As for the Great Pyramid, the evidence that it was built as a tomb is pretty substantial, in my opinion.  Now, why Khufu would have thought that was needed is a whole different issue, but such seemingly unnecessary overdoing of such a thing is hardly unprecedented in human history.  Perhaps he was a "true-believer" or perhaps he wasn't, but just wanted to "be sure" to reach the afterlife.  Perhaps it was politically motivated, a way to demonstrate his power, something of a show of strength.  Consider even that it could simply have been a bad idea, an imperial whim, taken to it's most extreme.  I don't see any aspect of the Great Pyramid that speaks to anything that would seem out of the ordinary for any person, let alone an imperial ruler.

"You built it how high? 20,000 cubits? It was supposed to be 20 cubits high!! Did you stupid fucks even look at the fucking work order? Holy fucking Anubis, I leave for vacation with one simple task for you idiots, just a simple fucking tomb, and.....fuck me, would you look at that motherfucker? Hold on....I'll give you this, that's impressive work. No, no, don't fucking unbuild it, lemme think.....we may have something here. What, I have no fucking idea, but it's undoubtedly something...."

Hey Beard - I'm looking up the Riddlemaster Of Hed trilogy by Patricia McKillip in wikipedia, but confused as to what to get - appears there are omnibus editions as well. Is it just the 3 books re-released later under different names or is it more than that? Let me know what the deal is, what to purchase so as to not duplicate - if such an exercise is worth your time, thanks.

The Engineer trilogy by K. J. Parker got mixed reviews, but one of your fav's you say? I know Amazon reviews is a cesspool mixed with manipulative trash from competitors and the like, but a common criticism was too much time was spent on describing "machine parts" ... what say you! Defend yourself, KNOW when you're in danger!

Hey, Tao! Hope you're doing well.

Amazon reviews...if you like Bakker and grimdark generally, you'll dig the Engineer trilogy. "Too much time spent on describing 'machine parts'".... I interpret that as "ANY time"! That criticism....yeah, I hear there's a lot about whaling in Moby-Dick, also. I can't say they're my favorites, but they're high quality. There's also a stand-alone novel called, iirc, "The Company", which is superb.

I've been looking for an omnibus copy of Riddlemaster; my old paperbacks are falling apart. The three volumes are The Riddlemaster Of Hed,  Heir Of Sea And Fire, and Harpist In The Wind. Highly recommended. They're certainly not grimdark! I love 'em to death! I'm due to re-read them, matter of fact.

Well done, MG! I think I'll read it! 

I also think my old friend Zöreius Öenghûs the comic might be silenced by the events chronicled in TUC. Sadness beyond imagining......I am preparing for the worst.

Btw, how willing would people be to help pay for food and such? It's not like we're selling tickets, but I have a feeling I'm going to be stuck with a big bill if we don't figure this out beforehand.

No idea how much,  just a general question - would that ask persuade you, fellow Zaudunyani, from coming?

It's a good thing BFK almost certainly can't make the scene this year, Wilshire. Can you imagine? "MORE WINE! NO, NO ....THE GOOD STUFF!"

Stuck with a VERY large bill, mon ami!

Hello, SalDun! From a fellow reformed lurker and relative newbie, welcome!

Thanks for the Josiah Bancroft recommendation, SD and MSJ. He's on my list!
-BFK

After careful consideration and a judicious weighing of the various bribes offered, I have decided on a winner in the "Name That Comic!" Contest!

And the winner is.........


Yes, Redeagl's submission of the name "Zöreius Öenghûs" had that authentic ring for which I was looking. Congratulations, Red!

Respect must be paid to profgrape, whose late submission of "Nau-Yerbouti" threw the contest into an uproar and made the Judge's decision most difficult. The Judge decided that "Nau-Yerbouti" was a name more suitable for a character in our comic's routine, and, indeed, such a character will be created in the near future. Profgrape, your submission was not made in vain, and thanks for contributing!

Finally,  honourable mention goes to Wilshire, who suggested the nickname "Zorro" for our comic, helping to seal the deal in favour of Redeagl's submission. Thanks, Wilshire!

The noted thread, "The Greatest Eärwan Stand-Up Comedy Routine EVER!", will soon be updated to reflect the Contest's result.

Thanks to all for participating!

This joke was originally posted on the Eärwan Jokes thread. Imho, it's just too good to languish in obscurity on that thread, so......

A cop on the beat happens upon a Nonman beating the utter crap out of some guy. The cop shouts, "Hey, what the hell you doing beating the crap outta that guy?" The Nonman stops, turns to the cop and says, "Sorry, officer, but I'm just trying to remember where I parked my car."

Nice try, Tao. Don't call us; we'll call you ....