The Longest Thread (Misadventures)

[Through The Living Glass She/They]

53 minutes ago, Halcyon The Only said:

He turned red. "Yes! He's terrifying. Even as an octopus, he was scary!" 

She would have laughed if she hadn't realized that she'd left them all like that in the ocean.

"Oh, shoot."

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

1 minute ago, Through The Living Glass said:

She would have laughed if she hadn't realized that she'd left them all like that in the ocean.

"Oh, shoot."

"You should... probably contact them... Aw, Shoe's gonna be so mad. I'm screwed." 

[Cookie Spren]

21 hours ago, Halcyon The Only said:

So ig the voice in her head will hafta explain it to her. Or keep her in the dark, idrc 

The voice explains it.

I'm rly sorry I'm feeling lazy today.

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

2 minutes ago, The Sly Cookie said:

The voice explains it.

I'm rly sorry I'm feeling lazy today.

Is ok. 

Hmm. Tell me where to find you. 

Sylas, touch the cat and your problems will be gone. 

[NameIess]

13 hours ago, Halcyon The Only said:

Her mouth turned up into a smile. "Heartless. That's excellent."

"It is a most helpful attribute." Malevolence replied. "Is there anything else you wish to teach me? Or perhaps you need my help in your plan? If not, I believe I will prepare to make another attempt too kill Cricket and his companions."

13 hours ago, Ookla the Irreplaceable said:

He nodded, picking Moni up gently and carrying her into the tunnel.

Moni's muttering trailed off into incoherence. she cradled the hand that held Endings to her chest, fingers white on the handle.

5 hours ago, Dragonheir said:

Rebus smiles back. “Excellent. I look forward to seeing your work, but first, I have a question. Could you use a specific portion of my soul to make the weapon, without changing its function? I’ve been suppressing a few personality traits, which I would be better off without: impatience and bitterness. Even if it would modify the weapon, perhaps one of those two would improve it.” 

The Dreamsmith furrows his brow. "I could. But I think that if you wish to master your negative traits, you should do so yourself." He turns to his forge. "Any more questions? If not, I shall begin."

5 hours ago, Dragonheir said:

Should Rebus have had his soul, he would have nipped this in the bud. But his simulation doesn’t know of the rabbits and their hunger, nor have the ability to read the rabbit’s mind, so he ignores it. 

This was fortunate for the rabbit. It crept closer to the wind and the clone, wondering why anyone would want to find paper. You couldn't eat paper. That name though... the name they'd spoken of. The Witherlord. The rabbit knew that name. And so it waited, and watched very carefully.

--

The Dreamsmith decides to assume for now the Emperor's assent. "I shall now make you your weapon." The Dreamsmith says. "If you are not content with it, then I shall see if I can modify it to your liking." Then he picks up his hammer and begins to work.

Three things every Blade needs: Power, Form, and Name. The Power for this Blade the Dreamsmith draws forth from the Emperor in a line of pure light. Deeply he draws upon the Emperor's soul, for great is the power of those within the Maelstrom. Wincing at the necessity, the Dreamsmith lays the power upon his anvil and splits it in two, leaving a strand of connection between the uneven pieces.

For the form, the Dreamsmith thinks deeply. Many forms could work adequately, but this Blade must be fit for an emperor, a ruler of people. So he takes the greater piece and strikes it again and again until it is shaped as is necessary. A jagged crown of light, likely to impale anyone who touches it. The Dreamsmith sets this crown aside and places the lesser piece on his anvil. Hammer moving deftly, he forms the lesser portion of power into a fierce spear that glows with the light of Narration and of the Emperor's gods. The connection remains between this spear of light and the twisted crown.

The name for this Blade is clear to the Dreamsmith. As the Blade is two parts, so it shall have two names. "This Blade I give to you is called thusly." He lifts the Spear, handing it to the Emperor. "Victory, for what it shall bring." He hefted the crown, but hesitated to place it upon the Emperor's head. "Victory comes through Sacrifice, and that is what this crown shall bring you. This Blade shall allow you to imprison the demons of the Maelstrom forever, not within another plane but within your own soul. Victory shall draw them in, and Sacrifice shall contain them. So long as you live, so long as you remain steadfast in faith to your gods, they will not break free. I warn you though, this will not come without pain." He held up the crown, the emberlike glow of his eyes dim and soft. "Do you accept this Blade, this burden? It is the best I can think to offer you, but I shall forge another if you wish it.”

@The Sly Cookie

Edited January 8, 2025 by NameIess

[Cookie Spren]

5 minutes ago, Halcyon The Only said:

Is ok. 

Hmm. Tell me where to find you. 

Sylas, touch the cat and your problems will be gone. 

Sylas stands up defiantly, looking at Tellin. "Don't worry Tellin, I won't even get close to you." Sylas' eyes slowly start to swirl with color, eventually settling on one eye being a deep purple and the other, gold. The color isn't very bright but it is noticeable if you look close enough. Something in his eyes tells you that he is starting to understand the power of narration. He holds his hand up to the barrier, and it suddenly vanishes, allowing Tellin to leave. The mangled bodies behind begin to disappear, leaving no trace of them. Their souls return to the heavens as the bodies leave.

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

3 minutes ago, NameIess said:

"It is a most helpful attribute." Malevolence replied. "Is there anything else you wish to teach me? Or perhaps you need my help in your plan? If not, I believe I will prepare to make another attempt too kill Cricket and his companions."

"I do not need your help at present. It is well enough that you trust me, and I trust you." She set her goblet on the table. "In order to solidify our relationship, I would like to offer you a gift. Have you any natural abilities?" 

Just now, The Sly Cookie said:

Sylas stands up defiantly, looking at Tellin. "Don't worry Tellin, I won't even get close to you." Sylas' eyes slowly start to swirl with color, eventually settling on one eye being a deep purple and the other, gold. The color isn't very bright but it is noticeable if you look close enough. Something in his eyes tells you that he is starting to understand the power of narration. He holds his hand up to the barrier, and it suddenly vanishes, allowing Tellin to leave. The mangled bodies behind begin to disappear, leaving no trace of them. Their souls return to the heavens as the bodies leave.

Tellin scrambled down the hallway.

The voice in Sylas' mind swore rather badly. I could have fixed everything for you. 

[Cookie Spren]

1 minute ago, Halcyon The Only said:

Tellin scrambled down the hallway.

The voice in Sylas' mind swore rather badly. I could have fixed everything for you. 

Sylas laughs. "Without trial, we learn nothing. You seem to have no trials of your own, considering your ignorance."

[NameIess]

1 minute ago, Halcyon The Only said:

I do not need your help at present. It is well enough that you trust me, and I trust you." She set her goblet on the table. "In order to solidify our relationship, I would like to offer you a gift. Have you any natural abilities?" 

“None save my wits. Technology is all I need to succeed.”

4 minutes ago, The Sly Cookie said:

Sylas stands up defiantly, looking at Tellin. "Don't worry Tellin, I won't even get close to you." Sylas' eyes slowly start to swirl with color, eventually settling on one eye being a deep purple and the other, gold. The color isn't very bright but it is noticeable if you look close enough. Something in his eyes tells you that he is starting to understand the power of narration. He holds his hand up to the barrier, and it suddenly vanishes, allowing Tellin to leave. The mangled bodies behind begin to disappear, leaving no trace of them. Their souls return to the heavens as the bodies leave.

Did you see my post?

[Cookie Spren]

1 minute ago, NameIess said:

Did you see my post?

sorry no. Could you repost?

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

Just now, The Sly Cookie said:

Sylas laughs. "Without trial, we learn nothing. You seem to have no trials of your own, considering your ignorance."

Heh. You really know nothing, do you, boy? 

Just now, NameIess said:

“None save my wits. Technology is all I need to succeed.”

"Good. But you are susceptible to many things." She tapped his goblet with a finger. It dissolved, as if rusted from the inside, the remaining wine dripping to the floor. "I will teach you this skill, as your new primary sponsor. In return, you will make more friends. Make deals, take jobs, extend your influence. Yes?" 

[xinoehp512 he/him]

18 hours ago, Halcyon The Only said:

“I… I was following you with the withergeists… I guess I’m kind of forgettable.” Bat looked down. 

"I have no doubt you are very memorable! I remember remembering you, at least, which is saying something!"

18 hours ago, Ookla the Irreplaceable said:

“Higher? The poison could be coded to only deal with the prevalent forms of magic, not minor ones.”

The ennuller sputtered. That... doesn't make any sense! It's like saying that a poem of a brick wall would be able to stop a boulder more effectively than an actual brick wall would!

18 hours ago, Through The Living Glass said:

"What?! Why?!"

"I'm afraid I don't remember. It's probably Onyx's fault, though."

16 hours ago, Dragonheir said:

He shrugs. “I thought it might be useful, both for the item and the lesson.” 

Rebus nods, though Cricket cannot see it. The nanomachines begin categorizing and extracting contaminants. The process would take around 45 seconds. 
It’s up to you if this works for the poison (if it’s mundane, it should. If it’s magic, I’m not sure). It’ll improve Cricket’s health too, removing any toxic buildup of normal chemicals. 

Rebus raises an eyebrow. “What did you three do to attract this many assassins, anyway?” 

Rebus sighs. “I will take my leave then. Perhaps your temptation will work better next time.” 
Wait, is Bacon with Tam, Bat, and Cricket? 

The wind dies down.

16 hours ago, Dragonheir said:

Rebus shrugs again. “I’ll learn the long story once my soul comes back. If you ever need my help, you can call me.” 
@xinoehp512 Rebus nods to Bacon. “Hello. I trust you are doing well. How is your podcast going?” 

"Oh dear," said Bacon. "Did I have a podcast?"

14 hours ago, NameIess said:

The Faceless's laugh cut off, and it grunts in pain. "Well." It said with blood leaking from its lips. "Thanks for the weapon. I will enjoy killing you all with it." It smile returned, form melting into liquid as it... utterly failed to break free of the ropes, which glowed with a faint blue light as it struggled to shapeshift around them. The real Moni snorted softly as the creature reformed into her shape, now looking genuinely fearful. "Er, surely we can come to some agreement!" It said desperately. "I don't-I didn't kill his friends, I swear!" Palsu stepped forward angrily at this. "Yes you did! You were gloating at first, but now that you realize you can't escape, you'll say anything to stay alive." The Faceless's eyes, wide with fear, spun towards Palsu. "I-no, wait! You don't understand, he is the Faceless!" It cried desperately. Palsu's eyes widened with rage "I-I'm a Faceless? How dare you!" He stormed towards the Faceless. "Faceless killed my friends! You killed my friends!" He shouted. Then he scooped a rock off the ground and slammed it into the Faceless's skull with an audible *crack*. "And you'll never-*smack*-hurt-*crack*-ANYONE-*crack*-AGAIN!" The blood of the Faceless pooled around Palsu as he stared, wild-eyed and breathing in gasps, at the ruin of the dead creature's skull. Behind him, Moni collapsed against a wall, face white as a sheet.

"Of course. A weapon to cause Plot and protect you from conflict. And a weapon to suit your personality as a Narrator and scientist. I can forge this for you." He smiled. "And I know just what form would suit such a weapon."

"I think that my definition still stands, although I would say revise it to say that power is the ability to achieve goals, in general, not your goals specifically." Malevolence said thoughtfully. "That millionaire might have enough power for his ambition, but he is still weaker than the ruler of a planet even if he is happier than that man." He thought on what he'd said for a moment. "This is another aspect of evil. To never be satisfied with what you have. To always stretch to the limits of your power and beyond to reach higher and higher heights, until finally there must be no higher heights to reach."

Subversion glanced up. "Hey! Don't go wipe her memory. 655 is real. Or at least he was at one point. Moniker met him once or twice."

The Ennuller paused, frowning. Oh dear. You too?

14 hours ago, NameIess said:

"Perhaps you remember me from the time I attempted to *ahem* encourage Shoe and Beosta to marry quickly in order to avoid future heartbreak." The Priest frowned briefly, but then his bright smile returned. "Or perhaps not. Anyways, I must be off! There's a wedding today, and I don't mean to miss it!" He hurried off, carrying his massive book along with him.

A rabbit watched the wind speak to the Narrator with no soul, its ears perked. The words of their conversation sparked something within the rabbit, something besides its eternal hunger. Perhaps it should wait to eat the soulless one until the wind had finished speaking.

Haven't been on the shard all day, sorry.

The wind rustled the rabbit's fur softly.

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

8 minutes ago, xinoehp512 said:

"I have no doubt you are very memorable! I remember remembering you, at least, which is saying something!"

"I'm afraid I don't remember. It's probably Onyx's fault, though."

"Oh dear," said Bacon. "Did I have a podcast?"

The wind rustled the rabbit's fur softly.

Bat smiled, somewhat reassured. 

Lady Bug appeared and informed him that yes, he had had a podcast, and that the imaginary shareholders were quite angry. 

Then she asked what he might have done to anger Onyx. 

[NameIess]

14 minutes ago, The Sly Cookie said:

sorry no. Could you repost?

Here you go

The Dreamsmith decides to assume for now the Emperor's assent. "I shall now make you your weapon." The Dreamsmith says. "If you are not content with it, then I shall see if I can modify it to your liking." Then he picks up his hammer and begins to work.

Three things every Blade needs: Power, Form, and Name. The Power for this Blade the Dreamsmith draws forth from the Emperor in a line of pure light. Deeply he draws upon the Emperor's soul, for great is the power of those within the Maelstrom. Wincing at the necessity, the Dreamsmith lays the power upon his anvil and splits it in two, leaving a strand of connection between the uneven pieces. 

For the form, the Dreamsmith thinks deeply. Many forms could work adequately, but this Blade must be fit for an emperor, a ruler of people. So he takes the greater piece and strikes it again and again until it is shaped as is necessary. A jagged crown of light, likely to impale anyone who touches it. The Dreamsmith sets this crown aside and places the lesser piece on his anvil. Hammer moving deftly, he forms the lesser portion of power into a fierce spear that glows with the light of Narration and of the Emperor's gods. The connection remains between this spear of light and the twisted crown.

The name for this Blade is clear to the Dreamsmith. As the Blade is two parts, so it shall have two names. "This Blade I give to you is called thusly." He lifts the Spear, handing it to the Emperor. "Victory, for what it shall bring." He hefted the crown, but hesitated to place it upon the Emperor's head. "Victory comes through Sacrifice, and that is what this crown shall bring you. This Blade shall allow you to imprison the demons of the Maelstrom forever, not within another plane but within your own soul. Victory shall draw them in, and Sacrifice shall contain them. So long as you live, so long as you remain steadfast in faith to your gods, they will not break free. I warn you though, this will not come without pain." He held up the crown, the emberlike glow of his eyes dim and soft. "Do you accept this Blade, this burden? It is the best I can think to offer you, but I shall forge another if you wish it.”

[xinoehp512 he/him]

36 minutes ago, Halcyon The Only said:

Bat smiled, somewhat reassured. 

Lady Bug appeared and informed him that yes, he had had a podcast, and that the imaginary shareholders were quite angry. 

Then she asked what he might have done to anger Onyx. 

"Oh dear," said Bacon, paling. "Not the imaginary shareholders!"

Bacon didn't suppose Onyx had done it on purpose. Besides, if he'd done something bad, he'd forgotten all about it. Nope, no memory at all of anything untoward. So don't even ask.

Edited January 8, 2025 by xinoehp512

[Through the Living Heir he/him]

55 minutes ago, NameIess said:

The Dreamsmith furrows his brow. "I could. But I think that if you wish to master your negative traits, you should do so yourself." He turns to his forge. "Any more questions? If not, I shall begin."

Rebus nods. “That is likely true. I shall endeavor for personal growth rather than take shortcuts. I have one question, but you may explain as you begin.” He too turns to the forge, interested in watching the process. “Should I duplicate myself, will the weapon duplicate as well? A copy of myself sharing my soul, as I occupy two locations at once, not the imitations currently responsible for my business and machinations.” 

1 minute ago, xinoehp512 said:

"Oh dear," said Bacon, paling. "Not the imaginary shareholders!"

Bacon didn't suppose Onyx had done it on purpose. Besides, if he'd done something bad, he'd forgotten all about it. Nope, no memory at all of anything untoward. So don't even ask.

“I was unaware that your podcast was monetized, but it gave a summary of the recent happenings here each episode. Usually it is about every fifty pages, but it has now been over two hundred fifty since the last. My Author can create Meat the Minstrel or some such nonsense to assist with the backlog.” 

51 minutes ago, xinoehp512 said:

The ennuller sputtered. That... doesn't make any sense! It's like saying that a poem of a brick wall would be able to stop a boulder more effectively than an actual brick wall would!

Rebus shakes his head. “No. It is like saying that a safe is reinforced against being beaten in by a hammer, melted to slag by fire, removed from the small holes in the room, or damaged by pliers. If you take those things and forge yourself lockpicks, then you can break the safe open.” 
The Rebus clone that had been talking to the wind scowls at the now-immobile air, then pulls up screens to try to determine what the wind had been. 

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

14 minutes ago, xinoehp512 said:

"Oh dear," said Bacon, paling. "Not the imaginary shareholders!"

Bacon didn't suppose Onyx had done it on purpose. Besides, if he'd done something bad, he'd forgotten all about it. Nope, no memory at all of anything untoward. So don't even ask.

Lady Bug pursed her lips, but pursued the topic no further. 

5 minutes ago, Dragonheir said:

“I was unaware that your podcast was monetized, but it gave a summary of the recent happenings here each episode. Usually it is about every fifty pages, but it has now been over two hundred fifty since the last. My Author can create Meat the Minstrel or some such nonsense to assist with the backlog.” 

“No need,” Lady Bug sang. “The next episode is currently in production. I have a team of butterflies on it. We wouldn’t want to overwhelm dear Bacon, after all.”

[NameIess]

1 hour ago, xinoehp512 said:

The Ennuller paused, frowning. Oh dear. You too?

"What do you mean 'you too'? It's the truth!" Subversion snapped. "You think that whatever reality warping took place could affect a Narrator like me?"

1 hour ago, xinoehp512 said:

The wind rustled the rabbit's fur softly.

The rabbit raised its nose into the air, sniffing tentatively. The wind wasn't speaking to the soulless one anymore. It was time to strike while he was distracted by his screens.

And yet...

Something deep within the rabbit's ravenous soul stirred. It had been awakened by the taste of a Narrator's blood, and now... That name. the rabbit thought. the Witherlord can return?

10 minutes ago, Dragonheir said:

Rebus nods. “That is likely true. I shall endeavor for personal growth rather than take shortcuts. I have one question, but you may explain as you begin.” He too turns to the forge, interested in watching the process. “Should I duplicate myself, will the weapon duplicate as well? A copy of myself sharing my soul, as I occupy two locations at once, not the imitations currently responsible for my business and machinations.” 

The Dreamsmith nodded, taking a careful look at Rebus's soul. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait a moment before I can begin. My Author is in typing this up on a five-minute class break. But the weapon I have in mind for you should be able to be in two places at once."

1 hour ago, Halcyon The Only said:

"Good. But you are susceptible to many things." She tapped his goblet with a finger. It dissolved, as if rusted from the inside, the remaining wine dripping to the floor. "I will teach you this skill, as your new primary sponsor. In return, you will make more friends. Make deals, take jobs, extend your influence. Yes?" 

"Done!" Malevolence said, standing eagerly. "I will spread my evil influence to the ends of the earth."

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

6 minutes ago, NameIess said:

"Done!" Malevolence said, standing eagerly. "I will spread my evil influence to the ends of the earth."

“Most exciting.” She grinned, then placed the tip of her nail on his forehead, sending hot tingles through his skin. Her voice took on a musical cast. “As I speak here, beneath stone borne from time and skies borne of wonder, all that you touch and command shall be ruined.”

She stepped back.

Edited January 8, 2025 by Halcyon The Only

[Through the Living Heir he/him]

10 minutes ago, Halcyon The Only said:

Lady Bug pursed her lips, but pursued the topic no further. 

“No need,” Lady Bug sang. “The next episode is currently in production. I have a team of butterflies on it. We wouldn’t want to overwhelm dear Bacon, after all.”

Rebus looks at her strangely. “Are they Narrative butterflies? It seems they’d have trouble with several aspects of the process. If it works, though, I’m glad my Author won’t have to do it.” 

4 minutes ago, NameIess said:

The Dreamsmith nodded, taking a careful look at Rebus's soul. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait a moment before I can begin. My Author is in typing this up on a five-minute class break. But the weapon I have in mind for you should be able to be in two places at once."

Rebus chuckles. “Of course. I get animated and then frozen again all the time. Your Author types quickly, I must say. I wish mine did.” 

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

1 minute ago, Dragonheir said:

Rebus looks at her strangely. “Are they Narrative butterflies? It seems they’d have trouble with several aspects of the process. If it works, though, I’m glad my Author won’t have to do it.” 

She scoffed. “Have a little faith in me. When have I ever let you down?”

[Through the Living Heir he/him]

5 minutes ago, Halcyon The Only said:

She scoffed. “Have a little faith in me. When have I ever let you down?”

“I was confused by the singing, but you’ve let me down several times. Every time I’ve interacted with you, actually.” He projects a hologram of his improperly exploding pyrotechnic display. “I do like Bat, however. And I think we might do things if you were actually willing to work with me.” 

[Through The Living Glass She/They]

1 hour ago, xinoehp512 said:

"I have no doubt you are very memorable! I remember remembering you, at least, which is saying something!"

"I'm afraid I don't remember. It's probably Onyx's fault, though."

"Oh dear," said Bacon. "Did I have a podcast?"

"What did Onyx do?"

1 hour ago, Halcyon The Only said:

Bat smiled, somewhat reassured. 

Lady Bug appeared and informed him that yes, he had had a podcast, and that the imaginary shareholders were quite angry. 

Then she asked what he might have done to anger Onyx. 

1 hour ago, xinoehp512 said:

"Oh dear," said Bacon, paling. "Not the imaginary shareholders!"

Bacon didn't suppose Onyx had done it on purpose. Besides, if he'd done something bad, he'd forgotten all about it. Nope, no memory at all of anything untoward. So don't even ask.

"So . . . could I simply Narrate your memories back?"

46 minutes ago, Halcyon The Only said:

Lady Bug pursed her lips, but pursued the topic no further. 

“No need,” Lady Bug sang. “The next episode is currently in production. I have a team of butterflies on it. We wouldn’t want to overwhelm dear Bacon, after all.”

"Oh, yeah . . . the podcast."

[Bird Furious she/her/un/important]

27 minutes ago, Dragonheir said:

“I was confused by the singing, but you’ve let me down several times. Every time I’ve interacted with you, actually.” He projects a hologram of his improperly exploding pyrotechnic display. “I do like Bat, however. And I think we might do things if you were actually willing to work with me.” 

She folded her arms, pouting. “I have not let you down. Prove it.” 

[Through the Living Heir he/him]

3 minutes ago, Halcyon The Only said:

She folded her arms, pouting. “I have not let you down. Prove it.” 

He raises an eyebrow. “You pressed all the buttons and made my firework display explode; you have either an imposter or an alter ego who started a storyline and then ignored it, but when I told uoy you didn’t believe me; and you refused to work with me or even consider it in the future when I offered.”