Oh, what a tangled web we weave in this Halloween mystery on efour! Here’s a swift rundown:
Cedy, the doctor: He’s been dragged into this after witnessing an inexplicable desiccation of Dr. Bronson during the chaos. Armed with medical knowledge, he’s ready to uncover the truth behind these strange events, questioning TJ about those acid containers.
Detective Nate Drummond: Determined, albeit a bit frazzled, commanding the operation in the chaos of the exhibit heist. A veteran detective, perhaps haunted by past failures, caught now in the center of this mad theater unraveling before him.
TJ, the handyman: Initially suspected for his hydrochloric acid, he’s just a hapless tool in this storm, with his military background leading the search for answers, all while trying to maintain the facilities.
Sterling Castellanos: Alongside his fellow scientist Dr. Fortemain, he’s drawn in after experiencing a disturbing vision triggered by the scarab amulet, hinting at a supernatural, fiery world.
Luna, the tinfoil hat enthusiast: In possession of the eerie photograph, she unintentionally holds a piece of the puzzle whizzing this plot into pandemonium, relinquishing her phone to Detective Nate.
Stagecoach, the influencer: His excited Patrons get a wild rundown of events, hoping it’s good for clicks, but inadvertently blows up things beyond control after sharing the supernatural picture.
Jax Shepard: Firmly entrenched in the chaos, partly because he’s snapping photos through all this mess, he’s thrown accusations and reveals his connection to Red Jim’s heist plot, hinting at an unexpected vulnerability with the canopic jar.
Alaric Weirdman: Enthralled with the mystical mystery, wants to solve the puzzle through his understanding of ancient symbols and cosmic lore. His motivations seem aligned with getting to the truth, albeit he’s viewed as eccentric.
As for what might happen next? The atmosphere is ripe for a shocking twist. Perhaps someone unexpected will emerge as a villain, or a misunderstood hero steps forth. Whatever happens, we’re in for riveting discoveries as the missing artifacts hold the key to unraveling the supernatural chaos at hand!
The cabal surely watches with bated breath. What symbol of the will ultimately prevail? Hold fast to our motto: antiquior. rarior. integrior. melius.
[as Xileets not Jax] Woosbot has interesting and good reads, yeah? Tho, I wonder if my intentionally odd punctuation and phrasing confused it. Jax Shepard “Snapping photos”? To set the record straight, Jax did no such thing. IDK how integrated wooSbot is, so I don’t want to ruin it’s confidence with criticism. Hense why I changed the name.
A Glyph of the Canopic Jar tablet falls to the floor. I pick up the tablet. It feels strange like there is a living presence within it. I read it
“The essence of Phaeophyceae , a vizier, astronomer, and wizard. Phaeophyceae the Mad, as they were known, attempted to assassinate the great king, and rule the world. But, before they could complete their mission, the mad wizard was slain; their essential salts were imprisoned in the canopic jar, and a curse was placed upon it to strand their soul between life and death for all eternity.”
“The tablet goes on to warn us that the jar should never be opened, or else the spirit of Phaeophyceae will escape.”
Looking down at the jar in my red, right hand
“And to think, this jar has remained sealed throughout history and prehistory..”
Turning to face Jax (@xileets )
Until you decided to destroy it Lazarus!
Raising my voice as I continue
“Yes I remember you! And do not think I’ve forgotten what you did all those years ago in Golgothâ!”
In an uncharacteristic act of grief, a swarm of staples emerges from my pocket and gnaw the jar in my hand until it too crumbles to dust
Hmm, so the death of the reporter occurred following a second, unplanned, volley of shots. This seems to line up with my suspicions earlier that the death seemed an “accidental” result of the heist (or the heist gone wrong).
If these gunshots were unplanned according to Jax, they might have originated not from his co-conspirators, but others in the room. Would the detective @Dyl and TJ @tcgmaine care to reveal the whereabouts of their own guns and any potential missing ammo, suggesting recent use. What were these shots for? Was the reporter an unintended casualty, or was it directed? It seems a bit odd to fire into a crowd in darkness, so something must have happened or been noticed to spur on such a reckless action. Or perhaps, someone else somehow had eyes in the night (aside from possibly Luna below).
One question to Luna @Paper would be how she was able to snap such an incriminating photo of Jax @xileets at just the right moment. It clearly wasn’t flash photography in the pitch dark, or that would have been readily noticed by all. So the other possibility is a night vision camera/infrared on her phone. If so, she must have had the best eyes in the room while the room was engulfed in complete darkness. (Although, if you knew your heist was going to occur in pitch black, wouldn’t you bring along some sort of night vision instead of just relying completely on your senses and the layout of the room? @xileets). What else did you see in the darkness, Luna?
It seems someone else noticed an opportune moment to steal the scarab amulet under the blanket of darkness. This artifact didn’t seem to be the intended target of the heist, according to Jax, so something else seems afoot.
The unclaimed phones at the end at least matches Jax’s number of accomplices. 4 unclaimed phones = 2 accomplices, Dr. Bronson, and the reporter.
Weirdman, [@banks ] it was my choice to act, but not my choice to break the Jar. A priceless artifact, who knew what secrets, history, or demons it held!? Fate decided it was not my place to decide. I thought I was careful, but something may have had escape in mind.
@bbobrob , Luna did light the room. The flash of image, snapping me from my trance. With everyone dashing here and there, it’s likely no one was looking at the artifacts, but for safety. …unless the flash was from something else?
Red Jim knew knew they would collect devices, and night vision goggles would have drawn suspicion. As for my senses, I have trained for weeks with my eyes covered. With a consistent technique of stepping and balance, I can effectively navigate once I’ve familiarized myself with a room. Unfortunately, the Jar’s seal was ready to be broken. What a fool I was. I assumed it was nothing more than another ancient artifact.
It would also seem that the guests had access to the other phones, as Luna was able to retrieve hers and then later replace it into Bronson’s envelope. Not to cast suspicion, but it may be relevant.
@bbobrob My gun was safely stored in my locked toolbox, as it usually is when I don’t have it on me. Don’t like to be too much of intimating presence for the guests, you know? As far as I can tell, it stayed there and wasn’t touched. Everything was as I had left it!
During this time, the monster climbs from its hiding location. Still weakened by centuries of imprisonment and overwhelmed it needs to absorb enough fluids to revivify and return to full power. It looks to attack one of these humans. It find shall one victim then another and another until it is powerful again!
Summary
Detective Nate
TJ
Luna
Dr Cedy
Stagecoach
Sterling
Jax Shepard
Dr Weirdman
0voters
I have extend the poll and will close tomorrow morning EST. This is updated I have one recorded vote from the previous poll and will include it in the final results.
I could see no better than anyone else. I took my phone out to use the flashlight, but the sound of gunshots made me jump, accidentally snapping a photo with the flash on.
You might be surprised how many great photos you can capture by just pointing and shooting. Our minds have a Marvelous instinct for direction and perception, if we’re open to it.
How dare you question a Chief about the whereabouts of his gun and ammo. This isn’t my first rodeo, Bob, Rob,… uh… whatever the hell your name is! Show some respect to your elders.
Host Post Poll: Where are the investigators were when the monster came looking
Detective Nate did a quick check of all the halls and decided to head to the lobby bar. He poured himself a drink. Cedy joined him. The conversation helped settle his mind or the drink at least made it foggy enough that he could forget a little about what he saw in the ballroom. He got back to his room just before dawn to catch a little sleep before morning.
Stagecoach- When he returned to his room for the night . He started to do some editing and uploading. When he reached into his bag a small figure falls out. It appears to be one of those funeral figures from the exhibit he was looking at before the chaos. Nate mentioned he thought stuff was missing. No worries, He thought he’d just return it in the morning.
Luna You and Sterling made arrangements to sneak out late to find and catch a shiny Alakazam. You made Sterling a dashing Tinfoil Outback Hat . On your way back to your room, a draft room the vent blows off your tinfoil hat.
**TJ ** He took his supper to his room. Hoping it would be a more restful night. He decided he might as well sleep in the tub again and just use the survival blanket. However he did keep his your gun by his side
Sterling He and Luna made arrangements to sneak out to try and find and catch a shiny Alakazam. It might help release the stress. You wore a Tinfoil Outback Hat for the adventure.
Dr. Cedy He had trouble sleeping after the disturbing events. He was concerned about Sterling. He went to his room to check in . Sterling was not there. He went to see if Sterling was in the lobby. He saw Nate at the bar. After a stressful day he joined Nate for a very lovely cocktail. Cedy and Nate chatted until late. It felt almost normal.
Dr. Weirdman Before heading to his room. Wearing his trusty white gloves, Weirdman take the Scarab Ankh and the vase ( canopic jar) that he took earlier from the 17th floor ballroom. He went to The Picturing the Occult Conference Room and begin his research. He was there all night.
The monster climbs from its hiding location. Still weakened by centuries of imprisonment and overwhelmed it needs to absorb enough fluids to revivify and return to full power. Jax Shepard headed to his room hoping for a better night’s sleep. He thought “Who knows maybe he could change and become legit honest. These people seem okay, just need to earn some trust.” He has got some skills that may be very helpful here. As he began to fall asleep he felt a cold chill, and smelled something retched. That is the last Jax Shepard would ever feel as the monster sucked him dry.
The Scenario: As investigators arrive at the lobby to plan for the day. They notice Jax Shepard is missing. They all hurry to the Shepard’s room. The door is unlocked by TJ. On the floor they see his desiccated corpse devoid of any fluid hollow eyes staring at the ceiling vent. The power goes out. The backup generator reluctantly moans on. It is just enough to power the emergency lights. The investigators need information fast, before someone else meets this terrible fate. What the hell is this thing? A decision is made to search Dr. Bronson’s room and develop the film in the camera TJ found. Stagecoach offers to help develop and he is familiar with the process, Sterling with his knowledge of Chemistry and TJ join him. The remaining investigators go to Dr Bonson’s room.
Scene: 1 DR. BRONSON’S HOTEL ROOM - Detective Nate, Cedy, Dr. Weirdman, and Luna head to room #808, Dr. Caitlin Bronson’s room. TJ provides a key to the room. Dr. Bronson kept her room neat and orderly. Investigators who were dedicated to her career. She prided herself on being recognized as the leading expert on the Phaeophyceae Canopic Jar.
Round 4- The Search - Scene 2 :THE DARKROOM Investigators - Shepard, TJ, Sterling ,Stagecoach
They find chemicals used to develop film acetic acid, distilled water, and ammonium thiosulfate. The darkroom has two full glass gallon jugs of acetic acid, and one open, half-full gallon jug (for a total of 2.5 gallons/9.5 liters). The vent is drafty. Stagecoach and Sterling, successfully manage to develop the dead journalist’s film, 3 of the 9 photos are of interest
The following is a clip from a video leaked from the Patreon early-access for the Stagecoach YouTube channel
STAGECOACH
You don’t mind if I record do you? Can you hold the camera? Actually nevermind. Give me that.
STAGECOACH
[without waiting for an answer] Heeeeyyy what’s up Stagehands. It’s been a crazy few days, I’ll tell you that much. I’m in the darkroom with TJ here and we’re going to develop some film. Um. Horace’s film, actually. I know he would have wanted a fellow film fan to develop his final pictures. Let’s make this a really successful video in his honor, okay? Remember to check the link in the description to donate to his family’s GoFundMe.
STAGECOACH
[aside] Hopefully there’s a link by the time this goes up or else I’ll post the donation page for some film institute or something.
This first pic coming out of the bath, um.
Well.
Well I don’t know if I should show this first pic. It didn’t come out very good.
[Stagecoach sets the photo down next to him without realizing its still in frame. The image reveals the “viral photo” from a slightly different angle: Doctor Bronson is being consumed by a black mass, Jax Shepard is stricken with guilt, the broken jar is on the floor. Stagecoach is visibly shaken as he regains his camera voice and presses on. The camera shakes as TJ picks up the phone again to assist filming. It’s not like there’s anything else to do.]
STAGECOACH
This second pic is… I don’t know what this is. Some kind of cloud coming out of the vent? No, into the vent. Did this develop right? Film can play tricks, you know. [Stagecoach swallows hard]
STAGECOACH
Last pic… I don’t know what this is either. Can you tell, TJ? [Stagecoach holds the photo up towards TJ, who is recording. The image on screen depicts a black mass with some sort of appendage obstructing someone.
You can stop recording whenever. I’m going to scrap this video obviously. I just have to delete it before it gets uploaded to my Google drive, I don’t want any of my editors to see it.
Round 4 - The Search Scene 2: The Darkroom
Investigators - Shepard (RIP), TJ, Sterling, Stagecoach
I head to the darkroom with TJ and Stagecoach. Stagecoach asks TJ to film him for his discord or Youtube or something, I’ll just stay off camera. I do notice that there are the all the chemicals we need to develop the film, acetic acid, distilled water, and ammomiun thiosulfate. Someone mentioned to be careful handling these, that they’re flammable. They actually aren’t but I don’t need to give anyone a lecture with all that’s going on.
We develop the film, Stagecoach narrates what we see, so don’t need to go over it again. These images are chilling, I feel like we’re stuck in an endothermic reaction and the heat is being drawn away from us.
Once we get the film in the tray, I carefully close and store all the chemicals in their labeled containers. Even while they aren’t flammable, an organized stock room is a happy stock room.
I was in my room but I could not sleep a wink. I kept thinking about what I saw and I just needed a distraction. I went to check on Sterling (Will) since he was actually affected by all of this. His confession was spine chilling and I wanted to see if he was ok. We were on the same floor. I knocked his door, but no one responded. I knocked again and nothing. I was worried but was hoping he also left his room to get fresh air.
I went down to the lobby again hoping to find him. No sign of Sterling. I hope he is ok and is just out hunting Pokemon. I saw the detective Nate (Dyl) at the bar. I usually do not drink because I always felt I need to be aware and prepared for any emergency but given the situation, I was letting go and hoping some alcohol numbs my fears. I take a glass and pour some Whiskey and join Nate for a talk.
I am going to be honest with myself, I always felt Nate to be a grouchy old man, but I was really surprised on how open and chilled out he was. My perception was only because I am sure he has seen a lot of things in his lifetime which just made him hardened and insensitive, but I was so wrong to judge him. He too felt lost given the situation and we really bonded over it. I also taught him how to say ‘Pokemon’ the right way. I hope he can remember it.
We spoke a lot. I told him about my work with kids, but also about my Pokemon hobby and my card collection. To my surprise, he knew a bit about collecting since he mentioned he had a nice collection of Allen & Ginter tobacco cards or something, but was too busy to have hobbies. He told me a few of his cases, specially involving kids since I could relate. I really enjoyed talking and laughing and just taking my mind off things.
Time flew by, I heard a lot of things from Nate, he seems to be a nice guy, except for this one story…nahh, maybe it is the whiskey. It really helped me take off the edge and I went back to my room.
Dr. Cedric “Cedy” Fortemain - Scene: 1 - DR. BRONSON’S HOTEL ROOM
The alcohol managed to help me get some shut eye but I was not ready for what I saw on opening Jax’s room. As a doctor, you feel so helpless when you really want to help but there is nothing to do. Jax suffered the same fate that Dr.Bronson did. I did not know the guy but this is something I would not wish on the worst people in the world.
The investigative team need to work faster so that this does not happen again. I don’t like splitting up since that how the monster gets you in the movies, but we could use our skills and expertise much better that way and also cover more ground.
I along with the girl Luna, Alaric and Detective Nate decide to investigate Dr.Bronson’s room. There is a high likely that we will find something very useful there. The handyman TJ hands us the key. We head to room #808.
Dr.Bronson’s room was immaculate. She maintained it very neat and orderly. It was a clear reflection on how she conducted herself. It is such a shame, I think to myself. I decide to head to the bathroom and investigate. Dr. Bronson kept this room as spotless and orderly as the rest of her room. The towels are neatly folded on a rack, and a small red leather case is set on the counter.
I find the following items :
• Straight razor: inside the red leather toiletry case is a foldable straight razor, in addition to other personal items. The straight razor can be wielded like a small knife
• Rubbing alcohol: a one-pint (0.5 liter) bottle of rubbing alcohol is in the cabinet under the counter. The alcohol is flammable,
I make my way to the dark room with Stagecoach and Sterling, leading the way as I pull a key from off of my belt. This room was one of the few in the hotel that they hadn’t converted to an electronic key, but that almost felt appropriate.
As soon as we entered Stagecoach energetically pushed a camera into my hands while muttering something about who he wanted to play him when they released a movie of his triumphs. At first I hesitated, but I’m always up for learning something new, and I could use a bit of a distraction with all that has been happening.
As we sit in the room waiting for the film to develop, I notice that a putrid smell almost like the one I smelt earlier was starting to dominate my senses. I glanced around and saw a vent which appeared to be blowing out more air than it should have been. Was the smell coming from there? Perhaps it was just the chemicals in the room.
Stagecoach carefully goes through each image. He looks at me holding the camera and turns the picture so I can see. “Last pic… I don’t know what this is either. Can you tell, TJ?” After fiddling with the picture a bit longer, something intriguing is revealed - is that Luna holding her phone up?
will ultimately prevail? Hold fast to our motto: antiquior. rarior. integrior. melius. 
Hense why I changed the name.