“The last dragon I dealt with didn’t have to try this hard to scare me”
Possibly the most badass line possible, Next time I fight a dragon in D&D with a character who’s already fought one, I might just borrow that line.
I am very curious about how avatar manifestation works for gods. I had been assuming that Tynan’s avatars could be formed so quickly because each of them wasn’t that tough – not a lot of Tynan’s considerable power was put into any of them, so you could just zerg em out. They certainly seemed like they were very slice-able and punch-able. But if this one tanks *this*, that would make it significantly tougher than anything we’ve seen from Tynan, while not having taken much time to create either.
Meanwhile, Zuurith, who seems to be a god of a city on par with Vash, got one avatar downed and he still seems to have been unable to manifest another.
Also, good going, Erin, that was very rad. This just seems to be the arc where Erin finally gets to show off, isn’t it? Though he probably could use some backup right now.
“HAVE I FOUND THE LIMITS OF YOUR
DELUSION?” the dragon snarls.
“DO YOU STILL THINK I CAN BE SOLVED?”
Round his body its clawed hand curls.
Falst leaps towards him, Erin quietly mocks
This dragon, in his hand magic blooms-
His flame explodes in a spray of light
Hurtling back Falst with a “THOOM!”
If this stays so high qualtiy, I’m going to need to do three stanzas a page just to capture it.
“The last dragon I dealt with…” Do we know what drahon he is talking about? Is that VD? I really hope VD makes an appearance in this fight, that would be fun.
@Bluefire, I have one player who is a dryad literally made of wood and he still wants to commit arson.
Fourth panel: Go Catboy Go!
Seventh panel: well he tried
What was Falst’s plan? Like I love him and he means well but what was he going to do when he got to Erin? I think trying really hard to cut off Tynan’s thumb would have just given him fuel for more one-liners tbh.
Two theories for ya
1. dainix is the weapon of short fire god boi. I think this because ha has glow eyes like kendal but because he has a diddly done demon inside him he looks different
2.Erins whole ark will be getting away from magic. No proof
LayeringYellow:
That’s when you call the psychologist.
At least the arsonist in my situation isn’t exceptionally vulnerable to fire.
And it’s probably the void dragon. I don’t think Mr. Hubris has dealt with any other dragons, his sister is more than capable of handling that for him.
Honestly, the fact Erin isn’t that scared probably bugs Tynan more than the fire.
Another shining example of Falst’s loyalty to his friends here, rushing to help Erin as he’s held captive by a god dragon. From attempted rescues of Kendal to protecting Alinua at the prison, this trait of his has been on full display in Zuurith. It’s not been easy for him and it’s led him into more problems at times, but he still does it.
Looks like Falst took some of the shockwave, but judging from the scale of Tynan to gauge distance I think he’s avoided the worst of the fire. Same can’t be said for Erin though, then again the alternative option would be at Tynan’s mercy.
I’m wondering, that claw Tynan uses to clasp onto Erin seems to move pretty slowly; I get the feeling that Tynan isn’t used to this body and how to move it. He may be banking on the change of pace to a large, solid form and intimidation to throw his opponents off while he gets more comfortable with how a dragon moves. In that case the gang still has a chance, but they need to act fast.
Prediction for next week: Falst will recover relatively quickly and gaze upon a very singed, possibly unconscious too, Erin dropping from Tynan’s claw. Using his speed are wiry strength he will attempt to get Erin out of harms way and, considering Tynan’s larger and slower body, succeeds. Maybe he’ll get some help for Dainix who’ll engaged Tynan directly now.
Cool detail: it’s not just fire magic (if you look at panel 5, you can see some lightninge swirling as well, and it’s visible (although harder to see) in panel 6 too)
It is the absolute tiniest of details, but I love that even in this form, Tynan has enough control to leave just the smallest of delicate cuts across Erin’s neck in panel 2. Nothing says power quite like changing into AN ENORMOUS F**K YOU DRAGON! and then giving your most immediate enemy a little papercut while threatening them, just because you can.
Tynan, babe, you gotta immobilize the spellcaster more than that if you want to do anything. Somatic components, buddy boy. /Jolon/ was on the right track with this in chapter 10. Do you want to be less effective than Jolon? Didn’t think so.
It is at times like these that I am so glad one of Alinua’s primary specialties is healing.
LilacSpiral:
I noticed too, and what’s more, looking at the final panel reveals that the combined elemental blast was enough to make Tynan rear back, grimace, and drop Erin in surprise. Perhaps he used the lightning magic to add a more sudden, explosive effect to the fireblast (explaining why Falst seems to have been flung back as well)… in which case I doubt he took no damage himself.
“I like explosions. Explosions solve problems! In the rare case that an explosion fails to do so, this can be rectified by the application of a second, larger explosion!”
I didn’t look up the exact quote, so we’ll call it a paraphrase. Two internet points to anyone who identifies the source.
okay, no disrespect to alinua, falst, and dainix, or by extension Red’s writing, but when the two tanks of the group—whose main advantage is being able to TANK large amounts of damage—why did everyone run away to help them and abandon the squishy mage, the primary target of the dragon-storm god? i mean, alinua’s the healer, but dainix and falst are literally just standing there fretting. even just one of them could have stuck with erin while the other one protected alinua, kendal, and tess
I’m going to guess that they instinctively turned to retrieval duty–the sooner Alinua could get to them and start healing (which does leave her momentarily vulnerable) the better chance they have (because let’s face it, they are probably out of this fight now even if they do wake up). Considering both Kendal and Tess are clearly unconscious, it’s likely that they figured Erin, being the Elemental Magus, could hold his own just long enough for them to recover their newly-vulnerable allies before rejoining the fight (and didn’t count on Tynan’s turning into a dragon to both resolve as fast as it did and give him some resistance to fire)
Erin’s actions remind me of a particularly angry wiggler,
“Use fireball and ONLY fireball. Nothing but fireball. Just fireball. Just fireball. JUST FIREBALL.”
Monkey In A Shoe:
Tynan: *rocks up on Zuurith, looking for terror, bragging about his invincibility*
Erin: “What’s your point, person within fireball distance?”
@layeringyellow, @bluefire, thats how i play! (Although i dont play as a squishy flamable driad) arson is just way to fun and good, wood? Fire, ice? Fire, water…evaporation through fire!
Drake: (“I am very curious about how avatar manifestation works for gods….”)
I wonder if it has something to do with what kind of god it is. Tynan, being a storm god, would be a more dynamic, chaotic, change oriented god by nature, while Zuurith is a city god – a god of law and order – and one known for being particularly inflexible even among such deities.
Or perhaps it’s combat experience? Zuurith seems like he’s just been sitting back, lording over his people for a while now – to the point where his direct servants like the arenamaster are familiar with how to twist his instructions and manipulate him into supporting their own wishes. Conversely, Tynan’s had a lot of experience rampaging in the past, and presumably has been in many, many battles. And honestly, if you’re capable of making a new body in 1 second, that would lead to developing a fighting style of all out offense – odds are whatever you’re fighting can’t just respawn itself instantly, so you only need to win once.
Or it’s something else. I know nothing for sure. It is an interesting question, though.
As Tynan crawls to see the wizard’s fear
the wizard stops and stands in shock and awe.
The fighters downed, he seems to be done for
and so the drake grabs Erin but he hears:
“The last dragon I dealt with”, Erin says,
“need try much less to scare me”, as he taunts,
the fire’s breath in hand as Tynan flaunts,
he rains his wrath to save his friends and Tess.
With will and strength, with fire and lightning’s might,
He glows and shines his power through the night.
The dragon jumps and writhes in schock and pain.
Fast tries to run and save his friend from doom,
but fire and light end that plan very soon,
but fret not for he will get up again.
(Wanted to embrace the Meme. Turns out writing a sonnet with authentic metrics and rhyme-structure is f****ing hard)
Tynan: I can’t really hold back when fighting in this state! Don’t blame me for any-
Erin: How does it feel to have all the liquids within your eyes boil? The pain goes far beyond anything you could imagine, doesn’t it?
Tynan: You little…
Erin: It was nice of you to make yourself a bigger target.
Tynan: *screams in pain*
Erin: Did you really think you could beat me if you increased your size? Fool!
Now get up, monster!
Anyway
Shapeshifting villain? Check.
Flame wielding protagonist? Check.
Villain shifts into a dragon? Check.
Erin is Roy Mustang confirmed!
“As the size of an explosion increases, the number of social situations it is incapable of solving approaches zero.”
*whispers*
“And that would be wrong.”
DeRokerij:
I may not be an arsonist but I sure do love destroying stuff…
From a safe distance, of course.
Often because I never really get to do that in reality. Very good way to let out anger without actually doing a social no-no.
@Windscion He’ll be fine, he can use magic to burn everything around him without burning himself (Pretty sure, anyway)
@Drake Maybe the total panic of his population is hindering Zuurith’s ability to do things, especially since he is so strongly characterized as law and order. Also, as Rashkavar said, combat experience likely makes a difference. Still, I’m surprised Zuurith doesn’t have a Sentinel or similar; some construct or statue that can be possessed so that you can fight without wasting time on forming a proper battle-worthy incarnation, which can be difficult and time-consuming. Unless Sentinel-Zuurith is gonna show up soon for a surprise turnaround to the fight, I think we can assume he doesn’t have one due to arrogance – he is overly confident in either his guards, his military, or his authority (although, where is Zuurith’s military? We haven’t seen any locals (Zuurithites? Zuurithians?) make any effort to help the Floof Squad, neither official defenders of the city nor brave citizens. “Evacuating the population from floods” is a good enough excuse for normal guards, but some fire mages would be helpful right about now, and the city must have *some*.)
@bluefire, yes thats the way to do it, but seriously guys arson, its the way to do it ice wood clouds nothing can withstand the all killing power of fire, they say that fire people are resistant to fire? Ha no fight fire with fire, have a good week folks and remember.
Keep calm and burn you enemies till there a bunch of well done steaks.
mmm its been a bit since I commented, but: dragons yesssss <3
I love the first panel. The flow of the dragon looks really nice, and the one-liner is great 😀
Erin's response is even better tho, he got Tynan there <3
Tynan used Intimidate!
It’s not very effective…
Oh now Erin’s just flexing again – “oh you think a dragon will scare me? HAH, try an INDESTRUCTABLE ENTITY OF DARKNESS”
Friendly fire is ON! FRIENDLY FIRE IS *ON*!
one day falst and the others will kill erin bc of the fireballs
HOT DAMN ERIN IS SO BADASS
FALST
Once again, Tynan’s flaw is arrogance.
Nonono, his flaw is not-quite-Erin-level arrogance
YOOOO. Now that is a line worthy of a AAA high budget film with a dozen writers. Holy heck that’s the stuff there
Please tell me he didnt just do an heroic sacrficie.
Poor Falst, dude just wanted to help.
The last panel is as beautiful as it is terrifying. Argh, have to wait the whole weekend to learn if Erin is okay!
To fireball or not to fireball, that isn’t even a real question.
someone get that lizard some aloe vera (or don’t)
(maybe get erin and falst some though)
Erin? Heroic sacrifice? Erin isn’t Natasha, he’s Tony Stark.
Nothing can stop smug bastard Erin
“The last dragon I dealt with didn’t have to try this hard to scare me”
Possibly the most badass line possible, Next time I fight a dragon in D&D with a character who’s already fought one, I might just borrow that line.
Now I am left to ask, what’s June up to?
Ok but that burn was sicker than Kendal is right now
I just really wanna know where this is goinggg
Also, I guess Tess found her limit. (For anyone who, like me, didn’t initially see her: follow Ali’s right arm)
IS FALST GONNA GET A ZUKO SCAR!?!?!??!?!?!
I am very curious about how avatar manifestation works for gods. I had been assuming that Tynan’s avatars could be formed so quickly because each of them wasn’t that tough – not a lot of Tynan’s considerable power was put into any of them, so you could just zerg em out. They certainly seemed like they were very slice-able and punch-able. But if this one tanks *this*, that would make it significantly tougher than anything we’ve seen from Tynan, while not having taken much time to create either.
Meanwhile, Zuurith, who seems to be a god of a city on par with Vash, got one avatar downed and he still seems to have been unable to manifest another.
Also, good going, Erin, that was very rad. This just seems to be the arc where Erin finally gets to show off, isn’t it? Though he probably could use some backup right now.
Oh yeah! I forgot this poindexter has a demon in him
“HAVE I FOUND THE LIMITS OF YOUR
DELUSION?” the dragon snarls.
“DO YOU STILL THINK I CAN BE SOLVED?”
Round his body its clawed hand curls.
Falst leaps towards him, Erin quietly mocks
This dragon, in his hand magic blooms-
His flame explodes in a spray of light
Hurtling back Falst with a “THOOM!”
If this stays so high qualtiy, I’m going to need to do three stanzas a page just to capture it.
TL;DR: Reminds me of that one guy in my D&D party who just keeps insisting arson is the answer even when everything nearby is way too flammable.
Because Self-combustion always works 100% of the time. Totally not gonna, y’know, blow up your friends or something
“The last dragon I dealt with…” Do we know what drahon he is talking about? Is that VD? I really hope VD makes an appearance in this fight, that would be fun.
@Bluefire, I have one player who is a dryad literally made of wood and he still wants to commit arson.
Sasses, detonates, refuses to elaborate further.
Erin has almost set two (2) of his friends on fire in this fight alone.
Fourth panel: Go Catboy Go!
Seventh panel: well he tried
What was Falst’s plan? Like I love him and he means well but what was he going to do when he got to Erin? I think trying really hard to cut off Tynan’s thumb would have just given him fuel for more one-liners tbh.
Two theories for ya
1. dainix is the weapon of short fire god boi. I think this because ha has glow eyes like kendal but because he has a diddly done demon inside him he looks different
2.Erins whole ark will be getting away from magic. No proof
LayeringYellow:
That’s when you call the psychologist.
At least the arsonist in my situation isn’t exceptionally vulnerable to fire.
And it’s probably the void dragon. I don’t think Mr. Hubris has dealt with any other dragons, his sister is more than capable of handling that for him.
Honestly, the fact Erin isn’t that scared probably bugs Tynan more than the fire.
Another shining example of Falst’s loyalty to his friends here, rushing to help Erin as he’s held captive by a god dragon. From attempted rescues of Kendal to protecting Alinua at the prison, this trait of his has been on full display in Zuurith. It’s not been easy for him and it’s led him into more problems at times, but he still does it.
Looks like Falst took some of the shockwave, but judging from the scale of Tynan to gauge distance I think he’s avoided the worst of the fire. Same can’t be said for Erin though, then again the alternative option would be at Tynan’s mercy.
I’m wondering, that claw Tynan uses to clasp onto Erin seems to move pretty slowly; I get the feeling that Tynan isn’t used to this body and how to move it. He may be banking on the change of pace to a large, solid form and intimidation to throw his opponents off while he gets more comfortable with how a dragon moves. In that case the gang still has a chance, but they need to act fast.
Prediction for next week: Falst will recover relatively quickly and gaze upon a very singed, possibly unconscious too, Erin dropping from Tynan’s claw. Using his speed are wiry strength he will attempt to get Erin out of harms way and, considering Tynan’s larger and slower body, succeeds. Maybe he’ll get some help for Dainix who’ll engaged Tynan directly now.
Cool detail: it’s not just fire magic (if you look at panel 5, you can see some lightninge swirling as well, and it’s visible (although harder to see) in panel 6 too)
The dragon threatens, with thunder and rains
But Erin’s smugness still remains
It is the absolute tiniest of details, but I love that even in this form, Tynan has enough control to leave just the smallest of delicate cuts across Erin’s neck in panel 2. Nothing says power quite like changing into AN ENORMOUS F**K YOU DRAGON! and then giving your most immediate enemy a little papercut while threatening them, just because you can.
Falst running on all fours brings me immense joy for no particular reason it’s just fun :3
Tynan, babe, you gotta immobilize the spellcaster more than that if you want to do anything. Somatic components, buddy boy. /Jolon/ was on the right track with this in chapter 10. Do you want to be less effective than Jolon? Didn’t think so.
and: GET HIS ASS, ERIN!! WOO!!!
It is at times like these that I am so glad one of Alinua’s primary specialties is healing.
LilacSpiral:
I noticed too, and what’s more, looking at the final panel reveals that the combined elemental blast was enough to make Tynan rear back, grimace, and drop Erin in surprise. Perhaps he used the lightning magic to add a more sudden, explosive effect to the fireblast (explaining why Falst seems to have been flung back as well)… in which case I doubt he took no damage himself.
“I like explosions. Explosions solve problems! In the rare case that an explosion fails to do so, this can be rectified by the application of a second, larger explosion!”
I didn’t look up the exact quote, so we’ll call it a paraphrase. Two internet points to anyone who identifies the source.
Erin would you stop trying to KILL YOURSELF every time you see a dragon! Your gonna get your friends killed too!
PS, best part of this page is not just Erin’s bad**s remark, but falst rushing to his aid. I love that kind of stuff!
The glowing lightning antlers are such an amazing, beautiful touch!
Tynan: THIS IS MY GIANT FORRRRRRMMMM!
Erin: Meh, seen bigger.
okay, no disrespect to alinua, falst, and dainix, or by extension Red’s writing, but when the two tanks of the group—whose main advantage is being able to TANK large amounts of damage—why did everyone run away to help them and abandon the squishy mage, the primary target of the dragon-storm god? i mean, alinua’s the healer, but dainix and falst are literally just standing there fretting. even just one of them could have stuck with erin while the other one protected alinua, kendal, and tess
To veggiesnake:
I’m going to guess that they instinctively turned to retrieval duty–the sooner Alinua could get to them and start healing (which does leave her momentarily vulnerable) the better chance they have (because let’s face it, they are probably out of this fight now even if they do wake up). Considering both Kendal and Tess are clearly unconscious, it’s likely that they figured Erin, being the Elemental Magus, could hold his own just long enough for them to recover their newly-vulnerable allies before rejoining the fight (and didn’t count on Tynan’s turning into a dragon to both resolve as fast as it did and give him some resistance to fire)
Are we sure Erin isn’t metal caste? Because BALLS OF STEEL
Erin’s actions remind me of a particularly angry wiggler,
“Use fireball and ONLY fireball. Nothing but fireball. Just fireball. Just fireball. JUST FIREBALL.”
alt text: how to win every argument: drop a one-liner, then, before they can respond, explode
…blimey. Yeah, that’s BADASS!
I could gush about everything in this page, honestly. EVERYTHING. But best of all is Erin. Everything Erin.
Erin stop almost baking your friends
… “the last storm I destroyed” … “the last dragon I dealt with” …
“We burn him.”
Gotcha.
Monkey In A Shoe:
Tynan: *rocks up on Zuurith, looking for terror, bragging about his invincibility*
Erin: “What’s your point, person within fireball distance?”
@layeringyellow, @bluefire, thats how i play! (Although i dont play as a squishy flamable driad) arson is just way to fun and good, wood? Fire, ice? Fire, water…evaporation through fire!
Drake: (“I am very curious about how avatar manifestation works for gods….”)
I wonder if it has something to do with what kind of god it is. Tynan, being a storm god, would be a more dynamic, chaotic, change oriented god by nature, while Zuurith is a city god – a god of law and order – and one known for being particularly inflexible even among such deities.
Or perhaps it’s combat experience? Zuurith seems like he’s just been sitting back, lording over his people for a while now – to the point where his direct servants like the arenamaster are familiar with how to twist his instructions and manipulate him into supporting their own wishes. Conversely, Tynan’s had a lot of experience rampaging in the past, and presumably has been in many, many battles. And honestly, if you’re capable of making a new body in 1 second, that would lead to developing a fighting style of all out offense – odds are whatever you’re fighting can’t just respawn itself instantly, so you only need to win once.
Or it’s something else. I know nothing for sure. It is an interesting question, though.
As Tynan crawls to see the wizard’s fear
the wizard stops and stands in shock and awe.
The fighters downed, he seems to be done for
and so the drake grabs Erin but he hears:
“The last dragon I dealt with”, Erin says,
“need try much less to scare me”, as he taunts,
the fire’s breath in hand as Tynan flaunts,
he rains his wrath to save his friends and Tess.
With will and strength, with fire and lightning’s might,
He glows and shines his power through the night.
The dragon jumps and writhes in schock and pain.
Fast tries to run and save his friend from doom,
but fire and light end that plan very soon,
but fret not for he will get up again.
(Wanted to embrace the Meme. Turns out writing a sonnet with authentic metrics and rhyme-structure is f****ing hard)
NO! FALST!! Erin, you idiot! I mean, you’re awesome and very witty, but you gotta be more careful, my man!
Poor Falst. He’s been tasked with protecting the sort of idiot who thinks fireballing himself is a good tactic.
Tynan: I can’t really hold back when fighting in this state! Don’t blame me for any-
Erin: How does it feel to have all the liquids within your eyes boil? The pain goes far beyond anything you could imagine, doesn’t it?
Tynan: You little…
Erin: It was nice of you to make yourself a bigger target.
Tynan: *screams in pain*
Erin: Did you really think you could beat me if you increased your size? Fool!
Now get up, monster!
Anyway
Shapeshifting villain? Check.
Flame wielding protagonist? Check.
Villain shifts into a dragon? Check.
Erin is Roy Mustang confirmed!
Erin is one of a rare breed of arrogant douches, in that he actually has the power to back it up.
Falst running to Erin’s rescue.
Oooh this is so cool and the art is beautiful
or,better yet, kill them
“As the size of an explosion increases, the number of social situations it is incapable of solving approaches zero.”
*whispers*
“And that would be wrong.”
—Vaarsuvius, Order of the Stick
DeRokerij:
I may not be an arsonist but I sure do love destroying stuff…
From a safe distance, of course.
Often because I never really get to do that in reality. Very good way to let out anger without actually doing a social no-no.
Erin that’s not how you boop a snoot
Damn, Erin’s really tearing into Tynan in this arc, huh?
@Windscion He’ll be fine, he can use magic to burn everything around him without burning himself (Pretty sure, anyway)
@Drake Maybe the total panic of his population is hindering Zuurith’s ability to do things, especially since he is so strongly characterized as law and order. Also, as Rashkavar said, combat experience likely makes a difference. Still, I’m surprised Zuurith doesn’t have a Sentinel or similar; some construct or statue that can be possessed so that you can fight without wasting time on forming a proper battle-worthy incarnation, which can be difficult and time-consuming. Unless Sentinel-Zuurith is gonna show up soon for a surprise turnaround to the fight, I think we can assume he doesn’t have one due to arrogance – he is overly confident in either his guards, his military, or his authority (although, where is Zuurith’s military? We haven’t seen any locals (Zuurithites? Zuurithians?) make any effort to help the Floof Squad, neither official defenders of the city nor brave citizens. “Evacuating the population from floods” is a good enough excuse for normal guards, but some fire mages would be helpful right about now, and the city must have *some*.)
@bluefire, yes thats the way to do it, but seriously guys arson, its the way to do it ice wood clouds nothing can withstand the all killing power of fire, they say that fire people are resistant to fire? Ha no fight fire with fire, have a good week folks and remember.
Keep calm and burn you enemies till there a bunch of well done steaks.
mmm its been a bit since I commented, but: dragons yesssss <3
I love the first panel. The flow of the dragon looks really nice, and the one-liner is great 😀
Erin's response is even better tho, he got Tynan there <3
“I didn’t ask where i was, I said I cast fireball. YES POINT BLANK.“
“Oh, and Falst will be caught in the AoE too i guess”
“Dude, I fight daily against a primordial void dragon, why the heck would a storm dragon scare me?”
@ServusSonnet Wow! That’s dedication!
Badass Erin is badass.
no, because Falst running to help him just shows how much Erin actually means to him like ahhhhhhhh I’m going to die this comic man