Song of the Eastern Sands: Page 20
Yes, well, when you’re a group of thieves you want to get the whole group’s feelings on the job — especially when the intel is so shaky — but Theo is rather proud of Beck’s rationale. Because even when you’re a group of thieves, you still need money to pay the rent. And I’m sure the Abadis Tavern’s unseen landlord appreciates a tidy sum to keep his mouth shut about the wheelings and dealings that take place within. And if one of them ever gets caught there’s undoubtedly some kind of “bribe savings” they’d have to dip into — I guess that’s the criminal equivalent of an insurance plan?
Anyway, they need money! Always need money. Money’s great!
For the next three weeks, Jerome and I will be posting up a series of short prose stories in lieu of the normal pages, accompanied by a simple illustration. These short stories are not necessarily tied to Song of the Eastern Sands or Beyond the Western Deep specifically, though they will be about characters within the universe (Beck, Rook, Crim, and Bevan to be specific).
I’ve already finished the first story and am excited to share it with you all next week! We’ll be taking this opportunity to bolster our page buffers, so Jerome and Rachel aren’t passing off pages in the wee hours of Saturday morning getting them ready for you. Better to have them done ahead of time, hence the hiatus!
We’ll be back with a brand new page on April 1st!
Maybe. I mean, it IS April Fool’s Day!
This week for guest art, I wanted to share this really fun piece that Jerijune did a little while back. I don’t know why so many people like seeing Hardin subjected to wrestling moves, but I’ll admit there’s a certain degree of hilarity to Hardin’s constant misfortunes!
Jerijune’s art always cheers me up, and this piece is no exception! Thank you so so so much for you fantastic contributions to the world of the Western Deep, Jerijune! :)
I love the structure of this page, and how Theo’s reaction frames his crew. I love the chance to see the individual reactions to the upcoming job. Beck’s line made me laugh out loud- she certainly seems to have a magpie’s eyes. I look forward to seeing how, exactly, this job plays out.
Rook’s caution is particularly understandable, given his background. I imagine he’s experienced the kindness of Sunsgrovian hospitality- the type that claps you in chains and on Felis slave blocks- and knows better than anyone the consequences. I’m picking up some tension with Theo there, the way he’s defiantly staring ahead, even if he’s in for the job.
So what’s Felismum going to think of this madness? and who is this mysterious landlord?
I have to say, I’m really excited to see these short stories! It’ll be nice to have a focus on the side characters.
I love how all them are expressing their feelings. Asha is worried, Rook is serious, Beck is pensive and Theo is being so full of cockiness that it should be considered foul. *trollface*
Anyway, I’m excited to read the side stories, especially the one about Crim. I always wonder what makes him tick. Although I’m hoping his story isnt just him sitting on his desk coming up with ways to try to mess with Quinlan all day. Otherwise we’ll be having a sort of Wild.E Coyote vs Roadrunner gag going on here.
And I believe Jerome just started a new meme of having Hardin getting seriously reckt.
Someone pls draw hardin being tombstoned!
There’s something about Beck’s expression here that makes me think she needs the money for more than just personal gain. After all they just pulled off (somehow) a successful heist, yet it’s not enough. She’s not all jokey or excited with cartoon dollar signs in her eyes, she’s really serious, probably the most serious we’ve ever seen her.
I think you’re right Fruitso, and it worries me. Course, this whole upcoming heist has got me worried XD
I… I just kinda want to hug the young trio. Especially Beck–I think I detect some sort of sadness in her expression. What has happened to her in the past? Why does she need that much money?
I also don’t like Theo’s second expression. It seems like he’s thinking “Gotcha!” Which makes me wonder–does he have these kids’ best interests at heart, or is he using them for his own gain?
Oh, has Alex said about how old they are? I feel like he has, but I’m not sure.
On another note, I am *really* super excited for the short stories that are coming! So badly, that I want to invent a time machine so I can go look at them early….
Oops! That was not meant to be a reply… *facepalm*
It’s okay, I’ve done that too. The website’s comment system is a little awkward in that you have to make sure your not making a reply when posting a comment
I just love this page. Poor, hopeful Asha. I have a feeling that when things don’t go according to plan, Rook will lay out some harsh words for them all, and Asha will be the first one to hear all about them. Rook is just waiting for something to go wrong, bless his cynical little heart. And Beck? She shares Rook’s apprehension, but . . . well . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1yAVh5qFj4
Looking forward to the short stories, and of course, seeing how the rest of SOTES plays out!
Hello everyone! I’ve been lurking for some time here after my friend Elson got me hooked on this series. Thought it was about time I formally joined the group. That and I couldn’t resist adding some commentary to that guest art…
“GOOD GOD! RKO OUTTA NOWHERE! HARDIN’S DOWN! HARDIN’S DOWN!”
Welcome to the Salmon Party! :D
Always a pleasure to welcome new fans! Hope to see you around!
Josh! Great to see you here mate. Just got back from my holiday road-trippin’ North America. The Salmon Party are a cool bunch and even though I don’t comment as much I do check out the contents from time to time!
I’ve got a lot of catching up to do, and I’m happy to be back home to get my butt back into gear with Beyond the Western Deep: The Movie. :D
Great stuff guys, keep up the awesome work and Alex I got photos to share…! Will tweet them soon!
Josh I’ll catch up with you on Skype sometime next week – I did get your e-mail and I’ve been meaning to get back to you on it! ;)
I feel like, as much as he might look out for them, Theo is kinda using these youngsters too. I hope their trust in him isn’t as misplaced as I fear it is!
Fixed the page.
On another note, while Beck’s reaction may be serious, it made me laugh. I understand the feeling. Here’s to hoping their trust in Theo doesn’t get them wrecked.
I really needed this laugh today, thanks. X)
I’m starting to worry about the group. At this point, could Theo even be trusted? I don’t want to use the “sly fox’ stereotype, but I just have this itching feeling that the group’s being played into some inter-kingdom skirmish through the heist…
Anyway, I’m looking forward to those short stories!
Something tells me there’s gonna be trouble.. I wonder if the Tamian trader will be involved somehow.
I feel like Rook’s been somewhere like this before. He’s certainly got a bit more rational than the girls.
And I have to agree with everyone who says that they think Beck’s got something going in the background. Perhaps something to do with a family member.