"Well woo hoo doggies, I done got a gun and an English lesson frum th' pr'fessor on th' same day."  Jack observed, much to Arthur's indifference.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Thu 26 Aug 2010.

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg #161):

"I simply meant that...  you are unaffected...therefore...  Not Chosen,"  explains Brother Edgar, through winces.  He does his best to smile though, "But do not worry.  I won't...hold it against you." With that, he returns to his work.  He does politely agree to take part in the division however it occurs.  It is a harsh world, supplies are required even for priests.

Rowan smiles "speech between friends is always good". "It saves on misunderstandings at a later point".

Rowan bows slightly.
Chosen you say, what is chosen is it the one over all that watches the world reaching down his hand and touching some one?
Is it the gust of the breeze in the morning, that the mother sends.
The unheard song on the wind.

All of these could be said to be chosen,

Once long ago in China this was written

All of god’s creatures, the low and the high are one with nature.
If we have the wisdom to learn, all may teach us their nature.
Between the fragile beauty of the praying mantis and the fire and the passion of the winged dragon there is no discord.
Between the supple silence of the snake and the eagle’s claws there is harmony.

As no two elements in nature are in conflict, so when we perceive the ways of nature we remove conflict from with in ourselves and discover a silence and balance within.
In accord with the universe.

Rowan bows, all are chosen in some way Good Brother.
It is just that the choosing is not always obvious

The bodies had been dragged into position.

Everyone waited for something to happen next, as presumably Brother Edgar was obviously going to do something impressive with the bodies. Michaela helped Peter re-mount the Ma-Deuce on the back of his truck.

Col Schaeffer had high draw. He chose the Fusil-20, which he gave to Rowan so she could trade it.

Jane had next draw. She didn't seem to have a preference. While she debated, Jack went next.

With a mixture of awe and reverence, Dakota took the hand-tooled leather belt and paired Peacemakers. They seemed clean but there was no way to know until he pulled them and checked the chambers.

Next up was Peter, then Smoker and Rowan. Rowan had already expressed her interest in the Colt M1911A1.

Roadkill had called dibs on the Mossberg.

Vehicle-wise, Rowan seemed to be gravitating towards the Roadhawk and Michaela the Viper.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:25, Thu 26 Aug 2010.

Brother Edgar, having arranged the bodies of the fallen priests in a clear spot away from the buildings, helps the others move their findings off and away.  He seems to be attempting to clear everyone far back and away from where the dead now lay.  He would also take the time to call upon the protective power of the Glow to clean away any lingering radiation from the equipment.  Only then does he release his barrier and visibly relax.

For his part, as regards the equipment, he makes no particular claims or requests.  Seeming quite content to a simple share of what may be left as trade goods in the future.  When one walks with the Power of the Bomb, one doesn't seem to feel a pressing need for guns or bullets.

As the wheelings and dealings continue, he takes the moment to rest.  Kneeling.  Drawing deep breaths, preparing himself for something.

Peter looked over the equipment with a keen but almost disinterested eye. Something was bothering him but his merchantile instincts took over and roared in to overdrive. He sighed slightly and picked up the Tokarev machine-pistol. It was serviceable and had extra ammo, both a bonus in the wasteland.

"I do not really have a preference but I think I can fire this gun, so if someone else is really interested in this, please let me know."

Rowan answers in a gentle voice.

If there is one truth that I have found in my travels Peter it is this."
"To survive out here on the waste lands one must be strong of mind, and equipped to do so."
"This is the truth of it".
"If you are drawn to an item there is a reason and a sensible person follows reasons".
"Even if they do not understand them"

Rowan hand sketches in the air a circle followed by some lines with in and for a moment was that a glow that followed her fingers movement.


"That is the truth spoken on the wind this day"

Rowan bows slightly, and turns her attention back to the pile.

"There are only a few things that interest me here, the throwing axes would be nice they might save me ammunition at close quarters."
"To use them in fighting in hand I would have to learn how."

She considers the pile again.

"I would suggest that the person who takes the 10mm pistol takes the Uzi as well since they use the same ammunition".
"The rest if no one wants it I would suggest we take a s trade or gift goods".

Michaela hesitated, looking at Arthur, then continued.

"I know it's not my turn, but I could use the Uzi, especially if the ammunition from the Glock is loaded in. I could use it one-handed from the Viper, if I'm going to be riding that (and I can)."

She was unsure about speaking up; as she was Arthur's squire she assumed he would be speaking for her depending on what he thought best for her training as a Templar under him. However, she felt she should say something and Arthur couldn't read her mind.

"Sorry Arthur, do you want me to have a gun? Or should I be concentrating on hand-to-hand? I don't have a problem either way!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:04, Sat 28 Aug 2010.

Peter slowly turns to look at Rowan. He has a look on his face that is a cross between quizzical and wondering if she is more than a little insane. But then he just raises an eyebrow and replies, "As you say, I suppose, young lady."

Looking under the seat of the Roadhawk, Rowan found a medium-sized plastic bag that was taped shut. It felt like there were pill bottles and maybe smaller bags sealed inside. It rattled a little when shaken.

Rowan smiles.
"See I have made you think Peter and wonder a little about me."
"And that is always a good thing, but I am no lady only Rowan a healer"

Rowan slips the package into her healer bag for later examination when she has time.

Nix had spent some time trying to get the two damaged bikes working, partly by using the bike that was damaged beyond repair for spare parts.  It was difficult without a full workshop but he had retrieved his tools from Roadkill's truck and set to work.  He also drained the fuel from those bikes that they weren't using to top off those that did work.  There was no point letting spare fuel go unused!

When the subject of dividing up the spoils came up Nix had happily used this deck of cards to decide on the priority order.  Through puffs from his pipe he waited for his turn to come.

"I'll take the Glock if that's ok," he asked the others when it did.

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg #181):

As the discussion was going on, Smoker patched the ties on the wrecked bikes. Repairing the heavily-damaged bikes would take several hours at least, maybe days. But at least they seemed fixable. He also noted the hole in the fuel tank of the hoverbike would need a more permanent repair than the tape Rowan used.

For a moment there it seemed Smoker was going to be too busy to take his pick but then he perked up his attention. He chose the Glock, not being aware of the earlier discussion.

Rowan took the Colt M1911A1 and two mags, plus the throwing axes (which she could actually use). Michaela took the loaded SA Commando SMG and 7 loose rounds.

Roadkill grabbed the pump-shotgun, leaving the half-loaded Mini-Uzi, loaded Winchester (plus loose .30-30 rounds) and loaded Colt Detective Special for Brother Edgar, Arthur and Jane to choose between.

No one seemed to have a problem with Dakota and Michaela having some additional protection.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:08, Sun 29 Aug 2010.

Brother Edgar continues to pass on the firearms, suggesting that they could be used as spares and backup weapons for the vehicles if no one lays claim.  Once he is rested and rejuvenated, the Doomsayer will excuse himself from the gathering of the others, "Please remain here.  I must go and send my wayward, sinful brothers back to the Glow through the power of the Bomb.  Taking some cover or adding more distance might be appropriate. "  With that, he heads off towards the set aside place for the dead Doomsayers; a safe distance from the companions and the buildings.

Rowan bows slightly,

"Brother Edgar, "In wisdom grant me please, a few moments to warn the local animals of the danger you wish to unleash."
"Of warning and life, they are also due"

Rowan steps aside while remaining in cover.

And casts Beast Speak
She chants as she does so

For those that run on four feet, and soar the winds grace
Scent well, the winds message
Be wise and be fleet
Quickly flee this place, a hunter comes

Again Rowans hands move in a circle as she finishes.

The crow that she had befriended before took the hint and flapped off, squawking, At it's prompting, so did the other carrion-eating birds who were waiting around to feast on the despoiled corpses.

While she talked to the birds, Roadkill helped himself to a rusty machete. Smoker took the Glock, leaving the Colt Detective Special and lever-action Winchester for Arthur. Brother Edgar wasn't interested in firearms at this time, and Arthur had his own reasons for shunning shootin' irons.

Unfortunately, they hadn't found any survivors at Shalam Colony. Tracks had led across a bridge over to the far side of the Rio Grande and into the hills, so they knew someone was still alive.

As Rowan waits for Brother Edgar to finish what ever he is doing Rowan turns to the rest of the party gathered with her. "Should we try an find the survivors once we have finished here, I think the tracks lead over the river and into the hills?"
"Though I will admit that my tracking is not so good as to tell you how many or when that I have to leave to those with more knowledge of the task than me"

The Colonel had left the others to divide the spoils among themselves. He walked up the ramp to the interstate to take a good look around. As soon as he was satisfied that there were no more surprises coming at them at this time, he made his way back just in time to hear Rowan's last.

"Ja, the tracks lead over the river and most likely into the hills. Up there, they could be anywhere. I might be able to track them down, but it will take time and after our little scrap here, I'd prefer to move on. Right thing to do it was, but it cost us a lot of time already."

Jane looked back at the ambush scene happy that they had disposed of the Doomsayers. She felt a particular hatred towards the cultists. A cult that maintained that the war and all the deaths that ensued was a good thing could only be evil. She had lost everything in the war but this was not the end.

One day, she would join her family. In the meantime, she had to do all that was possible to make this world a better place. She had sins to atone for, the soldier knew that he was not allowed to die until she had paid them off.

"Ok, let's get going then"

Rowan in a polite voice, "sir it is neither meet nor right to leave them in the hills."
"It will cost us little in the way of time and supplies to find these people and take them some where safe if they wish to come along"

In reply to Michaela Fukushima (msg #176):

"Micheala, there is nothing wrong with asking to be considered for what you need.  In this case, I'd say you'd be justified in any of those requests, especially in light of what happened to the horse.  However, I believe I have a lesson to impart.  Dakota Jack."

"Yeah, what's the word Hoss?"  Jack asked, pulling the pin out of a Colt and checking its forcing crown, top strap, and action to make sure the four clicks worked as intended.

"This item is my spoils, and it is useless to me.  Micheala already has a similar armament.  I have a distinct feeling you could put this to good use."  Arthur handed Jack the Winchester.  "As for this other, while interesting, it offers no inherent advantage to me so I offer it to compensate those of you who expended so much ammunition.  I don't need it, therefore I cannot keep it.  I believe it would be best if you held onto this until it can be liquidated, Mr. Firecrow."

Arthur offered Peter Firecrow the little Colt peashooter.

"But I have to disagree with the Colonel most respectfully.  You're all good people and I understand your obligations, but I have mine as well.  I am not satisfied that my job here is done just because these horrible creatures are dead."