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The Beast
Shading
koofins
(High-res version available for free over on my Patreon!)
https://unitedhelpukraine.org/ https://savelife.in.ua/en/
The Beast
Shading
koofins(High-res version available for free over on my Patreon!)
https://unitedhelpukraine.org/ https://savelife.in.ua/en/
Category Artwork (Digital) / Comics
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 900 x 1238px
File Size 997.6 kB
Listed in Folders
I don't know what would be the more interesting conclusion for this arc
they could be lying to kal as a test, in which case, nice
but also, they could be being honest, in which case we could see kal go on a cool total recall style plotline where kal has to violently go against the system as their wold is turned upside down
that second one'd be VEEERRY fun (for everyone but Kal)
they could be lying to kal as a test, in which case, nice
but also, they could be being honest, in which case we could see kal go on a cool total recall style plotline where kal has to violently go against the system as their wold is turned upside down
that second one'd be VEEERRY fun (for everyone but Kal)
I agree, hopefully it is the test.
As the second one has implication of a drastic tone change in the comic if he survive. If he died without killing anyone it still puts a very dark tone only for the viewers, and if he manages to kill some elders, I imagine it will cause some issues.
As the second one has implication of a drastic tone change in the comic if he survive. If he died without killing anyone it still puts a very dark tone only for the viewers, and if he manages to kill some elders, I imagine it will cause some issues.
The Elders are, at least. It looks like the younger members like Kal actually brought into what the Elders believed would be a temporary deception. If the Elders ever did decide the time was right and gave the 'kill all humans' order, they might be surprised to see just how few of their people obeyed.
(giggles)
Johnny said, "Devil, just come on back if you ever wanna try again
I done told you once, you son of a bitch
I'm the best that's ever been" he played
(For ones who's never heard the song: (complete with lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBjPAqmnvGA
Damn, Charlie was one hell of a fiddle player!
Johnny said, "Devil, just come on back if you ever wanna try again
I done told you once, you son of a bitch
I'm the best that's ever been" he played
(For ones who's never heard the song: (complete with lyrics)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBjPAqmnvGA
Damn, Charlie was one hell of a fiddle player!
That's pretty much how it works for humans too. Rationality can exist in discussions between equals. But in discussions between non-equals - employee and employer, citizen and government official, parent and child - rationality is permitted only if the superior chooses to indulge. Ultimately they can and do act just as the elders do here: "Boss/King/Father knows what's best for you. Don't talk back, do what you're told."
And if the party of lower status refuses, they are met not with reasoned debate, but with swift punishment. Which, as Kalgur is about to start a three-on-one fight, he is probably going to be reminded of shortly.
That's part of what schools exist to teach, though it's seldom spoken of: Right back to the earliest days of public education they were made to teach the youth proper respect for authority. Teacher is always right, even when they are obviously wrong, because to say otherwise gets you punished. Harsh as it is, internalising this lesson is essential for survival in adulthood - when the figures of authority are the superiors in the workplace, and police officers. The child has to learn: If The Boss tells you to do something stupid, shut up and obey or you'll be fired.
And if the party of lower status refuses, they are met not with reasoned debate, but with swift punishment. Which, as Kalgur is about to start a three-on-one fight, he is probably going to be reminded of shortly.
That's part of what schools exist to teach, though it's seldom spoken of: Right back to the earliest days of public education they were made to teach the youth proper respect for authority. Teacher is always right, even when they are obviously wrong, because to say otherwise gets you punished. Harsh as it is, internalising this lesson is essential for survival in adulthood - when the figures of authority are the superiors in the workplace, and police officers. The child has to learn: If The Boss tells you to do something stupid, shut up and obey or you'll be fired.
Well yes, indeed, at its most general, in the workplace or as a part of ones sworn duties of ones profession in the military or as a civil servant, you have to obey the chain of command. The individual does not get a choice in that matter. You either obey orders given or either A. You get fired, B. You get punished, C. You get punished and fired. or in the case of the military or civil service professions you may even face D. The harshest of punishments including being tried on criminal grounds, with in the case of the military, not only facing incarceration, but a possible death penalty. But your common paper-pusher, janitor, burger-flipper, or ditch-digger, they're just gonna get fired. Well, unless they were caught doing something criminal.
Aside from the greater scope of the workplace, when it comes with living in a civil society, we have to obey the laws and morality of that society that we live in. We cannot heedlessly do whatever we like and act like savage barbarians. Now whether we have to just take it and obey or else, or if we have a greater voice to air grievances and discontent all depends upon the form of the system of government in place where one lives.
Aside from the greater scope of the workplace, when it comes with living in a civil society, we have to obey the laws and morality of that society that we live in. We cannot heedlessly do whatever we like and act like savage barbarians. Now whether we have to just take it and obey or else, or if we have a greater voice to air grievances and discontent all depends upon the form of the system of government in place where one lives.
Well, yes... but the lesson that has to be hammered into children is that Authority is always right by definition, even when it's obviously wrong: It's not your place as the inferior to question or disagree.
If the school rules say that you must wear long trousers a thick blazer at all times as part of the school uniform, you don't get to explain to the teacher that it's the middle of a heatwave and you have serious concerns for your heath. If you try that, you are violating your social place and you will be sent to detention. If you continue arguing than you will be suspended for disobedience and refusal to comply with instructions. And then when you go into the workplace you have learned an important lesson: You don't get to argue about what the office dress code is either, you wear what you're told even if you can't understand why black denim is office workwear but blue denim is considered inappropriately casual.
If the school rules say that you must wear long trousers a thick blazer at all times as part of the school uniform, you don't get to explain to the teacher that it's the middle of a heatwave and you have serious concerns for your heath. If you try that, you are violating your social place and you will be sent to detention. If you continue arguing than you will be suspended for disobedience and refusal to comply with instructions. And then when you go into the workplace you have learned an important lesson: You don't get to argue about what the office dress code is either, you wear what you're told even if you can't understand why black denim is office workwear but blue denim is considered inappropriately casual.
There are times in which one has no choice but to just endure as best you can. As I was taught in JROTC in HS, there are three ways to answer. Yes sir, no sir, no excuse sir. Because there is no excuse.
In greater society, no matter where we live, we must live in that world in order to survive, like it or not we must swallow some bitter pills and, keep your chin up and all that rot as we go on with our lives. With your standard citizen who lives in a place governed by a totalitarian regime, they have no choice but to go with what the state says or more than likely face dire repercussions. Joe farmer is not gonna make a ruckus no matter how in the right he is if he knows that if he does, not only will he, but his family will pay the awful price of insubordination and outright rebellion. In free and open societies, your common citizen may have discourse to disagree and vet grievances against the state without fear of repercussions as mandated wherever one lives, but still, they can't just up and do whatever they like. If someone looks at them funny for wearing a particular shirt, they can't just go over to that person and beat them up or kill them for whatever slight no matter how real or imagined it was. If they do, then according to the laws of the land, more than likely they will be cooling their heels in the grey bar hotel for a while. In the case of children, yes they must be taught to defer to those in authority, but also be taught under what circumstances to do so. A child must be taught to do what their parents say, with appropriate punishments in place, but if those are excessive and beyond the pale, well then that is when greater authorities have to be approached and be made aware in the most egregious of cases. But on the flip side of the coin, the state cannot mandate or exert control over those things which override rightful parental authority. They cannot say X to them and then say 'This is between us, don't tell your folks about it.'
In the example of the school uniform mandate, it is assumed that the school faculty would be fully aware of any such dangers to student health and would take appropriate measures within reason. Otherwise they would be held responsible and be open to lawsuits lodged by the parents of students, if not looking at the state coming down on them if they did not.
In the workplace example, it is assumed that it would be known to workers what attire is acceptable and what is not. In uniformed civil service such as police, fire, postal, or in the military, you don't get a choice. You wear what they tell you, rain or shine, summer, fall, or winter. Because this is what is expected of members of whatever organization. This is the way it is and how it is done.
In greater society, no matter where we live, we must live in that world in order to survive, like it or not we must swallow some bitter pills and, keep your chin up and all that rot as we go on with our lives. With your standard citizen who lives in a place governed by a totalitarian regime, they have no choice but to go with what the state says or more than likely face dire repercussions. Joe farmer is not gonna make a ruckus no matter how in the right he is if he knows that if he does, not only will he, but his family will pay the awful price of insubordination and outright rebellion. In free and open societies, your common citizen may have discourse to disagree and vet grievances against the state without fear of repercussions as mandated wherever one lives, but still, they can't just up and do whatever they like. If someone looks at them funny for wearing a particular shirt, they can't just go over to that person and beat them up or kill them for whatever slight no matter how real or imagined it was. If they do, then according to the laws of the land, more than likely they will be cooling their heels in the grey bar hotel for a while. In the case of children, yes they must be taught to defer to those in authority, but also be taught under what circumstances to do so. A child must be taught to do what their parents say, with appropriate punishments in place, but if those are excessive and beyond the pale, well then that is when greater authorities have to be approached and be made aware in the most egregious of cases. But on the flip side of the coin, the state cannot mandate or exert control over those things which override rightful parental authority. They cannot say X to them and then say 'This is between us, don't tell your folks about it.'
In the example of the school uniform mandate, it is assumed that the school faculty would be fully aware of any such dangers to student health and would take appropriate measures within reason. Otherwise they would be held responsible and be open to lawsuits lodged by the parents of students, if not looking at the state coming down on them if they did not.
In the workplace example, it is assumed that it would be known to workers what attire is acceptable and what is not. In uniformed civil service such as police, fire, postal, or in the military, you don't get a choice. You wear what they tell you, rain or shine, summer, fall, or winter. Because this is what is expected of members of whatever organization. This is the way it is and how it is done.
Oh...
Oh no....
"He who knows what he did." What did he do?
The strict adherence to pacifism, especially among humans, isn't out of fear that the humans will reject them. It's out of fear that humans will accept them, but be wary. That the humans will accept them, whole-heartedly, until the Baxxid start to forget that old grievance. That the humans will start showing the same caution around them that they show around each other, that there won't be so much an easy fight 'when the time comes'.
Oh no....
"He who knows what he did." What did he do?
The strict adherence to pacifism, especially among humans, isn't out of fear that the humans will reject them. It's out of fear that humans will accept them, but be wary. That the humans will accept them, whole-heartedly, until the Baxxid start to forget that old grievance. That the humans will start showing the same caution around them that they show around each other, that there won't be so much an easy fight 'when the time comes'.
I suspect he jumped the gun. Tried to start the fight with the humans too soon, before the Baxxid had completed their infiltration and gathered their numbers. Refusing to wait, the Elders had no choice but to imprison him so he wouldn't reveal the deception. Perhaps their long-term plan is to free him once the slaughter is over and give an apology.
Maybe. But it could also be that they are looking to expand knowledge of their closely-guarded secret in preparation for the time to act upon it. Kalgur has killed a human, and that makes him a potential recruit - but the Elders may have greatly underestimated his submission to their authority.
Ah, but remember the talk the elders had in private that we where privy to but not our good long boy here. One of them even called the connection he had with the human female romantic. There wasnt a hint of aproval from any of them for the killing of humans though. Thats why i think that this is just another test to make absolutely sure that our long boy here doesnt harbor any dark murderous desires.
Hello OOPs fans! I'm here to remind you once again that there's a place called "Top Web Comics" https://www.topwebcomics.com/?home=3 that compiles comics from various places. There's a bunch of cool stuff there. They have monthly votes, so you can support OOPs there. You can vote once a day per device, so your PC, laptop, tablet, phone, etc.
I've noticed that you can sometimes even get in extra votes from different IP addresses, or if you're disconnected from your IP and open up again later.
It closed out last month at 1127 votes and 41st place. It's currently at 1167 votes and 46th place. The highest it's reached is 36th place, and the top vote getters seem to end up with something close to 20,000 votes.
Vote early, vote often! Help OOPs get noticed!
I've noticed that you can sometimes even get in extra votes from different IP addresses, or if you're disconnected from your IP and open up again later.
It closed out last month at 1127 votes and 41st place. It's currently at 1167 votes and 46th place. The highest it's reached is 36th place, and the top vote getters seem to end up with something close to 20,000 votes.
Vote early, vote often! Help OOPs get noticed!
You are asking people to cheat and exploit a system to gain extra votes?
Valsalia is an honest and moral person. I seriously doubt they would want readers to use dishonest tactics to increase the ratings through deception...
Oh, wait, I see now. That was a test much like the Baxxid are using! Providing an option to cheat and exploit, to see if people would fall victim to it or resist.
Clever, very clever. Well played. I had thought you were actually serious there for a bit.
Valsalia is an honest and moral person. I seriously doubt they would want readers to use dishonest tactics to increase the ratings through deception...
Oh, wait, I see now. That was a test much like the Baxxid are using! Providing an option to cheat and exploit, to see if people would fall victim to it or resist.
Clever, very clever. Well played. I had thought you were actually serious there for a bit.
Just checked it out at you are correct, they do encourage you to vote from different machines, multiple times to push certain comics to the top to invalidate the rating system.
What a completely immoral and fraudulent setup that is. It renders the entire ratings system useless. It demeans the comics present. I am ashamed as a creator myself that any system would this to gain more money from advertisers. It doesn't rate comics on quality or value, but instead on how many fake votes you can have cast. 100% voter fraud.
But their site, their rules. I would be embarrassed by that setup.
Thank you for pointing it out. I will avoid it, and the credit all goes to you.
What a completely immoral and fraudulent setup that is. It renders the entire ratings system useless. It demeans the comics present. I am ashamed as a creator myself that any system would this to gain more money from advertisers. It doesn't rate comics on quality or value, but instead on how many fake votes you can have cast. 100% voter fraud.
But their site, their rules. I would be embarrassed by that setup.
Thank you for pointing it out. I will avoid it, and the credit all goes to you.
It only makes it fair for everyone to be playing by the same rules, and this avoids all possibilities of gaming the system. Seems pretty ultimately fair to me.
Your unrealistic grandstanding moralistic pose is feeble in the face of such simple and realistic rules.
Attempting to "Rate comics on quality or value" is completely subjective, and therefore unrealistic and impossible. They completely avoid this. Every vote is valid, therefore there are no "Fake votes". There is no fraud. Everything is upfront. The advertisers also know the rules going in, so there is no deception. Your logic is completely faulty here.
For better or worse, this is just a game of numbers. You're not obligated to like it. Their game, their rules.
Your unrealistic grandstanding moralistic pose is feeble in the face of such simple and realistic rules.
Attempting to "Rate comics on quality or value" is completely subjective, and therefore unrealistic and impossible. They completely avoid this. Every vote is valid, therefore there are no "Fake votes". There is no fraud. Everything is upfront. The advertisers also know the rules going in, so there is no deception. Your logic is completely faulty here.
For better or worse, this is just a game of numbers. You're not obligated to like it. Their game, their rules.
Did you not understand the response of 'you win'? Now you want to keep attacking me because ai disagree with the way that site operates?
Alright, let's do it this way.
I do not care about your opinion on this. You have your ethics and I have mine .
Now please leave me alone.
Alright, let's do it this way.
I do not care about your opinion on this. You have your ethics and I have mine .
Now please leave me alone.
You didn't grant me a "Win", nor do I want one.
You accused me of not understanding the ethics of this. That's false, and I have a right to respond to that. Despite the way you've tried to play off every one of your comments, they were all thinly veiled attacks on me. This did not go unnoticed.
At first I thought you might be joking. You've only served to prove that you were trying to gain some sort of imagined moral or ethics points. You didn't.
If you'd like to consider this done, I'm fine with that.
You accused me of not understanding the ethics of this. That's false, and I have a right to respond to that. Despite the way you've tried to play off every one of your comments, they were all thinly veiled attacks on me. This did not go unnoticed.
At first I thought you might be joking. You've only served to prove that you were trying to gain some sort of imagined moral or ethics points. You didn't.
If you'd like to consider this done, I'm fine with that.
They asked you to leave them alone then you respond again and attack them again. Good job being a complete douchebag jerk on the internet. Because of your actions now no will will vote for your stupid comic voting website because I've screenshot and recorded everything you said. If you ever try to comment this entire thing again requesting votes again I'll link back to my recording of this and remind everyone how much of a jerk you are.
I had every right to respond to what he said. He was insulting me. I dropped it when he stopped. It's not the first time, either. He's done it elsewhere.
I've been posting this for a couple of years now, and I took it over from the first person who was doing it previously. Plenty of folks go there and vote every day. Val approves of it. It helps the comic get visibility. He's thanked me for doing this more than once.
You can think whatever you like of me and screenshot or say whatever you want. I can't imagine how that would matter or why I should care.
I've been posting this for a couple of years now, and I took it over from the first person who was doing it previously. Plenty of folks go there and vote every day. Val approves of it. It helps the comic get visibility. He's thanked me for doing this more than once.
You can think whatever you like of me and screenshot or say whatever you want. I can't imagine how that would matter or why I should care.
No. You do not have a right to be an asshole to others online for no reason. No one does. It's called cyber bullying. Cyber bullying should not be tolerated or supported by anyone for any reason. I will do everything I can to remind everyone that this is who you are and that is what you do to others.
You may want to consider that you came in on the middle of this story, and do not have all of the facts, so let me clue you in:
Flinters is a good artist. I've always liked his work. He seemed like a nice guy with a good sense of humor.
However, in journals in various places here he's disagreed with me, and instead of calmly and logically discussing things with mutual respect, he's chosen to increasingly resort to insults, as he did here, even going so far as to straight up lie about me behind my back. Despite this, I'm not going to hate on the guy.
He's clearly got an axe to grind against me. I don't play that way. I stick to logic and calm discussion, and don't resort to insults unless someone is clearly trolling, harassing, or egregiously insulting me. If that happens, yeah, I can do that too. I'd much rarher not, though, fun as that can be sometimes.
If you look at what we both wrote here, I just employed logic to take apart his argument, and never once attacked or insulted him. Seriously, his argument was ridiculous. That should be easy to see.
As I said previously, I've been posting this for around a couple of years now. Val approves. It's good for the visibility of the comic. I'm not about to stop. I don't care what either you or Flinters says about this. He's the first person in the whole time I've been doing this to object to it, and it was a thinly veiled way for him to attack me, as I also mentioned.
If you or he don't vote for OOPs, no loss. I doubt that either of you ever have or would anyway, and you're not likely to influence anyone else not to. Heck, most people here don't bother to vote. That doesn't matter to me.
The only real interest in that site that I have is for helping out Val and OOPs. It's not "My" site. There's actually a lot of other great stuff on there, though, much of which is by FA artists. There's a lot of crap, too, of course...
You and Flinters obviously both have an interest in bogus moral grandstanding, while simultaneously using that as an excuse to insult people. I think that's sad.
As far as I'm concerned, both of you can go ahead and say whatever you want about me. I'm not interested in proscribing anyone's speech, unlike you. That's why I also have a policy of never blocking anyone or deleting their comments.
Flinters is a good artist. I've always liked his work. He seemed like a nice guy with a good sense of humor.
However, in journals in various places here he's disagreed with me, and instead of calmly and logically discussing things with mutual respect, he's chosen to increasingly resort to insults, as he did here, even going so far as to straight up lie about me behind my back. Despite this, I'm not going to hate on the guy.
He's clearly got an axe to grind against me. I don't play that way. I stick to logic and calm discussion, and don't resort to insults unless someone is clearly trolling, harassing, or egregiously insulting me. If that happens, yeah, I can do that too. I'd much rarher not, though, fun as that can be sometimes.
If you look at what we both wrote here, I just employed logic to take apart his argument, and never once attacked or insulted him. Seriously, his argument was ridiculous. That should be easy to see.
As I said previously, I've been posting this for around a couple of years now. Val approves. It's good for the visibility of the comic. I'm not about to stop. I don't care what either you or Flinters says about this. He's the first person in the whole time I've been doing this to object to it, and it was a thinly veiled way for him to attack me, as I also mentioned.
If you or he don't vote for OOPs, no loss. I doubt that either of you ever have or would anyway, and you're not likely to influence anyone else not to. Heck, most people here don't bother to vote. That doesn't matter to me.
The only real interest in that site that I have is for helping out Val and OOPs. It's not "My" site. There's actually a lot of other great stuff on there, though, much of which is by FA artists. There's a lot of crap, too, of course...
You and Flinters obviously both have an interest in bogus moral grandstanding, while simultaneously using that as an excuse to insult people. I think that's sad.
As far as I'm concerned, both of you can go ahead and say whatever you want about me. I'm not interested in proscribing anyone's speech, unlike you. That's why I also have a policy of never blocking anyone or deleting their comments.
I'm calling it now, Kalgkur just passed the secret test of character.
While it's a good lie I can't believe the baxxids are actually planning to kill the humans, mainly because they should have already done it if they are.
They've been living in the city for multiple human generations right? Unless they have a serious problem with procrastinating they must have had time to prepare, and the longer they wait them more comfortable the rest of the baxxids get living with the humans. If Kuldra is any indication then they've clearly already waited far, far, far too long.
At this point even if the older baxxids wanted to try something like this the younger generation would never go along with it, as Kalgkur has so helpfully demonstrated here.
While it's a good lie I can't believe the baxxids are actually planning to kill the humans, mainly because they should have already done it if they are.
They've been living in the city for multiple human generations right? Unless they have a serious problem with procrastinating they must have had time to prepare, and the longer they wait them more comfortable the rest of the baxxids get living with the humans. If Kuldra is any indication then they've clearly already waited far, far, far too long.
At this point even if the older baxxids wanted to try something like this the younger generation would never go along with it, as Kalgkur has so helpfully demonstrated here.
My guess, this IS supposed to be the test-within-test, confirming beyond doubt that the baxxid being judged truly does not harbor desires to harm, to kill. In the past those that have been judged may have reduced to tears, begging to be told it wasn't true, or declared they would leave as they could not be part of such a betrayal...
But those previously judged may not have had a Nell. A reason not just to reject the Elder's false "wisdom" and "guidance", but a reason to DEFEND the humans from the declared threat.
If THIS is where the judgement was supposed to stop, when any and all doubt as to the judged's motives are dispelled, what then happens when instead MORE blood, baxxid blood, is spilled?
But those previously judged may not have had a Nell. A reason not just to reject the Elder's false "wisdom" and "guidance", but a reason to DEFEND the humans from the declared threat.
If THIS is where the judgement was supposed to stop, when any and all doubt as to the judged's motives are dispelled, what then happens when instead MORE blood, baxxid blood, is spilled?
So, some giant, combined, omni-baxxid did cast The Teeth from its own... secretions. Been suspecting that was the case for the last 2 years-ish. (Which probably means this was stated in a lore page many months ago and I missed it.) Poor Kalgkur, he's getting so upset he's turning into a psychedelic solar panel.
The Judgement!
The Judgement!
This is a heck of a test. But the answer I believe is simple. If he buys what the elders are selling him, he'll just be chained up like the one back there. So as long as he fights it, and in a way, displays insubordination towards his elders regarding this... he'll pass.
Yeah, okay, great, they pushed him to his limit, and he's passed the test. Wonderful.
But they have ALSO got a young, fast super-predator, wound up and pumping more adrenaline (equivalent) than Jason Statham in "Crank".
I sure hope those old farts have some serious de-escalation mojo under those cloths, because Kalgur has just signed for a shipment of pain to the Pound Town Post Office, and he is about to make his rounds for delivery.
But they have ALSO got a young, fast super-predator, wound up and pumping more adrenaline (equivalent) than Jason Statham in "Crank".
I sure hope those old farts have some serious de-escalation mojo under those cloths, because Kalgur has just signed for a shipment of pain to the Pound Town Post Office, and he is about to make his rounds for delivery.
It's a three-on-one fight. They can take him - but there's a significant chance that even if they can incapacitate or kill him, he'll take one of the elders with him too. So I don't think the elders had expected this reaction, otherwise they'd have taken precautions for their personal safety.
So people have been broadly speculating about two possibilities - that this is indeed a secret plot and Kal was supposed to join the conspirators, or it was the real, sekkrit test of character which he just passed.
There is a third option; it was a secret test, but by rejecting animalistic violence so hard that he wrapped back around around and embraced righteous violence, he may have also failed.
"I will bleed you for this deceit!" exclaimed the devout pacifist to the Council of Pacifists.
...or, possibly, he passed the test in a different, exceptional way. And may be about to be assigned a new role in life he will be deeply troubled by for many years to come; every society needs those willing to do violence in defense of it, afterall.
There is a third option; it was a secret test, but by rejecting animalistic violence so hard that he wrapped back around around and embraced righteous violence, he may have also failed.
"I will bleed you for this deceit!" exclaimed the devout pacifist to the Council of Pacifists.
...or, possibly, he passed the test in a different, exceptional way. And may be about to be assigned a new role in life he will be deeply troubled by for many years to come; every society needs those willing to do violence in defense of it, afterall.
I've been going along the same lines of thinking. It would be too easy for the elders to say,"you did bad, Kal. Go feed the criminal, listen to him and come back." only for Kal to reject what he has always rejected. It is only when the elders themselves are suggesting they are the ones covering up the truth, can Kal's true opinion of the matter be assessed.
The elder suggested that Kal's soft and mild manner may hinder him in the judgement. A meek Kal could be just one that accepts the elder's without question and accept their love and the promise of remaining part of the whole. By standing up for his beliefs, Kal is showing that he has overcome their original nature and is willing to fight/die for those ideals. That is what I'm hoping the Baxxids are all about now.
The elder suggested that Kal's soft and mild manner may hinder him in the judgement. A meek Kal could be just one that accepts the elder's without question and accept their love and the promise of remaining part of the whole. By standing up for his beliefs, Kal is showing that he has overcome their original nature and is willing to fight/die for those ideals. That is what I'm hoping the Baxxids are all about now.
I think the most interesting options are that the elders are being frankly truthful right now and things are about to get !!Spicy!! for everyone, or this was a test and by embracing righteous violence he's still embracing violence and has failed, but maybe in a way that hadn't been anticipated or seen before(or, maybe it's well known and the saddest way to fail the test of all, violating the very values and principals he seeks to uphold) - not world- city-altering like the first option, but fundamentally life-changing for Kal.
"This was all a test, none of the world-shaking revelations were real, you passed, congratulations" would be a very status quo fake-out and kind of cliche. One of the best outcomes for Kal, but also one of the most boring options for the story.
"This was all a test, none of the world-shaking revelations were real, you passed, congratulations" would be a very status quo fake-out and kind of cliche. One of the best outcomes for Kal, but also one of the most boring options for the story.
Well if what the elders are saying is 100% true, Kal has failed and is a threat. He will have to be eliminated. Of course he can run, but as you suggested in the other option, that too is cliche. Kal could run, tell the humans the truth and either unify the Baxxids against the elders, have the humans go to war or the human betray Kal and hand him back to the Elders for peace.
The other option that this was a test, has also been done (there are no more unique stories anywhere/anyway) but I feel that is what has been hinted in the lead up to this. If the true test is to see whether if Kal's actions were truly a mistake and he is remorseful, what better way to test that, than to tell him his actions were actually okay and he was only acting in his true nature? Accepting the elder's 'truth' shows the elders he is indeed a threat to the pact with the humans and their evolved way of acting. But to defy the elders to show that he is willing to die/defend non-coalescence, that is pretty powerful and I wouldn't consider that boring. :)
Another option would be for Kal to live in exile, protected by the trademaster's house. That could prove to have some interesting stories.
The other option that this was a test, has also been done (there are no more unique stories anywhere/anyway) but I feel that is what has been hinted in the lead up to this. If the true test is to see whether if Kal's actions were truly a mistake and he is remorseful, what better way to test that, than to tell him his actions were actually okay and he was only acting in his true nature? Accepting the elder's 'truth' shows the elders he is indeed a threat to the pact with the humans and their evolved way of acting. But to defy the elders to show that he is willing to die/defend non-coalescence, that is pretty powerful and I wouldn't consider that boring. :)
Another option would be for Kal to live in exile, protected by the trademaster's house. That could prove to have some interesting stories.
He's righteously pissed off and with good reason, calling out stupidity and dishonor for exactly what it is, even to the Elders themselves. I may be wrong, but he's young and hot-blooded and the Baxxid Elders have to know from long experience how to deal with young and hot-blooded ideologues when the idealogues are on their side. He needs to get calmed down and maybe get a little Nikiin Kyoiku, but he's not unsalvageable. They need Baxxid like him to forward their vision. Badly.
huh, when I saw this as a thumb nail I thought the last panel were you see his tongue was his jaw still being covered in blood from the meat he feed the other guy and was subconsciously seeing it as that as he freaked out giving him a much more feral look until I looked closer.
Also what's that coming out of his back? I didn't know bixxid glow.
Also what's that coming out of his back? I didn't know bixxid glow.
Level 1: "Poor child, unable to appreciate the wisdom of the Elders. Alas, he must now be erased to protect our secret plans." Mayhem ensues
Level 2: "We have plumbed the depth of his heart and found this child dedicated to Peace. Our subterfuge was cruel but necessary. Let us sing Kumbiayah and declare him Not Guilty."
Level 3: "Poor child, unable to appreciate the wisdom of the Elders. Very well: 'Ha, ha, just a test, only kidding, go in peace.' His belief in our structure of lies will actually help us maintain the illusion until it is time to strike!"
Level 4: ......
Level 5 : .....
Level 2: "We have plumbed the depth of his heart and found this child dedicated to Peace. Our subterfuge was cruel but necessary. Let us sing Kumbiayah and declare him Not Guilty."
Level 3: "Poor child, unable to appreciate the wisdom of the Elders. Very well: 'Ha, ha, just a test, only kidding, go in peace.' His belief in our structure of lies will actually help us maintain the illusion until it is time to strike!"
Level 4: ......
Level 5 : .....
My money is on a test. The elder said he was worried about Kal’s “blessed timidity”, so this has to be it: Kal just showed that he’s ready to stand up to those who threaten the peace, and even die for his human friend.
Also HWKWHD didn’t mention anything about the elders, or even hint a conspiracy. If there was some plot all along, then he’d have known about it and could’ve taunted Kal with it somehow.
Also HWKWHD didn’t mention anything about the elders, or even hint a conspiracy. If there was some plot all along, then he’d have known about it and could’ve taunted Kal with it somehow.
That moment when every last cell in your body screams "NO" as one. When absolute betrayal is repaid in blood as it must be. Whether this is just a test or the Elders' true feelings, they have *poked the fucking hornet's nest*.
Also: Holy fuck THAT THREAT DISPLAY POSE!! The little fuckin' glowy thingies - aren't those the same ones the older sun-bathing baxxids are extending to soak in the light? For those to be part of the threat display, presumably unconsciously unleashed, combined with the slow energy gathering implied by the sunbathers - is that a freaking symbiotic fungus functioning as a POWER BOOSTER!?
Also: Holy fuck THAT THREAT DISPLAY POSE!! The little fuckin' glowy thingies - aren't those the same ones the older sun-bathing baxxids are extending to soak in the light? For those to be part of the threat display, presumably unconsciously unleashed, combined with the slow energy gathering implied by the sunbathers - is that a freaking symbiotic fungus functioning as a POWER BOOSTER!?
I love the fact that thinking of Nell is what gives Kalgkur the "last shove" that pushes him over the edge and causes him to attack the Elders in sheer, unbridled rage. Sure, he feels personally betrayed and has his worldview shattered, but above that, he's terrified that, should a Baxxid uprising happen, Nell would be one of the human casualties.
He really loves her.
He really loves her.
I'm on Team Kalghur here, but frankly, as many have said, I think the Elders are too. They wouldn't have locked up He Who Knows What He Did if they agreed with him. They'd be busy with many "underground" plans for an invasion. This has to be part of the test - can you stand up to your superiors when they are being foolish and jeopardizing everything? Strikes me that that's what the Baxxid would WANT - someone to give their leaders a reality check if they went bad. They're very smart, and intelligence breeds iconoclasm.
And Kalghur, driven both by love for humanity and love for one particular human, rejected their idiocy for what it was. That's incredibly brave of him - and has to be a crucial part of passing the test. Now not only do they know he's FIRMLY entrenched in their vision for them and humanity, but he's willing to call out stupidity for stupidity openly. He needs a little seasoning, but he's got an immense heart and spirit. He's a treasure, and I doubt they'd throw that away.
And Kalghur, driven both by love for humanity and love for one particular human, rejected their idiocy for what it was. That's incredibly brave of him - and has to be a crucial part of passing the test. Now not only do they know he's FIRMLY entrenched in their vision for them and humanity, but he's willing to call out stupidity for stupidity openly. He needs a little seasoning, but he's got an immense heart and spirit. He's a treasure, and I doubt they'd throw that away.
I have to say, as a side note, that this is some of the best storytelling I've ever seen in comic format. Period. These are complex political and ideological issues involving a completely alien race. Yet despite how alien the Baxxid are, you can feel for them. Not easy to empathize with giant stabby boneworms, and that you do is the mark of great storytelling. Congrats, 
valsalia, From one writer to another, I tip my crestfeathers to you.
I think Sir Pterry would have been proud.
valsalia, From one writer to another, I tip my crestfeathers to you.I think Sir Pterry would have been proud.
The yinglets are also a great example of storytelling through an alien species, in that case a group of very YOUNG sophonts, which contrast well with older peoples like the Baxxid. Your world building and lore are excellent, they really do remind me of Discworld in all the right ways.
Something I don't think anyone else has brought up yet, is, if The Teeth are somehow part of the Baxxid lifecycle, could they have still been inhabited when the Val Salia broke in to them? For instance, by one of the Baxxid's more exotic life cycles. This might explain why they attacked so viciously when first approaching the city, and a need for revenge now, even at such a distance in time.
I'm almost certain that this is part of the test. Otherwise, Varakses' internal monologue from a few pages ago (while kalgkur is heading off to meet HWKWHD) would not make sense. Saying things like 'blessed timidity' for others to hear is one thing, but saying it purely to oneself, where nobody will hear except the reader, is another thing entirely.
Indeed, as others have stated, this does all smack of being an elaborate test of the state of mind , loyalty, and morality. But, the big question is, regardless of all of this happening in his mind, or in the physical realm, have they taken a step too far and 'fixed' what ain't broken, placing that final straw that breaks the camel's back and inadvertently created that monster that they so feared was in there when it wasn't there before? We shall see as the story further unfolds. These physical changes shown in the final panel with him seemingly tipping over the edge into rage and madness at the elders seeming deepest betrayal of all he holds dear does not bode wel and whether he can be brought back from that edge, if indeed it is wanted to bring him back if all of this is being induced from without, or if all of this is internal, happening in his own mind as he wrestles with everything to come out in the end, IF he can, remains to be seen. As the character said.
GENERAL CORMAN: 'Well, you see, Willard, in this war, things get confused out there. Power, ideals, the old morality, and practical military necessity. But out there with these natives, it must be a temptation to be God. Because there's a conflict in every human heart, between the rational and irrational, between good and evil. And good does not always triumph. Sometimes, the dark side overcomes what Lincoln called the better angels of our nature. Every man has got a breaking point. You and I have them. Walter Kurtz has reached his. And very obviously, he has gone insane.'
But even after seemingly tipped over that point into rage and madness, all is not lost, for as another quote goes.
"The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either -- but right through every human heart -- and through all human hearts. This line shifts. Inside us, it oscillates with the years. And even within hearts overwhelmed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained."
- Alexander Solzhenitsyn
There is the possibility of Kalgkur coming out whole and sane, more united in mind and purpose than he was when he went in. But he has to play his cards right and endure all until it is over, and even then, well, the test is never really over. Strength of character and moral vigilance must be kept up in the future.
GENERAL CORMAN: 'Well, you see, Willard, in this war, things get confused out there. Power, ideals, the old morality, and practical military necessity. But out there with these natives, it must be a temptation to be God. Because there's a conflict in every human heart, between the rational and irrational, between good and evil. And good does not always triumph. Sometimes, the dark side overcomes what Lincoln called the better angels of our nature. Every man has got a breaking point. You and I have them. Walter Kurtz has reached his. And very obviously, he has gone insane.'
But even after seemingly tipped over that point into rage and madness, all is not lost, for as another quote goes.
"The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either -- but right through every human heart -- and through all human hearts. This line shifts. Inside us, it oscillates with the years. And even within hearts overwhelmed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained."
- Alexander Solzhenitsyn
There is the possibility of Kalgkur coming out whole and sane, more united in mind and purpose than he was when he went in. But he has to play his cards right and endure all until it is over, and even then, well, the test is never really over. Strength of character and moral vigilance must be kept up in the future.
A Sandersonian twist of the best kind. Very well done! Giving the readers a plot twist they would be about to expect and guess at, and using that as misdirection from a bigger plot twist.
Proud at having called the first plot twist, they are wide open to getting sucker-punched by that much bigger twist... One that shifts the paradigm so much that it leaves them in awe.
That paradigm shift sends the readers into a frenzy of speculation, where they question everything they've been told so far.
Proud at having called the first plot twist, they are wide open to getting sucker-punched by that much bigger twist... One that shifts the paradigm so much that it leaves them in awe.
That paradigm shift sends the readers into a frenzy of speculation, where they question everything they've been told so far.
Looks like they've been plotting to hit the towers- I mean the Twin Teeth- I mean...
Honestly, at first I was thinking "what a twist!" about their whole conspiracy, but I'm leaning toward this still being part of The Judgement. My main reasoning is for the discussion being held with the Tesshk'Gn and Kuldra on page #266. Those two appear to be high-ranking in some capacity, and, while not elders, I feel like if there was some secret plan to take back The Teeth and coalesce, then wouldn't they be a part of it? If so, then why would Kuldra care that he was protecting a human? And why would Tesshk'Gn want to have Kalgkur executed if not be part of their plan? If anything, I feel like all baxxid would have to be in on it if they plan to execute some Order 66 for their hostile takeover to happen. Not unless The Elders believe their instincts are that easy to fall back on that once some baxxid see others attacking, they'll say "fuck it," and join in.
While I feel like I could talk more about that, I do want to mention something someone else said about if this is part of The Judgement, then it might be worrisome for Kalgkur to threaten violence when against violence. So, it feels like a toss-up of whether he passed or not. I mean, hell, the reason he's even in this situation is because he comitted an act of violence to defend what he cared about (an accident as it may).
That's all I really have to say about that, so yeah.
Honestly, at first I was thinking "what a twist!" about their whole conspiracy, but I'm leaning toward this still being part of The Judgement. My main reasoning is for the discussion being held with the Tesshk'Gn and Kuldra on page #266. Those two appear to be high-ranking in some capacity, and, while not elders, I feel like if there was some secret plan to take back The Teeth and coalesce, then wouldn't they be a part of it? If so, then why would Kuldra care that he was protecting a human? And why would Tesshk'Gn want to have Kalgkur executed if not be part of their plan? If anything, I feel like all baxxid would have to be in on it if they plan to execute some Order 66 for their hostile takeover to happen. Not unless The Elders believe their instincts are that easy to fall back on that once some baxxid see others attacking, they'll say "fuck it," and join in.
While I feel like I could talk more about that, I do want to mention something someone else said about if this is part of The Judgement, then it might be worrisome for Kalgkur to threaten violence when against violence. So, it feels like a toss-up of whether he passed or not. I mean, hell, the reason he's even in this situation is because he comitted an act of violence to defend what he cared about (an accident as it may).
That's all I really have to say about that, so yeah.
this is a test almost absolutely. the bone worms are too calculating and too shrewd to give up hands and what seems to be a large amount of wealth and also unbeknownst to most at this point possibly a ton of political power to boot. In short the Baxxid description basically states they are the preferred calculators, thinkers, project managers, money handlers, problem solvers, and engineers of the society when they are available. This also means the high elders are acutely aware of this and they will be very acutely aware of the loss of the benefits they have if the humans were to be wiped out. in fact I wouldn't doubt they would fiercely defend against anything that possibly even has the slightest buzz of damaging their relationship with Valsalia. This may be why they are testing kal in a blind test to see if there is any indication at all even if its a tiny hint of blood lust. not to mention they have a safe space whenever they want to just let loose and become fun guys ... get it ... fungi's nyuck nyuck nyuck
I also predict part of the reason Valsalia is not really attacked by its neighbors is because of the ever-present big scary murdernoodles that seem to be everywhere and are capable of exerting well north of 3 tons of force moving about 40+ mph without meaning to (about what it would take to separate a thief from their pelvis)
I also predict part of the reason Valsalia is not really attacked by its neighbors is because of the ever-present big scary murdernoodles that seem to be everywhere and are capable of exerting well north of 3 tons of force moving about 40+ mph without meaning to (about what it would take to separate a thief from their pelvis)
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