05/18/09 [DMFA #1004] - Words of Wisdom: Don't Die

[Aganerral]

I wonder who Cyra's allies are.

Less is more.

I don't think she was referring to her own allies.  Her comment is that Dan has allies that would know how to help him contact her.  Most likely that refers to Abel, Fa'lina or even Destania.  Mab and Fi might also be of some use for that as they assuredly know more about cubi stuff in general than Dan currently does.

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

I'm still getting the vibe that Cyra disapproves of Dan's actions, but is determined not to interfere overmuch with his life.

Do you have an example?  I'd be interested to know where you're coming from there.

I don't have an example per se, I'm working on the assumption that 'Cubi body language and facial expressions work in similar ways to human ones. In 1001, Cyra's expression is cool, relaxed. She's leaning forward, almost lounging on her belly, her eyes somewhat lidded, but intent.

Now cut to 1003.  Cyra has sat up, her eyes are wide open, mouth is a small circle, leaning slightly away from Dan. I'd call that surprised, perhaps picking up that Dan doesn't really want to talk. Why that surprises her is unclear, perhaps implying she does not know much about Dan. On the third panel, when she mentions that "anything under a decade" is soon, look at her face again. Twisted smile, eyes screwed up. She's turned her head slightly to the side. My take is that she's fighting back an urge to weep, and while she's saying "anything under a decade is fine" she wants it much sooner. She is a grandmother after all :p

Lastly, the "don't die" remark at the end......... Dying has an immediacy to it that the rest of the conversation doesn't (at least on the surface)  ring with. Like I said, it's a vibe, not a theory I can prove.

[Tapewolf]

I don't have an example per se, I'm working on the assumption that 'Cubi body language and facial expressions work in similar ways to human ones. In 1001, Cyra's expression is cool, relaxed. She's leaning forward, almost lounging on her belly, her eyes somewhat lidded, but intent.

Could be.  I'm assuming she was slightly amused by Dan's remark.

Now cut to 1003.  Cyra has sat up, her eyes are wide open, mouth is a small circle, leaning slightly away from Dan. I'd call that surprised, perhaps picking up that Dan doesn't really want to talk. Why that surprises her is unclear, perhaps implying she does not know much about Dan.

Alternatively, she has just seen Dan's thoughts.  The reasons he's under stress have already been covered, so she may well have got a condensed version of that.

Lastly, the "don't die" remark at the end......... Dying has an immediacy to it that the rest of the conversation doesn't (at least on the surface)  ring with. Like I said, it's a vibe, not a theory I can prove.

Yeah, that is the weird one.  Though we might be able to write that one off as the punchline.

Most likely that refers to Abel, Fa'lina or even Destania.

Dee doesn't really make a great ally at this juncture, though.  Being unable or unwilling to talk to Dan and all.
My money's on Fa'Lina and Abel, though most of the ones you've listed are sensible.

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

Don't forget Mab.

[Aganerral]

Dee doesn't really make a great ally at this juncture, though.  Being unable or unwilling to talk to Dan and all.
My money's on Fa'Lina and Abel, though most of the ones you've listed are sensible.

Agreed, I don't see Dee as suddenly showing up as herself to talk to Dan.  But I could see Dan heading back to the twink territories and having another meeting with 'Biggstania' and she might drop a few hints/advice in that form.

Or maybe Cyra occasionally shows up to the evil beach party and Dan's new friend Kria can put them in touch

[Madmann135]

You know I just thought of something... Dan is said to have a few screws loose when it comes to common sense and certain levels of sanity but with the second panel Dan showed wisdom.

He asked an elder (despite the fact she looks old enough to be his big sister) for any advice she had to offer though he was given some of the best advice, he unfortunately already lives by the advice she gave.

[Michael Chandra]

though he was given some of the best advice, he unfortunately already lives by the advice she gave.

Are you sure we're talking about the same Dan?

[Ganurath]

I wonder who Cyra's allies are.

Less is more.

I don't think she was referring to her own allies.  Her comment is that Dan has allies that would know how to help him contact her.  Most likely that refers to Abel, Fa'lina or even Destania.  Mab and Fi might also be of some use for that as they assuredly know more about cubi stuff in general than Dan currently does.

Yeah, that's a good point. On the other hand, I don't think Cyra's enemies would want her corrupting an ally of theirs such as Dan.

[Naldru]

I'm still getting the vibe that Cyra disapproves of Dan's actions, but is determined not to interfere overmuch with his life.

Do you have an example?  I'd be interested to know where you're coming from there.

If you look at the wall of text on 1002 contain the words destruction and unwise in close proximity to each other near the bottom.  Of course, it's hard to figure out the words in between.  She might also be implying that since cubi can live for thousands of years, he should take a more long range plan for revenge and retribution rather than rushing in so fast.  Perhaps not dying is a more reasonable short term goal, since dying makes execution of the long range plans impossible.

[Tapewolf]

If you look at the wall of text on 1002 contain the words destruction and unwise in close proximity to each other near the bottom. 

It wondered if it was a potted history of the clan's misfortunes or something, if she has only two direct descendants.  Or something to do with Destania.

[Aganerral]

If you look at the wall of text on 1002 contain the words destruction and unwise in close proximity to each other near the bottom. 

It wondered if it was a potted history of the clan's misfortunes or something, if she has only two direct descendants.  Or something to do with Destania.

My take of the partial is that she didn't want to appear in person  and meet Dan in physical form since it would lead to bad things happening.

[Psy-Kosh]

Don't Die.

I endorse this message.

EDIT: hrm... and ironically enough, just now noticed that apparently I've been changed from "telemarketer" to "skeleton"

[Ganurath]

If you look at the wall of text on 1002 contain the words destruction and unwise in close proximity to each other near the bottom. 

It wondered if it was a potted history of the clan's misfortunes or something, if she has only two direct descendants.  Or something to do with Destania.

I wonder if Amber might be willing to provide a copy of that last panel with Dan wearing the Mow patch. I just want to see how it'd look now that Amber's artisitic style has fleshed out some, and it has nothing to do with shrinking Dan so he doesn't block the text.

[inuhanyo]

If you look at the wall of text on 1002 contain the words destruction and unwise in close proximity to each other near the bottom.

It wondered if it was a potted history of the clan's misfortunes or something, if she has only two direct descendants.  Or something to do with Destania.

My take of the partial is that she didn't want to appear in person  and meet Dan in physical form since it would lead to bad things happening.

Probably similar to Destania's reasons

Alexsi: "... I do think it would be a lot easier if you were back home to help him..."
Dee: "I wish...But my return would only cause disaster..."

I surmise that either Destania's or Cyra's appearance at Lost Lake would quickly bring down an attack directed, if not executed, by one or more dragons.

[Tapewolf]

My take of the partial is that she didn't want to appear in person  and meet Dan in physical form since it would lead to bad things happening.

Probably similar to Destania's reasons

That, in a nutshell is what I was trying to say.  Only put much better than I did.

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

But this leads to the question of why. If the mere presence of Cyra is a death mark, then why is clan imagery just left lying about the inn, seemingly without any repurcussion?

[Caph Abash]

Long time lurker and reader, first post here.

Could Cyra be in the Fae kingdom?  The disks do look similar.

I don't think the Fae would let her stay there. She'd have to be on really good terms with them to be allowed the possibility of bringing trouble(well, more of a nuisance for the Fae) to their kingdom.

As far as Dan's allies that can help:
Destania is no ally of Dan, not right now.
Fi might know, but we don't know.
Mab most likely knows, as she is Fae.
I dunno if Abel would know. As far as we know, Abel doesn't have a whole lot to do with his clan, and may not know as much about that sorta thing. Though he very well could.
I can't think of anyone he's too close to that would know besides them.

Interesting idea: If she was in the Fae Kingdom, it makes even more sense Mab knows. And we know Mab has plans for Dan. But again, that seems unlikely IMO.

I surmise that either Destania's or Cyra's appearance at Lost Lake would quickly bring down an attack directed, if not executed, by one or more dragons.

Probably. Dan is protected by his relative harmlessness, friendship with Pyroduck, and closeness with Mab. However prominent Cyra's such as Destania or Cyra showing up would definitely get attention.

You know I just thought of something... Dan is said to have a few screws loose when it comes to common sense and certain levels of sanity but with the second panel Dan showed wisdom.

He asked an elder (despite the fact she looks old enough to be his big sister) for any advice she had to offer though he was given some of the best advice, he unfortunately already lives by the advice she gave.

He may lack common sense, but learning to respect the advice of elders probably comes earlier for those in such a deadly profession. Learn from other's mistakes and such.

Yah, I'm too lazy to think of much for myself, so most of mine will be responses.

[inuhanyo]

But this leads to the question of why. If the mere presence of Cyra is a death mark, then why is clan imagery just left lying about the inn, seemingly without any repercussions?

Consider Biggs' 'invitation', said to Dee after suggesting that Dan could hide with her
Biggs: "Dear Dan!  Guess What!  Dragons have your dad and the only reason he isn't dead is because they can't find me and don't know you exist!  Come into hiding with me! And bring clean clothes!  Love, mom!"

And Arryanna sensed Fa'Lina's aura after Fa'Lina had just left Lost Lake.  I imagine that the dragons are actively seeking Destania and Cyra both, and possibly have some kind of magical alarms covering Lost Lake, which is Destania's last known (to them) location.  However they haven't sent anyone to toss the place and finding the Cyra clan mark in a location that Destania has lived in for 25 years wouldn't be considered a clue.

Destania or Cyra showing up, however, would probably trip some alarms, big time.  And it's going to be risky for Dan to go around with his new clan mark showing.  He's been safe only because they don't know he is Cyra clan.

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

But this leads to the question of why. If the mere presence of Cyra is a death mark, then why is clan imagery just left lying about the inn, seemingly without any repercussions?

Consider Biggs' 'invitation', said to Dee after suggesting that Dan could hide with her
Biggs: "Dear Dan!  Guess What!  Dragons have your dad and the only reason he isn't dead is because they can't find me and don't know you exist!  Come into hiding with me! And bring clean clothes!  Love, mom!"

And Arryanna sensed Fa'Lina's aura after Fa'Lina had just left Lost Lake.  I imagine that the dragons are actively seeking Destania and Cyra both, and possibly have some kind of magical alarms covering Lost Lake, which is Destania's last known (to them) location.  However they haven't sent anyone to toss the place and finding the Cyra clan mark in a location that Destania has lived in for 25 years wouldn't be considered a clue.

Destania or Cyra showing up, however, would probably trip some alarms, big time.  And it's going to be risky for Dan to go around with his new clan mark showing.  He's been safe only because they don't know he is Cyra clan.

But this would have to be fairly recent. I mean, Destania lived at lost lake at least long enough for Dan to graduate adventuring school, something that probably took 16 years at the very least. Why would Destania showing up now trigger an alarm when it didn't back then? Because if it's something that happened in the interim, why would Cyra's presence have tipped it off, since presumably it was somethign Destania is up to that's a threat to the Dragons. After all, Fa'Lina certianly doesn't seem to be in with her on things.

Although one thing has occurred to me. We're all assuming here, with cause certainly, that the unexplained reason behind Edward's disappearance is connected to all this Dragon hatred stuff. While that seems reasonable, who says that it is the cause at elast of this ruond of plotting?

Suppose that a big tough dragon like Hizell managed to take Cyra prisoner, or at least force her into hiding. Destania gets ticked, and tries some sort of revenge scheme. Either to forestall her or to punish, the Dragons imprison Edward as well.

[kazzellin]

But this leads to the question of why. If the mere presence of Cyra is a death mark, then why is clan imagery just left lying about the inn, seemingly without any repurcussion?

Ah, but it is not "just lying about the inn."

We know only of Alexsi's headboard, and the photo in Dan's room. And how many people wandering around an inn are going to be allowed to see those? First off, they've no reason to go into the basement - that area is typically reserved for staff and storage (or in this case, people who live there) and they would therefore be prevented from going down. I wouldn't be surprised if the door is behind the counter/in the kitchen. As for someone going into Alexsi's room. . . That'd be a hammer to the face very quickly.

EDIT: To that end, please see comics 377 and 379 (which I shall not link directly to, as I do not know how to make with the cool texty method). In 377, it looks like Dan's walking into the kitchen from an adjacent hallway, not the bar area; hence, the furniture pictured behind him. In 379, Alexsi in shown coming down a stairway right into the kitchen, on an opposite wall. So, the rooms they're in (and therefore the rooms the clan symbols are in) are not likely to be accessed by customers. They also would not be accessed by reporters, as they're considered private rooms. (The rooms for rent? Sure. But not Alexsi's, and not a room that semi-permanently occupied.) Come to think of it, I'm not sure I've ever seen an ad/article about an inn or hotel that's ever featured the kitchen portion of the establishment.

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

We're not talking about anoying houseguests. These are Dragons on the hunt. I'd bet money I don't have that they can turn themselves invisible, or otherwise undetectable to normal means. And I don't know the rules about scrying in the DMFA-verse, but I don't see why it wouldn't be possible to look in a mystic pool or whatever for all clan signs of Cyra.



Edit. Something else occurred to me. Where is Dan's nascant clan sign? It should be on his left shoulder, yes? Unless the "Dream him" doesn't have it yet, as Dan probably hasn't even noticed it yet.

[kazzellin]

Edit. Something else occurred to me. Where is Dan's nascant clan sign? It should be on his left shoulder, yes? Unless the "Dream him" doesn't have it yet, as Dan probably hasn't even noticed it yet.

Nope; it's on his right. Our view point of it forming was with him on his back, facing up, on his right. So, right arm, not left.

[inuhanyo]

Well, guessing from Dan's responses I'd think he might reconsider starting to like being a cubi and he might actually start to learn.
One of the things that might have actually scared Dan, into not wanting to be a cubi, was Aaryanna's constant pressure and attitude. If you compare Aaryanna's and Cyra's attitude you will find out that they have almost opposite attitudes, so it is possible that this was the key to unlocking Dan's listening and thinking brain cells from the small room in Dan's head.

Yes, having Aaryanna around was not a good preparation for Dan discovering he is an Incubus.  Cyra, on the other had, definitely came across as a doting grandmother (which she is, to Dan) and without being at all pushy.  Compare Fa'lina when she got a whiff of Pyroduck having a romantic relationship.  Cyra may have learned through bitter experience about the risks of trying to push ones offspring in a direction.  With Destania, perhaps?

**snip**

But this would have to be fairly recent. I mean, Destania lived at lost lake at least long enough for Dan to graduate adventuring school, something that probably took 16 years at the very least. Why would Destania showing up now trigger an alarm when it didn't back then? Because if it's something that happened in the interim, why would Cyra's presence have tipped it off, since presumably it was something Destania is up to that's a threat to the Dragons. After all, Fa'Lina certainly doesn't seem to be in with her on things.

Although one thing has occurred to me. We're all assuming here, with cause certainly, that the unexplained reason behind Edward's disappearance is connected to all this Dragon hatred stuff. While that seems reasonable, who says that it is the cause at least of this round of plotting?

Suppose that a big tough dragon like Hizell managed to take Cyra prisoner, or at least force her into hiding. Destania gets ticked, and tries some sort of revenge scheme. Either to forestall her or to punish, the Dragons imprison Edward as well.

We know that some time not too long after Dan started his adventuring career,  Edward didn't come back from one of his missions.  Dee places the Inn in Alexsi's capable hands and goes looking for him.    She doesn't come back either.

Dan has many adventures, and eventually "retires".  As much as anyone can from that kind of job.  He gets called out of retirement to deal with Dark Pegasus, again.

Much later, we discover (in canon) that Dee is working for Biggs in the Twink Territories.  A contrived kidnapping allows Dee to have a good talk with Alexsi, and in the conversation between Dee and Biggs afterwards we learn that dragons have Edward in stasis, and Dee and Biggs have a plan to wipe the dragon race from Furrae.  Details unspecified.

Given the Dragon-Cubi War and the massacre of Siar's clan, I'm now inclined to withhold judgment.

All else is surmise and speculation.

Something else occurred to me. Where is Dan's nascent clan sign? It should be on his left shoulder, yes? Unless the "Dream him" doesn't have it yet, as Dan probably hasn't even noticed it yet.

That's most likely the case, when we picked up on the dream, he didn't even have his headwings out.  The clan mark started to manifest in the middle of the fight with DP, I'm certain Dan hasn't had the opportunity to notice it yet.  So it wouldn't be part of his dream avatar.

[Aganerral]

Suppose that a big tough dragon like Hizell managed to take Cyra prisoner, or at least force her into hiding. Destania gets ticked, and tries some sort of revenge scheme. Either to forestall her or to punish, the Dragons imprison Edward as well.

I'm filing this under unlikely   Hizell knew enough about clan connections to use Siar's link to find other clan members.  if a dragon actually captured Cyra they could use the same trick.  Or at least would keep Cyra for sending out calls for help that could give away plots.  Otherwise Cyra just tells Dan 'I'm over here.  Tell your mom.  Send help.  And bring cookies.'

[AmigaDragon]

But this leads to the question of why. If the mere presence of Cyra is a death mark, then why is clan imagery just left lying about the inn, seemingly without any repurcussion?

Ah, but it is not "just lying about the inn."

We know only of Alexsi's headboard, and the photo in Dan's room. And how many people wandering around an inn are going to be allowed to see those? First off, they've no reason to go into the basement - that area is typically reserved for staff and storage (or in this case, people who live there) and they would therefore be prevented from going down. I wouldn't be surprised if the door is behind the counter/in the kitchen. As for someone going into Alexsi's room. . . That'd be a hammer to the face very quickly.

Aw, I was going to bring up some of that, but you beat me to it.

Edit. Something else occurred to me. Where is Dan's nascant clan sign? It should be on his left shoulder, yes? Unless the "Dream him" doesn't have it yet, as Dan probably hasn't even noticed it yet.

Nope; it's on his right. Our view point of it forming was with him on his back, facing up, on his right. So, right arm, not left.

That would depend on whether his dream avatar only reflects his self image or if it can reflect (unrealized) reality. Absent then present headwings are probably only variations in his subconscious self image.

[Azlan]

I'm filing this under unlikely   Hizell knew enough about clan connections to use Siar's link to find other clan members.  if a dragon actually captured Cyra they could use the same trick.  Or at least would keep Cyra for sending out calls for help that could give away plots.  Otherwise Cyra just tells Dan 'I'm over here.  Tell your mom.  Send help.  And bring cookies.'

I think it is a safe bet to say that Crya is at large somewhere. 

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

I'm not saying it's likely either, just pointing out the possibility that the reason Cyra might not come into contact with Dan is because of some problem on her end, not Dan's. Even the powerful have thir problems.

[Ted Schiller]

But this leads to the question of why. If the mere presence of Cyra is a death mark, then why is clan imagery just left lying about the inn, seemingly without any repurcussion?

They might be considered an adventurer's war trophies.

With regards,
Ted

[Ted Schiller]

Don't die.

Dan has a bad track record of following that advice.

Considering his dangerous craft, he has followed that advice quite well.

With regards,
Ted

[Naldru]

I think it is a safe bet to say that Crya is at large somewhere. 

I think that it is a safe bet that she is both large and at large.

Also considering that cubi clan leaders have psychic links to their clan and the fact that cubi can read thoughts and enter dreams, it is quite possible that they are like radio transmitters.  Now that the dragons have Edward, they are probably twiddling the knobs on their psychic radios to trace down the few clan members who have had the bad taste to survive.  Paintings and carvings on headboards wouldn't have this traceable aura.  It is also possible that dragons are procrastinators and a little on the lazy side.  They'll crush their enemies when they get around to it.