Bannhammer

Max was approached by the sheriff, and the socialite quickie bowed in response. "It would be a bit difficult to pass up such a 'shin-dig', one would say." The unicorn adjusted his jacket and smiled at the mustached pony in front of him. "It's great to feel so welcomed, and i'm really glad to be a part of Appleoosa. I hope that there are many more hoe downs to come!" Max turned his attention to the band, and he couldn't help but stare blankly at them, watching the motley Crüe of ponies make their away around the party. He caught one of them staring, but not at him, at another pony. It was a younger stallion, a sort of light gold color with a shaggy orange mane. He seemed to be a bit younger than Max, and definitely younger than the sheriff. The outfit he wore was what really attracted the eye, and Max couldn't help but wonder why all the other ponies didn't dress like that. The Appleoosan socialite leaned towards the sheriff and spoke in a hushed tone. "What's with the musical ensemble... and who is that dapper pony over there?"

Maximilian Rockefilly Jr found himself wandering the dusty streets of Appleoosa. He had already spent some time in town, and he felt the settlement really growing on him. It wasn't a bustling metropolis, like Manehattan, but be actually liked it that way. The rich unicorn was sporting something very casual, for him, anyway. He wore a maroon sports jacket and bright white undershirt, the combination was a bit rustic, but he found himself trying to appear less stoic his fellow Appleoosans. The stallion approached the center of town, where it seemed that the whole town had gathered to celebrate his recent decision to live with them. Max found himself in a new place, with many ponies that had equally large reasons to dislike him, yet the Unicorn never felt out of place or like he wasn't welcomed. The party was in full swing by the time Maximilian arrived, and he trotted around, curtsying to everypony he passed and giving a firm hoofshake to the fellow stallions. "Good evening, everypony." He spent most of his time simply going around and admiring the beautiful decorations. He also searched for the few ponies he already knew, mainly madam bistro and the sheriff.

Thanks!

Thanks! I really think this will help the whole profile sound a bit better. Now I just need to decide which one to use O.o Would it be possible to tacke zorniger stahl and just put them together, like in one of your previous posts, like Zornstahl? Or should I flip it, Stahlzorn?

OOC: Why the heck hadn't I seen that before? XD I'll definitely check it out and get in on that!

I asked a friend to translate 'wrathful steel' into German for me, since I was just born in Germany and don't speak the language. That is what he told me, by all means, if you know the correct way of saying that, I would greatly appreciate it.

Max smiled and gulped his drink down, finally feeling optimistic about his future. It had taken work, and some concessions, but the Rockefilly managed to get himself into Appleoosa as an equal, and in good position to actually get his project done. "Well, Bon appetit everypony, business time is over and i'm ready to have my first meal as an Appleoosan..." Maximilian quietly started to eat, with a large grin on his face at his new found fortune, and this fortune was worth more than any he had ever had before. (OOC: okie dokes, if y'all wanna respond to that, go ahead. Unless anypony has any ideas on how to continue, I'd say that's a wrap! )

Made a few edits, changed "Van" to "Von" and added why he hates Stalliongrad I kept "Martel", though. It means hammer in french and it sounds cool. :I Thanks for all the feedback!

Martel Von Starkhuf Name: Martel 'Marty' Von Starkhuf Sex: Male Age: Stallion Species: Earth Pony Coat Color: Royal purple Mane/Tail/Markings Color and Style: Long burgundy mane and his tail is wound, very long and slender with a metal facet on the end so that he can attach his hammer to it and swing it in wide circles. Eye Color: Steel grey Cutie Mark: Large hammer Physique: Large and stocky with a stunted rear left leg, that is kept in a brace. Residence: Germaney Origin: Martel was born with a stunted left hind leg, and he lived the first few years of his life as an outcast, made different by his disability. As he grew older, Marty eventually fashioned himself a crude metal brace that served to even out his legs and allowed him to walk and run normally. Being from a wealthy and well respected family, Martel was raised to be a warrior philosoph, and he considers culture and warfare to go hoof in hoof. His family is a family of mercenaries, and they have served different kingdoms over the centuries, and they earned quite the reputation. The Von Starkhufs are known for brute strength and their blind devotion to the contract. Once hired, a Von Starkhuf never turn their back on the agreement. The family raised Marty to be a fighter as well, despite his defect. He earned his cutie mark, a hammer, when he first used the unwieldily weapon. He loved the feel of it, the mighty hammer in his mouth or fastened to his hoof. He felt a connection to it, many ponies disregard the hammer because of it's shape and size, and only know to fear it after it comes down upon them. Martel Van Starkhuf knows how it feels. When he was old enough, his family allowed him to pick the weapon he would use and keep as his very own. It was an important moment in his life, and he picked the hammer, choosing to have one made especially for him, rather than choosing a hand me down. A local smith made a steel hammer for Marty, and the new mercenary named it "Zornstahl", or wrathful steel. The hammer is always with him, connected to the tunic he wears by a sturdy chain. Roleplay Type:Mane Occupation: Mercenary Motivation: To prove he is worthy of the family name and to overcome his disability Likes: Order, function, respect, the feel of metal, strength, his hammer "Zornstahl", Germaney Dislikes: chaos, uselessness, apathy, cloth, speed, Stalliongrad Cutie Mark Story: It was the time of trial for the young pony, the challenges that each young mercenary had to go through in order to be a true Stallion in the eyes of the family. Every single other pony was given their choice of weapon before the tests, and while almost every single pony picked the traditional sword, Martel chose the hammer. Mainly because as the reject, he was given last choice. At first, he hated the hammer, it was large and cumbersome, and most of his sparring partners laughed at him for using it. As he progressed through the exams, he found himself growing more and more accustomed to the large weapon. He learned how to hook it up to his tail and whip it around for massive damage and sword shattering power. Martel felt a special connection to it, and he realized that he was like the hammer. Large and cumbersome, but powerful and formidable. Soon the young pony blazed through the exams with the help of his weapon, and he ended up finishing top of his group, a fact that still earns him a bit of resentment from his contemporaries. The day of graduation, when Martel was presented with a hammer of his very own, he earned his cutie mark, a hammer. A simple cutie mark that represents his devotion to strength and utility, and the fact that he might be underestimated, even ridiculed, but he cannot be defeated. Character Summary: Marty is a very proud pony, and he takes matters of honor very seriously. He considers himself above the average soldier, because he was trained independently, and he comes from distinguished stock. Being raised with a classical education, Martel prides himself on his knowledge of the arts and philosophy. While he does not use the information very often, he still keeps up to date with the latest ideas and theories, and reading is a favourite past time of his. He usually carries around one or two books along with his normal gear, to provide something to do in his spare time. Martel was teased mercilessly as a foal because of his stunted leg, and he learned to fix his problems by smashing them with his hammer rather than talking them out. The Von Starkhuf has learned to just ignore his disability, and he rarely gets defensive or sensitive about it. He was raised to be an intellectual, but he finds himself using force rather than logic to solve problems. He wears chain maille underneath a burgundy tunic with the family crest embroidered on it. He offers his services to anypony with the bits, but he's been known to do the occasional job for free. Martel does not consider his occupation to be any less respected than that of knights or other soldiers, and to insult the proud order of mercenaries is a terrible offense to him. His contracts have taken him around Equestria, and by far his least favorite experience was in the town of Stalliongrad, which he finds simply abhorrent in every way. While not the most moral of ponies, Marty has rarely accepted a job that he found unjust, although the allure of bits has swayed him on occasion. He keeps a memento from every mission, whether it is a new book or the weapon of the enemy. The only missions he wants to forget are those in Stalliongrad. He finds the large town disgusting and vile, mainly due to the large industries that pollute the city. He hates Stalliongrad mainly because he sees the town as a stain on the map that serves to pollute the world and dirty up society. He hates the city, but not the ponies that live there, mainly because he sees pollution as the main problem, and not the citizens of Stalliongrad. The hammer is connected, via a chain, to the tunic he wears. If he needs to use it, he simply unfastens it with his mouth and swings it around. If he needs his mouth, Marty can connect it to one of his hooves and swing it around like that. Most of the time; however, Martel uses the facet on his tail to grab the hammer and swing it around with more force than his hooves can generate. Marty is ferociously loyal, to both his family and whatever contract he is currently working on. He speaks sharply and has no qualms about saying what needs to be said.

I am bannhanmer and I am totally ok with this character having previous experience with Max

Maximilian stood there silently as Silversword and Zephyr openly defied him and his attempt to blatantly profit off of them. The knight even went to far as to speak to him directly and basically told him that he could rut himself if he thinks he can just use them. The Rockefilly looked upset, even insulted, but he was pleased. He had assumed that they would stick up to him, but he never thought that they would do so together and so strongly. The crowd of Appleoosans converged on the rich stallion, and he quickly complied with their demands to return the bits. Max didn't even mind losing the potential profit, he was mostly pleased with the attitude of the two Pegasi. He would have loved to let them in on his true intentions, but they had already returned to sparring. It was a good start, at least the two ponies had enough mutual respect that they wouldn't let Max use them however he liked. Also, they didn't hate each other enough to succumb to the first opportunity to get rid of the other. The fact that Zephyr didn't immediately just attack Silver for the key was pleasing, and that Silversword refused to strike him down upon hearing that she could be rid of him also made Max feel a bit more confident about the future of the duo. If the pair of ponies that hated each other could at least manage to resist killing each other, then maybe there was a chance that he wouldn't have to fire them both.

"Madame Bistro, as a member of the community, you can count on me to offer assistance when needed. Don't be afraid to visit me, I'm always willing to lend a helping hoof, or bit." The rich Stallion looked at the small amount of ponies in the room and grabbed his glass, holding it aloft. "That's a fantastic idea, Sheriff, but first..." "The ponies told me I was a foal for coming here, they said that the ponies in Appleoosa would never understand what I was trying to do, much less accept it. They have no clue how wrong they are. This isn't about me and my project, this is about US and OUR town. This is about Appleoosa and trying to let everypony know just what kind of a town this is!" "A toast... for progress, for the settlement, for the brave, for the tough, ..." Maximilian lifted the drink as high as he could. "FOR APPLEOOSA!"

Max had backed up a bit more since the start of the fight, the ferocity of the conflict a bit surprising to the unicorn. He had never seen a real fight before, theatrical scuffles were the most extreme thing he'd witness. Right there, in front of the Rockefilly, two Pegasi were going at it. Maximilian found himself a bit repulsed by Zephyr's cheap moves, but he couldn't count out the knight. A small crowd had formed around the scuffle, and the stallions present were murmuring about the outcome. Max, being a business oriented stallion, did the only thing he saw fit. "Odds are five to four on the Knight, four to one on the wild card ex-con! Place your bets here, no bet too small!" Taking out his notepad and pen, Maximilian was soon swamped by ponies willing to put a few bits on the bout. The rich stallion was more than happy to take their bets. Once the money was in, the crowd turned their attention back to the fight and began hurling insults and encouraging words at the two combatants. "Let's make this a bit more interesting..." Max, using his magic, pulled a necklace out of his saddlebags and placed it around Silversword's neck. The piece of cord was adorned with a key that seemed to fit Zephyr's bracelet. "If she wins, he goes back to jail. If the green one wins, she gets replaced." Maximilian winked at the two fighters, hopefully letting them know he was just playing up the drama.

Max watched Silversword put her equipment down, and the Rich stallion took up position a few feet away to watch them train. He reached into his tux and pulled out a small flask of cactus juice. This was going to be entertaining, to say the least. Maximilian just wanted the two to work together, and maybe a learning session would help them accomplish that. All pretenses of a friendly spar were gone when Zephyr blatantly charged at the mare. The move surprised even Max, who jumped back a little in response. This was bad, Max didn't want them to actually fight! Hopefully Zephyr would keep things to a minimum and just spar with her, with a bit of luck things wouldn't get out of hoof. The Rockefilly opened his mouth to protest, but he recognized that these ponies needed to fight. There had been so much tension between the two with obvious animosity. Maybe they would just vent out their frustrations and get over their own petty egos. "Not quite what I had in mind, but..." Max muttered to himself, trailing off as the fight went into full swing.

"It sure has, Sheriff, it sure has..." Maximilian coughed a few times and tapped the table. "Well, Madame, I can take personal responsibility for anypony who comes here for work. We would just need some temporary quarters set up for them. Alternatively, we could build onto the local hotels and make them bigger. They'll fit all the ponies that come to work and anypony who comes here afterwards for business or just to visit. Maximilian took a deep breath and poked his ruined map, sliding it along the table. "The line from Appleoosa to Stalliongrad will be done first. I wouldn't connect Rockwington to us if there wasn't another line to ensure that we can get products to them. If i build the tunnel first, it's essentially a one way line, because we don't have much to trade on our own." "However, I'll be sending ponies out to scout the mountains for Diamond dogs and to get topographical charts to see where the line should go." "Once the first line is complete, or at least once it's close, we can start the more arduous task of building through the mountains. The profits from the first line, along with the assistance of other investors, will make the second task far easier than it would be if we went for simultaneous construction." The rich Stallion nodded a few times and looked up at the ponies around the table. "This is a very important time for Appleoosa, for Stalliongrad, for Rockwington... It's an important time for the world. We have the opportunity to link our countries together. This is our chance." "I'll refrain from getting too dramatic, but I finally feel like we can do something amazing. I'd be honored and humbled to work with the fine ponies of Appleoosa to do it."

Max nodded at the sheriff and the small filly. He would deal with her afterwards. The rich stallion returned his attention to Madame Bistro. "Yes, a tunnel right from Appleoosa from Rockwington. It'll have to go right through the mountains, but it's possible." "I'll be hiring the best engineers there are, and the cost will be worth it. We'll be trading directly with the gryffons." He slowly trotted back to the table and smiled.

Maximilian was quite pleased to see the two ponies in agreement, and he took the salt lick out of his mouth so he could eat the pie. It was delicious, and it only helped to brighten his mood. The rich Stallion quickly ate the pie and returned the salt lick to his mouth. "Well, Zephyr, we have a few hours until we should get sleep. Why not work up a sweat with some training? Might be a good way to work off stress as well." He sipped his drink and looked at the pair to gauge their reactions. "I think it would be entertaining and educational for everypony involved, don't you two think?" With a sly grin he got up from the table and tosses a stack of bits onto the table, it was obviously more than enough to cover the cost of the meal and even the most gracious of tips. "Stimulating the economy, somepony has to do it." Max tugged lightly on his tux and lead the way towards the exit, tail swishing back and forth rapidly. Maximilian finally exited, and he pointed to a large opening just down the street. It was literally the end of the road, and there was no debris to hinder their 'training'. With an annoying chuckle the rich stallion once again led the way. "This should be a bit interesting. If I were a betting pony I'd..." He purposefully chose not to finish his sentence, letting his words fuel them. Hopefully they would work together, and this might be a way to get them there.

Maximilian leaned back in his seat and stuck the salt lick into his mouth, letting it dangle suavely out of his mouth. He was pleased yet surprised at Zephyr's sudden compliance and even praise of his idea. "Well, Zephyr, thank you! I can give you a map tomorrow. I'll have the most up to date one sent in from Manehattan. I'm certain you'll do a fine job of it." Max tapped the table and reached lazily for his drink. He grinned and moved the salt lick around with his tongue. The rich unicorn needed to show that he would listen to them, but he couldn't give too much ground. "I honestly think that you have something to learn from each other, and I do believe that training together is a way to bring the two of you together." The Rockefilly moved the salt about in his mouth, and tapped his chin with a hoof. This was going well, but he couldn't just continue on without consulting the other important party involved. While he did appreciate the effort Zephyr was putting in to this, he had to remember that the Knight didn't seem like a pony who was very excited about socializing in the first place. The rich stallion nodded and looked over at Silversword. "Now, Knight, how do you feel about the situation? I would never wish to make you do something you truly have a problem with." He meant what he said, to an extent. He would make them do what he wanted, but you don't earn loyalty with an iron hoof.

Maximilian levitated his cactus sandwich up towards his mouth before giving it a small bite and chewing thoughtfully. His two guests were not at each other's throats, and that was the most comforting thought of the day for Max. The rich stallion was a bit anxious when Silver opened her mouth to speak, afraid that she might ask an insensitive question like Zephyr did. The Rockefilly sighed contentedly, glad to hear that at least the Destrier could keep things polite and civil. The waiter returned with a long and slender salt lick, and Maximilian gently set it aside for later. He could tell it was a fine stick, and he would need to save it for later. Before he could return to his sandwich, Zephyr asked another question, this one directed at him. The unicorn paused, trying to think of the best answer. He opened his mouth to speak, but he cringed when the green Pegasus unleashed a massive belch right at the table. Max waited for a moment, hoping that Zephyr would at least apologize, but when it became apparent that he wouldn't Max started to speak. "Well, some time will be spent in town, of course. Despite what one may think, there is a lot to do in Appleoosa. Also, I need to send a letter to Stalliongrad, letting a few certain individuals that I would like to meet with them. I do think that time will be spent planning and training." "You both have a few days to plan out how you'll work together, and that means you'll have to train together. As a Destrier, I think Silver will be in charge of that. Zephyr, you'll be in charge of planning the route, I believe you have more experience dealing with back alleys and street thugs. No offense." "Of course, don't be afraid to voice your questions, concerns, or ideas..." Max nodded at the two ponies and returned to his sandwich and fries.

Max was fuming at the sight of the young filly dangling from the chandelier. He was about to express his anger in very loud words, but the laughter of the others stopped him before he could start. Maximilian's scowl slowly softened to a frown, and went even further away from bitterness that it ended up as a wide smile. He didn't laugh, public outcries of any sort were uncouth and inappropriate. The Rockefilly instead spoke something inaudible to himself and made his way over to the sheriff who now held the smaller pony firmly in his mouth. The socialite wasn't exactly pleased about all of this, but he knew that yelling and shouting would do absolutely nothing to help the situation. Maximilian put his anger aside and spoke softly, masking the slight annoyance he felt with kind words. "Young lady, I see that you are quite dedicated to the idea of a flight school for non pegasi. However, I believe that more... conventional methods of discussion would be appropriate. Instead of trying to grab my attention with poor music and flying pencils, how about you just ask me politely? Once I'm done with the present business, I'd be more than happy to talk with you about this." Max looked around, nodding at the ponies around him.

Maximilian groaned loudly and smacked his muzzle into the table. He has no clue what to do, and he felt like maybe he had made the wrong choice. Should he start over, or give them a chance? The rich stallion pondered for a moment, and he remembered that of he wanted everypony to give him a chance, he had to do the same for others. Max lifted his head just as the food arrived, and a fresh cactus sandwich with hay fries. He looked at the other two ponies as their own meals arrived, and he breathed a sigh of relief, at least they would be occupied with eating instead of arguing. As much as Max would have liked to let things stay quiet and go from there, he felt like he had to even things up for Silversword. The sickening amount of passive aggressiveness really hurt Maximilian, he knew that if these two weren't kept in check, things might get even worse. "Silversword, since Zephyr asked you some questions, it is only fair that you do the same, correct?" The Rockefilly steepled his hooves and watched intently, hoping that she would take the high ground and keep things civil. Of course, if the two ponies just refused to get along, he had a plan. Max reached down and patted his saddlebags, checking to see that the other large, round object was still inside.

[i'll just keep it short ] Maximilian tapped the table a few more times, and finally his drink arrived. At least that would bring him relief. The rich unicorn lifted the glass and chugged it down in one quick motion. He slammed the glass down on the table and looked at the still silent ponies. Sighing, Maximilian nudged the glass aside and lifted a hoof, trying to signal the waiter. Eventually the uniformed pony came over to the table. "Your finest salt lick, please. And another shot as well." Giving a nod, the service pony turned and went to fulfill the order and Max returned his attention to the table. He opened his mouth to speak, but it was Zephyr who really broke the silence first. Of course, he had to talk about fighting and weapons. He cringed a bit when Zephyr mentioned 'more direct methods'. It looked like Max wouldn't be joining in on this. He was ok with that, Max was mostly proud of Zephyr for trying. The appleoosan socialite, or appleoosite, leaned back in his seat. If he wanted silversword to respond well, he had to keep the casual atmosphere, and that meant not putting pressure on her.

The two other ponies at the table continued their strained interaction, and Max just sat and watched the pair. He stifled a chuckle at the Knight's outburst, keeping a solemn and serious expression etched on him face. It would take some serious effort, but he could keep them in line, Max knew be could. The waiter looked at him, and the Rockefilly nodded at the service pony and ordered, "I'll have the cactus sandwich with hay fries and some whiskey to chase." The waiter jotted the order down and and turned to face Silversword. Max waited for her to order, and for somepony else to try and start conversation. "I may need to drink a bit more if i'm going to be spending a lot of time around you." He chuckled to himself and tapped on the table anxiously. Max's gaze kept shifting back and forth between the two other ponies, and he would look Silver in the eyes, but not Zephyr.

Maximilian trotted quickly, and a small restaurant could be seen up ahead. It was a pathetic place by most standards, and the lack of windows or doors really accentuated the type of place it was. Max spoke to the ponies following him without turning around. "Of course I'll cover the costs. You're my guests here and I can't just expect you to defend me on an empty stomach." The rich stallion approached the tiny establishment, and casually entered as if he had been there a hundred times. A few of the locals greeted him, referring to him as 'Maxi', or 'Max', or even 'Mack'. Without pausing, the Rockefilly nodded to each of them as he reached a lone table. He stood beside it and waited for the two others to join him. "Well, I don't suppose you two have eaten here before. I'd suggest the alfalfa and watercrest sandwich, it's pretty good." They didn't really respond with much enthusiasm, and the unicorn found himself trying to lighten the mood all by himself. Max smiled and looked at them both. "You could at least try to smile. It won't kill you. I mean, not smiling will, because I'll kill you. But smiling won't hurt you." He could tell that his humor was lost on the pair, so he just sighed and looked at the table. "I really didn't expect this much animosity right out of the gate. I guess I should have expected this sort of behavior. I can't let it get in the way of my plans, however. If I'm going to get this railway built, i can't get distracted by the petty disputes between a completely submissive criminal and an uptight knight. I'll tell you right now, I have no qualms with merely disposing with the pair of you and trying again, but i'll give you a chance." "Appleoosa is my home now, and this is my big chance to put it on the map. I won't bore you with details, but you have to understand that this project means more to me than anything right now. Honestly, I don't give a crud about your feelings. You can go rut yourself if you think I'm going to pander to you and stop what I'm trying to accomplish because of some bruised egos." "Now, order some bucking food and promise me you'll at least try to be civilized with each other. I'd hate to replace you two on such short notice. Especially with all the cleanup involved. If I can hire a Destrier whenever I want to do whatever I want, and get a criminal out of the government workforce and into mine, think of what else i can do." Maximilian signaled the waiter and grinned, acting as if he hadn't just threatened a knight and a criminal in the same sentence.