If we run into trouble, being Christian will not be the cause and talking to them will not be the solution. A bad situation like that is est handled with the point of my sword and the fire of my fingers. There is a sizable native Christian minority there, and it is they who preserve the Coptic language and resist Arabic becoming the tongue of that nation. (for now). There are also European merchants coming and going all the time. There was a crusade that rolled through about ten or twelve years ago, but that ended in a truce. If I had my way, I'd just have Johan fly the ship over the clouds until we get to Giza, but Solomon is a big stinker about that. I don't want anyone telling him that I just make my own rules.
[tab][/tab]Giza is close to Cairo, which is a straight shot south on the Nile. Alexandria is along the Mediterranean coast, and Heracleion is undersea close by that. After we finish our mission, we can visit Alexandria and the ruins of the library.
"I hope I'm still there for that part of the mission," Lucas replies. "I'm only supposed to be going for a brief trip to speak about book trades and purchases, and then back by portal. I don't expect to be there for the whole mission."
[hr][/hr]
My understanding was that Lucas was only going to be involved for <10 days, such that it would not interfere with his lab activities for the season.
[tab][/tab]Heh-heh. You are in for the long haul my friend. There is no portal. Otherwise we would take that instead of a ship. We are your ride there, we are your ride back. There are no shortcuts.
[tab][/tab]Still, it will not take long, and we should be able to squeeze in a Lab project before the end of winter. Johan can sail much faster than other sailors, and sailing directly into the wind or over sand does not slow him down. We should be able to get there and back in a week, maybe two.
"Well," Lucas replies with a smile, "then at least I shall get my wish to see Alexandria and the ruins of the Great Library." And as he takes a sip from his cup, he thinks, Now I see why so many magi learn Leap of Homecoming. I think I saw a lab text of that spell in the library. First priority when I get back is to learn it.
[hr][/hr]
Ah, I misunderstood.
((Roberto has a similar situation. I thought he had Leap of Homcoming, but it is Seven League Stride.))
[tab][/tab]Roberto finishes eating with a healthy belch. If we want to squeeze in some sightseeing and have time to spare for the lab this season, then we might want to consider ways to make our trip go faster. When originally discussig this with Johan awhile back, he boasted he could make it from here to Cairo in two days "as the crow flies". I am not suggesting anything specific mind you. Just saying we could consider options. Talk to the Captain yourself. See what he thinks about sailing conditions this time of year and what he thinks is the best rout.
((as for Johan's boast, I calculated it like this. Ibiza Airport is 2890 kilometers (1790 miles) from Great Pyramid of Giza. Converted to Nautical Miles, that equals 1555 and a half. Johan can maneuver at a top speed of 45 knots. 1555.5 divided by 45 equals 34.56 hours.))
"Thank you," Lucas replies to Roberto's suggestion. "I think I'll do just that." Then he makes his way over to Johan to make his inquiry. "Good evening, captain," he says. "Tell me, what are the sailing conditions looking like? Can we expect a smooth trip?"
The big guy smiles widely
Sure it is, my friend! 
I assure you, it was quite the experience. We went in wholly unprepared, thinking we'd just be poised to talk to some poor peasants, but before you know it, that guy warns us about goblins in our midsts. A deadly ambush, but one that was no match for the Lion of Andorra and his valourous friends in the Flame Brothers. We were all catching our breath when the drake came in like a fury. Lesser men for sure would have faltered, but it was salakk that was in for a surprise, for he found our steel and flame more than a match for his claws and parching breath!
Oh, that's nice. A man should have children, they put joy in your eyes. Me, I have... He begins counting on his fingers..., hesitates, then stop several childs, and I love them all the more. You have children, right?
Suddenly, antoni feels like he met a soulmate
Yes, that's a shame! Where's the fish? More fish for the two warriors of andorra!
You know Roberto just became Antoni's new best friend? I mean, there was a lot of useless banter in here, but Antoni couldn't fail but notice the important subtext. This man knows what's important in life. Not like these other magi. He reminds me a little of my youth, now that I think about it.
Here's a toast to you, Roberto el flambeau! I think you and I are gonna get along just fine!
Johan is engaged in an arm wrestling contest with a huge Ibicencan chap; bulging muscles and a shaved head and pierced ears and tattoos. The guy is twice Johan's size, yet the Dutchman seems to be holding his own. Struggling, straining, then Johan kicks the guy in the shin distracing him then puts his arm down. The Ibicencan is howling mad, Johan squints at him and smiles, then the big guy backs down and slinks away.
Then he turns to Lucas and says "Showed that guy, heh-heh. What were you asking me again?"
"Well, I am not expecting too much trouble. There may be some storms in the forecast, but if they are severe I can takes us under for shelter. Headed straight there as the crow flies I could make it in two days. But Roberto wants me to stay on the water. He doesn't like it but that is they way higher ranking magi want it. I think it is stupid. But still, over sea and down the river, I can get us there in less than five days.
[i]OOC: FYI, so far you have only ranted for 19 WORD pages. In color. My workplace's printer is looking at me accusingly as we speak.
Hopefully tomorrow Miquel will be around to complain about the mistreatment that grogs always suffer at the hands of their superiors for no apparent reason. [/i]
Lucas nods. "Excellent, excellent. I was hoping to be back in Mallorca by the middle of next week, and it sounds as if your fine ship can deliver."
Um, get a monitor?
:mrgreen:
And Roberto will totally support your rant! Most of his apprenticeship resembled the life of a shield grog 
[tab][/tab]Sweet. I heard that the covenant holds a Drake Hunt every five to ten years. I would love to get in on that. And you guys! A dragon taken down by simple steel fuled by superior skill. That's the way to do it! When I was young, my first covenant was a place called Novus Mane in the Netherlands. We were all young magi, must having just completed their gauntlet, and we were ready to take on anything! Wirth of Flameau, my favorite Frenchman, he would stare down senior magi with his cold glare and bold spirit! But latter, I joined another covenant where all of the other magi were at least twice my age and made claims of power and influence. I suggested one tome that we try locating a dragon to slay. That would not only earn us good will, but would help greatly with the financial woes we suffered and also provide much vis. Plus earning fame and glory, of course. But these guys, twice my Hermetic age and experience like I said, with terror in their eyes they looked at me like I was crazy. I mean, geeze! It is not like I suggested we go take on SuGarr or Pan-Caudrax. Just a fifth or sixh magnitude wyrm or drake, something challenging but within reach, strong enough to have treasure yet not so strong as we. Still, these guys were just too timid for their own good.
[tab][/tab]no...
[tab][/tab]Honestly, most of my life I have had trouble with getting together with women. The curse of the Gift. I seem fine now, because (I think) the love of my lady has cleansed the sourness in my soul. But for most of my life, since I was like around 10, I suffered from the same magical air most other magi do. Carlos and Pedro, we were able to become friends because my parens used to cover all three of us with his parma during operations. The Wizard's Lance combat formation. That and years of acclimation got them accustomed to my Gift, so we were able to forge that personal bond amongst soldiers and men when they become comrades.
[tab][/tab]Pedro, God bless his soul.
[tab][/tab]So really, I have only been with a few women. One time, Carlos talked this one girl into sharing Parma with me, and uninhibited by the Gift we had a lot of fun But came sunrise and the Parma expired. She freaked out and bolted out the door. Can't say that I blame her though. I have been exposed to the Gift without parma, both when I was young and latter just to remind myself how it makes people feel. And it sucks! It totally warps peoples perception of you and fills their minds with suspicion. Now, you might ask why I didn't just focus my attention on the lady magi, but the truth is I have only encountered a handful of magi that I can relate to on a personal level. Most of them are pagans, gnostics, heretics, atheists, cultists, or are just flagrantly impious. And you know? Whatever. I can get along with Muslims and Jews just fine, so to each their own. But still, most magi are elitist and consider themselves above the rest of humanity, and/or consider mudanes and the Dominion as oppressive ogres. Now, Princess Soteria is descended from a pagan deity, true. And this has me conflicted. But she is a gentle soul, non judgmental and egalitarian, a woman of both virtue and honor. And she's a meremaid, and I gotta admit that is pretty hot
And I salute you as well, Lion of Andorra! And a toast to all of you!
(I work in front of a computer. I prefer my leisure not to imply heavy use of computers. That's why;)). Fight for your rights!
Understood 
I myself hate cooking for other people if not at work. Even if at work I still hate it 
It is by great cosmic irony that I work as a chef.
Antoni spits
Cowards! To have such power and sit on their asses doing nothing... They know nothing of a warrior's life, of duty or honor. They send guys like you and me to their dooms without thinking, yet get frightened by some mouse. I've seen the creepy one, with her spiders. Never are you gonna get her into a real fight!
Now, a few are decent people, mind you, just not many. And even among the devil-blooded ones, some of them sometimes have guts, like lady... whatsername? The busty one. She stood her ground, even if it was only to make sure she had her share of the treasure. Probably thought we were gonna steal it all if we escaped her notice, so she was willing to stand up to a dragon for that 
(It sucks to be both gifted and judged infairly )
This escapes Antoni once or twice, but he nods accordingly
Yeah, I fought against, and besides, muslims. Had a jewish buddy, too. They eat, piss and bleed just like you and me. Some of them are the devil, some of them are brave and honorable, just like some christians I've met. Sure, they worship a false god, but the priesty types should show them the truth instead of butchering them. Tell you, we should pity them for going to hell, not seek to hasten their sejourn there. I always remember, the son of god, he took his pals, and they all made a big supper, even if they were from all ways of life, and there was that seedy guy among them*. And I always say, we should do the same thing. I mean, weird as it is, have you tried muslim food? Some of them know how to cook, I'll tell you. Trust me, this is a sign: They may not have seen god's light, but it shines on them nonetheless.
And yer woman is a mermaid? More the power to you! He toasts
And a princess.
Wow, that's something you don't see any day. So your babies are gonna be little fish-kiddies? Ah, that's nice. Trust me, you'll enjoy them, and they'll love you. And your princess, you should go back to her. Time flies, and you never get to enjoy your loved ones enough. If you'd follow my advice, you'd go back to them, and have some big nice dinner with her, with some shaggin to boot. There's a time for friends and adventures, and there's a time for love and family. No man should be deprived of either. He drinks again.
- Yeah, he's not really up-to-date on his theology either
(Too bad I don't have more time, having real fun with Antoni and his misunderstandings and oblivious ways )
[color=red]Don't judge too harshly. My fellow Flambeau magus, Alexi, he was enthusiastic about the idea. The other magi were not, and they were mostly girls and old ladies anyway. They had a lot on their plate with this big conspiracy plot that was way over my head. I was just itching to do something else. Always rubbing against the grain of things. Just my nature I guess.
[color=red]It's the same God, but just like the Jewish folk they deny Jesus is the messiah. They venerate the same patriarchs, like Moses and David and Solomon and on and on. And I agree with you, I don't want to kill anyone because of their personal faith. A man's relationship with God is his own private business. But they took our land, and we want it back.
I mean..., bah. The drink has me talking crazy. It is none of my business what mundane powers rule the land. I worked out my grudges and satiated my vengeance long ago.
[color=red]Fish kids. Hmmm. Didn't stop to thing about that. She takes on human shape when we are intimate, using her magic to create an airy chamber of oppulent delight for us. But then she changes back, so...
I wonder if she lays eggs?
Where is that doctor guy? I want to get his opinion on this.
"The same God, yes, but perhaps also a separate person? We acknowledge God in three persons, the Father the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Might there not be another person to God, one which should not be acknowledged, never mind worshiped? One who goes now by Allah?"
*disclaimer: these are Adan's beliefs, not mine.
Antony looks at Adan, glassy eyed, and THUNK falls down of the table. He was so drunk already, this proved too much for him
"Be careful, Aran," Bashir replies. "You come very close to the Arian Controversy, which was settled by your church eight centuries ago by the First Nicean Council which determined that the Son was 'begotten, not made' and is 'of one being with the Father.' To say that they are separate people is to come close to apostasy. And that's not even mentioning how your church would respond to your suggestion that Allah is a fourth person of God."
"As for those of the Muslim faith, we do not accept Jesus as being of one with God. He is but one of Allah's prophets, as was Mohammed. To say that Jesus and Allah are one God is blasphemy, and is likely to get your torn to pieces if you suggest it to the wrong person."
[hr][/hr]
Int+Theology: Christian roll: 1d10+5=14
*pffffftt&!!
You is a doctor, not a priest. And this guy is talking carzy anyway. Ignor..., pat no atenshunn to im.
Look, see. You are a medico. Right? The girlI wanna marry is a meremaid. Will we have fish babies?
Suffice to say that, at this point, Roberto is also pretty lit up.He would have passed out by now if it wasn't for his Bronze Cord 