Don’t be too cocky, there, Frigg. Dude seems kinda hard to fight, somehow.
As for the alt text’s question, how about…”The Best of Frenemies?” Imagine if Penny and Aggie had started this way…well, it would’ve ended well before the summer of 2011, methinks.
It occurred to be that while we’ve seen Byron clocked and, er, set on fire, I don’t think we’ve seen him *bleed*, and I can’t help wonder if that’s a bit of a hint. That said, I think we’ve all looking forward to a nice wholesome violent rage…or a good explanation. Or both! ;-)
Byron, honey? It’s the Fourth Wall. We’ve been watching you for quite sometime and we thought it time to speak up.
Now By… you don’t mind if we call you By do you? No? Well fine then. Byron, we have some constructive criticism.
You’re a barbarian-class… Your class feat is to rage and rip your enemies to shreds…. if you keep holding this back, you will go into full berserk rage once your HP drops too low. Keeping up so far?
Good. Now here’s our advice, dear:
STOP HOLDING BACK AND RIP THAT TROLL TO PEICES ALREADY!
Trust us, none of your friends will go anywhere near him, there will be no innocent bystanders. (Especially if you keep waiting….)
Again, this is not D&D. He may be a berserker, he may have incredible rages, but it’s not following any rules you might be thinking of.
This is a world created by Phil and T and Erica, and I’ll assume that John will be getting some creative input now. It follows their rules.
How about the rules of precedent and the entire damned point? Berserkers were a big deal because, like a junkie on pcp, they could, once they get going, fight beyond what would fell lesser men.
In D&D this is handled with bonus HP and, later, the explicit ability to continue fighting as long as you’re raging.
Here? Byron just needs to let the dams open and rip the damn thing to shreds.
Again, Byron is a BERZERKER. It’s been not only hinted at but flat out said (as well as that flashback of him standing in a field of bodies after one of his previous rages) that people with his profession ought to do what they do best, which is he is obviously not doing. Just because it’s not D&D, doesn’t make the truth any less clear.
Actually I was thinking of commenting on that (despite the fact that I am one of those who’d like to see a bit of berserk)–and I assume based on prior character development that this is a reason we have not seen Byron lose it–however, just for the sake of enjoying the story and/or getting a little explanation, I think people are hoping for a bit of payoff in some form after a year+ of following the character, even if the outcome is more bad than good, because it’s part of the story of someone they like or are curious about. The outcomes (good or bad) potentially set the stage for other interesting developments. So from my perspective it isn’t about the exact result so as much as resolution and payoff. Regardless, I’m going to guess that we won’t see berserk rages very frequently overall, because that would cheapen the effect and meaning.
Of course, he could be flat out lying about his title, but I don’t think that’s really how Byron operates.
Good point! But it is *possible* to avoid that pitfall if the writing is good. On “Pushing Daisies” it was naturally a big point that Chuck and Ned couldn’t touch–if Ned had solved that problem it would have likely been the resolution of the series (as opposed to cancellation). At the same time it was humorously implied that something was going on thanks to some awkward conversation moments and saran wrap. I think there are ways that this could be handled, even without being explicit, that would keep it interesting, and I am curious to see what happens.
LOL! No…what I mean is, the creators don’t have to necessarily repeatedly show berserking episodes to keep things interesting. For example, we might learn or infer something from how people react to Byron or how other matters are affected by it after the fact. Considering the creators have made liberal use of flash-forwards and some flashbacks, they could get creative with it. OTOH, if they can pull off a subtle murderous rampage, I will be highly amused. (Though…wait…I think that would make him a serial killer…)
Using a spear for stabbing instead of throwing seems perfectly logical to me under the circumstances, and do you have a textbook on troll anatomy?
That said, the first panel does look a little weird, probably because it’s not immediately clear that Harki is above and behind Byron, not directly above him. Not that I could do it better or anything.
Plus, I believe that spear’s actually a polearm. Looking back, it seems to me that the blade has an edge as well as a point – a halberd type weapon. Which could slash AND stab.
It’s clear this Harki fellow has unusual fighting abilities. Our heroes aren’t completely new to fighting, after all. I would say that once they stop acting on “we’re so badass” and start paying a bit of attention to their opponent, things will improve.
Assuming they don’t die before they think to pay attention.
Debatable if Byron can get back into this fight unless someone can heal him.
That spear/polearm is hitting him in the back, but take a look at how the -front- of Byron’s shirt is moving. Looks to me like that was a through-and-through. With a spearhead that large, he’s had major organs destroyed.
You’re thinking of shorter spears made for throwing, Harki is using a longer spear, made for thrusting in melee, while you stay well outside your enemies’ range.
It’s a broad spear. The scottish used them way back in the day before the age of the pike. Broad spears have wide, flat heads with rounded edges so they can be used as slashing weapons as well.
Think of them as the missing link between the spear and the long pike.
Frigg just took the words right out of my mouth, and I doubt I’m the only one. This is totally setting the stage for Byron to (FINALLY!!!) earn his title.
What I’m most intrigued by is the fact that Bandit apparently felt they would somehow survive.
Considering they’re just taking on ONE guy while there’s still, I dunno, AN ENTIRE CITY of guys looking on probably with projectiles and magic, I find her optimism to be precious.
Hm, I seem different than most people. All I am thinking about is wondering why Bandit hasn’t tried to pick that gem out of the belly of ‘Harki’? It could be that that makes this troll stronger… besides, it is shiny!
Byron, So far every character in the comic has shown themselves to be a better fighter than you, even Syr’nj. I am wondering if you picked the wrong class.
You seem to have good wisdom and decent intelligence. Obviously good dexterity with how you throw those axes, and even okay strength. Charisma certainly isn’t lacking. Why is constitution your dump stat?
He made the saving throw to stay on his feet, threw his axe to purposely hit Frigg with the blunt part, wields two axes, and doesn’t wear plate. The problem is that he can’t take a solid hit, but can’t dodge them all, either.
Now, if he really is a beserker, A severe hit like that should have pushed him to the point of beserking. I hope so, I mean, from the look of it, Frigg’s about to have her shield taken away.
He’s a conzerker; His problem is the plate shoulders and chain mail eating up his dex bonus. Not only that, but he doesn’t have armor proficiency for those shoulders, the breastplate or the greaves. So, not only is he losing the dex from the armor, but taking armor check penalties to his combat abilities.
At this point, it’s starting to look like Byron’s player is a THAT GUY variant.
Y’know, I’m actually getting bored of Byron. can we kill him and have best back…
I mean, yeah, best was a douce, but Byrons just got so predicably boring. Fight occurs, he poses and gets ready to attack, he fails and frig has to do his and her own job
maybe they’re going for a new character archetype (yay, new trope in the database). I mean, you never really do see the competent leader type be utterly useless in a strategic engagement. He’s like the super serious guy AND the comic relief. Having said that, I still have hope for Byron to be an effective combatant at SOME point. Perhaps like a slow sensual buildup… the climax will be worth it… at this point i think we all have blue balls.
WTF! ilovesmesomeFRIGG! but as a former Baresark myself, all I can say is if this is not his “Trigger Event” Then WTF does it take!?!?! Syr’Nj is healing Gravedust right now, we just can’t see it in the panel? (i hope)
Well he just spent a couple of pages kicking around the dps but it’s about time the tank rolled in.
I get the feeling this might be Byron’s big triumphant moment (unless he views the perpetual supression of his zerker side as the triumph in which case it would kind of suck for him) but that would mean Frigg would have to lose the fight.
Frigg’s badass victory vs Byron finally kirking out. I honestly don’t know which I’d prefer to see.
P.S: Bandit should go rummage through Gravedust’s stuff while Frigg is in angrytown, I’m sure he has something to negate troll regeneration in that bag of mystic tricks.
I love Harky’s fierce face in the first phanel. Clearly he loves stabbing people in surprising ways. The armpit hair is also a nice touch. What a splendid savage!
You know… THis is a jump forward from the previous times..
Perhapse everyone is flippin out, not because Byron went down, but because they are afraid he’ll get up.
They’re trapped in an arena. And when Harky is dead, who do you think Byron would kill next in his blind rage? Whould he even think to aim? Or would he just cut thru Frigg to reach the troll?
Really people, him going berserk at any point while his party is with him, is just plain insanity.
A beautiful page in many respects, but my favorite part? The action lines in the last panel. Notice how they get jagged and thicker on the right side near the impact point between Harki and Frigg’s mace? THAT is attention to detail. Very nice.
Is this actually all just some kind of nightmare vision Gravedust is currently experiencing as a Mystic premonition of the critical danger to his life and / or poison in him, where without one, the entire team starts dropping one by one?
– Harki is jumping and stabbing. It is a kind of surprise attack, since rarely a creature can jump so high. This is how he backstabbed Byron.
– All those fuss about him going berserk… Hell! Cut it out! He berserked once or twice before the timeline of the comics, or not, who cares? He is a fighter now and a party leader. This is his role. (And falling down much…) Besides… berserking is not necessarily a dangerous thing. The northern berserkers were dangerous, because they were taught to be like that from an early age. They were brutish, stubborn and aggressive people. Normal “berserking” or “raging” is not that dangerous. Whenever we do some swordplay with my mates, I play defensive or offensive. If I am defensive, I suppress adrenaline, and concentrate on my enemy’s weakpoints in defense. Mostly after a successfully blocked attack of theirs. But if I go offensive, I let my rage loose. Those times I am slightly faster, more observant, and a little bit stronger. This is all. Nothing really, just a little more. Indeed, these times I can’t really watch out for their safety, but I never attacked anyone, who wasn’t involved in the duel.
I didn’t read most of that, but I think I saw the word “berserk” once or twice. So, filling in the blanks, you’re probably calling for Byron to go berserk too! We’re with you!
You throw an axe at him for the same reason that you always start a Streetfighter match with a Haidoken or a Fireball – make them jump instead of attacking you, close in, whack.
Discussion (93) ¬
Ouch. I’m sure he really didn’t need that kidney anyway.
Epic update! Hope Bryon is ok he needs to get his berserk on like now.
… Not to be overly spoilerific… but being careful what you wish for is one of those things folk ought to pay more attention to.
“We’re all gonna die”
How…prophetic
Like her mace, Frigg is quite blunt, but also on the point.
Don’t be too cocky, there, Frigg. Dude seems kinda hard to fight, somehow.
As for the alt text’s question, how about…”The Best of Frenemies?” Imagine if Penny and Aggie had started this way…well, it would’ve ended well before the summer of 2011, methinks.
it’s only a flesh wound.
Ugh, I’m getting tired of Bryon’s suffering. Can’t we see him pwn?
I second this. Byron keeps getting his ass handed to him. When’s he finally going to turn things around and get to be a BAMF?
Frigg for the win!
Byron does get chumped allot, I take it that spear is still in his back!
It occurred to be that while we’ve seen Byron clocked and, er, set on fire, I don’t think we’ve seen him *bleed*, and I can’t help wonder if that’s a bit of a hint. That said, I think we’ve all looking forward to a nice wholesome violent rage…or a good explanation. Or both! ;-)
I don’t know about the previous times, but it looks like Byron is gushing blood this time!
Byron, honey? It’s the Fourth Wall. We’ve been watching you for quite sometime and we thought it time to speak up.
Now By… you don’t mind if we call you By do you? No? Well fine then. Byron, we have some constructive criticism.
You’re a barbarian-class… Your class feat is to rage and rip your enemies to shreds…. if you keep holding this back, you will go into full berserk rage once your HP drops too low. Keeping up so far?
Good. Now here’s our advice, dear:
STOP HOLDING BACK AND RIP THAT TROLL TO PEICES ALREADY!
Trust us, none of your friends will go anywhere near him, there will be no innocent bystanders. (Especially if you keep waiting….)
Again, this is not D&D. He may be a berserker, he may have incredible rages, but it’s not following any rules you might be thinking of.
This is a world created by Phil and T and Erica, and I’ll assume that John will be getting some creative input now. It follows their rules.
How about the rules of precedent and the entire damned point? Berserkers were a big deal because, like a junkie on pcp, they could, once they get going, fight beyond what would fell lesser men.
In D&D this is handled with bonus HP and, later, the explicit ability to continue fighting as long as you’re raging.
Here? Byron just needs to let the dams open and rip the damn thing to shreds.
Again, Byron is a BERZERKER. It’s been not only hinted at but flat out said (as well as that flashback of him standing in a field of bodies after one of his previous rages) that people with his profession ought to do what they do best, which is he is obviously not doing. Just because it’s not D&D, doesn’t make the truth any less clear.
I love how people are advocating the course of action of “lost all sense of self control and go on a mad killing rampage”
Seriously, in realistic situations, this *isnt* a good thing – a bezerk person is as much of a danger to their friends as their enemies.
Actually I was thinking of commenting on that (despite the fact that I am one of those who’d like to see a bit of berserk)–and I assume based on prior character development that this is a reason we have not seen Byron lose it–however, just for the sake of enjoying the story and/or getting a little explanation, I think people are hoping for a bit of payoff in some form after a year+ of following the character, even if the outcome is more bad than good, because it’s part of the story of someone they like or are curious about. The outcomes (good or bad) potentially set the stage for other interesting developments. So from my perspective it isn’t about the exact result so as much as resolution and payoff. Regardless, I’m going to guess that we won’t see berserk rages very frequently overall, because that would cheapen the effect and meaning.
Of course, he could be flat out lying about his title, but I don’t think that’s really how Byron operates.
well, maybe, but what if it’s like a drama with a lot of people focused on whether or not the two leads are gonna date/marry/screw?
once you’ve hit that point, people stop being interested anymore. why not draw it out? it adds interest and a lot of “is he gonna do it?” moments.
though, to be fair, even if byron berserks soon, i will never leave this comic.
Good point! But it is *possible* to avoid that pitfall if the writing is good. On “Pushing Daisies” it was naturally a big point that Chuck and Ned couldn’t touch–if Ned had solved that problem it would have likely been the resolution of the series (as opposed to cancellation). At the same time it was humorously implied that something was going on thanks to some awkward conversation moments and saran wrap. I think there are ways that this could be handled, even without being explicit, that would keep it interesting, and I am curious to see what happens.
Are you suggesting that Byron go on a subtle murderous rampage?
LOL! No…what I mean is, the creators don’t have to necessarily repeatedly show berserking episodes to keep things interesting. For example, we might learn or infer something from how people react to Byron or how other matters are affected by it after the fact. Considering the creators have made liberal use of flash-forwards and some flashbacks, they could get creative with it. OTOH, if they can pull off a subtle murderous rampage, I will be highly amused. (Though…wait…I think that would make him a serial killer…)
It was predicted, but still exciting. I like how Harki alternates between a sort of listless defence and explosive aggression.
Like everyone else, I eagerly await Byron’s rage.
Like a Nirvana song. ;-)
despite that though, you’re still just a rat in a cage.
THat’s Smashing Pumpkins. ;-)
And that’s my guinea pig.
No, you’re a man-eating nephropid with 5-foot claws.
Duh.
That…
How…
SPEARS DON’T EVEN WORK THAT WAY
NOT TO MENTION THE GROSS VIOLATION OF ANATOMY IT’D REQUIRE
Umm… thrust pointy end into enemy, enemy bleeds; spears work exactly that way. Also, who said trolls had anatomy at all resembling humans’?
If trolls resemble humans, which they obviously do, then they have anatomy which is similar to that of humans. Q.E.D.
Using a spear for stabbing instead of throwing seems perfectly logical to me under the circumstances, and do you have a textbook on troll anatomy?
That said, the first panel does look a little weird, probably because it’s not immediately clear that Harki is above and behind Byron, not directly above him. Not that I could do it better or anything.
He’s quite high up in that shot, also holding the spear in the middle. It’s the right range.
Plus, I believe that spear’s actually a polearm. Looking back, it seems to me that the blade has an edge as well as a point – a halberd type weapon. Which could slash AND stab.
It’s clear this Harki fellow has unusual fighting abilities. Our heroes aren’t completely new to fighting, after all. I would say that once they stop acting on “we’re so badass” and start paying a bit of attention to their opponent, things will improve.
Assuming they don’t die before they think to pay attention.
Debatable if Byron can get back into this fight unless someone can heal him.
That spear/polearm is hitting him in the back, but take a look at how the -front- of Byron’s shirt is moving. Looks to me like that was a through-and-through. With a spearhead that large, he’s had major organs destroyed.
You’re thinking of shorter spears made for throwing, Harki is using a longer spear, made for thrusting in melee, while you stay well outside your enemies’ range.
It’s a broad spear. The scottish used them way back in the day before the age of the pike. Broad spears have wide, flat heads with rounded edges so they can be used as slashing weapons as well.
Think of them as the missing link between the spear and the long pike.
hey, its the job of the villans to attack the hereo one by one, not the other way round!
WHUD!
maybe he strained a few tendons and snapped some cartilidge to do it, its not like it won’t heal.
Frigg just took the words right out of my mouth, and I doubt I’m the only one. This is totally setting the stage for Byron to (FINALLY!!!) earn his title.
What I’m most intrigued by is the fact that Bandit apparently felt they would somehow survive.
Considering they’re just taking on ONE guy while there’s still, I dunno, AN ENTIRE CITY of guys looking on probably with projectiles and magic, I find her optimism to be precious.
Hm, I seem different than most people. All I am thinking about is wondering why Bandit hasn’t tried to pick that gem out of the belly of ‘Harki’? It could be that that makes this troll stronger… besides, it is shiny!
*sigh*
Byron, So far every character in the comic has shown themselves to be a better fighter than you, even Syr’nj. I am wondering if you picked the wrong class.
You seem to have good wisdom and decent intelligence. Obviously good dexterity with how you throw those axes, and even okay strength. Charisma certainly isn’t lacking. Why is constitution your dump stat?
Nah, it’s high Constitution that lets him survive all those beatings. Clearly Dex is his dump stat, otherwise he’d be better at dodging.
He made the saving throw to stay on his feet, threw his axe to purposely hit Frigg with the blunt part, wields two axes, and doesn’t wear plate. The problem is that he can’t take a solid hit, but can’t dodge them all, either.
Now, if he really is a beserker, A severe hit like that should have pushed him to the point of beserking. I hope so, I mean, from the look of it, Frigg’s about to have her shield taken away.
He’s a conzerker; His problem is the plate shoulders and chain mail eating up his dex bonus. Not only that, but he doesn’t have armor proficiency for those shoulders, the breastplate or the greaves. So, not only is he losing the dex from the armor, but taking armor check penalties to his combat abilities.
At this point, it’s starting to look like Byron’s player is a THAT GUY variant.
I don’t think this comic actually uses the DnD ruleset.
Of course not, but it amuses us to discuss it as such.
That’s right Frigg! Fuck him up! FUCK HIM UP! SHOW ‘EM!
Seriously. I love Frigg sometimes. Most of the time. Basically all the time.
…Well, a large umber of people predicted that Byron was gonna get it in the face.
sometimes I think you do this to spite us :D
*sighs at Byron* Silly Fury warrior. You’re not the tank! :)
Well, it wasn’t the face close enough. :P
Go for the family jewel(s) Frigg!
*but close enough
…He stabbed him in the butt?
Why is Syr’Nj shouting and watching Byron instead of getting Gravy back to his short legs? Hmm. Mass heal concoction time! For science!
Y’know, I’m actually getting bored of Byron. can we kill him and have best back…
I mean, yeah, best was a douce, but Byrons just got so predicably boring. Fight occurs, he poses and gets ready to attack, he fails and frig has to do his and her own job
yawn
he really should’ve been the cleric…
maybe they’re going for a new character archetype (yay, new trope in the database). I mean, you never really do see the competent leader type be utterly useless in a strategic engagement. He’s like the super serious guy AND the comic relief. Having said that, I still have hope for Byron to be an effective combatant at SOME point. Perhaps like a slow sensual buildup… the climax will be worth it… at this point i think we all have blue balls.
As a warrior I can only say pop Last Stand, Enraged Regeneration, Bloodthirst Bloodthirst Bloodthirst!
Did I mention Bloodthist?
Walk it off Bryon!
look guys, Byron’s clearly the leader, therefore he’s clearly the threat. Monsters keep pulling out their daily powers on him, that’s all.
OK, Frigg’s lines made me LOL.
Frigg. Still my favorite character. By far!
Don’t care how much or how fast he regenerates, that HAD to hurt.
WTF! ilovesmesomeFRIGG! but as a former Baresark myself, all I can say is if this is not his “Trigger Event” Then WTF does it take!?!?! Syr’Nj is healing Gravedust right now, we just can’t see it in the panel? (i hope)
That’s what he gets for pulling aggro.
Damn idiot DPS. the tank was getting ready to pull any second! she showed up like 2 seconds later! he couldn’t effing wait?
Well he just spent a couple of pages kicking around the dps but it’s about time the tank rolled in.
I get the feeling this might be Byron’s big triumphant moment (unless he views the perpetual supression of his zerker side as the triumph in which case it would kind of suck for him) but that would mean Frigg would have to lose the fight.
Frigg’s badass victory vs Byron finally kirking out. I honestly don’t know which I’d prefer to see.
P.S: Bandit should go rummage through Gravedust’s stuff while Frigg is in angrytown, I’m sure he has something to negate troll regeneration in that bag of mystic tricks.
I love Harky’s fierce face in the first phanel. Clearly he loves stabbing people in surprising ways. The armpit hair is also a nice touch. What a splendid savage!
You know… THis is a jump forward from the previous times..
Perhapse everyone is flippin out, not because Byron went down, but because they are afraid he’ll get up.
They’re trapped in an arena. And when Harky is dead, who do you think Byron would kill next in his blind rage? Whould he even think to aim? Or would he just cut thru Frigg to reach the troll?
Really people, him going berserk at any point while his party is with him, is just plain insanity.
A beautiful page in many respects, but my favorite part? The action lines in the last panel. Notice how they get jagged and thicker on the right side near the impact point between Harki and Frigg’s mace? THAT is attention to detail. Very nice.
I wonder
Is this actually all just some kind of nightmare vision Gravedust is currently experiencing as a Mystic premonition of the critical danger to his life and / or poison in him, where without one, the entire team starts dropping one by one?
I’ve noticed the edge of the speech bubbles have gotten thinner recently.
– Harki is jumping and stabbing. It is a kind of surprise attack, since rarely a creature can jump so high. This is how he backstabbed Byron.
– All those fuss about him going berserk… Hell! Cut it out! He berserked once or twice before the timeline of the comics, or not, who cares? He is a fighter now and a party leader. This is his role. (And falling down much…) Besides… berserking is not necessarily a dangerous thing. The northern berserkers were dangerous, because they were taught to be like that from an early age. They were brutish, stubborn and aggressive people. Normal “berserking” or “raging” is not that dangerous. Whenever we do some swordplay with my mates, I play defensive or offensive. If I am defensive, I suppress adrenaline, and concentrate on my enemy’s weakpoints in defense. Mostly after a successfully blocked attack of theirs. But if I go offensive, I let my rage loose. Those times I am slightly faster, more observant, and a little bit stronger. This is all. Nothing really, just a little more. Indeed, these times I can’t really watch out for their safety, but I never attacked anyone, who wasn’t involved in the duel.
I didn’t read most of that, but I think I saw the word “berserk” once or twice. So, filling in the blanks, you’re probably calling for Byron to go berserk too! We’re with you!
yeah, but getting a bit angry and flying into a bezerk rage are kinda different.
All I say, that if you are not a brute, taught that killing is the meaning of life, then you won’t be that dangerous toward innocents.
Also this boss is… Hm… Frenetyc.
To be honest, since I belong to the working class, I never once in my life looked forward to a Monday so much as right now.
My monday includes recovering from a 3200 mile flight, and fixing innumerable bugs in a new database layer.
And I’m still excited.
Nice wrap shot, Frigg! You be HAWT!
Next page, we learn that Bandit is actually River Tam in disguise…
Ten bucks says Hark lifts Frigg up by her shield.
Also, Byron, this is why you throw one axe at the charging enemy. You only really need one.
I reckon he’s gonna punch her inna face.
I’ll do you a different bet. If he picks her up by the shield, I’ll draw a GA fanart. If he punches her inna face, you draw a GA fanart. Deal?
You throw an axe at him for the same reason that you always start a Streetfighter match with a Haidoken or a Fireball – make them jump instead of attacking you, close in, whack.
Hey Frigg! Pretend the troll is the White Queen!
Man, i knew he would suck. God, he´s one of the worst berserkers ever. A GM would facepalm at his luck of roll dices and character playing. XD