Re: [Let's Play] Lone Wolf - Kai Series
Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2023 2:14 am
Balcony.
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The recap: The ruler of the last adventure’s big bad fascist wants Lone Wolf to come to his palace to sign the peace treaty between Holmgard and Vassagonia. With no real choice in the matter, Lone Wolf heads to Vassagonia to comply with the said ruler’s wishes.You are Lone Wolf, the last of the Kai Lords of Sommerlund, the sole survivor of the massacre that destroyed this warrior order during an invasion of your beloved homeland by Darklord Zagarna of Helgedad in MS 5050.
It is now midwinter of MS 5055 and a mantle of snow lies knee-deep in the streets of Holmgard. You are summoned from your monastery in the hills by a royal messenger bearing a scroll, signed and sealed by the hand of King Ulnar V. You are surprised to read the King’s message, for it is a request for your help in solving an urgent problem that he describes as being of ‘great diplomatic importance’. It seems a somewhat unusual request to make of a warrior Kai, whose skills are better suited to the field of battle than to parleying with foreign envoys. However, dutifully you obey the summons and, upon your arrival at the King’s Citadel in Holmgard, all is made clear.
The Zakhan of Vassagonia, the imperial ruler of this desert empire, has sent his most trusted envoy to Sommerlund to seek a treaty of peace between your two countries. The Zakhan has especially asked that you be the one who signs the treaty on behalf of your country. The reason for this soon becomes apparent.
Less than a year ago, a renegade noble from Vassagonia called Barraka led his army of bandits in an attack upon the remote Sommlending province of Ruanon. This mining town and much of the surrounding land was overrun and destroyed. Many Sommlending lost their lives, and many more were enslaved and forced to labor in the mines of the Maaken range. When the regular convoy from Ruanon failed to arrive at the capital, King Ulnar sent you to investigate. A great battle ensued in which you defeated Barraka in mortal combat. Had it not been for your courage and skill, the safety of Sommerlund and all of the Lastlands would have been placed in grave peril by Barraka’s evil plans.
‘Your majesty, the Zakhan is gravely embarrassed by Barraka’s foul treachery. He is most anxious that our valued friendship and trust be restored. He begs that you send the Kai warrior, Lone Wolf, to sign a treaty of peace with him at the Grand Palace in Barrakeesh,’ whimpers the Zakhan’s emissary, as he kneels subserviently at the feet of King Ulnar.
The king rises from his throne, barely able to conceal his distaste for the fawning envoy. He turns his gaze to you and bids you follow him to the privacy of an antechamber.
‘I have no liking for this desert realm, Lone Wolf, but I like the prospect of war even less. The Zakhan is old and frail, and has no son to ascede to his throne when he dies. Barraka was but one of many ruthless nobles who wait like jackals for the chance to seize power. I fear they have grown too impatient to allow the Zakhan to die a natural death. The treaty may not guarantee peace with Vassagonia once the Zakhan has passed away, but it will at least buy us precious time to strengthen our southern defenses.’
The king leads you to a window and points towards the harbor, barely visible through the flurries of falling snow. A Vassagonian galley is moored at the harbor wall.
‘Go to Vassagonia, Lone Wolf. Sign the treaty and return quickly. Even though the Zakhan promises us peace, I fear the shadow of war may descend upon us before the year is out.’
You wave farewell to Holmgard on this bleak midwinter’s day, hoping to return in time to see the spring thaw. But as you watch the spires of Holmgard fade from sight amidst the falling snow, you are blissfully unaware of the perils that await you in distant Vassagonia.
Due to Lone Wolf’s Healing Kai Discipline and the lengthy amount of time that has passed between Books 4 and 5, all of his lost ENDURANCE points are fully recovered before starting this adventure.If you have successfully completed any of the previous adventures in the Lone Wolf series, you will already have your COMBAT SKILL, ENDURANCE points, and Kai Disciplines which you may now carry over with you to Book 5. However, if you deem it necessary, all lost ENDURANCE points may be recovered before starting Book 5. You may also carry over any Weapons, Backpack Items and Special Items that you held at the end of your last adventure and these should be entered on your new Action Chart. You are still limited to 2 Weapons, 8 Backpack Items and 12 Special Items. Through the experience you have gained in your last adventure you have learned a new skill, and you may now choose one extra Kai Discipline to add to your Action Chart.
As with the first 4 books, The Play Option for the Healing Kai Discipline referenced in the opening post will not be used when running Book 5, since I believe this adventure’s difficulty is at an appropriate level without limiting the number of ENDURANCE points that Healing can restore.If you have successfully completed Books 1-4 of the Lone Wolf series, completion of Book 5 will raise you to the rank of Kai Master. This means that you will have acquired all ten basic Kai skills. All of the items, including Special Items, that you have found and kept during your adventures, may then be used in the Lone Wolf ‘Magnakai’ series.
Vassagonia MapYour mission is one of peaceful diplomacy – but beware! The desert empire of Vassagonia has a notorious reputation for being a land of deceit and treachery. Be on your guard at all times. Make notes as you progress, as you will find they will be of great help in this, and in future, adventures.
Many items that you find will aid you during your adventure. Some Special Items will also be of use in future Lone Wolf adventures, but others may be red herrings of no real use at all, so try to be selective in what you decide to keep.
If this is your first Lone Wolf adventure, choose your Kai Disciplines with care – a wise choice and a great deal of courage should enable anyone to complete both parts of this adventure, no matter how weak their initial COMBAT SKILL and ENDURANCE points score may be. Successful completion of previous Lone Wolf adventures, although an advantage, are not essential for the completion of this book.
May the spirits of your Kai Masters guide you on your perilous adventure.
For Sommerlund and the Kai!