The Dresden Files > DF Reference Collection
Doylist analysis of the Scooby Gang at the climax of Cold Days
knnn:
It's the "Thrice I ask" that leads me to lean toward the "Sharkface is Cowl" theory. Basically, Sharkface is what you get when a possessed mortal uses too much Outisder power -- he becomes a pure host to the Outsider. Would also go toward explaining where Cowl was during the final Outsider-based showdown at the end of CD.
The only real downside of the theory is that this means we probably won't ever see "normal" Cowl again.
Eldest Gruff:
--- Quote from: knnn on August 03, 2015, 05:49:05 PM ---It's the "Thrice I ask" that leads me to lean toward the "Sharkface is Cowl" theory. Basically, Sharkface is what you get when a possessed mortal uses too much Outisder power -- he becomes a pure host to the Outsider. Would also go toward explaining where Cowl was during the final Outsider-based showdown at the end of CD.
The only real downside of the theory is that this means we probably won't ever see "normal" Cowl again.
--- End quote ---
Also, and I truly don't remember it occurring, but the 'Thrice I ask and done' has pretty much only worked on the 'full' for lack of a better word supernatural right? When it was introduced it was heavily Fae based because something spoken three times bound them to that obligation. I know Harry for instance in his conversation with Cowl used it...'Thrice I say and done, bite me' or something to that effect...but has it ever been used on another mortal to compel them to answer? And does it being used on Sharkface really point to Cowl being him now since, in essence, its still just a supernatural being comporting to this behavior at the end of the day even if Cowl is somewhere in there?
knnn:
"Thrice I ask" is certainly a general supernatural thing -- Tessa uses it in SmF, as well (and I think Erlking in DB). Heck, I believe one of the roots sources is in the Bible -- didn't Peter need to deny something three times?
Still, I do recall a WoJ along the lines of "Cowl will be in the next book" from way back when (sorry -- no sources, still looking). Combine that with the fact that you've got all those mortal practitioners on those barges and one wonders where Cowl was (if he really is indeed aligned with the Outsiders). If it does turn out to be Sharkface, well then we've had a nice foreshadowing.
Griffyn612:
Except that Cowl had mortal magic, and Sharkface was quite clearly not mortal. He also didn't exhibit any of the same magical signature, or Harry would have recognized it.
My guess is that Before possessed Vitto Malvora before or during the events of WHITE NIGHT, and took control of whatever was left of him after the finale. That would mean the mortal host body destroyed at the end of COLD DAYS was what was left of Malvora, and Before has to go find a new host body to operate from.
Remember that Malvora was the one to use the psychic whammy in WHITE NIGHT while possessed by an Outsider, and Harry even comments in Mac's bar that he'd faced a similar whammy before, referring to the Deeps episode. That would make Before responsible for 3 similar psychic whammies, kind of like his go-to trick.
dspringer1:
--- Quote ---• Justine: Her presence enabled Maeve to inform the reader that Lara is clean of Nemfection.-Second Aristh
• Sarissa: See Molly above.
• Mac: Huh... Um why WAS he there?
--- End quote ---
Justine was NOT to say that Lara is free of Nemfection, as we have already had quotes that imply she is infected. Who says Maeve has any real insight other than to know Lara is a good target. Given Maeve "could" cure herself, why give her more info than needed. However, Justine's involvement has been there in a lot of Dresden books, always in these modest support roles. I think the groundwork is being set for her to play a more significant role - or set her up as a very tragic death.
--- Quote ---The most important thing about Mac on Demonreach is the way his actions are different than those in his pub when Sharkface the Outsider shows up.
In his pub, he actively gets weapons and tells Harry to kill the Outsiders. He knows about Outsiders and wants them dead. He does not act passively. On Demonreach, Mac is back to standing around waiting for things to happen. He does not join the fight nor does he provide any commentary that would be helpful. He simply does not offend. My assumption on his shooting is different. Nemesis gets a nice clean shot at him. Maeve thinks she is going to win, so no need to kill him quickly. However, she does put him out of commission. I think this comes from Nemesis in knowing who/what Mac is from an Outsider perspective (my base assumption is that Nemesis and the Outsiders act in concert - though we have no absolute proof of that).
--- End quote ---
Mac has stated he is "Out" and you can hear the capital letters. Some other comments imply he is Watching, again with the capital letter in Watching. Who or why he is watching is unknown. It is clear that he is NOT supposed to impact events. This gives some explanation of both his actions and why he is there.
1) He fights against outsiders as they are "outside" and thus probably in another category. Ie - it is a loophole in the rules that normally keep him neutral. I am guessing that watching is linked to non-interference. Same reason he could not fight the fey - they are part of our world and probably no loophole exists. And he stays quiet as even providing information is interfering. Although even against the outsiders Mac showed no real supernatural powers although clearly he had them. So maybe the outsider loophole is limited.
2) Mac's biggest interference was with Harry giving advice in Changes -- and that was limited to saying the choice is important. That is a man who is very careful about impacts. But note that Mac could perform first aid, assist Sarissa/Justine and help move people. It may be that he can do some things to help people(another loophole), but how big a loophole is not clear.
3) I think the reason Mac was here (meta-story wise) is that Dresden needs to learn to pay attention to Mac. He gets a few hints Mac is different in earlier books, but this is the first book where it is really obvious that Mac is really worth paying attention to as he is NOT a small player. Not necessarily a threat, but important and potentially a source of knowledge/power that Harry might need in the future.
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