either i'm an idiot or i've just totally overlooked something.

i programmed a specific sequence in Thor and i want to record it in the sequencer, but when i run it and try to record, i just get an empty track. i can play and record with Thor on my keyboard just fine, but anything i've pre-programmed won't record.

Do mean, you have programmed a pattern in Thor´s step sequencer?

yes, i programmed a pattern, then when i try to run Thor and record that pattern i get nothing.

Patterns in the Thor step sequencer are not intended to be "recorded" into a sequencer track (unlike matrix or redrum patterns). The pattern stays in the step sequencer. If you want it to stop and start at certain point, you have to automate the run-option of the step sequencer.

and by "automate" you mean, push record and then make changes to the actual instrument right?