honey and sting

So, Gryphonrhi and I are talking about how great is the Conner story, "Waylaid," by the incomparable Killa, and I comment on how one of the things I admire about Killa's writing is her respect for historicity. And Rhi says, "oh, it's worse than you think -- she actually researched how far back "paper, rock, scissors" goes to see if she could have the characters use it in the story."

To which I asked the next obvious question, "and how far DOES it go?" Rhi said she thought 7th Century at least, and I opined, "probably older than that. I bet the Egyptians and Babelonians had some version of it."

Which of course prompted the question, what would do for it, if you have stone tablets and not paper?

Herewith, one possible answer. Anyone got others? *grin*

Lizard eats bug.
Bug stings cow.
Cow stomps lizard.

Whee!