In the Heart of Peru

Overview

Date: March 1921

Location: Lima, Peru.

Objective: Augustus Larkin is organising an expedition to find a mysterious pyramid in the southern highlands, linked to golden artefacts and local folklore.

Key Events and Encounters

Initial Gatherings

Newspaper Article: Explorer Augustus Larkin made headlines on January 12 for seeking a pyramid in Peru’s highlands after discovering golden artefacts near Lake Titicaca.

Telegram: Invitation to meet at Hotel Maury on March 18 at 7 PM, with the rendezvous point at Bar Cordano (Jirón Ancash 202, Lima).

At Bar Cordano

Mr. Augustus Larkin:

• Mid-30s, wears a white suit, and speaks English with an odd accent.
• Visibly unwell (possible withdrawal symptoms): sweating, dark veins visible, excuses his symptoms as "malaria."
• Motivation: Claims it’s about prestige, not money.
• Behaviour raises suspicions - lacks expertise in folklore and avoids hiring local archaeologists.

Larkin’s Associates:

• Mr. Hughes: African-American man, fluent in Spanish, with folklore expertise. Secretly Jackson Elias, an investigative journalist researching cults. Known for his book The Sons of Death.
• Mr. De Mendoza: Sour-faced Spaniard who refers to Larkin as "The Master." Hostile and cold, he has an unsettling demeanour and a mysterious presence at Lake Titicaca.

Artefacts

Larking reveals some previously discovered artefacts;

• Pendant: Male figure holding rods crossed above his head, adorned with gems. Likely worth a significant sum.
• Golden Cup: Engraved with unique patterns and studded with gems.

Both artefacts were found near Lake Titicaca, but locals are reluctant to assist in excavations due to legends of demons and cursed temples.

Legends and Folklore

Local stories include:

• Hidden temples and ancient curses.
• “Kharisiri” and “Apishtaku”: White men linked to disappearances since the 16th century.
• Warnings against disturbing ancient tombs.

Investigations

Library Research: Possible links to the Tiwanaku people (Bolivia) and religious depictions from that era. The pendant’s design may not be gold but bronze.

Professor Mimesio Sanchez: Of the Anthropology Museum in Lima, provided additional context but expressed frustration at being excluded from the expedition. Had an assistant, Trinidad, who was likely killed by a member of the Kharisiri (potentially linking to involvement from Mr. De Mendoza)

Observations of Pale Figures: Humanoid, dressed in suits, and seemingly out of place in markets and around town. Often seen with Mr. De Mendoza, raising suspicion of their roles.

Museum Encounter

Professor Sanchez: Aided Jackson Elias with texts on local folklore and cult activity.

Discovery of a Monster: In the museum’s storeroom, a creature resembling a leech attacked. It had a distorted human face, elongated teeth, and secreted a white substance. It implanted a maggot-like parasite into Professor Sanchez, it may be a “Kharisiri.”

After a struggle, the group recovered:

• A gold bar-shaped object.
• A book in Spanish about mythology and anthropology.

Fire and Assassination

A fire broke out at the museum, and a pale figure was spotted in the crowd, carrying a metallic weapon. The figure fatally stabbed Professor Sanchez, wearing old-fashioned clothing and a crucifix around their neck.