| A Matter of Faxe |
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| It is June 1895. Arthur "Art" E. Faxe, the eccentric Englishman, has invited eight guests to participate in an archaeological dig at a site in Mesopotamia. Almost immediately, rumors circulate of an important find, but excitement gives way to dismay when murder is committed. Beneath the surface, in the fascinating mélange of Guest List: Terra Sunder: Terra is Arthur E. Faxe’s daughter. Beautiful and enthusiastic, she enjoys to the fullest the social status her father’s wealth and fame make available. Life is a constant round of parties, balls and social events and Terra has taken an active interest in the theatre, the arts and music. She has also enjoyed surprising success in designing fashionable lingerie for her friends which she has blushingly marketed under the name “Terra Sunder Wear”. Married a few years ago, Terra now lives separately from her husband, Castor Sunder. She is close to her father and insisted on joining him at the expedition site, much to his pleasure. Costume suggestion: Dressy attire appropriate to social butterflies, perhaps showing off a bit of her lingerie. Major General E.B. Sawtedd: A soldier of considerable experience and skill, the Major General is a veteran of numerous military actions. During a previous command he led his troops ion a forced march across miles of desolate wilderness to bring relief to a besieged British regiment surrounded by revolting native hordes. He has just returned from a lengthy tour of duty in the Punjab where he distinguished himself in the management of an unruly local population through frequent application of his favourite disciplinary device, the bull whip. The tale of his accomplishments has been set to verse in the emotionally charges epic poem, “The Empire Stripes Back”, by Lloyd, Alfred Tenny’s son. The Major General is always impeccably attired, sports a monocle and moustache, and carries a riding crop. Everyone call him “Sir”! Costume Suggestion: Military uniform with sidearm and whip; monocle. Lester A Fayre: An American railroad tycoon, “Les” is rumoured to be one of the wealthiest men in the world. He currently heads a corporate venture of American and European businessmen who propose to lay a rail line from the Mediterranean to the Tigris-Euphrates River Valley. The railway will provide a direct shipping route for goods that must now flow down river into the Persian Gulf before beginning the long journey to the European markets. Ruthless and calculating, Les is nevertheless known as a connoisseur of fine food and wine and has a particular affection for vintage cognac. Les and Faxe have participated in several prior business deals and a close, if competitive, relationship exists between them. Costume suggestion: American style clothing, perhaps with a western air, six-shooter. Lady Melissa N Lynke: Young, vital, enthusiastic and adventuresome, “Missy” is the heiress to the Lynke family fortune. Her father is, of course, Lord Chayne Lynke, Duke of Gayte, a man of great wealth and renown. She has returned recently from a world tour, travelling by diverse methods in wild and remote regions of the globe. Missy scarcely had time to repack her trunk when she and her friend Ashley decided to leave for a tour in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley. There they joined up with the Faxe Expedition where they became entranced with the archaeological project and have joined eagerly in the work. Costume suggestion: Colourful and unusual garments picked up on her travels. Anne T. Ickwitee: Of ancient English country stock, the Ickwittees of Barfrumpshire, Anne is a very unconventional young lady. Her family and friends were startled when she entered – and won! – the Barfrumpshire Bathing Beauty Contest (posing in a bathing costume that revealed two inches of ankle) but she shocked them even more by distinguishing herself as an Oxford scholar and graduating from the Womens college with honours. Her interest in archaeology came naturally. Her late father, Ian Ickwitee, was one of the early English “bone” men and discoverer of the famed Lopswich femur. Anne herself assisted Professor Herman Anasse. Anne is participating in the Faxe Expedition by special invitation of Art E. Faxe. Hamilton MacTorr: Of Scots parents but orphaned as a baby, “Ham” was raised in England by a maiden aunt who read to him nightly from the works of Shakespeare, Bacon and the like. The experience ruined him for honest work and, at a surprisingly early age, Ham made his way into the theatre where he developed the expressive, versatile and realistic style that became his trademark. His work has been called “the quintessential example of modern British stagemanship”. Arthur E. Faxe has taken an interest in his career to the point of financing some of Ham’s productions and Ham has taken a leave of absence from his profession to join Faxe at the expedition site. Costume suggestion: Dramatic, flashy attire – black cape, tails, top hat & cane. Ashley R. Sonnyste: A charming and vivacious young English countrywoman, Ashley has had to assume responsibility early in life. Due to her father’s illness she has managed the extensive Sonnyste Estates – rich agricultural land and building situated in Southern England – for the past few years. Disastrously the estate were destroyed by fire and shortly thereafter, Ashley’s father, Colonel Sonnyste died. Forced to fend for herself, she came to London where, by virtue of unwavering determination, the greatest good fortune 0 and the insurance proceeds! – she made a place for herself in civilised society. Lady Melissa Lynke has become a close friend and the two girls have impetuously set out on a world tour. Costume suggestion: Elegant country attire or travelling clothes. Conrad Iver: Intellectual, well-educated, aristocratic yet hard-working and clever, “Con” is Art E. Faxe’s right-hand man at the archaeological site. He has participated in many other expeditions and is the author of several learned works on the subject of fossils – including the practical guidebook, “Archaeologically Speaking, It’s The Pits”. Educated at Oxford, Con distinguished himself there as an outstanding scholar and an athlete who, after college, played cricket and football internationally for England. Since graduating he has dabbled in business in London financial circles – where he has quite a following – and has also travelled extensively. Con is a member of London’s most prestigious card club, The Gribbley, where he is to be found most evenings when he is in town. Costume suggestion: Khaki archaeological dig outfit, pith helmet, pick & shovel. Ayam Waiting: Has served as Art E. Faxe’s manservant since the establishment of the site and will be on hand this evening to wait on the guests and see that their glasses remain full during the evening. He has a reasonable command of English but speaks with a heavy Turkish accent. Costume suggestion: White trousers and shirt , coloured sash, black or red vest and fez. MataHari: Mata is another of the servants that has served Art. E well since the establishment of the dig. Mata waits table for Art E. and serves his guests when he entertains. She is definitely a mover and shaker and often entertains after dinner with her belly dancing techniques. Costume suggestions. Colourful flimsy pants and midriff top with veil and jewellery. |
