Eh, Ivar and Don Gobligno are the only ones that rub me the wrong way. Harki and Gondolessa seem to at least think that war is a terrible but necessary evil, other the other two deeply reminiscent of war profiteers.
True…but that doesn’t necessarily lead to military competence – merely resolve. Ivar and Don clearly aren’t very competent as military strategists. Harky seems to do strategy pretty well, but his tactics seem a little lacking. We know nothing about Gondolessa on the military front.
My point is that she’s probably better than the first two, since she isn’t a dilettante, and may be better than Gondo. Be interesting if she’s better than Harky on the tactics side.
Hmm. Aren’t a lot of wars decided by which political leadership collapses first? A government that keeps losing battles will lose political support. “War is politics by other means” and all that.
Short of actual backstabbing by one party (which is usually planned long before the alliance is formed, c.f.: Operation Barbarossa), most alliances are pretty stable as long as the perceived threat from the other side continues. The moment the threat is gone, the alliance generally descends into chaos, but historically, until that point things are usually reasonably solid (see: Hellenic League against Persia in the fifth century BC, Britain’s alliances against Napoleon, both World Wars, the Spanish-American War in the Philippines, and anything else similar).
Clearly Hurricane Software is neglecting them story-wise. Betcha they barely got any mention in the expansion in which they were introduced. And female landsharks are probably a slap-dash last-minute rush job with terrible texturing.
You’re right. The art style on the bottom-right “hand” seems to indicate a Landshark. Everyone else seems to be accounted for and I can’t recall another Savage Race with grey colored hands.
Could be a dula leadership. I think, (could be wrong) some N American Natives had a leader of the people and a secondary that was kind of the “warchief”.
Aurauga is clearly the Gnoll champion, I think Arfa was referring to the fact that the leadership wants the champions to be representative of the peoples, yet the leadership is not representative because they have left her out, something she means to change.
Also…Madame Arfa has solidified my impression that the Gnolls are Spotted Hyenas, not canids.
She, unlike Auraugu’s got a distinctly hyena-like head (Auraugu’s is more canid, but he does have a Spotted Hyena-like coat), and behaviour-wise, Madame A is definitely displaying the behavior of a female Spotted Hyena. Dominant, and often using their loins to prove it (although not in quite this way…that is a consequence of submission, not a cause of it)… (And if she is built like a Spotted Hyena…well, the bone being discussed in the alt-text may not be the one she’s got in her paw…)
Not really. They’re ‘non-specific carnivores’ for the most part, and the head of the most known one is quite canine in shape. (As an example, someone referred to Auraugu as ‘the wolf guy’ yesterday.)
Their spot patterns and the stripe of fur over the spine are pretty obvious clues, and anyone familiar with D&D gnolls should be familiar with the “hyena-like” description. (Plus, I thought the “wolf-guy” thing was facetious.)
That plus the fact that Gnolls ALWAYS have been Hyena-based in popular fantasy. I mean, D&D Gnolls are based on hyenas, Warcraft Gnolls are based on Hyenas… and that is about as much Gnolls that I can currently remember. But I’m sure the others are Hyenas as well! If there are others. I’m rambling.
Maybe it’s the link that’s been stopping me from being able to comment since this morning. Let’s try taking that out.
While hyenas are the popular depiction of gnolls, they aren’t and HAVEN’T always been it. When gnolls first were introduced into DnD, they were not hyena or even animal-like at all. They were described as a cross between gnome and troll. It was only later when they were described, and later stayed as hyena-like beastmen. The other popular depiction is dogs/wolves (canine). It’s less popular and personally I prefer the hyena depiction, but it’s still quite prevalent. It can be seen in games like Everquest and Vindictus, as well as a number of other non-DnD related fantasy games. Many of the characters refer to Gnolls in this comic as canine; and they are described as canine (evolved from the wolf, even) in an extra comic/a-childrens-guide-to-arkerra-iv/
Though, it could be assumed that the characters are not entirely educated on gnolls, as most of the savage races don’t seem to be judged fairly enough for an in-depth study. The page listed was also from what was meant to be a children’s book by humans for humans. From what we’ve seen, the gnolls in this definitely have canine qualities both in behavior and appearance. They also have hyena-like qualities, such as spotted fur patterns, the seemingly excitable attitude in conflict could be considered as hyena-like, and here we see what appears to be a matriarchal social order. The authors might have intentionally combined hyena and canine qualities, thereby making them an amalgamation of the popular depictions of gnolls. Kind of like how African Spotted dogs are actual canids but have some hyena qualities.
And yes… if they share spotted hyena qualities, there’s a chance she might be… confusing below the belt. It’s still female anatomy though… just not so much visibly. Nothing a champion can’t handle… I guess…
I always thought Hyena’s were just strange members of the canine family. Did a google search to find out they have their own separate family but happen to share similarities with both canine and feline families. Makes sense.
Really this should be bringing everyone together in harmony. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Human, Gnome, Elf, Dwarf, Goblin, Troll, Hawkman or Gnoll, they can all stand up with one voice and say “At least we’re not a woman.”
I think DC Comics might oppose your movement.
Not to mention it would exclude Avians that have other likenesses. I can picture a platoon of poultry poltroons, specialized scavengers scouring supplies from the fallow fields of fallen fighters.
The vulture’s victim cannot complain
He’s shuffled off this mortal coil
What’s left behind is used again
To the Victor goes the spoils.
Well dog gone…
Don Goblingno was barking up the wrong tree.
If he doesn’t stop, Madame is going to make him howl.
Looks like she’s got a bone to pick with the council.
Gobligno deserves that broken nose.
Correction: He deserves another one.
She may not be a military strategist, but I’m willing to bet she understands people the horde the savage races.
Given this group she’s probably no worse than 3/4th of them. Not a glowing endorsement, but…
Eh, Ivar and Don Gobligno are the only ones that rub me the wrong way. Harki and Gondolessa seem to at least think that war is a terrible but necessary evil, other the other two deeply reminiscent of war profiteers.
True…but that doesn’t necessarily lead to military competence – merely resolve. Ivar and Don clearly aren’t very competent as military strategists. Harky seems to do strategy pretty well, but his tactics seem a little lacking. We know nothing about Gondolessa on the military front.
My point is that she’s probably better than the first two, since she isn’t a dilettante, and may be better than Gondo. Be interesting if she’s better than Harky on the tactics side.
In light of the holiday season, I can’t believe I only just realized how much Goblingo looks like the Grinch.
hah I noticed it too XD
Took one look at him today, and had “you’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch” immediately running through my head. Never noticed it before, either, though.
I’m glad I’m not the only one.
Anyone else get the feeling this war’s going to be decided not on the battlefield, but by which alliance falls apart first?
Hmm. Aren’t a lot of wars decided by which political leadership collapses first? A government that keeps losing battles will lose political support. “War is politics by other means” and all that.
Short of actual backstabbing by one party (which is usually planned long before the alliance is formed, c.f.: Operation Barbarossa), most alliances are pretty stable as long as the perceived threat from the other side continues. The moment the threat is gone, the alliance generally descends into chaos, but historically, until that point things are usually reasonably solid (see: Hellenic League against Persia in the fifth century BC, Britain’s alliances against Napoleon, both World Wars, the Spanish-American War in the Philippines, and anything else similar).
Madam Arfa’s bone is worse than her bite.
Yes, many have been boned by her–few have lived to tell the tale.
Hey now, we just met the character. How formidable she is remains tibia seen.
Given that Gnolls are typically based on spotted hyenas, the bone in her hand is probably the least of concerns.
At her age, and with the way she speaks of the fire in her loins? No, she must have had cubs by now.
What, no Landshark champion?
I mean, they’re stupid but they’re awesome!
Clearly Hurricane Software is neglecting them story-wise. Betcha they barely got any mention in the expansion in which they were introduced. And female landsharks are probably a slap-dash last-minute rush job with terrible texturing.
Old comment, I know, but for the sake of archive bingers like myself:
If you’re making that reference, I think the Gnolls are more accurate.. especially in this particular scene.
Well, they’re not skysharks.
HEY, WE’RE THE CHAMPION. YEAH WE FIGHT. LET’S GET THAT GUY.
ie: Landsharks have a hivemind thing so they’d have no specific leader type., right?
The title page for this chapter has six hands, not five, so I’m guessing there’ll be a landshark champion yet.
It has 6 hands….
You’re right. The art style on the bottom-right “hand” seems to indicate a Landshark. Everyone else seems to be accounted for and I can’t recall another Savage Race with grey colored hands.
But gnolls already have Auraugu! The fuzzy people’s champion! The most electrifying man in entertainment!
Could be a dula leadership. I think, (could be wrong) some N American Natives had a leader of the people and a secondary that was kind of the “warchief”.
Also, at least part of this page looks like a reference to the fact that female hyenas are generally larger than males, and take the role of alpha.
Aurauga is clearly the Gnoll champion, I think Arfa was referring to the fact that the leadership wants the champions to be representative of the peoples, yet the leadership is not representative because they have left her out, something she means to change.
Yeah – I somehow doubt that anyone but Harky multiclassed Champion and Leader.
Also…Madame Arfa has solidified my impression that the Gnolls are Spotted Hyenas, not canids.
She, unlike Auraugu’s got a distinctly hyena-like head (Auraugu’s is more canid, but he does have a Spotted Hyena-like coat), and behaviour-wise, Madame A is definitely displaying the behavior of a female Spotted Hyena. Dominant, and often using their loins to prove it (although not in quite this way…that is a consequence of submission, not a cause of it)… (And if she is built like a Spotted Hyena…well, the bone being discussed in the alt-text may not be the one she’s got in her paw…)
Wasn’t it always obvious they’re hyenas?
Not really. They’re ‘non-specific carnivores’ for the most part, and the head of the most known one is quite canine in shape. (As an example, someone referred to Auraugu as ‘the wolf guy’ yesterday.)
Their spot patterns and the stripe of fur over the spine are pretty obvious clues, and anyone familiar with D&D gnolls should be familiar with the “hyena-like” description. (Plus, I thought the “wolf-guy” thing was facetious.)
Oh geez, smugface Frigg when I’m being all know-it-all. Karma strikes again.
seriously. the RNG for Gravitar must love this comic.
Auragu’s grin, appearance and attitude (hyes!) immediately screamed hyena to me when I first saw him.
That plus the fact that Gnolls ALWAYS have been Hyena-based in popular fantasy. I mean, D&D Gnolls are based on hyenas, Warcraft Gnolls are based on Hyenas… and that is about as much Gnolls that I can currently remember. But I’m sure the others are Hyenas as well! If there are others. I’m rambling.
What the hell am I? Gravedust-ghost? Ghostdust? Graveghost?
Cultist ghost that rejected Gravedust’s request to know how to understand the book they found about the Madness.
Yeah that too and I have no idea what you are but it’s pretty fucked up.
Maybe it’s the link that’s been stopping me from being able to comment since this morning. Let’s try taking that out.
While hyenas are the popular depiction of gnolls, they aren’t and HAVEN’T always been it. When gnolls first were introduced into DnD, they were not hyena or even animal-like at all. They were described as a cross between gnome and troll. It was only later when they were described, and later stayed as hyena-like beastmen. The other popular depiction is dogs/wolves (canine). It’s less popular and personally I prefer the hyena depiction, but it’s still quite prevalent. It can be seen in games like Everquest and Vindictus, as well as a number of other non-DnD related fantasy games. Many of the characters refer to Gnolls in this comic as canine; and they are described as canine (evolved from the wolf, even) in an extra comic/a-childrens-guide-to-arkerra-iv/
Though, it could be assumed that the characters are not entirely educated on gnolls, as most of the savage races don’t seem to be judged fairly enough for an in-depth study. The page listed was also from what was meant to be a children’s book by humans for humans. From what we’ve seen, the gnolls in this definitely have canine qualities both in behavior and appearance. They also have hyena-like qualities, such as spotted fur patterns, the seemingly excitable attitude in conflict could be considered as hyena-like, and here we see what appears to be a matriarchal social order. The authors might have intentionally combined hyena and canine qualities, thereby making them an amalgamation of the popular depictions of gnolls. Kind of like how African Spotted dogs are actual canids but have some hyena qualities.
And yes… if they share spotted hyena qualities, there’s a chance she might be… confusing below the belt. It’s still female anatomy though… just not so much visibly. Nothing a champion can’t handle… I guess…
“Nothing a champion can’t handle…”
Totally not touching that :P
In Gnollviet Russia, IT touches YOU.
….. Sorry.
Not for the mental image, for using that meme.
I always thought Hyena’s were just strange members of the canine family. Did a google search to find out they have their own separate family but happen to share similarities with both canine and feline families. Makes sense.
They’re actually more closely related to Felidae than Canidae.
cheetah have a similar geneology.
And that’s why the cheetah cry
This is going to be interesting.
“Leave us to plot our War in Peace!”
THERE’S NO FIGHTING IN THE WAR ROOM!
Intimately?….. Wait, are they *flirting*?
Less “flirting”, more “threatening with violent rape.”
“It’s not rape if he’s not conscious to protest !”
Not funny.
Yeah, seems like he just got threatened with sex.
Or perhaps the threat is that she’ll sire someone to kill him?
No, it’s definitely the first thing.
Aka, make him her bitch.
Harky’s drummer boy for champion (someone will remind me of his name shortly).
Never under estimate the power of a bard in the party.
Not-Best ? :p
Worst!
Penk
I appreciate this nod towards female hyena physiology
Don Gobligno: [screams internally]
Don Gobligno keeps it up – [screams externally]
heh, “keeps it up” ;D
They better pick Auraugu.Since he is the most awesome character in the comic. :D
Isn’t he one of Harkies special personal guards? If so then having him the group of champions may be a conflict of interest.
He was actually part of that commando team back at the docks. And the only one that came back, so I think he is good to take another shot.
Aragaugu rocks!
Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here, this is the war tent!
+1
So now we’ll have a Monstrous Adventuirng Party to math our Normal Adventuring Party? Maybe we’ll get a mirror of each character!
*match
They’re gonna calculate your demise!
I wonder if they’ve taken the monster levels into account properly…
Hopefully there won’t be any of that Half-Orc/Half-Gnoll/One-Fourth Troll/Three-Eights Dragon stuff to calculate…
Old frail women are the most frightening thing in the world! Ruuuun!
Seriously. She’s broken chicken necks for 50 years! Yours won’t be any challenge at all!
Don’t forget the landsharks as well!
Really this should be bringing everyone together in harmony. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Human, Gnome, Elf, Dwarf, Goblin, Troll, Hawkman or Gnoll, they can all stand up with one voice and say “At least we’re not a woman.”
I think you’ve almost definitely stumbled upon this comic’s ending.
I’m also moving to approve the name “Hawkman” as the official replacement for “Avian.”
I think DC Comics might oppose your movement.
Not to mention it would exclude Avians that have other likenesses. I can picture a platoon of poultry poltroons, specialized scavengers scouring supplies from the fallow fields of fallen fighters.
The vulture’s victim cannot complain
He’s shuffled off this mortal coil
What’s left behind is used again
To the Victor goes the spoils.
Screw DC, what about Hawk from the Buck Rogers TV show?
Shoulda done a bit more poking around, just found this clipage
woohoo a savage races peacekeeping party
Aw. Madam Arfa’s gnoll fun.
Spoiling the gentleman’s club that they have going on and all. Don Gobligno is at least brutally honest, though.
Aaah! She’s wrecking the sausage fest! Kind of interesting that the only good “gentleman’s club” is full of women…
As she’s a female hyena, uh she’s only added to the sausage fest, not really wrecked it…
I laughed a lot harder at the last part, when I remembered the anatomy of female hyenas and how she worded her threat.
The men would shrink at the view of her alpha-hood.
Sexism: It is everywhere
My mind can’t help but jump to the hyena matriarch Grim Eyes in Digger. She kicked ass.