Chuluun gives the question about the Church a long thought before responding, "I am afraid I know very little about the Church of Light other than the 'suppose' good deeds.", with emphasis on suppose. "What I know for sure is that the Church of Light has a simple hierarchy, the Guardian and Seer at the top, followed by archbishops, then bishops and finally priests. Also know the leaders has an elite guard force of ten that is known as the Legion."
The aforementioned Legion are masters of every weapon and armor type, and can often cast spells as well. They are easily identified by their unique armor.
Their standard soldiers are also easily distinguishable. They wear the symbol of the church on their chest plate.
"The Legion and regular ground pounders aren't the ones we need to worry about. The Legion there aren't many of and they're tasked with protecting the big-shots. They aren't going to be worrying about us unless a Bishop or a Cardinal is around. The soldiers there's a lot of, and they're dedicated, but they don't individually pose much of a threat. It's the Juggernauts and the Hunters that will be the problems. If we make too big of a ruckus, that's who they'll send. Then we're in real trouble."
The leaders of Animus listen as the group speaks of the information, they know of the Church. After Caine tells of the two secret orders of knights Ena than speaks "He is very right. We have had reports of those two orders before though very rarely. On one occasion a knight of the order of the Juggernaut attacked several of our clockwork soldiers. We do not know if our soldiers had gotten in the Knights way or if he simply wished to test himself against our soldiers. Only one of our soldiers, had its memory unit still functioning. According to it, the fight lasted less than six seconds." She stops than to think for a moment before going on "Be careful of them."Looking at each of you carefully as she say this she than begins to speak again "We will have our discussion, about the Church tomorrow, after you all have rested and we can ready our war room. Until than why do you all get to know each other?" She than claps her hand, which causes a clockwork solider to step forward "It will take you to one of our studies so you can all speak with each other." The clockwork solider starts to move, each of you follow until you reach a massive room lined with books that has a large table in the middle and seats all over.
Fafhrd stepped in behind the clockwork soldier and started to examine it.
"I wonder how tough this thing is," he said as much to himself as to the others.
It was unfortunate he had not had more to share with everyone on his knowledge of the church, but what he knew had already been stated by the time he had been about to speak up.
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"We have more to worry about than the militaristic side of the Church. There are 100 archbishops, 1000 bishops, and even more simple priests. Their agents could be anywhere and everywhere. This will be a war of information, as well as might." Asriel moves to stand by Fafhrd, inspecting the clockwork soldier. "I would be delighted to share my knowledge on the matter with you."
The clockwork solider in front of you is built to be very sturdy. Its hands seem to have a locking mechanism to allow it to hold on to things very well. Its armor seem to grant it a great amount of defense against attacks. You can not find any weakness to its design.
Chuluun gives a bow to the rulers of Animus before departing the room following the group and the clockwork soldier to the war room. He immediately walked over to the books looking at the shelves of books, reading their titles, keeping to himself. He was really not interested in making small talk with the rest of the group. He was with the group only to help them with the quest.
Well, we might as well get acquainted. I am Viktor Stasiuk, and I've been living a nomadic lifestyle for most of my life. The only real constants in my world so far have been travel, magic, and battle, be it with humanoids or creatures.
Caine says nothing. He simply nods to the archmage and walks out at the back of the group.
"I would greatly appreciate any knowledge you may have. While I uphold strength, I respect intellect," Fafhrd responded to Asriel as he continued to study the construct.
Then, after Viktor introduced himself, Fafhrd turned his head and announced himself in a slightly loud tone. "I am Fafhrd Dragonbane of Virtus. I know strength and the ways of Alchemy. I move the unmovable."
He turns his head briefly when he hears the others introducing themselves, speaks calmly, "Well I am known as Chuluun. If you have not figured it out already, I am a druid of Lady Liluri, travelling the world working on Lady Liluri restoration projects.".
Asriel finishes inspecting the clockwork soldier and lifts his head to address the group. "My name is Asriel Collins. I am a renowned scholar, an effective tactician, and an expert alchemist." Asriel turns to Fafhrd. "Perhaps we could share formulae with one another at some point. Incidentally, this is one of the finest examples of clockwork I have ever seen. If you truly move the unmovable, as you say, you would still have difficulty putting a dent in this soldier. To be clear, I don't doubt your abilities, and I am simply attempting to convey just how durable this mechanism is."
Chuluun searches the books for a book on magical rings, to help him identify the rest he was given. Also searches for books about the old deities.
You find a book on rings and a book on the old deities.
The book on rings has no information on this ring.
The book on deities has very very little information. Says the Watcher was one of the oldest and strongest of the old gods. The Watcher is also one of the most secretive.
"Drat!", as he places the books on the shelves.
Walks over to Asriel, "Found nothing about these rings. Only that mr Watcher is the oldest and strongest of the old gods, and he is very secretive too."
As Chuluun walks to a window to look outside, he mutters, "What did I get myself into this time...", as he wonders into deep thought.
Fafhrd glanced over the man named Asriel as he named himself a man of alchemy.
"It might be possible to share my knowledge."
Then, Fafhrd turned his head to stare at the clockwork marvel once more.
"While I do not appreciate your doubts, for that is what they are despite your words, it may be of worth to test their capabilities so that we can get a measure of these Juggernauts."
Finally, as Chuluun approached and spoke of the rings, Fafhrd turned his head to inspect the ring that still rested in his hand.
"it may be of worth to test their capabilities so that we can get a measure of these Juggernauts.[/b]"
"Knock yourself out, champ." the hooded man in the back said from where he was leaning against a book case. "We'll watch, and after you're a smear on the floor the rest of us will have a much better idea of what not to do."
"it may be of worth to test their capabilities so that we can get a measure of these Juggernauts.[/b]""Knock yourself out, champ." the hooded man in the back said from where he was leaning against a book case. "We'll watch, and after you're a smear on the floor the rest of us will have a much better idea of what not to do."
"Without risk, there is little headway. Perhaps I should test your mettle instead of this mechanical beast's. Afterwards, perhaps we could recruit it to take your place as it would surely be of more use than your arrogance."
Fafhrd replied as he shot the man a scowling look.
"None the less, I would find it prudent to ask before I merely attacked one of this nations guardians."
Hearing the others talking about the clockwork soldier, he turns to watch them, thinking, This could be rather interesting, they seem to have big egos.
Perhaps I should test your mettle instead of this mechanical beast's. Afterwards, perhaps we could recruit it to take your place as it would surely be of more use than your arrogance.
"You're the champ, Champ. I'm not the one threatening these nice people's property, so I don't think I'd be the one they'd want to get rid of. Probably better you swing at me than our patron's guards though, so if you just have to have a ball you should probably dance with me." Caine said with a nonchalant shrug.
Viktor watches from the side, amused that such a dispute could already be forming in the newly formed group.
Chuluun scratches his chin speaking softly, "Seeing we are not supposed to start a war. I guess we going to be sneaking about the Church to collect information. Perhaps exterminate a few quietly. Grab a few items that will hamper their plans.".
"Smart. The church is about imagery and iconography. Objects become symbols. Break or steal their relics and we damage the morale of their followers."
"Hmm...I seem to recall myself just saying it would be prudent to ask its owner before merely attacking it. Could it be your hard of hearing along with ill-tempered? Yes, it might be prudent to stay low key, but it does not hurt to have a better understanding of our enemies' capabilities. So I will work to set up a match whether you find it worthwhile or not."
Finding the conversation over, Fafhrd turned his gaze to the books lining the walls. With practiced steps, he would walk the room looking for any titles of interest.
After searching a bit Fafhrd picks out five books. The first is called Religions of our Age, second is Guide to Alchemy, third is Famous Battles and Great Strategies, fourth is Nations of the Drake Sea Region, and lastly is The Known Races.
From time to time, Fafhrd pulled a book from the shelf and added it to the small collection that was forming in his arms.
Once he felt he had found all he would, he took a seat at a table and started flipping through each book in turn. From time to time, he would return to one he had already looked at to make connections.
Religions of Our Age: Main temple of the Church of Light is in Spesi.
Guide To alchemy: There are a few formulas: Ant Haul, Expeditious Retreat and Keen Senses.
Famous Battles and Great Strategies: So far the Church of Light has not been in any major wars. Has for tactics, they use the same as the major nations, since their generals and officer tend to come from those nations.
Nations of the Drake Sea Regions: Speis is the large nation at the center of the Drake Sea. At the center of it is the main hub of the Church of Light.
The Known Races: Avari are everywhere so seen as normal.
Avari: Strong and forceful bit lacking in common sense. Tend to live on plains.
Eruss: Strong and have great sense not very smart. Live in deep wilderness such as forests and jungles.
Fakir: Very smart lacking in sense. Can be found almost anywhere.
Ferrin: Tough and smart not to forceful. Live near mountains or other areas were ore can be found easily.
Liganin: Very wise and fast not very strong. Live in deep wilderness such as forests and jungles.
Asriel approaches Fafhrd, eyeing the books on the table. "May I join you?"
"Be my quest," Fafhrd replied as he waved to a free chair at the table. After which, he would turn and push the 'Guide to Alchemy' book towards Asriel before explaining his action. "This book seems to contain a few formulas."
Ant Haul, Expeditious Retreat and Keen Senses
With all the interest in these books, Viktor decides to take a look as well.
Religions of Our Age: Main temple of the Church of Light is in Spesi.
Guide To alchemy: There are a few formulas: Ant Haul, Expeditious Retreat and Keen Senses.
Famous Battles and Great Strategies: So far the Church of Light has not been in any major wars. As for tactics, they use the same as the major nations, since their generals and officer tend to come from those nations.
Nations of the Drake Sea Regions: Speis is the large nation at the center of the Drake Sea. At the center of it is the main hub of the Church of Light.
The information I gave about Animus was pretty much it.
The Known Races: Avari are everywhere so seen as normal.
Avari: Strong and forceful bit lacking in common sense. Tend to live on plains.
Eruss: Strong and have great sense not very smart. Live in deep wilderness such as forests and jungles.
Fakir: Very smart lacking in sense. Can be found almost anywhere.
Ferrin: Tough and smart not to forceful. Live near mountains or other areas were ore can be found easily.
Liganin: Very wise and fast not very strong. Live in deep wilderness such as forests and jungles.
Well, this has all been interesting, but I think that I'm going to go think about all this. It's a bit much to take in all at once, you know? Do you have anywhere specific to meet in mind tomorrow?
"They mentioned the war room earlier so I'm sure they'll send some one to escort us. I will head to my room soon enough, I merely wish to finish going over these books before I retire. I am not sure I will find another chance to later on."
Chuluun loks about at everyone interested in reading books. Seeing he already looked through some of the books, he decide to head off outside for a while, to relax in a garden.
"If there is any thing that is required of me. You can find me in the garden.", he turned to leave the room.
You all are taken to your rooms where the night goes by peacefully. In the morning once you have readied yourself, a clockwork solider comes to collect you. After a few minute walk you all reach large metallic doors. The when the doors open you see Ena and Peadair looking down at a map on a large table with two people standing next to them. One is a female Fakir with dark hair, dark brown eyes and dark in an odd armored robe and male Eruus with dark grey fur, along with a scar going across his face. The room around them is well lit and has shelves of odd gems all over the room.
Ena looks up as the group walks in and says "Good you are all hear." She points to the fakir woman "This is Gita, the General of our Warmages and her partner Behm." Both nod to the group. Ena than says "Come we are looking over the map of Spesi, it is the most detailed we have." She than motions for them to join them at looking at the map.
Chuluun gives a nod, then moves closer when beckoned. He shifts himself to have the best possible view of the map, studying the map without speaking.
Knowledge (local):
Knowledge (nature):
Perception:
I did local and nature too, just in case. Perception for fine detail.
It's a pleasure, Gita, Behm. Viktor comes closer to look at the map more closely.
Caine looks at the map and shrugs. "I was never included in this phase of any military action. I don't even know what I'm looking at."