Jungle Expedition

The expedition's lead archaeologist and a renowned expert on South American civilizations. Graves has dedicated his life to finding the Temple of Emerald Tears, publishing numerous papers on its possible existence. While respected in academic circles, his methods have sometimes been called into question, and rumors persist about artifacts disappearing from his previous expeditions. Beneath his scholarly exterior lies a fierce determination that borders on obsession. He's been known to say that he would 'do anything' to make this discovery, and his increasingly erratic behavior as the expedition progressed has not gone unnoticed.

A British aristocrat and the expedition's primary financial backer. Lady Vine comes from old money but has always rebelled against the constraints of high society. An avid collector of rare artifacts, she has funded several expeditions worldwide, always insisting on joining them personally. While she presents herself as a passionate amateur archaeologist, her true motives may be more complex. She has a particular interest in the emeralds rumored to adorn the temple and has been observed taking detailed notes about the expedition's findings in a journal she keeps locked. Her charm masks a calculating mind, and she has formed strategic alliances with several expedition members.

The expedition's rugged guide and big game hunter with an impressive record of leading successful expeditions through the world's most dangerous territories. Hunter fought in the Great War and afterward found he couldn't readjust to civilization. With his unparalleled tracking skills and knowledge of jungle survival, the expedition depends on him for their safety. However, Hunter has a mercenary streak and has been known to sell his services to the highest bidder. He carries a distinctive hunting knife with emerald inlays that he claims was a gift from a tribal chief, though others have questioned its origin. Recently, he's been observed making solo excursions from camp without explanation.

The expedition's botanist with expertise in medicinal plants and jungle flora. Dr. Budd has published extensively on indigenous plant use in healing rituals, which she believes may be key to understanding the Temple's significance. Methodical and detail-oriented, she keeps meticulous records of all plant specimens collected. While she presents a calm, scientific demeanor, she harbors deep resentment toward Professor Graves, who once dismissed her research as 'peripheral' to archaeological understanding. She has been collecting and experimenting with various plant extracts throughout the journey, including several with toxic properties, keeping detailed notes in a journal written in a code only she understands.

A local guide born in a village near the edge of the Amazon. Rivera claims his grandfather once ventured near the Temple of Emerald Tears and returned with stories of its power. With unmatched knowledge of the local terrain, languages, and customs, he has made himself indispensable to the expedition. Though outwardly helpful and accommodating, Rivera keeps much to himself. He has been observed performing private rituals at dawn and dusk, and some expedition members have reported seeing him in whispered conversations with local porters. He wears an unusual emerald amulet he claims is a family heirloom, though its craftsmanship appears ancient and sophisticated.

An ambitious photojournalist who convinced the Thornfield Society to let her document the expedition. Known for her award-winning coverage of remote expeditions, Nichols has a reputation for going to extreme lengths to get the perfect shot—and the perfect story. While she claims to be interested solely in documenting the archaeological significance of the journey, she has been observed taking photographs of expedition members in unguarded moments and writing in a journal she keeps hidden. Her questions often probe into personal matters seemingly unrelated to the expedition, and she has formed a peculiar alliance with local guide Marcos Rivera, with whom she's been seen in frequent private conversations.

A wealthy industrialist who joined the expedition as both investor and participant. Silver made his fortune in mining operations across South America and has extensive connections in the region. He presents himself as an amateur archaeology enthusiast, but his knowledge is surprisingly detailed, particularly regarding the emeralds said to adorn the temple. Charming and generous with his vast resources, he has won the loyalty of many expedition members. However, documents in his possession suggest he may have acquired mineral rights to the region surrounding the temple's suspected location. Recently, he's been observed taking soil samples and consulting geological maps when he thought no one was watching.

The youngest member of the expedition at 25, Jade is Sterling Silver's niece and an archaeology graduate student. Her parents disappeared on an expedition to find the Temple when she was a child, leaving her in her uncle's care. Determined to discover what happened to them, she has dedicated her studies to the same archaeological specialties her parents pursued. Quiet and observant, she keeps detailed journals of the expedition's findings and has been mapping their journey meticulously. Though she presents herself as academically motivated, she has been observed searching through other expedition members' belongings when left alone. She wears a distinctive jade pendant that she claims was sent to her by her mother just before her parents' disappearance.

A geologist specializing in precious stones who joined the expedition to study the unique mineral formations of the region. Rhodes has published extensively on emerald formations in South America and has a particular interest in the stones said to adorn the Temple. Professional and methodical, he keeps to himself and is often found examining soil and rock samples away from the main camp. While he claims pure scientific interest, he has been observed in heated whispered arguments with Sterling Silver over what appeared to be maps and documents. Rhodes carries a leather case containing specialized tools that he keeps locked at all times, and has been making mysterious markings on his personal map that don't correspond to any known geological features.

The expedition's chronicler and linguistic expert, hired to document the journey and translate any inscriptions found at the Temple. Turner has studied ancient South American languages for decades and published several well-regarded translations of indigenous texts. Methodical and detail-oriented, she is rarely seen without her notebooks and reference materials. While she presents as a dedicated academic, several expedition members have noticed her taking particular interest in Professor Graves' research notes, often finding reasons to be near his work area. She carries an antique silver locket containing what appears to be a fragment of an ancient map, which she claims was given to her by a mentor but refuses to show to others. Recently, pages have gone missing from various expedition members' journals, though Turner has suggested this might be due to the humidity affecting the bindings.

An expert in ancient construction techniques and stone masonry who was brought onto the expedition to help identify and potentially access the Temple structure. Stone has worked on archaeological sites worldwide and has an uncanny ability to understand how ancient peoples constructed their monuments. Practical and hands-on, he often seems more comfortable with rocks than people. He carries a collection of specialized tools for stone analysis and has been taking extensive notes and measurements of every significant rock formation they encounter. Recently, he has been engaged in private conversations with both Professor Graves and Sterling Silver, appearing agitated afterward. His personal journal contains detailed sketches of what appears to be a temple entrance mechanism, though he hasn't shared these with the wider team.