Annotated 36-27
This strikes me as a strong example of E-Merl’s tendency to do great feats of heroism while somehow holding onto his self-image as a screw-up who can’t do anything right.
Yes, E-Merl, you are the only one who sees that flaw in that plan. If E-Merl hadn’t raised the objection he did, the overstressed, desperate Bandit and Scipio could’ve inadvertently let the Madness spread to the capital. And that could have been game over for all but the most isolated pockets of humanoid life. (Of all the civilizations, Asallah En-Qu’Lara would have the best survival odds. But we will see in this battle that berserkers are capable of wielding magick when the host is practiced at it, as if by reflex action. So, uh… those odds would still be well under 50%.)
Dozens are dead. Hundreds more may soon die. But E-Merl’s quick thinking, and shouting back against his more impressive colleague, may’ve just saved everyone else everywhere.
Hurry up with the running, though, man. The tide’s turning: Rabbit is not at his best in a melee.
Ah, Rabbit’s in the strip, but not tagged.
Fixed, thanks!
E-Merl’s comment saved everyone else everywhere…but it also meant that he’s running away to safety while everyone else fights and dies to give him that chance to maybe get reinforcements here in time to save someone.
I can see why the dude still feels like a screwup.
…and he’s still clutching that weird book. I do wonder if you had intentions to go anywhere particular with it. Or if it actually does play a role and I just missed it?
We had some ideas I’ll get to later. I’m not sure I understand why it was worthwhile for this scene, though.
I remember E-Merl and Gravedust acquiring it several chapters ago when they went to a Cultist meeting undercover. And then they got some information from it I think. And I remember it having a role in the future (I think). But it doesn’t seem to have a purpose in this chapter.
At least E-Merl is not SO unsure of himself that he does not to speak up when he thinks his panicking friends are about to make a mistake.