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Annotations Every Day - Written by T Campbell & Flo Kahn - Illustrated by John & Jason Waltrip

'I'm an All-Powerful Archmage: Your Argument is Invalid.'

Chapter 25 – Page 25

on September 3, 2013
Chapter: Chapter 25
└ Tags: Admiral Annunziata, Ardaic, Caneghem, Embraisch'Nj, Grand Marshall Jarvis, Guildmaster Persson, His Grace Iwatani, His Grace Miyamoto, His Grace Pardo, Mister Bedard, Reynolds, Syr'Nj
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Discussion (80) ¬

  1. Berius
    Berius
    September 3, 2013, 12:04 am | # | Reply

    Heh, nice alt-text. :-)

  2. Jean-Luc
    Jean-Luc
    September 3, 2013, 12:15 am | # | Reply

    Can’t…read…..syringe……fffff.

    While “His Grace Sailor Man” arguably went too far it’s a bit odd how much this escalated and how quickly the other (human) heads turned on him. Somehow I doubt they care so much about non-human dignity. Suppose they just never really liked the admiral and were merely waiting for an excuse or they really need their non-human allies due to the war.

    Guess that in a game of ruling council seats you either put up or get put down.

    • Fairportfan
      Fairportfan
      September 3, 2013, 12:21 am | # | Reply

      “Potion of Somnambulance”, i believe

      • Brigand Brigade
        Brigand Brigade
        September 3, 2013, 12:27 am | # | Reply

        Close. It’s just Somnolence: a sleeping potion. Somnambulance is for sleep-walking, which would cause as many problems as it would have solved.

        • JadeStarrz
          JadeStarrz
          September 3, 2013, 1:59 am | # | Reply

          Thank you very much. I was having the same issue of telling what the syringe said as well.

          • Fren
            Fren
            September 3, 2013, 10:09 am | # | Reply

            Yeah, until I really squinted, I almost read it as “Potion of Shutthefuckup”. I guess we see what we want to see sometimes.

            • Messenger
              Messenger
              September 3, 2013, 12:56 pm | # | Reply

              You’re actually right. It *is* a Potion of Shutthefuckup. ;-)

            • Mrknifey
              Mrknifey
              September 4, 2013, 6:55 am | # | Reply

              avatar win:) the archmage *makes* that happen;)

      • 1d4caltrop
        1d4caltrop
        September 3, 2013, 12:29 am | # | Reply

        Close. “Potion of Somnolence.” Sleeping potion, as opposed to sleepWALKING potion.

    • Kamino Neko
      Kamino Neko
      September 3, 2013, 1:10 am | # | Reply

      He attempted to collapse an alliance that Gastonia needs (even if he didn’t see it as such). His attempt including bringing in Embraisch’Nj, who insulted everybody present. It’s clear from some earlier scenes (mostly the lead in to the formation of the Adventurers’ Guild) that the rest of the Heads don’t respect Annunziata either personally or professionally.

      So, yeah, they clearly just needed an excuse to get rid of him, and this is a very good one.

    • gangler
      gangler
      September 3, 2013, 4:59 am | # | Reply

      It’s possible they’ve been waiting for an opportunity to cut the dead weight for a while now. He’s sort of clowning around while everybody else is dealing with a war. From the sounds of it his position on the council earns him funding that could be spent more productively.

      I think this is just the slip-up they’ve all been waiting for. So caught up was he in his own merriment that for a second he forgot that the rest of the council isn’t playing any games right now. Confided explicitly when he should’ve couched his joke in innuendo. Laughed out loud when he should’ve smirked knowingly.

      Politics is cutthroat and Annunziata showed up without his throatguard today.

      • TBeckett
        TBeckett
        September 3, 2013, 2:59 pm | # | Reply

        But moving him out seems like it will hurt Gastonia in the long run, if not because they need Annunziata’s voice, specifically, but because the navy was apparently important enough to merit being on the council to begin with. Perhaps the nation’s strength has shifted from sea to land in recent history, justifying the decision somewhat, but I find myself wishing they’d simply shifted him off the council, perhaps to a more tactical position, and promote someone with a better head for politics. Even if the navy hasn’t proven as helpful to the war effort recently, its not like he’s the only head who’s found themselves less relevant to the nation’s current needs.

        • Kamino Neko
          Kamino Neko
          September 3, 2013, 3:16 pm | # | Reply

          The navy has been put under the control of Grand Marshal Jarvis. To the extent that they’re useful, they’re now being commanded by a man who, by all indications, has, unlike Annunziata, more sense than the gods gave a particularly bright turnip.

          • centuriancode
            centuriancode
            September 3, 2013, 5:27 pm | # | Reply

            That, or Ardaic is doing a brilliant job as field vizier.

        • gangler
          gangler
          September 3, 2013, 8:17 pm | # | Reply

          If a seat can be removed when it’s unneeded I’m sure can be earned when it is.

          The wood-elves didn’t used to have a seat, but when it became prudent for them to have one a seat was made for them. If they turn out to be that important then at some point the navy will be in a position to bargain and they’ll ask for a seat on the council. Presumably a better man than Annunziata will be in charge at the time.

  3. Brigand Brigade
    Brigand Brigade
    September 3, 2013, 12:26 am | # | Reply

    Poor Annunziata. He thought the navy was still a name to conjure by, but he was fettered by his own inflated sense of self-importance. Like Jacob Marley, surely he must be feeling the weight of the chains of his sins now. If he’s clever, he’s seeing the link between his present predicament and his mouthing off to the chain of command, and with new-found wisdom he won’t be locked out of a new career elsewhere. Alas, however, for I expect he feels anchored to the council, and will accept no work anywhere else, for surely they are bonds more powerful even than the familial that hold him in his place there. If only he weren’t all tied up with the business of the navy, he would have had time to learn more about his colleagues, who I’m sure he would put great stocks in if he were only to listen to them a little more.

    Today’s puns brought to you by the Jailer Investments chain of businesses. Their slogan: “We Have A Keen Eye For Stocks And Bonds!”

  4. 1d4caltrop
    1d4caltrop
    September 3, 2013, 12:30 am | # | Reply

    Archmage outranks admiral in the chain of command.

    • Acrox
      Acrox
      September 3, 2013, 1:32 am | # | Reply

      Properly leveled mages outrank everything.

      • The_Rippy_One
        The_Rippy_One
        September 3, 2013, 4:03 am | # | Reply

        Yep – when in power, never forget that those that can do things out rank those that can’t. and in this mix, there were at least 4 cans, and the Admiral…was definitely a “can’t.”

        • Jean-Luc
          Jean-Luc
          September 3, 2013, 4:23 pm | # | Reply

          It’s not the mages’ fault other people picked a class that can’t do everything.

          • centuriancode
            centuriancode
            September 3, 2013, 5:30 pm | # | Reply

            Like druids. It’s not their fault other people don’t know how to turn into Greater Air Elementals while still casting all of their horrifically destructive spells.

            • Rogues do it from behind
              Rogues do it from behind
              September 4, 2013, 1:12 am | # | Reply

              Oh hiiiii, don’t mind me, imma just back stab, poison you to sleep, end your life, and then vanish because I’m a motherf***in rogue.

              • centuriancode
                centuriancode
                September 4, 2013, 5:26 pm | # | Reply

                Yeah, yeah, and back when Improved Critical stacked with Keen, a Keen Vorpal Rapier could critical hit on a 9, and a dual-wielding rogue could eventually inflict about 160d6 worth of sneak attack – except that the rogue has to be able to actually get to the victim (and casters are pretty good at the whole impenetrable fortress thing), and the victim was be subject to both sneak attack and critical hit. So, Lyches, anyone?

          • MidnightDStroyer
            MidnightDStroyer
            February 15, 2017, 11:55 pm | # | Reply

            If the elf were a judge in court, you can be sure that when he issues a Gag Order, it takes immediate effect!

  5. Antifinity
    Antifinity
    September 3, 2013, 12:47 am | # | Reply

    I’m a little shocked how quickly both elves on the council resorted to force. They’re not fans of freedom of speech?

    • Thirteen
      Thirteen
      September 3, 2013, 3:56 am | # | Reply

      He uh, was standing there bellowing and threatening a military coup. Skulls as cobblestones etc. Freedom of speech has a limit.

      • MidnightDStroyer
        MidnightDStroyer
        February 15, 2017, 11:39 pm | # | Reply

        Yep. When that speech is a direct threat of violence or incites others to commit violence, it’s NOT protected speech (at least, not by the 1st Amendment, anyway).

    • Dan Irving
      Dan Irving
      September 3, 2013, 6:20 am | # | Reply

      He still has his freedom of speech just as they have the right to react to a clear and imminent danger. In other words: Never let your mouth write a check your a$$ can’t cash.

      • Seggs
        Seggs
        September 3, 2013, 11:59 am | # | Reply

    • Chantelune
      Chantelune
      September 3, 2013, 6:21 am | # | Reply

      Speech is one thing, open threats are another. And given how he was clearing blaming them non-human for all the trouble, along with being the only one probably “equiped” to take him in custody swiftly without any unnecessary violence, it make sense that they would be making such a move.

    • Merc1331
      Merc1331
      September 3, 2013, 3:28 pm | # | Reply

      Why are we even assuming that Gastonia believes in Freedom of Speech?

      • Guesticus
        Guesticus
        September 3, 2013, 5:21 pm | # | Reply

        Because the US rules the world (or at least making a damn fine effort)

        • centuriancode
          centuriancode
          September 3, 2013, 5:32 pm | # | Reply

          And, out of curiosity, when the US permits the Westboro Baptists to say what they will, but sends in the police to shut down the Occupy Wall Street Movement (who were both less offensive and more logical), what is it that persuades you the US still follows the First Amendment?

          • Guesticus
            Guesticus
            September 3, 2013, 5:37 pm | # | Reply

            Isn’t the 1st Amendment “The Freedom of Speech”? Not “The Freedom to Plan an Uprising”?

            • Nightsbridge
              Nightsbridge
              September 3, 2013, 7:36 pm | # | Reply

              Public protest=/=uprising

            • Tachyon
              Tachyon
              September 3, 2013, 8:07 pm | # | Reply

              Yes, but there’s a clear-cut difference between an uprising and a few bad eggs spoiling things for everybody else.

              Also, I’m not gonna get real into this, ’cause Occupy – while still better than the Tea Party in most regards – never had a viable candidate to run for President, or an appealing stance to take that the remainder of the masses would even consider getting behind. The country’s mostly still a slave to its own historical “culture”, and bein’ an international young’un.

            • Tsapki
              Tsapki
              September 3, 2013, 11:06 pm | # | Reply

              I think Annunziata saying he plans to kill everyone in the room and overthrow the current Gastonia for a new one sort of falls under “The Freedom to Plan an Uprising”.

              • Tsapki
                Tsapki
                September 3, 2013, 11:10 pm | # | Reply

                Addendum: Also, wasn’t there something in the United States Constitution about the peoples right to overthrow a government they see as unfit? Given I could be wrong and that whole “Of the people, for the people, by the people” bit might have just been poetic license.

                • Wolff
                  Wolff
                  September 4, 2013, 11:07 am | # | Reply

                  You’re thinking the Declaration of Independece, I think.

                • Guesticus
                  Guesticus
                  September 4, 2013, 4:26 pm | # | Reply

                  Doesn’t the Government also have the right to put down said potential overthrow attempt?

                  • centuriancode
                    centuriancode
                    September 4, 2013, 5:33 pm | # | Reply

                    Uh, depends who you ask. Hobbes say yes, because otherwise you will inevitably get civil war. The American Constitution says maybe. In most countries, the state has a monopoly on the legitimate use of force, but in America it’s unclear. The citizen has the right to resist people breaching his or her rights, and the Ninth Amendment (if interpreted in a reasonably literal fashion) states that the people have whatever rights the people feel are necessary, even if those rights are not explicitly listed in the constitution. Thus, should it become necessary that every American have access to cheese, and “the people” (a term never adequately explained in any legal document) accept the need for ready access to cheese, then the Ninth could be used to justify cheese as a right of all citizens.

                    Understandably, though, the Supreme Court is pretty reluctant to use something as nebulous and open as the Ninth Amendment.

                    • MidnightDStroyer
                      MidnightDStroyer
                      February 15, 2017, 11:47 pm | #

                      Supreme Court has used the 9th Amendment a lot, you just might not hear much about it if you didn’t see the news when they did. Right to Travel Freely on Public Roads & to Transport Personal Belongings, The Lawful Exercise of a Right Can Never Be Converted to a Crime & a whole bunch of others have come from SCOTUS.

                      It’s just that these rulings all must be in the purview of Common Law, also known as Natural Law & Positive Law. If you look up some of them with these word-searches, you’ll find out a whole lot are derived from the 9th Amendment.

    • MidnightDStroyer
      MidnightDStroyer
      February 15, 2017, 11:51 pm | # | Reply

      The way the humans have been treating the non-humans there, it makes perfect sense that an archmage would have such useful spells prepared & ready, probably just itching for a good excuse to use them. He’s been putting up with their $#|+ for a long time, hasn’t he?
      ;)

  6. biggmac
    biggmac
    September 3, 2013, 12:58 am | # | Reply

    His Grace Don Pardo, tell the Admiral what he’s won!

    Gladly, Jarvis! Admiral, you’ve won a demotion to Poop deck swab, where you’ll swab poop for the next year! On… A NEW BOAT! The most modern garbage scow in the fleet! Also, a version of our home game, “House Arrest!” Enjoy, and thank you for playing Guilded Jeopardy!

  7. Anonymouse
    Anonymouse
    September 3, 2013, 1:14 am | # | Reply

    Never threaten a bored omnipotent elf.

    • Bleh !
      Bleh !
      September 3, 2013, 4:53 am | # | Reply

      Omnypotent ? He’s not. Just a show-off using magic.

    • Chantelune
      Chantelune
      September 3, 2013, 6:22 am | # | Reply

      More like never threathen a bored archmage elf, especially after you took him to a self-depreciative show and then brought the show to the Houses with obvious intent to insult them.

    • Fren
      Fren
      September 3, 2013, 10:16 am | # | Reply

      Dang omnipotent elves always ruining our shipping.

      • centuriancode
        centuriancode
        September 3, 2013, 5:33 pm | # | Reply

        Really? I would’ve thought those bonds would be a boon to shippers.

  8. Kamino Neko
    Kamino Neko
    September 3, 2013, 1:23 am | # | Reply

    I do wonder, though, if Annunziata has enough personally loyalty within the Navy to attempt to make good on his threat. (I don’t believe for a minute he will successfully do more than distract them from more important business, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he actually attempted to, assuming he can muster up a few ships full of marines.)

    • Bleh !
      Bleh !
      September 3, 2013, 4:55 am | # | Reply

      Now that you mention it, I’m kind of surprised to have seen/heard Iwatani disregarding the Naval Forces in what he called a land-locked war. Hasn’t he heard about the GMC (Gastonian Marine Corps) ?

    • James Rye
      James Rye
      September 3, 2013, 5:18 am | # | Reply

      I doubt he had much loyalty given how the others complained how he wasted ressources and manpower with the Navy. There are probably lots of officers who rather had a more competent admiral and they will get one now.

    • Loki
      Loki
      September 3, 2013, 10:31 am | # | Reply

      If he’s detained immediately for threatening a coup, he might not get a chance to make good on his threat.

  9. Runic
    Runic
    September 3, 2013, 4:20 am | # | Reply

    You had to know the Archmage was just waiting for a chance to shut him up. I wouldn’t be surprised if he created the “conjure gag” spell on his own just for such an occasion as this.

  10. Chantelune
    Chantelune
    September 3, 2013, 6:24 am | # | Reply

    You know, we should get Caneghem and Jarvis having dinner together. I’m sure this would be an incredibly and awesomely lively one !

  11. ahdok
    ahdok
    September 3, 2013, 8:43 am | # | Reply

    They have quills, but no paper.

    • Loki
      Loki
      September 3, 2013, 10:38 am | # | Reply

      If you check out guildedage(dot)net/comic/chapter-25-page-17/ , none of them had paper at the start. If the Admiral is correct, they haven’t even officially ‘started’ yet. Maybe they simply haven’t gotten their papers ready?

      • ahdok
        ahdok
        September 3, 2013, 1:06 pm | # | Reply

        I would normally expect an agenda to be handed out before motions started to be passed though :)

        • gangler
          gangler
          September 3, 2013, 10:36 pm | # | Reply

          This seems to be a somewhat abnormal meeting. This probably isn’t how it usually goes.

    • chase
      chase
      October 17, 2017, 10:20 am | # | Reply

      I felt like the inkwells were permanent fixtures to these desks so they were always there whether or not there would be writing of notes this particular day.

  12. Mordecai
    Mordecai
    September 3, 2013, 8:57 am | # | Reply

    So, now that this chair is open…could someone please show Mr. Hackenslash in?

    I should think others on the council should be a little worried about their place in the world, too.

    For instance, an entire seat at the council devoted to…lumber. That’s oddly specific, compared to the rest of the council.

    • Darchias
      Darchias
      September 3, 2013, 10:16 am | # | Reply

      Guildmaster Hackenslasher most certainly needs a seat.

      • Joe
        Joe
        September 3, 2013, 11:46 am | # | Reply

        But then we’ll have two lumberjacks, we only need one for now

        • Merc1331
          Merc1331
          September 3, 2013, 3:32 pm | # | Reply

          He’s only a lumberjack by Wood Elf standards, now if the Council had a Butcher or a rabid animal already….

          • MidnightDStroyer
            MidnightDStroyer
            September 3, 2013, 6:04 pm | # | Reply

            For openly threatening a coup, I’d say the dear Admiral himself volunteered to be the rabid animal…

            • Merc1331
              Merc1331
              September 4, 2013, 11:40 am | # | Reply

              Point taken, in fact the point I hoped someone would take…

  13. Mujaki
    Mujaki
    September 3, 2013, 9:17 am | # | Reply

    Well, one upshot of this…
    With Syr’Nj in and the Admiral out, the Heads of Houses goes back to a count of nine.
    No more votes getting tied five-to-five! Maybe we’ll see some actual progress from the governme… ah, who am I kidding?

  14. Fren
    Fren
    September 3, 2013, 10:14 am | # | Reply

    Thank you, Reynolds, for your demonstration of schadenfreude.

  15. Charlie Spencer
    Charlie Spencer
    September 3, 2013, 10:44 am | # | Reply

    Does the Navy actually lose its seat, or is it just that the current occupant is unacceptable?

    • ahdok
      ahdok
      September 3, 2013, 1:07 pm | # | Reply

      The motion passed was to revoke the seat, not remove the man from office, so I guess the seat is gone.

  16. Denita TwoDragons
    Denita TwoDragons
    September 3, 2013, 11:57 am | # | Reply

    …Aaaaaaaaand HE’S DOWN, FOLKS!! He’s DOWN! Ooh it’s messy…

  17. Chris
    Chris
    September 3, 2013, 2:24 pm | # | Reply

    HaHa!

    He just got Hog-Tied by an Elf.

    • Tachyon
      Tachyon
      September 3, 2013, 8:12 pm | # | Reply

      A High Elf, at that.

      Er, sorry, I mean Sky Elf. But what is a Sky Elf if not high?

      • Tavis
        Tavis
        September 4, 2013, 2:07 am | # | Reply

        Sober.

        • Freako
          Freako
          September 6, 2013, 6:08 am | # | Reply

          Sober Elves should totally be a thing.

          Now I’m reminded of Erfworld’s High Elves.

  18. Drador
    Drador
    September 3, 2013, 6:55 pm | # | Reply

    Alt-text made laugh more than it should

  19. Observer
    Observer
    March 12, 2015, 5:28 pm | # | Reply

    Aaaand just like that the Non-humans become a third of the voting heads of houses. A nice clear fraction to bargain with.

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Guilded Age is co-written by T Campbell & Flo Kahn, and illustrated by John Waltrip. Site design by Samantha Kyle. Fonts by Blambot.com.
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