So. The Archmage is a bastard.
Looking at page 236, it's apparent that some things are coming to a head. However, before that, let's review what we already know:
1) The Archmage is an extremely powerful and enigmatic sorceror who can see the future, shapeshift, and travel through time at will. He ruled Kethenecia as its leader and ordered its army destroyed shortly before the city was attacked by the Vulii invaders.
2) The Archmage and Richard share a connection of some sort. If we assume that Felbunny was always the Archmage, one could speculate that the connection is a strong one, considering that you don't often see men--or bunnies--of great power and wisdom shed tears over homicidal maniacs that have been heretofore fucking your plans up.
3) Cale is destined to be King. Pella has been assigned as his guardian by the Archmage. She also seems to be there as a sort of spy for the First Ones.
4) The First Ones--despite getting betrayed by one of their own at the Battle of Kethenecia--are apparently still alive and well in the present, but unable to interfere with current events.
5) The current events, including the Battle of Bloodrage, was prophecised to be the turning tide of the Northern War. However, this was not the case. According to the omniscient Archmage, the loss "was not supposed to happen".
Richard is a spellcasting juggernaut; renowned among the demonic plane for his sheer power and cruelty. He's so powerful, in fact, that despite Hctib having an army of demons at his beck and call, he still chose to take Richard out of the fight immediately to prevent him from single-handedly tipping the scales in Cale's favor. Seeing the extent of Richard's power, it does make strategic sense to get him out of the way quickly. However, the hardest part about dealing with Richard isn't getting him to fight; it's getting him to cooperate and be properly motivated.
That's where the Archmage comes in. Here's my theory time-line...thing. Points and assertations are below.
The Archmage knows, from his past dealings with Richard, that he's too chaotic and dangerous to be relied upon. So, after setting up the whole Kethenecia dealio to end the way it "should" (or, more accurately, the way he wanted it to), he gives Hctib a means of sealing Richard's abilities, and then tags along as Felbunny to ensure it all goes off without a hitch. (1)
As desired, the plan works. He morphs Cale's sense of guilt into that of determination. The townspeople, in turn, now make up the new citizens of Kethenecia, which Cale is pseudo-leading in his own uniquely clueless way. (2) They travel, happily frolicking along to the Bloodrage camp, where they find that the Northern tribes have been provoked into feuds by Daddy Bloodrage. A battle ensues, and to everyone's shock (including the Archmage*), Richard unwittingly sacrifices himself to save everyone else from banishment. (3)
During Richard's banishment, a Northern Alliance forms to save their homeland from Legara's impending march. During this time, we see that the Sisters worship a rabbit God. (4) Time passes, and eventually Richard returns to the world a slightly different warlock (though he'll never admit it). Though they don't know it at the time, they travel to Legara itself in order to release the Sons for much-needed reinforcements in the upcoming battle. However, things again go wrong. Cale is nearly killed, thus forcing a more "direct approach", but the damage has already been done. (5) The Archmage's plan spirals out of his control from Richard's shenanigans, and instead of a glorious win marking a new era for justice and peace, the would-be heroes are welcomed by death.
And here the Archmage is, fuming with rage that his carefully tendered plan was so effortlessly destroyed by a Warlock with a comic book.
Now, cue what happens in the current page. First, Cale ponders how everyone who needs to find them does, in fact, find them at the right moment. Then, Richard learns that his town has been attacked from an unknown source. (Note that Felbunny/Archmage is sitting directly next to him, more than likely listening in.) At the exact same moment, Cale gets an urgent message, also from an unknown source.
I smell a set-up.
Perhaps the Archmage sees the need to take another more "direct approach" to get Richard involved. Or perhaps he sees the need to keep Richard out of the way and chasing his own tail while Cale goes ahead and achieves his destiny. Or, perhaps he's trying to awaken the human he once knew--Lord Ashendale--by threatening the one thing he might possibly give a damn about.
Either way, Archmage is a Machiavellian son of a bitch, and if he isn't a "bad guy", he's not a whole hell of a lot better.
Points and Assertations:
(1) Two problems with this theory. It might be giving the Archmage too much credit; furthermore, how could he have known that Richard would do something self-sacrificing at the correct time? My rebuttals are that the Archmage weaved the outcome of the Ketten War to end in something resembling his favor, and seems to either divine the future, or travel through it. He also certainly knew how to pluck Cale's strings, and it appears that he's known Richard for far longer. If he can manipulate thousands of years worth of events, he could probably find the one chink in Richard's armor.
(2) The Archmage forced Cale to murder the image of a young boy in order to steel him for the horrors of war to come, and to ready him for other, even more terrible decisions. Following that, he tells Pella that she's to protect him from his friends. Perhaps one of those impossible decisions he'll have to make in the future is to turn on one, just as Pella's father had to cull his own army.
(3) That's the second time Richard has done something self-sacrificing, though it was entirely accidental.
* Random WTF: A powerful mage cries over the loss of a powerful warlock. Hmm.
(4) Archmage disguises himself as the Felbunny. Archmage is also an apparently clairvoyant time-traveler. I wonder who gave them their prophecies?
(5) Reading into this, one can speculate that the Archmage doesn't actually "see the future" as an absolute, but instead only sees the potential for a certain future to happen, and has devoted centuries into cultivating this outcome.
Full Version: Archmage = Big Bad.
QUOTE(SilverKnight @ Mar 20 2009, 06:38 AM) [snapback]399320[/snapback]
So. The Archmage is a bastard.
Looking at page 236, it's apparent that some things are coming to a head. However, before that, let's review what we already know:
1) The Archmage is an extremely powerful and enigmatic sorceror who can see the future, shapeshift, and travel through time at will. He ruled Kethenecia as its leader and ordered its army destroyed shortly before the city was attacked by the Vulii invaders.
2) The Archmage and Richard share a connection of some sort. If we assume that Felbunny was always the Archmage, one could speculate that the connection is a strong one, considering that you don't often see men--or bunnies--of great power and wisdom shed tears over homicidal maniacs that have been heretofore fucking your plans up.
3) Cale is apparently destined to be King. Pella has been assigned as his guardian by the Archmage. She also seems to be there as a sort of spy for the First Ones.
4) The First Ones--despite apparently getting betrayed by one of their own at the Battle of Kethenecia--are apparently still alive and well in the present, but unable to interfere with current events.
5) The current events, including the Battle of Bloodrage, was prophecised to be the turning tide of the Northern War. However, this was not the case. According to the omniscient Archmage, the loss "was not supposed to happen".
Richard is a spellcasting juggernaut; renowned among the demonic plane for his sheer power and cruelty. He's so powerful, in fact, that despite Hctib having an army of demons at his beck and call, he still chose to take Richard out of the fight immediately to prevent him from single-handedly tipping the scales in Cale's favor. Seeing the extent of Richard's power, it does make strategic sense to get him out of the way quickly. However, the hardest part about dealing with Richard isn't getting him to fight; it's getting him to cooperate and be properly motivated.
That's where the Archmage comes in. Here's my theory time-line...thing. Points and assertations are below.
The Archmage knows, from his past dealings with Richard, that he's too chaotic and dangerous to be relied upon. So, after setting up the whole Kethenecia dealio to end the way it "should" (or, more accurately, the way he wanted it to), he gives Hctib a means of sealing Richard's abilities, and then tags along as Felbunny to ensure it all goes off without a hitch. (1)
As desired, the plan works. He morphs Cale's sense of guilt into that of determination. The townspeople, in turn, now make up the new citizens of Kethenecia, which Cale is pseudo-leading in his own uniquely clueless way. (2) They travel, happily frolicking along to the Bloodrage camp, where they find that the Northern tribes have been provoked into feuds by Daddy Bloodrage. A battle ensues, and to everyone's shock (including the Archmage*), Richard unwittingly sacrifices himself to save everyone else from banishment. (3)
During Richard's banishment, a Northern Alliance forms to save their homeland from Legara's impending march. During this time, we see that the Sisters worship a rabbit God. (4) Time passes, and eventually Richard returns to the world a slightly different warlock (though he'll never admit it). Though they don't know it at the time, they travel to Legara itself in order to release the Sons for much-needed reinforcements in the upcoming battle. However, things again go wrong. Cale is nearly killed, thus forcing a more "direct approach", but the damage has already been done. (5) The Archmage's plan spirals out of his control from Richard's shenanigans, and instead of a glorious win marking a new era for justice and peace, the would-be heroes are welcomed by death.
And here the Archmage is, fuming with rage that his carefully tendered plan was so effortlessly destroyed by a Warlock with a comic book.
Now, cue what happens in the current page. First, Cale ponders how everyone who needs to find them does, in fact, find them at the right moment. Then, Richard learns that his town has been attacked from an unknown source. (Note that Felbunny/Archmage is sitting directly next to him, more than likely listening in.) At the exact same moment, Cale gets an urgent message, also from an unknown source.
I smell a set-up.
Perhaps the Archmage sees the need to take another more "direct approach" to get Richard involved. Or perhaps he sees the need to keep Richard out of the way and chasing his own tail while Cale goes ahead and achieves his destiny. Or, perhaps he's trying to awaken the human he once knew--Lord Ashendale--by threatening the one thing he might possibly give a damn about.
Either way, Archmage is a Machiavellian son of a bitch, and if he isn't a "bad guy", he's not a whole hell of a lot better.
Points and Assertations:
(1) Two problems with this theory. It might be giving the Archmage too much credit; furthermore, how could he have known that Richard would do something self-sacrificing at the correct time? My rebuttals are that the Archmage weaved the outcome of the Ketten War to end in something resembling his favor, and seems to either divine the future, or travel through it. He also certainly knew how to pluck Cale's strings, and it appears that he's known Richard for far longer. If he can manipulate thousands of years worth of events, he could probably find the one chink in Richard's armor.
(2) The Archmage forced Cale to murder the image of a young boy in order to steel him for the horrors of war to come, and to ready him for other, even more terrible decisions. Following that, he tells Pella that she's to protect him from his friends. Perhaps one of those impossible decisions he'll have to make in the future is to turn on one, just as Pella's father had to cull his own army.
(3) That's the second time Richard has done something self-sacrificing, though it was entirely accidental.
* Random WTF: A powerful mage cries over the loss of a powerful warlock. Hmm.
(4) Archmage disguises himself as the Felbunny. Archmage is also an apparently clairvoyant time-traveler. I wonder who gave them their prophecies?
(5) Reading into this, one can speculate that the Archmage doesn't actually "see the future" as an absolute, but instead only sees the potential for a certain future to happen, and has devoted centuries into cultivating this outcome.
Looking at page 236, it's apparent that some things are coming to a head. However, before that, let's review what we already know:
1) The Archmage is an extremely powerful and enigmatic sorceror who can see the future, shapeshift, and travel through time at will. He ruled Kethenecia as its leader and ordered its army destroyed shortly before the city was attacked by the Vulii invaders.
2) The Archmage and Richard share a connection of some sort. If we assume that Felbunny was always the Archmage, one could speculate that the connection is a strong one, considering that you don't often see men--or bunnies--of great power and wisdom shed tears over homicidal maniacs that have been heretofore fucking your plans up.
3) Cale is apparently destined to be King. Pella has been assigned as his guardian by the Archmage. She also seems to be there as a sort of spy for the First Ones.
4) The First Ones--despite apparently getting betrayed by one of their own at the Battle of Kethenecia--are apparently still alive and well in the present, but unable to interfere with current events.
5) The current events, including the Battle of Bloodrage, was prophecised to be the turning tide of the Northern War. However, this was not the case. According to the omniscient Archmage, the loss "was not supposed to happen".
Richard is a spellcasting juggernaut; renowned among the demonic plane for his sheer power and cruelty. He's so powerful, in fact, that despite Hctib having an army of demons at his beck and call, he still chose to take Richard out of the fight immediately to prevent him from single-handedly tipping the scales in Cale's favor. Seeing the extent of Richard's power, it does make strategic sense to get him out of the way quickly. However, the hardest part about dealing with Richard isn't getting him to fight; it's getting him to cooperate and be properly motivated.
That's where the Archmage comes in. Here's my theory time-line...thing. Points and assertations are below.
The Archmage knows, from his past dealings with Richard, that he's too chaotic and dangerous to be relied upon. So, after setting up the whole Kethenecia dealio to end the way it "should" (or, more accurately, the way he wanted it to), he gives Hctib a means of sealing Richard's abilities, and then tags along as Felbunny to ensure it all goes off without a hitch. (1)
As desired, the plan works. He morphs Cale's sense of guilt into that of determination. The townspeople, in turn, now make up the new citizens of Kethenecia, which Cale is pseudo-leading in his own uniquely clueless way. (2) They travel, happily frolicking along to the Bloodrage camp, where they find that the Northern tribes have been provoked into feuds by Daddy Bloodrage. A battle ensues, and to everyone's shock (including the Archmage*), Richard unwittingly sacrifices himself to save everyone else from banishment. (3)
During Richard's banishment, a Northern Alliance forms to save their homeland from Legara's impending march. During this time, we see that the Sisters worship a rabbit God. (4) Time passes, and eventually Richard returns to the world a slightly different warlock (though he'll never admit it). Though they don't know it at the time, they travel to Legara itself in order to release the Sons for much-needed reinforcements in the upcoming battle. However, things again go wrong. Cale is nearly killed, thus forcing a more "direct approach", but the damage has already been done. (5) The Archmage's plan spirals out of his control from Richard's shenanigans, and instead of a glorious win marking a new era for justice and peace, the would-be heroes are welcomed by death.
And here the Archmage is, fuming with rage that his carefully tendered plan was so effortlessly destroyed by a Warlock with a comic book.
Now, cue what happens in the current page. First, Cale ponders how everyone who needs to find them does, in fact, find them at the right moment. Then, Richard learns that his town has been attacked from an unknown source. (Note that Felbunny/Archmage is sitting directly next to him, more than likely listening in.) At the exact same moment, Cale gets an urgent message, also from an unknown source.
I smell a set-up.
Perhaps the Archmage sees the need to take another more "direct approach" to get Richard involved. Or perhaps he sees the need to keep Richard out of the way and chasing his own tail while Cale goes ahead and achieves his destiny. Or, perhaps he's trying to awaken the human he once knew--Lord Ashendale--by threatening the one thing he might possibly give a damn about.
Either way, Archmage is a Machiavellian son of a bitch, and if he isn't a "bad guy", he's not a whole hell of a lot better.
Points and Assertations:
(1) Two problems with this theory. It might be giving the Archmage too much credit; furthermore, how could he have known that Richard would do something self-sacrificing at the correct time? My rebuttals are that the Archmage weaved the outcome of the Ketten War to end in something resembling his favor, and seems to either divine the future, or travel through it. He also certainly knew how to pluck Cale's strings, and it appears that he's known Richard for far longer. If he can manipulate thousands of years worth of events, he could probably find the one chink in Richard's armor.
(2) The Archmage forced Cale to murder the image of a young boy in order to steel him for the horrors of war to come, and to ready him for other, even more terrible decisions. Following that, he tells Pella that she's to protect him from his friends. Perhaps one of those impossible decisions he'll have to make in the future is to turn on one, just as Pella's father had to cull his own army.
(3) That's the second time Richard has done something self-sacrificing, though it was entirely accidental.
* Random WTF: A powerful mage cries over the loss of a powerful warlock. Hmm.
(4) Archmage disguises himself as the Felbunny. Archmage is also an apparently clairvoyant time-traveler. I wonder who gave them their prophecies?
(5) Reading into this, one can speculate that the Archmage doesn't actually "see the future" as an absolute, but instead only sees the potential for a certain future to happen, and has devoted centuries into cultivating this outcome.
*standing ovation and claps hand* Bravo
.... 
What? Too much? 
Excellent, excellent!
I concur on your theory completely, only adding that the fall of the Bloodrage was indeed a trigger to indirectly rouse a sense of justified revenge on Legara's forces. You may have hinted at such, but never directly spoke of it. I feel, though, that we have enough solid evidence from your argument to make such a claim.
I concur on your theory completely, only adding that the fall of the Bloodrage was indeed a trigger to indirectly rouse a sense of justified revenge on Legara's forces. You may have hinted at such, but never directly spoke of it. I feel, though, that we have enough solid evidence from your argument to make such a claim.
i will type my response/feelings about this post in c++ code.
# define INFINITY = -1
int main{
string poster = "SilverKnight";
count = 0;
while(count!=INFINITY)
{
cout << poster << " score is more than "<< INFINITY<< endl;
count+=1;
}
return 0;
}
# define INFINITY = -1
int main{
string poster = "SilverKnight";
count = 0;
while(count!=INFINITY)
{
cout << poster << " score is more than "<< INFINITY<< endl;
count+=1;
}
return 0;
}
QUOTE(rockerdude88 @ Mar 20 2009, 12:25 PM) [snapback]399449[/snapback]
i will type my response/feelings about this post in c++ code.
# define INFINITY = -1
int main{
string poster = "SilverKnight";
count = 0;
while(count!=INFINITY)
{
cout << poster << " score is more than "<< INFINITY<< endl;
count+=1;
}
return 0;
}
# define INFINITY = -1
int main{
string poster = "SilverKnight";
count = 0;
while(count!=INFINITY)
{
cout << poster << " score is more than "<< INFINITY<< endl;
count+=1;
}
return 0;
}
The Power of Christ Compells You!
QUOTE(rockerdude88 @ Mar 20 2009, 12:25 PM) [snapback]399449[/snapback]
i will type my response/feelings about this post in c++ code.
# define INFINITY = -1
int main{
string poster = "SilverKnight";
count = 0;
while(count!=INFINITY)
{
cout << poster << " score is more than "<< INFINITY<< endl;
count+=1;
}
return 0;
}
# define INFINITY = -1
int main{
string poster = "SilverKnight";
count = 0;
while(count!=INFINITY)
{
cout << poster << " score is more than "<< INFINITY<< endl;
count+=1;
}
return 0;
}
You're talking Swahili to me.
Really, really geeky Swahili.
Further rambling on, you could say that the utter incompatibility of the Archmage and Richard only strengthen the theory that they knew each other in the past. Putting Richard and the Archmage side by side, they're about as different as you can get.
Richard is ageless and dead. The Archmage is ageless and alive.
Richard favors necromancy and brute power. The Archmage favors arcane/temporal magic and subtle subterfuge.
Richard is very "translucent in his ambitions". The Archmage...well, we don't know what the hell he's up to.
Richard is impatient, impulsive, and very fickle. The Archmage is patient, calculating, and decisive to a fault.
Richard likes black and red. The Archmage likes white and green.
In fact, the only things they have in common are that they're both incredibly powerful, incredibly wise, and incremental in shaping the events that started this story. But tenuous as they may be, the ties are there. Maybe friends, possibly relatives? If they are blood related, it's likely to be in a competitive state--brothers--as opposed to the discussed Father/Son angle. Richard stated that his father expressed distaste over his chosen profession; that of magic-craft, as opposed to...a more military existence, probably. Ergo, the Archmage would be ill-suited. Likewise, in order for Richard to "be turned" into the maniac we all know and love, he would have probably been young and impetuous; doing what he pleased on little more than whims. He wouldn't wait until after he had children to go, "Hey, I should suck out my soul and become a heartless baby-eating slaughter-machine." Besides, he doesn't strike me as the family man type.
However, brothers might make more sense. Their Lord Father would have been hopping mad to have had two wimpy caster sons, but given the Archmage's knowledge of advanced tactics (extrapolating this from his careful steering of history in his favor), I imagine Daddy Ashendale might have at least tolerated his choice. Richard? A silly-hearted, whimsical fluff that showed absolutely no interest in leading or responsibility--oh yeah, I'm sure they got along reaaaaaal well.
But I'm totally going off course here. Don't mind me.
Edit:
QUOTE(Oscion @ Mar 20 2009, 11:14 AM) [snapback]399404[/snapback]
Excellent, excellent!
I concur on your theory completely, only adding that the fall of the Bloodrage was indeed a trigger to indirectly rouse a sense of justified revenge on Legara's forces. You may have hinted at such, but never directly spoke of it. I feel, though, that we have enough solid evidence from your argument to make such a claim.
I concur on your theory completely, only adding that the fall of the Bloodrage was indeed a trigger to indirectly rouse a sense of justified revenge on Legara's forces. You may have hinted at such, but never directly spoke of it. I feel, though, that we have enough solid evidence from your argument to make such a claim.
Oh, you know, I didn't even think about that, but yes, that also fits right in with the Archmage's plan. Good addition.
QUOTE(SilverKnight @ Mar 20 2009, 07:59 PM) [snapback]399847[/snapback]
You're talking Swahili to me.
Really, really geeky Swahili.
Further rambling on, you could say that the utter incompatibility of the Archmage and Richard only strengthen the theory that they knew each other in the past. Putting Richard and the Archmage side by side, they're about as different as you can get.
Richard is ageless and dead. The Archmage is ageless and alive.
Richard favors necromancy and brute power. The Archmage favors arcane/temporal magic and subtle subterfuge.
Richard is very "translucent in his ambitions". The Archmage...well, we don't know what the hell he's up to.
Richard is impatient, impulsive, and very fickle. The Archmage is patient, calculating, and decisive to a fault.
Richard likes black and red. The Archmage likes white and green.
In fact, the only things they have in common are that they're both incredibly powerful, incredibly wise, and incremental in shaping the events that started this story. But tenuous as they may be, the ties are there. Maybe friends, possibly relatives? If they are blood related, it's likely to be in a competitive state--brothers--as opposed to the discussed Father/Son angle. Richard stated that his father expressed distaste over his chosen profession; that of magic-craft, as opposed to...a more military existence, probably. Ergo, the Archmage would be ill-suited. Likewise, in order for Richard to "be turned" into the maniac we all know and love, he would have probably been young and impetuous; doing what he pleased on little more than whims. He wouldn't wait until after he had children to go, "Hey, I should suck out my soul and become a heartless baby-eating slaughter-machine." Besides, he doesn't strike me as the family man type.
However, brothers might make more sense. Their Lord Father would have been hopping mad to have had two wimpy caster sons, but given the Archmage's knowledge of advanced tactics (extrapolating this from his careful steering of history in his favor), I imagine Daddy Ashendale might have at least tolerated his choice. Richard? A silly-hearted, whimsical fluff that showed absolutely no interest in leading or responsibility--oh yeah, I'm sure they got along reaaaaaal well.
But I'm totally going off course here. Don't mind me.
Edit:
Oh, you know, I didn't even think about that, but yes, that also fits right in with the Archmage's plan. Good addition.
Really, really geeky Swahili.
Further rambling on, you could say that the utter incompatibility of the Archmage and Richard only strengthen the theory that they knew each other in the past. Putting Richard and the Archmage side by side, they're about as different as you can get.
Richard is ageless and dead. The Archmage is ageless and alive.
Richard favors necromancy and brute power. The Archmage favors arcane/temporal magic and subtle subterfuge.
Richard is very "translucent in his ambitions". The Archmage...well, we don't know what the hell he's up to.
Richard is impatient, impulsive, and very fickle. The Archmage is patient, calculating, and decisive to a fault.
Richard likes black and red. The Archmage likes white and green.
In fact, the only things they have in common are that they're both incredibly powerful, incredibly wise, and incremental in shaping the events that started this story. But tenuous as they may be, the ties are there. Maybe friends, possibly relatives? If they are blood related, it's likely to be in a competitive state--brothers--as opposed to the discussed Father/Son angle. Richard stated that his father expressed distaste over his chosen profession; that of magic-craft, as opposed to...a more military existence, probably. Ergo, the Archmage would be ill-suited. Likewise, in order for Richard to "be turned" into the maniac we all know and love, he would have probably been young and impetuous; doing what he pleased on little more than whims. He wouldn't wait until after he had children to go, "Hey, I should suck out my soul and become a heartless baby-eating slaughter-machine." Besides, he doesn't strike me as the family man type.
However, brothers might make more sense. Their Lord Father would have been hopping mad to have had two wimpy caster sons, but given the Archmage's knowledge of advanced tactics (extrapolating this from his careful steering of history in his favor), I imagine Daddy Ashendale might have at least tolerated his choice. Richard? A silly-hearted, whimsical fluff that showed absolutely no interest in leading or responsibility--oh yeah, I'm sure they got along reaaaaaal well.
But I'm totally going off course here. Don't mind me.
Edit:
Oh, you know, I didn't even think about that, but yes, that also fits right in with the Archmage's plan. Good addition.
I just noticed we joined on the same day same year! High five!
And I agree that the arch-mage and Richard have some tie together, possibly even the same person as a result of abusing the time line too much.
I'm really not a fan of the Richard = Archmage theory. First because it makes my head hurt from trying to figure it out, and second, because there are other, more plausible explanations as to their relationship aside from the immediate sci-fi cheap cop-out of "OMG FINKLE IS EINHORN!"
Which isn't sci-fi, but whatever.
Besides, the Archmage being a variant of Richard in another timeline or what have you isn't terribly gut-wrenching. It'd be a little more dramatic to have him be some sort of relative or friend, and the Archmage either being forced to fight/kill him, or Richard in his "state" being completely unaware of their prior friendship. Losing your sense of self and those you love to your own blind ambition is more poignant than trying to prevent your future self from destroying the past.
And anyway, as established, the Archmage is a calculating bastard. Those two couldn't be more polar opposite if they tried.
Which isn't sci-fi, but whatever.
Besides, the Archmage being a variant of Richard in another timeline or what have you isn't terribly gut-wrenching. It'd be a little more dramatic to have him be some sort of relative or friend, and the Archmage either being forced to fight/kill him, or Richard in his "state" being completely unaware of their prior friendship. Losing your sense of self and those you love to your own blind ambition is more poignant than trying to prevent your future self from destroying the past.
And anyway, as established, the Archmage is a calculating bastard. Those two couldn't be more polar opposite if they tried.
I love you, man.
QUOTE(rockerdude88 @ Mar 21 2009, 01:55 AM) [snapback]399449[/snapback]
i will type my response/feelings about this post in c++ code.
# define INFINITY = -1
int main{
string poster = "SilverKnight";
count = 0;
while(count!=INFINITY)
{
cout << poster << " score is more than "<< INFINITY<< endl;
count+=1;
}
return 0;
}
# define INFINITY = -1
int main{
string poster = "SilverKnight";
count = 0;
while(count!=INFINITY)
{
cout << poster << " score is more than "<< INFINITY<< endl;
count+=1;
}
return 0;
}
oh noes he's stuck in an infinite loop
I must say, well reasoned. You should be making the authors do one of 2 things:
1. Be very worried. It's no fun having evil plot twists if people guess them (a friend of mine is a writer...he knows from experience).
2. Be very pleased, and possibly laughing. Either because you are dead on, or so far off it is funny.
Or maybe a mixture of the two.
Regardless, you brought up excellent points. I hadn't noticed the color differences between Richard and the Archmage...I'll have to consider this for later but I have a Warcraft III map to attend to. Ciao!
1. Be very worried. It's no fun having evil plot twists if people guess them (a friend of mine is a writer...he knows from experience).
2. Be very pleased, and possibly laughing. Either because you are dead on, or so far off it is funny.
Or maybe a mixture of the two.
Regardless, you brought up excellent points. I hadn't noticed the color differences between Richard and the Archmage...I'll have to consider this for later but I have a Warcraft III map to attend to. Ciao!
Wow, that must have taken a while. VERY good job there.
An alternate theory (actually just wild guesses) on why the group is being split up:
So, Richard is pretty damn powerful right? And though Cale, Benny and Pella are a force to be reckoned with, it seems that their main life-insurance is Richard,* as seen Here, here and here. If Cale & Co. run in to major trouble without Richard's help... well they’re in some pretty deep shit.
To me, this seems like a way to kill off a major character. Obviously, Cale has to survive because that would be counter-productive for the Archmage. Likewise, he placed Pella there for a reason. If one of the characters were to die from this, I predict it would be Benny. She doesn't seem to fit into the grand scheme as well as the others do.** Since Benny and Cale are close, so this might be another twisted lesson from the Archmage.
Taking my random speculation one step further, Cale might get all angsty and blame Richard for Benny's death because he "deserted" the group. This would the first time Cale would be genuinely angry at Richard, instead of just pissed or annoyed. If Benny's death was traumatic enough, it might even cause Cale to attack Richard.
But I doubt that Sohmer would kill off two characters so quickly. I bet that Krunch is alive and captured and to save him, Cale & Co., mainly Benny, must make a heroic sacrifice. Meanwhile, Richard is running in circles trying to defend his town against something or other.
(Hctib? I think maybe that the Archmage somehow got him out of the plane of suck.)
*not always, but they are mortal and will eventually tire
** well, except for this
An alternate theory (actually just wild guesses) on why the group is being split up:
So, Richard is pretty damn powerful right? And though Cale, Benny and Pella are a force to be reckoned with, it seems that their main life-insurance is Richard,* as seen Here, here and here. If Cale & Co. run in to major trouble without Richard's help... well they’re in some pretty deep shit.
To me, this seems like a way to kill off a major character. Obviously, Cale has to survive because that would be counter-productive for the Archmage. Likewise, he placed Pella there for a reason. If one of the characters were to die from this, I predict it would be Benny. She doesn't seem to fit into the grand scheme as well as the others do.** Since Benny and Cale are close, so this might be another twisted lesson from the Archmage.
Taking my random speculation one step further, Cale might get all angsty and blame Richard for Benny's death because he "deserted" the group. This would the first time Cale would be genuinely angry at Richard, instead of just pissed or annoyed. If Benny's death was traumatic enough, it might even cause Cale to attack Richard.
But I doubt that Sohmer would kill off two characters so quickly. I bet that Krunch is alive and captured and to save him, Cale & Co., mainly Benny, must make a heroic sacrifice. Meanwhile, Richard is running in circles trying to defend his town against something or other.
(Hctib? I think maybe that the Archmage somehow got him out of the plane of suck.)
*not always, but they are mortal and will eventually tire
** well, except for this
Interesting theory. I'm not sure how Archmage would plan for Benny to die, since it's somewhat apparent now that the Archmage's carefully laid plans have gone to pot due to Richard. So whatever's going on now might be a "Plan B" to get his little whelping's destiny back on track. But, if that Plan B involves forcibly getting Cale's ass in gear against Legara in a more personal way, I could totally see Benny getting used as fodder for that purpose.
Also, I'm thinking that the Plane of Suck incident wasn't necessarily on his menu, either--Archmage/Felbunny cried when he disappeared, which would indicate he didn't expect it to happen.
Also, I'm thinking that the Plane of Suck incident wasn't necessarily on his menu, either--Archmage/Felbunny cried when he disappeared, which would indicate he didn't expect it to happen.
QUOTE(SilverKnight @ Mar 30 2009, 05:15 AM) [snapback]405074[/snapback]
Interesting theory. I'm not sure how Archmage would plan for Benny to die, since it's somewhat apparent now that the Archmage's carefully laid plans have gone to pot due to Richard. So whatever's going on now might be a "Plan B" to get his little whelping's destiny back on track. But, if that Plan B involves forcibly getting Cale's ass in gear against Legara in a more personal way, I could totally see Benny getting used as fodder for that purpose.
Also, I'm thinking that the Plane of Suck incident wasn't necessarily on his menu, either--Archmage/Felbunny cried when he disappeared, which would indicate he didn't expect it to happen.
Also, I'm thinking that the Plane of Suck incident wasn't necessarily on his menu, either--Archmage/Felbunny cried when he disappeared, which would indicate he didn't expect it to happen.
Archmage/Felbunny might not have seen it coming, but he knows now. He also knows about the Richard + Hctib's poor relationship from issue 4. Hctib would not be a hard person/demon/thing to manipulate into attacking Richard, especially if Hctib has a new secret weapon up his sleeve...
...err... pants.
Cool, well thought out theory SilverKnight. One of the things I like about this comic is all the theories people come up with.
I thought I'd point out where one of the first ones asks if "the archmage is an agent of chaos."
http://lfgcomic.com/page/79
I'll admit the first one was just questioning everything on that page, but it could have been hiden foreshadowing.
I thought I'd point out where one of the first ones asks if "the archmage is an agent of chaos."
http://lfgcomic.com/page/79
I'll admit the first one was just questioning everything on that page, but it could have been hiden foreshadowing.
QUOTE(himura kenshin @ Mar 30 2009, 09:55 PM) [snapback]405643[/snapback]
Cool, well thought out theory SilverKnight. One of the things I like about this comic is all the theories people come up with.
I thought I'd point out where one of the first ones asks if "the archmage is an agent of chaos."
http://lfgcomic.com/page/79
I'll admit the first one was just questioning everything on that page, but it could have been hiden foreshadowing.
I thought I'd point out where one of the first ones asks if "the archmage is an agent of chaos."
http://lfgcomic.com/page/79
I'll admit the first one was just questioning everything on that page, but it could have been hiden foreshadowing.
Ooo, nice catch. Might have been an excellent bit of foreshadowing there, indeed.
Nice one, your theory does sound like a good one.
and if you think about it, how long has Richard lived? he's undead he can survive for centuries and the Mage can travel through time, also the mage cried when Richard "died" so I think theres a very deep conection between the two....time will tell I guess
and if you think about it, how long has Richard lived? he's undead he can survive for centuries and the Mage can travel through time, also the mage cried when Richard "died" so I think theres a very deep conection between the two....time will tell I guess
Indeed, time will tell. XD
your theory is pretty good. just a tagalong...
(pauses to think about cookies
)
...ok, back on topic. about the part where you talk about Richards chink in his armor, what if the archmage set up the destruction of Richards town. you say that the archmage can travel in time, i could also assum he has the power of full time control (like the controls of a VCR. Re-wind, fast forward, slow, frame advance, pause, exc...). thus he'll be able to study Richard intently and could probably figure out Richards source.
but i also have the idea that the town is not the source of his power because his jewel seems to be the source, or at lease the foci, of his power.
(pauses to think about cookies
)...ok, back on topic. about the part where you talk about Richards chink in his armor, what if the archmage set up the destruction of Richards town. you say that the archmage can travel in time, i could also assum he has the power of full time control (like the controls of a VCR. Re-wind, fast forward, slow, frame advance, pause, exc...). thus he'll be able to study Richard intently and could probably figure out Richards source.
but i also have the idea that the town is not the source of his power because his jewel seems to be the source, or at lease the foci, of his power.
I'm not sure the jewel is the "source" of his power, because would make him easier to control. He'd be essentially wearing a bullseye on his chest if it were. But yeah, I can totally see it being a sort of separate "power reserve" for when his normal source is cut off for whatever reason. (Though it begs the question; when the Shamans were interfering with his magical abilities, why didn't he call on the crystal then?)
I was also thinking about the possibility that Archmage is setting up Richard with the town's destruction, albeit directly or indirectly. But again, I might just be giving the Archmage too much credit in regards to this.
I was also thinking about the possibility that Archmage is setting up Richard with the town's destruction, albeit directly or indirectly. But again, I might just be giving the Archmage too much credit in regards to this.
Your a nerd
We all are. You included. 
QUOTE (Bag-o-Legion-Ears @ Apr 27 2009, 07:45 AM) 
Your a nerd
1) It's you're.
2) You deigned it important enough to reply, as such, you're as nerdy as I am by default.
3) Bite me.
Any questions?
QUOTE (SilverKnight @ Apr 27 2009, 08:46 AM)
1) It's you're.
2) You deigned it important enough to reply, as such, you're as nerdy as I am by default.
3) Bite me.
Any questions?
2) You deigned it important enough to reply, as such, you're as nerdy as I am by default.
3) Bite me.
Any questions?
Can't beat that logic.
But, eherm... why analyze it so? go with the flow amigo! (yes it ment to rhyme)
For all we know the Archmage was his teacher in the past, but every bloody person here wants to make it family related. I mean look at Tin Man on SciFi channel with toto that worked well why not here.
That or it could be like any other time paradox we've seen, but I wana see something truly original
That or it could be like any other time paradox we've seen, but I wana see something truly original
QUOTE
For all we know the Archmage was his teacher in the past, but every bloody person here wants to make it family related. I mean look at Tin Man on SciFi channel with toto that worked well why not here.
I never said it was family related specifically, only that whatever bond/history the two share is a strong one. However, if they are blood kin, I said only that brothers would be the most likely relation.
QUOTE
That or it could be like any other time paradox we've seen, but I wana see something truly original
If you wanna get technical/philosophical, originality in story-telling has never truly existed. But yeah, I'd like to see something really off the wall and kick ass, too.
QUOTE
Can't beat that logic.
But, eherm... why analyze it so much, go with the flow amigo! (yes it ment to rhyme)
But, eherm... why analyze it so much, go with the flow amigo! (yes it ment to rhyme)
o.O; Much and amigo don't rhyme...
I analyzed it because the page shown set off warning bells in my head concerning the plot, and I could no longer resist the urge to start putting the pieces together. I'd felt there was something odd/shady about the Archmage since he first showed himself to be the boy Cale murdered, but the revelation that he was also tagging along quietly as the Felbunny sealed it in my head. He's a bastard; whether he's a good one or bad one is unknown, though.
QUOTE (SilverKnight @ Apr 29 2009, 09:52 PM)
o.O; Much and amigo don't rhyme...
Fixed
Oh. Herp de derp. XD
I'm waiting for Felbunny to really screw over Richard's plans in the tomb before the arc finishes.
I'm waiting for Felbunny to really screw over Richard's plans in the tomb before the arc finishes.
Maybe the FellBunny won't, maybe he will just be nice and fluffy.
Circa Page 225:
Richard - 2
Archmage - 0
Methinks he's going to have to get even more direct if he wants to keep Cale's destiny untarnished by Richard's...Richardness.
Richard - 2
Archmage - 0
Methinks he's going to have to get even more direct if he wants to keep Cale's destiny untarnished by Richard's...Richardness.
If Archmage is the baddie, then technically Tavor was the GOOD GUY all along!
SQUEEEEEEE!!!!!!
I like that theory!!!!!!
SQUEEEEEEE!!!!!!
I like that theory!!!!!!
Idk, i have a feeling that richard IS the archmage, like, in one of the comics, he says something like "havnt i seen you before" and the archmage kinda gets like "uh oh, he's remembering" idk, it would be the most amazing plot twist, and i can see shomer writing something like that, he is an amazing writer.
Anybody else have a view on this?
Anybody else have a view on this?
I like this theory. Something about all powerful beings who think they know everything always rubs me the wrong way, but he obviously DOESN'T know everything in the first place. Something changed, and the fact that something could change is a pretty good reason to leave it alone in the first place! Time travel is a tricky thing, and something you should never mess with unless you know the outcome. Richard very well may be the flaw, or he might be a part of the archmage's scheme in the first place, depending on if the Archmage knew about the sluaghtering of the village destined to become the vulli's greatest warriors. Maybe we're way off and he has good intentions, but ethier way the guy need's to get slapped for thinking time travel was a good idea. Sometimes it's unavoidable depending on the energies involved, and maybe it all fits together. But purposefully initatiaing who knows what kind of paradoxial alternate universe juju?
Seriously, say NO to time travel unless you A: Have an extensive knowledge of time travel that includes alternate universe theories IE: Doctor Who, or B: Control a specific aspect of time itself IE: That one time Dragon Aspect from WoW(I have a better example somewhere, but meh.), or C: Have specific instructions that you do NOT deviate from that comes straight from option A or B.
I am such a geek. And I love it so much.
Seriously, say NO to time travel unless you A: Have an extensive knowledge of time travel that includes alternate universe theories IE: Doctor Who, or B: Control a specific aspect of time itself IE: That one time Dragon Aspect from WoW(I have a better example somewhere, but meh.), or C: Have specific instructions that you do NOT deviate from that comes straight from option A or B.
I am such a geek. And I love it so much.
I'm assuming that while the Archmage's grand design may be some utopian ideal, his means with which to exact it have been underhanded. He's running a massive Batman gambit, plucking all the strings at the right time to make sure everyone dances the way they want. Even Tavor probably wound up playing his part, when all was said and done.
The only one who cannot be reliably predicted is Richard when he's at full fwooming strength.
But again, I might be a total crackhead for subscribing to this theory.
The only one who cannot be reliably predicted is Richard when he's at full fwooming strength.
But again, I might be a total crackhead for subscribing to this theory.
I'm not saying that the choice itself was even wrong, it may actually have been the right thing to do. Showing Cale the enemy and taking away his innocence where probably two very good outcomes of the whole deal. Still, it's a risk he should have known better than to take. I think he's going to slip up and try to make Cale and co. make a choice they won't take, and at that point he ethier needs to step down or go down. Thing's have spiraled out of prophecy into what i shall now refer to(I am totally going to use this in the future.) alternate universe juju land. I think the future is now ultimately up to Cale and his freinds now, and the Archmage can't do much good. Perhaps he needs to step out of hiding and actually advise Cale and Co. despite the risk of screwing thing up further. Becuase once your in alternate universe juju land, the best thing to do is use said juju.
I agree, by and large. Whatever Archmage was planning, it's all more or less gone to pot now. Hence why I think that he might have schemed to get Richard's town under wraps as to keep him busy. If my theory holds true, I think the Archmage is going to have to go to further and further extremes to try and stop Richard, thus perverting his own future more and more in attempting to save it.
Ends justifies the means and stuff like that.
Again, might be giving him way too much credit, but it's oddly convenient how things were timed they way they were (and I can't quite leave Cale's comment about exactly that as a mere fourth wall fwooming).
Ends justifies the means and stuff like that.
Again, might be giving him way too much credit, but it's oddly convenient how things were timed they way they were (and I can't quite leave Cale's comment about exactly that as a mere fourth wall fwooming).
Ohooo.. this put's a lot new ideas in my head! Up to this point, I really seemed to miss the little details, so here is a compliment for finding many pieces of a remarkably well-fitting puzzle. I am personaly also against the idea of Richard being the Archmage, it would have been too cliché, too unlogical and farfetched.. and way to confusing with the timetraveling.
I don't mean to elaborate too much, since all I say will simply be a summary of all you said before. I would like to add:
Did you see the look of utter WTF on the bunny's face when Richard said they'd be going to Kethenecia? FTW.
The bunny has been present at the little visit Richard paid to what appears to be his father. What he was up to at the grave is beyond me, though he seems to have absorbed some sort of energy..
I don't mean to elaborate too much, since all I say will simply be a summary of all you said before. I would like to add:
Did you see the look of utter WTF on the bunny's face when Richard said they'd be going to Kethenecia? FTW.
The bunny has been present at the little visit Richard paid to what appears to be his father. What he was up to at the grave is beyond me, though he seems to have absorbed some sort of energy..
Clones anyone?
QUOTE (Bag-o-Legion-Ears @ May 28 2009, 01:24 AM)
Clones anyone?
No. Please no. Clones have been done SO MANY TIMES that it takes a miracle for them to be actually interesting. We are talking Metroid fusion/Ultimate clone saga revisioning level of creative mechanics. I love me some geeky sci-fi mechanics, but even compared to time travel, clones end up more often than not messing things for everyone involved, fictional or otherwise. Or maybe i'm taing this too seriously.
Meh, it's what i do. I once made an entire chart on the possibilities that could come from the Metroid prime 3 ending. I touched on almost every conceivable aspect of the series. It was a vuage ending.
Um.... how about Siamese Twins Seperated at Birth, Richard was the one that died after seperation... and he was 'revived' by there greaving mother???
I actually really like that theory
QUOTE (Bag-o-Legion-Ears @ May 28 2009, 03:50 AM)
Um.... how about Siamese Twins Seperated at Birth, Richard was the one that died after seperation... and he was 'revived' by there greaving mother???
I actually really like that theory
I actually really like that theory
I bet they were joined by the tops of their heads. Thats why Richard can't remember stuff and has murderous ADD, and the Archmage is so crafty. Also, thats why they're bald.
QUOTE (Amara @ May 27 2009, 08:12 PM)
I bet they were joined by the tops of their heads. Thats why Richard can't remember stuff and has murderous ADD, and the Archmage is so crafty. Also, thats why they're bald.
MORE PROOF I AM RIGHT!
They're brothers.
I'd lay money on it.
From the newest page, it's clearly apparent that Richard has just as much strategic prowess as the Archmage possesses--more, possibly, considering that he single-handedly managed to knock down the carefully laid dominos before they were fully assembled. Of course, it's more obvious to say that Richard is the 'bad' one, but how many twists have we seen thus far?
If Richard were the bad one, through and through, why would he see fit to help the Archmage? Perhaps just to destroy it later? Perhaps, but it's becoming entirely too apparent that his 'fledgling utopia' might not be so. What kind of a manipulative bastard would let himself get close enough to get tagged by the only creature that could screw him over? He could've just watched from NoSpace instead of getting into the fray as the Felbunny. He got arrogant.
Methinks there's some major historical karma on its way.
I'd lay money on it.
From the newest page, it's clearly apparent that Richard has just as much strategic prowess as the Archmage possesses--more, possibly, considering that he single-handedly managed to knock down the carefully laid dominos before they were fully assembled. Of course, it's more obvious to say that Richard is the 'bad' one, but how many twists have we seen thus far?
If Richard were the bad one, through and through, why would he see fit to help the Archmage? Perhaps just to destroy it later? Perhaps, but it's becoming entirely too apparent that his 'fledgling utopia' might not be so. What kind of a manipulative bastard would let himself get close enough to get tagged by the only creature that could screw him over? He could've just watched from NoSpace instead of getting into the fray as the Felbunny. He got arrogant.
Methinks there's some major historical karma on its way.
Hear! Hear!
"Yes, I know." That may be very tightly strapped to your theory of archmage-scheming. Also, Richard seems private on certain issues, such as why he is helping Cale (His Mother? Ehm, joking, or actually true, I darenot say. Symbolically the mother of that which is his? And what might the father be?) and how he knows of what the mage is up to.
Richards motivation on helping the mage really is narrowed down to family bonds, very likely that of a brother.
I only noticed yesterday the green scar-like carvings around the brow-area.. green...
Ah, and there is the Legend of the Karat Diamond - wallpaper that I now have grown very curious about.
A humoristic outburst, or perhaps actually a little glimpse of what is about to come? At the cover of this issue we see Richard carried out to sea, accompanied by Sooba, but also by the Felbunny, who seems to be looking out over the sea, anticipating. Very interesting...
"Yes, I know." That may be very tightly strapped to your theory of archmage-scheming. Also, Richard seems private on certain issues, such as why he is helping Cale (His Mother? Ehm, joking, or actually true, I darenot say. Symbolically the mother of that which is his? And what might the father be?) and how he knows of what the mage is up to.
Richards motivation on helping the mage really is narrowed down to family bonds, very likely that of a brother.
I only noticed yesterday the green scar-like carvings around the brow-area.. green...
Ah, and there is the Legend of the Karat Diamond - wallpaper that I now have grown very curious about.
A humoristic outburst, or perhaps actually a little glimpse of what is about to come? At the cover of this issue we see Richard carried out to sea, accompanied by Sooba, but also by the Felbunny, who seems to be looking out over the sea, anticipating. Very interesting...
that is a great theory especially now seeing that all the citizens of richards home town are now moving to the city the cale "leads". make the archmage's wishes closer to reality
Actually, I'm willing to believe that those armies heading to Kethenecia is exactly what the Archmage doesn't want to happen, but some amazing maneuvering by Richard ensured that it was going to be the only reliable way for his plan to work. A Batman Gambit countered by, maybe, an even better Xanatos Gambit.
QUOTE (SilverKnight @ May 28 2009, 12:59 AM)
Actually, I'm willing to believe that those armies heading to Kethenecia is exactly what the Archmage doesn't want to happen, but some amazing maneuvering by Richard ensured that it was going to be the only reliable way for his plan to work. A Batman Gambit countered by, maybe, an even better Xanatos Gambit.
Lol, i don't know those terms, but Richard is Either the son or brother of A.M.
There is ample proof for booth and i am not willing to move with either yet.
I think the Archmage is a Racist, yes, i think his 'Utopia' is a stirctly human/elf/dwarf society. Remember how they treated the Bloodrage. Maybe the Archamage isn't 'evil' but maybe he is a xenophobe and is trying to eliminate the other 'races' and Richard, as a undead, is trying to stop him so the undead can survive. In that theory, the Archmages worst fear is having the zombies invading his 'utopia' But Richard manuevered excellently, making it so that the Archmage couldn't dare refuse. In fact, Richard stalling 'The Lost Brothers' at the big battle in the north, could have been a part of this plan... hell, maybe even as far back getting the citizens of Kethencia to trust him by saving them with the Phares.
He is still also REALLY FUNNY AND AWSOME!!!
Xenophobes hate anything that isn't them.
Also, I doubt Archmage a racist, just a bastard.
Also, I doubt Archmage a racist, just a bastard.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.