Chapter 2: Page 50
Hi everyone! Apologies for the missed week and the unfinished state of this week’s page — as was mentioned last week, the mathematical equation of new job + BWD pages + preparing material for our first comic convention != smooth sailing, evidently. We’re going to be experimenting with a new workflow to get the completed pages ready on time for the next couple weeks, so we’ll see how it goes. In the meantime, the page!
A good bit of knowledge dropped this week as Hardin lays out his rationale to Ashtor! Each member of the core Sratha-din has their very specific role; something Hardin saw in them and pursued relentlessly to acquire as he assembled his “ideal” tribe.
There has also been a good deal of speculation about Eira’s role in the whole story — like, for example, what is she writing? Why does she carry that book around with her all the time? Questions! All these QUESTIONS!
We have some guest art this week from a brand new artist of a character who hasn’t had that much time in the limelight since partway through Chapter 1! That’s right, I’m talking about Janik!
This wonderful rendition of the Tamian assistant ambassador to Navran was done by artist Dingoat for Rachel as part of the Tumblr color palette meme that was going around the last few months. Thanks so much for the awesome art, Dingoat! Janik turned out great.
And to readers who miss the character, fear not — Janik has a major role in the story at large, and we’ll be catching up with her soon enough!
Hmm. Hardin appears to be making sure Ermehn history survives, even if he fails. Perhaps the Ermehn in the prologue is Eira after all.
Eira just wants to show the felis scholars her sick flick-book where the skater totally does a kickflip. She’s been working on it whenever she thinks Hardin and Ashtor aren’t looking and it’s really rad.
Eira survives the war and now has a burgeoning career as an author. She wants to show off this new action-adventure novel she’s working on, with a Tamian as the main character. She’s calling it Redwall. It will become a commercial success, and she will spend the rest of her life writing it and the umpteen side series that she also comes up with.
On a more serious note, the age of the cloaked Ermehn in the prologue cannot be determined, but the Felis narration suggests that they are referring to something that happened probably 10-20 years ago (context clues based on how they phrase certain things). As I doubt that Ashtor will still be alive then, and because the other four members are both A: facing direct combat and B: illiterate (its implied), Eira seems the most likely candidate as the character in the prologue. But we shall see.
The part about being one of the last scribes makes me really sad. That’s a serious blow to any culture.
Aw, poor Ashtor xD
Somehow I knew that Ashtor and Eira would not be involved in the actual fighting. They seem to be too valuable to risk, and they aren’t the best fighters anyway. I’m really looking forward to seeing Hardin, Rathik, Rhosyn, and Bevan leading the Ermehn charge. Besides, I want nothing more than to see Clovis knocked on his arrogant rear. Just once.
The suspense is killing me! When this comic is just straight-up read it is the perfect length, but each weekend leaves me hanging on for the next little crumb of story. I am hooked. Good job, Alex, and good luck for the future. I expect that the rest of the book will leave me feeling anything but disappointed with your writing.
And don’t worry, Rachel; I haven’t forgotten about you either. ;)
Wow, I just started reading this comic up to this point, and I am excited for more! It is really interesting so far!
Thanks, TeaDino! Glad to have you on board :)
Welcome to the Western Deep, TeaDino.
Ah, really late greeting, but I meant to say welcome to the group. We’re glad to have you, if you can tolerate us. x)
We are a small, close knit, somewhat insane, somewhat twisted family and we welcome you.
This.
Seconded completely (from the former new guy).
Wow!! I m realy excited about what’s going to happen next!!!
It doesnt matter whether circumstances hinder the comic in terms of progress, but I’m sure everyone here appreciates the work and effort you guys put into updating!
In relating to this week’s update, I’m surprised to know that the lineage of Sratha falls into big ol’ lovable Rathik. If that’s the case, then what does that make Hardin? It’s interesting how a group naming themselves “The Sratha-din” doesnt have the guy related to him being the leader. I’m very curious to know more about who exactly Hardin is in all of this. And I totally mentally called it that both Ashtor and Eira would be important key figures into this story! I somehow see them siding with the Sunsgrove troupe later on in the story once Hardin goes psychedelic about Ermehn revolution….well probably not…maybe….who knows.
And Janik defenitely needs a lot more love! Which is why I’m happy that people havent forgotten about her. Totally digging the fan art! I like how smooth the colors are and the pose itself looks so sassy, maybe rivaling Kenosh’s sassy look a few pages while back.
I feel like the blue tone of this page is especially appropriate, given the pelting rain.
-“Four soldiers? Can we actually AFFORD them away from the battle?”
-“Sure, we’ve got, like, ten thousand uruk-hai behind that hill.”
The plot thickens. It caught me off guard that Rathik, out of all of them, was Sratha’s descendant, but when I think about it, why not? But the fact that Eira and Ashtor are basically the last two scholars of the Ermehn race is saddening and makes Hardin’s concern even more valid: if they die, the history of the Ermehn race goes with them.
This is at least the fourth time the plot has thickened on Beyond the western Deep. By my estimation it is now approximately the consistency of a rich cheese sauce.
good, that leaves some room for it to evaporate to the viscosity of honey, then molasses, then a brick. If it doesn’t thicken at least three more times I will loudly declare in a public place my devotion to the Salmon Lord.
It’s possible that the plot will thicken so much that it exceeds the allowable plot density in our universe, collapse on itself, and become a black hole.
Nah, that’s our souls.
Gotta agree. I hate how often I come back to this site every week to re-read the comic and comments.
yOu c AN NeVE R Go HoME
*opens bag of popcorn* I never intended to.
In retrospect the Rathik thing shouldn’t have surprised me because his tattoos are the same as Sratha’s. I meant to go back and compare the Sratha-Din to him and see if they matched up but I didn’t expect this to be revealed so soon. Oh well.
It’s implied that he chose Rathik for his lineage, and his axe was a bonus. I wonder how he convinced Rathik to join his cause… Rathik expressed a pretty steadfast confidence in Hardin back during Hardin’s initial appearance when Hardin was fighting the other tribe for dominance. I’m sensing history there. *Cue Anime Backstory Music*
(And what is the deal with Bevan and having to hide his tattoos WHAT SECRETS DO YOU HOLD MY FLOOFY ERMEHN KILLING MACHINE)
Now that we know the roles, I find myself interested to find out the order in which they joined Hardin’s cause. I had assumed it was Ashtor who joined first, but considering the name Sratha-Din, maybe it was Rathik. It makes sense to start by looking for a descendant of Sratha, and if Rathik was First, it explains his steadfast trust in Hardin. Going purely off guesswork, I’d say Ashtor was next, then Eira, then Bevan, then Rhosyn.
….now I’m wondering if each tribe has specialties. He didn’t reap any of them from the same tribe. Rhosyn was HER tribe’s finest shot, Bevan was HIS tribe’s finest scout. So if Rhosyn’s tribe was known for it’s markmanship, of course he would want the best marksman and if Bevan’s tribe is known for stealthytimes, then of course he wants the best scout from that specific tribe.
….If Bevan’s tribe is known for sneakytimes, this be a part of why he always has to hide his tattoos.
I keep seeing people say “if THEY die, the history goes with them” referring to Eira and Ashtor, but, I disagree. Hardin’s exact words are “There are NO Ermehn scholars to pick from. Just you.” And then, referring to Eira and Ashtor, “You may be the last two scribes in the Wastes.” This tells me that Eira can read, but she doesn’t know history like Ashtor does (and even then, he probably doesn’t know all of it, just because history is complex and asdf so much Ermehn knowledge lost). If that’s the case, then Ashtor is the least expendable of the two, but considering they’re the last two who can read the Ermehn language, ideally neither of them are expendable… hence the four soldiers thing.
Something tells me it won’t be enough, especially if Tosch shows up. I maintain that Hardin isn’t planning on Tosch showing up- he said “General Clovis will be there.” Nothing about Tosch… unless Tosch’s delay on the road is part of Hardin’s plan. But then, why wouldn’t you take out both generals… unless you only had the manpower for one.. gaaah. (it can’t be part of Hardin’s plan- not enough manpower)
I really feel like a Sratha-Din core member is on the chopping block here, any one of them except Hardin. Hardin’s going to stick around for a while.
I love the intensity of Hardin’s expressions. They really bring home the sincerity of what he is saying.
Wonderful job, as always! This comic is well worth the wait.
Let the death pool speculations begin!
I vote that either Rathik or Rhosyn dies, if any of them go. Hardin, as you say, will be around for awhile, and Bevan seems to sneaky, and too lucky, to die (plus, he’s the most popular member of the team with the fan base).
Well, as for speculation, if you have a tumblr just follow this link and bet away: http://shiitake-tissues.tumblr.com/post/83124732323/bwd-betting-pool-each-amount-of-words-signifies
I honestly feel like it’s even chances for all of them dying but Hardin. Maybe slightly less for Rathik at the moment considering he’s Sratha’s descendent and thus an important player in the plot… but then, we don’t know Rathik’s role in Hardin’s plan and if Rathik dies it could affect nothing or everything.
There is a very, very long list of dead characters that were not saved by popularity, (cue agonized Redwall fandom sound off) and I have a sneaking suspicion that Bevan’s name is at the top.
….should we be investing in “If Bevan dies, we riot” shirts? Pretty sure we’ll need it for at least one Sunsgrovian over the course of this webcomic.
Yikes. I am reminded why I don’t go to tumblr.
Which Sunsgrovian do you think will buy the farm?
I know. Unfortunately I let that stupid website get its hooks in me.
SHORT ANSWER: Janik’s Dad (90%), Crim (60%), Quinlan (60%), Dakkan (55%), Kenosh (55%), Janik (30%), King Dabheid (5%)
*Cue a lot of meta*
Exhibit A, Kenosh. The Mentor. Usually the first to go in these scenarios, but I feel like he’s going to stick around for a while, if only because of the dysfunctional relationship he has with Dakkan. But I do believe that even if he doesn’t die, he will be removed from the main plot line eventually and Dakkan and Quinlan are going to have to figure out what to do in real combat/diplomatical without his guidance and experience. [Theories on how this can happen and other character related meta redacted b/c it took over the post and I realized they were spoilery]
Exhibit B, Dakkan. The Loyal Friend/Comic Relief/Walking Diplomatic Incident. Usually the comic relief is just there for aesthetics, but clearly Dakkan’s a much more complex character than your typical Hero’s Best Friend and I have no doubt that he will end up a force to be reckoned with in the plot. Even before Dakkan was spliced into the comic, It has been stated that Quinlan needed a best friend who was able to easily lift his spirit. The Comic Relief rarely dies, but it’s clear that this comic is anything but your typical fantasy story. Dakkan dying would change Quinlan and Kenosh profoundly (is it bad that I want it just because of Kenosh’s reaction all the parental guil- imma stop there THIS IS NOT PERMISSION ALEX)
Exhibit C, Quinlan, Our Hero. Quinlan, I feel, is unique as a fantasy protagonist and his story does such an amazing job of hooking your heartstrings and reeling you in. Now, in fantasy stories, the Hero almost never dies and if he does, in some really really cheap plot twist, he usually comes back to life (looking at you Harry Potter). But way way waaay back in one of the earliest drafts for Beyond the Western Deep, well, Quin didn’t make it out alive. This was pre-Dakkan and the story has changed a LOT since then, but Quinlan can throw Clovis farther than I trust Alex (OK I trust him to deliver a solid story with beautiful characters but that’s about it) and just because other things have changed doesn’t mean that his end hasn’t.
Exhibit D, Janik’s Dad. Hasn’t appeared in story. But I’m pretty sure he gets bumped off because Janik went to Nessa to assist him in his diplomatic duties. Considering Janik is a large part of the upcoming plot, it’s a safe bet that he bites it and all of his duties and responsibilities fall on her capable but slightly overwhelmed shoulders.
Exhibit E, Janik. Hero’s Love Interest, since it hasn’t been explicitly stated whether she and Quin are together and NO LOVE TRIANGLES THANK TESQUE *Happy sobs* On the one hand, her survival looks likely, but one the other, see my last statement in Quinlan’s entry. Whatever she does, it will be dangerous work, being a diplomat. There’s assassinations to worry about and all that lovely political subterfuge. So I say that her chances of survival are… higher than the envoy at Deltrada. Nothing more until I get a better idea of her situation and role in the plot.
Exhibit F, Crim. No I have not forgotten my lovely smarmy jerkface~ Twenty pages spent on him and his rivalry with Quin. If that’s not foreshadowing I’ll eat Dakkan’s salmon. Crim has a lot of potential for character development- at the end of which he could die. If Quin dies, he’ll be captain. If Dakkan dies, he’ll be Quin’s friend. There’s a lot you could do with Crim. I think he’ll die, but my lovely smarmy tamian jerkface may surprise me yet.
Exhibit G, King Dabheid. Probably not going to appear in story again for a while. Awesome Old Guy tho and unless I’m severely mistaken, likely to make it out alive.
…what is my life I spent an hour on this.
Are you a BWD fanatic? Take this test to find out. See which statements apply to you.
-You have a shrine to Rachel and Alex somewhere in your house.
-You have separate shrines to Rachel and Alex in your house.
-You want the hardcover edition of the book so badly that all of your family and friends will get you a copy for Christmas/Hanukkah/etc. to make you shut up about it.
-You can never watch The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit again without imagining the characters as furries.
-You say things like “Thank Tesque” in casual conversation.
-You keep accidentally calling real-world humans “Dabheid”, “Janik”, and “Rhosyn”, instead of “David”, “Janet”, and “Rosalyn”.
Ah, but you didn’t give the results! Only one of those statements applies to me. So where do I fall on the ratio? CAN I BE CURED? IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR ME??
Which one applies to you? That sort of matters.
Well, there’s the Thank Tesque one
The book one doesn’t apply, but only because who wants to wait until December??? And my birthday already passed so I can’t badger them for that. (not to mention I doubt it would work)
(And also the obsessive scribbling of the URL in public whenever I get the chance- not graffiti, just like on dry erase boards and places where graffiti is actively encouraged)
(the shrine I have to the Salmon Lord)
(I constantly make references to “pulling a Dakkan” instead of messing up and “Dakkaning it” when MacGyvering a thing)
(Informing my teacher that his pet squirrel is actually a fierce Tamian warrior and should not be cooped up)
(My new battlecry when jumping in the pool is “FOR SUNSGROVE” or alternately “FOR ERMEHNITY” If I feel like channeling Hardin that day)
So, is it terminal, Dr. Master??? CAN I BE HEALED?
There is no mope for you at all.
But if it makes you feel any better, I will soon be just as bad off as you are.
Your teacher has a pet squirrel?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHY ME I AM TOO YOUNG TO LOSE MY LIFE TO FICTIONAL FLUFFY MURDEROUS ANIMALS
Oh well. It’s just my sanity at stake. So my reaction is to make like the Joker and INFECT EVERYONE ELSE WITH MADNESS (Yes it does make me feel better, Master)
*Scribbles URL in various public places with a wild look in my eye*
Long story short, yes.
Fictional fluffy murderous animals are the meaning of life and all existence, yes?
I can’t speak for your sanity, but your . . . enthusiasm for this comic is shared by most of us here. So you’re in the majority.
I guess what I’m trying to say here is that if you’re insane, we’re all insane with you. And I’m okay with that. I like this comic enough that I’m willing to put up with insanity, because it’s that good.
It’s my preciousssssssssss . . .
YES
yes my…. enthusiasm…. is completely normal according to this public poll.
We aRe aL L A LitT Le MaD H e Re
NO NO NASTY MASTERRR the preciousssss…. MY PRECIOUS…. we needs it…. MY Precioussss……
Thief! Shieldmaiden! We Hates It For Ever!!
jk
Nassty Master! Master just jealous.
*Snuggles book* My… Prrrrecioussss
For really funny Lord of the Rings parody, you can’t beat this.