CALL OF CTHULU- THE MASKS OF NYARLHOTEP (Inactive)

Game Master Daniel Penfold 351

"Well, I've been investigating them for nearly a year. My predecessor was investigating them and was never found. I assume he got too close to the culprit. Any leads you have would be very useful.

I interviewed a number of Egyptians. most of whom had nothing to offer, however a spice dealer named Zahra Shafik interested me. Shafik had worked with the Penhew Foundation in the past. She recognised the name but denied the Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh still existed. Something about her made me think there was a lot she wasn't saying. She frequently went to the Blue Pyramid but I learnt little else about her."

Sylvia frowns. "I don't know much about death cults, certainly not anywhere near as much as Jackson, but I've been reading a book that refers to the Brotherhood of the Black Pharoah. Life as a God...have you perhaps heard of it?"

"I'm afraid not, it sounds like something that Crowley chap would read. Did Jackson mention anything about the murders to you?"

"No, he didn't. Not specifically." Sylvia takes a deep breath. "Jackson contacted us saying he knew something about the Carlyle Expedition and wanted our help with the investigation. When we went to meet him...we found him dead. What we do know we've pieced together from his notes and the other people he talked to. We hadn't heard of the Egyptian Murders until we came here and talked to Mr. Mahoney."

"Do you happen to know where Zahra Shafik lives? It seems like she might be worth talking to, but I'm not sure how open she'll be if we find her at the club. A description would also be helpful."

Jake offers a cigarette and a reassuring smile.
"I promise we will be discreet." He said.
Charm (72%): 1d100 ⇒ 93

"It seems possible his murder is related to the murders here. We've not been able to find her London home. All we know is that she is a frequent visitor to the Blue Pyramid Club. We know she owns a spice shop called Empire Spices but we didn't have the men or authority to question her as we have no hard evidence that she was involved. Her agents offered help as much as they were willing to but any interviews with Shafik were refused. We know she is in her late 30s and slender with long dark hair and green eyes. She usually wears elegant black outfits."

"I would suggest we start with this Sahra Shafik. Perhaps then one of us could visit the spice shop to purchase product. I myself sometimes concoct a mixture to help me into a dream state. Perhaps I could go there in search of these ingredients".

The frail man then hesitates a bit to get his breath back.

"Depending upon the encounter with her, we could either seek her aid, or tail her until she leads us to this Blue Pyramid club".

Colt then turns to their informant.

"What do you know of this Blue Pyramid Club? Is it a private society, or is the public welcome"?

"The Blue Pyramid is a private members club, however its my understanding that if you look as if you have money they'll let you in. It's open to both Egyptians and other nationals."

Sylvia instinctively looks at Jake. If any of them have a chance of convincing the Blue Pyramid that they have money, it's him. Or maybe he could charm his way in as someone's guest...

"The Blue Pyramid Club in general and Zahra Shafik in particular do sound like our best leads, at least for the moment." Sylvia pulls out her pocketwatch and glances at it. "Colt, if you want to drop by the shop I think there's still time this afternoon." She nods at Inspector Barrington. "We'll let you know if we find anything that could be of us for your investigation. Hopefully Zahra and the other patrons at the Blue Pyramid will be more inclined to talk to us than to an Inspector of the law."

Empire Spices is a two storey building at 76 Wardour Street in Soho. As you enter there are a myriad of pleasant smells. Spices and herbs line the walls. Working in the shop is a young woman in her late 30s aided by a younger Egyptian assistant.

"Welcome to Empire Spices, is there anything in particular you are looking for?"

Colt walks to the counter, and gives the woman a list of the spices he is seeking.

"Greetings! Fine shop you have here. I'm not really familiar with many of these. Where are they from? ".

Colt walks around occasionally coughing into his kerchief, and sniffing for effect.

"I have a colleague in America whom I believe shares your heritage. He claims that many of the herbs used in Northern Africa might help my condition... any suggestions".

Jake raised an eyebrow at Sylvia.
"Well, let me see what I can do..." He said, already thinking about the problem. Then he grinned.

Back at the Ritz, Jake approached the snootiest concierge he could find.
"Apologies sir, I am new in town and I have heard of an exotic establishment known as The Blue Pyramid Club. I would be very grateful if one could find an entree for me and my retinue." Jake said, sweetening the deal with the discreet passing of two one hundred pound notes.
Charm (72%): 1d100 ⇒ 91

Shafik looks you over for a few seconds Colt befre saying,

Meanwhile back at the Ritz the concierge eyes' widen. You get the impression that this is close to 3 years' wages for him. He goes away to arrange things and about 2 hours later he returns with 3 entry passes to the Blue Pyramid Club which strangely seem to have cost the exact £200 you paid him.

"Victory lady and gents!" Said Jake striding into the suite and tossing his hat onto a rack. "Three passes to the Blue Pyramid Club!"
Making everyone a scotch, he looked over his companions critically.
"We may need a more upscale look though. What say we all take a trip to the clothiers? My treat?"

Not wanting to crowd Zahra Shafik at the shop, Sylvia stuck with Jake instead. Her eyes widen at the size of the bribe he offers the concierge, although she tries to act casual. Just how rich is he?!

She coughs at his suggestion of new clothes. "Um, yes. More fashionable clothes would probably be...appropriate." Her own clothes, while practical, are definitely not appropriate for an upscale club. "If you're sure you don't mind."

You head to the Burlington Arcade to buy a suit for Jake and Colt, followed by a trip to Selfridges to buy a cocktail dress, shoes and accessories for Sylvia.

Meanwhile, back in Empire Spices, Colt glancing around you can see that at the back of the shop there appears to be an office and perhaps a storeroom.

Is there anything else you want to do Colt?

Colt steps forwards within quiet conversation distance of the proprietor.

"I...I must confess that not only this condition brought me here, but also another... situation I find myself in. I have the propensity to Walk the dream world with the assistance of certain herbs and poultices. I have read that the Egyptians had similar abilities to affect the world and themselves using these mediums... and hoped that you might give me insight into some of the same".

He stops to clear his throat, and indiscreetly look around to make sure their conversation was private.

"If you could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated. Perhapsyou or some acquaintance might have insight"?

1d100 ⇒ 30 Persuade (45%)

Zahra looks sideways to ensure no one is listening.

"I may be able to find something that could help you use those abilities, but perhaps here is not the place to discuss such things. [i]She gives you a gold leaf trimmed card. Meet me tonight at the Blue Pyramid Club and come to my private room, we can talk in more privacy there. Oh and it's black tie!"

With that she turns away and heads into the back office.

Colt pays for the small package of herbs, and leaves the shop to go and join the others, the business card tucked firmly into his top pocket.

Are you heading to the Blue Pyramid that evening?

Sylvia feels decidedly out of place in her new gown, but has to admit it's flattering. "Thank you Jake. It's perfect."

I believe the Blue Pyramid is our next step.

Later that evening

Dressed in your finery you head to Meard Street in Soho, the location of the Blue Pyramid. At the front door you are greeted by a doorman who quickly ushers you inside. The club consists of a ballroom and bar, coffee room and drawing room. The floor show in the ballroom consists of belly dancing routines as well as musical sets performed by the club's resident quartet of musicians. From time to time the dancers come between the tables encouraging the patrons to give them a few coins. Some young men become a bit too hands on and are swiftly ejected by the club's bouncers.

Spot Hidden checks please.

Spot Hidden (25%): 1d100 ⇒ 52

Spot Hidden, 47%: 1d100 ⇒ 18

Sylvia you notice that some men, mainly Egyptian with one or two Englishmen are allowed to be a bit more 'handsy' without any interference from either the dancers or the bouncers. On one of their clothes you notice just for a moment a strange symbol (see images) which looks Egyptian in nature.

Sylvia tries her best to avoid looking too out of place in the club. She orders a simple martini and sips it while glancing surreptitiously at the patrons. After a few minutes she starts to notice a pattern, and elbows both Jake and Colt lightly in their sides to get their attention.

"That symbol on his clothes." She inclines her head towards an Egyptian man leaning close to one of the dancers. "Do you see it? The people wearing it are being given more liberties."

After their experiences in Harlem, strange symbols combined with seemingly cult-related murders makes Sylvia extremely suspicious. She tries her best to memorize both the symbol and the faces of the men wearing it.

"Colt, do you see Zahra around? And do you think we should go with you or is this a private conference?"

Colt scans the room looking for his acquaintance Zahra. "I'm not sure. I certainly don't want to arouse her suspicions... but am sure that I might not ask the right questions. Perhaps I could meet with her in private first, and feel out if my friends with similar interests should join us".

You cannot see any signs of Zahra at present. You know however that she is an important client and may well have hired a private room.

Not seeing Zahra in the common room, Colt approaches one of the doormen, and presents the card that Zahra gave him.

"Begging your pardon... can you point me in the direction of this private room"?

The doorman greets you and says that Miss Shafik is waiting for you all. You are led into the sumptuous private room which is decorated with find Egyptian silks and cushions. Standing in one corner is Zahra.

[i]She pours you all a drink

"You were the American gentleman after some more 'exotic' spices. So tell me, what brings you to London?"

Are we all in the room, or is this just Colt?

You're all in the room.

Jake will schmooze with the people around here, ordering an expensive scotch and trading on his charm and whatever fame he can bring to the table to generate goodwill towards the party.
Charm (72%): 1d100 ⇒ 69

Some of the patrons do seem to recognise Jake and they but him a few drinks before you are all ushered into the private room.

In the private room Zahra seems to be watching you all intently.

"I...I'd like to introduce my friends. They've accompanied me to Europe on our search for something to help with understanding the dream state, as well as something to help my condition. You mentioned on our previous visit, that you might have something of interest to us"?

"In terms of helping your condition Mr Malone I would suggest an infusion of ginger and fenugreek would be most efficacious.

The dream state is a tricky affair. I do not know much about it myself, however I believe that there are those within the city who may be able to help. There is a painter who must be able to access the dream state given the types of things he's painting. There's also a man called Gavigan at the Penhew Foundation who I believe has access to certain artefacts of my country. But he may be more dangerous to interact with.

"...But he may be more dangerous to interact with."

Jake grinned through curling cigarette smoke.

"I'm only working on rumour, you understand. There are those who say he is involved in a series of murders that have plagued the Egyptians living in the area. I do know that some of the 'artefacts' he collects for the Penhew Foundation do not always seem to go on display.

I don't know if any of these rumours are true but I can't take that risk. I and my fellows stay out of his way."

"Thank you. I will try the ginger and fenugreek potion to see if it works, and I'll look for the painter. Do you have any idea how I might go about seeking him out"?

Colt then pulls forth his handkerchief and coughs into it for a few minutes.

"This other man... Gavigan I believe you said. He sounds dangerous, and I'll keep him in mind as a last resort. Do you know of a safe way to make his acquaintance"?

"Visiting the Penhew Foundation as scholars would probably be the safest way, provided you were careful and looked out for anything strange or unusual."

Sylvia's quiet, listening to Zahra's words intently. For once she doesn't take notes, not wanting to risk scaring her off.

"Your fellows. Would those be the ones I noticed wearing a particular symbol? It seemed they were...well-regarded in the club." She looks sympathetically at Colt as he coughs, making a mental note to look into this infusion of ginger and fenugreek to see if it might actually have some medical benefit.

"Yes, our society does charitable works among the residents of London and sometimes further afield and protect the interests of any Egyptian citizens."

A charitable organization? Sylvia has her doubts about that. The strange symbol had been too reminiscent of the ones they'd seen in Harlem.

She observes Zahra intently, trying to parse out how much of her words were true.

Psychology, 72%: 1d100 ⇒ 17

Basically trying to do a Sense Motive here. I think that's psychology, but if another skill would be more appropriate just let me know.

That was a very gold roll

Sylvia you pick up the following:

Finally, she is clearly pretending to be a simple nightclub patron and spice dealer but there is clearly some power there that is important to her and is likely extremely dangerous.

"I see. Thank you for warning us about Gavigan; it seems he will be a contact of last resort." Sylvia does her best not to show any suspicion on her face. This Zahra is clearly not telling us the whole truth, particularly not about her 'fellows.' We may be in more danger here than we realized.

With no more questions to ask, (at least not any that she thinks might be answered), she sits back and waits for the interview to be over. Preferably as soon as possible, so they can get out of there and she can relay her suspicions to the others.

Anything else you want to ask Zhara

Colt and Jake anything else you want to ask/do?