[quote]"aceliip":/users/143572 said: Think she just needs some key for her lock [/quote] Agreed, would love to see Ivy's whole mood change afterward. It is an interesting trope to explore.

Does she not know that Shen literally saved the kingdom by bringing back the water?

Ivy is pretty much the female snake version of Yyrkoon from Elric of Melniboné. A petty bitch/bastard who is the sibling of the current ruler of the kingdom who is constantly trying to poke and prod the other in an attempt find any and all weakness in their sibling in order to become the new ruler. If the ruler dies, directly or indirectly by their actions, they will take up the mantle, install their own form of leadership and rule via tyranny and contempt. If they are executed by the ruler, then they can at least spite their crowned sibling by proving that their attempts to rule via kindness and mercy are as hypocritical as they are foolish (In their opinion at least). Unfortunately, Zaphira does not have the strength, mental fortitude or wit that Elric possesses in order to not be goaded by Ivy's baiting and bullying. Ivy knows this, just as she also knows Zaphira does not have either the callousness or cruelty to execute her for her insolence, or even simply banish her from the kingdom. Ivy acts like a flippant bitch because she damn well knows she can, and WILL, be able to get away with it.

Think she just needs some key for her lock

Oooooo, methinks we got a proper villain in our story!

"And you wonder why we never invite you to family functions!"

[quote]"judgmentdragon":/users/579571 said: Thing is, Ivy is in a position where, as long as it's within the family, she CAN say such things. And it's very important that she can. It's very hard for anyone to critique an absolute ruler. But it's very necessary thing to happen. Or the ruler (unless they are one of the one in a billion "good" rulers) will run themselves and their realm into the ground. And this enviroment is exactly the space, a trusted person, like a overcritical sister, can speak their mind safely, and thus make the ruler concious about things they might have forgotten. cause, in the end, Ivy is right. Zaphira not marrying a prince/king is bad international politics wise. And her marrying a former slave is even worse politically, and potentually for the realms stability. Worst case scenario, her vassals will see her as unworthy and defiled, and/or other slaves, encouraged by Shen's good fortune, will rise up and demand better lives. Such uprisings among vassals and/or slaves, violent or peacefull, are devestating for any realm. Period. So Ivy is correct in that Zaphira is putting everyone and everything in danger by wanting Shen as her Prince. Which does make her a "stupid ruler" to a degree. Is Ivy right moraly? Or a good person? No, of course not! She's a bitch, and a political threat to Zaphira, intentional or not. But her argument is accurate. [/quote] I meant saying Zaphira was a joke instead of a ruler was treason. Sorry for the confusion.

[quote]"judgmentdragon":/users/579571 said: I disagree. She has been trained to rule. Just look at the system around her and her influence over it. There is no rebellion or disloyalty from what we can see so far. And considering how much the prophecy stressed Zaphira out, disloyalty and rebellion would most certainly stress her out enough that we'd see it happen. Sure, she could be just a puppet for other nobles, but in that case, those nobles are ruling the realm fine. It's stable enough that Zaphira, the queen, doesnt see any problem. While I wouldnt call that good, it's still a sign that the realm is stable. Which is good. Ivy IS right that Zaphira having a former slave as her husband is politically horrible. A queen should marry a king or prince, purely for political and international reasons. And if she falls for a former slave, that will tarnish her image massivly, possably giving enemies of hers ammo to use against her. Then again, we don't know if enemies exist. The realm might be in a golden age and at peace, both internally and externally. and yes, Ivy is right that Zaphira has not done anything of note, aside of fall in love with a former slave who happened to find a water vein. So likelyhood is that Zaphira will not be remembered, and that the realm wount notice her presence or absence realy. But that's alright. Not every ruler must do more than just lead the realm. [/quote] [quote]"judgmentdragon":/users/579571 said: I disagree. She has been trained to rule. Just look at the system around her and her influence over it. There is no rebellion or disloyalty from what we can see so far. And considering how much the prophecy stressed Zaphira out, disloyalty and rebellion would most certainly stress her out enough that we'd see it happen. Sure, she could be just a puppet for other nobles, but in that case, those nobles are ruling the realm fine. It's stable enough that Zaphira, the queen, doesnt see any problem. While I wouldnt call that good, it's still a sign that the realm is stable. Which is good. Ivy IS right that Zaphira having a former slave as her husband is politically horrible. A queen should marry a king or prince, purely for political and international reasons. And if she falls for a former slave, that will tarnish her image massivly, possably giving enemies of hers ammo to use against her. Then again, we don't know if enemies exist. The realm might be in a golden age and at peace, both internally and externally. and yes, Ivy is right that Zaphira has not done anything of note, aside of fall in love with a former slave who happened to find a water vein. So likelyhood is that Zaphira will not be remembered, and that the realm wount notice her presence or absence realy. But that's alright. Not every ruler must do more than just lead the realm. [/quote] The problem is she IS a puppet of nobles...The Prophecy, remember. We have NOT seen any noble in this comic, the problem is Ruler can't rule without those who keep the riler in power, the nobles. And who is kerping Zephira in power? Well the prophecy...and who is keeping the prophecy alive? Priests of the city, so technicly, so that means priesthood are the nobles. You mentioned systems around her that she has influence over...yes she have influence over, Zephira have naural ability to win heart of those around her. But who placed the institutions...institutions that do her work. She is not illiterate, it has been stated she tried to do the paperwork. But she faild at doing so, something what would prepared ruler be able to do...by its own hand or trough a scribe. The problem of Shen, is NOT that he was a slave, the problem of Shen is that he is a commoner. For external politics this is dissaster of epic proportions...there will be war in future over this, I bet this war was fortold in prophecy too <.< But internal politics thos is very good thin for Zephira, she is basically marrying beloved local hero...if nothing, this merriege will increase her own standing in eyes of her people. And yes, Ivi just badmouth her queen, in front of her queen and rest of the family, you are not doing this in medieval ages. Her being princess would save her from dungeon, but she should been put to house arrest. Instead what Zephira did? Nothing. In imortal words of very influential character:"Apathy is death, worst then death...because rotting corpse will at least fead beasts and insects."

Ivy is right though that she doesnt have to respect Zaphira just cause they are blood related... But it would be wise to do considering their political position ....

[quote]"hunter_of_monsters":/users/665264 said: Saying that is treason, which is punishable by shutting the fuck up [/quote] Thing is, Ivy is in a position where, as long as it's within the family, she CAN say such things. And it's very important that she can. It's very hard for anyone to critique an absolute ruler. But it's very necessary thing to happen. Or the ruler (unless they are one of the one in a billion "good" rulers) will run themselves and their realm into the ground. And this enviroment is exactly the space, a trusted person, like a overcritical sister, can speak their mind safely, and thus make the ruler concious about things they might have forgotten. cause, in the end, Ivy is right. Zaphira not marrying a prince/king is bad international politics wise. And her marrying a former slave is even worse politically, and potentually for the realms stability. Worst case scenario, her vassals will see her as unworthy and defiled, and/or other slaves, encouraged by Shen's good fortune, will rise up and demand better lives. Such uprisings among vassals and/or slaves, violent or peacefull, are devestating for any realm. Period. So Ivy is correct in that Zaphira is putting everyone and everything in danger by wanting Shen as her Prince. Which does make her a "stupid ruler" to a degree. Is Ivy right moraly? Or a good person? No, of course not! She's a bitch, and a political threat to Zaphira, intentional or not. But her argument is accurate.

[quote]"t3015":/users/482353 said: The worst part of it is, Ivi is right to certain degree. Zephira was only trained as a lock to a key, nobody even bothered to taught her how to be a ruler, even Shen is better at paperwork then she is. The only thin where Ivi is mistaken is that Shen is not a slave, he have been bought out of slavery he is a free man. What Shen actually is, is plebian...which is actually even wors. If he would be slave Zephira can simply say that she owns him and simply sleaps with him, thats what slaves are for. But as a plebian...it is not a good optic especially for surrounding kingdoms...with rulers that have sctually been tought how to rule from birth. [/quote] I disagree. She has been trained to rule. Just look at the system around her and her influence over it. There is no rebellion or disloyalty from what we can see so far. And considering how much the prophecy stressed Zaphira out, disloyalty and rebellion would most certainly stress her out enough that we'd see it happen. Sure, she could be just a puppet for other nobles, but in that case, those nobles are ruling the realm fine. It's stable enough that Zaphira, the queen, doesnt see any problem. While I wouldnt call that good, it's still a sign that the realm is stable. Which is good. Ivy IS right that Zaphira having a former slave as her husband is politically horrible. A queen should marry a king or prince, purely for political and international reasons. And if she falls for a former slave, that will tarnish her image massivly, possably giving enemies of hers ammo to use against her. Then again, we don't know if enemies exist. The realm might be in a golden age and at peace, both internally and externally. and yes, Ivy is right that Zaphira has not done anything of note, aside of fall in love with a former slave who happened to find a water vein. So likelyhood is that Zaphira will not be remembered, and that the realm wount notice her presence or absence realy. But that's alright. Not every ruler must do more than just lead the realm.

[quote]"grayphus":/users/186770 said: That may very well be it. Let's face it. Zaphira is very kind, thoughtful, and hendonic. She may not seem like what one would expect of a queen. Haughty, distant, formal, and analytical. Ivy seems just as right. We don't even know how the crown was decided. If Ivy is the eldest, being overlooked due to a "prophecy" seems a bit unfair to her. Scar vs Mufasa? The truth is, Ivy doesn't see Zaphira as a competent leader, and Shen seems to be the straw that broke the camel's back. If she was looking for an excuse to question her sister, it appeared. [/quote] Zaphira might also just be the most manipulate able honestly. Or at least she was until she met Shen. No ruler rules alone after all. And considering how strongly Zaphira believed in the prophecy, other elites like the priesthood might have pulled strings to have her rule instead of Ivy. And yes, her kindness also makes her more easy to influence by lesser nobles, like dukes and barons. While Ivy likely would be a very totalitarian ruler. And all that, not even considering how Zaphira or Ivy would actually run the kingdom or what kind of laws and regulations they'd introduce. It's all just politics. On the other hand, of course, their father/mother (whoever the ruler was of the two), might have chosen Zaphira because she actually would be a good ruler. So far, what we've seen of her sisters, while all of them clearly are masters within their craft, basically none of them make good rulers. It's really only Cornelia and Zaphira who have the personality and dedication to actually lead and care for a realm. And Cornelia clearly, very much better at leading a group or army then do Politics. Zaphira meanwhile, while a bit of a pushover and not at being firm, is very competent at doing politics, organizing, managing and leading. I mean, she literaly managed to lead a realm, while having to follow a prophecy, yet Still found the time to build herself a "secret" library and manage her schedule to find the time to actually read novels and dream. Be it due to her being manipulate able, or because simply because between her sisters, she's one fo, if not the, one with the best competencies to rule, Zaphira has been made queen. The only better choice would have been Cornelia if the kingdom was at war/civil war. The others just simply don't make good rulers (active themselves, or puppets for actually competent, but non-king rulers). Not even Ivy. at least from what we've seen so far.

Saying that Zaphira is a joke is treason, which is punishable by shutting the fuck up

[quote]"starscented":/users/417069 said: Maybe because of her sign it's expected of her to remain a virgin, that it's her royal duty to remain a virgin. [/quote] Yeah that probably would piss someone off pretty royally.

Cornelia is a complete Jojo's character. The best jojo sis.

Cornelia is the absolute best big sister. (She's older than Zaphira right?)

And that same "livestock" managed to save the empire from a hideous drought thanks to that "joke" believing in the prophecy (silly as it was), being humble and thus she found not just a savior, but her true love. Must be amazing to think you could have done better in hindsight Ivy. Especially when your choices, ego and pride would probably have left you ruling over a kingdom of corpses. That sounds like a pathetic joke of a ruler.

A joke that’s a queen. Is still the queen.

The worst part of it is, Ivi is right to certain degree. Zephira was only trained as a lock to a key, nobody even bothered to taught her how to be a ruler, even Shen is better at paperwork then she is. The only thin where Ivi is mistaken is that Shen is not a slave, he have been bought out of slavery he is a free man. What Shen actually is, is plebian...which is actually even wors. If he would be slave Zephira can simply say that she owns him and simply sleaps with him, thats what slaves are for. But as a plebian...it is not a good optic especially for surrounding kingdoms...with rulers that have sctually been tought how to rule from birth.

"She's a joke, not a ruler" Well, you're a cunt. Doesn't make you any better.

[quote]"romus42":/users/78038 said: Cornelia is great. I absolutely want a standalone comic of her adventures at this point. With or without her snusnuing some lucky bastard. [/quote] Five bucks (and my sapphic heart) says she gets untold amounts of bitches

You know, people... the only reason I don't see Ivy with the classic "Karen" style page cut is because as a snake she's hairless. I could easily imagine her asking to speak to the manager and/or writing a harsh letter to the company - 'cept she can't because her much maligned sister IS the manager AND the head of the company. Bish.

I can totally see her on an adventure with Christopher. I can see them explaining all of their battle scars. No snu-snu with this one though.

[quote]"crazyt":/users/457991 said: First off, Cornelia you're a battle scarred understanding warrior Goddess of a woman (What's the female equivalent of "Balls of Steel", is it "Ovaries of Titanium"?); secondly, Ivy you don't even know Shen yet or how happy he makes your queen/sister. Edit: I just remembered that Ivy's sign in Virgo and Cornelia's is Scorpio. So maybe Ivy DOES need to get laid? IDRK [/quote] Hmmmmmmmm. Maybe because of her sign it's expected of her to remain a virgin, that it's her royal duty to remain a virgin. Am just speculating. Oo.

Wow, so she places livestock above slaves. Dang Ivy. : (

First off, Cornelia you're a battle scarred understanding warrior Goddess of a woman (What's the female equivalent of "Balls of Steel", is it "Ovaries of Titanium"?); secondly, Ivy you don't even know Shen yet or how happy he makes your queen/sister. Edit: I just remembered that Ivy's sign in Virgo and Cornelia's is Scorpio. So maybe Ivy DOES need to get laid? IDRK

[quote]"juxtapex":/users/2307043 said: amber always the ennui [/quote] If she thinks this argument is boring, I hate to think what a fiery one is like... Edit: Also, Jesus, "sleeping with a slave is more disgusting than sleeping with livestock"? I get this is akin to Ancient Egypt, but damn.

Time for the king to lay down some law.

The Virgo sign is perfect for Ivy, because with that attitude she's going to be a virgin forever. I mean (like I said before) she's probably scared off every guy she's dated. And I'm thinking she's got such a bad reputation back home, she couldn't even pay someone to date her. In fact, I'm thinking the only one who would be brave enough to date her would be Zaphira's bodyguard Zet, but Ivy would probably scare him off too.

I think someone needs to be on the "S" side of the S&M treatment 😈

You know what, let me just say this from a bit of personal experience. It's easy to hate but only because you can't/won't work on yourself. I consider myself as a deeply jealous person especially to my cousins & stepbrothers, but the key difference is, I still love my family and give support whenever I can as long as I'm able to. Do you know what it is like, to hate seeing others being treated and being more respected than you? It's not A great feeling, it makes you feel lesser, it reminds you of your own failures. But at no point whatsoever you incinerate them being terrible or A joke to "your" family name. (Unless they do something to someone that didn't deserve it.) That's how you set in stone things you can't take back. I don't have all the time in my life to being filled with that constant level of hatred, and I doubt she does, and if so, then maybe you have no place here if that's how you treat your sister.

[quote]"boxscrew":/users/2176874 said: i feel like zaphira was a fav child and ivy is jealous since she thinks she is more competent than her. i hope we get a flash back to why ivy is like this [/quote] That may very well be it. Let's face it. Zaphira is very kind, thoughtful, and hendonic. She may not seem like what one would expect of a queen. Haughty, distant, formal, and analytical. Ivy seems just as right. We don't even know how the crown was decided. If Ivy is the eldest, being overlooked due to a "prophecy" seems a bit unfair to her. Scar vs Mufasa? The truth is, Ivy doesn't see Zaphira as a competent leader, and Shen seems to be the straw that broke the camel's back. If she was looking for an excuse to question her sister, it appeared.

least some one Has some Fok'n sense. An Zum does Characters Very well

amber always the ennui

well. time to throw a brick on her.

Cornelia is great. I absolutely want a standalone comic of her adventures at this point. With or without her snusnuing some lucky bastard.

i feel like zaphira was a fav child and ivy is jealous since she thinks she is more competent than her. i hope we get a flash back to why ivy is like this

The Ms are fighting it out. Lets go!

Cornelia, you have my permission to break her...Bane style.