[HoE] Re: hoe-digest.19990225-1

[Frederick M Zeleny <zeleny+@andrew.cmu.edu>]

In dealing with the murderous Templar, here's my opinion (after the
spoiler space)...

Spoiler space, just in Case...

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This is a bit of a touchy area for the "universal retribution" section. 
If they were an old-style Blessed, this would be a clear cut Sin, and
result in all sorts of troubles for the heartless fellow.  However,
since the Templars of the Wasted West are slightly different from Weird
West Blessed, you sort of have to decide on your own how things work. 
Since the Templar book isn't out yet, there is a good deal of uncertain
area to act on.

Here's my campaign's view of reality and how I would deal with the
situation (and may, depending on the increasingly-violent actions of my
posse's Templar).  I play that the Templars of the Wasted West are not
particularly "approved by God" in the same way that the Blessed were. 
This is slightly backed by the fact that there are certain things
Blessed can do in the Wasted West that the Templars can't (such as the
Excorcism miracle that's required in one of the areas).  I play that the
templars abilities come from the determination and dedication to their
goals and their ideas, but that there is no direct connection to a
divine being per se (perhaps the collective faith of humanity in higher
beings was shaken a bit too much by the End of the World).  As such,
they are not affected by sins, other than ones that violate their own
personal moral code (and thus their own faith in their powers and
ideals).

Following this idea, the bloodthirsty Templar may not even have a
problem with what he did.  He may even work it into his moral code.  He
may come to find it easier and easier to do such acts in the future.  He
may even come to the revelation that he likes killing...  That's when
the servitor problems should start.  If his moral code changes slowly
enough, he may come to work it in and have it be a part of his own sort
of Oath...

Until then, play up his conscious (and see how he reacts in character;
he may be the first Templar servitor of Death).  But definitely have the
rest of the Posse notice his changes; have any other NPCs notice such
violent acts.  If he does start going down the servitor path, other
Templars may hear of it and come to stop his descent (one way or
another).  Ifhe does realize the evils of his actions, he should
probably go through a large repentant period, during which his own
subconscious may strip him of his powers for a time.

Anyway, that's just my opinion.  Eventually we'll see the Templars book
and see how that works out...

Fred Zeleny, the Plotting Marshall

Quote of the Moment:

"Don't worry, we mean you no harm!  Really!  Where are you going?"
    -Said by smiling party member approaching savage with empty hands
outstretched.  She had forgotten that a mutation made her fingers end in
wicked claws and her teeth become razor sharp.