In reply to COL Kurt L. Schaeffer (msg #63):

"Ach, I should like when things are rebuilt to turn mine into the proverbial plowshare. Until then, I shall teach you how to defend yourself with that Wakizashi. A noble weapon, I think Michaela would like you to have it. Make sure the Templars approve, first."

Rowan nods aproving of her loves thinking
"The broken shards of the Katana, I shall hand to them love, I will request the keeping of the Wakizashi as it is the right thing to do."
"But I will carry it in there on side as it is right under my beliefs to do"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:21, Mon 07 May 2012.

Smoker tags along with everyone else.

"Sure thing Boss and which... Never mind I see her now." Jason walks over the first thing that any of you notice is that he is what would have been middle aged before the War. That and when he talks he has a thick Texan accent. "Ma'am if you would give me Templar Dent's sword and Squire Fukashima's katana I would be much obliged." If Rowan hands them over he takes them reverently and follows Trejo into the Cathedral.

In reply to Jason Sinclair (msg #67):

Ian is returning back to the posse after talking with Cpl. Boniface, he seems to be happier then he was before.  As well people might notice that where before on the shoulders of his jacket was Velcro now have RCMP patches.

OOC: to keep the story moving Ian returns right away after a very quick chat with his fellow Mountie.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Mon 07 May 2012.

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg #65):

Jane probably should have followed but something was keeping her from it.  She didn't want to appear ungrateful but...

Jane nods to the group as they leave and mutters something about staying to watch outside.

Perhaps it would make more sense to her later.

In reply to Jason Sinclair (msg #67):

Rowan looks at the young man as he aproaches and listens to his request, not knowing the man.
She asks politely "by what right do you ask, Micheala was my friend and battle companion".
"I carry both the remains of her katana, and I carry her Wakazhi at my side in memmory."
"The Sword of Templar Dayne you may take to your Lord Templar, with out discusion or argument.
"But I seek to know and understand by what right you deny me the right to return her katana to The temple and ask for the keeping of the wakashi in memmory of her."
Rowans voice is calm respectful and with out force in it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:05, Mon 07 May 2012.

"Hey Trejo! What do a Ranger, a Federalia, and an RCMP trooper have in common?" Sinclair laughs as he tells the beginning of his joke. "Only that they all were national level cops. However the Ranger was a Templar before the War. The Federalia was a Templar after the War. The Mountie wishes to be a Templar. Get it!"

In reply to Jason Sinclair (msg #71):

Trejo's dour expression didn't change, although his eyes twinkled at Sinclair's joke.

"Huh. No Mountie ever did me wrong. Not like them Rangers."

He frowned at Rowan, not amused at what seemed to be stalling.

"Rowan, my friend, show a little respect for my Squire."

"Just do as he asks, let's not argue about it. Simon's waiting on us."

"Hey some of us hated you guys. I knew a few good guys on your side. They helped with some border issues that we had on your side. As for the sword ma'am I was asking as a friendly gesture. I would rather not have to ask in a mean way. Again ma'am if you would hand over the katana and Arthur's sword." Jason gives Trejo a easy smile when he mentions the border. When he turns to Rowan his eyes are still friendly looking but his smile doesn't touch his eyes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:17, Tue 08 May 2012.

"I carry the blades that I have sworn to myself hand over to the temple or die trying."

"So be it as you ask so shall you recieve."

"Here is the sword of Arthur and the remains of Michaela's Katana."
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:12, Tue 08 May 2012.

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg #74):

It was hard to be mad at Rowan. Instead of blowing up Trejo sounded amused if exasperated.

"Jason, Rowan, Rowan, Jason."

"Now stop yakkin' and just give the damn swords to my Squire! My hands are full. See?"

He shook the douchbag he was dragging along. The douche just whimpered.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:11, Tue 08 May 2012.

Roadkill shakes his head and is clearly pissed off with what he sees as some idiotic bluster.

"God dammit children! Someone just take the stupid swords. They are just swords!"

With the bickering continuing

"Screw it. I don't have time for whatever any of this is about and it will no doubt continue"

Roadkill walks off back to his truck and calls back

"you can fill me in later if you manage to work anything out"

"Just calm down folks," said Smoker, likewise a bit fed up.

"We've come quite a ways to deliver these swords in an appropriate manner. If you're too busy brawling with some local trader to receive them with the respect they deserve, maybe we need to find another Templar who is ready to do the job properly... perhaps your Squire would be good enough to scamper off and find someone."

Smoker fixes Trejo with his best glare.

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg #77):

Trejo looked at Smoker, then started to laugh.

And laugh. And laugh. He caught his breath, then said, sides still heaving with mirth.

"Shit... Smoker, that was the funniest thing anyone said all day. You are one funny dude. You must have hit your head real good."

"Just hilarious."

Now laughing at Smoker too, Tasmin took the merchant from Trejo.

"Trejo, interesting friends you have there. They sure got an... interesting perspective on things."

Smoker goes a bit pink, but holds his ground.

"Look here, either these swords have significance to you Templar types or they don't. If they do, act properly and quit messing around; if they don't - why in all the hells did anyone bother to haul them all this way?"

Time was short, so the Templars didn't waste any more by arguing or debating. Smiling, Jason took the swords from Rowan, who surrendered them without complaint.

Mood much improved after the levity, the Templars (and whoever wished to follow) entered the Temple, still chuckling over the absurdity of the situation.

Trejo explained to Tasmin that it wasn't some minor offence or random "brawl", the merchant had dug up a Templar's remains in Potosi, and was selling the pieces and bone fragments for $1000 a pop. This was serious stuff. Simon would likely exile him if he was feeling merciful, maybe put him to death if not. The remaining bones would be cremated go in the Hall of Heroes.

As they were led in, they saw the reason Simon's audience was delayed. A young woman in rags was coming out, carrying an infant girl. The baby seemed happy and healthy. She smiled at the Posse and said over her shoulder, "God bless you, Simon! I thought she was going to die before the day was out! It's a miracle!" Tasmin explained, "this was the reason for the delay. Simon had to save that child's life."

There was a second young woman in road leathers standing just inside the door.

The Temple is little more than a long meeting hall with several other rooms
leading off the rear. The stone floor and walls emanate cold. You imagine that
electric heaters once warmed this place in winter, but the gray stone looks as if it would never truly be comfortable. Much like the Templars relationship with the
world itself. Necessary in personality.

Tolerable in method. But cold.

Such thoughts are shaken from your skull when you see Grand Master Simon
Mercer sitting upon a raised podium at the back of the room. Beside him is a man in a simple brown robe, like a robe of old. This is Librarian Fred Biletnikoff.

The swords and remains of the fallen Templar are received with much solemnity. Trejo explained what had gone on with typical economy of words. Simon spoke to the posse.

Simon nods, and begins.

"Welcome, friends. Brother Templar. I’m sorry, but you have little time to spend here.

"First, thank you for returning the sacred swords of the fallen. They shall be awarded to Squires who are ready to fully join the ranks of the order. Rowan Dawson, you may keep your friend's Wakizashi sword in her memory, and for your defence. The remains of her Katana will be buried with her."

"Now, we have a most dire emergency that must be dealt with immediately.

"Yesterday, a caravan heading for these parts was ambushed by a large gang. Leading this gang was a villain we call the Destroyer. He is an anti-Templar named Brad Modeen. We need to bring this murderer and thief to justice immediately.

"The Destroyer has taken the remaining caravaners hostage, and will kill one at nightfall each day until we ‘respond’ to this." Simon points to a table nearby. On it sits a gruesome severed head on a wet, bloody bag.

Simon points to a young girl standing near the Templar entrance. "That is Daphne Dumar," Simon continues. "The Destroyer allowed her to live so that she could deliver his 'message'. She can guide you back to the site of the ambush. I need you to accompany her at once and bring this fiend to justice.

"I cannot offer you any help. I believe the Destroyer wishes to take the Temple, and I must organize a defense and gather any other Templars I can before he arrives. The people here are untrained and mostly unarmed so I’ll need every last one of them here to hold the place.

"I can risk only you," Simon says to Trejo, "and your friends, if they are willing to help. Your small group may be able to do what an army can’t: kill Modeen. If you can strike down the Destroyer before he moves on Boise, we will save many lives. Look around, we have no riches to offer, nothing but our gratitude."

Simon looks to those of you who do not wear the tabard of the Templars. "If you succeed in this quest and honor our order, I will make you Companions. This is a great gift, for it allows the sacred Martyrs to smile upon you in times of
need."

"Go now, my friends. And please do not fail. Many lives are at stake."

In reply to The Marshall (msg #81):

"I should like to be of whatever help I can. There is obviously something at stake here that is of grave importance."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:56, Tue 08 May 2012.

"Guys I think I will be staying behind. I can help with the defense and build a few extra of my rifles if Simon might have gotten any ghost rock out of that storm. All that you would need is a few hours for each gun." Airen seems in his element here.

She Bows to Simon..
"I appologise, for words spoken in haste and iritation out side".
"I lost two very good friends when Arthur and Michaela died". "Both were the first to realise what I am and what I belive in and gave me the stength to carry on."
"That is why I wanted to hand the swords over to a templar, that and nothing more.
"I have no claim to the swords, save only a request on my own behalf nothing more than that."
She bows in aceptance and honouring Simons words and gift

"They both wanted thier swords returned to here, so my gratitude for reciving them.
"Now how may this Witch be of service to the greater whole "

Rowan waits to see what Simon has to say,
Listens to the tale and the task and says
"I will stand with the Templars on this matter and aid them how say the rest of you"?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:56, Tue 08 May 2012.

In reply to Rowan Dawson (msg #84):

Simon nodded his approval.

"Your wish to honour the fallen does them great credit. Templars do not serve me, they serve the people of the wastes. Manners among the warriors of my order is sometimes hard to come by, and is something I vow to improve. Some day. If we still exist!"

"I welcome your help. And you too," he indicated Crichton. "That will be of immeasurable assistance. Some of my knights have been wanting to improve defences now but there was always something else to do. Now I fear Boise shall pay for my failure to fully prepare."

"As for Ghost Rock, we do not favour it's use here because of the spiritual pollution it causes. Because we don't use it or like to trade it we have amassed about a pound, 16 ounces. I think we can waive our objections considering the dire circumstances, as long as we don't become dependent on it. I will have Librarian Biletnikoff show you to our stockpile.

"I am happy to help wherever folks think I can be of use... cannot have people holding folks hostage and hacking their heads off with no good reason," said Smoker, then he looked around and noticed that Roadkill was missing.

"Um, excuse me, better go ask Roadkill if he'll help..."

In reply to Smoker Nix (msg #86):

Ian hears of the situation and says "I am willing to help out."

"Umm I guess we got volunteered not that I wouldn't go because it is the right thing to do. Sirs I am sure that my help will be rather minimal. I will bring home as many as I can." Jason is no longer smiling. He seems to change from fun and games to full blown hard cop. "I need to gather my gear. I thought would have a slightly longer break. At your leave sir."

He sighed when the Templar came back out but grimaced as Trejo and some other lippy Templar wannabe started shit with Rowan. He put a hand on his pistol calmly and waited. But finally things worked themselves out, for which he was glad. Fighting Templars was bad business, since they were good guys even if they were giant assholes other than Arthur and Michaela.

He glanced around as they entered. The Hall was impressive, he supposed, but it didn't sit quite right with him. He didn't feel...comfortable, and not just because it was a bit cold. He listened quietly as Simon spoke. He blinked several times. "What the fuck? He wants us to go in and kill one of his enemies so we can get a gold star while he shores up his defenses?"

He shook his head and turned to leave. "I already have a job so it'll depend on whether Roadkill's in or not. I don't mind helpin' people but goin' after...whatever an Anti-Templar is...sounds like a job for Templars. But I guess you have your own problems." He tried to keep any sarcasm or condescension out of his tone but he wasn't sure if he was totally successful. He was probably wrong but it sure sounded cowardly to hide behind things like "have to organize defenses" and "can't give you any help but you go kill him for us".

Peter looked over at Jason as he started to leave, and smiled since the boy wasn't smiling anymore. "Hey, that's great! You get to come, too? It's like a dream come true since you've been such a nice guy so far to us! You an' Trejo both are just absolute peaches!" He kept smiling but just like Jason did with Rowan, the smile was fake and didn't reach his eyes as he spoke and walked past him to get outside. "Hope you have your own ride. You ain't welcome in my truck, Squire Boy."