Chapter 2: Page 84
This, as they say, is where the plot thickens. Over the years, this precise moment in the story has seen many different iterations — and perhaps a little later down the line Rachel and I will share them. But for now, this terrible rain and blood-soaked night pushes onward toward its inevitable conclusion.
With an all-ages story like Beyond the Western Deep, we’re often faced with unique creative challenges related to the level of violence we choose to show. If you compare it with any of the Redwall books, which are extremely popular with even the youngest of readers, our story actually may seem tame — but the shift from prose to a visual medium changes everything. If you illustrated many of the Redwall books directly, you’d be presented with some grisly stuff! With Western Deep, even with its occasionally brutal world, we wanted to hide as much violence as possible to keep it appropriate for all-ages and leave a good chunk of it to the imagination.
Speaking of the book, I’m proud to be able to share our very first professional review of Beyond the Western Deep by the School Library Journal! You may also notice that this review specifically calls out the book’s webcomic origins and its “lively discussion posts by devotees”! THAT’S YOU! Our very first review actually calls out our awesome little community of readers! HOW AWESOME IS THAT? :D Anyway, remember that the book is out in less than two weeks in comic shops everywhere! 5/27!
Oh, and speaking of AWESOME, I’d like to share with you some fun guest artwork from reader Jakub Zawadziński! Hailing from Poland, Jakub has demonstrated a love for his country’s history and traditions, and combined it with his enjoyment of Beyond the Western Deep to craft the following image of Quinlan and Dakkan participating in the Lajkonik Parade, a festival that has taken place every June in Poland for the past 700 (!) years!
Jakub goes into the festival’s history in great detail on his DeviantArt post for this image, so if you’re a history buff like me, I’d recommend giving it a read (or checking out the Wikipedia page for the festival and its history at least)!
holy mother of plot twists
Welcome aboard, jarias! I congratulate you for your luck in finding perhaps the most monumental comic in all of BWD a mere three minutes after you post!
Hello :) Nice to meet you :)
Hello!
Always nice to see a new people. Welcome to the comic. :D
thanks I love this comic <3
This was entirely unexpected Kenosh no.
Maybe because I’ve done it before? It’s one of my stock jokes. :)
Wow.
Oh wow.
EMAGHERD. I did not expect that at all. Kenosh, what the heck man? That’s certainly gonna have repercussions, and I’m quite sure none of them will be good.
Eagerly awaiting next page!
Off the top of my head, Tosch will use this as a pretext to attack the Lutren since their lands are richer than the barren Ermehn wastelands. Dabheid, ever dutiful, is obligated to help their sworn allies and join in the war. The Polcan are going to capitalize on the events and attack their traditional enemies.
I cannot but wonder if Hardin and Kenosh were collaborating on this? Think about it – if a Canid general is assassinated by the Ermehn then it would lead only to harsher recriminations against them, making it a terrible plan. But if it was a Sunsgrowian emissary instead it would draw the Canid attention from the Ermehn, giving them breathing space. Kenosh is a known Ermehn sympathizer, but to willingly plunge his home into war would be an extraordinarily desperate move, and be a stain on his character.
Nevertheless, this is awfully convenient turn of events for Hardin…
Hardin just wants to say “Look man, I appreciate the help, but my friends and I have this totally under . . . control . . . and you’re ignoring me. Fantastic!”
Tronn well says – can be such a situation, this is the old war play – provocation, as before any more war, the enemy which the war depends on, trying to provoke the enemy who wants to avoid war, to make it on the war caused and have an excuse for the invasion – as in 1939, before World War II, or now Russia still provokes all :p .
Nasty play :p :( ….
Woe to those who provoke and want and war….
Woe to all who haunt, katują and murder of innocent people and entire Nations….
Woe to them all….
I would entirely not rule out the possibility of a conspiracy, but I would not think it’s the most likely explanation. :o
I…I…WHAT…BUT…..That cant be real! It’s IMPOSSIBLE!
KENOSH, OH MY GOSH WHY!?
Let’s just hope no one throws themselves off into a bottomless pit
Yeah, I was just about to answer the comment above with “because…. I am your father!”
But during a long discussion a week earlier, we agreed that Kenosh may not be the Hardrin father… O.o
We Devotees of Lively Discussion owe it to ourselves to aim for internal consistency when making our silly jokes.
Ahaaa… ok ;) heheh :D
It’s a Darth Badder reference, Jakub.
I figured ;)
It’s … actually not clear to me whether Kenosh is truly stabbing Clovis, or simply prodding him forcefully enough to get his shocked attention. However, the way Kenosh is leaning into the motion, and his firm double- fisted grasp on his hilt, suggest more than just posturing …
Shocking and unexpected, to say the least.
Some of you have already alluded to knowing of some variation of this plot point being discussed in past iterations, but since I was privvy to none of those, this comes entirely out of the blue for me. I simply cannot see the Canid sitting still for what Kenosh has apparently just done, especially since it appears the Canid have all but won against the Ermehn and are no longer locked in active large-scale battle. How would YOU feel if interlopers of different species came into your fortress and slew your leader on the heels of a hard-fought battle with barbaric invaders? I cannot see this ending well.
In any event, congrats on that review, AlexRach!
(This has been a public service announcement from a Lively Discussion Devotee.)
See how Clovis’s breastplate is raised slightly? It’s the tip of Kenosh’s sword pressing against it, running him through.
I don’t know; it’s possible, but I read the raised breastplate as more of a result of Clovis seizing up than him being run through. I think Kenosh would aim to incapacitate a Canid general instead of killing him. But I could be wrong.
Relatively certain that the raised breastplate means that Clovis has developed a new metal bone that runs perpendicular to his spinal cord.
I think that rather is already dead – expression on his face speaks for itself (So hardly looks like someone who is scared or surprised, it looks like the moribund facial – amazing pain, sudden uncontrollable contraction of all muscle (look at the left hand of Clovis), the silent scream and the end … So it looks like someone who dies suddenly …)
Don’t get me wrong–I don’t think that last-panel Clovis is dead Clovis. It’s awfully hard to immediately kill someone with a single sword attack (except for decapitation, of course). Generally, what happens is that the target falls to the ground and dies from blood loss soon thereafter. The main reason that swords were popular weapons for so long is that they could be used to stab someone, drawn out easily, and used to attack again. The ability to chop off limbs or heads is really more of a bonus than the main point of attacking with a sword (what we learned from watching Star Wars and the Lord of the Rings notwithstanding).
So whether or not Clovis is mortally wounded, just wounded, or just surprised that Kenosh has put a sword to his back is not important anymore. The true point is that Kenosh has just screwed with things far beyond his control, and from here on out, stuff’s goin’ DOWN. You could say that the real story begins here, and everything prior is just exposition (which now that I think about it seems EXACTLY like what it was, Alex, you sly Vulpin). Whether or not Clovis survives is mostly tangential.
Not that I’m complaining. I’m crazy excited to see where things go from here.
Nice lecture about the use of the sword :) ;) That is wery interesting ;) .
Well, you know, but heavy and little chance may have to survive this which sticks like a two-handed sword, in the back at the height of the chest (lungs, heart, etc.) –
And after that, it seems to me that kenosh do not honor did attacking it from the back …
We’ll see how it ends next week-I’m also very excited-I even probably in the hospital landing through it, so I’m excited XD
But there is still one issue – after all, in this scene is the inscription identifying the voice – “Kshnk” – and either it is the sound of removing the sword from the sheath, or the sound of piercing the soft tissues of the Clovis body.
(This has been a public service announcement from a Lively Discussion Devotee.)
Each of us must upend this to everything we post.
(This has been a public service announcement from a Lively Discussion Devotee.)
Sorry, that should be “append” but sometimes adrenaline makes me confuse words.
Sorry, too late. What has been said cannot be unsaid, what has been done cannot be undone.
(Devotee Discussion Lively a from announcement service public a been has this.)
(This has been a public service announcement from a Lively Discussion Devotee.)
So, like, attached to the upper end of the message, yeah?
Well, here’s my contribution. Congrats, guys.
I’m thinking the same thing. First, it’s not Kenosh’s personality to kill, unless maybe he’s protecting his family. It is his personality to threaten force at great personal risk to himself. If he takes Clovis hostage he only puts himself in danger. If he kills Clovis, he risks pulling all of Sunsgrove into war, which is exactly what he’s trying to prevent.
Second, if his sword was stabbing Clovis all the way through, it would have to be a really long sword. Just look at it. Also, I would think Clovis would have armor on his back as well as his front. I think the sword tip is just pressed up against his back armor plate.
We will see, Singularity. We will see.
Good to see you’ve joined the fun!
Mmmm what’cha saaaaayy…
Then comes the other wolf general and sees a letter besides Clovis’ body.
“Dear brother, by the time you read this…”
Woaah! First Hardin surrendering himself and now this! Two mega plot twist in three pages, you guys are on a roll!
O.O UH…
HOLY MOTHER OF SALMON………whoa. Daaaaaayyyyum Kenosh you’re good at keeping us on our toes.
You got his name wrong, it’s Daaaaaaaaaakkkkkan. Say it with me, Daaaaaaaaaaakkkkan.
Wow, this was unexpected.
Why Kenosh? I mean I know why but…. whyyyyyy?
Welcome aboard!
Oh gosh, I was just expecting Hardin to reveal his getting caught was just an ‘I Surrender, Suckers’.
That will be the NEXT plot twist.
WE MUST CREATE A GORDION KNOT OF PLOT TWISTS! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
I believe PB&J called this twist last week, so props. You should have placed this bet.
I was highly convinced that this week would be Hardin’s turn to shine, but have been proven wrong in a spectacular fashion. I still do think that Hardin appreciates Kenosh’s help but his mind is spinning trying to reconcile this new development into his existing (and likely complex and inflexible) plan.
Yes, that is something I should have done and totally did not do. I have always had this stack of cash sitting on my desk and definitely did not have to threaten any kneecaps to collect it. Because that would be ridiculous, and also silly.
The other Canid soldiers will be shell-shocked for a moment, faces registering “OH NO YOU DI’NT” type expressions.
After that, I predict a hearty dose of bloodthirsty rage all around. Fun for the whole family!
It would be cool
So to speak ( pardon for the expression ) – O Kur……..a
Just the Goblet of emotions in me overflowed….. First.: … I got little to no myocardial infarction as I saw it; Secondly.: I was surprised by new page ( I really like it ;) ), because I was expecting from the next page will be tomorrow morning on Sunday; Thirdly.: I curse the time difference, because through it I could not attend this live discussion ( I slept :p between me and America is at least 7 hours difference XD ), so only now I write … KENOSH! OMG: O: O: O KENOSHHHHH… Why you did it !?…
I did not expect that go to kill Clovis (which solves a lot of problems), so that now by this decision it seems to me that the following images Kenosh can be hacked in pieces by swords of Canid soldiers, more likely to fight next on the side of the Hadrin….. Sooner Cactus will grow up to my hand, than it turns out that Kenosh had no emotional connection/family (not biological – feeling, emocional :p) from Hardrin and Ermehn; then you would have went so far as to such a deed which brings with it countless consequences… For example: Canid attack their Kingdom, can kill them all before they complete the extermination Ermehn without mercy for children and women…
Black clouds to gather over the ground and their sometimes which have their feet. … I already have my heart in my throat as I think what is going to happen in the next pages….
I only think that the only solution to this very difficult situation which created Kenosh – is continuing the fight to the last drop of blood, to stand out as possible soldiers Canid etc. And then what you will, it’s just I have no idea… ..
After that, I’m glad you liked my graphics :) . I feels honored and I am happy with a piece of my soul is inserted during the creation of this work will be here :) (PS.: There Alex and Rachel wrote that you can read the related story, but if what I am alerted ;) Ask how much you want I can tell you about it ;) )
PS.: To Alex and Rachel – I am a calm man, quiet, good for all around with a smile on his face, serene and quiet artist, etc. … But sometimes in my graphics or other graphics I like to have a little violence and blood …. Of course, in moderation, I’m not a psychopath XD – in graphics and the world of the fictional Anthro violence and blood to certain limit I like very much :), but in the real world, I’m a big opponent of bloodshed, wars, violence, degradation of the second person, etc. – And here in your fantastic comic I have a little hungry for the blood … :p could such scenes to be blood fighting more, but to a certain limit (for example, this limit ends when the blood is ewerywhere on all sides, and for me, already breaching this boundary is a view of the wound, cut off heads, terrible violence, etc. (such a blunt talking on policy matters) – until it is hard to look at it :( It’s teribble ) – they are just human and moral brakes ;) . (And will be the version of “Beyond the western deep” more adult?) -and please do not you should accept the fact that I am a strange, just taste artistic ;) .
I would add that it seems to me that the next event after deed Kenosh, may look like the struggle Jurand of the Crusaders, from the book and the film of the same title, by Henryk Sienkiewicz “Krzyżacy/Crusaders”.
Jurand is my favorite character from this book and movie, even a little of my nature reminds Kenosh – strong, old experienced Warrior/Knight of unpredictable character, a widower ( his wife killed the Crusaders when they attacked his castle in his absence ), he has a daughter – Danusia, where he fell in love with the main character of this story – Zbyszko.
Jurand fought with the criminal crausaders whos invaded his Kingdom – murdered, raped and killed innocent without mercy for childreen and women – he fought with them and was their terror. And they have decided to take revenge on him and kidnapped his daughter to lure him to one of their castles and kill it. And when the police lured him to one of the castels, they started him demean and at the news that one of the sinister of the Crusaders to rape his daughter, he could not stand and… Look… .:
https://youtu.be/8GdD3E5djcE
PS.: more or less something like that I would expect in the next picture
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GdD3E5djcE&w=854&h=510%5D
Sorry I accidentally copied the link (it is about the same as the above) XD
“I only think that the only solution to this very difficult situation which created Kenosh – is continuing the fight to the last drop of blood”.
You have hit on the solution. It’s time for Kenosh, Dakkan and Quinlan to murder every living person in Deltrada.
No witnesses.
Do you mean the slaughterhouse Canid soldiers?… >:) heheh…
***
If you mean about it…. It’s now Kenosh started it… And yet Hardrin and little Ermehn alive – and we have Dakk and Quin… It could be successful….. >:) :)
Saraa already predicted this:
https://40.media.tumblr.com/666f7fc18b942a0bacaf29c9c15a611a/tumblr_nmpi9f40eQ1rbco7to1_540.png
Ahhhh… Ok, I’m not seen it – I swear on my honor that I invented it himself, not knowing that Saraa has invented something like this already ;) Rally, I don’t know about it ;)
Hey, don’t feel bad. I didn’t mean for that to come off as “Hey, no, you can’t say that, Saraaluna’s already said that, don’t steal her idea!”
I just found it funny that the joke she made a month or two ago might actually prove to be a serious, legitimate thing, as you were pointing out.
:D XD hehe :D Hey, but I’ve not felt that, only me through it was merrily through the situations – laugh me this XD heheh :D
I’m as surprised as anyone else. :T
Do not be angry Saraa… I really don’t know with something you came up with the already XD :D ;)
Love your picture, Jakub! It’s super cool to see the Western Deep merged with elements from the real world. And I love Dakkan’s grin. And the detail of the fur and clothes. It looks like an old woodblock print, which is awesome.
Also, I totally feel you on the timezone difference! I’m in China, myself, so basically always on the exact opposite side of the day as anyone in the Americas.
Heheh :D I am a man of many passions and my two main passions — my city – Kraków and everything associated with it (Monuments, history, traditions (I am a representative of the most beautiful traditions from Krakow, inscribed on the list of intangible heritage of UNESCO – lajkonik is also on the UNESCO list ;) ), connecting with love to a graphic designer Anthro and something that never before in the field of art was not :D
OMG – half the world away from me :D One of my passions is Ethnography – i.e. testing, photography, to participate in the traditions of folk customs, food, dances, etc. (Mainly for me in Poland), but also in the world and still learning :D . I to China with my “research” has not yet reached, but quite a few already on the geography extended studied and with your own message I know ;) :D
I am glad that you love my graphic ^^ :D – it just pencil and rollerball pen drawn ;) And the fact I love to take care of the details (this is connected with the tradition of the UNESCO list – thanks for this tradition I am so precise and care about every detail, such as jeweler/Goldsmith ;) )
For a comparison of these outfits here you have a brief relationship with the traditions of Lajkonik parade ;)
https://youtu.be/hJVgw6bSWwY
What a fantastic and colorful event! Kraków must be a wonderful city. You share a lot of interests with me; if I had to choose a major for university again, I would be sorely tempted to choose anthropology. It’s fascinating learning about different cultures’ customs and histories. China’s certainly a gold mine in that sense. If you ever happen to make your way East, let me know!
Heheh :D I see in you my soul mate :D :D :D
So Kraków is a Magical city … :) There is no such beautiful second city in the world (for me ;) ). I invite you to Kraków, and if someday you’ll choose to Europe, then let me know (I will soon I’m going to be taught to guide municipal ;) )
For now, if you want to see Krakow, I invite you to my Gallery of my photographs of Kraków, and I sent links to some cool promotional videos ;)
My photo galery of Kraków .:
http://cracowpoland2013.deviantart.com/gallery/44444052/My-most-beautiful-artistic-photos-of-Krakow
And four (my favourites) promotions movies about my city :) .:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryGstev71VQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRi_5Mk2S6w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdF-rDN0lrE
And if you want to find out something more I recommend the site with the most beautiful photographs and descriptions of Mr Paul Krzan – Kraków4u – :)
http://www.krakow4u.pl/eng_index.php?parametr=eng_glowna_s
Gosh, Kraków looks gorgeous. It’s definitely on my list of places to visit now. I’m actually going to the UK this summer! But only for a week, so I don’t have a lot of time to go anywhere else. I am planning a Europe trip though, probably in a year.
Likewise, if you ever end up in China, let me know!
!?!
Well… That’s certainly a shocking development. Not entirely surprising, though; I suppose it was inevitable that Kenosh would wind up taking some sort of drastic action. I just didn’t expect it to be quite THIS drastic. Can’t wait to see what this leads too.
This scene sort of reminds me of my Dungeons & Dragons days. It is cases such as this where the dungeon master stops the game to have an in-depth discussion with the offending player that usually goes something like this.
DM: . . . wait. You stab Clovis?
Kenosh’s player: *disinterested face* Uh-huh.
DM: *raising voice* You IMPALE him through the BLOODY CHEST, in front of DOZENS of his men?
Kenosh’s player: *smirks* That’s right.
Dakkan’s player: Great move, DAD *rolls eyes*.
Quinlan’s player: Now they’ll try to kill us all!
Kenosh’s player: Hey, calm down, I’m just playing my character! I did what Kenosh would do. I wasn’t kidding when I said that he was emotionally unstable.
DM: . . . do you want to derail my campaign? Because you’re doing a fabulous job.
Kenosh’s player: *leans back smugly* What’s the point of the game if our actions can’t change anything?
DM: . . . I hate you.
I love this comment so much. XD
Aww, thanks, Rachel! Does it bring back memories for you, too?
I am a more recent dabbler in pen and paper RPGs, but I certainly have heard the stories!
Though if it counts, I’ve run exactly one game in my life (Mouse Guard). In it, the party was able to completely evade an obstacle that I was relying on to help direct the plot. I had to do a little thinking on my feet for that one. :D
You should try Ironclaw.
Also, 100 comments on one page for the first time!
So this fact but let us celebrate one, and to have a drink together… :)
cheers*
Plot derailment stories, eh?
Ladies and gentlemen (and miscellanea), the tale of Old Man Henderson and of how he won Trail of Cthulu.
Warning, contains adult language and outright insanity. Enjoy!
Ok I’ve managed to regain my composure after reading this bombshell of a page. Took me the entire night to get my head back together too, because seeing this firsthand left it into a pile of goo.
Where do I even start? It’s astonishing, that out of all people to make the situation any worse it would be Kenosh to do it. I mean…I understand that he was passionate about justice…and how this drive was such a big deal for him that he would lose his cool. But, It’s strange why he did it. I was expecting he would pull some sort of defensive maneuver like parrying off Clovis’s strike to Hardin or something.
Honestly my first question right now is how every character is processing these turn of events? Like, I cant even imagine what the Canid are thinking right now and what they are about to do to in response to Kenosh’s betrayal. What about Hardin or the Sratha-din, some of us are already thinking about this, but did Hardin actually knew about Kenosh being at Deltrada and was familiar with his over the top strong morality sense? What of Quinlan and Dakkan? If the Canid are going to take this as an aggression of war between Aisling and Sunsgrove (which I’m pretty sure they’re not going to just sit this out) how are the monarchy of both Terria and Lutra are going to react about this? Actually right now, I’m afraid that the trio is seriously in danger from ticking off Deltrada’s army with Kenosh’s action. I dont even know if they are going to A. Step in and attack Kenosh B. Detain him only or C. Attack Kenosh and turn against Quinlan and Dakkan. Even more….is Clovis not completely dead and will he be fighting off Kenosh with his major wound.
Lastly, what is Kenosh even planning at this point. Is he going to take Hardin with him and basically high-tail out of Deltrada? or will he die defending Hardin? There’s so many questions here, and I dont know what to expect for next week’s page. The only thing I know is…our bumbling Sunsgrovian troupe will be facing off against cold Canid steel in the next couple of pages.
*BIG SIGH* That was a doozy. I got to say, I’ve never been this hooked on a series for quite a huge while. Alex and Rachel, you two are doing a fantastic job at illustrating this interesting story! I’m really happy “4 da good revows” and that other people are really picking up this series as well. I’m also really giddy for Jakub’s fun illustration here! I love the idea behind it!
If Kenosh doesn’t die outright by the end of this fiasco, I can see him being captured while Quin and Dak escape with Hardin and gang, which would serve as that removal-from-picture that leaves room for our young protagonists to grow.
And then, of course, there’s the public trial of Kenosh, which takes place in a public square with a recovering, smirky Clovis demanding kneeling Kenosh admit to his heinous crime for pardon. And Kenosh does. And Clovis reneges and lifts his sword, glinting in the afternoon sun. From the back of the crowd, perched on a statue, Dakkan watches in horror. “Don’t look, Dak,” Quin says gruffly, pulling the otter down and away. The crowd cheers. “He said he’d pardon him,” Dak says, but his voice is hollow and far away. “Come on,” Quin says. “I’m taking you to your brother on the Wall. The Lannist–”
Oh. Wrong story.
Here I thought we were on the story of the Auditores.
Requiescat in pace.
Amen
I don’t think that Rathik will scare Quinlan as badly as Clovis did. The difference is that Clovis was acting at least partially friendly as dictated by the Sunsgrove-Aisling alliance that is no more, while there is no real reason for the Sratha-Din to trust any member of our Sunsgrovian trio at all. But if Quin was forced to pick either Rathik or Clovis to fight, my money is that he would pick Rathik every time.
Your comment reminds me of the members of the Sratha-Din who are not Hardin. I miss them and hope that they get some much-deserved comic time soon.
I’m pretty sure that the Sunsgrovians being present were never part of the plan. Hardin doesn’t have connections in Sunsgrove, and he had no way of knowing they were coming.
Did you guys get my email (dtgray12@gmail.com). I finally finished the seven members from seven nations illustration I was working on. I might do a group illustration of them as well.
Hey Monotonous! We did, and they’re TOTALLY AWESOME! :D We’d love to post them up next week!
OH MAN. OHHHHHH MAN. This is the best. I mean the worst. Best worst. Berst. KENOSH WHAT IS GOING ONNNNNN. Who are you even.
So this is now the Aisling Candidate. Kenosh has been a sleeper agent this whole time!
MAN =o
Over sixty comments in less than twelve hours. That has to be a record and we drew out some lurkers and old commentors (hi, Laflen). Walking Diplomatic Incident Senior, indeed.
I see a lot of people mentioning Clovis has been stabbed. I don’t think Kenosh is THAT far gone (although I didn’t expect him to be THIS far gone so IDK. Next thing he’ll be decapitating Clovis with a katana outside the walls of Deltrada while Tosch watches helplessly.) I’m going by the length of Kenosh’s sword and the fact that there’s no evidence of blood.
….and yet, after the thumb for the rough draft, Alex did go into detail on the amount of violence they can show, and there’s the KSHNK effect. Hopefully it’s just the sword clearing the sheath.
I’m pretty sure Kenosh is only jabbing Clovis, not actually stabbing him with the intent to kill, but he might as well. We can add the Aisling-Sunsgrove Alliance to the list of casualties tonight. The balances of power have just changed irreversibly. There’s no talking their way out of this.
And that’s how the Vulpin fit into this. In teh war that Kenosh started almost singlehandedly, (I exaggerate, slightly) Sunsgrove needs allies, and this is why they have to trek through the Eastern Deep to Navran. Well, the Eastern Deep part is based on a throwaway comment Rachel made about a year back so don’t quote me on that BUT IF IT WASNT THROWAWAY-
Either way. Navran is definitely the destination, and support from Sunsgrove may even be nonexistent at best, even if King Dabheid hears of what went down.
….My instincts are telling me that Kenosh isn’t just acting on passion here. It’s a calculated move. Think about it. They HAVE to aid the Canid if war comes. As soon as Hardin attacked, war became inevitable. He’s not just doing it for the sake of Hardin, he’s doing it to absolve Sunsgrove of the responsibility to slaughter the Ermehn. Whether he’s successful, well. I doubt that Dabheid and the Lutren Queen would let the alliance go so easily. Of course, by the time they hear of this, it will be far too late to salvage the situation.
There’s also the possibility that Kenosh may have a vested interest in Hardin’s survival. We know nothing of his time with the Ermehn- perhaps he recognizes Hardin’s tattoos. Either way, no matter Kenosh’s motives the end result is the same.
Everything about this page is beautiful. From the exquisite plot twist (which was definitely foreshadowed enough to be like “i should have seen it” and light enough that when it arrived, it slapped up upside the head.
I like the way he just pushes Kenosh aside dismissively, making it clear that he has no regard for what he says. (should have paid it a bit more mind, Clovis) And I like the detail of the little puddle on the ground. Blargh I feel drenched just looking at this page. And the detail of the lighting (especially on the metal) and the rain effects on the page overall- wow, Rachel you really went all out.
And then the last panel. As someone else already pointed out, Clovis’ expression seems more like he was stabbed- unless, of course, he simply didn’t expect this from Kenosh. We sure didn’t. The details of the wall top (arrowslits, yess) and the mountains in the background add even more weight (in a goodway, like realism) to the page.
Dakkan and Quinlan are //right there//. Kenosh may not know that. And considering’s Dakkan’s relationship to Kenosh, the Canid have leverage on him and they’re literally in the thick of things. I’ve said all along, somewhat jokingly, that a hostage situation might happen. I never thought it might actually be a thing. Amazing page. Amazing comic and I don’t think I’ve ever been more in love with a story and it’s characters.
I must agree. The story, characters, page, and handling of the plot twists are all incredible. As for the comment record, I probably contributed to a quarter of that myself, since I’m the rambling type.
Your theory about Navran also seems spot-on. My new theory for a future scene:
It’s a fine summer evening in Nessa. There’s a nice desert breeze and the sun is just starting to set. Activity in the streets has started to die down, and Janik is sitting in her father’s office, handling some paperwork.
Enter Quinlan and Dakkan, Quin looking nervous and Dakkan looking seriously depressed.
Janik: What’s going on? Are you two okay?
Dakkan looks down, saying nothing. Quinlan parses his hands and takes a nervous breath.
Quinlan: Well, you see . . .
Not sure if it will work out this way or not, but I definitely want to find out.
You know, you make a compelling point here. It definitely puts in logic into why Kenosh went to such drastic measures here. From the start when the trio first came together at Dabheid’s throne room, Kenosh clearly showed no love for the treaty’s handling for the defeated Ermehn. The only problem though is how he is going to deal with the Canid soldiers that are clearly surrounding the heated Lutren. And there’s the matter with Clovis and Tosch too.
From the beginning, when Janik stated that she will be going to Navran I had a strong feeling that whatever happened at Deltrada, the group would eventually trek to the Eastern Sands to deal with diplomacy problems which is a perfect opportunity to bring in Janik and work on her role. And with the upcoming side story that explores that side of Dunia, it’s all coming together.
Again the only thing we cant tell is if..*hope to Tesque* Kenosh survives the major can of worms he just opened and if Clovis is dead for good or Kenosh just wounds the general….and of course what will Hardin and the Sratha-din do now.
*Sigh… *
My dear friends – I am here at this point confused. I’m sorry all of you very much, but not quite, again I understand these theories Shieldmaiden with some “Sunsgrove”, “Navran” and the like other things; Just for me that is again too high language level, this still does not know what this policy in their world, and how to end it looks like the topography of these kingdoms-geographically, and what are the relationships between these kingdoms-it just makes it difficult to understand everything … And I would like to understand exactly how it is. ..
Shiendmaiden – two weeks ago, we discussion about “what I do not understand” and we agreed what I had explain.: Ashor and politics and political geography of these kingdoms (I am a geographer, so enough that once you explain and i will understand:)) … Please, when you have a minute of free time is me in a couple of sentences explain :) …
Heheh :) Sometimes I feel – and I was sometimes so I see that you guys are such good and wise for me, teachers/professors/scholars, what I teach this stuff, and I’m such a small boy – a student of what recently started learning it and is terribly curious and constantly asks questions – And in my eyes you have such respect in me – as a teachers/Proffesors ;) (As I would have had to do with my clone then I would I have long since lost patience;) XD)… Thanks to you friends for your understanding and please be patient and understanding to me ;) :)
You can find a map of the world here: https://westerndeep.net/the-world/
The places we named are cities and countries in the world of Dunia, most of which are found here. Plus, it’s fun to trace the route of our protagonists as they head north into this mess at Deltrada :).
Alleluja – Finally I understand :D XD
Thank You:D
PS.: that is, I understand that Canid invaded Ermehn country called Aisiling? That is, that it’s not a matter of a small area of land and control of one small tribe … Oh my God – is exactly the point is that not only that Canid invaded country where lived Ermehn, it’s still their haunts and murders to racial background? O.o Terrible….
***
It is most common in the world of insolent partitions are :O ! Bandits ! OMG… This is, If I saw my history …. Poor Ermehn …. Our brothers and sisters….
You’re right, I recall reading about how Poland was split up among the other countries of Europe and reformed later several times throughout history.
Don’t worry, Jakub. You have ample right to be angry.
Viva la Revolucion!
I’m interested in the history and in particular the periods when we were in captivity (I’ve been through emotionally very, because I am Patriot and in Ermehn I see our History and our Brothers and sisters ;) ) . We have been in captivity since the year 1795 to today, were free only 47 years, 173 years of captivity under different powers (Russia Empire then Soviet, Prussia and Germany of Hitler, Austria… Austria and Germany today rookies was we are friends :) ), to the dozens of uprisings for example.: Kosciuszkouprising (1794), the November uprising (1830) and January uprising (1863), greater Poland and Silesian uprising, the war with Soviet Russia (1920), World War II (1939-1945) and the Warsaw Uprising (my favorite uprising – close to my heart (1944) ) and Communist captivity until 1989… ; Most of these uprisings that we lost and we have suffered a terrible loss of-hundreds of thousands of innocent and insurgents killed in uprisings, Repression, destruction of art and culture, murdering innocent people, belittling and rape, horrifying crimes, sea of blood and tears …. hundreds of thousands of mainly young insurgents who died in uprisings … and just personally, I identify with Ermehn and i’m with them and i very much support to reclaim freedom (I quite understand their pain and suffering…. ) – and Yes – I’m very angry at the Canid >:) ;)
If I could I’d I immediately went with them shoulder to shoulder in the fight for freedom – even I’m ready as in this picture (I’m) .:
http://img05.deviantart.net/1a13/i/2015/104/1/a/something_you_said_to_me______2_by_cracowpoland2013-d8ppfbt.jpg
“Yet not Ermehn was killed, When we live;
What we foreign violence has taken
We will pick the sword! ”
;)
I haven’t forgotten. Last week was finals week and my internet access is currently limited. I will put a more detailed comment about the politics later today, but I am using my phone now and I might not get back to my computer for a few hours. The map Fourth linked should help.
Now thanks to the Fourth Master a few things understood ;) Thank you very much Fourth Master :) ; But my request is still current,
and don’t worry my dear that you forgot – human thing is to forget (I just am juvenile sclerosis ;) XD)
Jakub- use Fourth’s map here. All this info is in the prologue, but I’ll sum it up quickly. There’s four kingdoms- Navran, Sunsgrove, Aisling, and Kishar.
Kishar belongs to the Felis, cats. They are dedicated to the search for knowledge and are in an arms race with the Vulpin.
Navran belongs to the Vulpin, foxes. Their culture is split between the traditional ways (nomads) and the new ways (scholars). They allow citizens of many other races to live in their capital city, to the displeasure of the more traditional families. They are implied to have betrayed the Tamian at one point and Janik is in their capital city of Nessa to influence the Vulpin council, who number ten, to make decisions that favor the Tamian.
Sunsgrove is home to both Tamian and Lutren, and is the only joint kingdom. There’s two seats of power, King Dabheid and the unnamed Lutren Queen.
Aisling was once the home of the Ermehn, and the Canid were starving in the Northern Wastes. The Canid changed the status quo when they attacked the Ermehn and conquered Aisling, driving the Ermehn to the Wastes where the Canid once lived.
After the Canid won, the war was ended by the treaty of Cenolau, which dictates the current land division. In the treaty, the Tamian, Lutren, and Canid are allied. If the Canid are attacked, the Lutren and the Tamian have to help them no matter what, which is why they went to Deltrada. Kenosh knew there was tension and he wanted to stop the fighting, but Hardin attacked and now the entire world is going to war again.
Ashtor is Hardin’s adviser and the last Ermehn scholar. He and Hardin argue about Hardin’s methods. Hardin is using Feyn’s tribe as cannon fodder- they mean nothing to him, and while Ashtor disagrees with Hardin’s treatment of them, there’s nothing he can do to change Hardin’s mind.
If anything is unclear, tell me and I’ll try to rephrase it. Hey, we’re mere mortals too, and I sure ain’t a professor :I
An interesting history and politics … That is so to speak instead to avoid war with the Canid, Kenosh and Hardrin again it sparked…..
Hmmm … I very much liked Ashor, I liked this character – I guessed that he is a scholar, but I’m sorry to hear that this is the last scholar Ermehn, so according to me is an important person you’d need to protect-if he dies – it dies with him virtually all knowledge related to Ermehn and not just how I think….., and i saw that reproves and outright arguing with Hardrin (Hardrin always seemed to me to be “bathed in hot water” that is very hot-headed, and my fears confirmed that treats their brothers and sisters as cannon fodder-and I didn’t, and here I am being Ashorem; well, actually you can see that Hardrin him not listening….. And this is according to me maybe it and the whole Ermehn get to nameless grave, perhaps I just started)
To mean to call you “Professors”, it was my literary comparison, which I have respect for you ;) :D
Thanks Shieldmaiden :D Now at the end of everything (I think) I understand :) But still I will like this “learn” ;)
Yeah, Hardin made sure to give Ashtor a place to hide far from the fight with extra soldiers because he’s the only one of them that can’t be replaced. Him and Eira. Eira isn’t a scholar, but she can read the Ermehn writing, which not many Ermehn can do anymore.
No problem, Jakub! It’s great to have you onboard. The salmon party wouldn’t be the same without you.
Personally for me, knowledge is more precious than gold, than anything – no one I never take ;) . So at least well enough that care about Ashtor ;).
And if this Eira – She is Ashtor student?
Awwww ^^ :D ^^ :D I am pleased to hear, thank you :) ^^ I love all of you ^^ :D , to be honest right now I feel like one of you ^^. Maybe I sometimes a little strange and I am namolny with these questions and my stories and knowledge, but I’m glad that I’m one of you ^^
I don’t think she learned how to read from Ashtor, but she’s probably learning history from him.
We’re all a little weird, it’s a good thing.
Can anyone really be called normal?
No, but hush. If that secret gets out, CIVILIZATION AS WE KNOW IT MAY COLLAPSE
??
Let’s do it.
Shieldmaiden, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to end life as we know it by revealing this basic truth.
What is the truth Fourth Master? Smolensk truth? XD
But do I get to establish myself as supreme overlord?
And a mission for me it will be? :D
Calm down there, friend. :Y
Ok ok, I’m sorry ;)
I thought that to something then I will be useful for all you, on some “mission” ;)
(Nah, she was talking to me)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMbjK1m6alg&t=4m18s
Jakub, your mission is to DISTROY THEM ALL THE BAD GUYS
You do not need to repeat this twice ;) – I assume my borrowed armor ( like in my photo me in this armor – http://img04.deviantart.net/0889/i/2015/104/b/6/something_you_said_to_me______1_by_cracowpoland2013-d8ppdpo.jpg ) and show me those BAD GUYS … ;) XD
BY ALL THAT IS HOLY. At the immediate, loud and verbal response from me, my little brother demanded to know what was going on, but I couldn’t even manage coherent speech for about five minutes, after which I told him he needs to catch up because the OH MY FREAKING GOODNESS of this page.
First thought was, “armor in back?” but even if there was, I don’t think that it would be sufficient to stop Kenosh’s sword. As tronn pointed out, the breastplate is raised, and you can even see the wrinkles in Clovis’ shirt as additional evidence that he’s been impaled. Second thought was “don’t believe anyone’s dead until it’s been proved beyond a doubt”, but even if Clovis isn’t dead, he’s surely very very incapacitated. Man, what’s going to happen now? Who’s going to end up where?? Will Deltrada fall, or is Hardin’s plan totally ruined, like that poor DM’s campaign? (“Seriously, dude, way to steal my spotlight.”)
Excellent work, Alex and Rachel. Never saw this coming. Seeing as how there are metric buggertonnes of comments this week and many begin with capital letters and/or expressions of shock, I’d say you threw everyone for a loop.
After much thought and consideration of all the arguments of the positive and negative cutters and reading all the comments I’ve decided that I am a firm believer in the theory that Clovis is already dead, and that it confirms this flipped on his chest armor, his tight shirt, and facial expression.
Who is with me? (Agrees with this theory)
***
Alternatively, we can set up a Committee of inquiry…
As I saidsaid above, he’s not dead yet but he will be soon.
I understan my dear, the fact that soon it will dead is certain as the fact that we have Sunday .17.V.2015.., time01:08 ;) -controversy around which this whole discussion comes down to is whether immediately killed, or it will dying in pain (he should be), or just it Kenosh haunted him… ;)
Clovis probably has enough time for a few last words, though I doubt that they’ll be much more than “You fish-eating bastard.”
If Lady Canid really is Clovis’s daughter, we can probably expect both anger and something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk8_iHLSwMA
Other possibilities for Clovis’s last words:
“. . . you suck.”
“Tell my daughter I love her.”
“I regret nothing.”
“I am the very model of–” (dies one word before Mordin did in ME3).
That will be interesting scene … Dramatic as in the theater ;)
AGH! WHAT, NO! I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS! Maybe he didn’t stab him!?!? Maybe he is just jabbing him to threaten him not to do it!?
Why would you do this Kenosh
That is sorta what I’m hoping for too. Either way, Kenosh REALLY doesn’t want Clovis to kill Hardin.
I have a feeling the bloodshed isn’t over yet. Last week (if I remember correctly) Alex said that these next few weeks will be rememberable for the community.
I still maintain that Kenosh and Hardin met and became friends when he was held a prisoner by the Ermehn. Hardin is bit older than Dakkan, so Kenosh probably sees the competent son he could never have in him.
Yeah . . . I’m not convinced. According to the cast page, Quin and Dak are both in their early-to-mid 20s, while Hardin is in his mid-to-late 20s. Let’s say that Quin and Dak are 22 and Hardin is 28. In the comic where Kenosh returns home (Found here: https://westerndeep.net/comic/chapter-2-page-60/) young Dakkan looks like he’s probably about six years old. Going by the numbers above, Hardin would have been about twelve years old (or maybe a little younger; we don’t know how long it took Kenosh to get back home). I find it difficult to believe that Kenosh was impressed enough by the prowess of an Ermehn warrior of that age to remember him all these years later.
I could be wrong, but I feel like this is just Kenosh being principled and not anything specifically personal between him and Hardin.
Sooner the Cactus will grow up to my hand; If it turns out that Kenosh did not know previously Hardrin and did not have to deal with him and not with him somehow associated – how he decided to kill or scare off Clovis, it was for a reason ;)
Ouch. That was cold, tronn.
Can like..somebody make that a thing? Evil Dakkan would totally be hilarious. Especially if Quin was his bumbling right-hand man.
BWD as a secret agent-style or similar thriller-type work:
Dakkan: The evil and likely psychotic mastermind with delusions of grandeur MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! If not stopped, he will take over the city and institute a reign of terror.
Quinlan: The bumbling, stammering assistant to Dakkan. Not stupid, but always manages to screw something up, only to apologize profusely later. Despite this, he’s a loyal bodyguard and surprisingly good marksman, which explains why Dakkan keeps him around.
Crim: Dakkan’s other chief henchman, more personable and less klutzy than Quin but often passed over by Dakkan; he remains loyal to Dakkan but nurses hatred of his cohort.
King Dabheid: The head city politician, desperate for a way to stop Dakkan’s schemes.
Janik: A rising star on the city council; sneaks out at night to collect information and deliver it to her old friend Kenosh. Trouble awaits her if Dakkan figures out her double life.
Clovis: Prominent city council member; distrusts Kenosh and his team and serves the role of the obstructive bureaucrat. Former military career, he can’t stand the high-level clearance of Kenosh’s organization, nor it’s independent mode of operation.
Kenosh: Leader of the peacemaking force determined to stop Dakkan. Suffers great personal anguish due to his son’s evil ways, and is sometimes distrusted due to the family connection. Still quite capable in the field, but doesn’t go out as often as he’d like to.
Ashtor: The previous member of Kenosh’s position, now retired, he is one of a few who trusts Kenosh wholeheartedly and sometimes arrives to give much-needed advice.
Hardin: The best and most experienced agent Kenosh has; serves as his second-in-command. Is a close-combat specialist with knives and possesses mastery of multiple martial arts. Fierce, brave, loyal, and a good leader.
Bevan: Team covert-ops specialist; adept at all types of infiltration. Has a bad habit of breaking regulation to set up practical jokes, even on missions.
Eira: The team’s young but gifted tech genius and hacker. Combat skills are not as well-developed as the other members of the team.
Rathik: The newbie to the force; he has great talent but little training. His large ego may prove to be his undoing.
Rhosyn: Hardin and Kenosh’s greatest mistake; former team ranged weapons specialist turned traitor, she now works for Dakkan. Is a coldhearted sniper and assassin, often dispatched to remove minor threats to Dakkan before they grow. Knows all of Kenosh’s team members and protocols, and thus is extremely dangerous.
Lady Canid: Freelance mercenary; works for almost anyone who pays well enough, though she nurses a personal hatred of Dakkan and refuses to work for him. Though Kenosh and Hardin have procured her services on several occasions, she consistently refuses offers to become a permanent member of the team.
Felis Bandit: A true “alley cat” sort, he’s a small-time criminal who often serves as an unwilling informant for Kenosh.
I think that’s everyone important in BWD given a role, but be sure to let me know if I left anyone out. I hope you enjoy my re-interpretations of the cast!
-Fourth Master
Kenosh’s entire motivation can be summed up by Belkar here: http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0157.html
(Nah, really I agree with Shield that this is a calculated move, but this is funnier).
Gotta say, good job, I did not expect this twist. My first (irrational) reaction to the last panel was ‘oh no, Kenosh was part of Hardin’s plan all along!’ xD
I really can’t tell if Kenosh ran Clovis through or not. It’s shown earlier that he has a pretty long sword and Clovis’ breastplate looks to lift up. On the other hand, the sound effect could be of the sword striking metal although I never saw backplates on any of the canid soldiers because of their capes.
If the canid armour doesn’t have backplates then shame on you Clovis, you’re just asking to get stabbed in the back.
I’m pretty curious if Kenosh met Hardin during the time he spend with the Ermehn, or Ashtor since he looks to be closer to his age.
And now to wait one whole week for the next page…. D:
No one knows- it’s a mystery. I’d be inclined to think there is armor because the female Canid wear (realistic) chain mail.
Maybe. The tattoos are distinct so it might be that he recognizes them, or it might just be that Kenosh really is that much of an apple pie. Straightforward and unwilling to cave on his principles, even if it means his life.
There there, we suffer together. One week. We can make a week.
My knowledge of real-world medieval armor is whispering in my ear that even heavy metal plate armor is easily penetrated by the type of attack Kenosh is making. Heavy sword, using the point to stab, both hands firmly on the handle and postured for maximum force. Nothing can stop that, except for maybe Bilbo and Frodo’s mithril shirt from Lord of the Rings. And that’s far too small to fit Clovis.
I’m sure Clovis was on a special diet just so he could fit into that shirt. So close, too.
You are exceedingly lucky that I was not drinking anything when I read this. :D
I somehow specially on the diet wasn’t a rusty copper dagger and a suit of armor – and I like to eat well :)
The more I look at that panel the more I think Clovis is a goner. Which is a pity as I quite liked his character, though I wasn’t counting on him surviving this chapter.
I think most of us expected him to die, but I also think that we expected his death to be Hardin slitting his throat with a dagger instead of Kenosh impaling him from behind.
Or … Hardrin can still just take advantage of this opportunity and the Mori, or cringing Clovis – he can cut his throat, and end works which started Kenosh.
Wow. Been following this for a while and did not expect that.
No one expects the Lutren Inquisition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAn7baRbhx4
Glad to have you with us, Omega.
Lutren Inquisition XD Heheh :D
Fourth Master – Thanks for that summary by Monty Python
(You know – I am a Catholic, but I love the Monty Python :D )
No… Kenosh. NO!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWaLxFIVX1s
(Welcome to the Salmon Party)
What is this salmon party?
It’s what I (we?) call the fanbase.
Welcome aboard!
Hello :) Nice to meet you, and welcome on Salmon Party :D
Hey! Nice to see some new faces around. Welcome to the group.
Hello, and welcome!
Goodness, but we’re getting lots of comments this week- this page really brought readers (old, new, and otherwise) out of the woodworks.
Both pages that created a lot of buzz were because of Kenosh’s actions. At this point, Kenosh has pulled more Dakkans than Dakkan has.
I do not know why as I think, but I think that a little bit so we all started to spin in a circle and repeat…. God forbid, I’m not saying that it’s boring – this is just a cool :D , but We continue these same facts and theories, and if that does not fix it until there is another page … But each of us can at any time fall into a new idea ;)
I can only say…. HOLY SHIT.
It’s an understandable thing to say.
Beautiful, simply beautiful :D
This could be Clovis on the next page. What does everyone think?
To be honest I’d better not put it – probably so he will look….
***
Hardrin.: “To face you with the sword in the chest”
Clovis.: “Thanksss……. (falls on his knees, face down the drain) “
I’m expecting something along these lines:
Ah, I Love it XD :D
Ahhhh *Sight* …. Damn …. I now sadly, because I I realized that because of that I start the longest in my life holidays and my travel season and I’m leaving, I will not be present for a week on salmon Party and do not know what will happen on next page … And I miss a discussion with all you …. Sadly :( :p
*silent cry*
We’ll miss you, Jakub. See you around.
Well, I go only on Friday afternoon (tomorrow I have my last Matura exam – an oral English language exam :) ) And on Sundays, unfortunately I will not-be me just go for the presidential elections and to the Church – and this is interesting because immediately after the sunday holy mass, Beyond the western deep became an important event each Sunday :) :D . In the morning I watch the comic and in the evening I go to Holly mass :) :D
PS.: But you know, I will tell that even it well for me, that on next Friday I know what happened, and not this Sunday… Why? Because damn for me, are the presidential elections and I’m already upset by the entire policy… :p Ahhh… I hate politic – only politic divides and arguing the people :p :(
Don’t worry, Jakub!
Enjoy your vacation, let off stress, lower your blood pressure, and try not to think about how the next comic will undo all the good done to your health when you get back! ;)
But seriously, we’ll miss having you here. I hope it all goes smoothly and you return refreshed and happy, and I look forward to the times when you will rejoin the witty banter here.
Ah … Even though it’s probably good that I will rest this week without Internet – just me, my camera, and my photos :) (I am on a daily basis horrible nervous, I suffer from neurosis with hypochondria :( )
And after that, Clovis won’t run away because I already dead is either its moments are numbered, so I don’t have to worry about what ;)
Awwwww … Fourth Master now literally I shrugged :) :D . I’m glad that you think that I’m a nice and had a nice talk with me :D . I’m Very happy with the people that know me and themselves very depends on such a nice thing to tell me :D (To be honest sometimes afraid of exaggerating or something, or I thought me something like that, not like a. .. Oh I was wrong ;D Now I’m sure that this is not :D )
If you want to invite you to my profile on Deviantart, where I put your artistic photographs from my travels :D ;)
Not a problem! I do enjoy meeting people with different perspectives than my own (well, this isn’t really “meeting”, but still).
Thanks for the offer on Deviantart; I don’t have an account there but if I ever get one I’ll be sure to take you up on your offer.
Good luck!
Thanks :) ^^ I am also very pleased with these “meetings” at least on the Internet -they give me self-esteem and I’m happy that I can speak with such great people :D (PS.: Forgive that to ask, but I wanted to ask you – Fourth Master, Shieldmaiden, Saraa Luna, VarVau, PB&J, and others my dear frinds – do you have Facebook profile :) ? If so, can I ask you if I could you add to friends :) ? If you will agree you have here my profile :) ^^ https://www.facebook.com/jakub.zawadzinski.3
It would be nice to know you more :) ^^
I don’t use my facebook much- actually I forget it exists half the time. I think the last thing I actually posted was…..
……
…on August 27, 2014 gushing about how the BWD book came before my textbooks even though I ordered the textbooks first (10/10 would recommend)
But yeah, I’ll friend you although I don’t check it often.
Thanks ^^ :D I unfortunately, every day I check it in the morning and in the evening (mainly serves me to talk with friends with whom I can not physically meet and to browse local and national newspapers, news of various sorts from the country and the world ;) )
Heya, Jakub! I’m the same as Shield, I don’t check facebook very often, if at all. You’re wonderful, but I’m private about things, so I don’t want to link my facebook. We can still talk on deviantart, though. :)
Ok Saraa ;) ^^
I, on the other paw, make ample use of the book of faces – although my access can be somewhat limited depending on how well my VPN works. Sent you a request, good sir.
A real-life salmon party would be pretty awesome, tbh
It takes a lot to surprise me (not because I’m jaded, just because I really like stories and can recognize a lot of plot twists XD), and even more to provoke an audible reaction, but I will happily admit I said “Oh shit!” out loud upon reading this page.
To quote Saraa above:
“It is an understandable thing to say.”
https://36.media.tumblr.com/467280ca6c0983832a0b8e1d6cc601a6/tumblr_nogj2gDEHD1rbco7to2_1280.png
Glad I could provide such a helpful visual aid.
No news from Alex and Rachel. I hope everything is okay!
Rachel posted this on her tumblr last night:
http://kobbers.tumblr.com/post/119701671131/just-a-heads-up-lotta-stuff-going-on-into-this
And this today:
http://kobbers.tumblr.com/post/119813774711/still-hammerin-away-at-the-comic-page-have-a
It’s late, but it’s coming.
I see a lot of people calling this a plot twist, but it follows perfectly with what we know of Kenosh. He WILL NOT allow sunsgrove to be pulled into the war. It’s clear that Clovis has no intention of letting the ermehn live, regardless of whether they’re attacking his garrison, or cowering in the wastes. Kenosh realizes that there are few other options, and killing Clovis could prove vital for ensuring that the canid are at least off balance a little when the war begins.
Clovis was going to die. Hardin thought it’d be by his hand, but his actions have ensured the canid’s death nonetheless. Now the question is only whether Kenosh lives, but he’s much to old, renowned, and mentor like to survive much longer. His plot armor’s wearing thin now that our hero’s have had their teeth cut on battle.
Hi , Lance! Glad you could join us! The salmon party doth grow!
You make a compelling point about how Kenosh’s behavior makes complete sense in that he sees that the Canid will not be content until all of the Ermehn are hunted down and killed, something that he will not allow. Also, You’re right in that Clovis’s death will leave the Canid at least a little off-balance when the war begins (though they’re probably going to adopt a plan that boils down to “All of Clovis’s forces are now under Tosch’s command” and recover pretty quickly).
As far as Kenosh dying, that’s a touchier subject. The whole “mentor always dies” cliche certainly may prove true here, but I suspect that if Kenosh dies, it will at least be creatively done and not “generic mentor figure death scene #9517”. What I am confident in is that if somehow Kenosh survives, he’ll either be imprisoned by the Canid or forced to leave Deltrada in a different manner than Dak and Quin, and get seperated from them. One way or another, this is the end of the like for our two main heroes to rely on the advice and experience of Mr. Ye Olde Mastere Lutrene Warriore. And I’m fine with that. Seeing Quin and Dak try to figure out what to do on their own promises to lead to many more awesome character moments. Personally, I suspect that they will end up staying with Hardin and his lot, at least for a while, which promises to be great for multiple reasons:
-More information about the Ermehn.
-More much-deserved screen time for Ashtor, Rathik, Eira, Bevan, Rhosyn, and of course Hardin.
-Possible introduction of additional Ermehn characters.
-Growing of Dakkan’s sympathy for the Ermehn people (Quinlan’s views are closer to Kenosh’s, but Dak’s expressed the view that the Ermehn deserve their lot in life).
So, all in all, a very exciting future! I hope to see you around again!
-Fourth Master
*suspenseful music intensifies*