tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.comments2021-05-16T13:41:12.015-04:00The Chaos BeastScott Delahunthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06735796666483741699noreply@blogger.comBlogger308125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-59209095185811313252021-05-16T13:41:12.015-04:002021-05-16T13:41:12.015-04:00I found the bit in the book about renaming abiliti...I found the bit in the book about renaming abilities after I scheduled the post. I did hint at it with changing Heedless Blast into Headlong Rush. I'll keep it in mind; it does help get the character sheet to reflect what I want from the character. Thanks!Scott Delahunthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06735796666483741699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-39864583324021274202021-05-13T22:35:50.903-04:002021-05-13T22:35:50.903-04:00Nice work on Ringette. I highly recommend you rena...Nice work on Ringette. I highly recommend you rename abilities to personalize your character. If you wish to try out Ringette, let me know. I've been running Sentinel Comics for a while. I have a current series where we are at out 10 issue. I love running the game as it does a great job evoking comics.Eric M. Paquettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15351460292162533027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-21863719175022524262020-09-21T22:03:45.916-04:002020-09-21T22:03:45.916-04:00There's been some improvement - https://www.cb...There's been some improvement - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/lrt-september-update-cracked-wheels-finances-rtg-1.5726149<br /><br />It took almost a year to get the LRT to the point of usable, and part of that time was during the lockdown when usage was low. The LRT was not ready this time last year and was rushed into service without a proper test during a typical Ottawa year. Ottawa does not have nice weather; it has all the weather.Scott Delahunthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06735796666483741699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-64651045413873906222020-08-29T20:17:28.426-04:002020-08-29T20:17:28.426-04:00Laws don't work if there's no enforcement ...Laws don't work if there's no enforcement of if there are massive loopholes that can be exploited. They need to be playtested before enacted.<br /><br />The US is not set up to deal with the current Republican party, whose main platform is "We want all the power." Even here in Soviet Canuckistan, the Conservatives have the same platform. The best they could do the past few elections was, "We're not the Liberals." That was it. With Ford, "FREE BEER!" And a lack of competency. And I need to figure out Quebec's politics before there's an election here.Scott Delahunthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06735796666483741699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-76990190788300672862020-08-29T12:43:26.031-04:002020-08-29T12:43:26.031-04:00It's a good point. For that matter, if people ...It's a good point. For that matter, if people aren't being paid a liveable wage (by those same corporations), that helps corruption to run rampant as people have to make ends meet somehow.<br /><br />Regarding the money in the electoral system, I'm reminded of a segment that the "Daily Show" ran a couple days ago. The Federal Elections Commission is supposed to monitor campaign spending... but Trump et al haven't put Republicans on said commission, so they don't have quorum, so they can't do their jobs. More here:<br />https://twitter.com/TheDailyShow/status/1299059355204157440<br /><br />If there's no one to enforce the laws, of course people are getting away with whatever they like.Gregory Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06547180132612659893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-58958055037783215132020-04-12T14:47:31.495-04:002020-04-12T14:47:31.495-04:00I'm learning I'm really more of an ambiver...I'm learning I'm really more of an ambivert. As I said in high school when people decided not to invite me to events because they thought I wouldn't enjoy them (as someone said 'you don't do drugs or drink, so we thought you wouldn't feel at home'): 'I would like to be asked, so that I can CONSCIOUSLY decline. I might even say yes - it COULD happen.' I miss karaoke. I miss browsing at bookstores and record stores. And yeah, a hug or two would be nice.Timhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01218596162288905526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-30182644715827092042020-04-06T16:44:42.810-04:002020-04-06T16:44:42.810-04:00Here's a follow up.
https://ottawacitizen.com/...Here's a follow up.<br />https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/lrts-winter-testing-was-done-indoors-not-on-the-tracks<br /><br />RTG didn't run winter testing outdoors. They tested the trains at an NRC facility. So, the trains can run in cold weather, provided that there's no grime build up, something you only find out running on the actual tracks in winter.Scott Delahunthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06735796666483741699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-3976708762413235542019-08-08T06:16:19.992-04:002019-08-08T06:16:19.992-04:00Starting with this arc actually works out quite we...Starting with this arc actually works out quite well. You get two of the three mains, a sense of the field they work in and what they each bring to an investigation, and a bit of fairy to help set the scene as the supernatural really existing. The only curiosity is why the main characters are first listed as TLV when the company is LTV Paranormalists. ;)GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-12048302226092397292019-08-03T07:27:04.269-04:002019-08-03T07:27:04.269-04:00Ric does raise a really good point, and it's g...Ric does raise a really good point, and it's good that they've found a way to compromise.<br /><br />I must say, is Miyami becoming VERY annoying. If she's not grousing at or about Dusty, she's grousing about people stealing her essay or grousing about going on more drills. Could she not, I don't know, take it to the next level, using some initiative with her technology? If not to see what's really going on, to spy on people using base cameras so she has some basis for her complaining? Or to go the other way, at least try to be civil to somebody other than Rhiannon?<br /><br />The finale is a really good way of upping the stakes though. Rhiannon will have to be as impartial as she can, and it's good that she acknowledges Ric's contributions. She even seems to be getting into the role, telling Dusty to back down (which Dusty effectively ignores, if it's not one of them it's the other).<br /><br />I really wonder why there's no transfers allowed, it's good that the mystery there continues as well. Maybe Haag has an ulterior motive himself, and it's why he keeps feeding Dusty bits of extra information.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-36119302189297348662019-08-03T07:08:13.799-04:002019-08-03T07:08:13.799-04:00There's an interesting triangle developing bet...There's an interesting triangle developing between Lars, Ric and Dusty. Both of them invited her out socially in the scenes before and after the assembly. Alas, Rhiannon and Miyami are getting some two dimensional squashing in that all they can do is take shots at Dusty, Miyami faring worse. Why imply being a spy at the person who knows you're leading a double life?<br /><br />Also, Dusty was right when she said the recall was based on their heroics. Rhiannon never called her on that, which might have been a legit gripe. There's also some possible research angles here about the criminals which aren't considered. And Dusty said the city where she'd been, so it would be easy enough to verify. It's like we've returned to status quo, when I thought we were building to some commonality, or at least casual conversation.<br /><br />Well, okay, that's not quite true, because Ric is still making the effort. While him bringing up the crooks news thing strains credulity (why was he listening to news after the assembly?), the scene with him and Dusty really works. In particular the questioning whether he's hoping to bed her, which allows for more character development. I wonder if relationships are frowned on in squads? If not, why not simply swap Dusty for Susanna? I'm curious as to how things are out of Haag's hands.<br /><br />Incidentally, Haag has a bad memory, or communications aren't that great. He sent her a question about the "mistake", she replied saying "it's not so bad now" and sending a picture of the haircut. In this part, he says he never heard anything from her since that initial message.<br /><br />Anyway, interesting how the entertainment angle can spawn it's own set of thoughts and research. I just thought 'Singularity Web' was a neat title. :) I guess if it doesn't stand out, things are working.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-34357472519472149282019-08-03T06:04:00.427-04:002019-08-03T06:04:00.427-04:00That was a really good part, for a couple reasons....That was a really good part, for a couple reasons. First, having split the party, having them further split was the right move. It worked for me at the fair, and it works here, in particular Rhiannon and Lars finally addressing the Susanna issue more openly versus the constant joking. Rhiannon in particular has had little to nothing to do (aside from be a prop for Miyami), so I liked it for that reason too. And talking about dancing I feel is better than watching all the dancing.<br /><br />Second, the thugs on Dusty helped to not have my eyes glaze over during her section, as is starting to happen. Cafes don't seem to further either plot or backstory, and Haag cameos can only do so much. I vaguely wonder where Dusty has the money for all this. I can't quite figure out where the call for help came from (were the thugs hoping a girl would show up, rather than cops?) but the scene worked. Granted, I think I would have preferred Miyami in action there and Dusty's reaction to the cheap shot, but it is what it is. (It might also be good to have Rhiannon talk to Susanna, but I'm not sure that's going to happen while Miyami's always paired up with her.)<br /><br />Finally, having Dusty see the report, helping to link the two events together, was an excellent choice. That way she knows some of what her squad was up to, so they have a talking point when they reconnect. Also her thinking it was Ric's initiative shows how they're "bonding", in a sense. Ric is a bit of a risk taker, though that's probably why he got so many prizes too.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-59758883339531272782019-08-03T05:03:36.233-04:002019-08-03T05:03:36.233-04:00A good call on almost all counts here. The larger ...A good call on almost all counts here. The larger setting helps after being at the Academy, and the fair was set up in advance. Splitting Rhiannon and Dusty dissolves more of the tension. I had not expected Abby, so that was an amusing surprise, and we're getting a better look at Lars (and transportation).<br /><br />The main thing I question is Dusty being on her own. There isn't even a mention of whether Ric spoke to her about it or not. It implies she's only going to be played off of people and situations that won't come up again, possibly breaking the fair action, barring more world building involved. I feel like Miyami would have been a good match, particularly after their conversation last part. She wouldn't even necessarily need to go with Dusty, just be spying on her, and maybe they end up seeing each other. Because she feels like a third wheel with the rest of the group. Haag might have been another option, or Susanna in missing the train and trying to get to know Lars better.<br /><br />Because oh my goodness, am I getting tired of the 'nudge nudge' at Lars, particularly by Ric. Something needs to break the pattern here, though it does sound like something finally will the next day. Incidentally, I just figured 'Vance' was an interesting girls name, I hadn't gone to LGBT at all, which maybe says more about me.<br /><br />I question a little bit some of the extra details about Lars' home, I'd have been happy jumping to the fair, but I guess there's the matter of siblings and seeing the reactions of the others rather than hearing about them. And I did notice the shout-out in the reading material, it amused me. :)GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-36576364047093493382019-08-02T13:50:01.532-04:002019-08-02T13:50:01.532-04:00I hadn't remembered the obstacle course. It fl...I hadn't remembered the obstacle course. It flowed well, though I was a bit surprised that it seemed to be largely physical, not incorporating any of the earlier things they had learned, like the rifle training. Then again, an aspect was probably teamwork, the rope being at the top of the wall being a really good indicator of that. Dusty helping Rhiannon worked well too in the context of that section, more on that later.<br /><br />Incidentally, Rhiannon never tackled the rope swing with the pool. Lars went across, then Miyami, then the rope came back to Ric, then Rhiannon said "I'm going to check on the next obstacle" and she just got a thumbs up as Dusty was given the rope. Guess she cheated. ^.^ Also randomly, "Ric gout out".<br /><br />A couple things I had a harder time parsing:<br />1) In part the cereal question from the last entry, like if it was that important that even the others getting it might have given pause, why didn't Rhiannon make sure to never run out? However, we could write it off as birthday distraction. But that brings me to:<br />2) Why did that even happen there? Things were settling down, everyone had been given some time alone -- then that incident blew everything up. Only to immediately say "two weeks passed". Why not save it to end the episode? Dusty and Rhiannon are grudgingly getting along, even helping out with the course, and then we hit the massive incident, made all the worse by the fact that they thought they'd be getting separate assignments soon anyway. No one even brought up the cereal again.<br />3) It's actually not all that clear that only this squad was staying together, and further that it's unusual. We get that about "a third" are asking about new bedrooms, and presumably a bunch of others are gone, but other squads could have been kept together too. Or if not, maybe they hadn't showed the same amount of teamwork, crossing the finish line together. What would be more suspicious lines of inquiry in my mind (which aren't pursued?) are whether Haag gave any assurances that there would be reassignments after the course (no?), or why Theta squad can't change rooms now that there's whole sections who flunked (not raised?).<br /><br />Dusty sending the file was nicely deflected at the time given her emotional state, as it was the thing that made me discount her then. But it makes sense, and Dusty is pretty observant. Related, that conversation went well, though Miyami does seem a bit naive in seeing the distinction (maybe that goes to why I see her as the weak link of the squad too).<br /><br />I still very much shrug at the coffee, but it is good to have details on the individual characters that can be used, so getting to know the cast is handy given what you say is coming. Should be interesting.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-44465104368234024092019-08-01T12:52:11.839-04:002019-08-01T12:52:11.839-04:00The scenes of the other characters do work, though...The scenes of the other characters do work, though Miyami still feels like the weak link in terms of a lack of squad thinking. (Also, weird random reference to her by Haag earlier on.) In particular, surely there was no way for Dusty to necessarily even know whose cereal she was getting, and why wouldn't someone point that out? Miyami seems the closest to be able to do that.<br /><br />Ric's cot thing felt like it flowed naturally. Lars needs to do something with his subplot soon enough though. As for the mains, the Rhiannon conversation felt like it rang true enough, and Dusty being ordered to relax sounds like a normal thing.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-4723148225720553862019-08-01T12:50:58.299-04:002019-08-01T12:50:58.299-04:00Couple of curiosities:
1) Dusty shrugged. "W...Couple of curiosities:<br />1) Dusty shrugged. "We talked. That's all."<br />"You're looking better," Lars said.<br />"So do you."<br />Rhiannon's face clouded with anger. "What does that mean?"<br /><br />...Rhiannon's getting upset over Lars and Dusty talking? Weird. <br /><br />2) "Where's Tyler?" Rhiannon demanded.<br />Ric twisted to see Rhiannon. "I don't know. Should I?"<br /><br />...the dialogue seemingly shifted for one of them but not the other.<br /><br />The use of communications was a good way to rope back in the world building off-world, as I mentioned in a prior comment, and the birthday was a good way to escalate the tensions after weeks having had passed. Though it seems a bit weird to do it right after de-escalating things, which would have been a good chance to branch elsewhere.<br /><br />Anything else I'll save for the commentary track, though I will mention that "Happy Birthday" as a title had me think Haag had invited Dusty over because it was her birthday.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-72320708602854605942019-08-01T12:22:10.884-04:002019-08-01T12:22:10.884-04:00The Tamar backstory worked with Lars as a conduit,...The Tamar backstory worked with Lars as a conduit, reinforcing the fair as being something happening in the future. Of course, it also does seem to stretch the request Ric had of Lars into actual romantic interest on Lars' part. Seemingly unrequited, which sort of sets up a Lars-Dusty-Susanna triangle.<br /><br />Will Susanna go after Dusty as a rival? I kind of hope so, because it will start to get tedious otherwise, all the "ha ha, look at her fawning over Lars who is awkward", that seems to be the only thing the squad can talk about.<br /><br />Incidentally, Ric's chuckling over Lars and Susanna rings false, particularly with him as the squad's moral core. The guy has to know Lars is looking for an out, and is obviously not the same personality as him. His referencing of Lars stressing out when talking to the commander rang a lot truer to things -- and that was a good scene last part.<br /><br />The other thing is fact that Tamar IS the setting comes across more than it being one world in the setting, with the shunt gates and all, probably because everything's taking place here at the Academy. Unless there's news reports, one can kind of shrug off the rest, at least for now.<br /><br />As for Miyami, it was good to give the call-back and something for her to do (and wonder about, what with the notes thing - can she send herself notes back in time?), but she still seems hypocritical, what with having this huge secret while shrugging off Dusty, not to mention worrying about how stuff would impact her, rather than the whole squad.<br /><br />I enjoyed the scene more than talking about assembling rifles last time though, since it felt like something more than just a lecture was taking place. Probably says more about me. And I'd have pegged Dusty for sending the file, except after her breakdown, she probably wasn't too focussed either. Maybe there's more characters yet to come, like the rest of Iota.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-43540399307727549492019-08-01T11:35:30.852-04:002019-08-01T11:35:30.852-04:00I admit I didn't see Ric becoming the voice of...I admit I didn't see Ric becoming the voice of reason for the squad, particularly after he missed the bus and everything owing to being a little caught up in making friends. (Maybe making friends is part of it?) So he's doing well, Lars is doing well particularly given the extra romantic entanglement, and Rhiannon and Dusty are faring as good as they can under the circumstances. Each doing verbal fencing.<br /><br />That leaves Miyami, who in my mind fares the worst, as she seems to be spiting Dusty mostly over her adoration for Rhiannon. She's not interested in going beyond the surface attitude? The one who literally has created a surface persona for herself, forging records and all that? She seems the most likely one to cause a rift, simply because her transgressions aren't out in the open. Anyway.<br /><br />Minor weirdness in one paragraph, "Some team if one of us is trying to another", likely 'harm another', and then "she knew Rhiannon was pissed off and want to push her beyond" ... wanted? And beyond what, beyond reason?<br /><br />Other than that, the world building continues behind the scenes with squads and uniforms and the like. Regarding coffee in the upcoming commentary, I simply roll my eyes a bit whenever it comes up because I don't drink the stuff and can't relate.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-71165209631508064092018-03-12T17:19:17.800-04:002018-03-12T17:19:17.800-04:00I would say Rhiannon comes across as the main char...I would say Rhiannon comes across as the main character to this point, because we started with her point of view, the main conflict we've seen revolves around her, and she was largely at the centre of the group coming together for dinner too. The other cast members are getting their time too though, nice scene with the guys (though I didn't even consider the ship) and even the blonde gets a couple scenes.<br /><br />Misc:<br />-Does the Foot Guard ever get mistaken for the Foot Clan?<br />-"fish of some sort on a bed of rice or lasagne"... fish on a bed of lasagne would be interesting.<br />-Trig getting political and having elections, what a crazy idea. ;)<br />-Your "Previously"s have returned to using quotations. Personal preference?GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-61417686667297856942018-03-12T15:12:35.349-04:002018-03-12T15:12:35.349-04:00It was a good tidy-up over all. I like that neithe...It was a good tidy-up over all. I like that neither Ben or Jack were featured, I feel like they'd have other things to deal with astrally, or moving on from issue to issue in the world. Nice callback to Ben setting Karen up though. And Mara does make sense for tying things off there. (Wait, the cat had a backstory?)<br /><br />Ione could always have made predictions about Gemma, because I agree having her around would be too unexpected. The other point that didn't get revisited was Ione's sister, and the... I think it was a wedding? (I'd be amused if there was insistence that Ione go on a date, and she'd be all, yeah, going out now... with Mara. O:) ) Makes sense to segue from Ione into RPGs too. ^.-GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-1896624087178691752018-03-12T14:58:47.786-04:002018-03-12T14:58:47.786-04:00I figured it had to be a verbal battle somehow. Th...I figured it had to be a verbal battle somehow. The other angel angle (heh) that might have been possible aside from "doubt" would be somehow making the angel believe that they were doing the Devil's work, turning him off the plan... which might have been where Ione was going in talking about black-and-white cutting people down for jaywalking, but the "rules lawyering" angle fared better. Nice RPG callback, unintentional or otherwise.<br /><br />I do have a bit of an issue with the mood setting. Ione seems to be doing very well at keeping control and thinking on the fly, Jack even praising her... she jokes about the angel... then she's talking about shrieking and an evac. Then she's back to holding the choppers out there and being brave. It felt funny. Not implausible, just mood shifty.<br /><br />Also this paragraph: '' The angel sheathed his sword. "If we're done here, I'm going to go find someplace quiet so I can have a total breakdown." Ione held the briefcase close to her chest. ''<br /><br />I legit thought that the angel had said he was going somewhere to have a breakdown, like his worldview had been that upended. Leaving Ione to take care of the boat. Realized my mistake a little further down.<br /><br />The reason for the wire was incredibly clever (I'm a little surprised they didn't request hearing Jack's voice or something). The walking on water thing was funny (though he was flying later, did he need a running start?). I did not follow whatever message Ione was trying to send to Gemma about bosses, so I presume that's something for the Epilogue. The sword made for some nice moments of tension.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-26672267985921153662017-12-29T17:57:07.618-05:002017-12-29T17:57:07.618-05:00Definitely a good choice to have Ione start to tak...Definitely a good choice to have Ione start to take charge of her own destiny; one gets the impression that Jack was hoping she'd step up at some point. Also a good call to have it call back to the LARP, mentioned earlier. I hope things won't QUITE go as Ione expects, so that she can show off her improvisation skills again too.<br /><br />Karen is a bit more of a problem. While it makes sense that she'd want a drink, not only because of the supernatural but also over feeling duped by Ben, for me it makes her come across as a liability. She starts by thinking there's a plan, and gives Ione a basic idea (which was good, and it does make more sense for it to be her than Mara). Then she drinks, says she wants to come along, talks about getting more drunk, insists on coming even though she doesn't like the transportation, and then could easily be spotted by Gemma who could think everything's a setup. I mean, wouldn't waiting for Ben make more sense? Ione is stepping up, Karen's still getting pulled around by the plot.<br /><br />Anyway. Nice that you found inspiration in geography, pretty sure that wouldn't have worked for me, so you never know. things do feel like they're being set up, which I feel is better than fast forwarding.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-81019677308025765632017-12-09T13:30:18.240-05:002017-12-09T13:30:18.240-05:00In my opinion, the reveal works, I'm not so su...In my opinion, the reveal works, I'm not so sure the foreshadowing does. Once you know, a lot of pieces start snapping into place, with things working in retrospect as well as going forwards. There was no point where I was rolling my eyes and saying "oh come on", rather, I was nodding and saying OH, that's interesting, what else fits in here. However, it felt like it came out of the blue.<br /><br />Chapter 10: A turn of phrase is clever looking back, but isn't going to stand out. Gander to me is a town in Newfoundland, I figured Jack had relatives there (maybe someone with more history would spot it?).<br />Chapter 12/13: Jack's a rich jerk. Rich jerks like showing off, unintentionally or otherwise. I don't know my Rolling Stones.<br />Chapter 14: Jack seems to want Ione to loosen up.<br />Ben: No one referenced concussions (to my recollection), and honestly Gemma's seemed pretty ineffectual so far. Also, given Gemma's whole thing is getting at Ione through Karen, why would she put Karen in the hospital and out of play?? (Gemma's seriously the weak link in the story.)<br /><br />Part of it is that religion has not been a thing at all to this point. I don't think you necessarily need (or want) a whole theology - keeping it vague works in your favour in allowing things to conform to more than just Christianity, I feel. But Ione could have talked to Mara about belief systems (Ione's sister's wedding could have been an entry point), Jack could have mentioned not wanting to go into a church or been annoyed by people crossing themselves, Karen could have been religious (or an atheist, that'd add fuel to her annoyance with Ben)... or even more "supernatural" incidents could have been researched on the web. As it is, it feels like this was dropped into our laps.<br /><br />Anyway, more good things:<br />-The fact that it was the angel doing the provoking, that was neat. And that it was Ben's superior, so he can't help much. And that they can't even name "Mr. Warehouse" (heh).<br />-Karen's irritation at Ben feels on par. I do think she'd be more upset at him not talking her out of staying at home? Rather than him putting her into a situation with a literal devil? (Her loyalty to Ione wasn't even remarked on, aside from her not wanting her friend to face things alone, but that was after they knew.) Whatever, I like that Ben's not a "perfect angel".<br />-Yup, some of Mara's mannerisms do make sense in retrospect. (I think Karen wondered about Ione and Mara. Is my ship back on? ;) )<br />-Even some of Jack's actions against Gemma make more sense in retrospect, nice to get the shout-out explanation for why he didn't kill her, etc. (He couldn't get Mara to lock Gemma in a closet though?)<br />-I don't know your origin books first-hand, but I did see early episodes of "Supernatural", and I feel like there could be unintentional callbacks there too. (In fact didn't the characters mention the show at one point? I might be thinking of something else.)<br /><br />All in all, nice reveal there. We'll have to see if the crazy angel is "winging it" (ha ha).GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-65354255700587061902017-12-09T12:55:22.263-05:002017-12-09T12:55:22.263-05:00Wait, Ben is Glory? Glory is Ben, they're one ...Wait, Ben is Glory? Glory is Ben, they're one and the same? (Is everyone here very stoned?)<br /><br />Buffy quotes aside, that was pretty epic. I'll reserve more commentary for, er, the commentary.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-37807008491143071622017-12-09T12:06:12.881-05:002017-12-09T12:06:12.881-05:00So Jack should be dead. There's two ways this ...So Jack should be dead. There's two ways this could make sense (to me):<br />-Jack is the sword-guy from the opener. He didn't mean for the place to blow up, and needs help to work his way back in to deal with everyone else in this scheme, through the chain Ione provides. In this case "The Devil You Know" is a commentary on perhaps knowing the Devil, Jack himself.<br />-Jack is of the same species as the sword-guy. His story about trying to get to sword-guy's next target is then true, so that he can prevent someone of his kind from meddling in the affairs of humans. (I'd say they're vampires, except vampires who hang around in the sun and eat escargot is weird. Aliens?) In this case "The Devil You Know" is a play on the one you know, versus the one you don't, who is perhaps more dangerous.<br /><br />Either way it does harken back to an earlier remark about the only way someone would know about warehouse guy is if they were there, or literally were the guy. Something I hadn't thought back to lately, so good job on that.<br /><br />About Gemma keeping Ione from "being able to spend much time thinking about how Karen could have been caught", giving Ione time to sit and drink coffee seems to torpedo that theory. Though it does raise the additional point of, yeah, Ione SHOULD have questioned the mechanics of that too... I REALLY don't understand Gemma's plan.<br /><br />Final remark, I didn't get the end of Chapter 18 as being a reveal that Jack and Ben have met before. I just saw it as Ben being overly protective, figuring he would have reacted the same way if Ione and Gemma (or Ione and Anyone) had opened the door, figuring Ione was being manipulated into being there.<br /><br />Cool Sims pics, btw. The poses really work.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6464382918796251124.post-56579149182545951752017-12-09T11:46:13.513-05:002017-12-09T11:46:13.513-05:00Expanding on "I think part of the issue is th...Expanding on "I think part of the issue is that the characters always believe everything they're told, until they don't" :<br />- Ione is absolutely sure Karen is fine (despite only seeing messages and not hearing her voice) until she's sure Karen isn't fine, and she does no investigating.<br />- Jack is sure that Ione can handle herself (getting him funds, dealing with work, communicating via Marco) until he's sure that she's mixed up in a side quest rather than his goal, and he does no investigating (just comes to get her).<br />- Gemma is simultaneously sure that Ione is a mastermind deeply involved in things, and yet she's also sure that Ione is so boneheaded as to fall for her ploy, and yet she thinks Ione's amazingly good at keeping secrets, and yet now Gemma thinks that Ione's going to tell the truth versus the same questions 4 days ago would have been lies, and yet - yeah, I can't figure Gemma out.<br /><br />I do have some Jack theories, I'll put those in the commentary post.GregThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17689711881670288362noreply@blogger.com