: But can't the Leveler take over the bodies of the
: deceased?
A good question... so far it hasn't been answered satisfactorily. All the following is of course a theory of mine: Personally I do not believe that the Leveler can take over dead bodies. I tend to think that many of the lesser-powerful evils of Myth are distractions placed by the Leveler before heroes, so while they fight these and attempt to dispatch them, they're kept busy and alive long enough for the next turn of the Cycle (when the Leveler can possess them).
If the heroes were allowed enough time to explore and learn about the cycle, they would realize that death would prevent the Leveler from possessing them, and therefore probably sacrifice themselves for the common good, i.e.: "okay, if I, a great and powerful hero, die, the Leveler can't use my body as a mantle for itself next turn of the Cycle. So I'll cash in my checks and buy the farm, thereby preventing a powerful return of the Leveler via my ultimate personal sacrifice." To keep such heroic men from realizing that truth and to keep them alive long enough, the Leveler throws them off course with things like the undead, the Shades, Dark artifacts, ghols, etc., you name it.
And I do not believe that every time the Leveler comes to the world, he's immediately throwing his best at the Light. He may in fact be orchestrating a better, more powerful return next time around.
-Welly
