(INC) The Lily Blooms

[Darius Vibrtrar]

Li'orra frowned.

"I understand three quarters. its the last quarter that we might need help with, with you misunderstanding me, I hope that displays what I mean. But I agree...unless someone else has more questions... we should go."

she glances over to the quiet gnome who had just been standing around.

[dysmorphia]

When the group decided against a tree fort - which he wasn't entirely sold on anyway, but it would be a good idea for something easily defended - the slyph shrugged and sprung to his feet. "That's fine with me. Should we decide who our leader is as we go? Not it, by the by."

A grin and the sylph pulled his hood up once more, rolling his shoulders as he prepared to become one with the shadows again.

"It wouldn't do for you to rarely see your leader, right? Besides, I'm not suited to it. Neither, it seems, is our vanara friend. Not to be rude, but you're rather blunt - I like it, but the politics of the situation might not. My vote is for someone who's either elf or half-elf, only so we don't have to jump through racial hoops... and maybe someone familiar with the politics of the area."

[Wolfykins]

Miko shrugged. "I am a scout, not a statesman. Anyone who follows me will do so only as one follows a trail guide. I do not pretend to know elven politics. But I also think whoever acts as leader of a group of guards better know more than just 'politics'. Politics are fine and dandy in the city or even the outposts, but someone giving combat orders better know a thing or two about military strategy, or we'll end up in deep tay."

[Andrew Markham]

Haemir watches the group speaking and nods. "Good. Sounds like you're getting the picture. See you in two months...or less."

Lionel smiles and waves, and the two elves depart.

[EdgeGrinder]

Nesse placed a gauntlet to her chestplate. "I nominate myself for leader. Though I do believe Andariel made a bid for field leader. She has a good qualification for such a position. As do I. I will be in the thick of the combat and healing our allies as needed. With my armor, I can test our enemy's strength and pass on orders and strategy accordingly. I am not particularly well-versed in the topics of knowledge, however, I know a little bit of everything. Also, I can be quite diplomatic if need be. I would rather preserve life where I can." She campaigned with a smile.

[dysmorphia]

Another shrug and Seiryu adjusted his pouch scarf, ensuring there's no chance of jingling or noises. Then he started towards the ranger who had the map. "I'm okay with the paladin taking charge - let's see that map and get on our way, yeah? We can finish discussing this as we go."

[paladin_artea]

Andariel flushed red when Li'orra showed off her ring and said it wasn't a wedding ring and explaining their relationship to Miko. Li'orra hasn't yet brought up the subject to her, at least not so boldly and open like this. The Simian...no...Vamara...must have really gotten under her skin. Andariel squeezed her lover's hand to hopefully help calm her down. Addressing both she said, "Now now, I hope we haven't gotten off on the wrong foot. If we are going to be working together for a long time, I'd hope we can be friends. Anyway," she said, taking out the map provided earlier, "let's see where a good place to get set up would be..."

Knowledge (geography) (1d20+13)[14]

Survival (1d20+12)[24]

[Andrew Markham]

Andariel pulls out the map, blinks at it in confusion, then allows everyone to look at it.



There is a note included with the map:
Each hexagon represents approximately 1 square mile of terrain. The circled area is your designated patrol area. Your team is patrolling part of the northeastern border. X's indicate the presence of an outpost. They will be able to perform basic resupplying or provide a small amount of extra manpower if needed. You can also reach out to adjacent teams with your animal messenger. Send your messenger into an adjacent area and your message will be received. There are paths through the woods within a few miles of Lilygrove, but after that you will have to make your own way. Good fortune.

(Li'orra has the raven necklace now. It allows use of Animal Messenger at CL 10 1/day.)

[Treebeard]

Prossh examines the patrol area in relation to the closest outpost "Well, at least we'll be close to reinforcement in case the need should arrive" he says gruffly. He looks up at the group and strokes his chin "Yes, the paladin should be the leader. People generally don't have much problems when dealing with them"

[Darius Vibrtrar]

when Andariel gave her support she leaned into her. She spoke softly to Andariel.

"I dont care who is in charge, if you want it we can make it a point, but if you dont care, Im ok with a paladin taking the role, they seem to like the moral burdan. "

She looked to Nesse.

"No offense intended. I mentioned earlier my name is Li'orra. I am... a specialist in weakening enemies. Curses and Banes are my specialty. I can heal as well... and Lypse here helps me with both."

[Wolfykins]

Miko studied the map curiously. She sighed internally when she saw that nearly half of their range appeared to be open grassland.
"That's pretty far from the river, e'ny? Is there water in that part of the forest? Like a spring?" she wondered aloud. "Or will we have to transport water from a well at the outpost nearby?" Geography (favored terrain +2): (1d20+10)[28]
"What route do we want to take to get there? Do we veer north early and stay in the trees, or wait until we reach the grassland area to go north? Mahatòs, I would prefer to stay as much in the trees as possible."

[EdgeGrinder]

"Pleased to meet you. It will be a pleasure to work with you." Nesse said.

"So if we have the introductions out of the way, shall we hit the trail now?" She nodded to Miko. "I agree with your suggestion. Let's stick with the trees. They'll give us cover. You, Andariel, and Seiryu should feel right at home going that way. For formation, I'm thinking a star formation with Andariel on point, leading the way. Followed by myself, Li'orra, Prossh in the middle. Miko and Seiryu bring the rear. Lypse can scout from above. Thoughts?"

[paladin_artea]

Andariel whispered back to Li'orra, "You do bring up valid points and she already has some support from the others. I won't make a fuss over it," she promised before turning to the paladin, "Looks like you have a few advocates already, Paladin Neese, including my partner. I'll concede. I'm sure you'll make a great leader for us." Her suggestions for their formation already instilled some confidence in the Ranger. "Earlier you mentioned needing a shovel. We're not too far from Lilygrove itself, or if you want to bypass it, we can go to the outpost between here and our patrol area so we can grab any last minute supplies if anyone needs them," she suggested.

[Darius Vibrtrar]

"last minute scrolls may be a good idea.... I can learn any spell we need up to second level, If anyone has any specific spells they would want learned. I can make potions nightly if they are needed as well... as for a shovel... that might be a good idea to dig a well if we need one."

She smiled to Andariel and leaned against her with a happy sigh as the moment of... stress had passed. Apocolypse flew from her shoulder and began to circle around the ground looking each of the party over.

[dysmorphia]

As they spoke, Seiryu looked the map over, tilting his head one way, then the other. "Bringing too much water will hinder our journey, even with magic bags to lighten the load... I have canteens with water, but it won't be nearly enough for two months. We'll have to find a source of water around there... just because the map doesn't show a creek doesn't mean there isn't one. I've been through much of the area around Lilygrove in my time here, so there's usually water around..." A grin. "You just have to be willing to look hard enough."

Then he turned towards the two elf women. "I would, however, suggest we find some magical way to make water in the meantime. If scrolls or wands are available for such, we should see about purchasing one or two. Depending on how much they are, of course. I have supplies for making traps for food, for those of us without a magic ring... and of course to make our base secure."

He turned towards the paladin. "The formation sounds fine, I don't mind bringing up the rear. For now, I agree, let's figure out what last minute items we need. Don't want to get out there only to discover no one has a tent... or a hammock, in our case." A glance towards the vanara, then back towards the paladin.

"I have rope, twine, string, rods for illumination, a compass... rations... oh, and a signal whistle." He left off a few things only because they weren't worth mentioning. Like his tear-away clothing for those times when he was burglarizing someone. Ah, fun times. "I do not have a tent, as such things usually hinder my line of work. If we need a pavilion as I mentioned earlier, now is the time to get one."

[Darius Vibrtrar]

Li'orra nods to the Sylph

"Lets go to town first, resupply and meet back here. Nesse? What time would you like to leave out so we can all be back here by the appropriate time?"

[EdgeGrinder]

Nesse looked up at an imaginary list and began to read off it. "I have some fishing hooks, string, rope, whetstone, rations, waterskin, bedroll, tent, flint and steel, signal whistle, sewing needle, Potion of Enlarge Person, Potion of Barkskin, Potion of Remove Fear, Potion of Bull's Strength, Wand of Cure Light Wounds, and Wand of Swift Girding."

She looked to Li'orra. "Get what you need and let's meet back here in one hour. Deal?"

[Darius Vibrtrar]

Li'orra nods.

"Seiryu go ahead and grab the pavilion tent, I love that idea. Ill grab some tree hanging tents for me and Alandriel so we can.... sleep with those more accustomed to such altitudes. Id suggest the same for others. "

She spins away from the group as Apocolypse flies down to land on her arm. She nuzzles the bird for a moment.

"Coming love?"

Li'orra waits for her partner before going to town.

[Wolfykins]

"E'ny, I definitely remember springs in that area... hey! Why would we meet back here when our destination is to the north of the city!" Miko exclaimed, disgruntled, spreading her hands in a gesture of mild exasperation. "Wouldn't it save time to meet at the northernmost edge of the city, instead of doubling back twice?!"

[dysmorphia]

A nod from the rogue. "The vanara is right. Let's meet north of the town. Our Paladin leader will be obvious enough for us to spot. I'll get the pavilion, but I'm not able to carry it while we make our way there. I'm all finesse and grace."

A chuckle. "Anything else I need to add to my list? I've got a bit of gold left from my last job."

[EdgeGrinder]

"Excellent point, Miko. You have a good head on your shoulders. Please speak up often, though I have a feeling you don't need the encouragement." Nesse nodded to the vanara. "Change of plans! Meet up at the northern edge of town! One hour!" She announced.

[Treebeard]

Prossh shook his head no "I have everything I require for our mission. Though, picking up extra trail rations is always a good idea"

[Wolfykins]

Miko shrugged and scrambled back up into the tree and disappeared into the branches and leaves.
She made her way back to Lilygrove proper, keeping off the ground as much as possible. While in town, she picked up a few last minute additions she thought might be important. She double checked her bags to make sure everything was in order, and verified the cloak part of her explorer's outfit was tucked away safely for brisk evenings and mornings, and then scrambled into the trees and made her way to the north edge of town to wait for the others.

[dysmorphia]

Once everyone had informed him what was needed or wanted, the rogue committed it to memory. With a nod, the rogue starts off. "I'll meet you in an hour with everything."

He trots off back into town, going to his usual haunts to flirt a bit with the clerks. Seiryu kissed each clerk on the cheek with a flourish after each purchase, making sure to spread his purchases among the various stores. It was his way of giving back to the people who welcomed him eight years ago.

After he'd shoved several items into his handy haversack, including extra trail rations into his waterproof bag inside the haversack, four things were left over: the folding shovel, the privacy tent, the pavilion, and a bell net. The bell net would definitely be useful out there, to alert them of various intruders, but he was sure as hell not going to carry it to their area. He'd give it to one of the others, along with the shovel and privacy tent.

Shouldering his pack and tucking the other items under his arm, he trotted off towards the north of town, greeting a few more people on his way out. One, his most recent lover, he kissed fondly and said he's be back in two months. "It was fun, but don't feel like you have to hold back, alright, beautiful?" A wink to his lover, and he was off again.

Once at the north edge of town, he glanced around until he found the paladin that was now their leader. He trotted over to the paladin, all smiles, and he set down the gear that he wasn't willing to carry in his pack. "Well, I got everything I was asked to get. These things, though, I'm not able to carry and remain efficient. That will reduce my ability for stealth, and those three things are heavier than I can carry."

[Darius Vibrtrar]

Li'orra with Anderial go shopping, buying 10 water skins filling them while she was still in town, 2 Hanging tents, 10 bars of soap for those very smelly moments that may occur. A folding Ladder, 2 Folding Chairs, and a small steel mirror. Buying each she placed them into her bag of holding. Walking down the road she saw a cauldron and smiled. buying the black cauldron she pays puts it into the bag of holding as well. She stops at a scroll shop buying two scrolls that she will feed to Lypse later on. As she puts them into her bag Lypse tries nipping at them.

"No, not yet Lypse. I need to set up for that later. "

As she continues walking alongside Anderial when she spots a broom, she grins with a sneaky face and slips it into her bag after paying.

After having finished her purchases she returns to the North Eastern gate of the city to find the leader the brute, and the sneak of the group already waiting with a pile of heavy things on the ground.

"Ah, good idea... Ill hold these til we get there. "

Li'orra places the new gear into her second bag of holding and closes the opening, a happy smile on her face as Apocolypse flies over head, circling.

[paladin_artea]

While they were shopping, Andariel bought a few items she anticipated they may need later down the line. She only bought a few more waterskins, enough to fill up one of her side pockets in her magical haversack, but of course, only after filling them up. Even though she had a supply of rations, and hoped to supplement them by going hunting and foraging for the group on occasion, she splurged a bit on some Elven rations, which were much more fulfilling to her.

At the tool shop they visited she also grabbed a folding shovel, hammer, and signal whistle. She laughed with her partner as she bought herself a broom, "Don't tell me you're planning on trying to fly again? You fell off the inn's roof into a bed of nettles last time, if you remember. That was not a fun night!"

She really did enjoy Li'orra's company and while they were walking together, stole kisses here and there, and pretended to "accidentally" brush her hand over her bottom when she was sure no passers-by were paying attention. The one luxury item she allowed herself was a new deck of cards she spent a gold on to get a set that had decent art on it instead of the generic blocky symbols. She knew several games that would be fun just one-on-one with Li'orra, or with the group as a whole. When they met up with the others she added, "My bags are almost full. I'd like to save the remaining space just in case. But I'm sure Li'orra's still got room if need be."

[EdgeGrinder]

Nesse could not believe she forgot to pack soap. She went into town and bought one before heading to the meeting place.

"Okay, everyone get their shopping done?!" She asked once everyone rallied together.

[Darius Vibrtrar]

With a stroke of a hand down Andariel's back Li'orra smiled.

"We are done shopping and ready to go Nesse. "

[Wolfykins]

"E'ny, I am as ready as can be without familiarizing with the area," Miko said, poking her head out from the tree branches. "Maybe by the time we get more gold, we'll know better what we need, no?"

[Andrew Markham]

Lilygrove- 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

The sun shines down on the Border Guard patrol as they depart for their assigned area. The day is temperate and mild, an excellent day for travel. In the first hour, they are able to make excellent time by taking the forest paths which surround Lilygrove. In the second hour, the foliage grows thicker and the paths disappear. Progress becomes slower, especially taking into account having to wait for the gnome to keep up with them. After hour 3, Andariel reads the map and decides it's time to swing northeast.

During hour 4, the group notices that the trees are growing taller and thicker. As they go deeper into the wilderness, they find themselves at the base of some of the world's largest trees. The smallest of these massive behemoths goes 150 feet into the sky and is 50 feet wide! It becomes harder to see at a great distance around the massive trees, but they encounter no other signs of life during this time. For four hours, the group heads steadily northeast, following the lead of Andariel.

As the afternoon fades, the sun begins dropping lower. The temperature is beginning to drop, but there may still be another hour of sunlight. The edge of their defined area is two hours away, but the group has been walking for 8 hours. The group must decide whether to try pressing on further, or set up camp.