The adventures of Lonecheet

[ravenconspiracy]

I've been enjoying The Lonewolf books here at Project Aon for a few years now. I posted something more than a year ago but I haven't been at all active on this forum.

Anyway, I've been trying to get a friend of mine to play through the lonewolf books ever since I discovered this site, but he just doesn't seem to be into them.

Finally, because we were both online and needed something to do I decided to RUN the lonewolf book for him as if it were something like a D&D module (he and I are both veteran RPGers with something between 12-17 years of experience each).

I thought that the record of his adventures through the books of lonewolf might be entertaining for the rest of you to read.

We've only just begun, but they already have had a number of strange twists and comic interludes.

DISCLAIMERS FOR LW VETERANS:

Normally, when one plays Lonewolf, not only is one enjoying the wonderful story, one is also challenged to survive using wit, luck, picking the proper skills and collecting the best gear to hedge your bet against the death which lurks at the end of so many sections in the story.

When running the book for my friend I didn't want to have to start over or go back, because I felt it would ruin the wonderful momentum of the Lonewolf narrative for my friend. Seeing as how the entire purpose of this experiment is to share the amazing story of the Lonewolf world with him, I'm basically giving him the easiest ride in terms of danger.

So to limit the chance of untimely death I took the following liberties as Game Master:

My friend has ALL of the Kai skills
All of the possible starting Equipment
Maximum Combat Skill AND Endurance Points

On the down side for him, he doesn't know any of these values, not entirely aware of his abilities, and I'm not going to let him keep track of his own endurance, only giving him descriptions of his health status.

SO, I would like to Introduce the (unabridged) Adventures of Lonecheet, Part I.

[ravenconspiracy]

The Adventures of Lonecheet Part I
(please enjoy the humorous typos and misspellings, they are the finest, American public schools have to offer)...

TheCheeter: yo
RavenConspiracy: hey
RavenConspiracy: wanna play a game with me over aim?
TheCheeter: i've been trying to beat full boss mode
TheCheeter: what kind of game?
RavenConspiracy: RPG
RavenConspiracy: I'm dungeon master
RavenConspiracy: you'll need a d10
TheCheeter: ok
RavenConspiracy: get your d10
RavenConspiracy: are you ready?
TheCheeter: hold on let me get rdy
TheCheeter: kk
TheCheeter: i'm rdy
RavenConspiracy: roll a die 10
TheCheeter: 3
RavenConspiracy: when you are done reading a section say OK
TheCheeter: k
RavenConspiracy: Now it is in the morning of the feast of Fehmarn, when all of the Kai
Lords are present at the monastery for the celebrations.

On this fateful morning, you, Silent Wolf, a young Kai apprentice, (the
name given to you by the Kai) have been sent to collect firewood in the
forest as a punishment for your inattention in class.
RavenConspiracy: (you might want to maximize your window)\
TheCheeter: ok
RavenConspiracy: As you are preparing to return, you see to your horror a vast cloud of
black leathery creatures swoop down and engulf the monastery.

The Darklords, ancient enemy of the Sommlending are attacking. War has
begun.

TheCheeter: ok
RavenConspiracy: Many hours pass before you awake. With tears in your eyes you now
survey the scene of destruction. Raising your face to the clear sky,
you swear vengeance on the Darklords for the massacre of the Kai
warriors, and with a sudden flash of realization you know what you must
do.

TheCheeter: ok
RavenConspiracy: You must set off on a perilous journey to the capital city to warn the
King of the terrible threat that now faces his people. For you are now
the last of the Kai--you are now the Lone Wolf.
TheCheeter: ok
RavenConspiracy: Looking amongst the smoking ruins of the Kai Monastery you find a Map
of the area, showing that the city of Holmgard, the capital, lies to the southeast of the Kai monastery.

You also find:

1 Sword
1 Helmet
3 Meals
1 Chainmail Shirt
1 Mace
1 Healing Potion
1 Quarter Staff
12 Gold Crowns
1 Broadsword

You already have the axe that you were using to gather wood, but you can carry any two weapons you choose. You already have a pouch with 10 gold crowns inside.
TheCheeter: let me write this down
RavenConspiracy: You happen to me a master of the short sword.
RavenConspiracy: to be*
TheCheeter: i dont have a shortsword
RavenConspiracy: unfortunately you finde none within the ruins
RavenConspiracy: I'll keep track of everything
RavenConspiracy: just tell me which two weapons you wish to take
TheCheeter: I take inventory on my equipment angrily swearing revenge on the shadow creatures
RavenConspiracy: (sweet)
TheCheeter: I sharpen my broadsword with my claws
RavenConspiracy: You have no claws, but you trust that you Kai training will serve just as well to make your blade keen.
RavenConspiracy: You must make haste for you sense it is not safe to linger by the smoking remains of the ruined monastery. The black-winged beasts could return at any moment. You must set out for the Sommlending capital of Holmgard and tell the King the terrible news of the massacre: that the whole élite of Kai warriors, save yourself, have been slaughtered. Without the Kai Lords to lead her armies, Sommerlund will be at the mercy of their ancient enemy, the Darklords.

Fighting back tears, you bid farewell to your dead kinsmen. Silently, you promise that their deaths will be avenged. You turn away from the ruins and carefully descend the steep track.

At the foot of the hill, the path splits into two directions, both leading into a large wood.
TheCheeter: i use my kai training
RavenConspiracy: Your Sixth Sense warns you that some of the creatures that attacked the monastery are searching the two paths for any survivors of their raid, but you can avoid both tracks by making your way through the undergrowth of the woods.
TheCheeter: i prance into the darkwoods on my agile paws
RavenConspiracy: Do you want to go left, right, or into the undergrowth.
TheCheeter: left
RavenConspiracy: You are not a wolf. You aren't lame, like darkworld link
TheCheeter: oh ok
TheCheeter: thats clarified
RavenConspiracy: You are a young Kai apprentice. A warrior/monk who lives in the land of Sommerlund.
TheCheeter: ok
RavenConspiracy: Ignoring the supernatural warning of yoru sixth sense, you take the left hand path.
RavenConspiracy: You have followed this twisting track for about twenty minutes when you hear the beating of wings high above the trees. Looking up you see a large Kraan approaching from the north, its huge black wings casting a gigantic shadow on the trees below.
RavenConspiracy: (oh, btw, which two weapons do you want to be carrying?)
TheCheeter: i'm carrying only my broadsword, 2 handed
RavenConspiracy: you may carry another as a backup weapon
RavenConspiracy: no matter what you can only use 1 weapon at a time
RavenConspiracy: ?
TheCheeter: ok the 1 handed sword in my other hand, but can i do more impact with a 2 handed broadsword?
RavenConspiracy: You can weild either, the broadsword OR the normal sword. whichever you are not wielding you keep strapped in it's sheath incase of being disarmed.
TheCheeter: sword is sheathed
RavenConspiracy: ok
RavenConspiracy: wait...
RavenConspiracy: scene loading...
TheCheeter: yos
RavenConspiracy: ok
RavenConspiracy: I'm back
TheCheeter: coo
RavenConspiracy: You have followed this twisting track for about twenty minutes when you hear the beating of wings high above the trees. Looking up you see a large Kraan approaching from the north, its huge black wings casting a gigantic shadow on the trees below.

On its back are two creatures armed with long spears. They are Mountain Giaks--small ugly creatures full of hatred and malice. Many centuries ago, their ancestors were used by the Darklords to build the infernal city of Helgedad, which lies in the volcanic wastelands beyond the Durncrag mountain range. The construction of the city was long and torturous, and only the strongest of the creatures survived the heat and poisonous atmosphere of Helgedad.
RavenConspiracy: say ok when you are done
TheCheeter: d**n
RavenConspiracy: Quickly you dive for the shelter of a large fern tree as the Kraan passes overhead. With heart pounding, you pray that your quick reactions have saved you from being spotted.
RavenConspiracy: roll a die!
TheCheeter: 10

RavenConspiracy: You pull up the hood of your green Kai cloak and hold your breath as the Kraan circles above. After a few minutes, you hear the frantic curses of the Giaks. The beating of Kraan wings fades, as they disappear towards the west. Your quick reactions have saved you from capture and likely death.
RavenConspiracy: You can either return to the trail or continue through the safety of the undergrowth.
TheCheeter: giaks had o build that huge city? damn those creatures must be tough
TheCheeter: i wonder what the look like
RavenConspiracy: You don't want the chance to see them up close!
TheCheeter: continue through the safety of the undergrowth
RavenConspiracy: ok
RavenConspiracy: ...
RavenConspiracy: Just ahead through the tall trees you can see clumps of dark-red gallowbrush, a thorny briar with sharp crimson barbs. The common name for this forest weed is 'Sleeptooth', for the thorns are very sharp and can make you feel weak and sleepy if they scratch your skin.
RavenConspiracy: Looking around, you can tell that a Sommlending villiage is near by.
TheCheeter: hed for sommlending
RavenConspiracy: Sommlending an adjective that just means a person of sommerlund descent
RavenConspiracy: but you get the point
RavenConspiracy: Keeping a watchful eye on the sky above, you move quickly along the track. You recall that this route leads to Fogwood, a small cluster of huts that have been used by a family of charcoal burners for nearly fifty years. After twenty minutes you reach the edge of a clearing where the huts are grouped in a small circle. There is no sign of the usual mist of wood smoke which gives Fogwood its apt name, and the huts are unusually quiet.
RavenConspiracy: Using the skills taught to you by your Kai masters, you detect Giak tracks around the perimeter of the clearing. The prints are fresh and you can tell that these cruel minions of the Darklords were in this area less than two hours ago.
TheCheeter: I cautiously enter the village using shadows
RavenConspiracy: excellent
RavenConspiracy: Through the open doorway of the first hut, you can see the body of a charcoal burner lying face down on the rough stone floor. He has been murdered, stabbed in the back by a spear. All his furniture and belongings have been smashed and broken and not one piece remains intact.

This is the evil handiwork of Giaks without any doubt, for they delight in the destruction of all things. A quick check of the other huts reveals a similar story of murder and wreckage. In the last hut that you search, you discover a Giak Spear--proof of your suspicions. You may keep this Weapon if you wish.
TheCheeter: keep spear
RavenConspiracy: ok
RavenConspiracy: you must part with one of your swords
TheCheeter: close corpses eyes and perform ritual of mourning
TheCheeter: sword put on wooden floor
RavenConspiracy: Having never tested it's edge, you set the sword aside. You pray for peace for the man's spirit and you vow a silent oath to avenge all like him. More determined than ever now to succeed in your mission, you continue along the track.
RavenConspiracy: In the distance, perched on the branch of an old oak tree is a jet-black raven.
TheCheeter: i hide in shadows, the creature might be controlled
RavenConspiracy: As a student of Kai lore, you may use the ability Animal Kinship and call out to the creature. Or you can hide. The choice is yours...
TheCheeter: use animal kinship to befriend the bird
RavenConspiracy: The head of the bird slowly turns and it curses you. An instant later, it flies off above the trees and has soon disappeared. Shocked that your ealry suspicions were correct, you are now sure that the fledgling was a scout of the Darklords and is now probably on its way to inform them of your whereabouts!
RavenConspiracy: (f**k)
TheCheeter: da**it
TheCheeter: throw spear
TheCheeter: at bird
TheCheeter: before it warns the darklords
RavenConspiracy: To late! The bird is long gone. At this point you can either continue on the track or attempt to disappear into the forest.
TheCheeter: disappear into the forest
RavenConspiracy: Leaving the sure path you head into the dark, untamed forest...
TheCheeter: cautiously
RavenConspiracy: For half an hour or more you press on through the forest, through the rich vegetation and ferns. You happen upon a small clear stream where you stop for a few minutes to wash your face and drink of the cold, fresh water.

Feeling revitalized, you cross the stream and press on. You soon notice the smell of wood smoke which seems to be drifting towards you from the north. You know that Holmgaurd, your goal, lies to the southeast.
TheCheeter: head north, lead by some sense of fate
RavenConspiracy: Carefully parting the dense foliage, you are horrified by the sight that meets you. In a small clearing ahead, three Giaks have tied a man to a wooden stake and are setting fire to a mass of brushwood bundled at his feet. You recognize his tunic as that of a Border Ranger, one of the King's men who police the kingdom near the Durncrag mountains of the west. He has been badly beaten and is nearly unconscious. The Giaks have yet to notice you.
TheCheeter: I utilize my training and use ventriloquism to distract them by voices from the north of them
RavenConspiracy: processing...
RavenConspiracy: Using the skills taught to you by your masters, you throw your voice way through the foliage north of the clearing. The giaks immediately take up their weapons and prepare to ambush this fantom from the north. They have their backs turned.
TheCheeter: I throw giak spear into one of their backs
RavenConspiracy: You spring forward, hurl the spear intot he back of the farthest giak. In less than an instant you are directly behind, and only a few feet from, the stake to which the ranger is tied. The wood is alight and great clouds of smoke are engulfing the poor victim. You take your sword and, hidden by the smoke, one blow is all that is needed to sever his bonds, and you pull him free and back into the safety of the forest. All in one fluid movment. As you press on into the forest, you hear the shrieks of the Giaks as they discover that their prisoner has literally disappeared in a cloud of smoke!
RavenConspiracy: The man is badly injured and near to death. If you have the Kai Discipline of Healing, you may ease the pain of his wounds but he has been so seriously hurt he is beyond repair by your skills alone. He soon lapses into unconsciousness.
RavenConspiracy: Oh, btw, you do have the discipline of healing.
TheCheeter: I shall use the discipline of healing on him quietly
RavenConspiracy: As a master of hunstmanship you can heal him quietly and hide yourself and him effectively in the forest.
TheCheeter: I do so and spend much time on healing him
RavenConspiracy: Try as you might, he is in a deep sleep. He should regain most of his strength, and as a ranger he should have no trouble in the forest. Something tells you you need to hurry-on with your quest to reach holmgaurd.
TheCheeter: I quickly pile leaves over him and head for holmgaurd
RavenConspiracy: You try to make him as comfortable as possible beneath a large forest oak, before leaving and pressing on through the thick woodland and the only available passage - towards the northeast.
TheCheeter: i approach cautiously through the undergrowth
RavenConspiracy: Fatigued by your exertions, you stop to rest for a few minutes at a fallen tree. You notice a large conspicuous bundle, beneath the trunk.
TheCheeter: investigate bundle
RavenConspiracy: ok
RavenConspiracy: Wrapped in a bundle of women's clothing is a small velvet purse containing 6 Gold Crowns and a Tablet of Perfumed Soap. You may take these items and continue your journey.
RavenConspiracy: you now have 28 gold coins
TheCheeter: take items
TheCheeter: continue cautiously
RavenConspiracy: You have been trudging through the forest for nearly two hours. The nagging fear that you are lost begins to seem a reality. Apart from the occasional cry of a Kraan in the far distance, you have seen or heard no evidence that the enemy is in this part of the forest. As you descend a rocky hillock, you see something unusual in the tangled woods ahead...
TheCheeter: inspect tangled woos
TheCheeter: ds
RavenConspiracy: Surrounded by thorny briars and closely packed roots, you see the entrance of a tunnel disappearing into the hillside beyond. It is approximately seven feet in height and just over ten feet wide. As you get closer, you can feel a slight breeze coming from the inky blackness. If the other end of this tunnel emerges on the far side of the hill, it could save you many hours of difficult climbing. But it could also harbour unknown danger.
TheCheeter: enter inky blackness cautiously
RavenConspiracy: The tunnel is dark and the air is much cooler than outside. You carefully advance with one hand on the tunnel wall to aid your sense of direction. You have been in total darkness for three minutes when you detect the foul smell of decay ahead, similar to rotting meat.
TheCheeter: i approach
RavenConspiracy: Suddenly, something heavy drops from the tunnel ceiling onto your back and you fall to your knees. It is a Burrowcrawler and you must fight it, for it is trying to strangle you with its long slimy tentacles!
RavenConspiracy: Roll a die 10 for the first round of combat!
TheCheeter: i take my broadsword and cleave it along my shoulder where the creature is
TheCheeter: 6
RavenConspiracy: Slash! Strange fluid splatters yoru face, but the creatures tentacles continue to constrict your body. Ouch!
RavenConspiracy: roll again
RavenConspiracy: Oh wait
RavenConspiracy: sorry
TheCheeter: 6
RavenConspiracy: You swing again but the creature is already dead (strangely delayed (GM mistake)). It seems your first expert slash carved the worm-like creature in two. Even so, it's strange tentacles have left bruises on your sensitive skin.
RavenConspiracy: The slimy creature lets out a long, ghastly death-cry and collapses. You are near to panic and scramble to your feet, grabbing what you think to be your belt from the jaws of the dead beast. You can see light in the far distance, and you sprint for it as fast as you can. When you finally emerge into the daylight, you fall onto the leafy ground and fight for breath in painful gasps.
TheCheeter: harvest tentacles for some purposes?
TheCheeter: ok
RavenConspiracy: Slowly sitting upright, you notice that you are still wearing your belt--you had not lost it after all. What you grabbed from the jaw of the Burrowcrawler was a leather strap with a small pouch and a sheathed Dagger halfway along it. You break open the clasp to find it contains 20 Gold Crowns. You may take both the Dagger and the Crowns
TheCheeter: take all
RavenConspiracy: you now have 48 crowns. You purse is nearly full to the brim!
RavenConspiracy: You tuck the dagger into your green, Kai boot.
TheCheeter: excellent
RavenConspiracy: Feeling a little better now, you gather your Equipment together and push on eastwards into the forest.
RavenConspiracy: The forest begins to thin out until finally you can make out a road through the trees ahead. The highway is full of people heading south. Many are wheeling their possessions along on handcarts.
TheCheeter: head on into the forest into holmguard
TheCheeter: inspect people
RavenConspiracy: Do you wish to stay in the cover of the trees?
TheCheeter: yes from trees
RavenConspiracy: The people look tired and hungry. They have come many miles from their burning city. Suddenly, you hear the beat of huge wings coming from the north.

'Kraan, Kraan! Hide yourselves!' the cry goes up all along the road.

Just in front of where you lurk in the forest, a wagon carrying small children breaks down, its right wheel jammed in a furrow. The children scream in panic.
TheCheeter: leap from forest in front of wagon to unjam wheel
RavenConspiracy: You sprint towards the wagon. People are running everywhere in panic as the Kraan make their attack, carrying their poor victims off into the darkening sky. A large Kraan is hovering above the wagon and three snarling Giaks drop from its back onto the startled horses. You must fight them or leave the wagon and run to the safety of a nearby farmhouse.
RavenConspiracy: Which do you choose, Lonecheet?
TheCheeter: snatch one of the children and head to the farmhouse
RavenConspiracy: You see the children have already been either snatched off of the wagon before you got there, or they scampered off themlselves and fled with the scattering refugees in all fo the confusion. The three giaks have just landed on the horse cart, so unless you flee with the refugees, you will have to face them.
RavenConspiracy: want to know what a giak looks like at this point?
TheCheeter: flee to the farm
TheCheeter: yes
RavenConspiracy: one sec
RavenConspiracy: Small, squat and grey-skinned with long yellow fangs, and bulging yellow beast-like eyes. They have bent bodies and cruel-impish faces. They wear armor and carry weapons jagged with points and hooks which seem design as much for fear and the causing of painful wounds as for pitched combat.
TheCheeter: run quickly to the farmhouse
RavenConspiracy: Kicking open the door, you dive into the farmhouse. A Kraan soars overhead, letting out a shriek of victory, a victim hanging in its claws. Getting to your feet, you find yourself alone, the others must have scattered to the forest or other houses. But propped against the fireplace is a Warhammer. You may take this Weapon if you wish.
TheCheeter: take warhammer
RavenConspiracy: Ok. You continue to hear noise outside, but you cannot get a good look from the window. You have only just entered the house, snatched up the warhammer, and looked out the window. You haven't yet taken a good look around, you aren't sure you want to spend that much time. What do you do?
TheCheeter: head for a basesment
RavenConspiracy: You find a cellar, but no real basement. There is a large food-cubboard here.
TheCheeter: emo i have to eat some fishsticks with pat
RavenConspiracy: awwwwwww
RavenConspiracy: can't you wait
RavenConspiracy: ?
TheCheeter: i'll be about 30 min
RavenConspiracy: I have to leave in 30 minutes
TheCheeter: pounding on floor boards
RavenConspiracy: can't you play and then go hang with him in a half an hour
RavenConspiracy: forget it
RavenConspiracy: but anyway
TheCheeter: sure
RavenConspiracy: what do you think of the adventure so far
TheCheeter: i'll be 1 min
TheCheeter: its greZT
RavenConspiracy: sweet
TheCheeter: um emo i better go eat, pat showed anger becuz he made food
RavenConspiracy: ok
RavenConspiracy: we'll have to continue another time then
TheCheeter: ok thanks emo tis very fun
TheCheeter: sry i have to leave
RavenConspiracy: whatev
TheCheeter: i'll be back on in a bit i'm not sure if you'd be around then but we'll continue later
TheCheeter: thanks for running
RavenConspiracy: yeah, we'll see.... :-(
TheCheeter: you there?
RavenConspiracy: yes
TheCheeter: sry
RavenConspiracy: for a bitsy
RavenConspiracy: want to play a bit more?
TheCheeter: ate fishsticks
TheCheeter: yes
RavenConspiracy: ok
TheCheeter: sry bout delay
RavenConspiracy: ok... where were we?
RavenConspiracy: You find a cellar, but no real basement. There is a large food-cubboard here.
TheCheeter: open cupboard
RavenConspiracy: Inside you find enough food for 1 Meal. You now have 4 meals stashed away.
TheCheeter: enter cellar
RavenConspiracy: You are in the cellar. You wait for an hour...
RavenConspiracy: all is quiet
TheCheeter: leave farmhouse
TheCheeter: cautiously
RavenConspiracy: The Kraan and their cruel riders have vanished towards the west. As the shocked refugees start to emerge from the woods and other houses, you can hear the sound of horses in the distance galloping nearer. You stay hidden and wait as the riders come closer. They are the cavalry of the King's Guard wearing the white uniforms of His Majesty's army.
RavenConspiracy: It looks as if they will head off without stopping unless you do something.
TheCheeter: approach riders
RavenConspiracy: The officer orders his men to halt and asks you your business.
TheCheeter: I am a member of the Kai, here to slay the darklords
RavenConspiracy: By the Gods Kai and Ishir are we heartened to hear that all of the Kai, at last will aid us now. We were worried as we have seen none since the attack.
TheCheeter: where are you riding off to?
RavenConspiracy: (psst... ALL of the other Kai are dead)
TheCheeter: I am the last of the kai here to seek revenge
RavenConspiracy: "We ride to rondevous with Prince Pelathar, the King's son. GAH! The last? "
RavenConspiracy: You see he is greatly saddened by the news.
TheCheeter: take me to prince pelathar
RavenConspiracy: You must travel to Homlgaurd and tell the King this awful news, lest he expect help that will never come...
TheCheeter: I shall go to Homgaurd
RavenConspiracy: One of the riders gives you his horse, a sturdy beast. "I pray for us all that you shall avenge the Kai..." he mutters darkly to himself as he hands you the reigns.
RavenConspiracy: You ride!
TheCheeter: i ride to homlgaurd
RavenConspiracy: Ahead of you, you can see a fierce battle raging across a stone bridge. The clash of steel and the cries of men and beasts echo through the forest. In the midst of the fighting, you see Prince Pelathar, the King's son. He is in combat with a large grey Gourgaz who is wielding a black axe above his scaly head. Suddenly, the Prince falls wounded--a black arrow in his side.
RavenConspiracy: What do you wish to do?
TheCheeter: head to avenge the prince
RavenConspiracy: If you act quickly, he might not need avenging.
TheCheeter: i act quickly

[ravenconspiracy]

RavenConspiracy: You rush to the princes side. A shadow looms over you as the battle line pushes right up to where he lies.
RavenConspiracy: The creature that you now face is a Gourgaz, one of a race of cold-blooded reptilian creatures that dwell deep in the treacherous Maakenmire swamps. Their favourite food is human flesh!

The Prince's Sword lies at your feet. You may pick up and use this weapon if you wish. The Gourgaz is about to strike at you--you must fight him to the death.
TheCheeter: use princes sword
RavenConspiracy: Roll a die for the first round of combat
RavenConspiracy: excellent
TheCheeter: 6
RavenConspiracy: Th creature swings it's huge axe which you evade. But, as you plunge your sword into it's exposed, scaled arm, it reacts instantly by swinging it's long tail at your head. You take the blow with your shoulder instead, dulling the attack.
RavenConspiracy: Roll again
TheCheeter: 2
RavenConspiracy: You lang a glancing blow and take crack to the ribs from the butt of an axe the size of horses leg!
TheCheeter: ahh!
RavenConspiracy: roll again!
TheCheeter: 5
RavenConspiracy: Your sword flashes cutting the creature twice along it's ribs, but not fatally. You have to hurl yourself out of the way of a deadly counterattack. You are panting and bloodied.
RavenConspiracy: roll again
TheCheeter: 3
RavenConspiracy: The creatures axe sweeps across you like lighting, but to your amazement, you are still in one piece. A cold feeling creeps down yoru arm as you see blood running from a deep gash. Stranger still, you do not give into fear, but boldly step forward and slash the creature along it's scaly legs. It now bleeds from several wounds and seems a little bit uneasy that you have stood your ground for so long, yet it steps forward once more.
RavenConspiracy: roll again
TheCheeter: 9
RavenConspiracy: With a bellow of rage the creature whirls it's axe above it's head before bringing it down and cleaving you in two... That is what it would have done before you neatly stepped forward and stabbed it through the heart!
RavenConspiracy: The giant Gourgaz lies dead at your feet. His evil followers hiss at you and then fall back from the bridge. The Prince's soldiers form a protective wall around you and their dying leader with their shields. Black arrows whistle past your head.
TheCheeter: use healing discipline on prince
RavenConspiracy: The dying Prince looks up into your eyes and says, 'Kai Lord, it is too late for me, you must take a message to my father. The enemy is too strong, we cannot hold him. The King must seek that which is in Durenor or all is lost. Take my horse and ride for the capital. May the luck of the gods ride with you.'
RavenConspiracy: I've got to go cheetah
TheCheeter: yes Prince I shall, I take his horse and hastely ride off
TheCheeter: ok
TheCheeter: nice playing emo
RavenConspiracy: We will continue from here later...
RavenConspiracy: thanks
TheCheeter: sweet
TheCheeter: thankyou
TheCheeter: latez

This ends Part I of the adventures of Lonecheet... stay tuned for part 2!

[Doomy]

An interesting way to play FFTD! I like the way you make the adventure seem more open-ended than it actually is while gently funneling the player through the limited options available in the text, and kudos for the round-by-round combat descriptions. Have you told your friend about the other 27 books yet?
I'm also amused by the way your description makes a 19/29 Lone Wolf run away from Giaks.

[ravenconspiracy]

Thanks. I have a lot of experience as a dungeon master and a good dungeon master needs to be flexible but still be in controll behinds the scenes. I love describing combat, but you can tell I make even more typos when I get excited!

I've tried to get him to read LW for a few years now, I'm just glad I've finally found a way for him to enjoy it in some form.

The thing that makes it work is that Cheetah doesn't have any clue about his Combat Skill, Endurance, relative strength or even his Kai abilities, so he's even more in the moment of it than when I normally play the books myself. He's learning of his capabilities more like the actual young Lonewolf did.

[mckinstry]

Nice dynamic way to experience the Lone Wolf world, gives your imagination and wit's more bearing on the story.

[Dave]

What a great read! I enjoyed it and got many good chuckles from the asides (fishsticks, and whatnot). I especially enjoyed how you dealt with combat and the improvisation, like at the giak/ranger scene. Keep posting your adventure - I hope he makes it to the capital! It might be a close call, seems like he got wounded badly from the Gourgaz.

[ravenconspiracy]

With all of the positive feedback, I'll definately post the continuation of our game. Unfotunately the next session might not take place untill next week, despite my excitement and impatience to continue.

At first I intented posting it here for the enjoyment of all of the Lone Wolf fans who's posts I've been enjoying for so long. I realize now that since rediscovering Lone Wolf 2 years ago, Dever's prose has really helped me become a better dungeon master for all of the other RPGs I play. Concise but flavorful description of scene, laying out clear goals for characters to strive towards, and building suspense and danger in the minds of your players, things that Dever does extremely well, are all vital tools for table top dungeon masters.

Also, I'm glad you like the side-nonsense. Like I said, this is the -unabridged- version.
Look back next week for Part II!

[ravenconspiracy]

The adventures of Lonecheet Part II

TheCheeter: ok
RavenConspiracy: hey
TheCheeter: Start program
RavenConspiracy: I can be wrathful
TheCheeter: less wrathe
RavenConspiracy: ok hold on, let me see where we are
TheCheeter: alrighty
RavenConspiracy: say ok when you finish a section

RavenConspiracy: You bid a sad farewell to the Prince, mount his

white steed and head south along the forest path. The battle still

rages behind you as the Prince's men fight off another assault on

the bridge.
TheCheeter: I wave goodbye sorrowfully

TheCheeter: I press on
RavenConspiracy: The Prince's horse is indeed a magnificent animal,

fast and sure of foot. You gallop along the twisting track as if it

were a straight highway, until the noise of battle has disappeared

far behind you.

You are hungry and must eat a Meal during your ride.

After several miles, the path stops abruptly at a junction. There

is a signpost, but it has been hacked down.

TheCheeter: I contimplate how it was hacked down
RavenConspiracy: Looking around, your Tracking ability tells you

that several trails from the right path lead off in the direction

of the left path. They have been made by large wolves. The

Darklords use such beasts to scout for their armies. They are

vicious creatures and are often ridden by Giaks. The left path

leads towards Holmgard, and the right path leads off towards the

Durncrag mountains. The choice of route is yours.

RavenConspiracy: Holmgard is where the king is, and durncrag is

where the Giaks are probably coming from.
TheCheeter: hmm so the wolves are headed from durn to Hom
TheCheeter: I gallup right
RavenConspiracy: You turn your steed towards the dark mountains of

Durncrag...
TheCheeter: oh wait
TheCheeter: I turn left
TheCheeter: I was mixed up
RavenConspiracy: You feel a chill as if someone has just walked

over your grave... Then you turn left, knowing that your information

is vital to the king.
TheCheeter: damn, I had to contimplate my own death and someone

walking over my grave, that is evil,
TheCheeter: I follow the trail cautiously
RavenConspiracy: You have ridden about three miles when, in the

distance, you spot the unmistakable silhouette of five large

Doomwolves. Riding on their backs are Giaks. They seem to be going

on ahead to where the path leads down into an open meadow.

Suddenly, one of the Giaks leaves the others and begins to ride

back along the path towards you.
TheCheeter: I divert into the woods
RavenConspiracy: excellent
RavenConspiracy: You hide behind some thick bushes so that the

Doomwolf and its rider will not see your white horse. Luckily it

works--the beast lopes past and vanishes down the track that you

have just come along.
RavenConspiracy: You could ambush the remaining Giaks, or pass

deeper into the woods
TheCheeter: I pet my horse and calm him
TheCheeter: pass deeper into the woods avoiding giaks
RavenConspiracy: The horse is a magnificent animal, it seems very

brave.
RavenConspiracy: You ride deeper and deeper into the forest.

Silently you thank the Prince for such a fine horse, for although

the ground is a tangle of briars and roots, he never once falters.

The Doomwolves are soon left far behind and you bring your horse to

a halt. The light has faded fast and it is almost night.
TheCheeter: I stare into his stelwart eye with understanding
TheCheeter: stalwart*
RavenConspiracy: Your ability of animal kinship lets you know that

this horse will do whatever it can to aid it's master, which is now

you.
TheCheeter: am I tired? is Steedledum tired?
TheCheeter: thats his new name btw
RavenConspiracy: The horse does nto seem tired and you are

energized by the urgency of your mission. It is just now turning

night, so it is still early. You mind/body discipline gives you

more endurance than the average human. You can either return to the

trail, continue through the forest or rest here and risk being cut

off from the capital by enemy forces amassing during the night.
TheCheeter: I press on with a hiyah steedledum and I continue into

the forest
RavenConspiracy: You check the volume of that "hiyah!" in case

giaks are close
TheCheeter: its a muffled hiya
RavenConspiracy: You have covered about two miles when the trees

ahead thin out. You can see a small wooden shack on the edge of a

lake. A cloaked man approaches you and offers to row you and your

horse across the lake for a fee of 2 Gold Crowns.

You sense something is wrong. With fighting all around and the

forces of the Darklords so near, why has this man stayed in the

forest? You feel a strange aura of evil about him. You notice that

there is no boat moored on this side of the lake.
TheCheeter: 2 gold crowns? why are you here at this murky lake on

such evil a night old man?
RavenConspiracy: Yes, two crowns is my fee. How is this night more

evil than any other?
RavenConspiracy: he says from beneath his cloak
TheCheeter: the giaks are roaming, and there is much terror on the

countryside, where do you hail from?
RavenConspiracy: I have seen no Giaks. I have always lived here,

north of Holmgard. Do you wish for the ferry?
TheCheeter: yes please
RavenConspiracy: He holds outa gloved hand for your two crowns...
TheCheeter: i give him 4 crowns
RavenConspiracy: He doesn't seem to notice as he quickly pockets

the coins. He takes the reigns of your horse and leads you to a

ferry boat nestled in the rushes by the small shack. Your Sixth

sense continues to whine as you and your horse climb onto the boat.
TheCheeter: I board cautiously pondering if he's legit or not
RavenConspiracy: He is completely hidden by his large cloak and

hood
TheCheeter: can I see your face old man?
RavenConspiracy: He doesn't seem to hear what you said as at the

same moment he is bent to the oar and with two great pulls the boat

is out into the river.
RavenConspiracy: When the ferry reaches the middle of the lake, the

man stops rowing and stands up. "Yes, you may see my face!" he says

and laughs menacingly and pulls back the hood of his cloak to

reveal himself. You recognize him instantly by the ornate, death's

head helmet which grins beneath his hood. He is a Drakkar, warrior

servants of the Darklords, and you must fight him.
TheCheeter: I check my equipment for weapons
RavenConspiracy: In a flash the prince's sword is in your hand!

Steedledum rears up, rocking the barge dramatically. While you

telepathicaly calm the horse, the Drakkar steadies himslef at the

end of the boat, then draws a vicious short sword from his cloak.
TheCheeter: I whisper to steedledum to knock him in the water
RavenConspiracy: You think that even though steedledum is a trained

warhorse, he would mostlikely capsize the boat if he started

kicking about. It's too dangerous.
TheCheeter: I thrust my sword into Drakkar
RavenConspiracy: Roll the die!
TheCheeter: 5
RavenConspiracy: The drakkar steps forward, sizing you up for

weakness, but is taken by suprise with your sudden lunge. It digs

vicously into his side, causing a sudden, moist gasp from his

hidden mouth. He whirls his shortsword slashing you on the back of

the had, but not deep.
RavenConspiracy: roll again
TheCheeter: 2
RavenConspiracy: DAMN my browser closed, could you copy the whole

adventure so far and paste it in the chat window (i'ms aving these

to read later)
TheCheeter: yes
RavenConspiracy: can you do it now?
TheCheeter: sure

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Previous message was not received by RavenConspiracy because of

error: Your message was refused by the AOL Instant Messenger

server, probably because the message was too big. Try making the

message shorter and send it again.
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TheCheeter: damn
TheCheeter: i cant copy everything here
RavenConspiracy: just copy it in chunks
TheCheeter: let me save it all in a txt and send it to
TheCheeter: you
RavenConspiracy: ok
RavenConspiracy: start a save file now
RavenConspiracy: and don't close it without saving
TheCheeter: how do you start a save file
RavenConspiracy: go file save
RavenConspiracy: did it work, did you save it?
TheCheeter: yes
RavenConspiracy: keep savin it
RavenConspiracy: don't close it without saving
TheCheeter: ok do i save every so often then?
RavenConspiracy: yes
TheCheeter: k
RavenConspiracy: just in case
RavenConspiracy: ok so you rolled a two...
TheCheeter: yup
RavenConspiracy: The drakkar leaps forward in a desperate slash at

your throat, you lean back like a bending sapling and gracefully

slash his exposed arm. Surprisingly, he instantly whirls and his

gloved fist cracks into your jaw.
RavenConspiracy: roll again
TheCheeter: 4
RavenConspiracy: He punches you again, but by now you've gotten

into position for a killing blow. The Drakkar lies dead at the

bottom of the ferry. He has a Short Sword and 6 Gold Crowns which

you may keep if you wish.
TheCheeter: I keep them
TheCheeter: I toss him into the river
TheCheeter: and ore away
TheCheeter: oar*
RavenConspiracy: You'll have to decide which 2 swords to keep:

Shortsword (which you are a master of), the Prince's Sword, and

your trusty Broadword
TheCheeter: put broadsword at bottom of boat
TheCheeter: I keep it on my horse steedledum!

TheCheeter: instead
RavenConspiracy: You flip the shortsword, dazzlingly in your hand

once before strapping it to your belt, then you sheath the prince's

sword. You gather the coins and find that your belt pouch is nearly

bursting with 50 gold coins!

You push the body into the water where it floats for a few seconds

before disappearing into the icy depths.

Grabbing the pole, you steer to the other side of the lake and

abandon the ferry.

RavenConspiracy: You head into the forest just as night falls and

you are soon engulfed in darkness. To press on any further would be

futile, for you would be sure to lose your way.
RavenConspiracy: You might as well get some rest
TheCheeter: steedledum and I find a dark forest grove for sleeping
RavenConspiracy: Tethering your horse to a tree, you pull your

green Kai cloak about you and fall into a restless sleep.

You are awoken by the sound of troops in the distance. You awake to

finde that you have rested near a lake you could not see in the

pitch of night. Across the lake you see the black shapes of

Drakkarim and a pack of Doomwolves. A Kraan appears from above the

trees and lands on the roof of the small wooden shack. It is being

ridden by a creature dressed in red robes. The Kraan takes off and

begins to fly across the lake to where you are hidden.

RavenConspiracy: You could flee deeper into the forest, or use your

skill with camouflage. Or you could jsut stand and fight...
TheCheeter: use my skill of camouflage
RavenConspiracy: You coax the horse to lie down and begin to cover

him and yourself with branches and dead leaves. You hear the wings

of the Kraan as it passes over the trees. It returns and circles

above you, but soon retreats back across the lake.
RavenConspiracy: It seems you are safe for now...
RavenConspiracy: Hopefully Holmgard is not far now.
TheCheeter: we're really good at hiding, I head for homgard through

the trees with steedle
RavenConspiracy: As you push on into the forest, you hear the wings

of the Kraan pass above the trees and disappear northwards. You

ride on for nearly an hour until you come to a clearing. On the far

side is a track that leads off to the south.

You could take the track, which may lead to Holmgard, or you could

continue to skirt through the forest.
TheCheeter: take the track to homgard we must make more haste
RavenConspiracy: Without warning, a terrible apparition in red

robes swoops down from the sky on the back of a Kraan. Its cry

freezes your blood. The beast is a Vordak, a fierce lieutenant of

the Darklords.

You feel a silent scream tearing through your mind for the creature

is attacking you with the power of its Mindforce as well as with a

huge black mace.
TheCheeter: I try and concentrate and block my mind as I ready my

shortsword on horseback
RavenConspiracy: You do as your Kai masters have taught you and you

erect an inner Mindshield which protects you from invading psychic

presences. Instantly you no longer feel the mental claws slathing

at your sanity.
RavenConspiracy: slashing*
TheCheeter: I retreat into the woods hoping to lose him
RavenConspiracy: Also you feel your own psychic strength welling up

inside you...
RavenConspiracy: it is to late for retreat
TheCheeter: I stop and fight
TheCheeter: getting off the horse into a battlestance
RavenConspiracy: The Kraan swoops down, hoping to tear your steed

apart with it's vicious talons, but you expertly evade the attack

and now face the terrible rider. The VORDAK!
RavenConspiracy: roll a die
TheCheeter: 5
TheCheeter: your evil powers will not help you against the power of

kai! go back to the shadow!
RavenConspiracy: It screetches it's malice at you and swings it's

enormous mace. It slams dully into your leg, but your chainmail

saves you from any serious injury. You turn your horse bringin you

close to the foul smelling vordak and make two deadly crosscuts

whith your shortsword, slashing into it's red robes. Vile blood

begins leaking from the thing.
RavenConspiracy: roll again
TheCheeter: 9
TheCheeter: sry b break
RavenConspiracy: The creature is suddenly stunned by your own

psychic assault, throwing up it's hands in a useless defense. I

lightning stab to the throat causes it to choke and die.
RavenConspiracy: As the creature dies, its body slowly dissolves

into a vile green liquid. You notice that the grass and plants

beneath the smoking fluid are beginning to shrivel and die. But a

large valuable looking Gem lies on the ground near to the decaying

body.
TheCheeter: go back to shadow vile servant of the darklords!
TheCheeter: i cautiiously examine it
RavenConspiracy: You fuss and investigate it for awhile, eventually

you touch it and it burns your hand. You quickly grab it with the

edge of your cloak and slip it into the pocket of your jacket.1 A

Gem that size must be worth hundreds of Crowns! You smile at your

good fortune, mount your horse and ride off along the south track.
TheCheeter: hiya!
TheCheeter: muffled
RavenConspiracy: You spur your horse to a gallop and race down the

long straight path. In the far distance you can just make out the

silhouette of Holmgard on the horizon, its high walls and tall

spires glinting in the morning sun. Your path joins a highway

running from north to south. It is the main turnpike road between

the northern port of Toran and the capital. You set off towards

Holmgard, your eyes peeled for Kraan in the clear morning sky.
TheCheeter: hiya
RavenConspiracy: You have ridden several miles and have seen no

sign of refugees or of the enemy. You race on towards a high ridge

in the middle distance. You should be able to see the capital from

there.

As you reach the peak, the sight that meets you on the far side is

one of hope--but there is still one challenge you know you have to

face...
RavenConspiracy: scene loading
TheCheeter: that is a challenge, waiting all that time
RavenConspiracy: Before you are the tall grey-white walls and

glimmering spires of Holmgard, the city's banners fluttering from

the battlements in the fresh morning breeze. Stretching out towards

the west, the River Eledil traces its course from the mountains of

the Durncrag range to the Holmgulf. But below the mountain peaks

you can see a vast black army marching relentlessly on towards the

capital.
RavenConspiracy: To your right you can see the highway heading off

over the rolling plain towards Holmgard. At a gallop you could make

the outer fieldworks of the city's defences in less than an hour,

but you would be in the open for most of the time and vulnerable to

attack by Kraan...
RavenConspiracy: Directly ahead of you, a wide river drifts

sluggishly towards the Eledil. If you abandoned your horse, you

could swim towards the outer defences under cover of the river

banks.
TheCheeter: i will not abandon steedle
RavenConspiracy: Or there is a final alternative. To your left lies

the Graveyard of the Ancients. These tombs and crumbling monuments

to a forgotten age would conceal your approach but it is a

forbidden area. Many are the unnamed horrors that lie there in

restless sleep, waiting to consume the unwary trespasser.

TheCheeter: its settled then
TheCheeter: to the graveground of the ancients
RavenConspiracy: (i can't stop laughing)
TheCheeter: hiya
RavenConspiracy: As you descend the ridge towards the Graveyard of

the Ancients, you are aware of a strange mist and cloud that swirls

all around this grey and forbidding place, blocking the sun and

keeping the Graveyard in perpetual gloom.

A creeping chill seems to penetrate your very bones. Your horse

becomes startled and no matter how you urge him on, he refuses to

go any nearer to this dreadful place.
TheCheeter: I try and comfort steedle
TheCheeter: stare him in his eye and comfort him that it will be

alright and to be brave
RavenConspiracy: Sluggishly as if using every ouce of his bravery

the horse takes a few faltering steps forward
TheCheeter: I use my kai powers to instill even more courage into

the brave horse
RavenConspiracy: Your passage through the Graveyard will not be

easy, for the ground is broken and covered with a thorny graveweed.

This wicked briar tears your cloak and cuts the legs of your horse.

The air hangs heavy and still. Foul gases seep from open crypts and

the haunting murmur of distant whispering fills your ears.
TheCheeter: we prepare ourselves for anything and take our time

through the graveweed trying to use kai stealth
RavenConspiracy: Carefully you make your way through the ancient

ruins and tangled briars. Eventually you approach a gap between two

ancient pillars. Suddenly, the ground collapses beneath you and you

and your horse fall in a tumble of earth and stone.
TheCheeter: ahh! I try and see where we are and if steedle is ok
RavenConspiracy: You are winded but not hurt. You have fallen

fifteen feet or so through the roof of an underground tomb. The

prince's horse with wild eyes has desperately remained at the edge

of the pitfall and scrambles at the very brink. With much terrified

whinnieing it scrambles up and away from th pit. You can barely

hear it galloping away at top speed, crashing through the briars.
RavenConspiracy: An arched tunnel leads out of the tomb towards the

east, in front of which lies the sarcophagus of some ancient noble.

RavenConspiracy: Your senses scream at you that this place is very

evil. Leave as quickly as you can.
TheCheeter: I try and jump up the hole
TheCheeter: clim
TheCheeter: b
RavenConspiracy: Futile. The sheer drop is over 15 feet high.
TheCheeter: I head down the arched tunnel, muttering a prayer about

the cursed noble
RavenConspiracy: The walls are dank and slimy. The stale air chokes

you and cobwebs brush across your face. You can feel panic grip

your stomach, as the tunnel gets darker and darker.

You reach a junction where the tunnel meets a corridor leading from

north to south. Do you wish to go north or south?

TheCheeter: i instinctively go south
RavenConspiracy: The cold corridor suddenly makes an abrupt turning

towards the east. You notice a greenish glow that lights the tunnel

in the far distance. As you creep nearer you can see that the

corridor opens out into a larger chamber.

The strange light seems to emanate from a large bowl resting upon

the top of a granite throne. On a plinth in front of the throne

stands a statue. It looks like a winged serpent curved in the shape

of an 'S'.

TheCheeter: I avoid the surpent statue, remembering an story my kai

masters told me
TheCheeter: an old story*
TheCheeter: is there an exit?
RavenConspiracy: You look for another exit
RavenConspiracy: You find a stone portal in the east wall, but

there does not appear to be any way of opening it.
TheCheeter: I search for a secret opening or switch
RavenConspiracy: You can check out the throne or the statue for

switches, which to you wich to investigate.
RavenConspiracy: ?
TheCheeter: I check the throne
RavenConspiracy: You look around the throne and eventually you sit

down, checking the arm rests for hidden levers. As you sit down,

the stone serpent slowly moves forward on its plinth. You suddenly

break out in a cold sweat and grasp your weapon with trembling

fingers in case it should attack. A red forked tongue appears from

the head of this strange statue and dips into the bowl of green

light above your head. Slowly the tongue re-emerges holding a

Golden Key which, to your surprise, it drops into your lap. A panel

in the east wall clicks open to reveal an exit.

TheCheeter: the story of the fanged serpent statue was wrong!
TheCheeter: I head to the exit
RavenConspiracy: Leaving through the portal, you see ahead a

corridor sloping upwards, and as you reach the top of this slope, a

stone portal slides across to reveal another passage ahead.

You step through the opening which then quickly closes with a

crunch.

RavenConspiracy: The corridor soon widens into a large hall. At the

far end, a stone staircase leads up to a huge door. Two black

candles on either side of the stone steps dimly illuminate the

chamber. You notice that no wax has melted, and as you get nearer

you can feel that they give off no heat. Ancient engravings cover

the stone surfaces of the walls.

Anxious to leave this evil tomb, you examine the door for a latch.

An ornate pin appears to lock the door, but there is also a keyhole

in the lockplate.
TheCheeter: I carefully insert the key, meanwhile glimpsing at the

ancient text
TheCheeter: on the wall
RavenConspiracy: You carefully insert the Key and turn it

clockwise. You hear a dull click--the Key works. You lift out the

pin, and the large granite door slowly swings towards you on hidden

hinges. The grey half-light of the Graveyard floods into the tomb.
TheCheeter: I head out quickly
TheCheeter: searching around for steedle
RavenConspiracy: A heavy mist hangs over the gravyard, enhancing

the menace of the clusters of graveweed and the ruined stonework.

You do not spot your magnificent horse, but to the south, perhaps

50 yards away you spot what seems to be a cemetary gate. It may be

the other exit!
RavenConspiracy: You have a feeling of rising terror, emanating

from the grave ground.
TheCheeter: i head towards the cemetary gate, hoping to one day

unite with steedle
RavenConspiracy: The exit is overgrown with graveweed and you

suffer many cuts to your face and arms as you fight your way

through.

Looking back, you see the tomb door slowly close and a cruel

inhuman laugh seems to rise out of the very ground on which you

stand. In blind panic, you race through the eerie necropolis

towards the south gate.

TheCheeter: I silently scream in my head
RavenConspiracy: At last you can reach the wooden fieldworks

surrounding the outer city. As you race towards a sentry post, you

can hear the excited shouts of the guards cheering you on. Thank

the gods that they recognize you, for you must appear a ragged and

suspicious figure. Your cloak is torn and hangs in tatters, your

face is scratched and blood-smeared and the dust of the Graveyard

covers you from head to toe.
RavenConspiracy: Splashing through a shallow stream, you stagger

towards the gate. The full horror of the Graveyard encounter begins

to catch up with you. The last thing you recall before exhaustion

robs you of consciousness, is falling into the outstretched arms of

two soldiers who have run from the fieldworks to help you.
TheCheeter: take me to the king!
TheCheeter: i have urgent news!
TheCheeter: uuuugh! collapse
RavenConspiracy: You black out for only a few minutes before you

are revived with a measure of strong spirit. Feeling weary but

thankful to be alive, you lean on the shoulders of the King's men

and you stagger towards the outer defences.
RavenConspiracy: As you reach the walls of the fieldworks, the

large oak gates open and you are quickly hurried inside. A

sergeant, bloodstained and battle-weary, calls to an officer who

turns and recognizes your cloak.

'My Lord,' he says. 'Where are the other Kai Masters? We are in

desperate need of their wisdom. The Darklords press us most cruelly

and casualties are high.'

[ravenconspiracy]

TheCheeter: never enter the graveground of the ancients, i had to

to avoid the darklord's servants
RavenConspiracy: "The graveyard of the ancients? Only a fool witha

deathwish would go there!"
TheCheeter: I am the last of the wise Kai captain, I have urgent

news to tell your king, the darklords have wiped us out and march

on to take the kingdom!
RavenConspiracy: Without saying a word, he motions to a soldier to

bring forward two horses. You both mount and gallop off towards the

high city wall of Holmgard.
TheCheeter: hiya
RavenConspiracy: You reach the main gates of the capital, and stare

in awe at the height of the city's walls. Two hundred feet high,

the walls of Holmgard have withstood the ravages of both time and

the Darklords. You and the officer race through the tunnel of the

inner gatehouse, one hundred yards in length, and finally halt

outside the doorway of the main watchtower. Great crowds of

soldiers and civilians are running to and fro.
RavenConspiracy: The soldier starts trying to find a way through

the teeming throng. You can stick with him or attempt to make your

way through the city alone.
TheCheeter: i stick with him
RavenConspiracy: Staying close to the officer, you follow him

through an arched portal and up a short flight of stairs to a long

hall. Soldiers run back and forth bearing orders on ornate scrolls

to officers stationed around the city wall.

A haggard and scar-faced man dressed in the white and purple robes

of the King's court approaches you and bids you follow him to the

citadel.
TheCheeter: I follow the haggard man, staring for 10 seconds at his

scar with modest interest
RavenConspiracy: He acts as if he gets that treatment a lot. You

follow the man into a small library off the main hall. He pushes

one of the many books on the shelves which line all four walls, and

you hear a metallic click. One section of the bookcase slowly

slides back to reveal a hidden passage. He motions for you to

enter.
TheCheeter: I enter unquestioning his legitness
RavenConspiracy: lol
RavenConspiracy: You walk for nearly ten minutes along a dark and

winding corridor, and then start to climb a steep staircase to a

small wooden door. The man presses a secret catch and the door

opens. You enter a large, plushly decorated bedroom with a huge

marble bath that takes up one corner of the room. The man suggests

that you refresh yourself here whilst he seeks an audience with the

King.
TheCheeter: I make myself at home, nod and stare 5 more seconds at

his scar
TheCheeter: as he leaves
RavenConspiracy: He exits swiftly, leaving you in the lavish room

and the large, filled bath. You see that there are some white robes

laid out for you. You think you are meant to wash and change before

you appear before the king.
TheCheeter: i wash and change in the chamber
RavenConspiracy: Shortly, the man returns and leads you through a

long corridor lined with exquisite tapestries. You finally arrive

at a large door guarded by two soldiers wearing silver armour.

You are about to meet the King.
TheCheeter: I prepare myself
RavenConspiracy: You enter the Chamber of State, a magnificent hall

decorated lavishly in white and gold. The King and his closest

advisers are studying a large map spread upon a marble plinth in

the centre of the chamber. Their faces are lined with worry and

concentration. A silence fills the hall as you take position to

address the King's court.
TheCheeter: I wait patiently for the king to speak
RavenConspiracy: "Please," He says, motioning with his hand, "You

must be the Kai Lord who has great news for me. What is your name

and why are you here? What news from the Kai?"
TheCheeter: OOC: whats my name?
TheCheeter: I forgot
RavenConspiracy: You are Lonewolf
TheCheeter: gosh i dontknow why i forgot that
TheCheeter: My liege, I am Lonewolf the last of the Kai
TheCheeter: the Kai have been destroyed by the forces of the dark

lords, the prince of this land has fallen on the road
TheCheeter: I tried to save him ,but he was far gone
TheCheeter: even as I speak the forces of the darklord march to

take this city
TheCheeter: I had to brave the graveground of the ancients to even

get here without detection
RavenConspiracy: 'Lone Wolf, you have selfless courage: the quality

of a true Kai Lord. Your journey here has been one of great peril

and although your news comes as a grievous blow, the spirit of your

determination is like a beacon of hope to us all in this dark hour.

You have brought great honour to the memory of your Masters, and

for that we praise you.'

You receive the praise and heartfelt thanks of the entire hall--an

honour that brings a certain redness to your young face. The King

raises his hand and all the voices cease.

TheCheeter: i listen keenly
RavenConspiracy: 'You have done all that Sommerlund could have

asked of a loyal son, but she is greatly in need of you still. The

Darklords are powerful once more and their ambition knows no

bounds. Our only hope lies within Durenor with the power that once

defeated the Darklords an age ago. Lone Wolf, you are the last of

the Kai--you have the skills. Will you journey to Durenor and

return with the Sommerswerd, the sword of the sun? Only with that

gift of the gods may we crush this evil and save our land.'
TheCheeter: I shall return with the sommerswerd and destroy the

power of the darklords with my own hands
RavenConspiracy: The hall fills with cheering voices and the

adventure continues...
RavenConspiracy: want to keep going?
TheCheeter: yes
RavenConspiracy: ok... loading
RavenConspiracy: You learn some of the recent lore about the

Summerswerd.

After the defeat of Vashna, ancient and mighty Darklord, the

Sommerswerd had been bestowed upon the allies of Durenor as a mark

of trust and allegiance that exists between the two kingdoms. In

return, King Alin of Durenor gave Sommerlund a magnificent golden

ring bearing the royal arms of Durenor. This ring is known as the

Seal of Hammerdal. At that time, King Alin vowed that if ever the

shadow of the west should rise again to threaten Sommerlund,

Durenor would come to the aid of her ally.

The King has given you the Seal of Hammerdal. Your quest is to

travel to Durenor to fetch the Sommerswerd back. But meanwhile the

enemy have broken through the outer defences to the capital and are

preparing to besiege the city wall. As Captain D'Val of the King's

Guard leads you to the Royal Armoury to equip you for your mission,

the King's words keep coming back to you:

'Forty days, Lone Wolf. We have strength to stand against them for

only forty days.'

RavenConspiracy: when you finish reading that section, roll a die
TheCheeter: 5
RavenConspiracy: you are now skilled with the Longsword, having

used the prince's sword for so long
TheCheeter: excellent
RavenConspiracy: Just so you know you have:
RavenConspiracy: 50 gold crowns

2 meals

Helmet and Chainmail

1 Healing Potion

Short Sword

The Prince's Long Sword

A Vordak Gem stone

and a dagger tucked in your boot


TheCheeter: excellent
TheCheeter: I prepare to set out
RavenConspiracy: In the armory you see on a table laid out for your

quest the following equipment:
RavenConspiracy: Short Sword
RavenConspiracy: long sword
2 Meals
1 Healing Potion
Another suit of chainmail
Quarterstaff
Spear
A shield
A broadsword
RavenConspiracy: You can only carry two weapons (other than your

dagger)
TheCheeter: I carry the longsword and the shortsword
RavenConspiracy: Do you want to keep the Prince Pelathar's sword?
TheCheeter: yes
RavenConspiracy: ok
RavenConspiracy: to you want to take the extra food and the other

healing potion?
TheCheeter: yes
RavenConspiracy: How about the shield, you can wield the shield and

one weapon at the same time
TheCheeter: I will not use a shield
TheCheeter: discard
RavenConspiracy: ok
RavenConspiracy: Captain D'Val and his guards escort you to the

citadel gate where a small covered wagon awaits you. As soon as you

clamber in, the gates are thrown open and you are hurried away

through the crowded streets of Holmgard. After a short but

uncomfortable journey, the wagon stops and the driver pulls open

the canvas flap.

'This is the quay, my lord. There is your ship, the Green Sceptre.'

As he speaks the driver points across the quay to a sleek trade

caravel anchored near to the harbour wall.

'The first mate's name is Ronan. You will find him waiting for you

across the square at the Good Cheer Inn.' Then the driver bids you

farewell and quickly disappears into the teeming crowds.

TheCheeter: I head to meet Ronan,
TheCheeter: am I skilled at sailing?
RavenConspiracy: Not particularly... how hard can it be?
RavenConspiracy: You reach the inn to find the front doors locked

and the window shutters barred. You are trying to decide what to do

next when a hand grabs your arm and you are pulled into the

darkness.
RavenConspiracy: what do you do?
TheCheeter: I try to spring away from whatever's pulling me into a

battlestance
RavenConspiracy: 'Forgive me my lord, I did not mean to startle

you.' The man seems nervous, and the open hand that is extended

towards you is shaking quite visibly. You are now in the inn, whcih

seems deserted.
TheCheeter: are you Ronan?
RavenConspiracy: 'yes, please sit. Captain Kelman has instructed me

to take you to the Green Sceptre, but only if I am sure that you

are the Kai Lord they call Lone Wolf. Can you prove your identity?'

You decide you must show your mastery of one of your Kai

Disciplines
RavenConspiracy: I can give you a list of options if you like,

cheetah
TheCheeter: I use my kai discipline of dance
TheCheeter: battle dance
RavenConspiracy: Taking hold of your weapon, you demonstrate the

Kai skills of balance and speed, as taught to you by your Kai

masters. With breathtaking speed, as you spin and twist the weapon

around your head and body, the movement of your hands becomes a

dazzling blur. To finish your display of Weaponskill, you strike

the edge of a pewter plate and send it spinning across the room so

fast that it embeds itself in the cellar door.

The sailor watches in amazement.

TheCheeter: i am the last of the kai, you should see my sailing

skills
RavenConspiracy: 'You are indeed a Kai Lord,' says the sailor, but

the astonishment on his face quickly changes to an unpleasant

sneer.

'Or should I say you were!'

As he speaks, a door crashes open behind you and you turn to see

three harbour thugs advancing towards you. Each is armed with a

scimitar and you have no choice but to fight all three as one

enemy.
TheCheeter: i ready myself already in battlestance
RavenConspiracy: roll a die
TheCheeter: 3
RavenConspiracy: The spread out to encircle you. Instantly you stab

one through hsi treacherous heart and he dies instantly. The other

two lung at you at once. You pull your weapon out of the first

man's chest and dodge being impaled by both men. One quickly tries

to turn his lunge into a slash, which grazes your leg with a small

gash.
RavenConspiracy: roll again
TheCheeter: 10
RavenConspiracy: The men step forward, you spin. Thump, thunk...

two heads land and roll under the table, startling a small mouse

from his meal of cheese. Whamp - THUMP! Two bodies fall and spash

blood out of their severed necks.
TheCheeter: I stare at the treacherous headless corpses, and search

them for intelligence of their treachery
RavenConspiracy: The sailor who claimed to be First Mate Ronan

seems to have escaped during the fight. You quickly search the

bodies of the harbour thugs, but find nothing of value. However,

you do notice that each of them has a tattoo of a serpent on their

left wrist. Whoever sent them to kill you must already know of the

importance of your quest...
TheCheeter: I think back to the story the kai told me about the

serpent
TheCheeter: then use tracking to search for the sailor
RavenConspiracy: You leave the tavern by the side door and discover

the dead body of a sailor lying beneath some stairs. Inside the

collar of his bloodstained jacket is a tag bearing the name

'Ronan'. This must be the real Ronan. He has been murdered. You

cover the body and turn towards the quay, where the Green Sceptre

is anchored about three hundred yards from the harbour wall.
RavenConspiracy: You quickly deduce that the impostor must have

escaped by the main entrance to the tavern, and if he is still in

the harbour area he must be in or around the main square.
TheCheeter: I head for the mainsquare, in search of the murderer
RavenConspiracy: You search the buildings and alleyways round the

square but there is no sign of him at all. You look back towards

the harbour and see the Green Sceptre anchored, awaiting your

arrival...
TheCheeter: I head for the green sceptre, cautiously
RavenConspiracy: Rather than waste more time in a fruitless search,

you return to the quayside and untie a small coracle from its

mooring. As you row towards the Green Sceptre you begin to feel

uneasy that so early in your mission your enemies seem already to

have found you.
RavenConspiracy: As you paddle towards the sleek trade caravel, you

notice to your surprise that the boarding ladder is being pulled

up. A mean-looking sailor leans over the gunwale and curses at you.

He seems to think that you are a refugee trying to stowaway on

board.
TheCheeter: Hold, I am the captain of the green sceptre! let me

aboard
RavenConspiracy: "What Brass!" the grim looking sailor exclaims,

"The captain is already aboard you bung-brained stowaway!"
TheCheeter: I am Lonewolf your captain! I am to board the Green

Sceptre!
RavenConspiracy: "Lone Wolf?" he seems to recognize your Kai cloak,

"What happened to Ronan?" He bellows back.
TheCheeter: Ronan has been murdered at the inn! there are decievers

among us!
RavenConspiracy: the ladder is soon lowered again. As you climb

over the side of the ship, you are met by a tall man in a

gold-braided uniform. His face is almost totally covered by a shock

of bright red hair and a bright red beard.

'Haul anchor!' he booms. The crew spring into action as if their

very lives depended on it.

TheCheeter: is everyone accounted for? are their new faces that

were never there before? (Search for treachery)
RavenConspiracy: You scan the ship...The large man turns towards a

door on the ship's deck then stops and whirls on you with great

fierceness. "Look! Let me set this straight, I am Captain Kelman.

Me! You may be on a mission from the king, but I'm still the

captain of this fine vessel!"
TheCheeter: yes Cpt. Kelman
RavenConspiracy: The captain ushers you below to his cabin.
RavenConspiracy: He leads you into his cabin and pours two glasses

of wanlo, a strong spirit. His face shows concern as he says, " You

say Ronan was killed and decievers are amongst us..."
'There is evil treachery at work and the enemy already has plans

afoot to thwart your quest,' he begins when you've told your tale.

'It seems that you have lost the element of surprise--and I have

lost a courageous first mate. Let us only hope that the voyage to

Durenor be swift and safe.'
RavenConspiracy: "We're at sea now, and it's too late for turning

back." He says darkly.
RavenConspiracy: You leave him to go up on deck just in time to see

the outline of Holmgard on the horizon. With mixed feelings of

pride and apprehension, you descend the stairway to your cabin as

the last spire of the capital disappears from view
RavenConspiracy: roll a die
TheCheeter: 9
RavenConspiracy: roll again
TheCheeter: 9
RavenConspiracy: The following morning you are woken by the cry of

the ship's lookout from high up in the crow's nest.

'Ship ahoy off the port bow!'

You clamber up a narrow ladder and join the captain at the stern.

'Your eyes are younger than mine, see what you can make of her, my

lord,' he says, and hands you an ornate telescope.

You can make out the red sails and black flag of a Lakuri pirate

warship on the horizon.
RavenConspiracy: 'We've a full sail and a sharp prow. There's not a

warship on the northern seas that'll catch the Green Sceptre,' said

the captain.

He is proved right, for the pirate ship soon disappears over the

horizon. 'Twenty-five years at sea and I've never known the Lakuri

pirates to venture this far north to raid,' he said, stroking his

beard thoughtfully. 'They must be after a valuable cargo to sail so

far from their tropical islands.'

As the captain descends below deck to his cabin, you get an uneasy

feeling that the valuable cargo may be you.
RavenConspiracy: After three uneventful days at sea, you find

shipboard life rather dreary. On the afternoon of the fourth day,

you are talking with an injured sailor up on deck when you smell

smoke seeping from the hold.
RavenConspiracy: what do you want to do?
TheCheeter: head for the hold
RavenConspiracy: You release the lock and slide back the hatch

cover. The sudden draught of air causes flames to billow out of the

hold. You stumble backwards, clutching your burnt face.
RavenConspiracy: 'Fire! Fire!' the cry goes up.

In panic the crew fight to put out the flames. It takes over an

hour to control the blaze. The damage is considerable--the entire

store of food and fresh water was in that hold, and the fire has

completely ruined both, as well as weakened the structure of the

ship.

As you stand surveying the wreckage, the captain approaches you,

his face blackened by the smoke. He is carrying something in a

bundle under his arm. 'We must talk in private, my lord,' he says

quietly.
TheCheeter: I follow the man
RavenConspiracy: After taking care to close his door, the captain

opens the mysterious bundle and tips the contents onto his cabin

table. A large charred earthenware jug and several blackened rags

drop in a heap. They give off a strange oily smell.
RavenConspiracy: 'This was no accidental fire,' he says solemnly.

'This was an act of sabotage. The forward hold is a food store yet

I find this oil jug and these soaked rags upon the floor. Someone

on this ship is prepared to risk his life to stop us reaching

Durenor.'

You both stare at the burnt rags as if they hold the answer to your

questions. Suddenly a cry from up on deck breaks the silence.

'Ship Ahoy! Ship off the port bow!'

Grabbing his sword and telescope, the captain disappears through

the door and up the ladder to the deck above. He leaves you alone

in his cabin.
RavenConspiracy: You can follow him or take the opportunity to

search his cabin.
TheCheeter: I search the cabin
RavenConspiracy: Keeping one eye on the door, you quickly search

the drawers of an ornate chart table. There does not appear to be

anything unusual about the contents. You find mainly charts, island

maps and navigational instruments. You are about to abandon this

fruitless search when you notice a small lever hidden below the

tabletop. You push it and a panel flips open to reveal a small

wooden box with a brass lock.
RavenConspiracy: You can either pry the box open with you knife,

attempt to use your kai powers of mind over matter to trip the lock

with your mind, or you can replace it and leave the cabin. Which do

you choose?
TheCheeter: what can i replace it with?
TheCheeter: another chest?
RavenConspiracy: I mean, put it back
RavenConspiracy: re- place it
RavenConspiracy: to put back
TheCheeter: i'll pick it up and replace it later
RavenConspiracy: you want to take it with you?
RavenConspiracy: it's big enough that you don't think that you'll

be able to hide it under your clothes
TheCheeter: I decide to open the lock with my knife
RavenConspiracy: but maybe what's inside could be easily hidden
RavenConspiracy: Roll a die
TheCheeter: 9
RavenConspiracy: luckily you turn the box away from you and you pry

it open with your knife. A needle shoots out of the opened box and

imbeds itself in the far wall.
RavenConspiracy: Inside is a scroll bearing the royal seal of

Sommerlund and containing confidential orders about your mission to

Durenor.
TheCheeter: I read them
RavenConspiracy: They are nothing particularly suspicious, they are

the orders from the king about the secret details of your mission

for Captain Kelman.
RavenConspiracy: You put the box back into its hiding place.

Closing the drawers, you quickly check that nothing looks as though

it has been disturbed before joining the captain on deck.
TheCheeter: alright
TheCheeter: I join the captain
RavenConspiracy: 'It seems our bird has flown,' says the captain,

pointing to a longboat moving swiftly towards another ship on the

horizon. 'She flies no flag, and her hull is of a strange shape.

I've ne'er before seen the like.'

You watch as the longboat reaches the mysterious ship. As if by

magic a sea fog appears from nowhere and engulfs the vessel.

Moments later, both the ship and the fog have disappeared.
RavenConspiracy: roll a die
TheCheeter: 2
TheCheeter: what evil magic is afoot
RavenConspiracy: You hear whispering among the crew and catch the

words 'ghost-ships' and 'cursed voyage', but the whispering stops

when the captain's voice calls for all hands on deck. A silence

descends on the Green Sceptre as Captain Kelman addresses the crew

in a loud voice.

'Men, we are three days' sail from Port Bax, but with a strong wind

and a stout heart we'll drop anchor and feast there in two. The

fire has claimed many of our provisions and rations are hereby cut

to one meal a day. A guard shall be placed upon the freshwater

cask. But we are strong. We shall endure. Any man found thieving

will receive a hundred lashes. That is all.' The crew seem unhappy

at the captain's decision, but none of them dares to challenge his

authority.

Later that afternoon, you are invited by both the crew and by the

captain to take your evening meal with them. You can either eat

with the crew or the captain.

RavenConspiracy: Do you want to eat with the captain or the crew?
TheCheeter: I head to eat with the captain
TheCheeter: sry I just got through reading it
RavenConspiracy: The meal is poor. It is made up of yesterday's

leftovers, and what the captain tells you as you finish your meagre

supper confirms your suspicions.

'I have a confession to make, Kai Lord. The fire destroyed our

entire food store; we had barely enough in the galley for this

meal. I fear that we will have to survive on a diet of fresh fish

until we reach Port Bax.'

[ravenconspiracy]

The meager meal leaves you hungry, if you

want to you can eat one of the meals you have stored for your

journey and share some with the captain so you can both have enough

this night.
TheCheeter: I share my meal with Cpt, take and eat I have some

stores
TheCheeter: can we resupply on fish or at a port?
RavenConspiracy: He Thanks you greatly. "We shall net fish as we

travel. At port I hope to repair the ship and completely replenish

our food and water supply."

After dinner, the captain challenges you to a game of Samor, a

board game a little like chess, involving skilful strategy and

bluff. To add a little excitement, he suggests a small wager, if

you choose to accept his challenge.
TheCheeter: I accept after I hear his wager
RavenConspiracy: Captain Kelman unlocks a display case and removes

a Samor board. The beautifully carved playing pieces are already in

position when he carefully sets it down upon the table.

"What would you say to 10 golden crowns, my lad?"
TheCheeter: I have become fortunate these past days 10 crowns it is
TheCheeter: where are you from Kelman?
RavenConspiracy: roll a die and add +2 to the total due to the edge

your kai instincts give you
TheCheeter: 6
RavenConspiracy: He seems intent on the game all of a sudden. 'You

play a daring strategy, Lone Wolf. But I think I have you now.'

Captain Kelman moves his ornate keystone across to your side of the

board with a triumphant smile. But it soon fades to a look of shock

as you unexpectedly counter his move. 'Stalemate,' you reply

coolly. The captain stares at the board in disbelief.

'The skills of the Kai never cease to amaze me,' he says, slowly

scratching his head. He is still staring at the Samor board when

you finally bid him goodnight and return to your cabin.

RavenConspiracy: You get your 10 crowns back
TheCheeter: excellent
TheCheeter: I head to my bed chambers
TheCheeter: and exercise my kai abilities before sleep
RavenConspiracy: You meditate and practice your breathing

techniques of clensing and healing. You also steel your mind with

peace and calm against whatever trials await you in the future. You

finish with a prayer of guidence and comemorance for all the Kai

who have passed and now watch over you.
TheCheeter: they're all watching over me
RavenConspiracy: As dawn breaks, a fierce storm rises and you are

woken by the violent rocking of the ship. The floor of your cabin

is awash, and the shouts of the crew can hardly be heard above the

howling wind. You quickly dress, gather up your equipment and make

your way to the deck.

You are soon joined by the captain, who takes hold of your arm and

orders you to return to your cabin. Suddenly, as you start to go

down, there is a thunderous crack as, high in the rigging, part of

the mast snaps. You look up to see the shattered pole falling

towards you.
RavenConspiracy: roll a die
TheCheeter: 9
RavenConspiracy: As the mast smashes into the deck, a splintered

beam hits your head and you are knocked overboard. Gasping for air,

you fight your way to the surface and catch hold of a hatch cover.

You are half-stunned. You pull yourself onto this makeshift raft

and cling to it with all your strength. You chainmail threatens to

drag you to the bottom!
TheCheeter: i hold on with all my might!
RavenConspiracy: You hold and hold but the weight of your armor is

too much. You flail and struggle out of it lest you join it forever

at the bottom of the sea.
RavenConspiracy: You feel dizzy and sick. As the heaving sea

buffets you relentlessly, you gradually slip into unconsciousness.

When you awake many hours later, the storm has passed. By the

position of the sun, you judge it to be late afternoon. In the

distance you can see a small fishing boat and beyond it, on the

horizon, land. The only trace of the Green Sceptre is the hatch

cover on which you now sit
TheCheeter: oh no
TheCheeter: i search for survivors after finding out where i am
RavenConspiracy: as I said, the only trace of the Green Sceptre is

the hatch cover on which you rest.
TheCheeter: where am I? I say to myself as I look around
RavenConspiracy: You haven't a clue. You feel reassured that you

are near land and not stranded out at sea. Whats more you can see a

vessel that could coem pick you up if you could somehow signal to

them. They might not be friendly however...
TheCheeter: I must take that risk
TheCheeter: I try and signal them
RavenConspiracy: You desperately wave your Kai cloak above your

head until you are near to exhaustion. Roll a die.

TheCheeter: 10
RavenConspiracy: You are in luck, for the boat has seen your

distress signal and is heading towards you. It is a small fishing

boat from the port of Ragadorn. The fishermen are a rough-looking

bunch, but they wrap you in a warm blanket and offer you some food.

The captain suggests that you sleep, as it will be two or three

hours before they arrive back in Ragadorn.
TheCheeter: excellent
TheCheeter: I thank him
TheCheeter: he is a blessing of the seas
RavenConspiracy: you fall asleep
RavenConspiracy: When you awake, you are shocked to find yourself

lying beneath a wooden jetty, and the shallow water surrounding you

fills your nostrils with a foul stench. As you stand, your head

throbs violently as if you had been knocked unconscious. This is

exactly what has happened to you, and your Gold, your Backpack,

your Weapons and all your Special Items (including the Seal of

Hammerdal) have been stolen by the fishermen. You have nothing!
RavenConspiracy: With a groan of despair, you climb out of the

slimy water and pull yourself onto the jetty. Looking up you see a

faded sign.

Welcome to Ragadorn
You fear the rumours about this place are true. It is nearly dark

and it has started to rain. You must find the Seal if you are to

persuade the Durenese to give you the Sommerswerd. Looking round,

you see a large market square with a stone signpost in the centre,

indicating the various roads that lead off the square

TheCheeter: I assess where Ragadorn is compared to where I need to

go to Durenese
TheCheeter: do I know this of the world?
RavenConspiracy: You may wish to go east along Barnacle Street
or you could go south along Westbank Wharf,
or north along Booty Walk, turn to 129.
Finally If you would rather go west back to the jetty, and search

for the fishing boat.

RavenConspiracy: ok let me answere your question before you

decide...
TheCheeter: ok
RavenConspiracy: Ragadorn is slightly more than halfway between

Holmgard and Port Bax, which is the closest port of Durenor.

Ragadorn has a reputation of being a tough, nasty town, somewhat of

a dangerous way-station on the road between Sommerlund and Durenor.
TheCheeter: I think Booty Walk sounds promising
RavenConspiracy: You pass several narrow warehouses lining the

waterfront, and reach the harbour wall. Here the road bears sharply

to the right into Tomb Street.

Marching along the centre of this street are four heavily armed

city guards. Rather than be stopped and possibly arrested by these

soldiers, you dodge into an alleyway off to your right. The guards

suddenly halt opposite the alley entrance. If one of them should

turn his head, you will be spotted for sure. Behind you is a small

window, leading into a crowded tavern.

Without a second's hesitation, you climb through the window as

quickly as possible.

RavenConspiracy: The tavern is full of brigands and drunks, the

good-for-nothing crews of trading ships moored at the jetty, all

singing and drinking while some try their strength at

arm-wrestling. All are so engrossed that nobody notices you enter.

In a far corner, you see the fishermen that robbed you. They are

seated at a round table covered with empty ale tankards. You know

that if you are to reach Durenor in time, you must retrieve the

Seal of Hammerdal and your gold.
TheCheeter: I approach the fisherman
RavenConspiracy: The fishermen stare at you with open mouths as if

they have just seen a corpse return from the dead. Suddenly one of

them kicks over the table and they make their escape through the

back door of the tavern. In one bound, you leap over the table and

pursue them out of the tavern, into the darkness beyond.
TheCheeter: I try and grab one
RavenConspiracy: The back door opens onto a small square, in the

centre of which is a large tomb. The fishermen have disappeared

into the gloomy streets; all that is except one who has slipped on

the wet cobblestones and knocked himself out. He is lying in the

gutter with his face submerged in a puddle.
TheCheeter: I pick him up and give him time to recover
TheCheeter: i check my possessions to see what they've taken
RavenConspiracy: You roll him over with your foot and search him.

You discover 5 Gold Crowns, a Dagger, and to your great relief the

Seal of Hammerdal on his finger.
TheCheeter: excellent
RavenConspiracy: that is all you have now
TheCheeter: I wait for him to awaken
RavenConspiracy: You must find shelter for the night or you will

risk being arrested by the city guard. Your Kai sense tells you

that the best course of action is to return to the tavern and ask

the innkeeper for a room. Refreshed by a comfortable night's sleep,

you can then make plans to reach Durenor first thing in the

morning.
TheCheeter: ok I will
TheCheeter: I take the fisherman with me
RavenConspiracy: You start to drag him, but the sound the city

gaurdsmen running towards the square cause you to leave him. Your

overall mission is too important to risk being thrown in jail. You

only have 30-some days left if you are to save Sommerlund! As you

re-enter the tavern, you can see that most of the sailors are

clustered around the centre table to watch an arm-wrestling

contest.
TheCheeter: I leave the fisherman, i have my seal, I should get out

of the town as soon as possible
RavenConspiracy: Do you want to try to leave the town in the dead

of night and evade the gaurdsmen?
TheCheeter: yes
RavenConspiracy: ok
TheCheeter: I should make haste we have 30 days left
RavenConspiracy: Ok, you exit the inn, evading the gaurds and creep

through the night. You head south and follow the quayside until you

come to a junction where the street heads off towards the east.

Most of the shops in this street are closed except for one to your

right. There is a sign above the door Jinelda Koop--Alchemist:

Magical Potions Bought and Sold.
RavenConspiracy: You can investigate the shop or continue on...
TheCheeter: sry had to get a coke
TheCheeter: I enter the shop before continuing
RavenConspiracy: You are welcomed by an old woman dressed from head

to toe in white. She smiles and offers you a delicious cup of jala.

Your experience of Ragadorn so far makes you suspicious of the dark

liquid and you politely refuse her offer. As you push the steaming

mug away, she notices the Seal on your finger. 'What a magnificent

ring! Is it for sale?' she asks, her eyes lighting up with

excitement.
TheCheeter: no my fine lady it is not
RavenConspiracy: You tell her firmly that it is not but she will

not accept your refusal. She offers you any choice of the hundreds

of potions that fill the glass cabinets behind her counter. As you

turn to leave, she offers you 40 Gold Crowns.
TheCheeter: thank you for the jala
TheCheeter: no this ring is important to me
TheCheeter: what does that potion do again?
RavenConspiracy: "Oh this one, it gives worms to ex-girlfriends."
TheCheeter: oh my
TheCheeter: well my lady, i must be going
TheCheeter: I leave the potion shop and continue
RavenConspiracy: You step out and continue through the night...
TheCheeter: cautiously
RavenConspiracy: You find yourself at junction standing opposite a

large building with a sign on the wall:

RAGADORN STABLES AND COACH STATION
A green-clad coachman is sitting next to a notice board that reads,

'Port Bax--Journey Time--7 Days'.

TheCheeter: is it open?
RavenConspiracy: You see a green clad coachman sitting there, you

guess it must be.
TheCheeter: i approach the coachman
RavenConspiracy: 'The fare to Port Bax is 20 Gold Crowns,' says the

coachman in a gruff Ragadornian accent.
TheCheeter: will that lead me in the right direction i think to

myself?
RavenConspiracy: Port Bax is in Durenor
RavenConspiracy: and that's the way you want to go
RavenConspiracy: east
RavenConspiracy: 7 days by coach
TheCheeter: I have 5 crowns
RavenConspiracy: yeah
TheCheeter: Sir if i were to offer services to you would you accept

5 crowns?
RavenConspiracy: "I don't need not help, what I need is 2o gold

crowns." he says gruffly.
TheCheeter: hmm, when does the coach leave?
RavenConspiracy: tomorrow afternoon
RavenConspiracy: if you can scrounge up enough coin by then...
TheCheeter: I shall return by the morrow
TheCheeter: I head to search for those fishemen
RavenConspiracy: ok
RavenConspiracy: You creep back through the streets of the city.

There must be some kind of curfew enforced because you have to

constantly dodge watchmen.
TheCheeter: i dodge them and return to the scene of where i found

the fishermen in the first place
RavenConspiracy: You return to the tavern.
TheCheeter: yes
TheCheeter: I use tracking to search for the fishermen
RavenConspiracy: The tavern is full of brigands and drunks, the

good-for-nothing crews of trading ships moored at the jetty, all

singing and drinking while some try their strength at

arm-wrestling. You find no trace of the thieves at all.
RavenConspiracy: It looks like there may be some money to be made

arm-wrestling.
TheCheeter: I go over to the drunken arm wrestlers
RavenConspiracy: A grim-looking sailor is challenging all-comers to

an arm-wrestling contest. He is so confident of winning that he

will pay 5 Gold Crowns to anyone who beats him. As you approach his

table, a serving girl whispers in your ear, 'Be careful stranger,

he is an evil man. He breaks the arms of those who lose, and

murders any who beat him.'
TheCheeter: I examine his purse bag
RavenConspiracy: All you see is the 5 crowns he's willing to stake.
TheCheeter: hmm
TheCheeter: I approach him
TheCheeter: 5 crowns it is
TheCheeter: If I win I expect you to pay
RavenConspiracy: As you face the sailor across the table, bets are

made throughout the tavern. If you wish, you could try and send out

your psychic Mind Blast skill to cripple him and ensure victory.
TheCheeter: I send out my mind blast, there is much at stake here
RavenConspiracy: As the contest begins, you use your Kai Discipline

to weaken your opponent's concentration. Beads of sweat stand out

on his forehead and his eyes gradually close as he withers under

your relentless Mindblast. In less than a minute he has collapsed

to the floor completely unconscious.
RavenConspiracy: There is a shocked silence as you scoop up the 5

Gold Crowns from the table and turn to leave, but as you reach the

tavern door, an ugly thug draws his sword and blocks your exit.

Just as you are wondering what to do, there is a loud thud, and the

man keels over onto the floor. Behind him, to your surprise stands

the serving girl with a large wooden club in her hand. You thank

her politely and race out of the door into the darkened street

beyond.
TheCheeter: excellent
TheCheeter: i just need...10 more crowns
TheCheeter: i ponder how to make money, i've never had to do this

as a kai
RavenConspiracy: You still hear yelling coming from the bar, you

flee. After running for ten minutes in the dark, you find yourself

back at the large stable and coach station.
TheCheeter: I have 10 crowns will this suffice for the coach?
TheCheeter: i ask the man
RavenConspiracy: He seems to have gone to bed. You see the large

stable house used by the couch company. You could probably bed down

in the stables tonight. You do notice however that opposite the

coach station is a narrow street leading to a gaming-house with a

sign outside.
TheCheeter: i head for the gaming house
RavenConspiracy: coach, not couch
TheCheeter: lolz
RavenConspiracy: The sign reads No Weapons Allowed Inside
You are excited by the chance of being able to win some gold and

you quickly enter. Any Weapons you may have must be left with a

guard at the door. You can recover your Weapons when you decide to

leave. You are given a free silver token worth 1 Gold Crown, that

can only be used in this gaming-house.

TheCheeter: excellent
TheCheeter: I examine the tables
RavenConspiracy: The entrance hall opens out into a huge room where

many gambling games are in progress. One that catches your eye is

called 'Cartwheel'. At one end of a long table, an attractive young

woman spins a black dish divided into ten sections marked 0-9. As

the dish spins, she drops a small silver ball into it which

eventually comes to rest in one of the numbered sections. Several

merchants are seated around the table and they are betting heavily

on the fall of the silver ball.
TheCheeter: I pull up a chair
TheCheeter: I watch them play to see how the game works
RavenConspiracy: you have 11 tokens
TheCheeter: i scan for treachery and cheating
RavenConspiracy: ok, you pick a number, I roll and tell the result.

If you pick exactly the same number you win 8 times your stake, if

you picked within 1 of the number you win 5 times your stake.
RavenConspiracy: You think it's legit.
RavenConspiracy: There is a 40 coin limit
TheCheeter: I place 3 tokens down on 5
RavenConspiracy: The young lady winks at you and spins the wheel...
RavenConspiracy: The silver ball lands on 9. A number of groans go

up.
RavenConspiracy: You have 8 tokens left.
TheCheeter: i place 3 tokens on 5
RavenConspiracy: Round and round the tiny ball of silver goes.

Tickitytickitytickitytickity... 5, damn... Oh wait! 5!
RavenConspiracy: you pocket 15 new tokens!
TheCheeter: excellent
RavenConspiracy: you now have exactly 20 tokens
TheCheeter: i leave the gambling hall of fools
RavenConspiracy: oh wait, actually you won 24
RavenConspiracy: so you have 29 tokens
TheCheeter: excellent
RavenConspiracy: hurrah!
TheCheeter: i exchange them for gold
TheCheeter: first
RavenConspiracy: The money changing man gives you a sullen look as

you cash out and retrieve your dagger.
RavenConspiracy: You head to the stables and find a warm patch of

hay to sleep in...
TheCheeter: i sleep in the hay
RavenConspiracy: You awake at dawn to the sound of a shrill

cockcrow. You can see the crooked streets of Ragadorn through a

veil of heavy rain beating down on the cobblestones outside. It has

been six days since you left Holmgard and you are still 200 miles

from Port Bax.

You are in the loft of a very large coach station. A group of

green-clad men have arrived and have started to clean out one of

the coaches. You overhear one of them say that the coach leaves for

Port Bax at one o'clock this afternoon and that the journey will

take seven days

TheCheeter: I approach them and shove 20 crowns into his hands I

must be on your coach!
RavenConspiracy: You pocket the ticket and the man takes you to a

coach that is waiting near the east gate of the seaport. It is

empty and you take a seat near one of its circular windows. You are

relieved to find that the seat is quite comfortable, for the

journey to Port Bax will take seven days.

Stowing your equipment beneath the seat, you settle back in comfort

and doze off.

When you awake, there are five other passengers and the journey to

Durenor has already begun.

RavenConspiracy: roll a die
TheCheeter: 7
TheCheeter: I become cordial with the passengers
RavenConspiracy: During the course of the afternoon's journey, you

chat with your fellow travellers and learn about their backgrounds.
RavenConspiracy: You barely get into it. After only half an hour,

the coach is stopped by some armed horsemen. They wear the black

ship and red crest emblem of Lachlan the Overlord of Ragadorn. They

demand gold in payment for what they call 'exit taxes': one Crown

from each passenger. The other travellers each place a Crown on a

small plate and hand it to you.
TheCheeter: i put 1 crown on the plate
TheCheeter: I turn to one of the passengers and say "I'll give em

an exit tax up the pitoot"
RavenConspiracy: The armed men leave the coach in peace.

You get back to your fellow travellers.

Sitting opposite are two brothers named Ganon and Dorier. They are

knights in the Order of the White Mountain, warrior lords of

Durenor who have pledged allegiance to protect the country from

raids by the bandits of the Wildlands. They own a castle and land

near Port Bax.

Next to them sits Halvorc the merchant. His nose is swollen and his

face is badly bruised thanks to Lachlan, the Overlord of Ragadorn.

A little misunderstanding about port taxes lost him his cargo and

most of his gold.

Seated by the far door is a priest called Parsion. Like you, he is

a Sommlending who has journeyed across the Wildlands by coach on

his way to Port Bax.

Beside you sits a young woman called Viveka. She is a mercenary

adventuress who earns her gold by fighting for it, and sells her

services to the highest bidder. She is returning to Port Bax having

collected payment for a successful adventure in Ragadorn.
TheCheeter: I go over to Halvorc and give him an extra crown
TheCheeter: fortune has smiled upon me, i think you should have

this for your new life in Port Bax
RavenConspiracy: "Thbang youb," He says through his swollen nose.
TheCheeter: I exchange pleasantries througout the trip
TheCheeter: concealing my purpose and that i am the last of the kai
RavenConspiracy: "And who might you be?" Parsian enquires. You

suddenly recall that your mission is secret.
RavenConspiracy: ah
RavenConspiracy: Not wishing to reveal your true identity, you have

pretended to be a simple peasant. The travellers seem unaware of

the war that now rages in Sommerlund.
RavenConspiracy: (you're one step ahead)
TheCheeter: I am Rudolphus of Sommerlund, a pig farmer that is

seeking promises in Port Pax as a merchant
TheCheeter: I ask the merchant for advice on being a merchant
RavenConspiracy: He tries his best to speak with you but his injury

gives him such a humorous speech impediment that soon all of the

passengers are laughing. All except Parsian.
RavenConspiracy: At dusk the coach stops at an inn on the coast

road to Port Bax. The cost of a room for the night is 1 Gold Crown

for coach passengers and 3 Gold Crowns for anyone else. As you are

about to enter, the coach driver demands to see your ticket
TheCheeter: I show him my ticket
RavenConspiracy: The driver nods and hands back the ticket. The inn

is warm but poorly furnished. You must eat a Meal here which will

cost you 1 Gold Crown.
TheCheeter: I sleep outside and prepare a sleeping bed from hay in

the coach
TheCheeter: I eat my own meal
RavenConspiracy: You have no meals of your own after being robbed

and the wildlands surrounding the couching inn are barren and

uninviting. The coachmen will not let you sleep in the coach. But

there is a cold stable attached to the inn.
RavenConspiracy: You have only 8 gold crowns and a dagger, as well

as you cherrished seal of hammerdal
RavenConspiracy: You are screwed.
TheCheeter: I shall pay 1 crown for food
TheCheeter: and sleep in the stables
RavenConspiracy: Ok.
RavenConspiracy: After your meal the innkeeper frowns at you and

points to a side door. 'If you can't afford a room, you can go and

sleep in the stable.'

As you walk towards the exit, you feel the stare of the other

passengers burning into your back. The door is slammed shut and you

stand shivering in the cold night air.

TheCheeter: excellent
RavenConspiracy: Halvorc chases you outside and offers to pay for

your room.
RavenConspiracy: "Youb gabe me diss bmonaib aneeb bway." he slurrs.
TheCheeter: no thats alright, i only have 8 crowns left and i need

it to last the whole trip
RavenConspiracy: He tries to insist, but shruggin he slinks back to

the inn.
TheCheeter: I sleep in the hay
RavenConspiracy: gf just got back
RavenConspiracy: we're going to have dinner
RavenConspiracy: we'll have to continue this another time...
TheCheeter: ok

[Dave]

Oh, this is great stuff! Keep it coming! I particularly enjoyed his expolits with Steedledum, and many hushed hiyas!
You do such a great job with improvising to accomodate the choices he makes. Awesome. I hope you guys play through at least the whole Kai series this way.

[ravenconspiracy]

Sorry for the huge delay in posting the next installment. I needn't say how I've been very busy. But now I hope you enjoy-

THE LONG AWAITED CONTINUATION...



RavenConspiracy: hey

RavenConspiracy: beep beep

TheCheeter: yo

TheCheeter: i'm here

RavenConspiracy: what up

TheCheeter: not much

RavenConspiracy: are you ready to rumble?


TheCheeter: i'm ready to rumble

TheCheeter: in the bronx

TheCheeter: are you saving the file?

RavenConspiracy: yeah

RavenConspiracy: ok

RavenConspiracy: let me see...

RavenConspiracy: You climb to the top of a pile of sheaves of hay and pull your warm

Kai cloak around your shoulders to keep out the chill wind.

RavenConspiracy: You are just about to fall asleep when suddenly you have a vivid

dream of a dark figure stealing over youin the night and remorselessly slitting your

throat. The vision is so real you instinctively clutch at your throat. You feel

suddenly unsafe here, alone in the stables. The wind howls outside.

TheCheeter: i head inside uneasy

TheCheeter: I pay 1 gold to sleep in a room with a bed

RavenConspiracy: Halvorc smiles broadly at you and hurredly pays for your room with

the gold you gave him on the journey here. Parsian the priest eyes your re-entry and

as he passes to go up to his room.

RavenConspiracy: You sleep deeply without being disturbed before rising at dawn,

gathering your equipment and joining the others as they board the coach.


TheCheeter: I eye him back suspiciously, thats the 2nd time

RavenConspiracy: For two days and nights, the coach follows the trade route across

the flat, treeless Wildlands. It stops only to allow the driver to sleep. But on the

morning of the ninth day of your quest, there is an unfortunate accident. Roll a die.

TheCheeter: I become cordial yet again with the riders

TheCheeter: 7

RavenConspiracy: One of the wheels jams in a deep rut and three of the large wooden

spokes are shattered. You are forced to stop and replace the wheel before you can

continue to Port Bax. You volunteer to help the driver by levering the coach axle

with a small tree trunk, so that the spare wheel can be slid into position.

You are pushing down on the stout branch with all your strength, when the horses

suddenly rear up and race forward. The trunk springs back and catches you square in

the face, knocking you backwards to the ground. You are stunned for a moment and have

a large bruise. The driver is not so lucky. The coach has run over him. As the poor

man dies in your arms, his last words are: 'No accident . . . I saw ---


TheCheeter: what did you see!?


TheCheeter: I use my kai ability to read his mind before it decays

RavenConspiracy: To late, he has passed.

TheCheeter: damnit

RavenConspiracy: Slowly, one by one, the other travellers appear and stare in shock

at the dead coachman.

TheCheeter: i examine the priest

RavenConspiracy: 'We must bury him,' says the priest.

TheCheeter: detect treachery

TheCheeter: yes we must as i eye him

TheCheeter: I shall help, who else will help me

TheCheeter: he was a good man

RavenConspiracy: Your senses tell you nothing new. The shock of the moment is read on

all of their faces.

RavenConspiracy: They all pitch in and prepare a grave in which to lay the corpse. As

you all walk back to the coach, the passengers discuss what should be done.

'I know the road to Port Bax. I had better drive the coach,' volunteers Halvorc.

'I do hope we're not blamed for his death,' says the priest nervously.

'It was an act of the gods,' says Dorier.

'I shall testify to that,' says Ganon. 'Lies are never spoken by Knights of the White

Mountain.'

It is true that in Durenor, a true knight will speak only the truth whether for his

own good or ill. His words seem to reassure the priest and you are all soon once more

on the road heading towards the eastern horizon.


TheCheeter: i shall drive the coach, as a peasant in my lands I am skilled at driving

a horse and cart

TheCheeter: mark my words something is not right here, this is no accident

TheCheeter: he was murdered

TheCheeter: those were his last dying words

RavenConspiracy: The knights look at you with great scepticism. Ganon says, "Look,

peasant boy, you should leave serious matters to your betters. I'll forgive you for

calling me a liar, this time."

RavenConspiracy: It is late in the afternoon when you arrive at a coach station in a

small coastal village known as Gorn Cove, which is mainly populated by outcasts,

thieves and Szalls.

The death of the coachman is met by the villagers, with great suspicion, but Dorier's

words convince them that it was accidental.

There is only one inn at the village, a tavern known as the Forlorn Hope. Its state

of disrepair is typical of all the other hovels in this poor sea village. A room for

the night costs 1 Gold Crown.


TheCheeter: i spend a gold crown and spy on the priest

TheCheeter: what is he up to

RavenConspiracy: The innkeeper is a thin old man with only one eye. He hands you a

key and points to a balcony opposite. 'Number two, the red door,' he says.

The other travellers each pay their one Crown, collect a key and make their way

across the crowded tavern floor towards the stairs.

'We must make plans for tomorrow.' says Dorier. The others all nod in agreement. 'I

suggest we meet here in the bar in one hour to decide what to do.'

Parsian takes his key and heads up to his room.

RavenConspiracy: what do you want to do

TheCheeter: i sneak and follow Parsian

RavenConspiracy: You sneak up to his door and hear him click the lock.

TheCheeter: I try and focus my kai powers to read his thoughts behind the door

RavenConspiracy: Try as you might you are not skilled enough to read thoughts or

sense the mind of beings you cannot see and focus on.

TheCheeter: is his room on the 2nd floor?

RavenConspiracy: You see Ganon and Dorier eying you from the hallway...

RavenConspiracy: yes, and so is yours

TheCheeter: I head over to ganon and dorier

RavenConspiracy: "You want something?"

TheCheeter: yes I just wanted to say it was awful what happened to the driver

TheCheeter: who will be the new driver?

RavenConspiracy: "Halvorc vollunteered, but if you are keen to continue, you did fine

enough job so far."

TheCheeter: I would like to keep driving, I am skilled with a horse and cart

RavenConspiracy: It looks like they are trying to unload their gear into their rooms.

TheCheeter: Just from me guys, I dont want to upset the balance of our little group

but that driver did tell me it was no accident before he died, just be on your guard,

I will speak of it no further unless something else happens

RavenConspiracy: "I understand you are upset, you must not be used to seeing violent

deaths like that." They shut the door behind them, with a final, "Meet us down in the

Inn in an hour or so and we'll discuss this as a group."

RavenConspiracy: As you close the red door of your room, for some unknown reason you

recall the words of Captain Kelman when you left Holmgard harbour: 'There is evil

treachery at work when the enemy already has plans afoot to thwart your quest.'

An hour has nearly passed when your thoughts are disturbed by a knock at the door. It

is the innkeeper and he is carrying a tray of hot food.'With the compliments of one

of your friends,' he says, and leaves before you can ask which one. The food smells

most appetizing.


TheCheeter: I head to my room and assess it for traps and place my things fung shi

TheCheeter: I check it for poison using my kai training

RavenConspiracy: The food smells delicious, but you notice that there are two or

three drops of clear liquid on the side of the plate and another on the tray. At

first you suspect that it is only water, until you touch the fluid and notice that it

is sticky. You recognize it as sap from the gnadurn tree, a deadly poison used by

assassins because of its lack of flavour or scent. The shock of your discovery soon

turns to anger.

TheCheeter: I head to the inn keeper at once

RavenConspiracy: By the time you reach the bar, the others are all seated at a large

table awaiting your appearance. Drawing closer to the table, you realize you have

found your would-be assassin. You will have to attack without giving any warning to

your enemy.

Who will you attack :

the Knight of the White Mountain called Dorier

the merchant called Halvorc

the adventuress called Viveka

the priest called Parsion

the Knight of the White Mountain called Ganon

TheCheeter: wait how would i have known

RavenConspiracy: You Kai instincts?

RavenConspiracy: would you buy that?

TheCheeter: I head to the barkeeper before doing anything

RavenConspiracy: processing

TheCheeter: processing!

RavenConspiracy: You head for the bar but do not see it currently occupied. Dorier

asks, where you are going and says that the group needs to talk to you.

TheCheeter: I head back to the group

TheCheeter: I had to attack someone with my instincts! i dont know who to attack

TheCheeter: my gut tells me the priest

TheCheeter: but i'm not sure

RavenConspiracy: follow your gut

TheCheeter: ok i attack the priest

RavenConspiracy: The priest does not seem to be surprised by your attack, and he

draws a black sword from beneath his robes.

TheCheeter: he is a worg in mutton's clothing! i yell as i draw my dagger

RavenConspiracy: roll a die!

TheCheeter: 5

RavenConspiracy: You wield the dagger with great skill and you evade the assassin's

deadly attacks. You stab him deeply on his arm but suffer a small slash to your leg

from his black blade.

RavenConspiracy: roll again

TheCheeter: 5

RavenConspiracy: He swings to sever your head from your shoulders but you duck

beneath his blade and rake his guts with your small dagger. Quick as aviper he kicks

you away with his black booted foot and you smash through some chairs and up against

one of the wooden pillars which supports the roof of the inn. Instantly you regain

your feet as the shadow of the assassin looms over you.

RavenConspiracy: roll again

TheCheeter: 6

RavenConspiracy: You slash you dagger across his face which causes him to scream and

clutch his eye. You finish him with a quick thrust up under the chin into the brain.

RavenConspiracy: Searching the body, you discover all you need to prove that he was

the assassin. Inside his pockets, you find a half-empty vial of gnadurn sap, the

deadly poison that was used to taint your food. Then there is a scroll written in

Giak, giving details of your expected arrival in Port Bax. He must have located you

at Ragadorn and hatched his murder plans there. You notice that the weapon he carries

is a Darklord blade, fashioned of black steel and forged in the furnaces of Helgedad,

the infernal city of the Darklords beyond the Durncrag range. Only there in all of

vast Magnamund can black steel be made. But the final proof of his true identity is

the serpent tattoo on his left wrist. The harbour thugs who attempted to kill you

before you had even left Holmgard bore exactly the same mark.

His purse contains 23 Gold Crowns which you may keep.


TheCheeter: hes an assassin he killed the driver and tried to poison me

TheCheeter: i think back to the story of the serpents

RavenConspiracy: The other travellers stare with horror and disbelief at what you

have done.You begin to explain yourself, but there is a loud crash as the front door

is thrown open. In rush six armoured soldiers led by the innkeeper. They are the town

guard, and the one-eyed innkeeper appears at the bar and begins screaming at them to

arrest you.

TheCheeter: would my kai masters approve of using an evil sword? No, i break it!

TheCheeter: this man is an assassin, he planned to kill me

TheCheeter: look at his dark blade

TheCheeter: i say

RavenConspiracy: The barkeep keeps screaming at them to arrest you and it looks like

they are going to listen to him. They move in to clap you irons.

RavenConspiracy: The only exits are through the 6 gaurds or out the back door.

TheCheeter: back door

RavenConspiracy: Cursing your ill-luck and the obvious conspiracy to thwart you, you

burst out the back door. Although night has fallen, a full moon casts a bright light

upon the village. Behind the tavern, you see a small wheelwright's shop with two

horses hitched to a hay-cart.

RavenConspiracy: hmmm... shop, hay cart, horses.... hmmm

RavenConspiracy: you there?

TheCheeter: yes

TheCheeter: sry

RavenConspiracy: ok

RavenConspiracy: let me know when you can continue

TheCheeter: i hitch on to the horses with a hiya

TheCheeter: and head off into the night

RavenConspiracy: You slash the horse loose and hop onto it's back and with a "hiya!"

you disappear into the night with the cries of cursing gaurdsmen following you.

RavenConspiracy: You spur the horse along the twisting village street across a wooden

bridge and up a steep path towards the crest of the cove. In the light of the moon,

you catch a glimpse of a signpost pointing eastwards: PORT BAX 50 miles.

RavenConspiracy: You ride all night without sleep. As the dawn breaks, you are

greeted by a startling change of landscape. The barren Wildlands have given way to

moors and waterlogged fens. And a dark shadow runs the length of the eastern horizon

for as far as the eye can see. This is the Durenor forest, the natural frontier of

the mountain kingdom where it borders the untamed Wildlands. It is indeed a welcome

sight.

TheCheeter: i head into the untreacherous wildlands hoping to lose the darklord

assassins trail

RavenConspiracy: You are leaving the Wildland and headed to Durenor remember?

RavenConspiracy: You are no more than a day's ride from Port Bax but you are tired

and must stop to rest. You use the Kai Discipline of Hunting, and trap a wild

moor-rat for your breakfast. Yum.

TheCheeter: yes

TheCheeter: mmm

TheCheeter: i continue on to durenor

RavenConspiracy: yes!

RavenConspiracy: After an hour's ride you come to a fork in the road. There is no

signpost. Do you wish to go left or right?

RavenConspiracy: Left is probably the more direct path to Durenor.

TheCheeter: left

TheCheeter: i head left hiya

RavenConspiracy: sorry distracted

TheCheeter: np

RavenConspiracy: The road follows a course along a high, grassy ridge for many miles

before turning northwards to the coast. You pass a village where the houses curve in

a circle around a large pond of stagnant water. As you ride through, a gaggle of

Szall children come running towards you, shouting and throwing stones.

RavenConspiracy: You descend into the deep valley beyond and gradually the moor gives

way to richer land that has been cleared and ploughed. The hillside opposite is

heavily wooded. You are not far from the coast and you can see the tall cliffs with

their multicoloured bands of rock jutting out into the ocean.

Then just as you are passing through a small copse, you hear desperate cries for help

off to your right


TheCheeter: I wonder why the children were so evil

TheCheeter: i head right

RavenConspiracy: Szall are strange little beast-men which live in the wildlands.

TheCheeter: [fudge]

TheCheeter: no wonder, [fudge]

RavenConspiracy: You spur your horse through the tangle of trees until you enter a

small clearing. Six Szalls are jumping excitedly around the writhing body of a man on

the ground. A strangely carved spear is stuck in his chest, and lying dead beside him

is the body of a Knight of the White Mountain. The creatures are shrieking at each

other and appear to be unconcerned with the man's obvious agony.

TheCheeter: I get off the horse and ready for combat dagger in hand

RavenConspiracy: The Szalls scamper all around but don't really seem to try and

attack you. The Knight is clearly dead, but the man next to him writhes and moans

with a strange spear lodged in his chest.

RavenConspiracy: What do you want to do?

TheCheeter: one minute

TheCheeter: i have to brb

TheCheeter: sry

TheCheeter: i'll brb but i'd like to attack the creatures and save the man from

suffering

RavenConspiracy: The cowardly Szalls squeal in terror and run in all directions to

avoid your blows. They have soon fled from the clearing and you turn to help the

dying man. He is barely alive and far too weak to talk.

TheCheeter: i use kai healing on his body

RavenConspiracy: You take the spear out of his chest carefully, preparing to use your

skills to rapidly stabalize his wounds.

RavenConspiracy: The carved spear is made of metal, yet it feels as light as if it

were made of wood. You notice the shaft is covered in runes and magic emblems. As you

carefully pull it from the man's chest, he gives a long sigh of relief. You are about

to examine his wound, when you feel a searing pain shoot through your head. It is so

strong and painful that you collapse to the ground.

TheCheeter: i try and meditate and block my mind

TheCheeter: clutching at my new precious spear

RavenConspiracy: Your mental shield soon protects you.

You are amazed to see the man jump to his feet, and then horrified to see the

dreadful change that comes over him. The skin of his face appears to writhe and

change colour, growing darker and shrinking as it decays on his skull. His eyes burn

with a bright red glow and long fangs protrude from his bottom jaw. You choke with

fear as you realize it is a Helghast, a nightmarish agent of the Darklords. It is

attacking you with its powerful Mindforce.

RavenConspiracy: You cannot evade this creature and you must fight it to the death.

RavenConspiracy: Roll a die

TheCheeter: helghast!

TheCheeter: 8

TheCheeter: is it a helghast or THE helghast? like named creatures of the dark lords

RavenConspiracy: It is a helghast

TheCheeter: oh

TheCheeter: i use the new found magical spear

RavenConspiracy: The creature lets out a long nightmarish wheezing sound as it

lurches towards you. It's sheer melevolence racks yoru mind in psychic pain. Were it

not for your mindshield you would be powerless to resist. You steel yourself and stab

it through with the enchanted spear. It grips the end of the weapon before it can be

fully impaled in it's skin-less hands.

RavenConspiracy: roll again

TheCheeter: 6

RavenConspiracy: The creature claws at you, trying to get it's hellish fingers around

your neck, but you retreat and make two short stabs into it's exposed ribs. Foul

ichor seeps from the three wounds you have delt it, but still it menaces you with

those horrible lid-less eyes.

RavenConspiracy: roll again

TheCheeter: 1 :-(

RavenConspiracy: You try to keep the thing at bay but it grips your arm. The chill of

the grave travels along your arm and your bones grind horribly in their sockets.

RavenConspiracy: roll again

TheCheeter: 8

TheCheeter: chill of someone stepping on my own grave

RavenConspiracy: You throw the creature off of you and it's talons tear at the flesh

of your arm but it shreiks in rage and deafeat. It seems few people ever manage to

resist its attacks so masterfully. You instantly plant your feet and stab it once

more through what you guess are its vitals, yet once again the creature screams and

pulls the spear from its own guts.

RavenConspiracy: roll again

TheCheeter: natural 20

RavenConspiracy: pfft

RavenConspiracy: did youroll a 0?

TheCheeter: that was pat

TheCheeter: 4

TheCheeter: this dark minion just wont die, it must be one of the elites

RavenConspiracy: The creature suddenly hurls itself on you and its vice-like hand

wrap around your neck. Your eyes roll back in your head and yourmind is wracked with

pain. Yet soon the claws release you, for as it lunged you impaled it on the spear

with your last ounces of strength and courage.

[ravenconspiracy]

RavenConspiracy: The creature begins shriveling up. You notice that it carries a

satchel pack.

TheCheeter: I retrieve its satchel and push it off of me

RavenConspiracy: You search in his pack and are horrified to find that it contains a

scroll of human skin upon which a message has been written in a strange runic script.

The only word that you can make out is 'Kai'. You also find an evil-looking dagger

with a black blade, and a block of cold obsidian.

These items bear the signs of the Darklords' craft. Something is very wrong here. You

drop the pack as quickly as if it were red-hot and turn to mount your horse. To your

dismay, you find it is no longer there: the Szalls must have stolen it. Wearily, you

realize you will now have to continue your journey on foot.


TheCheeter: i head on foot cautiously

TheCheeter: with my new magic spear

RavenConspiracy: You have been walking for nearly two hours when you reach the peak

of a hill and see the Durenor forest stretched out before you. The road bears

eastwards and enters the trees at a point where a large wooden tower has been built.

You can see the silhouette of a soldier on guard.

You can either continue to approach the watchtower, or you can attempt to avoid the

gaurds by sticking to the forest.

TheCheeter: I avoid the watchtower and stick to the forest

RavenConspiracy: ok

RavenConspiracy: You push on through the dense forest for nearly three hours before

you discover a track heading north, running parallel to the Rymerift, whose rushing

waters are over one mile deep. In the distance, you spot a bridge that spans the dark

water at a narrow point. A small hut with a flat roof has been erected in the centre,

on top of which stand two soldiers. A sign points across the bridge.

PORT BAX

Your kai senses reveal that the path is a dead end. The only way that you can cross

the Rymerift and reach Port Bax is via the bridge.

TheCheeter: I head back to the bridge

RavenConspiracy: The soldiers quickly descend from the roof of the hut and grab their

spears. They advance towards you and one of them shouts, 'Password, stranger!'

TheCheeter: portbax

RavenConspiracy: The guards look angry and ready to attack. You will have to think of

something quickly.

TheCheeter: I'm stranded, our coach fell

TheCheeter: the driver is dead

TheCheeter: and the passengers scattered

TheCheeter: I have been on foot

TheCheeter: since

RavenConspiracy: "Look, enough of your sob story," they scold.

RavenConspiracy: You can either try to bribe the soldier, show them the seal of

Hammerdal, or attack them.

TheCheeter: I show them the seal of hammerdal

TheCheeter: let me through, i'm on urgent business

RavenConspiracy: Both guards stare at the Seal in awe. The legend of the Seal of

Hammerdal is well known to all the people of Durenor. It is said that of all the lost

treasures of Durenor, the Seal of Hammerdal is the one they would not wish returned.

The anxious faces of the two guards show they clearly realize its significance.

TheCheeter: I need to get to port bax immediately

TheCheeter: can you get me there fast?

RavenConspiracy: "I can show you the fastest way. Follow me."


TheCheeter: excellent

RavenConspiracy: One of the guards escorts you across the Rymerift and along a forest

road that eventually ends at a junction. A signpost points to the east.

PORT BAX--3 MILES
'I must leave you now and return to the Rymerift. I fear that war will soon cast its

black shadow upon this land and I shall be needed at the border. Godspeed to you

Sommlending, godspeed.'

You watch for a few minutes as the soldier returns along the forest track before you

set off eastwards. You should arrive in Port Bax within the hour.

TheCheeter: excellent

TheCheeter: brb

RavenConspiracy: At dusk on the tenth day of your quest, you experience your first

sight of the magnificent city of Port Bax. Like a diamond set in the green velvet

shore, the towers of the city glimmer in the pale light of a waxing moon. To the

north is the harbour and the formidable war fleet of the Durenese navy. To the east,

beyond the moss-covered city wall, stretches the forest of Durenor. And there, on the

crest of a hill, stands a castle tall and proud, the crowning glory of this beautiful

port.

TheCheeter: i head into the forest of durenor

TheCheeter: towards my destiny at the castle

TheCheeter: sry that took so long

RavenConspiracy: You enter Port Bax through an unguarded gate in the green city wall,

and make your way through the darkening streets towards the harbour.

As you turn into a tree-lined avenue, you notice the wide stone steps of a domed

building to your right. You stop to read the brass plaque.

CITY HALL

Despite the late hour, the main doors are open. However, the city hall is not your

ultimate destination.

You try to remember some of the stories told to you by an old Kai master called Wise

Hawk. He was envoy to Port Bax for many years, and he knew and loved this city as

well as any native Durenese. You recall him saying that the consulate overlooked Alin

Square in the naval quadrant of the city. There is a sign to your left pointing along

the avenue.

Naval Quadrant--1/2 Mile
Certain this is the right direction, you walk confidently along the tree-lined

avenue.


RavenConspiracy: let me know when you finish reading that section

TheCheeter: head to naval quadrant

RavenConspiracy: ok

TheCheeter: just finished

RavenConspiracy: At the end of the avenue, the cobbled street turns abruptly to the

right. Opposite this point is a tall, white stone building with a plaque above the

door.
It reads Port Watchtower Harbour Authority.

You can see that the cobbled street ends at a high stone wall. There is a large red

gate in this wall and it is guarded by two soldiers. Beyond the gate, you can make

out the masts of ships moored in the harbour.

You need to find some way into the Harbour.

TheCheeter: Is the gate scalable?

RavenConspiracy: There are gaurds standing in front of it. There is now way to scale

it without them spotting you.

TheCheeter: I approach the guards

TheCheeter: seal in hand

RavenConspiracy: One of the guards steps forward and demands to see your pass.

TheCheeter: i show him my seal

RavenConspiracy: He stares at the seal. "What's this supposed to be then?"

TheCheeter: I must get to Durenar immediately!

RavenConspiracy: "Easy buddy; you're in Durenor! Now this here is the Summerlund

Consulate. If you want to get in you'll need to get a red pass from the port

authority."

TheCheeter: where is the port authority?

RavenConspiracy: He points to the large watch tower only a handful of yards away.

TheCheeter: i enter the watchtower

RavenConspiracy: ok

RavenConspiracy: You are standing in a large, empty hall. Opposite are two doors,

each with a brass sign above them. One is marked "white passes", the other marked

"red passes".

TheCheeter: enter red passes

RavenConspiracy: You enter a large room full of ledgers and files. A man wearing the

uniform of a Durenese naval officer is seated opposite at a large desk. He peers at

you inquisitively from behind a huge book and says, 'You must have pressing business

in the naval quadrant to apply for a red pass at this late hour. I shall need to see

your access papers and proof of your commanding officer's authorization.

TheCheeter: I show him my seal'

RavenConspiracy: The man stares at the Seal with a look of shocked dismay. Without

saying a word, he gets up from his chair and beckons you to follow him up a flight of

spiral stairs that lead to a domed chamber. Here you meet the captain of the port

watch. He listens intently as you tell of the war in Sommerlund and of your urgent

mission.

'Issue a red pass immediately,' he orders. 'Top priority.'

You collect your pass, leave the port watchtower and hurry along the street towards

the harbour guards.

TheCheeter: i leave quickly

RavenConspiracy: The soldier salutes and allows you to pass through the red gate. You

walk into an open square lit by the tall beacons lining the quayside. To your relief,

you sight the marble pillars of the Sommerlund Consulate, and the familiar sun-flag

of your country flying above it in the fresh night breeze

TheCheeter: heres my red pass, take me immediately!

TheCheeter: i head for sommerland consulate

RavenConspiracy: As you climb the stone steps, you are recognized by the Sommlending

guards on duty at the main door. They disappear inside and quickly return in the

company of a tall grey-haired official. His anguished expression suddenly changes to

a smile of joy as he beholds your ragged Kai cloak and tunic.

'Hope beyond hope! Thank the gods that you live, Kai Lord. The scant news that has

reached us from the west has caused us great alarm.'

You are ushered inside and taken immediately to the envoy of Sommerlund,

Lord-lieutenant Rhygar


TheCheeter: look upon rhygar

RavenConspiracy: Your first meeting with the Lord-lieutenant comes as something of a

shock. You had perhaps half expected him to be a servile old man, as are the envoys

of the southern lands that plague your King's court with their delegations. The man

clad in heavy chainmail standing before you is neither old nor servile. You are soon

to learn that Lord-lieutenant Rhygar is an exceptional man.

RavenConspiracy: Born of a Sommlending father and a Durenese mother, he has become

something of a legend in this city. In the last decade, he has led an alliance of the

nations to victory against the invading Ice Barbarians of Kalte. Wise in peace,

fierce in war, you could not have wished for better company on your quest for the

Sommerswerd.

RavenConspiracy: Rhygar orders that a sumptuous meal be served. It is by far the best

food you have tasted since the war began. During the feast, you recall the events

that have brought you to Port Bax, and reflect on the daunting challenge that still

lies before you. After the meal, Rhygar sends for his physician who attends to your

wounds. His potions restore 6 ENDURANCE points. Then he advises you to sleep, for you

are to leave with the Lord-lieutenant for Hammerdal in the morning

TheCheeter: how many days can the city hold

RavenConspiracy: This is the tenth day of your journey, the King of Summerlund said

that he had only 40 days to hold out.

TheCheeter: ok i head to bed comforted some that i can still get there in time

RavenConspiracy: Early next day, you are taken to an enclosed garden at the rear of

the consulate where Rhygar and three of his best soldiers await you on horseback.

They are to be your bodyguard and guides on the 230 mile ride to Hammerdal. The

streets of Port Bax are just beginning to come to life as you ride through the town.

Passing under the moss-covered city gate, you now feel confident that your mission

will succeed.

RavenConspiracy: roll a die

TheCheeter: 6

RavenConspiracy: For three days and nights you have followed the highway to the

capital as it runs parallel to the River Durenon. The river valley is a wide belt of

rich, cultivated land that climbs towards the Hammerdal Mountains, one of the highest

ranges in all of Magnamund.

It is on the morning of the fourteenth day of your quest, when six cloaked men appear

at the edge of your camp. Lord-lieutenant Rhygar is the first to draw his sword. With

a voice of authority he demands an explanation for their intrusion. In reply, they

unsheathe black swords. Rhygar shouts to his men to prepare for combat as the cloaked

strangers advance towards you.


TheCheeter: black swords! they're the darklords men!

RavenConspiracy: As you approach you have a familiar feeling as they approach. Your

Kai sense reveals to you that the strangers are Helghast, fell captains of the

Darklords. They have been sent from the Darklord city of Helgedad on a mission of

assassination. They have the ability to take on the appearance of humans and they are

immune to normal weapons and Mindblast. Against so many and with only one magical

weapon, you and your companions stand no chance.

TheCheeter: run! I activate my mind shield and sprint

RavenConspiracy: You turn to shout a warning to Rhygar as you run for the safety of

the forest.

TheCheeter: I will give my companions more time

TheCheeter: if i must

TheCheeter: by diverting them

TheCheeter: i'll run off alone they go another way

RavenConspiracy: You yell your plan to the others as you bolt into the trees. The

Helghast scatter trying to make sure each man is tailed. The forest drops away

steeply at the edge of your campsite, and in your haste you trip and fall headlong

through the trees.

RavenConspiracy: roll a die

TheCheeter: 3

RavenConspiracy: You come to rest face downwards in a tangle of thick bracken. The

ringing of steel and the horrible cries of the Helghast echo through the trees around

you. You are stunned and cannot move until a hand grabs your arm and pulls you

upright. It is Rhygar. His face is bloodied and his armour is battered and charred.

'We must flee these demons, Lone Wolf. Strength and steel will not avail us here.'

You glimpse the silhouette of six Helghast on the forest road above. Their minds bent

on the slaughter of Rhygar's men, they fail to see you both slip away under cover of

the wooded hillside.

TheCheeter: we both hide

TheCheeter: and head into the woods, we're getting really good at that

RavenConspiracy: Rygar tells you that hiding here is not an option for the Helghast

stalk about. Instead he leads you on a gruelling overland trek. For six hours you run

without rest. The Helghast are on the highway and you are forced to make your way

through the steep and wooded foothills to avoid the risk of capture. Many times you

feel that you just cannot go on, that the pain and the fatigue are too much to bear.

But each time you falter, you are spurred on by Rhygar. You marvel at his endurance,

for he is not a young man and he is clothed in the heavy armour of a Sommlending

knight.

By nightfall, you have reached the entrance to Tarnalin, the western tunnel through

the Hammerdal Mountains. The three tunnels of Durenor were excavated during the age

of the Black Moon, and each tunnel is over forty miles long and passes through the

huge circle of the Hammerdal range to the capital. The tunnels provide the only

access to the city.

Rhygar sits beside you and takes some bread and meat from his pack. 'Eat this, Lone

Wolf. You must sustain your strength for the journey to Hammerdal, for from here you

must venture alone through the Tarnalin. I shall remain here and hold the enemy back

for as long as I have the strength to fight. Do not argue--that your mission should

succeed is the only thing that matters.


TheCheeter: i eat

RavenConspiracy: You eat and Rhygar turns to watch the road that leads to the

tunnel's entrance. "Now you must go, and do not fail Lone Wolf. I feel we will not

meet again in this life."

TheCheeter: theres always hope rhygar, i must go on , good luck

TheCheeter: i kiss the seal, and head on

RavenConspiracy: The Tarnalin is a wonder to behold. Over a hundred feet in height

and width, the tunnel runs to the capital on the far side of the Hammerdal range.

Usually it is alive with the traffic of wagons and people to and from Port Bax. But

as you enter, you find it deserted except for an overturned fruit cart. The road that

disappears into the torchlit tunnel is empty and quiet.

As you walk along the paved road, you get an uneasy feeling that perhaps the Helghast

have arrived at Tarnalin before you. You have been walking for nearly an hour when

the tunnel splits in two.


RavenConspiracy: Do with to go left or right?

RavenConspiracy: wish*

TheCheeter: left

RavenConspiracy: ok

TheCheeter: emo can we stop?

TheCheeter: i have to go to bed

TheCheeter: here soon

RavenConspiracy: yeah, lets stop

TheCheeter: cool

TheCheeter: thanks its been really fun

RavenConspiracy: np

RavenConspiracy: good night

[Taryn]

This is awesome. I can't wait for your friend to get the Sommerswerd and kill Darklord Zagarna!

What will you do if he dies from an unavoidable random number, like riding the Itikar in Book 5?