The Clockwork Mansion

Village Square => The Lost Lake Inn => Topic started by: willow186129 on January 05, 2007, 08:22:28 PM

Title: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: willow186129 on January 05, 2007, 08:22:28 PM
Augh! No...he's dead!  'A'

And where is Glory and co? Did they get to the tower, or did the creature(s?) just stop attacking when Devin went down?
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Dakata on January 05, 2007, 08:25:28 PM
:< Nooooooo! He never got to tell Xander that he loved him! Noooooooooo!

...*Hugs Abel*
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Manawolf on January 05, 2007, 08:26:31 PM
Like that kid in Jack who survived the school shooting.  I won't say anything else to spoil it for anyone, because that was gripping, like this is.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Aridas on January 05, 2007, 08:30:14 PM
Geez abel, could you have hesitated any longer? I honestly think Abel had at least some sort of ability to save his life... as far as I could tell by what he was saying...
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Valynth on January 05, 2007, 08:31:12 PM
Ahh, the guilt of the survivor, sometimes it can last for a lifetime.  Thank goodness Abel has a few to spare.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Drake Manaweilder on January 05, 2007, 08:31:52 PM
Frig... Abel was just going to help too.

well, either the creature has turned it's attention elsewhere or it's being/has been dealt with.

Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Tapewolf on January 05, 2007, 08:38:50 PM
Quote from: Manawolf on January 05, 2007, 08:26:31 PM
Like that kid in Jack who survived the school shooting.  I won't say anything else to spoil it for anyone, because that was gripping, like this is.

If that's in any way related to the 'Brian' sequence, it's the only Hopkins I've ever read and while it was incredibly gripping, it was also incredibly disturbing and thus the reason I'd run a mile before reading Jack >:3

Anyhow, about the strip... since Devin's voice fades out it's almost certainly telepathy from the dying Devin and not communication with his actual soul.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Netami on January 05, 2007, 08:41:52 PM
Nice.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Manawolf on January 05, 2007, 08:43:47 PM
Quote from: Tapewolf on January 05, 2007, 08:38:50 PM
Quote from: Manawolf on January 05, 2007, 08:26:31 PM
Like that kid in Jack who survived the school shooting.  I won't say anything else to spoil it for anyone, because that was gripping, like this is.

If that's in any way related to the 'Brian' sequence, it's the only Hopkins I've ever read and while it was incredibly gripping, it was also incredibly disturbing and thus the reason I'd run a mile before reading Jack >:3

Anyhow, about the strip... since Devin's voice fades out it's almost certainly telepathy from the dying Devin and not communication with his actual soul.

Yeah, if that turned you off, your mind would break upon the sight of "Musical Holes."
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Zedd on January 05, 2007, 08:44:12 PM
Fudge..Thats a *clunkfritzbeeeep* not fair now...Oh well...Let the old fraze says...This too will pass...



(edit: Hey, this board is PG. Mind the language, please? Danke.. - llearch)
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Faerie Alex on January 05, 2007, 08:46:24 PM
So he's really dead now... :[

Does this mean he dies in #63, not #61?
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Sunblink on January 05, 2007, 08:49:06 PM
Oh no.

Oh no oh no oh no.

There goes my favorite character... =/ And going out thinking not only that his mom was right him, and worrying about leaving Abel behind, but regretting that he never told Xander he loved him...

Great, Amber, just great. You nearly brought me to tears. When was the last time a comic has done this? ..then again, I can't really remember but that's beside the point.  WHY CAN'T THERE BE A HAPPY ENDING, I ASK YOU? D:

Regardless, what a strip. Best one in the comic so far... Amber, you're one hell of a storyteller. ._.

~Keaton the Black Jackal
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Stygian on January 05, 2007, 08:55:19 PM
I... I... *Stygian looks very lost all of a sudden*

I... the blue boy caused the blues... something... a-dirr... *his face contorts*

Gah! No! I can't! I can't make fun of this! I can't even look down on it...!

Bloody Hell...
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Kaerou on January 05, 2007, 09:01:04 PM
I dont know what to say... thats awful ;_;
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Faerie Alex on January 05, 2007, 09:04:32 PM
Hmm...What we need is a 'cubi flyover in the missing man formation. (Or maybe phoenixes, or something like that.) :B

Man, I've always wanted to say that.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: RushFox on January 05, 2007, 09:10:40 PM
So passes the lovable Devin...

May he live on in Abel's personality. Well to some extent anyway...


Abel's prolly going to get blamed for that too. ARRGH!  :<


P.S. - Jeez, it looked like Abel was on something in that first panel...  :erk
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Tapewolf on January 05, 2007, 09:12:28 PM
Sad though Devin's loss is, you could see it coming.  A deus ex machina would have been quite surprising.
The question no-one seems to be asking is this.. why have the Creatures stopped attacking?

(And yes, we'll have to update his death strip in the wikl - AND the speculation that he may survive)

**EDIT**
Quote from: RushFox on January 05, 2007, 09:10:40 PM
P.S. - Jeez, it looked like Abel was on something in that first panel...  :erk

You'd look like you were on something too if you'd just:
*Watched your best friend get buried
*Been attacked by your childhood enemy
*Seen the results of a Creature attack
*Discovered that your childhood enemy isn't so bad only to see him and his best friend/love die before your very eyes in combat
*Had a pair of wings pop out of your head
..and then started to hear voices in your mind
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: MaskedRetriever on January 05, 2007, 09:21:40 PM
Nooooooooooooo!!  Devin and Xander were too pretty to die!

Abel's brain's melting nicely, though.  Hopefully this is as bad as he gets stepped on for a while.

:mowsad
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: superluser on January 05, 2007, 09:33:21 PM
Quote from: Tapewolf on January 05, 2007, 09:12:28 PMThe question no-one seems to be asking is this.. why have the Creatures stopped attacking?

Because they don't have a clear shot to Abel, and aren't even sure if he's alive?  I doubt that the creatures have unlimited mana.

Quote from: John DonneNo man is an Iland, intire of itselfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as well as if a Manor of thy friends or of thine owne were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.

Poor Abel.  Poor Devin.  Poor Xander.

(I always liked Donne.  Alas, Death be not Proud (http://www.bartleby.com/105/72.html) was a little too long)
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Aridas on January 05, 2007, 09:33:51 PM
If you people are falling apart over the death of a character who barely established himself in comparison to many others... Do NOT read through to the end of "It's Walky!". You will HATE. I'm not going to say anything more than that.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Akisohida on January 05, 2007, 09:43:57 PM
Quote from: Aridas Soulfire on January 05, 2007, 08:30:14 PM
Geez abel, could you have hesitated any longer? I honestly think Abel had at least some sort of ability to save his life... as far as I could tell by what he was saying...

Yeah but he just watched people die AND was hearing throughts AND there was the possibility of more attacks of he moved; I doubt he was in his right mind to really heal Xander or even move. He's not trained for combat situations.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: EvilIguana966 on January 05, 2007, 09:59:13 PM
Judging by how he's handling things so far, I sure hope he doesn't move those hands to the back of his head.  The cumulative shock effect might kill him and result in an angst explosion with enough force to shatter the fourth wall.  Remember, these are real imaginary characters so I want to see GOGGLES. 
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Sunblink on January 05, 2007, 10:10:33 PM
Quote from: superluser on January 05, 2007, 09:33:21 PMBecause they don't have a clear shot to Abel, and aren't even sure if he's alive?  I doubt that the creatures have unlimited mana.

Does mana really apply to the DMFA-verse? Sounds more like something out of DrowTales. (http://www.drowtales.com/)

~Keaton the Black Jackal
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Turnsky on January 05, 2007, 10:14:47 PM
Quote from: Akisohida on January 05, 2007, 09:43:57 PM
Quote from: Aridas Soulfire on January 05, 2007, 08:30:14 PM
Geez abel, could you have hesitated any longer? I honestly think Abel had at least some sort of ability to save his life... as far as I could tell by what he was saying...

Yeah but he just watched people die AND was hearing throughts AND there was the possibility of more attacks of he moved; I doubt he was in his right mind to really heal Xander or even move. He's not trained for combat situations.

that and there's that whole haemophobia thing Abel has...
i personally think that there'd have to be some sort of outside intervention to get abel to move from his cosy little shell of misery and angst.

i feel really sorry for abel at this point..
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: ShiningShadow on January 05, 2007, 10:20:41 PM
:C 'A' Devin dead. No I will not accept the fate of Devin this way. He's barely alive I know it, Abel has to try and heal him ASAP. Amber is making us to believe that Devin is dead but will pull a fast one and Devin will live. I will not stand by and mourn a friend that he is not dead yet. Nope I will wait further till I will make preparations  :cry.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Turnsky on January 05, 2007, 10:23:13 PM
Quote from: ShiningShadow on January 05, 2007, 10:20:41 PM
:C 'A' Devin dead. No I will not accept the fate of Devin this way. He's barely alive I know it, Abel has to try and heal him ASAP. Amber is making us to believe that Devin is dead but will pull a fast one and Devin will live. I will not stand by and mourn a friend that he is not dead yet. Nope I will wait further till I will make preparations  :cry.

be you a king or chimney-sweeper, sooner or later you meet the reaper..  >:3
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: superluser on January 05, 2007, 10:25:48 PM
Quote from: Evil.Iguana on January 05, 2007, 09:59:13 PMJudging by how he's handling things so far, I sure hope he doesn't move those hands to the back of his head.

Well, it wouldn't be a shock; after all, he's already been dragged around by the headwings, so he knows that they're there.

Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on January 05, 2007, 10:10:33 PMDoes mana really apply to the DMFA-verse? Sounds more like something out of DrowTales. (http://www.drowtales.com/)

I'm trying to think of a fantasy-based story or game that involves magic but does not involve mana (or magic points or whatever).
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Alondro on January 05, 2007, 10:29:36 PM
*Charles checks Devin with his tricorder*  He's dead, Jim.  Jim, he's dead.   :<  I can't find his katra either.  Several adventurer voices cried out in pain and were suddenly silenced.  He was struck down... but he didn't become more powerful than I could possibly imagine, unlike Obiwan.  It's over... it's all over...  :cry  

*Charline is having a joygasm!*  OOOOOO!!!  The anguish!  The utter overwhelming anguish!  *takes deep breaths*  I'm hyperventilating from the sheer desire to taste Abel's suffering!  :eager
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Nerikull on January 05, 2007, 10:29:52 PM
*the tiger walks to the darkest corner he can find, curls in it, and proceeds to bawl his eyes out*

:cry
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: ShiningShadow on January 05, 2007, 10:30:50 PM
Quote from: Turnsky on January 05, 2007, 10:23:13 PM
Quote from: ShiningShadow on January 05, 2007, 10:20:41 PM
:C 'A' Devin dead. No I will not accept the fate of Devin this way. He's barely alive I know it, Abel has to try and heal him ASAP. Amber is making us to believe that Devin is dead but will pull a fast one and Devin will live. I will not stand by and mourn a friend that he is not dead yet. Nope I will wait further till I will make preparations  :cry.

be you a king or chimney-sweeper, sooner or later you meet the reaper..  >:3

Neither just a average School Aide Joe :).
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: bill on January 05, 2007, 10:37:05 PM
News Flash: Devin is still dead. Counseling groups are available at the guidance office.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: superluser on January 05, 2007, 10:39:04 PM
Quote from: Alondro on January 05, 2007, 10:29:36 PMHe's dead, Jim.  Jim, he's dead.   :<  I can't find his katra either.  Several adventurer voices cried out in pain and were suddenly silenced.  He was struck down... but he didn't become more powerful than I could possibly imagine, unlike Obiwan.  It's over... it's all over...  :cry

O Lady, he is dead and gone!
  Lady, he 's dead and gone!
And at his head a green grass turfe,
  And at his heels a stone.

That's pretty much it.  I don't think there's any coming back from that.

Addendum:

Quote from: BillBuckner on January 05, 2007, 10:37:05 PMNews Flash: Devin is still dead.

And now, as a public service to those of our viewers who have difficulty with their hearing, I will repeat the top story of the day aided by the Headmaster of the New York School for the Hard of Hearing, Garrett Morris.

Our top story tonight: Adventurer Devin Mernstar is still dead.  Good night and have a pleasant tomorrow.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Netami on January 05, 2007, 10:51:51 PM
*Netami RPs!*
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Rowne on January 05, 2007, 10:54:31 PM
Did dying Devin just have a Tennant Moment™?

Rose, I never got to tell you that I ... {fade off}

Well, Xander in this case but Doctor Who fans will get my meaning.

I also find magic within the DMFA Universe rather ... interesting, they can fling around all sorts of whizzbang crockjimmery around the skies in the form of lightning darts and ice crystals, considering this I'd have to say that if Glory is truly any kind of a Paladin then she'd have some kind of resurrection capability within her repertoire.  That's if she hasn't left already.

(Cleaned up my post, realised I was going to write one thing there and I wrote another entirely and those two sentences got mashed together.)
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Zedd on January 05, 2007, 10:58:47 PM
Quote from: Rowne on January 05, 2007, 10:54:31 PM
Did dying Devin just have a Tennant Moment™?

Rose, I never got to tell you that I ... {fade off}

Well, Xander in this case but Doctor Who fans will get my meaning.

I also find magic within the DMFA Universe rather ... interesting, they have ice spells and they can fling all sorts of whizzbang crockjimmery around the skies in the form of lightning darts and ice crystals, considering this I'd have to say that if Glory is truly any kind of a Paladin then she'd have some kind of resurrection capability within her repertoire.  That's if she hasn't left already.


Good point you have there...But good to see you again my friend...We need to talk
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: bill on January 05, 2007, 10:58:58 PM
Woo, someone got my reference. I feel... special.


"Hello, I'm Chevy Chase, and you're not."
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Sunblink on January 05, 2007, 11:13:00 PM
Quote from: BillBuckner on January 05, 2007, 10:37:05 PM
News Flash: Devin is still dead. Counseling groups are available at the guidance office.

*limps her way to the nearest counseling group, sniffling and cuddling her Devin plushie* *chanting* It's only a bad dream, he's still alive. It's only a bad dream, he's still alive. It's only a bad dream...

~Keaton the Black Jackal really needs to get over her denial
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Caswin on January 05, 2007, 11:17:03 PM
Quote from: Alondro on January 05, 2007, 10:29:36 PMbut he didn't become more powerful than I could possibly imagine, unlike Obiwan.  It's over... it's all over...
The scene's not over yet...
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Jack McSlay on January 05, 2007, 11:30:44 PM
I had seen this coming, didn't have much hope he'd survive  :<

what's  left is to know what Glory done to the creature and what she'll do to Abel now

Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: superluser on January 05, 2007, 11:47:57 PM
Quote from: Rowne on January 05, 2007, 10:54:31 PMif Glory is truly any kind of a Paladin then she'd have some kind of resurrection capability within her repertoire.

The Grand List Of Console Role Playing Game Clichés (http://www.project-apollo.net/text/rpg.html):

153. "Mommy, why didn't they just use a Phoenix Down on Aeris?"
Don't expect battle mechanics to carry over into the "real world."
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 05, 2007, 11:50:50 PM
Quote from: Turnsky on January 05, 2007, 10:23:13 PM
be you a king or chimney-sweeper, sooner or later you meet the reaper..  >:3

Well quoted, my friend. Respect...
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Brunhidden on January 06, 2007, 12:20:46 AM
oh noes, this major plot point is in danger of initiating a fangirl invasion.

this popular charicter needs prompt magical attention! quick- before the fangirls get ugly!

*rubs two large onyx gemstones together*
CLEAR!
*Ka-Zwat!*
mhrr....brraaaaaiiiinnsssssss....
aw fudge, i was going for bishounen vampire. oh well, try again *rubs stones together*
CLEAR!
*Ka-Zizizit*
Skreeeeeaaahhaaahhh? {translation- have you seen a midget with some bling?}
CLEAR!
*Pah-Zult!*
IM ALIVE! IM ALIVE! THANK Y-
CLEAR!
*Kra-Zot!*

QuoteIv'e walked with Death every day, my lad, and I can tell you he's been known to wink from time to time.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Turnsky on January 06, 2007, 12:33:48 AM
just on an off-note, i wonder what furrae's resident "Grim Reaper" looks like?
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Regal on January 06, 2007, 12:36:56 AM
Quote from: Jack McSlay on January 05, 2007, 11:30:44 PM

what's  left is to know what Glory done to the creature and what she'll do to Abel now


Or what the creature did to Glory. We don't know that she and her companions have actually won this battle.

*pokes Devin with a stick*

Yep, still dead.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: ChaoSynergy on January 06, 2007, 01:06:55 AM
Abel's Story.

Because there's just too much happy in DMFA :3

Also, in before Glory and Co. massacre by the hands of unknown creature.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Fex on January 06, 2007, 01:25:41 AM
can you guys read all of the text I have problems reading some parts becouse there to small for my eyes to read
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Damaris on January 06, 2007, 01:29:54 AM
I don't think you're technically supposed to be able to read it all.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Sunblink on January 06, 2007, 01:34:27 AM
Quote from: Fex on January 06, 2007, 01:25:41 AM
can you guys read all of the text I have problems reading some parts becouse there to small for my eyes to read

Well, some of it CAN be read. The first line happens to be "So this is how it goes... I guess mom was right."

Another less obvious one is "I wonder if I'll be remembered when I'm gone."

Yet another is "I can't believe I'm going out like this... I always thought I'd at least..." and then I can't read any more after that.

~Keaton the Black Jackal
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: superluser on January 06, 2007, 01:36:38 AM
Quote from: Fex on January 06, 2007, 01:25:41 AMcan you guys read all of the text I have problems reading some parts becouse there to small for my eyes to read

Most of it.

Panel 1:

- so this is how it [????]...i guess mom was right...
- Can't Breathe
- Poor Abel.  i cant (sic) leave him by himself
- [obscured] the tower...
- Sigh.  Can't believe I'm going out like this.  I always thought I'd a lest (sic) the [????????]
- can't breath (sic)
- I wonder if I'll be remembered when I'm gone...

Panel 2:

- cold...dark...
- oh god I don't want to die,
- cant (sic) b...b...

Panel 3:

- oh Xander...I'm sorry.  I never told [you] that
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 06, 2007, 02:10:35 AM
Quote from: superluser on January 06, 2007, 01:36:38 AM
Panel 1:

- so this is how it [????]...i guess mom was right...

"goes", isn't it?

Quote from: superluser on January 06, 2007, 01:36:38 AM
- Sigh.  Can't believe I'm going out like this.  I always thought I'd a lest (sic) the [????????]

"I'd a lest die naturally" it looks like. To me, anyway. Either that or "horribly", but that first character looks like a N to me. Lowercase, naturally.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Aridas on January 06, 2007, 02:19:37 AM
yeah, it has to be "die naturally"
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Magic on January 06, 2007, 02:35:59 AM
How quaint.

Anyway, this is where the good part comes up.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: King Of Hearts on January 06, 2007, 05:41:55 AM
Dying... the last few thoughts as the flames of life go off...

Must be such a lovely way to start becoming an empath...
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: RJ on January 06, 2007, 06:48:59 AM
 :< I'm a sad squirrel now.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Zedd on January 06, 2007, 07:05:35 AM
Everyone shall light a candle in honer
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: superluser on January 06, 2007, 08:02:23 AM
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 06, 2007, 02:10:35 AM
Quote from: superluser on January 06, 2007, 01:36:38 AM- so this is how it [????]...i guess mom was right...
"goes", isn't it?

So it is.  The first rwo letters look kinda like `sp,' but it's definitely `goes.'

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 06, 2007, 02:10:35 AM
Quote from: superluser on January 06, 2007, 01:36:38 AM- Sigh.  Can't believe I'm going out like this.  I always thought I'd a lest (sic) the [????????]
"I'd a lest die naturally" it looks like. To me, anyway. Either that or "horribly", but that first character looks like a N to me. Lowercase, naturally.

Alas, it can't be.  The second letter looks like an `e,' but it's definitely not an `a.'  The third letter is definitely an `a.'
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 06, 2007, 09:06:32 AM
Quote from: RJ on January 06, 2007, 06:48:59 AM
:< I'm a sad squirrel now.

Sad Squirrel in snow?
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Akisohida on January 06, 2007, 09:32:10 AM
Quote from: Turnsky on January 06, 2007, 12:33:48 AM
just on an off-note, i wonder what furrae's resident "Grim Reaper" looks like?

Me! :mwaha

Yeah, I feel bad for Devin but poor Abel must have 'thei're both dead!' and 'I am next!' running through his head. o.o
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: King Of Hearts on January 06, 2007, 09:33:52 AM
Quote from: Turnsky on January 06, 2007, 12:33:48 AM
just on an off-note, i wonder what furrae's resident "Grim Reaper" looks like?

A green bunny with some anger issues.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Tapewolf on January 06, 2007, 09:48:41 AM
Quote from: Turnsky on January 06, 2007, 12:33:48 AM
just on an off-note, i wonder what furrae's resident "Grim Reaper" looks like?

As KoH says, it might be Jack.  (Shudders)

QuoteYeah, I feel bad for Devin but poor Abel must have 'thei're both dead!' and 'I am next!' running through his head. o.o

Indeed.  But the 'shooting' has stopped.  Does that mean that Glory is going to come around the corner to see Devin lying dead and Abel sobbing helplessly?
Or have the Creatures taken her down too (we'll assume Kami and Dorian either fled or were incapacitated)?

What if the Creatures have deliberately picked off everyone except Abel?

Now, a few points for those who need counselling:

Firstly, Devin and Xander are dead.  Yes, that sucks but as Beings they'd be dead anyway in the current timeline (unless Xander was a cubi, but we know he isn't now)
Secondly, Furrae does have some kind of afterlife (the sentient undead and DP's resurrection are proof of this, and to some extent Dan's shade in the 'ratings boost' arc).
Devin and Xander have both got away with their souls intact so Devin will now have the opportunity to tell Xander his feelings in person. :P
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: thegayhare on January 06, 2007, 10:08:27 AM
*Devin floats above his body a skeletal rat holding him in place thread of his soul*
Squeek
Devin "Err your not who I was expecting,  I thought you'd be taller."
Squeek

*off in the distance you hear shouting and scuffles as a pink ghost bunny drags a struggling Xander into the frame.  The puppy's halo is askew, his robes are ruffled, and his harp has a broken string or two.  he stops stunned to see Devin*

Xander  "Devin I didn't expect to see you so soon"
Devin "Xander I... I... "

*they run together and embrace with a kiss.  The ghost bunny smiles down at the bone rat*

TGH "See I told you it was worth sticking around for"

Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: AndersW on January 06, 2007, 10:29:26 AM
I am going to quote Devin from comic #52 (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Abel_54.php)

"But there comes a point where you either let yourself get lost in feeling bad ... or you do something about it.  You just get ... tired of being angry and blaming yourself for something you had no control over.  And you move on."
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Kibin on January 06, 2007, 11:41:38 AM
Quote from: superluser on January 05, 2007, 10:25:48 PM
I'm trying to think of a fantasy-based story or game that involves magic but does not involve mana (or magic points or whatever).

Warlocks in D&D do not use mana or magic points. They can use their spells every second of a day, and not run out of power.

Better late to be answered than never answered...
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Tapewolf on January 06, 2007, 12:54:53 PM
Quote from: superluser on January 05, 2007, 10:25:48 PM
I'm trying to think of a fantasy-based story or game that involves magic but does not involve mana (or magic points or whatever).

I think the concept of mana in fantasy was coined by the SF author Larry Niven in his 1969 short story "Not Long Before The End" and extended somewhat in the wonderful 1972 short "What Good Is A Glass Dagger?".

I'd be very interested to know of any earlier references or counterexamples in modern fiction (or indeed, anything pre-1900).  I don't think any of Moorcock's Elric stories (1963-1989?) had anything of the sort.  IIRC the ability of a spellcaster was throttled by their endurance, so a powerful spell was a heavy drain on the caster and they would need time to recover afterwards, but the actual energy source itself was infinite.

I don't really know how DMFA works in that regard.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Eibborn on January 06, 2007, 01:00:08 PM
Likewise in Tolkien's Lord of The Rings. But that's beside the point.
What this post is really about is the way that Glory will arrive, after chasing off the creature (or possibly escaping or killing it) to find Abel sitting there with his brand new head-wings. She doesn't exactly seem to like the one set of wings she's seen. I wonder how she'll react to this new pair?
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Tapewolf on January 06, 2007, 01:04:57 PM
Quote from: Eibbor_N on January 06, 2007, 01:00:08 PM
What this post is really about is the way that Glory will arrive, after chasing off the creature (or possibly escaping or killing it) to find Abel sitting there with his brand new head-wings. She doesn't exactly seem to like the one set of wings she's seen. I wonder how she'll react to this new pair?

IMHO he's likely to sit there for some time crying for Devin and Xander.  Do you think that might help any?
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Alan Garou on January 06, 2007, 01:08:14 PM
Alas, Devin has passed into the Great Beyond.
May his soul find peace, and float with Xander's.
He will live on in his loved ones.
Rest in Peace.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: martinjh99 on January 06, 2007, 01:59:09 PM
Guys - There's no way he's living.  Check out all the blood thats on the ground in the last panel.  Unless there is something that can resurrect him he's outta here!

(Newish guy here - Probably 1st post on this forum...  Lurk a lot rather than post - Been reading DMFA for ages now!!  May have posted on the old forum can't remember!)

Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: superluser on January 06, 2007, 02:31:56 PM
Quote from: Tapewolf on January 06, 2007, 12:54:53 PMI think the concept of mana in fantasy was coined by the SF author Larry Niven in his 1969 short story "Not Long Before The End" and extended somewhat in the wonderful 1972 short "What Good Is A Glass Dagger?".

I'd be very interested to know of any earlier references or counterexamples in modern fiction (or indeed, anything pre-1900).

This is where the OED comes in quite handy.  The word itself goes back to 1843 (based off of a Maori word which is presumably much older), but not in the way that I meant it.  Even as late as 1975, it was being used as a synonym for charisma.

On the other hand, in 1924, Selbie made a reference to a ``mana-charged object,'' and there are references in 1877 and 1910 that look like they might refer to mana as a transferrable magical quantity.  Alas, I don't think that I can find the original sources online.

Edit: the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica (p.306, vol.17) states the following:

``Mana in Melanesia is a force, a being, an action, a quality, or a state; it is transmissible and contagious''

This doesn't indicate if it's depletable, so mana in this sense may be like an infection, where just because I give you my illness doesn't mean that I lose mine.

(n.b. I lost my loupe, so my eyes are kinda hurting right now)

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 06, 2007, 12:54:53 PMIIRC the ability of a spellcaster was throttled by their endurance, so a powerful spell was a heavy drain on the caster and they would need time to recover afterwards, but the actual energy source itself was infinite.

Well, OK.  That resolves to the same thing--the creatures can't just sit around casting magic all day.  They'll get tired, and thus they'll wait for a clear shot, or walk around to confront the victim.

A thought occurs--how old is the creature council?  What if this is the incident that causes the creature council to come into being?

As to warlocks, they're actually using invocations, not spells.  I suspect that that's a little like Discworld witches, who I suspect can sit around practicing headology all day.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 06, 2007, 03:22:06 PM
Quote from: superluser on January 06, 2007, 02:31:56 PM
This is where the OED comes in quite handy.  The word itself goes back to 1843 (based off of a Maori word which is presumably much older), but not in the way that I meant it.  Even as late as 1975, it was being used as a synonym for charisma.

The Maori word translates, roughly, as "respect"

Make of that what you will.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Zedd on January 06, 2007, 04:35:24 PM
Quote from: King Of Hearts on January 06, 2007, 09:33:52 AM
Quote from: Turnsky on January 06, 2007, 12:33:48 AM
just on an off-note, i wonder what furrae's resident "Grim Reaper" looks like?

A green bunny with some anger issues.

Im hoping its not my green bunny your talking about...Cause my bunny is calm at times....
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Manawolf on January 06, 2007, 05:10:57 PM
Know, it would be another cameo, with a possibly a little noseless kid tagging along behind him.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Alondro on January 06, 2007, 05:11:12 PM
Quote from: martinjh99 on January 06, 2007, 01:59:09 PM
Guys - There's no way he's living.  Check out all the blood thats on the ground in the last panel.  Unless there is something that can resurrect him he's outta here!

Hmm... unless Devin was in "Bleach", in which case he could fill a stadium with blood and STILL have enough for the next dozen fights in each episode.  Seriously, those characters must be nothing but blood-filled bags of skin.   :mowmeep
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Manawolf on January 06, 2007, 05:17:00 PM
That's actually a staple of Japanese Samurai anime and movies.  Everyone in those is filled with enough blood to supply Red Cross for a year.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: superluser on January 06, 2007, 05:39:33 PM
Quote from: Manawolf on January 06, 2007, 05:17:00 PMThat's actually a staple of Japanese Samurai anime and movies.  Everyone in those is filled with enough blood to supply Red Cross for a year.

Remember the pit from Army of Darkness?

You actually have something like six quarts of blood.  Assuming a rather hard turf, this might be as little as a pint or quart of blood, which I think might be plausible.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: GabrielsThoughts on January 06, 2007, 05:42:17 PM
Finally! to drag out ten seconds well into two weeks was enough... so, do the headwings work like regular antenna and pick up analog, digital, and psychic?
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Zedd on January 06, 2007, 06:15:48 PM
Quote from: GabrielsThoughts on January 06, 2007, 05:42:17 PM
Finally! to drag out ten seconds well into two weeks was enough... so, do the headwings work like regular antenna and pick up analog, digital, and psychic?

Hmm it would seem so...Course we dont know much of the headwings
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Azlan on January 06, 2007, 07:00:15 PM
Poor Devin.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: thegayhare on January 06, 2007, 08:23:05 PM
Quote from: GabrielsThoughts on January 06, 2007, 05:42:17 PM
Finally! to drag out ten seconds well into two weeks was enough... so, do the headwings work like regular antenna and pick up analog, digital, and psychic?

Of course now adays most cubi young are born cable ready
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Manawolf on January 06, 2007, 08:46:47 PM
But then they'd be stuck to the wall.  Satellite, that's the way to go.

And so, we see why it is essential to have a good healer on hand at all times for any adventuring party.  Lots of people of today die in transit to a hospital, how long do you think they'll be lasting in that day and age (the time of Abel's Story).
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: AmigaDragon on January 06, 2007, 11:23:36 PM
Quote from: Kibin on January 06, 2007, 11:41:38 AM
Quote from: superluser on January 05, 2007, 10:25:48 PM
I'm trying to think of a fantasy-based story or game that involves magic but does not involve mana (or magic points or whatever).

Warlocks in D&D do not use mana or magic points. They can use their spells every second of a day, and not run out of power.

Better late to be answered than never answered...

IIRC, in AD&D energy wasn't a limitation to the mage, but once a spell was cast, the caster had to rememorize it to cast again unless using an enhancing spell (mnemonic enhancer) to make it more persistent in his/her memory. Otherwise just like casting it from a scroll, the spell disappears from the storage media.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Angel on January 07, 2007, 09:49:02 PM
(appears wearing naught but black - as well as black makeup applied heavily enough to make an Egyptian jealous, and an appropriately mournful expression)

I can't believe I forgot to post on this topic till now. As to Devin's death... Beh. I guess I expected it, but damn. I really wanted to give him a hug to save him from those self-deprecating thoughts about his mom being right. And of course he'll be remembered when he's gone (I can read tiny font). But that last bit about Xander....

(sniffs, and her makeup starts to run) Oh censor... here I go...

I need a hug... again...
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Artanis on January 07, 2007, 10:48:11 PM
Quote from: AmigaDragon on January 06, 2007, 11:23:36 PM
IIRC, in AD&D energy wasn't a limitation to the mage, but once a spell was cast, the caster had to rememorize it to cast again unless using an enhancing spell (mnemonic enhancer) to make it more persistent in his/her memory. Otherwise just like casting it from a scroll, the spell disappears from the storage media.
I always thought spell text vanishing was a stupid limitation method. Forgetting the spell slightly less so, one could at least make the argument that all or part of the power that forms the spell was derived from the actual memory or time spent learning the spell. But seriously, who writes down valuable information like spell chants in temporary ink?
Spell limitations like that make me think that it might just be easier to make such spells true consumable items, a gemstone charged with power or something, activate to cast its spell, and it either dusts itself or requires a recharge before further use.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: ShiningShadow on January 08, 2007, 07:37:13 AM
If in this world of Furae maybe there is a spell that is regen the wound for a time till a healer like Glory will do maybe Abel has this ability. I don't know anymore and I will not go any further with my speculations until they are done. I will say this *Devin sometimes you are a Asshole sometimes but you are a truly good friend in the end.* :hug
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Jinni on January 08, 2007, 08:33:43 AM
poor Devin, he didnt even get to finish his last thoghts  :cry and poor Abel, he must be so confused and scared, i just wanna hug hum
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Turnsky on January 08, 2007, 10:53:49 AM
Quote from: Jinni on January 08, 2007, 08:33:43 AM
poor Devin, he didnt even get to finish his last thoghts

i think were it not a more serious comic than the DMFA proper, Devin's last words could've been "it hurts and stings!"

(sorry amber, i so hadta quote EOI (http://www.elfonlyinn.net/) on this one  :3 )

but either way, if things get any worse for able, he's gonna have a full on nervous breakdown, methinks
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Sunblink on January 08, 2007, 12:38:16 PM
Quote from: Turnsky on January 08, 2007, 10:53:49 AM

i think were it not a more serious comic than the DMFA proper, Devin's last words could've been "it hurts and stings!"

*nearly sprays her computer monitor with root beer*

Oh my God, you just made my Monday, Turnsky. X3

*goes back to cuddling her Devin and Xander plushies*

~Keaton the Black Jackal
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: ShiningShadow on January 09, 2007, 07:31:10 AM
I will wait till tomorrow for what and the if's in the next episode of Abel.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: thegayhare on January 09, 2007, 02:08:38 PM
Quote from: Alondro on January 06, 2007, 05:11:12 PM
  Seriously, those characters must be nothing but blood-filled bags of skin.   :mowmeep

sopunds like a vampires wet dream
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Brunhidden on January 09, 2007, 02:15:32 PM
according to the inverse laws of anime all humans contain roughly twenty gallons of blood kept at high pressure. this explains why it sprays across such great distances at the slightest cut.

im glad my blood is about the consistancy of cold molasses, they look so goofy with the spraying and spraying and teh why in the name of a merciful lord havent i died yet and spraying and spraying.

QuoteIiiiits PANKCAKE TIME!
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Alondro on January 09, 2007, 11:29:44 PM
It was hilarious when Ikkaku was all cut up and started laughing, then freaked out when his wounds opened and blood started gushing out like a fountain.   Horray for blood geysers!   :mowhappy
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: ShiningShadow on January 10, 2007, 07:32:28 AM
Quote from: Alondro on January 09, 2007, 11:29:44 PM
It was hilarious when Ikkaku was all cut up and started laughing, then freaked out when his wounds opened and blood started gushing out like a fountain.   Horray for blood geysers!   :mowhappy

If you love bllod geysers then check out the new anime from cartoon network is afro samurai. Plenty of blood gushers for the eye to see.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Zedd on January 10, 2007, 02:59:35 PM
Quote from: ShiningShadow on January 10, 2007, 07:32:28 AM
Quote from: Alondro on January 09, 2007, 11:29:44 PM
It was hilarious when Ikkaku was all cut up and started laughing, then freaked out when his wounds opened and blood started gushing out like a fountain.   Horray for blood geysers!   :mowhappy

If you love bllod geysers then check out the new anime from cartoon network is afro samurai. Plenty of blood gushers for the eye to see.

Afros is a nono on my list....Its plain scary
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Blast on January 10, 2007, 08:59:33 PM
Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on January 05, 2007, 08:49:06 PM
Oh no.

Oh no oh no oh no.

There goes my favorite character... =/ And going out thinking not only that his mom was right him, and worrying about leaving Abel behind, but regretting that he never told Xander he loved him...

Great, Amber, just great. You nearly brought me to tears. When was the last time a comic has done this? ..then again, I can't really remember but that's beside the point.  WHY CAN'T THERE BE A HAPPY ENDING, I ASK YOU? D:

Regardless, what a strip. Best one in the comic so far... Amber, you're one hell of a storyteller. ._.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

If there were only happy endings, they wouldn't be as important as they are now.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Brunhidden on January 11, 2007, 02:06:29 AM
in responce to that im not even going to say anything and just jump to a relavent Peter S Beagle quote

QuoteThere are no happy endings, because nothing ever ends.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: Sunblink on January 11, 2007, 08:02:12 PM
Quote from: Blast on January 10, 2007, 08:59:33 PM
Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on January 05, 2007, 08:49:06 PM
Oh no.

Oh no oh no oh no.

There goes my favorite character... =/ And going out thinking not only that his mom was right him, and worrying about leaving Abel behind, but regretting that he never told Xander he loved him...

Great, Amber, just great. You nearly brought me to tears. When was the last time a comic has done this? ..then again, I can't really remember but that's beside the point.  WHY CAN'T THERE BE A HAPPY ENDING, I ASK YOU? D:

Regardless, what a strip. Best one in the comic so far... Amber, you're one hell of a storyteller. ._.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

If there were only happy endings, they wouldn't be as important as they are now.

Point made, and I guess when it has been explicitly warned in the beginning of the story that there would be drama and violence (or better yet, dramatic violence), you would expect SOMEONE to die. I just really wish it weren't Devin and Xander.

Makes me wonder how Abel's Story will end, and how he's become the person he is today.

~Keaton the Black Jackal
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: ShiningShadow on January 11, 2007, 08:14:44 PM
Who knows what will happens next to shape the characteristics of Abel we know and love today. *okay he tends to be a big jerk in certain situations, but that's beside the point*. I bet you he's all warm and fuzzy on the inside.
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 12, 2007, 03:34:39 AM
Quote from: ShiningShadow on January 11, 2007, 08:14:44 PM
I bet you he's all warm and fuzzy on the inside.

what, ingrown hairs?
Title: Re: 1-6-07: Cold...dark
Post by: ShiningShadow on January 12, 2007, 07:35:02 AM
No just fuzzy mowhair that when you sleep on it you will be out snoring away.