The Low Roads, Chapter 10 (*/F, foot; */F, underarm).

[kopfhorer1]

Top shelf as always!

75% monster movie, 25% funny pages.

 

[eagphilly]

LBH you are a dandy
The tense tickling leaves a tingling down my own spine. Your work is not only technically masterful, and your storyline is compelling!
Your genuine character and your fantastc skill ought to be outstandingly recognized! *salutes*

 

[His Divine Shadow]

I'd swear I see the Flash on page four. Yet I know it isn't. But it is! 😛

Are Nessonite and I ... hee! That is too much. 😛 Sacrificing myself to save Persephone ... didn't know I had it in me! =P An honor to be included, that it is, in the LBH's unfolding epic. :happy:

Sid reminds me a tad of Tetsuo's transformation in Akira, although only a bit. Pulsating mass of flesh and horror! I feel like we have seen the mysterious savior of Mercy before ... his skin and hair are similar to Algathrax, although he has facial hair her savior does not. A mystery to be solved!

 

[Kalamos]

It ought to have a snappy title... "Special-K" is the best I can do on short notice, but that's way too breakfasty to be taken seriously.

It should NOT be taken seriously.

...

Not too much at least.

...

😉

 

[Low_Roads]

Top shelf as always!

75% monster movie, 25% funny pages.

Thank you, Kopfhorer! That's an apt ratio, as I love horror films and comix in about those exact proportions! If I had my d'rothers, the Low Roads would be entirely cinematic (perfect fodder for animation). However, as far as do-ability and control are concerned, this format is pretty much unbeatable. If it's a choice between dreaming the ultimate and compromising for practicality's sake, I'll opt for activity every time!

LBH you are a dandy
The tense tickling leaves a tingling down my own spine. Your work is not only technically masterful, and your storyline is compelling!
Your genuine character and your fantastc skill ought to be outstandingly recognized! *salutes*

I couldn't wish for better recognition, Scribesan! :super_hap Thanks so much! I'm very pleased that the fetish elements work so well for you, as it all too often becomes a secondary concern in these stories. I love the element of tickling, but I love a good yarn better; the two are often difficult to reconcile (and it's imperative that fetish content be integrated in somehow. That's why people are here). If the tickling is intense enough (or if it happens to be off-hand or incidental) I can sometimes get away with less of it and concentrate on the storytelling aspects

Ha! Some attitude for a fetishist! I ought to be swatted XD!

I'd swear I see the Flash on page four. Yet I know it isn't. But it is! 😛

Actually, that isn't the Flash... it's Senshi's WTF character Yellow (all his Team Kackfapp members use color coding). However, I did rework him into an arch-superhero pose; the suggestion of the Flash is entirely inescapable! I couldn't avoid it myself, even as I was drawing it!

Are Nessonite and I ... hee! That is too much. 😛 Sacrificing myself to save Persephone ... didn't know I had it in me! =P An honor to be included, that it is, in the LBH's unfolding epic. :happy:

Great! I had hoped you'd like that! :redface: It was my intension very, very early on (back before I'd actually started the cameo tributes and the idea was only a possibility) to cast you in this role! I always saw you wearing the sheriff's cap, with that sunny smile! It really seemed to suit you! Likewise the part for Nessie! I was terribly afraid I wouldn't be able to contact her in time to make it happen, she's so quiet on the forum these days (if not, it would have been a more oblique, non-credited tribute). Happily, everything worked out perfectly! Sometimes a plan does come together!

Sid reminds me a tad of Tetsuo's transformation in Akira, although only a bit. Pulsating mass of flesh and horror! I feel like we have seen the mysterious savior of Mercy before ... his skin and hair are similar to Algathrax, although he has facial hair her savior does not. A mystery to be solved!

I'm only vaguely familiar with Akira (a shameful gap in my education, and one that wouldn't be hard to fill), but I have seen enough to know that one of the characters becomes some sort of blobby monstrosity. The kid seems really pissed-off, using mutated appendages as weapons. Dang it, that's something I really need to check out better!

The caped guy in the hut is Friedrick von Smutt, a character introduced in Chapter 5, a premier Low Roads resident and founder of the clapboard town of Swillwell. He'll become a lot more key now that he's been reintroduced! That chalk-white skin is supposed to be a freaky racial characteristic... thus far three major characters have it: Von Smutt, Algathrax (as sited) and Sally Allgoode (in flashbacks). As you can't have helped but notice, I've gone a bit gonzo with skintones (chalk-white, olive, blue, green), a ploy to make the anthropomorphized animal-people seem less outre. The white skin is, however, presaged in one of the earlier Low Roads horror stories... one so near the end we won't get to see it for years! Everybody make reservations now XD!

 

[eagphilly]

I couldn't wish for better recognition, Scribesan! :super_hap Thanks so much! I'm very pleased that the fetish elements work so well for you, as it all too often becomes a secondary concern in these stories. I love the element of tickling, but I love a good yarn better; the two are often difficult to reconcile (and it's imperative that fetish content be integrated in somehow. That's why people are here). If the tickling is intense enough (or if it happens to be off-hand or incidental) I can sometimes get away with less of it and concentrate on the storytelling aspects

Ha! Some attitude for a fetishist! I ought to be swatted XD!

Believe me I view the fetish part of the series as a juicy extra. I'm dual majoring in writing and now illustration, and the story is a very important element. I agree that a good story can't be static in one concept. Of course many stories do hover around a central theme here, and that i agree with you is a ok.
What you have is something individually impressive. You have a wonderful harmony of original characters and cameos. Keep up that unique energy you have, I think it rubs off on every member you come in contact with =D

 

[Low_Roads]

It should NOT be taken seriously.

Not too much at least.

😉

Wellllll, then... I'll stick with Special-K for the time being, then... just till something more musical comes along! Kal's sign of advocacy deserves something extra-musical!

Believe me I view the fetish part of the series as a juicy extra. I'm dual majoring in writing and now illustration, and the story is a very important element. I agree that a good story can't be static in one concept. Of course many stories do hover around a central theme here, and that i agree with you is a ok.

Quite right! Otherwise, the plot has no focus! It's a fine line, adhering to a distinctive theme without allowing it to take over and make the story monotonous. My approach is to surround the primary narrative with plenty of secondary themes and peripheral detail. Hopefully they add lushness and variety without becoming distractions.

What you have is something individually impressive. You have a wonderful harmony of original characters and cameos. Keep up that unique energy you have, I think it rubs off on every member you come in contact with =D

Very kind of you to say so! I've always loved the creative vitality in this community; so inspiring to be a part of it! And I do indeed intend to introduce a host of new characters while mixing in as many tributes as I'm able! These cameos are a godsend! Not only do they widen the scope of the story, but they tend to steer the narrative in fresh directions!

 

[Featherdemon]

A fantastic addition to a heart warming, blood tingling tale my friend! With each new section the tickling is layered with a great sense of menace and the story, delicously touched with Cthulian menace! I love it! 😀 😀 Such fine drawings mixed with clean and strong use of colour. The words, as always, add powerful texture to the unfolding action. 😀 😀 😀

Of course, I would have left Mercy and Angie to be foot tickled forever. Hee hee hee. 😉

 

[Low_Roads]

A fantastic addition to a heart warming, blood tingling tale my friend! With each new section the tickling is layered with a great sense of menace and the story, delicously touched with Cthulian menace! I love it! 😀 😀 Such fine drawings mixed with clean and strong use of colour. The words, as always, add powerful texture to the unfolding action. 😀 😀 😀

Very kind of you, Feathers! I truly do appreciate all your nice words! This series is indeed adopting a rather Miskatonic feel, isn't it! What with icky gods haunting the world's periphery and characters falling prey to Wilbur Whately-like alterations! Things will grow a tad less Lovecaftean as events progress and the details become more tacked down. But expect plenty more ichor... one abandons a paradigm as powerful as the Cthulhu Mythos at his peril!

Of course, I would have left Mercy and Angie to be foot tickled forever. Hee hee hee. 😉

Sounds good to me! And Angie doubtless wouldn't have a problem with that! As for Mercy... well, it's not like she really has any choice XD!

 

[scavenger]

More Mythos in this new chapter! The bloated form of sid as first seen when it grabs mercy's foot reminded me of a Shoggoth, but it also reminds me a bit of Eihort, a god-like monstrosity added to the Cthulhu Mythos by writer Ramsey Campbell.
The tickling -though only brief- really seems more excrutiating than ever, judging from Mercy's tormented looks. I had thought her friend would be grabbed by Sid as well, but yet again, you managed surprise with a new plot twist. Now the enraged monster is free, and we'll most surely haven't seen the last of him! This is promising for the next chapter, as I can't wait to find out more about the mysterious guy who pulled Mercy into the house, the other person that grabbed her companion and of course the reason why Mercy's sister and sherriff Growler are stationed in that dusty, adobe town (which I particularly liked as a setting).

Thank you very much for sharing yet another chapter with us, and for al the effort you put in this! 🙂
I wonder how this is going

 

[Low_Roads]

More Mythos in this new chapter! The bloated form of sid as first seen when it grabs mercy's foot reminded me of a Shoggoth, but it also reminds me a bit of Eihort, a god-like monstrosity added to the Cthulhu Mythos by writer Ramsey Campbell.

As ever, thank you for your thorough, thoughtful commentary, Scav! Always such a pleasure to read!

Your understanding of Lovecraftean lore is deep indeed! I've always liked its drippy imagery, its rather insubstantial, fluid quality, and I've tried to replicate that feeling with Sid. That's why his facial features tend to float around so much. He is meant to be rather Shoggoth-like... the freight-train monstrosity that slides out of the ice cavern at the end of Mountains of Madness made a huge impression on me! I wanted Sid to exude that same sense of bulk and sheer impetus.

The tickling -though only brief- really seems more excrutiating than ever, judging from Mercy's tormented looks.

You're right! There's a specific reason for that which I'll detail later on. Suffice it to say that Sid and others like him (oh yes! There are and will be others!) possess the most formidable tickle talents within the Low Roads boundaries!

I had thought her friend would be grabbed by Sid as well, but yet again, you managed surprise with a new plot twist.

Thanks so much! That's a curve I threw on purpose, playing on the reader's expectations. Since Mercy was already in extreme agony, I figured the loss of Angie wouldn't hurt that much and would provide an edgy opportunity for plot exposition and a few veiled hints.

Now the enraged monster is free, and we'll most surely haven't seen the last of him! This is promising for the next chapter, as I can't wait to find out more about the mysterious guy who pulled Mercy into the house, the other person that grabbed her companion and of course the reason why Mercy's sister and sherriff Growler are stationed in that dusty, adobe town (which I particularly liked as a setting).

Once again, thank you! It's apt that you've catalogued the various diverging plot threads, as I plan to take various characters down separate paths. I've always liked "wandering" plot elements, which may part only to recombine in unexpected ways. Hopefully I'll be able to pull off a few surprises as things develop! Oh, and I'm very pleased you liked the pueblo village! I was eager to provide a contrast to staid, stuffy Fairview. We'll visit there again, plus the lakeside town of Lapton too!

 

[Relent<]

Awesome installment, LBH. ^___^
Mercy certainly does have a lot of big sisters in high places. And it does seem quite an interesting predicament they're in: Mercy, who wants naught but receives superfluous, and Angie he requisitions and receives naught. That and being chased by Sid the glutton 😀

 

[Low_Roads]

Awesome installment, LBH. ^___^
Mercy certainly does have a lot of big sisters in high places. And it does seem quite an interesting predicament they're in: Mercy, who wants naught but receives superfluous, and Angie he requisitions and receives naught. That and being chased by Sid the glutton 😀

Yeah, Sid the Glutton becomes Sid the Really Pissed-Off Glutton once you light him on fire XD! (well, I guess I'd probably react the same!) As for Mercy and Angie, they'll be receiving plenty of sensory stimulation in chapters to come, and neither will be complaining! Part of Mercy's maturing process will involve coming to terms with the sensations that presently have her so flustered and overwhelmed! She'll be prime voluptuary material yet!

 

[His Divine Shadow]

In case Nessles is too lazy to post here I'll relay her reaction to that cameo:

That's the cutest thing Ive ever seen XD!

 

[Low_Roads]

That's wonderful, HDS! :super_hap Thanks so much! Please convey my utmost gratitude to Nessie, both for her kind words about the finished scene and for her permission to do the tribute!

 

[Sir Bombers]

What a wonderful chapter with the right amount of story elements and equally wonderful tickle scenes!

I especially like page 9.

I completely envy Sid! What luck to wake up to a perfectly unprotected foot ready for an endless list of tortuous possibilities! The excitment would surely engulf me!

This has to be my favorite chapter since chapter 8!

Great Work as always LBH! :happy:



Mercy Mew certainly is an interesting character... I feel inspired to make a pic of her in a ticklish position if you would allow it! 😉

 

[André210123]

yea great litte big head wonderfull

 

[FeatherHead]

Y'know, LBH, I didn't post any comments in the last chapter (my PC was just unable to access the web), which doesn't mean I didn't like it. In fact, I loved it as I loved this one too! I must say, that formula of yours - combining a spooky atmosphere with tickle torture - certainly makes The Low Roads an instant classic! Keep up the good work!

 

[U.N.Owen]

As for Mercy and Angie, they'll be receiving plenty of sensory stimulation in chapters to come, and neither will be complaining! Part of Mercy's maturing process will involve coming to terms with the sensations that presently have her so flustered and overwhelmed! She'll be prime voluptuary material yet!

I'm glad to hear that Mercy will open up to it all a bit. It's really no fun if the 'lee hates it. She needs to laugh more. 🙂

 

[Senshi1]

That's so cool. 😀 Love your artwork, and thanks for the cameo! 😀

 

[Cbarton]

Poor Angie...trapped outside...

Will Sid find her...or had someone even worse (better?) started to snatch her. I can't wait to see.

Keep up the great work, LBH!

 

[Low_Roads]

Sorry for the late reply. Work really got the better of me today!

What a wonderful chapter with the right amount of story elements and equally wonderful tickle scenes!

I especially like page 9.

I completely envy Sid! What luck to wake up to a perfectly unprotected foot ready for an endless list of tortuous possibilities! The excitment would surely engulf me!

This has to be my favorite chapter since chapter 8!

Great Work as always LBH! :happy:

Heh heh! Any one of us deserves such a break better than graceless, hedonistic Sid! Well, at least we can share in the fun vicariously! Thanks so much for such a vivid, spirited response, Fmilling! It's a valued compliment that you're able enter the story so completely!

Mercy Mew certainly is an interesting character... I feel inspired to make a pic of her in a ticklish position if you would allow it! 😉

I'm excited and honored that you'd want to create a picture of Mercy! By all means, please do! I can't wait to see how she'll look decked out in those lush Fmilling colors!

Besides, it makes it that much easier for me to make the same request! I'm going to want to feature a cameo appearance by your Teeva at some point in this story!

yea great litte big head wonderfull

Thank you for the nice words, Magnata! Such compliments always helps me do my best!

Y'know, LBH, I didn't post any comments in the last chapter (my PC was just unable to access the web), which doesn't mean I didn't like it. In fact, I loved it as I loved this one too! I must say, that formula of yours - combining a spooky atmosphere with tickle torture - certainly makes The Low Roads an instant classic! Keep up the good work!

Grateful thanks, FeatherHead! I don't take it ill at all if readers don't comment after every single chapter! Your past compliments to me have been more than generous (I'm always extra pleased when a fine artist like yourself lets me know he's enjoyed my work!) And I'm most gratified that you favor the macabre tone! While a "horror story" approach may put some people off, it's the sort of material I feel most comfortable in creating. I'm very pleased to know it works for you!

I'm glad to hear that Mercy will open up to it all a bit. It's really no fun if the 'lee hates it. She needs to laugh more. 🙂

I heartily agree! Mercy was in particular agony this outing, something I did to establish a specific point about "Bogey gods" (a point that will be explored in detail in later chapters). Despite Mercy's constant griping and gritting of teeth, she's less appalled by the tickling sensation than she is be awkward circumstances and loss of control. I've always intended for her to loosen up (likewise, to an even greater extent, Persephone); the story is just now getting past its first crisis, where after the pace will slow for a little while and all major characters will reassess their attitudes toward tactile stimulation. It takes me so danged long to turn out new material, you practically need time-lapse to spot any thematic development! Once the story is complete, it will likely read much better.

That's so cool. 😀 Love your artwork, and thanks for the cameo! 😀

Thanks so much for the opportunity, Senshi! I'm so delighted you're pleased with the result! My only regret is that I couldn't make Red seethe with half the insane angry as he always manages to have! Folks should check out your WTF strips to really see him at his maniacal best!

 

[Low_Roads]

Poor Angie...trapped outside...

Yes indeed, Poor Angie! :laughing: Well, perhaps she'll have better luck later... starting with Chapter 11, the girls will begin a strange new leg of their adventures! And I promise, each will be tested to the utmost! Thanks so much for the lively encouragement, Hawk! It makes this comic so much fun to do!

 

[rajee]

Great as always LBH. :super_hap

 

[Low_Roads]

Great as always LBH. :super_hap

Grateful thanks, Rajee! :super_hap Always pleased to receive your kind support!