Play@YSDC

Prelude

Mandy Thompson regrets being late. Just before the early morning start on her first day at the bibliographic conference in Philly, she was "caught short," and had to visit the public lavatories--the trolley into town was not on time (something to do with power outages), and the heel had snapped on her shoe,



so that particular morning she was in an infuriated rush. Normally, well of course normally she would not dream of using a public john, she would have positioned a circle of paper upon the wooden ring, only this time . . . well, needs must, and all that.

Today she lays the tome aside and sweeps the scrolls from Mr. Shan’s lacquered table, with its exquisite jade inkwell, and stares out through the wood and paper window at downtown Shanghai. Unconsciously she runs her hand along the back of one thigh, which, ever since that john in Philly, has been blistered, red and its skin has been peeling.



Turn 1 Action Phase, Shanghai

Mandy opens a tome with odd, Egyptian-like hieroglyphs scraped between the Chinese characters—if only she could decipher these bizarre inscriptions? She sighs, brow wrinkled, and concludes that more research is needed.

Action 1: ability, draw 2 Clues: Cairo and space 21; Cairo chosen.

Action 2: travel to Tokyo.

Turn 1 Action Phase: Rex Murphy (Space 1 : Juno, Alaska)

A racking cough came from the tall thin man. He stood waiting for the clerk to return at the local hardware store in down town Juno. The white handkerchief came back speckled with drops of blood as he wiped his mouth. Damn he thought. It was getting worse. He would have to go see a doctor soon but he didn't trust the ones in town. Maybe Doc Samuels in San Francisco could help. The clerk returned with a small wooden box and handed it to Rex. "Here you go. No charge. I appreciated that story you wrote about the sheriff and his corrupt group of cops." the man said with a smile. Rex returned the smile and opened the lid to see it full of dynamite. "Thanks!" Rex said. "You never know when you would need this stuff."



Actions
1) Acquire Dynamite using Special Ability.
2) Move to San Francisco

Prelude
Professor Harvey Walters walks through the campus of Miskatonic University in Arkham. As he strolls through the quad, he passes Amanda Sharpe, one of the brighter students. When he was a young student here himself, there weren't female students, which was more the pity. He is always glad to see them around. I'm too old for her, of course, he thinks, but I can still look.

"Good morning, Professor!" Amanda says with a cheerful smile. "Have you heard the news?"

"No, I haven't, Miss Sharpe," says Harvey. "Please, enlighten me."

"There's an expedition being formed, heading to Argentina to search for ancient pre-Columbian artifacts. Leo Anderson is organizing it."

"That does sound right up my alley! I am about due for a sabbatical. I may just sign on. Thank you for letting me know about it." He feels a sneeze coming on, and he quickly takes out his handkerchief and covers his mouth and nose before it erupts.

"God bless you, Professor! Are you okay?"

"I seem to be coming down with something. I'm sure I'll be fine."

Turn 1 Action Phase
Harvey packs for his trip, bringing along the ancient, puzzling tome he has been studying. In addition to being sick, he is plagued by nightmares of a monstrous, bat-winged creature with a single red three-lobed eye lurking in the dark and is just as glad to be leaving Arkham. He goes to the docks and boards the expedition's ship. The journey to Buenos Aires is long and miserable, and he spends most of it violently ill.

OOC,Since I can get to Buenos Aires in one turn, I'll do that now so I can try to obtain the Shining Trapezohedron. I'll leave the Clue at 7 for now. If [b]Jacqueline[/b] doesn't get it, I could go after it next turn. Action 1: Prepare for Travel: Ship Ticket Acquired. Action 2: Travel: Arkham->8->Buenos Aires[Ship Ticket]

Jacqueline wakes up from a restless sleep and jumps out of bed, running to the privy with all the fear and excitement of a school girl on the first day of a new year. Barely brushing her teeth and hair, she slapped on a woolly toque she had knitted herself when life wasn’t nearly this interesting. Hopping around like a mad court jester, Jacqueline struggled with her leggings and barely fastened her long, white conservative dress into place before stopping to catch her breath.

Jacqueline now had purpose in her life. These strange visions of death and decay she’d been having of late had finally turned up something of value to the world. A vision of evil men doing terrible things… things that might do harm to a lot of innocent lives if left unchecked.. Things that might be stopped if swift action were taken.

Taking off from her wardrobe at a slow sprint, Jacqueline raced into the kitchen, opened her refrigerator and retrieved an orange for breakfast. She began to peel it and then put it down on the counter panic rising quickly in her mind’s eye.

There’s no time!!

She grabbed her notebook and lucky black ebony pen. She once had a matching ivory for the set but the ivory trade was far too despicable to hold onto that thing disgusting relic. Cramming her notebook into a large frilled and flowery purse, Jacqueline raced out the front door, barely slowing down to put on her jacket.

She raised a hand to the street to hail a cab when the back of her head suddenly exploded into a chaotic display of marble, bone and brain. A large marble statue of a man contemplating something very important had fallen from its place on the rooftop above her apartment door. Jacqueline had always feared the look on the statue’s face, assuming he was contemplating something both selfish and cruel.
The statue had hit Jacqueline squarely on the head and was so heavy that as it fell, it proceeded to force its way down the poor woman’s body in as violent a manner as possible. After pulverizing Jacqueline’s head to a unrecognizable pulp, the statue continued downwards, shattering her spine and crumpling the poor woman into a pile of bloody meat on her own front step. The impact killed her immediately.

Jacqueline wakes up from a restless sleep and jumps out of bed, running to the privy with all the fear and excitement of a school girl on the first day of a new year. Barely brushing her teeth and hair, she slapped on a woolly toque she had knitted herself when life wasn’t nearly this interesting. Hopping around like a mad court jester, Jacqueline struggled with her leggings and barely fastened her long, white conservative dress into place before stopping to catch her breath.

Slow down!

She squinted and looked around her apartment a strong sense of déjà vu creeping up her spine. She walked slowly to the kitchen and opened up her refrigerator. She grabbed two eggs which she cracked slowly into a pan. She stirred them with a dab of milk watching with a strange fascination as the proteins in the egg coagulated together. She had just seasoned and plated her scrambled eggs when a terrible crash from outside shook her whole apartment.

She got up and ran to her front door. A marble statue had fallen from her roof and shattered into a thousand pieces on her front stoop. Jacqueline smiled. She had always hated that statue.


Humming softly to herself. Jacqueline calmly packs for her trip to San Francisco.

I think we’ll leave tomorrow…

Turn 1 Action Phase

Action 1: Rest and flip Poisoned condition card

Action 2: Travel to San Francisco

Turn 1 Encounter Phase: San Francisco



Rex wondered the streets of China Town looking for the offices of a Doctor Lang-Fu. He had been given his address and told that he could help Rex with his cough. The blood was getting worse and the other doctors that he had seen hadn't helped at all. Strangely his office was tucked in the back of a restaurant. The Chinese stared at Rex as he walked though the place. Hadn't they seen a white man before he thought. A pretty waitress asked him in broken English what he wanted. He said he was looking for Dr. Lang-Fu. The whole restaurant when quiet. One or two people got up and left in a hurry. The waitress looked at him for a minute and then led him to the back.

Through some curtains was a richly decorated room with a go board set up in the center. A elderly Chinese man was smoking a long pipe and looking at the board. The man was richly dressed in some Chinese costume. He didn't look up as Rex walked in but keep staring at the board. Rex said he was looking for Dr. Lang-Fu. The man continued to ignore Rex. Confused Rex walked up and looked at the board himself. It was nearly full of black and white stones. Rex had learned to play in Shanghai and instantly he saw the correct move. Picking up a white stone he placed it on the board. The old man smile and said. "Yes. Mister Murphy. How may I help you."




[dice]0[/dice]
Success Improve Influence

Turn 1 Encounter Phase
Harvey explores the archaelogical site in the city of Buenos Aires, which contains a collection of ancient Mapache statues. "The Mapache used to worship these idols and make offerings to them," he says. On a whim, he places some fresh fruit before one of the statues in memory of these long-dead people. He is surprised to hear a gentle voice in his head. "Thank you, mortal," it says - he cannot tell whether it is male or female. "It has been a long time since anyone has made an offering. As a reward, you shall have an artifact of great power. Use it wisely, for it has the power to banish the Haunter of the Dark and save the world from the vile influence of Nyarlathotep." The voice guides him through the ruins, revealing a secret compartment containing a strangely glowing prism, which Harvey takes. "What a find!" he exclaims. "Thank you!" But the voice is gone.

OOC,Observation roll (3 dice) to hear the voice: [dice]0[/dice] Check passed. Shining Trapezohedron gained! 8-)

Turn 1 Encounter Phase, Tokyo



Mandy Thompson gently turns a page of the manuscript which she discovered, scattered among other paraphernalia, on a rug in one of Tokyo's outdoor flea markets.

She runs her finger under the characters.

"You can read Chinese?" asks a dapper gentleman.

"Some," replies Mandy, standing up with a slight "ooh." She explains: "Stiff joints."

"Then I recommend a cup of ginseng tea." He introduces himself: "Hantaro Nagaoka."
Over a tea cup with the brilliant physicist Mandy learns about spatial disruptions, which she connects with tears in the space time continuum--gates to other worlds. Hantaro is so impressed by Mandy he offers her a contract to work at his laboratory, claiming "I can use spatial disruptions as a weapon" in order to tempt her. However she reluctantly declines the agreement, sadly, she feels, it is only the beginning and his work would be of no use at the present time.

After spending her first day in San Francisco defecating in hospital waiting room toilets, Jacqueline was finally able to see a doctor. She had been poisoned for several days now and felt like a bag full of hammered kittens. The poison coincided with her visit to the old cult building where she had received her vision that started her on this short but diarrheic journey.

The Doctor was a smug son of a bitch, who knew exactly what was wrong with Jacqueline and what to give her to counter the poison…. For a fee of course. Jacqueline couldn’t help but notice a small tattoo of a snake on the doctor’s left hand. Jacqueline closed her eyes and focused hard on the doctor and her current situation. She saw too possible futures… both morally and mentally degrading…. All the visions in the nine hells were not going to get her out of this one so Jacqueline did what any self-loathing, supernatural modern day woman would do her in her predicament. She took out a small loan with a very poor interest rate.



As Jacqueline was leaving the hospital and wondering how she was going to get enough money for a half decent hotel in the cursed city she heard the sound of screaming.

Look out! Screamed a beat cop as he tried to steer a 6,000 pound elephant away from a crowd of ignorant onlookers. Two men with large mustaches were following after the beast with heavy hemp ropes. Both managed to lasso their ropes over the elephants head.

What in bloody blue blazes?

Jacqueline tried to sense the situation but there was no time. The rampaging elephant was headed right for her. She ducked behind a sturdy looking mailbox and watched in surprising bewilderment as the two mustached men were dragged behind the massive creature. Just as one managed to get his footing and pull on his end of the rope the other mustached man was flung up high into the air and landed hard down on a 1921 Blue Rolls-Royce. His arm bent at a disgustingly crooked angle and Jacqueline cringed. She hoped he didn’t have to see the same snake doctor that treated her poison.

Now the one mustached man was battling to subdue the elephant alone. Gathering her courage, Jacqueline ran out into the street and picked up one of the ropes tied to the elephant’s neck. Before it could fling her up into the air and onto another luxurious automobile, Jacqueline ran ahead of the beast until she had enough slack in the rope to wrap it around a good sized tree.

The elephant came to a sudden halt as the rope tightened around the tree. The elephant pulled and tugged but soon calmed down once it realized it was tethered once more. The mustache man quickly pulled out a carrot and with a few soothing words had the beast eating right out of his hand.

Curling his mustache between his fingers with a dab of wax from his ears, the mustache man approached Jacqueline and frowns at his brother groaning in agony a few parked cars back.

Zank You for ze azziztance! I vould be honored to ezcort you to supper Mein Fraulien! I vould zeem zat mein Bruder vill not be able to make de rezervation I did for uz.

Jacqueline smiles and does not sense any danger from the mustache man.

Can anyone say Meal Ticket!!

Turn 1 Mythos Phase



Clues: Tokyo and The Heart of Africa.

Turn 2 Action Phase (San Francisco)

Rex does some shopping in Chinatown and picks up a few items. Finding a book on Russian Folklore he remembers that his friend Mandy Thompson was interested in that sort of thing. He will mail it to her in Tokyo. He also finds another book, a journal in German, that talks about sea cults in the pacific. It had some rather nasty stuff in it. To round off the day of shopping, a small pistol and some fresh fruit are added to his bags. Quite a haul. His cough returns and he heads back to his hotel to get some rest.

Actions:
1) Acquire Assets using Special Ability.

Use Wireless Report to send one clue to Mandy

2) Rest

[dice]0[/dice]

Turn 2 Action Phase, Tokyo

Action 1: Rest

[dice]0[/dice]

Mandy asks physicist Hantaro Nagaoka if he knows a consultant radiotherapist? Nagaoka is too polite to delve into her problem, simply referring her to a colleague of his at Tokyo General.

Several hours later she stands before Mifune san trying, and failing, to explain her illness; his English is as dreadful as her Japanese. Exasperated, she hoiks up her skirt and pulls down one stocking, revealing her infected and blistered thigh . . . and, after the application of a most foul smelling ointment, the soreness and red colour recede.

Action 2: Travel to space 19.

Turn 2 Action Phase
With a successful expedition behind him, Harvey sails with the ship back north, docking in Panama City where he relaxes and celebrates his success, and also gets some much needed medical attention.

OOC,Action 1: Travel: Buenos Aires->7 Action 2: Rest Roll to see if Diseased gets discarded (5 or 6): [dice]0[/dice]

Turn 2 Action Phase.

Jacqueline digs through her purse. She barely had enough change for a the martini she would have to buy in order to sit at the bar to talk to these filthy gangsters that had "staked" her medical bill. She sits down at the bar and rubs her temples. What a headache the last few days in San Francisco had been. The bartender snaps her fingers in front of her face.

Hey Lady! Lady!! What'll it be lady? Startled.. Jacqueline's eyes pop open and the bartender frowns.

You gonna get a drink lady? Or maybe you wanna sit and stare at the booze all night?

One martini with four olives please and I'd like to speak to Mr. Muttz thank you.

Your funeral honey! He's in a mood!!

The bartender poured Jacqueline a drink and plopped one olive in the glass. Jacqueline made to argue but quickly silenced herself understanding the position she was in.

A heavyset man soon came out and sat next to poor Jacqueline. She was terrified and could not stop herself from trembling.

Mr.. Mutttz?

What of it?

I believe I owe you a debt... and err.. well.. I was hoping to drop by..

You already dropped by lady!! Uninvited I might add. The boss don't like that.

Yes.. well err.. I.... was hoping I might be able to ah... convince you to release me from my debt..

Mr Muttz looked past Jacqueline and snapped his fingers, causing Jacqueline to wince and continue with her stammering.

Yes.. You see.. I ... I ... well... I'm on a very important mission you see.. and well.. I'm not exactly getting paid...

Jacqueline stopped to realize that she was alone in the bar with Mr. Muttz. Muttz was smiling and nodding along at Jacquelines terrible explanation of her plight.

Yes.... well...

Let me stop you right there lady!! Your the broad from the hospital right?

Yes..

Well.. Marvin Muttz always collects on his debt.. One way.

An even larger ape of a man suddenly seized Jacqueline's shoulders and pressed her face to the bar.

Mr. Muttz gently caressed her chin.

Or another.

Jacqueline tried to scream but Muttz had a hand over her face.

Lady!! You got a pretty mouth...


Hey Lady! Lady!! What'll it be lady? Startled.. Jacqueline's eyes pop open and the bartender frowns.

You gonna get a drink lady? Or maybe you wanna sit and stare at the booze all night?

Jacqueline put her money back in her purse and shook her head, her face flushed with embarrassment. She turned and ran out of the bar.

I'm getting the hell out of this town!

Turn 2 Encounter Phase - San Francisco



Rex drank his coffee in the cool night air of the street side café. His cough still bothered him and his dream had been troubled of late. The young waitress came up and handed him the bill. "skSCit Ultiwax gilbnet ta." she said. Rex gave a short laugh and looked at the girl. "What in the world, young lady?" He stammered. The lady looked around with a shocked look on her face. She held her hand to her throat and crooked. "Flad dim wallze" A great sob followed and she ran away crying. Another waitress came to his table and apologized. The other waitress had been sick lately. Rex paid his bill and walked down the fog filled streets back to his hotel. He passed a bum who sat with a mongrel dog at his feet. He held out a hand. "clan zee yelsichd zister" The bum said. Rex stared and then put a finger in his ear to clear it out. "What...?" Rex started to walk away and a elderly lady carrying some withered flowers approached him. She stared at him with a blank face and said. "lex bin goslke bwsilss" "What the hell was going on?" he thought. He tried to run away but the lady and the bum followed him. Soon there was a group of people muttering gibberish following him. Every time he thought he had giving them the slip they turned up in front of him. One man grabbed him and the mob surrounded him, pressing in. For some reason, Rex remembered a nursery rhyme, and he started to repeat it. The crowed stopped and soon they were repeating the rhyme.
Using that as a break, Rex ran off into the fog filled night.


Lore Check - 1
[dice]0[/dice]

Reroll from Lucky Talisman
[dice]1[/dice]
Success!!!

Jacqueline Turn 2 Encounter Phase

[dice]0[/dice] - Lore check -2 - Fail - spend 1 clue to reroll 1d6 -

[dice]1[/dice] - Fail - spend last clue to reroll 1d6.
[dice]2[/dice] - Fail - Wow!

Turn 2 Encounter Phase
Harvey visits a museum in Panama City with an interesting exhibit on ancient Egypt. On prominent display is an idol made of black stone depicting a Pharaoh in full regalia. "Obsidian, if I'm not mistaken," he says, feeling the surface with his hand. "Yes, I was right."

After Harvey returns to his hotel and is alone in his room, he hears voices whispering in a strange language. Recalling his experience in Buenos Aires, he knows that whatever it says must be very important. "That's a form of Egyptian that hasn't been spoken in thousands of years!" he exclaims, and he soon has it translated. "'The Black Pharaoh, the great Nephren-Ka, will soon return and usher in an age of darkness. Only the strong will survive the transition.' Oh, dear! That can't be good."

OOC,Lore - 1 roll (3 - 1 = 2 dice) to translate the whispers: [dice]0[/dice] Check passed. 1 Clue gained, Strength improved instead of gaining the second Clue.

Turn 2 Encounter Phase, space 19



Mandy's ship berths in Vladivostok. She employs a guide, Sergei, to lead her inland through Asia, her goal being to deal with a rumor named Faded From Society. The rumor ostensibly is about peasant folklore, but, if it comes to fruition, will deny Mandy and her colleagues the means to fight "Evil [that] stirs beneath the sands of Egypt." They are out there, these colleagues or fellow investigators, seeking to prevent the resurrection of the Dark Pharaoh; the unlucky reporter, the Arkham professor and the Minneapolis psychic.

Sergei and Mandy, who is kitted out in furs, detour down to the Amur region, tiger country, to avoid any unwanted soviet questions. In one village, where they rest with a bowl of warm goat's milk, Mandy is intrigued by a circle of stones.

Sergei notes her interest. "It is a calendar, gospozha, for predicting the solstices, so that these peasants know when it's harvest time."

"And that one," says Mandy, pointing at a stone outside the circle.

"A directional marker, a pointer to some kind of holy site."

Mandy scents a mystery. She and Sergei soon find a cave in the woods, it is filled by the frozen remains of the village dead. Shooting up a prayer for her trespass, she ventures deeper inside.

. . . avoid falling down pits Observation 4 [dice]0[/dice]

She carefully steps around an infant--and the cave floor collapses. Mandy lands on her feet, but as her knees concertina she strikes her temple upon a jutting rock.



Jacqueline Fine's ability: and she gains 1 Clue.

Turn 2 Mythos Phase



Omen advances: blue constellation [right-hand side].
Reckoning effects: Monsters on game board:

Mandy gains:

Ancient One sheet: Each investigator may move 1 space toward The Bent Pyramid or lose 1 Sanity.

OOC:   This'll work in our favour?

Mandy moves to Tunguska.

Ongoing Mythos cards: Faded From Society Rumor: All value 4 Assets discarded. Eldritch token discarded [4 down to 3].

Possessions and Conditions:

Mandy Thompson





Strength test [dice]0[/dice]

[dice]0[/dice]
Success! Discard Cursed
Gain Cursed

Gain 1 Clue


Strength -1
[dice]1[/dice]
Fail. Flip Card

Ancient One Effect: Move to Space 7

Turn 2 Mythos Phase
Harvey's illness overtakes him, and everything fades. When he wakes up, he finds himself lying in a bed in a cabin aboard a ship.

OOC,Strength - 1 roll (3 - 1 = 2 dice) to withstand Diseased: [dice]0[/dice] Diseased is flipped. [b]Harvey[/b] moves from 7 to 8.

Turn 2 Mythos Phase continued.

Gate: The Sahara Desert [red sun] and Werewolf

Text effect: Jacqueline must decide if she wants to keep Flesh Ward.

Turn 2 Mythos Phase.
Jacqueline was broke and hungry as she wandered the streets. She tried her hand at reading a few fortunes but could hardly make enough for a room over her head and a few slices of cured ham. Then an angel of a man it seemed took pity on her. He offered Jacqueline his own lunch in exchange for a palm reading on the corner of 2nd and Ware. Jacqueline saw what seemed to be a gun in his pocket but thought nothing of it at the time. She lied and gave the man a positive reading, saying he’d have many children and would die a wealthy man.

Jacqueline spent the next few hours wretching in a back alley and it now appeared as though her angel was a devil in disguise. Hearing that Jacqueline had fled San Francisco owing a substantial debt to the local mob they had ordered a hit on poor Jacqueline. It was lucky that Jacqueline was conserving her food stores and only had eaten half of the sandwich laced with rat poison.

Jacqueline wished she had told the hitman his true palm reading. He would be dead within the year.

HA!

BLAAAAAARGH!!!! BLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGH!!

In her weakened condition, Jacqueline suddenly found herself walking towards some temple floating contemptuously between the crevices of the insane.

Turn 3 Action Phase

After waking from a peculiar dream and an intense walk through the wilderness towards some bizarre looking temple in her mind, Jacqueline makes her way back to the city.

She had two faces held firmly in her mind’s eye and she was rather looking forward to meet them. Two rather scholarly looking gentlemen waited for her at a coffee shop on 42nd street. Why? Better not to ask these sorts of questions after a blind forced march through the goo that barely keeps time, space and sanity from breaking apart at the seams.

She greets the two men with a light nod and a courteous smile.

Mr. Rex Murphy and Mr Harvey Walters I presume?

She orders a cup of tea and then looks around to the various shops surrounding the café. She spots a pub and sighs with relief.

A sign with the name “The Blind Baboon” hangs over the door.

A pleasure to meet you gentlemen. My name is Jacqueline and I believe we should settle our bill and move to the pub across the street. I’m sure the coffee they serve is excellent here but after the last few days I’ve had, I am certain you would not object to a few pints… or perhaps even a few fingers of whiskey at the Blind Baboon would you?

Turn 3 Action Phase
Harvey is shocked to see that his disease has caused his arms and face to be covered in unsightly blotches. The ship's crew avoids him like the plague (which he thinks he may in fact have). Eventually it returns to Panama City, where he seeks out medical attention, but the doctors still can't do anything for him. Finally, he meets Jacqueline Fine and Rex Murphy in a local coffeehouse.

"Yes, I'm Professor Harvey Walters," he says by way of introduction. He tells them about his recent expedition and his discoveries, showing them the trapezohedron. "This artifact is essential for defeating the thing that's haunting Arkham. I'd take care of it myself were I younger and healthier."

OOC,Action 1: Travel: 8->7 Action 2: Rest Roll to see if Diseased gets discarded (5 or 6): [dice]0[/dice]

Turn 2 Mythos Phase

2nd Gate: The Pyramids

Turn 3 Action Phase - Space 7

Rex woke up in a hotel room. The windows were open and a warm breeze that smelled of the sea blew in. "Where was I, what happened?" He thought. There was blood on the front of his shirt. Hopeful it was his own. "Rexy? Wake up." said his mother. She was sitting at the end of his bed. She handed him a glass of water and Rex took a deep drink. "Mom? What are you doing here?" His mind was still clouded from what ever was happening to him. She stood up and looked out the window. It didn't smell like San Francisco. It smelled.....tropical... She looked back at him. "Your friends are outside shouldn't you go out and play." Rex shook his head and took another deep drink of water. "Mom...shouldn't you be.....dead..." Rex looked back at the window. His mom wasn't there anymore. Rex picked up the phone and called the front desk. After a short conversation he hung up. "How the hell did he get to Panama City?" he thought.

1)Acquire Assets using Special Ability


2)Gain Ship Ticket

Turn 3 Action Phase - Poison Roll Lore Check

Turn 2 Mythos Phase

Mandy sinks to the rock cut floor of the pit and carefully touches her temple, which she struck when she fell. It is already swollen, and the splitting headache--an image of her wild excess fuelled by champagne, Armistice 1918, flits through her pounding brain; "Oh God! my head," she moans.

Turn 3 Action Phase

She lies down outside the cave upon a bower, cradled by moss and bracken, with Sergei attentively boiling water or dabbing at her skull with some awful rag, but Mandy is too poorly to care. She closes her eyes.



Action 1: Rest, flip Poisoned Condition ". . . you are haunted by terrifying visions" Will -1 [dice]0[/dice]



Action 2: Travel to space 16.

Turn 3 Encounter Phase.

Encounter Phase 3



Will -1
[dice]0[/dice]

Reroll with Lucky Talisman
[dice]1[/dice]

Luck Talisman saves the day again! Regain 2 Sanity. Sanity goes from 6 to 7.

Turn 3 Encounter Phase
Harvey leads the group to a travelers' club in the Panama Canal Zone and introduces himself. "I just returned from a successful expedition to Argentina, where I unearthed this," he says to the club's representative, showing him the Shining Trapezohedron.

His eyes go wide. "That is most impressive," he says. "Your reputation precedes you, Professor. A traveler of your reputation and standing is of course welcome to join our club! In fact, the honor would be ours. We would be happy to defray your travel expenses."

OOC,Influence -1 roll (Influence 2 - 1[Impairment] -1[Encounter] = 1 die minimum) to get assistance from travelers' club: [dice]0[/dice] Woohoo! 8-) Ship Ticket and Train Ticket acquired!

Turn 3 Encounter Phase, space 16



Mandy enters Nadym, a city in north USSR, riding a stunted horse, which has carried he across countless miles of tundra. She heads straight for the local reference library to research disappearances. The rumor, Faded From Society, is getting worse, the library's admin staff barely pay her any attention when she requests a few hours leafing through their archives.

". . . research similar occurrences from the past" Observation 4 [dice]0[/dice]

She learns about a Russian folk tale where children go missing.

Spend 2 Clues to solve this Rumor.

Turn 3 Mythos Phase



Advance Omen: red sun; Doom advances by 2 (12 down to 10).

Reckoning effects: Monsters on game board



Mandy gains Jacqueline looks at its back and gains a Clue.



Question: Werewolf is local to space 10, so does it move to space 8? Hmmm, but the map Legend says local paths are used during the Action Phase?

I'd guess it would move to Space 8, but you might want to check on BoardGameGeek to make sure.

Mythos Phase 3

Burden of Greed
Discard


Lose 3 Health!!

Ancient One Reckoning: Move to space 8.


[dice]0[/dice]
No Successes and Flip


[dice]1[/dice]
Discard Cursed
Gain 1 Clue

Gain Cursed Condition


[dice]2[/dice]
No Successes
Flip Hallucinations

Turn 3 Mythos Phase continued.

Werewolf to space 8.

Ancient One reckoning: Move toward The Bent Pyramid or lose 1 Sanity.

Mandy stays on space 16 and loses 1 Sanity.



Strength [dice]0[/dice]

@Quatermass, good news . . . only 3 of Rex's 5 Assets are Items. Rex rolls for Cursed, Hallucinations and Astral Travel.

@Mr. Handy, Harvey rolls for Diseased.

Gates: Rome and London

Turn 3 Mythos Phase

Turn 3 Mythos Phase
"On the other hand," says Harvey, "I still have some fight in me. If I were properly armed, I'd have a chance. I'm an old man and have lived my life, and you are young with many years ahead of you. Besides, I'm very ill and may be dying anyway."

OOC,Strength - 1 roll (3 - 1 = 2 dice) to withstand Diseased: [dice]0[/dice] [b]Harvey[/b] moves from 7 to 8. He keeps both of his Items and loses 2 Health.

@Quatermass,

Different Cursed Condition drawn.

Action Turn 4 - Space 8

In a warehouse in Havana, Rex and Harvey Walters looked over several crates. A large Taíno man stood in the background. He looked around as if he was expecting trouble. "Here you go Harvey. Everything you wanted and more. Explosives, guns, and...." Rex picked up the ancient looking spear. "The Spear of Roland. I had to pull a few strings to get this." Rex thought he heard something and quickly turned around to look in a dark corner of the warehouse. Nothing was there. "Damn, sorry, I thought I saw something." Rex had been seeing strange things lately and he was jumpy. Rex motioned to the large native. "Guando, will go with you. If your are going to Arkham, you will need someone to watch your back. Good Luck and God's speed."

1)Acquire Assets using Special Ability


2) Trade with Harvey Walters

Turn 4 Action Phase

Jacqueline says farewell to her brave drinking companions and packs her things for Buenos Aires. As she places the last bar of hotel soap in her purse that same strange presence passes over Jacqueline.

Come worship me Jacqueline... Come home....

With great effort Jacqueline pushes the voices from her head ( -1 Sanity) and continues on towards her studies in Buenos Aeries.

m

Turn 3 Mythos Phase



Mandy surveys her appearance in a mirror. She is distraught to discover a sickly yellow hue to her face and swelling to her brow and cheek. The infection has caused it. She feels unlovely, something she prided herself on--her looks; even the loyal Sergei's eyes flicker and turn away when he speaks to her. Oh my beauty! What a world, what a world, she thinks, unconsciously echoing her favourite childrens story.

Turn 4 Action Phase

Action 1: Rest



[dice]0[/dice]

With a cold compress of herbs and suchlike, which her loyal guide picked on their travels, laid upon her forehead, she rests again. Mandy wakes after a delicious nap, and immediately checks on her looks. Thankfully her colouring is more pink and the swelling has gone down--So not elephantiasis then . . . ?

Action 2: Acquire a Train Ticket.

Almost skipping for joy and relief she makes her way to the Lenin Locomotive Centre, where a sturdy, suspicious-looking woman grudgingly sells her a train ticket.

Turn 4 Action Phase
Harvey's ship docks in Arkham, where he does some basic research to ascertain the Haunter's location. He soon tracks it down to an old, decrepit church in Providence, where famed author Robert Blake died mysteriously during a storm-induced power failure. A short train ride later brings him to Providence, and he finds and enters the church, which is called the Church of Starry Wisdom, on Federal Hill. His instincts lead him to the basement, where he can hear the thing flapping around in the darkness. Before he ventures down the stairs, he lights the stick of dynamite Rex had given him and hurls it into the blackness, then takes cover. The explosion is followed by a shrill, inhuman scream. It proves that the monstrosity can be hurt - but also that it is not yet destroyed.

OOC,Action 1: Travel: 8->Arkham Action 2: Use Dyanmite. Haunter of the Dark takes 3 damage. Dynamite discarded.

Encounter Phase 4 - Space 8





Will Check
[dice]0[/dice]
Lose 1 Sanity

Strength Check
[dice]1[/dice]
Take 1 Health damage. Deal 1 Damage to Werewolf.

Encounter Phase Buenos Aires

Turn 4 Encounter Phase
Harvey hefts the holy spear and cautiously descends the stairs. When he reaches the bottom he come face to face with the horror, its three-lobed eye glaring malevolently at him. He jabs it right in that awful eye, and it recoils in pain. It then swoops at him before he can ready the spear for another attack. Hurriedly, he whips out his derringer and puts a bullet into the thing. Astoundingly, it is still alive, but its injuries force it to retreat deeper into the stygian blackness.

OOC,Horror check: Will 3 - 2[Haunter of the Dark] = 1 die encountering Haunter of the Dark: [dice]0[/dice] 3 Sanity lost. -3 dice to Combat check. Combat check: Strength 2 + 1[Improvement] - 1[Haunter of the Dark] - 3[Horror check] + 4[Holy Spear] = 3 dice encountering Haunter of the Dark: [dice]1[/dice] Use Lucky Talsiman to reroll: [dice]2[/dice] Use .18 Derringer to turn the 4 into a success. Spend 1 Clue to reroll the failed die: [dice]3[/dice] Spend 1 Clue to reroll the failed die: [dice]4[/dice] Nuts! 2 damage inflicted to Haunter of the Dark, which now has 5 damage. I take no damage. I'll have to finish it next turn, as long as we don't get that Mythos card that heals it.

Turn 4 Encounter Phase, space 16 (City)



Knock! Knock-knock! Coffee and hot rolls.

Mandy yawns, and then kicks away her quilt. Nipping across to her bedroom door--Oooh! it's cold--she expectantly pulls it open. Scratched into the door are hieroglyphs, "What on earth is the meaning of this?"

Lore 3 [dice]0[/dice]

Perplexed, she closes the door. "Owww," she cries, tugging her hand away from the brass doorknob. It is glowing red hot, and where she had grasped the doorknob her skin remains melted onto it; the skin smokes pungently.

Lose 1 Health.

Turn 4 Mythos Phase



Clues spawn at space 1 and 15.

Turn 5 Action Phase, space 16

Action 1: Rest, gain 1 Health and 1 Sanity.

Action 2: Focus.

Mandy holds up her burnt palm before her eyes and examines its scorched skin; she can just make out her life lines beneath its puckered and angry flesh, which zed in a peculiar pattern. She closes her fingers, and examines her chipped fingernails, I'm not gonna make it through this.

Turn 5 Action Phase
Harvey pauses and concentrates before continuing, gazing into the Shining Trapezohedron. There is a sudden burst of light as a man in a suit and tie materializes in the basement!

OOC,I decided it would be better to hold onto my Sanity as much as possible when I realized the Shining Trapezohedron has an Action. It will be good to get rid of the Warlock so it doesn't curse us, and I'm sure I can take it in a fight if that fails. Action 1: Focus. Gain 1 Focus. Action 2: Use Shining Trapezohedron on Warlock. [dice]0[/dice] Warlock moves to Arkham.

Action Phase Turn 5

1) Gain Focus

2) Acquire Assets using Special Ability

Turn 5 Action Phase

Encounter Phase 5 - Space 8

The beast lunged at Rex in the darkness with a ragged growl coming from its throat. Rex dodge to the left and hit the ground hard. Both Rex and the thing were bloodied but Rex didn't give himself much a chance against the wolfen creature. He had put four or five shots into it with his pistol with little effect. Rex had threw his gun down in disgust. Instinctively Rex reached out for a weapon in the dark. Any thing would do. His hands grabbed the candle stick and he swung with all his might. The creature howled in pain and fell to the floor. Rex keep hitting the beast over and over again until it stopped twitching. Rex looked at the candle stick. Hum it was silver.




Will Check
[dice]0[/dice]
Reroll [dice]1[/dice]

Strength Check
[dice]2[/dice]
Two Damage to Werewolf. He is killed.



[dice]3[/dice]
Impair Will

Turn 5 Encounter Phase
"You are meddling with forces that you do not understand," the stranger says with a British accent. He points at the Shining Trapezohedron, his finger glowing with arcane energy. "Give me that!"

"That's not going to happen," says Harvey, brandishing his spear. The sudden appearance of the man unnerves him, but the talisman he carries reassures him.

"That relic is also too powerful for the likes of you. Give it to me as well, or you will die!"

"Now that I can do." Harvey runs him through with the spear, skewering him instantly. However, before he can extract the spear from the corpse, the monstrosity creeps up behind him and attacks! Had the bodyguard not pushed him out of the way, the blow would have been lethal. However, it is bad enough, leaving him coughing up blood and terrified out of his wits.

OOC,Horror check: Will 3 = 3 dice, encountering Warlock: [dice]0[/dice] Spending 1 Focus to reroll a failed die: [dice]1[/dice] Using Lucky Talisman to reroll all dice: [dice]2[/dice] Phew! No Sanity (or Health) lost. Combat check: Strength 2 + 1[Improvement] + 4[Holy Spear] - 1[Warlock] = 6 dice, encountering Warlock: [dice]3[/dice] Warlock defeated. Horror check: Will 3 - 2[Haunter of the Dark] = 1 die, encountering Haunter of the Dark: [dice]4[/dice] 3 Sanity lost. -3 dice to Combat check. Combat check: Strength 2 + 1[Improvement] - 1[Haunter of the Dark] - 3[Horror check] + 4[Holy Spear] = 3 dice encountering Haunter of the Dark: [dice]5[/dice] D'oh! :oops: 1 Health lost (Bodyguard reduces damage from 2 to 1). I can't face this thing again. I'll never survive the Horror check. I'll have to Travel next turn and hand off the Shining Trapezohedron to someone else (and Rest!). That means I'll have to be lead Investigator so I can go first, then the other player can Trade and Travel.

Turn 5 Encounter Phase, space 16 (City)



" 'One finds also (at Memphis) a temple of Serapis in a spot so sandy that the wind causes the sand to accumulate in heaps, under which we could see many sphinxes, some of them almost entirely buried, others only partially covered; from which we may conjecture that the route leading to this temple might be attended with danger if one were surprised by a sudden gust of wind.' So said Strabo," explains the (fake) fakir. "And like the great man's discovery of the Serapeum we will reveal a beautiful jewel uncovered recently in Cairo, at a banquet to be held here at the Romonav's palace!"

Mandy is so interested in the huge underground necropolis for the sacred bulls that the lure of what she may see is too much; she buys a fine evening dress and attends.

To the sponsor's utter embarrassment he is unable to produce the jewel. Disappointed, Mandy leaves early. The cloakroom attendant, a portly Cleopatra, hands over her fur stole. She exits the palace, but pauses upon the marble steps outside: she feels an unaccustomed lump next to her collarbone. Searching the mink Mandy fingers a rock. When she looks at it, she finds it to be a fabulous jewel. She immediately goes to return it, but stops when a whisper of praise--"You are so beautiful, like I am. Keep me, together we will wield unimaginable power"--enters her ear.

"You are false," answers Mandy, "false!" and then intuitively, "You can't be the real artifact."

Turn 5 Encounter Phase

Turn 5 Mythos Phase



Advance Omen (blue) [left hand-side]; Doom advances 2 (10 down to 8).

Reckoning effects: Monsters on game board. Child of Abhoth--I'm sick of this bastard, Mandy gains an Infection, and Jacqui looks at its back and gains a Clue.

Star Spawn advance Doom on a 1 or 2 [dice]0[/dice]

Nephren-Ka. Mandy moves toward the Bent Pyramid, so to Istanbul.

Lost Knowledge Rumor -1 Eldritch token (3 down to 2).

Possessions and Conditions.


To be continued . . .

--Infection flipped.

Mandy tests Strength [dice]0[/dice]

Gates: Tokyo (blue) and , Buenos Aires (blue) and

Text effect: Mandy rolls [dice]1[/dice] and dies. Right, I'm gonna post this event tomorrow. Doom advances 1 (8 down to 7).

Turn 5 Mythos Phase



[dice]0[/dice]


Strength Check
[dice]2[/dice]
Reroll one die
[dice]3[/dice]
Child of the Goat killed. Rex takes 1 Health Damage



[dice]1[/dice]
Discard Cursed
Gain 1 Clue and Improve Will
Gain Cursed Conditon

Nephren-Ka: Lose One Sanity to say in Space 10.

Turn 5 Mythos Phase

Mandy is drawn to someplace else, so she travels across the Black Sea to Istanbul; throughout her journey she senses hostile eyes everywhere. She rooms overlooking the Hagia Sophia. A walk beside the Bosphorus would be lovely she feels, but a recurrence of her infection prevents any sight seeing.

Mandy sits on the end of her bed, feeling worse with each breath. To her distress every orifice begins to hemorrhage, her nose, ears and mouth, and the bed sheets become uncomfortably damp. This is it, she thinks. Mandy determines that she will go outside after all: to feel a sea breeze upon her cheeks and hear waves lapping on the shore. Well wrapped, despite the warm day, she wanders outside.

A man sits down beside her and, like Mandy, stares out over the water. She feels so self conscious that when he greeted her with "Iyi günler" she could barely reply.

"You are Mandy Thompson?" he asks.

"Ye--yes, I am," she stutters, confused that he knows her name and spoke in English. He nods, and whistles. Two other men appear.

"His resurrection cannot be prevented," says the man, "will not be prevented, by anyone, Miss Thompson." They look into each other's eyes: her's are bloodshot and her lids flicker from weakness, his pupils are wide, drug crazed, and their black depths are empty and merciless. The three men begin beating her, brutally and without respite, and when she collapses to the ground kick her unceasingly.

Mandy Thopson is defeated.

Turn 5 Mythos Phase
Harvey flees from the church, his mind and body broken. He rushes to the harbor and books passage on the next ship leaving Providence. His illness is getting worse, and he spends the voyage confined in his cabin, having his meals delivered to him by the ship's stewards.

"Professor Harvey Walters?" asked the steward one day when he comes to collect Harvey's empty plate and silverware.

"Yes?" croaks Harvey, almost too weak to talk.

"Nephren-Ka sends his regards." The steward takes the pillow and presses it down on Harvey's face, smothering the life out of him.

OOC,Strength test: Strength 2 + 1[Improvement] -1[Diseased] = 2 dice, Diseased Reckoning effect: [dice]0[/dice] Impair Influence. [b]Harvey[/b] moves to 8. Mythos card roll: [dice]1[/dice] [b]Harvey[/b] is defeated. :cry: Doom advances from 7 to 6. I hope [b]Rex[/b] can still pick up all of the stuff I was carrying and try to finish off the Haunter. My Health and Sanity hit 0 at the same time.

Mandy has 1 Focus, I'll reroll the Strength test to avoid flipping the Infection Condition [dice]0[/dice]--Oh well.

That's Mandy and Harvey gone . . . she solved a Rumor and he injured the Haunter, so they both achieved something!

Turn 5 Mythos Phase

Turn 5 Mythos Phase

Reckoning effects: Move toward the Bent Pyramid (to space 8) or lose 1 Sanity. Stay at Buenos Aires.



No successes, card flipped. 0: The magic begins to crack your mind. Gain 1 Madness Condition unless you discard this card.



Horror check, Will 3 [dice]0[/dice] lose 1 Sanity.

Combat check, 1 success so no Health lost. Skeleton undefeated, but combat was an ambush so it runs away!

Mark Harrigan spent a woeful Christmas and New Year 1919 in the Rhur, far away from his beloved wife, Sophie: a homesick soldier of the Allied occupation. And when he did return home she was gone; her body remained, possessed by some God-awful nightmare he had had the misfortune to encounter in the trenches [see The Sap by ghill], but what made Sophie "Sophie" was no longer there. His thirst for vengeance drove Mark back to Europe, and he followed a trail which led him to Helsinki.

Turn 6 Action Phase

Action 1: gain a Train Ticket.

Action 2: Travel to Rome, use ticket, and then onto Istanbul.

Mark hears gossip about an American lady, a fellow investigator into the occult, who has disappeared in Istanbul. He boards train for Anatolia.

Turn 6 Action Phase

Rex returns to Panama City. He is tired and hurt. Only time, sleep, and his bible will help him now.

1) Move to Space 7

2) Rest
Recover 1 Health and 2 Sanity

Turn 6 Action Phase
Finn Edwards enters the luxurious Chicago penthouse. Alfonse Capone is seated before him in a magnficent leather armchair, smoking a fine Havana cigar. Standing beside him is a pretty woman dressed all in black, and there are also a few goons present. They are drinking, smoking, playing cards, and chatting, but they are still attentive. "Ah, Mr. Edwards," says Capone. "So glad you could join us. I hear you're the best at what you do."

"You heard right, Mr. Capone," says Edwards.

"You better be. I got a job for you. I got a package I need transported to an island in the North Sea."

"No problem." The destination is unusual, and it's the wrong direction, so it isn't hooch he would be shipping. No matter. He can move anything. "How will I know the recipients?"

"They'll know you. They'll also pay you. Oh, and this lady here is Ruby Standish. She's going with you. She knows how to find the island. Also, if you need to pick up something along the way, she can...acquire it for you."

Finn nods. He knows how the game is played. Capone is sending Ruby with him to be his eyes and ears and make sure there aren't any double-crosses. "When do I leave?"

"Now." Capone snaps his fingers, and a burly thug takes out a mysterious-looking briefcase. "This is the package. I don't think I need to tell you not to open it under any circumstances."

"Right." Finn takes the box and glances over at Ruby. "Miss?"

Ruby slinks forward and is instantly at his side. "Let's hit the road," she says.

OOC,Action 1: Travel: 5->Arkham Action 2: Character Component Action: Move: Arkham->London

Turn 6 Encounter Phase, Buenos Aires

Will 0 with 1 Sanity loss, Lore -1 with 1 Health loss; 1 toughness.

Jacqueline's combat vs. Cultist, Horror test, Will 3 [dice]0[/dice]

Combat test, Lore 4 -1 [dice]1[/dice]

Using Clues! [dice]2[/dice]--hoorah! Gate Encounter in Chat thread.

Turn 6 Encounter Phase

Rex looked at his friend laying there in the hospital bed. Harvey was pale with beads of sweat on his forehead. His eyes were wide but unseeing. The doctor at his side interrupted Rex's thoughts. "He was found in this state of complete mental and physical breakdown. I doubt anything can be done for him. But we will try. Here is a letter found in his possessions. It leaves all his belongings to your Mr. Murphy." Rex noded. What had happened to Harvey. The last he knew Harvey was headed to Arkham. Harvey's eyes blinked and for a moment there was life in those eyes. "The Three Lobed Eye!' He screamed. "The Dark Pharaoh in his bend pyramid!" then he collapsed back into his bed. Rex shook his head. I guess I am going to Arkham to finish what Harvey began.

Encounter Harvey Walters

Gain all of Harvey Walters' Belongings


Test Influence
[dice]0[/dice]
Retreat Doom by 1

Turn 6 Encounter Phase
After a speedy journey, Finn and Ruby arrive in London. "There's something we need to do before we head out to sea," Ruby says. "There's a cerain book we need to obtain. A rare book in the possession of a Mr. Curwen."

"Okay," says Finn. "Let's go get Mr. Curwen's book."

"Oh, it's not his book. It's Mr. Capone's book. Mr. Curwen just happens to have it at the moment. It needs to be returned to its rightful owner."

"Of course."

That night, the two of them make their way to a large mansion on the oustkirts of London. Ruby easily scales the wall and helps Finn over it, then they sneak across the grounds to a side door, which Ruby opens with a hairpin. "Nice," says Finn. "You're certainly talented."

Ruby smiles at him. "You don't know just how talented. Play your cards right, and maybe you'll find out oen day. Come on, the book should be in the study."

The two of them slip through the mansion, which is eerily deserted, and soon find the study. Everything looks normal - that is, except for a mysterious hole beyond which is a darkened church basement. A dead man in a suit and tie lies on the floor on the other side. "Okay, what?" says Finn, scratching his head.

Ruby takes it all in stride. "That's Mr. Curwen. He was meddling with things he didn't understand. Come on. He probably has the book on him." She takes Finn by the hand and pulls him through the portal, which flickers and changes at that moment. Instead of the church basement, they find themselves in an odd, vast library.

"I think we're meddling with things we don't understand now," says Finn.

"Speak for yourself. I understand them just fine. The book must be here somewhere. Let's look for it." She describes the tome to him.

The search is very long and grueling, as there appears to be no method by which the books are organized, or at least not that Finn can tell. However, he refuses to give up. Eventually he locates it on a shelf that looks exactly like all of the others. He pulls it down, flips it open, and reads aloud from it: "Klaatu Berada Nikto." His pronunciation of the words is apparently correct, for he and Ruby find themselves back in the study, and the hole in the wall is no longer there.

"Well done!" says Ruby, taking the book. "I'll just hold onto this."

OOC,Don't forget to take the Shining Trapezohedron! Will test (3 dice), Great Hall of Celeano Encounter: [dice]0[/dice] Lore test (2 dice), Great Hall of Celeano Encounter: [dice]1[/dice] Woohoo! 8-) Gate closed!

Turn 6 Encounter Phase, Istanbul (in case of crippling injury).



Mark diligently questions the locals, and after several, mind-numbing, hours of pigeon Turkish he is directed to the Meerut Hospital. He discovers the American alive, but she is in a grisly state. With bandaged hands she motions to her possessions, which he takes, and with her eyes, her tongue having been plucked out, tries to direct Mark's attention to something else in the room.

Observation 2 [dice]0[/dice]

He searches everywhere, but cannot find that which her imploring eyes indicate is in the room.

Mark arranges with a nurse to see to the comfort of the dying woman, it is the least he could do.

Gain Magnifying Glass, Know Thy Enemy and Train Ticket.

Turn 6 Encounter Phase, Buenos Aires (Gate)



. . . share their knowledge Influence 2 [dice]0[/dice]--gain 2 Clues

. . . may provide you with a solution Lore 4 -1 [dice]1[/dice]--Gate closed

Turn 6 Mythos Phase



Advance the Omen: green.

Monster Surge: Gate at Arkham and --moved to The Himalayas.

Clues at Antarctica and space 8.

Text effect: Jacqueline spends 1 Clue.

Turn 7 Action Phase, Buenos Aires

Action 1: trade 1 Clue to Mark Harrigan.

Action 2: travel to The Amazon.



Turn 7 Action Phase, Istanbul

Action 1: travel to The Pyramids.

Action 2: use ability, vampire and Mark lose 1 Health.



Mark takes a train through Palestine to Egypt and the Pyramids.

One evening soon after arriving at the spa resort of Helouan, Mark, sat on his room's balcony, which overlooks the Libyan desert, waits for the Pleiades to appear; he settles deep into the canvas lounge chair with a thick blanket, ready to watch their nightly journey across the sky. A fluttering followed by a soft tread draws his attention away from reverie about his wife, Sophie. The balding hotel porter is stood before him. Mark laughs incredulously:

"What the hell are you doing up here, man?" But the vampire does not answer, it merely claws at Mark's leg; he gives the vampire a straight left hook.

Action Phase 7 - Space 7

The shaman swayed back and forth in front of the fire. His droning chant hung in the air. Rex stood watching the man. After a few moments, Rex places the roll of bills into the bowl of offerings. The shaman stopped his chant and handed Rex a smooth stone. In the fire light, he could see it had a strange symbol carved into it. "It will protect you against great evil." the shaman said. Rex put it into his pocket and thought. I will need it in Arkham.

1) Use Special Ability to Acquire Assets



2) Move to Space 8. Use ship ticket to Move to Arkham

Turn 7 Action Phase
Finn and Ruby head for the docks in East London, where Finn rents a boat to take them and their precious cargo up to the North Sea.

OOC,Action 1: Prepare for Travel. Ship Ticket acquired. Action 2: Travel: London->13

Turn 7 Encounter Phase, The Pyramids

--(-1) Health

Combat vs. vampire, Horror test Will 4 [dice]0[/dice]

Combat test, Strength 4 -2[vampire] +5[kerosene] [dice]1[/dice]

+ [dice]2[/dice]

It is a close-run thing, but it is his magnifying glass which, oddly, finishes off the vampire; Mark kills the beast by ramming its ferule into the vampire's eye.

Turn 7 Encounter Phase, The Amazon



Combat vs. Byakhee, Horror test Will 3 + Blessed [dice]0[/dice]

Combat test Strength 1 +2[Arcane Blade] + Blessed [dice]1[/dice]

Turn 7 Encounter Phase - Arkham

5 Damage

Combat
Will Test -2
[dice]0[/dice]
Should have been 3 dice
[dice]1[/dice]
Reroll
[dice]2[/dice]

Strength Test -1
[dice]3[/dice]
Look at all those 6's!! Haunter Defeated!!

Turn 7 Encounter Phase -Arkham Part 2



Will Test
[dice]0[/dice]
Reroll with Lucky Talisman
[dice]1[/dice]

Lore Test
[dice]2[/dice]
Spend 1 Clue to reroll 1 dice
[dice]3[/dice]
Lose 2 Health

Turn 7 Encounter Phase
"The motor launch is running out of fuel!" Ruby calls.

"What?!" says Finn. "That's impossible! We had a full tank when we left London!" He checks the gauge, which says there's very little left. Then he gets out a toolbox and examines the inner workings of the boat. "Nuts! The line's been cut!"

"Someone doesn't want us to reach our destination. Make for that island there." She points at a distant blotch on the horizon.

Finn steers for the island. The motorboat's engine sputters and dies, and the boat drifts to shore. He climbs ashore and helps Ruby onto dry land. "Well, there are worse people to be stranded on a desert island with."

Ruby socks him playfully in the shoulder. "Don't get any funny ideas. Those are my department."

The two of them venture inland, looking for food. As Finn pushes through the undergrowth, he disturbs a wild boar. "Mmm...bacon!" he says, licking his lips.

The boar has other ideas. It gores his leg with its tusk, bowling him over as it makes good its escape into the brush.

OOC,I'm about to leave for my convention, so I don't have time to write up any text. Observation test (3 dice), Sea Encounter: [dice]0[/dice] 1 Health lost. Leg Injury Condition acquired.

Turn 7 Encounter Phase, Yuggoth



Mark retrieves the magnifying glass from the vampire's leaking eye socket, and gives its ferule a good wipe. He turns to go get help or escape, he is not sure which, when he realises that the evening has changed hue and has a blue tint. He looks about himself: disks attached by metal rods are everywhere. Do these disks transmit information? he wonders.

Lore 1 -1 [dice]0[/dice]

"Hello, sir, my name is Taylor." Mark is surprised by the unexpected voice, which draws his failing concentration away from the disks. "I will teach you how to use the disks if you help me find tok'l?"

"Yes, yes of course," replies a bewildered Mark.

Gain and close Gate.

Turn 7 Encounter Phase, The Dreamlands



. . . you are resolved to enter the Dreamlands (Will 3 -1 +3[Clues] + Blessed) [dice]0[/dice]

. . . fighting moonbeasts on a black galley sailing to the moon (Strength 1 + Blessed) [dice]1[/dice]

Gate closed--yes!

Turn 7 Mythos Phase



Advance Omen: blue

[dice]0[/dice]

Mythos Effect to move to London

Turn 7 Mythos Phase
Finn limps onwards, supported by Ruby. They crest a hill and see a luxurious mansion beyond it. "This island's not so deserted after all," says Finn.

"Of course not," says Ruby. "This is where we were heading. Come on, let's go."

They head to the front door and knock. It is soon opened by a Scottish butler. "Yes? May I help you?" he asks.

"I'm Ruby Standish, and this is Finn Wilson," says Ruby. "We have a package for Lady Summerisle."

"Very good. I shall call Her Ladyship. Won't you come inside and refresh yourselves?"

"Thanks, that would hit the spot!" says Finn, his stomach rumbling. The two of them enter, and the mansion's interior is even more extravagant than the exterior. The butler shows them to the dining room and invites them to sit down, then hurries off. A few minutes later, a servant enters with trays holding tea and plates of steaming bacon and eggs.

After they finish eating, a stunning woman in a red dress sweeps in majestically. "I am Lady Summerisle," she says. "Welcome to my home. I was informed that you have something for me?"

"Yes, right here," says Ruby. She lays the briefcase on the table and pops the lid open. Finn cannot see what it contains from where he is sitting, as the lid blocks his view.

The lady raises an eyebrow. "Is that what I think it is?"

"Mm-hmm." Ruby closes it.

"What?" asks Finn. "What's in the case?"

"That is none of your concern," says Lady Summerisle. "Be content instead with what is inside this case." She snaps her fingers, and the butler enters with another briefcase, which he sets on the table. He opens it up to reveal stacks of cash. "Take it, with the blessings of Mother Earth."

"Um...okay." Finn takes his reward. "Pleasure doing business with you. We may have some difficulty getting back. Our boat's on the beach. The fuel line has been cut, and its tank is empty."

"That won't be a problem. My servants will repair your vessel and refill it with petrol. In the meantime, you may remain as my guests."
Finn and Ruby soon return to London, flush with money. "It's good to be back on solid ground," says Finn. "That island was certainly a weird place."

"They have some unusual religious practices there," says Ruby.

"Yeah, I noticed that gigantic wicker statue. Well, I'm not complaining. I got well paid for the job. You know what? I'm feeling lucky. Let's go gambling."

"I know just the place."

Ruby takes Finn to an elegant casino in the West End, where he turns his money into chips and heads for the roulette table. On an impulse, he bets everything on black.

The croupier spins the wheel, and he watches as the ball finally settles. "Black, a winner!" he calls.

"Let's quit while we're ahead," says Ruby.

"Yeah, I think you're right," says Finn. "Let's go shopping now."

Ruby smiles and kisses him on the cheek. "A man after my own heart!" He cashes in his chips, and the two of them head to Harrod's and other high-end shops.

OOC,Strength check (2 dice) for Leg Injury: [dice]0[/dice] Roll to keep Blessing: [dice]1[/dice] Roll from flipping Funding: [dice]2[/dice] Funding flipped again. Intelligence Report acquired! 8-) 2 Clues gained, Intelligence Report discarded.

Turn 7 Mythos Phase continued



-1 Eldritch Token (2 down to 1).

Gate: Cairo (green) and

Mystery solved!, new Mystery:

Turn 8 Action Phase, San Francisco

Action 1: Travel to space 7.

Action 2: use ability and give 1 action to Rex.

Turn 8 Action Phase - Arkham


1) Rest - Recover 1 Health and 1 Sanity
2) Acquire Assets using Special Ability:



3)Use ST on Star Spawn at Rome


[dice]0[/dice]
Star Spawn moves to Arkham

Turn 8 Action Phase, Bent Pyramid

Action 1: Focus.

Action 2: Trade with Finn (who moves before Mark).

Mark relaxes by taking in the sights of Egypt. The Bent Pyramid is a curious structure, How odd that an absolute king should accept such a tomb? he thinks, and also wonders about Nephren-Ka, is his mummified corpse within, cold and lifeless? And his spirit, does it wait eternally ready to rise-up when summoned? "I will succeed--I must!"

"Eh, what, monsieur?" says a corpulent Frenchman.

"Nothing--rien," Mark smiles, "Excusez-moi," he bows, and then mingles with the crowd of tourists. He sees an unusual fellow, taller and younger than the others. This man is accompanied by a woman dressed all in black. "I've the feeling," he says to the man, "that we two are not here for the sights?"

Turn 8 Action Phase
After a whirlwind shopping spree at Harrod's and Selfridge's, Finn and Ruby visit a contact of his from MI6, John Stock, who shares with them what he knows about the Cult of Nephren-Ka. "They seem to be centered around the pyramids in Egypt, especially one in particular that appears bent. This cult worships a long dead king known as the Black Pharaoh. Nasty bugger, pardon my French, Miss. They think they can bring him back to life or some such drivel. In spite of their ridiculous beliefs, they pose a threat to the Empire on the order of those fanatics that followed the so-called Mahdi late in the last century, and possibly even a threat to the world. Anything you could do to track these blighters down and any evidence you can gather of their activities would be greatly appreciated. Here, take this dossier on them. It has all the declassified information about this lot." He hands Finn a thick folder.

"Thanks," says Finn. "We'll check it out." He and Ruby head back to the docks and board a ship heading to Egypt.

It doesn't take them long after their arrival to find the Bent Pyramid, where they encounter Mark Harrigan. "Hi, there," says Finn, taking out a flask of whiskey and offering it to him. "I'm Finn Edwards, and this is Ruby Standish. You're right, we're not mere tourists." He shares what he knows about the cult of Nephren-Ka, and in return Mark gives him a .38 revolver and shares some information of his own. "Maybe we should split up to cover more ground when we search."

OOC,Action 1: Focus. 1 Focus gained. Action 2: Travel: London->Rome->The Pyramids[Ship Ticket]->The Bent Pyramid[Local]. Ship Ticket spent. 1 Clue and Whiskey given to [b]Mark Harrigan[/b]. [b]Mark[/b] gives [b]Finn[/b] .38 Revolver and Know Thy Enemy.

Turn 8 Encounter Phase, space 7



. . . convince everyone to share their story (Influence) 4 +1[Personal Assistant] [dice]0[/dice]

Retreat Doom by 1; gain Arcane Blade, Ship Ticket, and 3 Clues.




"Mr. Edwards, Miss Standish," says Mark with a nod. He hastily hides away the whiskey, which Finn handed to him, inside his jacket: "Something for later, in case things get a little rough," he smiles mirthlessly; and also he pockets a diary-like book of notes. "Right," he agrees when Finn suggests they split up and search. "I'll see if I can find a way into the pyramid."

Turn 8 Encounter Phase
Finn and Ruby makes their way around the pyramid clockwise while Mark heads off counterclockwise. It doesn't take them long to find an entrance, and they make their way through a maze of passages until they locate a funerary chamber belonging to Sneferu. Finn searches the room and quickly locates a hidden panel, which he slides open. In the hidden compartment is something astounding.

OOC,Observation test (3 - 1[Location Encounter] = 2 dice), The Bent Pyramid Encounter: [dice]0[/dice] Success, thanks to my Blessing! 8-) Artifact gained.

Turn 8 Encounter Phase, The Bent Pyramid

Small hieroglyphics are inscribed throughout the pyramid. You try to find them all (Observation). If you pass, they direct you to a lost treasure; gain 1 Relic Unique Asset. If you fail, you start to see the symbols everywhere you go; gain a Paranoia Condition.

. . . try to find them all (Observation) 2 [dice]0[/dice]

Mark reconnoitres the Bent Pyramid. The glare and heat of the afternoon sun is oppressive, so he leans against several titan blocks wiping away the sweat upon his brow. The cool stone at his back shifts and sand pours from a fissure. He touches a hieroglyph, which has been revealed, tracing the pictogram chiselled thousands of years ago. The fissure is wide enough for him to squeeze through. Inside, he strikes a match and immediately sees other small hieroglyphs, and they lead him on, like a paper trail, into the pyramid depths. He comes to a chamber with a lost treasure of Canopic Jars. He finds a bottle-size one of Anubis, and slips it into his coat pocket next to the whiskey.



He takes out the notes about Nephren-Ka given to him by Finn Edwards; a loose slip of paper flutters to the floor and settles in the ancient dust. It is a drawing with peculiar symmetry, which Mark cannot make head or tail of. In disgust he strikes yet another match and burns the clue. Movement---

Horror 1, Lore -1

(I haven't time at the moment to make the rolls.)

Encounter Phase Turn 8 - Arkham

Rex stood in the burned out floor of the Starry Night Church where he had faced the Haunter in the Dark. Clinched in one hand was the Spear of Roland and in the other as the Shining Trapezohedron. Its malignant power burned his hand as he began the chant to summon the beast. He had felt it's terrible power even here across the Atlantic. It had to be stopped. As the last words of the ancient chant left is throat, a greenish foul smelling fog filled the room. It swirled and slowly condensed into a hulking shape. The very sight of it started to unhinge Rex's mind. He almost collapsed right there but a rival power swelled up inside him. The odd rock with its rune scratched on its surface repealed the evil and gave Rex hope. With a cry he leaped and at the thing, burying the spear into it's gut. The creature roared in pain.

Combat,Sanity 7 dice -1 [dice]0[/dice] Two Rerolls [dice]1[/dice] Rex Loses only 1 Sanity do to protective power of the Elder Sign! Strength 8 Dice -3 [dice]2[/dice] One Reroll [dice]3[/dice] Three Damage to Star Spawn Rex takes no health damage.

Turn 8 Encounter Phase, the Bent Pyramid continued.



Horror 1, Lore -1

Horror test (Will 4) [dice]0[/dice]

Lore -1 [dice]1[/dice] 1 Eldritch token placed upon Mystery.

A fellaheen must have followed him. Mark should be frightened, to be confronted by a market badmash, here of all places.



The ruffian strides forward out of the dark. He draws a wicked looking knife but treads on the ashes of Mark's burnt clue, and . . . the fellaheen disappears, a faint string of arabic imprecations whisper behind the dust motes.

Turn 8 Encounter Phase
"What did you find?" asks Ruby.

"It's a book!" says Finn, taking the ancient tome out of the secret compartment. "It must have been in there thousands of years, but it looks new! They didn't even have the technology to make books like this when this tomb was built."

"Put that book down!" commands a man in a black hooded robe who has just entered the chamber, blocking the only way out. He carries a wicked-looking curved sword. "That is the property of Nephren-Ka!"

"I don't see his name on it." Finn flips open the cover and looks at the first page. "Oh, wait, there it is. Well, you still can't have it."

"Then this tomb shall be your tomb, infidel!" The swordsman advances.

Finn flips through the pages instinctually, then reads aloud from a seemingly random passage in an unknown tongue. A beam of blinding light emanates from the tome and strikes the robed man, and he is suddenly gone. "Well, damn. That was weird."

OOC,1 Clue spent to encounter Cultist: Horror check (Will 3 = 3 dice), encountering Cultist: [dice]0[/dice] Fight check (Lore 2 - 1 = 1 die), encountering Cultist: [dice]1[/dice] Focus spent for reroll: [dice]2[/dice] Success, again thanks to my Blessing! :D Cultist defeated. 1 Eldritch token placed on Mystery.

Turn 8 Mythos Phase



Advance the Omen: red; Doom advances 3 (8 down to 5).

Reckoning effects: monsters on game board, Child of Abhoth--Mark already has an Illness Condition, Fire Vampire moves to space 7 and Charlie loses 1 Health, Cultist--Mark and Finn lose 1 Health or 1 Sanity, and Star Spawn [dice]0[/dice]--hell, Doom advances 1 (5 down to 4).

Ancient One: move toward The Bent Pyramid or lose 1 Sanity--both Mark and Finn lose 1 Sanity--Charlie moves to space 8.

Lost Knowledge Rumor comes to fruition, remove all Clues.

Possessions and Conditions: Mark's Infection, test Strength 4 [dice]1[/dice]

Turn 8 Mythos Phase
Finn's injured leg suddenly cramps up, and he has to sit down. "Looks like my luck just ran out," he says.

OOC,Are you sure we still lose Sanity if we're already at the Bent Pyramid? If so, I'll lose a Health from the Cultist. If not, I'll lose a Sanity. Strength check (2 dice) for Leg Injury: [dice]0[/dice] Leg Injury flipped. Roll to keep Blessing: [dice]1[/dice] Blessing lost. :cry: Well, at least it helped me earlier this turn.

OOC:   I read in a FAQ about Nepren-Ka's Reckoning, that an investigator at The Bent Pyramid loses 1 Sanity because he cannot move.

Turn 8 Mythos Phase continued

Gate: San Francisco (green) and

Text effect: Charlie gains and improves his Lore.

Turn 8 Mythos Phase



[dice]0[/dice]

Reckoning: Lose One Sanity

Finn's flipped Leg Injury:

Turn 9 Action Phase, space 8

Action 1: Travel to space 10, use Ship Ticket to Rome.

Action 2: flip Cursed Tablet--impair Lore to gain 1 Glamour Spell, and then flip card.

Turn 9 Action Phase
Finn rests until his leg is feeling better, studying his new find. Then he and Ruby emerged from the pyramid and meet up with Mark. "We found this book," he says, showing it to him. "According to what I've been able to decipher, Tel el-Amarna is an important location to this cult. I think we should head over there and check it out."

OOC,Action 1: Focus. 1 Focus gained. Action 2: Rest. 1 Health and 1 Sanity gained. Leg Injury roll: [dice]0[/dice] Leg Injury discarded. Free Action: Move to Tel el-Amarna.

Turn 9 Action Phase, The Bent Pyramid

Mark is shown Finn's find, and he in turn shows

"Tel el-Amarna?" says Mark; "right, let's get over to there at once."

On the way he asks Finn: "Miss Standish, what is she to you, Mr. Edwards?" He also has time to rest and focus.

Action 1: Rest

. . . the dead whisper to you (Will 4 -1) [dice]0[/dice]

[Improve Lore, then flip card; or gain1 Glamour Spell, and discard card. ]

Action 2: Focus

Move to Tel el-Amarna (free action).

Turn 9 Action Phase

Rex finished boxing up the items that he was going to send to Egypt to Mark. He hoped they would get there in time.

1) Use Special Ability to Gain Assets



Use

To send the following Items to Mark Harrigan


2) Focus

A camel materialises upon the sand, which looks watery from the sun's heat. A bedouin on his steed trots up to Mark, Finn and Ruby. He carries a parcel: M. Harrigan, Egypt from R. Murphy, U.S.A., and inside are two handguns and a tatty manuscript. "Thanks, Mr. Murphy," says Mark.

Turn 9 Action Phase
"Ruby and I are-" starts Finn. Ruby gives him a warning look. "Well, let's just say we're partners in crime. I'd certainly like to be partners in other ways, but I don't think she's ready for that yet." He watches in wonder as Mark receives his package. "I didn't know you could get postal service all the way out here. Who is Mr. Murphy, and how did he know where you'd be?"

"Miss Standish seems to be a great girl; good luck," says Mark with an encouraging smile. "Mr. Murphy?"--expertly checking the revolver's breech like the soldier he is--"another one of us, 'All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players' don't y'know."



Turn 9 Action Phase continued



1 additional action: gain 1 Focus.

Turn 9 Encounter Phase
When Finn, Ruby, and Mark arrive at Tel el-Amarna, they see that Henri Beuafort has already set up a dig site here. "Good day, lady and gentlemen," he says. "I take it you are here because you have some interest in arhcaeology?"

"Yeah, that's right," says Finn. "We just explored the Bent Pyramid, not far from here. I found this book." He shows it to him.

"Ah, you already have experience in the field. Excellent! Perhaps you can be of assistance. I am having difficulty interpreting the city's murals. I only know that they concern the ancient pharaoh Akhenaten."

"Sure, let me have a look." Finn examines the carvings and reliefs on the walls. "Hmm...I've seen some of these symbols before, in the book." After some study, he determines what the murals mean. "According to this, Akhenaten worshipped not the sun, but an entity called Azathoth. Azathoth also had a dark messenger - Nephren-Ka, the Black Pharaoh."

"No wonder Akhenaten's successors tried to wipe out all traces of him from history!"

OOC,Observation test (3 dice), Tel el-Amarna Encounter: [dice]0[/dice] Success! 8-) 1 Clue gained. Clue spent to encounter Cultist. I'll wait to resolve that until tomorrow.

OOC:   Well done Finn.

Turn 9 Encounter Phase, Lost Carcosa (Rome)



. . . talk to decadent party-goers . . . (Influence 4 +1[Personal Assistant]) [dice]0[/dice]

Gain , but is Delayed by the Queen.

Turn 9 Encounter Phase - Arkham



Sanity Combat 7-1
[dice]0[/dice]
Rerolls
[dice]1[/dice]
Lose 2 Sanity

Strength Combat 8-3
[dice]2[/dice]
Two Damage to Star Spawn. It is defeated

Turn 9 Encounter Phase, Tel el-Amarna



Mark wanders through the ruins of the huge temple. He stumbles across a stairwell whose steps descend underground. Curiosity leads him down to a tunnel, which is painted with thousands of symmetrical stars upon its ceiling. Further on the tunnel diverges into two, and then again and again until Mark is confused by the labyrinth. He carefully blazes a trail, scratching an arrow into the rock at each turn. The chamber is so unexpected that when he enters the cavernous space it feels oppressive and he instinctively ducks down. Row upon row of holes in its walls contain mummies, Why is this place undisturbed? he thinks.



Combat Encounter: Horror test (Will 4) [dice]0[/dice] spend 1 Focus [dice]1[/dice] spend 2nd Focus [dice]2[/dice]--nuts! Discard Whiskey to prevent 2 Sanity loss.

Strength test (Strength 4 -2[Mummy] +3[.45] +1[.32]) [dice]3[/dice] reroll 1 die[.32] [dice]4[/dice]--lose 1 Health.

He sits up against a wall nursing a gash, which has reopened on his leg, inflicted by the thing in disgusting rags who ambushed him. He swigs at the whisky, which masks the horror of it. He throws the empty bottle into the darkness like a Greek celebrating at a wedding, "Cheers, Finn."

Turn 9 Encounter Phase - Arkham Part 2

Rex stood exhausted from the battle with the creature. It's body began to dissolve into a green loathsome slime. Everything just came crashing down on Rex's psyche at once and he passed out.

Only to awaken in a strange country side. The sky was a queer shade of purple and pink clouds drifted by. Three legged yellow antelope grazed all around him. A red dirt road wound next to him and he saw a man walking up to him. The man stopped and introduced himself as Edward Derby. He was trapped here as well and needed Rex's help to get back home. Mr. Derby explained the ritual and they conducted it that evening as the three moons rose in the North. A door appeared out of nowhere and they both stepped through it. The arrived in a rather ordinary room. We made it said Edward and he laughed when he saw is wife waiting for him. Rex looked at the wife and something about her chilled his soul. He ran screaming from the house.





Lore Check 3 -1
[dice]0[/dice]

Will Check 5 -1
[dice]1[/dice]
Reroll using Lucky Talisman
[dice]2[/dice]
Close Gate
Lose 2 Sanity
Gain Paranoia Condition

Turn 9 Encounter Phase
Finn and Ruby continue their explorations, soon making their way to a hidden chamber where another robed man was waiting. He whips out a dagger and rushes at them, but Finn calmly flips open the book to the page he had been viewing before the last time he had encountered one of these guys. "Kee Oth Rama Pancake!" he recites, and the man vanishes in a blazing pillar of flame and light mere inches from Finn.

OOC,1 Clue spent to encounter Cultist. Horror check (Will 3 = 3 dice), encountering Cultist: [dice]0[/dice] Fight check (Lore 2 - 1 = 1 die), encountering Cultist: [dice]1[/dice] Focus spent on reroll: [dice]2[/dice] Success! Cutlist defeated. 1 Eldritch token placed on Mystery.

Turn 9 Mythos Phase



Advance Omen: blue (left hand-side); Doom advances 1 (4 down to 3).

Monster surge: Tokyo

Clues at The Sahara Desert and The Himalayas.

Turn 9 Mythos Phase - Arkham



Rex was tied to the bed in the asylum. The leather straps creaked as he struggled. The young Nun watched as he yelled and strained at his bonds. The poor man Sister Anna thought. He never slept but keep thrashing and speaking in some strange language. Father O'Donnell thought a exorcism might be needed. That sent a shiver up Sister Anna's spine. The poor demented man.

Rex is insane.

Doom advances 1 (3 down to 2).

Turn 10 Action Phase - London

Agnes could hear the voices whispering in her head. The voices from long ago. They told her of ancient rites and magical formula. She felt like she was part of the rituals. Agnes shook her head and got back to clearing the table at the London pub. The voices were getting more frequent and louder in her head. Maggie, one of the owners of the Fox and Hound came over and handed her a letter. A friend of hers, Rex Murphy, was very sick and needed her help.

1) Lore -1 to Gain Spell
[dice]0[/dice]
Success!

2) Move to Arkham

Turn 10 Action Phase, Rome

Action 1: Acquire Assets (Influence 4 +1[P.A.]) [dice]0[/dice] and 1 reroll [dice]1[/dice]

use ability and send to Agnes.

Action 2: Travel to The Pyramids

Follow Local path to . . .

My dear Miss Baker, please accept this little token of my esteem, yours C. Kane.

Turn 10 Action Phase
Ruby heads into nearby Cairo while Finn rests and recovers from his sudden turn for the worse. She comes back with a medical book that she "acquired," which she uses to nurse him back to health. Then the two of them venture into Cairo together.

OOC,Action 1: Cat Burglar Component Action: [dice]0[/dice] Medical Journal gained (unless whatever replaces the Lucky Ring is better for me). Action 2: Rest. 2 Health and 1 Sanity gained. Free Action: Move to Cairo.

Turn 10 Action Phase, Tel el-Amarna

Action 1: Rest, gain 1 Health and Sanity.

. . . the spirits of the dead whisper to you (Will 4 -1) [dice]0[/dice]--improve Lore (+2) and flip card.

Mark plays with the Canopic Jar until it comes apart, a smaller jar is inside: Like one of those Russian dolls. He receives a mental jolt, it seems to fill his mind with arcane symbols . . . which he comprehends. "I think that my mind is sated with as much of this stuff as I can stomach," he mutters, feeling the urge to belch--Whiskey?, "this jar needs to be given to someone else."

Turn 10 Encounter Phase, Tel el-Amarna



. . . is sacrificing a ram (Observation 3) [dice]0[/dice]--1 Clue spawned on The Bent Pyramid.

Turn 10 Encounter Phase, Tel el-Amarna



. . . horrified by a vision . . . (Will 4) [dice]0[/dice]--what? I was so sure I'd gain 1 Clue.



Mark clutches at his head, his mind blasted by the abominable words of Yakthoob and his pupil.

Turn 10 Encounter Phase - Arkham

Encounter Rex Murphy
-Acquire all his belongings

-Perform Exorcism - Will Test
[dice]0[/dice]

Retreat Doom by 3!!
Gain Cursed Condition

Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Turn 10 Encounter Phase
In the seedy back alleys of Cairo, Finn bumps into another robed man. He quickly whips out his book, opens it to the proper page, and shouts "Kee Oth Ram-oof!" The cultist punches him in the kidney and runs away while he crumples against the wall.

OOC,Nicely done on retreating Doom! I had a feeling we'd fail to solve the Mystery again. These delays are killing us. Horror check (Will 3 = 3 dice), encountering Cultist: [dice]0[/dice] Fight check (Lore 2 - 1 = 1 die), encountering Cultist: [dice]1[/dice] 1 Health lost.

Turn 10 Mythos Phase



Advance Omen: green; Doom advances by 2 (5 down to 3).

Monster Surge (x2): San Francisco , Cairo

Clues spawned at space 3 and London.

Text effect: advance Omen: blue

Turn 11 Action Phase, Tel el-Amarna

Action 1: Rest

Action 2: impair Lore to gain 1 Glamour Spell and flip Cursed Tablet.

Mr. Kane wiped his brow, and then studied his, formerly, white linen handkerchief; it was smeared grey with sweat. He loosened his tie and undid his top button: This is no place for serge suits. He flipped the disc shaped tablet over and over:

"You look hot!" said a lady with long flaxen hair.

Charlie hurriedly stood up, puffing. "Sweltered--I mean, it's sweltering, I'm sweltering."

"Mr. Charlie Kane, I presume?" She slid her arm through his. This is my lucky day, thought Charlie.

Turn 11 Action Phase - Arkham

1) Gain One Ship Ticket

2) Move to London

Turn 11 Action Phase, Tel el-Amarna

Action 1: Rest

Action 2: Trade with Charlie Kane, Markings of Isis, Mask of the Watcher, Arcane Blade and Voice of Ra for .45 Colt Revolver.

He would never replace his wife, Sophie, or even look at another woman thought Mark, but nature will out. When he met with the middle-aged, balding, sweaty man and his attractive companion, well, he could not help himself but to furtively check out her face, her figure. And when she spoke, Mark knew he must have her.

Turn 11 Action Phase
When Finn and Ruby return to the dig site at Tel el-Amarna, Mark Harrigan gives them the canopic jar he had found earlier. As Finn relaxes in his tent, he thinks he hears the faint voices of spirits whispering from the jar. He opens his mind to them, and it is flooded with arcane knowledge.

OOC,Free Action: Move: Cairo->Tel el-Amarna Action 1: Trade with Mark Harrigan: Canopic Jar acquired. Action 2: Rest. Will check (Will 3 - 1[Canopic Jar] = 2 dice) with the Canopic Jar: [dice]0[/dice] 2 Health gained. Canopic Jar flipped. Lore improved. Canopic Jar flipped.

Turn 11 Encounter Phase, Tel el-Amarna



Charlie inspected the .45 Colt Revolver and then watched the retreating forms of Isis and that soldier guy. He guessed that they are a team, albeit a loose band of international investigators versus Nephren-Ka and should be working together, also he realises that the soldier was twenty years younger than himself, but, even so, it still felt hellish unfair. Charlie dug with his heel into the sand; knock knock is the sound his shoe made as it struck buried stone.

. . . translate cuneiform tablets . . . (Lore 1) [dice]0[/dice]

Gain (Now I wish that Isis had stayed with Charlie. )

Turn 11 Encounter Phase - London



Observation Test -1
[dice]0[/dice]
Passed.

Well that Sucked. No Clue!!!!!

Turn 11 Encounter Phase
As Finn and Ruby explore the Labyrinth of Kish, Finn hears another voice in his head. "Puny mortal, you stand no chance against the might of Nephren-Ka," it hisses.

"Wanna bet?" says Finn.

"Wanna bet what?" asks Ruby.

"You need my power if you are to stand a chance of defeating the Black Pharaoh," the voice whispers in Finn's ear. "It's the only way."

"Can't you hear him?" asks Finn.

"Hear who?" asks Ruby, looking around.

"The voice."

"Are you hearing voices?"

"Just one voice."

"Hey, I'm talking to you!" the voice says, shouting now.

"Sorry, I was talking to my friend."

"Pay attention! I'm trying to help you! That book you carry has the power, if you have the knowledge to unlock it. Open it to page 42 and recite the words aloud."

"What will happen if I do that?"

"What will happen if you do what?" asks Ruby.

"Um...I'm trying to hold two conversations at the same time, and it's not working."

"Page 42!" The voice sighs. "Thousands of years of slumber, and the first visitor I get is an easily distracted moron!"

"Sorry." Finn opens the book to the appropriate page. "Look, you'd be distracted too. She's gorgeous."

"Are you talking about me?" asks Ruby, smiling. Finn nods, and she kisses him on the cheek.

"Well, I can't see her," says the voice, "so I'll just have to take your word for it. Now read the words!"

"This won't do anything bad, will it?" asks Finn.

"Uh...no, of course not. Everything will be fine. Trust me."

"Okay..." Finn clears his throat and reads aloud from the book. "Butyrum Lac Surepo Kee Oth Pradium!"

There is a sudden peal of thunder. "Mwahahahaha!"

"What? What was that?"

"Er...nothing. Nothing at all. Carry on."

OOC,Dark Pact gained. Mystery advances by 1 (fourth Eldritch token placed on Mystery). At this point, we're desperate and the game is almost over, so taking the Dark Pact is the best chance of solving the Mystery. Hopefully it won't come due.

Turn 11 Encounter Phase, Tel el-Amarna



Suspicious workers (Observation 2 +1[Isis]) [dice]0[/dice]

Mark double-takes a group of workers in the midst of an excavation. The men are digging in the wrong place according to the survey grid, which is posted on boards throughout the site. "Black Brotherhood!" realised Mark.

Turn 11 Mythos Phase



Advance the Omen: green; Doom advances 2 (2 down to 0).



Reckoning effects: Monsters on game board: Fire Vampire moves from space 7 to London, Warlock [dice]0[/dice], Mi-go moves to space 3 and Clue discarded, Shan discards Clue at The Bent Pyramid, Zombie spawns into Zombie Horde (image to follow), Cultist: the boys lose 1 Health and 1 Sanity.

To be continued . . .

Reckoning effects: Nephron-Ka moves each investigator toward The Bent Pyramid or lose 1 Sanity.

Mark and Charlie move to The Bent Pyramid.

Possessions and Conditions:



Voice of Ra (Lore 3 +2[Arcane Blade]) [dice]0[/dice]--oh c'mon! Re-roll 1 die[Isis] [dice]1[/dice] 1: The voice tells you terrible secrets. Lose 1 Sanity.

Markings of Isis (Lore 3 -1 +2[Arcane Blade]) [dice]2[/dice] 1: The markings are a constant drain on your mind. Lose 1 Sanity. (Mark is down to 1 Sanity.)

Infection (Strength 4 +1[Isis]) [dice]3[/dice]

Amnesia (Will 4 +1[Isis]) [dice]4[/dice]



Haunted [dice]5[/dice] flip on 1, 2 or 3.

Charlie is defeated. 1 Doom (-1 Eldritch token [3 down to 2]) and Charlie moved to Cairo.

Reckoning: Agnes move to Rome


[dice]1[/dice]
reroll
[dice]2[/dice]
Lucky Talisman Reroll
[dice]3[/dice]
Reroll for Lucky Ring
[dice]4[/dice]
2 Successes


[dice]0[/dice]

No successes for the Cursed Agnes who rolled (above) Lore 4 +1[Arcane Scholar] and a reroll, she also has:

Arcane Scroll--add 1 to 1 die result; Erich Weiss--roll 1 additional die; Lucky Ring--reroll 1 die; Lucky Talisman--reroll all dice.

God it's complicated! I think use Lucky Talisman to reroll 6d6 (Lore 4 +1[Scholar] +1[Erich]), then add 1[Scroll], and reroll 1 die[Ring].

Edit: I think one can reroll a die once only, so forget about the Ring; anyway Agnes got 2 successes.

Turn 11 Mythos Phase
Finn finds himself drawn back to the bent pyramid, which he sees has changed drastically.

OOC,The Cultist causes us to each lose 1 Health [b]or[/b] 1 Sanity, not both. We can choose whatever is better. In my case, I'll lose the Health, as I'll get it back from Resting anyway and I can't recover Sanity here. If [b]Charlie[/b] is still defeated, he should probably be moved to Alexandria instead, as there are no monsters there to guard him. [b]Finn[/b] moves to the Bent Pyramid. Roll for Dark Pact: [dice]0[/dice]

OOC:   Great news about the Cultist's Reckoning. Charlie is still with us.

Enchant Weapon flipped 1-2: The magic draws its power from your blood. Lose 1 Health.

Gate: Tunguska green and



Text effect: Fire Vampire should be in Arkham and not London as I previously said.



Mystery solved; 3rd Mystery:

Turn 12 Action Phase, The Bent Pyramid

Action 1: Travel to The Sahara Desert.

Action 2: Focus



Charlie tossed and turned, and again, until, in the dark watches of the night, he sat up; hot, aching and wide awake--he had had a nightmare of epic proportions. The wailing seemed to reverberate in his head . . . but his foot was in agony. A lantern beside the tent pole, its glass, was broken from where he had lashed out in his feverish sleep. "I'm finished," he thought grimly, clutching his chest above his palpitating heart, "please,"--his eyes implored upwards to a heaven he did not believe in--"allow me to gather a clue about the Dark Pharaoh."

Turn 12 Action Phase - London

Staring into the Shining Trapezohedron, Agnes could feel the presence of the alien mind. A droning sound bit into her soul as it tried to burrow deep into her psyche to take control. Agnes mentally recited the Chant of Yig and she could feel the alien mind being shredded to pieces. It cried out and was gone.

1) Use Shining Trapezohedron on Shan in Cairo

[dice]0[/dice]
Shan Discarded

2) Move to Rome
Use Ship ticket to move to Space 10
Free Move to Sahara Desert

The Shan was shredded. "Thank you, Miss Baker."

Turn 12 Action Phase, Tel el-Amarna

Action 1: Focus

Free action: move to Cairo.

Action 2: use ability, Cultist defeated.

Mark arrived in the city mentally weak but still ready for a fight. He strolled through a tourist market, its tables covered by gimcrack odds and ends: gaudily painted wood scarabs and the like, and two robed figures tailed him. In an alley one laughed loudly like the retard he probably was. "He's almost awake," he called to Mark, jeering; "the Dark Pharaoh will be among us soon. Oh, the joy! I'm so happy!" Mark punched him so hard his beaky nose crumpled, shooting slithers of cartilage into his decayed brain. The cultist dropped to the cobbles. Mark shook his hand; he had broken a finger, but it had been worth it. The second figure threw back his cloak, "Let's finish this," and tapped his cane impatiently.

OOC:   Quatermass, Agnes was in London. Using her Ship Ticket she can Travel to space 10, and from here it's a free action to The Sahara Desert. Also, with Finn as Lead Investigator, she attempts the Research Encounter before Charlie.

Turn 12 Action Phase
Finn and Ruby make their way to Alexandria in the hopes of finding out more about what's going on here, where they check into a hotel and stay overnight.

OOC,Free Action: Move: Bent Pyramid->Alexandria Action 1: Focus. 1 Focus gained. Action 2: Rest. 2 Health gained. Will check (Will 3 - 1[Canopic Jar] = 2 dice) with the Canopic Jar: [dice]0[/dice][dice]1[/dice] No effect from Canopic Jar.

Turn 12 Encounter Phase, Cairo



Horror test (Will 4 +1[Isis]) [dice]0[/dice]

gain 1 Focus.

Combat test (Strength 4 -1 +2[Arcane Blade] +1(die)[.32]) [dice]1[/dice]

Mark is not phased by the man's swirling iris. He drew the arcane blade out from where it was concealed inside his trouser leg and cocked the revolver. The man's eyes widen perceptibly, and his mouth, too, when Mark rammed the blade's point into his guts.

Turn 12 Encounter Phase - Sahara Desert


Lore Check 5 - 1
[dice]0[/dice]
Gain 1 Clue

Place Clue on Mystery

Turn 12 Encounter Phase, Cairo



. . . for a fair price . . . (Influence 2 -1 +1[Isis]) [dice]0[/dice] reroll 1 die[Isis] [dice]1[/dice] spend 1 Focus [dice]2[/dice] spend 2nd Focus [dice]3[/dice]

Oh, crapola, and impair Lore.

Turn 12 Encounter Phase
Finn and Ruby head for the local library to research the Black Pharaoh. While it is nowhere near as majestic or well-stocked as the long gone Great Library of Alexandria, it has an ample selection. Unfortunately, the ancient Egyptians went to great efforts to erase all records of the Black Pharaoh from history. However, Finn manages to find an obscure reference.

OOC,Observation roll (3 - 1[Location Encounter] = 2 dice), Research Encounter in Alexandria: [dice]0[/dice] Clue gained and placed on the Mystery, the second of four. Eldritch token placed on Know Thy Enemy. Know Thy Enemy flipped, because I may never get another chance. I just hope a fourth Clue spawns somewhere, but there's only one green Mythos card left. It might have been better had someone stayed in London. No matter where it pops up, I could try using my Artifact to instantly travel to it. Either that, or maybe Know Thy Enemy will advance the Mystery.

Turn 12 Encounter Phase, The Sahara Desert

General (Wilderness)

Your map is gone, and you must navigate based on your own observations (Observation 3) [dice]0[/dice] spend 1 Focus [dice]1[/dice] **exhales and rolls eyes** If you fail, you travel in circles; you become Delayed and gain a Madness Condition.

Turn 12 Mythos Phase



Advance the Omen: blue (right hand-side)

Reckoning effects: Monsters on game board, Mi-go flies to Cairo and discards the Clue , Fire Vampire flies to Rome, Zombie Horde [dice]0[/dice]--no effect.

Eldritch tokens on Ancient One sheet 3.

Move toward The Bent Pyramid or lose 1 Sanity. Mark moves to The Bent Pyramid, Charlie moves to Alexandria.

Possessions and Conditions:



Voice of Ra, test Lore 2 +1[Isis] [dice]1[/dice] 0: You hear the voice in you head at all times. Lose 1 Sanity and gain a Madness Condition unless you discard this card. Easy choice, discarded.

Markings of Isis, test Lore 2 -1 +2[Arcane Blade] [dice]2[/dice] 1:The markings are a constant drain on your mind. Lose 1 Sanity.

Mark is defeated; Doom advances by 1 (Eldritch tokens 3 down to 2). Mark moved to Alexandria.

Rules say that after the Ancient One awakens a defeated player is eliminated, so I take that to mean Mark and his possessions are zapped.

Hey! With me gone the number of players are three? . . . and take a look at the Mythos card's text effect.

Turn 12 Mythos Phase
Finn and Ruby are drawn back to the bent pyramid again, where they encounter John Stock behind a dune, observing the pyramid with binoculars. "Ah, there you are, old chap," he says. "I was wondering when you'd show up."

"I'm here," says Finn. "I'm just not sure what we can do. What's the plan?"

"Well, we've been studying this lot for some time now, but we're still missing a few bits ourselves. How about we pool our information?"

Finn peers behind John. "We? I only see you."

"I'm just the point man. The others are back a ways. I can introduce you to them, but you'll have to pay your dues if you want to join our organisation."

"Done."

John shakes his hand. "Then welcome to the club. Come with me, both of you." He leads them back to his group''s base camp, where he introduces them to several legendary British secret agents, including Mr. Horse, Mrs. Rind, Mike Croft-Holmes, and numerous others. "This one's for all the marbles, so we've brought out our best. Now, let's compare notes."

OOC,[b]Finn[/b] moves to the Bent Pyramid. Roll for Dark Pact: [dice]0[/dice] Agreement gained. Mystery advanced. Phew! That was close! I noticed that about the Mythos text. I'll definitely take that Agreement to advance the Mystery. I'd want to verify that player elimination actually reduces the number of players, but if so, we solve the Mystery this turn and actually have a chance to win! 8-)

Turn 11 Mythos Phase

Reckoning: Lose 1 Sanity to stay in Sahara Desert


[dice]0[/dice]
Cursed Discarded



[dice]1[/dice]
One Reroll
[dice]2[/dice]
4 Successes

Enchant Weapon flipped, 3+: Your weapons ripple with arcane power. No additional effect.

OOC:   N.B. The Rules Reference says that an investigator may reroll a die any number of times, this corrects what I said earlier. It's a damn shame that Mark didn't pass the test and place a Clue on the Mystery.

[dice]0[/dice]



[dice]1[/dice]

Amnesia flipped, Forgotten Talents: impair Lore, Influence and Will, then discard the card.

Turn 12 Mythos Phase continued

Gate: Shanghai (red) and Cultist.

Text effect: Finn gains an Agreement Condition to advance the Mystery (2 up to 3 [4 Clues required]).

Turn 13 Action Phase, Alexandria

Charlie is stuck in the city. The sands of time are running out; he imagines a few grains left in an hour glass, the grains teetering on the edge of an abyss with the Dark Pharaoh in the background, who is waiting expectantly to ascend his throne. "Oh, God!" he thinks, and takes another swig at the infernal plonk he bought at a market; his head is already starting to ache.

Turn 12 Action Phase - Sahara Desert

Free move to Space 10

1) Use Shining Trapezohedron on Fire Vampire in Rome.

[dice]0[/dice]
Fire Vampire moves to Space 10

2) Move to Rome

Turn 13 Action Phase
After learning all they can from the spies, Finn and Ruby return to Alexandria to search for anything that might be of use against the Black Pharaoh, knowing that time is running out. They find nothing to spend all their money on but some fancy clothing. Since money is not likely to be useful for much longer, they buy what they can. Soon Finn is sporting an expensive tuxedo and Ruby buys herself a black designer dress. Then they venture out into the desert to follow up on a lead about a rift between worlds.

OOC,Free Action: Move: Bent Pyramid->Alexandria Action 1: Acquire Assets: Influence roll (3 dice): [dice]0[/dice] Funding discarded instead of gaining a Debt Condition to get two successes. Fine Clothes Acquired. Not likely to be useful, but maybe something good will replace it in the Reserve for someone else. Action 2: Travel:Alexandria->The Sahara Desert

Turn 13 Encounter Phase, Alexandria



The police ask for help . . . (Observation 3) [dice]0[/dice] If you fail discard 1 Ally Asset.

Turn 12 Encounter Phase - Rome





Influence Test 3 -1
[dice]0[/dice]
Reroll with Lucky Talisman
[dice]1[/dice]
Reroll with Lucky Ring
[dice]2[/dice]

That was close. Close Gate!!

Turn 13 Encounter Phase
While exploring the desert, Finn and Ruby come across a shimmering, rippling circle hanging in the air. Finn reaches out to touch it, and he suddenly finds himself in a mysterious tower. It consists of a maze of twisty little passages, all alike. He wanders around searching for a way to the top, but he can't find one. Eventually, he encounters an old man that looks strangely like him. "Hey, you're me!" he exclaims.

"Go away, you idiot!" says old Finn.

"Is that any way to talk to yourself?"

"I've been wandering alone in this hell for fifty years, and it's all your fault! Leave me alone!" The old man brushes past Finn and disappears around a corner. Finn sinks to his knees and sobs, knowing that he is trapped.

OOC,Lore roll (2 + 1[Improvement] = 3 dice), Other World Encounter: [dice]0[/dice] Influence roll (3 dice), Other World Encounter: [dice]1[/dice] Spending 1 Focus to reroll: [dice]2[/dice] Despair Condition gained. Well, I just doomed us all. :cry:

Turn 13 Mythos Phase, A Dark Path (green). Omen advances, 2 Eldritch tokens discarded, investigators lose the game.



The lightless temple beneath the Bent Pyramid has risen above the sands, and the insidious Nephron-Ka has returned.