The Longest Thread (Misadventures)

[ThroughTheLivingSequence she/her/they/them]

1 hour ago, Dragonheir said:

Rebus smirked a little bit at the ending comment, then teleported himself to Sequence’s World. He wore his futuristic armor - as he often did, these days - colored in dynamic blocks of black, white, and grey, separated by glowing purple lines. But the truly significant thing about his outfit was the crown he wore - glowing with darkness, the tines viciously sharp. 
Rebus smiled broadly, watching for Sequence’s reaction as she realized what it was. “We never did have your customary meeting, you know.” 

Sequence was seated in a wooden rocking chair on the porch of her cabin, the sun setting on the vast mountain ranges surrounding it.
 

”Ah!” Sequence exclaimed with a smile. “Rebus! I-“ She paused and her smile faltered as she laid eyes upon the crown.

She didn’t say anything for a moment, then forced another smile. “.. Customary greeting…?” She asked slowly. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean…” 

Her eyes were glued to the crown, her shocked expression replaced by one entirely unreadable.

[CoderDrag0n8 He/They]

4 hours ago, NameIess said:

Every single door turned out to be a monster, though they died easily when taken by surprise. As God Killer passed through each door, he felt a slight ripple pass through him, as if he was washed in a wave of invisible force. Other than that, his progression was uneventful. The thirty doors passed quickly, and soon he had passed through the last one.

God Killer stood now in a small room with one door. Before him stood Subversion, arms folded as she regarded him thoughtfully. "It didn't take you long to discover the secret, did it? Or was it luck that guided you?" She shrugged. "Beyond this door is your final challenge. both the Blade you seek and the trait it embodies lie beyond. And so I will ask you one more time. Will you continue your quest? I cannot promise that you will die, but the odds of you dying are... astronomically high."

He laughed. "Astronomical? I have faced far worse. I have faced Celestial, even Impossible Odds." He said, then broke the door and went through.

1 hour ago, Dragonheir said:

Well, there’s also the “reads my mind” component - it would be fainter, but Rebus could know things the same way he knows about things outside the Thread. 

“I would agree with you - what do you propose?” Rebus smiled, but looked at Malevolence very carefully. The man was both clever and opportunistic - there was little chance he would offer Rebus a deal without expecting to gain something greater than a shot at Antagonist. 
Meanwhile, a man with several parts of his body replaced with clockwork - including his jaw - was very alarmed to find the Dreamsmith back. He dove for a workbench, snatching some sort of device off of it and disappearing. 

Rebus raised an eyebrow at the offer of a bribe - though he had of course planned to ask for payment, the Shackled Dream hadn’t offered him any. He watched Cep, seeming to fade a bit out of view. 

Rebus appreciated that - he was already setting aside a bit of his mind to scheme for whatever prank he would offer. 
Rebus stepped backwards, having to cheat a little and use utility fog to move fast enough. “Your tenacity is admirable, Shadow. I commend you for that.” Then he switched Antagonist to a one-handed grip, making a fairly wild swing with the ax side as he braced the weapon against his forearm - and suddenly blinked Antagonist out of existence, resummoning the halberd and executing a lightning-fast lunge. 

Rebus smirked a little bit at the ending comment, then teleported himself to Sequence’s World. He wore his futuristic armor - as he often did, these days - colored in dynamic blocks of black, white, and grey, separated by glowing purple lines. But the truly significant thing about his outfit was the crown he wore - glowing with darkness, the tines viciously sharp. 
Rebus smiled broadly, watching for Sequence’s reaction as she realized what it was. “We never did have your customary meeting, you know.” 

Rebus sighed. “Of course. The other two are back, but I may have to go through alternate channels until Fate returns.” He shrugged, then continued, “as for you, when Fate does come back and Bacon can act again, please try once more. In the meantime, I’ll allow you to do something else.” 

oh well, Cep wasn't being compliant. If Rebus had argued a bit more, bribes would have come quicker. And the later you ask for a reward, the better it will be. Unless you wait too long...

[NameIess]

24 minutes ago, CoderDrag0n8 said:

He laughed. "Astronomical? I have faced far worse. I have faced Celestial, even Impossible Odds." He said, then broke the door and went through.

Through the door was an impossibly large room, with countless doorways entering into it, curving away into the distance on either side of God Killer. Through each door stepped another God Killer. They were each slightly different. Some looked worn down, others looked fresh. A few had blood dripping from fresh injuries, and one practically dragged himself from the door, breathing heavily, wounds covering his entire body. On and on they went, hundreds, thousands, more copies of himself than he could count.

Subversion's voice emanated from the air, audible to every God Killer as if she stood within arm's reach.

"Your task is simple. One of you shall overcome the odds to claim the Plotblade you seek, the others shall die. Since each door split you into two possible people, the odds of that success are (and I do mean are, there is no trick here) about one in one billion. You may begin. May the luckiest survive."

[CoderDrag0n8 He/They]

19 minutes ago, NameIess said:

Through the door was an impossibly large room, with countless doorways entering into it, curving away into the distance on either side of God Killer. Through each door stepped another God Killer. They were each slightly different. Some looked worn down, others looked fresh. A few had blood dripping from fresh injuries, and one practically dragged himself from the door, breathing heavily, wounds covering his entire body. On and on they went, hundreds, thousands, more copies of himself than he could count.

Subversion's voice emanated from the air, audible to every God Killer as if she stood within arm's reach.

"Your task is simple. One of you shall overcome the odds to claim the Plotblade you seek, the others shall die. Since each door split you into two possible people, the odds of that success are (and I do mean are, there is no trick here) about one in one billion. You may begin. May the luckiest survive."

Every God Killer smiled. Except for one.  That God Killer had won every door, and frowned. He knew he was not the true God Killer and would not win this challenge. However, he would make it very hard for the others to win, because that is what they would have wanted. The God Killer that lost them all, knew he would win. He also knew it would near impossible to do it.

God Killer knew what he had to do. God Killer started attacking the others. Slowly but surely, he won again and again. Eventually, he encountered the final God Killer. The one that won every door. They fought, and they fought well. In the end, God Killer looked down upon the other God Killer, and said, “You fought well. I am honored to call myself your opponent.” Then he stabbed his other self in the chest.

Battered and bruised, he faced Subversion and said “I know what the final challenge is. I know the final Impossible odd.” He pulled out his sword and jumped up “Fight me, and have me claim my prize.” He attacked.

2 hours ago, Dragonheir said:

Well, there’s also the “reads my mind” component - it would be fainter, but Rebus could know things the same way he knows about things outside the Thread. 

“I would agree with you - what do you propose?” Rebus smiled, but looked at Malevolence very carefully. The man was both clever and opportunistic - there was little chance he would offer Rebus a deal without expecting to gain something greater than a shot at Antagonist. 
Meanwhile, a man with several parts of his body replaced with clockwork - including his jaw - was very alarmed to find the Dreamsmith back. He dove for a workbench, snatching some sort of device off of it and disappearing. 

Rebus raised an eyebrow at the offer of a bribe - though he had of course planned to ask for payment, the Shackled Dream hadn’t offered him any. He watched Cep, seeming to fade a bit out of view. 

Rebus appreciated that - he was already setting aside a bit of his mind to scheme for whatever prank he would offer. 
Rebus stepped backwards, having to cheat a little and use utility fog to move fast enough. “Your tenacity is admirable, Shadow. I commend you for that.” Then he switched Antagonist to a one-handed grip, making a fairly wild swing with the ax side as he braced the weapon against his forearm - and suddenly blinked Antagonist out of existence, resummoning the halberd and executing a lightning-fast lunge. 

Rebus smirked a little bit at the ending comment, then teleported himself to Sequence’s World. He wore his futuristic armor - as he often did, these days - colored in dynamic blocks of black, white, and grey, separated by glowing purple lines. But the truly significant thing about his outfit was the crown he wore - glowing with darkness, the tines viciously sharp. 
Rebus smiled broadly, watching for Sequence’s reaction as she realized what it was. “We never did have your customary meeting, you know.” 

Rebus sighed. “Of course. The other two are back, but I may have to go through alternate channels until Fate returns.” He shrugged, then continued, “as for you, when Fate does come back and Bacon can act again, please try once more. In the meantime, I’ll allow you to do something else.” 

I would suggest trying some experiments on the chains. You might get quick results.

[Through The Living Ash he/him]

9 hours ago, Kansas Stormcursed said:

Cep took several seconds to react; then he turned to Taeidin in confusion. "What? Ah...think that seems ta track."

Taeidin appears to not notice or find unusual Cep's behavior.

"Good. Then... we should probably search them." 

They're frozen, right?

Edited August 20, 2025 by Ashkaloda

[Kansas Stormcursed he/him]

1 hour ago, Ashkaloda said:

Taeidin appears to not notice or find unusual Cep's behavior.

"Good. Then... we should probably search them." 

They're frozen, right?

Yeah, they should still be.

"Are we lookin' for the pages themselves, or jus' clues ta them?"

I PM'd you something that may become important to this eventually

[NameIess]

9 hours ago, CoderDrag0n8 said:

Every God Killer smiled. Except for one.  That God Killer had won every door, and frowned. He knew he was not the true God Killer and would not win this challenge. However, he would make it very hard for the others to win, because that is what they would have wanted. The God Killer that lost them all, knew he would win. He also knew it would near impossible to do it.

God Killer knew what he had to do. God Killer started attacking the others. Slowly but surely, he won again and again. Eventually, he encountered the final God Killer. The one that won every door. They fought, and they fought well. In the end, God Killer looked down upon the other God Killer, and said, “You fought well. I am honored to call myself your opponent.” Then he stabbed his other self in the chest.

Battered and bruised, he faced Subversion and said “I know what the final challenge is. I know the final Impossible odd.” He pulled out his sword and jumped up “Fight me, and have me claim my prize.” He attacked.

"Even after facing down truly impossible odds, you still want more?" Subversion moved without moving, location shifting just out of the way of each of God Killer's attacks. "Well, I suppose it was both impossible odds and a guaranteed victory for you. Very well. If you wish to fight me in order to claim Impossible Odds, I will humor you." An iridescent Blade appeared in her hands. "But an impossible task is not quite the same as impossible odds, so this will not quite be an ordinary battle between us." 

Subversion swung her Narrationblade, and everything changed.

God Killer stood in the middle of a bustling city, populated solely by women with long black hair and mysterious silver eyes. Each was slightly different in dress, bearing, or expression, but they were all very clearly Subversion.

Which is the real me? Subversion's voice spoke directly into God Killer's mind. Are you lucky enough to divide truth from fiction?

[Through The Living Ash he/him]

2 hours ago, Kansas Stormcursed said:

Yeah, they should still be.

"Are we lookin' for the pages themselves, or jus' clues ta them?"

I PM'd you something that may become important to this eventually

"The pages should be here, or possibly only able to be summoned by one of them."

[Kansas Stormcursed he/him]

1 minute ago, Ashkaloda said:

"The pages should be here, or possibly only able to be summoned by one of them."

"Aight then, let's start lookin." Cep uh, how am I supposed to get there? From what I recall we're kinda floating

[Through The Living Ash he/him]

1 minute ago, Kansas Stormcursed said:

"Aight then, let's start lookin." Cep uh, how am I supposed to get there? From what I recall we're kinda floating

What?

no they're like standing next to Bacon and Atlas who are in a roller coaster car I'm pretty sure. 

[Kansas Stormcursed he/him]

2 minutes ago, Ashkaloda said:

What?

no they're like standing next to Bacon and Atlas who are in a roller coaster car I'm pretty sure. 

Oh ok. When Ashkaloda showed up he ended up just kinda floating, so ig I just assumed we were the same.

Cep moves over and starts searching pockets.

[Through The Living Ash he/him]

1 minute ago, Kansas Stormcursed said:

Oh ok. When Ashkaloda showed up he ended up just kinda floating, so ig I just assumed we were the same.

Cep moves over and starts searching pockets.

I assume you mean Asharak. 

@Hawks @xinoehp512

Cep is searching Atlas and Bacon, who are still frozen. 

Taeidin assists him. 

[Kansas Stormcursed he/him]

3 minutes ago, Ashkaloda said:

I assume you mean Asharak. 

@Hawks @xinoehp512

Cep is searching Atlas and Bacon, who are still frozen. 

Taeidin assists him. 

yeah saw your user and my brain glitched

[Keke They/he]

40 minutes ago, Ashkaloda said:

I assume you mean Asharak. 

@Hawks @xinoehp512

Cep is searching Atlas and Bacon, who are still frozen. 

Taeidin assists him. 

they are in the roller coaster. Just sitting there. Bacon in the front seat. Atlas in the back holding the hand of a little girl with a dinosaur mask. 

[Through the Living Heir he/him]

14 hours ago, Hawks said:

"great. How about we brainstorm how the *beep* im gonna get the *beeping* paper from bacon. Hes smart and wont just hand it over."

“You could try convincing Bacon that something worse shall happen if the paper stays in his possession. A scheme to duplicate and rob him, me contacting the rabbits, Onyx getting involved, a return of his alter ego…” 

14 hours ago, NameIess said:

"The Witherlord." Malevolence's face twitched again. "I know you seek to return him. You... you cannot do it without my help. I have learned things while away." He shivered. "As I dwelt within the back of my Author's mind, I saw his plans, his fears, his goals. I can decipher the lost pages, if you should find them."

The Dreamsmith frowned mechanically. "Pity. I would've liked to ask him what kind of jaw oil he uses."

“Very interesting… I know where the first Lost Page is, though Bacon is … uncooperative.” Rebus smiled. “You’ve become even closer to me in your absence - I go through the same imprisonment you seem to have.” 
That wasn’t quite the reaction I expected to being impersonated and robbed, but it works. A custom blend, for reference - there was a bottle of it sitting on a table, though the label was mostly unreadable. 

14 hours ago, ChipsAHoid said:

Shadow dances backwards, dodging the swing, but hadn’t seen the resummoning coming. He gasped as the halberd pierced him.

”Thank you. You… fought well”

His eyes closed and he began to fade.

Mischief twitched but only to slather  liquidized (yet still cool and unburned, somehow) bread into Betrayal’s hair

“You as well.” Rebus said, then extended a hand. His hand flared with twists of light and darkness as Rebus meshed magical arts from a variety of sources. Even as Shadow’s body faded, pieces of his essence snapped together, fusing with Rebus’s own soul. Shadow’s ingenuity, manipulativeness, and sense of villainous honor were grafted to Rebus’s own combination between self-interest and willing sacrifice - for Rebus was unfazed by his own death as long as his plans and his image remained. Shadow’s magic - the intangibility, the shadowy flame, the inhuman speed, and the implied power to make deals - were mingled with elements of Rebus’s - telepathy and resistance to mental effects, the capacity to take and give concepts, and the status as a being of Light (though without any innate access to Prismite, the fuel required for Narration, it would merely lessen any effects of light and Thread manipulation). 
Rebus took this new personality - which was like himself in many ways - and cut it loose from himself, giving it a body with the same mind-housing nanotechnology Rebus used. Then, had he not been prepared for it, he might have fallen over. Grafting pieces of your soul to others was draining, no matter how accustomed you were to removing them. Narration would patch and rebuild the lost elements, but the crucial portions of his personality would have to come first. 
The new version of Shadow with have most of his memories and a few of Rebus’s - likewise with personality traits and magic powers. I can see plenty of confusion arising from this, so feel free to ask for clarification. 
Rebus was not paying too much attention to this, but he did appreciate Mischief’s willingness to delay gratification. 

12 hours ago, CoderDrag0n8 said:

I would suggest trying some experiments on the chains. You might get quick results.

Rebus quickly checked for some sort of lock or anchor, hoping there might be something holding the chains onto the Shackled Dream that would be easier to undo (and redo) than the actual structure of the chains. Then, he searched for something that could be used to hit the chains or pry them apart. 

[Keke They/he]

1 minute ago, Dragonheir said:

“You could try convincing Bacon that something worse shall happen if the paper stays in his possession. A scheme to duplicate and rob him, me contacting the rabbits, Onyx getting involved, a return of his alter ego…” 

"wow wow wow. His alter ego?"

[ChipsAHoid He/Him]

57 minutes ago, Dragonheir said:

“You as well.” Rebus said, then extended a hand. His hand flared with twists of light and darkness as Rebus meshed magical arts from a variety of sources. Even as Shadow’s body faded, pieces of his essence snapped together, fusing with Rebus’s own soul. Shadow’s ingenuity, manipulativeness, and sense of villainous honor were grafted to Rebus’s own combination between self-interest and willing sacrifice - for Rebus was unfazed by his own death as long as his plans and his image remained. Shadow’s magic - the intangibility, the shadowy flame, the inhuman speed, and the implied power to make deals - were mingled with elements of Rebus’s - telepathy and resistance to mental effects, the capacity to take and give concepts, and the status as a being of Light (though without any innate access to Prismite, the fuel required for Narration, it would merely lessen any effects of light and Thread manipulation). 
Rebus took this new personality - which was like himself in many ways - and cut it loose from himself, giving it a body with the same mind-housing nanotechnology Rebus used. Then, had he not been prepared for it, he might have fallen over. Grafting pieces of your soul to others was draining, no matter how accustomed you were to removing them. Narration would patch and rebuild the lost elements, but the crucial portions of his personality would have to come first. 
The new version of Shadow with have most of his memories and a few of Rebus’s - likewise with personality traits and magic powers. I can see plenty of confusion arising from this, so feel free to ask for clarification. 
Rebus was not paying too much attention to this, but he did appreciate Mischief’s willingness to delay gratification. 

Betrayal looked balefully at Mischief, but paused for a moment and his armor returned to normal. A very surprised looking frog hopped out.

He led the way to a door.

He paused.

”This foe will be unlike any you have met before. Steel yourself.”

So basically there’s a beefed up Shadow with some memories from Rebus added, right? How are we gonna do rping him if the opportunity ever arises? If he has parts of Rebus and parts of Shadow, who will control his actions? Also, will the whole Bane being Light remain or change?

The sprite looked at Rebus questioningly. Now? She asked, wondering if she could mess with everybody this time.

[NameIess]

2 hours ago, Dragonheir said:

“Very interesting… I know where the first Lost Page is, though Bacon is … uncooperative.” Rebus smiled. “You’ve become even closer to me in your absence - I go through the same imprisonment you seem to have.” 

"..." Malevolence looked away, uncomfortable. "Do you know what you are doing, returning the Witherlord? Much as I hate to admit it, even I fear the destruction he could cause. Will cause, if left unchecked."

2 hours ago, Dragonheir said:

That wasn’t quite the reaction I expected to being impersonated and robbed, but it works. A custom blend, for reference - there was a bottle of it sitting on a table, though the label was mostly unreadable. 

The Dreamsmith inspected it critically. "Mm. not terrible, I suppose. Omen, would you see if you can bring him back? I would know what he was doing here."

Omen appeared from mist beside the Dreamsmith. "It will be done." He vanished, following the trail left behind in the intruder's wake.

[Through the Living Elan He/Him]

4 hours ago, Hawks said:

they are in the roller coaster. Just sitting there. Bacon in the front seat. Atlas in the back holding the hand of a little girl with a dinosaur mask. 

 

1 minute ago, NameIess said:

"..." Malevolence looked away, uncomfortable. "Do you know what you are doing, returning the Witherlord? Much as I hate to admit it, even I fear the destruction he could cause. Will cause, if left unchecked."

The Dreamsmith inspected it critically. "Mm. not terrible, I suppose. Omen, would you see if you can bring him back? I would know what he was doing here."

Omen appeared from mist beside the Dreamsmith. "It will be done." He vanished, following the trail left behind in the intruder's wake.

puedo me join somewhere? can I join somewhere?

[Through the Living Heir he/him]

2 hours ago, Hawks said:

"wow wow wow. His alter ego?"

Rebus chuckled. “Bacon the Tax Collector…” 

Have you heard about this guy? Wrath made Bacon insane, but I guess there was a buffer overflow or something, because the result - Bacon the Tax Collector - was really boring and normal. (Normal Bacon thought this was awful and is terrified of even the mention of the name) 

1 hour ago, ChipsAHoid said:

Betrayal looked balefully at Mischief, but paused for a moment and his armor returned to normal. A very surprised looking frog hopped out.

He led the way to a door.

He paused.

”This foe will be unlike any you have met before. Steel yourself.”

So basically there’s a beefed up Shadow with some memories from Rebus added, right? How are we gonna do rping him if the opportunity ever arises? If he has parts of Rebus and parts of Shadow, who will control his actions? Also, will the whole Bane being Light remain or change?

The sprite looked at Rebus questioningly. Now? She asked, wondering if she could mess with everybody this time.

Rebus watched this reset with interest, then prepared his body and mind the best he could following the soul grafting. Taking a (completely unnecessary) deep breath, he stepped up to the door. 
You should probably play Shadow - one of the reasons I’m having Rebus recruit all of these lieutenants is so they can take over and continue the plot if I (and hence Rebus) am busy. 
The portion of roleplaying Shadow that would change would be the personality modification - each clone of Rebus sees itself as part of a greater whole, and hence has self-interest for Rebus’s plans and legacy, but is perfectly willing to sacrifice itself if that is needed. Rebus did his best to confer that mindset to Shadow, as well as reduce the sadism to level that wouldn’t interfere with goals. 
As for the “beefed up” element, aside from telepathy and a potential increase in the kinds of deal he can make, most of what Rebus did was aimed at preventing Shadow from disintegrating if he ever goes outside during the day. The connection to Light isn’t particularly well defined (as I think about it, we could retcon that out of existence on those ground), but a technological body to possess is a more interesting solution with some possible counters in the event someone tries to kill Shadow. The body would be normal-ish (some enhanced physical abilities, and the projections of magic), but if Shadow exited it he could exist in his original form for a time - but he would have to go back to escape light, and maybe couldn’t do this unless he was incorporeal. 
If you wish, though keep in mind that if I’m dead, I can’t tell you about the time I tricked someone into rebuilding what I needed to imprison them. 

6 minutes ago, NameIess said:

"..." Malevolence looked away, uncomfortable. "Do you know what you are doing, returning the Witherlord? Much as I hate to admit it, even I fear the destruction he could cause. Will cause, if left unchecked."

The Dreamsmith inspected it critically. "Mm. not terrible, I suppose. Omen, would you see if you can bring him back? I would know what he was doing here."

Omen appeared from mist beside the Dreamsmith. "It will be done." He vanished, following the trail left behind in the intruder's wake.

“And that is why I aim to ensure the Witherlord is not unchecked. This is not a mere withergeist - it thinks, and can delay gratification, work against the Essence.” Through that end, a new beginning… echoed a message just out of awareness. “Of course, even I wouldn’t have picked this course without the extenuating circumstances.” 
The false Dreamsmith was caught rather quickly, having failed to even get back to the actual Thread. 

[NameIess]

16 minutes ago, Dragonheir said:

“And that is why I aim to ensure the Witherlord is not unchecked. This is not a mere withergeist - it thinks, and can delay gratification, work against the Essence.” Through that end, a new beginning… echoed a message just out of awareness. “Of course, even I wouldn’t have picked this course without the extenuating circumstances.” 

"And have you considered the choice of a host?" Malevolence's expression grew distant, features growing indistinct. "Very few will be able to channel the power of the mantle without being consumed by darkness."

16 minutes ago, Dragonheir said:

The false Dreamsmith was caught rather quickly, having failed to even get back to the actual Thread. 

Omen enveloped the unfortunate fellow and dragged him back to the Dreamsmith.

"Thank you Omen, that will be all." The Dreamsmith eyed the imposter curiously. "Hello. Might I ask what you were doing in my house?"

31 minutes ago, Ancient Elantrian said:

puedo me join somewhere? can I join somewhere?

Sure, although I don't really know the storylines going on well enough to suggest one.

Edited August 20, 2025 by NameIess

[Through the Living Elan He/Him]

6 minutes ago, NameIess said:

Sure, although I don't really know the storylines going on well enough to suggest one.

Alrighty. Crazy that you wouldn't know what's going on, when I joined you felt like you were unofficial king of this thread

19 minutes ago, Dragonheir said:

Rebus chuckled. “Bacon the Tax Collector…” 

Have you heard about this guy? Wrath made Bacon insane, but I guess there was a buffer overflow or something, because the result - Bacon the Tax Collector - was really boring and normal. (Normal Bacon thought this was awful and is terrified of even the mention of the name) 

Rebus watched this reset with interest, then prepared his body and mind the best he could following the soul grafting. Taking a (completely unnecessary) deep breath, he stepped up to the door. 
You should probably play Shadow - one of the reasons I’m having Rebus recruit all of these lieutenants is so they can take over and continue the plot if I (and hence Rebus) am busy. 
The portion of roleplaying Shadow that would change would be the personality modification - each clone of Rebus sees itself as part of a greater whole, and hence has self-interest for Rebus’s plans and legacy, but is perfectly willing to sacrifice itself if that is needed. Rebus did his best to confer that mindset to Shadow, as well as reduce the sadism to level that wouldn’t interfere with goals. 
As for the “beefed up” element, aside from telepathy and a potential increase in the kinds of deal he can make, most of what Rebus did was aimed at preventing Shadow from disintegrating if he ever goes outside during the day. The connection to Light isn’t particularly well defined (as I think about it, we could retcon that out of existence on those ground), but a technological body to possess is a more interesting solution with some possible counters in the event someone tries to kill Shadow. The body would be normal-ish (some enhanced physical abilities, and the projections of magic), but if Shadow exited it he could exist in his original form for a time - but he would have to go back to escape light, and maybe couldn’t do this unless he was incorporeal. 
If you wish, though keep in mind that if I’m dead, I can’t tell you about the time I tricked someone into rebuilding what I needed to imprison them. 

“And that is why I aim to ensure the Witherlord is not unchecked. This is not a mere withergeist - it thinks, and can delay gratification, work against the Essence.” Through that end, a new beginning… echoed a message just out of awareness. “Of course, even I wouldn’t have picked this course without the extenuating circumstances.” 
The false Dreamsmith was caught rather quickly, having failed to even get back to the actual Thread. 

 

2 hours ago, ChipsAHoid said:

Betrayal looked balefully at Mischief, but paused for a moment and his armor returned to normal. A very surprised looking frog hopped out.

He led the way to a door.

He paused.

”This foe will be unlike any you have met before. Steel yourself.”

So basically there’s a beefed up Shadow with some memories from Rebus added, right? How are we gonna do rping him if the opportunity ever arises? If he has parts of Rebus and parts of Shadow, who will control his actions? Also, will the whole Bane being Light remain or change?

The sprite looked at Rebus questioningly. Now? She asked, wondering if she could mess with everybody this time.

You two think there's anywhere I can throw my character in?

[ChipsAHoid He/Him]

19 minutes ago, Dragonheir said:

Rebus watched this reset with interest, then prepared his body and mind the best he could following the soul grafting. Taking a (completely unnecessary) deep breath, he stepped up to the door. 
You should probably play Shadow - one of the reasons I’m having Rebus recruit all of these lieutenants is so they can take over and continue the plot if I (and hence Rebus) am busy. 
The portion of roleplaying Shadow that would change would be the personality modification - each clone of Rebus sees itself as part of a greater whole, and hence has self-interest for Rebus’s plans and legacy, but is perfectly willing to sacrifice itself if that is needed. Rebus did his best to confer that mindset to Shadow, as well as reduce the sadism to level that wouldn’t interfere with goals. 
As for the “beefed up” element, aside from telepathy and a potential increase in the kinds of deal he can make, most of what Rebus did was aimed at preventing Shadow from disintegrating if he ever goes outside during the day. The connection to Light isn’t particularly well defined (as I think about it, we could retcon that out of existence on those ground), but a technological body to possess is a more interesting solution with some possible counters in the event someone tries to kill Shadow. The body would be normal-ish (some enhanced physical abilities, and the projections of magic), but if Shadow exited it he could exist in his original form for a time - but he would have to go back to escape light, and maybe couldn’t do this unless he was incorporeal. 
If you wish, though keep in mind that if I’m dead, I can’t tell you about the time I tricked someone into rebuilding what I needed to imprison them. 

36 minutes ago, NameIess said:

Ah ok thanks. Ping me when he gets missions or whatever

The sprite thought. Dead? She never killed people! Then she wouldn’t be able to prank them anymore!

Betrayal opened it. It was a nursery. Inside one of the cribs, a small child looked up at Rebus.

”That’s who you have to kill if you want to open those doors”

Axzi spoke

This is the Horror of Sickness. It gives you the a terrible plague, slowly shutting your conscience down. Medicine is its Bane. In the presence of any type, it can be killed. However, the tragedy is that the child is not evil. It doesn’t even know it’s doing anything. 

@Ancient Elantrian, you can make a projection but not physically interact. However I can pm you details for a different part where you’d make a character for it, but that part isn’t necessary for the plot.

Edited August 20, 2025 by ChipsAHoid

[NameIess]

1 minute ago, Ancient Elantrian said:

Alrighty. Crazy that you wouldn't know what's going on, when I joined you felt like you were unofficial king of this thread

Well, I've been almost totally absent from the Shard since march, and haven't had time to read the 250ish pages I missed. And while I may have the most posts on TLT, there are others who've done more for the lore of it than me.

[Through the Living Heir he/him]

9 minutes ago, NameIess said:

"And have you considered the choice of a host?" Malevolence's expression grew distant, features growing indistinct. "Very few will be able to channel the power of the mantle without being consumed by darkness."

Omen enveloped the unfortunate fellow and dragged him back to the Dreamsmith.

"Thank you Omen, that will be all." The Dreamsmith eyed the imposter curiously. "Hello. Might I ask what you were doing in my house?"

Rebus chucked. "I've certainly considered..." 

The man scrambled to his feet as he was let go of, stuffing the device he'd grabbed - its outside the size of a shoebox and made from bronze and brass - into a satchel. "Um- well- you see.." he stammered, clearly trying and failing to come up with an excuse. 

1 minute ago, Ancient Elantrian said:

Alrighty. Crazy that you wouldn't know what's going on, when I joined you felt like you were unofficial king of this thread

 

You two think there's anywhere I can throw my character in?

NameIess has been gone for a while, you see. 

Well, you could be on a planet as it gets invaded by Rebus. 

2 minutes ago, ChipsAHoid said:

Ah ok thanks. Ping me when he gets missions or whatever

The sprite thought. Dead? She never killed people! Then she wouldn’t be able to prank them anymore!

Betrayal opened it. It was a nursery. Inside one of the cribs, a small child looked up at Rebus.

”That’s who you have to kill if you want to open those doors”

Axzi spoke

This is the Horror of Sickness. It gives you the a terrible plague, slowly shutting your conscience down. Medicine is its Bane. In the presence of any type, it can be killed. However, the tragedy is that the child is not evil. It doesn’t even know it’s doing anything. 

Aright, then. He could probably come with Rebus, or leave. 

You wouldn't kill me, but Shadow could have while I was distracted, for instance. 

Rebus began to laugh. "I've already excised my conscience from my soul - and I've killed many I considered friends to get and keep this crown." He walked forwards, already summoning Antagonist and covering it with antibiotics. "I'm sure this life will be repaid - though I am sorry." This would be a very difficult test - if only Rebus wasn't a terrible person who regularly uses genre awareness and manipulation of his personality to make himself feel better.