[quote=@Stern Algorithm]
1. I'm a little daunted by reading through the IC. Is there a summary for the main quest so far?
[/quote]

Here it is!

[hider=Story So Far]
When we first see the guild, the actual building is little more than a ruin. However, the guild members accomplish a quest involving a band of unmonsterized Dwarves. The Dwarves reward the guild by repairing the building, giving it a Dwarven theme and feel.

The guild then get involved in a rebellion against Varjo as well as some matters in the Shrine Of Eros regarding (hostile) runaways from Varjo. One of the major accomplishments of the guild is rescuing the rebel leader in a swamp near Varjo. The guild also names itself 'The Guild'. The latest rescue mission earned scorn from the guild master since he doesn't like being noticed by Varjo.

The other main storylines concern the light-hearted town of Boreal Port and the personal stories of some of the NPCs.
[/hider]

[quote=@Stern Algorithm]
2. Can I just jump in? Does it make sense for someone to join the guild this late (assuming my character was invited by Bart)?
[/quote]

Yes. Other player characters have joined late before.

[quote=@Stern Algorithm]
3. I'm thinking of coming in as a Liliraune, which apparently can move around by uprooting itself, but for the most part, stays immobilized in soil. This slow movement may explain the late arrival, but might create difficulty when it comes to adventuring.
[/quote]

Yeah, it could create difficulty during adventures but you're free to play as a Liliraune if you so wish. We'll be like life, we'll find a way.