The Tomb of the Forgotten Pharaoh

Sir Sebastian Thomas, English gentleman of leisure, invites you to embark on a Great Steam Age
Adventure set in the world of Castle Falkenstein.
Contents
Introduction

Dramatis Personae

What Has Gone Before

The Meeting of the Royal Archaeological Society
Dinner at the Athenaeum
Over Brandy and Cigars
Chapter 1 - An Unusual Invitation
In which a group of companions are invited to visit the site of an archaeological dig in the deserts of Egypt,
and their arrival in Egypt.
Why might the Characters accept this Invitation?
Arrival in Egypt
Scene Mechanics for the Journey from Alexandria to Cairo
The Egypt of 1871
SteamTech
The World Anarchist Brotherhood
Stories in the Newspapers
The World Anarchist Brotherhood
The Vampire Killer
The French Tourist
Strange Lights over the Pyramids
Chapter 2 - Welcome to the Land of the Pharaohs
In which the heroic party arrives in Cairo where they meet their host; explore the attractions of the city, and
are treated to a guided tour of the Museum and the University of Al-Azhar by Dr. Giles Sommerfield.
The Cairo Museum of Antiquities
The Curse of the Pharaohs
Scene Mechanics for the Museum and University
The Canopic Jar
The University of Al-Azhar
Dragomans
Later in the Day
Scene Mechanics for Adventures in Cairo
The Orders of Sorcery and their Concerns
The Illuminated Brotherhood of Bayern
Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn
The Grand Order of the Freemasonic Lodge
Mystic Lodge of the Temple of Ra
The League of Isis
Chapter 3 - Excursion to Giza and the Pyramids
In which Sir Sebastian is stricken with a mysterious sickness; and in his absence, Dr. Sommerfield leads the
expedition to Giza where they narrowly escape death entombed within the Pyramids.
The Morning Dawns
Sir Sebastian’s Mysterious Illness
Scene Mechanics for the Great Day
An Excursion to the Giza Plateau
The Pyramids
The Sphinx
Entombed within the Great Pyramid
Scene Mechanics for Escaping from the Great Pyramid
The Journey down the Nile
Chapter 4 - The City in the Sands
In which Dr. Sommerfield shows the party the site of the dig and explains the significance of the relics that
have been found there. The Curse of the Pharaohs begins to be felt; and Sir Sebastian rejoins the party, in
good health once more, to reveal that the missing Canopic Jar has been retrieved.
Introducing the other Members of the Dig
Dieter Volkmann’s Flying Boat
Life at the Site
Artefacts from the Dig
Scene Mechanics for the Dig Site
 Opening the Tomb
Sir Sebastian’s Triumphant Return
Scene Mechanics for the Opening of the Tomb and the Jar
Chapter 5 - The Wild Hunt Rides
In which the Wild Hunt pursues the group across the sands to the river where they barely escape with their
lives in Dieter Volkmann’s Flying Boat, and are subsequently harried along the River Nile as far as Luxor.
A Body amid the Dunes
Danger in the Dusk
Flight up the River
Scene Mechanics for the Hunt
Chapter 6 - The Temple of Amun
In which the Canopic Jar and its grisly contents are stolen once more; and Dr. Sommerfield and his team
trace it to the temple of Amun at Thebes, wherein lies the mummified body of the Unseelie Lord. As they
realise their mistake, Setekh Khareem reveals his true nature and restores the heart, and a semblance of
unlife to the mummy before vanishing through the Faerie Veil in search of the dead god’s Ka spirit.
The Aftermath of the Hunt
The City of the Dead
Napoleon in Egypt
Searching the Ruins
Unholy Rites and Necromantic Sorcery
The Spell of Restoring a Heart to the Osiris Ani
Scene Mechanics for the Ritual of Reanimation
But All is not Yet Lost
Scene Mechanics for the Escape
Chapter 7 - Through the Faerie Veil
In which the adventurers venture through the Faerie Veil to Khert-Neter in order to prevent Setekh Khareem
from completing his resurrection of Amun.
Passing through the Gate
Khert-Neter
Ra’s Boat
The Book of Gates
Scene Mechanics for the Journey down the River
The Hall of Two Truths
The Soul in Ancient Egypt
Judgement
The Spell of Making the Soul in Khert-Neter to be Rejoined with its Body
Should Amun be Judged Worthy...

Appendices

Glossary of Terms
Host Character - Sir Sebastian Thomas
Selected extracts from the diaries of Sir Sebastian Thomas
Pre-Generated Characters
Contessa Consuela Hernandez
Captain Ivan Rostov
Rodrigo di Fuentes
Lord Owen Griffiths
Cecelia von Klausovich
Samuel Paige
Giselle Lacourt
Mädchen Berger
Gottfried Arneson
Anna Visone
The Gods of Ancient Egypt

List of Hand-Outs

The Invitation
Disembarking at Port Said
Panoramic View of Cairo
Another Panoramic View of Cairo
 Cairo, Al-Hadra Square
Cairo, Bulak Street
Street Scene in Old Cairo
Cairo, Grand Continental Hotel
Cairo, The Hotel de Paris
Cairo, Opera Square
Cairo, Post Office
Cairo, Street Scene
The Cairo Times of 18th April 1871
Street Map of Cairo
Canopic Jars
Example of a Canopic Papyrus
Extracts from The Book of the Dead
Extracts from The Book of the Dead
The Pyramids
Plan of the Giza Complex
The Sphinx
A Nile Riverboat
Map of Egypt
Photograph of Lord Fortescue with his wife Isabel and son Charles
Photograph of Doctor Sommerfield, Lord Fortescue, Dieter Volkmann and Charles Fortescue
Plan of the Dig Site at Tell el-Amarna
The Bust of Nefertiti
Plan of Akhenton's Tomb
The City of the Dead
The Temple of Amun
Amun
Judgement in Khert-Neter

Introduction
Dear Mark,

I imagine that Mike Pondsmith has been keeping you and my other friends across the Faerie Veil
abreast of the accounts of my recent adventures in New Europa. Needless to say, I am still
thwarting the machinations of the Unseelie and of their puppet, the Iron Chancellor. Even with the
companionship of Marianne, Lord Auberon, Morrolan, Colonel Tarlenheim and my other friends
here in Castle Falkenstein, it is sometimes a thankless task. Perhaps that is why I write so much of
my adventures for those of you back home. All the more reason for me to appreciate those rare
occasions when I meet others who are also still fighting for all that is fine and honourable. Recently,
I had the pleasure to make the acquaintance of an English gentleman in a similar line of business
to myself. I thought that the enclosed papers, extracts from his own journal, might be of particular
interest to you, concerned as they are with the exploits of one of your own countrymen.

I first encountered Sir Sebastian one hot, sticky night on the roof of a warehouse in Accra, on the
Gold Coast of Africa. I was to discover that he had just recovered documentary proof that the
industrial barons of Britain were planning to incite the Asante tribe into a war so they could test
some new weapons. I myself had trailed an emissary of the Iron Chancellor to a rendezvous with
agents of the Steam Lords in the same building, and was trying to find a way inside so that I might
eavesdrop on their conversation. Discerning a shadowy figure in the act of clambering up through
the skylight, I thought it a guard and instinctively drew my sabre. The sound alerted him to my
presence and he turned to meet my eye. For long seconds, as the sweat trickled down inside my
shirt, we just looked at each other while I held him at sword-point. Then I heard him chuckle.

"I would not die by another man’s hand until I have first made his proper acquaintance. In the
absence of any mutual third party to undertake the formal introductions, allow me to do the
honours. I am Sir Sebastian Thomas, freelance agent for both Her Majesty’s Secret Service and the
Second Compact Alliance."

Realising then that both our purposes and motives were identical, we retired to the Officer’s Club at
the British army barracks to toast our new friendship.

Not that this English noble is an officer in the British army. He is in fact a con man and thief; yet still
a gentleman of honour and virtue. Indeed, I have witnessed him break into a lady’s hotel room in
order to return a series of incriminating letters from a lover, missives that some thief had stolen and
was using for the purposes of blackmail. The blaggard, who had been extorting favours from her,
subsequently (and rather suddenly) emigrated to Brazil. I am told by reliable witnesses that his face
was swollen and bruised as he boarded the ship. At this point I would note that Sir Sebastian is
considered quite formidable at fisticuffs.

Though a scoundrel, my friend is a charming, intelligent, well-travelled man, full of the most
incredible stories. Given the English tendency for understatement, I thought at first that he was an
exception to that rule. However, my subsequent research and conversations with Prince Albert
have shown that he does indeed play down his exploits even among that small circle of people with
whom he can talk about his activities. Since then, our paths have crossed many times, and we
have worked together on a number of occasions. I find him a most entertaining rogue with a dry
sense of humour and a taste for the flamboyant. I hope that you do too.

Tom Olam
Castle Falkenstein, Bayern
April 10th, 1873

Dramatis Personae

Sir Sebastian Thomas

An English gentleman thief, and secret agent for the Second Compact Alliance;
renowned for his sporting prowess, his vivacious personality, and his dalliances
with the ladies.

Athletics [GD] Charisma [GR] Connections [GR] Education [GD] Fisticuffs [GD]
Marksmanship [PR] Perception [GD] Physician [PR] Social Graces [GD] Stealth [GR]
Tinkering [GR]

Dr. Giles Sommerfield

Scholarly, English archaeologist and Egyptologist; former teacher of history at

Eton, Adeptus of the Illuminated Brotherhood of Bayern, and leader of the
expedition to locate the lost tomb of Akhenaton.
Connections [GD] Education [EXC] Perception [GD] Sorcery [GD] Tinkering [GD]

Setekh Khareem

Charismatic High Priest of Amun. Beneath the façade of a humble dragoman lies
a fiendish, renegade sorcerer from the Mystic Lodge of the Temple of Ra who
would resurrect his long-dead god in order to achieve dominance over all of New
Europa.

Charisma [GR] Connections [GD] Education [GD] Performance [GD] Stealth [GD]
Social Graces [PR] Sorcery [EXC]

Ismael LeTouquet

Curator of the Eighteenth Dynasty exhibits at the Cairo Museum of Antiquities,

and sorcerer within the Temple of Ra. He serves as an unwitting catspaw for the
renegade Setekh Khareem.

Connections [GD] Education [GR] Exchequer [GD] Perception [GD] Social Graces
[PR] Sorcery [GR]

Rachid

Former dragoman who has served Dr. Sommerfield for the previous three years
of his excavations at Akhetaten, Rachid has been dismissed after the loss of
artefacts from the dig in transit to the Cairo Museum of Antiquities.

Connections [GD] Courage [GR] Exchequer [PR] Fencing [GD] Fisticuffs [GD]
Perception [GR] Physique [GD] Social Graces [PR]

Lord Edward Fortescue

Old Etonian, ex-Guardsman and one of the sponsors for the excavations at Tell
el-Amarna, whose marriage to the Music Hall singer Isabel Montoya was
considered scandalous in the London social circles at the time.

Athletics [GD] Charisma [GD] Connections [GR] Courage [GD] Education [GD]
Exchequer [EXC] Fencing [GD] Fisticuffs [GD] Social Graces [GD] Tinkering [PR]

Lady Isabel Fortescue

A former Music Hall singer, now wife to Lord Edward, Isabel Fortescue is a
beautiful hispanic Daoine Sidhe of uncertain ancestry and hidden talents. For
reasons of her own, it was she who brought the Illuminati records concerning
Akhetaten to Dr. Sommerfield’s attention.
Charisma [GR] Comeliness [EXT] Connections [GR] Education [GD] Etherealness
[AV] Exchequer [GR] Fencing [PR] Fisticuffs [PR] Glamour [AV] Kindred Powers [GR]
Performance [GD] Physician [GD] Social Graces [GR] Sorcery [GD] Stealth [GD]
Tinkering [PR]

Charles Fortescue

The only child of Lord Edward and Lady Isabel Fortescue, Charles is a typical
eight-year-old with boundless energy and curiosity.

Athletics [GD] Exchequer [GD] Perception [GR] Stealth [GD] Tinkering [GD] Physique
[PR]

Dieter Volkmann

A young student of Archaeology and inveterate Tinkerer from the University of

Berlin who is assisting in the dig, Dieter is taking advantage of this opportunity to
combine his two passions of Ancient History and Modern Invention.

Connections [GD] Courage [GD] Education [GR] Exchequer [GD] Stealth [PR]
Tinkering [GR], Helmsmanship [GD]

Amil

Disguised as an Arab worker on the excavation, Amil is also actually a French

explorer and member of the Illuminated Brotherhood of Bayern.

Athletics [GD], Courage [GD], Fisticuffs [GD], Sorcery [GR]

Klaus Blücher

An attractive but twisted man, caring for little beyond his own evil desire to
possess any magickal artefacts uncovered by the excavation, Klaus Blücher is
an adept of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.

Charisma [GD], Fisticuffs [GD], Marksmanship [GR], Education [GR], Sorcery [EXC]

Francesca and Maria Salvatore

Two elderly Italian spinsters, both high ranking members of the Freemasonic
Lodge. Though they appear flightly and indulgent, they are not to be
underestimated.

Francesca - Connections [GD], Education [GD], Sorcery [GR]

Maria - Courage [GD], Education [GD], Sorcery [GR], Stealth [GD]

Onuris - Master of the Hunt

The Unseelie Master of the Hunt has taken on his Egyptian persona as a huge
man, and wants to see his former Lord Amun resurrected and ready to challenge
the Adversary for the leadership of New Europa’s Unseelie.

Fisticuffs [GR], Marksmanship [GR], Physique [EXT], Glamour [EXC]

What Has Gone Before

The Meeting of the Royal Archaeological Society

Already I was bored. The lecture had barely started and my attention was wandering. I had never
before attended a meeting of the Royal Archaeological Society, and was sure that I would never do
so again. It was only at the invitation of my old school history master, Dr. Giles Sommerfield, that I
was here. Now retired from teaching, my former tutor was recently returned from an expedition in
the deserts of Egypt and was the guest speaker at this gathering of the Society, so I had felt some
obligation to attend to provide my support. Besides, he had also invited me to dine with him at his
club after the lecture, and the Athenaeum served a most excellent brandy.

Knowing that I should make some effort to catch up with all that been happening in the life of my
teacher over the years since I had left Eton, I decided that I should at least attempt to listen to what
he had to say. Though I had little knowledge of, nor interest in, Egyptology I turned my attention
back to the stage where the Doctor was making his speech.

"The tenth king of the 18th Dynasty was perhaps the most controversial of all Egypt’s pharaohs
because of his break with traditional religion. I would go so far as to say that he was the most
remarkable king ever to sit upon the throne of Egypt. As a boy, the young heir was raised in the
traditions by his parents; Amenhotep III, who reigned from 1382 till 1344 BC, and his Queen, Tiy.
By traditions, I mean the worship of the god Amun, from whom many of the pharaohs claimed their
descent, and the other deities of the Egyptian pantheon. However, young Amenhotep IV preferred
to follow only Aton, the sun god that had been worshipped in earlier times."

A murmur of dissension ran through the room. Although I myself could not comprehend the
significance of what Dr. Sommerfield had said, it appeared from the reaction of the more
knowledgeable members of the Society that this statement was somewhat controversial.

"Yes indeed, learned ladies and gentlemen! I have been, for the past three years, on a dig at Tell
el-Amarna in Egypt. There, buried beneath the sands of the desert, I have had the great fortune to
discover the ruins of the lost city of Akhetaten. Moreover, I have found proof incontrovertible that
the vast Egyptian Empire was ruled by a son of Amenhotep III rather than the general Horemhab as
the history books would have us believe."

Even I recognised the significance of those sweeping remarks: a lost city, a forgotten king. This had
all the hallmarks of being a most excellent tale of adventure. The Doctor too knew that he had the
full attention of his audience now as he began to recount the story of this previously unknown
pharaoh.

"Early in his reign he changed his name to Akhenaton, meaning ‘He who is of Service to Aton’ and
renamed his queen Nefertiti to Nefer-Nefru-Aton, which is ‘Beautiful is the Beauty of Aton.’ The king
and his queen, leaving the former capital of Thebes behind them, built an elaborate city at Tell el-
Amarna, known in his day as Akhetaten ‘The Horizon of Aton’ from whence he ruled. He then sent
his officials around to destroy the statues of Amun and the other dark gods of the Egyptian
pantheon, and to desecrate the sites dedicated for the worship of those deities. Any documents
alluding to the word ‘gods’, in the plural, were changed to ‘god’; even those references carved in
stone. These actions were so contrary to the traditional beliefs of the era that opposition arose
against him. The priesthood refused to relinquish the power that they had accumulated under his
predecessors. In response he used military force to take control of their lands and buildings. The
estates of the great temples of Thebes, Memphis and Heliopolis reverted to the throne, but
corruption grew out of the mismanagement of such large levies. The internal struggle for power
brought about the decline of Egyptian influence in the world. Akhenaton died in the 18th year of his
reign. His successor, Horemhab, claimed that his reign began immediately after Amenhotep III
died, thus wiping out the entire memory of Akhenaton."

Dinner at the Athenaeum

At last, the presentation was over. The President of the Society took the podium (he was one of
those who had earlier cried ‘outrageous’) and droned on for ages, thanking his esteemed and
erudite colleague for such an illuminating address. Then it was time for an interminable period of
handshaking and congratulations. Dr. Sommerfield seemed overawed by the reception his speech
received, and the look in his eye beseeched me to rescue him. Finally I was able to rescue him
from the throng, and we took a hansom to the Athenaeum.

Dinner was exactly as I would expect from such a renowned club. The salmon had still been
swimming in the Spey the evening before, while the vegetables must have been procured only that
morning from Covent Garden.

As I quizzed him further over our meal, my old teacher was more than ready to expound on his
discoveries. Realising, perhaps, that I had not fully understood his lecture, he explained about the
lost king in rather more detail than he had at the Society. I was reminded of those history lessons in
school.

"Akhenaton was a Ruler of Egypt during the later period of the 18th Dynasty; that is, the fourteenth
century before the birth of Christ. He ascended to the throne of the joint kingdom as Amenhotep IV,
succeeding his father Amenhotep III. Akhenaton's brief reign, lasting only 18 years, happened at a
difficult time in Egyptian history and it could be speculated that Akhenaton was responsible for this
decline, but the papers I have lodged at the museum suggest that it had already started under his
forefathers."

He paused to take a mouthful of game pie and I wondered who had been speculating already about
Akhenaton’s role in Egypt’s decline. It was barely an hour since the doctor had made his
announcement to the Society and to the world. Who had known about the forgotten pharaoh prior
to that? My own speculations were short lived, and I put the question to the back of my mind as the
Doctor continued.

"In a move to lessen the political power of the Priests, Akhenaton introduced the worship of one
god, Aton, or the Disk of the Sun. The pharaoh, not the priesthood, was to become the sole link
between the population and Aton, which effectively ended the power of the various temples.

"Not a Pharaoh to do things by half, when Akhenaton established his new religion he built an entire
city dedicated to Aton. This city was Akhetaten, the ‘Horizon of Aton’. At the peak of Akhenaton's
reign over 20,000 people lived there. The city was built in middle Egypt, on a site not tainted by the
worship of other gods at the present day site of Tell el-Amarna."

Always the old schoolmaster, he scowled as I interrupted his flow, helping myself to another serving
of pheasant; but the fearsome glower that had once set his pupils a-trembling in their boots held no
terrors for me now. Actually, I needed a moment to digest what he had already said, and to try and
recollect where Tell el-Amarna was. I was beginning to suspect that it might be important to
remember. Already I was getting the impression that my invitation was leading to a request for my
services.

"After the death of Akhenaton the city was abandoned, and the old religions which had been
suppressed quickly re-established their control over Egypt. This return to the old ways may have
been helped along by the Pharaohs who followed Akhenaton, who allowed the priesthood to re-
establish control. Akhenaton's immediate successor was Smenkhkare about whom there is very
little in the records we unearthed, followed by the boy king Tutankhaten. Shortly after assuming the
throne Tutankhaten restored the worship of the old gods, changed his name to Tutankhamun and
moved his capital from Akhetaten to Memphis."

At last I was able to recall that Tell el-Amarna was a small town along the Nile, about halfway
between Cairo and Luxor, while Memphis was in the North of Egypt, close by Giza and the
pyramids. [Editors note - See the map of Egypt.] Pleased that I remembered all this from my
geography classes at school, I settled back and allowed the Doctor to continue.

"Little can be confirmed about the origins of Nefertiti, Akhenaton’s queen, but on the surface it
would appear unlikely that she was of royal blood. Papyri located in the debris of the library at
Akhetaten suggest that her father was a high official of Amenhotep III and Akhenaton called Ay,
who went on to become Pharaoh after the death of Tutankhamun. This would make her
Akhenaton's cousin. Such an incestuous relationship was not uncommon for the era. Many of the
pharaohs interbred with their own children in order to keep the bloodlines pure; but though I have
found no archaeological evidence to the contrary, I do not personally believe this to be the case.

"Nefertiti seems to have taken a hitherto unprecedented level of importance in the Amarna period
art. Wall carvings recovered from the ruins at Akhetaten show her making offerings to Aton, and
she appears to be almost the Pharaoh’s equal in terms of status.

"The artefacts recovered from the dig site show that Akhenaton and Nefertiti had six daughters,
although the succession after his death is uncertain as there is no record of a male heir. Papyri
recovered from the city suggest that Akhenaton's successors Smenkhkare and subsequently
Tutankhaten were his children by another royal wife called Kiye who became his principle queen for
a short while after the 12th year of his reign."

I noticed, for the first time, the ring that he wore on his right hand. The emblem of the pyramid with
an eye in its centre was the symbol of the Illuminated Brotherhood of Bayern. It was a design that I
had seen before; Sir Jeffrey Manders wore an identical piece of jewellery. Now I knew that Dr.
Sommerfield had not invited his one-time pupil here from some sense of scholarly friendship.

"Based purely on the artefacts that we excavated from the dig site, Akhenaton cannot be credited
with being a particularly successful pharaoh. Taken on its own, the documentary evidence indicates
that he allowed Egyptian influence wane, but this may not be entirely true as these ideas are based
solely on letters we found in the ruins of Akhetaten. These papers show all of the day-to-day
communication within the Egyptian Empire and give a more detailed look at events during
Akhenaton's reign than we can obtain about any of the other Pharaohs. In most cases the
information on other leaders comes solely from the inscriptions and paintings in their tombs, and if
a Pharaoh was having problems abroad this is hardly likely to be included with the crypt
decorations to remind him of his difficulties in the afterlife."

Why did I suspect that Dr. Sommerfield had other, as yet unspoken, reasons for defending
Akhenaton’s rulership? As he had already defended the king’s relationship with his queen.
"But surely," I enquired of him as I reached across for the cheese board, "It is not possible to so
eradicate all memory of someone as influential in the history of Egypt as Akhenaton, such that his
very existence is unknown to future generations."

"Later Pharaohs attempted to erase all memories of Akhenaton and his religion. Much of the
distinctive art of the period was destroyed and the buildings dismantled. The backlash against the
religion of Akhenaton led to the widespread destruction of his palaces and temples. Work began on
dismantling Akhetaten shortly after it was abandoned and, along with many other of Akhenaton's
monuments, it's stone was re-used by later Pharaohs till only the foundations remained. Even the
ground on which it had been built was salted."

Over Brandy and Cigars

Once we had finished our meal, we retired to a private room for brandy and cigars. That was when
Dr. Sommerfield explained to me that the papers and documents he had sent to the British
museum for further study would prove sufficient to authenticate his claims. They proved the
existence of this new capital of Egypt ruled a hitherto unknown pharaoh. But he had not told the
Society everything that he knew.

"However, I know a great deal more about the tenth king than these artefacts reveal. As I am sure
you have already noticed from my ring, I am an Adeptus of the Illuminated Brotherhood. There are
books and documents held in the libraries of the Brotherhood that reveal more about Akhenaton
and his queen Nefertiti. I cannot, under normal circumstances, disclose the content of these
papers, or make them available for public scrutiny. Nevertheless, that does not preclude me from
seeking out new evidence that can be made public knowledge. It was from these secret writings
that I was able to determine the site of the lost city."

As if to give himself courage for the revelation, though there was none here save myself, he paused
and swirled the brandy about in his glass, savouring the aroma before taking a sip. Thus fortified,
he began to tell me the true history of Ancient Egypt.

"You will remember from our history lessons at school that the gods of the Ancient Egyptians were
the Unseelie. For three thousand years they controlled the most advanced civilisation of the ancient
world, demanding sacrifices from the pharaohs, the freedom to take who and what they would. The
common people lived in fear for their lives, and offered thanks each morning that they had survived
the hours of darkness. That is why worship of the Sun was such an integral part of Egyptian
religion. Only the ruling houses and the priesthood were safe from the predations of the Unseelie
host, and only they benefited from the relationship. In exchange for the freedoms they took, the
Unseelie ensured the dominance of their chosen dynasty, gathering intelligence about Egypt’s
enemies, providing them with new technology and teaching them sorcery. Under their tutelage, the
pharaohs became powerful sorcerers, laying down the basic tenets of Magick that we know today.
As with Bismark and the Prussians in our own era, the Unseelie hoped that one technologically
advanced nation trying to conquer the world would bring about mankind’s destruction through its
own actions. But in the end the Egyptian people were not warlike enough to satisfy the Unseelie;
and so finally they turned their attentions to the other fledgling civilisations of the era: the Assyrians
and the Greeks.

"According to the traditions of my lodge, Nefertiti was not the daughter of Ay, as the papyri we have
unearthed suggest, but a princess of the Daoine Sidhe from the city of Heliopolis. It was she who
revealed the true nature and goals of the Egyptian gods to Amenhotep IV. The young pharaoh, a
powerful sorcerer like many of his predecessors, resolved to use his power to oppose the unholy
influence of the Unseelie. He started by turning the emphasis of religion away from those baneful
spirits, and toward the worship of the sun god Aton. Faced with this threat to their livelihoods the
priesthood, who were not prepared to make the change, allied itself firmly with the Unseelie; so
Akhenaton used the army to expel them from the great temple complexes. For the eighteen years
of his reign he opposed the Unseelie. Finally, in one last titanic duel against the Unseelie Lord
Amun, Akhenaton was mortally wounded; but not before he had slain his adversary."

And now we came to the crux of the matter, the reason why I was here. Almost anticipating what
the Doctor had to say, I leant forward.

"What I am about to reveal must remain confidential for the moment. I have been assured of your
discretion by my colleague, Sir Jeffrey Manders. We have encountered some trouble at the dig, and
he believes that you can help us overcome these difficulties. Hmmm! That reminds me; he said you
were to visit him for a game of chess before we leave for Africka."

"What manner of problems have you had, Dr. Sommerfield?" I asked cautiously, knowing from the
reference to a chess game that I could not refuse, but unwilling to make any commitment without
first knowing what I was letting myself in for.

"Our excavation at Tell el-Amarna is partly funded by my Order, as you might have guessed.
Somehow our rival Lodge, the Golden Dawn, has learned of this and is taking an interest in the dig.
Their presence has made me most uncomfortable. Also, we have observed the Wild Hunt riding
across the dunes. Those who know of such things assure me that Egypt is outside their normal
territory."

I almost choked. Wizards! I couldn’t even fathom the card tricks of a stage magician. Surely there
were many among Dr. Sommerfield’s colleagues in the Illuminated Brotherhood better qualified to
deal with wizardry than myself. And the Wild Hunt! Who was I to face renegade Faerie that the
Unseelie Court themselves feared. Even a Dragon would think twice about standing against the
Hunt.

"And am I expected to find an army of dwarves to protect the dig against the Wild Hunt?" I inquired.
Almost, but not quite, my old teacher smiled.

"No! There’s no need for any army. We don’t really expect either the Golden Dawn or the Hunt to
attack the excavations. We merely want you to try and discover what their interests are, and ensure
that they don’t disrupt our work. Sir Jeffrey says that he has every confidence in you. I have also
spoken to Lord Fortescue, the other sponsor of our dig, and he is in total agreement. You
remember Edward Fortescue, don’t you?"

I nodded. I remembered ‘Flash’ Fortescue well. He had been in the Upper Sixth just as I was
starting my first year at Eton. He had gone on to Oxford, and then served in the Guards for a time
before inheriting the family estates on the death of his father. His marriage to a Music Hall singer
had scandalised the whole of London, and though I had never met her she was a beauty according
to all reports.

"Lord Fortescue did suggest that the Lodges and the Unseelie might be more reluctant to make
mischief if there were a few disinterested spectators at the site observing the dig. Perhaps you
would care to invite a few of your acquaintances to make up the party. His Lordship has been out of
Society for rather too long, and isn’t in touch with the social circles any more, otherwise he would
make the invitations himself."

So if I was to be spending the spring in Egypt, at least it would be among friends. I just wished I
could contrive to have Madeleine with me; but it would be revealing our secret to the world, and we
were not yet ready for that. Nor would her father ever permit it. I would have to arrange an
assignation with her before leaving for Africka. In the meanwhile though, it was time to start sending
out invitations.
Chapter 1 - An Unusual Invitation

In which a group of companions are invited to visit the site of an archaeological

dig in the deserts of Egypt, and their arrival in Egypt.

The information outlined in this section is a general introduction to the Game for the players. Hosts
may choose to reveal this introductory background to their players before the beginning of the
Game, or to disseminated it at appropriate stages during the course of the Adventure itself.
However, players should always start with the Invitation.

During the March of 1871, all the characters receive an invitation from Sir Sebastian Thomas, an
English Socialite of their acquaintance. Sir Sebastian travels extensively, and is well known among
the social circles of the major cities of New Europa, and even as far away as the Bear Flag Empire
and Imperial Japan. His patronage of the arts is renowned, so his presence at an archaeological
dig in Egypt is no surprise.

You are cordially invited

to attend the excavation of a pharaoh’s
tomb
recently located amid the ancient ruins
of the lost city of Akhetaten
in the deserts of Egypt.
RSVP Sir Sebastian Thomas
c
/o Grand Continental Hotel, Cairo

Why might the Characters accept this Invitation?

Among the social elite of New Europa, the invitation to such a prestigious spectacle as this cannot
be ignored. Not since the time of Napoleon has the tomb of a pharaoh been discovered in Egypt.
Surely no Gentleman or Lady could resist the chance to be one of the participants in such a
momentous event, which will surely be the talk of all New Europa for the rest of the Season. And
would any Scholar of Antiquities be willing to miss the discovery of the century?

Add the exotic setting, the thought of venturing where no man has gone in three thousand years,
and a spice of danger to all that hyperbole, and is there an Adventurer or Explorer that could
resist the challenge? So too, this is the perfect opportunity for any self-respecting Gentleman Thief
or Rogue to face the challenge of his life and obtain antiques so priceless that their value cannot
truly be calculated.

Writers and Journalists, history is being made here in Egypt. Surely the romance and discovery of
the excavation needs reporting. Perhaps there is even a novel in the dogged persistence of the
archaeologists to unearth the truth and reveal the mysteries of the ancient world. Detectives too
may believe that they can learn from the manner in which the archaeologists painstakingly chart
their findings, and come to their conclusions about what life was like millennia ago.
Although no evidence now remains, the Ancient Egyptians are believed by some to have designed
and built Sorcerous Automata millennia before Leonardo daVinci published his own designs in the
Codex Pacifica. The secret of Engine Magick, machines powered by technology but reproducing
magickal effects, is one that any nation in New Europa would wish to possess. The Secret Agent,
Diplomat or Soldier that could acquire such an artefact would be certain to impress his
commanding officer. Scientists too would surely revel in the opportunity to procure such a device
for their own study.

Wizards in particular will have their own reasons for accepting the invitation. The Hermetic Order of
the Golden Dawn, the Grand Order of the Freemasonic Lodge, the Illuminated Brotherhood of
Bayern and the Mystic Lodge of the Temple of Ra, all have an interest in the excavations. (See the
section entitled ‘The Orders of Sorcery and their Concerns’.) The other Orders too would no doubt
desire to possess knowledge of any ancient Egyptian magicks recovered from the tomb.

Seelie know the true history of Egypt as described in the section ‘Over Brandy and Cigars’. They
know too that further investigation may lead to the discovery of the body of the long dead Unseelie
Lord, Amun. There are those among the Adversary’s Court with both the inclination and the talent
to revive the renegade; and that is something they can never permit to happen. They would not
interfere with the dig; not only would that be a breach of The Second Compact but the Faerie Court
also believes that Akhenaton’s efforts against the Unseelie should be made known to the world.
However, they would try to prevent any resurrection of Amun.

It is not advisable to allow such characters; but if any Unseelie are present in the party they too
would be aware of the true history of Egypt. The aim of these characters should be to ensure that
the body of Amun is not found and resurrected. The renegade Dark God presents a real threat as a
rival to the Lord of the Unseelie.

Arrival in Egypt

Typically, the characters will arrive in Egypt by ship at Port Said or Alexandria, then take the train to
Cairo. All of the major shipping lines that ply between New Europa and the Orient dock at Port Said
in preparation for their journey through the Suez Canal. Typically the voyage would take two weeks
from London, one week from Marseilles and four days from Constantinople; plenty of time for
shipboard adventures and romances. The train journey through the Nile delta from Port Said to
Cairo is a further half a day.
 Figure 1 - Disembarking at Port Said

Work is in progress to build an Airship port at Heliopolis for the Pacific and Oriental Company, but
this is still many months from completion. Nor are there any easily navigable land routes between
Europe and North Africka. Travelling overland from New Europa to Egypt would be an adventure in
itself, worthy of any Explorer.

The journey by train is rather hard on any Seelie or Unseelie in the party, but unfortunately the only
alternative is a two day journey in one of the local fishing boats through the Nile delta. Other
members of the party are unlikely to enjoy such a voyage in the most primitive of craft. A boat from
Alexandria to Cairo can be arranged if necessary, but it means that those characters travelling in
this fashion will arrive later than the rest of the party, or several days earlier (the ship only docks at
Alexandria once a week). The latter option is at the discretion of the host.

The plot properly starts with the arrival of the characters at the Grand Continental Hotel in Cairo,
but some may choose to do some advance research if the Host allows this. Though it is not
required for the main adventure, the excerpts from The Cairo Times do provide the necessary leads
should the host plan on running any of the subplots described below.

Typically, research will be limited to what the characters can read about the country in Baedecker,
and the stories that appear in the local newspapers. The remainder of this chapter includes extracts
from these, and the host may choose to give players copies of the relevant handouts from the back
of this book.

The first thing that is likely to strike the characters when they arrive in Egypt is the hubbub of noise
and activity. Whenever they venture out onto the streets of the city, immediately they will be
surrounded by a whole host of people clamouring for their attention. Street-urchins, water-sellers
(whose wares it is not a good idea to sample), agents from the hotels and tour companies, porters,
Dragomans (see Sidebar below) and beggars all vie for the attention of tourists to the Land of the
Pharaohs. These crowds also provide ideal cover for the pickpockets who ply their trade on the city
streets.

Fortunately for the characters, their passage from the ship to the Grand Continental Hotel has all
been arranged. They will be met at the dockside by Rachid (see Sidebar below), who escorts them
through customs with only a cursory check. He has already arranged for their trunks and cases to
be transferred to the train and from the railway station in Cairo to the hotel, so there is no need for
characters to worry about losing their baggage. The boat docks shortly after breakfast, and the train
journey from Alexandria to Cairo will see the characters arriving at the hotel early in the afternoon,
in time for luncheon.

Once at the hotel, the characters will be greeted by their hosts, Sir Sebastian Thomas and Dr Giles
Sommerfield. They will be shown to the rooms they will occupy for the duration of the stay in Cairo,
and then have luncheon before an afternoon exploring the city. Warn the characters about the
dangers of going out in the noonday sun, otherwise the physicians in the party will be treating
people for sunstroke.

The Grand Continental is the best hotel in Cairo, typically frequented by all New Europan visitors to
the city. Its splendour and service matches that of any hotel in Paris, London or Rome. Throughout,
the train journey and their stay in Cairo, the characters will receive first class treatment, as they
would no doubt expect. Once they leave Cairo and venture on into the desert, things will be rather
more basic, but until then they can be cosseted with clockwork fans in their rooms to alleviate the
heat, hot and cold running water, good food and waiter service.

Scene Mechanics for the Journey from Alexandria to Cairo

  The party arrives in Egypt where they are met off the boat by Rachid. If any character is
foolish enough to drink any of the water offered by the water sellers, they will be overcome
by a sickness lasting fortunately just a few hours. Any physicians in the party should find it
extremely difficult to ease the symptons of such an ailment.
 If they don’t already know each other, the train journey from Alexandria to Cairo allows the
characters to describe themselves.
 They have an opportunity to learn some of the events happening in Egypt at the present
time from a copy of The Cairo Times, which they will find in their railway carriage.

Dr Giles Sommerfield Sir Sebastian Thomas

Connections [GD] Education [EXC] Sorcery [GD] Athletics [GD] Charisma [GR] Connections [GR]
Perception [GD] Tinkering [GD] Education [GD] Fisticuffs [GD] Perception [GD]
Marksmanship [PR] Physician [PR] Stealth [GR] Social
A highly educated man and former history teacher at Eton school,
Dr. Sommerfield has a tendency to lecture rather than talk. He Graces [GD] Tinkering [GR]
also has a fondness for speeches and for dramatic gestures.
Though he no longer wears the gown of a tutor at Eton, he still An archetypal English gentleman, Sir Sebastian has a taste for
carries himself as though on patrol in the quad. On the surface he the good things in life and an eye for the ladies. He is a familiar
may appear intolerant of fools but, like many great face in all the best circles of New Europa. To all who know him,
schoolteachers, his gruffness hides a good heart and a fondness he appears no more than a wealthy socialite.
for his pupils. Sir Sebastian's father, Baron Alfred Thomas, is a country
He has long held an interest in the study of Ancient Egypt and has gentleman and a Tory Member of Parliament in the House of
frequently been called upon to aid in the translation of papyri and Commons. He has an elder brother, Phillip, who is an officer in
documents discovered in other archaeological digs. Though a the Royal Horse Guards currently posted to India, and a sister
regular visitor to the country during the school holidays, it is only Constance, an explorer and naturalist, who is currently on an
since he retired from teaching that he has been able to indulge in expedition led by Sir Basil Rathingspoke somewhere in Africka
leading a dig himself. seeking the source of the Great Zambian River.
The Doctor is also a sorcerer, a member of the Illuminated Though few are aware of the fact, he is a highly skilled gentleman
Brotherhood of Bayern, and familiar with the magickal lore in thief and a part-time agent for both Her Majesty's Secret Service
LeRoeun's Scrolls of Dimensional Movement. It was his research and the Second Compact Alliance.
in the old papers of his order that first suggested that there might See also the Appendices 'Host Character - Sir Sebastian Thomas'
by ruins in the Egyptian desert at Tell el-Amarna. and 'Selected extracts from the diaries of Sir Sebastian Thomas'
for more details on this character.

The Egypt of 1871

The Egypt of 1871 is not yet a part of the British Empire. It will be eight years before the British and
French assume dual control of the country, and not till 1882 that British colonial rule is imposed.
Nor does Great Britain yet hold the controlling interest in the Suez Canal that it will acquire in 1875.
Rather, in 1871, Egypt is a part of the ailing Ottoman Empire, governed by the Khedive Ismail
acting as regent for the Sultan of Turkey.

The malaise that afflicts the ‘Sick Man of Europe’ is more visible here on the outer fringes of the
Ottoman Empire. In the countryside and the villages, nothing seems out of the ordinary; life there
goes on as it has done for generations. Only in the cities, such as Cairo and Port Said, is there a
tangible air of stagnation.

State officials are open to bribery, as long as they are approached in the right way. If a character
knows the proper buttons to push (Connections [GR] and Exchequer [GD]) then it is possible
to acquire almost anything from permits allowing them to carry firearms to export licenses for
artefacts and relics.

Egypt is a country torn apart by civil unrest. The murder of government officials is a regular
occurrence; and even foreign visitors have been killed. The characters should be warned always to
travel in groups and not to venture off the main streets when they disembark from the ship at Port
Said.
Despite all this, the people of Egypt are dynamic and colourful. With a culture dating back over four
thousand years, and located at the gateway between New Europa and the Orient through the
recently opened canal at Suez, the land of Egypt is a curious blend of East and West, of old and
new. The traveller visiting Old Cairo could easily believe that he had been transported back to the
times of the Arabian Nights. Snake charmers perform on the street corners. The bazaars hold
treasures both ancient and modern. Relics from the era of the pharaohs sit side by side with
clockwork toys, Chinese silks, hand-woven rugs and elaborate brass ornaments. The air is filled
with the aroma of dried fruits, tobacco, exotic incense and perfumes.

SteamTech

Egypt is technologically very backward when compared with the Steam Age society of New Europa.
There are no automotives or velocipeds on the streets; and the only railway in the country is the
stretch between Port Said and Cairo with a branch line to Alexandria. Those who wish to venture
further South into Upper Egypt will need to continue their travels by sailboat along the River Nile.
Only the bedouin travel across the desert on horse- or camel-back. In the cities transport is on foot
or by hansom cab, although Cairo does have a network of horse-drawn trams. Despite the
country’s reluctance to adopt new innovations in science, work is underway to provide a network of
clockwork trams across Cairo; but these are not yet operational.

Though backward in many ways, Egypt is not totally without the benefits of modern science. Most
of the major cities now have a postal office, equipped with a telegraph station. There is also a
thriving trade in advanced clockwork technology, many examples of which can be found in the
markets and bazaars.

The World Anarchist Brotherhood

With the civil unrest that is tearing at Egypt like a canker, it is only to be expected that the members
of the World Anarchist Brotherhood are involved.

Although Egypt is too decadent for them to consider it a worthwhile goal in their aspirations for a
socialist utopia; still, it has proved to be a useful testing ground for their methodology and their
techniques of terror, intimidation and assassination.

Throughout the last decade, they have disrupted transport and organised strikes to disrupt the
Egypt’s economy. Over the past few years, they have mounted attacks on government employees
and state officials, such as the bombing outside the courthouse in Alexandria described in The
Cairo Times below. More recently, they have been targeting foreign nationals visiting the country.

At the moment, they are planning their most outrageous attack to date, the hijacking and sinking of
an ironclad in the narrowest straits of the Suez Canal. Foiling this plot can be an interesting
diversion for the characters; for more details, see the story of ‘The French Tourist’.

Stories in the Newspapers

Once they arrive in Cairo, characters may wish to follow up on some of the stories that have
appeared in the newspapers recently. After the visits to the Museum and the University, as
described in ‘Chapter 2 - Welcome to the Land of the Pharaohs’, they will have two or three days in
which to explore the city before the journey down the Nile continues. That gives them ample
opportunity to investigate any leads.

Click on this link to see a copy of The Cairo Times from 18th April 1871.
This will appear in a new browser window.
The World Anarchist Brotherhood

If the characters wish to try and track down the World Anarchist Brotherhood, their efforts are
unlikely to be very successful, although they may attract the attentions of dangerous and powerful
enemies. The police will be unappreciative of any help offered by the group; civil unrest in Egypt,
whether caused by foreigners or not, is a problem for the Khedive and for the Ottoman Empire, not
for visitors from New Europa. Nor will the members of the World Anarchist Brotherhood be easy to
discover, and they are likely to learn of the party’s interest in them long before the characters
themselves find any leads. Unless the Storyteller has chosen to follow that particular sideplot, and
the characters meet Phillippe Gaston (See ‘The French Tourist’ below), they will have no clues to
help them locate the anarchists.

The Vampire Killer

The Vampire Killer is actually the Ba Spirit of the Unseelie Lord Amun (See Sidebar ‘The Soul in
Ancient Egypt’). When the Canopic Jar containing his heart was brought to Cairo, Setekh Khareem
recognised the significance of the artefact and started the process of resurrection. Now that the
heart is beating once more, even though it isn’t housed within a body, it needs bathing regularly in
fresh blood. In the early hours of the morning before many people are about to witness its killings,
the Ba Spirit hunts for its prey.

Scene Mechanics for an Investigation of the Vampire Killer

Characters will not be able to track the vampire down at this stage; but if they talk to the Muezzin
who found the bodies of the two girls, they will get a description of the creature. The Ba Spirit is a
large, black bird with the face of a man, a creature that the characters may notice hovering nearby
once Sir Sebastian reaches Tell el-Amarna (See the section ‘Sir Sebastian’s Triumphant Return’).
The creature will only appear during the daytime, and will fly away if approached. It cannot be
controlled through sorcery, because it is only the physical representation of a spirit still linked to the
physical heart of Amun.

The French Tourist

If the characters choose to investigate the case, the Host may wend a side-plot around the story of
the French tourist who was mugged in the Wasa. A couple of different scenarios are possible here,
depending on the nature and interests of the players:

1. Phillippe Gaston is an agent for the French Imperial Secret Service who was attacked by
members of the World Anarchist Brotherhood after visiting one of his contacts in the Wasa.
He had been carrying papers that detailed a plot to disrupt shipping traffic in the Suez
Canal by hijacking and sinking an ironclad in its narrowest stretch. Now Phillippe is in
hospital, and the papers lost. He has not yet been able to pass on this information to
anyone. He knows that too many of the police are corrupt, and even the hospital staff might
be secret anarchists, so he dare not tell anyone. However, a party of New Europan visitors
would be trustworthy, especially if one or more of them were French.

Scene Mechanics for a Showdown with the World Anarchist Brotherhood

Gaston only had a short time to scan the documents before he was attacked and robbed.
He remembers the basic details of the plot; a name, HMS Invincible; and a place, Oduyin,
a small fishing port at the southern end of the Suez Canal.
The intent of the World Anarchist Brotherhood is to use the fishing vessels to board HMS
Invincible as it waits to pass through the first lock on the canal in the dusky just before
nightfall two nights from now. Once the ship is in their hands, they plan to scuttle it within
the lock gates to block all access through the canal. Only by learning the details of this plan
 and warning the captain of HMS Invincible can the characters prevent this from happening,
but he will take some convincing that a British dreadnought can be stolen.

2. A father looking for his daughter who has been kidnapped by white slavers, Armand
Compte de Neuilly is beginning to lose hope that he will ever find her. His expedition into
the Wasa was to meet a carpet-seller who claimed that he had knowledge of the auction
where Jacqueline is to be put up for sale. The merchant, Ahmed Hamil, had volunteered to
buy the girl back, if de Neuilly put up the money. When the Compte went to pay over the
‘ransom’, he was attacked and robbed. His entire fortune has been spent in the hunt for his
daughter, now he has nothing. Whether the mugging was a planned ambush or just an
unfortunate chance, he doesn’t know; but he is a broken man.

Scene Mechanics for an Investigation of the White Slave Trade

Ahmed Hamil knows a lot more about the girl’s disappearance than he revealed to the
Compte. The carpet-sellers shop houses a small, soundproofed prison room under the
floorboards where girls collected prior to being shipped to market. Ahmed’s mistake was
getting greedy, and arranging for the Compte to visit at night when he could be robbed on
the street by his accomplices. This has come to the attention of the slavers, and Ahmed is
fearful of repercussions.
With some persuasion, Ahmed will tell the characters that the girl is to sold at an auction of
New Europan woman in two days time at the small fishing port of Oduyin, at the southern
end of the Suez Canal. If they travel to the village, the characters have a chance to rescue
not only Jacqueline, but also many other young women trapped by the white slave traders.

An sideplot that combines both these suggestions can be found in the Arabesquepades scenario.

Strange Lights over the Pyramids

The mysterious coloured lights seen flying over the Pyramids are actually from Dieter Volkmann’s
Flying Boat (For more details on this, see the section below). On a number of occasions it has been
driven off course by the warm afternoon winds over the desert. Volkmann has learned that he can
find his way back to the dig site by flying West till he reaches the Nile, and then following the course
of the river back to Tell el-Amarna. In the low light of the sun, and at its high altitude, the boat itself
isn’t visible to spectators on the ground, only its lights. It will not reappear again while the
characters are in Cairo.

Chapter 2 - Welcome to the Land of the Pharaohs

In which the heroic party arrives in Cairo where they meet their host; explore the
attractions of the city, and are treated to a guided tour of the Museum and the
University of Al-Azhar by Dr. Giles Sommerfield.

On the first day of their visit, I was able to arrange a private tour of the Cairo Museum of Antiquities
for our visitors. Ismael LeTouquet, the curator, and I showed them the public exhibits; and then
took them behind the scenes to where the scholars from the University of Al-Azhar. However, I was
careful to reveal no more to them than I had to the Royal Archaeological Society.
It was with great consternation that I learned of the loss of the Canopic Jar and certain other
trinkets of lesser value from Ismael. Apparently, when the crates that I had shipped from the site of
the dig were unpacked, these items were no longer there. I am resolved to dismiss Rachid, the
dragoman responsible for overseeing the transportation of the cases.
Ismael LeTouquet has put me in contact with a more trustworthy dragoman, one that he himself
has used on a number of excavations in which he has been involved. Setekh Khareem is highly
experienced, and has a good knowledge of the history of his country. In addition, he speaks
English fluently, which makes him ideal for the expedition.
Not surprisingly, there were a number of representatives from the different Orders of Sorcery
watching our every move. I have recognised a number of my colleagues from the Illuminated
Brotherhood, and others from the Golden Dawn. Though I do not believe these observers to be any
threat to the dig, I have pointed them out to Sir Sebastian.

This introductory section gives the players an opportunity to get to know each other’s characters,
and to learn some of the history of Egypt during the Eighteenth Dynasty. Hosts may choose to
distribute Hand-Out 3 to Hand-Out 12, photographs and postcards from the Cairo of the 1870’s, to
give the players a better feel for the city.

Sir Sebastian has arranged a private dinner for the first evening in Cairo at the Grand Continental
Hotel, where they are staying. This will give the players an opportunity to describe their characters,
and for the two Hosts to make themselves known to the party in convivial surroundings, and with an
opportunity for questions.

Figure 2 - The Grand Continental Hotel

Map of Cairo

The Cairo Museum of Antiquities

On their first morning in Cairo, Dr. Sommerfield will take the characters on a tour of the Museum of
Antiquities. He and Ismael LeTouquet, the museum curator, will relate the standard history of the
Eighteenth Dynasty and explain the significance of the new discoveries of Akhenaton and Nefertiti.

At this point, the Doctor and Ismael will reveal no more than is described in the ‘The Meeting of the
Royal Archaeological Society’ and ‘Dinner at the Athenaeum’. This information is best revealed in
stages: answering general questions over
dinner at the hotel, at the museum while Ismael LeTouquet
examining the exhibits, and at the university
where documentary relics are being translated. Education [GR] Sorcery [GR] Connections [GD]
Information about the dig itself should be given Exchequer [GD] Perception [GD] Social Graces [PR]
only in the broadest terms until the party arrives
at the site itself. Ismael is the son of one of Napoleon's military officers from the
occupation, who married a local girl and chose to remain in Cairo
when the Emperor returned to France.
At the time when this adventure takes place, He was educated in Paris, where he studied Archaeology. His
the Museum is located at Bulak, about two knowledge of ancient Egyptian artefacts, heritage and culture, and
kilometres from the hotel, just outside the city his familiarity with the sorceries of the Pharaohs, made him a
walls to the North of Cairo. Travel to the village natural recruit for the Temple of Ra.
Returning to Egypt, he took up a post as head curator of the
of Bulak will be by hansom cab, along rather Eighteenth Dynasty exhibit at the Cairo Museum of Antiquities. In
dusty roads. The building in which the museum that role, he has expanded the Temple of Ra's collection of
is housed is somewhat run down, and does not artefacts; and risen to become one of their most important Adeptus.
The effete and weak-willed Ismael LeTouquet is beguiled by the
appear to be frequented by many visitors. charismatic Setekh Khareem, who he unwittingly serves in the
Originally founded in 1857 by the French renegade's plans for world domination.
Egyptologist August Mariette, it only became a
popular tourist attraction during the mid- to late- 1870’s as the public awoke to the new discoveries
being made at the Pyramids and in the Valley of the Kings. At present, the building is run down and
decrepit. Many of the rooms are unused owing to broken windows and holes in the roof, and even
the whitewash on the outer walls is peeling away.

During the course of the tour Dr. Sommerfield and the curator Ismael LeTouquet will treat the
characters to an explanation of the significance of the Amarna finds to Egypt’s history. The host can
simplify this task by reading the appropriate passages from the ‘The Meeting of the Royal
Archaeological Society’ and ‘Dinner at the Athenaeum’ in the ‘What Has Gone Before’ section of
this document.

Scene Mechanics for the Museum and

The Curse of the Pharaohs University
In the World of Castle Falkenstein, where magick is a reality, a
The characters learn some of the
curse should never be considered mere foolish superstition. The 
traps that protect the last resting place of the pharaohs include
history of Egypt during the
some that are sorcerous in nature. That is why scholars working on
Amarna period.
an archaeological dig are always accompanied by a sorcerer.
If your player's characters don't consider the possibility of a curse,
 They learn too of the theft of the
then you should bring it to their attention. Allow them to overhear
some of the native Cairenes or the dragomans talking about the
canopic jar, and should they ask
fate that awaits those who dare disturb the rest of the pharaohs.
the relevant questions they will
come to know how unusual a find this particular jar was.
 The will also discover the significance of the Book of the Dead in ancient
Egypt, and how it consists of a series of spells to protect the soul in the
afterlife.
 The Canopic Jar

Some of the information that

the players can learn at this
stage in the game is of great
significance, although they
may not realise it at the time.

Most important is the loss of

the Canopic Jar. While at the
Museum, characters will
overhear the Dr.
Sommerfield and Ismael
discussing this. Ismael
assures the Doctor that the
Jar never reached the
Museum. This artefact was
found immediately outside
the main doors to tomb
number 26, at the end of a
short passage leading in
from the cliff face. This tomb
has been identified by the
carvings in the passageway
as the last resting place of
Akhenaton himself

The loss of this artefact is

critical for two different
reasons. Firstly, it is this
incident that causes Dr.
Sommerfield to dismiss
Rachid, the dragoman who
has served him throughout Figure 4 - Canopic Jars
the previous three years of Prior to mummification, the major organs such as the heart, brain, liver, etc. were removed
from the body. Canopic Jars were used to store these vital organs after death. There were
his dig. The Doctor normally four Jars buried alongside each mummy, one each for the stomach, lungs, intestine
subsequently takes on and liver. Only two of the vital body organs were not buried in Canopic Jars alongside the
Setekh Khareem as a mummy. The brain was thrown away, while the heart was believed to be the seat of
intelligence and emotion and was always returned to the body after mummification had taken
replacement at the place. The heart was the centre of a person's personality, and it provided a link between
recommendation of the one's life in this world and the next ¾ it would assure memory of ones earthly identity in the
museum curator. afterlife. It was most unusual, therefore, that the Canopic Jar found in the empty tomb of
Akhenaton at Tell el-Amarna contained a heart. So far, it has been assumed that this is the
heart of Akhenaton, but that isn't the case. In fact, this is the heart of the Unseelie Lord
Secondly, though the Amun. Nor is the jar what it appears; it is a Magickal Artefact with a Thaumic Power of the
Ace of Spades (14) when used for necromantic magicks.
characters are unlikely to
realise this, it has been stolen for a reason. This is the heart, not of Akhenaton, but of Amun the
Unseelie lord. Ismael LeTouquet recognised this and presented it to his master, Setekh Khareem,
who then used his magick to restore the heart to life. This has brought the Ba spirit (see sidebar
entitled ‘The Soul in Ancient Egypt’) of Amun back from Khert-Neter, the Egyptian netherworld.
However, the heart needs a regular supply of fresh Seelie (or human) blood to maintain its
semblance of unlife. Thus, the Ba spirit spends its nights seeking victims (as described in the
newspaper headline ‘Vampire Stalks the Streets of Cairo’ and in the handout).

The University of Al-Azhar

Following the tour of the museum, Dr. Sommerfield will take the characters on an excursion to the
University of Al-Azhar in Cairo, where scholars are working on the translation of the reams of papyri
and documents that were retrieved from the dig.
Founded in 988AD by the Caliph El-Aziz, this is the oldest university in continuous use in the world.
While most of the students here are studying the Koran, there are a number of scholars capable of
translating the hieroglyphics of ancient Egypt. Though it may be an affront to some of the players,
the educational facility is part of the Mosque of Al-Azhar; and as such, women are not permitted to
enter. This rule will not be relaxed, even if female characters are of the nobility or royalty. Even in
the more enlightened world of Castle Falkenstein, the mores of New Europan society hold only
limited influence in the far reaches of the world. Infidel men are only allowed into the Mosque under
escort. Fortunately, Ismael LeTouquet is a member of the faculty, and can act as an escort for the
party.

At the University, the characters will see scholars working on translation of papyri, stone tablets and
photographs showing hieroglyphics from the walls of buildings. Most of these are mundane,
administrative records, detailing such events as harvest yields; the height of the river Nile during
the flood season; and births, marriages and deaths among the populace of the city. One such
record describes the affects of a cool summer leading to an improved harvest as the sun scorched
the corn less than usual before it was harvested. Another describes how a minor earthquake just a
few short months before the pharaoh’s death caused some minor damage to the abandoned
temple to Amun in Memphis. [Note for the host, this tremor was caused by the death of Amun in
combat with Akhenaton.]

Figure 5 - Extract from The Book of the Dead

Though most of the writings are mundane in nature, there are spells from the walls of the temple
and excavated tombs, spells from the Books of the Dead. None of these is new, copies of them all
have been uncovered by previous excavations at the pyramids or in the Valley of the Kings during
the period of occupation by Napoleon sixty years before.
 At this point, the host should explain the significance of the Book of the Dead. There is, in fact, no
single Book of the Dead; rather it is a general term for the collection of spells and charms
accumulated from pharaonic tombs by archaeologists over the years. These spells, though of little
value to adepts in the world of New Europa, were intended to help the spirit of the deceased protect
itself from the dangers that awaited it in the afterlife. Indeed, they will only work within the domain of
Khert-Neter, the afterlife of the ancient Egyptians.

This visit to the University concludes the formal

Dragomans activities for the day. Following the visit to the
mosque of Al-Azhar, Dr. Sommerfield and Sir
Dragomans are part tourist guide, part hired-help and part
interpreter. Invariably Arab males, though their ages can range from Sebastian return to the hotel. The characters
10 to 70 years old, they are extremely useful for ensuring that any may go with them to rest and refresh themselves
expedition runs smoothly. With their web of contacts in local in preparation for dinner, or they may choose to
business and government, the best of them can expedite the
signing of permits for a dig, arrange transport and supplies, and explore the city further. This is their main
organise a gang of labourers. opportunity to follow up on any leads that they
Many dragomans are from the bedouin tribes, familiar with the have gleaned from reading the Cairo Times. It
desert and able to survive amid the harshness of the sands.
also gives the Host an opportunity to provide
some adventure for players that are bored in these early stages of the Game when they are
learning about the history of ancient Egypt. The knowledge that they acquire at this stage of the
game is important to give them a full understanding of events later in the scenario, and a slow start
gives an opportunity for roleplay as the characters get to know each other. However, you can use
the stories in the newspaper and the days exploring the city as a springboard to action if your
players prefer a faster-paced game.

Later in the Day

Rachid
If the characters return to the hotel, they are
Courage [GR] Perception [GR] Connections [GD] likely to witness Dr. Sommerfield dismissing
Fencing [GD] Fisticuffs [GD] Physique [GD] Exchequer Rachid, and may subsequently chose to
[PR] Social Graces [PR] question the dragoman themselves.

Rachid is the dragoman who has served Dr. Sommerfield faithfully Should members of the party decide to venture
for the three years of his excavations at Tell el-Amarna. Following out into the city once more, you can make them
the disappearance of artefacts, including the Canopic Jar, in transit
to the Museum of Antiquities in Cairo, he has been dismissed from aware that others share in interest in them. A
the Doctor's service. number of the Orders of Sorcery are observing
Rachid is a proud man of bedouin heritage who does not take this events surrounding the dig for their own reasons
slur against his character lightly. He holds no rancour toward the
Doctor; but he is determined to clear his name, and to bring the real (described in the section ‘The Orders of Sorcery
thief to justice on the blade of his sword. and their Concerns’), and will watch everyone
If questioned by the characters, he will protest his innocence with connected with Dr. Sommerfield and his team.
quiet dignity. Sir Sebastian talks with him in due course, and with
his help is able to retrieve the Canopic Jar. (See sidebar about 'Sir This includes the characters.
Sebastian's Mysterious Illness' below.) Only the Englishman's
intervention, convincing him that there is someone else behind the
Other guests in the hotel always seem to be in
theft, dissuades him from beheading Ismael straightaway. However,
once the English nobleman was no longer around. the lobby when they are going out for the day, or
After Sir Sebastian leaves Cairo, he will follow at a distance, hoping
returning from their explorations. The Prussian
to find some clue that will lead him to the real thief. If the players
are in trouble, he can be used to rescue them. gentleman in the top hat who is always reading a
copy of the London Times in the hotel lobby,
though he claims to speak no English, is really a member of the Golden Dawn. The two Italian
spinsters in the bar are both adepts of the Freemasonic lodge. The native doorman is from the
Temple of Ra. Some of the watchers will even follow the characters out into the bustle of Cairenes
beyond the doors and along the main streets, but always a respectable distance behind. If spotted,
and they almost certainly will be, then they will disappear down other streets. It is difficult for
Europeans to ‘blend in’ with the city, so they will almost certainly be noticed by the gang of youths,
beggars and assorted street sellers that tags along with them in the same way they tag along with
the characters.

Scene Mechanics for Adventures in Cairo

  The characters overhear Rachid being dismissed by Dr. Sommerfield. Even though Rachid
protests his innocence of the theft, he was responsible for the transport of the artefacts
between the dig site and the museum. If the characters choose to question him themselves
afterwards, they may become convinced of his innocence and start to wonder what really
happened to the canopic jar.
 The players learn that the curse of the pharaohs is taken seriously in Egypt, and discover
that this is why all archaeological digs include a sorcerer. Hearing details of the fate that
has befallen some archaeologists may cause Constitutional Shock in ladies of Courage
Average or Poor, and in gentlemen of Poor Courage.
 Should they venture into the city, at least one of the characters (the least perceptive with
the greatest exchequer) will have his or her pocket picked by one of the street urchins (with
a Stealth of Great) that crowd about them. Any characters with a Good Perception may
notice the theft, but it will take a character with an Athletics ability of Great, following the
boy through back alleys and over walls, to catch the thief before he escapes into the maze
that is the Wasa.
 If any of the characters goes into the Wasa, they will be set upon by thugs intent on
robbing them and taking any women in the party for the white slave trade. This escapade is
potentially a link to the sideplot about the Compte de Neuilly (see ‘The French Tourist’).
There are two more ruffians than players, all armed with knives, and they will flee if more
than half their number fall.
 The players become aware that they are being observed in their travels, and perhaps learn
that sorcerers from a number of New Europa’s different orders are showing an interest in
the diggings at Tell el-Amarna.

So how did Ishmael LeTouquet steal the artefact?

The Canopic Jar is such an important discovery that Dr. Sommerfield kept it in his possession right
up to the last moment, and it was the last item loaded onto the boat at Tell el-Amarna. Thus, it was
the last item on the manifest.

Though he knows a great deal about Egypt and its history, Rachid is illiterate and checked the
manifest only by knowing the order in which boxes and crates were loaded, making his mark on the
manifest from the bottom of the list to the top as they were unloaded. When the crates were
unloaded, the Canopic Jar was still part of the cargo (the first item to be unloaded) and ticked off on
the manifest.

When Ishmael LeTouquet checked the manifest himself, he immediately noticed the significance of
the Canopic Jar, and used his sorcery to remove it from the list. The Temple of Ra emphasises
temporal magicks, and the museum curator simply took the manifest back in time to the point
immediately before Dr Sommerfield added the last entry for the Jar. He later recreated Rachid's
mark against all the other entries. Thus, the manifest does not contain any gaps, or appear to have
been tampered with; and LeTouquet has plausible deniability that he knew anything was missing
from the shipment.

The Orders of Sorcery and their Concerns

Many of the sorcerous orders of New Europa have an interest in the dig because it may unearth
lost lore or even sorcerous automata. Though nobody has ever found proof of the latter, rumours
and traditions suggest that the Egyptians had learnt the art of combining magick with technology
nearly three millennia before Leonardo daVinci published his Codex Pacifica, and even before
Aristotle’s Treatise on Paranatural Cosmologie. While some of these observers have their own
ambitions and goals, they are all reporting back to the heads of their respective orders on a regular
basis.

The Illuminated Brotherhood of Bayern

The Illuminated Brotherhood has a natural interest in Dr. Sommerfield’s work. Some of their own
teachings originated in Egyptian tradition. It is from the writings in the Brotherhood’s libraries that
the Doctor has learned of Amenhotep’s true role in the struggle against the Unseelie, and it is they
who are sponsoring the digs at Tell el-Amarna and in the Valley of the Kings.

They are aware that their mortal enemies of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn are watching
events with interest; but unless the situation should escalate, they will take no steps that would
affect the status quo. Now is not the time to promote a war between two of the most powerful of the
orders of sorcery.

Dr. Sommerfield is the most obvious member of the order present, and one of the native guides
who works on the excavation, Amil, is also actually a French explorer and Illuminati (Athletics
[GD], Courage [GD], Fisticuffs [GD], Sorcery [GR]). Furthermore, Lady Isabel Fortescue,
the Seelie wife of the dig’s chief sponsor, Lord Edward Fortescue, also has some talent for magick.

Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn

Naturally, the Order of the Golden Dawn also has an interest in the excavations of Dr. Sommerfield.
Like the Illuminated Brotherhood, much of their own doctrine is derived from the sorcery of ancient
Egypt, and they are intrigued by the possibility that the Doctor might uncover some new teachings.

The Order already possesses one of the three Books of Set, the Dark Libram of Necromancy, and
is interested in any new spells from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. However, they know that
adepts from the Illuminated Brotherhood of Bayern are watching them closely; and will make no
overt steps to disrupt the dig, nor to acquire anything that the Doctor might find at Akhetaten or in
the Valley of the Kings. Unless, that is, they have an opportunity to do so without any fear of
retribution.

The Prussian adept, Klaus Blücher (Charisma [GD], Fisticuffs [GD], Marksmanship [GR],
Education [GR], Sorcery [EXC]), is a attractive but twisted man, caring for little beyond his
own evil desire to possess any magickal artefacts uncovered by the excavation. When the party
leaves for Tell el-Amarna, he will follow two days behind.

The Grand Order of the Freemasonic Lodge

Also interested in Dr. Sommerfield’s excavation at Tell el-Amarna is the Grand Order of the
Freemasonic Lodge. The oldest order of sorcery in New Europa claims even closer links to
Egyptian magick than the other traditions and they too would like to acquire any new lore
discovered in the dig.

Though they have noticed that the Order of the Golden Dawn is also watching with interest, they
are waiting until the Doctor makes a move before taking any steps themselves against the Prussian
sorcerer. If things do come to a head, they will join forces with the Illuminated Brotherhood.

The two elderly Italian spinsters at the Grand Continental are both high-ranking members of the
Freemasonic Lodge. Francesca (Connections [GD], Education [GD], Sorcery [GR]) and
Maria (Courage [GD], Education [GD], Sorcery [GR], Stealth [GD]) Salvatore may seem
flighty and drunk most of the time, but they are not to be underestimated. When Klaus Blücher
leaves for Tell el-Amarna, they will follow close behind him.

Mystic Lodge of the Temple of Ra

The followers of the Temple of Ra believe that their members are the reincarnation of the pharaohs,
and as such claim to have a prior right to all artefacts unearthed by the expedition.

Neither the Illuminated Brotherhood, nor the Golden Dawn, nor the Freemasonic Lodge is aware
that the acolytes of Ra are also watching the Doctor’s activities, although the members of the
Temple have noted the presence of their rival orders. If an opportunity arises, they will try to stir up
trouble between the three.

One of the most influential members of the Temple of Ra, Ismael LeTouquet is fully aware of all Dr.
Sommerfield’s discoveries; and in an ideal position to lose anything that is of value to the Lodge.
He has already removed the Canopic Jar from among the artefacts retrieved from the tomb at
Akhetaten, having recognised it as a powerful magickal artefact.

The League of Isis

Though the League of Isis is interested in anything that Dr. Summerfield unearths at the dig, they
are more concerned that any magick doesn't fall into the hands of the Temple of Ra. To this end,
they aren't watching the Doctor, Sir Sebastian and their companions, but rather the other watchers.

The League maintains a Chapter House in Cairo, and one of their most practised adepts, Zoe
Katakas, has been sent there to oversee the operation to monitor the activities of the Temple of Ra.
However, because of the more restrictive freedoms that women are subject to in this Islamic state,
most of the actual work is being undertaken by auxiliaries.

Chapter 3 - Excursion to Giza and the Pyramids

In which Sir Sebastian is stricken with a mysterious sickness; and in his absence,
Dr. Sommerfield leads the expedition to Giza where they narrowly escape death
entombed within the Pyramids.

Following the theft of the Canopic Jar, I had requested Khareem to find a new team of porters and
diggers. Even with the help of our new Dragoman, it took nearly two days to organise bearers and
transport for the journey from Cairo to Tell el-Amarna. At least the delay allowed our guests time to
explore the wonders of Cairo. However, eventually we were ready to set out, only to discover that
Sir Sebastian had been stricken down with a fever. The doctors have diagnosed a malady brought
on by drinking the local water, and say that we should let the fever run its course; but that may take
several more days. Though I would have postponed our journey down the Nile until he was
recovered, he insisted that I should not be concerned and assured me that he would soon be on
his feet again and join us once more.

The Morning Dawns

The day arrives when Setekh Khareem has made all his preparations for the journey from Cairo to
Tell el-Amarna. However, when Sir Sebastian fails to appear for breakfast, Dr. Sommerfield sends
one of the hotel staff to see if he is in his room. The man returns with the message that Sir
Sebastian is ill, but suggests that the rest of the party carry on to Tell el-Amarna without him, and
he will follow when he feels more able. Though characters with the Physician skill may try to do
what they can for the English gentleman, they can do little to ease his suffering, and can only
recommend bed rest. Eventually, Dr. Sommerfield realises that he cannot delay his own departure
until Sir Sebastian recovers, and accepts that his former pupil will have to remain behind.

Sir Sebastian's Mysterious Illness
Everybody, even those characters who have a knowledge of
Medicine or sorcerous healing will believe that Sir Sebastian is
genuinely ill; those with Physician [GD] are able to diagnose an
upset stomach and mild fever, probably as a result of drinking the
local water without first boiling it. However, the only advice that
even the greatest of physicians can give is to let the fever run its
course. This may take several days.
In fact, the symptoms are caused by a potion that he has acquired
from one of his contacts in the Wasa, and will only last for a few
hours. Its purpose is to provide him with an excuse to remain in
Cairo while the others in the party travel on to Giza and on to Tell
el-Amarna. It also gives him an alibi, should it be needed, for what
he intends to do during that time.
Following the tour of the museum, Sir Sebastian has become
suspicious of Ismael LeTouquet. After privately talking with the
dragoman Rachid, he suspects that the missing Canopic jar is
somewhere on the Museum premises. On the night following the
departure of the rest of the party for Giza, and aided by Rachid, he
breaks into the Museum, and is able to locate and retrieve the
stolen artefact. Then he will travel on to Tell el-Amarna to rejoin the
party. Sadly, at least for the adept of the Temple of Ra, he was
unable to dissuade Rachid from seeing justice done.
If your players are using the pre-generated
characters described in the appendices section
of this document, then Sir Sebastian will insist
that Cecelia von Klausovich go with the party
even if she wants to stay. The opening of the
tomb is not something to be missed, even to
stay behind offering comfort to her lover.
Sir Sebastian’s sickness and absence may be a
disappointment to the other members of the
party, so to raise everybody’s spirits, Dr.
Sommerfield suggests an excursion to the
pyramid complex at Giza. This is one of the
seven wonders of the ancient world, and the
only one still in existence today, just a few short
miles (barely an hours ride) across the river from
Cairo. It is a sight that should not be missed.
The boat is prepared to wait until the afternoon
before setting off upriver to the dig site, so there
is plenty of time.

Scene Mechanics for the Great Day

 The characters learn that Sir Sebastian has become stricken with a
mysterious illness and will be unable to travel with them as they journey
on down the Nile to the dig site.
 They are introduced to the replacement for Rachid, the new Dragoman,
Khareem, who proves himself to be highly efficient and tolerant of the
characters needs.
 Setekh Khareem

Charisma [GR] Connections [GD] Stealth [GD]

An Excursion to the Giza Plateau
There is a stables close by the hotel that will
hire out mules to the party for their ride the
Giza. Setekh Khareem ensures that the group
carries plenty of clean water and keeps
together on the trek across the desert.
The road is dusty and the sun is hot even
though it is still well before noon. For the first
few miles, the New Europans will be followed,
as always, by beggars and street urchins.
Some will offer to sell parasols or umbrellas to
members of the group, and they are well
advised to purchase these or they run the risk
of suffering from sunstroke. The journey will
take about an hour each way.
The Pyramids
Education [GD] Performance [GD] Sorcery [EXC] Social
Graces [PR]
Rachid's replacement as chief dragoman for the Doctor's party is
Setekh Khareem, and to all outward appearances he is a highly
efficient and valuable asset to the team. In this role, he hides his
education; yet, although making no pretensions to scholarship, he
has an incredible familiarity with the ancient history of Egypt.
Originally born in Egypt, his parents employed in government,
Khareem received a good education. Following his graduation from
the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, he travelled widely throughout New
Europa after the Order of the Temple of Jerusalem recognised his
innate talent for sorcery.
Though he no longer bears any emblem of his sorcerous affiliation,
over the past few years Setekh Khareem has studied with the
Temple of Jerusalem, the Golden Dawn and most recently the
Temple of Ra; and is a renegade from all three orders. Only by
constantly moving around New Europa and changing his name
whenever he was recognised has he been able to avoid any
retribution for these betrayals. A highly charismatic individual, he
still has contacts in all these orders that help keep him a step ahead
of trouble.
It was through his studies using lore from the Temple of Ra's
Libram of Temporal Control, and his knowledge of Egyptian
prehistory that Khareem learned the true story of Amun and
Akhenaton. Now he is determined to resurrect the dead Unseelie,
believing that through the Dark Lord's powers he will be able to rule
all of New Europa.

While the pyramids are clearly visible from Cairo and the hotel, it is only when they are seen close
up that you can truly realise their splendour. As they travel, Dr. Sommerfield regales the party with
details of their history.

"Contrary to the common belief, only the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), not all three Great
Pyramids, is one of the wonders.

"The tradition of pyramid building started in Ancient Egypt as a sophistication of the idea of a
mastaba or "platform" covering the royal tomb. Later, several stacked mastabas were used. Early
pyramids, such as the Step Pyramid of King Zoser (Djoser) at Saqqara by the famous Egyptian
architect, Imhotep, illustrate this connection.

"The site was first prepared, and blocks of stone were transported and placed. An outer casing was
then used to smooth the surface. Most of it has disappeared over the years but some can still be
seen near the top of Khefre's pyramid. The Great Pyramid was built over a 20-year period after it
was commissioned by the pharaoh Khufu of the Fourth Dynasty around the year 2560 BC to serve
as a tomb when he died.

"When it was built, the Great Pyramid was 145.75m (481ft) high and with a base of 755 feet. Over
the years, it lost 10m (30ft) off its top, but still it has been the tallest man-made structure on Earth
for more than 44 centuries. The sloping angle of its sides is 54 degrees 54 minutes. Each side is
carefully oriented with one of the cardinal points of the compass, that is, north, south, east, and
west. The horizontal cross section of the pyramid is square at any level, with each side measuring
229m (751ft) in length. The maximum error between side lengths is astonishingly less than 0.1%.

"The pyramid was constructed at almost exactly 30 latitude, 30 longitude (although neither had
been defined at the time), and were an astounding feat given the primitive technology available at
the time. Although we do not yet know how the blocks were put in place, several theories have
been proposed. One theory involves the construction of a straight or spiral ramp that was raised as
the construction proceeded. This ramp, coated with mud and water, eased the displacement of the
blocks which were pushed (or pulled) into place. A second theory suggests that the blocks were
placed using long levers with a short angled foot.

"Throughout their history, the pyramids of Giza have stimulated human imagination. They have
been referred to as ‘The Granaries of Joseph’ and ‘The Mountains of Pharaoh’. When Napoleon
 invaded Egypt in 1798, his pride was expressed through his famous quote: ‘Soldats! Du haute de
ces Pyramides, 40 siècles nous contemplent’. (Soldiers! From the top of these Pyramids, 40
centuries are looking down at us.)"

Figure 6 - The Pyramids

Unlike in later years when the Pyramids became a popular visit for cruises and trips down the Nile,
there are few tourists at the site. Though there are some Arab tribesmen there, racing horses
across the plain, the characters are the only New Europans on the plateau. The characters have
plenty of time for climbing the Great Pyramid, or exploring around the other smaller pyramids on the
Giza plateau, with Dr. Sommerfield or Setekh Khareem pointing out the most interesting features of
the site.

Close to the eastern flank of the Pyramid of Khefre lie other smaller pyramids dedicated either to
his wives or family members.

The second pyramid was built by Kephren, the son of Khefre, to the southwest of his father's
pyramid. Though lower in height it still retains, on some of its upper parts, the remains of the
limestone that had once covered it all. Its interior is simple, with two entrances on the north side.
The visitors to the site can also still see the remains of his mortuary temple, the Temple of the
Valley, and rising causeway. These temples witnessed the religious rites during the embalming of
the body.

To the southwest of the Great and Second Pyramids lies the Third pyramid, built for the pharaoh
Mycerinus (Menkaure). It is much smaller than either the Great or the Second pyramids, but
distinguished by the fact that the lower part of its sides still retains its granite slab coverings.

The three large Pyramids at Giza are surrounded by several small pyramids and hundreds of
mastaba. These were the tombs of lesser members of the royal family, nobles and other high-
ranking dignitaries.

Figure 7 - Plan of the Giza Complex

The Sphinx

The Pyramids are not the only impressive sight to be seen at Giza. According to the available
records, the Sphinx was also built around 2500 BC. Like the pyramids, this great monument of
ancient times is also a marvel of engineering. Standing 66 feet high and over 240 feet long, it faces
due east to catch the first rays of the sun (and the first sight of the rising constellations in the night
sky.) Time and weather have taken their toll, however and the entire structure is heavily eroded by
what can only have been water. The Sphinx shows signs of very heavy rain erosion, meaning that it
had to have been standing in the pouring rain for many years. This is just one of the mysteries of
the Sphinx.
 Figure 8 - The Sphinx

It has also been prophesied that there is a chamber hidden beneath the Sphinx. Allegedly, within
this chamber is the entire recorded history of Atlantis and of early Egypt. However, no excavation
has yet uncovered the truth of this story.

Entombed within the Great Pyramid

As the morning grows hotter and the sun rises to its zenith, Dr. Sommerfield suggests to the party
that it will be cooler within the Great Pyramid, and suggests that they might explore inside.

Figure 9 - Plan of the Great Pyramid

On the north face, is the pyramid's entrance. The entrance to the Great Pyramid is at one end of a
3½ft wide, 4ft high Descending Passage. At the lower end of the passageway is what has been
called the Bottomless pit. Partway down the Descending Passage lies a fallen rock. At one point it
concealed a side passage, but when the pyramid was opened this fell revealing a concealed
Ascending Passage. The Ascending Passage rises at the same angle, 26.3, as the angle of
decline of the Descending Passage. All of the interior stones fit so well that even a playing card
won't fit between them.

A crude, steep, twisting crawl space called the Well Shaft connects the lower Grand Gallery with
the lower Descending Passage. A three-stone plug, wedged in place at the entrance to the
Ascending Passage during the building of the Pyramid, is composed of red granite. In order to
bypass this plug, the first archaeologists who excavated the site had to cut through the softer
limestone.

The Ascending Passage departs from the Descending Passage and joins with the Grand Gallery at
the entrance of a room finished in unblemished limestone with gabled ceiling called the Queen's
Chamber. The Grand Gallery also connects through a maze of corridors, galleries and escape
shafts with a much larger room finished in highly polished granite having a flat ceiling known as the
King's Chamber. The King's Chamber, measures 17x34ft and the ceiling is about 19ft high. It is
covered by five layers of large, 70-ton stone beams. These beams hold the Pyramid up above the
King's Chamber. Air ducts in the main chambers keep the year-round temperature comfortable at
precisely 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Within the King’s Chamber lies his sarcophagus.

The King's sarcophagus is made of red granite, as are the interior walls of the King's Chamber.
Most impressive is the sharp-edged stone over the doorway which is over 10ft long, 8ft high and 4ft
thick. The sarcophagus is oriented in accordance with the compass directions, and is only about
½in smaller in dimensions than the chamber entrance. It might have been introduced as the
structure was progressing.

For some reason, magick seems muted within the pyramid itself. The Thaumic Energy used to
power spells is stale. Sorcerers will notice this as they walk through the entranceway. Perhaps it is
the result of the magickal shape and dimensions of the pyramid, or of its having been a tomb for
over four millennia. If sorcerers in the party don’t come to such a conclusion, Dr. Sommerfield will
advise them of these two possibilities as an aside during his description of the pyramids history.
Seelie too will feel their Faerie talents (Glamour, Etherealness and Kindred Powers) oppressed and
stifled

Should any adept try to cast a spell while inside the pyramid, all cards drawn from the Sorcery Deck
will have a face value of 1 regardless of their actual value or suit unless the sorcerer is casting a
spell from the Dark Libram of Necromancy. Only a Joker will have its normal effect. Faerie powers
are affected similarly, with all cards in the Fortune Deck having a face value of 1, including the
Jokers.

Setekh Khareem has not counted on the party at the dig growing in size, and reckons that these
visitors to the site are potentially a threat to his plans, particularly if there are any other sorcerers in
the group. They are an unknown quantity. When Dr. Sommerfield proposes this expedition, he will
excuse himself from this exploration of the Great Pyramid, saying that he must water the mules
before their return to Cairo and the boat. The passages from the tomb entrance to the King’s
Chamber at the heart of the pyramid are well known, and Dr. Sommerfield can easily lead the
group there and back, so he isn’t needed.

He considers that it might be awkward explaining his presence as a new chief dragoman instead of
Rachid, and the absence of the Doctor to the other members of the dig team already at Tell el-
Amarna, but the exploration of the pyramid presents an opportunity to remove these threats to his
plans. Using his sorcery, he blocks the only passage that leads back from the King’s Chamber to
the exit, leaving the party trapped inside the bowels of the earth.
Escape from the pyramid requires a prodigious feat. Perceptive characters will note the faint breath
of moving air from three different passages, suggesting that they lead to the exit. Perhaps it is just
the faintest breeze stirring the dust or a characters hair, or the flickering of a candle flame, but it is a
separate feat requiring Great Perception for each to determine which of the many individual
passages might lead to the outside world.

 The first of these passages is blocked by an enormous fallen stone. It requires an Extra-
ordinary feat of strength (Physique ) to lift this rock enough that anyone can scramble
through the gap to safety. Several characters may choose to combine their strength to try
and lift the stone, but they will not be able to squeeze through the gap themselves while
they are holding it.
 A yawning chasm, perhaps fifteen feet wide blocks the second passage. Should a pebble
be dropped down the pit, there will be no sound of it hitting the bottom, giving no indication
of depth. There is nothing that can be used to stretch a rope from one side to the other
(should the characters be carrying a rope with them), and the roof is fairly low at this point,
so an Exceptional leap (Athletics ) is required to cross it.
 The third route to escape the pyramid is blocked by a locked, iron gate firmly embedded in
the walls of the passage so it would take days of chipping away at the stone to remove it
that way. Of course, the characters don’t have enough water to last for days, so this is not
an option. The locking mechanism is old and rusted, but an Exceptional feat of Tinkering (
) should release it.

If even one character can escape from the pyramid, they will be able to enlist the help of Setekh
Khareem and the other tribesman outside to help rescue their companions. Though his plan has
failed, Khareem will not reveal that he was involved in the trap. Instead, he will act the concerned
dragoman and do whatever is necessary to release the others.

Scene Mechanics for Escaping from the Great Pyramid

 While exploring inside the Great Pyramid, they find themselves lost and trapped. Only
through an exceptional feat of strength, athletics or lockpicking are they able to escape
from a slow, painful death as their water runs out.

The Journey down the Nile

Once the characters escape from the tomb, at least the journey down the Nile passes uneventfully.
It’s a long voyage, four days in all, giving the characters a chance to rest and recover after their
ordeal.

The four days also gives the party time to observe more of the Egyptian scenery. Though most of
the country is desert, the banks on either side of the river are fertile and green. As they travel down
the river the group will see other boats carrying produce to the city, fishermen casting their nets,
villagers harvesting the papyrus reeds and working the fields along the banks. There’s wildlife too:
hippopotamuses bathing and the waters, and crocodile basking half hidden in the shallows; cranes
and ibises taking to wing in the wash of the dhow that conveys the party to their destination.
Figure 10 - A Nile Riverboat
 Figure 11 - Archaeological Map of Egypt

Chapter 4 - The City in the Sands

In which Dr. Sommerfield shows the party the site of the dig and explains the
significance of the relics that have been found there. The Curse of the Pharaohs
begins to be felt; and Sir Sebastian rejoins the party, in good health once more,
to reveal that the missing Canopic Jar has been retrieved.
At last, after four days sailing down the Nile, we reached our destination, the site of our excavation
at Tell el-Amarna. Sir Edward and Lady Isabel greeted us at the pier, together with young Charles
and the Prussian student Dieter Volkmann. Dieter has been busy in my absence, mapping out the
foundations of the city with the aid of his flying boat, but I was less happy with the progress of our
diggers. They still hadn’t removed all the rubble from the doors to the tomb, but Khareem assured
me that the work would be completed by dusk the following day. At least the delay gave me an
opportunity to show our guests some of the other artefacts that we had unearthed on the site.

Introducing the other Members of the Dig

Once they arrive at the site of the excavation, the characters will be introduced to the other New
Europan members of the dig. Sir Edward Fortescue is the main sponsor (along with the Illuminated
Brotherhood who prefer to play down their own involvement). His wife Isabel and their son Charles
are also present at the site, together with a young German student of archaeology from the
University of Berlin, Dieter Volkmann.

Sir Edward Fortescue Lady Isabel Fortescue

Athletics [GD] Charisma [GD] Connections [GR] Charisma [GR] Comeliness [EXT] Fencing [PR]
Education [GD] Exchequer [EXC] Fencing [GD] Education [GD] Connections [GR] Stealth [GD]
Fisticuffs [GD] Social Graces [GD] Tinkering [PR] Exchequer [GR] Fisticuffs [PR] Physician [GD]
Performance [GD] Sorcery [GD] Tinkering [PR] Social
Sir Edward was born the only son of Sir James Fortescue of the
Cornish Fortescues, one of Britain's oldest and most affluent Graces [GR] Kindred Powers [GR]
families. Like most sons of the nobility, he attended Eton where
he first met Sir Sebastian Thomas. After leaving school, Sir A stunningly beautiful and charming woman of obvious Seelie
Edward spent four years in the Coldstream Guards, during which heritage, Isabel Montoya was well known in the Music Halls of
time he married the famous beauty and music Hall singer Isabel New Europa until her marriage to Sir Edward Fortescue. Though
Montoya. Though the relationship between the English nobleman the relationship of an English nobleman and the Spanish singer
and the Spanish singer was considered a scandal, the Fortescue was considered scandalous, few dared voice their thoughts aloud
family was rich and influential and few dare snub one of the and the gossip has long since ceased.
Daione Sidhe. In time the gossip died away. Claiming Spanish heritage, and with her dark skin proclaiming
With the death of his father, Sir Edward resigned his commission, Moorish extraction, little is known about Isabel Montoya's family.
and retired from London society to manage his family's country In fact, Lady Isabel is a direct descendent of Akhenaton and
estates. Since then the family have lived in Cornwall, only rarely Nefertiti. When the pharaoh died, his first wife fled across the
travelling to the city. Sir Edward has become increasingly Sahara with their daughters to escape the retribution of the
concerned with the mechanisation of the Cornish tin mines, and is Unseelie. They settled in the area that in later centuries became
a supporter of the Second Compact Alliance. When his wife asked known as Carthage. Later still, their descendants crossed the
for his financial support to sponsor Dr. Sommerfield's dig at Tell Mediterranean to the Balearic Peninsular and Spain.
el-Amarna, explaining how the discoveries would benefit the Unusually for one of the Daione Sidhe, Lady Isabel has inherited
alliance, he was happy to oblige. the talent of sorcery from her illustrious forefather. She is a
member of the Illuminated Brotherhood of Bayern, among whom
her skill is a closely guarded secret.
 Charles Fortescue Dieter Volkmann

Athletics [GD] Exchequer [GD] Perception [GR] Stealth Connections
[GD] Physique [PR]
Charles is the only child of Sir Edward and Lady Isabel, an
energetic and inquisitive eight-year old. He has grown up in the
relative quiet and obscurity of the family's Cornish estate, so this
expedition to Egypt is a real adventure.
In particular, since he first saw it taking off from the water, he has
been fascinated by Dieter Volkmann's flying boat. Because it
keeps him from under the feet of the diggers, and out of trouble,
his parents have been happy to indulge him. He has spent a lot of
time aloft with Dieter learning how to control the ship though he is
a small boy and doesn't yet have the physical strength to do so
himself.
[GD] Courage [GD] Education [GR]
Exchequer [GD] Stealth [PR] Tinkering [GR]
Helmsmanship [GD]
The third son of a military family numbered among the lesser
Prussian nobility, Dieter Volkmann declined the chance to attend
military academy, preferring instead to study archaeology at the
University of Berlin. Though this choice of career was a
disappointment to his family, it did make his father proud when the
youth was asked to join Dr. Sommerfield's prestigious expedition.
Dieter is as much a scientist as he is a student of ancient history.
If characters ask him about his engineering studies, Dieter is
happy to talk about more his work. He will even demonstrate the
fruits of his labours to other scientists.
Over the year that he has been working on the dig at Tell el-
Amarna, Dieter has modified the mast and sails on one of the
Arab dhows used for traversing the river so that it is capable of
flight. Though the craft is able to climb several thousand feet in
the air, it is still dependent on the prevailing winds for lateral
movement. Fortunately, Dieter Volkmann learned to sail on his
family yacht on the Inland Sea, and has modified the rigging so
that the boat can be manoeuvred in flight.

Dieter Volkmann’s Flying Boat

Any Inventor, Scientist or Engineer in the party might be intrigued by one of the other dhows
moored alongside the pier. The light of the sun gleams on the stern area of the boat, suggesting
that it houses brass rather than just wood, and they have seen enough boats on their journey down
the river to realise that there is something highly unusual about the cut of its masts and rigging. Nor
do the sails appear to be made of fabric, but of some more fragile-seeming material.

Figure 12 - The Flying Boat

Over the year that he has been working on the dig at Tell el-Amarna, Dieter has modified the mast
and sails on one of the Arab dhows used for traversing the river so that it is capable of flight. Two
large sails made of an ether-trapping fabric, rigged so they are horizontal like wings, provide lift.
Though the craft is capable of climbing several thousand feet in the air, it is still dependent on the
prevailing winds to move. Fortunately, Dieter Volkmann learned to sail on his family yacht on the
Inland Sea, but even so he has still been driven far off course on a number of occasions.
Fortunately the winds are fairly predictable across the Sahara; and Dieter has learned that if he
gets lost he can fly eastward at sunset until he reaches the Nile, and then just follow the river
upstream back to Tell el-Amarna. The lights from the boat floating above the pyramids have raised
some apprehensions in Cairo, but Dieter is blissfully unaware of the consternation he has caused.
To ease the work of controlling the ship, and remove the need for a large crew, he has installed a
series of pulleys and gears that will trim the sails to catch the wind. The mass of ropes and levers
around the craft make it rather cramped, but with no need for a crew there is room for over a dozen
people beside Dieter on the boat.

From the air above the dig site, Dieter has been able to recognise impressions that are not visible
from ground level, and has been using the boat to map out the city. In fact it was from his vantage
point aloft in the light of the setting sun that Dieter noticed the shadowy impressions in the cliff wall
that led to the discovery of the tombs there.

In terms of game mechanics, the wooden vessel is large and capable of taking 80 vehicle wounds;
though 20 wounds will cause enough damage to the sails to make it incapable of flight, while 40
wounds will render it unable to sail on the water. Because it is powered by the ether, its range is
effectively unlimited, but it is dependent on the winds for horizontal movement.

Life at the Site

Facilities at the dig site are rather more rudimentary than the hotel in Cairo or even the dhow down
the river. The members of the archaeological team live in tents and the characters will be expected
to do likewise. Another tent, set to one side of the encampment, is used for ablutions. Meals are
taken outside, off long trestle tables, which at other times are used to examine finds that have been
unearthed. The only buildings on the site are a couple of wooden huts, used for storing tools and
other implements used by the team.
 Figure 13 - Plan of the Dig Site at Tell el-Amarna

One of the natives working at the site will be allocated to each member of the party to ensure their
well-being: ensuring that they remember to check for scorpions before putting on their boots,
making sure that they only drink water that has been boiled, and so on. These servants speak only
Arabic, so they will communicate largely through gestures.

Artefacts from the Dig

On the evening of their arrival at Tell el-Amarna, Doctor Sommerfield regales the party with
readings from his journal. In it, he describes the first important discovery made during the
excavation.
 Figure 14 - Bust of Nefertiti

"The first person to lay eyes on Nefertiti's face in 3,300 years was Mohammed Ahmes Es-Senussi.
On December 6, 1868, he was digging in room 19, grid P_47 when the rays of the sun lit up the
gold and blue colours of the queen’s necklace.
"A shout from Mohammed brought all picks and shovels in the area to a stand-still. I was
slumbered, on the canvas cot in the makeshift hut, after my mid-day meal, when I received the
summons and at once hurried to the site of the discovery. The statuette lay buried, head down, in
the debris. Once uncovered, the sandstone figurine stood twenty inches tall, and was in near
perfect condition. The only visible damage was the chipped ear lobes, and the inlay of the retina of
the left eye was missing.
"Over the next day, we sifted the sand and dirt of room 19 again and again, through a finer and
finer mesh. All the ear pieces were found but the eye inlay was never recovered. Only later, did a
closer examination reveal that it had never been inserted.
"It was the ears that confirmed the identity of the statuette as that of Akhenaton’s queen Nefertiti in
my mind. They were those of a High Elven lady, one of the Daoine Sidhe, which tallied with the
history that I had learned from the secret documents of the Illuminated Brotherhood."

Characters with a Great Perception ( ) may notice a startling similarity between the woman
depicted in the statuette, and Lady Isabel; but if queried about the resemblance she will act totally
surprised by the idea (and she is a very good performer).

Scene Mechanics for the Dig Site

  The characters are finally introduced to the other members of the dig team: Sir Edward and
Lady Isabel Fortescue, their son Charles, and the Prussian engineer/scholar Dieter
Volkmann.
 The learn about Dieter Volkmann’s flying boat, and come to realise that this is the cause of
the mysterious lights reported over the pyramids. They may even have an opportunity to go
aloft in the craft.
 They are shown some of the artefacts uncovered by the archaeologists, which reveals that
Akhenaton’s queen, Nefertiti, was a Daoine Sidhe. The more astute members of the party
may notice the striking family resemblance between Lady Isabel and the bust of Nefertiti,
though they will only be able to speculate about the significance of this observation.

Opening the Tomb

At last the native diggers clear the rubble from the tomb doors, and the time comes for the
unsealing of the tomb. Nobody will actually open the doors until Dr. Sommerfield is present, they
are too wary that there may be sorcerous traps set to protect the remains of the occupant from
robbers and others who might desecrate the site. This event is the most significant at the dig since
the first ruins were found three years before, and all the New Europans will be present.
 Figure 15 - Layout of the Tomb of Akhenaton at Tell el-Amarna

As the archaeologists make their way to the tomb in the cliffs, Dr. Sommerfield will describe it to the
party.

"The evidence shows that Akhenaton was buried in a royal vault in the cliffs to the East of the city,
which we have labelled TA26. Cemeteries are normally located in the western low desert because
the west is associated with the setting sun and death. The Pyramids are a prime example of this,
located as they are on the Western side of the river Nile. In this regard, the tombs at Akhetaten
differ from normal burial practises, but in all other respects they are the same as for the pharaoh’s
ancestors.
"The royal crypt is the 26th tomb that we have found carved into the cliffs. The others have been
identified as those of high-ranking dignitaries and officials in Akhenaton’s administration. However,
the glyphs on the passage walls indicate that it was specially prepared for him.
"Only in this royal tomb do the normal rites for the deceased appear to have been changed, and in
ways that we cannot as yet explain. Perhaps our most important discovery to date in the crypt
complex, was a Canopic Jar. This urn was located immediately outside the doors to the inner
chamber, across the well. Why it had been placed here rather than inside the tomb, we have not
yet ascertained. Nor do we have any explanation why there should be just one jar rather than the
more usual four, although its contents may be significant. Surprisingly, the Jar contained a heart.
That was most unusual, because a man’s heart was considered to be the centre of his being, and
always placed back within the body once mummification had taken place. Without his heart, a man
could not be judged in the afterlife. This is the jar that was stolen while it was being transported to
the museum in Cairo."

The walls of the tunnel are stuccoed, and inscribed with spells from the book of the dead (nothing
out of the ordinary) and images from the life of the king. These depict such events as worship of the
sun, the king passing judgement in the courts of the city, blessing the harvest, and other scenes of
normal, everyday life in the city. In the flickering, smoky light of the torches, the images seem to
move on the walls creating an sensation of unease. Dancing girls in a festive scene appear to twirl
and pirouette. Drawings of the pharaoh's palace guard glare banefully at the group as they
approach the doors. The murmurings of the natives back in Cairo about the curse of the pharaohs
spring unbidden to mind.

As the group arrives at the doors, Dr. Sommerfield starts to draw together the Thaumic energies for
a spell that any sorcerers present will recognise as one of protection. Meanwhile Sir Edward
gestures for the diggers to break the seal. There is a hiss of escaping air as the doors are opened,
and then the characters get their first glimpse inside the tomb of the forgotten pharaoh. The
disappointment is clear on the faces of everyone present. The room is empty. There are some
small fragments of granite from the sarcophagus inside the chamber, suggesting that it had once
been here. However, the coffin itself is no longer present.

The walls of the chamber are inscribed with glyphs, and also feature a large, painted mural
depicting the pharaoh facing one of the gods in combat. The mural shows a black-skinned god with
the face of a jackal (imagery often used to represent the dark aspect of Amun, the greatest of the
Unseelie lords who held Egypt in thrall). He carries a sword in his hand, and a bow is slung across
his back. The pharaoh Akhenaton is armed only with a sword, but a beam of light is bursting from
his palm to strike the Unseelie in the chest. As Dr. Sommerfield makes an initial translation of the
hieroglyphs on the wall, they reveal that it was indeed the tomb of Akhenaton.

"And in the eighteenth year of his reign, the king Akhenaton faced the dark lord Amun in single
combat to the death at the abandoned temple to the god in Memphis. Though in his own domain
and using his fell Faerie poisons, Amun fell before the might of Akhenaton, making the earth to
shake with the force of his downfall.
"But Akhenaton was mortally wounded in the struggle, and all the sorceries of the healers could not
heal the damage done to him. His spirit lingered for the passing of several moons before he too
crossed the river to the lands of Khert-Neter."

The other members of the team are already at work setting up a box camera to photograph the
walls. The native diggers are plotting out the dimensions of the cavern and laying a grid of twine
across its surface ready to sift through the fine sand on the floor in the hope of finding something of
value. If asked to comment on his feelings at finding the tomb empty, Dr. Sommerfield will try to
hide his disappointment.

"I find it intriguing to note that there is insufficient space in the main burial chamber for it to have
been intended for two sarcophagi; those of Akhenaton himself and of his queen Nefertiti.
"Another unusual feature of this particular tomb is that the pillared hall of the burial chamber itself
contains only two columns, instead of the usual four. From the rough tunnel carved in the
southeastern corner it appears that there were plans to extend the tomb deeper, but this should
have been the chariot hall if it followed the general scheme of other pharaonic tombs. It was
probably intended to situate the burial chamber further down the corridor along this rough-hewn
passage, so it is possible that Akhenaton died before the work could be completed. Yet though I
described his reign as short, he had eleven years to prepare for his burial after from the date the
builders started to dig this tomb.
"Much as these discoveries intrigue me, however, it is the absence of any sarcophagi that cause
me the most anxiety. The remains of Akhenaton have obviously been removed, but there are no
signs of theft or vandalism. Indeed, the seals had remained unbroken for over three thousand years
until we entered. So why is the tomb empty? I suppose it is possible that Tutankhamun, or another
with the authority to reseal the tomb, moved the bodies to prevent desecration by the worshippers
of Amun.
"None of this explains the canopic jar outside the doors to the chamber. These urns would normally
be found in the burial room itself, or in carved niches along the wall. Moreover, there is still the
question about why the jar contained the pharaoh’s heart rather than the more usual body organs.
The ancient Egyptian sorcerers did possess necromantic lore that would restore life to a body, but
only if the heart itself was still present within the chest of the corpse. Perhaps Akhenaton’s enemies
believed that somebody would try to revive him, and this was an act of desecration to prevent such
an eventuality; but it is hard to believe that they would have resealed the tomb. Then again, such
an animated corpse would still be lacking the spark of soul, the Ka spirit, and would be little more
than a zombie. It is entirely possible that Akhenaton’s own friends or family might have removed the
heart to prevent his enemies from inflicting such an indignity on his remains. Without further
evidence, all we can do is speculate."

Later in the day, the dig team will discover that a section of the stuccoed passage wall hides a side
tunnel leading to a further series of burial chambers, again all empty. As with the first chamber, a
sarcophagus had once lain here but is no longer in the crypt. The glyphs on this wall identify this
chamber as having been prepared for Tiye (Akhenaton’s second queen) and for his children. Over
the next two days, the archaeologists will find a further side passage leading to yet another burial
chamber. This one is occupied, but the body in the sarcophagus is that of a young woman, barely
in her teens. The inscriptions on the walls identify the cadaver as that of Akhenaton’s second
daughter Meketaten, and explain that she died in childbirth when she was 13 years old.

Sir Sebastian’s Triumphant Return

In the midst of the gloom and despondency that pervades the camp after the opening of the empty
tomb, Sir Sebastian finally rejoins the group. His reappearance in good health once more raises the
spirits of the archaeologists; moreso when he reveals that he has located and recovered the
missing canopic jar.

He will explain that it was lost through a simple case of a misplaced box. One of the porters
unloading the shipment at the museum put the case holding the jar down in a corner of the
museum courtyard while he helped one of his colleagues lift another, heavier crate from the wagon,
and then forgot about it so that it was not inventoried with the other artefacts.

If this simple explanation doesn’t satisfy the characters, Sir Sebastian will confess that the jar was
indeed stolen, but not by Rachid. Rather it was Ismael LeTouquet, the museum curator, who
plundered it for his own, private collection. Sir Sebastian tried to pretend otherwise in order to
protect LeTouquet’s remaining honour after the gentleman had been revealed as a thief. Even
worse, he was a secret member of the Temple of Ra.

If pressed further (perhaps by characters noticing his use of a past tense when speaking of
LeTouquet) he will add that the robber is no longer in a position to defend his own name and
honour. When Rachid learned the truth about the theft he meted out justice in his own fashion. The
former curator of 18th Dynasty exhibits at the Cairo Museum of Antiquities is now trying to justify his
evil deeds in the court of Allah. For his part, Rachid has now returned to the desert. [Note to the
host: Rachid is indeed in the desert, but rather closer than the party may expect. He is currently
atop the cliffs overlooking the ruined city where he can keep watch on the party and try to protect
them if they get into trouble.]
Should the characters fail to query Sir Sebastian further, he will reveal the truth about Ismael
LeTouquet only to Dr. Sommerfield, when he has an opportunity to do so without it becoming public
knowledge.

Although the jar was sealed shut before being shipped to Cairo it has since been reopened.
Noticing that the seal has been broken, Dr. Sommerfield removes the lid with an expression of
concern on his face. From within the urn emanates the scent of fresh blood, while at the bottom of
the jar the heart pulses and throbs with a ghastly semblance of life. Characters with only poor or
average Courage witnessing this will be affected by Constitutional Shock and may swoon in horror
at the sight and smells.

If asked about this, Sir Sebastian will confess that he never thought to open the jar to check its
contents. He is as shocked as anyone when he sees the contents of the urn that he has been
carrying since leaving Cairo four days ago.

If the characters do not suggest this themselves, Dr. Sommerfield will insist that the jar be kept
under lock and key in one of the wooden huts used to store tools and equipment at the site, and
ask Khareem to maintain a guard on it at all times.

Scene Mechanics for the Opening of the Tomb and the Jar

 When the tomb is opened it is found to be empty, but the murals and hieroglyphics in the
burial chamber reveal a great deal. They show that Akhenaton was a sorcerer, and
describe how he slew the Unseelie god Amun, but was himself mortally wounded in the
battle. The host may remind the characters about the earth tremor at Memphis in the last
months of Akhenaton’s reign revealed in the documents at Al Azhar University (if they
bothered to ask about the translation work). They may start to wonder what has actually
happened to the bodies of Akhenaton, Nefertiti and even Tiye.
 Sir Sebastian’s return with the canopic jar, and the subsequent revelation that the heart is
now beating with a life of its own shows that magical skulduggery is afoot, and the players
may suspect necromantic sorcerers are involved in trying to restore Akhenaton to life.
[Note to the host: right idea, wrong person, they sorcerer is trying to restore Amun to life,
but you should try and ensure that the characters get the wrong impression until the scene
in the temple of Amun at Karnac (See ‘Unholy Rites and Necromantic Sorcery’).]

Chapter 5 - The Wild Hunt Rides

In which the Wild Hunt pursues the group across the sands to the river where
they barely escape with their lives in Dieter Volkmann’s Flying Boat, and are
subsequently harried along the River Nile as far as Luxor.

Gravely concerned as I was about the necromantic magicks that had been performed on the heart
of Akhenaton, and what this might portend, I had little time to ponder the situation. Nor did I have
opportunity to discuss this turn of events with the Lady Isabel to see what light her insight might
shed upon the matter. Events seemed to conspire against us as we were faced by the wrath of the
Wild Hunt and its monstrous Master, and forced to flee in peril of our very lives and souls from that
unholy horde. We escaped in Dieter’s Flying Boat and, with full sail and the winds behind us, were
just barely able to keep ahead of the creatures. They harried us all that night, driving us up the
length of the river, until eventually they faded into the mists of the dawn.

A Body amid the Dunes

The night after Sir Sebastian rejoins the party, characters will be awakened by a faint rumbling
sound to the East shortly after they have taken to their beds. The most perceptive of the characters
(Perception [GR] or higher), and any Faerie in the party, will also hear the faint cry ‘come join us’
echoing within their minds accompanying the distant thunder; and such is the lure of the call that
only those with a Courage ( ) of Great (or better) will be able to resist. Even as those who have
become entranced by the wild voices clamber from their sleeping bags, the sound will fade and the
attraction of the call disappear.

This sound is the Wild Hunt riding above the cliffs in the desert to the West of Tell el-Amarna. It is
too late and too dark to investigate that night, but the following morning members of the party may
look to see what has happened overnight.

Figure 16 - The Ba Spirit of Amun

The first thing that they are likely to notice is a flock of crows among the dunes above the cliff. As
they approach, the birds will take to flight and scatter leaving a bundle on the ground. The most
perceptive characters (Perception [GR] or better) might almost believe that one of the
scavengers has a human face, but it could just be a trick of the sunlight. [Note to the Host: This is
the Ba Spirit of Amun, but the creature is such that you should try and dismiss the fact that anyone
has seen it even after drawing attention to it.]

The party may already have realised that the birds were feasting on a body, but Constitutional
Shock is a possibility for any characters prone to faintness of heart looking upon the grisly remains.

The corpse is that of a gentleman, well dressed and wearing the latest New Europan fashions. The
carrion birds have not had long to feed - he has only been dead a few hours - so his face is still
recognisable as that of Klaus Blücher, the Prussian gentleman from the Grand Continental Hotel in
Cairo (see ‘Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn’ under the section entitled ‘The Orders of Sorcery
and their Concerns’).

There are no facilities for performing an autopsy at the dig site should anybody wish to do so; but it
would appear, even to those lacking the skill of a Physician, that he died as a result of being torn
apart by claws and fangs. Though some of the injuries have obviously been caused post mortem by
the scavenger birds, he appears to have been set upon by a horde of animals. Nor can this be put
down to any normal animal attack such as a pack of wild dogs: the marks on his body indicate
many different types of bite, many different sized claws, and even wounds caused by what could be
poisoned elfshot judging from the discolouration of the skin. In fact, characters searching will find a
number of arrows scattered about the area. [Note to the Host: It was just Blücher’s bad luck that he
was caught by the Wild Hunt.]

Characters with a strong stomach may search the body and will find an emblem depicting a ram
and crescent moon (the symbol of the Golden Dawn) pinned on the underside of his lapel. Given
their recent excursion to the Giza plateau, the characters may notice the similarities between this
symbol and the Sphinx. Any sorcerer will recognise the emblem, but further searching will turn up
 the Prussian’s journal, which identifies him by name and order of sorcery. It also reveals that he
has been following the characters since their arrival in Cairo. The most recent entries in the journal
reveal that he had learned the names and (nominal) occupations of the characters, and describe
their visit to the museum and university. The last entry explains that he is following the party to Tell
el-Amarna where he will spy upon the activities of the dig.

A mass of tracks, too many to count, leads to and from the body, and the characters can trace
these back to where Blücher first came ashore about three miles downstream from Tell el-Amarna,
and where he met the hunt. There are points where he obviously tried to stand and fight, perhaps
using his sorcery, and his discarded sword cane can be found nearby; other places where he was
running in blind terror.

The tracks of the creatures vary greatly: some are booted, some bare feet; others are hooves or
pawprints; still others bear no resemblance to any creature known to man. The characters should
be getting the idea by now: this was the Wild Hunt.

Danger in the Dusk

Barely has the sun set that night than the group hear a distant rumbling again; and the Faerie and
more perceptive members of the group hear the cry in their minds ‘come join us’. As it comes closer
the noise of howling voices is audible above the thundering roar of a hundred feet and hooves.
Looking up to the clifftop, the team will see the misshapen horde assembled there in the twilight.
Hundreds of fell Faerie creatures, constantly changing shape; some flying, others riding monstrous
beasts straight from a nightmare, still others on foot. Then comes the deep, chilling note of a
spectral horn; and the Hunt begins its descent.

The native diggers are crying out the name

Onuris - Master of the Hunt ‘Onuris’ as they flee from the encampment. Lady
Isabel gasps a terrified ‘The Wild Hunt’ before
Fisticuffs [GR] Marksmanship [GR] Physique [EXT] hiking up her skirts and running toward the river
Glamour [EXC] where the boats are moored, followed closely by
her husband and young Charles, and with Sir
Onuris was among the greatest of the Unseelie 'gods' in ancient Sebastian, Dieter Volkmann and Dr.
Egypt, who later moved to New Europa where he became the Sommerfield not far behind. If players are using
Master of the Wild Hunt under the dominion of The Adversary. the pregenerated characters from the Appendix,
The huntsman offers only nominal allegiance to The Adversary. His
true master is still the Dark Lord Amun, killed millennia ago by the then Sir Sebastian will take the time to ensure
pharaoh Akhenaton and his Seelie queen Nefertiti. that Cecelia von Klausovich escapes with him;
The Adversary fears what might happen if the body of Amun is but otherwise the characters are on their own.
found, and has been ordered the Master of the Hunt to harass the
archaeologists. Killing them would break the Compact, but he can
try to dissuade them from continuing their work on the dig at Tell el-
They should get the hint from this. Nothing short
Amarna. Onuris sees this as an opportunity to resurrect his old lord
of an army of dwarves can face up to the Hunt
if the scholars can find his body. He has waited until the heart of
and hope to survive. Any Faerie among the
Amun is returned to the dig before attacking the site.
His intent this night is not to harm any of the group, but rather to
group will know this, and should already be
drive them up the river to Thebes toward the Temple of Amun
running themselves. They only have a few
where the body of Amun lies waiting. In this way he can keep his
minutes to react before the great mass of
promise to the Adversary who has called the hunt and still achieve
his own objective. creatures swarms over them. Play this quickly.
Drum your hands on the table to represent the
hoofbeats of the horde. It’s bearing down on them quickly. Keep up the pace. They don’t have long
to think what to do.

If they try to fight, perhaps shooting at the creatures, they should realise that there are just too
many monsters for them to defeat. For every one that falls, ten more take its place. Sorcery is more
damaging to the ranks; but still not effective enough, and spell-casting takes too long.

The hunt swarms down over the camp overturning the tents and creating chaos in its wake. If the
characters aren’t reacting fast enough to the threat, then it’s time for Rachid to rescue them. The
dragoman has been hiding out near the encampment for just such a situation as this. Risking his
own life, he will run to the characters and start dragging them toward the river, and the boats.

Flight up the River

The characters will not be able to outrun the hunt on foot, and if they try to escape by boat the
horde will take to the air or wade through the water and soon catch them. Their only hope is a
vessel that can travel faster than the creatures. Dieter Volkmann’s flying boat is such a craft.

There is a strong wind blowing from the northwest, and this should be all the hint that the
characters need. If all else fails, they should notice that the other members of the dig team are
already boarded, and that Dieter is unfurling the sails.

Barely have the characters scrambled aboard the boat than it takes to the air, and not a moment
too soon. Elfshot clatters against the gunwales, and the howling of the horde rises to a crescendo
as they realise that their prey is getting away. Some will take to the air to follow the boat, but Dieter
lets it run with the wind and the creatures begin to fall away as the craft picks up speed.

The respite is short lived as the monsters start to follow the boat upriver, howling in rage as they
come. Throughout the night they follow, never gaining but never falling far behind either. Every time
Dieter tries to manoeuvre the boat onto a different course, the monsters start to overtake, and he
can only let the craft go with the wind. Lady Isabel sits in the prow, half doubled up in pain as she
resists the Hunt’s unspoken call to join it. Other Faerie in the group will be similarly affected.

With the coming of dawn the wind begins to lessen, and for a few moments it appears as though
the Hunt will overtake the craft. Then the sun peers over the horizon, and in a simmer of heat-haze
the monstrous mob simmers and dissipates into the morning mists.

Scene Mechanics for the Hunt

 The body amid the dunes serves only one purpose, to give the characters some idea of the
danger of facing the hunt. Describe the scene vividly. Emphasise the futility of Blücher’s
flight on foot, and the ineffectiveness of his sorcery or fighting skills to stave off the horde.
 When the hunt does arrive, flight is the only option available to the characters and they
should recognise this from the actions of everybody about them. Keep the pace of the
game moving. Don’t give them time to think, just to react. Don’t let them try to fight: that
would end the game sadly and prematurely. If they absolutely have to stand their ground,
start testing their Courage; and if that fails use Rachid to physically remove them from the
scene.
 The only practical escape from the Hunt is in Dieter Volkmann’s flying boat, the only craft
capable of keeping ahead of them.
 Though it may seem an appropriate point to cut to the next scene once everybody is on the
boat, keep up a tense description of the flight. The characters are going to be exhausted
both physically and mentally after their escape, try to get your players feeling the same
way.

Chapter 6 - The Temple of Amun

In which the Canopic Jar and its grisly contents are stolen once more; and Dr.
Sommerfield and his team trace it to the temple of Amun at Thebes, wherein lies
the mummified body of the Unseelie Lord. As they realise their mistake, Setekh
Khareem reveals his true nature and restores the heart, and a semblance of
unlife to the mummy before vanishing through the Faerie Veil in search of the
dead god’s Ka spirit.

With the coming of dawn the Hunt vanished into the haze of morning and we knew that we had
escaped. Exhausted by the ordeal, and disillusioned that the Adversary had driven us from the
ruins of Akhenaton’s capital at such a significant point in our excavations, we huddled together in
the boat for comfort. Our respite was to be short-lived. Though I had ensured that the canopic jar
with its horrible beating heart had been rescued from the Hunt, I suddenly realised that it was gone
once more, and Setekh Khareem along with it. The truth struck me like a blow. Khareem had been
recommended by Ismael LeTouquet, who we now knew to be an adept from the Temple of Ra. It
stood to reason that the Dragoman was also a sorcerer.

The Aftermath of the Hunt

With the coming of dawn, the adventurers see just how far upriver they have been driven by the
Hunt. Barely a mile ahead of them lies the riverside dock at Thebes, the former capital of Upper
Egypt.

Tired though he is, Dieter brings the boat to rest gently on the surface of the river and manoeuvres
it alongside the dock. Then he settles to sleep, still clutching the wheel. Sir Sebastian jumps ashore
to tie the boat up, then helps the ladies disembark. Sir Edward suggests that there is a decent hotel
in Thebes, and it will not be busy at this time of year. Excusing himself from the rest of the party, he
takes Charles (about the only person who still seems to have any energy left after the ordeal of the
night) and heads into the town to organise rooms for everybody.

It is at this point that Dr. Sommerfield realises that the Canopic Jar has gone. If none of the
characters retrieved it before the Hunt engulfed the camp, then the Doctor would have done this
himself. The artefact, bathed in blood and subjected to dark, necromantic magicks that have
restored vigour to the mummified heart within, is too dangerous to let it fall into the hands of the
Unseelie. The Faerie are not sorcerers, but it is possible that they are working with the assistance
of mortal adepts such as Ismael LeTouquet from the Temple of Ra. Though most necromantic lore
is in the hands of the Order of the Golden Dawn, it is unlikely that the Hunt would have killed Klaus
Blücher if they were working together.

With the discovery that the Jar has gone also comes the realisation that Setekh Khareem has
vanished as well. He was definitely on the boat as it soared away from Tell el-Amarna with the
Unseelie horde close behind. Now he has disappeared, though nobody can remember his leaving
the boat. Recommended by Ismael LeTouquet, who stole the Canopic Jar when it was first
transported to Cairo, and who has subsequently been identified as an adept of the Temple of Ra,
Dr. Sommerfield puts two and two together. Setekh Khareem is certainly also a sorcerer, and it is
he who has stolen the Jar a second time.

The City of the Dead

Whatever fell magicks Khareem plans to cast using the heart in the Canopic Jar, such sorceries are
always performed under the cover of darkness. The characters have a full day to find Khareem and
the Jar, and prevent the rite from taking place.

Almost certainly the ritual will take place in a temple or tomb, but the question is not one of ‘where’,
but of ‘which’. The area around Thebes is home to dozens of temples and hundreds of tombs.
Some are obvious, such as the Ramesseum with its colossal statues of the pharaoh reaching to the
sky. Others are hidden from the casual eye, barely visible as an entranceway into the cliffs.
Undoubtedly there are many more that have not yet been discovered. The characters could search
for days without ever finding which temple or tomb Khareem plans to use for his nefarious
schemes.
Figure 17 - The City of the Dead

Napoleon in Egypt

During the early years of the nineteenth century when Napoleon occupied the country, French
archaeologists studied many of the mysteries of ancient Egypt. In addition to finding the famous
Rosetta Stone in the ruins of a fort in the Nile delta, they also discovered tombs containing many
the pharaohs at the location now known as the Valley of the Kings. The occupation only lasted a
few short years. While many tombs were located, only a few of these were ever actually excavated;
but the French scholars made methodical notes describing the precise details and position of their
every find.

In the intervening sixty years, most of these excavations have been covered once more by the
sands of the desert. While the detailed documents of their whereabouts still exists, in a quirk of
history the position of magnetic North has changed in the period since the tombs were first located
making the recorded positions inaccurate.

Searching the Ruins

One option the characters have for searching out Setekh Khareem is through those records.
Though Napoleon’s charts cannot easily be used to locate a particular site without some point of
reference, they do provide a comprehensive list of all the ruins found by the French. Those scholars
from sixty years before could not read the hieroglyphics, but they identified many of the tombs they
found by recording the images inscribed on the stones.

Scholars may look to these records for any clue to where Khareem might be planning to perform
his dirty work. Even without knowledge of the ancient language of the pharaohs, they should
recognise the image of a black, male figure with the head of a jackal when they find it in the old,
French manuscripts at the museum in Thebes. The same icon was used to portray Amun in the
glyphs they saw on the tomb wall in Tell el-Amarna.

Figure 18 - The Temple of Amun

If the situation warrants a simpler search, then during the late afternoon the characters may notice
a number of native Egyptian men sneaking about among the ruins. Following any of these will
eventually lead to a small opening hacked out from the cliff face. Above the entrance is the carving
of a black-skinned male figure with the head of a jackal, an image that the characters may
remember is associated with the god Amun.
When Akhenaton abolished the worship of the ancient gods, the mortal supporters of the Unseelie
were forced to hide their religious practises. Thebes had long been the centre of Amun’s domain on
the Fifth Earth, and the Unseelie Lord established this secret temple in the cliffs above the town for
his followers. He even created a gateway through to his domain within the Faerie Veil on the back
wall of the cavern.

After the Dark God was slain by Akhenaton, his priests stole the corpse and brought it back to the
secret temple. They would have used their own lore to revive the Unseelie Lord, but the pharaoh
and his Seelie queen Nefertiti had recognised that this could occur and removed the heart from the
body, hiding it away where it could not be reached. Thus, Amun’s mummified remains have lain
here over the millennia, gradually forgotten as empires rose and fell, until a renegade sorcerer
recognised the significance of an image scratched on a dusty cliff-face.

Unholy Rites and Necromantic Sorcery

Regardless of how they find the unholy temple that the evil sorcerer Khareem intends to use for his
foul necromancies, dusk will be falling before the characters eventually locate it. In the gathering
twilight, torches and lanterns are needed.

The entrance is low and narrow, requiring the taller characters to stoop as they make their way
inside. Once they are within the temple, it will take a few moments to attune their eyes to the
darkness before they make out a dim, red glow from the back of the chamber.

As the characters enter the tomb they see the evil priest Setekh Khareem standing behind a low,
sandstone altar. Clutched in his hands, he holds the heart above his head; and it is glowing now
with a baneful red light that flickers with every beat. An throbbing chant in some unknown language
rises and falls in time with the pulse, echoing within the confines of the chamber. Before him on the
altar lies the wrapped and mummified corpse. If the characters still believe that Khareem intends to
awaken the long dead body of the pharaoh Akhenaton, the visage of this mummy should dispel any
such illusion. The shape beneath the bandages is that of a jackal’s muzzle, the snout that they saw
back in the tomb at Tell el-Amarna, the face of the Unseelie god Amun.

For long moments the characters are frozen in place by the horror of this spectacle, giving
Khareem his opportunity to gloat.

"You poor, stupid fools!" Khareem sneers, his oily face twisted into a coruscating mask of evil by
the flickering flame of the torches. "Yes, Doctor, you have been my unwitting catspaw throughout.
You found the Jar containing the Unseelie Lord’s heart, though you foolishly thought it that of the
pharaoh Akhenaton. It was your lecture to the Royal Archaeological Society that showed me where
the body of Amun was truly hidden, though your puny intellect failed to recognise the clues before
your very eyes. Now you cannot stop me. I have everything I need to resurrect the dead god. With
his powers and my sorcery we will found a new Egyptian empire greater than ever before,
stretching from the far shores of the British Isles to the borders of China. And I shall be its ruler."
 The Spell of Restoring a Heart to the
Osiris Ani
This Spell shall be recited by a man who is ceremonially clean and
pure, who hath not eaten the flesh of animals, or fish, and who hath
not had intercourse with women. And behold, thou shalt make a
scarab of green stone, plated with gold, encircled with a band of
"My God!" cries Dr. Sommerfield. "What have I refined copper and a ring of silver; which shall be placed on the
done? I had thought only to prove the existence neck of the Khu (the deceased), so that it shall rest above the heart
of the Forgotten Pharaoh. Now, I shall go down of the man. And thou shalt anoint it with myrrh unguent, and thou
shalt recite over it the following words of magical power.
in history as the man responsible for bringing He saith:- "Let this heart be with him in the House of Hearts. Let
about the destruction of all New Europa." this heart be with him, and let it rest in him. Let his mouth be to him
that he may speak therewith. Let his legs be to him that he may
walk therewith. Let his arms be to him that he may overthrow the
"Not while I have breath within my body, by foe therewith. Let the two doors of the sky be opened to him. May
George!" Sir Sebastian leaps forward Keb, the Erpat of the gods, open his jaws to thee. May he open thy
two eyes, which are blinded by swathings. May he make thee to lift
brandishing his cane; but before he can reach up thy legs in walking which are tied together. May Anpu make thy
the high priest of Amun, dark figures erupt from thighs to become vigorous. May the goddess Sekhmet raise thee,
the shadows and he vanishes beneath the and lift thee up. Let him return from the heavens, let that which he
commands be performed in Het-ka-Ptah. He is the master of his
weight of bodies. own heart-case. He is the master of his hands and arms. He is the
master of his legs. He hath the power to do that which his Ka
desireth to do. His Heart-soul shall not be kept a prisoner in Khert-
With a laugh like a jackal that echoes Neter."
ominously in the close confines of the tomb
Setekh Khareem signals his acolytes to drag the still struggling Sir Sebastian before the altar.
Reaching out his bloody hand, he touches the Englishman on the forehead, and the young noble
slumps unconscious to the ground. The chanting of the cultists reaches a crescendo as the air
shimmers with Thaumic Energies. Slowly the vile sorcerer places the still-beating heart on the
mummified cadaver that lies atop the unholy altar. Blood pulses forth from the baneful relic, soaking
into the bandages. Then, the body begins to move.

Scene Mechanics for the Ritual of Reanimation

 Only after Sir Sebastian’s valiant leap forward, are the characters
permitted to try and act. The villain must be permitted to gloat, and to
reveal the true depths of his fiendish plans.
 There is nothing that they can do to prevent Khareem from finishing the
ritual. Like Sir Sebastian, they will be attacked by the sorcerer’s acolytes
as soon as they move. There are at least two acolytes for every character,
more if necessary to ensure that their struggles are futile.
 Spellcasting takes too long to be effective. No sorcerer in the group will be
able to cast any spell before the evil Egyptian completes his own ritual.
 Setekh Khareem draws most of the Thaumic power for his spell partly
from the Canopic Jar, which is an ancient necromantic artefact, and the
remaining energy that he needs from Sir Sebastian through the process of
Unravelling. This leaves the English noble unconscious and unable to take
any further part in the adventure. The characters will need to stop
Khareem from finishing what he has started without any outside
assistance.
 The horror of witnessing the mummy restored to life might result in
Constitutional Shock in the more faint-hearted characters.

But All is not Yet Lost

 Figure 19 - Amun

As the mummified corpse of Amun sits upright on the altar stone, Setekh Khareem draws on his
remaining strength and a swirling vortex of energy forms on the back wall of the tomb. "Behold!" he
cries, "The path through the Faerie Veil to the domain of Khert-Neter. I go now to unite body and
spirit, and when I return it will be with the Lord Amun in all his power." Then he and the mummy
step toward the maelstrom of surging forces, and walk into a desert of billowing yellow sands.

For that brief moment, as the gateway opens to reveal a scene that few among the living have ever
witnessed, the acolytes’ grip on the characters relaxes. At the same instant, Sir Edward and Dieter
Volkmann appear in the doorway. Taking stock of the situation immediately, Sir Edward leaps into
the fray with the Prussian right behind him.

This is the opportunity for the characters to break free. Though they won’t be in time to stop Setekh
Khareem and the reanimated body of Amun from passing through the gateway into the underworld,
they can now overpower their captors.

Scene Mechanics for the Escape

 There were two acolytes for each character before the arrival of Sir
Edward and Dieter, and though Sir Sebastian is no longer capable of
fighting, the odds favour the characters. The acolytes are unarmed, of only
Average Physique and Average skill at Fisticuffs.
 If the affray is still not going the way of the characters, allow Rachid to
enter the scene to sway things in their favour.
  The thugs will try to escape when more than half their number have been
beaten; though the characters may prefer to take one or two as prisoners
for questioning, or even capture them all so that they may be handed over
to the authorities.
 If captured, the thugs know little of Khareem’s true plans. They aren’t
sorcerers, merely low-ranking functionaries, accountants and
administrators from the Temple of Ra who don’t realise that Khareem is a
renegade from the order. They have been beguiled by his promises that a
resurrected Amun will grant them power and status within the order.

Chapter 7 - Through the Faerie Veil

In which the adventurers venture through the Faerie Veil to Khert-Neter in order
to prevent Setekh Khareem from completing his resurrection of Amun.

Though Setekh Khareem had succeeded in animating the corpse of Amun he had not yet achieved
his ambition to revive the Unseelie Lord. The evil adept had unravelled the life force of poor Sir
Sebastian to power his spell, and my former pupil was in dire need of medical attention. This was
most unfortunate, for otherwise I would have sent him into the realm of Faerie after Khareem.
However, there were still his companions. With the aid of Lady Isabel I was able to open the
gateway to Khert-Neter once more and despatch them to hunt the renegade and prevent him from
bringing his foul plot to its conclusion. The fate of all New Europa was in their hands.

Passing through the Gate

Though the gateway to Khert-Neter has closed again behind Setekh Khareem and the mummy that
is Amun, the reanimation is not yet complete. Only when the Ka spirit of the Unseelie is joined with
his body will he truly be a living being once more. Realising that there is still hope, Dr. Sommerfield
addresses the characters explaining the significance of the soul as it was understood in ancient
Egypt (see the sidebar entitled ‘The Soul in Ancient Egypt’).

"Setekh Khareem has not yet accomplished his goal of restoring life to the body of Amun. So far, he
has only animated the corpse with the Ba spirit of the Unseelie Lord. Now he has travelled across
the Faerie Veil to seek out the Ka spirit of this evil creature and cast the spell that will make the soul
to be rejoined with its body. You must stop him. You must venture after him and prevent him from
achieving this.

"As you are no doubt aware, I am a sorcerer of the Illuminated Brotherhood of Bayern. I have
knowledge of the lore to open the gateway through the Faerie Veil to Khert-Neter once more
allowing you to journey after Setekh Khareem, but I cannot follow you through. I need to remain
here in our world so that I may open the way again for your return. Through my magicks, I will be
able to watch your progress and so know when you have accomplished this task and are ready to
cross back once more.

"There is only one restriction on your passage through the gate. You may not take iron or steel with
you. If you are carrying anything made from these material, such as a sword cane or even just a
hair pin, then it will be as though the portal does not exist and you will simply walk into the wall at
the back of this temple."
 Having spoken his piece, Dr. Sommerfield and the Lady Isabel draw together and use their
combined talents to cast the spell that will reopen the gate. The wall swirls once more with a vortex
of colour and then opens onto a scene of darkness, which even the flickering light of the torches
cannot penetrate. Stepping through the portal will be a leap of faith.

Khert-Neter

The domain of Khert-Neter is a strange and mysterious place. It is separated from the real world
lying beyond the Faerie Veil. From within, this barrier appears as a wide stream. Though the Faerie
in Khert-Neter may try to swim or use a boat to cross this stream they will never get any closer to
the far bank. Only through magick, or by travelling across the land from West to East can those
within hope to find a way to leave the domain. Through the realm of Khert-Neter flows a great river,
its banks lush with plants and trees. This wooded region is sometimes called the Ealu-fields.
Passing through these fertile fields will take the traveller into the desert, inhospitable and harsh,
extending to the horizon and beyond.

According to the book of Amduat, Khert-Neter is divided into twelve departments, or hours, and
twelve portals that represent the twelve hours of night between the time that the sun sets in the
west, and the time it comes up again in the east. These, however are just names used to describe
parts of the domain: time across the Faerie Veil is not the same as time on Earth.

Ra’s Boat

Every night, the sun god Ra travels in his boat along the great river, bringing order and life to each
department in turn. As Ra comes to the portal of each department, the gates open automatically for
him. When he enters he shines sunlight on the darkness and speaks magic words from the Book of
Gates, and all the mummies throw off their protective wrappings and begin a new life.

Figure 20 - Ra and his Barge

The resurrected live an entire life as long as Ra remains in their department. When Ra goes on to
the next department, the mummies re-wrap themselves in their bandages and return to their tombs,
darkness returns, and they begin the wait for Ra's next return.

By chance, or perhaps the characters will see in

The Book of Gates it a divine blessing on their mission, the sun is
just setting outside the temple as Dr.
O gods who are in the Underworld,
Who are behind the ruler of the West, Sommerfield casts the magick to carry the group
Who are stretched n their side, of characters to the Faerie Veil. As they emerge
Who are sleeping on their supports, through the shimmering mists into Khert-Neter,
Raise your flesh,
Pull together your bones, they find themselves struggling to keep their
Collect your limbs, heads above the surface in the waters of the
Unite your flesh. stream close by the mouth of the great river. No
May there be sweet breath to your noses.
Loosing for your mummy wrappings.
May your head-masks be uncovered.
May there be light for your divine eyes
In order that you may see the light by means of them.
Stand up from your weariness.
matter how much they try to swim for shore, they will never get any closer. Then, just as the
weakest of them is beginning to slip below the waves, a boat appears alongside them as though
from nowhere and a tall, well-tanned, muscular man extends a hand to help them aboard. If your
characters have been properly briefed in the role of the Seelie and Unseelie in Egyptian mythology
by Dr. Sommerfield, they will recognise this is the god Ra, and accept his offer to climb aboard and
travel with him.

According to the mythology, along the way Ra's boat may come across the sandbank of Apophis, a
monster of chaos in the shape of a giant serpent who attempts to wreck it. Ra himself is too busy
guiding the boat and bringing life to the dead within each department that he cannot protect himself.
Instead he is defended by several gods and goddesses who ride with him, and do battle with
Apophis; but this night he is alone save for the characters. [Note to the Host: Ra’s normal
protectors are currently occupied by The Wild Hunt.] It should be obvious to them all that it is their
task to protect him on his journey this night.

Scene Mechanics for the Journey down the River

 Each time the boat passes into a new department, the host should draw a card from the
Sorcery deck. If this is Joker, then the craft has run aground on the sandbank of Apophis
and the characters must face the serpent before they can continue. This enormous
creature (Physique [EXC]) is highly dangerous, its poisoned bite causing damage as
though the fangs were twin sabres (when it strikes, it causes twice as many wounds as a
sabre). However, it is slow moving (treat as Athletics [PR], Fencing [PR]) and can be
driven back when it has been reduced to 0 wounds, giving the characters an opportunity to
push Ra’s barge back into deeper waters. Once they serpent has been defeated it will not
attack again, so there is no need to draw further cards from the Sorcery deck.
 The first hazard comes from crocodiles and hippopotamuses along the riverbank. This is
not much of a threat; the creatures can only bump against the side of the boat, not attack
the passengers. However, they may cause the boat to run aground. Draw a card from the
Sorcery deck, and if it is a Spade, then the barge is grounded and will need to be pushed
back into deeper waters. If the card is a Joker then the creatures have driven the barge
onto the sandbank of Apophis and the characters must defeat the serpent as well as the
crocodiles. These large creatures can move surprisingly quickly and should not be
underestimated (Physique [GD], Athletics [GD]).
 The next problem that the characters will face is more serious. A horde of Unseelie
appearing in the form of the ancient gods wade out through the waters of the river to attack
the boat. If the characters remember the spells of protection from the Book of the Dead at
the University of Al-Azhar, then this will banish the Unseelie back to the deserts of Khert-
Neter. It is not necessary for the character to be a sorcerer, or to read hieroglyphics, or
even to have copies of the spells; merely remembering the parchments that they have
seen at the University will drive the Unseelie back.

The Hall of Two Truths

Finally, after what seems an eternity of travelling, the boat of Ra passes into the last domain of
Khert-Neter, and there the characters come face to face with Amun and Setekh Khareem in the
Hall of Two Truths.

Before Amun can be resurrected, he must be judged within the Hall of Two Truths. Here, Maat, the
goddess of truth and justice, her head adorned with an ostrich feather that will be weighed against
the heart, holds the balance. Monitoring the scales of justice is Anubis, the god of embalming, also
with the head of a jackal; while close by stands another god with the body of a man and the head of
an Ibis. This is Thoth, the consort to Maat, whose task is to record the judgement. Close by waits
Amemait the Devourer, part lion, part hippopotamus, and part crocodile, who consumes the heart
should the petitioner be found wanting.
 Figure 21 - Judgement of the Dead

The Soul in Ancient Egypt

Judgement
The Ancient Egyptians believed that a person's spirit or soul was
composed of three distinct parts: the Ka (its vital force or 'spiritual The principles of judgement in the afterlife of the
twin'), the Ba (its personality or spirit), and the Akh.
The Ka Spirit is created at a person's birth and requires a new host ancient Egyptians are straightforward and
in order to continue living in this world after that body's death. It can simple.
also live on in a statue of the deceased, but otherwise passes to
the underworld, or Khert-Neter.
The Ba is a person's spirit, the sum total of all the non-physical The deceased's Ba was summoned to the Hall
things that make that person different from others. The Ba is what of Two Truths, where the judgement would take
we would call personality or character. In this regard, it is very
closely associated with the heart, the centre of personality. It is place. There the deceased would usually be
represented most commonly by a human-headed bird that is joined by Anubis, the god of embalming, who
released at the time of death. This bird can leave the tomb during ushered him or her into the hall where he would
the daylight hours to travel around the earth. It is also required to be
with the deceased at his or her judgement. first greet Re and his nine gods, or Osiris and his
When a person dies the Ba and Ka Spirits become separated from forty-two messengers, reciting to them "I know
the body, though they do not die. In the New Kingdom period and you, I know your names." From there the heart
after, the Egyptians effected this separation through the Opening of
the Mouth ritual, in which the Ba and Ka are released to go to the
of the deceased was placed on one side of a
next world. balance. On the other side of the balance was
In the next world, or underworld, the goal is to live with ones Ka. In placed a feather, symbol of Maat, goddess of
order for this to happen, the Ka needs to be summoned back to the
body. But since the body is bound in its wrappings and cannot
truth, justice and order.
easily be recognised, it must rely on the Ba to seek out its Ka.
During the night-time, when the sun god makes his way across
Khert-Neter, the underworld, the Ba may roam freely in the
The deceased would then begin reciting a
underworld, or in this world, but it's anchor is in the real world, formula known as the Negative Confession:
where it must return when the sun leaves Khert-Neter.
In seeking a union with the Ka, the Ba must overcome many
potential dangers in the underworld. But if it does succeed, it will I have not done falsehood against men.
reunite with the Ka and form the Akh. The Egyptian's believed that I have not impoverished my associates.
there are only three kinds of beings that inhabit the hereafter: the
dead, the gods, and Akhs. Akhs are those who have successfully
I have done no wrong in the Place of Truth.
made the transition to new life in the next world, where they live I have not learnt that which is not.
with the gods. The dead are those who have failed to make the I have done no evil.
transition. It is said that they have 'died again', with no hope of
renewed life.
I have not made people labour daily in excess of
what was due to be done for me ...

The statements in this negative confession corresponded with the desire to separate a man from
his sins, the ultimate goal of the judgement. What's more, the statements reflect that the confessor
is not being made to answer to moral laws of the gods, but to attest to his previous social character
 among the living. As the confession was recited, the scales of the balance would either stay in
equilibrium, indicating that his heart was not heavy and he thus told the truth; or would tip,
indicating that his heart was made heavy with falsehood.

Assuming all went well, as it usually did if one made it to the Hall of Two Truths, a general verdict
would be given in which the truthfulness of the judged was validated, and he was then allowed to
receive offerings and take bread with Osiris, confirming his transfer to the order of the afterlife.
Subsequently, he would be given a parcel of land in the Ealu Fields on which to live for the
remainder of eternity.

The principle value in achieving this eternal extension of one's life in the next world was the
promise it held for fulfilling one's life begun on earth. Those who were debilitated in life by crippling
diseases, or who suffered from poverty, or those women who were unable to bear children, would
be given an opportunity to fulfil their desires in a new place where those obstacles had been
removed. The dream of an ideal life could now be realised.

If Amun’s heart should tip the scale falsely as he speaks, then his heart would be eaten by
Amemait, and he would suffer the Real Death. Setekh Khareem would have failed, and New
Europa would be safe. Those who sit in judgement on the dead Unseelie will prevent any obvious
tampering with justice (such as stealing the ostrich feather or adding a heavy weight to the balance
containing the heart). However, they are not familiar with the subtleties of sorcery which can be
used to tip the scales. And should Amun (or Khareem as his sponsor) be tricked into telling an
untruth during the judgement, the verdict will go against them.

Should Amun be Judged Worthy...

The Spell of Making the Soul in Khert- Ifofthe characters should fail to sway the balance
justice against Amun, then Setekh Khareem
Neter to be Rejoined with its Body only need cast the spell of ‘Making the Soul in
Khert-Neter to be Rejoined with its Body’ and the
These words shall be said over a model of the Ka-soul made of Unseelie Lord will live once more.
gold, and inlaid with precious stones, which shall be placed on the
breast of the Osiris.
The Priest saith:- "Hail, thou god Aniu! Hail, thou god Pehreri, who The sorcerer is weakened by all the time that he
dwellest in thy hall, the Great God. Grant thou that this soul may be
returned from any place wherein it may be. Even if it would tarry, let has spent in Khert-Neter. Though Amun has his
this soul be brought here from any place wherein it may be. Thou followers among the Unseelie who wish to see
findest the Eye of Horus standing by thee like unto those beings him resurrected, the Seelie have tried to prevent
who resemble Osiris, who never lie down in death. Let me have
possession of this Ka-soul, and let my word be truth with it in every this happening, as have those among the
place wherein it may be. Observe then, O ye guardians of Heaven, Unseelie who support The Adversary. Amun is a
this soul, wherever it may be. Even if it would tarry, cause thou this threat to them all. Fighting off the attacks of
Ka-soul to return to this body. Thou shalt find the Eye of Horus
standing by thee. those who would prefer to see him fail has
"Hail, ye gods who tow along the boat of the Lord of Millions of drained Setekh Khareem’s strength.
Years, who bring it over the sky of the Tuat, who make it to journey
over Nent, who make Ka-souls to enter into their bodies, whose
hands hold the steering poles and guide it straight, who grasp Nor is the mummified body of Amun capable of
tightly your paddles, destroy ye the Enemy; thus shall the Boat defending itself. Though strong, it lacks the skills
rejoice, and the Great God shall travel on his way in peace.
Moreover, grant ye that the Ka-soul of this Osiris Ani may come and the intelligence to fight well, and it
forth. May it gaze upon its earthly body, may it take up its abode possesses none of its Faerie powers until its Ka
and its Spirit-body once more; and may it neither perish nor be
destroyed for ever and for ever." spirit is returned (Physique [GR], Fisticuffs
[PR]).

The characters have one last opportunity to prevent the immediate resurrection of Amun, and that
is to overpower Khareem and the mummy before the spell can be completed.

Khareem will immediately start to recite the ritual to restore Amun’s soul, while the mummy will
block any direct attack on the sorcerer (no matter what direction it comes from). If the characters
are able to overpower the mummy within three combat turns, then a single attack on Khareem will
 disrupt the spellcasting. This will allow them to drag him back to the temple through the portal that
Dr. Sommerfield opens for them leaving the animated mummy behind in Khert-Neter. New Europa
is spared.... for the moment.

Should the characters fail? Well! Amun still has his enemies among both the Seelie and Unseelie
courts with whom he must contend before he can present a significant threat to the world of Castle
Falkenstein. Doctor Sommerfield reopens the gateway back to the temple, so the characters can
return to the real world; but some day their failure will come back to haunt them.

Appendices

Glossary of Terms

Akh According to Egyptian mythology, the part of a person’s spirit that is immortal and
resides in the heavens.

Ankh The Egyptian symbol for life.

Ba Spirit In ancient Egyptian belief, the force which animates a body.

Canopic One of the four burial urns containing the vital organs removed from the body prior to
Jar mummification.

Dragoman A tour guide.

Ka Spirit The soul, according to the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

Khedive Title for the modern-day rulers of Egypt under the Ottoman empire.

Khert- The land of the dead in Egyptian mythology. This is the domain of the Unseelie who
Neter took form as the ancient gods of Egypt on the other side of the Faerie Veil.

Sir Sebastian Thomas

Sir Sebastian Thomas Gentleman Thief / Secret Agent

Place of Birth Tenterden, England. Current Residence Maintains a small apartment in the Belgravia district
of London, but travels widely on the continent.

Appearance Male, 5’11", 12st 8lbs (average build), 26 years old, brown hair, brown eyes.

Childhood The second son of Baron Alfred Thomas of Tenterden, country gentleman and Member of Parliament.
One elder brother (Phillip Harold), currently a cavalry officer in the Royal Horse Guard; and one elder sister
(Constance Felicity), an explorer and naturalist.

Education Eton and Kings College, Oxford.

Sent down from Oxford at the end of his first year there for ‘conduct unbecoming a gentleman’.

Virtue Integrity. Once given, he will not break his word; Vice Avarice. A desire to possess beautiful objects.
and he has a good reputation for being discreet.
Style Raffish and flamboyant. Personality Passionate and vivacious.

Likes ‘The good things in life’. Dislikes Boredom.

Most valued principle The means to live an exciting social life without needing to work or to worry about money.

Most treasured possession An elegant Marie Antoinette locket containing a portrait of Madeleine.

Most valued person His family, and the family name.

Madeleine Weston, daughter of the Master of King’s College, Oxford.

Nemesis Dr. Alfred Weston, Master of King’s College Alliances Sir Jeffrey Manders, head of Her Majesty’s Secret
Oxford. Service.

Romantic Life Regularly seen in the company of some of New Europa’s most elegant beauties, and reputed to have enjoyed
more intimate relationships with many of them. These are rumours that he will not confirm, stressing that a
gentleman should not even be asked such questions.

Social Goal To be a part of the Marlborough Club set led by Prince Albert.

Professional Goal To commit the ultimate theft, one that would leave even the great Sherlock Holmes completely baffled.

Romantic Goal To marry Madeleine Weston.

Abilities Great -
Stealth ; Charisma ; Tinkering (locks and alarms) ; Connections
Good -
Athletics ; Fisticuffs ; Social Graces ; Education ; Perception
Poor -
Marksmanship ; Physician

Action most regretted Being caught by Sir Jeffrey Manders, the head of Her Majesty’s Secret Service while in the process of
liberating a priceless Jade chess set from his drawing room safe.

Proudest moment Meeting Prince Albert, and presenting Madeleine to the prince regent as his betrothed.

Selected extracts from the diaries of Sir Sebastian Thomas

Phillip looks splendid in his new uniform. Very dashing,

although I imagine the bearskin is hot in summer. Just
one year at Sandhurst, and then he will be a Captain in
the Guards. Father is very proud. I wish him every luck.
The military academy is full of bright, young officers, but
I am certain that Phillip will excel even among the
cream of Britain’s martial youth. He is a Thomas after
all.

Constance departs for Durham University today. Over

breakfast, father tried to persuade her that there is still a place for her at Oxford
should she reconsider. It is a break with family tradition, of course, we Thomas’
have always attended Oxford; but Durham is very new and hasn’t yet had time to
develop such traditions. She refused to be swayed by father’s entreaties. Even
when we were younger she always was a wilful girl, knowing her own mind and
ready to break with convention. Whatever she chooses to do with her life, she will
excel at it. Personally, I wish her luck. I just hope that someday I find a woman as
spirited as she. I have two more years at Eton though, where the town girls are
so uninspired and uninspiring, before I too move on to university. Perhaps then I
shall find a woman strong enough to sate my passion.
At last, my own time has come. Sitting here now amid the gleaming spires of
Oxford, I wonder what the future holds for me; how I can mould it to my own
desires. The Fresher’s Ball was an elegant affair. The food was excellent, and
the college boasts a wine cellar to rival that of Claridges. As for the ladies,
radiant in the most elegant of gowns and agleam with gold, rarely have I seen
such a parade of feminine pulchritude. Suffice to say, I shall be forced to
supplement my income if I am to maintain a presence at such gatherings. The
paltry stipend that father has allowed for my living is barely adequate. Still, there
are those here whose wealth can surely be redistributed to others more
deserving

I received a letter from Phillip today. Life in the army seems to be one long social
event, one regimental ball after another. He has been promoted to Major, the
youngest ever in the regiment. Next month he takes up a posting in India.

I wonder if the promotion has anything to do with the fact that he has become
engaged to his Colonel’s daughter. Not that I begrudge him such an honour. I
know that is how the military works, and Phillip deserves the promotion on merit
alone. By all reports, he is an excellent soldier and deserves recognition. I still
remember the accolades he received from the other junior officers when he
passed out from Sandhurst head of his class. Father and mother were so proud,
as was I. He is a credit to the family name.

What a beauty! What a delight! Madeleine Weston truly is a joy to be with. It

seems incredible that the Master’s daughter can be so much the antithesis of her
dour, dreary father. Dr Weston is so strait-laced and prurient. Although perhaps it
is not so surprising that Madeleine has chosen a different path. Her mother was
invalided while she was yet a child, and she has grown to glorious womanhood
unrestrained by the watchful eyes of others of her own fair gender

Often had I seen her in the grounds or about the town, and admired her beauty;
yet she had rejected all my advances. Eyes cast down in maidenly modesty, her
voice barely a whisper, always would she bespeak me to be not so forward.

This afternoon, as I was walking along the riverbank, I saw her out riding there.
Our eyes met and she held my gaze. Did the mare really throw her, or was the
fall she took just a feminine ruse? Not that it is of consequence. As I helped her
to her feet once more she drew close. Her body quivered against mine; her
breath was soft on my throat. I could not resist the hunger that she aroused in
me, and her lips answered mine with a passion I could scarce believe. I am sore
smitten.

I can still picture her now as I sit here writing, the late autumn sun dappling her
lily-white skin, the rhythmic rise and fall of her bosom, as she slept within my
arms. If I continue to write of her beauty in this way, I will be unable to sleep
when I retire for the night. Madeleine is truly a diamond amidst the granite and
sandstone of Oxford.
Within her father’s domain, she plays the role of the dutiful daughter. She
manages his household with a cool efficiency, and treats any advance by
students with aloofness and disdain. Away from the constraints of the college,
she is a spirited and strong-willed girl, with a passion for the good things of life
that matches my own. It is as though we are kindred spirits, destined for each
other.

Constance wrote me from Hong Kong. It seems that she is on an expedition to

map the delta of the Pearl River, and to maintain a record of all flora and fauna
that they find on their travels. Despite the rain and the mosquitoes, the makeshift
warehouses, and the murmurings of war with the Chinese, her description makes
the colony sound so exotic and exciting. I shall definitely have to visit there
someday, once I have graduated.

She met up with Phillip in Bombay on the voyage out, and reported that he and
his wife are both well. Edith is expecting their first at Easter-time, and naturally
Phillip is hoping for a son. They are returning to England for the birth. I must
acquire something special as a baptismal gift.

Took four wickets and scored a century against Cambridge today. Surely that
must guarantee my blue. The celebrations for our victory lasted long into the
night, and I drank rather more champagne than was good for me. As a result, I
accepted a dare to clean out the Cambridge Sporting Association’s trophy
cabinet.

Intoxicated as I was, still it was no great challenge. The locks were sturdy and
secure, and a nightwatch guarded the door, but the catch on the pavilion skylight
was a flimsy affair. I was tempted to clean out the club funds from the office safe
as well. It was only a Magswick III model, I could have opened it inside two
minutes. This was a college jape though, rather than a serious job. And too many
witnesses had heard the challenge, among whom I have no desire to reveal my
talent with locks. It may draw unwanted suspicions on my other nocturnal
rambles.

Madeleine, my beloved. You understand that I am ruled by my passion to

possess all that is beautiful. You know also that such desire includes other
women, yet still am I faithful to you in my heart. We are so alike: I knew exactly
how you would react. You pouted and turned your back on me when I explained
how I entertained Prudence Henshaw, the chaplain’s wife, within the hallowed
precincts of the chapel gardens; yet your eyes were agleam with excitement
rather than tears. When you relented, and came to me once more, you ardour
almost overwhelmed me. I do believe that you find these tales of my amours with
other women arousing.

Sweet Prudence was a butterfly, beautiful but lacking in the imagination; a

romantic soul, bored with her husband and yet not realising the delights that such
carnal liaisons can bring. I taught her new pleasures she had never even
guessed at before: she gave me little in return. But you, my darling Madeleine, it
is you who leads me to heights of joy that I have never before experienced. I may
be unfaithful, I may share my body with other women, but it is you that I love with
all my heart.

I was carpeted by the Master today. Dr Weston spoke of the incident at the
Cambridge Sporting Association the evening after the cricket match. ‘Conduct
unbecoming of a gentleman’ was how he described my exploits off the field.
Even though I had returned all the trophies anonymously, I am to be rusticated,
sent down, expelled in disgrace. Had this been the only reason, I would have
contested his decision, perhaps used father’s influence to make him reconsider.
After all, it was no more than a student lark, and nobody was harmed. Indeed, I
believe his own reaction to this jape to be unjust and excessive. The real motive,
though, for my expulsion was discreetly left unspoken.

It seems that news of my dalliances with the chaplain’s wife has reached his
ears. Not that he mentioned Prudence by name, nor made direct reference to
anything that Foster the college porter might have heard or seen that night in the
chapel garden, yet it was implicit in the silences between each word he spoke.
The chaplain himself has made no complaint, perhaps fearful of the imagined
disgrace; and Prudence has no cause for grievance. Against this charge, I
cannot defend myself; for to do so would be to make public such facts as would
have been improper. There are some things that a gentleman just will not do.

Thank goodness he doesn’t know about Madeleine and I. If he even suspected...

Father was livid when he heard the news, but fortunately I was able to dissuade
him from taking action on my behalf. I intimated that the Master might consider
reinstating me after a sufficient period of time. Somehow I doubt that it is likely to
occur, but the possibility seemed to satisfy father. In the meanwhile, I told him
that I intend to broaden my horizons through travel.

Found myself a small apartment in the Belgravia district of London, and my

application for membership of Brooks’s Club has been accepted, both on the
same day. It really is most convenient, just ten minutes walk across the park, and
they boast a particularly fine Brandy. I must remember to pen a note of thanks to
Rogers, the Captain of School at Eton when I first started there, who proposed
me to the committee. I am still waiting to hear from the chairman of the Bath
Club, but my sporting record for both Eton and Oxford will stand me in good
stead there.

At last, I have found a suitable fence for my acquisitions. Lemmy ‘Fourfingers’

Harris came highly recommended by a gentleman I met, to both our surprises, on
the rooftops above Grosvenor Square. Mr Raffles, for that was his name, is not
only a fellow member of my club in Dover Street, but is also in the same
profession as I. Furthermore, he plays cricket for the MCC and is willing to put
my name forward for membership, having seen me play at Oxford last Summer.
For that alone, I relinquished my own desire to possess the D’Auvernon
collection of original Hogarth etchings, and allowed my compatriot his prior claim.
Lemmy is everything I had been led to believe and more. He is willing to fence
anything that I acquire, and that I choose not to retain for my own private
collection. He is even able to provide architectural drawings and plans for almost
any building in the London area, and has a string of contacts in the other major
cities of New Europa.

On hearing that I intended to spend a fortnight in Paris for the Beaujolais

Nouveau, he has given me a letter of introduction to one Henri Delatois. That is
most convenient, as there is an intriguing display of Bayernese porcelain at the
Galerie des Tuilleries.

Perhaps it was not such a wise idea for me to return to Oxford, but it was
necessary that I see you, Madeleine my love. London is so dull, but anywhere in
the world would be dull without you there at my side. Foolish as it was, I also
wished to visit your father, and to ask his permission formally that I might court
you now that I have established myself on the London scene.

Somebody must have recognised me as I disembarked from the train. Shortly

thereafter, I was accosted in one of the darker byways of the town, and beaten
by members of the college rugby team sent by the Master. Good fellows all, I
knew several of them from when I was on the squad myself. They for their part
were most apologetic, holding some of the newer undergraduates in check, and I
was not severely hurt. Yet I know now that your father will never permit us to see
each other. His message was clear, that I was a scoundrel and never to darken
the cloisters of Oxford again. At least I am sure he knows nothing about us. If he
had learned of our relationship, I believe that I would have met with a rather more
severe thrashing, and not at the hands of those whom I call friends.

By chance, it was chaplain Henshaw that found me and salved my bruises. I

never was much good at performing such tasks myself. He has quite forgiven
me; indeed, he was most amiable. As I am sure you are aware, Prudence is
inciente, as they say in France, with child. The infant-to-be cannot, of course, be
a result of the time I spent with her. I was no longer resident in Oxford when she
conceived. Rather, it seems that the dear creature has been teaching her
husband some of the techniques that she learned from me.

Ah! Sweet Madeleine. I am glad for these few brief hours we have together on
the rare occasions that you are able to visit London. I wish you could have
persuaded your mother to retire earlier. I was waiting outside the window for
nearly two hours before you could let me in. The night was bitterly cold, but I
soon warmed in your embrace.

I am so pleased that you liked the pearl necklace. I was able to liberate it from a
rather corpulent Prussian countess in Vienna last month. It is an exquisite piece
of jewellery, yet I almost failed to notice it amid the folds of dull flesh that were
her neck The foolish woman entrusted it to the night safe at the Hotel
Schwarzvelde. Still, the flawless pearls pale against the lustrous perfection of
your own dear throat.
I have found a suitable home for the portrait of your dear self that you gifted me
in turn. It fits perfectly in a delicate Marie Antoinette locket that I retrieved from
the home of Lord and Lady Wandsworth. Of course, I cannot wear it openly, not
least because it is a piece of lady’s jewellery, but it shall always be close to my
heart.

Loathe as I am to relinquish them, I need to fence the diamonds from the

Gulbenkian museum in Constantinople. However much I add to my collection of
objet d’art, I never seem to gain much in monetary wealth, Cashflow has always
been a problem, but I have no intention of giving up this life as a man of leisure.
In future, I shall remember to procure trinkets that I can sell in addition to the
more beautiful pieces that draw my eye.

Lemmy, my London fence, gave me the name of a trustworthy man here in

Turkey. Azil is discreet, and as honest as is possible for a man of his profession.
Apparently, he already has a buyer who will ask no questions, and is prepared to
pay the full asking price for the jewels. After Azil has taken his commission, I
shall still have enough to pay a visit to Phillip and his family in India before my
return to Europe. The passage through De Lessep’s canal at Suez will surely be
a marvel.

Dinner at Sir Jeffrey Manders’. What a frightful bore. The food was good, the
cigars and port were excellent, but the company was truly dreadful. Two elderly
spinsters; a retired military gentleman and his Seelie wife, and a failed music hall
comedian. I cannot help but wonder why I was invited though: surely even that
gorgon, Lady Manders, cannot be so gauche as to have considered me an
appropriate companion for the mistress Alicia. Only the Daoine Sidhe was
attractive and entertaining and, I suspect, as bored as I. Alas! The delectable
Faerie lady resisted all my advances, yet I believe given time… Suffice to say, I
have her address in London.

Conversation at the dining table centred on the Second Compact, recently signed
with the Unseelie. It was one of the few things we agreed on, that the Compact
can only be of benefit to both humans and Seelie alike.

The only feature that redeemed the evening was watching Sir Jeffrey and the
Brigadier playing chess. Not that the game itself was of much interest; rather it
was the chessboard and pieces themselves. It seems that Sir Jeffrey travelled in
his youth, and he found this particular set in the Orient. Each piece was hand-
carved in Jade. Even the board was inlaid with rare woods and set with gilt. I
must have it!!!

It is kept in the drawing room safe, a Magswick VII, so it will not be easy to crack.
The windows are barred, and the room itself is guarded with the latest clockwork
alarm system from the dwarven Shieldmaster brothers. It is certainly a challenge
worthy of my talents.
Received a message from Constance. She is in Africka with Sir Basil
Rathingspoke, about to embark on an expedition to trace the source of the Great
Zambian River. It was posted over four weeks ago, so I imagine she is already
deep in unexplored territory.

She is still the person whose advice I most value in the world, and I wonder if I
should seek her counsel about my relationship with Madeleine. If I can trust the
secret of our romance with anyone, it is with Constance. Would she advise me to
damn propriety and take my lover as my wife? But I cannot ask, for she is
somewhere deep in the heart of the Africkan continent and a missive would not
reach her there for many months.

Calamity! It was perhaps the most difficult crack of my career to date, made all
the more awkward by the two Peelers having a cigarette under the light by the
front door. Even when they had finished, they showed no inclination to move on;
so I was forced to rely on my stealth and the shadows of the night.

I gained entry to the house by climbing up a drainpipe and slipping the catch on
one of the upstairs windows. I suspect it was a servant’s room, and there was
someone sleeping there. I waited long minutes, but his snores continued
unabated and I was sure he remained asleep. Fortunately the alarm system was
controlled from a series of switches and dials at the top of the stairs (which I had
noted on my previous visit) and I was soon able to disarm it. The Magswick VII
took rather longer, nearly twenty minutes in fact; but a safe is like a woman, and
eventually that too succumbed to the tender caress of my fingers.

Drawing the chess set from the safe, I turned to find myself staring down the
wrong end of a reciprocator. I’ve never carried a weapon myself. I don’t believe in
using guns, I’m a second-storey man not a vampsman, an armed robber; and
moreover, I’m also a lousy marksman, In any case, it would not have been of
much use, not when Sir Jeffrey had me at the wrong end of a gun barrel at close
range.

I considered making a break for the door, but the thought was fleeting. Even had
I escaped the salvo of bullets that was sure to follow, and reached the darkness
outside the house, Sir Jeffrey had seen me, had recognised me. My next thought
was of the ignominy and shame that it would bring to my family. At least nobody
knew of my relationship with Madeleine, so no smear could sully her good name.

Yet he showed no inclination to call out for the two constables who still
maintained their vigil outside. Rather, he spoke to me, softly and evenly. Sir
Jeffrey Manders revealed himself as the head of Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
He had baited a trap, and I had fallen for it. Yet he had no wish to see me
incarcerated. On the contrary, he had a rather more patriotic use in mind for my
talents. That was when he offered me an alternative to imprisonment and
disgrace for those I love.
Sir Jeffrey wanted a tool that he could use; one that could work alone, and
outside the normal channels of the Secret Service. He needed someone discreet,
who could move within Society and travel the continent without questions being
asked. The someone that he had in mind was me.

When called upon, I am to perform certain tasks that he left, as yet, unspecified.
He does not mind my continuing to ply my trade for financial and aesthetic gain
on the continent, but I am to cease my burglarious activities within Britain, or
against British citizens abroad, unless he requests such. I gave him my word, but
only on condition that I deemed the cause honourable, and beneficial to my
country.

Would that we might wed, my beloved Madeleine. The occasional night that we
spend together every few months does not serve to sate my longing for you. Now
that the Season has started once more, I crave to have you on my arm. The new
debutantes unleashed on Society this year are both willing and able to satisfy my
more corporeal desires, but they lack any real fire and passion. Only you have
ever been able to quench the hunger that resides in my soul.

We have discussed the possibility, I know, and there are days when I would
willingly defy even the Wild Hunt to have you as my wife. I dream that you have
left Oxford and chosen to join me here; yet I accept that, for the moment, it
cannot be. Your father’s reach is long. He has influence here in London, powerful
friends among the Steam Lords. If he wished, he could have us cut from society.
I believe he would too! I wonder if it is he who has been starting those scurrilous
rumours suggesting that I have an addiction to opium? If it were just my own
reputation at stake, I would be willing to accept the consequences for I am not
without friends of my own; but I cannot risk your dear virtue and honour.

The other day, I received an invitation to dine with Prince Albert’s companions at
the Marlborough Club. I suspect that Sir Jeffrey had a hand in that. It is no secret
that he and Bertie are close friends. Moving in such circles, I might have the
influence to face your father’s wrath.

Now I understand why Sir Jeffrey was so eager that I meet with Prince Albert’s
closest companions. They have asked me to retrieve a series of letters between
Lord Ashton Montague and the editor of the Reynold’s News.

Reading this correspondence, I see that the Steam Lords are responsible for
manufacturing scandalous rumours in order to convince the Queen that Prince
Albert is unfit to rule. They believe that the young Prince Leopold would be more
pliant as our great monarch’s successor.

Now I know that I made the correct decision that night in Sir Jeffrey’s drawing
room. Can I, however, bring myself to inform my sweet Madeleine that her father
is a party to this foul conspiracy?
Berlin is freezing this time of year, and I’m shivering now as I write this. At least
the fire is blazing, and I am beginning to thaw out once more. It was bitterly cold
on the roof of the BundesKrieg, the Prussian Ministry of War, from whence I have
just come. Not that I had much choice in the matter, else I would have been in
Rome or Madrid now, or anywhere without snow. But this was an assignment
from Sir Jeffrey, and I could not refuse.

At least it was a simple crack, despite the inclement weather. The Prussians
place great faith in armed guards and steel locks rather than alarms and traps.
The other redeeming traits possessed by all members of this nation are their
predictability and punctuality. I spent a full week noting the patrol patterns, and
they never wavered from their routine by more than a minute.

No-one expects life to be fair, but there are occasions when fate deals an
exceptionally cruel hand. I have just risked my life and liberty breaking in to the
steal the design schematics for the new LandFortress that the Iron Chancellor’s
forces have been developing, and there was absolutely nothing there of
monetary value to recompense me for the dangers.

Nor are those dangers over yet. I still need to return the plans to London and
hand them over to Sir Jeffrey personally. Tonight is Friday, and it will be Monday
morning before the loss is noticed: thanks again to the great Prussian adherence
to routine. Tomorrow morning, I shall be on the road to Leipzig, and then across
the Inner Sea by boat to Frankfurt. If I am apprehended, then I will likely be shot
as a spy. Prussia does not distinguish between acts of espionage in peacetime
and on the field of battle. Still, I have no regrets.

I believe that father would be proud of me, as would Phillip and Constance (if she
ever returns from Africka); but they can never know the risks that I am taking for
our country, and to preserve our family name.

For the first time, I have met Prince Albert, our future King, face to face. Not that
any reward was necessary, but it was Sir Jeffrey’s way of thanking me for the
retrieval of the LandFortress schematics. Moreover, the private meeting with only
a select group of the Marlborough Set coincided with one of my darling
Madeleine’s infrequent visits to the city. She stole away from her mother under
some pretext or other, and I was able to present her to the Prince as my fiancée.

Our predicament seemed to amuse him, yet he understood the gravity of the
situation and gave us his blessing. Someday, he assured us, the unholy
influence of the Steam Lords would be broken, and Madeleine’s father would no
longer hold the power to destroy our standing in Society. On that day, he stated,
he would himself in person give Madeleine away as my bride. Until that day our
betrothal must still be kept a secret from the world, and is known to none beyond
the walls of that room, yet I have hopes now for the future.

Contessa Consuela Hernandez

Name: Contessa Consuela Occupation: Adventuress
Hernandez
Place of Birth: Valencia, Spain Current Residence: No fixed domicile, Travels widely

Appearance: A haughty, Spanish beauty who prefers to dress demurely and hide her face beneath a veil.

Childhood: Brought up in a boisterous, male-dominated family of the nobility in Valencia. Trained in the art of
swordsmanship by some of the best fencing tutors in Spain.

Education: St. Xavier’s Jesuit School, Valencia.

Virtue: Courageous, and a protectiveness for those less able Vice: Easily Angered and prone to resort to
to defend themselves. violence to resolve disputes.

Style: Demure. Personality: Haughty and Headstrong.

Likes: Dislikes: Braggarts.

Most valued principle: Vengeance on the Spanish Inquisition and Restoration of her family name and honour.

Most treasured possession: Her father’s old cavalry sabre.

Most valued person:

Nemesis: Father Avilés and The Spanish Inquisition Alliances:

Romantic Life: Until she can find a man that she considers worthy of her affections, the Contessa remains celibate,
and will protect her virtue with steel.

Social Goal: To restore her family’s honour and good name in Spanish society.

Professional Goal: To hone her sword skills so that she can avenge herself on the Spanish Inquisition.

Romantic Goal: To find a man worthy of her, who will restore the family lineage and nobility.

Abilities: Great -
Fencing
Good -
Charisma , Comeliness , Courage , Marksmanship
Poor -
Tinkering

Action most regretted: Her excommunication from the Catholic Church, the Contessa is still devoutly religious.

Proudest moment:

Hits : 6 Damage Taken:

The Memoirs of the Contessa

Consuela Hernandez

Now, as I put pen to paper so that my

hopes and aspirations may be
preserved for posterity, I wonder who
will ever read these words. I am the
Contessa Consuela Hernandez, the
only remaining member of an
honourable and proud Spanish family.
The truth may seem hard to believe
given my current state of affairs. Now I
have no lands or wealth, only my title
and my father’s cavalry sabre remain
to remind me of the past as I travel throughout the lands of New Europa working for a living as an
adventuress.

Some have described me as attractive with my full figure and long, flowing, black hair, but I prefer
to dress demurely and hide my face. While I do not fear those who hunt me, I prefer not to bring
trouble on my travelling companions.

I was born the only daughter among four boys in a wealthy family from Valencia in Spain. My
mother died bringing me into the world, and my father the Count never remarried leaving me the
only woman in a household of men. Long has the Hernandez family served in the armed forces of
Spain, and my brothers were trained from an early age in the sword, the bow and the musket. I too
was tutored by my brothers’ trainers, having pestered my father until he acceded to my request. I
discovered at a very early age that he could never say ‘Nay’ to me. Though brought up in a strict
Catholic tradition by the Jesuit nuns of St. Xavier’s school, at home I learned to be tough and
ruthless in order to assert my authority among my brothers.

As the only daughter of the family, I was expected to marry in order to cement alliances with
another Spanish family; and as I grew to womanhood I attracted many suitors. Among them were
the sons of noble families, cavalry and naval officers, and even a renowned wizard, but none that I
deemed worthy. Though I knew it was a disappointment to my father, I could not accept any of
them.

The trouble started when I found myself pursued by a priest, a high-ranking member of the
Inquisition and tutor at St. Xavier's, who wished to make me his mistress. Father Avilés was a
repulsive man, who would not accept my refusal. When he could not sway me, he went to my father
with his request. As always, my father acquiesced to my wishes and told the priest that his
attentions were unwelcome.

When his demands did not persuade me to accept him, Father Avilés sought to take me by force.
Only through the training in the fighting arts that I had received alongside my brothers was I able to
resist his rape, leaving him with a bruised face and battered pride.

So that I might be protected after the ordeal, my father sent me to visit a distant cousin in Portugal.
It was weeks later that I learned my family had been declared heretics by Father Avilés, and that
our estates had been seized by the Inquisition. My brothers were put to the sword, my father
burned in the town square. None of them was offered absolution.

All I have now to remind me of my father is the old sabre that he gave me when I first started
learning to fight as a young girl among my brothers. With all my family dead, I have inherited the
family title; and one day I shall return to reclaim our estates and our honour, having avenged myself
on the Inquisition. Even now Father Avilés hunts for me across New Europa. I could live in
Protestant lands, safe from the Inquisition; but that would be cowardice and would not restore my
fortunes. Instead, I live by the blade, honing my skills until the day I return to take my reckoning.

One day I shall kill the priest and my family honour will be restored. Then, and only then, shall I be
able to settle down in peace and marry a noble and honourable man so that the Hernandez family
line may continue; but until that day I protect my virtue with steel.

I first met our host, Sir Sebastian Thomas, while travelling through the Cordilla Mountain range last
summer, though at the time I did not realise who he was. Seeing a gypsy traveller under attack by
members of the Inquisition, I came to his aid and together we fought them off. Then we were forced
to flee across the mountains as we found ourselves chased by an entire company of cavalry. Only
after we had made our escape over the border into Portugal did I learn that my travelling
 companion was no Romany, but an English gentleman and Secret Agent of the Second Compact
Alliance. Though an Englishman and a Protestant heretic, and no ally of Spain, we had fought
together against the Inquisition, so he has my friendship.

Captain Ivan Rostov

Name: Captain Ivan Occupation: Dashing Hussar

Rostov
Place of Birth: Moscow Current Residence: Barracks of the Chevaliers Guardes, Odessa.

Appearance: Though still only in his thirties, the perils of war have taken their toll on Ivan Rostov leaving him scarred and
grizzled.

Childhood: Born to a poor family, Ivan’s father was a furrier running a small fur shop in Moscow. He joined the army at a
young age to escape the poverty and drudgery of life in the city.

Education: No formal schooling, but he has attended military academy in Moscow.

Virtue: Unwilling ever to accept defeat. Vice: Impatient

Style: Always imaculate in his uniform. Personality: Battle-hardened. Gruff and harsh.

Likes: Good discipline and smart appearance. Dislikes: Cowards.

Most valued principle: Courage in the face of adversity.

Most treasured possession: His 'Order of Peter the Great' awarded for valour on the field of battle at Alva.

Most valued person: His father, and the Russalki Raisa.

Nemesis: The Vodyany Gregov, husband to the Russalki of Alliances: Regiment of the Chevaliers Guardes.
the Dneiper.

Romantic Life: Though he enjoys bedding the young women attracted by the glamour of his uniform Ivan is enamoured of
the Russalki Raisa.

Social Goal: To be accepted as a member of the aristocracy rather than merely a nouveau riche.

Professional Goal: To enhance his reputation as one of the best trainers of young warriors in Russia.

Romantic Goal: Wishes to take the Russalki (river spirit) of the Dneiper as his wife.

Abilities: Great -
Courage , Fencing
Good -
Athletics , Fisticuffs , Marksmanship
Poor -
Comeliness , Education

Action most regretted: While he has no regrets about the status that is money has brought him, Ivan is fearful that someone
will discover the source of his wealth and reveal him as an imposter.

Proudest moment: Being offered a commission in the elite Chevaliers Guardes.

Hits : 6 Damage Taken:

The Memoirs of Captain Ivan Rostov

To the reader, permit me to introduce myself. I am the

proud hussar, Captain Ivan Rostov, of the Chevaliers
Guardes based at the barracks in Odessa. The
Guardes are the elite regiment of the Imperial cavalry,
attracting the attentions of the finest and most beautiful
women. There is something in the bearing of an officer
and the cut of the uniform that draws their eyes.
Though I could not be considered handsome, I have my fair share of romantic assignations. Life as
an officer in the Tsar’s army is good, but it has not always been so for me.

I was born of humble origins in the backstreets of Moscow. My father was a furrier who ran a small
store that catered to the rich and the nobility of the city. Every day, soldiers, fine gentlemen and
ladies frequented my father’s shop. I hungered for such a life as theirs, filled with gaiety and wealth.

Joining the army gave me an opportunity to improve my station. During the war against the French
and British forces in the Crimea, my acts of heroism drew the notice of senior officers in my
regiment. Twice I was recognised in despatches for valour on the field of battle, decorated at Alva,
and I received a promotion at Balaklava for taking charge of my squad when our officer was killed.

The siege of Sevastapol made my reputation, and my fortune. I was one of the few who survived
that terrible winter inside the walls and received promotion once more, to sergeant, for my role in
defence of the city. By chance one day, while out patrolling alone at the site of the most recent
British shelling, I chanced upon a looter in the ruins of the old council chambers. I killed the man, as
my orders demanded for such a crime, then realised that the sack he carried was filled with coin
from the city treasury. Nobody was around to witness my actions, so on an impulse I hid the sack in
the rubble once more. When the siege was ended, I took this money with me for my own.

With the war at an end I received my discharge and bought for myself a small estate in the forests
along the banks of the river Dneiper in southern Russia. The purchase cost most of my new-found
riches, but I was subsequently able to live adequately on the rent paid by farmers and hunters
wishing to ply their trade on my land. Within a year my father joined me there, and with his contacts
in the Moscow fur trade we were able to renegotiate the prices offered to the trappers for their pelts,
and in doing so we improved our own income.

With the shadows of war once more threatening the Rodina, I was approached by senior officers in
the elite Chevaliers Guardes who offered me a commission in the regiment. While I was not noble-
born, I was now of the landed gentry and moreover, a decorated veteran of the war in the Crimea.
Though the youngest officers in the regiment are barely half my age, and all are the sons of noble
families, these generals were concerned that their troops would need the sage advice and proven
worth of veterans such as myself should they ever be sent to war.

Thus, after attending a formal course in military etiquette at the famed Moscow academy of the
martial sciences (where I first learned to read and write), I took up my commission at the Guardes
barracks in Odessa, not far from the Crimean peninsular where my military life had begun. On the
parade ground, my uniform is always immaculate; while on the training grounds I am strict and
harsh. As a Regimental Sergeant Major, it is my duty to whip these young cadets into an elite unit,
regardless of their rank or social status.

I met Sir Sebastian, our host, several years ago, before rejoining the army, when it was necessary
for me to negotiate a truce with the Russalki that inhabits the river Dneiper. It was the intent that I
would speak with the lady in her own realm. A local scholar of science had created a helm of clear
glass that permitted the wearer to see, act and breathe under the water, linked to the surface by a
long, flexible tube through which air was passed using bellows. Realising that the Russalki's mate,
a Vodyany river demon, might be close by, I requested the aid of volunteers to guard my back. To
my surprise, an Englishman stepped forward from the crowd that had gathered by the dock offering
his companionship for the adventure.

While I faced off against the Vodyany, armed only with my sword, Sir Sebastian spoke with the lady
of the waters. He seems to have a way with members of the fairer sex, for she prevented her
husband from attacking and allowed us to negotiate with her. How such a beautiful creature could
 marry an ugly monster like the Vodyany, I cannot understand. When I caught her eye, I saw a
hunger to be free from him and perhaps a hope that I might save her. Some day when I am strong
enough, I shall return and kill the monster, and then she and I will be wed.

Rodrigo di Fuentes

Name: Rodrigo di Fuentes Occupation: Explorer

Place of Birth: Somewhere in the Amazon Current Residence: Lisboa, Portugal (when not out on an
basin. expedition).

Appearance: Rugged and world-worn, Rodrigo is more concerned with the practicalities of survival in the bush than with his
appearance.

Childhood: Born to explorers killed while he was still a young baby. Subsequently raised by monks working at a mission
among the Amazon tribespeople.

Education: Studied at the University of Lisboa.

Virtue: Unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Vice: Too many rough edges to be considered
a gentleman.

Style: Practical (and well-worn). Personality: Prone to exaggeration.

Likes: Being the centre of attention. Dislikes:

Most valued principle: Discovery for discovery's sake.

Most treasured possession: An ornate pocket chronometer that once belonged to his father.

Most valued person:

Nemesis: Alliances: New Europan Explorers Society.

Romantic Life: Sees little need for a romantic life. Takes his pleasures where they are available but romance only causes
distractions.

Social Goal: To establish an 'Explorers Club' at the source of the Amazon, where fellow explorers can drop in for a
drink and to exchange incredible true stories.

Professional Goal: To chart the length of the great Amazonian River to its source.

Romantic Goal:

Abilities: Great -
Education
Good -
Courage , Marksmanship , Perception , Physician , Stealth
Poor -
Exchequer , Social Graces

Action most regretted:

Proudest moment: Being initiated into the Djuranga tribe of southern Congo.

Hits : 6 Damage Taken:

The Memoirs of Rodrigo di Fuentes

I am sure that I need no introduction - my fame is renowned throughout New Europa - but
colleagues assure me that it is only proper and acceptable to start a journal in that fashion. Thus, I
am Rodrigo di Fuentes, born of Portuguese parents and now a citizen of the world, an explorer by
occupation.
'Like father, like son' as the saying goes. Indeed both of my parents were explorers, and I was born
(so I am told) on the dirt floor of a native hut in the village of the Ramawara tribe. Alas, I do not
have any memories of my parents for they died shortly after I was born, sacrificed to the
unspeakable snake god of the river by a raiding party of cannibals who fell upon the Ramawara. I
myself was saved by one of the women of the tribe who fled downriver till eventually she reached
the mission of St. Josephus where she later died of her wounds, but not before she had passed me
into the care of the monks. Such have I been told, for I was too young to have any recollection of
these events. Now, all that I have to remind me of the parents is my father's old chronometer, which
one of the monks retrieved from the village once the cannibals had moved on.

My formal education in those early years was largely religious in nature, although I did develop an
aptitude for languages (particularly the native dialects) and an interest in the herbalism and
medicine of the local tribes. Fortunately the good brethren of St. Josephus recognised that my
future did not follow their path, and (when I was of an age) sent me to study in the more secular
confines of the University at Lisboa in my native Portugal.

Upon my graduation, I discovered that the di Fuentes family name still had great value, even in a
country famed for its explorers. It seemed natural that I should follow in my parents footsteps, and
indeed I received numerous invitations to join expeditions being planned to regions as far afield as
the polar icepack, the dark hinterland of Africka and the remote islands of the Pacific.

Arctic regions are, to my mind, better tolerated by those with colder blood, such as those from
Scandinavia or Russia. Nor has sailing the vast expanses of ocean in the hope of running into a
hitherto uncharted island ever appealed to me. I crave excitement, and found it aplenty in the
jungles of Southern and Western Africka. I could speak for hours of the great civilisations that
flourish in the hinterland of the Dark Continent, or the incredible rift in the world that leads to a land
populated by giant lizards that would give Dr. Richard Owen at the British Museum nightmares.

Marvellous indeed are the creatures that I have seen and the tribal rituals in which I have been
privileged to partake over the course of my travels. I have walked the fires of a volcano, protected
from instant incineration by boots woven from the hide of the great white elephant. I have saved the
life of an Isazi princess from a horde of marauding Zingawa warriors, armed with only one bullet in
my trusty revolver, and with my wits. Needless to say, her grateful father offered her hand in
marriage as a reward for my actions; and if truth be told she was an attractive woman with whom I
dallied for several weeks. In the end I declined his offer, for how can a civilised man marry a
savage, and I was subsequently forced to flee in peril of his wrath at my supposed insult to his
daughter. On another memorable occasion, I was inducted into the Djuranga tribe of southern
Congo, who make their homes beneath the waters of the river in reed homes sealed watertight with
naturally occurring pitch. This was my reward for saving the tribe from the threat posed by a dragon
living amid the hot springs near where the pitch was mined.

Now that I have made my reputation I feel that it is time for me to return once more to South
America, much of which is still uncharted, and map the great Amazonian river to its source. The
decision made, it remains only for me to seek out funding for this expedition. Then I will be in a
position to recruit and equip a team of intrepid scholars willing to endure hardship and risk death for
no greater reward than seeing lands that no man has seen before.

I have never met our host, Sir Sebastian, before: rather I know him through his sister Constance
Thomas, who I met while on an expedition in the Congo some years ago. She too is an explorer,
travelling with the great Sir Basil Rathingspoke, and recording the exotic flora and fauna of the
riverbanks. It was she that asked me to pass on family letters to her brother Sebastian returning, as
I was, to New Europa before her. I had hoped that he might be willing to sponsor my expedition to
the Amazon, but it seems that his exchequer is barely greater than my own; yet his tales of an
archaeological dig in Egypt did intrigue me. I realise that while there is much of the Earth's surface
 where no New Europan has yet set foot, there are regions of the world which we have known for
centuries that have still not revealed all their secrets.

Lord Owen Griffiths

Name: Lord Owen Griffiths Occupation: Faerie Lord

Place of Birth: Caerleon, South Wales Current Residence: Ynys Monn, North Wales

Appearance: Tall and slender.

Childhood: Tormented by his peers as a young boy in South Wales during the Dark Ages. Grew up as an aggressive and
belligerent child.

Education: Raised within the Faerie Veil by Auberon and others of the Seelie court where he learned the true value of
honour and chivalry.

Virtue: Respectful and Gallant. Vice: Has a tendency to preach and

moralise.

Style: Old-fashioned and respectable. Personality: Puritanical.

Likes: Natural order. Dislikes: Oppressive Technology.

Most valued principle: Harmony with nature.

Most treasured possession:

Most valued person: Nimüe, one of the Gwagged Annwn lake ladies of North Wales and his tutor within the
Faerie Veil.

Nemesis: The Steam Lords. Alliances: The Second Compact Alliance.

The Ancient Brotherhood of the
Druidic Temple.

Romantic Life: Has a rather volatile relationship with the Gwagged Annwn Nimüe, who lives nearby in Llyn Llywenan.

Social Goal: To re-establish his reputation after several centuries of absence from the social circles of New Europa.

Professional Goal:

Romantic Goal:

Abilities: Great -
Glamour
Good -
Charisma , Education , Etherealness , Social Graces
Poor -
Connections , Sorcery

Kindred Powers: Repulsions: Holy symbols and prayer.

Enchantment [AV]

Action most regretted: His withdrawal from New Europan society while the Steam Lords established their grip on Britain.

Proudest moment: When the Steam Lords accepted defeat and stopped work on the Swansea-Caernarfon railway.

Hits : 5 Damage Taken:

The Memoirs of Owen Griffiths

Though I have always been a recluse even among my own people, with the advent of the Second
Compact I know that now is the time to involve myself once more in the affairs of mankind and in
the struggle against the Unseelie. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Owen Griffiths, a Daione
Sidhe from the mountains of North Wales, and solitary by nature.
Some would say that my mannerisms and attitudes are outdated. I have been told that my style of
dress is archaic, and that I do not follow the latest trends in fashion; but that is of little concern to
me. Clothes do not make the man (or the Faerie), but rather the strength of the heart that beats
within his breast. Indeed, I have seen fashions come and go over the years with much frequency;
but honour, courage and virtue are eternal.

Among the Daione Sidhe I am considered young, barely fourteen-hundred when measured in
mortal years. My mother was a princess from the town of Caerleon in South Wales sometime
between the fall of the Roman Empire and the reign of King Arthur. About my father I know nothing,
other than that he was one of the Fae. My mother never revealed who he had been; though I am
told my grandfather, the king, beat her till she almost miscarried, trying to force her to reveal the
name of the man who had lain with her. She never told him, and she never told me; but I know that
he was no mortal. I suspect that my sire may have been a nature spirit of some description for I
have always had an affinity with animals. Of course, any kindred powers inherited from him that I
once possessed changed with my transformation when I took my current form; and my memories of
their nature have grown hazy over the passing centuries.

With no known father, and with my unusual appearance, I was tormented as a child; but that did not
last for long. I soon discovered that I was something more than mortal, and with that knowledge
came the power to avenge any slight or insult. As I have already stated, I no longer recall the
nature of those powers; but I do know that I was a aggressive and belligerent child, bearing
grudges, avenging myself on those bigger than myself through sly and treacherous tricks, and
bullying those smaller than myself.

After my mothers death while I was still a boy, my father's kin took me to the Faerie Veil where they
taught me of my heritage and the responsibilities that came with it. Even among the Seelie of the
Veil I was an obnoxious youth; but my tutor, a lake maiden named Nimüe, was patient. In time and
under her strict tutelage I came to see the error of my ways, and to learn the value of chivalry and
honour.

When I returned once more to the mortal realm, I made my home in the North of Wales on the
island of Ynys Monn. Across the border in England, Stephen and Matilda fought for the crown.
Wars were fought to return Jerusalem under Christian control. Hidden within my island sanctuary,
time passed me by. Only when Owen Glendower roamed the length of Offa's Dyke did I intervene,
providing him with a sanctuary when he was driven back from the borders. Politics interested me
nought.

On occasion I did travel, but rarely ventured further than Y Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon). I was quite
content with the serenity of my reclusive life. I cared for the animals that inhabited my island,
enjoyed the companionship of the Seelie that lived in the rivers and lakes (including Nimüe who
had returned to the Fifth Earth and taken up residence in Llyn Llywenan) and befriended the Druids.

I have been closeted within the confines of my mountains for nearly eight centuries now, and much
has happened in the world since I last ventured among the mortals of Britain. The Unseelie have
been working hard in my absence, and the Wales that I love is slowly being industrialised. The area
where I was born is heavily mined for coal. Ugly mountains of slag destroy the beauty of the
landscape. The stench of the ironworks pervades the air with its foul odours (not to mention the
pain it causes, which has driven the Faerie from the region), and the workers and their families live
in conditions of such poverty and squalor that I cannot understand why they remain.

There are times when I cannot comprehend the motivations of our host, Sir Sebastian. His
flamboyance and gaiety is in such contrast to my own more reserved and respectful approach to
life, yet I know that he upholds the very virtues to which I myself aspire. I met the young nobleman
whilst he was working with the druids to undermine the influence of the Steam Lords. Slate quarried
 from the mountains of North Wales is used to roof the slum dwellings being built in the South, and it
had been proposed that a railway line should be constructed between Caernarfon and Swansea.
The thought of such desecration appalled me, and we worked together to sabotage the work, each
night tearing up the track that had been laid that day, until the robber barons grudgingly accepted
defeat.

Cecilia von Klausovich

Name: Cecilia von Klausovich Occupation: Gentlewoman

Place of Birth: Vienna, Austria. Current Residence: Vienna, Austria.

Appearance: A tall, stunningly attractive brunette.

Childhood: Daughter of a diplomat in the foreign service of the Austro-Hungarian empire posted to various
nations in New Europa.

Education: The best girls schools in New Europa, finishing school in Switzerland, university in Vienna.

Virtue: Good humour and discretion. Vice: Gullible and easily taken-in by
tall stories.

Style: Colourful but modest. Personality: Friendly and easy going.

Likes: Travel and exotic places, good Dislikes: Vulgar and ostentatious shows
company. of emotion.

Most valued principle: Good and lasting friendships.

Most treasured possession:

Most valued person: At the present moment, Sir Sebastian Thomas.

Nemesis: Alliances:

Romantic Life: Currently the lover of Sir Sebastian Thomas, though she is under no illusion about the
permanence of the relationship.

Social Goal:

Professional Goal: To continue serving the royal house of Austria-Hungary, perhaps as a lady-in-waiting at
court.

Romantic Goal: Has no explicit goal other than to enjoy life (and love) as it comes.

Abilities: Great -
Comeliness
Good -
Charisma , Education , Performance , Physician , Social Graces
Poor -
Courage , Marksmanship

Action most regretted:

Proudest moment: Being employed as a companion to the Princess Victoria.

Hits: 4 Damage Taken:

The Memoirs of Cecilia von

Klausovich

Father was a diplomat in the service

of our country, while mother was a
demimondaine, so I travelled widely in
my early years as our family was
posted from one capital of New
Europa to another. London, Paris,
Berlin: we lived a few years in each
city and then moved on. Naturally I
was sent to the best schools in each
country where we lived, but I must
confess that my tuition was constantly
being disrupted as we moved on and I
started again in a new school.
However, I believe that I received a
more rounded education as a result of
the differing cultures in each country
where we lived. Only when I reached
the age of seventeen and was sent to
a finishing school in Switzerland, and
then attended the University of
Vienna, did I find any constancy in my life.

Though he had served his country for many years, father was never wealthy; the pension he
received on his retirement from the foreign service was adequate to keep both him and my mother
in a respectable style, but not sufficient to provide for me. It was not unexpected. I had always
known that I would need to find some employment once my education was finished, or marry, but I
had never met a man of means for whom I cared. And so I became a lady's companion. Wealthy
women, typically single and of more advanced years, would pay me to accompany them on
vacation. My fluency in several New Europan languages, my education and my knowledge of
foreign cultures and history ensured that my services were regularly in demand; and I believe that
the ladies I escorted enjoyed my company.

My most recent employment brought great honour and prestige to my family. I was a companion to
the Princess Victoria while she convalesced at a secluded hunting lodge in the forest near Vienna.
The poor woman had become delusional after an expedition to the comet that recently threatened
to strike the earth. Although my lady was instrumental in averting the disaster, the horrors that she
witnessed there drove all memories of childhood from her mind, and she no longer even
remembered that she was a princess of the royal line of Austria. For the sake of her reputation, the
family had cloistered her in seclusion at the hunting lodge while the best doctors in the land sought
to restore her mind. Not that she was insane, merely delusional, believing herself to be no more
than a common peasant. My role was to serve as a companion, reading to the Princess, playing the
piano for her, and talking with her during the long, dark evenings.

That is how I met our host, Sir Sebastian, who had also been on that same fateful expedition; and
regularly called upon my lady as she recovered through the cold, dreary months of Winter. Of
course, every visit was clandestine in nature: if the Emperor or his guards had ever learned about
these meetings, they would have hounded the Englishman from the country. Not that there was
 anything improper in his behaviour toward the princess, I hasten to add: I was always with them
when they were together. His presence was a breath of fresh air in the dreary atmosphere of the
lodge as he regaled us with colourful tales of life in the vibrant capitals of New Europa. I know that
Princess Victoria looked forward to his appearance each evening, as indeed did I. Indeed, after I
had seen the my lady to her bedchamber, he and I would talk long into the night and sometimes the
first light of dawn was breaking before he took his leave. Though my face reddens even as I write
this in the privacy of my diary, in the space of a few short weeks he and I had become lovers.

I know that I am not the only woman in his life. Indeed, he is engaged to a young lady from Britain,
though their relationship is a closely guarded secret because her father bears a strong enmity
toward my English noble. In time we will go our separate ways; but when that day comes I am
certain that we shall remain close friends.

Samuel Paige

Name: Samuel Paige Occupation: Journalist

Place of Birth: New York Current Residence: No fixed residence. Travels with the
stories.

Appearance: Slight of build and bespectacled. Young, clean-shaven and with afresh, innocent face.

Childhood: Privileged member of New York society, brought up by a succession of nannies and governesses.

Education: Private boarding school, Degree in Journalism and Modern Political History at Harvard.

Virtue: Assures the confidentiality of his sources. Vice: A tendency to ask too-probing questions.

Style: Confident and understated. Personality: Inquisitive, slightly rebellious.

Likes: Honesty and openness. Dislikes: Being kept in the dark.

Most valued principle: Independence

Most treasured possession: A page from the New York Times (9th August 1870) containing his first published article. (Which
appeared on page 7.)

Most valued person:

Nemesis: Though not a true enemy, the gentleman thief known as Alliances: New Europan Press Association.
'The Phantom'.

Romantic Life: None that he is willing to talk about. He isn't that type of journalist.

Social Goal: To 'make it in society' on his own terms rather than through his family connections.

Professional Goal: To establish his reputation as a creditable crime journalist by learning the identity of 'The Phantom'.

Romantic Goal:

Abilities: Great -
Perception
Good -
Connections , Education , Fisticuffs , Performance , Stealth
Poor -
Fencing , Physique

Action most regretted:

Proudest moment: Seeing his name on a byline for the first time.

Hits : 4 Damage Taken:

The Memoirs of Samuel Paige

Born in New York. Father a high-
ranking member of the
Freemasons; mother a wealthy
socialite in the city's Fifth Avenue
society. Early life was much as
you might expect: I saw little of my
parents, busy creatures that they
were, and was brought up by a
succession of nannies and
governesses. Then it was private
boarding school, wealth and
privilege, the debuts and levees,
Newport in the summer, private
schools and Ivy League.
Graduated from high school and
went on to read Journalism and
Modern Political History at
Harvard.

Through my father's influence I

could have found employment in
any newspaper office in the United
States, but I wasn't yet ready to
settle into a regular working life. I
suspect deep down that I just
wanted to rebel against the rigid mores of New York society, but couldn't admit it at the time - even
to myself. Rather, I told myself that I wanted to maintain my independence for a while longer. I had
it in mind to visit the old country, do the grand tour, spend some time in New Europa. It was not a
decision that went down well with my father. While he paid for my ticket (first class) on the
transatlantic steamer, his generosity stretched no further. If I was to survive in New Europa, it would
be on my own initiative. Perhaps in doing this he hoped to punish me for disappointing him; or it
may have been his idea of letting me learn the realities of the world outside Masonic society for
myself.

It wasn't difficult for me to find employment. I made a few visits to the press clubs in major cities
(where they take one's word that one is a journalist without requesting to see a Press Association
card which I did not possess at the time). A few preliminary articles on the New Europan social
scene, and I was soon earning a retainer as a stringer for the New York Times.

I believe my breakthrough was the story on the theft of Lady Wentworth's diamonds, a copy of
which I still keep in my pocket book. Though he has never been caught, ad I do not even know his
name, I was fortunate that the burglar chose to write to me describing how he had accomplished
such a feat despite the best efforts of the Bayernese police to guard the jewels. His account of the
night, detailing how he hung suspended and motionless above the heads of the guards as they
patrolled the hotel strongroom tallied with the evidence police later found at the scene, that I could
not doubt his story. In my article, I portrayed him as a gallant gentleman thief taking on the theft as
a challenge to his skills rather than for pure monetary gain, and the image appealed to my readers.
My American readers have started calling him 'The Phantom', though this nickname has not yet
been used on this side of the Atlantean Ocean. Since then, I have recorded his exploits in Paris
(the now famous theft of the Topkapi exhibit at the Louvre), Constantinople, Rome (scene of the
infamous theft of a valuable manuscript from the Vatican library), Monte Carlo (where Lady Astor
lost her pearls), Madrid and Vienna; but am still no closer to learning his identity.

One might assume that, with its First Amendment rights, the press corps in the United States has a
great deal of freedom; but this is sadly not the case. The Freemasons control what is and is not
published very effectively. I know exactly how they work, what my own father had expected of me.
 In New Europa I have the freedom to write what I will, without undue fear of repercussions; and if
the American journals will not publish my stories then the New Europan papers will.

Proud as I am of being born in the United States of America, a nation that shall surely one day be
the greatest of the world powers, I do enjoy life in New Europa. It is less pressured and more
colourful. History and heritage is evident in every sight and every city. And though the balls and
salons of New York might be more lavish and costly, they lack the spontaneity and joie de vivre of
such gatherings in New Europa.

Following the movements of the New Europan scene in my quest for The Phantom has brought me
into regular contact with many members of the social set. That is how I know our host, Sir
Sebastian, who I have met many times in my travels, and who has always expressed an interest in
my work. Indeed, he has regularly given me leads to other stories, and seems to have an excellent
grasp of the political events and social happenings throughout the continent. Though it is not a
crime story, reporting on the work of an archaeological dig team making such an unusual discovery
will make an interesting article.

Giselle Lacourt

Name: Giselle Lacourt Occupation: Performer/Secret Agent

Place of Birth: Marseilles, France. Current Residence: Paris, France.

Appearance: Voluptuous. Fair of skin and with long, red hair.

Childhood: Mother was a whore in Marseilles who died while Giselle was still a child. Brought up in an orphanage. Her own life
was one of petty crime and prostitution until she discovered her talent for singing.

Education: Rudimentary: reading, writing and arithmetic while at the orphanage.

Virtue: Powerful and emotive singing voice. Vice: A tendency for overly-
emotional outbursts.

Style: Ostentatious and daring. Personality: Slightly outrageous.

Likes: Recognition. Dislikes: Being reminded of her

childhood

Most valued principle: Money and easy living.

Most treasured possession:

Most valued person: Herself.

Nemesis: Pierre Dubreton, her former pimp. Alliances: The French Secret Service.

Romantic Life: Much gossiped about in the Parisian arts press.

Social Goal: To achieve respect within New Europan society.

Professional Goal: To perform before royalty.

Romantic Goal: To marry a rich and titled man.

Abilities: Great -
Performance
Good -
Athletics , Charisma , Social Graces , Stealth , Tinkering
Poor -
Connections , Education

Action most regretted: Working as a prostitute.

Proudest moment:

Hits : 5 Damage Taken:

The Memoirs of Giselle Lacourt

I was born in Marseilles, France. My

mother sold herself down on the docks
for a living, which is how I came to be.
She died while I was still a child. I was
brought up in an orphanage. When I
grew too old for the orphanage, about
eleven years, I too worked on the
docks. Sometimes I steal. My only
'friend' was Pierre Dubreton, a former
seaman now a drunk who found work
for me and occasionally used me
himself. Then a traveller from Paris
asked me to sing for him while I
entertained him in other ways. It was
an unusual request, but he was paying
good money and I obliged. He liked my
voice, and offered me a new life in the
bars of Paris. That is enough about my
former life.

The man who brought me to Paris,

Alain Levadieu, owned a bar in
Montmartre. La Chat Noire was not
famous, and the patrons were more
interested in getting drunk than in
listening to a singer. Yet I enjoyed
working there. I like singing, it is far
easier than the work I had performed in Marseilles; and I was in Paris.

As might be expected, Alain was my lover as well as my manager; though he was never my only
partner, nor I his. The wage that I received for performing each night was small. But from time to
time the bar would be visited by young aristocrats taking a walk on the wilder side of Paris. I was
able to supplement my income performing privately for them although it was never my singing that
they wished to hear. It was perhaps a foolish thought, but I hoped that one of these gentlemen
might ask me to marry him, and my fortune would be assured.

My hopes for the future were dashed when Pierre reappeared in my life. Angry at my abrupt
disappearance from the streets of Marseilles, he came looking for me. Somehow he learned that I
was singing at La Chat Noire and that night he waited outside the door. As I left the bar on Alain's
arm he made his presence known. My lover tried to protect me, but fell with a blade in his chest.
Only the intervention of a group of drunken patrons allowed me to escape Pierre's anger. I fled into
the backstreets, spending the night sleeping under a bridge down by the river, and was found the
following morning by a gendarme. My story to the police forced Pierre into hiding, but Paris is a
large city and he was not caught.

With the death of Alain, I thought that my life in Paris was over; but I soon found another manager
who had heard me perform at La Chat Noire. Gaston Mineau was a good publicist and had many
contacts both in the bars of Paris and the music hall. Not only did he promote my career as a
performer, he was also able to provide protection in case Pierre tried to harm me again.
 Over the months that followed, as I performed before a wider audience, my popularity grew. Soon
crowds were flocking to whatever venue I might be at just to hear me sing. I enjoyed the recognition
and fame, but it brought danger as well. It made me easy for Pierre to find. Several times now he
has tried to kill me, and though I have been lucky so far he has always escaped. I know that he will
pursue me until either I or he is dead.

When Gaston organised a tour of New Europa I was thrilled at escaping from Paris. Perhaps Pierre
would be unable to find me outside of France. The evening before I embarked on my grand tour, I
was visited by a Monsieur Aramis of the French Secret Service. He suggested that I could be a
secret agent for France. Men talk freely in bed, and if I was to entertain foreign military officers and
statesmen (who would certainly come to hear me sing, and naturally wish for my company after the
performance) they could surely be persuaded to reveal secrets of value to France. In return, he
assured me, he would hunt down Pierre and free me from my nemesis.

The tour ensured that my talent became known among the higher circles of New Europan society,
and I no longer sing to bars of drunks. Once I returned to Paris, I had top billing at the best music
halls in the city. It was the wealthy and the bourgeoisie who came to listen when I performed.

Our host, Sir Sebastian was such a one. In fact, he attended my show several nights in succession
until I accepted his invitation to dine with him afterwards. I knew already that he had a certain
reputation among the social élite of New Europa, and he was a charming and amiable gentleman. I
had always intended to accept his request, but I have learned over the years that men are always
more grateful for acceptance if they are forced to plead. However, Monsieur Aramis recommended
that I should become close to the English gentleman, who he suspected of being a secret agent in
the employ of the British government. We spent several pleasant weeks in each other's company,
during which time I learned nothing to confirm or deny Monsieur Aramis' suspicions. Then, one
night, Sir Sebastian disappeared from France without any word of explanation or even goodbye.

Later I did receive a most apologetic note, explaining that he had been called away suddenly on a
private, family matter. Now I have this invitation to join him in Egypt (where I know they are
currently building a fine opera house) and Monsieur Aramis has again suggested that I accept.

Mädchen Berger

Name: Mädchen Berger Occupation: Consulting Detective

Place of Birth: Munich. Current Residence: Munich.

Appearance: A rather frail, elderly women with striking silver hair pulled into a tight bun.

Childhood: Father was a senior police officer in Munich, mother a forensic pathologist.

Education: Ludwig-Maximillian Universitat in Munich, where she graduated with distinction in the Natural Sciences.

Virtue: Persistence and an Inquisitive Mind. Vice: A tendency to talk shop in great
detail.

Style: Analytical. Personality: Discrete, aloof and reserved.

Likes: A challenge to her intellect. Dislikes: Publicity.

Most valued principle: Bringing those guilty of a crime to justice, and exonerating the innocent.

Most treasured possession: Her mother's old doctors case, in which she carries the tools of her own trade.

Most valued person: Her son Hans, now an officer in the Bayernese Aeronavy.

Nemesis: Alliances: The Second Compact Alliance.

Romantic Life: Married once to a soldier in the 8th Infantry Regiment of Bayerne, she is now a widow.

Social Goal: To see her son marry a good German girl and give her grandchildren.

Professional Goal:

Romantic Goal:

Abilities: Great -
Natural Sciences , Perception
Good -
Education , Physician , Stealth , Tinkering ,
Poor -
Physique , social Graces

Action most regretted: Failing to capture The Ghost after he had broken into the Royal Palace in Munich.

Proudest moment: Attending her son's passing out parade as a Lieutenant in the Bayernese Aeronavy.

Hits : 4 Damage Taken:

The Memoirs of Mädchen Berger

I know that in the twilight of my life my body is beginning to succumb to the predations of age, but
my mind is as active as it has ever been. Unlike certain other amateurs that are entering the trade
of consulting detective now I have had no diarist or biographer to record my exploits for posterity,
but I have always been averse to publicity. Perhaps though it is time now, in my twilight years, to
put pen to paper and write 'The Memoirs of Mädchen Berger'.

I suppose it was only natural that I should become a detective: my father was a senior officer in the
Munich police force, while me mother was a forensic pathologist in the school of medicine at the
Bayerische Akademie. For my part, I was educated at Ludwig-Maximillian Universitat, and it was
there that my interest in the skills of detection was piqued following the murder of a tutor and
subsequent arrest of one of his students. I realised that the boy could not have committed the crime
because he was colour blind, and was subsequently able to prove that the scholar's death had
resulted from an experiment he was conducting that had gone awry. The Mysterious Problem of the
Clockwork Owl was my first case, but not my last. Once I had made my reputation solving the
murder, I was frequently called upon to resolve other problems in the University.

On my graduation, it seemed only logical to set myself up as a Consulting Detective. With my

parents' connections in the police, I was frequently called upon to serve as an expert witness and
later for my assistance resolving cases where they had no leads. It was not just the police who
used my services either: in the Shocking Affair of the Dutch Steamer 'Friesland', the Case of
Werner the Notorious Canary Trainer, the Singular Affair of the Aluminium Crutch, and the
Repulsive Story of the Red Leech, it was individuals in the society circles of New Europa that called
upon my services. In the Epic Tale of the Politician, the Lighthouse and the Trained Cormorant, it
was the Bayernese government that commissioned me to solve that highly political problem with
discretion.

Perhaps then it was not so surprising that my talents should come to the attention of the Second
Compact Alliance. I have little interest in politics: my main concern has always been to determine
how a crime was committed and by whom. It is not my concern how the guilty are judged, merely in
bringing them to justice and in exonerating the innocent. However, I cannot ever just stand by and
allow a crime to be committed.

I have been married once but my husband Gerhardt, a rifleman in the 8th Infantry Regiment of
Bayerne, was a casualty at the Battle of Königsgrätz in 1866. When the forces of the Second
 Compact nations defended Austria against Prussian invasion, he died courageously (at least so I
am told) covering the retreat of his unit against the advance of the Prussian Landfortresses.

Against my wishes, our son Hans has chosen to follow in his father's footsteps, though he chose to
enlist in the newly-formed Bayernese Aeronavy rather than the army. Still, he is my son, and I was
incredibly proud when he graduated from the officer training college. With my family's involvement
in the Second Compact, my own work now frequently involves the crimes of the industrialists and
the Unseelie.

Sir Sebastian and I have met just once, when I was called upon to determine the manner in which a
copy of the Second Compact Treaty text was stolen from the Residenz, the royal palace in
München. Sir Sebastian had been following an agent of the Prussian Secret Service known as The
Ghost, and believed him to be the thief. While I and a Sorcerer from the Grand Chamber of
Eleusinian Mysteries discovered how The Ghost had managed to circumvent the security of the
palace, the English gentleman recovered the missing document from the Prussian Embassy. No
doubt that the damage had already been done, the text would have been copied or telegraphed to
Berlin; and The Ghost was never caught. The incident did leave me with a great deal of respect for
the Englishman's talents.

Gottfried Arneson

Name: Gottfried Arneson Occupation: Steam Engineer

Place of Birth: Copenhagen Current Residence: Bayerne

Appearance: A small, bespectacled, balding man.

Childhood: Father was also a Steam Engineer, from whom Gottfried inherited his own interest in technology.

Education: Technical College of Copenhagen.

Virtue: Strong sense of what is right and wrong. Vice: A tendency to try and explain the scientific
rationale behind every phenomena.

Style: Scruffy, even when he tries to dress well. Personality: Awkward and shy, unless talking technical.

Likes: Order, purpose and clear goals. Dislikes: Sorcery, because he cannot understand it.

Most valued principle: Technology should be used for the benefit of mankind, not to fuel the ambitions of politicians and
the military.

Most treasured possession:

Most valued person:

Nemesis: Alliances: The Second Compact Alliance.

Romantic Life: Well.... There is this young lady that works with the Babbage Engines at the Bayerische Techniche
Universitat that sometimes accompanies him to expositions of technology.

Social Goal:

Professional Goal:

Romantic Goal:
Abilities: Great -
Natural Sciences , Tinkering
Good -
Education , Exchequer , Perception
Poor -
Fencing , Social Graces

Action most regretted: Causing the explosion that killed his father.

Proudest moment:

Hits : 5 Damage Taken:

The Memoirs of Gottfried Arneson

I am Gottfried Arneson, a professor at the Bayerische Techniche Universitat in Munich where I

lecture about Ethics in Science. I have to say from the outset that I have not always been so
conscientious. For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a Steam Engineer like
my father who worked for the Danish Railway Company. I studied hard at college, graduating top of
my class. My thesis was an investigation into the used of clockwork controls to direct the flow of
steam. It is really quite fascinating how clockwork valves can be used in this way, although the heat
and humidity in an engine need to be considered in your choice of materials when building such a
device... But I forget myself: I have a tendency to talk shop with anybody that will listen. I was telling
you the story of my life. Anyway, when I completed my studies I had my pick of the best research
posts in New Europa.

For a time I worked for the Great Atlantean Steamship Company until the British Steam Consortium
made me a better offer. It wasn't the money that attracted me, although the salary was generous
enough, but the research facilities that they offered. Over the years I worked for many of the great
corporations in New Europa, and even spent time in the United States of America. Always I went
where I was offered the best laboratories, staff and equipment. I did not care about the applications
to which my research was put, and was eager to push back the bounds of science regardless of the
consequences to humanity. All that changed recently.

My parents were so proud when I was contracted by the Prussians to work on a project into rocket
guidance systems, though they were worried that the research was sponsored by the military. I had
no such concerns about the application: it was the challenge of creating such a device, powered by
steam, that appealed to my technical mind.

It was perhaps a mark of the respect with in which I was held by the Prussians that, despite the veil
of secrecy that surrounded the project, I was permitted to invite a guest to the inaugural test flight of
the rocket. Father did not wish to attend, but it was my moment of glory and I pressed him till he
reluctantly agreed. What I did not realise was that the device was fitted with an explosive warhead.
When the rocket malfunctioned on the launchpad, and he was killed in the resulting explosion, I
blamed myself.

I tried to resign from the project, but the Prussian army put me under close arrest while I was forced
to continue my work for them. Only when agents of the Second Compact Alliance sabotaged the
project was I able to escape. Ashamed at my foolishness in participating with the military against
the better wishes of my father, I travelled to Bayerne where I offered my services to King Ludwig
the Second as a recompense for my involvement with the Prussians.

With my knowledge of the steam and clockwork engineering used by the Prussians and other
industrial nations, I have some familiarity with their military research, and can recognise when a
 leap of technology may have been prompted by the Unseelie rather than human insight. Now I
lecture on the moral obligations of scientists at the Bayerische Techniche Universitat, and act as a
consultant for the Second Compact Alliance in matters technological.

Anna Visone

Name: Anna Visone Occupation: Sorceress

Place of Birth: In a gypsy caravan somewhere Current Residence: Palestine and North Africka.
near Turin.

Appearance: A young woman, still in her late teens, with a deep tan and long, raven hair.

Childhood: Born to a family of gypsies; sold to an adept of the Order of Prospero when her sorcerous talent was recognised.

Education: Trained by Constantine of the Order of Prospero as they travelled the lands of Palestine and North Africka.

Virtue: Not constrained by the logic of rational thought. Vice: A weakness for strong drink, for which she
has no tolerance.

Style: Colourful and flamboyant. Personality: Forthright and spontaneous.

Likes: Freedom. Dislikes: Restrictions of any kind.

Most valued principle: The freedom to travel where she will.

Most treasured possession:

Most valued person: The memory of her mentor Constantine, though he is no longer alive.

Nemesis: Slave traders. Alliances: Order of Prospero

Second Compact Alliance

Romantic Life: Anna takes love where it is offered honestly, but has no wish to be tied into any relationship that restricts
her freedom.

Social Goal:

Professional Goal:

Romantic Goal:

Abilities: Great -
Sorcery , Perception
Good -
Courage , Education , Helmsmanship , Physician
Poor -
Exchequer , Social Graces

Order of Sorcery: Order of Prospero Lorebooks: The Steersman's Compass

The Ranger's Companion

Action most regretted: Being unable to save Constantine when he was shot and killed trying to free slaves from their
captors.

Proudest moment:

Hits : 6 Damage Taken:

The Memoirs of Anna Visone

My name is Anna Visone, and I was

born into an extended family of
Romany who travelled from town to
town somewher in the vicinity of the city of Turin. My earliest memories are of the dusty roads of
Southern Italy. At an early age, the family recognised that I had a talent for magicks, moreso even
than the wise woman of the tribe who could tell fortunes and cast blessings or the evil eye. Thus,
when I was about six years old, I was sold as an apprentice to Constantine, an adept of the
wandering Order of Prospero. Though he had paid good money for me, Constantine assured me
that I was free to leave whenever I wished. At the time I was too young and unsure of myself, and
would probably not have survived had I chosen to make my own way in life. Later, when I was older
and more experienced, I chose to remain with him, eager to learn all that he had to teach. Perhaps
too, there was the bond that had been forged between us while we journeyed across the Adriatic
and through the Ottoman Empire.

As we travelled the desert wastes of Palestine and North Africka, it was Constantine who taught me
to read and write and later the lore of the order. Together we visited the ruins of Massada, where
he taught me spells from the book of lore known as The Steersman's Compass. We climbed the
peaks of the Atlas Mountains, where I learned of the teachings to be found in The Ranger's
Companion.

Sometimes we hired ourselves out to explorers or traders crossing the Great Saharan Desert. The
only traders with whom Constantine would not work were those who dealt in human flesh.
Whenever we encountered slave traffikers, my mentor would always use his talents to try and free
the captives. On the last occasion, when I was sixteen years old, it cost him his life. As we tried to
escape with the freed captives, he was hit in the back by a rifle bullet. His last act was to hide our
tracks so that the slavers could not follow us, as he died in my arms. I never did tell him that over
the years we had travelled together I had grown to love him.

For a time I chose to avenge Constantine's death, seeking out slave traders wherever I could, and
that was how I first met Sir Sebastian. At the request of a French nobleman in Cairo, he was
attempting to rescue the man's daughter from the auction block in the small fishing village of
Oduyin on the Red Sea. Though obviously a gentleman, there was a roguish side to his nature that
appealed to the gypsy in me. Together we disrupted the auction with a stampede of camels, and in
the confusion were able to free the women from their plight before escaping in a steam launch.
Once we had restored Jacqueline de Neuilly to her father the Compte and the other girls to their
families, he introduced me to the Second Compact Alliance.

Lorebook Spell Description

The Steersman's True Bearing Will keep a ship or a party of travellers on an
Compass absolute bearing.
False Bearing Puts travellers on the wrong course regardless
of any mechanical aids they may use.
Homeport Will lead the traveller infallibly to a known
destination.
Safe Course Shows a path through a treacherous area such
as shoal waters or quicksands.
Skylore Weather prediction.
The Ranger's Shelter from Allows one to find a good, dry campsite no
Companion the Storm matter what the terrain, and can seal even
minimal cover against the elements.
 The Palisade Provides a defence against hostile creatures or
people.
Iron Allows the traveller to continue despite lack of
Endurance sleep or food.
Eyes of the Allows the user to see things clearly out to the
Hawk horizon.
Ears of the Gives hearing to the same range.
Fox
Footsteps of Allows the caster to pass unnoticed and
the Deer without trace in the wilderness.

Handouts

You are cordially invited

to attend the excavation of a pharaoh’s
tomb
recently located amid the ancient ruins
of the lost city of Akhetaten
in the deserts of Egypt.
RSVP Sir Sebastian Thomas
c
/o Grand Continental Hotel, Cairo

Handout 1 - The Invitation

Handout 2 - Disembarking at Port Said

Handout 3 - Panoramic View of Cairo

Handout 4 - Another Panoramic View of Cairo

Handout 5 - Cairo, Al-Hadra Square

Handout 6 - Cairo, Bulak Street

Handout 7 - Street Scene in Old Cairo

Handout 8 - Cairo, Grand Continental Hotel

Handout 9 - Cairo, The Hotel de Paris

Handout 10 - Cairo, Opera Square

Handout 11 - Cairo, Post Office

Handout 12 - Cairo, Street Scene
Handout 13 - The Cairo Times of 18th April 1871
Handout 15 - Canopic Jars
Handout 16 - Example of a Canopic Papyrus

Handout 17 - Extracts from The Book of the Dead

Handout 18 - Extracts from The Book of the Dead
Handout 19 - The Pyramids
Handout 20 - Plan of the Giza Complex
Handout 21 - The Sphinx

Handout 22 - A Nile Riverboat

Handout 23 - Map of Egypt
Handout 24 - Photograph of Lord Fortescue with his wife Isabel and son
Charles
Handout 25 - Photograph of Doctor Sommerfield, Lord Fortescue, Dieter
Volkmann and Charles Fortescue
Handout 26 - Plan of the Dig Site at Tell el-Amarna
Handout 27 - The Bust of Nefertiti
Handout 28 - Plan of Akhenton's Tomb
Handout 29 - The City of the Dead
Handout 30 - The Temple of Amun
 Handout 31 - Amun

Handout 32 - Judgement in Khert-Neter