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.”

"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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.


This message was last edited by the player at 15:10, Wed 04 July 2018.

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.

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.

"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.

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!"

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

'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

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.

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.

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 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.

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}

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.