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[DitV] Sanctuary Valley--where we shoot at children.. and possibly old ladies.
SAW776
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Our Team of Dogs:
El Skid as Sister Talitha Brown.
3clipse as Brother Charles Wolfwood.
admanb as Brother Aidan Bloom.
Things So Far
All Dogs go through training, and our Dogs are no different. That training, however, doesn't always involve the official curriculum, nor does it always involve success.
Talitha is faced with a bully who thinks of her as a silly girl, and an instructor who doesn't think of her as much better.
Charles has come to find his disapproving parents waiting for him as part of a surprise visit engineered by fate and his mother.
Aidan is forced to watched as a much more experienced Dog interrogates and abuses a helpless woman.
All Dogs find their place within the Faith--but how they come by it? Well, that part is never the same.
Talitha managed to keep her calm against the bully, Brother Iriah. The boy tore asunder a book of science, calling it a tool of the Adversary, but still she was restrained and confident, driving the boy off, in the end, with a verse from the Book of Life itself.
Charles showed strength in the face of his father's disapproval, pushing through the hardened exterior the elder had erected. In the end, his father blessed him and wished him well.
Aidan protected the formerly possessed from a harsh judgement, pulling sympathy from the hardened heart of a veteran Dog.
And then it was time for them to travel out into the lands beyond Bridal Falls, back out into the world that were now deemed ready to protect.
The first stop on their circuit was the quiet town of Sanctuary Valley...
El Skid as Sister Talitha Brown.
Age: 22
Background: Well Rounded
Stats(17):[/U]
Acuity: 6
Heart: 8
Body: 2
Will: 2
Traits: (1d4 4d6 2d8)
I live to teach: 2d8
I learned how to shoot if I have to: 1d6
I've learned alot from books: 2d6
I'm a dog: 1d6
I have a soft heart: 1d4
I know how to deal with bullies 1d6
Relationships(4d6 2d8):
Father Jethro 1d6
Mayor Thaddeus 1d6
Free: 2d6 2d8
Belongings:
My Coat 2d6- A suprisingly pretty coat- Her family helped half-heartedly, but her students and their families put extra care and attention into it: She was well respected, and the work and planning that went into it shows.
Old revolver 1d6 1d4 - Hardly ever used, but a gift from the mayor of her town.
Book of Life 1d8 1d6- A very old copy handed down to her by her grandmother
Bessie- my Horse 1d6- A very calm mare- not the fastest, but she hardly ever starts or gets excited
My books- 2d8- A collection of the most important books she owns and has found. Books on Math, Philosophy, Grammar, Etiquette, even one that she keeps well hidden on recognizing and dealing with demons... Whatever she is reading now, or thinks might come in handy.
Jar of Consecrated earth 1d6
Sewing kit- 1d6
Pots and Pans- 1d8 Hand-made to her specifications, these are light-weight but conduct heat very well
Accomplishment: I hope I proved that I am as deserving of the title of God's Watchdog as any man is.
History:
Background: Well Rounded
Stats(17):[/U]
Acuity: 6
Heart: 8
Body: 2
Will: 2
Traits: (1d4 4d6 2d8)
I live to teach: 2d8
I learned how to shoot if I have to: 1d6
I've learned alot from books: 2d6
I'm a dog: 1d6
I have a soft heart: 1d4
I know how to deal with bullies 1d6
Relationships(4d6 2d8):
Father Jethro 1d6
Mayor Thaddeus 1d6
Free: 2d6 2d8
Belongings:
My Coat 2d6- A suprisingly pretty coat- Her family helped half-heartedly, but her students and their families put extra care and attention into it: She was well respected, and the work and planning that went into it shows.
Old revolver 1d6 1d4 - Hardly ever used, but a gift from the mayor of her town.
Book of Life 1d8 1d6- A very old copy handed down to her by her grandmother
Bessie- my Horse 1d6- A very calm mare- not the fastest, but she hardly ever starts or gets excited
My books- 2d8- A collection of the most important books she owns and has found. Books on Math, Philosophy, Grammar, Etiquette, even one that she keeps well hidden on recognizing and dealing with demons... Whatever she is reading now, or thinks might come in handy.
Jar of Consecrated earth 1d6
Sewing kit- 1d6
Pots and Pans- 1d8 Hand-made to her specifications, these are light-weight but conduct heat very well
Accomplishment: I hope I proved that I am as deserving of the title of God's Watchdog as any man is.
History:
Talitha was a tomboy growing up. She never really cared for the things of women, though she learned them because her father made her. But she pushed the boundries whenever she could, learning to read and write very well, helping her brothers with some un-ladylike chores, and generally being a dissapointment to her mother.
When she reached her 14th birthday her grandmother died and left her a very old copy of the Book of Life. Grieving for her grandmother, who had been quite close, she read through the book, and marveled at the miracles and compassion shown therin- up until that point in her life religion had been a stuffy set of rules that wanted her to do things she didn't want to. Quite quickly, though, she reformed her life, dedicating it to the Father and helping those around her to hear His message, and to better themselves so that they could serve him better.
Being a quick learner and caring greatly about others (especially children), she finished her schooling and stayed on as an assistant to the teacher, and from there became a teacher herself. She was found to be incredibly smart and passionate about her work, and began to make a big difference in the community. Her children became well behaved and conscientious, and also started to show remarkable knowledge of- and observance to- the Book.
Her only remaining rebelliousness was that she steadfastly refused to marry. This eventually came to the ears of a Dog, who confronted her about refusing to marry a local boy her parents had selected for her when she was getting outside of marriageable age.
"Sir, with all due respect- that boy is not worthy of me. When I marry, it will be to a man who is intelligent enough hold to up his end of a conversation with me, and strong enough to stand by me and do what needs to be done in His name. Until then, I'll remain chaste, happily spend my life serving the Father of All Things and teaching others the joy that comes with doing so."
Talitha is extremely compassionate and intelligent, though she doesn't like violence. Though she carries a gun with her, she rarely uses it, preferring to turn sinners onto the right path rather than to remove them from the way altogether.
When she reached her 14th birthday her grandmother died and left her a very old copy of the Book of Life. Grieving for her grandmother, who had been quite close, she read through the book, and marveled at the miracles and compassion shown therin- up until that point in her life religion had been a stuffy set of rules that wanted her to do things she didn't want to. Quite quickly, though, she reformed her life, dedicating it to the Father and helping those around her to hear His message, and to better themselves so that they could serve him better.
Being a quick learner and caring greatly about others (especially children), she finished her schooling and stayed on as an assistant to the teacher, and from there became a teacher herself. She was found to be incredibly smart and passionate about her work, and began to make a big difference in the community. Her children became well behaved and conscientious, and also started to show remarkable knowledge of- and observance to- the Book.
Her only remaining rebelliousness was that she steadfastly refused to marry. This eventually came to the ears of a Dog, who confronted her about refusing to marry a local boy her parents had selected for her when she was getting outside of marriageable age.
"Sir, with all due respect- that boy is not worthy of me. When I marry, it will be to a man who is intelligent enough hold to up his end of a conversation with me, and strong enough to stand by me and do what needs to be done in His name. Until then, I'll remain chaste, happily spend my life serving the Father of All Things and teaching others the joy that comes with doing so."
Talitha is extremely compassionate and intelligent, though she doesn't like violence. Though she carries a gun with her, she rarely uses it, preferring to turn sinners onto the right path rather than to remove them from the way altogether.
3clipse as Brother Charles Wolfwood.
Age: 19
Background: Strong history
Numbers:
Stats (13)
Acuity: 4
Heart: 2
Body: 4
Will: 5
Traits (3d6 4d8 3d10)
I'm an incredible shot: 3d8
I'm a Dog: 1d6
I will hound my target to the ends of the earth, never will I fail: 1d8
I can handle myself in a fist fight, or with a knife: 1d10
My way is that of the Lord; repent and I may have mercy upon you: 1d6
I always find what I'm looking for: 1d6
My mind carries me through the worst; my body is but an anchor weighing me to this earth, and its suffering and pain is temporary and meaningless: 2d10
I am my own man, and I will make my own path: 1d6
Relationships (1d4 3d6 2d8)
Bill, a childhood friend: 1d4
Father Black: 1d6
Charles Father: 2d6
Brother Samuel: 1d4
Belongings
A massive, powerful repeating rifle: 2d8 1d4
A brown, well-made leather coat with many internal pockets: 2d6
A large, sharp hunting knife: 2d8
My father's Book of Life: 1d8
A jar of consecrated earth: 1d6
My horse Zeke, a large black gelding: 1d8
Rope, always useful: 1d8
My grandfather's harmonica, a rusted scrap of a thing: 1d4
Accomplishment: I hope I proved my worth to my parents
Background:
Background: Strong history
Numbers:
Stats (13)
Acuity: 4
Heart: 2
Body: 4
Will: 5
Traits (3d6 4d8 3d10)
I'm an incredible shot: 3d8
I'm a Dog: 1d6
I will hound my target to the ends of the earth, never will I fail: 1d8
I can handle myself in a fist fight, or with a knife: 1d10
My way is that of the Lord; repent and I may have mercy upon you: 1d6
I always find what I'm looking for: 1d6
My mind carries me through the worst; my body is but an anchor weighing me to this earth, and its suffering and pain is temporary and meaningless: 2d10
I am my own man, and I will make my own path: 1d6
Relationships (1d4 3d6 2d8)
Bill, a childhood friend: 1d4
Father Black: 1d6
Charles Father: 2d6
Brother Samuel: 1d4
Belongings
A massive, powerful repeating rifle: 2d8 1d4
A brown, well-made leather coat with many internal pockets: 2d6
A large, sharp hunting knife: 2d8
My father's Book of Life: 1d8
A jar of consecrated earth: 1d6
My horse Zeke, a large black gelding: 1d8
Rope, always useful: 1d8
My grandfather's harmonica, a rusted scrap of a thing: 1d4
Accomplishment: I hope I proved my worth to my parents
Background:
Charles's parents are rich and powerful, both of them being incredibly accomplished. Since he was a child he has felt eclipsed by them (and indeed, his parents have never seen him as being worthy of their name). He spent most of his time with his uncle, himself a Dog, who taught him how to shoot and showed him the Wisdom and Compassion of the Lord, revealed in the Book of Life. His uncle left when Charles was 15, with the parting words "Remember what I've taught you, boy, and strive to serve the Lord in all things; urge the sinner to repent, but have no mercy upon those who will not."
Charles follows this advice to the letter; he will try to convert the fallen, but if he perceives it as being a lost cause he will simply kill them. He is tall but very lean, and incredibly determined. He isn't stupid, but he has no desire to learn and would rather shoot his way out of a situation then think his way out of it. He is kind to his friends, but tends to be merciless to heretics.
He is absolutely committed to bringing back, or if necessary destroying, those who have fallen from the way of the Lord. He will fight through the worst of injuries, his indomitable will carrying him through everything. His eyes seem to burn like ice; though his mercilessness makes him a force to be reckoned with in a fight, he is often rebuked for being too unforgiving and unwilling to understand those who have fallen from God's path.
His only desire in life is to serve God as one of His Watchdogs.
Charles follows this advice to the letter; he will try to convert the fallen, but if he perceives it as being a lost cause he will simply kill them. He is tall but very lean, and incredibly determined. He isn't stupid, but he has no desire to learn and would rather shoot his way out of a situation then think his way out of it. He is kind to his friends, but tends to be merciless to heretics.
He is absolutely committed to bringing back, or if necessary destroying, those who have fallen from the way of the Lord. He will fight through the worst of injuries, his indomitable will carrying him through everything. His eyes seem to burn like ice; though his mercilessness makes him a force to be reckoned with in a fight, he is often rebuked for being too unforgiving and unwilling to understand those who have fallen from God's path.
His only desire in life is to serve God as one of His Watchdogs.
admanb as Brother Aidan Bloom.
Age: 21
Background: Complicated History
Stats (15):
Acuity: 5
Body: 2
Heart: 4
Will: 4
Traits (4d4, 2d6, 2d10):
I'm a good shot: 1d6
I can play most stringed instruments: 1d6
I hate shooting at another human: 2d4
I have a sarcastic, cynical sense of humor: 2d4
I'm philosophically curious: 1d10
I rarely talk, but people tend to listen when I do: 1d10
I sympathize with the victim 1d6
Relationships (5d6, 2d8):
I'm a dog: 1d6
Widow Carlson: 2d8
Brother Christensen: 1d6
Belongings:
My Coat: 2d6 - a simple coat with a large, elegant five-pointed star on the back, stiched with gold thread by the Lady Carlson.
Standard revolver: 1d6 1d4 - a basic gun, used mostly for putting holes in trees and old buckets.
Jar of consecrated earth: 1d4 - usually carried in a side pocket or somewhere similarly inconvenient.
An almost brand-new Book of Life: 1d6
Daniel: 2d6 - a prize-winning horse, a gift from the Lady Carlson.
Accomplishment: I hope to prove it's possible to do things my way.
Background:
Background: Complicated History
Stats (15):
Acuity: 5
Body: 2
Heart: 4
Will: 4
Traits (4d4, 2d6, 2d10):
I'm a good shot: 1d6
I can play most stringed instruments: 1d6
I hate shooting at another human: 2d4
I have a sarcastic, cynical sense of humor: 2d4
I'm philosophically curious: 1d10
I rarely talk, but people tend to listen when I do: 1d10
I sympathize with the victim 1d6
Relationships (5d6, 2d8):
I'm a dog: 1d6
Widow Carlson: 2d8
Brother Christensen: 1d6
Belongings:
My Coat: 2d6 - a simple coat with a large, elegant five-pointed star on the back, stiched with gold thread by the Lady Carlson.
Standard revolver: 1d6 1d4 - a basic gun, used mostly for putting holes in trees and old buckets.
Jar of consecrated earth: 1d4 - usually carried in a side pocket or somewhere similarly inconvenient.
An almost brand-new Book of Life: 1d6
Daniel: 2d6 - a prize-winning horse, a gift from the Lady Carlson.
Accomplishment: I hope to prove it's possible to do things my way.
Background:
Aidan never felt quite right about his training as a dog, but as he was selected by a well-respected Steward, he accepted it. His philosophical curiosity doesn't fit the Dogs more straightforward views, but as long as he's doing the job he'll act as he's expected -- as long as it doesn't conflict too much.
The Widow Carlson is the most important figure in Aidan's life. A middle-aged woman whose wealthy husband died shortly after they married, she filled a role that Aidan's simple, but loving parents never could: a discussion partner. Aidan's habit of bringing up philosophical arguments had a tendency to get him in trouble in his early life, which eventually led him to stop bringing them up and contributed to his overall refusal to voice an opinion. But Carlson, an old friend of the family, noticed this change and began inviting him over for discussions under the pretext of having him do landscaping for her. This became a weekly habit interrupted only by the most intense periods of Dog training.
Aidan's approach to the Dog lifestyle is largely neutral. He is no fanatical follower, but he's not an insidious subverter either. As long as he's not forced to do anything he considers abhorrent, he'll gladly serve alongside other Dogs to bring peace to congregations.
The Widow Carlson is the most important figure in Aidan's life. A middle-aged woman whose wealthy husband died shortly after they married, she filled a role that Aidan's simple, but loving parents never could: a discussion partner. Aidan's habit of bringing up philosophical arguments had a tendency to get him in trouble in his early life, which eventually led him to stop bringing them up and contributed to his overall refusal to voice an opinion. But Carlson, an old friend of the family, noticed this change and began inviting him over for discussions under the pretext of having him do landscaping for her. This became a weekly habit interrupted only by the most intense periods of Dog training.
Aidan's approach to the Dog lifestyle is largely neutral. He is no fanatical follower, but he's not an insidious subverter either. As long as he's not forced to do anything he considers abhorrent, he'll gladly serve alongside other Dogs to bring peace to congregations.
Things So Far
All Dogs go through training, and our Dogs are no different. That training, however, doesn't always involve the official curriculum, nor does it always involve success.
Talitha is faced with a bully who thinks of her as a silly girl, and an instructor who doesn't think of her as much better.
Charles has come to find his disapproving parents waiting for him as part of a surprise visit engineered by fate and his mother.
Aidan is forced to watched as a much more experienced Dog interrogates and abuses a helpless woman.
All Dogs find their place within the Faith--but how they come by it? Well, that part is never the same.
Talitha managed to keep her calm against the bully, Brother Iriah. The boy tore asunder a book of science, calling it a tool of the Adversary, but still she was restrained and confident, driving the boy off, in the end, with a verse from the Book of Life itself.
Charles showed strength in the face of his father's disapproval, pushing through the hardened exterior the elder had erected. In the end, his father blessed him and wished him well.
Aidan protected the formerly possessed from a harsh judgement, pulling sympathy from the hardened heart of a veteran Dog.
And then it was time for them to travel out into the lands beyond Bridal Falls, back out into the world that were now deemed ready to protect.
The first stop on their circuit was the quiet town of Sanctuary Valley...
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
PSN: SAW776
PSN: SAW776
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As such, when a young Dog-in-Training, Brother Iriah, decides to harass the young woman, he merely watches from a distance.
"What exactly is the point of all this?" Brother Iriah remarks, followed by the sound of paper being torn.
As Talitha turns around, she finds herself face to face with an unnerving sight--her bag of books, spilled out in the dirt, with Brother Iriah perched on a fence above them, one of her prized possessions in his hands.
"What are you supposed to do with these out in the land? Hit people with 'em?" He begins to tear out another page.
--
Brother Iriah's Roll
Raise [4,2 = 6] (Talking)
Brother Iriah's Remaining Dice [1, 1, 5, 6, 9, 10]
The Stakes: Do you earn Brother Holt's respect?
Brother Charles
"Dear," Charles' mother said, "I'm sure he'll find success at something, someday."
His parents had had business in Bridal Falls, and his mother had convinced his father they they should visit. His father made it clear during the entire time since they arrived that he would much rather have gone to see a play or had a nice hot lunch, however.
"Dear," Charles' mother would plead every time his father made a disapproving comment, though it wasn't to much avail.
"Well," Charles' father asked, "when's it gonna be, Boy?" turning on his son. "When are you going to earn that name we gave you, eh?"
--
Charles' Father's Roll
Raise: [5, 3 = 8] (Talking)
Charles' Father's Remaining Dice [1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 7]
Stakes: Do you earn your father's respect?
Brother Aidan
Brother Jordan pushed the woman down onto her knees. Her hands were bound behind her.
"It's because of her we lost an entire Branch."
"Please," the woman begs, "I didn't do it! I didn't do anything!"
"Quiet," Jordan shouts, grabbing the woman by the hair. "Give us the truth. There's still hope for your soul yet."
--
Aidan's Trial's Roll
Raise: [4, 5 = 9] (Talking)
Aidan's Trial's Remaining Dice [1, 5, 5, 6, 6, 9]
Stakes: Do you save the woman?
PSN: SAW776
Aidan's face screwed up into a grimace as he watched the scene. His face flushed and his heartbeat sped up. He took a few deep, slow breaths, but he had little luck calming himself. He relaxed his face in hopes of betraying little of his emotions as he said, in the calmest voice he could manage, "Brother Jordan, don't you think it best we hear her side of the story first?"
Raise: [5,6]
A note of anger entered his voice now, but it remained calm and low, "Torture isn't going to bring the lost branch back; all we have left to save is this woman's soul."
(OOC: Holy fuck that's a good roll.)
Aidan's remaining dice: [5,2,6,6,5]
(edit: need a raise, obviously)
Dice:
My father has never respected me (Relationship): 2d6
Total: 6d6
Rolls: [5,4,1,5,2,4]
Action:
"I'll earn it as soon as I'm done and ready to earn it, Pa" Charles said, looking his father right in the eyes. "Becomin' a Dog ain't something you do overnight, or because you just had a hankerin' to do it. I may not have a private room, but I'm a damn good shot and I'm gonna see this thing through to the end.
Raise: 5+5=10
"I'm givin' my life to the Lord and His works, which is more 'n you ever did. My life will spent in service to Him and His Word, not amassing my own fortune and living in decadence."
My remaining dice: 1, 2
She looked challengingly at the bully and fired off her own verbal salvo: "You should know that not everything we do is killin' folk by now; Maybe you ain't ready to be a Dog yerself? Maybe Brother Holt's been wastin' his time on ya?"
Raise: [8,4]= 12
Initial roll- Acuity + heart (talking) [1,1,1,2,3,3,3,3,4,4,4,5,5]
Book of Life: [4,8]
Remaining Dice: [1,1,1,2,3,3,3,3,4,4,4,5,5]
The Dog, still holding the woman by the hair, pushes her towards Aidan.
"You go ahead then, and tell her that all the people her wicked ways destroyed don't matter--tell her that she'll be safe in the arms of the King of Life, while all those who it was too late for suffer with the Advesrary."
--
[See: 5,6] = 11
[Raise: 9,5] = 15 (Talking)
Aidan's Trial's Remaining Dice [1, 6]
Sister Talitha
"No book of science should matter for the Faithful--they shouldn't need a reason to believe that the King of Life hasn't forsaken 'em. This book here?" he says, holding up the science text, "this is as bad as any False Doctrine held up by the Adversary!"
Talitha has no choice but to watch the boy tear her beloeved book in half along the binding.
--
[See: 5,9] = 14
[Raise: 10,6] = 16 (Talking)
Brother Iriah's Remaining Dice [1, 1]
Brother Charles
"And you're noth'n more than a spoiled little brat, who don't know how good he had it. How do you think you got here, Boy? How do you think you even had the chance to try to be worth someth'n?"
--
[See: 5,6] = 11
[Raise: 7,7] = 14
Charles' Father's Remaining Dice [1, 2]
Edit: Edited to fix Aidan's Trial's remaining dice.
PSN: SAW776
I'm a Dog: 1d6: 4
--
[See: 1,1,2,4,6] = 14
[Raise: 5,3] = 8
My Remaining Dice: none
"May the King watch over you."
Brother Charles wins the stakes and can take a 1d6 Trait dealing with earning his father's respect or something else fitting to the Initiation.
Unfortunately though, I also need you to roll 5d4 for me as Fallout. Go ahead and do that in the OOC thread though.
PSN: SAW776
"It's true that none of these books is anythin' as important as the Book of Life. And one of the lessons I've taken away from Brother Holt is that sometimes I look to these other books for answers when I should be lookin' to that one REAL book. That's something that I need ta deal with, if I'm gonna be a good dog- knowin' when those other books can be of use, and knowin' when they're just cloudin' my judgement."
She looked at the man, and with great difficulty controlled her anger as she destroyed one of her precious books. "This behaviour here- This tearin' up my property an' general bullyin'- that's somethin' I'd expect ta see in tha schoolyard. What kinda example are ya setting fer others when ya do this? How do you expect folk to view the Father if them he sends to look after 'em behaves however he pleases just 'cause he's got some power and a gun?"
Staring the man down for a moment, she added: "I think we all come to this place with alot of lessons we gotta learn, and we'll leave with even more of em. Even more than most, I've had ta prove that I belong here, that I can contribute as much as any man to support the Father's works here in this country. Why don't you man up and prove to us all that you belong here too, that you're not just a bully with a chip on his shoulder."
"It's said <<Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity>>. Let's not fight amongst ourselves fer the sake of spitting in each others' eyes. I think we're both bigger 'n that, an' I think we both need to be bigger 'n that, if we're to do the Father of Life proud."
Raise: [5,4] = 9
Remaining Dice: [1,1,1,2,3,3,3]
"What does a stupid girl know?" he spits in the dirt, letting the sundered pages fall from his hands. "Noth'n."
He storms off, leaving Brother Holt in the distance, nodding to himself, a small smile hidden within his massive beard.
Talitha wins the stakes and can take a 1d6 Trait regarding her winning Holt's respect or something else to do with the scenario.
Also, I need you to roll 4d4 for me in the OOC thread for Fallout!
PSN: SAW776
Aidan's face froze as sorrow joined the emotions rolling through his head. He looked down at the woman: bound, sobbing, and possibly responsible for the deaths of men, women, children -- entire families. He looked up at Brother Jordan: powerful, angry, and passionate.
"The dead are dead," he said, quietly, but his voice rose as he spoke, "Where they are is between them and the King of Life."
[Raise]
"Our responsibility is the living. Let's find out what sins this woman has committed before we try to purge them from her."
He bent down in front of the prone woman, put one hand on her shoulder, and said, "What did you see?"
[Take the Blow: 6, 6, 2] = 14
[Raise: 5, 5] = 10
Aidan's remaining dice: [ 1, 1]
"I didn't want to do it. The..the demons. They made me do it. They whispered in my ears all the time. I couldn't get them to leave me alone!"
The woman is simply unable to speak after that--all that can be made out, in the form of broken sentences and choked words, is that she is sorry, and that she finally has peace, free of the constant whispering that plagued her and drove her on that unholy path.
Brother Jordan heaves a heavy sigh, his own heart softening slightly.
"Come on," he whispers, helping the woman up. "Let's get you something to eat."
Just like everybody else, you win! :P You get a 1d6 Trait and I just need you to roll 3d4 Fallout for me.
PSN: SAW776
"You're headed to Sanctuary Valley first," Brother Kaleb had said as they saddled up their horses outside the temple. "Its a good place, you shouldn't have too much trouble there. Used to be Stewarded by a good couple of ex-Dogs, but they died 'bout ten years back protecting a neighboring township from bandits."
"You'll find Brother Marcus White in charge now. Deliver the mail to him so that he can distribute it among his people."
And they were off, breaking away from the main roads and onto mountain trails that would lead a bit more quickly to the peaceful valley Sanctuary.
As the Dogs approached, they could see where the place got its name--from up above, a good amount of healthy farmland stretched out, and they could tell that this place was well-sheltered from the worst of the winter storms that plagued many other settlements in the mountains.
From this distance, at least, everything looked completely serene.
PSN: SAW776
He turned to his two companions. "Well now, how's about we get on with this here delivery so we can get some interestin' assignments?"
Charles turned forward, towards the town, and grinned and pulled his wide-brimmed hat down over his eyes. "I hope yer right. I'm itchin' fer a little excitement."
It was at least a bit perculiar to see, as women were not usually riders amongst the Faithful--their own present company being an exception that proved the rule, rather than something normal--and that she was alone only further increased the oddness of the scene.
PSN: SAW776
Talitha made a face at Charles' comment. "I'm hopin' for nothin' of the sort. We kin be of great use to lots 'a people without needin' to resort to any kinda excitement. 'Sides, excitement's likely to find us so often I doubt we'll be hopin' fer it fer very long."
"Looks like Someone is listenin' to ya, Brother Charles... I hope ya kin handle whatever excitement comes up!"
He winked at her, still grinning, and turned back towards the town, still pacing Aidan.
Charles chuckled and turned back to Talitha again. "Ain't nothin The King can throw at me that I can't handle, Sister" he said with a grin.
The girl is in her late teens, and, it would appear, she is wearing trouser rather than a dress--at a distance it had been impossible to tell, but it quickly became clear.
Her sleeves were rolled up and her left wrist was bandaged. She also seemed to be walking with a slight limp.
The girl's hair was tucked up in a neat little bun, virtually the only feminine quality about her.
As she hears your horses coming down into the clearing, her eyes go wide. She looks up at the three of you with an almost awe-struck expression.
"D--Dogs!" she practically shouts. And then she goes quiet, merely blinking in amazement at the sight before her.
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As she approached the girl, she jumped out of her saddle and gave her a warm smile, though her eyes drop down to the girl's leg and her pronounced limp. "Mornin' to ya'. I'm Sister Talitha, and these here are Brother Charles and Brother Aidan. 's everythin' all right with yerself and this here town?"
"Abigail," she manages to stammer. "I'm Sister Abigail." The girl lowers her eyes after that, realizing her state.
"I'm okay," she answers, "mostly. Well," she corrects herself, "as well as can be expected, all things considered."
Rubbing her wrist, Abigail looks from the Dogs, to the town, and back again before addressing the second part of the question, however.
"Things could be better," comes her eventual admission. Her momentary excitement seemed to have faded a bit.
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"Aside from my uncle dying a couple days back, I've got most of the whole town turned against me. They say I'm consort'n with demons."
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"As for them," she continues about the townsfolk, sniffling once more, "they don't think I should be better'n the boys. But I am--an' that's not me being Prideful," she adds quickly. "I can out ride and out shoot the lot of 'em. They jus' don't take too kindly to it."
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"Believe me, I understand menfolk tryin' to keep us down- I been dealin' with it ever since I left teachin' to become a Dog... mostly it's been Dogs that've given me troubles. But fer townsfolk ta do that to ya... t'aint right. It's against everything the Father teaches... an' I mean ta make sure they know it."
What she didn't say is that she intended to do it without rubbing the townsfolks' faces in the fact that she was just as good as they were.... or even better. That was a lesson for Abigail to learn for herself.
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He dismounted and strode forward, standing abreast with Talitha and looking Abigail right in the eyes.
"We'll talk to the Steward fer ya and sort out this here trouble. Ya ain't done nothin' wrong."
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Charles appeared lost in thought for a moment, then grinned.
"Then we'll have ourselves a little chat with the Steward about settin' poor goals and tryin' ta hold folks back."
"Abigail, it sounds to me like you been pushin' folk. Now, it's not my place to tell you how to act, but think 'bout what you done back in the town. There ain't nothin' wrong with bein' a better shot than the boys, or bein' able to outrun 'em or bein' smarter than them... if the Father made ya like that, then you got alot goin' for ya. You also got a responsibility ta be able ta use yer gifts in a way that'll help everyone."
"Now, it sounds to me like instead of concentratin' on gettin' to use yer gifts to help, you 'bin concentratin' on makin' sure everyone knows you're better'n them. Even if you was a boy, the people'd look poorly on showin' up yer elders; If ya told the Steward you could shoot better'n him, even if that was true how does that make the Steward look an' feel? An' being a woman- well, that just raises some folks' hackles by itself. If I was you, I'd look to doin' what you can do quietly and competently. Show people what you kin do without rubbin' their faces in it if ya do it bettern' them. Concentrate on helpin' folk out without showin' em up... Ye'll get alot farther that way, and all it'll cost ya is being patient."
Tying a strip of cloth around an ankle that looked like it might start bleeding again from any hard physical activity, Talitha got up and regarded the girl, who had stayed quiet throughtout her little talk.
"So, you heard what I think. Now you tell me when yer ready to tell me what you think of this whole situation. Other than it bein' horrible unfair... which it is."
The girl frowns, rubbing her newly bandaged wrist.
"Facts are," she continues, "you'll find Brother Marcus--the Steward--probably near the center of town. I'm sure people saw ya comin, so they'll have somethin waitin for ya. I should probably go'n see ta Madeline. She's been nothin but tears for days."
"Watch out for Marcus's son though," Abigail adds, "he don't much like the idea of women as servants of tha King."
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