Free Federation Embassy

[Renrik]

This is the embassy of the Free Federation of Goblin States, in the building formerly (and currently) used as the headquarters for the Goblin Statehood Army and the Goblin Labor Party.

This building has obviously seen many uses, and appears to have been renovated several times. From the outside, it looks much like any of the workhouses so common in the slums, but here the similarities end. The building and grounds are guarded by goblin volunteers of the GSA, including swordsmen at the door, snipers on the roof, and undercover guards on the streets, posing as civilians. The grounds are well-defended, especially for a building so far in the heart of the goblinoid district of the slums.

A large sign over the doorway explains the reason:

Free Federation of Goblin States Embassy

The interior is split between governmental and military facilities. It contains meeting rooms, offices, and archives to facilitate the building's functio as an embassy and party headquarters, as well as an armory, barracks, and hospital to serve it's function as a military training and recruiting center.

The current ambassador of the Federation is Rackfang Darknell, a charismatic community leader, strong supporter of social reform and unionization, the leader of the Goblin Worker's Union, and the founder of the GLP.

((this is the old GSA HQ. That thread is now pointless, as the building therein has been converted into this building.))

[Renrik]

Inside the Embassy, Rackfang walks down the hall, talking with one of the GSA officers:

What's the latest report from Datharral?
The battle's still continuing, sir. The undead from the dwarven invasion of Town have reinforced our positions, and our forces are still fighting.
Where's Knacklaw?
Sir, that's classified information.
Classified? Damn it all. We need his reinforcements. We-
Sir, let me assure you, the military situation is under control. The battle for Datharral shall soon be won. The dwarves are surrounded and beign battered. Please, sir. Keep concentrated on your diplomatic mission.

Rackfang sighs and goes down one hallway, while the officer goes down another, towards the GSA quarters.

Kharikk! What's the news on the home front?
'Ell cheif, you should know. You're here.
I have been busy with a multitude of tasks, lieutenant, and I am entrusting you to oversee a large portion of our operations here. What is the situation?
Everything's under control, Captain. We're forming extra brigades, and the operations are working smoothly.
Good. We need increased pressure.
Yes, sir, Captain, sir!

The Lieutenant goes to speak to one of his Sergeants.

We need more pressure. Are you ready for another operation?
Yes, sir. For the revolution, sir.
Good. Assemble your squad and meet me in my quarters at 1400 hours for breifing and planning.
Yes, sir.
The goblin leaves, heading towards the troop quarters, passing a hospital on the way. Inside the hospital, a few clerics of Inarri that stayed behind when the primary forces of the GSA marched to Datharral are treating wounded soldiers.
Don't worry, Grannik. The extraction of the arrow hurt, but the healing won't. It will feel pleasant. Please, try to relax.
The cleric begins patching up the soldier's leg as a Word Page reporter, escorted by guards to ensure the security of the embassy, makes his way past the door. He goes to the Goblin Labor Party offices, and shakes hands with a GLP volunteer there.

I read that pamphlet you wrote, Naghrik. Very good. I loved the commentary on...

The conversation goes on as Rackfang walks by, speaking with another GLP member.

You think I don;t know the election is coming up? We can;t find any suitable candidates. They're all either unknown or off fighting or too hated by the humans to be elected.
But we need to find somebody, sir. We need a friend in the government. Speaking of which, how goes the negotiations with the Mayoress?
The Town can't recongize us until our situation is more stable. We need to win a few battles first. Datharral, gods willing.

The ambassador leaves the other goblin and goes into his office, where he sits at his desk.

Datharral, and then we speak again.

[Nekulor]

*Silas enters and looks for the goblin in charge*

[Renrik]

((Rackfang is in charge, but currently he's at the Rally, just got done giving a funeral for GSA troops. If you want to talk to him, he'll be there for a long while. Otherwise, the second-in-command is Major Kharrak, a hobgoblin officer of the GSA who oversees Embassy defense and manages affais when Rackfang is gone.))

[Nekulor]

*looks around*

Ah!
*approaches the goblin who is obviously second in command due to his uniform and battle decorations*

I need goblins, about 10 or 20, to act as temple guards. The pay would be high, and the benefits to your organization would be great as well if this and... future... transactions go well.

[Renrik]

We would certainly be willing to accomodate you, but we need t know more first. What temple is it? Why do neeed goblins? I must warn you, these are volunteers. If they do not choose to act as your guards, I cannot command them to.

[Xerillum]

A wooden cart sits in front of the building. It has a few sacks of sugar, and a barrel of salt.

[Flabbicus]

A few non-Federation monstrous humanoids attempt to point the cart to a less threatening area. Four armed Orcs and an Ogre Mage harry the cart owner, and, if he's not there, the Ogre attempts to move it.

[Renrik]

^^ We invented that trick. If that cart gets within 500 feet of the embassy, every soldier in it will shoot at the damned thing. The roads to the embassy are off-limits right now. Crisis.

[Xerillum]

A large plasma bomb attatched to the underside of the cart explodes when it is jostled.

[Nekulor]

My temple is the Temple of Dyrr, my brother started his own religion *sighs*. Anyway, the guards would simply provide simple defense in the case of intrusion, which is highly unlikely, but we can never be too careful.

[Flabbicus]

The Ogre's regenerative abilities and sheer mass take the brunt of the weight, but it is still thrown into the adjacent wall. A huge dent can be seen after he falls back down to the ground and the orcs carry him over to a makeshift medical area for the monstrous humanoids. They mutter about racism and the good old days in the Grayback Army.

[Renrik]

The hobgoblin officer nods, and allows ten goblins who seem interested in new religions (and better-paying posts) to go along with Silas.

A contingent of GSA soldiers go to inspect the explosion.

Another contingent is sent to the Rally to aid the wounded there.

The guard is doubled on the embassy, and it is alive with activity concerning the explosions, the situation at Datharral, and a new gang of some kind that threatens the slum neighborhoods.

[Nekulor]

Thank you sir. The added security is wonderful.

[Renrik]

As news of the victory in Datharral reaches the embassy, the people would celebrate, save for the explosion at the Rally so close on their minds. A bittersweet mood settles over the Embassy as they raise a toast to the victory, and sorrowfully tell the psion sending it of the events in the Town.

[Pollux]

A decorated Kraznayan officer walks into the Embassy and whispers something to the second in command.

((PM))

[Rainspattered]

Rainspattered enters, the soles of his feet slick with blood. "I bring sad news," he bows. "Two of your comrades have been killed, brutally, in the streets. The area where they were slain is dangerous and should be quarantined at once." he kneels silently as he awaits a response.

[Renrik]

Kharrak looks grim at the news:

We win the war in the homeland only to be attacked in our own streets. This is indeed sad news.

He sends several intel. officers to investigate and quarantine the site.

[Pollux]

((Check your PMs))

[Renegade Paladin]

Gaheris took a deep breath, mindful of all the goblins watching him. 'Here goes,' the former street urchin thought to himself.

He walked up to the front gate and addressed one of the guards. "I am here to see your leader on important business concerning security at your rallies," he said simply.

[Renrik]

One of the goblin guards replies

Ambassador Rackfang is currently in a meeting with the Mayoress, but we can allow yu to speak to Captain Kharrak. We'll need you to hand over your your weapons first. We can retur them to you when you exit.

[Renegade Paladin]

Gaheris paused for a second. "This may take awhile," he said almost sheepishly, as he began removing his small arsenal from their concealment in his clothing.

By the time he was done, the guard had a blackjack, three magically enhanced throwing knives, an assortment of normal daggers, a set of iron bands of Bilarro, and a hand crossbow. Gaheris paused for a second, holding his sheathed sword.

"This is my most precious tool and possession. Make certain nothing happens to it," he said, holding out the weapon to be held in trust.

[Renrik]

The goblin nods, and places the weapon in a small vault just on the iside of the embassy. Two hobgoblins immediately take places in front of the vault to guard it until Gaheris returns.

The paladin is lead by a GSA officer to the chambers of Kharrak. It is a spartan room, with little decoration, and minimum comfort. Kharrak, a middle-aged, tough hobgoblin with an air of confidence and experience about him, rises from his desk to receive the visitor.

[Renegade Paladin]

"Captain," Gaheris said, extending his hand.

[Renrik]

The hobgoblin takes the hand and shakes it.

Why have you come?

[Renegade Paladin]

"To discuss the bombings at your recent rallies. I've had men present at each one; the first purely by accident, and subsequent ones because we wished to keep an eye on what was going on. One of my people got a good look at this morning's bombers." He paused. "We plan to bring them in. It's something we're well practiced at, and I believe an exchange of information might be in order."

[Renrik]

Yes, the bombings have been a great tragedy to us. These acts agaisnt civilians are barbaric and cowardly, and must be punished. We have set operatives on the job, especially after this latest one, but we have gotten no news of the Stiletto Guild as of yet, save for a mugging against a civilian in the slums.

Very well. I shall give you what information we have.

The first attack was perpetrated by a group called the Stiletto Guild, who seem to want to control the slums and all criminal activities therein. The bomb detonated was a plasma bomb, but we do not know who detonated it. One witness says he saw a halfling who was acting suspicious before the explosion, but we have no description of the halfling.

We know that since the first attack, the Stiletto Guild has killed one goblin with no connection to the revolution, and painted their symbol in blood on an alley wall. Also, a bombing was attempted on this embassy, with a plasma bomb hidden in a cart. This cart-bombing technique was originally developed by the GSA for use against military targets, but has since been adopted by our enemies.

Of the second explosion, we know the decription of the attackers and that they are using cart bombs. We know not where the attacker that took the form of a large bear or a racoon went, but our scouts and evidence we have gahered strongly suggests that the demon has gone into the desert. We have sent one of our best operatives to find and kill the demon, and if possible to find information on the identities of the other attackers.

We do not know whether the attackers have any ties with the dwarves, but we suspect it may be so. We d not know if th two attacks were linked, or whether the demon and his companion were simply copying the actions of the earlier attackers. We have yet to locate the hideouts of the Stiletto Guild, or any reliable information on how any members or what resources it has.

[Renegade Paladin]

"I see," said Gaheris gravely. "The odd bearlike creature fled through some form of odd portal that it closed behind itself. The arrow demon seems much more skilled at dimension hopping than is usual for his ilk. And there's been a balor in town. I don't know if the two demons are connected, but I won't rule it out."

[Renrik]

We doubt it. The balor attacked two of our soldiers, but only after the soldiers stopped her ata checkpoint. She was disguised as a drow, and they stopped her to ask some questions, see if she knew anything about the Stiletto Guild. For a Balor, it seems, being inconvenienced is enough to kill for.

a sergent enters

Sir, something's happened at the rally. The demon cam back, and the bear-thing too. The demon tried t bribe us off his track with a tank, and the bear-thing ressurected a few of the civilians

What? Why?

Doesn't matter.They can;t bribe us. They kiled our people, and more than a few. They've crimes to pay for, and they cannot pay for them so easily.

[Renegade Paladin]

[ Erm... Actually she was disguised as a nine year old child. The avatar isn't that character; I checked.]

"I'm not sure if it's really a balor or what, because it seemed to shift back and forth between that and some form of child-sized undead creature when I encountered it in Trog's.

"As for trying to bribe you," the paladin continued with a bitter smile, "we're talking about demons. They're spawned directly from the heart of darkness. At least a devil can understand principles, if not have them, but a demon? No."

[Renrik]

((woops. Must have read her siggy wrong.))

It may be connected, but I doubt it. If it is, we'll hunt it down, too.

We know the arrow demon is in the desert, and the bearlike creature retreated to some plane of his.

But we don;t know the Stiletto Guild Headquarters.

[Renegade Paladin]

"I don't either, and I don't promise that I can soon find out. It took years to find the primary headquarters of the Night Masks when we were rooting them out of Westgate. But if the Stiletto Guild isn't long established in Town, it should be easier; secure secrecy comes of long inhabitation and familiarity with the territory."

[Renegade Paladin]

After some more conversation between Gaheris and the captain, the paladin took his leave and went to collect his weapons for the trip back to his safehouse.

[J_Muller]

As the cloud of toxins (see the Rally thread) covers the embassy as it does the rest of the slums, a manhole is shoved open in the streets nearby, but far enough away that the goblin guards aren't covering it. A man wearing combat gear, thermal goggles, and a gas mask emerges from the manhole, an assault rifle slung across his back and a rocket launcher on his shoulder. He holds the rocket launcher with his right hand and runs towards the embassy.

[Renrik]

The cloud of toxins obscures some of the vision of the GSA guards, but they spot the man nonetheless.

Who the- Intruder! Fire at the intruder!

The GSA guards on the embassy roof fire corssbow bolts at the man, and a squad of hobgoblins move to block his path.

From the side, a blur of brown appears as a hobbo beggar, actually a GSA guard in disguise, tries to tackle the man

[J_Muller]

Smiling under the gas mask, Chase dodges the crossbow bolts and puts down the disguised GSA officer with the back end of the rocket launcher. Spotting the front of the embassy, he tosses a smoke grenade in front and fires a rocket at the front door. Dropping the rocket launcher, he unslings the assault rifle (A SIG 552 with high-capacity magazine) from his back and fires several bursts at the hobgoblins.

[Renrik]

The smoke grenade onscures the guards' sight, and the rocket blast is sufficient to blast open the old doors of the embassy.

The assault fire takes down several of the hobgoblins, and the others charge, one swinging high with his sword, the other swinging low with his sword, and the third stabbing at the center with a spear.

[J_Muller]

Sensing the attack before it comes, Chase steps back and to the side, dodging the hobgoblin's attacks. He fires off another burst at each of them, from much closer range, then runs quickly towards the entrance he just made.

[Renrik]

From out of the smoke of the explosion, he can barely make out the shaped of a squad of guards in the doorway, equipped with heavy crossbows. They have one line kneeling, and another line standing, with ten altogether.

They fire the crossbows in a veritable wall of bolts towards the assassin as he passes through the gate.

The snipers on the roof follow suit, fireing down at the sole path from the gates to the embassy.

[J_Muller]

This time, Chase is not quite fast enough, and as he attempts to dodge the crossbow bolts, two graze him on the head. Another bolt, this one from the snipers, hits him in the back but fails to penetrate his body armor.

Grabbing a frag grenade from his combat vest, he pulls the pin and throws it towards the guards in the doorway.

[Rainspattered]

((In the future, I'm just keeping a couple of my goblin-sided characters with any group of goblins at all times, so I don't have to find some way for them to arrive without metagaming.))

[Renrik]

The guards try to dodge, but too late. The frag blows up the while doorway. The rubble blocks it up and crushes the guards that weren;t killed by the blast.

The snipers, having now gotten a more accurate idea of the man;s position, fire on him from multiple angles, including from behind (snipers across the street)

[J_Muller]

((Oh, so now you're going to make me find another way in?:smalltongue:))

Still dodging most of the fire from the snipers, Chase moves quickly and fires a grenade from the underbarrel grenade launcher on his assault rifle, shooting at the wall next to the doorway in an attempt to blow an alternate way in.

[Renrik]

The wall blows, revealing a crack that leads into a guard room, where a group of guards are waiting.

The fire muskets at the assassin.

[wxdruid]

Gwen flies above the Town and causes a 30kt wind to blow through Town, scouring out any traces of the pollution/poisons and anything else unnatural. She has the wind take it far out to sea and widely disperses it.

[J_Muller]

((Oh come on, Chase's employer worked hard on that distraction. Ah well.))

Caught by surprise, Chase is knocked back by the muskets, though they all fail to penetrate his body armor. One of the musket balls grazes his arm.

Firing his assault rifle again, he lays down a spray of fire across the hole he's made.

[Renrik]

The musket fire comes back, alittle bt less this time.

Sniper fire comes from across the street and from the roof.

A goblin worker on the second story drops a large rock down at the man

[J_Muller]

Chase jumps back, dodging the rock and tossing a flashbang grenade into the embassy through the hole at the same time. A sniper's crossbow bolt hits him in the leg at an odd angle, causing a superficial but painful wound.

[Renrik]

The flashbang goes off, and he hears cries of pain as the light blinds the sensitive goblinoid eyes.

[J_Muller]

Charging inside, Chase slides his thermal goggles up and puts down any remaining guards in the room with his assault rifle.

[Renrik]

The room is connected to a long hallway, with multiple other rooms at the side. He can hear the tramp of GSA soldiers in the compound.

[J_Muller]

Chase runs down the hallway and through the compound, aiming to get to Rackfang's office.

[Renrik]

((it's on the second floor, so you'll need to find the stairs first))

As he rounds a corner, a group of GSA guards charge him.

[J_Muller]

((Sure.))

Chase takes a step back and fires his assault rifle at the guards, spraying them with bullets.

[Renrik]

They fall, save for one that unleashes a flying tackle at the assassin with surprising speed.

[J_Muller]

Tackled by the guard, Chase drops his assault rifle and is knocked back. Unfortunately for the guard, he's just chosen to engage in hand-to-hand combat with a master of martial arts, and Chase flips him over his back and grabs his head, twisting hard.

[Renrik]

The neck snaps.

The stairs are at the end of this hallway.

[J_Muller]

Getting up, Chase picks up his assault rifle again and runs down the hallway and up the stairs.

[Renrik]

Ashe's running up the stairs, three goblins at the top throw petrol bomb at the stone stairway causing a blast (no structural damage or fire starting, just a big blast)

At the same time, five goblins fire crossbows and rifles.

[J_Muller]

Sensing danger, Chase jumps back just in time so that he is only scorched by the blast. Another crossbow bolt hits him in the leg.

Reloading the grenade launcher on his assault rifle, he fires a frag grenade up the stairs.

[Renrik]

He takes out the three petrol bombers, but the crossbowmen and riflemen launch another volley at him.

[J_Muller]

This time, it is one of the riflemen that scores a hit as a round hits Chase on the arm, bruising him but not penetrating due to the reactive fabric of his combat gear. He fires his assault rifle up the stairs at the goblins.

[Renrik]

Two fall to his fire, and other three charge him with shortswords.

[J_Muller]

He continues firing, taking a step back as they charge down the stairs at him.

[Renrik]

The three fall.

[J_Muller]

He runs up the stairs, keeping watch for more goblins.

[Renrik]

He sees none until he reaches the top. At the end of the hall is Rackfang's office. No GSA guards stand in the way, but a group of noncombatant goblins have armed themselves with a variety of weapons from the armory and are ready for him.

They charge. The first two attempt to throw a weighted net over him and stab him with shortswords, while the rest move in, two with spears and two with swords.

[J_Muller]

Dodging the net, Chase takes advantage of the confinement of the hallway and simply begins to fire his assault rifle down the hall, spraying anyone in the hallway with bullets.

[Renrik]

The six goblins fall, dead.

[J_Muller]

His assault rifle now out of ammo, Chase slings it across his back again and draws a handgun (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield_Armory_XD) from a thigh holster and runs down the hall, kicking in the door to Rackfang's office.

[Renrik]

Rackfang sits at his desk, his coat slung over the back of his chair, writing his latest speech.

He looks up at the assassin, and realizes his impending fate. No fear seems to flicker over his face, though, and he remains calm, putting his pen down and corssing his hands over the speech

Hello.

[wxdruid]

((I'll say it now, you continue and Gwen will chase you across the planet and Chase will have the oppotunity to die))

[J_Muller]

((OOC: :smallconfused: So, the explosions, shouting, and gunfire didn't tip him off that someone's attacking the embassy?

EDIT: Chase has already fought one god. He's not going to turn and run because he got another mad at him.))

Hello.

Chase waves a hand towards the door.

Sorry about the mess out there. Nothing personal.

He squeezes the trigger twice.

[Renrik]

((He's an assassin. He doesn;t pick who hires him. He was hired to kill Rackfang, apparently, and so he will. Assassins have to take any job, if they want to remain credible and in-buisiness.))

((He noticed the noises outside, he just knew that if the GSA couldn;t stop somebody from getting to him, he wasn;t going to be able to do anything about it.))

The goblin leader at the gun pointed at him, and a contented smile breaks across his face.

Though I die, the revolution lives on.

The gun blasts out its two shots, and they bury themselves in his chest. He falls, facefirst, onto hisdesk, his speech soaking up the blood.

The sounds of footsteps are coming towards the room.

[Rainspattered]

((I believe Rackfang knew the assault was coming, and simply did not care. He was prepared for death.))

[J_Muller]

((He's an assassin. He doesn;t pick who hires him. He was hired to kill Rackfang, apparently, and so he will. Assassins have to take any job, if they want to remain credible and in-buisiness.))


((Also true. Wouldn't your time be better spent on tracking down the Stiletto Guild anyway? Because unlike Chase, they kill children.))

[Renrik]

The footsteps grow louder, as do the voices.

[J_Muller]

((Oh, didn't notice you edited.))

Acting quickly, Chase takes out a C6 shaped-charge demolitions pack and attaches it to the wall that faces the outside. Standing across the room, he detonates the explosive, the focused detonation blowing the wall open. Running across the room, Chase jumps out, rolling in the air and hitting the ground safely.

[Renrik]

The Embassy guards arrive in the room, look out the blasted wall, but don;t see the assassin ((I'm assuming that he hid.))

Kharrak, the hobgoblin captain, walks towards Rackfang's desk.

They... killed Rackfang.

One of the goblins in the GLP speaks:
Rackfang.... dead? But...
Not Rackfang...

The captain lifts the hobgoblin from the desk, and places him upon the floor.
Don't worry, old friend. Your work shall not go unfinished.

Several goblins step forward and bar the leader's body out of the room.

Kharrak reaches down onto the desk and picks up the bloodstained speech

Nor your words unsaid.

[J_Muller]

Chase runs from the embassy grounds, taking a seemingly random path through the streets before lifting a manhole cover and disappearing into the sewers.

[wxdruid]

Gwen and Hawk walk up to the embassy, Gwen takes in the destruction and looks around for someone she can talk to while she keeps her eyes open for any danger.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk feels his grip tighten as he looks at the disarray.

"God almighty..." He says, memories of war filling his mind.

[wxdruid]

Gwen picks her way around as she looks for anyone.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk assists Gwen, also keeping an eye out for anyone watching them.

[Madmal]

a Blue Russian cat enters the Embassy carefully, while sniffing around the place

[wxdruid]

Gwen takes note of the destruction, of the hole in the wall and everything else. She looks up at Hawk, I don't know where they are.

((and I think Renrik just went offline))

[Nevrmore]

Hawk just looks at the ground, silent.

[wxdruid]

Gwen takes one of his hands and squeezes it. (and not his gun hand) Gwen takes a look around. I'll leave a message.

She kneels down in a clear spot near a wall and concentrates.

[Madmal]

The cat moves around a little until it finally settles down looking at the hole

[Nevrmore]

Hawk sighs, the urge to shoot at something welling up inside him.

[wxdruid]

She grows a climbing rose, it flowers with blood red roses. (when one of Renrik's goblin char's comes near he or she will know the Mayor wishes to speak to someone from the embassy)

Gwen stands back up. She briefly leans against Hawk, Come on, let's go.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk continues staring at the wreckage.

"I want to find who did this."

[wxdruid]

Where would you start?

[Nevrmore]

Hawk closes his eyes, thinking.

"You said you captured two of them, right?"

[wxdruid]

Well, capture isn't the word, they went into their own jail cells. They're at the police station.

[Nevrmore]

"We will start there, then."

[wxdruid]

Okay, lead the way.

[Madmal]

The cat yawns insolently, scratches its ear for a couple of seconds and leaves the embassy

[Nevrmore]

Hawk walks to the police station

((Gonna skip the streets. To the station!))

[wxdruid]

Gwen follows him.

[Renrik]

((the new ambassador is Nalthar, but he has to come from the mountains. He should arrive tommorrow, in time for Rackfang's funeral.))

The embassy is being patched up by GWU workers, and the goblin community is in a state of espair over the death of their leader and the attacks on the rally an the embassy.

Rackfang;s funeral is being prepared for tomorrow, at the embassy,

[Nekulor]

*Silas comes to the embassy with a donation from the temple of dyrr to the rebuilding costs. He also brings in the plans for his brother's specially designed magic powered rapid fire cannons (MPRFCs) for future defense, and leaves them for the new ambassador*

[Renrik]

Nalthar comes to the embassy, now mostly repaired, and greets Kharrak
Hello, Kharrak.
Nalthar.
I... heard about what happened with Rackfang. The council sent me to-
To be the new ambassador. I know.
It still doesn't seem real... Rackfang dead. He was like one of the fathers of the revolution.
*sigh*. It has been a sad day.
How is Nikkam doing?
He greives. His father's death...
The poor boy. Who's raising him?
I have adopted Nikkam.
Rackfang wouls have wanted that. He spoke highly of you, Kharrak.
And of you. There is no other he would rather have his successor.
I shall do all I can to fill his shoes. He was a great man.
He left something. His last work. He had just written it when the assassin came.
Kharrak hands Nalthar a scroll of paper, stained in blood.

It shall not go uneard.

The mayoress also left something, the hobgoblin motions to the roses She wishes to speak to somebody from the embassy.

I see.

I will return tomorrow, Kharrak.

[Nevrmore]

Lues watches the two goblins conversing through the rubble, thinking.

[Goblin Music]

GM and SM walk up to the embassy looking at it, conversing in fluent draconic.

[Renrik]

In a lot near the Embassy, Rackfang's funeral has been prepared. The streets for several blocks around are clogged with goblinoids and other revolutionaries, mourning for the leader's death. GSA guards, in full unirform, guard the crowd. An honor guard is prepared for the leader.

A drum begins to beat as his funeral procession begins. At the front are Nalthar and Kharrak, in uniform, Kharrak walking alongside the slain leader's young son, Nikkam. Behind them, the red-and-green flag of the Free Federation of Goblin States flies, at half mast, carried by one of the honor guard, and trailing behind him are representatives of the Goblin Worker's Union and Goblin Labor Party. After that come the pallbearers, bearing the wooden coffin aloft on the shoulders as they march, solemnly, though the crowd. Finally the honor guard follow the procession.

The crowd parts as the procession makes their way through, in silence interrupted only by the whimper of the smaller children and by the beating of the drum.

They make their way onto the embassy grounds, to a green lot where the dirt has been dug up, revealing a hole.

The procession makes their way to the grave, and solemnly place the coffin down beside it.

In silence, Nalthar ascends the steps to the platform in front of the grave, an looks out at the crowd before him. He speaks:

It is a sad day today. A day of mourning, not only in the goblin community but in the world as a whole, for the passing of a single soul. This soul was born in a humble home, like many other of his race, in the slums of Dockside. He faced great adversity throughout his life, and yet he alays remained strong, and his dees profoundly touhed and affected each and every one of us.

We all knew Rackfang. He was indeed a leader, but he never lost touch with the people he worked so hard in the name of. We knew him as a friend, as a felow worker, as a leader and a speaker. We knew the compassion and the courage of Rackfang. We knew the integrity and honesty of Rackfang. He was not only our leader, but our friend, and our brother.

Through his life, he played many roles. Rackfang was a worker. He was a union leader, and a politician. He was an ambassador. He was an ambassador. He was a revolutionary. He a father. He was a friend.

Throughout these roles, he accomplished much, and touched many. Though he faced adversity and hardship, faced hatred and bogitry and opression, though he faced threats and, ultimately, violence, Rackfang never lost hope, and he instilled it in other. His words inspired the people, and his work helped the needy.

Rackfang taught us lessons. He taught us that the people do not exist to serve those in power, but that those in power exist to serve the people. He taught us that words are mightier than blows. He taught us that the common man is not without power, and that any man can help to change the world. He taught us that a people unfree can never know peace, and that without freedom, we are nothing.

Rackfang has found the ultimate freedom. He gave his life working for his people, and for the rights of the comman man. He, truly, stands among the greatest of martyrs, and so as we mourn for his death, we also celebrate the gifts that he has given our people.

Rackfang, comrade, brother, friend, we celebrate you.

[Goblin Music]

GM and SM watch the funeral quietly and salute the coffin in respect as it passes.

[Perducci]

A monk in a red and black hooded robe walks around the outside of the Embassy. He bows his head as the funeral procession passes.

[wxdruid]

Gwen and Hawk make their way between the goblins and other people that have come to the funeral. Gwen keeps one eye out for any trouble as they slowly make their way forward.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk keeps his eyes open as well.

------

Lues watches Gwen and Hawk, his curiosity a little more piqued after seeing them a second time.

[wxdruid]

Gwen manages to get next to the outer wall of the embassy and briefly looks at Hawk before turning her attention to the burial ceremony.

[Nevrmore]

Hawk watches the burial ceremony, sighing.

[Rainspattered]

Aercath leaves a frozen rose, petrified by his lich's touch, on the coffin as a sign of his remorse.

[Xaspian]

The Pigeon notices the gathering, and flutters down on a rooftop to watch. He senses the sad mood, and waits silently.

[Fenric]

A younger cleric in Inari's robes with his GSA sash comes in, somewhat frantically.

Has anyone seen lord Yashatama? In the confusion of the latest attack, we have lost track of him...

[Renrik]

One of the GSA volunteers answers him:

Yashatama? Now that you mention it, I haven't seen him. He's usually with the others. Have you checked the hospital in the slums? He might be there, or here at the funeral.
---------

Kharrak ascends the podium, carrying with him a scroll, a large bloodstain covering most of it.

He lays it on the podium and looks out at the crowd

We found a speech on Rackfang's desk. He had finised writing it when the attack occured. We thought that his words should not go unheard.

He looks down at the scroll, at the bloodstained letters, the words of the leader.

I have been thinking much as of late, upon this world. It is place of beauty, and a place of peril. It is a place of good and of evil, of heros and of tyrants. It is a place of great beauty, and though I have, in the great saga of eons, been here only but a flicker of time, I feel that I have seen more in my time than many great sages.

I have seen the struggle of a people for freedom. I have seen heir heros, common men who stood up for what is right. I have seen the humble, and the meek, stand proud against the great. My eyes have borne witness to thousands of martyrs, and to their sacrifice. They have known the passing of friends and of foes, of great men. I have seen the fall of empires, the toppling of opression. I have witnessed the birth of nations, and the liberation of a people. The liberation of my people. Their struggles, their sacrifices, their sorrows and their joys.

I have seen these things, and by such sights I feel to have lived not one lives, but a thousand, and have learned the wisdom of the common man.

It has been my honor to be a goblin. It has been my honor to take part in their struggle. To share in those sorrows, and in those sacrifices. To live alongside my people, and to stand with them. It has been my honor to be a goblin, and were I to live my life again, it is a goblin once more that I would be.


As the Kharrak descends the podium, the drum takes up its beat again, and the pipe begins to play its mournful song in the distance. The honor guard take up the casket, and move it forward, into the grave. There, it is lowered, and the dirt begins to be shoveled upon it once more. The grave is filled quickly, and the crowd falls silent.

Quietly, a chant begins, first one voice, then another, then three, and it grows among the crowd, growing in volume as it encompasses the whole of the assembly. The chant is one word:

Freedom!

[wxdruid]

Gwen and Hawk watch and listen.

[Fenric]

Fenric and Myobu enter, fully manifested as avatars of the goddess. Behind them, six priests carry the dusty and broken body of Yashatama on a makeshift litter.

[Renrik]

The realization of the cleric's death dawns on the crowd, and they bow their heads as the much-loved preist is carried by.

The honor guard considers waiting for orders first, then begins digging a second grave, for Yashatama.

[Fenric]

Fenric looks around at the crowd as his cousin is buried by the honor guard, and speaks quietly. He can be clearly heard, however.

My cousin, Yashatama, will rest here with those he gave his life to serve. A shining example in life, a solemn reminder in death. Let us keep the course, and remain steadfast in our beliefs of freedom and equality for everyone, regardless of their species. You had our support quietly, now you have it openly.

Fenric pauses and looks around, then resumes.

I announce today that the High Council of the Followers of Inari recognizes the Federation as an independent and soverign nation. As dawn makes its way across the world, the governments where we have influence will hear of our decision.

Myobu again nods, affirming the veracity of his brother-in-law's statement. Then the two, along with the other clerics, mingle with the crowd: sharing the sorrow and helping the comfort of those who lost loved ones to the struggle.

(( goodnight ))

[Renrik]

Nalthar looks solemnly at the crowds, and then looks to where Gwen and Hawk are. He approaches them, knowing the Mayoress's desire to speak with him.

Narfang arrives at the rally, and begins speaking with some of the GSA intel. officers.

[Perducci]

Father Lee walks away from the Embassy. So much lost.

[Xaspian]

The Pigeon flaps off.

[wxdruid]

Gwen watches Nalthar for a moment and then starts walking towards him, with Hawk at her side. Once they reach him, Gwen sadly says Hello, I'm sorry to meet under such circumstances. I'm Gwen and this is Hawk.

[Goblin Music]

GM and SM sigh and prepare to leave humming a slow funeral march used by the army of Syar.

[Renrik]

It is good to meet you, Gwen. Rackfang spoke highly of your skills as a leader.

[wxdruid]

Gwen smiles, Thank you, but I'm afraid I'm still learning.

I bring my condolences, Rackfang was a good ambassador for your people and I'm sorry that this happened on your embassy grounds.

[Renrik]

Nalthar sighs in remembrance of his comrade.

We shall find those who hired the assassin. Their crimes are against the Federation, and they shall not go unpunished.

He looks back to Gwen

You wished to speak to me.

[wxdruid]

If you need anything, ask and I will see what I can do to help.

I wished to meet the new ambassador, find out you're like, so I know who I will be talking to in the future. Also to find out if you need anything.

[Renrik]

Nalthar nods

For the time, I can think of nothing we require. The attack was on the Federation's embassy and it's ambassador, and we must deal with it as an attack on the Federation, by finding those who set the attack and bringing them to the justice. This job the GSA and their operatives shall do. After the work you have been doing with the attacks on the rallies, we do not wish to further press your justice system. This attack we shall deal with ourselves.

As for myself, what is there to know? I was born in Dockside, and grew up there. After the Riot Day Rebellion, a number of leaders emerged, calling for various acts, some seeking reform and others more militant in our people's cause. I became involved heavily in the revolutionary movement then, and after a while working in the Goblin Worker's Union under the leadership of Rackfang, I joined the Labor Party that he had founded. Social and political reforms were our biggest concerns. That was during the Blood War between the GSA and the Sons of Maglubiet. During the Second Guild War, we supported the GSA in their fight against the armies of Tor Gulder and his allies. After that, I became more active as a public advocate for goblin statehood and the revolution, during which time an attempt was made on my life. When the Revolution came to be, I went to join in the armies of the Federation to fight, and met combat defending the city of Datharral against attack. From there, I was reassigned to come back to the Town to act as our ambassador. I am here as representative of the Free Federation of Goblin States, and I am an active member of the GLP.

((Nalthar is somewhat more agressive and militant than Rackfang. Rackfang was a moderate reformist, whereas Nalthar is a moderate with both refrmist and, if need be, militant political alignments. However, because the war within the Homeland is all but won, there is no need for additional warfare, and, as such, Nalthar knows well that his job is to be strictly diplomatic and political, with reformist leanings.))

[wxdruid]

Nalthar I thank you for your time and my condolences on the death of Rackfang and everyone else that has died. I hope that I will see you at the courthouse under better circumstances in the future and that things will improve from here. We need to get going, I have someone waiting to meet me at the courthouse. I will see you another time?

[Goblin Music]

GM and SM vanish suddenly.

[Renrik]

Nalthar nods

Of course, Mayoress.

[wxdruid]

Gwen smiles and waves goodbye. She and Hawk leave for home.

[Renrik]

The Next Day

The funerals are over, and the crowds gone. The memorial stones of the two heros are raised, and life must continue.

The embassy now repaired, Nalthar gets to work in his new role as ambassador.

[Rainspattered]

News of Kroshak's apparent death at the fortress floats through the slums back to the embassy.

[Renrik]

The goblins mourn the death of another martyr. Nalthar sends intel. officers to bring him a better report of the activities at the fortress.

[Nekulor]

*Silas comes and pays his respects to the goblin heroes.*

[Rainspattered]

((The scouts should pick up heavy reports of general godmodding and the worst Law of Physics violation that doesn't explain itself with magic. Not only is 10-miles of adamantine flying, but it's powered by elementals already well over critical mass.))

[J_Muller]

((The scouts should pick up heavy reports of general godmodding and the worst Law of Physics violation that doesn't explain itself with magic. Not only is 10-miles of adamantine flying, but it's powered by elementals already well over critical mass.))

((I like how he just casually has a bunch of U-235 elementals powering a huge flying fortress with no explanation at all of how the U-235 translates to lift.))

[Rainspattered]

((It's true. I didn't even think about that, I assumed he had some form of engine or something, without really thinking. That's not really possible, in this instance, since he isn't producing any fission reactions and the elementals are not expended as fuel. I would say I should read more carefully, but every time I do, a little bit more of my physics education dies inside me.))

[J_Muller]

((It's true. I didn't even think about that, I assumed he had some form of engine or something, without really thinking. That's not really possible, in this instance, since he isn't producing any fission reactions and the elementals are not expended as fuel. I would say I should read more carefully, but every time I do, a little bit more of my physics education dies inside me.))

((How would you even do that? One way I can think of is using the elementals to fuel a gigantic nuclear reactor that powers a series of repulsors that provide lift, but he only says he's using U-235 elementals to power it and nothing more.))

[Rainspattered]

((Yeah, and the reactor would use up the elementals so they couldn't just leave when it was done flying.))

[Renrik]

((ah. The "invincible fortress" complex. I see. When players, in their zeal for the game and their refusal to admit that other players have legitimate reasons for opposing them, deny that anything bad happens to them. Also known as the "you missed" complex, seen in young children who, wen playing war games, always insist that the other player missed.

A fascinating complex, really.))

[J_Muller]

((ah. The "invincible fortress" complex. I see. When players, in their zeal for the game and their refusal to admit that other players have legitimate reasons for opposing them, deny that anything bad happens to them. Also known as the "you missed" complex, seen in young children who, wen playing war games, always insist that the other player missed.

A fascinating complex, really.))

((I'll be the first to admit I had a horrible "you missed" complex when I was younger.))

[Renrik]

((yeah, me too. Eventually, we just ended up playing at swords fighting, where nobody could deny that they got hit. Of course, I could win at sword fighting. Now, though, we use paintball guns. I'm a bad shot...))

[Rainspattered]

((The writer in me had a terrible time not godmodding the other way around when I first started roleplaying. Not because I wanted to "win" so much as because I thought it was lame to say "swings his sword at." All the time I've been writing, I've heard that indefinites are weak, so it still feels a little unnatural to use them when I RP, even though its good manners. It's why I do better at mass battles. I can describe those fully without dictating reults, since I can describe armies "charging" without any godmodding or wishy-washy text.))

[Nekulor]

((Dartonus is the biggest godmodder on these forums, seriously. lol))

[AmberVael]

((No he is not.
I have to step in just to be picky.
As far as I can remember, Dartonus really hasn't godmodded all that much.
He has however, done very many ridiculous things which you all have correctly brought up. They just don't fall under our definition of godmodding.
He is... god playing? God powering? Something like that.
I should think about this type of playing and write a new section of Town rules for it))

[Rainspattered]

((I would find it acceptable if it wasn't something he had started. If I had just randomly attacked his fortress when he didn't want to be attacked, he'd have a right to fend me off however he wanted, because that's really not a chill thing of me to do. The thing is that he went around attacking a whole bunch of other people, then expects nothing bad to ever happen to him.))

[AmberVael]

((I never argued that he wasn't doing something wrong, just that you were labeling it incorrectly.
I agree whole heartedly with your sentiments))

[Rainspattered]

((I was just explaining, in reference to your statement on rule-adding, that I don't think that kind of play should be universally banned, as it makes sense in some situation.))

[AmberVael]

((Oh.
Well, my explanation would obviously try and narrow down when it is appropriate and when it isn't. I never said I'd ban it.
Even godmodding isn't banned))

[Nekulor]

((It's like the fleet thing right now. Both of our sides have taken casualties. One of my destroyers is being repaired in drydock at the moment due to a major shot from a nova cannon, and my antimatter field generator can't be recharged until I gate my fleet out of the material plane.))

[Rainspattered]

((The undead never took many casualties in war, but the last time, nobody attacked us.))

[Dartonus]

A cloaked, masked man looks around for a guard.
Spotting one, he begins sketching the uniform of the free federation of goblins under his cloak. a familiar in a terrifying way set of hands sketches it with four colored pencils at once, then walks off and leaps down a manhole.