[Game Thread] Chapter One: The Tests of Legend

[Mcderth]

Phineus looked across the table at his noble visitor, a slight look of shock playing across his face. You can’t be serious.

The man looked right back at him, a slight smile spreading across his thin lips. Just answer the question, you owe me at least that much after all I‘ve done for you.

The Oracle sat in silence for what seemed like a small eternity, then took a deep breath. If you kill him then you can successfully take the throne. For twenty years at least. But after that a descendent of Aeson will come to reclaim it, and you won’t survive the incounter.

Upon hearing the news the man’s smile only deepened. After a moment of reflection he stands and with a nod turns to go.

You have served me well Phineus, I promise that I won’t forget this

Before the man could make his way from the tent Phineus stood and called out to him.

Just do yourself one favor . When the time comes watch out for a man with one sandle

Pelias, half brother of the king of Iolcus, didn’t look back.


Twenty years later:

The day was one of the biggest of the year. The Olympic games where coming to Iolcus, and Pelias wished to give a grand sacrifice to Poseidon, whom the man clamed to be his father (though there where just as many rumors he was the bastard son of his mothers servant boy). No expense had been spared. The temple was lined with people who wanted to catch a glimpse of there great king , an honor few ever had.

As the crowd watched a group of men stepped up to the alter. Four of them wore the colors of Poseidon and placed themselves at the corners of the alter. The fifth was a tall man of slight build with a long white beard and hair of the same color, a slight breeze ruffling it. His garments where purple etched with gold, and he wore a silver crown upon his head. A few murmured voices from the crowd confirmed that this was Pelias himself. With a smile he turns to address the gathering.

My good people, I welcome you to the opening of the greatest games in all the world. What an honor it is to once again have the Olympic games here in Iolcus! To herald in this glorious time I will now light the great fire and ask my father Poseidon the Earthshaker and Stormbringer to bless us and these contestants that we may truly have the greatest games of all time!

A loud cheer came up from the crowd, then a reverent hush followed as the king took hold of the torch and moved to touch it to the pyre. Just as the flames where about to touch the kindling a voice rang out from the crowd.

You are unworthy to make such a sacrifice

Everyone in the crowd began looking around, trying to find where the voice had come from. Guards began moving down from the temple steps as well, and Pelias’ eyes narrowed at the words.

Whom dares to insult the king in such a maner! one of the guard called out. Come now, show yourself or we’ll make the whole lot pay for what you said!

The crowd slowly begins to part as a man step toward the temple. He wore a tight fitting purple tunic and had a leopard skin hung around his shoulders. His blond hair was in tight curls and his blue eyes where a piercing blue. His face and demeanor had a regal air that was hard to miss. The only thing that threw off the scene was the fact the man was wearing only one sandal. When Pelias saw this he couldn’t help but smile. So, the time has come. he mutters to no one unparticular and steps down toward the newcomer.

Stand down. he yells to the guards. Do you not know whom this is? Why this is Jason, long lost son of my half-brother Aeson come home at last! The king made the final few steps down to where his nephew stood and opened his arms wide in a gesture of embrace, though the young man made no move toward him and the dark expression never left his face.

You have angered the gods by killing your own kindred. You have no right to offer sacrifices to them, or to sit upon the throne. Jason replied coldly. I am here to seek justice for my murdered father and take my rightful place as king

The king smiled knowingly at him, almost as if he had expected this. My boy, what happened with your father was quite a shame. I wish it had gone another way but he chose his fate. Besides, before your father died he relinquished his claim on the throne to me. So you really have no right to challenge me. It looked as though Jason was about to say something when Pelias cut him off. But I am an honorable man, and if it means putting to rest any doubts about the legitimacy of my rule I shall humor your request. I do ask you one request, however.

And what is that, Uncle? Jason asks with a slight sneer.

I ask only that we leave the decision of your right to rule in the hands of the fates. He turned away from Jason and begins speaking to the gathered crowed. I have been haunted by bad dreams the past fortnight. The ghost of Phrixax himself has come to me and demanded that his spirit be returned to our homeland. As you all know Zeus saved him and his sister Helle from the hands of there horrible stepmother my stealing them away on the back of a great golden ram. Now his soul is tied forever to the great animals fleece, and only with its safe return can his spirit be put to rest. The king turned his attention back to the young prince before him. If the gods have truly blessed you and wish me to relinquish my throne to you, then this should be a simple task. He smiled wickedly as he continued. Of course, if you are worried that the throne is not truly your fate?

The crowd begins to murmur again, some saying it is a fools errand, others whispering the quest is the only way to know for sure if Jason is the rightful king. After a moment of thought the young man looks his uncle in the eye and answers.

I accept your challenge. I shall prove the gods will, or die trying. But know this, if you try to go back on this bargain you will never live to regret it.

Word of the happenings at the temple spread like wildfire throughout Greece, and soon the proclamation went across the known world. Almost all the Olympic athletes stayed to take part in the challenges Jason was to set out. If there was better way to find immortality none could think of it.

Of course the proclamation is what has lead you to the open field today, in search of joining on the greatest adventure since the sacking of Troy. As you make your way past the posted guards you see that there are four separate areas set up. On one side there is a large group of men taking part in a contest . They are each going up against a giant of a man with long brown hair and a lions skin draped around his shoulders. In a corner a young women is engaged in an archery contest. In the middle another group is speaking to a rather unimpressive looking man wearing a white toga and holding a lyre. The final group is by far the smallest. They are gathered around a wooden table covered in papers and random objects. The leader of this group appears to be a grizzled old man. Jason keeps bouncing back and forth between the groups, saying very little unless spoken to directly. It looks like now is as good a time as any to pick a group and give it your all….

[GleefulNihilism]

The Day Before

"Are we sure about this Prince Jason?" some soldier asked as they approach the Proclamation Wall. Hypatia was doing her best to ignore that other people existed at the moment, working on this new technique the Persian had showed her. What had he called it? Yes, Al-jabr. Combined with the some previous lessons on the concept of Zero it had potential. She was about to finish the line with a shadow fell across her papers. In the early morning light it was enough to be annoying.

"You're in my light." she remarks, not even looking up.

"What?"

"You. Are. In. My. Light." she adds, wondering if whoever this was had hearing problems.

The soldier snatches the papers from her hands, finally getting her to look up. It would be the first time she's had that sort of unpleasent shock in a long time. She'd been scolding Jason himself! A body guard looks over her notes with a confused look on his face.

"What is this?" the guard asks in an angry tone. Fortunately, Jason's curiosity was piqued as he looks to the papers as well.

"Bah, hen scratchings of a crazy woman. Get out of here before you meet my sword." the soldier commands.

"No, wait. I want to know more. Is this geometry?" Jason asks, actually seriously wondering.

Well, one really shouldn't make a habit of lying to royalty.

"Some of it yes, a little bit of our basic engineering geometry, combined with Pythagorean Theorems and Persian Al-Jabr."

"What in Tartarus is Algebra?" the bodyguard adds, showing his ignorance at even pronouncing the name.

Jason however seems more respectful, "Mathematics. And really, really advanced mathematics at that. Give her the papers back."

The bodyguard concedes the authority, and does so- if his thumbs has smudged some ink. The prince smiles a bit.

"So, you know some of the work of the Pythagoreans?"

"Yes," she remarks, trying to get back to work without getting too red from embarrassment.

"Handiest Heretics in Greece. Most states even go out of their way to exclude Pythagoreans from penalty for Heresy. At least on paper. Smart, in my opinion."

"If you say so, majesty." she replies, hiding that she's a Pythagorean

"What's your name?"

"Hypatia."

"Well, Hypatia- I hope to see you at the testing."

. . .Oh by the gods, what has she gotten herself into now?
-----

Testing Day

It amazed Hypatia just how little this seemed like a good idea. The Prince just was finally accepted as the son of the last king and possibly the true heir. And instead of consolidating a power base what does he do? He immediately turned around to do some epic quest. An epic quest to retrieve some sheep pelt that apparently was made of gold. A Golden Fleece struck her as one of those things that could have been true because it was so absurd.

She takes a moment to remind herself why she's even here, because at the moment that also seemed completely absurd. A quick look showed only one other woman among those showing feats of strength, skill, or intellect. She thought that there could of been more, but she was willing to wager that she could probably count them all on one hand. And they wanted to be on a boat with a bunch of lonely warriors, adventurers, and sailors?

In the end she stays, mostly because she does want Jason to succeed. Just not with her on the boat. And if Jason was going to succeed he'd need all the help he could get. Besides, as she recalled from her own travels, the only time a woman wasn't explicitly considered bad luck by sailors was when she was a paying passenger. Even then, there was still an implicit accusation at all times. They wouldn't want her there, she didn't want to be there- she just had to give them an excuse. She briefly considered making up some random nonsense for her "feat of intellect", but she decided that she couldn't. The hunt for Truth wouldn't let her. So she'd go another way to give them an excuse. Don't lie, but go so advanced they'd think it's a lie, or the ravings of a madwoman. Shouldn't be that hard, considering what she has done. People don't like when you shake their worlds apart.

Hypatia approaches wearing basic traveler's clothes, her quarterstaff being used as a walking stick, and one of her map cases strapped to her back. Right now Argus was listening to a man suggesting they dye the food the same color as some fruits and vegetables, the argument seeming to be that the coloring will give them the same properties of said fruits and vegetables. Argus himself rolls his eyes at this, and signals for the next.

"Argus, I humbly submit to you this fluid I discovered. I believe that when dropped into the eyes of a man at night, this will revitalize their eyes and they will begin to send out the beams they send during the day to and they will see as they do during the day."

Hypatia can't take it any more and begins laughing at loud? Seriously? The eye emitter idea? That's the best they can come up with?

"Is there something you want to comment about Athenian Philosophy, young woman?" the old man remarks, trying to shame a woman into silence with just his eyes. It doesn't work this time.

"Yes, actually. If sight is because the eyes send out some sort of energy- then answer 3 questions. First, how is it that everyone's eyes get tired at the same time? Second, how is it that everyone's eyes get tired at a predictable cycle- one that can be followed down to the minute throughout the entire year? And Third, how come the degree to which everyone's eyes get tired seems to be dependent on the phase of the moon?"

The old man opens and closes his mouth as if to say something, but nothing comes out.

"Do I need to point out that these things make perfect logical sense if the Sun is what produces light, the moon reflects light, and the eyes collect light instead?" she adds, laying the intellectual killing stroke.

"Ah, you must be Hypatia the Mathematician." Argus replies, verbally cutting through the stunned intellectuals before the reactions turned sour, "Jason told me to expect you. Well, now that you have my attention- impress me."

"Now hold on a minute." one of them interjects. Good, get them a bit angry, keep being rude, that's all part of her plan.

"You'll want to back up." she cuts in, pulling the map rolling case off of her back. Slamming it down onto the table in front of Argus, she pulls off the top and starts unrolling papers inside. The sketches inside reveal the plans for a great machine, something that would stand taller then Herakles by a couple heads with water-filled-glass-sphere lenses, weights and counter weights, hinges, varying sizes of angle measuring instruments, iron slivers suspended in encased fluids, carefully crafted iron plates, even a couple hourglasses deep inside. The main sketch takes the center as she arranges other plans to the sides, showing how to construct various parts of the Machine just for a bit of extra insurance.

A few of the philosophers start to laugh at the sketches. Hypatia is unperturbed. She wanted to be brushed off, but she wanted to be Right even more.

"I gave some thought to ship navigation in long sea voyages and came up with this. I call it the Global Positioning System, and if built to my specifications. . ."

"I'm sorry, "Global"- you mean to tell us that the Earth is a Sphere?" another philosopher asks, "I'm pretty sure it's a 7 layered Ziggurat."

"No, it's flat. On the back of 4 elephants that in turn is on the back of a giant turtle."

In the defense of her countrymen, the Greeks among the intellectuals quietly chuckle at these ideas. A Greek sailor could tell that the world was at least not flat from everyday observations.

Hypatia pinches her nose, pulling out her walking stick, "Fine, first- proof that the world is roughly spherical in shape. In the Egyptian city of Syene it's well known that on the summer solstice at noon vertical sticks cast no shadows. This is only possible when the sun is directly overhead." she starts, making space by using her stick to sketch a large circle around herself. A line is added sticking straight out.

"In Alexandria however, at the same time sticks cast shadows at this known angle. And since the sun always appears to be about the same size we can assume that the sun is far enough away that the light comes to Earth at the same angle." she continues adding another line straight out of the circle. She silently starts to show these learned men some basic geometry.

"A series of careful measurements later to find the distance between Syene and Alexandria and we have the arc length part of a globe. From this we see that not only does this suggest that Earth is roughly spherical- but the Earth is roughly a sphere that is roughly 40,000 kilometers in circumference. There are a few other ideas this could be argued to also support, but none of them also account for how mountains sink below the horizon when you sail away from them. Or how the stars change position the further north or south you are."

Alright, giving an actual number on the size was probably more impressive then aggravating- which was going against the plan. But Hypatia tries to soldier on with her next "wild" claim.

"Which brings us back to the Global Positioning System. Using copies of some of the best astronomy work taken since the Egyptians started the field and a little mathematics, which can be taught to any literate Greek, a navigator can use the sun, moon, and stars themselves for navigation. The compass gives direction, obviously. The astrolabe with lenses in concert with some astronomy knowledge on where individual stars appear in the sky can be used to determine how far North or South the ship is from Greece, and using time pieces as well a navigator can make an approximation as to how far East or West as well."

Argus doesn't betray his emotions as he looks over the plans, at least not as far as a mathematician can tell from an old ship builder. He was probably used to reading the plans of crackpots, she kind of hoped he dismissed this as one- though the concept of Stellar Navigation would probably help them immensely.

"Any weaknesses to the system?" Argus asks.

Hypatia decides to be honest.

"I've added some parts that should allow a navigator to use the Sun as well as the stars, but the system works best at Night using the fixed stars during a New Moon. And if the sky is not clear, this system will not work at all. But as long as the sky is clear a ship could, at least in theory, have a very good idea of where it is while anywhere on the globe. Without resorting to magic, I may add."

Argus remains stoically quiet for long moments before he asks another question.

"How accurate do you believe this to be?"

"If a navigator were to follow all of my advise and procedures to the utmost perfection? And accounting for error in telling time in longitude calculations. . ." Hypatia starts.

She tells them her estimations. Those that heard her and don't laugh immediately tell her it's impossible. Let them. She doesn't want to be on that boat anyway, but she is married to Truth. Her estimation is honest, if it sounds too impossibly good to be true.

She can't read Argus's immediate reaction to this at all.

[Solomon777]

Ragna Fau moved her way through the crowd of hopefuls for the chance to assist this young would-be king. The sultry gate Ragna had grown accustomed to allowing for easy movement through the masses. She smiled; perhaps the goddess had reason enough to find the half-orc by the sea. After all, swimming wasn’t her strong point, where Aphrodite paid particular attentions to the mighty waves of Poseidon. She took note of the various locations; the pit was indeed meant for those akin to combat, she took note of the big man and smiled knowingly, the larger the man usually meant a wanting of performance. The next, archery, again it was not her talent. She looked over the middle group and its musical lead and stopped to take notice, listening to the pleasantries of what tragedy he told. She gave a cursory glance to the tables strewn with scholars, figures, and notes…a place she was again not suited to share. However, it was most interesting to see a woman among them, and inwardly thought highly of her.

Stealing her blue eyes back to the minstrel, she waited and watched the crowd around a moment more before taking a turn at one of the events.

[MundayKnight]

Ripaa looks hesitantly through the crowds. The archery competition was not the place for someone who had never shot a bow and the table with the scientists discouraged Ripaa as there was no chance he would ever be among such great minds. His last options were the minstrel and the giant. Seeing the man in the pit Ripaa decided to walk over to the minstrel and listen to his songs...

Bashaa approached the pit with the bloodlust of a wild animal. If this man wished to wear the pelt of a great beast then he should have to fight the embodiment of one. As he prepared to fight he remembered Laocoon and his fighting style in the pits. This man would likely take after the more orthodox method but even so it would be best if Bashaa observed the man before jumping in the pits, and so he waits for his turn in the ring...

Ripaa sang and danced happily with the bards tune and when it was all finally said and done he found he had danced so hard that he had gotten some bruises and was worried that someone in the crowd may be bleeding...

[dalarangreen]

Mihyar walked forward with a sense of pride. 'It is truly an honor to be chosen to take part in this competition.' Mihyar was a little confused of why his Master, Rahman Yassar, had asked him to compete instead of his son. When he had asked Dareios about it, Mihyar's young merchant friend had said only this, "Rahman is a greedy man. He hopes to earn prestige for himself without risking the life of his son."

Mihyar had heard that the winners of this competition would join the Greek Jason on a dangerous quest. But would it not be an even greater honor to be chosen? And to have your son chosen on top of that?

In any case, Mihyar would serve his Master loyally and prove his worthiness. That is what he was here to do.

As Mihyar approached the open field, he started towards the battle pit. However, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the man in the toga with a lyre. He recognized him immediately. 'By all the Gods, can this be so?' Mihyar momentarily forgot his Master's words and his duty, and walked straight towards the camp of Orpheus. When he arrived, he waited politely and respectfully, as is the way of servants. He listened to Orpheus, the words from his mouth, and the sounds from his Lyre. In truth, Mihyar had never heard a lyre played so sweet.

Orpheus was telling one of the competitors a story. "...And when the man spoke, vengeance spilled from his throat..." Orpheus' story so moved Mihyar that he placed his drum on the grass and began to play, enunciating Orpheus' words, countering the rhythm, adding to it, and allowing the magic of the words to pass through his body and into his hands.

Orpheus did not stop his performance, nor did he look at Mihyar. It was not until he finished that he turned to Mihyar. "Young man, what is your name?"

"I am Mihyar Sabi, servant to Rahman Yassar. I hope you can forgive me for tarnishing your words with the simple sound of my drums. Your tale simply moved my hands to do so." Mihyar kneeled before Orpheus, humbly acknowledging whatever punishment he might be served.

[unglued128]

Davin strolls the grounds idly, coming mostly as an observer. He wanted to see what the great minds had come up with, to hear some fine music, maybe even watch a game of skill or combat. He stops first at the minstrel’s challenge, thinking as he listens to the music. If only Aednat was here. She always enjoyed music like this. I wonder what she would think about this whole quest and contest. Closing his eyes, he pictures her. Her face coming into sharp contrast, her fiery hair blowing in the wind as his imagination turned her knowing smile into a disapproving scowl. ”It’s just like you to stand around when others need you, Davin.” He chuckles a little at the accuracy of his own imagination. She would drag me to each challenge until I met her standards. Maybe I should give it a try for when I see her again. Opening his eyes, he looks over at the minstrel preforming and decides that it wasn’t really his area of expertise.

His eyes next fall on the archery contest. He watches with interest as many come up to try their skill. I don’t think I could best the current champion. Davin thinks as he inspects the man. One bull’s-eye is a little beyond my skill, let alone three. He shrugs, walking away from that contest as well. He wanders for a short while before happening upon a dwindling line. He watches as several men give their ideas on inventions for the ship or tout their magical acclaim. This seems much more suited for me. He thinks, getting into line behind a woman. I wonder what she is here to present, with a roll of scrolls and charts like that. Trying to catch a glance at the scrolls as the line slowly moves forward, he is completely caught off guard when the woman begins to laugh. Watching with fascination as she proceeds to work mathematical magic, Davin quickly decides he may not be on par with the other contestants if a woman knew more about mathematics than him. Just before she finishes, he steps quietly out of line.

Well one place left to try. I didn’t want be a combatant, but it’s really my only option. He watches for several minutes as others try their hand against the giant of a man. Few prove anything close to a challenge, and fewer still best the man. It will be a tough fight. A stray gust of wind feels as if it is pushing him toward the arena; Davin grits his teeth. Great, it wants out. I guess if I let it out, I may win. Behave yourself, spirit, and you will get the fight you want. He thinks, joining the line. He waits patiently, only beginning his summoning ritual when he surmises that he is only about a minute from combat. Closing his eyes, he visualizes the spirit and already it was slithering away from him. Continuing the incantations in his mind, he forms his thoughts into a hand reaching toward the escaping spirit. His mental hand reaches for the spirit who fights against his grasp. As he begins pulling it forward, he feels it trying to ravage his mental hand with its claws. Unfortunately for the spirit, its claws have no effect on something that is pure thought, and Davin succeeds in pulling out the spirit.

Unfortunately, Davin’s timing is not as perfect as he would have wished, since there is a person still in front of them in line. Cernunnos/Davin opens his eyes and looks around at the gathering. You want me to behave, man-beast? How would you stop me from murdering them all right now? Cernunnos chuckles, though it comes out as a low growl. The man in front of them jumps and turns around to face a monster that was not there a mere minute ago. The pigment drains from his face as he stammers something unintelligible. ”Next Challenger” The judge cries from behind the giant man. The stammering man manages to step out of the way as Cernunnos charges gleefully forward, lowering his fierce-looking antlers. ”Taste the fury of nature, manling.”

[Gamer9]

Helping a man who claims he's the rightful king. If anything it would be a major investment into my future. Traveling in search of an artifact of a god.

Ahmose makes his way through the crowd, wearing a blue robe with a large orb hanging from a silver necklace near his chest. His gaze passes over the "strength" show without a second thought, mumbling Ya, that'll make daddy proud.. hehe He settles on the archery contest but shakes his head after a brief moment.

Hearing the music he makes his way closer. While not able to play himself Ahmose surely enjoys good music and poems, truly a way to relax and gather ones thoughts. Or celebrate a great breakthrough or new understanding.

Location: "Knowledge Presentation" He finally finds himself catching the end of the Mathematical presentation. While interesting, the Pythagorean theorem is known to most architects in Egypt, it was brought to the greeks from his people years ago. Although as the woman continued Ahmose was a bit confused and decided there was much more to Math than just building things. Deciding that this was wurely the way for him to join the expedition, he patiently waits inline for his turn already knowing how to talk his way onto the team. When his time finally comes he begins with a soft voice Knowledge is Power. The answers to many Arcane mystery's lie within my thoughts. Control the elements, harness the raw power of energy. Transform and create, change the flow of time. His voice raises a bit To end life and recreate it. To find what you seek you will face the Arcane in many different ways. I'm one of the few that can assist with such challenges. Secrets I hold are not common knowledge among these men. A smile comes to the mans face, grasping his spell book from a pocket inside the robes, he walks over to Jason and talks quietly, I've no issues with showing you or reading from my notes, but not in front of the public.

[GleefulNihilism]

Well, she did come here with an ulterior motive. She did want Jason to be victorious, but she really wasn't sure she wanted to go herself. Then this Egyptian walks up and does that?

"<Excuse me, I am aware that you are a stranger in our lands - but just saying cryptic things and walking away is not how we Greeks show our intellects. We debate and compare ideas, let the ones with weight rise on their own merits while the weak ideas perish.>" Hypatia speaks up to the departing Ahmose in perfect Egyptian.

"I'm also fluent in 11 languages and counting. The library at the Platonic Academy is more diverse then it gets credit for." she adds to Argus and the other collected greeks. That's right, be a little uppity and proud. Get kicked out all the faster.

[Javk]

A Country Road -- Two Days Before -- "I know it is a far reach Agronia, but I will not undo the wickedness of that depot Sulla with out help." The young lioness gave a disapproving low growl as the two figures followed the sounds of a squeaking wagon in the dim light of morning. "Well, I know one thing," the man continued, the edge of agitation growing moderately in his voice, "we won't avenge my father or restore my people by continuing to ply the skills of a simple trapper." The oscillating rise and fall of shoulders of the feline swung gracefully towards her companion, nudging him off his course slightly. "Forgive me my friend. You know my anger is not at you. But this would-be king... If we can earn his favor and restore his throne, even a tenth of his army would be enough to drive the Romans out of our beloved home Samnium." "Alright my boy," the voice of the old trader called back from his simple cart. "I've thought it over. When we get close to the town I want you and your lion friend to drop back a way. I'll take the ass and your hides and furs to the market, but by Zues' right hand I swear I will catch a better price without a Latin-breed hanging about my stall... certainly not one with a large beast by his side. I would give you some collateral, but I have none but my word. You will have to take that or settle for a lower profit. My price will still be the same even if the prices are lower." "Your word is all I need, friend. Again my thanks for taking this dea.." Before the last word had finished leaving his mouth the large cat had rammed his legs again, this time with much more force, causing him to almost lose his step. "Don't worry girl," he said in a low voice. "If his word is no good we will take the difference from his own hide. One way or another we will have the coin to reach Jason's tournament."

Archery Camp -- At The Tournament -- The tall handsome archer gave another boisterous laugh as his third arrow found the exact center of its mark. He goaded the gathered crowd, "How many bulls must die before you all admit that I have no equal with the bow?" With luck Jason would notice him and come to examine his skill. A voice from the spectators called out, "Surely you are favored by the gods, friend. But can you hit two bullseye in quick succession?" The man with the bow, eyeing his challenger as a feeble-looking elderly man who could no sooner draw back his bow than cause an arrow find its mark, smirked. He picked up his quiver draped it over his muscled shoulders. As sweat mixed with the oil he had covered his body in, droplets formed and danced down his chest. He eyed the expressionless woman who had silently been judging his performance and arched his brow at her. He drew the first of his arrows, slowly taking in his target. He shut out the sounds of the sweet lyre melodies. His mind ignored the sound of animalistic battle coming from the pit. He breathed. He focused. He took his time. He and the target became the only things in existence. Time slowed and speed up all at once... and then he let his arrow fly. One, then with unimaginable speed drawing a second. Pulling it back as it was knocked on the string. Releasing it to chase after its sister. ffffFFFRRTTtt ffffFFFRRTTtt -- Not many had even noticed the cloaked figure before he had fired his arrows. Fewer still had seen him even draw his weapon. But he had done so in an instant and somehow he had done the unbelievable. The quiet stranger had shot both of the boastful champions arrows down in mid-flight! The figure pulled back the hood of his cloak. He was a scarred and hardened looking Hobgoblin, young, but only those who had spent time among the various tribes of Goblinoids and Bugbears could tell that. The crowd could see what looked to be the uniform of a Latin soldier, worn and unkept from the elements. Furs and pelts hung from his side as a gust of wind pushed back his cloak slightly. He was a stark contrast to the handsome well oiled man whose arrows he had struck with his own, not repulsive, but also not fair by any standards. "My name is Titus Bar-Fabius Mutilus, son of the fallen general Gaius Papius Mutilus, rightful commander of the Samnite tribe, master of the Latin wilds." He addressed no one in particular. "If any here knew the true test of Latin warfare they would know that, outside of witless games, one does not have the gods gift of time to wait all day for the right winds. Speed and skill are the only things that will keep you and your brothers ... or sisters" his eyes gave a quick shot to the woman judge. "alive." He let his last word fall slowly like the kill of a hunt when his arrow found its perfect mark and the animal had not even the life to give chase. His eyes locked back on the handsome bare-chested archer. "Solitary focus does not see the claws approaching from the side. The corpulent ego ignores the fangs coming from behind. Arrogance's only friend is Death."

[Dirk]

Scuda watches the bombast of the archery contest for several minutes. His colourful pants, boots laced at the ankles, and heavy quilted leather jacket mark him as a northern barbarian, and his relatively crude bow draws the sneering interest of several more local competitors. After observing without expression or comment, Scuda approaches the young woman overseeing the tourney.

Greetings; I am Scuda. Every man here assembled can draw a bow…some with greater success than I, some with less. Most with less. The art of a finely wrought arrow impresses me as much as its ultimate use, however; here is one that I made myself, which I offer for your consideration. It is not as fine as many you have seen, I suspect, as one who has handled the weapons of heroes and demigods. It will strike true, however; you have but to tell me where to send it, and I will.

I wonder if you are not she who drew first blood of the great boar, the heroine Atalanta…

[MundayKnight]

pit camp Bashaa advances to the front of the line of warriors stopping only to ask if he was allowed to cast a few spells before the combat began or if that would be considered cheating.

[Gamer9]

Knowledge Table Hmmm; I am not a greek, now am I? I'm not here to show you, nor any other my intellect. If the soon to be king wishes for me to elaborate, privately then I shall. There is to be no debate on how the Arcane works, it just does. And it does the way I know it does. How, why and when I came upon this knowledge is also not up for discussion Ahmose nods his head to the lady and begins to walk away. After a several strides he glances back, The number of languages you know doesn't matter. It's which ones you will use on your journey that will prove their worth.

[GleefulNihilism]

"Oh, it works the way you know it does? Like how he knows how Eyes work? Or he 'knows' how coloring foods like vegetables gives them the same nutritional value?" Hypatia shoots back with a smile on her face.

Of course this causes grumbling behind her as she's openly challenged a few others as well.

[Gamer9]

Ahmose: Knowledge Table Ahmose smiles at the Greek woman, No, I'm afraid not like those things at all. Much more complicated than that. Although, Ahmose glances over both shoulders and behind him, lowers his voice and re-positions himself next to the woman. He drapes his arm over her shoulder (assuming she allows this gesture), leaning in close to whisper. Revealing another robe underneath the blue dress robe, this one a deep black. While it seems worn and aged, it's color is as dark as the night itself. Although, I do believe you, above most Greek women I've ever met, could possibly have the mental discipline, The open mind and the Drive of curiosity and wonder that you just might be able to learn the secrets I speak of. In due time, under proper teaching I presume. Still smiling he waves his arm toward the table of novice scholars, attempting to impress the judges. He casts a simple spell, causing the mans letters on all his pages turn into a semi-circle (bottom half) with two vertical slashes on either side of its center. Its alot of fun, when dealing with lesser minds hehe

[GleefulNihilism]

OOC Heh, if I'm reading the sheets right it's +9 vs Hypatia's +16. :P

She doesn't slap the guy, but the look he gets from her lets him know that he's crossed a line. Maybe he didn't mean to talk down to her but that's how it came across.

"<You sure I wouldn't be tutoring you?>" she quips back, opening a mapcase and showing a hint of a spellglyph with the arcane formula and mathematical theorems mixed together. Hopefully he doesn't put together how heretical that is quite yet. Funny how she also speaks fluent Egyptian like she learned it from a speaker, not a book.