The Dresden Files > DF Reference Collection
Skin Game Predict-a-thon. [All the latest Spoilers permitted and encouraged]
kokolores:
--- 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?
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As I recall Hades had a special helm and chariot in his possession so they should appear, but they are far too obvious. So I'm gonna put my money on something else. Either the keys to the doors of tartarus to unleash all kinds of beasties upon the world or some pomegranate seeds he intends to feed to some unsuspecting summer deity.
--- Quote ---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?
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I figure Nicodemus wants Harry at his side for several reasons. First, because Nick wants to kill Harry and this will be the perfect opportunity. Secondly, because forcing Harry to work with him will be the most fun Nick has had for years. Thirdly because Hades hates those who manage to cheat death and that fact makes Harry prime bait.
--- Quote ---3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry?
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Anna Valmont is a given I think because of WoJ, but apart from her I expect one of them will be Marcone. Marcone has cast himself in the role of Hades too often for him not to appear.
Kumori as a necromancer also would make a fitting addition. She will lose some of her mystique and she'll be one of those who will work together with Harry in good faith.
Finally I kinda expect Mavra to show her maggot riddled head once more. Her sole goal will be to kill Harry once and for all.
--- Quote ---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?
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Harry's plus one will be Kincaid. As for who will interfere? Sanya, Fix, Murphy, Ivy, Molly, Sarissa Mort and Butters in some manner or another. I fully expect Harry to leave a trail of breadcrumbs for his allies to follow so he can lay a trap of his own.
--- Quote ---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?
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Sanya and the new one which will be a complete surprise. So it won't be Murphy although she might use one of the swords for a bit.
--- Quote ---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?
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If you consider that Nicodemus is someone who always plays the deeper game you can imagine that whatever he plans to do will have far reaching consequences for the world. It will probably affect the very balance of the world and Mab does not want that to happen. So her tool Harry is chosen to interfere for her good, the good of the world and his good in that order. Besides she wants Harry as her Knight to get a proper reputation. CD was only in house business so she couldn't show Harry off to the rest of the supernatural crowd. This time Harry will be in the midst of major league players and for him to survive he will show himself as the most dangerous of them all. Thereby enhancing her own rep as his queen.
--- Quote ---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?
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The parasite is a combination of Lash and Outsider and it will get resolved by Molly helping it be born without Harry having his skull explode. With the greek setting of the book and it being literally the child of Harry's brain she'll be called Athena.
--- Quote ---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?
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Obviously Nicodemus will double-cross Harry. Probably setting him up as the sacrifice who is supposed to get hunted down by Hades and Cerberus. But Harry will be ready for it. He will have set up his own back-up beyond what he was allowed. He'll have left a trail for his usual allies- lead by Sanya and Murphy- to follow and they'll spring a trap of their own on Nicodemus. Naturally Nick will be ready for it because his true plan depended upon one of Harry's allies interfering. In the end Nicodemus will escape only to fall into the true trap he did not see coming.
--- Quote ---
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.
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1. Nicodemus will get finished off in this book and it will involve a super soaker and the Waters of Lethe.
2. The new wielder of Fidelacchius will be the nice jar ad kid from SmF.
--- Quote ---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
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No clue what to write right now. I already put my WAGs in the last question.
Denarian Stormborn:
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?
My bet is one some article of power to use in the BAT. Nic is usually all about chasing the apocalypse but I think he sees things are becoming dire he might need a power up.
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 Harry having died and come back will show some of it's significance in this book. Hades will probably be interested in such a person.
3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry?
I'd rather see a mixed bunch than his typical Nicklehead crew. The churchmouse will probably be there, and I think a naagloshi is heavily favored in the general opinion because of the name of the book.
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 was trying to think which of his usual companions he hasn't had a book with lately. Thomas was featured heavily in the CD, as was Molly and she's probably on the shelf for this one at least until its climactic to reveal her winter lady goodness. Mouse isn't a bad idea but I don't really consider him a Major companion if that makes sense. Murphy hasn't been used for an entire book since, what Changes? And just having a sword with her, even if she doesn't take it up, could be a good threat to keep Nic in check.
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?
My dream scenario is that when all looks lost for Harry that Sanya, Murphy, and Daniel Carpenter run in and rain holy death on some fallen/demons with all three swords.
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?
I believe she mentions in the reading that Harry is there to make sure whatever Nic is planning doesnt go down. Couldn't really guess as to what or how or why at this point.
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?
I believe it's Lash, corrupted by Nemesis (somehow) and Harry will rid himself of it when he finally takes up her coin provided by Nic at the best possible moment. Hell Harry already has the mantle to deal with, some serious anger issues, and a world of guilt on his shoulders. I don't know if you guys watch Breaking Bad but he's getting to be more Heisenberg and Walter White at this point. One more nasty influence in his head doesn't sound like an illogical next step.
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?
Nic and Hades were working together to deliver Harry to the underworld where Hades believes he belongs. Of course Nic double crosses Hades and takes what he wants from the vault as well as his original payment. Hades then makes a quick deal with Mab aaaand fireworks.
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.
1. Eb is infected as well as the leader of the Black Council.
2. Justin was working toward the same goals as Maggie and sent HHWB to give Harry his first piece of knowledge about outsider/being a starborn.
3. Kincaid was a denarian at some point.
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.
I got nothing.
vultur:
--- Quote ---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 ---
The remaining stored Denarian coins, given the WoJ where Jim carefully didn't say where they were kept, probably implying it would become important in a future plot.
Either to boost his faction's power in general, or to help him against the potential "Black Council"/Nemesis Denarians.
--- Quote ---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 ---
Nic may have wanted help from Winter generally, not specifically Harry, because of Winter's ties to death and thus Hades. Or he may have wanted Harry specifically.
Either way, given that he's got Harry, he probably wants Harry to use Soulfire, a power he otherwise wouldn't have any way of accessing.
--- Quote ---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 ---
Deirdre, almost certainly. Not Tessa or Namshiel, he doesn't trust them at all at this point. Maybe Rosanna. At least one Denarian we don't know the name of yet, though we may have seen them briefly.
I agree that the remaining Churchmouse will probably be there... not sure if she will be on Nic's team though - given their bad experience with the Denarians in DM, I'm not sure how Nic would get her to come along. Maybe he got one of the other Denarians to make the deal in disguise, or just used one she didn't meet in DM?
--- Quote ---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 ---
Probably Thomas, possibly Murphy (I'm not sure Murphy is the right choice for a theft... but she's gotten a lot harder/darker in the last few books, so...)
--- Quote ---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 certainly.
Michael will appear, but not actually use a Sword.
Fidelacchius will find a wielder, probably Murphy. Though... given the changes Murphy has gone through, Sanya may die or be badly wounded, and Murphy may pick up Esperacchius instead, Fidelacchius going to ... dunno. Daniel Carpenter doesn't sound right to me.
--- Quote ---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 ---
Nic's success would make the Denarians stronger, and they've already proved they're willing to flout the Accords, and they're agents of chaos and destruction... with the potential of wrecking the balance of the supernatural world and distracting Winter from the Gates.
So likely Nic isn't thinking specifically about working against Nemesis in the Denarians, Mab wouldn't object to that I don't think.
--- Quote ---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 in some form. I like the idea of an "Evil Bob" equivalent Evil Lash, remnants of her evil side cast off when she turned good (saw that theory in Serack's Parasite Theories thread).
--- Quote ---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 ---
Not sure, I can never predict Jim's twists/surprises... even the ones that other people do figure out (it took me embarrassingly long to learn who Tavi was).
--- Quote ---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.
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Mother Winter is Death.
--- Quote ---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.
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Harry will reveal more about Soulfire and how to use it that he picked up between books (maybe even from being dead, CD was in kind of a hurry and he knew to use it against Mother Winter's will then...)
KevinSig:
--- 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 ---
He's trying to get his hands on Pandora's box. He intends to use it to cure Thorned Namy's coin of the Nemesis infection.
--- Quote ---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 ---
Neither. Nick has a goal in mind, but no set specific plan. Nick will hand the entire planing of the heist over to Dresden.
--- Quote ---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 ---
While I expect that Nick will bring in his own suggestions to the team, but other than Deidre & his tongue tied teammates, I think the heist will be entirely Dresden's plan.
I do expect that Binder, the Last Churchmouse, Tera West to show. Felicia Raith & Mr. Childs (the Troubleshooter) might also show.
--- Quote ---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 ---
I think Harry's initial Plus 1, will be Molly. It generally won't be well known that Molly is the new Winter Lady, and as such Nick will not be expecting any of her actions.
--- Quote ---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 ---
I expect that Murphy will get over her hang up regarding the sword & finally take it up full time. Nothing spectacular, but I don't see anyone else qualifying currently.
--- Quote ---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 ---
I question the premise of this question. Obviously, Mab knows how Harry thinks. Getting him to agree to this operation, pretty much hinges on the notion of betraying Nick.
I see Mab just manipulating Harry here. She honestly doesn't care if Nick is betrayed or successful. She just wants to give Harry as reason to see that the task is completed.
--- Quote ---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 ---
There has been a few hints already, that the parasite is Lash. I suspect she allowed herself to be infected by Nemesis during the Outsider attack by Vittrio, so that she could act against her nature.
She tried to burn herself out, before the infection could take root. Right now, she's Proven Guilty Lea, level of sanity.
Endgame, she becomes a spirit of Intellect, like Bob. Suspected vessel will be a nickel-like coin of some sort. (Maybe something with an Athena-type head.) Cured of Nemesis by Pandora's box, perhaps.
--- Quote ---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 ---
I suspect that the last Churchmouse will end up taking up a Denarian coin, either to outright kill Nick. Or join up with him, for some unknown reason. Potentially, the new bearer of Lashiel.
--- Quote ---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 ---
Can't think of anything WAGish, really.
--- Quote ---10. (Extra Credit) This is that "free form" question where you can come up with anything else you think will be in this book.
--- End quote ---
Harry will be put in front of the White Council, with a vote to determine if he's allowed to retain membership. I suspect that the vote will be close, with Ebenezer, the Gatekeeper & Listens to Wind voting for keeping Harry. The Merlin, Christos & Martha Liberty voting against. Ancient Mai providing the unexpected tie breaking vote, that keeps Harry in the Council.
Dimitri:
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 suspect a powerful "fallen" related object.
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?
Harry being previously dead will be important, plus Harry is good at hitting people.
3. Jim has mentioned that the book will be "Ocean's Eleven". Who else did Nicodemus recruit? How will they interact with Harry?
I suspect most will be new superbaddies that Harry's never seen before. Some will instantly hate Harry and vise versa and some will later become allies.
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?
Butters, but because "Polka will never die!" Harry will be forced to use someone else. His second choice will probably be Will or Thomas. The swords will make an appearance near the middle to end of the book though, and I suspect most of the JL of Chicago will show up near the end for a rescue. Ivy might make a guest appearance as well.
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 be there, and I suspect one other sword will come into play.
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?
It'll depend on whatever it is that Nic is after, but I suspect him getting it would be very bad for Mab and she's opposed to it.
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?
I don't have a good answer for this one. :-X
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?
Nic will reveal that he's after something completly different that what everyone thought, but Harry will be "sorta" ready for him and he'll pull of weak victory.
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.
The thing that Nic is REALLY after is the soul of Magaret LeFay.
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.
Harry will meet with several people that have died possibly: Susan, Kim Delaney, Harley MacFinn, Malcolm Dresden, Magaret Lefay.
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