Stagehand here - can’t wait to watch the Q&A video on Patreon!
Always a great time to be alive!
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#3
(Cue from post 12 by @banks)
*Cedy is still worried and wrapping his head around what happened to his friend a moment ago. He does not push Sterling about it much and decides to talk to him after the exhibition is over. They are now at an exhibit of a gameboard with some strange looking coins. Cedy also notices another fellow E4 member, the famous social media megastar @stagecoach. Cedy is a fan and is a self proclaimed Stagehand. Before Cedy could approach him, he hears a familiar voice calling out his name and turns to see @banks, a huge smile lights up Cedy’s face.
Cedy - “Well if it isn’t the great Dr.Alaric Weirdman. I know you don’t like it but I will do it anyway. Come here you!!”
Proceeds to give a big bear hug to Alaric.
Cedy - “How are you my friend. It is so nice to see you, it’s been ages! I had a strong feeling you would be here, you know, since this thing is right up your alley. You look sharp as ever. Congratulations on your new promotion. I could not be more happy for you and I expected nothing less for a person with your brilliance.”
Cedy - “I know we have a lot of catching up to do, but, do you happen to know what are we looking at? What are these tokens? Looks like some Meowth did a lousy job being a banker at this exhibition”
(Cue to post 18)
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lights cigar
I’m Nate Castellanos, a lifelong Neopolis native and Chief of Investigations. Forty years ago, I joined the force as an idealist; now, I’m a seasoned detective who’s seen it all. With retirement on the horizon, I still hold the line where justice is hard-won.
I’m not one for pleasantries or small talk, so keep a move on.
looking around, speaking gruffly
Where the hell is Lila? These teenyboppers are getting out of hand.
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As I look at a museum exhibit of a weather worn tablet, I can’t help but wonder what secrets it might hold. The culture of ancient Egypt was so intertwined with magic and mythos that there must still be some of that enchanting essence left today. What’s more curious is that this exhibition is at the same date and location as the Pokémon World Championships. With many Pokémon having an Egyptian origin, I’m left convinced that this is no coincidence.
I see a photographer approach the tablet. As they do so they take awkward glances at my tinfoil hat. I decide to explain it before they ask any uncomfortable questions.
“The garment guarding my glia gratifies my ghostly grandmother, and gives grace to my guise.” Strangely, my alliterative response does not seem to make the photographer feel any less awkward.
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I struggle to remain silent here. @mrbubbles should we alert EMS for your friend? @banks who the heck is “Baktiotha” do you need medication? If no one else is asking. I am. @stagecoach I’m watching you and you’re so called Stagehands, I don’t need any trouble here! I’m trying to run a game! @TJ I know you’re off right now but think a storm is coming in. Could you check the storm shutters when your done here?
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On my way to the Scarab Ankh, I see a glint of tinfoil out of the corner of my eye. As my eyes shift focus, I can’t help but crack a smile as they land upon the the source of that glint. A slender figure alight with enthusiasm looks back my way, sporting some unusual headwear. I’d never really considered the material for anything other than warming up my TV dinners, but I gotta say, that tinfoil works pretty well as a hat. “Well that is someone I will have to find my way into a conversation with” I thought to myself. This sort of convention was feeling more and more up my alley - it had the looks of a place that had a lot of people who would go on and on about who knows what, and I’ve got to say, this place feels even more like home when there are good stories to be told. Doesn’t matter if they’re real or fairly tales as long as the person telling them can spin a tale with a fire in their soul.
I thought I heard the rumble of thunder off in the distance - perhaps a storm is brewing…
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From deep within my pocket, a band of rubber rattles and hisses.
“It’s alright Ἱπποκράτης, for a friend as old as you, I have made an exception.”
Hugs back
~ ~ ~
“Haauush! The tapestry speaks again.”
I reply out loud to a long linen book, each page cut from its binding and draped along the eastern wall above the sole entrance.
“Baktiotha is the great lord of forty and nine snakes, to whom we give thanks and all things are made possible. He rests on the other side, peering into ours through one of seven vessels,” points at The Coptic Vase of Ritual Power still on display.
“Baktiotha is ancient, his dark designs familiar. This game however-”
Gesturing towards the mysterious tokens and the Senet board
“I have no memory of this game.”
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Across the room I spy someone looking at me, likely due to my abnormal attire. However, they don’t seem to be taken aback by it. They’re kind reaction sparks my interest, and I decide to head over and spark up a conversation.
“Hi there, my name’s Luna. It’s not short for lunatic even though most seem to peg me as such. I prefer to think of it as its Latin root, lūna, meaning moon. Luna was the Roman goddess of the moon who shined light on, and guided people. I hope to follow in her footsteps by ‘shining light’ on the secrets and mysteries of the world. Interestingly the ‘luna’ in lunatic actually does refer to the moon because people used to think that the cycles of the moon caused people to go insane. I can’t help but wonder if there is some truth to the idea that the moon can change people’s mind and moods. The moon is very mystical after all.”
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Jax Sheppard - Entering the Exhibit
I appear as if I melted from the silhouette of the doorway. A tall, elegant gentleman with an uncanny “edge” and piercing jade eyes. My complexion is a tapestry of tans and golds, as if kissed by the sun, dappled by ancient komorebi. My clothes are a custom mélange of grays and blacks; Camouflage, but refined and clearly well tailored. Here and there, I’ve placed pockets who’s resident contents are missing. Perhaps I left my things at home. After all, I knew they were collecting personal items at the door. Why bother with it?
The greeters at the entrance request that I turn-over any cell phones, recording devices, etc, and remind me there is no smoking, vaping, or cannabis on the premises (annoyed they have to clarify that smoking also includes marijuana 
). Wishing I was above this formality, as if they should know who I am, I look at the event staff, but offer no objection, presenting my device with a respectful but playful tone. “Of course,” I say, acknowledging the streamer [Stagecoach] who just passed through. “The world is more than what we see online.” I’ve never liked carrying electronics and square items on me if I don’t have to. They disrupt the natural lines of one’s form, like buildings jutting out of a smooth rolling landscape, or items strewn about a once tidy room. Yet, I’m fully aware that I’ve kept a lighter discreetly tucked in the small of my back.
With a fluid style, I slip into the grand hall where families are gathered, students are studying the artifacts, and a couple next to me is completely absorbed with each other, instead of looking at the displays.
MY goal is to find out about those attending the exhibit, and this couple seem as good a place as any to start. Though I also notice a man taking copious notes on a pad… Hmm. There will be time. He’s clearly interested in the exhibit, but the couple is a bigger mystery. They’re completely uninterested in the exhibit, so they’re either here as an excuse or a distraction.
“You two look at each other like Tutankhamun and Ankhesenamun…” They look mildly confused. “Or perhaps Isis and Osiris?” I offer, with a raised eyebrow and a playful smile. The references are clearly lost on them. 
I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Never mind. I’m Jax, I’ve worked with ancient artifacts my entire life, What draws you to the mysteries of ancient Egypt?”
I tell them the context of each Egyptian couple I mentioned, but they don’t seem to identify with either, Perhaps they ARE merely tourists, but they may still be hiding something. Uncertain. We continue to chat for a bit about some of the items on display, but it’s superficial, and I need to move on to others in the crowd…
I move through the light crowd with a carefree ease, as if everything is choreographed beforehand. Stopping here and there to appraise an item - a beaded necklaces, a canopic jar, a white sycamore wood model of a Saqqara bird. shoulder surfing and eavesdropping as I move past students debating the finer points of archeological excavation, the flint knives and tools catch my eye. They are finely crafted and balanced. Certainly within my area of expertise.
On my way, I introduce myself to Dr. Bronson, and thank her for her work in coordinating the exhibit. Then my eye is drawn to the security guards, because they are out of position, talking to the detective. They might not be what they seem either, but as I contemplate the possibility, my eyes meet with Detective Drummond’s [Dyl] and I glyde over to speak with him. Was I distracting him from the security guards, or perhaps saving him? (The two men seemed unwelcome in the detective’s company.)
Clearly he’s interested in the Canopic Jar himself. We test each other on the value and historic significance of the antiquity. But why is the detective here? Might he suspect someone is going to steal it? Perhaps he instead suspects the jar itself is stolen or a forgery.
edited for clarity not content
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#4
I am keeping a close eye on him and my backpack doubles as a Dr’s kit if needed. He looks himself for now. I know it is very warm here in Hawaii but not that much to cause a reaction. Sterling does expose himself to a myriad of chemicals in his line of work, so I also don’t want to rule out accidental exposure having any side effect. So I am ready if something goes south.
However, that Scarab Amulet does not give me good vibes. I need to check with Alaric (@banks ), if he knows more.
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[The following messages were posted in the Stagecoach Patreon-Only Discord channel covertly via Apple Watch during the event]
STAGECOACH
lol some guy is mad at me
STAGECOACH
If he didn’t want to provoke my fans he should have let me stream the event!!
STAGECOACH
The little figurines look like this. Writing it down so I can remember later for the stream…three clay, one turquoise, one malachite, one topaz, and one red jasper. The Meowth one looks like a pharoah. Meowth Supremacy!!
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Round 2- The Heist
The Scenario: Dr. Caitlin Bronson shakes a small bell to capture people’s attention. As always, she is standing next to the Phaeophyceae Canopic Jar and its accompanying hieroglyphic tablet. Once everyone has quieted down and is watching her, she gestures to the jar, and announces in a cut-glass British accent:
“Hello and thank you for coming. This is the Phaeophyceae Canopic Jar; this fascinating piece dates back to 1325 BC. Canopic jars are normally used to preserve the pharaoh’s organs as he crosses over into the afterlife, but a special case was made for Phaeophyceae. Hieroglyphic records from that period tell us that he was an advisor and astrologist for the Great King Ahmose. According to those records, he attempted to use black magic to murder the king. The jar’s accompanying tablet (she indicates to the small tablet) says that after he was defeated, Phaeophyceae’s soul was trapped within this jar in order to prevent his entry into the afterlife as punishment for his wicked deeds.”
It is at this moment that all the lights go out, and the entire exhibition is left in total darkness. A bold and brazen robbery is now underway. Crime boss, Red Jim, is known among other gangsters in Hawaii to have a bit of a dramatic flair when it comes to larceny, and the planned theft of the Phaeophyceae Canopic Jar is no exception. There are several pops of gun flash as shots are fired into the ceiling. People start screaming and running in panic. Everyone is buffeted by panicked citizens trying to flee.
8:30 PM Power was restored to the hotel just about 15 minutes after the chaos started. The detective does their best to calm things down. Unfortunately, anyone not staying at the hotel (including Red Jim’s ruffians) fled. Only a small group of guests remain.
A quick assessment of the scene you see.
The reporter is lying facedown on the floor in a pool of blood.
That young person standing next to Dr Bronson is turned away in horror.
Something lying on the floor next to the empty jar with the lid askew. Is that Dr
Bronson?
Inspector Drummond immediately calls HQ for additional support. Describes the corpse. Upon hearing about the strange death HQ opts to wait for additional information before exposing any additional officers to potential hazards. After the 2020 pandemic everyone is panicked about contagious disease. Everyone is now quarantined. Including the Detective, only a small number of guests remain. Drummond is not too pleased with this decision. He barks out orders, “ We are quarantined until I find out more. Please return to your rooms."
Community Poll: A shadow hides. Still weakened by centuries of imprisonment, only understanding ancient Egyptian and overwhelmed by this strange Pyramid, it watches those humans in odd dress.
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All rounds after this will have a Community Poll. In the Poll the E4 Community can decide how that shadow attacks, who they attack. You should choose carefully though, you don’t want to lose anyone that may be able to save you in the end. Ask questions of the investigators, ask about items so you have as much information as possible. 
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Dr. Alaric Weirdman
Dr. Bronson!
I touch her neck to feel for pulse, but oh no! I apply too much pressure and her neck crumbles into dust. Where there should be blood spilling there is a great black hollow, jerking her neck sporadically as she lays motionless. My pupils deepen, my purpose is clear. Standing up
By Sheagaroth’s beard I must have that scarab and vessel!
As I walk to the podium to collect my stowed paper clip, a rally of rubber bands burst from my pocket onto the Vase of Coptic Ritual Power. The bands bind the linen cloth around the vase and it quickly finds itself under my arm. I turn to face the ankh, but it is gone!
Did anyone see what happened to the ankh?!
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TJ
Dang. I knew I shoulda brought my gun! I straightened up and remained calm, hoping to provide reassurance to the others. How could something like this happen in my space, in the place I serve and protect?
I headed toward the door and grabed the envelope with my phone. I made my way back to my room to regroup and make a plan to deal with the situation. When I arrive something felt off. My time in the military has trained me to trust my gut and my gut was telling me things just weren’t right. A draft bristled over my skin as I scanned my surroundings.
Feeling like comfort wasn’t deserved at the moment, I pulled out the survival blanket from my med kit, spreading it carefully over myself as I settled into the tub. The silver, crinkling material was thin but efficient, and I immediately felt a layer of warmth surround me. I lay back, staring at the ceiling, the sound of dripping water filling the silence. It reminded me of being on duty in the Navy, of nights spent half-awake and ready for anything. Here in the tub, I felt safe—vigilant, protected in the small space, where I could keep my ears sharp and my body alert.
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#5
Dr. Cedric “Cedy” Fortemain - The Heist
I quickly glance at the body lying on the floor, completely bone dry. My mind can barely comprehend what can cause a human body to end up that way and that rapidly. I cannot imagine any chemical or substance being able to do so. And why would someone do this to anyone. The poor lady was just doing her job. I am trying to stay objective but I feel a lot of sorrow for her and her loved ones who have to deal with this and I can assure you no doctor in the world can explain what happened to her. Being in this line of work I always thought that dealing with death will get easier, but it really does not. Specially when it is something not this worldly.
I see Alaric examining the body and I want to ask him to stay away, but words barely escape my mouth. I know deep down Alaric can handle himself. I quickly grab my phone from the counter and my eyes are darting around the room to find Sterling. I know something is not right and I don’t want him to be alone after what happened earlier.
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Jax Sheppard - The Heist
Flashes of imagery devoid of light. Seeing with all one’s senses. Quickly I retreat to the shadows to wait for more sensory input. It was surprising, and abrupt, but not beyond my ability to react and adjust. The shots. A limp heavy thud as a body hits the floor… A flutter of paper and… A pen. It’s the Reporter!
Silence now. But never silence. Breathing. I extract my thoughts from the image forming in my mind. Fumbling in the dark, sounds of fear and panic and… Cold, dry air filling my nostrtils. Ice on my forehead. A dessert morning biting at my eyes…
What may have seemed like hours was merely 15 minutes. The lights reveal that Dr Bronson was a victim… and the reporter. Dr Weirdman feels Bronson’s neck, but her body crumbles at his touch. As if struck by inspiration, Weirdman suddenly moves to leave. I perceive him slyly whisk the Coptic Vase under his arm - a maneuver worthy of my admiration, but I’m not sure what importance that holds. Dr Fortemain also looks at the dried body, however he seems far more perturbed, as was I, at the state of Dr Bronson. We’ve both seen injury and death, but this was beyond either of our experiences.
It’s time to move. Time to leave… for now. I retrieve my phone, and I dissolve back into the shadows and return to my room. While startled, I show no shock to the other guests.
Minutes, Hours, Days later? Time has stopped as my actions marched on. Base instinct guiding me for a while, I now find myself in bed, but unable to sleep. The air vent above me. Cold, dry air filling my nostrtils. Ice on my forehead. A dessert morning biting at my eyes. The image of the Dr. Bronson’s drawn, broken body biting at my eyes.
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Sterling Castellanos - The Heist
I can’t quite fathom what just happened. Dr Bronson just crumbled to dust, lights flashing, my head is killing me. I need some 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid, maybe I should grab some from the lobby. Ugh, no I just need to get back to my room. I grab my envelope with my phone and head out.
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Chief Drummond - The Heist
Everyone, calm down and go to your rooms. We don’t want anyone getting sick now.
to the remaining guests
DID I STUTTER? We are quarantined until I find out more. Please return to your rooms NOW! This is an active investigation.
After barking orders to the remaining guests, I head to the gift shop. I didn’t expect to stay here so long, and now I’m going to need some clothes and personal items.
looks around at the gift shop
I’m so sick of this shit. Boxes everywhere, little packets of silica strewn across the room. I hate those damn packets.
looks over to a box full of silica packets
What the hell is this? What lunatic stocks up on silica packets?
check sizes of unpacked clothing
Absolutely nothing reasonable in my size. Only a shirt with those teenybopper pokeymans all over? God dammit.
grabs a box of pokemymans shirts and heads up to my room
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Luna
The lights go out just as Dr. Bronson discusses the soul trapped inside the Canopic Jar. Perhaps he can still use some black magic even though the container. Then gunshots go off. This is no magic after all, it’s something worse.
Later the lights come back on, and I can see Dr. Bronson’s body. While I can’t see well from afar, something seems off about it. Maybe I was right about the black magic.
I wait to be the last to leave, and notice that there are 4 remaining phone envelopes. I decide to take them before heading off to my room.
I can’t sleep. This building seems tainted after the events of this evening. In the mid of the night I sneak down to the lobby. I’m alone down there with only the flickering glow of exit lights to keep me company. Even the air feels cursed, and I pull down my tinfoil hat for comfort. Nothing seems to stop the wicked sensation.
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