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VanHinck — Tafl

Published: 2012-07-30 11:34:16 +0000 UTC; Views: 1943; Favourites: 35; Downloads: 14
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Description Here are some aggressively dreadful sketches about the next stuff with Loki and Dr.S, which I wasn't sure I was going to do anymore, then realised I had a whole notepad full of half written scenes and ideas so I probably am. I'm going to try writing up a few things over the next few weeks and get some drawn up when I go on holiday, but this is just me trying to prove I haven't forgotten about them

I realised the problem was I was trying to plan a huge epic storyline, but I don't write huge epic story lines, in fact I barely write plots, I just write conversations and occasionally something happens. So that's the point- any new things will just be conversations and then who knows.

And since there needs to be some context, well, what could be better than having Loki lecture you on how to play the ancient Nordic game of tafl? Hence these little doodles.

The game piece at the bottom is actually, technically a chess piece, it's one of the Lewis chessmen, which is quite a famous collection discovered on a Scottish island a while ago. I used it as a reference
1) The examples of tafl pieces weren't as interesting, and
2) Look at his little face. Look at it. It's adorable.
He is one of the rooks, they think- but he's a berserker warrior, and that's why he is nomming the edge of his shield, to show his great passion for battle and bloodshed. Either that or he's nervous.

I might change it to chess in the end, but I like the idea of tafl, and chess might've been a bit later. Anyway, as you can tell, Dr.S is really enjoying having Loki point out the strengths and weaknesses (mainly weaknesses) of every move decision he makes.

Stay tuned, it will probably get ridiculous.

Characters (c) Marvel
Some of the Lewis chessmen are in the British museum, but of course Google can provide you with pictures.
Also I feel I should add that the beserker rook knows where you live.
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Comments: 20

Mauvemuse [2012-07-31 00:39:07 +0000 UTC]

I love your chessman, also, as always, your comments at the bottom

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

VanHinck In reply to Mauvemuse [2012-07-31 17:36:20 +0000 UTC]

Thanks! The Lewis chessmen all look a little bizarre, actually- the Queens have their hands to their faces, it makes them look a bit like they've just remembered they left the gas on, or something, but they're really rather sweet, I think

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Draconicat [2012-07-30 21:40:21 +0000 UTC]

This will be EPIC.

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VanHinck In reply to Draconicat [2012-07-31 17:36:27 +0000 UTC]

I hope so!

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Mad-Hatter-LCarol [2012-07-30 16:37:41 +0000 UTC]

Now THIS is the kind of match that should be televised.

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VanHinck In reply to Mad-Hatter-LCarol [2012-07-31 17:36:56 +0000 UTC]

I would certainly find it more interesting than most of the Olympics, sad to say...

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fletcherc [2012-07-30 13:32:56 +0000 UTC]

Dr. Selvig playing a game? With Loki of all people? Ooh, this is going to get wild ...
And I expect Loki's keeping the more important rules to himself to drop onto the good Doctor in the worst possible moment. ... i.e. when the Doctor is about to win.

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VanHinck In reply to fletcherc [2012-07-30 15:35:44 +0000 UTC]

How did you KNOW about Loki's strategy?

Have you played him before?

Did he do the thing where 'setting all the pieces on fire and sulking' is a legitimate tactic to be used 'when your opponent is playing like a moron'?

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fletcherc In reply to VanHinck [2012-07-30 21:23:25 +0000 UTC]

Since I'm known to be a sore loser it would be most unwise for me to play Loki in any kind of game. It would end in tears, believe me. And probably bloodshed ...

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WTFWonder [2012-07-30 13:29:42 +0000 UTC]

Mmm, tastes like history.

Loki: Doctor. Doctor. Have you seen my new fur? It's magnificent isn't it? No don't say anything, I know it is. Odin above, this thing is luxurious. Touch it. Touch the luxury.

Dr. S: No thank you.

Loki: It is better than the best plush, Doctor, your nerve endings will regret this.

Dr. S: I'll manage.

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VanHinck In reply to WTFWonder [2012-07-30 15:36:35 +0000 UTC]

Brb dying of laughter and not getting any work done due to the dying part of things.

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WTFWonder In reply to VanHinck [2012-07-31 09:39:12 +0000 UTC]

Loki only means to share the glory of his pimp cloak. Is that so wrong?

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VanHinck In reply to WTFWonder [2012-07-31 09:57:27 +0000 UTC]

This is LOKI we're talking about

Of COURSE its wrong.

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WTFWonder In reply to VanHinck [2012-07-31 10:55:05 +0000 UTC]

Terribly sorry, what was I thinking of? -resumes gawking at the regal fluff of the Mischeif God's cloak- Oh right.

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VanHinck In reply to WTFWonder [2012-07-31 17:57:46 +0000 UTC]

Exxxxxxxxxxxactly

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Ebony-Draygon [2012-07-30 11:50:01 +0000 UTC]

I actually own a tafl set and it often lived in my bag during uni to be pulled out at random opertunities. It proved a big hit and great fun. The Lewis chessmen are brilliant pieces as well. I can imagine Loki being very good at Tafl, or any game actually!

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VanHinck In reply to Ebony-Draygon [2012-07-30 12:23:28 +0000 UTC]

You win forever
Are your pieces figures, or more abstract? I admit I didn't search very hard before scribbling this, so I wasn't sure if tafl pieces came in figure variety. A lot of the pictures I saw were more board diagrams, or with blocks, etc for the pieces.

Anything involving strategy, and the chance to humiliate your opponent with your superior skills and cheating , Loki is good at.

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Ebony-Draygon In reply to VanHinck [2012-07-30 13:24:16 +0000 UTC]

more abstract really, simple wooden pieces with a leather board. I got it from here: [link] Just the variety of different tafl games and boards is astounding. I'm planning on making my own set though at some point, and might make more elaborate pieces for that.

Most definatly sounds like Loki!
Loki -"Look over there!"
Hapless victium - "What?" *turns away to look*
*Loki steals three of of their pieces and moves two of his*

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VanHinck In reply to Ebony-Draygon [2012-07-30 16:10:35 +0000 UTC]

I found out that the Discworld boardgame Thud is based on tafl games, which made me very happy.
So if you make your own set, will that involve carving or will you go for clay pieces? It sounds like fun

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Ebony-Draygon In reply to VanHinck [2012-07-30 22:16:08 +0000 UTC]

its fun how things work their ways in

Possibly either clay or pyrography

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