Log:These Boots Were Made for Worldwalking, Scene 2

2013/04/17 	 Ghost-2 Lorelei Scrapper Sukeban Titan 2

Titan follows Ghost's guidance on the way in, trying to be as quiet as he can be. Hah.

Sukeban leans against a tree, the flames gone from her hair and eye, making her presense slightly less obvious as she waits for the boom.

Ghost lays on the ground, back propped up against a tree, her physical body vacant, astral self still at the camp, the messenger she summoned up *puff'ing* away now it's task is complete.

Ghost thinks. o O (I wonder if the communicator disks can be enchanted to work to and from the astral?)

Although Titan isn't exactly quiet, Ghost's plotted course proves so brilliant that no one has noticed by the time the Shaman is reached. He's sitting by a fire, cooking something in a pot seemingly.

Scrapper slips up beside Titan silently. Giving him a touch on the knee to let him know she is ready, she concentrates and appears next to the goblin chieftain. In addition to her physical arms, multiple tentacles appear on her body and wrap around the chieftain like an octopus.

The shaman cries out in his strange language as he's grabbed - and manifests spines all over his body.

Scrapper chuckles when the spines appear and comments in Fae, "Congratulations, I actually felt that."

The shaman yells all the louder on hearing that language!

From the surrounding tents, noises are heard, the rattle of armour, the drawing of weapons....

Ghost shakes her head. .oO(Why is he still conscious to yell?)

The shaman goes limp after he yells.

Scrapper decides not to push her luck at such a successful ambush and does a quick port back to Titan instead of the longer, slower port that she had planned.

From the woods., the increasing uproar in the camp is heard, as the goblins jabber about the strange spirit that stole the shaman away. But presumably this sort of thing is a peril that shamans have to deal with....

 Scrapper says, "Ow. Punch him before he cries out."

Titan nods to Scrapper, having gotten, the message, and he takes a swing at the goblin, making sure to bring his hand downward, so that the goblin isn't sent flying.

Ghost shadows Scrapper and Titan until they are well clear of the camp and any pursuit. Then she returns to her physical body. Starting to stand she warns the world-walker guide, "Get ready. We'll want to cross over as soon as the others get here."

Sukeban stands up and cracks her neck, "Any trouble comin'?"

The worldwalker nods. "The way lies open."

Those with good hearing may notice an increase in bird calls.

Ghost says, "Shouldn't be, Sukeban. The snatch went as planned and the goblins are running around in circles for the moment."

Titan follows Ghost's instructions on the way back to the rendezvous point, at least up to the point where Ghost heads back, leaving him and Scrapper on their own.

Scrapper takes a breath and pulls the spiny goblin off her body. Tiny holes seal with purple force and don't bleed.

 Scrapper says, "Leap is faster if you can stay hidden"

Titan picks up Scrapper and the spiny goblin, wincing a bit as he's stuck. He then starts to make a series of running leaps toward the rendezvous point, clearing a good forty meters with each jump.

Being carried by Titan, when above the treetops, Scrapper can see a flock of birds rising above the goblin camp and spreading out in a neat circle.

Scrapper waits till the trio is well away before pulling off the chief's boots

The boots come off easily: they seem too big for the shaman, who has lost his spikes too in his unconsciousness.

Scrapper tosses the boots to Sukeban when they arrive back at the group. "No muss, no fuss" she comments, ignoring the little purple dots on her chest

"We must hurry: they are coming," says the worldwalker, watching the arc of birds.

Ghost says, "Let's cross over. Now. It won't take long for the goblins to send out searchers."

Ghost looks to the guide, "Close the path as soon as we are across."

Sukeban catches the boots, "Yeesh. So after all that discussion, I'm a shoe rack?" She prepares to follow the worldwalker.

Scrapper nods "Would you prefer 'slayer of goblins'?

The worldwalker offer his hand and leads the group back to a forest similar, but with less bird sound.

Ghost says, "Bring the Shaman. I'm sure we can have an interesting chat when he wakes up."

Sukeban ehs, "They'll try to rescue him if we do."

The guide checks with Ghost, "And now back to Undermoon, to consult with the seer, yes?"

Ghost asks the guide as the group is crossing, "If we hand the Shaman over to the Westmarch authorities what will they do to him?"

Ghost grins, "And how will they do that, Sukeban? We have the boots. They can't cross without them."

"Question him. And hold him for a prisoner exchange, though the goblins of Wyrmwood seldom engage in such civilized behavior."

Sukeban shrugs, "They have boots before. Then they had boots. Nothin' says they can't get more boots."

Ghost nods to the guide, "And your guess. He's just lost a pair of the world-walker boots. What will the goblins do to him if they get him back?"

Scrapper frowns, "Torture him for information is the obvious path. I'd rather strand him in a woods."

The guide shrugs. "They are savages - who can say?"

Titan grimaces a bit. After all...humans are viewed as 'lesser beings' too.

Sukeban hehs, "Elf or Goblin, yer all bastards aren't ya. Just like us humans."

Scrapper looks to Ghost. "Your mission, your call."

The guide says, "Your race has nothing to do with it. But the goblin of Wyrmwood *are* savages. They use cold iron, kill their captives, slaughter any women they find in battle....."

Sukeban yawns, "Yeah yeah. And you Elfs respond by singing songs and throwin' flowers. Whatever."

Ghost looks at the group, Sukeban mostly, "I really don't care. But then I'm not a hero. If we send him back I expect he'll be killed. If we hand him over I suspect the questioning won't be gentle. He's been leading raids against Westmarch. So it's up to you all to decide."

Sukeban shrugs, "I vote to leave him here."

Scrapper grrs, and says, "We strand him. Whether the goblins can get more is immaterial *this* goblin won't be causing any more trouble away from his tribe."

The guide watches the birds flocking again. "Decide quickly."

Scrapper says, "That was a decision. Lets move."

Ghost nods, "Okay by me. But I do want to talk to him first. And lead him to believe his only way out is to come up with useful information.

Titan looks to Ghost, "Let me know if you need me to ask him. I can be...persuasive. Assuming he can understand my words."

Ghost nods to Titan, "If you have a command language please go ahead."

Scrapper says, "I'd rather he didn't get a good look at the entire team before spitting in our collective faces. The mission is the boots. Just the boots."

Ghost says, "Scrapper, the mission is to stop a war. The boots are a good first step. But it's never a waste of time to gain new information."

Titan stands about with his arms folded, trying to make sure he helps emphasize any points Ghost is making...based upon Ghost's body language more than anything else, since he can't even understand the questions being asked.

The goblin, terrifed by Titan and stranded alone in enemy territory, spills his guts. He was chosen for his magical ability more than his loyalty....

All he can really do is point to one goblin - the king's advisor and representative, Borbornogjent. It is from him the goblin got the boots, and the king has put him in charge of the forces on this side of the sea.

One of the goblins with Borbornogjent provided the training in the use of the boots.

Ghost is a bit disappointed. But it's probably about what to have expected. Cut-outs weren't unknown in her old business either. Turning to the guide, "Can we ship him off to a goblin inhabited realm which is friendly to Undermoon? And then head back to speak with the diviner? Unless there's any better ideas? This is about as far as I've planned."

"I'm sure your driver would be happy to see his home again," says the guide.

Titan shakes his head. "I'm afraid I don't have another idea. Clearly the next step would be to find this Borb-guy."

Ghost to the guide, "Good idea."

Soon the group is once more underway. Another trip through the Humming Forest brings them out to the vast Pale Forest in the kingdom of Negmaggegg in the world of Gloaming.

Here, vast silver-leaved trees reflect the dim, unending half-light of this world. Your prisoner is dropped off in a goblin villages in the branches of one of these trees.

Scrapper has been mostly silent from the point that Ghost asked for a vote and then decided to do something else. This doesn't change as they worldwalk.

The firebird seems happy to be here. "Good to be home again, eh?" says the driver to him.

Sukeban slouches along kvetching to herself

And then it's off again, back to the royal city of Undermoon!

Unfortunately, there is little time to take in the sights. You are ushered in hurriedlyto se Aefindel the Seer, to see what can be learned from the boots.

Titan follows behind the group quietly.

Sukeban lets her flames back into her hair and eye once she's back in Undermoon.

Still, she is not so quick in making her report. "There are seven more pairs of boots. All are made by the same dwarf, though I cannot tell his name. Three pairs of boots are with armies throughout Wyrmwood. Four pairs are together, in Goblins Newport, where it is hard to see......"

Scrapper says, "We shall inform her highness."

Lorelei is herself in Undermoon, at the palace.

Scrapper nods and resumes quietly following Ghost's lead.

Lorelei, and various high-ups with whom she consults, are greatly pleased with the intelligence - if not with the number and location of the boots. "Would you be willing to retrieve the other boots as well?" asks Lorelei. "The scattered ones should give you no more problem than the first ones, but Goblins Newport is another matter. I doubt you could get in and out without at least some fighting...."

Scrapper says, "Just to be clear, your highness. Are you asking for a true military assault on a goblin city?"

Ghost keeps quiet for the moment. She'll go if instructed. Her honor demands it. So she'll say nothing until the others have spoken and decided.

Sukeban shakes her head, "A little snatch and grab is one thin'. A full frontal assault is a declaration of war. If that's what ya want, then get yer soldier Elfs to do it."

Titan raises a brow as he listens, but doesn't say anything yet.

Scrapper also keeps silent rather than defy the princess in front of her peers.

"No. I'm asking if you would be willing to attempt to go in and extract four pairs of boots, knowing that some fighting (but not killing) will likely be needed. If you say no, then the army will handle it. You are better suited to the task, bit it's not your responsibility. I will understand. If you can do it with no fighting at all, so much the better."

Titan nods. "If I may...there's another question here that really needs to be answered. Let's say we recover all of these boots. What then? What's to keep them from getting more from whomever made these? Can we tell who that is? I'd assume there's a 'maker's mark' of some kind. Craftsmen are proud of their work, as they should be."

Scrapper nods, "You know our temperments as well as our abilities your highness. You already have my advice on the proper people to retrieve the remaining boots. We are trusting in your wisdom."

 Scrapper says, "and please tell me you haven't shared communicators with anyone"

Lorelei says, "Yes. Aefindel identified the craftsman, and where he is, though not his name. That we can pursue. Or you can, if you wish. There should be no legal problems there. That kingdom should not be trading with Wyrmwoord, so the craftsman - or someone - has broken the law. But if you wish to leave this now - then do so, with thanks for what you have done.""

 Lorelei says, "I have not."

Ghost stands...

Ghost says, "You're going to have to explain this hero thing to me again. I don't think I quite get it. There are people dying in this war in Upper Heartwood. Fae and humans. Men, women, and children. Goblins too. I don't know but I suspect not all the goblins are eager to fight. Probably some of them would wish to be with their families rather than raiding. You have a chance to help stop that. With personal risk, yes, but far less deaths and injuries than a conventional battle would entail. I kind of thought that was the hero thing to do."

 Scrapper says, "So you do not wish to send the dwarves to retrieve their own damn boots and present a unified front against the goblins?"

Lorelei nods to Ghost. "That is how I see it, too. But I admit - by my position it's possible my judgement is clouded. Perhaps I'm more politician than hero now and am too close to see it."

Scrapper says, "May I remind her highness that we are not heroes, but bodyguards? I would strongly suggest that you not place yourself at risk in this way."

Bard enters from Sandy Bottoms Island.

 Scrapper says, "Please take the out."

 Lorelei says, "I'm afraid the dwarves aren't likely to want to enter a war just because one or two of their citizens have broken treaties."

 Scrapper says, "Then the fae do *not* have popular support in this?"

 Ghost says, "I doubt they have brokentreaties, Highness. When the maker is identified I expect he will tell us a Fae purchased the boots."

 Lorelei says, "A Fae? Who?"

 Ghost says, "Ex-Duke Palanir, or one of his associates."

Lorelei goes a little pale.

 Lorelei says, "That.... is possible. But why do you think so?"

 Scrapper says, "Before we go causing a war, it may be best to determine if we are in the right."

Armed with an acoustic guitar Bard comes strolling up late to the gate. "Whaddup?" He says looking to the guards, showing his embassy credentials. "Mind if I step on in?" He asks politely.

Bard is allowed through - and told where to find the team.

 Scrapper says, "Please, take the out I presented to you and let us be 'just' bodyguards instead of soldiers or heroes. ... at least until we get all the facts."

<Guard> Ghost says, "The goblins know the geography of Upper Heartwood too well. Someone is advising them where to raid for maximum effect. I read the reports and news articles of Palanir's downfall. There was a Goblin spy exposed. It seems Palanir had already been in contact with and associated with Goblins."

<Guard> Titan says, "I agree with Ghost. Most likely the duke is involved."

<Guard> Lorelei says, "If you're right.... That puts a very different perspective on things...."

Scrapper glanes about at the waiting fae

<Guard> Bard says, "Yo, late to the party. If you want to talk about people who might be involved, find the captain of the gaurd. I know I scared the piss out of one of the twins when I did some interrogation for the fae a while back. You know, when your dad's marrage was deemed legal by fae society, L."

<Guard> Titan adds as an afterthought, "On a side note, I'm never going to be 'just' a bodyguard."

Lorelei nods to Scrapper. "You are, of course, just bodyguards."

<Guard> Lorelei says, "Though I'm hoping that was just for the benefit of the others here present."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "yep"

<Guard> Bard says, "Anyone care to fill me in on what all I'm missing here?"

Sukeban shrugs, "There's wars all over. Civil wars. Gang wars. Whatever. Yeah, just because we can't do everythin' doesn't mean we can't do anythin'. But gettin' involved in a war between two sides with a long, bloody history, with no idea what's really goin' on, that's just askin' for trouble." She sighs, "Maybe it's because I'm Japanese, but goin' to war isn't somethin' I want a part of."

<Guard> Lorelei says, "Ghost if you could present your collated evidence of Palanir's involvement to Tuveril, I'm sure he'd find it useful."

Ghost nods.

<Guard> Ghost says, "Of course, Highness. I will do so."

Scrapper nods, "We value Sukeban for her insights and independence...

<Guard> Scrapper says, "and happen to agree"

The fae exchange a few glances but say nothing. Sukeban is, after all, just a bodyguard.

Scrapper says, "... but she does not speak for the entire team. We will, of course, do as you command."

Sukeban mutters, "Speak for yerself O-Chibi-chan."

Lorelei says, "Then you may return to the embassy and guard it and my parents."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "You need to keep the appearance of being in charge, for the fae if nobody else. Command us home."

<Guard> Bard says, "Damn it! I just got here. Someoen needs to fill me in!"

<Guard> Lorelei says, "I expressed a wish. They'll take that as as good as a command."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Bard, Lorelei is being tricked into starting a war and the whole team (except Ghost) is balking but trying hard to be private about it."

Titan grimaces, looking from Lorelei to the fae in the room...realizing that respect will never really be gained from the Fae. Probably ever. He's silent as he mulls over the divide that's making his life less than happy right at this moment.

<Guard> Lorelei says, "Marcus - there are some magic boots that need to be recovered to slow or halt the current Wyrmwood/Undermoon hostilitis. But the team doesn't seem to want to get involved."

<Guard> Ghost says, "Let me set this out for everyone. Because as we are speaking the goblins are sending messengers out. If we were to go after all the boots we'd want to go the port first because with one mission we can collect four pairs of boots. And we should do it now before the alarm is raised. At a minimum I don't see any reason not to go after the three pairs out in rthe field. That should be no more difficult than what we've already done if we go before the warnings reach the camps. Time is of the essence here."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Ghost, you are assuming the goblins are the bad guys instead of the victims. Disarming the victims is a bad idea."

<Guard> Ghost says, "I've mostly found the bad guys are the ones on someone else's territory. The Fae aren't invading the goblins lands."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "we are being asked to. Today."

<Guard> Bard says, "You have me completely lost. how are shoes going prevent a war? is some fantic collector involved here?"

Ghost rises and walks over to stand with the Fae military. A silent commitment that shows where her stance lies.

<Guard> Lorelei says, "Do you think I am one of the bad guys, Scrapper? If so - it's probably not a good idea for you to be a bodyguard, let alone anyything else."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Magic shoes of transdimentional travel ... a skill the goblins don't possess but the fae do"

<Guard> Sukeban says, "They let the Gobs travel outside their turf."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Eh. Telll ya what, Oujo-sama. Ya really want us to do this, throw in a $5000 bonus each per pair of boots. Gettin' involved in a war is stupid, but I can be stupider than normal for the right price."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "I'm saying wait. Verify the fae have the support of the dwarves and the other involved races instead of making a move that can make us look like bullies and give the goblins support. If we are being had by Duke Whatzizname, we need to verify that *before* playing to his plan."

<Guard> Scrapper says, "Then make your decision and split the team or not. I just don't want you to be a good dupe. I've never said your heart was not in the right place."

Lorelei is quiet for a moment, thinking.

<Guard> Lorelei says, "Then I'm ordering you to go. And hoping you'll accept the order. I don't weant to break up the team. But it will cost hundred of lives of other to get these boots. Or thousands if we don't. And much as Colonial Bay needs a hero team, those lves weigh on me more. I'm sorry."

<Guard> Titan says, "To be frank, Colonial Bay has more than its share of heroes."

<Guard> Lorelei says, "And Sukeban - yes, you can have the bonus."

<Guard> Sukeban says, "And Undermmoon, a whole other world, doesn't? . . . Fine, money is money. I'm in."

Lorelei thinks. o O (It is special duty, really... it seems fair.)

<Guard> Bard says, "Wait, we're mercenaries now?"

<Guard> Sukeban says, "Nah, just me. Well, I mean, we're heroes who get paid, so I guess we always were mercs."

<Guard> Lorelei says, "HArdly mercenaries. I'm offering a bonus for extraordinary duties."

<Guard> Lorelei says, "Scrapper - are you still unwilling? How about you, Johnathan?"

<Guard> Ghost says, "Highness, can I assume that there's no longer any need to capture the boots. Destroying them will serve your purposes just as well?"

<Guard> Lorelei says, "Yes - that should be fine. Though I imagine the dwarves would pay money to get them back, that's hardly a priority."

Lorelei awaits Scrapper's answer still.

Ghost thinks. o O (If the Princess is will to spend money maybe she should hire a team of mercenaries. Can pick out a group with the right abilities and a more flexible temperment.)

<Guard> Scrapper says, "My loyalty is not for sa;le."

<Guard> Lorelei says, "Scrapper - iif you want to bow out of this mission, i understand. You're still welcome to stay on the team, if the others are willing to have you though."

Lorelei thinks. o O (Unfortunate, thoguh, a disagreement this big this early in the life of the team. maybe I was overoptimistic.)

<Guard> Scrapper says, "You wanted heroes. The problem with heroes is that they want to be sure they are right. They *need* to be right, whether that involves protecting the fae or protecting people from the fae. I'm just not willing yet to say that the goblins aren't people."

<Guard> Lorelei says, "Of course goblins are people. I've made it clear from the start I want to save lives on both sides. And I've also made it clear from the start that I had a hero team in mind from the start. If you want just to be a bodyguard -- well, that's fine, I suppose. Maybe the group needs two subgroups."

Scrapper says, "yep"