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The fact that Magus wants to be able to explain the situation in case Elliot doesn't remember the whole thing, and I guess this might be confirmation that Ellen won't remember being possessed by Sirleck, gives more evidence that Magus is a good guy just trying to get out of a bad situation. Or at least that he THINKS he's good guy ... but I though we already knew that. Perhaps. It is canon that Magus hasn't driven a car in three years or so. But if Sirleck is driving, he can't suddenly attack without wrecking the car, can he? I would expect Sirleck wasn't driving much in last three years either because he had driver. On the other hand, perhaps Magus is not aware of it ; Magus might just ASSUME Sirleck is better driver and Sirleck is confident enough to let him think that. No cars, and yet they have modern-style neckties and shirt collars. Well, maybe. They can have something similar to cars but different enough to the driving experience not working properly. Some literal carriages without horses perhaps. Or they simply drive on other side of road. On the other hand, Voltaire's plan might easily RAISE chance of Elliot's survival ... I mean,we know so little about his plan we don't know if it will raise or lower chance of Elliot, Ashley and Ellen's survival. However, we know that he won't do anything with intent of Elliot getting killed. The effect might be similar, but this one isn't nearly as fuzzy. Well it's obviously inferior, yes. Well, I wouldn't object to him instead tying/binding Ashley, but that might get the tone out of hand in different direction than dark However, if Magus is inexperienced in exposition, he may WANT Ashley to ask questions if something is not clear to her. Not only explanation but it is explanation I like. I already noted that it make no sense for Sirleck to spend so much time and money to create distraction and then attack BEFORE the distraction is activated - so, at the point of Ellen entering the house, the vampires must already been attacking.

Perhaps I should rephrase: between the mess he made when he left the museum they where keeping him in, the fact that he told Adrian about his stone slumber, if only in passing (Adrian mentions having talked to Agent Wolf, probably a debriefing of some kind), and the fact that Mr. Verres has a spell to analyze this kind of thing (and, as mentioned by Adrian, Wolf is a wizard, so he could have that spell), it is a virtual certainty that they know he will wake up the next time the diamond is used. The fact that the diamond usually creates monsters should also be within their grasp, so the logical thing to do would be to keep him far enough away that they can stop him from murdering innocents, but close enough to provide assistance if it is a monster. Abraham changed inscription and attitude, but I wouldn't be so sure that DGB will believe it. Even if Abraham means it sincerely, DGB may not want to leave the choice on him. I am sure they don't return him back to museum. I think he will be kept in the cell (they may not be ABLE to transport him out, after all) or somewhere more secure than where diamond used to be. It IS possible that the diamond was moved to the same facility or near, though ... Note that it's ABRAHAM who though the diamond usually creates monsters. DGB may have different opinion ... especially considering the diamond didn't produced ANYTHING for quite a long time. I can't tell if you're joking. https://egscomics.tumblr.com/post/167434179048/who-has-two-thumbs-and-accidentally-posted-the I think Abraham will take more care in determining if the diamond had created a monster next time, when he first learned about the nature of Ellen, he rhymed off a number of reasons for her to exist and even stated that she wasn't a monster, it was the fact that he couldn't differentiate his promise to protect people and killing the monsters created by the diamond that he was determined that she still had to die. After Nanase made it clear to him what the difference was, he'll want to make certain he doesn't make the same mistakes. That's not exactly answer Well ... considering how successful he was with the diamond, he may not exactly be expert in this ... AND I'm not sure he already learned enough to lose his dangerous confidence in own abilities.

That was my first thought as well, but it partially depends on what interpretation of "ditzy" Dan/Hanma is using here. She could be easily distracted and perhaps talk in a stereotypical "ditzy" manner without actually having reduced intelligence or being dangerously absent minded. Even just being easily distracted can affect your strategy.

Not if everything will go by Magus's plan. Yes if everything will go by Sirleck's plan. In most likely case - meaning, Sirleck will execute his plan but will not succeed - hard to say. Note that I expect Ashley WILL be hit with sleep again later ...

Hmmm ... is the Ditzy card strong enough to offset the strategy mistakes player makes under it's influence?

... ok. The variant that Magus will WANT someone to remember and goes so far as to take ASHLEY with them was definitely not something I would expect. (The explanation in commentary makes sense - yes, we need someone Magus will explain things to - but the in-story reason was too weak to predict.) Hmmm ... is Sirleck better at driving than Magus? Maybe they don't have cars in Magus's home dimension? Also, doesn't seem ELLEN will remember enough to work as witness. BTW, Alshey is FINALLY asking something - not like when with Nanase. ... is the Calm spell similar to the Serenity spell Jerry used?

Considering all he was interested in was the secretary DANCING ... oh, wait, different meaning of "sex". In his defense, he might ACTUALLY be that old. Probably "nothing" and "not really interested". His mistake. Probably Nanase. I think the story will be complicated enough even WITHOUT this. Also, I think that for story reasons, Magus WILL get his own body.

The same thing he gained from keeping the janitor alive - whatever that is. Might be Magus. Or, as explained in following, leaving her dead could be more suspicious than leaving her alive. I already mentioned that this "remember everything" may NOT be the case. In fact, if the hosts remembers everything, body snatchers would be so easy to find they would choose to be different type of aberration instead - one which kills the victim directly. Trail of dead bodies as trail of dead bodies. Exactly, trail of dead bodies is very unstealthy, and even in case of Ellen it might be easily more dangerous than leaving her alive, because it will provide additional incentive for her friends - which, as he KNOWS, include immortals - to go after him. Both "killing by new host" and "killing by possession-specific method which can be identified by DGB" could make the trail even easier to follow. So, the butler will wake up from possession, last think he remembers is seeing the old man falling down ... are you SURE the first thing he does would be to go to police and ask if he's wanted for murder? It might be in his best interest to make as good alibi as he can and never speak about anything suspicious. Again, investigation which finds the old man dead AND his butler dead shortly afterwards might create more suspicion than the butler being alive and just returning from vacation.

Seems likely. Voltaire might get a real surprise there. Perhaps Tedd will be able to change magic for Immortals. Or, maybe, do a magic change so big immortals would be forced to change their law to adapt. Dan already apologized for the error. Sounds plausible. Considering his previous behaviour and the fact he avoided interrogation, they might not believe his intentions OR judgement. He MIGHT be placed near the diamond if it was moved to higher security building, however I don't think he is unguarded. If he appears without DGB agent behind him, I would question if DGB is qualified to guard even NON-enchanted diamonds. I think it's pretty well proven that Elliot has the ability to transform himself from other forms to his normal male form. (If not directly, then use one of his female-transformation spells and then revert to male.) No. The spells may stack. Elliot is not generally capable of undo any transformation by using his female transformation spell AND he is SPECIFICALLY not able to undo TF-gun or TG-gun mimicking enchantments. Even changing to cheerleadra will not undo FV5, he would just become FV5 cheerleadra.

No, both legs are Ashley's, look again at the previous image. And behind them it's the brand new hair Rhoda got when transformed to Golden Cheerleader. And presumably some other part of her body, hand or leg.

Pandora is not wizard, so this wouldn't match the explanation

Because he was in jail. Yes, and he may STILL be in that jail. I think he is considered more dangerous than the diamond. Well, that could have just been a joke at the time. But retconning, perhaps, the real security could have been magical wards which the bribed guard took down. Having missing windows could be intentional, making the place look deserted. Nothing important going on here, nossiree. Did he also somehow made sure Tedd has access to the facility AND then informed him about it? No, I think it really was low security, although maybe not AS low as it seemed. He might possess the guard ... That would fit with Ellen(Sirleck) just getting home a moment ago if several hours had passed since the end of school, might even explain the rush Ellen(Sirleck) was in to get Nanase the message and leave, oh wait, It was a 3 hour trip to the facility...although was that 3 hours round trip, or 3 hours there, 3 back for a total of 6 hours? 3 hours round trip might be doable, or maybe Sirleck moved it closer while possessing the butler? ... between possessing the butler and possessing Francine. I think he's only talking to Ashley, but referring to both Elliot and Ellen being returned unharmed. Possible, or he is talking to Elliot - like, not really expecting answer, as he's controlling him so he actually talks to himself ... I think that if diamond will be destroyed Abraham will never un-stone himself again. Yes ; possessing Raven, even based on what Sirleck knows, sounds extremely risky. (Based on what we now it's really painful method of suicide.) Yes ; Sirleck thinks he can take over Magus, but what does he knows about his abilities? And he's DEFINITELY underestimating main eight. Ellen might say that; Sirleck wouldn't. Justin, George or Tensaided would say that, but I'm not sure Ellen would. Meanwhile, who knows, Sirleck might like Star Wars. Yes, but such hosts are rarely multi billionaires. Which is why I think Sirleck is carefully keeping his position of 105th wealthiest person just to not get into top 100 or something similar. That would only work assuming Magus doesn't have some anti-astral spell which would kill Sirleck while keeping Ellen unharmed. I'm pretty sure Pandora would be able to do that. Well the idea is for him to keep Ellen until Magus gets to the diamond. Obviously, neither of them wants this phase to take too long, as until Ellen and Elliot are found, they can be sure they will be followed (THEY think it will be just Edward, Helena and Demetrius. WE have reason to assume it would be Edward, Wolf, Cranium, whole main 8, Raven, Pandora, Jerry, Helena and Demetrius.) Meanwhile, using the diamond would activate Abraham. Sounds less dangerous than the first group, doesn't it? Magus and Sirleck might assume Abraham will be kept in prison and the others will stop following them after finding Ellen and Elliot. Personally, I don't think that would happen ... I still think Magus is naive and doesn't expect Sirleck to attack him. For him, leaving Abraham alive would prove to be unexpectedly good idea just like when Frodo let Gollum alive ... As far as we know, Elliot doesn't have the correct spells. Magus however might. No, he never planned to have any vampires as personal guard. However, he also didn't planned to piss off Pandora. I think you underestimate the "complicated" part of plan CM. This is only supposed to get rid of Pandora and make Tedd choose incorrectly whatever he will be choosing on reset. The reset itself is supposed to make the change. Would be funny if Dan would be like "I've got this overly complicated way to explain it but hey, someone reminded me Ellen has blonde spell, that will work much easier".

The strategy with vampires always sort of was to let Helena and Demetrius destroy them. Sirleck might not even HAVE way to stop them, if he does, he's not telling Magus. Naive Magus is, yes. The facility diamond used to be in REALLY had minimal security. Even windows were missing. Of course, it IS possible they moved it somewhere more secure now ... ... seriously ...? Agree. As opposed to just stealing another body without anyone else around, especially two people with dangerous powers. Well, Sirleck has been stupid enough to target an Immortal's son and think he would get away with it, so, okay, maybe. Another body wouldn't be wizard. Sirleck wants the unique opportunity to possess wizard who has noone who would be looking for him. I think claiming Raven would be risky even if weakened by vampires. But maybe Sirleck thinks it's worth the try. In which case, not sure how he convinces Magus to go near. Unless his plan is to go for the diamond, THEN possess Magus and THEN go for Raven, to give vampires enough time to weaken him. No. It's not like he could give the vampires Ellen's phone so they can contact him. No. You can smell it clearly. If he would know Pandora is Raven's mother he would shit himself. What do you mean "like"? He is definitely watching them after Pandora explained him how important it is. EDIT: Another possibility: What if Sirleck ALREADY stole the diamond and put him somewhere near? Magus couldn't do it because he lacks body, but Sirleck DO have body. Several of them during the course of action actually. The diamond could already be in Ellen's car.

Well, gentleman would catch her, but I don't think she will hurt herself too much falling to sleep on flat floor. ... or did you though about vampires possibly visiting? Or Sirleck? More like "as little harm as possible", but at least something. Well see what Wednesday brings, but the fact that Sirleck didn't immediately jump to Magus(Elliot) might mean that Sirleck's waiting for Magus to touch the diamond. So that would rule out the idea of Ellen being left unconscious with Ashley. Again though it might change on Wednesday. Sirleck may also just wait for Magus not paying attention, but yes, waiting for touching the diamond would be safer - Magus doesn't have anyone who knows him, but Elliot does ; and who knows what would the diamond do when Elliot would touch him possessed by Sirleck. Still, they MIGHT leave Ellen here. Sirleck may be able to survive some time without host or may have someone else ready ... hmmm ... but yes, most likely they will take Ellen with them. On the other hand ... there may be some limit how long is safe to be possessing Ellen ... and if that's getting close, leaving her HERE would be safer than dropping her somewhere on way and creating a track. Assume what you want, I already asked (Ok, Dan is unlikely to answer, but it's worth try)

Yes, Golden Cheerleader is supposed to be animal-clothing card. Hmmm ... I guess the background in second frame is Ashley, based on her position in Friday's comics ...

The d∞-1. I think they had one on the Heart of Gold. You can't roll that one. (Zaphod rolls Heart of Gold) ... ok, you can roll that one but you don't get the random number from it that way.

We don't know if Ellen(Sirleck) told Elliot about the voyeur and plans for Elliot to drive her to meet Nanase. Like I said previously, Elliot may not have seen Ellen since the morning and Ellen(Sirleck) had just then come home. Considering when we saw Ashley arrive she had her coat on while Elliot didn't, if Elliot picked Ashley up, we should have them both initially wearing their coats to indicate they both arrived at Elliot's. and since Elliot heard the garage door opening, it's safe to assume Ellen had the car, strengthening the idea that Elliot hadn't seen Ellen since the morning. Sorry might be more confusing that I though. You are right that Elliot likely really didn't (and doesn't) know. What I meant is that based on what Ellen said, Nanase has perfect reason to not contact Elliot, namely the fact that she is convinced Elliot already knows.

However, it's just few hours before Monday comic time. Maybe the title is generated automatically? So, Ashley was taken care off quickly, as if planned ... well, it probably was planned, her being there was expected. And she doesn't have enough experience to hide when she sees suspicious light (or what she saw). And, the fact she was put to sleep is at least little argument for Magus being friendly, if they later get to point where it matters - it could've easily be fireball. Now, either Sirleck will take Ellen with Elliot, or they leave her there sleeping as well, and possibly sleeping too hard for Nanase's calling to wake them. Hmmm ... Nanase doesn't have doll for Ashley, but she can try to contact Ellen by doll and then try to wake her up. Also, is this confirmation Magus is specifically wizard and not just magic user? Wait, we already know that. (Also, Ellen DOES have blonde beam, meaning there WAS something specific on FV5 considering Dan felt the need to mention it.)

Yes, but there's another weakness in the fake story OR real sighting (or both): "Ellen" didn't give any reason why Nanase shouldn't call Elliot about it. It could be implied; after all, last week Ellen went solve another mystery with Nanase and was glad Diane was along because she wanted to make sure Diane wasn't at the mall where Ashley and Elliot were going on their first date. Oh, wait. That evening went on into Elliot getting outed as Cheerleadra, Nanase kicking a soccer ball into a flying griffin's head, and Diane getting attacked by a vampire. Maybe Nanase would assume that nothing like that would happen tonight, and that no one is out to get Elliot, like she learned about last Sunday from the third Immortal Nanase ever met in person. Probably just another jerk with a mask. No reason to disturb Elliot. No reason to give Ellen the idea Nanase might think Ellen lied or not given the full story... Actually, there is perfect explanation to why Nanase shouldn't contact Elliot, besides the fact that, based on the record of meddling teenagers, she assumes it's some jerk in a costume. ELLIOT ALREADY KNOWS. The way Ellen described it, she already told Elliot and he will be dropping her on place, THEN continue with his date. So, WHY should Nanase contact him? Any "hey, maybe it's attempt to out Cheerleadra" can wait for Elliot to bring Ellen and presumably say "hi".

Not necessarily - it might be enough if he wants her NOT somewhere at "around six". Like, not around Ellen. The place might've been chosen randomly or maybe it's as far away as possible without raising suspicion. Or, maybe it's because it's the opposite direction Magus (or Sirleck, but I think Magus was paying attention to what Sirleck was saying) plans to drive. Sirleck could have planted fake story OR real sighting (or both). In any case, convincing enough for Nanase to not contact Ellen in inconvenient time ... as long as that's BEFORE six, as afterwards the fact Ellen is not there would became suspicious. It's forum. There is no advanced authentication, no verification, no formal procedures. Lack of details, even conflicting details, wouldn't be suspect. Easy to infiltrate. Also, no, Nanase might not feel the need to contact Charlotte about it. And she's unlikely to do it while driving. And Sirlect could've easily answer any question over phone as Ellen, and if Nanase will contact Elliot in next five minutes, Magus can reply. It would actually be more problem if Nanase tries to use the doll to contact someone - the doll might not recognize them as same person, just like in Cheerleadra's case. But maybe it would. (Also, Nanase has no reason to use doll.)

It seems to me that the effect is "turn into Magus." From the only time we've ever seen Magus in a body before, his hair is plenty light enough to match that shade. Note that he might SPECIFICALLY asked Sirleck to use the blonder beam so he won't end up as girl but as something more similar to his real appearance instead.

I meant more in how the characters themselves deal with it as part of their development. Will Ellen be able to shrug off the feeling of helplessness as she watched herself zapping Elliot and getting taken by another being? Or will she spiral into depression over it? What's happening now to me feels like a worse experience than the events of Painted Black and Sister 2 combined, and it really wouldn't just be Ellen that is scarred by it, but Elliot and also Tedd would probably be affected the most. I want to think that Dan won't have them get any lasting negative effects from this and that it only makes them stronger later, but I'm not sure. Now the question is, will that be worse experience for Ellen than Sister 1? Remember that Ellen was already supposed to have depression once, then Dan retconned it out. On the other hand, Susan got PTSD and dealed with it for half of comic. And then there is Grace. As already mentioned, Dan can avoid this by having Ellen not remember it, or make it not a big deal even if she remembers. Or he can decide to go with it this time, exploring the lack of therapists in EGS in greater detail. Yes, having Sirleck-Ellen give Nanase that BS story just before dashing off at the end of school would make sense, and Francine waking up in a panel on the same page might mean that Sirleck ambushed Ellen in the restroom just moments before, perhaps with Magus suggesting the sudden need for a pee break to Ellen to get her in the same restroom. Francine is a janitor, and Sirleck-Francine could have put a "Temporarily Out of Service" sign on the restroom door to make sure it was unoccupied, taking off the sign just before Ellen showed up. S-F could have then gone into that stall, dropped left Francine unconscious or so disoriented she wouldn't be conscious of what was happening, and dived on Ellen--from above and behind, of course. Even if Ellen doesn't drive Grace (which she probably does), the story itself would explain why she didn't had TOO much time good enough. However, not good enough to explain why she was running and why she didn't spent at least minute with Nanase - neither Elliot nor Grace would be THAT impatient. And besides "temporary out of service", janitors SHOULD have some way to signalize they are just cleaning up the toilet. While they can (and often does) do that with people inside, it's better if they don't, as long as it's not only available toilet. As a bonus, the signal can be on AND Magus may make Ellen not notice it. Probably nowhere important. I'm not sure Dan still remembers Ellen is supposed to drive her home. If she does, she managed to do it without raising suspicion. Considering Nanase may be going to search for Ellen when she realizes she's missing (starting probably with phone calls but still), I wouldn't be surprised if the time is 5:30 AND vampires were supposed to start right now or maybe already started (5:15? 5:00?) to provide maximal distraction (but not enough time for people to react and move - just immortals). Basically, narrative needs calls for postponing showing start of vampire attack AFTER this part even if it chronologically happened other way around. Only reason why it might already be 6:00 would be if there was trap for Nanase as well, but why would it? It's not like Sirleck targets main eight specifically, his targets are just Helena and Demetrius - and Adrian. And obviously Elliot but he's direct target and not target for vampires. (Obviously, the times might not be so rounded. It's also possible the vampire attack was planned on 5:30 - THAT is likely rounded - but current time is like 5:41:28) Also, I don't think Dan did any research and he might already regret giving exact time of Nanase meeting with Ellen and he will compensate by not giving any exact time for any of other comics whole rest of day.

What if they roll the Backgammon Doubling Cube by mistake? The original d6 or the d30 special edition Backgammon Doubling Cube?

On this page, we have Ellen talking about their plans and how they'd have to take the downstairs TV and poking fun at Nanase still being suspicious of Ashley, I certainly believe she's not possessed at this point. Cut ahead 2 pages, and suddenly Ellen's changing plans and running off in a hurry. Nanase thought it was strange, but I don't think she was suspicious at that point, but it is apparent to us now that Ellen was not acting herself. So it's clear that Sirleck to control of Ellen during the break between those pages. Yes. Changing plans MIGHT be ok, but running off like that surprised Nanase. Not enough to suspect anything ... yet. Note however that those two pages could be multiple hours apart. There MAY be some struggle which happened meanwhile, when he was attacking, but yes he locked her down pretty well. Note: Additional option is basically that you feel like in dream. Actually, multiple options, as there are different ways how to feel like in dream. Which would PROBABLY be less traumatic. Probably later. Maybe much later. Very possibly in another Q&A following the end of Sister III. It IS possible Ellen will say something when explaining what happened to Nanase. But considering how Dan usually does it, there WILL be questions which will need to wait for Q&A. Too short to explain everything. ... five weeks? He probably installed even bigger screen and more security high-definition cameras so there is really no reason for him to appear on panel.

That feels too much like the opposite of Elliot and Nanase's relationship though. The whole duel between Terra and Magus feels like they're trying to have fun with it, and it wouldn't bee the first time Dan's had characters act that way for fun, first obvious one was Elliot and Nanase, but we also have Grace and Tedd with the TFG, well Grace tried to be dramatic about it. Thing is, we don't see Terra gloating over Magus' disappearance, and we don't see Magus cursing Terra specifically either, (yes he knows he was sabotaged, but he doesn't state any belief that Terra was responsible for it) In fact if anything is opposite in the Elliot/Nanase vs Magus/Terra department, it's the personalities, Terra is more like Elliot in that she was probably afraid of hurting someone with her power, and Magus is more like Nanase and was pushing Terra to not hold back. I don't have anything to add, just that I agree with Scotty on this ; we didn't saw much from Terra and Magus, but I don't see him as jerk. All the mistakes he's doing lately might be because he's really desperate and without any friends to keep him "grounded" ... and might be similar to how would Tedd end up without Elliot ... Four commercial breaks in 45 minutes of show? And it's even more now? ... Seems we are still lucky in EU. Indeed she is. And there is an excellent reason to use exactly the first spell she got: That is the only spell she had when Magus tried to get her to zap Elliot at Grace's birthday party. Anything more brings up the possibility of unwanted side-effects or total failure. However, it's true that the effect seems more like the blonder beam. Luckily he is (probably) not inserting those tendrils on material plane. THAT would make lot of damage (and would be visible on Francine). Yes. Ellen was already behaving weirdly when talking with Nanase - Nanase noticed. However, there definitely may be some other options than full possession. Regarding memory, it is possible Sirleck can CHOOSE how much will host remember. I'm definitely looking forward for how will Ellen describe her experience. I think the school nursery might be already closed for day ... I mean for weekend. We are not sure if Brad didn't already left, in fact. However, I wouldn't think Francine will necessary thinks she's crazy. It was just one day and her health state and memories - even if she DOES remember parts of being possessed - might suggest she got some hard case of flu - or maybe diarrhea, considering she's on toilet - with high temperatures causing passing out and possibly hallucinations. If that wouldn't repeat, she may write it off as one-time occurrence. There are lot of things which would make you question your mental health when healthy yet you are completely ignoring them when you feel obviously sick. And even medical professionals would diagnose viral infections mostly based on what patient tells them, especially if it seems they are already wearing off (wait ... is this the correct phrase for illnesses?).