Previously,

The group traveled to Africa with the goal of seeing the world freed from the threat of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.  After having joined part of the Gathering of Heroes, they assisted in defeating both the Horseman of War in the Congo and the Horseman of Pestilence in southern Africa.  This was not without peril as they encountered many dangers, including Death itself in the northern Tanzanian region of eastern Africa.

After returning to the previous region of eastern Africa, they encountered fouled water and food which they interpreted as signs of Famine.  They also had their first definitive encounter with demonic slavers from the Phoenix Empire, and believed that an impostor Death, a fake Vrryl, and a murderous Erin Tarn, may have been one in the same being.  The group now needs to decide what to do next.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:08, Fri 06 Nov 2015.

At the usual evening strategy pow-wow, following the day's discussion with Sophes, Vrryl and Jessica, Mika reiterates the basic plan they devised for tracking down Famine. "We form 3 teams of 4, each with abilities to move at a decent pace. Each team will head in front of the main group in three distinct directions along the supposed path of Famine's side-effects. If any team encounters a fork in their path they can split up if they feel it is safe to do so and continue along. Each team would then move out about 100 miles from the main group before returning and reporting back what they encountered, at which point we would adjust our path accordingly. While the scouts are out the main group will pick a target destination within 3 hours travel and make for that so everyone can meet at the same place."

"When at all possible communications should be kept to a minimum to avoid detection by Phoenix Empire troops. Each team should simply check in every 15mins, if they find anything of note or plan to split up or deviate from the current path. With the ranges involved we may need some higher powered radios for those without magical means to communicate, does anyone have long-range radios? Alternatively, Jessica may be able juryrig something to that effect hopefully"

"Another thought is that everyone should keep a close eye on any water or food stuffs you are carrying, if you find they've suddenly spoiled or been putrefied let the others know. Could be we're closer than we think. Any one have any additional input?"

Sophes keeps his silence and nods occasionally while Mika is talking.  When she finishes he speaks, "I would suggest we keep an immediate reaction unit on hand.  While we are looking for Famine it may be we are being lead into a trap.  The fake Vrryl and Erin Tarn should warn us of that.  This way if any scouting parties are hit the IRU can move with speed to that location to help out."  He looks around at the others, "Remember folks as bad as Famine is it does us no good if the Phoenex Empire starts causing troubles while our attention is focused elsewhere.  Keep your head on a swivel and report all suspect activities.  We have no way of knowing what is going to be important until it happens."

Vrryl sits next to Mika, wrapped in cloak, his pale eyes drifting across the faces of mortal and supernatural alike, who listen intently as the demigoddess lays out the plans to hunt the next Horsemen. Each of them had arrived at this point in time, and this spot, to help eradicate an enemy who's destiny was to destroy the world. A destiny that these beings would see denied. The Four Horsemen… now Two… perhaps no longer capable of complete global ruination, still a threat that needed removing with due prejudice.

The plan was simple… locate, deliberate, eradicate. Each with its own set of challenges, made more so by the unpredictable nature of the environment. It was the first of these steps that was now being presented to the small army… locate one, or both, of the remaining Horseman.

Sophes speaks. The crowd continues to listen. The chiang-ku flinches ever slightly at the idea a malevolent creature is acting in his name; as happened before, it could pose difficulties down the road. He has held this same skin for a very long time now, and had grown rather fond of the human appearance and story he'd crafted. Perhaps he'll investigate the trickster further when the Horsemen threat had concluded.

He leans over, whispering quietly to Mika. "Ask those with flight to step forward, then split the four teams evenly. Three out, one in reserve to rest and act as Sophes' reaction unit. If we can't make four, then we can work with three."

Mika asks for any volunteers who either fly, have fast mounts, or themselves can move quickly to step forward so that the scouting parties can be arranged. She then works with Sophes to create a number of teams for the demon search.

Sophes will work along side Mika and Vrryl to suggest the following teams:

Team 1: Jessica - Sir Thorpe, Merc, Knight

Team 2: Mika - Merc, Merc, Knight

Team 3: Sophes - Merc, Merc, Knight

Team 4: Sir Galahad - Merc, Merc, Knight

(OOC- stole these from Brett's post!)

After calling out the teams Sophes will wait to see if there are any issues.  He will also let the group know that the IRU will be Sir Galahad's team and those not suggested will remain with the main body and prep for Famine.

After the teams are sorted Mika suggests the directions each team should take once they are ready: Mika's team will take the east vector search, Sophes' team on the west and Jessica & Thorpe straight north.

With the details for scouting being worked out, the temporal wizard makes his way to a young Ley Line Walker. "Katrina, I would like to gather the other casters, and start discussing a magical strategy for what we might deal with facing Famine. Could you help pass the word, please?"

Vrryl, Katrina, Erin Tarn, and others remaining in the camp spent time during the day discussing strategies of how to find and prepare for Famine. Specifically, they discuss various reconnaissance strategies, the effectiveness of Millenium Tree weapons, the effectiveness and creation of Fire Globes, and what other magics might be useful against Famine.

Vrryl works on gathering PPE and plans to create a magic scroll of Anti-Magic Cloud in case it is necessary.

The scouting groups returned later that day with no news of Famine, though Jessica and Sir Thorpe encountered one of Death's monstrosities.  The lack of news is palpable within the camp, with uncertainty hanging in the air.

Upon returning, Mika excuses herself for some solitude and magical clairvoyance.

Sophes will look around at the group a little dejected at their lack of success during the day.  He will turn to find Mika gone and will locate Vrryl and ask, "Where was the last location of evidence pointing to Famine being in the area?  Perhaps we should take some time to investigate if the signs are just a false trail or see if there is something more at work here. There must have been something we missed, coming up empty from today's recce shouldn't have happened."

Vrryl can be found near his tent, crouched over a book he's been writing in. He looks up and blinks at the Undead Slayer.

"Why not?" the dragon asks.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:18, Fri 15 Jan 2016.

About an hour later Mika returns from her meditations, finding Sophes and Vrryl discussing the results of the day's search and plans moving forward. The elf sits down cross-legged  near the magic camp fire between her two companions, and waits for a lull in the discussion. "Well I have some potentially new information to add; had another vision as it were. Unfortunately it's good news with a heavy topping of bad news... I think I saw Famine, or at the very least it wasn't Death, but the scene was elusive and vague so I couldn't make out any markers. But it wasn't with Death, so that good, but it was with a bunch of demon-like shapes of all kinds."

Mika pauses briefly, and tilts her head in thought, recalling the vision, "And there was more with the demons; I saw Abkii. We were fighting together against a horde of the things near a lake; a town was under siege. I fear the Phoenix Empire may prove to be a factor in the coming battle. That's not what we want to hear, but knowing this could give us another avenue of investigation by looking for signs of a demon army's passage.That and a lake."

"Can you recall the shape or size of this lake?"

"I was only on the shore of this lake, and there was a settlement there in which we were fighting. You could see across it, and there were mountains rising up beyond the far shore. Beyond that I couldn't make out much... I suppose I may be able to recognize the village or whatever it was if I saw it." Mika responds, partially lost in thought as she continues to recall the vision.

Suddenly she snaps to focus. "Oh, one more thing... I think our shapeshifting friend may be back in the picture. I, ah... how to put this delicately... well, I saw you get your throat torn out," Mika stammers, looking at Vrryl. "By a big, talking wolf... but I'm not so sure it was the real you, if you know what I mean. The wolf's voice was familiar, but I couldn't place it. I'm thinking we should devise some method to verify each other's identities, at least us and Jess... just in case."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Thu 21 Jan 2016.

Sophes silently broods as he listens to Mika's retelling of her vision. He shifts a bit as if in discomfort with the idea of anyone taking the shape of his comrades.  After Mike is finished he speaks, "While I am frustrated with our lack of success today I believe your vision will give us some direction in the days to come.  This lake is our best lead yet, and I am hoping it can be found near by.  Is there a body of water we have not yet scouted nearish to us? And would this shape-changer share the knowledge of anyone he took the shape of?"

"There must be a few lakes scattered about that we haven't encountered yet, but we may also want to make a more thorough effort to scout the shoreline of that massive one... what did Victor call it again?... Lake Victor or something, seems awfully convenient if that's the name though, or he could just be joking," Mika smirks and then shrugs off the pondering.

"As for our shapeshifting friend, he's proven quite crafty in the past. It certainly knows quite a bit about us, but how deep that knowledge goes I cannot attest to. We also cannot rule out the use of psionics to glean information, though with this group I find that somewhat unlikely. Such an adept at transformation could be in the form of an insect though and simply observe us now and again. Perhaps some sort of code phrase or signal, communicated telepathically in a safe location, that we could use in the future if identity was in doubt. Otherwise you could try tickling me on my sides, just above my hips... get me every time, though when I think about the real or fake me may attack you regardless in that situation."
This message was last updated by the player at 21:18, Thu 21 Jan 2016.

Sophes snorts at Mika's intended joke.  "I think I would rather wrestle Famine."  For me you can just ask me to activate one of my tattoos.  I don't think the shapechanger would be able to do that."

"Unless said shapeshifter also has magic tattoos," Mika counters. Though she said it mostly to be contrary, but idea of magic tattoos opened up a new train of thought, "Of course IF said person did have magic tattoos we would at least know they were not Atlantean, correct? I mean I had heard you cannot be transformed by any means, so shapeshifting wouldn't work I presume."

Sophes nods and mentions, "While others can use tattoos, my kind cannot be transformed by any means.  It should be hard to replicate me exactly."

"Harder to replicate me." the temporal wizard quips.

"Then let the three of us confirm each is who we say we are. And we can come up with a quick identifier each time we meet up. We'll grab Jessica afterwards, and get her confirmed, then widen our circle."

Mika bites her lip momentarily before replying, "Yes, I'm afraid it's somewhat easier than done. I don't think there is a simple magical or psionic methods of identification, at least not one that couldn't be fooled. Perhaps some trivia bolstered by telepathy and/or empathy scans?"

Vrryl looks to both companions. "I'll go first. Ask of one tattoo you know I possess."

"The Tree Climber... it would be ridiculously unlikely anyone else would have such a tattoo," Mika replies.

Sophes grins, "Ask me the funniest place I jumped from.  Only those who know me would know that.  Mika if you are not sure ask Vrryl."

Mika looks quizzically between Sophes and Vrryl, "I suspect there's a good story there, so what is the funniest place you've jumped from?"

Sophes sighs, "I was younger and much more impulsive, I leaped from the millenium tree in England.  Was testing a theory about my skin and bones being tougher than the ground.  Was funny, but painful."

"From the top of a Millennium Tree? That's an interesting test, sort of a like asking to be hit by Mjolnir just to see what it's like." the elven sorceress responds incredibly, and glances as Vrryl for verification. Upon seeing Vrryl's resigned nod at the incredulous story, Mika continues, "Well I certainly wouldn't have guessed that nor would anyone else I suppose. As for myself why don't you ask me... what animal would I be, if I was one?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:33, Wed 03 Feb 2016.

Sophes looks at Mika, "An interesting question.  With your vast array of abilities I would assume you can change your shape as often as you like.  What animal do you change to most often?"

Vrryl rolls his eyes, "Yep, I can confirm him doing that. Sophes, show me your arm, please."

<assumes Sophes complies>

"She'd be a porcupine." the mage answers playfully while examining a particular ink etched into the Undead Slayers left forearm. "Trigger this tattoo for me." he asks simply. Upon compliance, Vrryl nods. "This is Sophes." And he turns to Mika.

"May I see your pendant, Mika?"

"Which one?.. I'll assume you mean this particular ornament," Mika responds and hands Vrryl the pendant received from him years back.

Vrryl takes the pendant, giving it a brief once over before handing it back. "I'm satisfied. I'm going to switch to telepathic communication. I have an idea to indicate between us, and I'd rather go where winds whisper least."

<The dragon shares his idea with Sophes and Mika>

Sophes nods his head slightly as he is communicated with indicating is understanding and agreement.  After he will take his cue from Mika and get some rest knowing he will need his magic stores resupplied for the work tomorrow.

After some time discussing their options, the group brought their new information back to the rest of the Gathering.

In a change of tactics, one group including Mika, Sophes, Jessica, and Galahad, would quickly fly around looking for lakes and/or mountain ranges.  Other groups would travel to identified villages, including around Lake Victoria, and ask after the same geographical features.  During this time, the main group would continue traveling north towards Lake Victoria.

In the course of the day, the flying group spent time investigating a mountain range to the northeast of Lake Victoria.  The investigation was not particularly difficult as the group had previously been in the area and were slightly familiar with the terrain.  While a long thin range bordered either side of the great rift valley to the west, it was easy to discount due to its unique topography and appearance.  They did not find what they were looking for in the mountains of pre-Rifts Kenya, though farther to the northeast they did see what appeared to be vast mountainous terrain.

Upon return to camp later that day, various villages reported similar descriptions.  Aside from the high topography bordering them on either side of their current location, the Ethiopian highlands are known to exist farther to the northeast, though few have traveled that far in recent years as it gets closer to the Phoenix Empire.

Upon returning from her team's recon flight and freshening up, Mika joins the assembled heroes around one of the camp's fires to listen and report on the day's events. "It would seem the trail leads us straight towards the lion's den, to use a regionally appropriate metaphor. We've yet to encounter much in the way of Phoenix forces, but that doesn't comfort me at all. I'd very much prefer to know what their capabilities and strategies are, for I think they may pose the more immediate threat when we finally track down Famine."

"What do we know about the Phoenix Empire, aside from their use of a variety of demonic forces?"

Sophes will canvas the locals about their knowledge of the Phoenix Empire upon hearing Mika's request.  He will use magic to communicate and will offer food and water to those who wish to share anything.

Sophes will volunteer to head one of the perimeter groups so as to ensure the Phoenix Empire cannot surprise the main body.

"I think our best bet is to assume they will only be hostile towards us.  This way we cannot be caught unawares as easily in this hunt for Famine.  Every member of the team should have a reliable method of dealing with demons and other supernatural threats to ensure we have no weak links."

"Indeed, I don'think anyone should be scouting or travelling alone. With what we've seen of supposed Phoenix Empire minions previously they're not to be trifled with. The best course of action would be to incapacitate or immobilize then somehow and fallback to regroup with a larger force. The closer we get to their territory the most discrete our movements and especially our scouts will have to be," Mika adds. "Since we have a general direction to move in, probably better if we keep everyone closer together for rapid reaction"

The next few days, the Gathering heads northeast across the outskirts of Lake Victoria in what was the northern parts of Uganda and Kenya from ancient times.  With the Ethiopian highlands as their destination, members of the group don't stray far, using proximity for protection.

As the main group travels, reconnaissance teams pan out, keeping alert for threats in the vicinity of travel.  There is no shortage of communities in this region, despite the relative proximity to the Phoenix Empire, due to the resources of the lake and rivers.

While passing these communities, other members of the caravan travel to and through within them, attempting to gather intelligence on the Phoenix Empire.  They learn that most people avoid going north towards the desert if they can avoid it.  While sparsely populated, the desert areas of the Phoenix Empire still contain all manner of different monsters and demons though it sounds as like it is dominated by Demons and Death worshipers.  The communities encounter lone creatures, but also organized groups looking for food, fun, or slaves, people being the essential ingredient to all three.

When they get closer, a fast scouting group, including the player characters other than Vrryl, start scouting into the highlands.  Much of what they see is rough, hard to traverse terrain for a large group.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:18, Wed 01 June 2016.

At the end of a long day's travels, the main body have found themselves setting camp against a rocky outcropping, overlooking a deep valley. The final rays of light glitter off the distant lake, refusing to surrender themselves to the night. Scouts reported a village not far, and Vrryl has organised a team to approach for supplies and information.

As the scouting teams return, ground teams disperse for localised sentry. The dragon waves greetings to Mika as she comes in to land, and casually approaches the tall woman. "You look in need of a shower." he banters.

Upon hearing the mage's comment the elf performs a quick assessment of her armor and appearance and frowns. Them with a with a few arcane words and articulate gestures conjures up 9 gallons of fresh water above herself which proceeds to crash down, washing away the grime of the day's journey and drenching her thoroughly."Ahh... better. It's hot out there," she responds and approaches, leaving a trail of muddied earth behind her. "How's your day been? Anything new?"

The mage raises an eyebrow at the display, the weight of water splashing mud and water across the lower hem of his robe. He takes a look down, gives his boots a once over, sighs, and looks up. "Galileo's leg is acting up again, I'll have to bug Jess to take another look. And a couple of our merc friends have stomach cramps, but nothing serious."

He scratches his chin with his right thumb, fist clenched.

"Did you find time to grab food?"

"Why, do I have some green-orange blood on me?" the Elf asks quizzically, raising a sun bleached eyebrow. I managed to skewer some sort of worm creature, similar to a worm of Taut but not. There wasn't much energy for me to absorb, but it was something. A girl has to eat, though I can't really say the meat looked edible, so I didn't bring any back."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:11, Thu 02 June 2016.

From Vrryl's expression at your worm description, he doesn't seem disappointed.

"We had better luck, hopefully trade up some supplies with locals. Changing topics, I wanted to ask about your vision."

"I'm going to assume the one about the lake, the mountain and the demon assault, right? Fire away," Mika fires back, pausing in stride and giving her attention to the mage.

Vrryl nods. "I'd like you to perform a memory transference with me. If I take your memory direct, I believe I can draw up images from the vision... of the lake and mountain.... we could use when speaking with locals."

Mika nods in agreement, "Indeed, that should prove useful. As they say, a picture's worth a 1000 words. You ready now, or do you want to wait? The magic allows the memory to only last for certain amount of time, in the neighourhood of 4 hours."

"Wait a little... get yourself unpacked and settled, I've got a couple things to do before nightfall. But after dinner?"

Sophes watches as Mika and Vrryl finish their conversation giving them some privacy. Once it appears they are finishing he will approach, "Is all well? I don't want to interrupt anything important, I just wanted to let the both of you know what I had noticed on my part of the recce before my mind moves to other things."

Sophes will run his hand through his hair and look at them both. "I know we have seen a demonic presence pertaining to the Phoenix Empire with Alu and Tautons among some others. When questioning the locals I was informed of beings that sound like Grave Ghouls and Gargoyles in the area. This is troubling enough, but they also described a demon that can only be a Baal-Rog too."

"I do not know what this means in our search for Famine, but it is troubling that the Phoenix Empire employs such a great variety of demonic forces. It speaks of a terrible power behind the throne."

"Indeed, and I've heard tales of what is likely a succubus and/or incubus. Seems like the Phoenix Empire is more firmly aligned with Hades rather than Dyval. Running the whole gamut demons," Mika adds to Sophes debriefing. "Oh, and after dinner will be fine Vrryl; it's not an overly complicated spell so please just find me when you're ready to start your masterpiece."

Sophes nods to them both, "I will dine with you both and then retire to meditate on what we have seen today so we can use it tomorrow in our scouting."  Sophes will walk off looking for some shade and rest before the evening meal.

As Mika walks back to her tent she quickly casts Cleanse on herself, then greets Daniel and stows her gear. After relating the day's reconnaissance results and encouraging him to grab some dinner, as she was able to siphon some energies from a creature earlier, she sits down to meditate for a couple of hours before going out to find Vrryl.

Mika eventually finds the dimensional wizard speaking with Fang Lo, Sir Thorpe and Sophes about the collective intelligence on the minions of the Pheonix Empire. "Well, ready to have a vision?" she asks as she draws near the group.

Sophes will nod in greeting to Mika, "It will be interesting to see exactly what your vision is.  You have given us a good indication with what you have told us, but having it exactly will be an incredible boon."

Sophes will wait for the event to unfold and then aid in the planning for the reconnaissance come morning.

Vrryl turns at hearing the demi-goddess's voice. He nods in greeting. "Agreed. I've set my paints on the side here." He dismisses himself from the group and sits himself comfortable on a chair places on the edge of the fire light. An easel and paints wait for their master patiently.

"Ready." he says.

Mika composes herself and performs a nimble series of gestures while quickly enunciating a
 short stanza of major and minor power words. She takes a moment to fully summon the vision image of the lake-side village under demonic siege with the mountains in the background, before channeling the magical energies within her to complete the incantation. "Here it comes," the elven sorceress quips as she extends her hand, finger tips touching Vrryl's temple and completing a magical circuit to unleash the torrent of mental imagery.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:45, Sun 19 June 2022.

"Your mind to my mind..." he replies, closing his eyes and steadying himself. No sooner had the demi-goddess' fingers touched his skin, then the memories she'd prepared began flooding his mind. Images scramble, like a poorly receiving television, his consciousness working overtime to decipher between what he knows are his own experiences, with those of Mika's. Vrryl always likened it as watching a movie from a character's perspective... rationally you know it wasn't you, but the experience was still direct.

He could see the village, the mountains, the demons in siege. He could hear the cries and shouts, and feel the sun's relentless heat. He could make out figures and forms, flames and smoke. Battles waged, and from up here it seemed but a calm dance, choreographed by Death himself. Which reminds him, wasn't there something about.... ah, there it is. Getting his throat removed from a vocalising wolf. Lovely.

When Mika drew back her fingers, it had been only moments, but for Vrryl, he'd lived the memory. Like waking from a dream, it took the mage several breaths to regains control over his thoughts and memories. He nods to his friends and touches his throat (just to be sure.). Satisfied, he makes a comment about knowing kung fu... reaches down for his brush and swipes the first stroke.

As the mage crafts his masterpiece Mika shares with the others intelligence gathered concerning the forces of the Phoenix Empire, particularly their demon minions. While many demons are fairly easy to identify, their variety and likewise kaleidoscope powers may prove difficult to plan and counter. Prior to finding Famine itself Mika explains the group may have to contend with guerrilla tactics as well, as it is known that the Empire has shapeshifters and Succubi/Incubi amongst their ranks.

Sophes shakes his head, both in wonder at the painting and at Mika's words.

"If only we had the manpower and time to clean up this empire. I have a feeling the rest of the world would somehow improve by the loss of such a nation."

Sophes will pay close attention to the direction the party wants to go come morning.

Vrryl hums softly while he paints, his brush dipping and swiping colour across canvas. Where once was blank, becomes an emerging window into another world. He listens as his comrades discuss demons and directions, adding his own knowledge to the pool as necessary.

"Should we camp our force in these relative safe parts, while we conduct deeper reconnaissance?" he submits to the group, while his sky receives smearing of cerulean.

Sophes nods to Vrryl, "I think that is a good idea. This is a defensible location, and until we find Famine we are just doing recce's anyway. With our flight we can cover large areas each day."

"It would certainly keep the group mostly out of harms way. Not to mention it would give everyone some time to rest and prepare better. Staying at a good defensible position with food and water beats trudging through the wilderness towards the Phoenix Empire looking for an elusive target. The recon teams could then conduct extended searches, looking for the landmarks," Mika nods in agreement. "We could alternate the teams as well, if necessary, to keep everyone in top form."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Mon 24 Apr 2017.

The dragon bites his lower lip, leaning into his canvas for some final flicks of detail. Satisfied with his latest attacks, he leans back and takes stride of his work. A smile and approving nod. "Not my best piece, but certainly improving."

Vrryl stands, and begins to tidy his supplies. "Mika, Sophes, Jess and myself can form one team. We'll provide deep reconnaissance, while three other teams provide shallow to mid-range searching... two teams up, and one on QRF while resting at camp. I'll ask some volunteers to assist integrating with the local villages, to share supplies and trade services. May as well make friends while we're here."

Sophes nods in agreement with Vrryl.

"I heartily agree. We 4 are the best for any deep recce anyway. I think that wraps it up and we can start out in the morning."

Mika agrees and heads back to her tent for some meditation and rest before tomorrow's recon mission.

Sophes heads to his tent to meditate and rest as well, he will do his utmost to commit the image of the painting to memory before he sleeps.

The group passes the night in their preparations, readying themselves for their 4-person reconnaissance towards the mountainous region in the northeast.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:51, Mon 27 June 2022.

Mika climbs out of her tent as the first rays of light crest the mountains, bisecting the land in front of her in light and shadow. After spending a few moments stretching she straightens her night smock and saunters over to the fire to boil a pot of water to boil, then surveys the camp to see who else stirs and ensure that everything is as it should be; no demonic invaders or undead minions running amok. Not seeing or sensing any disturbances her gaze drifts northwards to the lands they are to scout today, looking for geographic clues that may conform to her clairvoyant vision.

Vrryl had found himself waking at some early morning hour, while winds were low and and the sun yet to show hint of its return. He'd laid on his back, relaxed his breathing and let his astral form slip free. He floated for a time, orienting himself to the astral currents ebbing and swaying, before drifting up and over his tent and above the camp.

The Chiang-Ku could see the evening's sentries, the protection wards, and defensive machinations. He scans the tents, stations and vehicles of various function and form, all arrayed to be organised, efficient and effectively deployed. A small army, prepared and ready for service. His gaze drifts northward, a dark horizon in both literal form and intent. And he sits up here for a time, letting his thoughts drift, and his emerald eyes piercing distant points for the possibility of some insight.

Slowly, dawn's light begins chasing away the shadows, and the mage spots the demi-goddess emerge from her own canvased domocile. Vrryl slips through the tent roof and returns to his body, which rises, dresses, before making its way through the entrance and across to the fire and Mika.

"I see you're preparing water for my tea. Wonderful." he quips.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:21, Sun 26 June 2022.

"Indeed. Would be a shame to not to enjoy a cup tea on so fine a morning, especially given the day ahead. Speaking of which any thoughts on our flight plan? Head northeast or northwest and circle around, with any luck this lake we're looking for will be of notable size. Signs of Famine's influence and presence may be less so." the elf answers as she squats down in front of the fire, wrapping her arms around her knees to await the whistle of boiling water.

Vrryl squats down across from his companion, watching the ember of the fire slowly bringing the cooking pot to boil.

"At this stage, one direction is as like the other. Shall we toss a coin?"

"Probably simpler than reading the tea leaves. Only time will tell if fate is a cruel or kind mistress." Mika smiles as the kettle begins to a emit a gentle high pitch which builds with ferocity with each passing moment. "Ah, ready," she reaches in without a mitt to grab the metal handle which, no doubt, is extremely hot. Oblivious to the heat she gestures to Vrryl, as if asking for his cup.

Yuu pulls a cup from his cloak and extends it out to the offered kettle.

"Don't discount tea leaf reading... I heard it made people a lot of money back in the day." He pauses. "Tea merchants, for one."

The elf tips the kettle forward, allowing a steady stream of hot water to pour into the cup. "What are you thinking for recce missions? I believe we could manage at least two flights per day."

Upon hearing the noise of Vrryl and Mika speaking Sophes leaves his own tent and approaches.

"This fine morning finds both of you up early. If I am not mistaken you are discussing recce plans? I would say we could do at least two 3 hour flights. That shouldn't tax us over much and allow us to still fight if need be."

“Certainly not, and I dare say we could probably double that if we wanted… but that may stretch our magical endurance especially if we were to encounter some hostiles.” Mika agrees then adds with a sly smile, “Though with a little luck those hostiles could provide a nice meal of delectable energies.”

Sophes shakes his head, "I do not know if I will ever completely understand your need for that nourishment. I just hope we can find Famine soon."

Yuu sips on his tea, nodding good morning to the Atlantean.

"We'll need to extend ourselves significantly further than three hours... twelve hour shifts out. We can fly in three hour legs, one hour break. Rest through the night, and return to main camp along a different path the next day. Like a flower pedal, we'll fly large loops seeking our target, or his evidence."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Tue 19 July 2022.

"If we push our speed to over 100Kph, we should be able to cover a great distance in a day, and and that speed hopefully avoid getting engaged in any unseemly combat. Mayhap if we can detect a leyline or similar magical confluence it will not only lead us in the right direction but further conserve our energies. Given our quarry it would not do to be caught wanting for vigor," Mika adds. "Furthermore, lakes will be visible from quite a distance if we can fly at altitude, which should assist in focusing our search.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Tue 26 July 2022.

Sophe nods while sipping tea. "As we know should we run into trouble our toughened bodies will keep us alive even from a fall of great height. High altitude recce is a good idea."

Vrryl snickers - Sophes is all familiar with falling from great heights.

"We're looking for geography similar to picture, so we're agreed that we can take the very high ground. We can spread out, myself and Sophes takes the wings, Mika can take centre and navigation... say, one kilometer range?"

"And if we can find a ley line to follow, that would be beneficial, but let's not deviate too much, as it may throw off our search pattern over the coming days."

"I detect a ley line off to the east a ways. Cannot determine which way it goes but with any luck it could cut down our travel time significantly, perhaps worth a look?" Mika puts forth and follows-up with a sip of her own tea.

Sophes nods, "A ley line would be very beneficial to us. We also have to remember it will have the same bonus for those that oppose us. We should proceed along it with some caution."

"If it is not too far out of the way, once we get to the ley line, I should be able to get a sense of where it goes what it along it to at least get a sense if it'll lead us in the right direction or not." Mika adds. "Best to be ready for the worst though... as usual."

Vrryl sips tea and nods his agreement. "Let's investigate this ley line, and decide a search pattern from what we learn. And, dark as it may be, I'd also suggest keeping the details to our plan for us alone. If there is an infiltrator among our group, I'm not keen on setting us up for our own ambush."

Sophes sets down his tea cup and stands, dusting himself off a bit. "I wholeheartedly agree. I will see to any gear I might need and will meet you both at the edge of camp."

Sophes then walks off in the direction of his tent to get his gear and meet at the designated spot.

Mika sets the kettle down beside the fire, ensures the fire is safe, and returns to her tent. She spends a few minutes preparing a light pack and her usual assortment of weapons and armor, then several more minutes on a goodbye with Daniel. Finally donning her armor, techno-wizardry gadgets, weapons and pack she emerges forth again to join her companions on the flight east to find the ley line.

The Chiang-ku watches his companions return to their tents. He finishes his tea, rinses the cup, and walks back to his own tent to prepare. Preparations are simple, and routine, and it isn't long before he's back under daylight sun at the arranged meeting point.

Mika looks over her equipment once more, ensuring her weapons and pack are firmly secured. Satisfied she nimbly weaves an intricate pattern of sigils with one hand and whispers a string of arcane syllables, after which a pair of ethereal wings spring forth from her back. "No time like the present, are we ready?"

Vrryl lifts into the air beside the demi-goddess and awaits the final companion.

Sophes activates his tattoo and lifts into the air ensuring he moves to his designated position, and gives the thumbs up.

The trio quickly climbs to their chosen altitude of about 750 feet and starts heading east northeast.  From that height they can see a large concentration of communities in their area than they've seen anywhere they have been so far in Africa.  As they travel, the land greens and the forest grows thicker, though communities are still present, perhaps due to the presence of ample waterways and greenery.

After a half hour or so, they have to climb further in elevation as they encounter foothills of a small mountain range to the east.  Approaching their target, those capable sense the ley line roughly following a the mountain range.

"We're getting close. It feels like the ley line runs along the mountain range." Mika shouts over the rush of wind hurtling by. "Shall we drop to a lower altitude for a lower profile or do you want to stay higher?"

"I'd suggest we stay high... even move to two-thousand feet... to maintain speed and wider visibility."

Mika nods, "It certainly would be nice bit cooler." She leaps upwards with three strong beats of her ethereal wings, seeking to gain the altitude and vantage point Vrryl suggested.

Sophes follows suit. Letting the magic of the tattoo propel him higher.

Vrryl matches altitude and continues to scan the ground and horizon for the lake or other oddities.

As the group attains altitude high above the mountain range along the old northern Ugandan Kenyan border, they see the glow of the ley line following the range in the distance below.  From that height, Mika further senses another ley line to the east-northeast, to which direction the group sees a long mountain range through a distant mist.

"There's a second ley line. I should be able to discern their details by going down to the one below. Should only take a minute but keep an eye out, will you?" Mika communicates telepathically to Vrryl and Sophes.

"My eyes are better served within their sockets, but I shall watch for complications to our progress." the dragon quips playfully.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:24, Wed 14 Sept 2022.

Sophes grins and looks over at Mika while giving her a salute. He then flies into position to aid with watching for enemies.

As way of acknowledgement the elf dives down to the ethereal blue-white corridor below to attune her sense to the energies within.

On contact with the ley line, Mika instantly knows that it runs northwest/southeast, apparently roughly following the small range, that it extends about another 50 miles northwest and a couple hundred miles southeast.  She senses no nexuses, no open Rifts, and no natural disasters along its length.

Mika flies back up to altitude, rejoining her companions and telepathically relaying the ley line information, "This is not headed exactly in the right direction, but will take us further north at speed. I sense another one further east, distinct from the one below us if we want to try our luck."

Sophes will mentally send back 'I think it is worth exploring the other line. Better to have more information than less.'

The dragon is in agreement and returns to his position in flight for the shift eastward.

The party starts flying northeast once more at a rapid speed.  The small range they were above retreats behind them as they fly over some more lowlands rich with vegetation and more occasional settlements.

Despite this, they can not ignore the larger mountainous area to the northeast that they are heading towards.  The elevation of which easily dwarfs their current altitude.  The ley line soon becomes visible as one parallel to the previous one and overshadowing a longer than wide body of water while approaching the headlands from the south.

"Might as well get a top up before continuing on. Shall we?" Mika asks as she begins to descend towards the lake and ley line below.

Vrryl scans the horizon looking for signs of movement or unnatural presence, before dropping the two thousand feet to ground level and the glowing eddies of the ley line.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:56, Sat 08 Oct 2022.

Sophes looks back the way they came to ensure safety and swoops after Vrryl and Mika. He steadies himself about 100 ft higher in elevation than they so he can keep an eye on things easier.

The group quickly dips into the mystical energy of the ley line from the air.  Looking up and to the northeast, they see mountainous regions thousands of feet high stretching out hundreds of miles to the northwest and southeast in front of them.

Mika spends a moment absorbing the ethereal energies of the ley line before re-casting her winged flight spell, "Looks like those mountains will be quite the obstacle. Shall we look for some sort of pass through or continue along the foothills?"

The long lake the group was over appears to continue as a river valley cutting northward into the mountains.
To the east/southeast along the edge of the range, the group can see what might look like other north-aligned valleys heading into the mountains.
To the northwest, along the edge of the range, they just see mountains heading into the distance.

In general, the richer savannahs around the mountains appear to change with elevation into more shrubby/treed flora, but still arid, plant-life.

"The valley will come with more beautiful scenery." the dragon remarks, as he baths in the psychic energies. "We'll need extra care... river valleys also yield the highest chances of villages and prying eyes."

Sophes looks at all the varying valleys while absorbing the mystic energies. "If we are unsuccessful with the first branch we can always come back and follow a differing valley as well."

Sophes reuses his flight tattoo as well to ensure he has the time needed for the planned route.

The elf demigoddess re-energizes her magical wings. "As they say, who dares wins..." she remarks as she banks quickly and flaps her wings to bring her to speed towards the mountain river valley.

"Or fills graves." Vrryl retorts jocosely, observing his flanking position in flight.

Sophes shakes his head while smiling, "Well we aren't ever bored at least."

He then swoops to his position on the flank keeping an eye behind them as they enter the valley.

After some minutes spent bathing in the energies of the lake-following ley line, the trio continues north up the river valley.

After about half an hour following the river valley and flying over lightly forested terrain, they see the mountainous highlands rise up around them.  At first, their altitude has them higher than the encroaching ridges, but very quickly the ridges on either side of the 50km wide valley rise up higher than their flight, creating an impressive and beautiful view of the natural forests and woodlands in the river valley below.

"How majestic," Mika states absently, taking in the grand view while flying in place. "The river valley should prove an adequate approach but we may need to find a suitable up to the highlands... depending on what we find beyond."

"Great place for a little cabin."

"Well we have a place to settle now when all this is over," Mika quips. She then flies up the valley, deciding to take the left flank relative to the winding river in the valley center. She keeps a comfortable altitude of approximately 1000ft above the valley floor, and scans the mountainous walls to her left and the forest below. In addition to the usual threats the elf sorceress looks diligently for an easy path for land units to traverse.

Sophes grins at the comment and changes course to match Mika. He pulls into a position over the center of the river in relation to Mika and Vrryl ensuring he is checking behind them from time to time to avoid nasty surprises.

The 50 kilometer wide valley is huge.  While flying through, various animals can be seen, both on the ground moving amongst the scrub and trees, and in the air with flying animals visible both near and afar, with many flying around the tops of the ridgelines.

"Beautiful vistas, game as far as the eye can see, and the imagined cabin in the woods... I'm feeling nostalgic for a life I've never even lived." quips the dragon.

As the group passes through the valley from overhead, they don't see noticeable sign of settlement or humanoids.  From their height, large wildlife, both mundane and some strange appear to be present within the valley.  Hawks and eagles fly through the air soaring and looking for a meal with many flying amongst the mountains and peaks.

After passing 100km north in the valley center, the valley turns to the northeast abruptly.  Mountain highlands lie to the north and the valley continues as a much narrower form cutting through the mountains to the northeast.

Vrryl presses along to the northeast, careful to keep up his eye for danger and opportunities for banter.

Sophes follows suit and veers to the northeast. He activates his supernatural vision tattoo to more closely monitor the more monstrous of beasts noticed below.