The Masks of Nyarlathotep

 

Chapter 0 - Peru

Professor Arthur Thompson (Derrick)

Professor Arthur Thompson, fueled by an insatiable curiosity, has embarked on a journey to delve into the mysteries of ancient civilizations through the field of archaeology. Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of England, he developed a profound passion for history and exploration from an early age, nurtured by captivating folklore and historical wonders.

Having recently completed his studies at Oxford University, where he obtained a doctorate in Archaeology with a specialization in the study of ancient civilizations and their material remnants, Arthur is eager to apply his knowledge in a practical setting. His relentless pursuit of knowledge has led him to accept a role in an archaeological search near Lima, Peru, under the guidance of Augustus Larkin.

In the year 1921, at the age of 28, Professor Thompson embarks on this exciting opportunity as a young scholar in the making. He joins the team with great anticipation, ready to immerse himself in the archaeological search and contribute to the collective understanding of the past.

As he sets foot on Peruvian soil, Arthur Thompson's enthusiasm shines through. His insatiable curiosity drives him to explore the ancient sites and artifacts, hoping to uncover new insights into the fascinating civilizations that once thrived in the region.

This archaeological endeavor offers Professor Thompson a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and expand his understanding of ancient civilizations. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and unwavering commitment to exploration will undoubtedly shape his budding career in the field of archaeology.

Ruben Marino (Pete)

Ruben Marino, a valiant corpsman hailing from Hoboken, New Jersey, bore the weight of immense loss and tragedy. Both his parents, esteemed doctors, perished in the ruthless wake of a German U-boat assault on a passenger vessel. Ruben's father, a compassionate physician, even extended his healing touch to members of local Mafia families when their bodies bore the scars of violence. Yet, it was the heart-wrenching secret harbored by his twin brother, Anthony—a tale of years spent enduring the unspeakable acts of a trusted priest—that shattered Ruben's world, leaving him consumed by an insatiable thirst for retribution.

 As the tempestuous clouds of war gradually receded, another specter descended upon our nation—the Prohibition era. The government, cognizant of the needs of our war veterans, bestowed upon Ruben a series of contracts to distribute medicinal alcohol among those who had served. Ruben seized this opportunity not only to serve his fellow comrades but also to unearth the truth behind the malevolence that claimed his brother's life. Nurtured in the embrace of devout Catholicism, the loss of his parents, brother, and the horrors of war had molded him into an instrument of justice, prompting him to exact a deadly vengeance upon the corrupted priest. Though his actions could never resurrect his brother, Ruben derived a perverse satisfaction from compelling the priest to pen a confession before orchestrating his own demise, leaving behind an indelible imprint of guilt. Amidst this tragedy, solace found refuge in the serenity of the open waters, as Ruben took to sailing.

 Empowered by his government contracts, Ruben forged connections within the covert realm of bootlegging—a treacherous trade fueled by speakeasies and organized crime. Through his distribution network, he gained access to influential figures in the underworld, including the very Mafia families his father once tended to in times of injury.

 Ruben, having fulfilled his vow to his brother, discovered a semblance of closure. He had exacted vengeance for Anthony's torment, unveiling the harrowing abuse that haunted their lives. As for Ruben himself, he remained steadfast in his role as a corpsman, employing his experiences and connections to aid his fellow war veterans on their path to healing.

 His dual existence as a distributor of illicit spirits and an agent of justice during the Prohibition era brought him face-to-face with the dark underbelly of society. Yet, through unwavering resilience, unwavering determination, and an unwavering sense of justice, Ruben prevailed. In the end, he not only achieved retribution for his brother but also left an indelible mark on the lives of those who had suffered abuse.

 Silas "Bones" Malone (Avery)

Silas Malone, born in 1887 in Wichita, Kansas, grew up on a farm and led an ordinary life. Seeking adventure and unable to start his own family due to limited space on the farm, Silas embarked on a journey across the country, taking up various jobs, some of them illicit. Settling on the east coast, he found work as a teamster and met Jennifer Slattery, whom he married in 1912. They had a son, Silas Jr., in 1914.

When World War I broke out in 1917, Silas was drafted and served as a truck driver in the logistics division. During this time, he joined the secretive Ordo Templi Orientis and used his deliveries to smuggle items for the Order. After exposure to gas in the war, Silas returned home in 1918 to find that Jennifer had tragically died. Overwhelmed by grief, he found solace with the help of the Ordo Templi Orientis.

In 1920, with the onset of Prohibition, Silas capitalized on his smuggling experience and became a well-known bootlegger. However, his notoriety caught up with him, prompting him to join his friend Reuben on a quest to find a treasure-filled Peruvian Pyramid. As they set sail, Silas clutched Jennifer's lucky rabbit's foot, determined to prove himself worthy of raising their son.

Dr. Sally Jones (Hayley)

Dr. Sally Jones, born in 1900, is a psychiatrist from New England with a particular fascination for the occult and Aleister Crowley. In 1921, driven by her obsession, she joins an archaeological expedition led by Augustus Larkin to search for a lost pyramid in the highlands of Peru. With a background in psychology from Miskatonic University, Dr. Jones challenges conventional thinking in psychiatry and explores the mystical world, drawing inspiration from her experiences with the expedition. Her insatiable curiosity pushes the boundaries of science while delving into the mysteries of the occult and its connection to the human mind.