Masks of Nyarlathotep: Chapter 1 (New York City)

[Vendetta]

"Just what I was thinking," Jack says, tossing the slip of paper in the trash bin. "A crude skull wearing a crown, perhaps."

 

[yangnome]

"I am not a Negro, sir, but I take your meaning. Perhaps we should place a call to the police or to our friends - if they are still at Prospero House - before entering.

We could enter now, and find out what we can, while you follow several minute later - perhaps under the ruse of fundraising for the local parish - do you know the name of the Harlem parish, or its Bishop? He would have to leave either us or you unattended for a few minutes to deal with the other.

I think my story will involve a painting Mr. Elias commissioned from me last week - he wanted it to include certain themes from Kenyan art and, say, religion? I was to speak with him, along with my professor, here, this morning regarding more specifics, but have received no answer upon ringing him, decided to do some research myself. Could Mr. N'Kwane, please show me the kinds of things Mr. Elias was intested in?"

"As I said, I'm not one for dishonesty. but I could go try to find a phone while the two of you enter the place. Of course, the three of us may have already been seen here together... I'll meet you back out front here in 20 minutes. If you aren't out by then, I'll come inside looking for you."

 

[Maerdwyn]

Jibril nods, "You are right about us possibly having been seen together. We will need to keep it in mind." Turning to Charles, he says, "Shall we give this a try?"

If Charles is in agreement, Jibril head toward the door of the establishment and hold the door open for him

 

[yangnome]

With that, Father O'Malley, turns and heads off in search of a phone.

 

[Ashy]

Jibril nods, "You are right about us possibly having been seen together. We will need to keep it in mind." Turning to Charles, he says, "Shall we give this a try?"

If Charles is in agreement, Jibril head toward the door of the establishment and hold the door open for him

Looking tentative in the extreme, Charles plops his glasses back on the bridge of his nose. "Y-yes, I would think so. I will follow your lead, Jibril."

 

[Gomez]

Ju-Ju House
Harlem

Charles and Jibril walk up to the door. A sign on the door says the Ju-Ju House is open 9am to 5 pm and closed on Sundays. Charles glances over at the display window and it's contents. A quick glance tells him that the African art inside looks genuine.

The door opens easily to a small shop barely fifteen by twenty feet. The place is dirty ,dusty, and piled with African tribal artifacts and bric-a-brac-devil masks, leather-headed drums, stuffed model giraffes, carved wildebeasts, dull hand weapons intended for display, ivory warthogs, and so on. The shop has an oppressive feel to it. A large middle aged black women is looking at some masks over by a corner and behind a counter is a white haired old black man in white shirt, dark vest, and tie. He is wearing reading glasses and he looks to be in his seventies. As you enter he looks up from a writing in a notebook.

"Welcome to the Ju-Ju House gentlemen, can I help you find something in particular? A mask or statue perhaps?"

 

[Gomez]

"Just what I was thinking," Jack says, tossing the slip of paper in the trash bin. "A crude skull wearing a crown, perhaps."

Jonah face has an concerned expression on it. "So your saying that the symbol is the same and that who ever killed Elias has murdered before? Jackson must have found some sort of death cult here in New York City! Unbeliveable." He thinks a few seconds. "So gentlemen" he tips his head to Miriam as well. "and lady, what do we do about it?"

 

[deadestdai]

Death Cults!? I'm not so certain this gives such an idication. I've seen similar tribal markings in South America. Do we know of anyone who could identify it?

 

[Maerdwyn]

"Welcome to the Ju-Ju House gentlemen, can I help you find something in particular? A mask or statue perhaps?"

Jibril smiles. "I am not sure, father, but I am hopeful. My friend, an antiquarian in his own right, has recommended your shop as one of the best in the city when it comes to East African artifacts. Are you Mr. N'Kwane, the proprietor?"

 

[Gomez]

Jibril smiles. "I am not sure, father, but I am hopeful. My friend, an antiquarian in his own right, has recommended your shop as one of the best in the city when it comes to East African artifacts. Are you Mr. N'Kwane, the proprietor?"

"I have quite a good collection here that is sure. And yes I am Mr. N'Kwane." he says with a smile. "I am curious. Who recommened my humble shop? I might know him and wish to thank him for his kind words."