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Post by Texan Kai on Jul 7, 2014 23:44:48 GMT
Hello all! First time poster, long time lurker. I grew up enjoying the Lone Wolf books and have always wanted to share Magnamund with some friends. Given the rise of social media, I have been able to do so! After being greatly (and I do mean greatly) influenced by Zipp's "Female Lone Wolf Adventures" I decided to give my GMing skills a try and expose a good friend of mine to Lone Wolf. I described the settings of Lone Wolf and Grey Star and offered her a choice of which campaign to play in. She picked Lone Wolf. Those of you who have read Zipp's wonderful write-up may notice some similarities in how I conduct this campaign. ContentsFlight from the DarkFire on the Water (in progress) Game mechanicsLone Wolf's Endurance will start at 25. I don't want LW to be a mighty tank type character with no fear. Combat will be very similar to how Zipp conducted his campaign with a flexible CS. It will fluctuate in battle based on the player's actions and role-playing. This will make LW able to withstand mighty foes through creative tactics and use of her skills. I do not intend for this story to go past Book 12. If Lone Wolf survives to the end (and of course, succeeds in defeating the Darklords), then we will see. Healing is generally done out of combat based on a d10 roll. Possessing the Healing skills gives a bonus. Damage taken from a lack of food can not be healed until a meal is eaten. Kai Disciplines will be a bit different mechanically due to balance and storytelling purposes. There are a few changes I am making to the main storyline. I do this not because I dislike Joe's original telling (quite the opposite), but I wanted to remove a few of the "monsters are all bad" and other fantasy tropes for an adult player while maintaining the essence of Joe's masterful tales. With that in mind, in this world... The story begins before the fall of the Kai Monastery.This is so that my player can get used to the game mechanics in a "safe" location before I send her off running for her life to Holmgard. It also gives her the opportunity to role-play with and bond with some of her fellow Kai trainees and masters, and perhaps even participate in the doomed battle for the Kai Monastery! It will make the fall of the monastery and deaths of Silent Wolf's friends and mentors that much more powerful for my player. Silent Wolf/Lone Wolf is female.This was at my player's request, since she is female. We will see if she makes choices similar to Zipp's player! I do not intend for Banedon to be a love interest. But we will see. The Darklords are human.Well, sort of. In this world, the Darklords are Drakkarim humans whom Naar "blessed" centuries ago with part of his unholy powers in a Faustian agreement. In exchange for immortality and powers beyond their human imagining, the Darklords would be his champions on Magnamund, and their once fragile mortal bodies twisted into monstrosities better able to survive the dark future Naar planned for the world. Vashna was the oldest and most powerful (perhaps a king of the Drakkarim). To that, I plan on giving Lone Wolf's primary antagonists a bit more fleshing out as characters and as villains. Magnamund is a world of Luddites.At least among the "free peoples." It was always my understanding that Magnamund was never intended to have a "technological" future. With that in mind, the presence of muskets and steam engines in Magnamund always confused me. So in this world, people in this world greatly fear and distrust technology. There will be no Bor muskets or cannons in this world. Crossbows and heavy siege weapons can replace the technological devices that Lone Wolf encounters. The exception I am making is with the Darklords. I always viewed them as more willing to aggressively employ technology than the free peoples (hence the ironclads and such), so the Darklords will keep their terrible science experiments, Giak spawning vats, ironclads, and such. Magic works differently.To borrow the old phrase, magic is simply science that people don't understand. In this world, energy is energy, regardless if it comes from science (i.e., Bor muskets) or "magic." And magic requires a power source if it is to be made into a form the user desires. So, Right-Handed Magic drains the life-force of the world around it, either through human or animal sacrifices or simply sucking the life from the immediate surroundings. Earth becomes ashen and infertile, water dries up, air becomes stagnant and foul… you get the idea. Left-handed magic drains the life-force of the user (personal Endurance, what have you). To this point, as the Nadziranim are exceedingly rare outside of the Darklands (unless accompanying invading armies of the Darklords), I am having their various experiments and practices be largely responsible for the desolation of the Darklands. I'm considering having devices like the Crystal Star explosive either removed entirely or be based on captured Darklands weaponry. I have plans for things like the Transfusor. The Darklands are habitable.Well, to a degree. The cities like Helgedad and Kaag are still vile places of ash and poisoned air. Undead, creatures bred for harsh environments like the Giaks, and of course the Darklords have no problems living there. "Normal" creatures require breathing apparatuses (or Platinum Amulets or their magical equivalents) to survive extended visits there. However, outside of the major cities and research outposts, humans can survive in the Darklands. In fact, in this world, the Drakarim (and perhaps extinct cultures) used to thrive there. Save for locations where Right-Handed magic abuse has blighted the earth, the taiga and plains and natural resources will still be quite bountiful in the Darklands. So encountering Drakkarim or other humans in the Darklands or small settlements there won't be unusual. This will make visits to places like Helgedad a truly alien and hellish experience for Lone Wolf. The Drakkarim are not barbarians.While still their own ethnic group with their own distinctive features, I am having them more Spartan-like. Theirs is a no-nonsense culture based around war. Due to the harsh lands in which they dwell and the animosity of their neighbors, the Drakkarim don't have time for luxuries such as art and poetry. The depiction of the Drakkarim as "barbarians" will largely be the result of propaganda and tales told among their enemies. In this world, most Drakkarim men are bred for war. Similar to the Kai Order though, distinctive children among the Drakkarim are "culled" at an early age every few years, based on the whims of the Archlord of Helgedad. The brawny kids get tracked into becoming Death Knights, the elite shock troops of the army. The smart ones get sent off to be raised and trained as Nadziranim. The very rare elite of the elite (should they survive their harsh training) become Zirans. I may expand on the idea of individual Drakkarim units being loyal to different Darklords, rather than to the Archlord as a whole. There may some other "adjustments" as the story progresses. I'll post the story from time to time as we get opportunities to play! Such as… tonight!
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Post by Texan Kai on Jul 8, 2014 7:50:06 GMT
I. Flight from the Dark, Part I
[We "rolled" Silent Wolf last night. There was no RPing of note, but our player became familiar with the setting of Lone Wolf and got a basic understanding of the Kai, the Darklords, and Magnamund as a whole. She is aware of the Project Aon website and forums and has been advised to be cautious of spoilers. That being said, Silent Wolf took Animal Kinship, Healing, Mind Over Matter, Weaponskill (randomly rolled for Broadsword), and Tracking for her skills.
She is also starting with no equipment save for her clothing and money. I'll work the "normal" starting gear into the narrative as we "start" Flight From the Dark. These first few sessions are just for her to get acclimated to the setting, meet some NPCs, and go through a mock battle or two so she can understand how the combat system works. It will also give me a chance to tweak the system and story if needed.
Lastly, I have edited the transcription in order to remove some personal and sensitive information that passed between us during the game and to make the formatting easier to read for y'all.]*** Silent Wolf: hola Texan Kai: Ready? Got your dice roller and character sheet? And would you like me to review anything for you? Lore, mechanics, etc? Silent Wolf: One moment, taking the whiny one up to bed. We just had a tantrum because he wanted to ride "my horse". I guess a quick review is a good idea. Texan Kai: No prob. Take whatever time you need! Silent Wolf: okay I think I'm ready. Texan Kai: Ok. You are Silent Wolf, an Initiate in the Order of the Kai, a militant monastic order that defends Sommerlund (your homeland) from the Darklords. It has been the custom for many centuries to send the children of the Warrior Lords to the monastery of Kai. There they are taught the skills and disciplines of their noble fathers. The Kai monks are masters of their art, and the children in their charge love and respect them in spite of the hardships of their training. For one day when they have finally learnt the secret skills of the Kai, they will return to their homes equipped in mind and body to defend themselves against the constant threat of war from the Darklords of the west. In olden times, during the Age of the Black Moon, the Darklords waged war on Sommerlund. The conflict was a long and bitter trial of strength that ended in victory for the Sommlending at the great battle of Maakengorge. King Ulnar and the allies of Durenor broke the Darklord armies at the pass of Moytura and forced them back into the bottomless abyss of Maakengorge. Vashna, mightiest of the Darklords, was slain upon the sword of King Ulnar, called ‘Sommerswerd’, the sword of the sun. Since that age, the Darklords have vowed vengeance upon Sommerlund and the House of Ulnar. It is the last day of winter in 5050MS. Tomorrow is the first day of spring as well as the Feast of Fehmarn when all of the Kai Lords are present at the monastery for the celebrations. In addition to feasting and fellowship, the Kai Lords renew their vows to king and country and give praise to the good gods Ishir and Kai. You arise in the morning and don the uniform of a Kai of your rank. As an initiate, you are issued the green tunic and cloak of a Kai Initiate, as well as leggings, boots, and a belt. Also in your personal possessions are a backpack that can hold up to eight Backpack Items. Give me a roll. Silent Wolf: 8 Texan Kai: Among your personal possessions you also have managed to acquire eight Gold Crowns, small gold coins that serve as the national currency of Sommerlund and several other nations. You may store these Gold Crowns and any others that you acquire in your Belt Pouch. Your Belt Pouch has room for fifty Gold Crowns. (Don't forget to make that on your action sheet! Also when I am speaking to you out of character I will use parenthesis. You can do the same,otherwise I will assume that whatever you type is done in character.) You rise early in the morning for your studies, as usual. While you may have the day off from class and training tomorrow for the Feast, today is another day. As an Initiate, you are housed in one of the monastery's dormitories. You are expected downstairs in the mess hall for breakfast before class begins. (Action?) (I won't always prompt you for an action. Remember you can use your Kai Skills at anytime and conduct any actions you see fit. Just tell me and describe it to me Silent Wolf: (Should I be posing (as we used to call it in PMU) in First person or third?) Texan Kai: (Your choice.) Silent Wolf: (also just got the sheet pulled up on tablet, making things easier!) Texan Kai: (Great! Hope it was useful for you. It's very basic and has no formulas, but at least it will help you keep track of your stuff.) Silent Wolf: (very much so) Texan Kai: (Took only a few minutes to do… anyway… your action?) Silent Wolf: (it'll work, and I can always add things as I find a need) I get dressed quickly, making sure everything is in order. I then head downstairs to the mess hall. (Shorter than I would have written before. But I am rusty.) Texan Kai: You dress for a typical winter day at the monastery and descend your rather sparsely furnished room. You descend the granite stairs of the dormitory and follow the smells of freshly cooked food wafting from the mess hall on the ground floor. There you see your fellow Kai sitting in their usual cliques at longtables. Your mentor, Storm Hawk, is seated with some of the other senior Kai Masters at the head of the room. They seem to have already finished their breakfast and are talking amongst themselves. The students your age are still eating. You notice some of your few friends, Sleeping Bear and Snow Raven, eating together towards the end of one of the tables. (Not a problem! You are doing fine. Feel free to ask for more information too. What I type to you is basically what you see at first glance.) Silent Wolf: I slowly make my way towards the prepared food, mouth watering. As I fill my plate, I attempt to inconspicuously eavesdrop on the Senior Kai Masters along with my mentor, Not wanting to dawdle and draw too much attention to this, I quickly head towards my friends and settle into the closest seat. Texan Kai: (So are you eavesdropping, or just trying to pick up whatever they are saying as you walk by?) Silent Wolf: (More or less just trying to pick up any notable tidbits) Texan Kai: The kitchen staff has prepared for the order this morning dishes of spiced pork sausage, scrambled eggs, and and peppered bacon. You fill your tray with dishes of your choosing and fill a tankard with fresh cow's milk before walking past Storm Hawk. He nods at your presence with a smile and continues with his conversation as you walk by. From what you gather he and the other senior Kai Masters are talking about preparations for the upcoming Feast of Fehmarn and how a few of the Kai Lords crossing from Vassagonia are late. Vassagonia, from what you remember in your geography classes, is a mighty desert kingdom to the south of Sommerlund. It would not be unusual for travel delays to come from that part of the world. Your friends wave at you as you approach. Sleeping Bear takes up more than one seat at the table and Snow Raven sits across from him. You have something in common to both of these young students. Like you, Sleeping Bear's family were poor farmers. His unusual size, strength, and robust health as a child brought the notice of the Kai Order, and he has lived at the monastery since then. He is normally a quiet and shy boy, but when roused he has a ferocious demeanor. The Masters seem to have named him appropriately. Snow Raven, on the other hand, is a young girl of striking appearance. Besides a lean and toned body, her elfin chin, platinum blonde hair, and blue eyes mark her as the offspring of one of Sommerlund's noble families. Unlike you and Sleeping Bear, she had some education and courtly manners before she came to the monastery. She has been a sort of "big sister" to you as she is one of the few other female Kai. You recall that Snow Raven excelled in all of her classes. You may sit next to either one of your friends. Silent Wolf: I go and sit next to Sleeping Bear, giving Snow Raven a friendly smile all the same. Texan Kai: You take your seat next to Sleeping Bear, who is busy chewing some food as he tries to move over to give you some room. Snow Raven smiles at you. Rather than spearing her food like Sleeping Bear, Snow Raven seems to be using Mind over Matter to manipulate her fork. "You should always practice your skills," she had once told you after a sparring session. "you never know when they might be useful." Once Sleeping Bear swallows his mouthful of sausage, he turns to you and asks "Are you excited about the feast tomorrow, Silent Wolf? Think of all the food tomorrow! And," he adds, "the Masters will even let us have a cup or two of mead!" Snow Raven interjects before you have a chance to respond. "Don't think of all of that, Silent Wolf. He's just trying to distract you from class! Remember today we have the final sparring session in the Lore Hall of Fire. You don't want to be thinking about feasts and dancing and music when you are fighting your fellow classmates. Or do you?" She asks with a mischievous smile. You get the impression that she is playfully misdirecting the conversation.Silent Wolf: I laugh, and give a quick nod to Sleeping Bear. I cannot deny Snow Raven's point. I need to focus on my training. "Doing well in my training will make tomorrow all the more enjoyable!" Texan Kai: They laugh and nod at your answer. Both of your friends are in good spirits as you finish your meals. (Anything else you want to say to them before class? Or just the usual pleasantries?) Silent Wolf: I wish them well in their day and in their studies and wrap things up.Texan Kai: The three of you finish your meals quickly. At the conclusion of breakfast Storm Hawk gives the usual announcements and agenda of the day before dismissing the students. Snow Raven bids the two of you a good morning, as she is off to the Lore Hall of the Spirit for her advanced classes of the mind. You and Sleeping Bear head to the Lore Hall of Fire, the main center for training in combat arts. The tables and chairs have been removed today, leaving room only for a sparring mat where the students sit around. Near the entrance is a weapons rack. Wooden replicas of every hand weapon used in the armies of Sommerlund and the free countries are present. You are expected to choose one and take a seat around the mat. For today is a sort of tournament for the students to prove that they have mastered the martial arts taught to them. As a Kai trained in Weaponskill, you are expected not only to compete, but to distinguish yourself in front of the Masters, as you have done in years past. (In lieu of a two-handed weapon, you may also take a one hander and a shield. Remember, you are especially skilled in a Broadsword, which cannot be used with a shield.) [At this point the hour was getting late, so we agreed to postpone the game until next time. It was a shorter session that both of us preferred, but she will have some "combat" next time. Hopefully we can get the Kai Monastery attacked as well...]
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Post by Texan Kai on Jul 10, 2014 8:00:18 GMT
II. Flight From the Dark, Part II
[We started our session late again, so we only had time for some short RPing and a brief combat. And again, this is not the original conversation: I have edited the text for formatting purposes and to remove certain sensitive and personal stuff.]Texan Kai: Ok, got the pizza, beer, and the playlist ready. Just need Silent Wolf!
Silent Wolf: Hehehe. Sounds good. Almost ready.
Texan Kai: No prob. Just reviewing my notes.
Silent Wolf: About to get the cute up to bed. He started singing a song out of the blue from one of my favorite shows when I was little.
Texan Kai: That's cute. Treasure those moments.
Silent Wolf: So I found a clip on YouTube and showed it to him. He was ecstatic. I absolutely will. I like my little biology project.
Texan Kai: In high school the folks taking the home-ex classes or whatever they were had to carry around bags of flour decorated as babies for two weeks.
Silent Wolf: Oh my. That seems annoying.
Texan Kai: Woe to the student whose "baby" sprung a leak.
Silent Wolf: Yeah that is for sure. Would it be considered a hemorrhage?
Texan Kai: Basically you had to pretend that the sack of flour was a real baby. If something happened to it (like you dropped it down the stairs or left it at home or in your car) you failed the assignment. I don't know if schools do that kind of assignment anymore. That was back in the mid 90s.
Silent Wolf: They had a robot baby. But I never knew anyone that tried it.
Texan Kai: There were some interesting classes when I went to school. My Military History teacher was one of those re-enactors so on any given day when we'd cover a war, he'd come dressed in a uniform of that conflict and pass around some artifacts like helmets, replicas of letters, that sort of thing. When we did the American Civil War he took us to the soccer fields and showed us Union bayonet drills and explained why they were important to a 19th century army. He was actually an extra in "Glory." Anyhoo, are you ready?
Silent Wolf: Yeah. I think so. Pulling up Numbers.
Texan Kai: Ok, let's review your character sheet real fast to make sure we are both looking at the same information.
Silent Wolf: Ok
Texan Kai: I have your Kai Disciplines as Animal Kinship, Healing, Mind Over Matter, Weaponskill (Broadsword), and Tracking. You are at full (25) Endurance. You have 8 Gold Crowns. Is that what you have?
Silent Wolf: Indeed it is.
Texan Kai: Ok great! Did you choose a weapon (either a two-hander or a one-hander and/or a shield) from the rack as you walked in the Lore Hall of Fire? Your choices are a Dagger, Sword, Short Sword, Broadsword. Warhammer, Quarterstaff, Axe, Spear, or a Mace. Of those, Sword, Short Sword, Warhammer, Axe, Spear, and Mace may be used with a shield. Also of those, Broadsword and Quarterstaff are two-handed. You may also find one-handed versions of the Spear and Axe. Remember, you are especially skilled with a Broadsword. If you pick a shield, you may add +2 to your Combat Skill rolls. If you go with a Broadsword, you will get +2 to your combat skill rolls plus you may have opportunities for extra damage. Keep in mind that shields can be damaged or destroyed through prolonged use. The choice is yours. (And I have been forgetting to put my OOC text in parenthesis.)
Silent Wolf: Broadsword of course! (Internet is out again. And the juvenile keeps swiping my phone.)
Texan Kai: (It happens. Ok, here we go!)
You inspect the weapons on the rack carefully before making your choice. Each is a oaken pole carved in the shape of the weapon it represents. Weighted pads are tied around the armaments to both better simulate the weight of steel and also to provide a cushioning for zealous strikes. Your trained eyes immediately set themselves on a facsimile of a broadsword, your favored weapon. You balance the weight and measure carefully before you take your seat around the mat.
Once all of the students have made their choices, Master Blazing Stag rises. Like your mentor Storm Hawk, he is an older master, having far more summers behind him than he does ahead. His once-red hair is now balding, with peppering of grey in his beard. Despite his age, he is still a formidable fighter.
"Today we shall test your meter in simulated one-one combat," he says, cutting to the quick as usual. "Each student regardless of experience might fight at least one opponent. Win or lose, you will all learn from each other today."
(Give me two rolls.)
Silent Wolf: 9, 3
Texan Kai: Master Blazing Stag looks over the assembled students. It is he who decides the order of the fights. Some students are young and inexperienced in single combat. Others are seasoned veterans of patrols around the Durncrags. And still others have learned to attack their opponents with their budding mental powers. You wonder who your opponent will be…
"Silent Wolf!" the Master announces, breaking your reverie. "you will face… Laughing Fox!"
Your opponent rises and approaches his place on the mat. He is an older student than you, but his lessons have focused more on hunting and stealth than techniques of melee combat. You can hope that your skill at arms will give you an advantage over his age and agility.
(This is your first combat. Do you need me to review the mechanics before we begin? And remember to add +2 to your rolls due to the Broadsword Weaponskill)
Silent Wolf: (Yeah)
Texan Kai: (Ok. At the beginning of a combat, I will ask you to roll for your initial Combat Skill. Remember to add whatever appropriate bonuses that you have for your Weaponskill and items.) (You will not always be aware of the enemy's Combat Skill. Over time as Silent Wolf becomes more experienced and knowledgable in battle, I may start to reveal how skilled the enemy is. I WILL reveal the enemy's Endurance so you can keep track of how you are doing. I figured that since you have both Healing and Weaponskill, you can tell how badly hurt your opponent is. Each round both of you get a single hit off. The damage is based on a d10 roll and matched to a combat chart that I have which measures your Combat Skill vs. the enemy's. Before you roll, you may describe your attack to me. I will then assign your action to one of four combat actions based on your description. these are…)
Texan Kai: (Charge: you up your Combat Ratio for a single round for a chance to do improved damage. At the end of that round your Combat Ratio will drop as your opponent regains his position. Defense: Any move that is purely defensive. You don't get to do damage, but your Combat Ratio rises for next round as you counterattack. Maneuver: A combination of attacking and trying to improve your position against the enemy. You will use your current Combat Ratio and rolls for damage, but the next round your Combat Ratio either drops or improves based on your roll. Attack: You roll damage at your current ratio without affecting the ratio for the next roll. Oh, and combat generally continues until either one fighter is defeated/killed, surrenders, or flees.)
[Here there was a delay since she had to put her son to bed.]
Texan Kai: (Anyway, when you get back, describe your actions to me.)
Silent Wolf: (Okay Got him up to bed.)
Silent Wolf: I do not hesitate before crying out and charging straight for Laughing Fox, My broadsword aimed to strike directly in the abdomen.
Texan Kai: (This will be non-lethal damage since y'all are in a "practice" environment.)
Silent Wolf: (Of course. Padded weapons make things more difficult!)
Texan Kai: (I'm going to interpret that as a Charge. Roll for Combat Skill!)
Silent Wolf: 2
Texan Kai: (did you roll a 0 and add two for Weaponskill? Or is that a natural 2?)
Silent Wolf: (right haha) 4
Texan Kai: (Ok, 4 it is.)
No sooner had Master Blazing Stag signaled for you to initiate combat tun you charged Laughing Fox. He managed to skip backwards in an attempt to avoid your forceful attack, but the tip of your blade left a red welt on his thigh. He countered with a desperate backswing with his shorter sword, cracking you on your shoulder.
Silent Wolf: 22/25 Laughing Fox 24/30
Texan Kai: (Next move? Remember, you are recovering from a charge this round.)
Silent Wolf: (Would a maneuver be appropriate here?)
Texan Kai: (Up to you.)
Silent Wolf: (Okay, lemme pull up my sheet on here again.)
Texan Kai: (Review how I am interpreting your actions and choose what you best think will help you in this position.)
Silent Wolf: I go on the defensive, keeping my broadsword between Laughing Fox and myself. I back up from him slightly, and do my best to stare him down, I also can't resist smirking ever so slightly, attempting to appear even more confident.
Texan Kai: (Nice. I like that. Give me a roll.)
Silent Wolf: 7
Texan Kai: (did you add the +2 from Weaponskill?)
Silent Wolf: (I did! I finally remembered this time, hehe.)
Texan Kai: (ok good! I'll assume from here on out that in combats when you are using a broadsword, you are adding +2 to your roll.)
You've sparred with Laughing Fox on more than one occasion and know how to play mind games with him. Your smirk produces a flash of frustration in his face and his wild swing does not do nearly as much damage as it could have were he focused.
Silent Wolf: 21/25 Laughing Fox: 24/30
Silent Wolf: (Okay, that makes me feel better! )
Feeling more confident on the move, and also quite pleased with myself, I keep backwards, but end up circling him, striking out at him when I see an opportunity. The broadsword continues to stay between him and myself, and I do my best to block any attempts to attack on his part.
Texan Kai: (I'm interpreting that as a Maneuver. Roll it!)
Silent Wolf: (It is indeed!) 8
Texan Kai: Wolves circle their prey, and you are not different. After testing Laughing Fox's defenses, you easily parry a clumsy thrust and punish him with a wicked swing that, were your sword live steel, would have dealt him a grievous wound. He staggers with a foxlike yip of pain and you take the opportunity to advance on him.
Silent Wolf: 21/25 Laughing Fox: 13/30
Silent Wolf: I unsuccessfully attempt to suppress a snigger at hearing Laughing Fox's reaction to my blow. Feeling the rush of adrenaline in my veins, I rush forward again, this time taking aim at his legs and take him right down to the ground. (Hoping to, on the last part, that is.)
Texan Kai: (I'm interpreting that as a Charge. Roll it!)
Silent Wolf: 8 (again. It likes me tonight.)
Texan Kai You can feel the silent approval of your classmates energizing you as you move in for the "kill." Laughing Fox is completely unprepared for your sudden attack. Your first swing knocks his sword-pole from his hands, and your followup cracks against his skull. He groans pitifully and slumps to the ground, unconscious. You have defeated Laughing Fox!
Silent Wolf: 21/25 Laughing Fox: KO
Silent Wolf: (So much easier to do with a full keyboard and no baby aggro. )
Texan Kai: The room echoes with applause from your classmates and Master Blazing Stag. You stand at the center of the mat to receive his critique of your fight as Laughing Fox is dragged off to receive medical treatment.
"Well fought, Silent Wolf," the Master begins. "This was a clear demonstration that hard training can often overcome a tougher opponent. While your charge was not executed properly, you did take advantage of your opponent's weakened position to the best tactical use. As the victor, you may fight another opponent if you wish. Otherwise, please take your seat."
Silent Wolf: (I assume I'd start with 21?)
Texan Kai: (Yes. Once you step down your Endurance will be restored. In this situation, there is no shame for stepping down.)
Silent Wolf: I give a quick bow to Blazing Stag, before retreating to the comfort of my seat to relax, and soak in the moment.
Texan Kai: He nods to you and your classmates again clap their admiration of your skill as you take your seat. As you do, you see the medics revive Laughing Fox with a splash of water to the face and he is offered a vial of scarlet liquid to drink. He downs it and the stars seem to have vanished from his vision. You are also offered a vial of the same liquid to drink.
"Laumspur, one of your classmates explains, seemly eager to impress you with his knowledge of herbalism. "It heals wounds sustained in battle."
You need no reminder, as you thoroughly studied the utility of the valuable herb during your Healing training.
(I need an action from you. You are expected to remain until all of your classmates have fought. You may also try to sneak out if you wish.)
Silent Wolf: I give my classmate a grateful smile, and I do not hesitate to accept his offer. "Thank you! This will certainly hit the spot". I take a moment to observe Laughing Fox's recovery, and then eagerly await the next match up. It never hurts to study the battles of others, even after my turn has passed.
Texan Kai: The Laumspur refreshes you and immediately you can feel the fatigue and bruises melting away. You remain seated and observe the other students with interest. Your friend Sleeping Bear impressively defeats four opponents even after allowing each of them the first hit. After the fights are over, Blazing Stag offers advice and encouragement to all of the students, from the most inexperienced to the top fighter among you.
"Learn from each other always," he concludes. "One day you may find yourself alone in combat with only your skills, wiles, and grit to sustain you. Remember that." With that, he dismisses the class. As you get up to leave, he approaches you. It appears he wishes a word or two.
(You may ignore Blazing Stag and try to follow your classmates or see what he wants.)
Silent Wolf: I hang back, being unable to fight my curiosity. I have to find out what it is he wants to speak to me about.
Texan Kai: Your classmates file out of the Lore Hall of Fire to the baths or their dormitories as they have done at the end of every class.
"Silent Wolf," Blazing Stag begins, "As you may be aware, some of the Kai Lords returning from duty on the border with Vassagonia are overdue. We were expecting their arrival several days ago. Many of the other students have been tasked with various duties in preparation for the Feast of Fehmarn left unfulfilled by these absent Kai Lords. Among these duties is gathering firewood for tonight. Would you be willing to help? I know Master Storm Hawk would appreciate any help you can offer."
He awaits your reply.
Silent Wolf: Things do need to be done to properly prepare for the upcoming feast. "Of course, Master. I would be happy to do this task. Is there anything else you need of me?" Someone's got to do it, and a little brown nosing can't hurt, right?
Texan Kai: He nods as if he had expected such an answer.
"Very good. Bring back as much as you can safely carry before late afternoon. And get an axe and some rations from the quartermaster before you leave. Any questions?"
[At this point it was getting late and her responses were getting slower, so I hurried up the story to get to a suitable stopping point.]Silent Wolf: "No, Master. It will be done." With that, I head out and hurry to catch up with the rest of my classmates. Hopefully I have not missed too much.
Texan Kai: Many of your classmates have already left. But not all of them. Casually reclining against the wall with her slender arms crossed is Snow Raven. She smirks at you.
"So how many was it this time, Silent Wolf? How many of your naysayers felt the wolf's claws?"
Silent Wolf: Releasing a cackle, I cockily reply, "Only one today. I allowed the rest to keep their lives! So far." I join her against the wall, taking another moment to reflect on my victory. "How goes your day, Snow Raven?" (Ugh I am beginning to fade fast here. Long days at work taking their toll.)
Texan Kai: She snickers, amused by your answer. "Only one then eh? One day you should just take them all on. At once. After you've learned some of the powers of the mind." She taps her temple knowingly. "The mind is more powerful than the sword. Or so they say."She straightens up and brushes some dirt off of her cloak. "I need to run though. Master Storm Hawk is having me work with the kitchen staff for tonight. I hope I don't burn the water." She smiles in spite of it all as she runs off, calling to you, "See you tonight!" (We are almost done here.) Silent Wolf: I nod, taking a moment to consider her words I give her a wave as she departs. "Just refrain from setting it aflame this time! Otherwise my firewood will become obsolete. " After she is out of sight, I make my way in the direction of the quartermaster.
Texan Kai: The quartermaster seems bored at your arrival. You explain the task given to you by Master Blazing Stag and are issued a Steel Axe (mark that as a Weapon on your action chart) and a set of iron rations for your lunch for when you are in the field. (mark that as a Meal, which you place in your Backpack)
"That axe will chop a Giak's head just as well as a stout oak, Silent Wolf. Don't cut yourself."
He make you sign for the equipment and then returns to his work.
(We are at a stopping point, unless you wish to do anything else.)
Silent Wolf: (No that's fine. I can't focus anymore.)
Texan Kai: (It's cool. Hope you enjoyed tonight!)
Silent Wolf: (It was enjoyable. I appreciate having the dice's favor. I doubt it will last though.)
[Well we did not destroy the monastery and slaughter the Kai… but that time will come next time!]
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Post by Dave on Jul 16, 2014 4:05:38 GMT
Keep it coming, Texan Kai! This is a great read. I'm enjoying the bit of backstory and involving her with other Kai students, so the loss of the Kai will be all that more tragic and motivating. Can't wait to see what happens next!
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Post by Texan Kai on Jul 16, 2014 17:51:34 GMT
Thanks for the support, Dave. Glad you are enjoying the story so far! Our player's internet has been spotty plus she has had commitments with work, so we can usually play only in the evenings. I'll try to get another session up soon.
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Post by Texan Kai on Jul 19, 2014 4:38:46 GMT
III. Flight From the Dark, Part III.[Apparently Silent Wolf wishes to play a hot-blooded teenager to the expense of her studies. We will see how long that lasts, but for now it should make for an interesting session. This is a PG-13 session.]Silent Wolf: My young grasshopper just learned that leaving your pizza plate on the floor leads to the dog stealing it. He still insists on eating like a dog, though..I think I'm ready here.
Texan Kai: ok one secGotta set up my playlist
Silent Wolf: k
Texan Kai: Ok let's review your character sheet real fast since you got some new gear last game.Last session, you gained 8 Gold Crowns and a Steel Axe.And a Meal. Is Silent Wolf left or right handed?
Silent Wolf: Left
Texan Kai: (Ok last game you got your axe and orders to go to the nearby woods and chop up for firewood for tomorrow's feast. Snow Raven was sent to the kitchens to work. Anything you want to do? If not I'll assume you are heading off to the woods.)
Silent Wolf: (Ogle some hot initiates?)
Texan Kai: (Well Snow Raven is a hottie. Most of the Kai are male and are either in class or likewise sent off to various tasks for the Masters. Has Silent Wolf been doing any, ah 'indiscretions' while at the monastery?)
Silent Wolf: (Mmmm, she is, isn't she? And of course, why not?)
Texan Kai: (She is. I'll assume you've tried to keep your nocturnal activities under the radar. The Masters either don't know or they have been turning a blind eye for the time being. Anyway… action? Or are you disregarding your task to ogle the other students? Or one in particular?)
Silent Wolf: (Oh yes, discretion is key. And no, no, the firewood shall be done.) Being a healthy hot-blooded teenager, I enjoy the "scenery" on my way towards the forest with my axe in hand.
Texan Kai: It is about a thirty minute walk from the monastery to the lumber yard. Oftentimes Kai novices would be sent here as a form of punishment for inattention in class or other misbehavior. Regardless of the reasons behind your task today, it is a sunny afternoon. The Durncrags mostly protect this part of Sommerlund from the harsh arid winds blowing east from the Darklands, though now and then you have to tighten your green cloak around you. The fir trees meet your axe with stubborn resistance, but one by one you claim them for your own.By the time the sun begins to descend over the mountains, you are carrying a respectable wood pile back to the monastery. Your muscles are tired and you are covered in the smells of the woods and of sweat by the time you arrive. Some stronger Kai take charge of your lumber and carry it off to the hearths, where the wood you have cut will be fuel for tomorrow's bonfire. You are now free to go about your business before the evening watch begins.
(Some options come to mind: you can check on your friends, head off to the baths, or call it a day and go back to your dormitory.)
Silent Wolf: After returning the axe to the quartermaster, I decide to check in on Snow Raven and see if she is still at work in the kitchen. If not, then I head off to take a nice bath. Well, as nice as one can get in there.
Texan Kai: You arrive at the kitchens. There is a frenzy of activity and savory smells greet you for the evening meal. Some of the Kai give you a few looks as you enter but then go about their business. You do not see Snow Raven here, so you adjourn to the baths. Traditionally, the Kai take great pride in personal cleanliness, and the bathhouses reflect that mentality. Save for the Masters' Quarters in the Tower of the Sun, the baths display some of the finest stonework and artistry to be found in the entire monastery. It is said that Sun Eagle, the first Kai Master, ordered the construction of these baths long ago. Here, separate pools of cold and hot water serve to relax the bathers. Colorful tiled mosaics on the floor and walls display peaceful scenes of Kai lore: the Goddess Ishir and Kai creating humanity, the founding of Sommerlund, and symbols representing the various Kai Skills.Generally this section of the baths, being reserved for the females of the order, are less crowded than those for the men. Today, there is only one other bather: your friend Snow Raven. Her back is towards you as she reclines in the steamy water.
Silent Wolf: I breathe in the scents of the room, the steam, and the calm. As I begin to disrobe, I call out to Snow Raven, greeting her. "Any improvement in your cooking skills this eve?"
Texan Kai: She does not appear surprised to see you. You recall the Masters boasting of her promise in the mental arts several times, after all.
"Well I didn't burn the water. It's easy enough to follow cooking directions when you can read the minds of the cooks, you know," she says cooly. The casual manner of her admittance strikes a note inside you. While the Kai are famed to possess latent powers of the mind, you have not heard of one of your generation, or even those of Storm Hawk's, being able to directly read another person's thoughts. Those are powers are from fabled past and legend. Something about "Magnakai powers."
Silent Wolf: I can't help but laugh a little and shake my head at her. "Isn't that considered cheating, though? How long have you been reading them, anyway? I do hope you didn't pick up what I was thinking about earlier after my duel..." As I speak, I've dipped into the water myself.
Texan Kai: You can imagine her smiling at your words. "It is," she admits. "But it doesn't hurt anyone. It's not like they were trying to get me to pass one of their exams. Now THAT would be cheating. And my family doesn't cheat. Except for uncle Oromis," she corrects herself, referring to one of the king's advisors known for being more of a politician and less of a statesman in that position. She turns towards you with a half-smile as you step into the water. "And what were you thinking about? Besides showing up Laughing Fox."
Silent Wolf: "Oh nothing. Just something about the kissable lips of one of the combatants that went after Laughing Fox and I." I look across the water at her, a devilish grin dancing across my lips. "What was Laughing Fox thinking about, out of curiosity? I hope his ego wasn't too wounded this time around." Relaxing, I swirl the water with my hands as I speak. "It is nice to have a quiet moment to ourselves."
Texan Kai: She raises a golden eyebrow. "Oh, Silent Wolf, always on the prowl. Like a wolf," she snickers. She is not unaware of your nocturnal activities."He was embarrassed of course, though you don't need a mind reader to tell you that. He lost to a girl! You probably could have beaten half of the class on your own. Someday the boys will realize that. We can defend Sommerlund as well as they can."
She leans back in the pool as if to stretch her back. "We don't often get much time to rest, let alone have free time. After all, we are supposed to be the defenders of the realm," she adds, her voice pitch mimicking Storm Hawk's baritone. She levitates a vial of shampoo over to you with a wink.
Silent Wolf: (Internet is being wonky, now. ) "Hah, I suppose that is true. I have been following your advice and doing my best to apply our learning in all things." Some of the applications of which have been more fun than others. Accepting the shampoo and slicking a fair blob of it into my hair, I sigh. "Doesn't always seem like there is much to defend it from. Other than too much after class studying, that is."
Beginning to feel the exhaustion from the day, I lean back against the wall of the pool. "May be we just have to defend it against knuckleheaded males."
Texan Kai: "Or the Darkords. Whom Naar made all male of course," she laughs. "There's always threats to Sommerlund and the Crown. Some come from inside from what father used to say." She trails off before changing the subject. "At least tomorrow will be enjoyable!"
[Her internet service was being spotty at this point and we lost a few hours, so I figured a recap would be helpful for her when she got back.]
Texan Kai: You are both chatting while soaking in the hot water in the public baths at the monastery. She has changed the subject to tomorrow's Feast of Fehmarn, the largest holiday in the Kai Order. All of the Kai are expected to attend.You also recall that two of the Kai, the ones detailed on the border with Vassagonia, are well overdue. The Masters have been anxious for their arrival. (That being said you can talk about anything you choose. I figure you have a little while to bathe and talk before you need to report back to your dormitory.)
Silent Wolf: I smile at the thought of the Feast quickly approaching. A nagging thought pulls at the back of my mind, however. "It looks like almost everything is ready for tomorrow. I personally guarantee our firewood supply. I do hope the other Kai will be here for the start of things. Have you heard any news on their arrival yet?"
Texan Kai: "Sleeping Bear has sworn to eat their share of venison if they don't arrive." She shrugs her shoulders absently, making ripples in the water.
"Still, twenty Kai plus the Masters and novices should make for a fun party. You can finally let your hair down, dance a bit, and actually eat your fill before going back to the routine of defending Sommerlund."
Silent Wolf: I can't help but chuckle at the mental image of Sleeping Bear gorging himself on venison. "He would, wouldn't he? The sight might ruin the appetite for the rest of us, though. I can't help but wonder what is keeping our overdue colleagues.. Perhaps they have been caught up in some bad weather or something." I give her a shrug back, but then fail to stifle a yawn.
Texan Kai: "I can't read their minds from this distance," she childes before her lips turn to a frown. "They've known about this for their entire lives. We have the feast every year."She notices the yawn. "Sleepy, Silent Wolf? Am I boring you?" She grins facetiously. Just save some energy for the feast tomorrow. I expect to see you on the dance floor."With that, she rises from the pool and towels herself off before wishing you a pleasant evening. (Unless you wish to say or do anything else, I'll skip ahead to the day of the feast,)
Silent Wolf: (We can skip on ahead.)
Texan Kai: You bid Snow Raven a good evening and she departs with a grin after she dresses.The next day keeps the entire monastery busy with the activity of an Burrowcrawler nest. Every Kai is detailed to a task related to the feast: festooning the walls and parapets with gold-and crimson ribbons and banners, arranging furniture and longtables in the outside plaza for the feast, and other work as Storm Hawk sees fit.As you spent yesterday chopping lumber, your task is standing guard at Gate of the Sun, the easternmost gate to the monastery. While you are spared from the duties the other students are engaged in, you have always found guard duty exceedingly boring. Towards late afternoon, two distant figures appear on the road. they are on foot and you can easily make out the green of their Kai cloaks."Hail to the gate!" One figure calls out. At this distance, you can make them out as two Kai Journymen (Action? You are the only one on sentry duty at this gate. The usual guards on the wall are detailed to other tasks for the feast.)
Silent Wolf: I wave toward the two approaching figures and step forward to greet them as they come, as well as get a closer look at the two of them.
Texan Kai: You recognize them: they are Shadow Viper and Rune Spider, the two missing Kai Lords. They look exhausted from their journey from Vassagonia and deeply tanned from their sojourn from the desert empire. Their swords are sheathed at their sides and their packs are bulging. "Hail, Kai Lord," Shadow Viper greets brightly. "I trust we are not too late to the party?"
Silent Wolf: Smirking, I shake my head. "Well, you've cut it close! There may still be a few morsels left. And a few dancers not yet winded. What brings you back so late?" I move to the side to allow them to continue on toward the monastery.
Texan Kai: They nod politely as they quickly pass through the gate. "We had some road trouble leaving Vassagonia," Shadow Viper explains. "The old Zakhan is ill again and traffic from the highways outside of the country is being checked. Too many buzzards circling around that throne. We did bring spices for the feast though. We will see you later." They both follow the smells to the kitchen.
At that point your relief arrives. A young Kai sentry, too youthful to have seen more than a dozen winters, arrives to replace you at the gate and gives the departing two elder students a curious look before turning back to you.
(Your shift is done. You can return to your dormitory to change. The sun is beginning to set across the mountains and the feast will begin soon.)
Silent Wolf: Relieved none too soon, I waste no time in hurrying towards my dorm to dress and prepare for the evening festivities.
Texan Kai: (Any particular style? For this evening you are allowed certain liberties in how you dress. You don't have much in the way of non-regulation clothing though, given that you come from a family of farmers.)
Silent Wolf: (Well I'm not quite sure what the styles would be like. Would they wear skirts? Or just something low cut?)
Texan Kai: (Generally the older Kai wear the equivalent of dress uniforms. The younger men tend to skirt the range of regulation clothing in their efforts to be flashy. There are no regulations for the females. Generally though the attire is a matter of personal choice.)
Silent Wolf: I don an especially tight pair of chocolate leather pants, along with a rather revealing low cut tunic a few shades lighter. Over that, I throw on my green Kai cloak. As I likely don't have many pairs of shoes, I wear a comfortable pair of light boots that would not inhibit dancing much.
Texan Kai: You slip on your chosen clothing, certain it would attract more than a few pairs of eyes. As you are descending the stairs to the courtyard, you run into Sleeping Bear, dressed in a modest tunic and pants. His eyes nearly roll out their sockets.
"Uh, hi, Silent Wolf," he stammers, his eyes failing to meet yours despite his best efforts. "You look nice tonight. For the feast."
Silent Wolf: (Might as well torture the boys for all the grief they've been giving, right?) "Hello, Sleeping Bear! Thank you, you are too kind. You look very nice, yourself, by the way. Would you like to walk with me?" I can't help but be pleased by his reaction. Being female can be rather fun, at times!
Texan Kai: He looks redder than a laumspur plant and nervously takes your arm in his. You descend the stairs and can hear music light music. Trays of steaming food and tankards of mead and wine and ale are displayed in the center of each table. Your mouth begins to water at the sight of the cornucopia. The sky is a splendid shade of orange as the sun descends beyond the mountains.You see your fellow Kai all enjoy themselves, eating, conversing, and some are dancing to the music.
As you are gazing around, you feel a light tap on your shoulder from behind you.
And that's there we will stop for tonight.
[Ok next time, I swear, we will kill her friends, destroy the Monastery, and send her on her way to Holmgard. Somehow I don't think she's read up in the Magnamund Companion on the nature of Helghasts yet. She will find out soon enough though...]
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Post by Zipp on Jul 24, 2014 4:44:18 GMT
Hey, another female lone wolf! This is great, Texan Kai! You're doing a good job of introducing her to the world of Lone Wolf, and I think the death of her friends is going to have a hard impact. Looking forward to it. Very glad that my and Michele's game was able to add some entertainment into your life.
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Post by Texan Kai on Jul 24, 2014 13:12:43 GMT
Thanks, Zipp! The game that you and Michelle played was wonderful entertainment as well as an inspiration for this one. I hope I can live up to y'all's standards.
We should have the Massacre of the Kai up sometime tonight or tomorrow.
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Post by whisperedlion on Jul 24, 2014 14:56:03 GMT
Great story...going to break the heart on how you have built up all of this for the destruction...man..I remember how it was when I went back through the collectors version of Flight from the Dark...they make the characters very likeable..
looking forward to the next installment!
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Post by Texan Kai on Jul 26, 2014 5:28:55 GMT
IV. Flight From the Dark, Part IV.
[This was a fairly long session. Thanks be to days off! I have not read the Mongoose edition of Flight From the Dark. I wonder if there are any similarities between their version and mine. Some edits were done to the text for spelling issues and such. Sometimes auto-correct does sneaky things to the text and I do not catch the errors. That's what happens when we play late at night. That's my excuse and I am sticking to it. Anyway, enjoy the Feast of Fehmarn and the Massacre of the Kai!]*** Texan Kai: All ready to go?
Silent Wolf: I believe so, yes.
Texan Kai: Ok great. Last time we left off, you were with a very nervous Sleeping Bear overlooking the ongoing feast. And there was a tap on your shoulder from behind.
(Action?)
Silent Wolf: Poor Sleeping Bear! I turn around, curious to see who is seeking my attention.
Texan Kai: You turn around and gaze on a ravishing Snow Raven. Her green cloak is draped over a shoulder, revealing a costume of tight white leather and open-fingered gloves. Her costume is embroidered with cloth-of-silver patterns of the moon and star constellations. Two daggers are sheathed at her hips. It is a very daring outfit, more suitable for the Winter Solstice rather than the Feast of Fehmarn, but she carries herself with an aura of confidence nonetheless. "You look delightful, Silent Wolf," she greets. "This should be a fun evening! Let me grab a table." She winks and glides past you, her heels clacking loudly on the flagstones as she strides gracefully to an empty table for you and Sleeping Bear.
Silent Wolf: (Oooh sexy! I want her outfit, too.)
Texan Kai: (It's very similar to yours, just made from a fancier tailor. It is costumes like yours and hers that make the more traditional Kai want more regulations on what the females wear.)
Silent Wolf: (Killjoys.)
Texan Kai: (Well it is a very traditional and conservative monastic order. There was a HUGE fight to even allow females into the order.)
Silent Wolf: "My, you look stunning, Snow Raven! We'll be paying the price for this later, so let's make it worthwhile!" I allow Snow Raven to take the lead and follow her towards the table, my arm still held by a suspiciously quiet Sleeping Bear.
Texan Kai: Sleeping Bear is considerably nervous. The poor boy is probably in shock from being in the company of two ravishing females. Nevertheless he is seems to be content to allow you to take the lead.
You find an empty corner at a longtable. Sleeping Bear volunteers to find suitable drink and food for you and Snow Raven, leaving the two of you alone for the time being.
"Mother did not approve of this outfit when I had it made," Snow Raven says plainly. "Both my parents expected me to marry some inbred nobleman from Toran or Anskaven. You should have seen the disappointment in their faces when I was chosen to join the Kai Order. Sometimes people do not put the needs of the country over the needs of the family, you know. Besides," she adds wistfully as she looks at you, "I doubt I would marry anyway."
Silent Wolf: "Trophy wife isn't the path for you, I take it? I agree. You're much better at beating up the boys than marrying them." I say with a chuckle. "It sounds like you are where you are meant to be, my friend. I am glad of that." I glance over towards Sleeping Bear, hoping he hurries! "I am starving. Guard duty just makes me sleepy."
Texan Kai: (There is plenty of food within arm's reach on community plates- you simply take what you like and put it on your own trays on the table.)
She arcs a golden eyebrow and gives you a knowing look. After a moment she replies, "Ah, yes. A trophy wife." You can tell that's not the fate she had in mind. "Well, we nobles marry for family alliances, not for love. As Kai, we are supposed to love the country and our countrymen above individuals. Sometimes though that doesn't always work out in practice."
At that point Sleeping Bear returns. He has a mischievous look on his face, as a schoolboy does when he tries to impress a girl. "I brought some Chai-Cheer!" he exclaims, gesturing towards three clayware mugs filled with a bright green liquid.
Around you, the conversations of your classmates buzz in your ears. The sun is finishing its descent over the mountains and the torches around the monastery are being lit by novices.
(Give me a roll.)
Silent Wolf: 7
Texan Kai: You recognize your fellows and the Masters. And also there is a changing of the guard on the wall. You recognize of the two formerly-absent Kai, Rune Spider armed for watch duty and walking with a torch to the Durncrag Tower.
Snow Raven takes a long swig of her Chai-Cheer then exhales in enjoyment when she finishes. "Something on your mind, Silent Wolf?" she asks.
Silent Wolf: "Thank you kindly, Sleeping Bear. Just glad to see the others back, I guess." I take a drink and snatch at the nearest plate, gathering a small assortment on my tray. "How about you two?"
Texan Kai: Sleeping Bear, as to be expected, has begun to stuff his face with a rack of venison. His reply to you is garbled with a mouthful of food.
Snow Raven snickers. "Oh, just happy to enjoy the evening with good company," she smiles at the two of you.
(Give me another roll.)
Silent Wolf: 6
Texan Kai: You pass the next few minutes in warm conversation. The sky begins to darken as the hour grows late. Several of the younger Kai have found the casks of mead and ale and are thoroughly enjoying themselves.
You are noticing the swell of the moon and how it reflects off of Snow Raven's leggings when in the distance you can see what appears to be a flock of winged creatures approaching the Kai Monastery.
(Give me a roll, add +3 for Animal Kinship.)
Silent Wolf: 12
Texan Kai: (Nice!)
Silent Wolf:
Texan Kai: Your thorough knowledge of animals reminds you that no birds of that size are found in this part of Sommerlund. Furthermore, why would they be flying east from across the Durncrags? In any event, you can't tell what they are from this distance.
(Action? You can wait until they get closer for a more accurate examination, you can ignore them, or tell your friends about them)
Silent Wolf: Eyebrows quirked, I stare at the flock for a moment, before gesturing towards them to bring my friends' attention to the oddity. "That's...strange. They are a bit large for this area..what are they doing here?"
Texan Kai: Snow Raven and Sleeping Bear look up from their meals and drinks. A few other Kai, presumably those with similar training in animals, have also noticed the flock. Before they can reply, you hear a blood curdling scream from the guard on the south wall. "TO ARMS! TO AR-"
His voice is cut short by a watery choke.
You look up at the alarm to see Rune Spider running a dagger through the guard's throat.
Silent Wolf:
Texan Kai: Immediately the Kai lords burst into activity. The senior Kai lords and the Masters, having brought their personal weapons with them, unsheathe them. The younger students like you are unarmed. (Alcohol and weapons typically do not mix well so the younger students are barred from carrying personal weapons during the feast.)
Storm Hawk, brandishing a magnificently crafted spear etched with ancient runes handed down to him from his predecessor, orders three of the senior Kai to apprehend Rune Spider on the wall. They grimly unsheathe their swords and dash to the tower stairs to comply with his orders.
You are getting your bearings after witnessing the horrific murder of that Kai sentry at Rune Spider's hands. Your eyes then find Shadow Viper, the other formerly absent Kai. He is at the Durncrag Gate. You can see the trace of a grin on his face as he begins to remove the heavy oaken brace from its brackets. That heavy bar by itself requires three men to lift it, yet he seems to have no issue lifting it from its iron brackets.
(Action? Or do you want more tactical information?)
Silent Wolf: (yeah I'll take a little bit more I think)
Texan Kai: (You and the majority of the Kai Lords are in the courtyard. There are tables, plates of food, and lit torches all around, preventing you from getting into any sort of formation. More than a few of the Kai are in various stages of intoxication from the feast. The five Masters are armed, along with the half-dozen or so senior Kai students. The younger students and the initiates are unarmed and are watching the scene with horror and anticipation.
Rune Spider and the slain Kai sentry are on the south wall, about fifty yards from your position. He is armed with a bloodied dagger. He does not appear to be wearing any armor.
Three Kai senior Kai lords armed with swords are dashing towards his position at Storm Hawk's orders.
Shadow Viper does not appear to be armed. He is about a hundred yards from your position. He is currently trying to open the Durncrag Gate.
And of course that flock is approaching as well.
You have a few options available to you. You can watch the activity on the South Wall, head to the armory, or wait for orders. Or anything else that you think might help you.)
Silent Wolf: I race toward the armory, silently thankful for not yet being drunk. Having a preference for the broadsword, I immediately seek one out, hoping that the delay will not hurt too much. (the small screen definitely has the disadvantage here. ?)
Texan Kai: Several other Kai including Sleeping Bear follow your lead. As you get to the door, you find it locked! It's after hours, you recall. The Masters have the keys.
Just then you hear an unearthly cackle that runs your blood cold coming from the South Wall. You turn your head and see Rune Spider. Or what used to be him. His flesh is melting away, revealing a skeletal figure whose eyes blaze with unholy fury. The three Kai lords sent to apprehend him recognize him for what it is, and the realization paralyzes them with terror.
(Make a roll)
Silent Wolf: 0
Texan Kai: You must have overslept that day in class. Or together with one of your paramours. Regardless the answer comes to you over the air from one of your fellows: "Ishir preserve us! A Helghast!"
Helghasts are infamous throughout Magnamund as the Darklords' shape-shifting undead infiltrators and assassins. Their ability to mimic human speech and appearance makes them perfect agents of espionage and murder. It would appear that this Helghast had somehow murdered Rune Spider and taken his appearance. He dispatches the three Kai with unearthly ease, their weapons seeming having no effect on the creature.
The scene fills you with dread. Never in your lifetime had you seen such a sight.
But Storm Hawk's commanding voice brings you back to your senses.
"Get that armory door open!" your mentor orders, and Master Auburn Rabbit sprints towards you with the armory keys jingling in his hand.
Master Blazing Stag, brandishing a wavy bastard sword, dashes with an agility that belies his age towards the Durncrag gate to stop Shadow Viper from opening the gate. The remaining senior Kai students are behind him in support.
You can also start to hear beastial cries coming from the skies. You can see the "birds" better now. They seem to be carrying large nets filled with… something.
(Make a roll, add +3 for Animal Kinship)
Silent Wolf: 9
Texan Kai: You have no problem identifying these creatures. They are Kraan, large avian monsters with green leathery hides and long serrated beaks. The creatures are often used as mounts for Giaks and other agents of the Darklords.
"Wake up, Silent Wolf!" Master Auburn Rabbit yells, tossing the bronze keys at you.
(Make a roll.)
Silent Wolf: 5
Texan Kai: (Remember, you may use any of your Kai skills at any time if you think they may help you. I won't always prompt you. Just describe what you are doing.)
You catch the keys on the ring and fiddle with the lock. It pops open and you make way for the rush of students flooding into the armory.
"I'll get you something," Sleeping Bear tells you as he vanishes into the armory.
You turn your head to get a better look at the developing scene by the Durncrag Gate, and with a sinking feeling in your chest, you see that the gate-bar has been lifted. Shadow Viper stands with his arms crossed and cackles at the oncoming rush of Blazing Stag and the four senior Kai students behind him as the gate opens from the outside.
The sight beyond the gate fills you with horror. Behind Shadow Viper, a platoon of Giaks stands at the ready in a phalanx. They are in black studded leather and ring mail and armed with iron spears and pikes. Behind the shield wall, some have crossbows. Blazing Stag and your fellows have charged into deadly danger.
Within a matter of seconds, you have gone from enjoying the Feast of Fehmarn to witnessing the first attack on the Kai Monastery in over eight centuries.
The Kraan fly overhead, dropping their cargo of nets into the monastery. They land with sickening crunches. Inside are more black-clad Giaks, who squirm out of the nets.
Storm Hawk's authoritative voice booms over the rising pandemonium. He is giving orders for the armed Kai lords to form up while the acolytes too young to hold weapons head to the safety in the Tower of the Sun.
(Give me a roll)
Silent Wolf: 9
Texan Kai: Almost as soon as he enters the armory, Sleeping Bear is at your side, pushing a finely-crafted broadsword into your hands. It's weight feels like the touch of a welcome friend in this dire hour.
"Good luck, Silent Wolf," he says grimly as he charges towards the nearest Giaks.
(Add Steel Broadsword to your Weapons.)
Silent Wolf:
Texan Kai: You are just finding your grip on the weapon when you consider your options. You see out of the corner of your eye Snow Raven with her twin daggers in a deadly dance against a Giak grunt. You may assist her or Sleeping Bear. Both are not in any formation are are fighting on their own for now. Alternatively, you may get in formation with the other Kai in the courtyard, or try to cut your way through to the Durncrag Gate to support Blazing Stag.
(If you have any cool battle music, now is the time to play it. This might be nice for the scene. And appropriate. www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIGHCoVzqtk)
Silent Wolf: I make my way towards Sleeping Bear, my broadsword at the ready. Utilizing my Mind over matter skill to use whatever available feast debris is within reach.
Texan Kai: (Are you dashing towards him? Running? and how are you using it? Describe it for me.)
Silent Wolf: (dashing I suppose. Holding it in front of me so I can impale things?)
Texan Kai: (Ok so basically charging at the nearest Giak in your way?)
Silent Wolf: (sure. I can't think well.)
Texan Kai: (Ok. Give me two rolls. One for your charge: add +3 for Weaponskill: Broadsword. The second roll is how Snow Raven fares against her opponent.)
Silent Wolf: 9 5
Texan Kai: You speed towards Sleeping Bear's side. He chops a red swath of death with his battle-axe with the frenzy of an enraged animal. One Giak clumsily tries to halt your charge with his iron-tipped spear, but your charge is not to be denied. Your sidestep from his thrust and place the tip of your steel through his face, killing him instantly. You are now at Sleeping Bear's side.
You see from the corner of your eye a jet of red mist spray from Snow Raven's opponent as he crumbles to the ground, her daggers having opened his throat like an envelope. She sprints towards the two of you.
Beyond your position, the Kai lords under Storm Hawk's command cut through one Giak squad with ease: Kai discipline and skill have overwhelmed this single group. Storm Hawk's team is now contesting the courtyard against overwhelming numbers as the remaining Giaks begin to swarm the Kai.
You cannot see what is occurring at the Durncrag Gate: the chaos and clanging metal and clouds of dust is too much for your senses.
(Action? Snow Raven will be at your side next round. Sleeping Bear is next to you and is engaged with three spear-armed Giaks at once.)
Silent Wolf: I continue to assist my friend Sleeping Bear against the Giaks, focusing on the one nearest to me and taking a wild swing at it with my sword.
Texan Kai: (K roll, add +2 for Weaponskill)
Silent Wolf: 10
Texan Kai: (Nice! I don’t even need to set up the combat chart for that one.)
Silent Wolf: (whee!)
Texan Kai: The Giak is completely overwhelmed by your fury. Your broadsword descends in a deadly arc, cleaving him nearly in twain.
Sleeping Bear yells a ferocious battle cry and cleaves his opponent in two gory halves. The force of his swing carries his axehead into the Giak's partner. The two of you have vanquished a small Giak squad.
"Save some for me," Snow Raven laughs over the din of battle as she appears at your side. Like you she is covered in crimson wetness. By the way she is ignoring it, the blood that has sprayed her tight and revealing outfit is not hers. Your friends both look to you for suggestions on what to do.
Your immediate opponents are dead, so you have some options open. You may make your way to the battle raging at the Durncrag Gate, where as you can now see Blazing Stag and his remaining Kai are encircled by several dozen Giaks with long spears. Or you may make your way to Storm Hawk's force in the courtyard melee. And there is also the children and novices hiding in the Tower of the Sun. You also remember there are no one on the walls… except that Helghast.
(Just for your tactical considerations, aiding either Blazing Stag or Storm Hawk may or may not help turn the tide of the fights going on in their sections. They are presently cut off from each other by the Giaks in the courtyard. Taking the walls will give you a much better tactical overview of the situation and may provide you with more options. You may also split up, or continue to fight as a group. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.)
Silent Wolf: Gesturing for my two comrades to follow me, I make my way towards the wall.
Texan Kai: Your friends follow you to the Durncrag Wall. You feel the thundering in your heart as you realize this is not only your first battle, but the very lives of your friends and the Kai as a whole may depend on you. You ascend the stairs and see the crumpled forms of the three Kai lords that were sent to apprehend the Helghast masquerading as Rune Spider. Pools of sticky red blood ooze from their bodies.
The Helghast does not appear to notice you- his eyes are turned towards the horizon over the walls towards the forest beyond.
"Your weapons won't hurt him," Snow Raven reminds you quietly. You rack your brains for anything that might give you a tactical advantage against this creature.
You could tell Snow Raven to use her mental powers to attack the creature while you two cover her, you can charge the creature and try to bull rush it off the wall with brute force, or you can withdraw back to the courtyard. All have their risks. You recall from your lessons that a Helghast is a truly fearsome opponent. It's not like a lowly Giak at all. Remember the slain three senior Kai at its feet.
Alternatively if you don't want to fight it, you can look over the wall to see what the Helgahst is gazing at before you withdraw.
Silent Wolf: (so in other words it will probably rape me and violate me in Lich King and Sylvanas kind of ways? Yes I was wondering about doing that.)
Texan Kai: You recall from your lessons that Helghasts are immune to mundane steel, like the weapon you currently have. You need enchanted weapons to hurt the thing. The Masters have such weapons, but they are not with you presently. Another option is that Snow Raven's mental powers are uncannily powerful, even for a Kai. If you trust her to kill the thing in mental combat you can certainly try to run interference for her. But that might result in her death or your deaths. At the same time, none of you have ever fought a Helghast, so you don't really know its capabilities. Or you can ask the advice of your friends. you have time for one quick action. Either fight the thing, or take a peak over the wall and withdraw.
Silent Wolf: I quietly point back down to the courtyard, indicating the plan to go back down and give Blazing Stag whatever help we can muster. Before I descend with them, I try to get a closer look at whatever the Helghast is so focused on. It could be important to know if it is so interested.
Texan Kai: Your friends nod at you without comment. Attacking the Helghast would surely be suicide. But over the wall you see something that might be even worse. You do not have time to count the numbers. But there are perhaps hundreds of men in formation armored in chain mail and an assortment of weapons waiting just beyond the treeline.
You also make out banners. The field is black with a fiendish skull in the center. www.projectaon.org/en/png/darkland-banners/haakon-banner.png
Silent Wolf: (Sexy mug, that!)
Texan Kai: You recognize the banner as the personal symbol of Darklord Haakon, Lord of Aarnak. The sight shocks you to the core and you feel a dread presence within you. You realize that this is no mere Giak raid- Darklord Haakon himself has personally come with his legions of Drakkarim!
Silent Wolf: (GTFO time?)
Texan Kai: "We need to get out of here and link back with the Masters," Snow Raven says in your mind, urging you to follow her and Sleeping Bear down the stairs. Your friends did not see the banner or the Drakkarim.
Silent Wolf: I do not hesitate to follow my friends back down to the courtyard, still reeling from what I have just seen.
Texan Kai: As you turn to flee down the stairs, you take one last look, as if distrusting the horrifying sight before you. Just before you turn to run down the stairs, you see a red-cloaked figure approaching the wall. Black cubes are in each of his clawed hands. You see no other details before you turn and sprint down the steps.
"What did you see, Silent Wolf?" Snow Raven asks.
(More mood music! www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTkkysQPGhM )
Silent Wolf:
Texan Kai: (also, do you need a new tactical overview, now that you are off the wall?)
Silent Wolf: (probably. Though I am having trouble getting my thoughts organized now. I hate being tired all the time.)
Texan Kai: There are bodies littering the monastery. For every Kai that has fallen more than a dozen Giaks lay dead on the ground. The flagstones are running red with blood. Much of the outdoor furniture, laid out for the feast, have been smashed or used as makeshift barricades. Fires have broken out on the roofs along the south and east walls and the buildings adjacent to them.
(Rolling Evil GM dice here…)
Storm Hawk's section appears battered. Most of the Kai there have sustained several wounds. A few of them are down and have been dragged off to safety to the Tower of the Sun by their fellows. Despite their fatigue, Storm Hawk's Kai have nearly taken control of the courtyard. Whether they can hold it for long if enemy reinforcements arrive is another issue.
The fighting at Blazing Stag's area is increasingly desperate. The ring of Giaks has closed in. The Giaks attacking that gate have paid a fearful price but all of the Kai there save for Blazing Stag himself are down. Without opposition save from Blazing Stag, enemy reinforcements are beginning to flood through. And these are Drakkarim infantry, not Giak cannon fodder.
You can hear the battle cries of "Tor Nadoknar Haakon!” from the enemy as they breach the gate.
You have some options here. You can rush to Blazing Stag's aid. While a masterful fighter, he is now surrounded, fighting alone and against overwhelming odds. You can also hurry to Storm Hawk's side. His Kai are currently finishing off the remaining Giaks in the courtyard.
(And did you tell Snow Raven what you saw on the wall?)
Silent Wolf: (I did. Forgot to put that part.)
Texan Kai: "Ishir preserve us!" Snow Raven gasps, her normal cool countenance gone at the black name of the Lord of Aarnak. "Darklord Haakon? Here?! That explains that presence I felt on the wall… We need to warn Storm Hawk! He's got to have a plan…"
[Here we had a LONG delay due to her bad internet connection]
Texan Kai: So… when we left off you have descend the stairs to the courtyard and told your companions that Darklord Haakon is present at the battle and there are reinforcements starting to advance through the Durncrag Gate. There, Blazing Stag is fighting bravely against increasingly-hopeless odds against Giak grunts, Drakkarim men-at-arms, and that other Helghast. Blazing Stag is holding his own for now, but he is has been reduced to only defensive maneuvers.
Storm Hawk’s battered and bloodied group is mopping up the Giaks in the courtyard. The Kai there appear to have have sustained some casualties.
The Walls are currently empty save for the first Helghast.
The obvious actions are try to assist Blazing Stag or join up with Storm Hawk.
Silent Wolf: I nod quickly to Snow Raven. "You go and warn Storm Hawk. Sleeping Bear and I will go and help Blazing Stag!" Only able to pray that this is the right call, I rush off, charging in Blazing Stag's direction, ready to brutalize some more Giaks.
Texan Kai: She gives you a wistful glance, not wanting to leave your side. "Stay alive, Silent Wolf," her thoughts enter your mind as she speeds off.
Sleeping Bear says nothing, letting his axe do the talking for him as the two of you wade into the melee.
As you get closer to the crowd of Drakkarim at the gate, the smell of sweat and blood fill your senses. You can see Blazing Stag encircled by a dozen opponents. All it takes is one slip up and he will be in a dire position. More Drakkarim are flooding through the gates and two run up to you, eager to cut you down.
One meets Sleeping Bear's axe on his sword, the other challenges you.
(Roll, add +2 for Weaponskill)
Silent Wolf: 9 Oh wait. 11
Texan Kai: (The dice love you.)
Silent Wolf: (making up for WoW rng maybe.)
Texan Kai: The ferocity of your attack takes your opponent off balance and you score a gruesome cut across his chest. He staggers and his counterattack is unable to break your defenses.
SW: 25/25 Drakkar Grunt: 13/25
(Give me two rolls now. Add +2 for Weaponskill to the first.)
Silent Wolf: 9 and 5 (Internet is flaky again)
Texan Kai: The Drakkar clearly has no answer to your skill. Again you cleave into him, and again his attempt to answer is met with a skillful parry.
SW: 25/25 Drakkar Grunt: 1/25
(Give me two more rolls, add +2 for Weaponskill to the first)
Silent Wolf: 6 and 2 (on my phone again. Not cool.)
Texan Kai: (I'm also assuming you are just doing normal Attacks, not trying to Charge or Maneuver or Defend here.)
Silent Wolf: (yeah.)
Texan Kai: The Drakkar, sensing his end is near, makes a desperate thrust to your heart. You sidestep it, leaving only a minor flesh wound to mark his efforts. You then finish him with a cut of your own.
SW: 23/25 Drakkar Grunt: -8/25 Your opponent lies dead at your feet, and the adrenaline still slows in your blood. You have just now killed a man. Yes, he was doing his best to slay you, but you will now forever live out your remaining time knowing that you have slain a human being in personal combat.
Sleeping Bear has likewise dispatched his enemy. He has also suffered superficial wounds. Before the two of you is a crowd of enemy soldiers blocking your path to Blazing Stag. They have lined up in a shield wall to protect the squad of crossbowmen behind them. Other Drakkarim units have gotten past the gate and are headed towards the courtyard. If you stay here you may be surrounded.
(You may continue your efforts to break through, or you may retreat to Storm Hawk. And give me one more roll.)
Silent Wolf: 8
Texan Kai: (Ok. And your action?)
Silent Wolf: I groan in frustration, and gesture back towards Storm Hawk and Snow Raven. "Doubtful we can take this many with just two of us. Let's regroup with Storm Hawk and find out if he's got a plan." Dying won't help Blazing Stag at this point.
Texan Kai: It is a wise choice. The crossbowmen fire a volley into you and black-tipped bolts scream through the air, but your reflexes save you from becoming a Kai pincushion.
(Rolling evil GM dice…) Sleeping Bear is not as agile and a bolt grazes his side. He appears to not notice the wound as he keeps pace to Storm Hawk.You sprint to your fellows in the courtyard as fast as your legs can carry you. with no more opposition to their advance and Blazing Stag faltering under a flurry of blows, the Drakkarim at the gates advance behind their shield walls towards the courtyard. Theirs is a disciplined and steady advance, not a frenzied charge to pursue you.
As you make it to Storm Hawk and see the state of your fellows, a wave of sadness overcomes you. Many of your classmates who stood with Storm Hawk to rid the courtyard of the Giaks, including Master Auburn Rabbit and your former nemesis Laughing Fox, are dead on the ground. Other Kai are badly wounded. While Kai Lords are typically superior fighters in single combat against most foes, the sheer numbers of the Giaks was a serious disadvantage. Still, you are relieved to know that other Kai, including Snow Raven, are still unhurt.
Your mentor's tunic and face are streaked with blood and sweat as you make your way to him.
"Snow Raven told me what awaits us outside these walls," he says with a grimace. He then gestures with the tip of his runic spear to the Tower of the Sun, less than a few yards from you. "We will withdraw to the Tower of the Sun and bottle up the enemy in the hallway. That will nullify their numbers. Move!"
You realize that while it will evacuate the remaining Kai near you to a more defensible position, Storm Hawk's plan of action will doom Blazing Stag out at the gate.
(You may try to present a different tactic to Storm Hawk, or follow his orders.)
Silent Wolf: "What of Blazing Stag, Master? He is surrounded. Can anything be done to save him?" I bite my lip, unsure of what to do myself. Texan Kai: Your mentor glares at you unhappily, as if your question opens a fresh wound in his mind. You know that he is not the kind of man to willingly abandon a comrade unless there was no other option. Commanders are sometimes reluctantly compelled to order the deaths of friends in order to save the group.
"Now's not the time, Silent Wolf! He's buying us time!" He repeats his orders to retreat to the Tower of the Sun. You can see the Drakkarim lining up into the courtyard. Their shield wall arrayed in a peculiar formation that resembles a tortoise shell covering the entire company of soldiers. Almost as if they were preparing for some sort of bombardment. But none of you have bows… (Give me a roll.)
Silent Wolf: 6
Texan Kai: Suddenly Storm Hawk's eyes widen as if he became aware of some hidden and imminent peril. He tackles you to the blood-stained ground and shields your body with his own. A second later you are nearly deafened from explosions all around and feel multiple blast waves rock your body and a searing heat burns your flesh. A shower of shattered mortar and red-hot stones then rain over you. You hear stonework crack and crumble all around you, as if the world was ending. (-6 Endurance)
Storm Hawk groans in agony as he rises, his body having shielded yours from the brunt of the nearest explosion. He looks like he is holding his broken body together with willpower alone. Blood oozes from burned and cracked flesh, doubtless the result of being in proximity from the local detonations. Most of the hair on his scalp as well as parts of his cloak and most of his tunic have been burned away. The Kai who have not evacuated to inside the Tower of the Sun are likewise gravely wounded from shrapnel and heat. Were it not for him, you may have perished just now.
As your eyes adjust through clouds of dust and smoke, you see the four walls of the Kai Monastery, walls which have held strong for centuries, now nothing more than smoldering rubble. And beyond them is the entirely of Darklord Haakon's army as far as your eyes can see.
One figure in all of the black-clad soldiery stands out: A tall, bulky man covered head to toe in ebony plate, decorated only by a crimson cloak. A faceplate carved in the shape of some fell creature and adored with pumps and hoses leading to a mechanism on his breastplate conceals his full appearance form you. His eyes blaze with naked hatred at you from behind his eye slits. It can only be Darklord Haakon.
"Get… inside!" Storm Hawk raggedly orders through clenched teeth, roughly helping you to your feet.
Silent Wolf: (naked hatred. That's kinda hot.)
Texan Kai: (Well, Haakon is into pain. Your pain. And no safety word exists that will save you! So… action?)
Silent Wolf: (I'd have to make him keep a mask on, though.)
Texan Kai: (Haha. There's a reason why he is wearing that helmet. You may find out later.)
Silent Wolf: "Wait! Let me at least help you, a little." Not giving him a chance to protest, I attempt to use my healing ability on Storm Hawk, focusing on his wounds with my mind. I also can't resist a little bit of snarkiness. I yell the most obscene, derogatory name I can think of in Haakon's direction. Even if we die today, he will know what exactly what I think of him. Oh, and his mother, too.
Texan Kai: (Healing is a touch-based ability.) He leans against you as you try to help him to the door. Despite a terrible thundering in your head and your ears ringing from the detonations, you assist him inside and the door to the towers slams shut behind you as the Kai lock it and begin barricading it. Others are sharpening their weapons for what may be their last stand. You rest Storm Hawk on the wall and press your hands against his face, transferring some of your warm energy into him.
He nods gratefully and likewise channels his own Healing. He is still a hideous mess, but some of his burns and cuts no longer seem so grave. The agony in your head prompts you to run your hand through your scalp. Your fingers come back sticky with blood. Some broken stone from the wall must have struck your head earlier. As the adrenaline in your blood thins out, the room begins to rock slightly.
You can make out Storm Hawk barking out orders for the Kai to fight by twos, so that their replacements can rest. Sleeping Bear volunteers to take the point with his great axe. With his bulk, he will be the only one the first wave of Drakkarim can reach. It strikes you: he will be giving the other Kai as much time as possible to recover and prepare themselves. (Another thing about healing- typically you can use it when you have a few hours to rest. But since Storm Hawk is also using his ability - and he is far more advanced than you at your current training - you can use it this one time.)
Silent Wolf: (Healthstones are so much more practical.)
Texan Kai: (Indeed. Now there are potions of Laumspur and Rendalim’s Elixirs and even more powerful healing potions. Those can be used out of combat.)
Silent Wolf: With the world spinning, I decide not to push myself too much harder, I try and take the opportunity to recover, as much as is possible in the current situation, at least.
Texan Kai: You slump against the cool granite wall as you hear the sound of axes cutting away at the wooden door from the outside. You wonder what is to become of the Kai…
A few agonizing minutes go by until the Drakkarim break down the door. Sleeping Bear takes the head off of the first one who steps through. A second Drakkar, a giant of a man, squares off against your friend. The room continues to spin. You wonder if you have sustained some terrible concussion. (Give me a roll.)
Silent Wolf: 5
Texan Kai: Sleeping Bear and the large Drakkar Sergeant exchange blows, neither appearing to gain an advantage over the other. Both fighters are in a deep battle frenzy, shrugging off strikes that would fell lesser men. You hear cries and curses in both the Common tongue and in Giak as each side cheers on their respective champions.
Snow Raven appears at your side. She places her hand on your forehead. It is warm to the touch and you feel a sudden calmness wash over you. Visions of your home farm, of summers along the river, and of your friends appear in your mind's eye to calm you. She has sensed your anguish and is doing her best to comfort and calm you.
(Give me another roll. You may also make an action if you choose.)
Silent Wolf: 7 I reach out and grab for Snow Raven's hand.
Texan Kai: Sleeping Bear sinks his axe cruelly into the Drakkar Sergeant's chest, taking an equally severe hit in reply. Both fighters still seem steady on their feet despite their wounds as they hack away at each other, desperate for an advantage.
She takes your hand in hers. You can see her ignoring the fight and focusing on you, as if it is just the two of you in the world.
(Make another roll. You may also do another action.)
Silent Wolf: 6 I attempt to sit up, and see if there is anything i can do, still grasping Snow Raven's hand tightly.
Texan Kai: She tries to make you more comfortable, mentally reassuring you more than words could. Since you have willingly let her into your mind, it is easy for her to do so. Your physical senses tell you otherwise, but your mind paints you a picture of a calm stream, a cool breeze wafting from the trees, and birds chirping in the sky overhead. It is a strange yet serene calmness. You can feel your breath steadying and your chest no longer thundering like a storm. Then a cry of death breaks the trance as you see that Sleeping Bear has slain the Drakkarim Sergeant. The former farmer's boy, now a myrmidon of the Kai, hurls his fallen foe's axe at an oncoming Drakkar. The axe buries itself in the soldier's chest through the heavy mail and kills him instantly. The clamor of soldiers approaching the door quickly ends, the Darklands warriors apparently dreading the axe-wielding terror before them more than the wrath of their own officers.
"For Sommerlund and the Kai!" Sleeping Bear shouts, daring the next man to come forward to face him.
A hail of concentrated crossbow bolts from outside respond to his challenge, peppering him all over the front of his body. He groans in agony, yet stays on his feet, using his bolt-shafted body to block the entrance from the oncoming rush of Drakkar soldiers as best as he can. Blood drips freely from him.
Not even Snow Raven's ministrations spare you from the sight that follows. You watch in horror as Sleeping Bear howls in agony as he is hacked to gory bits as if he was nothing but stubborn firewood.
With Sleeping Bear no more, crossbow bolts and arcs of energy hail through the narrow halls. Many meet their mark and more Kai fall. Storm Hawk, despite his dreadful wounds from earlier, takes a shield off the wall and takes Sleeping Bear's place in defending the hall, urging the Kai students to stand firm. Several bolts sink into the round steel shield as he spears the first of his challengers. Soon he is lost in the melee as the remaining Kai follow behind him, blocking your vision of your mentor.
Miraculously, you and Snow Raven remain unhurt from the arrowstorm.
(Action?)
Silent Wolf: I stand unsteadily and reach for my broadsword. It is time to fight once more. I move toward Storm Hawk as well as I can, using the blade to protect myself as much as harm our enemies.
Texan Kai: You try to rise but your legs do not respond. Neither does the rest of your body. Something, or someone is gently preventing you from controlling your own body. It is Snow Raven. All you can hear now is Snow Raven's thoughts in your mind as the desperate battle rages around you. "This is the only way," you distantly hear her voice, tired and sad. "there is no escape here and Haakon will kill us all. I'm slowing down your pulse. In a moment you will black out and appear dead for a short while. Ishir and Kai willing, Haakon and his soldiers will think you are no more, like the rest of us soon will be.""You must make to Holmgard when you revive," her voice urges you with earnest. "After we are no more the Darklords will march on the capital. Warn the King what has happened here so that he can prepare. I will watch over you from the other side. Good luck, Silent Wolf… Aleiya."Your lips feel a brush of gentle warmness upon them before you black out.(We are now done with the Prologue! We are also at a stopping point here. Or we can go on if you like.)Silent Wolf:(Probably good to go ahead and stop here. That was really awesome!)
Texan Kai: (Glad you liked it! What did you think about the Massacre of the Kai? Oh if you like we can also adjust your Action Chart before we officially stop.)
Silent Wolf: (Quite saddening. But it seemed like an uphill battle from the start, so not entirely surprising. Oh yes, probably a good idea.)
Texan Kai: (Yeah the Kai are supposed to lose the battle. In the original books, Silent Wolf is out chopping wood as punishment for inattention in class. So when the battle starts he dashes back from the woods and hits his head on a tree limb and passes out. When he comes to, the battle is already over. But the outcome is the same.
Right now you have a Broadsword, a Meal, 8 Gold Crowns, and I have your Endurance at 17/25. That all may change when we start up again next time. You'll have a chance to ascertain the fates of your friends and Masters and quickly search the ruins of the Monastery before you depart for Holmgard.)
*** [And so, the invasion of Sommerlund begins and the Kai are no more, save for one young girl. There's a reason why I have Haakon at the Monastery and not Zagarna. The reason will be revealed later! Stay tuned!]
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Post by Zipp on Jul 26, 2014 16:14:41 GMT
Nice build up! Was this off the cuff or did you use some of the new material from the Mongoose edition of the gamebook?
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Post by Texan Kai on Jul 26, 2014 16:44:51 GMT
Glad you are enjoying it! The story so far has been off the cuff. I have not read any of the Mongoose books. I'm going by the original game books, the Magnamund Companion, and "tweaking" the story a bit.
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Post by whisperedlion on Jul 28, 2014 23:20:17 GMT
really great story...love the WOW references..lol
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Post by Texan Kai on Jul 29, 2014 4:05:00 GMT
V. Flight From the Dark, Part V[This is a very short session. Our player got a new job and has been working on acclimating to her new hours and such so we had a very late start tonight. There aren't many appropriate stopping points within the time that we had left to us, so we finished up the transition from the Prologue to Book One. Enjoy!]
*** Texan Kai: You awaken with dull aches in your head and chest. The inside of your mouth is dry and tastes like someone stuffed cotton into it. The unpleasant sensations fade as your senses slowly return to you. The stale air you are breathing is choked with dust and ash. Your eyes open and you realize that you are in darkness. You begin to move your body and feel rubble and crushed mortar all around you. You realize that the Tower of the Sun must have collapsed all around you sometime after the battle, and it is only by the grace of Ishir and Kai that you have not been flattened by tons of heavy granite. You manage to dig yourself out from underneath the collapsed earth and stone and find yourself outside. You cough the dust and smoke from your lungs as you gaze upon with dismay and anger what used to be the Kai Monastery, your home for the past ten years. Few landmarks or buildings remain intact. It is clear to you that after resistance had finally ended, Darklord Haakon ordered as much of the Kai Monastery torn down and burned as possible. Pillars of smoke and cinders still rise from the library, where countless scrolls and tomes of Kai Lore were helpless before Giak and Drakkarim torches. The shrine to Ishir and Kai has been defaced and desecrated. The Lore-Halls, where you and the other students spend years learning the ways of the Kai, have been torn down to their very foundations. The dormitories and towers are also collapsed and ruined. Nothing remains of the place save for rubble, smoke, and ashes. Blood from the battle is drying on the flagstones and attracting clouds of fat black flies. You see that the Kai Lords and Giaks slain during the fighting have been left for the vultures and other carrion beasts to claim. Of the Drakkarim dead, you do not see. Presumably they were carried off elsewhere for whatever last rites their warlike culture allows. From the position of the sun in the sky, several hours seem to have passed from when the last Feast of Fehmarn tragically turned into the Massacre of the Kai. It is now early morning. The gravity of the situation finally bears its full weight on you: you realize that you are now the last of the Kai. It is a distinction you would rather not have. You recall Snow Raven's urgent final words to you: you must get to Holmgard, the capital of your country, and warn King Ulnar V of Sommerlund's peril. (You may briefly search the ruins of the Monastery for useful items if you like. After you roll I'll tell you what you found then we can stop for tonight.) Silent Wolf: I glance around the ruins, struggling to match the place I knew with what is now in its place. I look for the most familiar faces, for something to remember them by, and to keep myself going. Anything useful, whether sentimental or utilitarian, is what I am hoping I can find. Texan Kai: (Give me two rolls. One to determine the fates of your comrades, the other for useful items that you can scavange.) Silent Wolf: 9, 7 Texan Kai: The remains of your close friends, Sleeping Bear and Snow Raven, as well as those of Storm Hawk and the younger Kai Lord and novices, are presumably entombed beneath the ruins of the Tower of the Sun. You will not be able to get to them by yourself. Outside, you do recognize the bodies of Laughing Fox and Blazing Stag. Laughing Fox fell during the first wave, as evidenced by the spear wounds in his gut. Blazing Stag's corpse you find near what used to be the Durncrag Gate. The sight reminds you of the sheer cruelly and viciousness of your enemies. Presumably after Blazing Stag was finally overwhelmed, Darklord Haakon ordered the valiant Kai Master to be quartered and crudely nailed to nearby tree limbs, perhaps as a mockery of the fallen master's expertise as a master of arms. After doing your best to remove Blazing Stag's remains from the tree, you search any enchanted weapons the masters may have left behind, but it seems that any loot of value was taken by the victors as spoils. However, you do find a Quarterstaff from the remains of the armory. Perhaps the oaken staff was overlooked by looters. Regardless, it is still serviceable. (Mark that on your Action Chart as a Weapon if you take it). You also find your old backpack, your lunch from yesterday still wrapped in it. Your backpack is charred but there are no holes or tears in the leather. You also find a singed Map of Sommerlund www.projectaon.org/en/xhtml/lw/01fftd/maplarge.htm) (mark that as a Special Item which you keep tucked in your clothing.) You do not find a change of clothes, so you are still dressed in the rather snug and revealing outfit and greek cloak that you wore to the Feast of Fehmarn. Your clothes are not torn, but they are filthy from dust and ashes. You take some comfort in knowing that the deep brown and tightness of your clothing may aid you in hiding from Giak patrols while you are in the countryside. You also manage to find enough torn fabric to wrap your broadsword for safety when you are not using it. It is no proper sheathe, but it is better than nothing for now. You also have your Belt Pouch with the eight Gold Crowns in it. (I'm assuming that you are taking both the Quarterstaff and the map.) (Oh, and your rest has healed you back to full health, so go back to 25/25 EP) Silent Wolf: (Gorgeous) Texan Kai: (Yeah I love the detail the artists put into the game maps. We are now done for tonight! Your journey to Holmgard can begin next time.) Silent Wolf: (Allright *** [Like I said, a short session. Next time, Silent Wolf's journey to Holmgard begins!]
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Post by Dave on Jul 30, 2014 16:25:16 GMT
Oh my goodness - not until this moment did I realize that the map for book 1 is burnt along the bottom as a result of the burning of the Kai monastery!
It was the addition of the word "singed" that made the connection for me. Wow - sometimes I feel like a dolt!
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