Chapter 2: Page 65
This week, Quinlan’s Tesque training comes in handy! When you’re an unarmed tamian facing off against an armed foe, a foot on the ground can indeed be a foot in the grave.
To our readers across the US, I do hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! As I said in the comments last week, Rachel and I are both eternally thankful to be able to share this story with all of you, and to have such awesome, amazing fans contributing every week. Every page we put up, I look forward to the new discussion points, puns, observations, and theories. I’m most looking forward to seeing a few choice items get knocked off that BWD betting pool in the coming chapters :)
I’m also thankful for all the amazing fan work we receive! From the occasional fan-fiction to a wide variety of artwork, I am humbled by some of the talent I see rendering our characters.
Case in point! Veigue put together a pair of images a short time ago showing Quinlan, Dakkan, Janik, and Hardin as (super adorable!) kids along with Veigue’s human fan-character, Ajule. While there are no humans in the world of the Western Deep, Veigue’s work always sells the idea with gusto!
Thank you so much for the incredible art, Veigue! I love your take on the characters and the world of BWD, and the “Western Deep Kids” are so freaking cute it really is difficult for me to function.
Also, one last thing! Because it’s now OFFICIALLY “The Holidays”, we’ve gone and made a special Western Deep Holiday Bundle at the Western Deep Online Store! Check it out here!
The bundle contains the hardcover, the “Close Call” mini-print, and the banner bookmark, all for $15. Not a shabby deal if you’re looking for a cool gift for anybody between the ages of 8 to 88 who likes to read!
Oh wow, a hidden blade? XD
No, just weird handles.
Still, Assassin’s Acorn was a mayor hit among Sunsgrove video game enthusiasts.
Let’s just hope that they’re not too much for Quinlan to handle . . .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katar_%28dagger%29 :)
I knew I shouldn’t have used the word “weird”, I should have used the word “unconventional”, because I KNEW someone was going to point out they are based on real life weapons.
Why, why does this always happens to meeeeeeee!
Yeah, now that I could see them in more detail I recognize them better, the second stab that he tried just brought back Assassin’s Creed memories because that’s pretty much how you use one XD
So One-Eye is acting as a guard in case they try to escape?
That, or he might be establishing dominance. We’re not certain of the hierarchy among Ermehn tribes, but he’s the one who gave the orders to kill them and he was the one who spoke up when Hardin gave his whole “All Ur Camp Is Belong to Me” speech. It’s not much and while he probably isn’t a chief’s son or anything, it seems to me he at least has some rank or bearing over the other Ermehn of his tribe.
That double katar wielding Ermehn makes me pretty durn happy and I’d only be happier if he were swinging them at certain Canid jerkfaces (you are not exempt from this, Tosch) instead of our Tamian precious.
I love the way the action is handled in this page. Quinlan progresses from “I need that sword” to “I I NEED TO NOT GET IMPALED” The expressions are flawless. Then we have Katar literally popping out of the panel! Looks like Crim did Quinlan a favor by giving him that refresher- //Quin actually lost the tuft on his left ear
…Between Hardin and this guy, the Ermehn really need to open a salon.
And there’s Dakkan grappling with the boarding axe Ermehn. I like this guy- he just jumps onto Dakkan when Dak wrests with the axe. Either I’m hallucinating because it’s 5AM or Dakkan just popped him in the nose with his elbow and that’s actual blood spraying out. Insane level of detail there, Rachel.
(Hopefully that’s not enough blood to trigger Dakkan’s phobia)
The reflection of the light off the metal is superb. It looks so shiny and wicked. And I really hope those spears on the wall don’t end up in Our Heroes.
Kenoshhh where are youuu please don’t be dead if only because I want to see more dysfunctional Lutren family drama. Something tells me you won’t be saving the day on this one- heck, you might even show up //late// and won’t that be fun? Shoulda stayed in your cell, pal.
As for the betting pool, for those of you who don’t come on tumblr: http://shiitaketissues.tumblr.com/post/102807407935/btwd-betting-pool-rebooted
And on yet another side note, I managed to finish “Dust: an Elysian Tail” after four? nights of 4AM gaming sessions and if you haven’t played it, you’re missing out. (Relevancy to the thread is that Alex co wrote the thing and it is extremely beautiful and my ramblings and theories and stuff will probably end up on tumblr eventually)
Dust is easily one of the most well-written, not to mention //fun// games I have ever played. It’s on sale for three bucks until December 2 so you should really try the thing, and even if you miss the sale, trust me- it’s worth full price. http://store.steampowered.com/app/236090/
Dakkan has a blood phobia? Is this one of those things that was mentioned on the old BWD pre-comic website?
Don’t worry, it’s not anything readers need to know about — all important details will be addressed in the comic itself :)
I honestly don’t remember if it was mentioned on the old site or not, but I know it’s mentioned on Rachel’s deviantart on a couple of her older art pieces. She has a really great (but non-canon) storyboard she made of the time Dakkan’s phobia manifested.
You don’t boil and eat the Precious, you toss it into Mount Doom to save the world. Honestly, Varvau, have some respect for Quinlan’s inevitable self-sacrificial death.
(I guess this makes Sen-Mithrarin a Precious, too)
Ermehn With Axe is not only fighting Dakkan but also attempting to be the first to climb to his summit without the aid of a Sherpa.
Speaking of Axe guy; is he wearing a canid pelt or is that from something a little less sentient?
I see his cloak, his kilt, and his fur, but nothing that looks like a Canid pelt . . .
It wouldn’t surprise me to learn that the Ermehn have taken to wearing them to strike fear in the hearts of their enemies, though.
It’s more easily seen on the previous page.
That may well be Canid fur after all.
We do know that Hardin and the Ermehn killed at least one Canid patrol earlier, so our friend may have picked up his fashion accessory then.
I doubt they had the time to skin the fur off, but I subscribe to the Canid Fur idea.
Clarifying sequence of events yay! I also love how tenacious the axe-wielding ermehn is, he embodies the ‘personal’ aspect of close combat.
Given the time this comic generally updates, this seemed all too appropriate:
Quinlan quick! Do an Reppuuken while you’re in the air!
lol but seriously though, what a cheeky little snake that One-Eyed Ermehn is for blocking the door there. I’m hoping for his sake he doesnt just stand there as he may find a sword stuck behind his back if he’s not careful.
But really, I’m glad everybody had a great Thanksgiving and I’m DEFINITELY grateful for both our readers and you guys for being very dedicated with all these updates and generally supporting the fandom.
DABOO REPPUUKEN
To say something a little more constructive, I must admit that I’m loving this page. First, the attacking Ermehn slicing the fur from Quin’s face, then the callback to Quin’s Tesque skills–I knew that the fight with Crim was foreshadowing a skill that would prove useful later.
Can’t wait to see more!
Time to get out the battle music!
I gotta say, I’m liking the action pacing! You can see the build up and follow-through of every action. It gives the fight appropriate tension.
That Ermehn with the war-axe could probably give it a good tug and either cut the staff in half or pull it out of Dakkan’s hands.
Ha!
It feels like the time to bring this back.
Furry orange.
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2014/336/2/c/clockworkkenosh_by_lady_of_the_shield-d88fvrn.jpg
Is it just me or does Kenosh seem a bit…tense to you?
“That’s my secret, Dakkan. I’m always angry.”
I love the whole page; action time! And Quinlan’s ear tufts are in perpetual danger, haha. But at least his Tesque kept him from becoming a Tamian shishkabob. Close one there. And Dakkan is currently trying to dislodge a screaming, axe-wielding ermehn, so good luck with that, Dak.
…also, Alex’s comment about the betting pool abruptly made me very nervous.
Either Quinlan is immensely fast, or that Ermehn aimed WAY too high… literally! Seriously, how did he miss those donkey ears of his?
He is probbably a double agent working for the Canid!
And yes, I don’t quite get what they mean by the “betting pool”.
http://shiitaketissues.tumblr.com/post/102807407935/btwd-betting-pool-rebooted
There’s a BtWD betting pool on tumblr that uses words and drawings for a wager system instead of money (ie “I’ll write this many words of a story or draw this many things if X dies/X happens/etc.”) If you’re on tumblr and feel like playing, you should.
They way we’ve been playing, you only pay up if you’re wrong.
So if X dies, you’d write a story based on, say, the impact it has on other characters, or an alternate universe where it happens differently than in the comic?
When Quin got his hand on the Ermehn’s shoulder/upper arm, he was able to force the arc of the swing higher than intended. Kinda ducked under it.
Thank Tesque!
Whether I was referring to the deity or the martial art is up for you all to decide . . .
Well, considering Tesque was named after the Deity, Imma go with Deity.
The katar Ermehn is a female, right?
I , , , think so? It’s a little hard to tell.
It’s not that sophisticated, to be honest- just X amount of words or a drawing set in the BWD verse or a crossover/AU featuring BWD characters. It helped keep me motivated.
Interesting melee going on here! Push daggers are a nasty weapon to go against!
And the artwork is fantastic!
At any rate, welcome! x) We’re glad to have you.
Welcome to the fandom! Don’t let our madness deter you- I promise we are very punny people to be around.
Greetings, RG! Hope to see you around some more! You chose a verrry interesting time to join. Glad to see that more people are discovering this amazing comic.
OK, I say we start forming contingency plans for when the Clovis/Quinlan, Dakkan/Kenosh and Crim/Janik shippers show up.
Anyone have thoughts on this Very Important Topic?
No Dakkan/Janik, Kenosh/Ashtor, Quinlan/Eira or Hardin/Tosch?
Dropped the ball there, Shield . . .
That’s just the tip of the iceberg; there are many more combinations available. As for the shippers . . . *Furtively glances around and enters ninja stealth mode*
We’ll take care of it.
All I’m saying is those three pairings were chosen for a reason, (the amount of Carl/Rick in TWD fandom tho @_@) and the problem has already been avertedish. Aww but Quinlan/Eira could be cute- you know, the whole “Imma look cute and stab you in the back when you aren’t looking” element and I’m sure Hardin and Tosch would romance each other with the intent to kill along.
(Spoiler alert: no one dies but Quinlan, who gets caught in the crossfire)
I’m going to lurk on this thread and say nothing. But it’s your fault. And you know why.
Well, your fault and Fourth’s, ‘scuse me. You can split the blame.
Yes indeedy excuse you, this entire thread is ALL YOUR OWN FAULT, and I have the skype log to prove it.
It generally helps if you nip this sort of thing in the bud before it becomes a serious problem. So when we inevitably get our first gushing fangirl who types things like:
“OMG OMG I like, TOATS think that Quin & Dak make, like SUCH a cute pair together OMG!!!!!!! <3 <3 <3"
We should institute our emergency nuclear solution:
There’s that, or write fanfic that’s fluffy and perfect on the surface and then it REACHES IN AND CRUSHES YOUR SOUL BY KILLING EVERYONE
wait that’s the comic nvm we’re good.
#You can’t stop me the thing’s already written and to be fair YOU STARTED IT
Ah, yes. Yesssss. The old “kill everyone in the series so there’s no shipping material left” maneuver, or as I call it, “Exocet anti-ship missiles”.
Works like a charm, as long as you don’t mind ruining your story and traumatizing all of your loyal, non-shipping fans.
I was thinking more a “crush their soul thing” because fanficcers have this weapon called “fix it fics” (I mean come on have you not seen the sheer amount of Martin/Rose fix it fics?)
Waitasecond, all this talk about how to prevent shipping is just a covert way to talk about your favorite pairings! But you can’t ship characters from adorable stories suitable for all audiences, think of the children!
http://youtu.be/2YY0xw5r1ro?t=44s
(YOU HAVE UNCOVERED MY SECRET PLAN but I have a tragic backstory! It is true, I had a BWD ship once- and it was Sunsgrovians/Not dying. Well, if you’ve been around the block, you understand why that ship sank and if I can’t have my Sunsgrovians/not dying ship THEN NO ONE CAN HAVE THEIR SHIPS THIS I VOW MWAHAHAHAHA)
Honestly, I’ll probably grit my teeth if we get a serious Quinlan/Dakkan shipper, but as long as there are no shipping wars and no one starts Seriously Shipping Things That Should Not Be Shipped (ie, Dakkan/Kenosh) we’re ok.
Of course, to have shipping wars that would mean the fanbase has to grow a little and Seth, Hannah, Vince if you ever read this I am profoundly disappointed in all of you for taking so long to even look at the thing.
I, ah, have to contest you on the “appropriate for all audiences” thing there considering that Hardin ends Chapter One wearing enough blood to make some Blood Pudding and that things at Deltrada are getting ugly.
Seriously speaking you’re right. Even though the violence happens off-screen I’d still recommend that children under 12 should read BWD with their parents. But that just doesn’t roll off tongue as well when employed for comedic effect, is all.
And I don’t think anything bad happens to Sunsgrovians, they’re the main characters and we’re still in the early part of the story. Book three of, what, six books I’d guesstimate?
My ship might as well be named the S.S. Martin/Rose- it’s going down eventually and it’s going do drag my soul with it. Yeah it MIGHT not happen now but of the three beebs at least one is going to die by the end. I’m betting on one survivor, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there were none.
If I remember rightly, Alex said 8-10 volumes.
As far as stories featuring non-humans go, every shipping falls on my Seriously-Shipping-Something-that-should-not-be-Shipped category.
I just KNEW the arc about Tesque training wasn’t just filler.