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15 <title>Rune War</title>
16 <creator class="author" sort-name="Dever, Joe">Joe Dever</creator>
17 <creator class="illustrator" sort-name="Williams, Brian">Brian Williams</creator>
18 <creator class="short">Joe Dever and Brian Williams</creator>
19 <creator class="medium">
20 <line>Joe Dever</line>
21 <line>Illustrated by Brian Williams</line>
23 <creator class="long">
24 &inclusion.joe.dever.bio.lw;
25 &inclusion.brian.williams.bio.lw;
27 <publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
28 <date class="publication"><year>2012</year><month>10</month><day>28</day></date>
29 <description class="blurb">
30 <p>Evil Lord Vandyan of Eldenora has unearthed the lost secrets of rune magics used by Agarash the Damned during his ancient conquest of Magnamund. Empowered by his discoveries, Vandyan unleashes his armies upon the peaceful realms of the Free Alliance with swift and devastating effect. Lone Wolf, Supreme Master of the Kai, leads the crusade to defeat Vandyan before all Magnamund succumbs to his tyrannical rule.</p>
31 <p>In <strong><cite>Rune War</cite></strong>, your task is to infiltrate Skull-Tor, Lord Vandyan<ch.apos/>s stronghold, and destroy the ancient runes from which he draws his evil power. Can you succeed in your vital mission<ch.ellips/>or will you fall foul of the traps and terrors that guard the warlord<ch.apos/>s mighty fortress?</p>
33 <description class="publication">
34 <p>Internet Edition published by <a href="http://www.projectaon.org/">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>
36 <rights class="copyrights">
37 <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1995 Joe Dever.</line>
38 <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1995 Brian Williams.</line>
40 <rights class="license-notification">
42 <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1995 Joe Dever.</line>
43 <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1995 Brian Williams.</line>
44 <line>Distribution of this Internet Edition is restricted under the terms of the <a idref="license">Project Aon License</a>.</line>
56 <title>Title Page</title>
57 <link class="next" idref="dedicate" />
62 <section class="frontmatter" id="dedicate">
64 <title>Dedication</title>
65 <link class="prev" idref="title" />
66 <link class="next" idref="acknwldg" />
70 <p class="dedication">For Wayne</p>
74 <section class="frontmatter" id="acknwldg">
76 <title>Acknowledgements</title>
77 <link class="prev" idref="dedicate" />
78 <link class="next" idref="tssf" />
83 &inclusion.joe.dever.endowment;
85 <section class="frontmatter" id="credits">
86 <meta><title>Credits</title></meta>
90 <dt>Transcription</dt>
92 <line>Spyros Nathanail</line>
94 <dt>Illustration Transcription</dt>
95 <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
98 <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
99 <line>Simon Osborne</line>
101 <dt>Action Charts</dt>
103 <line>JC Alvarez</line>
104 <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
106 <dt>Proofreading</dt>
108 <line>Robert Wellock (Frontmatter)</line>
109 <line>Simon Osborne (Sections 1<ch.endash/>350)</line>
113 <line>Jan Charv<ch.aacute/>t</line>
114 <line>Ingo Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
115 <line>LeRoy McSwain</line>
116 <line>Simon Osborne</line>
117 <line>Anders <ch.Ouml/>sterberg</line>
118 <line>Robert Wellock</line>
120 <dt>Coordination</dt>
121 <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
122 <dt>Special Thanks</dt>
123 <dd>Benjamin Krefetz, Sam Seaver</dd>
131 <section class="frontmatter" id="tssf">
133 <title>The Story So Far<ch.ellips/></title>
134 <link class="prev" idref="acknwldg" />
135 <link class="next" idref="gamerulz" />
139 <p>You are a Grand Master of the New Order of the Kai<ch.emdash/>the warrior <ch.eacute/>lite of Sommerlund.</p>
141 <p>It is the year MS<ch.nbsp/>5083, thirty-three years after the First Order of the Kai was almost wiped out by the Darklords of Helgedad. These champions of evil, who were sent by the Dark God Naar to destroy your fertile world of Magnamund, have since been destroyed. Lone Wolf, the leader of your illustrious fighting order, was the sole survivor of the massacre. As a young Kai initiate he stood amidst the burning wreckage of the old Kai Monastery and vowed to avenge the slaughter of his comrades. In the year MS<ch.nbsp/>5070 he kept his pledge when alone he infiltrated the foul domain of the Darklords and destroyed the infernal city of Helgedad, the base of their evil power.</p>
143 <p>With the fall of Helgedad, chaos befell the Darkland armies who had, until then, been poised to conquer all Magnamund. Quickly their disorder escalated into a mutinous civil war which allowed the Freeland Alliance armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a successful counter-offensive. Against all odds, a swift and total victory was secured over the feuding armies of evil.</p>
145 <p>Following the demise of the Darklords, peace reigned in your homeland of Sommerlund. Under the direction of Lone Wolf the ruined Monastery of the Kai was rebuilt and restored to its former glory, and the raising of a New Order of Kai warriors was swiftly established. You are one of this new generation of Kai recruits. You were born in Sommerlund in the year MS<ch.nbsp/>5063, during the time of the war against the Darklords. When you were seven years old you were sent by your father to the Kai Monastery. There, under the tutelage of Lone Wolf, you developed your martial skills and honed the special Kai abilities which lay dormant within you. During the years that followed, your skills were nurtured and sharpened to perfection by long hours of study and rigorous training. Your exceptional talent helped you master all of the Kai and Magnakai Disciplines, and you rose swiftly through the ranks of the New Order to become one of only five who now hold the high rank of Kai Grand Master. It is an achievement which has brought great honour upon you and your family.</p>
147 <p>In the year MS<ch.nbsp/>5077 your skill and courage were put to the test when an attack was launched upon the Kai Monastery during Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s absence. By means of a Shadow Gate (an astral corridor between the physical world of Magnamund and the many ethereal domains which lie beyond it), Naar sent forth a host of dragon-creatures to besiege the monastery and lay waste to all Sommerlund. He had chosen his time well, yet his evil plan was thwarted by the tenacious defence that you and your brethren maintained until the siege was raised by Lone Wolf and the King<ch.apos/>s Army of Sommerlund.</p>
149 <p>During the six years that have elapsed since the defeat of his minions, Naar has endeavoured to enact his vengeance upon the Kai. He commands many agents of evil upon Magnamund, and quietly they wait in the shadows for the day when they can serve their fell master. One such agent was Baron Sadanzo of Siyen. The Kingdom of Siyen is one of the richest countries in the continent of Southern Magnamund, and it is also one of Sommerlund<ch.apos/>s oldest allies. Sadanzo had its ruler, King Oridon, brutally assassinated so that he could lay claim to the throne in the absence of Prince Karvas, Oridon<ch.apos/>s only son, who lived in exile upon the remote Isle of Sheasu. The Baron was a disciple of Naar and he possessed a sorcerous power that had turned the minds of the Siyenese Court to his will. By use of sorcery he made them support his ascendance to the throne. It was a dangerous threat to Siyen, yet all was not lost. The constitution of Siyen decreed that Prince Karvas had, upon the death of his father, 60 days in which to lay claim to his rightful heritage. Only if he failed to return in time would Sadanzo be elected the new King.</p>
151 <p>Lone Wolf promised to prevent Baron Sadanzo from usurping the throne, but it was a pledge that only you could fulfil. At the time of King Oridon<ch.apos/>s assassination, you were engaged upon a mission in Southern Magnamund and were closer to the Isle of Sheasu than any other Kai. Upon successful completion of your mission, Lone Wolf ordered you to forgo your return to the Kai Monastery and journey instead to Sheasu to seek out the exiled Prince. Your new mission was to find Karvas and escort him safely home in time to claim his throne and thwart Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s plan. Despite great adversity you succeeded; Prince Karvas was duly elected King and the evil Baron Sadanzo and his followers were put to the sword. In recognition of your courage and your invaluable help in saving his realm from Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s tyranny, the newly-crowned King Karvas made you an honourable Knight of Siyen. He also placed <cite>Golden Star</cite>, his royal sailing ship, at your disposal to help speed your return home to Holmgard<ch.emdash/>the Sommlending capital.</p>
153 <p>Shortly after dawn on a cool mid-autumn morning, the sleek royal Siyenese clipper glided into Holmgard harbour. Despite the early hour, an escort of the King<ch.apos/>s Guard were standing by in readiness to convey you by carriage directly to the Kai Monastery where you were greeted and warmly congratulated by your fellow Grand Masters. You also received glowing praise from Supreme Master Lone Wolf for successfully completing your missions and for upholding the finest traditions of the Kai. It felt good to be home after so many months abroad and you were looking forward to settling back into the routine of the monastery. But your hopes were soon dashed when, later that day, you were summoned by Lone Wolf to a private audience with him in his chambers. The news he had to impart came as an unexpected shock.</p>
155 <p><quote>We must prepare for a crusade, Grand Master,</quote> he said, as he unfurled a large vellum <a idref="map">map of central Magnamund</a> and spread it upon the granite floor of his vaulted chamber. <quote>War rages anew in the Stornlands, and its ravenous flames threaten to devour our allies within the Freeland Alliance.</quote></p>
157 <p>Lone Wolf unsheathed his mighty sword<ch.emdash/>Sommerswerd<ch.emdash/>and, using the tip of its golden blade, he pointed to a landlocked realm west of the great River Storn. <quote>This is Eldenora, the source of the problems we must face. Since the fall of its former ruler, Prince Lutha, a new lordling has arisen to snatch the reins of this lawless realm. He is not of noble birth, yet he has crushed all royal opposition and taken upon himself the title Lord Vandyan of Eldenora. Earlier this year he swelled the ranks of his army with regiments of Magadorian and Ogian mercenaries. After having falsely accused his peaceful neighbour<ch.emdash/>Delden<ch.emdash/>of violating Eldenoran territory, he stationed these mercenaries along his northern border. When Delden mustered its army to counter the threat, Vandyan accused them of aggression and promptly declared war. The campaign was swift and brutal; Delden<ch.apos/>s army was broken in battle and its people are now enslaved by this tyrant. Emboldened by his martial success, Vandyan carried the war further afield. Magador, its defences already weakened by the defection to Eldenora of its best mercenary regiments, was the next to crumble. By mid-summer Vandyan<ch.apos/>s army had crossed the River Storn and captured Salony. Word reached us from neighbouring Lyris that a steady stream of fresh troops were arriving from Eldenora to bolster the ranks of its occupying armies. Clearly Lyris, with its ancient city of Varetta, was the next jewel to be added to Vandyan<ch.apos/>s shameful crown of conquest.</quote></p>
159 <p>Lone Wolf interrupted the briefing to open a door to an adjoining antechamber, and through this doorway shuffled an old man clad in a hooded robe of dyed brown linen. <quote>May I introduce you to Gwynian the Sage,</quote> said Lone Wolf, reverently. <quote>He has travelled from Varetta to seek our aid.</quote></p>
161 <p>The name Gwynian was well known to you, for this wise sage had helped Lone Wolf on many occasions in the past and his name was revered by the Kai. But this was the first time you had met him in person and you felt greatly honoured. In turn, Gwynian praised you for the victories you had achieved since becoming a Kai Grand Master. Upon Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s invitation, he approached the map and took over the briefing.</p>
163 <p><quote>Since my arrival here, sadly I have learned that my beloved city of Varetta is besieged by Vandyan<ch.apos/>s horde,</quote> he said, with quiet solemnity. <quote>Lone Wolf has already told you that the Eldenorans are receiving a constant supply of reinforcements. This fact alone would be of grave concern, but it is the nature of these troops that disturbs us more. They are neither human nor mercenaries. They are Vorka, a fighting breed of Agarashi that became extinct following the destruction of their master<ch.emdash/>Agarash the Damned<ch.emdash/>several millennia ago<ch.ellips/>or so we had believed. Now the Vorka have reappeared in great numbers. They are armed, trained, and utterly subservient to the commands of Lord Vandyan.</quote></p>
165 <p>As Gwynian continued the briefing, you learned that the war had escalated greatly since the arrival of the Vorka. To the south, Eldenoran armies had seized the city of Tekaro and were marching across the Slovarian Plain, driving the battle-weary Slovians before them. To the west, Vandyan<ch.apos/>s armies had invaded Palmyrion and were within reach of Vanamor, the capital. Lone Wolf informed you that Guildmaster Banedon had travelled to Palmyrion by skyship to assist its ruler, Elector Manatine, muster his country<ch.apos/>s defences. With his help the Palmyrions were holding the enemy at bay, but with hundreds of Vorka reinforcements arriving unchecked, it was simply a matter of time before Vanamor would be overrun.</p>
167 <p><quote>The Vorka are the key to Vandyan<ch.apos/>s military successes,</quote> said Lone Wolf. <quote>If we are to defeat him and save our allies, then we must cut off his reinforcements at the source.</quote></p>
169 <p><quote>This is so,</quote> replied Gwynian, <quote>and we do know from where the Vorka have sprung.</quote> The sage stooped and pointed with a gnarled finger at the middle of the vellum map. <quote>Our agents have reported they come from here<ch.ellips/>Duadon. It is the Eldenoran capital. Thousands of Vorka have been observed marching out from this walled city to bolster Vandyan<ch.apos/>s armies in the field, yet no Vorka have ever been seen entering the city from elsewhere. This can mean but one thing: the Vorka horde is being created somewhere within Duadon itself.</quote></p>
171 <p><quote>But how?</quote> you asked, incredulously. <quote>Is Vandyan a great sorcerer?</quote></p>
173 <p><quote>No, he is not a sorcerer, great or otherwise,</quote> replied Gwynian, knowingly. <quote>But he has discovered an ancient force that was thought to be lost forever. There is only one power in Magnamund capable of creating the Vorka: the power of the runes. Vandyan has discovered the lost Runes of Agarash the Damned.</quote></p>
175 <p>Gwynian told of how, millennia ago, Agarash the Damned had battled with the Elder Magi in a war that had lasted for more than a thousand years. Nearing the end of this epic confrontation, as his vitality waned against the goodly magic of the Elder Magi, the evil Agarash encapsulated the essence of his remaining powers into tablets of obsidian and crystals of jet. Agarash knew that he was doomed, but if he were able to preserve some of his powers in this way, so that they could be used by future disciples of Naar upon Magnamund, then the legacy of his terrible rule would survive beyond him. Three obsidian tablets were engraved with marks, or runes, to distinguish their fell origin, while a further seven crystals were fashioned into likenesses of the Kai Lorestones and called Doomstones in mockery of those goodly gems of power.</p>
177 <p><quote>Since the demise of Agarash, some of the Doomstones have surfaced to ensnare and empower Naar<ch.apos/>s lowly agents,</quote> said Gwynian. <quote>But the Doomstones cannot create Vorka. Only the runes hold this power. It has long been believed that they perished with Agarash himself in the destruction of Naaros, his legendary stronghold. Now, it seems, they have finally surfaced once more<ch.ellips/>and have fallen into the hands of Lord Vandyan.</quote></p>
179 <p>Lone Wolf vowed that he would help Gwynian raise the siege of Varetta and secure for him the freedom of Lyris. The New Order Kai were told to prepare for a crusade against Eldenora, and valuable help was provided by High-Mayor Kordas of Casiorn. At his own expense, this rich merchant ruler raised an army of mercenaries in Anari, Firalond, and Kakush, and he sent them to the town of Quarlen to prevent the enemy from crossing the River Quarl. These mercenaries are skilled soldiers and have been paid handsomely, but they lack gifted leaders. It was agreed that the Kai would provide this leadership, with Kai Grand Masters and lesser ranks assuming command of mercenary regiments upon their arrival in Quarlen.</p>
181 <p><quote>Three days hence, we begin the ride to Quarlen,</quote> said Lone Wolf. <quote>Armed with our knowledge, our courage, and our Disciplines, I vow we Kai shall turn back the tide of evil that now threatens to consume our allies.</quote></p>
185 <section class="frontmatter" id="gamerulz">
187 <title>The Game Rules</title>
188 <link class="prev" idref="tssf" />
189 <link class="next" idref="kainame" />
193 <footnote id="gamerulz-1-foot" idref="gamerulz-1">
194 <p>If you have completed any previous <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> adventures, remember to choose an additional Grand Master Discipline and add <ch.plus/>1 to your basic <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <ch.plus/>2 to your basic <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> for each adventure you successfully completed (cf. <a idref="discplnz">Grand Master Disciplines</a>).</p>
199 <p>You keep a record of your adventure on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
200 <p>During the years you have spent in training at the Kai Monastery, you have devoted yourself to further developing your fighting prowess (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>) and physical stamina (<typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>). Before you begin this <cite>New Order</cite> adventure you need to measure how effective your training has been. To do this take a pencil and, with your eyes closed, point the blunt end of it onto the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick a 0 it counts as zero.</p>
201 <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 25 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> (i.e. if your pencil fell on the number 7 in the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would write in a <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 32). 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 desirable.</p>
202 <p>The second number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> represents your powers of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Add 30 to this number and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (i.e. if your pencil fell on the number 8 on the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would have 38 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
203 <p>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> points fall 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 your number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points cannot rise above the number you have when you start an adventure.</p>
204 <p>If you have successfully completed previous adventures in the <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> series (Books 21<ch.endash/>23), you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to this adventure.<footref id="gamerulz-1" idref="gamerulz-1-foot"/> You may also carry over any Special Items, Kai Weapon, normal Weapons, and Backpack Items you had in your possession at the end of your last adventure, and these should be entered on your new <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
205 <p><strong>Playing Tip:</strong> You may use a 10-sided die instead of the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> if you find it more convenient.</p>
207 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="kainame">
209 <title>Your Kai Name</title>
210 <link class="prev" idref="gamerulz" />
211 <link class="next" idref="discplnz" />
215 <p>It has long been the tradition of your <ch.eacute/>lite warrior caste to bestow a new name upon each young novice when they complete their first year<ch.apos/>s training at the Kai Monastery. Kai names are chosen by senior Kai Masters with the aim of reflecting the individual strengths and qualities of each novice.</p>
216 <p>You may create your own Kai name for yourself, or you can generate a Kai name at random using the name tables below. To generate a Kai name, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and consult Table A. The name which corresponds to the number you have picked is the first part, or prefix, of your Kai name. Now pick a second number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and consult Table B. The name which corresponds to the number you have picked is the second part, or suffix, of your Kai name. Put the prefix and the suffix together and you have your own personal Kai name.</p>
221 <th colspan="2" scope="colgroup">Table A</th>
222 <th colspan="1" scope="colgroup"></th>
223 <th colspan="2" scope="colgroup">Table B</th>
226 <th colspan="2" scope="colgroup">(Kai name prefix)</th>
227 <th colspan="1" scope="colgroup"></th>
228 <th colspan="2" scope="colgroup">(Kai name suffix)</th>
304 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="discplnz">
306 <title>New Order Kai Grand Master Disciplines</title>
307 <link class="prev" idref="kainame" />
308 <link class="next" idref="equipmnt" />
312 <footnote id="discplnz-1-foot" idref="discplnz-1">
313 <p>Given the rules for the previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> books, it seems odd that a Grand Master is only allowed to choose to be proficient in one of the few Weapons listed in the <a idref="equipmnt">Equipment section</a>. In view of the unprecedented nature of this rule, you might decide that it is acceptable to be proficient in any of the ten Weapons that the Kai typically train to use.</p>
315 <illustration class="inline">
317 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
319 <instance class="html" src="weapons.png" width="386" height="310" mime-type="image/png"/>
320 <instance class="html-compatible" src="weapons.gif" width="386" height="310" mime-type="image/gif"/>
321 <instance class="pdf" src="weapons.pdf" width="386" height="310" />
326 <footnote id="discplnz-2-foot" idref="discplnz-2">
327 <p>The rules in the Collector<ch.apos/>s Editions state that the bonus for Grand Weaponmastery with Bow is 5. Certain sections direct the reader to use different bonuses when using a Bow, ranging from 3 to 5, if you have Grand Weaponmastery with Bow. This may be the author adjusting the Grand Weaponmastery bonus on a case-by-case basis (and therefore this bonus should be used instead of the standard bonus) or an error (and therefore all of these bonuses should be 5). It is up to you to decide, but it seems most reasonable to follow the first alternative, to replace the Grand Weaponmastery bonus with whatever bonus is mentioned in that section.</p>
330 <footnote id="discplnz-3-foot" idref="discplnz-3">
331 <p>Details about the Kai Weapon appear in the next section of the game rules.</p>
336 <section class="frontmatter" id="mksumary">
338 <title>Kai and Magnakai Disciplines</title>
342 <p>During your distinguished rise to the ranks of the New Order of Kai Grand Masters, you have become proficient in all of the basic Kai and Magnakai Disciplines. These Disciplines provide you with a formidable arsenal of natural abilities which will serve you well. A brief summary of your skills is given below:</p>
344 <dl class="paragraphed">
345 <dt>Weaponmastery</dt>
346 <dd><p>You are proficient with all close combat and missile weapons. You are a master of unarmed combat and suffer no <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> loss when fighting bare-handed.</p></dd>
347 <dt>Animal Control</dt>
348 <dd><p>You are able to communicate with most animals and have limited control over hostile creatures. You can use woodland animals as guides and you are able to block a non-sentient creature<ch.apos/>s sense of taste and smell.</p></dd>
351 <p>You are able to restore <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost as a direct result of combat. You may restore 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point for every numbered section of the book you pass through in which you are not involved in further combat. The maximum number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points that can be restored in this way is limited to 10 per adventure.</p>
352 <p>You also possess the ability to heal the wounds of others, and you can neutralize the harmful effects of most poisons, venoms, and toxins.</p>
354 <dt>Invisibility</dt>
355 <dd><p>You can hide effectively in most environments, mask any sounds made during movement, and you can cause minor alterations of your own physical appearance. Also you are able to mask your own body heat and scent.</p></dd>
357 <dd><p>You are an expert hunter of food in the wild. You possess great physical agility and a keen sense of vision (day and night). Your senses of hearing and smell are especially acute.</p></dd>
358 <dt>Pathsmanship</dt>
359 <dd><p>You are able to understand most languages, magical symbols, and hieroglyphics. You are expert at reading footprints and tracks. You have an intuitive knowledge of the compass points and can detect the threat of an enemy ambush up to a distance of 500 yards. You possess an ability to cross terrain without leaving tracks. You can converse with sentient creatures and mask yourself from psychic spells of detection.</p></dd>
361 <dd><p>You are able to attack enemies using the powers of your mind. Also you can set up disruptive vibrations in inanimate objects and cause confusion in the minds of unsophisticated enemies.</p></dd>
363 <dd><p>You possess strong mental defences against hypnosis, supernatural illusions, charms, hostile telepathy, and evil spirits. You are able to divert and re-channel some hostile psychic energy to your own ends.</p></dd>
365 <dd><p>You can move small items by projection of your mind power. You can withstand extremes of temperature and are able to extinguish fire by force of your will alone. You have a limited immunity to flames, toxic gases, and corrosive liquids.</p></dd>
367 <dd><p>Your famous Kai Sixth Sense can warn you of imminent danger. You can detect invisible or hidden enemies, and you are able to communicate telepathically. You can recognize magic-using and/or magical creatures, detect psychic residues, and you have a limited ability to leave your corporeal body (<quote>spirit-walk</quote>) for short periods.</p></dd>
372 <section class="frontmatter" id="nodispln">
374 <title>New Order Kai Grand Master Disciplines</title>
378 <p>After years of martial training and study at the Kai Monastery, and by the rigorous practice of the teachings of your illustrious mentor<ch.emdash/>Kai Supreme Master Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>you have achieved the noble rank of Kai Grand Master Senior.</p>
380 <p>Following in the footsteps of Lone Wolf himself, you have vowed that one day you will become totally proficient in all 16 of the New Order Kai Grand Master Disciplines. By doing so successfully you will share with Lone Wolf the responsibility, the honour, and the future glory of leading the New Order Kai as a Supreme Master.</p>
382 <p>If this is the first <cite>New Order</cite> adventure you have undertaken, then your present rank is that of Kai Grand Master Senior. This means that you have mastered <em>four</em> of the New Order Grand Master Disciplines listed below. It is for you to decide which four Disciplines these are. As all of the New Order Grand Master Disciplines may be of use to you at some point during your mission, pick these four skills with care. The correct use of a New Order Grand Master Discipline at the right time could save your life. When you have chosen your four Disciplines, enter them in the Grand Master Disciplines section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
384 <section class="frontmatter" id="wpnmstry">
385 <meta><title>Grand Weaponmastery</title></meta>
388 <illustration class="inline">
390 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
392 <instance class="html" src="wpnmast.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
393 <instance class="html-compatible" src="wpnmast.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
394 <instance class="pdf" src="wpnmast.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
397 <p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to become supremely efficient in the use of all weapons. When you enter combat armed with one of your Grand Master weapons, you may add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. The rank of Kai Grand Master Senior, with which you begin the <cite>New Order</cite> series, means that you are skilled in the use of <em>one</em> of the weapons listed in the <a idref="equipmnt">Equipment section</a>.<footref id="discplnz-1" idref="discplnz-1-foot"/> For every adventure that you complete successfully in the <cite>New Order</cite> series while possessing the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery, you will gain proficiency with one additional weapon.</p>
398 <p>If you have the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery with Bow, you may add 5 points to any number you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, when using the Bow.<footref id="discplnz-2" idref="discplnz-2-foot"/></p>
402 <section class="frontmatter" id="anmlmstr">
403 <meta><title>Animal Mastery</title></meta>
406 <illustration class="inline">
408 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
410 <instance class="html" src="anmlmast.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
411 <instance class="html-compatible" src="anmlmast.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
412 <instance class="pdf" src="anmlmast.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
415 <p>New Order Grand Masters have considerable control over hostile, non-sentient creatures. Also, they have the ability to converse with birds and fishes, and use them as guides.</p>
419 <section class="frontmatter" id="deliver">
420 <meta><title>Deliverance <em>(Advanced Curing)</em></title></meta>
423 <illustration class="inline">
425 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
427 <instance class="html" src="delvrance.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
428 <instance class="html-compatible" src="delvrance.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
429 <instance class="pdf" src="delvrance.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
432 <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to use their healing power to repair serious battle-wounds. If, while in combat, their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is reduced to 8 points or less, they can draw upon their mastery to restore 20 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. This emergency ability can only be used once every 20 days.</p>
436 <section class="frontmatter" id="assimila">
437 <meta><title>Assimilance <em>(Advanced Invisibility)</em></title></meta>
440 <illustration class="inline">
442 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
444 <instance class="html" src="assmlnce.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
445 <instance class="html-compatible" src="assmlnce.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
446 <instance class="pdf" src="assmlnce.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
449 <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to effect striking changes to their physical appearance, and maintain these changes over a period of one to three days. They have also mastered advanced camouflage techniques which make them virtually undetectable in an open landscape.</p>
453 <section class="frontmatter" id="hntmstry">
454 <meta><title>Grand Huntmastery</title></meta>
457 <illustration class="inline">
459 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
461 <instance class="html" src="huntmstr.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
462 <instance class="html-compatible" src="huntmstr.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
463 <instance class="pdf" src="huntmstr.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
466 <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to see in total darkness and they possess great natural speed and agility. They also have a superb sense of touch and taste. If you have chosen the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery as one of your skills, you will not need to tick off a Meal when instructed to eat.</p>
470 <section class="frontmatter" id="pthmnshp">
471 <meta><title>Grand Pathsmanship</title></meta>
474 <illustration class="inline">
476 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
478 <instance class="html" src="pathsmn.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
479 <instance class="html-compatible" src="pathsmn.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
480 <instance class="pdf" src="pathsmn.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
483 <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to resist entrapment by hostile plants. Also they have a super-awareness of ambush, or the threat of ambush, in woods and dense forests.</p>
487 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaisurge">
488 <meta><title>Kai-surge</title></meta>
491 <illustration class="inline">
493 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
495 <instance class="html" src="ksurge.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
496 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ksurge.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
497 <instance class="pdf" src="ksurge.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
500 <p>When using their psychic ability to attack an enemy, New Order Grand Masters may add 8 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. For every round in which Kai-surge is used, they need only deduct 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. Grand Masters have the option of using a weaker form of psychic attack called Mindblast. When using this lesser attack, they may add 4 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> without loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (Kai-surge and Mindblast cannot be used simultaneously). New Order Grand Masters cannot use Kai-surge if their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 6 points or below.</p>
504 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiscrn">
505 <meta><title>Kai-screen</title></meta>
508 <illustration class="inline">
510 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
512 <instance class="html" src="kscreen.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
513 <instance class="html-compatible" src="kscreen.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
514 <instance class="pdf" src="kscreen.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
517 <p>During psychic combat, New Order Grand Masters are able to construct mind-fortresses capable of protecting themselves and others. The strength and capacity of these fortresses increase as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
521 <section class="frontmatter" id="nexus">
522 <meta><title>Grand Nexus</title></meta>
525 <illustration class="inline">
527 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
529 <instance class="html" src="nexus.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
530 <instance class="html-compatible" src="nexus.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
531 <instance class="pdf" src="nexus.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
534 <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to withstand contact with harmful elements, such as flames and acids, for upwards of an hour in duration. This ability increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
538 <section class="frontmatter" id="gnosis">
539 <meta><title>Telegnosis <em>(Advanced Divination)</em></title></meta>
542 <illustration class="inline">
544 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
546 <instance class="html" src="telegnss.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
547 <instance class="html-compatible" src="telegnss.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
548 <instance class="pdf" src="telegnss.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
551 <p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to spirit-walk for far greater lengths of time, and with far fewer ill effects. Duration of the spirit-walk and the protection afforded to his inanimate body increase as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
555 <section class="frontmatter" id="magi">
556 <meta><title>Magi-magic <em>(Old Kingdom Magic)</em></title></meta>
559 <illustration class="inline">
561 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
563 <instance class="html" src="magimagc.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
564 <instance class="html-compatible" src="magimagc.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
565 <instance class="pdf" src="magimagc.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
568 <p>Under the tutelage of Lone Wolf, you have been able to master the rudimentary skills of Old Kingdom battle-magic. These arcane skills include the use of basic Old Kingdom Spells, such as <spell>Shield</spell>, <spell>Power Word</spell>, and <spell>Invisible Fist</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Old Kingdom magic increase.</p>
572 <section class="frontmatter" id="alchemy">
573 <meta><title>Kai-alchemy <em>(Brotherhood Magic)</em></title></meta>
576 <illustration class="inline">
578 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
580 <instance class="html" src="alchemy.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
581 <instance class="html-compatible" src="alchemy.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
582 <instance class="pdf" src="alchemy.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
585 <p>Under the tutelage of Lone Wolf and Guildmaster Banedon (the leader of Sommerlund<ch.apos/>s Guild of Magicians), you have mastered the elementary spells of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. These spells include <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>, <spell>Levitation</spell>, and <spell>Mind Charm</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Brotherhood magic increase.</p>
589 <section class="frontmatter" id="astrolgy">
590 <meta><title>Astrology</title></meta>
593 <illustration class="inline">
595 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
597 <instance class="html" src="astrolgy.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
598 <instance class="html-compatible" src="astrolgy.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
599 <instance class="pdf" src="astrolgy.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
602 <p>The celestial bodies which occupy the skies above Magnamund have long been known to affect the lives of its inhabitants. Mastery of this Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to predict and shape the future by studying the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and the myriad planets and stars. The number and accuracy of these predictions increase as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
606 <section class="frontmatter" id="herbmst">
607 <meta><title>Herbmastery</title></meta>
610 <illustration class="inline">
612 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
614 <instance class="html" src="herblism.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
615 <instance class="html-compatible" src="herblism.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
616 <instance class="pdf" src="herblism.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
619 <p>Mastery of this New Order Discipline enables a Grand Master to identify readily any substance derived from living or growing organic material. He is aware of any secret uses to which an organic material may be put, and he is skilled in effecting the release of a substance<ch.apos/>s medicinal and/or magical properties.</p>
623 <section class="frontmatter" id="element">
624 <meta><title>Elementalism</title></meta>
627 <illustration class="inline">
629 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
631 <instance class="html" src="elmntlsm.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
632 <instance class="html-compatible" src="elmntlsm.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
633 <instance class="pdf" src="elmntlsm.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
636 <p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to manipulate the four basic elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. By drawing upon individual elements that are available, or combinations thereof, he is able to detach, affix, increase, concentrate, intensify, remove, or accelerate this matter to fulfil a specific purpose, e.g. create a wall, hurl a rock, spray sand, remove air, intensify fire. The versatility of this Discipline increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
640 <section class="frontmatter" id="bardsman">
641 <meta><title>Bardsmanship</title></meta>
644 <illustration class="inline">
646 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
648 <instance class="html" src="bard.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
649 <instance class="html-compatible" src="bard.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
650 <instance class="pdf" src="bard.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
653 <p>Through mastery of this Discipline a Kai Grand Master of the New Order becomes a multi-talented performer, proficient in the use of any musical instrument. He is able to sing or chant, recite or compose tales of legend, mimic speech or dialect, and stimulate a wide range of emotions among sentient creatures. The effect and power of his bardic abilities will steadily increase as he advances through the Grand Master ranks.</p>
657 <p>If you successfully complete the mission as set in Book 24 of the <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> series, you may add a further Grand Master Discipline of your choice to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> in Book 25. For every Grand Master Discipline you possess, in excess of the original four Disciplines you begin with, you may add 1 point to your basic <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> score and 2 points to your basic <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score. These bonus points, together with your extra Grand Master Discipline(s), your original four Grand Master Disciplines, your Kai Weapon,<footref id="discplnz-3" idref="discplnz-3-foot"/> and any other Special Items and Backpack Items that you have found and been able to keep during your adventures, may then be carried over and used in the next <cite>New Order</cite> adventure, which is called: <bookref series ="lw" book="25totw"><cite>Trail of the Wolf</cite>.</bookref></p>
663 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="equipmnt">
665 <title>Equipment</title>
666 <link class="prev" idref="discplnz"/>
667 <link class="next" idref="cmbtrulz"/>
671 <footnote id="equipmnt-1-foot" idref="equipmnt-1">
672 <p>If you have completed any of the previous <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> adventures (Books 21<ch.plus/>), you already possess a Kai Weapon.</p>
675 <footnote id="equipmnt-2-foot" idref="equipmnt-2">
676 <p>These bonuses are <em>not</em> cumulative.</p>
679 <footnote id="equipmnt-3-foot" idref="equipmnt-3">
680 <p><quote>Valiance</quote> is also effective against magical creatures.</p>
685 <p>Before you leave the Kai Monastery and commence the crusade upon Duadon, you take with you a <a idref="map">map of the central Stornlands</a> and a pouch of gold. To find out how much gold is in the pouch, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add 20 to the number you have picked. The total equals the number of Gold Crowns inside the pouch, and you should now enter this number in the <quote>Gold Crowns</quote> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
686 <p>If you have successfully completed previous <cite>New Order</cite> adventures (Books 21<ch.endash/>23), you may add this sum to the number of Crowns you already possess. Fifty is the maximum number of Gold Crowns you can carry in your pouch at any time. You may also select five items from the list below, only two of which may be Weapons.</p>
687 <ul class="paragraphed">
689 <li><p>Axe (Weapons)</p>
690 <illustration class="inline">
692 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
694 <instance class="html" src="axe.png" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/png"/>
695 <instance class="html-compatible" src="axe.gif" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/gif"/>
696 <instance class="pdf" src="axe.pdf" width="386" height="112"/>
699 <li><p>Sword (Weapons)</p>
700 <illustration class="inline">
702 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
704 <instance class="html" src="sword.png" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/png"/>
705 <instance class="html-compatible" src="sword.gif" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/gif"/>
706 <instance class="pdf" src="sword.pdf" width="386" height="69"/>
709 <li><p>Quiver (Special Items) This contains six Arrows; record them on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
710 <illustration class="inline">
712 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
714 <instance class="html" src="quiver.png" width="386" height="127" mime-type="image/png"/>
715 <instance class="html-compatible" src="quiver.gif" width="386" height="127" mime-type="image/gif"/>
716 <instance class="pdf" src="quiver.pdf" width="386" height="127"/>
719 <li><p>Lute (Backpack Item)</p>
720 <illustration class="inline">
722 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
724 <instance class="html" src="lute.png" width="386" height="126" mime-type="image/png"/>
725 <instance class="html-compatible" src="lute.gif" width="386" height="126" mime-type="image/gif"/>
726 <instance class="pdf" src="lute.pdf" width="386" height="126"/>
729 <li><p>Dagger (Weapons)</p>
730 <illustration class="inline">
732 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
734 <instance class="html" src="dagger.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
735 <instance class="html-compatible" src="dagger.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
736 <instance class="pdf" src="dagger.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
739 <li><p>Bow (Weapons)</p>
740 <illustration class="inline">
742 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
744 <instance class="html" src="bow.png" width="386" height="64" mime-type="image/png"/>
745 <instance class="html-compatible" src="bow.gif" width="386" height="64" mime-type="image/gif"/>
746 <instance class="pdf" src="bow.pdf" width="386" height="64"/>
749 <li><p>2 Meals (Meals) Each Meal takes up one space in your Backpack.</p>
750 <illustration class="inline">
752 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
754 <instance class="html" src="food.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
755 <instance class="html-compatible" src="food.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
756 <instance class="pdf" src="food.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
759 <li><p>Rope (Backpack Item)</p>
760 <illustration class="inline">
762 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
764 <instance class="html" src="rope.png" width="386" height="109" mime-type="image/png"/>
765 <instance class="html-compatible" src="rope.gif" width="386" height="109" mime-type="image/gif"/>
766 <instance class="pdf" src="rope.pdf" width="386" height="109"/>
769 <li><p>Potion of Laumspur (Backpack Item) This potion restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to your total when swallowed after combat. There is enough for only one dose.</p>
770 <illustration class="inline">
772 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
774 <instance class="html" src="potion.png" width="386" height="167" mime-type="image/png"/>
775 <instance class="html-compatible" src="potion.gif" width="386" height="167" mime-type="image/gif"/>
776 <instance class="pdf" src="potion.pdf" width="386" height="167"/>
780 <li><p>Broadsword (Weapons)</p>
781 <illustration class="inline">
783 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
785 <instance class="html" src="bsword.png" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/png"/>
786 <instance class="html-compatible" src="bsword.gif" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/gif"/>
787 <instance class="pdf" src="bsword.pdf" width="386" height="69"/>
792 <p>List the five items that you have chosen on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, under the appropriate headings, and make a note of any effect that they may have on your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points and/or <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
794 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiweapn">
796 <title>Kai Weapons</title>
800 <p>Upon reaching the ultimate rank of Kai Supreme Master, Lone Wolf received as a reward from the God Kai many new skills and abilities. One of these skills was Kai Weaponcraft. Using his newfound mastery, Lone Wolf forged ten weapons of magical power in the armoury furnaces of the Kai Monastery. These magical weapons are reserved for the <ch.eacute/>lite of the New Order Kai who attain the rank of Grand Master.</p>
802 <p>In recognition of your rank and achievement, you may choose your own Kai Weapon from the table below or, if you prefer, you can generate one at random. To generate a Kai Weapon, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and consult the first column. The magical Axe, Sword, or Broadsword which corresponds to the number you have picked will be your own personal Kai Weapon. Record this magical weapon and its unique properties in the Kai Weapon section of the <a idref="action">Special Items List</a>.<footref id="equipmnt-1" idref="equipmnt-1-foot"/></p>
804 <p><strong>Example</strong></p>
805 <p>Say you choose the number 1 from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, your Kai Weapon will be the Axe <quote>Alema</quote>.</p>
807 <p>When using this Kai Weapon in normal combat you may add <ch.plus/>5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Each Kai Weapon has a unique property. When you use your Kai Weapon in combat against the type of enemy that matches its unique property, or use it at the optimum time or location, then you may add the higher bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.<footref id="equipmnt-2" idref="equipmnt-2-foot"/></p>
809 <p><strong>Example</strong></p>
810 <p>If you were to use <quote>Alema</quote> in combat against an undead enemy, you could add the higher bonus of <ch.plus/>7 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you were to fight a living enemy using this weapon then the bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> would remain at <ch.plus/>5.</p>
814 <th colspan="6" scope="colgroup">Kai Weapon Table</th>
820 <th><typ class="attribute">CS</typ></th>
821 <th>Unique Properties</th>
822 <th><typ class="attribute">CS</typ></th>
827 <td><quote>Spawnsmite</quote></td>
829 <td>versus reptilian enemies</td>
835 <td><quote>Alema</quote></td>
837 <td>versus undead enemies</td>
843 <td><quote>Magnara</quote></td>
845 <td>versus rock or stone</td>
851 <td><quote>Sunstrike</quote></td>
853 <td>when used in daylight</td>
859 <td><quote>Kaistar</quote></td>
861 <td>when used at night</td>
867 <td><quote>Valiance</quote></td>
869 <td>when used versus magicians<footref id="equipmnt-3" idref="equipmnt-3-foot"/></td>
875 <td><quote>Ulnarias</quote></td>
877 <td>when used underwater</td>
883 <td><quote>Raumas</quote></td>
885 <td>versus winged enemies</td>
891 <td><quote>Illuminatus</quote></td>
893 <td>when used underground</td>
899 <td><quote>Firefall</quote></td>
901 <td>versus fire-emitting enemies</td>
905 <td colspan="3">RN = Random Number</td>
906 <td colspan="3"><typ class="attribute">CS</typ> = <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ></td>
912 <section class="frontmatter" id="howuse">
914 <title>Equipment<ch.emdash/>How to use it</title>
918 <dl class="paragraphed">
920 <dd><p>The maximum number of Weapons that you can carry is <em>two</em>. Weapons aid you in combat. If you have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery and a correct Weapon, it adds 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you find a Weapon during your adventure, you may pick it up and use it. You may only use one Weapon at a time in combat.</p></dd>
921 <dt>Bows and Arrows</dt>
923 <p>During your adventure there will be opportunities to use a Bow and Arrow. If you equip yourself with this Weapon, and you possess at least one Arrow, you may use it when the text of a particular section allows you to do so. The Bow is a useful Weapon, for it enables you to hit an enemy at a distance. However, a Bow cannot be used in hand-to-hand combat; therefore it is best to equip yourself also with a close combat Weapon, such as a Sword or an Axe.</p>
924 <p>In order to use a Bow you must possess a Quiver and at least one Arrow. Each time the Bow is used, erase an Arrow from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. A Bow cannot, of course, be used if you exhaust your supply of Arrows, but the opportunity may arise during your adventure for you to replenish your stock of Arrows.</p>
926 <dt>Backpack Items</dt>
928 <p>These must be stored in your Backpack. Because space is limited, you may keep a maximum of ten articles, including Meals, in your Backpack at any one time. You may only carry one Backpack at a time. During your travels you will discover various useful items which you may decide to keep. You may exchange or discard them at any point when you are not involved in combat.</p>
929 <p>Any item that may be of use, and which can be picked up on your adventure and entered on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, is given either initial capitals (e.g. Silver Mirror, Gold Key), or is clearly identified as a Backpack Item. Unless you are told that it is a Special Item, carry it in your Backpack.</p>
931 <dt>Special Items</dt>
933 <p>Special Items are not carried in the Backpack. When you discover a Special Item, you will be told how or where to carry it. The maximum number of Special Items that can be carried on any adventure is 12.</p>
936 <dd><p>Your Kai Weapon is a Special Item and it can be carried and used in addition to two normal Weapons. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery for a weapon type which is the same as your unique Kai Weapon, you may add the Grand Weaponmastery bonus of <ch.plus/>5 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. This is in addition to the bonus gained when you use your Kai Weapon in combat.</p></dd>
938 <dd><p>Food is carried in your Backpack. Each Meal counts as one item. 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. However, if you have chosen Grand Huntmastery as one of your four Disciplines, then you will not need to tick off a Meal when instructed to eat.</p></dd>
939 <dt>Potion of Laumspur</dt>
940 <dd><p>This is a healing potion that can restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to your total when swallowed after combat. It cannot be used to increase <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points immediately prior to a combat. There is enough for one dose only. If you discover any other potion during the adventure, you will be informed of its effect. All potions are Backpack Items.</p></dd>
943 <p>The currency of the Stornlands is the Gold Crown. These are always carried in the Belt Pouch. It will hold a maximum of fifty Crowns.</p>
951 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="cmbtrulz">
953 <title>Rules for Combat</title>
954 <link class="prev" idref="equipmnt" />
955 <link class="next" idref="levels" />
959 <p>There will be occasions during your adventure when you will 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. Your aim in the combat is to kill the enemy by reducing his <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to zero while losing as few <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points as possible yourself.</p>
960 <p>At the start of a combat, enter your own 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>
961 <p>The sequence for combat is as follows:</p>
962 <ol class="paragraphed">
963 <li><p>Add any extra points gained through your Grand Master Disciplines and Special Items to your current <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> total.</p></li>
965 <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>
967 <p>You, Grand Master (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 32), are attacked in a forest by a pack of Wild Dogs (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 31). You are taken by surprise and are not given the opportunity of evading their attack. You possess the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-surge to which the Wild Dogs are not immune, so you add 8 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. You also possess the Kai Weapon <quote>Ulnarias</quote>, so you add an additional 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. This gives you a total <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 45.</p>
968 <p>You now subtract the Wild Dogs<ch.apos/> <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> from your own, giving a Combat Ratio of <ch.plus/>14 (45<ch.minus/>31=<ch.plus/>14). <ch.plus/>14 is noted on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as the Combat Ratio.</p>
970 <li><p><a id="stage3">When you have your Combat Ratio</a>, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p></li>
972 <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 both yourself and your enemy in this round of combat. (E represents points lost by the enemy; GM represents points lost by yourself<ch.emdash/>Grand Master.)</p>
974 <p>The Combat Ratio between you and the Wild Dogs has been established as <ch.plus/>14. If the number picked from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> is 1, then the result of the first round of combat is:</p>
976 <li>You (GM) lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (plus an additional 1 point for using Kai-surge. This loss is in addition to the loss suffered as a result of combat).</li>
977 <li>Wild Dogs lose 9 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
980 <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.</p></li>
981 <li><p>Unless otherwise instructed, or unless you have an option to evade, the next round of combat now starts.</p></li>
982 <li><p>Repeat the sequence from <a idref="stage3">Stage 3</a>.</p></li>
985 <p>This process of combat continues until the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points of either your enemy or yourself are reduced to zero or below, at which point that combatant is declared dead. If you are declared dead, the adventure is over. If the enemy is dead, you can proceed but with your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points possibly reduced.</p>
986 <p>A <a idref="crsumary">summary of Combat Rules</a> appears in the back of this book.</p>
988 <section class="frontmatter" id="evasion">
989 <meta><title>Evasion of Combat</title></meta>
992 <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 <strong>you</strong> may lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points during that round (such is the risk of turning tail and running away during combat!). You may only evade if the text of the particular section allows you to do so.</p>
998 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="levels">
1000 <title>Levels of New Order Kai Grand Mastership</title>
1001 <link class="prev" idref="cmbtrulz" />
1002 <link class="next" idref="imprvdsc" />
1006 <footnote id="levels-1-foot" idref="levels-1">
1007 <p>It is unclear why a New Order Grand Master becomes a Supreme Master by mastering only 15 of the 16 Grand Master Disciplines. It is also unclear why New Order Grand Masters must master four extra Disciplines in order to receive the same improvements to their Disciplines as Lone Wolf did with fewer.</p>
1013 <p>The following table is a guide to the ranks and titles you can achieve at each stage of your journey along the road of Kai Grand Mastership. As you successfully complete each adventure in the <cite>New Order</cite> series, you will gain an additional Grand Master Discipline and progress towards the pinnacle of Kai perfection<ch.emdash/>to become a Kai Supreme Master.</p>
1016 <li>Kai Grand Master Senior<ch.emdash/><em>You begin the <cite>New Order</cite> adventures at this level of Kai Grand Mastery</em><footref id="levels-1" idref="levels-1-foot"/></li>
1017 <li>Kai Grand Master Superior</li>
1018 <li>Kai Grand Sentinel</li>
1019 <li>Kai Grand Defender</li>
1020 <li>Kai Grand Guardian</li>
1024 <li>Grand Thane</li>
1025 <li>Grand Crown</li>
1027 <li>Kai Supreme Master</li>
1033 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="imprvdsc">
1035 <title>Improved Grand Master Disciplines</title>
1036 <link class="prev" idref="levels" />
1037 <link class="next" idref="kaiwisdm" />
1041 <p>As you rise through the higher levels of Grand Mastery you will find that your Disciplines will steadily improve.</p>
1043 <section class="frontmatter" id="superior">
1044 <meta><title>Kai Grand Master Superior</title></meta>
1046 <p>If you are a New Order Kai who has attained the rank of Kai Grand Master Superior, you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
1047 <dl class="paragraphed">
1048 <dt>Animal Mastery</dt>
1049 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Superiors who possess this Discipline are able to deter predatory animals in the wild by exuding a scent which is repellent to them. In order for this improved Discipline to work effectively, a Kai Grand Master Superior must be aware of the species of predatory animal he/she wishes to deter. The scent can only be detected by the targeted animal.</p></dd>
1050 <dt>Assimilance</dt>
1051 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Superiors who possess this skill are able to create a noise and project it up to 15 yards away from their location. The noise is akin to the rumbling sound of thunder and it can be used to distract or divert an enemy<ch.apos/>s attention. This improved Discipline requires a degree of preparation and therefore it cannot be used during combat.</p></dd>
1053 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Superiors who possess this Discipline are skilled in the use of all mechanical devices designed to measure and/or observe the cosmology of Magnamund. Such devices include sextants, astrolabes, and orreries.</p></dd>
1054 <dt>Herbmastery</dt>
1055 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Superiors who have this Discipline are able to purify water, thereby making contaminated or briny water suitable for consumption. Roughly two pints of water per day can be purified using this skill alone. This daily total steadily increases as a Grand Master advances in rank.</p></dd>
1056 <dt>Elementalism</dt>
1057 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Superiors who possess this skill are able to condense pure water out of the surrounding air. This water can be made to fall as a fine spray or as a sudden deluge. It can also be made to fill any suitable container or receptacle. Using this skill, Grand Master Superiors can create the equivalent of one large bucketful of fresh water.</p></dd>
1058 <dt>Bardsmanship</dt>
1059 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Superiors who possess this Discipline are able to utilize their musical skills to pacify an excited or hostile animal.</p></dd>
1064 <section class="frontmatter" id="sentinel">
1065 <meta><title>Kai Grand Sentinel</title></meta>
1068 <p>If you are a New Order Kai who has attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel, you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
1069 <dl class="paragraphed">
1070 <dt>Grand Weaponmastery</dt>
1071 <dd><p>Kai Grand Sentinels who possess this Discipline are, when physically parted from their Kai Weapon, able to detect its location. This power of detection will pass through solid objects, with the notable exception of lead. Accuracy and range of detection steadily increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
1072 <dt>Grand Pathsmanship</dt>
1073 <dd><p>Kai Grand Sentinels who possess this skill are able to predict the weather accurately for the forthcoming 3 hours. The range of this ability is an area 10 square miles around the Kai Grand Sentinel. Duration and range steadily increase as a Kai Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
1075 <dd><p>Kai Grand Sentinels who possess this Discipline are able to detect psychic residues left on an object by its owner. The more valuable the object is to its owner, the stronger will be the lingering psychic attachment. The majority of everyday or shared objects do not retain such residues.</p></dd>
1076 <dt>Herbmastery</dt>
1077 <dd><p>Through their knowledge and use of common plants, Kai Grand Sentinels who have this Discipline are able to make contaminated or rotten food fit for human consumption.</p></dd>
1078 <dt>Elementalism</dt>
1079 <dd><p>Kai Grand Sentinels who possess this skill are able to charge particles of air electrically around any man-sized or smaller object. The particles will automatically discharge and cause damage should the affected object be touched or opened. Kai Grand Sentinels are able to handle a charged object without discharging it.</p></dd>
1080 <dt>Bardsmanship</dt>
1081 <dd><p>Kai Grand Sentinels who possess this Discipline are able to use their singing or playing to counter a hostile sonic attack. The effective use and range of this sonic defence steadily increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
1085 <section class="frontmatter" id="defender">
1086 <meta><title>Kai Grand Defender</title></meta>
1089 <p>If you are a New Order Kai who has attained the rank of Kai Grand Defender, you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
1090 <dl class="paragraphed">
1091 <dt>Deliverance</dt>
1092 <dd><p>Kai Grand Defenders who possess this Discipline have the ability to repair the effects of natural decay in materials such as wood, stone, cloth, metal, etc. By touching the decaying object, a Kai Grand Defender is able to reverse damage caused by rot, rust, or mould.</p></dd>
1094 <dd><p>By use of this Discipline, a Kai Grand Defender is able to locate a known or familiar material object. Initially the range of this ability is limited to a 15-foot radius, however this distance steadily increases as a Kai Grand Master advances in rank.</p></dd>
1096 <dd><p>Kai Grand Defenders who possess this Discipline are skilled in the use of all common astrological devices used to predict future events. Such devices include cards, dice, and crystal spheres.</p></dd>
1097 <dt>Herbmastery</dt>
1098 <dd><p>Kai Grand Defenders who possess this Discipline are able to neutralize any poisonous toxins that may be present in organic materials such as plants, berries, and fruits. Through the use of this skill, the transformation of toxins can sometimes result in an increase in <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> and/or <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> when the previously poisonous matter is swallowed.</p></dd>
1099 <dt>Elementalism</dt>
1100 <dd><p>By using this Discipline, Kai Grand Defenders are able to summon up a dense, misty vapour to obscure themselves from both normal vision and infravision (night sight). This mist will occur within 5 feet of the Kai Grand Defender and will last for three to five minutes. Range and duration increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
1101 <dt>Bardsmanship</dt>
1102 <dd><p>Kai Grand Defenders who possess this Discipline are able to use their musical skills to pacify (and/or implant a suggestion into the mind of) an intelligent creature within audible range. This improved Discipline is similar in effect to the Brotherhood Spell <cite>Mind Charm</cite> (Kai-alchemy).</p></dd>
1107 <p>The nature of additional improvements and how they affect your existing Grand Master Disciplines will be noted in the Improved Grand Master Disciplines section of future <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> books.</p>
1114 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiwisdm">
1116 <title>New Order Wisdom</title>
1117 <link class="prev" idref="imprvdsc" />
1118 <link class="next" idref="sect1" />
1122 <p>You are about to embark upon a crusade against Lord Vandyan of Eldenora, a cruel tyrant who draws his power from runes created long ago by Agarash the Damned<ch.emdash/>the first champion of the Dark God Naar. The evil power of these ancient stones must be destroyed, and quickly, if Vandyan is to be prevented from enslaving the free kingdoms of Northern Magnamund.</p>
1124 <p>During your quest, some of the material items that you will encounter will be of use to you, yet others may be red herrings of no real value at all. If you discover items during your travels, be selective of what you choose to keep. Pick your four Grand Master Disciplines with care for a wise choice will enable anyone to complete the quest, no matter how weak their initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> scores may be. Completion of previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures (Books 1<ch.endash/>23) may be advantageous, but it is not essential for the successful completion of this <cite>New Order</cite> adventure.</p>
1126 <p>Grand Master<ch.emdash/>may the light of the Gods Kai and Ishir guide you safely during your mission.</p>
1128 <p>For Sommerlund and the Kai!</p>
1132 <section class="numbered" id="numbered">
1133 <meta><title>Numbered Sections</title></meta>
1137 <section class="numbered" id="sect1">
1138 <meta><title>1</title></meta>
1141 <p>Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s announcement that the Kai must prepare for a crusade in the Stornlands galvanizes the monastery into a frenzy of activity. Eagerly the members of the New Order set about their duties, and the preparations for the march to Quarlen are completed within two days as planned. On the morning of the third day, the Kai assemble in the training park in full battle-dress. A deathly hush descends upon the gathering as every Kai Lord, from lowly initiate to Grand Master, listens with trepidation as Lone Wolf reads aloud a list of names. One in five of all those present must stay to defend the monastery, and Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s list contains the names of the one hundred Kai he has chosen to remain behind. As each of these warriors is called, so they leave the assembled ranks to take up guard positions on the battlements and towers. Graciously they accept their lot, though none are glad to have been chosen.</p>
1142 <p>The march begins shortly before noon. Lone Wolf rides at the head of the column, in the company of nine who comprise yourself, your four fellow Grand Masters, Gwynian the Sage, and a trio of Kai Mentoras who proudly hold aloft the battle-banners of the Kai, the Royal Arms of Sommerlund, and (in Gwynian<ch.apos/>s honour) a scarlet standard bearing the crossed swords of Varetta. The long ride south offers many Sommlending a rare opportunity to see the Kai travelling together in battle-order. Word of your coming spreads quickly through towns and villages that lie on your route, and hundreds turn out to wave and cheer as you pass.</p>
1144 <illustration class="inline">
1146 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1148 <instance class="html" src="small2.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1149 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1150 <instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1153 <p>Favoured by cool dry weather, the column makes swift progress as it crosses the Southlund Marches and enters the remote province of Ruanon. Within a week you have reached Casiorn, the City of Merchants, where fresh provisions and a comfortable billet are provided by High-Mayor Kordas. Lone Wolf learns from Kordas that Vandyan<ch.apos/>s armies have now seized control of Lyris and are grouping along the River Quarl in preparation to push east towards Casiorn itself. Kordas<ch.apos/> mercenaries are holding a defensive line along the river<ch.apos/>s east bank, having destroyed all the bridges at Quarlen to hinder the enemy<ch.apos/>s advance. Their commander, Lord Nathuro of Anari, is keenly awaiting the arrival of the Kai. Less encouraging is the news from Varetta. The city has endured a cruel and relentless bombardment from Vandyan<ch.apos/>s hordes and has suffered many casualties, yet its ancient walls still stand and stoically its citizens are keeping the besieging enemy at bay. The news that Varetta has not fallen raises Gwynian<ch.apos/>s spirits, but few, including the sage himself, expect the city to survive unaided for much longer.</p>
1154 <p>The column departs from Casiorn early the following day and rides due west towards Quarlen. For four days you follow the highway towards your destination and, with each passing day, so the number of refugees that you encounter steadily increases. Most are Lyrisian, but there are also Deldenian and Salonese among their numbers. Forced out of their homes by the war, they have salvaged what few possessions they can carry and have crossed the River Quarl. Now they are settled in tented encampments all along the fertile valley which separates the Slovarian and Quarlen mountains.</p>
1156 <illustration class="inline">
1158 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1160 <instance class="html" src="small11.png" width="386" height="101" mime-type="image/png"/>
1161 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="101" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1162 <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="101"/>
1165 <p><quote>Regard these people well,</quote> commands Lone Wolf, as the column rides past their makeshift settlements, <quote>and remember that their survival, and the survival of thousands like them, depends upon the swift success of our crusade.</quote></p>
1166 <choice idref="sect207"><link-text>Turn to 207</link-text>.</choice>
1170 <section class="numbered" id="sect2">
1171 <meta><title>2</title></meta>
1174 <p>Your mastery of Telegnosis warns you that the sergeant is trying to trick you. There is no <quote>Square of the Dragons</quote> in the centre of Luyen. You tell him this and suggest that he must be mistaking Luyen for some other city. He laughs: <quote>Of course, of course. I meant Kron. My cousin Daliem lives in Kron, not Luyen.</quote></p>
1175 <p>The rising gate reaches its full height and creaks to a halt. The sergeant bids you both a safe journey and his guardsmen move aside so that the way is clear for you to leave Duadon.</p>
1176 <choice idref="sect325"><link-text>Turn to 325</link-text>.</choice>
1180 <section class="numbered" id="sect3">
1181 <meta><title>3</title></meta>
1184 <p>You let out a scream and leap up from your hiding place, clutching your wounded arm to your chest: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. The farmer<ch.apos/>s son yelps with shock when he sees you and, in his fright, he thrusts his pitchfork at you again as you run past him towards the open loft door.</p>
1185 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery and Assimilance, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
1186 <choice idref="sect30">If your total score is now 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
1187 <choice idref="sect218">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
1191 <section class="numbered" id="sect4">
1192 <meta><title>4</title></meta>
1195 <p>You summon and focus your psychic powers and then launch a powerful burst of mental energy at the serpent<ch.apos/>s mind. To your shocked surprise, you suddenly detect that this creature has no susceptibility to psychic attacks, and your burst of Kai-surge strikes its mind without effect (lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point).</p>
1196 <p>Unaware of your mental attack, the giant snake lunges forward and attempts to stab you with its venomous fangs. You dodge aside to avoid being impaled upon them, and as the snake withdraws its head in readiness for a second strike, you land a might blow to its neck. The creature hisses angrily. You have opened a deep wound but it has not incapacitated the creature. Once more it opens its terrifying jaws and prepares to stab at your chest. You must fight it.</p>
1197 <combat><enemy>Duadon River Serpent</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">39</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">28</enemy-attribute></combat>
1198 <p>This enemy is immune to all forms of psychic attack. If you possess <quote>Illuminatus</quote>, you will benefit from the additional combat bonus applicable to its unique properties.</p>
1199 <choice idref="sect124">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
1203 <section class="numbered" id="sect5">
1204 <meta><title>5</title></meta>
1207 <p>The densely-packed pines of the Grochod Forest compete for sunlight and fresh air, and beneath the canopy of their thick foliage exists a separate world of shadows and cool gloom. Little undergrowth flourishes here and the soil is loose and rocky, hampering your progress further. You pick your way through this difficult timberland, keeping instinctively to a northerly bearing by the use of your innate Kai tracking skills. At noon you stop to rest and consult your <a idref="map">map</a>. You calculate your position and determine that it could take four days to traverse the forest before you reach the Demera Quilt, a cultivated region of vineyards and farmlands that stretches from the city walls of Duadon to the banks of the River Storn.</p>
1208 <p>It is nearing dusk when you come to a shallow ravine and discover the remnants of a forest track. It passes beside the entrance to an old mine shaft that is partially overgrown with brambles. A rotten wooden sign is nailed to a beam but its painted words are no longer legible.</p>
1209 <choice idref="sect286">If you possess Deliverance and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Defender, <link-text>turn to 286</link-text>.</choice>
1210 <choice idref="sect114">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, you leave the old mine shaft and continue. <link-text>Turn to 114</link-text>.</choice>
1214 <section class="numbered" id="sect6">
1215 <meta><title>6</title></meta>
1218 <p>You draw an Arrow to your Bow and take careful aim. As the Eldenoran thief is mounting his horse, you let fly your shaft and send it arcing towards his back. It thuds into the nape of his neck, spinning him from his horse with the force of its impact. Lifelessly, the looter crashes to the ground amidst a cloud of billowing dust.</p>
1219 <choice idref="sect49"><link-text>Turn to 49</link-text>.</choice>
1223 <section class="numbered" id="sect7">
1224 <meta><title>7</title></meta>
1227 <p>Beyond the archway you discover a long ramp. It descends to the floor of a huge chamber, recently constructed, which is filled with oppressive heat and noise. More than a dozen passages lead away from this domed hall and most are illuminated by the fearsome orange glow of furnace fires. Your Kai senses tell you that these passages lead to Vandyan<ch.apos/>s armouries that are situated on the east side of Skull-Tor. As you are looking along these glowing tunnels, you notice that there is only one that is not illuminated by fire. It is cool and dark and, unlike all the others, it leads off towards the north.</p>
1228 <choice idref="sect66">If you wish to investigate this darkened passageway, <link-text>turn to 66</link-text>.</choice>
1229 <choice idref="sect303">If you decide to leave this chamber and return to the entrance hall, <link-text>turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
1233 <section class="numbered" id="sect8">
1234 <meta><title>8</title></meta>
1237 <p>You gasp with pain as a solid lead ball clips your right thigh, an inch above the knee: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1238 <p>Using your Kai healing skills, you easily staunch the trickle of blood from your wounded leg and you are able to reach the welcoming darkness of the alleyway without slowing your pace. You have good reason to curse your ill fortune at having been hit at all by this shot, for Bor pistols are notoriously inaccurate, especially when fired from the saddle. However, you can draw some comfort from the fact that the other twelve pistol balls that were discharged at your back all missed you by a wide mark.</p>
1239 <choice idref="sect77"><link-text>Turn to 77</link-text>.</choice>
1243 <section class="numbered" id="sect9">
1244 <meta><title>9</title></meta>
1247 <p>The night passes without incident and you awaken at dawn to the shrill sound of bird song. Through the thinning canopy of autumn leaves you can see a forest track which runs parallel to the river. A distant flicker of movement catches your eye and, when you magnify your vision, you see three riders approaching from the south. Two are armed and they wear the uniforms of Eldenoran cavalry scouts, but the third is clad in a tunic of scarlet and black<ch.emdash/>the colours of the Slovian army. His hands are tied and you suspect that he is a prisoner of war. The loss of your sailboat threatens to delay your journey downriver to Tekaro by several days. Mindful of this, you decide to set an ambush for the approaching Eldenoran riders to capture their horses.</p>
1248 <p>From the cover of the trees that border upon the track, you wait until the riders are close and then you draw upon your Magnakai powers of Animal Control to command their horses to stop. They slow to a halt and, despite their riders<ch.apos/> stinging blows, they refuse to take a step further. Silently you unsheathe your Kai Weapon. As soon as the Eldenorans dismount, you leap from your hiding place and take them by surprise.</p>
1249 <combat><enemy>Eldenoran Horse-scouts</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">34</enemy-attribute></combat>
1250 <p>Because of the surprise of your attack, you may ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> losses that you sustain in the first two rounds of this combat.</p>
1251 <choice idref="sect156">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 156</link-text>.</choice>
1255 <section class="numbered" id="sect10">
1256 <meta><title>10</title></meta>
1259 <p><quote>Vandyan is out for revenge,</quote> says Delissa, as she hurries to her bookcase. <quote>He must have sent every guard in the city out hunting for you this night.</quote> She opens the secret compartment that contains the plans of Skull-Tor, and removes a clear crystal sphere that lies beneath them. You recognize that this sphere is a seeing stone, for Gwynian possesses one that is identical. It is through the use of these seeing stones that he has maintained contact with his agents in Duadon. Delissa places the stone on a table and she recites the arcane words which activate it. A milky mist swirls at its core and then rapidly it dissipates to reveal Gwynian<ch.apos/>s smiling face.</p>
1260 <p>The wise sage congratulates you for the success of your mission. He tells you that the Vorka have been destroyed and the Eldenoran armies are retreating on every front. He is saddened to hear of Hulsta<ch.apos/>s death and he consoles Delissa with the promise that her husband will be remembered and revered as a hero in the years to come. She is heartened by his kind words and she reaffirms her vow to help keep you safe until you are able to return to your homeland.</p>
1261 <p>Gwynian informs you both that a rendezvous has been arranged to take place at dusk in three days<ch.apos/> time. You are to meet with Guildmaster Banedon aboard his flying ship <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite> at a place called <quote>Xaitar<ch.apos/>s Rock</quote>. It is a landmark located in the hills 10 miles to the north of Duadon, close to the Luyen road. Delissa says that she knows it well.</p>
1262 <p><quote>Banedon will take you to Varetta where we shall meet again soon at the Halls of Learning,</quote> says the sage. <quote>But until that glorious day, you must remain vigilant. You have dealt Vandyan a mortal blow. Now that his days are numbered, he will do everything in his power to avenge the destruction of the runes. Be warned, Grand Master. A viper is most dangerous when it knows it is doomed.</quote></p>
1263 <choice idref="sect226"><link-text>Turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
1267 <section class="numbered" id="sect11">
1268 <meta><title>11</title></meta>
1271 <p><quote>Bah!</quote> retorts the shop owner. <quote>If you<ch.apos/>re not here to buy, and you<ch.apos/>ve nothing to sell me, then you<ch.apos/>d better go. I<ch.apos/>ve not time to waste on the likes o<ch.apos/> you!</quote></p>
1272 <p>As you are leaving the emporium, the girl apologizes for her master<ch.apos/>s quick temper. She is about to give you directions to Flank Street herself when the shop owner suddenly intervenes and pulls her away. <quote>I said go!</quote> he barks, and then he pushes you out of the door and slams it shut. With a shrug of your shoulders you walk away from the shop and continue along Knucklebone Lane.</p>
1273 <choice idref="sect119"><link-text>Turn to 119</link-text>.</choice>
1277 <section class="numbered" id="sect12">
1278 <meta><title>12</title></meta>
1281 <p>Silently you advance along the dark mine shaft until you see the flicker of candlelight playing upon the rough-hewn walls. The light comes from a cave-like chamber excavated from the tunnel wall. You inch your way nearer, and when you peer around its corner, you see the three Eldenoran soldiers whom you overheard earlier. They sit on a sheet of canvas and are sharing a meal of cold cooked meat and ale. Behind them you see a small wire-haired dog asleep atop a pile of loot that glitters in the light of a solitary candle. The men are fantasizing about how they intend to spend the riches they have looted from Tekaro once the war is over. They are completely unaware of your presence in the tunnel outside until their dog awakens with a start and begins to yap excitedly.</p>
1283 <illustration class="float">
1285 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1286 <description>Three Eldenoran soldiers share a meal of cold cooked meat and ale.</description>
1288 <instance class="html" src="ill1.png" width="386" height="638" mime-type="image/png"/>
1289 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="638" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1290 <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="638" />
1293 <choice idref="sect146">If you possess the Discipline of Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 146</link-text>.</choice>
1294 <choice idref="sect47">If you do not possess this skill, <link-text>turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
1298 <section class="numbered" id="sect13">
1299 <meta><title>13</title></meta>
1302 <p>You crouch beside the body of the Vorka with your weapon held ready to strike. You are expecting to be attacked again at any moment, but something is drawing the creatures away to the river. Then you realize that your provisions have been discovered under the boat<ch.apos/>s canvas, and it is the scent of your food that is enticing them away.</p>
1303 <p>The Vorka rush through the trees, but they arrive too late to share in the unexpected feast and they proceed to vent their frustrations on the boat itself. You are taken aback by the sheer speed and ferocity of their attack which reduces your sailboat to matchwood. Silently you watch as they go back to the bridge and cross once more to the other side of the river. The incident seems to have amused the Eldenoran guards, and you can hear them laughing and cursing wildly. You decide to wait until their excitement has cooled a little before you attempt to leave your hiding place. During your wait you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (you are unable to use Grand Huntmastery to forage for food in this instance).</p>
1304 <choice idref="sect211">To continue, <link-text>turn to 211</link-text>.</choice>
1308 <section class="numbered" id="sect14">
1309 <meta><title>14</title></meta>
1312 <p><quote>Halt!</quote> bellows a guard, and a knot of fear tightens in the pit of your stomach. You do as he commands and watch with trepidation as he levels his spear menacingly at your chest. <quote>We don<ch.apos/>t often see field scouts up here. Your kind normally report to the duty sergeant at the west gate, so state your business and be quick about it.</quote></p>
1313 <p>You raise the map that you took from the unwitting herald and say: <quote>I<ch.apos/>ve been ordered to deliver this map to an officer in the inner keep. It<ch.apos/>s urgent. I must deliver it at once, and in person.</quote></p>
1314 <p><quote>Is that so?</quote> replies the guard, sceptically. <quote>And what, pray tell, is the name of this officer?</quote></p>
1315 <choice idref="sect243">If you wish to answer: <quote>Captain Dvorkar</quote>, <link-text>turn to 243</link-text>.</choice>
1316 <choice idref="sect90">If you wish to answer: <quote>Captain Dvedka</quote>, <link-text>turn to 90</link-text>.</choice>
1317 <choice idref="sect46">If you wish to answer: <quote>Captain Dvadic</quote>, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
1321 <section class="numbered" id="sect15">
1322 <meta><title>15</title></meta>
1325 <p>You are within 10 feet of the archway when an arrow clips your left arm and spins you to the ground: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1326 <p>You draw upon your Kai healing skills to staunch the flow of blood from your wounded arm, and then you crawl the few remaining feet to the cover of the archway. Once you are hidden from Vandyan<ch.apos/>s men, you scramble to your feet and press on.</p>
1327 <choice idref="sect223"><link-text>Turn to 223</link-text>.</choice>
1331 <section class="numbered" id="sect16">
1332 <meta><title>16</title></meta>
1335 <p>You leap up from your hiding place and the farmer<ch.apos/>s son yelps with shock. In his fright, he stabs at you with his pitchfork as you race towards the open loft door.</p>
1336 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery and Assimilance, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
1337 <choice idref="sect30">If your total score is now 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
1338 <choice idref="sect218">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
1342 <section class="numbered" id="sect17">
1343 <meta><title>17</title></meta>
1346 <p>From an archway at the far end of this marble chamber, the murmur of distant voices is carried along by a cool breeze. Stealthily you explore this arch and the dark passageway that lies beyond. It leads to a shaft where you descend by slope and stair to what appears, at first, to be a dead end. However, your Kai Sixth Sense quickly determines that the seemingly blank walls at the base of the shaft conceal a secret door. You detect a lever near the floor, and when you push it down, a section of the wall slides open to reveal a curtained arch. The voices are louder now and you approach the arch with caution. You are about to reach out and grasp the velvet curtains, when an unexpected noise at your back makes you wince. The secret door has closed and locked behind you. Fearful of what may lie ahead, yet unable now to retrace your steps, you peek through a gap in the curtains and your pulse races when you catch your first glimpse of what lies beyond.</p>
1347 <choice idref="sect93"><link-text>Turn to 93</link-text>.</choice>
1351 <section class="numbered" id="sect18">
1352 <meta><title>18</title></meta>
1355 <p><quote>Drag him down!</quote> growls the sergeant, and two of his men discard their spears and rush forward to carry out his order. You snatch back on your horse<ch.apos/>s reins and he rears up, kicking hard, his forelegs connecting with the soldiers<ch.apos/> chests to send them sprawling in the dirt. Their comrades are startled by your rearing horse and they back off in confusion, giving you space in which to turn him about and gallop away into a nearby alley. As you race along this deserted passageway, you glance over your shoulder and see that the reeves have recovered and they are now pursuing you. The alley turns to the right and comes to a dead end. Facing you is a three-storey townhouse with a balcony which overhangs a pair of stable doors. The lock is broken and so you pull open a door and urge your horse to enter the gloomy interior. Quickly you dismount in the darkness and wedge the doors shut with the shaft of a hammer you find discarded on the straw-covered ground. Moments later you hear the echoing footfalls of the reeves as they come running around the corner. Their sergeant orders them to check the entrance of every house bordering the <foreign xml:lang="fr">cul-de-sac</foreign>. Two soldiers approach and the stable doors rattle when they push against them with the butts of their spears. You wait with bated breath, fearing they will try to force them open, but they are satisfied that the doors must be bolted from the inside and they move on to check the next house. After a few minutes you hear the soldiers leaving the square. Then a yellowy light flares up behind you, and you spin around to see an old woman standing in a doorway at the top of a short flight of stone steps. She is holding a lantern in one hand and a bread knife in the other.</p>
1356 <p><quote>You<ch.apos/>ve no right to be here,</quote> she says, her voice wavering with fear. <quote>Please leave<ch.ellips/>leave my home at once.</quote></p>
1357 <choice idref="sect328"><link-text>Turn to 328</link-text>.</choice>
1361 <section class="numbered" id="sect19">
1362 <meta><title>19</title></meta>
1365 <p>While you are waiting for Hulsta to return, Delissa offers you some food and a cup of freshly brewed jala. Gladly you accept the delicious beverage and sample some of her homemade pastries. There is sufficient food for 2 Meals, and Delissa encourages you to take some with you for the journey ahead.</p>
1366 <p>After a few minutes, Hulsta reappears. He is now attired in clothing more suited for the exploration of underground tunnels, and he is also equipped with a rope and a lantern.</p>
1367 <choice idref="sect320"><link-text>Turn to 320</link-text>.</choice>
1371 <section class="numbered" id="sect20">
1372 <meta><title>20</title></meta>
1375 <p><quote>I think we<ch.apos/>ll have a look up there before we go,</quote> says a guardsman, and he beckons one of his comrades to follow as he runs up the stairs. You step back through the doorway, away from the whining dog, and the two Eldenorans push past you to begin a search of the parlour and its adjoining rooms.</p>
1376 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
1377 <choice idref="sect167">If the number you have picked is 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 167</link-text>.</choice>
1378 <choice idref="sect192">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
1382 <section class="numbered" id="sect21">
1383 <meta><title>21</title></meta>
1386 <p>Rouf bites back his anger as he watches the Eldenorans piling their loot into sacks. Stubbornly, Prizo and his wife refuse to answer their demands and eventually the Eldenorans tire of their obstinacy and leave the cabin. They fix their bulging sacks to their horses<ch.apos/> saddles and mount up, but as they turn to ride away, one of the thieves takes a tinderbox and torch from his pack and sets the torch alight. As the riders gallop past the cabin, he hurls this burning torch through the open doorway.</p>
1387 <p>You are outraged by this murderous act for the two elderly Slovians are tied up and helpless. As the riders disappear into the night, you rush to the doorway of the cabin and enter. Prizo and his wife scream when you appear, for you are wearing an Eldenoran uniform and they think you have come to finish them off. But their terror soon turns to joy when they see Rouf rush into the cabin behind you.</p>
1388 <p><quote>Don<ch.apos/>t fear!</quote> shouts Rouf. <quote>Your ordeal<ch.apos/>s over. My companion<ch.apos/>s an ally not an enemy.</quote></p>
1389 <p>Quickly you extinguish the burning torch, using your Magnakai skill of Nexus, and then you assist Rouf in untying his uncle and aunt.</p>
1390 <choice idref="sect110">To continue, <link-text>turn to 110</link-text>.</choice>
1394 <section class="numbered" id="sect22">
1395 <meta><title>22</title></meta>
1398 <p>Your dogged perseverance finally pays off when you hear the heavy locking mechanism click open. However, the effort required to unlock the door by this method drains your mental energy: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1399 <p>You pull open the iron door and discover an unguarded antechamber which leads to an echoing hall. Along the left wall of this windswept hallway are tall arched windows that command a view of the parade ground surrounding the inner keep of Skull-Tor. You recall Hulsta speaking about this keep shortly before his untimely death and, when you focus your Kai senses upon its imposing walls, you detect that it harbours the evil power that you have come to destroy. From the cover of the antechamber, you observe the keep and determine that entry to it can only be gained via a drawbridge which gives access to an archway located 20 feet above the ground. To reach this bridge, you will have to ascend to the next level of Skull-Tor. This will not be an easy task, for the hallway and the parade ground are swarming with Eldenoran officers and Vorka slaves.</p>
1400 <choice idref="sect260">To continue, <link-text>turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
1404 <section class="numbered" id="sect23">
1405 <meta><title>23</title></meta>
1408 <p>When you do not meet his demand, the taller guard unsheathes his sword and levels it at your chest. <quote>Get your hands up!</quote> he barks, and meekly you comply; resistance would be futile. He orders the confiscation of your horse and then commands the portcullis be lowered. A wail of protest goes up from those who are queueing to enter Duadon, but the guard is not swayed. He announces that they must wait while you are escorted to the guardhouse. The whistles and jeers of the impatient wagon drivers ring in your ears as you are marched away and taken before the Guard Captain. He is a snub-nosed officer with a brutal demeanour. He orders the two gate guards to wait outside his door while he questions you. When they have left, he takes note of the regimental number that is embroidered on the sleeve of your tunic and then checks it against lists of regiments that are pinned to his wall.</p>
1409 <p><quote>Your unit is posted for combat on the Slovarian Plain, trooper,</quote> he says, in a menacingly quiet way. <quote>You had better give good reason for being here or, by Naar, I<ch.apos/>ll see you hanged for desertion.</quote></p>
1410 <choice idref="sect86">If you possess Bardsmanship and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Defender, <link-text>turn to 86</link-text>.</choice>
1411 <choice idref="sect76">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 76</link-text>.</choice>
1412 <choice idref="sect127">If you do not possess either of these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 127</link-text>.</choice>
1416 <section class="numbered" id="sect24">
1417 <meta><title>24</title></meta>
1420 <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Net</spell> and point your right hand at the Vorka who are lying below in a smouldering heap. A gout of sticky fluid gushes from your palm and you direct this stream between the metal banister rails at the bottom of the steps, sealing off the stairs with several layers of sticky fibrous strands.</p>
1421 <p>Your spell delays the Vorka, but it does not deter or prevent them from attacking you. Several hurl themselves face-down onto the gluey strands so that others can use their backs as springboards to vault over the net. The first three to do this successfully are armed with swords. As they come racing up the stairs, they rapidly blink their ghoulish eyes and clack their fanged jaws to unnerve you.</p>
1422 <combat><enemy>Frenzied Vorka</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
1423 <p>If you wield the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Kaistar</quote>, you will benefit from the additional combat bonus applicable to its unique properties.</p>
1424 <choice idref="sect160">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text>.</choice>
1428 <section class="numbered" id="sect25">
1429 <meta><title>25</title></meta>
1432 <p>The reeve-sergeant becomes angry when you do not answer him immediately, and he orders you to dismount at once and show him proof of your identity. With a flick of his left hand he signals to his men to unshoulder their spears and quickly they move to surround you.</p>
1433 <choice idref="sect74">If you possess Bardsmanship and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 74</link-text>.</choice>
1434 <choice idref="sect179">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 179</link-text>.</choice>
1435 <choice idref="sect18">If you possess neither of these Disciplines, or if you choose not to use them, <link-text>turn instead to 18</link-text>.</choice>
1439 <section class="numbered" id="sect26">
1440 <meta><title>26</title></meta>
1443 <p>Reluctantly you leave the door and retrace your steps back down the stairs to the entrance hall. Upon your return, the scribe looks up from his work and he fixes you with a quizzical eye.</p>
1444 <p><quote>Who are you looking for, trooper?</quote> he snaps.</p>
1445 <p><quote>Captain Dvedka,</quote> is your hasty reply. You hold up the map that you took from the herald and add: <quote>I<ch.apos/>ve to deliver this to him, urgently.</quote></p>
1446 <p>The scribe scoffs at the map. Then, with an arrogant voice, he says: <quote>Dvedka<ch.apos/>s in the Council of War Chamber. Over there.</quote> With the feather of his quill pen, he points towards the portal to the left of the entrance arch. You thank him for his assistance and then you stride across the hall towards this open portal.</p>
1447 <choice idref="sect314"><link-text>Turn to 314</link-text>.</choice>
1451 <section class="numbered" id="sect27">
1452 <meta><title>27</title></meta>
1455 <p>You pull yourself through the cell window and jump down into an alleyway that lies in the shadow of Duadon<ch.apos/>s southern wall, close to the gatehouse arch. From the cover of the shadows, you observe the large flagstoned square at the approach to the South Gate and note that the traffic of wagons has resumed. They trundle across the square and enter a wide avenue called Bannerway, which leads to Vandyan<ch.apos/>s stronghold of Skull-Tor at the centre of the city.</p>
1456 <p>You recall Gwynian<ch.apos/>s briefing that the agents you must contact can be found in Flank Street, in the city<ch.apos/>s Northern Quarter. You are presently in the Southern Quarter of Duadon and so you enter the square and follow the line of wagons that is heading towards Skull-Tor. You are hoping that this avenue will be the quickest way to reach the Northern Quarter, but unfortunately your plan comes to a premature end when you discover that Bannerway has been reserved for the use of supply wagons only. Armed guardsmen control access to the avenue and they turn you away as you are about to enter on foot. Undeterred, you resolve to find another route across Duadon to the Northern Quarter. Looking around the soot-blackened buildings, you see two other roads that lead off from the South Gate square to the east and west. The west road is called Knucklebone Lane and the east road is called Kettle Street.</p>
1458 <illustration class="inline">
1460 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1462 <instance class="html" src="small6.png" width="386" height="59" mime-type="image/png"/>
1463 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="59" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1464 <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="59"/>
1467 <choice idref="sect257">If you wish to enter Knucklebone Lane, <link-text>turn to 257</link-text>.</choice>
1468 <choice idref="sect301">If you choose to enter Kettle Street, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text>.</choice>
1472 <section class="numbered" id="sect28">
1473 <meta><title>28</title></meta>
1476 <p>You draw upon your mastery to cause the torches that are illuminating the parapet on either side of the Eldenoran to flare up and burn fiercely. This startles the soldier and ruins his aim. He lets the rock slip from his hands and it splashes harmlessly into the river, a few yards to the right of your boat. As you glide beneath the bridge, you can hear his comrades laughing and cajoling him for missing such an easy target.</p>
1477 <choice idref="sect88"><link-text>Turn to 88</link-text>.</choice>
1481 <section class="numbered" id="sect29">
1482 <meta><title>29</title></meta>
1485 <p>You utter the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Shield</spell> and draw a circle in the air with the palm of your hand. The giant snake lunges forward and attempts to stab you with its venomous fangs, but it slams against your invisible shield and recoils with a bloodied nose. The creature hisses angrily. You have thwarted its first attack but your shield is beginning to fade. As the remnants of the spell disappear, the creature opens its terrifying jaws and prepares to strike again.</p>
1486 <combat><enemy>Duadon River Serpent</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">39</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">27</enemy-attribute></combat>
1487 <p>This enemy is immune to all forms of psychic attack. If you possess <quote>Illuminatus</quote>, you will benefit from the additional combat bonus applicable to its unique properties.</p>
1488 <choice idref="sect124">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
1492 <section class="numbered" id="sect30">
1493 <meta><title>30</title></meta>
1496 <p>The prongs of the pitchfork gouge your back as you run across the hay-loft towards the open door: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1497 <p>The farmer<ch.apos/>s son, still shocked by your unexpected appearance, yells at you angrily. As you reach the ledge of the doorway and look down at the ground outside, 30 feet below, he lunges forward and attempts to stab you again.</p>
1498 <choice idref="sect331">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 331</link-text>.</choice>
1499 <choice idref="sect105">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
1503 <section class="numbered" id="sect31">
1504 <meta><title>31</title></meta>
1507 <p>You carry the tray of food to the guards on duty outside the Rune Hall. When they see you approaching, they prop their halberds against the wall and raise the visors of their steel helmets.</p>
1508 <p><quote>Where<ch.apos/>s Gragov?</quote> asks a guard, as you set the tray down on a small table beside the door.</p>
1509 <p><quote>He<ch.apos/>s gone sick,</quote> you reply.</p>
1510 <p><quote>I hope it wasn<ch.apos/>t something he ate!</quote> jokes his companion.</p>
1511 <p>The moment the guards begin eating, you unsheathe your Kai Weapon and launch a surprise attack, slaying the nearest man with your first blow. As he drops to the floor, his comrade reacts with surprising speed. He ducks below your scything attack and quickly he retrieves his halberd. Swearing vengeance, he leaps at you and swings his bladed polearm at your head.</p>
1512 <combat><enemy><ch.Eacute/>lite Rune Hall Guard</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">32</enemy-attribute></combat>
1513 <choice idref="sect120">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 120</link-text>.</choice>
1517 <section class="numbered" id="sect32">
1518 <meta><title>32</title></meta>
1521 <p>You hold out your hand and proffer the coins, but when she peers at your palm and counts how few they are, she shakes her head dismissively. <quote>Go!</quote> she snaps. <quote>Go now, or I<ch.apos/>ll summon the reeves.</quote></p>
1522 <choice idref="sect318">If you wish to reveal that you are not an Eldenoran soldier in the hope that she will change her mind, <link-text>turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
1523 <choice idref="sect252">If you decide to leave her stable as she demands, <link-text>turn to 252</link-text>.</choice>
1527 <section class="numbered" id="sect33">
1528 <meta><title>33</title></meta>
1531 <p>You summon the elemental powers of your Grand Master Discipline and cause a sudden gust of air to extinguish the candles, plunging the parlour into near-darkness. Now the room is lit only by the ghostly rays of the moon which filter through the doorway. The sudden loss of candlelight makes the guard curse, but it does not deter him from opening the closet door.</p>
1532 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
1533 <choice idref="sect267">If the number you have picked is 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 267</link-text>.</choice>
1534 <choice idref="sect122">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 122</link-text>.</choice>
1538 <section class="numbered" id="sect34">
1539 <meta><title>34</title></meta>
1542 <p>You leave the glassblower<ch.apos/>s workshop and turn the corner into North Watch Lane. Here you discover a dozen small shops that trade in weapons and armour. Most of the items they offer for sale are poorly crafted, but there is one shop which specializes in fine weapons imported from all over Magnamund. Your eye is caught by an impressive collection of Siyenese bows and Lourdenian swords on display in its front window.</p>
1544 <illustration class="float">
1546 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1547 <description>An impressive collection of Siyenese bows and Lourdenian swords catches your eye.</description>
1549 <instance class="html" src="ill2.png" width="386" height="638" mime-type="image/png"/>
1550 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="638" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1551 <instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="638" />
1554 <choice idref="sect237">If you wish to enter this armoury, <link-text>turn to 237</link-text>.</choice>
1555 <choice idref="sect147">If you choose to continue along North Watch Lane, <link-text>turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
1559 <section class="numbered" id="sect35">
1560 <meta><title>35</title></meta>
1563 <p>The unarmed Vorka defend the bell-chamber with great tenacity. Before you are able to cut through their ranks, the first of the armoured Vorka regiment fall upon you from the side. You fight like a demon, slaying five of the enemy in as many blows, but in so doing you are drawn further away from the bell-chamber. The rune is now beyond arm<ch.apos/>s length and more of the armoured Vorka are moving to cut you off.</p>
1564 <choice idref="sect69">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 69</link-text>.</choice>
1565 <choice idref="sect316">If you possess Elementalism and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Defender, <link-text>turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
1566 <choice idref="sect238">If you possess a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 238</link-text>.</choice>
1567 <choice idref="sect73">If you possess neither of these skills, nor a Bow, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai Mastery, or should you choose not to use any of them, <link-text>turn instead to 73</link-text>.</choice>
1571 <section class="numbered" id="sect36">
1572 <meta><title>36</title></meta>
1575 <p>You intone the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Sense Evil</spell> and at once your mind is flooded with terrible images. Beneath the soil of this clearing lie the bodies of a thousand Slovian prisoners of war. Captured when Tekaro fell, they were brought here by Eldenoran guards and murdered by the merciless Vorka. This clearing is the site of their mass grave and you can detect a strong psychic presence. Mostly it comprises a lingering residue formed by the souls of the innocent men who were murdered here, but there is also something else<ch.emdash/>something invisible yet wholly evil. Your heart pounds when you suddenly realize that an evil entity has come here to feed upon the psychic remains of the slain Slovian prisoners. You sense it poses a grave and immediate threat to your life, and hurriedly you turn and run through the trees in your haste to escape its clutches.</p>
1576 <choice idref="sect339"><link-text>Turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
1580 <section class="numbered" id="sect37">
1581 <meta><title>37</title></meta>
1584 <p>The soldier hurls his rock and it smashes into the planking near your feet. It tears a hole in the bottom of the boat and a spout of water gushes into the air to rain down upon your canvas cover. The Eldenorans cheer as your boat begins to founder, and as it disappears from view beneath the centre arch, you hear their echoing footfalls as they rush across to the opposite side of the bridge to wait for it to reappear.</p>
1585 <p>When you emerge the Eldenorans give a cheer. The water is rushing in so fast now that you decide you must abandon the boat. You turn the rudder towards the left bank and aim your sinking craft at a place where willow trees overhang the river. As you pass beneath their branches, you clamber out and quickly take cover among the trees.</p>
1586 <p>The Eldenorans soon arrive to inspect their handiwork. Silently you observe them as they drag the half-submerged boat out of the water and sift through its meagre contents. They soon tire of this and return to their duties. When the coast is clear, you leave the trees and hurry away from the bridge. Once you have put more than five miles between yourself and the Eldenorans, you stop to rest for a few hours in the bough of an oak.</p>
1587 <p>Before you sleep, unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1588 <choice idref="sect9">To continue, <link-text>turn to 9</link-text>.</choice>
1592 <section class="numbered" id="sect38">
1593 <meta><title>38</title></meta>
1596 <p>You kneel before the lockplate and examine the keyhole. The mechanism is a basic mortise lock but its component parts are large and heavy. Despite the simplicity of its design, you suspect that this lock could be a difficult one to pick. Drawing upon your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus, you visualize the mechanism in your mind<ch.apos/>s eye and will it to open. It is a slow and arduous process. Beads of perspiration stand out on your brow as you strain to make its hidden levers turn.</p>
1597 <choice idref="sect337">If you possess Grand Nexus, <link-text>turn to 337</link-text>.</choice>
1598 <choice idref="sect22">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
1602 <section class="numbered" id="sect39">
1603 <meta><title>39</title></meta>
1606 <footnote id="sect39-1-foot" idref="sect39-1">
1607 <p>You may not be carrying a normal hand weapon. It is left up to the reader<ch.apos/>s discretion as to how to resolve this potential inconsistency.</p>
1612 <p>You unsheathe a hand weapon (neither a Bow, nor your Kai Weapon)<footref id="sect39-1" idref="sect39-1-foot"/> and begin chipping away at the mortar into which the bars of the cell window are embedded. It is a slow and laborious task but you persevere and, within the hour, you manage to dislodge three of the iron bars. This creates a gap large enough through which you can escape from the cell, but it also weakens your hand weapon to such a degree that it can no longer be used for combat (you must now erase this Weapon from your <a idref="action">Weapons List</a>).</p>
1613 <choice idref="sect27">To continue, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
1617 <section class="numbered" id="sect40">
1618 <meta><title>40</title></meta>
1621 <footnote id="sect40-1-foot" idref="sect40-1">
1622 <p>This is the correct answer to the combination lock in <a idref="sect297">Section 297</a>.</p>
1627 <p>Aided by your Sixth Sense, you hear the third tumbler click into position.<footref id="sect40-1" idref="sect40-1-foot"/> There is a soft whirring sound, and then the door swings open to reveal a vaulted corridor which leads to a flight of iron steps. You enter, and the great door swings shut behind you. There is a junction halfway along the corridor where another passage crosses from left to right. You hurry across and climb the metal steps, but as you are approaching the top of the stairs, you catch a glimpse of two armoured guards beyond. They are standing to attention before a large door that is engraved with mystic symbols. You feel a strong concentration of evil here and, at once, you sense that the Runes of Agarash lie on the other side of this door. Instinctively you duck below the guards<ch.apos/> line of sight, and then quietly you retreat to the junction.</p>
1628 <p>Here you detect the sound of footsteps approaching, and when you spin around to face them, you see a young kitchen attendant walking along the passageway towards you. He is carrying a tray laden with food and he stops abruptly when he sees you suddenly appear. Fearful that he may raise the alarm, you stride towards him and say in an accusing tone: <quote>Why are you late, boy? Lord Vandyan has been kept waiting more than an hour for his food!</quote></p>
1629 <p><quote>But<ch.ellips/>but this is not for his lordship,</quote> answers the young man, clearly confused by your rebuke. <quote>It<ch.apos/>s for the guards at the door to the Rune Hall.</quote></p>
1630 <p><quote>What!</quote> you reply, feigning outrage. <quote>You mean to say that you would put the feeding of two lowly guards before our master<ch.apos/>s needs! This is intolerable!</quote></p>
1631 <p><quote>No<ch.ellips/>no<ch.ellips/>I mean, I was told by the cook to take this tray to the guards. Lord Vandyan ate a meal in his chambers some three hours ago. I<ch.apos/>ve had no order to take him food since.</quote></p>
1632 <p><quote>Well, our master is hungry,</quote> you reply, <quote>and you<ch.apos/>d better go back to the kitchen and find him something suitable to eat this instant<ch.ellips/>if you value your hide, that is!</quote></p>
1633 <p>Forcefully you snatch the tray from the bemused assistant, saying: <quote>Go tell cook to prepare him something substantial, understand? He<ch.apos/>s very hungry. I<ch.apos/>ll deliver these scraps to the guards myself.</quote> The confused young assistant scratches his head and then he hurries away to deliver your order to the cook. You watch him until he turns a distant corner, and then you look down at the tray of cold meat and vegetables and an idea takes shape, an idea that may help you gain entry to the Rune Hall.</p>
1635 <illustration class="inline">
1637 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1639 <instance class="html" src="small9.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1640 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small9.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1641 <instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1644 <choice idref="sect87">If you possess a Potion of Gallowbrush and you wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 87</link-text>.</choice>
1645 <choice idref="sect195">If you possess a Graveweed Concentrate and you wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 195</link-text>.</choice>
1646 <choice idref="sect327">If you possess a Potion of Mokradon and you wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 327</link-text>.</choice>
1647 <choice idref="sect169">If you possess a Potion of Volzoc and you wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 169</link-text>.</choice>
1648 <choice idref="sect271">If you possess some Ghilev and you wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 271</link-text>.</choice>
1649 <choice idref="sect31">If you possess none of these, or if you should choose not to use any of them, <link-text>turn to 31</link-text>.</choice>
1653 <section class="numbered" id="sect41">
1654 <meta><title>41</title></meta>
1657 <p>In your hurry to get across the square, you trip and stumble into the path of an ore wagon. The driver makes no attempt to avoid you, and it is only the swiftness of your reactions that saves you from being crushed to death. However, as you roll away from the wheels, the hub of an axle gouges the back of your legs: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1658 <p>The driver curses and threatens to report you to the reeves. Rather than run the risk of being arrested, you stagger to your feet and melt away as quickly as you are able into the crowded street beyond.</p>
1659 <choice idref="sect276"><link-text>Turn to 276</link-text>.</choice>
1663 <section class="numbered" id="sect42">
1664 <meta><title>42</title></meta>
1667 <p>You watch and wait with growing trepidation as the guards search the parlour and its adjoining rooms. Then suddenly the closet door is pulled open and you find yourself staring into the self-satisfied face of an Eldenoran sergeant.</p>
1668 <p><quote>I<ch.apos/>ve found him!</quote> he bellows, and six guardsmen who are searching the yard come racing up the stairs with their swords drawn. You fight bravely and slay them all, but the word of your whereabouts quickly spreads and within minutes you are cornered in the cooperage by more than a hundred of Vandyan<ch.apos/>s troops. Their leader has placed a bounty of 10,000 Gold Crowns upon your head, payable upon delivery of your body to Skull-Tor, dead or alive. Spurred on by the promise of this huge reward, his troops attack you repeatedly until you are finally overwhelmed by the sheer weight of numbers.</p>
1669 <p>You may take some comfort in the fact that you fulfilled your vital mission. By destroying the Runes of Agarash you have saved Magnamund from the tyrannical rule of Vandyan. It is a great victory, but one that you have paid for with your life.</p>
1671 <illustration class="inline">
1673 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1675 <instance class="html" src="small8.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1676 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small8.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1677 <instance class="pdf" src="small8.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1683 <section class="numbered" id="sect43">
1684 <meta><title>43</title></meta>
1687 <p>Despite the darkness, several of the arrows find their mark. They puncture the boat<ch.apos/>s timbers and one shaft pierces your calf, forcing you to bite on your fist to stop yourself from crying out in pain: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Quickly you draw upon your healing skills to staunch the flow of blood from your wounded leg as the boat passes below the stone bridge.</p>
1688 <p>You emerge unseen on the far side, but water is now rushing in so fast through the punctured hull that you decide you will soon have to abandon the boat. You turn the rudder towards the left bank and aim your foundering craft at a place where a copse of willow trees overhangs the river. As you pass beneath their branches, you clamber out and quickly take cover among the trees.</p>
1689 <p>When the Eldenorans relight the torches, they notice your boat beached on the river bank and they come to investigate it. Silently you observe them as they drag the partially-submerged boat out of the water and sift through its meagre contents. They soon tire of this fruitless exercise and return to their duties at the bridge. Only when the coast is clear do you dare leave the copse and hurry away. When you have put more than five miles between yourself and the Eldenorans, you stop to rest for a few hours in the bough of an oak tree by the river.</p>
1690 <p>Before you sleep, unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1691 <choice idref="sect9">To continue, <link-text>turn to 9</link-text>.</choice>
1695 <section class="numbered" id="sect44">
1696 <meta><title>44</title></meta>
1699 <p>You strike the rune a mighty blow that explodes it into a thousand fiery shards. At once there is a screeching cacophony of noise and the platform bucks like a wild stallion as the evil power of the rune is sucked out of the hall and into the heart of the raging storm. Desperately you cling to the floor as seething rays of electrical fire dance around the edges of the aperture and arc back and forth between the ceiling and the hall below. Then a ghastly shriek echoes above the deafening noise as the approaching Vaag are consumed by fire and lightning. As their dying cries fade, so the storm abates, and you are able to stagger to your feet and take hold of the parapet rail with both hands.</p>
1701 <illustration class="float">
1703 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1704 <description>You look down and see a patrol of Eldenoran guardsmen rushing through the door.</description>
1706 <instance class="html" src="ill3.png" width="386" height="638" mime-type="image/png"/>
1707 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="638" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1708 <instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="638" />
1711 <p>Gasping for breath in the dust-choked air, you look down and see a patrol of Eldenoran guardsmen come rushing through the door. Vandyan is with them, bellowing orders and threatening them with death if they should allow you to escape. The guards are armed with bows, and when they see you standing at the edge of the platform, they immediately take aim and open fire.</p>
1712 <choice idref="sect291">If you possess a Bow and wish to return fire at the Eldenoran guardsmen, <link-text>turn to 291</link-text>.</choice>
1713 <choice idref="sect145">If you wish to try to evade Vandyan and his men, <link-text>turn instead to 145</link-text>.</choice>
1717 <section class="numbered" id="sect45">
1718 <meta><title>45</title></meta>
1721 <p><quote>Very well, I<ch.apos/>ll pay what you ask,</quote> you reply. Quickly the guards wave the wagon through into the city and then they lower the portcullis and order the following traffic to wait while they escort you to the gatehouse. You are beginning to think that they are going to renege on their deal and throw you in a cell regardless, but the taller guard soon eases your fears. Quietly he says to you: <quote>Don<ch.apos/>t worry, friend. We<ch.apos/>ll jus<ch.apos/> go somewhere private. We don<ch.apos/>t want all o<ch.apos/> Duadon to know our business.</quote></p>
1722 <p>You accompany the guards into the gatehouse and along a corridor to an empty chamber where a small door is set into the wall. You hand over the 10 Gold Crowns (erase these from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>) and the guards unlock the door. It opens on to a quiet alleyway overshadowed by the city<ch.apos/>s south wall. <quote>Off y<ch.apos/>go, trooper,</quote> says the tall guard, as he pushes you through the arched doorway.</p>
1723 <p>The door shuts behind you with a dull thud and you hear a key turning in the lock. You leave the door and walk along the alleyway towards the gatehouse arch. From the shadows, you observe the large flagstoned square at the approach to the South Gate and note that the traffic of wagons has resumed. They trundle across the square and enter a wide avenue called Bannerway, which leads to Vandyan<ch.apos/>s stronghold of Skull-Tor at the centre of the city.</p>
1724 <p>You recall Gwynian<ch.apos/>s briefing that the agents you must contact can be found in Flank Street, in the city<ch.apos/>s Northern Quarter. You are presently in the Southern Quarter of Duadon and so you enter the square and follow the line of wagons that is heading towards Skull-Tor. You are hoping that this avenue will be the quickest way to reach the Northern Quarter, but unfortunately your plan comes to a premature end when you discover that Bannerway has been reserved for the use of supply wagons only. Armed guardsmen control access to the avenue and they turn you away as you are about to enter on foot. Undeterred, you resolve to find another route across Duadon to the Northern Quarter. Looking around the soot-blackened buildings, you see two other roads that lead off from the South Gate square to the east and west. The west road is called Knucklebone Lane and the east road is called Kettle Street.</p>
1726 <illustration class="inline">
1728 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1730 <instance class="html" src="small6.png" width="386" height="59" mime-type="image/png"/>
1731 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="59" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1732 <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="59"/>
1735 <choice idref="sect257">If you wish to enter Knucklebone Lane, <link-text>turn to 257</link-text>.</choice>
1736 <choice idref="sect301">If you choose to enter Kettle Street, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text>.</choice>
1740 <section class="numbered" id="sect46">
1741 <meta><title>46</title></meta>
1744 <p>The guard is angered by your reply and you sense at once that you have given him the wrong answer.</p>
1745 <p><quote>Don<ch.apos/>t move a muscle!</quote> he growls, and he presses the tip of his spear to your throat. His comrade reaches to the parapet bell and he rings it once. Moments later, a troop of guards emerges from the doorway opposite the bridge. They are the same soldiers who, only a few minutes earlier, escorted away the unfortunate herald whose map and wristband you stole.</p>
1746 <p><quote>Lock <ch.apos/>im up!</quote> bellows the bridge guard, and he removes his spear from your throat as the soldiers come running towards you with their swords drawn.</p>
1747 <choice idref="sect229">If you wish to surrender to these approaching guardsmen, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
1748 <choice idref="sect116">If you wish to unsheathe your Kai Weapon and attempt to resist their arrest, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
1749 <choice idref="sect134">If you decide to try to evade the guards by dashing across the drawbridge towards the archway of the inner keep, <link-text>turn instead to 134</link-text>.</choice>
1753 <section class="numbered" id="sect47">
1754 <meta><title>47</title></meta>
1757 <p><quote>Quit yappin<ch.apos/>, y<ch.apos/>mangy mutt!</quote> bellows a greasy-haired looter, but to no avail. You fear the feisty mongrel has detected your presence and quickly you draw upon your innate Magnakai skill of Animal Control to command him to be silent. The dog ceases to bark loudly and begins instead to whine with frustration.</p>
1758 <p><quote>He<ch.apos/>s caught wind o<ch.apos/> something,</quote> growls a second looter. <quote>I<ch.apos/>m goin<ch.apos/> to take a look-see.</quote></p>
1759 <p>You hear the man rise to his feet and then unsheathe a sword from its scabbard.</p>
1760 <choice idref="sect129">If you wish to attempt to escape from the mine shaft, <link-text>turn to 129</link-text>.</choice>
1761 <choice idref="sect258">If you decide to try to hide somewhere in the tunnel, <link-text>turn to 258</link-text>.</choice>
1765 <section class="numbered" id="sect48">
1766 <meta><title>48</title></meta>
1769 <p>You raise your hand and point it at the lever. Then you recite the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and you feel a surge of power run the length of your right arm. A concussive burst of energy leaps from your hand to slam against the lever, forcing it down. With a resounding <onomatopoeia>crack</onomatopoeia>, it breaks through the grime which has accumulated over the centuries and clogged its locking mechanism. Clouds of grit and dust billow out from its slot and, when you raise and pull the lever a second time, you discover that your use of Old Kingdom magic has served its purpose well.</p>
1770 <choice idref="sect250"><link-text>Turn to 250</link-text>.</choice>
1774 <section class="numbered" id="sect49">
1775 <meta><title>49</title></meta>
1778 <p>Rouf praises your deadly skill. You acknowledge him with a nod of your head and then you turn and enter the cabin. Prizo and his wife scream when you appear, for you are wearing an Eldenoran uniform and they think you have come to finish them off. But their terror soon turns to joy when they see Rouf following behind you. <quote>Don<ch.apos/>t fear!</quote> says Rouf. <quote>Your ordeal<ch.apos/>s over. My companion<ch.apos/>s an ally, not an enemy.</quote></p>
1779 <p>Quickly you untie them and tearfully they hug Rouf. His uncle and aunt are overcome with emotion to see their favourite nephew once more. Quickly he explains that, despite your uniform, you are not an Eldenoran. When he then reveals that you are a Kai Lord on a secret mission, their eyes widen with awe. Prizo warns you that there are many Eldenorans in this area and that it is no longer a safe place. He invites you both to stay here this night but he says you must remain watchful. Reluctantly Prizo and his wife have decided to leave their home. They plan to cross the Quarl and seek shelter in Salony. Many Slovian refugees, including other members of Rouf<ch.apos/>s family, have found sanctuary there in the Great Forest and they plan to join them.</p>
1780 <p>You and Rouf take turns to keep watch during the night, and shortly before dawn you awaken his uncle and aunt. Fie prepares a delicious breakfast and while you are eating they discuss their plans. Rouf has decided to join his aunt and uncle and go with them to Salony. You tell them that you must continue with your mission and try to cross the River Storn near Tekaro. Prizo repeats Rouf<ch.apos/>s warning that the city is occupied by the Eldenorans and encircled by Vorka regiments, but he also has some extra information that might be useful. He says that the Eldenorans have set up a military ferry on the Storn, five miles south of the confluence where the two rivers, the Quarl and the Storn, meet. In your disguise as an Eldenoran scout, you may find it is the easiest way to cross the river.</p>
1781 <p>After breakfast, you thank Rouf and his kin for their help and you wish them luck on their journey to Salony. In return they thank you for freeing them and Fie offers you some food for the road ahead (enough for 2 Meals). Then they bid you farewell and wave goodbye from the doorway as you leave the cabin and go to retrieve your horse.</p>
1782 <choice idref="sect290"><link-text>Turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
1786 <section class="numbered" id="sect50">
1787 <meta><title>50</title></meta>
1790 <p><quote>My loyal commanders,</quote> says Vandyan, spreading his arms wide as if to embrace the entire hall, <quote>we stand upon the threshold of total power. Already I have harnessed the might of the first rune and used it to create and control the Vorka horde. With the power of the second stone I summoned Zorkaan the Soultaker and bound him to our cause. And this night, we shall witness the release of the force contained within the third Rune of Agarash. The approaching storms from the north herald the rebirth of the Vaag, the flying spawn of Agarash the Damned!</quote></p>
1792 <illustration class="float">
1794 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1795 <description><ch.lsquot/>My loyal commanders,<ch.rsquot/> says Vandyan, spreading his arms wide.</description>
1797 <instance class="html" src="ill4.png" width="386" height="637" mime-type="image/png"/>
1798 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="637" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1799 <instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="637" />
1802 <p>Vandyan<ch.apos/>s announcement draws a loud gasp of astonishment from his officers. Legend has it that the Vaag were the most ruthless and deadly of all the Agarashi<ch.emdash/>the creatures of darkness created by Agarash the Damned. He used the Vaag to spearhead assaults upon ancient Magnamund that led to his domination of the entire planet during the Age of Eternal Night. Unhindered by mountains, rivers, and city walls, a flying horde of Vaag could indeed be a force capable of conquering Magnamund anew.</p>
1803 <p><quote>Go now!</quote> says Vandyan, to his stunned officers. <quote>Return to your armies in the field and be ready to march. You have your orders<ch.emdash/>do not fail me. I must now return to my laboratory and attend to the final preparations. Be assured, my loyal countrymen. Soon all Magnamund shall cower at our feet!</quote></p>
1804 <p>Vandyan<ch.apos/>s final words are met with a thunderous roar of approval. The door in the north wall opens and he leaves the dais and hurries through it. As the door closes behind him with a dull boom, the Eldenoran officers gather up their maps and papers and file out of the hall, through a pair of double doors which have opened in the south wall.</p>
1805 <choice idref="sect104">If you wish to leave this hall with the Eldenoran officers by way of the south doors, <link-text>turn to 104</link-text>.</choice>
1806 <choice idref="sect319">If you wish to hide in this hall and await your chance to follow Vandyan through the north door, <link-text>turn to 319</link-text>.</choice>
1810 <section class="numbered" id="sect51">
1811 <meta><title>51</title></meta>
1814 <p>Your advanced Discipline warns you that a violent lightning storm is fast approaching from the west. You can smell the fresh scent of rain on the rising wind and you can feel electrical changes taking place in the humid air. Wary of the need for a safe haven from the coming storm, you scan the surrounding area in search of some place to shelter.</p>
1815 <choice idref="sect266">If you wish to investigate the rocky knoll, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
1816 <choice idref="sect135">If you decide to seek shelter in the trees, <link-text>turn to 135</link-text>.</choice>
1820 <section class="numbered" id="sect52">
1821 <meta><title>52</title></meta>
1824 <p>You have successfully beaten back the first Vorka wave, but a larger group is now emerging from the distant archway. Each of these warriors wields a sword and is clad in chainmail armour. Fear grips your stomach when you realize that they are the advance guard of a whole Vorka regiment. Once more you turn your attention to the bell-chamber, for only by destroying the rune can you hope to defeat the entire horde.</p>
1825 <p>You descend halfway down the stairs, and then leap over the banister and drop to the floor of the pit below. On landing, those unarmed Vorka who are defending the rune hiss at you vehemently. Their sibilant cry warns their armoured brothers of your intentions and you see them quicken their pace. Your pulse pounds loudly in your ears as you determine that the first of the armoured regiment can reach you in less than a minute. There is no time to hesitate<ch.emdash/>you must act at once. With your battle-cry upon your lips, you rush forward and attack the Vorka who are standing in a protective wall before the rune.</p>
1826 <combat><enemy>Vorka Rune Defenders</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">35</enemy-attribute></combat>
1827 <p>If you wield the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Kaistar</quote>, you will benefit from the additional combat bonus applicable to its unique properties.</p>
1828 <choice idref="sect187">If you win this combat in five rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
1829 <choice idref="sect35">If you win this fight in six rounds or longer, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text>.</choice>
1833 <section class="numbered" id="sect53">
1834 <meta><title>53</title></meta>
1837 <p>In your rush to escape from the barn, you misjudge your jump and sprain your left ankle upon hitting the paved ground: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. You are unable to get back on your feet immediately, and you lose precious time when you are forced to use your innate Kai curing skills to repair your injured foot.</p>
1838 <p>You are testing your weight on your ankle when suddenly you see the farmer<ch.apos/>s son come rushing out of the barn. He has discarded his pitchfork and has taken up a sword which he waves menacingly above his head. You draw your Kai Weapon and warn him to stay back. He is young, untrained in combat, and he is certainly no match for a Kai Grand Master. The young man laughs when he hears your order to halt. He continues to advance. You warn him once more but he ignores you. Then, with a scream of anger, he rushes forward in a clumsy attempt to land a blow upon the side of your head.</p>
1839 <combat><enemy>Farmer<ch.apos/>s Son</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">19</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">24</enemy-attribute></combat>
1840 <p>You have no wish to kill this young man and so you deliver all of your blows with the flat of your weapon<ch.apos/>s blade in order to subdue, rather than wound, your adversary. Fight this combat in the normal way, but halve all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses sustained by your enemy.</p>
1841 <choice idref="sect177">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
1845 <section class="numbered" id="sect54">
1846 <meta><title>54</title></meta>
1849 <p>You intone the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and implant the suggestion into the gaoler<ch.apos/>s mind that he is feeling very tired. He yawns and then he sits down on the steps and cradles his head in his folded arms. You wait for a few minutes and then you move silently along the corridor towards him. Your mental suggestion has proved very effective for when you reach the gaoler you discover that he is soundly asleep. As you start up the stairs towards the next level, you notice a bunch of keys that are hanging from a hook on his leather belt. (If you wish to take these Dungeon Keys, record them on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in the pocket of your tunic.)</p>
1850 <choice idref="sect98">To continue, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
1854 <section class="numbered" id="sect55">
1855 <meta><title>55</title></meta>
1858 <p>One of the arrows rips through your canvas cover and splinters the gunwale within inches of your head, yet all of the others fail to strike the boat. As you glide under the bridge<ch.apos/>s central span, you hear a gruff Eldenoran sergeant cursing his men for their poor marksmanship and for wasting arrows on a derelict sailboat.</p>
1859 <p>You are directly beneath the centre of the bridge when suddenly you feel the craft being pulled towards the starboard. The head of a Vorka suddenly appears at the side of the boat, and moments later it comes clambering over the gunwale. The creature has not seen you, but it can only be a matter of seconds before it senses where you are hiding.</p>
1860 <choice idref="sect242">If you have a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
1861 <choice idref="sect161">If you do not possess a Bow, or if you choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 161</link-text>.</choice>
1865 <section class="numbered" id="sect56">
1866 <meta><title>56</title></meta>
1869 <p>You unshoulder your Bow and draw an Arrow from your Quiver. As you fix the notch to the string, you look around the hall and consider which of the three runes is to be your first target. Vandyan obscures the rune that rests within the crystal saucer, high above you in the domed roof of the hall; therefore you must choose one of the remaining two.</p>
1870 <choice idref="sect262">If you wish to fire your arrow at the rune which is fixed into the top of the crystal bell-chamber, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
1871 <choice idref="sect293">If you decide to target the rune that is embedded into the bell-chamber from where the Vorka horde is emerging, <link-text>turn to 293</link-text>.</choice>
1875 <section class="numbered" id="sect57">
1876 <meta><title>57</title></meta>
1879 <p>In less than a minute the tunnel is sealed off by a solid wall of earth and broken rock. The air is thick with dust and you have difficulty seeing and breathing. Your legs have been pinned to the floor by the rockfall and, as you drag yourself free, you suddenly feel a sharp pain below your left knee where it has been gashed by a chunk of granite: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1880 <p>Carefully you extricate yourself from the debris and, using your infravision, you attempt to locate Hulsta. It is difficult to see through the dirt-choked air and so you rely on your heat-vision in order to detect your guide. Quickly you discover his left hand protruding from beneath the mound of fallen debris, but when you touch it you sense at once that your brave companion has not survived this disastrous avalanche.</p>
1881 <choice idref="sect144"><link-text>Turn to 144</link-text>.</choice>
1885 <section class="numbered" id="sect58">
1886 <meta><title>58</title></meta>
1889 <p>Quietly you leave the chamber, retrace your steps back to the tunnel entrance, and then continue your trek along the ravine. Night is fast approaching and you have barely covered a mile when the ravine comes to an abrupt end at the edge of a deep gorge. Less than a hundred yards away to the west you can see the outline of a rocky knoll with a slate base that juts out over the rim of this steep, wooded valley. To the east, the gorge cuts a deep furrow through the forest for many miles. There appears to be no easy way of avoiding the gorge, but you are unwilling to attempt a descent in the dark. Instead, you decide to find somewhere safe nearby where you can make camp and await the dawn.</p>
1890 <choice idref="sect51">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel or higher, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
1891 <choice idref="sect294">If you do not possess this Discipline, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 294</link-text>.</choice>
1895 <section class="numbered" id="sect59">
1896 <meta><title>59</title></meta>
1899 <p>You hide your bundle of uniforms, your Weapons, and your equipment in the closet, and then you sit down at a table that is lit by a solitary candle. As you listen to the movements going on in the yard outside, you browse through one of several books that you find lying on the table.</p>
1900 <p>Suddenly the parlour door is thrown open and in come two Eldenoran guards and a hunting dog. The dog sniffs the air and growls menacingly.</p>
1901 <choice idref="sect259">If you possess Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 259</link-text>.</choice>
1902 <choice idref="sect180">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 180</link-text>.</choice>
1906 <section class="numbered" id="sect60">
1907 <meta><title>60</title></meta>
1910 <p>Without raising his eyes from his work, the scribe curtly answers your query: <quote>Council of War Chamber!</quote> he snaps. Then, with the feather of his quill pen, he points towards the portal to your left. You thank the discourteous scribe for his directions, and then you turn on your heel and stride across the hall towards this open archway.</p>
1911 <choice idref="sect314"><link-text>Turn to 314</link-text>.</choice>
1915 <section class="numbered" id="sect61">
1916 <meta><title>61</title></meta>
1919 <p>You draw upon your Magnakai Discipline of Psi-screen to protect your mind from this unexpected attack, but before your mental defences knit together properly, you suffer damage to the core of your mind (lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
1920 <p>Due to the mental damage caused by this powerful psychic attack, you must forfeit the use of one of your Grand Master Disciplines for the rest of this mission. If you survive this mission, you may restore your forfeited Discipline and use it again in a future <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> adventure.</p>
1921 <p>The blinding pain fades to a dull ache, but your Kai senses continue to scream out a warning. This evil entity poses a continuing threat to your body and your mind. You can barely see the creature yet its close proximity is filling you with overwhelming fear and loathing. Then you catch a second glimpse of its shadowy outline and your nerve breaks. Hurriedly you turn and run into the trees in a desperate attempt to escape from this formless creature of evil.</p>
1922 <choice idref="sect339">To continue, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
1926 <section class="numbered" id="sect62">
1927 <meta><title>62</title></meta>
1930 <p>You grab Hulsta<ch.apos/>s strong hand and he hauls you towards the opening. As your legs emerge from the water, the giant snake breaks through the surface and it gouges your calves with its venomous fangs.</p>
1931 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If the number you have chosen is odd (i.e. 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9), you lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. If the number is even (i.e. 2, 4, 6, 8, or 0), you lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1932 <p>Hulsta drags you through the opening and lays you down on the floor of the tunnel. Then he pushes the heavy iron grill back into position. Moments later, the head of the giant snake slams against this grill and you hear the murderous clack of its fanged jaw before it dives back into the river.</p>
1933 <p>Fortunately, your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus quickly neutralizes the small amount of venom that has entered your bloodstream. You sit up and Hulsta uses strips of cloth torn from the hem of his shirt to bandage your wounded calves. As he helps you to your feet, you are pleased to see that your dangerous detour along the underground river was not in vain, for you now find yourself standing in a section of the tunnel which lies beyond the blocking wall.</p>
1934 <choice idref="sect155">To continue, <link-text>turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
1938 <section class="numbered" id="sect63">
1939 <meta><title>63</title></meta>
1942 <p>Drawing upon your advanced Kai skills, you focus on the Vorka and exude a powerful scent from the palms of your hands. This scent is abhorrent to the lizard-like creature and it causes it to shy away in disgust. It shrieks, and then it retreats towards the river where it joins with its brothers who are making short work of your provisions which they have just found hidden under the canvas.</p>
1943 <p>The remaining Vorka suddenly detect the smell of the food and instantly they abandon their search and scurry down to the river. They arrive too late to share in the unexpected feast, and in frustration they vent their anger on the boat itself. You are taken aback by the sheer speed and ferocity of their attack which reduces your sailboat to matchwood.</p>
1944 <p>Silently you watch the Vorka as they return to the bridge and cross once more to the other side. The incident seems to have excited the Eldenoran guards, and you can hear them laughing and cursing wildly. You decide to wait until their excitement has died down a little before you attempt to leave your hiding place. During your wait you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (you are unable to use Grand Huntmastery to forage for food in this instance).</p>
1945 <choice idref="sect211">To continue, <link-text>turn to 211</link-text>.</choice>
1949 <section class="numbered" id="sect64">
1950 <meta><title>64</title></meta>
1953 <p>Your blow sends the Sinistrari captain tumbling out of his saddle. He crashes to the ground and rolls away into a drainage ditch running alongside the highway. The shock of impact upon hitting the ground renders him unconscious, and when you see that he is no longer a threat, you wheel your horse about and gallop towards the spire of Xaitar<ch.apos/>s Rock.</p>
1954 <choice idref="sect350"><link-text>Turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
1958 <section class="numbered" id="sect65">
1959 <meta><title>65</title></meta>
1962 <p><quote>Would you overlook my lost papers if I were to donate a few Gold Crowns to the gatehouse?</quote> you say, choosing your words with care.</p>
1963 <p><quote>Well, that would depend on just how many Gold Crowns you<ch.apos/>d want to donate,</quote> replies the shorter of the two guards, mimicking your appeasing tone. His taller comrade is more direct in his manner and he comes straight to the point.</p>
1964 <p><quote>Look, trooper,</quote> he growls, <quote>we want 10 Gold Crowns, and your horse, or we<ch.apos/>ll throw you in the cells to rot. Pay up<ch.ellips/>or we<ch.apos/>ll lock you up!</quote></p>
1965 <choice idref="sect203">If you possess 10 Gold Crowns and wish to pay the guard, <link-text>turn to 203</link-text>.</choice>
1966 <choice idref="sect23">If you do not have sufficient Gold Crowns, or if you choose not to pay the bribe, <link-text>turn instead to 23</link-text>.</choice>
1970 <section class="numbered" id="sect66">
1971 <meta><title>66</title></meta>
1974 <p>The corridor ends at a vast, low-ceilinged hall that is filled with racks of freshly forged weapons and armour. You estimate that there are tens of thousands of bladed weapons, helmets, shields, and chainmail vests held in storage here. As you walk among the rows of weaponry, you come to one rack that is filled with bundles of arrows (if you wish to replenish your supply of Arrows you may do so now).</p>
1975 <p>On the far side of this weapons repository you discover an archway where a flight of stone steps ascends into darkness.</p>
1976 <choice idref="sect140">If you wish to investigate where these stairs lead, <link-text>turn to 140</link-text>.</choice>
1977 <choice idref="sect183">If you choose instead to retrace your steps all the way back to the entrance hall, <link-text>turn to 183</link-text>.</choice>
1981 <section class="numbered" id="sect67">
1982 <meta><title>67</title></meta>
1985 <p>The shock of the lightning blast leaves you unconscious. When you regain your senses you find yourself lying some 20 feet from your campsite, entangled among smouldering branches and twisted shards of pine. You have suffered burns to your legs and body (lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points) and two of your Backpack Items have been destroyed.</p>
1986 <p>Erase any two Backpack Items from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (excluding your Kai Clothes) of your own choosing.</p>
1987 <choice idref="sect324">To continue, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
1991 <section class="numbered" id="sect68">
1992 <meta><title>68</title></meta>
1995 <p>The second serpent rears out of the water and lunges forward in an attempt to stab you with its venomous fangs. You dodge aside to avoid being gouged and then strike a mighty blow to its neck, just as the creature withdraws its head in readiness for a second attack. The great snake hisses angrily. You have opened a deep wound, but it has not incapacitated the creature. Once more it stretches its terrifying jaws and prepares to lunge at your chest.</p>
1996 <combat><enemy>Duadon River Serpent</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">32</enemy-attribute></combat>
1997 <p>This enemy is immune to all forms of psychic attack. If you possess <quote>Illuminatus</quote>, you will benefit from the additional combat bonus applicable to its unique properties.</p>
1998 <choice idref="sect309">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 309</link-text>.</choice>
2002 <section class="numbered" id="sect69">
2003 <meta><title>69</title></meta>
2006 <p>You utter the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Net</spell> and point your right hand at the armoured Vorka. A gush of gluey liquid surges from your palm and covers them in sticky fibrous strands.</p>
2007 <p>Your spell holds them just long enough for you to be able to reach the rune and strike it with devastating effect. There is a tremendous explosion and a splash of fiery green sparks erupts as your blade cleaves the evil stone in two. Then the bell-chamber is swallowed up by sheets of orange flame and you are hurled backwards to the floor. Shards of broken stone whistle around you. When the rain of debris ceases, you pull yourself to your feet and look upon the devastated remains of the bell-chamber. Pools of fire burn among the splinters that litter the floor of the pit, and all the Vorka that were spawned in its core now lie twisted and lifeless among the flaming ruins. The sight of this burning devastation is shocking to behold, yet you feel elated when you sense that the breaking of the rune has, at a single stroke, destroyed every Vorka that has ever emerged from the spawning chamber.</p>
2008 <choice idref="sect202"><link-text>Turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
2012 <section class="numbered" id="sect70">
2013 <meta><title>70</title></meta>
2016 <p>Silently you watch as the Vorka come rushing through the trees. The group splits in two with one half descending to the river to investigate your boat, while the remainder spread out and begin a search of the trees. One Vorka is within 10 feet of where you are hiding when it stops dead in its tracks and begins to sniff hungrily at the air.</p>
2017 <choice idref="sect63">If you possess the Discipline of Animal Mastery and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Master Superior, <link-text>turn to 63</link-text>.</choice>
2018 <choice idref="sect299">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
2022 <section class="numbered" id="sect71">
2023 <meta><title>71</title></meta>
2026 <p>You cross the corridor and approach the door. Your Kai Sixth Sense tells you that the chamber beyond it is empty, and so you twist the handle and push against the heavy portal. Silently it swings open on well-oiled hinges to reveal an empty circular room. A large iron-rimmed chute is set into its stone wall, and when you examine this opening, your stomach churns. Its surfaces are smeared with traces of human blood. You can hear the distant sound of rushing water and suddenly you realize that this chute leads directly to the river which flows beneath Duadon. From its condition and location you conclude that this chute has a single, sinister purpose: it is used by the gaolers of Skull-Tor for the swift disposal of prisoners who die in their charge.</p>
2027 <p>As you turn to leave this grim chamber, you notice a Mace and a Small Shovel standing propped against the wall, close to the door. If you wish to take either of these items, record them on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. Upon leaving, you close the door behind you before continuing along the corridor.</p>
2028 <choice idref="sect173"><link-text>Turn to 173</link-text>.</choice>
2032 <section class="numbered" id="sect72">
2033 <meta><title>72</title></meta>
2036 <p>You descend from the ridge and trek across a fallow field towards the derelict remains of Castle Demera, an ancient Eldenoran fortress that was besieged and destroyed by the Salonese in the year MS<ch.nbsp/>4417. Its curtain walls and central keep have long since disappeared, and what little remains of its outer walls is now barely recognizable beneath a blanket of thick moss which covers every surface.</p>
2037 <p>You enter the base of the outer walls and discover a flight of slime-smeared steps leading down into a stone chamber which offers some protection from the heavy rain. The mouldering walls of this chamber are buried beneath a profusion of plants and creepers. You take a closer look at the plants and, to your surprise, you discover a clump of laumspur hidden among the vegetation. (There is sufficient Laumspur here for 2 potions. Each Potion of Laumspur will restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to your total when swallowed after combat.) Heartened by this unexpected discovery, you settle yourself in the driest corner of the chamber and drift off to sleep.</p>
2038 <p>The trundling sound of heavy wagons awakens you shortly after dawn. The rain has ceased during the night and the ruins are now bathed in warm autumn sunlight that is filtering through gaps in the clouds. On reaching the surface, you look out across the surrounding fields and catch sight of a sunken road less than a mile away to the north. Columns of Eldenoran army wagons are moving along this highway in both directions. You magnify your vision and see that the wagons heading southeast, towards the River Storn, are heavily laden with supplies. The wagons that travel in the opposite direction, towards Duadon, are mostly empty.</p>
2040 <illustration class="inline">
2042 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2044 <instance class="html" src="small6.png" width="386" height="59" mime-type="image/png"/>
2045 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="59" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2046 <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="59"/>
2049 <choice idref="sect247">If you wish to go to the highway and attempt to hitch a ride to Duadon aboard one of the returning wagons, <link-text>turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
2050 <choice idref="sect196">If you choose instead to wait until the highway is empty and then follow it towards Duadon on foot, <link-text>turn to 196</link-text>.</choice>
2054 <section class="numbered" id="sect73">
2055 <meta><title>73</title></meta>
2058 <p>The armoured Vorka pour in from all sides and force you back to the wall of the pit. Unable now to escape them, you are forced to fight desperately for your life.</p>
2059 <combat><enemy>Armoured Vorka</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">46</enemy-attribute></combat>
2060 <p>If you wield the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Kaistar</quote>, you will benefit from the additional combat bonus applicable to its unique properties.</p>
2061 <choice idref="sect251">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 251</link-text>.</choice>
2065 <section class="numbered" id="sect74">
2066 <meta><title>74</title></meta>
2069 <p>Hastily you apologize to the sergeant and tell him that you are a balladeer, sent from Duadon by Lord Vandyan to entertain his troops garrisoned in Tekaro. On hearing this incredible tale, the sour-faced reeve and his men burst with laughter.</p>
2070 <p><quote>So you<ch.apos/>re a songbird, eh?</quote> he coughs, incredulously. <quote>Well, Master Songbird, why don<ch.apos/>t you trill us a song to lift our weary hearts!</quote></p>
2071 <p>Using your Grand Master skills, you give voice to a ballad extolling the virtues of the Eldenoran military police. The sergeant and his men are so mesmerized by your melodic voice that they relax and forget completely why it is they have stopped you. When your ballad is over, they cheer you and pat your horse<ch.apos/>s flanks affectionately.</p>
2072 <p><quote>You<ch.apos/>ve a fine voice, Master Songbird,</quote> says the sergeant, <quote>and a honeyed way with words. You<ch.apos/>ve cheered us, and that takes some doin<ch.apos/>, I can tell ye. We<ch.apos/>ll be looking forward to hearing you sing again before long. For now, you best be on your way.</quote> And with these words of praise the sergeant and his men step aside and allow you to ride on into the square.</p>
2073 <choice idref="sect121"><link-text>Turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
2077 <section class="numbered" id="sect75">
2078 <meta><title>75</title></meta>
2081 <p>With breathtaking speed, the shadowy form of Zorkaan comes speeding across the hall towards you. You raise your Kai Weapon and pray to Ishir for protection as this nightmarish entity swoops in for the kill.</p>
2082 <combat><enemy>Zorkaan the Soultaker</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">58</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">46</enemy-attribute></combat>
2083 <p>This creature is immune to your level of psychic attack. If your Kai Weapon is <quote>Alema</quote> or <quote>Kaistar</quote>, you may add the appropriate bonus gained through their unique properties. Unless you possess the Discipline of Kai-screen, you must reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 3 for the duration of this combat.</p>
2084 <choice idref="sect209">Conduct this combat in the normal way for three rounds only. If you survive these initial rounds, you may continue by <link-text>turning to 209</link-text>.</choice>
2088 <section class="numbered" id="sect76">
2089 <meta><title>76</title></meta>
2092 <p>Silently you intone the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and order the Guard Captain to set you free. You also command him mentally to forget that he has ever set eyes on you upon the instant that you leave his chamber. The captain obeys without question. He calls his guards and tells them to set you free in Duadon immediately. They are shocked and surprised to hear this, but they dare not contradict their superior officer.</p>
2093 <p>Reluctantly the guards march you away. They escort you along a corridor which leads to an empty room where a small door is set into a stone wall. It opens on to a quiet alleyway that is overshadowed by the city<ch.apos/>s south battlements.</p>
2094 <p><quote>Be off with you!</quote> growls the tall guard, as he pushes you roughly through the arched doorway. The door shuts behind you with a dull thud and you hear a key turning in the lock. Quickly you leave this door and walk briskly along the alleyway towards the gatehouse arch. From the shadows, you observe the large flagstoned square at the approach to the South Gate and note that the traffic of wagons has resumed. They trundle across the square and enter a wide avenue called Bannerway, which leads to Vandyan<ch.apos/>s stronghold of Skull-Tor at the centre of the city.</p>
2095 <p>You recall Gwynian<ch.apos/>s briefing that the agents you must contact can be found in Flank Street, in the city<ch.apos/>s Northern Quarter. You are presently in the Southern Quarter of Duadon and so you enter the square and follow the line of wagons heading towards Skull-Tor. You are hoping that this avenue will be the quickest way to reach the Northern Quarter, but unfortunately your plan comes to a premature end when you discover that Bannerway has been reserved for the use of supply wagons only. Armed guardsmen control access to the avenue and they turn you away as you attempt to enter on foot. Undeterred, you resolve to find another route across Duadon to the Northern Quarter. Looking around the soot-blackened buildings, you see two other roads which lead off from the South Gate square, to the east and west. The west road is called Knucklebone Lane and the east road is called Kettle Street.</p>
2097 <illustration class="inline">
2099 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2101 <instance class="html" src="small6.png" width="386" height="59" mime-type="image/png"/>
2102 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="59" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2103 <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="59"/>
2106 <choice idref="sect257">If you wish to enter Knucklebone Lane, <link-text>turn to 257</link-text>.</choice>
2107 <choice idref="sect301">If you choose to enter Kettle Street, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text>.</choice>
2111 <section class="numbered" id="sect77">
2112 <meta><title>77</title></meta>
2115 <p>You follow the alleyway to the rear of the saddle-maker<ch.apos/>s shop where six passages converge from different directions. Here you rely upon your Magnakai Pathsmanship skills to find the one that leads back to Flank Street. The cavalry troopers are dismounting, and you can also hear foot soldiers marching at the double along Cillan Square; they have been sent by Vandyan to assist in hunting you down. They rush into the alleyway in hot pursuit but they quickly lose your trail upon entering the maze of passages that lie beyond.</p>
2116 <p>You retrace your route through the passages and, as you turn the final corner, you are relieved to see that the alleyway behind Hulsta and Delissa<ch.apos/>s shop is empty of troops.</p>
2117 <choice idref="sect287"><link-text>Turn to 287</link-text>.</choice>
2121 <section class="numbered" id="sect78">
2122 <meta><title>78</title></meta>
2125 <p>None of the arrows find their mark, but a piece of rock smashes into the planking near your feet. It tears a hole in the bottom of the boat and a spout of water gushes into the air to rain down upon your head. The Eldenorans cheer as your boat begins to founder. As it disappears from view beneath the centre arch, you hear their echoing footfalls as they rush across to the opposite side of the bridge to wait for you to reappear. When you emerge they laugh and jeer. The water is rushing in so fast now that you decide you must abandon the boat. You turn the rudder towards the left bank and aim your sinking craft at a place where a copse of willow trees overhangs the river. As you pass beneath the branches, you clamber out and quickly take cover among the trees.</p>
2126 <p>The Eldenorans soon arrive to search the boat and the surrounding area. They fail to discover you and silently you observe them from the undergrowth as they drag your half-submerged craft out of the water and sift through its meagre contents. When they tire of this, they return to their duties at the bridge. Once the coast is clear, you leave the copse and hurry away. Only when you have put more than five miles between yourself and the Eldenorans do you dare stop to rest for a few hours in the bough of an oak tree.</p>
2127 <p>Before you sleep, unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2128 <choice idref="sect9">To continue, <link-text>turn to 9</link-text>.</choice>
2132 <section class="numbered" id="sect79">
2133 <meta><title>79</title></meta>
2136 <p>Delissa takes you down to the workshop below the parlour, and she invites you to take your choice of the following tools that are hanging from hooks on the wall:</p>
2141 <li>Axe (Weapon)</li>
2147 <p>All of the above, with the exception of the Axe, are Backpack Items. If you wish to take and keep any of them, adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
2148 <choice idref="sect19">When you have made your selection, you may return upstairs to the parlour with Delissa, by <link-text>turning to 19</link-text>.</choice>
2152 <section class="numbered" id="sect80">
2153 <meta><title>80</title></meta>
2156 <p>Your blow catches the enemy rider in the throat, at a weak point in his armour where the base of his helmet joins the top of his breastplate. Mortally wounded, he fights desperately to hang on to his reins as he falls from the saddle, but in so doing, he unbalances his warhorse and brings the creature crashing down on top of him. You press on through the resulting gap, and glance back to see Delissa following closely on your heels. She is an expert horsewoman and you are greatly impressed by her courage and skill. As you break free from the converging horsemen, you hear a crash of metal and the anguished cry of men and horses: the two units of Sinistrari have collided with calamitous effect. Most of the riders have been unseated, and several have perished beneath the crushing weight of their armoured horses. Only one rider appears to have survived the collision unscathed and he immediately gives chase. As you gallop towards the plateau, you glance back repeatedly at your solitary pursuer and you notice that he is stripping off pieces of his armour to lighten his horse<ch.apos/>s burden. In so doing he is able to keep pace with your lighter mounts.</p>
2157 <p>On reaching the plateau, you see a range of hills in the distance and Delissa points towards a pinnacle of rock that is shaped like a church spire.</p>
2158 <p><quote>Xaitar<ch.apos/>s Rock!</quote> she cries, identifying the place for your rendezvous with Guildmaster Banedon. You look back once more and this time you are shocked to see that the Sinistrari rider is fast closing the gap. You realize that he will reach you before you are able to arrive at Xaitar<ch.apos/>s Rock, and so you signal to Delissa to ride on ahead.</p>
2159 <p><quote>Go on!</quote> you shout. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll join you there!</quote> As she gallops past, you bring your horse around to face your pursuer, and you raise your Kai Weapon in readiness to attack. Then you urge your horse forwards and race headlong towards your enemy. As you close to within 20 yards, you see him whirling his spiked ball and chain around his head as he gets ready to strike you down.</p>
2161 <illustration class="float">
2163 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2164 <description>Whirling his spiked ball and chain around his head, the Sinistrari rider gets ready to strike you down.</description>
2166 <instance class="html" src="ill5.png" width="386" height="631" mime-type="image/png"/>
2167 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="631" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2168 <instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="631" />
2171 <combat><enemy>Sinistrari Captain (unarmoured)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
2172 <p>Fight this combat in the normal way, but for one round only.</p>
2173 <choice idref="sect64">If you inflict a higher or equal <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points loss upon your enemy in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 64</link-text>.</choice>
2174 <choice idref="sect111">If you suffer a higher <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points loss than your enemy in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 111</link-text>.</choice>
2178 <section class="numbered" id="sect81">
2179 <meta><title>81</title></meta>
2182 <p>You come to the end of Kettle Street and turn left into a thoroughfare known as Flank Avenue. A signpost bearing its name is topped by a copper badge shaped in the likeness of a galleon with billowing sails, indicating that you are now entering Duadon<ch.apos/>s East Quarter.</p>
2183 <p>You walk along Flank Avenue, past the establishments of moneylenders, wagoneers, and rope-makers, until you come to a flagstoned square before the city<ch.apos/>s East Gate. A column of scaly-skinned Vorka are marching across the square and out through the gate, accompanied by young fresh-faced Eldenoran officers on horseback. You stop to watch the Vorka and, when you look back along their ranks, you see a busy street which leads to the centre of the city. Lurking behind a hazy curtain of acrid grey smoke is the fortress of Skull-Tor, less than half a mile distant. It is from here that the Vorka are emerging. Like some foul discharge, they flow forth in green streams from the newly-constructed armouries that adjoin Vandyan<ch.apos/>s grim stronghold.</p>
2184 <p>You resolve to avoid Skull-Tor and continue along Flank Wall in the hope that it will lead directly to Flank Street. When a gap appears between the marching ranks, you hurry across the square and press on towards the north of the city. Soon you come to a watchtower in the northeast corner of Duadon. Your spirits rise when you see a signpost surmounted by a silver star, for it indicates that you are about to enter the Northern Quarter. But when you read the name engraved below the star you are disappointed to find that it says: North Watch Lane.</p>
2185 <p>Here on the corner of North Watch Lane there is a glassblower<ch.apos/>s workshop. Its doors are open and you can see several craftsmen at work. They are shaping and trimming ribbons of molten glass.</p>
2186 <choice idref="sect186">If you wish to enter the glassblower<ch.apos/>s shop and ask for directions to Flank Street, <link-text>turn to 186</link-text>.</choice>
2187 <choice idref="sect123">If you do not wish to enter the shop, you can explore North Watch Lane by <link-text>turning to 123</link-text>.</choice>
2191 <section class="numbered" id="sect82">
2192 <meta><title>82</title></meta>
2195 <p>Warily you ride through the north gate of Tekaro, taking care to avoid the watchful gaze of the grim-faced Eldenorans who are manning its fortified tower. Beyond the gate you enter a broad street lit by hanging lanterns. Drunken soldiers reel and sprawl along the alleyways that feed into this main avenue, and patrols of military reeves attempt in vain to maintain some semblance of order. Houses stand barred and barricaded, and the frightened eyes of native Tekaroans squint through their shuttered windows at the raucous enemy soldiers.</p>
2196 <p>The street curves in a gentle arc towards the east and ends at a flagstoned square which is dominated by a large bronze fountain. You are about to enter the square when suddenly a patrol of military reeves comes marching around a corner, forcing you to halt to avoid colliding with them. At first their sharp-eyed sergeant simply glowers at you, but then he proceeds to scrutinize your uniform and your horse. Gruffly he demands to know what you are doing in this part of the city. Your Kai Sixth Sense tells you that he has noticed that the regimental number on the sleeve of your tunic does not tally with any of the regiments billeted in Tekaro, and you suspect he is thinking that you are deserter.</p>
2197 <choice idref="sect199">If you possess Elementalism and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Defender, <link-text>turn to 199</link-text>.</choice>
2198 <choice idref="sect25">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 25</link-text>.</choice>
2202 <section class="numbered" id="sect83">
2203 <meta><title>83</title></meta>
2206 <p>Hulsta urges you to hurry as the trail of bubbles speeds closer and closer to your vulnerable legs.</p>
2207 <choice idref="sect219">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 219</link-text>.</choice>
2208 <choice idref="sect62">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 62</link-text>.</choice>
2212 <section class="numbered" id="sect84">
2213 <meta><title>84</title></meta>
2216 <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Net</spell> and point your right hand at the bottom of the steps. A gout of sticky fluid gushes from your palm and you direct this stream between the metal banister rails, sealing off the stairs with several layers of sticky fibrous strands.</p>
2217 <p>Your spell delays the Vorka, but it does not deter or prevent them from attacking you. Several hurl themselves face-down onto the gluey strands so that others can use their backs as springboards to vault over the net. The first three to do this successfully are armed with swords. As they come racing up the stairs, they rapidly blink their ghoulish eyes and clack their fanged jaws to unnerve you.</p>
2218 <combat><enemy>Frenzied Vorka</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">44</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">44</enemy-attribute></combat>
2219 <p>If you wield the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Kaistar</quote>, you will benefit from the additional combat bonus applicable to its unique properties.</p>
2220 <choice idref="sect52">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 52</link-text>.</choice>
2224 <section class="numbered" id="sect85">
2225 <meta><title>85</title></meta>
2228 <p>You retrace your steps back to the mine entrance and then hurry away along the base of the ravine. Dusk is fast becoming darkness and you have barely covered a mile when the ravine ends abruptly at the edge of a deep gorge. Less than a hundred yards away to the west you can see a rocky knoll with a slate base that juts out over the rim of this steep, wooded valley. To the east, the gorge cuts a deep furrow through the forest for several miles. There appears to be no easy way of avoiding the gorge, but you are far from keen to attempt any descent in the dark. Instead, you decide to find somewhere safe where you can set up camp and await the dawn.</p>
2229 <choice idref="sect51">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel or higher, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
2230 <choice idref="sect294">If you do not possess this Discipline, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 294</link-text>.</choice>
2234 <section class="numbered" id="sect86">
2235 <meta><title>86</title></meta>
2238 <p>You tell the Guard Captain that you were separated from your regiment during battle on the Slovarian Plain but, as you recount your fictitious story, you subtly change the tone of your voice until it becomes a soft, melodic undertone. Within minutes, the captain has become so entranced by the hypnotic sound of your voice that he becomes completely susceptible to your commands and suggestions. You tell him to let you go free and, once you have gone, to forget that he has ever set eyes on you. The captain obeys without question. He calls his guards and tells them to set you free in Duadon immediately. They are shocked to hear this, but they dare not contradict their superior officer.</p>
2239 <p>Reluctantly the guards march you away along a corridor which leads to an empty chamber, where a small door is set into the wall. It opens on to a quiet alleyway that is overshadowed by the city<ch.apos/>s south wall.</p>
2240 <p><quote>Be off with you!</quote> growls the tall guard, as he pushes you roughly through the arched doorway. The door shuts behind you with a dull thud and you hear a key turning in the lock. Quickly you leave this door and walk briskly along the alleyway towards the gatehouse arch. From the shadows, you observe the large flagstoned square at the approach to the South Gate and note that the traffic of wagons has resumed. They trundle across the square and enter a wide avenue called Bannerway, which leads to Vandyan<ch.apos/>s stronghold of Skull-Tor at the centre of the city.</p>
2241 <p>You recall Gwynian<ch.apos/>s briefing that the agents you must contact can be found in Flank Street, in the city<ch.apos/>s Northern Quarter. You are presently in the Southern Quarter of Duadon and so you enter the square and follow the line of wagons heading towards Skull-Tor. You are hoping that this avenue will be the quickest way to reach the Northern Quarter, but unfortunately your plan comes to a premature end when you discover that Bannerway has been reserved for the use of supply wagons only. Armed guardsmen control access to the avenue and they turn you away as you attempt to enter on foot. Undeterred, you resolve to find another route across Duadon to the Northern Quarter. Looking around the soot-blackened buildings, you see two other roads which lead off from the South Gate square, to the east and west. The west road is called Knucklebone Lane and the east road is called Kettle Street.</p>
2243 <illustration class="inline">
2245 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2247 <instance class="html" src="small6.png" width="386" height="59" mime-type="image/png"/>
2248 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="59" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2249 <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="59"/>
2252 <choice idref="sect257">If you wish to enter Knucklebone Lane, <link-text>turn to 257</link-text>.</choice>
2253 <choice idref="sect301">If you choose to enter Kettle Street, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text>.</choice>
2257 <section class="numbered" id="sect87">
2258 <meta><title>87</title></meta>
2261 <p>You retrieve the Potion of Gallowbrush from your pack and pour it carefully over the slices of cold meat. Then you cover the meat with vegetables and carry the tray to the guards on duty at the Rune Hall. They prop their halberds against the wall and raise the visors of their helmets as you approach.</p>
2262 <p><quote>Where<ch.apos/>s Gragov?</quote> asks a guard, as you set the tray of food down on a small table beside the door.</p>
2263 <p><quote>He<ch.apos/>s gone sick,</quote> you reply.</p>
2264 <p><quote>I hope it wasn<ch.apos/>t something he ate!</quote> jokes the other guard.</p>
2265 <p>You can hear the guards eating their food as you walk back along the corridor towards the iron stairs. When you reach the bottom step, you wait here to allow the potion to take effect. After a few minutes you hear a metallic crash, and when you peer over the top step you see that the potion has done its work. Both guards are now lying unconscious in front of the door.</p>
2266 <choice idref="sect120"><link-text>Turn to 120</link-text>.</choice>
2270 <section class="numbered" id="sect88">
2271 <meta><title>88</title></meta>
2274 <p>You emerge from beneath the bridge and your boat is carried swiftly away in the grip of the river<ch.apos/>s powerful current. Within the hour you arrive at a point where the river meanders into a hilly, timbered region. It is difficult to navigate this section of the river in the dark and so you decide to stop and rest until daybreak. You beach your boat on the left bank and settle down to sleep under the bough of an oak tree.</p>
2275 <p>Before you go to sleep, unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2276 <choice idref="sect138">To continue, <link-text>turn to 138</link-text>.</choice>
2280 <section class="numbered" id="sect89">
2281 <meta><title>89</title></meta>
2284 <p>It takes you less than ten seconds to open this simple lock. As you quietly tug open the door, your Kai senses detect the faint sound of snoring. You tell Hulsta and he says that it must be the owner, but your senses tell you otherwise. This sound is being made by a sleeping dog.</p>
2285 <p>Cautiously you enter the shop to find yourself in a kitchen. Curled up and asleep in a corner is a large hunting dog. You call upon your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control and command the animal to remain asleep before you beckon Hulsta to enter and close the rear door behind him.</p>
2286 <p>Once inside, your guide moves quickly to another door and pulls it open. Beyond it you see a flight of steps leading down to the cellar below. Before he descends the steps, Hulsta pauses to light his lantern and then he leads the way.</p>
2287 <choice idref="sect344"><link-text>Turn to 344</link-text>.</choice>
2291 <section class="numbered" id="sect90">
2292 <meta><title>90</title></meta>
2295 <p><quote>Very well,</quote> grunts the guard, <quote>you can pass.</quote></p>
2296 <p>Reluctantly, they uncross their spears and allow you to march out across the drawbridge, towards the open archway of the inner keep. As you reach the middle of the bridge, you look to your right and see plumes of black smoke rising up into the night sky. They originate from the chimneys of armouries located on the east side of Skull-Tor. Even at this late hour they are in full production, manufacturing an unending supply of weapons and armour for Vandyan<ch.apos/>s Vorka hordes.</p>
2297 <p>Upon entering the archway of the inner keep, you find yourself standing in a circular hall that is hung with tapestries and framed portraits. At a desk positioned in the middle of this hall sits an Eldenoran scribe who is busily writing in a ledger with a quill pen. He is so engrossed with his work that he does not acknowledge your presence in any way. Behind him you see a flight of stairs spiralling up to the floor above, and on either side of the entrance arch there are open portals which lead off to the left and right.</p>
2298 <choice idref="sect60">If you wish to approach the scribe and ask where you may find Captain Dvedka, <link-text>turn to 60</link-text>.</choice>
2299 <choice idref="sect236">If you choose not to approach the scribe, <link-text>turn to 236</link-text>.</choice>
2303 <section class="numbered" id="sect91">
2304 <meta><title>91</title></meta>
2307 <p>As the last of the Eldenorans falls victim to your deadly blows, the mongrel dog yelps with fright and bounds away along the tunnel. You wipe and sheathe your weapon and then enter the chamber to investigate the Eldenoran<ch.apos/>s hoard of loot.</p>
2308 <p>Among bulging bags of silver Slovian Lune, ornate candlesticks, polished silver plates, and gemstones, you uncover one item of greater value than all of the others put together. It is a golden chalice set with rubies and emeralds. You examine it closely and conclude that it was stolen from Tekaro Cathedral. (If you wish to take the Tekaro Chalice, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Backpack Item.)</p>
2309 <p>Having satisfied yourself that you have not overlooked anything else of special value, you leave the mine and continue your trek along the ravine. Night is fast approaching and you have barely covered a mile when the ravine comes to an abrupt end at the edge of a deep gorge. Less than a hundred yards away to the west you can see the outline of a rocky knoll with a slate base that juts out over the rim of this steep, wooded valley. To the east, the gorge cuts a deep furrow through the forest for many miles. There appears to be no easy way of avoiding the gorge, but you are unwilling to attempt a descent in the dark. Instead, you decide to find somewhere safe nearby where you can make camp and await the dawn.</p>
2310 <choice idref="sect51">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel or higher, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
2311 <choice idref="sect294">If you do not possess this Discipline, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 294</link-text>.</choice>
2315 <section class="numbered" id="sect92">
2316 <meta><title>92</title></meta>
2319 <p>Guided purely by instinct, you draw back your Kai Weapon and charge headlong at the retreating shadow. <quote>For Sommerlund and the Kai!</quote> you scream, as you cut and stab at the creature<ch.apos/>s vaporous form.</p>
2320 <combat><enemy>Zorkaan the Soultaker</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
2321 <p>This entity is temporarily vulnerable to all forms of psychic attack. If you possess the Discipline of Kai-screen, you may add 3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight. If you wield the Kai Weapon <quote>Alema</quote> or <quote>Kaistar</quote>, you will benefit from the additional combat bonus applicable to its unique properties.</p>
2322 <choice idref="sect240">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 240</link-text>.</choice>
2326 <section class="numbered" id="sect93">
2327 <meta><title>93</title></meta>
2330 <p>Through the gap in the velvet curtains you can see a large hall. It is ringed with marble pillars and its walls are draped with Eldenoran battle-flags. The centre of the hall is dominated by a large refectory table around which are huddled groups of Eldenoran officers. They are poring over charts and battle-maps which detail the positions of their Vorka hordes and the defensive lines of the Freeland armies.</p>
2331 <p>You await your chance and then you slip out from behind the curtain when nobody is looking in your direction. There are several messengers travelling between the groups of officers, delivering and collecting orders, and nobody seems to pay you special attention as you move discreetly from one group to another and eavesdrop on their briefings.</p>
2332 <p>You are listening to a conversation between two cavalry captains recently returned from the siege of Varetta, when suddenly there is a fanfare of trumpets. Immediately the officers and their aides cease all discussion and the hall comes stiffly to attention in anticipation of Lord Vandyan<ch.apos/>s arrival.</p>
2333 <choice idref="sect330"><link-text>Turn to 330</link-text>.</choice>
2337 <section class="numbered" id="sect94">
2338 <meta><title>94</title></meta>
2341 <p>You let out a scream and leap up from your hiding place, clutching your wounded arm to your chest: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. The farmer<ch.apos/>s son yelps with shock when he sees you and, in his fright, he thrusts his pitchfork at you again as you run past him towards the open loft door.</p>
2342 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery and Assimilance, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
2343 <choice idref="sect30">If your total score is now 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
2344 <choice idref="sect218">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
2348 <section class="numbered" id="sect95">
2349 <meta><title>95</title></meta>
2352 <p>Your quick thinking saves you from the enemy<ch.apos/>s arrows. Blinded by the sudden darkness, the Eldenorans are unable to hit their target and you pass under the stone bridge unscathed. When you emerge on the far side, your boat is carried swiftly away by the river<ch.apos/>s powerful current. The Eldenorans do not pursue you and within the hour you arrive at a point where the river meanders into a hilly, timbered region. It is difficult to navigate this section of the river in the dark and so you decide to stop and rest until daybreak. You beach your boat on the left bank and settle down to sleep under the bough of an oak tree.</p>
2353 <p>Before you go to sleep, unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2354 <choice idref="sect138">To continue, <link-text>turn to 138</link-text>.</choice>
2358 <section class="numbered" id="sect96">
2359 <meta><title>96</title></meta>
2362 <p>Drawing upon your Grand Master skill, you command the angry serpent to ignore you and your companion and swim off along the waterway. The creature withdraws its head and slowly it blinks its green eyes. It hesitates, and you sense that its rudimentary mind is confused by your command. Although it does not obey your mental suggestion, you detect that it has momentarily lost its desire to attack.</p>
2363 <p><quote>Quick, Hulsta, follow me,</quote> you whisper. <quote>Let us get away before it recovers its senses!</quote> You press your back against the rough wall of this underground conduit and edge your way around the menacing creature.</p>
2364 <choice idref="sect329"><link-text>Turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
2368 <section class="numbered" id="sect97">
2369 <meta><title>97</title></meta>
2372 <p>Delissa makes the final preparations before your departure from the cooperage. She dismisses the apprentices and closes the shop, and then she helps you to apply your disguise. When she is satisfied that you will pass for her cousin Jac, you leave the parlour and collect two saddled horses from a small stable at the rear of the workshop. You mount up and Delissa leads the way along an alley that gives access to Flank Street. At the end of the street you arrive at a plaza located before the city<ch.apos/>s North Gate. It is late afternoon, a time when this square is normally crowded with people, yet as you ride towards the north gatehouse you can count the number of citizens that you see on the fingers of one hand.</p>
2373 <p>On reaching the gate you are challenged by the spear-wielding guardsmen and told to dismount. Delissa protests, and she demands to see the Sergeant of the Guard. The sergeant arrives and greets Delissa with a wide smile. They are old friends. The sergeant listens sympathetically to her story that you are her cousin and together you are bound for Luyen to nurse her sick sister. When she has finished her tale, the sergeant nods his approval to a face that is peering out from a window of the gatehouse. Moments later you hear the rattle of heavy chains and the grinding noise of moving gears.</p>
2374 <p>As you are waiting for the heavy gate to rise, the sergeant turns to you and asks: <quote>Are you from Luyen?</quote> You nod your reply. <quote>Ah, <ch.apos/>tis a fine place. I have a cousin there, myself. He<ch.apos/>s an armourer by the name of Daliem. He has a shop in the centre of the city, at the Square of the Dragons. Perhaps you know him?</quote></p>
2375 <choice idref="sect2">If you possess Telegnosis, <link-text>turn to 2</link-text>.</choice>
2376 <choice idref="sect246">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 246</link-text>.</choice>
2380 <section class="numbered" id="sect98">
2381 <meta><title>98</title></meta>
2384 <p>Upon reaching the top of the steps, you see another torchlit corridor stretching away towards a flight of stone stairs. The corridor appears to be empty and unguarded, but you can hear several noises that tell you that this level of Skull-Tor is occupied. Among the noises you detect are the anguished screams of men, the rattling of chains, the <onomatopoeia>clang</onomatopoeia> of iron striking iron, and a curious bubbling sound.</p>
2385 <p>Cautiously you advance along the corridor until you come to an iron door recessed into a section of the left wall. A similar door stands opposite; it is set into the right wall and is flanked by guttering torches.</p>
2386 <choice idref="sect128">If you wish to examine the left door, <link-text>turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
2387 <choice idref="sect323">If you wish to examine the right door, <link-text>turn to 323</link-text>.</choice>
2388 <choice idref="sect173">If you choose to ignore these doors, you may continue along the corridor by <link-text>turning to 173</link-text>.</choice>
2392 <section class="numbered" id="sect99">
2393 <meta><title>99</title></meta>
2396 <p>As your horse tramples the angry reeves, desperately they thrust at you with their spears and wound you deeply in the legs and side: lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2397 <p>Tenaciously you fight to remain in the saddle despite the agony of your injuries, and your horse carries you away from the yelling reeves and back to the main street. You draw upon your healing skills to mend your wounds as you escape along the street and ride across the square that lies at its end. There are several exits from this square, but you choose the least-busy one to make your escape. This tree-lined avenue bears west towards Tekaro Cathedral. The Eldenorans have turned the city<ch.apos/>s magnificent building into a dormitory for their troops and, as you pass by its grand doors, you glimpse hundreds of soldiers sleeping on the floor of its central nave. Guards posted on the steps regard your bloodstained clothing with suspicion as your horse plods its way forward. Gently you urge him to increase his pace for fear that they may stop and challenge you.</p>
2398 <p>At the end of a street flanked by warehouses and guildhalls, you come to the city<ch.apos/>s south gatehouse. A guard casts a cursory glance at you and, upon seeing that you are a scout, he pulls a chain which operates the heavy oak portal. As the gate creaks open you ride through it and out onto the highway beyond. This broad road runs parallel to the shimmering waters of the River Storn and you follow it for a few miles before turning your horse away towards the river. As you approach the rushing waters, you happen upon a derelict hut in the middle of a copse of apple trees picked bare by the invading army. The hut is empty but there is some straw on the ground that will feed your horse, and so you decide to rest here for the few hours that remain before dawn.</p>
2399 <p>Unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2400 <choice idref="sect272">To continue, <link-text>turn to 272</link-text>.</choice>
2404 <section class="numbered" id="sect100">
2405 <meta><title>100</title></meta>
2408 <p>You pull yourself onto the platform and run at Vandyan with your weapon held poised to strike. Wild-eyed with manic excitement, he stares intently at the crystal saucer and seems not to notice that you are about to cut him down. But as you make your attack, he snatches up an iron staff that protrudes from a hole in the platform, and expertly he fends off your blow. The blade of your weapon trails a line of sparks as it scrapes along the length of his staff and clatters against the rail which encircles the platform. He stabs at you with its clawed tip and you dodge this vicious blow, but then you strike again and send the staff spinning from his hands. He emits a strangled cry of fear and frustration and backs away to the edge of the platform. Glancing to the crystal saucer, and then to the glinting weapon that you hold in your hands, suddenly his nerve breaks. He kicks a lever at the edge of the platform and a trapdoor springs open to reveal a dangling rope. Cursing you and vowing eternal revenge, he scrambles through the trapdoor and slides rapidly down the rope to the hall below. As he runs towards the door your first instinct is to pursue him, to prevent him from getting away. But your Kai senses warn you that the storm is peaking. Unless you smash the last remaining rune, the Vaag will materialize and Vandyan will have won.</p>
2409 <p>You draw back your weapon and take aim at the rune which lies in its crystal saucer, surrounded by a glowing halo of dark energies. Crackling arcs of power leap across the storm-swept aperture, and in the hollow of the whirling clouds above, you glimpse a legion of bat-winged horrors spiralling down towards the hall. It is the Vaag: they have been summoned.</p>
2410 <choice idref="sect44"><link-text>Turn to 44</link-text>.</choice>
2414 <section class="numbered" id="sect101">
2415 <meta><title>101</title></meta>
2418 <p>Your Magnakai skill has silenced the dog, but it is still very angry and it is simply awaiting its chance to attack. As soon as the door opens more than a few inches, it leaps at the narrow gap and slams it back, catching you full in the chest. The shock of the impact knocks you backwards to the ground.</p>
2419 <combat><enemy>Guard Dog</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">25</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">18</enemy-attribute></combat>
2420 <p>Due to the suddenness of its attack, do not deduct any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points from your enemy during the first two rounds of this combat. Also, you must fight this combat unarmed.</p>
2421 <choice idref="sect241">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 241</link-text>.</choice>
2425 <section class="numbered" id="sect102">
2426 <meta><title>102</title></meta>
2429 <p>Having finished your briefing, Gwynian and Lone Wolf show you to a room at the rear of the tavern where some items of clothing have been laid out for your inspection. Lone Wolf tells you to take off your helmet and Kai battle-armour and exchange them for the plain green tunic, breeches, and cloak of a Kai journeyman that lie draped across a table.</p>
2430 <p><quote>These clothes will serve you well,</quote> he says, as he buckles the clasp of your cloak. <quote>They are far less likely to attract unwelcome attentions during your journey to Duadon.</quote></p>
2431 <p>Having exchanged your clothes, you are provided with a meal and told to stay here in this room until midnight<ch.emdash/>the time when your mission is set to begin. Lone Wolf and Gwynian bid you good luck and leave the room to allow you to rest. You manage to get a few hours<ch.apos/> uneasy sleep before Gwynian returns shortly before midnight. The sage escorts you from the tavern and leads you down to the waterfront, to a wharf where a battered little sailboat lies tethered alongside a river barge. At first glance this sailboat looks completely unseaworthy, but upon closer inspection you see that it has been carefully camouflaged with broken timbers and ripped canvas to give the impression that it is a wreck. Stowed on board are a pair of oars and enough food and water for the voyage downstream to Tekaro. You board the boat and Gwynian casts off the mooring rope, bidding you good luck and godspeed as gently the current carries you away.</p>
2433 <illustration class="inline">
2435 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2437 <instance class="html" src="small5.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2438 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small5.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2439 <instance class="pdf" src="small5.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2442 <p>The waters of the Quarl are fast-flowing and you have no need of sail nor oar to propel you. By means of the rudder, you are able to steer the boat and let the current carry you swiftly downstream towards your destination. When dawn breaks you are able to take stock of your surroundings. You are making good progress and you calculate that it should take you no more than three days to reach Tekaro. The first day passes uneventfully and you are able to relax and enjoy the views of the fertile countryside that fringes the Quarl. But as darkness begins to fall at the end of the second day, you catch sight of something in the distance that sets your pulse racing. As you round a bend, you see a stone bridge spanning the river little more than a mile downstream. A line of burning torches is fixed along its parapeted walls, and armed guards are positioned on either side of its span. A look at your <a idref="map">map</a> tells you that this bridge carries the road that connects the towns of Woeld and Tido, and when you magnify your vision, you see that the guards are enemy soldiers. They wear studded leather jerkins and have the circle-and-star emblem of Eldenora engraved upon their conical steel helmets. To your dismay, an eagle-eyed lookout posted at the centre of the bridge sees your boat approaching. He alerts his fellow guards and quickly they line up along the parapet of the bridge and unshoulder their bows. One of their number blows a shrill whistle which attracts the attention of a second group who are moving through the trees which border the right bank. Your stomach churns when you catch your first sight of these troops for they are not human<ch.emdash/>they are Vorka. These lizard-like creatures move with a sinister grace which betrays their ancient origins. A cold fire glows in the depths of their sharp, blinking eyes, and their scaly bodies are bedecked with fragments of armour, mostly rotting leather and chainmail looted from the bodies of their slain foes.</p>
2444 <illustration class="inline">
2446 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2448 <instance class="html" src="small12.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2449 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2450 <instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2453 <p>As your boat drifts inexorably towards the bridge, you see the Eldenorans are getting ready to fire their first volley. The tips of some of their arrows are wound round with strips of oily cloth and they have been set alight. Hurriedly you look for some means of avoiding these archers and their Vorka cohorts, but only the river<ch.apos/>s wooded left bank seems devoid of the enemy.</p>
2454 <choice idref="sect149">If you wish to steer your boat towards the left bank and take cover there among the trees, <link-text>turn to 149</link-text>.</choice>
2455 <choice idref="sect313">If you choose to defy the Eldenoran archers, you can let your boat continue downstream towards the bridge by <link-text>turning to 313</link-text>.</choice>
2459 <section class="numbered" id="sect103">
2460 <meta><title>103</title></meta>
2463 <p>Swift use of your Kai skills saves you from sustaining a serious injury as you somersault and slide to the bottom of this rock-filled gully.</p>
2464 <choice idref="sect239">To continue, <link-text>turn to 239</link-text>.</choice>
2468 <section class="numbered" id="sect104">
2469 <meta><title>104</title></meta>
2472 <p>As you are filing out with the others through the south doors, you are challenged by an Eldenoran cavalry captain who grabs your shoulder and spins you around to face him.</p>
2473 <p><quote>By whose authority are you here, trooper?</quote> he demands. You show him your wristband, but this does little to allay his suspicions. Suddenly he grabs the hilt of your Kai Weapon and he tugs it from its scabbard. <quote>This is not an Eldenoran sabre,</quote> he says, inspecting the blade. <quote>Why is it in your possession? Did you loot it?</quote> Other commanders, drawn by the accusing tone of his voice, begin to take an unwelcome interest in you and quickly you find yourself surrounded on all sides by stern-faced officers. One of them steps forward and he points at your weapon. <quote>By Naar!</quote> he exclaims. <quote>That<ch.apos/>s a Kai blade!</quote></p>
2474 <p>Suddenly you are grabbed from behind and dragged to the ground. You struggle to break free, but you are quickly overwhelmed by the weight of numbers ranged against you. Guards are summoned and you are held securely until they arrive.</p>
2475 <choice idref="sect229"><link-text>Turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
2479 <section class="numbered" id="sect105">
2480 <meta><title>105</title></meta>
2483 <p>You leap to the ground and roll over as soon as your feet strike the path, to lessen the shock of impact.</p>
2484 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
2485 <choice idref="sect53">If your total score is now 4 or lower, <link-text>turn to 53</link-text>.</choice>
2486 <choice idref="sect112">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 112</link-text>.</choice>
2490 <section class="numbered" id="sect106">
2491 <meta><title>106</title></meta>
2494 <p>Anxious that the hunting dog may detect your hiding place, your draw upon your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control and use it to block the creature<ch.apos/>s sense of smell. The dog becomes confused and he refuses to move from the parlour door, despite his handler<ch.apos/>s rough attempts to drag him into the premises. Cursing the dog<ch.apos/>s stubbornness, the handler drops his leash and the two Eldenorans set about searching the parlour unassisted.</p>
2495 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
2496 <choice idref="sect42">If the number you have picked is 2 or lower, <link-text>turn to 42</link-text>.</choice>
2497 <choice idref="sect273">If it is 3 or higher, <link-text>turn to 273</link-text>.</choice>
2501 <section class="numbered" id="sect107">
2502 <meta><title>107</title></meta>
2505 <p>The sergeant narrows his eyes and his knuckles whiten as he tightens his grip on his spear. You sense that he does not believe your story and he is suspicious of your true purpose here.</p>
2506 <p><quote>There<ch.apos/>re no reinforcements due for two days,</quote> he growls. <quote>You<ch.apos/>d better show me your orders, trooper, or I<ch.apos/>ll take you for a deserter.</quote></p>
2507 <p>The sergeant glances over his shoulder to his two companions seated at the fire. They have been listening to your conversation and immediately they get to their feet and come running towards you with their spears at the ready. Calmly you reach into the pocket of your tunic, as if you are obeying the sergeant<ch.apos/>s request, but then you kick your horse<ch.apos/>s flanks and flick his reins. As he surges away, the sergeant and his men lunge at you with their steel-tipped spears.</p>
2508 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
2509 <choice idref="sect333">If your total score is now 4 or lower, <link-text>turn to 333</link-text>.</choice>
2510 <choice idref="sect220">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
2514 <section class="numbered" id="sect108">
2515 <meta><title>108</title></meta>
2518 <p>You recite the words of the spell and launch a bolt of energy that strikes the rune with devastating effect. There is a loud <onomatopoeia>Crack!</onomatopoeia> and a splash of fiery green sparks erupts as the evil stone is sundered in two. Seconds later, the bell-chamber is swallowed up by sheets of orange flame and instinctively you cover your head with your left arm as shards of broken stone cascade around you, like a rain of deadly daggers. When this deluge ceases, you look with fearful expectation upon the devastated remains of the bell-chamber.</p>
2519 <p>Pools of fire burn among the shards that litter the floor of the pit, and the Vorka that were spawned in its core now lie twisted and lifeless among the flaming ruins. The sight of this burning devastation is shocking to behold, yet you feel elated when you sense that the breaking of the rune has, at a single stroke, destroyed every Vorka that has ever emerged from the spawning chamber.</p>
2520 <p>The noise of the destruction and the hellish dying shrieks of the Vorka horde alert Vandyan to your presence in the hall below. You look up and see his face twisted with hate and rage. He raises a glowing silver disc, clasped tightly in the palm of his right hand, and he spits out a vile curse that chills your blood.</p>
2521 <choice idref="sect175"><link-text>Turn to 175</link-text>.</choice>
2525 <section class="numbered" id="sect109">
2526 <meta><title>109</title></meta>
2529 <p>You discover that the door to the vault is unlocked, and so you pull it open and enter a dark corridor which ends at a stone staircase. Torchlight pours down the steps from the level above and, as you move closer, you hear the echoing sound of footsteps. Carefully you ascend the stairs until you are able to peer over the top step. Ahead you can see another corridor, but this one is illuminated by a line of burning torches set into brackets on either side of a dozen prison cell doors. At the far end there is another flight of ascending steps, and at its base there stands an Eldenoran gaoler armed with a sword. You watch this gaoler and consider the best way you can lure him away from the stairs, for he is blocking your only known route to the surface.</p>
2530 <choice idref="sect54">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 54</link-text>.</choice>
2531 <choice idref="sect165">If you possess Bardsmanship and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 165</link-text>.</choice>
2532 <choice idref="sect285">If you possess neither of these skills, or if you choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text>.</choice>
2536 <section class="numbered" id="sect110">
2537 <meta><title>110</title></meta>
2540 <p>Rouf is hugged by his uncle and aunt who are overcome with emotion to see their favourite nephew once more. They thank you both for freeing them and they curse the Eldenorans who invaded their home. When Rouf tells his kin that you are a Kai Lord on a secret mission, their eyes widen with awe. Prizo warns you that there are many Eldenorans in this area and that it is no longer a safe place. He invites you both to stay here this night but he says you must remain watchful. Reluctantly Prizo and his wife have decided to leave their home. They plan to cross the Quarl and seek shelter in Salony. Many Slovian refugees, including other members of Rouf<ch.apos/>s family, have found sanctuary there in the Great Forest.</p>
2541 <p>You and Rouf take turns to keep watch during the night, and shortly before dawn you awaken his uncle and aunt. Fie prepares a delicious breakfast and while you are eating they discuss their plans. Rouf has decided to join his aunt and uncle and go with them to Salony. You tell them that you must continue with your mission and try to cross the River Storn near Tekaro. Prizo repeats Rouf<ch.apos/>s warning that the city is occupied by the Eldenorans, but he also has some information that could be useful. He says that the Eldenorans have set up a military ferry on the Storn, five miles south of the confluence where the two rivers, the Quarl and the Storn, meet. In your disguise as an Eldenoran scout, you may find it the easiest way to cross the river.</p>
2542 <p>After breakfast, you thank Rouf and his kin for their help and you wish them luck on their journey to Salony. In return they thank you for freeing them and Fie offers you some food for the road ahead (enough for 2 Meals). Then they bid you farewell and wave goodbye from the doorway as you leave the cabin and go to retrieve your horse.</p>
2543 <choice idref="sect290"><link-text>Turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
2547 <section class="numbered" id="sect111">
2548 <meta><title>111</title></meta>
2551 <p>Your enemy<ch.apos/>s weapon clips your head and a flash of white light engulfs your vision. Then, in the next instant, you feel yourself tumbling backwards into a yawning dark abyss.</p>
2552 <p>The blow from your enemy<ch.apos/>s spiked ball and chain renders you unconscious and sends you spinning out of the saddle. You are spared the pain of impact when you crash head-first to the highway, but sadly you never regain consciousness. The Sinistrari captain brings his horse about and ruthlessly he tramples your helpless body beneath his hooves. Death is painless and instantaneous.</p>
2553 <p>You may take some comfort from the fact that you fulfilled your vital mission. By destroying the Runes of Agarash you have saved Magnamund from the tyrannical rule of Vandyan and his monstrous horde. It is a great victory, but one that you have paid for with your life.</p>
2555 <illustration class="inline">
2557 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2559 <instance class="html" src="small8.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2560 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small8.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2561 <instance class="pdf" src="small8.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2567 <section class="numbered" id="sect112">
2568 <meta><title>112</title></meta>
2571 <p>Your skilful landing technique saves you from sustaining injuries to your legs or spine. Also, you are able to use the momentum of your roll to get back on your feet. As you regain your balance, you take off at a run towards the farm<ch.apos/>s main gate.</p>
2572 <choice idref="sect164"><link-text>Turn to 164</link-text>.</choice>
2576 <section class="numbered" id="sect113">
2577 <meta><title>113</title></meta>
2580 <p>Before you recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> you look around the hall and consider which of the three runes is to be your first target. The suspended platform on which Vandyan is standing obscures the rune in the domed roof of the hall; therefore you must choose one of the remaining two.</p>
2581 <choice idref="sect215">If you wish to launch your spell at the rune which is fixed into the top of the crystal bell-chamber, <link-text>turn to 215</link-text>.</choice>
2582 <choice idref="sect108">If you decide to target the rune that is embedded into the bell-chamber from where the Vorka horde is emerging, <link-text>turn to 108</link-text>.</choice>
2586 <section class="numbered" id="sect114">
2587 <meta><title>114</title></meta>
2590 <p>A strong wind arises and the ominous sound of thunder rolls across the forest, causing the ground to tremble beneath your feet. You look to the darkening sky and see distant flashes of lightning illuminating a bank of thick cloud that is sweeping in from the west. A violent storm is approaching and droplets of rain are already beginning to spatter your head and shoulders.</p>
2591 <p>You hurry along the ravine in search of shelter from the coming storm. Lightning is striking closer, forking down into the forest with spectacular effect. You have barely covered a mile of the shallow ravine when it ends abruptly at the edge of a deep gorge. Less than a hundred yards away to the west, you can see a rocky knoll with a slate base that juts out over the rim of this steep valley. To the east, the gorge cuts a deep furrow through the timberland for several miles. There is no easy way to avoid the gorge, but equally you have no wish to descend it during a storm. The rain is getting heavier and the lightning strikes are increasing, and so you decide to seek safe shelter at the rocky knoll.</p>
2592 <choice idref="sect266"><link-text>Turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
2596 <section class="numbered" id="sect115">
2597 <meta><title>115</title></meta>
2600 <p>You follow Hulsta to the rear of his shop and out through an open door that gives access to a walled yard. At the end of this yard stands a large, timber-framed, two-storey building. The lower floor is a workshop and the upper level is where Hulsta and his wife live. You climb a flight of iron steps to the door of their living quarters, and Delissa greets her husband with a broad smile the moment he appears. Her smile quickly fades, however, when she sees you following behind.</p>
2601 <p><quote>Why<ch.apos/>d you bring him up to the parlour? Can<ch.apos/>t y<ch.apos/>keep shop business downstairs where it belongs?</quote> complains Delissa.</p>
2602 <p><quote>Now, don<ch.apos/>t go taking offence, my dear,</quote> replies Hulsta, soothingly. <quote>He<ch.apos/>s not what he seems. He<ch.apos/>s the one we<ch.apos/>ve been waiting for. He<ch.apos/>s Gwynian<ch.apos/>s man<ch.emdash/>a Kai<ch.emdash/>all the way from Sommerlund.</quote></p>
2603 <p><quote>My lord, please forgive me,</quote> says Delissa. <quote>Pay no heed to what I said. I<ch.apos/>m greatly honoured to meet you.</quote></p>
2605 <illustration class="float">
2607 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2608 <description>Hulsta and Delissa are honoured to meet you.</description>
2610 <instance class="html" src="ill6.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
2611 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2612 <instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
2615 <p><quote>And so too am I,</quote> echoes Hulsta, enthusiastically, <quote>for you have arrived not a moment too soon.</quote> He asks why it is that you are dressed as an Eldenoran scout, and you take time to recount the events of your difficult journey to Duadon. When you have finished your account, Hulsta informs you of recent developments.</p>
2616 <p><quote>The numbers of Vorka leaving Skull-Tor have greatly increased during the last seven days. Vandyan<ch.apos/>s power grows stronger by the hour,</quote> he warns. <quote>My lord, you must enter Skull-Tor and destroy the runes tonight<ch.ellips/>else Varetta is doomed. The time is ripe for action. Vandyan and the Runes of Agarash are all together in one place. They are vulnerable now. We cannot be sure of a chance like this again.</quote></p>
2617 <p><quote>Very well, I shall do what must be done. But how can I gain entry to Skull-Tor?</quote> you ask. <quote>I have seen Vandyan<ch.apos/>s stronghold and it is truly formidable.</quote></p>
2618 <p><quote>Have no fear, my lord,</quote> replies Hulsta with confidence. <quote>There is a secret way by which you can enter Skull-Tor unseen. It is an ancient way. Let me show you.</quote></p>
2619 <choice idref="sect338"><link-text>Turn to 338</link-text>.</choice>
2623 <section class="numbered" id="sect116">
2624 <meta><title>116</title></meta>
2627 <p>You tug your Kai Weapon from its scabbard and the approaching guardsmen skid to a halt when they see you crouching in readiness to meet their advance. The bridge guards press themselves to the parapet, beyond the reach of your weapon, and the one who rang the bell screams at you: <quote>Are you mad? Put down your weapon and surrender, or you<ch.apos/>ll regret it when we tell Guard Captain Maukar that you resisted arrest.</quote></p>
2628 <choice idref="sect229">If you wish to do as the bridge guard says, you can sheathe your Kai Weapon and surrender by <link-text>turning to 229</link-text>.</choice>
2629 <choice idref="sect134">Or you can attempt to evade the guards by dashing across the drawbridge towards the archway of the inner keep. <link-text>Turn to 134</link-text>.</choice>
2633 <section class="numbered" id="sect117">
2634 <meta><title>117</title></meta>
2637 <p>As you gather speed and draw closer to the bridge, the Eldenorans fire their arrows and hurl chunks of rock.</p>
2638 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
2639 <choice idref="sect235">If the number you have picked is 4 or lower, <link-text>turn to 235</link-text>.</choice>
2640 <choice idref="sect78">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 78</link-text>.</choice>
2644 <section class="numbered" id="sect118">
2645 <meta><title>118</title></meta>
2648 <p>You are within 15 feet of the archway when an arrow gouges your thigh and brings you crashing down upon the bodies of the lifeless Vorka: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2649 <p>You use your Kai healing skills to staunch the flow of blood from your wounded leg, and then you crawl the few remaining yards to the cover of the archway. Once you are hidden from Vandyan<ch.apos/>s men, you scramble to your feet and press on.</p>
2650 <choice idref="sect223"><link-text>Turn to 223</link-text>.</choice>
2654 <section class="numbered" id="sect119">
2655 <meta><title>119</title></meta>
2658 <p>You reach the end of Knucklebone Lane and turn right into a street called Flank Wall. The signpost bearing its name is topped by a brass badge shaped in the likeness of a setting sun, indicating that you are now entering Duadon<ch.apos/>s West Quarter.</p>
2659 <p>You walk along Flank Wall, past the workshops of hatters, lamp-makers, and potters, until you come to a flagstoned square in the shadow of the city<ch.apos/>s West Gate. An unending stream of wagons, each piled high with timber and
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