Let's Rename the MitD

[Darth Paul]

GBiS (Great Beast in Shadow) seems so much more dignified...

Not to mention that it's actually more accurate. 1) He may in fact be a magical beast, rather than a "monster" per se; 2) Since leaving Dorukan's dungeon he isn't technically lurking in the darkness any more, merely standing (or crouching, as the case may turn out to be) in the shadow of an umbrella. And 3) it's the only name or title actually bestowed on him by someone in the comic, apart from "Monster-san". (The rest were all insults and nicknames, as far as I recall, but I'm happy to be corrected by those who will undoubtedly correct me.)

It suddenly occurred to me, while typing, that this entire thread may have been ninja'd by someone in the Discussion Thread for strip #1037... and if that's the case, then I'm here to endorse that person. Someone please tell me who it is, lack of time this week has kept me away from that thread (for fear of getting NO sleep whatsoever).

Who's with me?

[zinycor]

I like it, has a nice sound to it.

[Captain Raveman]

But what will we name him when he finally comes out of the shadows? I'm thinking Glarcikus so far.

[Morquard]

I vote for Bob.

[Mx56]

Greg 2.

(tum ti tum 10 characters)

[Vinyadan]

BUD. Big Umbrella Dude.

[Mightymosy]

Why not Monster-San then?

[Jaxzan Proditor]

Honestly, it might just be the long amount of time of using it, but I just prefer the sound of MitD over GBiS.

[Mad Humanist]

Honestly, it might just be the long amount of time of been using it, but I just prefer the sound of MitD over GBiS.

I prefer MitD because it is a long-standing tradition. I prefer GBiS because it is canonical. So my preferences are totally clear.

[DaggerPen]

I believe Thing in the Shadows has also been used in canon a few times, but that may abbreviate poorly.

[Domino Quartz]

I prefer GBiS because it is canonical.

GBiS is what now? Since when?

[Vinyadan]

GBiS is what now? Since when?

Read "canonical" as "used by someone in the comic while talking with the monster and knowing what it is".

Personally, I read GBiS as "Gets Bitten in Shanks".

[Michaeler]

You realise this will inspire someone to make a complete list of everything that anyone calls the MitD in comic now?

[littlebum2002]

How about just Beast in the Shadows (BitS). That way you can pronounce it.

[aurilee]

I smell a vote coming on...

I prefer GBitS, especially since I like Oona and how she treats our shrouded friend.

MitD is just a reflex now since it's been the favoured term on the forums for so long.

I might try out GBitS for a while and see how I like it.

[Hamste]

Greg II

[Legoshrimp]

Not sure why, it could be tradition, but MitD sounds better to me.

We could always go with GBiSfkaMitDakaMS (Great Beast in Shadow formerly known as Monster in the Dark also known as Monster-San).


Also I feel like we are going to change his name based on Monster-San makes more sense as it is closer to a real name, and what his only friend called him. Oona doesn't treat him like another sentient being, instead she treats him like a beast. She seems like she could be a good master, but I am not sure that would really count as a friend.

[Ruck]

Honestly, it might just be the long amount of time of using it, but I just prefer the sound of MitD over GBiS.

Same here. Even Monster-san is preferable to GBiS IMO, as other people have explained.

You realise this will inspire someone to make a complete list of everything that anyone calls the MitD in comic now?

Hey, we already have a list of every nickname Belkar has ever called someone. A MitD name list seems like a much easier challenge by comparison.

[Peelee]

GBiS (Great Beast in Shadow) seems so much more dignified...

Not to mention that it's actually more accurate. 1) He may in fact be a magical beast, rather than a "monster" per se; 2) Since leaving Dorukan's dungeon he isn't technically lurking in the darkness any more, merely standing (or crouching, as the case may turn out to be) in the shadow of an umbrella. And 3) it's the only name or title actually bestowed on him by someone in the comic, apart from "Monster-san".

Even playable races are in the Monster Manual. I don't think "monster" is a misnomer at all, in this context. Also, isn't MitD the Giant's preferred nomenclature?

[GAAD]

Wait. I'm confused everyone else is confused about this. Isn't his name Mikey?

[Darth Paul]

Isn't his name Mikey?

Assuming you're asking this straight; "Mikey" was the kid in the 1970s LIFE Cereal commercial who hated everything, except for, of course, LIFE cereal. "He likes it! Hey, Mikey!" became a pop culture catchphrase. I believe a variation was used in The Matrix. It's become less common the farther we get from the '70s.

I think the odds of the... whatever you call it actually having the name Mikey are astronomically low. But hey, why not? Let's call him Mikey.

Even playable races are in the Monster Manual. I don't think "monster" is a misnomer at all, in this context. Also, isn't MitD the Giant's preferred nomenclature?

First- good point. Second- Is it? I don't know, I don't pay that much attention to him.

[zinycor]

Wait. I'm confused everyone else is confused about this. Isn't his name Mikey?

We could call it "TutU" Thing under the Umbrella, as Haley did.

[Ruck]

Also, isn't MitD the Giant's preferred nomenclature?

Yeah, in all seriousness, I think that's what this question really comes down to.

[Rynael]

If you have to get that technical, then while I don't have my copy of the No Cure for the Paladin Blues on me, I'm pretty sure-

Spoiler: Fantastically Minor Book 2 "Spoiler"-That-Isn't-Even-a-Spoiler

Show

-that I remember its cast page calling him "Creature in the Darkness."

[Kish]

Yeah, it's pretty clear that Rich is actively avoiding giving the creature an "official" name.

Though I think he might step in and say "no, you can't call him that" if the acronym for Thing in the Shadows became the new standard. I'm not sure why, yet I think he might.

[Gift Jeraff]

:mitd : is official.

[Morquard]

I'm pretty sure it was called MitD by someone in comic too, either Redcloak or Xykon, but can't find it now.

Edit: I don't like GBiS, mostly because Oona seems to call her "pets" that. She claims it's based on mutual respect, but I haven't seen any of that from her yet. She completely disregards everything MitD tells her, and twists it so it fits with her preconceived worldview of how their relatationship is. And judging from Greyview's reaction she's been disregarding his opinion for years as well, to a point where the worg just gave up and accepts treats for nodding.
Also in her world Beasts have Masters. The MitD is now at a point where he realises that Xykon is not it's master, just "a guy it hangs out with".
Calling it GBiS would be quite disrespectful to MitD's progress in starting to think for himself.
So, all in all, not a very nice name.

[Darth Paul]

Yeah, it's pretty clear that Rich is actively avoiding giving the creature an "official" name.

Though I think he might step in and say "no, you can't call him that" if the acronym for Thing in the Shadows became the new standard. I'm not sure why, yet I think he might.

Why? What does that....

Ohhhh. Right.

Never mind...

[Ruck]

If you have to get that technical, then while I don't have my copy of the No Cure for the Paladin Blues on me, I'm pretty sure-

Spoiler: Fantastically Minor Book 2 "Spoiler"-That-Isn't-Even-a-Spoiler

Show

-that I remember its cast page calling him "Creature in the Darkness."

The one I have closest on hand right now is Don't Split the Party:

Spoiler: Don't Split the Party commentary

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In his commentary for the section with the escape scene, Rich uses the phrase "monster in the darkness."

The cast page for that book uses "Monster in the Dark."

[Rynael]

Maybe, but I'm not actually seeking a rename, just pointing out that if we try to single out the "official" name, it'll be a long war. What we already have works well enough; people know what you mean when you say MitD (as proven by this very thread title).