Thog's speech took a couple readings to get through, but otherwise it was ingenious. I'm guessing he used find / replace to change 'Elan' for 'not-Nale' and so forth to get it right, as I can't imagine writing such a dialog straight without getting lost myself in the process.
I look forward to Elan's future, as it looks to be interesting. I wonder if desperation to escape will allow him to finally realize he can cast spells. Sure, they all have vocal components, but he is no longer wearing his gag. Although that does bring up a interesting idea. Just what spells are on his 'Known Spell' list - considering that he doesn't believe he has the ability to know / learn spells as a bard. Perhaps Banjo's works were really Elan's spells - using Perform Puppetteering maybe? Hmm, no, I don't think a bard's spells requires Perform - just his songs.
On the other hand, I just can't wait to see him attempt to use something along the lines of "Release! Release! Release the Innocent Man!" to one of the guards. Somehow I don't think bardic music will necessarily get him out of this (esp as they seem to have pre-judged him as guilty of multiple murders (including their chief), possibly manipulating a prior trial, etc).
[Edit]
It just occurred to me. Haley should realize that something is wrong about 'Elan' almost as soon as she interacts with him, but due to her speech impediment they will not understand her concern, and if she stops interacting with 'Elan' - perhaps even realizes that he is not Elan - the others will simply infer that the two are having some lovers' squabble and still ignore the problem.
This has tremendous potential for comedy, I think.
On the other hand, I find it difficult to imagine that the group as a whole will not realize something is wrong with 'Elan' before 10-20 strips have passed.
