[Fred] Chapter 7: Underground Caverns and Tunnels

[Linwelin]

"Yes...that does seem risky. Let's try scavenging the caves first. Maybe we'll find something worthwhile. If a couple days of searching doesn't turn up with anything usable, we'll go to the surface. Does that sound reasonable? Also, I'd like to get a party together to retrieve the big blue flower while we forage. Who do you think would be best for that?"

[Throndir]

"That'll work, Fred. No monsters have come near the tree though at least in all this time, but we can potentially send some people further in to see if there's a limit to the monster's approach. As for who would be best with taking care of plants and replanting it... That would have been Tharielle..." Lai Fen said somberly. "She kept with her a lot of plants back on our surface outposts, that she managed to take care of. It was minor things, like medicinal herbs and the like. Since... she's not here with us... Zhihao would be the best at it. She's that woman a bit crazier than I am. The sadistic one? Who wears all the... straps. She hung out with Tharielle and Filiane often, it was primarily for drugs to help stimulate or reduce pain, but they eventually formed a friendship, and by the end of it, she was taking care of the gardens with Tharielle."

[Linwelin]

"Zhihao? Really? Ah, I guess she did react that way to the poison... Fred looks off to the side in thought while remembering Zhihao's mannerisms. "I'll leave it to her, then. And whoever she wishes to bring with her to aide."

"Back to the matter of rations, though. I imagine everyone in camp is eager to act. What do you both think about having everyone participate in local foraging? maybe into the first region of the deeper caves, if needed? And also, opinions on when we should return to the surface? I don't know the culture for humans, so I'm not sure when it'll be safe.

[Throndir]

"Hell if I know what the bastards are doing up there. But you saw the state of the city the moment word got out that emperor was killed, not even a few minutes after. It was already unstable as it is, the emperor's death was just the tipping point, but it would have already blew up either way. If I were to guess, the factions up on the surface have probably been forming, declaring their allegiances, trying to put one of their own on the throne. Change in the royal head of the country are usually bloody." Lai Fen said evenly staring into your eyes. "Believe me, I would know."

[Linwelin]

"Bloody? I guess it makes sense, other animals I've seen fight over leadership as well. Do we have any reason to lead? I mean, other than the fact that we have multiple ex-royalty in our group that could try to claim right. Bloodline seems to matter to humans, right? Fred asked curiously. "I personally didn't see the need, nor the means, of trying to take ownership of the country. I would like to make it safer, though."

Fred then began explaining his past actions and future goals in the caves. "Everyone here seems to like to act stealthily. We'd also just been through a major event, and lost a good number of nests, I mean hideouts. So I thought it wise to regain a home, and become more sturdy. But supplies are needed, so we'll have to scavenge. When you all are done training, can you help me spread word that we're going to start scavenging for supplies? I want to send a group to retrieve the flower, another to guard camp, and the rest to work on finding possibly good food and water. We'll also be doing more cave exploration. If there are things like that flower there, I'm certain there is more useful resources.

[Throndir]

http://www.youtube.com/v/Brk3HlCWU6k&start=13&end=297

Lai Fen shrugged. But she looked towards you long and meaningfully. Shuren appeared randomly as well, though, you noticed he kept a respectful distance, and didn't just move himself into the conversation like he usually does. Lai Fen noticed his presence the moment he appeared, but she kept her eyes on you.

"Remember when I passed the mantle of leadership to you, Fred? You'll be the one to ultimately decide that. Well... to decide it for everyone here; where we go as a group. As much as I'm sure I was the one who moved the Dark Ravens from being famous to infamous, my drive to kill that bastard of an emperor really gave a sense of unity and purpose to the rest of us. You know, with all the things happening above and this past week, I'm sure the rest haven't really noticed yet. But there's going to be a time they're not going to look for me for their purpose and guidance, they'll look towards you."

"I'll tell you something... I don't actually give a damn about the rest of the sects up there. The lot of them are corrupt who only care for themselves. What I do care about though... are all the ones up there who're caught up in their feud. Yeah..." She held up a hand, and pointed a finger at Shuren to the side without looking at him. Shuren himself continued to stare and cock his head questioningly.

"You probably already figured this out old man, talking with everyone here. I suspected that you'd sit down and talk with me, but you never did, honestly, it's been bothering me ever since you appeared again, so I'm just going to lay it all out. You're probably not very happy that we spent the last few years hunting down the nobles and the leaders of the various sects. All to kill the bastard emperor who took my parents away from me, and then... who took you away from... me, too." You noticed Lai Fen couldn't bring herself to look at Shuren at all, though she did keep her eyes locked on you. As for Shuren, his face was thoughtful, if not calm, and a little gentle.

"Fred... I'm not sure what you want to do. But you better believe I'd be right behind you as your vice-commander or whatever you choose me to be for you. My story is done. I've killed the emperor with my own two hands. And... the little kid here... I'll take it as my atonement to make sure she's looked out for. But you Fred, you're a hero..." Lai Fen sighed.

"Your story is just beginning. Everyone probably expects you to unite the people of Miyang City again; to make sure all the killing stops. Compare that to a purpose of revenge? That one is much more noble, and I'm sure everyone will thank you for it."

"So... yes of course. After this, I'll make sure to let everyone know our plans for scavenging, retrieving that flower, finding food and water. If this is the first step to a future you envision, a future that is better for all of us, then that's what I want, too. All I've ever seen was blood, Fred. Blood. Even I get sick of it sometimes."

[Linwelin]

Fred listened to Fen's confessions and intentions sincerely, as he could tell she was at least somewhat troubled by her past actions, and she would need support from the group that's closest to her. But something made him frown slightly. "Is it normal that 'leadership' in the human world be done without considering the needs, desires, and thoughts of the group being led?" Fred looks around to the rest of the group to verify this. "You're making it sound like you don't, and shouldn't, have a say in how I lead. And regardless of the standard for you all, that's not my style. You want to save people up above, right? Well thanks for telling me, because that's now something we work toward. I don't want blind followers, but partners. And once we have our base set up down here, that will now be our first mission. Deal, partner?" Fred crossed his arms and huffed defiantly at her attitude.

"Let's work to spare other people from seeing the sights you've had to. And to free yourself, as well, from those situations."

[Throndir]

Lai Fen sighed then smiled hopefully towards you. "Yeah, yeah, Fred. I have to admit, your leadership style is a bit different than what I'm used to, but I guess... it all works out. An expedition trip to retrieve the flower, a formalized group of guards, and a few expeditions to search for food and water. Lastly, more exploration. That about everything?"

[Linwelin]

"Perfect." Fred said with a smile, before a sudden rumbling sound came from his abdomen. Chuckling lightly, Fred probed at his friends. "How about we go get some food? It seems I'm hungry."

Feel free to make this part an RP as well, but if you're ready to skip ahead to the group management phase the following day, I'm all for it.

[Throndir]

I don't mind RPs, go ahead and spawn side threads if you want to do them! I'd prefer to keep main thread for story and level progress, or important conversations!

Location - Spirit Tree
Date: Day 8 - Time: Morning

State time of waking up, and decide actions.

[Linwelin]

Wake time: 7:00am

Fred took time to stretch leisurely after waking before heading out into camp. It was time he pulled his weight for the group he was now leading. At least, a little bit. "Time to find more food!"

Plan to get a small group together to forage in the area, as well as into the first level of the deep caves. So foraging and exploration.

While I do this, I want groups to form as discussed with Lai Fen. For the flower-finding group, they'll likely want someone from the initial group to lead the way. I'll vote for Eris to lead them there. Since it's the deepest exploration of all the actions today, having one hero in group is important.

Otherwise, Lai Fen can choose the groups, as she knows her subordinates better than me.

I also have no preferences in party members for the forage/explore. I'd like at least one of the four from last time (Lai Fen, Lai Ju, or Filiane, as Eris is on flower duty). I feel like we need to divide leadership a bit for all these tasks, so I'm not going to hog all the leaders.

Maybe Abrielle? Duan Jun?

[Throndir]

Location - Spirit Tree
Date: Day 8 - Time: 7 AM

Groups will be as follows, let me know if you want anything changed. Also keep in mind other 'psuedo leaders'. Jed, as being one of the oldest. Abrielle as one of the adults too. Filiane can be considered a leader as well due to her age and being an elf. Chaoxiang, the silent leader of the group of men that follow him around like puppies.

Also note sure where you want Fred to be in, so choose a group.

Foraging Group
Area: Targeted Explore of Section 1
Lai Ju (leader, scout)
Wen Chaoxiang (guide & cartographer)
Wen Chaoxiang's Subordinate 1
Wen Chaoxiang's Subordinate 2
Wen Chaoxiang's Subordinate 3
Wen Chaoxiang's Subordinate 4
Wen Chaoxiang's Subordinate 5

Flower Retrieval Group
Area: Targetted Explore of Section 2
Eris Alaster (leader, scout)
Filiane Darkspinner (guide & cartographer)
Lu Zhihao (rear guard)
Jed (point guard)

Exploration Group
Area: Explore of Section 1
Lai Fen (point guard)
Han Tu (scout)
Abrielle Moreau (cartographer)
Bethany Claw (rear guard)
Fred (guide)

Areas
Area: Spirit Tree, Section 1, Mapped
Area: Spirit Tree, Section 2, Mapped, contains Glowing Blue Flower point of interest
Area: Spirit Tree Outskirts, Section 1, Mapped, contains crystal oozes, contains reptilian sound creatures

[Linwelin]

Fred ran over to the already assembled exploration group, running slightly late. "Huuuu." He exhaled while leaning over a moment, recovering from his hustle. "Everyone ready to look through those caves more thoroughly?"

The groups looks good to me!

Fred is joining the exploration group,

He'll take either guide or cartographer, whichever Fen doesn't want.

[Throndir]

Location - Spirit Tree
Date: Day 8 - Time: 8 AM

Since the day before, the map that Filiane had drawn had been copied and handed out to the various exploration leads. Wen Chaoxiang took a keen interest, simply staring at the offered map and closely examining it.

"..." Chaoxiang was silent as usual, having never spoken at all since you've come to know the Dark Ravens. He glided his hands over the parchment slowly and deliberately as if to say: "Yes... This map, it's usable. But my men and I will be sure to map out the rest of the nearby area!" The rest of his men seemed to understand him just fine, and with Lai Ju leading them, they all saluted towards you before heading out themselves.

"Just in case... be careful out there." Eris had told you. Filiane nodded in agreement.

"Or if you do get hurt, make sure to make it feel good." Lu Zhihao commented as she winked at you.

"Fear not handsome hero, gracious leader, sexy Fred! ☆" Jed announced, lowering his voice in an almost purr-like approach when he said 'sexy'. "Like with Ruogang, if you get wounded, I will pour my very manliess into you." You very well knew that Jed was talking about his attempt at healing Mo Ruogang with just hi Ki earlier, but the others simply furrowed their eyes confusion at the choice of words.

Lu Zhihao whistled. Well, leader, if you're ever wanting to see how it's like with a girl, I'm game."

"Fred, take care of guiding us through the tunnels, it went well enough last time."

"... Take care of me... boss..." A meek voice came out from Han Tu, as she bowed her head with both her hands cupped in front of her.

"My, my, my. Of course our hero will take care of you darling. You're absolutely one who simply begs for coddling!" Abrielle said as Han Tu simply cocked her head to the side.

"We're off to an adventure-nya!" The last one, Bethany Claw, said cheerfully.

[Linwelin]

"Ju, Chaoxiang. All of you, be careful." Even if they were just gathering, it was still within the caves. Who knows what they would encounter.

Fred nodded to the men as they headed off. He then muttered to himself. "I can see why he's liked. Chaoxiang seems like a dependable man."



"You, as well, Eris. You're going deeper into the caves than all of us." He looked over the group before him. "If things get too risky, just run. Your lives are more important than potential resources."

"I, uh...Zhihao, I'm fairly sure it's just you and Fen that have that option." He responded with concern.

Fred gave an appreciative nod to Jed before turning back to Zhihao with an eyebrow raised, "What what's like with a girl? I don't know what you're talking about."



Fred nodded to Fen, "Right. Let's go with that."

Fred was surprised with Han Tu's formality, "Certainly, Tu. Same to you." He had to admit, the gentleness was a cute gesture. So, of course, he chuckled at Abrielle's comment. It was hard not to agree.

"That we are, Bethany! Let's find more strange and useful things. Be careful, though. these caves are dangerous." He ruffled her hair slightly, before turning around. "Let's go!"

Fred is taking the guide role.

Survival:  1d20+18 : 4 + 18, total 22

Perception:  1d20+18 : 20 + 18, total 38

Stealth:  1d20+18 : 8 + 18, total 26