On the other hand, Mama Bloodhand should be capable to lift a harpsiccord.
One of the best variations I read in such a situation:
Accuser: You have attempted to murder XXXX.
Accused: I never attempt, I succeed [kills XXXX just by pointing a finger].
Something like that did actually happen with Audie Murphy, the most decorated hero of WWII. Idiots liked to harass and challenge him because of his reputation and at one point someone had accused him of trying to kill him by shooting him (Audie being terrifyingly accurate with a rifle) and he sneered and mocked the idea that anyone he chose to shoot would still be alive after he pulled the trigger.
Maula would never be sloppy enough to be a suspect, she either makes sure you 100% know it was her or there’s literally no way to tie her to it. I like How despite not knowing her as well as everyone else Runt still knows her well enough to send someone to clear her name, that’s what it means to have a strong reputation.
As formidable as we all remember Maura being… one of her stated reasons for not accepting the crown back during the God-War incident was that she was too old and wounded for combat.
That was 10 years ago. She should be in her 70s now.
Eddy is more John Dee than Richelieu here, but Runt I does have some Louis XIII* vibes… though I can see a touch of Ludwig II of Bavaria as well.
*As presented by Alexander Dumas in The Three Musketeers – haughty and vain, leaving the day to day business to his chancellor. Unlike Runt, Louis was more at home away from the palace, camped out campaigning against the Dutch or the Huguenots at La Rochelle.
That would be an interesting twist. But I’m sure in that case she would have had a very good reason to kill, and that likely should have been obvious to all present too.
Well. We don’t know whether she was framed, or just being accused upon the argument "orcs are evil". And whoever framed her must have a deathwish… Besides, Maula can take care of herself. Assumingly she could be arrested only, if she is willingly going along. Assumingly, and not for certain, because she wasn’t the youngest the last time we’ve seen her, and that was 10 years ago. Old age is a foe, that not even the fiercest warriors can defeat (easily).
"Edmund, you are the most learned man here, are you not?"
"Yes, my liege…?"
"We do not like the current lighting conditions. It is not proper that we cannot see the faces of those in front of us. We must see those who bring their requests to us, we wish to see their faces, the nuances that betray their sincerity. The sun shining in our face blinds us."
"I see, sire. I merely thought that you, as the monarch, should be properly illuminated."
"You are a cunning man, Edmund. Figure it out! Now bring to me the menu for tonight’s dinner, and the list of nobles who we commanded to attend."
"Death by Harpsicord"? What? Are they having the card contest in Toontown!? XD
… and I agree with Lucas’ relief, if Maula wanted to kill you, she has lots of lighter and better tools at her disposal… two strong ones at the ends of her arms for once!
Here’s hoping for a Lull(y) in these Baroque composer puns. I can’t Handel much more of it. You’ll need a C(h)arpent(i)er to work on my coffin at this rate.
By the way Lully is the only composer I know to have died as a result of a conducting accident.
A harpsichord? That’s taking the whole "blunt instrument" method a little far, isn’t it? 😉
The Fred comparison has been made–and I totally see it. I can’t recall if Lucas was ever cured of his lycanthropy–so will we see him "moonlighting" as his own Scooby Doo? (Not apologizing for that.)
Now I am looking forward to seeing what style of dress Maula is in. She had a somewhat anachronistic style before the changes, so this should be interesting!
I’m looking forward to see many other characters for the same purpose. The people in Umbril had their own style, and the citizens of the Black Mountain had their own touch to their clothing too. I wonder whether fashion developed in an international, or a national way. Who knows, perhaps by now you could tell where one is coming from just by looking at how they are dressed. That would be interesting. 🙂
I’m curious about that, too, especially among the Elves. Eolhin, I think you had suggested that the elves wouldn’t switch to the new fashions as quickly, if at all.
I doubt it would be picked up by the Wood Elves, it wouldn’t be practical when you’re living in the forest. The High Elves might being more willing to follow human styles.
"I doubt it would be picked up by the Wood Elves, it wouldn’t be practical when you’re living in the forest."
The see elves on the other hand, had quite a revolution. Instead of wearing only some kind of swimming trunks, now they wear a full-bodied swimsuit. With bowties.
Reading the comments I’m starting to think that the big twist here will be that Maula did try and fail to commit a murder and the boys end up having to deal with the political fallout of Maula’s sudden appearance of weakness.
"Was the harpiscord dropped on the victim or swung at the victim?"
"Why? Does it make a difference?"
"Well, Yes. Dropping one on a victim just isn’t Maula’s style, while her swinging one like a mace is."
"I see you know Lady Bloodhand well then."
Ok, I’m gonna say point blank, Runt does NOT look good in that outfit and the moustache and beard? Oi, I’ve seen better on a goat… (Not dissing your style, but I just never envisioned Runt as a pompous French king type)…
It’s been what—two weeks now, and I still think Runt and Eddy in Panel 5 look like they’ve just been told there isn’t much call for cheddar ’round these parts.
I must admit I'm confused what Lucas is relieved about myself. Maula being arrested is a relief compared to what? Her having been executed already? Executing foreign royalty really isn't done, even if they are obviously guilty and don't deny it; it's bound to start a war.
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That is a pretty good argument, honestly. Maula is distressingly good with weapons.
I don’t know. I am sure anything can be turned into a weapon in Maula’s hands.
could also be a copycat, during the bardic challenge someone got killed with a lute string
It could be, just if Mrs. Bloodhand wanted to murder someone she’d either be much more or much less subtle.
On the other hand, Mama Bloodhand should be capable to lift a harpsiccord.
One of the best variations I read in such a situation:
Accuser: You have attempted to murder XXXX.
Accused: I never attempt, I succeed [kills XXXX just by pointing a finger].
Something like that did actually happen with Audie Murphy, the most decorated hero of WWII. Idiots liked to harass and challenge him because of his reputation and at one point someone had accused him of trying to kill him by shooting him (Audie being terrifyingly accurate with a rifle) and he sneered and mocked the idea that anyone he chose to shoot would still be alive after he pulled the trigger.
Maula would never be sloppy enough to be a suspect, she either makes sure you 100% know it was her or there’s literally no way to tie her to it. I like How despite not knowing her as well as everyone else Runt still knows her well enough to send someone to clear her name, that’s what it means to have a strong reputation.
Maula doesn’t need weapons to kill you… she just needs to reach you somehow.
As formidable as we all remember Maura being… one of her stated reasons for not accepting the crown back during the God-War incident was that she was too old and wounded for combat.
That was 10 years ago. She should be in her 70s now.
That second-to-last panel. Lucas looks like Fred from the older Scooby-Doo cartoons. The gang is on the mystery!
does that mean Cadugan is Daphne? who is gonna be Scoob, Shaggy, and the extremely sexy Velma?
Cadugan’s fox is Scooby, and Glon will be Shaggy when they get to the tournament.
And while you’re at it, find whoever murdered Runts fashion sense.
Agreed. And that facial hair style is NOT flattering at all.
Also has apparently been eating too much & exercising too little!
Lucas is ageing much better than Runt
Lucas has had love in his life.
t!
Massive Cardinal Richelieu vibes, there.
Worse – King Louis vibes.
Which one, the french had 16?
Or do you mean the one from the jungle book?
Eddy is more John Dee than Richelieu here, but Runt I does have some Louis XIII* vibes… though I can see a touch of Ludwig II of Bavaria as well.
*As presented by Alexander Dumas in The Three Musketeers – haughty and vain, leaving the day to day business to his chancellor. Unlike Runt, Louis was more at home away from the palace, camped out campaigning against the Dutch or the Huguenots at La Rochelle.
And there would have been no doubts that Mrs B did it, much less a mystery.
Really looking forward to this! Thanks t! and BK!
How much you wanna bet Maula admits to doing it?
That would be an interesting twist. But I’m sure in that case she would have had a very good reason to kill, and that likely should have been obvious to all present too.
Have you read "The Murder at the Vicarage" ?
t!
Lucas doesn’t seem upset if Maula has been framed.
Well. We don’t know whether she was framed, or just being accused upon the argument "orcs are evil". And whoever framed her must have a deathwish… Besides, Maula can take care of herself. Assumingly she could be arrested only, if she is willingly going along. Assumingly, and not for certain, because she wasn’t the youngest the last time we’ve seen her, and that was 10 years ago. Old age is a foe, that not even the fiercest warriors can defeat (easily).
My God, Man, I’m 50, I’m the oldest man I know, I’ve got ten years on the Pope!"
t!
"The Lion in Winter," with Katherine Hepburn and Peter O’Toole, an excellent movie.
Which is why I’m going to quote another great line from it. "I’d hang you from the nipples, but that would shock the children."
It is my favourite contemporary play, and (not for nothing; there is History here) the favourite movie of one President Josiah Bartlet.
t!
"Edmund, you are the most learned man here, are you not?"
"Yes, my liege…?"
"We do not like the current lighting conditions. It is not proper that we cannot see the faces of those in front of us. We must see those who bring their requests to us, we wish to see their faces, the nuances that betray their sincerity. The sun shining in our face blinds us."
"I see, sire. I merely thought that you, as the monarch, should be properly illuminated."
"You are a cunning man, Edmund. Figure it out! Now bring to me the menu for tonight’s dinner, and the list of nobles who we commanded to attend."
"Death by Harpsicord"? What? Are they having the card contest in Toontown!? XD
… and I agree with Lucas’ relief, if Maula wanted to kill you, she has lots of lighter and better tools at her disposal… two strong ones at the ends of her arms for once!
> Are they having the card contest in Toontown!?
When Richard is at the wheel, *always*.
(unless it’s Haddonfield, IL)
t!
Death by harpsichord. It Baroque someone’s skull!
Bach! Bach foul jokester!
I’m sure we can all Handel it
You keep off of my Bach, and I’ll keep off of your Bach!
But yeah, Serious "Who framed Roger Rabbit" vibes here. I suspect the same toon that killed Eddie Valentine’s brother, it’s the same modus operendi!
I think it’s time for me to make a hasty exit, if I want to save my tail. I’m going into Haydn.
I don’t know if I should laugh, groan or reward for the puns.
I thin I need a Sammartini and some Leclairs to get through this.
(Obscure composers. About time my music history education gets used)
At this rate, the puns will execute a Couperin and Telemann he will be put in a Purcell.
Now now, there’s no need for any Chopin off of heads. I know everyone’s a little Strauss’d out right now, but we need to have each other’s Bach.
Here’s hoping for a Lull(y) in these Baroque composer puns. I can’t Handel much more of it. You’ll need a C(h)arpent(i)er to work on my coffin at this rate.
By the way Lully is the only composer I know to have died as a result of a conducting accident.
YES!!! Cookies & brownies for all!!!
I wanted to make a pun about Dido and Aeneas, but some Purcell snatcher took it already.
I love panel 7
I can just hear Cadugan thinking " This is another fine mess, you’ve gotten us into "
A harpsichord? That’s taking the whole "blunt instrument" method a little far, isn’t it? 😉
The Fred comparison has been made–and I totally see it. I can’t recall if Lucas was ever cured of his lycanthropy–so will we see him "moonlighting" as his own Scooby Doo? (Not apologizing for that.)
Panel 1: Runt’s arm *really* wants to twirl his moustache.
t!
I wonder if there was anyone here who knew the difference between harpsichord and piano without looking it up.
(Apparently, piano is striking the strings, while harpsichord is plucking them.)
*waves hand* I did! I did!!
*gives you chocolate cake*
Yeah, I definitely knew that, but then, I know the general construction of a Hurdy-Gurdy…
but can you play one?
I would love to try, but have never been able to afford to get my hands on one, so the answer would likely be no, at least to start.
A little bit. Definitely out of practise. Better with the flute.
And of course it’s actually called a pianoforte (soft-loud), but we got lazy, and just called it piano, for short.
If you want to get *really* technical, it’s "clavicembalo col piano e forte" or "harpsichord with soft and loud". 😀
If maula bloodhand intends to kill you 1 you’re dead 2 she uses a weapon 3 she wouldnt have let herself be arrested
Now I am looking forward to seeing what style of dress Maula is in. She had a somewhat anachronistic style before the changes, so this should be interesting!
I’m looking forward to see many other characters for the same purpose. The people in Umbril had their own style, and the citizens of the Black Mountain had their own touch to their clothing too. I wonder whether fashion developed in an international, or a national way. Who knows, perhaps by now you could tell where one is coming from just by looking at how they are dressed. That would be interesting. 🙂
I’m curious about that, too, especially among the Elves. Eolhin, I think you had suggested that the elves wouldn’t switch to the new fashions as quickly, if at all.
I doubt it would be picked up by the Wood Elves, it wouldn’t be practical when you’re living in the forest. The High Elves might being more willing to follow human styles.
"I doubt it would be picked up by the Wood Elves, it wouldn’t be practical when you’re living in the forest."
The see elves on the other hand, had quite a revolution. Instead of wearing only some kind of swimming trunks, now they wear a full-bodied swimsuit. With bowties.
That might be hard on the gills. Perhaps some decorative and functional slash patterns in the fabric over where the gills are…
I do wonder if at least a small part of the relief is knowing Maula wasn’t the victim of the crime on top of the method not fitting her at all.
Runty hasn’t picked up much in ten years if he’s dumb enough to think Maula did it. And Eddie’s being *awfully* quiet.
What makes you think Runt believes she did it?
Could be an elaborate ruse to get them to visit Maula?
Reading the comments I’m starting to think that the big twist here will be that Maula did try and fail to commit a murder and the boys end up having to deal with the political fallout of Maula’s sudden appearance of weakness.
The fact that lucas is confident makes me think she did do it. Poor dear is just…so often wrong.
"Was the harpiscord dropped on the victim or swung at the victim?"
"Why? Does it make a difference?"
"Well, Yes. Dropping one on a victim just isn’t Maula’s style, while her swinging one like a mace is."
"I see you know Lady Bloodhand well then."
Ok, I’m gonna say point blank, Runt does NOT look good in that outfit and the moustache and beard? Oi, I’ve seen better on a goat… (Not dissing your style, but I just never envisioned Runt as a pompous French king type)…
On an unrelated note, is it just me, or has a certain username not appeared in the comments since 3434?
It’s been what—two weeks now, and I still think Runt and Eddy in Panel 5 look like they’ve just been told there isn’t much call for cheddar ’round these parts.
I must admit I'm confused what Lucas is relieved about myself. Maula being arrested is a relief compared to what? Her having been executed already? Executing foreign royalty really isn't done, even if they are obviously guilty and don't deny it; it's bound to start a war.