Zahra Shafik
High priestess of the London Brotherhood, Zahra Shafik
is a power-hungry rival to Edward Gavigan and a cunning
adversary for the investigators. From Empire Spices, her
spice shop in Soho, Shafik controls most of the day-to-day
operations of the London Brotherhood, essentially acting as
Gavigan’s mouthpiece and enacting his will.
Born and raised in Egypt, her talent for manipulation
and keen intellect brought her to the attention of Omar alShakti, who nurtured her and brought her into the worship
of the Black Pharaoh. In time, Shafik was sent to London
to be Edward Gavigan’s high priestess, while also acting
as al-Shakti’s eyes and ears. Occasionally, Shafik assists
the Penhew Foundation, providing briefings on Cairo and
Egyptian social customs for expeditions sponsored by the
Foundation. She has made London her home and continues
to monitor Gavigan and report back to al-Shakti, while
directing the day-to-day activities of the cult’s rank and
file from her store in Soho.
Not content with being subordinate to Gavigan, a man
she despises, Shafik aims to take control of the London
chapter, eliminating Gavigan in the process. For some
months, she has been recruiting followers loyal to her and
not Gavigan. While content to bide her time until the
moment is right to strike, she may see an opportunity with
the arrival of the investigators and attempt to use them
through guile and misdirection to achieve her goal. Shafik
is not beyond employing magic to change her appearance
to mislead, or to dominate the will of an investigator to
implant a command to kill Gavigan (The Schemes of Zahra
Shafik, page 259). While al-Shakti has not authorized
her to eliminate Gavigan, she is sure her true master will
approve of her initiative.
Shafik’s role in the campaign is a wild card, able to be
adjusted by the Keeper as necessary.
Description
Slender, with long dark hair and enchanting green eyes; a great beauty (some liken her to Cleopatra). Usually elegantly dressed in black. Note that she is often disguised; her true identity may not be revealed to the investigators until it’s too late.Traits
Quick to anger, intolerant of failure, and highly manipulative.
Current Status
Deceased
Current Location
Children
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
Comments