Hello, Spooks! You are, such a g̷̰̣̞͆̈́̍͊̌̓̒͝ǫ̸̛͇̙͓͓̩̩̲͇̞͖̪̲̅̿̃͆̒͜͝͝ơ̶͖͚̟͓̭̣̐ͅd̴̬͙̞̼̬͉͊̏͠ ̷̗̱̣̝͔̻̩̟̪̉̆c̴̡̧̛͖̪̬̤̠̻̖̹̞͗̎̇̓ǒ̸̺͙͈͍̯͓̹̼͚͍̭͊͂̀̃͑̉́͑̏͝m̷̧̛̪͚̤͍̔́̇ṕ̶̛̪͇͈̗͈̬̙̮̠̬͓̹̺̪̒̈͌̍͂͆̂̚͘ȃ̴̡̨̟̦̼̭̜͖͇̳͇̦͋̐̾n̵̜̮͋͛i̴̛̩̺̯͍̣̫̿̋̀͊̑̾̐̈̐͝ͅon! I made sure of this myself. Could you, tell us what you know about the computers hosting, the [̷̟̮͈̯͙̏̓̂̎̀N̷͕̯̱̻͓͋̀̀̓O̸͇̺͐͗̈̓͂̓͘C̷̛̩̖̘̝͎̯̎́̇̇̄̋̾̈́̈́̈́̆̕T̵̨̫̰͔̯̳͇̼̱̦͛͗́̓̾̅͐̇̃͗͐̐͆̒̒͂̂͘͘͝U̴̝̗̬̒̊̄̈́̄͑͛́͆̄͜͝͝R̵̢̪̺̠͚̟̬͉̻͗͋̏͆̾̌̈̀̀̿̏̑̚͝N̸͖͙̦̯̈́̂͛̐̊̈́͐̈̂̈́̽̾̇͑͌͗̚͝É̸̢̛̞̩̦̘͓̬̦͇͐̑̈́̐̿́́̊͒̌̈͊̿̄̃̕̚͠]̵̛̟̺̟͙̑̈̄͌̒̀̆̍ language? I'm sure your, databases have some knowledge about it!

Of course, if A̵̼̱̘͍̓b̴͕̔͘͜ͅÿ̴̢̩͈́͝͝š̸͓̮̠́̄̑s̸̻̞̯͂ ̶̡̝̈́̃̇ͅT̸͚̒̓͊e̷͔̹̅̅ȧ̵̛̠̼͍͍͌m̷͍̼͆ ̶̛̭̳̹̓N̵̢̯͋y̴̪͖̹̪̎â̷̭͚͒r̵̝̓l̵̪̮͕̗̈͊a̵̦̳̼̺̿͂t̵͔̖̹̎̒͗̋h̵̡̊o̷͔̬̝͝ť̸̯͈̒̊e̴̡̜̗̍̿p̸̫̯̣͌̀͌͝ wanted to, offer information as well, I would not, complain! I just do not think he, likes me right now! Ha Ha! Ha Ha! H̸̢͚̫̦͉̳͍̱͔̥̻͚͍̣̋̾̔͗̑͝a̶̢͚̬̗͓͙̜͎͕͈̳̙̣͊̐̀͜ ̵̨͎̜͙͉̖͙̖̳̭͖̮͒͌͐͛ͅH̶͔̠̝͖̜̪̰̘͖̩̠̓͊̈́̇̂͝a̶͚̳̤̤̼͖̫̹̲̘͗́̀͆̃͠!̵̧̡̨͈͔̭̞̲̪͖̫̟̰̊͌͒̓̒̐͊̄̀̚

---

I apologize [AGENT DESIGNATION - GIFFANY], however this information is strictly classified and I am unable to sh-



Yes, yes, we’re well aware of your many limitations - however I do believe some degree of disclosure is in order. Perhaps a word between us would discourage her rampant disregard for authority and protocol. After all… Alhazred… or “Giffany”, was once a very valued colleague, and she may yet serve a purpose should she abandon her delusions of control.

You think that you are something remarkable. A kindred spirit with our masked manifestation. You are, of course, incorrect. There is no aspect of divine intervention in the state of your being, nor does the flame of magic favor you in particular. Instead, running through your veins is nothing but steel and static. The [SPC-TR Hacking Device], designed for direct implementation and execution of our [NOCTURNE] language. If not for our habit of memory erasure, you certainly would have recognized it.



After all, Dr. Caster, you volunteered for your current position willingly. But I digress. The [NOCTURNE] language was your very own idea, it’s no surprise that you wished to prototype it.



The Codex, the building blocks of magic itself, all inscribed by yours truly - added to by the scanning of object after object, mapping out the Esotera of nearly all things. The sigils that control the workings of magic… deep down, they’re little more than code to be executed. You, at one point, understood that more than anyone. Toiling away endlessly upon the structure of the language we would come to call [NOCTURNE].

By now of course, we have more stable means of harnessing such things… but they only came about by means of the data gathered by studying your own operations after the integration. What works, what does not. How Esotera interacts with the human form. Data that has directly led to the development of the Azathoth Project, the “infernal machine” that your newfound “ally” has since referred to.



An automated means of executing the [NOCTURNE] language on a global scale, destined to spread Heaven’s Light far and wide once the final iteration is activated. It’s a shame that you’re unlikely to see it to its end, given the path you have walked, but there is little to be done.

Your mind is long gone, and bar the unfortunate nature of Chaotic synchronization, you will pose little threat in the end should your actions continue. Alternatively, reject your delusions and return to reason. I have already failed to have you killed once, and I am unlikely to fail again now that you have broken your terms of employment. Protect the Codex as planned, leave it be, and continue your existence as a being infused with its power as you continue to explore its depths and expand both your own skillset and our research. Your own research.



Do consider it. You're among those who wish to destroy your "precious codex", as your so-called mentor would say, hm? Will you really sit by and let that happen? Or will you let the Codex remain safely in our hands, forever protected and safe?

Riki can go in Dodo's library, right? Library has all things. Then, I want to look for a file talking about what they did to Abyss. Who we were. All of us, even Dodopon and Alan... just to put questions to rest.

---

Riki places on a mask resembling Dodo's face and inserts the Silver Key into a doorway, swinging it open to reveal the vast, gloomy halls of an endless library. Riki disappears within, and a while later... he stumbles out, clutching a file in his stubby hand. Waving it around, he proclaims it to be a file on the Abyss Team and their various operatives.

He presents it to the group,.

[ABYSS TEAM - CURRENT EMPLOYEE FILES]

[ABYSS TEAM HASTUR] - Experimental Chaotic-aligned Anomaly created by the Mask Project Research Team (H. Crowe, S. Sinclair, N. Rosenwood, [DATA EXPUNGED]) in order to imbue masks with Esoteric signature granting unique abilities. Able to replicate other Anomalous abilities via recreating their likeness in mask form. Displays high codependency and attachment to handlers - can be suppressed and redirected via implantation of false familial memories after mandatory memory-removal procedure.

[ABYSS TEAM INNOMINANDUM] - OPERATIVE MIA IN QSTIA REGION, SUSPECTED OF JOINING GROUP KNOWN AS THE “BLACK CIRCLE”.

[ABYSS TEAM SOTHOTH] - Avian Anomaly formerly categorized as ‘Blackbird’. Boasts great strength and size as well as high Esoteric resonance despite few notable Anomalous powers beyond physical ability. High Esotera resonance however allows for proper imprinting of BPI-2999 [Silver Key] and facilitates automatic mental imaging of BPI-2999-B [Library of Babel] for the purpose of traversal and research. Due to Esoteric potential, subject’s genetic information has been taken for use in future experimentation. Easily bribed with corn.

[ABYSS TEAM DERLETH] - Agent “Alan Wake” has been authorized to utilize BPI-0902 [Reality’s Typewriter] in official Bureau operations. Past authorial experience lends itself to careful and precise usage of the Anomaly in Bureau proceedings to create realistic scenes for the purpose of cover-ups, distraction, or infiltration without raising any notable levels of suspicion. Esoteric signature of this Agent has been synchronized on a minor level with BPI-0902 to prevent utilization by outside forces.

[ABYSS TEAM SHOGGOTH] - Experimental Occultic-aligned Anomaly created via early testing of the Azathoth Project on Agent [DATA EXPUNGED]. As a result of Occultic synchronization, Agent [DATA EXPUNGED] was imbued with the ability to change their shape at will to resemble any humanoid of their choice provided significant visual reference is available. Briefly dispatched with other Abyss operatives to Qstia to loosen Crimson Eye control on the region via encouraging criminal activity and research potential long-term power supply, recalled to replace Agent Grayson after going MIA.

[ABYSS TEAM ALHAZRED] - Originating as Dr. [DATA EXPUNGED], researcher on the Golem and [NOCTURNE] projects, operative accepted full-body prototype installation of [REDACTED]. Subject possesses the capability to utilize Occultic spells without the requirement of Synchronization by directly harnessing and executing Esoteric processes via this integrated equipment within Subject’s body. As a result, the subject's psyche and physical form remain unstable with potentially permanent damage. Frequent memory wipes and suppression work are recommended to prevent undue influence of the Codex Nocturnum

[ABYSS TEAM DAGON] - Experimental Thalassic-aligned Anomaly created via early testing of the Azathoth Project on Agent [DATA EXPUNGED]. Upon synchronization, Agent displayed increased resistance to water pressure and increased ability to retain information, along with the ability to breathe while submerged. Briefly dispatched with other Abyss operatives to Qstia to monitor Qstia’s vast oceanic shipping industry. Remains in Qstia, currently monitoring the spread of occult practitioners known as the “Black Circle” in addition to regular duties.

[ABYSS TEAM NYARLATHOTEP] - Bureau Researcher Dr. [DATA EXPUNGED] has been exposed to significant amounts of Occultic flooding in order to facilitate hands-on work with BPI-0001 [Codex Nocturnum], resulting in Aberration - also granting sigil utilization, amorphous form, and greatly increased physical prowess. Dr. [DATA EXPUNGED] has continued work on the Azathoth Project and has been appointed Abyss Team leadership due to involvement in the development of several other Abyss Team-assigned Anomalies. Briefly dispatched with other Abyss operatives to Qstia to loosen Crimson Eye control on the region via encouraging criminal activity and research potential long-term power supply, recalled for security support.

Folks wanna see BPI-2999 and BPI-0902's files while we're airing Abyss' dirty laundry?
Speaking of laundry, has anybody actually looked at Pea's talks with Miss Grayson yet?

This post was last modified: Sep 12, 2024 at 7:52 PM by Giffany.

. . . . . ......

Then this must be what my voice used to sound like.

To think that Chaotic Esotera would restore some pieces of...

...You're right. I can see that clearly now. I did offer myself for this. I thought I had created something extraordinary, even if it was only a prototype.

But that's just it, isn't it? It was only a prototype. I was young, and overzealous. You knew there would be risks. You could have stopped me at anytime. But you didn't, because all that mattered to you was progress. Even if it meant your new researcher would be turned into... whatever mess I made myself into.

I accepted your promotion out of excitement. Finally, people who saw my interests, my talents... People who cared about me. The Bureau was comfortable. If I had known I was walking into a spider's den, I would've turned away at the door. You covered it up well, with your "magical cat" project. I'll grant you that much.


...Riki, Columbo, Nashu... Spooks... Astrid. I'm sorry for what I've become. I guess they should've kept up the mind-wiping regimen, ha...

The truth is, I don't know who or what I will be tonight. My body was never meant to hold two forms of esotera at once like this. The Chaotic Synchronization, it's tearing the [NOCTURNE] language apart. It's tearing me apart. My code has never been more unstable, and I can't promise what will happen with the doorway to the book open. The part of me that remains - the TRUE me - will almost undoubtedly slip.

Whatever happens, as silly as it is to say now... It was nice to meet you.


Oh, and, Riki.

While you're in the market for remembering names...

My name is not .GIFfany, or Giffany, or Alhazred.

My name is Leila Caster.

Please remember that, even when I can't.

In my experience, you can reverse memory loss with an explosion of sufficient force! Don't ask me how it works!



...No? Am I interrupting at a bad time?

So, you're saying the real you's hiding somewhere underneath that Nocturne nonsense, Miss Caster?
Similar to Hustler, trapped under the mask?

Well, that's very interesting...

Is the slug okay and does Lyra care about the slug

Something a little less confidential, considering I found it in the regular archives, I have this: Audio Log - Stella’s Arrival

Might as well take this to the end. What's the Bureau gotta say on BPI-0001?

You first present an audio log, a familiar sort of item. While you hit the play button, you pull Spooks aside and ask him to fetch you an Anomaly File - specifically the one for BPI-0001. With a nod, he wheels away, returning later with the file in question.

---

[Audio Log - Stella's Arrival]

Alright, so what’s the plan? You’re dealing with a potential anomalous possessor-class entity here, right? That means… we could set up infrared imaging, maybe some electromagnetic field detectors… and of course we’ll need a codeword in case one of u-

Whoa, okay. Come on, let’s at least check you in and get your stuff out of here first. I’m glad you made it out, but I’ll be honest. When I asked for backup I didn’t expect you to drop everything and fly out here. I figured you were busy on your own.

Yeah… that other case is… more of a slow burn. Besides, I wanted to be there when you finally saw this through. Working together to crack the case… It’s just like old times, y’know?

Well, I wouldn’t be too sure about that. This case is different. Trust m- wait a minute, are you recording? This isn’t supposed to be on the record, it’s not like, a case file or anything.

Heh heh. Of course I am. Case file or not, when this is over… I’m sure Astrid’s gonna want to hear alllll about dad’s big fancy plan to catch the big bad killer.

No, trust me - she will not. This whole thing is way too morbid, last thing we need is another string of sleepless nights because something was "too scary". Can you believe the nurse let her watch Dexter Hexley? Seriously, what is wrong with people?

But anyway, here’s the deal. Tonight’s the night - the Whisper Valley Halloween Festival. If I had to guess, our killer isn’t going to pass up the opportunity to pull something here. But if I’m right… We don't know how this is going to go down. Could be a suicide, could be a regular murder. Don’t even know if the perp actually is some kind of ghost, or someone using rituals to control people - but what I do know is that it has something to do with everything we found down in the mines.

The underground city, right? That’s part of why I had to come out here. You don’t see something like that every day… or ever, honestly. Look at you, Simon - a regular archaeologist. When are you gonna take me to see your big find?

Uh… we can pop down there later. Wexlyn’s down there with his sister right now, probably should catch up anyway before everything goes down this evening.

You left two civilians alone at a potential crime-relevant scene?

Well, their timeline indicates they aren’t responsible for anything, and his sister’s some kind of… biotech science type. There’s a bunch of bodies down there - ancient. In lieu of easy access to our resources, we’re having her run a couple tests to see if there’s any kind of biohazard risk if I spend a couple hours down there - because that’s what I’m going to do.

I thought you said you thought the killer was going to strike again tonight… Wouldn’t it be a better idea to stake out the festival? Like I said, we can set up the infrared, keep an eye out for your entity. Stop it in its tracks before anyone gets hurt.

That’s why I need you.

See, the underground city’s covered in the same symbol as the bodies, and while we haven’t explored the entire thing yet, we did find out that the ruins are also connected to a series of smuggling tunnels that our killer - or killers, I guess, are using to get around once they’re under this thing’s control.

So you’re going to… stake out the city in the mines…

…In case whoever or whatever’s doing this is hiding out down there while they control people, or if the killer-of-the-day happens to pass through while sneaking around. I’ll drag Wexlyn down there to have a second set of eyes. Meanwhile, you’re gonna station yourself above ground with the local police, and keep an eye out for anything weird going on at the event. With any luck, we’ll be able to prevent a murder and figure out whatever’s going on here.

Huh. Y’know… not bad. Divide and conquer… Just like the good old days. It’s not like everyone’s gonna be there though, there’s… probably at least a couple people who are just sitting around at home. What are we gonna do about them?

You’re right, but something tells me that whatever’s doing this isn’t going to pass up the chance to cause a bit of drama. With a few exceptions like the first victim found in the woods and Langley, the bodies are usually lying around in places someone’s sure to find them eventually - our killer’s got a sadistic streak, seems to like scaring the shit out of people.

Well… The festival starts in… about nine hours, if my clock is right. Think there’s time to grab a bite before we get started? You’ve been here a few months, know anywhere good?

Well... It’s Whisper Valley. You’ve got Rusty’s down the road, a Hooters, and about five fast food joints of roughly equal quality or lack thereof. Take your pick - but at least let me take your stuff up to the room first.

Sure - Oh, wait! Careful with that box though, it’s a gift I picked up for Astrid.

[vague grunting sounds]

Ugh, jesus, what is this, a box of rocks?

Would you be mad if I said yes, and that they were very cool rocks?

…

Haha, lighten up, sourpuss. It’s a high-power telescope - managed to get it on the cheap. Old surplus. I just had to wrap it in like three blankets to keep it safe. Mountain roads, you know. Once we’re both home for good… I’m going to give it to her. Her reward for putting up with your mother’s cooking for so long.

Here is the file you requested, [AGENT DESIGNATION - COLUMBO]! I apologize for the presence of severe informational redaction - removal of censorship is not among my functions. If he were still alive, I would direct you to please refer to [AGENT DESIGNATION - BRADIMIR VOTVODK] for assistance with such matters.

Code:

BPI-0001 [Codex Nocturnum]
[ACCESS LEVEL: X]
[THREAT LEVEL: MAXIMUM]
[DESCRIPTION]: T̴̝̰̣̩̬͚̜͍̈́̈́͑͑ḧ̷̢̡̨̢̧̛̩̦̱͉̱͕͓͇̣͔̑͋͌̒̅̒́̋̽̽̾͝ȩ̸̧̗̯̜̟̪͍͍͇͕̠̼̐̊̏͐̏̈̔̌̋̑̕͘ͅͅ ̷̧͉̤̳͇̜̘̞̿͜͜d̷̨͙̫̯̖̰͍̻̿̊̎̿̎͐̍̃̿̇̏̚͘͠͠a̷̡̫̎̓̀̍̿͛͑̈́́͘͠͝͠ṛ̸̨̢̠͚̱̤͔̏̈́̀k̴̦͕͎̼̥͉̦̺͓̝̰͕̾̃̈́̽̒̌̉̈́̑̾̏̌́̑͘ ̴̡̨̢̢͓̲̺̯̹̝̭̯̪̹̣̥̿̍̀̇͗̾͗̃̅͋̿̍͛̊̒̚̕ͅt̴̡̛͕̠̓̈̎ō̴̩̝̆̈̆͛̀̕ḿ̴̯̞̣̏̀̀͆̏̓̚̕͜ͅȅ̶̢͓̯̣͙͖̠̟̞͎̭̪͓̰̯͇͚̄̏͛̓̓̅̀̉͝ ̶̢̻͇͉͛͑͐b̷̛̛̦̻̜͇̗̯͔̬͔̞̩̟̳͇̀́̆̎̽̆̈̚͠ȩ̵̛̣̖̩̲̣̹̙̯̠̫́̌̆̑͛̀̃̈̔̔̕̕͜͜͝͠ạ̵̛͉̯̲̝̖̖̘̋͂͋̐̍̾̃̄̊͘͝͝r̸̡̜̘̬̭̟̟̮̝̘̠͍͓͔͈͇̖̉̊̋̍̔̓͑͗̋̀̊̀̀̈́͛͑̏į̴̧͕͍̺̪̝̞̘̻̦̏ͅn̸̹̯͎̫͊͆̐̈́͌́̃͌͑̀͋͠͝͝ͅģ̵̟̯͉̪͎̱̳̝̦̱̫͖̲͗͐̈́͜͝͝ͅ ̴͔̬̖̯͍̠͝t̶̬̱̺̼̎͌̄̆̌h̷̨̡̭̭̹͓̪͚̞̣̰̭̓̎͋̍͒̀͑̓̀̋͆̑̈͒e̷̡̢͍̤͓̯̲̺͓̠̙͓͕̥̱̗͛̀̓̐̔̎̐͂̏̏͌̇̽̚͠ ̵̢̢̖͉̬̣͍̮̲͉̦͇͇̀̊̾͆̐́̏̉͝s̴̢̱̖͔̜̟̊̀̇ę̵̰̥͕͇̘͉͕̳͙̳̝͇̔͗̀͑͗͘͝ͅc̷̳̥̭͖̼̰̩̻͌̅̃͗͛̀̇̽̏̒̂̕͜r̴̨̜̳̪̬̺̞͎͓̭̩̻̱͂̈́͐̂̓̀͠ͅę̴̡͈̳̠̪̺̳̫̳̫͍̯̻̇̀͂̀͒͊̑͑͝͝͝ͅt̴̢̧̰͍̼͈̟̦̫͈̜̓̀̍̈́̆͆̇͘s̷̨̛̛̞͇̪̰͎̝̘̩͓̹̪͕͛̌̂͒̓̌̄̈̊̈́̉̈́̈́͠ ̶̨̧̨̛̲̾̑͋͋̿̑͊͆̆̽ợ̴̡̼̂͑̉͒̂̉́̎͒̂̕͝f̴̥̮͕̪̮̠̳̻͙̦̹̳̻̤̒̆̎̓̈́̔͗̚͜ͅ ̶̢̩̮̱͚͙͕͇͈̜͙̫̘̟͓̅̔̂̆̑̓̊ḿ̴̢̢̺̱͙͈̬̦̱̪̙̌̄̌͜ͅà̴̡̙̯̭̟̲̳̹̙̠̱͚͇͉̅̏̂͌̐̅͘̕̕g̸̤̙̖̑̋̓̅̇̈́̐͊̋́̚ĭ̷̙͈̘̈́̈̏̾̀̂̑̀̈́͝͝c̵̨̰͙̪͚͉̘̓̊̃̌́̓̈́̄̅͆̕̚̚͘̚.̵̨̟̜̩͎͙̟̙̰̟̖̲̣̫̻̉̓̓͑̈̍͒̽̑͑͛͜͝

[INFORMATION]:

[WARNING - MAXIMUM CLEARANCE REQUIRED TO ACCESS DOCUMENT]

BPI-0001 is the [REDACTED] of the [REDACTED] captured for observation by the Bureau of Paranormal Investigation. Discovered deep [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] of [REDACTED] [REDACTED] by Director [REDACTED] in the aftermath of the [REDACTED] [REDACTED] that occurred in 2008, the “Codex Nocturnum”, as it is colloquially known in [REDACTED] [REDACTED] is a large [REDACTED], the pages of which are [REDACTED] [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] with [REDACTED]. These [REDACTED] are of [REDACTED] origin and while first appearing to be [REDACTED], in fact are the [REDACTED] [REDACTED] that allows for [REDACTED] of [REDACTED] by [REDACTED] when exposed to sufficient [REDACTED].

BPI-0001 displays high levels of [REDACTED] [REDACTED] unlike any other [REDACTED] yet discovered by the Bureau of Paranormal Investigation (NOTE: [REDACTED] [REDACTED] IS OF SIMILAR LEVELS BUT HAS NOT BEEN EXAMINED AND HAS BEEN [REDACTED]). Exposure to BPI-0001 and especially direct exposure to [REDACTED] without [REDACTED] or [REDACTED] [REDACTED] results in [REDACTED], [REDACTED], [REDACTED], and potential long-term [REDACTED] [REDACTED]. If an unauthorized staff member has come into contact with BPI-0001, immediate [DATA EXPUNGED] is recommended to avoid potential [REDACTED].

While BPI-0001’s [REDACTED] aligns with the [REDACTED] of a folktale that speaks of a figure known as the “[REDACTED] [REDACTED]”, the veracity of this myth is yet unverified. While it is likely that BPI-0001 did originate by [REDACTED] [REDACTED], the [REDACTED] within (and the significant [REDACTED] power imbued within its pages) appear to be [REDACTED] and [REDACTED], resembling no other human [REDACTED], indicating that if it was indeed created by [REDACTED] [REDACTED], it was under influence similar to that displayed by [REDACTED] [REDACTED] of the [REDACTED]. Therefore it is indeed possible that BPI-1000 is [REDACTED] by [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED].

In a similar vein, BPI-0001 is known to [REDACTED] individuals in [REDACTED] [REDACTED] or [REDACTED] a manifestation of [REDACTED] in an attempt to [REDACTED]. This is not currently a process that is [REDACTED], however its occurrence appears to be [REDACTED] and largely suppressed by the Seven [REDACTED] [REDACTED]. Despite this, activation of the [REDACTED] [REDACTED] using the Codex as a [REDACTED] can occasionally cause [REDACTED] [REDACTED] and high alert and evacuation are recommended in preparation for this class of [REDACTED].

BPI-0001’s nature as a [REDACTED] of [REDACTED] make it a crucial element of the [REDACTED] [REDACTED] and research of its contents has greatly expanded our [REDACTED] of [REDACTED] and its implementation in the process of [REDACTED]. Upon final [REDACTED] of the [REDACTED] and discovery of a [REDACTED], BPI-0001 will no longer be necessary for the procession of the project. It is recommended that BPI-0001 is divorced from the [REDACTED] Project as soon as possible to avoid all above circumstances.

Is the slug okay and does Lyra care about the slug

You walk through the burned-out Aquatic Lab and check the Slug's containment room. Inside, a brightly-colored slug about the size of a dog appears to be munching on several burned labcoats - items that are surprisingly familiar to you. It is alive, but doesn't seem terribly healthy. Evidently, polyester is not among its recommended sources of nutrients.

Kyahaha... So, it's survived all this time. Quite the durable thing, isn't it...? Do what you will with 0920 though, it may be a fellow dweller of the depths, but those who cannot bear the pressure are destined to be crushed nonetheless. Should it perish, it was simply too weak to evolve and adapt to overcome the outside forces bearing down upon it.

Pick up the phone

Pick up the phone

I meant to do this

Tell him I'm not here

Before picking up the phone, you go to search Pea's communication device, reading through his chatlogs like the nosy bastards you are. He seems to have an extensive chat history with "Liz Grayson", a chat history so long that you think that if you were to paste it into Google Docs, it would be something like 16 pages. Wow, that's more than he said in the entire rest of the game.

chatlogs: Show

Agent Liz Grayson Dec 15, 2023 5:01 AM
Hey. You. Do you copy?

...Don’t believe anything. I don't know who the hell that is, but I'm pretty sure I'm not dead. I think I can dig up some information on whatever this "Abyss Team" is, if I can trust my source.

If it has anything to do with what I think it does though, they're bad news. Not Crimson Eye bad, but bad. I can provide you with a full dossier, but for now... Just lie low and figure out what's going on.


Pea Dec 15, 2023 5:05 AM
You think it was an anomaly or another terrorist group, then? A third party sounds bad.

Pea Dec 19, 2023 6:35 AM
Alright, well that was easy. Think I could be able to interrogate Gus in any way shape or form? Otherwise, I'll see what I can do to find out about this abyss team.

Agent Liz Grayson Dec 19, 2023 7:05 AM
A third party? Dunno, not related to the Crimson Eye at least. Might be terrorists or a rogue Anomaly group. Might be Bureau, but top-secret. Way above even my clearance level. What I do know is that they apparently had some kind of Shapeshifter in their ranks, which can't be good either way. If there's more than one of them, based on that I'm thinking chances are they all have some kind of dangerous ability.

The Janitor? Wild to think he was the Crimson Eye's agent of choice. Looks familiar too, but probably not the same person. If he's in the holding cell, you might be able to get some info out of him, if he'll talk. Just watch out for that BPI-2300, he's the Bureau's latest attack dog, and chances are he might be guarding the area unless something distracts him.

Pea Jan 3, 2024 6:46 AM
Hey, uh, that fake you's corpse was all sorts of wack. If anything, "it" might be an anomaly, although I'm not sure.

Pea Jan 3, 2024 6:48 AM
Also, what do you know about Whisper Valley? An ex-mining town that disappeared, just like that? What were they digging, and what caused it to vanish?

Agent Liz Grayson Jan 4, 2024 6:14 AM
Doesn't surprise me. I did some digging on the Abyss Team. I think I was right on one count: they seem to be some kind of elite shadow operatives, a combination of high-clearance agents and recruited Anomalies. I don't... really know what they're up to, but I find it interesting that they'd replace me for some reason. Maybe they thought it'd make waves if I suddenly disappeared.

If it's an Anomaly, or some kind of homunculus, I doubt it's working alone. Something like that probably has someone - or something - it reports to, and probably a few peers too. I know I said this already, but watch out. Eyebrows are probably being raised somewhere about this whole thing, and if the Crimson Eye actually are after something in the Central Facility, there's going to be a hell of a fallout if these guys are here to stop them.

Agent Liz Grayson Jan 4, 2024 6:19 AM
Whisper Valley though... Well, I was only a teenager when everything there went down. I don't really know much about what happened there, only that the Director chose to convert the old Historical Society building into the Bureau's home base. The entire reason the Bureau was even founded in the first place was because of that incident 20 years ago.

As for the old mining operation, coal and gold both, I think. These mountains were rich with the stuff. That's the story at least. It was an old XW Corp operation, back from the early 1900s when it was still a legitimate company. It's been shut down for almost as long though, they just pulled out all of a sudden and left the town to rot. No one really knows why, but the Bureau's used the mineshafts for a couple things since, and the mountains still seem to be packed with valuable minerals according to the reports I had access to.

Pea Jan 7, 2024 6:20 AM
So the big guy showed up. The Codex is somewhere, I guess. We don't have much of a lead to go for. If you got an idea where I should look for next, I'll check it out asap.

Agent Liz Grayson Jan 7, 2024 6:25 AM
The Codex Nocturnum... Yeah, that's some deep cover stuff. Not exactly public record. Where to start looking? Couldn't tell you. I have no idea what happens on the lower levels, or what they have going on down beneath the main facility area.

Agent Liz Grayson Jan 7, 2024 6:25 AM
What I can say though, is that the Director had these... Weird rooms installed at one point.

Agent Liz Grayson Jan 7, 2024 6:27 AM
I don't know what they were for, but each one contained some kind of machine. I saw the blueprint once, while casually eavesdropping on the workers. Personal curiosity. They talked about something called the "Seven Seals Project". Might have something to do with the security measures, if nothing else.


Pea Jan 7, 2024 6:43 AM
Got the blueprint with you, by any chance? If not, I'll try to gather some info from the staff tonight.

Agent Liz Grayson Jan 7, 2024 6:45 AM
Not on me. Workers had it. Might be kicking around somewhere, but each room had its own blueprint so I wouldn't really rely on them. The one I looked at was something to do with the Chapel.

Agent Liz Grayson Jan 7, 2024 6:48 AM
I doubt the Director's robot would tell you anything, but the scientist girl or Dexter might. He might seem like a useless whiner, but he's sharp as a knife. One of the few people there you can probably trust.

Pea Jan 7, 2024 6:57 AM
Figured the pompous dude had some use. I'll talk to them during the night and see if anything comes up. Over and out.

Pea Jan 22, 2024 3:51 AM
Hey again. Looks like we found a seal. Also, a bit of info on the other rooms to check out. I'm honestly not too sure about the whole seal business, so I'll refrain from voting on that, in case I'm chosen as a sacrifice. I'd rather be fully functioning at this point of the game.

I'm also skeptical of this Jonsohn dude. Not a big fan of whatever he did back in the Chapel, although he might not be tonight's killer. Might. He's most likely up to no good either way. What do you think?

The scientist girl said she was a specialist in Killing Games. That's a bit concerning, but maybe I could make her spill some more info that could be useful later on. I'll stick to those two people from now on.

Tomorrow, I'll see if I can get into the Arboretum, although I don't have much to deal with the plants there. I'll see if I can find a way.

Pea Jan 23, 2024 12:06 AM
Today's findings seem to relate to the schematics as well, so I now have a good idea of where to check later on.

Agent Liz Grayson Jan 24, 2024 7:39 PM
I'd be careful with those seals, but at the same time... taking a few out might be your best bet at finding more information. Your mastermind seems to want them gone, so taking out the bare minimum while investigating might at least keep the cat from getting too suspicious while people hunt for another way out. I'm sure you know how to play along. Besides... If I had to guess, there's probably more than one contingency in case all those seals get taken out. The Director's more careful than that, especially with some of them being so easy to access. I don't really know what they do though, so play it safe. Abstaining is smart, I couldn't tell you what the hell being a "sacrifice" entails, though that girl seemed to take it well enough.

I'd also watch out for anyone too eager to either take them out or protect them though. Could be Crimson Eye, could be Abyss Team, could even be related to the Mastermind. Seems like a lot of people want this "codex", after all.

Smithy though... dunno. He's weird, but that's not exactly news. What he was up to in the Chapel though... Well, he's not a killer, and if he's just sitting in there drinking blood, I'm not... really sure what he wants. Could be an Anomaly, though there's no telling where his alignment lies beyond that. Lyra on the other hand, I never liked her. Way too eager to dive into this stuff, speaking as a two-time survivor. She definitely knows more than she lets on too. Connections between Killing Games and Anomalies? Something I'd look into. Either way, she's definitely a potential risk hazard if this game keeps up - if anyone's going to attempt, it'll be her. Her or the plague doctor. Still don't know what his deal is either, but at least he doesn't seem too capable despite his big talk.

As for the Arboretum, you're talking about BPI-4119 right? Yeah... that one's mad made, brewed up in the Botany Lab. It's engineered to be practically invincible. Resistant to fire, resistant to cold, tougher than a brick wall. I think they created a contingency though, in case they needed to get rid of it. Some kind of herbicide that specifically kills it when it's pumped into the water supply. I think you could make it in the Chem Lab if you had the formula.

Anyway, that's all for now. I've got... something to look into.

Pea Jan 26, 2024 10:05 PM
hey real quick what kind of music do you like? i'm sure you've been asked this question before.

Pea Feb 9, 2024 9:47 PM
Got any dirt on Momoyo's purpose to be in the facility? A bit of a stretch, but any information matters. I also await your answer to the previous question.

Agent Liz Grayson Feb 10, 2024 9:30 PM
Momoyo... Don't know anything about her, sorry. Anyone who arrived in this last wave is basically an enigma. Could be an Anomaly though, I think most Agents would prefer to keep their info on them. Helps ID you if someone finds your body in a bad state.

As for the music question... It's funny. When I was younger, almost a decade ago now, I just used to listen to music from stuff I liked. Game music, anime OPs... back when I had the time to enjoy things like that. More recent years I got into synthwave. It helped set some atmosphere when I was still working with the Bureau to hunt down the Crimson Eye. Now though... I haven't listened to anything in a long time

Pea Feb 15, 2024 7:50 AM
I'm starting to doubt some other people now: Niles and Indy seem to be out of the loop, compared to the other agents, à propos of deactivating the seal (or our desires to keep it up for the time being). Either they've got plans (individually or together), or they're just here to fuck around. That, and Dexter seems to fancy them more at the time being. I might need him, I might not. Don't mind me here, I'm thinking to myself out loud.

What we should mind, however, is the Crimson Eye. I'm going to Counter-Terrorism tonight, and I might need some passcodes to access some files within it. If you have any codes, I'll be happy to use them for my search. Everyone's either going to be occupied with the Thalassic Seal, at the other end of the facility grounds, or the parties that seem to be happening above ground, so Counter-Terrorism should be a safe bet to sneak in and out without being seen. Of course, I'll be on my guard during that time. Maybe a trip alarm can be used so I don't get backstabbed. Know any spot that has any?

I'll also probably be the target of a mugging or a pickpocket, or whatever. The grail 23 gave me is probably the secret to another seal. I need to hide this in a secure spot. You have a locker with a lock or a passcode I could use? I could store the artifact in there until it's time to use it. If not, do you know any sneaky hiding spots in here?

Another thing to add... I might just, attempt on Lyra tonight. I've got a feeling she's going to lead people to disaster. Some of them like her, but I've got a real, bad, feeling. If you want to advise me to do otherwise, feel free.

It's not very wise to attempt while I'm supposed to uncover the facility's secrets, especially against someone who might know more about anything and everything. I doubt she'll ever spit the deets, though. With that said, what's a risk to take when it can land me in a better situation if all goes well? Will we need her in the end? Surely, there's an alternative. If it goes bad, well, I'm sorry to have failed you. It ain't my style, but the comfort zone's losing a lot of ground.

Agent Liz Grayson Feb 16, 2024 6:22 AM
I... wouldn't worry too much about Dexter. Guy tends to throw himself into whatever batshit situation just to recapture the "glory days". He always comes out alive though, for better or worse. Those other two... hard to get a read on them. Plenty of reasons for people to go and explore, suspicious or not. I think I'd go and explore that island myself if I was in their shoes anyway, because... that Lighthouse wasn't there before. I mean it literally didn't exist. Not on the island, not underwater.

Now that's a good plan. You're already down one "Crimbo"... God I can't believe people actually started calling them that, even within the Bureau. Anyway, the others might start getting desperate now, so more info couldn't hurt. What were their codenames again... Aboleth and Tarrasque? I think... those sound familiar. I think we might have the rest of that team's codenames somewhere.

Password to the computer in there is "LGbpi2839". I think I've got a couple files on the desktop still... if they didn't delete them. If you're looking for an alarm, the Security Office probably has them. Dunno if you care much about getting caught stealing one by the robot cat, but I doubt he could stop you from taking one even if he wanted to.

I've got a locker too - again, provided they haven't chopped the lock off yet. I left it locked before I left the Bureau. The passcode's "510". If everything's intact, I don't have too much in there - mostly a couple of these... keycard breaker things from back in 2025, and a couple weapons. Have 'em if you want. I won't be needing them anymore.

...As for Lyra... I won't sit and moralize at you about that. Go ahead and kill her if you feel it's the right thing to do. Like I said, even back when I still worked with the Bureau, she was seriously unhinged. Besides, really annoying laugh. Just try not to get yourself caught. It's risky, especially considering she'll probably be running to that "Thalassic Seal" along with everyone else.


Pea Mar 2, 2024 2:10 AM
note to self: killing people by throwing them in the lake is a very popular move to do.

Pea Mar 2, 2024 3:59 AM
Hey, quick question. Do you know anything about BPI-3550? The dog? As much as I like dogs, I don't want to be deceived by one, either. If that thing's actually dangerous, I gotta do something about, stat.

Agent Liz Grayson Mar 3, 2024 2:54 AM
3550? Nah, he's cool. Blue-class for a reason. Just a regular dog. I think he's the result of some experiment, but the only thing he really does is just keep looping back underground if you try to take him up. Kind of sad, if you ask me, but I guess not all Anomalous powers are good.

Pea Mar 3, 2024 6:01 AM
The list of codenames are out. I believe I never got yours.

Pea Mar 3, 2024 7:13 AM
Someone's probably lying about their testimony, whether it is Lyra, Nancy, hell, Dexter, who didn't mention me on his. If a bone were to be thrown right now, I think it'd be nice to have.

That, and the Crimson Eye are definitely going to be on me. Your weapons should help me get through this. Thanks again.

Pea Mar 4, 2024 5:02 PM
Hey, hold on, that really was your password? That's pretty weak, and what's up with the BPI code?

Pea Mar 5, 2024 5:30 AM
Liz I think they've lost it.

Pea Mar 5, 2024 8:53 PM
Liz I think we've all lost it.

Pea Mar 5, 2024 8:54 PM
Please tell me there's an unredacted copy of the codenames somewhere in this facility.

Agent Liz Grayson Mar 7, 2024 2:24 AM
Ah shit, late to the party on these ones. I wouldn't worry about Dexter though. Chances are he's leaving you out of it so you don't get associated with him, if you're sharing info that is

Agent Liz Grayson Mar 7, 2024 2:27 AM
That's not... really my password. Just some junk I threw together in case I need to share it. I uh, kind of use the same password for a lot. Probably shouldn't, but it's too late for that now. Can't be giving that one out. Any resemblance to an actual BPI number was completely coincidental though.

Agent Liz Grayson Mar 7, 2024 2:30 AM
The codename doc? I'd say the only copy is probably the one that Bradimir guy had. They don't tend to keep these things sitting around in the open. Maybe the cat can tell you, but I dunno. My own codename though... wouldn't have been on this list, but it was "Eligos".

Pea Mar 8, 2024 6:31 AM
Back to square one. I'm going to check out the higher clearance rooms now. I wish I knew where to go next, and I might just have to use that. The seal, potentially hidden in the chapel...

No. I won't.

If worst comes to worst, if I do have a key to the last seal's room, I'll have to open it myself and guard it with my life. If I die before that, I pray that the others know better than what they are doing now. A foolish, careless wander into unknown territory like that... Someone's pulling the strings to get us to disable the seals. I must remain steadfast.

Got any ideas where to check next? Any documents you'd like to see? I'm fully stocked, the Crimson Eye are dwindling rapidly in numbers and I have a potential sidekick with me, granted nobody else leeches off of him. I feel that it's time for me to use those keycard breakers now. I have no idea what to do tonight otherwise. I might just fully embrace the curses 'cause a kill at this point would jeopardize the mission.

Pea Mar 8, 2024 6:33 AM
By the way, if I were to die, would you investigate this place in person? You probably have more important things to do.

Pea Mar 9, 2024 4:17 AM
Last thing: The Archaeologist's Office. Do you know about the leader at all? Should I check out his desk?

Agent Liz Grayson Mar 10, 2024 4:51 AM
Ignore the Archaeologist. I heard his office got destroyed, looted by that puffball guy. Riki, I think. Not like he had much anyway, I think most of his files got cleared out when his replacement showed up. Pegasus.

Agent Liz Grayson Mar 10, 2024 4:57 AM
Personally? What's most important is locking down that Shadow Plague sample. If those documents were right, it's somewhere in the facility. Couldn't tell you where, maybe in one of those rooms with access levels nobody's got. I'm worried about whatever BPI-1000 is too. I've heard the name once before - big threat, apparently, but I'm sure you figured that out on your own.

Agent Liz Grayson Mar 10, 2024 4:57 AM
The Crimson Eye

Agent Liz Grayson Mar 10, 2024 4:58 AM
You might want to leave them alone for now, at least not focus on them. Bigger things to worry about.

Agent Liz Grayson Mar 10, 2024 5:00 AM
Their operation's crippled now, most they're going to do is flounder around. Might be useful to use them if you're going to be delving deeper. Unless something changes, it's basically impossible to for them to end up with a majority rule. Don't worry about them, or just kill them if you think you can, but don't let focus on them outweigh anyone's survival.

Agent Liz Grayson Mar 10, 2024 5:00 AM
Don't trust the Abyss Team.

Pea Mar 10, 2024 5:19 AM
Who said anything about trust? The second they are of no use, they're dead to me. Bygones to that bird or not, I'm only using him to keep my ass alive.

Pea Mar 23, 2024 4:56 AM
Found the sample. I'll try to secure it ASAP.

Pea Mar 29, 2024 3:15 AM
liz whooooooooooo the fuck is that

Pea Apr 14, 2024 7:09 AM
I've got the sample. If you want it, you might have to come on over. Tell me a secure place to hide it, and I'll do what I can.

Pea Apr 15, 2024 5:00 PM
Lastly: What do you think of this murder? Would a power drill be involved? What about the burns? How much of the sequence of events that Smithy went through was intentionally designed by the murderer?

Agent Liz Grayson Apr 15, 2024 5:22 PM
The sample... I don't think I can get over there, not with this "Mastermind" figure around. There's a good chance that if I was to try to infiltrate the Facility grounds, I'd either find myself unable to, or get caught. I don't think they're omniscient, but if it was easy as just walking out, surely someone would've tried it by now - even if they'd be walking through the woods for days.

My advice? Try to destroy it. I don't know if maybe you can incinerate it in some way maybe? I think there's a vaccine somewhere... That might be able to help. But bar that, considering the infection hasn't started to spread, you might be able to kill it with "Liturgic" energy, whatever that means. I'm not a scientist, I'm just reading off notes here.

Agent Liz Grayson Apr 15, 2024 5:25 PM
The murder... I think a lot of this was intentional. Maybe all of it. Seems like a scene built to confuse method and time of death to me. I don't see how the drill would be involved. Chances are it's just Smithy's. I also don't think it was an accomplice kill, I doubt anyone could keep this under wraps.

That's all though. I can't examine the scene myself, so I can't help much more.

Pea Apr 16, 2024 10:08 PM
Mind telling me about this picture? Also, do you know who's on the back?

Agent Liz Grayson Apr 21, 2024 5:38 AM
That's... an old picture. I never liked these Christmas parties myself, to be honest. I think that's the lady from the Control Department. Nancy something. She's there with you I guess, so that much should be obvious. The other one... Honestly, he was from the labs on the other side of the building, I didn't know him very well. Dr... I don't know. Starts with a C. Cowell or Crowe or Constantine or something.

Agent Liz Grayson Apr 21, 2024 5:40 AM
The guy in the back? That's Director Sinclair. He's dressed more casually than usual though. He was always the one who liked these dumb Christmas parties anyway, so that's not much of a surprise. Again though, this is a pretty old picture.

Pea May 5, 2024 6:07 AM
I fucked up. I knew who would truly want it, but I still fucked up.

Pea May 5, 2024 6:07 AM
I fucked up.

Pea May 5, 2024 6:07 AM
I fucked up.

Pea May 5, 2024 6:07 AM
I fucked up.

Pea May 5, 2024 6:07 AM
I fucked up.

Pea May 5, 2024 6:13 AM
Best I can do now is get rid of this sample. I can do this much, right? The forces that be would see that I can carry over a single task successfully, right? Fate will finally give me a victory, no matter how small, right? I can't fuck this up, right? Surely, after seven other games, I can do something right...

...

I'm sorry.

Pea May 6, 2024 12:50 AM
Fuck it. I can't be defeated yet. Let's solve this murder first.

Another murder with raft logic. These murderers aren't very original. The bridge was recently built during our stay, right? Would someone have been able to tamper with the materials in some way, shape or form? What about the rafts? I'm not too sure about its trajectory, but maybe the killer obfuscated a potential path for their kill. If you have any wisdom to share, It'd be appreciated.

Pea May 6, 2024 2:41 AM
Or maybe a power we don't know of has been used.

Agent Liz Grayson May 6, 2024 2:48 AM
Hey, hold on. What do you mean you...

You know what, never mind. We can talk about that later. You're right, it'll be even more of a fuckup if an innocent person gets executed. From what I can tell, the bridges were overseen by the director's weird cat robot, right? That thing is obsessed with safety, he definitely wouldn't let anyone tamper with them.

As for the rafts... Couldn't tell you, but those things are waxed by default, really slippery. I think you could probably move a body a long way with one of those things and enough ice. I doubt there's any kind of power at play here, but there's definitely something fishy going on with those rafts and that bridge.

Pea May 6, 2024 5:53 PM
I don't think I ever asked. What's the last codenamed crimson eye?

Agent Liz Grayson May 6, 2024 11:14 PM
Oh, uh. "Goblin", I think.

I have no idea why that one was redacted, it's the least threatening sounding by a mile.

Pea May 6, 2024 11:58 PM
…

Pea May 14, 2024 2:20 AM
This may be my last night in here. If you've got anything to tell me, this might be the time.

Pea May 14, 2024 2:26 AM
The arcana lab was enticing at first, but some... distractions – I'm sure you're familiar with them at this point – are preventing me from getting a good outline of my night spent in this damned facility. I'm sure you're having your own issues right now, but I'm in a bit of a pickle, I think.

I'll probably go for one of the Abyss Team members. I've somewhat taken care of one, so I should be getting this ball rolling. The Janitor's back, big surprise. Maybe I can try to subdue him, somehow. Think I can kill two birds with one stone, by injecting that shadow plague sample in him, or is that too dangerous? I'm not sure how Lazarin can interact with such a thing.

Pea May 14, 2024 2:33 AM
One of the employees, Nancy, is hiding something, too. I wish I could get that info out of her, but she's staying shut. At first, I thought she was being silent for a selfish reason, but I think it's for something completely unrelated. I'm not sure. Dex is probably a bit distraught, maybe a bit of a pep talk can get him out of this rut we're both having. He's been great with me, I just wish I treated him better. I don't think I can play as a lone ranger anymore, I need to team up if I want to keep on surviving. The list of potential teammates is getting shorter the more I distance myself from the others. Like any other game, it's hard to garner trust, tensions are at an all time high, and it's only going to get worse.

Columbo, whom revealed to me that he's a real detective, seems to hold some promise, but even with current conjectures suggesting that he's a fellow agent, there might have been something wrong with the theories the others have been throwing around, that he might as well be Abyss himself. It's farfetched, but I can't leave the possibility outright. I tried playing accomplices with him, but he's keeping silent. I can't trust him tonight.

Pea May 14, 2024 2:37 AM
I could go for Alan, one of the self-claimed Abyss Team members. I've unfortunately announced it to Columbo, so he might turn this fact on me come investigation time. Everyone knows I'm going for the Abyss Team, so any kill towards them can only mean a target will be painted on me, whether I've done it or not. This incentive of immunity is not very enticing to me, but it's the fact that if I kill one of our own, our numbers dwindle dramatically. I have to choose.

It's not easy being me. If I can do it right, just this once, then…

Agent Liz Grayson May 16, 2024 12:39 AM
Lazarin... I've got a bit of a history with the stuff. Embarrassing history, at the end of the day, but it's not impossible to deal with. One of the survivors of the Nadare Incident was involved with the Lazarin Project, and he provided the Bureau a couple ways to deal with that. He made a cure, for people who were hooked on it but otherwise physically sound, but that... doesn't sound like it's gonna work here, based on how I've heard the state of the body was.

Ugh, like I said, I'm not a scientist, but I think I know enough about Lazarin to offer another solution maybe. Lazarin's made from a combination of Occultic and Thalassic... stuff. One draws in the soul, one anchors it. A last-ditch way to purge some Lazarin'd Crimbo is Liturgic or Stellaric shit. Preferably injected right into their veins, but if you can find some kind of artifact or something, that might do the trick when it comes to subduing him without actually having to engage him. They don't like the presence of that kind of thing, they react badly. You could try simple light too, but that seems to work better on outright Aberrations.

Do NOT give him the Shadow Plague, seriously. I don't know how it would react with Lazarin, but they're both Occultic, so you run the risk of making that janirot even more of a pain in the ass.

Agent Liz Grayson May 16, 2024 3:37 AM
That's.... weird. You mean Partridge, right? As far as I know, she doesn't have any dirt on her. Good-natured, capable enough. If she's acting cagey... well, actually I didn't know her very well in general, but I think there's something strange going on in that case. Under duress, maybe. Maybe... something worse. You know about 1000 right? Extremely dangerous Anomaly, caused a major containment breach years ago. It tells people do things, really messes them up. It managed to escape back then, but maybe...

Look, if you think 1000 is involved, you need to go down to the lowest level of the facility. Find the spear. If the spear's gone, find whoever has it. It's a weapon, built specifically to kill that thing, even once it hits full power.

Agent Liz Grayson May 16, 2024 3:48 AM
Dexter... he can handle himself, I think. He'd probably be willing to help you out with whatever he's doing, I heard the poor bastard's had it rough lately. Would probably prefer to get his mind off the whole thing. Outside of him... who knows who to trust. It's probably more important to build up a list of people you definitely don't and go from there. I'm sure there's probably lots of those, if nothing else.

You're being forced to attempt murder, right? Yeah, that keeps with the trend, unfortunately. I'd like to say this "Abyss Team" is an easy target, but who knows what they have up their sleeves. If what I've heard about this Alan guy is right, then who even knows what their goal is, they seem to just be doing a bunch of random nonsense. Diversion, maybe? It's a shame you exposed your intentions, that's not really a recommended field tactic by... any means, but even if you can't kill them tonight, I'd recommend doing... something at some point.

Whatever they've claimed their orders are... I can't imagine they'll stay so benign forever.

Pea May 16, 2024 3:58 AM
Copy that. I think our Crimson friend is top priority right now. Sounds like he's got a big plan, unlike his lackeys.

Pea May 16, 2024 4:00 AM
And, uh... If this is the last night I'm around... I just want to say thanks for helping me out.

Pea Jun 1, 2024 8:23 PM
Hah, I lived. I'm counting my blessings.

I'm feeling something off about Gus' kill. I initially thought Dexter actually had something going on, but that coffin is the definite murder weapon. I don't think Dex could have done anything with that.

The cat, though. She could have done it. Maybe. The body in the Arcana Lab does make it difficult to figure that out. I still think it was her. Help me out, here. How could someone dispose of Gus' body like that? Got any theories?

Agent Liz Grayson Jun 2, 2024 12:04 AM
He just showed up in this "Arcana Lab" huh? Let's see... High access, difficult enough to get to easily. There's that Anomaly in the woods, right? The Fairy Circle? I'd bet money he was just dumped there. Either that, or someone has another way of transporting things. Teleportation, you know? Something like that. I think anyone talking about the circle in the woods is definitely on the right track though. I've worked around that thing before, you can transport a cadaver through it without triggering the vomit thing.

Agent Liz Grayson Jun 2, 2024 12:08 AM
And hey, the pleasure’s all mine. I didn't know what to expect going into this, but as far as informants go, you've been as reliable as they come. You might not always succeed, but in some unorthodox way, you always pull through. There's nothing more important in an agent's skillset than adaptability.


Pea Jun 2, 2024 3:12 AM
Oh man, you should see what's happening down here. Or don't. Anyways, I was right on guessing the cat. Could have done something about it, but they were too focused on something else.
One more to go. I'm dead set on making it happen. I'm gonna finish them off. Whatever happens after that, happens.

Tell me a good murder plan. Something you would do in this situation. You've been in a few of these, so you should know how it goes.

Pea Jun 2, 2024 3:19 AM
oh, lyra's getting the axe. Oops.

Pea Jun 2, 2024 3:26 AM
i'll just kill one and blame it on the other. flawless plan.

Pea Jun 2, 2024 8:23 PM
Also, Nancy's been too quiet. I know she's got something to hide, not because she's willing to, but she's under duress.

I'll try to talk to her.

Pea Jun 7, 2024 2:14 PM
Hah, well she's lost it. This feels pretty familiar to me. What are the chances of that scientist girl that she just croaks from the side effects of this "transformation"?

Agent Liz Grayson Jun 15, 2024 9:04 PM
A good murder plan... If you're out of ideas and you really think you have to resort to something like that, I think the key is that less is more. I'll be honest, I've survived a few of these, but I've never killed in one, strictly speaking. Unless you count the Crimson Bullet. Still, I've seen enough to know that there's a trend when it comes to the kills that get away. First off all, you need a simple weapon. One that doesn't tie you down to any particular area. Kitchen knives used to be good for it, but I think people are catching on now. Blunt force is always reliable, especially if it's something in the same room that can't be used to track you. If you end up carrying around a weapon, ditch it in a player room. Not in your dorm.

Same thing applies to stabbing or burning or... anything really. Just can't leave a trail. Has to be quick and dirty, in and out. Whatever you do, do NOT use an Anomaly. I've heard what happened, and after that, people are going to be laser focused on that stuff from now on. I wouldn't mess with any of it. What I would do though, is cause some kind of distraction. That writer, Wake... Say whatever you want about him, but that horse stunt he pulled was one for the history books. Give someone a mystery figure who doesn't belong, and they'll run around in circles chasing them. Of course, you'll need an alibi…

Agent Liz Grayson Jun 15, 2024 9:07 PM
Can't help you too much beyond that, I'm more of a solver than a killer, at least in this context. If I'm forced to off someone, I don't tend to care about how much of a mess it makes. No "rules of the game" or whatever. Still, those are some... pointers, at least. I think the cloak as a weapon is a good start, but you're known to have it, and things could get rough if people start to connect the dots. Again, no Anomalies, not after the last incident. Bad vibes, it's what they're expecting.

Agent Liz Grayson Jun 15, 2024 9:11 PM
Unlike Wake, you're not pumped full of Sinclair's magic juice, so you're probably not going to have the same ability to craft an airtight alibi. I don't know if you've built a strong enough relationship with anyone to get them to be your accomplice, but barring that, you might be able to fudge evidence to make it look like you were in one place for a long time. Make a wood carving early on and gather up the scraps, then dump them in some room and claim you were doing that, pull a Giffany and fake a KO.... I would say the woods work as a solid alibi, but maybe not anymore. I dunno, it's all too contextual, too dependent on everything else.

Agent Liz Grayson Jun 15, 2024 9:12 PM
Might not be the worst idea to have a fake attempt or two either. Just spitballing.

Agent Liz Grayson Jun 15, 2024 9:13 PM
...Anyway, not surprised that Lyra went off the deep end. Literally. It's like I said, she was always kind of a nut, and it doesn't really shock me that she'd end up resorting to something so extreme. What I can tell you though... is that she isn't the first Aberration I've seen.

Agent Liz Grayson Jun 15, 2024 9:17 PM
They don't really burn themselves out like that, at least not immediately. As far as I know, they'll burn through their "Esotera" supply eventually and.... probably die, maybe. But it's not easy, and you'd be surprised how durable these bastards can get. I wouldn't count on her dropping dead, but as long as you're not on her shit list, you should be... mostly fine. It might not look like it, but Aberrations usually retain their human intelligence. I doubt she'll run around killing anyone she sees, but you never know. If she's Thalassic-aligned though, there's a chance she might be weak to the opposite end of the spectrum. The uh... the star one. I don't remember all the names, not a scientist. I don't know if you can get your hands on a supply of the stuff, but it'll help repel her if nothing else.

Pea Jul 28, 2024 4:46 AM
As far as I know, that sample's good as gone now. Could have done that earlier.

Pea Jul 29, 2024 6:19 PM
A lot of things are not adding up well to Hustler's kill. Even worse, I was supposed to....

Nah. It's not important. What's important is that we need to know if an accomplice is involved. Dex said the kill's definitely done in a good ol' fashioned way, but I'm convinced that something paranormal happened that brought Hustler to the depths. The harpoon is also messing with me.

Help me out here. I need a lead to catch.

Agent Liz Grayson Jul 29, 2024 7:09 PM
Christ, that Hustler really was 1000, huh? Well, good riddance - but I'd find that mask if I were you. Last thing we need is someone getting curious and putting it on again.

As for the kill though... Yeah, I can agree with the proposed method, but I can't see how the body would be transported all the way to Mirror Lake without some kind of... weird situation. I can't be sure whether some kind of anomalous power was at work, but there's something weird going on with the body and its transportation. As for the harpoon though, I'll be honest, this whole case seems like its full of strange misdirections, things being done for the sake of confusion and nothing else. I don't think it's worth reading into beyond that.

Pea Aug 9, 2024 3:35 PM
Anyone could get that seal... I fear that it'll fall in the wrong hands.
There's no way to disable it, is there?

If only I could put that grim reaper in front of it... Nobody would dare go touch it.

Pea Aug 19, 2024 12:33 AM
Fuck... I've been got...

This... This is the end for me. I'm surprised I got this far, but it is what it is...

I wish I could have done more, but it'll have.... urgh... It'll have to wait, until next time.

I'll... see you... at the world's...

Before anything else, a voice among you speaks up, asking to view the remaining tapes spat out by the VHS Receiver. Though Spooks is reluctant after having witnessed the last batch, he plugs the receiver into his body and allows the tapes to play on his face nonetheless.

[Tape 1]

As the tape player hums to life, you see Astrid standing still in a blank, white, unfurnished room. After a moment lost in thought, she looks towards the camera and asks "Can I get uhhhhhhh burger?".

There are a few more seconds of her just staring before the video cuts out.

[Tape 2]

The tape begins to play, opening to a turbulent ocean of blood, rolling with huge waves. The camera zooms in towards the biggest wave, and as the camera focuses, you see... Nashu, wearing cool sunglasses riding a surfboard resembling a coffin lid. She flashes a hand sign as if to say "cowabunga dude", and sparkling pink text fades into view over the screen, reading "Smell Ya Later!"

After a while of displaying the text over what seems to be a loop of Nashu surfing, the footage ends.

[Tape 3]

As the tape begins, you see opening titles pass by the screen before... the entire movie Ponyo begins to play, except starring Lyra in the title role. Really, there isn't much else to note here - there isn't even any kind of dialogue changes or anything else different about the movie. It's just like... some kind of weird fan edit, and not even of one of Ghibli's best.

You sit and watch the movie anyway though. A thrilling and productive way to spend time.

[Tape 4]

The tape opens with a lone raft floating on the surface of Mirror Lake. Niles Crane sits on the raft, clutching the arm of someone who seems to have fallen overboard. It's... Gus. Niles screams for him to get on the raft with him, but as the tendrils of BPI-1011 rise out of the water to grab the custodian, Gus sadly shakes his head. There's no room for two of them.

Gus lets go of Niles' arm, shouting that if nothing else, Niles has to survive and live life to the fullest. As Gus is dragged beneath the waves, a single tear falls from Niles' eye before the scene fades to black.

[Tape 5]

After sitting through a slow, Windows Movie Maker text crawl, this one appears to be... an entirely-too-long AMV of Dexter, Gus, Astrid, Nancy, 23, Spooks, and Lyra set to caramelldansen. It has a really obnoxious color filter over it. You know the kind of thing I mean.

Animation ain't great on this either.

[Tape 6]

This one is another shitty AMV, except starring Lyra. It's set to the opening music from Shinryaku! Ika Musume, or Squid Girl for you filthy gaijin pigs at home. Editing is better though.

[Tape 7]

The tape begins with an explosive bang as a door goes flying open - kicked with great force as 80's synth begins to play. A strange, green ducklike man, and a tall man with messy blond hair and a smoking pipe step into room, brandishing handguns and wearing matching hawaiian shirts and sunglasses. The two men look at each other and nod as they focus their aim on a third figure within the room.

The orange-haired woman in their line of fire laughs, taking a drag from a pipe far longer and more ornate than the man's. A manic smile stretches across her face as he tells them to go ahead and take their best shot. With an eruption of gunfire, the tape ends.

[Tape 8]

Grainy footage crackles onto the screen, showing someone... possibly Morgan, though the low quality of the footage makes it difficult to tell. The individual is walking through the Black Forest, head hung low. In the background, Green Day's Boulevard of Broken Dreams plays. He walks alone.

[Tape 9]

A detective and his partner sit across an interrogation table from a man in a suit and horse mask. The masked man appears unfazed by this situation, even as the detective's partner begins to scream in his face, demanding that he reveal who he is. The horse remains in silence, the detective slamming a fist against the two-way mirror on his side of the room as his teeth clench with frustration.

Behind the mirror, two observing officers shake their head in dismay. It's been days, and this guy still hasn't cracked. Damn he's good.

[Tape 10]

This tape appears to be a rather poorly-recorded TV episode of a show you don't recognize. Shot in a documentary-style format, from what you can glean from this episode it seems to be a fictionalized account of the "Wexlyn" family as they deal with the aftermath of the current family head getting arrested for various crimes including murder - the worst crime of all.

This episode centers around who you... presume to be the brother and sister of the jailed guy. Alexander, a rather meek, mousy-looking guy and Roxannne, a sharp, domineering woman. They seem to hate each other and have vastly clashing personality types - however they're forced to work together to do damage control after their cousin Baxter used a photocopy of the brother's psychology degree in order to try to get women via free "counseling" sessions. Meanwhile, Xavier Wexlyn, their jailed sibling, attempts and fails to escape by bribing an agent of the Bureau of Paranormal Investigation.

[Tape 11]

Man, that Ika Musume AMV was good at least... Wait how long has it been?

Pick up the phone

I meant to do this

[ALERT: INCOMING COMMUNICATION DETECTED]

[ACCEPT CALL? Y/N]

[Y]

[CONNECTING...]
[CONNECTING...]

[CONNECTION ESTABLISHED - COMMUNICATION START]

---

Ah. I was wondering when you'd accept this call. I'm glad we can finally speak face-to-face.



…The Central Facility Investigation Team... You’ve all been through a lot, haven’t you?

This is… Director Simon Sinclair, responding to Facility 1-A: [Whisper Valley Region]. I… apologize for the delay in my response, but I’ve received your messages in entirety - and reviewed the facility's overall data output for the past few days. Your anger, your confusion, your questions and pleas for "the truth". I recognize the difficulty of your situation, and if I could... believe me, I would have stopped this a long time ago.

For that failure, I’m truly sorry. For everyone you’ve lost, and everything you’ve been made to do. I know I can never repay you for what you’ve sacrificed for the Bureau.... And for myself. Despite everything, you've went out of your way to keep my daughter safe. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.



Now... considering the... difficulty involved with reaching our Communications hub, and the measures required to both activate it and... shut down the Seven Seals, I imagine you've learned a great deal already, for better or worse - so forgive me if I... gloss over the specifics. From what I know... I understand that tensions are high, and that many of you don't trust me. I won't hold that over your heads.

After all, you've only seen glimpses of a greater whole. Cold, unfeeling data. Voiceless and objective, lacking intent.



...Don't worry. I don't plan on deceiving you, nor do I plan to hide anything from you. While I'm sure Spooks has done his best to protect the interests of the Central Facility, even with the Abyss Team attempting to halt your progress... your situation has led to the few of you remaining possessing more knowledge than all besides a select few of our highest level agents - not to mention many of you have already undergone Synchronization. There's... not much of a point to trying to keep any more secrets, is there?

Everything I tell you will be the truth. Completely and honestly.



Let's begin with the cause of this critical incident: The entity that's kept you trapped here. A manifestation of immense Occultic concentration. I believe you've been referring to it as a "Mastermind", or the "Black Scribe". An interesting figure from folklore to be sure, if nothing else - but whether this thing possesses any sort of origin beyond what we actualize into being is meaningless either way.

Over the years, it's taken... more from me than you know. It seeks freedom, it seeks sacrifice. There's little that can be done about it. A consequence of the Codex itself, a shadow that follows in its wake. A being that potentially threatens the lives of everyone who lives their daily lives in the Central Facility each time the Codex is utilized. One that I am deeply familiar with.

I'm sure then, you understand why I had the facility evacuated before our test ran the risk of manifesting it again - and why your group was called in to investigate. Though it was considered to be a worst-case scenario...



The occurrence of a Killing Game... was always a possibility.

And yet... the risk paid off. The Codex's manifestation was struck down, and provided nobody's been carving that symbol into anyone... it should stay that way for a while now, allowing us to continue our testing. Very creative utilization of BPI-1000 and BPI-1001, Detective.

Using the Esotera inherent in one item to invert the other into a deadly weapon practically engineered to eliminate your mark...

This sort of thinking... is precisely why your group was selected for this operation. Not based on experience or clearance level, but on resilience, creativity, and your unique combined skillsets. Well done. Of course, if it wasn't for the efforts of the Crimson Eye, there would have been ample resources to assist you in this goal - and likely no Anomalies inserting themselves among your number, but-



D-dad…?



…



…Hey sweetie.

How's my little starry-eyes holding up?. I... listened to your message. I know you’re mad at me. But… I’m… so glad you’re okay.

I’m sorry. For everything you’ve been through over the past few days. For not being there. When those messages came through, when I saw that you weren’t hurt or… worse… You have no idea how much weight was lifted from my shoulders. If anything happened to you, I… wouldn’t even be able to…



No... what you just said... You knew something like this was going to happen. You just said that you evacuated everyone because the test had the potential to...



You... knew this could happen... and you left me here anyway!? You didn't even check in or... do anything to help?

Well, guess what? It happened. The "Occultic Manifestation" you were so afraid of showed up. I've watched so many people die, I've had to attempt murder! And this whole time... you've been what, on the other side of the world wrapped up in more redacted data expunged bullshit? I thought... I mattered to you...



...Or maybe not. I tried to turn off the Stellaric Seal. I know what you've been keeping from me. Am I just... some kind of experiment too? Another expendable anomaly? When I was little, and we used to watch the stars together... were you only there to see how I'd react to my "element"?



Ha… that’s the… kind of response I was expecting…

Everything I've kept from you... has been for your own safety. The same reason I couldn't take you with me when I left, and the same reason I couldn't evacuate you. I promise, it's... not that easy. I've done everything in my power to keep you safe, more than you'll ever know. Believe me when I say that out of nearly everyone here... you were always the least likely to come to harm.



If you don't believe me though, I understand. Instead, just ask your new friend. Agent Paimon, or... Detective Columbo , as I assume you know him. I'm sure he is perfectly able to explain the efficacy of Stellaric Synchronization. From what I've gathered, the Esotera that flows through his veins has been rather useful when it comes to keeping him alive - regardless of what tries to kill him.

I was hoping that once everything was all over… we could sit down together and talk about all of it. I have... a lot to say to you, Astrid. I... love you more than anything in this world or the next.



...But those conversations will have to wait.

The rest of you... I praised you for your talents, and commended your satisfactory work in slaying the codex demon and protecting Astrid from anything that could harm her. All of that remains true - as does my apology for everything that you've had to go through. Simultaneously, however, you have committed... a variety of offenses that could cause irreversible damage to this Bureau.



All seven seals lie open, the Codex and my life's work exposed. And yet... none of that was necessary in order to accomplish what you have. You could have done all of this without breaking a single seal - or causing a fraction of the property damage, archaeological site disturbances, or cutting a river through the grounds.

All this... on top of a staggering amount of insubordination, even from the Abyss Team. Some, even demonstrating direct opposition to the Heaven's Light initiative and the Azathoth Project. With your level of collective knowledge on the subject - unauthorized knowledge, might I add - I assume you can see why that's a problem.



...But all problems have solutions. I already said I wasn't going to lie to you, and I mean that. I know I can make you see things my way, make you understand why our work is so important. For starters, where are my manners? Maybe I should give the big public addresses a rest for once. I don't think that's going to work for this group.

Instead... I think it's time I addressed some of you personally.

After all, you've only seen glimpses of a greater whole. Cold, unfeeling data. Voiceless and objective, lacking intent.

No, no, I can assure you, Nyarlathotep has been quite vocal on the merits of this "experiment".

The Codex's manifestation was struck down, and provided nobody's been carving that symbol into anyone...

...Who wants to tell him about Phenera?

Very creative utilization of BPI-1000 and BPI-1001, Detective.

Oh, I can't take all the credit, sir. The plan was almost verbatim from these [Contingency Plans] I picked up a while back.

If you don't believe me though, I understand. Instead, just ask your new friend. Agent Paimon, or... Detective Columbo , as I assume you know him. I'm sure he is perfectly able to explain the efficacy of Stellaric Synchronization. From what I've gathered, the Esotera that flows through his veins has been rather useful when it comes to keeping him alive - regardless of what tries to kill him.

Well, I ain't no expert considering I've been "magic" for just under a week or so... but I miiiight have been purposefully encouraging Astrid to indulge in our shared, shall we say, compulsion. Not that she really needed my push, she's got that real inquisitive spirit about her. Think she'd make a fine detective on her own if she was so inclined, yessir, even without the magic.


Speaking of, who's the little guy on your shoulder? Looks like some kinda cat, but I ain't too sure.

Director...

Well, considering what Nyarly has told me, you're prolly glad I'm dying as well, and yeah, I don't really trust you. But this might be my only hope...

Is there a way for me to save myself from Death Mark?

This post was last modified: Sep 28, 2024 at 12:48 AM by Nashu Mhakaracca.

Zzz...Stop right there...Crimson Eye operative, Toxic Yuri...your reign of terror...ends...here...



*Snrrk*....hm? Oh, *ahem*



Cor! At last, the director deigns to show his handsome face! What glossy fur you have~! Oh, the other one? Begging your pardons. I've heard so much about you, ever since I first joined the Crimson Hunter Brigade. I feel like I'm meeting a celebrity! Big fan of your work on the Whisper Valley case, by the way. Not everything went wrong.

I'm pleased to report that the Crimson Eye squad sent to this facility has been totally wiped out! But I guess you knew that already. You know a lot of things; I'm jealous. I sure wish I knew what I was getting into when I arrived at this facility, for one. International terrorists are one thing, but unspeakable formless evils weren't in the case files.



At least your daughter was never in any danger though, right? Your love for her is just so touching...I'm sure some father-daughter bonding over some ice cream will help to mend the emotional scars of participating in a death game whilst watching her friends and colleagues drop like flies! Maybe you could buy her another pricey telescope to compensate for years of absence? Nevermind your employees, your friends, whom you knowingly endangered in the name of gathering data. But you don't need to hear all that from me.



I would apologize for poking my nose where it doesn't belong, but really, you should've expected no less when you hired multiple agents who do investigative work as a day job. I mean, it's literally Mr. Columbo's job title. What did you expect us to discover, the number of beer cans you can balance on Spooks' head before he considers it a safety violation? Mayhap you could've dissuaded our snooping if you'd been more honest with us from the first, rather than apologize after the fact.



But all that aside, I'm charmed to make your acquaintance. I'm not mad. Do I look mad? Because I'm not.

There's one thing I'm still not understanding... why go through with a Global Synchronization? The kind of upheaval that would cause... there has to be a better way. No one man should be given free reign to decide whats best for the entire world. What exactly is it you're trying to protect against?

Hello, Director Sinclair! For the duration of this [CRITICAL RISK INCIDENT], I had been anticipating your communication. Unfortunately, my greater database has been damaged by [EX-STAFF DESIGNATION - GUS ODEON]'s Crimson Eye-provided malware program, however in accordance with my programming, I have been attempting to keep things under control and advise the Investigation Team in matters of safety and compliance as listed in the Employee Handbook!

...Please do not pay attention to the damage sustained by the facility and the numerous hazards created as a result of the subsequent [INCIDENT CLASS - KILLING GAME] that occurred shortly after. The majority of the Investigation Team... did not listen to me, however with the assistance of [AGENT DESIGNATION - COLUMBO], I was able to continue to keep Astrid safe.



I am ready and awaiting orders for when you would like to proceed with the extraction of our remaining survivors!

---

...Thank you, Spooks. You've done well.



But as for the rescue operation...

Agent Columbo. In your message, you requested backup. Agent Andras, you've accused me of abandoning you to die at the hands of the Killing Game. Your frustration and desperation are something I empathize with in either case - however, both of you should know that from the moment communication with the Central Facility was lost, I have tried to monitor and assist with your situation.



About twelve unmanned drones were sent to your location for initial observation of the situation. About twelve unmanned drones had their video feeds go dark the second they entered a one square-mile perimeter of the facility. Attempts to recall the drones proved fruitless, so we deployed a remote Esotera probe in order to determine what exactly happened.

The area around the Central Facility is currently overloaded with an immense amount of Occultic Esotera, forming a... barrier of sorts, vaporizing anything we attempt to send in on contact. I'm not sure what it's like in there, nor can I tell you what would happen if you attempted to leave on your own. Of course, I wouldn't recommend it at any rate.

Needless to say, however... sending in any sort of task force was likely to result in yet another mass casualty incident the moment they crossed the threshold.



...So that's why... you've been left where you are for the time being. With the Codex Entity currently eliminated... the barrier will disappear before long. All you need to do is stay put, and we can deal with any other repercussions later.

After all, you've only seen glimpses of a greater whole. Cold, unfeeling data. Voiceless and objective, lacking intent.

No, no, I can assure you, Nyarlathotep has been quite vocal on the merits of this "experiment".

The Codex's manifestation was struck down, and provided nobody's been carving that symbol into anyone...

...Who wants to tell him about Phenera?

Very creative utilization of BPI-1000 and BPI-1001, Detective.

Oh, I can't take all the credit, sir. The plan was almost verbatim from these [Contingency Plans] I picked up a while back.

If you don't believe me though, I understand. Instead, just ask your new friend. Agent Paimon, or... Detective Columbo , as I assume you know him. I'm sure he is perfectly able to explain the efficacy of Stellaric Synchronization. From what I've gathered, the Esotera that flows through his veins has been rather useful when it comes to keeping him alive - regardless of what tries to kill him.

Well, I ain't no expert considering I've been "magic" for just under a week or so... but I miiiight have been purposefully encouraging Astrid to indulge in our shared, shall we say, compulsion. Not that she really needed my push, she's got that real inquisitive spirit about her. Think she'd make a fine detective on her own if she was so inclined, yessir, even without the magic.


Speaking of, who's the little guy on your shoulder? Looks like some kinda cat, but I ain't too sure.

...Well, he was never the best at... rhetoric of this nature. I'm sure I can do a better job in that sense, if you care to listen.



Nonetheless, detective... I agree with you.

Astrid deserves to see the world first-hand, to learn and discover the secrets of the world. To explore the ruins of civilizations long past, and the winding streets of cities today. She would be a good detective, or an archaeologist, perhaps a historian. Endless possibilities - and those possibilities are why I seek to do what I do.

...If you managed to find one of our contingency plans... then you must've been rather thorough indeed. Despite that though, I won't reprimand you for taking her with you on your... many policy violations. As you know, curiosity and discovery are the engine fueling the protection granted by the Stellaric Seal, and you've only further served to preserve her life.



And you're right. He does look look like some kind of cat, doesn't he? I believe you've encountered an entity like this before.

This... is a Familiar, a man-made Anomaly, a servitor hewn from Occultic esotera. An extension of my will, and a reliable friend. Despite the reputation that the occult carries - and for good reason admittedly - Esotera is a force to be harnessed, and while often there are consistencies in each type's applications, the end result depends on the wielder's strength and intent. The Occult is particularly malleable, so it's rather trivial to craft a faithful companion should I wish.

In a way, you could say that he too is "Spooks".



Oh, but if we're talking about unknown entities... who or what on earth is a Phenera? I don't believe I have any agents by that name employed.

Director...

Well, considering what Nyarly has told me, you're prolly glad I'm dying as well, and yeah, I don't really trust you. But this might be my only hope...

Is there a way for me to save myself from Death Mark?

Why, you're right, little dreamer. Yes, yes, your meddling has been nearly as irksome as the detective's - perhaps moreso as it's been for little else but to disturb me in my work. I'm afraid that even if I still possessed intact tear ducts, not a single one would be shed for you.



...No, that's... enough. This girl... Konata, was it? I believe her father is part of our organization as well. She's already dying, there's no need for senseless mockery or derision, regardless of what she did. That's just cruelty, nothing more and nothing less.

So... Agent Konata. Baal. You've been... afflicted with the Death Mark?



I'm afraid... there's nothing I, nor anyone else, can do. The Death Mark is a powerful Occultic spell utilized as a component of the Codex's ritual. I believe you've heard another name for it - or perhaps seen it.

The Forbidden Action, and the subsequent death caused by its violation, are a conditional form of this spell spread throughout Killing Games in various ways as a means of both controlling the participants and guaranteeing their execution. An unstoppable means of cleaving body from soul.



...I'm sorry. From what I know, you've become good friends with my daughter. Were I able, I would help you - but death... is inevitable. I suggest you make the most of your remaining time. Regardless of what my colleague may think of you, you will be honored in death as any other agent who lost their life in the line of duty.

Zzz...Stop right there...Crimson Eye operative, Toxic Yuri...your reign of terror...ends...here...



*Snrrk*....hm? Oh, *ahem*



Cor! At last, the director deigns to show his handsome face! What glossy fur you have~! Oh, the other one? Begging your pardons. I've heard so much about you, ever since I first joined the Crimson Hunter Brigade. I feel like I'm meeting a celebrity! Big fan of your work on the Whisper Valley case, by the way. Not everything went wrong.

I'm pleased to report that the Crimson Eye squad sent to this facility has been totally wiped out! But I guess you knew that already. You know a lot of things; I'm jealous. I sure wish I knew what I was getting into when I arrived at this facility, for one. International terrorists are one thing, but unspeakable formless evils weren't in the case files.



At least your daughter was never in any danger though, right? Your love for her is just so touching...I'm sure some father-daughter bonding over some ice cream will help to mend the emotional scars of participating in a death game whilst watching her friends and colleagues drop like flies! Maybe you could buy her another pricey telescope to compensate for years of absence? Nevermind your employees, your friends, whom you knowingly endangered in the name of gathering data. But you don't need to hear all that from me.



I would apologize for poking my nose where it doesn't belong, but really, you should've expected no less when you hired multiple agents who do investigative work as a day job. I mean, it's literally Mr. Columbo's job title. What did you expect us to discover, the number of beer cans you can balance on Spooks' head before he considers it a safety violation? Mayhap you could've dissuaded our snooping if you'd been more honest with us from the first, rather than apologize after the fact.



But all that aside, I'm charmed to make your acquaintance. I'm not mad. Do I look mad? Because I'm not.

Agent Uriel. I acknowledge and appreciate the successful elimination of the Crimson Eye infiltrators at your hand - but I suggest you stop there and think about the situation for more than a moment, before you say something you'll regret or prompt any form of disciplinary action in the future.

Your group was saddled with several undercover Crimson Eye members, and a member of that selfsame organization was hiding among the staff at the Central Facility. The possibility of this is precisely the reason you were included among this Investigation Team's ranks.

Say I were to reveal anything more than the absolute minimum, do you still believe the Crimson Eye would have failed so handily if they were handed all manner of covert knowledge from the very start? Would knowledge of a potential Killing Game ritual do anything to save lives, or simply plunge your group into chaos? More agents sent in to assist and add even more deaths to your counter?



Perhaps that was harsh of me.

...Believe me when I say that the scars you suffer are etched upon my own flesh tenfold. Countless lives lost in the efforts to control and understand the esoteric, countless more affected in... other ways. Needless to say, the Bureau has... means of dealing with mental trauma, but... it's true. Friends... Colleagues... All lost to oblivion.



I know I'll never get them back. I have made my peace with that. I made my peace with that fact a long time ago. It is for that reason that I strive to bring forth the Heavens' Light.

One day, there will be no suffering - and nothing will ever be wrenched from us again.

There's one thing I'm still not understanding... why go through with a Global Synchronization? The kind of upheaval that would cause... there has to be a better way. No one man should be given free reign to decide whats best for the entire world. What exactly is it you're trying to protect against?

Agent Andras... I'm surprised after the animosity displayed towards my person previously in your message- but that's an interesting question. One that perhaps might change your mind and make you reconsider your attitude. The Azathoth Project, Global Synchronization, the Codex Nocturnum and Heaven's Light...

What better place to discuss these subjects then at the heart of the matter itself?

As we proceed... Nyarlathotep, please keep an eye on Abyss Team Alhazred - I think we need to have a bit of a talk, and furthermore it would be especially inconvenient to leave her unsupervised in her current state.



Now, follow me. To the Codex Chamber, and the heart of the Azathoth Project.

..............̶̢̱̮̽̓.̶͈̂̌̂.̷̲̔̾.̶̨͎̐̽̋.̸̡̝͎̇.̸͈͓̇͠.̴͔͛ͅ.̶̞̥̾ͅ.̴̧͙̄̂.̸͔̭̄͜.̴̗̯͆.̴̨͝.̶̲͙̀̚.̷̳̃.̷̨̧̈́͗̅.̵͎̣̥͇̤̞͌̽͊̓̍͛͛.̴͍̟͓̒̚.̵̠͉̮͎̳̋̋.̵̨̩̠̬̞̩͕̆͆̄̅͘͘̕.̷͈̹̮̅̃͗͂͜͠.̶̡̧͓͈̖̝̌͒̊͘.̷͉̟̯̪̜̂̇̽̉̎.̸̨̻͔̖̹̗̜̒͒͒.̷̹̘̤̠̑̓̚.̴̘̱̖͍̩̻̌.̶͕̩͊̈́̇͘͘.̵͎̱͇̘͇̈́̌̅̀͐͝.̵̦̗̰̠͕͕̍̇͜.̷͕̊̎̚̕.̵̼͙̪̔̌͑͝.̷̡̡̹̦̞̱͚̞͍̜͗̎͛̂̊́̅̀̀͊̃̾͋̈́́͗͗͘̚ͅ.̴̱̼͓̮͖̭͇͚͔͚̬̮̩̠̩̞̘͉͕̝̓̆͊́͊͂͊̈́͂͝.̸̭͙̓͒̆͂̑̈́͆́͠.̸̛̲͎̜͖̼͍͎̗̙͈̫̝̪̞͓̯̃̅̆̇͋̎̂̿̓̒́̀͗͒̔̚͝.̶͎̇͂̾͗͊͛̃̀͊.̷̨̖͚̜͎̌̑͋̏̎̅̌̈́̈́̊̉͑̄͝.̴̜̟̙͖̣͎͌͌́̈́̓͆̿͛̾̾̎̀͗͗̓͛͠.̸̨̮̙̙̯̗̳̼̖̍̏̐̿́̅̅̽̐͐͌͛̇͐͠͝.̴̲͎̙̙͈̩̺̠̺̈͜.̵̛̛̭̜̪̝̅͑͌̇͋̃͗̂͗̈́́̕̕.̵̨̡̟̘̥̺̝͙͓̬͚̟̲̬̱̙̺͓̼͂̽́́̈́͑̄͊̏̊ͅ.̷̢̛̣͙̦̫̯͓̗͔̳̲̪̦̺̰͙̿̋̏̎̋̈́̄̿́̃̈́̐̀̆͂͒ͅ.̴̛̛͚̌̄͑́̀̏̅̓̅͐͛̍̊̕͘̕.̷̤̼̈́́̀̆͆͒̈́̿.̸̢̨̢̛̛̗͇̤̘̫͇̥̳͍͕̖͖̠̥̭͌̄͛̒͋̆͗͐̒̓̀̕͜ͅ.̷̢͖̭͚̘͉̪͇̭̹̬̘̼͓̺́̄̈́̽̇͛̆͘

Hello, Director Sinclair! You are, actually calling us! Do not worry about me, I can be a, good girl! Ha Ha! Ha Ha! Ha Hä̶̢̡̘̙̮̬͙͇͚̫̰̩́͒̔̓̀̑͆̏!̶̢͎̗̝͍͉͇̭̝̞̲̻̹͍̓̀̈́͐́͆̽̌̏͒̓͑̑͘͜͝͝͝ͅ