lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Apr 30, 2020 10:59:16 GMT
- Catweazle is hanging around again. Doing what.
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Post by simon darkshade on Apr 30, 2020 11:12:43 GMT
Steve, you're quite right; Freyberg was also highly decorated.
Lordroel, Catweazle's presence on behalf of the Ministry of Magic was discussed in Chapter 22. He continues to keep an eye on Sam.
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stevep
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Post by stevep on Apr 30, 2020 11:13:44 GMT
A few notes on the Easter Eggs in Chapter 23: - Simon refers to having seen arrows splitting other arrows on multiple occasions. - Given what Sam said about that being proven impossible does this relate to the mystical/magical element in the DE? - He refers to knowing some “super chaps” in America known for wearing tights; he is ‘friends’ with Superman. - That didn't click with me but if there are characters from the DC and Marvel Universe then unless other nations also have them that does rather unbalance the power system. Also given the stancely Christian/Monotheistic nature of the DE universe, or at least what we're seen of it an encounter between Simon and Thor could be interesting. Also probably asked this before but does the existence of super heroes also mean there are super villains and/or external alien threats? - His oath “By the Lion’s mane!” indicates that he is either an aficionado of the Narnia series or has some other acquaintance with the sayings of that land. It is the latter, coming during his travels with Doctor Who. - Now that is an interesting snippet, both that he has been to Narnia and how he got there. Also suggests another story in the saga as the Doctor wouldn't be there without a very good reason, even if he intended only an holiday or came by accident. Basically if Doctor Who appears be very, very worried as something nasty is happening. - The reference to Belsen indicates that it had a profound impact on him and that he can view greatness as part and parcel with evil. - Very true. - The mention of differing sources of national pride referencing the NHS is one that has been used before and had been planned in this chapter for a long time, but current circumstances make it a bit more resonant. - The issue both should be able to agree on is that there is merit in both cases, the NHS here given the security it gives for the ordinary citizen in terms of health care and the different history of the empire in DE in terms of the stability and greater wealth it has brought to a number of areas, although as Simon admits not without costs.- Sam’s Blackadder jest falls flat, with Bailey taking the opportunity to wax lyrical on why he likes and prefers the .577 revolver. - I think it was a mistake on Sam's part because if Simon had asked for clarification I suspect he would have found Blackadder pretty offensive and pathetic. - There is a great deal going on in the Crystal Palace snippet, not the least of which is the Dinosaur Garden featuring actual dinosaurs. - Sounds interesting - Bailey’s reference to Norfolk is an oblique reference to ‘House of Hell’ in the 1947 stories. - Good connection - We are supplied with the origin story for Count Duckula, that haunter of Sam’s dreams. - Missed that. Not a series I watched but have heard of it. - Ending with Bond sets us up nicely for Chapter 24 and begins to bring things full circle, as he was mentioned in Chapter 2. - Sounds like something is going to be happening and given what the 00 rating in his id means that could be nasty for a number of people. Just thought, given the markedly more conservative social background to DE's Britain will James still be knee deep - or deeper - in attractive women and getting into intense situations with them?
Steve
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Apr 30, 2020 11:15:25 GMT
Steve, you're quite right; Freyberg was also highly decorated. Can somebody top that in the Darkearth verse.
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Post by simon darkshade on Apr 30, 2020 13:37:36 GMT
Lordroel, perhaps they can. There are a couple of other VC and Bars out there who are different from @.
Steve,
1.) The superheroes are primarily the classic DC types, with Marvel not being around yet in June 1961, nor will they be; Stan Lee works at the Daily Planet. About the only Marvel superheroes who'll make an appearance are Spiderman and Captain America, as they fit within the overall context of Dark Earth superheroes. Many different countries have them, on both sides of the East/West divide and beyond. There is no Thor, but there are definitely super villains aplenty. As for external alien threats? We'll have to see... 2.) The interaction of disparate characters has been one of my favourite elements, so I do hope I get to write that particular piece one day. 3.) The impact of the liberation influences the perspectives of many significant characters and politicians. 4.) Bailey would agree that it has merit, but not as the be-all and end-all of the nation. It reflects his different life and priorities, with health care being somewhere down on the list. 5.) Sam does make a few mistakes throughout and this is one of them. 6.) It certainly offers some interesting situations... 7.) As said, I like to weave the different storylines together as much as possible, so that they don't exist in a whole lot of different vacuums. 8.) It will be a plot element in the last few chapters in one way. 9.) Bond's presence indicates that security is being boosted for Sam's journey back to London; essentially, he will be a bit of a diversion. Bond still has a way with the ladies, but just has to be a bit more discrete about it.
Simon
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on May 1, 2020 10:09:41 GMT
9.) Bond's presence indicates that security is being boosted for Sam's journey back to London; essentially, he will be a bit of a diversion. Bond still has a way with the ladies, but just has to be a bit more discrete about it. Do some of Bond enemies also exist.
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stevep
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Post by stevep on May 1, 2020 11:07:43 GMT
9.) Bond's presence indicates that security is being boosted for Sam's journey back to London; essentially, he will be a bit of a diversion. Bond still has a way with the ladies, but just has to be a bit more discrete about it. Do some of Bond enemies also exist.
With supernatural forces present he probably has additional ones he hasn't met OTL. Or possibly the villain in Live and Let Die has real zombies under his control!
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Post by simon darkshade on May 1, 2020 13:49:59 GMT
Bond’s enemies definitely exist and extend into the strange, magical and supernatural. He was part of the unit going after Dracula postwar, pursued Dr. Frankenstein, fights KAOS and SPECTRE and tousles with Moriarty’s network.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on May 1, 2020 13:54:13 GMT
Bond’s enemies definitely exist and extend into the strange, magical and supernatural. He was part of the unit going after Dracula postwar, pursued Dr. Frankenstein, fights KAOS and SPECTRE and tousles with Moriarty’s network. And still has time to get women to fall for him.
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Post by simon darkshade on May 1, 2020 13:55:35 GMT
Naturally, although not all are what they seem.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on May 1, 2020 17:21:04 GMT
Naturally, although not all are what they seem. Double spies ore even triple spies.
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Post by simon darkshade on May 1, 2020 21:42:11 GMT
Both, naturally, but there are also those of a more supernatural origin and other more complex situations.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on May 2, 2020 7:55:38 GMT
Lordroel, perhaps they can. There are a couple of other VC and Bars out there who are different from @. Steve, 1.) The superheroes are primarily the classic DC types, with Marvel not being around yet in June 1961, nor will they be; Stan Lee works at the Daily Planet. About the only Marvel superheroes who'll make an appearance are Spiderman and Captain America, as they fit within the overall context of Dark Earth superheroes. Many different countries have them, on both sides of the East/West divide and beyond. There is no Thor, but there are definitely super villains aplenty. As for external alien threats? We'll have to see... Simon So also Lex Luthor and the J. Jonah Jameson in the Darkearthverse.
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Post by simon darkshade on May 2, 2020 9:27:32 GMT
No and yes. The newspaper editor exists, but the likes of Lex Luthor wouldn’t last long in the Dark Earth USA.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on May 2, 2020 10:15:30 GMT
No and yes. The newspaper editor exists, but the likes of Lex Luthor wouldn’t last long in the Dark Earth USA. I assumed Lex Luthor would fit right into this universe.
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