Deep Hedge Expedition I

[Saber Sloth]

Jan 2022

Deep Hedge Expedition I

To the lost the call for adventure rings!

The Hedge as mysterious as it is dangerous, hold secrets, even for those who venture into it's depths, though those deepest depths are often, steered away from. Those dangers to close to the wounded hearts of their Durance. There are places, deeper then a casual visit or that of a moderate Patrol that our Explorers may visit.

Ruins, and Temples, and Hob-towns. Mine, or Fortresses and Outposts.

After breaking camp, the Lost must decide on a direction to head.

Okay here’s the opening of our newest Exploration Plot! Please include your Equipment, Health and WP with every post! And to be 100% clear you are already in the Hedge, all Hedgespun worn/carried will be active!

Endymion Colonel Worm Yumyumcrow Anatole Shane James Turner Orianna Seraphina

[James Turner]

Winter was not Autumn and John was no Dread Lord. Winter did what it did best, stealing from their enemies and turning it to their own advantage. There was a journey deeper into the hedge than they'd dared to journey before. He knew this was an opportunity, a dangerous and risky one but one that would bring knowledge through experience. But practical knowledge was useful in the preparation for that experience and he would do his own Court discredit if he didn't do some preparation.

1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-01-10 15:08:40	James Turner rolls 4 to Int + Survival + Spec (10 Again)	9, 5, 4, 3	1 success

Thankfully he had taken mental images of the maps they'd pilfered and kept on hand. He didn't know how helpful it would be but he did his best to memorize a smattering of landmarks, touchstones in case they got lost or separated. He didn't know how much knowledge there would be recorded about this far in. He was both curious, excited, and anxious to find out. He'd only worked with the Colonel once but it was nice having him here in the absence of his Queen. The comfort Sera and Anatole brought helped ease the itch in his chest aching to smoke away the anxiety he couldn't shake.


He fastened the bag to his back, dressed more sensibly for this trek. Faded secondhand jeans, though that was typical of the darkling, and a heavier flannel both to keep off the elements and hopefully catch on something before it sliced through him but he knew just how sharp and hungry the hedge thorns could be. "Should I play forward scout?"

Stats

Equipment

Equipment: Survival Knife(+1L) ,Hiking Backpack, Rope, multi-tool, emergency blanket, road flares, full zippo, 4 packs of cigarettes, sunglasses, 1 Box meal bars(partially eaten), 1 3L camelpack, sleeping bag pop-up tent and a flashlight.

[Colonel Worm]

Worm stands at the ready, wearing his typical adventuring gear: a padded motorcycle jacket over a thin kevlar vest (no shirt), a pair of faded, camo cargo pants, and some scuffed black boots (jungle standard issue). His rather substantial first-aid bag is worn as a backpack. Below the bag two wickedly curved and wickedly sharp Khukri are sheathed in an X pattern against his lower back. Viewed from the front, the handles can be seen poking out on either side of his body, just above the waist. Sheathed over one shoulder is his Bastard Sword.

White within white eyes take in their crew. He's satisfied with the roster for this expedition. Two monarchs, one Paladin of Shadows (Worm's not sure what that means but it sounds rad), and one badass Goblin. A representative from each Court. Auspicious shit.

Finally, his gaze settles on John. "You want point, you got it, boss." Normally, the Colonel might insist on taking the lead, but why not let the Winter sneak? "I'll take right flank. You run anything, you holler. I'll come running."

Eyes scan the horizon, looking for anything of interest... Or any sign of danger.

Perception, failure

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-01-10 20:31:20	Colonel Worm rolls 4 to Wits + Composure -1 (clarity) (10 Again)	4, 2, 2, 6	failure

But nothing really presents itself as noteworthy. Yet.

Equipment:
Khukri knives (+ sheaths) x 2 2L*
Brass Knuckles x2 1B (in pants pockets)
Bastard Sword (+ Sheath) 3/4L*
Kevlar Vest (thin)
Reinforced Clothing (Motorcycle jacket)
Advanced First Aid Kit
Water bottle (in first aid kit exterior pocket)
Bag of Beef jerky

Cigarettes + Lighter

[Anatole]

The Ashen Court runs on fear. Fear of being found out, in this case.

It had been a long time since Anatole had ventured this deeply into the Hedge, and he felt it showed. Of course he had bought a new Ax to replace the one lost in the battle with the topiary hedge critter in Queen Anne's poisoned gift: the Ax was shiny and new, the blade undimmed and without any notches. To this he had added a few temporary items of gear - a hessian sling bag that he felt threatened to come apart every time they forced their way through the Thorns and some supplies. His effusive curls have been tamed, somewhat: fashioned into a braided beard that hangs down his chest. His hair has been tied back - poorly - and squared away behind a headband.

He is waring old denim and scuffed boots purchased from a sequence of thrift stores. The clothing is serviceable and will last the trip. Probably.

At least this time he bought his cheap lockpicking tools - they are in a wallet in his denim coat. A knife is tucked into his belt.

"Better you than me. You are built for that kind of thing... I'm not."

Anatole is adjusting his bag. When he is comfortable, the burned dwarf lets his eyes roam around the tight, yet expansive, confines of the Hedge around them. Huffing, he reaches for his Ax and rests it on his shoulder, blade down behind his back. He actually looks like a warrior at this point.

EQUIPMENT
Axe
Knife
Basic Lockpicks (+0)
Durable clothing, including gloves (+0 armour bonus)
*Hessian Sling Bag
*Trail Rations
*Bottled Water

*Not on Anatole's character sheet. He has enough to buy the stuff. Hoping the ST Saber Sloth will waive it as 'temporary purchases' for this plot

[Seraphina]

The Hedge held a mixture of feelings for Sera. There was the natural fear of what it held, what secrets it had yet to share, dangers it had yet to reveal. But also, an adrenaline rush like no other. What would they find? Would the Hedge reveal any of its secrets?

She came dressed for the expedition in black cargo pants with numerous pockets, steel toed boots and a long sleeve fitted shirt. Her long hair had been tied back into a long braid, the newly formed green color blending effortlessly with the gold and silver. The ears were hard to hide, but she was actually proud of them, a side of her had awakened. Thankfully, it was harder to notice the slits in the skin behind her ears, that was taking some getting used to.

The spider silk of her Hedgespun coat cling to her upper body in a protective hug. The necklace around her neck danced with multiple colors, always shifting. Her wedding ring bloomed, ‘Activating the ring, it bursts into blossom, the ring becoming a jeweled flower in scarlet on a band of gold.’

As they got ready to move forward, she looks to John, “If you like, my sense of direction isn’t all that good.” She could admit it, navigating the Hedge was still a bit troublesome for her. It was a skill she intended to work on.

Looking to the other two, she felt a sense of security. Worm could fight and Anatole looked fearsome with his axe. “I’ll take up left flank?” a question as she looked to Anatole. If he wanted the left, she’d take up the rear, not a problem. A translucent hand rests on her dagger.

Hedgespun jacket(+1 INT, +1 DEF), Hedgespun Necklace(+1 singing), dagger, steel toed boots, 2 bottles of water, bag of trail mix, gauze and medical tape, costume jewelry for trading(one necklace, one pin) sun catcher for trading, gardening gloves, notebook with pencil

Health 7
WP 3

[Saber Sloth]

The Winter King might not have taken the time to study the maps recovered from Anne's library but that doesn't mean he hasn't looked at them. Paired with his already extensive knowledge of the Hedge and how to safely traverse there in, he theoretically knows the way to a fair few places.

From where they are now, he knows there's been rumours of some sort of temple ruin, to the west. Dangerous to get to, but surrounded by mystery and presumably full of treasures. East, he remembers a notation of something. A danger, a formidable hob, perhaps? North would bring them to an Outpost. He remembered it marked as a Sentry for a northern Hob-town.


North, south is along the Path they're currently on, with the latter being the direction of home. East, and west would be a risk, there isn't anything that looks like Path in the immediate vicinity, but they could always find another Path to follow further along.


Formation set, the King at point, need only decide the way.

@Yumyumcrow works for me

[James Turner]

It was interesting to see how people packed, quirks of personality he couldn't help but pick up Though there was comfort in the Colonel being armed to the teeth. John was more than prepared to wait it out for awhile until the danger had passed if he needed to. Turning to Worm and offering a small half smile, "I might not yell but you'll hear me." Anatole's familiarity was nice and grounding for the Sovereign who shook his head, "Really, if we by those skills I'm really a poor example for my Court." A small laugh as he shook his head that smile spreading to the other side of his face, "Though I'm not incapable."


If Sera's ring had been beautiful before it was hard to miss now, a small smile on his face. "It's fitting. It's one of a kind." He made sure to look up and hold her gaze as he offered her a warm smile. Her coat gave him ideas, he needed to do some digging before their next market trip as his list seemed to keep growing. "My sense of direction is passable but Cassandra's the better scout."


He'd never been this deep here before, there'd been notations on the borders. Danger lie all around them in the sometimes unpredictable hedge. But there were higher levels of danger, higher levels of reward as well. Information could be it's own reward and contact with a hobtown could still be useful. "There are rumors of a temple to the West. High risk, High reward. Hob-outpost to the north maybe? Figure we'll follow the path for a bit and see if it veers off. I'm not about to take you off into the dangerous unknown without your consent so if you want I guess just be on the west side when I circle back to check in?" IT definitely ended as a question, well he had said he lacked Circe's boldness.

1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-01-14 16:04:36	James Turner rolls 4 to Stealth (Dex: 2 + Stealth: 2) (9 Again)	4, 8, 6, 5	1 success

He had good ears, sharp eyes and would see what he could use for cover. Something just off the path if he could. Thorns willing. He took a deep breath and crept forward, having to take it slower to remain hidden to try and find the best path to keep hidden. As John had said though he was capable, but not the best. The shadows around him could only help so much to his him from sight but they did nothing to quiet him. Along the path for now, seeing if there was a branch, a path, or a clearing perhaps that would head west if not then he would report back with as much.

Stats

Equipment

Equipment: Survival Knife(+1L) ,Hiking Backpack, Rope, multi-tool, emergency blanket, road flares, full zippo, 4 packs of cigarettes, sunglasses, 1 Box meal bars(partially eaten), 1 3L camelpack, sleeping bag pop-up tent and a flashlight.

[Colonel Worm]

"We'll hear you," Worm echoes John, confirming the Winter Monarch's sentiment. All confidence.

A grin and a wink to Sera, looking fine as hell in her adventure gear. A beacon of beauty in this fucked up place. A nod to Anatole and an appreciative glance at his axe. Glad to see that his fellow Wizened knows how to come kitted out.

"Scout North, look for a Western path. Keep West for rendezvous. Check." The Colonel repeats John once again. He's not trying to be a parrot, just trying to stay alive. This is deep Hedge. No joke. Everyone keeps to the same plan or shit goes FUBAR almost immediately.

The Darkling sets off and Worm gives him a little time to pull ahead before he draws his knives, twirling them in each hand. Loosening the wrists. "Shall we dance?" He asks his compatriots. A rhetorical question. He's already starting forward at a cautious pace, moving in the same direction that John has taken.

Head on a swivel, ears pricked. The Goblin even seems to be sniffing the air.

Perception, 2 successes

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-01-15 10:00:20	Colonel Worm rolls 4 to Wits + Composure -1 (clarity) (10 Again)	6, 1, 10, 6, 9	2 successes

Equipment:
Khukri knives (+ sheaths) x 2 2L*
Brass Knuckles x2 1B (in pants pockets)
Bastard Sword (+ Sheath) 3/4L*
Kevlar Vest (thin)
Reinforced Clothing (Motorcycle jacket)
Advanced First Aid Kit
Water bottle (in first aid kit exterior pocket)
Bag of Beef jerky
Cigarettes + Lighter

[Anatole]

Anatole's nostrils flare as he takes a deep breath. He listens as John outlines their options with an air of apparent disinterest; nods in agreement with Worm showing that he had been listening.

"North perhaps. I wont say actual ruins don't interest me. They do! But I don't think any of us bought spelunking gear."

There was an audible sigh in his voice.

"Lets just play things by ear; and see just what we got out here."

He started after Worm, then paused so he could let Seraphina Orianna pass him. If she accepted the unspoken offer, the dwarf would form up as the groups rear-guard.

1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-01-15 23:51:33	Anatole is perceptive rolls 4 to Wits + Composure (10 Again)	7, 4, 8, 3	1 success

EQUIPMENT
Axe
Knife
Basic Lockpicks (+0)
Durable clothing, including gloves (+0 Armour bonus)
Hessian sling bag
Trail Rations
Bottled Water

[Seraphina]

The compliment pulled her out of her thoughts, “Thank you.” The warm smile returned. A nod, “She is a remarkable scout, very skilled at direction.” There was no denying that. Plus, she missed having the Winter along with them.

Listening as he described what they could find, she glanced around. Though she really wasn’t sure which way was West and North. “I’m ok following the path and seeing where it takes us, and which direction calls to us.” High risk wasn’t all that bad, she wasn’t afraid to get in a fight and get hurt. Was it ideal? Not really. But they’ll see.

Well…Worm was excited. Which could be a good thing or a bad thing. Either way, she felt safer with him.

A small smirk to Anatole, “I knew I forgot something.” A quiet joke, trying to lighten the mood. But she knows they had to be on their guard, eyes and ears open. Still, she couldn’t help herself.
She nods as he takes the rear. It wasn’t that she was opposed to it, but he had the badass axe going on. And she had seen him go toe to toe with Meg! Dwarf could kick some serious ass.

The Nix does her part, actively looking around as she walked. The Hedge was not a place to let your guard down.

1 success

Date	Action	Roll	Result
2022-01-16 09:52:50	Seraphina rolls 5 to Looking Around(Wits+Comp)-1 (10 Again)	7, 1, 3, 7, 8	1 success

Hedgespun jacket(+1 INT, +1 DEF), Hedgespun Necklace(+1 singing), dagger, steel toed boots, 2 bottles of water, bag of trail mix, gauze and medical tape, costume jewelry for trading(one necklace, one pin) sun catcher for trading, gardening gloves, notebook with pencil

Health 7
WP 3