With a sudden dizzying jolt, you find yourselves wrenched through time once more- daylight streams through the slits in the Observatory, a quiet hush falling across Chichén Xoxul outside. The ruined ritual city looks as overgrown and forgotten as you remember it being when you first approached it, with no sign of the calamity you just witnessed.
"Impossible..." Evelyn mutters deliriously, their return to their proper time barely seeming to register with her. At long last, she had been faced with something that she couldn't simply explain away with scientific theory. There is a wobble to her step as approaches the exit of the observatory; at the very least, she seems better off than Brooks's sorcerer.
Freddy draws a heavy breath. "It looks like we're back home. Let's get out of here and never come back." Freddy stops and picks up a chunk of rubble after he pulls himself out of the observatory. "Remember to take a souvenir. We'll need it to.." The PI's mind recoils at the spell that was forced into his head and he leaves the rest of his sentence unspoken.
Amadeus pulls himself from the ground, still shaking and bleeding from the nose. "Home? If that thing can see us wherever we are, how is home safe?"
"Impossible..." Evelyn mutters deliriously, their return to their proper time barely seeming to register with her. At long last, she had been faced with something that she couldn't simply explain away with scientific theory. There is a wobble to her step as approaches the exit of the observatory; at the very least, she seems better off than Brooks's sorcerer.
Weary, pale and shocked you exit the Pyramid of the Sorcerer. Though you're in one piece, you leave burdened with knowledge no sane person should have. As you depart back to the game trail, there's no sign of the bandits that ambushed you on your way in- only the eerie hush of the jungle. You look back one last time at the damned pyramid and you see a black toad-like thing the size of a jaguar watching your exit from the steps. With a shudder, you retrace your steps through the jungle.
At the trail head, you find Pablo and the porters waiting for you, as agreed. Lucky for you, Cora demanded they wait an extra day- you lost an entire day in the Pyramid, though it felt like merely hours.
Cora is uncharacteristically in no mood for further adventures for now. She'd already made a profit in the trip and piercing the veil of reality to see the horror beyond in the bargain is more than enough for her thank you.
Well I'm a damned witch now. She says to the others in a brash tone that hides quite a lot of anxiety and fear I need to go home, meet with some friends and get very very drunk. Do we have time to do that?
Amadeus nods at Cora's assessment. "Drinking seems prudent when confronted with the end of the world."
"We have what we came for. We still need to figure out where to use it," Evelyn remarks after a long silence. The things she saw in the pyramid - both the horrible acts her companions committed and the inexplicable cosmic horror - weighed on her heavily. The doctor was no longer capable of thinking straight. Perhaps a drink was exactly what she needed.
Yeah, let's figure that part out back in the US. I'm tired of the jungle. Give each other a week and meet back at Janet's place?"
The last day in Mérida mostly involves packing your bags and looking over your shoulders. And a lot of tequila. You send a telegram off to your benefactor and head out to the airfield. Frank Kearns, Janet's pilot, doesn't ask any questions even after you introduce Cora for the first time. He shakes hands, scratches his bulbous nose and loads up your bags in the cargo hatch.
You hop from the Yucatán to Miami and refuel there before dropping Freddy off in Savannah to see his family while the rest of you get rooms at a motel near the airport. From there, it's another short flight to New York where you all head home to recover.
Current leads:
- Jonathan Brooks remains at large in Mexico City, should you wish to confront him.
- Correspondence to "S.S." in Bangkok, both pasted into Los Angeles cult leader Samson Trammel's disgusting Testament and written by Jonathan Brooks while seeking the identity of The Thing With A Thousand Mouths AKA Y'golonac lead you to believe that S.S. is a well-educated woman based on her penmanship, that she considers herself an equal to the late Samson Trammel and that Jonathan Brooks thought she could be swayed to help him get out from under Trammel and learn more about their god. You have a return address from a letter sent to Trammel- attached to the name "Daniel Lowman".
- George Ayers, a founding member of the 1924 cult and Edgar Job's former professor, disappeared in Ethiopia on an archaeological dig shortly before the destruction of Echavarria's cult by Walter Winston and his friends. You've dug up his travel itinerary from '24 after some digging in the UCLA storage units.
As it turns out, the tequila doesn't really help. All the way back to New York, Evelyn's distant attitude does not improve. If anything, it gets a little worse. Without some obscurities or mortal peril to engross herself in, all that remained were bad memories.
Once she gets home, with a great deal of trepidation she calls Jeffery and her father. She did not dare meet them in person. As usual, she tells half-truths and vague recollections, presenting her exploits in Mexico as yet another medical research trip. The lies came naturally at this point; she did not even feel bad about it anymore. She now knew for certain that she was protecting them from something truly horrific and alien.
Eased out of her shell by the awkward phone calls, Evelyn then musters the courage to meet with Dr. Hastings in person, someone she definitely had some catching up to do with. She mostly just wanted to make sure that her job was still secure in light of her extended sabbatical, but the truth was, she was not entirely certain she would care if it wasn't.
First things first Cora checks in with Sullivan, her parole officer. Good old George usually knew when she hadn't been up to any good but was never quite able to prove it. It was a game they both played and seemed to enjoy. This time though George could tell that there was something different about Cora. She was jumpy in a way she had never been before. Still, getting back to a usual part of her life gives Cora a desperately needed veneer of normalcy.
With Charlie, though, she's much more frank. I got mixed up in some kooky business Charlie. There's things in the world that ain't human. she says with a shudder You taught me how to deal with people. How do you con something that ain't?
As it turns out, the tequila doesn't really help. All the way back to New York, Evelyn's distant attitude does not improve. If anything, it gets a little worse. Without some obscurities or mortal peril to engross herself in, all that remained were bad memories.
Once she gets home, with a great deal of trepidation she calls Jeffery and her father. She did not dare meet them in person. As usual, she tells half-truths and vague recollections, presenting her exploits in Mexico as yet another medical research trip. The lies came naturally at this point; she did not even feel bad about it anymore. She now knew for certain that she was protecting them from something truly horrific and alien.
Eased out of her shell by the awkward phone calls, Evelyn then musters the courage to meet with Dr. Hastings in person, someone she definitely had some catching up to do with. She mostly just wanted to make sure that her job was still secure in light of her extended sabbatical, but the truth was, she was not entirely certain she would care if it wasn't.
So in total, Evelyn should have lost 2 Sanity from the Yucatán expedition by my count. Casting spells cost Stability or Health, but knowing spells in and of themselves don't cost Sanity from what I can tell in the rules.
Freddy makes his first stop with his wife and the kids. He'll give them a few souvenirs from Mexico and his remaining pesos that he never bothered to have converted back to US dollars. He'll spend a couple of days talking about the misery and humidity of the jungle and some of the different people he met. He never brings up pair of mens socks that he finds under the couch. Freddy never wore argyle. Who was he to judge anyway? Everytime he stepped out and said goodbye, it might be the last time.
The PI in some ways was dreading his chat with Sully. He just wasn't sure that he knew how he was going to explain the letter that he had sent. In the end though, he didn't. George seemed to understand the seriousness and secrecy of the situation and didn't pry any further about the missive other than mentioning it in passing. Just enough to acknowledge that he got it. One unexpected turn was freddy mentioning his new travelling partner, Cora King. A few laughs were shared between them, apparently Sully figured Cora couldn't stay out of trouble.
Either he was willing to let it go because of his relationship with Cora, or because he realized that Freddy was going to need all the help he could get, since it didn't seem like he was going to make a big deal of it.
"I think that maybe we avoid Mexico City. We left there on not great terms with the police. If we go back, they'll want us to check in with them and will probably provide us with an escort. in was a major pain in the ass trying to work around them last time without implicating ourselves at all. I think that maybe Ethiopia might be our strongest lead. We have an actual location that we can check. In Bangkok we'll be searching a city with just a name." Freddy sits back and sips a bourbon from Janet's bar. "What does everyone think?"
"I was thinking the same thing," Evelyn says in agreement, taking a sip of moscato from her glass. Laying off the red wine took a considerable amount of willpower on her part. "Strictly speaking, we do not need to track down the rest of the cult. We just have to find out where Mount Kailash is. And frankly, an archaeological dig strikes me as the kind of place where one might learn that kind of information."
Amadeus shakes slightly as he sips something amber and alcoholic; he really doesn't taste it. "Agreed. I think the archeology aspect is key." He starts at shadows and jumps if anyone moves suddenly.
Well, I've never been to Africa Cora says. Should be a gas.
George Ayers and Ethiopia
- George Ayers, along with Samson Trammel and Ramon Echavarria, made up the core inner circle of Echavarria's 1920s cult in Los Angeles.
- A UCLA professor of Archaeology and expert on ancient religions, he was responsible for bringing Edgar Job into the cult (Job is the only other survivor besides Douglas Henslowe of the '24 raid that killed Echavarria and Walter Winston's friends).
- The dig in Ethiopia where he disappeared was spearheaded by a Spanish archaeologist named Bartolo Acuna.
- Ayers was mostly concerned with researching Gol-Goroth and the Liar From Beyond; he sent the odd carving you have with your materials back to Echavarria in '24, which was intercepted by Douglas Henslowe.
Janet Winston-Rogers organizes your travel itineraries while you all pack up steamer trunks and suitcases, say goodbye to your friends and family once more and get ready to depart for Africa. A limousine takes you to the docks on Manhattan's west side where you board a cruise liner to London. After three long days at sea, you disembark in London and spend the night there before getting up bright and early for the British Airways trunk line. Your passports are examined and re-examined after passing through Paris and Rome. You have a brief moment for a group photograph in Cairo before taking a short trip to Suez and the Red Sea via rail. You're hot and dry, uncertain what day it is or what time it is- but at least you're traveling first class and not clinging to the roof like the people in coach. Amadeus almost fits in with his turban here- at least until people realize he's white and doesn't speak Arabic.
At Suez, you fight your way through the press of people, camels, horses, automobiles to reach the docks and board your ship across the Red Sea to Massaua in Eritrea where the Italians are spearheading their military efforts in Ethiopia. From there, you will have to secure a dhow to take you further down the coast to Mersa Fatma where you will have to then travel inland to Kolluli and finally to Dallol, seeking information about Ayers' and Acuna's dig in '24 and Ayers' fate.
Even after reaching the waters around Massaua, it takes the better part of the day to actually dock. The docks are full to the brim with ships carrying troops, equipment and supplies to the Italian military and your ship is forced to wait until space opens up.
Finally the ship can dock and you step off the docks into Massaua to be greeted by an Italian official in brown military uniform completely unsuited to the African climate. He smiles widely, but without revealing any teeth, while local porters and military officers unload and inspect the packages on board the ship.
(In Italian)"Welcome to the New Roman Empire, here in Massaua. Americans, yes? What is your business in Massaua? Are these your possessions here? I see you've passed through Cairo- did anyone ask you to bring anything here?"
The long trip makes Evelyn restless, but staying on the move at least keeps her mind off other things. She spends much of her time reading and rereading her notes on their investigation, particularly their leads on George Ayers.
In Massaua, Evelyn returns the military official's smile with one of her own. For once, they are dealing with a language she could speak fluently. She decides not to stray too far from the truth, lest they arouse suspicion.
"They are, sir. But no, we were only in Cairo very briefly. We've been traveling almost nonstop since leaving New York. We are seeking passage into Ethiopia, so that we may see some of the archaeological digs there." She chances a bit of flattery, adding, "I've heard that some of them are very beautiful - they will make fine additions to the New Roman Empire."
Cora for one looks genuinely happy and sports a wide grin during the group photo in Egypt. She'd never really thought about travelling the world, as busy as she was with her grifts and hustles, but she found it suited her really well.
She lets Evelyn handle the talking.
Cora for one looks genuinely happy and sports a wide grin during the group photo in Egypt. She'd never really thought about travelling the world, as busy as she was with her grifts and hustles, but she found it suited her really well.
She lets Evelyn handle the talking.
The long trip makes Evelyn restless, but staying on the move at least keeps her mind off other things. She spends much of her time reading and rereading her notes on their investigation, particularly their leads on George Ayers.
In Massaua, Evelyn returns the military official's smile with one of her own. For once, they are dealing with a language she could speak fluently. She decides not to stray too far from the truth, lest they arouse suspicion.
"They are, sir. But no, we were only in Cairo very briefly. We've been traveling almost nonstop since leaving New York. We are seeking passage into Ethiopia, so that we may see some of the archaeological digs there." She chances a bit of flattery, adding, "I've heard that some of them are very beautiful - they will make fine additions to the New Roman Empire."
The inspector smiles broadly once more, folding and checking off paperwork.
"Yes, it is true. Civilization shall flourish here once more, it is only a matter of time. Where would you be traveling to in Abyssinia? And with whom are you affiliated?"
The Inspector, Carlo, shuffles his papers and continues to ask thorough and specific questions. There are shouts in Italian all around you as more and more soldiers load up into wagons and trucks, ready to deploy further into Africa or to take some leave in Massaua.
Finally satisfied, Carlo smiles.
"Welcome to Eritrea and best of luck in Abyssinia. Be very careful- the native opposition will crumble in time but that doesn't mean they aren't dangerous."
"Thank you, Carlo," Evelyn replies cordially, finding that she is able to provide perfectly honest and concise answers to all of the inspector's questions. Eyeing his papers, the doctor realizes that there is something else they might need. Ah, bureaucracy. "Ah, one more thing before we leave. Could you provide us with some travel papers? I would very much like to avoid any misunderstandings with the Empire."
"Ah, but of course signora. Let me make your journey through the frontier a bit easier, hm?", Carlo says, as he returns to his stacks of paperwork. In a few moments of rapid signing, stamping and arranging he hands you a small envelope of documents asserting that you have been cleared to travel through Eritrea across the border into Ethiopia.
With your papers in hand, you emerge into Massaua proper. The air is thick with smoke from exhaust, the smell of horse teams and camels. Buildings are predominantly Ottoman-style architecture with some Western-style buildings constructed here and there (mainly churches). Everywhere are Italian troops in heavy brown woolen uniforms, marching in columns, smoking in cafes and bars. Massaua natives likewise transport military equipment or personnel, sell supplies or try to go about their business around the omnipresent military presence of the Italians.
Well maybe we should find somebody who knows about this spooky ghost business. Preferably someone we can all talk to, not just Evelyn... how many languages do you speak anyway Doc?
Freddy nods to Cora. "We'll eventually need to find passage into Ethiopia.. or Abyssinia.. or whatever. But I like the idea of stickin around here for a bit. We should get an idea of what we are gettin into once we cross that border." The PI looks around at their surroundings on the street. "Maybe we should take this conversation into a booth in one a these bars?"
The bars (and, come to think of it, hotels) in Massaua are almost full to capacity everywhere you go, but you find your Italian travel papers and Dr. Malley's fluent Italian open some room for you and make navigating the city far easier. In a cramped booth at a cafe, you get some overpriced glasses of wine or grappa to plan your next move.
How do you even go about finding people.. Cora falters for words People mixed up in this crazy business. People like us I suppose. At least we should scare up some folks who know how things are shaking in Ethiopia and Dallol.
You spend some time asking around about the war in Ethiopia, reading the Italian language newspaper with a critical eye and asking around town about Ayers' expedition in '24. The Italians have invaded to "reclaim" Abyssinia as part of the fascists' new Roman Empire. Ethiopian nationals are, naturally, resisting them and conscripting local Afar tribes to do some of the fighting. Reading between the lines, the tribesmen are getting the short end of the stick here- many tribes have been massacred by the Italians during the conflict.
No one you've spoken to in Massaua seems to have much interest in or memory of the '24 dig in Dallol. Information may possibly be easier to come by in Mersa Fatma.
"Hm. We might not be able to find anything until we've reached Mersa Fatma," Evelyn concludes, not terribly surprised that they are having difficulty finding information.
"Acuna?", he says, "Why, the Spaniard was here at the hotel only a few days ago! No idea where the drunk ran off to, though."
Really? Cora continues to ply Giotto That's a stroke of luck for us! Was he with someone or some organization that would know where he's gone too? Would love to get his expertise since we're interested in Dallol ourselves!
”The cultural ministry has hired him- they’ve hired most of us that aren’t natives or soldiers for our expertise, after all. He’s a drunk and a crank, but he knows Africa better than nearly anyone.”, the scholar says, loosening his collar.
”Did you say you were with a dig? You aren’t... “attached”, are you?”, Giotto says, leaning in...
Cora smiles I'm attached to my work at the moment. If it goes off well then I'll be free to follow my whims. she disengages herself from the academic and moves away.
Well I don't feel like talking nice to anyone for a while. she says Maybe someone else can sweet talk the cultural ministry to find out about Acuna
"With any luck, they'll point us in the right direction," Evelyn agrees, eager to find a good lead.
Spanish tomb raider. Think he's well known around here. Acuna Cora says quietly after identifying a fellow traveller on the morally grey side of things the hotel bartender. Got any sense on what he might be up to and where?