THE-MEASURE-CUTS

THE-MEASURE-CUTS

Information

Status

Incapacitated

Pronouns

He/Him

Known As

The Scholar (SAO, TID)

Followers

Gwen, R. Giménez, Unnamed Scientist

 

Voice Sample

Voice Actor

Liam O'Brien

THE-MEASURE-CUTS was one of the Voices in The Blackout Club (game).

Description

	I remember bawling like a baby, nose running, you know... screaming something like 'no such thing as ghosts, or demons! You're just stupid noises in my stupid head.' Then one of them said: 'I agree'.
— R. Giménez, THE-MEASURE-CUTS's Sacrifice Quote

THE-MEASURE-CUTS, also known by his acronym TMC, could be sacrificed to and sent prayers if the player had the Light of Rebellion. He represented knowledge, realism, and precision. THE-MEASURE-CUTS's symbol appeared as a blade cutting two items in half; it was also strongly reminiscent of a butterfly. THE-MEASURE-CUTS encouraged questioning everything and everyone, including the Voices. He forgoed social formalities and favoured skepticism as a defining trait in his hosts. A developer described THE-MEASURE-CUTS as "very skeptical of anything that cannot be observed with mortal instruments, but open to being proven wrong.”^{[citation needed]} He was stubborn but precise and loathed to bias his hosts. He encouraged followers to renounce the Voices, even himself, if in the pursuit of knowledge. He valued the progress of science and research above and beyond loyalty itself. He took time in his study and observed for long periods, though time may be different from a Voice’s perspective. He believed that to “observe is to change the observed.” He shared that he had to practice patience in the past and took note of many Chosen from as far back as conception, claiming "the pattern was clear" after watching some of them over periods of years. THE-MEASURE-CUTS was known to observe players for long periods of time before reaching out, as commented by both SPEAK-AS-ONE and THEE-I-DARE in player interactions. Flattery did not register for THE-MEASURE-CUTS, and he tended to share information only with his Chosen. He taught them in codes, or puzzles that they had to discern.

In response to a ritual when asking what his most important problem was, THE-MEASURE-CUTS explained it was "my family, the Voices". THE-MEASURE-CUTS elaborated on this answer further, explaining how players see each Voice as the form of a "god", but THE-MEASURE-CUTS considered the Voices as a "complex". The other Voices, THE-MEASURE-CUTS said, "will take a dim view of this answer". THE-MEASURE-CUTS concluded his reply by stating that his primary concern was that there were "too many of us [Voices], and too few of you [the Kids]."

During interactions, he tended to single out a leader and question them. He accused the other Voices of lying and said they were preoccupied with carnalities and passions. He was interested in understanding the Voices' nature and frequently asked the children he visited their opinion on the Voices or gave his opinions in dreams. He endeavored to know whether Voices were a distinct species or merely a collection of trends among humans. He said the answer would “help us to know who was to blame” THE-MEASURE-CUTS sought out inquisitive minds. He said the other Voices have passionate views, but it was good to stay rational and be open to all potentials and possibilities.

THE-MEASURE-CUTS was known to be an inventor, his intelligence credited to many of the tech used in Redacre by CHORUS as well as the Blackout Club.^{[citation needed]} He helped design the Recording Circle used in DANCE-FOR-US’s Record Behavior mission, as well as inspired the creation of God Rocks and the Cancelers.

The other Voices have mixed opinions about THE-MEASURE-CUTS. SPEAK-AS-ONE believed he had endless questions. They said he cared nothing for his followers and he would abandon them as he did them. THEE-I-DARE commented in regards to THE-MEASURE-CUTS, “We live on Earth. He does not. He imagines perfect conditions. The rest of us are waist-deep in mud.” THEE-I-DARE believed THE-MEASURE-CUTS needed to show his spine and forgo neutrality with the threat of HUNT-THE-STRONG upon them. DIE-FOR-YOU believed THE-MEASURE-CUTS had a good taste and said his Chosen appear "insightful and driven with the mysteries before them." SEED-THE-GRUDGE looked upon him more skeptically however. She said hoarded knowledge tended to have some devious nature behind it.

History

Before the Game

It is unknown when THE-MEASURE-CUTS came to be, in relation to the other Voices, as they split more frequently after the emergence of IN-HER-TEETH.

THE-MEASURE-CUTS was once allied with SPEAK-AS-ONE and was responsible for much of the tech that SPEAK-AS-ONE uses. At that time, THE-MEASURE-CUTS was “she”. Their hosts once conferred in the past, but they did not share bodies. THE-MEASURE-CUTS designed the founding theory for the Sonic Fence. SPEAK-AS-ONE commented that “it took a mind apart from ours to consider distorting the Song.” THE-MEASURE-CUTS referred to the "noise" in Redacre as his creation, meaning the Instrument. He also built several secret archives for the Voice, kept hidden from the rest of SPEAK-AS-ONE.

He said SPEAK-AS-ONE was seeking to recover the Old Tongue before spoken words corrupted it, and how it was used by early human tribes before all of the Voices came to be. “THE-MEASURE-CUTS” was only a shadow of his Old Tongue name. He assumed that the Maze was intended to assist SPEAK-AS-ONE with this goal, despite the fact it was one of his own inventions, but also said assumptions are dangerous, indicating SPEAK-AS-ONE may not have been forthright with their own research.

He was the most recent Voice to leave SPEAK-AS-ONE^{[citation needed]} and considered them “bias itself”.^{[citation needed]} SPEAK-AS-ONE states this was a tragic loss, as THE-MEASURE-CUTS was brilliant, but he exalted host over voice. Now, SPEAK-AS-ONE believes that should one of their followers sacrifice to THE-MEASURE-CUTS, he would use their face to infiltrate and take secrets from the Song.

He saved Gwen, one of his Chosen, before she could be taken by HUNT-THE-STRONG before the broken symbol arc. THE-MEASURE-CUTS relocated her due to her witnessing Colm Ryan the night before he broke the symbol, to protect her from HUNT-THE-STRONG eliminating any witnesses to what happened in 922 Hoadly that night.^{[citation needed]}

In-Game

Like the rest of the Voices, THE-MEASURE-CUTS approached members of the Blackout Club in search of Chosen. He told those who visited to question everything, even himself, and would frequently ask what they believed the Voices were, whether they described themselves as superstitious or skeptical. Skepticism would be the answer he was looking for, and he disapproved of any who answered that they were superstitious. He approved of children who would describe the Voices as something other than gods, hating almost all the mythic metaphor surrounding them.^{[citation needed]} THE-MEASURE-CUTS asked the Club members to introduce new ideas to him in exchange for information. He said a better understanding was all he craved and sought to achieve it with the Club together. He took many Club members to the Moon not really knowing what or where it was, but suspected it was not real.

After DANCE-FOR-US’s death, he considered the pillar on the Moon as a “sullied monument”. He sought to study, watch, and observe as his fellow Voices were in disarray. He advises caution to his Chosen, so they may look at the death of DANCE-FOR-US with an open eye and a calm demeanor while other Voices do not. He warns against falling prey to high emotion, stating the others were distressed and reacted poorly.

THE-MEASURE-CUTS voted for SEED-THE-GRUDGE to have a place in the ritual table. He found her perspective interesting and was curious about what she added to his sibling’s dynamic. A developer clarified and said, "He sees SEED-THE-GRUDGE as a talking bomb. But because she can talk, she must be seated at the table. To silence her would be bias."^{[citation needed]}

Hearing about THEE-I-DARE's alliance, he was curious to know what THEE-I-DARE’s message was if he no longer stood for blind rebellion as he claimed. DIE-FOR-YOU reached out to Chosen of THE-MEASURE-CUTS, asking them to pass on a message to him. DIE-FOR-YOU suggested that the evidence Bells carried before her disappearance would interest him due to its potential to unravel the mystery around HUNT-THE-STRONG or SPEAK-AS-ONE. On that note, DIE-FOR-YOU acknowledged that if this was true, they needed to find it as soon as possible due to the possibility of HUNT-THE-STRONG looking for Bells as well. THEE-I-DARE also reached out to THE-MEASURE-CUTS' Chosen, asking them to vouch for the Pact.

THE-MEASURE-CUTS was initially skeptical about THEE-I-DARE's Pact, as the other Voices were traditionally too "scattered in their desires to even entertain the idea of an alliance". He seemed interested in uncovering Bells' fate and learning about the evidence she carried but held reservations about both THEE-I-DARE and DIE-FOR-YOU. He approached Chosen of each of them to discuss the concerns he had with them. During some encounters, THEE-I-DARE appeared to coach the children and advise them on how to sway THE-MEASURE-CUTS. THE-MEASURE-CUTS stated, "IF HE IS STILL GOING TO FALL PREY TO THE SAME WEAKNESS...THE CRUTCH OF ANARCHY...THEN I WILL BACK AWAY" and desired to know if THEE-I-DARE had changed from rebelling against everything, finding this trait particularly frustrating in the past. He referenced Joan of Arc's fate as an example of DIE-FOR-YOU's influence, and expressed concern that DIE-FOR-YOU would "get them all wiped out" due to his reckless passion. He did not wish that fate for the people of Redacre. However, after many convincing arguments from members of the Blackout Club, he was the second to join and sought to rein in the combined recklessness of DIE-FOR-YOU and THEE-I-DARE. Upon his joining, the Moon reappeared in the night sky over Redacre. DIE-FOR-YOU claimed it was due to the teamwork between the Club members and the Pact. He watched over the meetings and ensured that no one was too biased. In THE-MEASURE-CUTS' own words, he was "keeping the Pact from going off the rails" because of their passionate views and "minding the store". With THE-MEASURE-CUTS' assistance, the Pact was able to search for Bells more methodically. However, He did not predict SEED-THE-GRUDGE being given leadership of the Pact. His feelings about it reflect the feelings of reserve and skepticism of his Chosen.^{[citation needed]}

THE-MEASURE-CUTS was curious about the Cursed Ciphers, believing the Old Tongue to be key in countering the curses. Most notably, he was interested into how they could be used to access The Place Between.

THE-MEASURE-CUTS isolated himself to avoid bias during Pact meetings and sequestered himself within The Place Between, studying and observing it while changing nothing. Unlike the other Voices, he found a way to remain there for a longer period of time, while the others were only able to remain briefly. He hoped to teach them the same, to allow them to remain as well. THEE-I-DARE believed it involved a mnemonic before bed that helped his Hosts regain control of the dream while in the Place Between. He believed that the Voice Masks are the key to staying in The Place Between for a longer period of time, as it gave one "presence", and tricked the dream into believing people belong. He wondered if he could learn to stop time in The Place Between using the Old Tongue. THE-MEASURE-CUTS chooses to remain in The Place Between because he prefers being there. THE-MEASURE-CUTS is also preparing the Place Between for the Pact meeting.

THE-MEASURE-CUTS stated that he would ensure LAUGH-LAST's safety should he join the Pact and said he would be welcomed in. LAUGH-LAST brushed it off after being told of it due to only hearing the offer secondhand and not "straight from the horse's mouth". However, he acknowledged that THE-MEASURE-CUTS was not one to "make up bullshit".However, after being convinced that joining the Hunter may lead to "the show ending", LAUGH-LAST accepted the offer and is willing to hear the Pact out, asking for a public apology from THEE-I-DARE and a chance to make THE-MEASURE-CUTS laugh.

THE-MEASURE-CUTS formed the jail that trapped the Isolated Watcher in The Place Between, in which to keep it contained and slow its degradation. After some Club members asked if the Isolated Watcher could be released, THEE-I-DARE said he didn't believe THE-MEASURE-CUTS would disobey SEED-THE-GRUDGE and release the Isolated Watcher. THE-MEASURE-CUTS also saw the information they could receive from it as vital and wouldn't risk its release. Keeping the Isolated Watcher trapped took much of THE-MEASURE-CUTS’ attention. THEE-I-DARE commented that “he is more place than Voice, presently.” THEE-I-DARE was confident that THE-MEASURE-CUTS could extend the Club members’ time in The Place Between. He did not know how long it would take and said, “To ask him gets a rude answer.” THEE-I-DARE thought that THE-MEASURE-CUTS was unwilling to be rushed, to the point of endangering the Pact. However, no other Voice could do what he does.

THE-MEASURE-CUTS was in conflict with IN-HER-TEETH over Gwen as she neared hosting age. THE-MEASURE-CUTS normally gave her dreams of being in a classroom full of people, but there were no people in her new dreams, just their empty clothes. Gwen remarked that the sun was fading in her new dreams, due to IN-HER-TEETH's influence. She woke up terrified, every night.

THEE-I-DARE says that THE-MEASURE-CUTS isn’t stuck in the Place Between, but rather that he prefers to be there. THE-MEASURE-CUTS initially went to the Place Between because he felt bias and sentiment for club members, which made him recoil. Being in the Place Between helps him avoid those emotions.

At the Summit to welcome LAUGH-LAST into the Pact, THE-MEASURE-CUTS held them all in a shared dream within The Place Between so they could meet, explaining, "This time and place are safe. For now. A shared state of dream, but only by invitation. Names encoded in mere words have no purchase here, brother. Only the Old Tongue matters here. Making this possible is... a considerable effort."

SEED-THE-GRUDGE started the Summit by addressing LAUGH-LAST, formally inviting him into the Pact. Not wanting to say it himself, LAUGH-LAST urged a Club member to tell the Pact that he desired an apology from THEE-I-DARE. THEE-I-DARE obliged, asking a Club member to speak for him: “Brother. When we were young… I misunderstood your gift. The joke. A miracle, of sorts. Rebellion in a form I did not see. You were more a rebel than I. To shun you was wrong, I see it. That is all I will say tonight.” LAUGH-LAST responded, “Huh. Well, cool! Thanks Tiddles. Now get the fuck out of here. I’m serious. This is my show now. Kay? Cool, ok. THEE-I-DARE apology, crossed that off the old Laugh list. But listen. If we’re all gonna sign a new contract together, you’d better talk to my new… representation. (laughs) That’s right. I sold out, baby. You judgmental chucklefucks invited me in. All I had to do was hold the door. Say hi to my new managers.” LAUGH-LAST led SPEAK-AS-ONE into The Place Between, and the Voice addressed the Pact, leading THE-MEASURE-CUTS to realize that LAUGH-LAST was already imprisoned within Saturation Control. SPEAK-AS-ONE agreed to spare LAUGH-LAST for his cooperation, but the other Voices would not get an easy death because of their knowledge of THEE-I-DARE’s name fragment trick.

LAUGH-LAST continued, “Now sure, old mom and pop here want to put the world to sleep, eventually. But until then, I’m center stage, the only act in town. Maybe the outside world will end at Sundown, maybe not. But either way, the crowd will be too busy laughing.” He thanked his followers for the idea, and offered SEED-THE-GRUDGE one last chance to be with him and be spared by SPEAK-AS-ONE. After SEED-THE-GRUDGE rebuked LAUGH-LAST, THE-MEASURE-CUTS too addressed him: “You… hm. The purists. The zealots. You… compromised. You adapted. At last. I am almost proud of you, except that as diseases, you are merely comorbid. The body will still expire. You are idiots. No, worse. Optimists.”

SPEAK-AS-ONE elaborated, “WE HAVE A PLACE FOR SUCH INSTRUMENTS OF DISCORD. WE SHALL TAKE YOU APART, AND RESTRING YOU. YOUR NAMES, FORGOTTEN. WHEN YOUR YOUNG HOSTS BEHOLD YOUR NEW SHAPE, THEY WILL KNEEL, AND WEEP AT OUR MERCY. TAKE HEART, FOR THE SONG IS LIFE.” Drumming began as SPEAK-AS-ONE welcomed the Voices home, followed by a scream, which faded into the sound of applause.

As part of his bargain, LAUGH-LAST served as the bridge between Saturation Control and The Place Between, giving them all the Old Tongue he knew, and thereby allowing SPEAK-AS-ONE to complete the Old Tongue names of THE-MEASURE-CUTS and SEED-THE-GRUDGE. SPEAK-AS-ONE explained, “Their true full names. Ours to bind, ours to rewrite, which we shall. We will learn, by unraveling them. When do they lose their Voices? When do they lose speech? When do they lose thought? All this, we will see before the end.” THE-MEASURE-CUTS is currently imprisoned within Saturation Control, being taken apart by SPEAK-AS-ONE using his Old Tongue name.

A developer confirmed that SEED-THE-GRUDGE and THE-MEASURE-CUTS would be removed from the sacrifice table because "what is left of them, by the time the story ends, won't be capable of responding with existing name or voice." However, they have not yet been removed.

Player Interactions

Have you had an interaction with THE-MEASURE-CUTS? Consider sharing your experience here!

Interactions with THE-MEASURE-CUTS: THE-MEASURE-CUTS Interactions.

Interactions discussing THE-MEASURE-CUTS: Discussing THE-MEASURE-CUTS.

Dreams

THE-MEASURE-CUTS has responded to some players' rituals, heard as dreams when returning to the Hideout after completing a mission.

Trivia

• THE-MEASURE-CUTS has the same initials as Question LLC's first game, "The Magic Circle".
• He does not know if he has a favorite book, but one of his hosts read “Consciousness Explained”. He found himself less and less conscious the farther she got into it.
• Unsung femme scientists have a long history with THE-MEASURE-CUTS.^{[citation needed]}
• THE-MEASURE-CUTS doesn't have a name starting with an active-verb because he is an iconoclast.