OotS #353

[Nonlethal Force]

So yeah, if the first 3 panels of this strip had been the last three panels of the last strip, then I'd say it was funny. Since it's not, it looks like it's a reaction to the posts, rather than an original plan.

But what's the difference? Funny can be funny either way!

I thought the lightning bolt move was a brilliant stretch of the rules to throw in an unexpected curve ball - even if it did break the laws of nature. [But, then again, wildshaping and magic follow the rules of nature, so ....] But then to bring in Thor was also a cool move. If he did it because people reacted questionably to the lightning thing then I say "Kudos for knowing your audience and writing to them, Rich. Well done!" If he did it because it was a planned event from many days/weeks back I say "Great strip, Rich. Keep 'em coming!"

My point is, why can it only be good one way? People do customer satisfaction surveys all the time, then modify their product/advertisement based on the surveys. These boards are like free customer surveys for Rich. I'd actually be a bit dissappointed in him if he didn't use them!

Obviously it's a Dire Stick Bear.

Fiendish Dire Weasel ... with a weight problem.

Enlarged Feindish Dire Ferret!

 

[Voadam]

I like that 353 addressed the issue and made a couple of jokes about it, if 352 had just been the end of it I would have continued to be disappointed with that resolution.

 

[Vocenoctum]

But what's the difference? Funny can be funny either way!

I thought the lightning bolt move was a brilliant stretch of the rules to throw in an unexpected curve ball - even if it did break the laws of nature.

The only real problem being that it ignores everything the spell does or can do, but either way it's not a big deal.

My point is, why can it only be good one way? People do customer satisfaction surveys all the time, then modify their product/advertisement based on the surveys. These boards are like free customer surveys for Rich. I'd actually be a bit dissappointed in him if he didn't use them!

My point is that the directness of some of the "user feedback" related stuff in the strip is irksome because it looks sloppy. It's not funny to me that he was defeated by ignoring the foundation of the strip (D&D) and then threw on a slappatch when it was pointed out. It's just a preference thing, and as I mentioned in the previous thread, it's a matter of where you draw the line on customers commentary impact on the strip.

[Eta] I mean, it's a webcomic, saying he can't do any wrong is just as bad as saying he can't do any right. I'm not saying he must ignore all fan feedback, but saying he can ignore it or enslave himself to it and either way is right doesn't fit either.

Enlarged Feindish Dire Ferret!

Enlarged? You're just grasping at straws here. I could see if it was a Legendary Fiendish Stick Ferret, but Enlarged? tsk tsk.

 

[SteveC]

I think the thing people have to remember, is that Rich uses the D&D rules as a beginning, but he's also telling a story and being entertaining. There have been strips already that lampoon the attempts to "rules lawyer" the OotS universe.

Just relax and have a good time with it. Rich is a professional game writer, but he is also a storyteller. If rules conflict with story and fun, which do you think should suffer? OotS is a story, so I say let the rules take the hit.

The thing is, if you wait for it, there's also normally a punchline or a reason (or even in comic complaints) about any major rules issues.

So while it's interesting to critique the rules part OotS it's also going to be mostly futile. At least in my opinion, anyway...

--Steve

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Enlarged? You're just grasping at straws here. I could see if it was a Legendary Fiendish Stick Ferret, but Enlarged? tsk tsk.

Yeah, you're right. Me and Rich need to stick to the rules more.

Anyway ... I understand what you are saying about saying he can't do any bad is as bad as saying he can't do any right. That is legitimate. No need to crush the guy underfoot or elevate him to deity standard. But simply enjoying the strip regardless of his motivation is not elevating him to "god" status. Regardless of where his motivation comes from, I find his sense of wit, sarcasm, and irony hilarious.

I will admit ... I think a bit more outcry to get Haley speaking normal again wouldn't hurt, too! After all, I'm getting tired of having to wait for other people to translate her speach for me! [Yes, I know the code. I'm just lazy....]

 

[frankthedm]

I liked the hammer to the face, "dwarven witticism" as it were.
I don't follow all the threads about what classes they all have, but I figured Durkon for mostly Cleric, if not all. Making him a primary caster too. Still, dwarf vs bear should be fun.

I think Durkon was referring to that druids in 3.5 are more Blaster Caster type than the Tank, Buff and Heal of the cleric, at least until the druid wildshapes...

 

[Shieldhaven]

Speaking as someone who pointed out that control weather thing, I think that this strip is even funnier for virtue of the "explanation." I certainly didn't mean to give offense with my commentary; my point was instead to be unbelievably geeky about a comic I love relating to a ruleset I enjoy immensely.

#353 is one of the funniest yet, and I'm not one of those people who perceived some sort of dry spell at some earlier point in the series. Durkon? Durkon is forged out of pure awesome. And I bet Rich can't hear our comments over the sound of how frickin' awesome he is.

Haven

 

[Mouseferatu]

For the record, my comment about recent argumentativeness (not sure that's actually a word) on ENWorld was directed neither at the previous OotS thread, nor at anyone in particular. I apologize if any offense was inferred, as none was intended.

Those who have been here for a while can attest that the general level of civility seems to rise and fall like a tide around here, and it just seems to be at a low ebb right now. (Or my irritation could stem from the fact that I've been sick all day.) Regardless, sorry for any unintended rancor.

(Um, other than the one under Jabba's throne room. )

 

[Stalker0]

All I have to say is finally Durkon gets in on the action, they poor guys been in the background for so many strips....lousy -2 to cha

 

[frankthedm]

All I have to say is finally Durkon gets in on the action, they poor guys been in the background for so many strips....lousy -2 to cha

Durkons rather personable for a dwarf, i'd almost assume he took the more balanced -2 to DEX [instead of charisma] that a few DM seem to like for Dwarves.