Did anyone else hear the bubble screech to a halt like a car, or was it just me?
Liking the very aggressive, spiky, and chaotic ice forming from Calian’s breath; gives a very different feel from Erin’s simple ice prison on Tam, and Caturus’s elegant rings and tendrils. Also like the sheer panic on Erin and Dainix’s faces in panel 3, further emphasised by Dainix beginning to crack. I wonder if it’s the mortal peril or motion sickness doing that to him.
… Oh yeah, forgot dragons could do that. Given Calian’s temperament and mission, I doubt this ice beam is just freezing the surface of the crevice; it’s going deep down with the intent to kill. If there’s no other way out of it, Erin and Dainix have no choice but to break the ice and exit via the surface, right where Calian is waiting.
With Erin barely holding the bubble together, it looks like it’s Crucible time. Dainix really was the right person to bring for this.
Well, at least Dainix looks ready to assume Crucible form. Panel 3 is the first we’ve seen him begin to crack and splinter down here, and he subdued it by the next panel. So, yay, growth?
I’m guessing this iceberg breath won’t destroy their bubble, but it probably will surround them in ice and significantly drop the internal temperature. Which leaves Erin, who has the necessary channels to free them but may be out of juice, or Dainix, who could probably free them instantly in his Crucible form. He transformed around Falst without burning him, so he can probably safely transform without burning Erin, even in a confined space. All that’s left is to see how a Crucible battles a dragon, and how it does so underwater.
Then again, Falst had the Scarf of Fire Proof, and according to Red’s tumblr, soul fire can even burn ignan people so I’m not very hopeful about Erin surviving the transformation
Wuh-oh. It’s unclear to me how deeply the ice breath attack penetrated into the crevice. My suspicion is that it blocked off the entrance but didn’t quite reach Erin and Dainix, but I don’t know. Either way, it’s not looking good for the bubble buddies. Now would be an excellent time for that firepower Dainix was talking about, if he can muster it…
Can i just say, I absolutely adore this dragon design! Not enough water/ocean themed dragons use paddle feet and tails to their full potential (guys, swimming specialised dragons are right there! They’re called crocodiles!)
Also, i’m very sorry Red, you’ve accidentally stumbled across an area I unfortuntately hyperfixated on while researching a character design project. I’m so sorry, but speculative dragon biology is the one thing i cannot keep myself from yapping about.
Literally my only concern would be the wings, because the general silhouette of any marine creature requires factoring in streamlining for aerodynamics to the absolute max. Theoretically, we’ve got a stingray situation where wings = momentum, but combined with the paddle feet and the side by side motion of the tail, you might have some issues with quickly changing direction because of of the opposing directions of the up & down of wings vs side to side propulsion.
So purely theoretically, wings are mostly for a combination of flight/stingray style conservation of energy for long journeys & hovering, but would likely have to remain tucked in during faster paced hunts the way sharks & crocodiles do. Lest the interfere with momentum. So hopefully those big old wings have a sleek “Put it away” option!
On the plus side, stopping abruptly like this dragon do is gonna be very easy. All you need do is two opposing forces, like turning the blade of your skates sideways on the ice.
It’s also likely that as an ocean predator, they would theoretically need countershading of some sort to opperate more effectively in the ocean as a predator. But then again, given how water and the other elementals have some strange effects on dragon evolution in particular, and the fact that it has ice breath, then I’m thinking either this dragon has no natural predators and hunts exclusively from below, or they’ve got some kind of camoflage technique with the ice that has me very concerned for the scuba bubble boys here.
(Or else me thinks the Twins are maybe cringing a bit at the early draft that has defied the odds by surviving this long. Which is so real of them honestly, and frankly i’d be in favour of that because it adds a whole new layer of relatablility to such mysterious characters.)
I’ll be honest, I’d be absolutely fascinated to learn what all these dragons eat! They’re all so varied, and like I mentioned with our water dragons here, a lot of what informs a design in speculative biology is what they eat and how effectively certain things help a thing survive predation/environmental threats. Obviously the burrower wyrms have a sand adder/stonefish/trapdoor spider style hunting technique (possibly occasionally supplemented by raiding victims of the caves of course) of burrying themselves in the ground to lunge upwards and drag prey underground. But what about the air dragons? or the classic fire dragons? what about lightening dragons?
gah! have i mentioned i love speculative biology? Anyway, this is in now meant as a criticism of their design, more of a playful analysis. I’ve never been more happy to see a water dragon before, especially with those paddle hands!
speculative biology is so cool! i also live paleoart, which id say is related. im taking a geology class and we r doing dinosaurs and stuff rn, and ive been looking into paleoart, and i might try to do it at some point :3
I’m not a speculative biology buff myself, but it’s a neat subject and this was very fun, cool, and enjoyable to read! I do enjoy seeing thoughtful fantastical creature designs, too, and am also liking the dragons.
How can it speak underwater? I’m pretty sure that it can also breathe air, and water in lungs doesn’t work too great. I don’t think that there would be a way for speaking to work with some sort of gills.
You are absolutely correct! Water does conduct sound, but there’s a reason why dolphins, whales, and yes even fish and crustaceons, primarily communicate through clicks and whistles underwater. The sound travels far slower due to the density of the water itself compared to air, but the sounds dissapate much slower and as a result can reach a much further distance! But the ocean can be really loud if you have the right ears for it (namely not the kind that’s made to work above water, or a super sensitive waterproof microphone). So unless we’re handwaving the whole “speaking in common” language trope, then my favourite thing to do is pull a tolkien and headcannon that what we’re reading is a translation of a Ryland Grace learning to speak Eridian situation. (And in my own writing, including a nifty language barrier that makes things all the more confusing and challenging when interacting with Merfolk and other such yappers under the sea).
I feel like no one has mentioned how panel three is expression perfection and I would like to write this wrong! All the other panels are wonderful too but panel three is amazing. The look of pure fear on both their faces is incredible. I don’t think we’ve ever seen Erin this rattled and Dainix is just going “OH MY VARIOUS GODS NOT MORE OF THIS! I DON’T KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS!”
*pinball noises*
*Pinball Wizard plays faintly in the background.*
Oh, I didn’t realize this was a HTTYD bewilderbeast
I tried to like your comment before I remembered we can’t, but I agree
For mobile readers.
Alt-text: instant iceberg (just add water)
Image source: fun
Tumblr text: hey that’s my emotional support life support
Bluesky text: as if Cone of Cold isn’t an unsportsmanlike opening volley
Ice ice, baby!
An experienced hunter like Dainix should know that escaping a crafty Predator is not easy.
Well that ain’t good
The ice breath is for people who are no fun, while the steam breath is much more fun because it makes bubbles! 😀
Steam bath = calming, fun, appealing.
Ice bath = tensing, painful, unappealing.
Guess we are about to learn the answer to an age old question: What is harder, Ice or Air?
Did anyone else hear the bubble screech to a halt like a car, or was it just me?
Liking the very aggressive, spiky, and chaotic ice forming from Calian’s breath; gives a very different feel from Erin’s simple ice prison on Tam, and Caturus’s elegant rings and tendrils. Also like the sheer panic on Erin and Dainix’s faces in panel 3, further emphasised by Dainix beginning to crack. I wonder if it’s the mortal peril or motion sickness doing that to him.
… Oh yeah, forgot dragons could do that. Given Calian’s temperament and mission, I doubt this ice beam is just freezing the surface of the crevice; it’s going deep down with the intent to kill. If there’s no other way out of it, Erin and Dainix have no choice but to break the ice and exit via the surface, right where Calian is waiting.
With Erin barely holding the bubble together, it looks like it’s Crucible time. Dainix really was the right person to bring for this.
I absolutely did XD
Well, at least Dainix looks ready to assume Crucible form. Panel 3 is the first we’ve seen him begin to crack and splinter down here, and he subdued it by the next panel. So, yay, growth?
I’m guessing this iceberg breath won’t destroy their bubble, but it probably will surround them in ice and significantly drop the internal temperature. Which leaves Erin, who has the necessary channels to free them but may be out of juice, or Dainix, who could probably free them instantly in his Crucible form. He transformed around Falst without burning him, so he can probably safely transform without burning Erin, even in a confined space. All that’s left is to see how a Crucible battles a dragon, and how it does so underwater.
Then again, Falst had the Scarf of Fire Proof, and according to Red’s tumblr, soul fire can even burn ignan people so I’m not very hopeful about Erin surviving the transformation
Well, now I certainly did…
What in the rhyme of the ancient fuck is that? (The breath weapon)
I wonder if Erin can still use his magic to control ice? Will he be able to get them out of here? Oh, Alinua, please help!!!
Wuh-oh. It’s unclear to me how deeply the ice breath attack penetrated into the crevice. My suspicion is that it blocked off the entrance but didn’t quite reach Erin and Dainix, but I don’t know. Either way, it’s not looking good for the bubble buddies. Now would be an excellent time for that firepower Dainix was talking about, if he can muster it…
One does not deny a dragon its prey. As the elemental magus, Erin should know this!
ALINUAAAAAAA WE NEED YOU
Dainix was cracking for a second there! Thankfully, it all looks under control 🙂 /hj
Ah yes, thank you for reminding us of the first rule of cave diving: Don’t go cave diving.
Another excellent set of expressions. Noticing some cracking along Dainix’s cheek, and I can’t say I blame him!
Cracking on his cheek, and arm, and torso… Our man’s BARELY holding it together.
(Absolutely agree on the first rule of cave diving)
Can Wyrm and Fire trump Dragon? Must check this Friday. (Expecting cliff hanger instead of answers.)
Hunting is really easy when your prey traps themselves
Did they just get frozen in an ice bubble?
“Only the Magus, master of all seven elements could stop Stephan. But when the world needed him most, he vanished.”
Why the dragon water thingies look like Mariokart tracks?
Land of Ice and Fire.
How long will Red make us scream for Alinua? 🥺
As long as Red wants the tension to last, just for the sake for good storytelling of course! (Another fine product of Overly Sarcastic Productions.)
Can i just say, I absolutely adore this dragon design! Not enough water/ocean themed dragons use paddle feet and tails to their full potential (guys, swimming specialised dragons are right there! They’re called crocodiles!)
Also, i’m very sorry Red, you’ve accidentally stumbled across an area I unfortuntately hyperfixated on while researching a character design project. I’m so sorry, but speculative dragon biology is the one thing i cannot keep myself from yapping about.
Literally my only concern would be the wings, because the general silhouette of any marine creature requires factoring in streamlining for aerodynamics to the absolute max. Theoretically, we’ve got a stingray situation where wings = momentum, but combined with the paddle feet and the side by side motion of the tail, you might have some issues with quickly changing direction because of of the opposing directions of the up & down of wings vs side to side propulsion.
So purely theoretically, wings are mostly for a combination of flight/stingray style conservation of energy for long journeys & hovering, but would likely have to remain tucked in during faster paced hunts the way sharks & crocodiles do. Lest the interfere with momentum. So hopefully those big old wings have a sleek “Put it away” option!
On the plus side, stopping abruptly like this dragon do is gonna be very easy. All you need do is two opposing forces, like turning the blade of your skates sideways on the ice.
It’s also likely that as an ocean predator, they would theoretically need countershading of some sort to opperate more effectively in the ocean as a predator. But then again, given how water and the other elementals have some strange effects on dragon evolution in particular, and the fact that it has ice breath, then I’m thinking either this dragon has no natural predators and hunts exclusively from below, or they’ve got some kind of camoflage technique with the ice that has me very concerned for the scuba bubble boys here.
(Or else me thinks the Twins are maybe cringing a bit at the early draft that has defied the odds by surviving this long. Which is so real of them honestly, and frankly i’d be in favour of that because it adds a whole new layer of relatablility to such mysterious characters.)
I’ll be honest, I’d be absolutely fascinated to learn what all these dragons eat! They’re all so varied, and like I mentioned with our water dragons here, a lot of what informs a design in speculative biology is what they eat and how effectively certain things help a thing survive predation/environmental threats. Obviously the burrower wyrms have a sand adder/stonefish/trapdoor spider style hunting technique (possibly occasionally supplemented by raiding victims of the caves of course) of burrying themselves in the ground to lunge upwards and drag prey underground. But what about the air dragons? or the classic fire dragons? what about lightening dragons?
gah! have i mentioned i love speculative biology? Anyway, this is in now meant as a criticism of their design, more of a playful analysis. I’ve never been more happy to see a water dragon before, especially with those paddle hands!
speculative biology is so cool! i also live paleoart, which id say is related. im taking a geology class and we r doing dinosaurs and stuff rn, and ive been looking into paleoart, and i might try to do it at some point :3
I’m not a speculative biology buff myself, but it’s a neat subject and this was very fun, cool, and enjoyable to read! I do enjoy seeing thoughtful fantastical creature designs, too, and am also liking the dragons.
How can it speak underwater? I’m pretty sure that it can also breathe air, and water in lungs doesn’t work too great. I don’t think that there would be a way for speaking to work with some sort of gills.
You are absolutely correct! Water does conduct sound, but there’s a reason why dolphins, whales, and yes even fish and crustaceons, primarily communicate through clicks and whistles underwater. The sound travels far slower due to the density of the water itself compared to air, but the sounds dissapate much slower and as a result can reach a much further distance! But the ocean can be really loud if you have the right ears for it (namely not the kind that’s made to work above water, or a super sensitive waterproof microphone). So unless we’re handwaving the whole “speaking in common” language trope, then my favourite thing to do is pull a tolkien and headcannon that what we’re reading is a translation of a Ryland Grace learning to speak Eridian situation. (And in my own writing, including a nifty language barrier that makes things all the more confusing and challenging when interacting with Merfolk and other such yappers under the sea).
Damn thats one mean dragon
The expressions in the third panel are incredible. The guys are RATTLED! 🙂
Dainix! You fool! NEVER SAY THAT DURING A CHASE SEQUENCE!
Fortunately, we have a Fire Guy with us
I feel like no one has mentioned how panel three is expression perfection and I would like to write this wrong! All the other panels are wonderful too but panel three is amazing. The look of pure fear on both their faces is incredible. I don’t think we’ve ever seen Erin this rattled and Dainix is just going “OH MY VARIOUS GODS NOT MORE OF THIS! I DON’T KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS!”
Oh god oh no if only they had a source of waterproof fire on hand!!
noooo this is where i catch up? i suppose ill have to wait to find out what happens to our heros, next week on journy to the- i mean Aurora web comic.