$Id$
$Log$
+Revision 1.3 2005/02/13 21:37:40 angantyr
+Included large illustrations.
+
Revision 1.2 2005/02/05 21:10:33 angantyr
Updated with the first batch of fixed errata, and started replacing Chris's
illustrations with Paul Bonner's originals.
&inclusion.paul.bonner.bio.gs;
</creator>
<publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
- <date class="publication"><year>2005</year><month>02</month><day>05</day></date>
+ <date class="publication"><year>2005</year><month>02</month><day>06</day></date>
<description class="blurb">
<p>You are the Wizard Grey Star. You now face the tumultuous climax to your epic struggle to overthrow the evil Wytch-king Shasarak. His cruel empire is torn by war as the Freedom Fighters rebel against his corrupt dominion. Can you reach them in time to free mankind? Can you overcome the Wytch-king's ferocious soldiers and the supernatural hordes that are his to command? Your only hope lies in your Wizard's Staff. Guard it well&emdash;for it contains the might of the mystic Moonstone, the very essence of your Magical Powers.</p>
<p><!--ERRTAG-RE-2248--><cite>The World of Lone Wolf</cite><!--/ERRTAG-RE-2248--> is an exciting adventure series in which you are the hero, you make the decisions, and you fight the combats using the unique systems included in the book.</p>
<dd>Jonathan Blake<br />Thomas Wolmer</dd>
<dt>Action Charts</dt>
<dd>JC Alvarez<br />Jonathan Blake</dd>
-<!--
-<br />Christopher Lundgren (magical powers illustrations)
--->
<dt>Proofreading</dt>
<dd>Jeff Dougan (front matter)<br />David Harvey (Sections 1&endash;360)</dd>
<dt>Editing</dt>
- <dd>Ingo Klöcker<br />Simon Osbourne</dd>
+ <dd>Ingo Klöcker<br />Simon Osborne</dd>
<!-- <dt>PDF Layout</dt>
<dd>Jonathan Blake<br />Ingo Klöcker</dd>-->
<dt>Coordination</dt>
<dd>Jonathan Blake<br />Thomas Wolmer</dd>
<dt>Special Thanks</dt>
- <dd>The guy who pointed us at Paul Bonner's website</dd>
+ <dd>[The guys who pointed us at Paul Bonner's address/website]</dd>
</dl>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>At last you hold the fabled Moonstone in your hand. It pulses and glows with a strange milky light. Tanith's eyes shine wildly, and your heart pounds with <!--ERRTAG-RE-56361-->excitement. The<!--/ERRTAG-RE-56361--> Moonstone; ancient vessel of all Shianti wisdom. What secrets, what powers, does this magical artefact hold in its glowing heart? The stone exudes a comforting warmth as it nestles in the palm of your hand and you feel a presence in your mind. You hear a familiar voice and your heart lifts to ever greater heights, for it is Acarya, High Wizard of the Shianti, speaking to you.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>At last you hold the fabled Moonstone in your hand.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="641"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="641"/>
+ </illustration>
<p><quote>Hail Wizard, son of man. You have succeeded. We, the Shianti, rejoice and praise you. That which you hold in your hand contains the power that will enable you to defeat the evil Wytch-king, Shasarak.</quote></p>
<p>A crowd of excited voices fills your mind as each of the Shianti sends words of congratulations and admiration. The last of these voices is Maiteya, your old friend, the Shianti master who taught you all you know. <quote>And so, <quote>little one</quote>,</quote> he says, affectionately <quote>now you possess the Moonstone, Shasarak's bane. While you hold it, we, the Shianti, are able to speak with you but this communication cannot be maintained much longer. Because you have the Moonstone, we have sufficient power to return you to the world, but there is much you should know before we do so. Listen well, Grey Star, for I know not when we will speak again.</quote></p>
<p><quote>Though it seems to you but a short time since you arrived at the Daziarn, seven years have passed here in the material world. During your search for the Shadow Gate, you visited the city of Karnali. Your arrival there inspired a revolution, led by Sado of the Long Knife and his Army of the Freedom Guild. After your departure, the Freedom Guild withstood a great siege by Shadakine warriors, who eventually withdrew defeated, much to Shasarak's displeasure. Word spread of this victory and the strength of the Army of the Freedom Guild grew. Strategically, Karnali was too isolated to make a great impact against the Shadakine Empire, but, due to the surrounding Gurlu Marshes, it remained self sufficient. Soon, many were travelling to Karnali to escape the tyranny of Shasarak's rule. Pockets of resistance broke out in the townships of Wenat, Zhanis, Sena and the city of Forlu, and the Freedom Guild soon dominated the hills and the plains of the south. They raided Shadakine supply trains and succeeded in depriving the empire of much of its wealth, cutting off all land routes to the Port of Suhn, the wealthiest and most important trade centre of the empire. An army is now formed in Karnali and, in three days, it will march against the Shadakine Empire, hoping to take Port Suhn in the first of many conquests. But, unknown to Sado and the Army of the Freedom Guild, a vast Shadakine force has been mustered in the Sadi desert. Soon, it will march against them. The Army of the Freedom Guild number ten thousand to the Shadakine's thirty thousand. The Freedom Guild cannot hope to succeed against such overwhelming odds. You must save them. Take then to the Forest of Fernmost. It is most important that you go there. There is little time and much to do Grey Star &ellips;</quote></p>
<data>
<p>Bathed in the radiant aura of the Moonstone's protection, you continue the journey east. You top a rise and look down its gentle slope. Ahead, you can see a sparkling river. With a cry of joy, you and Tanith run towards it. At the water's edge you both drop to your knees to drink. Scooping up great mouthfuls of the cool water, you quench your raging thirst. You are on the banks of the Dolani river. Tanith tells you that its source is to the north east, in the Kashima Mountains. Its southerly course leads to lake Dolani, which she guesses to be at least thirty miles away. The river is too wide and deep to be crossed here, although it is likely to be narrower and shallower further upstream. At this point the light of the Moonstone, which you laid on the ground beside you before beginning to drink, starts to flicker as the power of your incantation fades. Suddenly Tanith cries out.</p>
<p><quote>Grey Star!</quote> she screams. <quote>We are attacked!</quote></p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>Four fearsome creatures mount the rise.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="593"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="593"/>
+ </illustration>
<p>You snatch up the Moonstone and spin round. Four fearsome creatures have mounted the rise behind you. As you watch, they rush towards you, coming to a cowering halt within twenty paces of you both. Afraid of the fading aura of the Moonstone as the light decreases, each takes another shambling step towards you. They are ghastly, malformed creatures, each with a different misshapen form. These are demons summoned long ago by the Wytch-king Shasarak to conquer the people who once inhabited the Lissan Plain. Having fulfilled their purpose, they were left to roam the plain by Shasarak. The leading demon&emdash;the largest&emdash;takes another step forward, its glistening green skin and toad-like features reflected in the dull light of the setting sun.</p>
<choice idref="sect35">If you wish to continue the necromantic incantation of protection that has almost faded from the Moonstone, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect65">If you prefer to launch long-range attack at the leading demon with your Wizard's Staff, <link-text>turn to 65</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Suddenly you are in a wide, round hall, full of shadows. At one end of the hall is a flaming wall, and kneeling before the wall is the hunched figure of Shasarak, Wytch-king of Shadaki. His back is turned to you but he spins round the instant you arrive. He is a hideous sight. His flesh is black as if burnt by recent fires and his fingers are like claws. Half his face is missing, and in its place there is a metal plate, which is the only thing that gives shape to a livid mass of shrunken flesh and tissue. One eye is shrivelled, sightless and shrunken, the other burns into you with hatred so intense that it almost forces you back a step.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>Shasarak's stare burns into you with intense hatred.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="663"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="663"/>
+ </illustration>
<p>The room fills with the sound of savage laughter, but it is not Shasarak who laughs. A familiar, slithering, deathly voice emanates from the wall of fire, and within the fire you see two slanted eyes: pools of absolute darkness. It is the Demon Lord, Agarash!</p>
<p><quote>See, Shasarak. He has come, as I told you he would. He has come to slay you. Won't you accept my bargain?</quote></p>
<p><quote>NEVER!</quote> Shasarak hisses, his voice like the rush of broken stone scattering on the floor. <quote>He does not have the power to master me&ellips; as you have not, Demon.</quote></p>
<data>
<p>With a dry swallow, you urge the white stallion down the slope and into the valley. You can feel its mighty heart thumping against its ribs, matching the speed of your own. With the Moonstone held high above your head you move through the ranks of the Demon host. Gibbering with fear, they shield their eyes from its pure, white light and back away, stumbling over one another. The sea of deformity parts like a tall swathe of grass to let you pass. Resolutely you stare ahead ignoring the hideous mass of malignancy that surrounds you; nothing must distract your gaze as you focus on the flaming archway that draws nearer with each tentative step of the stallion's hooves. Now, the moment of no return, of death or triumph, has come. You release your necromantic aura of protection and begin anew, focusing your mind on the Moonstone and on the closing of the portal. The demon horde wavers, but only for a moment: they are still spellbound by your presence and intimidated by the Moonstone.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>You look upon a valley of fear crawling with the demon host.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="639"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="639"/>
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect112"><link-text>Turn to 112</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Taking the Moonstone in both hands, you gaze into it and concentrate with all your power. The stone is transformed into a whirlpool of spinning colours. Then, abruptly, it clears and you are looking upon Lake Dolani. Nearby lies the Masbaté, still bound and suffering. You struggle to extend the range of the image in the <!--ERRTAG-RE-133240-->stone, and<!--/ERRTAG-RE-133240--> eventually your efforts are rewarded. A swarm of creatures comes into view. Moving along the base of a line of mountains is a monstrous horde of deformity: the demon plague. Each of the creatures has a different but equally misshapen form: <!--ERRTAG-RE-133533-->weird<!--/ERRTAG-RE-133533--> <!--ERRTAG-RE-133591-->toad beasts<!--/ERRTAG-RE-133591-->, their green hides glistening, crawl and flop along the ground; stumbling apes with stunted limbs shamble beside creeping reptiles with human heads. You are sure the demon plague is very near and you sweep the land once more, tracing the line of a river that fills a lake similar to Lake Dolani: this must be Lake Iss. Another group comes into view. It is a band of Masbaté warriors, moving swiftly along the line of the river and most certainly headed towards their fellow warrior and the trap laid by the demon horde. Your concentration begins to ebb. You can no longer maintain control of the Moonstone and you allow the image to fade. The use of <!--ERRTAG-RE-134307-->this Power<!--/ERRTAG-RE-134307--> has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>Taking the Moonstone in both hands you concentrate on it with all your power.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="640"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="640"/>
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect97">If you wish to go to the aid of the captured Masbaté, <link-text>turn to 97</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect116">If you prefer to leave the man to suffer and hide behind the ridge that overlooks the lake, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect89">If you wish to head in the direction of Lake Iss and attempt to warn the Masbaté warriors of the trap that awaits them, <link-text>turn to 89</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>They are moving faster now. Some gurgle obscenely, others growl and roar with crazed expressions. It is a grisly host of horrors: twisted faces with bulging eyes; beasts with long, fleshy tentacles or waving insect feelers. A parasitic insect with a hard, chitinous shell hangs on to the back of a tusked reptilian with tiny suckers, draining the reptile of nourishment but providing it with the armoured protection of its own body. All these and hundreds more seek you out, their courage growing by the moment.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>Some gurgle obscenely&emdash;others growl and roar with crazed expressions.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="664"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="664"/>
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect233">If you wish to ride to the other end of the valley, using the high ridge above the slopes, and attempt to close the portal without combating the demons, <link-text>turn to 233</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect218">If you wish to charge the demon horde, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect204">If you wish to attack the demon horde with a long-range burst from your Staff, <link-text>turn to 204</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Without warning you charge while Shasarak crouches in a hunched combat stance.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>Shasarak crouches in a hunched combat stance.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="624"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="624"/>
+ </illustration>
<p><quote>It is better this way,</quote> Shasarak snarls, twisting his Staff in his hand.</p>
<combat><enemy>Wytch-king Shasarak</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">30</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect180">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 180</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Springing to your feet, you hurl a cascading rain of magical fire on to the head of the demonic horde below. Many fall dead and the evil mass is thrown into an uproar of startled shrieks and wails. This magical attack has cost you 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. The scuffles of webbed and clawed feet tell you that a <!--ERRTAG-RE-196102-->group of demons is<!--/ERRTAG-RE-196102--> rushing for the stairs that lead up to the galleries. The only way to the hall is by those stairs and you can leave the tomb only by the entrance to the hall.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>You hurl a cascading rain of magical fire on to the head of the demonic horde below.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill8.gif" width="386" height="611"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill8.pdf" width="386" height="611"/>
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect236"><link-text>Turn to 236</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You thunder across the plain at great speed, stopping only to check that the demons are still in pursuit. After an hour of this relentless pace, you estimate that you are <!--ERRTAG-RE-203271-->halfway<!--/ERRTAG-RE-203271--> to the pass: only forty miles until you reach the cover of the forest. Looking up, you see a <!--ERRTAG-RE-203423-->small black<!--/ERRTAG-RE-203423--> speck, high in the air. As it grows closer, you see that it is a large, winged serpent with broad, feathered wings. It has sharp talons and small, clutching forelimbs.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>It is a large, winged serpent with broad feathered wings.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill9.gif" width="386" height="629"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill9.pdf" width="386" height="629"/>
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect66">If you wish to attack the Flying Snake at long range with your Wizard's Staff, <link-text>turn to 66</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect59">If you wish to wait to see what the beast does, <link-text>turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Unsuspecting, the warrior rides towards you. He wears a plumed helmet of black metal and you know that underneath the helm his head is shaven, except for a long, plaited pig-tail. Like all Shadakine, his most notable feature is his eyes, which are completely white, without iris or pupil. He is clad in the furs and steel of the Shadakine and carries a spear. A crossbow is slung over his back.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>Unsuspecting the Shadakine warrior rides towards you.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill10.gif" width="386" height="683"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill10.pdf" width="386" height="683"/>
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect37">If you still have your Simar stallion, <link-text>turn to 37</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect45">If it has been killed, <link-text>turn to 45</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>A faint splash startles you into awareness. In the darkness you can make out the dim outline of a boat heading towards you. <quote>Hail the shore,</quote> a voice whispers out of the darkness.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description><quote>Hail the Shore!</quote> a voice whispers out of the darkness.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill11.gif" width="386" height="641"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill11.pdf" width="386" height="641"/>
+ </illustration>
<p>You stand, Staff held aloft, ready for combat. <quote>Who calls?</quote> you call into the darkness. There is no answer but soon you are able to discern a tall figure, standing upright in a large, wooden rowing boat. He draws closer and, to your amazement, you find yourself looking upon a giant of a man, perhaps seven or more feet tall with long, flowing hair and skin as black as ebony. You realize that this man is a Masbaté warrior, member of the tribe believed by all to be extinct.</p>
<p><quote>I witnessed your struggle with the demons from the shore</quote>, he says. <quote>Come, more are sure to return soon, and in greater numbers. You must come with me. You are not safe on this side of the river.</quote></p>
<p>You and Tanith clamber aboard the boat and, with strong strokes, the warrior rows you to the other side of the river. There, a great <!--ERRTAG-RE-254918-->host of Masbaté warriors waits<!--/ERRTAG-RE-254918-->. You can hardly believe your good fortune at this timely rescue or that members of the great Masbaté people still exist. You have only ever known one Masbaté: Samu, a noble and fearless warrior, who accompanied you on your search for the Moonstone. Once he was king of the Masbaté nomads but he thought himself the only survivor of his people. Everyone believed that the Wytch-king, Shasarak, hounded them into extinction, sealing their doom with the unleashing of the demon plague.</p>
<data>
<p>You run through the shadowy darkness and emerge at the forest's edge, where Shadakine and Freedom Guild swordsmen are locked in bloody combat. The Shadakine have the advantage of greater numbers and are forcing the Guildsmen into the forest in a stumbling, disorderly line. They cannot hold for long. You suddenly realize that the strange, pupiless eyes of the Shadakine allow them to see in the dark. No wonder they have attacked in the middle of the night. Their advantage is considerable. A tall officer stands behind the Shadakine warriors, urging them on. Your sudden appearance at the edge of the forest has startled him but he quickly recovers. He bares his teeth and snarls before attacking.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>The Shadakine and Freedom Guild swordsmen are locked in bloody combat.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill12.gif" width="386" height="585"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill12.pdf" width="386" height="585"/>
+ </illustration>
<combat><enemy>Shadakine Officer</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">24</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect290">If you wish to evade, you may do so now by darting back into the undergrowth; <link-text>turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect301">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The moon bursts through a space in the clouds and you see Sado, a bloody sword in one hand, standing upon the brow of a low hill. He and a small number of his personal guard are beset on all sides by Shadakine warriors. You sprint over to him. Looking to the east, you see a sight that makes you <!--ERRTAG-RE-294426-->gasp. Beyond<!--/ERRTAG-RE-294426--> the edge of the forest is the Shadakine Army. It is larger than you ever imagined, row upon row of bristling spears and swords wink beneath the night sky. Among the ranks you sight the glow of a Kazim Stone; a Shadakine Wytch must accompany the army.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>Sado stands upon the brow of a low hill, a bloody sword in his hand.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill13.gif" width="386" height="521"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill13.pdf" width="386" height="521"/>
+ </illustration>
<p>You enter the battle that rages at Sado's feet in an effort to free him so that he can command the rest of the army. More and more men appear out of the darkness, summoned by his rallying call. A Shadakine spearman springs out of the shadows and runs towards you.</p>
<choice idref="sect324">If you have 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points and wish to fire at the spearman at long range, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect330">If you wish to stand and face the warrior's charge, <link-text>turn to 330</link-text>.</choice>
<p><quote>We are the Kazim; the Stone peoples. Old as the earth. We have waited.</quote></p>
<p><quote>For what?</quote></p>
<p><quote>For the bearer of the Masterstone to set us free from this hill that we might claim back what was once ours. We seek our hearts that the Dark One stole from us long ago.</quote></p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description><quote>We are the Kazim. The Stone peoples. Old as the earth. We have waited.</quote></description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill14.gif" width="386" height="640"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill14.pdf" width="386" height="640"/>
+ </illustration>
<p>A glimmer of realization dawns in your mind. <quote>Who?</quote> you ask, urgently. <quote>Who stole your hearts?</quote></p>
<p><quote>He who calls himself Shasarak, sundered and shameful brother of the Shianti.</quote></p>
<p>The Kazim Stones of the Shadakine Wytches must be the hearts of these poor, forlorn creatures. Trapped and heartless upon this hill they have waited for you to free them. <quote>But how?</quote> you ask the Kazim.</p>
<data>
<p>The dark, fearsome shape stands before you, towering at least ten feet high. It has the head of a large bull and wisps of smoke curl from its flaming nostrils. Its eyes burn with a terrible intensity that fills your heart with dread as it lifts its horned head and roars. It stretches its broad bat wings, throwing a cloak of shadow over you. The demons that fill the hall are but minions of this fierce master. Before you are able to summon magical forces to combat this awesome foe, the Demon Master lunges forward on its cloven feet. Its grasping, clawed hands reach out, hungry to squeeze the life from your body. You may not evade this combat.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>The Demon Master lunges forward on its cloven feet.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill15.gif" width="386" height="611"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill15.pdf" width="386" height="611"/>
+ </illustration>
<combat><enemy>Demon Master</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">30</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect188">If you defeat the Demon Master in three rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 188</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect276">If the combat lasts for four rounds, and you are still alive, <link-text>turn to 276</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You close your eyes, sinking into the trance state required for the summoning of the elementals. Chanting in their secret tongue, you send the essence of your need into the elemental plane, reaching out for the brute strength of an earth elemental. A long pause ensues after completion of the chant: Earth spirits are notorious for their slow wits. Then there is a faint tremor in the ground beneath your feet. With an explosion of rocks and soil, a huge figure rears up before you. Its body is shaped like that of a muscular human, but it is angular, sharp and hard like rock. It is a Stoneghast. A thing of granite rather than flesh, it clambers out of the chasm it has made to reach you and stands above you, a towering fifteen feet in height. Taking great pains to make your command as simple as possible, you point at the stone door of the ziggurat. <quote>Smash!</quote> you shout clearly.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>With an explosion of rocks and soil, a huge figure rears up before you.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill16.gif" width="386" height="602"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill16.pdf" width="386" height="602"/>
+ </illustration>
<p>Wordlessly, the Stoneghast turns and walks towards the door with large, thunderous strides. In accord with the simplicity of its nature, the elemental walks straight into the door, shattering it as if it were glass. The task completed, it dives headlong back into the chasm. The earth moves to cover the Stoneghast's passing and, with a ripple, settles back into place. The use of <!--ERRTAG-RE-342660-->this Power<!--/ERRTAG-RE-342660--> has cost you 1 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> point.</p>
<choice idref="sect156"><link-text>Turn to 156</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You look upon Shasarak's broken features for the last time. The wall of fire is a portal to Agarash's realm. His bargain is to take Agarash's place, to be named ever after as Shasarak the Damned, and to set the demon free. The Wytch-king prefers eternal torment to the peace of death at your hands. Shasarak disappears through the wall and you hurl the shining luminescence of the Moonstone at the portal. A huge shoulder and a splayed, clawed foot emerge as you assault the wall.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>Shasarak steps through the flaming portal to a realm of eternal torment.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill17.gif" width="386" height="598"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill17.pdf" width="386" height="598"/>
+ </illustration>
<p><quote>No, you cannot . .</quote> the demon lord splutters in fury.</p>
<p>You battle with the power of the demon as it struggles to escape, and throw the last of your <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> at the flames. You must close the portal! Flames rage around the hall, struggling against the purity of the Moonstone's light. A great, yawning blackness threatens to engulf you as a hurricane of might whirls from the Moonstone and assaults the portal. You drop to your knees. You look up once more into the raging war of incandescence before slipping into unconscious oblivion.</p>
<choice idref="sect360"><link-text>Turn to 360</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You speak your mind to Sado and for once he does not argue. You mount and you and Samu ride either side of the grim-faced leader of the Freedom Guild. Sado gives the command and the entire army surges forward in pursuit of the ghostly figure of the Kazim as it heads purposefully into the night.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>The Freedom Guild surges forward, the ghostly figure of Kazim leading the way.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill18.gif" width="386" height="638"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill18.pdf" width="386" height="638"/>
+ </illustration>
<p>The battle that follows is long and terrible. The Freedom Guild almost fail but with Sado's iron leadership and your brave resolve they endure, although the number of casualties is high. The Kazim reclaims its heart of stone, slaying Mother Chowloon, the Shadakine Wytch who bore it. As she dies, much of the fighting fury and ferocity that filled the Shadakine, fades. The Army of the Freedom Guild senses the Shadakine's loss of morale and press home their advantage. Soon, they have beaten the much larger force into a full-scale retreat. The entire <!--ERRTAG-RE-380951-->Shadakine Army<!--/ERRTAG-RE-380951--> heads north. Sado leads his army in pursuit, turning the retreat into a rout. It is vital that the Shadakine Army does not reach Shadaki, for there they would find new leadership under Shasarak's hand. They are still a large army and with Shasarak to lead them they could turn the tables once again.</p>
<p>The Army of the Freedom Guild pursues the fleeing Shadakine Army across much of the Shadakine Empire. The Shadakine find no place to hide, for all the cities of the Empire are in open revolt. Each Kazim has reclaimed its heart and slain the Shadakine Wytch that ruled each city. During the four days of the pursuit you are not required to exert any energy or use any of your Magical Powers and you regain 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points and 9 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points. Constantly harrying the ever-dwindling Shadakine force, the Army of the Freedom Guild crosses the great Kalamar River and approaches the Mountains of Lara.</p>
<p>The Mountains of Lara contain the infamous Morn Pass. It was through this pass that the Shadakine first invaded the provinces of the south. It is the last barrier between you and the fortress city of Shadaki. With growing dread you realize that the time of your final battle with Shasarak is fast approaching. With his armies scattered or destroyed, it only remains for you to challenge him yourself and ensure that the land remains free. Your trepidation is coupled with suspicion. Shasarak has many powers at his disposal. Why then has he not used them to challenge Sado's tiny army, much reduced in numbers? Perhaps there is some other reason why he does not bring his full might to bear?</p>
<data>
<p>You come to the Morn Pass and cautiously enter the long, barren trail that runs between the mountains. Your senses scream a warning at you; every nerve is taut. Looking down, you see that the Moonstone has turned black and you sense a terrible evil, sorcerous in nature. The hairs on the back of your neck rise and your blood runs like ice in your veins. Ignorant of the torment you suffer, Sado looks over to you, a broad smile splitting his face. His eyes shine with the joy of his victory over the Shadakine. If only he knew what it is you must yet face. You hope his confidence in you is not misplaced.</p>
<p>A faint tremor shakes the ground. Horses rear and whinny their distress as the land cracks and splits. All eyes look in horror at the shapes now heaving out of the ground, twisting blindly with skeletal claws outstretched. Humans, horses, all manner of beasts, crawl out into the light from their graves beneath the pass. Shasarak, the master Necromancer, has summoned the legions of the dead that lie beneath this old battlefield. Hundreds of gnarled shapes rise up, blocking each end of the pass. The army is trapped and you with it. A skeleton shape stands before you, its frozen smile leering savagely. It has a rusty sword in its hand and leans forward to strike.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>The twisted shapes of the undead heave up from the cracked earth.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill19.gif" width="386" height="637"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill19.pdf" width="386" height="637"/>
+ </illustration>
<combat><enemy>Skeleton Warrior</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">25</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect12">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 12</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Your horse quickly covers the miles of your long, desperate ride. The demon host has not caught you, although it is not far away. Looking to the east you see great clouds of dust hanging in the air. These are the tell-tale signs of an army on the move. It must be the rear of the Shadakine column approaching the bridge at Lanzi. You double your speed. Now you can hear the cries of battle and the ringing of steel. You gallop around the edge of the town of Lanzi on its western side and emerge close to the River Dosar. Reining in the horse for a moment, you stop and look along the line of the river. A mile away you can see the bridge. The Masbaté still hold it but they fight a desperate battle against a huge force of Shadakine warriors.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Paul Bonner</creator>
+ <description>The Masbaté fight a desperate battle against a huge force of Shadakine.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill20.gif" width="386" height="616"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill20.pdf" width="386" height="616"/>
+ </illustration>
<p>With a wild yell, you head towards the battle, the demon pack baying at your heels. You reach the Shadakine force that fights at the bridge and, rushing up to an officer, you indicate the demon horde behind you. He curses and orders some of his men to turn and face this new threat. He orders you to the rear of the army group. <quote>Alert Warward Gatakhan,</quote> he shouts after you. <quote>He must bring forward more men.</quote></p>
<p>You nod your head, although, of course, you have no intention of obeying the order. Your sole objective is to cross the river and tell the Masbaté that they may join the Army of the Freedom Guild in the south.</p>
<choice idref="sect195">If you are versed in the <!--ERRTAG-RE-409496-->Higher Magick<!--/ERRTAG-RE-409496--> of Thaumaturgy, and wish to use it to teleport across the river and have 2 <typ class="attribute">WILLPOWER</typ> points, <link-text>turn to 195</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<ul class="unbulleted">
+ <li>Illustration I (<a idref="sect1">Section 1</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration II (<a idref="sect23">Section 23</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration III (<a idref="sect39">Section 39</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration IV (<a idref="sect61">Section 61</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration V (<a idref="sect67">Section 67</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration VI (<a idref="sect121">Section 121</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration VII (<a idref="sect131">Section 131</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration VIII (<a idref="sect137">Section 137</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration IX (<a idref="sect147">Section 147</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration X (<a idref="sect186">Section 186</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XI (<a idref="sect201">Section 201</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XII (<a idref="sect216">Section 216</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XIII (<a idref="sect242">Section 242</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XIV (<a idref="sect254">Section 254</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XV (<a idref="sect270">Section 270</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XVI (<a idref="sect289">Section 289</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XVII (<a idref="sect316">Section 316</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XVIII (<a idref="sect328">Section 328</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XIX (<a idref="sect342">Section 342</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XX (<a idref="sect352">Section 352</a>)</li>
<li><a idref="map">The Shadakine Empire</a></li>
<li><a idref="action">Action Chart</a></li>
</ul>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / commitdiff