Scumbase

When I first started playing World of Warcraft, I chose a night elf hunter on the Alliance side, fighting the good battles, defending small towns and villages against gnolls, trolls and the evil horde.  There was no question, I was defending the light against the dark pustulence of the horde and Hogger.

I didn't know how much fun it could be to be horde and not have to worry about the rules.  Until I met Richard.  Richard is a henchman who refuses to be comically inept, somewhat of a radical departure from the normal role of a fun sidekick.  There is comic genius in him though.

Before we meet him, we should greet the star of the web comic, Looking For Group.   This is Cale'anon, an elven hunter looking for all that is good in the world.  It's just too bad that he's a blood elf hunter, but Richard will be sure to set him straight on the vagaries of hordeship.  The web comic is based on World of Warcraft, right down to costumes and hairstyles you'd see on any starting zone character.

On his journeys, Cale picks up an ensemble of stalwart companions you might otherwise meet inside the busy trade valley of Orgrimmar.  A troll priest, dwarven blacksmith, an undead warlock, taurens, orcs, *deep breath* and sisters and sons as well as gnomish engineers. 


In reading over the back issues again, I'm tempted to think that at the outset, Cale'anon didn't have an overlying story arc, other than to be a comic foil for Richard.  And oh, Richard plays him wonderfully.


And with that, I think it's time we meet the warlock who is the source of much of my amusement.  I think I'll let him introduce himself .. he has a knack for the dramatic.

Over time, the characters and story mature ... Cale'anon takes on the role of a savior of a number of displaced peoples, they travel to the past to gain access to a pair of swords in Kethenicia as part of a larger quest, and the whole journey takes on the scope of an epic tale.   Years of pages later, there are still stories unfolding with each of the adventurers.  I have, many times over the past year, clicked my LFG link anxiously or excitedly waiting to see what's going on with my friends.

Tolkein may have penned the ultimate epic quest; Lar DeSouza and Ryan Sohmer have drawn its equal.  Pacing and plot go hand in hand with some of the best drawing skills on the 'net today.  The story that began as character profiles now has the earmarks of a first rate story.

Our gang of adventurers meets a great many groups in their travels, some of whom reappear, some who Richard quietly makes disappear.   Or not so quietly.  In the midst of battle, Richard's finest work is set to the accompaniment of showtunes, another passion he holds in his undead heart.  Here then, is Richard in "Slaughter Your  World."



LFG updates Mondays and Thursdays.  Click the link below to catch up on back issues.  Happy reading!