LW31 walkthrough - The Dusk of Eternal Night
Aug 24, 2021 17:44:46 GMT
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Zipp, zorkraan, and 2 more like this
Post by kurz81 on Aug 24, 2021 17:44:46 GMT
Hello everybody!
I believe it's time to share my walkthrough for book Lone Wolf 31 - "The Dusk of Eternal Night".
In a second step I will add the visual walkthrough with pdf and jpg of paths /graphs.
It will take some days to polish and complete this guide. So please bear with me while I update this thread.
Of course it's important to say...
[HUGE SPOILERS AHEAD!!]
Let's rock and enjoy the content of book 31!
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:
Just to clear any doubts: the book is great! Vote 9/10!
Epic moments, many items and choices to make so that you can enjoy reading it again.
MAJOR SPOILERS:
Watch out for Blazer. He is not the same after Kalte. You need to fight him at the end of the adventure.
You need to give your special items to Acraban to reinforce the Starstrider or die!
You need to gather the Scarlet Fire Rod or the Neutral Homunculus or the Blood Soulsieve or you will fail and die later.
You must not trust your dream temptation of golden age. It's a trick from Shasarak and it will lead you to failure.
You must not read the Naarvakim Scroll, it will lead to failure.
If you plan to ask help to the animals of the Isle of Lorn, you should not wear Chaksu Leather Special Items.
USEFUL ITEMS:
SPECIAL ITEMS:
0.a) Platinum Amulet (protection from extreme enviroments, Special Item, does not occupy slots, from lw25
0.b) Nyxator Mail 'Cynxa' (+4CS/+10END, Special Item, does not occupy slots, Armour Vest: max 2 pieces) from lw30
0.c) Ang'sei (reduces enemy CS by 2, Special Item, does not occupy slots, Armour Vest: max 2 pieces) from lw28
1) Kai-Weapon: Valiance (+5CS, +8CS vs magical enemy, Sword Weapon-like Special Item) - FINALLY RESTORED!!! Yessss!!!
2) Talisman of Defiance (+2CS, Special Item) from lw22
3) Corvayl Leather Armed Gloves (+1cs, Special Item) from lw30
4) Wardstone (reduces undead enemy CS by 3, Special Item) from lw29
5) Chai imperial Quiver (12 arrows slots, Special Item) from lw 29
6) Andarin's Warhammer (+5cs, Warhammer Weapon-like Special Item) from lw26
7) Star-Ska (+4CS, Sword Weapon-like Special Item, double damage done to Agarashi) from lw30
8) Korlinium Chainmail Vest (+2CS, Special Item, Armour Vest: max 2 pieces) from lw26 <--> alternative to Ang'sei
9) Herb Pad (Special Item, useful in the Kelderwood forest) from lw30
10) The Tome of Tzu (Special Item), from lw28 <--> useful in Otavai path (not recommended here)
11) Majhan Talisman (Special Item, useful to decipher the shianti cube) from lw30 <--> useful in Mountains of Morn path (not recommended here)
WEAPONS:
1) Fine Kagonite Black Steel Sword (+2cs, Weapon) from lw30
2) Chai imperial Bow (+1roll with bow, Weapon) from lw29
BACKPACK ITEMS:
1) Drodarin Bag of Holding (+5 backpack slots, however it takes 1 slot in the Backpack), from lw26
2) Jakmich's Elixir (Backpack item, use: +10END after the fight with the Kaggazutaagon), from lw30
3) Potion of Alether (backpack item, use: +2CS), alternative Omaldro (backpack item, use: +2cs)
4) Potion of Malavan (backpack item, use: +2CS when using Mindblast or Kai-surge)
5) Potion of Tazheng (backpack item, from lw29) or Bautarian anti-toxin (backpack item, from lw30) as backup for poison.
NEW ITEMS:
SPECIAL ITEMS:
1) Dessi Stone (socket on one weapon to double the damage to undead, the Weapon becomes a Weapon-like Special item)
2) Jigidanak (Shield, +3cs, Special Item)
3) Medallion of Weaponskill (+2cs, Special Item)
4) Mind-Gem (+2cs when using Mindblast or Kai-Surge, Special Item)
5) Sesketera's Naarvakim Spear (+3cs, Spear Weapon-like Special Item, first turn free of damage received, also special use as harpoon!)
6) Golta Pad (upgrade to the Herb Pad, useful in the Kelderwood path)
7) Power-Mace (+2cs, Mace Weapon-like Special Item, extra use with Magi-Magic at -2 end cost: deal -3 end to enemy each round)
8) The Revealed Tome of Tzu (can 'absorbe' Vampires to give you +1cs on this adventure, Special Item)
WEAPONS:
Zejar-Dulaga and its upgrade: Darkflame Zejar-Dulaga (magical arrow) - it will let you auto-win the fight with Shasarak
Naarvakim Dagger (+1 CS and -1 END each turn to enemies vulnerable to Mindblast) - dagger weapon
Naarvakim Scimitar (+1 CS) - Sword weapon
Naarvakim Polearm (+1 CS) - Spear weapon
Naarvakim Bitikali (+2CS) - Sword weapon
Naarvakim Penarch (+1CS, +3CS vs armored enemies) - Mace weapon
BACKPACK ITEMS:
Concentrated Potion of Alether (use: +4cs, backpack item)
Grey Star's Healing Potion (use: +10 end, backpack item)
Demon Stone (backpack item, useful later in Naaros as backup)
EXTRA:
Scaldar's Last Vestige, a sparkle of pure magic, you can boost one of old kingdom magic artifacts of choice:
- Wardstone upgraded from +3cs to +4cs vs undead
- Dessi Stone upgraded +2cs vs undead
- Blue-steel Sword from +2cs to +3cs
- Star-ska from +4cs to +5cs
- Power-Mace from +2cs to +3cs
- Platinum Amulet +2end
You can upgrade only one item in this way (!) -- this boost is permanent!
SUGGESTED GM DISCIPLINES (at Sun Prince level):
1. Grand Weaponmastery (with all weapons)
2. Kai-Surge
3. Deliverance
4. Grand Huntmastery
5. Herbmastery
6. Kai-Alchemy
7. Grand Pathsmanship
8. Grand Nexus
9. Kai-Screen
10. Assimilance
11. Animal Mastery
12. Elementalism
13. Magi-Magic
14. Telegnosis
15. Astrology (finally useful!)
Discussing Astrology VS Bardsmanship:
Bardsmanship was boosted and it has its perks at Sun Prince level, even epic moments with your fellow kai troops, but sadly it does not help you for most difficult fights. And it does not help you with rolls.
Astrology at Sun Prince level gives you strong buffs and a double life (can roll again and avoid one death roll!)
STATS:
At start of the adventure, assuming Sun Prince level, you would have:
34 CS base Combat Skill
+10CS GM disciplines
+5CS Kai-Weapon (Valiance, of course!)
+5CS Grand Weaponmastery (with Kai-Weapon)
+4CS Nyxator Mail (Cynxa, but possible to change it before starting LW31)
+2CS Talisman of Defiance
+2CS Korlinium Chainmail Vest or Ang'sei
+1CS Corvayl Leather Armed Gloves
So total of 63 CS at start unbuffed, before psychic attacks, potions, Astrology invocation or Magi-Magic Power-Strike.
39 END base Endurance
+20 END GM disciplines
+10 END Nyxator Mail
Total of 69 END at start.
THE STORY:
You start one year after the events in LW30. The Kai are preparing the battle with the army of the dead of new reborn Darklord Vashna.
New Grand Masters are Autumn Snow, Winter Oak and Mountain Sun.
Veteran GM are you, Steel Hand, Star Lynx and Blazer.
Recent dead GM are Bright Star, Firestone, Black Hawk and Swift Sword.
--- RUANON TOWN, SOUTHERN SOMMERLUND, BARONESS MADELON VANALUND KEEP ---
(1) Baroness Madelon was saved by Lone Wolf in lw04.
Equipment of choice:
a) Wardstone (+3CS VS Undead) (special item) -- you should have it already from lw29
Or
b) Dessi Stone (double dmg VS Undead)
(to socket into a normal weapon, making it a special item)
I strongly recommend to socket the Dessi Stone on the Kagonite Black Steel Sword (+2cs) from lw30. It will become a special item and your main weapon against the undead soon approaching.
--- BATTLE OF THE RUANON HOMELANDS ---
(50) Sun Prince Bardsmanship would give you some epic lore moments.
(189) lead the cavalry.
This path leads you to the Jigidanak shield (+3cs).
If you stay on the hillock, you can loot the Kurzazuk Spear (+3cs/+4end).
But please notice that the shield +3cs stacks with the kai weapon. The spear does not.
(72) Magi-Magic or Sun Prince Nexus will let you skip to FIGHT: GIANT SKELETAL DOOMWOLF (CS = 40 / END = 50, immune to Mindblast)
(58) with Sun Prince Kai-Surge you avoid one roll of death. Then FIGHT: UNDEAD DRAKKARIM NOZODIM (CS = 44 / END = 50, immune to Mindblast) (with Animal Mastery: +2CS)
(242) LOOT: JIGIDANAK (Shield +3CS) (special item)
Illustration: Golem of bones – Giant Boneghast
FIGHT: GIANT BONEGHAST
CS = 54 / END = 90
Immune to Mindblast and Kai-surge
(with Animal Mastery: +2CS)
Kai Cavalry help: +4CS
(max 4 rounds)
(75) roll to save some END. If roll >=8 safe
(216) FIGHT: KAGGAZUTAAGON
CS = 40 / END = 40
Immune to all psychic attacks except Kai-ray
Triple damage received unless you wear "Cynxa"
Kirlundin Marines help: +3CS
(max 4 rounds)
(276) Use Jakmich’s Elixir (from lw30) to restore +10END
(148) With Telegnosis you will recognize your next enemy.
FIGHT: HELGHAST
CS = 42 / END = 45
(immune to Mindblast)
(150) the big guns join the fray.
Vashna unleash the power of the lake of blood, the Nengud-kor-Adez.
Illustration: Grey Star arrives.
(4) with Kai-Screen you save some END.
(175) Illustration: Darklord Vashna.
Lone Wolf intervenes with a flare of the Sommersword to save you, Blazer and Grey Star.
However Vashna is not beaten.
--- SKYFORT SKYSHIP ---
(212) Enough with the undead! The mission of this book is to track the Naarvakim, secret agents of Naar, and prevent the resurrection of Agarash the Damned.
You will leave with Blazer aboard the Starstrider and the captain is your old friend Acraban, from lw23.
--- STARSTRIDER SKYSHIP (WITH STORAGE ROOM) ---
(114) RESTORE ALL ENDURANCE
Special Item: Power-Key (does not occupy slots, quest item)
Companion: Blazer (+13CS) when you fight together
--- HIGH TKUKOMA VALE, CHAI ---
Now the choice is:
- to go for the Zejar-Dulaga, special magical arrow that will let you to auto-win the fight with Shasarak, or
- to visit the watchers refuge and get some loot, Fireseeds, the Blue Steel Sword (+2CS) and some potions, or
- to aim for the Revealed Tome of Tzu, that will grant you +1cs for this adventure if you choose the right path in Otavai later. However you need the Tome of Tzu from lw28.
I recommend the Zejar-Dulaga.
(219) Walk through the grasslands.
With Sun Lord Grand Huntmastery and Sun Prince Kai-Alchemy it's auto-win.
(279) loot: Zejar-Dulaga, magical arrow with poison.
(334) follow the mountain track to avoid skippable fights with ZAGOTHAL, Rock Maw & Tentacles (CS=54/END=70) or GIANT EYES, Maw & Tentacles (CS=50/END=60)
--- THE CRYPT OF AGARASH ---
(120) Only with Grand Crown Telegnosis you get the full loot from the dead Naarvakim.
(283) LOOT: take the Cloak, the Pass, the Dagger and Andui Flask.
Naarvakim Cloak (hides your aura) - special item
Naarvakim Pass - special item
Phial of Deathstalker Extract (allows to change appearance) backpack item
Naarvakim Scimitar (+1 CS) sword weapon
Naarvakim Polearm (+1 CS) spear weapon
Naarvakim Dagger (+1 CS and -1 end each turn to enemies vulnerable to Mindblast) dagger weapon ---> take this one!
Chaksu Waistcoat (+3 END) special item, Armour slot - does not stack (!)
Money: 5 noble, 100 ren, 10 Orla, 20 lune
Andui flask (purify liquids) backpack item -- useful in Shasarak's laboratory if you choose the Mountain of Lorn path
2x Meals - backpack item (you need one meal in Naaros)
(68) ROLL OF DEATH!!
Roll <=1 means death!
Then FIGHT: DHAX (PACK, WITH POWER-MACES)
CS =52 / END = 50
(+2cs with Jigidanak or Kurzazuk, immune to Mindblast)
(Blazer is with you: +13cs)
(321) ROLL OF DEATH!!
Roll <=1 means death!
Roll 2-6 = (61) --> -8 end and no loot!
Roll >= 7 = (96) --> -3 end
but LOOT:
Power-Mace (Mace Weapon-like Special item, +2cs when used, extra use with Magi-Magic at -2 end cost: deal -3 end to enemy each round)
ROLL OF DEATH!!
Roll <=1 means death! Unless you have Sun Prince Deliverance --> (289) -18 end and permanent loss of -5cs and -5end plus loss of one hand: no bow, no shield. Better restart...
Roll 2-6 = (107) -3end
Roll >=7 = (341) = safe
(341) Now let Blazer go first.
(259) with Grand Guardian Elementalism or Sun Prince Grand Huntmastery you can skip the FIGHT: TRACHEODYLS (CS=42/END=42, immune to psychic attacks except kai-blast and kai-ray)
(19) with Telegnosis or Sun Prince Kai-Alchemy you can identify that Scaldar apparition is corrupted and it should not be trusted.
With Grand Crown Kai-Screen + Assimilance it is auto-win.
Otherwise you should ignore Scaldar's advise and FIGHT: MACROPHAARG (CS=48 / END=46)
(immune to psychic attacks except Kai-blast and Kai-ray)
(156) LOOT:
(Inert) Illusion Crystal (backpack item), useful later to reinforce the Starstrider skyship.
(70) Illustration: Korlinium geode containing the Heart of Agarash
(+2end, +4end)
Now you FIGHT: NAARVAKIM
CS=46/END=44
(+2cs with Grand Huntmastery, -4cs without Kai-Screen, immune to psychic attacks, except kai-blast and kai-ray, nasty Gnadurn coated weapon, lethal 10% chance of death when receiving damage, can be prevented with Kai-Alchemy, Potion of Tazheng or Bautarian anti-toxin as backup)
(266) LOOT:
3x Grey Crystal Rings (give psychic protection) --> take these !
Naarvakim Bitikali (Sword +2CS)
Naarvakim Penarch (Mace +1CS, +3CS vs armored enemies)
Mind Gem (Special Item, +2CS when using Mindblast or Psi-surge or Kai-surge) --> take this !
Phial of Gnadurn Sap (poison)
Vial of Cener Elixir (use: +4CS/-6END)
Potion of Klorva (use:+6end)
With Sun Prince Kai-Alchemy or Assimilance you avoid one roll of death!
(34) FIGHT: SESKETERA
CS=54 / END=42
(345) WARNING: DO NOT READ THE NAARVAKIM SCROLL OF KHAZULLO! It is a roll of death with auto-fail later.
(221) With Kai-Alchemy or Telegnosis you can understand that Khazullo is trying to summon a major demon. With Sun Thane Deliverance you can perform a Kai-exorcism and prevent the FIGHT: ZADAKAR DEMON MASTER (CS=55/END=50)
(285) (-4 END) LOOT:
Sesketera's Medallion of Weaponskill (+2cs, Special Item)
Sesketera's Naarvakim Spear (+3cs, Spear Weapon-like Special Item, use on first round: free END loss to enemy)
DEMON STONE (Backpack item) useful later
--> RESTORE ALL ENDURANCE POINTS
--- STARSTRIDER HUB, WITH DEPOSIT ---
(100) you can talk with:
- Blazer (16) and learn about Kalte
- Grey Star (27)
- Oriah (79) and acquire this Special Item: Turquoise Pearl (no slots occupied) - lore purpose, but useful to skip one bad scenario and restore +2 END later with right path.
- Acraban (122)
The priority is to talk with Acraban (reinforce the Starstrider with Illusion Crystal or Jigidanak or Kurzazuk or Grey Crystal Rings). If you miss the Illusion Crystal, you must deposit Jigidanak or Kurzazuk.
If you have Kai-Screen, you should give the Grey Crystal Rings to the Starstrider crew.
Second priority is to talk with Oriah and offer a friendly ear.
(145) Now the main choice of book LW31. You have three different paths to choose, with exclusive story, lore and rewards. I recommend to replay the game to enjoy all the story.
ALPHA PATH: Scaldar's Rest in the great forest of Kelderwood. This the only path with permanent rewards, that you can use in lw32. Best choice is to improve +1cs to Star-ska or +2cs to Dessi stone or +2end to Platinum Amulet.
You must acquire the Scarlet Fire Rod .
BETA PATH: Shasarak's Lair in the Mountains of Morn. This path is the best for just this book. Rewards are the Concentrated Alether Potion (use: +4cs) and the +4cs buff for the final part of the adventure: with the 'Song of the dead' you can summon the dead to assist you in the defense of Lorn Kai monastery and your dead friend GM Bright Star will answer your call!! For the Kai!!
Also with the M'lare Crystal you auto-win the fight with Blazer.
You must acquire the Sun-Stone Shard and the Neutral Homunculus.
GAMMA PATH: Sejanoz's Golden Pagoda in Otavai. The reward is +1cs buff with the Revealed Tome of Tzu until the end of the adventure. You can also buy some potions, the Chaksu Leather Boots (special item +2 end) and Nigumu-sa Leather Purse (replace your standard Purse and can accomodate up to 60 gold crowns).
You must acquire the Bronin Steam-Spear and the Blood Soulsieve.
On the long run, in preparation for LW32, I recommend the Kelderwood path. If you are not a veteran or if you struggle with low CS, you should visit Shasarak's lair.
--- GREAT FOREST OF KELDERWOOD ---
(3) Before leaving the Starstrider you should deposit any extra item (with Alpha path you basically need room for just the Scarlet Fire Rod).
(89) item upgrade: Herb Pad (special item bought in Varetta from the Vassagonian Merchant in LW30 section 282) upgraded to Golta Pad (special item). Useful for minor boost and rolls.
Sun Prince Grand Nexus or Magi-Magic can prevent the FIGHT: KELDERYCEPS ZOMBIES (cs=46/end=52, immune to Mindblast)
(118) ROLL OF DEATH!!
Roll 0-2 = death!
Roll 3-8 = -8 end
Roll >=9 = safe
(253) If you use a Fireseed it is auto-win. However if you followed my suggestion, you should not have it in favour of the Zejar-Dulaga.
(139) with Sun Lord Herbmastery you get a +6cs bonus. FIGHT: MUTASKA (ensnared) (cs=42/end=75, immune to psychic attacks, except Kai-Blast and Kai-Ray)
--- SCALDAR'S REST ---
(245) Double LOOT with Sun Prince Herbmastery:
Omaldro Berries (use: +2cs) backpack item
Klorva Leaves (use: +6end) backpack item
With Elementalism or Sun Prince Kai-Alchemy you can save up to 10 end and loss of potions.
(293) WARNING: you must visit the tunnel marked with "his sin" to acquire the Scarlet Fire Rod or you will fail later at the isle of Lorn.
(263) -6 end without the Platinum Amulet
FIGHT: SCARLET FIRE ELEMENTAL
CS=41 / END=40
(double End loss without the platinum amulet)
With Elementalism you end the fight after 3 rounds.
(311) LOOT: Scarlet Fire Rod (with 2 charges)
(90) Now you meet the spirit of Scaldar. He was responsible for the sacrifice of many Magi troops in order to imprison Agarash in the Pit of Eternal Pain with the Scarlet Fire. He did it with full knowledge that, to achieve this goal, he had to trick both Agarash and his allies.
You must decide if to forgive him or not. If not worthy you will deny to him to rest in the plane of light.
Sadly you get the best rewards if you refuse to forgive him.
(306) SPECIAL LOOT: Scaldar's Last Vestige
Use it to upgrade one item already imbued with Old Kingdom Magic:
- Wardstone upgraded from +3cs to +4cs vs undead
- Dessi Stone upgraded +2cs vs undead
- Blue-Steel Sword from +2cs to +3cs
- Star-ska from +4cs to +5cs
- Power-Mace from +2cs to +3cs
- Platinum Amulet +2end
You can upgrade only one item in this way.
Suggestion: in this book the most useful item is Star-ska. In LW32 it is likely that we will face more agarashi instead of undead.
(271) However if you decide to forgive Scaldar you can RESTORE ALL ENDURANCE.
And you will get the +2 END upgrade to the Platinum Amulet anyway.
For most fights you will use your kai-weapon, so if you aim for highest stats, +2 END for free is nice, let's forgive Scaldar.
(37) Sun Prince Grand Pathsmanship will spare you one roll of death and will let you conserve one charge of the Scarlet Fire Rod. According to my interpretation you can recharge the Rod on the Starstrider. If you don't agree, you must conserve one charge for the end of the adventure.
FIGHT: AVATAR OF FUNGHAARN
(CS=54 / END=44)
(Immune to Mindblast but not to Kai-surge)
(-2 end each turn without "Xenghora")
This fight is the end of Alpha Path in Kelderwood.
All three paths will bring you back to the Starstrider. The investigation will reveal that with a strong magic power explosion it is possible to open a doom gate to the Pit of Eternal Pain and the most suitable place is the Throne Room in Naaros, capital city of the Doomlands.
--- STARSTRIDER HUB AND DEPOSIT ---
(230) LOOT: Grey Star Healing Potion (Use: +10 END, backpack item) --> can be saved for later!
You can talk with:
- Blazer (318)
- Grey Star (296)
- Oriah (241)
- Acraban (177)
(177) Again the priority is to talk with Acraban and upgrade the Starstrider, if not done already. You can lend the Scarlet Fire Rod if you have 2 charges left.
If you did not follow Alpha Path in the Kelderwood, you should install the Sun-Stone Shard or the Bronin Steam-Spear to boost the Starstrider defenses.
(241) second priority is again Oriah. You should have the Turquoise Pearl and if you agree to some romance, you will restore +2 END.
(222) DREAM OF GOLDEN AGE.
WARNING: You must disagree with Lone Wolf. He is not him, but Shasarak's illusion.
If you accept the Neverness Sphere, you will auto-fail at the throne room in Naaros.
(80) -3END without Sun Prince Kai-Screen.
With the Turquoise Pearl you will avoid one possible death scenario.
--- NAARVAKIM KRAKALLA FORTRESS SKY ATTACK ---
(57) If you reinforced the Starstrider with Jigidanak, Kurzazuk, Illusion Crystal, you pass the first check and avoid the FIGHT: REBORN BAVAZANUR (with fire trait) (CS=45/end=44) (double END loss without Grand Nexus or Platinum Amulet)
(137) Illustration: Naarvakim Krakalla sky Fortress
You should have given to Acraban one of these: Scarlet Fire Rod, Sun-stone Shard, Bronin Steam Spear.
This way you skip two rolls of death and FIGHT: REBORN KRAKALLA FLYING FORTRESS (and Naarvakim Crew)
CS=58 / END=90
(-2cs without Kai-Screen, +3cs with Sesketera's Spear + Medallion of Weaponskill)
Blazer and Grey Star teleport to Naaros. Acraban saves the day and teleport the whole ship to Naaros as well.
WARNING: You must take back the special items from the deposit. If you miss one Scarlet Fire Rod or the Neutral Homunculus or the Blood Soulsieve, you will die later at the Isle of Lorn.
--- THE CHASM OF NAAROS, DOOMLANDS ---
(125) with Grand Thane Assimilance it is auto-win. This way you skip FIGHT: AGARASHI SPIDER FLIES (SWARM)
CS=48 / END=38
(immune to Mindblast)
--- THE NIGHT SPIRE ---
The Night Spire is sustained by the black pillar of pure evil at the center of this tower. The tip at the top level is the Throne of Agarash.
(30) if you search the intermediate level of the Night Spire, you will find the ancient vault where Agarash kept the seven Lorestones of Nyxator. It is the good time to RESTORE ALL ENDURANCE.
(176) ROLL OF DEATH!!
Roll >= 8 safe!
item required: Demon Stone as backup.
Else you FIGHT: ZADAKAR DEMONS (CS=50 / END=40, immune to Mindblast).
If the fight last more than 6 rounds, you die.
(225) -2 end without Sun Prince Astrology
PILLAR OF DOOM: ROLL OF LUCK.
Worst case scenario is roll 4-5: chaos mutation! -2cs/-4end until end of adventure, unless Sun Prince Deliverance or "Zhaaxa".
You need to eat one meal, you can't use Grand Huntmastery.
Now you can choose between three corridors with different light: Yellow, blue and white.
(153) best choice is yellow corridor. Upgrade the Zejar-Dulaga to the Darkflame Zejar-Dulaga.
--- TOP FLOOR OF THE NIGHT SPIRE ---
(180) Cener High Priest Jhordax summons Demonlord Plagazar to reinforce the Naarvakim defense while in the throne room they start the ritual to resurrect Agarash.
If you have the Naarvakim Scroll it is auto-fail.
You can auto-win with bow and roll >= 8. Else you FIGHT: DEMONLORD PLAGAZAR (+CENER HIGH PRIEST JHORDAX)
CS=54 / END=50 immune to Mindblast, this enemy will heal +1end each turn
--- THRONE ROOM OF THE NIGHT SPIRE ---
(200) if you have the Neverness Sphere it's auto-fail! Shasarak fooled you all (!!!)
Else you will see the betrayal of Blazer. Our friend kidnapped Grey Star and the Shianti Wizard is offered as sacrifice to release Agarash from the Pit of Eternal Pain.
(170) However Shasarak the Wytch King is the first to get out!
(Illustration: Shasarak in front of the Gate of Doom)
With Grand Crown Deliverance you can ask divine assistance to Kai. You receive an hint that Blazer is controlled by a Greater Ice Demon (since Kalte mission).
Now you have to choose: attack the Wytch-King or attack Blazer!
WARNING: If you don't have Sun Prince Grand Nexus AND Grand Huntmastery, you must attack Blazer or you fail!
(33) The alternative is to attack Shasarak but you will be thrown into the gate of doom and you will support the duel BLAZER VS SHASARAK from beyond the gate.
Difficult scenario, do it only if you enjoy the challenge!
If you win Shasarak is thrown again into the gate of doom, releasing you.
Agarash is now reborn in Magnamund and Blazer will sacrifice himself to release Grey Star, so that you two can teleport away.
(240) Attack Blazer!
If you have the M'lare Crystal (found in Shasarak's lair), it's auto-win at -2end cost.
Because we followed the Kelderwood path, now we FIGHT: BLAZER (POSSESSED BY A GREATER ICE DEMON)
CS=56 / END =55
(immune to psychic attacks except Kai-blast and Kai-ray)
+4cs with Elementalism
Double damage done with Sun Lord Grand Weaponmastery
Reduce Blazer's END <= 10 --> WIN
(60) Illustration: Agarash the Demonlord (partial body)
Shasarak sends you flying into the gate of doom. Blazer intervenes, stops you and sacrifices himself into the portal.
Agarash is released.
Now you have to fight Shasarak.
(339) With Bow + Darkflame Zejar-Dulaga it's auto-win!
Else you FIGHT: SHASARAK THE WYTCH-KING (injured)
CS = 54 / END = 45
with Kai-Alchemy you have a minor bonus of END saved.
Shasarak is immune to Mindblast, but not Kai-surge. -2 cs without Kai-Screen
If you reduce Shasarak's END to <= 10 --> WIN
(260) Agarash is reborn in Magnamund.
Shasarak is thrown into the gate of doom.
Grey Star is released, while Blazer stays imprisoned.
(300) Agarash declares war to Magnamund and summons another Age of Eternal Night. Black clouds obscure the sky and all the agarashi are summoned. The first act of war is the evocation of the Vaag, flying shock troops, with the order to destruct the Kai Monastery in the isle of Lorn.
We failed the main quest of stopping the Naarvakim. Grey Star teleports you to the isle of Lorn.
--- ISLE OF LORN, KAI MONASTERY ---
(2) Restore +20 END.
You report your bad news to the kai at the monastery and prepare them for the incoming attack. Then you announce your failure to Lone Wolf by means of a Seeing Stone. The situation is very bad: Lone Wolf himself failed his mission and lost the fight with Vashna (!!
!!) Steel Hand saved the Supreme Master and they escaped from Zekgazad with the help of Banedon.
They cannot help you now in Lorn.
(25) Illustration: Reinforcements from Dessi, Lady Assiliah and Manakar Doko arrive with a fleet of sky ships.
The Elder Magi prophecy announced the return of both Vashna and Agarash. They sent troops to help the defense of kai monastery against the agarashi. Also the elder magi are containing the eternal night clouds with an Elemental magic ritual.
You must reinforce the defense of the kai monastery with the shianti legacy defense system. First of all to activate the shianti power-lances you need an energy source for the core. Missing the Scarlet Fire Rod or the Neutral Homunculus or the Blood Soulsieve means fail and death!
Second priority is to ask help:
(115) to the dead (possible if you heard the 'song of the dead' in Shasarak's lair). Dead Grand Master Bright Star will arrive to your call and with Sun Thane Deliverance you will free him. He promises to help you in the next fight and this means +4 CS boost until end of the adventure.
(85) To the animals of the isle of Lorn, with Animal Mastery. However if you wear Chaksu leather waistcoat or boots, they will refuse to help.
(330) to the air elementals (Whirlghasts), with Elementalism and the Obelisk of Iaos above the temple of Amida.
With one of these three extra defense, you avoid the FIGHT: VAAG (gifted with right-hand magic) cs=52/end=50
(346) Ready for the final showdown!
FIGHT: VAAG PRIME
CS = 54 / END = 36 (immune to Mindblast)
Reduce Vaag Prime's END to <= 6 --> WIN
(325) Illustration: Vaagarash forces you to kneel
Agarash takes direct control of the Vaag Prime and boosts his troops.
Vaagarash forces you to kneel, but the divine intervention of god Kai unlocks your final potential and thus you can ascend to Kai Supreme Master !!
RESTORE ALL YOUR ENDURANCE.
+1 CS and +2 END stats for every GM discipline you missed to Supreme Master rank (only one, assuming you were Sun Prince).
FINAL FIGHT: VAAGARASH
CS = 62 / END = 50
(Immune to psychic attacks except kai-ray)
Your max CS could be:
34 CS base
+11 CS GM disciplines
+4 CS Nyxator Mail
+2 CS Korlinium Chainmail Vest (alternative Ang'sei)
+1 CS Corvayl Leather Armed Gloves
+2 CS Talisman of Defiance
+2 CS Medallion of Weaponskill
+8 CS Kai-Weapon Valiance (alternative Star-ska +4 or +5 CS)
+3 CS Jigidanak shield
+5 CS Grand Weaponmastery
+1 CS Magi-Magic Power-Strike
+2 CS Astrology invocation of the Sun Star
+6 CS Adgana (alternative +4 CS Concentrated Potion of Alether or +4 CS Cener Elixir)
+4 CS Bright Star support
Grand total = 85 CS (combat ratio of +23).
If you are a veteran, you can use a normal Potion of Alether or Omaldro (+2CS), you can manage without Bright Star help and you can use Star-ska. --> 73 CS overall (+11 combat ratio).
(350) --- VICTORY !!!! ---
You resisted the tide of darkness and now you are a Kai Supreme Master. You share the command of the New Order with Lone Wolf and you must organize the resistance to Agarash in southern Magnamund.
The final challenge awaits in book LW32 "LIGHT OF THE KAI" !!
(EPILOGUE)
Last three pages of the book give us hints about a next evil menace from the Daziarn Portal below Toran in the brotherhood magician guild.
Gwynian's Scroll in book lw30 mentioned a wizard from Sommerlund looking for redemption... is it Vonotar? This could be difficult... last time we checked in lw11 he was very dead and very evil... who knows? :-)
I believe it's time to share my walkthrough for book Lone Wolf 31 - "The Dusk of Eternal Night".
In a second step I will add the visual walkthrough with pdf and jpg of paths /graphs.
It will take some days to polish and complete this guide. So please bear with me while I update this thread.
Of course it's important to say...
[HUGE SPOILERS AHEAD!!]
Let's rock and enjoy the content of book 31!
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:
Just to clear any doubts: the book is great! Vote 9/10!
Epic moments, many items and choices to make so that you can enjoy reading it again.
MAJOR SPOILERS:
Watch out for Blazer. He is not the same after Kalte. You need to fight him at the end of the adventure.
You need to give your special items to Acraban to reinforce the Starstrider or die!
You need to gather the Scarlet Fire Rod or the Neutral Homunculus or the Blood Soulsieve or you will fail and die later.
You must not trust your dream temptation of golden age. It's a trick from Shasarak and it will lead you to failure.
You must not read the Naarvakim Scroll, it will lead to failure.
If you plan to ask help to the animals of the Isle of Lorn, you should not wear Chaksu Leather Special Items.
USEFUL ITEMS:
SPECIAL ITEMS:
0.a) Platinum Amulet (protection from extreme enviroments, Special Item, does not occupy slots, from lw25
0.b) Nyxator Mail 'Cynxa' (+4CS/+10END, Special Item, does not occupy slots, Armour Vest: max 2 pieces) from lw30
0.c) Ang'sei (reduces enemy CS by 2, Special Item, does not occupy slots, Armour Vest: max 2 pieces) from lw28
1) Kai-Weapon: Valiance (+5CS, +8CS vs magical enemy, Sword Weapon-like Special Item) - FINALLY RESTORED!!! Yessss!!!
2) Talisman of Defiance (+2CS, Special Item) from lw22
3) Corvayl Leather Armed Gloves (+1cs, Special Item) from lw30
4) Wardstone (reduces undead enemy CS by 3, Special Item) from lw29
5) Chai imperial Quiver (12 arrows slots, Special Item) from lw 29
6) Andarin's Warhammer (+5cs, Warhammer Weapon-like Special Item) from lw26
7) Star-Ska (+4CS, Sword Weapon-like Special Item, double damage done to Agarashi) from lw30
8) Korlinium Chainmail Vest (+2CS, Special Item, Armour Vest: max 2 pieces) from lw26 <--> alternative to Ang'sei
9) Herb Pad (Special Item, useful in the Kelderwood forest) from lw30
10) The Tome of Tzu (Special Item), from lw28 <--> useful in Otavai path (not recommended here)
11) Majhan Talisman (Special Item, useful to decipher the shianti cube) from lw30 <--> useful in Mountains of Morn path (not recommended here)
WEAPONS:
1) Fine Kagonite Black Steel Sword (+2cs, Weapon) from lw30
2) Chai imperial Bow (+1roll with bow, Weapon) from lw29
BACKPACK ITEMS:
1) Drodarin Bag of Holding (+5 backpack slots, however it takes 1 slot in the Backpack), from lw26
2) Jakmich's Elixir (Backpack item, use: +10END after the fight with the Kaggazutaagon), from lw30
3) Potion of Alether (backpack item, use: +2CS), alternative Omaldro (backpack item, use: +2cs)
4) Potion of Malavan (backpack item, use: +2CS when using Mindblast or Kai-surge)
5) Potion of Tazheng (backpack item, from lw29) or Bautarian anti-toxin (backpack item, from lw30) as backup for poison.
NEW ITEMS:
SPECIAL ITEMS:
1) Dessi Stone (socket on one weapon to double the damage to undead, the Weapon becomes a Weapon-like Special item)
2) Jigidanak (Shield, +3cs, Special Item)
3) Medallion of Weaponskill (+2cs, Special Item)
4) Mind-Gem (+2cs when using Mindblast or Kai-Surge, Special Item)
5) Sesketera's Naarvakim Spear (+3cs, Spear Weapon-like Special Item, first turn free of damage received, also special use as harpoon!)
6) Golta Pad (upgrade to the Herb Pad, useful in the Kelderwood path)
7) Power-Mace (+2cs, Mace Weapon-like Special Item, extra use with Magi-Magic at -2 end cost: deal -3 end to enemy each round)
8) The Revealed Tome of Tzu (can 'absorbe' Vampires to give you +1cs on this adventure, Special Item)
WEAPONS:
Zejar-Dulaga and its upgrade: Darkflame Zejar-Dulaga (magical arrow) - it will let you auto-win the fight with Shasarak
Naarvakim Dagger (+1 CS and -1 END each turn to enemies vulnerable to Mindblast) - dagger weapon
Naarvakim Scimitar (+1 CS) - Sword weapon
Naarvakim Polearm (+1 CS) - Spear weapon
Naarvakim Bitikali (+2CS) - Sword weapon
Naarvakim Penarch (+1CS, +3CS vs armored enemies) - Mace weapon
BACKPACK ITEMS:
Concentrated Potion of Alether (use: +4cs, backpack item)
Grey Star's Healing Potion (use: +10 end, backpack item)
Demon Stone (backpack item, useful later in Naaros as backup)
EXTRA:
Scaldar's Last Vestige, a sparkle of pure magic, you can boost one of old kingdom magic artifacts of choice:
- Wardstone upgraded from +3cs to +4cs vs undead
- Dessi Stone upgraded +2cs vs undead
- Blue-steel Sword from +2cs to +3cs
- Star-ska from +4cs to +5cs
- Power-Mace from +2cs to +3cs
- Platinum Amulet +2end
You can upgrade only one item in this way (!) -- this boost is permanent!
SUGGESTED GM DISCIPLINES (at Sun Prince level):
1. Grand Weaponmastery (with all weapons)
2. Kai-Surge
3. Deliverance
4. Grand Huntmastery
5. Herbmastery
6. Kai-Alchemy
7. Grand Pathsmanship
8. Grand Nexus
9. Kai-Screen
10. Assimilance
11. Animal Mastery
12. Elementalism
13. Magi-Magic
14. Telegnosis
15. Astrology (finally useful!)
Discussing Astrology VS Bardsmanship:
Bardsmanship was boosted and it has its perks at Sun Prince level, even epic moments with your fellow kai troops, but sadly it does not help you for most difficult fights. And it does not help you with rolls.
Astrology at Sun Prince level gives you strong buffs and a double life (can roll again and avoid one death roll!)
STATS:
At start of the adventure, assuming Sun Prince level, you would have:
34 CS base Combat Skill
+10CS GM disciplines
+5CS Kai-Weapon (Valiance, of course!)
+5CS Grand Weaponmastery (with Kai-Weapon)
+4CS Nyxator Mail (Cynxa, but possible to change it before starting LW31)
+2CS Talisman of Defiance
+2CS Korlinium Chainmail Vest or Ang'sei
+1CS Corvayl Leather Armed Gloves
So total of 63 CS at start unbuffed, before psychic attacks, potions, Astrology invocation or Magi-Magic Power-Strike.
39 END base Endurance
+20 END GM disciplines
+10 END Nyxator Mail
Total of 69 END at start.
THE STORY:
You start one year after the events in LW30. The Kai are preparing the battle with the army of the dead of new reborn Darklord Vashna.
New Grand Masters are Autumn Snow, Winter Oak and Mountain Sun.
Veteran GM are you, Steel Hand, Star Lynx and Blazer.
Recent dead GM are Bright Star, Firestone, Black Hawk and Swift Sword.
--- RUANON TOWN, SOUTHERN SOMMERLUND, BARONESS MADELON VANALUND KEEP ---
(1) Baroness Madelon was saved by Lone Wolf in lw04.
Equipment of choice:
a) Wardstone (+3CS VS Undead) (special item) -- you should have it already from lw29
Or
b) Dessi Stone (double dmg VS Undead)
(to socket into a normal weapon, making it a special item)
I strongly recommend to socket the Dessi Stone on the Kagonite Black Steel Sword (+2cs) from lw30. It will become a special item and your main weapon against the undead soon approaching.
--- BATTLE OF THE RUANON HOMELANDS ---
(50) Sun Prince Bardsmanship would give you some epic lore moments.
(189) lead the cavalry.
This path leads you to the Jigidanak shield (+3cs).
If you stay on the hillock, you can loot the Kurzazuk Spear (+3cs/+4end).
But please notice that the shield +3cs stacks with the kai weapon. The spear does not.
(72) Magi-Magic or Sun Prince Nexus will let you skip to FIGHT: GIANT SKELETAL DOOMWOLF (CS = 40 / END = 50, immune to Mindblast)
(58) with Sun Prince Kai-Surge you avoid one roll of death. Then FIGHT: UNDEAD DRAKKARIM NOZODIM (CS = 44 / END = 50, immune to Mindblast) (with Animal Mastery: +2CS)
(242) LOOT: JIGIDANAK (Shield +3CS) (special item)
Illustration: Golem of bones – Giant Boneghast
FIGHT: GIANT BONEGHAST
CS = 54 / END = 90
Immune to Mindblast and Kai-surge
(with Animal Mastery: +2CS)
Kai Cavalry help: +4CS
(max 4 rounds)
(75) roll to save some END. If roll >=8 safe
(216) FIGHT: KAGGAZUTAAGON
CS = 40 / END = 40
Immune to all psychic attacks except Kai-ray
Triple damage received unless you wear "Cynxa"
Kirlundin Marines help: +3CS
(max 4 rounds)
(276) Use Jakmich’s Elixir (from lw30) to restore +10END
(148) With Telegnosis you will recognize your next enemy.
FIGHT: HELGHAST
CS = 42 / END = 45
(immune to Mindblast)
(150) the big guns join the fray.
Vashna unleash the power of the lake of blood, the Nengud-kor-Adez.
Illustration: Grey Star arrives.
(4) with Kai-Screen you save some END.
(175) Illustration: Darklord Vashna.
Lone Wolf intervenes with a flare of the Sommersword to save you, Blazer and Grey Star.
However Vashna is not beaten.
--- SKYFORT SKYSHIP ---
(212) Enough with the undead! The mission of this book is to track the Naarvakim, secret agents of Naar, and prevent the resurrection of Agarash the Damned.
You will leave with Blazer aboard the Starstrider and the captain is your old friend Acraban, from lw23.
--- STARSTRIDER SKYSHIP (WITH STORAGE ROOM) ---
(114) RESTORE ALL ENDURANCE
Special Item: Power-Key (does not occupy slots, quest item)
Companion: Blazer (+13CS) when you fight together
--- HIGH TKUKOMA VALE, CHAI ---
Now the choice is:
- to go for the Zejar-Dulaga, special magical arrow that will let you to auto-win the fight with Shasarak, or
- to visit the watchers refuge and get some loot, Fireseeds, the Blue Steel Sword (+2CS) and some potions, or
- to aim for the Revealed Tome of Tzu, that will grant you +1cs for this adventure if you choose the right path in Otavai later. However you need the Tome of Tzu from lw28.
I recommend the Zejar-Dulaga.
(219) Walk through the grasslands.
With Sun Lord Grand Huntmastery and Sun Prince Kai-Alchemy it's auto-win.
(279) loot: Zejar-Dulaga, magical arrow with poison.
(334) follow the mountain track to avoid skippable fights with ZAGOTHAL, Rock Maw & Tentacles (CS=54/END=70) or GIANT EYES, Maw & Tentacles (CS=50/END=60)
--- THE CRYPT OF AGARASH ---
(120) Only with Grand Crown Telegnosis you get the full loot from the dead Naarvakim.
(283) LOOT: take the Cloak, the Pass, the Dagger and Andui Flask.
Naarvakim Cloak (hides your aura) - special item
Naarvakim Pass - special item
Phial of Deathstalker Extract (allows to change appearance) backpack item
Naarvakim Scimitar (+1 CS) sword weapon
Naarvakim Polearm (+1 CS) spear weapon
Naarvakim Dagger (+1 CS and -1 end each turn to enemies vulnerable to Mindblast) dagger weapon ---> take this one!
Chaksu Waistcoat (+3 END) special item, Armour slot - does not stack (!)
Money: 5 noble, 100 ren, 10 Orla, 20 lune
Andui flask (purify liquids) backpack item -- useful in Shasarak's laboratory if you choose the Mountain of Lorn path
2x Meals - backpack item (you need one meal in Naaros)
(68) ROLL OF DEATH!!
Roll <=1 means death!
Then FIGHT: DHAX (PACK, WITH POWER-MACES)
CS =52 / END = 50
(+2cs with Jigidanak or Kurzazuk, immune to Mindblast)
(Blazer is with you: +13cs)
(321) ROLL OF DEATH!!
Roll <=1 means death!
Roll 2-6 = (61) --> -8 end and no loot!
Roll >= 7 = (96) --> -3 end
but LOOT:
Power-Mace (Mace Weapon-like Special item, +2cs when used, extra use with Magi-Magic at -2 end cost: deal -3 end to enemy each round)
ROLL OF DEATH!!
Roll <=1 means death! Unless you have Sun Prince Deliverance --> (289) -18 end and permanent loss of -5cs and -5end plus loss of one hand: no bow, no shield. Better restart...
Roll 2-6 = (107) -3end
Roll >=7 = (341) = safe
(341) Now let Blazer go first.
(259) with Grand Guardian Elementalism or Sun Prince Grand Huntmastery you can skip the FIGHT: TRACHEODYLS (CS=42/END=42, immune to psychic attacks except kai-blast and kai-ray)
(19) with Telegnosis or Sun Prince Kai-Alchemy you can identify that Scaldar apparition is corrupted and it should not be trusted.
With Grand Crown Kai-Screen + Assimilance it is auto-win.
Otherwise you should ignore Scaldar's advise and FIGHT: MACROPHAARG (CS=48 / END=46)
(immune to psychic attacks except Kai-blast and Kai-ray)
(156) LOOT:
(Inert) Illusion Crystal (backpack item), useful later to reinforce the Starstrider skyship.
(70) Illustration: Korlinium geode containing the Heart of Agarash
(+2end, +4end)
Now you FIGHT: NAARVAKIM
CS=46/END=44
(+2cs with Grand Huntmastery, -4cs without Kai-Screen, immune to psychic attacks, except kai-blast and kai-ray, nasty Gnadurn coated weapon, lethal 10% chance of death when receiving damage, can be prevented with Kai-Alchemy, Potion of Tazheng or Bautarian anti-toxin as backup)
(266) LOOT:
3x Grey Crystal Rings (give psychic protection) --> take these !
Naarvakim Bitikali (Sword +2CS)
Naarvakim Penarch (Mace +1CS, +3CS vs armored enemies)
Mind Gem (Special Item, +2CS when using Mindblast or Psi-surge or Kai-surge) --> take this !
Phial of Gnadurn Sap (poison)
Vial of Cener Elixir (use: +4CS/-6END)
Potion of Klorva (use:+6end)
With Sun Prince Kai-Alchemy or Assimilance you avoid one roll of death!
(34) FIGHT: SESKETERA
CS=54 / END=42
(345) WARNING: DO NOT READ THE NAARVAKIM SCROLL OF KHAZULLO! It is a roll of death with auto-fail later.
(221) With Kai-Alchemy or Telegnosis you can understand that Khazullo is trying to summon a major demon. With Sun Thane Deliverance you can perform a Kai-exorcism and prevent the FIGHT: ZADAKAR DEMON MASTER (CS=55/END=50)
(285) (-4 END) LOOT:
Sesketera's Medallion of Weaponskill (+2cs, Special Item)
Sesketera's Naarvakim Spear (+3cs, Spear Weapon-like Special Item, use on first round: free END loss to enemy)
DEMON STONE (Backpack item) useful later
--> RESTORE ALL ENDURANCE POINTS
--- STARSTRIDER HUB, WITH DEPOSIT ---
(100) you can talk with:
- Blazer (16) and learn about Kalte
- Grey Star (27)
- Oriah (79) and acquire this Special Item: Turquoise Pearl (no slots occupied) - lore purpose, but useful to skip one bad scenario and restore +2 END later with right path.
- Acraban (122)
The priority is to talk with Acraban (reinforce the Starstrider with Illusion Crystal or Jigidanak or Kurzazuk or Grey Crystal Rings). If you miss the Illusion Crystal, you must deposit Jigidanak or Kurzazuk.
If you have Kai-Screen, you should give the Grey Crystal Rings to the Starstrider crew.
Second priority is to talk with Oriah and offer a friendly ear.
(145) Now the main choice of book LW31. You have three different paths to choose, with exclusive story, lore and rewards. I recommend to replay the game to enjoy all the story.
ALPHA PATH: Scaldar's Rest in the great forest of Kelderwood. This the only path with permanent rewards, that you can use in lw32. Best choice is to improve +1cs to Star-ska or +2cs to Dessi stone or +2end to Platinum Amulet.
You must acquire the Scarlet Fire Rod .
BETA PATH: Shasarak's Lair in the Mountains of Morn. This path is the best for just this book. Rewards are the Concentrated Alether Potion (use: +4cs) and the +4cs buff for the final part of the adventure: with the 'Song of the dead' you can summon the dead to assist you in the defense of Lorn Kai monastery and your dead friend GM Bright Star will answer your call!! For the Kai!!
Also with the M'lare Crystal you auto-win the fight with Blazer.
You must acquire the Sun-Stone Shard and the Neutral Homunculus.
GAMMA PATH: Sejanoz's Golden Pagoda in Otavai. The reward is +1cs buff with the Revealed Tome of Tzu until the end of the adventure. You can also buy some potions, the Chaksu Leather Boots (special item +2 end) and Nigumu-sa Leather Purse (replace your standard Purse and can accomodate up to 60 gold crowns).
You must acquire the Bronin Steam-Spear and the Blood Soulsieve.
On the long run, in preparation for LW32, I recommend the Kelderwood path. If you are not a veteran or if you struggle with low CS, you should visit Shasarak's lair.
--- GREAT FOREST OF KELDERWOOD ---
(3) Before leaving the Starstrider you should deposit any extra item (with Alpha path you basically need room for just the Scarlet Fire Rod).
(89) item upgrade: Herb Pad (special item bought in Varetta from the Vassagonian Merchant in LW30 section 282) upgraded to Golta Pad (special item). Useful for minor boost and rolls.
Sun Prince Grand Nexus or Magi-Magic can prevent the FIGHT: KELDERYCEPS ZOMBIES (cs=46/end=52, immune to Mindblast)
(118) ROLL OF DEATH!!
Roll 0-2 = death!
Roll 3-8 = -8 end
Roll >=9 = safe
(253) If you use a Fireseed it is auto-win. However if you followed my suggestion, you should not have it in favour of the Zejar-Dulaga.
(139) with Sun Lord Herbmastery you get a +6cs bonus. FIGHT: MUTASKA (ensnared) (cs=42/end=75, immune to psychic attacks, except Kai-Blast and Kai-Ray)
--- SCALDAR'S REST ---
(245) Double LOOT with Sun Prince Herbmastery:
Omaldro Berries (use: +2cs) backpack item
Klorva Leaves (use: +6end) backpack item
With Elementalism or Sun Prince Kai-Alchemy you can save up to 10 end and loss of potions.
(293) WARNING: you must visit the tunnel marked with "his sin" to acquire the Scarlet Fire Rod or you will fail later at the isle of Lorn.
(263) -6 end without the Platinum Amulet
FIGHT: SCARLET FIRE ELEMENTAL
CS=41 / END=40
(double End loss without the platinum amulet)
With Elementalism you end the fight after 3 rounds.
(311) LOOT: Scarlet Fire Rod (with 2 charges)
(90) Now you meet the spirit of Scaldar. He was responsible for the sacrifice of many Magi troops in order to imprison Agarash in the Pit of Eternal Pain with the Scarlet Fire. He did it with full knowledge that, to achieve this goal, he had to trick both Agarash and his allies.
You must decide if to forgive him or not. If not worthy you will deny to him to rest in the plane of light.
Sadly you get the best rewards if you refuse to forgive him.
(306) SPECIAL LOOT: Scaldar's Last Vestige
Use it to upgrade one item already imbued with Old Kingdom Magic:
- Wardstone upgraded from +3cs to +4cs vs undead
- Dessi Stone upgraded +2cs vs undead
- Blue-Steel Sword from +2cs to +3cs
- Star-ska from +4cs to +5cs
- Power-Mace from +2cs to +3cs
- Platinum Amulet +2end
You can upgrade only one item in this way.
Suggestion: in this book the most useful item is Star-ska. In LW32 it is likely that we will face more agarashi instead of undead.
(271) However if you decide to forgive Scaldar you can RESTORE ALL ENDURANCE.
And you will get the +2 END upgrade to the Platinum Amulet anyway.
For most fights you will use your kai-weapon, so if you aim for highest stats, +2 END for free is nice, let's forgive Scaldar.
(37) Sun Prince Grand Pathsmanship will spare you one roll of death and will let you conserve one charge of the Scarlet Fire Rod. According to my interpretation you can recharge the Rod on the Starstrider. If you don't agree, you must conserve one charge for the end of the adventure.
FIGHT: AVATAR OF FUNGHAARN
(CS=54 / END=44)
(Immune to Mindblast but not to Kai-surge)
(-2 end each turn without "Xenghora")
This fight is the end of Alpha Path in Kelderwood.
All three paths will bring you back to the Starstrider. The investigation will reveal that with a strong magic power explosion it is possible to open a doom gate to the Pit of Eternal Pain and the most suitable place is the Throne Room in Naaros, capital city of the Doomlands.
--- STARSTRIDER HUB AND DEPOSIT ---
(230) LOOT: Grey Star Healing Potion (Use: +10 END, backpack item) --> can be saved for later!
You can talk with:
- Blazer (318)
- Grey Star (296)
- Oriah (241)
- Acraban (177)
(177) Again the priority is to talk with Acraban and upgrade the Starstrider, if not done already. You can lend the Scarlet Fire Rod if you have 2 charges left.
If you did not follow Alpha Path in the Kelderwood, you should install the Sun-Stone Shard or the Bronin Steam-Spear to boost the Starstrider defenses.
(241) second priority is again Oriah. You should have the Turquoise Pearl and if you agree to some romance, you will restore +2 END.
(222) DREAM OF GOLDEN AGE.
WARNING: You must disagree with Lone Wolf. He is not him, but Shasarak's illusion.
If you accept the Neverness Sphere, you will auto-fail at the throne room in Naaros.
(80) -3END without Sun Prince Kai-Screen.
With the Turquoise Pearl you will avoid one possible death scenario.
--- NAARVAKIM KRAKALLA FORTRESS SKY ATTACK ---
(57) If you reinforced the Starstrider with Jigidanak, Kurzazuk, Illusion Crystal, you pass the first check and avoid the FIGHT: REBORN BAVAZANUR (with fire trait) (CS=45/end=44) (double END loss without Grand Nexus or Platinum Amulet)
(137) Illustration: Naarvakim Krakalla sky Fortress
You should have given to Acraban one of these: Scarlet Fire Rod, Sun-stone Shard, Bronin Steam Spear.
This way you skip two rolls of death and FIGHT: REBORN KRAKALLA FLYING FORTRESS (and Naarvakim Crew)
CS=58 / END=90
(-2cs without Kai-Screen, +3cs with Sesketera's Spear + Medallion of Weaponskill)
Blazer and Grey Star teleport to Naaros. Acraban saves the day and teleport the whole ship to Naaros as well.
WARNING: You must take back the special items from the deposit. If you miss one Scarlet Fire Rod or the Neutral Homunculus or the Blood Soulsieve, you will die later at the Isle of Lorn.
--- THE CHASM OF NAAROS, DOOMLANDS ---
(125) with Grand Thane Assimilance it is auto-win. This way you skip FIGHT: AGARASHI SPIDER FLIES (SWARM)
CS=48 / END=38
(immune to Mindblast)
--- THE NIGHT SPIRE ---
The Night Spire is sustained by the black pillar of pure evil at the center of this tower. The tip at the top level is the Throne of Agarash.
(30) if you search the intermediate level of the Night Spire, you will find the ancient vault where Agarash kept the seven Lorestones of Nyxator. It is the good time to RESTORE ALL ENDURANCE.
(176) ROLL OF DEATH!!
Roll >= 8 safe!
item required: Demon Stone as backup.
Else you FIGHT: ZADAKAR DEMONS (CS=50 / END=40, immune to Mindblast).
If the fight last more than 6 rounds, you die.
(225) -2 end without Sun Prince Astrology
PILLAR OF DOOM: ROLL OF LUCK.
Worst case scenario is roll 4-5: chaos mutation! -2cs/-4end until end of adventure, unless Sun Prince Deliverance or "Zhaaxa".
You need to eat one meal, you can't use Grand Huntmastery.
Now you can choose between three corridors with different light: Yellow, blue and white.
(153) best choice is yellow corridor. Upgrade the Zejar-Dulaga to the Darkflame Zejar-Dulaga.
--- TOP FLOOR OF THE NIGHT SPIRE ---
(180) Cener High Priest Jhordax summons Demonlord Plagazar to reinforce the Naarvakim defense while in the throne room they start the ritual to resurrect Agarash.
If you have the Naarvakim Scroll it is auto-fail.
You can auto-win with bow and roll >= 8. Else you FIGHT: DEMONLORD PLAGAZAR (+CENER HIGH PRIEST JHORDAX)
CS=54 / END=50 immune to Mindblast, this enemy will heal +1end each turn
--- THRONE ROOM OF THE NIGHT SPIRE ---
(200) if you have the Neverness Sphere it's auto-fail! Shasarak fooled you all (!!!)
Else you will see the betrayal of Blazer. Our friend kidnapped Grey Star and the Shianti Wizard is offered as sacrifice to release Agarash from the Pit of Eternal Pain.
(170) However Shasarak the Wytch King is the first to get out!
(Illustration: Shasarak in front of the Gate of Doom)
With Grand Crown Deliverance you can ask divine assistance to Kai. You receive an hint that Blazer is controlled by a Greater Ice Demon (since Kalte mission).
Now you have to choose: attack the Wytch-King or attack Blazer!
WARNING: If you don't have Sun Prince Grand Nexus AND Grand Huntmastery, you must attack Blazer or you fail!
(33) The alternative is to attack Shasarak but you will be thrown into the gate of doom and you will support the duel BLAZER VS SHASARAK from beyond the gate.
Difficult scenario, do it only if you enjoy the challenge!
If you win Shasarak is thrown again into the gate of doom, releasing you.
Agarash is now reborn in Magnamund and Blazer will sacrifice himself to release Grey Star, so that you two can teleport away.
(240) Attack Blazer!
If you have the M'lare Crystal (found in Shasarak's lair), it's auto-win at -2end cost.
Because we followed the Kelderwood path, now we FIGHT: BLAZER (POSSESSED BY A GREATER ICE DEMON)
CS=56 / END =55
(immune to psychic attacks except Kai-blast and Kai-ray)
+4cs with Elementalism
Double damage done with Sun Lord Grand Weaponmastery
Reduce Blazer's END <= 10 --> WIN
(60) Illustration: Agarash the Demonlord (partial body)
Shasarak sends you flying into the gate of doom. Blazer intervenes, stops you and sacrifices himself into the portal.
Agarash is released.
Now you have to fight Shasarak.
(339) With Bow + Darkflame Zejar-Dulaga it's auto-win!
Else you FIGHT: SHASARAK THE WYTCH-KING (injured)
CS = 54 / END = 45
with Kai-Alchemy you have a minor bonus of END saved.
Shasarak is immune to Mindblast, but not Kai-surge. -2 cs without Kai-Screen
If you reduce Shasarak's END to <= 10 --> WIN
(260) Agarash is reborn in Magnamund.
Shasarak is thrown into the gate of doom.
Grey Star is released, while Blazer stays imprisoned.
(300) Agarash declares war to Magnamund and summons another Age of Eternal Night. Black clouds obscure the sky and all the agarashi are summoned. The first act of war is the evocation of the Vaag, flying shock troops, with the order to destruct the Kai Monastery in the isle of Lorn.
We failed the main quest of stopping the Naarvakim. Grey Star teleports you to the isle of Lorn.
--- ISLE OF LORN, KAI MONASTERY ---
(2) Restore +20 END.
You report your bad news to the kai at the monastery and prepare them for the incoming attack. Then you announce your failure to Lone Wolf by means of a Seeing Stone. The situation is very bad: Lone Wolf himself failed his mission and lost the fight with Vashna (!!
!!) Steel Hand saved the Supreme Master and they escaped from Zekgazad with the help of Banedon.They cannot help you now in Lorn.
(25) Illustration: Reinforcements from Dessi, Lady Assiliah and Manakar Doko arrive with a fleet of sky ships.
The Elder Magi prophecy announced the return of both Vashna and Agarash. They sent troops to help the defense of kai monastery against the agarashi. Also the elder magi are containing the eternal night clouds with an Elemental magic ritual.
You must reinforce the defense of the kai monastery with the shianti legacy defense system. First of all to activate the shianti power-lances you need an energy source for the core. Missing the Scarlet Fire Rod or the Neutral Homunculus or the Blood Soulsieve means fail and death!
Second priority is to ask help:
(115) to the dead (possible if you heard the 'song of the dead' in Shasarak's lair). Dead Grand Master Bright Star will arrive to your call and with Sun Thane Deliverance you will free him. He promises to help you in the next fight and this means +4 CS boost until end of the adventure.
(85) To the animals of the isle of Lorn, with Animal Mastery. However if you wear Chaksu leather waistcoat or boots, they will refuse to help.
(330) to the air elementals (Whirlghasts), with Elementalism and the Obelisk of Iaos above the temple of Amida.
With one of these three extra defense, you avoid the FIGHT: VAAG (gifted with right-hand magic) cs=52/end=50
(346) Ready for the final showdown!
FIGHT: VAAG PRIME
CS = 54 / END = 36 (immune to Mindblast)
Reduce Vaag Prime's END to <= 6 --> WIN
(325) Illustration: Vaagarash forces you to kneel
Agarash takes direct control of the Vaag Prime and boosts his troops.
Vaagarash forces you to kneel, but the divine intervention of god Kai unlocks your final potential and thus you can ascend to Kai Supreme Master !!
RESTORE ALL YOUR ENDURANCE.
+1 CS and +2 END stats for every GM discipline you missed to Supreme Master rank (only one, assuming you were Sun Prince).
FINAL FIGHT: VAAGARASH
CS = 62 / END = 50
(Immune to psychic attacks except kai-ray)
Your max CS could be:
34 CS base
+11 CS GM disciplines
+4 CS Nyxator Mail
+2 CS Korlinium Chainmail Vest (alternative Ang'sei)
+1 CS Corvayl Leather Armed Gloves
+2 CS Talisman of Defiance
+2 CS Medallion of Weaponskill
+8 CS Kai-Weapon Valiance (alternative Star-ska +4 or +5 CS)
+3 CS Jigidanak shield
+5 CS Grand Weaponmastery
+1 CS Magi-Magic Power-Strike
+2 CS Astrology invocation of the Sun Star
+6 CS Adgana (alternative +4 CS Concentrated Potion of Alether or +4 CS Cener Elixir)
+4 CS Bright Star support
Grand total = 85 CS (combat ratio of +23).
If you are a veteran, you can use a normal Potion of Alether or Omaldro (+2CS), you can manage without Bright Star help and you can use Star-ska. --> 73 CS overall (+11 combat ratio).
(350) --- VICTORY !!!! ---
You resisted the tide of darkness and now you are a Kai Supreme Master. You share the command of the New Order with Lone Wolf and you must organize the resistance to Agarash in southern Magnamund.
The final challenge awaits in book LW32 "LIGHT OF THE KAI" !!
(EPILOGUE)
Last three pages of the book give us hints about a next evil menace from the Daziarn Portal below Toran in the brotherhood magician guild.
Gwynian's Scroll in book lw30 mentioned a wizard from Sommerlund looking for redemption... is it Vonotar? This could be difficult... last time we checked in lw11 he was very dead and very evil... who knows? :-)
