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

[GBA]

The Sunroom, eh? Well, certainly wouldn't be the worst idea to investigate. Let's continue to follow that trail.

Though... as I pass the golem, I would like to inspect it. Is the paint most concentrated in a particular area? Do its footsteps appear to match the puddles or the trail from earlier?​

You examine the Sunroom. Similar to the gallery next to it, sunlight pours into this room from the skylight above, as it extends out from the "main" building. It has plants, wide open space for relaxing, towels for drying off, and meditating mats. The floor is emblazoned with a sun-like pattern.

The clear watery puddles in the shade of the building outside have not yet evaporated, but any trace of the water in here has unfortunately vanished.

Two piles of towels remain disturbed, on both sides of the room. One towel in the pile closest to where you entered is slightly damp. The other pile is on the other side of the room, coated in bright and colorful smudges, with more leading out the far door and into the Ramura building, and onto the Promenade.

 

[Fun With Despair]

Well, well - what do we have here? I would hope Reginald is doing well with his own investigation back at the exhibit, because it appears this particular branch of the investigation may take me a while. Let's see then...

Take a closer look at those towels with the paint smudged on them. Does this match the colors in the exhibit, or does it appear more similar to CYMK's paints? Is there anything odd about them? Do they appear like they were submerged in water and paint, or simply used to dry off?

Investigate the other wet towels. Anything odd about them? Do they have any embroidery or other pattern on them that might indicate who they belong to or at least which branch of the hotel they were from?

Lastly, I shall follow the trail to the Promenade. ​

 

[GBA]

Well, well - what do we have here? I would hope Reginald is doing well with his own investigation back at the exhibit, because it appears this particular branch of the investigation may take me a while. Let's see then...

Take a closer look at those towels with the paint smudged on them. Does this match the colors in the exhibit, or does it appear more similar to CYMK's paints? Is there anything odd about them? Do they appear like they were submerged in water and paint, or simply used to dry off?

Investigate the other wet towels. Anything odd about them? Do they have any embroidery or other pattern on them that might indicate who they belong to or at least which branch of the hotel they were from?

Lastly, I shall follow the trail to the Promenade. ​

The towels are generic, but definitely exclusive to the Ramura wing, embroided with the wing's sun symbol. They've been stained with reckless abandon, as if used to clean something. The colors are indeed very bright, and the paint smells similar to the exhibition room, but you note the towels are otherwise dry, and the paint is definitely thicker.

The colorful trail in the Ramura lodge bends, and less vibrant markings lead to the Infinity Pool. You continue your painted goose chase further, as any good detective should!

The smudges intensify, until you reach the end of the Promenade in front of the Still A Cabin and Restricted Storage.

A violently multicolored mess is splattered all over the stained deck wood.

 

[Fun With Despair]

Does this damned trail never end? Truly, it has been nothing but water and paint, all the way down! Why, if I determine the identity of this nefarious painter, I'll-

!!!

Ah, now look at this. A veritable canvas of its own, this deck appears to be. The origin of our mysterious pigment? Perhaps... or perhaps not. Unless they had a sudden accident while transporting the paint, I have my doubts there'd be such a telltale mess outside their abode. Still, planted trail, accident, or otherwise... This may place the painter here at some point tonight.

I'll knock on the door of the Still A Cabin and attempt to open it. If the door does not open, I'll try the windows. Do the exact same with the nearby storage room.

If I am unable to get into any of these rooms, I return to the group after checking in on that curious golem. ​

 

[Lin Beifong]

I don't really like being here, but...
Maybe with everyone confined within the basement, it is okay just this once.

I am forbidding myself from enjoying this. You have my word.​

---

Restrain myself from geeking out about exotic plants and examine the mysterious devices inside the botanical garden.

Attempt to follow the trace of magical enrichment in the plants here. Does it lead anywhere?

 

[GBA]

Does this damned trail never end? Truly, it has been nothing but water and paint, all the way down! Why, if I determine the identity of this nefarious painter, I'll-

!!!

Ah, now look at this. A veritable canvas of its own, this deck appears to be. The origin of our mysterious pigment? Perhaps... or perhaps not. Unless they had a sudden accident while transporting the paint, I have my doubts there'd be such a telltale mess outside their abode. Still, planted trail, accident, or otherwise... This may place the painter here at some point tonight.

I'll knock on the door of the Still A Cabin and attempt to open it. If the door does not open, I'll try the windows. Do the exact same with the nearby storage room.

If I am unable to get into any of these rooms, I return to the group after checking in on that curious golem. ​

Though... as I pass the golem, I would like to inspect it. Is the paint most concentrated in a particular area? Do its footsteps appear to match the puddles or the trail from earlier?

You open the door to the Still A Cabin, double checking the inscryption again. Yep, it's Still A Cabin. The door is kind of splattered, like many other things on your trail.

Inside is... your alleged culprit. A lone, contorted six-pack box of oil-based spray paints in pink, purple, yellow, and red sits behind the door. The "Waterproof Juicy Sunset" blend, according to the label. The cans have all been ruptured, and the box has been torn by the blast, but still contains a visible hole punctured in the top.

A seventh spray can sits lazily discarded to the side of the room, its lid also missing, and coated in the same paint as the other cans.

The Restricted Storage is indeed restricted. The windows are covered by shutters, but peering through them, you can fainly make out colorful supplies. This cabin was converted long ago to a storage shed far away from the rest of the hotel. Someone will need to open it for you.

Returning along your trail, you find the golem still swaying in front of Dr. Buxbaum while he examines the nearby bushes. You cast your eye across the golem as Buxbaum did, and note the color is concentrated in the relative center of its form, but it spreads and swirls to its extremities. There isn't enough paint diluted in the golem to turn it entirely pink.

The golem's shambling footsteps are way too big for the footsteps/puddles near the sunroom, and also don't match their water clarity. While the size might be plausible... the paint splashes and colored water puddles are both far stronger in color. You also notice traces of soil and biomass within.

The Exhibition Room itself still remains largely unexamined.

 

[GBA]

Restrain myself from geeking out about exotic plants and examine the mysterious devices inside the botanical garden.

Attempt to follow the trace of magical enrichment in the plants here. Does it lead anywhere?
​

You examine one of the mysterious devices. A metal pole with a glowing, red light is staked in the ground. You note a shiny ball of what appears to be common tin-foil sitting a small ways away. The two are connected by a small nylon wire. There are a few more staked in places around the garden, which has had its soil disturbed in places.

You fail to recall the names of any professionals in this exotic mage resort tin foil ball sport, but Valerie pops her head out from the bush and watches you with intent as you examine the one closest to her, telling you probably not to touch the ball.

You will receive a check in your cabin shortly.​

 

[Lin Beifong]

Mr. Aldrich, you looked quite spooked when we saw the tainted golem right before the exhibition unveiling.
And what's more, you were very quick to pull it out of sight. Is there any particular reason for your reaction?

Also, please enlighten me how your powers work. Are you aware where your creations are while they are active? Do you know what they are experiencing and can you see through them?

And furthermore, could you tell me what these "circumstances" were that necessitated water maintenance outside of the usual schedule?​

 

[GBA]

View attachment 53221
Mr. Aldrich, you looked quite spooked when we saw the tainted golem right before the exhibition unveiling.
And what's more, you were very quick to pull it out of sight. Is there any particular reason for your reaction?

Also, please enlighten me how your powers work. Are you aware where your creations are while they are active? Do you know what they are experiencing and can you see through them?​

- [Aldrich] - Hm. An unexpected question, but if you insist. I hope this will answer everything.

With a fingersnap, Aldrich reveals a mask from his jacket, then forms a golem for examination with water from a nearby chute. This one is crystal clear, and takes on a faint blue hue.​

- [Aldrich] - My powers are thalassic. One who swims in the mind's abyss. I uncovered the mask design in one of my archeaological travels, prior to working as an engineer on this hotel, and spent decades trying to replicate it as an artificer in service of this land.

A bright blue bubble with yellow eyes briefly emerges from his fingertips, then returns.​

- [Aldrich] - The masks, too, store... arcane power. I can portion up my mind to give each one of these waterbags slight autonomy, but they are not "me". Controlling thalassic power is like swimming through a vast abyss. Connecting in this way allows me to sense their general location, but not look through them or control them entirely, like some familiars. Mark my words, further experiments must occur if we cannot secure workable arcane cameras within the quarter. There are... complications, with that. But no matter.

- [Aldrich] - For our connection, the water within them must be as pure as possible. Not only is this a benefit to the hotel's aesthetic, but thalassic power is naturally stronger with pure water. Step back. You are still dripping! Goodness!

- [Aldrich] - Highly unnatural contaminants threaten my control, and the lifeblood of my design.

- [Aldrich] - If I lose control of a golem, it can be catastrophic to guests, so I maintain strict regulations for our safety and keep relevant contraband contained until they leave. When a golem is fully contaminated, they will wail in ghastly near-undecodable tones. Simply unbecoming for hotel staff, really.

- [Aldrich] -
A dyed golem elicits a naturally shocked reaction for any concierge at this hotel. I can assure you, I'll take care of tipsy over there after we finish for your safety.

 

[GBA]

[TESTIMONY]

---

Spoiler: Out of Ink - CYMK's Theme

- [CYMK] - [Sigh]. Okay, guess I gotta say something or other instead of moping about it the rest of time forever. Hoping we can clean this up in time for the public exhibition.

- [CYMK] - Before the big VIP group arrived, my feature was totally ready. I had everything prepped. The paintings, Aldrich's nautical artifact juice, the layout. Even that statue over there. There's a few of them around the resort, so we dragged it in. It's related to Ceaseanddesistism- what Moh said. I was chilling by the pool, relaxing, being all cool, and stuff. Meditating for fun. Enjoying the sun.

- [CYMK] - Being a fan of ghosts it just sucks I can't legit talk with spirits. Can stop 'em if they're about to do something I don't approve of, but I don't understand like... 83% of what I'm drawing here. Look at that one.

Spoiler: Painting 3

- [CYMK] - I chose it for the exhibition cause it represents like, travel? They're walking away from the viewer, towards a city of diamonds. It's really not that deep, especially with the text, and makes me wonder what a "progeny" spirit actually does? Anyway I don't question what I draw, I just print it. You can believe me or not, but I know me. Like I said before, these muses guide my hand in painting, so I simply won't take credit for any of it.

- [CYMK] - But anyway, lot of people coming and going while I was in and out of poolside meditation, I think. Sorry, Dr. Buxbaum (Buxy?). You got the pointy end of a cheeky paintbrush with our meeting earlier. Yes, that was me. CYMK. Cyrus Mulak. It was great being yesterday's nobody for a bit. After you left, Aldrich announced everything was shut for a while.

- [CYMK] - A cool guy named Storm approached me and just straight up asked for my spray paint to make a killer sign, so I was in. I showed him where it was kept, but the door's locked, so we went off to find Aldrich to ask him to let us in. I already talked about my contract, so yeah.

- [CYMK] - Big guy immediately slipped on a big puddle when we saw Aldrich and some guy in a hot pink suit head into the restaurant. Storm was in pain from earlier, so he got a bit whiny, but I helped him out. He took a mask by the puddle and threw it in a bush somewhere.

- [CYMK] - Then, we f-found Aldrich in the restaurant. He was unusually generous enough to give us his key to the storage, so Storm and I headed back. I saw flashing from underneath one of the cabins when we arrived; guess that might have been Moh.

- [CYMK] - I give Storm open slather to my stash, and head to the Vending room to get some energy drinks to prep for the exhibition, which is going so well as you can see!!!! While I'm nervously chugging them in the Fitness Center I hear a loud bang outside and squint to see... well.

- [CYMK] - ...a rainbow cryptid sculking across the promenade. Pft.

- [CYMK] - ...

- [CYMK] - ...

- [CYMK] - ...okay it was probably the guy I let into my paint stash. [Sigh]. I wanted to trust him, and I still kinda do. He's probably off hiding somewhere, once he heard Aldrich's killer wail.

- [CYMK] - Anything paint related, just ask me. It might not be useful for any other investigation, but here... well. I'm like a doctor. Maybe.

 

[Lin Beifong]

Well, I better return to the Exhibition room for now.
I'm getting the nagging feeling that I've forgotten something important.

These paint splotches... the damage they've caused is strangely localized to the floor.
I'm not seeing a lot of damage when I look... at...

...at the...

...the........ ...uhm...

...what... in the name of...

....... HUH???

Spoiler: What the devil is going on here???

WHAT KIND OF DERANGED SPIRIT WOULD PEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS!??

---

Check the broken display cases in the Exhibition hall. Is anything missing or out of place?

Check the curtains flanking the main exhibit.

Check the symbol painted onto the main exhibit. Was it made with the same kind of paint as the rest of the vandalism?

 

[GBA]

Check the broken display cases in the Exhibition hall. Is anything missing or out of place?

While many partitions have been knocked over, only two have actually shattered artifact displays. Each display holds a trio of artifacts, and you glean summaries from their lengthy descriptions. None of the artifacts are missing.

Emerald Button - From the description, it's been emblazoned with an ancient rune resembling an 8-pointed star, the meaning of which is lost to time. From analysis, it can only be pushed once, and has a partner Sapphire Button in an unshattered exhibit. Analysis has been done on its functions, and both ancient buttons appear to have Telluric and Thallassic power.
Stone of Searching - On loan from Sarase, these gemstone artifacts are used to craft devices that can locate temporary treasure troves amidst the neverending sandwaves. An anecdote recounts someone spotting an old dusty junction filled with precious silver, looting it entirely before it vanished.
Ydraseed Replica - The description states its a mere arcane battery in the shape of a rare magical seed. You are cordially reminded that plants have always contained wondrous power in this world, but this forged mockery contains only a fraction of their potential.

Vermelha Map - A weathered star map that attempted to track Sargasso Vermelha over the Nospsific Ocean's stars, to no avail. Many maps like this have been crafted over history.
Compass of Sweeping Thought - A device that can guide one to their desired destination on any map, but the compass itself is dormant, and has not seen use in hundreds of years.
Ship Nozzle - A small attachment for old Findelan waterships that would amplify their output, and allow for faster travel between its many islands. Modern ferries do away with them entirely.

Check the curtains flanking the main exhibit.

The curtains are drawn, exposing the threat for all to see. They can close and open by pulling a small rope next to the exhibit. They are open, with no splashes of paint on them.

Check the symbol painted onto the main exhibit. Was it made with the same kind of paint as the rest of the vandalism?[/B]

The main exhibit shows a rather empty two-color black canvas with a thin white curve, resembling a horizon, with dotted stars in the blank area above. The symbol covers this piece and drips slightly. Its dried a bit already.

You plant your finger into both the paint on the canvas and the paint on the ground. The red paint is oily, and appears to be slightly thicker in composition than the rest of the paint in the exhibit. You conclude it was made with different paint entirely.

 

[GBA]

TESTIMONY

---

Spoiler: Cascading Abyss - Aldrich's Theme

[With a piercing glance at CYMK, Aldrich begins to speak]

- [Aldrich] - Quite.

- [Aldrich] - Now that you've seen my abilities, and the hand I had in this exhibit, I can assure you, I had no motive whatsoever for sabotage. It would bring ruin to Cascade! I'm part of AEAEA's planning committee, and documents with my name approving this exhibit over all other competitors can be presented. The exhibition is one of the most sought-after presentations of AEAEA.

- [Aldrich] - Given the scope of destruction, someone had to have done this deliberately. Following Cyrus' recount of the day's events, there is but one obvious culprit in mind, but more on that later.

- [Aldrich] - I exist to serve our guests, with both my subordinates and myself catering to their whims. Mr. Dazmuna knows this more than anyone, but in a rare turn of events, the day's first request came from Mr. Tarlow. Prior to your arrival, he informed me his book planner, with... special foil stickers, was missing. Missing items are a more-common-than-is-preferred issue, but I kept my eye out for it the whole day, and it was thankfully located. Dazmuna then contacted me regarding a few paranoid issues, begged for me to come in person, making me late greeting you at the foyer. Soleil covered some errands for me as needed, including greeting our current "investigating team".

- [Aldrich] - And then, while I was in the lobby, there was the unfortunate delay in processing your passes, as we had another run-in with a gatecrasher, idly staring at one of the paintings as we speak. Maintenance was also swimming in my mind... in the interest of time, I'll speak about those circumstances a little later, as Dr. Buxbaum has requested.

- [Aldrich] - Suffice to say, after maintenance commenced, I went upstairs to escort Mr. Dazmuna to Ms. Lonicera in the kitchen. Mr. Dazmuna only left my side once he had a hearty belly laugh and spoke candidly with the "lovely donnabella". Mr. Dazmuna's head is clouded with paranoid freezes that can only be resolved by direct confrontation, so I left the two alone and waited in the bar nearby, keeping my eye on the Gallery briefly while maintenance occurred. I then noticed two hooligans approaching the western entrance, so I confronted them.

- [Aldrich] - Mr. DeMorge wanted to complete his stand using Cyrus' auxiliary paints, was the gist of it. I... foolishly gave them access, on the proviso the key to the room was returned immediately. I had to attend another meeting with Moh regarding his exhibit.

- [Aldrich] - The return did not occur, and the hammer will now fall.

- [Aldrich] - It was clearly Storm DeMorge who vandalised the exhibit. That symbol is directly related to his father, who used AEAEA as a conduit for recruiting certain mages in the shadows, right under our noses. With unrestricted access to Cyrus' paint and a timeframe, he vandalized the exhibit, then selfishly ran off somewhere, thinking no one would catch him. I understand the flaws in this reasoning, but so far, we haven't come close to naming a likely suspect, and if Cyrus is to be believed, he was covered in paint!

- [Aldrich] - I can order every golem to find and detain him, if there are no objections.

 

[Lin Beifong]

Spoiler: Music

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.

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.

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.

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?

 

[Lakituthequick]

- [Aldrich] - Before we begin, Garett, regarding the missing item you reported earlier. I have located your book, you can grab it from me at reception at any time. Preferably sooner.

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.

(destruction)

What the...

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

 

[Fun With Despair]

Spoiler: Music

...Well said, Reginald.. Well said.

Young DeMorge may be many things, his past clouded by his father's dark ambitions. But he is not his father, and he has left those looming shadows far behind to pursue his own path, freed from Solomon's devilish grasp. Three years, it's been since. Three years I've seen him build himself up with naught but his paltry excuse for an inheritance and a dream.

Though his family name has been sullied by the widespread tales of the Starline Incident, he yet persevered - and now here he stands among the world's foremost entrepreneurs, representing the very dream that kept him going through it all. Through the fall of the S.S. Circinus, through seven months trapped on that godforsaken island, and through the sideways glances and mutterings of disdain that followed him for a time upon our return.

To accuse this man of vandalizing the very venue which would host him with such honor, the greatest opportunity to prove himself on the global stage - with the very symbol of his father's ideology no less - is more than simply absurd.

No, I would say that it may well be counted as outright slander by any reasonable man.

And slander, as I'm sure you're aware, Mr. Aldrich - is a crime in and of itself!

Well, fear not! If I'm correct, we shan't have to spend much more time pondering the identity of our mysterious vandal. In fact, this very conversation has... begun to stir something within me, the gears of my brain turning with rather well-oiled precision - if I do say so myself. So allow me, for a moment, to take the stage myself.

Because, it's time for-
​

View attachment 53224
Well, I better return to the Exhibition room for now.
I'm getting the nagging feeling that I've forgotten something important.

These paint splotches... the damage they've caused is strangely localized to the floor.
I'm not seeing a lot of damage when I look... at...

...at the...

...the........ ...uhm...

View attachment 53225
...what... in the name of...

....... HUH???

Spoiler: What the devil is going on here???

View attachment 53226
View attachment 53227
WHAT KIND OF DERANGED SPIRIT WOULD PEN SOMETHING LIKE THIS!??

...On second thought.... I fear that our dear friend the painter may have been incorrect about his spiritual control. Whatever painted these must be a truly sinister presence indeed. Of course, I can't properly say this has any real effect on my personal theory, but...

....Reginald, would you mind... covering those up first?

They're... bad for the soul.​

 

[Lin Beifong]

....Reginald, would you mind... covering those up first?
​

 

[Theobald Leonhart]

Waaaahh, this art is so cool! The way everything looks, umm, broken and messy is so...a vanguard?

This isn't how it's intended to look, brat. It's been vandalized - someone destroyed it. Suppose it was too much to expect an uneventful job for once.

WHA-...BUT WHY?

Well, isn't that the question of the hour? But from what I gather about this 'Starline Incident', I'm in agreement with the detective duo over there; can't imagine this Storm fellow has a motive to ruin his own chance at redemption, especially after receiving a personal invite from a big wig like the Chief Justice herself. Still, we should locate him and find out what he knows...clean up the mess he's made, figuratively and literally.

In the mean time, why don't we examine the water chutes closest to the Exhibition Room and the Sunroom. Is there anything notable about them, compared to the other ones we've seen around the resort?

Also, how much force does it actually take to knock over these partitions? Can they be toppled accidentally if you brush by one, or is a deliberate effort required? You'd think that such delicate displays would be flanked by sturdy stuff, but the staff have already made some...questionable decisions, as it is.

 

[Roserade]

What leeway we've been leading! Watching a Detective and his Assistant in the flesh... It's riveting!

Looking closer at our messy golem... The paint inside it, is it waterproof or water-soluble? Can we convince our concierge to dispel the golem's form, so that we might examine the paint closer?

There's also the remnants of some soil... How dirty! Do those disturbed spots in the garden hold any interesting truths? Don't tell me that GNAT had anything to do with this!

 

[Fun With Despair]

Ah, that's better. Many thanks, Reginald. Now, where were we?

Right. The matter of our mysterious vandal. With all we've learned within these past few hours, dare I say that we've learned more than I'd expected to within such a timeframe. Enough, I believe, to put forward a theory. Now, don't be alarmed if this turns out false - of course, there's no promise of nailing our culprit in one go - but a kernel of truth can be found buried within even the most absurd of theories, should one look hard enough.

And thankfully, this one... doesn't seem quite so absurd to me.

Now, without further ado... Herlock Sholmes' Logic and Reasoning Spectacular!

---

​

Spoiler: Music

Can you believe it? An event such as this, set upon by a vandal with far too much time - and paint - on their hands. I can only imaging the sort of wonderful display this must've been in its most pristine form. A shame we won't get to see it, really. Ah, but the damage doesn't stop with just paint. A rather violent fate has befallen the unfortunate state in the room's center, and the same can be said for many of the displays here.

Despite this, nothing seems to have been taken, even some of the more valuable relics. Which begs the question... Why? What does anyone have to gain from doing something like this, and who - or what - could be behind this attack on aesthetic sensibilities? Of course, my first thought was simply that our spirit-touched painter had invited a spirit with less-than-savory intentions into his fold, which may indeed be the case to... some extent, considering the... nature of a few of these paintings.

But I believe our answer for this particular crime may lie elsewhere, at least based on something else very prominently displayed at the scene.

...This symbol.

I'm sure this means little to most of you, but anyone involved in the Starline Incident - or named Mr. Ethos or Mr. Dhurvakt, according to the latter, should recognize this symbol well. The Red Lotus, a dangerous cult formerly commanded by one Solomon DeMorge, the mastermind behind the incident that set us down this path in the first place. This symbol is not something known to many, but for those who are aware of the organization it represents, it should serve as a most ominous omen of impending trouble. At least, should it be the genuine article.

That, of course, remains to be seen - but whether a true sign of the Red Lotus' presence, or simply a false idol intended to strike fear into our hearts for reasons unknown, this symbol is the true centerpiece of our vandal's contribution to the gallery. In any case, it could only be produced by one with knowledge of it, and according to the resident Somaticist, that list is rather small.

Though we shouldn't discount the idea that anyone among us could be secretly concealing their connection, I'd rather not dwell on such things - particularly when there's something far stranger to ponder.

For example: The nature of the paints.

And yes, I did pluralize that on purpose - because the paint elsewhere and the pain splattered into the shape of that odious icon differ in a very significant way. The former, as evidenced by the saturation of the fountain and golem alike, is very distinctly watercolor paint, having blended rather nicely into a rosy pink when added to a greater quantity of our favorite, refreshing liquid. The latter - the paint comprising the symbol - is a oil based spray paint, akin to that used by CYMK.

This discrepancy at first seems rather odd. Perhaps, you could posit, the vandal simply had a large quantity of paint of various types - but I don't believe that to be the case. Paint, it seems, isn't quite so easy to come by on this island - and if you want proof, you need only ask...

CYMK himself - or our currently missing-in-action friend, Storm DeMorge!

According to our spiritual scribbler's testimony, Mr. DeMorge requested to borrow some paint in order to craft a sign for his display. Indeed, he did mention that he was missing a vital piece of his booth at the exhibition - and that it wasn't quite ready yet. I believe Mr. Tarlow had knowledge of this same information. In a show of goodwill, the artist allowed Storm to use his supplies - but ran into a bit of a snag.

The paint, you see, was locked up tight in the storage room. Aldrich, you see, didn't seem to like the notion of having such materials available to just anyone, a reasonable concern admittedly, considering what's happened here today. Nonetheless, the man seemed all too happy to unlock the door and allow the two of them to procure the materials for the sign. CYMK, of course, left DeMorge alone with the paints, and the rest is history.

...Until, of course, CYMK witnessed a rather strange sight - DeMorge running about, covered in paint. I of course, had come across my own traces of this event, and after an investigation of the trail left behind, I believe I've managed to come up with a summary of the events that transpired regarding DeMorge's artistic mishap.

It began with a rather unrelated - yet curious - lead. From the Exhibition Room, I was able to follow a trail of water out to the gardens, where I picked up another trail - paint. That trail led me through the Sunroom, where I came across two sets of towels. One, covered in water - and another, covered in paint. Past that, the trail continued onwards and towards - or away from - the Infinity Pool, with a separate, thicker trail leading me across the Promenade to the Still A Cabin.

The door, to my surprise, was open - and within... was a package of paint cans, having been sabotaged to explode in a mighty splatter. A deeper inspection of the room revealed yet another can of paint, untouched and without the damage suffered by the ones within the package.

So... what exactly does this mean?

Well, I propose that DeMorge, upon sitting down to work on his advert, found himself accosted by a mighty spray of paint from the sabotaged cans. Startled and obviously uncomfortable, he hurried to the pool to wash up, then dried himself off. But why, you ask, would someone go through the trouble of sabotage in this instance? A cruel prank?

...Not exactly. I believe our vandal was the hand that laid this trap - and with DeMorge noticeably covered in paint, there was an easy scapegoat for the crime. Or perhaps, the intent from the very start was to frame him specifically for the symbol. How exactly they could have known he would be working on the sign is a mystery, but I doubt that considering the nature of the crime, the killer would have been particularly perturbed to find CYMK suspected of the deed either. There is the question of how they were able to sabotage the paint in the first place, but I shall put a pin in that for now.

That extra can in the room, I propose, is the very can responsible for the symbol upon the painting. Abandoned after the fact by the culprit in order to further throw suspicion upon DeMorge or anyone else unlucky enough to indulge their artistic side.

But with all this effort to implicate the one using the spray cans containing oil paint - why the watercolors? Well, that's the easiest question thus far.

Recall, if you will, the Thalassic Golems. While a rather helpful bunch when it comes to security and transportation of heavy goods, these large lads have a rather glaring weakness that I fear is all too simple for a particularly clever criminal to exploit. Namely, the fact that the water forming them must be pure. As the Concierge himself stated openly, any tainting of the golem's fluid form can cause them to act strangely in unpredictable ways.

I myself had the pleasure of observing this fellow in particular out in the gardens, filled with the watercolor paint also strewn all about the exhibition hall. It seems as though the poor thing was on security detail - which begs the question as to why nothing was done about the destruction of the exhibits. That, I'm confident, is the very reason for the involvement of the watercolor paints at all.

The painted golems are completely worthless.

I was able to get right up in this one's face, and it barely paid me a moment of attention. He just continued to gormlessly wander the paths, blind to the world - and to Aldrich's remote influence. A little spatter of paint in one or two of these golems, and you have your entire security force completely disabled. Perhaps next AEAEA, you'll consider employing a less susceptible force, hm? Of course, exploiting such a method would require knowledge of their operation, wouldn't it?

So where does that leave us, then?

We know that the culprit must've been able to sabotage the paints - despite them being firmly locked up behind closed doors. Secondly, we know that the vandal must've known how the golems function in order to properly pollute their supply and render them largely inert. It would help, of course, if they had an excuse to keep the exhibit off-limits for a time as well, to allow them to enact this plan in the first place.

At last, it's time to make my accusation - however unlikely it may be.

Our vandal... is you, Mr. Aldrich Ethos.

I can't imagine quite what you were thinking with this plan of yours. Perhaps you're a member of the Red Lotus yourself. Perhaps you simply didn't want your conference to host Mr. DeMorge in the first place and were hoping he would be accused - you were quite happy to accuse him yourself as soon as possible, after all. No matter your motive, the facts are as clear to me as the spotlights I've conjured above our heads momentarily.

You alone had access to the paints, and specifically requested them locked up to keep it that way - to maintain control over the supply and allow for easy sabotage when the time came to enact your plan. You kept a can for yourself, obviously, to use on the painting before planting it on your chosen scapegoat. With all this in mind, it would be child's play to try to pin the crime onto them.

The watercolors, obviously, are a simple diversion. Were you to simply stroll in and order your golems not to interfere with you, there would be many questions about how exactly the vandal managed it - questions that would point back to you. You could, of course, have only saturated the golem itself with paint, but the same questions would've come back to you - this time regarding the knowledge of their weakness. Instead, you tossed the watercolor paint around with reckless abandon, in hopes of making the golem's tainting look like an accident borne by the golem coming into contact with the paint on its own.

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Unfortunately, Mr. Ethos, you've fallen victim to the age-old killer known as "overthinking". There's about thirty different, far less complicated ways you could've had Mr. DeMorge removed from your conference - and should you be simply looking to terrorize us, why I doubt our reaction would've been much different were we to find this symbol scrawled upon our collective bathroom mirrors. Instead, you enacted a ludicrous, complicated plan in order to accomplish, ultimately, what primary school children have gotten away with on a daily basis for likely over a century by now.

If you turn out to be innocent, of course, I retract this entire statement for fear of legal retaliation - but I've got a good lawyer, so for the time being... I'm certain you had something to do with this incident, and I'm certain you're hiding something.

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