I count 4/4 dead.
Though, I have to wonder about this armor. It seams to be barely serviceable when attacked by particle weapons but only if thete is a single energy type. Then there is these huge puffy fake muscle lumps all over it concentrating force on seemingly weak points rendering itself completely ineffective to any sort of melee weapon. Especially so a weapon, the shock blade, that everyone with any fighting prowess seems to to be wielding.
I left out the part where the helmets, especially the bleubs helmets obscure vision to the point that a mop bucket would be a serviceable replacement, and judging by the faulty latch structure the mop bucket might provide better protection.
Actually does seem to be the two at the back only. Yet, that is.
Not a shock blade, actually. But yes, it penetrates just about any wearable armour without fail. The only thing that might block it below building strength armour would probably be shields. And we don't really know about that.
The whole time I was doing scripting and layouts for this segment, I was running Disturbed - Indestructible. I usually don't run anything with lyrics while I'm writing because I find it distracting, but it actually worked really well this time.
I really don't think Noctis cares one way or the other what they call her, Dragonrider. I think she is offended by their continued existence, as it pollutes the world in general.
Hopefully, she can kill them all before any of them has a chance to report back. If word gets back to Decimus, he could rescind the order. Similarly, I hope that she can make Max's soldiers understand the importance of not reporting the incident.
I doubt that the Praetorians will have a chance to report anything. First, Dr. Silver really mucked up communications. Second, the blues will be very dead very soon and have more pressing concerns at the moment (like staying alive).
Also, why would the reds report Noctis for helping them?
Anyway, Prince Douchebag is deep underground, impatiently waiting for his men to cut through a certain door. So, I doubt a messenger would run to him with this news. Nor would the Prince instantly figure out why Noctis switched sides. For a spell, anyway, he'd be too busy fuming and tantruming at such news to think things through rationally.
Blues: One of them may get a message out with his last breath. Short range communications are working.
Max's soldiers: Whilst generally more disciplined, the fact that they were monologing earlier shows that their discipline could be improved. I wouldn't be surprised if one of them decides to pass on the information to boost the morale of their side. However, the more people know that fact, the more likely it is to get back to Decimus.
Short range being the decisive words here. I'm rather sure that their communications won't be able to reach him directly right now. And since not all of the squads will be using the same frequency, there's even a slight chance that no one really knows how and, even more, where to reach him at this point.
I also expect the number of bluebs able to report anything to anybody save a coroner to be rapidly going towards zero. They've already taken quite a few losses even before Maxus would start fighting them. And fighting them he will. He's got no other choice.
@xpactrue "he'd be too busy fuming and tantruming at such news to think things through rationally."
This is Hiz Imperial Lost My Lollipop Go Find It we're talking about. He never thinks things through rationally.
Prince Douchey may be insane and he can act incredibly foolish. However, we've also seen how he can be quite capable when it comes to his own interests. That's what makes him so dangerous. If he was the constant blundering idiot, then his reign would have ended long ago - probably before it even began. This is the guy who got away with murdering his father to inherit the throne. And he managed to set up a nigh-foolproof dead man's switch on the entire city-state.
Cracked up at "Hiz Imperial Lost My Lollipop Go Find It". Now I have this mental image of Private Denzic saying, quite derisively, "Let me guess, someone stole your sweetroll?"
I"ve liked Noctis for awhile since we were first introduced to her. Because she always tries to find the balance between being ordered to terrorize and harm Douchimus's enemies of the day and protecting those who really are for the betterment of Roma. However I still prefer Malati.
Dumbass Blackballs (Blueballs?) will never learn not to insult a Cassian carrying a weapon, or not carrying a weapon for that matter ... cuz they ARE a weapon.
Thought occured to me: Should Dust survive and be able to explain his connections without that fact changing accordingly, he (and/or Kat in this case) might be used as a go-between for Maxus' side.
As much as he takes his role as protector of Nova Roma seriously and is a man with pride ("They are attacking our palace?!"), he'd probably rather not fight the New Troy team if it proves to not be necessary. And he's rational enough to swallow his pride and go for a more sensible option, should it present itself. (Though there are a number of factors to be counted in here, obviously. Face being one of them after all.)
The liberation has started. Period. Maxus's authority as general now rests on being Acanthea's general. All troops or militia (including cassians) who turn to follow him are loyal troops (Soldiers of the Queen) regardless of whether they were in rebellion or not before he took the field. Troops who follow Decimus are now traitors (If he loses). The Trojans are loyal supporting friends and mercenaries (and they'll have the documents to prove it before the coronation) and Lynn was just another poor victim of the usurpers villainy.
Unless of course Aenaes can't stop the contingencies. Then Nova Roma may be the site of an unfortunate "Weapons Malfunction" on Centcom's part.
Even worse, "duty" is sometimes used as slang for taking a shit. It also sounds very similar to "doody" and "dookie" which are unmistakably slang for shit. So telling her to do her duty is telling her to take a crap... which generally means flushing crap down the drain. I don't think you have to stretch it at all to suggest she has just done so figuratively. Nova Roma has been constipated with lots of blue shit that still needs to get flushed, I hope there's enough toilet paper and the plumbing can handle it.
Nice page, but it's not quite clear to me - are there four dead on this page or just two? I lean towards two, but that last panel could be the front two getting it as well.
I think that is all four of them, CptK. I think the angle of perspective is what causes you to not see the other bodies nor the rebels.
Looking back at the fifth panel of Backup and the arrangement of the Blueboys, I'm thinking maybe she took the two on the right and then the two on the left.
I'm pretty sure Noctis doesn't need multiple swings to down a 'normal' person.
Two replies, and they disagree with each other... makes my point, I think. The next page will probably make it clear, but something to help this page might not be a bad thing.
Yeah, D-Wrek. That is a pretty good reaction to that level of carnage. Think about how SHARP that sword has to be... And how strong, precise her attacks are. DAMN indeed!
How much does that not-sword actually shine? I'm not seeing light effects from its glow on the blueshells that ought to be illuminated by it if it's actually light-emitting. Or is that just a rendering shortcut to actually finish the rendering before the end of the decade?
(Have I dated myself again)
She will not break.
I'm guessing pretty fast :)
I got it
Let's see it again!
Edit: Of four, yes. The cuts seems to be in exactly the same place, though. I'm still thinking those might be the same two guys.
Though, I have to wonder about this armor. It seams to be barely serviceable when attacked by particle weapons but only if thete is a single energy type. Then there is these huge puffy fake muscle lumps all over it concentrating force on seemingly weak points rendering itself completely ineffective to any sort of melee weapon. Especially so a weapon, the shock blade, that everyone with any fighting prowess seems to to be wielding.
But even if not: Remember that bluebs are supposed to look impressive. Not necessarily go into full combat.
Not a shock blade, actually. But yes, it penetrates just about any wearable armour without fail. The only thing that might block it below building strength armour would probably be shields. And we don't really know about that.
and as you all know I am prone to music I think fits the situation, so ladies and gentlemen, Blues Saraceno - Dogs of War
Can't wait for Kansas City RockFest - they're headlining the main stage ^_^
Please can we see her carve up Prince Douchebag? Pretty pleaaaase?
It's very nice btw. :)
Also, why would the reds report Noctis for helping them?
Anyway, Prince Douchebag is deep underground, impatiently waiting for his men to cut through a certain door. So, I doubt a messenger would run to him with this news. Nor would the Prince instantly figure out why Noctis switched sides. For a spell, anyway, he'd be too busy fuming and tantruming at such news to think things through rationally.
Max's soldiers: Whilst generally more disciplined, the fact that they were monologing earlier shows that their discipline could be improved. I wouldn't be surprised if one of them decides to pass on the information to boost the morale of their side. However, the more people know that fact, the more likely it is to get back to Decimus.
I also expect the number of bluebs able to report anything to anybody save a coroner to be rapidly going towards zero. They've already taken quite a few losses even before Maxus would start fighting them. And fighting them he will. He's got no other choice.
This is Hiz Imperial Lost My Lollipop Go Find It we're talking about. He never thinks things through rationally.
Especially BAD gossip.
Noctis, you sexy porcelain faced Goddess of Terror, WE LUUUUUV YUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!
She was not all good, but she was also not all bad.
That made her interesting. :)
Dumbass Blackballs (Blueballs?) will never learn not to insult a Cassian carrying a weapon, or not carrying a weapon for that matter ... cuz they ARE a weapon.
At least this batch.
As much as he takes his role as protector of Nova Roma seriously and is a man with pride ("They are attacking our palace?!"), he'd probably rather not fight the New Troy team if it proves to not be necessary. And he's rational enough to swallow his pride and go for a more sensible option, should it present itself. (Though there are a number of factors to be counted in here, obviously. Face being one of them after all.)
Oohhhhh GET EM' NOCTIS :D
Unless of course Aenaes can't stop the contingencies. Then Nova Roma may be the site of an unfortunate "Weapons Malfunction" on Centcom's part.
You go, Noctis!!!
Noctis has a duty to New Rome and instructions that allow her to interpret her "duty" as she sees fit.
Looking back at the fifth panel of Backup and the arrangement of the Blueboys, I'm thinking maybe she took the two on the right and then the two on the left.
I'm pretty sure Noctis doesn't need multiple swings to down a 'normal' person.
Also on a technical point there is a point light affixed to it but apparently my fill lights and SFX drowned it out.