Arc #32: The Dog Days of Summer

Sinder · Post by **Sinder** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 6:57 pm

Kyderra is my avatar

and she's awesome

Liam · Post by **Liam** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:07 pm

rickgriffin wrote:I am using the word 'avatar' as the closest word to what I wanted to express. Nothing about it excludes the idea that the avatar can be a separate incarnation, and in fact almost definitely MEANS a separate incarnation from that which it represents. It does not exclude a "chosen vessel" definition, which is clearly how Pete is using it to talk about King.

I don't think Avatar has stuck to its literal dictionary definition in fiction for several years now, since it came to mean something else in computers.

I could have used another term, Champion, but I had been considering using that for something else, because it suggests something COMPLETELY separate from that which it represents.

Oh, that makes things clearer.

So Tarot is like King an actual entity, but functions as a sort of agent for the Dragon completing certain tasks in order to help her "patron" win the game. Maybe a chesspiece allegory would be even more striking.

All above is pretty good captured by the term "Champion" as opposed to "Avatar", what implies either direct physical control/possession of someone else or transformation of a player to participate in the game.

Sinder · Post by **Sinder** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:10 pm

Liam wrote:Maybe a chesspiece allegory would be even more striking.

THE CHESS METAPHOR IS STUPIDLY VAGUE

GameCobra · Post by **GameCobra** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:11 pm

Sinder wrote:Kyderra is my avatar

and she's awesome

*rolls a will dice for Two Twig to become my avatar*

Ratros · Post by **Ratros** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:14 pm

Sinder wrote:
Liam wrote:Maybe a chesspiece allegory would be even more striking.
THE CHESS METAPHOR IS STUPIDLY VAGUE

I agree. The D&D is actually better once you think that the characters one uses in the game are usually nothing like the person that plays them, they just direct the actions that the characters take. Add in that these actually exist and have their own will and you see how complex this really is...still want to know how they win.

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:14 pm

Champion does fit better, the Greek Gods would assume human avatars but these people would not be individual entities. However its Rick's call and if he's got champions on reserve I can't wait to see how he uses it. My guess is Bino and King have a fight to the death to be Sasha's champion.

Liam · Post by **Liam** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 7:29 pm

Ratros wrote:The D&D is actually better once you think that the characters one uses in the game are usually nothing like the person that plays them, they just direct the actions that the characters take.

You mean like in chess, where one doesn't become a queen, rook or bishop just because you make a move with them?

ctcmjh · Post by **ctcmjh** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 8:01 pm

Ratros wrote:
Sinder wrote:
Liam wrote:Maybe a chesspiece allegory would be even more striking.
THE CHESS METAPHOR IS STUPIDLY VAGUE
I agree. The D&D is actually better once you think that the characters one uses in the game are usually nothing like the person that plays them, they just direct the actions that the characters take. Add in that these actually exist and have their own will and you see how complex this really is...still want to know how they win.

But in D&D you don't "win" in the traditional sense. There is no set plotline, and there is no set end. There is no way to "win" in d&d, besides accomplishing your goals. Even then, there is much more to do after you defeat the Big Baddie, or you return the Magical Artifact of Insert Name Here. So I don't think you can "win" in Universes and Unrealities either.

IceKitsune · Post by **IceKitsune** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 8:09 pm

Ratros wrote:Hey IceKitsune, I'm still waiting on levels and classes, since you ARE the GM and all....I'm never gonna be able to come out of this corner...

I really don't think I (or anyone really) can answer that question right now (or ever) because it would be way to vague.

Ratros · Post by **Ratros** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 8:35 pm

IceKitsune wrote:
I really don't think I (or anyone really) can answer that question right now (or ever) because it would be way to vague.

lol, yeah, I doubt that there is anything as simple as class and level in this thing, but you can't blame a guy for messing with ya.

Liam wrote:You mean like in chess, where one doesn't become a queen, rook or bishop just because you make a move with them?

That's where the difference comes in. In chess you have a set of moves that you can only make, while in this there are an infinite number of possibilities. Add in the fact that the pieces in chess have no personality of their own, but are in fact meant to mirror a war, while in D&D they do have their own personalities and goals. Now in U&U we have the possibility of the avatars not wanting to do what their...ummm...Bobs (Big Omniscient Buddies) tell them too, adding in a depth that you normally wouldn't have in either. Hope that made more sense than the first post.

ctcmjh wrote:But in D&D you don't "win" in the traditional sense. There is no set plotline, and there is no set end. There is no way to "win" in d&d, besides accomplishing your goals. Even then, there is much more to do after you defeat the Big Baddie, or you return the Magical Artifact of Insert Name Here. So I don't think you can "win" in Universes and Unrealities either.

Ah didn't know that. I guess I should rephrase my question to "I wonder what their current goals are". What is Pete trying to do with King? What are Tarot and the dragon really up to? (besides fighting over Peanut)

Post by **rickgriffin** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 8:47 pm

There IS a win condition in D&D. It's whatever the GM and/or players decide on it being.

IceKitsune · Post by **IceKitsune** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 8:49 pm

You know no one is talking about this who exactly moved Pete's Temple and were was it originally (My guess is in the Middle East some where hence Babylon on the Map) and why did they move it and also how? I bet the people who moved his temple are going to be the main bad guy/antagonists of the series eventually because its clear while Pete is a jerk (and IMO so is The Spirit Dragon somewhat but that is just my feelings on it) he is not the main antagonist any more (if he ever really was) I just wonder who it could have been who moved it. (Unless it was Milton and Rick is going for a Gargoyles like thing here with the moving of the Temple)

Edit: I just got a great Idea for a Crossover Housepets!/Gargoyles anyone?

Ratros · Post by **Ratros** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 8:59 pm

IceKitsune wrote:You know no one is talking about this who exactly moved Pete's Temple and were was it originally (My guess is in the Middle East some where hence Babylon on the Map) and why did they move it and also how? I bet the people who moved his temple are going to be the main bad guy/antagonists of the series eventually because its clear while Pete is a jerk (and IMO so is The Spirit Dragon somewhat but that is just my feelings on it) he is not the main antagonist any more (if he ever really was) I just wonder who it could have been who moved it. (Unless it was Milton and Rick is going for a Gargoyles like thing here with the moving of the Temple)

Edit: I just got a great Idea for a Crossover Housepets!/Gargoyles anyone?

1. I would love the crossover.

2. I thought the main antagonist would be Milton's mustached ?son?, but now I believe that although he probably will be showing up again, he might not be the main bad guy.

3. Since Rick says it's possible, I have to once again wonder what the winning conditions are, and if they are different for each player or if it's whoever can gets it done first.

4. Rick is laughing at everyone who thought they had this figured out.

Dr. Prower · Post by **Dr. Prower** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 9:02 pm

Zander wrote:

ROFLMAO

Typhon · Post by **Typhon** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 9:24 pm

Dr. Prower wrote:
Zander wrote:
ROFLMAO

Did you make that or find that??

Edit: Zander made it lol

IceKitsune · Post by **IceKitsune** » Fri Jul 09, 2010 9:51 pm

Ratros wrote:
1. I would love the crossover.

2. I thought the main antagonist would be Milton's mustached ?son?, but now I believe that although he probably will be showing up again, he might not be the main bad guy.

3. Since Rick says it's possible, I have to once again wonder what the winning conditions are, and if they are different for each player or if it's whoever can gets it done first.

4. Rick is laughing at everyone who thought they had this figured out.

1. As soon as I can figure out a Plot for it I might just start working on it.
2. You know at first I thought that Joel would be a recurring villain in the series before he was turned into King (so I was right about him coming back but in the wrong way but I doubt any one foresaw him becoming King.)
3. Who knows maybe King will ask in the next couple of Strips (I wonder how much longer this arc will go anyway.)

Oh and on another note I've personally dubbed their U&U group (Dragon,Pete, and Kitsune) The Cosmic Nerds (or TCN for short) because really that's what they are feel free to use it to refer to them if you wish.

Post by **Sleet** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 12:30 am

Guys, this is U&U. It can use whatever terminology it wants, however dissimilar to D&D's.

Also, did my post just turn into a minor sensation? I feel so loved.

Typhon · Post by **Typhon** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 1:08 am

Does this mean that Sabrina is an avatar too?

IceKitsune · Post by **IceKitsune** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 1:16 am

Typhon wrote:Does this mean that Sabrina is an avatar too?

Its possible shes the Kitsunes Avatar (if he/she even has one) but really it could also be just about anyone at this point or even no one we know but if its some one we know from the main cast then again I suspect its either Maxwell,Sasha,or Sabrina and I'm leaning toward Sasha because of what Pete said about her being protected.

Post by **rickgriffin** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 1:21 am

EVERYONE IS AN AVATAR and King is the only one out of the loop

zeekgenateer · Post by **zeekgenateer** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 1:24 am

rickgriffin wrote:EVERYONE IS AN AVATAR and King is the only one out of the loop

People need to give up on guessing you. You're too crazy for everyone.

Post by **Sleet** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 1:27 am

You don't have to worry about our crazy theories. People will figure things out in due time. Just worry about making a great comic; nothing wrong with wild mass guessing.

Kyderra · Post by **Kyderra** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 1:35 am

Sinder wrote:Kyderra is my avatar

and she's awesome

Post by **Sleet** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 1:38 am

I thought Kyderra was a boy.

Sinder · Post by **Sinder** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 1:42 am

but hitler said she was a girl

Post by **Sleet** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 1:46 am

Now this is just getting silly. Let's just say there are no genders on the internet.

...So... The Dog Days of Summer, huh? There's this crazy fox person now. What's up with that? I'm not sure it uses an avatar; it seems to be the GM of sorts.

Typhon · Post by **Typhon** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 1:56 am

Sleet wrote:Now this is just getting silly. Let's just say there are no genders on the internet.

...So... The Dog Days of Summer, huh? There's this crazy fox person now. What's up with that? I'm not sure it uses an avatar; it seems to be the GM of sorts.

It reminds me of the nine tails fox from naruto *cough *cough

fenning · Post by **fenning** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 2:28 am

I think we all know his name is Great Kitsune by now, so, yeah. I guess his mom owns the universe, or something, since he is the DM, or UM in this case (It seems as though the rules for D&D are "My house, MY DUNGEON). I hope he has an avatar (free will or not)! He seems pretty interesting!

Buckdida · Post by **Buckdida** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 3:51 am

rickgriffin wrote:
arcict wrote: While I appreciate the "additional information" update to the previous page it wasn't very necessary to me.
Well SOME people needed additional grounding to reassure them that I wasn't suddenly throwing all rules everywhere out the window for the sake of a stupid gag

Is that a shot?!

GameCobra · Post by **GameCobra** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 6:28 am

I suddenly got this urge to watch Avatar related movies.

Dr. Prower · Post by **Dr. Prower** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 10:56 am

Buckdida wrote:
rickgriffin wrote:
arcict wrote: While I appreciate the "additional information" update to the previous page it wasn't very necessary to me.
Well SOME people needed additional grounding to reassure them that I wasn't suddenly throwing all rules everywhere out the window for the sake of a stupid gag
Is that a shot?! :P

lol

Foldo · Post by **Foldo** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 4:31 pm

The Great Kitsune is Mr. Bigglesworth, guys, it's evident.

Or I'm confusing with Mr. Bigglesworth.

Maybe.

Alex · Post by **Alex** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 4:33 pm

Foldo wrote:The Great Kitsune is Mr. Bigglesworth, guys, it's evident.

Or I'm confusing with Mr. Bigglesworth.

Maybe.

No, the spirit would get confused on who he picked.

CoffeeJunkie · Post by **CoffeeJunkie** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 4:50 pm

The Great Kitsune is Max...

Ratros · Post by **Ratros** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 5:51 pm

rickgriffin wrote:EVERYONE IS AN AVATAR and King is the only one out of the loop

Great, you've all driven Rick mad....or rather madder....does this mean I gets to be an avatar?

Foldo · Post by **Foldo** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 6:25 pm

Alex wrote:
Foldo wrote:The Great Kitsune is Mr. Bigglesworth, guys, it's evident.

Or I'm confusing with Mr. Bigglesworth.

Maybe.
No, the spirit would get confused on who he picked.

You forget he is the Great Spirit! D:<

Chairoum · Post by **Chairoum** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 7:00 pm

Aloha, all. Terribly sorry if I've messed up some new-guy etiquette, posting here first off. Please don't kill me.

I will not waste your time saying how great the comic is; because I quite frankly lack the words. Instead, I submit that this Great Kitsune person is absolutely adorable. And that he/she/it must be hugged. Viciously. Viciously hugged.

That is all.

JOFOXX · Post by **JOFOXX** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 7:20 pm

Chairoum wrote:Aloha, all. Terribly sorry if I've messed up some new-guy etiquette, posting here first off. Please don't kill me.

I will not waste your time saying how great the comic is; because I quite frankly lack the words. Instead, I submit that this Great Kitsune person is absolutely adorable. And that he/she/it must be hugged. Viciously. Viciously hugged.

That is all.

I agree!

And welcome to the forums! (That was the first time I've ever said that to anyone. It makes me feel empowered.)

Typhon · Post by **Typhon** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 7:48 pm

Chairoum wrote:Aloha, all. Terribly sorry if I've messed up some new-guy etiquette, posting here first off. Please don't kill me.

I will not waste your time saying how great the comic is; because I quite frankly lack the words. Instead, I submit that this Great Kitsune person is absolutely adorable. And that he/she/it must be hugged. Viciously. Viciously hugged.

That is all.

Quite frankly i don't even know how this great Kitsune came about i never bothered to click back on the pages for this thread. I too, just go wit the flow lol

Barkeron · Post by **Barkeron** » Sat Jul 10, 2010 8:15 pm

670 Comments on this comic strip? o.O Wow..