Oddly alike!
This map actually got a recent update (thanks Lee), and I was going to edit the file yesterday to match, but unfortunately my tablet pen has died and I am currently in the middle of a rain forest. They do not have AAAA batteries here. So I will change the image file later.
Transcript
Talita: I don’t even know where to start. There’s a lot on the internet about the Shess languages… But ethnically I’m probably from one of the nomad groups?
Panel background: The map of the centaur homeplanet looms above the two of them sitting on the couch, in a rectangular projection. The single continent forms a continuous loop between the two poles, with two divided oceans. A counterclockwise arrow shows the travel path of the nomadic ethnic groups as they circumnavigate the globe from one pole to the other, following the edge of the middle sea. Labels on the continent note the major settled ethnic groups: Biing, Pahk, Auolut, Bii, Chuchae, Shta, Daewirgh, and Shess. The Shess are positioned on the same large peninsula as the first contact site.
Talita: And even if I share genetics, it’s not like I belong to any of those cultures. So researching them just makes me feel like even more of an outsider…
Idrisah looks knowingly at Talita. Talita's cheeks bristle and she looks away shyly.
Talita: Maybe you're familiar.
Idrisah: Well…
23 thoughts on “Runaway to the Stars: Page 159”
SIGSTKFLT
What projection does the map use? Choose your answer carefully 🙂
Jay Eaton
Rek tangle :^)
Mintaka
At a glance, the proportions make me think Equirectangular. Not sure about those scalloped edges though. Let’s call it the “Dospaço Projection”
Gar G
Aww
That1guy
What is Gilly signing? Also, I love the map.
Chase Wanderstar
Probably something in a bugferret language. Work stuff, I’d assume. But there is a distinct possibility that I’m entirely off-base here.
Benguine
I enjoy the irony that in this conversation about being an outsider, whether culturally or speciesly(?), there is a literal deaf catgirl in the room who is completley unaware. There is a wonderful irony and I imagine a very intentional choice. Nicely done!
Benguine
Oh beans i did not mean to make that a reply, my bad!
Microw
You know… Honestly Talita and Idrisah talking about the language/culture disconnect really hits home. I’m japanese american but never got to grow up with the language or culture, and trying to learn about stuff like that when you never grew up with it is difficult and frustrating, and you might still always feel like an outsider.
meridian asker
is anything of the map different other than the antimeridian being shifted?
Jay Eaton
I haven’t changed it yet.
cain
Small detail, but I love the scalloped edges of the map, reminding me that it’s a projection of a sphere.
A Box Of Fox
Mmmmm, scallops. Such a wonderful word. In different contexts, useful, beautiful, fascinating, or delicious!
JayEnfield
If you can get your hands on a 9v battery and cut the outer shell off, those contain 6 AAAA batteries inside.
https://www.reddit.com/r/diyelectronics/comments/113xk4j/the_insides_of_9v_battery/
Jay Eaton
Thank you for the slightly terrifying advice, but the pen mysteriously started working again. I’m blaming it on the humidity.
Peter Jensen
Careful, though, not every 9V battery is constructed like this. Some have a horizontal stack of 6 1.5V cells and are decidedly not suitable for being taken apart. On some models you can see through the terminals if it’s a 6-AAAA battery type.
talonboot
what a beautiful map!! it even looks photocopied from a textbook!
Vinemaple
Oh, this is much, much better than a social-faux-pas punchline! They’re bonding! So beautiful! That cute little eye contact!
I guess I’ve been forgetting that the information Jay’s put up about Centaurs would require hours upon hours of research and fact-checking for Idrisah… and some of it may well not be properly understood by in-universe Humans.
Bruce Mickelson
You draw Talita’s hands beautifully. Her hand poses and head fluffs really emphasize her emotional range. Very well done!
blythe
Talita is likely Sunchaser right? It’s wild how because shes a nomad shes actually shorter than most centaurs. I think shed look cute with Sunchaser feather shaving.
AnormalADN
I love Talita’s expression in the last panel. Centaur “blush” is very endearing.
Amanda/OwlBear
oh ooh!!! MAP!!!!
RottenFruitz
This is very relatable to, wow 🥲