The Sword and Laser discussion

I was stoked for this book to win March Madness as it's been one of my favourite epic fantasy reads of recent years. One of the things I really enjoyed was the faction system based on the Guardian animals -- clever Ravens, crafty Foxes, hard-working Oxes, mysterious Dragons etc. These kind of factions are hardly new in fantasy but I enjoyed Hodgson's take, based partly on the Chinese zodiac, and the way she built the society and mythology around them. Also I loved the Solitary Raven (aka Sol) - who wouldn't?
So, what monastery would you join? Are you a fierce Tiger or a loyal Hound?
I'd probably be a Raven like our protagonist, it's clearly the place for the neurospicy nerds.

I mean, yeah. I enjoy lots of the houses, but the reality is I would probably end up a Raven. If not, then second most likely would be Ox, I think.

Scott wrote: "I mean, yeah. I enjoy lots of the houses, but the reality is I would probably end up a Raven. If not, then second most likely would be Ox, I think."

Same. I mean I catalog books at a library. How could I be anything but a Raven?

Oooh good question! I feel like in my current physical state I'd only really qualify to be a raven. I like the idea of the foxes but I'm not sure I'm quite..conniving enough to be one. When I play role playing games, I am often a character who I would characterize as a bear (I like tank characters) but I think before I became all kinds of broken that I could have been a hound or an ox. Realistically now I'm just a raven hahaha.

Good question. So many choices. Hmm, I think I'd either end up as an ox, or raven. As an engineer who likes to get his hands dirty, I think that mostly puts me as an ox. But I also like the design side of things there as well, so I could fit in with the ravens.

Ox I reckon. That's me—plodding ahead.
🐂

Anyone who knows me IRL would probably choose Tiger for me.

I was born in the year of the Tiger. My favourite sports team in my favourite sport are the Tigers (Richmond Tigers in the AFL. Aussie Football League).

Being a 40+ year miner, probably, tends to put me in the Ox class.

But I'd more than likely be a Raven. With my head stuck in a book.

As a former librarian, definitely Raven.

I'd be a Raven who liked to think he could have been an Ox with lots of Monkey and Fox friends.

I guess Raven because reading, but I don’t think any of the houses would accept me. Can there be a secret sloth cult I can join instead? I feel like a could manage okay at being a sloth.

terpkristin wrote: "I feel like in my current physical state I'd only really qualify to be a raven. I like the idea of the foxes but I'm not sure I'm quite..conniving enough to be one. When I play role playing games, I am often a character who I would characterize as a bear (I like tank characters) but I think before I became all kinds of broken that I could have been a hound or an ox. Realistically now I'm just a raven hahaha."

Having recently re-read the Ox trial section, maybe I am an ox.

Either Raven or Monkey, to be honest. Definitely not Tiger, Dragon, Hound, Bear or Fox. Maybe Ox, but probably not.

Yeah, I'd be a Raven. I collect books and shiny objects (if you consider physical media shiny objects).

Team Ox for me. They keep it real and seem to be the only folks who look after one another.