By the Word and the Blade (Bastard of Kosigan, episode 5)

“Bastard of Kosigan” is a dashing medieval adventure with historical and fantasy chunks thrown in - a feast for anyone interested in medieval court intrigues crafted by a historian and talented writer. It is a genuine novel-like story.  In my opinion, in terms of the plot of courtly-dynastic dimension and historical feel THE BEST NWN module to date. So what’s happening? Kosigan, a province of Burgundy has provoked a wrath by France, her former protector. You are a bastard of Kosigan and claimant to the throne of Kosigan with volatile loyalties. You know this, it’s module 5 already, don’t you?

Chronological sequence for playing all “Bastard of Kosigan” modules in English:

1/ Exile of the West (prequel in Cologne, Germany)

2/ The Bastard of Kosigan (court and family intrigue in Kosigan)

3/ Revelations Introduction &  Revelations (knowing your genealogy and meeting old friends)

4/ Blood and Tears (plotting against the French in Kosigan)

5/ By the Word and Blade (organizing resistance and allies, final battle)

A list of previous modules available with links to be found here.

Module 5: By the Word and Blade

Previously you learned that  in spite of your claims being legitimate, the King of France does not seem to recognize them. After significantly weakening the French forces that have stationed in the city of Kosigan (Module 4), the Bastard now flees from the city to prevent an open confrontation with the main branch of the French army.  He sets up a camp in the woods and starts to prepare a resistance movement as well as a diplomatic mission aimed at convincing the skeptical local rulers they should side with him. Time is of the essence now: Bastard has only a few days before the French army marches in. In the meantime he has to win as many allies as possible (elves and gnomes, among others) while constantly watching his back. The grand battle is underway as the French-proclaimed governor of Kosigan is reluctant to negotiate unless you give him a really good argumentum ad consequentiam (i.e. force).

GAMEPLAY: the story is dependent on your choices in previous modules, but there is an introduction that allows for introducing the past choices as placeholders as well. When you rest there is a countdown so make sure you rest as little as possible.  

KNOWN BUGS:  during the final battle in the valley of Kosigan there is an issue with faction labeling, which may result in a mess. In my case by the end of the battle my allies started to killing my other allies and they butchered Erine. Anyway, it is the last grand battle in the module, so do not worry too much, should it happen.

Also: time progression is problematic, due to countdown. Resting more than a few times may result in your inability to convince all the allies in time, which then will result in your weakness in the final confrontation (not to mention you will not experience  some cool scenes). The problem is that you do not have time, but a half of the in-game day may easily pass if you are in no rush and try to explore, enjoy the views and reading Fabien’s dialogues. Too bad. Fortunately, the progression of time may be “slowed down” by pausing game when reading dialogues. As time progression is a unrealistic here, don’t have guilty conscience when doing this. It is not cheating. Also, you will be able to find a horse that hastens travelling and probably a pixie that allows for limited fast-travel.

WHAT’S NEXT? So far (January 2016) this one is the last module available both in French and in English (you will miss Belle de Noailles and her charismatic elan vital, won’t you?).

If you like the module, consider sending a "thank you" to Fabien Cerutti and Ginni Swanton (translator of the module and "Bastard" books) for their work. As you should know from the previous modules, after defeating the French and reclaiming Kosigan, you will have to travel to Rome and Vatican. Unfortunately there is no module 6 about these events. Instead, Fabien Cerutti, the author of the story promises to write a book about it that may be translated in English. Or maybe he could think of preparing a module one day if there were enough players interested? I am not suggesting anything  :)  Author’s e-mail: fabien.cerutti@free.fr

...BUT if you feel really disappointed and all (t)ears due to the lack of the final chapter, then look no further and download Bloodright - The Blood Royal [LINK] - a module in somehow similar medieval setting, with great court intrigue and with you as a basterd in the main role as well ! Although writing is less peppery and not as professional as Fabien's, it is still great, freaturing believable henchmen; besides  it is a single module with a promise of 30 hours of gameplay and the story worthy of coronation :)

FILES AND DOWNLOAD:

1/ “Module 5 By Word and Blade Bastard Kosigan  Dec30 2013 fab4” – the very module, to be placed in MODULES directory.

Note: Before you start playing, it is useful to read Fabien’s lengthy remarks which are available in  game on module selection. I know you can’t wait to play, but it is just a word of advice.

2/ “BWaB BOK episode 5 additional files” – view readme for destinations and location of files.

3/ “BWaB BOK episode 5 haks and optional tlk” – additional haks to be put into HAK directory.

4/ * * [3 March 2016] "haks2.7z" - this hackpack is an optional one, necessary only for for those who want to play this module without having files from previous modules installed (see the comments by Werelynx below this post) 

Note: I added “kosigan.tlk” to this group, which you may optionally put into main NWN folder (where the game is installed). Fabien sent it to me when I could not launch the game and TLK error occurred. It worked. If you have similar problem, this file may be a solution.

Be aware that it is possible that many other HAKs from prebvious modules such as treants are required as well. But as long as you played them before choosing this module -  no worries. You have them. 

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Let me know here if you encounter problems.

Cheers, Greg.