The Longest Thread (Misadventures)

[NameIess]

14 minutes ago, SpiritOfWrath said:

Madness continued. I want power, of course. I want all to bend to my will. And for that, I need more Narrators.

Valient smiled grimly. I don’t think you understand. You are not in position to make demands of me, child. 

Subversion spread her arms to the side, midnight black hair billowing out behind her, dark grey eyes flashing. "I am always in a position to make demands. You want to control everything? I can give you everything." Power flashed in an extended hand, and infinity bloomed. "Here is a copy of TLT. A perfect copy. Take it, and rule it as you will. But leave us alone."

[Through the Living Wrath he/him]

1 minute ago, NameIess said:

Subversion spread her arms to the side, midnight black hair billowing out behind her, dark grey eyes flashing. "I am always in a position to make demands. You want to control everything? I can give you everything." Power flashed in an extended hand, and infinity bloomed. "Here is a copy of TLT. A perfect copy. Take it, and rule it as you will. But leave us alone."

Valient grinned. Again. You do not understand, child. I already rule multiple worlds. Including my own, where my power dwarves yours. You think that Narration is powerful? Madness’ voice boomed, and echoed, different tones, like an insane chorus. I am creation. I created my world, and I commanded every individual. Subversion’s vision shifted, and she could see Madness in the fullness of her power. I will take this fake world. And I will study it. Find your weaknesses. Because I do not want all of TLT. I want everything. Do not presume to be able to stop me. Valient smiled, and Subversion saw her death, over and over.

[NameIess]

1 minute ago, SpiritOfWrath said:

Valient grinned. Again. You do not understand, child. I already rule multiple worlds. Including my own, where my power dwarves yours. You think that Narration is powerful? Madness’ voice boomed, and echoed, different tones, like an insane chorus. I am creation. I created my world, and I commanded every individual. Subversion’s vision shifted, and she could see Madness in the fullness of her power. I will take this fake world. And I will study it. Find your weaknesses. Because I do not want all of TLT. I want everything. Do not presume to be able to stop me. Valient smiled, and Subversion saw her death, over and over.

"Well, I guess I can't give you what you want then." Subversion sighed, and her hair stopped billowing. "Sorry about that. Ruling TLT is impossible though. Unless... but no, it's impossible. Well, since I can't help you... would you mind if I left, or do I have to prove the power of a Narrator to you?"

[xinoehp512 he/him]

8 hours ago, NameIess said:

"I cannot tell you where the Plotblades are, for I do not know myself. I can tell you only the names of those who could walk to path necessary to claim them." The Great Wizard raised his hands, drawing his rabbits to attention. Glowing green eyes appeared floating in a circle around him as some of his herd shared their rabbity prophetic powers. Other rabbits uninvisiblified themselves in such a way as to create a slideshow of the people he spoke of (or a crude representation, in the case of those without true physical form). He spoke then, in a voice that was not his own. "To find the Blades, seekest those around whom Plot spins most wildly. Madness, that being who seeks to invade the Thread and bend it to her will. Gail, the girl named Great Failure, bondholder of Qodi, greater than she yet believes. The Brave Adventurer, schemer, inheritor of a mantle forged by greater men for men greater yet than they. Selppaenip, hero too mighty for his own good. These you must watch closely. Yet others could claim the prize. The Witherlord, greatest darkness, ever gnawing away at the world's roots. The Valiant One, betrayed, clinging to honor yet drowning in lies. Subversion twice over, for the paths she could yet take, for the paths she sees in truth. The Dreamsmith, longing for a life stolen from him. And others, many others, but one more. Nogard, child of Onyx. Claim the Blade you could, and escape the cruel fate that may yet consume you. Watch them, watch all. For Plot twists and turns, and any could claim the Blades. Watch even your own heart, lest it betray you."

The eyes of the rabbits winked out, and the Great Wizard collapsed to the ground in a fit of coughing. "There-*cough*-there you have it. Watch... whoever it was I just told you to." He looked up. "I hope you were paying attention, because rabbits take terrible notes."

Nogard sat down, feeling stunned. "You mean... I might be one of the people who could claim the Plotblades? Or Gail, or Subversion?" He glanced around, suddenly realizing that Subversion wasn't there anymore. "Wait, where did Subversion go?"

Selppaenip gave the Great Wizard a dubious expression. "My katanas serve well enough," he rumbled. "What use would I have for one of these 'Plotblades?'"

[Through the Living Wrath he/him]

1 hour ago, NameIess said:

"Well, I guess I can't give you what you want then." Subversion sighed, and her hair stopped billowing. "Sorry about that. Ruling TLT is impossible though. Unless... but no, it's impossible. Well, since I can't help you... would you mind if I left, or do I have to prove the power of a Narrator to you?"

Valient grinned, even as she died. Leave, child? No. I have given you a task. Complete it before I punish you, you petulant fool. I will not tolerate rebellion.

Intellect appeared before her. I think you need help. Just accept my help, and I can get rid of her. Please. Before it is too late.

btw @xinoehp512, Erif and Tull (and Ista) are back at the mountain. Tull teleported them back a little while ago.

Eh I’m bored.

10 hours ago, NameIess said:

"I cannot tell you where the Plotblades are, for I do not know myself. I can tell you only the names of those who could walk to path necessary to claim them." The Great Wizard raised his hands, drawing his rabbits to attention. Glowing green eyes appeared floating in a circle around him as some of his herd shared their rabbity prophetic powers. Other rabbits uninvisiblified themselves in such a way as to create a slideshow of the people he spoke of (or a crude representation, in the case of those without true physical form). He spoke then, in a voice that was not his own. "To find the Blades, seekest those around whom Plot spins most wildly. Madness, that being who seeks to invade the Thread and bend it to her will. Gail, the girl named Great Failure, bondholder of Qodi, greater than she yet believes. The Brave Adventurer, schemer, inheritor of a mantle forged by greater men for men greater yet than they. Selppaenip, hero too mighty for his own good. These you must watch closely. Yet others could claim the prize. The Witherlord, greatest darkness, ever gnawing away at the world's roots. The Valiant One, betrayed, clinging to honor yet drowning in lies. Subversion twice over, for the paths she could yet take, for the paths she sees in truth. The Dreamsmith, longing for a life stolen from him. And others, many others, but one more. Nogard, child of Onyx. Claim the Blade you could, and escape the cruel fate that may yet consume you. Watch them, watch all. For Plot twists and turns, and any could claim the Blades. Watch even your own heart, lest it betray you."

The eyes of the rabbits winked out, and the Great Wizard collapsed to the ground in a fit of coughing. "There-*cough*-there you have it. Watch... whoever it was I just told you to." He looked up. "I hope you were paying attention, because rabbits take terrible notes."

@Immortal Platypus @xinoehp512@SpiritOfWrath@Through The Living Glass@Ancient Elantrian@The Halcyon Girl@Sequence@The H

"I can't!" The misty being froze. "Er, I mean, not before the trials are done. I can't take you until then."

Subversion's reply was strained, as if spoken through clenched teeth. If you cannot keep your mouth shut I will rip out your heart and feed it to you then sew it shut with your intestines for thread and splinters of your bones for needle!  So great was the malice behind her words that Hacob for a moment felt a sharp pain at the corner of his mouth. An instant later, the connection between the two snapped like his bones would be snapped if he tried to reforge the link.

 

Tull popped into the mountains, seeing the Great Wizard and hearing the guidance. It seemed this wouldn’t be the last time he faced Madness.

Ista looked around, seeing a multitude of people and feeling the cold revitalize her. The wizard’s mention of Madness got her interest. Waiting until he finished speaking, she made her way into the conversation. “Madness is here. And Subversion is serving her.” A pause. “But we can help.”

Edited October 12, 2024 by SpiritOfWrath

[NameIess]

1 hour ago, xinoehp512 said:

Nogard sat down, feeling stunned. "You mean... I might be one of the people who could claim the Plotblades? Or Gail, or Subversion?" He glanced around, suddenly realizing that Subversion wasn't there anymore. "Wait, where did Subversion go?"

Selppaenip gave the Great Wizard a dubious expression. "My katanas serve well enough," he rumbled. "What use would I have for one of these 'Plotblades?'"

The Great Wizard tilted his aged head. "Is that what I said? Yes, I see it now. you could align with the intent of one of the Blades quite well, if that path is taken. This is why searching for them is so dangerous." a wry grin split his wrinkled face. "Selppaenip, these Blades are more than just swords. They can take any form they so desire. Their real danger lies in their ability to affect reality."

1 hour ago, SpiritOfWrath said:

Valient grinned, even as she died. Leave, child? No. I have given you a task. Complete it before I punish you, you petulant fool. I will not tolerate rebellion.

Intellect appeared before her. I think you need help. Just accept my help, and I can get rid of her. Please. Before it is too late.

I don't need your help Intellect. I'm a Narrator, and someone needs to show Madness exactly what that means. Subversion's eyes took on an iridescent glow once more, and she stepped forward to confront Madness again, The darkness of her dress forming into spikes, solidifying into armor. Actually... someone has to teach Madness the truth about Narrators, but does it have to be me? Subversion shivered, remembering the pain of her guilt. I... I shouldn't have to feel that. I did what I had to, and besides, who cares about killing people anyways? They're not really real. She hesitated, and the glow in her eyes faded. Fine intellect, I'll take your help.

[xinoehp512 he/him]

5 minutes ago, NameIess said:

The Great Wizard tilted his aged head. "Is that what I said? Yes, I see it now. you could align with the intent of one of the Blades quite well, if that path is taken. This is why searching for them is so dangerous." a wry grin split his wrinkled face. "Selppaenip, these Blades are more than just swords. They can take any form they so desire. Their real danger lies in their ability to affect reality."

Nogard felt troubled.

"What do I do, Shoe?" he asked. "How am I supposed to keep watch over all of the potential wielders if one of them is me?"

Selppaenip frowned. "More than swords? So they are... magic swords?"

[Through the Living Wrath he/him]

3 minutes ago, NameIess said:

The Great Wizard tilted his aged head. "Is that what I said? Yes, I see it now. you could align with the intent of one of the Blades quite well, if that path is taken. This is why searching for them is so dangerous." a wry grin split his wrinkled face. "Selppaenip, these Blades are more than just swords. They can take any form they so desire. Their real danger lies in their ability to affect reality."

I don't need your help Intellect. I'm a Narrator, and someone needs to show Madness exactly what that means. Subversion's eyes took on an iridescent glow once more, and she stepped forward to confront Madness again, The darkness of her dress forming into spikes, solidifying into armor. Actually... someone has to teach Madness the truth about Narrators, but does it have to be me? Subversion shivered, remembering the pain of her guilt. I... I shouldn't have to feel that. I did what I had to, and besides, who cares about killing people anyways? They're not really real. She hesitated, and the glow in her eyes faded. Fine intellect, I'll take your help.

Intellect grinned. Finally. He waved a hand, and all of Madness’ influence vanished. You wouldn’t have been able to beat her. If you tried to Narrate her, she would have just driven you insane, taking control of your mind before you could form the thought to hurt her. The mechanism is all in the Archstone. Such a complex device… genius.

Ista. Subversion accepted my help. You can trust her now. Ista heard this, and straightened. “Never mind! Subversion accepted our help and is now free of Madness. You can trust her again.”

[NameIess]

25 minutes ago, xinoehp512 said:

Nogard felt troubled.

"What do I do, Shoe?" he asked. "How am I supposed to keep watch over all of the potential wielders if one of them is me?"

Selppaenip frowned. "More than swords? So they are... magic swords?"

“Yes, Selppaenip. Magic swords of great power. Too great.”

25 minutes ago, SpiritOfWrath said:

Intellect grinned. Finally. He waved a hand, and all of Madness’ influence vanished. You wouldn’t have been able to beat her. If you tried to Narrate her, she would have just driven you insane, taking control of your mind before you could form the thought to hurt her. The mechanism is all in the Archstone. Such a complex device… genius.

Ista. Subversion accepted my help. You can trust her now. Ista heard this, and straightened. “Never mind! Subversion accepted our help and is now free of Madness. You can trust her again.”

That’s not how Narration works. You don’t need thoughts. Or… well, that’s not quite right. It’s more that it’s possible to draw your power from thoughts that cannot be affected. I’m not very skilled at it, although my predecessor was among the best. Subversion teleported back to the mountaintop. Thank you for your help, but leave me alone from now on. I don’t want to get involved in any more of Madness’s plots.

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

3 hours ago, Kajsa said:

Just a few feet away from Gail, the air suddenly turned cold, visibly churning until suddenly a brunette girl stood there, slightly transparent and looking awfully confused. Her blue eyes were wide in horror, and the color of her dirty tunic was indiscernible for the concerning amount of blood that stained it. She blinked a few times, looking down at her red hands and shirt. She couldn’t have been older than fourteen. 
“Hello?” Her voice echoed eerily, as if she wasn’t really there at all. 

 @The Halcyon Girl

Gail jumped. 

“This island is no place for kids,” Beosta told her. “Livetha, send her somewhere else.” 

The stoat on her head chittered in argument. 

A gray and white bunny (Qodi) sniffed at the girl’s feet. 

Edited October 12, 2024 by The Halcyon Girl

[Immortal Platypus]

10 hours ago, NameIess said:

"I cannot tell you where the Plotblades are, for I do not know myself. I can tell you only the names of those who could walk to path necessary to claim them." The Great Wizard raised his hands, drawing his rabbits to attention. Glowing green eyes appeared floating in a circle around him as some of his herd shared their rabbity prophetic powers. Other rabbits uninvisiblified themselves in such a way as to create a slideshow of the people he spoke of (or a crude representation, in the case of those without true physical form). He spoke then, in a voice that was not his own. "To find the Blades, seekest those around whom Plot spins most wildly. Madness, that being who seeks to invade the Thread and bend it to her will. Gail, the girl named Great Failure, bondholder of Qodi, greater than she yet believes. The Brave Adventurer, schemer, inheritor of a mantle forged by greater men for men greater yet than they. Selppaenip, hero too mighty for his own good. These you must watch closely. Yet others could claim the prize. The Witherlord, greatest darkness, ever gnawing away at the world's roots. The Valiant One, betrayed, clinging to honor yet drowning in lies. Subversion twice over, for the paths she could yet take, for the paths she sees in truth. The Dreamsmith, longing for a life stolen from him. And others, many others, but one more. Nogard, child of Onyx. Claim the Blade you could, and escape the cruel fate that may yet consume you. Watch them, watch all. For Plot twists and turns, and any could claim the Blades. Watch even your own heart, lest it betray you."

The eyes of the rabbits winked out, and the Great Wizard collapsed to the ground in a fit of coughing. "There-*cough*-there you have it. Watch... whoever it was I just told you to." He looked up. "I hope you were paying attention, because rabbits take terrible notes."

  ah. you said who, I read where  

Quote

"I can't!" The misty being froze. "Er, I mean, not before the trials are done. I can't take you until then."

"Why. Not." Platypus forced out in a growl. "I say the trials are finished, or I can fight you for my last one. Your choice."

Quote

Subversion's reply was strained, as if spoken through clenched teeth. If you cannot keep your mouth shut I will rip out your heart and feed it to you then sew it shut with your intestines for thread and splinters of your bones for needle!  So great was the malice behind her words that Hacob for a moment felt a sharp pain at the corner of his mouth. An instant later, the connection between the two snapped like his bones would be snapped if he tried to reforge the link.

As the link broke, Subversion could hear Hacob laughing.

2 hours ago, xinoehp512 said:

Nogard sat down, feeling stunned. "You mean... I might be one of the people who could claim the Plotblades? Or Gail, or Subversion?" He glanced around, suddenly realizing that Subversion wasn't there anymore. "Wait, where did Subversion go?"

Selppaenip gave the Great Wizard a dubious expression. "My katanas serve well enough," he rumbled. "What use would I have for one of these 'Plotblades?'"

Zanitar looked at the group, memorizing the people that could claim the Blades. 

43 minutes ago, NameIess said:

The Great Wizard tilted his aged head. "Is that what I said? Yes, I see it now. you could align with the intent of one of the Blades quite well, if that path is taken. This is why searching for them is so dangerous." a wry grin split his wrinkled face. "Selppaenip, these Blades are more than just swords. They can take any form they so desire. Their real danger lies in their ability to affect reality."

I don't need your help Intellect. I'm a Narrator, and someone needs to show Madness exactly what that means. Subversion's eyes took on an iridescent glow once more, and she stepped forward to confront Madness again, The darkness of her dress forming into spikes, solidifying into armor. Actually... someone has to teach Madness the truth about Narrators, but does it have to be me? Subversion shivered, remembering the pain of her guilt. I... I shouldn't have to feel that. I did what I had to, and besides, who cares about killing people anyways? They're not really real. She hesitated, and the glow in her eyes faded. Fine intellect, I'll take your help.

*cough* "except Endings." *cough* Hacob muttered.

[Through The Living Glass She/They]

11 hours ago, NameIess said:

"I cannot tell you where the Plotblades are, for I do not know myself. I can tell you only the names of those who could walk to path necessary to claim them." The Great Wizard raised his hands, drawing his rabbits to attention. Glowing green eyes appeared floating in a circle around him as some of his herd shared their rabbity prophetic powers. Other rabbits uninvisiblified themselves in such a way as to create a slideshow of the people he spoke of (or a crude representation, in the case of those without true physical form). He spoke then, in a voice that was not his own. "To find the Blades, seekest those around whom Plot spins most wildly. Madness, that being who seeks to invade the Thread and bend it to her will. Gail, the girl named Great Failure, bondholder of Qodi, greater than she yet believes. The Brave Adventurer, schemer, inheritor of a mantle forged by greater men for men greater yet than they. Selppaenip, hero too mighty for his own good. These you must watch closely. Yet others could claim the prize. The Witherlord, greatest darkness, ever gnawing away at the world's roots. The Valiant One, betrayed, clinging to honor yet drowning in lies. Subversion twice over, for the paths she could yet take, for the paths she sees in truth. The Dreamsmith, longing for a life stolen from him. And others, many others, but one more. Nogard, child of Onyx. Claim the Blade you could, and escape the cruel fate that may yet consume you. Watch them, watch all. For Plot twists and turns, and any could claim the Blades. Watch even your own heart, lest it betray you."

The eyes of the rabbits winked out, and the Great Wizard collapsed to the ground in a fit of coughing. "There-*cough*-there you have it. Watch... whoever it was I just told you to." He looked up. "I hope you were paying attention, because rabbits take terrible notes."

Huh.

44 minutes ago, xinoehp512 said:

Nogard felt troubled.

"What do I do, Shoe?" he asked. "How am I supposed to keep watch over all of the potential wielders if one of them is me?"

Shoe wasn't sure. He shrugged.

Maybe they just all needed to stay together? Or keep in touch?

Shoe didn't have any good ideas at the moment. He sighed.

[xinoehp512 he/him]

1 hour ago, NameIess said:

“Yes, Selppaenip. Magic swords of great power. Too great.”

"Ah!" said Selppaenip. "So we must destroy them?"

1 hour ago, NameIess said:

Subversion teleported back to the mountaintop.

Nogard brightened as Subversion reappeared.

1 hour ago, Through The Living Glass said:

Shoe wasn't sure. He shrugged.

Maybe they just all needed to stay together? Or keep in touch?

Shoe didn't have any good ideas at the moment. He sighed.

Nogard made a pensive expression. "A lot of the people the Great Wizard mentioned are here right now, in our party. Does that mean we're supposed to watch ourselves? I suppose, with so many potential wielders, the chances that we find the blade are fairly high."

He thought some more, standing up and beginning to pace. He looked to the Great Wizard. "There were a few people you mentioned I haven't heard of. Madness. The Dreamsmith. The Valiant One. The Witherlord. Who are they?"

Edited October 12, 2024 by xinoehp512

[Through the Living Wrath he/him]

24 minutes ago, NameIess said:

“Yes, Selppaenip. Magic swords of great power. Too great.”

That’s not how Narration works. You don’t need thoughts. Or… well, that’s not quite right. It’s more that it’s possible to draw your power from thoughts that cannot be affected. I’m not very skilled at it, although my predecessor was among the best. Subversion teleported back to the mountaintop. Thank you for your help, but leave me alone from now on. I don’t want to get involved in any more of Madness’s plots.

Sorry. I'll leave you alone. But I need to make you aware of how dangerous she is. I misspoke. Maybe there are thoughts that can't be affected. But Madness uses her power, not to stop the thoughts, but to turn you into the sort of person that wouldn't Narrate her. No part of your mind is safe from her when she connects to you. She is still connected, but I am holding at bay most of the insanity. She is very dangerous. Be wary of her. With that, Intellect left her mind.

---

Ista saw Subversion arrive on the mount. She gave her a small nod, and a summary of the words of the Great Wizard. If Subversion listened to her thoughts, she would hear her conversing with Intellect. 

---

Tull saw Subversion arrive on the mount. He gave her a sympathetic smile. He too had been subject to Madness' attention.

---

 

Jilu saw five people arrive on the mount. She recognized all but two, a woman in blue robes and ghost girl. She decided not to question it.

[xinoehp512 he/him]

Lol dunno how I missed this

 

13 hours ago, SpiritOfWrath said:

"Ask Subversion when she gets back. Or Bacon the Bard. Just can we please get back?"

Tull nodded, and he teleported them back. "Here we are."

 

"I do not know who any of those people are," replied Erif.

[Through The Living Glass She/They]

12 minutes ago, xinoehp512 said:

Nogard made a pensive expression. "A lot of the people the Great Wizard mentioned are here right now, in our party. Does that mean we're supposed to watch ourselves? I suppose, with so many potential wielders, the chances that we find the blade are fairly high."

Maybe it would be better if the potential wielders all stayed together. Perhaps they would be able to keep each other in check?

[xinoehp512 he/him]

1 minute ago, Through The Living Glass said:

Maybe it would be better if the potential wielders all stayed together. Perhaps they would be able to keep each other in check?

Nogard looked at Shoe, thoughtful. "You look like you have an idea."

[Through The Living Glass She/They]

3 minutes ago, xinoehp512 said:

Nogard looked at Shoe, thoughtful. "You look like you have an idea."

Shoe nodded. Um . . . ah!

He pulled his new notebook and pencil out from his pocket and wrote his idea down, then showed it to Nogard.

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

6 minutes ago, Through The Living Glass said:

Maybe it would be better if the potential wielders all stayed together. Perhaps they would be able to keep each other in check?

Wielders of plotblades? 

[Through The Living Glass She/They]

1 minute ago, The Halcyon Girl said:

Wielders of plotblades? 

Yeah

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

Just now, Through The Living Glass said:

Yeah

Might wanna watch Qodi, then  

[Through The Living Glass She/They]

Just now, The Halcyon Girl said:

Might wanna watch Qodi, then  

*gasp* OH YEAHHHHHHH

[xinoehp512 he/him]

4 minutes ago, Through The Living Glass said:

Shoe nodded. Um . . . ah!

He pulled his new notebook and pencil out from his pocket and wrote his idea down, then showed it to Nogard.

"Brilliant!" exclaimed Nogard. Then he read the idea. "Oh! So we go and find these potential wielders and invite them to join our group?"

[Through The Living Glass She/They]

7 minutes ago, xinoehp512 said:

"Brilliant!" exclaimed Nogard. Then he read the idea. "Oh! So we go and find these potential wielders and invite them to join our group?"

Shoe nodded. We already know quite a few of them, he wrote.

[xinoehp512 he/him]

17 minutes ago, Through The Living Glass said:

Shoe nodded. We already know quite a few of them, he wrote.

"Gail, Selppaenip, Subversion, and me are already part of this group. That's half of the people he mentioned! If we could recruit the other half, then as soon as either of the Plotblades appeared, we'd be able to deal with them right away."

Edited October 12, 2024 by xinoehp512