Branwell Whately--head of the expedition

Whately is an independently wealthy Englishman, with a passion for Egyptian antiquities and the fortune to support this expensive hobby.  He has been funding expeditions since the early 30's.  During the course of his research, Whately has become fascinated with a little known Egyptian princess and has chosen to spend the season excavating this location in the belief that it is the site of her long-hidden tomb.

Ariel Whately--his daughter

Normally vivacious and charming, Ariel was taken ill shortly after arriving in Egypt this season.  However, she has continued to be a great help to her father, compiling the daily records of the expedition and keeping up with his wide-ranging correspondence.  Despite her privileged upbringing, she enjoys the rugged life that accompanies archaeology and Egyptology.

H. Edward Dunsworth--head archaeologist

Dunsworth may be known for his unorthodox methods and somewhat gruff style, but he is also respected for his tenacity and thoroughness.  He has recovered many important artifacts from sites abandoned by others as barren.  While he and Whately occasionally have "philosophical differences," they work together well, and Dunsworth has served as Whately's chief archaeologist for the past four seasons.

Reginald Masterson--assistant archaeologist

On loan to Whately and Dunsworth for the season, this promising young man served the Egyptian Bureau of Antiquities a few years ago as Inspector over Antiquities in Upper Egypt.  Unfortunately, he lost his position as the result of an altercation in the Valley of Kings with some tourists.  However, his handling of the situation actually increased his reputation with those archaeologists working in the field, and he has not lacked for a position since.  When Whately approached him about joining this expedition, Masterson was eager for the opportunity to work with Dunsworth, and mutually satisfactory arrangements were made with the Kensington expedition, to which he will return after this season.

Melissa Smithers--assistant archaeologist

A capable young woman, Smithers (as she prefers to be called) has been part of Whately's team of archaeologists for the past three seasons.  A long-time friend of Ariel Whately, and having acquired a ferocious knowledge of ancient Egypt, it was only logical for her to approach Whately about joining his next expedition after completing her terms at Oxford.  She has shouldered her share of the work and proven her abilities many times over, earning the respect of her colleagues and the Arab workmen.

Mohammed al Rahib--reis (foreman) of the expedition

Dunworth's trusted right hand, they have been working the valley together for over ten years.  Often, their teamwork is so closely in tune that it is almost uncanny: Mohammed appearing with a brush or a basket just as Dunsworth needs it.  In his late fifties, Mohammed has been working with archaeologists since he was big enough to carry baskets of debris.  He has a reputation for keeping his men (most of whom are related to him in one way or another) under quiet but firm control.  However, with several men claiming to have seen an ancient corpse stalking through the camp at night, Mohammed has been unable to allay their superstitions and many have already abandoned the dig.  

Husam  Abehu--assistant to the reis

Husam also joined the expedition from the Kensington expedition, along with Reggie Masterson.   He has proven to be an expert worker, with a knowledge of technique and an eye for spotting where to excavate that rivals Mohammed's.  Usually somewhat solitary, over the past several days, as workmen have whispered to each other about the "efreets walking the camp," Husam has been outspoken about their foolishness.   

Gunter Bruger--medical expert

For health reasons, Dr. Bruger moved to Egypt several years ago.  Although he has a practice in Cairo, his connections with various German expeditions in the area enabled him to develop his expertise in the medical specialties required in archaeological field work.  He has worked frequently with both Whately's and Cyrus McClintock's expeditions.  Whately consulted him regarding Ariel's ill health, and between them they decided that he would join the expedition full-time until she recovered.  Dr. Bruger is a soft-spoken man with a love of classical music.

Andrea Fontaine--expedition photographer

Having been given a camera as a commencement present, Andrea discovered that she had a natural talent for composition, as well as the patience for endless darkroom work.  She knew both Ariel Whately and Melissa Smithers from Oxford, so her name was suggested by them to Whately when he mentioned that the expedition was in need of a photographer.  Andrea's work thus far has been well done when required, but now that there are discoveries to record, her abilities will undoubtedly be pushed to the limit.

Madame Bulganislav--Andrea's mother

When Andrea accepted the position of expedition photographer, her widowed mother naturally accompanied her daughter on her first trip so far from home.  Once here, however, Madame could not bear to be parted from her (primarily because of Madame's frequent fainting spells) and so she has remained with the team.  Intensely fascinated by the Pharaonic history and culture, Madame holds that she is the reincarnation of ancient Egyptian royalty, the exact name changing as the cocktail hour progresses.

Margery Somerset--reporter for the London Times

"Margo" is a typical specimen of her profession--brash, clever, and impatient.  But many of her colleagues thought that she was throwing her career away to join Whately's expedition as an "ongoing correspondent."  Her gamble has paid off, though, for with the discovery of the tomb, not only will her paper get the scoop, but other journalists will have to get their information through her.  To the disgust of the rest of the team, she's been playing up the "mummy's curse" angle ever since the first sighting a few days ago.

Abdul el Sulaam -- Inspector over Antiquities in Upper Egypt

Whether at the Cairo Museum or among the ruins at Amarna, el Sulaam is always dapper, from the top of his red fez to the tips of his highly polished shoes.  As befits one highly placed in the Egyptian Bureau of Antiquities, el Sulaam realizes that he has been entrusted with the protection of his country's rich heritage.  He takes this commission very seriously, and regularly travels throughout the archaeological sites in Upper Egypt to ensure that the artifacts and discoveries are handled according to the proper procedures.   Several days ago, he received Whately's message about the discovery of a tomb entryway and rushed here immediately.

Cyrus McClintock--friend of Whately and fellow enthusiast

Having made his fortune in the Texas oil fields, McClintock took up a different sort of digging as a hobby, and has sponsored several archaeological expeditions of his own.  But the big find has always eluded him.  Wintering in Egypt for the past decade, he and Whately have become good friends, having many interests in common.  Cyrus happened to be lunching in Cairo with the Antiquities Inspector when Whately's message arrived.  He accompanied el Sulaam here to congratulate Whately on his triumph, and to help stave off tourists.

Alicia McClintock--Cyrus's beautiful wife

Frequently underestimated due to her Southern belle manners, Alicia McClintock is no fragile flower.  During her years accompanying Cyrus on his expeditions in Egypt, she has lived in a tent, traveled for days on horseback, and nonchalantly shot a crocodile between the eyes, all with ladylike demeanor.  However, her greatest asset to her husband's expeditions has been her skill as a linguist.  Always talented at languages, she has learned several forms of ancient writing, including the various forms of hieroglyphics, and has a gained a reputation in her own right.