OOTS #597 - The Discussion Thread

[Gallopingfinger]

Could it be that V IS a lawful-good, but the sleep is affecting him?

[Hallavast]

Best strip in a long while, Giant. Nice work.

[Kaytara]

So the consensus seems to be Greater Obfuscating Stupidity on Elan's part, and a severe lack of a nap on V's.

For some reason, this just makes me really miss having everyone together in one plot place. *sigh*

Actually, I've read every page, and the consensus seems to be that it simply didn't cross Elan's mind that a fellow teammate could seriously threaten him.

[holywhippet]

I'm waiting to hear folks justify V as "good"

Not that hard to do, his actions were neutral at best. V is the smartest member of the party, he/she has looked at the bigger picture and knows they could be in a lot of trouble. Stopping Xykon from controlling the gates is a high priority. Reuniting with the other PCs is another high priority - Haley is a friend after all. Gaining arcane power in order to help achieve both of these is another priority. These other events are just annoying distractions to V. Kubota trying to gain control, the devil on the island - these just pull V away from his research. The only recompense is if he gets XP for doing them. In the long term, does it really matter if they died compared to the Snarl getting loose?

I'm not sure V *has* friends any more. (s)he seems to be reaching a point where (s)he considers those who are not in possession of massive amounts of arcane power to be mere insects; to be ignored unless they impede V in his/her goals, at which case they are swatted like the insects they are.

Respectfully,

Brian P.

Haley is still V's friend. Most of V's research is geared towards locating Haley. V is also somewhat correct in terms of what Elan has been doing - he hasn't really made any significant efforts to locate Haley even though it hurts him to be apart from her. Elan is also a friend, which is why V is angry that he is trying to hinder his efforts to research magic and gain enough power to contact Haley.

[berrew]

The populace knows nothing about demons on some remote island. Grow up.

The demon is clearly visible from Hinjo's junk in the strip-before-last. In fact, it's clearly visible from a rowboat much closer to the surface of the water. After all, it's 200 feet tall, and on an island close to the fleet.

The likelihood that the entire fleet didn't see the battle soon after the appearance of the demon is about nil (who isn't going to run up on deck when folks are screaming something about a huge demon "right over there!!"?)

[The_Weirdo]

When Haley learns of what V's been doing, she should, upon meeting V:

1- Slap V.

2- Hug V tight.

And yes, I meant she needs to do both. Mainly because V's actions aren't only getting increasingly evil (hence the slap), but they're also growing more and more desperate and sad (hence the hug).

[JonahFalcon]

So? Yeah, V's actions are a natural response because V really cares about anyone.

Hint: I doubt V really cares about Haley at this point, either.

[JonahFalcon]

The demon is clearly visible from Hinjo's junk in the strip-before-last. In fact, it's clearly visible from a rowboat much closer to the surface of the water. After all, it's 200 feet tall, and on an island close to the fleet.

The likelihood that the entire fleet didn't see the battle soon after the appearance of the demon is about nil (who isn't going to run up on deck when folks are screaming something about a huge demon "right over there!!"?)

Wow, and the populace knows who summoned it, knows what it's even doing, or WHAT THE HELL IT HAS TO DO WITH THEM?

[JonahFalcon]

Haley is still V's friend. Most of V's research is geared towards locating Haley. V is also somewhat correct in terms of what Elan has been doing - he hasn't really made any significant efforts to locate Haley even though it hurts him to be apart from her. Elan is also a friend, which is why V is angry that he is trying to hinder his efforts to research magic and gain enough power to contact Haley.

Yeah, because V showed any real caring about Elan and Haley's relationship.

Jesus, this forum is full of people who have zero understanding of human behavior (non-humans notwithstanding).

Haley is academic to V now. V cares about as much for Haley as V cares about Elan.

And that is, nothing, really.

[JonahFalcon]

By the way, people seem to overlook that Elan doesn't exactly like V anymore, unless calling V a "horrible, mean person" is a show of effection. Elan didn't even call NALE a "horrible, mean person".

PS. Nale must be laughing his ass off about now.

[Kaytara]

Yeah, because V showed any real caring about Elan and Haley's relationship.

Jesus, this forum is full of people who have zero understanding of human behavior (non-humans notwithstanding).

Haley is academic to V now. V cares about as much for Haley as V cares about Elan.

And that is, nothing, really.

You know, derisive comments aren't exactly the best way to demonstrate your own understanding of human behaviour.

As it stands, your arguments are doubtful because there's no evidence to back them up. V not seeming to care about Elan being Haley's boyfriend or thinking that giving him a proper scare would serve as the right punishment for 'cheating' on Haley is entirely consistent with V growing increasingly crazy as of late. True, it's reasonable to assume that V's hurt pride is a major factor here, but there's just nothing to prove that it's the only factor, that Vaarsuvius no longer cares about Haley AT ALL.

This is being debated extensively in another thread, by the way.

[Manoftyr]

Jesus, this forum is full of people who have zero understanding of human behavior (non-humans notwithstanding).

Oh yes and you're a perfect judge of human psychology and a completely evenly balanced individual who isn't posting four times in a row using all caps and berating everyone around him who doesn't agree with his hollow and uninsightful interpretations of a web comic.

Why don't 'you' grow up?

[Thant]

Jesus, this forum is full of people who have zero understanding of human behavior (non-humans notwithstanding).

Dude, who died and made you a frelling king of the psychiatrists? Don't be so judgmental on others.

[Baywolfe]

When Haley learns of what V's been doing, she should, upon meeting V:

1- Slap V.

2- Hug V tight.

And yes, I meant she needs to do both. Mainly because V's actions aren't only getting increasingly evil (hence the slap), but they're also growing more and more desperate and sad (hence the hug).

Ummmm, aren't all thieves/rogues technically, evil? That would be the pot slapping the kettle for being black.

[Manoftyr]

Ummmm, aren't all thieves/rogues technically, evil?

Nope, Rogues can be any alignment except Lawful Good and Haley has been confirmed as Chaotic Good if my memory serves.

[StClair]

Surely it's all Lawful alignments that are out?

[Ramien]

Surely it's all Lawful alignments that are out?

Actually, rogues can be of any alignment.

[spectralphoenix]

Actually, they can be whatever alignment they want to now. The no LG restriction was 2nd edition.

[spectralphoenix]

Because Hinjo can Detect Truth, and also knows Elan is not a liar.

Also, good ≠ dumb.

Bards get the spell Glibness at low levels, which screws up all forms of truth detection and gives them a +30 to bluff checks.

[Sequinox]

I'm getting tired of V. Before now he was my favorite character, and now she is just disappointing me. V was always slightly compassionate, now look at him. "So we didn't get XP for killing her back on the island?" Really, how cruel can you get? She is becoming so mean I'm getting sick of him.


I realized that I said too much here, but I guess I needed to vent.

[spectralphoenix]

I'm getting tired of V. Before now he was my favorite character, and now she is just disappointing me. V was always slightly compassionate, now look at him. "So we didn't get XP for killing her back on the island?" Really, how cruel can you get? She is becoming so mean I'm getting sick of him.


I realized that I said too much here, but I guess I needed to vent.

In all fairness, V hasn't seen most of Therkla's plotline. From what V knows, she's basically on the Samantha level (opponent who Elan hits on before the fight.)

[Ardolich45]

Sometime in the next three strips V's gonna go insane.

[spectralphoenix]

Hinjo : "Vaarsuvius, I arrest you in the name of Azure City for crimes against it's nobles. Come along quietly; you already know I can take a disintegrate spell."

V: "Yeah, you and what army? Oh, them....um, could I have a few hours to study a different spell list?"

V: Well then, if I may descend to using the vernacular, screw you and the junk you sailed in on - SHADOW WALK!

*The next morning*

Azurite Child: Mommy, why is the sky falling on mister Hinjo's boat?

[Manoftyr]

V: Well then, if I may descend to using the vernacular, screw you and the junk you sailed in on - SHADOW WALK!

*The next morning*

Azurite Child: Mommy, why is the sky falling on mister Hinjo's boat?

That would be freakin awesome, in all honesty.

[Belkster11]

Or better yet...

Azurite Child: Mommy...why is bad wizard in red setting Mr. Hinjo's boat on fire?

[Ceric]

Eleven pages already? That was quick.

Anyways, another great strip. The cookie made me lol.

Can't wait until #600.

[Tobimaro]

This does not bode well for when the Order of the Stick gets together once again. Of course, if Durkon can get V and Elan to work together, it will be a small miracle.

[Manoftyr]

At this point it really would only be Durkon who could get the order back on the same page, unfortunately I don't see that happening due to the legendary Dwarven stubbornness he seems to exemplify...he'd have to yield at least somewhat in order to reach out to them, V especially.

[zach12376]

Yes, that is it exactly. You have perfectly gleaned my true intentions, well done, have a cookie.


LOL LOL LOL

[Aevii]

Yeah. I think V is definitely crossing some lines here. Great comic, though! Keep it up, Rich!

Doubtful. V didn't cross any line she hadn't crossed before. He was just trying to intimidate Elan with similar lines she had Ray after he disintegrated that black dragon hundreds of strips ago.

Elan played dumb, and she clearly wasn't willing to go through with killing him.