Crimson Flag Comic Forums
Comic Discussion => Crimson Flag Comic => Topic started by: Lopez on September 18, 2008, 08:52:02 PM
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((Are we allowed to double post in the welcome topic? Or should I just make a new one?))
It kind of intrigued me also because of the theme of RedvsGray that you have going on. I have a 5-layer system that I use, so seeing just how the two of them bounce off each other is really interesting. But are you going to have other "color conflicts" invloving characters like you had in "The Fennec and the Naga"? Or is that a seperate world? o.o. I'm just kind of interested in talking.
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Don't worry about where to post. I'm thrilled you're interested enough to post in the first place. :)
[EDIT: Figured it best to split this discussion out anyway. :)]
There are actually a number of different types of Reyn in this world (Reyn being the name of its fox-like inhabitants). The Reds and the Grays have had their beef with each other, but as I hope to show within the coming pages, their feud is much more complex than races taking sides. I currently have plans for five races.
I might as well post a sneak preview of the wiki I've been working on. :)
http://wiki.crimsonflagcomic.com
Not much of a "wiki" actually, since I'm the only one who can edit. I've been slowly adding content to it to help keep track of the world as I build it. But as it stands, it needs much more content before it will be presentable. (At that point it'll get a link at the top of the page.) Asking questions is a good thing as it helps me decide which articles are most important. :)
As for The Fennec and the Naga (thanks for reading!), that's a separate world, although you can see some ideas in there that may make it into this comic. I do have an idea for a fennec character based on the one in that story, except that this one's evil. ;)
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OMG, that wiki is fugly :o. It looks like the website of some open source project :P (content before design). I hope you touch it a bit.
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Although, I have noticed one very, very disturbing fact. Why is it that all of us seem to create Fox races that have names that look sooooo familiar??? I mean, our two races' names are freegin ANAGRAMS of each other!!! >.<!!! Reyn(Yours)~Ryne(Mine:"Rye-nuh") CREEEEEEEPY.....
I look forward to when you get your wiki finished. Are you working on another story, by any chance?
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OMG, that wiki is fugly :o. It looks like the website of some open source project :P (content before design). I hope you touch it a bit.
Ha ha. That's actually MediaWiki, the same thing Wikipedia uses. I didn't want it to look like every single other MediaWiki site, so I changed the skin to the only other one that looked decent. You want to see "content before design", take a look at the other skins provided. ;)
I kinda like it, but I may tweak it a bit. You can actually go to the user panel and change the skin back for your personal viewing if you want though. However accounts are disabled and I'm not sure guests can do that.
Although, I have noticed one very, very disturbing fact. Why is it that all of us seem to create Fox races that have names that look sooooo familiar??? I mean, our two races' names are freegin ANAGRAMS of each other!!! >.<!!! Reyn(Yours)~Ryne(Mine:"Rye-nuh") CREEEEEEEPY.....
Ha ha! It's not too creepy. I simply derived the name from Renard, which means fox anyway. I'm sure most people's thought process is similar. ;)
I look forward to when you get your wiki finished. Are you working on another story, by any chance?
I have a few written stories outlined, but I write sporadically and I'm not sure when I'll get around to writing them. The comic is my main focus. :)
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I just choose that name because I liked the sound of "Rye". But seriously, they're ANAGRAMS.
You draw the comic yourself, right? How long does it take you to finish one?
I can never seem to outline my stories before I write them. It just kind of breaks my flow. I mean, I know how my stories start and end before I begin writing, but that's about it. >.< But I'm going to need to learn to outline a lot better once I write something that goes over 20 pages.
I saw your wiki, and looked at all the races. What's "Fen"? I can understand all of the other ones...
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I actually commission the pencil sketches from Tod. Then I ink, color, add the text, etc myself. I can usually get a page done in a week, but I set up the ten day schedule to accommodate for writing page scripts, website work, etc.
Scripts do take me a lot of time because I'm a dreadfully slow writer. And you're right. The beginning and end are usually the easier parts. The meat is the tough part. :)
Fens correspond to fennecs in our world. ;)
And... page 9 is up! Yay!
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I take it all these terms will be explained in due time. But it does appear that a "Level 3" is a very high rank. What's the highest rank?
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Yep. I intend to have everything explained through the course of the story, but giving info like this on the side can't hurt. :)
There are four ranks. Level 1's are the initiates, Level 2's are learned and competent, Level 3's you do NOT want to cross in a dark alley, and Level 4's are the grand masters. There are only one or two Level 4's in the entire city and only a handful of 3's.
All Reyn can learn magic, but most aren't talented enough to pass the level 1 rank.
(Edit: Thought this discussion deserved its own thread, so split it out. :))
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Intriguing! Is Religion going to be a major part of your story? More intiguing, am I correct in saying it's a monotheistic religion?
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Not a huge part of the story per se, but one of the major differences between the Reds and the Grays. And differences between the Reds and the Grays are the driving force behind events to come. ;)
It's sort of monotheistic in the sense that the Lady of the Stars is the primary deity, but there are other lesser spirits that are also worshiped to an extent. To the Reds, these spirits are servants of the Lady. To the atheist Grays, they are just other life forms with a highly magical life force. Other races have a different take, such as the shamanistic Swifts that worship only the spirits and not the Lady.
And to add to the fun, there are two takes on worshiping the Lady of the Stars. One that is tolerant of other beliefs, and one that is fanatical.
More information forthcoming. :)
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I look forward to reading more.
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Cool. Thanks for stopping by. :)
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Wow, this is pretty cool, I didn't know you were up to this much Virmir.
But yeah, you sure do like fox-guys don't ya?
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Hey Xim! Thanks for stopping by. ;)
Obviously vulpines are the superior choice when it comes to artistic expression! (Heh...)
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Foxes are often used in anthro stories because of a few reasons.
1. Distict. They're foreign enough that you can get flexible without people questioning too much, but familiar enough that people can have a clue what you're talking about.
2. Flexible. Foxes are omnivorous, which means you don't have to constrain yourself to exactly one idea of society. Very useful.
3. Outside of domesticity. Dogs and Cats are fine, but they're familiar to people all too much, which means if you make one slip-up, everyone will be able to catch you. Which would be bad.
4. Fun? I don't know. But I feel like there should be a fourth point.
Waaaaaaaaaaaaiting for next update...>.<...
UPDATE:
Unimaginable. 700. Orly? Sounds like a bit of an oxymoron. But that's only in our sense, I guess. For a society way back when, that might have been a lot.
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I'm so allowed to double post, right? If not, just, like, combine this post into the previous one and then delete this one.
Yay adding more races! I take it this is first time we se the Fens. They appear to be a subservient race, of course, (darn those reds! (They're all communists!>.<(But in actuality they aren't, since they don't believe that everyone is equal in society.))) But they are not a slave race, right? Booooo slave race >.<. Is Lucian going to free them? o.o. Lol......sorry, I just like postulating and theorizing. But continue. I'll be waiting anxiously for the next update.
I also read your recent story addition, and I liked it! But are we allowed to comment on your stories here?
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I think the fen is just a teenager, he's probably just a messenger boy or something like that.
Box and a Gray seal? sounds like Lucian's father is someone important...
Anyway just a suggestion: how about we make a new topic/thread for each new comic update?, that way it'll be easier to search the forum archives when looking back and discussing various plot points.
KAC
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While, normally, I would support that idea, in this situation it might be not all that good. It would probably boil down to me opening a topic, Virmir responding, then rinse and repeat. However, perhaps a Chapter by Chapter method might be suitable.
NO WAY that the Fen is a teenager. There's two possible situations. One is that the fen is in the age range 9-12, but that brings him, her, it, up to a tween at best. MAYBE young teenager. OR....the race of Fens is simply naturally smaller than both the Grays and Reds. Since Gray foxes and Red foxes are approximately equal in size, it wouldn't make any difference until now. Fenec foxes are between 9-12 inches, which is aproximately the size of a small cat. Grays and Reds are 3x that size, about the size of a medium-sized dog. Therefore, this representation that the Fen is younger would appear to us by human reasoning that if someone is smaller then they are younger, but it might not specifically be the case when dealing with a different race. Therefore, the Fen is actually more like 20(relative) age range. Or, you could be right. That's always a possibility.
Hm......in addition, I'm assuming that Grays use gray seals, Reds red, etc, etc....
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I still say the fen is a teenager, maybe around 15/14, mainly cause why would they give such a menial job to an adult? I mean unless the message was really really important, a teen would be quicker on their feet or something like that.
Its more that Lucian got a message that was sealed in a black case, rather than its colour that makes me think Lucian's family must be somewhat important. The fact that his father could write and that the message was sent in a case, implies that they had enough money to spend on an education and that could could afford to buy materials to make case for the message.
Yea, you got a point about opening a topic and not getting many replies. I guess once the forum picks up a bit, and there a lots more replies, it would be better to start making separate topics for each post.
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Welcome, Kai! Thanks for stopping by. :)
As for starting topics, however you guys want to do it is fine by me. But yeah, we may want to keep comments in one thread unless we get more visitors.
I'll just touch on a few things since some of the points brought up will be addressed in the comic.
Unimaginable. 700. Orly? Sounds like a bit of an oxymoron. But that's only in our sense, I guess. For a society way back when, that might have been a lot.
Should give you a hint about the world population. ;)
OR....the race of Fens is simply naturally smaller than both the Grays and Reds. Since Gray foxes and Red foxes are approximately equal in size, it wouldn't make any difference until now. Fenec foxes are between 9-12 inches, which is aproximately the size of a small cat.
This is my sort of reasoning when I dream up races. :)
I also read your recent story addition, and I liked it! But are we allowed to comment on your stories here?
Thanks for reading! Sure, but it would probably better go in the other forum for random topics. Or you can just email me your thoughts. I appreciate it!
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OR....the race of Fens is simply naturally smaller than both the Grays and Reds. Since Gray foxes and Red foxes are approximately equal in size, it wouldn't make any difference until now. Fenec foxes are between 9-12 inches, which is aproximately the size of a small cat.
This is my sort of reasoning when I dream up races.
Yeah but that still doesn't answer our debate.
I still say the fen is a teenager
NO WAY that the Fen is a teenager.
Or is that the some of the points brought up will be addressed in the comic.
? Arrrrrrggghhhhh. >.<
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OR....the race of Fens is simply naturally smaller than both the Grays and Reds. Since Gray foxes and Red foxes are approximately equal in size, it wouldn't make any difference until now. Fenec foxes are between 9-12 inches, which is approximately the size of a small cat.
This is my sort of reasoning when I dream up races.
Yeah but that still doesn't answer our debate.
Well I think at least it adds points to your argument! ;)
some of the points brought up will be addressed in the comic.
Arrrrrrggghhhhh. >.<
Well, we'll just have to wait and see, Only 4 more days.
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Double posting, ah well can't be helped... I was going to say something yesterday, but i though I should say something more substantial than 'yay update'.
Now, I wonder, what things would Lord Urocyan be arguing about with the (probably Red Reyn) Queen and Council? And how did Lucian fall out with his father.
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Arguements possibilities:
1. Note that his father is a "Lord" and that he will be discussing with the "Queen." This could be VERY bad. Since he is a gray, it is safe to assume that his father is a gray, therefore in line with a gray area of rule. Since the Queen is a red, he could be meeting with her discussing the absolution of his kingdom. Bad. Or...
2. He could be meeting with her to assinate her in an attempt to usurp the throne, or...
3. He could be, you know, discussing BUSINESS. How unfair the new taxes are, statements about defense investments, etc.
In addition, there are a number of theories for his fallout.
1. The "mage vs. sword" theme present in "The Order of the Stick" between Roy Greenhilt and his father, or...
2. His father wanted him to inherit his kingdom while he wanted to go elsewhere, or...
3. His father planned a marriage for him. That usually turns out ugly in stories, >.<.
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Ah, props. One question I have though: why did you choose the title that you did?
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Welcome, Bowie!
The title of Lord? Well it should become evident what he's lord of within the coming pages. The fact that he's a lord does mean that he owes fidelity to the Queen, though.
And Lopez has some good speculations there. ;)
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...erm, I guess what I meant was the title of the comic. Sorry, I should've been more clear.
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Ha ha! Well simply put, Caerreyn, the primarily Red Reyn nation, flies a red flag. :)
(Plus it sounds cool!)
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Lord Urocyan doesn't look as nice (and as old) as I thought he'd be. Looks kinda evil too which I guess the point thats being conveyed.
(eh its not really a question, but eh, maybe its time to split the topics?)
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((This chapter will end soon enough, don't worry.))
Uh-oh. When you have flying ships you're just INVITING a stern interrogation. But I'll just accept it as "fantasy." <_<
EVIL ROBED CHARACTER IN THE BACKGROUND! THIS MEANS TROUBLE! >.<
Duh he looks mean, that's why Lucian hates him. But good point on the other half, he also looks kinda young. Then again, Lucian is maybe 20 and if he had him at 20 then he'd be 40, so I guess that's not so bad.
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Mwa ha ha ha...
Also, which is more fantastical, flying ships or talking foxes? [;)
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If the robed guy looks evil, I wonder what the usual entourage looks like. Plus it doesn't look like he carries a weapon. A mage maybe? (assuming that its a guard.)
Also, are certain foxes better at magic or is it equal? I think it strange that Virmir joined the red army if his dad is a disgruntled war lord. (You know family business) But if the grays and the reds are truced, it would make sense to have some grays in the service of the reds if they were lacking in mages.
Talking foxes beats flying ships any day! Unless of coarse those flying ships have lasers. o.O
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Lol, the flying ships of course! (I guess when 90% of the webcomics/literature I read has some sort of Anthro theme, the talking foxes seem normal) |:)
Anyway how do these flying ships fly? Is there some sort of Blimp thing just out of frame, or is it held aloft by purely mechanical means (flapping wings, helicopter-ish blades, etc)
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*cough* or it could be enchanted...
I'd have to say the ships; biology doesn't say that there can't be talking wolves, it's just that there aren't. Floating boats, on the other hand...
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True, I didn't think of magical enchantment, though it might take a lot of 'magical energy' or whatever to levitate and propel a ship.
Edit: The robed Grey probably is a Mage as well, since that's what Lucian was wearing when he entered Carrreyn.
Also is that Lucian Growling? or is that some sound the airships making?
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That's actually the airship sound effect. [;)
Anyway how do these flying ships fly? Is there some sort of Blimp thing just out of frame, or is it held aloft by purely mechanical means (flapping wings, helicopter-ish blades, etc)
I want to incorporate the answer into the comic, but it will probably be a long time before I can fit it into the story without disrupting the flow. (I want to avoid random 'how stuff works' comics). So it can't hurt to give a teaser here. Basically it involves a large crystal with levitation properties (either enchanted, or naturally found). The crystal's "energy" is extracted and run through a ring of tube-like wires (which run along the base of the ship) and then are fed back into the crystal. "Spinning" the energy like this creates lift. [:)
Also, are certain foxes better at magic or is it equal? I think it strange that Virmir joined the red army if his dad is a disgruntled war lord. (You know family business) But if the grays and the reds are truced, it would make sense to have some grays in the service of the reds if they were lacking in mages.
Grays tend to be more magically inclined than Reds, but there are plenty of exceptions. And everyone can use at least a little magic.
((This chapter will end soon enough, don't worry.))
Actually I don't plan on making clear chapter separations. But if you guys want, we could maybe do a new thread for every group of 5 or 10 pages. However you want. [:)
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Actually I don't plan on making clear chapter separations. But if you guys want, we could maybe do a new thread for every group of 5 or 10 pages. However you want. [:)
I was sorta thinking every scene change, but you tend to change scenes more frequently than every 5 strips so far. Meh I guess we'll see if a new topic is warranted by the time the next update rolls around...
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Basically it involves a large crystal with levitation properties (either enchanted, or naturally found)
That's nice. But how do you turn it off without having your ship....you know....float into the upper atmosphere? Hm.....there's a loooooot of things I would totally discuss with you about levitating ships if I had the time.
Yes, Levitating Ships ARE more fantastical. That's simply because of the fact that I've explained away talking foxes to a degree. In addition...Hey! Did you know?
Foxes never growl or snarl.
(http://www.ipcc.ie/infofox.html)
Weird, huh? With that, we have to adjust our entire frame of logic. For some reason, I remember reading something like their muscle structure is not adequate for snarling. Of course, typing "Do foxes have the muscular structure neccesary to snarl?" wasn't exactly very helpful to me.
In the foxes' case, they would never be able to speak English, because our lips are much more flexible for making sounds than their mouths are. If they were to have a language, it would be heavily click, gutteral, and tone-based. I spend all of my time in school hiding in the library reading "The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language," so sue me. >.<
BUT OH SNAP!!!!!! FICTION!!!!!!! {:)
Sooooooo when making a story we get to do whatever we want. Including having snarling, English speaking foxes. Wootness. {:)
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Heh, not a question, but eh!,
I just realized where you got the name 'Urocyon' from (the Species name of the grey fox). It made me Lol since I thought at the time that it was a pretty far out name to think of off the top of ones head. |:)
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That's nice. But how do you turn it off without having your ship....you know....float into the upper atmosphere? Hm.....there's a loooooot of things I would totally discuss with you about levitating ships if I had the time.
By varying the amount of energy flowing through the circuit. I intend to get the inner workings of a ship drawn up sometime. [:)
Foxes never growl or snarl.
(http://www.ipcc.ie/infofox.html)
Nice find! I knew about the odd sounds, but that growling and snarling weren't one of them is news to me. (Although I'm tempted to do a bit more research, as I've seen pictures of foxes looking very much like they were snarling.)
I just realized where you got the name 'Urocyon' from (the Species name of the grey fox). It made me Lol since I thought at the time that it was a pretty far out name to think of off the top of ones head. |:)
You cannot beat the name Urocyon cinereoargenteus. [;)
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OR....the race of Fens is simply naturally smaller than both the Grays and Reds. Since Gray foxes and Red foxes are approximately equal in size, it wouldn't make any difference until now. Fenec foxes are between 9-12 inches, which is aproximately the size of a small cat.
This is my sort of reasoning when I dream up races. :)
/me Pokes Virmir
You never actually answered the question Directly.. is that Fennic Messenger an Adult? or a teen (Hes still my fav Non-named character!)
Welcome, Kai! Thanks for stopping by. :)
It's a pleasure coming here ]:)
Edit:
( Virmir: Kai: Those types of questions are best left to be answered through the comic.
Blah! He'd better show up again then!
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...I currently have plans for five races. ...
I might as well post a sneak preview of the wiki I've been working on. :)
http://wiki.crimsonflagcomic.com
Not much of a "wiki" actually, since I'm the only one who can edit. I've been slowly adding content to it to help keep track of the world as I build it. But as it stands, it needs much more content before it will be presentable. (At that point it'll get a link at the top of the page.) Asking questions is a good thing as it helps me decide which articles are most important. :)
Two things looking this over from the future.
1: Oooooooo a secret race we haven't seen before ]:O
2: Wheeeere is this blasted wiki it takes me to the main comic page! ]:P
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...I currently have plans for five races. ...
I might as well post a sneak preview of the wiki I've been working on. :)
http://wiki.crimsonflagcomic.com
Not much of a "wiki" actually, since I'm the only one who can edit. I've been slowly adding content to it to help keep track of the world as I build it. But as it stands, it needs much more content before it will be presentable. (At that point it'll get a link at the top of the page.) Asking questions is a good thing as it helps me decide which articles are most important. :)
Two things looking this over from the future.
1: Oooooooo a secret race we haven't seen before ]:O
2: Wheeeere is this blasted wiki it takes me to the main comic page! ]:P
Toast, that other race is a race of anthropomorphic swift foxes.
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Well we know that NOW thanks to Nik ]:P
... I think it was Nik