As the investigators arrive at the restaurant, they are shown to a table where three men are already seated: Larkin, Luis de Mendoza, and Jesse Hughes (a.k.a Jackson Elias). The atmosphere is tense, and a successful Psychology roll detects some animosity or suspicion between de Mendoza and Hughes.
Larkin claims he knows of the pyramid from a farmer whose grandfather recovered some interesting items that Larkin bought. A successful Psychology roll detects that Larkin’s tale concerning the farmer is not the complete story, but he confirms that he believes that there is a pyramid and that the items came from it.
A successful Archaeology roll indicates that the two pieces are from distinctly different time periods and cultures, the first resembling some artifacts taken from Tiwanaku, probably dating back to the 5th century, and the second being of Incan design, probably from the 15th century.
How did you find out about the pyramid? While traveling in the highlands, Larkin heard about the “lost” pyramid from an alpaca farmer. The farmer, Ernesto Mollo, said his grandfather had found the site and taken some items (the pendant and the golden cup) but went on to say that the site was cursed and a fearful place. Larkin puts this down to local superstition rather than having any basis in fact. It was pure chance that he met the farmer and says it’s now “all our good luck” to be the first professional expedition to visit the pyramid and bring its story and treasures to the outside world.
Where is the pyramid? Up in the highlands near to Lake Titicaca, a few days' journey from Puno. Larkin states he has located the pyramid’s probable location from the directions of the farmer.
Can we see your research? Larkin apologizes, saying that he destroyed his paperwork in fear of another enterprising archaeologist stealing it and gaining a march on his expedition. Given that word about the pyramid has gone far and wide in the press, anyone could mount a competing expedition. “You can never be too safe,” he smiles, adding, “It’s all in my head. I have a very good memory, do not fear!” If the investigators press the point, Larkin concedes that supplementary research may be helpful, if the investigators have time to assist. He suggests they visit the Museo de Arqueologia y Antropologia (Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology) of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (National University of San Marcos), where there may be old records tucked away and forgotten about. The main thing is that any additional research must not delay the departure of the expedition.
How do we get to the site? Larkin has hired three trucks and drivers to take the party and some supplies up to the city of Puno, on the shores of. Once there, he plans to buy some pack animals and stock up with fresh food. He hopes that the journey to the pyramid will take no more than four days across country.
What supplies do we need? Larkin will provide any supplies necessary, but if the investigators need to buy anything special, he is happy to reimburse them, provided they can produce receipts.
What do we do when we get to the pyramid? Once there, the plan is to examine the site and recover any items of special archaeological interest.
When do we set out? Larkin aims to leave Lima for Puno early in the morning of Monday March 21. He instructs the investigators to meet him at 8 a.m. on Monday at the Hotel España. Event: Larkin Expedition departs Lima
After dinner, Larkin makes his excuses, saying that he is feeling under the weather and needs an early night. Investigators passing a Spot Hidden or Medicine roll note that Larkin has grown noticeably paler and sweatier as the evening has gone on, and that his hands are trembling. A successful Medicine roll also indicates that Larkin’s symptoms resemble opiate withdrawal.