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The Dresden Files => DF Spoilers => Topic started by: morriswalters on June 09, 2020, 11:22:49 PM

Title: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: morriswalters on June 09, 2020, 11:22:49 PM: Nuff said.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Bad Alias on June 09, 2020, 11:43:06 PM: Favorite part:
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That sounded like the makings of a huge mess to me. Mouse gave me what I swear was a smug look and licked his chops.
It made me smile.

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That ending:
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A few seconds later, a heavy hand rapped hard on the door to the apartment.

I checked to make absolutely sure that the door to the room with my daughter inside was firmly shut. And then, gripping my staff much like a rifle, I paced silently forward to answer the door, my brother falling into step beside me.
Well, it's only 35 days.

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What's with Maggie addressing everyone so formally?
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: morriswalters on June 09, 2020, 11:51:56 PM: Think about the pot.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: KurtinStGeorge on June 09, 2020, 11:57:09 PM: Reminded me of an old Paul McCartney song, "Someone's knockin' at the door. Somebody's wringin' the bell." Except there wasn't a bell.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: KurtinStGeorge on June 10, 2020, 12:20:00 AM: (As a public service announcement for those readers who don't want to read the preview chapters. That's cool and all, but I suggest you skip this thread so those of us who don't mind reading and discussing it, can do so and not worry that we're screwing up anyone else's reading experience.)

So, what does
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Harry's body ache mean? What's going on with his sinuses? I thought the Winter Knight wasn't supposed to get sick.
There's no explanation, but it must be important.

Guess who is
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knockin' on the door. My is guess is that it's Ebenezer McCoy. It's just a feeling. If I'm right we're going to going to see Thomas and Eb meet for the first time real soon. That doesn't mean Harry will properly introduce them to each other, as in "Senior Council McCoy, this is your other grandson..." but you never know.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Yuillegan on June 10, 2020, 12:24:45 AM: Quote from: morriswalters on June 09, 2020, 11:51:56 PM
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Think about the pot.

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The only thing that comes to mind is the Big Bad Wolf.

Other than the obvious, a lovely chapter. A return to the peaceful Harry Dresden. So of course, that's going to stay that way.

Also
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Isn't Evanna the one who accuses Thomas of murder in the trailer?
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: morriswalters on June 10, 2020, 12:53:50 AM: Quote from: Yuillegan on June 10, 2020, 12:24:45 AM
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The only thing that comes to mind is the Big Bad Wolf.

Other than the obvious, a lovely chapter. A return to the peaceful Harry Dresden. So of course, that's going to stay that way.

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He thinks about the pot while petting Mister and then it manifests.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Bad Alias on June 10, 2020, 04:09:44 AM: Quote from: Yuillegan on June 10, 2020, 12:24:45 AM
Also
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Isn't Evanna the one who accuses Thomas of murder in the trailer?
Yes.

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At first I was thinking that all the mantle stuff had to do with Harry having a whole lot of familial feelings, and that was suppressing the mantle. Still might be, but the arrival of whoever would seem awfully coincidental.

I too feel that it's Eb knocking on the door, but I don't think that's right. It could be Ivy. She's had a similar entrance in the past, as long as Harry's sneezing etc. is a coincidence.

I don't know of a fairy tale/fantasy creature that would warp reality to the point and in the manner we're seeing.

Did Harry summon the pot of boiling water? That kind of makes sense. He was thinking about it. After/as it showed up a wave of exhaustion swept him as we've seen a few times when he's done a big spell.

It only kind of makes sense because we've never seen Harry lose control like that. The closest I can think of is his anger making the fire in his fireplace bigger in Changes. That's not very close.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Yuillegan on June 10, 2020, 05:13:59 AM: (click to show/hide)
Pretty significant for Harry to summon a pot, from the Nevernever I suppose, with a thought. What immediately comes to mind is the rain of toads in Summer Knight i.e. major magical imbalance. Curiously, he sneezed as it happened. I have no idea what to make of the sneeze. And the sneeze came first. Before he thinks of the pot. I hazard a guess it is related to whoever just showed up.

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So who could Thomas kill that would make Evanna mad at him and encourage the emnity of the svartalves? Another svartalf?

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Can't be Ebenezar. Whoever is knocking just pushed through major magical wards to talk to him. Doesn't seem like Vadderung. He isn't so abrupt or impolite. And Mab could just come in if she needed to. Same I think with the Mothers. It doesn't feel like the Erlking.

The real question is it friend or foe?
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: g33k on June 10, 2020, 05:50:04 AM: @Yuillegan -- you put your text in ordinary cleartext-Quote, rather than Spoiler'ing; dunno if that was intentional?

Dunno if we need to bother with spoiler blocks... this IS the "DF Spoilers" subforum, and the thread is clearly labled...

But I'll continue the practice...

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Quote from: Yuillegan on June 10, 2020, 05:13:59 AM
... What immediately comes to mind is the rain of toads in Summer Knight i.e. major magical imbalance ...
But those were REAL toads, not nevernever summonings/constructs. That's part of what signaled that is was a major issue.
Quote from: Yuillegan on June 10, 2020, 05:13:59 AM
... Curiously, he sneezed as it happened. I have no idea what to make of the sneeze. And the sneeze came first. Before he thinks of the pot ...
He sneezed, and felt achy, but nothing happenend.

Then Mister cuddled him, purring "like a pot of boiling water," and then Harry sneezed again; this time, both achy AND a wave of exhaustion, and the pot arrived.

Quote from: Bad Alias on June 10, 2020, 04:09:44 AM
... Did Harry summon the pot of boiling water? That kind of makes sense. He was thinking about it. After/as it showed up a wave of exhaustion swept him as we've seen a few times when he's done a big spell ...
I think this is it, honestly; now the question is how/why...

I will go ahead and WAG that Harry has caught a wizardly variant of a "cold." Recall the never-never mites on Kirby & Andi, in Day Off... based on that short, and this event, my WAG is that there are a whole panoply of nevernever/magical pests/vermin/parasites/etc which are mostly just minor annoyances, like colds and allergies and mites and etc... With the occasional magico-Ebola, etc.

Harry has just never heard of this stuff previously, because Justin felt no need to teach it, and Eb had other issues to address than delving into whether Harry had the fully-approved White Council curriculum...
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Yuillegan on June 10, 2020, 06:01:50 AM: Thanks for the heads up G33k, hit the wrong button.

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It would be hilarious if Dresden had just caught the magical equivalent of a child's flu. Although it is weird to only introduce it now.
Also, there is one being in the place who could do something like that. Bonea. Half Wizard/Starborn, half Fallen Angel shadow.
The really weird thing is it used a lot of Harry's magic. Enough that even his mantle struggled. Seems pretty dangerous.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Dina on June 10, 2020, 07:02:58 AM: First, a comment about this forum protocol- Even when this IS the spoiler section, traditionally we spoiler-tag all new info, specially in this case, as many people won't want to read this until they have the full book. But there was also a generally accepted convention: if we plan to use many spoilers in a thread, we clearly indicate it in the name of the thread. Like: [SPOILERS] New Drop chapter two. So, if the name of the thread says something like that, it is kosher to speak normally in every post. Instead, if the name of the thread has not marked as containing spoilers it is a very bad form to post anything spoilerific at all.

So, I will spoiler-tag :)

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I was touch sad about the comment about Mister's age but I was glad to see him so soon in the book.

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I feel so bad for Harry about Marcone buying his home. I really hope Harry has a chance to make him regret that.

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I am worried for the "receptionist", because of the heavy foreshadowing about how lack of protocol can be the dead of him.

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All of my base are belong to me ;D ;D ;D ;D

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The sneeze is something very out of place for a WINTER knight, so the mantle abandoned Harry for a while? But not so much that he is crippled? Perhaps it's something Summer related, as if that could negate the winter effect? If not for the sneeze I would have thought Harry summoning things from the NN is a dangerous sign of him becoming a faerie himself, but the sneeze makes me think all the contrary, that the mantle is leaving him. Perhaps...the mantle is reacting to something that happened to any of the Queens? Like they are the source of its power so if something happens to them, the mantle weakens?

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I wish Harry thought of Bonea as her daughter too. I was disappointed that is not the case.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: cleoslemonade on June 10, 2020, 07:10:38 AM: (click to show/hide)
I think we're seeing more than just the beginnings of a wizard flu. Harry probably would have been able to sense of there were some kind of never-never mites feeding on him? This could be some other infestation that's harder to sense, but I feel like it's more like Harry unlocking a new ability.
Maybe it's connected to his pregnancy with Bonnie. He does have practice there making spiritual constructs. Perhaps this is like his postpartum recovery. His spiritual muscles are spasming.
I remember in Storm front he made a tracking spell with his nose and that made him sneeze too. Not the same situation here, but it is a precedent for magical energy moving through your head region making you sneeze.
Maybe with time he'll be able to control it better and create constructs out of ectoplasm.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Dina on June 10, 2020, 07:13:26 AM: I loved it, Cleo!
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: g33k on June 10, 2020, 07:48:30 AM: (click to show/hide)
Who's knocking at the door? I too went with Eb as my default guess, but I kind of think that's too predictable... how about Arthur Langtry?
What if Harry's cold/flu/whatever isn't any "ordinary" Nevernever "infection," but came specifically from standing in the footsteps of a Titan?

Also: just imagine the potential for ruffled feathers at a high-protocol event like these Peace Talks. "Something-something-something-else-something," said the Merlin to the Fomor Cantrev-Lord. What a complete pile of stinking bullcrap, I thoug*KERCHOO!*SPLAT*
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Con on June 10, 2020, 08:03:57 AM: (click to show/hide)
Thomas might get a Foo Dog!

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one short story on Svartalves we have shows they take raising their children seriously so the play date may have more significance than just kids having fun.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Icecream on June 10, 2020, 08:36:45 AM: (click to show/hide)
my thoughts are is it's Ebeneezar at the door it could be the Blackstagf interacting with the winter mantle.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: magical_liopleurodon on June 10, 2020, 09:34:50 AM: Quote from: Icecream on June 10, 2020, 08:36:45 AM
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my thoughts are is it's Ebeneezar at the door it could be the Blackstagf interacting with the winter mantle.
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that wasn't an issue at Chicken Pizza though
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Regenbogen on June 10, 2020, 09:40:53 AM: I like the thought that it might be
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Ebenezar at the door
I didn't think of that. I just thought. Damn, what a Butcher-ending for a chapter. LOL

As for the mysterious
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pot. My first thought was, that it might be somehow connected to the newcomer at the door throwing around a lot of magic.
It must be something/someone extremely powerful to get through all the svartalf protection. I am hoping that if it is Eb, that he didn't kill the guard. Maybe it is some pissed off svartalf.
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Pissed off svartalf: they seem to take their schedule quite seriously. It was kind of a disturbing conversation between the guard and Harry. What if Harry hadn't mentioned the duty excuse. Would a svartalf go around killing you, if you just were not in the mood for playing cards. Do you need a good excuse for saying no? Just thinking.
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Sneezed out pot:
I like the thought, that it is a new magical talent. Like foresight, but more individual. Tending to shape shifting. Harry was pretty impressed by Listens to Wind when he fought the skinwalker by shifting his form himself. In Skin Game he had some ideas connected to shape shifting while he rode on Goodman Grey. I have still to reread that part, but didn't he theorize, that in order to increase your mass, you would have to summon ectoplasm from the never never and attach it to your form? The creation of the ectoplasm-pot could be the beginning of that talent. Maybe he should talk to LTW or Grey about that. Could be interesting. Especially how to do it on purpose without exhausting yourself like he did in that chapter
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Mira on June 10, 2020, 11:22:08 AM: can someone send me the address? For some reason the computer won't let me get there
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: morriswalters on June 10, 2020, 11:33:44 AM: https://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dresden/peace-talks-16/peace-talks-chapter-2
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Bad Alias on June 10, 2020, 03:18:43 PM: @Dina:
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Sneezing also happens a lot in the spring/summer when the pollen count goes way up.

@Regenbogen:
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He could just be upset with Harry for saying maybe instead of no. It was the uncertainty that annoyed him.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Mira on June 10, 2020, 03:26:51 PM: Quote from: morriswalters on June 10, 2020, 11:33:44 AM
https://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dresden/peace-talks-16/peace-talks-chapter-2
Thanks! ;D
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Mira on June 10, 2020, 03:52:03 PM: (click to show/hide)
Could be Listens to Wind, but that was my second thought, Mother Winter usually doesn't go any where but.. Iron Pot made of ectoplasm? Mort maybe? Harry did say way back when that there was a lot more to him than the Council suspected or knew, maybe he could get past security? I don't think who ever it is is dangerous because Mouse didn't sound the alarm

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Thomas is worried about becoming a father and not for the usual reasons. Bonny is a bit of a scatter brained little thing.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: 123Chikadee on June 10, 2020, 04:33:42 PM: (click to show/hide)
These Svartalves check points are going to get broken through at some point.

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Thomas/Evanna. Probably ulterior motives there for being in a relationship.

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Harry doesn't know anything about the internet. Bless

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So many cute moments. :)

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Molly is busy. Aw, Harry misses his old place. I'm wondering what happened to all his neighbors; they were elderly, Marcone buying the building means they might not have any other place to live.

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Less broody Harry? Good.

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Oooh they brought up Mouse's siblings. We gonna see Shadow and the like?

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Like how Harry is dealing with the mantle.

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Heavy hand? Eb that you?

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Hm, Harry loosing control could be related to the mantle, but why? Harry doesn't really lose control that much, at least not like this. G33k's WAG makes the most sense. But then Dina's on a good track too. Maybe who's at the the door doesn't have anything to do with what's happening with Harry at the moment. That way it can be both.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Bad Alias on June 10, 2020, 04:52:38 PM: (click to show/hide)
Duty would trump Evanna's relationship with Thomas.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: gawime on June 10, 2020, 04:55:47 PM: So what happens in chapter 2?

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something interferes with Harry’s winter mantle. We saw in previous books that there are connections between the Greek myths and the fae (Hades having statues of the queens, Harry calling the crone Hecate to summon her) so I suspect Harry’s visitor is from that pantheon. Coupled with the appearance of the pot, I think the visitor is
https://www.theoi.com/Titan/TitanisMnemosyne.html
Unlike her brother Titans, the female ones were never cast into Tartarus by Zeus. So she’s around. Also as the Titan of memory maybe mere thoughts can bring things into existence around her.
Edit: and don’t forget the huge footprints from chapter 1
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: g33k on June 10, 2020, 05:19:33 PM: Who is at the door?

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No sounds of combat, building shaking, etc etc etc. I surmise whoever it is, they got in via protocol & authorizations. Someone with a lot of political clout & authority (but not a Svartalf, because they won't violate their bond of safety & guest-right; so they're automatically "not dangerous" to the alarm-system).

Somebody dangerous enough to trigger the alarm.

The Blackstaff certainly qualifies; so does the Merlin! I suspect this is another contact from the WC regarding the upcoming Peace Talks (though maybe it's a bit too soon after Ramirez informs Harry?): someone wants a word with Harry in private, before the "official" meetings & briefings.

Other ideas might include Kringle, Gard, Eldest Gruff, Fix... really, there's a big BIG list!!!
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: morriswalters on June 10, 2020, 05:41:43 PM: @g33k
Nobody.
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Whatever it was that Harry created the first time he sneezed.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: 123Chikadee on June 10, 2020, 05:53:08 PM: (click to show/hide)
@Bad Alias: It would but maybe getting involved w/ Thomas is her duty, or at least one of them? She might not be a straight shooter

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@g33k: Yeah I was thinking something similar. It's someone who got let in. The 'alarm' that's going off is less of an alarm, but someone ringing the doorbell. After all, the really strong ones don't need to use brute force to get what they want.

But morriswalters could be right too. That's a nice possibility.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Snark Knight on June 10, 2020, 06:21:50 PM: Quote from: Regenbogen on June 10, 2020, 09:40:53 AM
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Sneezed out pot:
I like the thought, that it is a new magical talent. Like foresight, but more individual. Tending to shape shifting.

He's already created ice constructs a few times that extend beyond just freezing water that was already present since becoming winter knight - the claws when he fought Maeve, and the wall to separate the ghouls in SG. The mass for those pretty much had to have come from ectoplasm too, so it's not a total departure from established abilities.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: g33k on June 10, 2020, 06:37:33 PM: Quote from: morriswalters on June 10, 2020, 05:41:43 PM
@g33k
Nobody.
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Whatever it was that Harry created the first time he sneezed.

I'm pretty sure you're mistaken.
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The 1st sneeze had no wave-of-exhaustion; also, whatever it was would have already dissolved into ectoplasm. Harry wasn't thinking about anything specific in that mome...

hey...

waitaminnit here... Wait one damn minute.

Are we being Star Trek'ed, again?

TOS Trek episode "Shore Leave." 'Nuf said.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: 123Chikadee on June 10, 2020, 06:56:37 PM: I can't remember 'Shore Leave', what's that one about?
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Bad Alias on June 10, 2020, 07:06:18 PM: A lot of TOS was really close to being fantasy instead of sci-fi.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Dina on June 10, 2020, 07:15:41 PM: Quote from: 123Chikadee on June 10, 2020, 06:56:37 PM
I can't remember 'Shore Leave', what's that one about?

Short leave: Vacation in a wonderful planet where wishes come true.

Icecream! I have not seen you in ages, I am so glad you are here and I hope all is well with you :).

I wish we see LTW again.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Regenbogen on June 10, 2020, 07:16:27 PM: Quote from: Snark Knight on June 10, 2020, 06:21:50 PM
He's already created ice constructs a few times that extend beyond just freezing water that was already present since becoming winter knight - the claws when he fought Maeve, and the wall to separate the ghouls in SG. The mass for those pretty much had to have come from ectoplasm too, so it's not a total departure from established abilities.
I think this is different. The ice must have come from water all around. Out of the air, in the ground etc. I don't think it is created out of ectoplasm. In dead beat for example, when they were fleeing from the zombies from the morgue, he uses fuego to draw the warmth from the ground into the flame he sent into the sky and the result was ice on the street.

I think creating ice is a lot like creating fire. The one is to send energy out in form of heat, the fire. The other is withdrawing the heat and then maybe some slowing down of water particles to create ice.
Title: I've been rethinking
Post by: KurtinStGeorge on June 10, 2020, 09:08:14 PM: (click to show/hide)
I've been rethinking my original idea that Ebenezer is knockin' on the door. Why would Eb have to push through the swartelves wards? I think with the help of the Blackstaff he could do that, but barring an emergency Ebenezer could just ask for a message to be sent to Harry that he was at the front gate.

So I'm thinking that someone from Summer; a heavy hitter who would definitely not be welcome under ordinary circumstances, has been sent to announce Summer's intention to attend the Peace Talks and talk to a representative of Winter about keeping the peace between Summer and Winter during the talks. So my new guess is that either Eldest Gruff is at the door; probably sent by Sarissa, or perhaps it's Sarissa herself. Yes, I know the fae might be able to come straight into Molly's place from the nevernever, but they are making a statement by coming through the gate.

I think Sarissa will be far more formidable than Lily and it's about time we get to see the new Summer Lady.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: morriswalters on June 10, 2020, 09:45:45 PM: Quote from: 123Chikadee on June 10, 2020, 06:56:37 PM
I can't remember 'Shore Leave', what's that one about?
The holodeck without the holograms. Amusement park in space.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: g33k on June 10, 2020, 10:13:47 PM: Quote from: 123Chikadee on June 10, 2020, 06:56:37 PM
I can't remember 'Shore Leave', what's that one about?

Enterprise crew -- exhausted & in dire need of shore-leave -- finds idyllic planet.

Survey teams report strange encounters on the surface, despite prior scans from orbit saying "no large animals" -- Lewis Carroll's white rabbit from Wonderland, a tiger, a samurai; and Kirk meets both an old Academy-era nemesis, Finnegan; and Ruth, a woman he once loved.

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It turns out, in the end, that the planet is a vast amusement park for an alien race, where "whatever people think of" gets created to entertain them.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: g33k on June 10, 2020, 10:16:30 PM: Edit -- Double Post. Sorry.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Wrane on June 10, 2020, 10:44:29 PM: I have a different thought.
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I believe that the sneezing is some sort of contagious magical bug being spread by the Formor ( or someone using Carlos, as a Cat's Paw) to weaken mantles.(all of them) to change the balance of the supernatural world. This would infect all the accords members weakening all and resetting hostilities among the members.

The knock on the door feels like it will be a accord member not well trusted by Team Dresden (Marve, Cowl, One of the Dragons and the like.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Snark Knight on June 11, 2020, 12:55:51 AM: Quote from: Regenbogen on June 10, 2020, 07:16:27 PM
I think this is different. The ice must have come from water all around. Out of the air, in the ground etc. I don't think it is created out of ectoplasm. In dead beat for example, when they were fleeing from the zombies from the morgue, he uses fuego to draw the warmth from the ground into the flame he sent into the sky and the result was ice on the street.

I think creating ice is a lot like creating fire. The one is to send energy out in form of heat, the fire. The other is withdrawing the heat and then maybe some slowing down of water particles to create ice.

It doesn't take a very thick layer of ice to make ground slippery. Ambient atmospheric moisture could probably cover that. Perhaps also the ice claws, depending on how far away Harry can actually pull moisture from.

But the wall? An enclosed indoor space doesn't have enough water vapour in the air for that.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Con on June 11, 2020, 05:46:03 AM: (click to show/hide)
My moneys on Mother Winters Cauldron, the one she used to stir with the Blackstaff
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: g33k on June 11, 2020, 09:16:19 AM: Quote from: Con on June 11, 2020, 05:46:03 AM
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My moneys on Mother Winters Cauldron, the one she used to stir with the Blackstaff
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Except the item dissolved into ectoplasm within moments, so not a major item of power.

I'm still going with "whatever random item (if any) at the top of Harry's mind (if any)."
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Mira on June 11, 2020, 11:14:08 AM: Quote from: Dina on June 10, 2020, 07:15:41 PM
Short leave: Vacation in a wonderful planet where wishes come true.

Icecream! I have not seen you in ages, I am so glad you are here and I hope all is well with you :).

I wish we see LTW again.

Yeah, I remember that episode, it was called, "This Side of Paradise, there were weird flowers that
shot spores that protect the colonists from deadly radiation but at the same time makes them passive. The Enterprise arrives to evacuate the colonists to save them from the radiation, but they don't know about the flowers and the spores. Everyone including Spock is affected, he falls in very human love. Only Kirk in the end, because he really is in love with his ship and can't leave it, gets pissed which neutralizes the spores. He then realizes that strong emotion can also neutralize the effect of the spores, he then gets in a fight with peace and love Spock, and they save the day.

In "Shore Leave", the crew land on a beautiful what they think is an uninhabited planet for much needed R&R, what they don't know is it really is an amusement planet, the guy running it reads their minds with special equipment and their fantasies appear before their eyes to play out. This freaks
everyone out and things get dire before they finally figure it out.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Mira on June 11, 2020, 12:12:08 PM: Quote from: g33k on June 11, 2020, 09:16:19 AM
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Except the item dissolved into ectoplasm within moments, so not a major item of power.

I'm still going with "whatever random item (if any) at the top of Harry's mind (if any)."

A cauldron? "Boil and bubble...." Reference back to the three witches in Macbeth?
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: toodeep on June 11, 2020, 02:33:45 PM: Future Harry? Wouldn't have to break in past the dark elves (since Harry is invited) but making use of Current Harry's use of energy as he was thinking about the future to create a temporary ectoplasmic body to inhabit since time travel is really only possible in spiritform.

Either that or Demonreach actually using its connection with him to cause the energy expenditure so he would make a body for it to be able come to warn him about something ala the graveyard. (without such an energy expenditure it can't leave the island)

But no matter what, this is a first we're seeing of Harry doing magic involuntarily/without words (rather than just involuntary Mantle/ice powers). We may see him begin to just be able to make armor for himself with just a thought, etc. Though I don't think this is likely since it seems to have used a lot more power than normal magic does. He was about ready to pass out after doing it twice. Still, if Harry starts being able to just make things, if he can augment them with soulfire they should last longer and be stronger, so making useful stuff might be very possible. This might be a effect of a wizard having the mantle, or it might be an effect of there being an experienced winter knight. I mean, the winter knights have a tendency to die rather quickly, right? Do we know what the longest someone carried the mantle has been? We know the summer knight can live a long time (Ronald Ruel had been summer knight awhile, and Fix has been for years too) but I thought Winter Knights had a tendency to be more... transient.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: spiritofair on June 11, 2020, 05:46:55 PM: I want to know what kind of car Harry was driving when he and Thomas arrived at Molly's... I just can't believe that Jim ignored that on purpose... This is the first car Harry's driven since the Beetle and the Munster Mobile, as far as I remember.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: 123Chikadee on June 11, 2020, 06:37:35 PM: (click to show/hide)
Ooooh I like Wrane's idea. Very cool. :) It can also tie nicely to the pot, as a symptom cold be magic going haywire. So does this mean that Harry is patient zero? Or would it be Carlos? It'd have to be Carlos, who could have gotten infected during 'Cold Case' where the Sleeper cult was. Though this also means that Molly was exposed. But then could Harry have gotten infected from Carlos or Molly at that point?
This also means that the non-mantled folks could be more or less ok. Either way, this could be Marcone's time to shine.

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I like the idea that it's Sarissa at the door. I really do want to see more of her.

LOL I love everyone's recaps of Star Trek. It's been too long since I've seen the original series. :)
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Larry Fowler on June 11, 2020, 11:55:38 PM: Quote from: spiritofair on June 11, 2020, 05:46:55 PM
I want to know what kind of car Harry was driving when he and Thomas arrived at Molly's... I just can't believe that Jim ignored that on purpose... This is the first car Harry's driven since the Beetle and the Munster Mobile, as far as I remember.

I had not thought about it. But you are so right, this was left unspecified for a reason. I have a feeling this car is going to be either awesome or a good joke.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: g33k on June 12, 2020, 01:28:17 AM: Quote from: spiritofair on June 11, 2020, 05:46:55 PM
I want to know what kind of car Harry was driving when he and Thomas arrived at Molly's... I just can't believe that Jim ignored that on purpose... This is the first car Harry's driven since the Beetle and the Munster Mobile, as far as I remember.

Maybe it's Thomas' car?

I suspect Mab would object to her WK driving a good joke... Which might make Harry do it, deliberately.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Larry Fowler on June 13, 2020, 02:11:50 AM: Quote from: g33k on June 12, 2020, 01:28:17 AM
Maybe it's Thomas' car?

Yeah it makes sense, Harry looks like he has is material needs covered by winter. And your right Mab would take issue in Harry driving a car you need to be shameless to choose has a ride. So I would not be surprised to see him do it to any her, but he is going to need an excuse to go about it.

All that said I'd like to see Harry making Mab angry by driving a joke of a car...
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: knightedbishop on June 13, 2020, 06:06:41 PM: (click to show/hide)
Somebody’s knocking at the door. Somebody’s ringing the bell.

My money is on Mab and one or more from her retinue. We know she’s in excellent terms with the svartalves. When Harry was admitted to the building part of his identity was that he is a vassal to Molly. He is also vassal to Mab. Mab has the political power to enter the building without a fight, but she is most definitely dangerous enough to trigger the alarm.

Since Harry became the Winter Knight, Mab has been front and center at the start of the story, issuing a command. The talks are being held under the rules of Mab’s Accords. She will want him involved.

I think we are beginning to see a shift for Harry away from a sole focus on Winter and back to the White Council. Cold Days and Skin Game he was directed by Mab. This time Carlos got to Harry first, but Mab won’t be far behind. We know from the Christmas story that Harry is still Mab’s knight at the end of Peace Talks and Battle Front. I don’t think that will last forever. Discarding the mantle is possible. Odin already told Harry as much back in Cold Days: “many many mantles are worn-or discarded- on Halloween night, wizard.”

I’m curious what Mab will want Harry’s role to be. I presume not her emissary- maybe that will fall to the Leanansidhe or Molly. But he will have a role as part of Winter’s Court. And it will certainly come into conflict with his role as part of Carlos’s security team. Because you know how Jim likes to torture Harry.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: morriswalters on June 13, 2020, 08:31:16 PM: I just knew that McCartney was going get a mention, it was just too good to pass up.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Lord Kinbote on June 14, 2020, 05:51:16 PM: Someone with a "heavy hand [that] rapped hard", powerful enough to get through the svartlalf's magical security and defenses and didn't care about offending them, either couldn't wait to make contact is a more normal way or wanted to make a point, but yet still doesn't want to wholly ignore the etiquetes and formalities of the Accord and magical world - it is Molly's apartment after all, inhabited by the Winter Knight (and maybe didn't want to test Dresden's threshold).

Hmmm.

Since we know he's in the story, my guess is

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Ferrovax
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: g33k on June 14, 2020, 08:03:15 PM: Quote from: Lord Kinbote on June 14, 2020, 05:51:16 PM
Someone with a "heavy hand [that] rapped hard", powerful enough to get through the svartlalf's magical security and defenses and didn't care about offending them, either couldn't wait to make contact is a more normal way or wanted to make a point, but yet still doesn't want to wholly ignore the etiquetes and formalities of the Accord and magical world - it is Molly's apartment after all, inhabited by the Winter Knight (and maybe didn't want to test Dresden's threshold).

Hmmm.

Since we know he's in the story, my guess is

(click to show/hide)
Ferrovax

Given the lack of any actual sounds of combat or violence, I presume the entity was admitted by the Svartalves, rather than forcing their way in.

The entity you reference wouldn't be daunted by the Harry's threshold, or WK Mantle, or anything else Harry has on tap.

Nevertheless, I like your theory; that could indeed be who it is! I'm a bit perturbed, though, by trying to envision what might bring that one to Harry's door; I'd expect an emissary to come deliver an invitation too "good" to refuse.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Lord Kinbote on June 14, 2020, 10:12:56 PM: Quote from: g33k on June 14, 2020, 08:03:15 PM

Given the lack of any actual sounds of combat or violence, I presume the entity was admitted by the Svartalves, rather than forcing their way in.

The entity you reference wouldn't be daunted by the Harry's threshold, or WK Mantle, or anything else Harry has on tap.

Nevertheless, I like your theory; that could indeed be who it is! I'm a bit perturbed, though, by trying to envision what might bring that one to Harry's door; I'd expect an emissary to come deliver an invitation too "good" to refuse.

Struck me that if the entity at the door had been let in by the Svartalves or they could have or were permitted to alert Harry, then they would have let Harry know he's getting a visitor given how organized and efficient they are. That, and the fact that the alarm went off (I assume that if the entity had been cleared, then there would have been no alarm), makes me think the entity is uninvited. I don't think there was a battle - as you say, there would have been no point. I don't think the Svartalves would engage in a futile gesture; too rational for that.

Knocking makes all kinds of sense for my guess - the entity must know about the Old Ones, the Outsiders, and definitely Nemesis, and you don't unnecessarily antagonize those who are objectively your allies, and particularly Mab and the Winter Court in light of the role she and they fulfill. (Assumes the entity likes reality as it is, which may be a big assumption.)

It strikes me that the entity is very much a solo act, and wouldn't act through emissaries. An 800# gorilla who doesn't need them, goes where the entity decides.

As to why the entity is there - maybe the entity lives in the same complex and just needs a cup of sugar?
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Bad Alias on June 14, 2020, 11:25:55 PM: Quote from: Lord Kinbote on June 14, 2020, 10:12:56 PM
As to why the entity is there - maybe the entity lives in the same complex and just needs a cup of sugar?
That would be hilarious.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Yuillegan on June 15, 2020, 02:32:09 AM: In someways, I really hope it is something is silly as that. Something potentially terrifying just being neighbourly would be so Dresden Files. On the other hand, this is the book were things start to heat up and if the last two books are any indication Dresden will be run off his feet.

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Ferrovax
- is one of the best guesses yet. I quite like it. Lord Kinbote's reasoning is sound. Certainly the being in question is powerful enough to rip through security, or perhaps bypass it altogether. But the real question is why? The only other time we have encountered it he was very bored. I doubt he would care to pay Dresden a visit. Then again, that whole thing about beings taking notice of Dresden who normally wouldn't have even noticed his insignificance...

The other possbility, and my favourite bet, is
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Vadderung
. He has a working relationship with the svartalves (they wouldn't attack him), he is big enough to rap heavily on the door, his presence is serious enough it quite likely would set off Harry's alarms but he is also polite enough not to barge in or break down the door. And I am sure he will have work for Harry. And he has showed up in every book since his first appearance.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Bad Alias on June 15, 2020, 05:02:39 PM: (click to show/hide)
To add to Yuillegan's point, Harry still owes Vadderung a favor. It would be very Dresden Files for Harry to have to serve three masters at once when his own goals are contrary to all of them.
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Lord Kinbote on June 15, 2020, 05:30:35 PM: I really wouldn't be surprised if whoever is at the door smelled pancakes, and is inviting himself/herself/itself over for breakfast. With at least one more agenda, of course, this is the Dresden files, but who doesn't like pancakes?
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: morriswalters on June 15, 2020, 11:13:18 PM: We'll know tomorrow won't we?
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Bad Alias on June 16, 2020, 02:57:47 AM: That's rather optimistic of you. ;)
Title: Re: New Drop Chapter Two
Post by: Yuillegan on June 16, 2020, 03:19:24 AM: Perhaps a little hopeful. But we are a month out now...

Bad Alias - Good points. Harry now more than ever has competing interests so it makes sense.