

Dabbler is a 300 year old succubus sorceress though.
And she stated that the actual magical effect of her kiss would only last about 24 hours.
That it seemingly lasted longer on Jabberwocky was later explained by her really liking kisses.
(and possibly having poor impulse control? she did have a criminal history)

Parfait meanwhile is what 18? and not even finished succubus school.
Based on that, as well as on none of the people who should know about this (Dabbler, Gwen, Parfait)
Seemed to think it was a bad idea to leave her alone with someone.
Then i think its safe to conclude she is safe company.
And that its unlikely Sydney will be worse off than from a night clubbing.

[Traab]

Dabblers possible reaction had she been around is an interesting topic.
I think its plausible she might have calmly walked over to suggest a board game or a simular change of topic.
And equally likely she had just leaned back to enjoy the ambience of the entire base being at it.



Dabbler is a 300 year old succubus sorceress though.
And she stated that the actual magical effect of her kiss would only last about 24 hours.
That it seemingly lasted longer on Jabberwocky was later explained by her really liking kisses.
(and possibly having poor impulse control? she did have a criminal history)

Parfait meanwhile is what 18? and not even finished succubus school.
Based on that, as well as on none of the people who should know about this (Dabbler, Gwen, Parfait)
Seemed to think it was a bad idea to leave her alone with someone.
Then i think its safe to conclude she is safe company.
And that its unlikely Sydney will be worse off than from a night clubbing.

And despite saying it would only last 24 hours it lasted way longer than that and made her pretty freaking loony for some time. I forget the actual time frame if it was ever confirmed. It might have been a power interaction issue but either way, my point was, dabbler has all this experience and even she messes up sometimes. She just has the general knowledge and ability to fix or at least ameliorate said mistakes.

I mean, would gwen even be aware of the risks here of a young half trained succubus hanging out on base? Being the magical girl on site doesnt make you an expert on every aspect of the supernatural. Dabbler isnt even here I dont think so her opinion on parfaits being ok to be on earth unsupervised like this is unknown and asking parfaits opinion is like asking that 16 year old if they are mature enough to go to a kegger. Can you really trust their impartial judgement on the subject? She just wants to hang out with her friend, the consequences might not really be at the front of her brain (just behind 7 of those pleasure centers I think) And as we saw pretty clearly she does NOT have proper control of herself. I think the next few comics involving sydney will determine just how skeeved I am overall, because honestly Im feeling a bit uncomfortable. To use your example, this could be like the result of a night spent clubbing, a morning after of "Oh my head, what did we DO last night?" Or it could come off as a really really BAD night clubbing, if you get my drift.

[lord_khaine]

And despite saying it would only last 24 hours it lasted way longer than that and made her pretty freaking loony for some time. I forget the actual time frame if it was ever confirmed. It might have been a power interaction issue but either way, my point was, dabbler has all this experience and even she messes up sometimes. She just has the general knowledge and ability to fix or at least ameliorate said mistakes.

... You are directly quoting the sentence.
That mentions the kiss DID wear off like it was supposed to after 24 hours.
But that it SEEMED like it had not worn off. Because Jabberwocker really liked kisses.
We directly got a bit of exposition on it from Sydney later on.
I agree the explanation dont make sense, but its the one we were given.


That aside. On a second glance.
What really amuses me is that Math, of all people dont seem affected.
Instead getting started on a "fool me once"

[Radar]

That aside. On a second glance.
What really amuses me is that Math, of all people dont seem affected.
Instead getting started on a "fool me once"

Well, Math takes his training seriously and after the super brawl he got a direct order to - and I quote - Get on the Internet and stare at boobs until you get bored of them.

[The Glyphstone]

A succubus lust aura has no effect on Math because his default state is 'perpetually horny'.

[Shining Wrath]

Have we just identified an exploitable weakness in ArcSwat?

Yes, we have. Sneak in a succubus (they are innately good at disguise), have them excuse themselves to use the lady's room, and once they are out of everyone's sight, turn Lust Aura dial to 11.

A significant percentage of the people in the building (not just supers) will begin having sex. They will not be attending to their duties / monitoring alarms / et cetera.

Now, we don't know if everyone shown boinking was off-duty at the time, or if there's other people getting hot and bothered but still attending to things. Natheless, it seems like a good thing to try, probably as part of a multi-pronged assault. Even if you only get 10% of the force out of action because they are getting some action, that might matter.

[Dragonus45]

Have we just identified an exploitable weakness in ArcSwat?

Yes, we have. Sneak in a succubus (they are innately good at disguise), have them excuse themselves to use the lady's room, and once they are out of everyone's sight, turn Lust Aura dial to 11.

A significant percentage of the people in the building (not just supers) will begin having sex. They will not be attending to their duties / monitoring alarms / et cetera.

Now, we don't know if everyone shown boinking was off-duty at the time, or if there's other people getting hot and bothered but still attending to things. Natheless, it seems like a good thing to try, probably as part of a multi-pronged assault. Even if you only get 10% of the force out of action because they are getting some action, that might matter.

Jokes aside this might be a real weakness of an organization dependent on pulling together large numbers of highly athletic and unnaturally attractive people in large numbers and then keeping them in close quarters and while I usually dislike it when Dave goes to deep into the details I would love to see an after action report on this one talking about it.

[Shining Wrath]

Jokes aside this might be a real weakness of an organization dependent on pulling together large numbers of highly athletic and unnaturally attractive people in large numbers and then keeping them in close quarters and while I usually dislike it when Dave goes to deep into the details I would love to see an after action report on this one talking about it.

I wonder if supers are impressed by each other? If you're already a 10, do you respond to another 10 the way a 5 responds to a 5?

[Yuki Akuma]

I wonder if supers are impressed by each other? If you're already a 10, do you respond to another 10 the way a 5 responds to a 5?

People are generally attracted to people they share traits with, so one could argue an extremely attractive person is more attractive to other extremely attractive people.