Odyssey Investigations: AEAEA - Chapter 0

[GBA]

[As the elevator descends]

(Guess I should at least feign interest in this glorified magic show. If we're lucky, maybe we'll find something that catches Efi's eye. Most of the magic mumbo jumbo would probably go over her head, but they've got magic cakes n' shit here, right? She can understand dessert, at least. I just hope any samples are free...)

Oh, Miss...Soleil, right? I introduced myself in the lobby, but we didn't get a chance to speak earlier; I didn't wanna interrupt while you spoke with the others. I came here for the conference, but this resort is quite the spectacle itself, eh? From what the concierge told us, it sounds like you've been helping out around the island for a while now, even before being promoted to full-time. Suppose you must like it here, then? Enough to stick around, at least. Your job must be hard with the place so...chronically understaffed, but I'm sure you get to experience some real unforgettable things here.

[As the elevator reaches its destination and the conversation concludes, Leo and Efi step out onto the landing of the conference floor]

Uwahhh...There's so much STUFF down here! Do ya think there's anything tasty at those stands?

I think I heard something about a brewery?

That doesn't count! Dummy!

[Leo ignores her, his eyes drifting toward the Casino]

P-Papa? What about the stands? I think this place is...too classy for those bunny girls you like...Papa!!

[Her plea falls on deaf ears, as Leo saunters over to the Casino and the adjacent lounge. She hurriedly trots after him.]

AT LEAST DON'T GET CAUGHT CHEATING...!!

You examine the Casino and Lounge. There are lots and lots of slots and slots. The Giant Roulette Wheel is practically a functional club and dance floor, with casual lounge seating for tired patrons. It has an obvious roulette theming, with a giant inflatable event ball one can get in and roll around inside. The fancy light up floor is probably rigged to give you the same number every time, though...

Such a room seems absurdly out of place for a serious mage conference, yet, Chaos in itself is a type of magic we've yet to comprehend. Perhaps this is a kind of resonance yet to manifest elsewhere.

Is what you would think, if you were some stuck up mage. Instead, you should probably be questioning why you brought an underage dragon girl into a casino.

 

[Roserade]

. . .

. . . And so the spirit is heard.

Bless you for your business!

What a lovely specimen, that Dr. Lackhof. Gave me some dutiful insight I'd be happy to share... with an associate. Company secrets ought not to get leaked! Isn't that right, Detective Sholmes?

 

[GBA]

Ah, theres a lot of representatives for plantlife Dr. Buxbaum. I'm always so fond of their topics myself! Let's see... Dr Thornwhip... no, he rejected this year... Valerie Knotweed studies invasive plants, but focuses on critters... Cassia might be an expert chef, but she's a herbalist who also knows a lot about grafting plants, and plant hybrids, Dr. Dendron is a talented botanist who discusses-... Dr Bramble, Dr. Thornwhip Sr... Dr...

She keeps going on until the elevator ride ends, then beams with a tired smile as you all escape.

A-ah! Leonhart. You caught me off-guard. Yes, I've been here a while, and theres never an eccentric guest or two or six hundred who doesn't cause some kind of medical ruckus. But you take the shadow with the sun, ahehe. There are many positive things about AEAEA, and getting to meet talented experts is one of them.

Aldrich wasn't always the concierge, yet put a good word in for me anyway because of the work I'd do as its doctor. It's... hard to say no to him. I think he's got this place at heart.​

 

[Lin Beifong]

Ah, theres a lot of representatives for plantlife Dr. Buxbaum. I'm always so fond of their topics myself! Let's see... Dr Thornwhip... no, he rejected this year... Valerie Knotweed studies invasive plants, but focuses on critters... Cassia might be an expert chef, but she's a herbalist who also knows a lot about grafting plants, and plant hybrids, Dr. Dendron is a talented botanist who discusses-... Dr Bramble, Dr. Thornwhip Sr... Dr...

She keeps going on until the elevator ride ends, then beams with a tired smile as you all escape.

A-ah! Leonhart. You caught me off-guard. Yes, I've been here a while, and theres never an eccentric guest or two or six hundred who doesn't cause some kind of medical ruckus. But you take the shadow with the sun, ahehe. There are many positive things about AEAEA, and getting to meet talented experts is one of them.

Aldrich wasn't always the concierge, yet put a good word in for me anyway because of the work I'd do as its doctor. It's... hard to say no to him. I think he's got this place at heart.​

A-ah! Yes! Thank you so much for that enlightening information!
Well, I'm looking forward to the event.

Uh.... Please excuse me for a moment. I need to go splash some water on my face to quell my excitement.
Miss Soleil. Mr. Sholmes. I will be back momentarily. Don't look for me.​

---

Dr. Buxbaum separates from the tour group before anyone can say another word.
With his mind clouded by a sudden maelstrom of thoughts, he steps into one of the long hallways; cautiously at first, but then breaking out into a brisk walk that takes him all the way to the western stair well.

Only once everyone is left behind and he finds himself alone does he stop. He ducks into a shaded corner, leaning against a wall to steady himself, palms touching the cool stone behind him. There he stands motionless for a few minutes, pressing his back into the structure as if beckoning it to consume him.

---

. . . . .



. . . . .

(loud, panicked gasp for air)
HHHhhhhh...!!!!!

I knew it! I knew it I knew it I knew it!!!

I've made a mistake!!!

Coming here was a huge mistake! What was I thinking!?!?
I'm going to jeopardize the entire mission! I'm going to...

Ahhh!!!

G-Get... Get a hold of yourself you jolly green idiot!

Shit!

What is everyone going to think!?! Herlock is relying on you!!
Stop panicking and PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER!!

You can do this!
You can do this!
You! Can! Do! This!

God crap compost corn smut fiddle-de-dee!
You helped blow up the goddamn god rabbit, you can make it through this as well!

Hahhh! Breathe! Hahhhh!

. . .​

 

[Fun With Despair]

Reginald, are you alright?

...Well, there's a few lavatories upstairs... and I suppose a water chute in the Casino nearby if you nee-

Ah, he's gone. Well, I can't suppose I blame him. I'm finding myself suffering from no small degree of jet-lag myself. That and a continually empty stomach. I'm sure he'll be right as rain soon enough. Hm.​

. . .

. . . And so the spirit is heard.

View attachment 52661​

Bless you for your business!

View attachment 52662​

What a lovely specimen, that Dr. Lackhof. Gave me some dutiful insight I'd be happy to share... with an associate. Company secrets ought not to get leaked! Isn't that right, Detective Sholmes?

...Well - I can't say I know of whom you speak. I've not yet encountered a Dr. Lackhof on my travels, nor am sure of their relevance to the matters at hand. Yet I'd be remiss to pass on an offer of assistance from a skilled practitioner of the Somatic arts, especially as the Astral Plane maintains a certain amount of importance to the subject of my idle investigations.

Something I'm sure you've picked up on, perhaps.

...But I've been well acquainted with many a lawyer in my time as a detective - and I know full well that I'd be a fool to agree to a binding contract without engaging in the art of negotiation. Of course, it's no sign of distrust on my part, but I'd simply like to know more about the deal you propose - and the reach of its particular conditions.

Would you be willing, by chance, to join me in the Casino for further discussion?

The Astral Plane is a sensitive matter, I'm sure you'll agree - and if you'd prefer our subsequent exchange remain between the two of us, I'd prefer we do it someplace with less potential eavesdroppers. Besides, a certain someone is tied up in conversation with a green-haired mutual acquaintance, and I've done a fine job so far of avoiding association with her and her censor-pushing garments.​

 

[GBA]

Investigations are now locked. All existing investigations will be addressed in due time. You are free to resolve player-player/npc interactions and use role powers on the day's results, and these will be sent to your cabin.

Thank you for participating in this ride so far.

 

[Roserade]

But of course! I take you as no fool, Detective Sholmes. I expected further discussion of my terms. I'll join you in the Casino; we should spruce up this scenery.

I hope your assistant will feel alright! It can be so hard to find a bathroom sometimes...

 

[Lin Beifong]

Gah! Enough! ENOUGH!!
You've wallowed in self-pity enough!

There is a CASE at hand!

I need to return to Mr. Sholmes.
If I know the entourage we usually travel with, BB will have made a nuisance out of herself again!

Someone needs to shield him from that headache.​

After composing himself to the best of his abilities, Dr. Buxbaum attempts to locate his partner once again. He tracks him down to the Casino.
However, he seems to be in a conversation right now. Unwilling to interrupt the important discussion, the doctor turns his attention to a lonely potted plant someone dumped on a spinning roulette wheel.

That's no way to treat a ficus...​

---

Pick up the spinning plant and caress its leaves to comfort it.

 

[Fun With Despair]

View attachment 52670

But of course! I take you as no fool, Detective Sholmes. I expected further discussion of my terms. I'll join you in the Casino; we should spruce up this scenery.

I hope your assistant will feel alright! It can be so hard to find a bathroom sometimes...

Ah, good. Now that we've been afforded a moment of... relative isolation - save for Reginald over there, who I suppose decided to use the water chute after all - I believe it's time I discuss my own terms of agreement. As I've said, I certainly don't intend to sign a bad contract, not even with the presumed benefits of access to the Somatic arts.

So allow me to begin.

First of all, I demand to know the full terms of what I am signing myself to. Don't consider this a declaration of suspicion as much as a simple request for knowledge as to the terms and conditions. They say that nobody reads those things - yet I'd be rather pleased to prove "them" wrong, I'd think. Should anything be required of me, I'd request to know it well in advance. Anything beyond the terms of exclusivity, of course.

Speaking of, secondly I'd like to know what effect this contract would have on my associates. I'm perfectly happy to honor my word, yet should my entourage seek out answers of their own within the Astral Plane by means of a differing proxy, I think it'd be best to know whether this contract of yours will have any effect on their own efforts. Should I be entering into a "bad deal", as they say, my trust lies fully with Reginald and... perhaps BB - should she gain the ability to focus for but a moment - to uncover the truth in my stead. I'd not impede them on that front.

...And lastly, I ask that you reveal your purpose here. You seem to be more connected to my personal investigations than the esteemed Mr. Marenghi and that man leading around the young lady. Yet, despite your resemblance, you reject the notion of any connection to the "ENA" I met upon Circitus Isle - or Maseon, as they once called it. This, of course, does make me wonder.

Are you, perhaps, here on behalf of another in some attempt to deceive me and lead me into a trap? Or are you too, simply seeking answers to questions far beyond the understanding of most? Tell me the truth, or lie to me if you must - deception is merely a hurdle to be leapt over when the time comes.

Answer me those questions, and I'll take your offer.

...But I shan't sign in blood. Ballpoint only, or perhaps a quill.​

 

[Roserade]

Spoiler: Music

This is what I admire about you, Detective - your inquiry into the manner of the man! Let's get to brass tacks.

Your first inquiry: the contract itself. It's simple terms. By signing onto this agreement, you permit me to work alongside you towards your dreams! Your motivation becomes my motivation, your interest my interest. You might think of this as... a "secondary goal" running tandem to your "primary goal", if I were to use business lingo.

What do I gain from doing so? The satisfaction of a job well done! It looks good on my report card! And if you're happy with my help, you might recommend me to future clients!

No further work from you is required, other than the pursuit of your - our truth. To satisfy the contract, you must only succeed.

​

As for your associates, this carries no binding for them. I would appreciate the courtesy of exclusivity, but no pinky promises need be made. The partnership is ours, Detective. Though, I would carry a wise eye regarding some of the somaticists you encounter around these parts. Some are nothing more than scam artists!

Finally... you ask what my purpose is. Such a profound question! I cannot answer this in full... yet.

​

But if I may be so unwise...

I trust you, Detective Sholmes. I familiarized myself with your investigations, and I believed you to be an authentic detective. Seeing you in the blood and flesh today only confirmed my feelings. In some sense, I believe we might be seeking the same thing already.

To fully exemplificate my interest, and to really seal the deal... I'll disclose what the spirit told me.

I searched to know whether something unsavory was happening here, and Dr. Lhackof responded. A spirit of science and ethics, he informed me of two important tensions in the magical realm.

One: Mages that have attended this very conference have reached towards unsavory means to gain eternity. Be it to bend fate, find immortality, or make their influence larger than life... The lengths to which some go to achieve eternity is its own ethical dilemma. Which dovetails into...

Two: The biggest scientific struggle is the question of permanent resurrection. Not just prolonging their presence in a waking body, but returning them to that body when they've departed... It has too many implications. Chief among them, the disbalance it causes the Astral Plane.

As far as I'm aware, no mage has yet practiced the act of resurrection at this conference. If this year proves different, however...

What's to be gathered here is that someone's meddling in astral matters out of their control. You must've already been aware of this, though, if you're looking for that lotus.

Perhaps it's clear that I'm searching for a truth. Hardly anyone's more fit to find the truth than you, Detective Sholmes. Let's unravel this mystery yarn together!

 

[Lin Beifong]

. . . . .

Awaken, my brethren.
Come drink from the nectar of sapience.
​

---

Spoiler: Music

Speak to me. Now.
​

Ahh... Good evening, Sr. Bushroot. I have received your summon. Has the time come to lay waste to this island and return to the forests of old?

No! No... Cease those insurrectionist thoughts... for now.

I require your insight. Share your perspective with me.
Tell me how two-faced is this double-visaged entity before us really is.

...

Hmmm....

I see...

I didn't know human heads could be used for that...


​

---

---

I sense no entrapment in this ENA's words, Mr. Sholmes.
Whether she is deceiving you or not, you will not be ensnared by any hidden clauses.

Under the circumstances, I see little issue with accepting her terms.
​

 

[GBA]

[Earlier...]

View attachment 52629
Paradise, hm? That is reassuring to hear.
After the things I've been reading in the guest book I was beginning to worry this place was a sham.

As someone who's been here before me, what can you tell me about this resort?
Has anything interesting happened recently?
Any persons of interest or events that might be worth seeing?
Any... accidents or rude staff or guests?

I'm trying to get a feel for this location.​

Spoiler: Out of Ink - CYMK's Theme

- [CYMK] - Hm......! Well. I'm not really a ritzy type, my ticket was funded by the conference and contract; normally I can barely afford premium instant ramen so, yeah wow uh! I-It's also my first visit, and I've only been here- a day? (Feels like a few weeks already, though...) So, I'm really tryna get the most of it and meet some colorful people, like yourself~!

- [CYMK] - Interesting things huh... this is weird for an ice-breaker, but what the stars. You know this place is haunted right? So many stories from ghostheads who talk about stuff going missing, weird puzzles, strange codes, and creepy bump-a-dumps in the night. Like, as influence from the rumored Thalassic leyline, and uh. Y'know, cursed artifact stuff. None have really found the truth, though. I'm more of a fanboy, but I figure I might as well give it a look while I'm here. It's prime podcast material, if nothing else.

- [CYMK] - I've consumed sooooo much ghost media; I LOVE the thrill. (I think I saw Garth Marenghi earlier...!)

- [CYMK] - Like... spirits can be playful and creative, but something about this place feels off, y'vibe? I mean, it's a hotspot for the magical, so something's bound to be up on the down low. So many freaky mages set up camp here every few years, even outside of this conference. Love the videos from this content creator who does street interviews with some of 'em. There was this one guy, who had gemstones, and- (oop! Sidetrack!)

- [CYMK] - ...um! Since you're here early, you'll probably be guided to that Exhibition in a little while for an exclusive VIP showcase with the artist. But, y'know. It's nothing big. There's other cool stuff here, even in the exhibit. Plus, I hear he's been suffering art block lately... doing a lot of meditation...

- [CYMK] - ...and on top of allllll of that I hear the gallery is also haunted. Well, in a way. Hehe. All of the art in there has been painted by spirits. Try to get in now though, and you'll meet that creep-blue water golem.

- [CYMK] - And speaking of, keep an eye out for that concierge. Between you and me, even though I'm under contract, he made me put most of my stuff in some dinky cabin storage for security reasons anyway. A bit rude, but whatever. More time sunbathing and meditating out here is good.

- [CYMK] - Oh...! it seems someone in a tweed jacket is calling you. Gotta head inside, it seems. Hope to catch you, maybe!

oh sweet stars thats probably too anime

CYMK

• CYMK Art Exhibition. A modest deinos artist from Findelo. Specialises in graffiti art under his tag CYMK, but when he's not traveling with his crew and being commissioned for public street art, he's been trying to make it big in other professional art spaces. He takes no credit for his gallery work, owing it all to spirits he resonates with. Having partnered with a few galleries before, CYMK's exhibition won out as the "art feature" of this year's conference, and he's been invited to AEAEA to display his most recent work, alongside some of his others, and the hotel's artifacts. He can see the primary color of someone's "spirit".

 

[GBA]

[Earlier...]

[Enter, as I wish.]

Hello, my good man. I'm Garth Marenghi, Archduke o' Darkdom, self-realised Thalassic visionary. Mind if I pop my head in? What's this "ritual" I'm hearing about?

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

(Garth Marenghi... the author!)​

(V-visionary...? And he knew!)​

- [Moh] - ...my stars, what an impressive introduction.

- [Moh] - Not many pique my interest. Even fewer make themselves known with such an entrance. Very forward, and very entertaining.

- [Moh] - Noktmathi somaticist, Moh Durvakt. As a self-described visionary, I assume you're here to peddle a book, or such. Regrettably, I cannot afford distractions at this time.

(Ask for a copy, Moh! It's free!)​

(V-very important... person... maybe he's supposed to be... downstairs... soon...)​

(He asked about Moh's "ritual". Clearly he knows something.)

(Thalassic? Puh-lease, that's way too broad! He probably guessed.)​

- [Moh] - (...disperse.)

- [Moh] - You certainly have somewhere to be, but to sate your curiosity--what you heard was an attempt at contact with someone quite hard to reach. A person of interest.

- [Moh] - In both first meetings and my current line of work, a name is important for establishing a connection, but trust must still be earned, starchild Marenghi.

- [Moh] - Yet, we can't talk for much longer. I must soon speak with Ethos regarding my presentation. We should both walk our separate paths, until they cross again.

- [Moh] - I heard you enter the Still A Cabin, while most have been using the Storage next to it this morning. Archibald was a great somaticist. If we share an interest in the truly arcane, seek me after the exhibition.

---

Your patience is appreciated, one final Chapter 0 post will come tomorrow.
Chapter 1 begins Later today at 7:00 PM