TLDR: Geshu Lin was transformed into Scar through a combination of Overclocking & Threnodian corruption.

edit: [SUPER SPOILERS AFTER THIS IF YOU HAVEN’T COMPLETED VERSION 2.7: A Stranger in a Strange Land!!]

Qiuyuan

As we learn more about the mysterious Qiuyuan, we discover that he has only ever made one mistake in his life. At the time, it seemed like the right decision, but the passing of time betrayed his expectations for his decision: Allowing the man, Geshu Lin, to live after receiving an explicit order to execute him. 

Right before Geshu Lin was to be felled by Qiuyuan’s blade, Qiyuan noticed that Geshu Lin had done whatever he could to keep civilians safe from rampaging Tacet Discords.Qiuyuan sensed in him a kind, courageous heart, one firmly set on the path of justice and righteousness. For these reasons, he ignored his executioner’s orders and spared Geshu Lin’s life.

>“Those things are killing our people. I... won't let that stand. Tacet Discords don't get to live. No matter the cost, I won't stop until... they're all annihilated.”

>— Geshu Lin (Main Story — A Stranger in a Strange Land)

This decision would come back to haunt Qiuyuan, as Geshu Lin sacrificed countless lives in the name of justice and righteousness during the Battle Beneath the Crescent. Qiuyuan never accounted for the fact that Geshu Lin was a man who believed that the ends justified the means. As long as humanity could defeat Ovathrax (Thernodian of War), Geshu Lin was prepared to sacrifice as many lives as it took. And sacrifice he did until he was the one to deliver the final blow to Ovathrax before mysteriously disappearing. 

>“There is no other choice. We must trample the pile of corpses at our feet and push on. Keep barking orders, keep fighting until every last one of those monsters is gone.“

>— Retroreact Rain Phantom of Geshu Lin (Main Story — Grand Warstorm)

Geshu Lin’s body was never found. And so Qiuyuan, believing the man to still be alive and now under the influence of Ovathrax, has sworn to hunt him down and end his life as he should’ve done so many years ago. 

>The young man who had survived his blade became a general guarding the border, but even he had fallen to the madness of the Threnodian.
— Qiuyuan Lore (Unlocked at Intimacy Lv. 5)

Now.

Here’s where I found things to be interesting.

The higher-ups in Mingting commanded Qiuyuan to hunt down Scar, unbeknownst to Jinshi.

>If Minister Lin had not sent word of a lead from the Grand Marshal, the head of the Ministry of War, he might never have dared return to Mingting.

>“You've come.“

>Through the torrential rain, a straw-hatted figure emerged from the shadow of the bridge, face hidden.

>“Scar, the Fractsidus Overseer, escaped from Jinzhou's prison not long ago. Intel places him near Septimont City in Rinascita. He's a wanted criminal of Jinzhou and of Huanglong. He must be captured.“

>“You could do it yourself.“

>"Rinascita's different. Individuals who resemble the Threnodian's Resonator have been sighted there."

>“…So this reminds you of me?“

>“You were the key to Dongyuan's case, and Geshu Lin is the key to your case. Since Jinzhou's Threnodian is what brought Geshu Lin down… Follow the thread, and you may learn why Dongyuan gave you that order [to execute Geshu Lin], and... perhaps discover the true culprit [of Grandmaster Liang’s murder]. Everything on Fractsidus and Rinascita's Threnodian is in this dossier. Take this letter with my seal and start with Jinzhou. Your niece, the Magistrate's Bodyguard, is there. Find out how Scar escaped, then head east to Rinascita.“

>… 

>He knew he carried the weight of unseen court intrigues. Mingting would not even formally assign someone to capture Scar. He, a lone fugitive, was entrusted to do so. Yet he didn't care. His aim was simple: uncover the truth that he had been denied. 
— Qiuyuan Lore (Unlocked at Intimacy Lv. 5) 

There was a reason Dongyuan ordered Qiuyuan to execute Geshu Lin. And there’s a reason why he, a fugitive, has been ordered to hunt down Scar. Dongyuan, Qiuyuan, the person who murdered Grandmaster Liang, the reason Qiuyuan was framed and became a fugitive, Scar, and the reason Scar escaped—they’re all connected.

Similarities Between Geshu Lin & Scar

Red eye on the right side of the face.

https://preview.redd.it/3rjeuuimg62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=776ed25063f9cae1084f66d408e7724054f2825e

Tacet mark on the neck.

https://preview.redd.it/lbs3o5utg62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=11fc832f8aa8868c3b7cafc989425f94c0318912

Silver hair.

https://preview.redd.it/78olz20ah62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=1b88007aff022aa878c26524b06864fd5b3000d7

Black robotic arm on right side.

https://preview.redd.it/0t1dmhlfh62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=90f8b4c5f39235eaa53fe36a389a54efdb0983b0

"Black" flames.

https://preview.redd.it/r6beqvilh62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=ef9985d4d0407f03ef4bdac94cf4927ee5368665

Fighting stance.

https://preview.redd.it/jnigw2zph62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=1c38a8b2d11d9c133de7bb3b96258232c63ad63c

Some Concerns…

As much as all these similarities line up too much to be coincidences (imo), there are some valid concerns for their differences.

1. Voice Actors: Across all languages, these two have different VAs.
2. Opposite personalities: Geshu Lin despises Tacet Discords and anything to do with the Lament. Scar welcomes the "true Lament" and sees fusing with Tacet Discords as the next step in evolution for humanity.
3. Weapons: Geshu Lin wields a massive greatsword wrapped in chains. Scar uses cards in his combat, though his goat form also wields something akin to a greatsword and black flames.
4. Resonance Ability: We know very little about Geshu Lin’s resonance ability, only that it’s said to be incredibly powerful and involve his flames. Scar’s abilities, according to Yangyang, involve teleportation, barrier creation, and the manipulation of space since he trapped her in confinement and she had to break the barrier into his Elysium.
5. Appearance: Their faces aren’t quite the same, though similar. And Scar appears much younger than Geshu Lin.
6. Qiuyuan: Qiuyuan doesn’t treat Scar like he’s Geshu Lin. He treats him just like a criminal he’s been ordered to execute. One would think he’d show more of an emotional reaction if the one mistake he made in his life happened to be his current bounty.

Stay with me, just a little longer. I’ve got my reasons why these don’t hurt—but instead help—my theory of transformation.

Scar

I believe that the complex lore and background between Qiuyuan and Geshu Lin sets up all the reasons for Scar and Geshu Lin to be one and the same.

A big reason why avid fans of Geshu Lin refuse to believe that he and Scar are the same person is because of their opposing beliefs. While Geshu Lin despised Tacet Discords and believed they should all be exterminated, Scar believes that the fusion of humans and Tacet Discords is the next step in human evolution, and the only way to move forward in this world touched by the Lament.

>“New life blooms from scorched earth, rising through the ashes.“
— Scar: Lightbane Reversal (Enemies Gallery)

Scar actively revels in Overclocking. He enjoys destruction, chaos, delights in the suffering of others, and will use any means to reach his goals. He joined the Fractsidus to achieve these goals.

Who are they and why join the Fractsidus? Apart from being personally recruited by Schwarzloch, like Phrolova was, they’re described as a group of extremists obsessed with fusing humans with Tacet Discords by Yangyang. Rover is first introduced to the "particularly insane Overseer" by Yangyang as well. And when Rover finally meets Scar face-to-face, Scar introduces himself as the "Cruel and twisted maniac".

During their meeting, Scar is obsessed with telling Rover a wild story that is the key to Scar’s personality and his goals. It’s about an innocent girl, a revered leader, and a flock of simple villagers with False devotion, fleeting kindness, collective deceit, senseless killings, and…The one vulnerable soul, pushed onto a path of destruction by the masses.

>“Fables, stories told and retold through the ages. The ancient art of conveying hidden truths through fiction. But they always draw from real life, don’t they? The same story gets told by many, and each person brings their own spin, their own focus. Whatever you learn from it is just one of countless different interpretations.“
— Scar (Main Story — Ominous Star)

Scar welcomes whatever interpretation Rover has from his tale, as it really serves as a mere ice breaker.

The story is detailed in Ominous Star…

>[Scar]: Our story begins here… Once upon a time, in a peaceful village lived a flock of carefree lambs. In the day they toiled for food, and when evening fell, they sought refuge from the looming threat of wolves. One day, a shepherd visited the village. The shepherd brought them promises of abundance and protection. The lambs, drawn in by his words, soon lived in comfort and security… The shepherd’s arrival is only the beginning. With a wave of his hand, the shepherd could grant their every wish. His flock obeyed, bowing their heads, pleading for better food and shelter. They no longer had to struggle for survival, as their once meager lives were replaced with endless luxury. The flock worshipped their shepherd-turned-god, praising him and holding him in the highest regard…
Imagine you were one of those lambs, facing irresistible temptation and pressure from your peers. Wouldn’t you bow down and beg for food from your master?

[Rover]: We are all created equal. There should be no hierarchy.

[Scar]: Haha… So we agree already. You are right, but the world we live in falls short of our ideals. The shepherd still reigns, and the lambs have grown complacent. It’s up to the two of us to make that ideal world a reality. The lambs reveled in endless bonfire parties, celebrating their new god every night, except... the one little black lamb. As each night passed, it was the only one to notice how its flock was dwindling away. Rover, do you think someone would give you what you want without taking anything from you?

[Rover]: I believe in quid pro quo. 

[Scar]: I once believed that too. Thought as long as I paid a high enough price, I could get my desired outcome. But true equality is scarce. Always has been.The world was never a fair place. Wouldn't you agree? To receive equal retribution, one must give more, and more... and more. When every wish comes with a hefty price, people weigh their options carefully. But when they can make someone else bear the price... They all rush to make more wishes. They don't consider they too may one day pay for another's selfish desire. Funny, isn't it... 
Later, the shepherd openly blamed the black lamb for the flock's decline. On the next day, the white lambs welcomed the rising sun as usual, but the black lamb was nowhere to be found. The shepherd introduced an unspoken rule to this village, one that our black lamb violated by telling the truth. Suddenly, the once doting “god“ stopped fulfilling wishes, because no more sacrifices were being made. After witnessing the black lamb's actions, and hearing from their almighty shepherd... What do you suppose the white lambs did? Ah, those oblivious lambs. Little did they know, the most fearsome demon was right under their noses. 

>… 

>Now, I wonder. What is your takeaway from this story? Answer me, and I'll reveal the truth of what happened. Who was the real culprit behind the diminishing number of lambs? 

>Now the story changes a bit depending on what answer you give to Scar. Put all the answers together? Peering into his beliefs becomes a bit more clear:

>[Rover]: <The shepherd.>

[Scar]: Indeed, the direct culprit was the shepherd. He held all the power, fulfilling wishes at a price. The lambs knew the risks, yet succumbed to temptation. Unfortunately, in the face of such temptation, they disregarded all the hidden risks, as disaster had yet to befall them. If they were given another chance... I believe they would still choose the same path. Inevitably, they accepted their fate and paid the price when their time came. 

>[Rover]: <The white lambs.>

[Scar]: Brilliant answer. You saw past the obvious. The true culprit was not the shepherd, but the white lambs who chose to follow his rules. The shepherd never forced them into anything. He merely presented a choice, a possibility. No one would have been killed if they simply refrained from making those wishes. Their greed and indifference were the cause of it all. 

>[Rover]: <The black lamb.>

[Scar]: Oh? So you're siding with the white lambs, blaming it all on the one who challenged the status quo? Haha... But in another version of this story, the black lamb got to unleash its vengeful wrath upon the flock and the shepherd, eventually becoming the new rule-maker. Is that the kind of ending you were hoping to hear? 

Choosing <The shepherd.> is an obvious, logical choice, and the one that he’s shown to try and convince others of throughout the story. Choosing <The white lambs.> pleasantly surprises Scar, as this is the answer he truly believes in. And choosing <The black lamb.> shows us how Scar obviously identifies with the black lamb in his story. 

>[Scar]: Now, my second question: What price did the lambs pay for their wishes? 

[Rover]: Their lives. << This is the only answer Scar doesn’t push back on

[Scar]: Of course, as always. Life was the most valuable thing they had to offer. Here's my final question... What happened to the black lamb? 

>[Rover]: It was murdered by its flock and the shepherd. << Again, the only answer Scar says is correct The shepherd was granting wishes by sacrificing the lives of lambs. The flock found out the truth but chose to be his accomplices, and they willingly offered the black lamb as another sacrifice. 

[Scar]: Hahaha, that's right! How do you like my story, Rover? What really happened here? I suppose you already have it figured out. The black lamb who rebelled against the rules, and the white lambs who succumbed to their greed. The innocent maiden sacrificed, and the villagers who turned on each other in a ruthless frenzy. ...They had it coming. All the shepherd had to do was execute the rebel. That's how he kept the flock in check and maintained the status quo. 

>[Rover]: Is that why you became a "shepherd" yourself? 

[Scar]: Fun answer, but no. Not even close. I was never the "shepherd". Never will be. You and I... We are the "black lamb", the one who breaks the rules. 

>… 

>[Scar]: Tell me. Do you want to be the rule-setting shepherd, or the rule-breaking black lamb? If a sane person manages to survive in a realm of lunatics, would you call them the last one of reason... or the sole apostle? Think about it. The shepherd is not the preordained embodiment of truth. Once he is gone for good, the black lamb can reclaim the trust of its herd... Then... eventually, there will be none left to be “victims“ or “oppressors“!

Now, what does this story sound like to you? Did you think much of it while playing through the game? I’ll dive into what I took out of it: There’s a common theme in both Huanglong and Rinascita post-Lament.

• A lost, struggling civilization
• A powerful being that "saves and guides" the people
• Outliers in the equation or individuals who fight against the status quo (fate)

Could Scar’s shepherd actually be the Sentinels? It’s the only explanation that explains why Scar believes Rover to also be a black lamb. Rover can defy the will of the Sentinels. It would also be a partial explanation as to why the Fractsidus, as a group, is targeting the Sentinels. In fact, Scar’s own words almost surely solidify this theory of mine:

>[Rover]: Why did you kidnap Jué? 
[Scar]: A Sentinel such as Jué can predict and “correct“ future events. It gets in our way of achieving our sublime vision. We merely wanted to topple the set future built on lies, and take control of our own destiny. 

What did Scar say about the shepherd?

• “The shepherd is not the preordained embodiment of truth.“

In the end, this story is just an allegory. Scar wants Rover to truly understand who he is, where his ideals are coming from, and why he and the Fractsidus are doing what they’re doing. In Clashing Blades, Scar continues to be very straightforward with what his goals are:

>[Rover]: Why are you obsessed with reviving the Threnodian? What on earth is the Lament? 

[Scar]: The Threnodians... They hold the key to our ideal. Together they will bring us the promised "true Lament," and we will embrace the new world that is bound to come. The Lament brings death, destruction, and countless Reverberations. Reverberations that will be reflected, overlapped, and interwoven during the Lament... They will be our salvation, the only path to a new lifeform and a new civilization. 

[Rover]: Why were you following me? 

[Scar]: Our goal has always been the same... We want you. Want you to join us. 
Rover, care for a wager? I know you've been searching for answers about your past, and I've got news for you— You are one of us, the “black lambs,“ and you have been chosen to join us ushering in the new world... Once you discover what you really are, you will come to us with no hesitation. The Fractsidus awaits your arrival with open arms. And I look forward to that day in sincere anticipation... 

At first glance, the Fractsidus seem like a strangely disjointed bunch, but according to Scar's reason for wanting Rover in the Fractsidus, they’re all “black lambs”. People who are adamant about choosing their own destiny.

>“Though our roads diverge, our ideals remain as one. In the end, they all lead to the same place. Separation is but the prelude to possibility. All so that humanity may cross… that final gateway into eternity.”
— Schwarzloch (Main Story — Dawn Breaks on Dark Tides)

Together, the Fractsidus seek transformation for humanity, just as I believe Geshu Lin was transformed into Scar. Because who else was a “black lamb”? Geshu Lin.

As Cristoforo so aptly says: "Luck and misfortune, nobility and lowliness, weakness and strength… 

https://preview.redd.it/nfmfn80cf62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=a49d6bf81e15099433d5ae264ada7b5fe6158d5d

A person’s nature is like two sides of a coin."

Geshu Lin

What we know of Geshu Lin’s last moments is that he vowed to vanquish evil, and wielded a sword blazing with black flames that laid waste to all who dared stand in his way. He then sacrificed his body to these flames in exchange for power, charged the Threnodian, and was never seen again. This sequence of events sounds strangely similar to when Galbrena Overclocked herself and awoke her dormant resonance ability to save Rover in Dawn Breaks on Dark Tides. Only, she didn’t lose herself to her flames since Chimera shared the burden of Overclocking. However, if Geshu Lin truly did Overclock himself to defeat Ovathrax, then he did it alone. No one to share that burden with… 

Overclocking

>“Overclocking is a negative phenomenon that occurs in Resonators. Different Resonators have different symptoms. If left unchecked, it can lead to severe aftereffects, even completely altering a Resonator's personality.”
— Lianfeng (Side Quest — Tacet Discord Hunter)

>“Overclocking happens when a Resonator overexerts their ability. And this researcher who wrote this suggests that it might be the key to triggering a Second Awakening.”
— Chiangli (Main Story — Truthseeker’s Pass)

>“Overclocking is already common practice for the Fractsidus. I've seen countless people walk toward it, seize control, and exploit it. Of course, they are fully aware of the dangers it brings, death included. Don't disagree just yet. If you look at it from another angle, you'll see it offers not just a hopeless path to death, but a chance for a different kind of rebirth. After all, humans are creatures who seek safety, threatened by fear, clinging to life at all costs. But we... we should master not only living, but living even after death.”
— Phrolova (Voiceline)

There’s surprisingly a lot of Overclocking examples from Second Awakenings (Jinhsi, Cantarella, Cartethyia) to actual death (Aemeath). Let’s examine the effects of Overclocking more as several resonators have also Overclocked in the story, leading to some major changes in their personality or appearance:

>The waveform graph for Resonator Yangyang displays stable elliptical fluctuations in the Time Domain with no abnormal patterns. Upon examination, all results fall within normal parameters.

>Resonant Criticality: In terms of Resonant Criticality, Resonator Yangyang ranks at a relatively low level with high stability. Examination results appear to fall within normal parameters with no risk of Overclocking.

>Resonator Yangyang has a documented history of Overclocking.

>Maximum recorded Overclocking rating: Negligible.

>During the event, Resonator Yangyang experienced emotional overflow and temporary loss of Forte control. Fortunately, there were no casualties or hazards reported, though she suffered several comatose episodes due to the overstimulation. Further examination revealed that Yangyang's heightened perception was causing harm to her body through her Forte. The aftereffects have since stabilized, but the feather-like transformation on the ends of her hair remains irreversible. Yangyang's sensory overload has been managed and her emotional state is stable, with a positive prognosis. Routine examinations are recommended for monitoring purposes.
— Yangyang’s Overclock Diagnostic Report

https://preview.redd.it/4kb4fkohf62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=7f116813b449a2625747d9b4b83da3059c5b390f

>Resonator Sanhua's waveform graph shows elliptical fluctuations. The pattern of Time Domain is stable with no abnormal waveforms. Examination results are determined to be within normal parameters. However, Sanhua's risk of Overclocking persists.

>Resonant Criticality: Very stable. Yet constantly verges on the Criticality level. Risk of Overclocking remains high. Records show past history of Overclocking. Maximum Overlock Rating: Moderate. Among her past Overclock occurrences, there were numerous times when Sanhua was on the extremity of her Resonant Criticality for extended durations, during which extreme Frequency Fluctuation reactions caused outbursts of energy, triggering Level 2 blizzards. No civilian casualties were reported in these incidents. These series of events are currently documented under code EX01521, classified as Class 3 hazard events.

>Diagnostics reveal TD Frequency erosion affecting Sanhua's perceptions of objects, causing Frequency Fluctuation, leading to outbursts of frequency energy. The aftereffect of Overclocking is the increased spread of erosion, ultimately changing the color of Sanhua's left pupil from grey to red.

>Combined with the behaviors of Sanhua's Forte and her past Overlock history, Sanhua bears a certain risk of Overclocking. Close monitoring of Resonator Sanhua' psychological and physical condition is advised. Routine counseling and examinations are required.
— Sanhua’s Overclock Diagnostic Report

https://preview.redd.it/2n3oi0ljf62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=c7c415128ab708152d5797a648e78adc393a32f5

>Resonator Mortefi's waveform graph shows serrated fluctuations. The pattern of Time Domain is regular, though the peak values show an increasing tendency. Peak values are currently under Criticality level, and abnormal waveforms are not identified.

>Resonant Criticality: High, combined with low stability. A high risk of Overclocking is present. Resonator Mortefi has a recorded history of Overclocking. Maximum recorded Overclock rating: Negligible.

>During Overclocking, the scale-shaped red crystalline matter on Mortefi's chest continuously expands to cover a larger area of his skin. This transformation is accompanied by a significant rise in body temperature, resulting in the manifestation of intense Frequency Fluctuation. Notably, a fiery apparition resembling a dragon becomes visible behind Mortefi during this stage.

>Mortefi was the cause of a major fire in Desorock Highland. This event was classified under code EX67891 as a Class 3 hazard. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Resonator Mortefi's Forte and Overclocking history indicate that negative emotions are his primary trigger for Overclocking, which warrants a higher risk of Overclocking. Therefore, it is recommended to closely monitor Resonator Mortefi's psychological status and implement regular counseling and examinations.
— Mortefi’s Overclock Diagnostic Report

https://preview.redd.it/mfaxsh3lf62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=9f3ce3ee0bdb8c0b447727af9fcc938ed687d07b

>Resonator Camellya's waveform graph exhibits needle-like fluctuations. The Time Domain pattern reveals intense, chaotic activity, with an extremely high frequency. During testing, the Time Domain data displayed significant distortion, and the peak value remains indeterminable.

>Resonant Criticality: Low. Resonator Camellya's frequency displays extremely low stability, with a high risk of Overclocking. Resonator Camellya has a documented history of Overclocking. Maximum recorded Overclocking rating: High.

>According to Camellya's report, Overclocking episodes occurred following her Awakening and were frequently associated with the recovery from ███ disorder, as well as emotional fluctuations. In the later stages of Overclocking, her symptoms progressed to full-body vegetative somatization. This condition resulted in speech degradation, cognitive disorientation, and episodes of pain. The specific trigger for her current deterioration remains indeterminable.

>Regular physical examinations are mandatory, and scheduled compulsory intervention is required given the minimal efficacy of psychological counseling.
— Camellya’s Overclock Diagnostic Report

>"A void of chaos swirled within her, yet there was one thing that stood out in sharp relief: [Rover’s True Name].

>She remembered everything now.

>Who she was, who Rover is, the reason for her being, Solaris, and the Lament…

>Before the madness of Overclocking engulfed her, those memories were always buried deep, locked in the depths of her being. Each time she awoke, she lost all recollection, left only with an aching void. As time passed and her body weakened under the strain of Overclocking, glimpses of her mission and roots would resurface, only to vanish again in an endless cycle."
— Camellya Lore (Unlocked at Intimacy Lv. 4)

https://preview.redd.it/lhxpapfnf62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=959819d198fc5aeba4bf7ca8cba1f0ac35b145e7

>Resonator Calcharo's waveform graph shows zigzag fluctuations. The pattern of Time Domain is irregular. Both the upper and lower peak values are high and manifest proximity to the Criticality level. The waveform displays segments of partial fuzziness and abnormal waveform can be seen.

>Resonance Criticality: Relatively high, combined with extremely low stability. Risk of Overclocking is substantial. Resonator Calcharo has a documented history of Overclocking, with the highest recorded Overclock stage being Deluge.

>During Overclocking, Tacet Discord erosion increases on Resonator Calcharo's body, spreading shadow thorns and causing the golden core in his chest to pulse. Frequency fluctuations significantly intensify while three phantom-like entities appear. No major incidents of civilian injuries or property damage from Calcharo's Overclocking episodes have been found. Resonator Calcharo possesses an extremely high risk of overclocking with an unidentified trigger. It is advised to raise his risk assessment level and closely monitor his condition.
— Calcharo’s Overclock Diagnostic Report

https://preview.redd.it/lrvdy13of62h1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=deaa2d78572c00b6f0cfe54a4e5295b8fc366db5

>Resonator Changli's waveform graph shows elliptical fluctuations. The pattern of Time Domain is stable, with no abnormal waveform.

>Resonant Criticality: High. Resonator Changli's frequency displays high stability, and the risk of Overclocking is minimal.
Resonator Changli has a documented history of Overclocking.
Maximum recorded Overclocking rating: Negligible.

>According to Changli's report, she experienced Overclocking during her childhood due to prolonged exposure to a hazardous environment. This caused her Forte to go into an explosive state multiple times for self-preservation or the protection of others, resulting in a permanent burn mark on her left arm.

>However, as she grew up and gained more control over her Forte, the frequency fluctuation stabilized and the burn mark did not worsen. There may be irreversible physical damage from the Forte burst, which could potentially shorten Resonator Changli's lifespan.

>Regular physical check-ups are recommended, while psychological counseling is not currently necessary.
— Changli’s Overclock Diagnostic Report

https://preview.redd.it/ne7mbhvof62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=ba255c8a1572f57b9258b811d1b36bea5fb21f5f

>Journal Entry of Veron Toccata—Head of Toccata Family
Resonator Phrolova's waveform graph displays sawtooth and needle-like fluctuations. The Time Domain pattern frequently reveals intense and chaotic activity. During testing, the Time Domain data displayed significant distortion, and the peak value remains indeterminable.

>Resonant Criticality: Extremely low.

>Resonator Phrolova's frequency displays extremely low stability. It is noted that she has a documented history of Overclocking.

>However, she has consistently demonstrated control of her Overclocking, indicating a potential to explore methods of stabilizing and prolonging Overclock states of ordinary Resonators by leveraging this mental stability.
— Phrolova’s Overclock Diagnostic Report

https://preview.redd.it/dy5ew32uf62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=0b1a9c1c99139c6bb14b1dcaea4ac71f6555ec26

>Traditionally, Overclocking has been defined as a state that exhausts the mind and body, signifying the dominance of destructive tendencies over regenerative ones within Resonators. Galbrena's case, however, compels us to reconsider this definition. In her, Overclocking did not manifest as deterioration, but as a signal of rebirth. It suggests that the phenomenon may be closely tied to the will of the Resonator and that, if properly guided, Overclocking could potentially yield constructive outcomes, transforming into a power that Resonators could one day learn to wield with intent.
— Galbrena’s Overclock Diagnostic Report

https://preview.redd.it/p9y7oq6vf62h1.png?width=1919&format=png&auto=webp&s=18fa1218a5338832cb736cda76881d717633761c

So what do we know about Overclocking so far?

• It can change your appearance
• It can alter your mind (personality, memories, madness, etc)
• It can cause a significant power increase
• It can cause a Second Swakening
• It can cause death
• It can enable life beyond death

Ovathrax

Ovathrax is the Threnodian of War, one of the enemies of human civilizations, born from the dark side of collective consciousness. It preys on the Huanglong people’s fear of constant wars and loss of life, and has the ability to turn fallen soldiers into Tacet Discords.

>“[The Crownless] is the Tacet Discord that embodies the concept of warfare. Resentment of the fallen, fright of the ignoble… Those are the emotions that laid grounds for its birth. The Crownless is a Tacet Discord that possesses powers from the reviving Threnodian. Jinzhou is a border city with an unbreakable will and strong spirit of resistance. However, we also fear the constant wars and loss of life, and the Threnodian can prey on that.”
— Jinhsi (Main Story — Clashing Blades)

All Threnodians are said to be incredibly powerful creatures, capable of vastly strengthening the effects of Waveworn Phenomenon on their surrounding environment. So if Ovathrax is anything like Leviathan, that means it’s perfectly capable of launching both physical and psychic onslaughts.

>“Even at civilization’s dawn, it had already tainted mankind’s hearts. A primeval shadow lurking within the soul.”
— Imperator (Main Story — The Bygone Shall Always Return)

>“The ones who seem the strongest often fear loss the most. That’s how Leviathan slips in, by exposing our pain to the light. If you let it take hold, you’ll never break free. In the end, your mind and body will be devoured, dismantled, reshaped, and assimilated. It’s no better than death.”
— Galbrena (Main Story — Dawn Breaks on Dark Tides)

Threnodians cannot die.

>“The Threonodian cannot be undone whilst civilization endureth. Even It knows not the means of Its own destruction.”
— Imperator (Main Story — The Maiden, The Defier, The Death Crier)

In Summary…

Achieving Squad Captain as a young man, Geshu Lin operated his life through very strict principles that led him to ruthlessly exterminate Tacet Discords and protect civilians. When he almost met the executioner’s blade at Qiuyuan’s hands, he became furious. And that fury stayed with him as he rose to General of the Midnight Rangers and took a stand with his men from the frontlines to lay waste to the Tacet Discords threatening their land. But the longer he fought, the more Ovathrax had an effect on him. The Threnodian twisted his ideals ever so slightly, made this once-righteous man willingly sacrifice countless lives as a means to achieve the goal of winning the war. And in the final showdown between the two, Geshu Lin made a final sacrifice in exchange for the power to strike down War itself.
Overclocking took his life. At the same time, it was Overclocking that brought him back. As Geshu Lin? No, that man is gone. He is something other than man now. With twisted memories, the one true thing that belongs to him is a deep rage, a need to destroy. A scar of his former self. The Fractsidus surely took that need and guided it. Directed his hatred towards the state of the world, and the weak humanity unquestioningly going along with it. As Scar was born again, so must the world. For only through death can one truly experience life. 

>“My offer still stands. Join the Fractsidus. You, too, have crossed the veil that parts life and death. Among us, you shall find haven and purpose. Shoulds you crave power, we shall grant it, even that of the Threnodian. Should you seek to help, we shall guide mankind toward a future beyond all comprehension.”
— Schwarzloch to Galbrena (Main Story — Dawn Breaks on Dark Tides)

Since the Fractsidus closely monitor all Threnodian activity, one can only reason that Schwarzloch made this offer to Scar, a freshly born being, wandering, purposeless. And Scar accepted both new power and a new role. For he was alone, no one to Anchor him to the living, lacking the drive to protect and save humanity like Galbrena. 

It would be a thematically sound move to then give Scar a different voice actor to solidify the fact that Scar was once Geshu Lin, but can never be him again. Scar’s ideology is a naturally twisted progression of the one Geshu Lin lived, shaped by the corruption of the Threnodian and steered by the Fractsidus. Through his death, assimilation, and rebirth, Scar was brought back by the Threnodian as a Tacet Discord like many of the others who had fallen before. That goat-like appearance isn’t Scar’s second form. It’s his true form, the one that still fights with a greatsword, still wields black flames, the one reshaped from the ashes of Geshu Lin. And the power over teleportation and space now? It is a power that was given to him, just as the very body he now walks around in was given to him by none other than Schwarzloch, the man who can use his Forte to perfectly forge an entirely new body and frequency. 

What do you think?