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The waves
(High-res version available for free over on my Patreon!)
Shading: oniontrain
https://unitedhelpukraine.org/ https://savelife.in.ua/en/
The waves
(High-res version available for free over on my Patreon!)
Shading: oniontrain
https://unitedhelpukraine.org/ https://savelife.in.ua/en/
Category Artwork (Digital) / Comics
Species Unspecified / Any
Gender Any
Size 900 x 1681px
Listed in Folders
I guess the black-hood got sent in first so that being summoned into the presence of the actual leader of your whole civilization would come as a relief instead of bowel-voiding terror :D.
Are we going to see old Bungie levels of madness lore here?
If you are wondering what I mean watch Mandalore's Marathon videos.
If you are wondering what I mean watch Mandalore's Marathon videos.
I knew what you meant, and it's nice to see another Marathon lover here! :D
I may have grown up playing the Marathon series on my Mac Performa 550 as a kid and discovering *that terminal* to be a defining experience
Old Centris 650 owner/user here, and good gods I wish I could remember more clearly Bungie's Original Marathon... I think for whatever reason, I remember a bit more about Durandal and Infinity... sadly...
... That Terminal... It eludes me... : (
... That Terminal... It eludes me... : (
There's always "Aleph One" if you really want a refresh.
Dunno if its proper to link such things here of course.
Dunno if its proper to link such things here of course.
Sometimes, I remember the first Mac 128k at the Student's Union in Gothenburg... Adobe Pagemaker 1.0... LaserWriter...But not with Marathon, no! *Grin!* That came with my first iMac.
I think PageMaker was still owned by a company named Aldus way back when.
I remember seeing it on some of those old 9" b/w Macs, one of which had a card in it for an extra portrait-mode display that was as tall as the entire computer.
I remember seeing it on some of those old 9" b/w Macs, one of which had a card in it for an extra portrait-mode display that was as tall as the entire computer.
Ah, yes, Aldus! Didn't even remember the name before you pointed it out.
OH YES!
I Played so much Marathon I punched my way through half the levels.
I Played so much Marathon I punched my way through half the levels.
Oh wow, I am an old Mac user here too and remember playing a ton of Marathon on my PowerMac 7200/90 back then. I thought I dreamed up that terminal until years later as an adult! That's awesome that you are one of us rare OG Macintosh users! Did you ever play any Ambrosia Software games? Escape Velocity was my life for a while, and nothing broke up a boring afternoon stuck waiting to go home at my dad's workplace like playing some Harry the Handsome Executive
You should try Endless Sky on Steam. It is EV and EV:O inspired also free. Not PTW or anything like that but actually free.
Also used to love EV. I remember a mod for it I really liked. I think it was called Empire? Good times.
Also used to love EV. I remember a mod for it I really liked. I think it was called Empire? Good times.
I wonder if the black wearing are like actual Braxxid soldiers. In such a peaceful society as the Braxxids embrace, it would then make sense that they would fear those who would willingly choose to embrace violence. As doing so might be taken as embracing the animalistic instincts that they have since shunned. As well as why the Val Salia field guide would mention to not approach or engage with them.
I agree. Soldiers, specifically trained to kill other sapients, would indeed be something to be feared. To accept such training might even cause severe trauma to the poor things, resulting in the dead eyes we see.
considering the flag guide just list them and do not interact or interfere with on penalty of imprisonment. their likely either military or a baxxid secret service equivalent
Yeah, I could see that being the case. As we've seen how Kalgkur reacted to the accidental ending of a life. Who knows traumatic the deliberate act could be for such a sensative being the Braxxids seem to be. Could carry over to its way of speaking, if that hard to discern speech bubble is of its style. Or it could just be because of Kalgkur's panicked mindset that makes it barely perceptable.
Another thing that makes me lean towards this answer is how the black flag entered first. Similiar to how a bodyguard would enter a room, and how it came face to face with Kalgkur as if to assess his threat level before the other Braxxid entered. Also, the black flag is rather plain with its head shape. All other Braxxids we have seen have had some ornatmention to bone carapices. But the black flag is smooth something out of the ordinary.
Another thing that makes me lean towards this answer is how the black flag entered first. Similiar to how a bodyguard would enter a room, and how it came face to face with Kalgkur as if to assess his threat level before the other Braxxid entered. Also, the black flag is rather plain with its head shape. All other Braxxids we have seen have had some ornatmention to bone carapices. But the black flag is smooth something out of the ordinary.
or maybe the black cloths are the "Section 31" of baxxids. They are the ones that will do what must be done so that the rest can live out a more pacifistic existence.
There's also the fact that House Ivenmoth conducts secret operations with the yinglets via Beizel so who is to say a similar contingent doesn't exist for members of the Baxxid.
There's also the fact that House Ivenmoth conducts secret operations with the yinglets via Beizel so who is to say a similar contingent doesn't exist for members of the Baxxid.
Oh, wait... was it the black hooded one who made the loud screeching sound in the last panel of the last page?
Pretty sure that was Kalkgur. Remember that we first MET him when he howled like a fire engine siren over a scary bug, setting this whole chain of events into motion.
Hmm...the Punishment is becoming one of the zombied-out souless Baxxid's. But only if Kalgkur truly believes that he deserves that fate? If not, he's considered worthy of continuing on in their society?
Talk about Darkwaves...
Talk about Darkwaves...
My random guess, he'll be given the choice to join the black hoods and their purpose and function is revealed but of course in doing so he would not be permitted to interact with anyone publicly ever again. Very much doubt exile or long term imprisonment would be on the table, but overall I'm expecting the majority of the issue will be learning to live with himself over anything they specifically could do to him.
I'm completely fascinated, but too aware of how different the Baxxids are to make many guesses. They are DEFINITELY hnau, but how they will deal with what has happened is something I haven't enough experience of them to extrapolate.
Another day, another interesting fictional setting I've looked up due to a comment I read
Once again Val I'll say
The way baxxid talk to one another in [ultrasound?] is amazing. It's both super detailed and kinda simple at the same time. Definitely enjoy reading their unique dialog
The way baxxid talk to one another in [ultrasound?] is amazing. It's both super detailed and kinda simple at the same time. Definitely enjoy reading their unique dialog
Also seeing kalgkur so scared really makes me sad. Really just want to give the wurm a big hug
I got a feeling its obvious. A child of ancestors that has spilled blood on itself...
He deserved to be punished for stealing, but I wouldn't say he deserved to get torn in half.
*shrug* accidents happen.... but they should be minimized as much as possible for everyones sake and peace of mind
Well, Elder Varakses did say something about his soul possibly getting snuffed out...
I have empathy for a scared noodle boy once again, and it's your fault.
Thank you!
Art is meant to draw a reaction, an emotional response and your storytelling does that on multiple levels. From the tone set by the location and sheer presence of Black Flag over there, to the fear emanating from best noodle boy. This truly is a wonderful story of inconvenient changes and a bunch of Out of Placers. I don't mean to necessarily drone on and tell you what you've done but rather just... voice an appreciation of it. Thank you!
Thank you!
Art is meant to draw a reaction, an emotional response and your storytelling does that on multiple levels. From the tone set by the location and sheer presence of Black Flag over there, to the fear emanating from best noodle boy. This truly is a wonderful story of inconvenient changes and a bunch of Out of Placers. I don't mean to necessarily drone on and tell you what you've done but rather just... voice an appreciation of it. Thank you!
I never mind hearing someone express some part of what they enjoyed about my work! It's not only nice-feeling, but is super useful as feedback.
Yeah it's kinda cold down there, should bring a jacket next time
All those frames showing Kalgkur cowering and plastering himself against the wall...
Fear is the harshest torture device in existence.
All this talk about taking control of his fluids
from the shawled and veiled figure
made me think
of the Bene Gesserit
Box-o-Pain test of will.
"Put your giant murderclaw in the box."
"What's in the box?"
"Don't worry – whatever it is, your murderclaw is scarier by far."
Kudos for making the dreadslither doomcrawler's
unsettling manner of speech
so aptly visualized!
Fear is the harshest torture device in existence.
All this talk about taking control of his fluids
from the shawled and veiled figure
made me think
of the Bene Gesserit
Box-o-Pain test of will.
"Put your giant murderclaw in the box."
"What's in the box?"
"Don't worry – whatever it is, your murderclaw is scarier by far."
Kudos for making the dreadslither doomcrawler's
unsettling manner of speech
so aptly visualized!
lol I was wondering how long it would take for someone to make a Dune reference on a page with these big worms
It took a while, but we got there! I hope he doesn't have to face the gom jabbar. I don't know if it'd pierce their skin!
Dune, the Tatooine part of Star Wars, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy (1999) with Brendan Fraser, Aladdin...
For all the dearth of sustenance, water and life in the desert,
its soil is very culturally fertile, even for a gringo infidel.
Thank you for shepherding your flock of readers so diligently!
You are the kind of creator that would have been
at the forefront of storytelling scene
if our world had a shred of justice
in its bones.
For all the dearth of sustenance, water and life in the desert,
its soil is very culturally fertile, even for a gringo infidel.
Thank you for shepherding your flock of readers so diligently!
You are the kind of creator that would have been
at the forefront of storytelling scene
if our world had a shred of justice
in its bones.
why do the top two panels remind me so much of the scene from alien 3?
the one where it has someone trapped against a wall, sticks it's tongue thing out, then runs off.
the one where it has someone trapped against a wall, sticks it's tongue thing out, then runs off.
He is a terrible dancer, making him unable to effectively boogie
Methinks this is an impending Moment- that this will be neither good nor bad, but something that redefines Kalgkur.
Everyone mentions the eyes, but the mandibles are also disturbing. They just hang there, limply.
I’m…scared O_O
Is this like….an executioner? Or is he going to be…initiated?
Is this like….an executioner? Or is he going to be…initiated?
Lobotomizd boneworm. That's what my money's on. Also, yes control the waves of that mind Kalgkur. <^\/^>
Yello, OOPsoids! I'm here to remind you yet 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 1019 votes and 40th place. It's currently at 83 votes and 73rd 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 1019 votes and 40th place. It's currently at 83 votes and 73rd 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!
Move now
With me
Follow
Do the bone worm dance
With me
Follow
Do the bone worm dance
Baxxid dancing is just this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiRwyLbPv5w
"Now-blooded"
That took an even more ominous turn. This seems to be something that was either expected, or planned for.
That took an even more ominous turn. This seems to be something that was either expected, or planned for.
Based on what we've seen, what some other users have discussed, and ESPECIALLY what the Elder just said, I have a suspicion I know what's going to happen.
I think the black hooded Baxxids are assassins. They're like the Iscariot Organization from Hellsing; they embrace values that the rest of their society reject in order to stand against their enemies.
Kalgkur is "now-bloodied" because he killed a person. While he's remorseful, he's demonstrated a capability for violence. Now they need to find out if he can focus and control that violence.
That's what The Judgement is. It's not whether he's innocent or guilty; it's whether he is capable of putting his violent capabilities to use. If he is too guilt-ridden to harm another being, he will fail and likely be punished. If he is too bloodthirsty to reign himself in, he will fail and be punished. But if he can succeed, he will be given a black cloth of his own and become one of his people's secret weapons.
That's why you musn't interact with black hooded Baxxids. That's why the other Baxxid was fighting for Kalgkur to not be put through The Judgement. That's why Kalgkur is considered "now bloodied."
At least, that's my theory.
I think the black hooded Baxxids are assassins. They're like the Iscariot Organization from Hellsing; they embrace values that the rest of their society reject in order to stand against their enemies.
Kalgkur is "now-bloodied" because he killed a person. While he's remorseful, he's demonstrated a capability for violence. Now they need to find out if he can focus and control that violence.
That's what The Judgement is. It's not whether he's innocent or guilty; it's whether he is capable of putting his violent capabilities to use. If he is too guilt-ridden to harm another being, he will fail and likely be punished. If he is too bloodthirsty to reign himself in, he will fail and be punished. But if he can succeed, he will be given a black cloth of his own and become one of his people's secret weapons.
That's why you musn't interact with black hooded Baxxids. That's why the other Baxxid was fighting for Kalgkur to not be put through The Judgement. That's why Kalgkur is considered "now bloodied."
At least, that's my theory.
I think this is likely going to be a more permanent induction to the Ivenmoth guard. We've seen that Baxxid have killed before and have accepted it as a part of the job (the other Baxxid guard that went out with the caravan, Kalgkur pointed out that he'd allowed his hands to grow rough, therefore becoming more effective weapons) and there is likely a mindset that these Baxxid fall into. The trial that Kalgkur will face is likely to determine whether he will be fit to run with this new crowd or not, and moreover how capable he is of violence.
My guess is that there are two variants of Baxxid, the civilized versions that most citizens face and the soldier caste (black flagged). The civilized includes the guard role because that isn't necessarily a violent role, but it also can be occupied by Baxxid that are capable of properly melding their civilized mentality with their more primal tendencies once combat is required and can thus maintain a semblance of self control. The soldier caste are a very different breed of beast, Baxxid that have become more animalistic due to their exposure to the more primal aspects of their nature. It's likely that these Baxxid are only discovered when incidents like Kalgkur's happen, or more likely when caravan guards finally get their first bloodings when they are forced to deal with brigands.
My guess is that the trial will determine how far down that animalistic path Kalgkur has gone and whether or not his slaughter of the thief was driven by that genetic instinct that all soldier caste have deep within them. If this truly was just an accident then he'll likely just be placed back as a guard, but if he does possess the killing gene then he'll probably be inducted into the black flagged.
As for what the black flags themselves do... My guess is that they are an extremely rare sight above ground in the normal world that the rest of our cast inhabit. Enforcers and soldiers would be something the Baxxid would keep deep within their domain, probably to keep the other races safe from their sometimes uncontrolled tendencies. They are also kept well away from other Baxxid as well, as they have become something... Less as well as more. The embracing of their more primal side is likely countered by a loss of the civilized aspect, as we can see this black flagged Baxxid seems to have difficulties in communicating with others of their race and takes no care as to their appearance, hence the lack of polished and smoothed bone ridges.
For other Baxxid, this is profoundly disturbing and these black flagged are likely the boogeymen of their kind. To be approached by one is to be approached by the very thing you've spent your life denying you are through ritual and decorum. To 'hear' one speak is likely the same as hearing an animal howl in your ear, unintelligible at first until it somehow remembers -just enough- to form proper words (as we see happening here, the shriek in the last panel wasn't Kalgkur, it was the Flagged trying to form words and it's now gotten the frequency down enough to get the message across). I can't imagine the terror that Kalgkur must be processing in these panels. That's not a Baxxid. That's a demon incarnate speaking with him.
My guess is that there are two variants of Baxxid, the civilized versions that most citizens face and the soldier caste (black flagged). The civilized includes the guard role because that isn't necessarily a violent role, but it also can be occupied by Baxxid that are capable of properly melding their civilized mentality with their more primal tendencies once combat is required and can thus maintain a semblance of self control. The soldier caste are a very different breed of beast, Baxxid that have become more animalistic due to their exposure to the more primal aspects of their nature. It's likely that these Baxxid are only discovered when incidents like Kalgkur's happen, or more likely when caravan guards finally get their first bloodings when they are forced to deal with brigands.
My guess is that the trial will determine how far down that animalistic path Kalgkur has gone and whether or not his slaughter of the thief was driven by that genetic instinct that all soldier caste have deep within them. If this truly was just an accident then he'll likely just be placed back as a guard, but if he does possess the killing gene then he'll probably be inducted into the black flagged.
As for what the black flags themselves do... My guess is that they are an extremely rare sight above ground in the normal world that the rest of our cast inhabit. Enforcers and soldiers would be something the Baxxid would keep deep within their domain, probably to keep the other races safe from their sometimes uncontrolled tendencies. They are also kept well away from other Baxxid as well, as they have become something... Less as well as more. The embracing of their more primal side is likely countered by a loss of the civilized aspect, as we can see this black flagged Baxxid seems to have difficulties in communicating with others of their race and takes no care as to their appearance, hence the lack of polished and smoothed bone ridges.
For other Baxxid, this is profoundly disturbing and these black flagged are likely the boogeymen of their kind. To be approached by one is to be approached by the very thing you've spent your life denying you are through ritual and decorum. To 'hear' one speak is likely the same as hearing an animal howl in your ear, unintelligible at first until it somehow remembers -just enough- to form proper words (as we see happening here, the shriek in the last panel wasn't Kalgkur, it was the Flagged trying to form words and it's now gotten the frequency down enough to get the message across). I can't imagine the terror that Kalgkur must be processing in these panels. That's not a Baxxid. That's a demon incarnate speaking with him.
I like this theory, that the black flags are sort of "primal" baxxid that have given in to their base instincts. Would also give more context to the baxxids intense fear/hatred of these base instincts. It's not just that they are shameful or whatever of their species past, rather they risk losing themselves should they slip up.
If so, I certainly understand why Kal would be terrified...
If so, I certainly understand why Kal would be terrified...
I am both confused and concerned. Something is happening. Lore drop incoming?
so how far did kal follow deadeyes?
and wow the black flagged ones are partially there but kind of a vegetable but a functioningish vegetable.
also still wondering what kals initial reaction to seeing deadeyes was about?
and i guess the dots and dashes in the previous pages comment might have been a representation of the fractured garbled buzzing possibly like someone mindlessly babbling to themselves.
judging by the way kal is acting when he realizes its one of them with deadeyes im guessing it must be a reaction to his own fate of possibly becoming one of the dead eyed ones. maybe its a process that happens due to mental fatigue from extreme anxiety or possibly ptsd from a traumatic experience possibly leading to some sort of brain damage?
also something tells me outside of the worm world the rest of society is goin about its business without much more thought beyond 1 less thief. and heck if he was a notorious thief then kal may be seen as a hero of sorts.
and wow the black flagged ones are partially there but kind of a vegetable but a functioningish vegetable.
also still wondering what kals initial reaction to seeing deadeyes was about?
and i guess the dots and dashes in the previous pages comment might have been a representation of the fractured garbled buzzing possibly like someone mindlessly babbling to themselves.
judging by the way kal is acting when he realizes its one of them with deadeyes im guessing it must be a reaction to his own fate of possibly becoming one of the dead eyed ones. maybe its a process that happens due to mental fatigue from extreme anxiety or possibly ptsd from a traumatic experience possibly leading to some sort of brain damage?
also something tells me outside of the worm world the rest of society is goin about its business without much more thought beyond 1 less thief. and heck if he was a notorious thief then kal may be seen as a hero of sorts.
Now I can see the domes I couldn't before. Guess their eyes are still there. Just really dark.
Guess we now gotta follow the creepy Baxxid to our doom.
Guess we now gotta follow the creepy Baxxid to our doom.
Kal is quite clearly wracked with guilt over what was barely more than a flinch response to his physiology, but was extremely messy and extremely final to the thief, and I think Elder Varakses can see that; Kal isn't *trying to escape judgement*, he's in a total moral crisis panic attack.
"Now-blooded child" has some interesting implications for generational mindset among the Baxxid as well. Kal is young, and thinks extremely in the present, while Varakses knows the long plan, and by comments on the previous pages, knows much about the human mindset over life and death compared to Baxxid mentality.
While Kal thinks in a short term mode with the Baxxid's long-lived mindset. It's actually an interesting inversion: the elder understands the shortness of human life, while the youth lacks that perspective and applies Baxxidian longevity morals to his own actions among the humans
"Now-blooded child" has some interesting implications for generational mindset among the Baxxid as well. Kal is young, and thinks extremely in the present, while Varakses knows the long plan, and by comments on the previous pages, knows much about the human mindset over life and death compared to Baxxid mentality.
While Kal thinks in a short term mode with the Baxxid's long-lived mindset. It's actually an interesting inversion: the elder understands the shortness of human life, while the youth lacks that perspective and applies Baxxidian longevity morals to his own actions among the humans
Panel 3 is very spoopy.
Funnily enough, while each page the story progresses, my brain still can't come up with any good theories about what will happen to Kalgkur or what's up with the black-flagged baxxid. One thing I feel like I should have predicted was one of the baxxid hitting and killing someone because they wave their big claw arms around quite often.
Here's a definitive claim. I think Kalgkur is going to succeed his The Judgement (whatever that is) with flying colors. No death for him. Ha! Prove me wrong now.
Funnily enough, while each page the story progresses, my brain still can't come up with any good theories about what will happen to Kalgkur or what's up with the black-flagged baxxid. One thing I feel like I should have predicted was one of the baxxid hitting and killing someone because they wave their big claw arms around quite often.
Here's a definitive claim. I think Kalgkur is going to succeed his The Judgement (whatever that is) with flying colors. No death for him. Ha! Prove me wrong now.
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