Wonder who's talking to him? Ink? Fa'lina? Some unknown Cubi? A warp Aci?
I was so tempted to edit the last panel to the lyric of Fresh Prince. But then I realized I would be struck by lightning for it. So I didnt.
CONSIDER YOURSELVES LUCKY.
Quote from: Amber Williams on October 24, 2008, 01:03:09 AM
I was so tempted to edit the last panel to the lyric of Fresh Prince. But then I realized I would be struck by lightning for it. So I didnt.
CONSIDER YOURSELVES LUCKY.
Which Lyric? "Now this is the story all about how my life got flip-turned upside down?" That bit?
... I can remember the lyrics of a show I never liked and barely watched. Help.
In other news, this looks interesting. Is he talking to himself, or is someone talking to him? I can't wait for next weekend.
And good luck with getting everything done, Amber. We're rooting for you!
Humm...I get the feeling that we'll know who this is when his or her face is revealed. It's unlikely to be Aary, for a number of reasons, so who does that leave?
In addition to those I mentioned up in my first post, Destina is all I can think of <.<
I'm just gonna go for the safe bet and say it's a cubi. :P
My first thoughts were "Is he awake or dreaming? And is that his own dream or another cubi in his head?" Granted the scenery didn't change, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.
He is rather surprised but if it was somehow Aniz, I think he would be a little more then just eyes wide open.
Even though he may have problems with Destiana and Falina he might still stick around a little bit. He's shown some sympathy for Abel, possibly enough to be this much of an ass and ask right now.
I am going out on a limb and saying that we are about to see the reason that Abel gives so much of himself to Dan and possible every other new Cubi that he end up mentoring.
He has seen the darkness now he will be shown the light.
I somehow expect it to be Destania too.
My guess is one of the potential roommates Ink was talking about. Though, depending on whether the door was warded, it might be anyone who 'overheard' him.
Well that was a rather rude awakening.
And thanks Amber, now I have the Yugioh Abridged verison of that song in my head now :(
Quote from: Lego3400 on October 24, 2008, 01:23:50 AMIn addition to those I mentioned up in my first post, Destina is all I can think of <.<
Couldn't be Ink. His bubbles are different (unless Amber is being tricksy with us, Precious).
I'm pretty sure that it's Abel's roommate, so it couldn't be Destania or Fa'Lina. Warp Aci seem to be rather unusual (or at least as common as the service plan or the extra RAM people try to sell you), so that doesn't seem likely.
That leaves a number of minor `cubi. Or someone completely unknown, which just seems less likely to my mind.
Quote from: superluser on October 24, 2008, 05:29:55 AM
Warp Aci seem to be rather unusual (or at least as common as the service plan or the extra RAM people try to sell you), so that doesn't seem likely.
Also, warp-aci have funny speech bubbles as well.
The question on my mind is "How long will the owner of the voice last?" Because if it's a roommate that hasn't been brought up yet, then his/her numbers might not be high enough to last. (He/she might die)
*Edit* Perhaps you should have some strips done in advance, if you choose to do so, then get them done on your own time, regardless of what you need to do to get it done, and I wouldn't mind if you halt updates to finish the wallpapers.
P.S. With the latest strip at this time, the main arc just got more interesting.
I wonder if we're going to find out how and why Abel gets rid of so many roomies. In fact, I may have to take notes.
Quote from: Minishear on October 24, 2008, 08:19:22 AM
The question on my mind is "How long will the owner of the voice last?" Because if it's a roommate that hasn't been brought up yet, then his/her numbers might not be high enough to last. (He/she might die)
I'm not quite sure I follow what you're saying here, but since the SAIA was set up as a safe haven for young adult 'Cubi, I suspect that students murdering each other is considered a Very Bad Thing.
Quote from: Tapewolf on October 24, 2008, 08:29:30 AM
I'm not quite sure I follow what you're saying here, but since the SAIA was set up as a safe haven for young adult 'Cubi, I suspect that students murdering each other is considered a Very Bad Thing.
I think it's a reference to this incident (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_425.php)...
Quote from: Amber Williams on October 24, 2008, 01:03:09 AM
I was so tempted to edit the last panel to the lyric of Fresh Prince. But then I realized I would be struck by lightning for it. So I didnt.
CONSIDER YOURSELVES LUCKY.
or Comedically thown out of the mansion? :P
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 24, 2008, 08:33:16 AM
Quote from: Tapewolf on October 24, 2008, 08:29:30 AM
I'm not quite sure I follow what you're saying here, but since the SAIA was set up as a safe haven for young adult 'Cubi, I suspect that students murdering each other is considered a Very Bad Thing.
I think it's a reference to this incident (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_425.php)...
No, I say that due to Hennya Devin, and Xander.
... none of whom were room-mates of Abel.
Do you actually have a point, or are you randomly waffling?
Llearch, they all got killed. I mean. how long until Abel's roommate winds up dead?
It must be...
ABEL'S INNER HOLLOW!!! D:
Amber could throw any number of twists at us at this point. We have no choice but to wait and see who the evil one is. :3
Quote from: Minishear on October 24, 2008, 08:50:35 AM
Llearch, they all got killed. I mean. how long until Abel's roommate winds up dead?
By whom or what? You think Abel is going to snap and kill them all? Or Aniz? Maybe if you explain your whole line of thought here it will help.
Quote from: Mowser on October 24, 2008, 09:02:16 AM
Quote from: Minishear on October 24, 2008, 08:50:35 AM
Llearch, they all got killed. I mean. how long until Abel's roommate winds up dead?
By whom or what? You think Abel is going to snap and kill them all? Or Aniz? Maybe if you explain your whole line of thought here it will help.
I simply expect the new person to die, because why change pace now?
Quote from: Mowser on October 24, 2008, 09:02:16 AM
By whom or what? You think Abel is going to snap and kill them all? Or Aniz?
Quite. It's safe to say that anyone who goes around killing other students is liable to be expelled from the Academy at minimum. Aniz is unlikely to be able to re-enter the Academy without explicit permission.
I can't rule out a tragic accident that causes him to shun other people out of fear he'll lose them too, but Abel himself is most unlikely to be the culprit. Among other things, Fa'Lina would have taken precautions if she sensed the slightest possibility of him losing it in that way.
Now, on a different note, it's occurred to me that the visitor might not even be real, in the conventional sense. He might still be asleep.
Quote from: Minishear on October 24, 2008, 09:04:54 AM
I simply expect the new person to die, because why change pace now?
Because that was part 1 and this is part 2? :3
Aside from that, I wanna know what he did to get expelled from the library.
Quote from: Minishear on October 24, 2008, 09:12:01 AM
Aside from that, I wanna know what he did to get expelled from the library.
Actually, that's outside the scope of the series... Amber offered refunds for anyone who donated on that basis.
Riiight. So it's a Noodle Incident.
Quote from: Amber Williams on October 24, 2008, 01:03:09 AM
I was so tempted to edit the last panel to the lyric of Fresh Prince. But then I realized I would be struck by lightning for it. So I didnt.
CONSIDER YOURSELVES LUCKY.
Encyclopedia Dramatica would've loved you for it, though.
I'm not sure if that was something you would have been proud of :c
Now
I want to write a parody, but I can't get the rhyming right.
Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on October 24, 2008, 10:55:26 AM
Quote from: Amber Williams on October 24, 2008, 01:03:09 AM
I was so tempted to edit the last panel to the lyric of Fresh Prince. But then I realized I would be struck by lightning for it. So I didnt.
CONSIDER YOURSELVES LUCKY.
Encyclopedia Dramatica would've loved you for it, though.
I'm not sure if that was something you would have been proud of :c
Now I want to write a parody, but I can't get the rhyming right.
Cubi Prince of SAIANow this is a story all about how my life got flip-turned upside down!
And I'd like to take a minute, just give an idea,
I'll tell you how I become the prince of a school called SAIA!...
Now I wanna write it.
Unless amber is using normal speach bubbles for them, then we've ruled out all Warp-aci (Fi was already ruled out as she has a different one at this time.) and Ink. Though if it is a Warp Aci it might explain why he''s such good friends with them now. :U
Quote from: Lego3400 on October 24, 2008, 11:31:35 AM
Though if it is a Warp Aci it might explain why he''s such good friends with them now. :U
All the warp-aci's we've seen in this arc have had the coloured speech bubbles, so I'd be very surprised indeed.
Quote from: Minishear on October 24, 2008, 08:19:22 AM
The question on my mind is "How long will the owner of the voice last?" Because if it's a roommate that hasn't been brought up yet, then his/her numbers might not be high enough to last. (He/she might die)
I understand you mean that if a new character is introduced that isn't in DMFA comic, then it probably means he/she died in the 300 or so years between...
Anyway, I think it's probably someone we already know... Maybe Aary was his first roommate
now dot's vot hyu call a cliffhanger
My gut feeling is that it is Destania. It sounds like a drill sergeant. ("Are you going to kill yourself. If not, you might as well get up and do something.") It is a cold thing to say, and Abel stated that Destania was so cold that he was surprised that Dan didn't get frostbite while being born.
It's not necessarily something cold to say. It could be followed up with something sympathetic, like this: "Are you going to kill yourself? I know you're in a lot of pain right now and that it seems like the answer, but it's not."
Going this route, it breeds a bit of trust because you don't come off as commanding or harsh. It makes it easier to build a rapport with them which will then allow you to steer them away from the idea. Though some folks don't respond to that and better respond to the drill sergeant approach. Just saying it could be either.
Quote from: Naldru on October 24, 2008, 12:49:38 PM
My gut feeling is that it is Destania. It sounds like a drill sergeant. ("Are you going to kill yourself. If not, you might as well get up and do something.") It is a cold thing to say, and Abel stated that Destania was so cold that he was surprised that Dan didn't get frostbite while being born.
That of course, leaves the problem as to why Destania would approach Abel, as they have had no prior contact. I don't see how Destania could possibly gain from approaching Abel, and Abel has not been at SAIA very long leaving the problem of how she would have found out and again, why she would care. I'm sure she would have more pressing matters than to bother Abel, preparing lectures, grading exams... etc, typical professor duties.
5 bucks on it being a Warp-Aci
Quote from: Alterationartist on October 24, 2008, 02:35:16 PM
5 bucks on it being a Warp-Aci
Are you sure? Warp-Aci don't speak like that.
I wanna know who it is! I hope it's a female roommate, that'd be interesting.
If that's the case, I'd bet money she winds up dead if I had any to bet.
Quote from: Minishear on October 24, 2008, 02:52:54 PM
I wanna know who it is! I hope it's a female roommate, that'd be interesting.
If that's the case, I'd bet money she winds up dead if I had any to bet.
You're stuck on this dead thing, aren't you, Minishear.
Do you suppose you could give it a rest? Just for the rest of us?
Quote from: Naldru on October 24, 2008, 12:49:38 PMMy gut feeling is that it is Destania. It sounds like a drill sergeant.
In that case, it doesn't sound nearly frosty enough.
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 24, 2008, 03:24:20 PM
Quote from: Minishear on October 24, 2008, 02:52:54 PM
I wanna know who it is! I hope it's a female roommate, that'd be interesting.
If that's the case, I'd bet money she winds up dead if I had any to bet.
You're stuck on this dead thing, aren't you, Minishear.
Do you suppose you could give it a rest? Just for the rest of us?
I'm sorry I'm repeating myself, it's a habit or something.
Could it be Fa'lina?
If I were Fa'lina, I would not force Able to have a room mate, nor hand off dealing with him to someone else, yet.
We don't know how much time has passed between Able 2 #32 and #33.
The last person he was talking to was Fa'lina and they were talking about what he wanted to do. Now we see a text bubble asking him if he is going to do something(drastic) so I think it is reasonable that it could be Fa'lina.
Granted, if it is her, she isn't being very tactful, but she could be gauging his reaction(like when she mentioned "home").
Otherwise, if it is someone completely new, I wouldn't be entirely surprised if they didn't live long enough(natural reasons or otherwise...) to make it into the current time line of the comic. If I was a betting man I would probably take 5 to 1 odds that they die, but that is just me remembering that Amber doesn't like "killing" her characters (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,4806.msg207100.html#msg207100) though she isn't afraid to if she feels it is "their time."
Quote from: PencilinHand on October 24, 2008, 05:49:01 PM
Otherwise, if it is someone completely new, I wouldn't be entirely surprised if they didn't live long enough(natural reasons or otherwise...) to make it into the current time line of the comic.
I'm not sure I get this whole kill-the-roommate thing. SAIA is supposed to something of a safe haven. There are hundreds of 'Cubi in the Academy, a great many of whom will have graduated and therefore left the Academy by the time Dan gets a look-in. There's nothing sinister about that - after all, if every student who graduated turned up at Lost Lake, the place would have more 'Cubi in it than SAIA - which is supposedly the largest single concentration of members of the race.
If Abel is assigned a roommate and things don't go well, the chances are that they will either be reassigned, finish studying or be driven away by Abel (as with Altres/Jouster). The chances of them dying are fairly remote IMHO.
Quote from: Tapewolf on October 24, 2008, 05:57:19 PM
I like toast.
I'm with TW on this one, I don't think murder is allowed inside of the academy under
any circumstances. I mean, come on, can you imagine how many rival clans must attend the academy together? It'd be a freaking slaughterhouse unless Fa'Lina ran it with an iron paw.
Quote from: Tapewolf on October 24, 2008, 05:57:19 PM
I'm not sure I get this whole kill-the-roommate thing. SAIA is supposed to something of a safe haven. There are hundreds of 'Cubi in the Academy, a great many of whom will have graduated and therefore left the Academy by the time Dan gets a look-in. There's nothing sinister about that - after all, if every student who graduated turned up at Lost Lake, the place would have more 'Cubi in it than SAIA - which is supposedly the largest single concentration of members of the race.
If Abel is assigned a roommate and things don't go well, the chances are that they will either be reassigned, finish studying or be driven away by Abel (as with Altres/Jouster). The chances of them dying are fairly remote IMHO.
Quote from: Ghostwish on October 24, 2008, 06:30:04 PM
I'm with TW on this one, I don't think murder is allowed inside of the academy under any circumstances. I mean, come on, can you imagine how many rival clans must attend the academy together? It'd be a freaking slaughterhouse unless Fa'Lina ran it with an iron paw.
I am sorry if I wasn't clear(or maybe I am misunderstanding you).
There are very many ways to die. Many of them nonbelligerent, otherwise natural, or even peaceful.
Even if murder were to be the cause, there are many other characters than Able who could do it.
So I am not saying Able, or even another student at SAIA, would be the murderer if murder were the cause of death.
What I said, was that I thought it was at least somewhat likely that a new character introduced would not make it into the comic because they had died for
some reason.
"5 to 1 odds that they die," means(or I intended it to mean) that I would bet $1 that a new character would not live into the current comic time line for the prospect of wining $5 regardless of mode/method of death(of old age, a tragic accident, murder, slipped on a banana peel...).
I hope I have clarified my position now.
Quote from: PencilinHand on October 24, 2008, 07:02:08 PM
What I said, was that I thought it was at least somewhat likely that a new character introduced would not make it into the comic because they had died for some reason.
"5 to 1 odds that they die," means(or I intended it to mean) that I would bet $1 that a new character would not live into the current comic time line for the prospect of wining $5 regardless of mode/method of death(of old age, a tragic accident, murder, slipped on a banana peel...).
I think your odds are a little short, to be honest. The Academy has been around for 7000 years or so. 'Cubi send their young there to keep them safe. If the place had a dangerously poor health and safety record, I highly doubt it would have the prestige it seems to enjoy.
Yes, an accident is possible. Yes, if it did happen, especially so soon after Abel's own tragedies it would probably push him over the edge.
However, I still say it would be a freak occurrence with odds closer to 500-1 or more.
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 24, 2008, 03:24:20 PM
Quote from: Minishear on October 24, 2008, 02:52:54 PM
I wanna know who it is! I hope it's a female roommate, that'd be interesting.
If that's the case, I'd bet money she winds up dead if I had any to bet.
You're stuck on this dead thing, aren't you, Minishear.
Do you suppose you could give it a rest? Just for the rest of us?
Minishear must be from the Ishimura, the dead don't stay still for long there. >:3
I think that the most likely candidate is whatshisname in the lab coat. The Cubi with blond fur here (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Ab_021.php).
Remember, Abel isn't in a room, he's in an emotional quarentine. I don't think his location there would become super general knowledge, at least quite not so fast. (Maybe some 'Cubi saw him on his way there, explaining the volunteer roommates.) Blondie knows he's there , and for whatever reason, has already expressed some hostile intent. Means, motive, (albiet one I don't quite understand) and opportunity all there.
Quote from: Corgatha Taldorthar on October 24, 2008, 07:55:26 PM
I think that the most likely candidate is whatshisname in the lab coat. The Cubi with blond fur here (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Ab_021.php).
Dr. Ink always has a shadow on his speech bubble. There isn't one on this person's speech, so it's probably not him.
EDIT:
I don't think it's Fa'Lina either. "Gonna" doesn't seem to be part of her normal vocabulary.
Quote from: Tapewolf on October 24, 2008, 05:57:19 PMI'm not sure I get this whole kill-the-roommate thing. SAIA is supposed to something of a safe haven.
In defense, I suspect they're thinking of more of a Vash the Stampede thing.
Though I don't really get that, either.
Quote from: PencilinHand on October 24, 2008, 05:49:01 PMGranted, if it is her, she isn't being very tactful, but she could be gauging his reaction(like when she mentioned "home").
That would seem to be the sort of thing she'd get Ink to do, if for no other reason than the fact that good cop/bad cop actually works.
Quote from: Amber Williams on October 24, 2008, 01:03:09 AM
I was so tempted to edit the last panel to the lyric of Fresh Prince. But then I realized I would be struck by lightning for it. So I didnt.
CONSIDER YOURSELVES LUCKY.
What would have been so wrong with editing the Fresh Prince lyrics? After all, how many people would recognize them? >.>
I'm pretty sure that's Ink messing with him. I assume this mostly on prior behavior, however I'm given to wonder if it is Ink as Abel's first roomie. I'm unsure if this is either impossible or just unlikely, I'm gonna go back and see.
Quote from: Jer-oh-me on October 25, 2008, 03:08:03 AMI'm given to wonder if it is Ink as Abel's first roomie.
I've never heard of an academic institution where the staff and students share rooms.
I couldn't remember if Ink was established as staff at this point in canon or not, it seemed to me possible that he would have at one point been a student at SAIA. I did say I'd look back to make sure the theory was possible.
Grammar fix.
Quote from: Jer-oh-me on October 25, 2008, 05:32:11 AM
I couldn't remember if Ink was established as staff at this point in canon or not, it seemed to me possible that he would have at one point been a student at SAIA. I did say I'd look back to make sure the theory was possible.
Ink claims to be slightly younger than Fa'Lina. This would probably make him older than Destania, who is a faculty member at this point.
Quote from: superluser on October 25, 2008, 07:01:33 AM
Quote from: Jer-oh-me on October 25, 2008, 05:32:11 AM
I couldn't remember if Ink was established as staff at this point in canon or not, it seemed to me possible that he would have at one point been a student at SAIA. I did say I'd look back to make sure the theory was possible.
Ink claims to be slightly younger than Fa'Lina. This would probably make him older than Destania, who is a faculty member at this point.
Okay, I still think it's Ink suggesting suicide, though.
Quote from: Jer-oh-me on October 25, 2008, 07:04:57 AM
Okay, I still think it's Ink suggesting suicide, though.
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/tapewolf/dmfa/not_ink.png)
http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k216/tapewolf/dmfa/not_ink.png
Even if we assume it's some kind of slip, "Gonna" doesn't sound like something Ink would say.
To answer the previous one,Quote(Amber, very roughly paraphrased): DMFA Ink is at least a thousand years younger than Fa'lina.
Don't take mine as the final word on that.
As a note, after Turnsky generally integrated Ink into Ariannia (http://www.ariannia.com) too and Ren's decision to toss Ink into the G.S. Brigade (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,4158.msg208976.html#msg208976), I've generally decided that there's an infinite amount of variations of Ink in an infinite number of universes, all vulpine base form, and all relatively the same profession a la Final Fantasy Cid.
Also incidentally, Ariannia Ink (http://www.ariannia.com/2008/05/12/page-33/) is the benchmark (so far, [/ominousmessage]), other variations, DMFA included, are (mostly) more or less tame depending on the comic writer's tastes.
And finally; for the people asking about the halo: it pops up sometimes when he's actively thinking about being evil.
Darn, I had thought Ink was suggesting the suicide too. :c ALL FOR SCIENTIFIC STUDY.
Quote from: Tapewolf on October 25, 2008, 08:00:43 AM
Even if we assume it's some kind of slip, "Gonna" doesn't sound like something Ink would say.
For some reason I can't shake the thought that it's something
Aniz would say, but I doubt he could infiltrate SAIA without Fa'Lina's knowledge - and I also doubt that Fa'Lina would voluntarily allow Aniz near his damaged son ever again.
Destania doesn't seem like the type to say "gonna" either, so I'm going to think it's a new character.
Alright I'm convinced that it can't be Ink, but now we have no suspects except the inferred Jon Doe. What if it's... Crud! I can't remember her name. She went back to SAIA to teach in the primary story.
Found her, Aaryanna! Could it be her?
Huh. So there wasn't a scene change...
Quote from: Jer-oh-me on October 25, 2008, 01:45:41 PMFound her, Aaryanna! Could it be her?
I said before that I sincerely doubt it. There's a real-life reason why she hasn't been around for a while, and that reason is likely to preclude her being Abel's roommate.
What's more, Aaryanna doesn't seem the type to have a sardonic style of humor and I'd imagine she'd be more blunt than flip.
Those are the two big objections I have. As to smaller objections, I don't recall if SAIA allows co-ed roommates, but upon reflection, I wouldn't be surprised. Aary has had 50 years in SAIA at this point, and we know that Abel has had three roommates in 400 years, suggesting that Aary would probably have gotten a roommate by this point. She also wouldn't seem to be a good fit with Abel in his present state, but Fa'Lina might have a reason to do that.
If you're drawing from this (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_425.php) comic, it seems quite possible, even probable, that Abel has had more than three roommates. All this one shows is that this is the third case of Abel driving a roommate into perpetual wakefulness. He probably did other things to other roommates, especially to the ones that don't sleep naturally.
I'm wondering though, we know that Abel hasn't left SAIA much, if at all, in the 375ish years between Abel's Comic and the core DMFA strip, and that's rather unusual. What is the "normal" term of learning at SAIA? Do the students have to pay tuition? What's the attitude on people coming in, studying for a year or two, going out, and coming back like a century later? How hard do they push 'Cubi to learn there? Do 'Cubi have monetary systems? If someone wished, could they stay at the academy and study for their entire life? (Something that appeals to me at least....)
*Shuts up before his queries lose all coherence*
Quote from: Corgatha Taldorthar on October 25, 2008, 02:51:50 PM
I'm wondering though, we know that Abel hasn't left SAIA much, if at all, in the 375ish years between Abel's Comic and the core DMFA strip, and that's rather unusual. What is the "normal" term of learning at SAIA?
This may interest you:
http://nice.llearch.net/dmfa_forum2075.htm#ref4
...it covers the course duration aspect, but the rest of it, we don't know. I'd be particularly interested in how the Academy is financed, especially when you have 'Cubi like Abel and Dan who are taken almost forcibly into the place.
It does seem to be that case that a given 'Cubi could go into a career of academia like my brother seems to have, though with SAIA it's likely that you'd end up on-staff eventually.
Since magical affinity and use is almost universal among Cubi I would believe anything useful would be created by the students and staff, extraordinarily complex items excluded.
Emotional energy helps fuel them all, created by the residence and "visitors" of SAIA, with imported or grown food supplementing the few who may hold on to such a need.
The school would then be mostly self sufficient and imported items could be bartered for or a large cache of raw materials created over time could be sold off.
Any payment they made need to provide could take the form of creating raw goods and possibly generating/finding emotional energy.
Must I rationalize everything?...
Apparently so.
Then again it could all go off the Federation's idea of "It's all free for the betterment of our civilization/species. Just make sure you're pulling your weight."
My guess goes roughly along with Tapewolf's, there are probably graduate level students mucking about SAIA. Given immortality, or near immortality, being one of the primary cubi traits I'd wager that spending ages in education is normal.
So... Doctor of Grass Growth Sciences anyone?
Ink's been moonlighting from his normal position.
He probably specializes in crabgrass though.
Quote from: Gamma on October 26, 2008, 12:26:09 AM
Ink's been moonlighting from his normal position.
He probably specializes in crabgrass though.
Actually that was a crack on the class Abel was in before he was assigned as Dan's tutor.
Quote from: Gamma on October 25, 2008, 10:17:44 PM
Then again it could all go off the Federation's idea of "It's all free for the betterment of our civilization/species. Just make sure you're pulling your weight."
They trade with the outside world, that's almost definite. IIRC Amber did say at one point that it wasn't
entirely cut off, and note that they do have a shiny, microprocessor-controlled vending machine (see 571).
Granted, they might have some kind of 'Being Technology' department which makes such things, but the cans have to come from somewhere and having their very own bottling plant seems a bit of a stretch >:3
That said, I suspect the education itself is subsidised.
Which raises the question of by whom, and where that party gets the resources from?
Quote from: Corgatha Taldorthar on October 26, 2008, 10:04:30 AM
Which raises the question of by whom, and where that party gets the resources from?
Considering the fact that Fa'lina has lived for thousands of years and has some ability to see the future, she probably would do well in the stock market. Besides, when Fa'lina goes around for the fundraiser for the scholarship fund, how many would have the guts to turn her away?
Quote from: Corgatha Taldorthar on October 26, 2008, 10:04:30 AM
Which raises the question of by whom, and where that party gets the resources from?
Which warrents the answer "NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERDS :U"
Seriously guys. I am not an economics major. I draw a comic about magical and colourful animal-people. If you are focusing on trying to figure out how the import/export system of SAIA works...you are seriously missing the entire point of the strip. Which is to be funny.
Quote from: Amber Williams on October 26, 2008, 11:49:12 AM
Quote from: Corgatha Taldorthar on October 26, 2008, 10:04:30 AM
Which raises the question of by whom, and where that party gets the resources from?
Which warrents the answer "NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERDS :U"
Seriously guys. I am not an economics major. I draw a comic about magical and colourful animal-people. If you are focusing on trying to figure out how the import/export system of SAIA works...you are seriously missing the entire point of the strip. Which is to be funny.
Perhaps this would warrent posting, Miss Williams?
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f358/Aleolus/Physicscatgirldeaths.gif)
Sorry but I've noticed most of us have a need to rationalize even the simplest things in fantasy.
I know I do it as a control mechanism for the rest of the world, makes me feel safer knowing more about everything I can. Affords me little hope but I still, somehow, feel safer.
I don't know the reasons behind their rationalizations, I would guess it's mostly for just the fun of it. A new puzzle so to speak.
And yes, I watch waaaay to much House.
Quote from: Aleolus on October 26, 2008, 12:53:47 PM
Perhaps this would warrent posting, Miss Williams?
[cat girls]
No, that'll make it worse. I don't like catgirls. And this isn't physics, it's economics >:3
Quote from: Amber Williams on October 26, 2008, 11:49:12 AM
Seriously guys. I am not an economics major. I draw a comic about magical and colourful animal-people. If you are focusing on trying to figure out how the import/export system of SAIA works...you are seriously missing the entire point of the strip. Which is to be funny.
Different approaches, I think. You write the entire life story for a character who appears in just one panel - I sit down and design Jakob's
business model and decide which particular brand of hifi appears in the common room.
Quote from: Amber Williams on October 26, 2008, 11:49:12 AM
Quote from: Corgatha Taldorthar on October 26, 2008, 10:04:30 AM
Which raises the question of by whom, and where that party gets the resources from?
Which warrents the answer "NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERDS :U"
Seriously guys. I am not an economics major. I draw a comic about magical and colourful animal-people. If you are focusing on trying to figure out how the import/export system of SAIA works...you are seriously missing the entire point of the strip. Which is to be funny.
I thought that was only the main strip.
Anyway, question. Do you intend to shift the update schedule around when you finish Perfect Date?
Quote from: Amber Williams on October 26, 2008, 11:49:12 AM
Quote from: Corgatha Taldorthar on October 26, 2008, 10:04:30 AM
Which raises the question of by whom, and where that party gets the resources from?
Which warrants the answer "NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERDS :U"
Well, yes, I suppose I am. ;) However, perhaps I should have put a few smileys on my response. I was merely pointing out that Fa'lina's abilities and assets are rather sizable. (Ooooh, the mental image that passed through my mind on that one.)
Bimarck once said that those who enjoy sausages or politics should never watch either of them being made. The same applies to the over-analysis (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_612.php) of fantasy and science fiction. And this is from a person whose daughter thinks he is far worse than Jyrras.
Shakespeare made the statement: "All the world's a stage. And all the men and women merely players". However, as we all know, that's not true. Most of them are critics.
Amber, let me also take this opportunity to congratulation on your wedding anniversary and return to health.
Quote from: Minishear on October 26, 2008, 01:10:34 PM
I thought that was only the main strip.
Anyway, question. Do you intend to shift the update schedule around when you finish Perfect Date?
Answer: I am not your answer pinata. Stop hitting me with a stick everytime I show up expecting me to drop candy or information. Odds are when I find that out for myself I will post on the main page about it.
Quote from: Aleolus on October 26, 2008, 12:53:47 PM
Perhaps this would warrent posting, Miss Williams?
... "Miss" ?? Did something happen to tailsteak when I wasn't looking?
Communication is futile, it seems.
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 26, 2008, 01:15:56 PM
Quote from: Aleolus on October 26, 2008, 12:53:47 PM
Perhaps this would warrent posting, Miss Williams?
... "Miss" ?? Did something happen to tailsteak when I wasn't looking?
Ha.
My apologies, I had forgotten that Amber is married. I know, my mind is a grease pool >.>
Quote from: Tapewolf on October 26, 2008, 08:46:24 AM
Quote from: Gamma on October 25, 2008, 10:17:44 PM
Then again it could all go off the Federation's idea of "It's all free for the betterment of our civilization/species. Just make sure you're pulling your weight."
They trade with the outside world, that's almost definite. IIRC Amber did say at one point that it wasn't entirely cut off, and note that they do have a shiny, microprocessor-controlled vending machine (see 571).
Granted, they might have some kind of 'Being Technology' department which makes such things, but the cans have to come from somewhere and having their very own bottling plant seems a bit of a stretch >:3
That said, I suspect the education itself is subsidised.
574 (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_574.php), but I see nothing there to indicate whether it's microprocessor controlled, magic controlled or a combination.
AmigaDragon, I now have a mental image of a magic vending machine.
Vending 8 foot lengths of 2x4 timber. Lengthways, out of a box that is no bigger than 3ft across...
Quote from: Corgatha Taldorthar on October 26, 2008, 10:04:30 AM
Which raises the question of by whom, and where that party gets the resources from?
Well, according to comic 652 (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_652.php), it's possible that SAIA may have some powerful enough spellcasters to create whatever they might need for the academy, and if all else fails, I guess they could magically create a lump of gold or some diamonds, hide their wings, sell them, and then return with the funds. On a side note, I would hate to imagine what such a process would do to inflation...
I find it more likely that they would just create and manufacture whatever materials they need for the academy though, it seems like a much simpler process and I'm sure there are enough cubi that want to keep SAIA running in order to make that possible.
Quote from: The1Kobra on October 26, 2008, 05:00:08 PM
Quote from: Corgatha Taldorthar on October 26, 2008, 10:04:30 AM
Which raises the question of by whom, and where that party gets the resources from?
Well, according to comic 652 (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_652.php), it's possible that SAIA may have some powerful enough spellcasters to create whatever they might need for the academy, and if all else fails, I guess they could magically create a lump of gold or some diamonds, hide their wings, sell them, and then return with the funds. On a side note, I would hate to imagine what such a process would do to inflation...
I find it more likely that they would just create and manufacture whatever materials they need for the academy though, it seems like a much simpler process and I'm sure there are enough cubi that want to keep SAIA running in order to make that possible.
Considering how simple your final thought there is I will side with you on that belief concerning SAIA's socio-economic impact on the rest of the furrae universe, what with it appealing to my appreciation of Ocham's Razor.
To Amber:
Come on surely the musings of a few tame nerds is if not helpful then at least humorous? :U :U :U :U
Quote from: Jer-oh-me on October 26, 2008, 11:15:47 PMCome on surely the musings of a few tame nerds is if not helpful then at least humorous? :U :U :U :U
Just a warning:
I think I can out-nerd you on macroeconomic minutiae. I don't, partly because I don't see the point, it doesn't seem germane, and I know that Amber's goal is to make a funny comic, not a fictional international system of commerce. But I mainly avoid it because appears to annoy Amber.
So if you still want to discuss it, I hereby challenge you to a nerd-off on PMs.
(Now where's my duelling glove?)
Quote from: superluser on October 27, 2008, 12:06:41 AM
Quote from: Jer-oh-me on October 26, 2008, 11:15:47 PMCome on surely the musings of a few tame nerds is if not helpful then at least humorous? :U :U :U :U
Just a warning:
I think I can out-nerd you on macroeconomic minutiae. I don't, partly because I don't see the point, it doesn't seem germane, and I know that Amber's goal is to make a funny comic, not a fictional international system of commerce. But I mainly avoid it because appears to annoy Amber.
So if you still want to discuss it, I hereby challenge you to a nerd-off on PMs.
(Now where's my duelling glove?)
I'm afraid I must decline your offer as I am currently handicapped by my Wii. Also, my previous comment which you quote was made primarily in jest, & it seems you ignored my response to Corgatha's post. I'm all for ending this whole discourse at Amber's prompting. That is to say that I consider the matter closed & feel a change of subject is in order, so I shall suggest one, what manner of cubi do you think poor Abel's newest aggressor is?
The main reason I get annoyed isn't so much nerdling discussion so much that several times it comes around to the point that people work themselves so much over the speculation and the details that they start requesting me to come in and sort things out or make a comment.
If you want to nerd it up, I have no issues with it. Just be aware that once it gets to a certain point, I don't really care to keep reading. And that more than likely means I have even less desire to respond or feel like people are expecting me to give answers to questions they spent 3 pages of building up to.
Quote from: Amber Williams on October 27, 2008, 12:21:37 AM
The main reason I get annoyed isn't so much nerdling discussion so much that several times it comes around to the point that people work themselves so much over the speculation and the details that they start requesting me to come in and sort things out or make a comment.
If you want to nerd it up, I have no issues with it. Just be aware that once it gets to a certain point, I don't really care to keep reading. And that more than likely means I have even less desire to respond or feel like people are expecting me to give answers to questions they spent 3 pages of building up to.
that or let them nerd up to the point where they're rabid, then throw them a real curveball plot-wise then observe the carnage. :mwaha
Quote from: Turnsky on October 27, 2008, 12:23:38 AM
Quote from: Amber Williams on October 27, 2008, 12:21:37 AM
The main reason I get annoyed isn't so much nerdling discussion so much that several times it comes around to the point that people work themselves so much over the speculation and the details that they start requesting me to come in and sort things out or make a comment.
If you want to nerd it up, I have no issues with it. Just be aware that once it gets to a certain point, I don't really care to keep reading. And that more than likely means I have even less desire to respond or feel like people are expecting me to give answers to questions they spent 3 pages of building up to.
that or let them nerd up to the point where they're rabid, then throw them a real curveball plot-wise then observe the carnage. :mwaha
...that's so ebil <.< It's perfect for Amber >.>
Quote from: AmigaDragon on October 26, 2008, 03:50:28 PM
574 (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_574.php), but I see nothing there to indicate whether it's microprocessor controlled, magic controlled or a combination.
Card-reader and feather-touch buttons? Giving that the benefit of the doubt, the soda cans are certainly mass-produced.
Quote from: Tapewolf on October 27, 2008, 05:13:34 AM
Quote from: AmigaDragon on October 26, 2008, 03:50:28 PM
574 (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_574.php), but I see nothing there to indicate whether it's microprocessor controlled, magic controlled or a combination.
Card-reader and feather-touch buttons? Giving that the benefit of the doubt, the soda cans are certainly mass-produced.
... or magically generated to be identical. *cough* </devil's advocate>
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 27, 2008, 06:31:08 AM
... or magically generated to be identical. *cough* </devil's advocate>
If you can do that, trade as a whole starts to become a problem.
Quote from: Tapewolf on October 27, 2008, 06:49:17 AM
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 27, 2008, 06:31:08 AM
... or magically generated to be identical. *cough* </devil's advocate>
If you can do that, trade as a whole starts to become a problem.
Yes. But then, trade with a hidden, inaccessible city is a bit problematical to start with, isn't it?
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 27, 2008, 06:53:38 AM
Yes. But then, trade with a hidden, inaccessible city is a bit problematical to start with, isn't it?
Not if they come to you.
You still need to move the trade goods.
And that means large numbers of lifting and flicking back and forth. Which either means a very good teleportation spell, or a big trail in and out.
I'm inclined to go with the former, myself, but it's all a bit hand-wavey...
*WARNING: Incoming Harry Potter Reference!!!*
Hogwarts didn't have much trade coming into it either...
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 27, 2008, 07:32:36 AM
You still need to move the trade goods.
And that means large numbers of lifting and flicking back and forth. Which either means a very good teleportation spell, or a big trail in and out.
I'm inclined to go with the former, myself, but it's all a bit hand-wavey...
Or a population of several thousand Warp-Acis... :animesweat
Transportation would most likely be handled in-house anyway due to secrecy concerns.
I think Fa'lina would be quite comfortable saying "Gonna kill yourself?"
And to geek out just a tad more: Why would Cubi willingly quench their thirst drinking from cans purchased from Beings? Do not most Beings wish to destroy those evil soul-eating Cubi? That seems to be the general theme behind the whole "Adventurer" thing. I would vote for "Handwavium" here. The sparkling beverages simply appear from nowhere and taste all the better for it. This load of geekish dumpsterchow provided free of charge by:
Whoever the heck I am this week.
With mallets aforethought.
Quote from: Attic Rat on October 27, 2008, 10:59:47 PMI think Fa'lina would be quite comfortable saying "Gonna kill yourself?"
Why wouldn't she have said it before, then?
Quote from: Attic Rat on October 27, 2008, 10:59:47 PMAnd to geek out just a tad more: Why would Cubi willingly quench their thirst drinking from cans purchased from Beings?
Simple: Because it tastes sooooo goooood.
I'm reminded of a lyric suggested by a certain stand-up comic...
:kirby "KILL MYSELF- KILLMYSELF! SLASH MY WRIST- SLASHMYWRIST!"
XD
But seriously... My first thought was Aniz... But then I'm sort of lame. I don't have the level of speculative powaa as most people on this site. (I'd LOVE to see the theories people here could come up with if they became fans of Guilty Gear.)
Quote from: Tapewolf on October 27, 2008, 06:55:52 AM
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 27, 2008, 06:53:38 AM
Yes. But then, trade with a hidden, inaccessible city is a bit problematical to start with, isn't it?
Not if they come to you.
that brings whole different levels of economics into play, suffice to say, i'd say that SAIA is largely self-sufficient to an extent, and leave it at that, and we can just go back to enjoying ze Comic like amber wishes.
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 27, 2008, 06:53:38 AM
Yes. But then, trade with a hidden, inaccessible city is a bit problematical to start with, isn't it?
Not THAT hidden and inaccessible. I mean the rats, they have a network. It has a basement.
Quote from: Tikki on October 28, 2008, 10:44:26 AM
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 27, 2008, 06:53:38 AM
Yes. But then, trade with a hidden, inaccessible city is a bit problematical to start with, isn't it?
Not THAT hidden and inaccessible. I mean the rats, they have a network. It has a basement.
Yeah, but the rats aren't carting in hundreds of tons of foodstuffs. :-P
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 28, 2008, 11:30:27 AM
Yeah, but the rats aren't carting in hundreds of tons of foodstuffs. :-P
I was going to let this die, but FWIW I had teleportation in mind. Still, if no-one wants to discuss it I might use the ideas myself...
... mostly I'm arguing the obverse position just because I can... ;-]
Quote from: superluser on October 27, 2008, 11:15:56 PM
Quote from: Attic Rat on October 27, 2008, 10:59:47 PMAnd to geek out just a tad more: Why would Cubi willingly quench their thirst drinking from cans purchased from Beings?
Simple: Because it tastes sooooo goooood.
Who says the students at SAIA pay for the drinks? :rolleyes Maybe the so-called vending machine is just a teleportation device that grabs goods from a store in Furrae upon command. :) I would assume that the store rooms at Lost Lake are off-limits though. The idea of being a shoplifter and having Destania and Alexsis visit would be a little frightening. :erk
Actually, Abel states that "since only about 5 percent of the Academy eats food, all meal plans and drinks are free"