#I have so many plans WAGH | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

fllagellant · 1 year

Note

Hi, Julek! For the character ask meme: Geralt of Rivia? 👀

Ohhh I would LOVE any excuse to talk about Geralt thank you Steph

First impression: I saw Geralt a lot before I got into the Witcher, no big surprise there . Usually just in passing glances , seeing a piece of fanart there and having him passively mentioned there . When I actually started to grow a want to get into the Witcher, I already knew he was a leading character and that he seemed interesting enough . I thought he looked cool , I thought he seemed like an enjoyable fella . My first actual proper introduction was the first Witcher game , in all its 2007 graphics glory . And I felt sorry for the poor sucker . He still seemed cool and interesting but now I also just felt bad for him . Like damn …. We not letting him rest a SECOND

Impression now : oooooooohh he’ s just so . I believe indigenous men can do no wrong and Geralt is the poster child for this belief . He’ s so incredibly strong , in all definitions of the word . He’ s building his own future and building futures worth living in . His growth is for himself and for his daughter . He made sure Ciri grew up surrounded by a diverse and loving community . He’ s one of the most important characters to me . My top dog . My big cheese . My pookie . My blorbo even . All aspects of who he is and why he is the way he is ….. wagh . Enough to bring me to my knees . He is the Character Ever .

Favorite moment : JUST ONE ? Ok whatever I Guess . One of the scenes I mention often to my friends is in The Witcher 3 when Geralt returns to Kaer Morhen and has a night of drinking with Lambert and Eskel . Goes as smoothly as you’d imagine it would . They play never have I ever btw . If you even care . It is genuinely a scene I look forward to playing through even if I’ ve seen it a million times before . Makes me laugh and smile and it’ s a nice break from the Everything Else .

Idea for a story : Ok um there are Many . One I’ ve been planning to write is Geralt + co fixing and rebuilding Kaer Morhen and the land around it so that they can have a safe location to fall back on and also so that all Witchers actually have a proper Keep again to be safe in . We got Geralt in the back mixing up cement

Unpopular opinion : I do not care at all I hate the Netflix Geralt I hate that so much . Every day I am exposed to the Netflix adaptation and it causes my life expectancy to tank . As a serious criticism of the adaptation it feels like the Netflix team fell for the in universe anti Witcher propaganda when writing for Geralt . So his characterization becomes a caricature instantly . It is just very poor understanding of the source material being presented as a new and improved adaptation . This feels unpopular but idk maybe I am wrong

Favourite relationship : Stop making me choose . All of the relationships Geralt has with the people close to him are so sweet and beautiful . But for this I will list the family unit of Geralt , Yennefer , Ciri and Dandelion . A small girl and her two weird dads and her weird mom . They learn how to heal through each other and make sure nothing trickles down to Ciri . He genuinely loves them and they all love him and both Yennefer and Dandelion would do anything to keep him and Ciri safe and he do the exact same thing for them … wah

Favourite headcanon : his autism bewitched me . Also as a fun Julek Witcher Rewrite Lore teaser ; He has an arm sleeve tattoo dedicated to the Leshen . He regularly touches it up himself , and carried the needed materials on his person at all times . This also means he has given some of his closest companions small tattoos and has touched up other Witchers tattoos that art dedicate to their keep specific monster

#OHHH STEPH THANK YOU #I rotated this while i was out and about …. very happy to answer < 33

5 notes · View notes

thoughtfulphantombeliever-blog · 2 years

Text

Spine Specialist in Pune | Spine Surgeon in Pune | Best Spine Doctor in Pune - Dr. Amit Wagh

Dr. Amit Wagh is the Spine Specialist in Pune, India. Dr. Amit Wagh heads the Brain and Spine Department as a Consultant Spine Surgeon in Pune at Sparsh Hospital & Star Hospital. As a Spine Specialist in pune he has performed no. of Spine surgeries. You will have access to one of the best spine surgeons in pune.

Spine Surgery :-

Spine surgery is a medical procedure that is used to treat conditions affecting the spine, such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spinal fractures, and other spine-related problems. It is usually performed by a surgeon who specializes in spine surgery and can involve a variety of techniques, such as fusions, spinal decompression, or spinal instrumentation. Depending on the patient's condition, the surgical procedure may involve the removal of bone or tissue, or the insertion of artificial implants.

How does a Spine surgery arise?

A spine surgery may arise as a result of an injury, such as a car accident, or from a degenerative condition that has caused a weakening of the spine, such as spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease. In some cases, the surgery may be recommended to correct a deformity or to stabilize the spine after a fracture. Other times, it may be necessary to relieve pain caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or a pinched nerve.

Is Spine Surgery Safe ?

Spine surgery is generally safe, and complications are rare. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, which carries its own risks, but the risks associated with spine surgery itself are low. The most common risk is infection, which can be prevented by following post-surgery instructions and taking medications as prescribed.

Who are the best surgery for spine surgery ?

The best surgeon for spine surgery will depend on your specific condition, needs, and preferences. Generally speaking, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and interventional radiologists are the best specialists for this type of surgery. It is important to carefully research the surgeon’s experience, qualifications, and patient reviews before making a decision.

What can I do to improve the likelihood of surgical success?

There are three factors in your control that can improve the chance that you will have a successful surgery. Many surgeons will not operate on your spine until you safely and successfully modify these factors:

Get to a healthy body weight.

Maintaining a healthy weight helps with overall health and wellness, in addition to leading to better surgical outcomes. If you are overweight, your surgeon may direct you to lose weight before the procedure can take place.

Obesity can lead to adverse surgical outcomes and complications, some of which can be serious, like blood clots. It may be difficult to exercise for weight loss if you are suffering from back or leg pain.

In this case, your surgeon may recommend that you meet with a nutritionist to create a diet plan and focus on low-impact exercise like swimming. Manage diabetes. Any surgery is riskier if you have diabetes.

You have a higher risk of cardiovascular complication, infection and issues with wound healing. Ideally, your A1C level should be 7.5 or less before your surgery. Your primary care provider or diabetes educator can help manage your diabetes so surgery is safer.

Stop smoking.

Using tobacco or nicotine products can lead to surgical complications like problems with wounds healing and blood clots. It also changes the way that bones heal or fuse together, which can lead to improper healing and symptom relief. In some severe cases, surgery is pursued despite these risk factors. This could include spinal cord compression, severe symptoms or neurologic impairment. In these circumstances, the risks of doing nothing are higher than the potential surgical risks.

Will I still have pain after surgery?

You will have surgical pain after your procedure. Members of our care team will do their best to manage your pain. Everyone experiences pain differently. Most patients report that surgical pain is significantly less than the nerve pain they were experiencing before surgery.

8. Will I need another back surgery in the future?

It is possible, depending on the reason for your first surgery. Some people have long-lasting pain relief after surgery and don't require additional interventions. However, degenerative disease and arthritis are ongoing processes that cannot be stopped. These conditions could return and require future procedures.

9. How much help will I need after surgery?

Prior to surgery, your health care team will assess your at-home needs. Physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers will make recommendations to help you have a successful discharge and safe recovery from your surgery.

What is a spinal fusion, and does it work?

A spinal fusion is a type of spine surgery that involves joining two or more vertebrae together, usually with the help of metal implants or bone grafts. The goal of this surgery is to provide stability to the spine, and it can be used to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, herniated discs, and spinal fractures. The surgery is typically successful, with most patients reporting a decrease in pain and an improvement in mobility, though there is no guarantee that it will work for everyone.

#Spine Specialist in Pune #best spine surgeons in pune.

0 notes

eretzyisrael · 5 years

Text

Pakistan: The Australian Consul-General's wife's tale

If you visit the Israeli town of Ramleh, you will find a synagogue built by Pakistani Jews. It is named Magen Shalom, after the synagogue in Karachi which no longer exists. The Jews of Pakistan once numbered about 3,000, but the violent repercussions to the Arab-Israeli conflict have driven the community away. (In addition, as the case of Asia Bibi has shown, Pakistan is hardly today a beacon of religious freedom.) The following story is based on real events and centres around the Jews of Karachi, who were desperate to cross the closed border with India in the 1970s. Wayne Croning has recreated the story in his own words...names are made up.

Hannah made the driver cover the number plates of the Mercedes, even made him remove the flag from the bonnet. She got in front and gave him the address. Jamila Street, in the Ranchore. Her husband David was posted to Karachi a few months previously, as the Australian Consul-General. Hanna and their children arrived a few weeks later. They had been to several countries, including some in South America. The city reminded her of Bombay, where she and her family once lived. Crowded, bustling, hot and humid. But she loved it. She loved the food, the people and the culture. The first thing she did on arriving at any new country was to look up the Jewish population; being Jewish herself. After a short search with help through a high ranking local official, she found to her amazement, that there was indeed a small but thriving Jewish community with a decent-sized synagogue in the commercial hub of the city. As they drove from Clifton to Saddar, they eventually got onto Bunder Road (M.A.Jinnah Road), and took a turn off this busy street.The street they were on now was narrow, but crowded with people, cars, rickshaws, motorcycles. The synagogue was not hard to find. A large stone and brick building soon appeared on their right. Above the steel gate, and on the building itself was a sign: 'Magain Shalome Synagogue’.

An early picture of the Magain Shalome synagogue, Karachi (Photo: Haroun Haidar blog) They pulled up to the side of the street and parked. Hannah got out, walked to the gate and was stopped by the chowkidar or watchman. “Who is it you wish to see?” he asked, in Urdu. Hannah had picked up a bit of Hindi after spending a few years in Bombay.“Rabbi sahib say milna chatha hoo.” (I would like to meet the Rabbi). He replied that this was Saturday and to come back in one hour. She waited in the car, and soon observed a number of people entering the premises. Men, women and children, families, all dressed for Shabbat, in their finest. They all appeared to be East Indian, but some of their features were a little different. The gates were fully open now and she decided to walk in. The main door of the synagogue was made up of solid oak. She entered and was greeted by a high-ceilinged, cathedral-like room.and spacious, wooden benches flanked each side of a narrow aisle. Women on the left, men on the rght. Men wore kippot, women wore shawls around their head. An elderly, bearded man stood to the side of the entrance on the inside, greeting everyone. He looked surprised when he saw Hannah. Smiling, he introduced himself.“Hello and Shalom. I am Rabbi Simone Isaac. And you are...?" Hannah smiled back. “I am Hannah. She had covered her head with a silk scarf. After guiding her to a seat, the Rabbi went to the back of the building. Large chandeliers hung down, brightening up the space. The Ark stood on a raised wooden pedestal in the middle of the wooden prayer platform. Torah scrolls were stored here. The Rabbi climbed the two stairs, removed one of the large scrolls, holding it high above his head with both hands. He walked around the prayer platform, reciting prayers in Hebrew. After the service ended, Hannah managed to meet the Rabbi again. She learned a lot after their hour -long conversation. Most of the Jews here were from the Bene Israel community, that originated on the South West coast of India, just South of Bombay. Some were Baghdadi Jews and a few had Afghani connections. Most of them spoke Marathi, Urdu and of course English. Many had left in 1948, one year after the Partition of India and the birth of a new nation: Israel. By the mid 1960’s the population had further dwindled. Most left for the UK, Israel and even India. This was now 1972, India and Pakistan had just gotten over a major war. The border was closed between the two countries. Hannah was seen regularly at the synagogue; attending Shabbat prayers, weddings and social events. She had even attended two funerals, where the dead were laid to rest at the Jewish cemetery not too far from the synagogue. She got to know most of the families, made close friends with some of the women, hosting many parties and get-togethers at her home. Her own children also attended prayers at the synagogue every Saturday. She would supply the community with Kosher wine, grape juice, etc., even medical supplies. As she grew closer to the community, and came to know several of them wanted to make ‘Aliyah’ to Israel, especially the younger generation, she devised a plan: Travel to Israel for Pakistanis was not allowed (passports were stamped as such).But many had immigrated to Israel via Iran and India. The bizarre idea came into her head one day. She would drive with two or three Jews to Lahore and then drive across the border at Wagh, hiding them in the trunk of the same consular car. “Are you insane?” her husband asked as she prepared for the trip. “What if you are caught? What if they are caught? Even if you do, what will happen to them in India? They could be arrested there!” Hannah smiled but said with confidence .“They will not stop a foreign consular car. I have made arrangements with the British Embassy in Delhi. They will be given British passports. The ones who want to immigrate to Israel can do so as well. There is a representative from Tel Aviv who will be in Bombay at the end of the year. They are inviting Indian Jews to immigrate to Israel. When the day arrived, Hannah and two young women and one man, got into the Mercedes and bid tearful goodbyes to relatives. The long drive to Lahore took about two days, with stops along the way. Hannah also took the family pet dog along for the trip. The morning before crossing the border, she hid the two young women in the trunk of the car. The rear middle armrest was removed and a plastic pipe fitted to allow cool air from the air conditioner to reach them in the trunk. The young man was given a consular uniform with a badge and would act as the chauffeur. They drove to the border. It was heavily guarded with signs posted along the fence. Guard dogs began barking at the car. The guards took a walk around and noticed Hannah’s dog in the back seat. in Delhi.” she told them, holding out her passport.“This is my chauffeur and these are his papers”, she added, handing them his passport. After informing her that she would be allowed to cross, they refused to let the chauffeur through. She looked up at the guard, half annoyed. “I cannot drive! Do you want me to walk to Delhi?? ”He appeared confused for a second. After consulting with a senior official, he came back.“You can both go through, but at your own risk. We cannot be responsible for your safety, or the safety of the driver.” With that he handed back the papers, opened the gate and let them through. On the other side, she encountered similar problems. “I can’t walk to Delhi!” and an annoyed look finally got her through. “I have to make this trip two or three times a year. Make a note of my name and my number plate,”she said, as they slowly drove away from the border. The two young women made it to the UK. The chauffeur had to return with her to Karachi, so as not to raise suspicion. She made several such trips back and forth. Things became more relaxed at the border crossing.The chauffeur made it out to Israel after the third border crossing. Hardly any Jews remain in Karachi. Many of them married into other communities, changed their religion or just left for good. Many years later, a journalist interviewed the Karachi Jewish community who had settled in Israel in a place called Ramleh. They had set up a new synagogue and named it Magen Shalom after the one in Karachi. When one elderly man was interviewed he had tears in his eyes.“I miss Karachi. I was born there, I miss the place dearly.What really hurts is that I can never go back for a visit. Never!” Diplomat's wife smuggled Jews out of Pakistan Pakistani Jews go to court over synagogue

#Jews of Pakistan

7 notes · View notes

maniacalmachinist · 6 years

Text

Predator/D&D (pt 6)

CHAPTER 6: TAKING FLIGHT

Sleep didn’t come easily to Hachende after the feast, his mind abuzz with everything said and done; notions that were, and still are, completely contrary to everything he’d known. He’d been given a small lodging, though from what he’d been told he was significantly taller than most “civilized” races. The “bed” was a bit too soft for his taste, but the flooring offered a bit of comfort, and the wood itself smelled oddly sweet, and there was an odd form of fire enclosure that provided some degree or warmth. What sleep he had was interrupted by a sudden series of sounds hitting against the portal of the room. He had grabbed the handle after picking up his spear, recalling how the locking mechanism worked. The Cold One was standing there, [Ah, good afternoon my friend . . . apologies if I woke you, but we decided to let you sleep in for a while.]

Hachende grunted, [I would thank you I suppose, but it was overwhelming to say the least.]

Gyre held up a hand, [Ah, again, I am sorry for the slight . . . but, the Druidess came to me this morning with something to better aid in your conversations.] He took what seemed to be a pendant of some kind, a shiny blue stone embedded in a silver filigree. [I apologize that it may stand out a bit from your normal attire, but rest assured that your ability to communicate will be far more useful.]

Hach rolled his eyes, growling and took the pendant, throwing it over his head and letting it dangle around his neck. He was about to say something when he heard five familiar voices . . .

“So anyway, Lars was trying to get saddled on the horse when suddenly Wagh sneezed, scaring the fucking purebred, running around half mad with this dumbass strapped to it. The orc was panicking while the dwarf and I were laughing our fucking asses off.” laughed Sven to a rather sour looking Lars. The female, Jessica, was rubbing her head, clearly agitated by their conversation. Hach was shocked . . . understanding most of what was being said, clearly for a loss of his own words. In an attempt to divert attention, Lars waved at Gyre, “Good morning Steward . . . most of us are ready.”

“Wagh comin’, Wagh comin!!”

“Honestly, you five have to be the oddest combination in the northern regions . . . though I suspect your little troop might expand.”

Jessica canted her head, confused, “What do you mean, ancient one?”

Gyre looked at her, aghast, “Come now, I’m older than most here, but I’m by no means ancient . . . ah, and I forgot my manners, Hachende will be joining us.”

Wagh scratched his head, “Duh, who be Itchy-Hand?”

Hach growled a bit, but recalled the simplistic creature, “I am Hachende . . . do you understand me?”

The five blinked at him, the dwarf Durgo laughing, “Ah laddies, ya be owin’ me again . . . told ye tha’ stew’rd would ha’ some deviltry ta be helpin’ our gues’!”

[If their speech becomes too annoying, you can always take off the pendant for a while to give your hearing a rest.] Hache nodded, thankful for the advice. “If you dolts are ready, I had a skiff prepared at the landing. We’ll have to make a slight detour to my den before picking up Hachende’s ship.”

Jessica was clearly anxious, “Oh this is going to be once in a lifetime . . . to travel with a dragon!”

Hachende took a moment to gather his gear, “I’ve heard that term so much . . . is it a title of reverie or something?”

The five merely looked at each other and laughed, “You’ll see in a moment,” Lars responded with a chuckle while the group headed up to the landing, Gyre at the lead.

“Ah, a clear day . . . a most welcome sign to be sure.” The landing itself was at the edge of a cliff, overlooking a drop that seemed to go for over a kilometer. With a deep breath, Gyre jumped off the edge of the cliff . .

“What in the name of the gods . . . did that fool really just dive off a cliff without any equipment?!?” Hachende placed his hand over his face, then shook as a melodic roar filled the air. He looked at the lip of the cliff, his breath catching in his throat as a massive beast with huge wings was slowly lifting itself. He took a step back defensively, not knowing what the fuck was going on . . . the creature itself did in fact resemble what Gyremar described to him earlier, but it was far more majestic: scales of silver that rippled like ocean waters, wings that were kicking up a blizzard of their own, and a muscular body that belied age and strength only ever seen in his own people’s greatest Leaders.

“I told you, Hachende,” the beast bellowed, lowing it’s head to the group, “Best get a good look and commit it to memory, for sights like this will surely be a rarity in your lives.”

The five were silent, mouths agape in disbelief, “bloody fuckin’ fel!” muttered the one called Lars.

“Well, don’t stand there gawking like a group of idiots, get on the skiff . . . “ Bellowed Gyremar, moving to the center of the landing. What looked like a log raft with rails was awaiting them, and was attached to a long metal bar over the top with enough room for the occupants to sit down. “Try not to move around too much, a fall would be most inconvenient.” Hach took up the center of the skiff, the others arrayed themselves around him against the rails. Gyremar grunted, diving off the edge again, and flew back, taking hold of the skiff’s bar and pulled the group into the air.

“FUUUUUCK MEEEEE!” screamed Durgo. Hach gasped, never having flown exposed to the elements in such a primitive manner. Jessica was oddly at ease taking in the sights that passed beneath them.

*******************************************************************

The travel, which would have taken days by foot, went by in a matter of a few hours. The four fools, mage, and Hach himself were actually fairly quiet. Gyremar grunted in approval, making this trip easier to deal with, “WE’re coming up on my den, be ready to land. You can get up and stretch, but I won’t be long . . . I need to speak with my cohort, lest they start tapping into my personal stash.” He chuffed lightheartedly.

Gyre slowed down to hovering speeds, enough to plant the skiff on the landing point, “FUCKIN’ LAAAAND!!” The dwarf screamed, kissing the ground. The rest, except Hach laughed at his antics, while Gyre made a deep bellow into the den, which was welcomed with excited yipping sounds.

“BOSSSS!! Ya back!!” shouted a Kobold, Dar’gor from the look of it.

“Temporarily . . . I’m here with guests. I came to inform you that the emergency is over, and return to business as usual, but I may be gone for several more days.”

The kobold chief nods excitedly, then it’s tone changes, “Ah, about that boss . . . we kept hearing barking outside the sealed cave, like a weird laugh. Yip! I think the frost gnolls are on the move!” Gyremar grunted, thinking on a plan.

“What are these small creatures, and that odd noise they make?” Gunted Hach, hand on his disc, but more as a precaution than a necessity given the dragon conversing with them.

“Oh, those are Kobolds . . . kinda like reptilian rats, or vermin, but smart enough to use magic and some light weapons.” replied Jessica. “Alone, they’re pretty harmless, but when they form raiding parties, it’s best to watch your step. What they lack in strength, they can more than make up in numbers. What they’re speaking is their language . . . a form of draconic, but far less elegant.”

“Draconic? I’m assuming the language of the Cold One?”

“Uhh . .. oh, if you mean Steward Gyremar, then yes. The language of his kind, and those like him.”

Hach nodded, then his eyes went wide, “Wait, how many more of his kind are there?”

“Oh, right . . . uh, his is but one breed out of, what was it . . . ten to fifteen different ones? There’s five metallics, Gyremar being a silver dragon, the rest are gold, bronze, copper, and brass. Then five chromatics; red, blue, black, green, and white. There’s stories of purple ones as well, and some with gem-colored scales that are said to bend light as they fly,” Jessica responded, clearly enthusiastic . . . a little too much so for Hach’s tastes.

Hach put on his biomask to get a better look around this den, and mark it. To his surprise, they had flown a course just southeast of where his ship crashed, and none too far from the site. He cycled the vision modes, finding one that showed movement in the giant reptile’s den, and it was alive with what seemed like hundreds of the smaller “kobolds,” all scampering about with various duties. He peered over the edge of the landing while the humanoids continued about their idle banter, cycling his vision . . . “Hmmmm, interesting . . . these creatures are cold blooded, but why are there warm signatures down below?”

“You said something big guy?” chimed Lars, curious about the yautja’s comment.

Hach nodded, pointing down at the base of the mountain, hundreds of meters from the landing, “Mostly reptiles live here, but there are warm bloods at the base.”

“Hey Steward!! The Traveler thinks you and the kobolds might have some uninvited guests down below!!” Lars shouted to the dragon.

Gyremar snorted, and grunted . . . then sniffed the air, “Hmmm, while it is not my place to fight for others, perhaps this would be a decent test of your group’s abilities.” He shifted his head to Hachende, “They’re likely gnolls, often hunting in small packs . . . probably thinking to take a few kobolds for food.” He then addressed the whole group, “I’ll take you down below, but you’ll need some rope to hold onto me. Dar’gor . . . open that entrance, but only enough for one of your clan to get through, it’ll tease the gnolls enough to stick around, and my friends here will take care of the rest.”

“Yip yip, right boss!!” Dar’gor scurried off, barking what Hach thought were orders to the rest.

Sven and Lars procured some rope from their packs, and started preparing them, “We’ll have to latch them onto your horns, Gyremar . . . any objections.”

Gyre grunted, “It’ll be awkward, but expedient . . . ,” with the exception of Jessica, they were practically giddy with anticipation.

“Bou’ fookin’ bloody time! Been itchin’ for a damn fight . . . the one with fewest kills buys the first roun’!”

Jessica strapped her stave to her back, “Are you guys seriously going to play around?!?”

“Hey, if today is your last day, better make the best of it.” chimed Lars.

“Fuck yea!” agreed Sven, bumping his forearm with Lars.

“Wagh beat heads?!? Who heads?”

Durgo groaned, “Gnolls, ya bloody simpleton!”

“Uhhg . . . Wagh hate gnolls!!” He beat his club against the ground, “Spirits, fight wit’ us!!” He howled.

Jessica blinks, “Wait, he’s a shaman!!!”

“Yeah . . . doesn’t look or act like it, but he knows his shit when he needs to know his shit” grinned Sven.

“Alright, enough talk . . . climb on and hold tight. I’ll drop you off to the south side of the entrance. Once there, it’s up to you six . . . I will observe from the side.” Gyre tilted his head so the group could sling the ropes over.

Hach was oddly thrilled and afraid . . . the struggle against the wyvern had left him questioning this place. But at the same time, he would experience combat from the human ways. He took hold of the rope, fastened well to the Dragon’s horn, opposite of the Orc Wagh. When all were secure, Gyre started his descent to the entrance, his claws plowing into the rock, his pace steady but moved with purpose.

*********************************************************

They made good timing, Hach was able to see the warm bodies of the intruders more clearly, counting the warm-blooded signatures.

“How many ya be seein’ there, Hachende?” Shouted Durgo, annoying the warrior further.

“At least 20 . . . “

“Ya hear tha’ lads . . . soun’ like three or four huntin’ parties!”

Jessica started whispering, and the air around their bodies developed a light shimmer, even Hach’s. He felt oddly lighter, and his mind clearer. She panted afterward, “That should handle the basics for a while . . . please, don’t get too injured. I’m an apprentice wizard, not a priest.”

“Hey, Bookworm Bitch, you worry too much . . . just keep your back to the wall, and keep an eye on us,” Lars laughed out. Males openly insulting a female . . . Hach really wondered about the mental capability of these creatures. Hach just groaned, completely uncertain of this group of imbeciles . . .

“If you warm bloods are done, we’re almost there . . . save your victory soirée for later,” grunted Gyremar. He looked around, then lowered his head a few meters from the Kobold entrance, “Good luck . . . and do be careful. I’d hate to report bad news to the mayor.”

Lars and Sven smiled, hunkering down in the front of the group after dismounting, followed closely by the dwarf, orc, and female. Hach took to the nearest tree, climbing with barely a sound and activated his shift suit, then advanced ahead of the group, eager to draw the first kill.

#predator #yautja #D&D #fanfiction

5 notes · View notes

aurora-borealis-love · 5 years

Photo

The Consular General’s wife

The following story is based on fact and centres around the Jews of Karachi, a once thriving community. To make it very clear, on one was ever forced to leave Pakistan, including the Jews that once lived there. They, and many others, including Christians, Hindus, Parsees, even

Muslims have left of their own free will, for whatever reason. Humans have been on the move since the dawn of time. The story is not my own. All credit goes to a blog “Point of no return”. I have recreated the story in my own words...names are made up.

Hannah made the driver cover the number plates of the Mercedes, even made him remove the Flag from the bonnet. She got in front and gave him the address. Jamila Street, in the Ranchore Lines area.

Her husband David was posted to Karachi a few months ago as the Australian Consular General. Hanna and their children arrived a few weeks later. They had been to several countries, including some in South America. Karachi was different though. It reminded her of Bombay, where she and her family once lived. Crowded, bustling, hot and humid. But she loved it. She loved the food, the

people and the culture. The first thing she did on arriving at any new country was to look up the Jewish population; being Jewish herself. After a short search with help through a high ranking local official, she found to her amazement, that there was indeed a small but thriving Jewish community with a decent sized Synagogue in the commercial hub of the city.

As they drove from Clifton to Saddar, they eventually got onto Bunder Road (M.A.Jinnah Road), and took a turn off this busy street. The street they were on now was narrow, but crowded with people, cars, rickshaws, motorcycles. The Synagogue was not hard to find. A large stone and brick building soon appeared on their right. Above the steel gate, and on the building itself was a sign ‘Magain Shalome Synagogue’. They pulled up to the side of the street and parked. Hannah got out, walked to the gate and was stopped by the chowkidar or watchman.

“Who is it you wish to see?” he asked, in Urdu.

Hannah had picked up a bit of Hindi after spending a few years in Bombay.

“Rabbi sahib say milna chatha hoo.” (I would like to meet the Rabbi)

He replied that this was Saturday and to come back in one hour. She waited in the car, and soon observed a number of people entering the premises. Men, women and children, families, all dressed for Shabbat, in their finest. They all appeared to be East Indian, but some of their

features were a little different.

The gates were fully open now and she decided to walk in. The main door of the synagogue was made up of solid oak. She entered and was greeted by a high ceilinged , cathedral-like room. Large and spacious, wooden benches flanked each side of a narrow aisle. Women on the left, men on the right. Men wore kippahs, women wore shawls around their head.

An elderly, bearded man stood to the side of the entrance on the inside, greeting everyone. He looked surprised when he saw Hannah. Smiling, he introduced himself.

“Hello and Shalom. I am Rabbi Simone Isaac. And you are...?”

Hannah smiled back. “I am Hannah.” She had covered her head with a silk scarf.

After guiding her to a seat. The Rabbi went to the back of the building. Large chandeliers hung down brightening up the space. The Ark lay on a raised wooden pedestal in the middle of the wooden prayer platform. Torah scrolls were stored here. The Rabbi climbed the two stairs, removed one of the large scrolls, holding it high above his head with both hands. He walked around the prayer platform, reciting prayers in Hebrew. After the service ended, Hannah managed to meet the Rabbi again.

She learned a lot after their hour long conversation. Most of the Jews here were from the Bene Israeli community, that originated on the South West coast of India, just South of Bombay. Some were Baghdadi Jews and a few had Afghani connections. Most of them spoke Marathi, Urdu and of course English. Many had left in 1948 one year after the Partition of India and the birth of a new

Nation; Israel. By the mid 1960’s the population had further dwindled. Most left for the U.K., Israel and even India. This was now 1972, India and Pakistan had just gotten over a major war. The border was closed between the two countries.

Hannah was seen regularly at the Synagogue; attending Shabbat prayers, weddings and social events. She had even attended two funerals, where the dead were laid to rest at the Jewish cemetery not too far from the Synagogue. She got to know most of the families, made close friends with some of the women, hosting many parties and get-togethers at her home. Her own

children also attended prayers at the Synagogue every Saturday. She would supply the community with Kosher wine, grape juice, etc., even medical supplies.

As she grew closer to the community, and came to know several of them wanted to make the ‘Aliyah’ to Israel, especially the younger generation, she devised a plan: Travel to Israel for Pakistanis was not allowed (passports were stamped as such). But many had immigrated to

Israel via Iran and India. The bizarre idea came into her head one day. She would drive with two or three Jews to Lahore and then drive across the border at Wagh, hiding them in the trunk of the same consular car.

“Are you insane?” her husband asked as she prepared for the trip. “What if you are caught? What if they are caught? Even if you do, what will happen to them in India? They could be arrested there!”

Hannah smiled but said with confidence . “They will not stop a foreign consular car. In India I have made arrangements with the British Embassy in Delhi. They will be given British Passports. The ones who want to immigrate to Israel can do so as well. There is a representative from Tel Aviv who will be in Bombay end of the year. They are inviting Indian Jews to immigrate to Israel.

When the day arrived, Hannah and two young women and one man, got into the Mercedes and bid tearful goodbyes to relatives. The long drive to Lahore took about two days, with stops along the way. Hannah also took the family pet dog along for the trip. The morning before crossing the border, she hid the two young women in the trunk of the car. The rear middle armrest was removed

and plastic pipe fitted to allow cool air from the air conditioner to reach them in the trunk. The young

man was given a consular uniform with a badge and would act as the chauffer.

They drove to the border. It was heavily guarded with signs posted along the fence. Guard dogs began barking at the car. The guards took a walk around and noticed Hannah’s dog in the back seat. They asked her to roll down the window.

“Australian Consulate General, with official business in Delhi.” she told them, holding out her passport. “This is my chauffer and these are his papers”, she added handing them his passport.

After informing her that she would be allowed to cross, they refused to let the chauffer through.

She looked up at the guard, half annoyed.

“I cannot drive! Do you want me to walk to Delhi??”

He appeared confused for a second. After consulting with a senior official, he came back.

“You can both go through, but at your own risk. We cannot be responsible for your safety, or the safety of the driver.” With that he handed back the papers, opened the gate and let them through.

On the other side, she encountered similar problems. “I can’t walk to Delhi!” and an annoyed look finally got her through.

“I have to make this trip two or three times a year. Make a note of my name and my number plate.” she said, as they slowly drove away from the border.

The two young women made it to the U.K. The chauffer had to return with her to Karachi, so as not to raise suspicion. She made several such trips back and forth. Things became more relaxed at the border crossing. The chauffer made it out to Israel after the third border crossing. Hardly any Jews remain in Karachi. Many of them married into other communities, changed their religion or just left for good. Many years later, a journalist interviewed the Karachi Jewish community who had settled

in Israel in a place called Ramleh. They had set up a new Synagogue and named it Megan Shalom after the one in Karachi. When one elderly man was interviewed he had tears in his eyes.

“I miss Karachi. I was born there, I miss the place dearly. What really hurts is that I can never go back for a visit. Never!”

Thanks for reading,

Wayne Croning Oct.24th 2019.

(photo is courtesy of Haroon Haider blog)

#Pakistan History Jews

0 notes