Hey, look – a page done in advance for the first time in months. Don’t expect it to be a habit just yet though; this one happened early largely because it tied completely in with the former, so I was swung up in the same train of thought for it.
This is an odd page because the first half is essentially nothing bout Hani (of all people) saying a whole lot of words and little else. I felt it was important that it was Hani who said this, much to build on earlier established foundations but also because Hani and Te’len are in some ways the two most different (from eachother) of the present group. It’s much about the two of them, and in a way this is a point where both of them have to grow, albeit in different ways. They both have things they could stand to learn from oneanother, so I think it makes for an interesting dynamic.
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Beyond the Tree, the Misadventures of Hani and Tiny 
awesome! first comment! this is kinda good, really built on the story
Well, i must say, the last 2 pages have been mindblowing in writing! i just read through the comment section of the last page and i can’t but agree with was said, still, her naeive and non-violence attitude will break big sometime soon, she’s just a acting tough in this page, but i’ll doubt she will ever lift a finger against someone again, even if it would kill someone close to her.
Couse she’s in denial, and that my friends, is VERY dangerous, since if u can’t accept that bad people do bad things and can’t always be redeemed, u will never be whole, and only live a lie.
This page really made my morning, thanks Nhani haha.
Allthough Hani doesn’t say much, when she says something or best yet acts, you know she means it.
Hani at times remind me of Drizzt from Forgotten realms… Doesn’t talk an awefull much, but when she does, its plain truth and careful observation. I think that its a good page, it shows Hanis capabilities as the leader figure. Though nothing official about her being the groupleader is said, it dosent take much brains to see it :).
very good page, and good thoughts behind it.
The only thing missing is a panther….
Gorvar, she can shift in a panter… so that part is covered if needed ;)
but you 2 are right, there’s a little Drizzt in her, now lets see if she can live up to it ;)
based on what I have seen in the last pages, I half expected after reading the first 2/4 frames that Hani would yell her ass off for Te’Len to stop being such a pussy, but I think this worked out for the best ;)
I approve of this page.
Very nice one nhani.
This is a very nicely done page again, very detailed in regards to what people are thinking and feeling. Also, I think it shows Hani learning that even if you have a reason you don’t always need to fight – especially if others are capable of the task – as much as Hani perhaps even realising that she has to take some responsibility for the people that choose to follow her. She has had Tiny as a partner for some time now so she knows to take care of the little Night Elf, but I think there’s been a few examples so far where Hani’s been too focused on the bloodlust to consider the fact of protecting those who are largely unable to protect themselves. I think this latest one’s actually scared her into realising that. Leads me into thinking both Hani and Te’len could be thinking the same thing for their own reasons: “I’m not ready, but I’ll keep going to learn to be ready.” I think the earlier point on her being the leader is fairly spot-on as well – she doesn’t represent the group as a whole, but they do look to Hani with definite respect.
Now for other things I spotted: Tiny’s still on Te’len’s shoulder – I think it might be a spot she’ll stay on for a while, considering what just happened. Secondly…I recall someone mentioning the Auto-Cleansing Blade of the Paladin in the sense that one stab and there was no more blood. I can only put that down to Areen whipping the sword to throw off the blood because it could cause the blade to wear and rust, another of those Real World V WoW kinda things, something Te’len wouldn’t have learned, let alone mastered. Thus, the blood on this blade remains on it. Whether this is because it was left in the guy’s guts for some time and dried on or because Hani didn’t decide to clean it after taking it out of him I can’t be sure but…there it is.
The rest of the Deadmines should be interesting though – they’ve only got to the first boss and they got caught up by one of the patrols thanks to Te staying behind. We still have that big mech wood-chopping thing, it’s rider, the big gobbo and Smite! Then there’s VanCleef himself…that would be interesting to see. And yeah…I’ve been in the mines far too often of late. Blame Enyon and the luck of the random dungeon rolls. And it seemed to either be a Deadmines people rushed through and wiped at the last patrol or a Stockades nobody wanted to do (which made me waste almost an hour or two waiting for a new Stockades group). And Tiamos-sense thinks there’ll be a Stockades for them when they get back to Stormwind…
Nice play on Crossroads, by the way, Nhani. Looking forward to the next page.
Actually, the blood on the knife was purely for the sake of visual connect – so it was clear which knife it was and the implications it held. The effect is.. not all that good, really; in fact, it looks terrible and quite well proves why I’ve avoided persistent blood marks on weapons otherwise. I felt the scene needed it, that’s pretty much it.
I wouldn’t say the it looks terrible. Deformed, mayhaps, but not terrible. Personally I think you made a splendid job. Although, try not laying down too much effort on some small detail, or you’ll find yourself spending too much time on perfecting that small thing, which in turn will lead you to either not having enough time to finish up the rest before the deadline or you’ll miss those other things you were suppose to correct.
It doesn’t look that bad does it? I mean…not that I know anything about 3D design, but it does the job and doesn’t look out of place either. I’d say that’s how it should work with the little details like that: They’re there simply to suggest something, not to look good doing it. That’s Te’len’s job. XD
Tel is actually choosing to walk into certain danger… Are we about to see furthur activity on Tel’s part? Let’s hope so because druids can mix it up nicely when they want to ;)Brilliant page. Cant wait til the action starts again
Nhani, absolutely brilliant!
That was a brilliant follow up to the previous page. Hani did indeed react much as I expected, and gave pretty much the address that I thought she should. To her eternal credit, Te’len also gave an answer that was spot on for her continued growth as a character that keeps on within the group. Turning back would have led to her going her own way or so I would assume. It could have led to a separate spotlight on her as an individual character I guess, but I much rather watch her inside the group dynamic as opposed to going off alone.
This doesn’t mean that Te’len will suddenly become a violence first and foremost character by any means, but does indicate that perhaps some of the other duidical abilities will manifest in her soon. A healing spell in the midst of battle is as important in their setting as an extra blade could ever be, and perhaps even more so.
I guess I am like a lot of the other fans in hoping that this is the real beginning of Te’len the Druid as a force to be reckoned with, both morally and otherwise. The simple answer of pacifism appears to be facing the real choices between gray and gray. In the end, a person picks choices that seem morally defensible or doesn’t make such choices, and in either case, the character grows. Good solid writing Nhani, and here’s to keeping it up for as long time to come yet.
Nice work!
Got to admit that this tale keeps me intrested
Keep up the work ^^
that really surprised me. great writing from you.
keep up the great work!
It’s interesting that Hani (of all people) would present her with a moral choice. The loss of innocence is a painful thing. But I suppose Hani sees it as Te’len being wounded and is actually asking “Are you too wounded to continue?”
Still loving this comic Nhan!
I really like the extended dialogue of the last few pages. Also, the last two panels on this page in particular are of such a high standard; the poses look incredibly realistic, I forget you have to animate them because they look so good :)
Keep up the great work!
I don’t think Te’len is in denial. She is paying attention to larger issues than her own. What she does here affects more than just herself. Remember, there are not just bandits in the Deadmines, but also Scourge. For a druid, that should be very dire. I think she is keeping her priorities straight.