I thought this would be a great idea. Having one thread within the list that discusses the story itself, our thoughts regarding either the action, dialogue or possible developments.
So let me open with a question asking others to post their impressions. I'll add mine after a few others post. (The old hedgehog here hates going first on just about anything.)
Alright, so its a double post. I was looking back over some of the earlier strips and I noticed all the characters walk on the balls of their feet. Even when standing still, the drawings give the impression that the heels never touch the ground. Am I just seeing something that isn't there?
QuoteI noticed all the characters walk on the balls of their feet. Even when standing still, the drawings give the impression that the heels never touch the ground.
Evidently, humans gave morphs hands (and shorter arms) but neglected to adapt their legs to comfortable upright motion. As most 4 legged creatures do, the morphs walk on their toes. What long-term effect this has on their posture and joint health has never been studied. I would assume that standing in one place would be hard on the ankles, knee and hip muscles, as they can't lock and balance them like we can.
Like ouch!
Talk about rough treatment, the kid's getting his tail yanked and all his weight is pulling it as the lady is holding him by his shirt. Surprised its not by the scruff of his neck too. Funny you did this as I wrote a Redwall fan fiction where one character did almost the same thing to another character over a year ago.
Sandy's tail was the closest available body part. Being in a hurry to keep things from breaking, Rhene grabbed that first. (My dog drops whatever she is doing if you touch her tail) Lifting Sandy by the shirt is easier than trying to get a good purchase on his neck, I think. He is much bigger and heavier than a fox-pup would be. Rhene is also a bit annoyed, and I suspect not very experienced with youngsters.
QuoteHe is much bigger and heavier than a fox-pup would be.
Er.. Fox *kit*
Actually, I'm not arguing against the behavior. It seems very much in character as the lady tries controlling a child that has no emotional connection to her and hence has no reason to acknowledge her superiority over him. These two seem headed to some ultimate confrontation where Rhene either establishes that place of dominance or the wolf cub proves too much for her.
Now that has me wondering two things:
1 - How long has it been since the humans disappeared and the animals rose to the status of sapience?
2 - In what appears to be the human equivelent of the Middle Ages, who devised a means of controling and storing electricity?
Do want to compliment you on the expressions on Sandy and Rhene, never saw such wonderment and happiness respectively done so well.
The opening scenes from the game imply that the Morph were created by humans, and they survived whatever catastrophe wiped-out humanity. The is no indication in the game of why the Morph were created in the first place.
The Morph do appear to have suffered a dark age and are only slowly rediscovering major human technology.
The amount of time that has passed since the disappearance of humans has not been revealed, although it is probably less than 1000 years. Also, characters have different theories on what happened to humanity and whether any remnants still exist.
In the strip dated 1/3/06, how many noticed in the last panel what Sandy has done? If you look carefully, you will see he has bared his fangs. Like I said, this is one pup that will need the equivelent of a firm smackdown or time-out, dependent on your views of child rearing.
Quote...this is one pup that will need the equivelent of a firm smackdown or time-out, dependent on your views of child rearing.
I've been thinking that for a while. I'm surprised Rhene hasn't done it already.
She is most likely being considerate because of how the wolf came into their lives. However, sooner or later, there has got to be a fight for dominance.
QuoteShe is most likely being considerate because of how the wolf came into their lives. However, sooner or later, there has got to be a fight for dominance.
Sandy is truly a handful. Personally, I think that wolves play it a little rougher than foxes, and the wolf tribe leads a more dominance-oriented lifestyle. In addition to that, Sandy is already almost as big as Rhene, mass-wise, even though he is still a child. If Sandy's discipline was motivated by fear of punishment, I don't think Rhene would stand a chance. Fortunately, wolf dominance is actually based more on charisma than strength. (Really!)
As to a fight for dominance? Who knows. With Rif back in the picture, anything can happen.
Yeah, like Rif getting a good bawling out, too, for being gone so long. ;)
Considering the sense of community and group that the Ferrets seem to possess, I'm surprised that Rhene doesn't have 1 or 2 of them around to help her manage Sandy.
Hmm. I think that Rhene, after several months in the ferret village, has finally gotten the ferrets to leave her alone a little. Sometimes help from ferrets is a little more than she can handle. Notice that Sakka does not even blink when observing Sandy's behavior. You might infer what is normal behavior for ferrets from that.
*Laughing* That's true enough.
EDIT - A thought just occured to me. Why are Rif and Rhene still in the Ferret Village? Wouldn't they have returned to their own tribe by this point?
I don't recall what made them decide to stay with the ferrets. Joe, do you remember? I know that Rif gets along well with them, and they did make him an honorary member of their guild. Perhaps the context of Rif and Rhene's living there will become clearer as the story progresses.
LOGIC ERROR!
I can understand the ferret in today's strip asking the question, but the reaction to the answer by the two foxes does not make sense. They would have checked the immediate area for anything related to the unknown wolf child in hopes of finding the male's family. (Remember one said something about the nearest wolf colony.)
Rif actually said that the nearest Wolf colony was very far away. And yes, one of them would have made a cursory search of the immediate area and established that there wasn't anything else obvious to find. But they wouldn't have looked hard-- not if they had any compassion for a child who needed immediate shelter. This was an assumption subsumed into the general flow of the story, rather than shown panel-per-panel. Elaborately covering all their actions would have slowed the story down. (If we showed every nuance of every scene, we'd be lucky if they even got back to the ferret village by now.)
I think Rif probably would have gone back to the beach on his own to look for more clues the morning after, if he hadn't been distracted by the nifty puzzle Sandy had brought with him. Notice how, in the course of his travels, Rif sort of forgot about his quest to find out who Sandy was, and got more and more involved in what the object was.
There are two kinds of foxes: the intelligent, clever, and quick-witted ones and Rif, the flakey, qick-mouthed one. ;) :D
I think of Rif as intellegent, clever and quick-witted AND flakey and quick-mouthed. :blink:
QuoteI don't recall what made them decide to stay with the ferrets. Joe, do you remember? I know that Rif gets along well with them, and they did make him an honorary member of their guild. Perhaps the context of Rif and Rhene's living there will become clearer as the story progresses.
I believe that Rif is going to explain that in a future strip. Allie, you should find it in the master plot document where Rif and...
Oh, yeah. I can't mention that yet... ;)
Two things to note in today's strip. Liked the way the discarded fabric shows the eyeholes for stringing them together. Second item was the detail of the crab. Gave it a cute summery touch.
Just saw that latest sketch of the wildcat. Wish I could use that picture for my villian in the Redwall fan fiction I am writing. She has that evil and sadistic look that fits my character.
Yeah, that pic of the Wildcat chieftess didn't look like her at all. The expression belonged on one of Gar's lackeys.
Another thing I noticed in the current strip. Do you notice the respect Sandy gives Rif? Perhaps its a male thing as wolves have separate pecking orders between males and females. Thing is, when Sandy realizes he has the size on Rif, will he become as beligerant with him as he did with Rhea?
Or maybe Rhene gave Sandy that chewing out we were talking about earlier and it couldn't be shown 'cause she used some bad words. ;) :D
Rif's "flakiness" will probably come out again and, as long as he stays out of the way, Sandy probably won't do much.
The third and fourth panel have Sandy's expression done to perfection. First the attempt at hiding the past and then his defience. Wonder if the kid went over the side deliberately. Many questions, no answers. Makes me wish this came out a lot more often than once a week.
Ok, one good point, one bad.
First the bad. What happened with Sandy? Whatever caused his attitude has been ignored and now we have the two very cooperative. There seems to be no animosity or memory of the conflict.
And now the good. That final panel with the dark and mysterious stranger lurking in the foreground was just the right hook for drawing the readers to the next strip. I know its almost a cliche having that happen, but you did it very well. The figure is ill-defined and yet has enough form that I got the idea of panther or wolf. Either should provide a lot of story material for future strips.
Yeah, what happened? :blink:
Even though there is only one strip a week, I'd personally prefer to see more of what's going on. There usually seems to be some scene or piece of information left out between strips.
QuoteWhat happened with Sandy? Whatever caused his attitude has been ignored and now we have the two very cooperative. There seems to be no animosity or memory of the conflict.
Noted. The strip has been updated to make that clear.
You didn't know it was an interactive comic, did you?
;)
Very nice. I'm also going to add that the unknown creature might be a ferret or some similar creature. Will be looking forward to the next installment.
Oh yes, glad to see you got over that cold. I know how debilitating they can be.
The thing trailing Rif and Sandy has to be good at what he does. I'd think you couldn't get within a half mile of the ferret village without being seen by some ferret working on the outskirts of the town.
Yes. He/she must be very, very good at what he/she does.
I have always found it funny in the Redwall novels having mice and hares living with badgers. Now we have foxes, ferrets and wolves living with rabbits. If its acceptable under one format, why not others?
Something tells me that Elara's need to see Rif ASAP and the thing that tailed him and Sandy have more than a few things in common.
I have a feeling this strip is an "insider's joke" for those that played the game.
The rabbit attendant's contradiction has me wondering about the outcome of the game quest. My guess from this strip, (and I know I must be wrong), would be the Orb was stolen, Rif found it and for some unknown reason, allowed the world to continue thinking the Orb still missing. However, the rabbit infers Rif found it and then somehow lost it a second time. Which begs the question, why did they release their hostage, Rhea, if the Orb was never returned?
Hope the next strip gives us more information.
*************************************
Liked the way you handled the journey without any intervening action. Makes me even more curious about the unknown tracker. Thought that was an interesting distinction of indoor and outdoor by having the rabbit's cowl down or up respectively.
QuoteI have a feeling this strip is an "insider's joke" for those that played the game.
There is a balance to maintain between explaining the whole plot of Rif's previous adventures (and thereby giving away the puzzles for people who have not played the game yet), and revealing enough to make the current situation understandable.
It is unavoidable to notice that the Orb of Storms is still not in its proper place, which is somewhat of a spoiler for those who have yet to play the game. It is also apparent that Rif is "off the hook" as far as blame is concerned. You might just say that there were reliable witnesses as to who took the orb and why it is not safely back in the orb sanctuary.
Of course, that doesn't prevent rumor and innuendo from rearing its ugly head.
LMAO!!! Okay, the rabbit is now my favorite character!
Anyone notice the blooper in Panel One of today's (3/1/06) strip?
Look at Sandy. His tail has been docked in the picture. (Not visible) In Panels Two and Three, it comes back.
There is certainly a tail there. I think you need glasses.
QuoteLook at Sandy. His tail has been docked in the picture. (Not visible) In Panels Two and Three, it comes back.
I'm definitely seeing a tail, though I can also see how one could think that there is not...
You're right. A closer look does show the tail, though it matches the background so well that I saw a bow-legged Sandy, sans tail.
"Such a bright youngster"? Sounds a bit out of character for Elara worded like that. Granted, the only time you see her in-game is when she's a combination livid/mourning but it just doesn't sound right coming from her.
It's not completely out of character. Once Elara knew that Rif was someone a close friend trusted, she became rather calm and helpful:
Rif: Then you will permit us access to the Sanctuary so that we may investigate the stolen Orb?
Elara: You may search to your heart's content. I shall open the gates, good fortune be with you.
And if Rif visits her later...
Elara: I hope your search has been useful, don't give up.
That's true.
Ok, you caught me off guard here as I never expected Rhene to become the main character in this strip. Though I'm sure its because Rif was the principle person in the game. The expressiveness of the eyes in that last panel was excellent, it showed one surprises vixen.
Yay! I'm glad that Rhene is going to be more important of a character. ^_^ She deserves it after just being the damsel in distress in the game.
QuoteYay! I'm glad that Rhene is going to be more important of a character.
:lol: I think she was really bored being left alone! When she noticed it could happen again she managed to join the adventure! :lol:
(I think I could see what she was thinking while taking care of the wolf cub)
hahaha I know that's only a character..... :unsure:
Now all we need are Okk and Eeah. B)
QuoteNow all we need are Okk and Eeah. B)
Man...I don't think getting after Okk is really a good idea, I remember how unpleasant was begging the Boar King in a Mud Bath!
:o :o
Just kidding, he is very useful for any quest!
"Did I miss something?" had to be one of the best lines in the game.
Quote"Did I miss something?" had to be one of the best lines in the game.
:lol:
Need red clay? again hehehe
For a few months we had a "Quote of the Day" on the Inherit the Earth home page. This was discontinued with the new site design. Here are the quotes that appeared.
Rat Doorkeeper: In fact, this very book was bound from a particularly belligerent Ram who thought he could just barge in.
Rif: I'd need a cat for that.
Okk: Now this is the kind of place I could really live in... given a little more rubbish on the floor, of course.
Alamma: Land sakes! You've had quite an adventure, haven't you?
Sist: Ah! This is good. This is very good. I mean, this is bad!
The Boar King: If you will not come into the mud, we have nothing more to say!
Prince: Rosebud is his sled. HEARD IT!
Rif: How could I have allowed myself to be defeated by such a simple trick?
Sakka: Here is Unit. Have you ever seen such a marvel?
Dog Guard: I like my prisoners. They're all my friends. Please let me be your friend.
Eeah: This is the strangest room yet... and that's really saying something.
Rif: The Boar King was hardly forthcoming with his current activities.
Merchant Bear: If it's sweet and will fit on a stick, I'll sell it.
Rif: Then we are doomed.
Glassmaker: Not so fast.
Wolf Ferryman: Then hold onter yer hat, laddie, 'cause suddenly I smells war in the air.
The Boar King: Aww. The poor fox. He's doomed -- and he doesn't even know it.
Gar: I guess I'm just a big, bad wolf!
Rif: There's nothing much plainer than a bag of plaster.
Chota: My tribe? I have no tribe.
Eeah: Do you have any idea where you're going?
Okk: These fortune-tellers don't know anything. I prefer the Wild-Guess method, myself.
Plaster? You want plaster? Try the pub. There's always somebody plastered there.
I remember seeing those quotes floating about on the old site and always wondered where they came from. Thanks for clearing that mystery.
QuotePlaster? You want plaster? Try the pub. There's always somebody plastered there.
Did you see my "Weird Questions" (http://www.wyrmkeep.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=152) Topic? There is a Question like this:
"Where can I find the pub at the ferret village?"
I have found the plaster bag but no pub!!!
What's the most funny character?
Merchant Bear or the Dog Guard? (i think you can see the bear while playing the demo)
I'm still between them!
I don't think there actually is a pub. Admittedly, watching a bunch of drunk ferrets would be pretty funny. :D
While I'll admit that Elara's Sanctuary isn't a fortress, I'd imagine that security would've been tightened after the last break-in. The black critter must be better than I thought.
And here is something that hasn't been addressed yet, who is this stranger after? It might be an incorrect assumption that s/he is following Rhene now that the mission is known. For all we know, s/he is after Sandy and the mission is nothing more than a smokescreen.
QuoteI'd imagine that security would've been tightened after the last break-in. The black critter must be better than I thought.
Well, for one thing, what is there left to guard?
The Hare said that they were building a higher wall. (tearing down the old one first) I do believe they are preparing for the eventuality of finding the orb and reinstalling it at the sanctuary.
And, the critter is good at what s/he does.
Now unless our unknown character is going to attack after the audience with Prince, which sounds illogical, the creature is after Sandy.
(Been wrong so often, what's one more time?)
I'd have to agree, our mystery character is not after Rhene, though she is vulnerable at this point, being alone. It'll be interesting to see what happens, especially if said characters situation is used to an advantage.
As for GIMP, it's a nice program, though running it on a Mac can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you didn't install X11. It's dithering leaves a lot to be desired, as well, or maybe it just has bad GIF support...
Yep, I have X11 installed.
I'm a GIMP neophyte so the results aren't top notch. When I get back home this weekend, I'll redo the strip in Photoshop.
Hopefully I'll have access to Photoshop when I'm in Korea for two weeks in April, otherwise there will be more temporary GIMP-generated strips.
Have you tried downloading the Photoshop CS2 trial (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/tryout.html)? It only works for 30 days, but it'll hold you over till you get back...
I can see why the hares avoid the dog kingdom. Anyone that treats a messenger or envoy with such disrespect isn't trustworthy and have no sense of honor whatsoever. If Rhene doesn't read Prince the riot act or give him the verbal version of a rolled-up newspaper across the nose, she deserves whatever mistreatment she gets and then some.
Nice touch, though a bit cliched, with the mysterious stranger behind the curtain.
QuoteHave you tried downloading the Photoshop CS2 trial (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/tryout.html)? It only works for 30 days, but it'll hold you over till you get back...
Now that I think about it, I should have access to Photoshop while in Korea through my host GoPets (http://www.gopets.net).
QuoteI can see why the hares avoid the dog kingdom. Anyone that treats a messenger or envoy with such disrespect isn't trustworthy and have no sense of honor whatsoever. If Rhene doesn't read Prince the riot act or give him the verbal version of a rolled-up newspaper across the nose, she deserves whatever mistreatment she gets and then some.
Nice touch, though a bit cliched, with the mysterious stranger behind the curtain.
They certainly are rude. As for Rhene, I'd guess that this is nothing compared to the Boars. At the same time, that experience may have toughened her up a bit, so she may not take such treatment for long. Will be interesting to see...
As for the new mystery character, she looks like one of the members of Prince's harem in the original game (which is why I refer to her as she). Makes me wonder if Prince is worse than before, though that would be a feat in itself. :)
The creature behind the curtain looked like the poodle from the game.
If Rhene doesn't protest in some loud, colorful fashion, I'll be surprised. ;)
Would it be wise to protest in a loud, colorful fashion when surrounded by great big dogs holding nasty weapons?
Not necessarily. But Rhene also doesn't seem like the type to be easily intimidated. Despite her lines in the game, she seems to have a much stronger personality in the comic.
Looks like Rhene made two mistakes. One of commission and one of assumption. Her mistake of commission was approaching the ruler without permission to do so and the error of assumption is thinking the dog king knows how to read.
QuoteLooks like Rhene made two mistakes. One of commission and one of assumption. Her mistake of commission was approaching the ruler without permission to do so and the error of assumption is thinking the dog king knows how to read.
I doubt the slightly insolent sound of "It's
Rhene, Sir" didn't help, either...
Don't kill the messenger! ;)
Alas, not necessarily advice that was well followed. Besides, in this case, Rhene would make a better hostage...
In Rhene's defense, I think she was used to a more egalitarian society. She hasn't a clue about correct protocol in a rigid heirarchy like Prince's. Even the boars (who she had been a "guest" of) seemed to have better access to their king, in their rough way.
However, if Rif had told her any stories about his dealings with the dogs, she should have been more cautious. I wonder that Elara had not coached her about proper behavior. But then again, maybe Elara didn't know either.
True, and taking the thought further, even the Forrest King seemed to be more friendly. Truthfully, in the end, a lot of the problem stems from how pompous Prince & Co. are...
There is an explanation for the Dogs' negative reaction. A future strip will fill-in the details.
Really?
QuoteReally?
Sounds like our chief artist doesn't even know what's going to happen before she draws it. :blink: :lol:
Hey, if security via obscurity worked for the KGB and CIA, why not here? :ph34r:
QuoteReally?
Yes, really! B)
It's hard to believe that Prince is the same breed as Lassie. Almost makes me want to cry.
Well, the dog kingdom is an interesting mixture. Bulldog guards, collie king, a lady that some say is a poodle, a floppy-eared breed, and a chubby teddy bear. Did I just say "teddy bear?" Yep! Check it out, the small character next to the throne in Panel One.
Apparently the High Priestess has chosen her words improperly and hasn't considered the recipient. Should have been made more diplomatic. Wonder if Prince will take out his ire on a certain female fox.
In the manual that I got with the original release of the game, there's a picture with the caption "Prince and his Harem" and there's three female dogs in it. I just looked at it and there's one that I'm not sure what kind of dog it is but it could be the teddy bear-looking one in the comic.
QuoteIn the manual that I got with the original release of the game, there's a picture with the caption "Prince and his Harem" and there's three female dogs in it. I just looked at it and there's one that I'm not sure what kind of dog it is but it could be the teddy bear-looking one in the comic.
Then you're one up on me as I haven't played the game yet. Doesn't stop me from enjoying the strip, but I do miss out on some of the more subtle aspects of the story.
One other thing, the "teddy bear" appears in the prior strip too. Not certain this one is part of the harem as it appears too juvinile.
As far as I can tell, the 'Teddy Bear' is actually a Chow Chow, especially when looking at the picture in the original game manuel...
Edit: I stand corrected, see below...
The teddy bear is a Pomeranian. Note my temporary avatar.
As for what she's doing in the harem, there's no accounting for taste. ;)
What the pom gal is missing is her cute little bow!
I could never use a single avatar for one month, then I realised that using none is better... :lol:
Don't get offtopic!
QuoteAs for what she's doing in the harem, there's no accounting for taste. ;)
LMAO!!!
Rhene gave the wrong answer. Considering her circumstances, it is understandable. What Rhene should have said is "The Priestess does not command you, Sire. She seeks the wisdom of your counsel." Such an answer would stroke the ego of this pooch.
It's all in the way one looks at the letter.
Rhene just has to be put in the tower because nobody has bothered to fix the hole that Rif made in the dungeon wall. ;)
It is obvious that Rhene is no diplomat. I agree that if she had been quick on the uptake and replied that obviously Elara was begging for Prince's sage wisdom, he would have been a tad more pleased.
Elara herself should have been more sensitive to the situation, appealing to Prince personally and with a bit more flair. Perhaps there is a diplomatic history here. Maybe this is the reason why hares (as Elara's emmisaries) are reluctant to deal with dogs.
Apparently I forgot about this thread. Bad me for posting in the other.
This latest strip, (5/17/2006), is quite a departure from what we had to date. Not only is it in the "newspaper" black and white, but it lacks both the dimentional look and the shading the earlier strips contained.
Yes, I see this is as a cute way of introducing a new author/artist. In all honesty, I'm looking forward to the different perspective. It has an element of comedy. So the old hedgehog will extend his welcome and will look forward to the next regular installment.
And least we forget, congratulations are in order for the release of a dead tree version.
J.L. Anderson's approach is quite smart for doing an ongoing strip. Simple lines and little are no background allows for a quick turnaround. It is the only way the daily newpaper strip artists can keep up with their schedules, if they don't have a colorist and letterer (or are demon-fast at their craft). When I first created the look for my strip I chose to adhere to comic book style rather than comic strip style. I believing that with Photoshop I could speed through shading, with a little practice. Turned out not to be true. Each strip requires many hours of work, which is why I did not progress to 2 strips a week as planned.
Many thanks to Jennifer for giving me some time to put the book together.
cairn destop, I see that you are having trouble with your avatar again. Send me a message (not a post) and we'll see if we can get things fixed.
As a quick note, the forum only supports images sizes up to 128x128. Even if we allow using larger images, they will surely be scaled to 128x128.
Also, I have activated avatar uploads. That might help :mellow:
Quote from: WyrmMaster on May 17, 2006, 05:12 PM
Also, I have activated avatar uploads. That might help :mellow:
Indeed it did. Though the full picture is too large, I did manage to get a smaller version that I had stored on my computer. It shows just my head, but that will do.
Awesome strip, Ms. Anderson!!!
Anything new this week?
There will definitely be a new strip by tomorrow. Which strip we'll see...
A pity the new artist hasn't gotten started. Am sure the delay is temporary.
Thought Sandy sounded just like a kid who bores easily whenever forced indoors by inclement weather. Do wonder about the food situation. Think Sandy could out-eat any two foxes. As to his comment about the beach, that seems understandable. Just wonder which will be stronger, his fear of the beach or his desire to be with our main character.
Rif doesn't seem to be very good at keeping house and home, does he? I think that if he didn't have Rhene to make sure he was fed and cared for, Rif would be one skinny, scruffy, hapless fox.
Imagine keeping a wolf cooped up in a tiny house. I commend Sandy for not tearing the place apart.
Quote from: AllieFiona on Jun 01, 2006, 12:33 PMImagine keeping a wolf cooped up in a tiny house. I commend Sandy for not tearing the place apart.
...yet. ;)
Interesting reaction from Sandy. Inference that he knows the other creature.
Now it might be the old hedgehog's eyes are bad or the placement of the dialogue balloons, but the identity of the newest character is undeterminable. Cannot tell if that is a dog, wolf, or some other creature. Am sure it was intentional and meant to keep us wondering until the next installment.
The last balloon mentions the stranger is from an "otter settlement." Since it's rare for tribes to mix (Rif and Rhene being a notable exception), the stranger is probably an Otter.
Additional comment: There is an otter at the Market Faire in the game. That may not be obvious to players as the otter has a smilar appearance to a ferret.
The conversation with the otter was hysterical, too. :)
I must commend the artist on the strip of 6/12/06. The expressions of the two characters in the first panel tell more than any words ever could. I also thought the look on Sandy's face in the final panel where he is stealing the digital clock showed that he has come to appreciate what the two foxes have done and his closeness to Rif.
Thank you. I hadn't realized how much Sandy's face revealed in the last panel when I drew it. I was aiming at a last minute afterthought of stealing the clock, and a hesitation to do so.
I was going to grouse last week about the use of the same strip as filler material. Now I understand the reasoning behind the move. Will be interested in seeing if the author can continue the comical routine. Thought the idea of using a bad pun cute.
Maybe its just me, but it seems the antlers never move no matter how the head is posed.
It you think puns are cute, then the next strip will be extra cute :mellow:
If this is the guest artist's work, am both pleased and disappointed. Pleased that we are back with the story; disappointed that the artist copied the same style as the originator. Though I am pleased with the apparent aid offered by the harem girl. Just wondering if the lady has other things on her mind than helping the fox. (Methinks palace intrigue since she seems to have compromised at least one guard.)
What, you don't like my style? (smirk)
It's me again, back at the drawing board with weekly updates of Rif and Rhene's adventures.
Many thanks to Ms. Anderson for her contributions. Check out her web page if you like her style-- www.anaria.net.
i ask question about the animal and read that some of my question was ask and answer :mellow:
well here a few more question:
since the animal where kinda make sapien by human i was wondering there where use for what?, slave, pets, toys, servent????
aslo did the ben taught to read?, is there human technologie left?
is there any human city left or anything build by human left, like building or monument?
i forgot this question: why the animals have kinda live as group, like the dogs, the cats ect?
Quote from: DonKarnage on Jul 12, 2006, 06:45 PM
i ask question about the animal and read that some of my question was ask and answer :mellow:
well here a few more question:
since the animal where kinda make sapien by human i was wondering there where use for what?, slave, pets, toys, servent????
aslo did the ben taught to read?, is there human technologie left?
is there any human city left or anything build by human left, like building or monument?
i forgot this question: why the animals have kinda live as group, like the dogs, the cats ect?
Think I can guess a few of those. The humans must have given the animals more intelligence so they would serve man better, but mankind died off. For many years, (centuries?), the animals had nobody leading them, so they gravitated to settlements of their own kind. The memory of humans has gone, but some of their technology remains. For example, the orbs are human constructs that the animals worship. No doubt there are human ruins, but these would most likely be considered dwellings of their gods and considered taboo. Few would enter such places fearing the wrath of their creators.
As to language and reading, for all we know, they might all be speaking myan. We're just reading it in english.
what is the ord the worship?
the know humans left books but can the read it and do the know what happend to the humans?
is the humans die little by little or all of a suden?
do the animals know anything about themself, the purpose the where use for?
the animals have there alphabet so did the wright story of what the see or rememeber when the live with humans?
when the humans die did the stay in city or house or did the move to another place and join groups?
did the human colonise other planet or have space station?
A lot of these questions are asked by the morphs themselves. The dissappearance of humans is a mystery to them. Many even think that humans are a myth.
Many comforts the morphs enjoy are based on human artifacts found and studied by the rat-morphs. The Rats have made it their mission to unravel the mysteries of humanity.
Some things are explained in the original game. I saw the game's story posted online several months ago, but I can't find it right now. I'll ask Joe where it is located, or perhaps he can post it again.
I found the information. On the web page, click on "Archives". Then click on "Prologue" for the game's opening statement. After looking at that, go back to "Archives" and click on "Game" to get more background.
Considering the fact that these are senchent creatures, what Annabelle has about her neck is most disturbing. That appears to be a fur stole, either fox or mink. In either case, am wondering how she acquired it and what the reaction of others would be.
We'll see soon enough.
Could be a giant wool scarf. I'm sure a member of the Sheep Tribe that was a little desperate for money would be willing to part with a little fluff.
...
Okay, that just sounded horrible if you think about it long enough...
well wool grow back so its not horrible :rolleyes:
No doubt our cartoonist has the same thoughts as I did. Loved the way Rhea eyes the stole and wonders if its a former guest. Think the double meaning in the dialogue is excellent.
And to DonKarnage, a stole would be made from the hide of an animal. That means the animal would be killed. If its just the tail of the fox, again, such apparrel requires the amputation of the tail and tails don't grow back. Unless you're a lizard.
And the Boars always tell the truth :rolleyes:
And Rhene's final thoughts do nothing to dismiss the idea that the dogs wear the furs of other Morphs (kinda like the boars hang up their skins).
What was ITE rated again... O_o
That harem girl is not the bimbo one thinks Prince would consider attractive or safe. Sounds like she is far more cunning and conniving than the dog pack's ruler. Liked how she infuriated Rhea by calling foxes "smelly." Am curious why she is disrobing. (removed the stoll and her belt.) Good connector regarding the Orb's Caretaker and Annabelle sharing some past adventures or heritage.
Annabelle does raise some interesting questions: Are all animals sentient or are there still some that have maintained their feral nature? Is there any restrictions about killing such ferals? Can such ferals be civilized? Can the "human's gift" be given, and conversely, can it be withdrawn? What attraction does the wilds have to the more civilized creatures?
Think the old hedgehog has too much time on his mind.
I think we are finding out that non-morph creatures are still around. By Annabelle's attitude, it seems that at least some Morphs relate to these creatures the way humans do. That is, that they are lesser beings than the Morphs are. Of course, dogs are carnivores, and it would be rather awkward to eat your equals. What is more problematic is how Rhene might relate to her direct anscestors. She could respect them, or she could be like us humans. We don't seem to have much respect for our simian relatives, do we? I think the attitude Morphs have towards their non-morph cousins varies from tribe to tribe.
As to the Morph gifts, those were given by a civilization that was very technologically advanced. Morphs have a long way to go before they could raise their fellow creatures. As far as Morphs losing their human-given gifts, I'd rather not think about that.
I don't know how many people here played the game (Inherit the Earth) but, I'm almost 100% certain I saw some non-morph rabbits or hares in some parts of the second half of the game...
If this were on an art site, right now the artist would be getting low marks for "inconsistencies" with his subject. Two weeks back, in the last panel, Annabelle removes her belt. Last week, she is drawn with the belt on, though never shown picking it up. (Illogical to remove the belt if she intends wearing it) This week's strip shows Annabelle without the belt as the garment hangs rather than gathered as it should when the belt is worn.
Though the artwork appears to be showing an inconsistency, the story is progressing very nicely. Thanks for supplying more background information for those, like the old hedgehog here, who have never played the game. I knew Rif and Prince had problems, (as noted in an earlier strip), but it is enlightening when such facts are given.
Please note that Annabelle had two *dresses* on when she walked into the room. She had a belt on the outer dress, and a belt on the inner dress. She did not remove the belt from the inner dress. You can clearly see in the previous strip that while she is wearing a belt, there is a second one lying on the bed. In the current strip, only her upper torso is showing, so her belt isn't depicted.
*ROFLMAO at current strip*
It would appear that Rif did not tell Rhene with entire story of his previous adventure. Or she became bored and told him to stop...
The old hedgehog here is laughing so hard he has to hunt and peck this message.
The strip for August 31 has got to be the funniest thing I have read. A guard that is almost blind? Sounds like you got this joke from Mel Brooks. As to the "disguise," that has to be the worst impersonnation ever conceived. Should I even list the problems? Rhea's ruse was like Danny Devito trying to convince everyone he was Arnold Swartzenager's twin. (Yeah, my spelling sucks sewer water) Great comedy, rotten drama.
Of course, I would love to know Prince's reaction to the incident. Can you say new ***** in the old harem?
Yes, it is a pretty outrageous plan. Of course, dogs do smell much better than they see. (My dog is losing her eyesight and she still gets around rather well.) If anything goes wrong, I think, it will be if the guard smells the powder on Rhene's face, or perhaps noticing the difference in height.
Annabelle will have a lot of explaining to do, but I'm sure she has it all figured out.
We'll get some drama in there too...
I do hope you keep that pirate lingoed strip. That had me laughing til tears ran down my face.
Still think our poodle could be in trouble. Too farfetched that Rhea could slip through the castle unseen and out the supposedly guarded gate. Would even be worse when Prince learns about the secret door. Wonder if the stone mason can fly? Wonder if our pooch king will question how some visitor, who is new to the castle, would know the exace place to go and which stone to remove. Prince should be howling mad!
I wouldn't want to be that poor door guard, that's certain. Sure was a nice fellow. I'm thinking that Annabelle will have a good excuse lined up when the time comes. Hopefully, she will be able to slip into the store room later and put the stone back into place before it is discovered. She may also have confederates who will take care of this for her. Who knows how deep the conspiracy is? That's a story in itself!
Quote from: AllieFiona on Sep 20, 2006, 10:21 AM
I wouldn't want to be that poor door guard, that's certain. Sure was a nice fellow. I'm thinking that Annabelle will have a good excuse lined up when the time comes. Hopefully, she will be able to slip into the store room later and put the stone back into place before it is discovered. She may also have confederates who will take care of this for her. Who knows how deep the conspiracy is? That's a story in itself!
That sounds like a good basis for a fan fiction. Too bad the site doesn't offer anything for such stories.
Quote from: cairn destop on Sep 21, 2006, 06:01 AM
That sounds like a good basis for a fan fiction. Too bad the site doesn't offer anything for such stories.
We don't have a contest for fan fiction right now, but they could change. Previous posted fiction would probably be eligible too.
It's The One Ring!!! :lol:
Don't know if this belongs in the art section or the story segment. Take a gander at the second panel. In this panel, both characters are looking at the reader. Isn't this shattering the fourth wall? I thought that was something best avoided.
Regarding the story itself, some interesting information there. So the morphs are something of a racist lot and interaction between species is more the exception than the rule. That should make for some strange political alliances. Am betting trechary is also quite common.
Don't know which science fiction writer said it, but s/he had a point. There can be but one dominant species on any world. Where two or more are senchent, (yeah, rotten speller), eventually there will be a war of annihillation.
Rhene and Elara are looking at each other in panel 2. It's just an odd situation because Elara has turned away from Rhene, and Rhene is trying to get Elara's attention back.
The Morph do tend to keep to their own species, although they do have celebrations were they mix together. Except for the rare inidviduals like Rif and Rhene (foxes in a ferret village) or Elara (a cat in a hare-managed sanctuary), a mixed village of Morphs has not been seen.
Also, small tribes usually are just large extended families. It is only when the population gets organized enough to become kingdoms or states that populations begin to mix. I personally think that Morph society is on the verge of transforming to such a society, but hasn't quite reached there yet. The transition is often traumatic. (At least in human society. Maybe Morphs will prove to be a little better at it.)
Okay, Rif has impressed me if he's that good of a tracker. Puzzles are one thing and require a bit of thought but tracking also involves some good senses as well. Maybe e's got some wolf in him...?
I think he's a fair to decent tracker. He is a fox, after all. He has good powers of deduction. On the other hand, I think we city folks just don't think along those lines. I also think Sandy (even though he is a wolf) has been kind of sloppy in his flight. He was obviously careless where he stepped, and didn't bother to hide his tracks.
Eeah may have been coaching him recently.
Is it not the case that the morphs' diets have evolved somewhat strangely? Elara apparently eats salmon, which would be peculiar for a normal rabbit. And as strangely in the opposite direction, Rhene has no inclination to hunt Elara herself. Exactly how do morph diets work?
Well, for one thing, Elara is a cat. I have never heard of a cat that didn't like fish.
I think Morph diets have evolved towards being omnivorous in many cases, particularly among natural meat eaters. That means eating non-meat products like bread and plant life. On the other hand, I also think that the Vegetarians did not embrace meat in the same way that the meat eaters embraced vegetables. It is not likely that the rabbits would enjoy the smoked fish that Elara had placed in Rhene's basket. That is not to say that they wouldn't prepare it in their kitchens for other morphs. Or perhaps trade for it to keep on hand for the travelers who pass through.
I do strongly believe that the morph would not eat each other. We saw how Rhene reacted when she suspected that the fox furs came from Morph. Annabelle assured her the idea was ridiculous.
QuoteWell, for one thing, Elara is a cat. I have never heard of a cat that didn't like fish.
Uh, sorry. I think it is the way her ears stick up that made me think she was a rabbit.
QuoteI do strongly believe that the morph would not eat each other.
This sounds like it is more aesthetic than dietary. Many people might find it hard to eat monkey or dolphin and not because they are toxic to us. Or is it more like a revulsion to cannabilism? If a mixed group of morphs were starving in the snow, would they eat other morphs before eating their own kind? Or are morph tribal differences only fur deep?
Hmmm. Since it is a village full of hares, I guess it could have been assumed that Elara was a hare too. I suppose I didn't make Elara cat-like enough.
In an interesting fashion comment, it should be noted that hares make ear-holes for their robes, while the rats seen earlier in the comic do not. Since Elara's Temple of the Orb is located at the hares' village, and the hares act as support providers (I wouldn't say servants) to Elara, they offered her clothing that is aligned with hares' sensibilities.
As far as cannibalism is concerned, I would assume that Morph would have the same aversion to eating other morph that most modern humans have to eating other humans, even though they originated from species that did eat each other. If they ended up like the Donner party of the 1800s (California pioneers who were reduced to cannibalism when they were trapped in a snowstorm), I think the story would be just as sensational as the human counterpart. I prefer to think survivors would eat whomever didn't survive, if they decided to turn to cannibalism. Maybe their anscestral forms would influence them a little. Maybe.
On Cat Hares:
Yeah, I think that's it. Take a look at the 10/17 strip and in particular the difference in ear-to-head size of the hares and the same on Elara - Elara's got a much shorter ratio. Also, in the long distance of the current strip, we can't see Elara's black whiskers and darker fur which set her apart from the hares (see 2/14 and 2/21 for close-ups of the hares - they apparently don't have whiskers or like arctic hares, they are white and too fine to see at this resolution):
On Donner:
There have been sorry times in our species' history when we treated different varieties of home sapiens as less than human and thus subject to barbarous treatment. Given the fairly low level of morph social development (clan/tribal), such behaviors would not be beyond the pall, particularly in extreme environments like starvation. One hopes that it is not a morph eat morph world. -_-
Now that was good. I thought the art work showing every bit of Sand'y's fur standing on end the best part of the picture. That kid is really frightened.
Of course, there's no real danger since the bear will be as intelligent as Sandy. Perhaps even more if the bear is an adult. (I keep remembering the bear merchant that would sell anything mounted on a stick.)
Do we know the bear is a Morph? If it is Morph, do we know that all morph bears are civilized? Maybe, as Bcates mentions, some Morph do eat other Morph? Hmmm... there's an idea. Let's up the ante a little bit.
Rif: And what exactly is it that you sell?
Bear Merchant: Sweets. Fruit on a stick, honey on a stick, honeyed fruits on a stick. If it's sweet and will fit on a stick, I'll sell it.
-_-
Well, Sandy could be in trouble either way. If it is animal bear, then it is not likely to hunt and eat something Sandy's size. But it may well attack a trespasser in its lair, particularly if there are cubs in there... mama bear will not be amused.
OTOH, if it is a morph bear, Sandy could make a fine set of meals over several days. Would the bear merchant sell Sandy on a Stick? <grins evilly> Then again, Sandy might be safe - he's not exactly what I would call "sweet".
So, for Sandy it may be dead either way, being eaten may just be a very odd form of afterlife. Somehow though, and for reasons that break the fourth wall, I expect he's not going to get "et by the bar" just yet.
I don't feel Sandy is in any real trouble with the bear. This could go in several directions. First, the bear could be friendly and team up with Sandy on his "adventure". If the bear was more animal then morph, Sandy may end up using the bear for transportation and ride him through the woods. Second, the bear could be angry with Sandy being in his cave and chase him of of the cave. Sandy runs off and leads the bear into the group that is looking for him. The bear then chases off the others. Third, the bear could try selling "sweet on a stick" to Sandy. (and NO, not like, "Want a piece of candy?" That is just WRONG!)
I perfer that the first scene to happen. I little wolf cub taming a big bear would turn a few furry heads. ^_^
Stewpot? Am wondering if our artist / writers are having fun with us readers as this week is Thanksgiving, which means a lot of cooking.
Don't know why, but this bear reminded me of the pomeranian on steroids. She had that teddy-bear look that conflicts with her comments. A special word of praise for the artist who did Sandy. I do believe you have really captured his fear. I even noted the one panel where Sandy had his tail tucked betwixt his legs.
Quote from: Timmie on Nov 18, 2006, 03:23 PM
I don't feel Sandy is in any real trouble with the bear. This could go in several directions. First, the bear could be friendly and team up with Sandy on his "adventure".
Yeah, and the history of literature is filled with safe, cozy stories with happy endings. Sandy has made a rather bad mistake, a mistake which in reality could have proved fatal. I'm not saying that the bear should off Sandy, but I am saying that avoiding the "who's been sleeping in my bed" issue reeks of bedtime story cuteness. Perhaps Sandy will get some sort of fine or duty for tresspassing.
How would you feel if you came home and some stranger was sleeping in your house?
I think even morph bears can be very grumpy when you invade their den. Bears often look cute (Just check out any of those polar bear calendars and greeting cards), but they are formidable beasts. If it were early spring it would probably be all over for Sandy. As it is, it looks like Sandy is in very hot water.
I do believe Rif knows nothing about rabbits. I checked out the thumbnailed pictures of the three rabbits and I don't see anything "meek" about them. Of course the old hedgehog here could be wrong since the text of that drawing has them identified as hares. Reminds me of the same thing happening in a Redwall story where the hare was compared to a rabbit and took exception.
Are you sure he's referring to morph rabbits?
Not that there is anything wrong with being a rabbit -_-
The morph hares refer to themselves as hares (not rabbits). However, Morphs are not immune from stereotyping. It is unclear whether Rif is refering to Morph or animals, but he is refering to a stereotype nontheless.
By the way, my high school's mascot was the jackrabbit. It has produced the top rated football team in the nation for more than a decade, and has graduated more famous atheletes than any other high school in the U.S.
google "Long Beach Poly High" to find out more.
Perhaps you should have a copy of "Watership Down" on a table or something next time we see Elara.
Quote from: AllieFiona on Dec 07, 2006, 03:44 PM
However, Morphs are not immune from stereotyping.
We seem to be seeing another case of such animosity between the goat and Rhea. This is also an excellent example of the written word being insufficient. I can give the unknown goat three different vocal inflections and each will have a diffent meaning that ranges from the overt curiousity to downright insulting.
Seems even the ferrets are not immune to such prejudices. Makes me wonder why our two characters remain in the village. Again, dependent on voice inflections, the ferrets either tolerate or loathe their fox "guests."
The ram does seem a little bit irascible, but if you encounter the ram at the fair in the game, you'll find him just as grumpy. I think they have short fuses. Or maybe just a gruff manner. They are rams, after all.
As far as the ferrets are concerned, I don't think they are terribly troubled by Rif and Rhene's residence in their village.
Quote from: AllieFiona on Nov 22, 2005, 05:20 PM
QuoteI noticed all the characters walk on the balls of their feet. Even when standing still, the drawings give the impression that the heels never touch the ground.
Evidently, humans gave morphs hands (and shorter arms) but neglected to adapt their legs to comfortable upright motion. As most 4 legged creatures do, the morphs walk on their toes. What long-term effect this has on their posture and joint health has never been studied. I would assume that standing in one place would be hard on the ankles, knee and hip muscles, as they can't lock and balance them like we can.
Actually, I have long suspected that this method of walking/standing would actually be beneficial rather than detrimental.
Look at how you walk right now. With every step you take, the shock of the impact of your foot on the ground sends the vibrations up through your bones, joints, etc. Now try to walk like the animals do. Bend your leg slightly and walk on the balls of your feet. You'll notice that with every step, the shock is absorbed by your calf muscles rather than by your bones and joints.
The downfall to this method of posture is that us humans are so used to walking with straight legs, we can't stand or walk with bent legs very long, because our calf muscles get tired out quickly. But I think that if we learned to walk like this from birth, we would not only have much stronger calf muscles, but this would actually eliminate, or at least vastly reduce, arthritis in the knees as well as hip and back problems. Though on the flip side, if we walked like the morphs do from birth, we'd be unable to walk normally without hurting our achilles tendons because they wouldn't be used to stretching as far as they do now.
My husband walks on the balls of his feet. He's done so all his life (he had to wear special shoes as a toddler because he walked on his toes). His feet are like rocks; there is no flex to them. They are also extremely sensitive to pressure. So far, no knee or hip problems but his feet and ankles give him a lot of grief.
Anthropologists claim that our human legs are structured like they are because it was the best evolutionary development for bipedal motion. Resting on our ankles gives us the best balance, while the long leg bones give us a bigger stide, saving energy. The S-curves in our backs also help with balance, but we pay for it with back problems.
Has anyone noticed that the character depicted in Sandy's mind is attired in a similar style? Although I cannot be certain of the species, (otter? -- ferret? -- other?), I am certain it's not a wolf. Wondering if there was a falling out among thieves and Sandy wound up on the loosing side.
Wow Allie, I thought there would be some detriment to walking like the morphs do, but I had absolutely no idea that it would be that bad.
What if we walk like humans from birth, but then later in our lives learn to walk like morphs as well. I wonder if practicing both methods of walk and interchanging them back and forth would reap the benefits of both worlds without the hardships that go with either one.
That is an interesting observation, cairn. I wonder if perhaps he was betrayed by a member of his own tribe or family. Although there being an otter or similar creature after him would throw that idea out the window.
I don't think walking like Morphs later in life would work out. I think my husband's feet are messed up because there is a lot of strain put on the little muscles in the feet, strain that should be supported by the larger thigh and calf muscles. We humans don't have the luxury of shifting our weight between 4 limbs. That means all of our weight is being supported by one foot or the other when we walk. The heel and toe arrangement we have now is probably optimal. Most of the weight rests directly on a large bone, which takes the shock of placing the foot down. The arched foot-bones lend strength to the foot. The toes are laid out flat, but flex upward easily to allow the foot to rock from back to front and provide a push-off in a way that conserves energy.
When I walk on my toes for a while, I notice that not only my feet ache, but the muscles in my calves get sore. My ankle tend to wobble, exposing a weakness in design that would get me in a lot of trouble if I was running from a predator. Trying to walk on the toes of our current limb design would be pretty disasterous in the long run.
If we had legs like the morph, we wouldn't have ankle problems but I think the problems I mentioned in an earlier reply would plague us. We would also have no choice but to walk on our toes, so we couldn't switch back and forth. Morphs' heels are where our knees are!
A comment made by Rif last week has had me a bit confused. Rif tells Sandy the next creature he runs into might think him a tasty meal. This infers the morphs compete in the same way as they do in nature. Makes you wonder how some species manage to remain on friendly terms. Foxes eat rats and hares. Dogs eat hares and kill foxes. Seems intelligence didn't remove that tendency.
One last comment about that strip. Check out Sandy's expression. Some of the best artwork is in those expressive eyes.
Most of the tribes derived from carnivorous animals either live in or near the Wild Lands. This reduces "survival competition" in the Known Lands. Even so, the Boars and Elks are not exactly on friendly terms, and neither of them are carnivores. (Yes, boars are omnivores. I mean "not pure carnivores.") The Boars and Elks are both warrior tribes though.
Perhaps Rif is exaggerating the danger.
Rif exaggerate? Never! :rolleyes:
My impression is that Rif was speaking factual. Consider that the bear had every intention of literally having Sandy for dinner. She also tried killing Rif in their contest. Think this society has more dangers from species dominance than we humans have with racial dominance. I may have noted this earlier, but there was a science fiction writer who wrote that no two races can ever meet without one destroying the other. Should they be confined to the same space, one will remove the other through extermination.
Though the advertisement is comical, the facts behind it might give pause. How many cavemen do we see? The Neanderthals were exterminated because homosapian competed for the same resources. Think somethin on that line might become worthy of a fan fiction.
Regarding the strip for 3/13/2007:
Methinks the author's logic is both good and flawed. Rif's reasoning that the box would open on all zeros because it looks like an egg makes sense. However, good his logic, the reality is different. Based on the picture, there were three wheels, which means 1,000 possible combinations. Since the manufacturer sets the boxes with different codes and there are instructions regarding changing the original combination, the solution is illogical. What is to say the human who used that box didn't use a special number, (social security, phone, employee, address), that would be easy for him to remember? Of course, with sufficient time, the box could be opened.
This is actually a comment on how many security devices are set by default to some easy "password." The user is expected (but many times doesn't) change this to a more secure password. This box was probably set by default to 000, and the code was never set to another value. If you don't know that 000 is a likely default, that might still be a good code -_-
I have 3 suitcases that came from the manufacturer set at 000, and I never bothered to reset them. (What's the point when the department of homeland security will break your luggage when it cannot easily open it?) I have also bought several little combo locks in the last few years, and they were all initially set to 000. I only reset them when I started to use them. Who's to say that the sextant was ever used before morphs had it?
I read a safe-cracking article a while back that said that a very high percentage of consumers do not reset their locks after they buy them.
Quote from: AllieFiona on Feb 27, 2007, 05:34 PM
I don't think walking like Morphs later in life would work out. I think my husband's feet are messed up because there is a lot of strain put on the little muscles in the feet, strain that should be supported by the larger thigh and calf muscles. We humans don't have the luxury of shifting our weight between 4 limbs. That means all of our weight is being supported by one foot or the other when we walk. The heel and toe arrangement we have now is probably optimal. Most of the weight rests directly on a large bone, which takes the shock of placing the foot down. The arched foot-bones lend strength to the foot. The toes are laid out flat, but flex upward easily to allow the foot to rock from back to front and provide a push-off in a way that conserves energy.
When I walk on my toes for a while, I notice that not only my feet ache, but the muscles in my calves get sore. My ankle tend to wobble, exposing a weakness in design that would get me in a lot of trouble if I was running from a predator. Trying to walk on the toes of our current limb design would be pretty disasterous in the long run.
If we had legs like the morph, we wouldn't have ankle problems but I think the problems I mentioned in an earlier reply would plague us. We would also have no choice but to walk on our toes, so we couldn't switch back and forth. Morphs' heels are where our knees are!
Wow, you make a very good argument. Deep conversation such as this is hard to come by with most of the people I talk to. xD
That line about "keep your fur on" sounded so funny since it cannot be removed. However, I do see the need for similar lines within the story. Can remember using such in my fan fictions on another site and those proved a lot of fun since you're trying to change a common line to one that meets the animalistic characteristics of the story's inhabitants.
puts a real kink in my tail = you're getting on my nerves.
a burr in my fur = you're being a pain in the butt
has my hackles raised = You're ticking me off
Bet others can come up with similar animal analogies.
wagging along = happy as a jay bird
he's so tall-tailed = that guy is really stuck-up / or so full of himself
stop being omega = don't be such a crybaby
try chewing a cud = relax / take a chill pill
sent my ears a twitching = my ears were burning (about gossiping)
I like to add appropriate phrases when I can. The one I like best was in the rats' cave when Scorry said humans made "litters and litters" of puzzle boxes.
So bears are never friendly. At least this one. All s/he wants to do is fight. First it was Sandy, as I cannot imagine the wolf going into the stewpot without some token resistance. Next came Rif, though in the bear's defense, the fox was the antagonist. Now we have Rhea. I'll give her some points for offering the bear a non-confrontational option. I may even conceed that the bear is most likely ticked-off with foxes in general after meeting Rif.
That said, would think the best option is the flight option.
Maybe she's just irritated that all these strangers keep barging into her house.
The strip for this week was comical. Don't know why, but it reminded me of the show "Married With Children." The scene it drew to mind is where Bud, sporting a black eye, rumpled clothing and moving in obvious pain, is entertaining a lady guest.
Lady: Oh you showed such restraint, Bud. Thanks for not hurting my ex boyfriend.
Bud: No problem, though you do realize I know fifty ways to kill a man from the fetal position
Regarding the strip dated 5/15/2007, why do I want to add the following text to "mamma bear?"
. . . said the spider to the fly.
My feeling is that this bear is about as trustworthy as a politician on the campaign trail. Reminding me of another comic's reply:
RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY!
The strip for July 3, 2007 was never posted. Understandable with the holidays. We also didn't get a new artwork on Friday, July 6, 2007.
Any chance of a double header tomorrow? Two strips instead of one?
As to artwork, will be most curious if our artist is superstitious as this Friday is the 13th.
It was a very busy weekend and holiday, so just one strip tomorrow. Sorry.
Friday the 13th is a lucky day. My dad was born on a Friday the 13th.
Looking at the strip for today my first reaction is that somebody has been heavily influenced by the roadrunner cartoons. The expression is a direct lift-off of Wilis Coyote as he steps off the cliff. Bet there's a tree limb conveniently placed to snag a cape.
As for Sandy, I thank your storyboard editor for keeping his expressions and his actions those of an imature child. Makes their relationship more interesting.
Oh yes, Friday the 13th has been most lucky for me too in the past. I wound up winning $95 on the poker tables in Atlantic City that day, so you know I love Friday the 13ths.
I just realized something. Sandy is acting out of character. He should be very happy Rif went over the cliff. Rif wasn't carrying the sextant, so now Sandy has what he wanted and can go on his way without any concern for Rif's fate.
Isn't Sandy a :wacko:
Quote from: cairn destop on Jul 19, 2007, 11:11 AM
Isn't Sandy a :wacko:
Sandy is a more complicated character than that...
Notice that Sandy didn't say "Oh, poor Rif", or "Oh no, what have I done".
Now there's a cub who's been spared too many spankings, alright, LOL
If you read an earlier post I did, you know I predicted the convenient branch. Am glad the cartoonish approach of the cape catching the limb wasn't used.
Sandy's surprise was nice and his "what'll I do" response was in character with him being a kid. Thought Rif's slow boil in the last frame good. Of course this would be a great time for Sandy to negotiate the ownership of the sextant.
Didn't see anything below Rif that could save him, so there is only one possible alternative. Rhea will saunter in, look over the cliff and say: (pick one)
1 - I leave you two males alone and look what kind of trouble you cause.
2 - Would you need any help?
3 - You know you wouldn't be in this situation if I were here.
4 - Now where did I pack that rope? (fumbles in backpack for a minimum of two frames)
5 - I got some rope if you think it would help.
My favorite would be #4, but I'm expecting #2. Once Rif is safe, she'll use #3.
Odd that the critters coming out of the bush in today's strip, (10/3/2007), don't appear to be of the morph. Of course, since Sandy didn't hang around, there is no way to either confirm or deny that impression.
Remember that the poodle in the Dog Castle is wearing furs... when Rhene asks her if they're Morph skins, the poodle says that it's from unmorphed "fox creatures". So it does look like there are unmorphed animals (perhaps even the majority of animals are unmorphed, but as they're not characters and/or don't contribute to the plot, they get left out). That makes ecological sense, seeing as the Morph don't seem to prey on other Morph (unlike one webcomic I could mention).
There are non-Morph squirrels in the original game -- they appear in some forest clearings when Kylas Honeyfoot is not there.
Oh ja, them. . . but since there is also a reference to unmorphed foxes in the cartoon, I take it that all Morph (sub?)species have unmorphed equivalents? (But not every unmorphed animal species necessarily has a Morph equivalent.)
Or am I extrapolating too far now - are there some Morph kinds that no longer possess unmorphed variants?
Before I do things like some of the Star Wars Expanded Universe writers, who go off on a tangent and write stuff that contradicts canon facts...
New comic: ja you see, Sandy? You asked for it, you got it. I like his expression in panel 3, you can almost feel sorry for him.
What I'm wondering is, what is he running to/from that he doesn't even want to let Rif into his confidence when he has every indication that Rif's only there to help? I'm thinking, either Sandy's just plain a fickle and self-centered individual, or something extremely unpleasant is after him...
Quote from: WolfieInu on Oct 10, 2007, 09:15 AM
either Sandy's just plain a fickle and self-centered individual, or something extremely unpleasant is after him...
Or both.
Wat 'n idee... perhaps the otter who's chasing him has a good motive, then ;)
Otter: "Just trying to remove a pest from the surface of the Earth, Mr. Rif."
Rif: "What, Sandy?"
Otter: "Yes."
Rif: "But, why?"
Otter: "Eugenics."
Rif: "Go ahead..."
Thanks to this week's strip, had to do a modification to my soon-to-be posted story about Sandy's pre-history. (Hoping I can post that in another 9 hours.) Am also wishing the caption contest was still running. The last panel would have Rif saying "Take one giant step forward." That look on the fox's face is priceless. A tip of the old fedora to the artist for that one.
Now I didn't want to be a thread (hedge)hog, but I do have a question about the previous week's strip. Is Rif's foot injured or sore?
Oh yes, and how many noticed the pictograms on the wall? Looks like two humans, one in the rain and one dry. (Look over Sandy's head.) Can make out another by Rif's foot, but not sure if that isn't a repeat of the same etching.
Ah, the rock carvings. Here's a little mystery. Those aren't rain clouds depicted on the cliff wall. Can anyone out there tell us where they've been seen before?
Oh, ja, the giant protozoan... AGAIN!
I noticed the pictograms once while re-reading the comics for the 50th time. Three of them actually look like Rif, Okk and Eeah...
The carvings can't have been by Rats, for one thing. They look totally different from the paintings at the start of the game. In other words, those protozoan-stuff can't have been a mistake by the Rats. Thus, they must have been real... goodbye, all my favourite fan theories! ;)
Quote from: AllieFiona on Oct 26, 2007, 12:09 AM
Ah, the rock carvings. Here's a little mystery. Those aren't rain clouds depicted on the cliff wall. Can anyone out there tell us where they've been seen before?
Thought at first it was on the building where the Orb was guarded by the hares. Then I thought of the rats. Finally, I went to the dog castle. Didn't see it at any of these places. As to the "rain," I must admit my first impression was an artist effect for texture and dimension.
While we're discussing earlier strips, when will Elara reveal what she knows about Sandy?
Quote from: cairn destop on Oct 26, 2007, 06:09 AM
While we're discussing earlier strips, when will Elara reveal what she knows about Sandy?
http://www.inherittheearth.net/comic.shtml?0076
Maybe there was a rockfall or a mudslide?
QuoteThought at first it was on the building where the Orb was guarded by the hares. Then I thought of the rats. Finally, I went to the dog castle. Didn't see it at any of these places.
The 'rain cloud' was in a cave painting for the opening scene of the game. According to the cave painting, it chased away the Humans or something... (while you see that specific painting, the Rat who's reciting an ancient poem says, 'and we wonder, why did they leave..?')
The cliff is the only place the 'rain cloud' has been seen in the comic as far as I know, seeing as the Orb temple would be too new, the Rats' place made of steel or ceramic or something, and the Dog Castle made of bricks, which would make it hard for carving.
By the way - how come Rif can't climb mountains in the game (oh, boy, did that cause frustration -_-!) but suddenly he can?
That specific mountain was easy to climb, yes, but how did it suddenly crop up?
Or, if its deeper into the Wild Lands, how did he get there without going through the only pass in the mountains: the Dog Castle?
After confering with Joe, I've learned that the passage guarded by the Dogs is the only easy path into the Wild
Lands from the south.
Mama Bear's cave is close to the border of the Wild lands. Getting to the heart pf it (as we've seen Rif and Sandy attempt to do) is not so easy.
Wish Rif was in the mood to hike in the game ;). Then again, the game would be much shorter...
Acutally, I'm glad he was too lazy.
So the only place this particular pictograph appears is in the game. Hedgehog feels like he was asked a question that couldn't be answered unless he had the game. Most diabolical, and a sneeky way of getting in a plug for the game.
The comment about them not being rain clouds has me wondering what it could be, but not that curious to delve into that mystery just yet.
I don't think anyone knows what it is, for that matter - except, of course, our friends the game developers...
It looks like a giant protozoan, though. By the way, the opening scene should be included in the demo, so you don't need to buy the game for that.
Is Momma Bear trying to tell us something? I must admit that I don't know what the relationship is between Rif and Rhea. Are they related or mated? If they are mated, is it possible that Rhea was in heat and Momma Bear is aware?
Seeing as there was a love scene at the end of the game, with Rhene telling Rif how much he's her hero and such, I expect they've mated in the meantime... :o
Oh, no! Are Mamma Bear and Rhene going to go traipsing all the way back to the bush where Sandy stopped and then follow the tracks back up again? I only takes them five minutes, but its going to take us two or three weeks...!
I wonder how they'll go down the cliff if they figure out what Rif and Sandy did. I don't recall them bringing a rope...
Your previous post, sister mine: methinks you're too young for that kind of speculation. 8)
To the contrary, that was a valid observation. Thing is, if somebody is good at tracking, they should see Sandy left two sets of tracks to the rock and two sets from the rock. That would indicate Sandy left and returned to that rock. Am willing to bet that they will see hemp fibers and deduce that both fox and wolf cub went over the side. Question to answer is how one gets from the clifftop to the path?
(Cue Momma Bear)
QuoteQuestion to answer is how one gets from the clifftop to the path?
My point exactly. They haven't made the rope that can support Momma Bear! ;)
QuoteYour previous post, sister mine: methinks you're too young for that kind of speculation. :mellow:
I think he meant my post about Rhene and Rif.
By the way, I noticed Rif and Sandy's blankets (and some kind of bottle) had been left at the top of the cliff. Makes me think about how much Sandy really knows; why would he leave conveniently-placed food behind when he tried to run away?
The blanket and lantern are Rhene's. Sometimes it is a good idea to put all your stuff down before looking over the edge of a cliff.
Oh crud. Oh, this is not good. It seems as though the Otter must be after something to do with Elara - perhaps, the Orb of Storms...
Today's strip with Mamma Bear capturing the tag-along otter opens a whole new storyline. Does the fellow act nice and lie like a rug, or does he try coming across as a concerned elder for a lost cub put under his care? So many ways to play the upcoming weeks as they travel to the river.
Oh yes, a five-star groaner for the "fishy" line. I do love those puns.
Oh, boy. Thanks for giving it away, Rhene. :rolleyes: Now what?
Quote from: Oxanna on Nov 15, 2007, 09:01 PM
Seeing as there was a love scene at the end of the game, with Rhene telling Rif how much he's her hero and such, I expect they've mated in the meantime... :o
Ooh, did this familly game and comic just go XXX? I don't care, infact, I always wished ItE would have more mature themes. Damn those idiots at New World Computing for making them stop that... But I like that idea with Rif and Rhene, because I'm a sic perv. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Marcus Wulf on Dec 27, 2007, 08:51 PM
Quote from: Oxanna on Nov 15, 2007, 09:01 PM
Seeing as there was a love scene at the end of the game, with Rhene telling Rif how much he's her hero and such, I expect they've mated in the meantime... :o
Ooh, did this familly game and comic just go XXX? I don't care, infact, I always wished ItE would have more mature themes. Damn those idiots at New World Computing for making them stop that... But I like that idea with Rif and Rhene, because I'm a sic perv. :rolleyes:
There is a difference between maturity and XXX. Love and sex are normal, otherwise, where did the young come from? If you treat it properly, you can present it in an appropriate manner. For example, I had a love scene with two of my characters where the last line went "The two went to their bedroom and he took her as a husband does a wife." We all know what happened, but this remained dignified and proper.
Were I to go to the XXX, the next few paragraphs would describe the act, which would have added nothing to the quality of the story I wrote. Even the puritanical mindset of the 1950's allowed Lucy to appear pregnant, which was despite separate beds in the show. So the "normal" aspects of life can be shown without it becoming an opportunity for the author to engage in something gross or vulgar.
Ah, true. Btw, I think we should all stay clear from that topic on this forum. Let's hope WyrmMaster doesn't see our posts.
WyrmMaster: :o :angry:
Quote from: Marcus Wulf on Dec 29, 2007, 01:37 AM
Ah, true. Btw, I think we should all stay clear from that topic on this forum. Let's hope WyrmMaster doesn't see our posts.
WyrmMaster: :o :angry:
WyrmMaster peeks into forum.
Quote from: WyrmMaster on Dec 29, 2007, 01:51 AM
Quote from: Marcus Wulf on Dec 29, 2007, 01:37 AM
Ah, true. Btw, I think we should all stay clear from that topic on this forum. Let's hope WyrmMaster doesn't see our posts.
WyrmMaster: :o :angry:
WyrmMaster peeks into forum.
*Big sweat drop* Marcus runs away.
(Ralph Wiggum off Simpsons sees forum) Ralph: Where do babies come from?
WyrmMaster: *sweatdrop* Er, heres a lollypop...
And in the spirit of this topic:
I must admit that I thought that Momma Bear needed a new brain. Am so glad she is more realistic than the dunce she acted like when she trusted the otter. Nice seeing she has a bit more savy than I thought. Will be looking forward to her playing a more powerful role in this story thread.
One note to the author/artist. Beware, you could inadvertantly subordinate the primary character if Momma Bear becomes too powerful.
Looks like she will need a new brain after this mishap. Evidently, she is not accustomed to dealing with Morph that have no honor.
Aha, the plot thickens... are we about to get some info on Sandy? Or is it just a passing thought...
BTW, I like the way Sandy was illustrated in the last panel: he looks determined and experienced, you can see the wolf within the cub if I can put it that way :)
Okay, score a point for the old hedgehog. The otter knows what was inside the "puzzle box," which makes me think Sandy and the otter have something in common, besides similar attire.
I think we're beginning to see why Sandy is so afraid of the otter, too.
Yes, he looks unscrupulous. I just hope Rhene hasn't made a mistake by revealing she knows what's in the box.
Just one nit to today's cartoon. If you notice, the otter tries silencing Rhea by placing his paw across her mouth, like one would do to a human. Because of the basic animal structure, this would have no affect since the mouth opens on the sides, not the front. The otter's paw should be grasping the lady's muzzle from the side, holding her jaws shut. As drawn, all Rhea is getting is a bruised nose.
Yeah, I know the litney. (It's only a cartoon, it's only a cartoon, . . . ) :mellow:
I think a paw on her nose and a knife at her throat is sufficient to keep her quiet. N'est pas?
Quote from: cairn destop on Mar 04, 2008, 05:10 PM
Just one nit to today's cartoon. If you notice, the otter tries silencing Rhea by placing his paw across her mouth, like one would do to a human.
I don't think most readers pay attention to this sort of detail. I know I don't. I tend to look at the artwork in general, myself.
I don't usually comment on comic art but when looking at your characters and the quality of your artwork in other respects (e.g. your backgrounds and your ability to draw characters consistantly from any angle), the appearance of the foxes doesn't fit. The eyes of the foxes are very flat and two-dimensional. Look back a couple of strips and compare Riff's eyes with those of the little wolf. There isn't much perspective in the foxs' heads either. Compare Rheen's appearance with that of the otter. That's a very convincing otter but Rheen looks like a quick sketch. Her mouth doesn't make visual sense in the closeup. Time for style change, perhaps?
Lym
I based the foxes on the original game portraits and characters and the artist concept sketches done before and after. (Note how cartoonish Scorry the rat is also) In fact, I have tried to keep Rif and Rhene in the spirit of Lisa Sample's excellent original line drawing renditions, yet still put a little of my own style into them as well. I admit that their features have smoothed out a bit, and Rhene's eyes have grown bigger and nose a bit shorter to differentiate her from Rif. Characters that were not in the original game art, have been based more on animal photos than on the game style. If you read Scott McCloud's "Understanding Comics" you will find that comic strip artists have often made the main characters more cartoonish than the rest (Dave Sim's "Cerebus the Aardvark" series is an extreme example). It has something to do with having the reader identify more with the main characters. It makes sense the way he tells it. You'll note that Mama Bear, who has also become a main character, has developed a less realistic look as well.
I felt a couple of months ago that Sandy was losing his wolf-like appearance so started bringing back a few features that made him more realistic. If more readers object to the way Rif and Rhene look, I could add a few touches to them as well, though I am certainly not going to change their overall appearance, as their look has been established for years now.
Quote from: AllieFiona on Mar 09, 2008, 04:41 PM
If more readers object to the way Rif and Rhene look, I could add a few touches to them as well, though I am certainly not going to change their overall appearance, as their look has been established for years now.
I don't think it's so much an "objection" as it is a question. As noted earlier, your detailed backgrounds and the depth of the other characters is exceptional. We were just wondering why you seemed to downplay the artistic perspectives of the two main characters. That you have explained as stylistic. You even back up such a style with valid examples. That should render the debate moot. The decision regarding the amount of details, or their lack, is entirely yours.
Quote from: cairn destop on Mar 11, 2008, 07:32 AM
I don't think it's so much an "objection" as it is a question. As noted earlier, your detailed backgrounds and the depth of the other characters is exceptional. We were just wondering why you seemed to downplay the artistic perspectives of the two main characters. That you have explained as stylistic. You even back up such a style with valid examples. That should render the debate moot. The decision regarding the amount of details, or their lack, is entirely yours.
No, it wasn't an objection; it was more of an observation. I know of the style you're referring to and the old underground comic, "The Adventures of the Little Green Dinosaur" is what came to mind when you mentioned it. But in these comics the backgrounds are based on reality (e.g., the other characters are human), while the main character is something unrealistic and often ridiculous (such as a little green dinosaur) that clearly isn't a part of the world around him. "Mallard Fillmore" and "Opus" make effective use of this method. By using a cartoon as the main character the cartoonist allows us to step away from "reality" and see the human situation as it might be seen by a little gray alien fresh off the UFO. However, this method doesn't fit your comic (in my opinion) because your story is a fantasy adventure and not social commentary. All of the other characters are imaginary and your main characters are clearly a part of the world around them. They certainly aren't ridiculous.
But as Cairn said, it's your comic and your choice as to how to handle it. It's a favorite of mine, along with Faux Pas, both of which are clean and relatively non-violent.
Lym
QuoteIt's a favorite of mine, along with Faux Pas, both of which are clean and relatively non-violent.
Faux pas is my favorite too ! -_-
I like this week's cartoon, not least because Rhene is slightly more realistic (I think I hear someone saying, "et tu, Wolfie?" -_-)
But ja, the characters are very expressive in this one. Especially Rhene's ears when she hits the deck... ^_^
And in the 3rd panel, where she's like, "If I ever get loose. You. Are. Dead."...
Three years?
Congratulations on that milestone. Best of luck to your cartoonist and even more success with the game.
Greetings! I just found out about this site having dug up my old copy of the ITE CD and checked to see if the game website still worked.
I've spent the afternoon getting caught up on the comic, and there is one question I've had since the start of this story. Rif and Rhene are living in the ferret village. Can anyone tell me why, and why they haven't returned to the fox tribe?
I never actually completed the game (though after dusting it off I hope to have another shot at it), so if the answer was there, I haven't gotten to it yet. :3
..Riff
I'll see if I can persuade Rif or Rhene to tell us why they set up housekeeping there. Stay tuned.
Sandy asks a similar question in strip 33 (http://www.inherittheearth.net/comic.shtml?0033) ("Not Here, Not There"). We haven't forgotten -_-
Today's strip was a classic parent trap. Kid asks mother question and mother tells kid daddy will explain it. Kid asks daddy question and father sends him back to mother. In computerise, it is also known by the term "endless loop." If the parents are lucky, the kid becomes so dizzy running back and forth he gives up and remains ignorant.
Don't think our hero is going to be that lucky.
You're such a tease. :3
But anyway. I completed the game finally, so I have a good idea why they're living with ferrets - question yet remains why they didn't go back home. On that note, where *is* the fox tribe anyway? Seeing as how they traveled for three days to get to the faire, it could possibly be beyond the maps for the game.
Perhaps they're just staying awhile until they're ready to make that journey again. (Ten months is a long "awhile" though)
For those, like me, who never played the game, this is a big revelation. Do wonder if this will have any impact on the game's sales now that the ending has been exposed.
Just one observation. In the second frame, the fox looks like he has aged twenty years. His "youth" returns in the other frames. At least that was my first impression when I saw it.
I doubt that revealing little tidbits from the game will have any significant affect on sales, which is fairly light anyway.
To answer your question mildly and not reveal anything major. Rif and Rhene stay with the ferrets because Rif is an member of their building guild and therefore given the right to stay with them. It's already well known at the beginning of the game that Rif and Rhene both left the fox tribe to explore on their own. =^^=
Where is the Fox tribe? They're Nomads, the book explains this. They move from place to place like Gypsys, stopping in towns to supply themselves, entertain the masses, and then leave... Okk's fellow boar's like to refer to foxes as nothing but thieves and liars, so many also see them as untrustworthy.
I hope that answers your questions Riff. =^^=
~ Allester E. Darkflame
Even though the Foxes are nomads, they do have a home territory. I currently place it in the southwestern corner of the island, on the other side of the Elk's forest.
Two comments to make. First is the nice bit of back history. Enough to entice and yet not enough to reveal. Momma bear looks nice in her bandages.
Second comment is referring to the previous comment by our host. Didn't know this took place on an island. For some reason, I pictured this location as somewhere in the western section of Washington State. Nothing I can point to with certaincy, just my feeling. That "feeling" also explains why the fan fiction I'm doing mentions the area around Seattle and Vancouver.
Quote from: cairn destop on May 20, 2008, 10:43 PM
First is the nice bit of back history. Enough to entice and yet not enough to reveal.
We will be revealing a little bit more as we answer Mama Bear's question, " How did that happen?"
Since I haven't played the game, getting this back history is going to be a nice way of learning about the character's background. Thing I wonder is how much insight our vixen lady could possibly have. As a captive, her only knowledge is going to be regarding her accomidations. Kind of like her telling us the tower was boring. So unless you intend interweaving things she learned from Rif after the fact, I'm curious knowing how much insight she could offer.
Actually, you have about 90% of the story in that one strip. The Orb of Storms was stolen and Rif was accused simply because he was a fox. I guess even the Morphs aren't immune to racism (specism? Morphism?). Rif wasn't able to convince the Boars and the Elk that he didn't steal the Orb but he convinced them that he was the best Morph to recover it. The rest of the game is mostly puzzles and problem solving with very little violence. It's a shame there aren't more like it. So why have you never played it?
Heh, but see the point of the game is the characters not the story. In fact you learn a lot about the world and the characters since the story is mostly thrust at you. I do wish there was a bit more information about what the raccoon was going to do with the Orb of Storms. I figured it had to do with the weather, but now where did he learn to use the Orb like that? Where did he come from? Sooooo many plot holes I could fly a squadron of B52 Bombers through it and never hit the sides. Here's hoping #2 has much more story and explination. =^^=
~ Allester E. Darkflame
Quote from: Allester on Jun 03, 2008, 07:54 AM
Where did he come from?
Sist mentions that the Raccoon tribe is on another island: "Most of the Raccoons have settled on an island far to the north of the Known Lands." I take this as being an island even farther north than the "North Island."
Not knowing where to put this, I'll add it here. Just learned of the planned nuptuals and the old hedgehog will extend his best wisher.
I'll leave you with the toast I delivered as the best man at my friend's wedding --- May you find your time together filled with timeless moments.
Well at least I got one thing right in my fan fiction. If what Rhea said is accurate, the various morph species do not trust each other. Makes you wonder why. Is it just between certain species that were once predator and prey, or is it with every species because of a desire for dominance? Even more interesting is knowing how stable the current peace is. Am thinking that might be the storyline behind this retrospective tale.
Seeing that we humans have such a hard time keeping peace just within our own species, it's amazing that all the different morph species get along as well as they do. Maybe whoever gave them their minds and hands also figured out a way to overcome their natural antagonisms. Or maybe they have arrived at a peace after many years of fighting. Perhaps when life was abundant (as it has been for a while) they have little reason to fight. The environment seems to be changing now. We'll see how things hold up.
Just curious, but is the strip for this week contrary to the game? Though I haven't played the game, I do understand that Rif is hunting for the thief and Rhea is being held hostage. Once they were separated, did they ever meet again? If not, then this could be a logic error. If Rif does see her while at the boar King's residence, than it is my mistake for not having played the game.
Of course this could all be moot if the fox depicted is somebody other than Rif. Answers coming on the 29th?
Rif and Rhene do meet in the Boar Castle in the game. This little sequence tells her side of the story.
Is there a logic error in today's strip? I think so.
The meeting between the one boar and the wolf was clandestined, so only he should have known about the missing ring. I can accept the idea that only his henchmen participated in the search, but if they suspected Rhea, they should have found the ring. Considering that Rhea could only have been in one of four places: her cell, the boar's room, along the path to the mud pit, and the mud pit.
Even if nobody searched for the ring in the indoor waller, somebody would eventually step on it. And even more important, wouldn't whatever plan the conspiritors had have already failed due to the passage of time? The wolf inferred that the ring would be needed sooner rather than some distant future. You don't leave incriminating evidence around for too long. You either use it to initiate your plan or dispose of it if circumstances change.
An explanation will be coming in a later strip (for those who haven't played the game).
Earlier on I mentioned it would be nice having Rhea as a main character. Looks like her attempt at meeting Sandy and Rif will be placed on hold for a while. Thought the last frame of this week's strip had great expression. The goat looks shocked or frightened, the bear looks angry, and Rhea is surprised.
Now all we need to complete this picture is our trailing otter to make an appearance.
We consider both Rif and Rhene to be the main characters in this story. Rhene is just less experienced in the area of adventuring skills -_-
Methinks this is a sneaky way of saying the end of part two or volume two. Will be expecting the announcement of its release in a dead tree version very soon.
Not a very sneaky break as I mentioned it in the blog. No announcement of a dead tree version of issue #2 (yet).
Anyone know why I want to add the line "Leave them alone and they'll find their way home, wagging their tales behind them?"
At least we will learn the fate of the village and if the disaster is natural or a deliberate act.
Quote from: cairn destop on Sep 23, 2008, 07:11 PM
Anyone know why I want to add the line "Leave them alone and they'll find their way home, wagging their tales behind them?"
"So THAT'S where Bo Peep's sheep went!" is the phrase that struck me. ^_^
Some things don't change.
Based on this week's strip, I'm expecting big troubles next week. We will also see if sheep are as docile as morphs when they spot Sandy. Am going to wonder if Rif will do the math and come up with an incorrect result. (Sandy + bit of black cloth + sheep's comment about black sails = Sandy is a member of a pirate ship preying on seaside communities.)
That would depend on whether Sandy stays hidden or not.
Quote from: cairn destop on Oct 02, 2008, 07:24 AM
Based on this week's strip, I'm expecting big troubles next week. We will also see if sheep are as docile as morphs when they spot Sandy. Am going to wonder if Rif will do the math and come up with an incorrect result. (Sandy + bit of black cloth + sheep's comment about black sails = Sandy is a member of a pirate ship preying on seaside communities.)
Rif has done the math.
Rif's pretty good at math. He's a puzzle solver, after all.
I'm sure the artist and/or story writer didn't do this on purpose, but today's strip hit me as comical. Seeing Sandy peering out of a tree had me laughing so hard. Why? It is a total role reversal. The usual is having the dog (wolf) treeing the fox, not the other way around.
Compliments to the artist. That expression in the last panel for Sandy was exceptional. You got more of the story in that one wide-eyed stare than in anything he could have said.
One possible logic error. So far, the strip has gone on the premise that Sandy's memory is fractured due to whatever happened prior to his being washed ashore. Based on his reaction, that supposition appears erronious. It might be explained away by having him claim he overheard the sheep and reacted in fear, but the sheep have departed. Rif is his alpha; he wouldn't hide from him.
If Sandy's memory is better, now is the time to clarify. My mind tells me Sandy might have started out without any ideas about his origins, but each time something happens, it jars his memory. First it was the puzzle box, then the stranger, and last was his sudden urge to travel north. Is it possible that the overheard comments from the sheep have awakened whatever memories he has of his past?
Such a revelation would not destroy the story arc. If anything, it adds clarity. Now Rif can resolve the puzzle and decide if he will help Sandy. As I said before, his current math skills might be in error.
Quote from: cairn destop on Nov 05, 2008, 09:04 AM
If Sandy's memory is better, now is the time to clarify. My mind tells me Sandy might have started out without any ideas about his origins, but each time something happens, it jars his memory. First it was the puzzle box, then the stranger, and last was his sudden urge to travel north. Is it possible that the overheard comments from the sheep have awakened whatever memories he has of his past?
Things are more complicated than that..
There will be some answers in the next couple of strips.
I figure Sandy was aboard the pirate ship as a cabin boy (possibly the son of one of the crew) and jumped ship when he realized what the pirates were up to.
Quote from: Katra on Nov 12, 2008, 09:04 AM
I figure Sandy was aboard the pirate ship as a cabin boy (possibly the son of one of the crew) and jumped ship when he realized what the pirates were up to.
I like that. It would explain his knowledge of the sextant, especially if he is related to the Captain or another high ranking officer. Otherwise, it wouldn't be worth their effort hunting down one crewmember. Also remember that Sandy was found after a storm, which means he might have gone overboard due to the weather.
So right now, Sandy hasn't been exonerated. And our pup isn't that innocent. Can you remember the earlier strips where Sandy shows a bit of fire? He had enough of a temper that he looked like he might be willing to fight.
Sandy certainly has some 'splaining to do. Thing is, Sandy is not real forthright, is he? Let's see if he can worm his way out of this one.
He's just a kid. How much swashbuckling could he have done?
We'll find out eventually. And remember, in a kid's eyes even a small transgression can seem huge.
If the fox tracks lead to Rif, there's a problem. Rif did not see the settlement and the fox tracks are right at the entrance to the sheep's villiage. Also note the lack of trees around the point where the two tracks diverge. So I'm wondering who the new characters would be. Members of the raiding party?
Check a few strips back, mid-October. Rif knows something that Rhene doesn't.
I like this narration. We get to see the action from the POV of Sandy, and at the same time we get the third-person objective POV. The similarities and differences makes for an interesting tale. At least it explains why Sandy has such an interest in the box. It also explains why he is being pursued. Navigational instruments must be rare, so finding the sextant is important. Though this doesn't quite explain Sandy's fear. Since the instrument was entrusted to him and he kept it safe, the otter crew beast should be a welcomed sight.
Since it has been over a month, think I can be forgiven for making a double-post.
This week's strip has me doing some math and I'm sure the author/artist has something hidden in this tale. We have a seaside villiage, lots of taverns, the residents speak about the white fox without fear, and the wolf family. Can you say "pirate's home base?" Am thinking Sandy might not have been too honest about his home. It may also explain his reluctance concerning his speedy return.
Speaking of home. This is something unusual in the morph world. The villiage is a mixture of races. Yeah, I can hear somebody reminding me that foxes, dogs, and wolves are all cannines. I'm just remembering Prince and the dog castle where Rhea was imprisoned. Morphs are quite zenophobic, even for closely related species.
Another point is how unconcerned the populace are about strangers. Especially a bear. Again, if this is a pirate base, the mixture of morph races is logical. This would be a place where the undesireable of every species might gravitate. Though how Momma Bear could remain ignorant of such a fact does mystify me, unless her time in the wild has made her less knowledgable of surrounding population centers.
This is not such a surprise if one remembers way back to strip 76 (http://www.inherittheearth.net/comic.shtml?0076), "Elara's Reward."
(Yes, I know that was more than two whole years ago. Yikes!)
That strip explains the mixture, but not the Town's reputation. As I noted earlier, this place could be a lodestone to the malcontents of the morph races. Such things might, or might not be known to Elara. Since the white fox is an inhabitant and others, (the village of sheep), have suffered because of him, I'm thinking the High Priestess doesn't know. Don't think she would send Rif or Rhea there without some warning if she had the information.
She didn't exactly send Rhene. Elara may not have expected Rhene to go. If she knew, she should have mentioned to Rhene that the village had a shady reputation, if indeed it did. (That is not clear yet.) Of course, she should have warned Rhene about Prince, too. But she didn't. Maybe such things don't concern Elara.
I'm waiting for Rhea to mention the name "Sandy" and getting a blank look from the wolf mother. Though their attire is similar, it doesn't follow these two are mother-son. They might be distant relatives, though the author has hinted otherwise in earlier strips.
And let's not forget the pirates. I'm still concerned about the white fox and whichever vessel he sails. If this is the raider's home port, we can expect him paying a less than social call on the mother, along with a sizable portion of the crew. Considering the lack of manners shown by the otter tracking Rhea and Momma Bear, this fox will be trouble. Since the town is allied with the pirates, our two ladies might find out what a lynch mob can do.
Since it has been over a month, I do believe a double post is acceptable.
Did see the strip where Rhene mentions Sandy's name and the lady's reaction. That was an expected response. Nice bit of diversion having the crew beast knocking on the door and interrupting their conversation.
So the female wolf is a healer? Interesting. I'm surprised her shack didn't display the usual impliments of the trade, such as dried herbs, bottles of unknown substances, and whatever medical tools exist in this world. Biggest shock was her residence not displaying some universal symbol of a healer. Though I am pleased that the prejudice against females doesn't exist. In the old days, the only medical fields open to women were nursing and midwifing.
(modified per next post. My bad.)
Then again, if this is following the feudal period, many women following the healing arts were often seen as witches. Those in the area would use them whenever needed, but otherwise feared their talents.
And as for the latest strip, it is nice seeing our two guys coming into the story. Loved the reference to porcupines and badgers. Made me laugh. Based on what Angelic said in the dog castle, there are animals that are not morph of the morph species. (Remembering the fox tail coat.) Wonder if there will be morph versions sometime later in the strip.
Good idea not going into these side adventures as it leaves our imagination filling in the blanks. Thought the expressions on our two guys comical. Sandy's reaction was a typical kid. Loved it and wanted to do it again even after he is reminded of the less than pleasant parts.
The Wolf healer mentions some "trouble at the wolf village." Does that have anything to do with her being a healer? We're not telling (yet).
Also, a reminder that the character's name is "Rhene" not Rhea. It just confuses us writers when we see that. -_-
Am wondering which fox will catch the scent of the other. No matter which way the wind blows, either Rif or Rhene will know. If the two foxes cannot smell them, perhaps Sandy will detect Rhene. As you can tell, I'm thinking the "evil writers" might be misdirectin us and the wolf healer may not even be related to Sandy. (Now wouldn't that be a real twist? The healer's son being another wolf cub yet to be discovered. Maybe someone Sandy knows or is responsible for his predicament?)
As to the ship's name, I'm curious what language the ship displayed. Cannot remember if there were any previous strips with writing, so the odd collection of emblems could be a common language. It could also be nothing more than gibberish used by the writers as a reminder that this isn't the Earth we knew.
And thank goodness you gave us those classic pictures with the explanation. Without having read them, the question would not have any importance, other than curiousity.
There are a lot of scents around the dock I would think, so picking out a particular one might be difficult.
Morph writing previously appeared in strip 12 (http://www.inherittheearth.net/comic.shtml?0012) and some later strips.
If Elrik is the First Mate, would that make the unnamed pug the Second Officer? Since the pug acted as a subordinate, (he speaks when commanded by the white fox and he defends Elrik), we are yet to meet the Captain. Call me highly suspicious, but I'm anticipating another twist to the story when he/she is introduced.
I also like Elrik. He is forceful and domineering, two necessary qualities in any pirate. Liked how he recognized Rhene's name and pleased the morphs follow the habit of naming children after a famous celebrity, such as a ruler. As smart as the white fox is, I found his confusion comical. If he knows of the queen, he should also spot the age difference.
Again, I am suspicious of our authors. Just how much background do we have on Rhene? Is it just possible she is related to the queen? Daughter? A missing/runaway heir to the throne? Or is our lady fox telling the truth when she denies any relationship. If I remember correctly, I believe Rhene is described as a member of a gypsy tribe of foxes. Even if gypsies have a royal line of succession, I doubt their tribe has the wealth to attract the attention of Elrik.
Perhaps it is nothing more simple than a male too long away from female companionship.
I'm sure Elrik knows that Rhene is (a) too young to be the princess and (b) wouldn't be on-board the ship anyway. He's just good at small-talk.
So now we know the ship's captain is a sea otter. Am pleased to see the white fox showing the proper deference to his superior.
Am seeing another possible scenario as to how Sandy wound up on the beach if our prisoner is found missing. Rufi broke out and stole the sextant as a bargaining chip, Sandy fought him for it, and both went overboard. Of course, another scenario could have had Sandy and Rufi working together.
Are you assuming "that damned lackey" is Rufi? I do believe he is still out there pursuing Sandy. It seems that the Captain is referring to an inept crew member connected with the disaster at sheepstown.
Well, I did say "if our prisoner is found missing." I like to try guessing the twists and turns the authors might be planning. At this point, we don't know the time line. If the attack on sheeptown took place before the storm, it could be a possibility. We are assuming it happened just before Momma Bear, the sheep merchant, and Rhene reached the destroyed villiage. It may have happened some time back and the tracks found could be very old.
Another possibility is that the "damned lackey" is somehow related to Sandy. That would be another wild twist to this strip as we go for number three hundred.
Seems my deductive reasoning needs work. Based on the latest strips, this mixed morph village might not be the home port. Of course, the town being within a reasonable distance over land, it is possible they fear an uprising from a town previously pacified.
Nice bit with the Captain. He comes across as no nonsense and a good commander based on how he handled the incompetence of his subordinate. Though the Captain has been lied to by the white fox. Based on the strip, the Captain believes the boar was in charge of the landing party. According to the strip, fox tracks were found and they were not Rif's. Meaning the First Officer was in charge when the fire started.
Another interesting point is how they know about the otter following the wolf "welp" and about the missing sextant. Don't think Rif's idea of sneaking it back and making an unseen exit will be sufficient. This Captain is not going to just accept the idea the device was "misplaced" or that some "power" mysteriously granted his wish and returned the sextant. If Rufi doesn't bring the item to the Captain, he will know the wolf cub did. Again, I don't think the Captain is what one would call the forgiving kind.
Hope there is a Plan B for escaping.
Who was in charge at the village may remain murky. There may have been boar tracks too, but Rhene was more interested in finding Rif, so the fox tracks stood out. It is possible that Elrik stood outside the village while Mokk was conducting business. However, Elrik the White Fox is a devious one. He may have been more involved than he reveals.
So far, I would term the return of the sextant as anticlimatic. I still wonder if the captain is so stupid that he will just accept the previously missing item without seeking retribution on the thieving wolf pup.
Loved the name for the power cells. Reminds me of a joke done on Doctor Who:
The Doctor: Did you know this device is powered by the forever energy power cell?
Sara: That would be a great thing to have, Doctor.
The Doctor: Too bad the company that made the batteries went out of business. Nobody ever needed a replacement.
I thought somebody already revealed Chota's fate. If memory is right, he fell into a deep ravine at the end of the game. This would mean either he survived or these plans were made prior to the events in the game. Note how the Captain said he missed Chota in an earlier strip.
And Rif might be a good puzzle solver, but when the problem is real life, he is a clutz. Does he honestly believe returning the sextant will solve everything? And does he think he has enough time to examine documents?
Rif's real clever. Unfortunately, wiisdom does not seem to be his strong suite. On the other hand, prudence makes for a less interesting tale.
Quote from: cairn destop on Aug 19, 2009, 06:39 AM
So far, I would term the return of the sextant as anticlimatic. I still wonder if the captain is so stupid that he will just accept the previously missing item without seeking retribution on the thieving wolf pup.
Loved the name for the power cells. Reminds me of a joke done on Doctor Who:
The Doctor: Did you know this device is powered by the forever energy power cell?
Sara: That would be a great thing to have, Doctor.
The Doctor: Too bad the company that made the batteries went out of business. Nobody ever needed a replacement.
Reminds me of some old lightbulbs that seem to last forever, except the company got bought out and teh bulbs buried.
Who is Chota?
Chota is a character from the game. He played a major role in the theft of the Orb of Storms. And according to the comic strip, he had something going with the pirates as the captain is sad knowing he is gone.
Personally, I don't trust our writers. I'm wondering if our evil racoon is going to pop up somewhere.
The latest strip (http://www.inherittheearth.net/comic.shtml?0211) pretty much has the same info as cairn destop's reply.
For more information on Chota, go to the strip archieves and read #148 (http://www.inherittheearth.net/comic.shtml?0148). I would link, but not sure how to do it.
[Joe: I added a link.]
I hate saying this, but I thought Sandy's reaction the most intelligent thing to happen since Rif entered the Captain's cabin. Sure, the power cells might be lost and/or ruined, but considering what they represented, that's a good thing.
Last time Sandy threw something valuable away, Rif was pretty upset too. I think there is a pattern here.
Quote from: AllieFiona on Sep 13, 2009, 12:46 AM
Rif's real clever. Unfortunately, wiisdom does not seem to be his strong suite. On the other hand, prudence makes for a less interesting tale.
I don't know which I found funnier, Rif's expression or the fact that Sandy is gone. Wonder how long it will take the white fox to overpower Rif and reunite him with his lady.
Quote from: cairn destop on Oct 07, 2009, 07:32 PM
Wonder how long it will take the white fox to overpower Rif and reunite him with his lady.
Since Rif prefers talking over fighting, not too long I guess -_-
Today's strip, #218, is incorrectly dated October 3, when it should be November 3.
The conversation between our two main characters makes me think they don't trust each other. These are topics that should have been covered during the time from their reunion to the start of the comic strip. Of course you could argue that how would we, the readers, know about these things. Nice comic relief with the Captain's reaction.
1 --- The ring was explained by Rhene to Mother Bear. She saw the ring on the floor and knew Rif would not leave it behind. She concluded Rif left in a hurry.
2 --- Although Rif would not know about the problems Rhene had at the dog castle, the readers are fully aware as there were several strips on this adventure.
3 --- Although those readers unfamiliar with the game may not know, (hedgehog holds up his paw and points to self), based on the information we gathered from Rhene's adventure, it isn't hard to figure. Though again, they should have already discussed such things sometime between the end of the adventure and the beginning of the strip.
Quote from: cairn destop on Nov 05, 2009, 09:03 PM
1 --- The ring was explained by Rhene to Mother Bear. She saw the ring on the floor and knew Rif would not leave it behind. She concluded Rif left in a hurry.
But it's interesting that Rif didn't ask any follow-up question -- he just said "Oh!"
Quote from: cairn destop on Nov 05, 2009, 09:03 PM
2 --- Although Rif would not know about the problems Rhene had at the dog castle, the readers are fully aware as there were several strips on this adventure.
3 --- Although those readers unfamiliar with the game may not know, (hedgehog holds up his paw and points to self), based on the information we gathered from Rhene's adventure, it isn't hard to figure. Though again, they should have already discussed such things sometime between the end of the adventure and the beginning of the strip.
Rhene knows about Rif's prior encounters with Prince, but Rif did keep something a secret. The strip may discuss that later, although someone who has played that game could guess what that was from strip 51 (http://www.inherittheearth.net/comic.shtml?0051).
Haha! I love how Rif and Rhene are pretty much just ignoring the pirates.
I'm curious what Mother Bear and the medic are up to, though. Sandy is a fairly easy one: went out the window into the water below or started scrambling up the ship's hull to the main deck. The discovery of Rif would likely cause enough confusion to distract the pirates from noticing the pup.
And I see the date has been changed.
Fortunately, it was easy to fix.
All we need is a third character unknown to the captain and this would quickly become a morph version of "who's on first."
And congratulations on facebook. You'll have to let everyone know if there is more feedback and if it proves more constructive than these forums.
I do find it amusing how the author has evaded the question on everyone's mind. What is Sandy's real name? If our wolf cub made it off the ship, that question might go unresolved well into the year 2011.
Quoted from the strip of 12/29/09:
When we catch that mutt, Rufi will keelhaul him!
Compare this to the story proffered by Sandy regarding how he came to have the sextant. Methinks our pup is not the innocent babe our writers would want us to think. I wonder if he stole the sextant and then fell overboard while being pursued by the crew. It would explain why the captain expended so much energy recapturing a member of his crew that severved no vital function.
Even if Sandy was telling the truth, it would probably look like he stole it. He disappeared with it after Rufi gave it to him.
Rufi would have a special interest in finding him, as the Captain had entrusted the sextant to HIM. I'm sure Rufi did not escape punishment when the sextant disappeared.
Strip 179 (http://www.inherittheearth.net/comic.shtml?0179) gives an accurate description of how Sandy went overboard -- it's his narration that's embellished.
Quote from: WyrmMaster on Dec 30, 2009, 08:42 PM
Strip 179 (http://www.inherittheearth.net/comic.shtml?0179) gives an accurate description of how Sandy went overboard -- it's his narration that's embellished.
Considering Sandy's past, I wonder. He has kept too many secrets and when pushed, comes up with half truths or embellished tales. Either could be lies, which we as readers are yet to learn. Even if Sandy's version of events is the truth, his actions puts a doubt into his honesty. Just remember the old saying about stories - "There are two sides to every story and the truth usually lies somewhere between the two."
As to Rufi having a special interest in recovering the sextant, I would agree. Based on what we have seen of the captain, he wouldn't accept any excuse. It may well be a case of "either - or." Either Rufi or Sandy will face the captain's ire.
Yeah, double post.
The old hedgehog has been wondering when anyone would comment on all the inconsistancies in this current story arc. Either I'm the guy who is out of step or the parade is out of sync.
Let me start with Strip #186. Notice how calm the residents are when the Black Raccoon is first spotted. In Strip #191 the crew come to the wolf healer without an armed escort or weapons visible. All stroll back to the ship. The ship is provisioned by the town and its crew is known to them. Yet in Strip #226, the captain indicates zap sticks are needed to insure the town's cooperation. I see this as a complete contradiction.
Next I want to reference Strip #214. Sandy went out the window, which is the only way out of the room. In Strip #225 the ship is searched. Sandy isn't aboard. In Strip #228 Sandy attacks the captain from behind. With the captain and first mate being so efficient, I'll not believe the crew so incompetent that Sandy could evade a full scale search.
And the final inconsistency in the current strip. Riff recounts the facts from an earlier strip where Sandy throws the power cells out the window. In the third panel, Riff acts surprised to see the clock. How could he forget holding the clock between his feet from Strip #114, him saving the clock before saving himself in Strip #115, or him telling Sandy about power cells being interchangable in Strip #148?
I find the crew's submissiveness odd too. Sandy is but a cub. Yes, he has a zap stick, but if the crew rushes him, he could be overpowered. Second, Sandy's back is exposed to anyone coming from the aft end. Since the crew knows a zap stick does no permanent damage, why are they so meek?
There are upcoming strips that explain most of the things you are having trouble with right now -- including the next strip!
Quote from: cairn destop on Jan 29, 2010, 08:02 AM
Riff recounts the facts from an earlier strip where Sandy throws the power cells out the window. In the third panel, Riff acts surprised to see the clock. How could he forget holding the clock between his feet from Strip #114, him saving the clock before saving himself in Strip #115, or him telling Sandy about power cells being interchangeable in Strip #148?
Rif is not surprised by the clock itself, just that Sandy thought to get the power cell from the clock. And then he jokingly refers to the incident where Sandy threw the clock over the cliff.
The last panel of strip 229 does show the rope Sandy used to climb to the upper level of the ship, but it's hard to see. Here is an enlarged version of that panel.
(https://wyrmkeep.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Finherittheearth.net%2Fimages%2FStrip229-panel4.jpg&hash=9818a9b5f48805e020032356fb854ca4b6e5fcfd)
Allie may redo this strip at a later date. (Right, Allie?)
So, Sandy wasn't technically "on-board" the ship during the search -_-
And the crew never saw the rope hanging over the side? I think not. Especially when that rope was hanging down by the captain's cabin where anyone looking out would have seen it.
They don't know that Rif and Sandy were in the cabin together. Rif never got out the window, so his captors didn't think to look there. The rope is on the far side of the ship, not visible from the dock. And if you'll remember, the crew is not too bright. (Recall the debacle at the sheep village). Perhaps, given a lot of time, someone might think to look over the far back corner of the ship for someone hanging by a rope, but they had only enough time to look in the obvious places. Only a few minutes have elapsed since Rif was found in the cabin.
One of the reasons the tied rope in panel 4 was so subtle was to make it hidden enough for the captain not to notice. Unfortunately, once the comic was reduced in size to fit online, it was hard for even the readers to see.
Quote from: AllieFiona on Feb 02, 2010, 03:08 AM
And if you'll remember, the crew is not too bright.
And tired and injured.
Just to let you know, the link to the enlarged picture has become the old red X. (Reply #324) May I suggest you repost that highlighted comic frame as a "classic artwork" selection.
The ITE comic website was recently moved to a new server, and the permissions on that image were wrong. It's fixed now.
Am not making any derogitory comment here, am asking out of curiosity.
If you already have the story done or outlined, doesn't that allow you to draw a sufficient number of strips so there is no break in the continuety? Or was the problem more one of uploading the material?
I'm just wondering why there are no strips available if they can be done in advance.
It is difficult to create more than one detailed strip each week on my very busy schedule.
Some interesting things happening in these last few strips. I did notice that the crowd in the earlier strips, (#238 + #239), had the mob dressed as the crew. That did confuse me how fast they went from feared pirates to accepted townspeople.
What happened to the white fox? He seems to have vanished. You would think the local sheriff knows the fellow's habits since they have been to this town several times before.
Another point of confusion is the note regarding the women in strip #238. I thought they were the same ones Rif encountered in strip #166. He should be able to provide the ram with the answer.
And my final point is on the current strip. I loved how everyone is evading the blame or responsibility. The crew gets off without so much as a by your leave. I don't buy this "I didn't want to be pirates" (censored) they fed Momma Bear. I cannot believe they will get away claiming their prior actions didn't match their feelings.
Some of the mob are townspeople and some are Rams from the sheep village. It is the townspeople who wear striped shirts. They provide them to the crew as well, as they are the chief suppliers. Pretty soon, striped shirts became the uniform of the crew as well.
Once the townspeople heard about the outrages committed by the crew, they became angry, as they were under the impression the pirates were, if not entirely lawful traders, at least not violent and destructive. This kind of behavior would bring a bad reputation to the village and danger of retaliation.
The White Fox has indeed vanished.
Rif and Rhene witnessed two very different parts of the sheepstown story. They haven't compared notes yet. Even if Rif had full knowledge of the situation, the mob certainly wasn't giving him a chance to say anything.
We shall see how things work out with these former 'reluctant' pirates in the future....
The old hedgehog is a bit curious. I've noticed for the last two or three months now that the new comic doesn't appear until Wednesday. Has the site changed its schedule?
:huh:
What the crew said in this week's strip, 5/18/10, can be summarized by mentioning a famous trial. Can you say "Nuremburg?"
And is the old hedgehog the only forum member willing to comment?
Classic "It's not my fault!". Maybe it's not only human nature. Or maybe a few of our human behaviors got mixed in when we made the morphs.
I would love it if others would make comments. I wonder if the new forum platform is preventing some people from participating?
I don't know why, but the pug reminds me of the Captain in the movie "Mutiny on the Bounty." Not in actions, but in appearance. Though I'm reading a lot into the story, I would be changing the ship's name and its distinctive appearance. Black sails don't work well as a friendly inducement to trade.
And the reaction of the goat is perfect. The sailors figure everything that happened in the past is forgotten and they can go on their merry way without any consequences. He wants vengence, or what he terms justice.
They do want to gloss over things, don't you think?
And yes, perhaps black sails aren't the best color. It will take time and effort to obtain new ones, though. On the other hand, perhaps black isn't as ominous in morph culture. Once they sail to new waters, they may not have a hostile reception.
Big problem. Why is the boar talking? I don't care what the ram does to provoke him, he must not speak. Why? Because the pug is the captain and that is who the ram should be yelling at.
It would be like me screaming at the BP gas station attendant because of the gulf oil spill.
This isn't the British Navy. ;-) This ragtag group has not been trained up with any discipline; otherwise they would have been much quicker to obey the old captain and his officers when they barked out orders. And it has been mere moments since they had no superior officers to answer to at all.
Since the boar stepped out of line and addressed the ram directly, the ram, not schooled in any protocol himself, answered directly back.
Hopefully, once Willis appoints his officers and lays down the articles of discipline, protocol will be adhered to.
Boars are extra belligerent by nature, too.
Since no one has done so yet (and in an attempt to keep this thread going), I'm going to comment on today's strip:
Let's see, the moment Kyra is released from the brig, some one yells "MA-MA-A!". As far as I know that could only be "Sandy" who jumped ship several strips back when Riff was caught by the white fox. Could it be that "Sandy" has finally found his mother and we learn his real name?
Indeed. We will finally get an answer to that question. As to where Sandy went, he snuck up on the captain and used a zap stick on him. He hasn't come down to the main deck since that strip. (Notice how he watched from the aft deck while Rif fought the white fox for the sword.)
Check out strip #237
I just read the lead-in to this week's strip and that has me worried. Does the ending of this adventure signal the end of the comic? Here's hoping it is just the starting point for the next one.
I am working on the plot for a second story. I will announce the details at a later date.
"Kw...?" Seems that "Sandy" still doesn't want his real name to be known. Wonder why...
Quote from: Peter Swinkels on Jul 15, 2010, 05:46 AM
"Kw...?" Seems that "Sandy" still doesn't want his real name to be known. Wonder why...
Perhaps his name is Kweenie, a corruption of Queenie. I have known several dog owners who have used that name for their sires when it seems a more fitting name for a female dog. Think of the teasing our wolf cub must have endured with a name that contradicted his gender.
(Cue Johnny Cash's "A Boy Named Sue")
Isn't "Sandy" a bit of a girl's name too?
Interesting bit about "Sandy's" name being honored, how can that be when he is only a child (perhaps named after some one greatly honored)? Who is banished at that as well...
Apparently, Sandy's mother considers his given name an honored one. Perhaps it is old fashioned or stodgy. Maybe the other wolf cubs made fun of it. Maybe Sandy felt he wanted to have a new identity, or that the old name brought up painful memories associated with their exile.
I once had a friend named Raul, a very respected name in Latin American countries. (And these days it's considered exotic and fashionable.) When he was a kid, he was teased endlessly about it; so he changed his name to Ray.
Check out the third panel in the strip for this week, Strip No. 257. It seems the earlier inference that the various morph races are in an uneasy peace and that no morph species trusts anyone from another species is accurate. I'm thinking this earth is going to have racial conflicts that would make the 1960's look like somebody tiptoeing through the daisies.
How I could remember the name of that sci-fi book I read where there were more than two intelligent and sapient races on one world. Just before the evil one is defeated, he tells the hero he has only delayed the inevitable. When two or more intelligent species vie for the same resources, eventually one will survive. The other races will be exterminated. It's a line that haunts me when I read stories like this one.
Yeah, hedgehog is reading too much into an entertaining cartoon.
In the computer game there were also references to tensions between the tribes of Morph. There is much going on that this story arc has not had the time to cover.
Today's strip with Sandy asserting himself reminded me of a line I used in one of my fan fiction story.
"There comes a time when you have to let the bird try their wings. Give them a few short flights alone and they will learn far more than a longer voyage in your shadow."
Methinks we are about to get the same kind of advice from Mamma Bear. No disrespect to our mother wolf. There are many parents that have a hard time letting go. Perhaps that's the true measure of a parent - somebody who knows when and how much to let go.
It is hard. Especially right after her child has been missing for months. And she's never met Tycho, and hasn't seen where he lives in relation to the sanctuary. Any mother would be (at least initially) concerned. It may take a little convincing.
So Sandy is old enough to be an apprentice? How old is Sandy?
I don't really know. Human and Morph years are not quite the same. In maturity, I'd guess he's equal to a human about 10 years old.
Quote from: AllieFiona on Sep 14, 2010, 02:50 AM
I don't really know. Human and Morph years are not quite the same. In maturity, I'd guess he's equal to a human about 10 years old.
It's nice to see that the writers have thought of such as details as the rate at which morphs mature, if details like these are overlooked you just get humans which look like an animal.
After a little searching I found this interesting link: https://ukwct.org.uk/files/education/LifeCycle.pdf (https://ukwct.org.uk/files/education/LifeCycle.pdf) It seems that if Sandy were a real wolf instead of a wolf morph, he would be about 1.5 years old.
My take on it is that Morph lifecycles are somewhere in between that of human and native species. Probably closer to human, as science is finding more and more evidence that neocortex maturity takes a certain amount of time.
Quote from: AllieFiona on Sep 14, 2010, 02:50 AM
I don't really know. Human and Morph years are not quite the same. In maturity, I'd guess he's equal to a human about 10 years old.
This was one of the things I disliked about the Redwall novels. A creature could go from babe to adult in one season for the younger characters or they aged several years in one season. There never was a reliable conversion from seasons to years or back. It was one reason I made the characters age like humans in my fan fictions.
If this story is following a feudal period, then Sandy would be eligible for an apprenticeship somewhere around his preteen years, 10 - 12.
Quote from: AllieFiona on Sep 15, 2010, 06:46 PM
My take on it is that Morph lifecycles are somewhere in between that of human and native species. Probably closer to human, as science is finding more and more evidence that neocortex maturity takes a certain amount of time.
You mean, that if a morph's maturation rate were based on that of the animal it evolved from, you would get morphs, that still act like animals rather than humans because without a long childhood, the neocortex cannot develop properly?
Sort of. Large neo-cortex bearing animals tend to mature later. Elephants, dolphins, and chimanzees all mature around 10 to 13 years old. Humans generally mature around the same age, perhaps slightly later. Current research has reavealed the neocortex goes through a lot of development over that amount of time.
You will also note that the morphs are a lot closer to each other in size than their corresponding animals are. Though the reasoning is not rigorous, I'm following the supposition that the original geneticists working on the Morph project found that there was an optimum size for the transformed creatures to maximize the development of the neocortex and upright posture. Big morphs were reduced in size, and small ones increased.
A nice way to end this story. We don't need to know how the forest king ruled regarding the crew, it isn't important. The same with Sandy joining Tyco or his mother joining the sanctuary. Even leaving the fate of our two foxes is not needed since the story has been about their journey, and that is over.
As for the final panel regarding the white fox, that can be perceived as a prelude to a future adventure. Though he wonders about Rif, my thinking is the white fox has his eye on Rhene. That too could become fodder for a future story.
The announcement regarding this story's ending is not unexpected. I'm glad the authors/artists are considering another adventure. Looking forward to it.
And if the old hedgehog hasn't said it already, a job well done by one and all.
Thank you for your kind words. We enjoyed putting this together. I'm going to take some time off and turn my attention to other projects for a while. (It's been quite a long haul) Joe is continuing with the planning of the next adventure, and may work with me in the future, or do the next installment with another artist. Stay tuned.