audio with attached images

[testsonseashells]

Hello, all—Dr. Solus checking in. Over past several days, several—lack any better word than cultists appearing around Las Vegas. Recent aurora, for those of you unaware, expanded Echo boundary, and also appears to have inspired locals; disparate groups united under name "Children of the Shell".



[The above images are displayed at this point, captioned with low-rank member symbol and high-rank member symbol respectively.]

Also seem drawn to waterways, just as Vermini are. Have to wonder if cultists mentally influenced in any way. Appreciate input.

[And with that, he signs off.]

Comments

[pheromonecoffee]

They can pack one hell of a punch. [Matt, that's not what he asked.] They got involved with the mob the other day. They didn't really seem violent at first, just... weird?

But I guess mind control does that to you?

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[testsonseashells]

Hadn't seen that, although fact that cultists easily influenced not surprising.

Question remains as to source of influence.

[charcoalfeather]

Geeze.... these people are really losing it.

[testsonseashells]

And still no closer to finding out why.

[Text]

[lightsoflife]

The aliens apparently refer to themselves as the Children. It may be grasping, but do you think this could possibly be related?

And I suppose it's too much to ask that you capture one of the Vermini.

[testsonseashells]

Supports theory that aliens also behind attack; possibly more rogues, or that Benwick and allies actually hostile.

[Text]

[senseandcecilbility]

In Alchemy, the inverted triangle is also known as "the chalice", the symbol of Water.

[Annnnnd he has no idea how he knows that.]

[testsonseashells]

Explains reason for symbol; "Children of Shell" would employ connection to water.

[sunshinethatwarmsherup]

[ Oh hey, it was the FAQ maker guy. Though what he says doesn't put her at ease at all.]

... Do you think that the Vermini might be able to possess people now? I mean, it'd make sense for why they'd both be going near the water. Of course, they are people so maybe they're just going to water because someone is telling them to?

[testsonseashells]

Vermini long since capable of possessing people, but effects far from subtle—person effectively becomes rabid, and Children, despite apparent brainwashing, still far too lucid to have been affected.

Disturbed by fact that cult has risen so suddenly, and congregating around similar locations as Vermini.

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[icy_heavens]

Mental influence does sound pretty likely.

[testsonseashells]

Hoped I wasn't the only one. Question remains as to source and motive.

[squicksilver]

[ All of this is old news, and the idea of possession or mental influence over the cultists was something he'd conjectured and discussed already.

But this post does make him remember one small detail... ]

The water.

It's the water. It's.... there was something weird about the water when the pink light appeared, the second time.

[testsonseashells]

Able to specify?

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[moodkiller]

I've looked into them. A lot of their rhetoric sounds very similar to concepts from my Echoes... At this stage, I'm not sure what to make of it.

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[testsonseashells]

Would be interested to hear comparisons, though must advise you that cultist rhetoric generally similar across varying cults.

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[shineonyou]

Uuuuuuugh, those guys. They are so unsettling. Maybe they'll do use a favor and all drown or somethin'.

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[testsonseashells]

Morbid desire.

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[needsmorezippers]

Are they 'drawn' to waterways or are they just seeking them out because water is probably a theme with them?

sorry this is so late

[testsonseashells]

Difficult to determine. Simply noticed they tend to congregate there. Could be active, could be passive.

[Voice]

[gobybessie]

Can we truly be certain that we are the only ones who can see the Vermini? Perhaps the cultists are drawn to water because the Vermini are there, and they can see them too.

[testsonseashells]

Hadn't considered that, actually. Cultists do tend to congregate around waterways with Vermini in them; possible they can actually perceive them. If cultists tool of Tiny's species, then Vermini wouldn't attack them.

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[buildyourworld]

I've asked around, it seems both symbols are related to water. The first represent water while the second symbolize purification. Considering the bodies were found in water, it's possible the cult thought their murder were some sort sacrificial burial.

In any case, there were too many water related issues in Vegas for us to overlook this.

[testsonseashells]

Have been investigating water with Detective Strutz. Yet to turn anything up.

If Vermini drawn to waterways, however, must wonder if searching for entity similar to Target One in Locke.

[Audio]

[originaloddcouple]

Say, are they nice or mean?

I hope they're polite cultists.

[testsonseashells]

For now, relatively polite, believing us to be members of same group. Still, if working with aliens, hardly going to remain that way. Difficult to tell at this point.