losttombhq

[losttombhq]

                                     PART TWO: THE PRISON

WHEN: August 18th, 1915

WHERE: Cairo, Egypt

The team is two days out from the day they are set to leave, and they still have one major missing item on their list of materials to acquire: a proper map. Only a few people have ventured out into the desert in search of Khufu’s tomb and those who come back only do so with vague rumors and ravings. So it’s unknown whether anyone has found it for real. However, there is talk that one expedition made it out to the entrance fo the tomb but turned back for some reason before entering. 

Of course, Edith’s many connections to the treasure hunting and archaeology community in Cairo is expansive enough that she knows the person who claims to hold this map. But there are a few complications. One, the person who possesses it hates Edith. Two, that same person is currently locked up in Cairo’s prison. But Edith has shrugged this off as no big deal and has requested that Violet come with her to the prison, pretending to be the family members of Jedadiah Slate, so that they may talk to him. 

Meanwhile, Ben and Anthony are finalizing the financial count. In Ben’s office, filled with unreaonably expesnive artifacts Anthony tallies the last of his fortune, trying to keep the thoughts desperation to himself. Anthony hasn’t told anyone about his visit from the family’s butler. It may not be the best idea to add more pressure to a mission which already seems so haphazard and chaotic. Anthony has to keep this secret, especially because if the team found out now some of them may abandon the trip before they even leave. 

Ramses and Ofrah have been tasked with finding transport for the team. They need to go south down the nile for a few miles and then out across the desert west past the pyramids of Giza. Ramses knows of a ferry that sometimes takes people that way. It’s often all reserved by this time, since the team was so late to make reservations. But he’s hoping that he can pull some strings to secure the team a spot. And Ofrah has insisted that she should come too for the negotiations. 

While the others have very important things to do over the next few days, Harold and Shaun are as ready to go as they can be. And Shaun, seeing Harold more humble stature, has offered some self-defense lessons in case the team should meet any ‘real big cats’ out in the desert. So, the two are going to spar and see just how well Harold can hold his own against the towering twin. 

Hearing of Edith and Violet’s risky mission, Ben insisted in secret that Sean and Meryem wait outside the prison with a getaway vehicle just in case something goes wrong. Sitting in an open car in the scorching sun isn’t fun. But what’s worse is that the guards seem to be growing more and more suspicious of the two of them parked near the entrance. They may have to come up with a pretty good lie as to why the two of them are there. They can’t abandon Edith and Violet, but they certainly can’t tell the truth either.

THE OBJECTIVE: Prepare for the expedition and get the map.

IN CHARACTER TIMEFRAME: One afternoon. 

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                                                CHAPTER ONE : THE CITY

WHEN: August 15th, 1915

WHERE: Cairo, Egypt 

There is one week until the expedition begins, and it’s already a mess. With little preparation and planning in advance, they are down to the wire with a bare bones team and minimal idea of where they are going. The worst part about not being prepared is that they don’t know exactly how unprepared they are. Which is exactly why they need some local professionals to join them in order to prevent a silly mistake from causing total disaster. 

So, BEN GOODWIN, is currently roaming the streets of Cairo, asking the citizens if there are any tour guides for hire, or even just someone who could give them some insight as to how to safely cross the desert. Most of the people of Cairo ignore him and others offer wild goose chases, but there is one name that keeps coming up repeatedly: RAMSES SAMIR. It took awhile to find him, but now that Ben has united with the young local, it’s imperative that he convince Ramses to join the mission, or else the team might be headed out into certain danger totally oblivious. 

Meanwhile,  VIOLET OLDFIELD and HAROLD BERL are at The Eygptian Museum of Antiques, going through the Goodwins’ temporary office. With both the personal collection and some borrowed pieces accessible to the team, the two must pack up what they feel is necessary and won’t be useless weight for the journey. Perhaps, it was Edith who should have been doing this but she delegated the job to her assistant and nephew. The two of them are in charge of packing maps, translation guides, and any other book that might offer some insight on how to survive the desert and the tomb. 

EDITH GOODWIN is preoccupied anyway, currently at the hotel in Cairo where the group is staying. In the lounge, their designated meeting place and collective recreation area, Edith was writing a letter when she was interrupted by the sound of OFRAH SELASSIE and MERYEM ALKAN arguing, rather loudly. As the self-declared leader of the mission, Edith should be the one to quell arguments as they break out. But Ofrah and Meryem both seem  determined to stay at each other's throats when discussing varied opinions about how to approach the mission and stay safe. With antagonism rising so early on, the expedition is sure to be filled with disagreements. 

While that’s going on, ANTHONY PEREZ, the benefactor of the expedition is trying to find more assistance for the team. He’s heard rumors of twin brothers who can offer services vital for any adventure. So he heads to the combination mechanics shop and boxer’s gym where the two have been seen hanging around the past couple days. There he finds them, looking even taller and broader than the rumors caused him to anticipate. SEAN and SHAWN RHODES-GOLDMAN are available for hire but Anthony suspects no one would be stupid enough to go out into the desert without some convincing. 

THE OBJECTIVE: Prepare for the expedition and recruit additional members. 

IN CHARACTER TIMEFRAME: One week.  

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THE CLASSICIST 

NAME: Benjamin Franklin Montgomery Goodwin, phD 

AGE: 41 

GENDER: cis man 

PRONOUNS: he/him

FC: Matthew Goode

WRITER: Isaac

ABOUT

They are the driving force behind the mission. With a general knowledge of all things ancient, a few phds under their belt, and expertise in their field, The Classicist is the go to in the community. They enjoy fieldwork just as much as research, and pour their heart into each expedition they go on. 

PERSONALITY: 

kind, intelligent, dedicated

obsessive, bashful, anxious

CONNECTIONS

The Egyptologist - The Classicist loves their spouse to the end of the earth, there is nothing they wouldn’t do to make their significant other smile. The two are the perfect duo and tend to work together when the opportunity seems right. The Classicist will support and cherish their spouse until their final breath. 

The Epidemiologist - The Classicist adores the young upstart and admires their willingness to go outside their comfort zone. The Classicist knows what The Epidemiologist means to The Egyptoligst, so they take special care to keep an eye on this team member. 

The Benefactor - At first The Classicist dismissed The Benefactor as merely a harmless and eccentric wealthy elite, but now they are beginning to see are more selfish and sinister side. Additionally, they don’t like the way their spouse looks at The Benefactor, like The Egyptologist and The Benefactor share some secret history. 

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THE EPIDEMIOLOGIST

NAME: Violet Oldfield 

AGE: 28

GENDER: cis female

PRONOUNS: she/her

FC: Sophie Skelton

WRITER: Hannah

ABOUT

Having always been more comfortable inside a library or laboratory than out in the field, this new exploration is not what they wanted. Since they were a child they have always had a brilliant mind, despite her family and others not supporting them. After becoming the assistant to the Classicist and proving themselves in different fields, the Classicist thought it was time they joined them in the field. They already are ready to head back home to the safety of their books.

PERSONALITY:

Helpful, willing, grateful

Shy, awkward, gullible

CONNECTIONS

The Classicist - They adore their mentor’s spouse and are so happy to have the opportunity to be a part of a team with an individual that they admire and enjoy. They aspire to be just like The Classicist one day and hope that their frequent questions don’t get annoying. 

The Egyptologist  - They Epidemiologist is so grateful to have been taken under the wing of The Egyptiologist. They feel that they have found a family that supports and listens to them. They Epidemiologist is so glad to have found someone who takes their ideas seriously and treats them like a professional but also a friend.  

The Medic - The Epidemiologist can’t help but admire The Medic who is able to do so much good work while under pressure. They feel like The Medic is some sort of miracle worker, despite being a person who values science above all else. They worry they might have even developed some romantic inclinations towards the Medic, although the Medic seems completely oblivious.

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THE EGYPTOLOGIST

NAME: Edith Goodwin

AGE: 40

GENDER: cis female

PRONOUNS: she/her

FC: Rachel Weisz

WRITER: Kay

ABOUT

The Egyptologist has made a name for themselves in the community as one of the most unstoppable forces: if they want a dig they get a dig. Their expertise specifically lies in the New Kingdom of Egypt, with a particular fascination with Ramses II. They are well educated in the culture of ancient egypt, but are not up to date with current customs. 

PERSONALITY: 

Clever, resourceful, determined

Headstrong, stubborn, prideful

CONNECTIONS

The Epidemiologist- The Egyptologist loves their assistant like family. They wish to protect and inform the young person and share all of their knowledge and experiences. But they don’t want to be too overbearing and scare off the protege. Between The Classicist and The Epidemiologist, the Egyptologist will have their hands full keeping their loved ones alive and well. 

The Classicist - There is no one on the planet that The Egyptologist loves more than their spouse. They felt completed the day that they climbed through the window of the The Classicist’s flat and ran into the love of their life. They are fiercely protective of their spouse and would risk it all to assure The Classicist’s safety. 

The Benefactor - The Egyptologist worries about The Benefactor revealing some details about their past. The Benefactor was best man at The Egyptologist’s first wedding (the one they keep secret) and while the two are on good terms and have a greed to stay quiet about it, they Egyptologist doesn’t like that the Benefactor holds both information and money over them.

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THE LOCAL

NAME: Ramses Samir

AGE: 28

GENDER: cis man

PRONOUNS: he/him

FC: Mena Massoud

WRITER: Courtney

ABOUT

The local knows Cairo like the back of their hand, they were born and raised in the city and we’re taught everything they know from their days on the streets. Now they are venturing further and further out into the desert, giving tours and telling tall tales. If there’s anyone who can guide the team through Egypt it’s this young, scrappy, and hungry individual.

PERSONALITY:

Witty, well-spoken, street-smart

Petty, unforgiving, self-serving

CONNECTIONS

The Transport - A few months ago while transporting some tourists The Local was rudely side swiped by an automobile that didn’t even stop to assess the damage. But the Local was able to catch a  glimpse of the person as they drove by. And when they met The Transport they knew that they’d run into the reckless driver again but The Transport seems to have no memory of this, offending The Local even more.

The Protector - The Local is terrified of The Protector, not only are they a confusing double of the person that The Local dislikes, they are even more dangerous. The Local doesn’t know why they need such a large and intimidating hunk of meat on their team if they are just venturing into the desert. Seems like a waste of water.

The Medic - When their mom was struck down with a fever they brought her to The Medic and watches as the Medic brought their mother back to health with a genuine care and love that the Local was not expecting. The Local feels they owe so much to The Medic but they don’t know how to say it.

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THE TRANSPORT

NAME: Sean Rhodes-Goldman 

AGE: 35 

GENDER: cis male 

PRONOUNS: he/his

FC: Chris Hemsworth

WRITER: Kit 

ABOUT

The transport knows how to get their clients from point A to point B. Whether it’s by car, plane, boat, or camel, the transport can assure the team that they’ll arrive at their destination in one piece. They are one half of a duo, and where they go their henchman like twin follows.

PERSONALITY:

talented, charming, strong

dull, impulsive, easily-manipulated

CONNECTIONS

The Protector - The Protector is the Transport’s best friend since birth. They were born as twins and never really left each other’s side. They are each one half of a unit and don’t really know how to exist outside of each other’s company. 

The Local - The Transport doesn’t remember the fender bender that occurred a few months earlier. They tend to have little scuffles or minor snags, but they never considered it a hit and run. And now they are terribly confused as to why this stranger seems to be upset with them.  

The Medic - The Transport has always hated doctors, and needles, and people who talk about medical procedures. It makes their skin crawl, and they haven’t given the medic the opportunity to prove their pre-supposed judgements wrong. They are trying to avoid the medic as much as possible, which isn’t easy since they are prone to injury.

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THE PROTECTOR

NAME: Shawn Rhodes-Goldman 

AGE: 35 

GENDER: cis male 

PRONOUNS: he/his

FC: Chris Hemsworth

WRITER: Roz

ABOUT

The protector is the best personal guard money can buy in the area. They are tall, broad, and strong as an ox. They don’t have a lot going for them in terms of brains, but they are good at executing orders and good at keeping people safe. Plus, they are part of a package deal and for a price that can’t be refused.

PERSONALITY:

friendly, lucky, resilient

stupid, reckless, dependent

CONNECTIONS

THE TRANSPORT- your brother has been by your side for as long as you can remember. they are your faithful companion and your other half, you two can hardly be found apart from one another. you don’t really know how to articulate your feelings about your brother - they are just that - your brother. 

THE MEDIC- you think that their tricks are pretty neat, and they keep telling you they aren’t tricks. but as far as you can figure this person can do magic. they make you stop bleeding and they can make your head stop hurting and you think that is fantastic. 

THE BENEFACTOR-  they are your idol. they are exactly what you have always wanted to be: super cool. the fact that they are rich too is a nice bonus. you dote on them and follow them around like a puppy, completely unaware that they might get annoyed.

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THE  EPIGRAPHIST

NAME: Ofrah Selassie 

AGE: 34 years old 

 GENDER: cis female 

PRONOUNS: she/her 

FC: Jurnee Smollett

WRITER: Ana

ABOUT

The Epigraphist is the resident hieroglyph expert. While some of the others on the team can read hieroglyphs, The Epigraphist is most familiar with the written language. They’ve practically read everything that’s ever been recovered. They have fully dedicated themselves to their work and will be extremely useless in decoding the inscriptions and carvings that the team comes across.

PERSONALITY:

dedicated, intelligent, diligent

petty, reclusive, jealous

CONNECTIONS

THE TRANSPORT & THE PROTECTOR - You are in constant awe that these two are still alive. You though that they would have been exterminated like dodos. They stand against your theory about survival of the smartest. Everything about them is threatening to you and you hate them, but can’t deny they have some redeeming qualities …physically. 

THE CLASSICIST , THE EGYPTOLOGIST & THE EPIDEMIOLOGIST -  You know you should see them as your allies and friends, but all you can see in your competition. The couple is renowned in their field and you resent the young apprentice for thinking they can come in and jump the spot in line that you deserve. You want what they have: name recognition. 

THE BENEFACTOR - You tend to stick to their side like glue. you are glad to have someone on the team who recognizes you and your contributions. Their flattery is appreciated and you can’t help but adore their swashbuckling charm. You can’t find any flaws in them, except that they aren’t as bright as you. But they have one very important thing that you don’t: money.

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THE BENEFACTOR

NAME: Anthony Perez 

AGE: 42 

GENDER: cis man 

PRONOUNS: he/him 

FC: Oscar Isaac

WRITER: Kael

ABOUT

The Benefactor is the money behind the expedition. Born to the fabulously wealthy family they have always spent their riches on whatever they think will earn them the most fame. They stumbled upon the practice of finding pharaoh’s tombs and decided to make it their life’s work to be the man behind the mission of every big excavation, and now they want to get hands on.

PERSONALITY:

Charming, influential, forgiving

Selfish, insecure, pretentious

CONNECTIONS

The Classicist -The Benefactor thinks that The Classicist is just the bee knees and is so glad to have procured their service for the expedition. They know it’s a little awkward to keep secrets from their lead researcher, but they like being the keeper of information. It gives them great joy to talk to The Classicist knowing that they have extra information.

The Egyptologist - The Benefactor was best man at The Egyptologist’s first, secret, and in the long run, unsuccessful wedding. They don’t think it’s anything for The Egyptologist to be ashamed of but was happy to cater to their wishes and stay quiet for now. And the Benefactor thinks The Egyptologist is better off with The Classicist anyways.

The Protector - The Benefactor knew when they hired The Protector that they weren’t exactly the brightest bulb in the box, and in a way that was a selling point. The Benefactor prefers having a team that’s easy to manage. But the Benefactor is intimidated by the good looks and inherent charm of the less-than-bright individual and it makes them lash out at the innocent and unknowing hiree at times.

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THE MEDIC 

NAME:   Meryem Alkan

AGE:   33 

GENDER:   cis female 

PRONOUNS:   she / her 

FC: Tuba Büyüküstün

WRITER:  OPEN

ABOUT

The medic is a self-trained professional healer, equipped with herbs and their instinct. They claimed to be certified and have a degree in medicine, but that was a lie to assure their place on the well paying mission. And although their credentials are fake, their skills are not and they are known in Cairo for bringing people back from the brink of death.

PERSONALITY:

Resolute, persevering, ambitious  

Stressed, inexperienced, dishonest

CONNECTIONS

The Protector - The Medic can’t deny that there is something appealing about the Protector, maybe it’s their physical appearance or maybe it’s the idea of having someone in their life that could take care of them and guard them from harm. They certainly can’t stop themselves from staring.

The Epidemiologist - The Medic finds the Epidemiologist to be the person on the team that they relate to and get along with best. They both share a quiet nervousness and doubt that allows them to catch each other’s eye and offer a reassuring smile. The Medic thinks they may have even found a friend.

The Local - The Medic was merely doing their job and helping out where they could. It was common for them to have emergency patients rushed in. The Medic only just remembered why they recognized The Local: The Medic saved their mom’s life. They don’t know how to breach the subject but they are inclined to ask if The Local’s mother is still doing well.

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THE CARTOGRAPHER

NAME: Harold Berl 

AGE: 29 

GENDER: cis man 

PRONOUNS: he/him 

FC: Ronen Rubinstein

WRITER: Rion

ABOUT

Your family has always been involved with the world of adventure and academia, and you never knew how to tell them that you aren’t that interested. Everyone just assumed that because treasure hunting was so exciting you’d want to be one of them. But you prefer to write fiction, and throw history to the wayside. But you suppressed that desire and instead honed your mapmaking skills. And you truly are a prodigy, mixing art with measurement and accuracy. You’ll be charting the team’s position as you go. 

PERSONALITY

brilliant, friendly, talented

distant, dreamy, timid

CONNECTIONS

THE CLASSICIST & THE EYGPTOLOGIST - You love and adore your aunt and uncle, through and through. But they’re the main reason your parents insisted you join the family business and you can’t help but be slightly resentful about their contribution in shoehorning you into danger. They’re the ones dragging you along on this trip and treating it like it’s some major privilege and blessing they are bestowing upon you. 

THE EPIDEMIOLOGIST - You’ve always found them to be beautiful. Not just physically but everything about them enchants you. They never paid any attention to you, in fact, they seem to buried in books to notice you at all. But that just adds to the allure. You want to work up the confidence to go and talk to them but so far your stuck in a daydream. 

THE MEDIC - You are absolutely certain that the two of you are going to be fast friends. You have to be, right? Since they’re going to be the one repeatedly saving your life, you’re sure of it. You want them to teach you everything they know. Not because you’re particularly interested in medicine, but because you would also like to be a hero that knows how to bring people back from the brink of death.