Old Cairo, Kingdom of Egypt
Thursday, February 5th, 1925



Asim rode in the kalesh along with Rosalie, Dominic, Harry, and Tiny. He spoke in Arabic to the driver, and guided them to the new location of Faraz Najir's shop, as provided by Dr. Kafour, on the Street of Potters. Even there and even with Asim's guidance, they were turned around a few times, as the streets were not well labeled and they needed to periodically check for directions and use landmarks to guide them through the area that both Asim and the driver seemed familiar with. Even for the horse drawn vehicle, throngs of people parted slowly. The street, it seemed, split in the middle bysected by another, and resumed up a little bit further up the perpendicular street.

In the midst of a dozen pottery shops, they took to their feet, paying the driver, and after another inquiry found a door and window clearly marked "Curios" in English, “Magasin des Antiquites” in French, and [Language unknown: Ientpo Thaainour] in Arabic. In the back of a shop filled to the brim with curious, there was a haggard looking man taking some notes in a ledger as he looked over some of his product. Half his face seemed to have suffered some burn marks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:48, Thu 28 Mar 2019.

McNeil had remained silent during the ride, trying to focus his attention on the streets of the Old Quarter, suddenly aware of the unusual nature of his current situation. Most of the time, when his services were sought, his employers left him to his own devices, either consulting with him from time to time, or setting him loose to track down what they sought, Rarely did any of them venture into the field alongside him. He was a mercenary, hired to take the risks that other sought to avoid. The only time he spoke was to address a question to Asim, to better understand his surroundings.

As a result, he felt a lingering discomfort around the other members of the Elias family’s group. Price, as a barrister, was seemingly present to keep an eye on things, to ensure that things were done with at least the appearance of legality. Miss Elias, of course, was one of those who gave the orders. Though his pay came from the Carlyles, he was a tool intended for the Elias family’s use. In all things, he deferred to their authority. He knew little of Amboy, save for his understanding that the man had suffered greatly at the hands of the Brotherhood, and wanted to see them destroyed, a goal he could certainly empathize with, even if he couldn’t begin to grasp what the man had endured.

When they located the shop, McNeil felt a brief chill, his mind tugging at the question of whether Jackson had crossed this very threshold not so long ago. Leading the way inside, he did his best to affect the guise of a curious collector. He did not initially address the man with the ledger, who he presumed to be Najir, instead pausing to take in the contents of the shop, the character of the items that occupied the surrounding shelves.

But apparently, he doesn’t see much. Missed Archaeology by one measly point. :)

14:54, Today: Dominic McNeil rolled 81 using 1d100 with rolls of 81.  Archaeology.

14:54, Today: Dominic McNeil rolled 80 using 1d100 with rolls of 80.  Spot Hidden.

As they made their way through the Old City, Price had leaned back quietly with his hat tipped down over his eyes, seemingly naping, but actually taking in what could, especially landmarks that might guide their way back to the hotel, but he doubted it would do much good.

Stepping down from the carriage Price considered lighting a cigarette town, but decided not to flash his gold lighter in such a seedy part. Instead, he satisfied his need to fill his hand by grasping his cane at bit tighter as he walked into the shop.

Seeming like just any tourist, Price looked bout before and after walking into the shop, but having seen what he had, Price was looking for more than just a bargain.

01:08, Today: Harry Price rolled 10 using 1d100 with rolls of 10.  Spot hidden 45%.

The man looked up to see westerners in his shop, and rose to his feet. With an oily, unctuous manner, he smiled and took an almost subservient posture as he came to greet them. He seemed eager to please, or at least, eager to get them to buy something.

"A good day to you, sirs, and miss. Are you looking for something in particular?"

"Hello," Rosalie said amicably to the proprietor, not at all uncomfortable with taking the lead.  "I'm always looking for some little bit or bauble to pick up on holiday.  Are you the owner of this establishment?"   She selected a random piece, a colorful vase, and turned it in her hands for inspection.

His eyes lit up when she picked up the vase as she replied to his question.

"I am indeed, Miss, but these are not bits and baubles, no no. I offer only the best, most good quality antiques in the marketplace. This vase you have selected for example, it is colorful, no? It was not so lustrous when I acquired it, but I have restored it to the same colors as when it was used by Hatsheput."

McNeil re-examined the antiques on the shelf nearest him, curious if he could see any tell tale signs of restoration. Smiling politely at the merchant, he said, ”That is excellent to hear, sir. We really aren’t interested in mere curios. We’re in search of items that have true history behind them. Pieces that are exotic. Unique. If I might ask, do you deal in wares from all eras of Egypt’s past?”

"I do indeed, my good sir, when I can get my hands on these things. It is a difficult market, but Faraz Najir can find things for you, for the right price, of course. What is it you are looking for? What era?"

Price, who had managed to avoid learning anything about antiquities despite studying the classics looked about for a walking stick or an ashtray. As he did he continued to look about to see if anyone was taking an undue interest in the foreign tourists.

"Do you have anything from the Sixth Dynasty?" she asked casually.  "I've heard tale of a mysterious queen that ruled then.  Perhaps she isn't as famous as Hatshepsut, but I think she is far more interesting."

"The Sixth Dynasty, you say? I have heard speculation that there was a woman who was the last pharaoh of that dynasty, but there is much disagreement about whether or not she is true. Alas, I know little of this figure," he said.

Tiny stays outside the shop and appears to be window shopping.
"OCC: Tiny is really just watching the area around the shop. I'll have him do a couple of spot hiddens, in case.
17:19, Today: John 'Tiny' Amboy rolled 25 using 1d100 with rolls of 25.  Spot Hidden (25%): 70% - Anyone/anything around shop?
17:19, Today: John 'Tiny' Amboy rolled 44 using 1d100 with rolls of 44.  Spot Hidden (25%): 70% - Anyone/anything around shop? "

OOC:

You're a group of Caucasians dressed in Anglo-American fashion in the Old City, among mostly Egyptians in a relatively busy marketplace. There are definitely people looking at you, but none of them are hiding or being surreptitious about it in an extraordinary manner

McNeil cleared his throat. ”I also have a great deal of curiosity about the events surrounding the final years of the Third Dynasty. It seems to have been a remarkable period, marked by considerable political upheaval. It is my understanding that Zoser’s successors faced a very real threat to their power. Anyone who was able to disrupt the standing of the Pharoahs is a rare individual, wouldn’t you agree? Possessed of an unusual blend of bravery and influence. Someone that I would certainly like to learn more about.”

He grinned. ”Of course, I may simply be chasing folk tales. I have a weakness for a good story.”

Najir's smile faded as he listened to McNeil speak, his face visibly falling.

"Allahu Akbar," he said quietly. "Please leave my shop. I do not want any trouble."

20:16, Today: Harry Price rolled 52 using 1d100 with rolls of 52. psychology 60%.

Price hearing the quick shift in the man's attitude tried to imagine what was driving the merchant's mood and motivation.

McNeil’s expression became immediately contrite. ”So, it is simply a legend. A fantastic fiction.” He shook his head. ”I am sorry, good sir. You are speaking to a traveler who has a weakness for ghost stories. Who wants to believe that history is made up of the stuff of heroic tales.”

“I have offended you, and I did not intend to do so. And I meant no slight against the rich history of your country. I...merely hope to lay hands on something unique. An antique or two that I can appreciate for its association with a special place in Egyptian lore. Something that lends itself to a story I could share with visitors to my home. Nothing more.”

“Please accept my apologies.”

He seemed to relax a bit at McNeil's change in demeanor, and he gave a careful glance over the gathering of foreigners in his shop.

"There are good stories, Ustaaz, and there are dangerous ones. They may be the same, in some cases. But I do not want it to be even assumed that I am selling the type of thing that you are speaking of. I did, once before, but I have learned my lesson," he said, pointing to the burns on his face.

"There are much safer topics in our history to take an interest in."

”I hope that whoever was responsible for your injuries faced justice,” McNeil said, his words entirely sincere.

”I am appreciative for your warning, sir. The opportunity to travel to Egypt is a rare one for me. I wish to experience its rich history and traditions, not stir up trouble.”

He let his gaze travel over the crowded shelves. ”Is there anything you might suggest? A piece tied to a notable time in Egyptian history? Something with a hint of mystery to it, perhaps? Some of these restorations.,.the quality of the work is remarkable.”

"This is of Minkhaf, a prince in the Fourth Dynasty, Ustaaz. He was the vizier to his father, who was the Pharaoh. They say that he was a man of great faith in Ra. He believed greatly in the power of sacred places to protect from evil," he said, showing the piece to McNeil. "He believed also in the power of information, and he bought and sold information for gold to support his father's rule."

"I am similarly a man of great faith, but in Allah, and I also believe in the power of sacred places. I go to the El Hussein Mosque every day in the afternoon at one o'clock."

---

OOC:

Some idea rolls...

10:09, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of Dominic McNeil, rolled 3 using 1d100 with rolls of 3.
10:08, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of John 'Tiny' Amboy, rolled 56 using 1d100 with rolls of 56.
10:08, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of Harry Price, rolled 66 using 1d100 with rolls of 66.
10:08, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of Rosalie Elias, rolled 42 using 1d100 with rolls of 42.

”This Minkhaf, he sounds like a man who made wise investments,” McNeil said, looking the merchant in the eye, ”Perhaps, if it would not trouble you, I could visit you one afternoon at the El Hussein Mosque. You could share with me more about your faith and the history of your country. I would, of course, bring a suitable...offering.”

"Yes, that is a much better place to speak of these things, if they must be spoken of at all. I go there today as well. I will keep an eye out for you, Ustaaz," he said.
This message was last updated by the player at 15:04, Fri 03 May 2019.

While keenly aware that their very presence drew attention, Price listened and watched still trying to spot anyone who was taking an undue interest.

”I will meet you there as soon as I am able,” McNeil said, ”My thanks for your help and hospitality.”

Taking one last look around the shop, he moved to depart.

"I look forward to when we meet again soon," the merchant said.

"Well done," Rosalie said to Dominic once they were outside.  She paused to have a look up and down the street, gaze shifting over the wares for sale.  "You read the man very well.  Have you ever been inside of a Mosque?"

Harry picked up a small bronze statute of a cat and turned back to Najir, "How much for this one?"

"This? Two hundred piasters," he said.

In reply to Rosalie Elias (msg # 26):

”I understood him. The man’s a mercenary, just as I am. Willing to sell his knowledge and skills for the right compensation.”

He nodded at her question. ”I have, but it was some years ago, in Damascus. I haven’t had occasion to visit one since, so my memory of the proper etiquette is likely rusty.”

"Then I suggest you take our guide with you.  I can be of little help there, I'm afraid."   Throwing him a glance, she lifted one eyebrow in query.  "Have you other locations of interest you would like to visit?  Or shall we return to the hotel and find the others?"

”Janwillen Vanheuvelen, the archaeologist who was fired from the Clive Expedition. Ali said that he lives in this section of the city,” McNeil said. He removed his flask from his jacket pocket and took a sip. ”Like us, a foreigner would probably draw attention in this area, but if he’s taken some precautions, it might take some effort to locate him.”

McNeil called Asim over. He handed the guide the slip of paper upon which Kafour had written Vanheuvelen’s name. ”There is a man, a Dutch archaeologist, who worked on an expedition here in Egypt. My understanding is that he resides here in the Old City, but I don’t know precisely where. This is his name. How difficult would it be to locate him? He may know some information that would be helpful to our business here in Egypt.”

OOC: What time is it, Keeper?

While Price knew it was appropriate to bargain, he decided against it.

"That sounds fair for a piece of antiquity." Price said as he paid, and then followed the others outside.

"We are already drawing some interest. Could just be some desperate local looking to rob us, but we should make sure we are away from the Old City before nightfall."

"In any case, I am getting parched and wouldn't mind wetting my whistle back at the hotel."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:59, Thu 16 May 2019.

Tiny says, "Yes Major, an excellent idea. The ahhhh... weather sir is very dry and a snoot full ahhhh.... a right proper drink is in order."

"I have not heard of this man, but I will ask. It may take some time to find him, maybe a day or two," he said.

OOC:

It is probably around 5:00 PM or so. It isn't quite getting dusky yet, and there are at best maybe two hours of sunlight left.

Best to let the man do his work, McNeil surmised. Attempting to find the archaeologist on his own would be akin to stumbling around, trying to find one’s way in the dark. Besides, he could certainly do with a drink. He always could.

”I would appreciate any efforts you could make. And I will make certain that you are compensated for your time,” he told the guide.

Turning his attention to his companions, he said, ”Back to the hotel, then.”

Asim lead them back out of the old city, and they were able to hire transport back to their hotel, where the bar scene was already active. Leo and Fredde were already there at a nearby table with several open seats.

"Well that was certainly colorful." Price commented as they returned.

"I don't know about you, but I could do with a drink." Price added as he signaled the barman.

Spotting the Leo and Freddie, Price quickly add, "Looks like we have some catching up to do."

Leo raised a glass to the approaching investigators. "Welcome back! How did you fare?"

Two empty glasses sit on the table in front of Fredde, she raises a fresh pink gin to welcome her comrades.

"Plenty of room, plenty of gin, how goes the hunt?"

"Order me one too, would you, Mr. Price?"  Rosalie joined her Uncle and Fredde, placing her clutch upon the table as she took a seat.  One hand smoothed her skirt down over her knee as she crossed her legs.  "Quite well, I think.  Mr. McNeil has a promising lead, I believe.  We learned a bit from his contact at the museum, as well.  And you?  Have you come across anything that might help?"

Leo shrugged. "We visited the library and did a bit of research. Didn't find much, though we found a few things to discuss once everyone is together and back in our rooms. For now...enjoy a drink. I'm glad everyone seems in good health."

Tiny finishes his third drink and begins to head upstairs, "To a room Major, and a bit 'o talk!"

The barman took the payment for the drinks served them, and they soon made their way up to the suite that Leo occupied. Avery arranged for tea to be brought up, and served it to those who requested it.

Leo gladly took some tea, and waited for the others to find a comfortable spot. Once they were settled in, Leo looked around for their thoughts. "So....how did everyone fare? Fredde and I went to a couple libraries, but that well was mostly dry."

He gestured toward Fredde. "Miss ten Boom did find a connection between Queen Nicrotis, who was thought to be a worshiper of the Black Pharoah, and the Great Sphinx at Giza. Specifically that the queen had some notable reverence for the Sphinx."

He looked around briefly before continuing. "We also discovered the existence of a book called Kitab al Azif written by Abdul al Hazrat that discusses the Black Pharaoh and other little-known deities. While that particular title wasn't available at either library, we were able to find out a little bit about the author. He was supposedly a 'mad' poet from Sanaá, in Yemen, who is said to have flourished during the period of the Ommiade caliphs, around 700 A.D. He apparently traveled widely across the region and visited the ruins of Babylon and spent ten years alone in the great southern desert of Arabia. This Roba El Khaliyeh, "Dahna" or "Crimson" desert, which according to local folklore is held to be inhabited by protective evil spirits and monsters of death. He ended up living in Damascus for the last years of his life.

"He was a suspected heretic, and scholars believe that he rejected the Muslim faith, instead choosing to secretly worship pagan deities, which they believed he invented. In 730, while still living in Damascus, he supposedly wrote a book of ultimate evil in Arabic, called the Kitab al-Azif, which would later become known as The Necronomicon. The legends I was able to locate suggest those who have dealings with this book usually come to an unpleasant end. Very few copies are known to exist in the world, and they are supposedly closely guarded. Their whereabouts appear to be known by very few."

Still uncertain of how freely he could speak, McNeil cleared his throat and crossed his arms. He had remained standing since the group had gathered in the suite. ”Miss Elias and I were able to meet with Dr. Ali Kafour, of the Egyptian Museum. Dr. Kafour is a colleague, and a friend, who has assisted me on some of my prior expeditions. He is extremely knowledgeable with regard to the history and culture of his homeland.”

“Dr. Kafour knew of the Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh and many of their beliefs. He explained to Miss Elias and I that Nephren-Ka, a name I’d seen associated with the Black Pharaoh, was purported to be a powerful sorcerer that lived during Egypt’s Third Dynasty. He led the Brotherhood during that time and, eventually, his name became synonymous with Black Pharaoh himself.”

“He also mentioned Queen Nitocris as another prominent adherent of the Black Pharaoh during the Sixth Dynasty.”

“Dr. Kafour had consulted with Aubrey Penhew on numerous occasions, and indicated that Penhew had a strong interest in the Brotherhood. He was...disturbed to learn of what your family discovered about the Penhew Foundation in London, Dr. Elias, concerned that he had somehow unknowingly assisted the cult with the information he provided to Penhew. He was able to determine, by reviewing the sites of digs sponsored by the Foundation, that all of the areas where they conducted digs recently had some historical association with the Brotherhood.”

He paced over to one of the nearby windows, looking out at the night. ”Dr. Kafour told us that the last time he had spoken with Aubrey Penhew the man had been decidedly unfriendly. Dr. Kafour also said that Penhew looked ten years younger.”

“He was able to give us the name of a Dutch archaeologist, Janwillen Vanheuvelen, who was fired from the current Penhew sponsored expedition, the Clive Expedition, for heavy drinking.” He licked his lips, placing his hands in his pockets. ”The man reportedly lives in the Old City. I’ve asked Asim, the guide I hired, to see if he can track Vanheuvelen down. There are rumors that the Clive Expedition has found the mummy of Queen Nitocris.”

“Dr. Kafour knew of the merchant, Faraz Najir, only because of a story associated with a fire that claimed his former shop. Some claimed to have seen a demonic creature destroy it. When we visited him, Najir initially clammed up when I hinted at an interest in Nephren-Ka. But with a few apologies, I was able to get him to agree to talk to me further...for a price. He asked that I find him one afternoon at the El Hussein Mosque.

Sighing, he leaned against the wall beside the window.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Mon 15 July 2019.

In reply to Dominic McNeil (msg # 45):

"You heard anything about this Janwillen Vanheuvelen, McNeil?" Fredde asks as she slips some liquor into her teacup.

”No,” McNeil answered with a shake of his head, ”Never heard his name until Dr. Kafour mentioned it.”

He was briefly tempted to clarify that, at this stage of his career, he was acquainted with far more treasure hunters, occultists, tribal leaders, and criminals than genuine, university trained archaeologists. It was part and parcel of being a well paid grave robber. But he thought better of it. Best to maintain a veneer of respectability among those he was tasked with assisting.

"In my profession, the ability to read people is pretty key. Clients, witnesses, opposing counsel. Long story short, I've come to rely on this quite successfully - and when you brought up that business about the Third Dynasty and Zoser, Najir was genuinely both surprised and fearful. You definitely struck a nerve with him. He knows something."

OOC:

GM Post based on information the player got from a roll, with maybe a little flavor added on.

"I would agree with that," she said to Harry.  "He seemed to be holding back.  Hopefully Mr. McNeil will have a chance to meet with him and discover what he knows."

"Dr. Kafour also added that while the Clive Expedition might have found the mummy of Queen Nitocris, or what is speculated to be her mummy, it was stolen before a definitive identification could be made."  Ice clinked in her glass as she swirled the liquid about.  "I think we should pay them a visit to see what they can tell us.  Perhaps we might be able to garner some clues by viewing her burial chamber?  Their dig was in Giza which is relatively close by, so it shouldn't take too much effort to track them down if they're still working an active site."

Price, long practiced at discussing sensitive matters in crowded place glanced about to see if anyone was eavesdropping and replied in a low voice "I did some poking around and from what I discovered Clive Expedition is they are very protective of their privacy."

"There also seems to be link between the Carlyle Expedition and the Clive Expedition. According to my source the principals of the Penhew Foundation had several dinners with a wealthy cotton plantation owner named Omar Shakil. This Shakil is an oily and repellent man with unsavory reputation is and apparently connections to a local criminal syndicate."

"Members of the Clive Expedition have also met with Shakil a few times now."

"It seems this Mr. Shakil is a businessman and not in the trade of archaeology, but nevertheless...he seems to be a local connection for the Penhew Foundation. Given what we now know about Gavigan, being an Egyptian connected to Penhew raises an alarm for me on its own."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Fri 16 Aug 2019.

Leo nodded at the information being provided by the others. Hopefully everyone else was also thinking about how it all fit together. He opened the floor for suggestions. "If that's all the information we've discovered, then what are our next steps?"

"There is a charity soiree coming up, I was planning to attend with an eye toward gathering information, but also to see if I might not be able to make some influential friends."

"No doubt our enemies have some influence, countering some of that power could help us if things go sideways." Price added.

McNeil’s hand reflexively went to the flask in his jacket, but he halted himself.

No. No more. The rest of this...it has to be faced with a clear mind. Even if it risks madness.

Leaving the liquor untouched, he said, ”I would like to speak with Faraz Najir tomorrow. I have a feeling that what he has to share may some more light on the Brotherhood and their beliefs.”

Leo started ticking the options off on his fingers. "Speaking with Faraz Najir sounds like a good step. That's one possible next step."

He added another finger. "Upcoming soiree is another. Where and when is that happening?"

"When someone goes to see that Dutch archaeologist, Vanheuvelen, I'd like to go along." It might be an opportunity to brush up her Dutch.

"And I wouldn't mind going to your soiree," she adds to Harry with a grin, "Reckon there'll be drinks and grub?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:23, Sat 24 Aug 2019.