Of Templars and Tales
Of Templars and TalesSummary
Despite defeating the soldiers, the party is subjected to the interrogations of the Grams Templars. But just as they are about to be dragged away, a mysterious interloper ends the situation without incident. This man turns out to be Gatov, the sender of the letter.
Dialogue
Ranzal: Ha! Who's the whelp now, punks? ...Say, you okay there, old timer?
Elder: Thank you ever so much, kind sir. If I may, who are you people?
Ranzal: Just some do-gooders passin' through. Now get on in there while ya can!
Elder: Oh, no! I could never seek to go behind the Church's back! I will continue to try everything I can to obtain permission.
Ranzal: ......
Chelle: Now then, Ranzal. Did we not VERY recently have a conversation where I advised you to refrain from engaging in conspicuous behavior?
Ranzal: Sorry, but when I see somethin' like that, I ain't the type to sit around on my butt twiddlin' my thumbs.
???: You there! Not another step!
Elisanne: That armor... Those are Templars!
Cleo: It would seem they caught wind of all the commotion.
Luca: What's the plan? We booking it?
The Prince: If we ran now, it would make us look even more suspicious. We've no choice but to stay here and try to manage our way through this.
Templar Captain: We heard there were people here causing quite the ruckus. Was that you?
Ranzal: Who knows? Although there WAS some kinda brawl or whatnot happenin' earlier.
Templar Captain: You are clearly not citizens of Grams, yet your dress suggests you are no mere peasants. Name yourselves, strangers.
Luca: Er, uh, nobody! Yep, that's us. Whooole buncha nobodies.
Templar Captain: I asked for your identities, not some cheap sidestep.
Luca: Oh, is THAT what you wanted?! Well then, I'm...ummm...
Chelle: Oh, very well. I had hoped to act with as much secrecy as possible, but there is clearly no hiding the dignity that oozes from my very pores.
The Prince: !
Chelle: Given the situation, I've no choice but to be forthright and reveal my true self.
Chelle: Good Templars, permit me to introduce myself properly...
Chelle: I am the chairwoman of the Rose et Chaton Family Company.
Everyone: ?
Templar Captain: Then you people are merchants?
Chelle: Just so—and we have come here to stock our shelves with all manner of luxury Gramsian specialties.
Chelle: The goods here are of the highest quality, and they fly off our shelves and straight into the homes and hearts of many a fine and noble customer!
Templar Captain: Well, I suppose that makes sense. I'll see your permit, in that case.
Chelle: My...permit?
Everyone: ......
Templar Captain: That's right. If you're here to buy goods, you will have been issued a commerce permit from the Church.
Chelle: Oooooh, THAAAAT permit! Yes, of course. Now where did I put it...?
Templar Captain: Surely a clever trader such as yourself would have their permit near at hand, yes?
Chelle: How very odd... I was sure I had it...
Chelle: Oh, that's right! Silly me! I must have left it at the cafe we stopped into earlier.
Templar Captain: Enough of this foolishness! You people clearly have no permit—you're merely a gang of panicked fools attempting to spin your way out of trouble.
Chelle: Do I strike you as someone who panics, my good sir?
Templar Captain: !
Chelle: Behold, the permit you so desired. Feel free to feast your eyes upon it until you are wholly satisfied.
Templar Captain: Well, this...does appear to be authentic.
Chelle: Of course it is! Who do you take us for? Now then, if we may, we're off to the marketplace to purchase our supplies. Be well, good knights.
Templar Captain: Hold!
Chelle: Heavens, but this is exhausting. What is it now?
Templar Captain: Your answers are too slick for my taste. We are taking you into custody so we might examine the matter further.
Elisanne: But we possess a permit, my good man! You have no reason to detain us.
Templar Captain: And yet if you want to pass so badly, you would know coin greases the way. Such is the way of things here.
Luca: You're a bunch of underhanded jerks!
Templar Captain: If you don't want any trouble, quiet down and obey. Otherwise...
???: Do you have some business with these people, my good captain?
Everyone: ?!
Templar Captain: You! This has nothing to do with you. Begone from here at once!
Mysterious Man: I'm afraid I cannot do that.
Mysterious Man: The Rose et Chaton Family Company has signed a contract with me to guard the transportation of their goods.
Mysterious Man: So long as I have a contractual duty to protect them, I cannot turn a blind eye to this unfortunate situation.
Templar Captain: What?!
Chelle: My my! It appears the mercenaries I hired have finally arrived.
Mysterious Man: If you're unhappy with the situation, then let us consider neutrality and entrust judgment to our fine law enforcement.
Mysterious Man: Although in that event, I must inform them about everything—including the fact you sought a bribe. Is this satisfactory?
Templar Captain: You think yourself far too important, little man. I shall not forget this!
Cleo: Whew! That was close.
The Prince: I can't believe you thought to arrange for a trade permit in advance, Chelle.
The Prince: And that you ALSO had the foresight to hire mercenaries for security!
Chelle: While I did obtain a permit, I actually have no memory of hiring mercenaries.
Luca: Then who the heck is this guy?!
Chelle: I have no idea! I simply saw an opening and decided to play along.
Mysterious Man: Ha ha ha ha!
Mysterious Man: Your reputation as a capable woman precedes you, and I see it is well earned. You are a true marvel at thinking on your feet.
Ranzal: Wait, ya know us?! Does that mean...?
Gatov: My apologies. I am the captain of Grams's 12th Division Watch.
Everyone: !
The Prince: You're the one who sent the letter to my brother Leonidas.
Gatov: I am indeed. However, I would suggest we save the finer points of this conversation for a later time.
Gatov: Permit me to guide you someplace safer. Come with me, everyone.
