Episode 1 of "Chief of War" unfolds in the twilight of the 18th century, nestled amidst the lush, untamed heart of the Pacific Islands, with our journey culminating in the serene yet turbulent archipelago of Hawai’i. At this juncture in history, the islands are fractured into four distinct kingdoms—Maui, O’ahu, Kaua’i, and the aptly named Hawai’i—each separated by treacherous waters, cunning chiefs, and the omnipresent might of powerful gods. The realms are caught in an eternal quagmire of warfare, a cycle seemingly destined to persist forever.
Yet, there exists an ancient prophecy, whispered through the ages, foretelling the arrival of "A Star with a Feathered Cape," heralded as the harbinger of a magnificent king who shall unite the fractured kingdoms and quell the relentless tide of bloodshed. As of yet, no king has risen to claim this mantle, but one candidate emerges with a promising glow: Ka’iana, a former war chief of formidable strength, agility, and an enchanting charisma. However, in the Kingdom of Kaua’i, he is shunned as an outsider, an exile from his birth island of Maui who forsook the throne of King Kahekili for the sake of love and peace.
Despite Maui no longer being his refuge, its shadowy influence lingers like a specter. The haunting blast of a conch shell pierces the air, signaling the impending arrival of a Maui canoe laden with warriors. The King has summoned Ka’iana to attend a council of war, a summoning he cannot ignore.
Upon his reluctant return to Maui, Ka’iana's presence is met with a mixture of resentment and anticipation. He was once destined to be the golden child, the beacon leading his people into battle and glory. His defection, however, has been perceived as a betrayal of their legacy and kingdom. Ka’iana stands firm in his refusal to return to his old life, yet fate inexorably draws him to the King's presence. As he enters, eyes watch him with suspicion and scorn, among them Niu, the fiercest of warriors, whose back has never been reached by an adversary's spear.
Ka’iana, driven by an innate sense of destiny, tests his fortune under the watchful gaze of King Kahekili, leading to an inevitable clash fought in the "ancient manner." With swift precision, Ka’iana dispatches his opponent, showcasing his warrior heritage and formidable strength. Impressed, Kahekili reveals that Ka’iana’s father once held the esteemed position of Chief of War in their lands. Though Ka’iana swiftly disavows any intention of following in his father’s footsteps, the King persists.
Kahekili unfolds a dire prophecy, shared by the Seer, foretelling the enslavement of their people beneath the cruel rule of the O’ahu. Their formidable army, twice the size of Maui’s, is fueled by a malevolent High Priest who has poisoned the mind of the young O’ahu King, turning him into a pawn of war. Believing the Ancient Prophecy intertwines with these events, Kahekili sees no alternative but for Ka’iana to stand alongside him and thwart this looming calamity. Ka’iana, steadfast in his resolve to sail back to Kaua’i, rejects the call to arms, yet Kahekili, far from a forgiving ruler, is relentless.
The following day, Kahekili revisits Ka’iana, acknowledging the reasons behind his departure from military service. He insists that the Prophecy, misinterpreted as heralding a pivotal moment rather than a new ruler, is very real. Though Ka’iana hesitates to embrace such a burden, the divine voices of the Gods and Seers have spoken, guiding him towards a path he may not have chosen but must tread nonetheless. Even the Prophetess, Taula, visits him in a vision, urging him to "grasp his father’s hand" and heed the call.
Yielding to fate, Ka’iana decides to confront O’ahu. His strategy: to assault the Eastern stronghold and dismantle the temple, where the High Priest is rumored to dwell. He devises a dual tactic, leading a small contingent to strike at the heart of the stronghold while orchestrating a diversion for the rest to swarm the Waikiki shores—without initiating combat.
However, battle ensues regardless, transforming into a grim, gruesome spectacle overwhelmingly tilted against them. Ignoring Ka’iana’s orders, Kahekili and his soldiers land, embarking on a ruthless rampage against the villagers. Their wrath even reaches the Temple of Refuge, turning it into a scene of slaughter and despair.
As the events unfold, Ka’iana gathers a contingent of soldiers and sets out to track down the elusive High Priest. Despite their diligent search, both parties come up empty-handed in their quest for the High Priest, though they stumble upon the young King in the process. The youthful monarch, with eyes brimming with desperation, appeals to Ka’iana, emphasizing his unwavering admiration for him. However, his pleas fall upon hearts hardened by determination, particularly as Kahekili delivers the fatal strike.
In an astonishing revelation that turns the tables, it transpires that Kahekili has been orchestrating a complex manipulation of Ka’iana throughout this entire ordeal. The High Priest was but a figment of his imagination, a mere pretext to ignite a war and garner Ka’iana's compliance. Understandably, our protagonist is anything but pleased when the truth dawns upon him...
