Talk:Sycorax

Exoskeleton

I edited the page to change the "exoskeleton" interpretation in order to eliminate what seems to be a direct contradiction via the Visual Dictionary section. My edit was reversed with the comment "the Visual Dictionary is not a valid source for in-universe articles." Fair enough ... now I know that rule! But this raises a different question, then:

What authoritative source proves that the Sycorax do, in fact, have exoskeletons and not helmets? If such evidence exists, it should be cited, right? And if it does not, then should the article be rewritten to say "the appearance of an exoskeleton" or something?

In other words, if there is no such evidence that it is truly an exoskeleton, why does speculation trump the Visual Dictionary?

It sure looks like a helmet. And if it isn't, then how do these guys eat their dinner?

http://www.bleedingcool.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/sycorax.jpg

(Or even talk, for that matter.)

Also, Weta's officially licenced product is called a "Sycorax helmet," not a Sycorax exoskeleton ... doesn't that at least suggest the creative intent was the former moreso than the latter?

http://www.wetanz.com/sycorax-helmet/

Not trying to be a troublemaker ... just trying to learn the ropes.

Just another Bill ☎ 03:19, June 20, 2013 (UTC)

You're not causing any trouble...edit summaries are supposed to be informative, so it's nice that someone actually learned something!

I reverted your edit to the previous version because my only knowledge of Sycorax comes from The Christmas Invasion, but they appear in several comic stories and a short story which might contain some of the info you are questioning. If you are familiar with the comics, feel free to edit the page.

I think it would be helpful for you to take a look at Tardis:Valid sources. You'll see what we allow as sources for in-universe pages. If you have any other questions, you can ask me at my talk page or that of any other admin. Thanks! Shambala108 ☎ 04:22, June 20, 2013 (UTC)

I just watched the episode again and am convinced this article needs updates. The distinction between "smooth" and "jagged" exoskeletons is not correct; what happens in the episode is that the Sycorax leader looks exactly like all the other Sycorax until he removes his "smooth" helmet, revealing the "jagged" appliances underneath. (One of the human characters even explicitly states that it is a helmet.) Since the outer part is clearly a tool created by the Sycorax and not part of their inherent anatomy, and since the inner appliance looks just like it only in a different shape, the most logical conclusion is that the inner part is also something they add to themselves as part of their warrior equipment.

Since there is no attribution here to support the idea that these are exoskeleteons (nor the idea that they have no skin), and since the episode gives no clear evidence of these things except to explicitly state that the helmet is indeed a helmet, I'm forced to consider both the "exokeleton" and "no skin" claims to be speculation. Shouldn't the article be rewritten to avoid making unsubstantiated claims?

Just another Bill ☎ 15:25, July 28, 2013 (UTC)

I think the "exoskeleton" bit is referring to what we see the Sycorax leader once he takes his helmet off. Looking at the images of the Sycorax leader and of the female Sycorax from The Widow's Curse does come off to me as either an exoskeleton or a partially-exposed skull. Whatever is coming off those female Sycorax' skulls though doesn't seem like "flowing hair" to me, but some kind of clothing. Anyone who's read Curse care to substantiate this? -- Tybort (talk page) 18:47, July 28, 2013 (UTC)