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.