Board Thread:Speculation House/@comment-14138255-20151101163739/@comment-26872876-20151102025015

TheRozenQueen wrote: VedranTheII wrote: MetallicArcher wrote: Am I the only one happy that we finally know elemenral semblances are a thing? I’ve discussed that extensively…they are half a thing… From what I understood, electricity makes her muscles temporarily stronger, which provides her higher speed and strength and endurance the "realistic" way. If your legs are stronger, you can run faster. If your arms are stronger you can punch harder. If your muscles are stronger you can take more shit with impunity.

So at the very least, Semblances that provide buffs when being hit by specific elements are canon. Ones that turn X into Aura or Aura into X have still not been confirmed.

That sounds pretty much right. It's basically a play on the functionality of muscles. Normally as one part of a muscle contracts, the other part relaxes. However, if you could use 100% of your muscle at one time, your physical feats drastically increase. That's where stories of people lifting cars to saved loved ones, or hikers lifting incredible weight to prevent death come from.

The only difference is that Nora doesn't get the drawback of having her muscles torn to shreds from being used in an odd fashion because of the whole charging concept.

OT:

Episode as a whole, I liked it. Like many have noted, some parts felt stretched (particularly the joke sections of both fights). But I'll just focus on the positives.

JNPR

Jaune- I liked that he didn't need protection. While he couldn't provide much offense, the fact he wasn't an extra burden defensively is improvement for him. His decision making on the fly shows his growing into a leader figure. May not have been the prettiest going orders, but they worked out.

Nora- Not much to say. She reveals her semblance and took charge of the heavy hitting. My only concern for her was the fight with Nolan. If her hammer game is that easily countered, she may not be as viable in the doubles round as one would think. However, there is the argument she wasn't as composed because Ren took a hit.

Pyrrha- Like Nora, not much to say. She kicked ass like she usually does. Was interesting she didn't know quite what to do with the Sniper encounter. It somewhat defines the fact her combat scenarios would lean more towards mid-close range one on one duels. Which true to her Greek-Roman influence is gladitorial.

Ren- Really liked what I saw from him. Compared to the Food Fight he faired far better. The only moment he was really off point was when he was double teamed. Having to dodge the Sniper leaves him open for big hit followed by an electrocution. Then it is nicely followed up by him pretty much dominating Nolan in the second encounter. Far better than the Food Fight XD.

I'm predicting Jaune and Pyrrha for doubles. Under the idea Jaune, "Could use the experience." From all three volumes, Pyrrha and Nora is probably what would be considered the optimal duo. Though I'd prefer Ren and Pyrrha myself.

SSSN

Sun- did as well as expected. He needs slightly more leadership, but he did the best with the scenario.

Sage- Sad he basically showed up and exited the stage. I'm betting he's going to the doubles to show his full arsenal, or he's sadly just a filler for Sun and Neptune.

Scarlet- Funny and showed nice talent. He held his own one on one, and kept up awareness to protect Sun. Loved the groin moment. It is likely a nod to when Gavin and Michael had a Verses in which they had go throw an orange at each other's groin and not flinch.

Neptune- Comic relief this chapter. Love how his self presented cool guy is full of flaws. Can't dance, afraid of water (ironic). Though when he did contribute, he showed he was capable and useful.

Qrow- Crows Bar pun.... Nice. Definitely gives off the, "Ragged veteran," archetype. Drinking away bad memories, scoffing at the rising generation.


 * Game of Thrones Reference*- Winter is on the ship. Weiss displays both delight and yet what feels like some anxiety. It seems she adores her sister, but may be slightly concerned about living up to her standards/expectations. It would explain why she did not want to talk to her in Volume 2, but her more positive expression in the episode.

Overall: Good despite some bad pacing moments which mostly come from over stretched jokes that probably didn't need to be there.