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Cairo II.

Posted by The KeeperFor group 0
The Keeper
GM, 1362 posts
Tony Stroppa
Tue 22 Dec 2015
at 10:48
  • msg #192

Re: Cairo II

In reply to Count Sigismund Bathony (msg # 191):

With that, Alexander summoned his touring car. He would accompany the group on his motorcycle, and keep watch on his car while they were at the mosque.

It was yet another slow drive through crowded Cairo streets. They passed through the splendor of the Ezebekiah Gardens park area. Eventually, they arrived at the southern edge of the city, not far from the start of the Necropolis.

The mosque of ibn Tulun was an immense tan brick and mortar structure not far from an ancient fortress on a small hill. Built in a massive open square, it had a minaret and several outbuildings. Over the centuries, many houses and buildings had been built around and abutting the mosque's outer walls, so much it was actually hard to see anything other than the minaret.

They parked near the front entrance. To either side were masses of old buildings and houses, which from close up seemed to be in poor repair and little more than slums.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:52, Tue 22 Dec 2015.
Alexander Hussein Mahfouz
NPC, 242 posts
Expedition facilitator.
Tue 22 Dec 2015
at 10:54
  • msg #193

Re: Cairo II

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 192):

"That's as close as we can get."
He wrinkled his nose. "What a beastly smell. Even for Cairo! The government is planning on leveling these wretched structures, soon, they say. Who knows? But at least you would be able to see the mosque after!"

He pulled up part of his fact covering and with that, looked like any other Bedouin.
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 783 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Tue 22 Dec 2015
at 15:56
  • msg #194

Re: Cairo II

Cynthia adjusts her hijab and waits for the men to leave first, to escort her.

She's actually starting to feel eager for the desert; when she doesn't need to worry about anyone's eyes or judgment except for the camels.

"Count, care to do me the honor?" she offers her arm.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 699 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Tue 22 Dec 2015
at 20:16
  • msg #195

Re: Cairo II

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 194):

The Count had just finished adjusting his jacket "Of course Ms Holloway." He helped her out of the car and then took in their surroundings. "Shall we ?" The Count watched the immediate area as they moved towards the Mosque.

If the cult were interested in something inside it makes sense to think they would still be watching the place. He gave Mr Perkins a glance and his friend returned it as they made themselves ready to move off.
The Keeper
GM, 1363 posts
Tony Stroppa
Wed 30 Dec 2015
at 10:21
  • msg #196

Re: Cairo II

It seemed a slum of sorts had grown up around the walls of the ancient mosque. All that was visible was the minaret.

The gates were open, the entrances shadowed with brilliant sunlight on the far side. Alexander concealed himself in a shadowed nook of a tenement where he could keep an eye over the car and motorcycle.

Passing through, they were in an immense square courtyard. They could see the minaret on one corner, with more buildings in the other corners and another building in the centre.

One man, dressed as an imam, approached. He welcomed them (in Arabic) and asked,

"What may I say is your business here?"
John-Marc Falcon
player, 825 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Tue 5 Jan 2016
at 02:04
  • msg #197

Re: Cairo II

JM stepped forward and bowed respectfully.  [Arabic]  "Please be upon you.  My companions and I are historians and seekers of the truth.  We wish to visit the museum in the mosque and pay our respects to the elders here."
Imam
Wed 6 Jan 2016
at 04:11
  • msg #198

Re: Cairo II

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 197):

"In the name of the Prophet, peace be upon his name, I welcome you to masjid Ahmad ibn Tulun. Most definitely, I will be glad to show such learned ones as yourself."

He showed them inside the covered walkway beneath one of the side walls, eventually coming to an ornate wood door set into the base of the wall with a lattice window.

Opening it with a key, he showed off the artefacts inside the small room. The walls were covered in Arabic script (praising God and the Prophet.) They didn't seem to be out of the ordinary, a various collection of ceremonial cups and plates, ornate and probably valuable but excessively. There were also cases full of books and scrolls, most very old and all obviously scholarly or religious in nature (and not occult).

"This is the oldest surviving mosque in Cairo. Much is here that has survived for many centuries in this ancient land."
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 702 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Wed 6 Jan 2016
at 04:44
  • msg #199

Re: Cairo II


The Count moved towards the crates of books and scrolls looking them over as the others conversed. Always the book seller he looked for any hidden gems within the boxes all the time wondering if the Imam would part with any of them.

There was a limited market for such things back in England, but anything of an age was likely to sell. He was unlikely to find any of the classics that were pulled from the monastery by that German fellow, but you never know. No great uncial codices for him or at least not whole ones, he had dealt in pages on occasion of course.
John-Marc Falcon
player, 827 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Wed 6 Jan 2016
at 05:27
  • msg #200

Re: Cairo II

JM bowed again and replied in Arabic; "May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.  Thank you for your welcome.  I am John-Marc." He turned to his companions and spoke in English.  "I've asked to show us the museum and then meet their learned elders afterward."  JM followed the imam and gazed about him in appreciation as they walked through the gorgeous building.  When they reached the small room he looked about briefly and then turned back to the imam as the other examined the books.  "It is beautiful as well, a fitting place of worship.  May my friends examine some of your scrolls and books?  They are respectful and diligent seekers of truth."
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 785 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Thu 7 Jan 2016
at 16:46
  • msg #201

Re: Cairo II

Cynthia takes her time, carefully examining the objects, keeping an eye for anything about the girdle, or the (nearly) stolen objects. During a lull in the conversation, she will ask the imam, "do you speak English?" and if the answer is negative she asks in French, "do you speak French?"
Imam
Sat 9 Jan 2016
at 03:48
  • msg #202

Re: Cairo II

The imam returned JM's bow.

"It is a deep pleasure to meet a learned person such as yourself.

"I am afraid you may not touch these items. They are for the faithful only.

"As for learned elders, I am not so old but I am an imam. Is there something I may be of pleasure to help with? Some question I may answer?"


The Count's examinations revealed nothing out of the ordinary. Many of these items would fetch a good price in the right market.

"Madame, I speak English, and French as well." His English was good but not perfect, with a British accent.
John-Marc Falcon
player, 828 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Sat 9 Jan 2016
at 04:18
  • msg #203

Re: Cairo II

JM maintained a calm expression as the imam replied to him and then continued in English.  "You are a learned man yourself as well as a man of god.  I am afraid that I can only claim a simple background.  My compatriots are men and women of books and learning."  He motions to the others.  "May I introduce Sigismund, Cynthia and Molly."

OOC: I know we have an NPC with us but I can't figure it out.  I will introduce him as well unless I am dreaming...
Prof. Ralph T. Fulty
player, 97 posts
Archaeologist
University of Wisconsin
Sun 10 Jan 2016
at 01:45
  • msg #204

Re: Cairo II

As the others were talking with the Imam, the Professor walked in. He stepped in behind as John-Marc was introducing the others, and stepped up and introduced himself in Arabic,  "And I am Professor Ralph Fulty. We have not met, but I have been acquainted in the past with your collection." before turning to John-Marc he quickly apologised for having arrived late.
Molly 'Mungo' Fuller
player, 574 posts
Reporter for the
London Scoop.
Sun 10 Jan 2016
at 05:12
  • msg #205

Re: Cairo II

Molly kept her eyes out for anything out of the ordinary while the others talked to the locals.
John-Marc Falcon
player, 829 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Mon 11 Jan 2016
at 06:49
  • msg #206

Re: Cairo II

JM stepped aside as Ralph approached.  "This gentleman is truly a scholar of note, blessed by Allah with wisdom and discernment."  A warrior and man of action rather than letters, JM started to fade back toward Molly to allow the more learned members of the expedition to ask their questions.
Count Sigismund Bathony
player, 703 posts
Antiquarian Book Dealer
Owner Abingdon Rare Books
Mon 11 Jan 2016
at 07:21
  • msg #207

Re: Cairo II


The Count nodded as his name was mentioned, kneading his hands behinds his back as he tried not to show a reaction on his face. He stepped back from the various books satisfied that there was nothing of note or that he would be able to purchase anything.
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 787 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Mon 11 Jan 2016
at 20:05
  • msg #208

Re: Cairo II

"Oh, excellent! My Egyptian doesn't do the language justice.

"We were visiting Dr. Khafour just yesterday. He'd mentioned this mosque was especially important, due to its history and outstanding collection. And for other reasons. Specifically, a more unusual collection of items, from the 6th dynasty."

The Imam
Tue 12 Jan 2016
at 04:42
  • msg #209

Re: Cairo II

The Imam's eyes narrowed.

"The 6th dynasty? That is far before the time of the Prophet, blessings be upon him. An accursed time of wickedness and infidels. Few of the ulama, or learned teachers here, know of this time."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:59, Fri 15 Jan 2016.
John-Marc Falcon
player, 830 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Wed 13 Jan 2016
at 03:34
  • msg #210

Re: Cairo II

JM listened intently.  "We mean no disrespect to the Faithful in our inquiries but any assistance would be greatly appreciated."
Cynthia Jane Holloway
player, 789 posts
Dilettante
Globetrotting Free Spirit
Wed 13 Jan 2016
at 23:01
  • msg #211

Re: Cairo II

"A wicked time indeed. But you know filth grows best in darkness. As I mentioned, we heard about an attempt at theft. Fortunately your guardians here have a fearsome reputation. We have no plan to remove the item in question. We seek only to understand those who would desire to use it for foul ends. Your sanctuary is not the only place they target, and the righteous should not be forced to fight in ignorance."
The Imam
Fri 15 Jan 2016
at 22:07
  • msg #212

Re: Cairo II

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 211):

The middle aged man shuddered and shook his head.

"That was an evil time of unclean rulers and an infidel people.

He looked at the group, judging their appearance and seemed to come to a decision.

"You seem learned and respectable, even for foreigners. Perhaps it would be wise to take you to speak to the ulamas, the wise and learned ones. What I believe you seek is being guarded against theft from those who would misuse it. Come with me, this way."

he led the group outside the strong-room, towards a different part of the hollow square of the mosque complex. The imam left them in a room. A servant poured them tea. Time passed.
John-Marc Falcon
player, 831 posts
Former Flt. Lt., RAF
Aeronautical Pioneer
Sat 16 Jan 2016
at 07:06
  • msg #213

Re: Cairo II

JM bowed in response to the compliment from the imam.  He followed with the others and settled himself with a cup of well sweetened tea.  As they waited he looked about.  "Do you think they will continue to cooperate?"
The Keeper
GM, 1369 posts
Tony Stroppa
Sun 17 Jan 2016
at 01:58
  • msg #214

Re: Cairo II

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 213):

A group of older robed imams were escorted into the waiting room.

The first imam stayed to act as translator. The oldest of the ulama spoke in a slow whisper, which was translated.

"It is said that the most holy among the faithful are sent visions by Allah. It has been shown to me that an ancient evil is awakening. Recently, I have seen in my dreams Shaitan himself arising from a watery grave to walk the Earth. That which we guard here must be kept safe lest great evil be unleashed upon the world. We do what God commands."
Molly 'Mungo' Fuller
player, 576 posts
Reporter for the
London Scoop.
Sun 17 Jan 2016
at 16:52
  • msg #215

Re: Cairo II

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 214):

Molly pushed Mungo aside so she could listen better and concentrate on what was said.  This was not the place, yet, for Mungo's push aside all thinking and go for the gusto attitude.  Molly was quiet but listened to every word and let the men talk knowing that it was more respectful for them to do so.
The Keeper
GM, 1370 posts
Tony Stroppa
Mon 18 Jan 2016
at 05:00
  • msg #216

Re: Cairo II

In reply to Molly 'Mungo' Fuller (msg # 215):

The oldest of the ulama paused, then continued.

"We here at the mosque guard something of ancient evil. It is the cursed Girdle of Nitocris."
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