Wait, Alaria marrying Thomas was canon? I thought that was just an April Fools-ey aside, like the strip D&D. It was funny, but way beyond absurd, that actually happened?
Well, perhaps a Louis XIII look there, more than Louis XIV, so that does put him in Musketeer era. Eddy has gone more for the John Dee academic look, which also fits. I see the court having elements of France, with boisterous neighbours across the mountains in the south and a melange of dukes and electors to the east, and Runtherd/Eddy doing the Louis/Richelieu manoeuvring of Elgerost through these times.
The comparison to Louis XIV does remind me that a lot of court etiquette was made in his time by his advisors (most notably his brother Philippe), and it was under his father that Cardinal Richelieu expanded the power of the French monarchy.
I personally would like to see swashbuckling in that manner, where the lines between Good and Evil blur, as Richelieu is the epitome of the Machiavellian politician, the noble ends justifying the (regrettably) dastardly means. A case of the "true" villain being Eddy, sending his men out to do something naughty for the "greater good" and a young, impetuous young cavalier named Charles Hunter-Greyfort thwarting him…!
As could I. The Rannte War was just as disruptive as the Thirty Years’ War was for the German part of the Holy Roman Empire, and Catholic France did support the protestants to weaken the Habsburg dynasty (a parallel to Runter being captured and turning against his supposed allies).
I just hope Greyfort doesn’t become a new La Rochelle, and that Elgerost doesn’t suffer from the mix of high taxes and bad harvests that plagued France. (Man, I am too invested in that era, I admit)
This trope has been around for years with UK comedy. I never find it unfunny, be it with Captain Geering’s "-TLER!" and half assed salute in ‘Allo ‘Allo, or the overly formal Rimmer salute with Listers one hand up to say "hi" in Red Dwarf
Like how you used the royal prerogative to be in the light to use the techniques of shading that you did. Great symbolism and design 🙂
also good to see runt’s acceptance/blowing off of Cadugan’s manner, as Cadugan wouldn’t change anyway, and any attempt to force it would justify contempt. I do wonder if the reasons Runt gave are real, if DM’s Choice is correct, if Runt sees it as bebeath him, or something else. I have trouble getting a handle on him, partly because i keep seeing/wanting to see him as the the boy he was. His attire makes me wanna get a handle on his shoulders and shake him tho. And i wonder how much is him, his choice, and how much peer pressure from members of the court
"as Cadugan wouldn’t change anyway, and any attempt to force it would justify contempt"
Not only that. We shall not forget, that he is the spouse of the Duke, who has family ties with the King and Queen of the Goblin Lands, and that Cadugan himself is part of the royal family of the woodelves. Their support or opposing of the qourt likely has a really high and qute multilayered impact on Elegrost’s "international" politics.
Awesome points!!! I’m so glad i don’t have to deal with politics- i’d never be able to keep all the relations, reasons, and priorities straight, much less think of more!!!
And btw love Lucas’ expression "dammit! Now it’s just going to reinforce Cadugan’s not showing respect, and i can’t call either of them on it. DAMMIT!" lol
THAT bard- between my own typos, autocorrect, working as an English teacher, and my belief that spelling does not equate with intelligence, i automatically edit as i read. I actually had to go back to see what mistake you were referring to! 🙂
I expected some changes in the court, but must admit, Runt’s appearance did take me by surprise. Also he seems to be more indifferent and formal with Lucas than before.
On a sidenote, I also have more struggle to get used to the new fashion than the new drawing style. It’s just weird to see these people in such clothes after so many years…
Runt is well drawn (this style is starting to remind me of Herge), but his expression is… sour, and the degree of fawning he seem to have come to expect, with the almost-flat-on-the-floor kneeling bow is a bad sign over all. Particularly given Lucas’s high rank, and close relation with the royal families of both the Goblin Lands, and the Woodelves. Looking at Runt, I end up thinking of a sad, confused, insecure little boy, hiding behind all the pomp and formality. I hope I am wrong, for his sake. When he was very young, he was eloquent, kind, and very good at convincing people of his point of view. Torture can really mess people up though.
Eddy is looking good, rocking those ‘learned scholar’ robes. I hope all this new pomp and formality wasn’t his idea.
As for Cadugan… Most people forget, as Cadugan never makes a point of it himself, but in a court with this much formality and likely focus on royal blood, etc… Wasn’t his father the crown prince of the Woodelves? (He has a grandmother who is queen, and an aunt who is queen in a new area.) Beyond his previous service, that might be another reason Runt lets him get away with no supper-deep bowing, etc. Amusingly, between Runt, Lucas, and Cadugan… Only Cadugan has actual "royal blood". 😛 Lucas was adopted by a Baron, and rose through competence and abilities, and Runt magically selected (and pushed).
It suddenly hit me that this is the same evolution that Terry Pratchett did to his DiscWorld series when he went from medieval to Victorian. I think it was easy for me to roll with it because it was written only.
But now that I have that reference in my head I can enjoy the upgraded look more.
And of course, as others have said, the use of shading is top notch.
Runthard is taking the FULL Arthur route isn’t he?
For those who are not so familiar with the Arthur myths. Yes he pulled the sword out of the stone proving himself the rightful king of England.
HOW-EVER! the end of his reign lead to tragedy and despair and he died in shame according to many of the legends, having brought Chamelot itself to its fall so… yeaaah.
Of course a huge part of Camaloths fall is due to Arthurs sister poisoning his reign and his illegitimate son and so on which Runt still doesn’t have but… yeah..
I just realized that it’s not Runt’s apparel, weight gain, or facial hair that’s disturbing me (startling me yes, but not disturbing): it’s his expression, especially the eyes. I don’t recall him so… Removed? Detached? Idk, just a lack of interest and passion 🙁
Legend has it that at the gold medal ceremony for the 1912 Olympics, King Gustav of Sweden called Jim Thorpe the greatest athlete of all time. To which Thorpe is supposed to have answered, "Thanks, King."
Everyone who knew Thorpe agreed that he would never have intended any disrespect — and there’s a good chance the whole story was invented or exaggerated — but Cadugan is in good company with that line. 🙂
Could be the royal "We", or it could read as "You, me, the horse you rode in on, certain domestic insects, a surprising number of technically inanimate objects…we have all become accustomed to Cadugan’s misanthropic nature."
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Oh my!
Also, with the dark hair, I see King Runt being a club or spade but not a diamond or heart.
Uhm. Runt looks like Hoffman!Hook.
Eddamus de Rotterdam?
Dang, Runt looks like he’s cosplaying as a Three Musketeers villain.
Yea well being rejected by 2 women and betrayed by a 3rd will do that
Wait, Alaria marrying Thomas was canon? I thought that was just an April Fools-ey aside, like the strip D&D. It was funny, but way beyond absurd, that actually happened?
I mean wasn’t the whole recent saga started from an April foolsy Dungeon Master cross over?
Well, perhaps a Louis XIII look there, more than Louis XIV, so that does put him in Musketeer era. Eddy has gone more for the John Dee academic look, which also fits. I see the court having elements of France, with boisterous neighbours across the mountains in the south and a melange of dukes and electors to the east, and Runtherd/Eddy doing the Louis/Richelieu manoeuvring of Elgerost through these times.
Well at least it’s not Louis XVI.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohom8t0O-bg
For some reason I was thinking Runtherd looks more like Charles II of England, only not as happy…
The video in that link is out of commission. Here’s an update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep9fG_ji7T8
I was going to say he looks like the King of France of around that era.
Betrayed by his own (relative lack of) facial hair.
Eddy is rocking those academic robes.
Definitely rocking the John Dee look there. Rich managed that quite well, I must say.
He has a goatee! He MUST be evil!
Heh, that was one of my first thoughts as well, however unfair and prejudiced. Hopefully, he will be bucking that stereotype.
We won’t know for sure until Runt starts twirling his mustache. That’ll prove he’s now evil!
That and foreclosing on the mortgage on poor, widow Jenkins farm.
Someone needs to get Runt a new wardrobe.
And a therapist.
That’s a bit more formal than we’ve seen in the past: kneeling and bowing both. I don’t like this trend in Runtherd.
Also, very Restoration/Louis XIV, very nice. Dare I ask if His Majesty is rocking a wig or his own hair?
The comparison to Louis XIV does remind me that a lot of court etiquette was made in his time by his advisors (most notably his brother Philippe), and it was under his father that Cardinal Richelieu expanded the power of the French monarchy.
I personally would like to see swashbuckling in that manner, where the lines between Good and Evil blur, as Richelieu is the epitome of the Machiavellian politician, the noble ends justifying the (regrettably) dastardly means. A case of the "true" villain being Eddy, sending his men out to do something naughty for the "greater good" and a young, impetuous young cavalier named Charles Hunter-Greyfort thwarting him…!
Note: that last bit was a hope, I have no idea if Rich is going that way.
I could get behind that!
As could I. The Rannte War was just as disruptive as the Thirty Years’ War was for the German part of the Holy Roman Empire, and Catholic France did support the protestants to weaken the Habsburg dynasty (a parallel to Runter being captured and turning against his supposed allies).
I just hope Greyfort doesn’t become a new La Rochelle, and that Elgerost doesn’t suffer from the mix of high taxes and bad harvests that plagued France. (Man, I am too invested in that era, I admit)
Eddy!!!!
Looking very Charles II there.
Besides – that’s probably the most honest behavior he sees all day.
This trope has been around for years with UK comedy. I never find it unfunny, be it with Captain Geering’s "-TLER!" and half assed salute in ‘Allo ‘Allo, or the overly formal Rimmer salute with Listers one hand up to say "hi" in Red Dwarf
Thank you for keeping that trend going with me.
"Salut, Jules!!!"
t!
Asterix?
You bet – when it’s irreverence you seek, look no further!
t!
Could be worse.
Could be Lily Tomlin calling him "Kingy-dingy."
t!
Chortles hysterically!!
“One king-dingy, two kingy-dingy…l
Nah, that would be Runt’s small boat.
Yeah… I’m not getting a good vibe from Runt there.
I’d rather spend time with some of the DMs (…of course that’s true anyway).
Humming "You’ll Be Back" from Hamilton at Runt’s new look
Cadugan is wearing the expression of an elf with exactly zero fucks to give
Heh. Seeing Eddy makes me wonder how Lewie and his sister are managing at the tower.
We’ll find out in due course, I expect.
I concur with the other posters–Runt does not look well.
Like how you used the royal prerogative to be in the light to use the techniques of shading that you did. Great symbolism and design 🙂
also good to see runt’s acceptance/blowing off of Cadugan’s manner, as Cadugan wouldn’t change anyway, and any attempt to force it would justify contempt. I do wonder if the reasons Runt gave are real, if DM’s Choice is correct, if Runt sees it as bebeath him, or something else. I have trouble getting a handle on him, partly because i keep seeing/wanting to see him as the the boy he was. His attire makes me wanna get a handle on his shoulders and shake him tho. And i wonder how much is him, his choice, and how much peer pressure from members of the court
"as Cadugan wouldn’t change anyway, and any attempt to force it would justify contempt"
Not only that. We shall not forget, that he is the spouse of the Duke, who has family ties with the King and Queen of the Goblin Lands, and that Cadugan himself is part of the royal family of the woodelves. Their support or opposing of the qourt likely has a really high and qute multilayered impact on Elegrost’s "international" politics.
Oh man, I just noticed all the spelling mistakes I made. Well, I guess it is still understandable what I meant…
Awesome points!!! I’m so glad i don’t have to deal with politics- i’d never be able to keep all the relations, reasons, and priorities straight, much less think of more!!!
And btw love Lucas’ expression "dammit! Now it’s just going to reinforce Cadugan’s not showing respect, and i can’t call either of them on it. DAMMIT!" lol
THAT bard- between my own typos, autocorrect, working as an English teacher, and my belief that spelling does not equate with intelligence, i automatically edit as i read. I actually had to go back to see what mistake you were referring to! 🙂
The goatee gives him a much more boyish look than he had with the full beard, but then he is quite younger than Lucas after all.
Misanthrope is my supervillain name.
They should have let Cap’n Fang be the king.
I expected some changes in the court, but must admit, Runt’s appearance did take me by surprise. Also he seems to be more indifferent and formal with Lucas than before.
On a sidenote, I also have more struggle to get used to the new fashion than the new drawing style. It’s just weird to see these people in such clothes after so many years…
"service to the crown in the past" … who did he killed?
Runt is well drawn (this style is starting to remind me of Herge), but his expression is… sour, and the degree of fawning he seem to have come to expect, with the almost-flat-on-the-floor kneeling bow is a bad sign over all. Particularly given Lucas’s high rank, and close relation with the royal families of both the Goblin Lands, and the Woodelves. Looking at Runt, I end up thinking of a sad, confused, insecure little boy, hiding behind all the pomp and formality. I hope I am wrong, for his sake. When he was very young, he was eloquent, kind, and very good at convincing people of his point of view. Torture can really mess people up though.
Eddy is looking good, rocking those ‘learned scholar’ robes. I hope all this new pomp and formality wasn’t his idea.
As for Cadugan… Most people forget, as Cadugan never makes a point of it himself, but in a court with this much formality and likely focus on royal blood, etc… Wasn’t his father the crown prince of the Woodelves? (He has a grandmother who is queen, and an aunt who is queen in a new area.) Beyond his previous service, that might be another reason Runt lets him get away with no supper-deep bowing, etc. Amusingly, between Runt, Lucas, and Cadugan… Only Cadugan has actual "royal blood". 😛 Lucas was adopted by a Baron, and rose through competence and abilities, and Runt magically selected (and pushed).
And don’t forget Runt was the first king Cadugan knooling and accept like his king (he run very far from her father and grandmom)
It suddenly hit me that this is the same evolution that Terry Pratchett did to his DiscWorld series when he went from medieval to Victorian. I think it was easy for me to roll with it because it was written only.
But now that I have that reference in my head I can enjoy the upgraded look more.
And of course, as others have said, the use of shading is top notch.
Oh no! We reached early renascence eras! I need to speed up my research or my spearmen will be useless.
Runthard is taking the FULL Arthur route isn’t he?
For those who are not so familiar with the Arthur myths. Yes he pulled the sword out of the stone proving himself the rightful king of England.
HOW-EVER! the end of his reign lead to tragedy and despair and he died in shame according to many of the legends, having brought Chamelot itself to its fall so… yeaaah.
Of course a huge part of Camaloths fall is due to Arthurs sister poisoning his reign and his illegitimate son and so on which Runt still doesn’t have but… yeah..
For those not familiar with these styles, this vido may help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eav5-3Bxv2Y
I just realized that it’s not Runt’s apparel, weight gain, or facial hair that’s disturbing me (startling me yes, but not disturbing): it’s his expression, especially the eyes. I don’t recall him so… Removed? Detached? Idk, just a lack of interest and passion 🙁
50+ comments and not one recognition of the Jim Thorpe shout-out? (Yes, it’s likely apocryphal, but hey, so what?)
I did some research. I still have no idea what you mean.
Legend has it that at the gold medal ceremony for the 1912 Olympics, King Gustav of Sweden called Jim Thorpe the greatest athlete of all time. To which Thorpe is supposed to have answered, "Thanks, King."
Everyone who knew Thorpe agreed that he would never have intended any disrespect — and there’s a good chance the whole story was invented or exaggerated — but Cadugan is in good company with that line. 🙂
Thanks for the help! And much respect for someone who knows the proper use of an em-dash.
As mucat noted above:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Thorpe#Olympic_career
Ouf, the royal "We". Really are going full french court?
Could be the royal "We", or it could read as "You, me, the horse you rode in on, certain domestic insects, a surprising number of technically inanimate objects…we have all become accustomed to Cadugan’s misanthropic nature."