From the Katbox version: "Usually one of the few ways to get a Taun clan member to go to your party is to have a pinata."
I wonder if Dan will now ask Cyra if he can visit her? Then again, he still seems to be a bit overawed by the size of clan leaders.
First: That is really not a good mental image...
Second: Interesting that Taun does not seem to hold any grudges against Cyra. Quite on the contrary. Considering Tauns character I expected her to have a lot of reason to dislike Cyra very much considering what she did. OTOH she probably knows how much Cyra regrets what she has done.
I always figured the power surge of ascension was the final cut-off for failure, but I hadn't considered the impact of the physical transformation.
Hennya probably would have liked meat pinatas, though perhaps not made of people.
Noticing a couple pauses in Taun's remarks, she may be attempting to choose her words wisely while communicating with Dan. She could be aware that Dan has been through some emotional distraught recently and doesn't want to put him through more than he can handle. While Taun is a great warrior, she is most likely also a great councilor (possibily better than Fa'Lina) due to the fact her clan happens to endure much emotional distress during any battles they may encounter. There are some that don't take death and destruction as well as others, but Taun knows such tragic events will take place and they need a way to cope with them. Jeremiah may be a prime example. Although he is a member the Taun Clan and has had warrior training, there is still a bit of fear within him as noticed during the clan meeting...especially with someone as intimidating as Zezzuva. Fear is definitely not a good thing to have on your shoulder while in battle.
Cyra may be trying to show some positive emotion from time to time, but in realism, she is drained. Granted the affinity of Cyra Clan is pain (though I'm sure she is having second thoughts about it), drawing off her own pain may not be the best way of handling things though she knows that the guilty conscience of her actions at Hishaan and the tragic events that followed during the Dragon-Cubi War will haunt her through life. Cyra's second mishap was extending the life of her daughter Destania beyond the natural lifespan in hopes of keeping her clan alive. While it worked, and Destania eventually gave birth to Dan, there were many significant happenings which caused Destania to practically become a monster over time...being cooped up at SAIA for centuries, her embattled relationship with Aniz and later with his son Abel, her husband Edward being captured and held captive by the dragons (although this is a preumption, we don't know for sure) and her dire hatred of the dragon race overall. Right now, the only happy point in the lives of both Cyra and Destania is Dan. While hoping that Dan doesn't follow the same path as they did, the continued downward spiral of Destania's demeanor is not making it easy. Granted there may still be some joy left somewhere within Destania, it is becoming much harder to find as her mind is generally become "single track" toward disaster and full speed ahead.
Quote from: Dard on November 14, 2016, 10:05:25 AM
Second: Interesting that Taun does not seem to hold any grudges against Cyra. Quite on the contrary. Considering Tauns character I expected her to have a lot of reason to dislike Cyra very much considering what she did. OTOH she probably knows how much Cyra regrets what she has done.
Taun seems to be all about saving 'Cubi wherever possible and Cyra Clan is very definitely on the endangered list. It's not like Cyra knew that she was going to trigger such a massive backlash against her race, after all - and I think Amber once mentioned that the war would have happened anyway, she just hastened the process.
If Cyra had "only" killed M'chek, it's possible things wouldn't have turned out so badly for Cubi as a whole. But Cyra specifically states that he was harvesting the souls of "everyone in the city, including his own children." The backlash that turned Hishaan to glass almost definitely took MULTIPLE dragons out with it.
A valid point, Tapewolf. It is possible that Hizell may be looking for a possible single race domination of Furrae, well ahead of the events at Hishaan that took down a respected dragon comrade in M'Chek. The Cubi would be a formidable threat in their path, although other dragons may prefer to compromise and have all creature races live on Furrae equally without major controversy. I'm sure there are many dragons that despise Hizell and his plans, his son Pyroduck included. Just like Cubi, there are most likely good and bad dragons on Furrae. Unfortunately, the good dragons are not powerful enough to take down Hizell and his clan themselves are are reluctant to ask for help due to other races disliking dragons overall after events of the Dragon-Cubi War. Cyra mentioned to Dan that M'Chek was harvesting souls of residents at Hishaan, although it has not officially been confirmed. I'd expect that Zezzuva and her clan were looking into the incident after the war. They most likely didn't have access to Hishaan at the time as it was (and probably still is), to the effect, being guarded by dragons. Nonetheless, with the selfish behavior of Zezzuva, it probably wouldn't have mattered. She is most likely to see someone as guilty until proven innocent without having all the facts. In Cyra's case, while it is obvious that she was guilty for causing the Dragon-Cubi War, we still don't know as to what extent. If what Cyra told Dan was actually true, she unsuspectingly did a favor for the residents of Hishaan although still costing them their lives. It would be souls being set free instead of going to the dragons.
EDIT: After looking at a comic posting from a few months ago, I found a probable motive regarding the dragons' actions. Some may have already seen it. With Zezzuva soon sacrificing her leadership, most of the investigative responsibilities will likely fall on Nact'Larn and her clan although some of Zezzuva's members may continue to help out. I'd expect the new Insectis-Cubi clan will have a different role in the race.
There are still many clues and events yet to unfold on Furrae.
Think of the implications; that means Fa'lina's actual breasts are far larger
Cyra certainly did not know the extent of the tragedy she cause, but she should have. Well, maybe not the Dragon-Cubi war, but destroying an entire city is bound to cause a lot of hatred to her and her kin. And even if you don't add up all the non-cubi casualities from the city itself (which she should) there is still the question how many cubi died in the deed itself.
No matter how to look at it, Cyra is to blame.
Given how much she apparently regrets what she has done is speaking in her favour, but there are bound to be a lot of people for whom this is not enough.
One more thing Taun's sympathetic comment told me: The likelyhood that Cyra's grief is not an act has increased. I very, very, very much doubt that Taun is someone who would fall easily for such a kind of deception.
As for Cyra herself: Considering how Destania turned out, I always thought it possible (although not very likely) that Cyra was and still is just as bad.
Quote from: Dard on November 14, 2016, 05:34:02 PM
Cyra certainly did not know the extent of the tragedy she cause, but she should have. Well, maybe not the Dragon-Cubi war, but destroying an entire city is bound to cause a lot of hatred to her and her kin.
She didn't set out to do that either, though. Her plan was a common-or-garden usurpation, i.e. murdering M'Chek and setting herself up in his place. Ruling the city was the idea - not wiping it off the map.
QuoteAs for Cyra herself: Considering how Destania turned out, I always thought it possible (although not very likely) that Cyra was and still is just as bad.
It is possible. If it is, there's not much that can be done about it without breaking Dan.
That is why such stories have these great ingredients called suspense and/or cliffhangers. :P We'll find out the answers soon enough.
Well, this is quite interesting, in how it applies to the Epsilon Project. Warning: Spoilers. [spoiler]I don't seem to recall a certain incubus professor plastering the desert with his guts when his ascension failed--he simply slumped over and died rather anticlimactically, leaving a fully intact corpse behind. In fact:
Quote from: Tapewolf on June 22, 2013, 05:16:42 AM
Quote from: joshofspam on June 22, 2013, 01:36:42 AM
Not only that, but his ending is the most anticlimactic death for an attempted for a cubi to reach Tri-wing status.
Originally he was going to explode, but Amber told me that the most common failure mode was that they simply drop dead. "Magic loves an anticlimax" I believe she said. So I went with that. Less cinematic, but arguably more realistic and definitely more personal.
[/spoiler]
Maybe Taun has just been lucky so far and has only witnessed the rare gruesome failures so far without seeing any of the more common boring ones, though I find that hard to believe given her age. Weird. Or maybe she just doesn't recall them because they're so blasé they aren't worth remembering.
Quote from: ChaosMageX on November 14, 2016, 06:40:30 PM
Maybe Taun has just been lucky so far and has only witenessed the rare gruesome failures so far without seeing any of the more common boring ones, though I find that hard to believe given her age. Weird. Or maybe she just doesn't recall them because they're so blasé they aren't worth remembering.
This is also the reason I tend to try to tell people to be very careful about information gathered via forums and twitters and page-notes that haven't yet hit actual comic. While there are some things that are pretty solid, there is also a lot of stuff that shifts and edits on the cutting room floors until final production and changes around. Especially when it is on matters that at the time of some questions, there wasn't really a proper framework to guess from so a lot of the answers likely haven't had time to properly mull about and beat out the kinks.
Basically, until it hits actual comic...there is always a likelyhood things may change. Really on that matter Tape is a thrillseeker since I suspect I've on more than one occasion inadvertedly mucked up his storylines. :I
Quote from: Amber Williams on November 14, 2016, 07:01:19 PM
Quote from: ChaosMageX on November 14, 2016, 06:40:30 PM
Well, this is quite interesting, in how it applies to the Epsilon Project. Warning: Spoilers. [spoiler]I don't seem to recall a certain incubus professor plastering the desert with his guts when his ascension failed--he simply slumped over and died rather anticlimactically, leaving a fully intact corpse behind. In fact:
Quote from: Tapewolf on June 22, 2013, 05:16:42 AM
Quote from: joshofspam on June 22, 2013, 01:36:42 AM
Not only that, but his ending is the most anticlimactic death for an attempted for a cubi to reach Tri-wing status.
Originally he was going to explode, but Amber told me that the most common failure mode was that they simply drop dead. "Magic loves an anticlimax" I believe she said. So I went with that. Less cinematic, but arguably more realistic and definitely more personal.
[/spoiler]
Maybe Taun has just been lucky so far and has only witnessed the rare gruesome failures so far without seeing any of the more common boring ones, though I find that hard to believe given her age. Weird. Or maybe she just doesn't recall them because they're so blasé they aren't worth remembering.
This is also the reason I tend to try to tell people to be very careful about information gathered via forums and twitters and page-notes that haven't yet hit actual comic. While there are some things that are pretty solid, there is also a lot of stuff that shifts and edits on the cutting room floors until final production and changes around. Especially when it is on matters that at the time of some questions, there wasn't really a proper framework to guess from so a lot of the answers likely haven't had time to properly mull about and beat out the kinks.
Basically, until it hits actual comic...there is always a likelyhood things may change. Really on that matter Tape is a thrillseeker since I suspect I've on more than one occasion inadvertedly mucked up his storylines. :I
Fair enough. I sort of expected that to be the answer, but I just wanted to be sure. Warning: More Epsilon Project spoilers. [spoiler]Still, now I wonder whether Tapewolf will retcon this rather explosive ending into the Epsilon Project comic. It would be more canonically accurate, but then again reducing the professor to a blood stain smeared across the sands sort of ruins the poignant scene that follows his death.
Then again, Daryil could simply use his tri-wing powers to reverse entropy and reconstitute the professor's body from the remains, so that way we could have both the cool explosion and the poignant death scene that follows, with the former helping to amplify the emotions for the latter. He could say something like "I can bring back his body, but not his soul. I'm truly sorry." Oh, the feels.[/spoiler]
Ahem... I hope I'm not overinterpreting, but did Taun just say "changing from mortal to magic"?
Everyone remember #1644 (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_1644.php)?
The huge (as in clan leader) rabbit figure and the small ones next to her... the warrior from Taun clan (probably Taun herself) with the spear...
Maybe that magic free projectile gun Jyras might build is bound to be a bummer. Maybe the secret to yielding those 100% metal bits' power is to put them in the hands of a 100% magic creature...
I mean, maybe the weapon Biggs offers to Jyrras is good enough to kill 100% magic cubi clan leaders... but will it still do the trick, if an imperfect part time magic creature tries to use it against a dragon?
I don't know anymore, which universe is better: The one, in which Destania knows where Cyra sleeps, or the one in which she doesn't.
Oh frig, what about Mab... nah, different plane of existence.
Quote from: ChaosMageX on November 14, 2016, 07:15:26 PM
words words words words
That or it still applies. Magic being fickle and anti-climatic is still pretty accurate. Considering I havent listed out every single ascension attempt with what happened, chances are some of them were less explosive or impressive than others. And some were probably so downright anti-climatic no one ever realized an attempt was made.
Quote from: Amber Williams on November 14, 2016, 07:34:57 PM
Quote from: ChaosMageX on November 14, 2016, 07:15:26 PM
Quote from: Amber Williams on November 14, 2016, 07:01:19 PM
Quote from: ChaosMageX on November 14, 2016, 06:40:30 PM
Well, this is quite interesting, in how it applies to the Epsilon Project. Warning: Spoilers. [spoiler]I don't seem to recall a certain incubus professor plastering the desert with his guts when his ascension failed--he simply slumped over and died rather anticlimactically, leaving a fully intact corpse behind. In fact:
Quote from: Tapewolf on June 22, 2013, 05:16:42 AM
Quote from: joshofspam on June 22, 2013, 01:36:42 AM
Not only that, but his ending is the most anticlimactic death for an attempted for a cubi to reach Tri-wing status.
Originally he was going to explode, but Amber told me that the most common failure mode was that they simply drop dead. "Magic loves an anticlimax" I believe she said. So I went with that. Less cinematic, but arguably more realistic and definitely more personal.
[/spoiler]
Maybe Taun has just been lucky so far and has only witnessed the rare gruesome failures so far without seeing any of the more common boring ones, though I find that hard to believe given her age. Weird. Or maybe she just doesn't recall them because they're so blasé they aren't worth remembering.
This is also the reason I tend to try to tell people to be very careful about information gathered via forums and twitters and page-notes that haven't yet hit actual comic. While there are some things that are pretty solid, there is also a lot of stuff that shifts and edits on the cutting room floors until final production and changes around. Especially when it is on matters that at the time of some questions, there wasn't really a proper framework to guess from so a lot of the answers likely haven't had time to properly mull about and beat out the kinks.
Basically, until it hits actual comic...there is always a likelyhood things may change. Really on that matter Tape is a thrillseeker since I suspect I've on more than one occasion inadvertedly mucked up his storylines. :I
Fair enough. I sort of expected that to be the answer, but I just wanted to be sure. Warning: More Epsilon Project spoilers. [spoiler]Still, now I wonder whether Tapewolf will retcon this rather explosive ending into the Epsilon Project comic. It would be more canonically accurate, but then again reducing the professor to a blood stain smeared across the sands sort of ruins the poignant scene that follows his death.
Then again, Daryil could simply use his tri-wing powers to reverse entropy and reconstitute the professor's body from the remains, so that way we could have both the cool explosion and the poignant death scene that follows, with the former helping to amplify the emotions for the latter. He could say something like "I can bring back his body, but not his soul. I'm truly sorry." Oh, the feels.[/spoiler]
That or it still applies. Magic being fickle and anti-climatic is still pretty accurate. Considering I havent listed out every single ascension attempt with what happened, chances are some of them were less explosive or impressive than others. And some were probably so downright anti-climatic no one ever realized an attempt was made.
Ooooh, are you saying that someone could survive making an attempt at ascension, or simply that the Cubi attempting ascension just didn't tell anyone about it and everyone thinks they died of natural causes?
Quote from: ChaosMageX on November 14, 2016, 07:15:26 PM
-snip-
Ugh, a fallout-style flesh-splosion sounds really hard to draw :U
**Is absolutely livid that some cretin posted spoilers for his comic in plain sight of everyone**
If I am that cretin, I apologize. 'A'
Quote from: Tapewolf on November 14, 2016, 08:12:15 PM
**Is absolutely livid that some cretin posted spoilers for his comic in plain sight of everyone**
I'm sorry too. D: It's been so long since I posted on the forums I forgot about the spoiler tag until it was too late, but I did retroactively add them in as well as a warning, if that helps.
Quote from: Amber Williams on November 14, 2016, 08:17:08 PM
If I am that cretin, I apologize. 'A'
No, but some spoiler tags around some of the things you've quoted would be nice :3
EDIT: And to be fair I have been quietly tweaking the Epsilon storyline here and there, this will just be another thing on my to-do list.
The ending for that one is years and years away so there is time to work around things...
OK on a scale of 1-10 how accurate is this to a failed clan leader?
(http://i.imgur.com/PmX8gbE.png)
Quote from: ChaosMageX on November 14, 2016, 07:49:12 PMOoooh, are you saying that someone could survive making an attempt at ascension, or simply that the Cubi attempting ascension just didn't tell anyone about it and everyone thinks they died of natural causes?
Both are likely true! An attempt to ascend that simply happens without sufficient power to do so could easily be non-fatal, and is probably much more common than the survivors care to admit because there's likely to be a fair number who are embarrassed by their failure. And attempts that involve too
much power could simply fry - physically or on a magical/soul level - whoever's trying without wholly destroying their body.
Though I imagine failed ascensions are also a good Drinkin' Story for the more party-minded Cubi. "So there I was with holy symbols carved in all six of my arms and an arrow of ivory and Phoenix feathers..."
Quote from: Merlin on November 14, 2016, 08:31:29 PM
OK on a scale of 1-10 how accurate is this to a failed clan leader?
Yes.
Quote from: Jack McSlay on November 14, 2016, 03:37:04 PM
Think of the implications; that means Fa'lina's actual breasts are far larger
This seems like the breast thing ever.
Quote from: Tapewolf on November 14, 2016, 05:48:09 PM
Cyra certainly did not know the extent of the tragedy she cause, but she should have. Well, maybe not the Dragon-Cubi war, but destroying an entire city is bound to cause a lot of hatred to her and her kin.
She didn't set out to do that either, though. Her plan was a common-or-garden usurpation, i.e. murdering M'Chek and setting herself up in his place. Ruling the city was the idea - not wiping it off the map.
[/quote]She should have done her research better beforehand.
Quote from: Dard on November 15, 2016, 06:43:07 AM
She should have done her research better beforehand.
That's easy to say, but I'm not sure what else she could have done to prepare.
Cyra was already cozying up to M'Chek in order to learn his weaknesses, otherwise she wouldn't have stood a chance at killing him.
Again, the reason it all went to smash was because of M'Chek's soul thievery. You're not going to advertise that, otherwise people will start leaving the city and the scam will dry up.
Given that he was even eating his own children - the ruling class under him - it's most likely that M'Chek was the only person who knew. And if I were in his position, I'd fight to keep it that way, if only to avoid having to share the goodies.
EDIT: Yeah, if we look at page 1583, she spent several centuries preparing for it. If centuries of digging around can't uncover the fact that the city is booby-trapped, I don't think anyone short of the Fae is going to find out until it's too late...
Quote from: Tapewolf on November 15, 2016, 07:18:20 AM
Quote from: Dard on November 15, 2016, 06:43:07 AM
She should have done her research better beforehand.
That's easy to say, but I'm not sure what else she could have done to prepare.
Cyra was already cozying up to M'Chek in order to learn his weaknesses, otherwise she wouldn't have stood a chance at killing him.
Again, the reason it all went to smash was because of M'Chek's soul thievery. You're not going to advertise that, otherwise people will start leaving the city and the scam will dry up.
Given that he was even eating his own children - the ruling class under him - it's most likely that M'Chek was the only person who knew. And if I were in his position, I'd fight to keep it that way, if only to avoid having to share the goodies.
EDIT: Yeah, if we look at page 1583, she spent several centuries preparing for it. If centuries of digging around can't uncover the fact that the city is booby-trapped, I don't think anyone short of the Fae is going to find out until it's too late...
Heck, even that last part of it taking a Fae to notice, if he had stuff strategically placed around the city to constantly keep one that is on the mortal plane distracted, they might never notice either and if they noticed from back in the little pocket dimension homes or from the Fae Kingdom, if they do anything like Mab does, they'd likely forget as soon as they step foot back out into the city.
Clan leaders must need a hole army of seamstresses. even the warrior clan leader has the fanciest of outfits! :U
Clan leaders can still shapeshift, meaning that they can also change their apparel at any time to whatever makes them feel comfortable. That has been seen with Aaryanna quite a bit in the earlier comics as well as other Cubi, including Fa'Lina. But yes, they can also wear standard clothing from time to time. Nact'Larn did look cute wearing Dan's robe. :giggle
Quote from: Foxx Trotter on November 15, 2016, 09:57:32 AM
Clan leaders can still shapeshift, meaning that they can also change their apparel at any time to whatever makes them feel comfortable.
yeah but you get the impression thats more of a emergency clothing situation thing than what they wear on a day to day basis. I mean considering most shape shifted clothing is made of hair how would you feel having to walk around in a hair dress and going nearly bald :B
Quote from: KathYohneke on November 15, 2016, 10:10:45 AM
yeah but you get the impression thats more of a emergency clothing situation thing than what they wear on a day to day basis. I mean considering most shape shifted clothing is made of hair how would you feel having to walk around in a hair dress and going nearly bald :B
It's also possible to conjure garments. It's easier and less energy-intensive if the material has a simple structure, but time and energy is something a Clan Leader has an awful lot of.
Quote from: KathYohneke on November 15, 2016, 10:10:45 AM
yeah but you get the impression thats more of a emergency clothing situation thing than what they wear on a day to day basis. I mean considering most shape shifted clothing is made of hair how would you feel having to walk around in a hair dress and going nearly bald :B
Yeah, I didn't think about that part until looking back at
Abel's Story. In reference to what Tapewolf said, yes, magic would work as well. Of course, magic requires experience. It makes sense on those who have it and those who don't, being how often they change appearance.
Quote from: Amber Williams on November 14, 2016, 07:01:19 PM
Basically, until it hits actual comic...there is always a likelyhood things may change.
*many ancient jokes about Abel intensify*
*also first forum post in aeons. HELLO WORLD*
Quote from: Janus Whitefurr on November 15, 2016, 06:20:20 PM
*also first forum post in aeons. HELLO WORLD*
Well, then...welcome back. :)
The only thought that continues to pester me about clan leaders is this: If they're beings of pure energy, shouldn't they be able to take on a normal size and shape if they wanted to, as opposed to using their avatar puppets? Pure energy wouldn't be bound to any particular form (unless that's just a rule of Furrae, I suppose? If that's the case, that's okay. It's just a little thing that won't stop bugging me. :B).
Or is it a case of they can, but don't want to?
Quote from: KaideGirault on November 16, 2016, 02:57:37 PM
The only thought that continues to pester me about clan leaders is this: If they're beings of pure energy, shouldn't they be able to take on a normal size and shape if they wanted to, as opposed to using their avatar puppets? Pure energy wouldn't be bound to any particular form (unless that's just a rule of Furrae, I suppose?).
Or is it a case of they can, but don't want to?
Clan leaders are "more magical than physical" but still have physical bodies. A Cubi can compress themselves via shapeshifting, but there is still a ratio of mass per volume that they can't go beyond. A compressed clan leader would still be very large.
Quote from: Cassi-kun on November 16, 2016, 03:03:21 PM
Quote from: KaideGirault on November 16, 2016, 02:57:37 PM
The only thought that continues to pester me about clan leaders is this: If they're beings of pure energy, shouldn't they be able to take on a normal size and shape if they wanted to, as opposed to using their avatar puppets? Pure energy wouldn't be bound to any particular form (unless that's just a rule of Furrae, I suppose?).
Or is it a case of they can, but don't want to?
Clan leaders are "more magical than physical" but still have physical bodies. A Cubi can compress themselves via shapeshifting, but there is still a ratio of mass per volume that they can't go beyond. A compressed clan leader would still be very large.
I see. That makes good sense. In that case, compressing themselves down to normal size would probably draw a fair bit of power and require concentration for no real gain, explaining why they don't bother.
I thought I remembered something about ascending being a transformation into pure energy, but apparently my memory has betrayed me again. :rolleyes
Time to start from the beginning again!
Quote from: Janus Whitefurr on November 15, 2016, 06:20:20 PM
*many ancient jokes about Abel intensify*
*also first forum post in aeons. HELLO WORLD*
Back! Back to where you came from vile fiend! Back into the depths of irc! Take the box with you.
Quote from: Jack McSlay on November 14, 2016, 03:37:04 PM
Think of the implications; that means Fa'lina's actual breasts are far larger
While this was not the actual focus of my thoughts, I was wondering whether Fa'lina's true self is huge like this with a smaller avatar or as the sole remaining member of her clan she is actually the size we have always seen her.
So now I have to wonder where Fa'Lina's actual body is, since I assume she's just as powerfully large and in charge as all the other Clan leaders, despite not having a clan anymore. Is it beneath SAIA? That being said, I'm really interested in what is going to happen next!
Also there shouldn't be a reason for her to be small; the clan was lost, not the leadership status. No wonder the Dragons, or at least those like Hizell, have issues with Cubi, because I think they're the only race that can ascend and get as large as them, if not larger. Other comments; What exactly are Dragons using to make it difficult for Cubi to ascend to power or the dwindling of the Angel race (since Zezzuva mentioned that being something they're involved in.)
Quote from: FolksyFox on November 17, 2016, 04:32:46 AM
No wonder the Dragons, or at least those like Hizell, have issues with Cubi, because I think they're the only race that can ascend and get as large as them, if not larger.
If Aliyka is anything to go by, Phoenixes can go into Giant Cat Mode and give dragons a run for their money. If there is a kill list, they're probably further down it, though.
QuoteOther comments; What exactly are Dragons using to make it difficult for Cubi to ascend to power or the dwindling of the Angel race (since Zezzuva mentioned that being something they're involved in.)
This is not presently known, and may not be anything to do with the Dragons at all. It seems to be the case that magic was stronger in earlier times, so it might simply be a continuation of that decline. Alternatively, the Zezzuva letter suggested that it may be a consequence of stealing souls - the Angels being the race that invented those techniques.
Quote from: FolksyFox on November 17, 2016, 04:32:46 AM
Also there shouldn't be a reason for her to be small; the clan was lost, not the leadership status. No wonder the Dragons, or at least those like Hizell, have issues with Cubi, because I think they're the only race that can ascend and get as large as them, if not larger. Other comments; What exactly are Dragons using to make it difficult for Cubi to ascend to power or the dwindling of the Angel race (since Zezzuva mentioned that being something they're involved in.)
The size of a creature shouldn't really matter. It's magic and power the creature(s) posses(es) which is at issue. Like magic, spirits also have a specific amount of power depending on what was gained during their existence. Knowledge is also a source of power, but that is most likely a totally different factor compared to the other two traits.
There are at least three races on Furrae that can absorb a great amount of magic and power at one time without sacrificing their own lives...the Fae, the Cubi and the Dragons. I'm sure there may be other races, such as Demons, Mythos and Angels, but it would not be as extensive as the first three races mentioned. We already know the Fae are the most powerful creatures on Furrae, but they also have a balance structure in place regarding the amount of magic and power each one can posses along with a limit as to how many total Fae can actually exist in their race over a period of life. It is similar to the Fey courts in Darc Sower's
Code Name: Hunter[spoiler]If you have read some of the recent pages in the webcomic, you know that Hunter (Max) killed the Winter Fey Gavin in a fight to the death while his RCSI party were trying to rescue Nyx at DeHarrod's in their world. This put the Fey courts out of balance, which in turn, would have an effect on the Fey world itself. We'll find out soon enough how that turns out.[/spoiler]
I would suspect that both the Dragons and Cubi, among other races on Furrae, don't have a balance structure similar to the Fae. That is why there is currently a power struggle going on between the two races.
If you look at DMFA Comic #1582, Fa'Lina had mentioned to Dan that there were at one time HUNDREDS of different Cubi clans. Each had their own clan leader. With that said, and the amount of magic and power apparently needed for a Cubi to become a clan leader, it would say that the Cubi race had the majority of resources on Furrae compared to other races with the exception of the Fae although it is uncertain as to how much magic and power the Dragons had at the time. While we know that clan leaders are creatures of magic as Taun mentioned, it's still uncertain as to how much was actually needed for each Cubi who became a clan leader to ascend to that position. I'm sure each event to do so was different. Nonetheless, the Cubi was most likely seen as a major threat to other races due to the massive amount of magic and power possessed although the Cubi had no actual intention of wiping out anyone completely...only what was standard. There can occasionally be one or two bad apples in a barrel, so the other races didn't want to take any chances. That is when the struggle of magic and power on Furrae likely began.
I'd suspect that the primary incentive was to possibly bring the amount of magic and power in balance, similar to the Fae, but that would have been easier said than done depending on the race involved. Any available resources of magic and power were made less accessible to the Cubi so that ascension to clan leader was more difficult. It is currently unknown as to who was responsible, but probably the Dragons who were the closest in magic and power to the Cubi and had the ability to take control of the situation. Soonafter, existing clan leaders began to decrease as they were a greater source of magic and power than standard Cubi. While the cause has yet to be revealed, Hizell and his Dragon clan were likely responsible as they saw it as a way to become a superior race on Furrae by killing them and absorbing their resources. At that time, they were not aware as to how a Cubi could ascend to clan leader which is why the more powerful were chosen. It's obvious that not all Dragons agreed to his plan, as it was a directional shift instead of a balance, but they were not strong enough to stop the process. Therefore, the Dragons against Hizell probably kept a low profile in order to avoid persecution and their own deaths. I would expect that Hizell was not as bold as he is now in reference to killing Cubi, so as not to have his clan be discovered as the perpetrators. Granted that Zezzuva was more self-centered than shrewd, it would be probable to say that her investigative techniques were not thorough. This is only an assumption, as she may be more crafty than many would expect though in her favor.
Moving to Comic #1585, Fa'Lina stated that M'Chek was one of the higher-ups in the Dragon race. He may have been one of Hizell's commanders within the clan. The fact that M'Chek had a great amount of magic and power, it is possible he was one of the Dragons killing Cubi clan leaders along with stealing souls of residents at the city of Hishaan for which he was supposedly guarding. When Cyra came along, M'Chek thought nothing of her being a threat as she was a standard Cubi. As I previously mentioned, the Dragons were not aware at the time as to how a Cubi could ascend to clan leader as such an incident has never happened to their race before. Therefore, the Dragons allowed the romantic relationship between M'Chek and Cyra to happen. I would expect that Fa'Lina was the last Cubi to ascend to clan leader before Cyra although with no certainty. Even though centuries had passed since her ascension, her knowledge and experience as a clan leader was still somewhat new to her. I'd expect she would learn a great deal quickly as years passed and eventually the Dragon-Cubi War began. Anyway, after Cyra killed M'Chek and ascended to a Cubi clan leader was when the Dragons finally knew their process. Hizell and his clan would take no chances and destroy as many Cubi as they could so there were future threats.
It is known that the Dragons now have the greater magic and power over the Cubi on Furrae. Whether there is a return shift or a balance has yet to be determined. Of course, with the possible new threat of a secret weapon to kill magical creatures under the plans of Biggs and Destania, the tables may be turning in a new direction. I suspect the death of Owona was just a trial in order make sure their weapon worked although it would not be strong enough to pierce a Dragon, hence the proposal by Biggs to Jyrras in making one that could. Since we have not seen the actual blueprints, that is just theory.
Once again, my remarks are primarily perceptions and may not all be correct. It is probable that I am on the right path though. Only the
Great Amber knows the true answers. In due time, we shall know. :)
This is why Charline eats so many souls! So she doesn't suffer a fatal case of pinatatitis when she ASCENDS UNTO GODHOOD! >:3
She's kinda doing the Imperfect Cell thing, ya see.
Charline, "I drink people." :kruger
Dude what is this, the freaking spoiler thread? I had not read that far yet in Code Name: Hunter. Ugh
Quote from: Merlin on November 17, 2016, 07:11:18 PM
Dude what is this, the freaking spoiler thread? I had not read that far yet in Code Name: Hunter. Ugh
Sorry, I was only making a comparison.
*THROW TOMATOES, CASABAS, LITTER, OCTOPUSES, HAND GRENADES AND OTHER JUNK HERE*
Maybe I should be more aware that some readers are not as far into certain storylines as others. Much of my perceptions were based on what Amber has already posted in the comic and other sections of her site along with the race structure regarding magic and power within Furrae, as well as who would want control of the resources, although it obviously changes over time. It's similar to the Circle of Life, survival of the fittest. >:3
Quote from: Foxx Trotter on November 17, 2016, 07:51:25 PM
*THROW TOMATOES, CASABAS, LITTER, OCTOPUSES, HAND GRENADES AND OTHER JUNK HERE*
Maybe also throw a few spoiler tags into your post?
Yeah, I just noticed the spoiler tag selection on this forum...originally thinking it was something else. Similar forums I've been on do not provide such a selection. It's probably due to the way the setups are done. Simple Machines is a relative of phpBB (or vice versa), which is a version of forum I've been on before although never moderated or managed. They have also been vulnerable in the past in regards to being hacked, such as the Santee virus which went around about ten years ago. I'm sure whoever manages this forum keeps up with updates, but as a reminder, PLEASE DO. I've forewarned a couple in the past, but they took it as nothing. DOINK! Days of fixing things back to where they were.
Once again...SO-REE.
Fine: I'll do it myself.
Thanks Tape
Quote from: Foxx Trotter on November 17, 2016, 08:38:44 PM
Once again...SO-REE.
wow, the last time i saw something that disingenuous, a politician was making an apology.
*fades back into shrubbery*
Sorry, Tapewolf. I was getting ready to fix the post when someone here interrupted me and I had to do another task right quick. Thanks for taking care of it. I'll be sure to watch what I place on here and most likely refrain from comparing other references unless absolutely necessary. If I do, I will be certain to mark it appropriately.
Going by Mink's report on Clan Leaders, Fa'Lina is the second youngest after Cyra herself, and there have been no ascensions since Cyra. It is possible that there were ascensions between them wherein said Clan Leaders were then taken out before the comic begins, but it seems unlikely.
It's mentioned that Clan Hrienth "almost (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_1434.php)" saw a new Clan Leader rise before the war happened, and are the strongest Leaderless clan, so it's likely their prime candidate was identified and taken out early on in the war.
But on the very next page (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_1435.php) we find out there are clans other than the known ones claiming to have true Clan Leaders! As well as various methods of ascension; judging by the method of Fa'Lina's ascension and the note in Seme's entry on the list that there have only been three peaceful transitions of power, Fa'Lina is likely one of them (or else grabbed her previous leader's power away from their killer, DUN DUN DUN). It is possible she overthrew her previous Leader but I feel like that's very unlikely for someone whose clan consisted of healers. Ah, it specifically states her previous Leader "passed on" her power, so it was either peaceful or a bid to avoid total destruction.
Quote from: Mao on November 16, 2016, 11:00:40 PM
Back! Back to where you came from vile fiend! Back into the depths of irc! Take the box with you.
I'd make a Rita Repulsa quote but I think Amber has the patent on those.
You can't SSSSSSSTOP ME!
A dragon may have killed the last vampire, but Abel killed the first vampire.
Quote from: Foxx Trotter on November 17, 2016, 08:38:44 PM
Yeah, I just noticed the spoiler tag selection on this forum...originally thinking it was something else. Similar forums I've been on do not provide such a selection. It's probably due to the way the setups are done. Simple Machines is a relative of phpBB (or vice versa), which is a version of forum I've been on before although never moderated or managed. They have also been vulnerable in the past in regards to being hacked, such as the Santee virus which went around about ten years ago. I'm sure whoever manages this forum keeps up with updates, but as a reminder, PLEASE DO. I've forewarned a couple in the past, but they took it as nothing. DOINK! Days of fixing things back to where they were.
Once again...SO-REE.
Oddly enough, the moderators here are on top of that. It's nice of you to bear it in mind, it's just a shame that it's in this terrible red font colour that we left enabled so that people could use it for highlighting specific words, not so they could make their entire posts difficult to read.
But, y'know, that's just my opinion. Hardly important at all, in the grand scheme of things.
Quote from: Cassi-kun on November 16, 2016, 03:03:21 PM
Quote from: KaideGirault on November 16, 2016, 02:57:37 PM
The only thought that continues to pester me about clan leaders is this: If they're beings of pure energy, shouldn't they be able to take on a normal size and shape if they wanted to, as opposed to using their avatar puppets? Pure energy wouldn't be bound to any particular form (unless that's just a rule of Furrae, I suppose?).
Or is it a case of they can, but don't want to?
Clan leaders are "more magical than physical" but still have physical bodies. A Cubi can compress themselves via shapeshifting, but there is still a ratio of mass per volume that they can't go beyond. A compressed clan leader would still be very large.
I know its a late reply but I think I got the PERFECT solution!
Convert all that extra mass they cant compress to hair. and walk around with Rapunzel hair. GENIUS!
Quote from: KathYohneke on December 02, 2016, 03:18:52 AM
Quote from: Cassi-kun on November 16, 2016, 03:03:21 PM
Quote from: KaideGirault on November 16, 2016, 02:57:37 PM
The only thought that continues to pester me about clan leaders is this: If they're beings of pure energy, shouldn't they be able to take on a normal size and shape if they wanted to, as opposed to using their avatar puppets? Pure energy wouldn't be bound to any particular form (unless that's just a rule of Furrae, I suppose?).
Or is it a case of they can, but don't want to?
Clan leaders are "more magical than physical" but still have physical bodies. A Cubi can compress themselves via shapeshifting, but there is still a ratio of mass per volume that they can't go beyond. A compressed clan leader would still be very large.
I know its a late reply but I think I got the PERFECT solution!
Convert all that extra mass they cant compress to hair. and walk around with Rapunzel hair. GENIUS!
It's too brilliant to fail!
Quote from: Cassi-kun on December 02, 2016, 09:37:44 AM
Quote from: KathYohneke on December 02, 2016, 03:18:52 AM
Quote from: Cassi-kun on November 16, 2016, 03:03:21 PM
Quote from: KaideGirault on November 16, 2016, 02:57:37 PM
The only thought that continues to pester me about clan leaders is this: If they're beings of pure energy, shouldn't they be able to take on a normal size and shape if they wanted to, as opposed to using their avatar puppets? Pure energy wouldn't be bound to any particular form (unless that's just a rule of Furrae, I suppose?).
Or is it a case of they can, but don't want to?
Clan leaders are "more magical than physical" but still have physical bodies. A Cubi can compress themselves via shapeshifting, but there is still a ratio of mass per volume that they can't go beyond. A compressed clan leader would still be very large.
I know its a late reply but I think I got the PERFECT solution!
Convert all that extra mass they cant compress to hair. and walk around with Rapunzel hair. GENIUS!
It's too brilliant to fail!
Unless their hair catches fire and becomes something like a dynamite fuse!
But this actually makes sense if you think about it. Clan leaders are pretty much demigods like Hercules (since they can die), and since they were mortal to begin with, they have to transcend from the mortal plane to a more spiritual or energy plane of existence.
It probably takes a lot of concentration and willpower to keep from dying during the Ascension process where one nanosecond of a slip of concentration can end it all right there. I assume that this Ascension process is so painful as you're filling up with astronomical amounts of raw godlike energy while at the same time, trying to shed one's mortal shell in order to reach that higher plane of existence, every bit of concentration and focus is needed like it was matter of life or death because basically it is.
Really late to be coming to this, I know, but I just had a thought:
Taun's use of the word "piñata" is an interesting choice, especially given the party-related interest Taun's clan has in them. Especially, since what generally comes out of a bursting piñata is candy...