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<blockquote data-quote="Cafu" data-source="post: 6631117" data-attributes="member: 6692807"><p>The cleric nodded and without further discussion cast it on all of us. Wordlessly we went outside of the Lyceum, turned into mist and sped into the sky. </p><p></p><p>The journey took several hours even at the extraordinary speed endowed on us by the magic. It was impossible to speak to each other but finally, Longhelim began to slow a little and we took that as a sign that we should be getting close to the flying leviathan. We began to rise to cloud level and search the darkening sky. </p><p></p><p>After some time, we saw Victor’s form suddenly change direction and arrow towards a point in the distance at some speed. Soon, we were all able to ascertain where he was going. The first thing I was able to see was a series of flashes. Thank the Gods that it was getting dark otherwise it would have been unlikely that we would have seen them. As it was, they were far more visible in the dusky sky. As we flew closer, we were able to see that origin of the flashes and finally, there was a darker spot in the distance, although, again, in the dark, it was almost invisible in the far distance.</p><p></p><p>We slowed and approached more cautiously, rising into the clouds melding into them, making sure that there were no unpleasant defences waiting for us. Thankfully, this was not the case and we were able to approach closely enough to ascertain some further details. </p><p></p><p>The most immediate feature was the size of the ship. It was enormous. I must confess that initially, I found it difficult to believe that any vessel could carry an army of ten thousand but looking at this construction, I was forced to admit that it was doing so with ease. It was also some sort of biomancy experiment or creation. The creature or construct resembled an enormous marine creature, some sort of gigantic fish but with distinctly dragon like features. It looked to have a large tail that had been curled like a scorpion to form a covered upper deck. Below this upper deck, towards the front, was a lower deck, formed of the back of the construct; it was difficult to tell from this distance, but there seemed to be movement on it and I assumed that that was the location of the army. </p><p></p><p>There were also small dots flying around the ship; again, I couldn’t tell exactly what they were but as we suspected, Pilus had certainly taken precautions against an aerial assault. Finally, there was one more spectacular effect discernible at this distance: the ship looked as if it was riding a storm. Those were the flashes we had seen. Indeed, lightning was blasting under it together with swirling wind and rain and even flurries of snow. Yes, it really looked as if the ship was riding the mother of all storms!</p><p></p><p>Still cautiously, Longhelim flew a little closer, again circling above the ship, well away from the storm. As we neared, more detail became visible. The ship itself was full of various holes and strange apertures of different shapes; the outside was certainly not smooth. The upper deck on the stern of the ship was not open to the elements and it was impossible to see what was inside; and there were peculiar platforms overhanging the edge, some of which had siege engines installed. More curiously, there were appendages of various lengths and thicknesses protruding from the sides; putting them to scale, the largest looked like tree trunks while the thinnest seemed like very long willow branches. Whatever these were, they would make any conventional boarding of the ship extremely difficult. </p><p></p><p>We were also able to discern the creatures on the deck with more ease now and it became immediately obvious that there was a group of giants down there; I couldn’t quite make out what type but definitely giants. </p><p></p><p>Longhelim seemed to hesitate and then flew even closer, again circling from above. Even more detail became apparent; first of all the deck was made of some sort of interlocking plates; the army on it was well organized; some of them were drilling and exercising while others were resting; although mostly humanoid, there were definitely non-human elements in it; giants and maybe also ogres although it was difficult to tell from this distance. Also devils; a fair amount of them as these things can be judged; certainly more than a dozen; it was difficult to tell what type but their presence alone was a very unpleasant surprise. The flying creatures were hippogriffs, each with a human rider. The flying horses with eagle’s heads and claws were supposed to be very difficult to catch and train but the Ostaliners seemed to have several wings of them. </p><p></p><p>We also saw that there were two strange protrusions on the deck, almost like small hillocks with a crater in the centre that seemed to lead into the depths of the ship. These were surrounded by camping areas of resting troops so it would be almost impossible to try to sneak into the craters. Another small flash caught my eye and as I paid more attention, I saw a bolt of electricity flash between two of the thinnest limbs jutting out of the ship’s side. Suddenly the function of the strange antennae surrounding the ship was explained. </p><p></p><p>We could see some of the army officers but no one in overall charge and I assumed that they must be either inside the ship or on the private upper deck. We continued to watch and to try to get further insights but that was certainly all I could see for the time being. </p><p></p><p>A little time later, Longhelim turned around and we all followed him. The hippogriffs had not spotted us and so, we sped back to the Lyceum. There was a great deal to think about on the way back. </p><p></p><p>It was very late by the time we returned to the Lyceum; despite this, Gohnaach and his staff were waiting for us. As soon as we arrived, they brought a meal and refreshments which we accepted with gratitude. Once those finished everyone sat down and Longhelim spoke: </p><p></p><p>“That was very useful; I have my thoughts but Victor, please begin your assessment as a soldier. I felt that army was very impressive and I would ask you to share your thoughts.”</p><p></p><p>Victor closed his eyes and then looked into the distance, as if he was remembering all that he saw and then recited: </p><p></p><p>“The Khagan has managed to collect an impressive military force. I saw a group of giants; these could be used to throw rocks and other large missiles, thus very capable to disrupting formations. They would also be used as shock troops, to make breaches into fortified positions or military groups. There were several groups or squadrons of hippogriffs, giving the army an aerial threat as well as observation capabilities not usually available to commanders. One must assume that they also have a method to communicate over distance. </p><p></p><p>There were dismantled and assembled artillery pieces; amongst all of these, I saw at least two dozen devils of various types; I am not sure if we approached closely enough for Faden to discern just how powerful these were but we do know that they can transport themselves magically around the battlefield which makes it very difficult to defend our commanders or strategic points. They become highly mobile, powerful individuals, specifically able to target trouble spots or assault our vulnerabilities. </p><p></p><p>Among the human combatants, I saw a group of both priests and mages, indicating a strong core of magical support of the army. </p><p></p><p>Finally, one must assume that there would be more powerful individuals among the above groups who would act as officers for their specific contingents. These may be in more private quarters as is common with officers. </p><p></p><p>It is also a very substantial army; I am not sure if it is the size we had calculated but it must be close.</p><p></p><p>In short, from what I have been able to observe, if we bring our army into conflict with those on the ship, they will barely be an exercise for them.”</p><p></p><p>Longhelim nodded as he puffed his pipe. Gohnaach looked very concerned and I was still thinking hard. Then the paladin puffed out some smoke and asked: </p><p></p><p>“John?”</p><p></p><p>The rogue pondered and then replied: </p><p></p><p>“Victor has given a very good description of the army; I cannot add little to that. I can try to speculate and make informed guesses about the ship. I saw that it had platforms strapped or made on the side of the deck. These looked as if they were large enough to support a squad of individuals who could strike at enemy below or attackers attempting to board the ship. These would be ideal platforms for spell casters. The ship also had bone spurs or arms around its edges which could reach onto the deck and either strike or even grab and fling individuals over the edge. </p><p></p><p>I also saw a much thinner groups of arms which produced electricity, again no doubt designed as defences against an attack on the deck. </p><p></p><p>The most interesting thing I saw though, were a pair of small hills on the deck which had craters which led into the interior of the ship; I couldn’t see far inside them but I think they are a way in.”</p><p></p><p>The paladin then turned to me: </p><p></p><p>“Faden? Anything to add?”</p><p></p><p>I tugged my beard gently, thinking: </p><p></p><p>“Not a lot. John saw far more than I did. I agree with what both he and Victor have said so far. I wasn’t able to make out just what type of devils were on deck although in many ways it doesn’t really matter. Individually they are far more powerful than any soldiers we have and since we are outnumbered anyway, this will be just a soul harvest for them if we decide to attack with our army.”</p><p></p><p>Victor spoke up at this point: </p><p></p><p>“What about Pilus? What can anyone remember about him?”</p><p></p><p>I thought back: </p><p></p><p>“Well, we did meet him; when we were at the Monastery of the Two Winds. He looked human, insofar as that means anything for a powerful wizard. If he had anything to do with building this ship, then who knows what he has become.”</p><p></p><p>Longhelim was silent for a time as were we all. I was trying to remember anything else that could be significant. Then Longhelim spoke again: </p><p></p><p>“So, I think everything has been said about our scouting trip, unless you have anything to add Drudge? No? In that case, what are our thoughts as to how to deal with this?”</p><p></p><p>I spoke slowly: </p><p></p><p>“I believe that now we have seen what we would be facing, John’s initial idea of evacuating the city with the Torch is even more valid. There is no way our army would be able to stand against their assault and if we moved our army onto their deck they would not only have to suffer the assault of the creatures but also of the deck defences. Victor summed it up when he said that it would be an exercise for them at best. However, if they cannot find a population in the city, they may destroy the city, but so what? At least the people are safe; less souls for the devils to harvest that way as well.”</p><p></p><p>Longhelim nodded: </p><p></p><p>“That strategy has merit; but ultimately, it is only a delaying tactic.”</p><p></p><p>I retorted: </p><p></p><p>“Yes, but it can be a very long delaying tactic; we can do it more than once and the one weakness I see on that ship is that it is very slow; at some point or other, logistics must come into play with that army. I am not sure just what magic if any is being used to keep it supplied but I am fairly certain that the Khagan is unlikely to have factored multiple uses of the Torch to transport his conquests away from his army. I don’t think Pilus thought about it either.”</p><p></p><p>John suddenly stiffened and then shouted in glee; everyone looked at him; he spoke slowly as if he was formulating an idea in his head as he spoke: </p><p></p><p>“What if…..what if, instead of moving our people away from ship, we…..Longhelim, sorry, could you please explain how the power of the Torch works again?”</p><p></p><p>The paladin replied, stone faced: </p><p></p><p>“I have to make a sacrifice. Then, moments after that, I and anyone I can see for a mile comes with me to a location of my choosing. It is as simple as that.”</p><p></p><p>John was nodding: </p><p></p><p>“Yes, that’s what I thought. You have only to see them, don’t you? So, what if you go invisible, fly above the ship with some sort of sacrifice and then just move their army? Preferably somewhere really far away?”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Cafu, post: 6631117, member: 6692807"] The cleric nodded and without further discussion cast it on all of us. Wordlessly we went outside of the Lyceum, turned into mist and sped into the sky. The journey took several hours even at the extraordinary speed endowed on us by the magic. It was impossible to speak to each other but finally, Longhelim began to slow a little and we took that as a sign that we should be getting close to the flying leviathan. We began to rise to cloud level and search the darkening sky. After some time, we saw Victor’s form suddenly change direction and arrow towards a point in the distance at some speed. Soon, we were all able to ascertain where he was going. The first thing I was able to see was a series of flashes. Thank the Gods that it was getting dark otherwise it would have been unlikely that we would have seen them. As it was, they were far more visible in the dusky sky. As we flew closer, we were able to see that origin of the flashes and finally, there was a darker spot in the distance, although, again, in the dark, it was almost invisible in the far distance. We slowed and approached more cautiously, rising into the clouds melding into them, making sure that there were no unpleasant defences waiting for us. Thankfully, this was not the case and we were able to approach closely enough to ascertain some further details. The most immediate feature was the size of the ship. It was enormous. I must confess that initially, I found it difficult to believe that any vessel could carry an army of ten thousand but looking at this construction, I was forced to admit that it was doing so with ease. It was also some sort of biomancy experiment or creation. The creature or construct resembled an enormous marine creature, some sort of gigantic fish but with distinctly dragon like features. It looked to have a large tail that had been curled like a scorpion to form a covered upper deck. Below this upper deck, towards the front, was a lower deck, formed of the back of the construct; it was difficult to tell from this distance, but there seemed to be movement on it and I assumed that that was the location of the army. There were also small dots flying around the ship; again, I couldn’t tell exactly what they were but as we suspected, Pilus had certainly taken precautions against an aerial assault. Finally, there was one more spectacular effect discernible at this distance: the ship looked as if it was riding a storm. Those were the flashes we had seen. Indeed, lightning was blasting under it together with swirling wind and rain and even flurries of snow. Yes, it really looked as if the ship was riding the mother of all storms! Still cautiously, Longhelim flew a little closer, again circling above the ship, well away from the storm. As we neared, more detail became visible. The ship itself was full of various holes and strange apertures of different shapes; the outside was certainly not smooth. The upper deck on the stern of the ship was not open to the elements and it was impossible to see what was inside; and there were peculiar platforms overhanging the edge, some of which had siege engines installed. More curiously, there were appendages of various lengths and thicknesses protruding from the sides; putting them to scale, the largest looked like tree trunks while the thinnest seemed like very long willow branches. Whatever these were, they would make any conventional boarding of the ship extremely difficult. We were also able to discern the creatures on the deck with more ease now and it became immediately obvious that there was a group of giants down there; I couldn’t quite make out what type but definitely giants. Longhelim seemed to hesitate and then flew even closer, again circling from above. Even more detail became apparent; first of all the deck was made of some sort of interlocking plates; the army on it was well organized; some of them were drilling and exercising while others were resting; although mostly humanoid, there were definitely non-human elements in it; giants and maybe also ogres although it was difficult to tell from this distance. Also devils; a fair amount of them as these things can be judged; certainly more than a dozen; it was difficult to tell what type but their presence alone was a very unpleasant surprise. The flying creatures were hippogriffs, each with a human rider. The flying horses with eagle’s heads and claws were supposed to be very difficult to catch and train but the Ostaliners seemed to have several wings of them. We also saw that there were two strange protrusions on the deck, almost like small hillocks with a crater in the centre that seemed to lead into the depths of the ship. These were surrounded by camping areas of resting troops so it would be almost impossible to try to sneak into the craters. Another small flash caught my eye and as I paid more attention, I saw a bolt of electricity flash between two of the thinnest limbs jutting out of the ship’s side. Suddenly the function of the strange antennae surrounding the ship was explained. We could see some of the army officers but no one in overall charge and I assumed that they must be either inside the ship or on the private upper deck. We continued to watch and to try to get further insights but that was certainly all I could see for the time being. A little time later, Longhelim turned around and we all followed him. The hippogriffs had not spotted us and so, we sped back to the Lyceum. There was a great deal to think about on the way back. It was very late by the time we returned to the Lyceum; despite this, Gohnaach and his staff were waiting for us. As soon as we arrived, they brought a meal and refreshments which we accepted with gratitude. Once those finished everyone sat down and Longhelim spoke: “That was very useful; I have my thoughts but Victor, please begin your assessment as a soldier. I felt that army was very impressive and I would ask you to share your thoughts.” Victor closed his eyes and then looked into the distance, as if he was remembering all that he saw and then recited: “The Khagan has managed to collect an impressive military force. I saw a group of giants; these could be used to throw rocks and other large missiles, thus very capable to disrupting formations. They would also be used as shock troops, to make breaches into fortified positions or military groups. There were several groups or squadrons of hippogriffs, giving the army an aerial threat as well as observation capabilities not usually available to commanders. One must assume that they also have a method to communicate over distance. There were dismantled and assembled artillery pieces; amongst all of these, I saw at least two dozen devils of various types; I am not sure if we approached closely enough for Faden to discern just how powerful these were but we do know that they can transport themselves magically around the battlefield which makes it very difficult to defend our commanders or strategic points. They become highly mobile, powerful individuals, specifically able to target trouble spots or assault our vulnerabilities. Among the human combatants, I saw a group of both priests and mages, indicating a strong core of magical support of the army. Finally, one must assume that there would be more powerful individuals among the above groups who would act as officers for their specific contingents. These may be in more private quarters as is common with officers. It is also a very substantial army; I am not sure if it is the size we had calculated but it must be close. In short, from what I have been able to observe, if we bring our army into conflict with those on the ship, they will barely be an exercise for them.” Longhelim nodded as he puffed his pipe. Gohnaach looked very concerned and I was still thinking hard. Then the paladin puffed out some smoke and asked: “John?” The rogue pondered and then replied: “Victor has given a very good description of the army; I cannot add little to that. I can try to speculate and make informed guesses about the ship. I saw that it had platforms strapped or made on the side of the deck. These looked as if they were large enough to support a squad of individuals who could strike at enemy below or attackers attempting to board the ship. These would be ideal platforms for spell casters. The ship also had bone spurs or arms around its edges which could reach onto the deck and either strike or even grab and fling individuals over the edge. I also saw a much thinner groups of arms which produced electricity, again no doubt designed as defences against an attack on the deck. The most interesting thing I saw though, were a pair of small hills on the deck which had craters which led into the interior of the ship; I couldn’t see far inside them but I think they are a way in.” The paladin then turned to me: “Faden? Anything to add?” I tugged my beard gently, thinking: “Not a lot. John saw far more than I did. I agree with what both he and Victor have said so far. I wasn’t able to make out just what type of devils were on deck although in many ways it doesn’t really matter. Individually they are far more powerful than any soldiers we have and since we are outnumbered anyway, this will be just a soul harvest for them if we decide to attack with our army.” Victor spoke up at this point: “What about Pilus? What can anyone remember about him?” I thought back: “Well, we did meet him; when we were at the Monastery of the Two Winds. He looked human, insofar as that means anything for a powerful wizard. If he had anything to do with building this ship, then who knows what he has become.” Longhelim was silent for a time as were we all. I was trying to remember anything else that could be significant. Then Longhelim spoke again: “So, I think everything has been said about our scouting trip, unless you have anything to add Drudge? No? In that case, what are our thoughts as to how to deal with this?” I spoke slowly: “I believe that now we have seen what we would be facing, John’s initial idea of evacuating the city with the Torch is even more valid. There is no way our army would be able to stand against their assault and if we moved our army onto their deck they would not only have to suffer the assault of the creatures but also of the deck defences. Victor summed it up when he said that it would be an exercise for them at best. However, if they cannot find a population in the city, they may destroy the city, but so what? At least the people are safe; less souls for the devils to harvest that way as well.” Longhelim nodded: “That strategy has merit; but ultimately, it is only a delaying tactic.” I retorted: “Yes, but it can be a very long delaying tactic; we can do it more than once and the one weakness I see on that ship is that it is very slow; at some point or other, logistics must come into play with that army. I am not sure just what magic if any is being used to keep it supplied but I am fairly certain that the Khagan is unlikely to have factored multiple uses of the Torch to transport his conquests away from his army. I don’t think Pilus thought about it either.” John suddenly stiffened and then shouted in glee; everyone looked at him; he spoke slowly as if he was formulating an idea in his head as he spoke: “What if…..what if, instead of moving our people away from ship, we…..Longhelim, sorry, could you please explain how the power of the Torch works again?” The paladin replied, stone faced: “I have to make a sacrifice. Then, moments after that, I and anyone I can see for a mile comes with me to a location of my choosing. It is as simple as that.” John was nodding: “Yes, that’s what I thought. You have only to see them, don’t you? So, what if you go invisible, fly above the ship with some sort of sacrifice and then just move their army? Preferably somewhere really far away?” [/QUOTE]
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