Annotated 11-5
I mean, if you want to get TECHNICAL, Gravedust was the one first with the answer there and Syr’Nj interrupted his explanation halfway through. Still, I’m amused by the friendly vibe between Best and Syr here. Depending on how you define the term, you could even call it “flirting” (there’s no romantic or sexual interest on Syr’Nj’s part at this point, but a certain playfulness to her mild dis). This has never happened between them before and never will again.
From the script: “4. Frigg runs up onto the board bravely, unafraid of what might come (as is her wont). She turns back toward us with an easygoing smile as we see what’s behind her. They are statues in the shape of chess pieces. We’ll see them in much greater detail in the next few pages, but here’s a quick guide.
They all resemble their own type and rank, although fully poised for battle. They are humanoid in shape, but those shapes are exaggerated for artistic license (the rooks can be hulkish, the pawns would be somewhere close to halfling-size). Get creative, they ought not to look like regular joes, but sweet sculptures come to life to do battle. If eyes are ever clearly visible, they would be completely blank. All of the pieces look Sky Elvish, of course.
The rooks would have heavy weapons like balls on chains, warhammers.
The pawns would have pikes.
The bishops should have maces.
The knights would of course be on mount, and as such have lances.
The kings have shields and ornate swords.
The queens are unarmed (they cast elemental spells).”
Ain’t no chess like Battle Chess!
Glad I’m not the only person who remembers that game!
So apparently there are short and, dare I say, Savasi-shaped sky elves?
“All of the pieces look Sky Elvish, of course.”
Hm.
I don’t think they need to look like Sky Elves so much as be of a Sky-Elvish artistic style. If that makes sense. That’s the vibe I got when reading this page the first time too.
Oh. Minor nitpick.
About the starting position of the pieces: aren’t the Queens supposed to start on their color?
Although, frankly, it’s the Sky Elves chessboard. They can put their Queen wherever they want.
I knew something was bothering me, but I didn’t put my finger on it until you said that. The positions are correct, but the square colours are reversed. The board should be turned 90 degrees from where it is.
For humans, anyway…like you say, Sky Elves can alter the aesthetics however they want.
Humans play right-handed chess. Sky-elves, due to their harmony with nature and magick, play left-handed chess.
Clearly :D
Frigg: [immediately heads for the White Queen]