GURPS Lone Wolf Notes (cont')

Magnakai disciplines

For the most part, these appear to be improvements on the existing Kai abilities, although some disciplines go beyond sheer skill:

Improved Disciplines.

Starting with the Magnakai series, it is possible for a Kai Lord to receive "upgrades" to his existing abilities. The improvements are as follows:

Vakeros

The Vakeros, as described in various Lone Wolf books, are the native warrior-mages of Dessi, an ally of Sommerlund. They are distinguished by their specialized skill in battle magic, and by the blue-steel weapons that they carry.

As far as stats and advantages go, there is a minimum for DX (combat and skills like Throw Spell/Spell Jet) and IQ (for spells, natch). I suggest a minimum of 12 in each. They should definitely also have a level of Magery, at least.

Vakeros seem to have some level of Social Status; being trained by the Elder Magi, they should have a Social Status of at least 1, as well as a reputation (+1, skilled fighters and magic users, half the time outside of Dessi).

Spells

In the series, there have been spells from Elemental schools such as Fire and Air/Lightning(Flameshaft and Power Grasp), Making/Breaking (Splinter and Penetrate), and Body Control (Hold Enemy). A reasonable "permissible college layout" would be:

• Body Control
• Elemental (primarily Fire and Air)
• Making and Breaking
• Protection and Warning

Possible Colleges (GM permission):

• Mind Control
• Knowledge
• Movement
• Light/Dark

I didn't see any evidence of healing abilities from Jungle of Horrors (Paido never used any, anyway), and I think it's reasonable that no self respecting battlemage would know Necromancy. Enchantment spells would probably be left to the Elder Magi, as that group has little to do with combat, and the power required would exceed what is practical on the battlefield.

Typical equipment

Being trained by the Elder Magi, the Vakeros will typically have access to several useful enchanted items. The most prominent of these is their Blue Steel swords, which are strong enough to effect a Helghast. The basic stats for a Blue Steel weapon are: Sword (any type), +2 Accuracy and Pussiance, Staff (added to allow Vakeros to cast their spells along their blades, as seen in Jungle of Horrors).

The Elder Magi don't let the secret of making these swords get out, so getting one can only be done by either joining the order, or stealing one (rarely a good idea, especially with the powers that the Vakeros, and the Elder Magi have at their disposal). A generous GM might allow the PCs to receive one as a gift from the Magi, but this should only be done after a truly heroic adventure.