Log:These Boots Were Made for Worldwalking, Scene 1

These Boots Were Made for Worldwalking 2013/04/17 	 Alion Alwen Ghost-2 Lorelei Raptlennoggrap Scrapper Sukeban Titan 1

The team headquarters, whch normally has no traffic but the team memebts and their servants, is busy at the moment. Dwarves keep passing through, often with things like pick-axes and shovels, whistling as they go. They seem to be doing something in the basement.

Scrapper sits on a ledge, up out of the way (looking very different for those few that haven't seen her in the last few days), watching the traffic below.

 Scrapper says, "Hey guys, the workmen have showed up. We have some things to discuss soon, but we might want to get used to using the communicators. Too many ears and all that."

Ghost hurries in. And stops on seeing Scrapper. "There's something different about you. I can't quite put a finger on it. Maybe... it's about, oh, fifteen inches of height?"

Titan comes out of a room to one side of the main hall. Apparently he likely stayed overnight, since he's dressed a bit differently today than he is normally.

Scrapper grins down at Ghost.

 Scrapper says, "It is only thirteen inches without the heels, but thank you for noticing."

Ghost says, "Some things don't change. You still have a penchant for roosting on high ledges though."

Alion looks rather unhappy as the dwarves pass through in their dirty boots.

 Ghost says, "Is everyone here or linked in via communicator?"

 Scrapper says, "Hey guys, role call!"

Scrapper says, "Lia might not have her communicator on. She was feeling a bit off last time I saw her."

 Titan's 'voice' sounds weary over the communicator. "I'm here."

Atop the rocky cliff near the end of the bridge stands the tiny "fairy tale" castle that serves as the Undermoon embassy. It's no larger than a large house, and its great front gate (with drawbridge to cross a decorative moat) is only the size of a normal door. Its slender towers are topped with graceful spires from which fly pennants of many colours and designs, but chiefly of purple and silver. Over the main gate hangs a rectangular flag of the same colour.

That's the outside. As soon as one passes through the gate it's another story - the castle is vast, the walls tall, the spires tower above the courtyard! Various buildings of the same graceful architectural style are found among the gardens of exotic flora, and the place is busy with staff, both human and fae.

Scrapper floats down in front of Titan, close enough for him to hit her with an elbow.

Ghost says, "That's unfortunate. Lia's fairly fast flight and intense firepower could have been useful."

 Scrapper says, "Hug?"

Titan raises a brow. "Why? Do you need one?"

Scrapper says, "One of us does."

Titan shakes his head. "What I need is to hit something."

 Ghost says, "Okay, let's get this started. As Scrapper said, we should keep this on the communicators. There's a lot of extra ears around right now."

Scrapper gives Titan a warm hug whether her wants one or not. "You know, I'm one of the few that can take that too."

 Ghost says, "You're not military, so I'm not going to hold a formal briefing. However before I come to my plan to put you in danger, I want to explain why I think it's worth doing."

 Scrapper says, "For those that haven't been in the rumor mill, Ghost has a mission for us. Since this will be away from both Earth and the princess, I'm giving her the lead on this one ... as much as I have a lead to give."

Titan is a little taken aback as Scrapper abruptly hugs him. He relaxes after a moment though.

Scrapper says, "Yeah, this is a good height."

 Sukeban says, "Eh? Away from Earth? For how long?"

 Ghost says, "Most of you know.. Oh, if you have any questions just ask them as they come up... so, most of you know there's an undeclared war going on. Been going on for centuries, between Undermoon and the Goblins of Wyrmwood. Neither side has an advantage. If they did the war would be over by now. But recently the Goblins have been raiding another of the Fae worlds, Upper Heartwood. To do this they need to walk between worlds, something that's not normally within their ability."

Scrapper doesn't stretch out the moment if Titan isn't going to hug back, but doesn't jump away from him either.

Titan does pat Scrapper on the back a couple of times, but that's it. Apparently he's less in need of a hug, and more in need of venting at something.

 Sukeban says, "What's that got to do with us?"

A dwarf passes through, heading outside with a wheelbarrow of dirt and rubble.

Titan says to Scrapper, "You look...significantly different, by the way. Not in a bad way, either."

Sukeban tsks, "I guess she's O-Chibi-chan now."

Scrapper nods, a little bow of acknowledgement, and turns to give Ghost her attention. "That punch is still on the table, by the way," she mutters over her shoulder. "I'm stronger now and I figure you are the only one who can show me how much stronger."

 Ghost says, "I'm coming to that, Sukeban. Can you bear with me for a minute or two? I analysed the reports of the raids and determined that the goblins have four, or at most five, world-walkers. During the lastest raid, on a city called Sorrysgate, the Fae indentified one of the world-walkers. A goblin wearing boots of dwarven construction, enchanted boots that allowed him to walk between worlds. I have a plan that should allow a team such as the Guard to take the boots away from the those goblins. If we do the number of raids on Upper Heartwood will be reduced. Sukeban, I know you did not want to get involved in the goblin conflict. But are you willing to help stop or reduce the raids. I'm not asking you to fight in a war. I'm asking you to help stop one."

 Scrapper says, "I checked and the boots are not a new invention, but they are not easy to make and the dwarves are not known for parting with them."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Yeah? So which side is in the right in this war we're stoppin'?"

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Wars tend not to have right sides - just casualties."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Sure, but I'm not keen on helpin' Toujou fight off Mao."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Even if we only manage to acquire a single set of boots before the element of surprise is lost we, or the princess' dwarven allies, should be able to identify the maker."

<Guard> Ghost says, "That depends on who you ask. It's not my concern. I don't actually care who's right or who's wrong. I have two concerns here. One is to consolidate popular support for the Princess and for friendly relations with Earth by having her Guard, mostly humans, helping to stop goblins raids into Upper Heartwood. The other is to stop the killing that's happening to peaceful largely under-defended villages, towns and ciies."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "So weget friendluy relationswith the Fae, but we make enemies of the Goblins?"

<Guard> Ghost says, "One fraction of the goblins. A rogue state. Do you have such on Earth?"

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Lorelei, Ghost and I are *very* aware that this is not in the Guard job description. It is entirely voluntary. We just felt it best to discuss things with the entire guard before the volunteers leave, since this could affect them ... especially if the only members leaving are our more bloodthirsty-minded members, like myself"

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Yeesh. International relations is way above my pay grade. I don't mind protectin' people, but kickin'over anthills is stupid."

<Guard> Ghost says, "The ants are already on the march, Sukeban. It's not as if the Goblins are sitting peacefully in Wyrmwood. They accquired the world-walking ability and are using it to raid settlements on Upper Heartwood. This mission is to stop at least some of the raids. And the reason I believe we can conduct the mission successfully is the abilities of all of you are unknown to them. They will not be expecting what happens. We can use that once. If all goes even moderately well, to grab the boots and be away before they can react."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "So where's the Ojou anyway?"

<Guard> Ghost says, "Ojou? My translation program doesn't recognise that word."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "The Princess"

<Guard> Titan says, "I'm pretty sure I've been in a scuffle with a goblin before. They'll at least know me."

Scrapper looks back to check Titan's expression.

Titan's face is...very neutral. Moreso than expected.

Scrapper frowns, but turns back forward.

<Guard> Ghost says, "Titan, I know you. I don't know everything you can do. I had to ask, if you remember, about your leaping."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Feh. Fine. I'll go, on one condition. If the balance is so important, if next time it's the Fae causin' problems for the Goblins, then we gop kick Fae ass too."

<Guard> Lorelei says, "If you remember, from the start I've wanted this as a hero team. As far as I'm concerned, that means fighting the bad guys, whoever they are. I'm just sorry that can't be the *official* job description."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Yeah. It's just who gets to decide who're the bad guys. Sorry, it's just, I know how gangs think. We go on another gang's turf, even if they started it, they're goin' to want revenge. Or they think that they were just retaliating before, and now we're the ones startin' things. Gets ugly fast."

Scrapper nods and says to Titan and Ghost, "She has a point. I'm glad we have her along."

<Guard> Lorelei says, "I know. that's just what i don't want happening. I could cite ancient treaties and everything - cases can be made for who is in the right. But what I want is the killing to stop. I give you my word it would be the same if the fae were the aggressors."

<Guard> Ghost says, "Now the specifics. According to the Fae, goblins lack astral walkers and seers. If that isn't true I'm going to be in trouble. My plan is to go to a path close to where the Goblins retreated after their defeat at Sorrysgate. To pass through to the sane world they retreated to. There I'll ascend to the astral and find their camp. Once I've scouted it out I relay the information to you. You use your vastly superior mobility to get into the camp, grab the boots and get out before the goblin can react to you. We pass back through the path to Upper Heartwood. The goblin won't be able to follow without the boots."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Yeah, fine. Stoppin' people from gettin' killed isOK."

Titan nods to Scrapper, "It's important to get multiple points of view, I think."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "One thing we have to look out for is shapeshifting. Most goblins can to some extent and it is one of the few sensory powers immune to Sight."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Actually, in the right circumstances, a goblin shapeshifter could be a welcome addition to the team."

Alwen comes upstairs and has a word with Alion, who goes to make some tea, muttering about how the dwarves keep taking tea breaks.

<Guard> Sukeban says, "One last thing. I don't do sneaky. Havin' glowing eyes and hair, wrapped in flames, and burnin' up the sky when I fly isn't exactly goin' to be 'gettin' in and out before they can react'."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "I assumed I would teleport you in Suke."

<Guard> Ghost says, "I expect the insertion team to be two or three at most. Selected on the basis of speed and mobility. I'm going to want a couple of us hanging around where my body is while I'm on the astral. Because while I am I'm unable to defende myself."

<Guard> Lorelei says, "*Most* goblns can't shift well enough to fool the Sight, luckily. But don't assume a goblin in unarmed - most can manifest claws and horns in an instant."

<Guard> Ghost says, "Unfortunately I still don't know your abilities well enough to make definite plans, and anyway any plans made might have to change once I've scouted the goblin camp. But, and especially without Lia as I was rather depending on her, I envisage Scrapper and Toitan in the insertion team. Both have to my mind excellect movement abilities."

<Guard> Titan says, "I'm not sure I'm fast enough, but...alright."

<Guard> Ghost says, "Unless the goblins are unlike any other people I've known, catching them in surprise in a camp they expect to be safe, should give you several seconds before they can react."

<Guard> Ghost says, "But if you have any other ideas, I'm open to suggestions."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Why would they expect to be safe? They know the Fae can, uh, worldwalk or whatever, right?"

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Fae worldwalking is usually limited to weak points"

<Guard> Ghost says, "The Fae have never followed the Goblins back through a way. And if the Fae were to do so, Goblin scouts would alert the camp well before the Fae arrived. The Fae lack the kind of movement abilities Scrapper and Titan possess. Scrapper, you can .. uh.. teleport(?) into the camp without having to pass by sentries? Titan, you can leap out again faster than a non-shapeshifted goblin can follow?"

<Guard> Titan says, "Probably, assuming there's enough clearance for me to get a nice long leap in."

<Guard> Ghost says, "We'll leave the carriage on the Upper Heartwood side. Guys, if I don't think it can be done safely after scouting the camp I'll call it off. I'm responsible for your safety. That's a responsibility I take very seriously."

<Guard> Titan says, "I'd be unconcerned for my safety, honestly. I'd be surprised if the goblins could hurt me."

<Guard> Ghost says, "Let's not put that to the test. Goblins use poisons and given time they can be a lot of them."

The dwarves come stomping up from the basement again to have their tea.

<Guard> Titan says, "Alright...so when are we going?"

<Guard> Ghost says, "Highness, when will the carriage and guide be available?"

<Guard> Lorelei says, "They are ready now. I've provided Raptlennograp with a map, too, so he'll know where potenital portals are..."

<Guard> Ghost says, "Lets... <mental flash of a classic TV show recently watched> To the Batmobile then."

<Guard> Lorelei laughs. "More of a birdmobile."

Titan nods, seemingly to himself, as far as the workers are concerned. He heads outside, toward the carriage.

Sukeban follows along.

Scrapper follows.

Ghost heads for the carriage also, nodding to the driver and quickly consulting with the guide as to the best path to head for.

Raptlennoggrap is waiting there, impatiently."Come along, haven't got all day..."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "By the way, waht are the dwarves actually doing?"

The dwarves exchange glances as the weird group leave.

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Probably secretly makin' a portal to Goblin Land"

The guide looks over the map with the driver and Ghost.

<Guard> Lorelei says, "Want me to tell you, or keep it as a surprise?"

<Guard> Ghost says, "I don't know what the dwarves are doing. But the Princess knows so I assume it's all okay."

Titan settles down into the seat on the carriage. He shifts a little bit, trying to get comfortable, since he's not actually wearing a shirt.

Lorelei turns out to be not far away - by the stables, with a horse and entourage. Looks like she's going somewhere too.

Sukeban slouches on the seat with the boneless grace of a natural born sloucher

The guide is a rather young-looking fae - he looks more like a teenager than an adult.

Scrapper rides on the outside, as usual

Ghost confers with the guide, and makes sure Raptlennoggrap knows where we want to go.

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Whatever ya want Oujo-sama."

<Guard> Lorelei says, "I'll save it for now, then. BUt I think you'll be pleased!"

<Guard> Lorelei says, "Good luck!"

"Ready for off?" says the driver. "Hold on to your hats!"

The guide rides up front with the driver.

Titan keeps his eyes on Lorelei as her entourage gets get to depart.

Lorelei glances toward Titan often, but avoids locking eyes.

And the carriage launches into the air, up over the castle walls, and towards the bridge - or the northern side of it.

Scrapper grins, waiting for flames to wash over her body

Guided by the goblin, the firebird turns, flying under the bridge at Bridgend side, a rather tiight fit it would seem, but the passage is made without slowing. And the carriage comes out from under the bridge, but it's not the same bridge, and as the bird climbs the city of undermoon with all its spires and towers and broad streets lies on one side, of the river, and the vast castle on the other...

Ghost says, "First time I've seen it from this view. It's... quaint."

And then the flame that doesn't hurt washes over bird and carriage, and the capital rapidly shrinks into the distance. The carriage's flight is strangely close to the ground for those used to aeroplanes.

Ghost says, "I am never going to get used to this."

But the fire lasts only a short time. The carriage drops to normal speed - but heading straight toward a forest. Then strange the driver urges the bird to walk on, slowly, navigating the trees somehow... And then somewhere the trees become leafless, beneath a sky bright with stars. And then the forest becomes normal once again, and the carriage emerges from it.

Titan shuts his eyes, blocking out the strange sights outside for at least a time. When the carriage slows noticable, he opens his eyes again, and looks around. . o O (Wonder what that was about? Why not fly overhead?)

And from there it's just another quick fiery flight. The whole journey can take only a few minutes; the slow walk through the trees the only time it didn't seem a whirlwind.

Ghost says, "From here, we walk."

Scrapper doesn't close her eyes. She observes everything, as if trying to memorize the route she could not possibly follow.

And the bird descends onto a hillside overlooking a lake, into fields just below the trees lining the hilltops.

Ghost asks the guide, "Where's the path?"

The guide points up into the woods. "There. Can any of you worldwalk yourselves?"

Ghost says, "Not me."

Scrapper says, "no"

Sukeban says, "Nope."

He nods. "Then link hands. It should be necessary, but some people, especially the sightless, have been known to get lost even with a guide."

Scrapper extends force arms to put a hand on everybody.

Titan nods quietly, and takes someone's hand - whomever happens to be closest.

Ghost nods and links hands with the guide and offers her other hand to Titan.

The guide leads you maybe a hundred yards into the woods, if that. "And here we are, Nether Heartworld." Those without second sight probably didn't even notice a change: it looks very much the same. But the guides voice drops. "Remember, these are goblin lands we are in now."

Titan raises a brow at the guide's comment, but doesn't say anything.

The guide looks about carefully and quietly, but then seems to relax.

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Ask the guide if we can let go. I don't want to yell from back here."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "... and I smell both magic and poison, but not close."

<Guard> Titan says, "Ghost, you were going to scout a bit?"

The guide release the hand he was holding, seemingly content it's safe.

Titan looks around quietly, figuring that most communication will happen mentally.

<Guard> Ghost says, "Yes, Titan. Try to not let anything kill my body while I'm gone. And if I die don't waste time in getting out of here."

Ghost sits on the ground, draws her sword and goes limp. slumping bonelessly to the grass.

Once on the astral Ghost summons a messenger. Instructs it to wait here and relay any messages she gives it, and relay to her any replies.

Sukeban leans against a tree, her arms crossed. The flames vanish from her hair and eye, returning to their natural colors.

At some stage in the next few minutes a two foot high white furred bipedal rabbit appears, slightly see-through.

Sukeban shakes her head, "What the heck is with people and rabbits?"

Scrapper shrugs

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Lets assume we are in range to be heard. Have you noticed goblin ears?"

After a wrong turn, Ghost finds the goblin camp, close by the other portal as expected. It's larger than the rading party was supposed to be, but well-camouflaged.

Sukeban says, "And did ya finally hit puberty, or did the Oujo teach ya a spell to make ya look older."

Ghost relays the direction and distance, and then starts a search of the camp for enchanted dwarven boots. Luckily walls are no obstruction.

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Close. I learned to undo the spell that made me look younger."

<Guard> Titan says, "Why did you have a spell to make you look younger?"

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Huh. Well, at least yer not jailbait now."

The camp in fact surrounds the 'weak spot'. It's in four quarters. Three contain goblins who have only bows or blowguns, or no visible weapons at all. They seem more militia than proper soldiers. In the fourth are the clear proper sodliers, half archers (with cold-iron-tipped arrows),, the other half with cold iron swords or axes and steel armour.

This last group is clearly the raiding party itself. And in that group is an armoured goblin with distinctly magic boots, as well as a lighter magic aura about his person.

Ghost thinks .oO(They were prepared for a follow up. Vanatherion was absolutely correct not to try it.)

The attention of the whole camp on watch is toward the portal.

Ghost scouts around for well concealed vantage points for Scrapper to use to teleport in from. She wonders if the goblin sleeps in those boots? If not maybe waiting is advisable. Otherwise,, maybe Titan can grap the Goblin too. Except, what is that magic aura around him. Maybe she can make something out of it's structure and purpose. Hewr mage sight seems to be almost functional here.

No entry for 'division into 4 is actually typical of goblins, and they normally lay out settlements on t'.

<Guard> Scrapper considers for quite a while how much to talk about her past, given the situation. Finally, just when most would think she was ignoring the question, she replies, "It wasn't my idea."

The area is actually quite wooded - it wouldn't be hard to teleport in quite close and not be spottable from the camp. Indeed, the camp takes advtange of trees for its own camouflage.

Scrapper asks the rabbit, "Could I port in close enough to actually grab the boot wearer?"

The rabbit replies, "That's possible. There are many trees around the camp to hide in.

The rabbit adds, There's a spell on him. I don't know what it is.

Scrapper says, "I'll need exact coordinates. My spell doesn't have miscast failsafes built in."

Titan says quietly, "If it's necessary, I can create a distraction."

Ghost heads back to her body.

Ghost stirs and stretches.

<Guard> Scrapper says, "welcome back"

The guide is waiting patiently and keeping lookout. Even the rabbit didn't seem to faze him.

<Guard> Ghost says, "I've located the boots. Unfortunately they're on the feet of a shaman goblin. We could wait and see if he removes them. But a goblin patrol might stumble over us. Of go now. There are trees close by and I can guide you through the sentries."

Ghost crouches and sketches out a map of the camp in a cleared patch of dirt, marking the location of sentries and the boots.

<Guard> Titan says, "He likely won't take them off, if he's a shaman. That means either grabbing him, or pulling hte boots off."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Grab him and port back to here where the rest of you wait?"

<Guard> Ghost says, "You're going to have to do this. I'm not going to be much help. So it's up to you to decide on a plan."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "I was hoping you would be here to wrestle the boots off when I got back."

<Guard> Ghost says, "as well as the miltia there's the survivors of the raiding party. Those look like experienced fighters."

Scrapper waits expectantly.

<Guard> Scrapper says, "I did mention you are leading this mission..."

<Guard> Ghost says, "I did mention I still don't know enough about your abilities to offer optimum suggestions. But, okay. Shoot at this amd see if it gets any holes in it. Scrapper and Titan get close to the camp with me guiding you in. Scrapper, you teleport in, I can point out the right tent and describe exactly the interior and where the Shaman is. Grab him and teleport back to Titan. Titan grabs and squeezes the goblin and the two of you get back here by leaping, Titan carrying Scrapper and the Shaman. Then we cross back to Upper Heartwood."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Other than the sneaking part, my teleport range is in kilometers"

<Guard> Ghost says, "Just squeeze him enough that he can't cast any spells."

<Guard> Ghost says, "So you could teleport right back here?"

Scrapper nods

<Guard> Ghost says, "Lets do that then. Titan, would you mind just being there as a back up in case anything goes wrong with Scrapper's grab and teleport?"

<Guard> Titan sighs a bit. "I can live with it."

Scrapper waits for Titan to move, gets exact distances and directions and ports.

Ghost meditates on the best path to guide Scrapper and Titan in by, And then goes astral again.

to be continued...