The Reading Squad. discussion

So what does everybody make of this?

At first I thought it was a strictly student/teacher thing but it appears its prevelent in the sociaty as a whole.

Maybe its just an exaggerated expression of 'body langauge' as thats the closest analogy I can find. For teacher/student dynamics (or superior/subordinate at least) Its like etiquette-fu. I'm just waiting for someone to completely lose it when the wrong spoon is used for dessert or someone forgets to hold open a door.

Also, anyone else imagine the characters getting into Shoalin Monk poses and making ninja signs with their hands while they communicate?

Ky just me then....

The constant posing is actually throwing me off the story a bit. My imagination throws anime expressions onto every pose adopted, I sincerely hope it doesn't last as I'm enjoying all other aspects thus far.

*Takes on the waiting patiently for replies while dividing by 0 pose*

I can see the "purpose" in it but I'm wording how story relevant it is, or if the author just decided to randomly shove in this societal quirk for fun.

Also three cheers for Otah and his "screw this and screw you" perspective. I very much expected this to be a "superior force takes clueless boy under wing and nurtures him to be a great and powerful warrior/wizard/world saving kick ass dragon eater" and was pleasantly surprised to see him go his own way right off.

It certainly adds another dynamic and from the synopsis and whats gone down in the opening chapters, lying and generally hiding ones true intentions seem like a helleva an asset.

I'm getting used to it, but I think the author will need to be consistant with the mechanics. So far, intead of straight up 'faking' the pose, characters tend to go with an alternate, nore vaguer one or employ what appears to be sarcasm/satire/rudeness while posing. See - Ovi Niit, the pimp Amat is working for.

I'm already liking pretty much all of the characters introduced so far, although apart from Amat most of the female characters are one dimensional or just there to move things along.

Also, aren't Otah and Itani the same person? Note - I'm 4 chapters in so this is speculation but things seem to fit.

And this place needs spoiler tags.