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

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moosecow333: Mar 15, 2007; Super-Duper Supermen!

Based on our track record this Kai is going to be way more competent than us, so let�s just rush the boss.

# ? May 13, 2021 18:29

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# ? Apr 19, 2024 12:01

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

Ofecks posted:

Is Konnor the word for lady Kai?

According to the Autumn Snow books, yes (well, "konor" actually; I mispelled it). I don't think it's been used in any of the other books though.

# ? May 13, 2021 19:17

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

Cry Havoc posted:

assuming the kai will dodge

charge drakkar

Masquerade in Hikas posted:

As the rocks tumble down from the ceiling towards Winter's Song, you are confident that the Kai Savant is agile enough to avoid being hit. You see her dive and roll away as the rockfall smashes into the floor where she was standing only moments before. You lose sight of her in the deluge of dust as you charge towards Ikariam Zelor. You are determined to strike him quickly and fatally before he can make his escape from this chamber.

You gain no special bonuses against Ikariam Zelor in the ensuing combat.

ignoring the rockfall and the possible consequences of the choice you have made, you close upon Ikariam and strike out at his head with your blue steel Vakeros blade. There is a splash of scarlet sparks as it strikes the black steel sword he wields, a weapon forged in the furnaces of Helgedad. A flickering cocoon of black fire coils around its length and your opponent utters a chilling laugh. He is mocking your bold but failed attempt to slay him.

~~If you have the Talisman (received from the miners) you may use it once to restore 4 lost ENDURANCE at any time during this combat.~~

Ikariam Zelor (Death Knight of Nyras): COMBAT SKILL: 20 ENDURANCE: 40

Ikariam possesses a Darklord Blade which inflicts 1 ENDURANCE point of damage to you whenever you sustain an ENDURANCE point loss in any round of this combat.

Additionally, he can use the following spell once during this combat.

Dark Vigour of Helgedad: this allows Ikariam to channel the special power of his weapon into his body. For one blow only, he can cause you to lose -4 COMBAT SKILL and he will gain +5 to his ENDURANCE.. He will perform this spell when he reaches 10 ENDURANCE points or less. From this moment onwards, you must fight with your COMBAT SKILL reduced by 4 points. This condition will last only until the combat ends.

Paido: COMBAT SKILL: 18 ENDURANCE: 26 Ikariam Zelor (Death Knight of Nyras): COMBAT SKILL: 20 ENDURANCE: 40 Combat Ratio: -2

We have two abilities we could use for this fight. We can use one, both or neither:

Baffle: Halve Ikariam's Combat Skill, changing the Combat Ratio to 9. We've already used this twice and can use it only once more.
Future Sight: Take no damage for a single combat round. We can do this only once and if we do then we can't use the other Future Sight option, which is to rewind to an earlier section and make a different choice.

After this we'll also have access to our Force Shield ability again, so we'll be able to use that in a later fight regardless of what we do here.

That Talisman we could supposedly have received from the miners? It doesn't exist. Either we were supposed to get it when we freed the prisoners and it was left out of the text (in section 98 if you're curious), or it was supposed to be a reward for defeating the Drakkarim Overseer and would have been mentioned in the missing section 152.

# ? May 14, 2021 10:17

Runcible Cat: May 28, 2007; Ignoring this post

Baffle him

# ? May 14, 2021 10:50

Toplowtech: Aug 31, 2004

Tiggum posted:

That Talisman we could supposedly have received from the miners? It doesn't exist. Either we were supposed to get it when we freed the prisoners and it was left out of the text (in section 98 if you're curious), or it was supposed to be a reward for defeating the Drakkarim Overseer and would have been mentioned in the missing section 152.

Great editing, indeed. Really baffling. Paido should do the same.

# ? May 14, 2021 11:17

nelson: Apr 12, 2009; College Slice

Gats Akimbo posted:

Baffle him

# ? May 14, 2021 13:40

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

Why not baffle?

The way this book is going, we�re going to be edited into an unwinnable situation sooner or later. It may not even make sense in context when we arrive.

# ? May 14, 2021 13:40

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

Future Sight

# ? May 14, 2021 20:37

exmachina: Mar 12, 2006; Look Closer

Just baffle. The rewind may be useful later

# ? May 16, 2021 00:14

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

Toplowtech posted:

Great editing, indeed. Really baffling. Paido should do the same.

Paido (with Baffle): COMBAT SKILL: 18 ENDURANCE: 26 Ikariam Zelor (Death Knight of Nyras): COMBAT SKILL: 20 10 ENDURANCE: 40 Combat Ratio: 8 We roll: 1 Paido: COMBAT SKILL: 18 ENDURANCE: 21 Ikariam Zelor: COMBAT SKILL: 10 ENDURANCE: 33 We roll: 4 Paido: COMBAT SKILL: 18 ENDURANCE: 18 Ikariam Zelor: COMBAT SKILL: 10 ENDURANCE: 23 We roll: 9 Paido: COMBAT SKILL: 18 ENDURANCE: 18 Ikariam Zelor: COMBAT SKILL: 10 ENDURANCE: 5 Ikariam Zelor casts Dark Vigour of Helgedad. We roll: 9 Paido: COMBAT SKILL: 18 ENDURANCE: 18 Ikariam Zelor: COMBAT SKILL: 10 ENDURANCE: 0

Masquerade in Hikas posted:

Winter's Song gasps as you drive the blade into Ikariam Zelor's chest, ending the Drakkar's life with a single thrust. He struggles to make a parting remark but it is too late. His black heart is sundered and he dies with no last words on his lips. A trickle of blood curls over and drips from his extended tongue as he collapses limply to the floor. Your blue blade gleams brightly, its tip stained darkly crimson with lkaraim's blood.

'It is done,' you say, and reach down to open the leather flap of the dead Drakkar's belt pouch. He has nothing of value save for a small key which you discover fits a lock-box resting on his desk. You unlock the box. Within, you find a Dark Ledger which details his plans. The book also contains a list of Hikasian nobles who have been murdered and replaced by Helghast. Immediately, you realise the value of this book and decide to keep it (record the Dark Ledger on your Action Chart. You must discard an item in its favour if you already carry the maximum number of items permissible).

'We have what we need,' you say, wiping clean the blade of your sword. Winter's Song smiles approvingly.

Thankful that the confrontation is over and your mission has yielded an object of great value, you beckon Winter's Song to follow as you leave this chamber by way of the open north door, the route taken previously by the Helghast.

'Well done, Paido,' says Winter's Song, as she draws her green cloak about her shoulders and follows you. 'He was a powerful opponent. I doubt if I would have prevailed against him in combat, as did you.'

'Thank you,' you reply, and allow yourself a little smile of satisfaction. The praise of this worthy Kai lifts your spirit and renews your confidence that your mission will succeed.

You close the door to lkariam's laboratory and take stock of your situation. Now that the Drakkar is dead, you must escape from this lair and report back to the city officials of Hikas just as soon as you are able.

A corridor leads off towards the west. It is the only way on from here.

You hurry along the western corridor and follow its winding path to another, wider chamber. In the middle distance, you see the Helghast. It senses your presence and spins on its heel. Realising that you and Winter's Song must have killed Zelor, hurriedly it moves off into the distant darkness, pulling a lever in the wall as it goes. You run to catch up with the creature and continue your pursuit, with Winter's Song following swiftly behind.

You race into the chamber just in time to see the Helghast leaving by way of a corridor hewn through its west wall. Blocking your path are two deformed dogs. These hellish creatures resemble hairless albino war hounds, and each has but one eye. With fangs bared, they leap at you simultaneously.

MADs (Mutant Albino Dogs): COMBAT SKILL 15 ENDURANCE 15

Winter's Song will aid you in this fight. You will gain +1 to your COMBAT SKILL and inflict 1 extra ENDURANCE point of damage to your enemy every round of this combat.

Paido & Winter's Song: COMBAT SKILL: 19 ENDURANCE: 18 MADs (Mutant Albino Dogs): COMBAT SKILL 15 ENDURANCE 15 Combat Ratio: 4 We roll: 6 Paido & Winter's Song: COMBAT SKILL: 19 ENDURANCE: 16 MADs (Mutant Albino Dogs): COMBAT SKILL 15 ENDURANCE 4 We roll: 4 Paido & Winter's Song: COMBAT SKILL: 19 ENDURANCE: 14 MADs (Mutant Albino Dogs): COMBAT SKILL 15 ENDURANCE 0

Masquerade in Hikas posted:

As you charge into the chamber, the Helghast pulls another lever before climbing up a ladder to the street level of Hikas. There is a sound of compressed air escaping, and a hail of darts come speeding towards you. Winter's Song calls out a warning and throws herself flat to the ground to avoid getting hit by these deadly projectiles.

We roll: 7.

The volley of darts clatters off your armour and you survive the onslaught unscathed. You help Winter's Song to her feet and you both set off after the Helghast. You are mindful of the fact that if this monster reaches the Council before you do, then it could wreak havoc. The fact that you possess the Dark Ledger from Ikariam's laboratory gives you some hope, for you will be able to produce it as hard evidence of the evil that Ikariam and the Helghast have propagated here in Hikas.

You ascend the ladder, with Winter's Song leading the way this time. Her agile form vanishes into the darknes above you.

You emerge into the cool night air behind Winter's Song. The sudden freshness is greatly welcomed and you take a couple of deep, steadying breaths. You are glad to be away from the subterranean chambers and corridors, and eagerly you scan your new surroundings. You have emerged in a part of the city that is inhabited mainly by miners. Their closely-packed and overcrowded dwellings offer many avenues of escape, and seem perfectly suited for the Helghast to shape-shift and disappear once again. You are torn by indecision. Should you try to find the creature, or should you make your way to the towers of the ruling Magi of Hikas and report what you have discovered so far?

You turn to Winter's Song and ask for her advice.

'We should head to the towers,' she replies, without a second' s hesitation. 'The Council possess the means to find and slay the creature. We should inform them of its presence here in the city, and without delay. They will be sure to deal with it.'

'You' re right,' you reply, relieved that the burden of this decision has been lifted from your shoulders. With renewed resolve, you proceed through the narrow streets towards the centre of the city. Winter's Song walks behind you, quietly murmuring a melodic Sommlending ballad that soothes your mind. As you make your way towards the Kuradai, and the meeting that has been long in coming, you begin to appreciate why this Kai Savant was given the name Winter's Song by her masters when first she entered the Kai Monastery as a child.

Turn to 151.

This is where the missing section would be.

Masquerade in Hikas posted:

You are shown into a grand City Hall which is protected by several palace guards. They stand at attention around the walls of this sumptuous chamber resplendent in their ceremonial suits of polished armour. You note that there are also a few Vakeros present, from Elzian. They give you a reassuring nod of acknowledgement when you enter the hall in the company of the Guard Captain.

'Council member Jareth,' says the Captain as he approaches a thin Hikasian with pointed brows and a sallow complexion. He has a friendly countenance and he is dressed in flowing silken robes. 'A Vakeros Knight and a Kai Lord seek an audience with you. They wish to present some important evidence regarding the matter of the city murders of late.'

The tone of urgency in the Captain's voice brings the Council members immediately to attention. Jareth approaches and regards both you and Winter's Song with an expectant gaze.

'What are your names, and what evidence to you wish to present?'

'I am Master Paido of the Vakeros, and this is Kai Savant Winter's Song' you say, introducing yourself and your Kai companion. 'I have been sent here by the authority of the ruling Council of the Elder Magi. My mission is twofold. To investigate the recent spate of murders, and to probe for evidence of corruption.'

'I see,' he says, in a kindly manner. 'Very well, an audience is granted.' He proffers his hand and, with a gentle smile, he says: "May I see the book, please?'

A sudden involuntary constriction of your throat makes you hesitate and swallow hard. You never mentioned that your evidence consisted of the Dark Ledger, and neither did the Guard Captain. Winter's Song looks at you and narrows her eyes. You sense she is urging you not to part with the tome.

'Young sir... is something wrong?' he asks, politely.

You regard this man with suspicion for your Aura Sight warns you that he is not at all what he seems. Carefully, you step backwards and try not to let your face give away your fears as you move to stand beside Winter's Song. You are mindful of the need for extreme care since one wrong move could see you dead at the hands of your fellow Vakeros and the all the other guards in the room.

'Is there something amiss?' the man asks again. He holds out his hand, prompting you to give him book. 'I will not ask again. Do not waste another moment of my precious time.'

'I never told you it was a book, and neither did the Guard Captain' you reply, boldly.

Winter's Song reacts instinctively now, sensing that the man is an impostor. She unsheathes a hidden dagger and its curved blade emits a sorcerous yellow light. The man gasps and backs away. Her magical weapon is forcing the 'man' to abandon its corporeal disguise. The creature regards you both with a malefic stare as its body begins to transform in front of your widening eyes. You are witnessing the transformation of a Helghast, a shape-changing servant of the Darklords. The skin on its face becomes darker and tighter. It cracks and peels away, and its eyes become two glowing crimson orbs. Sharp teeth extend from his lower jaw and its hands become twisted and bony.

The rest of the room react with collective horror, but as their composure and courage return, so they draw their weapons. The Vakeros Knights are first to approach. They surround the creature and bear down on it. The monster knows that it can fight them yet it cannot win. It is immune to normal weapons, but the blue steel blades of the Vakeros have the power to seal its eternal doom. The Vakeros take hold of the Helghast and subdue it by placing the razor edge of a blue blade across its cadaverous throat.

'I would be careful with that foe,' you say to the Captain of the Guard. 'It's led me quite a merry chase since first I discovered it masquerading as a member of your guard.'

'We had no idea,' the Captain says, with a deep frown. He turns to the Vakeros and gives an order: 'Take it to the deepest dungeon and be sure to guard
it well.'

With an uncharacteristic lack of resistance, the Helghast submits to the Vakeros without a struggle and allows itself to be escorted out of the hall.

You stare at the place where the Helghast last stood while you await the Council member's arrival. Winter's Song joins you and lays her right hand gently on your shoulder.

'We are almost done here, I think,' she says, in a kindly tone. 'It has been quite a trial, has it not?'

'Yes,' you say, 'Yes it has. Your answer is barely audible.

Minutes later, the Captain of the Guard returns with the ruling Council Member. This time it is a woman. She has dark skin and her flaxen hair is plaited into several tiny corn-rows.

'Master Paido,' she says, with a guarded smile. 'l am told there has been some trouble here?'

'A little,' you reply, with great understatement. You put the book down on a table and open it, inviting the woman to take a closer look.

At first she skims over the pages, but as she progresses so her face takes on an ever darker expression. When she has finished reading, she looks up at you with admiration.

'I am indebted to you,' she says, and clasps your hand in hers. 'Master Paido, Winter's Song, you have uncovered a terrible corruption here, an evil in our midst that could so easily have doomed all Hikas to destruction. I cannot and will not ask you to do any more than you already have, but I would wish to ask of you but one favour. Master Paido, the Council will bestow upon you a special reward, as befits a brave warrior of your station. The favour I ask is that you accept it, and that Winter's Song should witness your acceptance.'

'No reward is needed,' you reply, humbly. 'I am happy to do my duty. That is reward enough.'

'I am Council Member Jesska Tron and I cannot permit you to go unrewarded. At least, you will agree to stay with us for tomorrow's feast?'

You nod in agreement. 'Of course, Ma'am,' you reply, and look to Winter's Song. She nods to indicate her agreement to the Council Member's generous
proposal. 'We would be delighted.'

'Excellent,' exclaims Jesska Tron. 'I suggest you leave this chamber. I will have my servants clear and clean it. Please follow my Castellan. He will take you to my personal chambers where you can rest.'

She claps her hands and a young man appears by her side. This Hikasian has a soft court accent and he instructs you to follow him. You do so and you are escorted to a luxurious room where you are encouraged to rest and recover. You may restore all of your ENDURANCE points to the starting level. After a warming meal and a hot bath, you climb into a feather-mattressed bed and settle down to some much-needed sleep, grateful that at last your ordeals seem to be over.

Endurance: 26/26.

You sleep until an hour past noon, then you are awoken and instructed by one of the tower's staff to dress for a banquet. You are provided with some fine clothing and told to leave your armour and sword in your room. The banquet is scheduled to take place at two hours past noon and you have only just enough time to get ready. When finally you are escorted into the hall you realise there has been some deception; the tables are bare and there is no banquet.

Winter's Song and the Ruling Council are all assembled before you. An honour guard of Vakeros Knights stand on either side of a long marble walkway which leads to Jesska Tron. She is attired in her formal council robes and she gives you a generous smile.

'Step forward,' she commands, and you obey. As you walk between the lines of Vakeros, each one bows as you pass and says your name with pride: 'Master Paido'

You feel more than a little self-conscious until finally you reach the woman. She smiles again, and says: 'Forgive the deception, Master Paido, but I felt that this was the best way to ensure your attendance this afternoon.'

Jesska places her right palm over her heart.

'By the power of the Ruling Council of Dessi and the Elder Magi,' she says, her strong voice echoing throughout the chamber, 'for your heroism and self sacrifice, knowing ever that it could mean your death, you faced down danger in the name of Dessi and her people to expose and remove a great corruption that had infected the great city of Hikas.'

With a solemn bow of her head, she continues:

'In recognition of your exceptional service, we confer upon you the rank and title of Lord Paido of Elzian, effective immediately.'

Your heart swells with pride as you look out upon the hall. The assembled group applauds you heartily.

'You may go now,' Jesska says, softly. 'Lord Paido of Elzian, Vakeros Honour Knight and protector of Dessi.'

You turn and leave the hall with the cheers ringing in your ears. Outside, you encounter Winter's Song. She presses a velvet scroll case into your hand.

'Take care, Lord Paido,' she says, and gives you a gentle kiss on the cheek. 'I've been summoned back to Sommerlund, and you must travel home to Elzian. A very special meeting awaits you there.'

'A meeting? Who with?' you reply, nonplussed.

'I cannot say. But trust me. I think that you are the best Vakeros for the task that awaits, as you've proved so conclusively in unravelling this Hikas masquerade.'

And with those words, she salutes you and strides away from the hall, pausing only to glance back and call out. 'I hope one day we shall meet again, Lord
Paido.'

She leaves you standing there, a little sad in some regard that you must part company with her so soon. But you are also very eager to find out the nature of the new task that awaits you in Elzian. For you, Lord Paido of Elzian, a lifetime of high adventure has just begun.

# ? May 16, 2021 10:19

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

Final Stats for Masquerade in Hikas

Vakeros Skills:

Prophesy (Location Sight; Aura Sight)
Future Sight: Once per adventure, either take no damage in a single combat round or return to a previous section in order to make a different decision.
Sorcery (Force Barrier; Force Grasp)
Force Shield: Once per three fights, take no damage for three combat rounds.
~~Force Blade: Once per adventure, reduce an enemy's Endurance to 1.~~
Evocation (Spirit Speak)
Battle Magics of the Vakeros
~~Baffle: Three times per adventure, reduce an enemy's combat skill by half.~~

Belt Pouch

25 Gold Crowns

Backpack:

Scroll
Set of Keys
Meal
Meal
Ornate Bottle

Special Items:

Blue Steel Sword (+2 CS)
Fighting Knife
Blue Steel Shield

Death Count:

Tiggum fucked around with this message at 10:43 on May 16, 2021

# ? May 16, 2021 10:20

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

Let's start with the positive. The game balance is actually pretty good this time, if you pick the right skills. OK, that's it.

As for the negative, where to even start? There's the obvious fact that the book is impossible to finish as written since one section on the critical path just doesn't exist. Which, I guess, means that no one even played it through even once to make sure it worked. There's also a lot of stuff that amounts to busy work, where you're told to write something on your Action Chart only to immediately undo it, or for it to have no impact on the game at all. For example, in the very first section, you immediately erase the Meal from your inventory and then write down the Scroll - which is never mentioned again. Nor do you need to worry about running out of space in your backpack; there aren't enough items for that to ever be a factor. Right after that there's a random chance to take damage, which is immediately healed. Why? What's the point?

The character creation is another obvious flaw. Why are there so many options, and why are so many of them obviously bad? Some options are even literally the same but worse versions of others. There are a several sections where you just have a 50/50 chance of either dying outright or getting into a fight, including the one where you're punished for using Spirit Speak in a situation where it seems like the obviously correct choice. There is another opportunity to use it later, and the reward for doing so is actually very good, but if you fell for that trap early on then you're not likely to try again - if you even take that path.

And then there's the ending. You've been pursuing this helghast for over half the book, and then a it just gets beaten by other people and you don't even get to help. Oh, and it's even worse if you don't have Aura Sight; you still get the good ending, but the helghast escapes.

It's a real shame because this adventure actually could have been good if it wasn't such an obvious rush job. The author seems to have done a decent job of it, but it's like they accidentally published the first draft rather than the finished product.

# ? May 16, 2021 10:42

Runcible Cat: May 28, 2007; Ignoring this post

Yeah, 151 would presumably have been a "get to the Guard Captain and persuade him to take you to the Council" bit but... they lost the last page or two of the manuscript and no-one noticed? Pity. Like you say, there's good bones here, it just needed a bit of a polish.

# ? May 16, 2021 11:39

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

Had to make some manual alterations to the flow chart this time, because there were some sections that the software just didn't want to display without having lines cross over each other for no reason and it was a real mess.

As you can see, there are a good number of meaningful choices and alternative paths, so it's a real shame that it was published in such an unfinished state. It could have been really good if it had just been properly playtested and edited.

Up next: The Traitor's Reward

# ? May 17, 2021 07:45

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

The Traitor's Reward by Gavyn F Duthie, illustrated by Hauke Kock.

The Traitor's Reward posted:

The Story So Far...

YOU are Kalen of Salony, a Stornlander sellsword, and veteran of many wars.

It is the year MS 5083, and war rages anew in the Stornlands. Lord Vandyan's armies have boiled over Eldenora's borders in a tide that has swept away all resistance. The neighbouring countries of Salony, Delden, and Slovia have been hard-pressed to hold back the advance of the Eldenoran forces, which have waged a brutal and swift campaign secured by the power of the Runes of Agarash.

By midsummer Delden and the Republic of Magador had fallen, and Eldenoran armies assaulted Salony, your homeland. Less than a fortnight ago, Vandyan's armies conquered the city of Rhem, the Salonese capital, and defeated the entire Salonese army. Prince Loarn's bodyguard was been crushed and he - the heir of Ewevin - along with all his sons were slain by the malevolent force Eldenora now commands.

Your company, Drennan's Dogs, had been hired to serve the Magadorian city of Vakovar. Not long after Delden's fall, Vakovar was laid siege by several companies of her own mercenaries, seduced Eldenoran gold. In the ensuing battle, Drennan's Dogs were decimated almost to a man. You yourself led a daring counter-charge against the besieging armies, Captain Haren Drennan's sword in hand. The siege was broken, though at great cost, but you knew you could not remain. Vakovar would fall, and if you did not leave it would cost your lives.

Known far and wide for their reputation as tough and reasonable, Drennan's Dogs was one of the most respected mercenary routs in the Stornlands. Yet you were exiles from your own homeland. During the Darklands War, faced with a merciless enemy, Captain Drennan responded in kind. He burned many miles of Salonese forest in an effort to hold back the Drakkarim armies. You still remember, years later the sight of ash hanging in the air as the woods of your homeland burned.

For you, the Darklands War was the beginning of a long career. As a soldier in the Prince's army, you had served alongside Captain Drennan's men, and when he offered you a position, with a life of riches and adventure, you leapt at the opportunity. Your wit and charisma made you a popular, if impertinent, soldier and you rose quickly to your position as a squad sergeant. In time you saw how little things had changed. You never rose any higher, unwilling to play the game of politics, and even Captain Drennan himself had died a broken and fearful man. You learned long ago that there are no heroes in war - only death and gold.

Of the survivors, you are the leader. You chose to turn south to Slovia in your search for work. The Slovians eagerly snapped up any willing mercenaries, certain that they would be the next target of Vandyan's campaign. Your men applauded the decision, for the Slovians are reliable and generous paymasters, and the armies of Field Marshall Teras Madir and Knight-General Vladmyr Vyrsell, fellow Darklands War veterans, have been eager to welcome seasoned fighters like yourselves.

While the Princes of Slovia argued over what parts they would play in the coming war, the Army of the Suenovan Territories gathered under the watchful eyes of Madir and Vyrsell. Their fears proved true only a few days ago, when the Eldenorans crossed the River Quarl and besieged Tekaro. Refusing to allow one of the oldest cities of his homeland to fall into enemy hands, Field Marshall Madir gathered his men, your ragged band included, and marched west to relieve the Tekaroan garrison.

You cut across the rolling Slovarian Plain, north from Suentina amid proud knights and prancing lordlings, who boasted of the swiftness with which their undefeatable cavalry would crush their enemies in the open field. Despite the confidence of the highborn, whispers still filled the ranks about monsters that made up the Eldenoran ranks - rumours that have dogged you since Vakovar.

The march to relieve Tekaro was cut short less than a day ago by a rider storming down the highway. He had come from the city, and the news was grim. In the few days since the siege began, Tekaro had already fallen, and the enemy had wheeled north to intercept your forces. Field Marshall Madir chose to dig in and prepare for the enemy attack. Earthworks were dug, a hasty array of trenches, mounds, and rough barricades cut from the trees of the nearby Nyst Forest.

Last night, the Eldenorans appeared upon the horizon - torches and banners, spread against the dark sky - and hastily erected camp. Certain that his foes would need a day to make ready their formation and refusing to give up the advantage of his defences, Field Marshall Madir chose to wait for the enemy to come to him.

As you prepared your cot that evening, orders arrived from Madir's command. Units with experience in fieldcraft, especially Salonese mercenaries, were to reposition within the Nyst Forest along the road. Your orders were to reconnoitre the enemy lines and search for weak points, bring back prisoners for questioning, and, if possible, gather as much information as you could for the coming battle.

Leaving behind the safety of your own line, you have been scouring the forest for hours, a growing sense of dread filling you. You knew Prince Loarn well, having fought for him many years ago when you were a young soldier, and you owe him a debt of gratitude. It was his mercy that spared Captain Drennan and yourself from execution for your actions in the Darklands War. You know that he and his bodyguard would not have broken before any normal foe. For him to fall in only a few days seems impossible. As you look out over the horizon at the enemy army, you can feel your scars, collected over a life of war, begin to ache...

First things first, we'll roll our stats:

Combat Skill: 15 Endurance: 26

We also have a new stat for this adventure called Loyalty. It starts at 0 and can vary from -5 to 5.

Our special abilities this time are called Veteran Specialties and Salonese Specialties. We get four of the former and one of the latter.

Veteran Specialties

Marcher: Reduce EP loss from starvation and exhaustion by 2, and restore some Endurance when resting.
Tough-as-Nails: Resistance to poisons and infections and, while wearing any kind of armour, reduce damage received in combat by 1.
War-Leader: +2 CS when fighting alongside an ally.
Iron Discipline: Instead of the normal damage or penalty, lose 1 EP per round when attacked with psychic abilities.
Triage: Restore some lost Endurance when prompted by the text.
Scrounging: Increase backpack size from 8 to 10, and potentially find additional items and supplies when searching.
Armsman: Pick one of axe, crossbow, mace, spear, or dagger; +2 CS when armed with that type of weapon. We also start with that weapon in addition to the standard equipment.

Salonese Specialties

Siege-Engineering: Familiarity with siege warfare and structural engineering.
Skirmishing: Combat bonuses gained from catching an enemy by surprise last an additional round, and we can Evade without giving the enemy an extra chance to hit us.

We start with the following equipment:

Gambeson (Special Item - +2 EP - counts as armour for Tough-as-Nails)
60 Lune (Belt Pouch)
Sword (Weapon)
Chainmail Waistcoat (Special Item - +4 EP - counts as armour for Tough-as-Nails)
Helmet (Special Item - +1 EP)

And we can pick three of the following items (or four if we have the Scrounging ability):

Axe (Weapon)
Length of Rope (Backpack)
Tinderbox (Backpack)
Slovian Warhammer (Weapon)
Wooden Shield (Special Item - +2 CS)
Slovian Broadsword (Weapon)
Potion of Laumspur (Backpack - +4 EP)
Quiver containing 6 Bolts (Special Item)
Salonese Crossbow (Weapon)
4 Days worth of Rations (Backpack)

So we need votes for

Four Veteran Specialties
One Salonese Specialty
Four pieces of equipment

Remember that the fourth equipment pick only counts if we end up taking the Scrounging ability. If you want to put a conditional choice in there you can, eg. if you want to take a second weapon only if we don't end up getting one through the Armsman ability. Write your choices in order of preference.

# ? May 17, 2021 11:14

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

Tough as Nails, Iron Discipline, Triage, Scrounging

Siege Engineering

Warhammer, Crossbow, Quiver, Rations

# ? May 17, 2021 11:41

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

Leraika posted:

Warhammer, Crossbow

Just to make sure we're on the same page: the two weapon limit still applies, so this would be a vote to replace the sword with the warhammer.

# ? May 17, 2021 11:57

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

Tiggum posted:

Just to make sure we're on the same page: the two weapon limit still applies, so this would be a vote to replace the sword with the warhammer.

Oh, I missed that we started with a sword, sorry. -warhammer, +shield, then.

Related complaint: Why offer us all these cool weapons when they're functionally identical and taking one of the non-sword ones locks us out of important gear. :sigh:

# ? May 17, 2021 12:26

Ofecks: May 4, 2009; A portly feline wizard waddles forth, muttering something about conjured food.

I'll post again to vote but I have some questions about this adventure.

- What book is the BA attached to? I would assume 24 (Rune War).
- Why were Drennan's company set to be executed? Was it the burning of the forest?
- Prince Loarn: so he was Salonese, but the text seems to indicate he was in Tekaro during its quick defeat? I thought it said he died defending Rhem?
- Additionally, I'm guessing Captain Drennan died during the Seige of Vakovar (we took up his sword), but it's stated later that he "died a fearful and broken man" which doesn't seem like it happened in battle?
- Did we meet the BA hero (Kalen) during the regular adventure?
- Off topic: did people actually start tactical forest fires during historic war?

# ? May 17, 2021 17:49

Ofecks: May 4, 2009; A portly feline wizard waddles forth, muttering something about conjured food.

Marcher, Triage, Armsman (Axe), Tough-As-Nails

Skirmishing

Crossbow, Quiver, Rations, (Axe)

# ? May 17, 2021 17:54

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

Tough as Nails, Iron Discipline, Scrounging, Armsman (Axe)

Skirmishing

Wooden Shield, Salonese Crossbow, Quiver, Rations

# ? May 17, 2021 19:26

nelson: Apr 12, 2009; College Slice

Armsman(axe), Warleader, Scrounging, Tough-as-Nails

Siege Engineering

Wooden Shield, Crossbow, Quiver, Rations

nelson fucked around with this message at 19:49 on May 17, 2021

# ? May 17, 2021 19:41

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