User blog comment:Vorred/Patriots - Feedback Blog/@comment-958607-20130827202900

Chapter 8 was another strong installment that highlights the ineffectiveness of the Patriots as a functioning team. This may not have been a greatly eventful installment in terms of plot development but I think it was very important in defining the complex relationships that exist between many of the characters.

Firstly, Pirai is a jerk. -_- I was shocked that he slapped Merall... and didn't get his arm broken. XD I can see DeltaStriker's point in that she very nearly (and hypocritically) managed to kill Pirai just for that but, what sets her apart from Theran seems to be that her attack on Pirai was provoked whereas Theran's murder of Glonor was spontaneous and shocking. In Merall's case there was a big build up with the debate going on in Chapter 7. But it does seem a little hard to believe that a simple moral debate like that could escalate into a full on team-dividing moment like that. Still, I have a feeling we'll be seeing those guys again. :P After all, Viretha's got to come back to help Aescela. She wouldn't just walk out on her friend like that.

Some more great characterisation for Merall in this chapter. She's a very capable Toa and it's great to see that she got so much attention again. She's easily my favorite member of the team (with Range bringing up a close second and Brorag hanging on in there just after him) and I can't wait to see her go up against Nuva.

Regarding Solunus, something suspicious definitely seems to be going on, and I think Range is often showing this, wondering why Solunus hit him when he spoke and why he was always late, sowing little seeds of doubt in the minds of the reader. I don't trust him either, particularly as he's chosen to stay back at the camp with the only physically incapable member of the team. Really, he should be leading his group, and he no longer has the Kanohi Tilira to obsess over. If it turns out that he's just guarding the camp while they're gone and all these suspicious hints weren't intentional then I'm going to kick myself. XD

Additionally, I like how Brorag was the voice of reason here. It seems fitting that the only character who doesn't get caught up in the hysteria is the one who gets outspoken. XD If only everyone listened to him, then things would go as planned. :P

Falecia took a spear to the neck and got straight back up... that was unexpected. XD

In particular, this was my favorite set of pictures in this chapter. :P All three of them seem so expertly taken and, considering how awkward Falecia's throwing of the speak could have looked, you made it look really professional. :D Plus Merall's shield effect looked really badass. XD

Also, reading over the chapter again, I like Theran's interjection. He seems to have a sinister sense of finesse now that reminds me of Vakama back in 2005. He was depicted with quite a dramatic presence here and I like how he tries to look down on his teammates after getting possessed and attacking them. :P

Another spectacular chapter that gears things up for the finale very well. :P Seeing our heroes divided is always a good sign of character development and it really puts a lot more pressure on the Patriots to do well in their final battle. :P