hkmaly

I see what was Magus's mistake which shattered the diamond: he used both hands. Elliot used just one previously. Yes, that's been obvious to me since the moment Magus convinced Sirleck to help. Right after stating that he needed to find a low-profile new host, Magus stated with considerable emphasis that Magus himself was the ultimate in "low-profile". Combine that with him being young and a powerful wizard, and that's pretty much the ultimate windfall for Sirleck. Raven might have been even better, with being an elf in addition to a powerful wizard, but he's very much not low-profile and taking him could be much trickier. Raven would be definitely OPPOSITE of low-profile before Pandora's death, being someone who is likely to be visited by powerful immortal quick to anger. Even WITH Pandora being dead - or if you take into account Sirleck didn't known it was Pandora - Raven was known by lot of powerful people, including Edward and Noriko. Also, yes, totally would expect Raven wouldn't let himself be taken. He MIGHT only phrase it bad without realizing it, but yes, maybe he's not that stupid and it was intentional ... As if the hair color wouldn't be enough. I think Magus's magic requires some concentration and experience to use, so no, Elliot would probably only learn to use it much later. Abraham is confirmed wizard (by Adrian) ; Noriko is definitely confirmed wizard (by Pandora) ; Susan is NOT a wizard ; her fairy is result of mixing Nanase's and her magic, similarly how Ellen copied Nanase's guardian form. ... also that.

I believe you, but note that the links are not working. Also, this being on facebook explains why this is first time I hear about it.

http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=2467 Ok. So we will need to wait after TEDD will get that information about her family ... not surprised. ... also, are we sure Tedd is not able to directly observe that magic did indeed changed a little? Finally, spells still working won't tell us anything, but I WOULD be interested in what exactly are news reporting about Pandora and her world-wide spell.

... yeah, there could be pretty bad options as "final form" ... they were lucky.

True, but that doesn't necessarily mean he has access to her conscious memories. At any rate if Sirleck does have access to all of Ellen's memories, that makes his possession of her even more creepy. Strategically speaking it also makes it rather important that he's killed off quickly, as in this case he knows far too much about the Main Eight - not to mention all the government secrets Mr. Verres is counting on the Eight to keep quiet about. (There's also the emotional impact it could have on Ellen to know that her violator is still out there, but that will be an issue even if he doesn't have access to her memories.) Having access is not the same as knowing everything. He may not remember stuff he didn't though about looking inside those memories. However, information about the PTTAOLUTASF? That's something he WOULD look at. On the other hand, just the possibility of him knowing some secret might make him target to DGB ... that "Ellen will be OK" protection against her powerful friends might not be enough ... Hmmm ... it's true there was no proof of it yet, and Magus knows so much about Elliot from observing him it would be hard to notice it ... So, there is just the indirect argument of no reason why he shouldn't, and that's pretty weak ...

How many elves live in Moperville? Magus found out Mr. Raven was Pandora's son back in Sister II, long before Voltaire made his phone call to Sirleck in So a Date at the Mall. Only one, but Magus doesn't know it, as he does know they are targeting an Elf. Very good question. Ooh, possibly a wand of transforming people. Possibly something that Ashley might pick up. Now, would an older artifact be capable of influencing it's wielder (as depicted in fantasy literature and media, such as the One Ring, Stormbringer, Death Note, Hand of Vecna and the Holy Hand Grenade)? If so, would it be able to influence the Ashley to use it, someone who is probably closer to a Lawful Good Paladin in terms of personal code than Elliot is, despite her inner fantasy life being more Chaotic Good with Neutral tendencies (hmm, Bugs Bunnyish perhaps, the Karmic Trickster - warning, link to TV Tropes, browse at your own risk). And finally, what if said wand transformed people with a ticking clock such that you must change back before the change becomes permanent? Best make sure said wand doesn't fall into the wrong Seer's hands. Just a thought. Hmmmm ... Probably the fight with vampires lasted longer than it looked. Yes. Note that Pandora was aware of vampires before anything happened ; it's possible that so were Helena and Demetrius.

Unlikely. Pandora didn't even KNEW about the possibility of magic reset when she last talked to Magus (no, I don't think she talked to him again after Egypt ; I think she was VERY busy then). Also, I think her "borderline psychic" is overstatement. It may seem that way to mortals, but I don't think she's actually able to predict future, and the magic reset seems like something which would be hard to predict. Seems possible she is able to see them. Magus himself didn't knew the elf being targeted is Adrian. He wouldn't risk it AND neither would Sirleck if Magus told him. Even if it's actually possible to destroy fairy more permanently than with forced reset, I don't think Magus have that kind of power.

Has there been anything to indicate either of them have access to any of the memories of their hosts? I've been assuming that they don't. Sirleck is definitely using Ellen's muscle memory.

Tom's referring to the comic where Sirleck feels Ellen's pulse elevated after Magus revealed that he was the reason she exists. It suggests that Ellen is still somehow aware of everything. Oh. That one yes. Still doesn't mean Ellen won't be blacking out ... on the other hand, we are getting close to point where this either causes something or turn into red herring.

Did anyone actually thought otherwise? I was under the impression it was obvious since Sirleck agreed to the plan. I would think so as well, but there were people claiming he's planning to possess Adrian at that time ... I can just see Abraham hitting it with a crystal-shattering spell, but it doesn't work on a crystal-over-wood construct. Next, he uses a fire hot enough to burn diamond (the only flammable precious gem) but the actual crystal is not diamond and not flammable and protects the wood core... ... only flamable? Was this theory tested properly? Well Magus is going to modify the "diamond's" effect, my guess is he wants to ensure that it's him that gets bound to the duplicate body and not another copy of Elliot, maybe Pandora expected that his magic will make the "diamond" become unstable? Hmmm, that would make sense. Oh my. If that were true... if the suppressed magic of an artifact was the real reason Abraham's spell was off, that would be interesting enough, something that might make Abraham less likely to to blame himself, but if that were true, the Dewitchery Diamond is a suppressed artifact, there is no way of knowing what will happen now when Magus tries to cast his spell, but I am betting it will be a big surprise all around. Tempting, but I think Abraham was really that inexperienced. (That doesn't mean the diamond ISN'T artifact from previous magic system - just that I don't think it was reason why Abraham's spell was off. Magic from previous systems should be inert at that time ...)

Do we know that she herself chose to search for a way for Elliot to change back sooner? Or could Magus have given her the desire to help Elliot? He couldn't GIVE her that desire as that's not how his powers work. He could've amplified it. ... which comic? Ellen is not present in last panel of comics from march 12th, which is what this thread is for.

So, Adrian's idea of selling it to pay someone more skilled to fix Abraham's cursed noble friend would not work? And Ashley TRIED to warn them. I hope Magus will manage to get his body and troubles will only start afterwards ... ... why should the "diamond" shatter? It survived previous divisions just fine ... and what will Abraham say about that? Will he stops getting "stoned"? BTW, anyone who still doesn't think Sirleck plans to possess Magus should look at Ellen's face in panel six.

Magus admitted to influencing Grace into searching for info about the diamond. So Grace was just as much an unknowing pawn in the place as Tedd was in originally zapping Elliot. He didn't admitted to it specifically, but yes it seems likely. Anyway, Grace was only able to tell Tedd and Elliot because she READ that info when already looking for solution. And Edward? If he would be willing to risk his own son in plan to catch Sirleck, he would planned it REALLY well ... and Sirleck would be caught. He probably doesn't really care about his niece's relationships. ... if THAT was plan, it backfired almost as much as Pandora's plan to give HER son opportunity to fight. No, Edward wasn't involved at all (and was surprised by it so much he broke a pencil) and Grace was just pawn.

Also note that Magus likely now can remember Elliot being there from Elliot ... and, actually, Sirleck from Ellen. Maybe he would, but he didn't. He directly said this isn't like when I bribed that guard ... that clearly implies he didn't bribed him this time.

http://www.egscomics.com/index.php?id=2469 Damn. Seems neither Dan nor Magus wants the creepily calm Ashley with the ability to calm others. I was looking forward to her. It might not even complicate her relationship with Elliot much - the calm Ashley would definitely understand what is necessary. Wait. Actually, this sounds dangerously close to her committing suicide. Ok, maybe it IS better to not have her. Aaand, neither got the idea of leaving Ashley in the car. For some reason they want her there. Even in panic. Hmmmm ... PS: Ashley, this is NOT calm ... well, at least she didn't do anything stupid yet.

I don't think the Diamond will create more that one body on one touch. On the other hand, there is still option for the hot potato scenario - I mean, Elliot might transform for fight, then touch the diamond. Wait. Elliot would transform in cheerleadra in such case, not into Ellen ... hmmm ... what about Dewitchery Diamond splitting Magus and Elliot in FV5 form (still transformed by Ellen), THEN Elliot touches it again? THAT would be second Ellen. ... ok, doesn't make much sense ... on the other hand, it's true that we don't know what the diamond does with two enchantments. ... assuming it IS two enchantments. Maybe Elliot counts as being under just one enchantment. Magus WAS worried about Ashley, so he might make sure about that. Not sure if Ashley getting transformed by some artifact is new. If it is, we really overlooked the obvious. However, Ashley somehow counting as second Ellen would definitely be new theory.

I can't imagine kid wanting medication themselves ... teenager maybe, but kid? Luckily, we don't have that kind of advertisement. Yet. Hard to explain that to some parents. Yes. Exactly. Also, you provided example of case where antipsychotics are overprescribed. For SEVER YEARS. I'm sure there are other cases where people are getting antidepressants not just for nothing, but for something which was misdiagnosed and antidepressants doesn't really help with that. Hundreds? How many doctors could be in that district? And how many parents thinks their child is somewhat too energetic and maybe little disadvantaged for not having the mental disorder stamp (note that being diagnosed with ADHD doesn't just mean getting meds, but might also change how the teachers are grading the kid) so they jump at the opportunity? Even better than ADHD are the problems which have no meds for: like, someone being diagnosed as being light dysgraphic is clear advantage for everyone: kid will stop getting bad grades for writing like doctor, school will get money ... doesn't matter if the kid actually IS or ISN'T dysgraphic. Dyscalculia will be even more popular, lot of kids hate math. Also, again: it's likely both issue are at work here.

On the other hand, alternative was that Rhoda would win and fun would be over. Also, well, if she would be paying attention, she would know in advance she wouldn't be able to take any space AND that Rhoda - oh, wait, the card text is as surprise for other players as for us, isn't it? Probably. That or she isn't thinking strategically. If that would be Ashley, the second option would be quite likely. Possibly Dan forgot. Happens to all of us. Confirmed in comics, she has all physical cards - I suppose it wasn't there when you looked? Not that much. You are unlikely to have usable cards to take a three space multiple times in row anyway. Well ... Susan rolling like that is 1/9 and 5/36, Ashley can't replace her cards so if she lands on another free space she's stuck and she can't take two-space BUT she can take Susans or Catalinas one-space (rolling 2, 4 or 10), but counting Rhoda and Catalina would be harder, we know little of what they can do.

It's SECOND FLOOR and Ashley don't have ASMA training. Stepping through second floor window might seem risky to her. Why would Cheerleadra have a hard time getting home? ... on the other hand, maybe flying home holding both Ashley and Ellen would be hard for her. Still better than the cat form. I don't think the knowledge which made them illegible was SO detailed it would tell them old magic artefacts starts working again. That seem to be something magic didn't considered necessary to say until it happened ...

I wouldn't be surprised. However, I also though that it's possible in US. Seeing one person with ADD/ADHD who needs those meds to function doesn't mean everyone taking them really needs them. In ideal world, doctors would responsibly and reliably evaluate patient's condition and prescribe the meds based on that. In our world, not every doctor is responsible and even the ones who are might misdiagnose psychiatric condition. It's weird how the consumption of drugs rises; there should be some reason why our generation needs so much of them while the previous lived fine with less, shouldn't it? (In reality, there is likely SEVERAL reasons, combined with fact that the previous generations might not live as fine.)

Actually... no. Dan himself stated that Sirleck avoided it due to being on another plane while possessing Ellen. When between possessions Sirleck enters the physical plane and becomes visible as well as vulnerable to effects on that plane. He is safe from such effects as long as he is possessing someone. Did he? Where?

Exactly. No cars is OPPOSITE of what I would expect. Even if something would ate the guard the car would still be there. Sirleck seem to only pay attention to Magus, and Magus was busy wondering why most of those artefacts seem more dangerous than expected. Hmmm ... true. Just because Arthur would tell him he should stay on place until reinforcements arrive doesn't mean the guard didn't evaluated the situation differently. Also possible alternatives. And obviously, there is also variant to the first: artifact came to life, guard investigated, artifact posessed the guard and drove away with his car. That would be logical answer in Europe, but I suspect Americans don't do things like that. At least not when facility which is still top secret is involved.

Because antidepressants have nothing whatsoever to do with happiness. That is sheer superstition. My point was supposed to be that it's superstition shared by quite lot of people buying them.

Sirleck might have avoided the spell due to being on another plane of existence, so other body snatchers might have also avoided it, any that had prominent figures as hosts would be able to continue undetected, the question would be if any aberrations themselves became prominent figures. But as you say that's less likely. Sirleck didn't avoided the spell due to being on another plane of existence. He avoided it due to being on road in middle of nowhere safely outside range of any immortal. Of course, other body snatchers might also travel at that time.

... which suggests that getting real results was not in interest of people presenting the survey. Also, seriously, just because something makes Danes happy doesn't mean it will make Americans happy as well. ... advertise strategies appealing to the unhappy? What about looking at how many anti-depressives is sold directly?