Homesuck: Vriska Rising

[Fifthfiend]

Oh look, Equius takes a lead role and everyone is all about horses all of sudden. Just great, do Mr. Ed proud everyone.

Hey man.

We're just horsin' around.

[akaSM]

Oh look, Equius takes a lead role and everyone is all about horses all of sudden. Just great, do Mr. Ed proud everyone.
http://i.imgur.com/Rd3E0Ew.png
What a load of horseshit
.

[Specterbane]

All I'm saying is tha,t while I do hope Equius wrecks Eridan, I'm not about to jump on any horse-drawn, broken-bow-instrument, band wagon for this. Not while I'm still feeling bad for Sollux, the guy just can't catch a break with the ladies. Seriously, he's the kiss of death.

[Premmy]

If Sollux once chatted with Bro then that would explain everything.

[Loyal]

I had been thinking of making a "1S TH1S YOU" Yoko/Sollux pic for the past few days, but it'd probably wind up being too NWS for this forum by merit of the girl's wardrobe.

[POS Industries]

Yoko from TTGL? By all means, go ahead.

Yoko Ono? There, in my opinion, is no image of her that can be considered work-safe.

[Specterbane]

If it's TTGL you could use the school teacher one, and then you've even got glasses to turn into shades.

[POS Industries]

Wait... there appears to be a pair of smaller marks on the victim's neck.
Guess who's back, everyone!

[Locke cole]

Tavros?

[Geminex]

Natrually.

Bwehehe, I cannot wait to see her.

Also, I am so relieved that the deaths aren't permanent. That would've... bluh. That would've sucked.

[POS Industries]

Tavros?
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/posindustries/1296863439012.gif

[Bard The 5th LW]

Maybe she's a friendly vampire!

[Art of Hilt]

So her undead body is wandering around and drinking everyone's blood and one of the trolls who actually consider her a friend will have to put her down for good to keep what was once one of the sanest trolls from killing everyone?
Wheeee

But no seriously I love seeing characters that I enjoy get murdered multiple times since there's no other way this could end

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Also, I am so relieved that the deaths aren't permanent. That would've... bluh. That would've sucked.
Actually I think and hope it will remain just one. I mean Scratch told Karkat not to turn his back on the body. Not bodies.

If there will be more revivals I'll be disappointed because... well. Guess what else dies and gets revived all the time and no one cares because it happens all the time to every character? long running comic book superheroes. Please, let Homestuck not become like that. Death shouldn't be as cheap as that in stories.

[Bard The 5th LW]

This probably won't be the Kanaya we know either.

Like, maybe at first. But I imagine things would turn badly once she gets hungry...

[MuMu]

Well, that's one out of two. Now we just need a GhostTavros haunting Vriska in a Nappa fashion.

[Geminex]

Oh, I'm allright with character death as such. But Kanaya and Fef really just weren't well done. Those two are great characters, I don't want to see them go like that. I'm not counting these as real "deaths", because they have none of the lead-up, none of the justification, none of the emotional connection. I'd be pissed as hell of bro came back, for instance. But I'd be just as pissed if Fef died for good without making it a good death.

[Art of Hilt]

But Kanaya and Fef really just weren't well done.

Feferi was because we already knew she was going to be involved in the story's future through dream bubbles.
There was a CHANCE that Kanaya would do the same, but...
Welp.

Time for Karkat to kill her himself I guess.
This is me, setting my watch for that particular inevitability.
And it's totally going to be like tragic and shit.

[Flarecobra]

That's about the derpist picture of Vriska I've ever seen.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

Personally I don't think it was handled poorly, sure, there was only minimal buildup but those two were rather minor characters. I thought these deaths were supposed to be shocking and sudden. Considering that I think it was pulled off well.

I can see where you're coming from, though. And I don't mind Kanaya coming back. I wouldn't mind any of them coming back. I just don't want death to become nothing more than a mild annoyance. Like, hey, he just killed off three characters but the only effect this'll have on the story will be that one has/all have a craving for blood now.

EDIT: Yeah, except Feferi, because we know what happens to her. Maybe that living on in dream bubbles thing is directly due to Kanaya's magic bloodsucking, or something. Because Kanaya secretly was a vampire all along. Death without finality etcpp.

[Geminex]

Feferi was because we already knew she was going to be involved in the story's future through dream bubbles.
Don't think so. I'm still pretty sure that that particular conversation was just a horrorterror nightmare. And even if that were the case, at most we have her relationship with Eridan.

I just don't want death to become nothing more than a mild annoyance. Like, hey, he just killed off three characters but the only effect this'll have on the story will be that one has/all have a craving for blood now.
Oh, yeah, sure. I agree with that.

But character death, I think, has to be primarily characterized by the impact it has on the reader. Because of the sudden, fairly illogical and pretty damn silly way it was done, there was no emotional impact here, for me. For Tavros, yeah. But the way Fef's and Kan's were handled was just alienating. Hence why I don't see this as a "proper" death.

If a character died in a way that created an emotional impact, then I'd hate to see them return. Because implicit in the emotional impact of a character's death is looking back, letting go, saying goodbye. There's regret and there's melancholy and all kinds of emotions, when it's done well. And hussie perfectly capable of doing it well, I think. If he did it well (like with tavros, that had quite a bit of impact, though it could've been done better, I thought), then coming back would just be cheapening death.

[POS Industries]

I just don't want death to become nothing more than a mild annoyance.
Become? With the exception of Bro, death to any of these characters has never been shown to have any sort of permanence. John was, as you'll recall, the first character in this story to die. We've had dead Daves on multiple occasions. Dying on a quest bed is a means of leveling up. Hell, Aradia was dead before she was even introduced, and just look at her now!

I can understand a desire for permanent, meaningful death to enter into the equation in this story, and I actually agree from a dramatic perspective, but insofar as player characters are concerned, this is pretty much the same as its always been.

[Krylo]

So how do rainbow drinkers work? I mean... is Fef gonna rise from the dead now, too? Or is it just Kanaya who gets a free pass?

[Specterbane]

I think everyone saw Kanaya's un-death and Drink the rainbow sponsorship coming as soon as he left the SBaHJ comic linked on there. I think it'll be good though, but we have yet to see if she's going to be yet another murderous troll on the loose or if she'll be more of an avenger. I'm curious if she gets any new nifty powers to use.

But who's going to go after who? Is Equius going to have to get off his high horse about blood lines to fight Gamzee? Will Kanaya face down the Hopeless prince to find vengeance for the mother grub who will never be now? Can Terezi face down the other Scourge sister? Are these all red herrings? Let's watch to find out.

[MuMu]

So how do rainbow drinkers work? I mean... is Fef gonna rise from the dead now, too? Or is it just Kanaya who gets a free pass?

Well, Kan was always the one with the unnatural resistance to the Alternian Sun. Plus, maybe Karkat bloody thing gave her a little help, who knows. Fef on the other hand was already dead when she had her blood transfusion, so she stays dead cold.

I'm hoping that she won't go batshit just because she has other urges now.

[Aldurin]

Karkat: Use fire, fire and more fire on targets in the order they appear.

[Loyal]

Well, Kan was always the one with the unnatural resistance to the Alternian Sun. Plus, maybe Karkat bloody thing gave her a little help, who knows. Fef on the other hand was already dead when she had her blood transfusion, so she stays dead cold.

I'm hoping that she won't go batshit just because she has other urges now.What bloody thing, and what blood transfusion? He just kissed Kanaya, and made no attempt to do anything for Feferi since he knew for a fact her dreamself was already dead.

[Bard The 5th LW]

What bloody thing, and what blood transfusion? He just kissed Kanaya, and made no attempt to do anything for Feferi since he knew for a fact her dreamself was already dead.

I think Mumu was referring to her drinking Fef's blood. Teeth marks and whatnot.

[Loyal]

That doesn't explain where Karkat comes into his post.

[MuMu]

Karkat's bloody thing was just a wild guess. The transfusion was indeed about Kan's feeding.

[stefan]

Tavros?

I mean, obviously. There's a wealth of Jamiroquai references still to be made through him (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamiroquai#Buffalo_Man).

[POS Industries]

So how do rainbow drinkers work? I mean... is Fef gonna rise from the dead now, too? Or is it just Kanaya who gets a free pass?
Looks like just Kanaya. Feferi was only fed upon, not fed to, so it's doubtful she was sired by Kanaya if we're going to apply more classic vampire mythology here. Of course, I'm expecting such mythology to go completely out the window because, as seen here: (http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=004243)

CA: you should read up on your history instead of poring through that godawwfull sunny rubbish
Looks to me like it's something very, very unique to Kanaya that even she doesn't even really understand.

[synkr0nized]

She's always had the fangs for it.

[Bob The Mercenary]

I would just like to apologize for just now finishing Act 1.

[Overcast]

You haven't yet apologized enough. Why are you here? Keep reading, it gets better, and then you become jaded like us.

[Dracorion]

GUYS.

GUYS.

KARKAT KISSED HER.

FLUIDS WERE EXCHANGED, MAN.

HE'S GOT THE VIRUS.

[Fifthfiend]

I would just like to apologize for just now finishing Act 1.

Homestuck is terrible, don't read.

[Solid Snake]

Guess who's back, everyone!

As delighted as I should be, given Doc Scratch's warning to Karkat I'm honestly suspecting that vampire Kanaya probably will not be entirely "herself" -- she might be a mindless undead, she might have a unquenchable thirst for troll blood, and she might become one of the "homicidal posse" along with Eridan, Gamzee, and Vriska.

Honestly I probably won't mind so long as she kills Eridan.

[Premmy]

Hold on a tic. Is Vriska Killing Tavros really going on a spree-killer type rampage? I could totally see her killing Tavvy, throwing him down the pit, then going back to take a nap and not wanting to kill anyone else. She might have said something about killing everyone, but I don't remember it. That puts us at two Wandering murderers.

[Krylo]

Yeah, I mean. She didn't even attack Tavros. He attacked her.

Putting her on the same level of unpredictable psycopathy as Eridan and Gamzee is pretty erroneous.

[rpgdemon]

Just figured I'd let you know, but I've been reading Homestuck, and Karkat is totally you.

You know, so you ought to change your avatar to be more accurate.


Open Homestuck thread, I suppose?

[Krylo]

Welcome to three years ago, man.

We got a thread (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showthread.php?t=34621), and Fifth was totally rocking a Karkat avatar and using the text color and everything for like... a week or two? A month? I dunno.

It was forever ago. I can't remember anymore.

[POS Industries]

Just figured I'd let you know, but I've been reading Homestuck, and Karkat is totally you.

You know, so you ought to change your avatar to be more accurate.


Open Homestuck thread, I suppose?
Everyone chill the fuck out, I got this.

[Krylo]

Everyone chill the fuck out, I got this.

No.

[POS Industries]

too late, motherfucker.

TOO MOTHERFUCKING LATE, MOTHERFUCKER.

[rpgdemon]

HEY WELL YOUR FACE.

I compulsively ignore any thread over 100 posts, because they are INTIMIDATING.

Thanks for the move though, seriously.

[Bard The 5th LW]

I'd say Vriska is actually very likely to make sure some at least some trolls survive.

After all, if she killed everyone, who'd be left to praise her for defeating Noir?

[Marc v4.0]

HERSELF

[Krylo]

I'd say Vriska is actually very likely to make sure some at least some trolls survive.

After all, if she killed everyone, who'd be left to praise her for defeating Noir?

HERSELF

And John.

And Nic Cage's ectobiology clone.

[Aldurin]

Vriska isn't a murderous psycho, she's a cunning predator who can see longer term than the other three killers on the loose.

I mean is Eridan killing trolls to earn favor with Jack, or is he just killing the trolls he has had enough of? Planning can't apply to Gamzee because his drugged-up brain only recently snapped from Insane Clown Posse, he's just flipping out over a high of toxic chemicals and anger. I also think Kanaya is either too hungry to care about long-term or she's actually maintaining her mind which then disqualifies her from the crazy bunch.

[Loyal]

There is at least one thing wrong (or at least premature) with every single non-question sentence in that post, Earl.

[Doc ock rokc]

...Oh sweet Troll Jegus...We got a Rainbow Drinker on our hands.

[PCD]

Man, fifth, is there room under that desk? I am getting suspense'd into a right fearful nap myself.

[Archbio]

The Equius/Nepeta interactive thingus was pretty neatly atmospheric, but nuGamzee is just plain obnoxious.

[Krylo]

The Equius/Nepeta interactive thingus was pretty neatly atmospheric, but nuGamzee is just plain obnoxious.

This is basically exactly my feelings on it.

[Geminex]

I didn't think he was that bad. The lead-up was great, of course, and it might've been even better if we hadn't seen what went down, but as it is, it still works.

And Gamzee was okay. He had the personality, even if he was a bit too focused on the blood thing, and a bit too... I dunno, rational? I was expecting him to be a bit more horrible, more terrifying. Real slasher stuff. He's been hyped up quite a bit, what we got was just a bit anticlimactic.

Still, awesome lead-up.

[greed]

Man I think he was fine, nicely offputting and creepy.

[PCD]

I am quite certain that Nepeta and Equius' morail antics are maybe the most amazing and adorable things to have come from the entirety of the troll's existence. I've d'aww'd at the kids and Exiles too much in the past to be sure about where it measures up against them, though.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

That whole thing was great. Equius and Nepeta's conversations are simply wonderful and Gamzee's bit is just plain great. EVERYONE WHO DISAGREES WITH THAT has a different opinion than me, probably.

You then proceed to have the most poignant and heartfelt feelings jam in the history of paradox space, or piles of things.

[Geminex]

What do you guys think Nepeta found? Kanaya?

Edit: Also, trickster mode: There isn't one. Or at least I couldn't find it. This saddens me.

[PCD]

My guess is she was watching what happened between Equius and Gamzee.

[Art of Hilt]

Anyone who hasn't had their heart warmed by Equius and Nepeta's shared antics are... I don't know. I'm not sure I can look at them straight. Every encounter with them would be strange, uncomfortable; a shuffled step, a sidelong glance, a hastened apology laced with disdain.
So much disdain.

Also there's something about walking the characters themselves down a straight line to their death that was just so unsettling. Jesus fuck.

I bet Gamzee's trying to clone his lusus.

[MuMu]

I guess we all learned a lesson here

Don't ever talk about your feelings while lying on a pile of stuff.

[Krylo]

Hey greed:
http://i55.tinypic.com/25jazav.gif

[Grimpond]

NepetaxKarkat: OTP

NO ONE MUST EVER SEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[greed]

Hey greed:
http://i55.tinypic.com/25jazav.gif

Thanks a lot Krylo. I forgot how to make transparency with Paint(I think it's possible?) and got lazy. This looks much better.

[Aldurin]

I think Gamzee was done perfectly for that. Before he snapped he was pretty much always out of it, now he's in focus, embracing his blood status and doing some kind of sinister thing.

[Loyal]

I'm not sure which is the best part of the update. The livestock-puns, or "vwiskers".

[Token]

I think we're all in agreement of two things here:

1.) Equius should never be that gogdamn adorable.

2.) Gamzee needs to stop... clowning around.

http://i52.tinypic.com/3496sth.gif

[Geminex]

vwiskers?

Livestock-puns are excellent. Right after the fact that they made a game using sprites and flash and a bit of music that's nonetheless as atmospheric as a horror movie.

Edit:
Token, you have NO 1D34 how much I love you right now.

[Aldurin]

I believe Kanaya still has some level of mental faculties intact given how she's blocking her trail pretty good.

[Loyal]

vwiskers?

One of Nepeta's catpuns for "Vriska."

[Fifthfiend]

Thanks a lot Krylo. I forgot how to make transparency with Paint(I think it's possible?) and got lazy. This looks much better.

Get GIMP, learn GIMP, love GIMP

nuGamzee is just plain obnoxious.

He's the ICP character.

[Archbio]

He's the ICP character.

Isn't that what I said?

The "I'm going to murder you metrosexuals" thing was creepier when it was typed from the other side of the asteroid. There's just something awfully tame about Gamzee's new craziness once you actually see him stop and enforce the social conventions of the society all of these characters are from.

[Aldurin]

Get GIMP, learn GIMP, love GIMP

^That

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I finally caved in to this stupid Homestuck avatar fad. Like BLUH BLUH I'M SO COOL I HAVE THIS CHARACTER FROM A THING ALL OF THE KOOL KIDZ KLUB LIKE IN MY PROFILE IN RETURN THE KKK WILL NOW SUDDENLY LOOK UP (DOWN) TO ME WITH ADMIRATION[/allcaps].

worship me.

[Pip Boy]

You forgot the part where you actually change your avatar.

Wait nevermind there it is.

[akaSM]

Now it's not there...wait, it's there again...hey, it's gone again...oh, it's back. Oh god, what's wrong with your avatar D:

[CelesJessa]

Homestuck avatars is what the cool kids do. Everyone wants to be cool, don't they?

[Aldurin]

I finally caved in to this stupid Homestuck avatar fad. Like BLUH BLUH I'M SO COOL I HAVE THIS CHARACTER FROM A THING ALL OF THE KOOL KIDZ KLUB LIKE IN MY PROFILE IN RETURN THE KKK WILL NOW SUDDENLY LOOK UP (DOWN) TO ME WITH ADMIRATION[/allcaps].

worship me.

You're supposed to add Gamzee horns and makeup to the apple.

[IHateMakingNames]

Wang Fire is great, but I've been considering Equius for awhile. Now it seems very appropriate.

[POS Industries]

Best Ctrl+T ever.

That is all.

[Geminex]

what Ctrl+T there is no Ctrl+T or is there TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW OR YOULL NEVER LEAVE THIS THREAD ALIVE

[Bard The 5th LW]

what Ctrl+T there is no Ctrl+T or is there TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW OR YOULL NEVER LEAVE THIS THREAD ALIVE

A message appears that says 'nope fuck this I don't dare'

[Geminex]

That is what I just said.

[POS Industries]

Exactly.

Best Ctrl+T ever.

[Flarecobra]

Wonder if the busted Nick Cage Bust is why Vriska turned like she did.

[Marc v4.0]

Turned what?

[Krylo]

Gay. For rainbow drinkers.

[Bard The 5th LW]

D:

D-don't let it end like this Equius! Think of Nepeta!

[Aldurin]

The honking . . . THE HONKING!!! IT WON'T STOP!!

[Locke cole]

OK, Gamzee and Equius are both being idiots here.

Gamzee for sacrificing his ranged weapon so that he can attempt to garrote someone that has not only seen him, but is still quite capable of strongpunching his head off. Not to mention his horrible garroting technique.

Equius for not strongpunching his head off already.

[IHateMakingNames]

God dammit. He's going down without a fight.

[CelesJessa]

Come on I'm hoping Equius uses the pre-broken bow to fight back.

Or maybe Nepeta is watching and she tackle-pounces in.

[Locke cole]

Or just snaps the bowstring. It's not hard, Equius. You find it harder not to do that.

[Flarecobra]

He won't. I think he said he was going to TALK to Gamzee.


Oh, and this is funny:

http://sadpanda.us/images/363219-TIEC1V3.jpg

And did anyone notice that he was rubbing himself with her hood?

[Locke cole]

Won't what? Snap the string?

I think being choked would rather put a damper on his negotiating prowess.

[Flarecobra]

He won't attack Gamzee.

[Archbio]

I'm perplexed by how much Gamzee might be following Equius' own etiquette lessons: (http://mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=004121)

TC: oK, i CaN tRy, BuT mAn I dOn'T kNoW iF i KnOw HoW tO bE lIkE a BeTtEr MoThErFuCkEr ThAn AnY oThEr MoThErFuCkEr.
CT: D --> 100k, it isn't that difficult
CT: D --> Try to be cognizant of your desires and needs
CT: D --> And attempt to regard those around you as simple vehicles meant to bring about your gratification
TC: WoW, wHaT?

I mean, nuGamzee still uses l00d language, after all. Well, one l00d word. Over and over.

[Locke cole]

"Honk" is not lewd.

[POS Industries]

"Honk" is not lewd.
Maybe not the way you do it.

[Locke cole]

Dude, I totally honked her.

[CelesJessa]

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/016/6/b/spoilers_vriska_being_vriska_by_koma404-d37c68i.png

[Locke cole]

Dick move.

[Marc v4.0]

You. Useless. Ass.

[PCD]

No, Hussie, this is completely ludicrous. Or 100di%, however you wanna say it, it's still just plain dumb.

[Locke cole]

Gamzee. What are you doing. There's too much slack in the string for a garroting, and you need to e%change hands to get the proper % in the line anyway. It is too early to activate Murder mode unless you want to have an awkward paws in the action while in said mode.

[Marc v4.0]

There is slack in that clearly taut string?

[Locke cole]

OK yeah, it's taut, but I didn't see him put a cross in the line to encircle Equius's neck.

Without that little component, the worst that'll happen to Equius will be a mark on the back of his neck.

[Marc v4.0]

...I think it is safe to assume he isn't just pulling it against the back of his neck. I mean, I don't need to be walked through it step by step, I know how it works.

[Locke cole]

Okay fine.

Still, Equius why don't you just flex your neck in the gentlest way you ever have? That should break bowstrings for miles around.

[Flarecobra]

Called it. Never fought back.

[Archbio]

Still, Equius why don't you just flex your neck in the gentlest way you ever have? That should break bowstrings for miles around.

Because his death is scripted/predestined?

[Locke cole]

But it's just...

I understand the fitting nature of how he went out here, but he got killed by a bowstring. He snaps those things in two while specifically trying not to.

[Viridis]

Oh god, update. That's a smile.

[PCD]

Okay, I guess it was silly to expect anything remotely dignified for the character who's been basically nothing but a big creepy joke since his introduction, but seriously... a bowstring. That makes no sensssse.

[Locke cole]

And now Nepeta's probably going to jump out, slash Gamzee once across the eyes, and get killed herself

I still say Gamzee could've just sniped him to death. It would've been just as poetically fitting, just in a slightly different way (the dude who wanted to be an archer is killed by a guy who can actually use a bow) and made more physical sense.

[Marc v4.0]

You. Useless. Asshole.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4549162/1258193051632.jpg

[PCD]

On top of the obvious reasons that shouldn't work, I'm a little disappointed that nothing was made of something that had taken up several lines of conversation in the game bit: how important Nepeta was in keeping Equius in line. I had thought that Nepeta, seeing Equius in danger, would have leapt out to defend him, resulting in the scratches on Gamzee's face, before the clown took her out. Then, without his moirail there to keep him in line, Equius would go into a rage--perhaps as a minion of Gamzee's, perhaps as just another one of the 100nati% roaming the space. While perhaps that way is a bit predictable and adding more SUSPENSSSSE, it would have been more interesting than this =\

[Solid Snake]

...At least Equius did actually receive adequate closure with his final interactions with Nepeta (if not Aradia.)

I mean that's arguably far better than the fates bestowed upon Tavros or (pre-vampire) Kanaya, who were just sort of killed before they even had a chance to achieve any finality. Equius got to cuddle with Nepeta in the robotics pile, heard about Nepeta's dream, and it's worth remembering that he actually did confront a highbl00d, in direct contradiction to his previously established personality. He showed some character development, but just was powerless in front of Gamzee. It wasn't a matter of Gamzee's blood, though, it was a matter of the difference in Gamzee's power levels. And it's not like that wasn't foreshadowed.

...But yeah I do sort of wish Hussie actually showed us a real fight between two of these trolls. It's kind of weird because you'd presume all 12 of these characters would be seasoned combat veterans with plenty of levels by now. It makes sense for Tavros to have posed no challenge to Vriska due to the whole God Mode thing, but Equius should have at least given Gamzee a bit of a brawl before falling. I almost wonder if it's less a legit matter of Andrew trying to establish a certain mood, and more a logical result of Andrew just being lazy and not being terribly interested in drawing complex, lengthy battle sequences with a "joke character."

EDIT: Meaning, it'd have made more sense for Gamzee to attack Equius with his signature clubs as opposed to a random weapon we've never seen him use before, followed by the two having a real brawl over the course of several panels and/or an [S] update after which Gamzee would win, but at least then there'd be suspense and Equius would have a more proper sendoff. And the battle could still have ended with Gamzee choking him for comedic effect, if Hussie really felt that was important.

[Flarecobra]

She might not have made it in time to save him.

[Solid Snake]

...Is it wrong that I now want the reveal to be that Nepeta (in keeping with all felines known throughout history) was actually secretly and covertly the far more aggressive of the two in her moirail relationship, and that the loss of Equius is going to send her into batshit insane vengeance mode?

...I'm just saying, that would be a completely awesome twist. And adequately foreshadowed, too, because Equius never quite struck me as the dangerous type who'd really need a moirail to "pacify" him.

[POS Industries]

This was exactly the most true-to-character way Equius could have died: Getting off on being sadistically dominated by a higher-blooded troll.

Also: (http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=004121)

TC: iF i CoUlD mAkE yOu SmIlE iT'd Be ThE bEsT fUcKiN mIrAcLe I eVeR dId PaRt Of.
TC: hOnK hOnK hOnK! :o)

[Solid Snake]

Also:

EQUIUS: We e%amined my emotional state until we were both bl00 in the face.

[POS Industries]

Also: Equius, the Heir of Void, is now void of air.

[Marc v4.0]

...Is it wrong that I now want the reveal to be that Nepeta (in keeping with all felines known throughout history) was actually secretly and covertly the far more aggressive of the two in her moirail relationship, and that the loss of Equius is going to send her into batshit insane vengeance mode?

...I'm just saying, that would be a completely awesome twist. And adequately foreshadowed, too, because Equius never quite struck me as the dangerous type who'd really need a moirail to "pacify" him.

That would be fantastic, and actually make sense, and I am doubtful it will happen

[Krylo]

Of course it will happen.

Exactly long enough for Nepeta to scratch Gamzee's face and then get murdered.

[Solid Snake]

Of course it will happen.

Exactly long enough for Nepeta to scratch Gamzee's face and then get murdered.

...Damn, yo.

I just realized that at the rate things are going, my three least favorite trolls (Vriska, Eridan, Gamzee, in some order) are going to be the three who survive the longest.

...I think I'm most curious to learn exactly how Aradia is going to respond to all this once she heads back. "Congratulations, you're alive! And everyone else you knew is dead!" (At least she can chat with them?)

[Marc v4.0]

I have a feeling that angry god-jack she is holding in place is going to kill her rather harsh when time runs out, so no worries there

[Krylo]

Whether she gets back kind of depends on whether her time freeze on Jack is a set it and forget it or a maintained thing, doesn't it?

If the latter she's pretty much dead as soon as she breaks it off.

Edit: Niiiiinjaaaaas :argh:

[Archbio]

I just realized that at the rate things are going, my three least favorite trolls (Vriska, Eridan, Gamzee, in some order) are going to be the three who survive the longest.

Three obnoxious characters, plus a character that's pretty much a cypher to the audience at this point (Aradia.)

Joy.

This was exactly the most true-to-character way Equius could have died: Getting off on being sadistically dominated by a higher-blooded troll.

It doesn't make the sequence feel any less sadistic.

[Solid Snake]

It doesn't make the sequence feel any less sadistic.

It's interesting to think about the recent character deaths from a big-picture thematic perspective of the ideals or "lessons" enforced by the narrative, as so far, each and every one of those "morals" is ridiculously grim.

The villains (or anti-heroes, if you buy Hussie's interpretation of Vriska) always win.
The heroes always lose.
You cannot defy fate.
Life is futile and hopeless.
If you are less powerful than your opponent, you might as well not try.
Attempting to confront evil will result in your demise.
If you have been bullied into submission and (literally) been physically handicapped due to said tormenting, you totally deserved it and your tormentor will kick your ass after you've rejected her advances. You're a wuss.
If a crush rejects you, it's her fault and she should die for it, particularly if she's female because women can't make romantic decisions for themselves.
Someone finding the act of being choked to death sexually arousing is somehow funny.

I'm kind of hoping the kids at least bite the trends. If the trolls are just like a precautionary tragic tale for the kids to avoid, I think I could live with that. If this is supposed to actually foreshadow future conflicts arising among the kids that result in them killing each other nonchalantly, well, that's when I probably stop reading Homestuck.

[Kim]

Was mostly enjoying the death trend, cuz I found the deaths enjoyable, but wasn't attached to any troll enough to feel super bad about a death. I liked seeing the good ones die because it was just more interesting, and I did enjoy that it came out of nowhere. However, at this point, I'm not enjoying it as much, not because of anything I dislike about the deaths, but because there've been so damn many of them at this point that they've really ceased to matter. The troll cast was too large for their inevitable deaths to be truly enjoyable.

[Solid Snake]

" THERE ARE BIGGER FUCKING FISH TO FRY, PEOPLE."

Man I'm sure there must be, like, hundreds of really annoying questions on Formspring that Andrew doesn't want to have to deal with questioning his decisions, and many of them are probably worded poorly, but even still, show some goddamned respect for people who support your product by reading your shit, Andrew.

Also, really, stop choosing the most antagonistically-worded hostile criticisms just to make your readers look like assholes so you could wave your superiority complex in our faces. Seriously, I (and I'm sure many others) wrote virtually the exact same question as that poster, only I did so in a way that was actually taciturn and respectful, and in such a manner that you could have feasibly responded to the question asked with courtesy and engage in real discussion.

It's strange that I can love an author's webcomic but hate his blog simultaneously and with such dualistic passion.

[Overcast]

He really doesn't have time for real discussion, and I'm guessing after taking the time to answer so many some odd questions he is becoming steadily more jaded and apathetic to what other people care about since it is his story and they are questioning how he is leading it.

[Solid Snake]

I'm firmly of the belief that remotely decent human beings who happen to be authors, screenwriters, or creators of any sort are actually capable of handling criticism from supportive readers in a constructive, or at least polite, fashion.

If nothing else it's kind of Etiquette 101. The problem with responding exclusively to the "criticisms" that are most idiotic and that portray him in as the pitiable target of unfathomable stupidity is that in doing so he intentionally attempts to typecast all critics of his work into that categorization, while avoiding what could potentially be a frank, honest and open discussion about his creative decision-making.

Or hell, just put everything on lockdown and refuse to answer any questions on formspring until after the product's finished.

Whatever you do, don't treat the people who've made you and your webcomic into an internet success story like a bunch of assholes to be degraded for daring to raise an objection against your impeccable, flawless, untouchable work of untold beauty.
...because sounding like an arrogant and careless douche really only makes Andrew increasingly comparable to the bastard child of Vriska and Eridan.

[PCD]

It's a bit odd to think that, as someone who started out almost entirely writing his stories off the suggestions and ideas of his readers, now he couldn't give less of a shit what anyone thinks of what he's writing but him.

On the one level, I can respect that he has what he wants in mind, and he's working towards it regardless of what others think, because this is a story he's writing as he wants. On another, it's unbelievably aggravating the way he words his responses, to make it feel like he no longer has respect for anyone who's not him, and never concedes on points, because it's more entertaining to chew out the people who have angrier and poorly-worded complaints than thought out ones.

[Overcast]

Though you have to remember that his webcomics have become increasingly more popular the less he has allowed the reader to have a part in the story. Jailbreak was an outright failure, he rectified this a bit with Problem Sleuth, and then outright threw us out in Homestuck. We aren't worth a lot besides being those who appreciate his work, and an artist doesn't need to be a nice person. Most in fact are terrible people, it is how they overcome criticism from people they believe don't actually know what they are talking about.

Now I'm not saying what he is doing is right, but I don't read his foamspring anymore and I'd really advise most people to not do it either. Because I'm only here to read his work and move on, his on a list of a many webcomics I check on a m, w, f basis.

[Krylo]

I'm firmly of the belief that remotely decent human beings who happen to be authors, screenwriters, or creators of any sort are actually capable of handling criticism from supportive readers in a constructive, or at least polite, fashion.

I think the problem is you are assuming that a work enjoyed entirely on the internet and given an unmoderated and mostly anonymous method of communication with the author is going to have rude comments as the exception, as opposed to the rule.

[Specterbane]

I know it's a lot on there, but if you read the "new reader?" page it does well to explain his reasoning behind what he does.

Also, back on topic, Equius died predictably in character. Which is a shame, I think he would've lived if he'd grown out of his obsession over the bloodlines, but THAT'S THE POINT. I'm still thinking this shows that the trolls actually missed the point of the game because of using their psychic powers and other general prowess to power through the game without following the typical path that allows takes then through maturity in their quest.

It seems like trolls are naturally selfish and impatient, so what were seeing could be the natural state of trolls that aren't focused on subjugating other races and planets; hence the need for moirals and that crap. I think that's been pretty well established through any of the troll arcs. As far as it being murder after murder, we didn't see the whole troll adventure to begin with; all of the troll stuff that isn't direct interaction with the kids has been rushed up to this point so why shouldn't this be too? The answer is because it should still be rushed, no matter how much the fans care about the trolls.

[Loyal]

I think the problem is you are assuming that a work enjoyed entirely on the internet and given an unmoderated and mostly anonymous method of communication with the author is going to have rude comments as the exception, as opposed to the rule.The problem is when he lumps the exceptions in with the rule and basically blows off his entire readership in one go.

[Fifthfiend]

~anywun kan dai~

fffffffffffffffffffartz

But no I'm glad that we've clearly established that the small amount of actual character development in the flash game thing was a cheap grab at sympathy before another lazy, unnecessary death, so that it could be completely clear that we're just reading Bleach now.

" THERE ARE BIGGER FUCKING FISH TO FRY, PEOPLE."

Man I'm sure there must be, like, hundreds of really annoying questions on Formspring that Andrew doesn't want to have to deal with questioning his decisions, and many of them are probably worded poorly, but even still, show some goddamned respect for people who support your product by reading your shit, Andrew.

Also, really, stop choosing the most antagonistically-worded hostile criticisms just to make your readers look like assholes so you could wave your superiority complex in our faces. Seriously, I (and I'm sure many others) wrote virtually the exact same question as that poster, only I did so in a way that was actually taciturn and respectful, and in such a manner that you could have feasibly responded to the question asked with courtesy and engage in real discussion.

It's strange that I can love an author's webcomic but hate his blog simultaneously and with such dualistic passion.

Nah anyone who ever made anything you like is an asshole.

Except Stan Lee, that guy is all class.

[Ryong]

So, really, how strong is Gamzee? I'd expect him to be like Equius, incapable of controlling his "immense" strength - except that he's only strong as hell when in his murder mode or whatever - yet he doesn't end up decapitating Equius.

[Fifthfiend]

Gamzee is a Super Trolljin 2, giving him the power of a Super Trolljin 1 Advanced but without sacrificing speed and control.

[Locke cole]

Oh hey he answered my question about the bowstring not breaking.

[Archbio]

Maybe we can have a separate thread for referencing/quoting bile from Picasso over there.

Is it making it hard to enjoy this shit or what.

[Fifthfiend]

Maybe we can have a separate thread for referencing/quoting bile from Picasso over there.

Is it making it hard to enjoy this shit or what.

Ugh yeah it's time for a hosts file update

...I mean it's a shame because it's frequently been a necessary adjunct to Homestuck's poor, unclear storytelling (as with Locke's example above), but if that adjunct is going to keep being MY STORYTELLING IS PERFECT, BITCHES then... nah.

[Kim]

so that it could be completely clear that we're just reading Bleach now.

But nobody dies in Bleach!

Except Stan Lee, that guy is all class.Heroman forevs.

[POS Industries]

Maybe we can have a separate thread for referencing/quoting bile from Picasso over there.

Is it making it hard to enjoy this shit or what.
Yeah, only reader bile allowed in this thread, guys.

[Ryong]

Gamzee is a Super Trolljin 2, giving him the power of a Super Trolljin 1 Advanced but without sacrificing speed and control.

I-I-IMPOSSIBLE!

...Does that make Equius a Super Trolljin 1 Advanced because of his lack of control? Although, I guess he was still rather fast.

But nobody dies in Bleach!

'Course they do, they just have to be villains or fake being villains.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

But nobody dies in Bleach!

Well, that's true. But who says that people who die in Homestuck stay dead. Maybe death is to Homestuck what severed arms (and other body parts, but mostly arms) are to Bleach.

[Kim]

So then it's actually Dragonball Z?

[Specterbane]

Yes, but with far less yelling.

[Pip Boy]

All we need now is a parody of the Lucky Star intro featuring the trolls.

[POS Industries]

Yes, but with far less yelling.
I dunno, dude. I think Karkat gives DBZ a run for its money in the yelling department.

[Specterbane]

I dunno, dude. I think Karkat gives DBZ a run for its money in the yelling department.

You might be right, clearly that's why he's the leader and isn't afraid of Eridan. With all of Gamzee's yelling though he must know he's got competition going on now.

[POS Industries]

You might be right, clearly that's why he's the leader and isn't afraid of Eridan. With all of Gamzee's yelling though he must know he's got competition going on now.
Yeah, but Gamzee only yells half the time.

[Kim]

http://oi55.tinypic.com/a2zv43.jpg

[Donomni]

Was helping NonCon look for an image for that(and was too slow, derp) when I found the solution for the Gamzee Problem:

http://iaza.com/work/110207C/iaza16068364296000.png

[Fifthfiend]

I dunno, dude. I think Karkat gives DBZ a run for its money in the yelling department.

Kakrat

Kakarat

:aaa:

[POS Industries]

:aaa:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/posindustries/facepalm/motherofgod.jpg

[Archbio]

Yeah, only reader bile allowed in this thread, guys.

Unless The Great Picasso registers on NPF!

[Kim]

Don't you know? POS is Andrew Hussie!

[POS Industries]

Don't you know? POS is Andrew Hussie!
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/posindustries/aizen.jpg

[Kim]

http://oi52.tinypic.com/rssxe1.jpg

[POS Industries]

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o159/posindustries/1297113730297.gif

[Archbio]

Don't you know? POS is Andrew Hussie!

http://www.moviesonline.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Cabinet_des_Dr._Caligari__Das-2._Caligari-590x470.jpg

[Kim]

http://oi53.tinypic.com/30svml3.jpg

[Aldurin]

http://oi53.tinypic.com/30svml3.jpg

I'll be ashamed if I'm right, but I assume that's a Digimon? Even though that whole series should have died off already.

And Equius just lost a ton of coolness points with me for dying because he wouldn't defend himself against a "highbl00d". I mean just snap the bowstring and then Gamzee's neck.

[Kim]

It's a Bleach character. You probably deserve a pat on the back or something for not reading it.

[Flarecobra]

http://somethingwentright.com/articles/just-plain-cute/cats/surprised-face-on-cat-video.png

[PCD]

Even though that whole series should have died off already.

You hush.

[Fifthfiend]

I'll be ashamed if I'm right, but I assume that's a Digimon? Even though that whole series should have died off already.

Demonstrable non-knowledge of bleach AND trashing digimon at the same time.

This is like... the Excalibur of posts.

[MuMu]

Did anyone order a dead catgirl?

[stefan]

actually, if we follow the SBaHJ Reference, this is where gamzee absconds.



If we follow it even further, we then must conclude that Nepeta is going to go scope out Karkat's choice ass.

[Bard The 5th LW]

What would be totally awesome is if Gamzee runs, and Nepeta starts stalking him until the critical moment.

But that would be awesome, no I'm not crossing my fingers for it.

[Kim]

If http://oi54.tinypic.com/4utmqh.jpg isn't the next update it will be a sorely missed opportunity.

[Art of Hilt]

I'm completely confident that this will be the most hilarious death sequence in all of Homestuck.
Or the most seriously handled. In all of Homestuck.
No in betweens.

[Ryong]

NonCon, for whatever reason, your swap tag ain't working for me, I had to quote your post to see what was in it.

I'm going with Gamzee's attack against the black king being just a very, very lucky occurrence, more than Vriska's crazy dice roll. If Equius wasn't being a fetishist bastard until the end, I doubt Gamzee would've been able to have even killed him.

[POS Industries]

NonCon, for whatever reason, your swap tag ain't working for me, I had to quote your post to see what was in it.
Goddammit we make these announcements for a reason! (http://www.nuklearforums.com/showthread.php?p=1107021#post1107021)

[Flarecobra]

Course, for all we know, he'll get knocked silly.

But yeah... Goodbye Neptia.

[Locke cole]

HEY... HEY? I heard that there was sone fat ugly nunsack over here who was gogs gift to murders..

[Aldurin]

Demonstrable non-knowledge of bleach AND trashing digimon at the same time.

This is like... the Excalibur of posts.

Why can't I ever do this stuff on purpose?

Also queue Gamzee's scratch marks.

[Arcanum]

Holy crap. Two things: 1. Best strife specibus ever, and 2. Holy shit that's Snowman's Black Inches and the hammer that the robo-bunny has.

[POS Industries]

Welp, for a moment there I was thinking it could maybe go either way with some unforeseen deus ex machina or something outta nowhere, but the element of surprise clearly don't mean shit when you've got Jokerkind.

I mean, for fuck's sake, the Warhammer of Zillyhoo?

[PCD]

The thought process that went through my mind:
1. What? That is cheating. Why would you be able to--
2. Joker=Fool
3. Fool Arcana in Persona games=ALL THE PERSONAS, ALL OF THEM
4. ffffffffffff
5. Profit

[Loyal]

What the shit is he doing with that hammer.

[Flarecobra]

And Karkat's clawscythe?

I get the feeling it's all random what weapons he gets to use.

[Krylo]

Right now? Nothing.

In general? Probably breaking kneecaps or something.

[POS Industries]

The thought process that went through my mind:
1. What? That is cheating. Why would you be able to--
2. Joker=Fool
3. Fool Arcana in Persona games=ALL THE PERSONAS, ALL OF THEM
4. ffffffffffff
5. Profit
You're overthinking it.

Joker's wild.

[Arcanum]

I don't think it's random, since he just willingly retrieved his Deuce Clubs. Edit-- unless you meant it's random which weapons will go into that strife specibus, in which case yeah that seems plausible.

Also it kind of makes sense that he has that hammer, since it looks like something straight out of the Land of Tents and Mirth.

[Bard The 5th LW]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v618/hopelesshallelujah/drawing/expenchar.gif

[Locke cole]

I want to know what kind of character has a third definition of "itchy".

[Bard The 5th LW]

Itchy of course.

[Flarecobra]

Expandable maybe?

[Aldurin]

http://www.formspring.me/mspadventures/q/158879977301894344

That just puts Equius into perspective for me, I never completely realized his purpose was to be the living joke among the trolls.

[Marc v4.0]

http://www.formspring.me/mspadventures/q/158879977301894344

That just puts Equius into perspective for me, I never completely realized his purpose was to be the living joke among the trolls.

The horse beast porn was a huge clue

[Premmy]

I viewed Eridan and Gamzee as "All just a big joke" characters of the series and I guess I was wrong.
I want to know what kind of character has a third definition of "itchy".

"Exfoliating Character"
"encrusted Character"
"Eczema Character"

[POS Industries]

And now I guess we're back to John.

[Aldurin]

I was expecting green blood to fly, but that works too.

[Arcanum]

I'm tempted to make Gamzee's face in this (http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=005356) my avatar but I think we have enough people with Gamzee avatars already. Still if that face doesn't scream "psychopath" I don't know what does.

[Aldurin]

Do it, everyone should have a psycho Gamzee avatar.

[Locke cole]

Hey. He's back to blurry hero mode antics.

edit: I wonder if I count. Technically it's lovably stoned gamzee, but with an insane Gamzee quote.

[Ryong]

I figured Nepeta would be a bit less prone to shock what with all the creatures she has hunted before the game even started but no, she draws the line at crazy psycho, apparently.

Also, I now finally have a Homestuck avatar.

[Specterbane]

Gamzee just snatched her claws mid pounce and then scratched his own face with them to draw blood. I don't think there are any animals that do that while being hunted, but Alteria's really screwy so who knows.

[Ryong]

Yes, but, again, she has fought a lot of things. I'd guess it takes a LOT to actually shock her in combat enough to stun her.

Edit: And "you just killed my moirail" rage should increase such shock resistance, too, I guess.

[Loyal]

Even if she lost her nerve to fight, she could flee or something. At the very least she shouldn't be shocked into sitting stupidly on the ground.

[Archbio]

Maybe the black (http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=005340) "star" (http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=005341) effect (http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=005357) is supposed to represent some kind of psychic power being used. Altough I was under the impression tha the nobz weren't so much about psychic powers.

It's probably just what it seems to be; bullshit plot power.

[Dracorion]

Maybe it's his Rage powers doing... something.

[Loyal]

Maybe the black (http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=005340) "star" (http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=005341) effect (http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=005357) is supposed to represent some kind of psychic power being used. Altough I was under the impression tha the nobz weren't so much about psychic powers.

It's probably just what it seems to be; bullshit plot power.

I thought it was supposed to be some sort of "tunnel vision" effect to remind us that Homestuck is now a slasher story and Gamzee is a for-serious Jason Vorhees type stalking murderer.

[POS Industries]

Also one goddamn tree out in the middle of nowhere and WV and John somehow manage to hit it.

[Loyal]

He may be a god-tier superman with flight and stuff, but he's still thirteen and he still took his dad's favorite car out for a joyride.

[POS Industries]

That's his car. He's a man, now. The note said so.

[Dracorion]

Exactly.

It's his fucking car and he can crash it if he wants to.

[POS Industries]

All part of becoming a man!

[Aldurin]

I think this is one of the best weeks of of reading Homestuck update-by-update so far. I mean it's flip-flopping between the best character pairing in the human session and a survival-horror scenario for the trolls.

[Pip Boy]

Im also having fewer and fewer problems with the confusingly large number of trolls because they appear to be dropping like flies.

[synkr0nized]

the confusingly large number of trolls

I lol'd.

Really? Like, that was an honest post?

[Menarker]

Actually to be honest, I was confused by the number of trolls as well. It took me a while to figure them out.

It kinda vary from person to person I guess. ^^; My memory is slightly like Mr.Burns not remembering Homer Simpson regardless of being his employer for several years and frequent interactions.

It was most confusing when we only knew them by their identifying trollian tags and their text color and not their faces or other features.

[rpgdemon]

Even if she lost her nerve to fight, she could flee or something. At the very least she shouldn't be shocked into sitting stupidly on the ground.

I had just assumed that she was thrown into the ground forcefully and knocked out from concussive shock. Hence everything getting blurrier and blurrier.

[Karrrrrrrrrrrresche]

SON.

IF YOU ARE READING THIS, IT MEANS YOU HAVE CRASHED MY CAR INTO A TREE SCANT MOMENTS AFTER RECEIVING THIS WALLET. YOU HAVE TRULY FAILED TO BE AN ADULT MAN.

PLACE THE WALLET ON THE GROUND, AND WALK AWAY.

I AM SO, VERY DISAPPOINTED.

[Locke cole]

SON.

IF YOU ARE READING THIS SIDE OF THE CARD, YOU HAVE LEARNED TO NEVER GIVE UP HOPE THAT THERE IS AN OUT, EVEN WHEN THINGS SEEM BLEAKEST.

PICK UP THE WALLET ONCE MORE.

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU.

[Loyal]

I had just assumed that she was thrown into the ground forcefully and knocked out from concussive shock. Hence everything getting blurrier and blurrier.

Completely absurd. (http://mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=005357)

[Ryong]

This update was...Very, very good. That is all.

[Viridis]

Glad to see the characters acknowledge they skipped the emotional growth. I always wondered a lot about that aspect of the game.

[Locke cole]

D-Dammit, Vriska. Why do you have to be showing all this emotional growth and regret and stuff?

Why do you have to be a confused teenager who's actually showing remorse?

Why do you have to make it hard to just hate you?

[Dracorion]

...

Fffffffffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-

[MuMu]

I actually like this Vriska update. And I would desire more of them.

[katiuska]

Glad to see the characters acknowledge they skipped the emotional growth. I always wondered a lot about that aspect of the game.

We always suspected.

I don't think I assumed that part of that emotional growth involved killing each other (if Vriska is correct), but in retrospect, given everything we know about troll culture, I don't know why not.

[Art of Hilt]

This is one of the better updates in a long while.
Required listening. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLMvAVyhm0c)

[Aldurin]

Sorry Jon, your parents are in another castle.

[rpgdemon]

Completely absurd. (http://mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=005357)

That, um, doesn't really prove anything. He was lazy and didn't draw a background? I mean, she's obviously not floating in a bunch of black voidey space, so presumably there's ground that she hit beneath her.

[Krylo]

D-Dammit, Vriska. Why do you have to be showing all this emotional growth and regret and stuff?

Why do you have to be a confused teenager who's actually showing remorse?

Why do you have to make it hard to just hate you?
She's just saying all the stuff that Terezi already spelled out about her ages ago.

[Pip Boy]

I was totally right about Vriska being soft, warm, and buttery deep down inside. Take that all o' yalls.

[Fifthfiend]

Homestuck, the internet's best measure of people's ability to empathize with narcissistic sociopaths.

She ~feels bad~ a bloo bloo bloo bloo bloo

[Kim]

SHE WAS A NOBLE VRISKA ALL ALONG

Anyone wanna take bets on how long until she dies now?

[Fifthfiend]

Anyone wanna take bets on how long until she dies now?

Like never.

She's the Darling, see.

[Pip Boy]

Anyone wanna take bets on how long until she dies now?

tC: Honk!

[Solid Snake]

Homestuck, the internet's best measure of people's ability to empathize with narcissistic sociopaths.

She ~feels bad~ a bloo bloo bloo bloo bloo

I am reasonably certain that most (or at least, most reasonable) Homestuck readers feel little sympathy for Vriska and dislike her. She's certainly still a polarizing figure, and rightfully so.

...Actually, to be blunt, I'm even more surprised by John's reaction to Vriska's confession, rather than Vriska's confession itself. Her doubts feel somewhat natural, but his empathy for a killer (even a presumably repentant one) seems...ugggggggghhhh.

I swear if this is leading to a John / Vriska shipfest I will gouge my eyes out.

[Fifthfiend]

ugggggggghhhh.

Yeah this too.

I am reasonably certain that most (or at least, most reasonable) Homestuck readers feel little sympathy for Vriska and dislike her.

I have significant reservations regarding this hypothesis.

[Solid Snake]

Yeah this too.

I think the reason why I simultaneously ship John x Rose and Kanaya x Rose as only two ships isn't so much because I think Rose is a spectacular person or anything, or even because I'm necessarily much of a shipper, or even because I'm a fan of polyamory, but really, I just do not want either Kanaya or John settling down with Vriska in any way, shape or form. If either of those possibilities happen I will cry out in agony.

EDIT: Although if Vamp!Kanaya decides to take a bite of Vriska in a seductive manner and make her life miserable, I guess I could settle for that, that wouldn't bother me much.

EDIT2:

I have significant reservations regarding this hypothesis.

...The reason why Hussie has to go out of his way on formspring and in updates to defend Vriska so intently is largely because a reasonable number of readers have challenged him on writing her into his own personal beloved Mary Sue who gets away with anything due to her inherent plot-bending powers.
...If everyone loved Vriska as much as he did, his angry meta moment with his avatar "possessed by Vriska" while enjoying a Neverending Story moment probably never would have happened.

[Kim]

Midway through this conversation Eridan will shoot Vriska in the back with his science wand, instantly killing her, then a Nic Cage x Vriska montage will play as John mourns her death.

[Loyal]

That, um, doesn't really prove anything. He was lazy and didn't draw a background? I mean, she's obviously not floating in a bunch of black voidey space, so presumably there's ground that she hit beneath her.I wasn't pointing to the ground or lack thereof so much as I was pointing to her being perfectly conscious and in a state of fear. She wasn't knocked out or anything of the sort.

[Pip Boy]

Somehow I feel that the sudden shift of focus back onto Vriska, who is now suddenly less of a psychotic bitch, is the start of a buildup to Vriska vs Gamzee.

[Arcanum]

Vriska will try to gank Gamzee's luck, but then this will happen. (http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=003227)

Also I love this chat log. Not because it shows Vriska regretting murdering Tavros, or because of John's understandable (and even predictable) reaction to her confession. No I love this log because it gives a perfectly clear look at how troll society really is, and just how different most of the trolls really are from the norm of their society.

[A Zarkin' Frood]

I always loved Vriska and today's update didn't change that..
That is all.

[Art of Hilt]

I think the reason why I simultaneously ship John x Rose and Kanaya x Rose as only two ships isn't so much because I think Rose is a spectacular person or anything, or even because I'm necessarily much of a shipper, or even because I'm a fan of polyamory, but really, I just do not want either Kanaya or John settling down with Vriska in any way, shape or form. If either of those possibilities happen I will cry out in agony.

You don't have to worry about that, John will obviously end up with Aradia.
I say this even though they have never had a single conversation in the entire story because, oh my gosh you guys, they have the same laptop! OTP.

Also they're both god tiers.
Is it perfect or is it perfect, y/y

[Locke cole]

It's really odd. I really don't know what to think of Vriksa after this update. It'd certainly be simple to keep hating her with a passion, as I have for so much of the comic, but that's kind of an irresponsible route to go down, as she's being shown to be something other than just a one-note murderous 8itch.

Probably the oddest part of her little feelings jam with John here is that killing Tavros isn't what's got her freaked out the most. She's freaked because she's freaked about killing Tavros, and that isn't supposed to happen.

...this was a lot easier when Vriska had no remotely redeeming qualities.

[Arcanum]

Sudden realization!

Feeling Jam Sessions lead to death! Feferi and Kanaya died after they talked about Sollux's feelings. Sollux was spared because he didn't really want to talk about his feelings, and was only knocked out (and possible blinded). Also Kanaya was revived because she was only partially involved in the Feeling Jam Session. Then Equius (and most likely Nepeta too) were killed after their Feeling Jam Session. Next is Vriska!! And John is immune because he is a human and not a troll. It all makes sense now!

/crazy theory

[Art of Hilt]

Alright put up your bets
In the next update when we finally see Vriska's eyes, will she be:

* Crying so hard that it stains the floor blue
* Have a just as keikaku glint in her eyes