Recent posts
#1
The Lost Lake Inn / Re: Words for Amber
Last post by Hariman - June 08, 2026, 11:46:35 PMIn short:
Your health and sanity comes first.
Take all the time you need. We will happily wait.
Your health and sanity comes first.
Take all the time you need. We will happily wait.
#2
Jayhawk HQ / Re: [Xer 2 Chapter 5]
Last post by ProfesseurRenard - June 08, 2026, 07:27:59 PMQuote from: Raskahn on June 08, 2026, 05:30:41 PM05-04 - Public Nuisance Number One
Did the other tactics include greasing door handles and stealing the capacitors from the fluorescent lights?
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
#3
Jayhawk HQ / Re: [Xer 2 Chapter 5]
Last post by Raskahn - June 08, 2026, 05:30:41 PM05-04 - Public Nuisance Number One
Did the other tactics include greasing door handles and stealing the capacitors from the fluorescent lights?
Did the other tactics include greasing door handles and stealing the capacitors from the fluorescent lights?
#4
The Lost Lake Inn / Re: Words for Amber
Last post by Merlin - June 07, 2026, 11:35:07 PMit is okay. please, take your time. i know things are hard, and taking care of yourself is way more important than comics <3 <3
if you ever need a hand with anything at all do reach out. we're here for you and we'll be here whenever you're ready. i hope things get better and better and better and better for you
if you ever need a hand with anything at all do reach out. we're here for you and we'll be here whenever you're ready. i hope things get better and better and better and better for you
#5
The Lost Lake Inn / Words for Amber
Last post by killpurakat - June 07, 2026, 06:27:21 PMSo, saw your author's note update and thought maybe you needed to hear this.
Right now, there is A LOT going on with many people, the world, and everything. Much of it is overwhelming for many of us, and while I can't speak for anybody but myself (although I think many here will agree), I am definitely not blaming you for needing to take longer/take breaks/take time for mental&emotional&physical health, or any number of other things that are going on for you.
IT'S OKAY. AND IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY.
Please don't think that you need to do more or that your life and experiences don't matter. They do, and life happening is not only understandable, it's expected. You have said you are trying, but even if you weren't/aren't, it is still YOUR life, and you are allowed to do as you want to (within all the silly limitations we all have as humans, of course). So, do as much or as little as you want/need to, and know we're willing to wait. Even if you have to end the comic for reasons, you have still accomplished a huge amount with this, and I hope you can recognize that and be proud.
I have been a fan since the earliest days (I think I started reading around comic 49?), and I'm happy you are still going, but also very grateful for what you have already given us. You have mentioned that at times this felt like a release from the world, and at other times it felt like the heaviest chains holding you captive, but regardless of where you are at on that spectrum now, it is impressive and wonderful that you have done so much and already told such a wonderful story.
My only request is, if you really do need to end the comic, perhaps post a small written summary of events so us fans at least know where you had intended to take events and characters in the future and we aren't left with nothing.
But I hope life starts treating you better soon and you can find what you need. Personally, for roughly the last year and a half (but maybe for the last 4 years, if I'm honest), I have felt particularly down/depressed, with little energy or motivation or inspiration for things I once really enjoyed, and it has been a process to get back into anything, because the world and everything seems to overwhelming and stressful and it feels like I'm just waiting for the next bad thing to happen. I'm guessing you might be feeling similar.
However, you are still here and living your life and surviving and getting through things. That is a MASSIVE accomplishment in these times. Recognize that, and don't beat yourself up that you aren't living up to past standards (which can be very biased in your memory) or future standards you were hoping to achieve (because life is constantly changing and humans are not good at knowing how to change our expectations when we need to).
You are an awesome person, and I look forward to anything more you want to give us, even if it's just some silly B&W sketches and a written wrap-up summary (or more or less). And thank you for everything you have already made and everything you might make and share in the future.
Right now, there is A LOT going on with many people, the world, and everything. Much of it is overwhelming for many of us, and while I can't speak for anybody but myself (although I think many here will agree), I am definitely not blaming you for needing to take longer/take breaks/take time for mental&emotional&physical health, or any number of other things that are going on for you.
IT'S OKAY. AND IT'S OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY.
Please don't think that you need to do more or that your life and experiences don't matter. They do, and life happening is not only understandable, it's expected. You have said you are trying, but even if you weren't/aren't, it is still YOUR life, and you are allowed to do as you want to (within all the silly limitations we all have as humans, of course). So, do as much or as little as you want/need to, and know we're willing to wait. Even if you have to end the comic for reasons, you have still accomplished a huge amount with this, and I hope you can recognize that and be proud.
I have been a fan since the earliest days (I think I started reading around comic 49?), and I'm happy you are still going, but also very grateful for what you have already given us. You have mentioned that at times this felt like a release from the world, and at other times it felt like the heaviest chains holding you captive, but regardless of where you are at on that spectrum now, it is impressive and wonderful that you have done so much and already told such a wonderful story.
My only request is, if you really do need to end the comic, perhaps post a small written summary of events so us fans at least know where you had intended to take events and characters in the future and we aren't left with nothing.
But I hope life starts treating you better soon and you can find what you need. Personally, for roughly the last year and a half (but maybe for the last 4 years, if I'm honest), I have felt particularly down/depressed, with little energy or motivation or inspiration for things I once really enjoyed, and it has been a process to get back into anything, because the world and everything seems to overwhelming and stressful and it feels like I'm just waiting for the next bad thing to happen. I'm guessing you might be feeling similar.
However, you are still here and living your life and surviving and getting through things. That is a MASSIVE accomplishment in these times. Recognize that, and don't beat yourself up that you aren't living up to past standards (which can be very biased in your memory) or future standards you were hoping to achieve (because life is constantly changing and humans are not good at knowing how to change our expectations when we need to).
You are an awesome person, and I look forward to anything more you want to give us, even if it's just some silly B&W sketches and a written wrap-up summary (or more or less). And thank you for everything you have already made and everything you might make and share in the future.
#6
Jayhawk HQ / Re: [Epsilon Chapter 56]
Last post by ProfesseurRenard - June 05, 2026, 07:54:46 PM56-04 - In which we almost found out what the Epsilon Project actually is
And in which we finally get a mention of Cyra's own Prince Daniel.
And in which we finally get a mention of Cyra's own Prince Daniel.
#7
DHS Comix / Re: Somewhere Far Away 6-5-26:...
Last post by Anders71 - June 03, 2026, 09:46:18 PMI'm just surprised that the unions are actually segregated. Very 19th century approach to labor relations I see.
#8
DHS Comix / Re: Somewhere Far Away 6-5-26:...
Last post by ProfesseurRenard - June 03, 2026, 08:19:04 PMQuote from: Merlin on June 03, 2026, 06:54:32 AMtapewolf showed me photos of scutters at the convention he went to last week and it was the greatest
I can imagine. The bit I loved most about them on the show was the way they could do rude gestures.
#9
Jayhawk HQ / Re: [Bounty Project Chapter 15...
Last post by ProfesseurRenard - June 03, 2026, 08:16:26 PMThe shark may have gotten off the line, but the little fish looks juicy enough for the chef's taste.
#10
Tower of Art / Pax Draconica 2 - Chapter 31 (...
Last post by Tapewolf - June 03, 2026, 07:29:43 AMChapter 31 - Seeking a way forward
"Okay," King said, eyes covered by the palms of his artificial hands. "It seems we have fucked up pretty badly. No wonder Jake has been so scared of Lord Terror, if he's actually a dragon lord!"
"I will convey your heartfelt apologies," Fardon said. "Lord Terror, although wrathful about the egg thefts, will likely see the value in the medical technology which you have developed. If you put that at his disposal, it will go a long way towards a reconciliation. It should be enough to keep your heads attached, though he will no doubt demand reparations for those like Jake who have been separated from loving parents. I will put this to him, and hopefully that will make a start in solving this awful mess."
"He will...?" King blinked. "Want our technology, I mean...?"
"I will strongly advise him to negotiate such an arrangement," Fardon said. "Though remember, he is not my lord. I am only a visiting diplomat and his temporary advisor where that will further his plans to sign the Pax Draconica. I would also expect he demands you pledge fealty to him. If that is unacceptable, you could of course cross the border to Narduran, though their lords are likely to be similarly angry at your doings."
"Becoming his subjects is not as big a deal as you might think," King said. "I am only our leader because someone has to. If you truly think we will be safe under Lord Terror's wings, it would be a burden lifted, if anything."
"In Taria and other realms, we have a collective of dragons, humans and furres," Fardon said. "This union of races has been a boon to us, and that is what Lord Terror is trying to achieve. If he has threatened execution it is because he sees you as a threat to the dragons under his care. But in the end, he would much rather have dragons on his side than their potential wasted in the guillotine. Make no mistake, you will be in trouble. But in the end, it should come out in the wash. And as I say, the technology you can provide him is almost unique and a valuable commodity for him to trade."
"Almost unique...?" King looked surprised. "What do you mean by that...?"
"Actually, that neatly leads us onto the other matter," Fardon remarked, glancing at Jake. "We know you sent spies to investigate the Hunter facility in the northwest."
"Yes," King said, eyeing the plane-dragon again. "Though I thought Jake had already conveyed our apologies for violating Lord Terror's territory...?"
"He did," Fardon put in quickly. "We know you thought Lord Terror was in on it, but this invasion of his realm by the Hunters is also something he is deeply angry about. No, I am talking about the weapon that the Hunters have been searching for, and what we should be doing about it, now that we know what it is. I assume that Jake has not yet had a chance to brief you on this matter, or we would surely have been discussing that first."
"You... you saw the weapon...?" King gurgled. "What is it?!"
"A cyber-dragon," Jake told him breathlessly. "Black, shiny armour. Red glowing eyes. The Hunters have made their own robot dragon to try and kill us all! But one of them escaped and is seeking asylum from Lord Terror."
"The fuck?!" King gave Jake a very strange look. "Is this some kind of joke...?"
"It's true!" the plane-dragon squeaked, electronic eyes wide. "I met them! They have an X-ray laser or something, melted a hole through several metres of rock!"
"As I was hinting at just now, you are not the only ones with advanced cybernetics technology," Fardon told him in a level voice. "I do not understand how you've come as far as you have, but the Hunters - of all people - seem to have gone further still! To the point at which we are seriously wondering whether they have somehow exfiltrated technology from the future."
"Ah," King sighed, looking despondent. "Ah... I think I see. Earlier I called this my cybernetics technology, and I have made numerous vital contributions to it, but as they say, I have seen further by climbing upon the backs of giants."
"You bought the technology in from another party...?" Fardon asked, craning his neck to stare at King intently.
"It was Grahgmunn," King sighed, looking upset. "He used to be one of us here, and the project could never have happened without him. But... the Hunters got him, while he was over the border. It was a bitter blow... Losing a friend, a genius and a majestic dragon all at once. I feared it would be the end of the project, without him..."
His expression hardened. "...But we forged on. Progress has been slower without his brilliance, but he showed us the way and we have picked up from where he left off. Besides, his murder proved the point of what we were trying to accomplish... That we needed new defences against the Hunters! And we have done that, in his memory! To prove he was right!"
"I am sorry for your loss," Fardon sighed. "Do you think, then, that the Hunters found his notes? Built off his work...?"
"Yes," King said decisively. "They must have done. You see, he didn't leave all his research materials here. And some of them went missing after his death. His written journal, 'Notes on subelectronics', for instance. That held many of his researches into neuromorphic systems, wafer-scale integration and neural scanning technology, which he hoped might allow one to produce an artificial mind. That journal and many computer tapes mysteriously went missing from a safety deposit box in his name, at the Bank of Narduran.
"Just like the Hunters," King snarled bitterly. "Not content with ending his power and majesty and snuffing out his brilliant mind, they also looted his estate!"
"Well," Fardon said, "I don't know if it's any consolation, but it looks like his researches did pan out in the end. The dragon robot we have seen absolutely has an artificial dragon mind. And if it was based on his technology, it might even explain why the creature is so dragon-like in their behaviour and outlook. From what you say, it sounded like he had been trying to scan a dragon's brain to act as some kind of template..."
"But there are other prototypes too," Jake put in. "This one, Dee, is terrified that he'll be scrapped if he's caught, or at best, forced to slay flesh-and-blood dragons. He doesn't want to go back to the Hunters, and he was hoping that we could somehow break into that facility and liberate his brothers."
"One of the things we had worried about," Fardon said, "Was how we would be able to keep Dee alive and functioning, without the Hunters technological expertise. But you, King, and your fellows... If he is truly an extension of the technology you have been developing here, that would make his long-term survival a much surer prospect. I shall impress this upon Lord Terror, a fact which will surely play in your favour when he renders judgement upon you."
"If it is true," King said, "That the Hunters have built anti-dragon robots, that one has defected to us and the other two still remain in the Hunters' care, it will be in our best interests to acquire them for ourselves. Partly because it is justified to steal Grahgmunn's notes back, but also because we cannot risk having them turned against our kind.
"If it will help improve things with Lord Terror, tell him that we will aid him against the Hunters and their secret laboratory. Yes, the matter of the eggs is important and we will do our best to make things right. But the Hunter base may be an existential threat to us if the weapon is as powerful as you say, and since it will affect us all, we should face that threat together."
"I cannot complain," Terry sighed. "You are only unofficially acting as my mediator so it's not like I gave you instructions as to what deals were acceptable. I like to think that we know each other well enough that you would avoid anything egregiously wrong, but still... I do not think this business is finished."
"You do not have to accept," Fardon pointed out. "Though personally I would strongly advise that you do, especially if they are willing to pledge fealty to you.
"If you want my opinion as negotiator, I do think this King has a point, that we should worry about the Hunters and Dee first, and deal with the Brotherhood of the Wing and their infractions later. Assuming there is a later."
"That is true," Terry admitted. "But their victims... the parents they stole from... They are going to want to see justice done upon those who wronged them."
"Are you so eager to spill the blood of your fellow dragons...?" Fiskul stared at Lord Terror with an expression of deep disapproval.
"No," Terry said. "No, I am not. For that matter I am willing to entertain the argument that they did not know this place was under my law, believing it to be a no-man's land. But... I am caught in a bad position, and I don't like that. If I am too lenient, the dragons who live in this realm may feel that I am not protecting them to the best of my ability and may seek to take matters into their own claws.
"Yet if I were to start removing heads, others such as Falnar would fear that I am planning to slay them too when their usefulness to me is ended."
"That is true," Fiskul said. "But remember, they have not slain the missing dragons. They did what they believed was best for our race and for those they took, even if they may have been misguided in that regard. That should not fetch the death penalty, surely!"
Terry nodded his long neck. "This is true. I think I can work with this." He stared into the sky and breathed out a small gob of fire.
"Thank you, Fardon," he said. "You did well, I think. From what you say, you impressed upon them the fact that reparations will be expected, and indeed they will be better able help mend what they have done alive, than as headless corpses. The offer of their technology as part of that repayment is tempting, and it does seem that they are genuinely trying to make amends. Very well... we shall proceed with the truce - but once the Hunter threat has been dealt with, there shall still be a reckoning."
"Okay," King said, eyes covered by the palms of his artificial hands. "It seems we have fucked up pretty badly. No wonder Jake has been so scared of Lord Terror, if he's actually a dragon lord!"
"I will convey your heartfelt apologies," Fardon said. "Lord Terror, although wrathful about the egg thefts, will likely see the value in the medical technology which you have developed. If you put that at his disposal, it will go a long way towards a reconciliation. It should be enough to keep your heads attached, though he will no doubt demand reparations for those like Jake who have been separated from loving parents. I will put this to him, and hopefully that will make a start in solving this awful mess."
"He will...?" King blinked. "Want our technology, I mean...?"
"I will strongly advise him to negotiate such an arrangement," Fardon said. "Though remember, he is not my lord. I am only a visiting diplomat and his temporary advisor where that will further his plans to sign the Pax Draconica. I would also expect he demands you pledge fealty to him. If that is unacceptable, you could of course cross the border to Narduran, though their lords are likely to be similarly angry at your doings."
"Becoming his subjects is not as big a deal as you might think," King said. "I am only our leader because someone has to. If you truly think we will be safe under Lord Terror's wings, it would be a burden lifted, if anything."
"In Taria and other realms, we have a collective of dragons, humans and furres," Fardon said. "This union of races has been a boon to us, and that is what Lord Terror is trying to achieve. If he has threatened execution it is because he sees you as a threat to the dragons under his care. But in the end, he would much rather have dragons on his side than their potential wasted in the guillotine. Make no mistake, you will be in trouble. But in the end, it should come out in the wash. And as I say, the technology you can provide him is almost unique and a valuable commodity for him to trade."
"Almost unique...?" King looked surprised. "What do you mean by that...?"
"Actually, that neatly leads us onto the other matter," Fardon remarked, glancing at Jake. "We know you sent spies to investigate the Hunter facility in the northwest."
"Yes," King said, eyeing the plane-dragon again. "Though I thought Jake had already conveyed our apologies for violating Lord Terror's territory...?"
"He did," Fardon put in quickly. "We know you thought Lord Terror was in on it, but this invasion of his realm by the Hunters is also something he is deeply angry about. No, I am talking about the weapon that the Hunters have been searching for, and what we should be doing about it, now that we know what it is. I assume that Jake has not yet had a chance to brief you on this matter, or we would surely have been discussing that first."
"You... you saw the weapon...?" King gurgled. "What is it?!"
"A cyber-dragon," Jake told him breathlessly. "Black, shiny armour. Red glowing eyes. The Hunters have made their own robot dragon to try and kill us all! But one of them escaped and is seeking asylum from Lord Terror."
"The fuck?!" King gave Jake a very strange look. "Is this some kind of joke...?"
"It's true!" the plane-dragon squeaked, electronic eyes wide. "I met them! They have an X-ray laser or something, melted a hole through several metres of rock!"
"As I was hinting at just now, you are not the only ones with advanced cybernetics technology," Fardon told him in a level voice. "I do not understand how you've come as far as you have, but the Hunters - of all people - seem to have gone further still! To the point at which we are seriously wondering whether they have somehow exfiltrated technology from the future."
"Ah," King sighed, looking despondent. "Ah... I think I see. Earlier I called this my cybernetics technology, and I have made numerous vital contributions to it, but as they say, I have seen further by climbing upon the backs of giants."
"You bought the technology in from another party...?" Fardon asked, craning his neck to stare at King intently.
"It was Grahgmunn," King sighed, looking upset. "He used to be one of us here, and the project could never have happened without him. But... the Hunters got him, while he was over the border. It was a bitter blow... Losing a friend, a genius and a majestic dragon all at once. I feared it would be the end of the project, without him..."
His expression hardened. "...But we forged on. Progress has been slower without his brilliance, but he showed us the way and we have picked up from where he left off. Besides, his murder proved the point of what we were trying to accomplish... That we needed new defences against the Hunters! And we have done that, in his memory! To prove he was right!"
"I am sorry for your loss," Fardon sighed. "Do you think, then, that the Hunters found his notes? Built off his work...?"
"Yes," King said decisively. "They must have done. You see, he didn't leave all his research materials here. And some of them went missing after his death. His written journal, 'Notes on subelectronics', for instance. That held many of his researches into neuromorphic systems, wafer-scale integration and neural scanning technology, which he hoped might allow one to produce an artificial mind. That journal and many computer tapes mysteriously went missing from a safety deposit box in his name, at the Bank of Narduran.
"Just like the Hunters," King snarled bitterly. "Not content with ending his power and majesty and snuffing out his brilliant mind, they also looted his estate!"
"Well," Fardon said, "I don't know if it's any consolation, but it looks like his researches did pan out in the end. The dragon robot we have seen absolutely has an artificial dragon mind. And if it was based on his technology, it might even explain why the creature is so dragon-like in their behaviour and outlook. From what you say, it sounded like he had been trying to scan a dragon's brain to act as some kind of template..."
"But there are other prototypes too," Jake put in. "This one, Dee, is terrified that he'll be scrapped if he's caught, or at best, forced to slay flesh-and-blood dragons. He doesn't want to go back to the Hunters, and he was hoping that we could somehow break into that facility and liberate his brothers."
"One of the things we had worried about," Fardon said, "Was how we would be able to keep Dee alive and functioning, without the Hunters technological expertise. But you, King, and your fellows... If he is truly an extension of the technology you have been developing here, that would make his long-term survival a much surer prospect. I shall impress this upon Lord Terror, a fact which will surely play in your favour when he renders judgement upon you."
"If it is true," King said, "That the Hunters have built anti-dragon robots, that one has defected to us and the other two still remain in the Hunters' care, it will be in our best interests to acquire them for ourselves. Partly because it is justified to steal Grahgmunn's notes back, but also because we cannot risk having them turned against our kind.
"If it will help improve things with Lord Terror, tell him that we will aid him against the Hunters and their secret laboratory. Yes, the matter of the eggs is important and we will do our best to make things right. But the Hunter base may be an existential threat to us if the weapon is as powerful as you say, and since it will affect us all, we should face that threat together."
* * *
"I cannot complain," Terry sighed. "You are only unofficially acting as my mediator so it's not like I gave you instructions as to what deals were acceptable. I like to think that we know each other well enough that you would avoid anything egregiously wrong, but still... I do not think this business is finished."
"You do not have to accept," Fardon pointed out. "Though personally I would strongly advise that you do, especially if they are willing to pledge fealty to you.
"If you want my opinion as negotiator, I do think this King has a point, that we should worry about the Hunters and Dee first, and deal with the Brotherhood of the Wing and their infractions later. Assuming there is a later."
"That is true," Terry admitted. "But their victims... the parents they stole from... They are going to want to see justice done upon those who wronged them."
"Are you so eager to spill the blood of your fellow dragons...?" Fiskul stared at Lord Terror with an expression of deep disapproval.
"No," Terry said. "No, I am not. For that matter I am willing to entertain the argument that they did not know this place was under my law, believing it to be a no-man's land. But... I am caught in a bad position, and I don't like that. If I am too lenient, the dragons who live in this realm may feel that I am not protecting them to the best of my ability and may seek to take matters into their own claws.
"Yet if I were to start removing heads, others such as Falnar would fear that I am planning to slay them too when their usefulness to me is ended."
"That is true," Fiskul said. "But remember, they have not slain the missing dragons. They did what they believed was best for our race and for those they took, even if they may have been misguided in that regard. That should not fetch the death penalty, surely!"
Terry nodded his long neck. "This is true. I think I can work with this." He stared into the sky and breathed out a small gob of fire.
"Thank you, Fardon," he said. "You did well, I think. From what you say, you impressed upon them the fact that reparations will be expected, and indeed they will be better able help mend what they have done alive, than as headless corpses. The offer of their technology as part of that repayment is tempting, and it does seem that they are genuinely trying to make amends. Very well... we shall proceed with the truce - but once the Hunter threat has been dealt with, there shall still be a reckoning."