Let's Play Lone Wolf: Book 29 and beyond!

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Comstar: Apr 20, 2007; Are you happy now?

achtungnight posted:

Throw the cubes overboard. Paido, your plot armor has expired. I'm sorry, but our Death Aura must be fed.

# ? Feb 17, 2018 04:02

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# ? Apr 25, 2024 13:05

Jackard: Oct 28, 2007; We Have A Bow And We Wish To Use It

C'mon how many times are we supposed to save his sorry rear end?

Chuck the cubes overboard

# ? Feb 17, 2018 04:16

ulmont: Sep 15, 2010; IF I EVER MISS VOTING IN AN ELECTION (EVEN AMERICAN IDOL) ,OR HAVE UNPAID PARKING TICKETS, PLEASE TAKE AWAY MY FRANCHISE

Jackard posted:

C'mon how many times are we supposed to save his sorry rear end?

I have bad news about the Dungeons of Torgar.

# ? Feb 17, 2018 04:23

nelson: Apr 12, 2009; College Slice

This is your graduate exam for being a battle mage Paido, we can't help you. Toss the cubes overboard.

# ? Feb 17, 2018 04:40

Mister Perky: Aug 2, 2010

Have we encountered black crystal cubes before?

Toss them overboard

# ? Feb 17, 2018 05:00

ulmont: Sep 15, 2010; IF I EVER MISS VOTING IN AN ELECTION (EVEN AMERICAN IDOL) ,OR HAVE UNPAID PARKING TICKETS, PLEASE TAKE AWAY MY FRANCHISE

Mister Perky posted:

Have we encountered black crystal cubes before?

Apparently not on our path, but it is possible to encounter them in Shadow on the Sand (Book 5).

# ? Feb 17, 2018 05:25

Tiggum: Oct 24, 2007; Your life and your quest end here.

The Jungle of Horrors posted:

Frantically you scramble across the deck, collecting and hurling away the cubes as you go. Each cube is vibrating with an energy that is set to rip it apart, and as you cast the last one over the side, you see the others, many of them exploding with dull booms in the swamp far below.

Healing: +1 EP (33/37).

Paido screams for your help. A swooping Kraan-rider has cast a large net, smothering his body. The net is sewn with hundreds of tiny barbed hooks which have worked their way into his skin and clothes, and he cannot free himself without the hooks inflicting fearful wounds. Only one Vordak remains to confront him, all the others having perished on his blade, but he is now unable to defend himself against this creature. He is at the mercy of a merciless foe.

You scramble to your feet and rush to save him as the Vordak creeps closer. Suddenly the Kraan-rider reappears, gliding low across the deck before hovering over the bow. A length of thin black rope dangles from its saddle and hurriedly the Vordak threads it through the corners of the net. You race up the steps, shouting �For Sommerlund� and launch your attack. The Vordak turns to face you, its skeletal features frozen in a mask of terror. An instant later your weapon shears its bony neck and sends its skull-like head spinning down into the Danarg. A ghastly cry pierces your ears, but it is not a shriek of pain or despair: it is a malicious caw of triumph. The Kraan beats its massive wings, and the down-draught forces you to your knees as the creature climbs higher into the darkening sky. You stare aghast as the rope closes the net around Paido and lifts him off the deck. Instinctively you leap upwards, your hands outstretched to grab the barbed net, but it is too late. The Kraan turns in mid-air and flies off to the north with Paido, wounded and helpless, swinging like a netted fish below its leathery black belly.

Healing: +1 EP (34/37).

Anger and frustration well up inside you as helplessly you watch the Kraan and your captured companion disappear beyond the horizon. Gradually your anger gives way to sadness as you ponder his fate and wonder if he will ever survive this cruel abduction. You pray for his safety, calling on the spirits of your ancestors to watch over and protect him and, as if in answer to your prayer, you feel a sudden calm engulf your senses. The power of the Lorestone, transfused into your being the instant it appeared in your hands, has greatly increased your intellect and awareness. With confidence you know that Paido will survive his ordeal and that one day you will meet and fight again, side by side.

The return voyage to Dessi is a swift but lonely journey. The starguider ensures that the Levitron stays on course for Elzian and as you cross the canal which encircles the city, a pilot skyship arrives to escort you down. During the voyage you have discovered how to control the Levitron, and now, as slowly you approach the landing platform of the Tower of Truth, you disengage the starguider and make a faultless landing. Lord Rimoah and the High Council have gathered to greet your return, and upon hearing of your successful quest their hopes for the future are renewed in spite of the sad news of Lord Paido�s capture by agents of the Darklords.

The High Council listens avidly as you recall your treacherous journey through Talestria, the perilous trek across the Danarg, and the wondrous discovery of their lost temple. When finally you have completed your account they applaud and pay tribute to your courage and daring, their faces beaming with pride. But, despite their joyous greeting, you sense that something is wrong; they seem distant, as if their minds were preoccupied with the solving of a difficult and perplexing problem.

You ask Lord Rimoah if all is well, and he replies: �You have grown in perception, Lone Wolf. Many things have occurred since last we spoke, and although your quest for the Lorestone of Ohrido has succeeded, the peril of our age has grown ever more deadly. The Darklords now wage open war throughout Magnamund, and many lands have fallen before their Giak legions. Talestria has been overrun. So too have the Stornland nations. Sommerlund stands firm against the armies of Darklord Gnaag, but she has lost her southern province of Ruanon.�

This shocking news fills you with an urge to return to your homeland, yet to do so would defeat the Magnakai quest.

Lord Rimoah bids you follow him to the chamber of the High Council. Set into the floor is a circular well, brimming with a silvery liquid metal. Rimoah kneels and touches the surface and slowly a vision takes form within the shimmering depths of the pool: it is a fortified city surrounded by rolling hills. �You look upon the city of Tahou in the land of Anari,� says Rimoah, his voice now solemn and composed. �The Lorestone you must find next lies deep below its streets, in an ancient city that was built during the dawn of Magnamund.�

The vision of Tahou heralds the start of a new and perilous episode in your quest for the Magnakai. If you possess the bravery and courage of a true Kai Master, the challenge of Tahou awaits you in Book 9 of the Lone Wolf series entitled:

The Cauldron of Fear

Healing: +1 EP (35/37).

I'm sure Paido will be fine.

# ? Feb 19, 2018 08:32

Tiggum: Oct 24, 2007; Your life and your quest end here.

Final stats for book 8:

Action Chart

Rank:

Combat Skill:

Endurance Points:

Kai

Magnakai Disciplines

Weaponmastery (+3 CS w/ bows, swords, warhammers, daggers & maces)
Weaponskill (+2 CS w/ spears)
Huntmastery
Invisibility
Nexus
Pathsmanship
Animal Kinship
Healing (Regain 1 EP per section)
Mindblast (+2 CS)
Sixth Sense
Mindshield

Weapons:

The Sommerswerd (+8 CS)
Silver Bow of Duadon (+3 to RN)

Gold Crowns (money):

Backpack:

Potion of Laumspur (+5 EP)
Lantern
Rope
Meal
Rendalim�s Elixir (+6 EP)
Potion of Alether (+2 CS)
Meal

Special Items:

Helmet (+2 EP)
Shield (+2 CS)
Firesphere
Vial of Gnadurn Sap
Badge of Rank
Pass (cannot be discarded during book 8)
Prism
Lodestone (Vordaks; Talestria; cannot be discarded during book 8)
Quiver (3/6 arrows)
Fireseeds (4)
Kazan-Oud Platinum Amulet
Chainmail Waistcoat (+4 EP)

Notable Events:

Completed the Lore Circle of Solaris (+1 CS, +3 EP)
Saved Paido's life
Learned a valuable lesson about explosives (-3 CS)

Missed Opportunities:
Never killed a necromancer

Kills:
Several vordaks
A helghast
A miner
An anapheg
Two rahgu
A silver swamp python
Two ghagrim (mutant humanoids)
A taan-spider
Two more vordaks
And another vordak

Total Deaths: 10
This book: 1
Drowned in a swamp-jungle-quicksand-bog.

Storage:
Weapons:
The Dagger of Vashna
Jewelled Mace
Special Items:
Port Bax White Pass
Port Bax Red Pass
Gaoler's Keys
Three Copper Keys
Ornate Silver Key
Blue Stone Triangle
Cess
Ticket to Eula
Power-key
Padded Leather Waistcoat (+2 EP)
Backpack Items:
Potion of Alether (+2 CS)
Potion of Alether (+2 CS)
Potion of Alether (+2 CS)
Potion of Alether (+2 CS)
Map of Tekaro

# ? Feb 19, 2018 08:34

Tiggum: Oct 24, 2007; Your life and your quest end here.

This book isn't one of the better ones, in my opinion. It sort of just feels like a rehash of book six, only Paido's kind of just an idiot and feels like he's barely even there most of the time, and there's no major antagonist like Roark of Amory. It also feels like a bit of a wasted opportunity since you don't really spend much time at all in the titular jungle-swamp. It's fine, I guess, it's just a bit underwhelming.

But this is actually the point where my knowledge of the series gets a little less complete, since I never had books 9-13 (or 15) as a child and have only read them once or twice before. Once we hit book 16 I'll be back in my comfort zone, and I have done a bit of research and planning to familiarise myself with the next few books, but I'll be relying far more on skipping ahead/back and looking stuff up than on my memory for points of interest and stuff we miss. So even more so than usual, if you think of something worth pointing out, please do so. (the "no spoilers" policy still applies, of course)

# ? Feb 19, 2018 08:52

Tiggum: Oct 24, 2007; Your life and your quest end here.

So welcome to The Cauldron of Fear!

The Cauldron of Fear posted:

The Story So Far �

You are the warrior, Lone Wolf, last of the Kai Masters of Sommerlund and sole survivor of the massacre that destroyed your kinsmen during a bitter war with your age-old enemies�the Darklords of Helgedad.

Many centuries have passed since Sun Eagle, the first of your kind, established the Order of the Kai. Aided by the magicians of Dessi, he completed a perilous quest to find seven crystals of power, known as the Lorestones of Nyxator, and upon their discovery he unlocked a wisdom and strength that lay within both the Lorestones and himself. He recorded the nature of his discoveries and his experiences in a great tome entitled The Book of the Magnakai. You have discovered this lost Kai treasure and have given a solemn pledge to restore the Kai to their former glory, thereby ensuring the security of your land in the years to come. However, your diligent study of this ancient book has enabled you to master only three of the ten Magnakai Disciplines. To fulfil your pledge, you must complete the quest first undertaken by Sun Eagle over one thousand years ago. By doing so successfully, you, too, will acquire the power and wisdom of the Magnakai, which is held within the Lorestones� crystal forms.

Already your quest has taken you far from your northern homeland. Following in the footsteps of the first Kai Grand Master, you journeyed to Dessi and sought the help of the Elder Magi, the magicians that aided Sun Eagle on his quest long ago. There you learned that one of the seven Lorestones was still present in their land, hidden deep inside an island stronghold known as Kazan-Oud, or Castle Death. You survived the perils of Castle Death and emerged triumphant, having achieved what the Elder Magi had believed to be impossible. During the victory celebrations held in your honour, you learned that for centuries the Elder Magi had been expecting your coming. An ancient Dessi legend tells of the birth and rise to greatness of two koura-tas-kai, which means �sons of the sun�. One was named Ikar, which means �eagle�, and the other was named Skarn, which means �wolf�. A prophecy foretold that the koura-tas-kai would both come from the north to seek the council of the Elder Magi in order that they might fulfil a great quest. Although separated by several centuries, they would share one spirit, one purpose, and one destiny�to triumph over the champions of darkness in an age of great peril. Your victory at Kazan-Oud proved that you were Skarn�the wolf of Dessi legend�and in keeping with their ancient vows the Elder Magi promised to help you complete the Magnakai quest.

In Elzian, the capital of Dessi, you were tutored in the histories of Magnamund and received lessons in lore that you would have learned from Kai Masters if only they, like you, had survived the murderous Darklord attack on the Kai Monastery eleven years ago. You were eager to learn all that your tutor, Lord Rimoah, could teach you in preparation for the next stage of your quest, but grim news from the Darklands cut short your tuition. In the Darklord city of Helgedad a civil war had erupted, following your defeat of Haakon, Archlord of the Black City. After five years, the battle for the throne of Helgedad had finally been won by a Darklord called Gnaag. The other Darklords, now united behind this new leader, were ordered to amass huge armies in preparation for the conquest of Magnamund. So swiftly did their Giak legions grow in numbers that the Elder Magi ceased their counselling and arranged for you to begin at once the search for the third Lorestone. Guided by Lord Paido, a warrior-magician of Dessi, you set off on a perilous journey across the Freelands of Talestria on your way to the jungle-swamps of the Danarg. There, in an ancient temple that was once the Elder Magi�s most sacred place of worship, you succeeded in discovering the object of your quest. However, during your escape from the Danarg, your guide, Lord Paido, was captured by Darklord agents, and upon your return to Elzian you learned the fearful news that the Darklords were now waging open war throughout Magnamund. Several lands, after brief but futile resistance, had been overrun completely by Darkland armies; others had surrendered without fighting in the face of their determined might, and sadly there were others who chose to betray former friends and allies by joining the Darklord cause, in the misguided hope that they would share in the spoils of victory, following the triumph of Darklord Gnaag. One such land was Vassagonia, a powerful desert realm to the north of Dessi. Already her armies had invaded the neighbouring territories of Casiorn and Cloeasia, and were preparing to march through the Republic of Anari in order to join Gnaag�s horde now advancing across the plain of Slovia. The thought of such an eventuality filled the Elder Magi with dread, for the Lorestone you must find next lies deep below the streets of Tahou, the capital of Anari, in an ancient city built during the dawn of Magnamund. If Tahou were to fall before your arrival the chances of you completing your quest successfully would be slim indeed, even for a warrior of your renowned skill and daring.

Whilst preparations were being made for your journey you learned that the Darklords had attacked and captured Ruanon, the southernmost province of your homeland of Sommerlund. The news of this calamity shook your resolve and filled you with the desire to forego the journey to Tahou and return home without delay. The Elder Magi implored you not to abandon your quest and you faced a difficult and crucial decision. Which should you honour: your vow to complete the Magnakai quest or your oath of loyalty to your King, an oath which pledged your service in the defence of the sun-realm? Fortunately, the surprise arrival of an old friend was to decide the matter for you. Magemaster Banedon, envoy of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star�the Magicians� Guild of Sommerlund�landed unexpectedly at Elzian aboard his flying ship Skyrider. He and his dwarven crew were warmly greeted, for Banedon, a frequent and favoured visitor to Dessi, was highly respected by the Elder Magi for his mastery of new magic. Six years had passed since last you met and there was much you wished to discuss and reminisce about, but there was an urgent matter of duty to perform first. Banedon had been sent by King Ulnar of Sommerlund to deliver into your hand a royal missive concerning your quest. The scroll, written and sealed by the King himself, ordered you to pursue the Magnakai quest above all other duties. It ended with the words: �Sommerlund has suffered a grievous defeat at Ruanon, but the will of the people is undaunted and the strength of our army undiminished. Boldly we will resist our enemies so long as there is hope of the rebirth of the Kai.�

Banedon informed you that the King had ordered that he and his skyship be placed under your command. He also delivered the news that the King had bestowed upon you the rank of Warmarshall of the Royal Estates. Proudly you accepted from Banedon two platinum badges, each crafted in the shape of a blazing sun, and affixed them to the collar of your Kai tunic. They signified that you were now a general of the Sommlending army, the youngest general there had ever been. The honour bestowed upon you lifted your spirits, and the news that Banedon would be joining your quest helped greatly to allay your fear of the dangers that lay ahead. For two years Banedon had lived in Tahou as Journeymaster to his guild; his knowledge of the city and of the Tahou Cauldron, the entrance to the ancient metropolis, which lies buried deep beneath the city streets, would be especially useful.

On the eve of your journey to Tahou, the Elder Magi convened a meeting of the High Council. A golden torch was lit and placed in the centre of their great cylindrical council chamber as a symbol of their hopes and prayers for your success.

�This torch shall burn so long as you, Lone Wolf, pursue your destiny along the path of the Magnakai,� said Lord Rimoah, speaker for the High Council. Before the gathering of Elders you reaffirmed your vow to restore the Kai and, as if kindled by a sudden gust of wind, the torch flared brightly, bathing the chamber in its vivid golden glow. As one, the Elders rose from their seats and intoned their blessing: �May the Gods Ishir and Kai protect you on your journey into darkness, Kor-Skarn.�

So it's time for a new Magnakai Discipline. As usual, the lore circles may influence our decision but aren't necessarily the deciding factor. The ones we already have are highlighted in bold:

~~Circle of Fire (Weaponmastery & Huntmastery): +1 CS +2 EP~~
Circle of Light (Animal Control & Curing): 0 CS +3 EP
~~Circle of Solaris (Invisibility, Huntmastery & Pathsmanship): +1 CS +3 EP~~
Circle of the Spirit (Psi-surge, Psi-screen, Nexus & Divination): +3 CS +3 EP

We also get to add a new weapon to our Weaponmastery skill. We still have Spear, Axe, Short Sword, Quarterstaff and Broadsword to pick from (bearing in mind that we get the lesser Weaponskill bonus with spears already, and that is replaced by Weaponmastery, not added to it).

And of course our Disciplines have been upgraded again:

Animal Control: If we picked this we'd now be able to summon nearby animals to aid us in combat. This only applies when indicated in the text though, it's not an at-will thing.
Psi-surge: Basically the Jedi Mind Trick.

Invisiblity: Completely silent movement.
Huntmastery: Telescopic vision.
Nexus: The ability to extinguish fires.

Of course we receive a new map and some more cash - specifically, 12 Gold Crowns. That brings our total to 51, so we can either leave one in storage or use a backpack space as an extra belt pouch.

And as usual we get a selection of new equipment to choose from and can take up to five items:

Sword
Bow
Quiver (six arrows)
Rope
Potion of Laumspur
Lantern
Mace
Three Meals
Dagger
Three Fireseeds

Most of these will require us to leave something behind if we want to take them, and of course we can still only carry one quiver but can top up our supply of arrows. And in addition to voting on new equipment you should also say what, if anything, you want to move into or out of storage. If you need to reference it, our current action chart is always available on page one.

So now's the time to vote for:

New Discipline
New Weaponmastery
Things to put in storage
Things to retrieve from storage
New Equipment

# ? Feb 19, 2018 09:17

Toplowtech: Aug 31, 2004

New Discipline: Psi-screen
New Weaponmastery: Quarterstaff
Things to put in storage: The Sommerswerd, like we definitively should for that one book
Things to retrieve from storage: The dagger of Vashna, also bring that magic ring we got last book.
New Equipment: ???

# ? Feb 19, 2018 09:58

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Learn Psi-screen, swap Sommerswerd for Dagger of Vashna, take Fireseeds and Arrows, drop 1Gold Crown, master the spear.

# ? Feb 19, 2018 10:23

Jedit: Dec 10, 2011; Proudly supporting vanilla legends 1994-2014

Tiggum posted:

But this is actually the point where my knowledge of the series gets a little less complete, since I never had books 9-13 (or 15) as a child and have only read them once or twice before.

You missed book 13? Lucky man. I know you say no spoilers, but if we get to that point we may need them because the railroading on disciplines is ridiculous. It's obscenely hard if you pick the right ones, but if you don't you're all but a dead man walking from page 1.

# ? Feb 19, 2018 11:12

Tiggum: Oct 24, 2007; Your life and your quest end here.

Jedit posted:

You missed book 13? Lucky man. I know you say no spoilers, but if we get to that point we may need them because the railroading on disciplines is ridiculous. It's obscenely hard if you pick the right ones, but if you don't you're all but a dead man walking from page 1.

I'll keep that in mind and figure out a solution if I have to. Like how in Book 2 we'd have been dead if we hadn't picked Animal Kinship - I was going to show off the death and then go back and let us follow the noodnik anyway. Also there's been the rule since the beginning (that I've never had cause to implement) that if we die to an unavoidable fight/mishap then we'll just keep walking around with negative Endurance for a while. So I've got some plans in place for avoiding situations where we'd basically have to restart an entire book.

# ? Feb 19, 2018 11:20

Comstar: Apr 20, 2007; Are you happy now?

New Discipline: Psi-surge. These arn't the Kai you're looking for.
New Weaponmastery: Buck'an'Quarter'Quarterstaff

# ? Feb 19, 2018 12:30

Jedit: Dec 10, 2011; Proudly supporting vanilla legends 1994-2014

Tiggum posted:

I'll keep that in mind and figure out a solution if I have to. Like how in Book 2 we'd have been dead if we hadn't picked Animal Kinship - I was going to show off the death and then go back and let us follow the noodnik anyway. Also there's been the rule since the beginning (that I've never had cause to implement) that if we die to an unavoidable fight/mishap then we'll just keep walking around with negative Endurance for a while. So I've got some plans in place for avoiding situations where we'd basically have to restart an entire book.

Well, I'm going to have to exempt myself from the vote at that point.

# ? Feb 19, 2018 13:55

nelson: Apr 12, 2009; College Slice

1. Ancient ruins? Divination please.
2. Quarterstaff
3. Stash the pass, the badge of rank and the extra gold.
4. ?
5. Restock arrows and fireseeds. And grab another laumspur.

nelson fucked around with this message at 18:11 on Feb 19, 2018

# ? Feb 19, 2018 14:44

Guy Fawkes: Aug 1, 2014; Lvl 62, +5 meadow defense

New Discipline: Psi-screen
New Weaponmastery: Axe
Things to put in storage: The Pass, the Lodestone and the Prism.
Things to retrieve from storage: The dagger of Vashna.
New Equipment: 3 Fireseeds, restock Meals and Arrows

# ? Feb 19, 2018 23:41

Leraika: Jun 14, 2015; Luckily, I *did* save your old avatar. Fucked around and found out indeed.

Oh man, I remember this book being fun.

Psi-screen OR Curing
No preference on weaponmastery.
Store: Sap, Badge, Pass, Prism, Lodestone, Lantern (backpack)
Grab fireseeds, potion of laumspur, and restock arrows

# ? Feb 19, 2018 23:47

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Guy Fawkes posted:

New Discipline: Psi-screen

New Weaponmastery: Axe

Things to put in storage: The Pass, the Lodestone and the Prism.

Things to retrieve from storage: The dagger of Vashna.

New Equipment: 3 Fireseeds, restock Meals and Arrows

Changing my vote to this. Still put the Sommerswerd in storage, though. We need a challenge, methinks.

# ? Feb 19, 2018 23:55

Helios Grime: Jan 27, 2012; Where we are going we won't need shirts; Pillbug

Guy Fawkes posted:

New Discipline: Psi-screen

New Weaponmastery: Axe

Things to put in storage: The Pass, the Lodestone and the Prism.

Things to retrieve from storage: The dagger of Vashna.

New Equipment: 3 Fireseeds, restock Meals and Arrows

I also vote for this

# ? Feb 20, 2018 06:58

Comrade Blyatlov: Aug 4, 2007; should have picked four fingers

Guy Fawkes posted:

New Discipline: Psi-screen

New Weaponmastery: Axe

Things to put in storage: The Pass, the Lodestone and the Prism.

Things to retrieve from storage: The dagger of Vashna.

New Equipment: 3 Fireseeds, restock Meals and Arrows

Yeah this

# ? Feb 20, 2018 07:10

Tiggum: Oct 24, 2007; Your life and your quest end here.

Slavic Crime Yacht posted:

New Discipline: Psi-screen

Helios Grime posted:

New Weaponmastery: Axe

Leraika posted:

Store: Sap, Badge, Pass, Prism, Lodestone, Lantern (backpack)

achtungnight posted:

Things to retrieve from storage: The dagger of Vashna.

Guy Fawkes posted:

New Equipment: 3 Fireseeds, restock Meals and Arrows

OK, here's our updated Action Chart then:

Rank:

Combat Skill:

Endurance Points:

Kai

Magnakai Disciplines

Weaponmastery (+3 CS w/ bow, sword, warhammer, dagger, mace & axe)
Weaponskill (+2 CS w/ spears)
Huntmastery
Invisibility
Nexus
Pathsmanship
Psi-screen
Animal Kinship
Healing (Regain 1 EP per section)
Mindblast (+2 CS)
Sixth Sense

Weapons:

The Sommerswerd (+8 CS)
Silver Bow of Duadon (+3 to RN)

Gold Crowns (money):

Backpack:

Potion of Laumspur (+5 EP)
Meal
Rope
Meal
Rendalim�s Elixir (+6 EP)
Potion of Alether (+2 CS)
Meal
1 Gold Crown

Special Items:

Helmet (+2 EP)
Shield (+2 CS)
Firesphere
The Dagger of Vashna
Quiver (6/6 arrows)
Fireseeds (7)
Kazan-Oud Platinum Amulet
Chainmail Waistcoat (+4 EP)

# ? Feb 20, 2018 13:03

Tiggum: Oct 24, 2007; Your life and your quest end here.

The Cauldron of Fear posted:

A full moon lights the sky above Elzian on the evening you begin your journey to Tahou. Its ashen rays glimmer along the polished wooden outriggers that run the length of the hull of the Skyrider, and illuminate the crystal star ensign and the Sommlending flag as it flutters proudly from the mizzen-mast. The Elders of the High Council have gathered on the roof of their council chamber and, as you and Banedon climb the boarding ladder to the skyship, you pause to return their farewell salute. Bo�sun Nolrim, senior member of Banedon�s crew of dwarves, welcomes you and his captain aboard. Surveying the craft, you notice that the Skyrider has changed very little since you were last aboard her, when you sailed the desert skies of Vassagonia in search of The Book of the Magnakai. The crew remember that voyage fondly and are justly proud of the part they played in the success of that perilous mission. �Take the helm, bo�sun, and set a course for Navasari!� commands Banedon, as he leads you across the busy deck to his cabin at the prow.

Swiftly the lights of Elzian vanish as the Skyrider speeds into the night. A mile below, the jungle of Dessi and the barren peaks of the Xulun Mountains race past beneath the keel, but in the comforting warmth of Banedon�s cabin you feel no sensation of movement; only the hum of the powerful engine indicates how rapidly you are travelling. Over a delicious meal of salt beef and spiced fruit, Banedon explains the purpose of your journey to Navasari, a city that lies over a hundred miles south of Tahou. �Our enemies are advancing across Magnamund like a tidal wave, destroying or carrying with them all in their path,� says the blond-haired magician, pointing to a map of the continent that adorns the cabin wall. �Every day a new battle is being fought, and every day we lose another town or village to the Darklords. Before we venture into Tahou we must be sure that the city has not already fallen to Darklord Gnaag, lest we fly straight into a trap. I have many friends in Navasari, reliable friends, friends who are highly placed in the Senate of Anari. From them we will learn if the city still stands, and if it does, how long we can expect it to resist a Darklord assault.�

Mid-morning of the following day, the lookout catches a glimpse of Navasari as the Skyrider emerges from the Yajo Pass. Banedon takes control of the helm and steers the craft towards the east quarter of the city, landing it on the spacious roof of a magnificent, star-shaped building that overlooks the River Chah. A group of dignitaries, resplendent in high-necked robes of green and yellow silk, greet your arrival: these are some of the friends of whom Banedon spoke. Sadly they recount the grim course of events that has recently befallen their country. In the far north, the town of Resa was destroyed and its people massacred by an army of Giaks. Two days later, a similar attack was launched by a Vassagonian army against the town of Zila. They swept along the Anari Pass, burning and looting every village through which they rode, and giving no quarter to those who dared resist them. And three days ago, on the western border, a fierce battle was fought at the Slovian town of Lovka for control of the bridge across the River Churdas. Shortly before midnight the might of Darklord Gnaag�s horde fell upon the beleaguered garrison. They fought bravely, but by the dawn of the following day, all that remained of the town and its defenders were an acre of scorched earth and a cart full of charred bones. The three enemy armies are now advancing towards Tahou. President Toltuda, the head of state, has ordered the evacuation of all women and children from the capital, and has begun strengthening the city�s defences to increase its chances of withstanding the impending siege. When Banedon tells of your intention to go to Tahou, one of his friends offers a few words of caution. �It would be unwise to attempt a landing at the capital,� he warns. �Heavy bolt throwers have been positioned on every rooftop and tower in case the city is attacked from the air. The Darklords captured Suentina in such a fashion and the Tahouese have learnt from their neighbour�s misfortune. Skyships rarely visit Tahou, which makes it all the more likely that your craft would be mistaken for a hostile attacker.�

After long deliberation, you and Banedon decide to leave the Skyrider in Navasari and journey to Tahou by horse. Nolrim is left in charge of the craft and crew with instructions to wait here for your return. If Tahou is besieged and he has not received word from you after two weeks, he is to return to Dessi and report that your quest has failed.

Early next morning, you and Banedon climb into the saddles of two white Anarian steeds provided by his friends, and set off on your two-day ride to Tahou. Less than an hour after leaving Navasari you see a long line of wagons approaching. They are escorted by a troop of cavalry, and each one is crowded with women and children.

Do we stop and talk to them or ignore them and ride on?

# ? Feb 20, 2018 13:06

Helios Grime: Jan 27, 2012; Where we are going we won't need shirts; Pillbug

I think we have time for a chat this early in our adventure.

# ? Feb 20, 2018 13:14

Comstar: Apr 20, 2007; Are you happy now?

This adventure would be a lot easier if we'd flown the skyship to an hours walk from the city.

Stop and talk.

# ? Feb 20, 2018 13:16

nelson: Apr 12, 2009; College Slice

Helios Grime posted:

I think we have time for a chat this early in our adventure.

Concur, let�s stop and talk with them.

# ? Feb 20, 2018 13:45

Mikl: Nov 8, 2009; Vote shit sandwich or the shit sandwich gets it!

Hail and well met!

# ? Feb 20, 2018 13:49

Broken Box: Jan 29, 2009

Loot conversation from refugees.

# ? Feb 20, 2018 13:56

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Hail travelers! Whither are you bound?

# ? Feb 20, 2018 14:14

Guy Fawkes: Aug 1, 2014; Lvl 62, +5 meadow defense

Informations are always welcome: Let's Talk!

# ? Feb 20, 2018 20:48

ShadowWraith: Mar 28, 2011

Stay awhile and listen.

# ? Feb 20, 2018 22:28

Tiggum: Oct 24, 2007; Your life and your quest end here.

The Cauldron of Fear posted:

The officer in charge of the mounted escort rides forward to meet you. He wears silvered Anarian mail and a winged helmet embossed with the crest of Tahou.

�Hail, captain!� says Banedon, upon seeing his crown-shaped badge of rank. The man narrows his eyes and regards you both with suspicion. He is about to reach for his sword when a woman shouts from the leading wagon.

�Banedon! Banedon! Is that you?�

Your companion recognizes the woman and returns her wave. �Lortha! By the stars, I had not expected to meet you here,� he says in a surprised tone. The captain relaxes his guard and motions to the wagons to move on, anxious that his entourage is not delayed on the highway.

�You can fall in with us or save your reunion till we reach Navasari,� he says, curtly, and rides on without waiting for a reply.

�Lortha is the wife of Chiban, a famous Tahouese magician. He was my mentor when I lived and studied in the city,� says Banedon.

Do we give Banedon some time to catch up with his friend's wife or insist on continuing onward?

I forgot the mention at the start of the book, but there's a new illustrator from this book onward. Goodbye Gary Chalk, hello Brian Williams.

# ? Feb 21, 2018 03:28

Leraika: Jun 14, 2015; Luckily, I *did* save your old avatar. Fucked around and found out indeed.

Aww, let 'em chat

# ? Feb 21, 2018 03:30

Comstar: Apr 20, 2007; Are you happy now?

Give Banedon some time to catch up with his friend's wife. We might want to give him some privacy.

# ? Feb 21, 2018 04:33

nelson: Apr 12, 2009; College Slice

Talk ta yo' lady playa.

# ? Feb 21, 2018 05:00

Comrade Blyatlov: Aug 4, 2007; should have picked four fingers

Leraika posted:

Aww, let 'em chat

# ? Feb 21, 2018 05:01

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Wonder if this artist is any better at drawing people. Let em chat.

# ? Feb 21, 2018 07:24

Maugrim: Feb 16, 2011; I eat your face

Didn't you hear the guard? I'm sure he has good reasons for wanting to continue on.

# ? Feb 21, 2018 08:17

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ? Apr 25, 2024 13:05

Tiggum: Oct 24, 2007; Your life and your quest end here.

Slavic Crime Yacht posted:

Aww, let 'em chat

It's not like we're in a hurry or anything.

The Cauldron of Fear posted:

Banedon rides alongside the crowded wagon and talks with Lortha as the procession continues on its way to Navasari. After a few minutes� conversation she hands him a scrap of parchment, and they bid each other farewell.

�They are the last of the evacuees,� he says, as you continue your ride north. �They expect the enemy to reach Tahou in two days� time. They�ve already seen Giak scouts and early this morning a squadron of Kraan were sighted high in the western skies. She advises us to steer clear of a village called Sidara. It�s rumoured to have already fallen to the enemy. She also gave me this � �

Banedon hands you the scrap of parchment. It contains a few lines of Anarian script, an address, and a signature. �It�s an invitation to stay at Chiban and Lortha�s house in Tahou. It may be useful when we reach the city gate.�

Mark this Invitation on your Action Chart as a Special Item that you keep in your pocket. If you already carry the maximum number of Special Items, you must discard one in favour of this new item.

For three hours you ride without pause or rest along the Tahou highway. On either side the whispering grasses of the Anari plain stir lazily in the thin breeze of morning. Villages are few, but wherever there are trees you are sure to find a group of huts nearby.

The highway descends along a ridge towards a copse of stunted trees, where a circle of simple dwellings have been built around a well. At your approach, a bell is sounded and several peasants appear, each holding a basket of assorted wares, which they urge you to buy.

Shall we do a little shopping, or continue without stopping?

Unlike the mandatory items we picked up in the previous book, this Invitation can be discarded if we want.

# ? Feb 21, 2018 12:37

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Video Games > Let's Play! > Let's Play Lone Wolf: Book 29 and beyond!

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