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The Complete Masks of Nyarlathotep d20
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<blockquote data-quote="Nebulous" data-source="post: 4032039" data-attributes="member: 31465"><p><span style="font-size: 12px">Adventure #12: The Black Pharaoh</span></p><p></p><p><strong>Part 1: The Clive Party</strong></p><p></p><p>Having nothing else to learn from the hash-addled Warren Bessart, the investigators take the clues gleaned from him (the Bent Pyramid, demons in the desert, and some woman named Nyiti) and check on Janwillen's progress with the Black Rites at the Cairo Museum. Janwillen has been busy drinking and scribbling as usual. The papyrus text and his own notebook are dribbled with sweat, and his new office stinks nearly as bad as the old one. </p><p></p><p>“All going well!” he says. “Just a few more weeks. Just a few. The secrets of Bast will soon be mine! Ahh…I mean…ours.” </p><p></p><p>They let him continue working, and soon join Dr. Ali Kafour in his office. But he is not alone. There is also an older woman seated in a wheelchair who nods curtly at the group. </p><p></p><p>“Gentlemen,” says Dr. Kafour, “I would like for you to meet an old friend of mine. Her name is Gi-Gi (sort of pronounced “Jshee-Jshee”). I believe that your particular line of…professionalism…might benefit her.”</p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/gigi.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>Gi-Gi, as she explains, has traveled far and wide seeking answers concerning her missing husband, as well as her growing psychic sensitivity. </p><p><span style="color: red"></span></p><p><span style="color: red">[GM Note: This was a player named Shambavi who played with us twice and then backed out of the campaign. Her history was interesting, although ultimately wasted. In a nutshell, her husband had mysteriously vanished after a car wreck. GiGi herself was crippled from the wreck and developed clairvoyant talents that the doctors could not explain. In her mind’s eye, she began having visions of Cairo, strange symbols, and her husband there, so she traveled to Egypt to find him, afraid that he had fostered occult or satanic secrets that he never revealed to her].</span></p><p></p><p>Not revealing too much too soon, the party asks GiGi to accompany them as they travel south by train to find the Clive expedition at Memphis, and afterwards explore the Bent Pyramid. According to Warren Bessart, some truly strange events occurred at the Bent Pyramid…</p><p></p><p>Two retainers are hired for the trip, a bald, silent eunuch nicknamed "Euni" to push Gi-Gi, and another “Nameless” Egyptian bodyguard. Ma'moud follows as willingly as he has since the day they first met him. Gi-Gi immediately takes a liking to the boy and asks him about her new acquaintances. </p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/mamoud.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>Ma’Moud says that they have recently lost two companions to very violent deaths. Oscar and Gi-Gi are convenient replacements, but Ma’Moud doesn’t mention that. </p><p></p><p>Nodding her head, Gi-Gi suspects that this group knows more than they’re letting on, and she is determined to discover the root of it. </p><p></p><p>While GiGi is indisposed with Ma’Moud, Dr. Kafour takes the rest of the group aside. He has been inspecting their artifacts hidden at his museum, and discovered that they have been carrying two extremely powerful items all along: the Mask of Hamaya and the Staff of Nyambe! The first allows contact with a deity, vastly increasing the chances of summoning it. But the last thing the investigators want is a face-to-face chat with Nyarlathotep. They don’t even want to touch the mask.</p><p></p><p>The Staff of Nyambe is possibly more useful, but Ali wants to do more research before he hands it over. He also tells them that cultists would gladly kill them to possess these items. Especially the Black Sphinx statue, which also increases the chance of summoning Nyarlathotep. They don’t want to do that, and they ask Ali to keep the artifacts safe in the museum for as long as he can, or until they retrieve them later.</p><p></p><p>The tireless scholar that he is, Ali has also been poring through old musty tomes, piecing together forgotten clues. His research has unveiled some tantalizing information, and he wants to discuss it.</p><p></p><p>“Have you, by chance,” he asks, “ever heard of the Eye of Light and Darkness?”</p><p></p><p>They have not, and Ali peers through his bifocals at a tome spread before him, reading the words carefully:</p><p><span style="color: orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: orange">“OF THOSE SIGNS EFFECTIVELY SEALING THE FESTERINGS OF THE DARK GOD, THE MOST POTENT IS THE EYE OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS. ONCE INSCRIBED INTO THE SUBSTANCE OF A HIGH PLACE NEAR A HAUNT OF EVIL, THE EYE EXPELS THE EVIL FOR SO LONG AS IT LASTS. IT IS FORETOLD IN PROPHECY THAT SUCH AN EYE CAN WARD AGAINST MINIONS OF THE BLACK WIND, HE WHOSE TRUE NAME SHALL NOT BE UTTERED HERE.”</span></p><p></p><p>Sighing, Ali Kafour looks up at them. “From what I know, such a sign once existed here in Egypt, but where, I know not. If we were to find it, the battle may significantly sway in our favor.”</p><p></p><p>He goes on to say that his contacts still have no news of a sarcophagus being smuggled out of the country, and Ali thinks it is in the vicinity unless shuttled away by powerful magic. In which case, a search is futile anyway. </p><p></p><p>Regardless, the group decides that Janwillen Vanheuven should guide them to Memphis and introduce them to the Clive Expedition. Dr. Clive, perhaps, might accept such a formal introduction, but Janwillen insists that Clive HATES strangers at his digs. In fact, he doesn’t seem to like Janwillen either. Their last parting was unpleasant (but Janwillen was also drunk and vitriolic). </p><p></p><p>Later that day, a lumbering train ride brings the group of eight [Neville, Morty, Ma’Moud, Gigi, Euni, “Nameless”, Oscar and Janwillen; Chang is out with intestinal problems] to Memphis where they disembark among the other tourists.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/clivedig.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/guard.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>The Clive Dig is roped off, but they cross it. An armed guard approaches them, his weapon pointed down, demanding they leave, but Vanheuven convinces the guard to let just three of them inside-- Morty, himself and Neville must speak with Dr. Clive. The excuse is that they have urgent news from the Penhew Foundation and must give Clive the message personally. The others wait outside, Euni holding an umbrella over Gi-Gi to protect her from the harsh sunlight.</p><p></p><p>The Clive dig is heavily guarded by armed Egyptians. Signs clearly state in several languages: “NO ADMITTANCE.” <a href="http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/sfx/Meeting CLIVE.mp3" target="_blank">Dark skinned men glare at them as they walk by, holding silent menace in their eyes.</a> </p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/people.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /> </p><p></p><p>A guard leads Morty, Janwillen and Neville to a wide tent and holds the flap aside. Within, Dr. Clive turns around, smoking a cigarette, obviously surprised to see Janwillen and not exactly pleased. He is a distinguished elderly gentleman in his fifties.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/clive2.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>Beside him is a young German man with blondish hair: Johann Sprech. There is a pistol slung at his belt.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/sprech.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>“Vanheuven!” exclaims Clive. “What in Christ’s good name are you doing? You don’t work with us anymore! Has your drunken arse forgotten that? Who have you brought here?”</p><p></p><p>Janwillen’s composure crumbles. “Ah! Oh! Clive! No no no no no no ! My old friend, look…I… I’m…I am not here for job. I…I brought these gentlemen! Scholars! Academics like yourself! Oh, yah, but much wiser than me. They wanted to meet you. I promise this is all! I…I did good, yah?”</p><p></p><p>“You…are an idiot. Nothing more.”</p><p></p><p>Janwillen grovels, whines, and babbles enough for Clive to grant audience with his guests, anything to get the man to shut up and leave. Johan Sprech glowers at Janwillen as if he wants to kick a boot through his teeth. </p><p></p><p>Nevertheless, Dr. Clive respectfully answers Neville's and Morty's questions concerning the theft of the mummy from the Giza site a few months ago. Clive can offer few details other than it was extremely unusual.</p><p></p><p>His companion, Johann Sprech, shows little love for the visitors and practically oozes resentment. He brandishes the revolver in his belt, tapping it occasionally throughout the interview.</p><p></p><p>“We left Giza,” admits Clive, “In order to avoid the media blitz. It was embarrassing enough to actually lose an entire mummy, much less suffer the indignity of reporters hounding us with questions. You…you’re not media are you?”</p><p></p><p>Johan sneers at the mention of this, but Neville and Morty quickly deny any such affiliations. “No, no,” they explain, “We’re just…um…historians doing research for a book.” Which is true enough. Neville really is a scholar and a writer doing research for a book. </p><p></p><p>Clive looks unconvinced, but Neville is able to miraculously bluff his way through the interview, asking if he can speak with any of the other principal members concerning the mummy. For his book, that's all. Clive looks at them carefully, and finally says that if they can find Gardner or Winfield they can ask a few questions. BUT…</p><p></p><p>…Johan Sprech must accompany them. The German bulldog hasn’t said a word yet; he’s just staring daggers at Neville, Morty and Janwillen, the latter of whom won’t even make eye contact. </p><p></p><p>“But you, Janwillen,” says Clive, “You are restricted from ever setting foot here again. Understood?”</p><p></p><p>“But Clive, I…I…I…”</p><p></p><p>“No ‘buts’ man. You had your chance. Join your friends and then I want all of you gone. Come back, and we’ll consider it trespassing. We have strict rules here enforced by the Egyptian government. You understand.”</p><p></p><p>They understand that this is a thinly veiled threat; they might be shot if they return.</p><p></p><p>Dejected, Vanheuven is led away while Morty and Neville follow him.</p><p></p><p>As they are crossing a large dune, another expedition member, James Gardner, jogs up to them.</p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/gardener.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>“Janwillen!” he exclaims, and heartily pumps the Dutchman’s hand. “Good Lord, I never thought to see you again. How is life? Did you ever go look for that shri—”</p><p></p><p>“Oh yes!” says Janwillen. “And I—” He glances at Johann. “—and I found nothing, sorry to say. Thank you anyway, Gardner.” </p><p></p><p>Neville and Morty question the British man Gardner about the theft of the mummy from their dig at Giza. Gardner seems amiable enough, and he even mentions his theory about a secret subterranean complex beneath Giza. He thinks that is how they (whoever THEY actually are) stole the mummy, but no one has ever been able to prove it despite constant searches. Johan Sprech continues to follow them everywhere like a shadow, even to the tent where Janwillen says hello to his old friend Agatha Broadmoor. </p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/agatha.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>Neville, thinking fast, is able to distract Johann Sprech outside while Morty quickly questions this elderly woman who seems extremely out of place in the middle of an Egyptian dig. She is seated in front of a mirror, dressed in bright, gaudy silks and painting her nails bright orange when Morty squats at her side.</p><p></p><p>“Ms. Agatha…Broadmoor? My name is--”</p><p></p><p>“In a dream,” she says quietly, without looking at him, “I knew you would come. A…kind man.” She touches his face absently, as if remembering. “A good man. Yes, one who would come to stop the evil. To do what I cannot.”</p><p></p><p>“Evil?” asks Morty quickly, glancing behind him at the tent flap. Outside, he can hear Johan Sprech and Neville arguing about something. Neville seems to be comparing German automobiles to American vehicles in a negative light.</p><p></p><p>Unexpectedly, Agatha Broadmmoor hisses between her teeth: “THE DARK QUEEN MUST NOT be resurrected under any means! The time comes soon!” </p><p></p><p>Morty’s jumps back. Her eyes are wide open, and she stares at him as if gazing through his very soul.</p><p></p><p>“They brought me here to speak with the spirits. It is a talent I have, ever since a child. Through séance I converse with the deceased. I hear their pain and mutters and madness. Always so much madness.”</p><p></p><p>The Penhew Foundation hired her for the explicit purpose of contacting an ancient Egyptian Queen named Nitcrosis. But through her dreams, and from the advice of her Holy Guardian Angel, Agatha fears that success at this endeavor will have dire consequences. </p><p></p><p><img src="http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/darkq.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p>But she is frightened now and has no choice. She knows of THREE items needed to revive the dead queen: The Crown, the Necklace, and the Girdle of Nitcrosis, the last of which has never been found. The cult has found the first two artifacts. She mentions these things casually, as if rattling off the names of her pets. But her ditsy persona returns, and she picks up her nail polish again.</p><p></p><p>She seems to trust Morty on an intrinsic level, but cannot elaborate further before Sprech bursts inside.</p><p></p><p>“YOU!” growls the German. “American infidel. LEAVE! NOW!” He demands for everyone to go immediately, and seems eager to shoot transgressors. Agatha continues painting her nails as if they had discussed nothing more important than the weather. </p><p></p><p>Janwillen, Morty and Neville trudge across the hot sand, confused and embarrassed, not sure if they should have come here or not. </p><p></p><p>The last thing they see is Dr. Clive standing atop a sand dune, lighting a cigarette and watching them leave.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nebulous, post: 4032039, member: 31465"] [size=3]Adventure #12: The Black Pharaoh[/size] [b]Part 1: The Clive Party[/b] Having nothing else to learn from the hash-addled Warren Bessart, the investigators take the clues gleaned from him (the Bent Pyramid, demons in the desert, and some woman named Nyiti) and check on Janwillen's progress with the Black Rites at the Cairo Museum. Janwillen has been busy drinking and scribbling as usual. The papyrus text and his own notebook are dribbled with sweat, and his new office stinks nearly as bad as the old one. “All going well!” he says. “Just a few more weeks. Just a few. The secrets of Bast will soon be mine! Ahh…I mean…ours.” They let him continue working, and soon join Dr. Ali Kafour in his office. But he is not alone. There is also an older woman seated in a wheelchair who nods curtly at the group. “Gentlemen,” says Dr. Kafour, “I would like for you to meet an old friend of mine. Her name is Gi-Gi (sort of pronounced “Jshee-Jshee”). I believe that your particular line of…professionalism…might benefit her.” [img]http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/gigi.jpg[/img] Gi-Gi, as she explains, has traveled far and wide seeking answers concerning her missing husband, as well as her growing psychic sensitivity. [color=red] [GM Note: This was a player named Shambavi who played with us twice and then backed out of the campaign. Her history was interesting, although ultimately wasted. In a nutshell, her husband had mysteriously vanished after a car wreck. GiGi herself was crippled from the wreck and developed clairvoyant talents that the doctors could not explain. In her mind’s eye, she began having visions of Cairo, strange symbols, and her husband there, so she traveled to Egypt to find him, afraid that he had fostered occult or satanic secrets that he never revealed to her].[/color] Not revealing too much too soon, the party asks GiGi to accompany them as they travel south by train to find the Clive expedition at Memphis, and afterwards explore the Bent Pyramid. According to Warren Bessart, some truly strange events occurred at the Bent Pyramid… Two retainers are hired for the trip, a bald, silent eunuch nicknamed "Euni" to push Gi-Gi, and another “Nameless” Egyptian bodyguard. Ma'moud follows as willingly as he has since the day they first met him. Gi-Gi immediately takes a liking to the boy and asks him about her new acquaintances. [img]http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/mamoud.jpg[/img] Ma’Moud says that they have recently lost two companions to very violent deaths. Oscar and Gi-Gi are convenient replacements, but Ma’Moud doesn’t mention that. Nodding her head, Gi-Gi suspects that this group knows more than they’re letting on, and she is determined to discover the root of it. While GiGi is indisposed with Ma’Moud, Dr. Kafour takes the rest of the group aside. He has been inspecting their artifacts hidden at his museum, and discovered that they have been carrying two extremely powerful items all along: the Mask of Hamaya and the Staff of Nyambe! The first allows contact with a deity, vastly increasing the chances of summoning it. But the last thing the investigators want is a face-to-face chat with Nyarlathotep. They don’t even want to touch the mask. The Staff of Nyambe is possibly more useful, but Ali wants to do more research before he hands it over. He also tells them that cultists would gladly kill them to possess these items. Especially the Black Sphinx statue, which also increases the chance of summoning Nyarlathotep. They don’t want to do that, and they ask Ali to keep the artifacts safe in the museum for as long as he can, or until they retrieve them later. The tireless scholar that he is, Ali has also been poring through old musty tomes, piecing together forgotten clues. His research has unveiled some tantalizing information, and he wants to discuss it. “Have you, by chance,” he asks, “ever heard of the Eye of Light and Darkness?” They have not, and Ali peers through his bifocals at a tome spread before him, reading the words carefully: [color=orange] “OF THOSE SIGNS EFFECTIVELY SEALING THE FESTERINGS OF THE DARK GOD, THE MOST POTENT IS THE EYE OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS. ONCE INSCRIBED INTO THE SUBSTANCE OF A HIGH PLACE NEAR A HAUNT OF EVIL, THE EYE EXPELS THE EVIL FOR SO LONG AS IT LASTS. IT IS FORETOLD IN PROPHECY THAT SUCH AN EYE CAN WARD AGAINST MINIONS OF THE BLACK WIND, HE WHOSE TRUE NAME SHALL NOT BE UTTERED HERE.”[/color] Sighing, Ali Kafour looks up at them. “From what I know, such a sign once existed here in Egypt, but where, I know not. If we were to find it, the battle may significantly sway in our favor.” He goes on to say that his contacts still have no news of a sarcophagus being smuggled out of the country, and Ali thinks it is in the vicinity unless shuttled away by powerful magic. In which case, a search is futile anyway. Regardless, the group decides that Janwillen Vanheuven should guide them to Memphis and introduce them to the Clive Expedition. Dr. Clive, perhaps, might accept such a formal introduction, but Janwillen insists that Clive HATES strangers at his digs. In fact, he doesn’t seem to like Janwillen either. Their last parting was unpleasant (but Janwillen was also drunk and vitriolic). Later that day, a lumbering train ride brings the group of eight [Neville, Morty, Ma’Moud, Gigi, Euni, “Nameless”, Oscar and Janwillen; Chang is out with intestinal problems] to Memphis where they disembark among the other tourists. [img]http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/clivedig.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/guard.jpg[/img] The Clive Dig is roped off, but they cross it. An armed guard approaches them, his weapon pointed down, demanding they leave, but Vanheuven convinces the guard to let just three of them inside-- Morty, himself and Neville must speak with Dr. Clive. The excuse is that they have urgent news from the Penhew Foundation and must give Clive the message personally. The others wait outside, Euni holding an umbrella over Gi-Gi to protect her from the harsh sunlight. The Clive dig is heavily guarded by armed Egyptians. Signs clearly state in several languages: “NO ADMITTANCE.” [url=http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/sfx/Meeting CLIVE.mp3]Dark skinned men glare at them as they walk by, holding silent menace in their eyes.[/url] [img]http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/people.jpg[/img] A guard leads Morty, Janwillen and Neville to a wide tent and holds the flap aside. Within, Dr. Clive turns around, smoking a cigarette, obviously surprised to see Janwillen and not exactly pleased. He is a distinguished elderly gentleman in his fifties. [img]http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/clive2.jpg[/img] Beside him is a young German man with blondish hair: Johann Sprech. There is a pistol slung at his belt. [img]http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/sprech.jpg[/img] “Vanheuven!” exclaims Clive. “What in Christ’s good name are you doing? You don’t work with us anymore! Has your drunken arse forgotten that? Who have you brought here?” Janwillen’s composure crumbles. “Ah! Oh! Clive! No no no no no no ! My old friend, look…I… I’m…I am not here for job. I…I brought these gentlemen! Scholars! Academics like yourself! Oh, yah, but much wiser than me. They wanted to meet you. I promise this is all! I…I did good, yah?” “You…are an idiot. Nothing more.” Janwillen grovels, whines, and babbles enough for Clive to grant audience with his guests, anything to get the man to shut up and leave. Johan Sprech glowers at Janwillen as if he wants to kick a boot through his teeth. Nevertheless, Dr. Clive respectfully answers Neville's and Morty's questions concerning the theft of the mummy from the Giza site a few months ago. Clive can offer few details other than it was extremely unusual. His companion, Johann Sprech, shows little love for the visitors and practically oozes resentment. He brandishes the revolver in his belt, tapping it occasionally throughout the interview. “We left Giza,” admits Clive, “In order to avoid the media blitz. It was embarrassing enough to actually lose an entire mummy, much less suffer the indignity of reporters hounding us with questions. You…you’re not media are you?” Johan sneers at the mention of this, but Neville and Morty quickly deny any such affiliations. “No, no,” they explain, “We’re just…um…historians doing research for a book.” Which is true enough. Neville really is a scholar and a writer doing research for a book. Clive looks unconvinced, but Neville is able to miraculously bluff his way through the interview, asking if he can speak with any of the other principal members concerning the mummy. For his book, that's all. Clive looks at them carefully, and finally says that if they can find Gardner or Winfield they can ask a few questions. BUT… …Johan Sprech must accompany them. The German bulldog hasn’t said a word yet; he’s just staring daggers at Neville, Morty and Janwillen, the latter of whom won’t even make eye contact. “But you, Janwillen,” says Clive, “You are restricted from ever setting foot here again. Understood?” “But Clive, I…I…I…” “No ‘buts’ man. You had your chance. Join your friends and then I want all of you gone. Come back, and we’ll consider it trespassing. We have strict rules here enforced by the Egyptian government. You understand.” They understand that this is a thinly veiled threat; they might be shot if they return. Dejected, Vanheuven is led away while Morty and Neville follow him. As they are crossing a large dune, another expedition member, James Gardner, jogs up to them. [img]http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/gardener.jpg[/img] “Janwillen!” he exclaims, and heartily pumps the Dutchman’s hand. “Good Lord, I never thought to see you again. How is life? Did you ever go look for that shri—” “Oh yes!” says Janwillen. “And I—” He glances at Johann. “—and I found nothing, sorry to say. Thank you anyway, Gardner.” Neville and Morty question the British man Gardner about the theft of the mummy from their dig at Giza. Gardner seems amiable enough, and he even mentions his theory about a secret subterranean complex beneath Giza. He thinks that is how they (whoever THEY actually are) stole the mummy, but no one has ever been able to prove it despite constant searches. Johan Sprech continues to follow them everywhere like a shadow, even to the tent where Janwillen says hello to his old friend Agatha Broadmoor. [img]http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/agatha.jpg[/img] Neville, thinking fast, is able to distract Johann Sprech outside while Morty quickly questions this elderly woman who seems extremely out of place in the middle of an Egyptian dig. She is seated in front of a mirror, dressed in bright, gaudy silks and painting her nails bright orange when Morty squats at her side. “Ms. Agatha…Broadmoor? My name is--” “In a dream,” she says quietly, without looking at him, “I knew you would come. A…kind man.” She touches his face absently, as if remembering. “A good man. Yes, one who would come to stop the evil. To do what I cannot.” “Evil?” asks Morty quickly, glancing behind him at the tent flap. Outside, he can hear Johan Sprech and Neville arguing about something. Neville seems to be comparing German automobiles to American vehicles in a negative light. Unexpectedly, Agatha Broadmmoor hisses between her teeth: “THE DARK QUEEN MUST NOT be resurrected under any means! The time comes soon!” Morty’s jumps back. Her eyes are wide open, and she stares at him as if gazing through his very soul. “They brought me here to speak with the spirits. It is a talent I have, ever since a child. Through séance I converse with the deceased. I hear their pain and mutters and madness. Always so much madness.” The Penhew Foundation hired her for the explicit purpose of contacting an ancient Egyptian Queen named Nitcrosis. But through her dreams, and from the advice of her Holy Guardian Angel, Agatha fears that success at this endeavor will have dire consequences. [img]http://www.med.unc.edu/~saasha/Masks/darkq.jpg[/img] But she is frightened now and has no choice. She knows of THREE items needed to revive the dead queen: The Crown, the Necklace, and the Girdle of Nitcrosis, the last of which has never been found. The cult has found the first two artifacts. She mentions these things casually, as if rattling off the names of her pets. But her ditsy persona returns, and she picks up her nail polish again. She seems to trust Morty on an intrinsic level, but cannot elaborate further before Sprech bursts inside. “YOU!” growls the German. “American infidel. LEAVE! NOW!” He demands for everyone to go immediately, and seems eager to shoot transgressors. Agatha continues painting her nails as if they had discussed nothing more important than the weather. Janwillen, Morty and Neville trudge across the hot sand, confused and embarrassed, not sure if they should have come here or not. The last thing they see is Dr. Clive standing atop a sand dune, lighting a cigarette and watching them leave. [/QUOTE]
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