Harker smiled warmly at Walter. "Aye. Bristol born and bred. I'd be shocked if you'd seen me on your liner over here; haven't been to sea in...oooh, more years than I care to count. Been tromping around jungles too much for that! Hah!" he gave himself a derisive laugh and snuk a disdainful glance at Meecham and his, in his opinion, poor attempt at humour.

The first pitcher of Pisco Sours disappears quickly and a refill is sent for. Larkin and Hughes are drinking carefully. Mendoza does not drink at all. He lifts the glass to his lips once in a while, but merely sips. The mood is jolly, however.

Hughes drinks carefully but contributes to the conversation frequently. He has a store of folk tales and even songs that he scatters through his conversation in am amiable way. If he is aware that Mendoza is staring daggers at him, he pays it no mind. His focus is on Larkin.

"So, now we're all here, Larkin," he speaks in a New York accent, "you can tell us about the prize you've found. Where is this pyramid, and how come no one has ever heard of it?"

The ship had docked in Lima a couple of days prior to the scheduled meeting with Professor Larkin, so Monty used the time to explore a new city, finding the newly opened Museo de Historia Natural, the Museo Nacional de Arqueología Antropología e Historia del Perú, and the Biblioteca Nacional del Perú. All proved most diverting, with many interesting artefacts and publications. He used his time to expand his knowledge of local history, although the visits were all too brief given his tight schedule. He promised to return to each as soon as possible.

———

As evening approached on the 18th of March he dressed for dinner, selecting a freshly laundered black dinner suit, pressed white shirt and black bow tie, along with his favourite cufflinks and a pair of polished black leather shoes. He slipped his pipe, matches and tobacco into one pocket, and his notebook and pack of pencils into another. Shortly he was ready.

He arrived promptly at the Bar Cordano. There were some faces he recognised from his voyage. He gave them a warm halloo, having enjoyed their company on the long sea voyage. Others were new to him, so he greeted them formally. “Dr Montgomery Ashton-Psmith, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

He accepted the drink. He’d never heard of a pisco sour, and found it sharp but refreshing. He drank it quickly and requested another. As introductions were made he took out his pipe and began to fill it with tobacco from his pouch. As Professor Larkin began to explain the details of their expedition he lit up, blowing a large cloud up into the air.

Richard sat on the upper terrace of The National Club looking out over Lima, with its Spanish Misson style architecture interspersed with the odd European style building. His index finger rested on the edge of the crystal tumbler as he watched the ice cubes and the generous portion rum within. It had been just over ten days since he arrived in Lima and was able to finally step off the ship and what a journey that had been, two months at sea it was like being on the troops ships again though in rather more style.

It was not the time it took just the company he had to keep and finding something, anything to amuse himself. The problems with the other passengers started before they even embarked on the ship. He had struck up a conversation with an older woman in the first class line and when he had formally introduced himself she very nearly pushed her daughter into his arms and so it began. For two months this went on, the invitations, happen chance meetings which would happen several times a day or the feeling he was being watched by the woman's servants. To be honest her daughter Alice was not unattractive if a a little bookish and Richard got the feeling that their trip to South America was for the sole purpose of finding a husband something he would find out later Alice was not so keen on.

So Richard went along with the whole thing so as to not cause offence knowing that society in Lima was very small and to make a bad impression before he had even arrive had the potential to be a black mark against him. So he played along while trying to keep both the mother and daughter at arms length. There was only a limited amount that could be done on these ships, billiards, a walk on the promenade, reading in the library, board games or drinks in the salon so it was that Alice and Richard would play chess most mornings followed by lunch and then perhaps drinks before dinner while under the watchful eye of the mother.

Also during the voyage Richard basically read the library on board to past the time, even finishing some books he would have rather just stopped reading. He concentrated on anything to do with South America and its history, geography etc... and then anything that took his fancy. Richard also managed to keep on top of his correspondence, dropping the pile onto the desk of the receptionist at the club once they had arrived.

Richard looked at the new pile that he had just finished creating before taking his seat on the terrace, “That would be it for a while.” he thought to himself, everyone should be up to date on what had happened and for a few people where he was.

They had made their way to the club as soon as they had cleared customs, Richard was a member of several clubs that had reciprocal arrangements with the The National Club so he had handed his membership card for The Naval and Military Club and filled out the register before taking the keys to his suite. Or the two bedrooms and small sitting room with a balcony, it was adequate for his needs so he could not complain.

Since his arrival he had spent his days seeing the sights and playing the tourist. Richard even took the chance to have dinner with Alice and her mother at the club, who looked markedly under the weather and incessantly complained of the calibre of men on offer for her daughter. Alice had perked up no end though and Richard thought it may have something to do with the fact that her marriage was looking like a non starter. This was not the only time they had run into each other of course they had also been invited to the governors reception and Richard had run into them at the various tourist sights, but Richard now got the impression that this was just happen chance. Perhaps Alice's mother thought there might be bigger fish in the sea.

But now to other matters as Richard downed the rum in one and ordered another. He checked his pocket watch and seeing the time caught up to the waiter to cancel his order. Once he was in the small lobby Richard checked his jacket and tie in one of the mirrors and then placed a planter style panama hat on his head as he descended the stairs and made his way to the bar/restaurant that he had been instructed to meet the good professor at.

Richard introduced himself to the three men present at the table and any others present. "Captain Richard Lines so very good to finally meet you all."



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This message was last edited by the player at 11:00, Wed 27 May 2020.

In reply to Jesse Hughes (msg # 14):

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." Albert Einstein

  After hearing Hughes question to Larkin, Lucky stops nursing his drink, lights up a La Preferencia Cuban Cigar and listens intently.

Over a pleasant dinner, despite the frosty atmosphere between de Mendoza and Hughes, Larkin explains his plan to head up to the highlands, locate the site of the lost pyramid, and recover some valuable artifacts. While Larkin is subtle about this last point, careful to give the expedition a veneer of archaeological validity, 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 tells the investigators that 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 states that his subsequent research has provided enough detail to narrow it down and make an expedition viable.

Larkin then shows the investigators the two items he claims to have 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.



OOC: Options for examining the materials at hand: A straight up successful Archaeology roll will gain you some insight into the artifacts. A successful 1/2 History or Library Use roll reveal some more details. Please go ahead and use the RPOL dice roller.

After the food Charles leans back in his chair and produces a silver cigarette case, pushing one out for himself before offering them politely to all at the table. Lighting up he smokes quietly while listening to Larkin's explanation of the job at hand and only seems to show interest when the possibility of enrichment arises.

His eyes positively glitter when the items are produced and his gaze settles on the golden cup. If Larkin allows it Charles lifts the item almost reverently from the table and turns it carefully over in his hands, admiring it from every angle. Blowing smoke from the corner of his mouth he nods approvingly, "Nice piece Mr Larkin, very nice indeed. And you're saying there are piles of this stuff under a mountain somewhere ready and waiting to get picked up?"

He returns the cup to the table and strokes his moustache thoughtfully, "Just out of interest what's the legal position with all this? Are we entitled just to take what we find or is there an obligation to involve the local authorities?"

Richard had worked on his pipe once the dinner was over he had another class with a good measure of rum in it and as the others spoke he produced a long match and lit his pipe.

If allowed he to would have a look at the items that were sitting on the table.

Captain Richard Lines rolled 29 using 1d100.  History = 25%.
Captain Richard Lines rolled 99 using 1d100.  Library use = 50%.



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Walter looked at the two objects as they were passed around and something seemed to connect for him.


23:17, Today: Walter Luscombe rolled 7 using 1d100.  History check 35% skill - 1/2 skill diff.

Monty enjoyed dinner. He began with a vegetable soup then moved on to some sort of fish stew, followed by a selection of fresh fruit for dessert. Once dinner was concluded he took a large brandy to go with his pipe and listened carefully to Larkin’s description of their expedition. It sounded fun, and offered him some wonderful opportunities to research new species in the wilds of Peru. Maybe he’d discover a new lizard, wouldn’t that be just larks!

When the objects were passed around around something resonated. Had he seen something on his recent cultural exploration? He was intrigued.


09:34, Today: Dr Montgomery Ashton-Psmith rolled 47 using 1d100.  Library Use, target 50.

Harker was about as boorish and crude a dinner companion as could be expected. Though he was not openly hostile to anyone, the further up the social ladder he perceived them to be, the chillier his interaction. He was complementary about the food, in his way; packing it down in large quantities with few words spared for the quality. When dinner was finally wrapped up, he leaned back on his chair, arms behind his head and stretched. "Aaaah. Not bad. Not bad. If I do say so myself. Hm, rum is it? Think I might join you in that. Make it double." He winked at the waiter with a cheeky grin. As his drink arrived and the cup and pendant were handed around, Harker peered at them as he handled both with disrespectful callousness "Ooh...I reckon that'd look right good on a girl I know up Pucallpa way. Pretty little thing." it wasn't clear if he was referring to the girl or the pendent as he passed them on.

With Meecham talking to the Professor, Harker turned to Mendoza "Puno, huh? Lot of natives down that neck of the country, shouldn't be too hard to find a local that'll point us in the right direction." he sipped his rum "Wouldn't mind taking a look at your maps, if you brought them...?" he left the question hanging with a raised eyebrow.

"We were wise indeed, could we discern truly the signs of our own time; and by knowledge of its wants and advantages, wisely adjust our own position in it. Let us, instead of gazing idly into the obscure distance, look calmly around us, for a little, on the perplexed scene where we stand. Perhaps, on a more serious inspection, something of its perplexity will disappear, some of its distinctive characters and deeper tendencies more clearly reveal themselves; whereby our own relations to it, our own true aims and endeavors in it, may also become clearer." Thomas Carlyle

  The two pieces are passed around and finally make it to Lucky.  He inspects them closely, turning them around to get a full view of them in the light.

OOC:
11:20, Today: Jesus Ortega rolled 28 using 1d100.  Inspect pendant and cup - Library Use (25%):.
11:19, Today: Jesus Ortega rolled 50 using 1d100.  Inspect pendant and cup - History (20%):.

Neither of the artifacts stir any sense of deep knowledge in those that observe them other than that they are very old and quite likely very valuable. They also seem to be a good indicator that Larkin is on to something and there may be treasure hidden in the high hills.

When Carpenter asks him about a map, he taps the side of his head.

"It's all in here, old boy, where no one else can steal it. I've had these finds stolen out from under me before, but this one . . . I'm the only one who knows."

He goes on to tell more details about how he got on to the site, having heard about a lost pyramid while traveling in the highlands near to Lake Titicaca, a few days journey from Puno from an alpaca farmer.

The farmer, Ernesto Mollo, said his grandfather had found the site and taken some items (the pendant and the golden cup) but went on to say that the site was cursed and a fearful place. Larkin dismisses this as local superstition rather than having any basis in fact. It was pure chance that he met the farmer and says it’s now "all our good luck" to be the first professional expedition to visit the pyramid and bring it’s story and treasures to the outside world.

"Especially the treasure," he adds with a chuckle, scooping the two golden artifacts back into his possession.

Monty listened carefully to all of the discussions before joining in. “Now, Professor,” he said to Larkin, “can we assume that you have taken care of our accommodations? Food and other supplies, tents, porters and so on?”

"I travel light; as light, that is, as a man can travel who will still carry his body around because of its sentimental value." Christopher Fry

  Lucky adds, "And, how long do you expect us to be gone and when do we leave?"

Walter seemed to stare at Jesse Hughes for a little while before asking him a question when a lull developed in the conversation.

"Mr Hughes, please can you tell me what a folklorist does?" he enquired. "It sounds like a most interesting profession." He seemed to be more interested in Jesse's reaction than the actual answer to his question though. Since the items had been passed around something seemed to have occurred to Walter and Jesse Hughes appeared to be the focus of his attention now.

In response to Ashton-Psmith and Ortega's questions, Larkin confirms that their hotel accommodations are already covered. In addition he has hired three trucks and drivers to take the party 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.

Larkin plans to provide any supplies necessary, but if the investigators need to buy anything special, he is happy to reimburse them, provided they can produce receipts. He aims to leave Lima for Puno early in the morning of Monday March 21. He instructs the investigators to meet him at 8 a.m. on Monday morning at the Hotel España.

In the meantime he suggests that some supplementary research may be helpful. If the investigators have time to assist perhaps they might find time over the weekend to visit the Museo de Arqueología y Antropología (Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology) of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (National University of San Marcos), where there may be old records tucked away and forgotten about. But he is insistent that any additional research must not delay the departure of the expedition.

As to the duration of the expedition once they arrive on site, he cannot speculate. He hopes with the detailed hints he has as to the likely location of the pyramid, that they will find something within a week. But it may take many weeks to tease out the pyramid's mysteries -- and treasure.

"As little as we can get away with, Mr. Luscombe," Hughes jokes in reply to Walter's question. Seeing that the Englishman may be truly interested in his profession, however, the American continues.

"We collect stories, sir. Old stories. Folk stories. Songs, funny little dances, the sayings kids say when they're playing games of catch or selecting who goes on what team. Eeny, meeny, miny, moe -- you've heard kids sing that a thousand times, right? Sound like nonsense, but kids in America, kids in England, have been singing it pretty much the same for hundreds of years. Maybe thousands. Best guess is that it goes back to ancient Celtic counting for tallying sheep herds and such.

"That's what I do, look for the funny bits that have ancient roots. Unearth old legends. How about you, what are you looking for here in Peru?"

Walter nodded at Jesse's explanation and smiled in return. "Very interesting. Very interesting indeed. I did a little reading about the mysterious cultures of the region myself on the boat over. One was a particularly interesting book about Mayan Death Cults. Very interesting indeed."

He sipped his drink before continuing. "As regards myself, my reasons for being here are very simple. I'm looking for an adventure, ideally one that helps me become one of those great Adventurers that they write books about. I'm no archaeologist or professor of any relevant period of history or even a folklorist, but I figure that all great expeditions need people to take the lead in organising getting there and getting back again so I thought that I might be able to help a little there, though I suspect that Mr Carpenter may know the land quite well. I've also got some experience with map making and that sounds like it might be useful as the region we're going sounds uncharted to me. I also offered, with Professor Larkin's permission of course, to write up an account of the expedition afterwards for posterity and with a bit of luck that will be worth publishing."

Monty was satisfied that their group leader had accounted for all accommodations on their proposed exploration. He made a mental note to spend the Saturday back at the museums and libraries, but this time with some more relevant focus. He would also visit the university, though he doubted any of the academic staff would be in attendance over the weekend.

"...so one day my mother sat me down and explained that I couldn't become an explorer because everything in the world had already been discovered. I'd been born in the wrong century, and I felt cheated." Ransom Riggs, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

  Lucky turns to Carpenter and says, "I'm not so good at studying old books, but I would like to get a lay of land; and perhaps a few bars. Interested?"

As the conversation turned to more scholarly matters and upper-classman dreams of "adventure", so did Harkers mind turn to excusing himself from it and finding a less...salubrious establishment to finish out the evening. Ortega's invitation was just the ticket. He nooded affirmation to the hispanic man with a grin, then stood up, barely managing not to knock his chair over in the process and addressed the table at large. "Well. This all sounds veeery interesting and it seems we all stand to make a tidy profit, but I don't reckon you'll be needing my expertise right now and a dinner table is hardly the place to be discussing the dangers of the Peruvian highlands. Professor; if you want to talk shop you know where to find me, otherwise I'll see you all Monday morning. Gents." he stroked his 'chops and nodded his farewell. He turned to Ortega "You coming? I know a good place near here."

In reply to Harker Carpenter (msg # 34):

"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading." Youngman, comedian

  Lucky nods to Carpenter and utters, "Si mi amigo!" Lucky gets up and follows Carpenter out.

Larkin is looking very pale and sweaty. He makes his excuses, something about a bout of malaria, and gets up to leave. Mendoza stands with him and helps him out of the door.

"Maybe I'll see you at the museum," he grimaces as a spasm of pain racks his body. "If not, on Monday, at the Hotel. We'll get started."

As these two leave, Jesse Hughes speaks quietly to the others.

"Can you stay a moment, gents?" he asks, touching the arm of those already starting to leave. "One more round of sours? On me?"