Actually I hate that song. Interesting to see Abel do a partial shapeshift - I'm kind of weirded out by his eyes, though.
EDIT:
It looks like the block-coloured eyes are a feature of Gryphons, but I can't check because the site has gone down...
If he was wearing trousers, they'd be brown, now... ;-]
What's with the long face, Abel? :P
Flying in the nude, a dangling ... participle ... appears. :B
Wait, is Abel visiting Jyrras, naked? :U
Careful there, you don't want to lose those clothes, now ... :eager
I feel sorry for anyone below.
is it me or is there a white rabbit on the back of the big one?
Quote from: Fex on July 27, 2010, 04:04:59 AM
is it me or is there a white rabbit on the back of the big one?
No, There is not a small white rabbit with red eyes and pink snout sitting on the spine of the of the blue griffin peeking over the left shoulder in the right upper third of the second frame. You don't have to worry, you are completely insane and seeing things! (I wouldn't want you to worry :P)
Edit: Err wait ... Able didn't finish the course and already know about this hazard?
Quote from: PantheraLeo on July 27, 2010, 05:02:50 AM
Err wait ... Able didn't finish the course and already know about this hazard?
He finished the course ages ago.
He's taking the exam now.
Edit:
I wonder if Professor Trik will be there to grade him when he lands?
I bet Jyrras will contribute with a bonus question or two.
Makes you wonder what the final exam was about. Then again, the look on Abel's face and the lack of clothes might have something to do with it.
This certainly answers the question about whether the wings are functional.
This can eather end up really, really bad, or really, really funny.
I'm kind of wondering where he's going - Jyrras didn't seem to live that far away...
Quote from: Lone_Wolf on July 27, 2010, 06:08:21 AM
Makes you wonder what the final exam was about.
IS about. He's taking it right now. And it's about not getting eaten by giant gryphons while flying.
Quote from: Wanderer on July 27, 2010, 07:08:06 AM
And it's about not getting eaten by giant gryphons while flying.
or worse ... :erk
Quote from: Wanderer on July 27, 2010, 07:08:06 AM
IS about. He's taking it right now. And it's about not getting eaten by giant gryphons while flying.
I don't think it's just getting eaten that he's worried about. One would not want to deal with the more... amorous... advances of a Gryphon I would think.
Quote from: Mao Laoren on July 27, 2010, 07:10:52 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on July 27, 2010, 07:08:06 AM
IS about. He's taking it right now. And it's about not getting eaten by giant gryphons while flying.
I don't think it's just getting eaten that he's worried about. One would not want to deal with the more... amorous... advances of a Gryphon I would think.
Dang, you beat me to it Mao. But yes, In my opinion, the expressions are not of the "Hey! Lunch!" kind.
Also, Was or is? Who's to say? If I read the comic five minutes before someone else does that mean I can write about it in the past sense or can I only do that after I've posted about it at least once?
It must be related to me inability to determen wether a comic in a fantasy universe follows our own rules of space and time. :)
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 27, 2010, 06:59:38 AM
I'm kind of wondering where he's going - Jyrras didn't seem to live that far away...
He has an Armfull of clothes.. so Maybe he is going to bring them to Dan.. I dunno...
No, those are his.
Quote from: Lone_Wolf on July 27, 2010, 07:20:34 AM
Dang, you beat me to it Mao. But yes, In my opinion, the expressions are not of the "Hey! Lunch!" kind.
Well, he could get royally violated, and then end up as an after-sex snack. The worst of two worlds, as it were.
Quote from: That_wolf on July 27, 2010, 06:58:42 AM
This can eather end up really, really bad, or really, really funny.
You insinuate those are mutually exclusive.
An insinuation all the more perplexing given the author of this strip.
Quote from: Mao Laoren on July 27, 2010, 07:10:52 AM
Quote from: Wanderer on July 27, 2010, 07:08:06 AM
IS about. He's taking it right now. And it's about not getting eaten by giant gryphons while flying.
I don't think it's just getting eaten that he's worried about. One would not want to deal with the more... amorous... advances of a Gryphon I would think.
It would be kind of annoying if they decided to hang out with him all the way to Jyras's house.
I wonder if smaller Griff's are seen as Baby Griff's and these giant Griff's can only tell if your a Griff or not?
Such things as the of the different types of Griffian's might totally be something the giant Griff's are totally clueless about.
I was thinking they were all the same size, just a different distances. (Unless they could go from a cruise to a hover very quickly or make some very sharp turns it wouldn't pay to fly around anywhere near each other outside a formation.)
I think that rabbit is a griff of some sort. Looks like it has a beak...
And maybe you guys are joking, and I'm just taking things too literally, but I don't see the love there. Remember, griffins have been known to attack flying things that aren't other griffins (one of the reasons griffs are still the preferred means of air-travel).
I think the cries of "CHIIII~" are akin to "One of us!"
I still think, given his clothing choice, he's headed somewhere chilly. Is SAIA in the mountains? He still needs to see Fa'lina, right?
and people say pigeons and seagulls were bad. >:3
I think that "rabbit" Is actually an albino Griffin.
Quote from: Rambon on July 27, 2010, 11:13:29 AM
I think that "rabbit" Is actually an albino Griffin.
Or it could be a baby griffin with the momma givin a ride. Who knows.
Abel looks odd as a griffin. But then again, maybe that's the norm for shapeshifting outside the normal species. Eh.
As for the "is it love or what" conversations, I think it's more "OHMIGAWD, new thing in the sky!". Haven't the larger griff's been noted as basically ADHD, and will immeadiately notice the next new thing, especially in their territory (the sky)? Would definitely explain Abel's face/reaction considering that every single gargantuan hyperpowerful being in the vicinity all noticed him at once.
I don't think I'm completely clear on air travel and what all is up in the sky and how they all get along in furrae.
This strip (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_263.php) seems to indicate that modern jet airliners exist in Furrae and are a hazard to all but the largest of flying creatures.
I actually wonder how jet airliners get along with Gryphon C.
I mean, most other creatures that can fly are civilized and intelligent enough to know about the upside down wedding cake airspaces around airports and other airspaces restricted to airplanes and other flying machines.
They probably risk getting fined and incurring other penalties with the law for flying in zones meant for aircraft.
Heck, Furrae probably even has a 'sky police' with creatures including gryphons A & B, demons, and other creatures who are highly skilled at using their wings and keep the peace with other flying creatures and maybe smaller personal aircraft, such as auto-gyros and ultralights.
Gryphon C, however, are a different beast altogether, since they are only barely sentient. One would wonder what they do if there's a risk of one of them meeting up with a jet airliner in the sky.
Maybe they plan around their migration patterns, get some members of the other gryphon classes to convince them to fly out of the way, or maybe have the high priority flights escorted by military aircraft.
I just got a mental image of a Gryphon C in a dog fight with an F16...Awesome. :boggle
And maybe I'm just overthinking things, as usual.
Quote from: ChaosMageX on July 27, 2010, 11:51:19 AM
I just got a mental image of a Gryphon C in a dog fight with an F16...Awesome. :boggle
And now you have that image stuck in MY head!
Quote from: Rambon on July 27, 2010, 12:26:26 PM
Quote from: ChaosMageX on July 27, 2010, 11:51:19 AM
I just got a mental image of a Gryphon C in a dog fight with an F16...Awesome. :boggle
And now you have that image stuck in MY head!
Or maybe a Jas 39 Gripen (Griffin). XD
Quote from: Mao Laoren on July 27, 2010, 07:10:52 AM
One would not want to deal with the more... amorous... advances of a Gryphon I would think.
Agreed, but let's face it, the differences between boy Gryphons and girl Gryphons are only important to other... um... Gryph...
:erk
Oh, wait.
Hilarity ensuing in 3, 2, 1...
Abel looks to be about normal sized here, judging by his cloths. Those griphons must be WAY bigger than him.
Maybe the jet (a) looks enough like a griffon or (b) looks enough like an inanimate object that the griffons don't bother it? We don't see much of it from that strip.
Or it could be something boring like an industrial strength griffon-repelling charm. :B
Or planes could fly at upwords of 20,000 feet. Where most living creatures don't have enough oxygen to breathe.
The difference in speed from 30 miles an hour to about 500 could also have something to do with it.
:3
Been A while since we have seen any of the world's major fauna.
Also, In regards to identifying landmarks, I know how Abel feels.
I cannot, for the life of me, Find my School on Google Earth.
And my School's roof is the most insidious, glaring, horrible color in the world. You'd think it would be easy enough to find.
Quote from: Draken on July 27, 2010, 11:20:21 AM
Quote from: Rambon on July 27, 2010, 11:13:29 AM
I think that "rabbit" Is actually an albino Griffin.
Or it could be a baby griffin with the momma givin a ride. Who knows.
Could be. I myself assumed a Gryphon C with a Gryphon B on its back, and the others being two Cs and one B. Then again, Bs are supposed to be smart, so maybe they're As?
And to Tapewolf: Demonology describes them as bright eyes, or wasn't that what you meant?
Quote from: Michael Chandra on July 27, 2010, 02:47:14 PM
And to Tapewolf: Demonology describes them as bright eyes, or wasn't that what you meant?
Well, I mean how the entire eye is green etc apart from the pupil. Compare with Dan or Abel's eyes.
Quote from: Grey Wolf on July 27, 2010, 10:33:22 AM
I still think, given his clothing choice, he's headed somewhere chilly. Is SAIA in the mountains? He still needs to see Fa'lina, right?
According to Fa'Lina's entry in the Clan Leaders arc, SAIA is in a separate dimensional plane.
Quote from: Jasonrevall on July 27, 2010, 12:49:52 PM
Or maybe a Jas 39 Gripen (Griffin). XD
Okay, that made me chuckle...
I assume those are all gryphon C. Though one of them looks like B. But wouldn't the B see through the disguise?
At least I would expect a different reaction than the C's. So does this mean Abel is disguised as kid/really young gryphon C because C's can't breed with B's (http://www.missmab.com/Demo/HG09.php)?
As a side note, I'm pretty sure we don't have F-16s yet (which is sad).
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 27, 2010, 03:37:53 PM
Quote from: Michael Chandra on July 27, 2010, 02:47:14 PM
And to Tapewolf: Demonology describes them as bright eyes, or wasn't that what you meant?
Well, I mean how the entire eye is green etc apart from the pupil. Compare with Dan or Abel's eyes.
...
(I always seem to forget at least one detail.) They don't all have glow in the dark eyes, the "smaller" griffin has solid white eyes. As for not having fighter jets? That depends on the time line and if 'Project Future' is part of this continuity.
...I just pictured a classroom full of Gryphon-shifted Cubi. I imagine some of the students would have had fun with that:
Girl Cubi 1: Chi!
Girl Cubi 2: Chee!!
Abel: Will you
cut that out?!?!I mean, let's face it, despite the fierceness of Gryphon C, the happy-faced 'Chi!' greeting is cute and fun. :mowhappy
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 27, 2010, 03:37:53 PMQuote from: Grey Wolf on July 27, 2010, 10:33:22 AMI still think, given his clothing choice, he's headed somewhere chilly. Is SAIA in the mountains? He still needs to see Fa'lina, right?
According to Fa'Lina's entry in the Clan Leaders arc, SAIA is in a separate dimensional plane.
At any rate, it seems there are some secret entry points that very few know of, between the rats getting there via sewers and Abel heading there on his own (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_1123.php). My guess is that there are probably some portals, teleportation points, or other such magic enchantments, linking only to SAIA or otherwise, that allow access to those who know where to look while still hiding the academy and the inhabitants thereof.
Or maybe it's something like in D&D, where there's a material plane and an etherial plane that overlap, and yet traveling between the two is difficult, and SAIA is in the equivalent of an etherial plane, but in a fixed location relative to Furrae. Though this seems less likely to me, because even if it were the case, I'd think Dragons and Fae, with their abilities, would probably be able to sense and/or find it (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_841.php). Thus, if that were the case, Hizell might would have found it while using Siar's link. Or maybe Hizell's a local Dragon or something, and thus doesn't have that ability. I dunno.
At any rate, whatever was used for SAIA works, and pretty well at that.
Quote from: Captain on July 27, 2010, 03:59:45 PMI assume those are all gryphon C. Though one of them looks like B. But wouldn't the B see through the disguise?
I'm reasonably sure that the smaller one is just a younger Gryphon C. Also, according to Demonology, it seems that Gryphon C gets along with the other two kinds of Gryphons. Combining that with Gryphon C's lack of intelligence, and it wouldn't really matter as much what kind of Gryphon Abel looks like.
...I also noticed that the Gryphon at the bottom has eyelashes. I thought the visible eyelashes thing might have just been due to people wearing mascara (because you can see them on Dan before he gets shifted into Alexi), but now I'm not so sure.
The only time you will see a full body shot of naked Abel. ;P
Anyways, he makes a neat gryphon! I think the whole flight thing is surviving and 1) Not crashing and 2) not being a snack. XP
Quote from: Michael Chandra on July 27, 2010, 02:47:14 PM
Could be. I myself assumed a Gryphon C with a Gryphon B on its back, and the others being two Cs and one B. Then again, Bs are supposed to be smart, so maybe they're As?
... and maybe the B's are smart enough to realise that destroying anything in the air that isn't a gryphon isn't exactly a sane long-term approach, and are willing to let things slide without letting the big ones get worked up?
Just a thought.
Explained in the Demonology 101 page for Gryphon B.
"Seeing as the large gryphons are prone to attacking anything non-gryphon, having a gryphon pilot often acts as one of the safest means of travel if one doesn't warp or wants to move fast."
Presumably, Gryphon Cs see the gryphon pilot in the cockpit(most flying creatures have VERY good eyesight, for finding prey in the air) and assume that the plane accompying them is alright and don't attack. Or something.
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on July 27, 2010, 06:01:40 PM
Quote from: Michael Chandra on July 27, 2010, 02:47:14 PM
Could be. I myself assumed a Gryphon C with a Gryphon B on its back, and the others being two Cs and one B. Then again, Bs are supposed to be smart, so maybe they're As?
... and maybe the B's are smart enough to realise that destroying anything in the air that isn't a gryphon isn't exactly a sane long-term approach, and are willing to let things slide without letting the big ones get worked up?
Just a thought.
Demo page does mention this. "In recent times though there has been a growing resentment among Gryphon B races of the boost in technology (especially planes) and it is rumoured that some groups of Gryphon B types will goad their larger but dumber relatives to deliberately attack planes. Despite growing tensions, most beings and creatures love gryphons."
Makes me wonder how popular Jyras is with the Gryphon b group?
Wonder if a Gryphon b set up that run in while Jyras was pilating the mecha Gryphon?
Chiiiiiiiiii! Abel gryphon is adorableee....
also the image of a C carrying its babines on the back is cute.
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 27, 2010, 03:37:53 PM
Quote from: Michael Chandra on July 27, 2010, 02:47:14 PM
And to Tapewolf: Demonology describes them as bright eyes, or wasn't that what you meant?
Well, I mean how the entire eye is green etc apart from the pupil. Compare with Dan or Abel's eyes.
look's like (http://www.missmab.com/Demo/gryphonb.php)it was. (http://www.missmab.com/Demo/gryphonc.php)
And on another topic related to the strip... It might be just me, or does Abel's bill in the third panel remind you of some kind of
duck Chicken?
Any one else think it's odd that so much effort was put into making the three variants of 'griffins', but their names a A, B, and C? Even Lesser Griffin, Griffin, and Greater Griffin seem the more efficient. (I must remember to send a apology to Amber, seems I spend all day ripping holes in her work.)
(Yes, his does seem to have a chickens beak.)
Quote from: PantheraLeo on July 27, 2010, 11:17:49 PM
Any one else think it's odd that so much effort was put into making the three variants of 'griffins', but their names a A, B, and C? Even Lesser Griffin, Griffin, and Greater Griffin seem the more efficient. (I must remember to send a apology to Amber, seems I spend all day ripping holes in her work.)
(Yes, his does seem to have a chickens beak.)
I just think it's a nice and simplified mode of classification. One can't expect all worlds to have a perfect classification for its species. It's the same thing for the Phoenixes, as they are only related by aesthetic features.
Incidentally, it also allows people to be creative. :B For A, B, and C, in my stories I tend to fully call them Anthromorphized, Bestial, and Colossus Gryphons, respectively.
I think the only Gryphon C in the panel too is the big one with the bebeh on its back. x3 The others seem smaller or bigger depending on perspective. The one furthest right is the closest.
Though this entire post may just be an excuse for me to point out that Gryphonized Abel is cute as all hell. XD
I'm rather glad to know those wings are not completely useless.
But Abel! They are just so happy to see a fellow gryphon!! :U
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 27, 2010, 03:37:53 PM
Quote from: Michael Chandra on July 27, 2010, 02:47:14 PM
And to Tapewolf: Demonology describes them as bright eyes, or wasn't that what you meant?
Well, I mean how the entire eye is green etc apart from the pupil. Compare with Dan or Abel's eyes.
Huh. Just checked the Demonology races, and noticed a trend. All races that are seriously Being-like in shape have normal eyes with white + pupil. All other races, so insect-thingies, Mythos, Gryphons, Dragons, etc, all have the eyes one colour and the pupil sometimes another. So it appears to be a Being-like trend.
Then again, some Mythos have white eyes. Might be an artistic thing then. Though the main trend does appear to be non-being-like shaped creatures have those full eyes.
Also, chi!
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 27, 2010, 06:59:38 AM
I'm kind of wondering where he's going - Jyrras didn't seem to live that far away...
Of cause, we don't know just how LARGE Jyrras' estate is..
Quote from: Infranscia on July 27, 2010, 04:15:48 PM
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 27, 2010, 03:37:53 PMQuote from: Grey Wolf on July 27, 2010, 10:33:22 AMI still think, given his clothing choice, he's headed somewhere chilly. Is SAIA in the mountains? He still needs to see Fa'lina, right?
According to Fa'Lina's entry in the Clan Leaders arc, SAIA is in a separate dimensional plane.
At any rate, it seems there are some secret entry points that very few know of, between the rats getting there via sewers and Abel heading there on his own (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_1123.php).
I thought he was going to visit Jyrras (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_1121.php).
Quote from: Psaakyrn on July 28, 2010, 01:56:00 AM
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 27, 2010, 06:59:38 AM
I'm kind of wondering where he's going - Jyrras didn't seem to live that far away...
Of cause, we don't know just how LARGE Jyrras' estate is..
He's just lost. Professor Trik skipped the whole "spotting landmarks" thing.
Quote from: Bjalf on July 28, 2010, 03:47:51 AM
I thought he was going to visit Jyrras (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_1121.php).
Jyrras and Wildy seem to be able to walk there, that's the problem.
QuoteHe's just lost. Professor Trik skipped the whole "spotting landmarks" thing.
I'd suggest that if Abel finished the course without knowing why he should be a Gryphon, either he was skimping or Trik wasn't doing a very good job...
It's really nice to *at last* see Gryphon Cs in the comic! The "CHII!" is just a standard flock call and greeting, I figure; Gryphon Cs may be none too bright, but most species of social birds have an identity call they chirp at each other from time to time. :mowmeep
Though they are big enough that accidentally getting eaten looks to be an even bigger risk then them chomping Abel. Better stay straight and fly right, Abel!
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 28, 2010, 04:09:12 AM
I'd suggest that if Abel finished the course without knowing why he should be a Gryphon, either he was skimping or Trik wasn't doing a very good job...
Keep in mind who they have or had on staff there. For example, the Doctor that does the affinity tests when new students arrive.
Trik: "Ok, class the course is over, time for the final exam. I hope you all paid attention, this is a pass or fail examination!"
<some time later amidst the screaming>
Student: "Professor it ate Mink!"
Trik: "I told Mink she should have been talking less in class! I didn't tell you would all die horrible gruesome deaths if you failed, right? Oh well, silly me."
Student: "Nirg"
<Some time later when the screaming stops>
Trik: " Hmm, no one passed this year. Too bad Able got called away by Fi'lina, I'm sure he would have passed..."
What, no invisibility spell in this setting? Such reclusive person as Abel would sure have learned it otherwise. :mowninja
Quote from: PantheraLeo on July 28, 2010, 06:37:51 AM
Trik: " Hmm, no one passed this year. Too bad Able got called away by Fi'lina, I'm sure he would have passed..."
Abel: "Um, actually I was there. I was the thing that ate Mink"
Trik: "Passed."
Quote from: Turnsky on July 27, 2010, 11:07:22 AM
and people say pigeons and seagulls were bad. >:3
:<
Nice to see birds making more appearances. :P
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 27, 2010, 03:37:53 PM
According to Fa'Lina's entry in the Clan Leaders arc, SAIA is in a separate dimensional plane.
Wasn't there also a shortcut to SAIA as well? I remember there was something said about a "shortcut" to SAIA in the Unwilling and Abel at Cubi Academy Chapter.
I wonder if it's the same "shortcut" or a different one.
Quote from: Arroyo Milori on July 29, 2010, 05:33:22 PM
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 27, 2010, 03:37:53 PM
According to Fa'Lina's entry in the Clan Leaders arc, SAIA is in a separate dimensional plane.
Wasn't there also a shortcut to SAIA as well? I remember there was something said about a "shortcut" to SAIA in the Unwilling and Abel at Cubi Academy Chapter.
I wonder if it's the same "shortcut" or a different one.
Well, only the paths the rats and cast members used, but i don't know how that worked
Quote from: danman on July 29, 2010, 05:51:24 PM
Quote from: Arroyo Milori on July 29, 2010, 05:33:22 PM
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 27, 2010, 03:37:53 PM
According to Fa'Lina's entry in the Clan Leaders arc, SAIA is in a separate dimensional plane.
Wasn't there also a shortcut to SAIA as well? I remember there was something said about a "shortcut" to SAIA in the Unwilling and Abel at Cubi Academy Chapter.
I wonder if it's the same "shortcut" or a different one.
Well, only the paths the rats and cast members used, but i don't know how that worked
I think it's meant to be a joke that rats are everywhere or a little like Monte Python's Spanish Inquisition. ("No body expects the Spanish Inquisition!") Given the fact the 'party' arrived at the academy though some long tunnel or labyrinth that was suspiciously empty and had the 'red carpet roll out' (the path was marked) I don't think it was some tiny feat to just 'arrive' there.
During Fi'Lina's description of clan
Cira Siar to Able, I image the physical location of the academy
is not in question, only the means to access it. #56 (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Ab_056.php) That and given Bengahl access in what I assume is the same academy in 'The Foxfire Chronicles' I'm guessing the academy is not defended as a absolute. 2008-02-18 (http://www.ariannia.com/2008/02/02042008/).
I suspect Fi'Lina's ability to see the future just (kept/keeps) it's defense(s) one step ahead of any incursion, not some omnipotent defense.
I got the impression (from things like Hizell not being able to find it) that it's literally impossible to enter SAIA without Fa'Lina's permission. Once there, there's no particularly omnipotent defense going on, but she knows if you're going to cause trouble and doesn't let you in.
;) That's the idea. She, Fi'Lina, is the "omnipotent" defense. Not that there was some 'wall' no one could clime, or no way to tunnel though. It's that any attempt was foreseen and blocked by some means. Fi'Lina never said or even hinted Hizell couldn't find the academy. Only that he could not enter it.
Quote from: PantheraLeo on July 29, 2010, 08:26:26 PM
I think it's meant to be a joke that rats are everywhere or a little like Monte Python's Spanish Inquisition. ("No body expects the Spanish Inquisition!") Given the fact the 'party' arrived at the academy though some long tunnel or labyrinth that was suspiciously empty and had the 'red carpet roll out' (the path was marked) I don't think it was some tiny feat to just 'arrive' there.
Maybe, but I'd say it's more likely that rats simply are every where. Think of real life rats, damn things can even find their way into maximum security prisons and those places are locked up tight. Despite Fa'lina's omnipotence, she is *not* all powerful. She can't manage everything, nor can she watch everything at once nor be omnipresent. There are things that will slip by her. I'd say the rats are one that it would be too much work to prevent for too little reward. Beyond that, even being able to foresee something does not grant one the ability to prevent it. Though I see you acknowledge that later in your post. She can't do it all, but she's got one heck of a set of tricks to help. :)
Quote from: PantheraLeo on July 29, 2010, 08:26:26 PM
During Fi'Lina's description of clan Cira Siar to Able, I image the physical location of the academy is not in question, only the means to access it. #56 (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Ab_056.php) That and given Bengahl access in what I assume is the same academy in 'The Foxfire Chronicles' I'm guessing the academy is not defended as a absolute. 2008-02-18 (http://www.ariannia.com/2008/02/02042008/).
Incorrect. The 'cubi of Foxfire Chronicles are unrelated to the ones in DMFA, only inspired by them (Additionally, it takes place on both Earth and Ariannia, not Furrae). Turnsky himself has said this many times. There are cameos of Dan and Abel, yes, but that was more a joke than a continuity nod. Heck, he's even got a fellow that looks suspiciously like Aniz who gets smacked in the face with a frying pan. Again, a cameo and just a joke. Either way, a suggestion: If it isn't DMFA, don't use it as a reference for theories on DMFA. Other comics have their own writers who, while they may get some feed back from Amber, are not Amber and do not write for DMFA.
Quote from: PantheraLeo on July 29, 2010, 08:26:26 PM
I suspect Fi'Lina's ability to see the future just (kept/keeps) it's defense(s) one step ahead of any incursion, not some omnipotent defense.
Agreed.
Quote from: Mao Laoren on July 29, 2010, 09:47:23 PM
Maybe, but I'd say it's more likely that rats simply are every where. Think of real life rats, damn things can even find their way into maximum security prisons and those places are locked up tight. Despite Fa'lina's omnipotence, she is *not* all powerful. She can't manage everything, nor can she watch everything at once nor be omnipresent. There are things that will slip by her. I'd say the rats are one that it would be too much work to prevent for too little reward. Beyond that, even being able to foresee something does not grant one the ability to prevent it. Though I see you acknowledge that later in your post. She can't do it all, but she's got one heck of a set of tricks to help. :)
That or they make for good practice targets.
Quote from: Mao Laoren on July 29, 2010, 09:47:23 PM
...
Incorrect. The 'cubi of Foxfire Chronicles are unrelated to the ones in DMFA, only inspired by them (Additionally, it takes place on both Earth and Ariannia, not Furrae). Turnsky himself has said this many times. There are cameos of Dan and Abel, yes, but that was more a joke than a continuity nod. Heck, he's even got a fellow that looks suspiciously like Aniz who gets smacked in the face with a frying pan. Again, a cameo and just a joke. Either way, a suggestion: If it isn't DMFA, don't use it as a reference for theories on DMFA. Other comics have their own writers who, while they may get some feed back from Amber, are not Amber and do not write for DMFA.
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*Dramatically faked offensive!* Fine! I can't read everything everywhere in a day ... :)
Thank you, sir, it is so noted. Good to know. Given the links between 'Project Future' and 'The Firefox Chronicles' sites and charter frameworks it does lead one to think the authors worked in concert. (I wondered how Fi'Lina had a kid (http://www.missmab.com/Demo/Leader12.php), and why the kid was gothic in nature.)
Edit: That, and I assumed Furrae was a continent on Ariannia. Much the say way Faerun or other 'Forgotten Realms' were
all almost all part of the world of Toril.
No, though I do believe they're all on friendly terms, they do their own things in terms of stories. Also: I'm not sure who this child of Fa'lina is, but then, I can't read everything either.
With regards to the Furrae on Ariannia, I believe Turnsky has said it would fit, physically and that it would even work in terms of most of the magic and species and such, but one would have to change to accommodate the other. I personally would not want to see either change. Nor can I see their respective writers/artists wanting to change either.
Quote from: Drathorin on July 27, 2010, 02:09:52 PMOr planes could fly at upwords of 20,000 feet. Where most living creatures don't have enough oxygen to breathe.
Interestingly enough, the
Bar-Headed Goose (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar-headed_Goose) has been spotted at a height of 33,382 feet, and then offcourse there's a
Ruppell's Griffon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%BCppell's_Vulture), a vulture with a wingspan of about 10 feet, that got sucked into a Jet Engine at 36,100 feet above the Ivory Coast in november 1975. So they are up there.
Add in Magic, and I could easily see lots of flying beings at extreme altitudes. :)
Quote from: PantheraLeo on July 29, 2010, 08:47:49 PMThat's the idea. She, Fi'Lina, is the "omnipotent" defense. Not that there was some 'wall' no one could clime, or no way to tunnel though. It's that any attempt was foreseen and blocked by some means. Fi'Lina never said or even hinted Hizell couldn't find the academy. Only that he could not enter it.
I kinda like this idea, that dragons gave up on pursuing cubi in the Academy because Fa'Lina is there.
However, I think it's doubtful that she's *that* powerful.
But never say never. :)
Quote from: Mao Laoren on July 29, 2010, 11:22:57 PM
Also: I'm not sure who this child of Fa'lina is, but then, I can't read everything either.
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Nor can I see their respective writers/artists wanting to change either.
Lady Milnea is whom I assumed the child was, being the 'leader' of 'The Foxfire Chronicles's academy and claim "made promise to her to look after you two" (Whom at the time I assumed could only be Fi'Lina, and whom I also assumed would be Milnea's mother for some reason.) when "Daniel" and "Able" make their cameo there.
Nor do I want them to change, but sense I'm already ripping pages out of 'Wizards of the Coast's playbook, they could just as well say something fundamentally catastrophic happened to magic or the world at large to account for discrepancies. Place each story in it's own age. (Like say Mystral, and Mystra's deaths heralding the "fall of the vale" and the rule changes between the 1rst to 2nd and 3rd to 4th edition D&D rules.)
Quote from: Anker Steadfast on July 29, 2010, 11:45:51 PM
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I kinda like this idea, that dragons gave up on pursuing cubi in the Academy because Fa'Lina is there.
However, I think it's doubtful that she's *that* powerful.
But never say never. :)
Well, she did create a entire plane of existence solely for the academy. I just find it hard the believe that other 'tri-wing' cubi or otherwise equally powerful 'things' can't unmake or breach said plane of existence in a head to head power struggle if that's all there is to it. At this rate, maybe a thread dedicated to the academy, it's staff, and it's lore should be made, as at least I can't seem to stay on topic. *hint* *hint*
Quote from: terrycloth on July 29, 2010, 08:41:20 PM
I got the impression (from things like Hizell not being able to find it) that it's literally impossible to enter SAIA without Fa'Lina's permission.
That's what her Clan Leader page says, yes. I imagine that if the rats came along with machine guns or something, they would find the path mysteriously blocked.
QuoteOnce there, there's no particularly omnipotent defense going on, but she knows if you're going to cause trouble and doesn't let you in.
Well, from what Destania was saying late in Abel's Story, Fa'Lina is able to sense trouble and stop it. She's especially powerful within the Academy and probably doesn't need to be personally present to do that.
Quote from: Tapewolf on July 30, 2010, 03:03:46 AMQuote from: terrycloth on July 29, 2010, 08:41:20 PMI got the impression (from things like Hizell not being able to find it) that it's literally impossible to enter SAIA without Fa'Lina's permission.
That's what her Clan Leader page says, yes. I imagine that if the rats came along with machine guns or something, they would find the path mysteriously blocked.
Which also means that the rats are smart enough not to be considered enough of a threat to Fa'Lina.
Heck, there might even be merchant rats, that supply stuff to the academy.
As for Hizell, I think it was more a case of him not being able to find the academy, or the academy's entrance in the first place.
I think the main defense for the academy is actually subterfuge of some sort.
Quote from: PantheraLeo on July 30, 2010, 12:46:06 AMQuote from: Anker Steadfast on July 29, 2010, 11:45:51 PMI kinda like this idea, that dragons gave up on pursuing cubi in the Academy because Fa'Lina is there.
However, I think it's doubtful that she's *that* powerful.
But never say never. :)
Well, she did create a entire plane of existence solely for the academy. I just find it hard the believe that other 'tri-wing' cubi or otherwise equally powerful 'things' can't unmake or breach said plane of existence in a head to head power struggle if that's all there is to it.
Again, if Fa'Lina is so powerful, then why could the dragons destroy her clan ?
At the very least, after they did so, she'd probably have gone on a dragon stomping rampage, but no ... she build an academy instead.
As for creating the plane, well, we don't know if she merely took over one that already existed, or if she had help from someone else.
Heck we don't even know if it's all that hard to do.
It could be that it was very very complicated, but not require all that much in the form of energy.
Sorta like convincing a tree that it's actually a rock.
Which leads me back to the idea that the main defence is subterfuge.
After all, you can't kill what you can't find.
As the Academy grew and garnered acceptance in the cubi society, I can also imagine that some of the other clan leaders, such as Taun, would add to the defences of the Academy, slowly turning it from just being well hidden, into a hidden fortress of
Doom! They might even throw chipmunks at you ... Kungfu Chipmunks even !! :eek
Offcourse, this is all hyper-theories and ramblings of a madman ... we would need the word of the author to confirm any of it.
And methinks she's quite happy leaving us to guess, in this case.
:D
The rats having access to other basements seems very much like L-Space in Discworld, where dense collections of books create "bookwormholes" that experienced librarians can travel.
Of course I'm sure Fa'lina would know when "guests" come calling to SAIA.
Quote from: Anker Steadfast on July 30, 2010, 04:23:45 PM
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As for Hizell, I think it was more a case of him not being able to find the academy, or the academy's entrance in the first place. I think the main defense for the academy is actually subterfuge of some sort.
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Again, if Fa'Lina is so powerful, then why could the dragons destroy her clan ?
At the very least, after they did so, she'd probably have gone on a dragon stomping rampage, but no ... she build an academy instead.
...
Hazell at least knew where the academy was. First because it seems public knowledge to all cubi on how to access it. Second, After defeating Siar "...he managed to use Siar's dying essence and link to her clan to track down her entire blood line ..." [1] (Destina subsequently hid Aniz from that ability[2]) Aniz was at the academy at the time, and I'd suspect this "link" was more then a mere mystical GPS system. I don't doubt Hizell at least knew where the academy was. ( Muhaha, every teenagers worst nightmare, Not only does (grand)mother know exactly where you are at all times, she knows exactly what you're doing because she's watching you do it!)
I do agree the academy's primary defense is probably subterfuge and sabotage given Fi'Lina ability to gather intel.
"Again, if Fa'Lina is so powerful, then why could the dragons destroy her clan ?" Two obvious answers. They're just as or more powerful, or Fa'Lina didn't acquire her current power until sometime after this event.
A point to keep in mind, it appears Destania has very probably been a very busy dragon-slayer sometime between her falling out with Fa'Lina and Daniels birth. Given her state when she meets Daniel's father and how Fi'lina reacts to Pyroduck staying at the Lost Lake Inn? Alexsi ,clearly as cast a power to be feared, is flicked aside by her mother, yet something more powerful has her collapsed on her knees at some point in the past. [3][4][5] Mayhaps they're no long the super power they where?
As for Fa'Lina going on a "dragon stomping rampage"? She may have, all that's said is she was betrayed by Hizell, her clan died, and returns sometime later with the idea of the academy.[6]
What she did during this time or when she acquired 'tri-wing' status is never specified. (Edit: Dragon's taste good?)
[1] http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Ab_056.php Second frame, second paragraph.
[2] http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Ab_058.php Second frame, first paragraph.
[3] http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_297.php First frame.
[4] http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_729.php Second frame.
[5] http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_936.php Second frame.
[6] http://www.missmab.com/Cast/falina.php Second paragraph, second and third sentences.
Yes, the bibliography is
super nerdy to include, but I did already link some of that information, so I thought perhaps a direct approach would be helpful.(Btw, the archive page links to Able's story are off by one.) Now, unless I messed up you now how to argue with the great and powerful creator of DMFA, "The Amber" to say otherwise. :P
(http://www.missmab.com/Images/JokeDisclaim.jpg)
Quote from: Amber Williams on July 31, 2010, 01:57:48 AM
(http://www.missmab.com/Images/JokeDisclaim.jpg)
Crap. That means that everything and anything can be changed in a moment for the stupidest reasons. Hannah could suddenly turn out to be Joss Whedon and alive if it would be funny enough! Dan is actually an amnesiac Aniz. The dragons are just figments of everyone's imagination! And Fluffy is actually identical twins of opposite gender who swap every panel! *throws hands and comic panels up in the air* The concept of canon has failed me! Nooooooo! Aaaaaaaugh! *runs screaming in madness*
Seriously, a part of me has long come to the conclusion that - barring some horrible coincidence - you're going to surprise us, Amber, so while we can enjoy our deep analysis there's also the fact that the analysis is not canon in and of itself. Then again, considering your disclaimer... Amber, do you change the plot whenever one of us guesses too closely to your long-term plan?
Quote from: Jairus on July 31, 2010, 03:35:37 AM
... Then again, considering your disclaimer... Amber, do you change the plot whenever one of us guesses too closely to your long-term plan?
Blast! My evil minds games to start a fan boy death squad, turn them into to campaign of terror to take over Middle Earth, and manipulate the plot to my own evil whims is revealed!
I mean ... errr ... Wow, that's a pretty banner! *runs away*
It's not my fault I like to
anylize analyze things obsessively and the comic makes sense. If you don't like the attention, stop making sense! :P
I never change the storyline if someone is close to predicting it or has it figured out in their speculation. The simple fact of the matter is that so many speculate and theorize so many things that it is inevitable someone is going to get it right. The most I've ever done is fix up loose ends that I myself had overlooked that some readers pointed out in speculation. I'm an imperfect critter so if I see a blaring mistake in the storyrails, I will usually try to correct it. However it doesn't really change the storyline itself.
The disclaimer is more or less a reminder that at the end of the day, DMFA is supposed to entertain. And while I try to keep things continuity reasonable...there are times when a joke is meant to just be something funny and not taken seriously or thought too deeply into. People are free to if they want, but I have had a few people get somewhat dissapointed in emails when they found out that I did a particular gag or thing...because I thought it was funny and not because there was deeper meanings behind it.
Quote from: PantheraLeo on July 31, 2010, 04:37:38 AM
Blast! My evil minds games to start a fan boy death squad, turn them into to campaign of terror to take over Middle Earth, and manipulate the plot to my own evil whims is revealed!
I mean ... errr ... Wow, that's a pretty banner! *runs away*
It's not my fault I like to anylize analyze things obsessively and the comic makes sense. If you don't like the attention, stop making sense! :P
Could you do me a favor? Could you gear down the attempts to be random and wacky some? It's less endearing than you think. In fact, I'm pretty sure the rules state that it's not really encouraged.
Quote from: Mao Laoren on July 31, 2010, 06:14:04 AM
Quote from: PantheraLeo on July 31, 2010, 04:37:38 AM
Blast! My evil minds games to start a fan boy death squad, turn them into to campaign of terror to take over Middle Earth, and manipulate the plot to my own evil whims is revealed!
I mean ... errr ... Wow, that's a pretty banner! *runs away*
It's not my fault I like to anylize analyze things obsessively and the comic makes sense. If you don't like the attention, stop making sense! :P
Could you do me a favor? Could you gear down the attempts to be random and wacky some? It's less endearing than you think. In fact, I'm pretty sure the rules state that it's not really encouraged.
QuoteFirst off: While the DMFA section is slightly different, keep in mind all the normal forum rules. No harrassing, no pointless stupidity, no racial slurs. Try to present yourselves as intelligent posters since you are ultimately a reflection of the comic itself. If you look bad, I look bad.
Is that the rule you refer to? If you have
any problems with me just send me a private message next time. I can't promise to be happy, but If I'm not respectful I can promise that I will apologies for not being so. At the very least I will always at least attempt to make amends.
I'll go away for a few days sense it offends your sensibilities; However, sadly, no, being pointless silly and irreverent is a charter flaw of mine. I'm happy to be respectful when asked or if offend someone (I'm a "bleeding heart" in that respect), but that's
not a favor physically within my power to grant. My 'wacky' (Though I'd call it irreverent and/or childish.) sense of humor is simply to ingrained in my charter to suppress. Sanity demands I have a sense of humor and mine is bi-polar.
I spend too much time compulsiveness examining my self or the world around me not to set it all a side and play the fool. Pride is for the suicidal.
Quote from: PantheraLeo on July 31, 2010, 06:41:57 AM
Is that the rule you refer to? If you have any problems with me just send me a private message next time. I can't promise to be happy, but If I'm not respectful I can promise that I will apologies for not being so. At the very least I will always at least attempt to make amends.
I'll go away for a few days sense it offends your sensibilities; However, sadly, no, being pointless silly and irreverent is a charter flaw of mine. I'm happy to be respectful when asked or if offend someone (I'm a "bleeding heart" in that respect), but that's not a favor physically within my power to grant. My 'wacky' (Though I'd call it irreverent and/or childish.) sense of humor is simply to ingrained in my charter to suppress. Sanity demands I have a sense of humor and mine is bi-polar.
I spend too much time compulsiveness examining my self or the world around me not to set it all a side and play the fool. Pride is for the suicidal.
You don't have to go away, and really that won't make any difference as you'll eventually come back and I'll still be here (as I'm part of the moderation staff), but if you could just try and control yourself some, as you've done in this post, you'll be fine. I'm not trying to suck the life outta you or tell you not to have a sense of humor, but just to do so in moderation. Not every post needs to be silly, wacky or over the top. We get a lot of folks in here who try to do that and well, it gets old fast.
Quote from: Mao Laoren on July 29, 2010, 11:22:57 PM
No, though I do believe they're all on friendly terms, they do their own things in terms of stories. Also: I'm not sure who this child of Fa'lina is, but then, I can't read everything either.
With regards to the Furrae on Ariannia, I believe Turnsky has said it would fit, physically and that it would even work in terms of most of the magic and species and such, but one would have to change to accommodate the other. I personally would not want to see either change. Nor can I see their respective writers/artists wanting to change either.
i've often joked how if Furrae would suddenly pop up in the same universe as Ariannia, how'd that would screw with a few Fanfics, particularly project future. >:3
However, from my point of view Ariannia's a tad more flexible than Furrae as per setting because it's still largely nascent in the author's mind (i.e: mine). But in all it'd be easier to make a crossover than to park either in the other's universe for canon reasons. Granted a crossover would work better had i an update schedule that ran slightly faster than molasses in Ren's siberian outdoor dunny. :U
Another 'however' is that, when finally compiled enough of a universe setting together, to extend an offer to writers and webcomic authors like Amber to, if they so wished, write their own stories using Ariannia, or even contribute their own little twists and turns in as well.
Such is the premise of my oft-touted "Project Ariannia".
i should really compile a FAQ for that, too.
Quote from: Amber Williams on July 31, 2010, 04:38:14 AMI'm an imperfect critter so if I see a blaring mistake in the storyrails, I will usually try to correct it. However it doesn't really change the storyline itself.
Aww .. I guess that means no Kungfu Chipmunks then. :(
Quote from: Amber Williams on July 31, 2010, 04:38:14 AMThe disclaimer is more or less a reminder that at the end of the day, DMFA is supposed to entertain.
And it is, and it does, and we are grateful for it.
Thank you Amber.
:)
Quote from: Turnsky on July 31, 2010, 08:52:32 AM
Quote from: Mao Laoren on July 29, 2010, 11:22:57 PM
No, though I do believe they're all on friendly terms, they do their own things in terms of stories. Also: I'm not sure who this child of Fa'lina is, but then, I can't read everything either.
With regards to the Furrae on Ariannia, I believe Turnsky has said it would fit, physically and that it would even work in terms of most of the magic and species and such, but one would have to change to accommodate the other. I personally would not want to see either change. Nor can I see their respective writers/artists wanting to change either.
i've often joked how if Furrae would suddenly pop up in the same universe as Ariannia, how'd that would screw with a few Fanfics, particularly project future. >:3
However, from my point of view Ariannia's a tad more flexible than Furrae as per setting because it's still largely nascent in the author's mind (i.e: mine). But in all it'd be easier to make a crossover than to park either in the other's universe for canon reasons. Granted a crossover would work better had i an update schedule that ran slightly faster than molasses in Ren's siberian outdoor dunny. :U
Another 'however' is that, when finally compiled enough of a universe setting together, to extend an offer to writers and webcomic authors like Amber to, if they so wished, write their own stories using Ariannia, or even contribute their own little twists and turns in as well.
Such is the premise of my oft-touted "Project Ariannia".
i should really compile a FAQ for that, too.
Here is a nice work around for you: DMFA is set in a Multi-Verse. Furrae, The Fae Relm, and the Academy are all in different planes of reality. As such, while Ariannia and Furrae may not be able to co-exist on the same planet, they can still be cannon to each other. Given the activity of the Fae, as well as that of a very smart Roo-Rat, contact between these two relms is quite doable.
Mind you, I haven't read your comic yet, so this idea may be too little too late. That said, I felt the need to toss the idea out there, just in case.
Quote from: starcat5 on July 31, 2010, 10:46:23 AM
Here is a nice work around for you: DMFA is set in a Multi-Verse. Furrae, The Fae Relm, and the Academy are all in different planes of reality. As such, while Ariannia and Furrae may not be able to co-exist on the same planet, they can still be cannon to each other. Given the activity of the Fae, as well as that of a very smart Roo-Rat, contact between these two relms is quite doable.
Mind you, I haven't read your comic yet, so this idea may be too little too late. That said, I felt the need to toss the idea out there, just in case.
one would think Jyrras would have a problem with Bengahl borrowing his stuff. :P
Quote from: Amber Williams on July 31, 2010, 04:38:14 AM
People are free to if they want, but I have had a few people get somewhat dissapointed in emails when they found out that I did a particular gag or thing...because I thought it was funny and not because there was deeper meanings behind it.
Wow, Seriously?
That sounds like a fairly high level of retarded.