As the first ship with lift magi is getting going as I'm writing this, I guess
it is time to finally let the cat out of the bag

Yes, lift magi lift the ship up into the air, so that it can travel over land.

The main reason I am posting though it to explain a little bit about <how>.
Different terrain types have 'heights' assigned to them. Each lift mage on
your crew generates a certain amount of lift based on a couple of factors, but
mostly based on his rank. If your ship generates more lift than the terrain's
height rating, you can fly over it.

If you do not generate enough lift, then you can't fly over it. Well, except
for swamp terrain, which has a couple of special rules.

Beware that damage to your ship (which you accumulate some of simply by
travelling) can cause you to lose lift. If you drop below the minimum lift
required for a terrain type, you'll crash the ship.

I'm still working on some various pieces of code related to flight. For
example, for a nominal cost you will be able to buy landing gear from a shop,
which will allow you to land the ship. Finally, note that in the water,
sailors are your primary speed contributors, while in the sky, speed magi are.

Assorted tidbits left out on purpose or due to forgetfulness, you can figure
them out
Melemkor