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12 <gamebook xml:lang="en-UK" version="0.12">
15 <title>War of the Wizards</title>
16 <creator class="author" sort-name="Page, Ian">Ian Page</creator>
17 <creator class="author" sort-name="Dever, Joe">Joe Dever</creator>
18 <creator class="illustrator" sort-name="Bonner, Paul">Paul Bonner</creator>
19 <creator class="short">Joe Dever and Ian Page</creator>
20 <creator class="medium">
21 <line>Text by Ian Page</line>
22 <line>Illustrated by Paul Bonner</line>
23 <line>Edited by Joe Dever</line>
25 <creator class="long">
26 &inclusion.ian.page.bio.gs;
27 &inclusion.joe.dever.bio.gs;
28 &inclusion.paul.bonner.bio.gs;
30 <publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
31 <date class="publication"><year>2012</year><month>10</month><day>28</day></date>
32 <description class="blurb">
33 <p>You are the Wizard Grey Star. You now face the tumultuous climax of your epic struggle to overthrow the evil Wytch-king Shasarak. His cruel empire is torn by war as the Freedom Fighters rebel against his corrupt dominion. Can you reach them in time to free mankind? Can you overcome the Wytch-king<ch.apos/>s ferocious soldiers and the supernatural hordes that are his to command? Your only hope lies in your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff. Guard it well<ch.emdash/>for it contains the might of the mystic Moonstone, the very essence of your Magical Powers.</p>
34 <p><cite>The World of Lone Wolf</cite> is an exciting adventure series in which you are the hero, you make the decisions, and you fight the combats using the unique systems included in the book.</p>
36 <description class="publication">
37 <p>Internet Edition published by <a href="&link.project.website;">Project Aon</a>. This edition is intended to reflect the complete text of the original version. Where we have made minor corrections, they will be noted in the <a idref="errata">Errata</a>.</p>
39 <rights class="copyrights">
40 <line>Concept copyright <ch.copy/> 1986 Joe Dever and Gary Chalk.</line>
41 <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1986 Ian Page.</line>
42 <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1986 Paul Bonner.</line>
44 <rights class="license-notification">
46 <line>Concept copyright <ch.copy/> 1986 Joe Dever and Gary Chalk.</line>
47 <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1986 Ian Page.</line>
48 <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1986 Paul Bonner.</line>
49 <line>Distribution of this Internet Edition is restricted under the terms of the <a idref="license">Project Aon License</a>.</line>
61 <title>Title Page</title>
62 <link class="next" idref="dedicate" />
67 <section class="frontmatter" id="dedicate">
69 <title>Dedication</title>
70 <link class="prev" idref="title" />
71 <link class="next" idref="acknwldg" />
75 <p class="dedication">To Alison</p>
79 <section class="frontmatter" id="acknwldg">
81 <title>Acknowledgements</title>
82 <link class="prev" idref="dedicate" />
83 <link class="next" idref="coming" />
88 &inclusion.joe.dever.endowment;
90 <section class="frontmatter" id="credits">
91 <meta><title>Credits</title></meta>
95 <dt>Transcription</dt>
97 <dt>Illustration Transcription</dt>
99 <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
100 <line>Simon Osborne</line>
104 <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
105 <line>Thomas Wolmer</line>
107 <dt>Replacement Illustrations</dt>
109 <line>JC Alvarez (Action Charts)</line>
110 <line>Jonathan Blake (Extramatter Charts and Tables)</line>
111 <line>Christopher Lundgren (Map and Small Illustrations)</line>
113 <dt>Proofreading</dt>
115 <line>Jeff Dougan (Frontmatter)</line>
116 <line>David Harvey (Sections 1<ch.endash/>360)</line>
120 <line>Ingo Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
121 <line>Benjamin Krefetz</line>
122 <line>Simon Osborne</line>
123 <line>Timothy Pederick</line>
125 <!-- <dt>PDF Layout</dt>
127 <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
128 <line>Ingo Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
130 <dt>Coordination</dt>
132 <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
133 <line>Thomas Wolmer</line>
135 <dt>Special Thanks</dt>
136 <dd>David Davis, Wolf Ewing, Kayvohn Kazemi, Xavier Mataillet, Justin Parks, Jennifer Sigman, Iain Smith</dd>
143 <section class="frontmatter" id="coming">
145 <title>Of the Coming of Grey Star</title>
146 <link class="prev" idref="acknwldg" />
147 <link class="next" idref="tssf" />
151 <p>Ancient days they were when first the Shianti set foot upon the land that men call Magnamund. Long had they journeyed through the void, homeless wanderers in search of a place to call their own. And so it was that when the Shianti first looked upon the face of the land, their hearts were raised in wonder. They saw a world of nameless mountains, untamed forests, and lands both wild and free. Here they chose to cease their wanderings and to devote themselves to the study and appreciation of this newfound land.</p>
152 <p>To the delight of the Shianti, the race of man first emerged at this time and they watched his early struggle towards civilization with eager concern. Like gods, the Shianti seemed to the minds of primitive men. Tall and proud, shining with a radiance that spoke of magic and arcane mystery, the Shianti moved among them and with their powers of wizardry, aided man in his development.</p>
153 <p>As the centuries passed, man fell to worship of the magical Shianti and the power of these wizards grew even stronger. With hungry hearts they sought to unlock the mysteries of knowledge, sending their minds into other planes of existence and strange worlds beyond the sphere of the material plane. Their foresight was now unmatched and the power of their thought was mighty indeed. It was at this time that they created the Moonstone. Woven of the very fabric of the astral plane of Daziarn, this translucent gem was the greatest achievement of Shianti wisdom. It was the binding force of all Shianti magic, containing the combined might of all their wizardry, the sum of all their knowledge. The Golden Age of the Shianti had come and the Moonstone was the instrument of their dominion throughout all Magnamund. Man stood as little more than a shadow, blinded by the shining white light of Shianti glory. But, in creating the Moonstone, the unwritten laws of nature had been transgressed. For the Moonstone, like the Shianti themselves, was something outside of man<ch.apos/>s own world; it defied the natural order laid down by the creators of Magnamund and disrupted the balance that the gods had designed.</p>
154 <p>The Goddess Ishir, High Priestess of the Moon and mother of all men, showed herself to the Shianti and spoke to them of the destiny of man: <quote>The children of this world must claim their inheritance. Their time has come and they must learn to stand alone. They are lost in their worship of you and the day draws ever nearer when they will covet the power of the Moonstone.</quote></p>
155 <p>And the Shianti said: <quote>Forgive us, Great Goddess, for we intended no harm. We love mankind even as you do. We have sought to do good and protect your children from harm.</quote></p>
156 <p>But Ishir replied, <quote>Of this there can be no doubt, but this world is not your realm. Man must be free to pursue his destiny alone, and you must leave, for you trespass on his domain.</quote></p>
157 <p>The Shianti were filled with sorrow. They feared a return to the void and to their lonely wandering, and pleaded with Ishir that she might allow them to remain. Ishir was filled with pity for them. She spoke again, saying, <quote>If you are to remain, you must obey my command. You must take a vow never to interfere with mankind<ch.apos/>s fate. As a token of good faith you must lay aside the Moonstone, and return it to the plane where it belongs.</quote></p>
158 <p>Solemnly, the Shianti agreed. The vow was sworn before Ishir, and the Moonstone was returned to the Daziarn. The Shianti then moved south to the Isle of Lorn. They encircled their new home with a web of enchantments, magical mists, and mage winds to prevent man from ever finding their place of refuge in the Sea of Dreams.</p>
159 <p>Knowledge of the Shianti faded with time, save in southern Magnamund where it became enshrined in legend, and the worship of them endured. Priests of the Shianti religion preserved their teachings and patiently awaited the day when the <quote>ancient ones</quote> would return, bringing with them lasting peace and the blessing of a new golden age.</p>
160 <p>Two thousand years strode by and man advanced as Ishir had foretold. He built great cities and cultivated the land; his kingdoms rose and fell; he made war and loved and laughed and became master of his fate. But a new power was emerging in the province of Shadaki. There Shasarak the evil Wytch-king ruled. The black necromancer commanded an army of brutal soldiers and had a devoted following of men who upheld his religion of demonic worship and sacrificial rites. Devotees of the Shianti and other religious cults were persecuted in a merciless purge. Ruthlessly, the Wytch-king destroyed all his opponents and began a terrible war with the peoples of the neighbouring provinces. From the ruins of war Shasarak shaped the Shadakine Empire, subjugating whole nations to his evil rule. As the provinces fell to his might, the Shianti looked on helplessly, bound by their vow to the Goddess Ishir never to interfere in the affairs of man.</p>
161 <p>On the night of the crowning of Shasarak as Overlord of the Shadakine Empire, a great storm broke upon the Sea of Dreams, a storm that raged with unnatural intensity. Lashed by wind and rain, illuminated by wild lightning, the waters heaved and danced in fury to the thundering music of the storm, unchecked by even the enchantments of the Shianti. When finally the tempest died, the Shianti looked out in amazement on the shattered hull of a ship drifting towards their shore. Never before had this occurred, for the enchantments and mage winds had kept them secure from the curiosity of man by forcing him to sail close to his own land.</p>
162 <p>The Shianti went quickly to the ruined ship where they found only one survivor<ch.emdash/>a baby. They perceived the sudden arrival of this human child as a sign of great portent, and they conceived a plan by which they might lawfully aid mankind. They named the orphan child Grey Star, because a star is the symbol of hope in the Shianti faith, and because of the silver streak in the child<ch.apos/>s jet-black hair. In the shadow of the wrath of the Goddess Ishir, they raised the child as one of their own and taught him their secrets. Diligently they set about their instruction, for their aim was to provide a saviour for mankind. Armed with the might of Shianti wizardry and wisdom, their hope was to create an adversary equal in power to the evil Wytch-king of Shadaki, for they realized that only with the death of Shasarak would man once more be free to determine his destiny.</p>
166 <section class="frontmatter" id="tssf">
168 <title>The Story So Far<ch.ellips/></title>
169 <link class="prev" idref="coming" />
170 <link class="next" idref="gamerulz" />
174 <p>You are Grey Star, trained in the ancient lore of a Shianti wizard. For sixteen years you have dwelt in safety on the Isle of Lorn, the hidden realm of the magical Shianti race, until Acarya, High Wizard of the Shianti, sent you upon a dangerous quest to save your people, the race of man, from the evil rule of Shasarak, the tyrannical Wytch-king of the Shadakine Empire. Held by their ancient vow to the Goddess Ishir, the Shianti are unable to leave their island and come to the aid of man themselves but no such promise prohibited you from leaving the island and you were sent to recover the Moonstone and use its power to defeat the Wytch-king.</p>
175 <p>The Moonstone, an artefact that possesses the combined force of all Shianti wisdom and power, was hidden on the Daziarn plane and you first had to find the invisible gateway to the Daziarn, the Shadow Gate. To help you find the Shadow Gate, you sought the Lost Tribe of Lara, a race of magical but primitive creatures called the Kundi, who possess the gift of astral vision, enabling them to see magic portals and gateways to other planes and dimensions. When Shasarak<ch.apos/>s Shadakine army first invaded the free provinces of the south, they came through the forests of the Mountains of Lara where the Kundi lived, and were constantly ambushed and delayed by the Kundi. The Kundi always eluded them, disappearing into the dense forest before the Shadakine could retaliate and, finally, in wrath, the Wytch-king burnt down the forests and forced the Kundi to flee south. No one knew where they came to rest.</p>
176 <p>Voyaging across the Sea of Dreams, you came first to the city of Suhn, the largest port in the Shadakine Empire. There you were befriended by a cheerful merchant named Shan Li, a widely travelled man. Your questions about the Lost Tribe aroused suspicion in Suhn and you were captured and taken to the House of Correction, the prison of Suhn, and subjected to the truthsay of Mother Magri, Shadakine Wytch and Law-giver. With the aid of the power of the Kazim Stone, she attempted to read your mind, but you were able to preserve the secret of your quest.</p>
177 <p>With the help of Tanith, a young and beautiful girl learning the ways of wytchcraft in the service of Mother Magri, you were able to escape from the House of Correction. With Shan as your guide, you eventually turned south and headed towards the region known as the Azanam, for it seemed likely that the Lost Tribe had settled there. However, again using the power of the Kazim Stone, Mother Magri summoned a Kleas<ch.aacute/> against you<ch.emdash/>a demon shadow that feeds upon the soul. Neither your Magical Powers, nor the might of your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff were able to defeat the Kleas<ch.aacute/>, and it had almost destroyed you when Tanith cast a spell and called the demon against herself. She was totally consumed by the Kleas<ch.aacute/> and both disappeared in flames. Her brave sacrifice saved your life.</p>
178 <p>At the Azanam you found the Kundi and they gave you their Shaman, Urik the Wise, to guide you to the Shadow Gate. You travelled across the hostile lands of the Shadakine Empire and, close to the gates of the city of Karnali, you freed a man named Samu, a former king of the extinct tribe of the Masbat<ch.eacute/>, from a Shadakine slave train. Then the leader of the rebel Freedom Guild, Sado of the Long Knife, enlisted your aid in freeing the city of Karnali from the rule of its Shadakine Wytch and her warriors, but you did not stay, for still you had to find the Shadow Gate. You journeyed on, accompanied by Samu, Urik, and a thief by the name of Hugi. On this later stage of your journey, you discovered that Shasarak was once a Shianti Master. So now you know your eventual confrontation will be with one versed in the same magical arts as yourself. You finally found the Shadow Gate beneath the wasteland of Desolation Valley, only to discover that the magic portal was guarded by a demon Kleas<ch.aacute/>, holding in its grasp Tanith, who had not after all been slain in her attempt to save you. Instead, the Kleas<ch.aacute/> had offered her to its master, Shasarak, as a prisoner. Using Tanith as a shield, the Kleas<ch.aacute/> withstood your attempts to gain entry to the Daziarn portal but at last you managed to force the Kleas<ch.aacute/> away from the Shadow Gate and stepped through to be reunited with Tanith.</p>
179 <p>Together you entered the Daziarn plane which held many mysteries and perils, the worst of which was the Jahksa, a creature created in your likeness by Shasarak. You travelled through this strange, abstract world until, at last, you came to the Trianon, a chamber floating in the void. Within the Trianon was the Moonstone and, after a last paradoxical confrontation with the Jahksa in which the lawful and magical effects of the Moonstone were used, the Jahksa was defeated and the Moonstone made yours.</p>
180 <p>With the Moonstone now resting in your hand, you begin the final part of your quest to defeat the Wytch-king. Armed with the might of the Moonstone, you now possess the only known power that can destroy Shasarak the renegade Shianti Wizard.</p>
184 <section class="frontmatter" id="gamerulz">
186 <title>The Game Rules</title>
187 <link class="prev" idref="tssf" />
188 <link class="next" idref="powers" />
192 <footnote id="gamerulz-1-foot" idref="gamerulz-1"><p>It is implied that you must pick a new <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> even if have already completed previous one or more <cite>Grey Star</cite> adventures. This conflicts with the rules for the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> books where you carry over your score from a previous successfully completed adventure. For the sake of consistency, players may wish to carry over their existing score from the last <cite>Grey Star</cite> book they completed.</p></footnote>
193 <footnote id="gamerulz-2-foot" idref="gamerulz-2"><p>The original intent of the author was most likely that the player should add 50 to their final <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> score from the end of their last successfully completed <cite>Grey Star</cite> adventure.</p></footnote>
194 <footnote id="gamerulz-5-foot" idref="gamerulz-5"><p>There are sections of this book that describe how you use a Magical Power and how many <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points you spend, without giving you a choice and without taking into account that you may not have the required number of <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points left. You may choose to simply subtract the specified number of <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. This may leave you with a negative <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> score, or if it was already negative, it will make your score become even more negative.</p>
195 <p>Alternatively, you may wish to use a method given in <a idref="sect175">Section 175</a>, which contains one such case of mandated use of magic: If you do not have enough <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, then you use <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points at a rate of 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points for every 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point you lack (i.e. 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points = 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point). If your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to zero or below, you are dead and the adventure is over.</p>
196 <p>Note that you may never <em>choose</em> to use a Magical Power or your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff if you do not have sufficient <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. This method also cannot be used in cases where you lose <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points for a reason other than using magic, for instance as a result of mental or magical attacks. In these cases, you may end up with a negative <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> score.</p></footnote>
197 <footnote id="gamerulz-3-foot" idref="gamerulz-3"><p>It is possible for your <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> to fall below zero. For example, if you are the victim of an attack that drains your <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ>, your score may be forced below zero. If your <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> falls to zero or below, you will not be able to cast spells or use the magical properties of your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff until your score is again above zero. You can still use your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff in combat as a normal weapon, but you must deduct 6 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p></footnote>
198 <footnote id="gamerulz-4-foot" idref="gamerulz-4"><p>The original intent of the author was most likely that the player should add 30 to their final <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score from the end of their last successfully completed <cite>Grey Star</cite> adventure. In the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> series, it is standard practice to restore one<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to their original total when carrying them over from one adventure to the next, but the power of the Moonstone seems to change those rules in this case.</p></footnote>
202 <p>To keep a record of your adventure, use the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
203 <p>Before you set off on your adventure, you must discover how well your Shianti masters have prepared you for your quest by determining your fighting prowess<ch.emdash/><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ><ch.emdash/>your state of mind<ch.emdash/><typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ><ch.emdash/>and your physical stamina<ch.emdash/><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. To do this take a pencil and, with eyes closed, point with the blunt end of it onto the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick 0 it counts as zero.</p>
204 <p>The first number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> in this way represents your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Add 10 to the number you picked and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (e.g. if your pencil fell on the number 4 in the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would write in a <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 14). When you fight, your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> will be pitted against that of your enemy. A high score in this section is therefore very desirable.<footref id="gamerulz-1" idref="gamerulz-1-foot"/></p>
205 <p>The second number that you need is one to represent your <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ>. Do not use the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. You begin this adventure with a <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> total of 50, as your first touch of the Moonstone of the Shianti regenerates your Magical Powers immediately. If you possess unused <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points from earlier <cite>Grey Star</cite> adventures, add them to the 50 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points which possession of the Moonstone grants you.<footref id="gamerulz-2" idref="gamerulz-2-foot"/> Write the total in the <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. If you decide to use a spell or the power of your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, then you will lose <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. If at any time your <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> falls to zero, or below, you may not use any spells<footref id="gamerulz-5" idref="gamerulz-5-foot"/> or any additional <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points in combat to increase the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> loss of an opponent.<footref id="gamerulz-3" idref="gamerulz-3-foot"/> Lost <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points can be regained during the course of the adventure and it is possible for your <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> score to rise above the total with which you start your adventure.</p>
206 <p>The third attribute is your power of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. You start with a total of 30 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points when your first touch of the Moonstone fills your body with energy and power. Add any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points gained from playing previous <cite>Grey Star</cite> adventures to your initial score of 30 and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.<footref id="gamerulz-4" idref="gamerulz-4-foot"/> If you are wounded in combat, you will lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. If at any time your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to zero or below, you are dead and the adventure is over. Lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points can be regained during the course of the adventure but can never rise above the number with which you began the adventure.</p>
208 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="powers">
210 <title>Magical Powers</title>
211 <link class="prev" idref="gamerulz" />
212 <link class="next" idref="equipmnt" />
216 <footnote id="powers-1-foot" idref="powers-1"><p>The wording of this section of the rules seems to indicate<ch.emdash/>if read literally<ch.emdash/>that you may choose your set of Lesser Magicks again if you have completed a previous adventure. This is without precedent in other books. In order to preserve consistency with other books, you should not choose your Lesser Magicks again. If you have currently mastered five Lesser Magicks, you may choose one additional Lesser Magick from the list. If you have already mastered six Lesser Magicks, you keep these. If you choose Alchemy as a new Lesser Magick, or you have not mastered the Lesser Magick of Alchemy but you have selected the Higher Magick of Theurgy, you also receive a Herb Pouch with contents, as detailed in the Equipment section.</p></footnote>
217 <footnote id="powers-2-foot" idref="powers-2"><p>If your <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> falls to zero or below, you will not be able to use the magical properties of your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff until your score is again above zero. You can still use your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff in combat as a normal weapon, but you must deduct 6 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p></footnote>
221 <p>There are thirteen Magical Powers, the first seven of which are called the Lesser Magicks. Possession of the Moonstone reveals to you the secret of the Magical Powers known as the Higher Magicks, of which there are six. If this is your first <cite>Grey Star</cite> adventure, you may choose five Lesser Magicks and four Higher Magicks. If you have successfully completed any of the previous <cite>Grey Star</cite> adventures, you may choose six Lesser Magicks and five Higher Magicks.<footref id="powers-1" idref="powers-1-foot"/></p>
223 <p>The Magical Powers available to you are listed below. When you have chosen your powers enter them in the Magical Powers section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
225 <section class="frontmatter" id="lessmcks">
226 <meta><title>The Lesser Magicks</title></meta>
230 <section class="frontmatter" id="sorcery">
231 <meta><title>Sorcery</title></meta>
235 <illustration class="inline">
237 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
239 <instance class="html" src="sorcery.png" width="386" height="122" mime-type="image/png"/>
240 <instance class="html-compatible" src="sorcery.gif" width="386" height="122" mime-type="image/gif"/>
241 <instance class="pdf" src="sorcery.pdf" width="386" height="122"/>
244 <p>This Power allows a wizard to transform his thoughts or desires into magical energy. By concentration of the will it is possible to create magical shields of force to bar doors or move objects. Sorcery drains more <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points than any other Magical Power, and is most effective when your <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points are high.</p>
245 <p>If you choose this Power, write <quote>Sorcery</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
249 <section class="frontmatter" id="enchant">
250 <meta><title>Enchantment</title></meta>
254 <illustration class="inline">
256 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
258 <instance class="html" src="enchant.png" width="386" height="130" mime-type="image/png"/>
259 <instance class="html-compatible" src="enchant.gif" width="386" height="130" mime-type="image/gif"/>
260 <instance class="pdf" src="enchant.pdf" width="130" height="122"/>
263 <p>The Power of Enchantment enables a wizard to charm or beguile other creatures, and create illusions in the minds of others. He will be able to extract information from others, place thoughts and compulsions into another<ch.apos/>s mind, or cause them to believe that imaginary events are actually taking place. Some magical or highly intelligent beings may be immune to the powers of Enchantment.</p>
264 <p>If you choose this Power, write <quote>Enchantment</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
268 <section class="frontmatter" id="elementl">
269 <meta><title>Elementalism</title></meta>
273 <illustration class="inline">
275 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
277 <instance class="html" src="elementl.png" width="386" height="118" mime-type="image/png"/>
278 <instance class="html-compatible" src="elementl.gif" width="386" height="118" mime-type="image/gif"/>
279 <instance class="pdf" src="elementl.pdf" width="386" height="118"/>
282 <p>The Power of elemental magic allows a wizard some control over the natural elements of Air, Fire, Earth, and Water. By entering a trance and chanting incantations, you may summon aid from the spirits of the Elemental Plane. Elementals have very little understanding of man, and for this reason a wizard can never be sure of the nature of the aid the Elementals may send.</p>
283 <p>If you choose this Power, write <quote>Elementalism</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
287 <section class="frontmatter" id="alchemy">
288 <meta><title>Alchemy</title></meta>
292 <illustration class="inline">
294 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
296 <instance class="html" src="alchemy.png" width="386" height="121" mime-type="image/png"/>
297 <instance class="html-compatible" src="alchemy.gif" width="386" height="121" mime-type="image/gif"/>
298 <instance class="pdf" src="alchemy.pdf" width="386" height="121"/>
301 <p>A wizard who possesses the Power of Alchemy is able, through the mixing of various substances, to create magical potions. Given the correct ingredients, a potion may restore lost energy (i.e. <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points, <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ>), or temporarily improve various abilities (e.g. <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>). The use of Alchemy may also allow a wizard to alter the nature of substances (e.g. change lead into gold), but the necessary ingredients and the correct equipment (e.g. a pestle and mortar) must be at hand. The use of the Power of Alchemy drains no <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ>.</p>
302 <p>If you choose this Power write <quote>Alchemy</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
306 <section class="frontmatter" id="prophecy">
307 <meta><title>Prophecy</title></meta>
311 <illustration class="inline">
313 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
315 <instance class="html" src="prophecy.png" width="386" height="123" mime-type="image/png"/>
316 <instance class="html-compatible" src="prophecy.gif" width="386" height="123" mime-type="image/gif"/>
317 <instance class="pdf" src="prophecy.pdf" width="386" height="123"/>
320 <p>The Power of Prophecy allows a wizard to foretell the future through meditation. A meditative state will allow a wizard to make the correct decision when facing conflicting choices or difficult actions; to discover the whereabouts of a person he has once met, or an object he has once seen. It may also allow him to determine the true nature of a stranger or a strange object. Magical beings or objects are sometimes hidden from the Power of Prophecy.</p>
321 <p>If you choose this Power, write <quote>Prophecy</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
325 <section class="frontmatter" id="psycmncy">
326 <meta><title>Psychomancy</title></meta>
330 <illustration class="inline">
332 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
334 <instance class="html" src="psycmncy.png" width="386" height="126" mime-type="image/png"/>
335 <instance class="html-compatible" src="psycmncy.gif" width="386" height="126" mime-type="image/gif"/>
336 <instance class="pdf" src="psycmncy.pdf" width="386" height="126"/>
339 <p>This Power bestows upon a wizard the ability to deduce facts about events by touching objects connected to them. Through deep concentration, a wizard may lay his hands upon any inanimate object and visualize scenes that have affected it. Visions brought about through the use of Psychomancy are often cryptic, taking the form of a riddle or puzzle. Some magic items are resistant to the use of Psychomancy and may, sometimes, impart misleading information.</p>
340 <p>If you choose this Power, write <quote>Psychomancy</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
344 <section class="frontmatter" id="evcation">
345 <meta><title>Evocation</title></meta>
349 <illustration class="inline">
351 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
353 <instance class="html" src="evcation.png" width="386" height="131" mime-type="image/png"/>
354 <instance class="html-compatible" src="evcation.gif" width="386" height="131" mime-type="image/gif"/>
355 <instance class="pdf" src="evcation.pdf" width="386" height="131"/>
358 <p>Mastery of this Power permits contact with the spirit realm. A wizard wishing to speak with the dead, or to call up a form from the spirit world, must draw a magic pentacle and enter a trance, when the use of the correct spell-chant will reach out to the Spiritual Plane. Standing within the protection of a magic pentacle, a wizard may consider himself to be relatively safe from harm. If he wishes to speak with a corpse, especially one whose former life was good and righteous, then a wizard can expect help and advice. However, contact with those whose former lives were evil or selfish can be a perilous, and often fatal, experience. Evil spirits are reluctant to return to the realm of the dead and may try to trick a wizard into freeing them into the world of the living. All spirits, good and evil, will require some service of the wizard in return for their aid. Any failure to perform this task, however difficult, may result in the wizard losing his life.</p>
359 <p>If you choose this Power, write <quote>Evocation</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
366 <section class="frontmatter" id="highmcks">
367 <meta><title>The Higher Magicks</title></meta>
371 <section class="frontmatter" id="thamtrgy">
372 <meta><title>Thaumaturgy</title></meta>
376 <illustration class="inline">
378 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
380 <instance class="html" src="thamtrgy.png" width="386" height="128" mime-type="image/png"/>
381 <instance class="html-compatible" src="thamtrgy.gif" width="386" height="128" mime-type="image/gif"/>
382 <instance class="pdf" src="thamtrgy.pdf" width="386" height="128"/>
385 <p>This Higher Magick is an advanced form of Sorcery, the craft of magical energy. Where Sorcery allows a wizard to affect external things, Thaumaturgy affects the wizard himself. The Power of Thaumaturgy can bestow upon a wizard the power of levitation, a limited form of flying; invulnerability and increased strength; the ability to bend metal or warp wood by disturbing their molecules; and, perhaps the most useful of all, teleportation, that is, the ability to travel great distances in seconds by simply visualizing the destination.</p>
386 <p>If you choose this Power, write <quote>Thaumaturgy</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
390 <section class="frontmatter" id="telergy">
391 <meta><title>Telergy</title></meta>
395 <illustration class="inline">
397 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
399 <instance class="html" src="telergy.png" width="386" height="122" mime-type="image/png"/>
400 <instance class="html-compatible" src="telergy.gif" width="386" height="122" mime-type="image/gif"/>
401 <instance class="pdf" src="telergy.pdf" width="386" height="122"/>
404 <p>An advanced form of Enchantment, Telergy is the Power of mind control, telepathy, and autosuggestion. It enhances the tangibility of the illusions of Enchantment and allows you to control the minds of others. However, like Enchantment, some magical beings will be able to resist this Power.</p>
405 <p>If you choose this Power, write <quote>Telergy</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
409 <section class="frontmatter" id="physirgy">
410 <meta><title>Physiurgy</title></meta>
414 <illustration class="inline">
416 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
418 <instance class="html" src="physirgy.png" width="386" height="122" mime-type="image/png"/>
419 <instance class="html-compatible" src="physirgy.gif" width="386" height="122" mime-type="image/gif"/>
420 <instance class="pdf" src="physirgy.pdf" width="386" height="122"/>
423 <p>Where Elementalism allows a wizard to summon the aid of the elemental spirits, the Higher Magick of Physiurgy grants the wizard mastery over the elements. It allows him to command winds, open cracks in the earth, cause earthquakes, raise storms, and create other weather effects.</p>
424 <p>If you choose this Power, write <quote>Physiurgy</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
428 <section class="frontmatter" id="theurgy">
429 <meta><title>Theurgy</title></meta>
433 <illustration class="inline">
435 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
437 <instance class="html" src="theurgy.png" width="386" height="126" mime-type="image/png"/>
438 <instance class="html-compatible" src="theurgy.gif" width="386" height="126" mime-type="image/gif"/>
439 <instance class="pdf" src="theurgy.pdf" width="386" height="126"/>
442 <p>Theurgy is an advanced form of Alchemy. Possession of the Moonstone of the Shianti makes the casting of a larger number of spells possible. It unlocks the knowledge of more ingredients for mixing potions and reveals some of the special times, or ways, that they must be mixed. The power of the Moonstone acts as a charm for these potions. No <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points are required to make use of the Power of Theurgy but you are dependent on discovering the necessary ingredients for your potions during the course of your adventure.</p>
443 <p>If you choose this Power, write <quote>Theurgy</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
447 <section class="frontmatter" id="visionry">
448 <meta><title>Visionary</title></meta>
452 <illustration class="inline">
454 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
456 <instance class="html" src="visionry.png" width="386" height="124" mime-type="image/png"/>
457 <instance class="html-compatible" src="visionry.gif" width="386" height="124" mime-type="image/gif"/>
458 <instance class="pdf" src="visionry.pdf" width="386" height="124"/>
461 <p>With the aid of the Moonstone, you may use the skill of a Visionary to look upon events that are taking place elsewhere. The Power of a Visionary is generally concerned with visual images of the present.</p>
462 <p>If you choose this Power, write <quote>Visionary</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
466 <section class="frontmatter" id="necrmncy">
467 <meta><title>Necromancy</title></meta>
471 <illustration class="inline">
473 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
475 <instance class="html" src="necrmncy.png" width="386" height="120" mime-type="image/png"/>
476 <instance class="html-compatible" src="necrmncy.gif" width="386" height="120" mime-type="image/gif"/>
477 <instance class="pdf" src="necrmncy.pdf" width="386" height="120"/>
480 <p>Necromancy is a higher form of Evocation. Where Evocation allows contact with the spirit world, Necromancy allows a wizard to command the dead, though this is forbidden by Shianti law. It also allows him to make an incantation that will imbue the Moonstone with a protective aura of light to keep away all creatures of evil, dead or alive.</p>
481 <p>If you choose this Power, write <quote>Necromancy</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
487 <section class="frontmatter" id="staff">
488 <meta><title>Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff</title></meta>
492 <illustration class="inline">
494 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
496 <instance class="html" src="staff.png" width="386" height="120" mime-type="image/png"/>
497 <instance class="html-compatible" src="staff.gif" width="386" height="120" mime-type="image/gif"/>
498 <instance class="pdf" src="staff.pdf" width="386" height="120"/>
501 <p>Your Staff is your most valuable possession. It looks and feels like an ordinary quarterstaff, yet it is stronger than any known metal. This is your main combat weapon, for you are untrained in the use of any other form of armed combat. It contains a potent force that is unleashed at will by the power of your mind, and causes a beam of destructive power to hurtle from its tip. Every time you unleash this power you must deduct 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point.<footref id="powers-2" idref="powers-2-foot"/></p>
502 <p>In the event that your enemy survives such an attack or should you fall victim to a surprise attack, you will be forced to engage in close combat and must attempt to strike your enemy with the Staff. If your attack is successful, a bolt of energy will be released from the Staff that is capable of inflicting great physical harm. If you wish to increase the amount of damage that you inflict in this way, you must use more <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points and multiply the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost by the enemy, accordingly. For example, if you chose to expend 3 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points on your attack, all enemy <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses would be multiplied by three.</p>
503 <p>If you enter combat without your Staff, deduct 6 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you have no weapon at all, you must deduct 8 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
507 <section class="frontmatter" id="moonston">
508 <meta><title>The Moonstone</title></meta>
512 <illustration class="inline">
514 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
516 <instance class="html" src="moonston.png" width="386" height="130" mime-type="image/png"/>
517 <instance class="html-compatible" src="moonston.gif" width="386" height="130" mime-type="image/gif"/>
518 <instance class="pdf" src="moonston.pdf" width="386" height="130"/>
521 <p>The Moonstone has many attributes, some of which are described in the Higher Magicks section and some of which you will discover during the course of your adventure. The Shianti have also given it the power to teleport you to Shasarak <em>once</em> during the course of your adventure. You will be told of that opportunity when the time is right.</p>
528 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="equipmnt">
530 <title>Equipment</title>
531 <link class="prev" idref="powers" />
532 <link class="next" idref="cmbtrulz" />
536 <footnote id="equipmnt-1-foot" idref="equipmnt-1"><p>If you have completed a previous adventure, you keep all equipment you had at the end of that adventure. You do not receive any new equipment, unless you have just selected Alchemy as your sixth Lesser Magick, or if you have not mastered the Lesser Magick of Alchemy but you have selected the Higher Magick of Theurgy, in which case you receive a Herb Pouch with contents as indicated in this section.</p></footnote>
537 <footnote id="equipmnt-2-foot" idref="equipmnt-2"><p>If you have mastered the Lesser Magick of Alchemy or the Higher Magick of Theurgy and therefore have a Herb Pouch, you may choose to keep potions, vials, or ingredients in either the Herb Pouch or your Backpack. All other Backpack Items must be kept in your Backpack.</p></footnote>
538 <footnote id="equipmnt-3-foot" idref="equipmnt-3">
539 <p>The Collector<ch.apos/>s Editions of the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> books clarify that <quote>You may only use one Weapon at a time in combat.</quote></p>
545 <p>You wear the grey robe and hooded cloak of a Shianti Wizard. Your only weapon is your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff (note this on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> under Weapons). You wear a Backpack containing 4 Meals (note under Meals on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>), and you have been given a <a idref="map">map of the Shadakine Empire</a> (note under Special Items on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>), which you place inside your robe.<footref id="equipmnt-1" idref="equipmnt-1-foot"/></p>
546 <p>If you have chosen Alchemy or Theurgy as one of your Magical Powers, then you will have a leather pouch for herbs and potions hanging from your belt. The Herb Pouch contains the following:</p>
549 <li>2 empty Vials for carrying potions</li>
550 <li>1 Vial containing Saltpetre</li>
551 <li>1 Vial containing Sulphur</li>
554 <p>Mark these 4 items in your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
555 <p>Your Herb Pouch will carry a maximum of eight items.</p>
557 <section class="frontmatter" id="howcarry">
558 <meta><title>How to Carry Equipment</title></meta>
561 <p>Now that you have your equipment, the following list shows you how it is carried. You do not need to make notes, but you should refer back to this list in the course of your adventure.</p>
564 <li>Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
565 <li>Backpack<ch.emdash/>slung over the shoulder.</li>
566 <li>Meals<ch.emdash/>carried in the Backpack.</li>
567 <li>The Moonstone<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand or in the Backpack, you must decide which. If carried in your Backpack, note it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. It counts as one item.</li>
570 <p>Any weapons and Special Items that you possess as a result of completing previous <cite>Grey Star</cite> adventures should be entered on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
575 <section class="frontmatter" id="howmuch">
576 <meta><title>How Much Can You Carry?</title></meta>
579 <dl class="paragraphed">
581 <dd><p>The maximum number of weapons that you may carry is <em>two</em>. Your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff counts as one weapon.</p></dd>
583 <dt>Backpack Items</dt>
584 <dd><p>These must be stored in your Backpack. Because space is limited, you may only keep a maximum of eight articles, including Meals, in your Backpack at any one time.</p></dd>
586 <dt>Special Items</dt>
587 <dd><p>Special Items are not carried in the Backpack. When you discover a Special Item, you will be told how to carry it.</p></dd>
589 <dt>Nobles (Shadakine currency)</dt>
590 <dd><p>These are carried in the pocket of your robe.</p></dd>
593 <dd><p>Food is carried in your Backpack. Each Meal counts as one item.</p></dd>
596 <p>Any item that may be of use and can be picked up on your adventure and entered on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> is given capital letters in the text. Unless you are told it is a Special Item, carry it in your Backpack.<footref id="equipmnt-2" idref="equipmnt-2-foot"/></p>
600 <section class="frontmatter" id="howuse">
601 <meta><title>How to Use Your Equipment</title></meta>
604 <dl class="paragraphed">
606 <dd><p>Your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> depends on your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff. If you do not possess your Staff when you enter combat you must deduct 6 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you enter a combat without a weapon, deduct 8 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and fight with your bare hands. If you find a weapon during the adventure, you may pick it up and use it. (Remember that you can only carry <em>two</em> Weapons at once.)<footref id="equipmnt-3" idref="equipmnt-3-foot"/></p></dd>
608 <dt>Backpack Items</dt>
609 <dd><p>During your travels you will discover various useful items which you may wish to keep. (Remember that you can only carry a maximum of eight items in your Backpack at any one time.) You may exchange or discard them at any point when you are not involved in combat.</p></dd>
611 <dt>Special Items</dt>
612 <dd><p>Each Special Item has a particular purpose or effect. You may be told this when the item is discovered, or it may be revealed to you as the adventure progresses.</p></dd>
615 <dd><p>The currency of the Shadakine Empire is the Noble, which is a small jade stone. The system of money is alien to the Shianti, and for this reason you begin your adventure with no money. Whenever you kill an enemy, you may take any Nobles belonging to him and keep them in the pocket of your robe.</p></dd>
618 <dd><p>You will need to eat regularly during your adventure. If you do not have any food when you are instructed to eat a Meal, you will lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p></dd>
626 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="cmbtrulz">
628 <title>Rules for Combat</title>
629 <link class="prev" idref="equipmnt" />
630 <link class="next" idref="sage" />
634 <p>There will be occasions during your adventure when you have to fight an enemy. The enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points are given in the text. Grey Star<ch.apos/>s aim during the combat is to kill the enemy by reducing his <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to zero while at the same time losing as few <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points as possible himself.</p>
635 <p>At the start of a combat, enter Grey Star<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> and <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points and the enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points in the appropriate boxes on the Combat Record section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
636 <p>The sequence for combat is as follows:</p>
637 <ol class="paragraphed">
638 <li><p>Calculate your current <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> total, based on the weapon you are using. (Remember, if you enter combat without your Staff, you must deduct 6 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you have no weapon at all, you must deduct 8 points.)</p></li>
639 <li><p>Subtract the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of your enemy from this total. The result is your Combat Ratio. Enter it on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p></li>
641 <p><a id="stage3">If you are using your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff</a>, decide how many <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points you wish to use. (Remember, you must expend at least 1 point.) Enter this number on your Combat Record in the box marked <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ>.</p>
643 <p>Grey Star (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 15, <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> 23) is ambushed by a Deathgaunt (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 20). He is not given the opportunity to evade combat, but he can use his Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff against the creature as it swoops down on him. He subtracts the Deathgaunt<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> from his own, giving a Combat Ratio of <ch.minus/>5. (15 <ch.minus/> 20 = <ch.minus/>5). <ch.minus/>5 is noted on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as the Combat Ratio. Grey Star decides to use 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, which is noted on the <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> box of the Combat Record.</p>
645 <li><p>When you have decided upon the number of <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points you wish to use and have determined your Combat Ratio, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p></li>
647 <p>Turn to the <a idref="crtable">Combat Results Table</a>. Along the top of the chart are shown the Combat Ratio numbers. Find the number that is the same as your Combat Ratio and cross-reference it with the random number that you have picked. (The random numbers appear on the side of the chart.) You now have the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost by Grey Star. To calculate the number lost by the enemy, multiply the number listed for the enemy by the number of <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points that Grey Star elected to use. Now you have the final number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost by both Grey Star and his enemy in this round of combat. (E represents points lost by the enemy; GS represents points lost by Grey Star.)</p>
649 <p>The Combat Ratio between Grey Star and the Deathgaunt has been established as <ch.minus/>5, and Grey Star<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points used as 2. If the number taken from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> is a 6, then the result of the first round of combat is:</p>
650 <p>Grey Star loses 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
651 <p>Deathgaunt loses 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points, multiplied by 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, giving a total of 10 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost in all.</p>
653 <li><p>On the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, mark the changes in <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to the participants in the combat, and Grey Star<ch.apos/>s amended <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points total.</p></li>
654 <li><p>Unless otherwise instructed, or unless you have an option to evade, the next round of combat now starts.</p></li>
655 <li><p>Repeat the sequence from <a idref="stage3">Stage 3</a>.</p></li>
658 <p>This process of combat continues until the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points of either the enemy or Grey Star are reduced to zero or below, at which point that combatant is declared dead. If Grey Star is dead, the adventure is over. If the enemy is dead, Grey Star proceeds but with his <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> and <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points possibly reduced.</p>
659 <p>A <a idref="crsumary">summary of Combat Rules</a> appears in the back of this book.</p>
661 <section class="frontmatter" id="evasion">
663 <title>Evasion of Combat</title>
667 <p>During your adventure you may be given the chance to evade combat. If you have already engaged in a round of combat and decide to evade, calculate the combat for that round in the usual manner. All points lost by the enemy as a result of that round are ignored, and you make your escape. Only Grey Star may lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points during that round, but then that is the risk of running away! You may only evade if the text of the particular section allows you to do so.</p>
677 <section class="frontmatter" id="sage">
679 <title>Sage Advice</title>
680 <link class="prev" idref="cmbtrulz" />
681 <link class="next" idref="sect1" />
685 <p>Now begins the last and most dangerous stage of your quest to vanquish the Wytch-king, Shasarak. Beware, for you must face many dangers before you are able to confront him at last.</p>
686 <p>You will find items that might be of assistance on your quest. Some Special Items will help you, others may be of no use at all. You must decide what to keep.</p>
687 <p>Special care must be taken when selecting your Magical Powers. Make sure that your combination of Higher and Lesser Magicks covers every eventuality. Also, it is worth remembering that some of these Magical Powers will be of little use to you during this part of your quest: choose the Powers you think you are most likely to require at this stage.</p>
688 <p>Be cautious in your use of <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, as your <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> is the energy source for both your Magical Powers and your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff. If you have a low <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> score when you confront Shasarak, you may be easily defeated.</p>
689 <p>Follow the path of wisdom, Wizard Grey Star. The way of fools is the road to destruction!</p>
693 <section class="numbered" id="numbered">
694 <meta><title>Numbered Sections</title></meta>
699 <section class="numbered" id="sect1">
700 <meta><title>1</title></meta>
703 <p>At last you hold the fabled Moonstone in your hand. It pulses and glows with a strange milky light. Tanith<ch.apos/>s eyes shine wildly, and your heart pounds with excitement. The Moonstone; ancient vessel of all Shianti wisdom. What secrets, what powers, does this magical artefact hold in its glowing heart? The stone exudes a comforting warmth as it nestles in the palm of your hand and you feel a presence in your mind. You hear a familiar voice and your heart lifts to ever greater heights, for it is Acarya, High Wizard of the Shianti, speaking to you.</p>
704 <illustration class="float">
706 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
707 <description>At last you hold the fabled Moonstone in your hand.</description>
709 <instance class="html" src="ill1.png" width="386" height="641" mime-type="image/png"/>
710 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="641" mime-type="image/gif"/>
711 <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="641" />
713 <p><quote>Hail Wizard, son of man. You have succeeded. We, the Shianti, rejoice and praise you. That which you hold in your hand contains the power that will enable you to defeat the evil Wytch-king, Shasarak.</quote></p>
714 <p>A crowd of excited voices fills your mind as each of the Shianti sends words of congratulations and admiration. The last of these voices is Maiteya, your old friend, the Shianti master who taught you all you know. <quote>And so, <quote>little one</quote>,</quote> he says, affectionately <quote class="open-ended">now you possess the Moonstone, Shasarak<ch.apos/>s bane. While you hold it, we, the Shianti, are able to speak with you but this communication cannot be maintained much longer. Because you have the Moonstone, we have sufficient power to return you to the world, but there is much you should know before we do so. Listen well, Grey Star, for I know not when we will speak again.</quote></p>
715 <p><quote>Though it seems to you but a short time since you arrived at the Daziarn, seven years have passed here in the material world. During your search for the Shadow Gate, you visited the city of Karnali. Your arrival there inspired a revolution, led by Sado of the Long Knife and his Army of the Freedom Guild. After your departure, the Freedom Guild withstood a great siege by Shadakine warriors, who eventually withdrew defeated, much to Shasarak<ch.apos/>s displeasure. Word spread of this victory and the strength of the Army of the Freedom Guild grew. Strategically, Karnali was too isolated to make a great impact against the Shadakine Empire, but, due to the surrounding Gurlu Marshes, it remained self sufficient. Soon, many were travelling to Karnali to escape the tyranny of Shasarak<ch.apos/>s rule. Pockets of resistance broke out in the townships of Wenat, Zhanis, Sena, and the city of Forlu, and the Freedom Guild soon dominated the hills and the plains of the south. They raided Shadakine supply trains and succeeded in depriving the empire of much of its wealth, cutting off all land routes to the Port of Suhn, the wealthiest and most important trade centre of the empire. An army is now formed in Karnali and, in three days, it will march against the Shadakine Empire, hoping to take Port Suhn in the first of many conquests. But, unknown to Sado and the Army of the Freedom Guild, a vast Shadakine force has been mustered in the Sadi desert. Soon, it will march against them. The Army of the Freedom Guild number ten thousand to the Shadakine<ch.apos/>s thirty thousand. The Freedom Guild cannot hope to succeed against such overwhelming odds. You must save them. Take them to the Forest of Fernmost. It is most important that you go there. There is little time and much to do Grey Star<ch.ellips/></quote></p>
716 <p>The voice grows faint and you realize that the Shianti will be unable to maintain contact for much longer. <quote>And now, Grey Star, the contact breaks and we must return you to the world to begin the last of your great labours. Are there any last words of advice we can offer you?</quote></p>
717 <p>Your mind races as you think of all that you might need to know.</p>
718 <choice idref="sect348">If you wish to know where the Shianti intend sending you and where in the Shadakine Empire your quest will begin, <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
719 <choice idref="sect6">If you wish to hear the Shianti<ch.apos/>s own advice, <link-text>turn to 6</link-text>.</choice>
720 <choice idref="sect340">If you wish to see Shasarak himself and perhaps discover something of his plans, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
724 <section class="numbered" id="sect2">
725 <meta><title>2</title></meta>
728 <p>Alas, you have been too much weakened by earlier struggles. His strength has mastered yours as the last of your own life-force is drained from your body. You have lost the duel and doomed all humanity to endure the reign of Shasarak<ch.apos/>s evil cruelty.</p>
729 <deadend>You have failed; your adventure is over.</deadend>
733 <section class="numbered" id="sect3">
734 <meta><title>3</title></meta>
737 <p>You and Tanith each grab a handle and begin to turn it. The wheels creak as the rope coils slowly around one end of the mounting. Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
738 <choice idref="sect63">If the number you have picked is 5<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 63</link-text>.</choice>
739 <choice idref="sect79">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 79</link-text>.</choice>
743 <section class="numbered" id="sect4">
744 <meta><title>4</title></meta>
747 <p>You walk over to the Phinomel plant and examine it closely. It is flowering well and should provide a large supply. Gingerly you reach forward. The secret is to reach behind the pods and twist their stalks with a swift, nimble movement: it will require a cool, steady hand.</p>
748 <p>Add together your current <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> totals. Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add it to the result.</p>
749 <choice idref="sect11">If your total is 50 or more, <link-text>turn to 11</link-text>.</choice>
750 <choice idref="sect16">If your total is 30<ch.endash/>49 <link-text>turn to 16</link-text>.</choice>
751 <choice idref="sect40">If your total is less than 30, <link-text>turn to 40</link-text>.</choice>
755 <section class="numbered" id="sect5">
756 <meta><title>5</title></meta>
759 <p>You triumph and, with a last surge of energy, throw Shasarak tumbling to the end of the hall. Unfortunately the force of the attack shatters your Staff. On hands and knees, Shasarak crawls towards the wall of fire, muttering in choked breaths, <quote>You shall not have me. You shall not have me.</quote></p>
760 <p>Suddenly he reaches out with his hands. <quote>Agarash, our bargain!</quote> he screams. Agarash laughs once more. A plume of flame snakes out from the wall and wreathes itself around the Wytch-king.</p>
761 <choice idref="sect350">If you wish to allow Shasarak to step through the flaming wall, <link-text>turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
762 <choice idref="sect316">If you possess 3 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, and wish to fill the Moonstone with your power and hurl its power against the wall, <link-text>turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
766 <section class="numbered" id="sect6">
767 <meta><title>6</title></meta>
770 <p><quote>We will advise you as best we can,</quote> he replies. <quote>Although it is your own wisdom that has brought you, this far, you should not be afraid to trust your own judgement. In the matter of the inevitable challenge of Shasarak, we advise you not to stand against him immediately. He embarks now on a war that will be costly to his strength and demanding of his powers. Wait for him to weaken himself with some great deed of sorcery before journeying into his dark halls for the final duel. First ensure the safety of the Army of the Freedom Guild. Without your help, they will perish. Be on the constant lookout for allies, for the Wytch-king has many enemies, and look to the Forest of Fernmost<ch.emdash/>a mighty power dwells there and it will do well in your service.</quote></p>
771 <p>His voice grows faint.</p>
772 <choice idref="sect326"><link-text>Turn to 326</link-text>.</choice>
776 <section class="numbered" id="sect7">
777 <meta><title>7</title></meta>
780 <p>At the expense of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you summon the mighty powers of the waters of the River Dosar, bending the river to your need. Suddenly a tall tower of water explodes all around the bridge, breaking its stones and instantly destroying the once sturdy structure.</p>
781 <choice idref="sect75"><link-text>Turn to 75</link-text>.</choice>
785 <section class="numbered" id="sect8">
786 <meta><title>8</title></meta>
789 <p>It looks likely that you will have to do battle with the demon horde. You decide to take advantage of the protection the Theurgic Potion offers and quickly swallow the dark, bitter liquid. Gradually your body begins to glow with a strange, blue light. Remember that the effects of the Potion will begin to fade in only a few hours.</p>
790 <p>Delete the Potion of Invulnerability from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You may keep the empty Vial and include it as an item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>: keep it in your Herb Pouch or in your Backpack.</p>
791 <choice idref="sect121"><link-text>Turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
795 <section class="numbered" id="sect9">
796 <meta><title>9</title></meta>
799 <p><quote>Wait here,</quote> you instruct Tanith.</p>
800 <p><quote>Wait?</quote> she retorts, defiantly. <quote>Have I not stood by you in the face of terror, fought at your side, matched you, courage for courage, deed for deed?</quote> She sniffs derisively. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll not stand back now like some feeble girl afraid of her own shadow!</quote></p>
801 <p>You know there is no point in arguing with her, especially when so much of what she says is true. The two of you stride forward, prepared to meet whatever danger awaits you together.</p>
802 <p>You have travelled for two miles when Tanith stops, peering into the shimmering heat haze and shielding her eyes against the sun with her hand. <quote>They come,</quote> she says, dispassionately.</p>
803 <p>Following the direction of her gaze, you see something stirring in the distance. You notice a low dust haze hanging in the air, a running cloud drifting against the flat expanse of the plain. There are four runners and they are heading straight towards you. As they come closer, you are able to see that they are ghastly, malformed creatures, each deformed in a different way. These are demons, summoned long ago by the Wytch-king, Shasarak, to plague the tribe of the Masbat<ch.eacute/>, the warrior people that ruled here before Shasarak unleashed the demonic horde that destroyed them. When the demons had fulfilled their purpose, Shasarak left them to roam these plains at will, instead of returning them to the deep hell from which he summoned them. The leading creature has green, shining skin and a tail. Its neckless head bears the features of a toad. With a feral scream it charges towards you. The others follow.</p>
804 <choice idref="sect196">If you have the Magical Power of Sorcery and wish to use it to aid you in the battle, <link-text>turn to 196</link-text>.</choice>
805 <choice idref="sect203">If you have the Magical Power of Thaumaturgy and wish to use this Higher Magick to aid you, <link-text>turn to 203</link-text>.</choice>
806 <choice idref="sect211">If you have the Magical Power of Enchantment and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 211</link-text>.</choice>
807 <choice idref="sect217">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of Telergy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 217</link-text>.</choice>
808 <choice idref="sect69">If you wish to attempt a long-range attack with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 69</link-text>.</choice>
809 <choice idref="sect187">If you wish to wait for them to approach, so that you can engage them in close combat, <link-text>turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
813 <section class="numbered" id="sect10">
814 <meta><title>10</title></meta>
817 <p>It is the morning of the day you must attempt to close the demon portal of Tilos. You bid Tanith a sad farewell. Eyes brimming with tears, you share a fond embrace before she is led east along the mountain trail by a Masbat<ch.eacute/> warrior, towards whatever doom awaits her at the hands of Mother Magri in the city of Suhn. She can be saved only by a swift and total victory over the Wytch-king.</p>
818 <p>You turn to King Samu. <quote>We must prepare to move,</quote> you say. <quote>Gather your men. We must make plans.</quote></p>
819 <choice idref="sect15">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of Theurgy, <link-text>turn to 15</link-text>.</choice>
820 <choice idref="sect19">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
821 <choice idref="sect24">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of Necromancy, <link-text>turn to 24</link-text>.</choice>
822 <choice idref="sect29">If you do not possess any of these Powers, or if you do not wish to use them, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
826 <section class="numbered" id="sect11">
827 <meta><title>11</title></meta>
830 <p>With consummate ease, you manage to strip the plant of its pods entirely. Your harvest yields nine pods. They are so small that nine pods only take up the space of three items in your Herb Pouch. Remember to write the Phinomel Pods on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. If there is not room in your Herb Pouch, you may carry some, or all, of the Phinomel Pods as Backpack Items.</p>
831 <p>With a satisfied nod, you finish packing away your new find and continue on your journey.</p>
832 <choice idref="sect43"><link-text>Turn to 43</link-text>.</choice>
836 <section class="numbered" id="sect12">
837 <meta><title>12</title></meta>
840 <p>You smash the fabric that binds the skeleton<ch.apos/>s body but you are fighting the creature with magic. Your fellow soldiers do not have the same advantage and the air is filled with their terrified cries. Many are being slain and, as they die, Shasarak<ch.apos/>s spell takes them, and they rise to fight once more as soldiers of the undead. Those that survive find themselves fighting their friends and comrades. The powers you possess protect only you from attack. You can save the Freedom Guild only by destroying Shasarak. The time has come: you must go to him.</p>
841 <choice idref="sect39">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy, you may deduct 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points from your total to cast a teleportation spell and <link-text>turn to 39</link-text>.</choice>
842 <choice idref="sect39">If you have a Temeris Potion, you may use it to teleport without using any <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points; <link-text>turn to 39</link-text>.</choice>
843 <choice idref="sect39">If you are using the power of the Dimension Door locked in the Moonstone, you may deduct 4 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points from your total to teleport and <link-text>turn to 39</link-text>.</choice>
844 <deadend>If you are unable to teleport by any of these means, you have failed in your quest and your adventure is over.</deadend>
848 <section class="numbered" id="sect13">
849 <meta><title>13</title></meta>
852 <p>The creature falls dead amid a flurry of fiery blows. As you fought, the rest of the pack have been creeping towards you slowly and now stand only a few yards away. The death of their leader caused great consternation among their ranks, although they seem confident enough to attack at any moment. They realize now that you fight alone.</p>
853 <choice idref="sect22">If you wish to fire a long-range blast from your Staff before turning and running, <link-text>turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
854 <choice idref="sect27">If you wish to turn and run immediately, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
855 <choice idref="sect54">If you wish to stand against the demon horde, <link-text>turn to 54</link-text>.</choice>
859 <section class="numbered" id="sect14">
860 <meta><title>14</title></meta>
863 <p>You turn east. The sun<ch.apos/>s heat grows less intense as the day passes and you are able to walk at a quicker pace. The afternoon passes and, though there are still several hours of daylight left, your anxiety grows. There has been no sign of a stream or water hole and you will never find one in the dark. You will be able to survive for some time without food but you must find water soon.</p>
864 <p>Tanith looks around uneasily. <quote>We are being watched,</quote> she says. You nod. You can also feel the weight of many eyes bearing down on you. Malevolence hangs heavily in the air.</p>
865 <choice idref="sect81">If you are carrying the Moonstone in your hand, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
866 <choice idref="sect213">If you are carrying it in your Backpack, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
870 <section class="numbered" id="sect15">
871 <meta><title>15</title></meta>
874 <p>In the Lissan Plain the herbs and flowers that you need to mix a potion of invulnerability grow in abundance. Made from the leaves of the Zakutsk flower and the root of the Demeril bush, the potion is mixed with salt and spring water beneath the rays of the midday sun. It will protect your body from physical harm for only a few hours, but might prove invaluable in your attempt to close the portal of Tilos should you be forced to face an attack by the demons of the Lissan Plain, either on your way to the portal, or afterwards, when you are trying to lure the demon horde against the Shadakine army marching towards the bridge at Lanzi.</p>
875 <choice idref="sect34">If you wish to use the Power of Theurgy and ask the Masbat<ch.eacute/> to gather the ingredients for the potion, <link-text>turn to 34</link-text>.</choice>
876 <choice idref="sect19">If you prefer to use the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
877 <choice idref="sect24">If you prefer to use the Higher Magick of Necromancy, <link-text>turn to 24</link-text>.</choice>
878 <choice idref="sect29">If you prefer not to use the Magical Powers of Theurgy, Thaumaturgy, or Necromancy, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
882 <section class="numbered" id="sect16">
883 <meta><title>16</title></meta>
886 <p>Careful as you might be, you are unable to avoid disturbing a Phinomel branch to your left. Two pods emit a jet of viscid purple fluid. One jet misses but, unfortunately, the second splashes your arm, quickly burning through the fabric of your robe and causing a searing pain as it burns your flesh. You lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. You have managed to procure six Phinomel Pods. As they are so small, the six pods take the room of only two items in your Herb Pouch. If there is not room in your Herb Pouch, you may carry some, or all, of the pods as Backpack Items.</p>
887 <p>Despite a rather painful experience, you nod to yourself approvingly, sure that the Phinomel Pods will be useful, and continue on your search for Lake Dolani.</p>
888 <choice idref="sect43"><link-text>Turn to 43</link-text>.</choice>
892 <section class="numbered" id="sect17">
893 <meta><title>17</title></meta>
896 <p>With a scream, the horseman falls dead. Quickly you run over to his body. By stealing the dead horseman<ch.apos/>s uniform, you will be able to lead the demon horde against the Shadakine Army more easily, for the Shadakine will think that you are one of their own.</p>
897 <choice idref="sect285">If you still have your Simar stallion, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text>.</choice>
898 <choice idref="sect292">If the stallion has been killed, <link-text>turn to 292</link-text>.</choice>
902 <section class="numbered" id="sect18">
903 <meta><title>18</title></meta>
906 <p>Without the cognitive powers of Prophecy or Psychomancy, it is impossible for you to locate the mechanism that will open the doors. The only other solution is to use force but, judging from the thickness of the stone doors, it is likely to require a great deal of strength to break them open.</p>
907 <choice idref="sect295">If you have the Magical Power of Thaumaturgy and wish to use it to open the doors, <link-text>turn to 295</link-text>.</choice>
908 <choice idref="sect255">If you have the Magical Power of Sorcery and wish to use it to force open the doors, <link-text>turn to 255</link-text>.</choice>
909 <choice idref="sect289">If you have the Magical Power of Elementalism and wish to summon an elemental to open the doors, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
910 <choice idref="sect181">If you have learnt the Higher Magick of Physiurgy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 181</link-text>.</choice>
911 <choice idref="sect234">If you wish to resume your journey towards Lake Dolani, or if you do not possess these Powers, <link-text>turn to 234</link-text>.</choice>
915 <section class="numbered" id="sect19">
916 <meta><title>19</title></meta>
919 <p>By using the Magical Power of Thaumaturgy, you will be able to weave a spell of invulnerability about yourself. The cost of this spell will be 4 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points if you wish the effect to last several hours.</p>
920 <choice idref="sect57">If you wish to create this spell of magical protection about yourself, to help you in your bid to close the demon portal in the Hills of Tilos, deduct 4 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points from your <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> score and <link-text>turn to 57</link-text>.</choice>
921 <choice idref="sect24">If you wish to use the Higher Magick of Necromancy in your bid to close the demon portal, <link-text>turn to 24</link-text>.</choice>
922 <choice idref="sect29">If you do not wish to use either of these Powers, or if you do not possess them, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
926 <section class="numbered" id="sect20">
927 <meta><title>20</title></meta>
930 <p>Stunned and dizzy, you lie on the floor, unable to defend yourself. The Demon Master hovers above, its leathery wings beating. It stoops to deliver a killing blow. Bravely Tanith steps forward, dagger in hand, ready to defend you to the last. The demon minions swarm forward in glee and the position looks hopeless. Then, amid the whirl of your thoughts, you hear the cries of men and the clash of steel. Joyfully you see a gleam of shining metal flash above your head and the Demon Master<ch.apos/>s back arch with pain. Howling in agony it begins to fall. With lightning reactions, Tanith drags you to one side, seconds before the lifeless and bloody corpse of the beast hits the ground with a jarring crash. A long, slim javelin protrudes from its back.</p>
931 <p><quote>Grey Star,</quote> Tanith cries. <quote>We are saved!</quote></p>
932 <p>She helps you into an upright position and you peer down the hall. Pouring through the entrance of the tomb comes a mass of tall warriors, swords bared and reaping a deadly harvest among the demonic ranks.</p>
933 <choice idref="sect38"><link-text>Turn to 38</link-text>.</choice>
937 <section class="numbered" id="sect21">
938 <meta><title>21</title></meta>
941 <p>At the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point you raise the Moonstone and light begins to pour from it. Shasarak scowls and takes a step back.</p>
942 <p><quote>So you think the Moonstone is enough to defeat me do you? You forget the need for a mighty hand to wield it. Are you mighty, Grey Star?</quote></p>
943 <p>Shasarak<ch.apos/>s words strike you like blows but you do not fail in your resolve. Effortlessly, Shasarak drains 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point and 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point from your body. You stagger as the life-force is dragged from you.</p>
944 <p><quote>You see?</quote> Shasarak sneers.</p>
945 <choice idref="sect92">If you wish to shield yourself with the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s light, <link-text>turn to 92</link-text>.</choice>
946 <choice idref="sect190">If you wish to strike Shasarak with the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s light, <link-text>turn to 190</link-text>.</choice>
950 <section class="numbered" id="sect22">
951 <meta><title>22</title></meta>
954 <p>At the cost of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you fire into the demon ranks. Two fall dead instantly and the rest scatter with howling shrieks and bestial cries. You turn and run, Tanith at your side. Your attack has bought you time to try to escape the overwhelming number of demons.</p>
955 <choice idref="sect89"><link-text>Turn to 89</link-text>.</choice>
959 <section class="numbered" id="sect23">
960 <meta><title>23</title></meta>
963 <p>Bathed in the radiant aura of the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s protection, you continue the journey east. You top a rise and look down its gentle slope. Ahead, you can see a sparkling river. With a cry of joy, you and Tanith run towards it. At the water<ch.apos/>s edge you both drop to your knees to drink. Scooping up great mouthfuls of the cool water, you quench your raging thirst. You are on the banks of the Dolani River. Tanith tells you that its source is to the northeast, in the Kashima Mountains. Its southerly course leads to Lake Dolani, which she guesses to be at least thirty miles away. The river is too wide and deep to be crossed here, although it is likely to be narrower and shallower further upstream. At this point the light of the Moonstone, which you laid on the ground beside you before beginning to drink, starts to flicker as the power of your incantation fades. Suddenly Tanith cries out.</p>
964 <p><quote>Grey Star!</quote> she screams. <quote>We are attacked!</quote></p>
965 <illustration class="float">
967 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
968 <description>Four fearsome creatures mount the rise.</description>
970 <instance class="html" src="ill2.png" width="386" height="593" mime-type="image/png"/>
971 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="593" mime-type="image/gif"/>
972 <instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="593" />
974 <p>You snatch up the Moonstone and spin round. Four fearsome creatures have mounted the rise behind you. As you watch, they rush towards you, coming to a cowering halt within twenty paces of you both. Afraid of the fading aura of the Moonstone as the light decreases, each takes another shambling step towards you. They are ghastly, malformed creatures, each with a different misshapen form. These are demons summoned long ago by the Wytch-king Shasarak to conquer the people who once inhabited the Lissan Plain. Having fulfilled their purpose, they were left to roam the plain by Shasarak. The leading demon<ch.emdash/>the largest<ch.emdash/>takes another step forward, its glistening green skin and toad-like features reflected in the dull light of the setting sun.</p>
975 <choice idref="sect35">If you wish to continue the necromantic incantation of protection that has almost faded from the Moonstone, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text>.</choice>
976 <choice idref="sect65">If you prefer to launch a long-range attack at the leading demon with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 65</link-text>.</choice>
977 <choice idref="sect93">If you wish to wait to see what the demons will do, <link-text>turn to 93</link-text>.</choice>
981 <section class="numbered" id="sect24">
982 <meta><title>24</title></meta>
985 <p>By using the Magical Power of Necromancy, you will be able to create an aura of protection against the forces of evil. You will have to expend 3 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points to light the Moonstone.</p>
986 <choice idref="sect57">If you wish to use 3 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points to create an aura of protection, <link-text>turn to 57</link-text>.</choice>
987 <choice idref="sect19">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy and prefer to use this Power, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
988 <choice idref="sect29">If you do not wish to use either of these Powers, or if you do not possess them, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
992 <section class="numbered" id="sect25">
993 <meta><title>25</title></meta>
996 <footnote id="sect25-1-foot" idref="sect25-1"><p>If you wish to take the Sheath, record it as a Special Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p></footnote>
997 <footnote id="sect25-2-foot" idref="sect25-2"><p>If you wish to take the Sheath, record it as a Special Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p></footnote>
1001 <p>You both drink long and deep: the large bowl is almost empty before your thirst is sated. When you have finished you walk to the far end of the hall. Two flights of stairs lead up to a large platform. At the rear of the platform a vast and elaborate frieze has been carved from the wall. In the centre, a woman stands with arms outstretched in a gesture of welcome. She is wreathed in light and, standing all around her, are rows of men and women of proud bearing. This building must be the work of the Masbat<ch.eacute/>. The woman is a representation of the Great goddess Ishir, High Priestess of the Moon, mother of all men, and the building is some form of temple or shrine.</p>
1002 <p>Another flight of steps leads from the platform to one of the many galleries that line the temple<ch.apos/>s walls. Cautiously you both mount these steps, passing through a doorway that opens on to one of the galleries. The fading light from above does not illuminate the high archways that lead off the gallery, and, at the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point, you cause a light to glow from the top of your Staff. You peer through an archway to see a large chamber, its high ceiling lost in shadow, its corners shrouded in cobwebs. In the middle of the chamber stands a long pallet of grime-encrusted marble. With a start, you realize that a human form rests upon the pallet, but your panic soon subsides, for it is a dead man, a giant, with a huge broadsword clutched to his chest with withered hands. A necklace of blue stones hangs around his neck; a circlet of silver crowns his head. The brown, shrunken flesh has been partly preserved by some process of mummification, but the garments the corpse wears have all but mouldered away.</p>
1003 <p>Inspection of the remaining chambers on this floor confirms that this is an ancient Masbat<ch.eacute/> tomb. Each chamber is a crypt, in which the Masbat<ch.eacute/> have laid their dead to rest with their weapons of war and personal effects. The tomb of the Masbat<ch.eacute/> was probably served by guardians before Shasarak summoned the plague of demons that eventually destroyed the Masbat<ch.eacute/> tribe. Tanith arms herself with a long dagger from one of the chambers. She also takes a sling and a number of stones. You may keep any of the following items that you find in the various chambers:</p>
1005 <li>Coil of Rope (Backpack Item)</li>
1006 <li>Sword and Sheath (hung from the belt)<footref id="sect25-1" idref="sect25-1-foot"/></li>
1007 <li>Spear (held in the hand)</li>
1008 <li>Dagger and Sheath (hung from the belt)<footref id="sect25-2" idref="sect25-2-foot"/></li>
1009 <li>Water Bottle (hung over the shoulder by a strap)</li>
1010 <li>4 unlit Torches (each Torch counts as one Backpack Item)</li>
1011 <li>Tinderbox (Backpack Item)</li>
1013 <p>Remember to mark any items that you keep on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
1014 <p>The light from the shafts has faded completely. Night has fallen. You are both very tired and, after further exploration, you discover an empty chamber and both settle down to sleep.</p>
1015 <choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
1019 <section class="numbered" id="sect26">
1020 <meta><title>26</title></meta>
1023 <p>You focus your will on the stone fabric of the bridge, using 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. With a thunderous explosion, it collapses into rubble and falls into the waters below.</p>
1024 <choice idref="sect75"><link-text>Turn to 75</link-text>.</choice>
1028 <section class="numbered" id="sect27">
1029 <meta><title>27</title></meta>
1032 <p>Instantly you make a dash in the opposite direction. With a murderous howl, the pack chases after you. They are hot on your heels, and within moments you are caught and dragged to the ground.</p>
1033 <deadend>You have failed in your quest and your adventure ends here.</deadend>
1037 <section class="numbered" id="sect28">
1038 <meta><title>28</title></meta>
1041 <p>The demon opens its mouth and bares a tangle of fanged teeth. It lunges at you, and, as you swerve to receive its attack, you realize that your back is undefended against the other three demons. However, you must fight the toad demon first.</p>
1042 <combat><enemy>Toad Demon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">17</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">16</enemy-attribute></combat>
1043 <p>You may only evade combat if you have lost less <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than your enemy in the first round of combat.</p>
1044 <choice idref="sect41">If you evade combat, <link-text>turn to 41</link-text>.</choice>
1045 <choice idref="sect72">If you win the combat within three rounds, <link-text>turn to 72</link-text>.</choice>
1046 <choice idref="sect87">If you and the enemy are still alive after three rounds of combat, <link-text>turn to 87</link-text>.</choice>
1050 <section class="numbered" id="sect29">
1051 <meta><title>29</title></meta>
1054 <p><quote>You will need to be able to move fast to escape the demon horde,</quote> says Samu. <quote>Long ago, we of the Masbat<ch.eacute/> bred a strain of horse called the Simar, renowned for its stamina and the ease with which it can be controlled. It will not shy away from danger.</quote></p>
1055 <p>A great white stallion is brought before you, harnessed and saddled. Gratefully, you thank Samu for his gift. The Masbat<ch.eacute/> are summoned and stand fitted and accoutred for battle before their king in a rocky escarpment shaped like a vast amphitheatre. They number a thousand men: a small number perhaps, but a mighty army nevertheless, for the Masbat<ch.eacute/> are formidable warriors. In a rousing speech, Samu tells them of the battle to come at the bridge at Lanzi, where you will rid their homeland of the demon plague forever. You receive a great cheer before Samu leads his people out of the mountains, towards Lanzi. A guide leads you to the other side of the mountains. The Shadakine Army is expected to reach the bridge at Lanzi within a day. In that time you must close the demon portal in the hills south of Tilos and lead the demons through the forested pass and against the Shadakine Army.</p>
1056 <p>At last you come to the edge of the Lissan Plain and your guide prepares to leave. Before he goes, he offers you the following items to help you in your adventure. You may keep any or all of them.</p>
1059 <li>Coil of Rope (Backpack Item)</li>
1060 <li>Water Bottle (Special Item<ch.emdash/>slung over the shoulder by a leather strap)</li>
1061 <li>Tinderbox (Backpack Item)</li>
1062 <li>Sword (Weapon)</li>
1063 <li>Masbat<ch.eacute/> Battle Horn (Special Item<ch.emdash/>hung over the shoulder by a strap)</li>
1065 <p>The guide returns to the mountains. You are alone. You urge the Simar horse into a trot and head north.</p>
1066 <choice idref="sect70">If you are already using the Higher Magick of Necromancy in the form of an incantation, <link-text>turn to 70</link-text>.</choice>
1067 <choice idref="sect76">If not, <link-text>turn to 76</link-text>.</choice>
1071 <section class="numbered" id="sect30">
1072 <meta><title>30</title></meta>
1075 <p>With the Moonstone and your Staff held aloft you shout down at the demon horde, <quote>Begone creatures of darkness, minions of hell, slaves of terror! Beware the might of the Shianti and the sacred Moonstone of old.</quote></p>
1076 <p>Many of the smaller demons begin to whimper obscenely, while others vanish, blinking out like candles snuffed by the wind. You step onto the next stair and note with satisfaction that they hasten away with anguished cries, endeavouring to remain outside the protective ring of the Moonstone. Just as you begin to think that your ploy will work, a large shadow looms at the far end of the hall. A winged form stands silhouetted by the sunlight streaming through the entrance to the tomb. The sea of deformity parts before you and the timid moans and cries become crowing gloats of pleasure. To your dismay, the protective light of the Moonstone gutters as the power of your incantation begins to fade.</p>
1077 <choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn 270</link-text>.</choice>
1081 <section class="numbered" id="sect31">
1082 <meta><title>31</title></meta>
1085 <p>You rein the exhausted stallion to a halt. Your whole body aches as a result of its relentless, galloping stride. You gaze westward, certain that the pack are in pursuit, but there is no sign of them. Time passes and you begin to feel uneasy. The plain is flat and featureless, and the afternoon sky is clear enough to be able to see far into the distance, yet there is no sign of the demon plague.</p>
1086 <choice idref="sect51">If you wish to backtrack a little, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
1087 <choice idref="sect47">If you wish to continue east, <link-text>turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
1091 <section class="numbered" id="sect32">
1092 <meta><title>32</title></meta>
1095 <p>With a low rumble, the stone door opens slowly, the rusted metal of the pulleys screeching amid the rasp of grating stone. The door is only halfway open when it grinds to a halt. The age-old mechanism has failed. However, the gap is sufficiently wide to admit a human form and soon you and Tanith are standing within the ziggurat, peering anxiously into the shadows.</p>
1096 <choice idref="sect135"><link-text>Turn to 135</link-text>.</choice>
1100 <section class="numbered" id="sect33">
1101 <meta><title>33</title></meta>
1104 <p>The horseman<ch.apos/>s blow shears his spear in half as he gallops past. He wheels, sword drawn, and dashes towards you again. Now you must fight to the death.</p>
1105 <combat><enemy>Shadakine</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">19</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">16</enemy-attribute></combat>
1106 <choice idref="sect17">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 17</link-text>.</choice>
1110 <section class="numbered" id="sect34">
1111 <meta><title>34</title></meta>
1114 <p>After many hours, the ingredients are brought to you. They must be ground and mixed together, and then heated over a fire to form the potion. You will need a Pestle and Mortar and at least one empty Vial to do this. A Masbat<ch.eacute/> medicine man offers you the following to help you make the potion:</p>
1116 <li>2 empty Vials for carrying potions</li>
1117 <li>1 Vial containing Saltpetre</li>
1118 <li>1 Vial containing Sulphur</li>
1119 <li>Pestle and Mortar</li>
1122 <p>Remember to mark any items that you take on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. The empty Vials, and those containing Sulphur and Saltpetre can be stored in your Herb Pouch. You may also keep a sprig of Zakutsk Flower and a Demeril Root, these must be carried in your Herb Pouch. The Pestle and Mortar and the Tinderbox are Backpack Items, and the Vials may be stored in your Backpack or your Herb Pouch.</p>
1123 <choice idref="sect49"><link-text>Turn to 49</link-text>.</choice>
1127 <section class="numbered" id="sect35">
1128 <meta><title>35</title></meta>
1131 <p>At the expense of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, the Moonstone begins to glow brightly and, as you repeat the words of your necromantic incantation, the radiant whiteness of its aura increases, clothing you and Tanith with luminescence. The toad demon gibbers, slavers, and then retreats with its arms thrown up in front of its disfigured face. The other demons howl in tortured anguish and back away. They linger outside the protective ring of the Moonstone, pacing in front of you, spitting and snarling their frustration.</p>
1132 <choice idref="sect46">If you wish to attack at long range with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
1133 <choice idref="sect105">If you wish to advance on the demons and attempt to engage them in combat, <link-text>turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
1137 <section class="numbered" id="sect36">
1138 <meta><title>36</title></meta>
1141 <p>As the evening draws in, the temperature begins to cool. You are tired and thirsty. You have been heading in the direction of Lake Dolani but neither you nor Tanith has ever been to the Lissan Plain before and you are not sure of the lake<ch.apos/>s exact location. You know only that it lies on the southern side of the plain. You are now unsure that you can reach it by nightfall. Looking to the west, you see a large building of square, tiered stone. It is approximately two miles away.</p>
1142 <choice idref="sect297">If you wish to investigate the building, <link-text>turn to 297</link-text>.</choice>
1143 <choice idref="sect234">If you prefer to continue, <link-text>turn to 234</link-text>.</choice>
1147 <section class="numbered" id="sect37">
1148 <meta><title>37</title></meta>
1151 <p>Entranced, the rider trots towards you, hailing you as friend, for your magic controls him completely. When he has come close enough, you grab his leg and drag him from the saddle. So sudden is your action that the warrior is unable to resist. A swift blow to the back of his head knocks him unconscious. Now you can complete your plan. By dressing in the Shadakine uniform, you will be able to lead the demon host towards the Shadakine Army and they will think you one of their number. Quickly you don the uniform. Your Simar steed is exhausted but the Shadakine horse offers the chance of a fresh mount and greater speed. You slap the Simar<ch.apos/>s haunches and watch it trot away. The beast has served you well, and you offer a silent Shianti blessing that will keep it from harm.</p>
1152 <choice idref="sect250"><link-text>Turn to 250</link-text>.</choice>
1156 <section class="numbered" id="sect38">
1157 <meta><title>38</title></meta>
1160 <p>Your vision clears and, as you regain your senses, you see that the warriors are men of the Masbat<ch.eacute/>, the tribe believed to be extinct after persecution by the Wytch-king, Shasarak. With a flurry of sword blows, the Masbat<ch.eacute/> hew a bloody path towards you. Though they number less than fifty, their demonic foes seem powerless to resist, so swift and fierce is the attack. The demon horde scatters in all directions. Some dematerialize<ch.emdash/>magic is inherent in their nature. Those that remain are slain mercilessly.</p>
1161 <p>When at last the battle is done, no living demon remains in the tomb, while, incredibly, the Masbat<ch.eacute/> have suffered no losses, only a scattering of light wounds. One of their number now stands before you. Like his comrades, the Masbat<ch.eacute/> warrior stands well over seven feet tall, his body rippling with muscle beneath skin as black as ebony. His hair is long and black and his eyes still burn with the fire of battle. He is clad only in a corselet of worn, padded leather. A scabbard slung low from a broad belt carries a massive broadsword of dull, grey metal. His only protective wear, a pair of metal wristbands, is engraved with the intricately worked design of a rearing horse. He gives you a speculative stare. It is not an altogether friendly gaze.</p>
1162 <p><quote>What do we have here?</quote> he booms, in a strong, yet melodious bass tone. <quote>A boy and a girl perhaps? Or demons in human guise, defilers of the sacred tomb of our forefathers. Speak now and swiftly. My blade is thirsty yet to drink the blood of more hellspawn.</quote></p>
1163 <p>Before you are able to speak, Tanith has risen to her feet, brandishing her dagger and scowling with the characteristic ferocity that you have come to know so well. <quote>You know not what you say,</quote> she snaps, menace in her voice. <quote>But for that, this blade of mine would have your life for such insult to one who comes to save your brawny, worthless hide. Soften your tone, tall one, for you speak to a mighty wizard, a master of great powers, the chosen one of the great ancient Shianti. He has come to challenge the Wytch-king himself, who is surely the enemy of us all.</quote></p>
1164 <p>Despite her slight frame and her puny blade, Tanith confronts the warrior with an icy countenance that would freeze blood. Though he towers over her like a giant, the warrior steps back, mouth agape in astonishment at her fearless outburst. He is stunned into silence. The barely suppressed mirth of the other Masbat<ch.eacute/> is plain to see.</p>
1165 <p><quote>Ho there, Dioka!</quote> shouts a squat Masbat<ch.eacute/>, with a bellowing laugh that makes his pot-belly quiver and shake. <quote>It<ch.apos/>s a spitting she-cat that<ch.apos/>s stolen your tongue I see.</quote></p>
1166 <p><quote>And the cat has claws, bladder belly!</quote> she snaps. The plump warrior<ch.apos/>s face drops, while the one named Dioka bursts into laughter. <quote>Well met, my lady,</quote> he guffaws.</p>
1167 <p>With a bemused expression, you rise on shaky feet and turn to Dioka. <quote>Greetings, men of the Masbat<ch.eacute/>,</quote> you call out in a loud voice, ensuring that all can hear. <quote>Plainly we are not agents of evil in mortal guise.</quote></p>
1168 <p><quote>Indeed not,</quote> Dioka replies with a smile. <quote>The very demons of the plain would flee the wrath of your brave companion<ch.apos/>s acid tongue!</quote></p>
1169 <p><quote>Yet, in her anger she spoke the truth,</quote> you continue. <quote>For I am the Wizard, Grey Star, bound upon a quest in the service of the Shianti and sworn to the destruction of the Wytch-king, Shasarak.</quote> The vast hall grows silent. Wide-eyed, the Masbat<ch.eacute/> regard you with stunned expressions.</p>
1170 <p><quote>Can this be?</quote> Dioka gasps, a gleam of hope shining in his dark, deep eyes. <quote>We will talk of this at length and in the proper place,</quote> he continues. <quote>You must come with us. It is not wise to remain here. The demons may return and in greater numbers. Most likely they will be led by more formidable masters than this,</quote> he gestures dismissively towards the corpse of the Demon master that sprawls on the floor a few feet away. <quote>The home of the Masbat<ch.eacute/> now lies in the Kashima Mountains, beyond the River Iss. The king must hear of your return.</quote></p>
1171 <p>The Masbat<ch.eacute/> restore the bodies of their ancient dead to their resting places. A funeral pyre for the slain demons is built outside the walls of the tomb, and with considerable effort and over many hours, they are able to repair the stone door. While they work, your wounds are attended to and you and Tanith are given food and water. There is a gifted healer among them and he is able to restore to you 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. (Amend your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.) It is late afternoon before the Masbat<ch.eacute/> are ready to leave. Struggling to keep pace with the rapid march of the warriors, you head into the lengthening shadows, toward the distant mountains: the secret lair of the last of a proud and mighty race.</p>
1172 <choice idref="sect260"><link-text>Turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
1176 <section class="numbered" id="sect39">
1177 <meta><title>39</title></meta>
1180 <p>Suddenly you are in a wide, round hall, full of shadows. At one end of the hall is a flaming wall, and kneeling before the wall is the hunched figure of Shasarak, Wytch-king of Shadaki. His back is turned to you but he spins round the instant you arrive. He is a hideous sight. His flesh is black as if burnt by recent fires and his fingers are like claws. Half his face is missing, and in its place there is a metal plate, which is the only thing that gives shape to a livid mass of shrunken flesh and tissue. One eye is shrivelled, sightless, and shrunken, the other burns into you with hatred so intense that it almost forces you back a step.</p>
1181 <illustration class="float">
1183 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
1184 <description>Shasarak<ch.apos/>s stare burns into you with intense hatred.</description>
1186 <instance class="html" src="ill3.png" width="386" height="663" mime-type="image/png"/>
1187 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="663" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1188 <instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="663" />
1190 <p>The room fills with the sound of savage laughter, but it is not Shasarak who laughs. A familiar, slithering, deathly voice emanates from the wall of fire, and within the fire you see two slanted eyes: pools of absolute darkness. It is the Demonlord Agarash!</p>
1191 <p><quote>See, Shasarak. He has come, as I told you he would. He has come to slay you. Won<ch.apos/>t you accept my bargain?</quote></p>
1192 <p><quote>NEVER!</quote> Shasarak hisses, his voice like the rush of broken stone scattering on the floor. <quote>He does not have the power to master me<ch.ellips/>as you have not, Demon.</quote></p>
1193 <p>Shasarak glares at you malevolently and raises a damaged hand. He is about to strike.</p>
1194 <choice idref="sect21">If you have 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point and wish to raise the Moonstone against Shasarak, <link-text>turn to 21</link-text>.</choice>
1195 <choice idref="sect92">If you wish to defend yourself with the Moonstone, <link-text>turn to 92</link-text>.</choice>
1199 <section class="numbered" id="sect40">
1200 <meta><title>40</title></meta>
1203 <p>Though you handle the branches of the plant delicately, you cannot avoid disturbing it and many of the pods squirt jets of purple fluid. Fortunately, many miss you. Two of the jets, however, splash your arm. The acid eats quickly through the fabric of your robe and burns into your flesh. You lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. You have managed to take three Phinomel Pods. Because they are so small the three pods count as only one item in your Herb Pouch. If there is not room in your Herb Pouch, you may carry the pods in your Backpack.</p>
1204 <p>Cursing your own clumsiness, you pack away your new find, certain that the pods will prove useful, and resume your search for Lake Dolani.</p>
1205 <choice idref="sect43"><link-text>Turn to 43</link-text>.</choice>
1209 <section class="numbered" id="sect41">
1210 <meta><title>41</title></meta>
1213 <p>With the speed of a pouncing tiger, you twist around to face the three that remain. They are almost upon you, but the speed of your reactions and the fierceness of your gaze paralyse the grotesque creatures. With a mighty cry, you hurl yourself at them in a wild blaze of magical fire and slashing blows. At the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point, your Staff crashes down on the head of the nearest demon. It falls to the ground with a squeal of pain, smoke curling around its purple body that shines like the shell of a giant beetle. It reaches at you with a feeble motion, its crab-like pincer flexing stiffly before it dies. Those that remain flee as fast as their distorted limbs can carry them, wailing in a frenzy of insane fear. You start to pursue, but before you can reach them they have dematerialized. You turn around: the injured toad demon has also disappeared. Panting heavily, you satisfy yourself that Tanith is unharmed before dropping your guard. You fall to your knees, drawing great breaths and leaning heavily on your Staff.</p>
1214 <choice idref="sect201"><link-text>Turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
1218 <section class="numbered" id="sect42">
1219 <meta><title>42</title></meta>
1222 <p>Other dots appear high on the horizon. Approaching at an alarming speed are a multitude of strange and sinister creatures. You count twenty at least. A familiar sound greets your ears: the babbling frenzy of the demon horde close behind you. There is no time to prepare magical spells, nor is there anywhere to hide, and the forest pass must be at least twenty miles away. You feel sure you can outrun the demon horde<ch.emdash/>but the flying creatures? You have only two choices.</p>
1223 <choice idref="sect202">If you wish to attempt a last, desperate dash for the pass, keeping clear of the flying creatures as best you can, <link-text>turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
1224 <choice idref="sect223">If you wish to make a stand against the flying creatures, in the hope of dispatching them before the demon horde reaches you, <link-text>turn to 223</link-text>.</choice>
1228 <section class="numbered" id="sect43">
1229 <meta><title>43</title></meta>
1232 <p>You come to the top of a small rise. Peering over the edge, you see that the ground slopes away in a long, shallow curve, which rises on every side to form a broad basin. At the centre lies a large lake many miles wide. Feverishly you lick your lips in anticipation of a long, languorous drink of cool water. You start to move down the slope when Tanith catches your arm.</p>
1233 <p><quote>Wait!</quote> she says. <quote>I can see something down there.</quote></p>
1234 <p>You follow the line of her finger. Among the verdant grassland of the depression that surrounds what must be Lake Dolani you can just make out a human form. You edge a few more feet down the slope. With horror you see a large man lying with his arms and legs tied to four wooden stakes driven into the ground. A faint moan drifts on the breeze: he is calling for water. You edge a little closer. The man is almost a giant, measuring at least seven feet tall. His skin is black as ebony and his hair is long and flowing. Suddenly you realize that this is one of the Masbat<ch.eacute/>, the original inhabitants of the Lissan Plain and a mighty warrior people<ch.emdash/>till Shasarak defeated them in the Plains War of MS<ch.nbsp/>5008.</p>
1235 <p>You have only known one Masbat<ch.eacute/>: Samu, a noble and fearless warrior, who accompanied you in your search for the Moonstone. Once, he was king of the Masbat<ch.eacute/> nomads. He thought himself the only survivor of his people<ch.emdash/>it was common belief that the Wytch-king had hounded the tribe into extinction, sealing their doom by unleashing a plague of demons. Some say that these demons roam the plains still.</p>
1236 <p>You wonder who has left the poor, tortured man to die in the sun. You step further down the slope intending to free him, but Tanith holds you back, fearing a trap. You cannot see how anyone, even Shasarak himself, could know that you have returned to the lands of the Shadakine Empire after an absence of seven years.</p>
1237 <choice idref="sect58">If you have the Magical Power of Prophecy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 58</link-text>.</choice>
1238 <choice idref="sect67">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of a Visionary and wish to use this Power, <link-text>turn to 67</link-text>.</choice>
1239 <choice idref="sect85">If you do not possess either of these Powers, or if you do not wish to use them, <link-text>turn to 85</link-text>.</choice>
1243 <section class="numbered" id="sect44">
1244 <meta><title>44</title></meta>
1247 <p>The hatred and the fear are too much for your soul to bear. Your mind lacks the strength to withstand the horror of the demon horde. The light of the Moonstone dwindles and, with the fading of its light, the demon horde swarms out of the valley of fear. You are dragged from your steed and delivered as an offering to the unknown power that dwells on the other side of the portal. It drinks your soul with a hideous cackle of triumph.</p>
1248 <deadend>You have failed. Your quest ends here.</deadend>
1252 <section class="numbered" id="sect45">
1253 <meta><title>45</title></meta>
1256 <p>Spellbound, the rider heads towards you. As he draws alongside, you drag him from his saddle. A swift blow to the back of his head renders him unconscious. Quickly you don his uniform. By dressing in the Shadakine uniform you will be able to lead the demon host towards the Shadakine Army without being attacked, for they will think that you are one of their own.</p>
1257 <choice idref="sect250"><link-text>Turn to 250</link-text>.</choice>
1261 <section class="numbered" id="sect46">
1262 <meta><title>46</title></meta>
1265 <p>You take aim at the nearest of the demons, the smallest of the four. Its back is bent and its arms end in crab-like pincers. Its purple body shines like the shell of a giant beetle. You release a bolt of magical fire that rips through it and hurls it to the ground, squealing with rage and pain, before it lapses into lifeless silence. You have expended 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. The remaining three demons step back in alarm, cowering.</p>
1266 <choice idref="sect105">If you wish to charge at the remaining three, <link-text>turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
1267 <choice idref="sect117">If you wish to fire a long-range attack at another demon, <link-text>turn to 117</link-text>.</choice>
1271 <section class="numbered" id="sect47">
1272 <meta><title>47</title></meta>
1275 <footnote id="sect47-1-foot" idref="sect47-1"><p>Although the term <quote>Agarashi</quote> is not used anywhere else in the <cite>Grey Star</cite> books, it is used in other books as the collective term for the monstrous servants of Agarash the Damned.</p></footnote>
1279 <p>The miles roll by and eventually, the Simar steed adopts a more relaxed pace. You estimate that you are halfway to the pass. Looking over your shoulder to the west, you see only the broad expanse of the plain and the distant Hills of Tilos. Of the demon plague you can see nothing.</p>
1280 <p>High in the afternoon sky you see two black specks wheeling above you. As you walk, one of them begins to spiral downwards. It is a long, snake-like creature with broad, feathery wings. Its talons are like small, clutching needles and it has a small set of forelimbs. The other creature follows and, to your surprise, you see that it is exactly the same as the first, only smaller. That these are plague demons is certain, but it is the first time you have ever seen two of the same kind. The Flying Snakes make no move towards you; they merely drift on the air currents. Evidently these are not affected by the Agarashi<ch.apos/>s<footref id="sect47-1" idref="sect47-1-foot"/> inspired state of crazed frenzy.</p>
1281 <choice idref="sect88">If you wish to attack one of the Flying Snakes with your Staff at long range and you have 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text>.</choice>
1282 <choice idref="sect103">If you wish to ignore them, <link-text>turn to 103</link-text>.</choice>
1286 <section class="numbered" id="sect48">
1287 <meta><title>48</title></meta>
1290 <p>Close examination of the well reveals that the rope is rotten and likely to snap if you use the handles to draw up the receptacle attached to it. You decide, therefore, to haul up the rope by hand. You do this, drawing up a large, clay bowl, full of clear water.</p>
1291 <choice idref="sect25"><link-text>Turn to 25</link-text>.</choice>
1295 <section class="numbered" id="sect49">
1296 <meta><title>49</title></meta>
1299 <p>The potion is mixed under the sun<ch.apos/>s rays and the light you have summoned from the Moonstone. You must fill one of your empty Vials with the fluid that is produced. (Delete one of your empty Vials from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.) You have now created a Potion of Invulnerability. Mark this as an item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. It may be stored in your Backpack or in your Herb Pouch.</p>
1300 <choice idref="sect57"><link-text>Turn to 57</link-text>.</choice>
1304 <section class="numbered" id="sect50">
1305 <meta><title>50</title></meta>
1308 <p>A swirl of colour passes before your eyes. Instinctively you reach for Tanith<ch.apos/>s hand and clasp it tightly. The walls of the circular chamber shimmer in and out of focus: the Shianti are transporting you from the Daziarn plane to the real world. A brilliant flash of light fills the room and you close your eyes involuntarily. When you next open them you look upon a vast plain of grass that undulates like the sea beneath a clear, sunlit sky. The journey is complete.</p>
1309 <p>The Moonstone is still in your hand. However, where once it shone with the purity of white light, it now glows a smoky grey. You can but guess at the meaning of this transformation.</p>
1310 <choice idref="sect162">If you have the Magical Power of Prophecy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 162</link-text>.</choice>
1311 <choice idref="sect239">If you do not have this Power, or if you do not wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 239</link-text>.</choice>
1315 <section class="numbered" id="sect51">
1316 <meta><title>51</title></meta>
1319 <p>You lead the Simar steed slowly to allow him some rest. Stopping and shielding your eyes from the sun, you gaze into the distance. Suddenly something clutches at your feet and tries to drag you down. A small, green-skinned demon like a hairless ape has crawled through the knee-high grass. You have walked into a trap. More ape demons leap out of the grass around you, their eyes blazing with unreasoning hatred and you attempt to fend off the nearest of your foes who, even now, clutches at your legs. You cannot evade this combat. The demon is only three feet tall making it harder to hit him: deduct 1 from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of the fight.</p>
1320 <combat><enemy>Ape Demon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">15</enemy-attribute></combat>
1321 <choice idref="sect109">If you win the combat in three rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 109</link-text>.</choice>
1322 <choice idref="sect123">If you win the combat in four or more rounds, <link-text>turn to 123</link-text>.</choice>
1326 <section class="numbered" id="sect52">
1327 <meta><title>52</title></meta>
1330 <p>You skirt the edge of the valley, keeping a great distance between yourself and the hell below. You feel the burning heat of countless eyes concentrated on you. At last you reach the other end of the valley. You lift the Moonstone high in the air and point it at the gate. A hiss floats up from the valley. You allow the protective aura to fade and begin to concentrate your mind upon the Moonstone and the closing of the portal. The host creeps towards you. They seem to sense that the power of the Moonstone is now being diverted.</p>
1331 <choice idref="sect73">If you wish to expend 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points in a long-range attack at the demons below with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 73</link-text>.</choice>
1332 <choice idref="sect78">If you do not wish to attack them <link-text>turn to 78</link-text>.</choice>
1336 <section class="numbered" id="sect53">
1337 <meta><title>53</title></meta>
1340 <p>Taking Tanith by the hand, you stride forward. The demons retreat before you, gibbering with fear and cowering in the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s light. You come to the top of the stairs that lead into the hall.</p>
1341 <choice idref="sect30"><link-text>Turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
1345 <section class="numbered" id="sect54">
1346 <meta><title>54</title></meta>
1349 <p>It is a brave but foolish decision. How could you hope to stand against so many? After a valiant defence, in which many demons are slain, you are killed by the evil horde.</p>
1350 <deadend>Your life and your quest end here.</deadend>
1354 <section class="numbered" id="sect55">
1355 <meta><title>55</title></meta>
1358 <p>Your heart is pounding as you teleport through the stone door. A sickening feeling is followed by absolute blackness, chill and silent. Then you appear on the other side: you have succeeded. The use of this spell has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. Looking up, you see a long, thick rope trailing from an opening in the side of one of the doors. You reach out and pull.</p>
1359 <choice idref="sect32"><link-text>Turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
1363 <section class="numbered" id="sect56">
1364 <meta><title>56</title></meta>
1367 <p>A moving cloud in the sky attracts your attention as you stand panting over the last of the fallen beasts. It is a flock of Winged Demons, and they are heading straight towards you. At your back, the yammering horde draws ever closer.</p>
1368 <p>You sprint away again, travelling as fast as you can.</p>
1369 <choice idref="sect309"><link-text>Turn to 309</link-text>.</choice>
1373 <section class="numbered" id="sect57">
1374 <meta><title>57</title></meta>
1377 <p>When the spell is cast and the protection complete, you turn and face Samu. <quote>I am ready,</quote> you say. <quote>Summon your men, we must make ready to leave.</quote></p>
1378 <p><quote>I have a gift for you, Grey Star,</quote> he replies.</p>
1379 <choice idref="sect29"><link-text>Turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
1383 <section class="numbered" id="sect58">
1384 <meta><title>58</title></meta>
1387 <p>Using your Power, you probe into the near future. You sense that there is danger nearby: the Masbat<ch.eacute/> is being used as bait for a trap, and the danger lies in venturing into the basin. The use of this Magical Power has cost you 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point.</p>
1388 <choice idref="sect67">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of a Visionary and wish to use it to discover more before you make your choice, <link-text>turn to 67</link-text>.</choice>
1389 <choice idref="sect97">If you still wish to go to the aid of the Masbat<ch.eacute/>, <link-text>turn to 97</link-text>.</choice>
1390 <choice idref="sect116">If you prefer to leave the man to suffer and hide behind the ridge that overlooks the lake, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
1394 <section class="numbered" id="sect59">
1395 <meta><title>59</title></meta>
1398 <p>You maintain your rapid pace and sit up in the saddle. The Flying Snake alters the course of its flight with precision and dives towards you at lightning speed. As it swoops over you, it rakes your shoulder with a sharp talon before climbing back into the sky. Both the snake and the horse were travelling so fast that there was no time to use your Staff in self defence. Your shoulder starts to bleed: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
1399 <choice idref="sect42"><link-text>Turn to 42</link-text>.</choice>
1403 <section class="numbered" id="sect60">
1404 <meta><title>60</title></meta>
1407 <p>You set a brisk pace for more than an hour but then the burning sun slows you down. Tanith, too, looks very weary. Your throat is parched. Neither you nor Tanith has seen a waterhole or anything that could yield nourishment or moisture and there has been no sign of any living creature. You are further disturbed by the sight of a lone figure heading towards you from the south. It is too distant for you to be able to distinguish any details, but it is moving at great speed. You peer into the shimmering heat and try to guess what it is that approaches.</p>
1408 <choice idref="sect267">If you wish to stand your ground and wait for the figure to arrive, <link-text>turn to 267</link-text>.</choice>
1409 <choice idref="sect273">If you wish to advance against it, <link-text>turn to 273</link-text>.</choice>
1410 <choice idref="sect286">If you wish to try to evade it, <link-text>turn to 286</link-text>.</choice>
1414 <section class="numbered" id="sect61">
1415 <meta><title>61</title></meta>
1418 <p>With a dry swallow, you urge the white stallion down the slope and into the valley. You can feel its mighty heart thumping against its ribs, matching the speed of your own. With the Moonstone held high above your head you move through the ranks of the Demon host. Gibbering with fear, they shield their eyes from its pure, white light and back away, stumbling over one another. The sea of deformity parts like a tall swathe of grass to let you pass. Resolutely you stare ahead ignoring the hideous mass of malignancy that surrounds you; nothing must distract your gaze as you focus on the flaming archway that draws nearer with each tentative step of the stallion<ch.apos/>s hooves. Now, the moment of no return, of death or triumph, has come. You release your necromantic aura of protection and begin anew, focusing your mind on the Moonstone and on the closing of the portal. The demon horde wavers, but only for a moment: they are still spellbound by your presence and intimidated by the Moonstone.</p>
1419 <illustration class="float">
1421 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
1422 <description>You look upon a valley of fear crawling with the demon host.</description>
1424 <instance class="html" src="ill4.png" width="386" height="639" mime-type="image/png"/>
1425 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="639" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1426 <instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="639" />
1428 <choice idref="sect112"><link-text>Turn to 112</link-text>.</choice>
1432 <section class="numbered" id="sect62">
1433 <meta><title>62</title></meta>
1436 <p>Looking up, you see the forest some five hundred paces away. You put on a last desperate spurt in an attempt to reach the safety of the woods. Your body is racked with pain and exhaustion, your lungs feel as if they are on fire and your heart pounds relentlessly. You stumble. You are not sure if you have enough strength to succeed.</p>
1437 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. Add this number to your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> total.</p>
1438 <choice idref="sect71">If the total is 12 or more, <link-text>turn to 71</link-text>.</choice>
1439 <choice idref="sect96">If the total is less than 12, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
1443 <section class="numbered" id="sect63">
1444 <meta><title>63</title></meta>
1447 <p>The rope is attached to a large, clay bowl, brim-full of clear water. You secure the handles so that the bowl does not drop to the bottom of the well. The well must stand over the site of an underground spring, for the water is fresh.</p>
1448 <choice idref="sect25"><link-text>Turn to 25</link-text>.</choice>
1452 <section class="numbered" id="sect64">
1453 <meta><title>64</title></meta>
1456 <p>You take aim once more and send a bolt of magical flame rushing towards the Flying Snake. Once more your aim is true and the creature drops dead with a shrill cry of pain. The attack has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
1457 <choice idref="sect240"><link-text>Turn to 240</link-text>.</choice>
1461 <section class="numbered" id="sect65">
1462 <meta><title>65</title></meta>
1465 <p>You raise your Staff and unleash a magical beam of fire at the toad demon, using 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. It howls with pain and staggers back. Thick, black blood oozes from the wound you have inflicted in its side but it is not slain. It cowers before you, staring with malevolent hatred, pure evil visible in its small, red-veined eyes. With a tormented scream it vanishes and the remaining three advance on you. Suddenly Tanith<ch.apos/>s warning alerts you to something standing close behind you. You spin round, poised to strike, your staff held firmly in both hands and your body crouched in a combat stance, to see the injured demon leering down at you. It has barely completed its magical materialization when it moves to strike.</p>
1466 <choice idref="sect28"><link-text>Turn to 28</link-text>.</choice>
1470 <section class="numbered" id="sect66">
1471 <meta><title>66</title></meta>
1474 <p>You are just about to unleash the power of your Staff when the Flying Snake abruptly changes direction, manoeuvring into a dive. It hurtles towards you at lightning speed, inflicting a raking claw wound on your shoulder as it passes, before climbing into the air. Both the Flying Snake and the horse were travelling so fast that you were unable to retaliate. You have lost 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
1475 <choice idref="sect42"><link-text>Turn to 42</link-text>.</choice>
1479 <section class="numbered" id="sect67">
1480 <meta><title>67</title></meta>
1483 <p>Taking the Moonstone in both hands, you gaze into it and concentrate with all your power. The stone is transformed into a whirlpool of spinning colours. Then, abruptly, it clears and you are looking upon Lake Dolani. Nearby lies the Masbat<ch.eacute/>, still bound and suffering. You struggle to extend the range of the image in the stone, and eventually your efforts are rewarded. A swarm of creatures comes into view. Moving along the base of a line of mountains is a monstrous horde of deformity: the demon plague. Each of the creatures has a different but equally misshapen form: weird toad beasts, their green hides glistening, crawl and flop along the ground; stumbling apes with stunted limbs shamble beside creeping reptiles with human heads. You are sure the demon plague is very near and you sweep the land once more, tracing the line of a river that fills a lake similar to Lake Dolani: this must be Lake Iss. Another group comes into view. It is a band of Masbat<ch.eacute/> warriors, moving swiftly along the line of the river and most certainly headed towards their fellow warrior and the trap laid by the demon horde. Your concentration begins to ebb. You can no longer maintain control of the Moonstone and you allow the image to fade. The use of this Power has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
1484 <illustration class="float">
1486 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
1487 <description>Taking the Moonstone in both hands you concentrate on it with all your power.</description>
1489 <instance class="html" src="ill5.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
1490 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1491 <instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
1493 <choice idref="sect97">If you wish to go to the aid of the captured Masbat<ch.eacute/>, <link-text>turn to 97</link-text>.</choice>
1494 <choice idref="sect116">If you prefer to leave the man to suffer and hide behind the ridge that overlooks the lake, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
1495 <choice idref="sect89">If you wish to head in the direction of Lake Iss and attempt to warn the Masbat<ch.eacute/> warriors of the trap that awaits them, <link-text>turn to 89</link-text>.</choice>
1499 <section class="numbered" id="sect68">
1500 <meta><title>68</title></meta>
1503 <p>The demon clings to the side of the stallion and, with a superhuman effort, you twist round and bring your Staff crashing down on its skull. The creature falls to the plain, spinning over and over again before coming to rest. Your heart lifts as you notice the growing frequency of trees and bushes dotting the land: the forest<ch.apos/>s edge is rushing towards you. The winged demons above are now unable to fly so low. The demon horde is still far behind. With a jubilant yell you enter the sanctuary of the wooded pass through the mountains and, swiftly, you dismount, wincing at the pain caused by your many cuts and bruises. The stallion is also injured and you lead the exhausted animal along the heart of the forest. Looking around furtively you eventually find a hidden clearing where you can rest for a few moments and plan the last stage of your task.</p>
1504 <choice idref="sect170"><link-text>Turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
1508 <section class="numbered" id="sect69">
1509 <meta><title>69</title></meta>
1512 <p>You take careful aim and unleash a bolt of destructive power from the tip of your Staff. A beam of incandescence banishes the shadows of the evening and spears the demonic creature before you. The force of the blast knocks the creature off its feet and inflicts a terrible wound in its side that oozes with viscous black blood. The attack has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. The other creatures come to an abrupt halt, watching in amazement as the injured demon clambers to its feet. It stands at a distance, cowering and snarling. The other three imitate their leader, panic writhing in their ghastly faces.</p>
1513 <choice idref="sect232">If you wish to charge them, <link-text>turn to 232</link-text>.</choice>
1514 <choice idref="sect243">If you wish to make another long-range attack, <link-text>turn to 243</link-text>.</choice>
1515 <choice idref="sect262">If you wish to stand your ground and await their next move, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
1519 <section class="numbered" id="sect70">
1520 <meta><title>70</title></meta>
1523 <p>The pure white light of the Moonstone shines forth with a lambent glow. Bathed in the protective aura of the Moonstone, you ride on with speed. The miles are covered swiftly and the snow-white stallion maintains a tireless, unfaltering pace; you bless Samu for such an invaluable gift. At last you reach the River Dolani. The river is close to its source in the mountains and is consequently quite shallow; you are able to ford it easily. After crossing the river, you veer slightly to the northwest, towards the hills that lie southeast of Lake Tilos, where the portal of the demons of the Lissan Plain is situated. In the distance, you see a small group of figures heading towards you.</p>
1524 <choice idref="sect224">If you wish to avoid this gathering, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text>.</choice>
1525 <choice idref="sect231">If not, <link-text>turn to 231</link-text>.</choice>
1529 <section class="numbered" id="sect71">
1530 <meta><title>71</title></meta>
1533 <p>With a last, painful effort you hurtle through the brush and undergrowth at the edge of the forest. Using the cover of the forest you soon leave the horde struggling behind you. Stumbling with fatigue, your robe tattered and torn, your body bleeding from a dozen small wounds, you tramp through the densely packed vegetation. At last you find a hidden glade and you stop to rest for a moment.</p>
1534 <choice idref="sect170"><link-text>Turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
1538 <section class="numbered" id="sect72">
1539 <meta><title>72</title></meta>
1542 <p>With a wide, scything stroke of your Staff, the demon is slain. Its ruined body crumples to the ground, staining the grass of the plain with thick, black blood. Suddenly a razor-sharp pincer grabs your arm, raking your shoulder to inflict a bloody wound (you lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). The other three demons have crept up on you while you fought. Your attacker is the smallest of the three: a grotesque creature with an impossibly bent back and a bulbous purple body, shining like the shell of some gigantic beetle. With a cacophony of triumphal screeches they throw themselves at you. You cannot evade and must fight them to the death. All three fight as one enemy.</p>
1543 <combat><enemy>Three Demons of the Plain</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
1544 <choice idref="sect251">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 251</link-text>.</choice>
1548 <section class="numbered" id="sect73">
1549 <meta><title>73</title></meta>
1552 <p>A cascading arc of fire flows from your Staff to rain death on the valley below. Two demons shriek and are silent; another scurries back and forth screaming as its body burns. Terror spreads through the horde and it advances no further. You have made a wise decision. This demonstration of your power has been sufficient to hold the beasts at bay. Deduct 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points for this magical attack.</p>
1553 <choice idref="sect112"><link-text>Turn to 112</link-text>.</choice>
1557 <section class="numbered" id="sect74">
1558 <meta><title>74</title></meta>
1561 <p>At the expense of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you throw a beam of fiery magic into the ranks of the demon horde. A ghoulish form with three arms and grey, mottled skin falls dead, followed by a strange, birdlike creature with the body of a worm. You begin to walk down the stairs towards the rest of the horde. Flinching at the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s light they back away. The power of your incantation is beginning to fade now but you feel sure that the horde is sufficiently frightened to allow you and Tanith to pass. As you reach the bottom of the stairs, you are disturbed to hear their moans of fear change to a gloating croon. They part before you to reveal a giant shadow at the far end of the hall.</p>
1562 <choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
1566 <section class="numbered" id="sect75">
1567 <meta><title>75</title></meta>
1570 <p>You are given a horse and ride alongside Samu, who, like the rest of the Masbat<ch.eacute/>, does not ride. The Masbat<ch.eacute/> are too big to ride and use their Simar horses only to carry their supplies. Nevertheless, the Masbat<ch.eacute/> run like the wind and soon the River Dosar is far behind.</p>
1571 <p>When night comes, you make camp. Tomorrow, your southerly journey will take you to the Army of the Freedom Guild.</p>
1572 <choice idref="sect321"><link-text>Turn to 321</link-text>.</choice>
1576 <section class="numbered" id="sect76">
1577 <meta><title>76</title></meta>
1580 <p>The horse maintains a steady, tireless pace and the miles pass by swiftly. Soon you reach the River Dolani. The river is very shallow at this point and you are able to ford it easily. Heading northwest you sight a line of demons coming towards you.</p>
1581 <choice idref="sect84">If you possess a Potion of Invulnerability and wish to drink it, <link-text>turn to 84</link-text>.</choice>
1582 <choice idref="sect90">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 90</link-text>.</choice>
1586 <section class="numbered" id="sect77">
1587 <meta><title>77</title></meta>
1590 <p>You decide to change direction and increase speed. Shortly your limbs feel weary and your feet begin to drag. The heat of the sun is almost unbearable. You look over your shoulder and, to your amazement, the figure has disappeared. You gaze over the featureless grassy plain: where could he be hidden? You are beginning to suffer from heat exhaustion: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. Your present course is taking you far from anywhere you want to go.</p>
1591 <choice idref="sect14">If you wish to head in the direction of the fortress city of Shadaki, <link-text>turn to 14</link-text>.</choice>
1592 <choice idref="sect36">If you wish to head south, towards the lands of the Army of the Freedom Guild, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
1596 <section class="numbered" id="sect78">
1597 <meta><title>78</title></meta>
1600 <p>The demons seem loathe to attack but a large, hulking man-shape with wrinkled, elephantine skin summons up the courage to charge towards you. His sudden attack catches you off-guard and you are unable to evade combat.</p>
1601 <combat><enemy>Man Demon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">21</enemy-attribute></combat>
1602 <choice idref="sect144">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 144</link-text>.</choice>
1606 <section class="numbered" id="sect79">
1607 <meta><title>79</title></meta>
1610 <p>To your dismay, the rope snaps. A distant splash tells you that the receptacle that was attached to the rope has now fallen to the bottom of the well. The rope must have been rotten with age. You will have to find some other method of drawing water. Leading down into the inky depths you see a series of metal rungs cemented into the walls of the well.</p>
1611 <choice idref="sect124">If you have the Magical Power of Elementalism and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
1612 <choice idref="sect185">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of Physiurgy, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
1613 <choice idref="sect229">If you prefer to climb down into the well, or if you do not possess either of these Magical Powers, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
1617 <section class="numbered" id="sect80">
1618 <meta><title>80</title></meta>
1621 <p>Frantically you grab at the armour, trying to drag it off, but the rigours of your flight from the demon host have left you too fatigued to resist the current of the water. In a few, awful moments you drown in the waters of the River Dosar.</p>
1622 <deadend>You have failed in your quest.</deadend>
1626 <section class="numbered" id="sect81">
1627 <meta><title>81</title></meta>
1630 <p>You glance down at the Moonstone. Shocked, you see that it contains an absolute blackness. It is lifeless and still and the comfortable presence it once radiated is gone. The Moonstone is reflecting the evil nature of the environment that surrounds it.</p>
1631 <choice idref="sect146">If you have the Magical Power of Necromancy and wish to begin an incantation to ward off evil, <link-text>turn to 146</link-text>.</choice>
1632 <choice idref="sect169">If you have the Magical Power of Prophecy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 169</link-text>.</choice>
1633 <choice idref="sect177">If you have the Magical Power of a Visionary and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
1634 <choice idref="sect213">If you prefer not to use any magic, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
1638 <section class="numbered" id="sect82">
1639 <meta><title>82</title></meta>
1642 <p>Tanith and Kuna rush to stand at your side. She bares a small dagger but he is unarmed. The reptilian demon hurls himself at you with a fearsome scream. You cannot evade combat as this would mean leaving Kuna and Tanith to face the pack alone.</p>
1643 <combat><enemy>Reptile Demon of the Plains</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">21</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">22</enemy-attribute></combat>
1644 <choice idref="sect163">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 163</link-text>.</choice>
1648 <section class="numbered" id="sect83">
1649 <meta><title>83</title></meta>
1652 <p>Now that you know where the mechanism is you are able to reach out to it with the power of your mind. At the cost of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points you are able to trigger the mechanism of the great stone doors.</p>
1653 <choice idref="sect32"><link-text>Turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
1657 <section class="numbered" id="sect84">
1658 <meta><title>84</title></meta>
1661 <p>Fearing conflict so early in your journey, you drink the bitter potion of Invulnerability. Soon your body begins to glow with a strange blue light: the protection is complete. Remember that the effects of the potion will fade after a few hours. Remove the Potion of Invulnerability from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, although you may keep the empty Vial, which may be stored in your Herb Pouch or in your Backpack.</p>
1662 <choice idref="sect90"><link-text>Turn to 90</link-text>.</choice>
1666 <section class="numbered" id="sect85">
1667 <meta><title>85</title></meta>
1670 <p>You ponder the choices open to you. While you agree with Tanith that it would be safer to take cover behind the ridge, it pains you to see another human suffer.</p>
1671 <choice idref="sect97">If you wish to go to the Masbat<ch.eacute/><ch.apos/>s aid, <link-text>turn to 97</link-text>.</choice>
1672 <choice idref="sect116">If you prefer to leave the man to suffer while you hide behind the ridge that overlooks the lake, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
1676 <section class="numbered" id="sect86">
1677 <meta><title>86</title></meta>
1680 <p>Summoning all your strength, you fight against the fast-moving current of the River Dosar, tugging off the armour. You manage to swim to the other side and drag yourself ashore, panting for breath. A short distance away you can see Samu. Hauling yourself to your feet, you stagger over to him.</p>
1681 <p><quote>Grey Star!</quote> he gasps. <quote>You succeeded?</quote></p>
1682 <p><quote>Call your men. We must retreat. Look!</quote> you cry hoarsely, gesturing across the river. <quote>I have brought the demon plague. We must flee while they and the Shadakine fight.</quote></p>
1683 <p>It is as you say. Across the river the demons do awful battle with the Shadakine. Samu springs into action, blowing upon a horn and sounding the retreat. The Masbat<ch.eacute/> retire. The Shadakine cannot pursue while the whole demon horde is attacking them. Nevertheless you must destroy the bridge to prevent pursuit should the Shadakine, who number in their thousands, defeat the demon plague too soon.</p>
1684 <choice idref="sect314">If you have the Magical Power of Elementalism and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 314</link-text>.</choice>
1685 <choice idref="sect7">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of Physiurgy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 7</link-text>.</choice>
1686 <choice idref="sect26">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 26</link-text>.</choice>
1687 <choice idref="sect175">If you do not possess any of the above Powers, you must attack the bridge with your Staff; <link-text>turn to 175</link-text>.</choice>
1691 <section class="numbered" id="sect87">
1692 <meta><title>87</title></meta>
1695 <p>Despite the seriousness of the gaping wound in its side, the loathsome creature continues to resist you. Suddenly you are thrown forward, hurled to the ground in a flurry of kicks and blows. A razor-sharp pincer bites into your shoulder and you lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. The other three demons have pounced on you from behind while you fought.</p>
1696 <p>Thankfully, you have managed to retain a grip on your Staff. You must fight the four demons to the death. Due to the surprise of the attack and the disadvantage of having to fight your way back to your feet you must subtract 2 from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of the combat.</p>
1697 <combat><enemy>Four Demons of the Plains</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">21</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">34</enemy-attribute></combat>
1698 <choice idref="sect251">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 251</link-text>.</choice>
1702 <section class="numbered" id="sect88">
1703 <meta><title>88</title></meta>
1706 <p>You take careful aim as the snake flies overhead and, at the cost of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, release a beam of magical flame. With a piping cry it falls to the ground. The other Flying Snake swerves and heads east, flying high in the sky ahead of you.</p>
1707 <choice idref="sect64">If you have 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points and wish to fire at the remaining Flying Snake with your Staff at long range, <link-text>turn to 64</link-text>.</choice>
1708 <choice idref="sect228">If you wish to ignore it, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
1712 <section class="numbered" id="sect89">
1713 <meta><title>89</title></meta>
1716 <p>With Tanith at your side, you begin to run with all the speed you can muster. You run along the rim of the rise that overlooks Lake Dolani, hoping to reach the river that fills the lake and effect a crossing there. Chancing a brief look over your shoulder, you see the demon horde in pursuit. Looking ahead once more, you sight a band of tall, black-skinned men in the distance, heading towards you. They are Masbat<ch.eacute/> warriors, come to save their brother bound by the lake. Panting wildly, you look back to see the demon horde closing the distance between you. Their terrible, inhuman cries are now within range of your hearing and it seems probable that the evil horde will reach you before the Masbat<ch.eacute/> do.</p>
1717 <choice idref="sect141">If you wish to stop and turn to attack, <link-text>turn to 141</link-text>.</choice>
1718 <choice idref="sect299">If you wish to try to reach the Masbat<ch.eacute/> before the demons reach you, <link-text>turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
1722 <section class="numbered" id="sect90">
1723 <meta><title>90</title></meta>
1726 <p>You spur your horse into a gallop and hurtle towards the demons. Already you can make out the details of their hideous forms: half-men, half-beasts, with evil eyes and glistening fangs. Soon a gap of only a hundred paces stands between you. There are ten of them and they thirst for your blood.</p>
1727 <choice idref="sect98">If you wish to charge the demons, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
1728 <choice idref="sect106">If you wish to avoid the demons, <link-text>turn to 106</link-text>.</choice>
1729 <choice idref="sect114">If you wish to attack them at long range with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 114</link-text>.</choice>
1733 <section class="numbered" id="sect91">
1734 <meta><title>91</title></meta>
1737 <p>The power of invulnerability is an immense feat, requiring great effort. You concentrate your will upon strengthening the fabric of your body, immersing it in waves of Sorcery. Your body begins to glow with an eerie blue light. You stand back and look with disdain on the first of the demons, the toad beast, as it hurls itself at you. Its initial blow has no effect on you. Instead the creature howls in pain and clutches at its clawed hand, hurt from the impact of your iron flesh. The remaining demons make similar attempts to harm you, all with the same result. When all their efforts have proved futile they begin to back away, cowering with fear beneath the intensity of your unflinching gaze. Impressive as this power is, it has cost you 4 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. You raise your Staff, ready to strike at the nearest of the demons, a vile, hunched figure with snapping, crab-like pincers and a shiny, purple body like a huge beetle. However before you can strike, all four vanish. They do not return.</p>
1738 <choice idref="sect99"><link-text>Turn to 99</link-text>.</choice>
1742 <section class="numbered" id="sect92">
1743 <meta><title>92</title></meta>
1746 <p>Your whole body glows with the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s protection.</p>
1747 <p><quote>Afraid to fight?</quote> Shasarak mocks. He does not attack for the moment. Instead, he reaches into the air and produces his own Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff; it is long and black. He weighs it casually in his hand. <quote>Shall we duel now, Grey Star? Or will you stand forever within that damnable light, afraid to fight?</quote></p>
1748 <p>The voice of Agarash booms from the wall of fire at the end of the hall. <quote>Who is it that is really afraid to fight, Shasarak? Tell me that!</quote></p>
1749 <p><quote>Be silent, Demon,</quote> Shasarak commands. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll have this young viper yet.</quote></p>
1750 <choice idref="sect131">If you wish to duel with Shasarak, <link-text>turn to 131</link-text>.</choice>
1751 <choice idref="sect145">If you wish to throw some of the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s power at Shasarak and have 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point with which to do so, <link-text>turn to 145</link-text>.</choice>
1755 <section class="numbered" id="sect93">
1756 <meta><title>93</title></meta>
1759 <p>The toad demon comes snarling and slavering at you, its arms outstretched, long-nailed claws flexing to rake at your flesh. Suddenly it leaps. You step to one side and slam your Staff into its torso, inflicting a dark, oozing wound. It howls in pain and turns clumsily. You lift your Staff to strike the creature once more as it faces you with small, red eyes that stare malevolently. You swing your Staff but you strike nothing. The demon has vanished leaving only the echo of its tormented scream and the stench of its acrid breath. The three remaining demons advance slowly towards you, gibbering with obscene delight. Using the momentum of your swinging stroke at the toad demon, you spin round to face the three hideous creatures in one fluid movement. They falter, and then step back in fear, clinging to each other and shrieking. Suddenly Tanith shouts a warning. There is something close behind you. You turn, Staff upraised, muscles tensed, ready to spring at the injured demon that has magically materialized behind you.</p>
1760 <choice idref="sect28"><link-text>Turn to 28</link-text>.</choice>
1764 <section class="numbered" id="sect94">
1765 <meta><title>94</title></meta>
1768 <p>You are completely surrounded. There is no escape. Despite your high degree of skill in combat you cannot hope to win against such overwhelming odds. The demons swarm over you like ants, killing you mercilessly.</p>
1769 <deadend>You have failed in your quest.</deadend>
1773 <section class="numbered" id="sect95">
1774 <meta><title>95</title></meta>
1777 <p>With this change of direction, you increase your pace, but the burning heat drags at your every step and soon you are soaked with perspiration. You stop to draw breath; you look over your shoulder to discover that the lone figure is nowhere in sight. Yet there is no tree, rock, or bush anywhere to hide behind. You are suffering from heat exhaustion and must lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Your current course is taking you away from anywhere you want to be.</p>
1778 <choice idref="sect14">If you wish to head east, in the direction of the city of Shadaki, <link-text>turn to 14</link-text>.</choice>
1779 <choice idref="sect36">If you wish to go south, towards the Army of the Freedom Guild, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
1783 <section class="numbered" id="sect96">
1784 <meta><title>96</title></meta>
1787 <p>Your body is numb with exhaustion. You stumble once again<ch.ellips/>and fall. With wild gleeful cries, the pack reaches you before you are able to rise. Your last moments are spent regarding the multitude of crazed, hideous faces that crave only your death.</p>
1788 <deadend>Your life and your quest end here.</deadend>
1792 <section class="numbered" id="sect97">
1793 <meta><title>97</title></meta>
1796 <p>You tell Tanith that you have decided to help the Masbat<ch.eacute/> and start down the slope. Reluctantly she follows. You reach the man and begin untying the ropes that bind his wrists and ankles. He mutters his thanks in a faint voice and, with your help, he half-crawls, half-stumbles towards the lake, where he begins to drink thirstily. You and Tanith do the same, quenching your day-old thirst with relish.</p>
1797 <p>The Masbat<ch.eacute/><ch.apos/>s name is Kuna. He tells you that he was captured while fishing alone on the banks of the Dolani River, by a number of the demons that still roam the Lissan Plain. He has lain bound since that time.</p>
1798 <p><quote>The hellspawn knew that my Masbat<ch.eacute/> brothers would come for me and hoped to trap them in the narrow confines of this enclosed region. But tell me, who are you? Why are you here?</quote> he asks.</p>
1799 <p>Before you can reply, Tanith shouts a warning. Her face is horror-stricken. You turn around, barely able to suppress a shocked gasp at what you see. A ring of grisly beasts lines the curving slope before you in a wide semicircle. <quote>This is the demon plague,</quote> you whisper.</p>
1800 <p>The steady croon of hellish voices grows as the evil horde gloats at the utter hopelessness of your position. You are enclosed by a force that numbers almost a hundred. With a terrible cry, a pack of demons rushes towards you. Each of the creatures has a different but equally misshapen form. Some are like strange toad beasts; others are malformed apes with stunted limbs and a shambling gait. The leader of the pack is a large, slimy reptile with a tortured human face. Only moments remain before the pack of demons is upon you.</p>
1801 <choice idref="sect288">If you wish to fire with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff at the leader of the pack in a long-range attack, <link-text>turn to 288</link-text>.</choice>
1802 <choice idref="sect82">If you wish to stand and receive the charge, <link-text>turn to 82</link-text>.</choice>
1806 <section class="numbered" id="sect98">
1807 <meta><title>98</title></meta>
1810 <p>With a fierce cry you charge, eyes flashing, Staff blazing. The demon pack comes to a startled halt, amazed at the audacity of your move. You close the gap between yourself and the pack in moments<ch.ellips/>and then the charge hits home.</p>
1811 <choice idref="sect118">If you have recently drunk a Potion of Invulnerability, or if you have the protection of Thaumaturgy, <link-text>turn to 118</link-text>.</choice>
1812 <choice idref="sect128">If not, <link-text>turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
1816 <section class="numbered" id="sect99">
1817 <meta><title>99</title></meta>
1820 <p>With a relieved sigh, both you and Tanith turn to resume your journey east. Night has almost fallen. In the faint light, you see a glimmer in the distance. It is a river. You break into a run and do not stop until you have reached the banks of its fast-flowing waters. Hurriedly, you scoop handfuls of water into your mouth, and do not stop until your parched throat is soothed and your thirst quenched. With a satisfied expression, Tanith sits up on her haunches, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.</p>
1821 <p><quote>This is the River Dolani,</quote> she says. <quote>It leads south, to fill the great Lake Dolani thirty miles downstream. Upstream, to the northeast, is its source in the Kashima Mountains.</quote></p>
1822 <p>To continue your journey east you will have to cross this river. It is too wide and deep to be waded, and the current is too fast for you to be able to swim across. You ponder your next course of action, lost in thought.</p>
1823 <choice idref="sect201"><link-text>Turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
1827 <section class="numbered" id="sect100">
1828 <meta><title>100</title></meta>
1831 <p>Like his comrades, the Masbat<ch.eacute/> warrior stands well over seven feet tall. Clad in a corselet of worn, padded leather, his body ripples with taut muscle beneath skin as black as ebony. His hair is long and his eyes still burn with the raging fire of battle. He stares at you curiously. <quote>Who are you?</quote> he asks.</p>
1832 <p><quote>Greetings men of the Masbat<ch.eacute/>,</quote> you reply. <quote>I am Grey Star, Wizard of the Shianti, bound upon a quest in their service, and sworn to the destruction of the Wytch-king, Shasarak.</quote></p>
1833 <p><quote>Can this be?</quote> the warrior gasps, shaking his head in amazement. <quote>We will talk of this later in a safer place. My name is Dioka, chief of this warrior band. Come with us to the mountain lair of the Masbat<ch.eacute/> in the Kashima Mountains. The demons may return in greater numbers. The King must hear of your return.</quote></p>
1834 <p>You agree to his request and soon you are struggling to keep pace with the rapid march of the Masbat<ch.eacute/> warrior as he heads towards the mountains and the secret lair of the last of a proud and mighty race.</p>
1835 <choice idref="sect260"><link-text>Turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
1839 <section class="numbered" id="sect101">
1840 <meta><title>101</title></meta>
1843 <p>You urge your steed to one last great effort and head straight for the forest. At the forest<ch.apos/>s edge the plain is dotted with bushes and trees, making it difficult for the Winged Demons to attack and, with a joyful cry, you enter the sheltered sanctuary of the woods. You dismount and lead the stallion along the curving trail that runs through the heart of the forest. Both you and the beast are exhausted and you search for a place to rest. Finding a concealed glade, you stop for a few moments and plan the next course of action.</p>
1844 <choice idref="sect170"><link-text>Turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
1848 <section class="numbered" id="sect102">
1849 <meta><title>102</title></meta>
1852 <p>Your indecision has granted the demons time to close in and they are now almost at arm<ch.apos/>s length: you must ready yourself for close combat. The razor-sharp pincer of a hunched creature with the body of a huge beetle rakes at your shoulder: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1853 <choice idref="sect264"><link-text>Turn to 264</link-text>.</choice>
1857 <section class="numbered" id="sect103">
1858 <meta><title>103</title></meta>
1861 <p>You continue at a gentle canter, the afternoon sun beating down on you from a clear sky. Periodically you look over your shoulder but there is still no sign of the demon plague. The Flying Snakes keep pace with you for a while, and then abruptly climb high in to the sky and disappear from view, heading east.</p>
1862 <choice idref="sect247"><link-text>Turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
1866 <section class="numbered" id="sect104">
1867 <meta><title>104</title></meta>
1870 <footnote id="sect104-1-foot" idref="sect104-1"><p>If you do not have sufficient <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you may choose to simply subtract the specified number of <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. This may leave you with a negative <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> score, or if it was already negative, it will make your score become even more negative. Alternatively, you may choose the method used in <a idref="sect175">Section 175</a> for resolving this problem: For the <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points you lack, you use <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points at a rate of 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points for every 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point (i.e. 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points = 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point).</p></footnote>
1874 <p>You are surrounded by hundreds of creatures. They close in with evil expressions on their ruined faces and a giant, wingless bat slashes out at you with its claws. However, you are able to hold your ground unflinchingly, for you feel nothing. Soon a great crowd of demons is slashing and gouging at you but still you remain unharmed and slowly you beat a path toward the portal. As you progress, the light of invulnerability that once enfolded you begins to fade and you begin to feel some pain at fresh blows. You field a brilliant defence, however, taking full advantage of being mounted. More and more demons back away in fear of this indestructible warrior who wields a Staff of burning death.</p>
1875 <p>You use 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points<footref id="sect104-1" idref="sect104-1-foot"/> and lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point in your fight to reach the portal. Now, at last, it is at hand. There is a lull in the fighting. The demon pack forms a large circle around you and they stand contemplating another charge. You pray that they do not, for your magical invulnerability has faded. You must act swiftly. You draw out the Moonstone and focus your energy upon it. The demon horde wavers.</p>
1876 <choice idref="sect112"><link-text>Turn to 112</link-text>.</choice>
1880 <section class="numbered" id="sect105">
1881 <meta><title>105</title></meta>
1884 <p>Bravely you stride forward, shouting curses and threats at the foul beasts. They shrink back in horror, unable to endure the touch of the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s light. Suddenly they break into a run. They do not stop until they reach the slope that slants away from the rise, when they turn to shriek and howl at you in one last act of defiance before simply vanishing. You relax your guard and, when you are sure that they will not return, you release the spell of protection from the Moonstone. Its light fades. You notice that now the demons have gone, the Moonstone has returned to the swirling grey state it possessed when you first arrived on the plain.</p>
1885 <choice idref="sect140"><link-text>Turn to 140</link-text>.</choice>
1889 <section class="numbered" id="sect106">
1890 <meta><title>106</title></meta>
1893 <p>Suddenly you wheel, giving the line of demons a wide birth. They also change direction but the speed of your Simar steed is great and you are able to avoid them easily. Soon they have become nothing more than blurs on the horizon.</p>
1894 <p>For a while the journey continues without further interruption, the steady, rolling gait of your Simar mount eating up the miles. Suddenly you hear the flap of leathery wings beating above your head. You look up to see a large, winged reptile bearing rows of razor-edged teeth flying towards you. It gives a terrible scream that echoes all around the open plain.</p>
1895 <choice idref="sect149">If you wish to fire a long-range blast at the creature with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 149</link-text>.</choice>
1896 <choice idref="sect161">If you wish to increase the speed of your Simar steed and head towards the beast to engage it in close combat, <link-text>turn to 161</link-text>.</choice>
1900 <section class="numbered" id="sect107">
1901 <meta><title>107</title></meta>
1904 <p>Taking Tanith by the hand you pursue the demons, who offer no resistance. All their efforts are concentrated on keeping outside the range of your Staff, which you use to prod any demons that remain too close, herding them like a flock of sheep. Soon, you reach the top of the stairs that lead directly to the hall. You step onto the first stair and nod to yourself in satisfaction as they part in haste before you, scattering in all directions. A grisly corridor of malformed creatures forms before you, leading to the entrance of the tomb. Then, their timid moans and cries change alarmingly to an undulating rhythm of crowing pleasure and sneering gloats, and you see a winged form silhouetted by the sunlight that streams through the tomb<ch.apos/>s entrance.</p>
1905 <choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
1909 <section class="numbered" id="sect108">
1910 <meta><title>108</title></meta>
1913 <p>At the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point, you weave a web of Enchantment about yourself, creating the illusion that you are a Shadakine warrior. You stand and reveal yourself to the rider, waving and calling him to you.</p>
1914 <choice idref="sect186"><link-text>Turn to 186</link-text>.</choice>
1918 <section class="numbered" id="sect109">
1919 <meta><title>109</title></meta>
1922 <p>After a rapid flurry of strokes from your Staff you deliver a killing blow. The slain demon<ch.apos/>s fellow attackers are all around, anxious to strike, and in the corner of your eye you glimpse the demon horde sprinting towards you. The attack of these small ape beasts is probably intended only to delay you. You vault into the saddle and the stallion springs away.</p>
1923 <choice idref="sect147"><link-text>Turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
1927 <section class="numbered" id="sect110">
1928 <meta><title>110</title></meta>
1931 <p>Standing before you is a squat, malformed creature. Its features are grotesque and distorted; its back is bent at an impossible angle; its limbs twist like a gnarled tree. The eyes stare out of a knuckled face at odd angles above a raw gash of a mouth that snarls and spits as you approach. The creature crouches low and then leaps at you. You raise your Staff in readiness but the attack does not materialize: the creature has disappeared! The creature is nowhere to be seen. You look at Tanith, a question half-formed on your lips.</p>
1932 <p><quote>Some creature of Shasarak<ch.apos/>s,</quote> she states coolly. <quote>Demons rule this land now, though once it was a place of untamed beauty. At his command it has become a realm of fear.</quote></p>
1933 <p>You wonder if the creature has gone to warn others of its kind, or whether it simply fled in fear. Whatever the answer, one thing is certain: you must keep moving. You still have not located any food or water, and evening is drawing in.</p>
1934 <choice idref="sect14">If you wish to go east, <link-text>turn to 14</link-text>.</choice>
1935 <choice idref="sect36">If you wish to go south, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
1939 <section class="numbered" id="sect111">
1940 <meta><title>111</title></meta>
1943 <p>Taking careful aim, you release a searing ball of fire and hurl it at the Flying Snake. The demon falls, screaming. The cost of your attack has been 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. An apish beast drifts forward, and then dives.</p>
1944 <combat><enemy>Winged Demon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">20</enemy-attribute></combat>
1945 <p>Combat lasts one round only as the demon wings past. If your enemy loses more <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than you, ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points loss you incur in this combat.</p>
1946 <choice idref="sect306">If you are still alive, <link-text>turn to 306</link-text>.</choice>
1950 <section class="numbered" id="sect112">
1951 <meta><title>112</title></meta>
1954 <footnote id="sect112-1-foot" idref="sect112-1"><p>If you do not have sufficient <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you may choose the method used in <a idref="sect175">Section 175</a> for resolving this problem: For the <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points you lack, you must use <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points at a rate of 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points for every 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point (i.e. 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points = 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point).</p></footnote>
1958 <p>You hold the Moonstone above your head as it fills slowly with power and light. A chorus of inhuman moans ripples across the valley and your horse snorts and paws the ground nervously. The rays from the Moonstone play upon the burning archway, and it suddenly bursts into flames. You have used 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point<footref id="sect112-1" idref="sect112-1-foot"/> in your attempt to close the portal. Now it seems imbued with a new force: a power strong enough to resist even the might of the Moonstone of the Shianti. Your Simar steed rears and you are almost thrown. The demon horde are paralysed, cowering and whimpering pathetically. Your heart almost stops when a pair of large eyes appears within the flames of the demon portal.</p>
1959 <choice idref="sect158"><link-text>Turn to 158</link-text>.</choice>
1963 <section class="numbered" id="sect113">
1964 <meta><title>113</title></meta>
1967 <p>Holding the Moonstone above your head you begin the incantation of protection. You notice that the Moonstone is filled with an absolute blackness: it is reflecting the evil presence of the demons. As the spell takes effect, the Moonstone shines forth anew with a white, radiant light that banishes the shadows of the tomb. The use of this Magical Power has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. A babble of discontent breaks out from the creatures below. The light of the Moonstone has revealed your position. A scuffle of webbed and clawed feet tells you that the demon horde is rushing up the stairway towards you. The only way down to the hall is by the stairway and the only exit from the tomb is through the entrance to the hall.</p>
1968 <choice idref="sect174">If you wish to release a long-range attack at the demon horde with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 174</link-text>.</choice>
1969 <choice idref="sect215">If you wish to head towards them, <link-text>turn to 215</link-text>.</choice>
1973 <section class="numbered" id="sect114">
1974 <meta><title>114</title></meta>
1977 <p>At the cost of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you take careful aim and release a bolt of magical energy at an indistinct figure in the demon line. With an anguished cry it falls to the ground. But still the demons approach relentlessly.</p>
1978 <choice idref="sect98">If you wish to charge, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
1979 <choice idref="sect106">If you wish to try to evade the demons, <link-text>turn to 106</link-text>.</choice>
1983 <section class="numbered" id="sect115">
1984 <meta><title>115</title></meta>
1987 <p>Although you have discovered the location of the triggering mechanism, it cannot be activated without using the Powers of Sorcery or Thaumaturgy. You will, therefore, have to force open the door. It is very strong and the use of force against it may use up many <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
1988 <choice idref="sect289">If you have the Magical Power of Elementalism and wish to summon elemental aid, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
1989 <choice idref="sect181">If you have learnt the Higher Magick of Physiurgy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 181</link-text>.</choice>
1990 <choice idref="sect234">If you do not possess these Powers, or if you wish to take up your journey to Lake Dolani once more, <link-text>turn to 234</link-text>.</choice>
1994 <section class="numbered" id="sect116">
1995 <meta><title>116</title></meta>
1998 <p>You clamber up the slope once more but as you reach the top you see a horde of demonic creatures heading towards you from the west. Quickly you and Tanith duck down below the ridge. The demons will be upon you soon.</p>
1999 <choice idref="sect89">If you wish to try to flee the approaching horde, <link-text>turn to 89</link-text>.</choice>
2000 <choice idref="sect126">If you wish to remain where you are and surprise the horde as it approaches, <link-text>turn to 126</link-text>.</choice>
2004 <section class="numbered" id="sect117">
2005 <meta><title>117</title></meta>
2008 <p>Taking advantage of the demons<ch.apos/> confusion, you release another charge of magical flame, sending it arcing towards the toad demon. This action costs you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. Thick, black blood drips from the demon<ch.apos/>s wound but it is not slain. It gives a low growl before it and the other demons vanish. You breathe a sigh of relief: both you and Tanith are unharmed. You release the spell of protection from the Moonstone and its light fades, returning to its grey, rather than black, state.</p>
2009 <choice idref="sect140"><link-text>Turn to 140</link-text>.</choice>
2013 <section class="numbered" id="sect118">
2014 <meta><title>118</title></meta>
2017 <p>Your body glows with an eerie blue light, your Staff blazes with a blinding white incandescence and your heart pounds with the fury of battle as the great white stallion carries you into the screaming fray of the demon line. Many clawed hands reach out to rend and tear your flesh but you remain unharmed. Others reach for the stallion<ch.apos/>s bridle in an attempt to stop the mad galloping rush of its charge.</p>
2018 <choice idref="sect193">If you wish to fight the demons all around you, <link-text>turn to 193</link-text>.</choice>
2019 <choice idref="sect207">If you wish to continue your charge and attempt to escape the evil clutches of the demon pack, <link-text>turn to 207</link-text>.</choice>
2023 <section class="numbered" id="sect119">
2024 <meta><title>119</title></meta>
2027 <p>Standing at the top of the stairs, you look down on the mass of monstrous beings. They are stunned by your unexpected attack, and the protective aura of your necromantic spell causes them to cower before you. The light of the Moonstone shines upon them and they attempt to shield their eyes from its bright light.</p>
2028 <choice idref="sect30">If you wish to hold your position and try to intimidate them further, <link-text>turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
2029 <choice idref="sect74">If you wish to release another blast of power at long range with your Staff, <link-text>turn to 74</link-text>.</choice>
2030 <choice idref="sect293">If you wish to charge them, <link-text>turn to 293</link-text>.</choice>
2034 <section class="numbered" id="sect120">
2035 <meta><title>120</title></meta>
2038 <p>Your call for aid goes unheeded by the element of earth. Either you have made a demand it does not understand or one it cannot fulfil. Whatever the reason, your attempt has failed.</p>
2039 <choice idref="sect275"><link-text>Turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
2043 <section class="numbered" id="sect121">
2044 <meta><title>121</title></meta>
2047 <p>They are moving faster now. Some gurgle obscenely; others growl and roar with crazed expressions. It is a grisly host of horrors: twisted faces with bulging eyes; beasts with long, fleshy tentacles or waving insect feelers. A parasitic insect with a hard, chitinous shell hangs on to the back of a tusked reptilian with tiny suckers, draining the reptile of nourishment but providing it with the armoured protection of its own body. All these and hundreds more seek you out, their courage growing by the moment.</p>
2048 <illustration class="float">
2050 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
2051 <description>Some gurgle obscenely<ch.emdash/>others growl and roar with crazed expressions.</description>
2053 <instance class="html" src="ill6.png" width="386" height="664" mime-type="image/png"/>
2054 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="664" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2055 <instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="664" />
2057 <choice idref="sect233">If you wish to ride to the other end of the valley, using the high ridge above the slopes, and attempt to close the portal without combating the demons, <link-text>turn to 233</link-text>.</choice>
2058 <choice idref="sect218">If you wish to charge the demon horde, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
2059 <choice idref="sect204">If you wish to attack the demon horde with a long-range burst from your Staff, <link-text>turn to 204</link-text>.</choice>
2063 <section class="numbered" id="sect122">
2064 <meta><title>122</title></meta>
2067 <p>As you have already located the door mechanism, it is a simple matter for a Thaumaturgist to exert sufficient magical force to trigger it. With a minimum of effort you set into motion the sequence of pulleys and weights behind the door. The use of this spell has cost you only 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point.</p>
2068 <choice idref="sect32"><link-text>Turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
2072 <section class="numbered" id="sect123">
2073 <meta><title>123</title></meta>
2076 <p>No sooner have you slain the demon than three others of its kind launch themselves at you. As you fight, another of the creatures attempts to slay your horse, while in the distance you glimpse the entire demon horde. Even at this distance you can hear their blood-curdling howls. The stallion neighs and rears to attack his assailants with his hooves. You must fight the three ape demons that beset you.</p>
2077 <combat><enemy>Three Ape Demons</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">24</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">25</enemy-attribute></combat>
2078 <choice idref="sect155">If you wish to evade combat after the first round, <link-text>turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
2079 <choice idref="sect168">If you do not evade in the second round of combat, you must fight to the death. If you win, <link-text>turn to 168</link-text>.</choice>
2083 <section class="numbered" id="sect124">
2084 <meta><title>124</title></meta>
2087 <p>You close your eyes and sink into a trance state. Reaching out to the Elemental Plane, you summon the aid of the Water Elementals at the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point. After a short pause you hear the sound of rushing water at the bottom of the well. Then, suddenly, a whirling column of water rises out of the well, carrying on its tip a large clay bowl. You reach out and take the bowl: it is brim-full of water. The waterspout subsides.</p>
2088 <choice idref="sect25"><link-text>Turn to 25</link-text>.</choice>
2092 <section class="numbered" id="sect125">
2093 <meta><title>125</title></meta>
2096 <p>Pain sears your body as the black fire hits you: reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> total by half, rounding fractions up to the nearest whole number. All the while the foul laughter of Agarash the Damned fills the hall. At the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point you strike Shasarak<ch.apos/>s head with a powerful blow. His tortured scream fills the air, and he grabs at your Staff. He will not let go, and a shimmering burst of fire travels from Shasarak<ch.apos/>s hands up the length of your Staff. Shasarak is using it as a bond between you. He is attempting to pit all his remaining strength against yours.</p>
2097 <choice idref="sect310">If you wish to continue this duel of life-forces, <link-text>turn to 310</link-text>.</choice>
2098 <choice idref="sect129">If you wish to evade this combat by wrenching your Staff from Shasarak<ch.apos/>s hand, <link-text>turn to 129</link-text>.</choice>
2102 <section class="numbered" id="sect126">
2103 <meta><title>126</title></meta>
2106 <p>With bated breath you wait below the crest of the slope. When you consider that sufficient time has passed you spring to your feet, Staff ablaze, ready to strike. Your timing is perfect. The pack is almost upon you but your sudden appearance brings them to a halt. You wonder if you have taken on too much, for you can see that the pack numbers almost a hundred. They are a monstrous gathering of creatures: subhuman malformations and unnatural mixtures of bestial and human features. Before the pack realizes that you are alone, you charge, falling upon the leading demon, a large, slimy reptile with a twisted human face.</p>
2107 <combat><enemy>Reptile Demon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">21</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">22</enemy-attribute></combat>
2108 <choice idref="sect13">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 13</link-text>.</choice>
2112 <section class="numbered" id="sect127">
2113 <meta><title>127</title></meta>
2116 <p>You change direction and attempt to increase your pace, but the heat is too intense. Soon you are panting for breath and your body is soaked with sweat. After a short time you are forced to stop for rest. You look around but can see no sign of the distant figure. It has disappeared, although there is nothing to hide behind. Your efforts in the fierce sun have cost you 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. You wonder if the sun is having as bad an effect on your mind.</p>
2117 <choice idref="sect14"><link-text>Turn to 14</link-text>.</choice>
2121 <section class="numbered" id="sect128">
2122 <meta><title>128</title></meta>
2125 <p>You thunder into the demon line, riding one of them down in a stampede of dust, blood, and flashing hooves. As you sweep past, another of the demons, a vile, rat-like creature with the body and legs of an ape, grabs at your saddle. It vaults onto the Simar<ch.apos/>s haunches and clutches at your throat. Deduct 2 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of the struggle as the demon is attacking you from behind. You must remain mounted as the Simar Horse gallops across the plain.</p>
2126 <combat><enemy>Rat Demon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">19</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">20</enemy-attribute></combat>
2127 <choice idref="sect136">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 136</link-text>.</choice>
2131 <section class="numbered" id="sect129">
2132 <meta><title>129</title></meta>
2135 <p>With a mighty effort you drag the Staff from his hand before the life-force is drained from you. Shasarak drags himself to his feet and begins to run towards the wall of fire.</p>
2136 <p><quote>Come, come to me,</quote> Agarash whispers. <quote>I will be free.</quote></p>
2137 <p>Shasarak stops. <quote>No, you will not have me,</quote> he rasps savagely. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll take him yet</quote> He reaches up and pulls a long, black Staff from thin air and brandishes it at you. <quote>Come<ch.ellips/>We will fight!</quote> He lashes at you with his Staff. You must duel with your arch-enemy.</p>
2138 <combat><enemy>Wytch-king Shasarak</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">10</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">20</enemy-attribute></combat>
2139 <choice idref="sect180">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 180</link-text>.</choice>
2143 <section class="numbered" id="sect130">
2144 <meta><title>130</title></meta>
2147 <p>You teleport but as your body begins to rematerialize you are filled with terror. You have reappeared inside a wall beside the doorway. Your body is racked with a brief but severe pain before you die, half-embedded in a solid wall of granite.</p>
2148 <deadend>Your life and your quest end here.</deadend>
2152 <section class="numbered" id="sect131">
2153 <meta><title>131</title></meta>
2156 <p>Without warning you charge while Shasarak crouches in a hunched combat stance.</p>
2157 <illustration class="float">
2159 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
2160 <description>Shasarak crouches in a hunched combat stance.</description>
2162 <instance class="html" src="ill7.png" width="386" height="624" mime-type="image/png"/>
2163 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="624" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2164 <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="624" />
2166 <p><quote>It is better this way,</quote> Shasarak snarls, twisting his Staff in his hand.</p>
2167 <combat><enemy>Wytch-king Shasarak</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">30</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
2168 <choice idref="sect180">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 180</link-text>.</choice>
2172 <section class="numbered" id="sect132">
2173 <meta><title>132</title></meta>
2176 <p>With a mental effort that requires 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points you float into the air, hovering above the heads of the shrieking demons as they reach out at you with flailing limbs. Although you are now safe from their evil clutches, Tanith remains on the ground. A demon reaches for her, a grotesque creature with a hunched back and the body of a huge, purple beetle. She backs away, nimbly avoiding the clutch of its razor-sharp pincers. While there is still a short distance between them you must strike.</p>
2177 <choice idref="sect143">If you wish to fire a long-range attack at the beetle demon with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 143</link-text>.</choice>
2178 <choice idref="sect248">If you wish to release your power of levitation and drop down on the creature from above, <link-text>turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
2182 <section class="numbered" id="sect133">
2183 <meta><title>133</title></meta>
2186 <p>You command the Shadakine warrior to ride towards you; the warrior obeys. The use of this spell has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
2187 <choice idref="sect186"><link-text>Turn to 186</link-text>.</choice>
2191 <section class="numbered" id="sect134">
2192 <meta><title>134</title></meta>
2195 <p>The portal is near enough for you to be able to attempt to close it. Unfortunately, when you cast the shining power of the Moonstone onto the burning gate you will reveal yourself to the evil host that lurks in the valley below.</p>
2196 <choice idref="sect139">If you wish to remount your Simar steed before making the attempt, <link-text>turn to 139</link-text>.</choice>
2197 <choice idref="sect153">If you prefer to make the attempt from your hiding place at the edge of the valley behind the ridge, <link-text>turn to 153</link-text>.</choice>
2201 <section class="numbered" id="sect135">
2202 <meta><title>135</title></meta>
2205 <p>You are looking into a long, broad hall, dappled with pools of faint orange light. The source of the light is a series of square, slanting shafts high in the tall, vaulted ceiling. At the far end of the hall are two staircases, each leading to the first of many galleries that run along each wall. Archways line the balustraded galleries, each one leading into an ominous pool of darkness.</p>
2206 <p>Your footsteps echo loudly as you walk across the tiled floor covered with the dust of centuries. The air is musty and tainted with the faint aroma of attar. Each stone is draped with cobwebs. You move towards a dais in the centre of the hall. Mounting the steps, you see that it contains a wide, circular opening. A thick, iron bar is suspended across the opening and mounted on each end is a large handle. Attached to the handles and passing through a hole in the middle of the bar is a length of thick rope.</p>
2207 <p><quote>This must be a well!</quote> exclaims Tanith, excitedly.</p>
2208 <choice idref="sect3">If you wish to turn one of the handles and draw from the well, <link-text>turn to 3</link-text>.</choice>
2209 <choice idref="sect48">If you wish to examine the well, <link-text>turn to 48</link-text>.</choice>
2213 <section class="numbered" id="sect136">
2214 <meta><title>136</title></meta>
2217 <p>With a backwards jerk, you thrust the butt of your Staff into the creature<ch.apos/>s ribs. It yammers in pain and falls from the horse: it is dead before it hits the ground. Over your shoulder you see the line of demons recede into the distance. They try to pursue you but the fleet-footed stallion runs as fast as a speeding arrow and the demons soon pass from sight.</p>
2218 <choice idref="sect142"><link-text>Turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
2222 <section class="numbered" id="sect137">
2223 <meta><title>137</title></meta>
2226 <p>Springing to your feet, you hurl a cascading rain of magical fire onto the head of the demonic horde below. Many fall dead and the evil mass is thrown into an uproar of startled shrieks and wails. This magical attack has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. The scuffles of webbed and clawed feet tell you that a group of demons is rushing for the stairs that lead up to the galleries. The only way to the hall is by those stairs and you can leave the tomb only by the entrance to the hall.</p>
2227 <choice idref="sect236"><link-text>Turn to 236</link-text>.</choice>
2231 <section class="numbered" id="sect138">
2232 <meta><title>138</title></meta>
2235 <p>Your call for aid goes unheeded by the element of water. Either you have made a request that it does not understand or one that it cannot fulfil. Your attempt has failed.</p>
2236 <choice idref="sect275"><link-text>Turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
2240 <section class="numbered" id="sect139">
2241 <meta><title>139</title></meta>
2244 <footnote id="sect139-1-foot" idref="sect139-1"><p>If you do not have sufficient <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you may choose to simply subtract the specified number of <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. This may leave you with a negative <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> score, or if it was already negative, it will make your score become even more negative. Alternatively, you may choose the method used in <a idref="sect175">Section 175</a> for resolving this problem: For the <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points you lack, you use <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points at a rate of 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points for every 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point (i.e. 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points = 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point).</p></footnote>
2248 <p>Sitting astride the beautiful white stallion, you trot to the edge of the valley overlooking the flaming archway of the portal and draw out the Moonstone. You focus all the power of your will onto the stone and the closing of the portal. A chorus of inhuman moans ripples across the valley. You hold the Moonstone above your head as slowly it fills with power and light. The demons draw nearer and your horse paws the ground and stamps nervously.</p>
2249 <p>Suddenly the flaming archway ignites. Its fire swirls and writhes with great intensity, spitting gouts of liquid orange flame in all directions. You have used 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point<footref id="sect139-1" idref="sect139-1-foot"/> in your attempt to close the portal but now it seems imbued with a new force, a power strong enough to resist even the ancient might of the Moonstone of the Shianti. Your Simar steed rears up on its hind legs and you are almost thrown. The horde stops as if paralysed, cowering and gibbering pitifully. Your heart misses a beat as a huge pair of monstrous eyes appear within the flames of the portal.</p>
2250 <illustration class="float">
2252 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
2253 <description>Your heart misses a beat as a huge pair of monstrous eyes appear within the flames of the portal.</description>
2255 <instance class="html" src="ill8.png" width="386" height="611" mime-type="image/png"/>
2256 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill8.gif" width="386" height="611" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2257 <instance class="pdf" src="ill8.pdf" width="386" height="611" />
2259 <choice idref="sect158"><link-text>Turn to 158</link-text>.</choice>
2263 <section class="numbered" id="sect140">
2264 <meta><title>140</title></meta>
2267 <p>Night falls over the silent Plain of Lissan and the waters of the river are black and mysterious. Although relieved that your ordeal against the foul demons is over, you are apprehensive at the horrors that a night in this forsaken country might bring.</p>
2268 <choice idref="sect201"><link-text>Turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
2272 <section class="numbered" id="sect141">
2273 <meta><title>141</title></meta>
2276 <p>Abruptly you turn to face the oncoming horde of malformed beasts. The leading demon, a large reptilian beast with a twisted human face, lets out a chilling scream.</p>
2277 <choice idref="sect221">If you wish to unleash a long-range attack with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 221</link-text>.</choice>
2278 <choice idref="sect160">If you wish to stand and receive the charge, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text>.</choice>
2282 <section class="numbered" id="sect142">
2283 <meta><title>142</title></meta>
2286 <p>The sun is high in the sky: it is past noon. At last a range of hills comes into view: the Hills of Tilos. You have suffered no further attacks nor have you sighted any other demons in the last two hours. Where can they be? Samu said they numbered in the high hundreds. Why have they not sought to prevent you from reaching the Hills of Tilos, home of the portal that is the sole gateway to their world?</p>
2287 <choice idref="sect249">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of a Visionary and wish to expend 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points using it, <link-text>turn to 249</link-text>.</choice>
2288 <choice idref="sect266">If you have the Magical Power of Prophecy and wish to use it at the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
2289 <choice idref="sect279">If you do not possess either of these Powers, lack sufficient <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points to use them, or do not wish to use them, <link-text>turn to 279</link-text>.</choice>
2293 <section class="numbered" id="sect143">
2294 <meta><title>143</title></meta>
2297 <p>You take aim and release a ball of magical fire that rains down on the hellish creature before it can strike. With an anguished wail it falls to the ground, a great smoking wound in its side. The magical attack has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. The demons that remain cringe beneath you now. You raise your Staff and prepare to strike again but, before you can do so, the demons vanish, dematerializing in the space of a heartbeat.</p>
2298 <p>Gradually you lower yourself to the ground. Unfortunately you release the power too soon and fall to the ground in a tumble of arms and legs. Tanith giggles. You clamber to your feet with a shrug. <quote>Well, it<ch.apos/>s the first time I<ch.apos/>ve ever levitated,</quote> you say, dusting off your robe and blushing scarlet.</p>
2299 <choice idref="sect99"><link-text>Turn to 99</link-text>.</choice>
2303 <section class="numbered" id="sect144">
2304 <meta><title>144</title></meta>
2307 <p>The man demon falls dead and his body rolls back down the slope and into the pack of demons below. They begin to back away. Your display of power is enough to hold the fearful beasts at bay for the moment.</p>
2308 <choice idref="sect112"><link-text>Turn to 112</link-text>.</choice>
2312 <section class="numbered" id="sect145">
2313 <meta><title>145</title></meta>
2316 <footnote id="sect145-1-foot" idref="sect145-1"><p>Remember to deduct 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point for using the power of the Moonstone against Shasarak.</p></footnote>
2320 <p>You hurl a ball of white, glowing power at Shasarak.<footref id="sect145-1" idref="sect145-1-foot"/> He flinches and falters. The voice of Agarash cackles. <quote>Beware the bauble the Shianti holds,</quote> it cries between gulps of perverse laughter. <quote>It bites! Fight on little wizards, fight on. Such sport you provide. Who could ask for more?</quote></p>
2321 <choice idref="sect320"><link-text>Turn to 320</link-text>.</choice>
2325 <section class="numbered" id="sect146">
2326 <meta><title>146</title></meta>
2329 <p>Holding the Moonstone aloft you begin an incantation of protection that should discourage any evil creature from attacking. The Moonstone flares and is transformed into a white radiance. The use of this Magical Power has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. You continue and make good progress as the shadows lengthen.</p>
2330 <choice idref="sect23"><link-text>Turn to 23</link-text>.</choice>
2334 <section class="numbered" id="sect147">
2335 <meta><title>147</title></meta>
2338 <p>You thunder across the plain at great speed, stopping only to check that the demons are still in pursuit. After an hour of this relentless pace, you estimate that you are halfway to the pass: only forty miles until you reach the cover of the forest. Looking up, you see a small black speck, high in the air. As it grows closer, you see that it is a large, winged serpent with broad, feathered wings. It has sharp talons and small, clutching forelimbs.</p>
2339 <illustration class="float">
2341 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
2342 <description>It is a large, winged serpent with broad feathered wings.</description>
2344 <instance class="html" src="ill9.png" width="386" height="629" mime-type="image/png"/>
2345 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill9.gif" width="386" height="629" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2346 <instance class="pdf" src="ill9.pdf" width="386" height="629" />
2348 <choice idref="sect66">If you wish to attack the Flying Snake at long range with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 66</link-text>.</choice>
2349 <choice idref="sect59">If you wish to wait to see what the beast does, <link-text>turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
2353 <section class="numbered" id="sect148">
2354 <meta><title>148</title></meta>
2357 <p>You have never attempted teleportation before. Be careful not to teleport yourself into a stone wall or tree. If you do make this mistake your body will not be able to function and you will die instantly. It is safest to teleport to a place you have seen or already visited so that you can visualize it accurately in your mind. In cases like this, where you have not seen the place you are teleporting to, you must try to imagine your arrival point.</p>
2358 <p>Closing your eyes, you prepare to travel. Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the silver charm of Jnana the Wise, add 1 to this number. If you possess the Magic Talisman of the Shianti, add another 1 to this number. You may also add 1 for each of the following Magical Powers that you possess: Sorcery, Prophecy, Psychomancy, Visionary, and Telergy.</p>
2359 <choice idref="sect130">If your total is 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 130</link-text>.</choice>
2360 <choice idref="sect55">If your total is more than 5 <link-text>turn to 55</link-text>.</choice>
2364 <section class="numbered" id="sect149">
2365 <meta><title>149</title></meta>
2368 <p>The winged reptile is still some way off and the rolling gait of the stallion makes aiming a little difficult. You raise your Staff and release a bolt of power at the beast.</p>
2369 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Silver Charm of Jnana the Wise, add 1 to this number. If you have the Magic Talisman of the Shianti, add another 1 to this number.</p>
2370 <choice idref="sect171">If your total is now 5 or less <link-text>turn to 171</link-text>.</choice>
2371 <choice idref="sect182">If you total is now 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 182</link-text>.</choice>
2375 <section class="numbered" id="sect150">
2376 <meta><title>150</title></meta>
2379 <p>A dazzling whirl of deadly strokes from your Staff fells the grisly creature at last. All around you hear the sound of battle as the brave Masbat<ch.eacute/> challenge the malevolent fury of the demon horde. The warriors are superb fighters and the demon ranks are soon thrown into disarray. Some of the demons dematerialize by magical means. Those that do not are swiftly slain by the fierce Masbat<ch.eacute/>.</p>
2380 <p>At last the battle is over: no demons remain alive. To your amazement, the Masbat<ch.eacute/> have suffered no casualties, though they number only fifty men. Sheathing his long broadsword, one of their number walks towards you. Far off in the distance, you see that the Masbat<ch.eacute/> man who lay tethered by the lake has been released and a few of his brother warriors are helping him up the slope.</p>
2381 <choice idref="sect100"><link-text>Turn to 100</link-text>.</choice>
2385 <section class="numbered" id="sect151">
2386 <meta><title>151</title></meta>
2389 <p>Quickly you look around. In the crypt where you and Tanith spent the night there is an alcove within the far wall. It is large enough to hold both of you and its shadows are dark enough to keep you from sight.</p>
2390 <choice idref="sect166">If you wish to hide in the alcove, <link-text>turn to 166</link-text>.</choice>
2391 <choice idref="sect253">If you wish to search for a hiding place elsewhere in the gallery, <link-text>turn to 253</link-text>.</choice>
2395 <section class="numbered" id="sect152">
2396 <meta><title>152</title></meta>
2399 <p>A large Flying Snake hurtles towards you. You hold up your Staff and brace yourself to receive the attack. The beast<ch.apos/>s razor-sharp talons flex and unflex as it reaches out to grab you.</p>
2400 <combat><enemy>Flying Snake</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">23</enemy-attribute></combat>
2401 <p>Combat lasts for only one round as the demon speeds past. If your enemy loses more <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than you, ignore the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose.</p>
2402 <choice idref="sect306">If you are still alive, <link-text>turn to 306</link-text>.</choice>
2406 <section class="numbered" id="sect153">
2407 <meta><title>153</title></meta>
2410 <p>Drawing out the Moonstone, you focus all the power of your will onto it and concentrate on the demon portal. A moan ripples through the ranks in the valley below, turning into a chorus of fierce, inhuman cries. Suddenly the portal erupts into an intense blaze of swirling, writhing flame. A large pair of eyes appear in the flames of the portal and a deathly voice speaks. Your Simar steed whinnies in fear, rears up, its hooves flashing in the sun and then bolts, hurtling at high speed away from you. The demon horde sweep up the side of the shallow valley in their hundreds and attack. Without your horse, you have no hope of evading them and, after a long, valiant fight in which many demons fall, you are dragged to the ground and slain.</p>
2411 <deadend>Your quest ends here.</deadend>
2415 <section class="numbered" id="sect154">
2416 <meta><title>154</title></meta>
2419 <p>With a fierce battle-cry, you rush forward and, at the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point, you deal a death-blow to the nearest demon, a hairless, ape-like creature with a tough red hide. An uproar of shrieks and wails breaks out among the ranks of the beasts, and they rush away from you in fear. Some vanish into thin air, giving a hint of their dark, magical natures.</p>
2420 <choice idref="sect107"><link-text>Turn to 107</link-text>.</choice>
2424 <section class="numbered" id="sect155">
2425 <meta><title>155</title></meta>
2428 <p>Swiftly you twist away from your attackers and vault into the saddle in one fluid movement. The stallion springs into action and the gap soon widens between you and the demon horde.</p>
2429 <choice idref="sect147"><link-text>Turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
2433 <section class="numbered" id="sect156">
2434 <meta><title>156</title></meta>
2437 <p>You and Tanith climb over the debris of shattered rock and enter the ziggurat. Anxiously you peer through the dust that is still settling around you and into the shadows beyond.</p>
2438 <choice idref="sect135"><link-text>Turn to 135</link-text>.</choice>
2442 <section class="numbered" id="sect157">
2443 <meta><title>157</title></meta>
2446 <p>At the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point you create a glow of light from your Staff. To your left you see a huge number of Shadakine swordsmen locked in combat with a smaller group of Guildsmen. The Shadakine are relentlessly forcing the Guildsmen back into the forest. Suddenly a hail of Shadakine arrows arcs towards you falling just short of where you stand.</p>
2447 <choice idref="sect344">If you wish to extinguish your light, <link-text>turn to 344</link-text>.</choice>
2448 <choice idref="sect357">If not, <link-text>turn to 357</link-text>.</choice>
2452 <section class="numbered" id="sect158">
2453 <meta><title>158</title></meta>
2456 <p>You peer into the wild fire at the slanted, inhuman eyes. They are closed; their penumbral grey lids a vague, tinted outline. Slowly, lazily, as if awakening from a deep sleep, they open revealing two great pools of impenetrable darkness; vast, eddying whorls of eternal shadow. The eyes beckon with a hypnotic stare, a cloaked welcome to hell<ch.apos/>s darkest and most desolate chamber.</p>
2457 <p><quote>Who dares?</quote> demands a slithering, deathly voice. <quote>Who dares to knock upon the door to the Pit of Eternal Pain?</quote></p>
2458 <p>You stagger back as a blast of colossal psychic power, a will of great violence and malice makes your head reel and your thoughts tumble. A burning beam of thought is thrust painfully into your mind, searching, probing, searing.</p>
2459 <p><quote>Who?<ch.ellips/>Who?<ch.ellips/></quote> hisses the disembodied voice. The desolate eyes are tinged with red. Savage laughter rings in your ears. <quote>Can this be?</quote> the voice crows, scornfully. <quote>Oh! but this is the sweetest, the richest, of ironies. It is the Shianti slave, is it not? Upon the errand of fools, treading the path of the foolish? And that worthless bauble of theirs, you have found it? Yes, I see that you have.</quote></p>
2460 <p>As the voice mocks, its power over you lessens. You know that you must resist now before you are enslaved forever.</p>
2461 <choice idref="sect167">If you have 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points and wish to use them to resist the mastery of the being in the portal, <link-text>turn to 167</link-text>.</choice>
2462 <choice idref="sect176">If you do not have 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, or do not wish to use them, <link-text>turn to 176</link-text>.</choice>
2466 <section class="numbered" id="sect159">
2467 <meta><title>159</title></meta>
2470 <p>Walking up to the huge doors, you lay your hands upon them and probe them with your mind. You have a vision of two brawny men pulling a thick rope attached to a metal weight in a chamber on the right of the archway. This must be how the door was opened. The use of this Magical Power has cost you 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point.</p>
2471 <choice idref="sect83">If you have the Magical Power of Sorcery and wish to use it to trigger the mechanism, <link-text>turn to 83</link-text>.</choice>
2472 <choice idref="sect122">If you have learnt the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 122</link-text>.</choice>
2473 <choice idref="sect115">If you do not have either of these Powers, or if you do not wish to use them, <link-text>turn to 115</link-text>.</choice>
2477 <section class="numbered" id="sect160">
2478 <meta><title>160</title></meta>
2481 <p>With Tanith at your side, you stand and wait for the demon charge. It is a brave but foolish decision. The demons number almost a hundred and you cannot hope to stand against them. After a valiant defence, in which many demons are slain, you fall.</p>
2482 <deadend>Your life and your quest end here.</deadend>
2486 <section class="numbered" id="sect161">
2487 <meta><title>161</title></meta>
2490 <p>Owing to the speed at which you are galloping and the creature is diving, you will have enough time for only one round of combat. If you have recently drunk a Potion of Invulnerability or have the protection of invulnerability through the previous casting of the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy, ignore all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost by yourself for the duration of the combat.</p>
2491 <combat><enemy>Winged Demon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">31</enemy-attribute></combat>
2492 <choice idref="sect178">If you kill the creature in one round of combat, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
2493 <choice idref="sect184">If you and the winged demon are still alive after one round of combat, <link-text>turn to 184</link-text>.</choice>
2497 <section class="numbered" id="sect162">
2498 <meta><title>162</title></meta>
2501 <p>At the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point, your Power of Prophecy reveals that you are standing in the middle of intense evil. Danger is close at hand. You tell Tanith what you have learned. She nods as if this confirms what she already feared.</p>
2502 <p><quote>We stand upon the Lissan Plain,</quote> she says gloomily. <quote>Once a beautiful country, now inhabited by demons in the service of Shasarak.</quote> With a shudder, you gaze upon your new surroundings.</p>
2503 <choice idref="sect239"><link-text>Turn to 239</link-text>.</choice>
2507 <section class="numbered" id="sect163">
2508 <meta><title>163</title></meta>
2511 <p>With a wild flurry of blows you triumph at last, only to be confronted with many more slavering beasts thirsting for your blood. The entire horde throws itself against you. You seem doomed to fail when Tanith<ch.apos/>s cry alerts you to a movement beyond the ridge overlooking the basin.</p>
2512 <p><quote>My brothers; they come,</quote> shouts Kuna. <quote>We are saved.</quote></p>
2513 <p>Cresting the rise is a long line of tall, black-skinned warriors: men of the Masbat<ch.eacute/>. They send up a loud cry before releasing a volley of javelins into the rear ranks of the demon horde, killing many. The demons are thrown into disarray. Their anguished screams echo throughout the basin as the Masbat<ch.eacute/> charge down the slope with their swords drawn. The two forces collide and a short but bloody battle ensues. Many of the demons vanish magically. Those that remain are mercilessly slain. When the battle is over, a Masbat<ch.eacute/> warrior sheathes his sword and walks towards you.</p>
2514 <choice idref="sect100"><link-text>Turn to 100</link-text>.</choice>
2518 <section class="numbered" id="sect164">
2519 <meta><title>164</title></meta>
2522 <p>The power required to lift so many into the air is considerable and you have never attempted this spell before. Concentrating all your energy and thought, you will the loathsome creatures to rise. With startled shrieks they drift up, gibbering and thrashing their limbs uselessly. Beads of perspiration form on your forehead; your temples throb. The demons drift fifty feet into the air before your concentration breaks and you release your hold on them. They drop like stones, hitting the ground with a sickening thud, and dying instantly. Your shoulders sag; you feel physically and mentally drained. Owing to the large effort involved, you must lose 6 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points and 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2523 <choice idref="sect99"><link-text>Turn to 99</link-text>.</choice>
2527 <section class="numbered" id="sect165">
2528 <meta><title>165</title></meta>
2531 <p>You draw out the Gem, filling it with mental energy drawn from the Astral Plane. If you have the Magical Power of Sorcery, you use 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points; if you are versed in the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy, you use 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point. The Mind Gem gives off a red glow. You use its power to reach out to the Shadakine rider and will him to you.</p>
2532 <choice idref="sect186"><link-text>Turn to 186</link-text>.</choice>
2536 <section class="numbered" id="sect166">
2537 <meta><title>166</title></meta>
2540 <p>You and Tanith squeeze into the alcove and keep very still. The scratch and scuffle of clawed feet tells you that the demon horde is ascending the stairs in the hall below. Soon you hear the sound of movement nearby. Peering out of the shadows you see a hunched, three-legged creature enter the chamber. A single yellow eye looks out from the centre of a broad, furrowed forehead, crested with many long feelers like antennae. The demon emits a moan of displeasure on finding the chamber empty and turns to leave. You give a quiet sigh of relief and suddenly the demon halts and begins to sniff the air, head cocked to one side with a quizzical gesture. Then it sees you and, with a feral scream, stumbles forward, its clawed hands outstretched. You cannot evade this combat and step forward into the light.</p>
2541 <combat><enemy>Demon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">16</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">19</enemy-attribute></combat>
2542 <choice idref="sect183">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 183</link-text>.</choice>
2546 <section class="numbered" id="sect167">
2547 <meta><title>167</title></meta>
2550 <p>Using 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you shake off the power that held you and push it from your mind.</p>
2551 <p><quote>You cannot resist, Shianti slave,</quote> the voice spits. <quote>You know not who you defy. Know you that I am Agarash the Damned, Demonlord of Darkness. You cannot stand against me. Come, come to me. Take my place here in the Pit of Eternal Pain and I shall be freed.</quote></p>
2552 <p>You feel the force of Agarash<ch.apos/>s will once again. It is a strength mightier than any you have ever known. You fight with a Demonlord, a servant of Naar, King of the Darkness, a force of ultimate evil. Legend tells that Agarash was once a ruler in the world of Magnamund, till he was defeated by a magical race called the Elder Magi and banished to another plane, doomed to remain there for all eternity. Agarash seeks to draw you towards the portal of fire that is the doorway to his prison.</p>
2553 <choice idref="sect192">If you wish to duel with the will of Agarash and have 5 or more <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
2554 <choice idref="sect209">If you wish to try to close the portal of fire using the Moonstone and have 5 or more <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
2555 <choice idref="sect176">If you do not have 5 or more <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, <link-text>turn to 176</link-text>.</choice>
2559 <section class="numbered" id="sect168">
2560 <meta><title>168</title></meta>
2563 <p>You triumph at last but, to your horror, you see the remaining ape demons slay your Simar steed and begin to feast on its flesh. Many miles lie between you and the pass. Those miles consist of flat, rolling grassland totally devoid of cover. The demon horde draws closer, almost snapping at your heels. There is no time to stop and prepare some magic to help you. You have no choice: you turn and run with all the speed you can muster.</p>
2564 <choice idref="sect210"><link-text>Turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
2568 <section class="numbered" id="sect169">
2569 <meta><title>169</title></meta>
2572 <p>You close your eyes and concentrate. At the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point you reach out with the power of your mind. You sense a dark evil: attack is imminent. You are able to ascertain that the attack will be attempted by many and that your potential assailants are not human, but possess an alien intelligence. Everything about them indicates a malevolent power, and it is likely that they have a limited knowledge of magic.</p>
2573 <choice idref="sect213">If you wish to continue in the direction you are heading, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
2574 <choice idref="sect9">If you wish to head towards the source of evil in exactly the opposite direction, <link-text>turn to 9</link-text>.</choice>
2578 <section class="numbered" id="sect170">
2579 <meta><title>170</title></meta>
2582 <p>Looking up through a gap in the trees, you see a number of Winged Demons circling. They must be searching for you. Reluctantly you move on again, following the trail until you reach the far side of the forest. You hear the snapping of dead branches and the rustling of leaves: the demon horde is somewhere in the forest, searching for you. Your mind races as the growling and howling of the pack draws closer. It is vital that you find some way of drawing the pack on, towards the Shadakine Army that is moving towards Lanzi and the Masbat<ch.eacute/> who guard the bridge there. You estimate that the army must be halfway there by now, probably following the line of the River Dosar to protect its left flank. If you are seen at the head of the demon horde, you are sure to be attacked by the Shadakine.</p>
2583 <p>Suddenly you sight a figure on horseback. It is a Shadakine warrior scouting the land. He must be an outrider from the Shadakine Army. A plan begins to form in your mind.</p>
2584 <choice idref="sect165">If you have a Mind Gem and the Power of Sorcery or Thaumaturgy, <link-text>turn to 165</link-text>.</choice>
2585 <choice idref="sect133">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of Telergy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 133</link-text>.</choice>
2586 <choice idref="sect108">If you have the Magical Power of Enchantment and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 108</link-text>.</choice>
2587 <choice idref="sect311">If you prefer to stand and reveal yourself to the warrior, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
2591 <section class="numbered" id="sect171">
2592 <meta><title>171</title></meta>
2595 <p>A lethal beam of force streaks towards the beast but, unfortunately, it is just off-target, exploding into a cloud of orange flame in the sky. The use of this magical attack has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. The creature is now upon you, its great claws outstretched towards you.</p>
2596 <choice idref="sect161"><link-text>Turn to 161</link-text>.</choice>
2600 <section class="numbered" id="sect172">
2601 <meta><title>172</title></meta>
2604 <p>The miles pass by slowly. Though the Lissan Plain is monotonously flat and should be relatively easy to cross, the fierce heat of the afternoon sun drains your strength. Tanith looks very tired. You decide to rest and you both stop beneath the shade of a large, solitary tree. As Tanith wipes sweat from her brow she turns and gives you a searching look. <quote>Have you noticed?</quote> she says.</p>
2605 <p>You have no idea what she means and tell her so. <quote>There are no birds, no beasts, no wild creatures of any kind,</quote> she replies.</p>
2606 <p>Her observation explains the strange stillness of the plain and adds to the sense of evil that pervades it. Suddenly Tanith jumps to her feet. <quote>Look!</quote> she cries. <quote>Something is moving out there.</quote></p>
2607 <p>You look in the same direction. In the distance you can see a small figure moving at great speed, though it is too far away for you to be able to distinguish any details. The figure is moving south.</p>
2608 <choice idref="sect222">If you wish to investigate, <link-text>turn to 222</link-text>.</choice>
2609 <choice idref="sect257">If you wish to continue on your way, <link-text>turn to 257</link-text>.</choice>
2613 <section class="numbered" id="sect173">
2614 <meta><title>173</title></meta>
2617 <p>You loose a bolt of energy that spirals towards the rider. Unfortunately the rigours of your escape have left you fatigued and your concentration is not good. The attack goes wide and the horseman is unharmed. Your ill-aimed attack has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. He is almost upon you now and you brace yourself to receive the charge.</p>
2618 <choice idref="sect269"><link-text>Turn to 269</link-text>.</choice>
2622 <section class="numbered" id="sect174">
2623 <meta><title>174</title></meta>
2626 <p>At the cost of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you hurl a splash of lethal magical flame at the heads of the leading demons. With agonized shrieks, three of them fall to the ground. The horde falters on the stairs in an uproar of startled howls and screams. Before they can gather their wits, you rush along the gallery and down the stairway to confront the pack where they stand in confusion.</p>
2627 <choice idref="sect119"><link-text>Turn to 119</link-text>.</choice>
2631 <section class="numbered" id="sect175">
2632 <meta><title>175</title></meta>
2635 <p>You raise your Staff and fire at the bridge. The cost of this attack is 9 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. If you do not have 9 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points then you must use <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points at a rate of 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points for every 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point you lack (i.e. 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points = 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point).</p>
2636 <choice idref="sect252">If you are still alive after this attack, <link-text>turn to 252</link-text>.</choice>
2640 <section class="numbered" id="sect176">
2641 <meta><title>176</title></meta>
2644 <p>You are weak and tired and lack the mental strength to resist the incalculable might of a Demonlord. Effortlessly Agarash takes hold of your mind, possessing you utterly. He summons you towards the portal and, like a puppet, you obey. While Agarash looks on, laughing maniacally, you pass through the gate of doom, the doorway to damnation, to a realm of nameless and eternal horror.</p>
2645 <deadend>Your quest has failed; your adventure is over.</deadend>
2649 <section class="numbered" id="sect177">
2650 <meta><title>177</title></meta>
2653 <p>You take up the Moonstone and, focusing your power, gaze into it. The impenetrable blackness that formerly filled the stone disperses and a light kindles there. Soon the stone is filled with spinning colour. The spinning stops and you are looking at the Lissan Plain. Four creatures come swiftly into view. Each creature is horribly misshapen: the leading creature is a large, toad-like being with glistening green skin and a long tail. All four lope, hop, and shamble along as their ghastly forms allow. There is a menacing purpose to their walk and you are sure that you are their prey. The use of this vision has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
2654 <choice idref="sect146">If you have the Magical Power of Necromancy and wish to use it to chant an incantation against evil, <link-text>turn to 146</link-text>.</choice>
2655 <choice idref="sect213">If you wish to continue moving and perhaps escape your pursuers, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
2656 <choice idref="sect9">If you wish to head towards your pursuers, <link-text>turn to 9</link-text>.</choice>
2660 <section class="numbered" id="sect178">
2661 <meta><title>178</title></meta>
2664 <p>A lethal blow from your Staff strikes the demon<ch.apos/>s bony skull. It crumples and drops to land in a cloud of dust. The beast is dead. The pace of your Simar steed does not falter as you continue across the plain towards the demon portal in the Hills of Tilos.</p>
2665 <choice idref="sect142"><link-text>Turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
2669 <section class="numbered" id="sect179">
2670 <meta><title>179</title></meta>
2673 <p>You unleash a beam of magical fire that hurls one of the creatures to the ground in a blaze of smoke and flame. This attack costs you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. A commotion of shrieks and wails breaks out and the evil beasts rush away from you in fear. Some vanish into thin air, intimating the dark magic of their nature.</p>
2674 <choice idref="sect53"><link-text>Turn to 53</link-text>.</choice>
2678 <section class="numbered" id="sect180">
2679 <meta><title>180</title></meta>
2682 <p>You bring down the Staff to deliver a death-blow but, as you do, Agarash shouts out. <quote>No! This shall not be.</quote></p>
2683 <p>You feel a wave of power emanate from the wall of fire and your Staff grows warm in your hands. Both your Staff and Shasarak<ch.apos/>s explode into flame, to fall in ashes on the floor. Shasarak begins to crawl on his hands and knees towards the fiery wall, muttering in choked breaths. <quote>You shall not have me. You shall not have me.</quote></p>
2684 <p>He stands and reaches out his hands. <quote>Agarash, our bargain!</quote> he screams. Agarash laughs once more. A plume of flame snakes out from the wall and wreathes itself around Shasarak.</p>
2685 <choice idref="sect350">If you wish to allow Shasarak to step through the flaming wall, <link-text>turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
2686 <choice idref="sect316">If you possess 3 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, and wish to fill the Moonstone with your power and hurl its power against the wall, <link-text>turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
2690 <section class="numbered" id="sect181">
2691 <meta><title>181</title></meta>
2694 <p>The Power of Physiurgy gives you the ability to manipulate most of the prime elements of matter, though you can never create them yourself. After a brief pause while you gather your powers of concentration, you focus on the stone door, twisting the natural shape of the stone and tugging at the atoms and molecules of which it is made. A series of cracks and fractures appears and soon it collapses in pieces at your feet. The use of this Higher Magick has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
2695 <choice idref="sect156"><link-text>Turn to 156</link-text>.</choice>
2699 <section class="numbered" id="sect182">
2700 <meta><title>182</title></meta>
2703 <p>At the cost of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you throw a well-aimed beam of force at the Winged Demon. Your uncanny accuracy inflicts a fatal wound in the creature<ch.apos/>s head and it plummets from the sky. The pace of your Simar steed does not falter as you continue across the plain towards the demon portal in the Hills of Tilos.</p>
2704 <choice idref="sect142"><link-text>Turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
2708 <section class="numbered" id="sect183">
2709 <meta><title>183</title></meta>
2712 <p>A final blow fells the creature. As it falls lifeless to the ground, three reptilian beasts appear in the doorway. Many more creatures crowd behind them in the corridor outside. The only possible escape from the Masbat<ch.eacute/> tomb is through the entrance to the hall five floors below. Somehow you must fight your way down.</p>
2713 <choice idref="sect189">If you wish to attack the demons standing in the doorway with a long-range shot from your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 189</link-text>.</choice>
2714 <choice idref="sect219">If you wish to charge the demons, <link-text>turn to 219</link-text>.</choice>
2718 <section class="numbered" id="sect184">
2719 <meta><title>184</title></meta>
2722 <p>The Winged Demon arcs and wheels, spiralling up into the air and preparing for another attack. It has suffered a large, weeping wound from your last attack and its flight path is erratic and slow. It gives a wailing, defiant screech and dives at you once more. If you have recently drunk a Potion of Invulnerability or are protected by the earlier casting of the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy, ignore all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost by yourself during the combat.</p>
2723 <combat><enemy>Wounded Winged Demon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">15</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">12</enemy-attribute></combat>
2724 <choice idref="sect178">If you kill the creature, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
2725 <choice idref="sect214">If you and the Winged Demon are still alive after one round of combat, <link-text>turn to 214</link-text>.</choice>
2729 <section class="numbered" id="sect185">
2730 <meta><title>185</title></meta>
2733 <p>You peer down into the darkness of the well, and, at the cost of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you summon up a tall, swirling waterspout. On the tip of the waterspout is a large, clay bowl. Tanith reaches out and takes the bowl and you allow the waterspout to subside with a great splash.</p>
2734 <choice idref="sect25"><link-text>Turn to 25</link-text>.</choice>
2738 <section class="numbered" id="sect186">
2739 <meta><title>186</title></meta>
2742 <p>Unsuspecting, the warrior rides towards you. He wears a plumed helmet of black metal and you know that underneath the helm his head is shaven, except for a long, plaited pig-tail. Like all Shadakine, his most notable feature is his eyes, which are completely white, without iris or pupil. He is clad in the furs and steel of the Shadakine and carries a spear. A crossbow is slung over his back.</p>
2743 <illustration class="float">
2745 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
2746 <description>Unsuspecting, the Shadakine warrior rides towards you.</description>
2748 <instance class="html" src="ill10.png" width="386" height="683" mime-type="image/png"/>
2749 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill10.gif" width="386" height="683" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2750 <instance class="pdf" src="ill10.pdf" width="386" height="683" />
2752 <choice idref="sect37">If you still have your Simar stallion, <link-text>turn to 37</link-text>.</choice>
2753 <choice idref="sect45">If it has been killed, <link-text>turn to 45</link-text>.</choice>
2757 <section class="numbered" id="sect187">
2758 <meta><title>187</title></meta>
2761 <p>Your heart pounding, you wait as the gibbering, snarling creatures approach. As they draw closer, they move more slowly until finally they lapse into a cowering, nervous creep. Your stand obviously intimidates them, for although you are gripped with fear, you display a confident menace. Suddenly they fall upon you in a wild, slavering flurry of kicks, blows, and bites.</p>
2762 <choice idref="sect264"><link-text>Turn to 264</link-text>.</choice>
2766 <section class="numbered" id="sect188">
2767 <meta><title>188</title></meta>
2770 <p>The Demon Master is weakening. Suddenly, in a desperate bid to escape the dazzling blur of magical flame that wreathes its body, it spreads its wings, and attempts to fly out of range. In that instant you swing a tremendous blow at the monster<ch.apos/>s heart. With a terrible roar, it convulses in mid-air, arms flung out and clawed fists clenched with pain. It drops like a rock. Before you are able to dodge aside, the creature<ch.apos/>s body falls directly on top of you, hurling you to the ground with terrific force. You lose hold of your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff and it clatters on the stone floor, just out of reach. You try to drag yourself from under the dead weight of the Demon Master but, dazed and confused by the fall, you are unable to scramble free.</p>
2771 <p>Tanith rushes forward to grab your Staff. As she does, the demon minions that surround you let out a pealing cry of crazed glee and surge forward. Tanith manages to pick up the Staff before being forced to back away. She holds her dagger before her in readiness but against so many she cannot hope to prevail. Slowly she edges towards you. The Staff is tantalizingly out of reach. Tanith dares not turn her back on the advancing horde to give it to you. The position looks hopeless. Then, amid the whirl of your thoughts, you hear the cries of human voices and the clash of steel. You turn to look in the direction of the sound. Pouring through the entrance of the tomb comes a mass of tall warriors, swords bared, reaping a deadly harvest amongst the demonic ranks.</p>
2772 <choice idref="sect38"><link-text>Turn to 38</link-text>.</choice>
2776 <section class="numbered" id="sect189">
2777 <meta><title>189</title></meta>
2780 <p>Raising your Staff, you unleash a beam of fire that tears into one of the creatures. It screams horribly as it falls dead in the doorway. The remaining creatures give vent to pealing cries of fear and begin to edge backwards, their twisted features writhing. This attack has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
2781 <choice idref="sect219"><link-text>Turn to 219</link-text>.</choice>
2785 <section class="numbered" id="sect190">
2786 <meta><title>190</title></meta>
2789 <p>You throw the light of the Moonstone against Shasarak. He recoils in pain, and then straightens, producing a long, black Staff from thin air. With a hideous scream he charges at you, his Staff whirling, rage contorting his already twisted features.</p>
2790 <choice idref="sect307">If you wish to exert 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point to continue the protection of the Moonstone, <link-text>turn to 307</link-text>.</choice>
2791 <choice idref="sect323">If you wish to meet Shasarak<ch.apos/>s attack with your own Staff, <link-text>turn to 323</link-text>.</choice>
2795 <section class="numbered" id="sect191">
2796 <meta><title>191</title></meta>
2799 <p>With a whirl of colour, you find yourself in a long, grey hall. You guess that you are close to Shasarak for at the far end of the hall you see a door engraved with a large Shianti rune representing Shasarak<ch.apos/>s name. Guarding that door is a grotesque creature, a servant of Shasarak. It is a demon, summoned from some ghastly netherworld that only the dark sorceries of Shasarak could reach. The demon has a high, humped back and a square, flat face that bears two blank, emotionless eyes, colourless and entirely lacking in any warmth or feeling, like pebbles by an unknown sea.</p>
2800 <p><quote>Hail, enemy of my master,</quote> it breathes. <quote>I have waited for you. My master told me you would come.</quote></p>
2801 <p>You step closer. With some concern you see that the demon has affected the shape of a man, with blonde, gilded hair. You tell yourself that this is no man, but a demon in human guise. The demon stands tall; it mocks. <quote>Why have you delayed? What are your reasons? I have waited so long<ch.ellips/>so long to meet your challenge. I am powerful; I am mighty! Know you, that I am the Ipag<ch.eacute/>, greatest of all demons under my master<ch.apos/>s command. My power is that of hate, for indeed I hate you, free and unstained as you are, unheeding of the powers that I and my master hold most dear.</quote></p>
2802 <p>The creature<ch.apos/>s tirade of scorn is unrelenting and, to you, quite meaningless. It does not hate you, but what you represent: the wild, free, unrestrained wisdom of the Shianti. Shasarak has taught it that this wisdom is meaningless. You know that this is a wisdom, not born of knowledge, but of the freedom of the spirit, of the soul to follow its own way, sure that a mind without hate or resentment can do no harm. The Ipag<ch.eacute/> hisses like a serpent as you approach. You notice that its body is transparent and shimmers with an eerie light. The door to Shasarak<ch.apos/>s chamber lies directly behind this evil guardian. So far it has made no attack.</p>
2803 <choice idref="sect296">If you wish to attack this creature of hell, <link-text>turn to 296</link-text>.</choice>
2804 <choice idref="sect39">If you wish to ignore it and head straight for Shasarak<ch.apos/>s door <link-text>turn to 39</link-text>.</choice>
2808 <section class="numbered" id="sect192">
2809 <meta><title>192</title></meta>
2812 <p>You struggle desperately, but you fight a creature with the power of a god: you cannot hope to master it. Your will snaps and Agarash draws you towards the portal. You move like an automaton, a mindless zombie. To the sound of Agarash<ch.apos/>s cackling laughter, you step through the portal into eternal doom and damnation, a realm of nameless horrors.</p>
2813 <deadend>You have failed; your quest is over.</deadend>
2817 <section class="numbered" id="sect193">
2818 <meta><title>193</title></meta>
2821 <footnote id="sect193-1-foot" idref="sect193-1"><p>If you do not have sufficient <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you may choose to simply subtract the specified number of <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. This may leave you with a negative <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> score, or if it was already negative, it will make your score become even more negative. Alternatively, you may choose the method used in <a idref="sect175">Section 175</a> for resolving this problem: For the <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points you lack, you use <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points at a rate of 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points for every 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point (i.e. 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points = 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point).</p></footnote>
2825 <p>You rain a torrent of blows onto the heads of your attackers at the cost of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points<footref id="sect193-1" idref="sect193-1-foot"/> and a wide space around you is soon filled with the dead bodies of your assailants. Before the survivors are able to close once again, you dig your heels into the stallion<ch.apos/>s flanks and it starts away like an arrow from a bow. The demons try to pursue but the fleet-footed Simar steed is too fast for them and they soon disappear from view.</p>
2826 <choice idref="sect142"><link-text>Turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
2830 <section class="numbered" id="sect194">
2831 <meta><title>194</title></meta>
2834 <p>You close your eyes and send the power of your thought into the stone. Eventually you locate a system of weighted pulleys on the left-hand side of the doors. Now that you know where the mechanism is, you will be able to use another of your Magical Powers to open the doors. The use of this Magical Power has cost you 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point.</p>
2835 <choice idref="sect83">If you have the Magical Power of Sorcery and wish to use it to trigger the mechanism, <link-text>turn to 83</link-text>.</choice>
2836 <choice idref="sect122">If you have learnt the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 122</link-text>.</choice>
2837 <choice idref="sect115">If you do not possess either of these Powers, or if you do not wish to use them, <link-text>turn to 115</link-text>.</choice>
2841 <section class="numbered" id="sect195">
2842 <meta><title>195</title></meta>
2845 <p>You close your eyes and concentrate your mind on the far bank of the river where you can see King Samu urging his brave soldiers on. At the cost of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points you teleport, experiencing the sickening feeling that always accompanies teleportation. You appear on the other side of the river and at Samu<ch.apos/>s side. He looks round and sees you.</p>
2846 <p><quote>By the gods!</quote> he shouts, raising his sword to strike you.</p>
2847 <p>You remember that you are still wearing the Shadakine uniform.</p>
2848 <choice idref="sect280">If you wish to pull off the Shadakine helm and show Samu who you are, <link-text>turn to 280</link-text>.</choice>
2849 <choice idref="sect308">If you wish to raise your Staff to defend yourself from Samu<ch.apos/>s blow, <link-text>turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
2853 <section class="numbered" id="sect196">
2854 <meta><title>196</title></meta>
2857 <p>Using the Power of Sorcery, you will be able to create a wall of energy that will act as a barrier or force field. However, the shield will only be as strong as the amount of <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> you put into it and it cannot be moved like a conventional shield. Remember, if you wish to use your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, you will have to drop the shield.</p>
2858 <choice idref="sect278">If you wish to use 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point to create the shield, <link-text>turn to 278</link-text>.</choice>
2859 <choice idref="sect291">If you wish to use 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, <link-text>turn to 291</link-text>.</choice>
2860 <choice idref="sect102">If you decide not to use the Magical Power of Sorcery for protection after all, <link-text>turn to 102</link-text>.</choice>
2864 <section class="numbered" id="sect197">
2865 <meta><title>197</title></meta>
2868 <p>The hovering Spiderfly drops from the air as your final, fatal blow slips past the eight-legged screen of the creature<ch.apos/>s defence. But there is no time to celebrate your victory. A large number of the horde have reached the top of the valley and are now only a few hundred paces further along the ridge. You have very little time in which to attempt to close the portal before the demons, who number more than twenty, reach you.</p>
2869 <choice idref="sect139"><link-text>Turn to 139</link-text>.</choice>
2873 <section class="numbered" id="sect198">
2874 <meta><title>198</title></meta>
2877 <p>You summon your mental energy and focus it on the half-running, half-hopping leading demon. There is no time for hesitation: you throw your thought at the creature. With a startled yell, it floats into the air, limbs waving uselessly. Stunned, the demons that follow come to an abrupt halt, gibbering insanely and pointing at their hideous companion as he drifts above their heads. With an easy motion, you fling him down. He lands with a sickening thud on top of his fellows, sending them sprawling to the ground.</p>
2878 <p>They scramble to their feet, cowering and backing away in fear. You step forward with a threatening gesture, but they do not wait to see your next move. Faster than an eye-blink, they vanish into thin air. You are safe. The use of this Magical Power has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
2879 <choice idref="sect99"><link-text>Turn to 99</link-text>.</choice>
2883 <section class="numbered" id="sect199">
2884 <meta><title>199</title></meta>
2887 <p>With split-second timing you dodge aside, avoiding the oncoming chariot. It thunders past, and then turns into a skid and crashes. The men inside are thrown screaming into the air. With a grim smile of satisfaction, you return to the army camp. There you see that the Guildsmen, while ready to leave, hesitate before the forest. Sado shrugs with resignation. <quote>They are afraid to tread within the eaves of the forest,</quote> he says.</p>
2888 <choice idref="sect343"><link-text>Turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
2892 <section class="numbered" id="sect200">
2893 <meta><title>200</title></meta>
2896 <p>The night passes without incident but you are wakened at dawn by the sounds of scratching and scrabbling from below. The sinister murmuring of distant voices echoes ominously throughout the vast hall and the hair on the back of your neck prickles with fear at the sound of a low, bestial moan, alien and chilling. Tanith wakes with a nervous start. Sensibly she says nothing, but her dagger is in her hands in a moment, her eyes flashing dangerously, her body taut. Slowly you edge out of the chamber and peer through the supporting columns of the balcony. In the golden glow of the dawn light that creeps through the shafts of the roof, you are confronted by a nightmarish vision.</p>
2897 <p>The floor of the ziggurat is a heaving carpet of horror. A swarm of hideous creatures lurks there, gibbering insanely. Each wears a different and equally misshapen guise: toad beasts, their green hides glistening, crawl beside stunted anthropoids with matted fur and scabby flesh; creeping reptiles with human heads vie with many-limbed crustaceans; lurching serpents slither upon the backs of hulking beetles. Never before have you seen such a ghastly horde of evil deformity.</p>
2898 <p><quote>The demon plague,</quote> hisses Tanith, horrified. <quote>Such was the evil that defeated the brave Masbat<ch.eacute/>. Who could stand against such fearful monstrosity?</quote></p>
2899 <p>The shuffling column reaches the foot of the stairs. With every passing moment more are entering the ziggurat through the gateway that you yourself opened but could not close. Now it is you that must attempt to stand against the demon plague. Five floors below, a terrifying doom approaches. The demons advance, slowly, cautiously, unsure of their new environment. Certainly, they are unaware of your presence in the highest gallery of the ancient Masbat<ch.eacute/> tomb. You have little time in which to plan an escape.</p>
2900 <choice idref="sect113">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of Necromancy and wish to use it to begin an incantation to ward off evil, <link-text>turn to 113</link-text>.</choice>
2901 <choice idref="sect137">If you wish to attack the demonic horde with your Staff at long range, <link-text>turn to 137</link-text>.</choice>
2902 <choice idref="sect151">If you prefer to try to hide, <link-text>turn to 151</link-text>.</choice>
2906 <section class="numbered" id="sect201">
2907 <meta><title>201</title></meta>
2910 <p>A faint splash startles you into awareness. In the darkness you can make out the dim outline of a boat heading towards you. <quote>Hail the shore,</quote> a voice whispers out of the darkness.</p>
2911 <illustration class="float">
2913 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
2914 <description><quote>Hail the Shore!</quote> a voice whispers out of the darkness.</description>
2916 <instance class="html" src="ill11.png" width="386" height="641" mime-type="image/png"/>
2917 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill11.gif" width="386" height="641" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2918 <instance class="pdf" src="ill11.pdf" width="386" height="641" />
2920 <p>You stand, Staff held aloft, ready for combat. <quote>Who calls?</quote> you call into the darkness. There is no answer but soon you are able to discern a tall figure, standing upright in a large, wooden rowing boat. He draws closer and, to your amazement, you find yourself looking upon a giant of a man, perhaps seven or more feet tall with long, flowing hair and skin as black as ebony. You realize that this man is a Masbat<ch.eacute/> warrior, member of the tribe believed by all to be extinct.</p>
2921 <p><quote>I witnessed your struggle with the demons from the shore,</quote> he says. <quote>Come, more are sure to return soon, and in greater numbers. You must come with me. You are not safe on this side of the river.</quote></p>
2922 <p>You and Tanith clamber aboard the boat and, with strong strokes, the warrior rows you to the other side of the river. There, a great host of Masbat<ch.eacute/> warriors waits. You can hardly believe your good fortune at this timely rescue or that members of the great Masbat<ch.eacute/> people still exist. You have only ever known one Masbat<ch.eacute/>: Samu, a noble and fearless warrior, who accompanied you on your search for the Moonstone. Once he was king of the Masbat<ch.eacute/> nomads but he thought himself the only survivor of his people. Everyone believed that the Wytch-king, Shasarak, hounded them into extinction, sealing their doom with the unleashing of the demon plague.</p>
2923 <p><quote>I am Dioka,</quote> says the man who has rowed you ashore. <quote>I am leader of the warrior band that patrols the banks of the river in the defence of the Masbat<ch.eacute/>. Who are you?</quote></p>
2924 <p>You regard the Masbat<ch.eacute/> host with a joyful expression. <quote>Greetings, men of the Masbat<ch.eacute/>,</quote> you call, ensuring that all can hear. <quote>I am the Wizard, Grey Star, bound upon a quest in the service of the Shianti and sworn to the destruction of the Wytch-king, Shasarak.</quote></p>
2925 <p>Wide-eyed, the Masbat<ch.eacute/> regard you with stunned expressions. <quote>Can this be?</quote> Dioka gasps, shaking his head in disbelief. <quote>If this is true, then you must tell the king. Will you accompany us to the Kashima Mountains, where we of the Masbat<ch.eacute/> now dwell?</quote></p>
2926 <p>You nod your agreement. <quote>Then come.</quote></p>
2927 <p>Soon you are struggling to keep pace with the fleet-footed warriors, heading through the dark shadows of night towards the mountains: the secret lair of the last of a proud and mighty race.</p>
2928 <choice idref="sect260"><link-text>Turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
2932 <section class="numbered" id="sect202">
2933 <meta><title>202</title></meta>
2936 <p>With a silent prayer, you break into a swift gallop: somehow the Simar stallion senses the need for speed. The flying horrors ahead spread out into a diagonal line. The first of the line, a Flying Snake, begins its dive towards you. You swerve to one side at the latest possible moment, forcing the creature to bank and turn halfway into its dive. Claws and talons outstretched, the Winged Demon swoops towards you once more. You cannot evade combat.</p>
2937 <combat><enemy>Flying Snake</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">19</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">18</enemy-attribute></combat>
2938 <p>Combat lasts for only one round as the creature flashes past. If the Flying Snake loses more <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than you, ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose.</p>
2939 <choice idref="sect226">If you are still alive, <link-text>turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
2943 <section class="numbered" id="sect203">
2944 <meta><title>203</title></meta>
2947 <p>The Magical Power of Thaumaturgy grants you many powers but many of the magical feats you are able to perform are costly in <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ>. You must decide the best way of using this Power.</p>
2948 <choice idref="sect91">If you wish to make yourself invulnerable to physical attack, <link-text>turn to 91</link-text>.</choice>
2949 <choice idref="sect132">If you wish to levitate, <link-text>turn to 132</link-text>.</choice>
2950 <choice idref="sect164">If you wish to cause <em>all</em> the demons to levitate, <link-text>turn to 164</link-text>.</choice>
2951 <choice idref="sect198">If you wish to cause one of the demons to levitate, <link-text>turn to 198</link-text>.</choice>
2955 <section class="numbered" id="sect204">
2956 <meta><title>204</title></meta>
2959 <p>At the cost of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points you release a blast of energy at the first few ranks of the demon host. You slay three, but the demons number in their hundreds and a loss of three does not delay or deter them. Together they give vent to a ferocious scream that echoes all around the valley as they charge towards you.</p>
2960 <choice idref="sect104">If you have recently drunk a Potion of Invulnerability, or if you have the protection of the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy, and you wish to stand and receive the charge of the demons, <link-text>turn to 104</link-text>.</choice>
2961 <choice idref="sect94">If you do not have this protection and wish to stand and receive the charge of over four hundred crazed beasts thirsting for your blood, <link-text>turn to 94</link-text>.</choice>
2962 <choice idref="sect233">If you wish to escape attack, <link-text>turn to 233</link-text>.</choice>
2966 <section class="numbered" id="sect205">
2967 <meta><title>205</title></meta>
2970 <p>At the cost of 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points you throw a bolt of magical flame at the nearest of the hideous creatures, a hairless ape with a tough red hide. It stumbles with a squeal of pain and drops its gruesome burden. A discontented murmur spreads through the demons<ch.apos/> ranks and suddenly they begin to run in the opposite direction, heading for the stairs that lead to the hall.</p>
2971 <choice idref="sect107"><link-text>Turn to 107</link-text>.</choice>
2975 <section class="numbered" id="sect206">
2976 <meta><title>206</title></meta>
2979 <p>Though mortally wounded, the winged ape holds on grimly. Then, suddenly, it hurls itself away, still holding the stallion<ch.apos/>s harness. The horse<ch.apos/>s head is twisted violently to one side and the noble animal loses its balance, tumbling to the ground. You lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points in the fall.</p>
2980 <choice idref="sect272">If you are still alive, <link-text>turn to 272</link-text>.</choice>
2984 <section class="numbered" id="sect207">
2985 <meta><title>207</title></meta>
2988 <p>Without slowing your steed<ch.apos/>s thundering gallop for an instant, you ride down a wailing, two-headed beast with mottled skin and rubbery feelers. Other beasts scatter in a cloud of dust, blood, and flashing hooves. You sweep past the demons in a matter of moments. They attempt to pursue you but your fleet-footed Simar steed is too fast for them. Eventually the demons slip out of sight.</p>
2989 <choice idref="sect142"><link-text>Turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
2993 <section class="numbered" id="sect208">
2994 <meta><title>208</title></meta>
2997 <p>With a gasp you cease your attack: you are nearly unconscious with the strain. Staggering slightly, you look up to see the doors still standing. Your attempt has failed. A few minutes pass before you feel steady on your feet.</p>
2998 <choice idref="sect295">If you have the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy and wish to use it to open the doors, <link-text>turn to 295</link-text>.</choice>
2999 <choice idref="sect289">If you have the Magical Power of Elementalism and wish to summon an elemental to open the doors for you, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
3000 <choice idref="sect181">If you have learnt the Higher Magick of Physiurgy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 181</link-text>.</choice>
3001 <choice idref="sect234">If you do not possess these Powers, or if you wish to return to your earlier journey towards Lake Dolani, <link-text>turn to 234</link-text>.</choice>
3005 <section class="numbered" id="sect209">
3006 <meta><title>209</title></meta>
3009 <p>Your body trembling with the effort of concentration, you hurl power into the Moonstone and direct it towards the portal. The portal burns with white-hot intensity and the eyes of Agarash burn deep into your heart. For, while you concentrate your power on the portal, you are undefended from Agarash<ch.apos/>s attempts to master you. The stallion rears and turns in absolute terror and your head screams insanely, but you never waver from your attempt upon the portal. The malice of Agarash fills your body and tears at your soul, yet still you hold the glowing gem aloft, clinging to it with fierce resolve. There is a mighty explosion and Agarash<ch.apos/>s frustrated scream echoes for miles around. The portal has been destroyed and Agarash can no longer reach you: you have escaped damnation at his hands. You have exerted 4 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points and must lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
3010 <p>Even as the portal is destroyed, Agarash<ch.apos/>s last words thunder around the valley. <quote>Minions of Agarash, slaves of the scarlet fires<ch.emdash/>destroy! Destroy and avenge me!</quote></p>
3011 <choice idref="sect268">If you are still alive, <link-text>turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
3015 <section class="numbered" id="sect210">
3016 <meta><title>210</title></meta>
3019 <p>At first you make good speed but you are heavily laden and your Staff and Backpack hamper movement. The snarling and screeching behind tell you that the demon host is beginning to gain on you. You chance a look over your shoulder and see that some of the faster-moving demons are separating from the main group and are very close. Three reptilian beasts with clashing fangs are soon snapping at your heels.</p>
3020 <choice idref="sect302">If you wish to turn and fight these three, <link-text>turn to 302</link-text>.</choice>
3021 <choice idref="sect315">If you would prefer to continue, <link-text>turn to 315</link-text>.</choice>
3025 <section class="numbered" id="sect211">
3026 <meta><title>211</title></meta>
3029 <p>You close your eyes and cast an illusion, using 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point. You transform yourself into a giant, writhing serpent and slither towards the demons. They hesitate for only a moment before continuing to charge towards you. The illusion has failed. These are magical creatures, immune to the Magical Power of Enchantment.</p>
3030 <choice idref="sect264"><link-text>Turn to 264</link-text>.</choice>
3034 <section class="numbered" id="sect212">
3035 <meta><title>212</title></meta>
3038 <p>You dismount, hoping that the horse does not stray, and plant yourself squarely, feet apart, to face the oncoming rush of Winged Demons. They are travelling at an incredible speed. Your heart is pounding. You mutter a Shianti prayer of hope under your breath and concentrate on the flock of creatures, judging their speed as closely as you can. You notice that they are spreading out into a kind of battle formation: a diagonal line angled towards you.</p>
3039 <choice idref="sect317">If you have 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points and wish to fire a long-range attack with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff at the leading demon in the formation, <link-text>turn to 317</link-text>.</choice>
3040 <choice idref="sect244">If not, <link-text>turn to 244</link-text>.</choice>
3044 <section class="numbered" id="sect213">
3045 <meta><title>213</title></meta>
3048 <p>You continue on your easterly course, constantly on the lookout for danger. More than an hour of tense silence passes as you and Tanith hurry along. The tension is broken by Tanith<ch.apos/>s sudden cry. <quote>Look!</quote> she says, pointing. <quote>There<ch.apos/>s a river up ahead.</quote></p>
3049 <p>Less than a mile away, a river gleams and sparkles. You and Tanith break into a trot. When you reach the river bank you both drop to your knees, bending to scoop up great handfuls of cool water. You drink long and deeply before your raging thirst is quenched.</p>
3050 <p>You have reached the banks of the Dolani River. It leads south and fills Lake Dolani, which lies at least thirty miles away, according to Tanith. To the northeast lie the Kashima Mountains, where the river begins; the mountains look to be at least fifty miles away. The river is too wide and too deep to cross at this point; you will have to travel further upstream where it is likely to be narrower and shallower.</p>
3051 <p>You are just bending to take another drink of the refreshing water when Tanith touches you lightly on the shoulder. <quote>Grey Star,</quote> she murmurs. <quote>Ready yourself. We are about to be attacked.</quote></p>
3052 <choice idref="sect227"><link-text>Turn to 227</link-text>.</choice>
3056 <section class="numbered" id="sect214">
3057 <meta><title>214</title></meta>
3060 <p>Only just alive, the creature lands on the ground with a faint cry. Before you are able to finish it off, it disappears from view. No doubt it has teleported to the portal in the Hills of Tilos. You dig your heels into the stallion<ch.apos/>s flanks and it surges forward, renewing its unfaltering gallop across the grassy plain.</p>
3061 <choice idref="sect142"><link-text>Turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
3065 <section class="numbered" id="sect215">
3066 <meta><title>215</title></meta>
3069 <p>Holding the Moonstone aloft, you descend the stairs adjoining the galleries. As you reach the last, you come face to face with the demon horde. In the passage before you stand three reptilian beasts, hunched, malformed figures with yellow, glistening fangs and red, baleful eyes. As the first rays of the Moonstone touch them, the protective aura of your necromantic spell causes them to shield their deformed faces and howl in torment. With horror, you notice that the demons behind them are dragging the corpses of the Masbat<ch.eacute/> dead from their crypts. The three before you snarl and spit in frustration, hovering just beyond the range of the protective ring.</p>
3070 <choice idref="sect179">If you wish to attack at long range with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 179</link-text>.</choice>
3071 <choice idref="sect53">If you wish to advance on the demons, <link-text>turn to 53</link-text>.</choice>
3075 <section class="numbered" id="sect216">
3076 <meta><title>216</title></meta>
3079 <p>You run through the shadowy darkness and emerge at the forest<ch.apos/>s edge, where Shadakine and Freedom Guild swordsmen are locked in bloody combat. The Shadakine have the advantage of greater numbers and are forcing the Guildsmen into the forest in a stumbling, disorderly line. They cannot hold for long. You suddenly realize that the strange, pupilless eyes of the Shadakine allow them to see in the dark. No wonder they have attacked in the middle of the night. Their advantage is considerable. A tall officer stands behind the Shadakine warriors, urging them on. Your sudden appearance at the edge of the forest has startled him but he quickly recovers. He bares his teeth and snarls before attacking.</p>
3080 <illustration class="float">
3082 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
3083 <description>The Shadakine and Freedom Guild swordsmen are locked in bloody combat.</description>
3085 <instance class="html" src="ill12.png" width="386" height="585" mime-type="image/png"/>
3086 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill12.gif" width="386" height="585" mime-type="image/gif"/>
3087 <instance class="pdf" src="ill12.pdf" width="386" height="585" />
3089 <combat><enemy>Shadakine Officer</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">24</enemy-attribute></combat>
3090 <choice idref="sect290">If you wish to evade, you may do so now by darting back into the undergrowth; <link-text>turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
3091 <choice idref="sect301">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text>.</choice>
3095 <section class="numbered" id="sect217">
3096 <meta><title>217</title></meta>
3099 <p>Using the power of Telergy, you attempt to dominate the will of the creatures and throw a word of command at them. Although you succeed in halting them, you notice that they are all attempting to resist your command. These creatures must be magical and immune to most forms of enchantment. However, the Power of Telergy is a Higher Magick, unknown to all but the highest masters of the magical arts and suddenly the demons vanish. Unable to prevent the domination of their minds, they have fled, using their own magical powers. You are safe. The spell has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
3100 <choice idref="sect99"><link-text>Turn to 99</link-text>.</choice>
3104 <section class="numbered" id="sect218">
3105 <meta><title>218</title></meta>
3108 <p>Fearlessly you spur your horse into a downhill gallop, ploughing into the ranks of the leading beasts and scattering bodies everywhere. The momentum of your charge carries you deep into their midst but, inevitably, the pack<ch.apos/>s large number absorbs the shock of your attack and you find yourself hemmed in on all sides.</p>
3109 <choice idref="sect104">If you have recently drunk a Potion of Invulnerability, or if you have the protection of the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy, <link-text>turn to 104</link-text>.</choice>
3110 <choice idref="sect94">If you do not have this protection, <link-text>turn to 94</link-text>.</choice>
3114 <section class="numbered" id="sect219">
3115 <meta><title>219</title></meta>
3118 <p>With an impetuous cry, you rush forward, whirling your Staff above your head. The demons stumble backwards in alarm, careering into those behind and causing an uproar of animal cries. With a deadly flash of steel, Tanith fells one of the beasts with her dagger, and, at the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point, you deliver a powerful blow that sends another crashing to the ground. You reach the doorway of the crypt. The demons are running in the opposite direction, heading for the stairs that lead back down to the hall. Horrified, you notice that some are dragging the corpses of Masbat<ch.eacute/> dead from the crypts.</p>
3119 <choice idref="sect107"><link-text>Turn to 107</link-text>.</choice>
3123 <section class="numbered" id="sect220">
3124 <meta><title>220</title></meta>
3127 <p>You loose a bolt of energy at the horseman, using 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. A cloud of fire explodes at his chest and he falls from his horse, dead. You run to the body. By stealing the dead horseman<ch.apos/>s uniform, you will be able to lead the demon host against the Shadakine Army; the Shadakine will think that you are one of their own.</p>
3128 <choice idref="sect285">If you still have your Simar stallion, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text>.</choice>
3129 <choice idref="sect292">If it has been killed, <link-text>turn to 292</link-text>.</choice>
3133 <section class="numbered" id="sect221">
3134 <meta><title>221</title></meta>
3137 <p>Taking careful aim at the leading demon, you hurl a bolt of magical fire, killing it instantly. The horde comes to a stumbling halt. This attack has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
3138 <p>The Masbat<ch.eacute/> reach you. Without stopping to ask who you are, they release a volley of shining javelins that arc over your heads and plunges into the demon ranks. Swords drawn, the Masbat<ch.eacute/> sprint past. You and Tanith are swept along by the momentum of their charge and into the throes of a bloody battle. You almost collide with a hunched, ape-like creature with four arms and a long tail. You cannot avoid combat and must fight to the death.</p>
3139 <combat><enemy>Ape Demon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">18</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">17</enemy-attribute></combat>
3140 <choice idref="sect150">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
3144 <section class="numbered" id="sect222">
3145 <meta><title>222</title></meta>
3148 <p>You head south in pursuit of the lone figure. Soon you have drawn close enough to be able to see that the figure is humanoid in shape, although it runs with a curious, shambling gait. The shimmering heat haze prevents you from discerning any further details. Abruptly it comes to a halt. You quicken your pace. Tanith has begun to lag behind but offers no word of protest. Purposefully you stride towards your prey, but stop dead in your tracks when you come within fifty paces of it.</p>
3149 <choice idref="sect110"><link-text>Turn to 110</link-text>.</choice>
3153 <section class="numbered" id="sect223">
3154 <meta><title>223</title></meta>
3157 <p>You skid to a halt and try to judge how much time you have before the demon host in the west will reach you. You guess at a quarter of an hour at most. But first you must survive the onslaught of the denizens that speed towards you.</p>
3158 <choice idref="sect277">If you wish to fight on horseback, <link-text>turn to 277</link-text>.</choice>
3159 <choice idref="sect212">If you wish to fight on foot, <link-text>turn to 212</link-text>.</choice>
3163 <section class="numbered" id="sect224">
3164 <meta><title>224</title></meta>
3167 <p>You veer sharply, heading west for a while. Soon the figures have passed out of sight and you are able to resume your course towards the Hills of Tilos.</p>
3168 <choice idref="sect237"><link-text>Turn to 237</link-text>.</choice>
3172 <section class="numbered" id="sect225">
3173 <meta><title>225</title></meta>
3176 <p>You walk around the building but cannot find a water hole or stream. The west wall of the ziggurat bears a ten-foot high arch. The doors are made of stone.</p>
3177 <p><quote>How are we to open these?</quote> asks Tanith.</p>
3178 <p>You guess that there must be some internal mechanism for opening the doors. They are certainly too heavy to be opened by hand.</p>
3179 <choice idref="sect194">If you have the Magical Power of Prophecy and wish to use it to find an opening mechanism for the doors, <link-text>turn to 194</link-text>.</choice>
3180 <choice idref="sect159">If you have the Magical Power of Psychomancy and wish to use it to find an opening mechanism, <link-text>turn to 159</link-text>.</choice>
3181 <choice idref="sect148">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy and wish to try to teleport yourself to the other side of the doors, <link-text>turn to 148</link-text>.</choice>
3182 <choice idref="sect18">If you have none of these Powers, or if you do not wish to use them, <link-text>turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
3186 <section class="numbered" id="sect226">
3187 <meta><title>226</title></meta>
3190 <p>Before the next demon dives, you begin an erratic sequence of diagonal moves. The demons are thrown into confusion and you are able to reduce the distance to the pass. When at last the next dive comes, you are taken by surprise. Instead of attacking you, the winged Demon gouges a line of bloody weals along the stallion<ch.apos/>s haunches. The stallion screams in pain but does not falter. You chance a look behind and see that the horde is still far away. A third demon dives. This beast has an insectoid body combined with feathered bird<ch.apos/>s wings. You attempt a dummy turn but the beast is not fooled.</p>
3191 <combat><enemy>Insect Demon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">18</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">17</enemy-attribute></combat>
3192 <p>Combat lasts for only one round. If your enemy loses more <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than you, ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose.</p>
3193 <choice idref="sect265">If you are still alive, <link-text>turn to 265</link-text>.</choice>
3197 <section class="numbered" id="sect227">
3198 <meta><title>227</title></meta>
3201 <p>Four distant forms mount a rise that slopes gently away from the Dolani River. As they head towards you, you see that they are ghastly, malformed creatures. Each is misshapen in a different way. These must be the demons summoned long ago by the Wytch-king, Shasarak, and sent as a plague to destroy the Masbat<ch.eacute/> tribe that once dwelt here. When the demons<ch.apos/> purpose was fulfilled they were left to roam the plains at will.</p>
3202 <p>The leading demon, its shining green skin and toad-like features reflected in the dull glow of the setting sun, gives vent to a feral scream and begins to run towards you.</p>
3203 <choice idref="sect35">If you have the Magical Power of Necromancy and wish to use it to chant an incantation against evil, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text>.</choice>
3204 <choice idref="sect65">If you wish to attempt a long-range attack with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 65</link-text>.</choice>
3205 <choice idref="sect93">If you prefer to wait for the demons to approach, <link-text>turn to 93</link-text>.</choice>
3209 <section class="numbered" id="sect228">
3210 <meta><title>228</title></meta>
3213 <p>The remaining Flying Snake keeps pace with you for a short while longer before soaring into the air and disappearing from view, heading east.</p>
3214 <choice idref="sect247"><link-text>Turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
3218 <section class="numbered" id="sect229">
3219 <meta><title>229</title></meta>
3222 <p>You hand Tanith your Staff and Backpack and begin to climb into the uncertain darkness of the well. Halfway down one of the rungs comes loose in your hand. You are unable to keep your balance and fall, hitting the sides of the shaft many times and enduring many cuts and abrasions before splashing into the water below: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
3223 <p>Gasping for breath, you reach out blindly in the dark until you locate a large, bowl-shaped object. Having made sure that it is full of water, you begin the slow, arduous climb to the top, struggling to hold on to the rungs and the bowl of water. Eventually you reach the top and Tanith takes the bowl from you. Bruised and bedraggled, you haul yourself out.</p>
3224 <choice idref="sect25"><link-text>Turn to 25</link-text>.</choice>
3228 <section class="numbered" id="sect230">
3229 <meta><title>230</title></meta>
3232 <p>The Shadakine are wheeling large engines of war to the front of their lines: they are powerful catapults. Pinpoints of flame appear. Sado has guessed their intentions and orders his bowmen to fire. The archers of the Freedom Guild send volley after volley singing through the air towards the Shadakine and many of the distant spots of light go out. Suddenly many balls of flame arc through the air above the heads of the men of the Freedom Guild to fall into the trees behind.</p>
3233 <p><quote>Hah!</quote> Sado shouts. <quote>The fools are way off target.</quote></p>
3234 <p><quote>I think not,</quote> replies Samu.</p>
3235 <p>You understand his meaning as you watch the dry brush of the forest begin to burn. <quote>They mean to flush us out!</quote> you cry with alarm.</p>
3236 <p>All around you small fires are catching the trees and in a short time smoke billows in choking clouds throughout the Freedom Guild<ch.apos/>s ranks. Orange tongues of flame are licking on every side.</p>
3237 <choice idref="sect351"><link-text>Turn to 351</link-text>.</choice>
3241 <section class="numbered" id="sect231">
3242 <meta><title>231</title></meta>
3245 <p>As the group draws nearer, you realize that these are the horrific forms of demons. Half-man and half-beast, with slavering fangs and sword-sharp tusks, they run towards you. They come within a hundred paces, their cackling yells and feral howling indicating that they mean to attack.</p>
3246 <choice idref="sect246">If you wish to charge, <link-text>turn to 246</link-text>.</choice>
3247 <choice idref="sect258">If you wish to attack them at long range with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 258</link-text>.</choice>
3251 <section class="numbered" id="sect232">
3252 <meta><title>232</title></meta>
3255 <p>While your enemies are dazed, you charge forward, whirling your Staff above your head. The demons are too stunned to react and suddenly you are upon them, raining deathly magical fire in all directions.</p>
3256 <choice idref="sect264"><link-text>Turn to 264</link-text>.</choice>
3260 <section class="numbered" id="sect233">
3261 <meta><title>233</title></meta>
3264 <p>You tug the stallion<ch.apos/>s head to one side and pull away from their shambling advance at a gallop. You skirt the edge of the valley, keeping a large distance between yourself and your enemies. They fall into babbling confusion, splitting into disorganized groups and making their various ways out of the valley. You move at great speed, faster than the confused mass that seeks you out, and you cover the mile in a short time, thundering to a halt at the other end of the valley where the portal burns halfway down the slope.</p>
3265 <p>As you study the burning arch, a large, winged spider with eight bulbous but distinctly human eyes swoops towards you. It is coming at you too swiftly for you to be able to fire at it from long range and you cannot evade without risking serious injury. It is a fight to the death. If you have swallowed a potion of Invulnerability, or used the Higher Magick of Thaumaturgy to render yourself invulnerable, ignore all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost by yourself for the duration of the combat.</p>
3266 <combat><enemy>Demon Spiderfly</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">25</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">24</enemy-attribute></combat>
3267 <choice idref="sect197">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 197</link-text>.</choice>
3271 <section class="numbered" id="sect234">
3272 <meta><title>234</title></meta>
3275 <p>You continue at an even faster pace in your bid to find the lake before nightfall. Your throat is parched and the exertion of walking in such heat causes you to lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. You notice that the plain is beginning to slope gently upwards.</p>
3276 <choice idref="sect241">If you have the Magical Power of Alchemy, or if you are versed in the Higher Magick of Theurgy, <link-text>turn to 241</link-text>.</choice>
3277 <choice idref="sect43">If you do not possess either of these Powers, <link-text>turn to 43</link-text>.</choice>
3281 <section class="numbered" id="sect235">
3282 <meta><title>235</title></meta>
3285 <p>The large Flying Snake hurtles towards you. You hold your Staff aloft and brace yourself to receive the attack but the stallion is nervous and unsettled and you are unable to remain in any one position for very long. Also, you are forced to use one hand to control your mount. You cannot evade combat and must subtract 2 from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of the combat.</p>
3286 <combat><enemy>Flying Snake</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">21</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">24</enemy-attribute></combat>
3287 <p>Combat lasts for only one round as the demon swoops past. If your enemy loses more <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than you, ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose.</p>
3288 <choice idref="sect313">If you are still alive, <link-text>turn to 313</link-text>.</choice>
3292 <section class="numbered" id="sect236">
3293 <meta><title>236</title></meta>
3296 <p>You run along the gallery and down many stairways to confront three reptilian beasts. Hunched and malformed, the creatures have glistening fangs and baleful eyes. Before you are able to take any further action they hurl themselves at you emitting blood-curdling screams. You cannot avoid combat and must fight to the death.</p>
3297 <combat><enemy>Three Demons</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">18</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">24</enemy-attribute></combat>
3298 <choice idref="sect245">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 245</link-text>.</choice>
3302 <section class="numbered" id="sect237">
3303 <meta><title>237</title></meta>
3306 <p>Judging from the position of the sun in the blue, cloudless sky, you estimate that it is well past noon when the green Hills of Tilos come into view. There has been no further sign of the demon plague. The protection of the Moonstone and the aura of light that you have summoned with your necromantic powers must have kept the demons at bay. Where then are they? Samu told you that there are possibly a thousand of the evil creatures. Surely they will seek to prevent you from reaching the portal that is the sole gateway to their world?</p>
3307 <choice idref="sect249">If you are versed in the Higher Magick of a Visionary and wish to expend 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points in its use, you must give up the protection from evil granted to you by the use of the Higher Magick of Necromancy, since both spells require the use of the Moonstone. If you wish to cease your use of the Power of Necromancy and use your Power as a Visionary, <link-text>turn to 249</link-text>.</choice>
3308 <choice idref="sect266">If you have the Magical Power of Prophecy and wish to use it at the cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
3309 <choice idref="sect271">If you do not possess either of these Powers, lack sufficient <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points to use them, or do not wish to use these forms of magic at the moment, <link-text>turn to 271</link-text>.</choice>
3313 <section class="numbered" id="sect238">
3314 <meta><title>238</title></meta>
3317 <p>You ride the horse to the edge of the river and dive in. You swim with desperate strokes, but the Shadakine armour drags at your body.</p>
3318 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. Add this number to your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> total.</p>
3319 <choice idref="sect80">If the total is 12 or less, <link-text>turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
3320 <choice idref="sect86">If the total is more than 12, <link-text>turn to 86</link-text>.</choice>
3324 <section class="numbered" id="sect239">
3325 <meta><title>239</title></meta>
3328 <p>Mountains lie all around you on the horizon. You guess that it is summer, for the sun beats strongly and the sky is cloudless. Despite the heat, Tanith shivers. <quote>There is an evil presence here,</quote> she mutters.</p>
3329 <p>According to Tanith, you have arrived in the centre of the Lissan Plain. The fortress city of Shadaki lies many hundreds of miles to the east. A broad line of distant mountains separates you from that city of evil. Suddenly you realize that you have no food or water. The simplest of requirements stands between you and the fulfilment of a quest upon which thousands of lives depend. If you do not find water soon you will die.</p>
3330 <choice idref="sect172">If you wish to head east in the direction of the city of Shadaki, <link-text>turn to 172</link-text>.</choice>
3331 <choice idref="sect60">If you wish to head south, <link-text>turn to 60</link-text>.</choice>
3335 <section class="numbered" id="sect240">
3336 <meta><title>240</title></meta>
3339 <p>Your journey proceeds without further incident. You can see the wide, forested pass a few miles away. Once you have gained the safety of the trees, you will wait for the demon host to seek you out, and then make a final dash for the Lanzi bridge on the River Dosar, where Samu and the Masbat<ch.eacute/> will be waiting for you. But your spirits have lifted too soon. Heading straight towards you is a dark cloud of wings and snakelike bodies. It is a flock of flying snakes numbering at least twenty.</p>
3340 <choice idref="sect101">If you wish to try to make a dash for the forest, <link-text>turn to 101</link-text>.</choice>
3341 <choice idref="sect261">If you wish to make a stand, <link-text>turn to 261</link-text>.</choice>
3345 <section class="numbered" id="sect241">
3346 <meta><title>241</title></meta>
3349 <p>A flash of colour catches your eye: it is a collection of purple Phinomel. This flowering shrub, also known to some as Dragonkiss, grows round the base of rocks and stones, taking root in the damp soil beneath. The name Dragonkiss comes from the plant<ch.apos/>s curious, perilous flowers. Each flower is a semi-transparent pod and its colour comes from the potent, purple acid within each one. If the main plant is disturbed the pods may squirt a stinging jet of acid, capable of inflicting a painful burn. If the pods can be plucked carefully from the main plant, without disturbing the main plant, the acid can be preserved and used at a later date. The acid is of great use to Alchemists and Theurgists as a constituent part of a formula to transform base metals to metals of greater worth.</p>
3350 <choice idref="sect4">If you wish to pluck some Phinomel pods, <link-text>turn to 4</link-text>.</choice>
3351 <choice idref="sect43">If you wish to continue on your way, <link-text>turn to 43</link-text>.</choice>
3355 <section class="numbered" id="sect242">
3356 <meta><title>242</title></meta>
3359 <p>The moon bursts through a space in the clouds and you see Sado, a bloody sword in one hand, standing upon the brow of a low hill. He and a small number of his personal guard are beset on all sides by Shadakine warriors. You sprint over to him. Looking to the east, you see a sight that makes you gasp. Beyond the edge of the forest is the Shadakine Army. It is larger than you ever imagined, row upon row of bristling spears and swords wink beneath the night sky. Among the ranks you sight the glow of a Kazim Stone; a Shadakine Wytch must accompany the army.</p>
3360 <illustration class="float">
3362 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
3363 <description>Sado stands upon the brow of a low hill, a bloody sword in his hand.</description>
3365 <instance class="html" src="ill13.png" width="386" height="521" mime-type="image/png"/>
3366 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill13.gif" width="386" height="521" mime-type="image/gif"/>
3367 <instance class="pdf" src="ill13.pdf" width="386" height="521" />
3369 <p>You enter the battle that rages at Sado<ch.apos/>s feet in an effort to free him so that he can command the rest of the army. More and more men appear out of the darkness, summoned by his rallying call. A Shadakine spearman springs out of the shadows and runs towards you.</p>
3370 <choice idref="sect324">If you have 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points and wish to fire at the spearman at long range, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
3371 <choice idref="sect330">If you wish to stand and face the warrior<ch.apos/>s charge, <link-text>turn to 330</link-text>.</choice>
3372 <choice idref="sect335">If you wish to flee, <link-text>turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
3376 <section class="numbered" id="sect243">
3377 <meta><title>243</title></meta>
3380 <p>A second blast of flame sends another demon to its doom; the hunched creature with a shiny purple back, shaped like a beetle lies in a heap on the ground. With a mad gibber of panic the others dematerialize. You are safe. This magical attack has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
3381 <choice idref="sect99"><link-text>Turn to 99</link-text>.</choice>
3385 <section class="numbered" id="sect244">
3386 <meta><title>244</title></meta>
3389 <p>A large Flying Snake hurtles towards you. You hold up your Staff and brace yourself to receive the attack. The beast<ch.apos/>s razor-sharp talons flex and stretch to scour your flesh. You cannot evade combat.</p>
3390 <combat><enemy>Flying Snake</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">20</enemy-attribute></combat>
3391 <p>Combat lasts for only one round as the demon flashes past. If your enemy loses more <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than you, ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose.</p>
3392 <choice idref="sect287">If you are still alive, <link-text>turn to 287</link-text>.</choice>
3396 <section class="numbered" id="sect245">
3397 <meta><title>245</title></meta>
3400 <p>With an awful shriek, the last of the demons falls dead at your feet. There are more behind but they back away cautiously, spitting and growling. With horror, you notice that many of the demons are dragging the corpses of the Masbat<ch.eacute/> dead from their crypts.</p>
3401 <choice idref="sect205">If you wish to attack one of these demons at long range with your Staff, <link-text>turn to 205</link-text>.</choice>
3402 <choice idref="sect154">If you wish to charge the demons, <link-text>turn to 154</link-text>.</choice>
3406 <section class="numbered" id="sect246">
3407 <meta><title>246</title></meta>
3410 <p>You dig your heels in the stallion<ch.apos/>s flanks and it launches into a thunderous gallop. You come within ten paces of the demon line; the light from the Moonstone, which you hold aloft, shines brightly on their faces. With the first touch of its rays, the pack emits a chorus of wailing and anguished shrieks. They scatter in all directions, shielding their grotesque faces and squirming to avoid the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s light. However, before your charge can hit home, they disappear: they must have teleported to the portal in the Hills of Tilos. You slow the white stallion and proceed at a gentler pace.</p>
3411 <choice idref="sect237"><link-text>Turn to 237</link-text>.</choice>
3415 <section class="numbered" id="sect247">
3416 <meta><title>247</title></meta>
3419 <p>Something appears in the clear, sunlit sky. At first you think that one of the little winged snakes has returned, but, as the creature draws closer, you realize that this beast is far larger, though identical to the earlier serpents in every other way.</p>
3420 <choice idref="sect66">If you wish to attack the Flying Snake at long range with your Wizard<ch.apos/>s Staff, <link-text>turn to 66</link-text>.</choice>
3421 <choice idref="sect59">If not, <link-text>turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
3425 <section class="numbered" id="sect248">
3426 <meta><title>248</title></meta>
3429 <p>Still levitating, you drift towards the demon as it prepares to launch itself at Tanith. At a height of ten feet, you release the spell and fall onto the creature<ch.apos/>s back. It crashes to the ground with a piping scream and you roll away from its inert body and flip back onto your feet. Glowering, you face the remaining demons, who begin to edge back, gurgling with fear. Sensing your advantage, you loose a terrifying cry and launch yourself at them, Staff ablaze. The demons freeze, panic-stricken, but before you can strike they vanish. You are safe.</p>
3430 <choice idref="sect99"><link-text>Turn to 99</link-text>.</choice>
3434 <section class="numbered" id="sect249">
3435 <meta><title>249</title></meta>
3438 <p>You gaze into the Moonstone and, using 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, you fill the orb with visions of nearby events. The swirling haze of colours clears to reveal a deep valley. At the bottom of that valley you can see a multitude of demonic creatures. They stand before a shimmering arc of fire that hovers in the air. This is the demon portal; they lie, waiting for you to approach.</p>
3439 <choice idref="sect274"><link-text>Turn to 274</link-text>.</choice>
3443 <section class="numbered" id="sect250">
3444 <meta><title>250</title></meta>
3447 <p>Somewhere in the forest your pursuers are stamping through the dense foliage, smashing their way towards you. You leap into the saddle of the Shadakine mount and speed away, heading south towards Lanzi, where Samu and his Masbat<ch.eacute/> warriors are waiting for you at the bridge. You pray that the Shadakine Army is already well on its way to Lanzi.</p>
3448 <p>Glancing over your shoulder you see the first of the horde burst from the undergrowth of the forest. You concentrate on the last frantic dash that lies ahead of you.</p>
3449 <choice idref="sect352"><link-text>Turn to 352</link-text>.</choice>
3453 <section class="numbered" id="sect251">
3454 <meta><title>251</title></meta>
3457 <p>The shadows have deepened into night as the last demon falls dead at your feet. Despite the unfavourable odds, you have triumphed. Tanith is unharmed but you are exhausted after your efforts. Panting, you fall to your knees, head slumped and shoulders heaving as you regain your breath.</p>
3458 <choice idref="sect201"><link-text>Turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
3462 <section class="numbered" id="sect252">
3463 <meta><title>252</title></meta>
3466 <p>You remain conscious long enough to see the bridge erupt into flames and collapse into the waters of the River Dosar. Then you faint with exhaustion into Samu<ch.apos/>s arms. When at last you come round it is night and the Masbat<ch.eacute/> have made camp along the route towards the Army of the Freedom Guild in the south.</p>
3467 <choice idref="sect321"><link-text>Turn to 321</link-text>.</choice>
3471 <section class="numbered" id="sect253">
3472 <meta><title>253</title></meta>
3475 <p>Hurriedly you run along the gallery in search of a place to hide. A babble breaks out from the creatures below: you have been spotted. The scuffle of webbed and clawed feet tells you that the demon horde is rushing up the stairs towards you. There is nowhere to hide. The only way down to the hall is by those stairs and you may only leave the tomb by the entrance to the hall.</p>
3476 <p><quote>We<ch.apos/>ll have to fight our way out,</quote> you say to Tanith. She nods, a grim expression on her face.</p>
3477 <choice idref="sect236"><link-text>Turn to 236</link-text>.</choice>
3481 <section class="numbered" id="sect254">
3482 <meta><title>254</title></meta>
3485 <p>With quaking heart, you ascend the hill. You stand at the top in a circle of stone forms with the indistinct features of men. Their voices murmur in a haunting, faraway whisper.</p>
3486 <p><quote>He comes<ch.ellips/>the Grey One comes<ch.ellips/></quote></p>
3487 <p><quote>Does he bear the key<ch.ellips/>the Masterstone<ch.ellips/>our salvation?</quote></p>
3488 <p><quote>Who are you?</quote> you shout into the darkness. The whispering subsides and one voice speaks to you.</p>
3489 <p><quote>We are the Kazim, the Stone peoples. Old as the earth. We have waited.</quote></p>
3490 <p><quote>For what?</quote></p>
3491 <p><quote>For the bearer of the Masterstone to set us free from this hill that we might claim back what was once ours. We seek our hearts that the Dark One stole from us long ago.</quote></p>
3492 <illustration class="float">
3494 <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
3495 <description><quote>We are the Kazim. The Stone peoples. Old as the earth. We have waited.</quote></description>
3497 <instance class="html" src="ill14.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
3498 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill14.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
3499 <instance class="pdf" src="ill14.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
3501 <p>A glimmer of realization dawns in your mind. <quote>Who?</quote> you ask, urgently. <quote>Who stole your hearts?</quote></p>
3502 <p><quote>He who calls himself Shasarak, sundered and shameful brother of the Shianti.</quote></p>
3503 <p>The Kazim Stones of the Shadakine Wytches must be the hearts of these poor, forlorn creatures. Trapped and heartless upon this hill they have waited for you to free them. <quote>But how?</quote> you ask the Kazim.</p>
3504 <p><quote>You must have the key or we would not have awakened from our sleep of centuries and felt your presence here in the forest. You are the bearer of the Masterstone. Take it out and free us as the Shianti promised.</quote></p>
3505 <p>They must mean the Moonstone. Long ago the Shianti must have promised to free the Kazim out of shame for the actions of their renegade Shianti brother. Now you have come to fulfil that promise for them. The Kazim mentioned regaining their hearts. If they are successful, they rob Shasarak<ch.apos/>s most powerful servants of their power. The separate threads of the story fall into place as the ancient plans of the Shianti finally come to fruition. You draw out the Moonstone. Though you have not exerted any power upon it, it is shining with a blinding white light of its own. The seven Kazim roar with pleasure as the rays of the Moonstone touch their rocky bodies, and then they begin to move, stretching their craggy limbs after centuries of sleep.</p>
3506 <p>One of the Kazim speaks to you. <quote>We thank you,</quote> it says. <quote>But you must go now, back to your people. Their enemy approaches, bringing with them an enemy of ours. We will come soon, when we are fully ready and restored to life. Hurry. Battle begins.</quote></p>
3507 <p>In the distance you can hear the sound of many voices shouting. The Shadakine must have attacked by night. You whirl around and dash down the hill, heading towards the sound of battle.</p>
3508 <choice idref="sect358"><link-text>Turn to 358</link-text>.</choice>
3512 <section class="numbered" id="sect255">
3513 <meta><title>255</title></meta>
3516 <p>Taking a deep breath, you plunge a point of concentrated Sorcery into the doors. As the beam of energy hits the fabric of the stone, you realize that you will need to use a great deal of <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> before the doors will break. With a huge surge of energy you throw 5 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points at the door.</p>
3517 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Magic Talisman of the Shianti, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
3518 <choice idref="sect283">If the total is 4 or more, <link-text>turn to 283</link-text>.</choice>
3519 <choice idref="sect208">If the total is less than 4, <link-text>turn to 208</link-text>.</choice>
3523 <section class="numbered" id="sect256">
3524 <meta><title>256</title></meta>
3527 <p>You charge towards the Shadakine ranks facing the bridge. They are surprised by the unexpected attack from behind, especially as it seems that they are attacked by one of their own kind. In a kind of mad desperation, you attempt to force a passage through the swirling mass, pulling off your helmet to show the Masbat<ch.eacute/> on the bridge that you have returned. There are a great number of Shadakine standing between you and the bridge. You must fight them as one enemy and to the death. Owing to the initial surprise of your charge, you may add 3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
3528 <combat><enemy>Shadakine Warriors</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">22</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
3529 <choice idref="sect353">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 353</link-text>.</choice>
3533 <section class="numbered" id="sect257">
3534 <meta><title>257</title></meta>
3537 <p>You continue east. When you next look over your shoulder, the figure has vanished. An uneasy feeling stirs inside you. You quicken your pace. As the sun slowly crosses the sky, the heat becomes less intense and walking becomes easier. Nevertheless, you grow more anxious as the evening approaches for you have seen no trace of a stream or water hole and you will never find one at night. You can survive without food for some time but you must find water soon.</p>
3538 <choice idref="sect81">If you are carrying the Moonstone in your hand, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
3539 <choice idref="sect213">If you are carrying it in your Backpack, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
3543 <section class="numbered" id="sect258">
3544 <meta><title>258</title></meta>
3547 <p>A plume of fiery light shoots from your Staff and hits a two-headed man shape with a black horn in the centre of each brow. It falls dead, wreathed in magical fire. The nine that remain continue to shamble towards you but, when they have come within ten spaces, they suddenly scatter in all directions, shielding their grotesque faces and twisting to avoid the light of the Moonstone. The next moment they have vanished, teleporting to the portal that lies somewhere in the Hills of Tilos. Your magical attack has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
3548 <choice idref="sect237"><link-text>Turn to 237</link-text>.</choice>
3552 <section class="numbered" id="sect259">
3553 <meta><title>259</title></meta>
3556 <p>The chariot careers along a wild and unpredictable course. Desperately you try to judge its next turn as it bears down upon you.</p>
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