The members of the Clive Expedition are: Dr. Henry Clive, Martin Winfield, Agatha Broadmoor, James Gardner, and Johanna Specht. The rest of the expedition consist of overseers, diggers, water boys, guides, cooks, etc. There was a fifth member of the expedition, Janwillem Van Heuvelen, but he is no longer affiliated with the group.

Dr. Henry Clive, 58: The expedition’s leader, Dr. Clive is an excellent archaeologist.

Martin Winfield, 24: The well-connected second son of a British Member of Parliament, Winfield is also a skilled archaeologist.

Agatha Broadmoor, 67: Miss Broadmoor is a medium, capable of contacting the spirits of the dead by trance.

James Gardner, 40: Gardner is a good archaeologist, one strongly influenced by the theories of Carl Jung. He has written three books concerning ancient Egypt, none of which were particularly well written or well received.

Johanna Specht, age 32: The fourth archaeologist on the Clive Expedition, Fräulein Specht has a formidable ability to sight-read hieroglyphics, and is uncannily good with codes and ciphers of all kinds. As well as having a keen intellect, she is physically very fit, being an ardent enthusiast of physical culture, and rises early most mornings for rigorous exercises and a cold shower.







This message was last edited by the GM at 20:48, Thu 28 Feb 2019.

In reply to Frau Specht (msg # 63):

Dermot has done his homework this time. After so many encounters with horrible otherworldly entities, he feels the need to know what he can to be prepared. And he’s unusually proud to put his knowledge on display, albeit inevitably in a roguish manner.

Dermot strides up to the lady with an unmistakable swagger. He shoots Gustav a wink before making his best attempt at a German accent.

“Good day to you, Fraulein!”

He continues on in his normal voice. “You must be the radiant Johanna Specht from the newspapers. I’ve read that your ability to read hieroglyphics by sight is unmatched by any archaeologist.”

Dermot pauses to make an exaggerated survey of the trenchlike defenses. “Quite the array of armaments you have here. Not abnormal given the dangers around here, and yet....”

Turning his head back, he looks the archaeologist dead in the eyes. “Tell me, was there ‘writing on the wall’ before your necrotic treasure was spirited away, or did it come as a complete surprise in the way the papers make out?” He fights the smug look which threatens to overtake his face, with only partial success.

"Sind Sie verrückt?", she replies angrily. "You come here to insult us? I should punch your face!"

She takes a step towards Dermot with clenched fists. You notice an elder man with a mustache approaching the checkpoint at a leisurely pace.
This message was last updated by the player at 02:29, Fri 01 Mar 2019.

Gustav tries to defuse the situation. "My friend meant no disrespect!" - while giving Dermot a stern look. But his words fall on deaf ears. The women aims a punch at the Irishman, who neatly sidesteps it. She then turns to Gustav and strikes him hard in the face.

[Gustav loses 2 HP]
This message was last updated by the player at 02:29, Fri 01 Mar 2019.

"Now, now, Johanna. What's all this nonsense? Why the fisticuffs?"

Dr. Clive ambles up to you with a slight frown on his face. "What is going on here?" he asks in an exasperated tone.

“Dr. Clive, I presume? I’ve followed your expedition now and then in the papers. Dermot Murphy, at your service. I heard you’d had a fierce setback quite bizarre in nature, and being in the neighborhood I figured I ought to see what my friends and I can do for you.” Dermot uses a more deferential tone with Dr. Clive.

Dr. Clive seems to be taken slightly taken aback by Dermot's glib reply, but nods in approval. "Oh, uhm... yes, indeed. Well, good to meet you, Mr. Murphy. And your companions as well. We should get out from this blasted heat. I believe we can rustle up some tea for you."

Dr. Clive glances with disapproval at the fuming Fraulein Specht. "Johanna, you really must learn to control that temper of yours."

He leads you to a large tent, filled with charts, books and other archaeological paraphernalia, and orders a servant to bring you chairs and tea. An elderly woman wearing a straw hat looks up from the book she's reading and gives you all a friendly smile.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 03:35, Fri 01 Mar 2019.

In reply to Dr. Clive (msg # 69):

Dermot continues his questioning. He acts as though he belongs here, ignoring the confused looks as he probes glibly into the matters at hand.

“And this’ll be Miss Broadmoor, I figure? Pleasure to meet you. What have the spirits got to say about the auld wan’s abduction? She being an ancient monarch and dark priestess and all that.”
This message was last edited by the player at 20:10, Sat 02 Mar 2019.

“Well, Mr… Murphy, was it?” replies Agnes with a sad smile. “We can’t be sure who the mummy was, as the sarcophagus was stolen before we could examine it.”

“Very true, Miss Broadmoor,” adds Dr. Clive as he lights a pipe. “I’ll tell you what I’ve told the newspapers; We discovered a secret chamber in Menhaura’s pyramid, the smallest one of the three at Giza, which contained the unprepared but preserved remains of an unknown Egyptian queen. No hieroglyphs identified the body, but the marvelous funerary trappings convinced me that here rested a great ruler. Preparations for removal of the casket and the mummy were made in conjunction with the Egyptian authorities. We only took an ornate gold coffer containing papyrus scrolls from the chamber.

“Alas,” Dr. Clive says coolly, “all the scrolls were totally illegible, the result of improper sealing when the coffer was originally placed in the chamber.

He continues his tale. “Three nights later, terrible screams echoed from inside the pyramid. When we rushed to investigate, we found that the mummy, the sarcophagus, and the two Egyptian police guards were missing without a trace. The guards have not been found and are presumed dead. It is indeed a mystery as to how the thieves so quickly removed an alabaster sarcophagus weighing several tons; it would have taken my expedition several days, yet from the time of the hideous cry to the time that we entered the pyramid, no more than twenty minutes elapsed.”

In reply to Dr. Clive (msg # 71):

Dermot holds Agatha’s gaze. With a twinkle in his eye he replies,"No indeed, Miss Broadmoor."

He turns to listen as Dr. Clive delivers the PR version of the story. At his bewilderment at the apparent difficulty of the taking, Dermot bows his head for a moment before responding.

"I have an idea about methods which may have been employed here, but there are few sane men with minds open enough to receive my theory."

He winks at Agatha as he says this, since she styles herself as one who could be an exception to this statement.

His eyes drift downward to the open book on her lap. Unfortunately, his German is quite fake, and he knows nothing of this foreign tome. However, his research on the expedition was nothing if not complete. He pauses to allow memories of Mr. Gardner’s work to well up into the top of his mind. A labyrinth, was it? Or even a whole city, beneath the pyramids? That would lend another perspective to these thefts, though hardly the supernatural slaughter Dermot had witnessed days before.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Sat 02 Mar 2019.

"And what theory might this be, Mr. Murphy?" asks Dr. Clive with a slight frown. "What exactly is it that you do?"

While you talk, another member of the Clive expedition enters. He is tall, lean, and blond, with a prominent chin and nose.

"More visitors? Johanna can't even manage to keep the riff-raff away?" he sneers as he sees you. His eyes linger for a long time on Rachel.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Sat 02 Mar 2019.

In reply to Martin Winfield (msg # 73):

Speaking to the mouthy new arrival, Dermot holds a flat expression.

“If you look closely at dear Gustav’s face here, you’ll find it resembles a blind cobbler’s thumb. Some of that’s just that he was born ugly, but the recent damage was done by your spitfire Johanna, who thought it wise to punch a gift horse straight in the mouth. Tis a shame yer such a rawny ponce to leave the equalizin’ to her, as fit a specimen though she may be!”

This indictment serving to punctuate his remarks, he turns back to Dr. Clive.

“Thank ye, doctor, for having us outta the hot sun for a cuppa.”

He sips his tea pensively, suddenly unsure he wants to begin the traumatic narrative. Mercifully, Johan does it for him.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Sun 03 Mar 2019.

In reply to Dermot Murphy (msg # 74):

"Well gentleman, ladies (nodding once to each each of the ladies), and Mr. Winfield..first thank you for your hospitality in a time of great uncertainty and clearly danger.  Let me speak, plainly <lowering voice>...are you familiar with the events that recently occurred in Ibn Tulun? We were there, we saw what happened.

What is in the paper is only half the story and the story has an element of similarity to what happened here.  We are looking for an understanding of what happened to us and though that perhaps a way to understand what happened here.  My friend Dermot although "brash" <saying brash in German for effect> at times, is someone you should listen too."

Winfield narrows his eyes in anger, and is about to reply, when a sharp ‘ahem’ from Dr. Clive stops him. The young man cracks his riding crop sharply against his high boots instead and glares daggers at Dermot.

Dr. Clive frowns at Johan. “The roof collapsed, from what I’ve read. How would that be linked to a mummy disappearing? You were there, you say? In what capacity?”

In reply to Martin Winfield (msg # 73):

With a throbbing black eye, Gustav noticed Mr. Winfield taking a gander at Ms Katz way too long than appropriate and stared at him, then made a gesture to take his attention off and says 'eyes here'

Gustav then turned to look at Mr. Braun, and gave concurrence on his narration on what happened at Ibn Tulun.

In reply to Dr. Clive (msg # 76):

Dermot sighs, the sobering details lingering on the tip of his tongue.

"Any collapse was merely an aftermath of the slaughter that took place. There are wicked forces at work here in Egypt, and they're collecting artifacts in an attempt to resurrect a dark figure or two from centuries past. I shudder to even describe the... creature... that was loosed on us in the blink of an eye. Otherworldly it was, nearly defying rational human description. But there it was. It killed the special guards one by one, easy as you could snap a toothpick. I lost my mind. My friends fled in terror, dragging me along with them, completely insensible as I was. Me, Dermot Murphy, a stout sailor of the Atlantic! When we dared reenter, the cherished Girdle was gone. Disappeared into thin air, just the way the monster came. I tell you, it defies logic, but you have before you four living witnesses. Our dragoman was there too, poor sap. I can't imagine he's doing well now."

Dermot struggles to contain his panic and fear as he describes this scarring memory. He reaches a shaky hand toward his tea, attempting to master himself.

As Dermot recalls the terrible events of the attack on the mosque, Gustav is watching the members of the Clive expedition closely. Winfield looks bored, miss Broadmoor looks shocked, Dr. Clive is listening intently and staring at Dermot, and Fraulein Specht seems intrigued but is trying to appear disinterested.

Dr. Clive takes a long puff on his pipe before replying. “I say, that is certainly quite a tale. And this girdle, you say? Related to Nitocris? I must admit to being dubious about some details, but I have learned that there are many things here in Egypt that cannot be explained by rational minds. I would like to have some further research done into this, and perhaps we can share what information we have?”

Gustav asks Dr. Clive directly if it would be possible to search the area where the mummy was last seen. "If you wish," he replies. "you will probably need permission from the district police at Giza though."

“Got it sealed off as a crime scene, eh?” asks Dermot. “I don’t suppose ye’ve got some fancy telephone or a wire in here?”

“Nothing like that,” replies Dr. Clive. “But how about if I would have young Winfield here escort you? As a member of our expedition, he would certainly open some doors for you.”
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Tue 05 Mar 2019.

In reply to Dr. Clive (msg # 79):

"Aye, Nitocris. And that Black Pharoah is wrapped up in all this somewhere as well. Dr. Clive, I would like to emphasize that we believe the cult stole both your mummy and that girdle. We're hot on their trail for reasons of our own, so we'll greatly appreciate any information you can share with us. We hope to help you recover your find and bring the responsible parties to justice."

"Poetic justice, anyway," Dermot thinks to himself, not being a huge proponent of traditional justice.

When Dr. Clive offers to send Winfield, Dermot gives him a glance and suppresses a mirthful smirk.

"We'd very much appreciate that, Doctor. Thank ye."

Laughing inwardly, Dermot says, "We'll be off, then. Winfield, don't be draggin yer feet now. We've miles to go!"

Winfield sputters as he is ‘volunteered’ to join your group, but a quick glance from Dr. Clive brings him to a stop. “Martin, a word please?” says the Doctor, pulling the young man aside. They have a brief whispered conversation.

“I look forward to working with you all on this mystery,” says Dr. Clive. “We have a few trucks here, Martin can drive you all to the Pyramid of Menkaure. Don’t forget to stop at the police station first to get permits to enter.”

The drive from the dig site at Memphis to the police station at Giza is about an hour through the fields and deserts of Lower Egypt. The truck is roomy enough, but you soon wish that you would be able to put more distance between yourself and Martin Winfield. He reveals himself to be an insufferable bore, a letch, an idler and very racist.

Gustav attempts to strike up a conversation with Winfield. “Hey, we got on the wrong foot here, but we're on the same side, is Dr. Clive’s rendition of what happened really all that happened? Or you heard or saw something else? Look, I worked as a police detective in New York all my adult life, with the exception of my time in the army. and I have seen things I cannot understand and accept. but my time here with my friends is something else. Anything you might want to add on Dr. Clive's narration on anything that can help us tract down this cult will help a lot.”

“Yes, that’s what happened,” replies Winfield. “We examined the chamber, and the dust in the corridors was undisturbed except by our footprints and those from the antiquities authorities. Nor were there signs of roller marks, or of wear at inclines and elevations along the corridors where any winches the thieves might have used would need bracing. I would have noticed of course!”

He swerves the heavy truck to avoid a shepherd and his team of oxen, swearing obscenities as you pass. “Bloody useless, the lot of them!” he remarks to Gustav. “This county will to go hell now, mark my words!”

Eventually, you pull up outside the busy Giza District Police station. A few battered and dusty police cars are parked outside, and there’s a line of people waiting for various permits and licenses. Buskers are selling water and snacks, and there’s the general loud chatter and noise of a typical Cairo street.

Dermot is going to hang around outside, on principle. He buys some snacks and water on the street, eating a kebab as he sits down somewhere nearby to watch the people passing by.

Gustav gestures to Mr. Winfield -after you- and enters the police station. As you step inside, you are struck by the chaos inside. Phones ringing, people shouting and gesticulating, prisoners wailing, and harried police officers running around. While you are allowed to bypass the long queue of Egyptians, you still have to sit down and wait. An office boy comes up to you and brings tea and small savoury cakes. Johan thanks the young man in Arabic and provides an appropriate tip.

A bearded man wearing a djellaba walks past the chairs where you’re waiting and then stops abruptly. “Gustav?” he exclaims. “It’s me! Cedric!”
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:16, Sun 10 Mar 2019.

In reply to GM (msg # 82):

Cedric's instincts provided correct. He'd been carefully piecing the details together and it had paid off.

His assignment to investigate the occurance at Ibn Tulun had brought him to the Giz station for further details, and also allowing him to cross paths with what appeared to be the very group of unknown foreigners who were being spoken about on the streets of cairo.

But, more startling was the sight of the one person in the group. Memories flooding back from the war that he'd long thought to put behind him.

Surely though, that was him - the similar mannerisms, looks. Maybe slightly older, but you don't forget someone who saved your life.

Cedric's attire of a local, along with his largely tanned skin, beard and years of blending in to the local lifestyle probably meant Cedric looked nothing like the well-groomed officer that he'd been those many years ago.

Cedric approaches the man he believes to be Gustav.  A smile of knowing comes across his face when he recognizes Gustav. Cedric's hand comes up to the object, tied around his neck, but hidden under the clothers. The feel of the metallic bullet bring back further memories.

" Gustav!?  It's me, Cedric! " His voice dropping from a local, middle eastern man and moving to the crisp, upper class Britishness that was always still there.

The fates play a funny game in life sometimes...

In reply to Cedric (msg # 83):

Cedric? Cedric from the god damn awful british army?!

Gustav excitedly stands up and embraced a now very familiar man as memories flood back to him.

'Gott im Himmel! How are you lieutenant? Last time I saw you, we were being towed in a stretcher after you tried to stab me while I carried you back!

'Wait what have you been doing here? Do you live in Egypt now? Oh wait where are my manners?'

Gustav proceeded to formally introduce Johan and Mr. Winfield.

'Tell me lieutenant, what have you been upto these past 12 years?


Gustav proceeded to tell Cedric about him being a police detective in New York, and about a case he is handling now. But leaves the details about the mythos.

'The thing is my friend, We are requiring a permission from the authorities to examine and enter a restricted area in Memphis. You see there had been a robbery of some sort, and me and my companions are helping in solving a case.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Mon 11 Mar 2019.

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 84):


" Gott im Himmel! How are you lieutenant? Last time I saw you, we were being towed in a stretcher after you tried to stab me while I carried you back! "

Cedric gives off a geuine peel of good natured laughter.

" Well, please forgive me, old friend, at the time I imagined you some bally Hun come to finish me off! "   Cedric winks and grins at Gustav and to his compatriots.

'Wait what have you been doing here? Do you live in Egypt now? Oh wait where are my manners?'

Gustav proceeded to formally introduce Johan and Mr. Winfield.

'Tell me lieutenant, what have you been upto these past 12 years?

Cedric warmly offers his hand to shake to Johan and Winfield.

" Dashed pleased to meet you both, you have one rather special chap here, if not for Gustav, I wouldn't have the pleasure of meeting you "

Moving quickly to a more serious tone, Cedric adresses Gustav's questions.

" My friend, the past 12 years have been some what of a blur, I left ol'blighty to get myself together, I just couldn't settle back into civvie life. Much like yourself, took up a post with the law enforcement, till I was offered this position. Come to Egypt and help fight against the criminal element of this wonderful country "

Cedric pauses and runs his hands through his beard in thought.

Gustav proceeded to tell Cedric about him being a police detective in New York, and about a case he is handling now. But leaves the details about the mythos.

'The thing is my friend, We are requiring a permission from the authorities to examine and enter a restricted area in Memphis. You see there had been a robbery of some sort, and me and my companions are helping in solving a case."

Cedric looks back to long lost compatriot.

" Robbery you say? Does this have anything to do with the horrid goings on at the Ibn Tulun mosque?  My friend... "

Cedric looks to Gustav then also the other two.

" ... my friends! I may be able to assist you with dealing with the local authorities "

Cedric gives a knowing look and a smile.

" Perhaps we can get word Sir Pasha, he is the chief of police for Cairo, and if your investigations are in anyway involved in the matters I am tasked to look into, we may both be able to help each other..."

“Yeah, yeah, yeah… old friends, how lovely” sneers Winfield. “Can we get on with it? It stinks in here.”

It takes quite a bit of persuasion and some bribery, but Cedric manages to get written permission to enter the crime scene at the pyramid. You climb back in the truck, and head towards the Pyramid of Menkaure.

Built for the Pharaoh Mycerinus, Cheops’ grandson, this is the least impressive of the Great Pyramids at Giza. It has a large, vertical scar on its north face, caused when the son of the legendary Muslim warlord Saladin tried to destroy the monumental structure at the end of the 12th century. There are many rumors as to why he attempted this, and why he gave up eight months later. Was he intent on locating and destroying Nitocris’ tomb or, perhaps, was he merely trying to acquire dressed stone for his own building works? Perhaps it was just too great an expense to continue; but, then again, maybe something caused him to change his mind? The record books remain strangely silent on the topic.

The pyramid itself is not easy to get into, and its passageways are steep and claustrophobic. As the theft of the mummy took place a couple of weeks ago, there are only two bored guards outside the tomb, and they sullenly move aside and allow you to enter when you show them your permit.

“Well,” says Winfield. “This is the place. Follow me. And do try to keep up!”  He clicks on a powerful flashlight and strides up to the entrance.


https://i.ibb.co/Y87ctbC/93851...ramid-Giza-Egypt.jpg" data-lightbox="images-msg-86">https://i.ibb.co/Y87ctbC/93851...ramid-Giza-Egypt.jpg" alt=''>
This message was last edited by the player at 20:07, Tue 12 Mar 2019.

In reply to Martin Winfield (msg # 86):

Although Johan does tend to dress a little warm for this climate, he appears to be sweating a bit more than one would think would occur and looking around nervously at the walls of this close quarters area. "Soo...soo Lord Winfield, this tunnel ...does it open up more?"

In reply to Johan Braun (msg # 87):

In the same vein as Johan, Dermot blinks and rubs his neck as he eyes the very large pyramid.

"I suppose it's... stable, after all...." he mutters nervously to himself. Taking a big swallow, he attempts to salvage what's left of his pride as he follows the group into the bowels of the pyramid.