Session 1 – Peru – Masks of Nyarlathotep – Epic Role-Playing Adventure

I will start a blog series that outlines what happened during the adventure. Below are some of the highlights. If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

Masks of Nyarlathotep Adventure: https://amzn.to/3B0Ztt0

Call of Cthulhu Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

Call of Cthulhu Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

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Session 1: Arrival in Peru

The session begins with the players receiving a news clipping and a telegraph from Augustus Larkin, inviting them to join an expedition to explore an ancient pyramid in Peru. The year is 1921, and the characters, each with their own motivations, arrive in Lima on March 18th, where they gather at Bar Cordano.

From there, they head to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. During their visit to the museum, the group meets Professor Sánchez, who provides insights into two ancient artifacts, one from the Tiwanaku civilization (5th century) and the other from the Inca (15th century), potentially linked to the mysterious pyramid the expedition seeks. The professor is deeply concerned about the artifacts’ safety and the group’s intentions, suspecting they might be looters.

The session takes a darker turn when they discover the body of Trinidad Rizo, a research assistant, in the storeroom. They are then chasing who did this to find a larva-like creature was inside the professor, which they kill.

Key Characters Introduced

• Augustus Larkin: The organizer of the expedition, who appears frail, sickly, and possibly suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
• Emerson, Omar, Virginia, Alejandro, and Bessie: The players’ characters, each bringing a unique personality and background to the group. Omar and Bessie have a tense yet humorous interaction, while Virginia and Emerson share a skeptical outlook on the expedition.

Key Events

• Introductions at Bar Cordano:
  • The group meets at Bar Cordano, where they each introduce themselves and start forming bonds.
  • Larkin reveals the artifacts he obtained from an alpaca farmer, including a golden cup and a pendant. Both suggest the existence of the pyramid but are from different historical periods.
  • Tension arises between Larkin’s hired guide, Mendoza, and another associate, Jesse Hughes, indicating potential conflicts within the group.
  • Jesse Hughes reveals his true identity as Jackson Elias, an author researching cults. He is wary of Mendoza and concerned about the expedition’s true purpose.
• Visiting the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology:
  • The group meets the Museum professor, who points them to the store room.
• Grisley Find:
  • In the storeroom, the group discovers the body of Trinidad Rizo, the professor’s assistant.
  • Her body is found with a large, unnatural hole in her chest, completely desiccated.
  • Papers related to Gaspar Figueroa and ancient conquistadors are found near her body, adding to the group’s growing suspicions about the expedition.
  • They follow the footsteps away from Rizo’s body, eventually leading them to the professor’s office.
• Professor has been Attacked:
  • The group returns to Professor Sánchez’s office, where they find him in critical condition, mumbling deliriously about being kissed by someone he believes to be Luis de Mendoza.
  • The professor’s condition rapidly declines as the group witnesses a horrific event: a larva-like creature bursts out from his stomach, which the group manages to kill.
  • The professor is rushed to the hospital, leaving the group to grapple with the bizarre and terrifying turn of events.
  • The session ends with the group learning about local legends of monsters called the “Kharisiri,” believed to drain body fat from their victims. Despite the ominous warnings, the group prepares to head out on their expedition, with suspicions and uncertainties looming over their mission.

Standout Moments

• The humorous and tense interaction between Bessie and Omar.
• The reveal of Jackson Elias’ true identity and his concerns about Mendoza.
• Finding Trinidad Rizo, the Professor’s assistant, dead and desiccated.
• They found a larva inside the professor, extracted it, and killed it before it could infect another host.
• The group’s reaction to the local legends of monsters sets the tone for the eerie adventure ahead.

This session sets the stage for the mystery and dangers that await the players as they delve deeper into the unknown in Peru.