Why hello there, Gigundus, so nice to see you not-dead.
Y’know, I don’t think I was ever made clear on what exactly Gigundus … well, did. I suppose it’s possible he was a spiritual leader, but I’m not sure what he would’ve had to offer, materially, to The Patriots the Hall of Houses.
For that matter, why was he so well-armored? What was the Bloodshot Eye’s story before our adventurers had an adventure all over their faces?
Perhaps Gigundus did at one point handle the army? We all know how good religion is for rallying people to do terribly violent things and honestly some of the biggest armies in ancient history had a noticeable religious component. Perhaps in time a more formal army was drafted and Gigundus just got relegated to more mundane religious beatings and such as we saw the Order was not shy about.
He was a paladin, that much has always been clear. That’s why he wears the armor.
The heads of houses currently oversee the following areas: Agriculture, magic, press, lumber, mining, municipal services, science, defense, navy, and… whatever Syr’Nj’s duty is.
At a guess, a guy who declares his word to the the divine word of the heavens and cuts people in half who disagree would be FANTASTIC at managing the press.
I’d wager the Church of the Bloodshot Eyeball was too large and too militant to be left out of the conspiracy. Also, Gigundus looks like a much more agreeable fellow than the those that used his armor like a puppet after his death.
Syr’nj is getting a recruitment offer she isn’t allowed to refuse here. It would be bad if she either dies suspiciously or avoids signing on the dotted line. The Wood Elves are supplying the nation’s lumber, and a bunch of their other needs too. Any disruption of that is an opportunity for The Savage Races to advance, which would be strategically bad, and that amount of power on the outside of the collusion would be disruptive of it.
So, cue some manipulation and haggling over details, starting with this story that sells the history and importance of the conspiracy. They will now sell the idea that their grasping at fascist totalitarianism is both the cause of–and solution to–the current war situation. Also, they will be morally blackmailing Syr’nj by insisting that opposition to the regime’s operation and methods is treason that will kill them all by letting the Savage Races win. If so, they may even be telling the truth as they understand it.
I personally would see it as the truth in this situation–the only other supplier for Gastonia had their entire workforce, nevermind the town, wiped off the RNG Rotation itself.
And I doubt their woodies for power could be used to fuel a fire, let alone the war effort.
Interesting to note how the visuals from the past indicate how far they’ve gone. Note the way the chairs look, and their placement. The picture on the bottom is that of a council of equals or a congress. The top is a set of thrones in an otherwise empty room.
I think the guy with the beard next to the judge is actually Persson. I can also place Annunziata, Iwatana and of course Gigundus, though I can’t guess at the three seated and the darker colored fellow.
Actually, if that is the case Iwatani may be the only member of the Council still present when this first began. Annunziata has been banished, Persson is out due to ‘health reasons’ and Gigundus is dead.
All the more reason to believe he’s one level deeper than everyone else in this room.
I think Bedard might be in the last panel, he just lost his beard and hair and got glasses. The clothes seem to fit, but I suppose that could just be a previous person with the same job.
If they planned to turn this into a fight, they wouldn’t have dismissed all their loyal human guards, who could be very easily convinced to stab a screaming wood elf at the request of the guys who sign their paychecks, command their country, and control the police, legislature, and press.
Caneghem’s in on this. Whatever Syr’nj is capable of, I’m pretty sure Caneghem can, with quite literally a wave of his hand, counteract it. He can bind her, teleport her somewhere out of the way, and then they can have her dealt with in whatever manner they see fit, quietly.
I don’t quite understand Caneghem’s role in this… He’s not in the past picture, so he wasn’t part of the original congregation. But he’s very obviously in it now.
On another note: Why would they ever think that Gastonia is or has been a “free society”? To me Gastonia looks very much like a reimaging of the “Hanse”, a merchant-run union of city states in the middle ages of Europe. Certainly not the pinnacle of free speech and democracy.
Well, consider the basis for comparison — if we look at the Italian republics, they saw themselves as very free when compared to the outright monarchies surrounding them. Same with the Hanse. To our modern eyes, with a more democratic version of a republic than Rome, those that were less free than it obviously don’t look the same.
I think Syr’Nj view of a proper democracy may be influenced by what she knew in sepia world, even if she isn’t aware of it. To those guys, an authoritarian council is the logical step in a better, stronger, faster government, and in comparison to shitty feudal systems they must’ve had before, they’re probably right.
I hope Syr’Nj will push aside her morals and accept to collaborate, if nothing else for the sake of wood elves who would not have a good time along humans without a strong leader like her. She can play the game and subtly push the system towards her egalitarian views over time, but only if she accepts to play right now.
Have I mentioned how much I love the tension in this whole scene? Well, I do. Every update since Syr’Nj stormed into the hall has had me figuratively sweating and biting my nails. There is so much unspoken, so many ways things could unfold, and the way they do unfold is always a little bit different from anything I expected.
I was prepared for the tension to end and be replaced with cold certainty today, but it didn’t. I’m still trying to predict how this will all play out, and I love it!
Okay, if Persson was there at the beginning than WHY DID THEY KICK HIM OUT? I’m hoping that particular question will be answered shortly, because it makes less and less sense with each update.
So anyway, welcome to The Collusion! Gentlemen, let’s raise a glass to our newest Colluder! May she collude long and hardwood – er, sorry – may she never leaf us – er, wait, I’ve got it – may Gastonia be evergreen like her!
At the end of the day, I don’t think they’re intending to kill her. And I don’t think she’ll be talked into the fold. I think they’re just going to force her compliance and silence by pointing out that her ENTIRE RACE are now refugees living within the confines of Gastonia, and gee wouldn’t it be a shame if they just…had an accident. Or were declared enemies of Gastonia.
Not her entire race. There are still people living at the wood elf homeland that I forget for. Why else would Fr’nj, Scipio, and Bandit be heading there?
I just noticed how the top frame in this comic mirrors the one in the previous one. On page 19 the doors are opening, and there’s a great light behind Syr’nj, as she bursts in, shouting out her accusations. On page 20, Ardaic is slipping out, the doors are closing, and the light is disappearing.
“…skilled enough to build a trap door right where you’re standing. Bye!”
lol
lol indeed
rodfsip (rolling on the dungeon floor screaming in pain)
I wish more badguys employed those classics.
So they lived long enough.
Why hello there, Gigundus, so nice to see you not-dead.
Y’know, I don’t think I was ever made clear on what exactly Gigundus … well, did. I suppose it’s possible he was a spiritual leader, but I’m not sure what he would’ve had to offer, materially, to
The Patriotsthe Hall of Houses.For that matter, why was he so well-armored? What was the Bloodshot Eye’s story before our adventurers had an adventure all over their faces?
Looks like Gigundus was a frat boy, he probably needed that armor to cover up his beer belly.
Perhaps Gigundus did at one point handle the army? We all know how good religion is for rallying people to do terribly violent things and honestly some of the biggest armies in ancient history had a noticeable religious component. Perhaps in time a more formal army was drafted and Gigundus just got relegated to more mundane religious beatings and such as we saw the Order was not shy about.
Makes me wonder if the Silver Centurion is any relation. A warrior covered in armor whose face we never see is highly coincidental.
Oh God. Yeah, people in armor. There must be a conspiracy.
He was a paladin, that much has always been clear. That’s why he wears the armor.
The heads of houses currently oversee the following areas: Agriculture, magic, press, lumber, mining, municipal services, science, defense, navy, and… whatever Syr’Nj’s duty is.
At a guess, a guy who declares his word to the the divine word of the heavens and cuts people in half who disagree would be FANTASTIC at managing the press.
I’d wager the Church of the Bloodshot Eyeball was too large and too militant to be left out of the conspiracy. Also, Gigundus looks like a much more agreeable fellow than the those that used his armor like a puppet after his death.
They aren’t going to allow her out of that chamber alive.
Syr’nj is getting a recruitment offer she isn’t allowed to refuse here. It would be bad if she either dies suspiciously or avoids signing on the dotted line. The Wood Elves are supplying the nation’s lumber, and a bunch of their other needs too. Any disruption of that is an opportunity for The Savage Races to advance, which would be strategically bad, and that amount of power on the outside of the collusion would be disruptive of it.
So, cue some manipulation and haggling over details, starting with this story that sells the history and importance of the conspiracy. They will now sell the idea that their grasping at fascist totalitarianism is both the cause of–and solution to–the current war situation. Also, they will be morally blackmailing Syr’nj by insisting that opposition to the regime’s operation and methods is treason that will kill them all by letting the Savage Races win. If so, they may even be telling the truth as they understand it.
I personally would see it as the truth in this situation–the only other supplier for Gastonia had their entire workforce, nevermind the town, wiped off the RNG Rotation itself.
And I doubt their woodies for power could be used to fuel a fire, let alone the war effort.
Interesting to note how the visuals from the past indicate how far they’ve gone. Note the way the chairs look, and their placement. The picture on the bottom is that of a council of equals or a congress. The top is a set of thrones in an otherwise empty room.
Looks not unlike this one:
Gah!
http://www.tpsnva.org/teach/lq/004/images/sign_dec.jpg
Wait, where is Ardaic? Is he in the flashback and, if so, which one is he?
He’s in the first panel.
The tag may be for Ardaic leaving in the first panel unless that’s him with the beard to the left of the Judge.
I think the guy with the beard next to the judge is actually Persson. I can also place Annunziata, Iwatana and of course Gigundus, though I can’t guess at the three seated and the darker colored fellow.
There aren’t any tags for the rest of them, so probably not established characters.
Actually, if that is the case Iwatani may be the only member of the Council still present when this first began. Annunziata has been banished, Persson is out due to ‘health reasons’ and Gigundus is dead.
All the more reason to believe he’s one level deeper than everyone else in this room.
I think Bedard might be in the last panel, he just lost his beard and hair and got glasses. The clothes seem to fit, but I suppose that could just be a previous person with the same job.
He’s the guy waiting outside the room, just like he is now.
Quaff! Quaff! Quaff! Quaff!
Are you an ad?
is there a reporting mechanism? i feel like this is a spambot
Is this something to do with castle crashers?
seriously? none of you recognized a Simpsons reference?
Farewell, Syrn’j. I hope the rest of the guild will avenge you.
If they planned to turn this into a fight, they wouldn’t have dismissed all their loyal human guards, who could be very easily convinced to stab a screaming wood elf at the request of the guys who sign their paychecks, command their country, and control the police, legislature, and press.
You’ve got a point there.
Caneghem’s in on this. Whatever Syr’nj is capable of, I’m pretty sure Caneghem can, with quite literally a wave of his hand, counteract it. He can bind her, teleport her somewhere out of the way, and then they can have her dealt with in whatever manner they see fit, quietly.
I don’t quite understand Caneghem’s role in this… He’s not in the past picture, so he wasn’t part of the original congregation. But he’s very obviously in it now.
On another note: Why would they ever think that Gastonia is or has been a “free society”? To me Gastonia looks very much like a reimaging of the “Hanse”, a merchant-run union of city states in the middle ages of Europe. Certainly not the pinnacle of free speech and democracy.
Well, consider the basis for comparison — if we look at the Italian republics, they saw themselves as very free when compared to the outright monarchies surrounding them. Same with the Hanse. To our modern eyes, with a more democratic version of a republic than Rome, those that were less free than it obviously don’t look the same.
Neither was Mr Bedard or Miyamoto.
Getting shades of Project for a New American Century here.
I think Syr’Nj view of a proper democracy may be influenced by what she knew in sepia world, even if she isn’t aware of it. To those guys, an authoritarian council is the logical step in a better, stronger, faster government, and in comparison to shitty feudal systems they must’ve had before, they’re probably right.
I hope Syr’Nj will push aside her morals and accept to collaborate, if nothing else for the sake of wood elves who would not have a good time along humans without a strong leader like her. She can play the game and subtly push the system towards her egalitarian views over time, but only if she accepts to play right now.
Have I mentioned how much I love the tension in this whole scene? Well, I do. Every update since Syr’Nj stormed into the hall has had me figuratively sweating and biting my nails. There is so much unspoken, so many ways things could unfold, and the way they do unfold is always a little bit different from anything I expected.
I was prepared for the tension to end and be replaced with cold certainty today, but it didn’t. I’m still trying to predict how this will all play out, and I love it!
Okay, if Persson was there at the beginning than WHY DID THEY KICK HIM OUT? I’m hoping that particular question will be answered shortly, because it makes less and less sense with each update.
Lost his nerve maybe?
You know…when they stabbed him in the back? Great way to lose some nerves.
It’s the potentially-naive answer, but maybe he actually just contracted black lung and can’t continue his duties.
Oh, god, my allegory gland just burst!
No, seriously, call an ambulance.
We’ve got trout, repeat: we have trout.
Hold up. Hold up.
Is this some sort of… altruist conspiracy?
Was Sundar right about something?
They did call it Altruism in a previous comic.
So anyway, welcome to The Collusion! Gentlemen, let’s raise a glass to our newest Colluder! May she collude long and hardwood – er, sorry – may she never leaf us – er, wait, I’ve got it – may Gastonia be evergreen like her!
*Syr’nj storms out*
Wow, what a beech.
Nitpick: Wouldn’t she have to be both too keen not to notice and too foolish to pretend not to? I mean, “either” wouldn’t cut it.
If she were just too keen but not too foolish, she’s keep pretending like Canegham.
If she were just too foolish but not too keen, she wouldn’t have noticed.
yep yep
Perhaps he’s giving two subjective ways of looking at it.
Caneghem is still in the room. If he was pretending before, he no longer has that luxary.
*luxury
At the end of the day, I don’t think they’re intending to kill her. And I don’t think she’ll be talked into the fold. I think they’re just going to force her compliance and silence by pointing out that her ENTIRE RACE are now refugees living within the confines of Gastonia, and gee wouldn’t it be a shame if they just…had an accident. Or were declared enemies of Gastonia.
Not her entire race. There are still people living at the wood elf homeland that I forget for. Why else would Fr’nj, Scipio, and Bandit be heading there?
I just noticed how the top frame in this comic mirrors the one in the previous one. On page 19 the doors are opening, and there’s a great light behind Syr’nj, as she bursts in, shouting out her accusations. On page 20, Ardaic is slipping out, the doors are closing, and the light is disappearing.