Tag: Mystery

  • Session 19 – The Mummy, Inky Portal, and Nyarlathotep’s Temptation

    Session 19 – The Mummy, Inky Portal, and Nyarlathotep’s Temptation

    In this chilling installment, the investigators delve deeper into the heart of the Great Chamber beneath the Pyramid, confronting eerie mysteries that defy both science and sanity. As they examine the uncanny preservation of Queen Nitocris’s mummy and the swirling, inky black portal embedded in the chamber wall, tensions rise and theories abound. Magic stirs, relics shimmer, and unsettling sounds from the darkness signal that they are not alone. With each step, the line between the rational and the unknowable blurs, setting the stage for a confrontation with forces far beyond human comprehension.

    Key Characters Introduced

    • Queen Nitocris’s Mummy – The preserved body of the ancient queen lies on a platform behind the throne; her unnaturally pristine condition raises alarm and curiosity.
    • Nyarlathotep as the Black Pharoah – The Crawling Chaos makes his presence known through him appearing on the throne as the Black Pharoah, marking a terrifying escalation in the investigators’ journey.
    • Unknown Presence to the North – The investigators hear approaching footsteps and movement echoing from the northern tunnel, suggesting that something—or someone—is coming, but they do not yet know who or what it was.

    Key Events

    1. The Mummy of Queen Nitocris is Examined
      • The investigators closely inspect the ancient mummy on a black ebony platform.
      • Bessie notes the unnatural preservation of skin and teeth—far too pristine for a 4,000-year-old corpse.
      • Alejandro pokes the mummy’s abdomen and senses something solid inside, which should be impossible given traditional mummification practices.
      • Attempts to cut or damage the wrappings with knives fail; the cloth seems impervious.
    2. Clues Suggest Supernatural Protection
      • Ezekiel recalls ancient texts about protections used in Egyptian burial rites.
      • He deduces that special rituals may be required to pierce the mummy’s wrappings.
      • Even Bessie’s attempt to collect a skin sample results in no success—the mummy’s flesh resists all efforts.
    3. The Party Encounters the Inky Black Portal
      • Behind the throne, a massive swirling black circle pulses with an otherworldly energy.
      • Emerson places his hand on it and is unable to pull it away, becoming physically stuck to the portal wall; it takes the strength of multiple investigators to pull him free.
      • The portal feels cold and solid like stone, but its surface undulates with liquid-like ripples.
      • The group recognizes that the portal may be selective in its interactions with living matter.
    4. They Test the Portal Using the Mummy
      • The investigators drag Queen Nitocris’s mummy to the portal to test its effect on her.
      • Multiple party members attempt to push her into it, punch her, and observe for any reaction—none occurs.
      • The mummy remains inert, behaving like a weighted training dummy, regardless of their efforts.
    5. Voices and Footsteps Are Heard Approaching
      • Bessie and Ezekiel hear faint movement and murmuring sounds from the northern corridor.
      • The group begins preparing for potential combat, drawing weapons and positioning themselves defensively.
    6. Nyarlathotep Speaks and Alejandro Dies
      • The presence of Nyarlathotep manifests as the Black Pharaoh, speaking to the investigators.
      • The tone, words, and timing hint at a climactic turning point in their descent into the mythos.
      • In a climactic and horrifying moment, Nyarlathotep claims Alejandro’s soul, crumpling his body and turning it into a heap of ash as the rest of the party watches in shock and horror.

    Standout Moments

    • Alejandro
      • Sacrificed his soul to Nyarlathotep during the terrifying climax of the session, his body left vacant as the entity took hold, shocking the entire group.
    • Bessy
      • Dragged Queen Nitocris’s mummy across the chamber by herself with sheer determination, then tried to analyze and pierce the mummy’s unnaturally preserved skin despite supernatural resistance.
    • Emerson
      • Got physically stuck to the inky black portal wall, requiring the group to pull him free, and later joined in comically and scientifically testing the mummy’s interaction with the portal.
    • Ezekiel
      • Identified magical protections surrounding the mummy and recalled arcane knowledge that pointed to ancient rituals being required to breach the wrappings.
    • Virginia
      • Lit the chamber with her flashlight, helped guide Emerson through the darkness, and kept a keen watch as events spiraled toward an encounter with Nyarlathotep.
    • Omar
      • Attempted to test the mummy’s response to chemical spray (flit) and pushed for experimental interactions, adding a quirky but earnest scientific curiosity to the group’s investigation.

    As the dust settles in the torchlit chamber, the investigators are left reeling from their brush with the supernatural. The mummy of Queen Nitocris remains a sealed enigma, resistant to blades, science, and reason itself. The black portal pulses with unnatural life, and worse still, Nyarlathotep has made his presence known—not with a scream, but with a whisper that stole Alejandro’s very soul. What began as an archaeological mystery has become a battle for sanity and survival.

    With threats echoing from the northern corridor and a cosmic entity now directly engaged, the party faces a harrowing decision: confront what lies beyond the veil or retreat with what little humanity they have left. One thing is certain—after this night, nothing will ever be the same.

    If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

    Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

    Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

    I use Fantasy Grounds for the automation and Virtual Table Top; please check them out here: http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/361781/15958

  • Session 18 – Beneath Giza: Red Mist and Secrets in the Pyramid Depths

    Session 18 – Beneath Giza: Red Mist and Secrets in the Pyramid Depths

    In this suspenseful chapter of our Masks of Nyarlathotep journey, the investigators descend into a shadowy, subterranean hall marked by slick ebony floors, bizarrely twisted pillars, and an unsettling red mist concealing a staircase into mysteries below. As whispers, moans, and eerie sounds drift upward from unseen depths, Alejandro boldly ventures forward, only to collapse mysteriously amidst the swirling haze, sparking frantic rescue efforts and desperate magical intervention. With strange forces at play and sanity unraveling, the group cautiously explores the chamber, confronting unnatural phenomena, hidden dangers, and the growing dread that something sinister awaits beneath the surface.

    Key Characters Introduced

    • The mummy of Queen Nitocris – The investigators spotted a glowing green ceremonial platform topped with an ancient casket, believed to contain the remains of Queen Nitocris, hinting at her lingering influence and the dark rites connected to her resurrection.

    Key Events

    1. Exploration of the Grand Ebony Hall
      • The party enters a vast underground chamber with ebon marble floors and towering columns made of the same material.
      • The room is dimly lit by torchlight in a few areas, with visibility limited by darkness at the edges.
      • Strange architecture twists into unnatural shapes, and sound echoes hauntingly throughout the space.
      • A mysterious ceremonial platform with a glowing green light and a casket is spotted—possibly the resting place of Queen Nitocris.
    2. The Red Mist Staircase
      • A grand staircase descends into a dense red mist that obscures vision and emits unsettling sounds.
      • Whispers, moans, and shrieks rise from the mist, unnerving the group.
      • Emerson warns the party about possible dangers in mist-filled enclosed spaces, likening it to CO₂ poisoning on ships.
    3. Alejandro’s Descent and Collapse
      • Alejandro boldly descends the staircase without proper protection.
      • The red mist irritates his lungs, but he insists it’s fine—until he vanishes below and a loud thump is heard.
      • The party fears he has collapsed or worse.
    4. Ezekiel’s Desperate Use of Magic
      • To save Alejandro, Ezekiel casts a protective spell, forming a massive shimmering force barrier 100 yards in diameter.
      • The magic repels the red mist long enough to reveal Alejandro unconscious at the bottom.
      • Ezekiel suffers temporary insanity and amnesia from the strain of casting the spell.
      • He forgets recent events and is confused about why they’re not still eating breakfast.
    5. Rescue and Recovery
      • With the mist temporarily pushed back, the team rushes down and finds Alejandro propped up against an invisible barrier.
      • They pull him back to safety before the mist returns.
      • Once conscious, Alejandro recalls disturbing visions in the mist—dead bodies and screaming faces.
    6. Investigation of the Chamber’s Features
      • The group notices the ceremonial platform glowing green and suspects it holds the mummy of Queen Nitocris.
      • They also discover a black pool with a tethered wooden raft and a gondola-like pole.
      • The pool appears inky and impenetrable to light, prompting the group to test its properties.
      • Bessie and Alejandro board the raft; Omar spots footprints, suggesting previous use.
      • Suspicion grows that the raft is intended for ritualistic passage—or something worse.

    Standout Moments

    • Alejandro
      • Alejandro volunteered to explore the eerie mist-filled staircase alone, only to pass out dramatically, becoming the catalyst for a major rescue and magical intervention.
    • Bessy
      • With fearless curiosity, Bessy stepped onto the strange wooden raft floating on an inky underground pool, determined to uncover its purpose.
    • Virginia
      • Virginia’s flashlight and foresight to bring spare batteries helped the group navigate the oppressive darkness, and her level-headedness grounded the team amidst growing fear.
    • Omar
      • Omar slipped away from the group and moved with near-invisibility, prompting confusion and concern as the rest of the party realized they had no idea where he went.
    • Ezekiel
      • In a desperate act, Ezekiel tapped into forbidden magic, creating a massive force field to repel the deadly mist—at the cost of his own sanity and a temporary bout of amnesia.
    • Emerson
      • Emerson clung to his skepticism until even he admitted something supernatural was afoot, delivering a chilling reminder: “If you don’t believe there’s worse stuff going on, you haven’t been paying attention.”

    As the investigators inch deeper into the heart of this subterranean nightmare, the dangers become more surreal, the air more toxic—both literally and figuratively—and the sanity of the party ever more fragile. With ancient horrors lurking behind every twisted pillar and the ominous casket of Queen Nitocris pulsing with grim portent, the choices ahead are not yet clear: but one thing is they will descend further into the unknown and find a way to survive the truths already uncovered.

    Session 18 leaves us with more questions than answers. What secrets lie within the coffin? What force animates the red mist? And just how far will the investigators go—physically and mentally—to stop what’s coming? The deeper they go, the darker it gets. Stay tuned.

    If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

    Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

    Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

    I use Fantasy Grounds for the automation and Virtual Table Top; please check them out here: http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/361781/15958

  • Session 17 – Children of the Sphinx, Pyramid Shadows Stir

    Session 17 – Children of the Sphinx, Pyramid Shadows Stir

    In this tense and intriguing session of Masks of Nyarlathotep, the investigators found themselves navigating the complexities of Cairo and the mysterious pyramids of Giza. The team decided to investigate further by visiting the pyramids. Their attempts to interact with Dr. Henry Clive of the Clive Expedition quickly turned sour, leading to an awkward confrontation and forced retreat.

    After regrouping, the investigators cleverly disguised themselves as tourists, scouting the pyramids’ vicinity and discovering hidden footprints leading to a secluded location. Determined to uncover more secrets, the team planned a stealthy return under the cover of night, preparing themselves for whatever ancient horrors await beneath the Egyptian sands.

    Key Characters Introduced

    • Dr. Henry Clive – The stern leader of the Clive Expedition encountered at the Giza dig site who swiftly dismissed the investigators and demanded they leave. Also found his signature on some of the paperwork stolen by Ezekiel.
    • Martin Winfield – One of the individuals whose signature appeared in the financial documents Ezekiel took from Dr. Clive’s office.
    • James Gardner – Another name discovered on financial paperwork stolen by Ezekiel from the Clive Expedition’s administrative building.

    Key Events

    1. Confrontation with Dr. Henry Clive
      • Bessie attempts unsuccessfully to guide diggers toward discovering something noteworthy.
      • Dr. Henry Clive, leader of the Clive Expedition, confronts the investigators about trespassing at the dig site.
      • Alejandro humorously tries and fails to bluff his way in, claiming authority from a nonexistent “Pyramid Inspection Bureau.”
      • Emerson and Virginia attempt to smooth things over by mentioning Jackson Elias and the Carlyle Expedition, noticing subtle, suspicious reactions from Dr. Clive.
      • The team draws attention quickly, prompting a direct encounter with authorities.
    2. Ezekiel Steals Important Documents
      • Amid the confrontation, Ezekiel stealthily slips away into the Clive Expedition’s administrative building.
      • Successfully grabs financial documents and signatures belonging to Dr. Clive, Martin Winfield, and James Gardner.
      • Ezekiel narrowly escapes detection and rejoins the group just as authorities force them to leave.
    3. Team Regroups and Discusses Next Steps
      • Returning briefly to Cairo, the investigators examine Ezekiel’s stolen documents, finding mostly financial records.
      • Mahmoud joins them again, though Emerson grows suspicious and bluntly questions Mahmoud’s allegiance to the Brotherhood, creating tension.
      • Team discusses forging signatures from documents but acknowledges their lack of skill to do so convincingly.
    4. Second Visit to Pyramids as Tourists
      • Investigators disguise themselves as tourists to avoid earlier detection issues.
      • Alejandro humorously interacts with a local tour guide, who invents bizarre stories involving aliens and teleportation to earn money.
      • Omar stealthily graffiti-tags one of the pyramids without being noticed.
    5. Discovery of Secret Footprints and Planning Night Raid
      • Bessie discovers hidden footprints leading away from the main tourist area toward an isolated building.
      • Realizing they cannot investigate openly during daylight without suspicion, the group decides to return under cover of night.
      • Ezekiel skillfully conceals the team as tourists depart, successfully positioning the investigators to explore unnoticed after dark, thus finding secret tunnels in the desert.
    6. Navigating the Pyramid Tunnels
      • Investigators cautiously moved through winding, disorienting tunnels beneath the pyramids, marking their path with shoe polish to avoid becoming lost.
      • The group encountered an overpowering stench of decay, causing several members to become nauseated.
    7. Encounter with the Children of the Sphinx
      • The party was attacked by two creatures, one of them looked like a crocodile-headed humanoid and an eagle-headed humanoid.
      • Alejandro decisively ended the threat, skillfully dispatching the creatures with precise gunfire.
    8. Entering the Great Chamber
      • After surviving their harrowing battle, the group emerged into an enormous and eerie chamber.
      • They saw a vast hall with black marble floors, columns twisted into unsettling shapes, and a mysterious central pool with a raft moored nearby.
      • At the chamber’s far end, a large dais and a monumental throne carved from black marble loomed ominously, behind which lay a massive hole of impenetrable darkness, indicating deeper mysteries to uncover.

    Standout Moments

    • Ezekiel – Skillfully infiltrated Dr. Clive’s administrative building, stealthily stealing valuable financial records without being detected.
    • Alejandro – Humorously attempted to bluff Dr. Clive by claiming authority from the fictional “Pyramid Inspection Bureau,” though he failed spectacularly.
    • Bessie – Sharply spotted hidden footprints leading toward a concealed location near the pyramids, setting the stage for the night mission.
    • Virginia – Observed Dr. Clive’s subtle, suspicious reaction upon mentioning Jackson Elias and the Carlyle Expedition, revealing his deeper connections.
    • Omar – Managed to graffiti the pyramids covertly, humorously leaving his mark without drawing attention.
    • Alejandro (Combat Moment) – Took charge during the deadly encounter beneath the pyramids, swiftly and effectively eliminating the monstrous Children of the Sphinx.
    • Emerson – Created awkward tension at lunch by openly questioning Mahmoud’s allegiance to the Brotherhood, reflecting growing paranoia and suspicion within the team.

    As the investigators stand before the foreboding throne and peer into the abyssal darkness beyond, one thing is clear—what awaits them is more sinister and dangerous than anything they’ve faced before. Will their bravery carry them through the terrors beneath Giza, or will the ancient evils finally prove too much? Find out in our next chilling chapter of Masks of Nyarlathotep.

    If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

    Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

    Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

    I use Fantasy Grounds for the automation and Virtual Table Top; please check them out here: http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/361781/15958

    Fediverse Reactions
  • Session 16 – Secrets and Serpents in Cairo’s Shadows

    Session 16 – Secrets and Serpents in Cairo’s Shadows

    In this adrenaline-fueled session of our Masks of Nyarlathotep campaign, our intrepid band of investigators finds themselves in the heart of Cairo, unearthing a hidden mosque and its closely guarded relic. Between whispered rumors of a nefarious cult and tense midnight stakeouts, they soon discover that something far more horrific lurks beneath the city’s ancient streets. With the fate of a powerful artifact on the line, our heroes brace themselves to face both human conspirators and otherworldly monstrosities in a place where faith and fear collide.

    Key Characters Introduced

    • Ahmed al-Dhahabi– The dedicated caretaker of the mosque who reveals its secret artifact, meeting the investigators after a local worshipper vouches for them.
    • Mosque Guardians – A trio of sword-wielding defenders sworn to protect the Girdle, first encountered in the hidden chambers during the serpent creature’s attack.
    • Unnamed Worshipper – A passerby within the mosque who notices the foreigners and directs them to Ahmed, setting the stage for the group’s secret meeting.
    • Serpent Creature – A monstrous being that emerges from the shadows to assault the guardians, confronting the investigators during their late-night watch.

    Key Events

    1. Arriving at the Mosque
      • The investigators split up to quietly survey the building’s exterior.
      • A curious local worshipper notices their presence and leads them to speak with Ahmed Al-Habi.
    2. Revelation of the Girdle
      • Ahmed reveals that his mosque secretly guards the Girdle of Nitocris.
      • He explains the Brotherhood’s repeated attempts to seize the artifact.
      • The investigators agree to help protect the relic overnight.
    3. Preparing for the Night Watch
      • The group arranges a system of shifts to monitor the mosque’s hidden chambers.
      • Each member settles into makeshift sleeping areas to rest between watch rotations.
      • Tension rises as they anticipate an impending assault by cult forces.
    4. Serpent’s Sudden Attack
      • Strange scratching and clanging noises rouse the investigators during the final watch.
      • A monstrous serpent creature appears, attacking mosque guardians with frightening speed.
      • Gunfire and desperate melee ensue as the investigators fight alongside the mosque’s defenders.
    5. Triumph and Aftermath
      • The combined effort of the investigators and guardians brings the serpent down.
      • Its body dissolves into a foul, smoking residue, leaving behind no solid remains.
      • With the immediate threat quelled, the investigators are left to wonder what new horrors the Brotherhood may unleash next.

    Standout Moments

    • Alejandro
      • Agrees to Emerson’s plan to pretend he’s mute, causing a few comedic confusions.
      • Unloads multiple shots into the serpent creature, only to discover its near-impervious hide.
    • Bessie
      • Delivers the decisive point-blank shot that brings the serpent monster down.
      • Investigates the dissolving remains, undeterred by the bizarre and unsettling aftermath.
    • Virginia
      • Connects the dots between this serpent and a past encounter in New York, warning the team of its deadly potential.
      • Helps organize the group’s watches and first discovers suspicious noises in the corridors.
    • Emerson
      • Convinces Alejandro to maintain cover by feigning muteness, hoping for a subtle infiltration strategy.
      • Bravely leaps into the fray with his machete, despite suffering a string of near-miss attacks.
    • Omar
      • Ever the intrepid documentarian, snaps a photo mid-battle—camera in one hand and crowbar in the other.
      • Wrestles with the culture shock in the mosque while brandishing his trusty stogie.
    • Ezekiel
      • Stays focused during the late-night stakeout, ready to protect the Girdle at a moment’s notice.
      • Attempts several shots on the serpent, narrowly missing and highlighting just how elusive the creature is.

    With the monstrous serpent slain and only a sludgy residue left behind, the investigators stand victorious—but the Brotherhood’s ambitions are far from dead. As rumors of other hidden artifacts and ever more dangerous horrors surface, our heroes must press on, knowing each victory only pulls them deeper into the labyrinthine mysteries of the Masks of Nyarlathotep. Prepare for more terrifying encounters, cunning cultists, and desperate acts of heroism in our next thrilling session.

    If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

    Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

    Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

    I use Fantasy Grounds for the automation and Virtual Table Top; please check them out here: http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/361781/15958

  • Session 15 – Unraveling Dark Secrets in Cairo: Investigating the Black Pharaoh and the Stolen Mummy

    Session 15 – Unraveling Dark Secrets in Cairo: Investigating the Black Pharaoh and the Stolen Mummy

    In this session of Masks of Nyarlathotep, the investigators review important clues. They discussed the Brotherhood’s possible role in stealing the mummy of Queen Nitocris. They also talked about suspicious events around the local pyramids. Contacts in Cairo warned them about Omar Al Shak Shakti, the dangerous leader of the Brotherhood. The group thought about secretly investigating his plantation. Warren Besart shared disturbing stories about the supernatural fate of the Carlyle Expedition at the Bent Pyramid, highlighting the serious danger they faced.

    The investigators then visited Dr. Ali Kafur at the Egyptian Museum. He gave them unsettling information about the Black Pharaoh. Dr. Kafur explained that ancient prophecies hinted the Black Pharaoh might soon return. This return could be connected to missing artifacts and Queen Nitocris’s stolen mummy. Dr. Kafur offered to help them understand some important texts they found. They agreed to meet again for further study. The session ended with the investigators feeling uneasy but determined to continue carefully.

    Key Characters Introduced

    • Dr. Ali Kafur – Egyptologist at the Egyptian Museum; knowledgeable about ancient Egyptian artifacts and myths, especially about the Black Pharaoh.
    • Omar Al Shak Shakti – Leader of the dangerous Brotherhood cult in Cairo; owns a heavily guarded plantation.
    • Queen Nitocris – Historical Egyptian queen whose stolen mummy may be crucial to the Black Pharaoh’s return (mentioned but not directly encountered).
    • Nephren-Ka (the Black Pharaoh) – A legendary, evil figure linked to ancient prophecies and dangerous cults; central to the investigators’ current inquiry (mentioned but not directly encountered).
    • Edward Gavigan – Current director of the Penhew Foundation, which is connected to suspicious activities and possibly involved with missing artifacts (mentioned but not directly encountered).

    Key Events

    1. Group Recap and Discussions in Cairo
      • Reviewed recent events involving Warren Besart and Faraz Najir.
      • Discussed the Brotherhood’s possible involvement in stealing Queen Nitocris’s mummy.
      • Considered plans to investigate Omar Al Shak Shakti’s plantation.
    2. Meeting with Informant Mahmoud
      • Mahmoud provided information about Omar’s heavily guarded plantation.
      • Mahmoud warned the investigators about Omar’s dangerous reputation in Cairo.
    3. Investigators Met Dr. Ali Kafur at the Egyptian Museum
      • Dr. Kafur warmly welcomed Ezekiel, indicating a prior acquaintance.
      • Shared detailed information about Nephren-Ka (the Black Pharaoh).
      • Explained the historical significance and prophecies related to Queen Nitocris.
      • Offered insight into stolen artifacts connected to potential supernatural events.
    4. Important Information from Dr. Kafur
      • Mentioned the Carlyle Expedition’s interest in the Black Pharaoh.
      • Confirmed that Queen Nitocris’s stolen mummy could trigger Nephren-Ka’s return.
      • Revealed possible supernatural protections within the museum.
    5. Agreement to Study Ancient Texts
      • Dr. Kafur agreed to help the group decipher significant occult texts.
      • Investigators debated which texts to study, choosing between two important manuscripts.
      • Scheduled multiple nights to study these texts in detail.

    Standout Moments

    1. Ezekiel – Reunited with Dr. Ali Kafur, deepening his understanding of the Black Pharaoh.
    2. Emerson – Experienced an unsettling moment witnessing Dr. Kafur’s supernatural door-opening ritual.
    3. Virginia – Learned critical details about the stolen mummy’s connection to prophecies from Dr. Kafur.
    4. Alejandro – Successfully interpreted historical texts about the Black Pharaoh at the museum.
    5. Bessie – Advocated for careful planning and caution about investigating Omar’s plantation.

    As darkness settles over Cairo, the investigators find themselves edging closer to ancient secrets that carry both promise and peril. With every discovery, the veil between sanity and madness grows thinner, challenging their resolve. The stage is set for even darker revelations in the sessions ahead.

    If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

    Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

    Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

    I use Fantasy Grounds for the automation and Virtual Table Top; please check them out here: http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/361781/15958

  • Session 14 – Secrets in the Street of Scorpions

    Session 14 – Secrets in the Street of Scorpions

    Welcome back, dear readers, to another installment of our globetrotting Call of Cthulhu campaign, Shadows of the Jackal. In our previous session, the investigators continued their exploration of Cairo, gathering clues about the elusive Brotherhood and the tangled past of the Carlyle Expedition. This time around, they dove headfirst into chaotic encounters, brandished a few too many weapons for Cairo’s comfort, and nearly torched a tailor’s shop along the way. Let’s unravel the latest mystery together!

    Key Characters Introduced

    • Udi – A local cloth merchant running a fine fabrics shop on the Street of Scorpions.
    • Warren Besart – A gaunt, disheveled foreigner once connected to the Carlyle Expedition.
    • Three Unnamed Strangers – A trio of local men whose identities and intentions remain unclear.
    • Udi – A local cloth merchant running a fine fabrics shop on the Street of Scorpions.
    • Warren Besart – A gaunt, disheveled foreigner once connected to the Carlyle Expedition.
    • Three Unnamed Strangers – A trio of local men whose identities and intentions remain unclear.

    Key Events

    • Exploring the Fabric Shop
      • Bessie, Virginia, Omar, and Alejandro enter a local fabrics store on the Street of Scorpions.
      • Omar accidentally drops cigar ash on delicate cloth, causing a minor fire scare.
      • Bessie negotiates for a custom dress design and investigates the shop’s back rooms.
    • Discovery of Warren Besart
      • Bessie finds a disheveled stranger hiding in a storage room.
      • He appears anxious, gaunt, and heavily under the influence of various substances.
      • The group engages him in conversation to learn more about his background and possible connections.
    • Outside Confrontation
      • Emerson stands guard and notices three suspicious individuals repeatedly passing by.
      • Tensions rise as the strangers attempt to enter the shop.
      • Alejandro and Bessie brandish firearms, prompting the trio to back away and leave.
    • Regroup at the Hotel
      • The investigators reconvene at their lodgings with new information and renewed concerns.
      • Mahmoud, the streetwise youth helping them navigate Cairo, joins them for a meal.
      • Plans form to further investigate Warren Besart’s revelations and prepare for any local threats.
    Basket-Of-Protection

    Standout Moments

    • Omar – Accidentally dropped cigar ash on fine cloth, sparking a small fire that he hastily concealed.
    • Bessie – Ventured beyond the main store area and discovered Warren Besart hidden in the back room.
    • Virginia – Used her charm to keep the anxious Besart calm and prevent him from fleeing in panic.
    • Alejandro – Brandished a weapon in the street to intimidate potential cultists into backing down, almost getting himself in trouble in the meantime.
    • Emerson – Stayed alert outside, first stalling suspicious strangers with small talk, then assisting in defusing the confrontation.
    • Ezekiel – Rushed in to help restrain Warren Besart when he tried to bolt, adding to the group’s overall effort to keep the situation under control.

    With tension mounting in the labyrinthine streets of Cairo, the group ends Session 14 with more questions than answers. The shadow of the Brotherhood looms, and a traumatized informant provides only fragmented warnings. What happens next may draw the investigators even deeper into the dark heart of Egypt’s hidden horrors.

    If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

    Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

    Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

    I use Fantasy Grounds for the automation and Virtual Table Top; please check them out here: http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/361781/15958

  • Session 13 – Unveiling Cairo’s Hidden Threads

    Session 13 – Unveiling Cairo’s Hidden Threads

    Our party returned this week to delve deeper into Cairo’s winding alleys and cryptic lore. In typical fashion, they stumbled upon street toughs, helpful children, suspicious shopkeepers, and half-whispered references to ancient cults..

    Key Characters Introduced

    • Mahmoud – The quick-witted street urchin offering his services as a “Drago man” (guide). He has a knack for fading into Cairo’s crowded bazaars and reappearing exactly when needed—especially if a bit of money is involved.
    • Faraz Najjir – A burned, wary shopkeeper once possessed important occult “curios.” Terrified of the Brotherhood, who scarred him, he initially fled at the mention of the Carlisle Expedition but later shared details of his dangerous past dealings.
    • Uwayid (Nuri’s Son) – Scarred in the same attack that left Nuri speechless. Protective of his mother and initially wary of strangers, he ultimately allowed the group to see Nuri once she spoke again for the first time in months.
    • Nuri – An elderly wise woman, catatonic after a vicious supernatural event. She briefly became lucid upon meeting Virginia, handing her a fragment from the Red Pyramid at Dahshur. Her sudden awareness vanished just as quickly.
    • Omar Al-Shakti – Mentioned as a powerful local businessman tied to the Brotherhood. While not encountered face-to-face, his influence looms large.

    Key Events

    • Mahmoud, the Resourceful Street Guide
      • Early on, the group discovered they were being tailed by a mysterious figure who turned out to be a boy named Mahmud.
      • Though initially suspicious, the investigators decided his street smarts and knowledge of Cairo would be invaluable. Mahmoud quickly became a sort of guide—who demanded plenty of payment in exchange for his help and local intel.
    • Encounter with Faraz Najjir
      • Determined to find Faraz Najjir, the investigators tracked him to a new location in the Street of Potters.
      • Their first attempt to chat about the doomed Carlisle Expedition ended badly—simply mentioning Carlisle triggered Najjir’s terror. He abruptly closed his shop and fled.
      • On a second approach, the more diplomatic members of the group managed to gain Najir’s trust. Faraz revealed that he once sold “singular curios” to Warren Bessart, acting on behalf of the Carlisle Expedition—an act he now gravely regrets.
      • He also warned the party about a cult known as the “Brotherhood,” who burned half of his face in retaliation for crossing them.
      • Najir spoke fearfully of relics tied to a mysterious figure called the Black Pharaoh. He believes these relics (including a crown inlaid with a large zircon) point to the legend of an ancient queen known as “Necrotis.”
      • Hints emerged about a stolen mummy from a major archaeological dig in Giza from the Clive Expedition. Najir seemed convinced that the Brotherhood orchestrated these thefts.
    • Visiting Nuri, the “Wise Woman”
      • Seeking more information about Necrotis, the investigators paid a visit—by way of Mahmud’s guidance—to an old wise woman named Nuri in a quiet quarter of Cairo.
      • Nuri, apparently catatonic from a devastating supernatural attack, momentarily sprang to life at the sight of Virginia, calling her “the one.” She offered (in a brief moment of lucidity) a fragment of a pinkish limestone tablet said to be from the Red Pyramid at Dahshur.
      • Having done so, she relapsed into silence, leaving the group with more questions than answers.
    • On the Trail of Warren Bessart
      • With Faraz Najir’s leads—and Mahmud’s sleuthing—the group set out to find Warren Bessart along the Street of Scorpions in Cairo.
      • Following winding directions past small clothing shops and local stalls, they ended in front of a bright red door. If their intel is correct, this is where Bessart can be found.
      • The session ended right as they stepped inside. What revelations, or perils, await behind that red door remain to be seen…
    images-people-mahmoud

    Standout Moments

    • Virginia – Named by Nuri as “the one,” given a mysterious fragment that might hold great significance.
    • Alejandro – Ever the Wild Card jokes about boxing a walking mummy and has a knack for making social situations…unpredictable.
    • Bessie – Her medical background provided insight into unusual scars and relics—though her bedside manner can be a tad intense.
    • Omar & Ezekiel – Quietly collecting every clue, steering the group, and handling the stealthier aspects of tailing or avoiding local cult watchers.

    The Brotherhood’s influence grows more ominous daily, and the name “Necrotis” now hangs over the party like a dark cloud. Could these newly revealed relics be the key to returning an ancient power from the grave—or the only hope of stopping it?

    Stay tuned for the next session to see what lies behind the red door of the Street of Scorpions and whether Warren Bessart can illuminate more of the Carlisle Expedition’s dark history before the Brotherhood tightens its grip on the group!

    If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

    Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

    Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

    I use Fantasy Grounds for the automation and Virtual Table Top; please check them out here: http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/361781/15958

  • Session 12 – Shadows of the Jackal: Arrival in Cairo

    Session 12 – Shadows of the Jackal: Arrival in Cairo

    In this week’s session of Masks of Nyarlathotep, the investigators plunged into the mysteries of Cairo, navigating bustling marketplaces, enigmatic street names, and a world of hidden dangers. A mix of humor, tension, and resourcefulness brought the group face-to-face with shadowy figures, burnt-down shops, and an eerily persistent tail.

    Key Characters Introduced

    • Saleem Naziz – A dragoman from the Shephard’s Hotel, Sim offered his services to help the investigators navigate Cairo and locate individuals of interest. While affable and resourceful, his motivations remain unclear.
    • Street Merchant at the Street of Jackals – A vendor reluctant to speak of Faraz Najir’s fate. With some persuasion, he revealed that Faraz had relocated to the Street of Potters after his shop was mysteriously burned down.
    • Mystery Tail – A shadowy figure who followed the group through the streets of Cairo, disappearing into the crowds whenever spotted. The investigators ultimately managed to corner this individual in an alley.

    Key Events

    • Arrival in Cairo – The investigators arrive in Cairo only to encounter aggressive porters. Their luggage was spirited to a hotel they hadn’t reserved, sparking tension and mistrust.
    • Relocation to Shephard’s Hotel – Rejecting the uninvited hospitality of Hotel du Sud, the group secured accommodations at their intended destination at the prestigious Shephard\’s Hotel. It was established as their base of operations.
    • Scheduling a Meeting with Dr. Ali Kafour – Ezekiel contacted Dr. Kafour’s secretary to secure an appointment with the renowned Egyptian curator and occult and ritual magic expert at the Egyptian Museum for February 11th.
    • Shopping and Exploration at the Street of Jackals – The group explored the bustling bazaar, purchasing local attire and souvenirs to blend into the local culture. Their inquiries into Faraz Najir\’s whereabouts met with unease and avoidance from local merchants.
    • Uncovering Faraz Najir’s New Location – A hesitant merchant revealed that Faraz Najir, whose shop had burned down under mysterious circumstances, had relocated to the Street of Potters. The information came with a warning, suggesting danger tied to Najir’s dealings.
    • Spotting a Shadowy Tail – Emerson identified someone following the group through the crowded streets, prompting the investigators to develop a plan to lose or confront the pursuer.
    • Cornering the Tail – Employing stealth and strategy, Ezekiel isolated and confronted the individual tailing the group. In a dramatic moment, the investigators found themselves face-to-face with a mysterious young boy, hands raised in surrender.
    images-people-ibi-moussa2

    Standout Moments

    • Ezekiel – Using his familiarity with Egypt, Ezekiel guided the group through the chaotic streets of Cairo, successfully locating both the train station and key locations on their map. His expert stealth allowed the group to corner a mysterious tail in the alleys near the Street of Jackals.
    • Emerson – Demonstrating a keen eye, Emerson was the first to spot the group’s shadowy tail. His cautious approach kept the group aware of potential dangers and paved the way for their eventual confrontation with the follower.
    • Alejandro – Always the flamboyant entertainer, Alejandro brought humor and levity to the session, from his fascination with exotic souvenirs to his insistence on wearing his newfound fez with pride. His interactions with locals kept the group grounded and provided valuable comic relief.

    As the session drew close, the investigators found themselves at a critical crossroads in the heart of Cairo’s labyrinthine streets. With a cornered tail, burning questions about Faraz Najir’s mysterious past, and the looming promise of a meeting with Dr. Ali Kafour, the threads of their investigation are beginning to weave into a dangerous tapestry. What secrets will the Street of Potters reveal, and who is indeed pulling the strings in the shadows of this ancient city? Next week promises more intrigue, danger, and revelations as the investigators push deeper into the heart of the mystery!

    If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

    Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

    Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

    I use Fantasy Grounds for the automation and Virtual Table Top; please check them out here: http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/361781/15958

  • Session 11 – Unmasking Corruption and Dark Rituals

    Session 11 – Unmasking Corruption and Dark Rituals

    In this session, the investigators continued their infiltration of the infamous Juju House, where they stumbled upon new horrors and disturbing artifacts in a secret basement chamber. They uncovered evidence implicating a corrupt officer and ultimately saved their wrongfully accused ally from execution. Their harrowing discoveries now point them toward even darker secrets awaiting in Egypt.

    Key Characters Introduced

    • Chakota – The Chakota is a hideous, writhing amalgamation of faces and flesh fused into a single, pulsing mass. Each of its countless human faces appears to wail in agony, forming a cacophony of tormented voices that chills the soul. At its core, it’s an unnatural entity fueled by dark rituals, a living tapestry of all those sacrificed to the bloody cult that spawned it.

    Key Events

    • Encountering the Chakota – Deeper inside, they uncovered a monstrous, shifting mass of screaming faces, revealing a horrific ritual presence.
    • Collecting Damning Evidence – The team found incriminating ledgers and personal belongings linking missing victims and a corrupt police officer to the cult.
    • Hotel Attack from Above – After escaping the Juju House, a flying serpent-like creature smashed through a hotel wall, injuring one of the investigators.
    • Exposing Corruption & Saving an Ally – Working with Lieutenant Poole, the investigators provided enough proof to clear Hilton Adams of murder charges and implicate the corrupt officer.
    • Preparing for Egypt – Having shut down the Juju House (at least for now), the group gathered new research materials and made plans to travel onward to Cairo.
    chakota

    Standout Moments

    • Last-Second Pit Sealing – Even while horrified by the monstrous Chakota, the investigators kept calm and used the large winch mechanism to slam the stone covering shut, averting a worse catastrophe.
    • Life-Saving Field Medicine – After a flying serpent violently injured an investigator, a quick, improvised medical intervention prevented a fatal outcome before hospital care was possible.
    • Corruption Unmasked – Determined sleuthing and meticulous evidence-gathering not only freed an innocent man but also exposed a crooked police officer in league with the cultists.

    With the Juju House exposed and corrupt cops hauled away in cuffs, the investigators have won a temporary reprieve. Yet the scraps of lore and ominous artifacts they carry point toward deeper, more ancient horrors festering around the world. Steeled by fresh triumph—and haunted by what they’ve seen—these investigators will soon cross the seas, bracing for the next crucible awaiting them as their first stop in Egypt.

    If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

    Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

    Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

    I use Fantasy Grounds for the automation and Virtual Table Top; please check them out here: http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/361781/15958

  • Session 10 – Secrets of the Juju House: A Horrific Investigation

    Session 10 – Secrets of the Juju House: A Horrific Investigation

    In this session, our band of investigators found themselves racing against time and ever-darkening odds in Harlem’s shadowy underbelly. With the life of wrongfully convicted Hilton Adams hanging in the balance, they pushed for a temporary reprieve from his looming execution, only to uncover deeper layers of corruption and cult activity. A tense meeting at an abandoned theater revealed hidden allies, guarded secrets, and new leads pointing toward the Juju House and the insidious “Bloody Tongue” cult within. Determined not to squander their precious forty-eight-hour extension, the group broke into the mysterious shop, discovered secret passages, and descended into a gruesome subterranean chamber where the dead walked, and heads had to roll—literally—to end the nightmare.

    Key Characters Introduced

    • Millie Adams – Introduced through a tearful meeting at the Lafayette Theater, she revealed more about her husband’s innocence and the secrets of the Juju House.
    • Theodore – Appearing as Millie’s ally at the Lafayette Theater, he tested the investigators’ trustworthiness and hinted at underground activities beneath the Juju House.
    • Judge Jim – Mentioned via a phone call by Lieutenant Poole, he granted a vital 48-hour reprieve for Hilton Adams’ execution without ever meeting the investigators in person
    • M’Dari – Referenced by Millie as a key figure possibly possessing Hilton’s notebook, he emerged only by name as a sinister link to the Bloody Tongue lurking in Harlem.

    Key Events

    • Contacting Lieutenant Poole and Securing a Reprieve
      • Influenced by Virginia’s persuasion, Poole arranges a last-minute 48-hour delay of Hilton Adams’ execution.
      • The investigators clarify the need for solid proof of Adams’ innocence.
    • The Emotional Call to Millie Adams
      • The purple butterfly token from Hilton triggers an emotional response, leading to a secret meeting at the Lafayette Theater.
      • Millie hints at critical evidence (Hilton’s notebook) and mentions M’Dari connected to the Bloody Tongue.
    • Meeting Millie at the Lafayette Theater
      • Millie’s allies test the investigators’ honesty, ensuring they aren’t cult assassins.
      • The party gains a key to Hilton’s former lookout spot and learns of suspicious monthly gatherings at the Juju House.
    • Infiltrating the Juju House
      • With stealth and lockpicking, the investigators enter the shop after dark, searching for hidden spaces.
      • Beneath a concealed trapdoor, they discover a heavy, symbol-laden door leading underground.
    • Descent into the Underground Chamber
      • Deep in the basement, they encounter horrifying undead creatures that only fall when attacked at the head.
      • A fierce battle ends with the party bloodied but victorious, confirming the Juju House’s deadly secrets.
    zombies

    Standout Moments

    • 48-Hour Reprieve Secured: Lieutenant Poole, swayed by Virginia’s appeal, arranges a critical delay for Hilton Adams’ execution. This purchased time is a precious resource that the investigators must use wisely to prove Adams’ innocence.
    • Purple Butterfly Clue: Hilton secretly passes Virginia a tiny origami butterfly, which becomes a key symbol of his innocence and devotion. Its significance leads the team to Millie Adams, revealing emotional depths and crucial leads.
    • Secret Meeting at Lafayette: Millie and her allies cautiously test the investigators’ trust at the rundown theater. Their acceptance grants the party a vital key to an apartment that once was Hilton’s surveillance post.
    • Juju House Break-In: Under cover of darkness, the team bypasses locks and lifts a concealed trapdoor. They uncover hidden chambers and unsettling symbols that confirm their worst suspicions about the cult’s secretive activities.
    • Undead Showdown Underground: Facing horrific reanimated corpses, the investigators learn the brutal truth that body shots mean nothing—heads must roll. Though injured and horrified, they prevail, proving their resolve in the face of the unnatural.

    With the undead horrors dispatched and their resolve tested, the investigators now stand on the threshold of even darker discoveries. Time is ticking, and the secrets of the Bloody Tongue cult wait. Next week, they must press on, find the incriminating notebook, hopefully save Hilton, and uncover the truth—no matter the cost.

    If you want to get Masks of Nyarlathotep, please click the links below. It helps the channel out if you buy from these links!

    Investigators Handbook: https://amzn.to/4fHaRdi

    Keeper Rulebook: https://amzn.to/4dilnpG

    I use Fantasy Grounds for the automation and Virtual Table Top; please check them out here: http://affiliates.fantasygrounds.com/361781/15958