Masks of Nyarlathotep: Chapter 1 (New York City)

[Maerdwyn]

"My friend, here, owns a shop himself, though he specializes in other goods, don't you, Charles? [ Jibril looks to Charles briefly for a nod, then turns back to N'kwane] He said he knew your shop more by reputation than experience, but that this was certainly the place to come for what I was seeking."

"Now, as to what I am seeking. I have been commisioned to illustrate a book for a patron of mine who is writing about something having to do with African religions. I don't know much about it so far, as the author's notes - boxes of them - have just arrived at my flat and I have not had the chance to review them yet. But I know he will want whatever I draw to be as authentic as possible, and thought a visit here might provide me with some much needed inspiration. I have seen a few examples of Mr. Elias's sketches, and, between you and me, I think I will need to see some real life pieces if my drawings are to have any sort of credibility. Do you think you could show me some items?"

 

[Gomez]

"My friend, here, owns a shop himself, though he specializes in other goods, don't you, Charles? [ Jibril looks to Charles briefly for a nod, then turns back to N'kwane] He said he knew your shop more by reputation than experience, but that this was certainly the place to come for what I was seeking."

"Now, as to what I am seeking. I have been commisioned to illustrate a book for a patron of mine who is writing about something having to do with African religions. I don't know much about it so far, as the author's notes - boxes of them - have just arrived at my flat and I have not had the chance to review them yet. But I know he will want whatever I draw to be as authentic as possible, and thought a visit here might provide me with some much needed inspiration. I have seen a few examples of Mr. Elias's sketches, and, between you and me, I think I will need to see some real life pieces if my drawings are to have any sort of credibility. Do you think you could show me some items?"

"Well, kind sir. What you see" he sweeps his hand to indicate his shop. "is what I have. Fill free to examine the meager items of my shoppe. Hopefully you will find something to your liking."

 

[Maerdwyn]

Jibril looks around the shop at the items, paying speciall atention to anything that looks as if it has a religious significance, and asking Charles to comment on a piece here or there. At the same time he is looking for anything unusual about the place itself or Mr. N'Kwane.

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

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?"

"I rather think we need to figure out where they are, and then tell the police! Obviously the book that Jackson was trying to find here must have been describing the cult he was looking for. I think it's rather imperitive that we find it," Miriam says sharply, placing her hand over her own notes.

I shall have to speak to Charles later about this...

 

[Vendetta]

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?

"Tribal markings? Where in South America?" Jack asks.

 

[Ashy]

Jibril looks around the shop at the items, paying speciall atention to anything that looks as if it has a religious significance, and asking Charles to comment on a piece here or there. At the same time he is looking for anything unusual about the place itself or Mr. N'Kwane.

Charles plays the part, commenting on the pieces in a quiet, studious tone, often commenting about the superior quality and craftmanship of the items. He too, keeps an eye on the others in the shop and glances around the store for anything that might strike a chord with all that has gone before.

 

[Gomez]

Ju Ju House

Charles and Jibirl look around the shop. Charles' praticed eye tells him that the items in the store are genuine african folk art and bric-a-brac. Jibril fallows along with Charles as he points out items of interest. Suddenly an item grabs Jibril's attention. A long wooden handled bush knife hangs on the wall with a collection of several other tribal weapons such as spears, bows, and arrows. It looks just like the one that the murderers where carrying in Elias' hotel room.


Outside, Father O'Malley has found a phone booth on a street corner near the alley.

 

[Maerdwyn]

That's just about enough for me, Jibril thinks. "Charles, I think I'm all set here, though I might have to come back later. This really place really is everything you thought it might be," he says conversationally. "For now though, I think we can go." He leads Charles back towards the door, then turns, "Oh, I've just got one more question for Mr. N'Kwane." He looks directly at Charles. "You can just wait here by the door; it won't take long. Hail a cab, if you see one," he says, smiling. Be ready, his eyes say.

Jibril goes back over to the counter where Mr. N'Kwane waits. "I was wodering if you had any items bearing this symbol, or something like it? It was all over some of the notes that Jackson Elias sent me." Jibril sketches the symbol that was carved into Elias's head for Mr. N'Kwane, and watches him for a reaction.

 

[Ashy]

Charles nods, and heads casually to the door. He looks for a cab (almost desperately) and hails one if seen...

 

[yangnome]

Father O'Malley picks up the phone and attempts to contact Lt Poole. If he is successful, he explains the leads they've found and his concerns. Once he contacts Lt Poole (or if he can't contact him), he tries to get in touch with the rest of the group over at the publishing house. He gives them the same info he gave Poole.