Interlude: The Political Content of the Red Sands Campaign

The player characters are already aware of the shadowy Brotherhood of Luxor that stands opposed in some way to the Explorer's Society, or stands opposed to their aims, or ... well, the rumours in the Reading Room of Mayberry House¹ fly thick and fast. The Brotherhood of Luxor, often referred to as just "The Brotherhood" is an unknown quantity that is believed by many to be working on some nefarious scheme that could very well threaten the British Empire. Reliable information about The Brotherhood is regarded as a high priority by the Explorer's Society board of directors³. The players may reliably assume that The Brotherhood will be a recurring motif in the campaign .

In Kalamir we see someone working against the best interests of the players. Why? He represents the Royal Family of the independent city of Thoth. To the West of Thoth lies the network of cities now under British Protection. To the Southwest lies the city state of Shastapsh, now in open revolt against that same British influence. Kalamir is a diplomat, which means he is neck deep in the local political situation. Does he have a personal agenda, and if so is that agenda at odds with his allegiance to Thoth's ruling elite? We may find out as events play out, we may not. Perhaps it is merely a simple case of jingoistic xenophobia, a personal intense dislike for the Earthmen in the party. Perhaps he took insult from one of them in some way as yet unperceived by the player characters.

And are things only that simple? Are we, on Mars, in a simple situation of personal loyalties and Grand Villainies, or is it a place where plots boil just under the surface, waiting for some unwitting action to precipitate reactions completely unexpected by the players? Are there subterfuges and conspiracies anywhere one cares to look?

These are questions that may or may not be answered by Matt and Chris, assuming they can navigate their characters through events and draw meaningful conclusions from what they see, hear and read about in the newspapers⁴.

1. The London Headquarters of The Explorer's Society. The Dining Room at Mayberry House is open to all members of the Royal Geographical Society², The Reading Room is not, being reserved exclusively for those members holding membership in the Explorer's Society↑
2. Itself headquartered at 1, Savile Row↑
3. Rumoured to include members of the peerage and possibly a member of the Royal Family↑
4. Once they can get their hands on one↑