Odyssey Investigations: AEAEA - Chapter 2, Part 1 - Still Ocean Waters

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(There's that word again, Detective Sholmes. The one that the spirit, Dr. Lhackof, used when we communed. Resurrection.)

(This troubling talk is starting to give me the heebie jeebies...)
 
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I don't wanna go to the Dark Place...

I think the scariest thing in the Dark Place is deadlines, but you don't have to come. Will you be a good girl if I let you explore on your own?

I dunno, can you get me some tasty cakes?

I-I'll make a request for room service later.

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Then Efi can behave!

[As Leo follows Kane and Garth Marenghi to the Dark Place, Efi joins in on raiding Aldrich's quarters. Eyeing the unopened mail on the desk, she decides against opening it without a sufficient distraction - Leo taught her that tampering with mail is a federal crime - and instead opts to peek at the names on the placards.]

(I'm still learning how to read, and these mage names are hard...but I should be able to read the first letters, at least!)

[Meanwhile, on the way to the Dark Place on the 7th floor of the Ramura Lodge, Leo stops along the way to take a look at the door of Room 704.]

(This was the room where a guest complained about some pattern of dots appearing on their door. Not sure if they'd still be here, but it's worth taking a look.)
 
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Glea said:
53290
(There's that word again, Detective Sholmes. The one that the spirit, Dr. Lhackof, used when we communed. Resurrection.)

(This troubling talk is starting to give me the heebie jeebies...)
Click to expand...

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(...Mmm. Yes... Though, I'm more concerned about the nature of a different word - Maseonic.)

(If you'll recall, I stated that you reminded me of someone. That someone in question embarked with me upon a veritable Odyssey - and the subject of the ancient civilization known as Maseon was ever-present across our journey. They were certainly capable of... a degree of "resurrection" to be sure, but the results were, as you've stated, largely "troubling" indeed.)

(Dare I say, we should keep an eye on these golems - a closer eye than before. The nature of such a construct is solely up to the will of the summoner, and the soul is a rather malleable thing in the right hands. A man who bore the name of "Sirius" could surely attest to that, if the story I was told was to be believed.)

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In any case, thank you, Ms. Baskingford - for your thorough explanation of the topic at hand. A fascinating advancement in arcane research. You'd be correct in saying I prefer to take an analytical viewpoint of the subject though. As our own Mr. Dhurvakt demonstrates, each culture carries their own understanding of the various threads that entwine themselves to create our commonly-known trinity of primary applications. Any investigator worth their salt would consider the viewpoints of those mages that lie tucked away in the corners of this world.

Too often does one become comfortable with that which they are taught within their own sphere. The anthropological angle is rather more interesting, no?

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Now then, would there be any problem if I examined the Access Point or Medame Staff Room? Simply a matter of security, seeing as transport through the Thalassic system seem to be accessible via these areas. I'm also rather curious as to why one staff room bears a direct connection, but not the other.​
 
[Two important-looking women arrive in the foyer of Cascade, having journeyed up the grand steps from the docks, a tad later than expected. The more bombastic one takes her time to stand amidst the water of the landing entrance, while the more reserved one wanders to the front desk.

Now, the party can truly begin.]

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- [???] - Ah, we're a bit late! Milady, quickly. Aldrich is scowling again. Accept our apologies, we were sending Dr. Dendron on her way, she was looking a bit pale.

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- [Aldrich] - Ms. Circe, there is no need to rush, I'm merely preparing some ledgers for a... recompense of sorts. A Findelan fruit basket, as requested by one guest, but some gift shop vouchers and... hmph. There was an incident, I shall recount it to you both later. It taxes me greatly.

[???] Did he say FREE gift shop stuff? Circe get me three!!

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- [Aldrich] - In any case, welcome to AEAEA, the both of you. We've been waiting for you.

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- [Aldrich] - Moh has advised of a few restrictive counter-measures against a potential Lotus arrival relating to tonight's schedu-

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- [Circe] - I'll cut them down where they stand, Aldrich.

[Circe pats her rapier, while the woman once under the waterfall shakes her head like a dog, her hair fluffs out dry and clean, then she comes over to the stand.]


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- [Aldrich] - Kleidi, refreshed as ever, I see.

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- [Kleidi] - Fear not, my allies of righteousness! We shall ensure a peaceful festival, where all can cavort around the stalls in safety, under our protection. Kane can help too. I've been given authorisation to use my Keyseru in case swift justice is required! And at the very least, I can WACK any Lotus perpetrators with the end of it. Hahahaha!

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- [Circe] - You're taking this awfully well, milady. The headaches this event has caused you to cater to Noktmathi and the other stakeholders to ensure peace, and now...

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- [Kleidi] - ...it is... what it is. Aside from Eldstar's law taking full effect (with everything that could go wrong now going wrong), on a minor note, we were late after all, and we've already missed the VIP exhibition showing. Debrief me on today's happenings at the end of the day, shall you? I have to review the schedule for a few minutes. Where's Storm, Aldrich?

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- [Aldrich] - I've been informed he's exploring the depths with the other VIPs, at present.

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- [Kleidi] - "Ghost" puzzles manifested again?

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- [Aldrich] - ...P-Presumably.

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- [Kleidi] - Circe, at my side! We have justice to share... and pre-game drinks to source! I'll review the schedule on my way, and we can hand it to the others.

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- [Circe] - Yes, milady.


You have met Prosecutor Circe Chrysothemis, and Chief Justice Eunomia Kleidi. The persons of interest file will be updated shortly.
 
All NPCs for Chapter 2 have been revealed. We've now reached the halfway point of Part 1.

The Submission Phase is now open for discussion.

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With Justice Kleidi's arrival, and approval of the schedule, the night's "Open" events are now ready for your allocation. You can use these as opportunities for intel gathering, goal clearing, and potential testimony. Click to enlarge if needed.

Aldrich and Moh have discussed the following security counter-measures for the evening, to ensure VIPs remain safe and with enough suitable witnesses or protectors.
  • "Open" events are for all VIPs and staff, while "Closed" events are for a few NPCs exclusively, with freeform alternatives that can be unlocked if you meet certain conditions during this phase.
  • VIPS receive temporary AE-Passes to unlock doors relevant to their event, for the 5 minutes before and after an event. Some staff and VIPs will receive temporary skeleton AE-passes, granting access to most rooms for hosting tours or events.
  • You must arrive on time, and stay for the duration of an event you allocate yourself to. You can submit to perform minor actions at the events. You may attend overlapping events, provided you seek approval to tag along with an NPC that is attending both.
  • Otherwise, it is expected that guests will remain or return to their lodging after an event occurs, aside from when Golem Cleaning is occurring. You can stay within your lodging during cleaning, but you will not be able to leave. Likewise, you will not be allowed in when cleaning occurs, so if you don't attend an event during that time, you can explore Cascade's upstairs area instead.
  • There are some player-exclusive events that Aldrich and Moh might not know about... the full list is below.
  • (Generally, up to four non-NPC guests per event is ideal for security. NPCs at each event are indicated by icons. Of course, that's not how it appears in-universe.)
  • Storm's Brewing is a mandatory event. All VIPs and resort members will attend this at 20:00. Storm is really excited to announce things, and wants everyone who defended him and knows him personally to be there...

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Credit to TPG for logo!​

Legend:
  • Aldrich 🌊
  • Cassia 🍰
  • CYMK🫟
  • Storm 🍺
  • Soleil ☀️
  • Valerie 🐞
  • Moh ☁️
  • Otto 🔫
  • Kane 🧙
  • Kleidi 🔑
  • Circe ⚔️

Open Events
  • Exhibition Restoration - ☀️🫟🐞🍰- Assist CYMK with the restoration of the art exhibit, and learn more about his favorite paintings. Listen to Soleil talk about the artifacts, and statues of the facility.
  • Otto's Room Relocation - 🌊🍺🔫 - Otto has asked Aldrich and Storm to assist him with relocating from one penthouse (Ramura) to the other (Medama). Learn more about their bond and Otto's business, and receive an exclusive penthouse tour of both wings.
  • Med
    Itation: Prosecutorial Tea Time and Chess - ⚔️ -     Circe delights in the art of tea ceremonies and relaxing chatter. Learn more about Sarase, its lotus, and play logic games.
  • "Aldrich Gives All Of The Guests Who Show Up Free Gift Shop Vouchers For Their Troubles" - 🌊☀️🍺🫟 ...as compensation for the exhibition debacle.
  • Cassia's Cake Redecorating - 🍰🐞- Participate in an icing and cream masterclass with Cassia, who is preparing a new tray of desserts for Storm's Brewing exhibition.
  • Garth Marenghi Presents: Garth Marenghi -☁️🍺🔑🧙- GARTH MARENGHI IS HERE
  • Valerie's TBD -🐞☁️ - To replace an event meant to be run after the presenter's sudden departure, Valerie has offered to practice her speech, which she hasn't written. Learn more about invasive species, and about some of the specimens kept in quarantine within the resort.
  • Moh's Seminar Runthrough - ☁️🫟🔑🧙- A somatic expert, Moh will showcase the power of his ritual, and answer questions about his former time as a meteorologist and astronomer studying Sargasso Vermelha.
  • East Cascade Starlight Tour and Roaming Trivia Ending At The Giant Roulette Wheel - ⚔️☀️- Soleil and Circe host a "roaming" trivia night, a game where they guide VIPs around Cascade, and ask questions about its history and other observations for exclusive gifts as prizes. Cellphone reception will be excellent.
  • Mind Fortification: Somatic Resonance Workshop on the Promenade Beneath The Stars - ☁️🫟- Gaze at the sea and sky, and perform Somatic training with CYMK and Moh to ward against astral plane anomalies. Learn more about the astral plane, and the Fallen Lotus.
  • Giant Roulette Wheel Combat - ☀️⚔️🍺- After Trivia, Clash against Circe in this "Casino 'Killing' Game"! A pre-game for Storm's Brewing.

Closed Events (requires unlocking)
  • Golem Cleaning Cascade Adventure - Hang around and freely mess with the water pipes of Cascade in the hotel lobby to send things to and from other rooms, as the golems clean each wing. Requires asking at least one unoccupied, interested NPC to join you.
  • AEAEA Espionage - Eavesdrop or sneak into the AEAEA Shareholders meeting to listen to what occurs. Requires convincing at least one NPC attending the event to grant you their Skeleton Key for a bit of chaos in the Cascade Depths


Investigations close Adjusted Time !
Submissions close Adjusted Time !
 
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