Odyssey Investigations: AEAEA - Chapter 2, Part 2 - The Case of the Lesser Key of Solomon DeMorge

[GBA]

Very well, let's try to get CYMK (or Buxbaum) to draw the Fallen Lotus symbol with those colors

You approach CYMK in the Exhibition hall. He seems to have stopped sobbing, but is currently pounding down two different kinds of energy drink in sequence. You explain the situation to him, and he seems excited to be useful, until you explain what he has to draw, and he tries to hide a sour look on his face.

- [CYMK] - ..... well, if I treat it like a commission, and the payment is Storm being okay, and maybe I wake up from this nightmare, then... I-

Dr. Buxbaum interjects, and offers to doodle it himself. Moderately experienced, as shown by his stunning picture of the notorious balkan wonderfuck.

- [CYMK] - ....thanks, Buxy. I owe ya one. Give me a call if you need something else drawn, or like, if I need to try and find some colorful spirits to talk to, or... something. I can also share what I saw, if it helps. Let me finish these four energy drinks.

[He reveals two more cans in his jacket pockets, then pops the lid on them, and chugs them in a 2x2 formation all at once.]

Buxbaum attempts to draw the symbol of the fallen lotus. It returns a 23% accuracy rate. You suppose the main subject of the picture isn't the lotus, then.

 

[Turboo]

Spoiler: Music

"■-■■■■■■-senpai, seriously, do you have to take a photo for everything...?!"​

"Ahaha! Just because you're calling me senpai doesn't mean I'm going to stop what I'm doing.
I already told you, □□□□! Just call me ■■■■■■. Really, I'd prefer ■■■, but I know you'll never go for that.
It's annoying to be treated as an upperclassman. We're not that far off in age, are we?"

"Urk... b-but it's... I'm never gonna change your mind on that, am I...?"​

"Oh, look here! This one has a little ghost in it!
See, see, right off near the corner -"

"WHAT-"​

Why did I begin to take photographs?​

I was enraptured by displays of raw emotion, I guess.​

"I want to- fuck, god dammit, I wanna go home!! You bastards are all-"

"No, no, don't - my family, my friends, I-I can't - you can't do -"​

"...I don't want to die...!!"​

"Do you understand, ■■■?
Of course you do. You're a smart boy. Yes? Isn't that right?
Don't focus on their reactions. The differences are so minute each time that it doesn't matter.
Simply... maintain the ability to 🗙🗙🗙🗙 them. You will, won't you? My ■■■."

But I wanted to know more about them first, Mother.

What makes them hurt? What makes them suffer?
What pains them physically? What pains them mentally?
What do they learn? What do they remember? What do they forget?
What do they enjoy? What makes them happy?​

Completely contrary to what I'd known to be possible, one day, I realized I could hear the deceased.
I was surrounded by decay, after all. Lasting images of their torture.
And, of course, they had nothing pleasant to say about me. Dots and dashes that they were.

I think I found it comforting. Even if I had to work to decode these messages, it meant I imprinted onto these individuals,
and it meant there was an existence after this one. In some cases, I was able to get my answers from them directly.

In retrospect, it was because I had a weak heart that I didn't ask Mother these questions myself.
That I didn't tell her I developed these powers, even when she questioned if I were of the same lineage as her.
That I didn't argue when she comforted me, because despite my uselessness, I was still her smart, obedient boy.

That I didn't risk my seat in Heaven that my mother promised me by asking too much of her,
after everything I put her through.​

That selfsame weak heart is why I lost that seat, and why I refused to seek □□□□'s voice out, in the end.
If I focused enough on my pictures, he was alive, if just barely out of reach.
I was fired after he died. I mean, it was my job. That "one person" I was meant to cultivate was gone, so it was my fault.
That's reasonable, isn't it...? Termination wasn't new to me. It's a nice way to say "death," with a pretty little bow to soften it.

...I was released onto the streets with little fanfare, and that was that.
When I think back on it, I'm sure they thought that, for me, that would be the worst punishment possible.
I stayed awake as long as I could. I glanced behind myself at every moment.
I hardly left my shelter during the day, and the times I did were marked by an overwhelming paralysis I'd never felt before.
I loved humans. I love humans. Even though I can't express it, I truly love humans.
Humans had power over me now.
My only thought, at the peak of my hypocrisy, was that I, too, did not want to die.​

When strange things started happening on that ship, I was secretly thrilled.
...Feelings I had tried to bury long ago welled up within me.
And I let my guard down, which allowed me to be possessed, I suppose.

I shouldn't have been surprised. Well, ahaha, I wasn't, really... though, I still didn't want to die.
I was so excited to take part in Mother's little game as a child,
and here I was as an adult, thrust into what looked like a pocket of Heaven itself and only concerned about my own survival.

...Buuut, that aside, I haven't ever been able to figure it out.
Why I got the job in the first place, I mean!
Was it because Solomon saw something in me that my mother never could, or...
...hmm, was it because □□□□ and I had that shard?
I always thought it'd been destroyed by that fire, but...​

---

"Sighhh... it always comes back to something related to that cult, or that comet.
Carcass Vermilion, my eternal pain in my rear.
Not to sound uncaring, of course!"

"But... Mr. Dhurvakt, it's fine if you don't want to talk about the specifics...
I'm not picky anymore. I'm old enough that I won't sweat the details too hard.

But shouldn't you at least tell the others about what happened to you during that seminar?

While you were discussing... ahaha, I don't know.
The weather, or whatever you want to call it.
I mean, Mr. CYMK saw it. Quite a few of us, really. Including Mr. Tarlow.

Don't you think that'd be a big help? Especially if you happen to also know whatever this 'Rupture' Mr. Dazmuna was suffering from is.

Heeey, I should probably find Mr. von Lichtenfels and ask him the same thing... but if anyone else gets to him before me, inquiring minds want to know."

 

[GBA]

View attachment 68364
"But... Mr. Dhurvakt, it's fine if you don't want to talk about the specifics...
I'm not picky anymore. I'm old enough that I won't sweat the details too hard.

But shouldn't you at least tell the others about what happened to you during that seminar?

While you were discussing... ahaha, I don't know.
The weather, or whatever you want to call it.
I mean, Mr. CYMK saw it. Quite a few of us, really. Including Mr. Tarlow.

Don't you think that'd be a big help? Especially if you happen to also know whatever this 'Rupture' Mr. Dazmuna was suffering from is.

Heeey, I should probably find Mr. von Lichtenfels and ask him the same thing... but if anyone else gets to him before me, inquiring minds want to know."

Moh removes the bandana covering his mouth to ensure he's heard.

- [Moh] - ...........Arcane Rupture is an uncommon kind of condition that affects the hearts of strong mages past a certain age.... but it can be accelerated rapidly by stress. Arcane energy build-up within the heart of the body crystallizes and causes a catastrophic shutdown, and energy release, like a overcharging a battery.

- [Moh] - It typically spells death for those with magical abilities of exceptional potency. Normally on death, the mind fails before the body does, and the spirit leaves to prevent the body inducing complete rupture, usually just resulting in a messier heart attack. Such explosive effects only occur with direct attacks, and as you are now presuming from our surroundings...

[He replaces the bandana, and the beard vanishes like it was never there.]

- [Moh] - .............Piercing his heart, he died from impalement. I assume he knew this would happen when he jumped. Medications of all kinds exist for its prevention or suppression, and keep exceptional talent alive provided the doses are administered frequently enough. I don't fear death, far from it, but in the interest of keeping myself useful to Noktmathi and the Astral Plane, I remain here on Naos.

- [Moh] - Pacemakers...? Hohoho... I suppose you could say the badge I wear on my chest is a similar device.

 

[Dr. Lyra Orpheus]

Well, if nobody else is to do it, I suppose it'll fall to me, hm?

I'll wander into The Depths to rescue von Lichtenfels from his, er, horking. He's a reliable sort, perhaps he's got something to share.

 

[GBA]

I'll wander into The Depths to rescue von Lichtenfels from his, er, horking. He's a reliable sort, perhaps he's got something to share.

You enter Cascade Depths, passing by Aldrich standing around in the Thalassic Conduit.

The air is quiet. The emergency alarms have all shut off, with some of the fancier looking lights unscrewed and taken. The pipes have all quietened, and not a pool of water is disturbed. The pulsing water you heard earlier is gone, replaced with silence. Only the blinking of a single red light illuminates the room, as the Conduit's abyssal trench glows fainter and fainter. It remains guarded by Aldrich.

Amidst the deep ambience, you approach the concierge. He's forbidding you from looking into the pool while maintenance occurs, but peering around him, you can see beneath the faint purple glow, dots and dashes manifest over the shield, though you can't make them out with Aldrich preventing access. There's no water within the main unit.

He remains unmoving, leaning on his staff, insistent that while you are allowed to investigate the rest of the depths, the main unit is under his strict watch with the Lotus still unapprehended. He cares not what you do to the rest of the hotel. You ask if he's seen, or heard, von Lichtenfels.

- [Aldrich] - ...Justice Hall. I've heard nothing but-

Gaheheh.... [HORF]

- [Aldrich] - -that. Since I've been standing here. The man is infuriating.

You then walk into the Justice Hall, leaving the eerie cake-eater to his eerie business.

Within, Kane sits at in the biggest chair behind Kleidi's desk, tinkering with his fire staff. It seems like he's been looking over some of the files and evidence in this room. On the desk sits a few reports titled "Solomon Demorge", "Otto Dazmuna", and "Lorenzo Moretti", as well as the small, black box.

- [Kane] - Ah, Mr. Sholmes.

- [Kane] - What a spectacular evening it's been, mm? Did you happen to catch any of the death combat in the Casino? I did the effects for that as well. Heard little Sol got her sunny backside handed to her by the Dreamweaver! His Roulette Formal outfit, incredible. He might beat me at the cosplay event, so before I come join you all at the Brewing, I've been tinkering with my staff, cross-referencing some files in light of new information, biding my time in h-

You appreciate his passion, but interrupt him with the dire news, and his face darkens. He stands up, and coughs.

- [Kane] - ...lead me to Circe, please.

You don't look at the files on the desk, but take Kane on a stroll back to the East Botanical Gardens, and he views the scene before him with a grave expression.

- [Kane] - Were it not so gruesome, this would be fantastic inspiration for the Brrlais Winter Festival. I must discuss things with my partner in justice, but ask me any urgent questions you have.

 

[Dr. Lyra Orpheus]

I regret having to bring this up, Mr. von Lichtenfels, but regarding this briefcase... It appears to be locked by a sigil that both Mr. Dazmuna and Storm knew well in advance of their exchange. You wouldn't happen to have any knowledge of what it could be, would you? I'm afraid we've hit a dead end on that front.

Furthermore, I think I'd like your testimony. We were together much of the night, particularly around the moment of death, but I'd rather cover every angle. Perhaps you saw something earlier in the evening? Knowing what we know now... does anything stand out to you?

 

[GBA]

You wouldn't happen to have any knowledge of what it could be, would you?

- [Kane] - Gahehehe... no, while we were both Lotus members at a point in time, Otto got out way before I did, and we fell out of touch. I had no idea he'd even formed a bond with DeMorge's boy until today... I wonder what brought them together...

If I could read minds, I'd be interested in the horror show the poor boy is probably experiencing. Ooh, terrifying but potent artistic inspira-

- [Kane] - -pardon my rudeness. I can get a bit carried away in these kinds of scenarios, it might be a stress response. GahaheheheHORF

- [Kane] - When I finish with Circe, I'll tell you about what I might have seen. That Valerie girl was up to something, and I think the cake lady might know what. As a fellow detective (but casual), do note, if he really died during the event when Storm went to check on him, then I have no alibi, Mr. Sholmes. I wasn't actually at Storm's Brewing for Otto's last words, as Circe has reminded me.

- [Kane] - The fact that you're trusting me more than Circe here is quite amusing. If you didn't already have such a reliable companion, I would suggest forming a new duo of Justice.
...old firebag.

 

[Turboo]

"Aha. The more I run into you, Mr. Sholmes, the more I understand what BB sees in you.
It's good that she's around dependable company! Say, I'll have to make it to Pysgydia more often.
I'm sure she'd chastise me for standing in the corner and ruining the mood.

Now, Mr. von Lichtenfels, yes?
I... you know, actually, we have met. A few times tonight!
You were doing those wonderful effects at Mr. Marenghi's event!"

"It's... been a bit of a struggle trying to move my luggage around afterward. If I smudge the signature on the front pocket, then...

Anywaay. Rei Hoshizora, ex-Starline, yidi yada. Same boss as you once, in that sense.
I'll cut it short because I'm not here to talk your ear off, you know...?
Namely... there was something that both you and Mr. Dhurvakt seemed affected by, at his seminar.
You'll give it to me straight, won't you? Especially since he won't mention a word of it?
Plus, he was affected way worse.

By the way, did you help Mr. Marenghi because you're a fan, too?
Man, I know now's not the time, but I'm still a little starstruck... jeez.
His books always say something! No matter how simple the messages are -
- like, you know, don't let a knife get imbued with Thalassic energy and start killing people -
- but it makes you start thinking about life differently, and -"

 

[GBA]

Spoiler: Kane's Theme - Per Ignum, Vade Retro Satana

- [Kane] - Right, then! Circe, there's no use standing around freezing my staff off, not when there's Lotuses to be burned!

- [Kane] - After Circe was dismissed for the evening to relax, Kleidi and I discussed our intel on a certain... lotus target we've been tracking, when I get a call from Aldrich. The Roulette Wheel is down, and it needs to be fixed by tonight's event. Former mechanist, former artificer, former something-or-other, I was on call, but not before the great Garth Marenghi event!

- [Kane] - You all saw how I enshrouded the woods in fog, mm? I pack my own two smoke machines, just for impromptu requests like that! The Dreamweaver wished to fold me into tonight's tale of darkness, so how could I decline? Candlelight-struck, moonlit, mist-enshrouded forests of evil... I ducked outside to admire it all, and chatted with the Exhibition artist for a bit, who was hanging in the plaza, too shy to approach. It's quite alright! I sent a spare signed copy to his room. I'm pretty sure the fuzzy girl ran through at some point. I'll get to her later.

- [Kane] - Then, there was Moh's seminar. I accompanied Ms. Kleidi, and delighted in conversation with the boy Garett. He gave me some fascinating inspiration based on the sparkles that flew in the exhibition earlier today. At the lecture itself, the big-bosomed one might be able to give you the run-down, but-

- [Kane] - -I'll admit, given the circumstances of things now, I may have been too harsh on Moh at the time. A great man of great somatic power, he was only trying to warn us before this tragedy struck. Seems like he got a bit of a shocking message for what he threatened to do. That's what it was, wasn't it Moh? Rei here saw it too. Remote communication isn't a difficult power to master with the right resonance, you and Aldrich chat all the time, but I suppose someone was listening to you, or knew where you'd be at that exact time to send you the call.

- [Kane] - Who was it, and what'd they say, mm? Gahehehehe.... oh, I may have been too harsh just then as well. Nonetheless! We stand in the midst of murder, and it's not fair to keep secrets. Gaheheheheehehe....HORF

- [Kane] - -oh. My CD player seems to have timed out. Excuse me.

Spoiler: Kane's Theme - Per Ignum, Vade Retro Satana

- [Kane] - But yes! Secrets. Someone was using the incinerator tonight. I haven't checked what lays beneath the ashes, but I can tell you something important probably got burned. Who uses an incinerator at a resort? (Well, I have in past, but for other reasons.) (I use the ash for some of my effects...)

- [Kane] - After accompanying Ms. Kleidi to the gift shop to watch Aldrich kiss up for what was probably his mistake, I left to fix another one. Inspired by Garett, I spent some time gathering supplies in the Artificer's Hall and Underworld to do what was needed, passing by Bushroot fixing the lighting in the Conduit. Oh, and the big-bosomed one knocking on the door. Mr. Sholmes told me to cover for her. I think if I wanted to cover those up, I would use a thick fog... hm...

My, I haven't seen a shutdown like this in my time, either... it seems the heart of this place is rather quiet.

- [Kane] - But nonetheless! A few others were lurking! Garett himself was around, organizing things for Storm's Brewing. I poked around the Roulette Wheel area to finalise my repairs, noting some of Cassia's desserts had already been delivered via the water chutes for later, with one labelled "Sample". Valerie was sculking around in the depths, ducking in and out of Quarantine and other rooms in a panic. I was panicking too, as I had to go to a meeting with stuffy shareholders, but not before I saw my special effects in action, just once!

- [Kane] - With my compliments to Mr. Sholmes for being this evening's neutral-party representative. Kleidi informed me later that there was a spat between Otto and Atlas, while Storm was sitting in the call. I'd've slammed the door when I left too, kid. Yadda yadda, lotus yadda.

- [Kane] - I snuck a look at Garth's outfit, and then went to the Justice Hall to pull some case files after our chat. If my watch is right, that means I have no alibi, and one could view my special effects skills and lotus connection to Otto as a means and motive. But, gahehe....

- [Kane] - Circe has cautiously agreed to trust me, and has a theory of her own. We'll present the case in due time, but I fear with the time pressure, it might not be as airtight as Kleidi expects. But, that's the thrill of these things, mm? There's a few minor details I'm off to double check in the penthouse, but I'd ask the fuzzy girl and the chef what they were doing... And, from the... sounds of it, I'd say Sol has made Storm cough up some new info.

- [Kane] - Lichtenfels' ramble over, gaheheheheheh...

 

[GBA]

- [Soleil] - I'm sorry Mr. Sholmes, I don't recognise the vial, but the liquid inside is black, like tar. Maybe something in Quarantine would resemble it? We get lots of vials from botanists and chemists. And... my understanding is that... there is no known cure for Wydraseed poisoning.

I......I'll proceed with the pump shortly. Maybe it can give us a better understanding.

- [Storm] - .....................ngh.

- [Soleil] - Storm, If you can hear me... I... can't promise if it will be okay... but we'll try and cure you, and soon. If only this'd happened before the sun went down... I could fix you good as new....

[Dashing off again, Soleil takes a sample of the bile, and runs it for analysis in Med Ication. Through the power of five minutes, she returns with some preliminary results.]

- [Soleil] - ...I can confirm there's Saraphae hallucinogenic drugging present upfront, so if the records on cometstrickenness are true, then the incantation coupled with that is what's causing his mind to suffer. As for the body, the poison itself is hard to identify, it's rare and doesn't crop up any results with common poisons in the initial analysis. But... given the physical effects, I think Buxbaum might be onto something... I admit this is quite outside of my scope. I usually handle physical injuries, and plants and gardening are more of a hobby... ahehe...

- [Soleil] - Full toxicology results pending in... an hour and a half, but it seems Storm really drank himself silly tonight, and that's only further impeding things. On top of that, vending snacks, Cassia's cakes... trying to deduce any one of these as the potential source would be difficult unless we had the original to compare.

- [Soleil] - ...from then, we could try and create an anti-venom. I... don't know how that would go, but with so many talented plant experts here already, we can try.

- [Soleil] - ...I think... I think that's all I can do for now. He's somewhat stable, thanks to Garett's sticker and the removal of any poison that might be in his stomach, but that may only last an hour or so. I can be very gracious with the anti-venoms we have on site. Whole flower leaves, concentrated essences, our range is extensive...

- [Soleil] - ...but right now, I should go see Mr. Dazmuna. There might be more I can do to help there as well.

 

[Lin Beifong]

- [Soleil] - ...from then, we could try and create an anti-venom. I... don't know how that would go, but with so many talented plant experts here already, we can try.

I... hah... Don't say it. This is such a stupid idea, don't bring it up.

...

But... this is for Storm. It is to save his life.

What measure is my personal piece of mind, if it is weighed against a human life?

I... I have to.

Miss Soleil. I have... heard... of Dr. Dendron's expertise in the field of botany. Her studies have been featured 56 times in Eggheads Monthly, and I am familiar with her work through other references.

The boat she is on hasn't left the harbor too long ago, and I can't imagine they have made much headway in this weather anyway. If you could contact the vessel and bring her back here... well...

I have to admit, I'm not terribly familiar with Wydraseed. It has a reputation for being a magical weed, so for the longest time I assumed it was made up. But if Storm is affected by a plant-based poison... I believe I may be able to synthesize an antidote.

But I need someone with expert knowledge who has studied the plant up close. Someone who is trustworthy. So... I need Dr. Dendron.

(I just need to think of a way to conceal my identity from her... somehow.)

 

[Jacquelyn]

He remains unmoving, leaning on his staff, insistent that while you are allowed to investigate the rest of the depths, the main unit is under his strict watch with the Lotus still unapprehended. He cares not what you do to the rest of the hotel.

Hey, buddy, pal! Listen, I totally get it. You don't want any Lotuses going in and pushing buttons and pulling levers or whatever. But me? I'm a certified neutral third-party, so you can let me in! If you don't like it, take it up with the lady judge.

Now, let's get in there and have a look-see. I've got a real eye for detail! *quack*

Uh, hang on, that was- that was supposed to be a rimshot, let me try again...

*wah wah wah waaaah*

Oh, come on... This stupid soundboard never wants to cooperate.

 

[Glea]

It seems he's having a vivid nightmare. Trying to reach him seems difficult without curing him, but it might be possible now that you've stalled some of the physical effects.

What are you all looking at me for?! What do you think I run, a therapist parlor?! I'm not talking someone through their trauma dream, thank you very much!

.....Oh for God's sake. FINE. We'll treat this like any other job, so don't get all peeved at me if results may vary! And you better not make me your dream diary again, DeMorge!

One mindfulness breathing exercise, collection of candles and sage, and quieting room later...

There we are. An environment fit for ritual. Cleansing the air is helpful in rooms of high tension. Especially with a fire-happy phoenix somewhere overhead... It's important we keep our own warmth down below. We'll place one leaf on each hand, and then I'll sit before him.

... Now then. Do give us space, and mind my teacup.

Once again, I set my consciousness adrift. To you, dandy spirits who might hear me... Many may populate this place, but right now, I call to the raging storm in turmoil. Listen to my voice. Let me see what you see, I beseech you.

. . .

Easy, easy. You are safe here. Do not panic until the pot is boiled. Listen. . . Exhale. . . Hear the distant shudder of wind. . .

 

[Theobald "Leo" Leonhart]

What's a feather doing in Storm's room? Rather ominous, given this 'phoenix' business. Hope it's not supposed to be some sort of calling card. Let's take a closer look at that, yeah? Maybe it just fell off someone's stupid cap.

Let's also check the body for any glass embedded in it. Might help to confirm if he was thrown out directly or if something else broke the window first.

After running these checks, Leo and Efi descend to the depths to meet with their favorite reticent concierge.

Mr. Ethos. How's the conduit doing? Got a couple questions for you about the day's events, if you would. First off - did something happen to one of your golems during cleaning? We heard a pretty ghoulish scream from our room that gave the brat here quite a fright. I recall that the golems can wail like that if they become fully contaminated, yeah? It also seems that a rather unique looking mask was sent through the pipes during that time. Got any clue what that's about?

I'd also appreciate a summary of how you spent the day, if you don't mind. We're asking everyone, of course. You understand.

 

[GBA]

Let's take a closer look at that, yeah?

You examine the feather. It's a deep brown that fades to black at the end. It shimmers red in the light. You don't recognise any birds this could belong to, but someone else might.

Let's also check the body for any glass embedded in it.

You examine the body again for any cuts or wounds on it while Soleil steps back to let you check him over further. His eyes are closed.

You find no traces of glass on him, and his clothes remain untarnished. You roll back his sleeves and remove his jacket to confirm, and find an old scar on his left arm. It looks like a stab wound.

Besides that, you find his knees are in somewhat bad shape, but maybe thats the result of being a middle-aged man. It's likely he did a lot of sitting on uncomfortable chairs in his time.

 

[GBA]

Hey, buddy, pal! Listen, I totally get it. You don't want any Lotuses going in and pushing buttons and pulling levers or whatever. But me? I'm a certified neutral third-party, so you can let me in! If you don't like it, take it up with the lady judge.

Now, let's get in there and have a look-see. I've got a real eye for detail! *quack*

Uh, hang on, that was- that was supposed to be a rimshot, let me try again...

*wah wah wah waaaah*

Oh, come on... This stupid soundboard never wants to cooperate.

Mr. Ethos. How's the conduit doing? Got a couple questions for you about the day's events, if you would. First off - did something happen to one of your golems during cleaning? We heard a pretty ghoulish scream from our room that gave the brat here quite a fright. I recall that the golems can wail like that if they become fully contaminated, yeah? It also seems that a rather unique looking mask was sent through the pipes during that time. Got any clue what that's about?

I'd also appreciate a summary of how you spent the day, if you don't mind. We're asking everyone, of course. You understand.

Aldrich responds somewhat unamicably to your questions in his attitude, but concedes he wishes not to impede the investigation, just that what lays behind him remains in Findelo's national interests, and the truth would damage the hotel permanently. He trusts none of you with this knowledge, knowing that any one of you could be the lotus plant amidst the other events that have transpired today. Without a solid case, he will allow no one to gaze into the conduit.

He knocks Eyeball back with his staff while he tries to push by, resulting in the soundboard playing a loud OOF. He then bangs the ground with the staff, and he's thrown back further.

...a veritable try, but Aldrich is seriously determined to keep anyone away. The light continues to fade in and out.

- [Aldrich] -
...quite. I would say I've been rather accommodating of your collective stay at Cascade Resort, up until now. My snooping notwithstanding, all that I've done has been in service of maintaining what lays behind me right now.

The lotus is currently launching a direct attack on us, and this hotel is my lifeblood.

Even for a neutral party, if you agree to view the beyond, you will inevitably share what you see with the others. This cannot be allowed, and I assume Kleidi would agree with me, unless she agrees to immediately terminate your existence after. Even so, I cannot guarantee what you will do.

...

Maintenance will conclude in an hour and a half. If you would be so kind as to wait until then, you can gaze into the abyss all you want. But not a minute sooner.

...

And as for you, Leo...

Yes, I believe I recall seeing some of the Golems were attacked by someone using flour to implode their forms. The wail you heard was likely from one of those, flour is quite effective at absorbing and contaminating water. I continue to insist there are no "strange" masks within my collection, and invite you to examine the relevant rooms for confirmation.

 

[Theobald "Leo" Leonhart]

Hmpf. I'll take the old man up on his offer and inspect the Golem Stations, and also check the hallways of the Ramura Lodge for any puddles of water and/or masks from disabled golems.

I'll also head over to the Roulette Wheel and inspect the smokes machines that Kane set up. Is there anything visibly strange about them or their contents? If I can recall which one blasted Storm in the face during roulette combat, is it any different from the others? Does it smell weird?

I'll also look for Valerie in the Exhibition Hall and show her the feather. Does it resemble any species she's aware of? She should probably also be aware that someone saw her fuzzy - or at least a fuzzy - travelling through a water pipe.

Lastly, let's ask Kane if he recognizes the third face in the photograph in the Hall of Eyes.

 

[Lin Beifong]

- [Aldrich] -
...quite. I would say I've been rather accommodating of your collective stay at Cascade Resort, up until now. My snooping notwithstanding, all that I've done has been in service of maintaining what lays behind me right now.

The lotus is currently launching a direct attack on us, and this hotel is my lifeblood.

Even for a neutral party, if you agree to view the beyond, you will inevitably share what you see with the others. This cannot be allowed, and I assume Kleidi would agree with me, unless she agrees to immediately terminate your existence after. Even so, I cannot guarantee what you will do.

...

Maintenance will conclude in an hour and a half. If you would be so kind as to wait until then, you can gaze into the abyss all you want. But not a minute sooner.

...

And as for you, Leo...

Yes, I believe I recall seeing some of the Golems were attacked by someone using flour to implode their forms. The wail you heard was likely from one of those, flour is quite effective at absorbing and contaminating water. I continue to insist there are no "strange" masks within my collection, and invite you to examine the relevant rooms for confirmation.

Eyy anyone brought the fertilizer? Cause I'm smellin some fresh bullshit in here

Whats you got in the pool grampa hubbard? You cookin a corpse soup for the cult meeting?
Some prime grade blasphemy, teriyaki style? Yeah?

Why so creepy man? You hidin something?
Show us the soup

And watch the death threats man, shits not gonna look good on the rep sheet when they line the folks up for the guillotine

 

[Jacquelyn]

He's assaulting me! Someone arrest this man!!!

...Speaking of, did you hear the one about the salty snack that got beaten up? It was a salted! Wait, uh, I think I flubbed the setup again. I'll try telling it the right way later, but you guys gotta promise you'll pretend you never heard it the first time. And that you'll laugh.

Anyway, it sounds like we got some vials of mystery black gunky stuff going around, and I hear Val is our resident expert on things black and spiky, which sounds pretty close. You recognize this stuff?

 

[MCD]

Can I investigate the kitchen in the Ramura Penthouse? I noticed a few odd things here - scattered papers, used dish cloths. What do the papers relate to? Do the dish cloths smell of anything unusual, are they cold to the touch? Anything else unusual in the penthouse?

 

[Turboo]

"Based on Otto-san's super helpful beyond-the-grave testimony...
BB-chan will investigate his laptop from front to back!
Don't worry, this girl's seen it all, from ̸͇͛ ̴̮̋ ̸̰̅ ̷̫̐ ̵̣̅ ̸̯͗ ̴̭͗ ̴̦̎ ̸̻̓ ̶̘̈́ ̷͈͠ ̶͔̊ ̶͗ͅ ̵̡̉ ̴͔̓ ̵̱̑ ̴͚̓ to ████████!
See, Senpai~ I'm being useful this case too,
and not just relegated to comic relief during ab-so-lute-ly inappropriate moments ♡"

---

"...thankies, Mr. von Lichtenfels.
Actually... don't get me wrong. I'm not upset, you see.
But... I'll have to be a bit more blunt with Mr. Dhurvakt.

Mr. Dhurvakt... if you really don't want to say it out loud...
...then could you not confess what you heard during that seminar to me, in confidence?
Well! I can't truly promise confidence.
We're investigating a murder, after all!
But I can leave the goriest parts out. Those can stay for my ears only."

 

[GBA]

Miss Soleil. I have... heard... of Dr. Dendron's expertise in the field of botany. Her studies have been featured 56 times in Eggheads Monthly, and I am familiar with her work through other references.

The boat she is on hasn't left the harbor too long ago, and I can't imagine they have made much headway in this weather anyway. If you could contact the vessel and bring her back here... well...

I have to admit, I'm not terribly familiar with Wydraseed. It has a reputation for being a magical weed, so for the longest time I assumed it was made up. But if Storm is affected by a plant-based poison... I believe I may be able to synthesize an antidote.

But I need someone with expert knowledge who has studied the plant up close. Someone who is trustworthy. So... I need Dr. Dendron.

- [Soleil] - ...you're quite right Buxbaum. Dr. Dendron would be vital in this scenario. It's... I'm not sure how we can reach her. She came down with something and decided to avoid me all day while I ran around supervising the others on short notice...

- [Soleil] - We could ask Kane, or maybe even Rei, to try and send out a distress signal to her boat, but in this all-consuming thunderstorm, will the boat even have time to make it back before.... before-

[...As Sol panics, she spots a scientific-looking woman wandering through the Open-Air Lounge, her hair blowing in the wind, and her glasses fogging up from the rain.]

- [Soleil] - ...!

Spoiler: Botany's Brilliance, Rhoda Arrives

- [???] - ...Excuse me! [Sniffle] Hello? Helloooo!? Aldrich wasn't at reception, and I-[ACHOO!]

[As she lightly jogs over to the scene around the botanical gardens, the almost mystical visage of her coat blowing in the wind presents the-oh forget it. Everyone is stunned.]

- [Rhoda] - Ah, finally. Hello everyone! A-Awful weather we're having, hm?

You have met Dr. Rhoda Dendron. The persons of interest file will be updated shortly.

 

[Turboo]

Speaking as an OOC disembodied voice for a moment, could we investigate what the ash that was incinerated seems to consist of? Texture, amount, etc.?

 

[GBA]

Hmpf. I'll take the old man up on his offer and inspect the Golem Stations, and also check the hallways of the Ramura Lodge for any puddles of water and/or masks from disabled golems.

I'll also head over to the Roulette Wheel and inspect the smokes machines that Kane set up. Is there anything visibly strange about them or their contents? If I can recall which one blasted Storm in the face during roulette combat, is it any different from the others? Does it smell weird?

I'll also look for Valerie in the Exhibition Hall and show her the feather. Does it resemble any species she's aware of? She should probably also be aware that someone saw her fuzzy - or at least a fuzzy - travelling through a water pipe.

Lastly, let's ask Kane if he recognizes the third face in the photograph in the Hall of Eyes.

You examine the Golem Stations. They're all offline. None of the water is dripping anymore, and the masks are face down. You note no mask which resembles the one you witnessed in the pipes, but... somehow, the masks don't look like they're recuperating. The water is slowly draining from the ponds.

You examine the Giant Roulette Wheel. The "Killing Game" seems to have been a rousing success, with two smoke machines installed into the stage. The machines are coated in stickers, and they seem to give off smoke and sparkles. They're branded with AE, implying they might belong to a certain someone, and that a certain someone else may have stolen them.

There appears to be nothing strange about the smoke machine, but you do note a discarded set of swords near the "combat" stage. You count 5 of them. Thank you for counting swords. One appears to have been gripped rather tightly, its handle is bent.

You talk to Kane, and show him the photograph.

- [Kane] - Ah yes. This dig happened roughly 30 years ago. You can still see the life in Acraman's eyes, hm? Aldrich looks quite young here too. As for me, I had a costume party to go to that night, so I wore my outfit in the field. I dug it out of the closet for the event this year. Budget cuts, gaheheh...

 

[GBA]

Speaking as an OOC disembodied voice for a moment, could we investigate what the ash that was incinerated seems to consist of? Texture, amount, etc.?

You note the Incinerator contains... scraps that resemble food, scraps that resemble important documents with AE headings, and... the cufflinks for some kind of coat. There's small pink pieces of fabric attached to one.