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

[Lakituthequick]

I-indeed, I'm missing the one sticker that could c-cause paint to appear to this extent.

While I'm glad you've copped to it, Aldrich, y-you could have just a-asked.

W-well. I s-suppose leaving the Great Board of Arcana doesn't take away my own honours of telling you what I've seen today, in case it helps.

Spoiler: Right On Schedule (Garett's Theme)

When we arrived here a couple of hours before you all got here, my suitcase was sent to my room while I joined Storm in the conference hall to look at the facilities here.

I've got to admit, the facilities are splendid! The Aquila lounge pales by how much fancy thing the casino has here.

When we were preparing the Storm's Brewing stand, I indeed noticed a few people meandering around the floor. I remember seeing Soleil and Aldritch in various places, and a woman too far away to recognise at Agriculture. Valerie was organising a few cages.

At that point Storm asked me for the painting, but as I realised my journal was still in my suitcase, I left for my room. On the way, Soleil and Aldritch were talking in Medame's foyer.

T-that's the point that I found my journal was missing! I informed Aldritch of it, being the concierge, b-but we already know what happened there.

H-he did also tell me you'd arrived in the meantime, so that's when I went to the reception to catch up.

 

[Lin Beifong]

My apologies, sir. I saw it fit to try break the ice by re-enacting a classic Pysgidian comedy routine.
Perhaps you are familiar with the works of Mr. Pea?

But really. If you are familiar with both of Solomon and Sirius, you must understand the precaution.
Persons who insist to hide their face can be very dangerous when the Fallen Lotus is involved.

In all honesty though, you wear this look really well. It is stylish.

If you are willing to forgive me, perhaps a somaticist of your repute could help me with something.

See, a... distant associate of mine has been suffering recurring night terrors for a while, which I believe to be related to the activity of a certain spirit on the astral plane. I've had said associate describe the entity to me and was able to compose a sketch of their likeness.

If you look at this, are you perhaps familiar with an entity like this?

Spoiler: Sketchbook page

If you do and could tell me anything about them, I'm sure my friend would be able to rest easy again.​

 

[Roserade]

Right-o! This mask that's been mentioned - can I still find it in the bushes? Rustle around, get these palms sticky!

 

[GBA]

Spoiler: Biosecurity Beat - Valerie's Theme

- [Valerie] - .......................................................................................................okay fine. I'll talk, especially if one of my terrichinoderms really had something to do with this. They're completely harmless (...when trained and pacified.)

- [Valerie] - You probably know the layman terms for these parasites are Fuzzes, Fuzzies, Fuzzles, "I've got the fuzzes", "A fuzzy's on my back", "as jumpy as a fuzzle". In ancient times, they were once endemic to Findelo's islands, both explored and non, but they've escaped into other countries, and now they occupy jungles in places around the world. And, they're my favorite invasive species, despite what people.... hate about them. They're really kinda shy... like ..... today probably won't do much to... uh... convince you..... hm. But, I'll try anyway. Maybe I can make my speech abou- I mean, um.

- [Valerie] - ...........so today. Aldrich contractually stored some of my invasive plants when I arrived, and that was early in the day before Storm and Garett showed up. Saw them in the conference hall after that. Uh.... checked out some agriculture displays from a friend before heading upstairs myself.

- [Valerie] - Then, I went to the kitchen to speak with Cassia, but found her in the... not-Cepheus restaurant. She was... angry...... guess she's often like that, from what I've seen (...and heard.)

- [Valerie] - She vented to me about some... guest. Cassia was trying to calm herself down in the restaurant, delicately arranging a display using her dual vines.... uh. Plants are neat, it makes me want to study them later...... but I kinda..... don't like sweets..... or social gatherings in general.... so you might not see me there. Especially if I'm still busy hunting this biocontamination breach.

- [Valerie] - After Cassia, I wanted to go back to my room in the Medama wing to relax............. and let my more well behaved fuzzes roam in the hotel room. Saw one of those menacing golems on the bridge outside....... and decided I'd rather not... go there. It's like five times my size, so I ducked around the pool, and saw CYMK looking kind of, upset, about something. Maybe he gets nervous, too.

- [Valerie] - Soleil caught me outside the Medama building. She told me one of them had attacked her, and I froze. Had a feeling I knew which one, so.......... I ducked down to the conference hall immediately. Storm was down there alone still. The cage had been opened, so... that's that. I grabbed my traps, armed myself and went back upstairs.

Her mood changes to be a bit more enthusiastic, while talking about her hunting skills.

- [Valerie] - So, my hunting sense kicked in, and I began tracking it by movement and sound. I use my other fuzzes to try and lure it out, also. It probably ducked into the gardens after it attacked Soleil, so I started there. There was a bit of rustling in the bushes, but then... I got jumped by ENA and Sholmes... Then, when they left. I went back to it, and found......well, nothing.

- [Valerie] - They bounce quite quickly, so ideally you corner these things at a dead end, but luring them with really shiny objects is effective. You know how metal and crystals can like... channel energy. Well, they like that. Tinfoil is sparkly, and cheaper than crystals too, so I've crafted a perfect trap that can corner them from both sides with magical, binding ropes, using that as bait...... though....... if it really found something better, like Garett's sticker................ I guess that explains why my traps didn't go off.

- [Valerie] - So, I moved on to the West garden, laying traps and keeping my ears peeled. Thankful my helmet was here, I got hit on the head with something. There were a few people I ducked my head up to spy on. Storm and CYMK were together, one of them yelled so I stayed hidden.......... Aldrich yelled over the intercoms, then I saw him with some guy in a hot pink suit.... then a while later, Cassia was picking herbs while carrying a silver dish.... and since this incident happened, I've been so sidetracked with hiding for my life that I haven't continued my search elsewhere.

- [Valerie] - They usually like highly cluttered places and don't bounce away until you like, disturb them. Bushes, burrows, trees... those are all the natural habitats I can think of.

- [Valerie] - If we really need to search for it though, anyone can capture them in theory... but you'd need a little skill. Taming them takes time. They're rambunctious things when let free, and it wouldn't be so aggressive on their own, unless someone really agitated it.

- [Valerie] - Everything I've said can be verified with research.... but.... well..........given the circumstances...............I'd get it if you were mad at me for this. I don't know how it got out. I don't know if it got into the exhibit, and if it did, how it did so without me seeing or hearing it. But, I need to stay here, even if I get.... terminated. Aldrich.... um.... please.....

- [Valerie] - ................at least... I need to find it.

 

[Lin Beifong]

Is the seventh spray can in the Still A. Cabin the same Waterproof Juicy Sunset brand as the ones from CYMK's stash?

Can I ask Storm what object he used to puncture those cans? If he gets cranky, remind him that I am on his side.

Go to the Conference Room and use the register to look up the powers of Vallerie Knotwood.

 

[GBA]

- [Cassia] - My... there's no chance I would do something so uncouth as this wretched vandal did towards a fine arts exhibition~ but, any chance to take the stage and talk about my talents is appreciated. Your chef for this afternoon's testimony is Cassiandra Lonicera, here to sweeten our rather sour mood.

- [Cassia] - Our first course is the morning appetizer. I arrived early in the day, along with a few others. (The botanist on the boat was a delight, really.) First, mis en place, then, I began filling chafing dishes for our arrivals today. As I'm in charge of catering for the private portion of this conference, I laid out all the food you see in Cepheus...... tsk. Such unrefined cuisine. Truly, I was double-focused on preparing my cakes for my own tasting event, hopefully something we can enjoy much more than this... mess, later!~

- [Cassia] - Over the day, I masterfully juggled handling orders from guests... oh dash it. It was just one guest. Garett can collaborate, he found me in an unbecoming state earlier. Mr. Dazmuna was paranoid I was poisoning him, when really it was his own sorbeted-out mind, so he kept returning things over and over through my water chute. Fanciest dumbwaiter ever!

- [Cassia] - Now for our soup course. I was in the Industrial Kitchen most of today. The dish is a cold, vegetable-and-herb-infused broth that requires fresh herbs to garnish. I'd scanned the west garden earlier for ones I didn't have in my kit and prepped liberally. But, I was stuck working on his requested adjustments all day. How indignant! At one point, I set out my cakes in the Sapphire Waterfront, where I met Val for the first time. She was quite... serious! Was only interested in my herbs and other plants I cultivate as an herbalist. There's no weeds here~!

- [Cassia] - I complained to Aldrich after the water chute quit before I could, but he forced me to wait until the waterworks maintenance for it to be fixed, so the rest of the time, if I needed to dump a rare mistake, I'd have to use the garbage chute. I simply did not have time to get rid of all of the dishes Mr. Dazmuna had rejected until maintenance. At that point, I had a bit of a... moment, and made the mess seen earlier. Garett found me in a state, and I nearly hurled a pot at his head.

- [Cassia] - I do so rarely have to ask for forgiveness~ so it was wonderful apology practice.

- [Cassia] - And now, the main course~! Maintenance began while I was in the middle of cleaning from my outburst. I was determined to give Mr. Dazmuna one final dish, and deliver it personally. But, shortly thereafter, Aldrich and the culprit arrived in person. I was introduced, and... well. I can't deny he's quite charming~ Some of my professional kitchenware is powered by Arcane Solutions back home. So, he supervised my cooking briefly, he asked me about some weird herbs and seeds I'd gathered, and I wowed him with my signature Cassia display! He seemed satisfied, and took the final dish to his room. He requested a desert from my display "as soon as possible", then left with Aldrich again.

- [Cassia] - Finally, our dessert course. After examining my cakes in the restaurant, I decided that most of them were simply not perfect enough for that man's... particular tastes, and also noticed someone had already taken one. A few. Good starheavens, Aldrich. So, I took them back into the kitchen for adjustments, and then later, headed to the garden for some fresh herbs. I saw a weird shiny thing poke up from the garden, but, that was Valerie, I suspect. Then, I headed back inside to finalise everything, and deliver the desert to Mr. Dazmuna, when maintenance finally ended. So, I cleaned a teeny bit more, and used the chute to send away everything I didn't need~

- [Cassia] - And, that's that! Catering is a tireless effort, but one my heart and herbs sing and dance for. There was simply no chance I could have done something as mean-spirited as this, to someone I hardly know. Your receipt for this testimony will be delivered on a silver platter shortly~!

 

[Lakituthequick]

Hmm. So I suppose it might help if you remember who that wet towel dropper is.

I might be able to help with tracking that down. Storm, would you consent to me placing a cookie with you?

 

[GBA]

Is the seventh spray can in the Still A. Cabin the same Waterproof Juicy Sunset brand as the ones from CYMK's stash?

Can I ask Storm what object he used to puncture those cans? If he gets cranky, remind him that I am on his side.

Go to the Conference Room and use the register to look up the powers of Vallerie Knotwood.

It is the same can.

- [Storm] - Do I have to...? Okay fine. I smuggled it in. It's a cool Findelan dagger I picked up on the mainland. I cut myself with it working on the exhibit, and then tried to use it to open the box, but, hah....

- [Storm] - Provided you're not like, storing hordes of potato peelers, it's not hard to get things past the ferry security. I won't talk about where I learned that.

You examine the registrar for Valerie.

- Telluric/Thallassic Alignment.
- Capable of wild animal communication and pacification, as well as acute hearing, all claimed to be used for hunting. Can imbue traps with extremely minor Telluric power.

 

[Lin Beifong]

Is the plant matter inside the pink golem from the same plants that can be found around the stomp marks in the botanical gardens?

How heavy is the statue in the exhibit? How much force is needed to knock it askew like it is now? Does it look like the partition was launched with great force?

Check the Garbage and Laundry chutes and incinerator for clues.

---

Here is an experiment. I don't know how possible it is.

I ask CYMK to become possessed by a spirit. Then I find a non-enriched plant and put it near him. Does the plant become enriched?

 

[GBA]

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).

Aldrich confirms that despite his lobbying, the security systems on the main island are not perfect. Contraband is not allowed, or must be contained on arrival. He uses an additional layer of guest monitoring and confiscation to handle anything that falls through the cracks, as demonstrated.

You note nothing particularly interesting in the rooms you check, but the chairs have been rearranged in both conference rooms. There are still the same amount of chairs as before.

 

[Roserade]

With Mr. Tarlow's assistance, let's explore the involvement of these little fuzzy freaks.

Lure out one of the fuzzies with the sticker's shiny foil, and allow it to grab on. We'll watch closely. How does it siphon out the energy? Does it replicate the effects of the sticker's magic?

When we've gotten enough of a demonstration...

.......My sincerest apologies for this next part, Ms. Knotweed. Merely completing a job.

Crush it beneath my foot. What happens to the magic within it? Does it... burst out, in any meaningful way?

 

[Lin Beifong]

Subtly place an unsullied potted plant near Vallerie as ENA is doing this. Check if it gets enriched with the same "extremely hostile" energy as the plants by the lotus symbol.

 

[GBA]

View attachment 53303
My apologies, sir. I saw it fit to try break the ice by re-enacting a classic Pysgidian comedy routine.
Perhaps you are familiar with the works of Mr. Pea?

But really. If you are familiar with both of Solomon and Sirius, you must understand the precaution.
Persons who insist to hide their face can be very dangerous when the Fallen Lotus is involved.

In all honesty though, you wear this look really well. It is stylish.

View attachment 53304
If you are willing to forgive me, perhaps a somaticist of your repute could help me with something.

See, a... distant associate of mine has been suffering recurring night terrors for a while, which I believe to be related to the activity of a certain spirit on the astral plane. I've had said associate describe the entity to me and was able to compose a sketch of their likeness.

If you look at this, are you perhaps familiar with an entity like this?

Spoiler: Sketchbook page

View attachment 53305

View attachment 53306
If you do and could tell me anything about them, I'm sure my friend would be able to rest easy again.​

- [Moh] - .......................................................................................................................................................Mr. Pea is very amusing. I rarely get the time for media these days. The last I heard, he went on a holiday of some kind many years ago. It has, too, been many years since my last holiday. Maybe, if time permits, I might enjoy myself, once or twice.

- [Moh] - I'm somewhat aware of the nature of Sirius' spirit summoning, and his name synchronizing ritual, so I will forgive your suspicions.

- [Moh] - ...that drawing somewhat gets the point across. They burn many things in the Astral Plane. They delight in absurd theatre. I am highly familiar with their... antics. And, yes, they are my current target.

View attachment 53297
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?​

- [CYMK] - Well Buxy... I... uh...

- [CYMK] - .....do get a little jittery from energy drinks. Yeah. But it keeps the inspiration flowing sometimes. I'm... kinda tired. After all of this.

- [CYMK] - If by nervous and odd... I was anxious about a few things all day. The exhibit going well, extremely. I was told I got awarded this contract over a few others who were going to be here... and I wondered if they'd really hate me for it. I also wondered if the guests would like... appreciate the spirit paintings as much as I do. The thought of finding a spirit worthy enough for the main exhibit has terrified me immensely for a long while.

- [CYMK] - ...but. If what Moh says about that symbol is true...

 

[GBA]

View attachment 53308​

Right-o! This mask that's been mentioned - can I still find it in the bushes? Rustle around, get these palms sticky!

You examine the mask in the bushes. You note a few more crushed plants are here, as well as Valerie's traps. The herbs section appears to have been plundered nearby. Thinking back to what you saw earlier, you turn the mask over for its initials, and it reads: KL.

 

[Lin Beifong]

- [CYMK] - Well Buxy... I... uh...

- [CYMK] - .....do get a little jittery from energy drinks. Yeah. But it keeps the inspiration flowing sometimes. I'm... kinda tired. After all of this.

- [CYMK] - If by nervous and odd... I was anxious about a few things all day. The exhibit going well, extremely. I was told I got awarded this contract over a few others who were going to be here... and I wondered if they'd really hate me for it. I also wondered if the guests would like... appreciate the spirit paintings as much as I do. The thought of finding a spirit worthy enough for the main exhibit has terrified me immensely for a long while.

- [CYMK] - ...but. If what Moh says about that symbol is true...

I think I understand.

Not the art struggles, I'm kind of useless with that. But the anxiety part, that one I understand very well.
About four years ago I was feeling very similar. I thought I wasn't good enough, and that I had no right to live a fulfilling life.

Sometimes what you need to get out of these dark places is someone who sees you for what you are, and doesn't expect you to put on a performance.

...

Once this is over, do you want to do something together? We can keep each other's anxiety in check while trapped in this bedlam house.​

 

[GBA]

View attachment 53310​

With Mr. Tarlow's assistance, let's explore the involvement of these little fuzzy freaks.

Lure out one of the fuzzies with the sticker's shiny foil, and allow it to grab on. We'll watch closely. How does it siphon out the energy? Does it replicate the effects of the sticker's magic?

When we've gotten enough of a demonstration...

View attachment 53311​

.......My sincerest apologies for this next part, Ms. Knotweed. Merely completing a job.

Crush it beneath my foot. What happens to the magic within it? Does it... burst out, in any meaningful way?

Valerie watches you with caution. She notes you taking an interest in her pets, after earlier, and calls one out of the bushes, and into the crime scene for you. Maybe, she thinks, that people aren't so bad. She agrees to let you try giving it a sticker, though she cautions you, it's well behaved and trained.

You stare at the lil guy.

The sticker in your hand is the Sparks of Hope. Perhaps this little creature is looking towards you for a spark of hope, as well. The hope that you and its master can become friends, despite your rocky start.

- [Valerie] - ....so like. You want to see if they can use or siphon power out of Garett's stickers? It's super possible. This is something I've never thought about... but the implications are....

WITH NO HESITATION YOU SLAM YOUR MONSTROUS FOOT DOWN AIMING FOR THE POOR INNOCENT CREATURE'S HEAD​

...









...






In an instant, your attempt to corner the swiftly moving fuzz is thwarted by an instinctive movement, or perhaps a command, and it manages to dodge your attack with milliseconds to spare. Spurned by fear and anger, it takes the sticker, bites into it hard, and zooms around the exhibit. Decorative sparkles fill the air, of many colors as it erupts around the exhibit in a frenzy. It knocks into some of the partitions, and jiggles them with slightly less force than needed to knock them over. It bounces amidst the paint, in similar spacings, but far smaller. Then, it flees out the exhibit door to escape its attempted attacker. Seconds later, you feel a familiar weighted net knocking you down, followed by an intense electrocuting shock that knocks you out.

In the next instant, the shy ecologist finally finds her voice. Then, she chases after her fuzzball.

- [Valerie] - YOU ARE LITERALLY THE WORST PERSON I'VE EVER MET.

 

[Turboo]

- [Moh] - .......................................................................................................................................................Mr. Pea is very amusing. I rarely get the time for media these days. The last I heard, he went on a holiday of some kind many years ago. It has, too, been many years since my last holiday. Maybe, if time permits, I might enjoy myself, once or twice.

- [Moh] - I'm somewhat aware of the nature of Sirius' spirit summoning, and his name synchronizing ritual, so I will forgive your suspicions.

- [Moh] - ...that drawing somewhat gets the point across. They burn many things in the Astral Plane. They delight in absurd theatre. I am highly familiar with their... antics. And, yes, they are my current target.

[While BB is still occupied with aluminum foil...]

"Oh! Ahaha, sorry, Mr. Dhurvakt. Yes, it's true... that was all part of a comedy routine.
(That's the second time he's tripped into something... feels like I should tell Miss Baskerforge to take a closer look at him...)
Here's your bandana back, if you'd like it. Though I echo the sentiment that this look fits you!

Part of the reason I came to the conference was to hear your thoughts on the comet and the Astral Plane.
To think I'd have a chance to ask you directly..."

"Though, one thing concerns me.
I'm out of the loop on this 'suspect' of yours, as it seems. Considering the lotus, then maybe...
...regardless, I won't hide my own powers. They're written down in a dossier, anyway... so there's no point in being coy."

"Is it possible that your suspect simply isn't deceased...?
You mentioned external and internal threats to the Astral Plane, you see.
...I'm only able to call those who have already passed away. A name suffices, of course.
But... if they're still drawing breath, the whole plan goes kaput, so to speak.
Just food for thought, Mr. Dhurvakt. I'd hate to be condescending toward someone of your esteem.
(Plus, it'd make me look bad in front of Mr. Marenghi...)"

 

[GBA]

Is the plant matter inside the pink golem from the same plants that can be found around the stomp marks in the botanical gardens?

The reanimated pink golem shambles around, and you like, press your face against its hip and blink a few times to get a good look at the particles within. It stares at you.

You note there are a few different types of leafy biomass churning around the tainted golem. Due to the vast variety of plants in the gardens, it's certainly possible that they match.

How heavy is the statue in the exhibit? How much force is needed to knock it askew like it is now? Does it look like the partition was launched with great force?

It indeed looks like the partition was launched with a good amount of force. You note that due to its unnatural placement, having been brought in from elsewhere, it's set up precariously enough to be knocked askew by the partition. You also note that the artifacts that fell from its hands are loosely placed in the hands, rather than carved out, so they can be dislodged easily.
[/quote]

Check the Garbage and Laundry chutes and incinerator for clues.

You examine these places in turn.

In the basement Garbage Chute room, there are various bins sorted by type. Ventilation ensures the room doesn't smell too bad, but its unavoidable with rubbish. You presume all garbage is either recycled to the mainland, or incinerated. It appears to be a great place to throw plants and other things, as you demonstrated earlier. The non-magical chute from the floor above feeds into this place through a normal duct, and is reserved for kitchen waste, while the water chute appears to have been modified to use a tipping mechanism to launch things into the garbage depending on what setting the staff member who uses it programs it to do.

Searching through the bins for clues like a madman, in the compost/food bin, you find many cakes. Many, many cakes. Some of them appear to be in tact, and others appear more squashed. The herbal scent is quite overpowering, but you can make out some other funky smells, given the fact that you're in a garbage bin.

The laundry chutes operate on a similar principle to the garbage room, but there is no manual duct for laundry, perhaps due to the lack of guests when maintenance occurs, or the designers of this building are magical hacks who can't wash their clothes without magical lubricant. They probably stink. The incinerator hasn't been used.

I ask CYMK to become possessed by a spirit. Then I find a non-enriched plant and put it near him. Does the plant become enriched?

CYMK tries to comply, but finds it hard to focus while he's distraught. You comfort him as earlier, and he heads off with the plant to try and focus elsewhere.

He returns after a while, and says he found a spirit. You'll receive this result in your cabin.

 

[Fun With Despair]

- [Moh] - ...that drawing somewhat gets the point across. They burn many things in the Astral Plane. They delight in absurd theatre. I am highly familiar with their... antics. And, yes, they are my current target.

​

...Forgive me, but I haven't been completely honest. When I first laid eyes upon you, I had my suspicions based on your appearance alone, I can see rather plainly now, of course, that you aren't who I suspected you to be. But after looking upon the good doctor's reconstruction of the spirit in question - you have to admit, the resemblance is rather uncanny upon first glance.

You see, the "friend" of which my partner speaks, the one accosted by the spirit portrayed in that very image...

Spoiler: Music

...Well, that would be me.

Months ago, I found myself visited by a spirit referring to itself as Mo - another immediate similarity that I believe now to be planted by this entity in an effort to sow discord at this event. After a rather banal excuse for a trivia game, this entity challenged me to a game of a different sort. One that would reveal its true identity, and in turn, its true intentions. I was to guess its name.

Of course, conjuring the true name of a spirit from nowhere... It seemed like an impossible task. But this, as I was slowly beginning to piece together... was no spirit at all.

...Rei here is correct in his assertion. The spirit you seek is indeed not that of a deceased individual - but neither is it a trickster spirit spawned by the astral plane. The mass of twisted flame beneath its guise is something else entirely: A powerful mage, traversing the Astral Plane beneath the façade of a spirit as it carried out whatever ambitions kept that fire burning brightly.

You've not been unable to call forth the spirit because of a failing on the part of your own abilities, but because there is no spirit to call - and there never has been. But... if that symbol emblazoned across the painting is indeed the genuine article and not some manner of sick joke - then perhaps you need not look much further.

For the identity of your wayward trickster... is none other than Lorenzo "Lazarus" Moretti - the Scion of the Red Lotus.

And if I'm correct... he may be hiding among our number as we speak.​

 

[Roserade]

(after she gets unnetted for her totally legitimate and rational investigation)


"The Scion of the Red Lotus"?

...Heh.
​

​

I'm glad I trusted my gut.

My assumption was correct. We are seeking out the same truth, Detective Sholmes.

 

[Lin Beifong]

- [CYMK] - If by nervous and odd... I was anxious about a few things all day. The exhibit going well, extremely. I was told I got awarded this contract over a few others who were going to be here... and I wondered if they'd really hate me for it. I also wondered if the guests would like... appreciate the spirit paintings as much as I do. The thought of finding a spirit worthy enough for the main exhibit has terrified me immensely for a long while.

- [CYMK] - ...but. If what Moh says about that symbol is true...​

Spoiler: Music

---

You seem to be very fixated on that symbol, even over the damage that has been done to your exhibition.
I've sensed a lot of anxiety today, from the plants around the scene of the incident, and now from you as well.

Cyrus, I'm going to speak in hypotheticals for a moment. I hope you will indulge me.

I used to not really believe in spirits, but I've seen a lot of possession and spiritual coercion during my time with the other Starline survivors. I've met spirits who helped me, but far more who misused the astral plane to make me do things against my will, or even try to kill me.

As such, please understand that I believe this wholeheartedly:

If an entity were to overwhelm you and make you do something against your will, it would not be your fault.
If you were made to, say, paint the symbol of the Fallen Lotus on that wall, that would not make you one of its members.

I can't really tell you what to do, or whom to trust. I don't even know if having this talk with you is warranted.
But if, hypothetically, it were as I said... I hope you would choose to confess.

And in the case that you would do this, and trust me with that information...
I would promise to do everything in my power to protect you, both from what that symbol represents, and those who are blinded by their fear of it.

I will not sit idly while the Lotus' venom claims another victim.
​

 

[GBA]

Spoiler: Music

---

View attachment 53321
You seem to be very fixated on that symbol, even over the damage that has been done to your exhibition.
I've sensed a lot of anxiety today, from the plants around the scene of the incident, and now from you as well.

Cyrus, I'm going to speak in hypotheticals for a moment. I hope you will indulge me.

I used to not really believe in spirits, but I've seen a lot of possession and spiritual coercion during my time with the other Starline survivors. I've met spirits who helped me, but far more who misused the astral plane to make me do things against my will, or even try to kill me.

As such, please understand that I believe this wholeheartedly:

If an entity were to overwhelm you and make you do something against your will, it would not be your fault.
If you were made to, say, paint the symbol of the Fallen Lotus on that wall, that would not make you one of its members.

View attachment 53323

I can't really tell you what to do, or whom to trust. I don't even know if having this talk with you is warranted.
But if, hypothetically, it were as I said... I hope you would choose to confess.

And in the case that you would do this, and trust me with that information...
I would promise to do everything in my power to protect you, both from what that symbol represents, and those who are blinded by their fear of it.

I will not sit idly while the Lotus' venom claims another victim.
​

Spoiler: Confession, Dripping Paint

- [CYMK] - ...............I should have said something from the start. Buxy. I lied..... and I was struggling for so long.

- [CYMK] - The pressure to perform, to represent a future of hope for mages around the world. The privilege to share that which I admire with all of you: the endless creativity of the spirits I can talk to, and ghosts all the same. The awesome hotel I'd heard so much about...

- [CYMK] - The painting I'd spent months staring at. Hoping, and meditating, for a spirit to come. It was my first time putting in a request, and I didn't know how......

- [CYMK] - I'm sorry Moh, but you scared me, bad. You warned me this power wasn't to be misued, then.... the shock of seeing my exhibit like this was so great................ it might have been the energy drinks, but I didn't want to admit I'd done something so horrendous, and unintentionally sabotaged part of it. I asked the golem to move before Buxy and the others arrived, and stepped inside without being suspicious. When I looked at the unfinished work, anxiety welled up in me again. I reached out in desperation to anything that would listen. To anything..... looking for a message they wanted to share with the conference.

- [CYMK] - Something overcame me for a single moment. The spirit that possessed me felt................

- [CYMK] - .......................evil. And it was different this time.

Because I saw what it looked like.













Those dancing lights, and that terrifying stare, will never, ever, leave my memories.

- [CYMK] - ...................When I came to moments later, I saw the completed insignia. It was striking. It was... scary. But, I left it alone. I chucked the can in the wrong room and then went back to meditating to clear my mind. Buxy talked to me a while later. I don't know what caused the rest of the mess, it wasn't there before, and the guard was around the rest of time, only allowed to let me and Aldrich in.

- [CYMK] - Someone here must really hate me for taking their exhibit slot. It's the only reason I've been able to muster.

And with the final words of his confession, CYMK returns to how he started at the beginning of the investigation. He curls up, and stays silently weeping.

 

[Garth Marenghi]

Sorry for my lack of participation in today's investigation. I've been working on a new short story... "Art: Attacked". It's about an artist whose art gets attacked by a serial killer, and then when he finds out he gets so mad his head explodes. No correlation.

People recently have been asking me, when am I going to start using AI? Have I already started using AI? And I tell them: I've always used AI... the only "AI" I'll ever need - the "Author's Intelligence".

It's a damn shame to see a fellow artist at AEAEA and their work treated in such a careless way. I've always said, if you don't like the work, at least have the balls to tell the artist why. Don't go drenching it in paint or spraying it with the insignia of a dangerous cult. Because I've met dangerous cult members and their opinions on horror writing or paintings or whatever else you do are not worth your time of day.

...Sorry, was I interrupting something?

 

[Roserade]

So if I'm getting all of this straight... The leader of the Fallen Lotus, someone who can infiltrate the Astral Plane, is speculated by Detective Sholmes to be somewhere in this resort... Moh over here was attempting to contact that leader by means of somatic ritual, but couldn't... And then Mr. CYMK tried connecting with a spirit, came face-to-face with something sinister, and drew the insignia of the Fallen Lotus on the painting before us?

If all of this is true... There is but one thing to say.

MOH DHURVAKT, you INSOLENT FOOL!!

You frightened a rookie somaticist and left him utterly vulnerable to influence! Then, you attempted to HAVE CONVERSATION with a CULT LEADER who likely possessed the poor dino?! Of course he couldn't talk to you, he was too busy infiltrating this kid's mind!!

What the HELL do you have to say for yourself?! You better have a good explanation for all of your somatic shit, PRONTO, because from where I'm standing, it looks like you practically set him up!

 

[Lin Beifong]

Spoiler: Confession, Dripping Paint

View attachment 53328​

- [CYMK] - ...............I should have said something from the start. Buxy. I lied..... and I was struggling for so long.

- [CYMK] - The pressure to perform, to represent a future of hope for mages around the world. The privilege to share that which I admire with all of you: the endless creativity of the spirits I can talk to, and ghosts all the same. The awesome hotel I'd heard so much about...

- [CYMK] - The painting I'd spent months staring at. Hoping, and meditating, for a spirit to come. It was my first time putting in a request, and I didn't know how......

- [CYMK] - I'm sorry Moh, but you scared me, bad. You warned me this power wasn't to be misued, then.... the shock of seeing my exhibit like this was so great................ it might have been the energy drinks, but I didn't want to admit I'd done something so horrendous, and unintentionally sabotaged part of it. I asked the golem to move before Buxy and the others arrived, and stepped inside without being suspicious. When I looked at the unfinished work, anxiety welled up in me again. I reached out in desperation to anything that would listen. To anything..... looking for a message they wanted to share with the conference.

- [CYMK] - Something overcame me for a single moment. The spirit that possessed me felt................

- [CYMK] - .......................evil. And it was different this time.

Because I saw what it looked like.













Those dancing lights, and that terrifying stare, will never, ever, leave my memories.

- [CYMK] - ...................When I came to moments later, I saw the completed insignia. It was striking. It was... scary. But, I left it alone. I chucked the can in the wrong room and then went back to meditating to clear my mind. Buxy talked to me a while later. I don't know what caused the rest of the mess, it wasn't there before, and the guard was around the rest of time, only allowed to let me and Aldrich in.

- [CYMK] - Someone here must really hate me for taking their exhibit slot. It's the only reason I've been able to muster.

And with the final words of his confession, CYMK returns to how he started at the beginning of the investigation. He curls up, and stays silently weeping.

It is okay. It's over and that thing has left you.

You are very brave for facing your fear and confessing.
It's a strength I didn't have when I was in a situation like this years ago.

Listen Cyrus, I know what you've seen looked scary. But the astral plane is heavily affected by the emotions you carry when you enter it, and it can make things appear more frightening than they really are.

That apparition you saw? He is neither a demon, nor anyone who deserves your fright. He is human, a selfish little boy dressing in a costume and playing with his father's toys. He does not care whom he hurts. And when the time comes, he will face the music. I'll make sure of it.

I'm certain the others will understand the situation you were in. And if we're looking at this realistically, most of the damage was done by a chain reaction that was set in motion by the Concierge himself. All YOU did was paint over a painting you already owned.

If that guy wants to come after you now, he's going to have to answer for his years of thievery in the name of "security" as well. He has no legs to stand on.
​