Odyssey Investigations: AEAEA - Chapter 1 - The Case of the Spirit-Painted Exhibition

[Turboo]

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"I was enjoying the sights, Buxbaum-san...
Well, it's more than obvious that you can't appreciate beauty when it's right in front of you ☆"

"Hey, Senpai, did you already solve the case with your cute little dance?
That rude, idiotic insect with his water golems did it, right?
Let's make him squirm! Break a mask or two!"

"And then, maybe I'll head off to my room and catch some sun afterward~
(...it deffo feels like there's some unanswered questions.
Like he's way too easy of an answer... even if I want it to be him.
And that lotus... tch. If someone here besides us knows what that means, then -)

[BB elbows Rei, who's been examining the lotus the entire time.]

"Goodness. You can get my attention in more productive ways, you know. Buuut... we're in the middle of a crowd, so I'll let it slide.
(Miss Baskerforge called me intuitive, but... what a pain it is trying to decipher this girl.)"

"Truthfully, I'd been meaning to ask - Mr. Dhurvakt, I suppose I'm interested in speaking to you for other reasons...
I'm not exactly a somaticist, per se - yet I'm invested in the Astral Plane, you see.
But! Here and now, ignoring all that, I'd love to know what you did leading up to this.
Everyone's a suspect for this, right? Ahh... how thrilling...

(He's familiar with the Fallen Lotus, too... there's two of them here who know what that is...
...opinions and theories and deductions aside, why would that symbol show up now?)"

 

[Fun With Despair]

Storm! Ah- don't worry, I'll avert my eyes.

Still, good heavens, we've been looking everywhere for you. You're being accused right now of a crime you surely didn't commit, and it's all because of this blasted paint. One way or another, it seems the Concierge has it out for you. Ah, but... I suppose I can fill you in on the details while you continue. Let me guess, though - you borrowed CYMK's paints and they exploded in your face?

Well, take your time. I'll ensure that nobody else disturbs us for the time being, at least. With your showcase at the conference imminent, I doubt you'd want anyone to see you like this before the big day. I would, however, be curious to know the story behind this incident from your perspec-

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"Hey, Senpai, did you already solve the case with your cute little dance?
That rude, idiotic insect with his water golems did it, right?
Let's make him squirm! Break a mask or two!"

...Well, I'll ensure nobody else disturbs us at least.

...No, BB. I'm not sure I did. I suggested a theory of course - and I would very much like it to be correct, considering how he's treated our friend here - but I believe there's more to this story than meets the eye. Though, I won't argue with any of the pointed insults you've directed at the bloke.

I would suggest against anyone breaking his masks, however. The last thing we need is for this to turn into a murder case as well, once he finds out who did it.

 

[GBA]

Spoiler: Music

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Ahh, bravo. What a classy baseless accusation.
Solidly crafted and delivered. Myself from four years ago would be proud.

It's a bit of a shame really that it's also complete rubbish.

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Storm DeMorge is a fellow survivor of the Starline Incident.
He was by our side when we fought the very quintessence of what that symbol painted on the wall over there represented.
His father, whom you say he is emulating, tried to kill him. He piloted one of the ships we were on when we confronted that madman's ambition.

Storm DeMorge looks and acts like a lout, but he is a hero, and you will show him respect.

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You say you're not suspect because destroying this exhibit would harm the company you work for?
Well, the very same applies to Storm. He has spent the life he's earned by escaping his father's legacy to build his own company, and from what I can see he is grateful for the opportunity to partner with this showcase. Why would he jeopardize this opportunity for himself and potentially risk financial ruin by damaging this exhibition? The man's loud and direct, but he is no idiot.

You can't say he has a motive and then pretend the excuse you're using to cover yourself does not extend to him as well.

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So frankly, yes! I object to you using your powers to find and detain Storm.
You may make suggestions on where he might be, but you will not lead this charge.

You are a suspect after all, and I'd rather not have you potentially fabricate his location to frame an innocent man.

Instead, you can answer the following questions, one of which I will ask again:
​

• Why did you suddenly run this maintenance out of schedule? What was the "incident" that caused this?
• Who knew of your plans to do so?
• Where did you find Garett's book?
• Why did you suddenly decide to lend the key to CYMK one hour before this critical exhibition when you were the one to insist on locking his supplies away at all times?
• And what are your ties to the Fallen Lotus?

Oh, wonderful, I'll fetch it immediately, thank you.

Where did you find it? I'd like to be able to take some precautions against this happening again.

What the...

Aldrich, now I really need you to tell me where you found my journal.

With a loud fingersnap, Aldrich finally addresses the creepy slanderous suspicious concierge allegations.

- [Aldrich] - ...Hmph. Gentlemen, while your counter-deductions are warranted in the face of a bold accusation, you have to understand my haste in this situation. That insignia strikes fear into my core. The Lotus has once again threatened to tarnish our waters, and I will have no part of it again. I shall confess everything relevant to this incident, if we can jointly retract our accusations.

Spoiler: Petals Blossoming - New Fallen Lotus Theme

- [Aldrich] - Guest privacy is a bubbling virtue we uphold here at Cascade, but in the service of this grand establishment, that virtue is flushed away when there are threats to its existence. Solomon DeMorge exploited our waters to enact a cruel plot, using mages he coerced from his many stays here. The details of his... dealings, his vast artifact collection, his international subterfuge, the many Killing Games enacted to remove those in power who opposed him... are only known to a few. Despite his complete disappearance, his shadow undoubtedly remains cast on this establishment to this day.

- [Aldrich] - As the chief engineer of the hotel, Justice Kleidi partially involved me in the private proceedings for his sentencing, using my testimony from the various times I caught him speaking to many mages, but I know very little about what you, and he, went through in the incident itself. As concierge, all high ranking members of my staff are now to report any suspicious meetings to me at once, and all paint and contaminants, if located, are to be confiscated and given to me for storage. We forbid this naturally, but things slip through the cracks.

- [Aldrich] - Hmph. I stole Garett's book, I overheard DeMorge and him discussing renovations to his exhibit, and he implied it would be used to paint their display. Already suspicious of DeMorge, I suspected it contained power I was not made aware of... so I entered Mr. Tarlow's Room in the Medama wing, and took the book for later analysis.

- [Aldrich] - One holographic foil sticker stood out to me, so I removed its page. It contained mnemonic power from a paintball event. I had Soleil take it to the Restricted Storage for disposal. If questioned by Mr. Tarlow, I would deny it entirely, claim to have located the book in the Medama wing, and say it was likely mishandled by Findelan security. But, given the circumstances...

- [Aldrich] - ...my hesitation to allow his son at this establishment, to prove himself, stems from this primal fear that the lotus will return. You are right. I truly do not know Storm DeMorge, and I cannot blame him for the sins of his father.

- [Aldrich] - There is no way I would risk it all to remove him without merit. As stated, there are many other paths I could have taken. Everything I do is in service of this grand establishment and the waters it resides over. I protect it from contamination. I care for its guests, staff, subordinates, and the leyline itself, and have to maintain both the hotel's and my own image. But, I have my weaknesses...

- [Aldrich] - For instance, Ms. Lonicera's cakes. It is extremely unbecoming to be caught scoffing one down by two hooligans. I gave them the key on the strict condition that they would not tell anyone what they saw, and return it immediately.

- [CYMK] - (Pft. Dork.)

- [Cassia] - ...pardon?

- [Aldrich] - We shall add it to your invoice later. While Dazmuna was oodling over you, the restaurant was unattended, with a display of fine cakes for the event after this exhibition.

- [Aldrich] - As for the maintenance, I understood the risks, Dr. Buxbaum, but my hands were tied. It was scheduled for a few weeks prior to AEAEA, while the only attendees were AEAEA stakeholders. The maintenance can cause... inconvenience to guests.

- [Aldrich] - I have told you of one weakness to our grand establishment, and now, the other. Excess drainwater, even with our weather barrier, can interfere with its systems severely. We were threatened by near-anomalous thunderstorms for the season, and AEAEA planning was absorbing our time, so I made the decision to postpone it to today. A complete refresh of the hotels waterworks solves all of its issues, and our most recent one was thankfully resolved as part of this. Mr Dazmuna was clogging the water chutes with returned dishes he claimed were poisoned by Ms. Lonicera. Hmph.

- [Aldrich] - I will comply with letting you into anywhere you need that is deemed relevant to this case. Now, I hear DeMorge has been located. Perhaps now, he can prove his innocence-

- [Storm] - ...

- [Aldrich] - And quickly.

 

[Theobald Leonhart]

So you confiscate all sorts of 'contaminants', huh? And where might those be stored? If there are other places you could snag some paint around here, we should know.

 

[Roserade]

That's a nasty trick, Mr. Ethos! Stealing the belonging of a key coordinator for your event... You speak of having other avenues to take if you wanted to have Storm DeMorge removed. Surely, you had other avenues to approach your concern with the book? Theft is not a light accusation for a concierge! I doubt many guests would be happy to hear you've been meddling in suitcases, sir! If you'd like any more business tips, let me know!

Though, you are not the only guilty party in that specific scheme.

Lady Baskerforge. You participated in the smuggling of this book? Tell me, did you have any... interest, in this sticker collection yourself? What all did you do with it once it was in your hands? Your sunny disposition does not discredit suspicions!

(...Just a single sighting of the lotus has struck this much fear? This job might be even more perilous than they let on...)

 

[GBA]

So you confiscate all sorts of 'contaminants', huh? And where might those be stored? If there are other places you could snag some paint around here, we should know.

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That's a nasty trick, Mr. Ethos! Stealing the belonging of a key coordinator for your event... You speak of having other avenues to take if you wanted to have Storm DeMorge removed. Surely, you had other avenues to approach your concern with the book? Theft is not a light accusation for a concierge! I doubt many guests would be happy to hear you've been meddling in suitcases, sir! If you'd like any more business tips, let me know!

Though, you are not the only guilty party in that specific scheme.

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Lady Baskerforge. You participated in the smuggling of this book? Tell me, did you have any... interest, in this sticker collection yourself? What all did you do with it once it was in your hands? Your sunny disposition does not discredit suspicions!

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(...Just a single sighting of the lotus has struck this much fear? This job might be even more perilous than they let on...)

- [Aldrich] - Strictly in the storage by the cabins, but the depths of this hotel contain far more dangerous contaminants only accessible to myself.

- [Aldrich] - As I mentioned to Mr. Leonhardt earlier, we are aware of our reputation. It is unavoidable that guest items go missing in this establishment, and ghost stories have been invented to explain it, which of course, only benefits us. We do our best to mitigate it, and sometimes even offer compensation, but the risks of a few small items vanishing and tarnishing our image outweighs the potential danger of the hotel's systems being compromised. The lesser of two evils.

- [Aldrich] - Contracted staff and guests are compensated if they face losses or termination, and that largely keeps things in control. We keep records of our staff in the library, and the basement.

- [Soleil] - Aldrich...

- [Aldrich] - I must question your hotel management credentials, but I digress. Soleil, what of the sticker?

- [Soleil] - ...ahehe. When we met in the Medama lobby earlier, you gave me the page with the sticker on it, asked me to take it to the storage with its key. That was all fine... but...

- [Soleil] - Val, if we're all confessing things, I'm going to need your permission.

- [Valerie] - ......yeah okay. Aldrich's given us the gravity of this mess.

- [Valerie] - Soleil told me she was attacked by one of my lil guys earlier, and I confirmed it broke out on its own. I've been laying traps that can catch it effectively and trying to track its movements, without Aldrich knowing, to try and get it back. Mr. Sholmes and ENA... you're also in on it..................

- [Aldrich] - ...

- [Soleil] - When I walked by the garden, one of those cuties jumped me. It took the shiny sticker I was holding, and bounced back into the garden. I then told Aldrich it was all taken care of to keep Val from being caught.

- [Valerie] - (...!)

- [Soleil] - [sigh]

 

[Fun With Despair]

...Very well, Mr. Ethos. I agree to your terms, and I thank you for being forthcoming. I shall drop my suspicions - for the time being. The purpose of a deduction, you see, is to uncover the truth - even if it requires the proposition of a theory that may not hold water. No pun intended, of course. We have learned much from your newfound cooperation, and you have my genuine thanks. It appears then, that we are on the same page regarding the Red Lotus.

With that in mind, while we wait for Mr. DeMorge to gather his thoughts... I suppose I'll utilize this newfound investigative authorization to perform a few inquiries of my own.

---

Investigate the Restricted Storage thoroughly now that we have obtained access to the area.

Let's investigate the restaurants too, while we are at it - just for the sake of clarity.

I'd also like to take a trip up the elevator of the Ramura Lodge and give the penthouse door a firm knock. Should the resident be home, I would hope they'll answer.

Finally, I'll ask Mr. Ethos if he will allow us to investigate the service area below the hotel for signs of paint or similar substances.

 

[Theobald Leonhart]

("Mnemonic power from a paintball event"...I won't pretend I understand how this sticker magic works, but I've seen stranger stuff. If I'm not mistaken, paintballs are primarily composed of polyethylene glycol, which is soluble in water. Hmm.)

I think I can guess, but what's the color of the seventh paint can off to the side in Restricted Storage?

As for our concierge here, I appreciate your being more forthcoming now. Really lifts a weight off your shoulders, doesn't it? Like taking a satisfying shit. You mind if I take a look at those staff records in the Library?

 

[Lin Beifong]

Examine the library and basement for these staff records.

Examine the vending room and fitness room for anything strange, but specifically signs of energy drinks.

Borrow BB and convince her to touch one of the aluminum foil balls in the botanical garden.

 

[Roserade]

Spoiler: Music

My mymymy, what a conundrum we find ourselves in! Two incidents of vandalism in this place, and yet... are these acts one-in-the-same? After all, the difference in paint, the difference in messiness... It almost appears that two artists were at work today! But how are we to say whether that's true...

Without some exceptional guidance?

I believe the time to be ripe again, friends!

Oh wisdomatic whisperers! You who swim through unseen cosmos! Yet again, I send my consciousness adrift, and ask for your assistance! Help me to uncover a truth we cannot know! Somebody loathsome stands among us now! Set my sights on why they might've conducted these devious deeds! How should I know their intentions?

. . .

Your voices rustle like windchimes . . .

 

[GBA]

Investigate the Restricted Storage thoroughly now that we have obtained access to the area.

Aldrich asks which of the two hooligans have the key to the storage at present, and Storm presents it. The Restricted Storage contains various toxic substances organised roughly by type. Pesticides, poisons and other acids that could affect are on one shelf. Both soluble and non-soluable paint, and heavier paint stored for renovating potential damage to the hotel walls are on another. Also present are spraycans of the "Juicy" brand, vibrantly juxtaposed against the rest. A few paint-splattered suitcases, inflatable pool toys and such lay near the entrance.

Let's investigate the restaurants too, while we are at it - just for the sake of clarity.

You examine the restaurants. The only difference between the restaurants before, and now, is that the display of cakes has been entirely removed. Some residue of castella cakes and cream are smushed on the floor nearby. As you enter the hallway, you note some soil on the carpet entrance. You suppose cleaning the restaurant floors has been deprioritised in the wake of... everything.

I'd also like to take a trip up the elevator of the Ramura Lodge and give the penthouse door a firm knock. Should the resident be home, I would hope they'll answer.

Finally, I'll ask Mr. Ethos if he will allow us to investigate the service area below the hotel for signs of paint or similar substances.

Aldrich advises you against going deeper into the conference floor, on the simple fact that he was the only one down there earlier, and nothing is out of place. You are free to examine the hallway and surrounding staff areas, however, as other guests and staff may have used the facilities.

He then advises you that the penthouse floor is normally only accessible with permission, and has to accompany you to the room. He takes you up the elevator of the Ramura wing. As your footsteps clack down the hallway to the penthouse, you distinctly smell cigarette smoke, and hear the noise of a pistol being cocked behind the slightly fancier hotel door, followed by a gruff voice.

- [Uncle Otto] - Not one step further, parapazzo. I ain't expectin' guests, only a nice dessert from the donnabella. Iunno who you are, but my hospitality runs very thin.

- [Aldrich] - Mr. Dazmuna, please. One of our guests wishes to speak to you, regarding an incident that has just occurred, possibly involving Storm DeMorge.

- [Uncle Otto] - Stormy-boy? I don't care what the charge is, but kid's innocent. Lay a finger on him and I'll make it your problem later, Al.

- [Aldrich] - [Visibly trying to forget his false accusation and threat earlier in the presence of Sholmes] ...quite.

- [Aldrich] - In light of that, would you mind accompanying Mr. Sholmes and myself downstairs for a brief talk to confirm his innocence?

You hear the sound of several latches being undone, followed by the portly, paranoid man returning the icy pistol to his front pocket.

- [Uncle Otto] - Anything for Stormy. Fire away.

 

[GBA]

("Mnemonic power from a paintball event"...I won't pretend I understand how this sticker magic works, but I've seen stranger stuff. If I'm not mistaken, paintballs are primarily composed of polyethylene glycol, which is soluble in water. Hmm.)

I think I can guess, but what's the color of the seventh paint can off to the side in Restricted Storage?

As for our concierge here, I appreciate your being more forthcoming now. Really lifts a weight off your shoulders, doesn't it? Like taking a satisfying shit. You mind if I take a look at those staff records in the Library?

The can is red, but splattered with multicolored paint.

You examine the Library's staff records. The library itself has quite a few archival books on both AEAEA's planning and the hotel in a restricted hotel section, still under A and E. You look for Emoluments, handling staff payroll, and such. Aldrich lets you examine the section under his watch, but you note the books don't contain anything of note beyond termination records and unmarked payouts; these were likely hush money. All concierge entries have had their names mostly redacted, but none of them appear to have been paid out. You can confirm though, it seems this place has cycled through quite a few in its time.

- [Aldrich] - If that is all, I have to return to Sholmes, he will likely take an ice bullet to the arm if he attempts to enter the penthouse without me present.

 

[Fun With Despair]

Keep your firearm holstered, my good man. I believe we're on the same side here. The young DeMorge is an old friend of mine, and I wish to see him cleared of all accusations. I take it, considering the status that being the resident of a penthouse suite affords, that you are the uncle he speaks so highly of. Wonderful to meet you, really. I can assure you that his business - as far as I am concerned - has been quite the success.

He's constructed quite the comfortable watering hole, if I do say so myself - and his stouts are almost without parallel.

I lack any immediate questions, I'll admit - but I believe your presence should serve as valuable in clearing his name nonetheless, should you care to join us in our investigation. We have reason to consider that he's being framed for a rather flagrant act of vandalism, and he could use an advocate in his corner besides myself and my dear assistant Reginald.

...On second though, perhaps I do have some inquiries after all - though only if a man of your stature has the time to answer them. I won't badger you if you've got places to be, but I assure you, anything you say will be entirely to Storm's benefit.

---

I ask Otto if he knew about Storm's sign and the fact that he'd have to paint it here. If he knows, I'd be curious to know who else knew in advance that he'd be engaging with paint at all.

I also ask Otto what his relationship with Storm is like - or DeMorge Sr., and if he suspected anyone would be out to get them at this conference considering his paranoia. I reassure him that I don't want to harass him or cause him harm in any way, but it would be helpful in identifying the culprit.

Once Otto is settled in, I'll return to the Restricted Storage to examine the rest of the paints and the paint splatted suitcases. Do any of the colors, patterns, or paint compositions resemble our paints in the exhibition hall?

Finally, I examine the soil in the restaurants and compare them to the soil seemingly tracked around outside. Is it the same type of soil?

 

[GBA]

Examine the library and basement for these staff records.

You and Leo decide to tag-team the library records, while Aldrich stays put, and you monitor him. After Leo does a bit of searching without Aldrich eliciting a strong reaction, you decide to head to the basement to follow up on records in other places you have access to. You land at the AEAEA Conference room.

The room is the definition of "mages taking themselves too seriously", featuring dark-oaken furniture and candle-lit aesthetics.

You note from planning documents (and weird parchments) scattered around the table, this year's theme underwent quite a few changes, prior to settling on the semi-nautical "course-charting". The most recent theme change was about a week ago.

You turn to the bookshelf, and begin rummaging through some of the more modern-looking binders for staff related things. Mostly, these appear to be dealing with potential bids for themes and exhibitions, with some of the faceless main-island-based hotel management being stakeholders of AEAEA as a whole, all having disclosed their blah blah bl- you shut the book and move onto something else. You find a registrar of AEAEA conference mages and contracted staff, noting their potential threats to the hotel's system based on powers they've disclosed. It might be useful if you need to look up a person's powers.

 

[Roserade]

. . .

. . . And so the spirit is heard.

​

Bless you for your business!

​

But what a curious encounter...

I communed with a spirit named Poinchester, a fretful chess pawn with sketches all around it. It was frantic, so I soothed it before it could speak. Being a therapist isn't exactly in the job description...

It seems that the colorful Astral Plane is a bit too complicated for it, and it was more used to the black and white of a chessboard. Its sketches were without color, as further proof. Its anxiousness ran deeply, so it was challenging to get concrete details from it... But it mentioned how other pieces, in their confusion, often stumble into fatal mistakes.

It left me with a final wisdom: All pawns who make unintentional messes of their games are sacrificed all the same.

............

What a load of HORSECROCK! I asked this stupid pawn for real information, and all it gave me was social anxiety! What the hell is that little platitude supposed to mean?! That's a REAL mystery for you, Sholmes!

 

[GBA]

Examine the vending room and fitness room for anything strange, but specifically signs of energy drinks.

You examine Vending. There are a few brands of drinks in the machine. You notice a new kind of drink called RATZ, but there's other more recognisable brands, from Z-Power+ to Pomstar, where the latter's Paradise Punch flavor has been cleaned out. You follow up on the Fitness room, and see a table with discarded cans of the drink.

 

[Turboo]

[pretend-this-is-in-character, with a load-bearing non-specific-time beaaaaam ♡]

While BB is busy touching the shiny aluminum foil balls, I'd like to go have Rei pull some extra books on the Astral Plane, if the library has them. Is there anything on malicious spirits?

 

[Roserade]

ETHOS! Still not done with you, buster! Earlier, you so rudely knocked that mask outta my hand! What's that HN on the back stand for, huh? What are you hiding, sussy?!

 

[GBA]

Borrow BB and convince her to touch one of the aluminum foil balls in the botanical garden.

Val watches from her bush as Bushroot returns to talk BB into touching one of the balls, because Sholmes has been talking about starting a tin-foil collection. With no hesitation, BB dives for one of them.

From the pole, two arcane ropes extend with great speed, and bind her in place. Valerie, who's sprites are inaccessible to me while being yelled at, mentions shiny objects lure them in, and swift magical binding is the most effective way to ensnare the fuzzy little beasts. Once contained, it's easy to put them into anything.

 

[Lin Beifong]

Cyrus, did anything odd happen to you during the hour before the unveiling?
Any out-of-place sensations, feelings of lost time, or memory gaps?

Especially, did you sense anything odd after drinking all of these energy drinks?
Other than heart palpitations and premonitions of the apocalypse?

...

Also, what were you upset about earlier, when the little Knotweed person saw you?​

 

[GBA]

I ask Otto if he knew about Storm's sign and the fact that he'd have to paint it here. If he knows, I'd be curious to know who else knew in advance that he'd be engaging with paint at all.

- [Uncle Otto] - Handled the logistics myself. Stormy wanted to build the stand, but iunno about him blabbing about it. He'd have told his little secretary about it. Youze seen his bar back in the 'gyds? Kid was never shown how to sand a table, now he's polishing his own place every few months. Heartwarming, eh?

I also ask Otto what his relationship with Storm is like - or DeMorge Sr., and if he suspected anyone would be out to get them at this conference considering his paranoia. I reassure him that I don't want to harass him or cause him harm in any way, but it would be helpful in identifying the culprit.
[/B]

- [Uncle Otto] - Che paccato... you detectives are always so forthcoming with politeness, but once the questions start flowin', my back gets the shivers.

- [Uncle Otto] - I suppose Al told you about my little... freezes. Bein' a successful battery chucker, mages have always come to me to get their jobs done. Solomon was one of 'em, we partnered to get our generators to power his airships. I'd see the kid sometimes hangin' off his dad at a few of our meetings. Met Stormy again a few years back at a... reunion, of sorts. His papa was long on ice, but after he introduced himself, he told me what hell he'd been through.

- [Uncle Otto] - Had I knew, I would've cast three bullets into Solomon's head myself, is what I'm sayin'.

- [Uncle Otto] - In my head however, all of youze are out to get me but him, and probably Al. This penthouse is practically my second villa with all the conferences I have to front up for. Also have a stake in the conference's running; it's very good for promotion, and my nameplate's so rusted on, it's gonna take an act of the stars to get my not to show up and melt the threats as they come.

- [Uncle Otto] - Dealt with many threats to my life over the years, Detective, so I ain't one for small-talkin'. But, if you wanna talk business, I'm all ears. You say some paintings got splattered? Or somethin'?

Once Otto is settled in, I'll return to the Restricted Storage to examine the rest of the paints and the paint splatted suitcases. Do any of the colors, patterns, or paint compositions resemble our paints downstairs?

The closest match is the Juicy spray paint. The suitcases are coated with a similar, dried spray paint. You ascertain these belong to whoever brought the paint with them.

Finally, I examine the soil in the restaurants and compare them to the soil seemingly tracked around outside. Is it the same type of soil?

Same type of soil. You note its been stamped into the mat like something pressed hard into it to leave it there.[/b]

 

[Fun With Despair]

Well, it certainly seems like you care for Storm - and your lacking presence outside of your suite is noted, so for the time being, you've got little to worry about from my end - if it eases your nerves. I doubt it'll help, but I've been in the direct path of attempts on my own life as well, so I understand how you feel. Why, I was only barely saved from drowning once myself - by someone killing my own would-be killer, no less.

Your pride in Storm is evident, a sentiment that I share; so I won't waste any of your time on that subject. You are correct though in your interpretation - the artist known as CYMK had his exhibit vandalized with the symbol of the Red Lotus. I don't suppose you know anything about that, but your testimony as to Storm's character is appreciated - and of course we'd appreciate anything else you know going forward.

In the meantime, we'll ensure that no one attempts to take a pot-shot at you. There's safety in numbers, after all - and dare I say, you'd be in far more danger locked away in that penthouse of yours with little in the way of security.

Now, while I'm back in the Exhibition Room... there's a few more things I would like to investigate.

---

Ask Aldrich if he knows anything about the suitcases in storage and who brought them. For that matter, are the sabotaged paints in the Still A Cabin the same "juicy" paints as used on the display and the suitcases? Also inquire as to whether it would be possible to smuggle in paint.

After that, I'll take a wander into the Open-Air Lounge and the two Conference Rooms. Anything interesting?

I'll return to the Exhibition Room after that and join Rei in talking to Moh. Specifically, I'd like to address the Red Lotus symbol on the paitning and ask what history he has with the cult (and whether he's ever met one of its members).

 

[Lin Beifong]

Once I am done inspecting the Pomstar Paradise Punch cans and talking to CYMK, I hit up the Restaurant and Bar on the way back to the Exhibition Room. Since the concierge so liberally helps himself to his patrons' possessions, I figure I should do the same and pilfer a bunch of foodstuffs and drinks. Put that on a tray and carry it over to the gallery.

---

Dr. Buxbaum arrives back at the exhibit, carrying a tray of refreshments with the poise and grace of a botanical biologist who has never worked in catering before. He spots Mr. Sholmes a ways away, locked in conversation with Rei and Mr. Dhurvakt.

---

My apologies for making myself scarce, Mr. Sholmes.
They say this is a luxury resort, but it appears more like a madhouse.

Luckily, I've made a list of all of our belongings prior to our departure, so if that concierge
had his wet mitts in our luggage, I WILL know, and there WILL be a reckoning.

In any case, since they STILL haven't fed us yet, I've taken the liberty of raiding their pantry.
I'll consider it complementary for barring us from accessing our rooms.
​

---

As the Doctor bends forwards to extend the tray to his colleague, he "accidentally" bumps his backside into Rei, knocking the man off-balance and towards Mr. Dhurvakt.

---

Ah, oh dear! What misfortune! You are falling!

Watch out, aaah!!​

---

Dr. Buxbaum and Mr. Sholmes watch as Rei topples over, deftly grabbing Mr. Dhurvakt's facial mask to arrest his fall, and tearing it off in the process.

 

[GBA]

TESTIMONY - STORM DEMORGE

---

- [Storm] - Okay Sholmes, upfront, I didn't have shit to do with that exhibition, okay!? Thanks for having my back. None of you better piss me off with accusations while I'm here, because I've been doing great these past few months. I'm not gonna let anyone tarnish my new name. Feel like I'm back on that cruddy island with the way all of you colorful freaks are looking at me to say something. AND, the irony of me saying that while coated in paint is NOT lost.

- [Storm] - ...hah.... okay. Rage out, breathe in.

- [Storm] - Yeah, I realize this looks pretty bad. Hahahahahaha. It's not what it looks like.

- [Storm] - While I was downstairs before the maintenance, I saw heaps of people moving around, but Garett probably remembered 'em better. I want that exhibit to shine, so it was my focus the whole time. Needed to finish the sign, and Garett didn't have his book with the paint sticker in it, so I went to introduce myself to Cyrus and ask if he had any. Caught all of you as I was leaving.

- [Storm] - Once Cyrus and I asked the creepy dude stuffing his face full of cake for the storage key, we went to grab a box of paints he'd brought for "creative inspiration". When he left, I accidentally stabbed a can opening it with... something. The cans all ruptured pretty fast, and I got a faceful of it. Chucked 'em into the cabin I thought was for storage, then left.

- [Storm] - Walked along the promenade to grab a towel or two from the Sunroom and wipe it off. I just missed someone who dumped a wet towel on the ground, but whatever. I could barely see with the paint in my eyes. I tried rubbing most of it off my face, but this crap's hard to remove.

- [Storm] - Next, I figured I'd try dunking my head in some poolwater, since normal water doesn't work with this paint. Wasn't a great idea either. Mostly just makes my eyes hurt. I'll walk it off, like I have all day.

- [Storm] - When we were chasing Al, I slipped on a puddle with a dumb mask in it, then threw that into a bush to cope. Cyrus tried to help me out but I'm fine. That sunny nurse tried helping me when I was downstairs earlier too, but I'm fine. I handle things by myself now, okay? No one died.

- [Storm] - That reminds me, I thought I heard Uncle Oddy in the Kitchen talking with someone when we caught Al. He doesn't usually leave his room, but I guess Sholmes just left to grab him from there as well, so maybe the weather's getting to him. Good luck getting him out of there unless he knows you, though. He's a bigger recluse than Acedia. And he's got a cool gun.

- [Storm] - So which of you punks thought I did it? Why in starry hell would I vandalize his exhibit after he helped me out?! I've got nothing against the guy. Any of you hate his guts? I've solved heaps of these mysteries, and Sholmes has showed me how to deduce stuff a few times, so get talking.

 

[GBA]

[BB elbows Rei, who's been examining the lotus the entire time.]

View attachment 53280
"Goodness. You can get my attention in more productive ways, you know. Buuut... we're in the middle of a crowd, so I'll let it slide.
(Miss Baskerforge called me intuitive, but... what a pain it is trying to decipher this girl.)"

View attachment 53281
"Truthfully, I'd been meaning to ask - Mr. Dhurvakt, I suppose I'm interested in speaking to you for other reasons...
I'm not exactly a somaticist, per se - yet I'm invested in the Astral Plane, you see.
But! Here and now, ignoring all that, I'd love to know what you did leading up to this.
Everyone's a suspect for this, right? Ahh... how thrilling...

(He's familiar with the Fallen Lotus, too... there's two of them here who know what that is...
...opinions and theories and deductions aside, why would that symbol show up now?)"

I'll return to the Exhibition Room after that and join Rei in talking to Moh. Specifically, I'd like to address the Red Lotus symbol on the paitning and ask what history he has with the cult (and whether he's ever met one of its members).[/B]

Once I am done inspecting the Pomstar Paradise Punch cans and talking to CYMK, I hit up the Restaurant and Bar on the way back to the Exhibition Room. Since the concierge so liberally helps himself to his patrons' possessions, I figure I should do the same and pilfer a bunch of foodstuffs and drinks. Put that on a tray and carry it over to the gallery.

---

Dr. Buxbaum arrives back at the exhibit, carrying a tray of refreshments with the poise and grace of a botanical biologist who has never worked in catering before. He spots Mr. Sholmes a ways away, locked in conversation with Rei and Mr. Dhurvakt.

---

View attachment 53298
My apologies for making myself scarce, Mr. Sholmes.
They say this is a luxury resort, but it appears more like a madhouse.

Luckily, I've made a list of all of our belongings prior to our departure, so if that concierge
had his wet mitts in our luggage, I WILL know, and there WILL be a reckoning.

View attachment 53302

In any case, since they STILL haven't fed us yet, I've taken the liberty of raiding their pantry.
I'll consider it complementary for barring us from accessing our rooms.
​

---

As the Doctor bends forwards to extend the tray to his colleague, he "accidentally" bumps his backside into Rei, knocking the man off-balance and towards Mr. Dhurvakt.

---

View attachment 53300
Ah, oh dear! What misfortune! You are falling!

Watch out, aaah!!​

---

Dr. Buxbaum and Mr. Sholmes watch as Rei topples over, deftly grabbing Mr. Dhurvakt's facial mask to arrest his fall, and tearing it off in the process.

The thrilling sequel to "throwing oneself down a garbage chute" begins.

TESTIMONY - MOH DHURVAKT

---

Spoiler: This Person's Dispersion - Moh's Theme

- [Moh] - My, already... so many people interested in the arcane have arrived. The Astral Plane... hohoh. A noble pursuit, starchild Rei. You should attend my lecture later in the conference. The importance of fortifying it against threats, both external and internal, cannot be understated.

- [Moh] - It is the resting place of all spirits, conceptual and physical. You may know worldly religions such as Sterwegenism, which worship stars as deities, holy messengers, and the like. Fate predictions are attempted by examining spirits past, star movements future, and resonance present. Omens, rituals, propechies, communication... all derived and decoded by many. Hohoh, yes. I can tell you're also one who communicates with spirits in your own way.

- [Moh] - It is more than just a simple Thalassic or Stellaric practice, mm? One might say there are ritualistic powers of practice and belief formed by combining Telluric power with one of them, hohohohoh... But, by discarding the body entirely, we achieve Somatic power. Dreams, meditation, relaxation... through the palace of the mind, we reach the stars and the spirits who rest at their boundary. Interpret them in our own ways. History is abound with somaticists and...

- [Moh] - ...there are countless nefarious agents who seek to exploit the plane for their own goals. They must be pursued to the end of time, and given due punishment.

- [Moh] - With the eternal freedom and interpretation the astral plane offers, the difficulty is akin to fishing in a vast ocean without a vessel. So, my journey has led me to AEAEA once more, where I believe my target will strike.

- [Moh] - Previously, I stared at the stars, and Verma, for weeks on end, but now my purpose is to hunt these agents of chaos through prophetic readings. The Noktmathic Guild contracts me to investigate such cases, such as the Lotus. For Sholmes, while I have never met DeMorge personally, I am aware of DeMorge's past actions. I am aware of the Lotus' previous movements. I am aware of the chaotic power they exploited. And... I'm aware of Sirius. The Fallen Lotus exploited this place to congregate. But, to the public, my older work on storing Stellaric energy within mystical, arcane catalysts has inspired many businesses. Dazmuna is, for better or worse, one such beneficiary.

- [Moh] - In saying that, I understand your suspicions of me. But, alas. I can offer you no meaningful help in this case.

- [Moh] - My powers rely entirely on remote communication. I spend my time in a cabin by the ocean, casting my mind out in the hopes of furthering my pursuit. There are some spirits I rely on by name for their guidance. This blindfold, one of my first works, helps me mimic the endless nights I would spend staring at the sky in pursuit of scientific answers, and achieve the connection. They're sometimes loud enough for others to hear! Hohohoho. I have them cast pointed, spiritual stones into the waters to disperse them in a flash, and try again.

- [Moh] - As such, I've been in my cabin since my arrival, meditating, and trying to connect with my suspect again. My body is immovable during practice, and you can confirm this in many ways. Aldrich uses a similar practice to contact his staff. One could say it's Thalassic. I've failed quite frequently to reach my target for a few months now, which is... deeply concerning.

- [Moh] - In terms of what I heard while I was in and out of meditation: Early in the day, I heard someone talking to themselves by the pool. I then entered meditation, and exited when someone knocked at my door, and entered. The arcane dark one, Garth Marenghi. I entered the vast ocean again, and felt my cabin being rocked by a loud explosion, shaking my spirit. I then entered meditation to reach Aldrich for our meeting. He was entirely occupied with me after that.

- [Moh] - But, I have my suspicions and somatic guidance to assist me nonetheless. Staring at this painting for so long, you may find that-

With a deliberate push, Bushroot knocks Rei into him, and Rei pulls down on his bandana, revealing the truth of Moh Dhurvakt for all to see.

- [Moh] - ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

- [Moh] - ......my bandana, if you will.