(2022-06-01) Arranging a Stratholme Invasion

Details

Author:	Alli
Summary:	I'm putting this as letter, but it's actually a collection of letters and an RP log. Jocoza Sparkwire hastily assembles a team to attack Stratholme, before a certain enthusiastic gnome tries to take it on alone.
Rating:	T for Teen

A letter to Tibbiah Shinbreaker, Cobalt Company rogue currently assigned to Plaguelands.

Dear Tibbiah Shinbreaker,

You're still in the Plaguelands, right? There are a few other Cobalt members working there as well. One is heading into Stratholme, and I was hoping you could join her. It's best to work in a team in a place like that. Her name's Boopsie Sparkfly (gnome), and she's had a hard time with Gnomeregan's fall. Also, she is partial to breaking kneecaps, so I suspect you two might get along.

If you're willing, please meet her at the gates of Stratholme. I've also asked a paladin, Erixa, to join her, and there may be two more joining. I'm trying to pull in a 7th Legion veteran I know (also gnome), and Erixa will hopefully be bringing Lieutenant Colson Aspenwood, who knows the area. I will direct them all to the rendezvous point.

Best,
Captain Jo Sparkwire

—-

A letter sent to a 7th Legion veteran, and one of Jo's dear friends, Tadget Slipshank.

Dear Sergeant Slipshank,

How is leave working out for you? Do you sometimes wish you could go into a continuously burning town full of undead monstrosities and murder them all? If so, you're in luck! I'm putting together a team to do just that in Stratholme!

There's a bonus, and a catch. The bonus is that there's a pretty cool gnome going that you probably haven't met before. Tibbiah Shinbreaker, who spent the last twenty years or so in Outland. You did say you wanted more gnome friends! The catch is, Sparkfly's going. She's been doing well lately, slaughtering her way across several continents. Do you think you could give it a try? Meet up when you're both in a better place?

Well, I guess the second catch is that there'll be a couple of paladins, but I'm sure you can handle that. It's Stratholme, so they'll be all-in on the killing. They're all meeting up at the gates of Stratholme, if you decide you want to go.

Best,
Captain Sparkwire

—-

A letter sent to an enthusiastic Cobalt Company warrior, to caution her about taking on Stratholme alone.

Dear Boopsie,

Please do not go into Stratholme alone! I am trying to assemble a team for you. Tibbiah and Erixa will be there, and hopefully Colson as well. There may also be a fifth - there's a 7th Legion veteran who's on leave, and she's highly qualified to join the team. I think you two might get along.

Best,
Jo Sparkwire

—-
An RP log. Erixa asks to speak with Lt. Aspenwood on Tuesday night.

Erixa sits alone at the table, tapping a hoof against the stone floor.
Aspenwood walks through Honor Hold's base like he's exactly where he's supposed to be, and he nods to Erixa when he catches sight of her. "Erixa. Good afternoon."
[Erixa]: Colson Lieutenant. *Erixa nods* Thank you for meeting me.
Aspenwood takes a seat nearby. "Of course. Is there something I can do to be of assistance?"
[Erixa]: Yes. *She tilts her head and looks at him, tugging the end of one of her tentacles nervously* Maybe? You know I come from Plaguelands, just before here, yes?
[Aspenwood]: Yes.
[Erixa]: I spoke with Captain Sparkwire, and there is a situation. Small gnomes who want to kill everything that is dead there. *Erixa pauses* One is Tibbs, and I met her. She's okay. But the other I have not met, and if I understand Captain right, there is a concern she might martyr.
Aspenwood blinks, opens his mouth, closes it, seems to consider, and then tries again. "Ah. Our gnomes, from the Company. I see." He looks down at his hands, and exhales slowly. "You are concerned they need assistance to avoid a situation."
[Erixa]: Yes, yes, I should have said that first. Both are Cobalt Gnomes.
[Erixa]: Right, her name is something ridiculous like Bompie or something. I cannot remember. I will look it up before I go. But she is set to go and help clear out Stratholme, and Captain says we need to do that in a team.
Aspenwood nods and taps his hand once on the table. "This is something that has been a concern. We have few in the Plaguelands at present who we could consider a stable leadership to direct the activity there. The Captain has asked you to return, to ensure they survive the endeavor?
Erixa nods. "I worked with Tibbs some, and we do well together. Boompme I will probaably work well with too. So it seems natural. I do not know who else will come, but I think I do not know much the layout of this Stratholme."
Erixa looks at Colson. "But you do. Yes?"
[Aspenwood]: Ah. *Colson makes a thoughtful sound, as he looks at his hand for a long moment, and taps it once more, gently.* Yes. I do. I have been there several times. It is where…I felt Called, before. I have dreamt of it as well as walked its streets.
Aspenwood looks steadily at Erixa. "I would be willing to journey there once more, to be of assistance."
Erixa nods her head solemnly, acknowledging this sacrifice. "You guess my question. Captain Sparkwire thinks we are all less likely martyrs, if we go with someone who knows it well."
[Aspenwood]: I agree. That place is…*Colson halts mid-sentence at the call, standing up for a moment.*
There is a shout for the regular rain of infernals.
Erixa waves a hand. "They have it under control. Infernols rain, Infernols dies."
Aspenwood mutters under his breath. "Honor Hold." He takes his seat again. "Yes. Habit."
[Aspenwood]: As I was saying. That place is a dangerous place to die. The necromantic energy there has a hold on the dead. I would not wish that on anyone.
Erixa shivers. "I would like to think I could refuse that call. Stubborn soul. But I would not risk it."
[Erixa]: To warn - it is short notice. Tomorrow. Can you come so soon?
Aspenwood examines his hands. "I have died there twice, and was called back successfully. It would be on us to ensure we do the same, should the worst happen." He nods to Erixa. "I will be ready. Do you have an easy way of transportation across? My sister is a mage."
[Erixa]: I hear there are portals in Shattrath. I have not been, yet. I was thinking, back through big Portal, ask a mage in Stormwind. Sister mage would be easier.
Aspenwood smiles gently. "Yes. I will have her meet us here. She is often at the Hold. She will get us to Ironforge, and we can take transportation from there to the Dawn's stronghold in the East."
[Erixa]: Thank you. Much easier. *Erixa smiles at him* And Bompsie and Tibbs will be good teammates, I think. And the fifth, I think Captain Sparkwire was aiming for a fifth. Something about 'if I can get her to join'. Maybe someone interesting!
Aspenwood nods sharply. "Understood. If there is not, I will see if one the Dawn might accompany us, but I know that at the moment their resources are spread very thin."
[Erixa]: Yes, because of the giant flying necropolis. *Erixa nods, like this is perfectly natural.* I am glad we work together! I will see you tomorrow?
Aspenwood inclines his head. "Tomorrow."