(This game was played using our “Splorers etc ..” Darkest Africa rules that can be found here.)
The steamer arrived at the closest river point to the suspected location of the pyramid of the Pharaoh Nutt An Kmon and it will return in five days to take them back to Cairo. Our heroes are:
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The Honourable Bertram (Binky) Kinglsey-Crowne |
Gerald Ridd Esquire |
Capt Adrian Ryce-Pepper |
Cdr Caudchat RN (Retired) |
The Ambassador has provided a guide and information that the Evil Duke is also on his way to the site to secure the Book of Souls. Whether or not the Book exists you must find out before the Duke gets there. Whether the Book does what it says or is a myth does not really matter, the value of the item is immeasurable.
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Our heroes have travelled inland for a day and camped overnight at a small deserted oasis. There were signs of recent occupation and some bare footprints and camel tracks. The only unusual item was a single broken cuff link with a family crest on it.
After a leisurely breakfast, over which our heroes conferred the camp is broken. Taken just enough for a couple of days three set out leaving Cdr Chaudchat with the rear guard to protect the camp. On the march Capt Ryce-Pepper takes up the right flank with the faithful Mahmud and his Askaris, Gerald Ridd on the left and Binky the centre. All are aware of the threat from the Mahdists only eight months after the fall of Khartoum.
As they advance towards the oasis Capt Ryce Pepper finds signs that some fighting has taken place: a discarded Remington rifle and other bits of equipment. On the left baboons plague Gerald Ridd their incessant chattering annoys him. Ever conscious that there might be enemy about he refuses to allow his Askaris to fire at them. The bullets might be needed later. How right he was.
Ramsden, Binky’s butler spots an object in some mimosa bushes. A small party covers as Binky and his driver, Henry Jones, displaying great courage and not a little foolhardiness investigate. He finds what he thought was a tribesman was in fact gilt statue of the “Protector”, a common enough sight in this region. The natives call these “Protectors” because they are always found as if on sentry duty around ancient sites.
Over on the left Gerald finds a deserted camp, rotting food and a case of papers in a language he does not recognise. He has a bearer carry the case for later study. Behind the camp is an overgrown statue of Horus and to its right an obelisk. Binky stares at the pretty hieroglyphics but cannot read them. Gerald rushes over and starts to read out the names of high priests and priestesses. He is quite excited at the references to Bast. Suddenly on the right firing breaks out. Initially a few shots then a serious firefight develops. Capt Ryce-Pepper has encountered hostiles in the fort. He scribbles a note, gives it to Mahmud who races off to deliver it to Binky.