The Dresden Files > DF Reference Collection
Skin Game Predict-a-thon. [All the latest Spoilers permitted and encouraged]
knnn:
It's that time of year again again...
Jim Butcher is currently busy writing Skin Games, and has been letting out tantalizing hints and spoilers. I would like to exceed the relative successes of the of the Cold Days Predict-a-thon, and see if between us we can figure out what's in store for our favorite wizard PI.
As last time, I am going to try to structure the predictions by posing a bunch of questions and everyone is invited to submit answers. This thread will then be locked some time before the book starts coming out so people can't change their answers. Then, after Skin Games is finally out I will grade each of the submissions and the winner(s) will get bragging rights. Last year, I made a bunch of custom forum icons for the winners. You may find certain people still "wearing" them as badges of honor. I'll probably do the same this time around.
Notes:
a) There are 10 questions, to be graded based on correctness and specificity. Feel free to be as crazy as you like; an answer of "Harry blows up a building" probably not be worth as much as "Harry blows up the Barad-dûr with Soulfire" if it turns out that he blew up Orthanc with Hellfire instead.
b) Grading will be done at my sole discretion, though I may appoint fellow graders -- especially if the number of submissions is large. I will try to be fair, but I reserve the right to give extra credit to especially witty or creative answers. The grading scheme last year was simple and fairly generous. I would like to spice it up this year with "most amusing mis-prediction" or "made most people laugh". It all depends on the quality of the answers we get. --- This is all about us having fun, so if your answers provide amusement, this is something I will reward.
c) Please don't submit more than one set of answers. Just edit your first submission if you want to change things.
d) The first two chapters are available to the public already -- using those is fair game. There will probably be more such spoilers (interviews and the like) before the book comes out, so be warned -- I fully expected people to use everything at their disposal in making predictions. (The sample chapters will be included in the paperback release of Cold Days, and for this reason, transcripts of the videos of Jim's readings available on the interwebs are discouraged) -Serack
e) While I don't expect them to contribute, if the Betas (or Jim) want to enter in some predictions, they are totally welcome... ;D
f) I'm essentially repeating myself, but please don't post more than once. I will eventually have to go over all the responses, possibly multiple times, and I'd rather not have to be distracted by conversations. If you have any comments about other theories, please open a new thread.
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1. We have been told that Nicodemus has a very specific target in mind, ostensibly kept in the Labyrinth of Daedalus. What is Nic trying to get his hands on and why? The blurb for SG had some info on this, and all answers that hit on what the blurb indicates as the target have been recorded before anyone could edit their answer to reflect its contents. -Serack
2. Nicodemus apparently called in a marker from Mab to get Harry on the team. Does he have a specific plan for using Harry or did Mab twist his request? Which of Harry's capabilities will he admit to needing, and (given that this is Nicodemus after all), which abilities is he scheming for Harry to use?
3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry?
4. Harry's general method of operation is to call on his friends for help. In this book, Harry is (initially) allowed one extra backup member on the crew. Who will it be? Which of Harry's other allies will "interfere" before the plot is over? 9/10/13 an interview was published that answers the first half of this question. (edit: Sort of) Those that guessed what he said in that interview (at least partially) have been logged by the curators, but this will probably go down as some kind of extra credit or something, so keep Predictin! (edit: And things might not be binary simple...)-Serack
5. This is a Denarian book, so (unlike the last "end of the world" showdown), the Swords will almost certainly be present. In fact, there have been various hints... Which Sword wielders will appear in the next book and how will their interference/help affect the plot?
6. Mab is apparently against Nicodemus succeeding in this heist. In the Cold Days, we found that Mab had complex reasons for wanting Harry to kill Maeve. What are Mab's reasons in this book? Is it simple thwarting or is there something deeper?
7. At the end of Cold Days, Harry needs to stay on the island to keep his growing headaches at bay. The start of Skin Games implies that those headaches will need to be resolved by the end of the book. Who or what is causing those headaches, and how will the whole thing get resolved by the end of the book?
8. One of the key components of the "Ocean's Eleven" movie is that there is a final twist/reveal. Given that we've got Nicodemus, Harry, Mab, and potentially Hades (and who knows who else) all trying to get the better of each other, if there's one thing you can count on it's some sort of last minute quintuple-cross. What will be the nature of the twist and how will it all fall out?
9. (Extra Credit) There are many WAG ("Wild A$$ Guess") theories on the boards, some crazier than others. Write up to three WAG theories (or make up your own) you believe are correct that will be confirmed (or at least have evidence in favor of) in Skin Games.
10. (Extra Credit) This is that "free form" question where you can come up with anything else you think will be in this book. Specific quotes Harry might say (will he actually quote Ocean's Eleven? The movie will have come out already in Harry's timeline)? Tidbits about the White Council? The fate of Molly? Write down anything you want. Note that whatever you write must be specifically mentioned or hinted at in Skin Games in order to be worth credit.
knnn:
1. We have been told that Nicodemus has a very specific target in mind, ostensibly kept in the Labyrinth of Daedalus. What is Nic trying to get his hands on and why?
Personally, my vote is for the Lance of Longinius, based off of a random blurb from Jim. I'll expand upon this later.
2. Nicodemus apparently called in a marker from Mab to get Harry on the team. Does he have a specific plan for using Harry or did Mab twist his request? Which of Harry's capabilities will he admit to needing, and (given that this is Nicodemus after all), which abilities is he scheming for Harry to use?
Again, to be fleshed when I have more time, but my prediction is that the fact Harry has been dead is the reason Nicodemus specifically needs him. I'll go a little further and predict that the real reason Lasciel whispered into Harry's ear is so that he would be temporarily dead (she knew Uriel would help him get better) -- precisely to make him a candidate for this mission.
3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry?
- A Naagloshii
- Lasciel
- Not sure yet.
4. Harry's general method of operation is to call on his friends for help. In this book, Harry is (initially) allowed one extra backup member on the crew. Who will it be? Which of Harry's other allies will "interfere" before the plot is over?
Thomas. Harry needs someone who can be entirely trusted to watch his back, yet be underestimated up until the point Nicodemus makes his move. There is nobody better than Thomas for that.
5. This is a Denarian book, so (unlike the last "end of the world" showdown), the Swords will almost certainly be present. In fact, there have been various hints... Which Sword wielders will appear in the next book and how will their interference/help affect the plot?
Daniel Carpenter uses a Sword and dies. Then Michael picks it up. "Vengeance is mine sayith the Lord"
6. Mab is apparently against Nicodemus succeeding in this heist. In the Cold Days, we found that Mab had complex reasons for wanting Harry to kill Maeve. What are Mab's reasons in this book? Is it simple thwarting or is there something deeper?
Not sure yet. I'll come up with something eventually.
7. At the end of Cold Days, Harry needs to stay on the island to keep his growing headaches at bay. The start of Skin Games implies that those headaches will need to be resolved by the end of the book. Who or what is causing those headaches, and how will the whole thing get resolved by the end of the book?
It's Lash. That medallion Mab gives Harry is a plot point -- at some point it will be ripped off his neck.
8. One of the key components of the "Ocean's Eleven" movie is that there is a final twist/reveal. Given that we've got Nicodemus, Harry, Mab, and potentially Hades (and who knows who else) all trying to get the better of each other, if there's one thing you can count on it's some sort of last minute quintuple-cross. What will be the nature of the twist and how will it all fall out?
I'd love to elaborate on this later on, but my prediction is that Heaven ends up with the thingamadad both Nic and Mab are after.
9. (Extra Credit) There are many WAG ("Wild A$$ Guess") theories on the boards, some crazier than others. Write up to three WAG theories (or make up your own) you believe are correct that will be confirmed (or at least have evidence in favor of) in Skin Games.
TBD.
10. (Extra Credit) This is that "free form" question where you can come up with anything else you think will be in this book. Specific quotes Harry might say (will he actually quote Ocean's Eleven? The movie will have come out already in Harry's timeline)? Tidbits about the White Council? The fate of Molly? Write down anything you want. Note that whatever you write must be specifically mentioned or hinted at in Skin Games in order to be worth credit.
TBD
ubergeek:
1. My first thought was that he was after the mantle of a titan to increase his power. But I've recently had another thought. Nic loves to spread misery and despair. What better way to do that than to take Pandora's box/jar and destroy the spirit of hope that it protects?
2. I wonder if it's less about Harry's skill set and more about Nic getting another chance to take him out.
3. Naagloshii, the last church mouse, and a few new characters
4. He'll ask Thomas to join the heist because they completely trust each other, whereas Murphy's a little uncertain of Harry's new mantle. Mouse may also show up, sensing that his buddy needs help. The rest of Team Dresden will probably join in when everything goes wrong and Harry needs all the help he can get to save the world.
5. Jim's said that Michael is coming off the bench, but given his injuries he probably won't be taking up a sword. More likely he's going to confront Mab in regards to Molly's new position. Murphy will use Fidelacchius again, although she may still choose not to officially become a Knight. Sanya will probably show up, but then something might happen to him. As others have pointed out, a Knight seems to go down every time we see the Denarians.
6. Given how the Fae are all about balance I suspect that Mab just doesn't want Nic to tip the scales in his favor. Of course, it's quite likely that's only one of the reasons.
7. I say it's Lash, or at least the remnants of Lash which have gained consciousness by feeding off Harry's soul. Technically, it could be considered Harry and Lash's child. Just like how Athena was the child of Zeus and the titaness Metis, whom Zeus swallowed and kept inside himself for her advice and wisdom. Molly will play the role of Hephaestus and take a psychic hammer to Harry's skull to release the parasite/offspring. As to what form this being takes, I like what others have suggested about it becoming a spirit of intellect like Bob.
8. Pass. I often have trouble predicting those sorts of stories.
9. pass
10. pass
DoTArchon:
1. We have been told that Nicodemus has a very specific target in mind, ostensibly kept in the Labyrinth of Daedalus. What is Nic trying to get his hands on and why?
I think this is part of the con. The question isn't what is Nic after, but who is he after... I have several ideas regarding this:
Harry - This is why he wants Harry along, to either coerce (although he knows that won't work) or trick Harry into touching a coin again. Lasciel's coin, more than likely.
Persephone - As per Greek mythology, Persephone was responsible for the life cycle of vegetation throughout the seasons, and could possibly challenge Titania, since she isn't held in check by Mab) ((Side note: on the topic of masks from Cold Days, I wonder if Persphone isn't Titania)) . if Nic can corrupt her then he wouldn't need a holy relic like the Shroud to cause insane levels of chaos around the world.
Nic has tried several times throughout the books to recruit powerful figures (Harry, Ivy, Marcone), he could be trying something similar here again...
2. Nicodemus apparently called in a marker from Mab to get Harry on the team. Does he have a specific plan for using Harry or did Mab twist his request? Which of Harry's capabilities will he admit to needing, and (given that this is Nicodemus after all), which abilities is he scheming for Harry to use?
I think Nic has managed to get his hands on Lasciels coin, and wants to try to con Harry into picking it up again.
Will continue this at a later stage...
3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry?
4. Harry's general method of operation is to call on his friends for help. In this book, Harry is (initially) allowed one extra backup member on the crew. Who will it be? Which of Harry's other allies will "interfere" before the plot is over?
5. This is a Denarian book, so (unlike the last "end of the world" showdown), the Swords will almost certainly be present. In fact, there have been various hints... Which Sword wielders will appear in the next book and how will their interference/help affect the plot?
6. Mab is apparently against Nicodemus succeeding in this heist. In the Cold Days, we found that Mab had complex reasons for wanting Harry to kill Maeve. What are Mab's reasons in this book? Is it simple thwarting or is there something deeper?
7. At the end of Cold Days, Harry needs to stay on the island to keep his growing headaches at bay. The start of Skin Games implies that those headaches will need to be resolved by the end of the book. Who or what is causing those headaches, and how will the whole thing get resolved by the end of the book?
8. One of the key components of the "Ocean's Eleven" movie is that there is a final twist/reveal. Given that we've got Nicodemus, Harry, Mab, and potentially Hades (and who knows who else) all trying to get the better of each other, if there's one thing you can count on it's some sort of last minute quintuple-cross. What will be the nature of the twist and how will it all fall out?
9. (Extra Credit) There are many WAG ("Wild A$$ Guess") theories on the boards, some crazier than others. Write up to three WAG theories (or make up your own) you believe are correct that will be confirmed (or at least have evidence in favor of) in Skin Games.
10. (Extra Credit) This is that "free form" question where you can come up with anything else you think will be in this book. Specific quotes Harry might say (will he actually quote Ocean's Eleven? The movie will have come out already in Harry's timeline)? Tidbits about the White Council? The fate of Molly? Write down anything you want. Note that whatever you write must be specifically mentioned or hinted at in Skin Games in order to be worth credit.
dpara:
1. We have been told that Nicodemus has a very specific target in mind, ostensibly kept in the Labyrinth of Daedalus. What is Nic trying to get his hands on and why?
Persephones soul, aka. Helen Beckits daugther. Why? Marcone said something along the line "The only way to get me to join is to make her whole again". Ok this might not be the sole reason but I'd be damned if this doesn't come into play somehow.
I think they don't want anything from the vault, they just want to trap Harry in there (sounds more fun than major magic mc guffin)
2. Nicodemus apparently called in a marker from Mab to get Harry on the team. Does he have a specific plan for using Harry or did Mab twist his request? Which of Harry's capabilities will he admit to needing, and (given that this is Nicodemus after all), which abilities is he scheming for Harry to use?
I think it was I know you know I know you know, with Nic knowing Mab is gonna try screw him & the biggest corkscrew in Mabs arsenal is Harry.
Also there is a greater Lasciel & Nic Alliance running with "You help me kill Harry in the worst way we can do and I'm gonna help you with whatever".
"Needing" Harry? uff, he needs someone on the team with ranged attacks and knowledge of the ways?
"You go into the Labyrinth and attract Hades attention, while he is busy with with you we do our thing"
3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry?
- Last churchmouse on Nics side, likely surprise Lasciel powered or she picks her up during the book (let's make that Harrys fault ^^).
I don't think there will be any more Fallen than Nic, Tessa & Lasciel, the others might come into play on an interference team.
Well an assorted team of other wierdos;
Muscle, Binder
Recon, sth. with clairvoyance/astral projection/intangibility
Conman, shapechanger
4. Harry's general method of operation is to call on his friends for help. In this book, Harry is (initially) allowed one extra backup member on the crew. Who will it be? Which of Harry's other allies will "interfere" before the plot is over?
I say Harrys +1 is Kincaid.
Molly will interfere.. or Harry dies.. again.
5. This is a Denarian book, so (unlike the last "end of the world" showdown), the Swords will almost certainly be present. In fact, there have been various hints... Which Sword wielders will appear in the next book and how will their interference/help affect the plot?
I have a hard time imaging the "greatest weapons of humanity" frolicking in some portion of the NN, so I think they will only come into play as "people to avoid" before the heist starts. And likely as a "whoops I was leaving a trail of breadcrumbs" to find them fight in the end.
So I say Murphy will not use the sword in the beginning & sees Harrys buddies, Sanya might get wounded. In the end she takes it up to stop Harry.
6. Mab is apparently against Nicodemus succeeding in this heist. In the Cold Days, we found that Mab had complex reasons for wanting Harry to kill Maeve. What are Mab's reasons in this book? Is it simple thwarting or is there something deeper?
Hades is mother winters boyfriend.
7. At the end of Cold Days, Harry needs to stay on the island to keep his growing headaches at bay. The start of Skin Games implies that those headaches will need to be resolved by the end of the book. Who or what is causing those headaches, and how will the whole thing get resolved by the end of the book?
It's Lash. Nic will disable Harry by ripping of his earring, at which point Harry has an heart to heart with Lash. So they avoid Lash bursting out by switching places Lash takes over his body and Harry ghosts around.
8. One of the key components of the "Ocean's Eleven" movie is that there is a final twist/reveal. Given that we've got Nicodemus, Harry, Mab, and potentially Hades (and who knows who else) all trying to get the better of each other, if there's one thing you can count on it's some sort of last minute quintuple-cross. What will be the nature of the twist and how will it all fall out?
There is nothing to steal it was to imprison Harry / let Hades deal with Harry.
The obvious? Harry is gonna split into two people.
"We only said you could take some with you, not that we would/could take him back".
9. (Extra Credit) There are many WAG ("Wild A$$ Guess") theories on the boards, some crazier than others. Write up to three WAG theories (or make up your own) you believe are correct that will be confirmed (or at least have evidence in favor of) in Skin Games.
Thorned Namshiel is in Mabs hands.
Lash is gonna get some form and be one of Harrys sidekicks from now on.
Bob will become the "spirit of the internet", youtube comments Bob will split from him and cause the 3rd world war.
10. (Extra Credit) This is that "free form" question where you can come up with anything else you think will be in this book. Specific quotes Harry might say (will he actually quote Ocean's Eleven? The movie will have come out already in Harry's timeline)? Tidbits about the White Council? The fate of Molly? Write down anything you want. Note that whatever you write must be specifically mentioned or hinted at in Skin Games in order to be worth credit.
The council insists that Molly is still Harrys apprentice and tries to gain some leverage over Winter that way, so Molly makes full wizard status.
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