Walton Whyte and the Golden God of Bhurpistan

It's been a very long time since we tried a Pulp Adventure here in GHQ. Why? I've no real idea, probably just too much else to play! Having set up the table over last weekend for a 'Tales from Rhanzlistan' game with Phil, it occurred to me I could modify it easily for an Astounding Tales adventure game. Jon was game to humour me and give it a try, so without more ado I present the adventure of "Walton Whyte and the Golden God of Bhurpistan"! An Astounding Tales adventure in several gripping episodes: from the steamy jungles of the Congo, via the African Savannah plains, to the fabled Lost Valley;over the dizzing Great Gorge of Ghenda, and beyond into the forbidden realm of Bhurpistan, as our hero Walton Whyte, explorer, big game hunter, entrepreneur, ranconteur, gentleman, and, above all, an Englishman, searches for the fabled Golden God of Bhurpistan...
Whyte's party consists of his 'man', Thomas; his faithful native retainer, Bhutlah; his gunman, Mandingo; his gun bearer, 'The Boy'; and six bearers accompanying four mules. Points are awarded for each trophy or treasure secured, and deducted for each man or animal lost. Each episode is self contained and involves an increasingly risky set of encounters on the way to the climax in the Lost City ruled over by the mercilous Sheik of Aghoni and his close advisor,the Mad Guru. The first encounter involves a search for a clue to the direction the expedition must take next on its journey. The thick jungles of the Congo house a mysterious ruined temple, closely garded by the pygmey chief and his diminuative warriors, but other deadly traps await our explorers...

As the expedition approaches the precincts of the ruined temple they are rushed by two bands of pygmy warriors armed with poison tipped arrows and spears. Whyte and Thomas boldly take on one group while his native bearers must hold off the other party...

Although the pygmies manage to wound Mandingo, the remainder of the natives in Whyte's party make short work of the warriors, as do Whyte and Thomas with their pygmy adversaries. The way to the temple precinct looks open...

In the world of Pulp Adventures things are seldom straightforward, as we all know. The temple ruins are home to the giant spider Taran Tulha, Guardian of the Gateway to the Golden God. The spider is both cunning and speedy, Whyte suffers a bite from its massive jaws! The enterprising gentleman's gentleman, Thomas, sees an opportunity and cuts down a nearby tree with one mighty blow, crushing the spider beneath its weight! Buoyed by success, Whyte learns for an old hermit living in the temple that he must next journey across the plains of the African Savannah to seek from Chief Phul Tummhi of the nomadic Paddokhi the way into the Lost Valley.

Making short work of the chief's Maiden Guard and the tribal executioner, Ghut Splitah, Whyte's party, still without a casualty and carrying several hunting trophies, enter the Lost Valley; the valley that time forgot; the kingdom of Lew'hi the giant ape. Soon Whyte and his brave associates are drawn into a life of death struggle with the ape, with tribes of primitive hominids, and with fierce prehistoric creatures...

All controlled by the Queen of the Valley, Tizowta, and her seer Oolowk. Things are looking very grave for Whyte's brave adventurers and their loyal natives, especially for the faithful Thomas who, becoming separated from the main party finds himself in a really tight spot...

We will draw a veil over Thomas' escape, for now, and merely record his return to the party in time to see Whyte clain the valley for the Queen Empress...

As dinosaurs long thought extinct in the modern world soar around them, the party crosses the Gorge of the Ghenda over an ancient rope bridge and enters the fabled Lost Kingdom of Bhurpistan...

Thomas redeems himself with a deadly burst of fire as Kha the Slippery threatens the party on the bridge, then helps Whyte make short work of some local Bhurpa tribesmen...

Sensing his moment of ultimate triumph, Whyte pauses to claim the Lost Kingdom for the crown, although his faithful hound seems really quite unimpressed by it all...

Swords, spears and suicidal bravery prove no match for Whyte in his moment of victory. The Guardians of the Golden God are cut down by withering fire leaving the way to the fabled statue open...

Of course, returning safely to the motherland might prove another matter, but that will have to wait for another day. For now we can draw the curtain on our adventure and leave Whyte to savour his triumph...

Well, that's it for 2015 as far as games in GHQ are concerned. I have a WWI game scheduled over at Phil's on Monday, but then a welcomed break over the Christmas and New Year season with family and friends. We reconvene in the first week of January 2016 {DV} with two games here in GHQ. Ihope some of you will come along to see how we go and perhaps to view my by now traditional end of year ramble... In the meantime

A Happy Christmas and a Joyous New Year to you ALL