But we already have that, right? That precisely describes the humans who are messing around with zombies.
I think what Solmancer is referring to is the gradual slide into ammorality that accompanies periods of mass hysteria or impending doom. The Necromancers you're talking about are clearly twisted, and the human skaab-makers are obviously monstrous, but this is a different kind of evil. This is the progression from more banal evil (bigotry, severe protectionism, fanaticism) into more outright evil (cannibalism, survival of the fittest, exploitation of others no matter the cost). Ever see the show (or the comic) Walking Dead? It pretty clearly emphasizes that the other surviving humans are just as much of a risk to the protagonists as the zombies are!
History is rife with instances that reveal the twisted depths humanity can sink to if circumstances are right. Everyone uses the Nazis as a recent example (and because it's damn evocative), but look further back, to the Inquisition, to colonization, the massacre of the Incas, or even more recently, to the genocide cascading through Africa. Civilization is the thin veneer that restrains man's otherwise cruel and bestial nature, and once that starts to crumble, once the security and assurance of protection that comes from coexistence breaks down....then it's every man for himself.
I think what Solmancer is referring to is the gradual slide into ammorality that accompanies periods of mass hysteria or impending doom. The Necromancers you're talking about are clearly twisted, and the human skaab-makers are obviously monstrous, but this is a different kind of evil. This is the progression from more banal evil (bigotry, severe protectionism, fanaticism) into more outright evil (cannibalism, survival of the fittest, exploitation of others no matter the cost). Ever see the show (or the comic) Walking Dead? It pretty clearly emphasizes that the other surviving humans are just as much of a risk to the protagonists as the zombies are!
History is rife with instances that reveal the twisted depths humanity can sink to if circumstances are right. Everyone uses the Nazis as a recent example (and because it's damn evocative), but look further back, to the Inquisition, to colonization, the massacre of the Incas, or even more recently, to the genocide cascading through Africa. Civilization is the thin veneer that restrains man's otherwise cruel and bestial nature, and once that starts to crumble, once the security and assurance of protection that comes from coexistence breaks down....then it's every man for himself.
Desperate people will do desperate things.
The problem with the historical parallels is that in real life raising armies of zombies wasn't an option.
Humans in Innistrad shouldn't be so desparate to resort to things like cannibalism when they have the capacity to creature massive zombie armies to fight for them. I'd expect to see a massive rise in the use/acceptance of necromancy/necro-alchemy before resorting to stuff like cannibalism.
Humans in Innistrad shouldn't be so desparate to resort to things like cannibalism when they have the capacity to creature massive zombie armies to fight for them. I'd expect to see a massive rise in the use/acceptance of necromancy/necro-alchemy before resorting to stuff like cannibalism.
I don't think it's only because they're desperate. I mean... Having werewolves locked up at every city entrance only to test the genuineness of silver is unnecessary difficult. They can just have city guards at each entrance carry pure silvers and test people with them.
The problem with the historical parallels is that in real life raising armies of zombies wasn't an option.
Humans in Innistrad shouldn't be so desparate to resort to things like cannibalism when they have the capacity to creature massive zombie armies to fight for them. I'd expect to see a massive rise in the use/acceptance of necromancy/necro-alchemy before resorting to stuff like cannibalism.
Oh, I agree, but I think you're glossing over a very important aspect of the culture for Innistrad's non-Necromantic population: the Blessed Sleep. Look at what they're beset with: vampires, zombies, werewolves and ghosts. To them, survival is already a dicey proposition, and they've come to terms with that to some extent. It's what happens AFTER you die that gets them all worried.
The necromancers are clearly seen as just as bad as the vampires, in that they are denying the innocent their chance at true respite from the horrors of Innistrad. Ghosts are pitied as much as they are feared. Werewolves presumably have preturnatural lifespans that would imply a (nigh-eternal?) life of animal brutality and inhumanity.
I don't forsee the normal population en masse accepting necromancy as a viable solution. Zombies, even when controlled by a necromancer, aren't exactly like the family hunting dogs. I can only imagine the strife that would ensue if ones family member were 'conscripted' to fight on in death.
That's not to say it's impossible; I'm just skeptical that's where it'll go. And my point was more to the effect of humanity becoming a danger to itself, as well as becoming more monstrous in order to defend against encroaching darkness. You don't need black necromancy for that, you just need fear, and that the people of Innistrad have in spades.
Whatever happens though, looks to me like the Demons win.
Quote from "~_Angel[us »
_~;7416305']I don't think it's only because they're desperate. I mean... Having werewolves locked up at every city entrance only to test the genuineness of silver is unnecessary difficult. They can just have city guards at each entrance carry pure silvers and test people with them.
But using werewolves serves a dual purpose: it allows the humans to exact revenge upon the monsters preying upon them, and it provides a show of force to help bolster the population. It gives the people a scapegoat, something to point to and direct their hate at. And it's unnecessarily cruel, but who would risk standing up for a werewolf? You'd be thrown into the cage with them!
But using werewolves serves a dual purpose: it allows the humans to exact revenge upon the monsters preying upon them, and it provides a show of force to help bolster the population. It gives the people a scapegoat, something to point to and direct their hate at. And it's unnecessarily cruel, but who would risk standing up for a werewolf? You'd be thrown into the cage with them!
True, but the man also talked about efficiency... using children because they eat less and need smaller cages. Unless humans on Innistrad are significantly different than us, the use of children will most likely backfire.
_~;7416856']True, but the man also talked about efficiency... using children because they eat less and need smaller cages. Unless humans on Innistrad are significantly different than us, the use of children will most likely backfire.
I'm not disagreeing with you. I think it's dumb too, but that's why it's interesting. It's clear these people are rapidly moving past the point where reason can contain the more knee-jerk reactions of their emotions.
It isn't a CHILD anymore though, it's a werewolf. The Innistrad human populace by and large doesn't seem to regard the infected as human at all, and so (apart from the few mentioned in the story) it seems the majority wouldn't have a problem with using a werewolf child as a test subject.
And again, if you were there, would you speak up? Would you risk being labeled as a werewolf sympathizer? They'd throw you out of the Outer Wall and watch as the werewolves you purport to defend eat you alive, and further justify their sentiment.
Not sure if this has been mentioned but if you go to the visual spoiler at the bottom one of the tabs is labeled Reika and when you click it this text pops up.
I have taken to wandering the cathedral grounds at night. The other students gather in the Buttery, but they do not like me. I wish Raben was here, but in the end he did not seem to like me either.
I would like to ask a second time: How does one get these letters in the mail?
~Lil Kalki
I clicked on one of the email links and got no response. A week later I got the Amsel wanted post card in the mail. It seems pretty random who gets one.
Not sure what this points to, but still more flavor!
Do you think you could send me a scan or picture of it so I could add it to my blog? That's a new one.
Email: [email]mtgfiction@gmail.com[/email]
Edit: Wait... it's not a new one. I thought it was a continuation, but it's the same one. Although if you could give a good scan that would still be appreciated.
so I got one of these in the mail and wondered, "So they cut the MPR and they mailed me this postcard. WTF?" Yeah, this was foolish. My Nephews were over and read it out load when they saw it on the table and it was the first time I ever felt guilt over playing the game.
You might not be interested in the story, but plenty of people are. If you don't want it, I'll take it off your hands (Feel free to marker over your address if you want.) Otherwise, I'd like a scan of it if you wouldn't mind, so I can add it to my blog. It's a pretty in depth story that plenty of other people have been appreciating.
I bet that Mikaeus is in on the whole thing (corrupted church members), and that he's some kind of demonic emissary. THat is why he won't let people look at the helvault and knows where Avacyn is. I think that he might even be in league with the vampires, and is even manipulating Raben.
I think that wizards might ruin it by making Bolas the big bad, but only if it's obvious. I think it would be cool if they only hinted at him having a hand in things, rather than this.
And it's a good thing, because the only thing we could have done against necromancer nazis would be to ally with the dinosaur-riding communists.
Nof, you always have the most epic quotes... You always brighten up my day.
On Topic: I'm so glad they're (apparently) continuing with this story thoughout the entire block. It's one of the most flavorful and interesting Magic stories I've seen in quite some time.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sig by Rivenor
Cube. The best way to play Magic. PERIOD. Come over and check it out. Also, check out my Peasant Split Card Cube.
The World of Pokemon RPG has been rebooted. Come over and check it out.
Have we had anything new these past several days? It would be rather sad if we have to wait until the preview season of DKA before the stories continue.
so I got one of these in the mail and wondered, "So they cut the MPR and they mailed me this postcard. WTF?" Yeah, this was foolish. My Nephews were over and read it out load when they saw it on the table and it was the first time I ever felt guilt over playing the game.
You know, I'm a Writer... and I can tell you from a guy who does this sort of thing for a living... these are really well thought out flavorful bits of story. In all honesty this type of writing is a very interesting way that breaks the "novel-comic-movie" constrains we have to deal with.
Edit: can we get a list of what people emailed to date?
New to magic, new to this forum. I just caught the last set of the previous block, and saw the Reika link at the bottom of the Innistrad spoiler gallery. I must say that I've thoroughly enjoyed the story thusfar, and I'm looking forward to finding out more when it pops up.
Props to Lord of the Unreal for keeping track of all of that stuff. Much appreciated. I'll try to make my own contribution if I can.
This story is pretty complex, and I want to try to wrap my head around it to both understand it (because it's an amazing story by itself!) and unravel the mysteries that seem to shroud the story.
As a first step to understand this, I read all of the info posted on LotU's blog.
As a second step, I've attempted to organize the characters, places, and little facts in a diagram for easy reference.
I'm sure there are countless errors, and some of my guesses may still be in there, but its a good starting point that I can modify as I go.
If anyone sees any mistakes or inconsistencies please let me know and I'll look into fixing it.
Next step is to compile a complete character list (which probably won't take too long) and cross reference those with all of the initials for the outlying characters.
It seems like Adila Rimheit is the A.R. setting up the werewolf railroad, but I haven't seen 100% proof yet, just good indicators. Others, such as H., could be the postmaster, or several other characters....but I digress...at 3:25am. ^^
That is truly dizzying. Awesome, though. Is it alright, dobbersp, if I archive that along with Lord of the Unreal's compilation over in the Magic: Expanded Multiverse collection?
This site looks potentially useful... I might get Barinellos to help me construct something plotting the relationships of the different Neowalkers.
of course. that cluster chart is available for anyone to use it as they like.
Here is a list of all of the characters I could find in the materials so far.
Some of them may be listed twice if they are also one of the unconfirmed characters (like whoever "H." is)
[xspoiler]
A. R.
Adalee
Adila Rimheit
Albrecht
Analise
Bishop Dartan
Bishop Martyn
Bishop Waechter
Brother J
Brother V
Cathar Callan Ahnstat
Cathar Master Greftieg
Cathar Tobor
Cathar Trinar
Dearest Mother
Einrich
Ekka
Elder of Detlef
Elder of Gatstaf
Elsi Rimheit
Farmer Roller
Father
Geralf the Third
Gisa
Gregel
Gunie
H.
H. Karlhman
Holger
I. B.
Inquisitor Mauer
Iroe
Jana
Jofridus
Jorgin Rimheit
Jurgen Garensun
K. R.
Lorelai Garensun
M. Leutoter
Master Cathar
Master Hantsen
Master Lywer
Mikaeus
Mikel
Militia Captian Gregel
Mrs. R
Nordemann
Pitre
Raben Amsel
Reika Eberhardt
Sampson
Thalbergs
Thatu
The Order of the Poniard
Whip
Wilhelm Brandt
[/xspoiler]
Here is a list of characters with questionable identities, and some possible people who may fit. I'm pretty sure that people with a title before their name list their last name after it, (Bishop X, Inquisitor X), But I left them in there just in case. Certain configurations would also be impossible.
[xspoiler]
A. R.
Adila Rimheit
Adalee
Albrecht
Analise
Brother J
Jofridus
Jorgin Rimheit
Jurgen Garensun
Brother V
???
Dearest Mother (Ekka's)
???
Father (Gundie's)
???
H.
Master Hantsen
H. Karlhman
Holger
H. Karlhman
Master Hantsen
H.
Holger
I. B.
Iroe
K. R.
Farmer Roller
M. Leutoter
Bishop Martyn
Mikel
Mikaeus
Inquisitor Mauer
Mrs. R (Wife of K.R.)
???
[/xspoiler]
Double posts merged; please use the edit button. -viper
I think what Solmancer is referring to is the gradual slide into ammorality that accompanies periods of mass hysteria or impending doom. The Necromancers you're talking about are clearly twisted, and the human skaab-makers are obviously monstrous, but this is a different kind of evil. This is the progression from more banal evil (bigotry, severe protectionism, fanaticism) into more outright evil (cannibalism, survival of the fittest, exploitation of others no matter the cost). Ever see the show (or the comic) Walking Dead? It pretty clearly emphasizes that the other surviving humans are just as much of a risk to the protagonists as the zombies are!
History is rife with instances that reveal the twisted depths humanity can sink to if circumstances are right. Everyone uses the Nazis as a recent example (and because it's damn evocative), but look further back, to the Inquisition, to colonization, the massacre of the Incas, or even more recently, to the genocide cascading through Africa. Civilization is the thin veneer that restrains man's otherwise cruel and bestial nature, and once that starts to crumble, once the security and assurance of protection that comes from coexistence breaks down....then it's every man for himself.
Desperate people will do desperate things.
The problem with the historical parallels is that in real life raising armies of zombies wasn't an option.
Humans in Innistrad shouldn't be so desparate to resort to things like cannibalism when they have the capacity to creature massive zombie armies to fight for them. I'd expect to see a massive rise in the use/acceptance of necromancy/necro-alchemy before resorting to stuff like cannibalism.
Practice for Khans of Tarkir Limited:
Draft: (#1) (#2) (#3) (#4) (#5)
I don't think it's only because they're desperate. I mean... Having werewolves locked up at every city entrance only to test the genuineness of silver is unnecessary difficult. They can just have city guards at each entrance carry pure silvers and test people with them.
Oh, I agree, but I think you're glossing over a very important aspect of the culture for Innistrad's non-Necromantic population: the Blessed Sleep. Look at what they're beset with: vampires, zombies, werewolves and ghosts. To them, survival is already a dicey proposition, and they've come to terms with that to some extent. It's what happens AFTER you die that gets them all worried.
The necromancers are clearly seen as just as bad as the vampires, in that they are denying the innocent their chance at true respite from the horrors of Innistrad. Ghosts are pitied as much as they are feared. Werewolves presumably have preturnatural lifespans that would imply a (nigh-eternal?) life of animal brutality and inhumanity.
I don't forsee the normal population en masse accepting necromancy as a viable solution. Zombies, even when controlled by a necromancer, aren't exactly like the family hunting dogs. I can only imagine the strife that would ensue if ones family member were 'conscripted' to fight on in death.
That's not to say it's impossible; I'm just skeptical that's where it'll go. And my point was more to the effect of humanity becoming a danger to itself, as well as becoming more monstrous in order to defend against encroaching darkness. You don't need black necromancy for that, you just need fear, and that the people of Innistrad have in spades.
Whatever happens though, looks to me like the Demons win.
But using werewolves serves a dual purpose: it allows the humans to exact revenge upon the monsters preying upon them, and it provides a show of force to help bolster the population. It gives the people a scapegoat, something to point to and direct their hate at. And it's unnecessarily cruel, but who would risk standing up for a werewolf? You'd be thrown into the cage with them!
True, but the man also talked about efficiency... using children because they eat less and need smaller cages. Unless humans on Innistrad are significantly different than us, the use of children will most likely backfire.
I'm not disagreeing with you. I think it's dumb too, but that's why it's interesting. It's clear these people are rapidly moving past the point where reason can contain the more knee-jerk reactions of their emotions.
It isn't a CHILD anymore though, it's a werewolf. The Innistrad human populace by and large doesn't seem to regard the infected as human at all, and so (apart from the few mentioned in the story) it seems the majority wouldn't have a problem with using a werewolf child as a test subject.
And again, if you were there, would you speak up? Would you risk being labeled as a werewolf sympathizer? They'd throw you out of the Outer Wall and watch as the werewolves you purport to defend eat you alive, and further justify their sentiment.
That or the incredibly boring venue for justified human evil: demonic possesions.
In this universe, does Britain fight using Cthulhuesque spawn as battleships?
This is perhaps the best quote I've read on these forums ever. Bravo, sir.
I have taken to wandering the cathedral grounds at night. The other students gather in the Buttery, but they do not like me. I wish Raben was here, but in the end he did not seem to like me either.
Tonight I will investigate the ash garden.
Reika 38th of Harvest Moon, Ava. 716
Experimental Kraj
Not sure what this points to, but still more flavor!
[GTC] Gatecrash Patch for MWS (249/249)
~Lil Kalki
Proud Disciple of the Church of the Wary
I clicked on one of the email links and got no response. A week later I got the Amsel wanted post card in the mail. It seems pretty random who gets one.
Do you think you could send me a scan or picture of it so I could add it to my blog? That's a new one.
Email: [email]mtgfiction@gmail.com[/email]
Edit: Wait... it's not a new one. I thought it was a continuation, but it's the same one. Although if you could give a good scan that would still be appreciated.
Hey Trolls, I write magic articles. If you want something to bash on check them out here. http://www.examiner.com/user-jeffrey-carmichael
I think that wizards might ruin it by making Bolas the big bad, but only if it's obvious. I think it would be cool if they only hinted at him having a hand in things, rather than this.
Nof, you always have the most epic quotes... You always brighten up my day.
On Topic: I'm so glad they're (apparently) continuing with this story thoughout the entire block. It's one of the most flavorful and interesting Magic stories I've seen in quite some time.
Sig by Rivenor
Cube. The best way to play Magic. PERIOD. Come over and check it out. Also, check out my Peasant Split Card Cube.
The World of Pokemon RPG has been rebooted. Come over and check it out.
Set Creation Projects: Archester: Frontier of Steam Come over and check out our AWESOME Steampunk set.
(W/U)(U/R)(R/W)(W/U)(U/R)(R/W)(W/U)(U/R)(R/W)(W/U)(U/R)(R/W)(W/U)(U/R)(R/W)(W/U)(U/R)(R/W)(W/U)(U/R)(R/W)(W/U)(U/R)(R/W)(W/U)(U/R)(R/W)(W/U)(U/R)(R/W)(W/U)(U/R)(R/W)(W/U)(U/R)(R/W)(W/U)
You know, I'm a Writer... and I can tell you from a guy who does this sort of thing for a living... these are really well thought out flavorful bits of story. In all honesty this type of writing is a very interesting way that breaks the "novel-comic-movie" constrains we have to deal with.
Edit: can we get a list of what people emailed to date?
Props to Lord of the Unreal for keeping track of all of that stuff. Much appreciated. I'll try to make my own contribution if I can.
This story is pretty complex, and I want to try to wrap my head around it to both understand it (because it's an amazing story by itself!) and unravel the mysteries that seem to shroud the story.
As a first step to understand this, I read all of the info posted on LotU's blog.
As a second step, I've attempted to organize the characters, places, and little facts in a diagram for easy reference.
https://bubbl.us/?h=afd72/14ca54/72.VNDnNHYC.I
I'm sure there are countless errors, and some of my guesses may still be in there, but its a good starting point that I can modify as I go.
If anyone sees any mistakes or inconsistencies please let me know and I'll look into fixing it.
Next step is to compile a complete character list (which probably won't take too long) and cross reference those with all of the initials for the outlying characters.
It seems like Adila Rimheit is the A.R. setting up the werewolf railroad, but I haven't seen 100% proof yet, just good indicators. Others, such as H., could be the postmaster, or several other characters....but I digress...at 3:25am. ^^
This site looks potentially useful... I might get Barinellos to help me construct something plotting the relationships of the different Neowalkers.
FRAGMENTS: A Shards of Alara Anthology
of course. that cluster chart is available for anyone to use it as they like.
Here is a list of all of the characters I could find in the materials so far.
Some of them may be listed twice if they are also one of the unconfirmed characters (like whoever "H." is)
[xspoiler]
A. R.
Adalee
Adila Rimheit
Albrecht
Analise
Bishop Dartan
Bishop Martyn
Bishop Waechter
Brother J
Brother V
Cathar Callan Ahnstat
Cathar Master Greftieg
Cathar Tobor
Cathar Trinar
Dearest Mother
Einrich
Ekka
Elder of Detlef
Elder of Gatstaf
Elsi Rimheit
Farmer Roller
Father
Geralf the Third
Gisa
Gregel
Gunie
H.
H. Karlhman
Holger
I. B.
Inquisitor Mauer
Iroe
Jana
Jofridus
Jorgin Rimheit
Jurgen Garensun
K. R.
Lorelai Garensun
M. Leutoter
Master Cathar
Master Hantsen
Master Lywer
Mikaeus
Mikel
Militia Captian Gregel
Mrs. R
Nordemann
Pitre
Raben Amsel
Reika Eberhardt
Sampson
Thalbergs
Thatu
The Order of the Poniard
Whip
Wilhelm Brandt
[/xspoiler]
Here is a list of characters with questionable identities, and some possible people who may fit. I'm pretty sure that people with a title before their name list their last name after it, (Bishop X, Inquisitor X), But I left them in there just in case. Certain configurations would also be impossible.
[xspoiler]
A. R.
Brother J
Brother V
Dearest Mother (Ekka's)
Father (Gundie's)
H.
H. Karlhman
I. B.
K. R.
M. Leutoter
Mrs. R (Wife of K.R.)
[/xspoiler]
Double posts merged; please use the edit button. -viper
http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/Article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/feature/166a
(Also great work dobbersp! That's a pretty cool site.)