Episode 309

Walter

Administrator
Staff member
Griffith said:
I wholeheartedly disagree with that sentiment. I mean, this has been a series filled with war and epic battlefields, we're not more than a few episodes removed from the latest (not to be confused with the last), and now those days are done!?
Ok, I went a little overboard. Obviously I can't rightfully make that claim given all the possibilities currently open before us. My response was directed at Deci's post regarding Guts leading an army -- I don't see Guts leading an army of Elfhelm participants against Apostles and Falconia in general. It doesn't seem his style, and I think that part of his life is over.

Right now, as the circumstances currently are, I'm reaching out with my Berserkian eye and ... just not seeing a traditional army vs army clash in the end. Am I giving that my Wally Official Seal of Inevitability? No, but seeing as how the world has become far more gray than black and white in recent episodes, I just don't see that happening.

I don't understand the rationale behind the bold proclamation that that aspect of the series is over, when it may not have even begun as Miura can imagine it between the forces of good and evil.
Just a note, the Chapter of the Holy Evil War Chronicle ended with ep 235, and one could reason, ultimately ended with Ganishka becoming a giant tree :griffnotevil:

Part of me even screams, "Wouldn't Miura himself be disappointed if it didn't come down to an epic battle!?" After all, despite the effort required, he keeps drawing them. =)
Well that brings up another point. What we witnessed in vol 34 was the biggest and most dramatically drawn battle of the series thus far. To me it felt like the end-all, be-all of large-scale "military" battles. I'm unsure if it can be equaled, nor if Miura has the desire to equal it. It could stand as the bookend to that kind of conflict. Anyway, I never meant that there wouldn't be an epic battle in the end. Given the scale of the series I think some kind of grand show is certainly in line. I just don't think it will be a traditional one, the kind that Deci seemed to be implying, that we've seen in the previous age of the world.

That's what Wally's GUT says anyway :guts:
 

Griffith

With the streak of a tear, Like morning dew
Walter said:
Ok, I went a little overboard. Obviously I can't rightfully make that claim given all the possibilities currently open before us. My response was directed at Deci's post regarding Guts leading an army -- I don't see Guts leading an army of Elfhelm participants against Apostles and Falconia in general. It doesn't seem his style, and I think that part of his life is over.

Ok, that's fair, but one might have thought the same thing about Guts even having companions again, as he himself did, before forming this little band. Or, about Griffith after the Eclipse, and that would have seemed an even safer bet. I still remember the reception Olivier's incarnation post got, the same anybody would get with such "speculations", so far out there from what we currently know. Until it becomes the norm, it's abnormal. But, Guts was a great commander, so why shouldn't he be again? Because that's not what we've come to expect from him anymore? It doesn't fit his Black Swordsman style? Neither does a lot of things we've seen since he reunited with Casca, it's just that we're willing to accept it all when it's right in front of our faces. Once it becomes the norm, it's normal. So, maybe it's really that part of his life that's over. I don't know, again, it might be simple, or wishful thinking, to imagine Guts at the head of an army opposing Griffith, but sometimes, as was the case with the Apostle Army, the simplest ideas are the right ones. Anyway, I wouldn't dismiss it, even if it turns out not to be.

Though, I must ask, why did you emphasize his?

Walter said:
Right now, as the circumstances currently are, I'm reaching out with my Berserkian eye and ... just not seeing a traditional army vs army clash in the end. Am I giving that my Wally Official Seal of Inevitability? No, but seeing as how the world has become far more gray than black and white in recent episodes, I just don't see that happening.

You sure are sure about what you don't know isn't going to happen. =)

Kidding aside, the "grayness" is what makes me think anything is in play, because we have absolutely no context. It doesn't have to be black and white, or simple at all. Imagine if one of us traveled back in time and tried to explain the whole Ganishka and where that went to the board before it was an obvious reality we'd already passively accepted.

Walter said:
Just a note, the Chapter of the Holy Evil War Chronicle ended with ep 235, and one could reason, ultimately ended with Ganishka becoming a giant tree :griffnotevil:

Pfff, semantics. That was in the arc about the ship from Star Wars, right? :carcus:

Walter said:
Well that brings up another point. What we witnessed in vol 34 was the biggest and most dramatically drawn battle of the series thus far. To me it felt like the end-all, be-all of large-scale "military" battles. I'm unsure if it can be equaled, nor if Miura has the desire to equal it. It could stand as the bookend to that kind of conflict.

I like the symmetry of the bookend idea, but I still disagree with your overall point there, because one could argue it was as much ceremony as real ultimate battle. It was basically Griffith toying with his own figurehead fall guy Emperor, whose purpose was to oppose him, and to fail and become wood. He didn't even get to stain god as far as we know. :judo: Anyway, I'd like to think Miura is going to blow that spectacle, awesome as it is, out of the water. I can't expect any less.

Walter said:
Anyway, I never meant that there wouldn't be an epic battle in the end. Given the scale of the series I think some kind of grand show is certainly in line. I just don't think it will be a traditional one, the kind that Deci seemed to be implying, that we've seen in the previous age of the world.

That's what Wally's GUT says anyway :guts:

Yeah, it could be something on a more intimate, deciding the fate of the World behind the scenes, scale, but do you really think what we just saw was "traditional?" I feel like Serpico when he remarked, "What's the usual?" Anyway, who said anything about being traditional? That last battle with Ganishka may have simply laid the groundwork, literally and figuratively, for all the battles to come, only bigger and more fantastical...

:guts: THIS TIME... IT'S FOR REAL! :griffnotevil:
 
I partially agree with Walter and Grif on this one. As contrasting as that sounds :ubik:

The idea of Guts leading an army does seem far off. His personality as of late (to me, anyway) has become reserved, almost sage like. Not at all like his old raiders self. Does that mean he still can't lead the way he used to? Certainly not. But it would seem odd, to say the least.

On the other hand...

グリフィス said:
I like the symmetry of the bookend idea, but I still disagree with your overall point there, because one could argue it was as much ceremony as real ultimate battle. It was basically Griffith toying with his own figurehead fall guy Emperor, whose purpose was to oppose him, and to fail and become wood. He didn't even get to stain god as far as we know. :judo: Anyway, I'd like to think Miura is going to blow that spectacle, awesome as it is, out of the water. I can't expect any less.

I can see Guts fighting as some sort of military figure in a (this sounds ridiculous, but I'm hoping the idea at least is plausible) magical army Vs The Apostles, if the need for it ever arose. [The Skull knight said that a magic user was more threatening to Griffith than a great/vast army (The number escapes me...10,000, perhaps? :???:)]

At the very least, I'm hoping there are still some monumental battles left in the series :guts:
 

Walter

Administrator
Staff member
グリフィス said:
I still remember the reception Olivier's incarnation post got, the same anybody would get with such "speculations", so far out there from what we currently know.
Not the same thing at all. At the time (around when vol 18 was had just been published, I think), Olivier knew things we didn't because he could read the text. We couldn't, and wouldn't really for a long time. So of course there was some disparity of understanding. Here, everyone's on the same playing field, with the same rules. Some people are willing to make assertions about the future based on the past, despite the fogginess ahead, and others are cautiously holding off their opinions. That's all we're really talking about here.

Until it becomes the norm, it's abnormal.
Well, where we disagree is that I believe that the next step down that line of reasoning is to never make any assertion other than "Wait and see. Because you never know!" I'd rather tumble around with ideas on the future, even if they are hindered and colored by our current perceptions than sit back and wait until they're certain.

But, Guts was a great commander, so why shouldn't he be again?
There's an important distinction to be made here. He was a good raiding captain. But in the Hundred Years War, he took his orders from Griffith. He didn't organize the overall strategy of a battle. Not to knock Guts at all, but he's no schemer. By his own admission, he goes with things based on honed instincts and makes successful split-second decisions in combat. Not so sure that translates into being a great commander in the sense you mean.

Though, I must ask, why did you emphasize his?
It was just a response to your "and now those days are done!?" They're done for HIM, imo.

Kidding aside, the "grayness" is what makes me think anything is in play, because we have absolutely no context. It doesn't have to be black and white, or simple at all.
My black and white comment was a response to your "it may not have even begun as Miura can imagine it between the forces of good and evil."

I like the symmetry of the bookend idea, but I still disagree with your overall point there, because one could argue it was as much ceremony as real ultimate battle. It was basically Griffith toying with his own figurehead fall guy Emperor, whose purpose was to oppose him, and to fail and become wood. He didn't even get to stain god as far as we know. :judo: Anyway, I'd like to think Miura is going to blow that spectacle, awesome as it is, out of the water. I can't expect any less.
Well, I was arguing it based on the drama of the art Miura chose to depict the scene in and the scope he later included as a result of that clash (the world being eclipsed in a mysterious light). It's all pretty massive stuff, visually, whether it's in principle a spectacle or not.

but do you really think what we just saw was "traditional?" I feel like Serpico when he remarked, "What's the usual?"
I didn't say that was traditional. I meant that I don't see Guts at the head of a traditional army in the sense Deci was implying. You know, like the Falcons.
 

Griffith

With the streak of a tear, Like morning dew
Walter said:
Not the same thing at all. At the time (around when vol 18 was had just been published, I think), Olivier knew things we didn't because he could read the text. We couldn't, and wouldn't really for a long time. So of course there was some disparity of understanding. Here, everyone's on the same playing field, with the same rules. Some people are willing to make assertions about the future based on the past, despite the fogginess ahead, and others are cautiously holding off their opinions. That's all we're really talking about here.

I was only making the point that the our preconceived notions can be a hindrance to our assertions about the future.

Walter said:
Well, where we disagree is that I believe that the next step down that line of reasoning is to never make any assertion other than "Wait and see. Because you never know!" I'd rather tumble around with ideas on the future, even if they are hindered and colored by our current perceptions than sit back and wait until they're certain.

I don't think it's an either/or choice, as a matter a fact, keeping that disclaimer at the forefront allows for much bolder speculation. I just don't like acting certain about things we can't be certain about, especially if we're trying to represent the objective facts as best we can otherwise. It's fine to to debate opinions and ultimately disagree, but I think we owe it to our own selves to keep an open mind as well when we clearly can't know.

Anyway, what I meant by, "Until it becomes the norm, it's abnormal" wasn't how I feel about these things, but how this idea of Guts at the head of an army hasn't been the norm for a while, so of course it seems abnormal. Or, any speculations that don't currently follow the norm seem abnormal and therefore unlikely by default. That's a good way to eliminate the nonsense, but I don't think this can be ruled out as such. We're talking Guts going to war, not opening a ballet studio; there's precedent, he's been on the battlefield his entire life, growing up around and eventually into leadership roles, high on the chain of command of the most powerful army in Midland, and seemingly a charismatic, beloved, and natural leader of men, so it's not that big a stretch that he could take an army into battle again if it came to it. I'm not saying it's anymore likely to happen than half a dozen other scenarios, but it wouldn't surprise me either.

Walter said:
There's an important distinction to be made here. He was a good raiding captain. But in the Hundred Years War, he took his orders from Griffith. He didn't organize the overall strategy of a battle. Not to knock Guts at all, but he's no schemer. By his own admission, he goes with things based on honed instincts and makes successful split-second decisions in combat. Not so sure that translates into being a great commander in the sense you mean.

Well, I wouldn't get into any heavy specifics for the same reasons I wouldn't dismiss the general idea, but he could pretty much just be raid captain of the Band of the Skellig or whatever and I'd be satisfied. Hell, it wouldn't even have to be that organized to simply put Guts' leadership qualities and battle charisma (I think just made that up =) into action with an army. With his past experience, and a little personal growth, the potential is certainly there for him to do something big in a situation like that. Worst case scenario... he'll be Skully's second in command! :SK:

Walter said:
My black and white comment was a response to your "it may not have even begun as Miura can imagine it between the forces of good and evil."

I threw that in there just for example, sounds better than side A versus side B.

Walter said:
I didn't say that was traditional. I meant that I don't see Guts at the head of a traditional army in the sense Deci was implying. You know, like the Falcons.

It's fine for you not to see it, but that doesn't make it unreasonable to see, so to wrap things up, let's agree to disagree? :badbone:
 

Walter

Administrator
Staff member
グリフィス said:
Worst case scenario... he'll be Skully's second in command!
This was all fun and games until you went and made me ruin my pants with that line. Thanks.

グリフィス said:
...to wrap things up, let's agree to disagree? :badbone:
Agreed. :void:
 

Rhombaad

Video Game Time Traveler
This discussion reminded me of one of Griff's old avatars that flashed between Guts and Griffith with different colored Band of the Falcon flags, almost like they were opposing commanders. :guts:
 
X

Xem

Guest
Whoa, nice discussion Walter and Griff, I enjoyed the read. You two pretty much covered everything, 'specially Griff, I was thinking without going too far into speculation (as I tend to do). :serpico:

Just wanted to clarify one thing:

I meant that I don't see Guts at the head of a traditional army in the sense Deci was implying. You know, like the Falcons.

My post was a little too vague, I wasn't trying to imply that Guts would lead an army of "normal soldiers", like we saw during the 100-year war, but an army more fantastic. People with extraordinary skills like the Bakiraka, or perhaps some fresh meat from Elfhelm, for example.

The little blurb I said about Gaston and such was just nostalgia and me getting a little teary-eyed. Not to say it's impossible, but I doubt soldiers like that will be a part of Guts crew ever again.
 

Griffith

With the streak of a tear, Like morning dew
iamdani said:
I want to see Zodd and Guts team up one last time. I still hold that particular scene in my special place. :ubik:

Talk about "unlikely" things that actually happened. :ganishka:
 

SaiyajinNoOuji

I'm still better than you
Not sure if this has been mentioned but... where in the hell is Silat in all of this? I am wondering if he knew what was coming and him and the Bakiraka got the hell out of dodge to some where unknown.

Also.... why is Guts still wearing the Berserk Armor? Isn't it a much bigger liability nowadays? Especially with the Beast giving his little spiel.
 

Aazealh

Administrator
Staff member
SaiyajinNoOuji said:
Not sure if this has been mentioned but... where in the hell is Silat in all of this? I am wondering if he knew what was coming and him and the Bakiraka got the hell out of dodge to some where unknown.

They were watching from afar, hidden in the trees. They were doing fine when we last saw them (in episode 307).

SaiyajinNoOuji said:
Also.... why is Guts still wearing the Berserk Armor? Isn't it a much bigger liability nowadays? Especially with the Beast giving his little spiel.

He's wearing the armor because he's about to fight a giant monster and well, better have an armor than not to have one when you do that sort of thing. Also, the Beast of Darkness actually told him it would leave him alone for now (but Guts couldn't really remember what had happened in his sleep anyway, so it's moot as far as his decision to wear the armor or not goes).
 

Griffith

With the streak of a tear, Like morning dew
SaiyajinNoOuji said:
Not sure if this has been mentioned but... where in the hell is Silat in all of this? I am wondering if he knew what was coming and him and the Bakara got the hell out of dodge to some where unknown.

Yeah, he and the Tapasa are in the woods behind the Pontiff and the aristocrats. You can see them right up to episode 307, on page 5. It'll be interesting to see what will become of them now. Might they wander into Falconia too, transfixed by it's universal majesty!? Or, probably just leave discreetly.

SaiyajinNoOuji said:
Also.... why is Guts still wearing the Berserk Armor? Isn't it a much bigger liability now a day's? Especially with the Beast giving his little spiel.

You make a good point that it might serve Guts better to heal up and try fighting without it now, but that may simply not be feasible at the moment. Remember, it wasn't long ago he was unconscious with a fever, he's not in shape to fight without it now, not against the enemies he faces, and the armor only exacerbates that, a vicious cycle. Plus, as Aaz said, though he was certainly capable of facing such enemies before and in great pain, it's hard to leave a trump card like that on the table, especially since it's not much different putting your life on the line anyway.

Guts is addicted to a performance enhancer! I think all his kills after using the armor should have an asterisk next to them in the kill roster. :guts:
 

Rhombaad

Video Game Time Traveler
He's also still suffering from the wounds Slan gave him so I don't see why he'd leave the armor behind now, especially when he's worn it in every battle since he got it.
 
Rhombaad said:
He's also still suffering from the wound Slan gave him so I don't see why he'd leave the armor behind now, especially when he's worn it in every battle since he got it.

Indeed, and getting chomped into by that Makara probably didn't help much, either. :chomp:
 
C

cajunman380

Guest
Guts is addicted to a performance enhancer! I think all his kills after using the armor should have an asterisk next to them in the kill roster.


hey hey hey. hes just leveling the playing field. Its not like his enemies are clean..... heck look at Daiba. Who knows whats in that pipe he is smoking :daiba:
 

Rhombaad

Video Game Time Traveler
Chaos said:
Indeed, and getting chomped into by that Makara probably didn't help much, either. :chomp:

True, but that was a wound to his physical body, not his spiritual one. As grievous as the puncture the Makara gave him was, the wounds inflicted by Slan are way more serious.
 
Rhombaad said:
True, but that was a wound to his physical body, not his spiritual one. As grievous as the puncture the Makara gave him was, the wound inflicted by Slan is way more serious.

Oh, I certainly do agree with that. Just saying, getting bitten into by a giant magical beast couldn't have been fun for him, at all.
And depending on the extent of the mergers healing effects, I'm hoping we'll soon be saying "The wound inflicted by Slan was way more serious" (fingers crossed)
 

Aazealh

Administrator
Staff member
Rhombaad said:
As grievous as the puncture the Makara gave him was, the wound inflicted by Slan is way more serious.

Slan gave him two wounds. One on the chest and one on the back.
 

SaiyajinNoOuji

I'm still better than you
Aazealh said:
Slan gave him two wounds. One on the chest and one on the back.
I am sure this has been talked about but I will go ahead and bring it up anyways. Wasn't it assumed that when the wave hit everyone that many wounds and what not were healed? Also since all the layers are mergered... wouldn't it be possible that maybe those Astral wounds would heal like normal given time?
 

Rhombaad

Video Game Time Traveler
SaiyajinNoOuji said:
I am sure this has been talked about but I will go ahead and bring it up anyways. Wasn't it assumed that when the wave hit everyone that many wounds and what not were healed? Also since all the layers are mergered... wouldn't it be possible that maybe those Astral wounds would heal like normal given time?

I think this was brought up in another thread already and the general consensus was that while the wave accelerated the healing of minor injuries, much like Flora's mansion did, it probably couldn't heal wounds of the magnitude of the ones that Slan gave Guts.
 

Walter

Administrator
Staff member
SaiyajinNoOuji said:
I am sure this has been talked about but I will go ahead and bring it up anyways. Wasn't it assumed that when the wave hit everyone that many wounds and what not were healed? Also since all the layers are mergered... wouldn't it be possible that maybe those Astral wounds would heal like normal given time?
No. Quite simply, Slan's wounds won't heal the same way precisely because they're spiritual. They scarred Guts' spiritual body. In vol 24, Schierke says minor wounds of the group were healed while at Flora's because their "physical bodies adjusted to the forms of your essential ethereal bodies." Slan's wounds weren't only physical. They went deep.

This was discussed many times over in the past few episode threads. :azan:
 

Aazealh

Administrator
Staff member
I don't know why you guys bother posting explanations when it's clearly shown that Guts' astral wounds are still there in episode 305...

Episode305_Guts-wound.jpg
 
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