RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to Masks of Nyarlathotep

21:39, 2nd May 2024 (GMT+0)

Peru.

Posted by GMFor group 0
GM
GM, 3 posts
Tue 3 Jul 2018
at 18:18
  • msg #1

Peru

The newspaper article that caught your initial interest, and the telegram received by those who showed interest in joining Mr. Larkin on his expedition:




This message was last edited by the GM at 22:00, Thu 13 Sept 2018.
Soren
GM, 4 posts
Tue 3 Jul 2018
at 18:21
  • msg #2

Map of Peru


Soren
GM, 5 posts
Tue 3 Jul 2018
at 18:29
  • msg #3

Setting Information and common knowledge; Peru

Located on the west coast of South America, Peru (officially the Republic of Peru) is the third largest country in the subcontinent, home to just under 5 million people. Its northern point touches the equator and its landmass of around 500,000 square miles (1.25 million square km) is widely varied in terrain and climate. The arid coast gives way inland to warm, wet lowlands (including the Amazon basin), as well as the Andes Mountains and their associated highlands. Civilization in what is now is Peru dates back to at least 2,500 BCE. The wide variety of pre-Columbian civilizations largely gave way to the Incan Empire in the 14th century, which then ruled over most of Peru.

The empire proved short-lived, however. The first Spaniards arrived in 1528, followed by the conquistadors, led by Francisco Pizarro, in 1532. Pizarro founded the city of Lima in 1535, where he was later assassinated in 1542. The Incan Empire finally fell in 1572 when Francisco de Toledo executed the last reigning Inca, Tupac Amaru, and the Viceroyalty of Peru was created. The Viceroyalty lasted until the early 1820s, when General Jose de San Martin invaded with an army of soldiers from Argentina and Chile. This marked the beginning of a series of battles and declarations of independence that finally ended in 1824. There has been some political volatility in the intervening years, but in 1921 the country is largely stable and prosperous.

The population of Peru is made up of a wide range of ethnicities. Around 50% are Amerindian, with the majority of the remainder being mixed race, with white people making up around 15%. There are large populations of Chinese and Japanese immigrants in Lima, with many of them having been brought over to build the railways or mine guano (accumulated seabird droppings used as a rich fertilizer in Europe). The majority of Peruvians speak Spanish, although there are a number of other linguistic groups who speak aboriginal languages such as Quechua and Aymara. English is not widely spoken, particularly outside the cities. Visitors traveling up to Puno and the Lake Titicaca region are especially likely to encounter Aymara and Quechua speakers. Traditional dress varies from region to region, although there are certain common features such as hats, ponchos, and brightly colored woolen clothing. In cities like Lima, however, this traditional garb tends to give over to more somber European or North American styles.

Lima
After years of decline and hardship, Lima of the 1920s is a city in the process of economic recovery and rapid expansion. The population is currently over 200,000 and growing fast. Sanitation conditions have recently been modernized and visitors can expect to find all of the amenities of any large Western city. The city lies on a bay and straddles both banks of the river Rimac. The bay is also home to the neighboring city of Callao, although recent expansion makes it hard to tell where one city ends and the other begins. Between being an international port and its status as capital, Lima sees a lot of international visitors, and you can expect to meet people from all around the world. This cosmopolitan atmosphere changes as you travel to more rural regions.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:27, Tue 03 July 2018.
Augustus Larkin
NPC, 0 posts
Tue 3 Jul 2018
at 21:28
  • msg #4

Peru - Bar Cordano

Augustus Larkin has arranged to meet the prospective members of his expedition for dinner at 7 p.m. on March 18, 1921 at the Bar Cordano, a restaurant and bar in Lima District. This will be the first time that Larkin has met any of you face to face. The restaurant is simply but tastefully furnished, with wood paneling and fixtures and a tiled floor. The food is good, with seafood a specialty. The escabeche, a hot, sweet and sour fish dish is highly recommended.

As you arrive at the restaurant, you are shown to a table where three men are already seated. A pale, thin white man with greasy blond hair and pale blue eyes greets you and introduces himself as Augustus Larkin. He thanks you all for coming, hoping that your travel to Lima was without issue. Despite Larkin’s relative youth, his skin is saggy and he has noticeable bags under his eyes. His white linen suit also appears baggy. He smells quite strongly of expensive cologne and speaks with a slight foreign accent*

Also present is an African-American man of average height and build, with short hair. He wears a tweed suit and sports a fedora hat. He is smoking a pipe, often gesturing with it to emphasize points when talking. Larkin introduces him as Jesse Hughes, a folklorist from New York City and a new member of the expedition. Jesse welcomes you with a friendly grin.

The third man is introduced as Mr. de Mendoza, Larkin’s personal assistant. He is a gaunt man with pronounced cheekbones and deep-set, piercing blue eyes. His medium-length brown hair is unkempt and his light cotton clothing is clean, if old and frayed. He doesn’t speak, but fixes you with an unblinking stare with an almost predatory degree of hostility.

"Feel free to introduce yourself if you wish," says Larkin. "I need to put names to faces."

[You can attempt a Hard (1/2) Language (English) roll or Extreme (1/5) EDU roll to determine his accent]


This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Wed 04 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 7 posts
Tue 3 Jul 2018
at 21:42
  • msg #5

Peru - Bar Cordano

Bar Cordano as it looks today; https://goo.gl/maps/baqWvpfSzhG2
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 1 post
Tue 3 Jul 2018
at 22:31
  • msg #6

Peru - Bar Cordano

This wasn't the first time Art had been in South America, having spent some time in Colombia and Mexico. The walk from his motel room to the Bar Cardano grants a close look at a city experiencing economic boon. Art dodges construction workers and building sites and the bustle of a busy main street, the air thick with the conversation of hundreds of street peddlers, hustlers, and money-rich tourists. His time in South America afforded him enough experience to keep track of Spanish conversation, but unable to track so many voices and fluent speakers turns the words into a loud mumble of gibberish.
Thankfully, this passes as Art pushes into the doorway of the Bar Cordano, the street noise giving way to the more dulled conversation of the restaurant.
A camarero welcomes him, and upon giving his name, directs him to the table across from Mr. Larkin and his associates. A few others are present, and before formal introductions begin, others who appear to have answered the same call as him arrive.
Introductions are offered, Mr. Larkin's accent is hard to place. Art has heard many accents but was never great at placing them. Art offers his own introduction when the conversation moves to him.
"I am Arthur Digben, but most just call me Art. A pleasure to make your acquaintance".
Noticing Jesse's pipe, Art nods in his direction, and pulls out worn Prince Albert tobacco tin and a plain wooden pipe. The tin's original contents long-since depleted, Art couldn't rightly say what type of tobacco is now in there after years of buying whatever local tobacco he can.
He lights his pipe and adds his own cloud to the hazy cloud hanging low across the restaurant and sits back while the others introduce themselves.

10:07, Today: Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) rolled 69 using 1d100 ((69)).


Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 1 post
Tue 3 Jul 2018
at 22:40
  • msg #7

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) (msg # 6):

"Gentlemen. How do you do? Bromley Aveline-Edgeware of London."

[Bromley Aveline-Edgeware rolled 11 using 1d100.  Hard Education - Target 35]

Hearing Larkins accent, it appears to be Kenyan

"Well my dear fellow, you Kenyans may be used to this heat but I find it quite damnable."

*Bromley removes a silver case and strikes a match before lighting his cigarette*
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 1 post
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 02:14
  • msg #8

Peru- Bar Cordano

It was no New York city, but as Rachel Katz made her way down to the the Hotel Maury's reception, she couldn't deny that Peru had a certain exotic charm. Everywhere she looked, there were pops of color, from the hotel's brightly tiled floors, to traditional garbs people wore. Next to them, she felt quite drab in the dark red dress she had opted to wear for dinner.

"The Bar Cordano-- how can I get there?" Rachel asked the ever-smiling receptionist who quickly gave her the instructions.

"Could you write that down please?" Rachel asked anxiously as the receptionist nodded accommodatingly as Rachel absently fidgeted with her shawl. The whole thing had set her nerves on edge, and she needed a drink. While she had funded expeditions before, at that particular moment, she wasn't sure as to what she had been thinking, when she had decided to pack her bags and actually join an expedition. She had heard the stories, read them on the papers, and while she still thought that the whole thing was a good experience that would even look better on papers for her antique shop, Rachel had to admit she was quite nervous about it.

But I'll be damned if I go home empty handed now. Rachel thought as the receptionist handed her the paper, and she quickly made her way towards the meeting place.

At the bar, she was promptly pointed to a table with several men already seated. Quietly, she made her way towards the table, offering a tight smile as she held up the telegram she had received.

"Mr. Augustus Larkin?" Rachel asked, looking around, wondering which one he might be. "Rachel Katz. May I?" She asked, gesturing at an empty seat.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:14, Wed 04 July 2018.
Jesse Hughes
NPC, 1 post
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 01:53
  • msg #9

Peru- Bar Cordano

Jesse quickly stands and removes his hat, and pulls out the empty chair so that Rachel can sit.

"My name is Jesse Hughes. This gentleman over here is Mr. Larkin." He indicates Larkin with a polite smile. De Mendoza scowls at both Rachel and Jesse.


This message was last updated by the player at 01:53, Wed 04 July 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 1 post
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 03:23
  • msg #10

Peru - Bar Cordano

The door to Bar Cordano swings open with a quiet force as a self-assured but shabby-looking man wearing an uncomfortably heavy overcoat enters the room. A quick scan of the room leads him to believe this eclectic gathering of strangers must be his destination, though several seem a bit too "academic" for his tastes (or for a jungle adventure for that matter). He strides quickly over and cuts right to the chase in a thick Irish accent.

"Name's Dermot Murphy, not that any of ye particularly need to know about me. I suppose one of ye's Larkin then? Best be gettin' on with the details of this venture, long as we're all here."

Murphy props himself against a pillar near the table and crosses his arms in a gesture of expectancy.



This message was last edited by the player at 03:32, Wed 04 July 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 1 post
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 04:50
  • msg #11

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Augustus Larkin (msg # 4):

This is the first time Gustav has been in the Southern Hemisphere.
"No, definitely not in New York at all" Gustav mutters.

The first thing he noticed is the heat, walking right outside the port of Callao, the hot and humid breeze of the South Pacific Ocean comes in uninviting but nevertheless, staying in a permanent state of order, the cool breeze of the famous Andes mountains remains powerless and so far away as of the moment. The people however doesn't seem to mind the heat and everywhere Gustav looked, everyone is cheerful and smiling. Gustav took the time to stop, and savor every sound, every smell, every sensation this new land has to offer. He then spoke a small prayer of thanks and then proceeded to gather his belongings.

Gustav hailed a taxicab for what to be a very promising vacation. He handed the driver the address and said "Hotel Maury". It took about half an hour for the taxicab to reach the hotel, looking at his watch, it was a quarter before seven in the evening so he immediately paid the cab driver and rushed inside to checked-in to the hotel.

"Ah madam, I am needed at the The Bar Cordano, I am late for a meeting, could you show me the way to get there? I'll check in my room later." Gustav calmly asked the beautiful receptionist at the desk while slipping an american nickel on her hands.

"Danke"

At exactly seven in the evening, Gustav enters the Bar Cordano and asked the barman for a Mr. Agustus Larkin. He was directed to a table with several people already occupying.

"Good evening everyone" Gustav approaches the man sitting in the middle. "Mr Larkin I presume?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Wed 04 July 2018.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 1 post
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 05:26
  • msg #12

Peru - Bar Cordano

As the newly formed group begins to settle, their attention is drawn by a small kerfufle contrasting with the regular, consistent rhythm of the Bar Cordano. A rather short, older gentleman has entered into the restaurant and seems to ricochet around the room with a somewhat paranoid, nervous energy, engaging briefly with every member of the staff he is able find. A glistening sweat covers his brow and he constantly dabs at it with a handkerchief that seems permanently clutched in his hand while an modest walking stick is held in the other. He is wearing a cream colored three piece suit with a matching bowler that covers his receiding hair line.

As he gets closer you can hear him talking to various staff members with what sounds like a German accent “running a bit late...,’ “looking for-“, “Larkin, I believe, is the fellows-,” “have you seen?”

Various members of the staff continue to herd the gentlemen farther into the room until his eye catches your table. By the diversity of individuals present and the way they stick out from the rest of the regular clientele he makes the realization that this is likely his table. He takes a moment to straighten his posture and with a much more calm and direct manor, he approaches the table. Tucking away his handkerchief and removing his hat he nods to you all.

“Augustus Larkin and Company I assume? I am Professor Johan Braun, pleasure to meet you all.”
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 2 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 05:38
  • msg #13

Peru- Bar Cordano

"Pleasure to meet you," Rachel says, giving Jesse a nod as she took the seat he offered. She glanced over to the men he introduced as Larkin, nodding towards him slightly. There were two other men on the table, but before she could ask who they were, two others arrived, and then one more.

It was strange mix, the group Larkin had called for. The Irish man's accent was unmistakable, and he had gotten straight to the point. Rachel looked at Larkin expectantly, waiting for him to begin briefing them about the expedition.
Luis de Mendoza
NPC, 1 post
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 13:31
  • msg #14

Peru - Bar Cordano

De Mendoza is rapidly running out of people to glare at, and instead settles for leaning back in his chair with a fierce scowl, nodding occasionally as Larkin begins to speak.


Augustus Larkin
NPC, 1 post
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 14:20
  • msg #15

Peru - Bar Cordano

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” smiles Larkin. He opens a notebook and ticks off names as people arrive. “Looks like we are all here. Let us order dinner and then I will tell you more about my expedition.”

Over a pleasant dinner, despite a very frosty atmosphere between de Mendoza and Hughes, Larkin explains his plan to head up to the highlands, locate the site of a lost pyramid, and recover some valuable artifacts. This will be the first professional expedition to visit the pyramid and bring its story and treasures to the outside world. He leaves no doubt that he expects everyone involved to become wealthy or, at least, realize some measure of success within their chosen academic fields.

He first learned of the pyramid when he bought a few interesting items from an alpaca farmer near Puno, who claims that his grandfather recovered them from tunnels beneath a pyramid high in the mountains. The grandfather never returned to the site because of superstitious fear, but told his family that there were other treasures in the tunnels. While the farmer could not give a precise location for the site, Larkin explains that his subsequent research has provided enough detail to narrow it down and make an expedition viable.

Larkin then displays the two items he bought from the farmer. One is a pendant in the form of a man holding two rods or staves, embellished with rectangular shapes. The other is a golden cup, carved with geometrical patterns and circles and inlaid with turquoise.*

Larkin has hired three trucks and drivers to take the expedition and some supplies up to the city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Once there, he plans to buy some pack animals and stock up with fresh food. He hopes that the journey to the pyramid will take no more than four days across country. He aims to leave Lima for Puno early in the morning of Monday March 21.

Larkin has grown noticeably paler and sweatier as the evening has gone on, and his hands are trembling. He notices a few worried glances and smiles. "Don't worry, I have been cursed with ill health, but I can assure you that this will not cause any problems for the expedition. Now, does anyone have any questions for me?"


*[A successful Archaeology will give more details about the relics. Please indicate if you want to try this and tell me your skill rating. I will roll and let you know]. A successful Medicine roll will also give further information about Larkin.


This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Wed 04 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 8 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 14:23
  • msg #16

Lima to Puno


Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 2 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 14:45
  • msg #17

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Augustus Larkin (msg # 15):

Keeper, I want to make a Spot Hidden check first to look around me to see if there are other people on the other tables who might be eavesdropping.

Gustav tries to get the attention of Mr. Luis de Mendoza and asked,
"Not to be rude but you looked like the man who would know a few things around here. I may be in vacation, but we'll never know what we may find there. Where might we be able to procure firearms and ammunition in this city?"

I would want to try a medicine roll for what ails Larkin but realized i dont have points in medicine
This message was last edited by the player at 14:51, Wed 04 July 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 3 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 14:46
  • msg #18

Peru - Bar Cordano

Everything seemed in order--until Larkin pulled out the 'artifacts' he had bought. Rachel blinks, staring up at Larkin, waiting for him to tell her it was a joke. She could plainly see that the artifacts were ludicrous tourist souvenirs, probably crafted with paper mache and paint.

"Mr. Larkin, surely, you don't believe these things are real?" Rachel asks as she reached over and picked up the pendant, looking at it closely. It was a garish prop, something that would fit right into those silent films all the rage these days. She stared down at Larkin with disdain, her gaze shifting from him, to Hughes, to the other man who had done nothing but scowl at people for the entirety of the dinner.

"I do hope you have something other than this to lead you on this treasure hunt." Rachel says, her lips curling into a sneer as she tossed the 'relic' back on the table.

quote:
Rachel Katz rolled 99 using 1d100 for Archaeology. Skill Rating: 20

This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Wed 04 July 2018.
Luis de Mendoza
NPC, 2 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 15:11
  • msg #19

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 17):

'Puno. We stop there," grunts de Mendoza.

[PM sent about the skill rolls for Gustav]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:13, Wed 04 July 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 2 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 15:16
  • msg #20

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Luis de Mendoza (msg # 19):

Bromley leans back in his chair a little, sensing the tenseness but entirely unsure what to do.

"I say, does anyone care for a sherry?" he hesitantly says, cautiously eyeing the seated.
Augustus Larkin
NPC, 2 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 15:24
  • msg #21

Peru - Bar Cordano

"You must treat the Master with respect!" barks de Mendoza at Rachel.

'Now, now Luis," says Larkin gently to his assistant. "It's quite alright. I understand there might be some doubts about my story, Mrs. Katz, but I have thoroughly verified this authenticity of these artifacts. Seeing that you are one of the backers of this expedition, I will even allow you to take one of the items to be evaluated. Believe me, they are the real deal!"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:46, Wed 04 July 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 4 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 15:55
  • msg #22

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Augustus Larkin (msg # 21):

"Master?" Rachel repeated aghast, looking at Larkin as she subconsciously leaned away from the table to move away from de Mendoza.

"I'll take that sherry," Rachel muttered, keeping her eyes on Larkin. She looked around, wondering if anyone else was seeing what she saw-- cheap tourist paraphernalia. Paranoia washed over her, and she momentarily wondered if this was all an elaborate trick.

"No, there's no need. I'll..." Rachel shook her head. It would do her no good if she got kicked off the expedition. She would let this play out for now. "I'll take your word for it. But keep your man on a leash!"
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 3 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 16:18
  • msg #23

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Augustus Larkin (msg # 21):

Keeper I would like to make a psychology roll (45 to pass) on de Mendoza. To infer what is causing his aggression if it is just for the insult or something much more deeper
Jesse Hughes
NPC, 2 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 17:02
  • msg #24

Peru - Bar Cordano

'Sherries all around, I think!" quips Jesse, waving down a waiter and ordering drinks for everyone. "Have you tried the pisco sour?" he asks Bromley. It's a local invention and quite delicious."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...o_sour_20100613b.JPG
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 2 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 18:20
  • msg #25

Peru - Bar Cordano

It'll be Guinness for me, if ye've got it handy.

Dermot remains gruffly perched against his post, arms crossed, a look of vague disdain playing briefly on his face.

quote:
14:13, Today: Dermot Murphy rolled 33 using 1d100.  Medicine.
14:10, Today: Dermot Murphy rolled 26 using 1d100.  Appraise roll for apparent sale value of artifacts.
14:08, Today: Dermot Murphy rolled 9 using 1d100.  Archaeology.

Soren
GM, 9 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 18:33
  • msg #26

Peru - Bar Cordano

Dermot is not sure what ails Larkin, but he's pretty sure the relics are authentic. The pendant seems to be from the 5th century but the cup looks like it could be 15th century, most likely Incan. Both seem quite valuable.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 3 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 23:43
  • msg #27

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Soren (msg # 26):

Adopting a plainer tone, Murphy shoots a look at Ms. Katz.

Looks valuable enough to me, Miss. Old Dermot mayn't know much, but he knows a spot o' gold when he sees it, he does. No, this may all turn out after all...

He looks pensive for a moment, then returns his attention to the shenanigans at the table.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:43, Wed 04 July 2018.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 2 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 23:42
  • msg #28

Peru - Bar Cordano

Johan has been mainly quite, listening, trying to determine the true motivations of his fellow adventurers. As everyone begins to ease of built tension with sherry, he takes his turn examining the artifacts, turning them over in his hands, beginning to mumble. He is there and not there. Although his eye are open, what pass before his eyes are symbols, characters, a plethora of alphabets and cultural images correlating  to those languages as he searches for a similarity

Keeper, I’d like to do an occult check (30) to determine any religious significance and I’d also like to do a psychology check (40) to determine if Larkin is lying about the severity of his illness, particularly his statement that it will never t be a problem during the expedition
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:42, Wed 04 July 2018.
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 2 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 21:22
  • msg #29

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Augustus Larkin (msg # 15):

Art eyes the artifacts as the others turn them this way and that.
'Not sure what gives these away? They look good enough for me. Then again, I've been duped into buying all sorts of rubbish by street vendors before so perhaps best to defer to the rest' he thinks to himself.
As he watches the exchange of words, he can't help but notice Larkin's behaviour. A noted pallor, slight tensing of his arms and hands, and the way he talks... Anxious? Agitated? Like he can't get the words out fast enough. A classic case of Opiate withdrawal if ever he's seen one. This sort of thing was common in the men who were on the painkillers for too long when he worked in the military.
He puts the thought out of his mind, 'best not to stir the boat here, perhaps there is something else at play?'.
As he nurses his first drink, a strong bitter beer, he stares absentmindedly at Larkin.

09:21, Today: Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) rolled 52 using 1d100 ((52)). Medicine Target 75 - To determine if there is more to his health than withdrawal
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 3 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 22:42
  • msg #30

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) (msg # 29):

Feeling the tension of moments ago has somewhat dispersed and with no further reason to doubt the validity of Larkin's claims Bromley is satisfied.

"Well, I think this heat and the hour may be taking it's toll. Larkin, you have my support."

(Although, Bromley thinks to himself, after Rachel's open distain, perhaps I will be a touch more cautious about opening my purse...)

Bromley flags down a waiter and orders a round of sours at Jesse's suggestion.
Augustus Larkin
NPC, 3 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 23:46
  • msg #31

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) (msg # 29):

Art notices that Larkin's clothes are of high quality and bespoke, but very baggy - perhaps indicating that Larkin has suddenly lost a lot of weight. The veins on his wrists seem discolored — almost black.

Larkin notices Art's discreet glances, and lifts his glass in salutation. "Malaria, old bean. Can be a bugger sometimes."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Wed 04 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 11 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 23:20
  • msg #32

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Johan Braun (msg # 28):

There doesn't seem to be anything odd about the relics, apart from the long time-span between their origins.

Johan is not sure if Larkin is lying about his health.
Augustus Larkin
NPC, 3 posts
Wed 4 Jul 2018
at 23:28
  • msg #33

Peru - Bar Cordano

Jesse takes a sip of his pisco sour and sighs with satisfaction. “Ah, that’s the stuff!”

He turns to Larkin. “If you don't mind, sir, could we see some of your research papers?” This remark earns him a ferocious scowl from de Mendoza.

Larkin apologies, saying that he destroyed his paperwork in fear of another enterprising archaeologist stealing it and gaining a head start on his expedition. Given that word about the pyramid has gone far and wide in the press, anyone could mount a competing expedition. “You can never be too safe,” he smiles, adding, “It’s all in my head. I have a very good memory, do not fear!”

Larkin dabs his sweaty forehead with a handkerchief. “Now, are there any other questions? I fear that I am feeling under the weather and need an early night.” He stands up, somewhat groggily, and de Mendoza hurries to his side, supporting him easily.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:53, Wed 04 July 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 4 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 00:29
  • msg #34

Peru - Bar Cordano

Straightening up, Murphy addresses Larkin before quaffing the remainder of his Irish stout.

Oi'd like to know how the cuts'll be divvied afore we make way, but I s'pose we can wait til mornin fer all the... particulars.

Though ostensibly offering a gracious gesture, a hard gleam flashes in Murphy's eye. The intonation of his final word suggests that this particular conversation, whenever it be had, had better be a satisfactory one.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 4 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 00:37
  • msg #35

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Augustus Larkin (msg # 33):

"I would still need to procure firearms before if it is possible in this city"

I would like to explore the city a little bit. Me being in vacation and all. Any notable place i might be interested in? Speakeasy will be good
This message was last edited by the player at 06:40, Thu 05 July 2018.
Augustus Larkin
NPC, 4 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 02:07
  • msg #36

Peru - Bar Cordano

Larkin sighs and sits down again, gulping down a tall glass of water.

You spend the next half an hour around the table, hammering out the details of how to divide whatever treasures you find. Larkin is either a bad bargainer, or more keen on adventure than treasure, as he easily concedes to a large share going to the newly arrived explorers, with an even larger share for Rachel as a backer.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you really must excuse me now", he mumbles, his voice shaky. "I am feeling quite poorly. I want to leave Lima for Puno early in the morning of Monday March 21. Please meet me at 8 AM on Monday morning at the Hotel España."

Before anyone can protest, de Mendoza whisks Larkin out the door.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Thu 05 July 2018.
Jesse Hughes
NPC, 3 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 02:08
  • msg #37

Peru - Bar Cordano

Watching Larkin and de Mendoza leaving the bar, Jesse takes a sip of his drink and looks at you all calmly. "So, how much of that bullshit did you believe?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:45, Thu 05 July 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 5 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 02:44
  • msg #38

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Jesse Hughes (msg # 37):

Gustav sits lazily on his chair, visibly relaxes and orders another one of those pisco sour. "All I know is I'm getting paid on my vacation, this is just gravy here on out".

Keeper can I make a language check to determine if his accent is from the US, or from a native of Peru, or where else?
This message was last edited by the player at 12:41, Thu 05 July 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 5 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 03:23
  • msg #39

Peru - Bar Cordano

Upon hearing Gustav mention 'vacation', Rachel shot him a withering glare, but said nothing. She had remained quiet for most of the dinner, spending most of it mentally noting holes in Larkin's bargaining abilities. It was either he was immensely stupid or new at this, or he was getting something else they didn't know. His assistant--de Mendoza was a brute who followed Larkin's every whim, and watched his master like a hawk. She couldn't blame him though, Larkin was very pale, despite the heat.

As de Mendoza and Larkin left, Rachel leans back in her chair, crossing her arms across her chest. It would seem she had sunk a fortune on an expedition led by someone so inexperienced. She quickly looked up, hearing Hughes talk. She raised an eyebrow, surprised, and relieved that someone else thought the whole thing to be bullshit.

"Not a lot, but then again, I'd say our criteria for bullshit is very different--what makes you think what he's spouting off is bullshit?" Rachel responds without missing a beat.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 4 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 06:07
  • msg #40

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Rachel Katz (msg # 39):

"Now now, let's not be too hasty. The man is clearly in poor health. Still, I've never met someone from the colonies who gave so easily when theres money involved... I'd not be too hasty to trust him or his *ahem* valet, alone - Thank goodness I seem to have fallen in with such fine company as yourselves."

"We aren't to depart until Monday morning. That gives us three days. Larkin said he had provisions under control, but given the man's state we should not be too careful. I'll need to find a hunting supplier for ammunition at the very least. Lot's of dangers in the jungle - I do fancy bagging myself a jaguar though..."

Bromley trails off, day dreaming of hunting...
Soren
GM, 12 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 12:07
  • msg #41

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 38):

Jesse has a New England accent.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 6 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 12:33
  • msg #42

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Jesse Hughes (msg # 37):

Gustav motioned towards Jesse and in a very nonchalant way, orders another pisco sour for Jesse from a waiter.

"My friend, It would be such a shame if we all come from so faraway land just so to listen to some bullshit, would you care enlighten us on what you do know?"

He then takes a gulp of his third pisco sour "Well at least you do know your alcohol, Mr. Hughes, this drink is quite satisfactory"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:38, Thu 05 July 2018.
Jackson Elias
NPC, 4 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 12:45
  • msg #43

Peru - Bar Cordano

“Well,” replies Jesse. “Let’s just say I’ve done a bit of research on Mr. Larkin – and I believe that he may be leading you into danger.” As he speaks, he fills the bowl of his pipe with sweet-smelling tobacco.

“Please allow let me explain. My real name is Jackson Elias. I am a writer, and I have been researching a new book about secret societies in Peru. I have spent a couple of months traveling around the area near Lake Titicaca, looking for evidence of what I believe is a centuries-old death cult. Now, it is my suspicion that Larkin and his hound are somehow involved with this cult.”

He lights his pipe, taking a deep puff and pauses to gauge your reactions.



[You can try an EDU/3 roll or normal Occult roll to see if you have read any of his books]

Rachel and Johan have heard of Jackson; he's a writer from New England who writes about death cults. He often provides first-hand accounts of his investigations. His most famous book is 'The Black Power', about African death cults, which was released earlier this year.

Bromley has heard that this guy is a writer of smutty books!
This message was last edited by the player at 13:28, Thu 05 July 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 5 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 12:58
  • msg #44

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 43):

Hearing the name Jackson Elias, Bromley immediately chokes on his cocktail.

"Oh, I think I've heard of you, Mr Elias..." says Bromley, wiping his chin and apologising to the table.

Of course, the Jackson Elias Bromley assumes this man to be is actually a contributor of smutty fiction to a low brow skin magazine Bromley occasionally indulges himself in.

"You're... You're rather prolific... Or so I've been told... Not at all to my tastes I'm afraid..."

[Bromley Aveline-Edgeware rolled 100 using 1d100.  EDU roll for for Jackson's book - Target 23.]
This message was last edited by the player at 12:59, Thu 05 July 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 6 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 13:07
  • msg #45

Peru - Bar Cordano

Rachel glanced around at the rest of the group, looking for anyone who had the same horrified expression as hers. Her mouth worked, but no sound came out for awhile, as questions overwhelmed her. She had heard of the author's name-- he was quite popular with some of the ladies in high society back in New York. While his explanation seemed plausible, considering those droll little stories in his books whenever he infiltrated cults, realization was slowly dawning on Rachel: she was way in over her head.

"A death cult?" Rachel finally muttered, absently raising her hand to the base of her neck, looking at Elias. "If you knew this from the beginning, why did you allow him to call for us?"

quote:
Today: Rachel Katz rolled 42 using 1d100. Occult

Johan Braun
(Nate), 3 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 13:14
  • msg #46

Peru - Bar Cordano

A smirk begins to slide over Johans face At the utterance of the words “death cult.”

“Well you see, where I come from, bullshit usually means that something much more interesting is being fertilized  below the surface, and I am eager for the digging!”

In a return to his nervous energy, Johan stands up and almost violently Extends his arm across the table to shake Jackson’s hand.

“Truly a pleasure to meet you Mr. Elias! I am a very big fan of your work!”


06:09, Today: Johan Braun rolled 4 using 1d100.  Edu roll for Jackson’s Book - target 28.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 7 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 13:18
  • msg #47

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 43):


"Death Cults? Secret societies? Surely you people don't believe in old wives tales!" Gustav exclaimed. Audibly loud and visibly pinkish from the booze.

"Aren't we a little too old to believe in these superstitious mumbo jumbo? Its 1921, we have come a long way from voodoo and ritual sacrifices" Gustav continued.

"What's next? A little girl who's half fish who fell in love with a land prince and wishes to have feet?" Gustav chuckles as he continued to ridicule Mr. Elias.

"I'm afraid you have to give me more than that."


[Gustav Schmidt rolled 51 using 1d100.  EDU roll for reading book from author Jackson Elias (60%|30%|12%).]
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:36, Thu 05 July 2018.
Jackson Elias
NPC, 5 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 14:32
  • msg #48

Peru - Bar Cordano

Somewhat startled, Jackson rises out of his chair and shakes Johan’s hand, but smiles at the compliment. “Always nice to meet a fan,” he grins as he sits down again.

His face turns somewhat red with embarrassment at Bromley’s comment. “Ah, yes. The other Jackson. I have been mistaken for him more than once, and even perused his work. He’s very…. descriptive.. but somewhat weak on character setting.”

Turning to Rachel and Gustav, he frowns. “I could not warn you before now, as I did not know who else signed up for the expedition. I had only met Larkin briefly before this evening and had no way of knowing who you were. I do believe there is a lost pyramid, and there might well be treasure inside, but I am wary of Larkin and de Mendoza. He tried to hire local people for his expedition, but they all refused, so he contacted you – and here we are.”

He takes another puff on his pipe and continues his tale. “I have spent the last four months in the southern Andean highlands, in the region around Lake Titicaca, meeting the locals and researching stories of the kharisiri.” Seeing your frowns, he explains. “The legends speak of the kharisiri as white-faced men who sucks the fat of innocent farmers and their families in the Peruvian highlands. While the historical information seemed to be mostly fanciful folklore, I found that these accounts gained credence when I found contemporary stories of murder and mutilation in the same locales.

I believe that I have enough reason to suppose that some form of pagan ritual is at the root of the tales of the kharisiri, and that in all likelihood, the attacks were perpetrated by humans, perhaps as some form of human sacrifice. My hypothesis is that the legends stems from the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, and I suspect that the details of the myths indicate an all-too-real cult that practices murder as ritual practice.”

He takes a sip of his drink and continues. “While speaking with the locals, I was warned about a man named Luis de Mendoza; a person mentioned by some as a man to be feared. While no one could provide concrete proof of any wrongdoings, some referred to de Mendoza as a kharisiri. He is of course not a real monster, but perhaps a key figure in this cult. I was surprised to encounter de Mendoza in Puno, and followed him from a distance, making notes of his movements and contacts. In so doing, I learned of de Mendoza’s association with Augustus Larkin and, ultimately, Larkin’s plan to find and explore a lost pyramid.”

He looks at you all earnestly. “Now, feel free to take my words as nonsense if you wish, but I feel that I would be amiss in not telling you what I found. I have plans to visit a Professor Sanchez at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology tomorrow. He wanted to join this expedition, but Larkin did not hire him. He has some papers and artifacts related to the site that I am eager to see, and you would be most welcome to join me.”
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 6 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 14:51
  • msg #49

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 48):

"Well old boy... Well, I'd be delighted to accompany you to visit this professor tomorrow" starts Bromley, embarrassed but relieved that this new companion is likely not a famous phonographer... "Erm, no hard feelings then?"

Bromley clicks his fingers to attract a waiter for more of the delicious sours.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 5 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 15:13
  • msg #50

Peru - Bar Cordano

Can I roll psychology?

quote:
11:12, Today: Dermot Murphy rolled 3 using 1d100.  Psychology (goal 25) as a weak attempt to judge Jackson's earnestness.

Soren
GM, 13 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 17:03
  • msg #51

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Dermot Murphy (msg # 50):

Jackson seems honest and forthright
Johan Braun
(Nate), 4 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 17:15
  • msg #52

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 48):

“I would be happy to accompany you as well. What is Professor Sanchez’s area of expertise? And has he indicated what kind of information he has for You?”
Soren
GM, 14 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 22:59
  • msg #53

Peru



Jackson Elias
NPC, 6 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 23:17
  • msg #54

Peru - Bar Cordano

“I am pleased that at least some of you believe my story,” says Jackson, with a sideways glance at Gustav. “Now, don’t get me wrong – I still want to visit the pyramid. If we can learn enough about the cult at the pyramid to stop or curtail their activities, then many innocent lives may be saved! And it will be a memorable conclusion for my book. Not to mention the treasures that might be found there!”

“As for professor Sanchez, he is an experienced archaeologist and anthropologist, specializing in Incan ruins. He has done incredible work at Manchu Piccu. He told me that he has found an old document dating from the mid-16th century, written by a conquistador by the name of Gaspar Figueroa, which may refer to our pyramid. He has been working on a summary and asked me to meet him tomorrow at the museum.”

He lifts his glass in a toast. “Whatever may happen, I am pleased to have met you all! Drinks are on me if you want to stay here with me and swap tales, otherwise I will meet you at the museum tomorrow at 2 PM. Cheers!”
This message was last edited by the player at 01:51, Fri 06 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 15 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 23:34
  • msg #55

Peru

The Museo de Arqueología y Antropología (Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology) as it looks today;

https://goo.gl/maps/oaUUQzv3oas
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 6 posts
Thu 5 Jul 2018
at 23:49
  • msg #56

Peru - Bar Cordano

Murphy nods politely at Jackson Elias. Hardly one to turn down a free drink, he orders a second beer. Without shedding his overcoat or leather gloves, Murphy sits down at the table. He addresses the table in general:

The feller's a'right, I'd wager. A bit wild in the imagination perhaps.

He takes a look around the table, briefly meeting everyone's eyes in turn, and coming rest on Mr. Elias.

Seems our leaders have a stark difference in purpose.

As his drink arrives, he sits back comfortably, awaiting whatever comments his new comrades may proffer.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:58, Fri 06 July 2018.
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 3 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 02:02
  • msg #57

Peru - Bar Cordano

Art quickly relaxes as the group consensus seems to settle on this being an expedition on the up-and-up. Quickly finding himself swapping stories and laughs shared over drinks bought on Jackson's dime.
"The best drinks I've had in a while, since I don't have to pay for them!" he exclaims, before swigging a large gulp of another beer.

Art offers many a story relating to his work, careful to filter out the more horrific from the more comedic variety

"... and then he looks at me, drops his trousers and shouts 'but doc, it looks like a monkey's tail!'. I couldn't help but laugh right to his face! Now every time I go to the zoo, it's all I think about when we get to the monkey enclosures!"


Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 8 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 04:03
  • msg #58

Peru - Bar Cordano

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 48):

Despite Gustav's misgivings about the current situation, his detective instincts is still somewhat functioning and the gears that turns suggested that it might be a good idea to learn a few things about the expedition before setting forth.

"heh, I didn't become a good detective by not trusting my instinct with a dash of common sense, though I still think you speak of hogwash, I would like to be present for tomorrow as well."

Gustav also talks shop and tells of stories of different cases he has handled in New York City as a police detective. He does not however, omit certain parts for the sake of Mr. Elias and Mrs. Katz likes stories of Black folks being gunned down for heroin trafficking or grisly murders of prostitutes. whether its because of the alcohol, or maybe because he feels in his gut that both of them wont be bothered by it.



Keeper, tomorrow morning, before going to the museum at 2pm, I would like to go to the main police station and hopefully try to get a record of a certain Luis de Mendoza. To see if he has any criminal records on past transgressions or if he was ever arrested.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 7 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 04:27
  • msg #59

Peru - Bar Cordano

"Oh, I'll join." Rachel muttered stubbornly. As annoyed as she was with the outcome of things, Jackson seemed to have a much better handle on things. There might be hope that she could still get a return investment on the whole thing. She would also never admit it to anyone, but the whole thing was quite exciting.

She remains quiet, politely listening to th stories, hiding a grin behind a napkin at the more lurid ones from Gustav, and laughing on cue when it came to Art's comedic ones. She nursed the sherry provided to her early on by Jackson for most of the night, not going past two drinks.

"Those are quite the stories, gentlemen. I'd imagine we'd have more after this trip is over."

quote:
Would it be hard to acquire a revolver before 2p.m. tomorrow? The whole thing is unsettling for Rachel, specially since it seems as though they're gonna be hanging out with cultists hahaha. And perhaps a camera?

Jackson Elias
NPC, 7 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 11:39
  • msg #60

Lima

You spend a pleasant evening at the bar with Jackson. He is a lively storyteller, and the pisco sours go down easily. Eventually the bar staff start stacking chairs around you and hum and haw to get you to leave.

Jackson walks somewhat unsteadily back to the hotel Maury, where you all have rooms. He bids you all goodnight and hopes that you will join him tomorrow at 2 PM at the museum.

For those of you who roleplayed drinking heavily at the bar, can you please give me a CON roll to avoid a -10% penalty to rolls the next day?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:42, Fri 06 July 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 9 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 12:52
  • msg #61

Lima

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 60):

Gustav wakes up at 9am in the morning nursing a killer headache. He tries to sit up in his bed but the world seems to weigh on his forehead. He noticed that he is still wearing the same outfit he wore the day before. Apparently too drunk to remember to change and even take off his shoes.

The sun is glistening out the open window directly to his face. He doesn't even remember how he got back to the hotel. His bags are on the side table right beside the cabinet, unpacked and unopened.

"I'll need a gallon of coffee if I were to do anything useful today" he muttered.

After a concerted effort, Gustav finally gets out of bed, went to the shower, hurriedly got dressed and went to look for breakfast. Preferably where the police headquarters is located.

"Ten o'clock" as he looked at his watch. He heard from a colleague that a lomo soltado is a must eat in this city.


quote:
Gustav Schmidt rolled 94 using 1d100.  Gustav for the hangover (55 to succeed).


quote:
Gustav Schmidt rolled 79 using 1d100.  Roll for Law (45 is the target due to hangover).

Johan Braun
(Nate), 5 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 13:23
  • msg #62

Lima

Awaking the next morning, Johan is actually feeling invigorated. He understands his good fortune that he is not worse for ware. I’m the excitement of meeting new colleagues he had taken in not libations than he normally would have.

At breakfast, he does take pause and sober up to the situation at hand. Quite a few of his new friends were rightfully concerned about their safety, and the revelations of Jackson bring new potential dangers to light. Having studied the art of bartitsu, Johan usually takes great confidence just from carrying his walking stick, but to be safe he will try to quickly procure a small revolver before meeting everyone at the museum.


06:16, Today: Johan Braun rolled 5 using 1d100.  Hangover (60 to succeed).
Soren
GM, 16 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 13:43
  • msg #63

Lima

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 61):

Gustav enjoys a hearty dish of beef stir fry and several strong cups of coffee at one of the many cafes that surround the area. The police station is half an hours walk away, but the day is hot and humid, so he hops on an electric tram.

The police HQ is busy and crowded. A long queue of people snake out the door and despite Gustav flashing his NYPD badge, it still takes him a long, uncomfortable time to talk to a clerk. The clerk does not speak English, so more time is wasted on finding one who does. When the senior policeman finally arrives, he listens to Gustav's request and shakes his head.

"No, señor. Is not possible. Goodbye."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:44, Fri 06 July 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 10 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 13:54
  • msg #64

Lima

In reply to Soren (msg # 63):

Gustav smiles politely at the police officer. Then looks around him.



Keeper, can i roll for psychology to insight if the conditions are right for me to attempt for a bribe. (Crowded room so we'll have privacy, police station looks a little downtroden, maybe the one im talking to wears a beat up uniform, its a third world country after all)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:56, Fri 06 July 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 7 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 15:11
  • msg #65

Lima

Dermot Murphy is no lightweight when it comes to liquor, but he feels he'd rather keep an edge over all the others in terms of sobriety. He nurses his second beer more gently.

Once he decides the conversation has turned entirely from information to anecdotes, he excuses himself. (If asked, he's probably mentioned something about working as some sort of merchant or trader on the seas, without going into much depth.)

Catch ye all tomorrow afternoon, then.

At this point in the evening it's probably something like 10pm. Murphy would like to catch a cab over to the nearby port of Callao to survey the shipping and transportation scene. He doesn't have a strong goal in mind, but feels rather at home along the coast, and as he's publicly a merchant and privately a smuggler, he'd like to get the lay of the land (or rather, the sea). Maybe look for signs of illegal trade, and/or what vessels might generally be available for hire, etc.

In the morning, he might like to visit the cathedral on the other side of town. He's not a strong Catholic himself, but he's familiar with Ireland's Catholic culture.

Then he'll meet up with the gang and Sanchez at the appropriate time.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 11 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 16:17
  • msg #66

Lima

In reply to Soren (msg # 63):

Gustav leave his calling card on the senior police officer in the table "You could've had a an american police officer who owes you." Gustav says in hush tones.

"You may reach me at Hotel Maury if you ever change your mind, the man im investigating is named Luis de Mendoza."

Not bothering to wait for a reply, Gustav leaves the police headquarters. Flags down a taxicab and instructs the driver to take him to a newspaper office, preferably the biggest newspaper company in Lima.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 8 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 16:51
  • msg #67

Lima

The discretion of the staff of Hotel Maury was easily measured with coin, and the next morning, Rachel was woken up by a phone call from the front desk, saying someone was headed up to her room with her request. The manager smiled at Rachel, emphasizing that he himself had overseen the acquisition of her request. He handed her the package and Rachel handed him her heartfelt gratitude in an envelope.

At a small breakfast table next to her hotel window, Rachel unwrapped the package, containing a .38 revolver that fit perfectly into her handbag, along with a couple of bullets, which she slipped into her handbag as well. The other thing was slightly bigger-- a handspan on each side-- a camera.

Well, I did want to get one, and now is as good a time as any. Rachel shrugs, with a wistful grin, fancying herself showing off very interesting pictures like those shown in newspapers or one of Jackson Elias' books. With a quick glance at the time, Rachel quickly moves over to the phone, calling the restaurant to check if Jackson Elias was there for breakfast--she wanted to see if she could ask him a few more questions before they met up for the museum.
Soren
GM, 17 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 17:19
  • msg #68

Lima

Jackson is indeed enjoying breakfast at the hotel Maury
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 4 posts
Fri 6 Jul 2018
at 23:03
  • msg #69

Lima

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 60):


Waking the next morning Art feels the familiar pounding in the front of his head.
"Eurrggh grromblerrgh" he grunts as he rolls over and is blinded by the bright light piercing through the cracks in the curtain.
Pulling himself upright and taking a swig of a glass sitting beside his bed he begins to feel the dehydration subside. Today is going to be a long day, he thinks to himself.
Art drags himself out of his room to the dining area, grabs a slice of now-cold toasted bread from a continental breakfast tray along with a small jar of strawberry preserve and a knob of butter. Spotting Jackson from the night before, Art moves towards where he is seated and nods towards an empty seat.

"Mind if I join you?"



10:57, Today: Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) rolled 89 using 1d100.  CON roll versus hangover (target 50).
This message was last edited by the player at 23:04, Fri 06 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 18 posts
Sat 7 Jul 2018
at 00:44
  • msg #70

Lima

In reply to Dermot Murphy (msg # 65):

Dermot spends a few hours getting the feel for the docks and the trade that takes place there. There are some unsavoury areas, but he feels at home, and the locals perhaps recognize him as one of their own.

He jumps on an electric tram and soon finds himself at the imposing Basilica Cathedral of Lima where he has the opportunity to attend a service, or simply spend some time in quiet solitude.


This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 00:50, Sat 07 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 19 posts
Sat 7 Jul 2018
at 00:49
  • msg #71

Lima

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 66):

Gustav arrives at the main office of the El Comercio, the oldest newspaper company in Peru. There is not much time to spend here if he wants to be at the museum at 2 PM.


Jackson Elias
NPC, 8 posts
Sat 7 Jul 2018
at 00:54
  • msg #72

Lima

Jackson is seated at a table at the Hotel Maury restaurant, enjoying a cup of tea and a light breakfast. He also looks a bit worse for the wear, but is happy to invite Art to join him. They chat amiably for a few moments before a waiter appears, with Rachel following closely behind him. Jackson clears some more space at the table and holds out her seat for her with a smile.

"I'm glad you both survived the night more or less intact!" he grins.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:59, Sat 07 July 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 9 posts
Sat 7 Jul 2018
at 01:33
  • msg #73

Lima

Taking the seat Jackson offered, Rachel muttered a string of perfunctory morning greetings, taking her coffee black, and only after both men had taken a sip of theirs.

"If you don't mind me asking, Mr. Elias, this Death Cult you're researching on--in this area? Doesn't the government know about them? You mentioned it's a centuries-old cult, someone must be bound to know of them. And if they do, why hasn't anything been done?"

Lowering her voice, Rachel glanced around from behind the coffee cup raised to her lips to make sure no one but them was close by, before asking, "If you believe that either de Mendoza or Larkin are part of this cult, shouldn't we be taking precautions, going off with them?"
Jackson Elias
NPC, 9 posts
Sat 7 Jul 2018
at 03:01
  • msg #74

Lima

“Well,” replies Jackson. “Forewarned is forearmed. Now that I have thankfully managed to alert you about my suspicions, we should be able to keep an eye out for any treachery. And do please call me Jackson. Mr. Elias is my dad.”

He taps the headline of the morning newspaper, telling a story of police corruption and organized crime. “Sadly, this happens often in too many places. Most of these cults are very adept at staying hidden, and the local police forces are woefully disorganized and susceptible to bribery. The locals around Puno are mostly left to their own devices, and it’s rare that they see any law enforcement in such a remote place.”

He checks his pocket watch. “There are a few hours to our meeting with professor Sanchez. I will stay here in the shade and work on my draft, but Lima is a lovely city. You should explore it – we will soon enough be away from civilization.”
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 7 posts
Sat 7 Jul 2018
at 05:58
  • msg #75

Lima

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 74):

Bromley bounds into the restaurant, seeing some of his companions he beams and heads over.

"Morning gents, Ms. Katz, I trust we all slept well. I feel invigorated; this tropical weather certainly agrees with me."
Professor Sanchez
NPC, 1 post
Sat 7 Jul 2018
at 13:08
  • msg #76

Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Elias has arranged to meet Professor Sanchez at his office in the Museo de Arqueología y Antropología (Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology) at 2 PM on Saturday March 19, the day following the meeting in Bar Cordano. The museum is a recent addition to the campus. While the university was founded in 1551, making it the oldest seat of higher learning in the Americas, the museum was only opened in 1919. It is housed in a long, two-story stone building, painted dark yellow, fronted by the University Park.

Professor Nemesio Sanchez is slim and dapper, with neatly oiled hair and a well-groomed beard. He has an office on the ground floor. It is an airy, tall-ceilinged room with white walls and shelves full of books and artifacts. A large hardwood desk dominates the room, piled high with papers, books, and journals, and the windows are open to let in some air.

While Sanchez was not expecting any visitors other than Elias and seem somewhat taken aback by the number of people in his office, he is happy to meet you and include you in the discussion. He tells you that he has offered to help Larkin on a number of occasions, only to be ignored or rebuffed each time. His suspicion is that Larkin wishes to loot the site without interference. There are no legal restrictions in Peru to prevent foreigners from doing this — a fact that frustrates Sanchez deeply. He refers to people who would remove his country’s treasures in such a manner as huaqueros, a Quechua word that translates as “grave robbers.”

Sanchez believes his only recourse is to identify the exact location of the pyramid and get there first, although time is running out. To this end, Sanchez and one of his students, a young woman named Trinidad Rizo, have been going through the university library and archives for any possible information about the pyramid. They have found an old document dating from the mid-16th century, written by a conquistador by the name of Gaspar Figueroa, which may refer to the site in question. The document is difficult to read, so Trinidad has been working on a summary that picks out the pertinent details.

“She has actually just gone to our storeroom to fetch an artifact related to the document and should be joining us shortly. Does anyone have any questions in the mean time?”


This message was last edited by the player at 16:12, Sat 07 July 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 8 posts
Sat 7 Jul 2018
at 15:49
  • msg #77

Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Having run his evening and morning errands, Dermot Murphy strolls about the historic city center, peering into shops and sampling local cuisine on the streets. He thinks to himself:

That Hotel Maury was cozy enough, but old Murphy's got ta be up an' about his business. Not that I have much business per se... But Oi'll've got a feel about the city anyhow.

He makes his way to the museum around a quarter to two and leans up against the front wall a few feet from the entrance. His arms are crossed, one knee bent to allow his foot to be planted on the wall. As Jackson Elias arrives with everyone in tow, Murphy greets them briskly:

Afternoon, gentlemen... Ms. Katz.

He gives a slight nod at the group and follows them in, bringing up the rear.

I'll let these pompous academic types ask their particular questions, he thinks.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 12 posts
Sat 7 Jul 2018
at 17:03
  • msg #78

Lima

In reply to Soren (msg # 71):

Gustav arrives at the newspaper at about half past the hour of one. Realizing this, he went to the desk clerk, presented his police badge and passport. And tries to communicate to the clerk. He then gets a notepad and write the following

'I am Detective Gustav Schmidt from the New York police department in the United States of America, I am following up a person of interest by the name of Luis de Mendoza. I would kindly like to know any information you have of this man. I am needed elsewhere and I will be back here at before five in the afternoon, I do hope you can act on my request. It is of an urgent matter.'

I leave my calling card and the telephone number of the hotel at the clerk.

Seeing the note satisfactory albiet very sketchy, he leaves it to the desk clerk along with an american dollar, hailed a taxicab and go straight to Museo de Arqueología y Antropología.

"I do hope I make it on time. Damn this bloody hangover"
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 5 posts
Sun 8 Jul 2018
at 00:06
  • msg #79

Lima

After the breakfast, Art feels his pounding headache fall away to a simple thump in the back of his head. Food and drink definitely helped, but perhaps, he thinks, one needs to drink less when partaking of alcoholic beverages.

Art excuses himself after eating, and spends his morning exploring the city's various eateries and cafes. Spotting one with a satisfactory look of cleanliness, he buys a tea cake and pot of tea and relaxes for a time. Simply watching Peruvians and tourists bustle around him is exactly the relaxing day he needs to defeat this hangover. As the morning winds on, he realises there are some tasks that perhaps he could get to despite his headache, and heads to the Peru Public Library. A relatively new affair, he heads to the medical journal section and begins to try familiarise himself with some of the more exotic illnesses unique to this region of the world and prepare himself for providing aid to any unfortunate enough to become ill on this expedition.

Close to 2pm, Art heads to the Museum, where he links up with the entourage he met previously, nodding in greeting as they head into the office where the meeting is to take place.

12:06, Today: Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) rolled 63 using 1d100. Rolling to research unique illnesses in Peru. Targets(hangover): Medicine 75(65), or Library Use 45(35):.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Sun 08 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 20 posts
Sun 8 Jul 2018
at 12:59
  • msg #80

Lima

In reply to Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) (msg # 79):

Art spends some time brushing up on the various diseases and other maladies he might encounter in this area, and feels reasonably well prepared.

He also notes that if they will be travelling to Puno, they will have to travel from sea level to a high altitude over a short period of time. Some may experience altitude sickness, displaying a number of symptoms related to the thinner air. These include tiredness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea.

Most people can acclimatize to the thin air in a day or two, and it is also possible to mitigate the worst of the symptoms by chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea.
Professor Sanchez
NPC, 2 posts
Sun 8 Jul 2018
at 13:04
  • msg #81

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

While everyone waits for Rizo to arrive, Sanchez is happy to answer any questions you may have about Peruvian history and archaeology. He is a rationalist and does not believe in kharisiri or other aspects of what he considers to be folklore.

He checks his watch and frowns. "I am terribly sorry. I don't know why Ms. Rizo is so late, she is normally very punctual. I suspect that she has found something interesting
and lost track of the time."
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 8 posts
Sun 8 Jul 2018
at 13:27
  • msg #82

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Professor Sanchez (msg # 81):

"Perhaps we should go and find Ms. Rizo... I must say, I imagine there are several people here who would be very interested to see your collection"
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 13 posts
Sun 8 Jul 2018
at 13:52
  • msg #83

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Professor Sanchez (msg # 81):

Gustav arrives a bit late but just in time for introductions. He introduce himself to Professor Sanchez and told him he is also part of the expedition that will be going on monday.

Seeing the impressive displays of ancient artifacts littered in his office, Gustav asked. "Professor, how long have you been an archeologist? And is it true that you have applied to join in this expedition as well?"
Professor Sanchez
NPC, 3 posts
Sun 8 Jul 2018
at 14:26
  • msg #85

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 83):

“Well,” replies Sanchez. “I have accompanied or led a number of archaeological expeditions in Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia for the last 15 years, and I was lucky enough to one of the first academics hired by the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos when this museum opened two years ago.

Despite the excellent reputation of this museum, Mr. Larkin did not contact me or any of my colleagues to advise on or accompany his expedition. When I saw the press coverage, I tried to approach Larkin, only to be rebuffed. I have been gently persistent since then, sending him a number of letters containing specific advice on the region and offers of help, but my correspondence has gone unanswered.”
This message was last edited by the player at 14:27, Sun 08 July 2018.
Professor Sanchez
NPC, 4 posts
Sun 8 Jul 2018
at 14:42
  • msg #86

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Bromley Aveline-Edgeware (msg # 82):

Sanchez grabs a piece of candy from a hollowed out skull on his desk and unwraps it. "Of course. You are welcome to go have a look for Miss Rizo, although I expect she will be here any time now. She is most likely in the storage room below. If you take the staircase on the left as you leave the office, and then follow the corridor, you will find the storeroom."

Jackson is admiring three golden masks on a shelf as you are given directions. "I'll stay here with the professor, in case Miss Rizo turns up in the interim."


Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 10 posts
Sun 8 Jul 2018
at 18:00
  • msg #87

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Rachel was almost late to the museum. She had spent the few hours she had after breakfast, snapping photos of the local scene, while picking up some things she thought might be essential to the trip. At exactly 1:50, she had dashed towards the museum, thankfully making it on time to be introduced to the professor formally.

From a few paces away, as they were led into the museum, Rachel snapped photos of everyone. As Sanchez explained his disdain for Larkin's trip, Rachel quietly moved to the back, knowing full well that she was one of the huaqueros Sanchez was talking about. There was a slight pang of guilt, which she quickly shrugged off. It was just business, nothing personal.

She thought nothing of Ms. Rizo's absence, but was instead more interested with Sanchez' research. "Might I have a look at the summary you've been working on? I imagine you'll need someone to fund an expedition to beat Larkin's plans, and it would be nice to see where you're at with the research already. And what advice did you give him with regards to the region?"

quote:
Keeper, I'd like to take a look at the papers on his desk to see if I can find anything of his work pertaining to the site or anything that might stand out. I'd also like to take a glance at the titles of the books he has around him, to see what Sanchez usually works on.

This message was last edited by the player at 18:03, Sun 08 July 2018.
Professor Sanchez
NPC, 5 posts
Sun 8 Jul 2018
at 18:54
  • msg #88

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

“Once Miss Rizo brings us her summary, I would be delighted to share the findings with you all. It’s rather a mad tale of some conquistadors who discover a pyramid and turn into ravening monsters after exploring it. A fanciful tale, but together with the relics that Mr. Elias told me that Larkin had, it does collaborate the existence of said pyramid. Humbug?”

He indicates the hollowed-out skull with a flourish and continues. “The museum could probably be persuaded to form a small expedition and in fact I am due to meet with the board later today, once I review Trinidad’s summary. As for what advice I gave Mr. Larkin, it was related to the local population and how they could prove useful. I also provided many practical tips about the nitty-gritty of mountain expeditions. Now, where is that girl? Really!”

Sanchez frowns with a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment while Rachel discreetly takes a look at his desk. The documents all seems to be written in Spanish, as well as the books lining the walls – but some words occur over and over, like Antropología, Arqueología, Pirámides and Artefacto


This message was last edited by the player at 19:50, Sun 08 July 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 9 posts
Sun 8 Jul 2018
at 22:35
  • msg #89

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Professor Sanchez (msg # 88):

Bromley stands up.

"Please, It's no trouble at all Professor. I imagine the wonders of your collection can enchant even the strongest of minds."

Bromley shoots a look to any of his companions that happen to me looking his way. With everything we have learned in the past 24 hours, one should not be too careful - Especially given Professor Sanchez is known to Larkin. Also, with everyone milling about the office it's become quite too crowded and stuffy.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 9 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 00:11
  • msg #90

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Bromley Aveline-Edgeware (msg # 89):

Always one with his ear to the ground, Murphy catches Bromley's inquiring glance.

"I'll tag along if ye don't mind. It won't do for another member of our humble expedition to get lost in the books."

He straightens up from his characteristic pose of leaning against the wall and shuffles out of the room with Bromley.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 15 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 00:41
  • msg #91

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Bromley Aveline-Edgeware (msg # 89):

"Come on then, might be Ms. Rizo would need a helping hand on things." Looks at Dermot and Bromley, "Shall we? Staircase on the left."
Professor Sanchez
NPC, 6 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 00:54
  • msg #92

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

"Thank you for your help, gentlemen." says Professor Sanchez and points to a picture of a smiling group of archeologists. "Miss Rizo is standing next to me on that photo."



Soren
GM, 21 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 01:14
  • msg #93

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Art, Bromley, Dermot and Gustav head off to find Miss Rizo. The storeroom is almost directly under Sanchez’ office, accessed via a staircase and long, dimly lit corridor. The basement of the university is quiet at the weekends, and you do not see or hear anyone else moving around down there.

The door to the storeroom is ajar, and the storeroom itself is cavernous and oblong, some 80 feet long by 45 feet wide, filled with evenly spaced rows of floor-to-ceiling shelves. Most of the shelves are packed with crates, boxes, and bags containing a huge variety of artifacts of historical interest. The shelves and containers are all neatly labeled and everything is clean and well kept.

Between the dim electric lighting and the packed shelves, it is difficult to see very far in the storeroom, but as you turn a corner to a row of shelves, you spot what looks like a person lying on the floor, half-buried under a pile of relics. Lying close by is a small wooden crate, which has been smashed into pieces.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:15, Mon 09 July 2018.
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 6 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 01:19
  • msg #94

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 93):

Art immediately runs to see if the person is ok, brushing aside what relics lay on top of them with little concern for the objects.
If this is indeed a person who has been harmed, he will perform first aid. Checking their airway, attempting to rouse them, and if necessary, beginning CPR.

Should nothing prevent him from doing so, that is.

13:19, Today: Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) rolled 39 using 1d100. First Aid Target 70 (60)
Soren
GM, 22 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 01:32
  • msg #95

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Art finds the body of a young woman. She is emaciated, almost mummified, looking like little more than a skeleton wrapped in loose skin. There is a large disc of torn, bloody flesh on her upper chest. The wound is around 6 inches in diameter and edged with rancid, white waxy secretions. Her shriveled face is frozen in a mask of terror, eyes still wide and staring.

He stumbles back from the sight, knocking down a few priceless relics from a shelf. Turning around, he runs as fast as he can away from the terrible sight!

[Art lost 5 SAN and suffers a bout of madness. He gains 5% Cthulhu Mythos]


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:28, Mon 09 July 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 16 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 01:35
  • msg #96

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 93):

Gustav immediately goes out of the storage room door, looks out from the door to see if anyone recently left the storage room. Looks for any blunt object - a crowbar, lamp, cane, heavy stone artifact - as a improvised weapon. Basically making a general check on the immediate area to see if anyone other than our group was in the immediate vicinity at this time.


Keeper I want to make a spot hidden check on the general area to see if there are some people other than us here.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 11 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 01:53
  • msg #98

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

"I'm sure the others will find them shortly." Rachel muttered with a slight shrug, moving towards the photograph of Ms. Rizo, taking note of the other faces in the photo with them.

"Based on your research, Mr. Sanchez, who should be buried in that particular pyramid?"
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 17 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 01:59
  • msg #99

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 97):

Gustav knew there is a body on the floor, presumably of Ms. Rizo, However, the police training of Gustav understood that whoever might be the perpetrator of this murder might still be in the premises and he quickly organized a chase.

Gustav is puzzled when Dr. Arthur suddenly stands up and runs away. Understanding that the place being unsecured, he instructs Mr. Bromley to recover Dr. Arthur. He also ask Mr. Dermont to grab whatever heavy object he can see and follow him.

Gustav sees another door that is half opened at the end of the room and believes that whoever did this crime, might have attempted to escape from this door. Gustav then grabs an expensive and ancient looking scepter with a jewel encrusted blunt end which he believes will inflict the most wound to slow down the escaping suspect.

Gustav proceeded to the door and kicked it wide open, he then sees a shorter corridor with a spiral stairway up. "Come on then Mr. Dermont, watch my back."



Keeper, do I know, with the general layout of the museum, if where this spiral staircase is leading up to?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:09, Mon 09 July 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 10 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 02:29
  • msg #100

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 99):

Given his line of work, Mr. Dermot never goes anywhere unarmed. As soon as Art runs terrified from the room, Dermot Murphy whips his Webley Mk VI revolver from inside his overcoat faster than the devil can eat a cat and bounds into the room. As his eyes settle on the supernaturally mangled corpse, he suppresses a shudder of revulsion. While he's witnessed his share of death and violence in his sordid criminal past, the nature of the lass's disfigurement is especially horrifying.

"Ye gods above..." he mutters.

Seeing no immediate danger, he readily consents to clear the area along with Gustav. If their search yields no obvious perpetrator, he'll return to examine the body and relics more closely.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 6 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 03:04
  • msg #101

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Johan slowly reaches for a candy inside the skull and and unwraps it, popping it in his mouth.

“Exactly what I was wondering Ms. Katz, indeed. Or could it have another ritualistic purpose? Similar to tribal contemporaries?”
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 10 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 05:18
  • msg #102

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 99):

"Y-Yes, of course"

Bromley runs after Dr Digben.
Soren
GM, 24 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 17:44
  • msg #103

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Sanchez leans back in his chair as he answers Rachel. “It would seem likely that it was built by the Tiwanaku people, one of the most important civilizations prior to the rise of the Inca Empire. It was a major culture that lasted nearly 500 years.”

He tilts his head slightly. “Did anyone else hear some racket from below?”

[Those in the office can roll an Extreme (1/5) Listen to hear commotion from the storage room below]

Bromley runs after Dr. Digben, and after a short chase he finds the doctor pressed up against a wall, looking wild-eyed and very agitated. Speaking calmly, Bromley eventually manages to get his friend to relax a bit.

Dermot and Gustav proceed quickly but carefully up the spiral staircase. They find themselves up on the ground floor again, in a long hallway lined with offices and lecture rooms. This must be the other wing of the museum. People stop and stare at them in alarm, since Gustav clutches a jewel-encrusted scepter and Dermot is holding a gun!
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:46, Mon 09 July 2018.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 7 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 20:32
  • msg #104

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Everyone in the room pauses to listen, including Johan who removes His hat  as I that would help. He does not, however, stop chewing on the candy he took. In fact, it seems the harder he tries to listen, the harder he starts chewing, as if it helps him focus. While other continue to listen, he simply shrugs his shoulders and returns to the skull for another piece of candy.

 Today: Johan Braun rolled 61 using 1d100.  Listen (4 required).
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 12 posts
Mon 9 Jul 2018
at 23:04
  • msg #105

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Rachel frowned, her brows knitting together as she paused to listen and see if she'd hear anything. After a moment, she shook her head and shrugged.

"They are taking awhile, though. I hope everything's alright." Rachel mumbled, glancing at the door.

quote:
06:50, Today: Rachel Katz rolled 74 using 1d100. Extreme Listen.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Tue 10 July 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 11 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 00:09
  • msg #106

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 103):

After hearing what Dr Digben saw, Bromley reaches into his coat to retrieve a flask. He takes a swig to steady his nerves and offers it to the Doctor.

"My god Doctor, that sounds truly ghastly. We should tell the others immediately"

Bromley offers his arm in support and gestures towards the office.

- If Dr Digben wants to come along, he can. If he needs a moment then I'll run off by myself given the urgency of the situation.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Tue 10 July 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 18 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 02:12
  • msg #107

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 103):

Gustav emerged from the spiral staircase and into the museum hallway, he then looks left and right for signs of the murderer, looking for anyone suspicious, When he sees the people looking at him and Mr. Dermont, he quickly took out his police badge and shouts "policia! por favor" "This is official police business, anyone here speaks english?"


Keeper, I would want to make a spot hidden or investigation roll to perceive the general area for any suspicious activity or person of interest
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 11 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 03:01
  • msg #108

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 107):

Dermot Murphy is momentarily abashed (and subsequently humored) by the irony of being publicly lumped with an officer of the law. He lowers his pistol to about a 45 degree angle so as to avoid any more than the requisite level of alarm given two armed men springing into a museum hall unannounced.

He too could attempt a Spot Hidden check, though he’s beginning to think that no ordinary human assailant is at play.
Soren
GM, 25 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 21:32
  • msg #109

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

A handful of people look up in alarm as Gustav waves his badge around and shouts in English. An elderly gentleman cautiously approach. “I speak little bit English, Senor. Why you have the Scepter of Tlacolotl? What is happening? Is this robbery?”

[Dermot and Gustav scan the area but see nothing out of the ordinary]


This message was last edited by the GM at 22:21, Tue 10 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 26 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 21:36
  • msg #110

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Art is slowly recovering from the shock and gratefully takes a swig from the offered bottle. “Go!” he says to Bromley. “I will be fine.”

Those left in the office are startled as Bromley rushes in, looking very agitated and not a little bit pale.

[Art is now back under player control]  :)
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 12 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 22:12
  • msg #111

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 109):

A smirk blossoms on Dermot's face as he turns to his companion and says:

It seems ye've chosen a rather valuable bludgeon, officer. Perhaps we'd better deposit it back in the storeroom.

Then, to the English speaker:

Has anyone else come through this way in the last few minutes? Anyone looking shifty?
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 12 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 22:31
  • msg #112

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 110):

"Professor, something ghastly has happened. Your girl, Ms Rizo, she is dead. Murphy and the detective suspect foul play and are searching for the culprit - You must hurry!"
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 7 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 22:42
  • msg #113

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

With his mind focusing and his own thoughts coming back to his conscious mind, Art tries to piece together in his mind what he saw. Finding it difficult to put reality into pictures in his head, Art summons the courage to approach the dead body again.
It is as bad as he remembers, but this time he fights the urge to flee.
'you've seen men with worse injuries and in worse condition' he thinks to himself '... but those were men rotting in fields for days before I got to them'

He finds it still disturbing and offputting, but tries to get an idea of what has happened to this poor girl. He can probably guess the gaping hole in the chest is the cause of death, but it pays to be certain....

Art would like to attempt a medicine check to find out what he can about the manner of death/injury here.
10:41, Today: Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) rolled 54 using 1d100. Medicine Target 75(65). .
Soren
GM, 27 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 22:46
  • msg #114

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

"Si, Senor." replies the old professor. "A tall man left soon. His hand, looks like burn. He was desaseado... ". He frowns, looking for the English word. "How you say, scruffy hair? Like madman."

He notices Dermot's gun and takes a step back. "Please! I have family! No shoot me!"
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 19 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 23:05
  • msg #115

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 114):

Gustav looks at the blunt object he is holding. Now that he has a chance to have a closer look at it, it looks indeed very valuable and expensive to say the least.

Gustav tries to calm the old professor. "No no, he's with me. There's no need to worry". Gustav quickly hands over the valuable scepter back to the professor. "Now tell me, which way did the madman went?"


Keeper id like to calm the old professor down and try to explain that everything will be all right but that i need his help too for the description of the madman.  then chase after the madman

quote:
Gustav Schmidt rolled 55 using 1d100.  Persuade to keep the old professor calm (Persuade (50%/25%/10%).

This message was last edited by the player at 23:07, Tue 10 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 28 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 23:09
  • msg #116

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Art composes himself and kneels down to examine Rizo’s corpse. It is clear that the cause of death is the large hole in her chest, but how this vibrant young woman now appears as a desiccated corpse is a mystery. Most of her body fat has somehow been removed!

He notices a notebook poking out from her jacket pocket, and lying next to her body is a small wooden crate, which has been smashed into pieces.

The way the top of the crate has been pulled off the crate indicates that the damage is not entirely due to a fall from the shelves and that someone has forced it open. The remains of the crate are packed with straw, and poking out from the mass is a section of what appears to be a large piece of worked gold. There appears to be freshly burned remains of skin on the gold, although the item is cold to the touch.


Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 13 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 23:19
  • msg #117

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 114):

Dermot Murphy replaces the pistol inside his coat. It seems there will be running before there will be shooting. There usually is....

Eschewing any mention of the desiccated corpse below, he talks rapidly in a bid to distract the man's attention and secure his further assistance.

(will make a fast talk roll)

"Aye, that's the one! He's a notorious art thief! We've been doggin' him for weeks, but he's eluded us yet. We're part of an international police force tasked with bringing men like him to justice. Hurry, which way did he go? We can't lose him again!"

quote:
19:19, Today: Dermot Murphy rolled 83 using 1d100.  fast talk (target 50).

Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 8 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 23:24
  • msg #118

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 116):

Art carefully plucks the notebook out her pocket, and skims through to see what it is.
He assumes before looking it's some sort of journal or note pad, and begins at the back, hoping to find something... anything that can help him understand what's happening.
All the while, other than a cursory poke and a careful flip of the golden item, he avoids picking it up or touching it, but calls to whomever is closest at this point
"It looks like she was attacked while holding or opening this box. Curious that it's contents weren't taken..."
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 13 posts
Tue 10 Jul 2018
at 23:51
  • msg #119

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Bromley Aveline-Edgeware (msg # 112):

The news came, but somehow, the unsettling feeling didn't come from hearing about a dead body. Instead, Rachel quickly realized she somehow wasn't surprised.

She quickly stepped out, right behind Bromley, and headed down to the storeroom. As she entered the musty storeroom, she found Art kneeling over the body. She inhaled sharply, seeing the gruesome state of the dead body.

"Professor Digben, move." Rachel quickly instructed as she raised her camera to her eye and snapped a couple of photos. She winced, those photos weren't going to come out pretty. Circling the body as much as she can, Rachel snapped several photos of the body from different angles, knowing full well that much of the evidence could be erased when the police got there.

She also snapped photos of the golden item.

"Professor, if you could look out and make sure I don't get attacked while checking this..." Rachel said as she reached for the item sticking out of the box. A thought occured to her before touching it, and Rachel pulled out a handkerchief, using it to pick up the item, making sure she wasn't touching the item directly.

quote:
Rachel Katz rolled 3 using 1d100.  SANITY.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Wed 11 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 29 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 02:08
  • msg #120

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) (msg # 118):

The notebook belonged to Trinidad. The last pages contain the summary she worked on;

Spanish, written by Gaspar Figueroa, 1543, on vellum.
Figueroa was a Spaniard who had traveled to Peru with Francisco Pizarro.

According to the text, Figueroa set out to seek his own fortune following
Pizarro’s assassination in 1541. He was accompanied by Hernando Ruiz, Diego
Garrido, Luis de Mendoza, and Pedro de Velasco—fellow conquistadors who
had served with Pizarro. They traveled into the southern highlands of the
Andes, looking for treasure, hoping to make their fortunes before heading back
to Spain and retiring in luxury.

Hearing rumors of an ancient temple filled with gold, the men set off into
the mountains southwest of Lake Titicaca. There they found a pyramid
surrounded by a maze-like structure of underground tunnels. The walls of
the tunnels were inlaid with intricate gold carvings. The men pried out a
large section of the gold, exhausting themselves in the attempt. That night,
as they rested, an evil sickness befell Figueroa’s companions; in the morning
light they looked gaunt and deathlike. Complaining of agonizing hunger, they
pursued Figueroa; de Mendoza caught up with him and started to devour him
like a human leech. Figueroa shot his friend in the head and fled, pausing
only to snatch up as much of the gold as he could carry.

Figueroa eventually arrived back in Lima, hoping to get passage home, but
he was too weakened by his ordeal. Figueroa describes himself as wasted,
little more than a walking corpse.

I read Final Confessions as Figueroa’s attempt to lift the guilt that his avarice
had placed upon him. He believed that his fate and that of his companions
was brought about by their desecration of a holy place, and his most fervent
wish was that he could undo the damage he had inflicted. He describes how
he can still hear his friends’ voices, crying out with inhuman hunger, and how
in the dark of the night he can hear another voice, ancient and seductive,
promising him eternal life if he returns to the temple. The voice told Figueroa
how to contact it, but it seems Figueroa was too afraid to ever attempt this.

A postscript written by the priest - who performed the last rites - states that
Figueroa died a day after completing his Final Confessions. His last words were
an entreaty to whatever gods were listening to forgive him his blasphemies.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:21, Wed 11 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 30 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 02:16
  • msg #121

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Dermot and Gustav both start talking to the old professor more or less simultaneously, quickly overwhelming his meager English skills. He takes the scepter offered to him but backs away, shaking his head in confusion. "Voy a llamar a la policía..." he mutters weakly.

At the end of the long hallway, they see is a large glass door, probably leading out of the museum.

[Both failed to persuade/calm him]
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:20, Wed 11 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 31 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 02:28
  • msg #122

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Rachel Katz (msg # 119):

Rachel snaps several pictures of the grisly corpse and the golden artifact, seemingly calm and collected.

Wrapping her hand in her handkerchief, she picks up the strange piece. It is heavy and cold to the touch, even through the cloth.

Jackson and Professor Sanchez arrive. Jackson takes a quick look at the scene and turns pale, but he remains calm. The professor, however, staggers back at the sight and seems to have difficulty grasping what he sees. "What is this? Where is Trinidad?... that thing... it's wearing her clothes!"
Johan Braun
(Nate), 8 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 03:20
  • msg #123

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Johan takes up the rear, slowly lowering his cane from a defensive position as it becomes clear there is no longer any danger. Upon seeing the body, he reels for a moment but is just barely able to hold himself together. He puts a supportive hand on sanchez’s Shoulder.

“Professor, I’m sorry, but that IS her. And I’m afraid if we don’t find some answers shortly, she may not be the last in such a state.

Johan Braun rolled 67 using 1d100.  Sanity (target 70).


Keeper, I’d like to do a mythos or occult check to see if the gold object, or the body remind johan of anything esoteric he’s  come across in his research
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 14 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 04:01
  • msg #124

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 122):

Hearing steps behind her, Rachel heard Professor Sanchez and Braun talking.

"Has anyone called the police--" Rachel stopped mid-sentence, suddenly remembering what Bromley told them. She stood up, blocking Sanchez' view from Rizo's body.

Professor, something ghastly has happened. Your girl, Ms Rizo, she is dead. Murphy and the detective suspect foul play and are searching for the culprit...

"Call the police--hurry!" Rachel barked out to no one in particular, "Professor Sanchez-- I need you to take a quick look around, was anything taken? What is this artifact? How many exits does the museum have?" She asked, the questions coming out rapidly, as she shifted to hold the camera with one hand, while her other hand pulled out the revolver from her purse.

She glanced at Jackson, her eyes narrowing at him. "You. Who else knew we were meeting Professor Sanchez today?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Wed 11 July 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 20 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 05:21
  • msg #125

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 121):

Gustav drops the artifact scepter gently to the old professor's feet, then bolted his way towards the glass door. He looks for anything else that can be used as an improvised weapon that is not a relic, artifact, expensive memorabilia and etc in order to arm himself.

Gustav looks at Dermot. "International police force Mr. Dermot? we'll discuss that later." As Gustav got closer to the door he then ask Mr Dermot "Have you gotten a good look at our recently departed Ms. Rizo?"

Opening the large glass door he sees...
Jackson Elias
NPC, 10 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 14:37
  • msg #126

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Rachel Katz (msg # 124):

Professor Sanchez blinks, befuddled by events and Rachel’s rapid-fire questions. “I… I don’t know. What… who would do such a thing?”  It is unlikely that he will be able to act rationally at the moment.

Jackson looks surprised at the question. “Nobody!” he snaps. “You and your friends are the only ones who knew. Perhaps we were followed here.” He frowns. “Or somebody is in cahoots with Larkin…”

"I will head back up to the office to call the police," he adds. "You are all welcome to come with me if you don't trust me." He looks at Sanchez with pity. "We will find who did this. I promise!"
Soren
GM, 32 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 14:41
  • msg #127

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 125):

The only thing Gustav spots is a large fire axe, behind a glass cabinet.

The door leads out to the large atrium and then past the ticket office to the busy main street outside the museum. It is Saturday afternoon, so there are a lot of people milling on the streets.
Soren
GM, 33 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 14:48
  • msg #128

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Johan Braun (msg # 123):

Johan asks to borrow the object from Rachel and looks closely at it. Has he not seen some of those symbols before?

[Please roll Cthulhu Mythos or Extreme (1/5) Occult, whichever is higher]
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 21 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 15:03
  • msg #129

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 127):


Gustav ran and ran, past the ticketing office, past the museum gates to the busy streets of Lima. He sees a group of children walking by his direction, apparently entering the museum. To his left, a señiorita in a beautiful sunday dress laughing with her friends. To his right, fruit sellers littered the sidestreets selling mangoes and papayas. The general area is just littered with people frolicking to and fro in this lovely sunny saturday afternoon. Everyone unaware that a gruesome murder has just been committed inside the museum.

"We'll never get to him in this crowd! He could be anywhere by now! Scheisse!"

With one more frustrated grunt from Gustav, he makes his way back to the storage room where he finds everyone huddled together apparently studying the corpse of the former Ms. Rico.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:08, Wed 11 July 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 15 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 15:42
  • msg #130

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 126):

“You’ll understand if I’m a bit cautious,” Rachel muttered quietly as she followed Jackson back, gun in hand, handing the item to Braun on her way out. “Find the documents, she was supposed to bring, Mr. Braun.” Rachel adds as she passes Braun.

As she heads out, she keeps the gun out, looking around to make sure nothing catches her unaware.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 9 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 17:28
  • msg #131

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 128):

Johan holds the gold in his hands admiring the intricate work and strange language. He searches his memories for any odd, unique language characteristics that might match what’s before him. Could the odd scratches left by the “night crawlers of Pompeii” be similar? Or perhaps the odd emerald tablet of Thoth had similar markings. But I’m his heart he knows he is reaching. Then he calms his mind, and thinks of the bizarre angles who kept him company when he daydreamed as a child. He thinks of their soothing non-voices, he remembers their alien scrips in what you’d have to consider a type of book. Before he can pull anything useful from the memory, he is jarred by something warm and wet hitting his thumb. He focuses on the present and sees a fresh drop Of blood on his hand, matching several others that have already landed on the gold artifact. He quickly brings a handkerchief to his nose and stops the flow as he comes further out of his daze and begins to follow Ms. Katz’s instructions. He searches around for the papers before realizing Digben is holding them.

“Have you found anything useful in there?”

09:25, Today: Johan Braun rolled 63 using 1d100.  Mythos (target 15).
09:00, Today: Johan Braun rolled 34 using 1d100.  Mythos (15 target).
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 14 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 20:08
  • msg #132

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 129):

Dermot Murphy suppresses an impending scowl, bristling inwardly at the suggestion of accountability to any law man. He rushes outside with Gustav, and also fails to catch sight of any wild-haired maniac.

Goes back inside, listens while we all catch up.
Soren
GM, 34 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 21:25
  • msg #133

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

You all gather in Professor Sanchez’s office. It takes a while for the police to show up and they take statements from everyone, looking suspiciously at the foreign visitors, but Sanchez has recovered sufficiently to vouch for everyone’s whereabouts, and they accept this. A policeman is placed at the storeroom entrance, and a few officers perform a desultory search of the area. There are cries of fright and disgust when the corpse of Trinidad is found, and she is quickly carried away to the morgue.

Sanchez produces the original manuscript that Trididad was working on, The Final Confessions of Gaspar Figueroa. It is a rambling manuscript written in Spanish on vellum pages in faded ink. The handwriting is erratic and hard to read, filled with crossings-out, corrections, and marginal notes.

“So…” sighs Jackson. “Looks like our good friend de Mendoza is perhaps involved in this. I wonder what Mr. Larkin has to say for himself?”


This message was last edited by the GM at 21:29, Wed 11 July 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 15 posts
Wed 11 Jul 2018
at 23:11
  • msg #134

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Soren (msg # 133):

Murphy looks at Jackson inquisitively.

“And how might ye be perceiving that feller’s involvement, pray tell? He seemed a swarthy fellow, but to cause such a grotesque sight as that girl’s body...”

He trails off, suppressing a shudder at the thought. Resuming his thought...

“The damage seems almost... unnatural. How could Mendoza do this? I thought ye weren’t a believer in this cult business.”
Jackson Elias
NPC, 11 posts
Thu 12 Jul 2018
at 01:12
  • msg #135

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Jackson helps himself to a whiskey from Sanchez's drinks cabinet. "I suppose it will be easy enough to determine. If de Mendoza has a burned hand, that would be a giveaway. And he does seem to have assumed the name of that ancient conquistador."

"As for how it happened, I must confess I am clueless... I have seen cultists with artificial tiger claws for instance, raking their victims to make it look like a tiger attack. But this... could he have carried a large leech with him? Even so, how did he remove all that fat? And where is it?"

He scratches his head in bewilderment, and lights his pipe.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 22 posts
Thu 12 Jul 2018
at 02:02
  • msg #136

Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 135):

Gustav took his time in choosing the best of what prof. Sanchez's drink cabinet has to offer, finally settled on a 20 year old scotch. He then took a glass from the table and decided to take a swig from the bottle itself and left the glass untouched. A couple of gulps later, with the room visibly a bit lighter and the room temperature considerably higher from a few minutes ago. Gustav finally collected his thoughts together.

"I have been in the trenches, back in 18' I was in Château-Thierry, I have seen all the forms of how men died. but never something like this." Gustav finally settles down in one of the chairs in prof. Sanchez's room.

"Mr. Jackson, a burnt hand is not a conclusive proof for guilt. And why do you say he has assumed the name of that... whats its name again? Gaspar Figueroa"
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 16 posts
Thu 12 Jul 2018
at 02:23
  • msg #137

Re: Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 135):

There was no search conducted, and for that, Rachel was grateful, secreting away her gun quickly. Quietly, she watched the men talk, keeping a sharp eye on Jackson and Sanchez. Jackson was barely perturbed by the death of Trinidad, and Sanchez, while aptly in shock, could very well still be faking it. In fact, the only people she could count out of it would be Gustav, Digben, Murphy, and Bromley. Unless they were all in it, they would know if anyone tried to get ahead to make sure that the scene of the murder was clear.

Braun could've easily decided to stay behind, knowing full well what the others would find in the storage rooms.

"All the bodily fat was removed? Didn't... You mention something... The kharisiri? White-faced men who sucked the fat out of old Peruvian farmers? Surely, you're not implying that the folklore is true?" Rachel asked sharply, raising an eyebrow, wondering if Jackson was trying to scare them off with old wives' tales.

She stood a little way from them, snapping photographs of the pages of the manuscript.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 10 posts
Thu 12 Jul 2018
at 05:01
  • msg #138

Re: Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

Johan looks on over the notes as others talk, finally pulling away with something that’s been gnawing at him.

“So many questions needing answers. But I fear the most important question is this. If the assumptions about de Mendoza are correct, dare we follow through with our obligations made to Larkin and his exposition?”
Jackson Elias
NPC, 12 posts
Thu 12 Jul 2018
at 13:09
  • msg #139

Re: Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

“I meant that the person calling himself de Mendoza that we know, has taken the name of his ancient conquistador namesake for some reason.” replies Jackson to Gustav.

He looks over at Professor Sanchez, who is pacing the floor and muttering quietly to himself. “I am still very curious about this lost pyramid and must admit that exploring it would make a great story. And if this relic we found near Trinidad is from there, it would certainly point to more priceless artifacts to recover.”

Jackson takes a puff of his pipe, and seems deep in thought. “This has all taken a very strange turn. I suggest we take some time to recover from this shock and gather our thoughts. I would like to study this book in closer details, and see what secrets it holds. If any of you can read Spanish, you are welcome to join me. And given what we’ve seen today, I would suggest that we all act with caution. Try not to go anywhere alone if you can help it.”
This message was last edited by the player at 14:22, Thu 12 July 2018.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 11 posts
Thu 12 Jul 2018
at 14:00
  • msg #140

Re: Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 139):

“While it is not one of my primary languages of study, I do Understand it and would be glad to assist”
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 16 posts
Thu 12 Jul 2018
at 16:55
  • msg #141

Re: Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 139):

Dermot Murphy pours himself a shot of Jackson's chosen whiskey.

"I haven't got any real talent with Spanish, though I've dealt with my share of Spaniards. Money speaks louder than words, you understand."

Emptying his glass, he continues:

"I suppose we all could stand to have a bit of a rest* to recoup. We're all in the same hotel, so we could head back and plan to reconvene for strategy over supper, way I see it. Seein' as there's some mighty fishy business afoot."


*you know, for the spell slots....
Professor Sanchez
NPC, 7 posts
Thu 12 Jul 2018
at 19:41
  • msg #142

Re: Lima - Museo de Arqueología y Antropología

"That is a good suggestions," says Professor Sanchez, still looking pale and shocked. "I would rather not be alone now. I will need to write a letter to poor Trinidad's family - they are not here in Lima. I will also allow for you to take the book and the relic along with you, and we can work on them together."

He lifts the receiver off the phone on his table and waits for a reply. "¿Hola? Este es Profesor Sánchez. Por favor, haga arreglos para cuatro taxis para mí."

He grabs his hat from a coat stand and nods to you. "There should be taxi cabs waiting for us outside."


This message was last edited by the player at 19:44, Thu 12 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 35 posts
(GM)
Thu 12 Jul 2018
at 23:57
  • msg #143

Bonus/Penalty dice - Please note

If I ask you to roll a skill with a bonus or penalty dice, please roll 3D10 instead of the normal 1D100. Select the options Record each Die - and also Unique Die

If it's a penalty dice, you select the highest of the first two rolls as the 'tens', and then use the third roll as the 'ones'. With a bonus dice, you choose the lowest roll.

18:49, Today: Soren rolled 11 using 3d10, unique dice with rolls of 2,8,1.

With the above roll, the penalty roll would be 81 - and the bonus roll 21.


This message was last edited by the GM at 11:01, Fri 13 July 2018.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 12 posts
Fri 13 Jul 2018
at 04:31
  • msg #144

Bonus/Penalty dice - Please note

After calming their nerves, Johan and Jackson begin a deep study of the writing. Spanish is not one of Johans more comfortable languages, but after a time the two are able to glean some useful information.


Today: Johan Braun rolled 14 using 3d10, unique dice with rolls of 9,1,4.  Spanish (target 30).
Soren
GM, 36 posts
(GM)
Fri 13 Jul 2018
at 15:26
  • msg #145

Lima - Hotel Maury

Johan and Jackson sit down together with Professor Sanchez at the Hotel Maury bar, in a secluded area and start to study the book, discussing each page and taking notes. Around midnight, Sanchez excuses himself due to fatigue, and they agree to meet later at the bar the next day.

The Final Confessions of Gaspar Figueroa is a rambling manuscript written on vellum pages in faded ink. The handwriting is erratic and hard to read, filled with crossings-out, corrections, and marginal notes. The content is similarly difficult to follow, having been written by a half-crazed man dying from a fever. The text tells of an ancient horror imprisoned in a pyramid in the Andean Highlands and the secrets it has shared with those who came under its thrall.  The author, Gaspar Figueroa, remained free of its control and his writings are filled with terror and loathing for the secrets he has learned.

It is the tale of four conquistadors (Gaspar Figueroa, Hernando Ruiz, Diego Garrido, Luis de Mendoza, and Pedro de Velasco) who sought out gold but, instead, found the pyramid in which something called El Padre de los Gusanos (the Father of Maggots) was imprisoned. Driven by greed, they removed a section of gold from the subterranean walls of the pyramid, inadvertently allowing larvae spawned by the god to escape. Some of these larvae crawled inside the men, transforming them into undying, half-human monsters, driven by hunger. Only one of their number escaped.

[Johan loses 1D3 SAN and gains 1% Cthulhu Mythos. The book contains one spell; Speak to the Father of Maggots]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:40, Fri 13 July 2018.
Soren
GM, 37 posts
(GM)
Fri 13 Jul 2018
at 15:34
  • msg #146

Lima

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 78):

Gustav returns to the newspaper to check up on the note he wrote. The desk clerk recognizes him and hands him a letter, written by one of the staff.

"Dear Detective Schmidt. I have searched our archives for any mention of this person you are looking for, but sadly did not find anything. I wish you luck with your investigation. Regards, Alberto de Silva."
Johan Braun
(Nate), 13 posts
Fri 13 Jul 2018
at 16:21
  • msg #147

Lima

Johan puts down the manuscript and slowly raises a shaky hand to his brow, wiping away a layer of perspiration. He looks at his fingers and sees them lightly stained with ink and notes the impression of his fingers imbedded in The vellum.

“Jackson, if this is authentic we are headed towards a great danger, but it would seem that danger may have already found us. Have you seen anything like this?”

Johan Braun rolled 3 using 1d3.  San loss
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 23 posts
Fri 13 Jul 2018
at 16:49
  • msg #148

Lima

In reply to Soren (msg # 146):

Gustav returns to Hotel Maury at half past six in the evening. Having no appetite whatsoever especially from what he saw and experience earlier in the day. He was suppose to have a very relaxing vacation and earn a little money but now is involved in what looks like a murder conspiracy bullshit. He goes to the hotel bar and ordered his drinks. he spends a good amount of time drinking alone and observing people as they come and go in the hotel.

Gustav sits in the bar with a view on the entrance of the hotel. An absentminded force of habit he had acquired to various underground speakeasies he frequents in New York City - you'll never know when prohibition agents will come marching in.

The alcohol helps somewhat, to force the visions out and null the senses. He recounts what had happened during the day. He concludes that he will, starting from today, carry his .45 revolver and his hidden .22 revolver in his socks wherever he goes.

He takes note of his companions. Mr. Bromley and Mr. Johan might be a little less handy and will need protecting, Mr. Dermot and Mr. Arthur can take care of themselves as well. As for Ms Katz, instinct dictates that she, among everyone else, is a survivor and might outlive us all. "Gotta keep an eye on that one" he muttered to no one in particular.

Gustav resolves to drink the night away.



keeper I would like to casually observe the people entering the hotel for anyone suspicious or who might I catch in disguise or acting out of the ordinary

Also I would want to talk to the manager of the hotel in the morning to specifically ask what is the name of the man who booked our hotel for us
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Sat 14 July 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 17 posts
Fri 13 Jul 2018
at 18:40
  • msg #149

Lima

As the evening wears on, Murphy considers his criminal network. Does he have any associates in the area? These aren't his usual stomping grounds, but there could be someone who might have dealt with a crazy-haired cultist in the area. Maybe he could call in a favor.... It wouldn't do to have some maniacs undermining his profit potential here.

No, upon further reflection, he's certain that he's out of his element here. Maybe he'll give it a shot tomorrow, but he's not hoping for much.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:55, Fri 13 July 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 13 posts
Sat 14 Jul 2018
at 04:43
  • msg #150

Lima - Hotel Maury

In reply to Soren (msg # 145):

Bromley is quite relieved to be back at the hotel. Seeing Johan, Elias and the Professor working away he wearily waves and gives a nod to any of his new sees. Walking past Gustav he says "What ghastly business have we found ourselves in eh? I'm certainly not one to shy away from an adventure but this is a far cry even from safari... That poor girl..."

Unknowingly trailing off and staring into space he suddenly regains his senses. "I have some business to attend to. If anyone needs me I'll be in my room." Sympathetically adding "Try to have a pleasant evening" before leaving.

In his room and without appetite, Bromley cleans his rifle. Bromley always had a sense of pride in doing these little acts of labor himself - It allows him time to ruminate. "I quite expected I'd be pointing you at a jaguar old girl..." says, putting it back in the travelling case next to several boxes of ammunition. Just at he is about to lock the case, he thinks better of it. With everything that has happened so far in Lima he excuses himself for this act of reckless whimsey.

He sits down and writes a letter to his sister. A level headed woman a few years his elder he decides against any details too grisly. "An associate of the professor we visited was found dead. One of my new companions believes it could be related to some local superstitions. He seems to have his wits about him but I mean really, it all seems so savage."

Finishing his letter and not feeling like dressing for dinner he calls for a light meal to be taken in his room.

[If the morning arrives without incident, Bromley will spend the evening in his room reading before retiring. If it doesn't however....]
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 17 posts
Sun 15 Jul 2018
at 14:50
  • msg #151

Lima - Hotel Maury

The hotel was truly quite accommodating. The first thing Rachel did was move them all into different rooms on an entirely different floor. She booked seven rooms, six for them, and one last room that could be used to develop photos. The hotel found a discrete photographer who would ask no questions and tell no one about the photos he would develop. She had him make two copies of every photograph.

It was quite late by the time the photographer was done. Rachel paid the man and sent him off his merry way, bidding him to tell no one of what he saw. She placed the photographs in two separate envelopes and headed down to the hotel bar, scanning it for familiar faces.

Spotting Gustav, Rachel made her way towards him, dropping one envelope filled with photographs in front of him.

"Fuel for nightmares." Rachel muttered, shaking her head. She called for the barkeep and ordered a whiskey. "How'd you boys fair with the manuscript?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:52, Sun 15 July 2018.
Jackson Elias
NPC, 13 posts
Sun 15 Jul 2018
at 14:56
  • msg #152

Lima - Hotel Maury

In reply to Johan Braun (msg # 147):

Jackson shakes his head in response to Johan’s question. “I have seen some pretty crazy stuff, but this one takes the biscuit. During my travels around Puno, I did meet a lot of people who believed the legends of the kharisiri. In particular, I befriended an old woman named Nayra, who helped me with my researches into the kharisiri.  She is a yatiri, a form of healer or wise woman, and knows a great deal about local history, myths, and legends. Now that I’ve seen what this book contains, I would like to speak to her again if possible.”

He fidgets with his pipe. “It would seem from the manuscript that the act of removing this piece of gold somehow allowed these kharisiri to escape. Perhaps if we replace the ward, it would help the situation?”
Soren
GM, 38 posts
(GM)
Sun 15 Jul 2018
at 14:58
  • msg #153

Lima - Hotel Maury

Rachel arranges for her photos to be discreetly developed, and the also asks for different rooms for everyone. It takes some persuasion of the hotel manager for this to happen, as it is a busy season, but your new rooms are ready.
GM
GM, 39 posts
(GM)
Sun 15 Jul 2018
at 20:33
  • msg #154

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

The next dawn arrives and you meet for breakfast at the hotel bar. There is much to discuss and you spend quite some time chatting and looking at the items you have found.

Jackson glances at his pocket-watch and frowns. "Professor Sanchez told me he'd be joining us this morning. I hope he's okay. That was rather a shock for him."

He lowers his voice a bit. "Just between us, I think there was quite a spark between him and the poor, late Trinidad."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:03, Mon 16 July 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 14 posts
Sun 15 Jul 2018
at 22:37
  • msg #155

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

In reply to Soren (msg # 154)

"I'm not surprised..." Bromley says, between mouth-fulls of what he assumes is pork, "A pretty girl like that, a man in his position..."

He suddenly stops and puts down his knife and fork, feeling the paranoia of yesterday creep down his neck and wondering if the others also felt that at the absence of the Professor.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 24 posts
Mon 16 Jul 2018
at 01:26
  • msg #156

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

In reply to GM (msg # 154):

Gustav goes to the hotel bar to join everyone for breakfast. He is walking around wearing his one piece sleeping pajamas.

"What? I always eat breakfast like this everywhere." He says to no one in particular in the group as well as the hotel bar servers.

"I'll have what the locals are having, surprise me." Gustav instructs the servers with no hint of a hangover from last night's nightcap. Maybe its because of him being acquianted with the local climate and alcohol, or maybe it is because of the pictures Ms. Rachel showed him the night before.

"Nasty stuff we are dealing with here Mr. Jackson, so what have we learned from last night?"

Gustav Schmidt rolled 3 using 1d100.  CON roll for Gustav's hangover 55 to succeed
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Mon 16 July 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 18 posts
Mon 16 Jul 2018
at 01:49
  • msg #157

Re: Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

Rachel woke with a start, her bed drenched in sweat. 410. 410. 410. She grabbed her robes, closing it tightly around her, as she grabbed her gun, checking it for bullets. She then checked to see if the envelopes with photographs were still there. Satisfied, she slipped the gun into the pocket of her robes, quickly heading out of her room.

Ignoring the strange looks of the hotel staff as ran up and down the stairs. Some of the rest were on higher floors,  so she took the creaky elevator, ignoring the hotel's other patrons, tapping  her fluffy-slippered foot on the floor impatiently. She knocked on Gustav's door first, banging her fist on the door, but there was no reply.

"Come on, come on!" Rachel muttered urgently under her breath as she raced to the next door. Johan's seemed empty, and so did Jackson's. And Bromley's. There was a sudden bout of paranoia that maybe they had all left, but Rachel quickly shook it off, madly rapping on Murphy's and Digben's.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:56, Mon 16 July 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 18 posts
Mon 16 Jul 2018
at 02:03
  • msg #158

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 156):

Dermot Murphy smirks at the vision of a lawman in pajamas. He raises his voice in a mocking tone and says:

They used to tell me that justice never sleeps, but it seems that maxim is hardly universal.

He also takes the suggested local fare, along with some strong local coffee, taken black. He rests his gloved left hand on the table, eating and drinking predominantly with his naked right hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:34, Mon 16 July 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 19 posts
Mon 16 Jul 2018
at 02:16
  • msg #159

Re: Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

"Señorita, what is wrong?"

Rachel turned, and saw a young maid looking at her in her state. She ran her hand through her hair, in an attempt to look less insane.

"Ah...a...friend of mine. In trouble." Rachel said, trying to make motions for the girl to understand her better. "Room 410. Could you come with me and check? He... has a...stroke. I'm just trying to inform our other friends."
This message was last updated by the player at 02:26, Mon 16 July 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 20 posts
Mon 16 Jul 2018
at 02:31
  • msg #160

Re: Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

She felt a headache coming. Squeezing her eyes shut, Rachel rubbed her temples. As she did so, a flash of her nightmare came back to her, and realization suddenly struck. This wasn't the hotel in her dream. Mumbling a short apology to the maid, Rachel quickly headed back to her room, feeling rather foolish. She got dressed, a little bewildered by the incident, and made her way down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast.

"Good morning, gentlemen." Rachel greeted wearily as she found their table.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 25 posts
Mon 16 Jul 2018
at 03:25
  • msg #162

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

In reply to Dermot Murphy (msg # 158):

Gustav greeted the sarcasm of Mr. Dermot nonchalantly and greeted everyone present on a much cheerful tone. Turning to Mr. Dermot, Gustav replies

"Ah but Mr. Dermot, We too are people and permit certain luxuries in life - lazy Sunday mornings are one, comfortable breakfast attire is another."

Gustav wears aside from his pajamas, comfortable rubber slippers. "A gift from a chinaman, when I was able to help his family find their missing daughter" pointing at his red slippers.

Gustav took the time to look at each of the person present. Then, with his facial expression suddenly darkened as if he remembered something especially repugnant, asked "Has everyone had a chance to take a gander of what Ms. Rachel was able to procure last night?"

Gustav says this just as Ms. Rachel walked into the table.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 14 posts
Mon 16 Jul 2018
at 17:14
  • msg #163

Re: Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

In reply to Rachel Katz (msg # 160):

Johan has been devouring his breakfast. The mental strain of the studies and discoveries the evening before have left him somewhat famished. He pauses and stands as Rachel enters, noting that something seems wrong.

“Please Ms. Katz, joint us will you? Are you alright? You seem distressed.”
Jackson Elias
NPC, 13 posts
Mon 16 Jul 2018
at 17:44
  • msg #164

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

Cups of steaming hot coffee and tea are served by attentive waiters, and the breakfast table is groaning under the weight of chicharrón de chancho (fried pork, served with sweet potato or fried yuca), lomo slatado (stir-fried steak), caldo de gallina (a hearty chicken soup), relleno (black pudding/blood sausage), humitas and tamales.

Between bites, Jackson summarizes what they gleaned from the book last night; the text tells of an ancient horror imprisoned in a pyramid in the Andean Highlands and the secrets it has shared with those who came under its thrall.  The author, Gaspar Figueroa, remained free of its control and his writings are filled with terror and loathing for the secrets he has learned.

He speaks of four conquistadors (Gaspar Figueroa, Hernando Ruiz, Diego Garrido, Luis de Mendoza, and Pedro de Velasco) who sought out gold but, instead, found the pyramid in which something called El Padre de los Gusanos (the Father of Maggots) was imprisoned. Driven by greed, they removed a section of gold from the subterranean walls of the pyramid, inadvertently allowing larvae spawned by the god to escape. Some of these larvae crawled inside the men, transforming them into undying, half-human monsters, driven by hunger. Only one of their number escaped.

Jackson shakes his head. “I honestly don’t know what to make of all this. It’s some of the craziest stuff I’ve ever seen. But, I must admit that a part of me is very intrigued. Just think of the book I could write about this!”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:44, Mon 16 July 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 22 posts
Tue 17 Jul 2018
at 00:48
  • msg #165

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

"I'm...I didn't sleep well. I should be fine in a bit, thank you for asking." Rachel said, hesitating to mention her dream. They were grown-ups, after all, not children who crawled into their parents' bed because of a nightmare.

Warily, she glanced at Jackson, then to the rest of their companions. She slipped one of the envelopes of photographs out of her purse and placed it on the table.

"Here. It's not pretty." Rachel said as she slid it to the middle of the table for anyone who was interested. Quietly, she listened to Jackson, her anxiety growing as he told them of what they had learned.

"As for what to make of all of this--everything we're supposed to meet Larkin soon. If we think he is involved with what happened to Ms. Rizo, will we push through? Are we equipped to push through? It's dangerous, no doubt, but seeing as how we're all still here, it seems to me that none of us are going home without answers, or in my case, a return of investment. Was Sanchez supposed to meet with us again this morning?" Rachel said rather quickly. A sudden sinking feeling began to settle over her.

"Did...does Professor Sanchez live in the area? Or did he book a hotel?"
Jackson Elias
NPC, 14 posts
Tue 17 Jul 2018
at 02:36
  • msg #166

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

Jackson leafs through the photos and shudders. "Horrible stuff! If I get my hands on whoever did this..."

He struggles to regain control. "I know that Nemesio lives near the university, with his wife Maria and their small son."
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 26 posts
Tue 17 Jul 2018
at 05:43
  • msg #167

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 166):

Gustav takes a notepad and pencil from one of the servers. "Would you mind writing down the exact address of Professor Sanchez? after last night I want to be sure. I'll give the professor a visit after I finish down this lomo slatado."
Jackson Elias
NPC, 15 posts
Tue 17 Jul 2018
at 16:05
  • msg #168

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

Jackson retrieves an old leather-bound notebook from his satchel and flips through it.

"Ah, here it is. La Puente y Cortez 22. I can come with you if you like?"
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 19 posts
Tue 17 Jul 2018
at 18:14
  • msg #169

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

Dermot Murphy ponders the situation as he continues to eat from the generous portions of exotic breakfast foods at the table.

Should he go along with the guard -- the policeman -- again? There was some mighty strange trouble the other day.... He'd never fancied himself a babysitter though, and he doesn't want to start now. Besides, he's not sure whether these academics could take care of themselves if trouble were to arise here. Not that he particularly cares about them, but they could be pivotal to the success of the venture, and therefore his profit margin.

On the other hand, he's not entirely sure about Ms. Katz. Does she seem a bit... unhinged?

quote:
13:55, Today: Dermot Murphy rolled 44 using 1d100.  Psychology for Rachel's mental well-being (target 25).


Well, she probably just hasn't slept well with all the trauma. He knows how women can lose their heads in the face of dramatic violence. Regardless, she's set on recouping her investment, so they've got the profit motive in common. Maybe he'd better build up some trust with her, to keep the money close.

He looks up from his plate of pork to address those who would check up on the well-being of Sanchez:

If the lot of ye don't require too much assistance, I think I'll stay and finish my breakfast. Perhaps he sleeps in on Sundays?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Tue 17 July 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 15 posts
Tue 17 Jul 2018
at 22:32
  • msg #170

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 168):

"I'll join you chaps as well. I'd like to see more of the city anyway."

[When we go, Bromley will approach the concierge and ask them to first-class post the letter he penned last night to his sister.]
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 27 posts
Wed 18 Jul 2018
at 03:49
  • msg #171

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 168):

Gustav finishes his breakfast then goes up to his new hotel room and showers. It is too late when he noticed that there was a mix - up with the luggage and he has lost his formal wear luggage. "well I'm on vacation anyway so..." He took out a pink polo Sunday wear with brown jumpers wand white shorts and matching boater hat. Gustav figures he'll only have a chance to wear this in Lima. "Always too damn cold in New York" he smirks at himself.

Thankfully he has his service firearm on this luggage as well. Gustav opted for his colt 1903 for easy concealment. After all the preparations he then proceeded down the concierge to report the luggage misshap then proceeded to the hotel bar and ask the group "Anyone coming along?"
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 23 posts
Fri 20 Jul 2018
at 03:10
  • msg #172

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

"It might be dangerous," Rachel said casually, filling her plate with fried yuca, "after Ms. Rizo's death, I'd bet they'd come after the professor straight away. In fact, I daresay he would've ended up just like her if we hadn't been there, talking to him."

"But we haven't decided something very important yet--what do we do about Larkin and his companion?"

Sipping her coffee quietly, Rachel quietly contemplated what they would need to survive the trip with Larkin.

"I think we should... prepare for the trip. As I see it, Larkin wanted to explore the tomb without being bothered by Sanchez and Rizo. If that was his only reason for... taking Rizo out of the picture, then we have no problems. He did call for us. However, I think it would be wise to take precautions, in case Larkin decides we're no longer of use to him. And then we'll  have to take care of his lackey as well, after."

"Ideas, anyone?" Rachel asked, looking around the table.
Professor Sanchez
NPC, 8 posts
Sat 21 Jul 2018
at 19:11
  • msg #173

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

Before Gustav and Bromley can leave, Professor Sanchez walks into the hotel bar. He is looking pale and sweaty, and is wearing the same rumpled clothes as yesterday.

“Sorry for being late,” he smiles sadly. “I couldn’t sleep at all, I was just wandering around the city streets, thinking about what happened. I think I would like to join you on this expedition. Perhaps if I speak to Mr. Larkin again, we can persuade him together. Is he here at this hotel?”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Sat 21 July 2018.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 15 posts
Sat 21 Jul 2018
at 21:32
  • msg #174

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

Johan feels his body relax somewhat as Professor Sanchez appears. Ms. Katz was starting to get him quite anxious.

“Professor, I’m sure your knowledge and help during the expedition would be invaluable, I’m more worried about your safety. When Larkin first turned you down, what was the exact reasoning he gave you?”
Professor Sanchez
NPC, 9 posts
Sat 21 Jul 2018
at 21:46
  • msg #175

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday Morning

Sanchez plops himself down in an empty seat and spears a large blood sausage with a fork. "Ah, relleno!", he sighs as he takes a huge bite. "One of my favourites."

"Mr. Larkin told me the last time that he didn't feel the need for any museum staff to join the expedition. He claimed to have all the facts needed to find and explore the pyramid."  He takes another bite and shrugs.

"Well," says Jackson. "Larkin is not here. He's staying at another hotel. The Hotel España. I suppose we can go over and talk to him."
GM
GM, 41 posts
Soren
Sun 22 Jul 2018
at 18:26
  • msg #176

Lima - Sunday

It is only a 10-minute walk to Hotel Espana through the bustling streets of Lima. The hotel is a small establishment, boasting 12 rooms, split over two floors. It is located on the corner of a busy street of shops in Lima District. There is no reception desk, although an old woman sits in the foyer. She has a heavily lined face, wispy white hair and one milky white eye. She wears a faded hat and a green woolen shawl, and a walking stick rests against her chair.

The old woman looks at you with suspicion as you enter. “Lo siento, el hotel está lleno,” she mutters.

“She says the hotel is full,” translates Jackson.



https://goo.gl/maps/wY5s8W78ZKP2
This message was last updated by the GM at 11:48, Mon 23 July 2018.
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 9 posts
Mon 23 Jul 2018
at 02:53
  • msg #177

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

In reply to GM (msg # 176):



Art says to Jackson, "Can you ask her if Mr. Larkin is in? We wish to visit with him, not hire a room. But, if it helps, perhaps offer her some money".




Since Art has been relatively quiet since I've been away, I'm just assuming he's in the background somewhere until now. Let me know if you need him to make any missed rolls.
This message was last updated by the GM at 11:48, Mon 23 July 2018.
GM
GM, 42 posts
Soren
Mon 23 Jul 2018
at 11:27
  • msg #178

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

Jackson nods to Art and turns back to the old lady. There is a rapid-fire exchange of Spanish and finally she nods curtly to you.

You take the stairs up to the top floor. The interior of the hotel is decorated in an eccentric manner, with its walls painted in bright primary colors and covered
with paintings and photographs. The hallways are likewise filled with an eclectic selection of statues, plants, and artworks.

Jackson stops at room 11. "This should be where Larkin stays. De Mendoza is next door." He knocks on the door to room 11. There is no reply.


This message was last updated by the GM at 11:48, Mon 23 July 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 16 posts
Mon 23 Jul 2018
at 12:09
  • msg #179

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

In reply to GM (msg # 178):

"Well, he must be out. Did that old women say he was in?"

Walking next door, Bromley makes a knocking motion and looks to the others to see if he should go ahead.
GM
GM, 43 posts
Soren
Mon 23 Jul 2018
at 12:56
  • msg #180

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

In reply to Bromley Aveline-Edgeware (msg # 179):

"She said the Mr. Larkin should be there. Apparently de Mendoza is hardly ever in," replies Jackson.

"Here, let me try!," says Professor Sanchez. He knocks loudly on Larkin's door and when there's no reply, he opens the door...

The room is chaotic and unpleasant, with suitcases spilling soiled clothing across the floor, and personal effects covering almost every surface. The air in the room reeks
of stale sweat and sickness, mixed with the smell of rotten meat. A large fan in the ceiling rotates slowly but does little to dispel the heat and smell.

Larkin is lying on the bed, seemingly asleep, with the sheets on his bed soaked with oily perspiration. There is a small, stoppered glass bottle of liquid on the nightstand, along with a syringe. The label on the bottle, written in Spanish, identifies the contents as heroína.

You notice that the veins on Larkin's wrists seem discolored, almost black, and that he appears to have a large abstract tattoo on his torso.

[You can try 1/5 EDU, 1/2 Occult or a normal Cthulhu Mythos to identify the tattoo]


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Mon 23 July 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 17 posts
Mon 23 Jul 2018
at 13:51
  • msg #181

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

In reply to GM (msg # 180):

"Dear god, our man Larkin is a fiend..."

[Bromley Aveline-Edgeware rolled 78 using 1d100.  Target 14 (Edu 1/5).]

Looking at the tattoo Bromley is too overcome with the chaos of the room to make hide nor tail of it.

"What a revolting man..." he utters to himself.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 20 posts
Mon 23 Jul 2018
at 14:54
  • msg #182

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

"Why, this continues to get stranger by the hour! Either we're to assume that Larkin has been shooting his own syringe, or else that Mendoza lout is about as nefarious as he seems."

Murphy steps back for the others to see and glances around the apartment for any more clues. He does not recognize the strange anstract tattoo art on Larkin.

The room is such a total mess that Murphy would be unlikely to discover any clues without a thorough search.

quote:
10:46, Today: Dermot Murphy rolled 93 using 1d100.  Extreme EDU (target 60/5=12).
18:06, Today: Dermot Murphy rolled 70 using 1d100.  Spot Hidden (target 50).

This message was last edited by the player at 22:13, Mon 23 July 2018.
GM
GM, 43 posts
Soren
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 01:30
  • msg #183

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

Larkin does indeed seem to be in a deep heroin-induced state. His skin is clammy and cold to the touch. It will take a lot to wake him.

Art and Murphy take a look around the room, but both fail to spot anything interesting in the chaotic mess.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:30, Tue 24 July 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 28 posts
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 01:48
  • msg #184

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

In reply to GM (msg # 183):

Gustav enters the room, the stench of the place is oddly quite familiar. There are many heroin addicts in New York City and Gustav has taken a few of these cases. Most of which ended badly

Gustavs checks the general room for anything out of the ordinary. and checks Mr. Larkin's hand for burn marks



Gustav Schmidt rolled 14 using 1d100. Spot Hidden (60%/30%/12%).
GM
GM, 44 posts
Soren
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 01:54
  • msg #185

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 184):

Larkin has no burn marks, but Gustav instantly spots what appears to be a mask, tucked away under the mattress. It is approximately 6 inches (15 cm) square, made of gold. It depicts a stylized face, largely made up of blocky geometrical shapes raised from the surface, and is solid, with no eyeholes. The back of the mask is unadorned and polished to a high sheen, allowing it to be used as a mirror. It seems to be of a similar design to the pendant shown to you by Larkin.

[A successful Appraise or Archaeology roll will tell you more]


This message was last edited by the GM at 01:55, Tue 24 July 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 29 posts
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 02:00
  • msg #186

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

In reply to GM (msg # 185):

Gustav takes a handkerchief and slowly but delicately pick up the item for everyone to see. He comes close to Ms. Katz for her to take a closer look in particular.

"For your expertise madam" as Gustav hands over the expensive looking artifact gently. "I think I've seen this before in a museum back home"



Gustav Schmidt rolled 3 using 1d100. Appraise (05%/2%/1%):.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Tue 24 July 2018.
GM
GM, 45 posts
Soren
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 02:07
  • msg #187

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 186):

Gustav has picked up many useless pieces of trivia, and this is one of them;

The golden mask is similar in design to artifacts found at Tiwanaku (a pre-Columbian archaeological site in western Bolivia).
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 24 posts
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 02:19
  • msg #188

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

Rachel had remained quiet for the rest of breakfast all the way up to Larkin's room. An unsettling feeling fell over her when Larkin didn't answer the knock the first time, but what was surprising to her was the fact that it came as no surprise.

As Bromley opened the door, she caught an unfamiliar scent and immediately pulled back from the offensive stench. She shook her head, looking out in the hall way, before ducking in and snapping a few more photos. This was certainly not what she was hoping to photograph in this trip, but she knew that the same foreign people finding two bodies in the same city would not look good to the police at all.

"We can't stay here. Two bodies in two days. We look suspicious." Rachel said as she quickly snapped photos of the whole room, hoping to get as much so they could review things later on. She snapped a photo of the tattoo on Larkin's chest.

She frowned as Gustav handed her a small artifact, making sure not to touch it. She laid it out on the table to take a better photo of it. It looked like a cheap piece of stage prop to her--but so did the first few trinkets Larkin had shown them.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Tue 24 July 2018.
Professor Sanchez
NPC, 10 posts
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 02:32
  • msg #189

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

As Rachel lays out the mask on the table, Sanchez approaches it. He seems almost hypnotized with it. "It's beautiful," he whispers to no-one in particular, letting his fingers caress the golden metal.

Rachel finds his behavior most unprofessional and disturbing. Sanchez is almost in a dreamlike trance.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:35, Tue 24 July 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 25 posts
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 02:47
  • msg #190

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

"Something you recognize, Professor?" Rachel asks, looking at Sanchez as he touches the mask.

Quickly, Rachel covered up the mask with the handkerchief and slipped it into her bag.

"You can check it out later. First, we decided what to do with Larkin." Rachel snapped, giving Sanchez a look, daring him to contradict her.

quote:
10:35, Today: Rachel Katz rolled 16 using 1d100.  Psychology. Used 6 pts of luck to succeed

This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Tue 24 July 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 21 posts
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 02:54
  • msg #191

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

Murphy is a little bit concerned by Sanchez and his apparent fascination with the newfound artifact. He's not particularly superstitious, but sailors are prone to hear and believe some wild things. He's inexplicably relieved when Rachel puts the mask away out of the professor's reach, some tension relaxing from his body.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:54, Tue 24 July 2018.
Professor Sanchez
NPC, 11 posts
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 02:56
  • msg #192

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

Rachel sees a brief flare of anger on Sanchez's face, but he quickly changes it to a winning smile.

"Of course! I was just admiring the craftsmanship. I would love a chance to study the mask further. My guess is that Larkin found it in the pyramid. This strengthens my resolve to join the expedition. Sadly, it seems that Mr. Larkin is somewhat incapacitated right now."

He purses his lips in thought. "Jackson said the expedition begins tomorrow morning. I will just show up and see if I can persuade him to let me join then."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:56, Tue 24 July 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 22 posts
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 19:34
  • msg #193

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

In reply to Rachel Katz (msg # 188):

I'm not sure he's...

Murphy awkwardly trails off. Ms. Katz seems to have assumed Larkin's decease, while Sanchez seems strangely presumptive that Larkin is alive. He turns to address Art:

Doctor, is Mr. Larkin still with us?
GM
GM, 46 posts
Soren
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 20:02
  • msg #194

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

Art quickly confirms that Larkin is in fact alive, but unresponsive and in a heroin daze.
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 11 posts
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 21:39
  • msg #195

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

"He is in quite a deep sleep, Ms. Katz. If it were any other place I'd suggest taking him to the hospital but I am not sure of the police's policy on drug taking here. Perhaps it would be best not to risk it."

Art pulls open his doctors bag, reaching inside and rooting around for his pipe and tobacco.

"Maybe we, or I, should stay with him until he is back with us?"
Jackson Elias
NPC, 16 posts
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 21:54
  • msg #196

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

Jackson sighs and looks around at the chaos of the room.

"I doubt we will find any answers here. We are supposed to meet Larkin tomorrow morning and travel to Puno. May I suggest we get prepared for the expedition, and then see what Larkin and de Mendoza have to say for themselves?"

He turns to Rachel. "I'm not sure we should remove this mask, Ms. Katz. At the moment, Larkin does not know we've found it. But if it's missing, he will suspect foul play."
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 18 posts
Tue 24 Jul 2018
at 22:41
  • msg #197

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 196):

"I'm with Jackson on this..." says Bromley, hands on his hips shaking his head slightly. "While our Larkin is a deeply unlikeable fellow, I am not a common thief."

"Lead on, Mr Elias - Before we go however I do implore someone to take a likeness of that ghastly tattoo on our man there."

Bromley then walks to wait outside the room and smoke a cigarette.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 26 posts
Wed 25 Jul 2018
at 00:02
  • msg #198

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

Larkin looked pretty dead to Rachel. She glanced over at the body on the bed, then at Art, then back at the body again.

"We broke into his hotel room like it was nothing, and you want to leave a priceless artifact in here?" Rachel countered casually. "With him in this state?"
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 30 posts
Wed 25 Jul 2018
at 01:23
  • msg #199

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

In reply to GM (msg # 194):

Gustav, seeing that everything here is being taken cared of, began to go to the adjacent room where Mr. Luis de Mendoza is currently occupying. Remembering the incident in the museum yesterday, he quietly slipped out of the room. He then went to the adjacent room, take out his revolver, back himself against the wall then slowly turned the doorknob open.

Gustav was surprised that it was unlocked, and even more surprised that the room looks clean and pristine. It was as if no one has stayed here for days. Gustav proceeded to enter the room, check all the cabinets and the lavatory for any signs of recent occupation.




Gustav Schmidt rolled 70 using 1d100. spot hidden Spot Hidden (60%/30%/12%):.
GM
GM, 47 posts
Soren
Wed 25 Jul 2018
at 02:05
  • msg #200

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

Gustav conducts a thorough search of de Mendoza's room, but there is nothing to find. From the looks of it, nobody has been staying here.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 16 posts
Wed 25 Jul 2018
at 16:37
  • msg #201

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

Johan looks for the washroom as he ties his handkerchief around his face. There he reins a small towel under the tap. With the moist towel he sits next to Larkin and begins dabbing his forehead.

“Ms. Katz, would you mind seeing if any of the windows will open? I think we could all do with some fresh air


09:03, Today: Johan Braun rolled 23 using 1d100.  Constitution (target 60).
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 23 posts
Wed 25 Jul 2018
at 17:11
  • msg #202

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday

Dermot Murphy rights a fallen chair and sits down to wait.

I suppose it'd be an awful waste if I'd come all this way for my contact to overdose.

quote:
13:06, Today: Dermot Murphy rolled 64 using 1d100.  CON roll for stench (target 80).

Luis de Mendoza
NPC, 3 posts
Wed 25 Jul 2018
at 18:06
  • msg #203

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

You open up the window to air our most of the stench and settle down to wait. Larkin moves slightly occasionally but does not wake up.

After about an hour, you hear steps on the staircase. It is de Mendoza! He stares at the scene with surprise and anger.

“What is the meaning of this? You should not be here! Get out!”, he snarls.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 24 posts
Wed 25 Jul 2018
at 20:07
  • msg #204

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

In reply to Luis de Mendoza (msg # 203):

Dermot Murphy is no coward, and he's tired of all the morbid shenanigans of the past 48 hours. He looks Mendoza straight in the eyes and returns a cool, even stare. He calmly reaches into his overcoat and brings out his trusted Webley Mk VI. He doesn't point it forward, but rather rests his hand on his lap, such that his revolver points off to the side.

He speaks out in a cold, steely voice:

"I think ye'd better have a seat, Senor Mendoza. I'd like to have some straight answers from you. You'll do well for yourself to comply."

With a slight nod of his head, he gestures to an overturned chair in front of an empty section of wall away from the doorway.

"And perhaps ye'd be so kind as to shut the door behind you on your way in."



This message was last edited by the player at 20:10, Wed 25 July 2018.
Luis de Mendoza
NPC, 4 posts
Wed 25 Jul 2018
at 21:09
  • msg #205

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

De Mendoza ignores the offered chair and the gun, and strides over to Larkin’s bed. He checks the man’s pulse and forehead.

He turns and addresses Murphy with barely controlled anger. “My master is ill with malaria. He is resting now but will be fine for tomorrow. If you have questions about the expedition, you can ask him later. No need to wave gun around like American gangster!”
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 12 posts
Wed 25 Jul 2018
at 21:12
  • msg #206

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

Seeing Dermot pulling out his weapon, Art feels around his medicine bag slowly to get his hand onto his own small .32 pistol. He leaves it concealed in the bag and watches the exchange unfold in front of him.

Hearing Mendoza offer malaria as a reason, he is compelled to speak up.

"Malaria?! This man is obviously under the effects of a narcotic! Most likely that opioid over there"
He releases his revolver and points the same hand out of the bag at the empty bottle of 'heroina'.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Wed 25 July 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 25 posts
Wed 25 Jul 2018
at 21:21
  • msg #208

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

In reply to Luis de Mendoza (msg # 205):

Murphy lets his Irish accent roll out more thickly as he smirks at the idea of being an American gangster.

"Oi'm hairdly the quintessential American, en' oi'd take care of ye with even less reserve ef oi found it necessary."

In a milder tone,

"Perhaps I'm a bit hasty, but I've run into enough trouble in my life to know ye can't be too safe. Tell me, is it standard practice to treat malarial fever with the mother of all opiates? That make sense to you, doc?"

He addresses this last bit to Art.
Luis de Mendoza
NPC, 6 posts
Wed 25 Jul 2018
at 21:42
  • msg #209

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

De Mendoza shrugs. "I am no doctor. The master uses it to dull his pain. It is not crime, no?"
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 31 posts
Thu 26 Jul 2018
at 02:32
  • msg #210

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

In reply to Luis de Mendoza (msg # 209):

Gustav comes back to Mr. Larkin's room to see Mr. De Mendoza. He quickly holsters his service firearms and approach Mr. De Mendoza.

"Mr. De Mendoza, would you be so kind as to raise both your palms? I would like to confirm something."


Keeper I would want to make a psychology check based on the tone of Mr. De Mendoza. to see if its sincere what he said concerning Mr. Larkin's condition and his general behavior in seeing us in Mr. Larkin's room.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 17 posts
Thu 26 Jul 2018
at 14:02
  • msg #211

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

Still sitting with Larkin, Johan wonders what Gustav is getting at. Still unsure of what direction things will go, he slides his hand along his walking stick in a manner which will give him a better grip if He finds it necessary to strike quickly
Luis de Mendoza
NPC, 7 posts
Thu 26 Jul 2018
at 14:10
  • msg #212

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 210):

"My palms?" replies De Mendoza. "Why? But here."

He lifts his hands, fingers outspread. The flesh is unmarred, with no burn marks.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 26 posts
Thu 26 Jul 2018
at 14:46
  • msg #213

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

In reply to Luis de Mendoza (msg # 212):

Murphy allows a bit of a grin to play across his face as Mendoza submits his hands to be examined.

"Perhaps we've gotten off on the wrong foot. I think we should get to know one another before our long journey. Tell me, how have you come to display such devotion to Mister Larkin there?"

A moment’s pause, and then:

"I think we'd all like to know what you're about, Senor Mendoza, and if it's truly as innocuous as all that, we'll be the better for knowing."
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 32 posts
Thu 26 Jul 2018
at 16:02
  • msg #214

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

In reply to Luis de Mendoza (msg # 212):

Gustav, satisfied by what he sees on Mr. De Mendoza, explains

"Just eliminating potential suspects. I should tell you a woman got.... Killed yesterday at the antropology museum, we almost got the perpetrator but alas, he got away, the victim was brunt of some sort of..."


Keeper i'd like to make a psychology roll again if Mr. De Mendoza reacted to this recollection of mine
GM
GM, 48 posts
Soren
Thu 26 Jul 2018
at 17:04
  • msg #215

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

“Hah!” scoffs de Mendoza. “Life is hard. People die. This is Peru - many murders each day.”

Before de Mendoza can speak again, there is a gasp of outrage from the door. The elderly hotel owner has hobbled up the stairs to check on Larkin’s visitors. She takes one look at the room and starts to yell loudly in Spanish, waving her walking stick vigorously at you all.

“¡Oh Dios!” she exclaims. “Esto es terrible! Un desastre! Sin visitantes. Tienes que irte ahora. Vamos!”

Even for those of you who don’t speak Spanish, the message is pretty clear. You must leave now.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 27 posts
Thu 26 Jul 2018
at 18:51
  • msg #216

Lima - Hotel Espana - Sunday, early afternoon

In reply to GM (msg # 215):

Without looking at the old lady, Dermot coolly replaces his revolver into his jacket and stands to leave.

"Sorry to disturb you. I'm sure your master won't hold our concerns against us when he shows up... well rested... tomorrow morning."

With a glance at his companions, and polite nods to Mendoza and the hotel lady, Dermot Murphy strides out of the room and down to the lobby.
GM
GM, 49 posts
Soren
Fri 27 Jul 2018
at 18:44
  • msg #217

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday

Back at Hotel Maury, Johan sits down to study the relic they found in Larkin's room.

The mask is approximately 6 inches (15 cm) square, made of gold. It depicts a stylized face, largely made up of blocky geometrical shapes raised from the surface, and is solid, with no eyeholes. It is similar in design to artifacts found at Tiwanaku (a pre-Columbian archaeological site in western Bolivia, near the pyramid). The back of the mask is unadorned and polished to a high sheen, allowing it to be used as a mirror. As Johan examines the mask, he is suddenly bombarded with a series of visions, almost too quickly to process;

An ancient stepped pyramid on a plateau breaks apart as greasy white tendrils dripping with huge maggots reach upwards from its remains...

A small man huddled in a corner of a dingy room feverishly painting... something that reminds Johan of his dreams...

Looking out of a train window, sweeping vistas of African plains passing by, accompanied by the strong smell of smoke, then the sound of screaming…

A series of endless, dark tunnels, filled with the roars and cries of wild beasts...

The visions end as quickly as they began.

[Johan, please roll SAN. Loss is 1/1D3]


This message was last edited by the GM at 19:23, Fri 27 July 2018.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 18 posts
Fri 27 Jul 2018
at 19:21
  • msg #218

Lima - Hotel Maury - Sunday

Sitting at his desk, Johan snaps awake as the vision ends. There is a stink in the air and his forehead throbs. As he raises his head he realizes he fell asleep with his head against the crown, leaving an indentation in his forehead. He swipes away dried flecks from his mouth and realizes that during his time asleep he has vomited. In a daze, he makes his way slowly to the washroom all the while mumbling...

“The painting...oh god the painting”

Today: Johan Braun rolled 63 using 1d100.  SAN target 66
Augustus Larkin
NPC, 5 posts
Fri 27 Jul 2018
at 20:24
  • msg #219

Lima - Monday Morning

It is the next day. You all gather outside the Hotel Espana at 8 AM on the morning of Monday March 21. Professor Sanchez is here as well, carrying a backpack and some heavy bags.

Around 8.15 AM, three large beat-up trucks pull up outside the hotel. They are loaded down with supplies. Larkin, looking fresh and relaxed, jumps out of the lead truck and greet you all with a smile. De Mendoza climbs out of the second truck, scowling at everyone as usual. Sanchez approaches Larkin and they have a brief discussion. Larkin nods and offers his hand, and Professor Sanchez shakes it. He flings his luggage into the second truck and climbs onboard.

Larkin turns to you all. “Glad to see everyone made it! I hear you came to visit me at the hotel yesterday. I’m so sorry that I was not feeling well enough to talk to you, but I’m much better today. I have decided to let Professor Sanchez join us, as his experience will be invaluable. Please find seats on the trucks and we can get started. It should take us around three days to reach Puno. We will be traveling down the coast to Camana before heading up into the Andes and across the highlands.”


Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 19 posts
Sat 28 Jul 2018
at 03:10
  • msg #220

Lima - Monday Morning

In reply to Augustus Larkin (msg # 219):

Bromley watches as the hotel staff move his travelling trunk and lug it into the back of one of the trucks. Before they secure it he walks over, opens his gun case and checks its contents. Satisfied, he secures the padlock and pockets the key in his jacket. Given the events of the last few days he would normally be apprehensive, but the capabilities of his new companions sate that feeling as it gives way to cautious optimism.

Handing a few small denomination notes to the hotel staff who lugged his cases he turns to whoever is nearby and idly says "Adventure awaits, hey old chap?"
GM
GM, 49 posts
Soren
Sat 28 Jul 2018
at 15:04
  • msg #221

Lima - Monday Morning

Jackson tosses his backpack into one of the trucks and puts on his hat to get some shade from the sun. "I certainly have a feeling this will be interesting," he replies to Bromley. "I don't trust Larkin or de Mendoza one tiny bit. Keep your eyes open."

You arrange yourself in the trucks to get as comfortable as possible. The first truck is driven by de Mendoza, with Larkin in the passenger seat, and the other two are driven by hired Peruvian drivers.

There is room for two people in total in the cabins, the rest will have to find comfort under the canvas covered flatbeds of the trucks, squished in between crates of supplies and exploration gear.

The trucks start up noisily, belching exhaust fumes, and slowly head of out Lima. The halfway decent roads are soon replaced by dirt tracks and muddy trails. You pass through small sleepy villages, but the views of the coastline are stunning. The ride is rough and the drivers seem to take delight in hitting every pothole on the road.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:20, Sat 28 July 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 33 posts
Sun 29 Jul 2018
at 02:11
  • msg #222

Lima - Monday Morning

In reply to GM (msg # 221):

Gustav has always been getting headaches when inside a moving vehicle. As much as he would want to appreciate the unique country side of Peru, he maintains a posture of getting his head down and trying to immitate a statue as often as possible. Occationally sipping from his water container here and there.

On a few small occasion that he managed to look outside the canvass walls, he takes in the majesty of the sun reflecting on the great Andes, the endless terrain of agricultural landscape and the chatter in spanish of the other hired help. All before catching himself as he is about to throw up.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 20 posts
Sun 29 Jul 2018
at 10:13
  • msg #223

Lima - Monday Morning

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 222):

In response to Jackson Bromley gives a knowing nod. keeping his voice down he says "You and me both old boy - And I don't think anyone else here feels any differently."

On the journey Bromley sits wedged in the back of a flatbed smoking cigarettes, fanning himself with a newspaper and staring out into the increasingly density of the jungle. Having been on an African safari the two winters ago he believed this would be a similar experience - How wrong he had been.

Still, the majesty of the country is breathtaking, and he'll have plenty to write home about once they rest for the evening.
GM
GM, 50 posts
Soren
Sun 29 Jul 2018
at 13:02
  • msg #224

Nazca - Monday evening

It is late in the evening on the first day when you finally arrive at the town of Nazca, famous for the mysterious Nazca Lines. You can rest here before traveling further south.

Larkin has telegraphed ahead and found you all accommodation at a decent hotel. The accommodations are sparse but there is a chance to get a meal, have a bath and stretch your legs. Jackson seems glad to be out of the truck and announces that he will be sampling the local food and drink in the hotel bar, and that you are welcome to join him.

Larkin is looking pale and ill again, and de Mendoza is constantly hovering protectively around him. They swiftly take their leave and retreat to their respective hotel rooms. Professor Sanchez has been very quiet during the day and also excuses himself.



Jackson Elias
NPC, 18 posts
Sun 29 Jul 2018
at 13:45
  • msg #225

Nazca - Monday evening

Over drinks, Jackson produces a well-worn notebook and opens it. “I took some notes of the legends that Nayra, the old wise woman, told me when I visited her. I didn’t pay them much heed back then, but with all that has happened, I thought I’d share them with you and get your opinions on things.”

He summarizes from his notes; Nayra told an old story about how an ancient and evil god fell from the sky and landed in Lake Titicaca. It crawled out and brought hunger with it, devouring all it touched. The trickster hero Ekeko told the evil god where the most nutritious food could be found underground, showing it tubers and grubs. Ekeko convinced the god from the sky, tempted by the food, to crawl into an old armadillo burrow. He then placed stones over the burrow, trapping the god below. Ekeko told the people that this was now a sacred site and had them build a temple over it, binding it in place with “spells worked in gold.” The god from the sky still lives underneath the temple to this day, and those who know of it are wise enough to avoid its tomb.

“And then she told me stories of the kharisiri;”

Apparently, the word “kharisiri” comes from the term for carving something up with a knife. Nayra told Jackson that the kharisiri are known throughout Peru and Bolivia, although their names and descriptions change from region to region. The archetypal kharisiri is a tall white man wearing a wide-brimmed hat. He carries a long knife that he uses to butcher people and steal their body fat. Alternatively, he may drug people and extract their fat using magic or strange tools, leaving them to die slow, lingering deaths. People in the area were quick to accuse conquistadors of being kharisiri, stealing the fat of locals to treat their wounds or grease their weapons. Later tales told of kharisiri priests, using stolen fat to make holy oil or as offerings to their gods. The main common factor in all these stories was that the kharisiri were white men, usually Spaniards.

"I should be safe from suspicion then," grins Jackson.





The pishtaco or nakaq is a legendary monster from the Peruvian Andean tradition. The word pishtaco comes from the Quechua word pishtay (to cut into strips)
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Sun 29 July 2018.
GM
GM, 51 posts
Soren
Mon 30 Jul 2018
at 01:39
  • msg #226

South of Puno - Thursday Evening

Puno is a small city of approximately 20,000 residents, located in the southern Andean highlands. It stretches back from the shores of Lake Titicaca, up into the overlooking hills, with the more prosperous areas located closer to the water. The majority of the buildings are low one- or two-story structures made from stone or brick, and the streets they line become increasingly narrow and more maze-like the further uphill one goes. The center of the city is dominated by a broad plaza, ringed with neat greenery and trees and overlooked by the imposing edifice of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Charles Borromeo.

The countryside surrounding the city is home to a large number of farms, with staples such as maize, potatoes, and quinoa dominating the crops due to their hardiness and ability to grow at high altitudes. Local farmers also raise alpacas and llamas, with large herds being a common sight. The locals are in general, welcoming to the visitors. Within the markets and stores, you are able to buy most supplies you need for your journey to the pyramid: from pack mules to weapons (including dynamite). The trucks are not able to travel further, so Larkin hires a mule train to carry your supplies, as well as some local workers.

It will take around three days to travel across country to the ruins, some 70 miles (110 km) south-southeast from Puno. The landscape between is a mixture of grassy plains, hills, valleys, and mountain passes. As you travel, you spot Andean condors, a spectacled bear and even the darting form of a jaguar. Even in the late summer, the temperature drops below freezing at night, so you are grateful for your tents, warm clothing and heavy blankets.  In the evening, you set up camp and start a campfire to keep warm. Larkin seems to be in a good mood and tells stories and jokes as the evening progresses. De Mendoza sits brooding near him, never speaking.

It is around 3 AM on the first night in the mountains. Can I please get a Hard (1/2) Listen roll from those of you who are asleep (and normal Listen for any night owls)? Base Listen is 20%


This message was last edited by the GM at 03:11, Mon 30 July 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 28 posts
Mon 30 Jul 2018
at 01:58
  • msg #227

Leaving Puno - Thursday Evening

In reply to GM (msg # 226):

Dermot Murphy stirs in his bed. While he’s spent plenty of time on land, his body prefers the rolling waves for its rest. Besides, he doesn’t trust Mendoza entirely, earnest as he seems despite his peculiarities. He listens to the sounds of the night, and hears only the crackling of the fire and the rustling of the wind.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 19 posts
Mon 30 Jul 2018
at 03:35
  • msg #228

Leaving Puno - Thursday Evening

The images of the painting Johan saw during his visions still haunt him. Sleep seems persude in vain as each time he begins to doze off a new horrific and twisted image fills his mind. After tortuous hours of rolling he finally drifts off into a heavy and much needed sleep. He slumbers heavily and is not disturbed

Today: Johan Braun rolled 75 using 1d100.  Listen (target 10)
GM
GM, 52 posts
Soren
Mon 30 Jul 2018
at 16:41
  • msg #229

South of Puno - Friday Morning

You are woken early next morning by a commotion outside. One of the pack mules has been attacked and killed during the night. The porters are all gathered around the dead mule, making the sign of the cross and looking very scared and upset.

The mule is nearly skeletal in appearance, with only skin and bones. There is a large jagged hole on its neck.

"Kharisiri!" trembles one of the guides.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 20 posts
Tue 31 Jul 2018
at 02:49
  • msg #230

South of Puno - Friday Morning

Before any odor is detected, Johan instinctively pulls a handkerchief to his face and approaches the remains of the animal. He examines it, poking and prodding the corpse with his walking stick. He has now heavy knowledge of biology, he is just looking for something out of place that might explain this. He scans the area around the body for tracks and reels when he focus on the wound, thinking of the eldritch horrors from his vision. He pulls himself together and calls out

“Jackson! What do you think of this?”

Today: Johan Braun rolled 10 using 1d100.  Spot hidden (target 40)
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 29 posts
Tue 31 Jul 2018
at 04:15
  • msg #231

South of Puno - Friday Morning



Dermot is concerned with the way these developments have continued. He’s a bit disturbed by the carnage, but he’s also concerned that he heard nothing last night. He knows not whether the danger lies within the oarty or without, but he’s determined to go on. After all, retirement won’t pay for itseld. He watches quietly as Johan prods the body and surrounding ground, while turning iver all possible enemies in his mind.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 21 posts
Tue 31 Jul 2018
at 05:45
  • msg #232

South of Puno - Friday Morning

In reply to Dermot Murphy (msg # 231):

Hearing the commotion Bromley hurriedly gets dressed. He leaves his tent and walks over.

"I've shot my fair share of animals, but that... that doesn't look like the work of any gun ever seen"
GM
GM, 53 posts
Soren
Tue 31 Jul 2018
at 14:58
  • msg #233

South of Puno - Friday

You gather around the dead mule to study it. There are some signs of a scuffle around it, but not much. The wound is coated with the same slime that you saw in the museum basement - and like there, it seems most of the animal's fat has been removed.

Jackson scratches his head in bemusement. “Looks very much like the injury we saw on poor Miss Rizo in the museum. Almost like a giant leech or lamprey. But there are no places around here where such a thing could be hiding. And to take down a mule? That thing must have been almost human-sized.”

He looks around to make sure that Larkin and de Mendoza is not around, and lowers his voice. “If we are to believe the legends – and I must admit that is very far-fetched – this is the work of a kharisiri. Either someone who is with us, or there are wild kharisiri out there…”

It takes a lot of arguing and bribery to persuade the porters not to abandon the expedition, but eventually Larkin and de Mendoza manage to browbeat them into carrying on.

You ride further south. Around 5 PM in the evening, you hear the sounds of rifle fire ahead, from over the brow of a hill. From the top of the rise, two figures can be spotted about 400 meters away, on the far side of the hill. They seem to be farmers. The younger of the two is stretched out on the ground, his shirt torn and covered in blood, with a gaping wound in his chest.

The older man is reloading an old rifle and when he spots you, he turns to you, firing a shot that comes perilously close to hitting Johan.


Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 13 posts
Tue 31 Jul 2018
at 21:02
  • msg #234

South of Puno - Friday

In reply to GM (msg # 233):

"Get down!"

Art shouts and searches frantically for the nearest bit of cover, even a slight knoll to put between himself and this attacker. He scrambles simultaneously towards cover and to get his hand into his pack to pull out his small revolver. Not that it would do much good at this range, but it comforts him to be armed in a situation like this.
GM
GM, 54 posts
Soren
Tue 31 Jul 2018
at 23:27
  • msg #235

South of Puno - Friday

The old farmer is reloading his rifle for another shot!

"Get down!" Art shouts and searches frantically for the nearest bit of cover, even a slight knoll to put between himself and this attacker. He scrambles simultaneously towards cover and to get his hand into his pack to pull out his small revolver. Not that it would do much good at this range, but it comforts him to be armed in a situation like this.

Johan quickly ducks down and ties his white handkerchief to his walking stick and waves it. He screams at the top of his lungs. “Please no! We are all prey to the kharisiri!” in Spanish.

The farmer lowers his rifle and waves you all towards him. Larkin, de Mendoza and Sanchez hang back with the porters, but the rest of you approach the old farmer warily. He points imploringly to the young man on the ground and fires off a stream of rapid-fire Spanish.

Johan manages to get the gist of it; “We were looking for my lost alpaca. Two kharisiri attacked us and wounded my son, Domingo! I shot at them and they ran off.”

He points further south, where you can glimpse two figures fleeing rapidly though the tall grass.

“Por favor! My son is dying. He needs a médico!”
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 14 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 00:19
  • msg #236

South of Puno - Friday

In reply to GM (msg # 235):

Art will leave the pursuit for those more suited to it, and tend to the farmer's son. He'll check his wound and do his best to provide first aid.


12:18, Today: Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) rolled 72 using 1d100. First Aid Target 70. (If roll is required, I will spend 2 luck to make it a success)
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 30 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 00:31
  • msg #237

South of Puno - Friday

Dermot Murphy is no hero, but he's seriously fed up with with this fat-sucking murder rampage. If he has enemies, he'd rather eliminate them up front. He notices a hesitant willingness in Johan's eyes.

"Aye, we'd better pursue our enemies. Gustav, help us nab these monsters!"

He sets off at once with the other pursuers, brandishing his Webley.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 22 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 03:17
  • msg #238

South of Puno - Friday

In reply to Dermot Murphy (msg # 237):

"Shit - I'll get my gun"

Running back to the convoy Bromley unlocks his gun case and fills his pockets with ammunition.

"A boy has been attacked - We caught sight of the blighters who did it and are giving chase - Will anyone else come and help?"

Bromley runs back to Dr Digben and the famers and tries to see what direction everyone else ran in.

[Bromley Aveline-Edgeware rolled 34 using 1d100.  Con - Target 65.]
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 34 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 03:21
  • msg #239

South of Puno - Friday

In reply to Dermot Murphy (msg # 237):

Gustav, takes one last look at the poor farmer's son. "He's not gonna make it" he whispered. then draws forth his .45 revolver, Looks at Mr. Dermot.

"Those bastards are gonna pay." then started to chase down the kharisiri.



Gustav Schmidt rolled 11 using 1d100.  CON Roll for chasing CON 55.




Gustav carries with him a .45 revolver, 18 bullets (6 inside) and a .32 cal pistol strapped and concealed on his right foot.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Wed 01 Aug 2018.
GM
GM, 55 posts
Soren
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 13:09
  • msg #240

Chasing the kharisiri!

Murphy, Gustav and Johan take off in pursuit of the kharisiri, with Bromley following behind. This sort of thing is just what Gustav enjoys, and he quickly takes the lead.

The two figures are moving through tall grass across a valley floor ahead. One seems to be a tall, burly man in light cotton clothing, the other is a small woman. They are moving slower than their pursuers, and the distance between the two groups is quickly reduced.

Rules section;

The gap is now around 200 yards. Bromley can try to stop and fire his carbine here; 13% at 200 yards, 33% at 100 yards or 65% at 50 yards.

Those with handguns can use them at normal skill within base range, ½ skill at twice base range and 1/5 skill at up to four times base range. If you use your weapon, please also roll for damage per shot to save time.

There will be a penalty dice to aim for the small woman (roll 3D10, noting each dice separately and take the highest of the first 2 dice as the tens, and the last as the ones).
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 35 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 14:40
  • msg #241

Chasing the kharisiri!

In reply to GM (msg # 240):

Gustav runs ahead of the pack, making a beeline on the two suspects running in the clear field. At 15 yards out he stops and take aim at the tall man and aims at the legs, intending on crippling him rather than outright killing.

He shouts at them in English. "Stop or I'll shoot!" Gustav made a judgement call and shot the man.


Today: Gustav Schmidt rolled 10 using 1d10+2.

 Today: Gustav Schmidt rolled 19 using 1d100. Firearms(Handgun) (60%/30%/12%):.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:41, Wed 01 Aug 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 36 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 14:49
  • msg #242

Chasing the kharisiri!

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 241):

Gustav with a few more seconds of running, finally catches up to the burly man. Seeing blood all over the soil where the man, withering in pain is all but unable to walk. "You're not going anywhere with that busted kneecap, and you and I will have a little chat"

Gustav also tells everyone else "It might be the adrenalin speaking, but I suggest not to chase after the little lass, might be a trap"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Wed 01 Aug 2018.
GM
GM, 56 posts
Soren
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 15:28
  • msg #243

Chasing the kharisiri!

Gustav stands over the fallen man. He has long unkempt hair and a scraggly beard. Most shockingly, his mouth starts to distend, forming into a disc shape larger than a human hand. The insides of his puckered lips are covered with small, hook-like barbs...

He lunges at Gustav’s legs, trying to grab them!

Gustav, please give me a SAN roll (0/1D6) and either a Dodge or Fight (Brawling) roll.


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:31, Thu 02 Aug 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 37 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 16:17
  • msg #244

Chasing the kharisiri!

In reply to GM (msg # 243):

Gustav, repulsed at what he saw, with the man's mouth opening wide and its tongue slithring out, plus hundreds of teeth about to take a bite at him, reacted with firing 3 rounds on the mans head.

Gustav has seen his fair share of shootouts in New York City, and more so during the war. But nothing could prepare him for this.

"They... It.. its not human.."

He looks on as his companions rushes in to his side. With cold sweat amidst the warm peruvisn afternoon, a beaten Gustav whispers

"Its not human..."


spent 5 luck points and suffered 3 sanity

23:46, Today: Gustav Schmidt rolled 9 using 1d10+2, unique dice with rolls of 7.

23:46, Today: Gustav Schmidt rolled 4 using 1d10+2, unique dice with rolls of 2.  Damage 1d10 +2.

23:42, Today: Gustav Schmidt rolled 16 using 3d10, unique dice with rolls of 3,6,7.

23:42, Today: Gustav Schmidt rolled 11 using 3d10, unique dice with rolls of 1,6,4.

23:42, Today: Gustav Schmidt rolled 10 using 3d10, unique dice with rolls of 6,3,1.  Firearms(Handgun) (60%/30%/12%):.

23:38, Today: Gustav Schmidt rolled 3 using 1d6.  Sanity loss.

23:33, Today: Gustav Schmidt rolled 97 using 1d100.  SAN: 60.


This message was last edited by the player at 16:18, Wed 01 Aug 2018.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 21 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 17:11
  • msg #245

Chasing the kharisiri!

Arriving on the scene, Johan is surprised to find a bloody mess. He had expected to find a wounded man who could give some answers, but instead sees a bloody mess...but something isn’t right with what’s left of the mans face, something about the mouth is hideously alien. He panics for a fraction of a moment! Could it all be real? The visions he’s had of the monsters in the painting, is this a monster like that? And if the vision held truth, then didn’t the dreams of his childhood have the potential for being real?

But then he remembers discussions had with his academic contemporaries. Discussions on biological mutations/evolutions and the bizarre forms they take. Could it be that some feral indigenous people have adapted to a nutritional deficiency in this bizarre way?

But before he can ruminate any further the mans face becomes to much and he is reminded of circus freak shows and the terrible jesters that patrol the grounds like manic sentinels. His heart begins to beat faster and he turns away, doing his best to say something comforting to Gustav.

“Nature- Nature takes odd turns my friend. Normally a mutation like this would kill the individual, but these people seem to have adapted to it!”

Johan stumbles to the edge of the field, about 15 feet away. Now that he is confident these two are guilty, he can’t let the other escape. He takes out his flask and douses his handkerchief in brandy. He then finds a stone roughly the size of his fist and ties the handkerchief to part of it and gets his matches out. He screamed into the field.

“Come out now or I swear you will die like a dog

Johan Braun rolled 11 using 1d100.  San (target 65).
This message was last edited by the player at 17:11, Wed 01 Aug 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 31 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 18:11
  • msg #246

Chasing the kharisiri!

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 244):

Dermot Murphy runs up to the scene ready to put some rounds into anything that moves in a way he doesn’t like. He’s shocked when Gustav’s face distorts in terror and Gustav fires 3 shots into the ground where the assailant must be lying. Seconds later, Murphy is disturbed by the grotesque, alien face the had appeared to belong to a normal human being a minute ago. He swallows his repulsion without undue difficulty, only to hear Johan belt out his fiery threat to the tall grass beyond. While he’s determined to pursue this strange threat, he’s not about to take a molotov to the head in friendly crossfire. He waits for any sound or indication, gun at the ready.

quote:
14:00, Today: Dermot Murphy rolled 41 using 1d100.  SAN check (target 62).

Johan Braun
(Nate), 22 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 20:23
  • msg #247

Chasing the kharisiri!

Johan turns to Dermot, realizing from his posture that he’s contemplating reminding after the thing.

“You want to follow one of THOSE in there??? I don’t want to see you die today my friend so I will accompany you if that’s what you truly want, but I think this is a sure thing!
GM
GM, 57 posts
Soren
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 20:57
  • msg #248

Chasing the kharisiri!

With a piercing shriek, the female kharisiri leaps up from the tall grass and latches onto Johan’s back, her gaping maw snapping at his neck! Taken by surprise, Johan suddenly feels a weight on his back and then an incredible pain in his shoulder. The female kharisiri starts to suck out his fat, blood and other fluids!

(Johan loses 8 STR, 4 CON and 2 SIZ points)
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 32 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 21:52
  • msg #249

Chasing the kharisiri!

In reply to GM (msg # 248):

Dermot is alarmed by this sudden onslaught, but he's still 1,000% fed up with this nonsense. He coolly steps over and whips the butt of his pistol downward in a well-practiced maneuver to strike the side of the thing's face. The blow connects hard and sends the monster's face reeling to the side, though its appendages maintain their hold on Johan's body. He yells at Gustav and Bromley:

"Pull the beastie away by the arms and I'll shoot it in the face!"
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 23 posts
Wed 1 Aug 2018
at 23:10
  • msg #250

Chasing the kharisiri!

In reply to Dermot Murphy (msg # 249):

Running up and seeing the pulpy mess laying on the ground Bromley is suddenly deeply unnerved  [1d6 san loss - totalling 1]

Before he can make hide nor tail of the situation all chaos erupts from the tall grass as some horrible beast leaps upon Jonah.

With the steely determination of a seasoned hunter, Bromley aims his rifle and fires directly into the creatures face.

[Bromley Aveline-Edgeware rolled 3 using 1d100. (target 65)]

[Bromley Aveline-Edgeware rolled 8 using 2d6. - Damage]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:11, Wed 01 Aug 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 38 posts
Mon 6 Aug 2018
at 04:03
  • msg #251

Chasing the kharisiri!

In reply to Dermot Murphy (msg # 249):

Gustav, few feet away from the female kharisiri, finished off the male kharisiri with his feet stomping whats left of the head, drops to one knee and aimed at the now exposed female kharisiri.

"You're ruining my vacation!" he shouts as he fired a round aiming at the female kharisiri


Gustav Schmidt rolled 11 using 3d10, unique dice with rolls of 3,1,7.  Firearms(Handgun) (60%/30%/12%):. advantage. 17% hard success

Gustav Schmidt rolled 9 using 1d10+2.
GM
GM, 57 posts
Soren
Mon 6 Aug 2018
at 14:55
  • msg #252

South of Puno - Friday

The shot from Bromley’s rifle tears the female kharisiri’s head apart and she loses her grip, sliding messily off Johann’s back onto the grass. As Bromley reloads he notices that her head wound is slowly knitting together again. Murphy looks over where the other kharisiri was shot. It's on its knees, struggling to get up, its head still a ruined mess.

You fire round after round into the two kharisiri. They go down, but you can see their terrible wounds slowly healing again.

Jackson comes running over, his pistol drawn. “Good lord, what is happening?” He looks at the twitching bodies with shock and disgust. “Kharisiri! So…. It’s all true. Everything we saw and read…”

He staggers and nearly collapses but manages to compose himself. “We must destroy them!” he whispers. “I remember that The Confessions of Gaspar Figueroa stated that if you burn or dismember them, they remain dead.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:56, Mon 06 Aug 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 24 posts
Mon 6 Aug 2018
at 15:21
  • msg #253

South of Puno - Friday

In reply to GM (msg # 252):

Bromley Aveline-Edgeware rolled 86 using 1d100. Target 65.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware rolled 10 using 1d10. Advantage.

Bromley Aveline-Edgeware rolled 8 using 2d6. Damage - Rifle

Unloading another round into the reforming female Kharisiri Bromley says, clearly stressed "Well get to it man!"

He reaches into his coat jacket pocket and pulls out a hip flask before tossing it to Jackson "Brandy - This is all I've got"
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 39 posts
Mon 6 Aug 2018
at 15:57
  • msg #254

South of Puno - Friday

In reply to Bromley Aveline-Edgeware (msg # 253):

"That will have to do" Gustav gathers the brandy and threw liberal amount if it to the now reforming body of the male kharisiri. He again kick it to the ground as it is trying to get up from one knee.

"Hold still you freak!" Then he proceeded to light up the brandy soaked  kharisiri then proceeds to do the same for the female.

"Fuckin vacation my ass" Gustav mumbles
Johan Braun
(Nate), 23 posts
Mon 6 Aug 2018
at 16:23
  • msg #255

South of Puno - Friday

Johan reels. As he sees the woman’s head knit back together, he is faced with a staggering realization; this world is only a Mask, a pretty picture painted over Something more grotesque! But the new paint is starting to chip and flake away, revealing the truth!

The sound of his blood pumping blocks out all other sound. The adrenaline of fear helps to dull the sensation of ripped flesh, even as he feels a warm wetness spreading down his back.

He is in danger, now he realizes the trap he’s in. They’ve sacrificed a few of their own, to build his confidence. They only wish to fatten up a lamb they will lead to slaughter. He must escape now, and destroy them in the process! He must warn the world!

Still hunched over from pain, he grabs his walking stick, then quickly stands and takes a swing at the thing called Bromley!
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:03, Mon 06 Aug 2018.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 24 posts
Mon 6 Aug 2018
at 16:41
  • msg #256

South of Puno - Friday

Johan runs screaming at Bromley and swings his walking stick wildly at his head!

“NO MASK!!!!!! NO MAAAASK!!!!!”


09:39, Today: Johan Braun rolled 6 using 3d10, unique dice with rolls of 2,1,3.  Brawl (target 60).
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 40 posts
Tue 7 Aug 2018
at 00:53
  • msg #257

South of Puno - Friday

In reply to Johan Braun (msg # 256):

Gustav took the last swig of the brandy he used to set both the monsters on fire. its a very cold afternoon but the fires sure warms the places nearby, if only it didn't smell of fresh human meat and brandy marinade. "At least its good brandy" he muttered.

Gustav's attention was suddenly directed to a commotion as he saw Johan take a very hard swing at Bromley and he starts to bleed.

"What in the devil?" he gasped as he charges in at Johan, intent on tackling him and restraining him on the ground.

"Control yourself Mr. Braun! or I'll do it for you!"


Gustav Schmidt rolled 34 using 1d100. Fighting(Brawl) (50%/25%/10%):.
Gustav will attempt to tackle Mr. Braun and take away his weapon and restraining him
This message was last edited by the player at 01:15, Tue 07 Aug 2018.
Johan Braun
(Nate), 25 posts
Tue 7 Aug 2018
at 02:41
  • msg #258

South of Puno - Friday

The little German man lurches down as he hears the Gustav thing. Clearly this is an entity with a hive mind...

He leaps into the air and hang almost parallel to the ground as he sails towards Gustav...and then keeps going, hitting the ground with a terrible thud



19:37, Today: Johan Braun rolled 74 using 1d100.  Dodge (target 70)
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 25 posts
Tue 7 Aug 2018
at 11:59
  • msg #259

South of Puno - Friday

In reply to Johan Braun (msg # 258):

Hearing some god awful shouting, Bromley turns around and is promptly socked in the nose by Johan.

Naturally, he is taken aback by this turn of events.

Staggering backwards he lobs a mix of blood and saliva (and possibly a tooth) onto the ground. Wild eyes he grasps his rifle with both hands and adopts a defensive position. If this madman lurches at him again, Bromley is ready to pounce out of the way.

Before he can react, Johan and Gustav appear to collide in midair before his eyes. The clash resulting in Gustav pinning Johan down.

Bromley momentarily contemplates delivering the blighter a swift kick to the head, but thinks better of it. He pulls of a handkerchief from his trouser pocket, daps his bleeding lip and pockets it again. He frowns heavily.
GM
GM, 58 posts
Soren
Tue 7 Aug 2018
at 14:07
  • msg #260

South of Puno - Friday

Gustav and Murphy both quickly overpower the madly screaming Johan and hold him down. He is struggling mightily and shouting about masks and sacrifices.

The two kharisiri are both burning, and after shaking wildly and emitting keening howls of pain, they finally fall silent. The fat and tissues they have stolen from their victims hiss and bubble as it melts inside them. Clouds of dense black smoke rise from the remains.

The tall dry grass is starting to catch fire around the bodies, and it would be wise to leave this area as soon as possible.

“We will have to see if we can tie Mr. Braun up somehow,” says Jackson. “I’ve seen people lose their minds before. He’s not responsible for his actions.”

He helps with dragging Johan away from the fire, while keeping an eye on the kharisiri, to make sure they don’t rise again.

You all return to the mule train, where Art is still treating the injured young farmer while his anxious father looks on. The native guides have been watching events in shock and horror, and recoil as they spot the wild-eyed Johan being gently lowered to the ground, struggling against his restraints.

Larkin is leaning against a mule cart, looking pale and sweaty. He is obviously suffering from another bout of malaria, and de Mendoza hardly spares you a glance as he cares for his master.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 26 posts
Tue 7 Aug 2018
at 15:05
  • msg #261

South of Puno - Friday

In reply to GM (msg # 260):

Bromley Aveline-Edgeware rolled 82 using 1d100.  Target 30.

Bromley and Gustav both take turns trying to apply sticky plasters to his abrasions and end up making a mess and cursing a lot.

Sighing loudly, Jackson walks over and manages to dash antiseptic ointment onto Bromleys wounds, soliciting more curses and a begrudging thanks.
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 15 posts
Tue 7 Aug 2018
at 22:30
  • msg #262

South of Puno - Friday

Art turns his attention away from the boy, 'that's all I can do for now.' he thinks to himself.
Turning to see the state of Johan, he moves his attention to him.
"what is all this?" he asks as he pulls aside the hastily, and inaccurately, placed bandages and gets to doing what he can to properly clean and dress Johan's wounds. Using his experience dealing with grisly wounds with whatever was to hand, he grabs a small bottle of 60 proof liquor from his pack.
"...better appreciate this, it's a '63 scotch." he grumbles to himself more than to Johan, before upending it on the wound and getting to work.

10:27, Today: Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) rolled 9 using 1d100. Pushing previous roll. Medicine Target 75. Extreme Success
GM
GM, 59 posts
Soren
Tue 7 Aug 2018
at 23:16
  • msg #263

South of Puno - Friday

People are standing around, still stunned from the events. The old farmer is kneeling by his son and sobbing. It is unsure if the boy will ever fully recover. But thanks to Art’s skilled treatment, Johan will slowly recover his lost health and vigour, although it will take several weeks.

De Mendoza strides up and takes in the situation. “Such a mess!” he growls. “We are losing daylight. We move on!”

You help the farmer with building a makeshift stretcher and some of the porters carry him back to the nearby farm. The farmer, Julio Cespedes, announces his eternal gratitude for helping his son and defeating the kharisiri. He invites you in for a meal and offers to let you stay overnight in his stable.
GM
GM, 60 posts
Soren
Wed 8 Aug 2018
at 13:42
  • msg #264

South of Puno - Friday evening

Despite de Mendoza’s objections, you agree to spend the night at the Cespedes farm. You bring Domingo into the living room and his mother breaks down with grief as she hears about the kharisiri attack. Art helps with getting Domingo comfortable and instructs the family on how best to care for him. The boy is semiconscious and babbles when he surfaces. He is frightened that the bite means that he will become a monster too.

You are served weak beer and a hearty vegetable and mutton stew. The house is cold and windy, but you light the fireplace to ward off the darkness. Julio tells you that the kharisiri have gotten more numerous and bolder in the last year, attacking farmers and eating their fat, or even turning them into more kharisiri. He is aware of the pyramid and the legends and fully believe that it is the source of the evil.

His face lit by the flickering fire, Julio regales you with other tales of monsters and folklore of the region. According to the Incas, Lake Titicaca is the birthplace of humanity. In times past, the god Viracocha, also known as Con-Tici, rose from the waters, carrying humans with him. When Viracocha had orchestrated the heavens by positioning the sun, moon, and stars, he commanded the humans to spread across the world.

The people of the region also saw the lake itself as a goddess; Mamacota or Mother-water, and erected an idol in her honor. This idol, known as Copacahuana, was fashioned from blue-green stone and took the form of a fish with the head of a woman. When the Spaniards conquered the area, they saw this worship as pagan, but worship of the goddess who fed the people with her bounty of fish was so deep-rooted that all they could do was replace her idol with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Mamacota is still venerated to this day.

Wanderers should be wary of remains they may find in caves and on mountainsides, as these could be sleeping machukuna, creatures made from bones. By day, they work the fields and fertilize the crops. Some believe this to be penance for the sins the machukuna committed in life, as through their efforts and labor they may regrow their flesh anew. Not necessarily dangerous, they may seek out humans willing to give them food. The main risk they pose is the wind that follows them, which is reputed to bring disease and bad luck.

There are other creatures like the machukuna that offer a more direct threat: the suq’a seek out humans, not to repent their sins, but to kill and eat them. Julio muses that the suq’a may somehow be related to the kharisiri

Larkin scoffs at all of these tales. “Rubbish and old wives’ tales! I don’t know what kind of bandits you met in that field, but I’m happy you managed to kill them, although setting them on fire was a bit much. But I am very pleased to hear that the pyramid is close. Think of all the treasures we will find! You will all be rich beyond measure!”
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:50, Wed 08 Aug 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 27 posts
Wed 8 Aug 2018
at 16:21
  • msg #265

South of Puno - Friday evening

In reply to GM (msg # 264):

After seeing those horrors today and in the dark of the night, Bromley is willing to indulge his hosts (alongside his own curiosity).

He asks Jackson to translate for him:

"Has anyone here seen these ghastly things before... And what, if anything, can we do if we are confronted?"
GM
GM, 61 posts
Soren
Wed 8 Aug 2018
at 22:55
  • msg #266

South of Puno - Friday evening

“Por supuesto!,” exclaims Julio in response to Bromley’s question, and launches into a lengthy explanation of the most reliable methods of protection against monsters, barely giving Jackson enough time to translate.

You can wear an azabache bracelet to ward off the Evil Eye.

Finding a turned-over beetle and flipping it back over to save its life is believed to bring good luck.

A lady bug landing on your shirt cuff is reason to rejoice.

Stepping in dog or horse crap is also considered good luck.

El Daño, or The Damage, is a streak of bad luck inflicted by a sorcerer’s spell, motivated by revenge or envy. It can be removed by ritually passing a guinea pig over your entire body to draw out and absorb the malicious spell.

You might place an upside down broom behind the entryway door to keep unwanted guests (and demons) out of your home.

It is also possible to rid your house of evil spirits by placing a full glass of water behind the door.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:52, Thu 09 Aug 2018.
Jackson Elias
NPC, 20 posts
Thu 9 Aug 2018
at 12:24
  • msg #267

South of Puno - Friday evening

After spending a short time listening to the farmer’s tales, Larkin and de Mendoza leave the house and set up their tents near the barn, refusing to ‘sleep with the animals’. Professor Sanchez also prefers to sleep outside.

Jackson shakes his head as they are leaving and lights his pipe. “My friends. It is clear to me that there is much more to this story than meets the eye. Larkin is very keen to get us to explore the pyramid, which is understandable – but he clearly has an ulterior motive. If the things we have seen and heard so far are real – and even now I doubt my own senses – then the pyramid is somehow the source of these kharisiri.”

He takes a sip of his beer and then reaches into his backpack, bringing out the golden relic that was found near Miss Rizo. “I suspect that this piece is somehow connected to what has happened. When the warding in the pyramid was broken by the conquistadors, it seems to have awakened these monsters. Perhaps, if we put it back…?”


This message was last edited by the player at 12:58, Thu 09 Aug 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 41 posts
Thu 9 Aug 2018
at 13:18
  • msg #268

South of Puno - Friday evening

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 267):

Gustav opens a beer bottle and sits next to Mr. Elias. He leans over and tells him "Get me dynamites and we'll blast it to kingdom come".

"How about you Mr. Elias, what strange unexplainable things have you encounter when you are doing your other books? As exciting as we are having now i assume?" Gustav lets out a loud belly aching laughter but still maintaining a genuine curiosity as to what Mr. Elias would say
Jackson Elias
NPC, 21 posts
Thu 9 Aug 2018
at 14:02
  • msg #269

South of Puno - Friday evening

“I think dynamite might actually make things worse,” replies Jackson with a frown. “What if it breaks the ward further? I think our best option is to repair the broken seal.”

“As for my travels so far… with these recent events, a lot of the things I’ve seen suddenly make more sense. Some of them were quite unbelievable; cultists with superhuman endurance, mysterious disappearances, and curses that wiped out entire villages. If these dark gods really exist… my God!”

He falls silent, trying to grasp the enormity of the situation. After a moment, he stirs and stares mournfully at his beer. "I'll need something stronger than this!"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:00, Thu 09 Aug 2018.
GM
GM, 62 posts
Soren
Fri 10 Aug 2018
at 00:35
  • msg #270

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

The next day, you bid farewell to Julio and his family and travel on. It is late in the day when you finally approach the site. The ruins containing the pyramid are located on a plateau overlooking a deep, windblown valley. The surrounding land is arid and plant life is sparse. The plateau is most easily accessed from above, by clambering around the edge of a neighboring peak and down a narrow path. This path is precarious enough to make it difficult to bring pack animals all the way into the ruins. No plant life grows on the plateau. It is barren and dusty, with only the man-made structures breaking up the monotonous brownish-gray of the dirt. An eerie whistling or piping sound can be heard blowing on the wind. Despite the cold, you notice an increasing number of flies in the air as you draw closer. Jackson identifies them as blowflies, which usually feed on carrion. As you approach the ruins, the smell of rotten meat grows powerful.

From above, a few key features can be made out in the ruins. A stone wall surrounds the site; it is difficult to tell how tall it once was, as it is now partially buried by silt, but the visible portions protrude from the ground at heights of around 2–4 m. It is relatively easy to climb over the perimeter wall by scrambling up one of the banks of dirt and dropping over to the other side. Alternatively, there is a main entryway, taking the form of a rectangular doorway flanked by huge stones and topped with a weathered stone carving. The carving appears to represent a human head, but it is thin and elongated, with a grotesquely distended mouth.

The main structure is a stepped pyramid with a large, flat top, most of which is below ground level. Around this is a network of crumbling inner walls, many of which have collapsed over time. A number of these walls are decorated with archways, hinting at the remains of other structures. Smaller versions of the carved head over the main gateway are set in the walls at regular intervals. The constant wind blows over and through their distended mouths, producing the unnerving whistling sound that you heard when approaching.

The pyramid itself is mostly submerged in the earth, with only its top five steps rising above the ground. The steps of the pyramid are made of rough-hewn stone, worn and cracked with age. Each step is around 1.5 m in height, tall enough to require anyone climbing up to pull themselves up one step at a time. A long, narrow crack runs diagonally across the top of the pyramid, no more than 8 cm wide at any point. The smell of corruption is overpowering here and blowflies buzz around the crack constantly.

Jackson stops in his tracks and takes it all in. “Well, fuck!” he exclaims with passion.

Map Legend;
1 Surrounding Cliff
2 Closed Chimney
3 Open Chimney
4 Path
5 Pyramid
6 Large Crack on top of Pyramid
7 Main Gate
8 Pit


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:57, Fri 10 Aug 2018.
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 16 posts
Fri 10 Aug 2018
at 00:44
  • msg #271

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

Art is walking, no trudging, behind the others his head lost in thought as he watches the barren landscape pass by as they walk on. Suddenly his train of thought is interrupted as Jackson exclaims.
Looking up at the view above he can't help but be impressed, despite the smell, despite the damage of age, it's still an exciting sight.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 33 posts
Fri 10 Aug 2018
at 03:50
  • msg #272

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to GM (msg # 270):

Dermot Murphy is ready to press ahead to seek out fabulous riches. He is, however, on edge after the previous evening’s combat. As the path grows narrow and the mules are left behind, he removes the glove from his left hand and begins to unfasten his everyday prosthetic. He unfolds a cloth bundle from his pack until a new device is revealed: a sort of leather and metal cap for his lower arm with a gleaming eight-inch blade at the end.

To any curious onlookers:

"My arm's not so pretty, but it's ready to rip into any beasties we may come across in our ruins."

As the the group trudges down toward the pyramid walls, Murphy’s nostrils detect the familiar reek of death. What carcass could so many flies be feeding on clear out in the desert mountains?

To no one in particular:

"So much for the fresh mountain air. I'll take the smell of a briny sea any day of the week over this putrid stench. I don’t suppose this tempera the academic curiosity. Well, we'd best be getting on."

(Dermot is prepared to stride through the front entrance.)


This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Fri 10 Aug 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 42 posts
Fri 10 Aug 2018
at 13:37
  • msg #273

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to GM (msg # 270):

Gustav's walks ahead of the pack, making sure and being vigilant that there will be no surprises here. He is currently holding his revolver at the ready as the group slowly approach what looks to be the front gate.

"So any ideas how to open that thing?"

The smell of rot and decay is overwhelming, one must thing there is an open graveyard inside.
GM
GM, 63 posts
Soren
Fri 10 Aug 2018
at 15:01
  • msg #274

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

There is some rubble around the entryway, but it's easy enough to gain entry into the courtyard. As you are about to enter, Jackson holds up a hand in caution and points to a figure that has appeared on the side of the pyramid. It appears to be an older man, laboriously climbing the tall steps to the top. His belly seems to be grotesquely swollen.

The man does not appear to have spotted you as he reaches the plateau. He walks slowly towards the crack on the stone and kneels before it, then proceeds to vomit a stream of thick white fluid into the hole.


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:13, Fri 10 Aug 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 43 posts
Sat 11 Aug 2018
at 00:58
  • msg #275

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to GM (msg # 274):

Gustav whisper to everyone in the expedition. to prepare their weapons and aim it at the man.

"Fuck! if these here are infested with these vile creatures we better thin them out first. any more of that brandy or petrol you have there to set it on fire?"

Gustav then position himself in front. His survival instincts kicking in high gear. Aiming his revolver directly into the creature in front of it.

"If it comes charging in, blast that creature to smithereens"
GM
GM, 64 posts
Soren
Sat 11 Aug 2018
at 01:32
  • msg #276

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

The old man continues to vomit for over a minute and then clumsily stands up again. His formerly bulging belly now looks normal again. He turns around and wanders slowly over to the edge of the pyramid roof, and then begins to clumsily climb down again, still seemingly unaware of your presence.

As the man finally climbs down the last step, he starts to slowly shuffle towards the pit in the south-east corner. He's ignoring you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:59, Sat 11 Aug 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 28 posts
Sat 11 Aug 2018
at 01:39
  • msg #277

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to GM (msg # 276):

Clutching his gun Bromley says to Gustav in a heavy whisper "Let sleeping dogs lie I say - The sound of gunfire may attract more attention that we're ready for"

With that, Bromley rushes back to the trucks and starts unloading the jerry cans and collecting any empty bottles he can.

In his own luggage he pulls out two bottles of very fine scotch - Just in case these beasties turn up unexpected and fancy a drink...
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 34 posts
Sat 11 Aug 2018
at 01:54
  • msg #278

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to Bromley Aveline-Edgeware (msg # 277):

"Aye, let's see how this plays out."
GM
GM, 65 posts
Soren
Sat 11 Aug 2018
at 02:06
  • msg #279

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

To the south-east of the pyramid is a large pit—approximately 5 m on each side – seemingly filled with human remains. The buzz of flies and the stench of decay is especially strong here. All of the bodies within the pit are emaciated. Many appear to have been here for some years, as they are skeletal or have only fragments of dried flesh left. Nearer the top, the corpses are fresher.

The old man reaches the edge of the pit and then walks into it, slowly sinking down among the corpses until he disappears from view…

"Jesus wept!" whispers Jackson and fumbles for his trusty pipe.
Augustus Larkin
NPC, 6 posts
Sun 12 Aug 2018
at 14:31
  • msg #280

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

Larkin shakes his head. “The people in the area all seem to be in the grip of some madness. At least that one didn’t bother us.”

He claps his hands together in delight. “Well, we are here now, and I can’t wait for you to explore the pyramid! Unfortunately, I suffer from severe claustrophobia, so I would not be able to enter, but I trust that you will be more than capable. Think of how well rewarded you will all be if we can take more of this strange gold-work back to Lima, and how valuable it will be to museums across the world. We will all be rich and famous!”

He turns to de Mendoza. “My dear friend! Please start setting up the equipment, so we can begin immediately. We need to find an entryway into the pyramid!”

De Mendoza nods and barks orders to the terrified porters, who begin to unload the equipment from the mules and setting up lights and generators. Soon, the area around the open chimney is buzzing with activity.

Professor Sanchez and Larkin are studying the design on the pyramid with great interest, while de Mendoza hovers near them, glaring at those who come too close.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:32, Sun 12 Aug 2018.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 35 posts
Sun 12 Aug 2018
at 18:30
  • msg #281

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to Augustus Larkin (msg # 280):

As Mendoza and the porters set up all their equipment, and the academic minds geek out over archaeology, Dermot strides smoothly and carefully through the front wall gate and into the complex. Keeping a sharp lookout, he methodically examines any ground-level openings(aside from the corpse pit). He wants to be aware of any notable gateways into the pyramid below. His gun isn’t drawn for the moment.
GM
GM, 66 posts
Soren
Sun 12 Aug 2018
at 19:38
  • msg #282

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

Murphy carefully approaches the chimneys. These are vertical shafts, which rise up to the surface, lined with the same type of stone slabs that make up the pyramid walls. A flagstone covers the top of each chimney, although one of these stones is broken. Peering down into the chimney, Murphy sees only darkness.

The broken chimney seems to be the only way to access the pyramid. There are no doors or means of entry visible on the actual structure.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 36 posts
Sun 12 Aug 2018
at 22:06
  • msg #283

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to GM (msg # 282):

Dermot tears a small piece of cloth from somewhere in his effects. He ties it around a rock with some twine.

"Bromley, lad! Let me have a dip of yar petrol, will ye?"

He pulls out a matchbook. Striking a match, he sets the ball alight and drops it down the chimney.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:16, Sun 12 Aug 2018.
GM
GM, 67 posts
Soren
Sun 12 Aug 2018
at 22:14
  • msg #284

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

The burning ball falls straight down for about 25 meters, before hitting a slight slope and rolling out of sight.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 29 posts
Mon 13 Aug 2018
at 01:07
  • msg #285

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to GM (msg # 284):

Bromley continues to fill whatever sealable vessels he can find with fuel. That last encounter has put the spooks into him.

He also keeps a wary eye on his "now fine" assailant.

He distributes the bottles to any who will take them.
Jackson Elias
NPC, 22 posts
Mon 13 Aug 2018
at 16:21
  • msg #286

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

While Larkin and de Mendoza are preoccupied, Jackson discreetly gathers you around.

"Okay, please hear me out here," he says in a low voice. "It's pretty obvious that Larkin wants us to disturb the seals on the pyramid even more than they already are. I'm not sure for what insane purpose. But I feel it would be best if we instead restored the missing piece. I intend to head down below and see if I can put things right. Does anyone want to join me?"

"Everything alright here?" The question comes from Larkin, who has approached silently and is staring at you all with bright, feverish eyes. "This is an amazing find! We must gather as many relics as we can!"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:36, Mon 13 Aug 2018.
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 44 posts
Mon 13 Aug 2018
at 16:34
  • msg #287

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 286):

Gustav heads over to Mr. Elias and said "We have come too far to not get anything valuable about this expedition. But you are right, I know what I saw, they were not humans. I'll help you with this"

Gustav looks as each and everyone in the group. "Anyone disagrees?" He quipped.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 37 posts
Mon 13 Aug 2018
at 18:50
  • msg #288

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 287):

Murphy's face becomes drawn as Jackson speaks. It would certainly be advantageous to eliminate any superhuman threat, and that particular piece of gold can't represent the only kind of treasure to be found inside.

"I take it as reasonable to do our best to eliminate the threat of these... things... if it's within our power. Let's replace the piece in our possession. I imagine we 'll find plenty of treasure to remove that doesn't function as a sort of seal against evil creatures... that is, if there's any stock to put in these legends and folk tales at all."

After Larkin speaks, Dermot Murphy indicates his assent to looking for artifacts. Eyeing the others, he slips a subtle directive into the conversation in Larkin's hearing:

"We of course have limited carrying capacity as it stands, so we ought to focus our efforts on whatever isn't nailed to the floor, so to speak."
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 30 posts
Mon 13 Aug 2018
at 22:14
  • msg #289

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 286):

Offering Jackson a repurposed flip-top bottle of petrol Bromley casts a quick gaze to the body pit and nods his agreement.
Jackson Elias
NPC, 23 posts
Mon 13 Aug 2018
at 23:54
  • msg #290

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

Jackson takes the bottle and stores it carefully in his small backpack. He walks over to the open chimney and spends about ten minutes methodically checking all the rigging for the pulley and winch system that the porters have set up. He makes several corrections and pulls hard on the ropes to make sure they are safe.

Finally, he seems satisfied, and he puts on the lifting harness and turns on a powerful flashlight. He takes a sniff of the stale air and stench emanating from the hole and ties a wet cloth over his mouth and nose.

"Okay, send me down," he says and disappears into the dark chimney. After what feels like an eternity, you can hear him shouting from below that there are tunnels down there, and they are very narrow.

Larkin smiles delightedly and turns to you. "Who's next?"
Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 45 posts
Tue 14 Aug 2018
at 02:12
  • msg #291

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to Jackson Elias (msg # 290):

Gustavs made a quick arrangement to get supplies from the mules (foodstuff, water, blankets, mirror, cigarettes, rope with hooks, more rounds of ammunition (16+16+1 = 33 rounds) and a couple of molotovs and matches. As he comes back to the group, he says to Mr. Larkin "I'll go next".

And with a small nod to everyone, he is layed down in the chimney.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 38 posts
Tue 14 Aug 2018
at 02:48
  • msg #292

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

In reply to Gustav Schmidt (msg # 291):

Careful to keep his knife-hand in a safe position, Dermot Murphy allows himself to be lowered unceremoniously down the chimney after the other three.
GM
GM, 68 posts
Soren
Tue 14 Aug 2018
at 12:01
  • msg #293

The Tunnels

The descent down the dark and narrow shaft feels like an eternity. Your feet finally touch a sloped surface and you almost stumble. There is an opening in the wall that you can fit through. Jackson helps you out one by one into a small tunnel intersection.

The tunnel walls are lined with stone slabs and in most places they are only about 1.5 meters in height and 2 meters in width, forcing anyone moving through them to crawl or crouch down. The tunnel floors are covered with dust and fragments of broken stone; anyone crawling incautiously risks lacerating their hands and knees. There are also occasional clusters of small stalactites hanging from the ceiling, where dripping water has left limestone deposits. The smell of decay in the tunnels is overpowering and the air is filled with buzzing flies.

You have come out at a T-section, with tunnels leading east, south, and west;

The eastern tunnel only seems to run for a short while before ending in a larger room.

The south tunnel seems to continue in a straight line.

The western tunnel appears to head towards the pyramid base.

"Which way first?" asks Jackson. "I think the western tunnel is the one we want, but I'd like to know we won't get ambushed from the other tunnels before we go there."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:07, Tue 14 Aug 2018.
GM
GM, 69 posts
Soren
Tue 14 Aug 2018
at 15:44
  • msg #294

The Tunnels

You decide to head east, and after a short distance the tunnel enters into a large room.

This chamber is a plain, stone-lined room approximately 6 by 6 m. There are three filthy reed mats on the floor, with three people apparently asleep on them. You recognize one of them as the old man you just saw, covered in muck and filth. The others are an older woman and a tall, powerfully built man.

The rest of the room is piled high with a amazing collection of coins, jewelry, watches, and ancient artifacts, ranging from the contemporary to pre-Incan. Many of
the items are gold, mixed in with a variety of trinkets.




This message was last edited by the GM at 17:00, Tue 14 Aug 2018.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 27 posts
Wed 15 Aug 2018
at 00:16
  • msg #295

The Tunnels

Wordlessly, Rachel allowed herself to be lowered into the entrance of the pyramid, with her pack and a lantern in hand. As she landed on the ground, she sees the tracks of her companions and follows through, hearing low voices echo through the tunnels.

As soon as she sees a couple of figures, her step quickens.

"Apologies for the delay. I've no love for tiny, enclosed spaces." Rachel muttered in a low voice, looking around the surrounding area.
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 39 posts
Wed 15 Aug 2018
at 01:49
  • msg #296

The Tunnels

In reply to Rachel Katz (msg # 295):

Dermot silently directs Rachel’s attention to the grotesque sleeping figures, then motions for the party to step back a little way toward the junction.

"I hate to leave enemies unattended, but perhaps we should scout the other tunnels. I'd hate for those three to attract any friends they may have as we dispatch them. Maybe we'll find where the museum piece came from."
GM
GM, 70 posts
Soren
Wed 15 Aug 2018
at 12:05
  • msg #297

The Tunnels

Jackson nods. “Yes, probably better to leave them alone for now,” he whispers. “Let’s try the southern tunnel.”

He crouches down and leads you down the south-facing tunnel. This continues in a straight line for about 30 meters before turning to the east. There is another chimney hole about half-way down the tunnel, and close to it you see what appears to be a bundle of rags, sticks and other detritus.

As you draw closer, the bundle’s true nature becomes obvious. It is a mummified body, wrapped in decayed wool and cotton, although they are too rotten and filthy to be identified as any particular garments. There is something white and glistening moving in one of the eye sockets of the skull.




GM
GM, 71 posts
Soren
Wed 15 Aug 2018
at 13:43
  • msg #298

The Tunnels

Murphy moves in for a closer look, and the mummified body suddenly lunges for him, grabbing for his clothes!

At the same time, the worm in the eye socket quickly slides out and crawls down the mummy’s arm, towards Murphy’s hand. It is a shapeless mass of white protoplasm resembling congealed, rancid fat, approximately the size of a human fist.

[Those who witness this, please roll you SAN or lose 0/1D8. Murphy can Dodge or use a fighting maneuver]


Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 40 posts
Wed 15 Aug 2018
at 17:34
  • msg #299

The Tunnels

In reply to GM (msg # 298):

Dermot flinches away just in time to avoid the grasp of the mummy. As it reaches for him, the living white globule crawls down the mummy’s arm and makes a jump for Murphy. Fortunately, it also misses its targer and falls to the floor.

"Feck off, ya maggot!"

And then, as if reconsidering his literal instruction, he cracks a wry smile and stabs it through the middle before it can get away.

"Or maybe don't."

He casts a glace at the mummy, which flails rather lamely a few feet away. Looking back to the party:

“One o’ ye boyos wanna lend me a boot?”
This message was last edited by the player at 17:36, Wed 15 Aug 2018.
Bromley Aveline-Edgeware
(Joshua), 31 posts
Thu 16 Aug 2018
at 00:24
  • msg #300

The Tunnels

In reply to Dermot Murphy (msg # 299):

Nodding in agreement, Bromley steps over and deftly squeezes the creatures head between his boot tip and the floor. A small meaty 'pop' escapes the creature as the mummy ceases all movement.

Bromley quickly starts toeing the dirt with his boot to clean any residue off.
GM
GM, 72 posts
Soren
Thu 16 Aug 2018
at 01:16
  • msg #301

The Tunnels

You carefully bypass the smeared larva and the now inactive mummy, and proceed further south. Soon, the tunnel leads out into an open chamber, much like the northern room. This room is also full of coins, knickknacks and golden relics, but there are no sleeping kharisiri. There is a rusty steel ladder set into the eastern wall, leading upwards – presumably to the charnel pit above.

You spend some time investigating the room but find nothing else of interest. Heading back north and then turning west, the tunnel branches south and west. It looks like the tunnels might encircle the entire base of the pyramid. The walls are lined with gold inlay, the same as the section found at the university. The inlay seems uninterrupted, hammered together in a continuous fashion. Limestone deposits and dust hide much of the gold’s luster.


Gustav Schmidt
(Richie), 46 posts
Thu 16 Aug 2018
at 02:08
  • msg #302

The Tunnels

In reply to GM (msg # 301):

Gustav, for good measure, carefully lowers the torch he is holding and proceeded to burn the white maggot, Melting it if it were possible.

Gustav Schmidt rolled 74 using 1d100. Fighting(Brawl) (50%/25%/10%):.
Rachel Katz
(Lanz), 28 posts
Thu 16 Aug 2018
at 02:14
  • msg #303

The Tunnels

With the attack of the maggot, Rachel hadn't realized she had drawn her gun until Bromley was stomping on it, and Gustav was throwing a lamp at it. She drew a sharp breath, waiting for the body to catch fire, destroying any evidence they could gather--but in a stroke of luck, the body didn't catch fire. Rachel glares at Gustav. Carefully, she set down her lamp a few feet from the mummy, and began snapping pictures of it, before picking up her lamp once more and following the rest, snapping photos of the entire area.

Irritably, she glanced at the rest of the group, muttering to herself, "We're wasting time. The seals must be broken."

As they rounded around the base of the pyramid, she noticed the gold lining the walls, quite similar to the section they had found back at the university. Falling behind the rest of the group, Rachel inspected the inlays until she was satisfied. Dropping her pack, she rummaged through it for a bit, trying to find something that would help her pry the metal inlay out, but she had nothing.

Enraged, Rachel grabbed the inlay, trying to break it with her bare hands, but to no avail.

quote:
10:10, Today: Rachel Katz rolled 99 using 1d100. STR. 10:09,
Today: Rachel Katz rolled 99 using 1d100. Luck.

GM
GM, 73 posts
Soren
Thu 16 Aug 2018
at 02:26
  • msg #304

The Tunnels

Rachel is tearing at the seal on the wall, trying to loosen a piece. What feels like a small earthquake rumbles through the tunnels, with rocks and dust falling from the low ceiling...
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 41 posts
Thu 16 Aug 2018
at 02:32
  • msg #305

The Tunnels

In reply to Rachel Katz (msg # 303):

As what feels like a minor earthquake rumbles suddenly through the tunnels, Murphy wonders for the first time whether this ancient structure is reasonably sound.

"Watch yer heads, lads, Ms. Katz!"
GM
GM, 74 posts
Soren
Thu 16 Aug 2018
at 23:10
  • msg #306

The Tunnels

Johan is in a terrified state and wants to do anything that’ll prevent more worms. Or giving the maggot king more power. As Johan approaches Rachel, he notices that her eyes have gone very dark, almost black.

Rachel steps away from the gold lining, draws her gun and shoots at the gold lining. “Ms Katz please! Allow me!”, says Johan.

Bromley clutches his gun and pushes his back against the nearest wall. The shot hits. a piece of the ward is destroyed... hairline cracks appear in the walls and a horrible stench emanates from the cracks, along with more white maggots...

Two maggots squeeze out and head towards... Johan and Bromley. Johan squishes his with his cane. Bromley dances around, but the larva crawls up his trouser leg, leaving a caustic trail along the leg. In a panic, Bromley pulls his trousers down, while shouting for help!

Rachel fires more shots at the warding! The cracks widen....You can see something inhumanly large squirming behind the cracks...  fortunately it's too difficult to see clearly.

Rachel screams "I see it-- we have to free it-- it's the only way to end this all!"

The larva slides around on Bromley, seeming looking for a way to enter his body - but fails. Bromley is also screaming, a mixture of fear and pain. Gustav runs up and jabs his torch at the larva but misses both it and Bromley’s abdomen.

Seeing Bromley struggle with the larva, Rachel attempts to wrench the larva off him, saying, "We've got to break the seal, stop playing with that thing!"

“I'm going to put the other piece back,” shouts Jackson. “That might stop it!”

Rachel grabs the larva and flings it against the wall, where it more or less explodes from the impact. "NOW BREAK THE SEAL.", she shouts. Bromley pulls up his trousers and scampers clear.

Murphy wants to know what's gotten into Rachel all of the sudden. He failed to notice any mental issues before, so he's surprised. "What's all this yer blatherin' about? Put that gun away before ye hit me with a ricochet!"

"Break the seal! That's how we end this and succeed!", replies Rachel.

"Succeed at what?" says Murphy.

"She's mad!" shouts Bromley from a distance. "YOU'RE THE ONE RUNNING AROUND WITH HIS PANTS OFF" Rachel screams back.

"Ma'am, breaking the seal means letting those maggots out. Surely you do not want that?' says Murphy soothingly.

"No, you don't understand-- we have to free it so the world is rid of it!"

Dermot does not like the sound of this. "Oh, yes, of course! We have to free it! Unfortunately, we're in the wrong pyramid! We have to wait until we get to the other one to free... it..."

"For as long as it's here, all these maggots will keep multiplying-- if we set it free, it'll leave, go back to where it came from!", says Rachel earnestly.

More maggots are starting to squeeze through the cracks...

Jackson has rounded the southern corner and is gone from sight.

Gustav suddenly jumps at Rachel and wrestles her to the ground, while saying 'I’m so very sorry, Ms. Katz but you'll kill us all of you continue to do that. Look at the maggots!'

Rachel struggles to break free. "ONCE WE GET BACK TO NEW YORK, I am filing an official complaint, Mr. Schmidt!". Bromley quickly bends down and takes her gun away.

Jackson calls from around the corner. "If you're done messing around, I could use a hand!"

Bromley turns the corner and sees Jackson further down the tunnel. He is close to a large crack in the wall where the missing piece of the ward was. In front of him is a pool of rancid white fat, making it difficult to reach the wall section. The pool is probably not too deep, but the surface of the pool moves constantly, as larvae within writhe around below the surface.

Bromley fishes one of the Molotovs out of his backpack and tells everyone to stand back. He flings it into the pool. The fat within the pool is highly flammable and catches light easily. Within seconds, it emits thick clouds of black smoke, making it difficult for anyone nearby to breathe. The fire rages wildly, leaving only a thick, tarry residue in the hole when it burns itself out after a few minutes. You are all choking and gasping for air.

Jackson wets a handkerchief with water and ties it around his face, suggesting you follow suit. After the pool is cleared, Jackson takes out the missing piece from his backpack and jams it back on the wall. “Let's try to fix the last holes!”, he says. “We need some gold!”

Bromley heads back to the southern room and fetches some gold sheets and trinkets. You cover up the bullet holes as best you can. you notice the air has cleared from the stench and there are now thousands of dead flies littering the floor. This takes a good while.

Rachel's eyes gradually lose their black luster and turn normal again. She shakes her head, waking up from what seemed to be a crazy dream. Looking up at Gustav, she looks around, trying to confirm if her conclusion was right. "Gustav-- Gustav, Larkin, he made me do it!"

"Made you do what, exactly?", he asks.

"Break the seals! He told me to break the seals-- there was something different about him. Sanchez was there too-- I think he might be in on it."

You become aware of horrible screams coming from the eastern room! You run towards the screams. In the eastern room, there’s only a pile of grey ash where the large man was sleeping. The old man has withered away to a desiccated corpse. The old woman is literally falling apart, screaming in fear and confusion in Spanish for the Father of Maggots to save her….
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:28, Thu 16 Aug 2018.
Jackson Elias
NPC, 24 posts
Fri 17 Aug 2018
at 12:27
  • msg #307

The Tunnels

Jackson walks back to the open chimney and tugs on the rope - the signal to pull people up. nothing happens. He swears loudly and turns to you. “Looks like it’s the corpse ladder for us. Grab as many valuables as you can!" Not sure if we'll be able to come back again if things go south"

[You can roll Appraise, Archaeology, History or Hard (½) EDU to take the most valuable items;

Fumble; you pick useless crap, worth only $100, +0 Credit Rating
Failure = $2000, +2 Credit Rating
Success = $5000, +5 Credit Rating
Hard Success = $8000, +8 Credit Rating
Extreme Success = $10,000, +10 Credit Rating
GM
GM, 75 posts
Soren
Fri 17 Aug 2018
at 18:28
  • msg #308

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

You fill your backpacks with as much treasure as you can hold and then begin the horrible climb out of the tunnels. After a long ascent, the rusty ladder leads to a most gruesome sight: a large pit, filled with human remains. Here at the bottom, the bodies are skeletal but nearer the top, they are fresher. There is a sort of a tunnel ramp, created when the kharisiri have climbed in and out of the pit.

Jackson curses like a sailor but grits his teeth and makes his way up through the bodies, pushing them aside as he climbs. He pauses as he reaches the surface and then climbs out, bending down to help the rest of you up.

At first, the area seems deserted, but then you spot a grey pile of dust in a human outline. Near to it is a crumpled body. It is Sanchez, but it looks like he’s been dead for at least a week. There are no signs of Larkin or the porters.
Augustus Larkin
NPC, 7 posts
Sat 18 Aug 2018
at 22:22
  • msg #309

The Pyramid - Saturday evening

“Attend me!” The voice is loud and resonates with an unearthly resonance. You look up and see Augustus Larkin, standing on top of the pyramid. He stands straight, with no sign of the physical weakness that normally plagues him, and his voice is strong and deep. His eyes are a deep black.

“You think you have won? This is only the beginning. The Bloody Tongue will grip you tight until you are all crushed! Or if you are very lucky, you may live long enough to see the skies turn black and all humanity perish. We will meet again. For now, here is a reward for your efforts.”

With that, Larkin begins to move his hands in strange gestures. The air next to him seems to rip, and a hideous, misshapen tentacle appears from the rift, probing, seeking…

[SAN roll, please; 1/1D6]
GM
GM, 76 posts
Soren
Sun 19 Aug 2018
at 14:42
  • msg #310

OOC

Okay, thanks for the rolls guys. I’ve rolled for Art for now. Just need SAN checks from Gustav and Rachel for the tentacle, please.

Bromley, please make an INT roll— if successful, temporary insanity ensues (but you will get 5% Cthulhu Mythos).

Results so far from looting, climbing the Corpse Ladder and seeing the tentacle;

Gustav; $8000, +8 Credit Rating. Corpse ladder loss 0/tentacle loss ?
Bromley; $2000, +2 Credit Rating. Corpse ladder loss 3/tentacle loss 6
Dermot; $10,000, +10 Credit Rating (-3 luck). Corpse ladder loss 0/tentacle loss 1
Rachel; $2000, +2 Credit Rating. Corpse ladder loss 0/tentacle loss ?
Johan; $5000, +5 Credit Rating. Corpse ladder loss 0/tentacle loss 1
Art; $2000, +2 Credit Rating. Corpse ladder loss 0/tentacle loss 1

Okay, what are you doing about the current situation? Larkin is about 25 yards away, on top of the pyramid. He’s busy with the summoning.

DEX order; Larkin 95, Gustav 75, Art 70, Rachel 70, Johan 70, Jackson 65, Bromley 55, Murphy 50
Dermot Murphy
(Nathan), 42 posts
Mon 20 Aug 2018
at 01:18
  • msg #311

OOC

In reply to GM (msg # 310):

Dermot Murphy is ready for this. He may even enjoy it. As disturbing as this apparent summoning ritual seems, there’s never been a man who couldn’t suffer from a .45 bullet or three.

(I go last, so I’ll wait to to roll.)
GM
GM, 77 posts
Soren
Mon 20 Aug 2018
at 13:44
  • msg #312

Shooting at Larkin

Gustav didn’t lose any SAN for the corpse ladder but does lose 3 SAN for seeing the tentacles.

Both Gustav and Bromley spend the first round aiming at Larkin who is about 25 yards away. I assume Murphy does the same.

Gustav shoots first with his revolver. Long range is Hard, so 30%, with a bonus dice for aiming. Or he can fire 3 shots, each with a penalty dice.

Bromley then fires. Normal range for .30 Carbine. Skill 65%, with a bonus dice for aiming.

And lastly, Dermot with his Webley. Long range is Hard, so 20%, with a bonus dice for aiming. Or he can fire 3 shots, each with a penalty dice.

Summary for bonus or penalty dice; please roll 3D10 instead of the normal 1D100. Select the options Record each Die - and also Unique Die. If it's a penalty dice, you select the highest of the first two rolls as the 'tens', and then use the third roll as the 'ones'. With a bonus dice, you choose the lowest roll.
GM
GM, 78 posts
Soren
Mon 20 Aug 2018
at 19:11
  • msg #313

The Pyramid - Aftermath

Bromley, Gustav and Murphy open fire. A bullet slams into Larkin but he continues to gesture. An unearthly piping sound emanates from the widening rift. Johan shakes his head in horror, memories of the circus dancing in his head. He screams to block out the sound of the guns and pipes, and starts to charge towards the pyramid.

Bromley’s rifle barks again, and Larkin staggers and falls to his knees. His face seems to swell for a moment and dark liquid gushes out of his mouth and into the crack on top of the pyramid. As he screams and collapses, the rift abruptly closes and severs the tip of the tentacle, which falls writhing to the ground.

Gustav fires several more shots into the now prone body and calmly reloads his revolver. The tentacle begins to sizzle and smoke as it dissolves into putrid goo.

You lower your weapons and take a deep breath. Somehow the awful stench that has permeated the entire area seems less offensive. It is as if a heavy load has been lifted off your shoulders.

You search Larkin’s corpse and the tents for further clues but find nothing noteworthy. Inspecting the gray ash, you see several pieces of white linen cloth nearby – leading you to suspect that de Mendoza shared the fate of the kharisiri below.

As you load your equipment onto the remaining mules, a low rumble shakes the ground and a stone falls down from the pyramid with a loud clatter.

“Don’t know about you all, but I would really like to get out of here!” says Jackson with a nervous laugh. “It’s not far to the farmhouse – we can seek shelter there.”

[You each gain 3D6 SAN]
Dr. Arthur Digben (Art)
(Daniel), 17 posts
Mon 20 Aug 2018
at 20:00
  • msg #314

The Pyramid - Aftermath

Art can't explain it, but the last 24 hours just seem a blur. Surely this isn't the idea he had for exploration and adventure when he began to travel.
The weight of the retrieved artifacts and treasures assures him that everything he's seen, everything that's happened is not some fever dream.
It's not exactly reassuring to him.


Bringing himself back to the here and now, he smiles a grim smile at Jackson, and agrees that shelter would be ideal right now. He follows the others, his eyes passing once more over the now-collapsing pyramid.
'Good Riddance' he mutters


07:44, Today: Dr. Arthur Digben (Art) rolled 12 using 3d6. SAN regain
GM
GM, 79 posts
Soren
Mon 20 Aug 2018
at 23:02
  • msg #315

The Pyramid - Aftermath

So for skill increases, I’ve tried to keep track of successful rolls by extrapolating them from the Dice Roller – and probably didn’t got them all. This is the tally so far. If in future you want to keep track of which rolls you make, please feel free. And if you feel I missed some rolls, please let me know. :)

To check for increases; Roll 1D100 for each skill checked. If the result is higher than the skill or over 95, add 1D10 skill points. If an increase raises a skill to 90% or more, add 2D6 SAN

Art; Medicine, First Aid

Bromley; Rifle

Gustav; Handgun, Psychology, Brawl, Appraise, Spot Hidden

Johan; Occult, Brawl, Dodge, Appraise, Spanish

Murphy; Handgun, Brawl, Appraise, Psychology

Rachel; Psychology
Sign In