The Dresden Files > DF Reference Collection

Skin Game Predict-a-thon. [All the latest Spoilers permitted and encouraged]

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Sully:

--- Quote from: dillic1 on August 19, 2013, 06:06:58 PM ---4. The White Council will finally believe Harry has gone warlock and will attempt to kick him off the council.  Eb, the Gatekeeper, and others will push it to a full vote of the council.  The merlin will list everything Harry has done that is terrible.  Someone will stand for Harry and defend him, listing all of the times he has prevented catastrophe.  Surprisingly, the council will vote to keep Harry on the white council.  He will be stripped of his title as Warden, but will still be THE Warden of DemonReach.

--- End quote ---

Of course he'll stay Warden of DR.  Who's going to take it from him. 8)

That'd be a fun scene to read.  I can't decide if it would be more fun to end or start a book with.

Zarl96:

--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?

--- End quote ---
Primarily the Staff of Moses, aka the Spear of Destiny, Holy Lance, or about 10 other names, because of its ability to manufacture plagues (not just diseases like the shroud) and its symbolical significance to TWG and his followers. Secondarily, he wants the soul of Helen Beckitt's daughter both as payment to Marcone for lending him Gard (more on this later) and in an attempt to recruit Marcone.


--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?

--- End quote ---
I think he specifically requested Harry for multiple reasons (why do anything for only one after all?). The first being that the entrance to Tartarus lies on Demonreach (maybe even in the well, though I doubt it), without Harry's permission or assistance the plan is ruined almost before it began. The second being that as a mortal who has "died" and returned, Harry likely will be able to reveal things about the Underworld that "normal" mortals (or non-mortals) would miss. At the very least, he would be a good distraction for Hades while the rest of the group is getting the vault if it should come to that. I also suspect that he is scheming for Harry to use Soulfire and attract a lot of things attentions (not the least of all being Hades). 


--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven".  Who else did Nicodemus recruit?  How will they interact with Harry?

--- End quote ---
1. Nicodemus (brains)
2. Deirdre
3. Shagnasty (conman via shapeshifting)
4. Gard (guidance)
5. Mavra (stealth)
6. New Denarian (one of the church's coins, possibly Lasciel?)
7. Anna Valmont (vanilla mortal because some of the traps will require mortal blood as well as being an expert thief)
8. A necromancer, my money's on Kumori
9. New Denarian "Ratboy"
10. Harry (access, combat, and distraction)
11. Harry's +1 (See #4)


--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?

--- End quote ---
Harry's plus 1 will be Thomas because picking anyone else would leave Chicago "undefended". Besides which, he wants to show that he trusts his brother and make up for the whole, "you're a monster" thing from CD. Sanya will definitely interfere leading Mouse, Molly, Kincaid, and Murphy as a "rescue party" for Harry.


--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?

--- End quote ---
Sanya will show up, possibly at the beginning to try convincing Harry not to help Nico but definitely at the end to counter Nico's inevitable double cross during which he will die. They'll run into Shiro's shade who will convince Murphy to take up the Sword of Faith (I"m not even gonna try to spell it). 


--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?

--- End quote ---
Mab is smart enough to realize that Nico is a dangerous enemy and is still pissed off about his breaking of the accords. Besides which, she wants Harry to become experienced in double crosses, especially in surviving them.


--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?

--- End quote ---
Lash, the "child" of Lasciel and Harry, who will be released from Harry's head by Molly and will exist as a spirit while in the Underworld before obtaining her own body (either by magic or possession) possibly Helen Beckitt's daughter.


--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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?

--- End quote ---
Nico will attempt to con the rest of the team and take the loot by turning them against Harry and trying to get out when no-one's watching. This will be ruined by Sanya's rescue team who help Harry and by Tessa who will lead a team of denarians specifically to stop Nico (with Hades blessing). While this big clusterfuck of a fight is going on, Anna Valmont will steal the loot and escape to Earth, where she sells it to the highest bidder, Marcone and who knows what he'll do with it.


--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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.

--- End quote ---
1. Lasciel will show up in a new host and reveal that she and Harry are Lash's progenitors and attempt to get Lash on her side.
2. After the group is unsuccessful at finding Amanda Beckitt's soul, Lash will possess her so she doesn't feel guilty about robbing someone of her newly discovered free will.
3. Harry will be captured by Hades and will be rescued by Odin/Gard having a prior claim to his soul (because Harry ate in Odin's hall)


--- Quote from: knnn on August 13, 2013, 12:07:23 PM ---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. 

--- End quote ---
Harry will officially appear before the WC to show he isn't dead.
Mother Winter will be mentioned, specifically in relation to being Death (or perhaps as being similar to Thanatos)
Mavra will be after a sample of the river Lethe to make the world forget about the Black Court and their weaknesses.
One of the (church) Denarians will be rat themed.
Michael will be involved but not take up a sword.
Harry will use Soulfire, either to talk to one of the shades (Shiro maybe?) or to create a body for Lash.


On a side note, is anyone else really curious to find out what it was Nicodemus and Deirdre did to help Mab out originally? Any theories?

Phobos:
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 predict one of two possibilities: First Hades helm of invisibility, which probably has some others powers or abilities not mentioned; Second, is a mantle of some kind that has been lying in active in the vault for a very long time, Nic wants it back out into the world for his own purposes.
Of course whatever Nic tells Harry they are after is probably only part of the truth. Whatever is initially stated as the objective is likely a smokescreen or tertiary to what Nic really wants. The bait is will be valuable enough for the rest of the crew to fight over while Nic goes for his real objective. That’s just how he rolls.

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 Nicodemus knows that if he went after this item, Mab would send Harry to stop him anyway and he is using the marker Mab owes Anduriel to keep Mab on the sidelines and Harry where he can manipulate him and keep an eye one him. Other than that, having a Wizard on the team would hurt.

3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven".  Who else did Nicodemus recruit?  How will they interact with Harry?
Shagnasty, Binder, The Last Church mouse, etc. Either way I think the whole thing will be a walking Mexican Standoff. Harry will be snarky as ever but I don’t think he will have any lasting allies in the group.

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?
Harry will call Mouse to back him up. 1. Because Nicodemus is afraid of Mouse. 2. In the off chance that the Parasite does erupt out of his skull and kill him, Mouse will be there to hopefully take it down before it can do any damage. Mouse’s recruitment will of course tie in with having to confront Michael about his daughter and actually interact with Little Maggie.
Before Harry leaves on his mission I think he will leave notice with his allies about what is going on. I also think he will be counting on the Knight of the Cross to show up coincidentally and do what they do best.

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?
Sanya will definitely show up and he will be at odds with Harry (being he has to do Mab’s bidding). Harry will eventually convince Sanya that he is still working against Nicodemus but can’t help directly. Murphy will get Fidellachius and save Dresden’s butt at a crucial moment allowing him to break ranks after the heist and chase down whichever third party has ninjaed the loot at that point.

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?

Mab is all about order and Nicodemus seems quite opposite. Whatever Nicodemus is after will somehow upset the established order in a way that will threaten Mab’s interests or she wants the loot for herself as it may be something useful against outsiders. It’s never simple with Mab; there is definitely something deeper going on.

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?
The Parasite is causing the headaches, which is of course Lash, though whatever she has become is a complete mystery at this point. Mab will keep her end of the bargain (of course); Molly will show up and save Dresden’s backside. This will not be a quick resolution as an afterthought but a chapter’s long scene with some shocking resolution about what the parasite is. Of course once it has emerged it will probably do exactly what Mab said it would: hunt down Harry’s loved ones.

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?
 It will turn out that the primary point of the heist was not to steal the object but to lure out several nemesis infectee’s or rivals in the open, with the prospect of gaining something of great power, to be eliminated.

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.
Lash is the Parasite
Lasciel will show up in a new host and reveal that she and Harry are Lash's progenitors and attempt to get Lash on her side.
Mab has Thorned Namshiel’s coin (and Nicodemus wants to make a trade for it hence the heist.)


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.
Molly will act like Mab manipulated her in to changing but she will reveal she is holding on or Harry will do or say something to reinforce her own personality.  There will be some animosity from Molly.
More on the Fomor.
Status update on the White Council, hopefully some appearances.
Grey Council action.
There will definitely be a debate at some point about which Ocean’s Eleven film is better. Harry will be the only one supporting the older version at first and surprisingly Nicodemus will agree with him. Awkward moment for Harry. There will be lots of little Ocean’s Eleven bits thrown into the story.

Murphy gets killed and Odin nrings her back as a Valkyrie or a Einherjar

robertltux:
not sure how this will work but

Maggie will be visited by a Secret Service agent (who is secretly a Wizard) because "somebody" made the SS think that her safety is "A Matter of National Security"

' Agent Franks flips open his badge holder and Micheal (after Mouse sort of squints at Agent Franks) notices that his badge has traces of a circle around the central star almost as if the badge holder was used with a Pentacle also'

lt_murgen:
(1) What is Nic trying to get his hands on and why?
I believe that it will be some object that will allow some control over the seasons, as a tie in to the Persephone/Demeter myth.  Manipulating the seasons is mucking with Mab and Titiana’s powers.  Also, weather extremes are tied to violence and upheaval, which Nic would love.  This is, of course, not what he TELLS anyone.  This will be a quest for a religious relic to restore souls, which will entice several others to join him (see below).

(2) Does he have a specific plan for using Harry or did Mab twist his request?
I have to believe that Harry as Winter Knight and his defense of the island and offing of Maeve are all well known by now. He knows that Harry believes some of the Denarians are not on the same team as Nic.  Thus, this will be an “anti-adversary” quest on the surface.  Thus, Harry is the logical choice. 

(3) Who else does Nic recruit?
At least one more Denarian besides Tessa.  I suspect Lasciel.  I can see Mavra making a re-appearance.  Being dead and all she would be good, and if the Black Court has ties to the Outsiders as some suspect, then she could have her own motives for joining.  Of course, everyone will not be able to kill Harry off hand, but they wont go out of their way to stop him from doing something  stupid. Then there will be Marcone.  Yes, he will be there.  The Denarians will try to recruit him, but he will be looking to continue his efforts to fix that girl.

(4) Who will Harry bring in?  Who will interfere?
I assume Hades is part of the Never Never somewhere.  Harry is starting to realize he has power, but lacks knowledge.  As such, I think he calls on Bob.  We saw how powerful Bob was when battling Necro-Bob.  Plus, he knows a ton.  Bob is the least well known of his allies, so it would be a surprise to them.  I expect at least one interference by Summer- both because of Lily’s death and because they have to oppose actions by Winter.  I could see Fix showing up again.  Other than that, I expect most of his allies to stay out of it- Harry knows this is a bad deal and wouldn’t pull them in.  However, I expect Harry to use them for a big surprise at the end.  Since Bob has learned about the internet, he could be using it to tell them everything, and setting up an ambush at the end.

(5) Knights of the Cross?
I fully expect Sanya to interfere as it his job to oppose the Denarians.  That will likely happen early in the story- Nic will probably steer events to make it happen.  I also think this is the book where Murphy will pick up the Sword.  With her running the Justice Leage of Chicago, it is only a matter of time before she assumes the Arthur role and the FLC changes into Knights of the Round Table, version 2.

(6) What has Mab got going on?
First, she is repaying Nics debt.  I think Nic found out one of the other Denarians was part of the attack on Arctic Tor- an attack designed to free an infected Lea so she could displace Mab.  Nic lent another Denarian to Mab to foil the attack in exchange for eliminating the corrupted Denarian.  But whoever [Lasciel] it was escaped, so Mab owes still.  Thus, that Denarian will be on Nic's crew.  So Harry can think he pulled a fast on on Nic, and Nic can let that Denarian be killed and his hands still be clean.  Second, neither summer nor winter want Nic to get his hand on the McGuffin, so by sending Harry it allows Summer to keep attacking the group and weakening it without revealing that Mab knows Nic’s real objective.  Third, well, see the next item.

(7) What’s with the headaches?[/b]
I think it has been pretty well telegraphed that it is Lash.  By renaming the shadow of Lasciel to Lash he changed it.  Uriel hinted at the power of names in Ghost Story.  I think that, in Hades, Harry will lose the earring.  This will free Lash, who will take over Harry and use him to wage war on Lasciel.  If Lasicel wing, Lash dies and Harry is free of it.  If Lash wins, she will drop the coin and take possessin of the body- gaining Harry another knowledgable (and endebtted) ally.  All part of Mab’s plan.

(8)
After besting the forces and traps of Hades, Nic reveals his item and tries to force his will upon the Queens.  They, in turn, reveal they knew his objective from the beginning, and have agents in place- return of eldest Gruff?  OF course, Nic suspected it and calls in Denarian reinforcements.  Which, in turn, was exactly what Hades expected him to do.  Hades wants the Denarians back under his roof, so to speak, and throws in with the Queens. 

(9) WAG theories
A) Harry will have a moment with the shade of Susan, where he finally receives forgiveness for what he did.  He will have a moment where he could sacrifice his role in the quest to ‘save’ her shade, but will leave her to her fate. This will likely be a test by Hades.
B) At least one Denarian coin will already be in the hands of Hades.  Likely one of them from the attack on Arctis Tor and NOT Thorned Namsiel’s.  This was the payment of Mab to Hades to not take Harry’s spirit right away.
C) Duckie’s infamous Mavra/Harry  poetry will be referenced somehow- likely by her constantly coming on to Harry.

(10) Extra Credit
-Harry will sing or hum “Highway to Hell”.
-Harry will reference Ocean’s Eleven in a snarky comment to Nic- like saying he doesn’t look like Clooney.  Nic will return snark, saying he always thought he looked like Sinatra- referencing the original Ocean’s 11.
-Molly will NOT be seen in person- Mab is keeping the two apart. 
-At some point while wandering the maze, Harry will lament he didn’t bring either a ball of string or a piece of chalk. 
-At some point during the trip someone will suggest splitting up and Harry will reply along the lines of “Dungeon crawl rule #1- don’t split the party.”
- Early on, Harry will find out that Mister died of natural causes.  He is a cat, after all, and a decade and a half for an outdoor cat is unlikely. 
- Harry will get to meet the spirit of Mister and have his tearful goodbye.

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