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15 <title>The Plague Lords of Ruel</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>You are the warrior Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>Kai Grand Master of Sommerlund. You have defeated the Darklords of Helgedad and avenged your murdered ancestors, but now you are challenged by a sinister evil which threatens to destroy all life on your home world of Magnamund.</p>
31 <p>In <strong><cite>The Plague Lords of Ruel</cite></strong>, your mission is to prevent the malevolent Cener Druids of Ruel from releasing a deadly plague virus that will destroy all but their own kind. Of all the warriors of Magnamund only you can thwart their wicked plans<ch.emdash/>for only you possess the disciplines of a Kai Grand Master.</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/> 1990 Joe Dever.</line>
38 <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1990 Brian Williams.</line>
40 <rights class="license-notification">
42 <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1990 Joe Dever.</line>
43 <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1990 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>
50 <meta><title>Table of Contents</title></meta>
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" />
71 <p class="dedication">To Mel</p>
76 <section class="frontmatter" id="acknwldg">
78 <title>Acknowledgements</title>
79 <link class="prev" idref="dedicate" />
80 <link class="next" idref="tssf" />
85 &inclusion.joe.dever.endowment;
87 <section class="frontmatter" id="credits">
88 <meta><title>Credits</title></meta>
92 <dt>Transcription</dt>
93 <dd>Matthew Reynolds</dd>
94 <dt>Illustration Transcription</dt>
95 <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
98 <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
99 <line>Jeff Dougan</line>
100 <line>Simon Osborne</line>
102 <dt>Action Charts</dt>
104 <line>JC Alvarez</line>
105 <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
107 <dt>Proofreading</dt>
109 <line>Daniel Nash (Sections 71<ch.endash/>105)</line>
110 <line>Simon Osborne (Frontmatter and Sections 1<ch.endash/>70, 106<ch.endash/>140, and 176<ch.endash/>350)</line>
111 <line>Tony Wrigley (Sections 141<ch.endash/>175)</line>
115 <line>Jeff Dougan</line>
116 <line>Christopher Lundgren</line>
117 <line>Ingo Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
118 <line>LeRoy McSwain</line>
119 <line>Simon Osborne</line>
120 <line>Thomas Wolmer</line>
122 <!-- <dt>PDF Layout</dt>
124 <dt>Coordination</dt>
125 <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
126 <dt>Special Thanks</dt>
127 <dd>Boris Basic, Dan Carter, David Davis, Benjamin Krefetz, David Kubecka, Ben Libert, Neil McGrory, Chris Neilson, Stelio Passaris, Timothy Pederick, Martin Ryland, Peter Smyth, Jason Thomas, Christopher Turner, Jaime Wawra, Arthur Yin</dd>
135 <section class="frontmatter" id="tssf">
137 <title>The Story So Far<ch.ellips/></title>
138 <link class="prev" idref="acknwldg" />
139 <link class="next" idref="gamerulz" />
144 <p>You are Grand Master Lone Wolf, last of the Kai Lords of Sommerlund and sole survivor of a massacre that wiped out the First Order of your <ch.eacute/>lite warrior caste.</p>
145 <p>It is the year MS<ch.nbsp/>5075 and twenty-five years have passed since your brave kinsmen perished at the hands of the Darklords of Helgedad. These champions of evil, who were sent forth by Naar, the King of the Darkness, to destroy the fertile world of Magnamund, have themselves since been destroyed. You vowed to avenge the murder of the Kai and you kept your pledge, for it was you who brought about their downfall when alone you infiltrated their foul domain<ch.emdash/>the Darklands<ch.emdash/>and caused the destruction of their leader, Archlord Gnaag, and the core of their cancerous power that was the infernal city of Helgedad.</p>
146 <p>In the wake of their destruction, chaos befell the Darkland armies who, until then, had been poised to conquer all of Northern Magnamund. Some factions which were part of this huge army, most notably the barbaric Drakkarim, began to fight with the others for control. This disorder quickly escalated into an all-out civil war, which allowed the Freeland armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a counter-offensive. Skilfully their commanders exploited the chaos and secured a swift and total victory over an enemy far superior in numbers.</p>
147 <p>For five years now peace has reigned in Sommerlund. Under your direction, the once-ruined Monastery of the Kai has been thoroughly rebuilt and restored to its former glory, and you have begun the task of training a Second Order of Kai warriors so that the skills and proud traditions of your ancestors will be carried forward in the centuries to come. The new generation of Kai recruits, all of whom were born during the era of war against the Darklords, possess latent Kai skills and show exceptional promise. These skills will be nurtured and honed to perfection during their time at the monastery so that they may teach and inspire future generations, thereby ensuring the continued security of your homeland in future years.</p>
148 <p>Your attainment of the rank of Kai Grand Master brought with it great rewards. Some, such as the restoration of the Kai and the undying gratitude of your fellow Sommlending, could have been anticipated. Yet there have also been rewards which you could not possibly have foreseen. The discovery that within you lay the potential to develop Kai Disciplines beyond those of the Magnakai, which, until now, were thought to be the ultimate that a Kai Master could aspire to, was truly a revelation. Your discovery has inspired you to set out upon a new and previously unknown path in search of the wisdom and power that no Kai Lord before you has ever possessed. In the name of your creator, the God Kai, and for the greater glory of Sommerlund and the Goddess Ishir, you have vowed to reach the very pinnacle of Kai perfection<ch.emdash/>to attain all of the Grand Master Disciplines and become the first Kai Supreme Master.</p>
149 <p>With diligence and determination you set about the restoration of the Kai Monastery and organized the training of the Second Order recruits. Your efforts were soon rewarded and, within the space of two short years, the first raw recruits had graduated to become a cadre of gifted Kai Masters who, in turn, were able to commence the teaching of their skills to subsequent intakes of Kai novices. Readily the Kai Masters rose to their newfound responsibilities, leaving you free to devote more of your time to the pursuit and perfection of the Grand Master Disciplines. During this period you also received expert tutelage in the ways of magic from two of your most trusted friends and advisors: Guildmaster Banedon, leader of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star, and Lord Rimoah, speaker for the High Council of the Elder Magi.</p>
150 <p>In the deepest subterranean level of the monastery, one hundred feet below the Tower of the Sun, you ordered the excavation and construction of a special vault. In this magnificent chamber wrought of granite and gold, you placed the seven Lorestones of Nyxator, the gems of Kai power that you had recovered during your quest for the Magnakai. It was here, bathed in the golden light of those radiant gems, that you spent countless hours in pursuit of perfection. Sometimes alone, sometimes in the company of your two able advisors<ch.emdash/>Banedon and Rimoah<ch.emdash/>you worked hard to develop your innate Grand Master Disciplines and grasp the fundamental secrets of Left-handed and Old Kingdom magic. During this time you noticed many remarkable changes taking place within your body: you became physically and mentally stronger, your five primary senses sharpened beyond all that you had experienced before, and, perhaps most remarkably, your body began to age at a much slower rate. Now, for every five years that elapse you age but one year.</p>
151 <p>At this time many changes were also occurring beyond the borders of Sommerlund. In the regions to the northeast of Magador and the Maakengorge, the Elder Magi of Dessi and the Herbwardens of Bautar were working together in an effort to restore the dusty volcanic wasteland to its former fertile state. It was the first tentative step towards the reclamation of all the Darklands. However, although they had had notable successes in these regions, generally their progress was painfully slow and both parties were resigned to the fact that their efforts to undo the damage caused by the Darklords would take not years but centuries to complete.</p>
152 <p>In the far west, the Drakkarim had retreated to their homelands and were engaged in a bloody war against the Lencians. Much of Nyras had been reclaimed by the armies of King Sarnac, the Lencian commander, and his flag now flew over a land which, two thousand years ago, had once been part of Lencia.</p>
153 <p>Following the destruction of the Darklords of Helgedad, the Giaks, the most prolific in number of all of Gnaag<ch.apos/>s troops, fled into the Darklands and sought refuge in the gigantic city-fortresses of Nadgazad, Aarnak, Gournen, and Kaag. Within each of these hellish strongholds there exists now a state of frenzied civil war as remnants of the Xaghash (lesser Darklords) and the Nadziranim (evil practitioners of Right-handed magic who once aided individual Darklord masters) fight for control. By virtue of their geographic locations, and the struggles taking place within them, each of these city-fortresses is isolated from the next and poses no immediate threat to the peoples of the Free Kingdoms. It is widely believed that by the time the Elder Magi and the Herbalish reach the walls of these strongholds the occupants will have long since brought about their own extinction.</p>
154 <p>Elsewhere, throughout Northern Magnamund, peace reigns victorious and the peoples of the Free Kingdoms rejoice in the knowledge that the age of the Darklords has finally come to an end. Readily men have exchanged their swords for hoes and their shields for ploughs, and now the only marching they do is along the ruts of their freshly furrowed fields. Few are the watchful eyes that scan the distant horizon in fear of what may appear, although there are still those who maintain their vigilance, for the agents of Naar come in many guises and there are those upon Magnamund who wait quietly in the shadows for the chance to do his evil bidding.</p>
156 <illustration class="inline">
158 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
160 <instance class="html" src="small12.png" width="386" height="195" mime-type="image/png"/>
161 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="195" mime-type="image/gif"/>
162 <instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="195" />
165 <p>Often, over the past two years, Lord Rimoah has warned you to be wary of one such group. They are known as the Cener Druids and they occupy a small forested realm to the south of the Stornlands called Ruel, which they have made virtually impregnable to invasion through the use of evil herbcraft. Once, long ago, after the defeat of Naar<ch.apos/>s greatest champion<ch.emdash/>Agarash the Damned<ch.emdash/>they were used by Naar as agents of revenge. Then they formulated and released a plague that decimated the Elder Magi and left the way open for their conquest of Magnamund. Now the Elder Magi fear that, as before, Naar will use them again to enact revenge for the defeat of his champions. They fear that they will seek to destroy the Second Order of the Kai before it becomes too strong, for your quest for mastery of the Grand Master Disciplines has opened a door to such goodly power that even Naar himself may be unable to counter it. Unless he closes that door, others of your kind could soon be following in your footsteps.</p>
166 <p>Already the Elder Magi have petitioned the courts of all the Freeland rulers, beseeching them to act immediately and destroy the Cenerese before it is too late. Many of the kingdoms they have visited unwittingly harboured secret sects of Cener Druids who practised their vile herbcraft, often in remote areas. Sommerlund was one such land. Only a year ago, a sect of Cenerese was found in the foothills of the Durncrags engaging in blood rituals at a site less than a day<ch.apos/>s ride from the Kai Monastery. News of this prompted action which brought about a scourge of the Lastlands and forced many Cenerese sects to flee to the safety of Ruel. The regular armies of three nations<ch.emdash/>Palmyrion, Lourden, and Slovia<ch.emdash/>are now encamped around its border in an attempt to contain the Cener threat. They remain watchful, but that is all they can hope to do. The Cenerese are too powerful within their own domain for the Freeland armies to dare launch an invasion. One such attempt has already ended in disaster. Six months ago an allied force numbering seven thousand men entered the Forest of Ruel, intent on storming the Cenerese fortress of Mogaruith and razing it to the ground. Seven thousand men went into the forest; only seventy returned alive.</p>
167 <p>Despite the vigilance of the three Freeland armies, the containment of the Cenerese threat within Ruel has not been entirely successful. To the south, the Cenerese can enter and leave their realm by means of tunnels which honeycomb the Skardos Mountains. These secret passages emerge in the free state of Caron, at the northern edge of the Rootstrangle Swamp which, in due course, drains into the Tentarias (the great waterway which divides the northern and southern continents of Magnamund). Once access to the Tentarias has been achieved, the Cenerese are virtually free to sail to any port or country of their choosing. Caron is helpless to prevent the Cenerese from using this route through their land. They are a poor nation with few resources, and the Rootstrangle Swamp is one of the most difficult places to patrol. It comprises a constantly shifting morass of mud flats and rotting vegetation, inhabited only by Tzargs<ch.emdash/>a carnivorous race of frog-like animals originally bred by the Cenerese for the sole purpose of guiding them through the swamp<ch.apos/>s ever-shifting channels.</p>
168 <p>On midsummer<ch.apos/>s day, Lord Rimoah arrived at the monastery without, as was customary on such occasions, any forewarning of his visit. His unexpected appearance surprised the other Kai and caused them to speculate in whispers about the reasons for his journey. Yet his coming was of no surprise to you. For days you had experienced a feeling of unease, a presentiment that your orderly life at the monastery was about to undergo a dramatic change. Rimoah brought with him a glass phial of pale green liquid, a liquid that was proof-positive that the Cenerese were indeed preparing to enact Naar<ch.apos/>s revenge upon the Free Kingdoms of Magnamund.</p>
169 <p>The phial had been found among the possessions of a Cener Druid who had been caught in the city of Ragadorn after having been followed there by a watchful Herbwarden from Bautar. Under interrogation, the Cener revealed that he had been sent to Ragadorn by Arch Druid Cadak, the ruler of Ruel, to distribute the phials of this liquid to agents sympathetic to the Cenerese cause. The Herbwarden had sent the phial to Dessi where the Elder Magi, upon analysing the liquid, discovered it to be a powerful vaccine against a new and complex plague virus. Judging by the composition of the vaccine, this plague virus would prove to be several times more lethal than the Great Plague which had so devastated their race thousands of years ago. The Cener succeeded in taking his own life before he revealed further details, but, judging from the evidence in their possession, the Elder Magi were convinced that the Cenerese are getting ready to unleash an airborne plague virus that could kill all the living creatures of Magnamund, save those that had ingested the vaccine.</p>
170 <p>Rimoah informs you that the Elder Magi are unable to replicate the vaccine in huge quantities, and even if they were so able, to distribute it to every living creature on Magnamund would be an impossible task.</p>
171 <p><quote>The Herbwardens are sure that the Cener they found in Ragadorn was one of the first of those sent out of Mogaruith to distribute this vaccine,</quote> said Rimoah, his voice uncharacteristically sombre. <quote>Therefore we must act quickly if we are to destroy the virus before Cadak is ready to release it into the atmosphere. Someone must enter Mogaruith. They must find and destroy the plague virus, and they must ensure that this evil work can never again be resumed.</quote></p>
172 <p>For a long moment you stood in silence staring into Rimoah<ch.apos/>s unblinking eyes. Then, with a nod of your head, you acknowledged what had to be done. Only a Kai Grand Master possesses the skills and experience that would be essential to the success of this vital mission<ch.ellips/>and there is only one Kai Grand Master.</p>
176 <section class="frontmatter" id="gamerulz">
178 <title>The Game Rules</title>
179 <link class="prev" idref="tssf" />
180 <link class="next" idref="discplnz" />
184 <footnote id="gamerulz-1-foot" idref="gamerulz-1">
185 <p>The Discipline bonuses mentioned do not affect your permanent scores. If you have completed previous adventures, the Disciplines that you have mastered may still be beneficial. See the Grand Master Rules section of the <a href="&link.rh;">Readers<ch.apos/> Handbook</a> for details.</p>
191 <p>You keep a record of your adventure on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
192 <p>For five years, ever since the demise of the Darklords of Helgedad, you have devoted yourself to developing further your fighting prowess<ch.emdash/><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ><ch.emdash/>and physical stamina<ch.emdash/><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Before you begin your first Grand Master adventure you need to measure how effective your training has been. To do this, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick a 0 it counts as zero.</p>
193 <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 6 in the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would write in a <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 31). When you fight, your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> will be pitted against that of your enemy. A high score in this section is therefore very desirable.</p>
194 <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 7 on the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would have 37 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
195 <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 can never rise above the number you have when you start an adventure.</p>
196 <p>If you have successfully completed any of the previous adventures in the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> series (Books 1<ch.endash/>12), you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to Book 13. These scores may include Lore-circle bonuses. You may also benefit from the Disciplines that you<ch.apos/>ve mastered (e.g. Weaponmastery, Curing, and Psi-surge bonuses).<footref id="gamerulz-1" idref="gamerulz-1-foot"/> Only if you have completed these previous adventures will you benefit from the appropriate bonuses in the course of the Grand Master series. You may also carry over any Weapons and Backpack Items you had in your possession at the end of your last adventure, and these should be entered on your new Grand Master <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. (You are still limited to two Weapons, but you may now carry up to ten Backpack Items.)</p>
197 <p>However, only the following Special Items may be carried over to the <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> series (Book 13 onwards):</p>
199 <li>Crystal Star Pendant</li>
202 <li>Dagger of Vashna</li>
203 <li>Silver Bracers</li>
204 <li>Jewelled Mace</li>
205 <li>Silver Bow of Duadon</li>
207 <li>Kagonite Chainmail</li>
208 <li>Korlinium Scabbard</li>
211 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="discplnz">
213 <title>Grand Master Disciplines</title>
214 <link class="prev" idref="gamerulz" />
215 <link class="next" idref="equipmnt" />
219 <footnote id="discplnz-1-foot" idref="discplnz-1">
220 <p>Weaponmastery bonuses are replaced by Grand Weaponmastery bonuses, not added cumulatively (cf. <a href="http://www.projectaon.org/en/ReadersHandbook/NewsletterExcerpts#lwcn28">Lone Wolf Club Newsletter 28</a>).</p>
221 <p>If you have completed previous adventures, already possess the Magnakai Discipline of Weaponmastery with Bow, and have reached the rank of <bookref book="12tmod" section="imprvdsc">Mentora</bookref>, it seems that you should already be able to add 5 to numbers picked from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> (i.e. the basic Weaponmastery with Bow bonus of 3 added to the Mentora bonus of 2 for all missile weapons). Likely, the author intended the Weaponmastery bonus at the Mentora rank to be a <quote>hidden loyalty bonus</quote> (cf. <a href="http://www.projectaon.org/en/ReadersHandbook/NewsletterExcerpts#lwcn28">Lone Wolf Club Newsletter 28</a>). In view of this, the +2 Mentora bonus is therefore <em>not</em> cumulative with Grand Weaponmastery with Bow.</p>
222 <p>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>
228 <section class="frontmatter" id="mksumary">
230 <title>Kai <ch.ampersand/> Magnakai Disciplines</title>
234 <p>During your distinguished rise to the rank of Kai Grand Master you have become proficient in all of the basic Kai and Magnakai Disciplines. These Disciplines have provided you with a formidable arsenal of natural abilities which have served you well in the fight against the agents and champions of Naar, King of the Darkness. A brief summary of your skills is given below.</p>
237 <dt>Weaponmastery</dt>
238 <dd>Proficiency with all close combat and missile weapons. Master of unarmed combat; no <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> loss when fighting bare-handed.</dd>
239 <dt>Animal Control</dt>
240 <dd>Communication with most animals; limited control over hostile creatures. Can use woodland animals as guides and can block a non-sentient creature<ch.apos/>s sense of taste and smell.</dd>
242 <dd>Steady restoration of lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (to self and others) as a result of combat wounds. Neutralization of poisons, venoms, and toxins. Repair of serious battle-wounds.</dd>
243 <dt>Invisibility</dt>
244 <dd>Mask body heat and scent; hide effectively; mask sounds during movement; minor alterations of physical appearance.</dd>
246 <dd>Effective hunting of food in the wild; increased agility; intensified vision, hearing, smell, and night vision.</dd>
247 <dt>Pathsmanship</dt>
248 <dd>Read languages, decipher symbols, read footprints and tracks. Intuitive knowledge of compass points; detection of enemy ambush up to 500 yards; ability to cross terrain without leaving tracks; converse with sentient creatures; mask self from psychic spells of detection.</dd>
250 <dd>Attack enemies using the powers of the mind; set up disruptive vibrations in objects; confuse enemies.</dd>
252 <dd>Defence against hypnosis, supernatural illusions, charms, hostile telepathy, and evil spirits. Ability to divert and re-channel hostile psychic energy.</dd>
254 <dd>Move small items by projection of mind power; withstand extremes of temperature; extinguish fire by force of will; limited immunity to flames, toxic gases, and corrosive liquids.</dd>
256 <dd>Sense imminent danger; detect invisible or hidden enemy; telepathic communication; recognize magic-using and/or magical creatures; detect psychic residues; limited ability to leave body and spirit-walk.</dd>
261 <p>Now, through the pursuit of your new skills and the further development of your innate Kai abilities, you have set out upon a path of discovery that no other Kai Grand Master has ever attempted with success. Your determination to become the first Kai Supreme Master, by acquiring total proficiency in all twelve of the Grand Master Disciplines, is an awe-inspiring challenge. You will be venturing into the unknown, pushing back the boundaries of human limitation in the pursuit of greatness and the cause of Good. May the blessings of the Gods Kai and Ishir go with you as you begin your brave and noble quest.</p>
262 <p>In the years following the demise of the Darklords you have reached the rank of Kai Grand Defender, which means that you have mastered four of the Grand Master Disciplines listed below. It is up to you to choose which four Disciplines these are. As all of the Grand Master Disciplines may be of use to you at some point during your adventure, pick your four skills with care. The correct use of a Grand Master Discipline at the right time could save your life.</p>
263 <p>When you have chosen your four Disciplines, enter them in the Grand Master Disciplines section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
265 <section class="frontmatter" id="wpnmstry">
266 <meta><title>Grand Weaponmastery</title></meta>
269 <illustration class="inline">
271 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
273 <instance class="html" src="wpnmast.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
274 <instance class="html-compatible" src="wpnmast.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
275 <instance class="pdf" src="wpnmast.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
278 <p>This Discipline enables a Grand Master to become supremely efficient in the use of all weapons. When you enter combat with one of your Grand Weaponmastery weapons, you add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. The rank of Kai Grand Defender, with which you begin the <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> series, means you are supremely efficient in the use of <em>two</em> of the weapons listed below. For each book that you complete in the <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> series (Books 13<ch.endash/>20), you will gain mastery of an additional weapon. For example, if you complete <cite>The Plague Lords of Ruel</cite> and have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery at the beginning of the next <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> book, you may choose an additional Weapon to gain mastery of.</p>
279 <illustration class="inline">
281 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
283 <instance class="html" src="weapons.png" width="386" height="310" mime-type="image/png"/>
284 <instance class="html-compatible" src="weapons.gif" width="386" height="310"/>
285 <instance class="pdf" src="weapons.pdf" width="386" height="310"/>
286 <instance class="text" src="none" width="none" height="none" >
287 <ul class="unbulleted">
294 <li>Quarterstaff</li>
301 <p>If you have the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery with Bow, you may add 5 to any number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, when using the Bow.<footref id="discplnz-1" idref="discplnz-1-foot"/></p>
305 <section class="frontmatter" id="anmlmstr">
306 <meta><title>Animal Mastery</title></meta>
309 <illustration class="inline">
311 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
313 <instance class="html" src="anmlmast.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
314 <instance class="html-compatible" src="anmlmast.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
315 <instance class="pdf" src="anmlmast.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
318 <p>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>
322 <section class="frontmatter" id="deliver">
323 <meta><title>Deliverance (Advanced Curing)</title></meta>
326 <illustration class="inline">
328 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
330 <instance class="html" src="delvrance.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
331 <instance class="html-compatible" src="delvrance.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
332 <instance class="pdf" src="delvrance.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
335 <p>Grand Masters are able to use their healing power to repair serious battle-wounds. If, whilst 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 ability can only be used once every 20 days.</p>
339 <section class="frontmatter" id="assimila">
340 <meta><title>Assimilance (Advanced Invisibility)</title></meta>
343 <illustration class="inline">
345 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
347 <instance class="html" src="assmlnce.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
348 <instance class="html-compatible" src="assmlnce.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
349 <instance class="pdf" src="assmlnce.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
352 <p>Grand Masters are able to effect striking changes to their physical appearance, and maintain these changes over a period of a few days. They have also mastered advanced camouflage techniques that make them virtually undetectable in an open landscape.</p>
356 <section class="frontmatter" id="hntmstry">
357 <meta><title>Grand Huntmastery</title></meta>
360 <illustration class="inline">
362 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
364 <instance class="html" src="huntmstr.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
365 <instance class="html-compatible" src="huntmstr.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
366 <instance class="pdf" src="huntmstr.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
369 <p>Grand Masters are able to see in total darkness and have greatly heightened senses 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>
373 <section class="frontmatter" id="pthmnshp">
374 <meta><title>Grand Pathsmanship</title></meta>
377 <illustration class="inline">
379 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
381 <instance class="html" src="pathsmn.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
382 <instance class="html-compatible" src="pathsmn.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
383 <instance class="pdf" src="pathsmn.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
386 <p>Grand Masters are able to resist entrapment by hostile plants and have a super-awareness of ambush, or the threat of ambush, in woods and dense forests.</p>
390 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaisurge">
391 <meta><title>Kai-surge</title></meta>
394 <illustration class="inline">
396 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
398 <instance class="html" src="ksurge.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
399 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ksurge.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
400 <instance class="pdf" src="ksurge.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
403 <p>When using their psychic ability to attack an enemy, Grand Masters may add 8 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. For every round in which Kai-surge is used, Grand Masters need only deduct 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. When using the weaker psychic attack<ch.emdash/>Mindblast<ch.emdash/>they may add 4 points without loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. (Kai-surge, Psi-surge, and Mindblast cannot be used simultaneously.)</p>
404 <p>Grand Masters cannot use Kai-surge if their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 6 points or below.</p>
408 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiscrn">
409 <meta><title>Kai-screen</title></meta>
412 <illustration class="inline">
414 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
416 <instance class="html" src="kscreen.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
417 <instance class="html-compatible" src="kscreen.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
418 <instance class="pdf" src="kscreen.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
421 <p>In psychic combat, Grand Masters are able to construct mind fortresses capable of protecting themselves and others. The strength and capacity of these fortresses increase as a Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
425 <section class="frontmatter" id="nexus">
426 <meta><title>Grand Nexus</title></meta>
429 <illustration class="inline">
431 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
433 <instance class="html" src="nexus.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
434 <instance class="html-compatible" src="nexus.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
435 <instance class="pdf" src="nexus.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
438 <p>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 Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
442 <section class="frontmatter" id="gnosis">
443 <meta><title>Telegnosis (Advanced Divination)</title></meta>
446 <illustration class="inline">
448 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
450 <instance class="html" src="telegnss.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
451 <instance class="html-compatible" src="telegnss.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
452 <instance class="pdf" src="telegnss.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
455 <p>This Discipline enables a Grand Master to spirit-walk for far greater lengths of time, and with far fewer ill effects. Duration and the protection of his inanimate body increase as a Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
459 <section class="frontmatter" id="magi">
460 <meta><title>Magi-magic</title></meta>
463 <illustration class="inline">
465 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
467 <instance class="html" src="magimagc.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
468 <instance class="html-compatible" src="magimagc.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
469 <instance class="pdf" src="magimagc.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
472 <p>Under the tutelage of Lord Rimoah, you have been able to master the rudimentary skills of battle-magic, as taught to the Vakeros<ch.emdash/>the native warriors of Dessi. These skills include the basic use of 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>
476 <section class="frontmatter" id="alchemy">
477 <meta><title>Kai-alchemy</title></meta>
480 <illustration class="inline">
482 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
484 <instance class="html" src="alchemy.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
485 <instance class="html-compatible" src="alchemy.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
486 <instance class="pdf" src="alchemy.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
489 <p>Under the tutelage of Guildmaster Banedon, you have mastered the elementary spells of Left-handed magic, as practised by 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 Left-handed magic increase, enabling you to craft new Kai weapons and artefacts.</p>
493 <p>If you successfully complete the mission as set in this, the first of the <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> series, you may add a further Grand Master Discipline of your choice to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> in <bookref series="lw" book="14tcok">Book 14</bookref>.</p>
495 <p>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, your original four Grand Master Disciplines, and any Special Items that you have found and been able to keep during your adventures, may then be carried over and used in the next <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> adventure, which is called <bookref series="lw" book="14tcok"><cite>The Captives of Kaag</cite></bookref>.</p>
499 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="equipmnt">
501 <title>Equipment</title>
502 <link class="prev" idref="discplnz"/>
503 <link class="next" idref="cmbtrulz"/>
507 <p>Before you leave the monastery and begin your long journey to the land of Palmyrion, you take with you a <a idref="map">map of the Dark Realm of Ruel</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>. If you have successfully completed any of the previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures (Books 1<ch.endash/>12), you may add this sum to the total sum of Crowns you already possess. Fifty Crowns is the maximum you carry, but additional Crowns can be left in safekeeping at your monastery.</p>
508 <p>You can take five items from the list below, again adding to these, if necessary, any you may already possess from previous adventures (remember, you are still limited to two Weapons, but you may now carry a maximum of ten Backpack Items).</p>
509 <ul class="paragraphed">
510 <li><p>Sword (Weapons)</p>
511 <illustration class="inline">
513 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
515 <instance class="html" src="sword.png" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/png"/>
516 <instance class="html-compatible" src="sword.gif" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/gif"/>
517 <instance class="pdf" src="sword.pdf" width="386" height="69"/>
520 <li><p>Bow (Weapons)</p>
521 <illustration class="inline">
523 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
525 <instance class="html" src="bow.png" width="386" height="64" mime-type="image/png"/>
526 <instance class="html-compatible" src="bow.gif" width="386" height="64" mime-type="image/gif"/>
527 <instance class="pdf" src="bow.pdf" width="386" height="64"/>
531 <p>Quiver (Special Items) This contains six Arrows: record them on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
532 <illustration class="inline">
534 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
536 <instance class="html" src="quiver.png" width="386" height="127" mime-type="image/png"/>
537 <instance class="html-compatible" src="quiver.gif" width="386" height="127" mime-type="image/gif"/>
538 <instance class="pdf" src="quiver.pdf" width="386" height="127" />
541 <li><p>Axe (Weapons)</p>
542 <illustration class="inline">
544 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
546 <instance class="html" src="axe.png" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/png"/>
547 <instance class="html-compatible" src="axe.gif" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/gif"/>
548 <instance class="pdf" src="axe.pdf" width="386" height="112"/>
552 <p>4 Meals (Meals) Each Meal takes up one space in your Backpack.</p>
553 <illustration class="inline">
555 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
557 <instance class="html" src="food.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
558 <instance class="html-compatible" src="food.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
559 <instance class="pdf" src="food.pdf" width="386" height="150" />
563 <p>Rope (Backpack Item)</p>
564 <illustration class="inline">
566 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
568 <instance class="html" src="rope.png" width="386" height="109" mime-type="image/png"/>
569 <instance class="html-compatible" src="rope.gif" width="386" height="109" mime-type="image/gif"/>
570 <instance class="pdf" src="rope.pdf" width="386" height="109" />
574 <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>
575 <illustration class="inline">
577 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
579 <instance class="html" src="potion.png" width="386" height="167" mime-type="image/png"/>
580 <instance class="html-compatible" src="potion.gif" width="386" height="167" mime-type="image/gif"/>
581 <instance class="pdf" src="potion.pdf" width="386" height="167" />
584 <li><p>Spear (Weapons)</p>
585 <illustration class="inline">
587 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
589 <instance class="html" src="spear.png" width="386" height="28" mime-type="image/png"/>
590 <instance class="html-compatible" src="spear.gif" width="386" height="28" mime-type="image/gif"/>
591 <instance class="pdf" src="spear.pdf" width="386" height="28" />
595 <p>Dagger (Weapons)</p>
596 <illustration class="inline">
598 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
600 <instance class="html" src="dagger.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
601 <instance class="html-compatible" src="dagger.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
602 <instance class="pdf" src="dagger.pdf" width="386" height="150" />
607 <p>List the five items that you choose on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, under the appropriate headings, and make a note of any effect they may have on your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points or <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
609 <section class="frontmatter" id="howcarry">
611 <title>How to Carry Equipment</title>
615 <p>Now that you have your equipment, the following list shows you how it is carried. You do not need to make notes, but you should refer back to this list in the course of your adventure.</p>
617 <li>Sword<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
618 <li>Bow<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
619 <li>Quiver<ch.emdash/>slung over your shoulder.</li>
620 <li>Axe<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
621 <li>Meals<ch.emdash/>carried in the Backpack.</li>
622 <li>Rope<ch.emdash/>carried in the Backpack.</li>
623 <li>Potion of Laumspur<ch.emdash/>carried in the Backpack.</li>
624 <li>Spear<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
625 <li>Dagger<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
630 <section class="frontmatter" id="howmuch">
632 <title>How Much Can You Carry?</title>
636 <dl class="paragraphed">
638 <dd><p>The maximum number of weapons that you may carry is <em>two</em>.</p></dd>
639 <dt>Backpack Items</dt>
640 <dd><p>These must be stored in your Backpack. Because space is limited, you may keep a maximum of only ten articles, including Meals, in your Backpack at any one time.</p></dd>
641 <dt>Special Items</dt>
643 <p>Special Items are not carried in the Backpack. When you discover a Special Item, you will be told how to carry it.</p>
644 <p>The maximum number of Special Items that can be carried on any adventure is twelve. Surplus Special Items may be left for safekeeping at your Kai Monastery.</p>
647 <dd><p>These are always carried in the Belt Pouch. It will hold a maximum of fifty Crowns.</p></dd>
649 <dd><p>Food is carried in your Backpack. Each Meal counts as one item.</p></dd>
651 <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. Gold Dagger, Magic Pendant), or is clearly labelled as a Backpack Item. Unless you are told that it is a Special Item, carry it in your Backpack.</p>
655 <section class="frontmatter" id="howuse">
657 <title>How to Use Your Equipment</title>
661 <dl class="paragraphed">
663 <dd><p>The maximum number of Weapons that you can carry is two. 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>
664 <dt>Bows and Arrows</dt>
666 <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 strongly recommended that you also equip yourself with a close combat weapon, such as a Sword or an Axe.</p>
667 <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>
669 <dt>Backpack Items</dt>
670 <dd><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></dd>
671 <dt>Special Items</dt>
673 <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 twelve.</p>
677 <p>These are always carried in the Belt Pouch. It will hold a maximum of fifty Crowns. The currency of Palmyrion is the Lune, but Gold Crowns are readily accepted at an exchange of 4 Lune for every 1 Gold Crown.</p>
680 <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. 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></dd>
681 <dt>Potion of Laumspur</dt>
682 <dd><p>This is a healing potion that can restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to your total when swallowed after 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>
689 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="cmbtrulz">
691 <title>Rules for Combat</title>
692 <link class="prev" idref="equipmnt" />
693 <link class="next" idref="levels" />
697 <p>There will be occasions during your adventure when you have to fight an enemy. The enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points are given in the text. Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s 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 himself.</p>
698 <p>At the start of a combat, enter Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s 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>. The sequence for combat is as follows:</p>
699 <ol class="paragraphed">
700 <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>
702 <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>
704 <p>Lone Wolf (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 27) is attacked by a pack of Doomwolves (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 30). He is taken by surprise and is not given the opportunity of evading their attack. Lone Wolf has the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-surge to which the Doomwolves are not immune, so Lone Wolf adds 8 points to his <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>, giving him a total <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 35.</p>
705 <p>He subtracts the Doomwolf pack<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> from his own, giving a Combat Ratio of +5. (35-30 = +5). +5 is noted on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as the Combat Ratio.</p>
707 <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>
709 <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 Lone Wolf and his enemy in this round of combat. (E represents points lost by the enemy; LW represents points lost by Lone Wolf.)</p>
711 <p>The Combat Ratio between Lone Wolf and the Doomwolf Pack has been established as +5. If the number picked from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> is a 2, then the result of the first round of combat is:</p>
713 <li>Lone Wolf loses 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (plus an additional 1 point for using Kai-surge).</li>
714 <li>Doomwolf Pack loses 7 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
718 <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>
720 <li><p>Unless otherwise instructed, or unless you have an option to evade, the next round of combat now starts.</p></li>
722 <li><p>Repeat the sequence from <a idref="stage3">Stage 3</a>.</p></li>
725 <p>This process of combat continues until <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points of either the enemy or Lone Wolf are reduced to zero or below, at which point that combatant is declared dead. If Lone Wolf is dead, the adventure is over. If the enemy is dead, Lone Wolf proceeds but with his <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points possibly reduced.</p>
726 <p>A <a idref="crsumary">summary of Combat Rules</a> appears in the back of this book.</p>
728 <section class="frontmatter" id="evasion">
729 <meta><title>Evasion of Combat</title></meta>
732 <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 Lone Wolf may lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points during that round (but then that is the risk of running away!). You may evade only if the text of the particular section allows you to do so.</p>
738 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="levels">
740 <title>Levels of Kai Grand Mastership</title>
741 <link class="prev" idref="cmbtrulz" />
742 <link class="next" idref="imprvdsc" />
746 <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>Lone Wolf Grand Master</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>
749 <li>Kai Grand Master Senior</li>
750 <li>Kai Grand Master Superior</li>
751 <li>Kai Grand Sentinel</li>
752 <li>Kai Grand Defender<ch.emdash/><em>You begin the <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> adventures at this level of Mastery</em></li>
753 <li>Kai Grand Guardian</li>
760 <li>Kai Supreme Master</li>
765 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="imprvdsc">
767 <title>Improved Grand Master Disciplines</title>
768 <link class="prev" idref="levels" />
769 <link class="next" idref="kaiwisdm" />
773 <p>As you rise through the higher levels of Kai Grand Mastery, you will find that your Disciplines will steadily improve. For example, if you possess the Discipline of Grand Nexus when you reach the Grand Master rank of Grand Thane, you will be able to pass freely through Shadow Gates and explore the nether realms of Aon and the Daziarn Plane.</p>
774 <p>The nature of these additional improvements and how they affect your Grand Master Disciplines will be noted in the Improved Grand Master Disciplines section of future <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> books.</p>
781 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiwisdm">
783 <title>Grand Master<ch.apos/>s Wisdom</title>
784 <link class="prev" idref="imprvdsc" />
785 <link class="next" idref="sect1" />
789 <p>Your mission to enter the Cenerese stronghold of Mogaruith and destroy the deadly plague virus will be fraught with deadly danger. Be wary and on your guard at all times, for the inhabitants of Ruel are sworn enemies of the Gods Kai and Ishir.</p>
790 <p>Some of the things that you will find during your mission will be of use to you in this and future <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> books, while others may be red herrings of no real value at all, so try to be selective in what you decide to keep.</p>
791 <p>Choose your four Grand Master Disciplines with care, for a wise choice will enable any player 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. Successful completion of previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures, although an advantage, is not essential for the completion of this first Grand Master adventure.</p>
792 <p>The prevention of the spread of a deadly Cenerese plague virus, and the subsequent deaths of untold millions, depends on the success of your mission. May the light of Kai and Ishir be your guide as you venture into the darkness of Ruel.</p>
793 <p>For Sommerlund and the Kai!</p>
797 <section class="numbered" id="numbered">
798 <meta><title>Numbered Sections</title></meta>
802 <section class="numbered" id="sect1">
803 <meta><title>1</title></meta>
806 <p><quote>Grand Master<ch.ellips/>the quest must begin without delay for time is not our ally,</quote> says Lord Rimoah, as he paces nervously back and forth across the flagstoned floor of your monastery chamber. You voice your agreement and call upon your wise friend to counsel you as best he can about the mission you have undertaken. Not entirely to your surprise, you learn that he has already made preparation, confident in the knowledge that you would agree to this dangerous quest. He has arranged for you to travel to the Freeland of Palmyrion where a guide is waiting to escort you to Ruel. The guide can guarantee safe passage to the borders of the dark realm, but no further.</p>
807 <p>Rimoah tells you that little is known of Ruel, save that the unnatural forest which surrounds and protects the Cenerese stronghold of Mogaruith harbours creatures that are the stuff of nightmares. Some almost defy description. The poor wretches who survived the last ill-conceived, ill-fated invasion of Ruel, spoke of their encounters with gigantic, acid-spitting worms that rose up out of the ground without warning and devoured whole regiments of their comrades at a single stroke. They told also of the battles that were waged against ferocious packs of disease-ridden rat-creatures they called <quote>Vazhag</quote>. The Cenerese breed these sentient vermin in warrens deep below Mogaruith, and then release them into the forest to patrol and gather food for even viler abominations that rarely venture beyond the walls of their stronghold.</p>
808 <p><quote>Truly I wish that I were able to tell you more, Lone Wolf, but so little is known of Ruel. It is a dark and sinister place. Yet, there is something else, something that I can give you which will aid your quest,</quote> says Rimoah, and he holds out his hand. In his palm is the phial of green liquid, the vaccine that will, at least, protect you from the plague which threatens to destroy so much of your beloved world. You take it, uncork it, and then quickly swallow the bitter contents. Unexpectedly your stomach rebels and a wave of nausea rises up which makes you slap a hand over your mouth. A few moments later the nausea fades and you are able to remove your hand and speak.</p>
809 <p><quote>How long will it protect me?</quote> you ask, queasily.</p>
810 <p>Rimoah smiles. <quote>Oh, I<ch.apos/>m sure you will be safe for some considerable time, Lone Wolf. I<ch.apos/>m afraid I forgot to mention that the phial contained a concentrated vaccine, more than sufficient to protect a hundred men!</quote></p>
811 <p>Within the space of a few short hours you are ready to begin your long journey south to Palmyrion. Having entrusted the monastery to the care of your Kai Masters, you and Lord Rimoah leave by means of a secret tunnel, one of several that you have had constructed to enable you to enter and leave the monastery unobserved. You emerge in a clearing at the heart of the Fryelund Forest, at a place where Guildmaster Banedon is waiting patiently to welcome you aboard <cite>Skyrider</cite>, his flying ship. Here you take time to bid farewell to Lord Rimoah, who will await your return at the monastery, before climbing aboard and placing yourself in the charge of your old friend Banedon.</p>
812 <choice idref="sect260"><link-text>Turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
816 <section class="numbered" id="sect2">
817 <meta><title>2</title></meta>
820 <p>You wrench yourself free from the creature<ch.apos/>s grip and stagger towards the antechamber, but Cadak is not prepared to allow you to escape from his creation so easily. From the tip of his staff there erupts a stream of thorny vines that wrap themselves around you and bury their barbs deep into your flesh: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. You struggle desperately to break your cruel bonds as Exterminus closes in for the kill.</p>
821 <choice idref="sect97">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 97</link-text>.</choice>
822 <choice idref="sect245">If you do not possess mastery of this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 245</link-text>.</choice>
826 <section class="numbered" id="sect3">
827 <meta><title>3</title></meta>
830 <p>The knife<ch.apos/>s tip draws a crimson line across your left shoulder before it hits the wall and rebounds with a metallic <onomatopoeia>clang</onomatopoeia>: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
831 <p>The Vazhag, its confidence boosted by the wounds it has caused you, draws another knife and comes waddling across the chamber, screeching maniacally. Raising your weapon you turn to face your foe as it launches its desperate attack.</p>
832 <combat><enemy>Fat Vazhag</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">18</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">28</enemy-attribute></combat>
833 <choice idref="sect121">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
837 <section class="numbered" id="sect4">
838 <meta><title>4</title></meta>
841 <p>With a thin, gurgling scream, the Cener clutches at his fatal wounds and slides slowly down the cavern wall. As he crumples on the floor, he raises his hand and, in a last defiant gesture, he lunges out to scratch at your leg. You step back and avoid the sharp, cat-like claws which have suddenly sprouted from the tips of his gloved fingers, and these poisoned barbs eject their venom harmlessly upon the dusty floor.</p>
842 <p>Once you are sure that the druid is no longer alive, curiosity prompts you to prise away his green mask and look upon the face of this servant of evil. It is an ugly, disease-pocked face, human in shape yet lacking any trace of humanity.</p>
843 <p>Before leaving the cavern you decide to search him and his Vazhag escorts, and you discover the following items:</p>
844 <ul class="unbulleted">
846 <li>Cener Robe (If kept, this item will occupy 2 spaces in your Backpack)</li>
848 <li>16 Lune (equivalent to 4 Gold Crowns)</li>
851 <p>If you decide to keep any of the above, remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
852 <choice idref="sect178">To continue, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
856 <section class="numbered" id="sect5">
857 <meta><title>5</title></meta>
860 <p>The warrior clasps his wounds and exhales his last breath as he tumbles lifelessly to the floor. Standing over his still body you use the tip of your weapon to prise open the visor of his iron helmet. You reveal the brutal features of a Drakkar, one who had survived the downfall of the Darklords and had counted himself fortunate to have found refuge here in Mogaruith. Sadly for him he had not reckoned on ever crossing your path.</p>
861 <p>You conceal the bodies of the Drakkar and his hound as best you can before pulling the portal closed and continuing your exploration of Mogaruith.</p>
862 <choice idref="sect205"><link-text>Turn to 205</link-text>.</choice>
866 <section class="numbered" id="sect6">
867 <meta><title>6</title></meta>
870 <p>A sudden rush of pain and nausea makes you drop to your knees (lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), leaving you shivering fitfully. Your psychic Magnakai Disciplines were insufficient to protect you against the physical effects of the powerful mind probe which you have just experienced, but they were at least able to shield your true identity.</p>
871 <p>The light, reflected from the Cener Mask you are wearing, activates a sensor and as you rise to your feet you see the great metal door begin to slide open.</p>
872 <choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
876 <section class="numbered" id="sect7">
877 <meta><title>7</title></meta>
880 <p>You focus your power upon the scuttling horde and try to bring them under your control. They do not respond to your commands and, at once, you sense that they are under a spell that has robbed them of all free will. You draw on your inner strength and attempt to break this spell, and the creatures cease their frenzied movement with an abruptness you find unnerving; it is as if they have suddenly turned to stone. Now that you can see them clearly they remind you of beetles, save that they are far larger and have long, rat-like tails. You observe them for a few moments longer, and then take a tentative step forwards. Instantly they burst into life, only this time they do not confine themselves to the forest floor.</p>
881 <p>With a sound like a thousand squeaky door hinges, they sprout wings and soar into the air in a formation which resembles a small black cloud. Soon they have left the clearing, and as you watch the last of them disappear over the tops of the trees, you can only hope that they are not some form of lookout employed by the Cenerese.</p>
882 <p>On the far side of the clearing you discover that the trail continues deeper into the forest. You follow it for nearly an hour until your keen senses warn of danger ahead and immediately you halt in your tracks. You hear a movement: it is above and behind you. With incredible speed you spin on your heel and raise your weapon to parry a possible attack. Your reactions are fast, but they may not be quick enough to protect you from what lurks in the canopy of branches high above.</p>
883 <p>From out of the darkness there falls a wriggling mass of thorny creepers that come snaking towards your head as if driven by a single mind.</p>
884 <choice idref="sect257">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 257</link-text>.</choice>
885 <choice idref="sect140">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 140</link-text>.</choice>
889 <section class="numbered" id="sect8">
890 <meta><title>8</title></meta>
893 <p>Quickly you crouch down and take cover beside the staircase, hidden from view by the shadows and your Kai camouflage skills. Within seconds the Vazhag appear, but they are not alone. They are being led by a frog-like Tzarg which they have tethered on a chain. The Tzarg has its face pressed close to the steps and it is snuffling and snorting like a bloodhound as it tries to locate your scent.</p>
894 <choice idref="sect154">If you possess Grand Mastery of Assimilance, <link-text>turn to 154</link-text>.</choice>
895 <choice idref="sect207">If you possess Animal Mastery and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 207</link-text>.</choice>
896 <choice idref="sect36">If you have neither of these Grand Master Disciplines, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
900 <section class="numbered" id="sect9">
901 <meta><title>9</title></meta>
904 <p>Trusting to your Magnakai skill of Invisibility, you leave your hiding place and attempt to slip past the wagon and its struggling escort.</p>
905 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have Grand Mastery of Assimilance, add 3 to the number you have chosen.</p>
906 <choice idref="sect181">If your total score is now 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 181</link-text>.</choice>
907 <choice idref="sect59">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
911 <section class="numbered" id="sect10">
912 <meta><title>10</title></meta>
915 <p>Warily you follow the track into the deepening gloom, your senses alive to the evil that permeates every root and branch of this forbidding forest. As darkness closes in there arises from out of the mire a mist, grey-green and sickly, which smothers the ground. Its corpse-like chill leaves you shivering, despite all your efforts to shield yourself from its clammy touch.</p>
916 <p>Night no longer restricts your vision and, as the track ascends towards a wooded peak, you see the outline of a ruined stone watchtower perched atop a rocky knoll. You sense that the tower is deserted and, keen to escape from the mist, you climb towards a crack in its granite base. You crouch to enter the jagged breach and, in doing so, you disturb a host of crab-creatures nesting within. In a frenzy they scuttle away from the tower, disappearing among the surrounding rocks in the blink of an eye.</p>
917 <p>Aching with fatigue, and mindful of the perils which still lie ahead, you settle yourself into a corner of the rubble-strewn tower and try to snatch a few hours of sleep. This night your slumber is disturbed by strange and unwholesome dreams, formed from the fears suppressed by your conscious mind. You are haunted by phantom shapes which take the form of friends and fellow countrymen. Kai initiates under your tutorage and simple Sommlending folk, their heads bowed and their faces pitted and disfigured by plague, drift past you in a seemingly endless procession.</p>
918 <p>You awake with a start, your pulse racing and your forehead glistening with beads of sweat. At first a sense of hopelessness washes over you, brought on by the vivid memory of your nightmare but, as your consciousness returns, so too does your inner strength. You perceive the dreams as a warning of what will happen should your quest fail, and this realization strengthens your resolve to reach Mogaruith and thwart the Ceners<ch.apos/> evil plan.</p>
919 <p>You have slept for several hours and, physically at least, you feel refreshed (restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). In the half-light of early morning you gather together your equipment and weapons in readiness to resume your perilous journey to Mogaruith.</p>
920 <choice idref="sect160"><link-text>Turn to 160</link-text>.</choice>
924 <section class="numbered" id="sect11">
925 <meta><title>11</title></meta>
928 <p>The sound of scraping metal and rattling chains echoes in your ears as you fell the creature with a deadly blow to the base of its skull. As it falls from its stool, you spin around, weapon in hand, and the first thing you see is the knife-like glint of fangs. From a semicircular hole in the wall a pack of war-dogs come charging into the hall, their jaws agape and their claws scrabbling on the shiny flagstones as they race towards the desk. You raise your weapon confidently and brace yourself in readiness to meet their attack.</p>
930 <illustration class="float">
932 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
933 <description>A pack of war-dogs with jaws agape charges into the hall.</description>
935 <instance class="html" src="ill1.png" width="386" height="613" mime-type="image/png"/>
936 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="613" mime-type="image/gif"/>
937 <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="613" />
940 <combat><enemy>Ruel War-dogs</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">36</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">22</enemy-attribute></combat>
941 <choice idref="sect323">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 323</link-text>.</choice>
945 <section class="numbered" id="sect12">
946 <meta><title>12</title></meta>
949 <p>The columns of armoured rat-men pay little attention to you, but your undead charge does elicit squeals of disgust from some as you draw closer to their mighty stronghold.</p>
950 <p>Walking across the age-blackened drawbridge towards the spiky arched tower of Mogaruith is an unnerving experience. It is as if you are walking along a blackened tongue towards the gaping throat of some gigantic dragon. On either side the bubbling moat releases foul fumes which fill your nostrils with a terrible sugary stench that clogs your lungs and blurs your vision. You draw upon your Magnakai skills and your vision clears, but the sight which lies ahead looks no more inviting than it did before.</p>
951 <p>At the tower you are challenged by a troop of Vazhag guards who regard your companion with a distaste that is all too obvious. Using your Magnakai Disciplines of Animal Control and Pathsmanship to aid your deception, you inform them that you have come from the south on urgent business. They demand to know your name and why you have charge of an undead human. You try to bluff them but you notice that the zombie<ch.apos/>s presence is beginning to attract the unwanted interest of other Vazhag guards.</p>
952 <p>One of the rat-men pushes his snout to within inches of your mask and says, to your surprise, that you can enter Mogaruith so long as you first register your arrival. He points to a door in the tower wall and asks you to enter it. <quote>There,</quote> he says, <quote>you can make your registration.</quote></p>
953 <p>Immediately your Magnakai sense of Divination warns that the Vazhag is lying; a prison cell awaits you beyond that door.</p>
954 <choice idref="sect30">If you wish to do as the Vazhag requests and enter the door, <link-text>turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
955 <choice idref="sect162">If you refuse to enter the door, <link-text>turn to 162</link-text>.</choice>
956 <choice idref="sect256">If you decide to attempt to distract the Vazhag guards, <link-text>turn to 256</link-text>.</choice>
960 <section class="numbered" id="sect13">
961 <meta><title>13</title></meta>
964 <p>As you strike the blow that brings one of the fearsome monsters crashing lifelessly to the ground, you spring away from its gore-stained carcass and barge shoulder-first through the line of screeching ghouls. The spectacle of the fallen Giganite, and the suddenness of your action, has taken the creatures by surprise. Before they can react you have already sprinted to within a few yards of the leafy tunnel.</p>
965 <p>You glance over your shoulder to see the shambling horde falling over themselves in their haste to give chase. The sight raises your spirits but the sensation is short-lived, for above them towers a Giganite, its mouth full of bubbling phlegm. With a flick of its powerful neck it sends the massive spit-ball arcing towards your fleeing form.</p>
966 <p>Instinctively you throw yourself to the ground and the foul missile whooshes past, hitting a tree at the base of its trunk. At once there is a sizzling sound and, with a creaking groan, the tree is brought crashing to the ground, its base eaten clean away by the acidic saliva. Great droplets of the spittle splash your tunic and instantly it begins to smoulder.</p>
967 <choice idref="sect88">If you possess Grand Nexus, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text>.</choice>
968 <choice idref="sect343">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
972 <section class="numbered" id="sect14">
973 <meta><title>14</title></meta>
976 <p>With ease, you sidestep and dodge your way through the throng of hungry Vazhag, and escape undetected into the empty passage which lies beyond the iron portal. A few minutes later, as you are exploring this new tunnel, you hear the squealing cease as the great door closes with a rumbling boom.</p>
977 <p>The passage continues eastwards for several miles and, with the exception of an occasional Vazhag sentry, it is virtually deserted. At length you arrive at the entrance to another hall smaller than the lava-cavern but equally as crowded. Daylight streams into this hall through a large archway guarded by armoured Vazhag, and pairs of horny-skinned war-dogs which they hold on the leash. Beyond the archway you can see a track that disappears towards a distant ridge of hills.</p>
978 <p>Directly above the archway, you notice a thin ray of sunlight streaming through a window-like hole in the rock. Sorely aware that the main entrance is so heavily guarded that it will be very difficult, even for someone as gifted as yourself, to escape that way undetected, you resolve instead to escape by means of the smaller opening in the rock wall.</p>
979 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 3 to the number you have chosen.</p>
980 <choice idref="sect192">If your total score is now 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
981 <choice idref="sect346">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 346</link-text>.</choice>
985 <section class="numbered" id="sect15">
986 <meta><title>15</title></meta>
989 <footnote id="sect15-1-foot" idref="sect15-1">
990 <p>This is the correct answer to the combination lock riddle in Sections <a idref="sect158">158</a> and <a idref="sect227">227</a>.</p>
995 <p><foreign xml:lang="x-cenerese"><quote>Szalista,</quote></foreign> you say, the ancient Cenerese word meaning <quote>fifteen</quote>, and immediately you hear the door<ch.apos/>s locking mechanism disengage itself.<footref id="sect15-1" idref="sect15-1-foot"/> There is a hiss of escaping air and the heavy portal swings slowly inwards on massive hinges.</p>
996 <p>Without hesitation, you step through the doorway and enter the circular tunnel beyond.</p>
997 <choice idref="sect205"><link-text>Turn to 205</link-text>.</choice>
1001 <section class="numbered" id="sect16">
1002 <meta><title>16</title></meta>
1005 <p>The passage descends steeply and the foul air becomes thick with a gritty dust which clogs your eyes and nostrils. Although the pitch blackness does not hamper your vision, the air has become so saturated with dust that you now have difficulty seeing more than a few feet in front of your outstretched hands. Slowly you advance, trusting to your Magnakai skills to protect you from choking as you seek a clearer section of the passage.</p>
1006 <p>After a while you notice long streamers of greasy yellow moss hanging from cracks in the tunnel roof. Between them are spread festering fungi of varying hues, all cankerous and vile to the eye. You are passing beneath these growths when suddenly, as if triggered by a silent command, they burst open and shower you with great clouds of sticky, mote-like spores.</p>
1007 <p>At once your body senses that the spores are highly poisonous and, as a subconscious reflex, your Magnakai Curing skills activate and counter the deadly toxins that have found their way into your lungs. Your chest is wracked with pain but you sustain no serious injury: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1008 <p>The sticky, foul-smelling spore cloud is so thick that you have difficulty moving forwards. It feels as if you are wading through a tunnel of mud. Your Kai skills have neutralized the poisonous spores, but there is now hardly any air left to breathe. Fear wells up in your stomach as you feel your strength beginning to ebb.</p>
1009 <choice idref="sect277">If you possess some Baylon<ch.apos/>s Bough Fungi, <link-text>turn to 277</link-text>.</choice>
1010 <choice idref="sect136">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 136</link-text>.</choice>
1014 <section class="numbered" id="sect17">
1015 <meta><title>17</title></meta>
1018 <p><quote>There is only one who could withstand the fire of this wand<ch.ellips/>Kai Lord,</quote> he spits, still pointing at you with his flame-tipped staff.</p>
1019 <p><quote>And I rejoice that fate has brought you here to me, Lone Wolf. Your doom is sealed. Turn around and meet your nemesis!</quote></p>
1020 <choice idref="sect125"><link-text>Turn to 125</link-text>.</choice>
1024 <section class="numbered" id="sect18">
1025 <meta><title>18</title></meta>
1028 <p>As your killing blow severs the creature<ch.apos/>s body, the two halves explode, scattering shards of mummified remains all around the chamber. The force knocks you backwards and, as you fall, you catch a glimpse of a wispy, ghost-like shadow, rising towards the ceiling. It halts for a moment in mid-air, and then it seeps through the solid stone ceiling like smoke through a veil.</p>
1029 <p>Before leaving the chamber you pause to search the stone casket. Inside you discover a few mouldering rags and a Copper Key (if you wish to keep this Key, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Backpack Item).</p>
1030 <p>Cursing your ill luck, you leave the chamber and head towards the laboratory door. On the other side of it you discover a series of narrow passages which eventually end at an antechamber. This domed chamber is decorated with tapestries which depict Cenerese legends, ignoble and infamous deeds that were perpetrated during the Age of the Old Kingdoms, when, for nearly a thousand years, the Cenerese tyrannized Northern Magnamund.</p>
1031 <p>A single heavy oaken door in the opposite wall offers the only exit from the antechamber. As you approach it, you notice that it is slightly ajar. Suddenly you hear the doleful sound of chanting emanating from beyond this door. Curiosity prompts you to peer through its narrow opening and, as you do so, a chill runs the length of your spine when you see what lies beyond.</p>
1032 <choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
1036 <section class="numbered" id="sect19">
1037 <meta><title>19</title></meta>
1040 <p>You look down to see that a leafy vine is spiralling upwards around your leg. You summon your powers to repel the plant but your commands appear to have no effect. Then the fearful realization hits you that this is not a vine at all: it is the limb of a bog creature.</p>
1041 <p>You attack and sever the plant-like tendril, but immediately there is another, and then another. With the speed of striking snakes they ensnare your legs and wrench you into the morass. You fight desperately to free yourself as you are dragged deeper into the foul-smelling mire. Repeatedly you strike out below the surface in the hope of dealing your attacker a mortal wound. You feel something burst upon your weapon<ch.apos/>s tip and, momentarily, the creature<ch.apos/>s grip falters, but only to recover with renewed strength and tenacity.</p>
1042 <p>Then sharp pain lances through your thighs as row upon row of barbed claws spring out from the unseen creature<ch.apos/>s tendrils and puncture your skin. You scream in agony and your cry is echoed from beneath the surface of the muddy pool by the sound of a malicious bubbling laugh.</p>
1043 <choice idref="sect339">If you possess Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
1044 <choice idref="sect47">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
1048 <section class="numbered" id="sect20">
1049 <meta><title>20</title></meta>
1052 <p>As you strike the blow that seals this creature<ch.apos/>s doom, it vents a fearful high-pitched shriek that instantly silences the cave-beasts and sends them scurrying for the shadows of their filthy cells.</p>
1053 <p>Within the blink of an eye the ghostly Pechdrazil evaporates in the air, leaving nothing to mark its existence save the harsh metallic odour of ozone. You wipe your sweat-laden brow with the back of your left hand and glance over your shoulder at the cowering creatures, huddled in their cells. Casually you sheathe your weapon and step forward to stare down the staircase into the gloom below. You focus upon the darkness, but you are unable to discern where the staircase ends.</p>
1054 <choice idref="sect106">If you wish to descend the stairs, <link-text>turn to 106</link-text>.</choice>
1055 <choice idref="sect85">If you decide not to descend the staircase, you can retrace your steps to the junction and continue by means of the north tunnel instead. <link-text>Turn to 85</link-text>.</choice>
1059 <section class="numbered" id="sect21">
1060 <meta><title>21</title></meta>
1063 <p>At the top of the stairs you find a dining chamber in disarray. Piles of rubbish are strewn across its tiled floor, gnawed bones cover its tables, and the remains of a small fire are still smouldering at its centre.</p>
1064 <p>An arched portal in the far wall offers hope of escape into a corridor beyond and you hurry towards it. As you are running across the room, you notice a pile of discarded weapons lying beside a bench. Among the weapons are:</p>
1073 <p>If you wish to take any of the above, adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
1074 <choice idref="sect255">To continue, <link-text>turn to 255</link-text>.</choice>
1078 <section class="numbered" id="sect22">
1079 <meta><title>22</title></meta>
1082 <p>The torrent of flaming oil hits you in the face and a wave of pain forces you to your knees. Instinctively you call upon your Magnakai skill of Nexus to extinguish the flames and, within seconds, the oily fire gutters and dies: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1083 <p>The Cener had begun to cackle gleefully, so sure was he that you were doomed. Now his cruel laughter chokes in his throat as, numbly, he fumbles for a weapon to halt your approach. He draws a curvy-bladed knife from a hidden sheath and holds it out unsteadily in front of his chest. You tell him to drop the dagger but he is deaf to your command. He feints a swipe then lunges for your heart, yet you deflect this weak attack with your right forearm and counter it with a left hook to the chin which shatters the druid<ch.apos/>s glassy green mask. He reels backwards and crashes to the floor, his bony fingers scrabbling at his throat. For a moment he writhes around on the dusty ground; then his body stiffens and he lies completely still. Cautiously you step nearer, expecting trickery. Then you see that a shattered fragment of his mask has severed his jugular vein and you know that he no longer poses a threat to your life.</p>
1084 <choice idref="sect253">If you wish to search the druid<ch.apos/>s body, <link-text>turn to 253</link-text>.</choice>
1085 <choice idref="sect306">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 306</link-text>.</choice>
1089 <section class="numbered" id="sect23">
1090 <meta><title>23</title></meta>
1093 <p>Swiftly you search the drawers of the dead creature<ch.apos/>s desk, sifting through papers and ledgers for clues as to where in Mogaruith the plague virus is being cultivated. The papers yield no useful information, but you do find two small levers set into the desk<ch.apos/>s surface.</p>
1094 <p>You examine them closely and your Kai senses reveal that they operate the two metal doors to this antechamber. You flip the right-hand lever and the door by which you entered glides shut. Then you pause for a moment to prepare yourself before flipping the left lever, for this will open the door which leads to Cadak<ch.apos/>s throne room.</p>
1095 <choice idref="sect240"><link-text>Turn to 240</link-text>.</choice>
1099 <section class="numbered" id="sect24">
1100 <meta><title>24</title></meta>
1103 <p>The Pit Agarashi gives a deafening howl as your killing blow ruptures its black heart. Its powerful body stiffens and its red eyes become opaque, like two orbs of frosted crimson glass. For a moment it remains fixed and immobile; then its claws release their grip upon the rock wall and the beast plummets backwards to crash heavily upon the hard pit floor.</p>
1104 <p>Breathless with exertion, you sheathe your weapon and force yourself towards the surface, eager to escape lest someone, or something, should come to investigate the creature<ch.apos/>s death-cry.</p>
1105 <choice idref="sect87"><link-text>Turn to 87</link-text>.</choice>
1109 <section class="numbered" id="sect25">
1110 <meta><title>25</title></meta>
1113 <p>With a foul, snickering cry the Vazhag swarm into the derelict hut. You sidestep into a corner to prevent them from getting behind you, and then raise your weapon in readiness to meet their attack. The leading rat-men throw themselves upon you in a blood-crazed frenzy, hacking and stabbing with their rusty blades, yet you dispatch them in seconds with such precision and economy of movement that it would appear to an onlooker that you had hardly moved at all.</p>
1114 <p>But for every Vazhag that falls, three more take its place, and within minutes you are in danger of being suffocated to death by the press of their loathsome bodies.</p>
1115 <combat><enemy>Vazhag pack</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">44</enemy-attribute></combat>
1116 <choice idref="sect72">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 72</link-text>.</choice>
1120 <section class="numbered" id="sect26">
1121 <meta><title>26</title></meta>
1124 <footnote id="sect26-1-foot" idref="sect26-1">
1125 <p>This section corresponds to an incorrect answer to the riddle in <a idref="sect48">Section 48</a>.</p>
1130 <p>You speak your answer several times but nothing happens.<footref id="sect26-1" idref="sect26-1-foot"/> You are convinced that your answer is correct and, in frustration, you tap the box on the table repeatedly in the hope of releasing the lid. On the third tap a razor-sharp blade springs from the side and cuts into the palm of your hand: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1131 <p>Cursing the device, you fling it away into a corner and attend to your injured hand. A sudden shuffling noise, somewhere in another part of the library, causes you to freeze: someone else has entered. You look over your shoulder at the door and decide that now would be a very wise time to leave.</p>
1132 <choice idref="sect335"><link-text>Turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
1136 <section class="numbered" id="sect27">
1137 <meta><title>27</title></meta>
1140 <p>At the top of the stairs you find a corridor which heads off towards the west before turning sharply towards the north. As you approach the corner you skid to a halt: your senses are warning you of approaching danger. Hurriedly you unsheathe your weapon, but no sooner is it out of its scabbard than a Drakkarim warrior comes running around the corner and crashes straight into you, knocking you both sprawling to the ground.</p>
1141 <p>Quickly you recover but not in time to retrieve your weapon before the Drakkar attacks.</p>
1142 <combat><enemy>Drakkar</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">32</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
1143 <p>You must fight the first three rounds of this combat unarmed. At the start of the fourth round you are able to retrieve your weapon and fight as normal.</p>
1144 <choice idref="sect255">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 255</link-text>.</choice>
1148 <section class="numbered" id="sect28">
1149 <meta><title>28</title></meta>
1152 <p>Feeling unsettled by your close encounter with the deadly acid-spitting tunnel crabs, you unsheathe your weapon and descend the staircase with renewed caution. Sixty steps later you arrive at a small cavern where three tunnels converge, from the north, the south, and the west.</p>
1153 <p>There are many tracks on the dusty floor and your Magnakai hunting skills enable you to read them with ease. They are confined to the west and south tunnels and, judging by their size and depth, they were made by large rat-like creatures, but ones that walk upright, like humans. From what you have been told about the denizens of Ruel, you are sure that these tracks were made by Vazhag, the warrior vermin bred by the Cenerese.</p>
1154 <p>Among their tracks you note others that are far from rat-like. You are about to examine these a little closer when suddenly you hear the sounds of movement echoing from the west tunnel; a group of creatures are approaching. At once you abandon your tracking and look around for somewhere to hide.</p>
1155 <choice idref="sect35">If you wish to take cover in the north tunnel, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text>.</choice>
1156 <choice idref="sect201">If you wish to take cover in the south tunnel, <link-text>turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
1157 <choice idref="sect153">If you choose to hide in the cavern itself, <link-text>turn to 153</link-text>.</choice>
1161 <section class="numbered" id="sect29">
1162 <meta><title>29</title></meta>
1165 <p>As the Acolyte<ch.apos/>s body falls limply to the platform, you sheathe your weapon and take hold of the ladder which ascends to the winch. All eyes in the hall below are watching your ascent and, when they suddenly realize what it is you are trying to do, pandemonium breaks out. Hysterical screams of anger and fear merge into a dreadful cacophony which fills the hall with clamouring echoes. You glance down at their faces, contorted by rage, and as you do so you glimpse a new threat to your safety.</p>
1166 <p>A handful of Vazhag archers are scurrying out of the portal which connects Cadak<ch.apos/>s chamber to the gallery. They spread out along the parapet and begin firing at you with their lacquered bows. Black-fletched arrows whistle past on either side, their barbed heads passing dangerously close to your legs and feet.</p>
1167 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 4 to the number you have chosen.</p>
1168 <choice idref="sect231">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>2, <link-text>turn to 231</link-text>.</choice>
1169 <choice idref="sect293">If it is 3<ch.endash/>6, <link-text>turn to 293</link-text>.</choice>
1170 <choice idref="sect278">If it is 7 or higher, <link-text>turn to 278</link-text>.</choice>
1174 <section class="numbered" id="sect30">
1175 <meta><title>30</title></meta>
1178 <p>With trepidation you approach the door, fully aware that you are walking into a trap. Spear-wielding Vazhag hover on either side, alert and suspicious, their tarnished weapons held in readiness to strike should you show any sign of resistance.</p>
1179 <p>A cell awaits you beyond the door. It seems to be no more than what you expected to find and, as the heavy door is slammed shut, you begin immediately to search for a means of escape before the Vazhag guards return.</p>
1180 <p>Unfortunately, despite its plain appearance, this cell is far more than you expected it to be. It is an extermination chamber, one of several located throughout Mogaruith. It is designed for the speedy destruction of those who would dare to challenge the Cenerese.</p>
1181 <p>Suddenly a powerful electrical current is fed into the metal floor and you are transfixed as the deadly voltage courses through your body. You fight with all your strength to survive this terrible onslaught but the current is irresistible and, eventually, your body can take no more.</p>
1182 <deadend>Sadly, your life and your quest end here in Mogaruith.</deadend>
1186 <section class="numbered" id="sect31">
1187 <meta><title>31</title></meta>
1190 <p>You send your Arrow whistling towards the creature<ch.apos/>s throat. A fatal wound looks certain until, at the very last moment, the beast twists aside to avoid the oncoming shaft and, with a dull <onomatopoeia>thunk</onomatopoeia>, the Arrow skewers its shoulder. The creature roars with pain but the injury does not deter it from attacking. With the knife-wielding Vazhag close behind, it quickly recovers and together they rush forward to attack.</p>
1191 <combat><enemy>Pit Agarashi (wounded) <ch.ampersand/> Vazhag</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">30</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
1192 <p>The Pit Agarashi is immune to Mindblast and Psi-surge; only the Grand Mastery of Kai-surge can harm it psychically.</p>
1193 <choice idref="sect297">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 297</link-text>.</choice>
1197 <section class="numbered" id="sect32">
1198 <meta><title>32</title></meta>
1201 <p>The track crosses the plateau and passes within a few yards of the pits before continuing into a tunnel-like gap in the trees beyond. You advance, but every step that brings you nearer to the site causes your senses to rebel. The sensation of evil is so strong here that it clogs your nostrils and makes you struggle for breath. You resolve to run towards the gap but a sudden noise from behind arrests you in mid-step.</p>
1202 <p>Shambling out of the forest come a horde of monstrous shapes, corpse-like beings that exist in a twilight between life and death. Perched atop their withered bodies are hairless heads bearing lidless, red eyes and gaping maws, rimmed with hundreds of needle-thin fangs. As one they utter a deathly groan and you feel an icy chill electrify your spine.</p>
1204 <illustration class="float">
1206 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1207 <description>Corpse-like beings shamble out of the forest, uttering a chilling groan.</description>
1209 <instance class="html" src="ill2.png" width="386" height="591" mime-type="image/png"/>
1210 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="591" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1211 <instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="591" />
1214 <p>Fighting to suppress your mounting horror, you turn and run towards the gap. You are within a few yards of the rocky spur when a dozen or more of these fearful creatures appear from the shadows to block your escape. Once more they utter their cadaverous cry and advance upon you from both sides.</p>
1215 <p>Desperately you survey the plateau for another means of escape, but there is none: you are trapped. The only choice you have is to face the creatures or retreat towards the pits.</p>
1216 <choice idref="sect163">If you wish to fight these creatures, <link-text>turn to 163</link-text>.</choice>
1217 <choice idref="sect148">If you choose to retreat towards the pits, <link-text>turn to 148</link-text>.</choice>
1221 <section class="numbered" id="sect33">
1222 <meta><title>33</title></meta>
1225 <p>The tapestry depicts a ghastly feast, a banquet attended by demonic creatures who are gorging themselves on human remains. Seated at the head of this unholy feasting table is a bull-like creature who possesses the head and face of a man. From between his bloodstained lips there protrude two fangs, needle-sharp and gleaming. From his seat he looks down upon his loathsome guests with a sneering contempt.</p>
1226 <p>Your thoughts are suddenly disturbed by a faint sound; someone or something is moving about in the antechamber.</p>
1227 <choice idref="sect222"><link-text>Turn to 222</link-text>.</choice>
1231 <section class="numbered" id="sect34">
1232 <meta><title>34</title></meta>
1235 <p>Silently you crawl through the foliage to a position close by the busy trail. Twenty minutes later you see a wagon approaching and, as it nears your hiding place, you focus your Magnakai powers of Nexus at one of the front wheels, causing it to jam. The ghorkas grunt in protest as the wheel locks and the wagon veers off the track.</p>
1236 <p>Cursing and squealing, the Vazhag driver jumps down and begins to hammer at the wheel with the butt of its spear, whilst his three wounded companions struggle to quieten the startled ghorkas. Under cover of the confusion, you slip around to the rear of the wagon, using your camouflage skills to minimize the risk of being seen.</p>
1237 <p>You climb aboard without being observed but you are shocked to the core when you discover the nature of the wagon<ch.apos/>s cargo.</p>
1238 <choice idref="sect218"><link-text>Turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
1242 <section class="numbered" id="sect35">
1243 <meta><title>35</title></meta>
1246 <p>You press yourself into a hollow in the north tunnel wall and wait with bated breath as the sound of the approaching group grows louder and nearer. Torchlight flickers, casting a watery yellow beam across the cavern floor; then the first of the group enters and you catch sight of their repulsive forms. A patrol of six Vazhag files into the cavern. Each one is as tall as a Sommlending youth and all are armed with crude, rusty weapons. Fragments of armour and uniforms, which once belonged to human soldiers, encase their hairy, rat-like bodies. They are more than twenty feet away from your hiding place, but even so, they give off such a vile aroma of filth and disease that you are forced to draw upon your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus to prevent yourself from retching out loud.</p>
1247 <p>They halt at the foot of the stone stairs and communicate with each other in a high-pitched squeal which reminds you of rusty door hinges, and repeatedly they cast furtive glances along the west tunnel as if they were waiting for another of their party to catch up. Within minutes, another member of their patrol does arrive, only this creature is not one of their breed: it is human-sized. However, the hooded scarlet robe it is wearing makes it difficult for you to be absolutely sure that the creature within is human.</p>
1248 <p>The Vazhag cease their squealing when the hooded one raises a gloved hand and motions to the south tunnel. For an instant, you catch a glimpse of the glassy green mask that is covering his face, and at once you recognize this mask: it is a <foreign xml:lang="x-cenerese">jazak</foreign>, the ritual mask of a Cener Druid.</p>
1249 <choice idref="sect289">If you wish to ambush this patrol, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
1250 <choice idref="sect198">If you choose to allow them to leave the cavern by the south tunnel, <link-text>turn to 198</link-text>.</choice>
1254 <section class="numbered" id="sect36">
1255 <meta><title>36</title></meta>
1258 <p>You watch nervously as the Tzarg snuffles closer and closer to your hiding place, praying all the while that your Magnakai skills of Animal Control and Invisibility will keep you safe from detection.</p>
1259 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
1260 <choice idref="sect229">If the number you have chosen is 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
1261 <choice idref="sect302">If the number is 5<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 302</link-text>.</choice>
1265 <section class="numbered" id="sect37">
1266 <meta><title>37</title></meta>
1269 <p>As you slay the last war-dog, a host of squealing Vazhag come pouring into the hall; your pursuers have caught up with you at last. Having chased you for over five miles, the screaming rat-men want only to rend you limb from limb, yet the unexpected sight of the slain war-dogs heaped about your feet immediately cools their bloodlust. Any warrior who could defeat half a dozen of these hellish creatures deserves to be treated with some respect!</p>
1270 <p>You hear them muttering; then, from among their ranks comes one dressed in contrast to its brethren, cloaked completely in a brown hooded robe. It pulls from a pocket a sphere of glass which is filled with a speckled swirling vapour and, with a curse, it hurls this fragile sphere at your feet.</p>
1271 <choice idref="sect76">If you possess Deliverance, <link-text>turn to 76</link-text>.</choice>
1272 <choice idref="sect217">If you do not have this Grand Mastery, <link-text>turn to 217</link-text>.</choice>
1276 <section class="numbered" id="sect38">
1277 <meta><title>38</title></meta>
1280 <p>With a terrifying wail the three creatures rise above you and stretch wide their powerful jaws. Defiantly you face them as they flex their coils and steady themselves to strike.</p>
1281 <combat><enemy>3 Ruel Giganite</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">80</enemy-attribute></combat>
1282 <choice idref="sect13">These creatures are susceptible to all forms of psychic attack. When their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score has been reduced to 36 or less, you can elect to evade combat by <link-text>turning to 13</link-text>.</choice>
1283 <choice idref="sect286">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 286</link-text>.</choice>
1287 <section class="numbered" id="sect39">
1288 <meta><title>39</title></meta>
1291 <p>With incredible speed you unshoulder your Bow and draw an Arrow to your lips. Then, almost instantly, you release the straining bowstring and send the shaft burrowing deep into the creature<ch.apos/>s body, killing it instantly. The force of the impact lifts it out of its hollowed stool and sends it crashing to the floor where it wobbles back and forth grotesquely, like a giant fleshy egg, before coming to rest on its side.</p>
1292 <choice idref="sect23"><link-text>Turn to 23</link-text>.</choice>
1296 <section class="numbered" id="sect40">
1297 <meta><title>40</title></meta>
1300 <p>With a roar of agony, the Degradon crashes forward, forcing you to leap aside to avoid being pinned beneath its loathsome carcass. Breathless and shaking with the fatigue of this deadly combat, you lean against the wall and survey your surroundings.</p>
1301 <p>Before you stretches a cavernous hall, lit by the glow from fire-filled orbs hanging by chains from the ceiling. Facing each other are two rows of stone statues which form a grotesque corridor leading to an archway on the far side. Although they are human in shape, extreme expressions of pain and despair twist and contort their faces.</p>
1302 <p>You advance cautiously. You are wary of the statues and your body is tensed to react should they show the slightest hint of animation. Fortunately your caution is unnecessary and you are able to reach the archway and leave the hall without further incident. A short passage leads to a junction where a wider corridor crosses from left to right. Your skin prickles in reaction to the concentration of evil you detect in this subterranean part of Mogaruith, and silently you call upon your creator, the noble God Kai, for protection and guidance before continuing.</p>
1303 <p>Instinct prompts you to turn left, and within a few minutes you arrive at a chamber where a vast staircase of black marble ascends to many levels, lost in the gloom above. Opposite this grand staircase stands a large door, carved from a solid sheet of strange green metal, the like of which you have never seen before. It gives off a pulsating radiance which washes over the empty chamber, illuminating symbols carved into the walls and floor. You focus on these symbols and, in a chilling moment of realization, you decipher their meaning.</p>
1304 <choice idref="sect300"><link-text>Turn to 300</link-text>.</choice>
1308 <section class="numbered" id="sect41">
1309 <meta><title>41</title></meta>
1312 <p>The two rat-men have only just finished their meal when a group of Vazhag, accompanied by a red-robed Cener Druid, enter the cave through an archway on the far side of the lake. The Cener directs the Vazhag to man a large capstan-like device and, as they work this creaking hoist, slowly the drawbridge begins to descend. The moment it is fully lowered the druid and his escort come shuffling across the bridge in single file. They are about halfway over when there is a bubbling rush of water and the surface of the lake begins to seethe, as if it is boiling. A sudden fear grips the Vazhag. They freeze in their tracks, twitching and squealing fitfully as they stare aghast at the frothing water. Then the Cener screams at them to retreat and they scurry back the way they came, with the two you saw earlier close on their heels.</p>
1313 <p>The first ones to make it back scamper to the capstan and begin to reverse it as quickly as they can. You see the bridge-ropes tighten and, with a tortured creak, the heavy wooden bridge rises off the platform. Fearing that you could be left stranded on the wrong side of the lake, you rush forward and leap for the underside of the rising drawbridge.</p>
1314 <p>Like a limpet you fix yourself to its damp timbers as the bridge approaches the vertical. However, before the bridge is fully retracted, the Vazhag abandon the capstan and flee through the archway, unaware that you are clinging to the underside of the bridge. For a moment you are relieved that the rat-men and their druidic master have disappeared, for you had not relished the thought of them discovering you in such a vulnerable situation. Unfortunately, your relief is short-lived, for within seconds of their disappearance you find yourself face-to-face with the object of their terror.</p>
1315 <choice idref="sect295"><link-text>Turn to 295</link-text>.</choice>
1319 <section class="numbered" id="sect42">
1320 <meta><title>42</title></meta>
1323 <p>You scream in pain as an arrow skewers your left wrist. The agony of the wound and the shock of the arrow<ch.apos/>s impact cause you to lose your grip and, in a terrifying instant, you fall from the chain and plummet headlong towards the floor of the hall below. Death is mercifully swift.</p>
1324 <p>Your incredible bravery has brought about the destruction of the plague virus, and the druids who knew the secrets of its cultivation. This destruction has saved millions from a terrible death, and the selfless courage you displayed in bringing this about will never be forgotten by the free peoples of Magnamund. Sadly, though, death is the price you have paid for your victory.</p>
1325 <deadend>Your life and your quest end here in the plague hall of Mogaruith.</deadend>
1329 <section class="numbered" id="sect43">
1330 <meta><title>43</title></meta>
1333 <p>Even though your Bow and Quiver are covered by your druid<ch.apos/>s robe, you retrieve them and are ready to fire at the fleeing Vazhag before either has taken a dozen paces. In lightning succession you draw and fire two Arrows, sending the shafts thudding into the backs of the two rat-men with unerring accuracy. Simultaneously they crash to the ground and lie still.</p>
1334 <p>Your swift dispatching of the Vazhag has gone undetected and, anxious that it remains so, you rush forward to drag their bodies away into the undergrowth. Within minutes the task is complete.</p>
1335 <p>Unfortunately, you still have to find a way of entering Mogaruith. Yet, as you return to the trail, you are struck by a bold idea. Calmly you approach the zombie, who has remained stationary throughout the incident, and stoop to retrieve the poor creature<ch.apos/>s chain. Then, with pounding heart you turn and slowly walk along the trail towards the crowded drawbridge.</p>
1336 <choice idref="sect12"><link-text>Turn to 12</link-text>.</choice>
1340 <section class="numbered" id="sect44">
1341 <meta><title>44</title></meta>
1344 <p>You call upon your mastery to weave a multi-layered fabric which absorbs the Cener<ch.apos/>s psychic probe. It protects your mind, but in so doing the evil druid senses resistance where there should be none and his suspicions are confirmed. You have been detected!</p>
1345 <choice idref="sect159"><link-text>Turn to 159</link-text>.</choice>
1349 <section class="numbered" id="sect45">
1350 <meta><title>45</title></meta>
1353 <p>With an angry roar, the huge creature springs forward with its taloned paws outstretched. You retreat, drawing a hand weapon with which to fight this ravenous beast.</p>
1354 <combat><enemy>Pit Agarashi</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
1355 <p>This creature is immune to Mindblast and Psi-surge; only Kai-surge can harm it psychically.</p>
1356 <choice idref="sect110">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 110</link-text>.</choice>
1360 <section class="numbered" id="sect46">
1361 <meta><title>46</title></meta>
1364 <p>The sensation of falling accelerates until you are consumed completely by this spinning vortex. You have been drawn through a portal which leads to a terrible place, a realm where the power of Good holds no sway. You have been ensnared by the soul of Naar himself, the King of the Darkness, and as his prisoner you will remain, doomed to wander his dark domain for all eternity.</p>
1365 <deadend>Tragically, your quest ends here.</deadend>
1369 <section class="numbered" id="sect47">
1370 <meta><title>47</title></meta>
1373 <p>The pain in your legs increases as the creature<ch.apos/>s venomous barbs release their poison. You draw on your natural Magnakai abilities to neutralize the venom, but even as the anti-toxins begin their work, you are being dragged deeper and deeper into the muddy pool.</p>
1374 <combat><enemy>Plaghatar</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">35</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
1375 <p>This creature is immune to all psychic attacks. If the weapon you are using is non-edged (i.e. a Mace, a Quarterstaff, or a Warhammer), deduct 4 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat.</p>
1376 <choice idref="sect129">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 129</link-text>.</choice>
1380 <section class="numbered" id="sect48">
1381 <meta><title>48</title></meta>
1384 <footnote id="sect48-1-foot" idref="sect48-1">
1385 <p>The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
1390 <p>You scan the walls of this reading room and as your eye passes over the books and scrolls stored upon its shelves, you feel an almost uncontrollable urge to tear every one of them to pieces. The wickedness they contain, gleaned after thousands of years of perpetrating the vilest herbcraft known to Magnamund, is so potent that you feel your Kai strength waning in their presence (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
1392 <illustration class="inline">
1394 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1396 <instance class="html" src="small6.png" width="386" height="156" mime-type="image/png"/>
1397 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="156" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1398 <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="156" />
1401 <p>Mindful of the insidious effect of these books you search as quickly as you can. On one of the lower shelves you notice an ornately carved wooden box, banded with gold and inlaid with precious gemstones. You carry it to the main table where the light is brightest and, as you place it there, you hear a riddle emanating from a design engraved on its lid. It speaks in the Cenerese tongue but you instantly recognize the words:</p>
1404 <line><ch.lsquot/>My treasure is hidden from view</line>
1405 <line>But I<ch.apos/>ll open myself for you,</line>
1406 <line>If you ponder this puzzle then state</line>
1407 <line>The right answer to determine my fate.</line>
1408 <line>Divide 80 by one half,</line>
1409 <line>Then examine what you see.</line>
1410 <line>From this number take 14,</line>
1411 <line>What remains will open me.<ch.rsquot/></line>
1414 <puzzle idrefs="sect26 sect146">Your Kai senses tell you that by solving the riddle, and then speaking the answer aloud, you will cause the lid of the box to open.</puzzle>
1415 <p>When you think you have solved this riddle, <choose test="has-numbered-section-list"><when value="true"><a idref="numbered">turn to the entry number</a></when><otherwise>turn to the entry number</otherwise></choose> which is the same as your answer.<footref id="sect48-1" idref="sect48-1-foot"/></p>
1416 <choice idref="sect311">If you cannot answer the riddle, or if your answer does not lead to the page number which opens the box, <link-text>turn instead to 311</link-text>.</choice>
1420 <section class="numbered" id="sect49">
1421 <meta><title>49</title></meta>
1424 <p>Your powerful senses detect the tang of fresh water on the air that is wafting gently towards you from out of the east tunnel. The source is distant, more than a mile away at least.</p>
1425 <choice idref="sect118">If you wish to investigate the east tunnel, <link-text>turn to 118</link-text>.</choice>
1426 <choice idref="sect189">If you would rather explore the west tunnel, <link-text>turn to 189</link-text>.</choice>
1430 <section class="numbered" id="sect50">
1431 <meta><title>50</title></meta>
1434 <p>Through the wide opening in the chamber wall there is a gallery which overlooks a vast windowless hall. You approach the gallery<ch.apos/>s railed parapet and stare down at a score of druids who are working at tiled tables positioned in rows across the floor. Upon some tables rest porcelain troughs filled with oily fluids which seethe beneath a constant shower of electrical sparks. Other tables support dozens of glass boxes of differing sizes. The smallest contain rats; the largest contain horses. Hundreds of pipes and tubes run around the walls, feeding a supply of fluids and gases to the experiment tables. The fumes rising from this diabolical laboratory sting your eyes, but you ignore the discomfort and continue your observations, eager to take in every detail of the evil work which is taking place below. It is not long before you recognize that this hall is where the deadly plague virus and its vaccine are being produced.</p>
1436 <illustration class="float">
1438 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1439 <description>You approach the gallery<ch.apos/>s veiled parapet and stare down at a score of druids working at tiled tables.</description>
1441 <instance class="html" src="ill3.png" width="386" height="642" mime-type="image/png"/>
1442 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="642" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1443 <instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="642" />
1446 <p>You know that you must act with all haste for Arch Druid Cadak is still alive and, wherever he is at present, you can be sure he is plotting to capture or kill you, probably both. Below lies that which you have come here to destroy. But how will you accomplish your task? Relentlessly the seconds tick by as you try to formulate a plan. Then you see something which sparks an idea. The pipes that feed fluids to the laboratory<ch.apos/>s disposal tanks are connected to a massive cauldron suspended from the ceiling by a winch and chains. You focus upon a plaque fixed to the side of this great vat and magnify your vision until you can read what has been engraved upon it. With grim satisfaction you read the words: <quote>Danger<ch.emdash/>Concentrated Acid</quote>.</p>
1447 <p>Here is the key to the destruction of the virus. If you can cause the cauldron to tilt over far enough it will discharge its contents into the hall below, flooding the virus-laden tables with thousands of gallons of concentrated acid.</p>
1448 <p>Elated by your daring plan, you look for a way to reach the winch which controls the angle at which the cauldron hangs from the ceiling. It is positioned high upon a platform atop an iron gantry, which is accessible only by ladder. Fortunately this ladder begins on the far side of the gallery.</p>
1449 <p>Confident in your purpose you hurry around the gallery towards the ladder. You are within twenty paces when suddenly the harsh <onomatopoeia>clang</onomatopoeia> of an alarm bell fills the hall. You have been seen.</p>
1450 <choice idref="sect177"><link-text>Turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
1454 <section class="numbered" id="sect51">
1455 <meta><title>51</title></meta>
1458 <p>You focus upon your left forearm and utter the Elder Magi spell-word which calls into existence an invisible shield. Instantly there is a sizzling splash of blue-white sparks as the bolt of crackling energy collides with your magical defence.</p>
1459 <p>However, your preparation of the battle-spell was hurried and incomplete. The shield is shattered by the force of impact and the bolt bursts through to lance deep into your chest: lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1460 <choice idref="sect135">If you survive this wounding, <link-text>turn to 135</link-text>.</choice>
1464 <section class="numbered" id="sect52">
1465 <meta><title>52</title></meta>
1468 <p>Swiftly you swim away from the bridge towards the east wall of the cave. You can see no obvious exit here, but twenty feet below the surface you notice that the crevasse appears to undercut the cave wall.</p>
1469 <p>Suddenly a spear splashes into the lake and passes within inches of your head, causing you to dive deeper to avoid the others that are sure to follow. In the icy gloom you sense an undercurrent of warmer water rising from the crevasse. Also, your super-keen eyesight detects a pale light radiating from the base of the cave wall. Another cavern must lie beyond this one, but you have no way of knowing for sure just how far away that cave might be.</p>
1470 <p>Mustering your Kai courage, you swim down towards the crevasse and propel yourself along an oval-shaped tunnel below the east cave wall. In the distance you see the pale glow and you strike out towards it, thankful that at least this watery passage does not harbour hostile creatures.</p>
1471 <p>After four long minutes of strenuous swimming, you begin to suffer pains in your chest due to lack of oxygen.</p>
1472 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, and add 1 to the number you have picked. This total is equal to the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose due to oxygen starvation.</p>
1473 <choice idref="sect246">Adjust your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total accordingly and then <link-text>turn to 246</link-text>.</choice>
1477 <section class="numbered" id="sect53">
1478 <meta><title>53</title></meta>
1481 <p>The Cener curses you with his dying breath, his hooked hands outstretched before him as slowly he sinks to the ground. For a moment his body lies shivering at your feet; then it stiffens and is finally still.</p>
1482 <p>Curiosity prompts you to prise away his green mask and look upon the face of this servant of evil. It is an ugly, disease-riddled face, human in shape yet lacking any trace of humanity. Reluctantly you search the body and discover the following items:</p>
1483 <ul class="unbulleted">
1485 <li>Cener Robe (If kept, this item will occupy 2 spaces in your Backpack)</li>
1487 <li>20 Lune (equivalent to 5 Gold Crowns)</li>
1489 <p>If you decide to keep any of the above, remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
1490 <p>Your Magnakai skills tell you that the gold rod no longer possesses any magical aura; its destructive powers vanished the moment its wielder breathed his last. You stoop to prise it from the dead druid<ch.apos/>s hand, but as soon as your fingers touch its metallic surface it disintegrates into a fine, foul-smelling dust.</p>
1491 <p>With twilight but an hour away, you leave the clearing via the gap and hurry along the muddy track beyond.</p>
1492 <choice idref="sect10"><link-text>Turn to 10</link-text>.</choice>
1496 <section class="numbered" id="sect54">
1497 <meta><title>54</title></meta>
1500 <p>The Cener cackles with glee as he advances towards you, eager to finish you off. Dazed but determined to survive, you stagger to your feet in time to parry his first blow. Sparks explode as your weapon connects with his rod and a numbing jolt runs the length of your arm. Again you are forced back, but you manage to recover quickly and, with a defiant cry, you launch yourself upon him in a determined fight to the death.</p>
1501 <combat><enemy>Brother Croumah (with Power Rod)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
1502 <choice idref="sect101">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 101</link-text>.</choice>
1506 <section class="numbered" id="sect55">
1507 <meta><title>55</title></meta>
1510 <p>With deceptive ease you reach forward and pluck the spinning blade from the air when it is barely inches in front of your chest. The Vazhag looks at you aghast, frozen momentarily by the shock of what it has witnessed, but it is galvanized into action upon the instant you send the blade spinning back across the chamber, aimed at its head.</p>
1511 <p>The knife misses the creature<ch.apos/>s head by a finger<ch.apos/>s length, strikes the chamber wall, and rebounds with a metallic <onomatopoeia>clang</onomatopoeia>. It falls at the Vazhag<ch.apos/>s feet and is snatched up in its defence as you advance swiftly upon the creature, weapon in hand.</p>
1512 <combat><enemy>Fat Vazhag</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">18</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">28</enemy-attribute></combat>
1513 <choice idref="sect121">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
1517 <section class="numbered" id="sect56">
1518 <meta><title>56</title></meta>
1521 <p>Instantly your senses tell you that what you are fighting is a living creature and not a plant! The creeper-like tendrils are part of its natural camouflage, and as it coils them around your limbs and neck in an attempt to squeeze the life from your body, you can feel its animal strength.</p>
1522 <p>Forewarned, you resist this attack just long enough to raise your weapon and strike a mighty blow which tears away a great swath of the creature<ch.apos/>s wriggling limbs. A fountain of ichor erupts from every severed end and, from somewhere above the canopy of branches, you hear an unearthly roar of pain. Once more the remaining tendrils seek you out, but this time they are no longer soft and fibrous, but stiff and studded with barbed thorns.</p>
1523 <p>The swirling mass strikes out for your throat. Desperately you hack at them with devastating effect, yet one of the limbs avoids your blows and wraps itself tightly about your neck. Pain fills your head and chest as its razor-sharp thorns bite deeply into your flesh and inject a powerful acid.</p>
1524 <combat><enemy>Stragnah</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">36</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">39</enemy-attribute></combat>
1525 <p>This creature is immune to all psychic attacks.</p>
1526 <choice idref="sect327">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 327</link-text>.</choice>
1530 <section class="numbered" id="sect57">
1531 <meta><title>57</title></meta>
1534 <p>The corridor makes a gradual descent towards a single wooden door shod with heavy iron fittings. You press the handle carefully and, to your surprise, the door opens inwards without a sound. You enter and push the door closed before beginning your exploration of this archive.</p>
1535 <p>The library contains thousands of books and time-yellowed parchments, stacked in uneven rows upon shelves that line every wall. The air is heavy with their odour and your senses prickle with the sensation that you are in the presence of works of great evil. Silently you pass from one chamber to the next until you spy two druids seated at a table in an adjoining room. They are studying a large tome which is bound in a pale-coloured leather. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard the instant you realize that the book is covered with human skin. The two druids, who appear to be little older than a dozen years apiece, are chattering to each other excitedly. You move closer to the room and eavesdrop on their conversation.</p>
1537 <illustration class="float">
1539 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1540 <description>In the library you spy two druids seated at a table studying a large tome covered with human skin.</description>
1542 <instance class="html" src="ill4.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
1543 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1544 <instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
1547 <p>After a few minutes you learn that their names are Noraa and Monad. They are novices who were brought into the sect by Cenerese agents after having been orphaned in their native land of Lourden. They seem devoted to studying the lore of their evil brotherhood, and as they read they ruminate at length about a great <quote>day of retribution</quote> that the Cenerese will enjoy before the year ends.</p>
1548 <p>At length they finish their studies and rise from the table. As Monad restores the book to its shelf, Noraa says:</p>
1549 <p><quote>Hurry up. We<ch.apos/>ll be late for Kadrian<ch.apos/>s sermon.</quote></p>
1550 <p>Monad nods apologetically, and hurries to join his brother as he leaves the library by another door. As the latch clicks shut, you emerge from your listening place and enter the room.</p>
1551 <choice idref="sect138">If you wish to follow the two young druids, <link-text>turn to 138</link-text>.</choice>
1552 <choice idref="sect48">If you choose to search this room, <link-text>turn to 48</link-text>.</choice>
1556 <section class="numbered" id="sect58">
1557 <meta><title>58</title></meta>
1560 <p>At once you recognize the black berries contained within the stoppered glass jar. They are Volko berries, found only in the remote uplands of Kakush, and much prized by magicians for their use as catalysts in their magical experiments. The juice of the berries aids or speeds up magical reactions between substances, while remaining unchanged itself.</p>
1561 <p>Your knowledge of Kai-alchemy, as taught to you by Guildmaster Banedon, is at best rudimentary. However, you are in no doubt that these berries are valuable, and they may even be of practical help to you during your quest.</p>
1562 <p>If you choose to keep this Jar of Black Berries, record them on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Backpack Item.</p>
1563 <choice idref="sect306">To continue, <link-text>turn to 306</link-text>.</choice>
1567 <section class="numbered" id="sect59">
1568 <meta><title>59</title></meta>
1571 <p>Effortlessly you sidestep and dodge your way through the throng of rat-men, who are gathered about the wagon in a frenzy of activity, and escape into the empty passage which lies beyond the iron portal. A few minutes later, as you are exploring this new tunnel, you hear the great door close with a rumbling boom.</p>
1572 <p>The passage continues eastwards for several miles and, with the exception of an occasional Vazhag sentry, it is virtually deserted. At length you arrive at the entrance to another hall, smaller than the lava-cavern but equally as crowded. Daylight streams into this hall through a large archway guarded by armoured Vazhag, and pairs of horny-skinned war-dogs which they hold on the leash. Beyond the archway you can see a track that disappears towards a distant ridge of hills.</p>
1573 <p>Directly above the archway, you notice a thin ray of sunlight streaming through a window-like hole in the rock. Sorely aware that the main entrance is so heavily guarded that it will be very difficult, even for someone as gifted as yourself, to escape that way undetected, you resolve instead to escape by means of the smaller opening in the rock wall.</p>
1574 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 3 to the number you have chosen.</p>
1575 <choice idref="sect192">If your total score is now 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
1576 <choice idref="sect346">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 346</link-text>.</choice>
1580 <section class="numbered" id="sect60">
1581 <meta><title>60</title></meta>
1584 <p>The Cener<ch.apos/>s dying scream alerts the Vazhag pack and they come scampering back to investigate the sound. The moment they see you, standing over their leader like a hunter over his kill, their nerve appears to crumble. They lower their weapons and begin to edge away. Then the leading rat-men panic; they turn and run, and the others quickly follow suit, leaving you alone in the clearing with the body of the dead druid lying crumpled at your feet.</p>
1585 <p>Curiosity prompts you to prise away the druid<ch.apos/>s green mask and look upon the face of this servant of evil. It is an ugly, disease-riddled face, human in shape yet lacking any trace of humanity. Reluctantly you search him and discover the following items:</p>
1586 <ul class="unbulleted">
1588 <li>Cener Robe (If kept, this item will occupy 2 spaces in your Backpack)</li>
1590 <li>20 Lune (equivalent to 5 Gold Crowns)</li>
1592 <p>If you decide to keep any of the above, remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
1593 <p>Your Magnakai skills tell you that the golden rod no longer possesses any magical aura; its destructive powers vanished the moment its wielder breathed his last. You stoop to prise it from the dead druid<ch.apos/>s hands, but as soon as your fingers touch its metallic surface it disintegrates into a fine, foul-smelling dust.</p>
1594 <p>With twilight but an hour away, you leave the clearing via the gap and hurry along the muddy track beyond.</p>
1595 <choice idref="sect10"><link-text>Turn to 10</link-text>.</choice>
1599 <section class="numbered" id="sect61">
1600 <meta><title>61</title></meta>
1603 <p>You raise the Sommerswerd and catch the magical fire upon the flat of its blade. There is a deafening crack and you feel an electrifying jolt run the length of your sword arm as the flame is deflected and sent roaring back towards its caster. He regards the rebounding fireball with a look of cool indifference and proceeds to sheathe himself in a glowing cocoon of pale blue light. The flames split apart as they collide with this protective shell, flowing harmlessly around his body to disappear into the antechamber beyond.</p>
1605 <illustration class="inline">
1607 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1609 <instance class="html" src="small11.png" width="386" height="72" mime-type="image/png"/>
1610 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="72" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1611 <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="72" />
1614 <p><quote>There is only one who wields such a blade,</quote> he spits, pointing at the Sommerswerd with his flame-tipped staff.</p>
1615 <p><quote>And I<ch.apos/>ll see that you perish upon it, Cadak!</quote> you shout in defiant reply.</p>
1616 <p><quote>Ha!</quote> he sneers. <quote>I rejoice that fate has brought you here to me, Lone Wolf, for it is you who will perish. Turn around and meet your nemesis!</quote></p>
1617 <choice idref="sect125"><link-text>Turn to 125</link-text>.</choice>
1621 <section class="numbered" id="sect62">
1622 <meta><title>62</title></meta>
1625 <p>You wait at the corner, relying upon your keen senses for your cue to attack. When you judge the footfalls and the rasping breaths of the Vazhag to be within an oar<ch.apos/>s length of the corner, you leap out and confront them, striking at the leading rat-man with your weapon. The beast<ch.apos/>s rib cage cracks under the blow, and its four companions freeze with shock as its body collapses dead at their feet. Before they snap out of their trauma, you cut your way through their ranks and escape along the passageway.</p>
1626 <p>The tunnel continues eastwards for several miles and, with the exception of an occasional Vazhag sentry, whom you deal with swiftly, it is virtually deserted. At length you arrive at the entrance to another hall, smaller than the lava-cavern but equally as crowded. Daylight streams into this hall through a large archway guarded by armoured Vazhag, and pairs of horny-skinned war-dogs which they hold on the leash. Beyond the archway you can see a track that disappears towards a distant ridge of hills.</p>
1627 <p>Your sudden appearance galvanizes the guards into action. They squeal attack commands at their brutish dogs and let loose their straining leashes. With a fearful howling, the war-dogs bound forward and together they leap for your throat.</p>
1628 <choice idref="sect209">If you possess the Discipline of Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
1629 <choice idref="sect100">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 100</link-text>.</choice>
1633 <section class="numbered" id="sect63">
1634 <meta><title>63</title></meta>
1637 <p>The fearsome Dholdaarg retreats before your blows, half-mad with the pain of its wounds, its eyes rolling and its fanged jaws clashing on empty air. Desperately you draw upon your Psychic Magnakai skills to repel this injured lake-beast, hoping to buy the few precious seconds you need in which to climb to the top of the raised drawbridge and escape.</p>
1638 <p>The beast tries to resist your mental commands but it cannot overcome them. Its natural instinct for food and revenge urge it to lunge at your flailing legs, yet the stinging agony of its wounds, and your potent psychic commands, make the creature hesitate.</p>
1639 <p>With your heart racing and the blood pounding in your ears, you drag yourself over the top of the drawbridge and leap down upon the platform. The cave echoes with the beast<ch.apos/>s unearthly roar as it beats its scaly head against the underside of the bridge in frustration. Timbers sag and splinter, prompting you to stagger to your feet and enter the tunnel beyond before it is too late.</p>
1640 <p>During your fight, and in your haste to flee the lake monster, you lose two items from your Backpack. Erase those items which you have listed third and fourth on your list of Backpack Items.</p>
1641 <choice idref="sect306">To continue, <link-text>turn to 306</link-text>.</choice>
1645 <section class="numbered" id="sect64">
1646 <meta><title>64</title></meta>
1649 <p>The body of the plague hound crashes to the floor and you see the warrior freeze with shock. Hesitantly he reaches to his sword, but before he can unsheathe it, you leap forward and fell him with a single thrust that pierces his armour and skewers his heart.</p>
1650 <p>Standing over his still body you use the tip of your weapon to prise open the visor of his iron helm. You reveal the brutal features of a Drakkar. He had survived the downfall of the Darklords and had counted himself fortunate to have found refuge here in Mogaruith. Sadly for him he had not reckoned on ever crossing your path.</p>
1651 <p>You conceal the bodies of the Drakkar and his hound as best you can before pulling the portal closed and continuing your exploration of Mogaruith.</p>
1652 <choice idref="sect205"><link-text>Turn to 205</link-text>.</choice>
1656 <section class="numbered" id="sect65">
1657 <meta><title>65</title></meta>
1660 <p>Your Magnakai defences are too weak to resist the wave of psychic energy directed against your mind. It tears through your shields and explodes like a fiery ball of white hot plasma deep within your brain. Every nerve in your body is scorched by the blast and, as you fight to remain conscious, your body is contorted by excruciating pain: lose 12 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1661 <p>As the agony fades and your powers of cohesive thought return, you are dimly aware of another hostile entity drawing closer, attracted by your psychic screams. Then, from out of the black shadows of the pits, you hear a dreadful, rumbling roar. Something huge is stirring deep within each of those dark forbidding shafts. As the ghoulish laughter of the horde reaches its pitch, you turn to see three giant, misshapen cat-like heads rise up into the light, each perched atop a snaky body as thick as the trunk of a tree. They bare their fangs and shake off the tangle of human bones that cling to their stinking, corpse-green manes.</p>
1662 <p>The sight of these unholy creatures makes you reel back in shock and utter a cry of disbelief. Your cry is lost among the barrage of screeching howls, yet the cat-things react as if they hear it and, together, they come oozing out from their dark, noisome lairs and glide slowly towards where you stand.</p>
1663 <choice idref="sect80">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-surge, <link-text>turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
1664 <choice idref="sect38">If you do not possess this skill, <link-text>turn to 38</link-text>.</choice>
1668 <section class="numbered" id="sect66">
1669 <meta><title>66</title></meta>
1672 <p>Your search of the dead Cener<ch.apos/>s robes uncovers the following items:</p>
1673 <ul class="unbulleted">
1674 <li>Potion of Alether (increase <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 2 points for duration of one fight only)</li>
1675 <li>Enough food for 1 Meal</li>
1678 <p>If you wish to keep any of the above, remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
1679 <choice idref="sect214">To leave this chamber and continue, <link-text>turn to 214</link-text>.</choice>
1683 <section class="numbered" id="sect67">
1684 <meta><title>67</title></meta>
1687 <p>Your advanced Sixth Sense alerts you to danger. At the end of the tunnel you feel the presence of several creatures, some of which you know to be Vazhag. They are a noisy crowd although the sounds they are making are not particularly hostile. Their voices echo strongly, giving you the impression that the creatures are occupying a large and spacious location.</p>
1688 <choice idref="sect337">If you wish to spirit-walk in order to gather more information about what lies ahead, <link-text>turn to 337</link-text>.</choice>
1689 <choice idref="sect244">If you choose not to risk spirit-walking here in hostile tunnels, <link-text>turn to 244</link-text>.</choice>
1693 <section class="numbered" id="sect68">
1694 <meta><title>68</title></meta>
1697 <p>Using your Magnakai skill of Psi-surge, you focus your power at a Vazhag guard who is standing on top of the wagon, and release a stunning burst of psychic energy aimed at its brain. Immediately, the creature grasps its head between its paws and lets out an ear-splitting squeal of pain as your attack sears its nervous system. The sudden cry freezes the surrounding rat-men and, when the victim of your attack tumbles from the rear of the wagon, they surge forward, eager to find out what is wrong. In the ensuing confusion, you leave your hiding place and attempt to escape unseen through the portal.</p>
1698 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have Kai-screen, add 2 to the number you have chosen.</p>
1699 <choice idref="sect223">If your total score is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 223</link-text>.</choice>
1700 <choice idref="sect331">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 331</link-text>.</choice>
1704 <section class="numbered" id="sect69">
1705 <meta><title>69</title></meta>
1708 <p>Your weapon glances off the creature<ch.apos/>s head, opening a wound which kills it instantly. But the force of the impact is not enough to prevent its hand from reaching the button. As the creature topples lifelessly to the floor, you stare with mounting fear at the sight of the depressed alarm button.</p>
1709 <choice idref="sect216"><link-text>Turn to 216</link-text>.</choice>
1713 <section class="numbered" id="sect70">
1714 <meta><title>70</title></meta>
1717 <p>The Vazhag pushes his snout to within an inch of your face and says, to your surprise, that you can enter Mogaruith so long as you first register your arrival. He points to a door in the tower wall and requests you to enter it. <quote>There,</quote> he says, <quote>is where you can make your registration.</quote></p>
1718 <p>Immediately your Magnakai sense of Divination warns that the Vazhag is lying; nothing but a prison cell awaits you beyond that door.</p>
1719 <choice idref="sect30">If you wish to do as the Vazhag requests and enter the door, <link-text>turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
1720 <choice idref="sect162">If you refuse to enter the door, <link-text>turn to 162</link-text>.</choice>
1724 <section class="numbered" id="sect71">
1725 <meta><title>71</title></meta>
1728 <p>You grit your teeth and fix your eyes on the observation platform as you wait for the chain to reach the end of its arc. Upon the instant the momentum stops, you release your grip and hurtle through the air towards the platform<ch.apos/>s rail. You have timed your jump to perfection. You skim the rail and land on the metal floor, roll over to lessen the impact, and then spring to your feet and run towards the inviting darkness of the doorway which services this platform.</p>
1729 <choice idref="sect128"><link-text>Turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
1733 <section class="numbered" id="sect72">
1734 <meta><title>72</title></meta>
1737 <p>You struggle to extricate yourself from the bodies of the Vazhag you have slain. As you rise to the summit of the grisly heap, you glimpse the Cener Druid scurrying towards the gap in the trees by which he, and his late minions, entered the clearing.</p>
1738 <p>You know that he must not be allowed to escape. If he were to reach Mogaruith and raise the alarm, your mission, and probably your life, would soon be over.</p>
1739 <choice idref="sect176">If you possess a Bow and Arrows and wish to use them, <link-text>turn to 176</link-text>.</choice>
1740 <choice idref="sect334">If you possess mastery of Magi-magic and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 334</link-text>.</choice>
1741 <choice idref="sect264">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 264</link-text>.</choice>
1742 <choice idref="sect237">If you possess none of the above or choose not to make use of them, <link-text>turn to 237</link-text>.</choice>
1746 <section class="numbered" id="sect73">
1747 <meta><title>73</title></meta>
1750 <p>Exterminus is no more than an arm<ch.apos/>s length from you when you manage to tear free of your thorny bonds. With cat-like grace you duck below the creature<ch.apos/>s outstretched hands and drive your weapon deep into its unprotected belly. It screams in agony and reels backwards to crash down upon the table which stands beside Cadak<ch.apos/>s black chair. The awesome bulk of the creature<ch.apos/>s body crushes the table to matchwood and breaks open the crystal sphere that rested upon it. Immediately there is a loud boom and a tremendous rush of putrid air knocks you down. A funnel of darkness engulfs the body of Exterminus and, with stunning suddenness, there is silence. Both the creature and the shattered remnants of the sphere have vanished completely.</p>
1751 <p>You stagger to your feet and turn to face the Arch Druid. The shock of what he has witnessed has left him open-mouthed and drained of colour. He is mumbling incoherently and trembling with fear. You take up your weapon and advance towards him, determined to rid Magnamund of this evil druid once and for all, but the sight of you drawing closer snaps him out of his trauma and galvanizes him into action. He weaves his hands before his face and, in an instant, he is shrouded in a cocoon of light. You strike out at the light but your weapon passes clean through it, meeting with no resistance. Then the light fades and you are left standing alone in the druid<ch.apos/>s empty throne room.</p>
1752 <choice idref="sect259"><link-text>Turn to 259</link-text>.</choice>
1756 <section class="numbered" id="sect74">
1757 <meta><title>74</title></meta>
1760 <p>You step away from the water<ch.apos/>s edge as the Vazhag come thundering off the drawbridge and onto the platform. With the manic curses of their leader echoing in their ears, they leap to the muddy shore and charge straight at you, their rusty weapons glinting dully in the light of the cave.</p>
1761 <combat><enemy>Vazhag</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">26</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
1762 <choice idref="sect142">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
1766 <section class="numbered" id="sect75">
1767 <meta><title>75</title></meta>
1770 <p>The stairs lead to another hall on a level fifty feet higher. Here, two staircases ascend to the left and right, and a gloomy tunnel disappears directly ahead of you. Your senses pick up something moving at the end of the tunnel and, when you focus your infravision along this dark passageway, you see another Vazhag patrol heading straight towards you. This one is being led by two Acolytes of Vashna and a pack of Ruel war-dogs.</p>
1771 <p>Eager to evade these enemies, you glance at both staircases and try to decide which one to climb.</p>
1772 <choice idref="sect21">If you wish to ascend the left staircase, <link-text>turn to 21</link-text>.</choice>
1773 <choice idref="sect27">If you decide to ascend the right staircase, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
1777 <section class="numbered" id="sect76">
1778 <meta><title>76</title></meta>
1781 <p>The sphere explodes on impact and you are engulfed by a cloud of sickly grey gas. At once you feel your throat tighten and your stomach churn as deadly bacteria-infested vapour penetrates your lungs. But, within seconds, your powerful defences destroy this bacteria and you recover enough to be able to run towards the entrance, hidden by the billowing gas.</p>
1782 <p>In the ensuing chaos, you escape through the entrance unchallenged. For a moment you are blinded by the early morning sunlight which illuminates the surrounding hills, but, as you stumble along the trail which leads away from the caverns, your vision clears and you see a vast expanse of forest away to the east. This sea of sickly grey-green trees radiates an unmistakable aura of evil that immediately identifies it as the Forest of Ruel.</p>
1783 <p>Your escape is not pursued and, after a few minutes, you stop among a cluster of boulders in order to catch your breath. The surrounding land appears deserted, the only unusual feature being the track which wends its way eastward through the hills towards a gap at the edge of the unwelcoming forest. You consult your <a idref="map">map</a> and conclude that this is the Skardos Trail, the secret route used by the Ceners which leads all the way to Mogaruith itself. You resolve to follow the trail, but first (unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery) you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1784 <choice idref="sect230">To continue, <link-text>turn to 230</link-text>.</choice>
1788 <section class="numbered" id="sect77">
1789 <meta><title>77</title></meta>
1792 <p>A Cener Robe and a Mask would provide you with a useful disguise as you explore the chambers of Mogaruith, a disguise that would undoubtedly raise your chances of success. With this in mind you take and put on what you need from the pegs.</p>
1793 <p>Record the Cener Robe and Cener Mask in the margin of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. As you are wearing these items rather than carrying them, you need not discard any Backpack Items in their favour.</p>
1794 <choice idref="sect158">To continue, <link-text>turn to 158</link-text>.</choice>
1798 <section class="numbered" id="sect78">
1799 <meta><title>78</title></meta>
1802 <p>Before you stretches a cavernous hall, lit by the glow from fire-filled orbs hanging by chains from the ceiling. Facing each other are two rows of stone statues which form a grotesque corridor leading to an archway on the far side. A flicker of fear chills your heart when you notice that the expressions frozen upon their misshapen faces are those of pain and despair.</p>
1803 <p>Cautiously you advance. You are wary of the statues and your body is tensed to react should they show the slightest hint of animation. Then you detect something which makes you freeze in mid-step. Your Kai senses warn you that something is sleeping in a shadowy alcove close to the distant archway. Anxious not to disturb whatever is resting there, you call upon your camouflage skills to mask your presence before moving any nearer.</p>
1804 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Grand Mastery of Assimilance, add 3 to the number you have chosen.</p>
1805 <choice idref="sect186">If your total score is 5 or lower, <link-text>turn to 186</link-text>.</choice>
1806 <choice idref="sect196">If your score is 6 or higher, <link-text>turn to 196</link-text>.</choice>
1810 <section class="numbered" id="sect79">
1811 <meta><title>79</title></meta>
1814 <p>You follow the tunnel for many miles as it plunges deep into the bowels of the Skardos Mountains. At length you reach a wider, smooth-walled corridor, which bears recent tracks upon its dusty floor. Your infallible Magnakai skills of Pathsmanship reveal that this corridor leads due west, towards Mogaruith.</p>
1815 <p>The numerous tracks tell you that this passage is frequently used. Judging by their size and depth, they have been made by large, rat-like creatures, but ones who walk upright, like humans. From what you have been told about the denizens of Ruel, you are sure that these are the tracks of Vazhag, warrior vermin bred by the Cenerese. Among them you note other tracks that are far from rat-like.</p>
1816 <p>Cautiously, you follow the corridor and, despite your mounting fears, you encounter nothing more threatening than a nest of ragged-winged bats and an occasional rock snake, which slithers away at your approach. Gradually, the air becomes increasingly cooler and more humid. You can smell the strong scent of water somewhere in the distance and you are not at all surprised when, as you round a sharp bend, you see shimmering reflections playing upon the smooth stone ceiling ahead.</p>
1817 <choice idref="sect67">If you possess Telegnosis, <link-text>turn to 67</link-text>.</choice>
1818 <choice idref="sect244">If you do not possess mastery of this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 244</link-text>.</choice>
1822 <section class="numbered" id="sect80">
1823 <meta><title>80</title></meta>
1826 <p>In desperation you draw upon your reserves of psychic strength to shape a ball of energy, and then you hurl it at the nearest abomination. It strikes its subconscious and the beast<ch.apos/>s eyes shut tight in pain as the force of your mind-strike bites deep into its unshielded cortex.</p>
1827 <p>The attack is successful; the creature is wounded and it slithers back into the safety of its pit. Yet, despite seeing what has befallen their brother, the remaining two creatures continue to advance undaunted.</p>
1828 <combat><enemy>2 Ruel Giganite</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
1829 <choice idref="sect13">These creatures are susceptible to all forms of psychic attack. When their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score has been reduced to 36 or less, you can elect to evade combat by <link-text>turning to 13</link-text>.</choice>
1830 <choice idref="sect286">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 286</link-text>.</choice>
1834 <section class="numbered" id="sect81">
1835 <meta><title>81</title></meta>
1838 <p>You draw your weapon and slide it between the pin and the body of the cauldron. You cannot break the thick iron pin but you may be able to lever it away from the chain.</p>
1840 <illustration class="inline">
1842 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1844 <instance class="html" src="small9.png" width="386" height="200" mime-type="image/png"/>
1845 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small9.gif" width="386" height="200" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1846 <instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="200" />
1849 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. Now consult the list below and modify the number you have picked:</p>
1850 <p>If you possess the Sommerswerd, add 4.</p>
1851 <p>If you are using a Spear or a Broadsword add 2.</p>
1852 <p>If you are using a Quarterstaff or a Dagger subtract 2.</p>
1853 <choice idref="sect275">If your total is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
1854 <choice idref="sect248">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
1858 <section class="numbered" id="sect82">
1859 <meta><title>82</title></meta>
1862 <p>You raise your hood and draw your Kai cloak close about your shoulders before pressing yourself flat against the dusty tunnel wall. The shadows and your camouflage skills mask you completely; it is as if you have suddenly vanished. When the two groups of Vazhag come together, close to where you are hiding, they immediately blame each other for having allowed you to escape. They argue loudly and a fight looks imminent until the timely arrival of a Vazhag elder cools their flaring tempers. He orders them back to the lava-lit cavern, and you wait calmly for the grumbling rat-men to disperse before continuing eastwards, along a now-empty tunnel.</p>
1863 <p>For nearly five miles you explore and, with the exception of an occasional Vazhag sentry, the tunnel remains virtually deserted. At length you arrive at the entrance to another hall, smaller than the lava-cavern but equally as crowded. Daylight streams into this hall through a large archway guarded by armoured Vazhag, and pairs of horny-skinned war-dogs which they hold on the leash. Beyond the archway you can see a track that disappears towards a distant ridge of hills.</p>
1864 <p>Directly above the archway, you notice a thin ray of sunlight streaming through a window-like hole in the rock. Sorely aware that the main entrance is so heavily guarded that it will be very difficult, even for someone as gifted as yourself, to escape that way undetected, you resolve instead to escape by means of the smaller opening in the rock wall.</p>
1865 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 3 to the number you have chosen.</p>
1866 <choice idref="sect192">If your total score is now 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
1867 <choice idref="sect346">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 346</link-text>.</choice>
1871 <section class="numbered" id="sect83">
1872 <meta><title>83</title></meta>
1875 <p>Breathless and bespattered with the blood of your slain foes, you step back from the bodies which lie heaped around your feet and sheathe your gore-stained weapon. The alarm bell continues to toll, warning you that every living creature in Mogaruith is being summoned for the hunt.</p>
1876 <p>Anxious to reach the surface as quickly as you can, you leap over the bodies and stride up the stairs. You are hungry and while you run you must eat a meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery).</p>
1877 <choice idref="sect75">To continue, <link-text>turn to 75</link-text>.</choice>
1881 <section class="numbered" id="sect84">
1882 <meta><title>84</title></meta>
1885 <p>Using your innate Magnakai skill of Invisibility, you take care to mask your body heat and scent lest they should stir the curiosity of any keen-nosed denizens of Ruel. Then, with caution guiding your every step, you advance through the knee-high grasses towards the fallen tree. As you approach, you focus your powers of Divination and scan the surrounding darkness for invisible or hidden enemies. Sensing no immediate threat, you continue to the forest<ch.apos/>s edge where you are greeted by an unwholesome warmth. It rises out of a mulch of insects and fungi that are feasting upon the corpse of the tree. Silently you offer up a prayer to Ishir before venturing a step further into this inhospitable domain.</p>
1886 <p>Beyond the dead tree you find a muddy track which is bordered on both sides by the tall trunks and thorny briars of the forest. So dense is this tangle of trees and brush that it is impossible to leave the track. You feel as if you are walking along an endless passage, one so unnatural that its construction could only be the result of evil herbcraft.</p>
1887 <p>At length the track widens and the trees begin to thin out. Ahead you see a clearing and at once your senses tingle: it is a warning that you are not alone. Instinctively you reach for your weapon and, as your hand closes upon it, you see that the floor of the clearing is alive with a carpet of loathsome scuttling creatures. At once you attempt to use your Magnakai powers of Animal Control to determine if these creatures are hostile, but your efforts go unrewarded.</p>
1888 <choice idref="sect7">If you possess Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 7</link-text>.</choice>
1889 <choice idref="sect171">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 171</link-text>.</choice>
1893 <section class="numbered" id="sect85">
1894 <meta><title>85</title></meta>
1897 <p>There is a slight gradient to the tunnel and, gradually, as the stone floor ascends, you feel a draught of warm air wafting gently in your face. It feels comfortable and yet it is far from welcoming for the air is sticky and humid, as if the breath of some great jungle beast was being exhaled along the passageway.</p>
1898 <p>In the distance you hear a fire-like roar, and another sound<ch.emdash/>squeaking<ch.emdash/>which forewarns you that Vazhag lie ahead. You advance, masked by your Magnakai skills, and step forth into a massive chamber which is lit by the fierce light of volcanic fire. From a crater-like pit at the chamber<ch.apos/>s centre, a jet of red-gold flame roars up to a towering height, and clouds of steam fill the cavernous roof space where it plays upon a ceiling of damp rock. Around the pit are constructed several small, domed huts, all made of volcanic clinker scavenged from the crater<ch.apos/>s edge. The huts house a colony of Vazhag; you count more than fifty females and their young scurrying around the crude dwellings and estimate that at least that number again could be sheltering inside.</p>
1900 <illustration class="float">
1902 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1903 <description>From a pit at the centre of a massive chamber, a jet of red-gold flame roars up to a towering height.</description>
1905 <instance class="html" src="ill5.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
1906 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1907 <instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
1910 <p>Using your skills, and the advantage of the flickering shadows which dance upon the rough cavern walls, you circle around the settlement unseen. On the far side there is an onion-shaped archway guarded by six Vazhag males, all of whom are heavily armed and armoured. You move a little closer, confident that your natural abilities will get you past these oversized spear-toting rodents unnoticed, but you are brought to a halt by a daunting sight. A few feet beyond the archway stands a massive portal, a wall of solid black iron.</p>
1911 <choice idref="sect342">If you possess Grand Huntmastery, <link-text>turn to 342</link-text>.</choice>
1912 <choice idref="sect127">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 127</link-text>.</choice>
1916 <section class="numbered" id="sect86">
1917 <meta><title>86</title></meta>
1920 <p>Holding on to the ladder with your left hand, you unsheathe your weapon with your right hand and lash out at the Acolytes above in a desperate attempt to gain the platform.</p>
1921 <combat><enemy>Acolytes of Vashna (One with Medallion of Protection)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">36</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
1922 <p>Due to the disadvantageous position, and the length of your enemies<ch.apos/> weapons, you must reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 4 for the duration of this combat.</p>
1923 <choice idref="sect305">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 305</link-text>.</choice>
1927 <section class="numbered" id="sect87">
1928 <meta><title>87</title></meta>
1931 <p>You emerge on a mountainside, at a place hidden beneath an outcrop which is ringed by wind-worn boulders and scrub. Early morning sunlight illuminates the surrounding hills, and beyond them you see a vast expanse of forest, a sea of sickly grey-green trees, which radiates an unmistakable aura of evil. The position of the sun and your Pathsmanship skills inform you that you are now looking upon the Forest of Ruel from the eastern foothills of the Skardos Mountains.</p>
1932 <p>The land appears deserted, the only unusual feature being a wide dirt track which wends its way eastward through the hills towards a gap at the edge of the grim forest. You consult your <a idref="map">map</a> and conclude that this must be the Skardos Trail, the secret route used by the Ceners, which leads all the way to Mogaruith itself. You resolve to follow the trail, but first (unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery) you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1933 <choice idref="sect230">To continue, <link-text>turn to 230</link-text>.</choice>
1937 <section class="numbered" id="sect88">
1938 <meta><title>88</title></meta>
1941 <p>The saliva burns several holes in your tunic<ch.apos/>s right arm and back. Fortunately, the power of your Grand Mastery skills saves your body from suffering a similar fate.</p>
1942 <choice idref="sect117"><link-text>Turn to 117</link-text>.</choice>
1946 <section class="numbered" id="sect89">
1947 <meta><title>89</title></meta>
1950 <p>You watch helplessly as the Vazhag disappear into the trees. You are tempted to give chase, fearful that if allowed to escape they will raise the alarm and bring all of Mogaruith down upon you. But the Vazhag are creatures of this forest and tracking two of them, even for a hunter as gifted as yourself, would be no easy task.</p>
1951 <p>You decide instead to let them go and use the zombie in an attempt to gain entry to Mogaruith. You stoop to retrieve the poor creature<ch.apos/>s chain and, with pounding heart, walk slowly along the trail towards the crowded drawbridge.</p>
1952 <choice idref="sect12"><link-text>Turn to 12</link-text>.</choice>
1956 <section class="numbered" id="sect90">
1957 <meta><title>90</title></meta>
1960 <p>Mustering all your courage, you abandon your hiding place and rush to attack the Cener. Instantly he spins to face you and screams at his Vazhag to defend him. With a foul, snickering cry the Vazhag race to do their master<ch.apos/>s bidding and, before you can reach the druid, they leap upon you, hacking and stabbing with their rusty blades.</p>
1961 <combat><enemy>Vazhag pack</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">44</enemy-attribute></combat>
1962 <choice idref="sect149">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 149</link-text>.</choice>
1966 <section class="numbered" id="sect91">
1967 <meta><title>91</title></meta>
1970 <p>You focus your gaze upon the creature<ch.apos/>s eye and will it, with all of your power, to fall asleep. Slowly its lid begins to lower but it does not close completely. The creature is fighting your psychic suggestion and you can sense its resistance is fierce.</p>
1971 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score is 20 or higher, add 2 to your score. If you possess Grand Mastery of Kai-surge, add a further 3 to the number you have chosen.</p>
1972 <choice idref="sect281">If your total score is now 7 or less, <link-text>turn to 281</link-text>.</choice>
1973 <choice idref="sect184">If it is 8 or more, <link-text>turn to 184</link-text>.</choice>
1977 <section class="numbered" id="sect92">
1978 <meta><title>92</title></meta>
1981 <p>Determined not to be defeated by a closed door, you kneel down in front of the keyhole and attempt to pick the lock. It takes you just a few seconds to defeat it, but upon the very instant you do so, the spell which shields the mechanism discharges a powerful bolt of energy.</p>
1982 <p>The bolt runs along the length of your arm and explodes in your head with a blinding flash<ch.emdash/>lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Your psychic defences lessen the damage you sustain, damage that would have killed a lesser man, but the unexpected shock still causes you to scream involuntarily.</p>
1983 <p>The door is no longer locked and you hurry through it, keen to make up for lost time. However, your scream did not go unheard and as you rush into the hall which lies beyond the door, you are confronted by a creature freshly awoken by your cry of pain.</p>
1984 <choice idref="sect120"><link-text>Turn to 120</link-text>.</choice>
1988 <section class="numbered" id="sect93">
1989 <meta><title>93</title></meta>
1992 <p>Slowly you recover from the trauma and pull yourself to your feet. Ahead, the track crosses the plateau and passes within a few yards of the pits before continuing into a tunnel-like gap in the trees beyond. You advance, but every step that brings you nearer to the site causes your psychic senses to rebel. The images you saw, and the aura of evil that lingers here, are so strong that you find it difficult to step closer. You resolve to reach the gap at a run but a sudden noise from behind arrests you in mid-step.</p>
1993 <p>Shambling out of the forest come a horde of monstrous shapes, corpse-like beings that exist in a twilight between life and death. Perched atop their withered bodies are hairless heads bearing lidless, red eyes and gaping maws, rimmed with hundreds of needle-thin fangs. As one they utter a deathly groan and you feel an icy chill electrify your spine.</p>
1994 <p>Fighting to suppress your mounting horror, you turn and run towards the gap. You are within a few yards of the rocky spur when a dozen or more of these fearful creatures appear from the shadows to block your escape. Once more they utter their cadaverous cry and advance upon you from both sides.</p>
1995 <p>Desperately you survey the plateau for another means of escape, but there is none: you are trapped. The only choice you have is to face the creatures or retreat towards the pits.</p>
1996 <choice idref="sect163">If you wish to fight these creatures, <link-text>turn to 163</link-text>.</choice>
1997 <choice idref="sect148">If you choose to retreat towards the pits, <link-text>turn to 148</link-text>.</choice>
2001 <section class="numbered" id="sect94">
2002 <meta><title>94</title></meta>
2005 <p>After observing the tunnel for several minutes, you sense that there are no Vazhag in the immediate area and decide it is safe to enter. Silently you drop down into the passageway and head off towards the north, using the shadows and your Kai skills to shield yourself as you advance.</p>
2006 <choice idref="sect85"><link-text>Turn to 85</link-text>.</choice>
2010 <section class="numbered" id="sect95">
2011 <meta><title>95</title></meta>
2014 <p>You follow this dark passage for several minutes before arriving at what appears to be a dead end. You are about to turn around and retrace your steps when suddenly your senses alert you to an ornately carved brick in the facing wall. On closer examination you discover a keyhole, and a Cenerese engraving which bears the seal of Arch Druid Cadak.</p>
2015 <choice idref="sect341">If you possess a Map of Mogaruith, <link-text>turn to 341</link-text>.</choice>
2016 <choice idref="sect234">If you possess a Gold Key, <link-text>turn to 234</link-text>.</choice>
2017 <choice idref="sect179">If you have neither of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 179</link-text>.</choice>
2021 <section class="numbered" id="sect96">
2022 <meta><title>96</title></meta>
2025 <p>You land with a thick splash in the muddy shallows at the water<ch.apos/>s edge and, seconds later, a voice echoes from the far side of the lake. It is the rasping voice of a Cener Druid, commanding his Vazhag minions to rush forward and prevent you from escaping. You hear clawed feet scrabbling on the bridge timbers; then you catch sight of four of these vile rat-men as they come racing across the bridge, with swords and spears clasped in their hairy paws.</p>
2026 <choice idref="sect225">If you possess a Bow and at least one Arrow, <link-text>turn to 225</link-text>.</choice>
2027 <choice idref="sect74">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 74</link-text>.</choice>
2031 <section class="numbered" id="sect97">
2032 <meta><title>97</title></meta>
2035 <p>The power of your Grand Pathsmanship repels the insidious vines and sends them snaking towards Exterminus. Rapidly they weave themselves around his muscular frame, pinning his arms and tripping his feet, despite his futile attempts to break free. The demonic creature screams in frustration and topples forward to crash face first upon the table which stands beside Cadak<ch.apos/>s black chair. The awesome bulk of the creature<ch.apos/>s body crushes the table to matchwood and breaks open the crystal sphere that rested upon it. Immediately there is a loud boom and a tremendous rush of putrid air knocks you down. A funnel of darkness engulfs Exterminus and, with stunning suddenness, there is silence. Both the creature and the shattered remnants of the sphere have vanished completely.</p>
2036 <p>You turn to face the Arch Druid. The shock of what he has witnessed has left him open-mouthed and drained of colour. He is mumbling incoherently and trembling with fear. You take up your weapon and advance towards him, determined to rid Magnamund of this evil druid once and for all, but the sight of you drawing closer snaps him out of his trauma and galvanizes him into action. He weaves his staff before his face and, in an instant, he is shrouded in a cocoon of light. You strike out at the light but your weapon passes clean through it, meeting with no resistance. Then the light fades and you are left standing alone in the druid<ch.apos/>s empty throne room.</p>
2037 <choice idref="sect259"><link-text>Turn to 259</link-text>.</choice>
2041 <section class="numbered" id="sect98">
2042 <meta><title>98</title></meta>
2045 <p>From the darkened doorway you watch the activity taking place in the keep, hoping to see something that will help you locate where in Mogaruith the Cenerese are producing their deadly plague viruses.</p>
2046 <p>From out of the milling crowds of Vazhag there suddenly appears a small group of red-robed Cener Druids. They are talking to each other as they walk towards your hiding place.</p>
2047 <p>Quickly you pull away from the open doorway and retreat deeper into the building. A narrow corridor takes you to a flight of steps which descends to where a passage crosses your path. An ornately painted sign, written in Cenerese, indicates what may be found at the end of each passage.</p>
2049 <illustration class="inline">
2051 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2053 <instance class="html" src="small13.png" width="386" height="200" mime-type="image/png"/>
2054 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small13.gif" width="386" height="200" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2055 <instance class="pdf" src="small13.pdf" width="386" height="200" />
2058 <p>Your Magnakai skills enable you to read this sign. The arrow pointing to the left reads <quote>Library</quote>; the arrow pointing to the right reads <quote>Laboratory</quote>.</p>
2059 <choice idref="sect57">If you wish to go left towards the Library, <link-text>turn to 57</link-text>.</choice>
2060 <choice idref="sect285">If you choose to go right and head towards the Laboratory, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text>.</choice>
2064 <section class="numbered" id="sect99">
2065 <meta><title>99</title></meta>
2068 <p>Your Arrow clips the druid<ch.apos/>s arm but it fails to stop him from making his hasty escape along the forest track. Cursing your ill luck, you run across the clearing and give chase.</p>
2069 <p>You have been on his trail for less than a mile when you sense danger ahead. The druid has managed to reach another patrolling pack of Vazhag, much larger than his own escort, this one led by six of the druid<ch.apos/>s brethren. He informs them of your presence and, using their corrupted form of herbcraft, they cause the undergrowth to close in upon you and hold you prisoner. Marshalling all your skills, you manage to cut your way free of its grip, but not before the druids have mustered reinforcements from Mogaruith.</p>
2070 <deadend>They attack you mercilessly with the full might of their evil craft. Courageously, you defy them, but their combined power is far greater than even a Grand Master can withstand. With the name of your gods and your country on your lips, you finally meet your doom here in the Forest of Ruel.</deadend>
2074 <section class="numbered" id="sect100">
2075 <meta><title>100</title></meta>
2078 <p>With chilling ferocity, the war-dogs throw themselves at you, their slavering fang-filled jaws stretched wide in readiness to clamp upon your flesh. Coolly you unsheathe your weapon and brace yourself to meet their attack, for it is too late to evade these sadistic, slavering hounds.</p>
2079 <combat><enemy>Ruel War-dogs</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">36</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">22</enemy-attribute></combat>
2080 <choice idref="sect254">If you win and the combat takes 5 rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 254</link-text>.</choice>
2081 <choice idref="sect37">If you win and the combat takes 6 rounds or more, <link-text>turn to 37</link-text>.</choice>
2085 <section class="numbered" id="sect101">
2086 <meta><title>101</title></meta>
2089 <p>Still trembling from the shock of your encounter, you stare at the dead Cener<ch.apos/>s body as you struggle to catch your breath.</p>
2090 <choice idref="sect66">If you wish to search his body, <link-text>turn to 66</link-text>.</choice>
2091 <choice idref="sect214">If you decide to hurry away from this evil chamber, <link-text>turn to 214</link-text>.</choice>
2095 <section class="numbered" id="sect102">
2096 <meta><title>102</title></meta>
2099 <p>You insert the key and twist it. The lock opens with a satisfying <onomatopoeia>clunk</onomatopoeia>, allowing you to open the door and enter a strange and eerie hall.</p>
2100 <choice idref="sect78"><link-text>Turn to 78</link-text>.</choice>
2104 <section class="numbered" id="sect103">
2105 <meta><title>103</title></meta>
2108 <p>You reach the top of the ladder and haul yourself onto the winch platform. Now the whistling shafts strike and splinter uselessly against the underside of this metal floor which hides you from the archers<ch.apos/> view.</p>
2109 <p>You run to the winch and examine the gears and chains, trying at once to understand their workings and find a way to cause the cauldron to discharge its corrosive contents into the hall below. But the device is designed to prevent the chance of this occurring. The only way you can make the cauldron spill its deadly load is by severing a thick metal pin which secures the heavy chain to its rim.</p>
2110 <p>Anxiously you glance over the edge of the platform at the confusion raging in the hall below. Three druids, having recognized your intentions, are trying desperately to gather together virus samples from their cultivation vats. The vats are fixed to the tables, triple-sealed with protective glass to prevent accidental leaks, and it is precisely this elaborate protection which now confounds the druids<ch.apos/> frantic efforts to save their plague cultures.</p>
2112 <illustration class="inline">
2114 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2116 <instance class="html" src="small7.png" width="386" height="200" mime-type="image/png"/>
2117 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small7.gif" width="386" height="200" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2118 <instance class="pdf" src="small7.pdf" width="386" height="200" />
2121 <p>Out of the corner of your eye you notice that the first of the Vazhag archers is now climbing the ladder to the winch platform, and you know you must act swiftly and effectively if you are to fulfil your quest.</p>
2122 <choice idref="sect226">If you possess Mastery of Grand Nexus and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
2123 <choice idref="sect307">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 307</link-text>.</choice>
2124 <choice idref="sect81">If you possess neither of these Grand Master Disciplines or choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
2129 <section class="numbered" id="sect104">
2130 <meta><title>104</title></meta>
2133 <p>You unshoulder your Bow and draw an Arrow from your Quiver. Then, with smooth precision, you take aim at the fleeing druid<ch.apos/>s back. The instant you fix upon his billowing scarlet robes, you release the bowstring and send your shaft speeding towards the nape of his neck.</p>
2134 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have Grand Weaponmastery (with Bow), add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
2135 <choice idref="sect167">If your total score is 0<ch.endash/>5, <link-text>turn to 167</link-text>.</choice>
2136 <choice idref="sect235">If it is 6 or higher, <link-text>turn to 235</link-text>.</choice>
2140 <section class="numbered" id="sect105">
2141 <meta><title>105</title></meta>
2144 <p>The heavy chain whips towards your face but your reactions are lightning fast. You pull yourself away and it misses you by inches. Then you move forward to the platform<ch.apos/>s edge to watch, with grim fascination, as the gigantic acid-filled cauldron plummets into the hall below.</p>
2145 <choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
2149 <section class="numbered" id="sect106">
2150 <meta><title>106</title></meta>
2153 <p>It takes you half an hour to reach the foot of the staircase. There awaits a dank cavern, its uneven floor littered with the bones of creatures who fell from the stairs or were consumed by the spectral being which once commanded this vault. Steeling yourself against the unwelcoming gloom, you advance along an oval, white-walled passageway of mineral rock and emerge in another chamber which is filled by a deep pool of crystal-clear water.</p>
2154 <p>At first it appears to be a dead end; then you notice a faint light reflecting upon the surface of the water and you look up to see a hollow directly above. It is a natural chimney which rises into the ceiling, and at its end you see a warm, yellow, lantern-like glow. The chimney is rough and pitted, and to someone of your experience it is as easy to climb as a wide-stepped ladder.</p>
2155 <p>Within ten minutes you reach the neck of the chimney and find yourself staring through a hole at the floor of a passageway beyond. The source of the light comes from several oil lamps which hang at regular intervals from the roof of this narrow tunnel. You can sense the presence of Vazhag somewhere in the vicinity, and so you choose to wait here in case a patrol is about to pass this way.</p>
2156 <p>During your wait, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2157 <choice idref="sect94">To continue, <link-text>turn to 94</link-text>.</choice>
2161 <section class="numbered" id="sect107">
2162 <meta><title>107</title></meta>
2165 <p>The strength of your psychic defences is such that you can easily withstand the pulse of energy that the druid has launched against you. His attack fragments and fades, leaving him sorely weakened by his desperate effort to thwart your advance.</p>
2166 <p>With a cry of despair, he draws a dagger from inside his robes and prepares to fight you to the death.</p>
2167 <combat><enemy>Cener Druid</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">26</enemy-attribute></combat>
2168 <choice idref="sect4">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 4</link-text>.</choice>
2172 <section class="numbered" id="sect108">
2173 <meta><title>108</title></meta>
2176 <p>You begin your bogus report and the creature dutifully copies down your words, but what you are saying soon heightens its suspicions that you are an impostor. Then you notice its free hand gliding slowly towards a button which protrudes from the side of its desk. It is an alarm button.</p>
2177 <p>Before you can prevent it, the creature depresses the button.</p>
2178 <choice idref="sect11"><link-text>Turn to 11</link-text>.</choice>
2182 <section class="numbered" id="sect109">
2183 <meta><title>109</title></meta>
2186 <p>As the two figures turn from the table, you recognize the red robes they are wearing. At first you assumed them to be Cener Druids, but their garments are not the same. They have black hoods, and the skull-like motifs which are embroidered upon them identify these two to be members of an evil sect known as the Acolytes of Vashna.</p>
2187 <p>The presence here of two worshippers of Vashna, who was once the greatest of all the Darklords, rekindles chilling memories of past encounters with these fanatics. Following the downfall of the Darklords you had assumed that the last remnants of the sect had vanished forever, yet here before you are two who still wear their robes and practise their vile necromantic art.</p>
2188 <p>Fearful that you have stumbled upon a secret Cenerese conspiracy, you inch your way closer to the robed men to listen to their whispered conversation.</p>
2189 <choice idref="sect247"><link-text>Turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
2193 <section class="numbered" id="sect110">
2194 <meta><title>110</title></meta>
2197 <p>Your death-blow sends the Pit Agarashi sprawling limply to the chamber floor, but its loathsome body has barely settled amongst the junk when you glimpse the Vazhag hurl something from the corner of the room. A glint of light on razor-sharp steel reveals the curvy-bladed knife which is now spinning end-over-end towards your chest.</p>
2198 <choice idref="sect55">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship and Grand Nexus, <link-text>turn to 55</link-text>.</choice>
2199 <choice idref="sect174">If you do not possess <em>both</em> of these Grand Master Disciplines, <link-text>turn to 174</link-text>.</choice>
2203 <section class="numbered" id="sect111">
2204 <meta><title>111</title></meta>
2207 <p>You focus upon the three distant pits and allow your consciousness to pass into the trance-like state that must be achieved to allow your Discipline to work. A tingling sensation runs along your limbs and gradually an image takes form in your mind.</p>
2208 <p>From out of a swirling mist there comes into focus a moving scene that is terrible to behold. A vast procession of partially-clad soldiers are being herded into the pits by packs of blood-hungry Vazhag. They are bound with ropes and many are grievously wounded. They plead for mercy but their pitiful cries go unheeded as the snarling, savage rat-men stab them to death with their cruelly-fashioned spears before casting them down into the three yawning abysses.</p>
2209 <p>Gradually the image fades and, as you return to consciousness, you discover that you are lying face down upon the ground. Your limbs shake uncontrollably and your forehead and chest are bathed in a cold sweat. You have tapped into the powerful residue of psychic force that pervades this site and the experience has left you in a state of psychic shock: lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2210 <choice idref="sect93">To continue, <link-text>turn to 93</link-text>.</choice>
2214 <section class="numbered" id="sect112">
2215 <meta><title>112</title></meta>
2218 <p>Hanging on to the underside of the descending drawbridge by your fingertips, you are slowly lowered into the icy cold waters of the lake. The bridge stops with a jolt, leaving you dangling waist-deep in the water and feeling all-too-vulnerably like a piece of Dholdaarg bait.</p>
2219 <p>You hear the rasp of clawed feet scurrying across the bridge and a voice, unmistakably Cenerese, echoes from the opposite side of the cave. Despite the pain in your fingers and forearms, you remain absolutely motionless as the rat-like Vazhag cross the bridge and descend to the muddy shore. One or two remain on the bridge directly above you, and you can see them through the cracks in the timbers. They are squeaking and pointing at the oily green pools of blood that stain the surface of the lake.</p>
2220 <p>Drawn by their comrades<ch.apos/> squeaking, you see two Vazhag leap from the platform and pad down towards the water<ch.apos/>s edge.</p>
2221 <choice idref="sect195">If you possess Assimilance, <link-text>turn to 195</link-text>.</choice>
2222 <choice idref="sect130">If you do not possess this Grand Mastery, <link-text>turn to 130</link-text>.</choice>
2226 <section class="numbered" id="sect113">
2227 <meta><title>113</title></meta>
2230 <p>The Vazhag lancer tumbles lifelessly to the ground startling its horse which turns and bolts towards the forest. Instantly you act to prevent its escape by using your Magnakai ability of Animal Control. Your powers soothe the creature and coax it to return.</p>
2231 <p>Quickly you mount the steed and head off along the trail which leads to the River Storn. You are less than five miles from the bridge where you hope to finally make good your escape to the Freeland of Slovia. By keeping to the forest<ch.apos/>s edge you avoid the traffic of Vazhag troops moving back and forth along the trail and, by the time you reach the banks of the mighty Storn, your spirits are high. Unfortunately, when you do catch your first sight of the bridge, your hopes of making a crossing here are soon dashed.</p>
2233 <illustration class="inline">
2235 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2237 <instance class="html" src="small2.png" width="386" height="200" mime-type="image/png"/>
2238 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="200" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2239 <instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="200" />
2242 <choice idref="sect182"><link-text>Turn to 182</link-text>.</choice>
2246 <section class="numbered" id="sect114">
2247 <meta><title>114</title></meta>
2250 <p>The hound crashes to the ground, mortally wounded. But before you can even catch your breath, its master comes charging at you with his sword raised to hack you down.</p>
2251 <p>You sidestep his first blow, gaining the few precious seconds you need in which to compose yourself for this second wave of combat.</p>
2252 <combat><enemy>Defender</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">30</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
2253 <choice idref="sect5">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 5</link-text>.</choice>
2257 <section class="numbered" id="sect115">
2258 <meta><title>115</title></meta>
2261 <p>You pull the iron lever and at first nothing happens. Then you hear a <onomatopoeia>click</onomatopoeia> followed by the hiss of escaping air as the concealed door unlocks and glides open. Quickly you enter and close the door to avoid being seen by the Vazhag guards.</p>
2262 <p>A narrow corridor lies beyond, lit by a gloomy crimson light which is filtering through a threadbare curtain hung from hooks in the ceiling. Automatically you cast your eyes around, checking floor, walls, and roof for traps, but detect nothing unduly suspicious. Then you approach the curtain and through its moth-eaten fabric you spy a small bed chamber. A grossly overweight Vazhag, wrapped in furs, lies sprawled upon a divan in the centre of the room. He is snoring fitfully. Around him are strewn heaps of all manner of items: rusty weapons, tarnished armour, boxes, and candlesticks, trinkets, baubles, and books. In the merchant stores of Holmgard they would be rejected as worthless junk, but here, in the rat-holes of the Skardos Mountains, they no doubt pass for treasure.</p>
2264 <illustration class="inline">
2266 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2268 <instance class="html" src="small3.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2269 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2270 <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150" />
2273 <p>Across the chamber, beyond the sleeping Vazhag, you see another curtained archway.</p>
2274 <choice idref="sect319">If you wish to enter the chamber and search through the items which litter the floor, <link-text>turn to 319</link-text>.</choice>
2275 <choice idref="sect238">If you choose to cross the chamber and investigate the curtained archway, <link-text>turn to 238</link-text>.</choice>
2276 <choice idref="sect308">If you decide to turn around and leave by the secret door, <link-text>turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
2280 <section class="numbered" id="sect116">
2281 <meta><title>116</title></meta>
2284 <p>As you approach the sphere, its sparkling crystal core is darkened by a mist. Rapidly this smoky discolouration expands until it transcends the confines of the sphere and begins to take the shape of a swirling funnel which comes closer with every passing second. The moment that the edges of this sinister cone engulf your vision, you sense a dramatic change take place, as if you have suddenly crossed over the boundary which separates consciousness from dreams.</p>
2285 <p>A sensation of falling assails your senses and, with panic in your heart, you try desperately to extricate yourself from this terrifying cone of darkness.</p>
2286 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
2287 <p>Now, consult the following list and modify your number where appropriate:</p>
2288 <p>If you possess Kai-screen add 3.</p>
2289 <p>If you possess Grand Nexus add 1.</p>
2290 <p>If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 20 or higher add 1.</p>
2291 <p>If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 19 or lower subtract 1.</p>
2292 <choice idref="sect46">If your total score is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
2293 <choice idref="sect269">If it is 5<ch.endash/>7, <link-text>turn to 269</link-text>.</choice>
2294 <choice idref="sect143">If it is 8 or higher, <link-text>turn to 143</link-text>.</choice>
2298 <section class="numbered" id="sect117">
2299 <meta><title>117</title></meta>
2302 <p>With the shrieks of the horde and the rasping growl of the Giganite echoing in your ears, you spring to your feet and run headlong into the mouth of the leafy tunnel. Your stamina and fleetness of foot keep you ahead of the ghouls until, two miles later, you sense that the danger has passed and it is safe enough for a few minutes<ch.apos/> rest.</p>
2303 <p>Once your pulse has settled, your fear of being followed prompts you to continue along the leafy passage without further delay. You progress in a near-darkness which is broken only by a few scattered rays of grey light that creep through the ceiling above. At length the tunnel ends and you emerge into a clearing where stand the derelict remains of an ancient stone dwelling. You approach it warily, sensing the presence of magic, yet inside its shattered walls you find nothing but mould and clumps of sickly black grass. Then your skills of Divination tingle afresh as the presentiment of sorcery increases. Suddenly you realize that the source of the magic is not here in this ruined hut: it is approaching the hut.</p>
2304 <p>Through a crack in the stones you see a gap appear in the wall of trees opposite and a group of Vazhag enter the clearing, their ratty faces sniffing at the heavy, humid air. Among their number is one who is not of their breed. He is human in size and stature, though his hooded scarlet robes make it difficult to be sure. For a moment you catch a glimpse of the glassy green mask covering his face and at once you know that this being is a Cener Druid. In his hand he carries a rod of gold that is radiating the aura of magic which you detected when first you entered the clearing.</p>
2305 <p>The Cener calls his pack to a halt. They cease all movement and watch in quiet awe as he raises his golden rod and uses it to make a slow, deliberate sweep of the clearing. Hurriedly you draw on your Magnakai skills of Invisibility and Pathsmanship to shield you from detection as the Cener sweeps back the rod and levels it directly at the derelict hut.</p>
2306 <p>Waves of psychic energy flow across your mind. Steadily they grow in intensity, probing and testing your defences to breaking point.</p>
2307 <choice idref="sect44">If you possess Kai-screen, <link-text>turn to 44</link-text>.</choice>
2308 <choice idref="sect298">If you do not possess this Grand Mastery, <link-text>turn to 298</link-text>.</choice>
2312 <section class="numbered" id="sect118">
2313 <meta><title>118</title></meta>
2316 <p>The tunnel continues for more than a mile before it descends, by means of a steep staircase, to another passageway over one hundred feet below the first. Here the air is full of fine dust and you can hear small scratching sounds coming from inside the walls.</p>
2317 <p>In the dark distance, you see clearly a score of crab-like creatures grouped in circles on the tunnel floor. Their shells are bone-white and you hazard a guess that these strange crustaceans have probably never been exposed to the sun. At your approach they scuttle up the walls with surprising speed and disappear into funnel-shaped holes that riddle the ceiling.</p>
2318 <p>Confident that the crabs have taken fright and fled, you advance along the tunnel towards another staircase, the top of which you can just discern in the far distance. You are passing beneath the crab-holes when you hear a faint hissing noise and suddenly you feel droplets of sticky clear liquid spattering your head and shoulders. Then wisps of grey smoke arise from your cloak and you feel a searing pain, as if a fistful of red-hot needles were being stabbed repeatedly into your scalp. You are being attacked by a powerful organic acid and it is rapidly eating its way into your flesh!</p>
2319 <choice idref="sect249">If you possess Grand Nexus, <link-text>turn to 249</link-text>.</choice>
2320 <choice idref="sect329">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
2324 <section class="numbered" id="sect119">
2325 <meta><title>119</title></meta>
2328 <p>Stealthily you make your way towards the stairwell and descend the steps without being seen. The circular stairs spiral down more than fifty feet to a chamber directly below the hall, empty save for a line of red robes and masks which hang from pegs driven into the marble wall.</p>
2329 <choice idref="sect158">If you are already wearing a Cener Robe <em>and</em> a Cener Mask, <link-text>turn to 158</link-text>.</choice>
2330 <choice idref="sect77">If you possess only one or neither of these items, <link-text>turn to 77</link-text>.</choice>
2334 <section class="numbered" id="sect120">
2335 <meta><title>120</title></meta>
2338 <p>The creature<ch.apos/>s ghastly visage is the very stuff of nightmares. From its bear-like torso there protrude four tentacles and two powerful legs, all sheathed in shaggy scales. The limbs are surmounted with horny talons which glint menacingly in the gloom. Its head, set with huge fishy eyes, is bulbous and disfigured by disease. It rests awkwardly upon a crooked neck which wobbles with every movement the lumbering beast makes. A livid crimson gash just below the eyes serves as its mouth, and a long tail, ridged with sharp spines, swishes behind it.</p>
2340 <illustration class="float">
2342 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2343 <description>You see a creature advancing towards you whose ghastly visage is the very stuff of nightmares.</description>
2345 <instance class="html" src="ill6.png" width="386" height="589" mime-type="image/png"/>
2346 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="589" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2347 <instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="589" />
2350 <p>With unexpected speed the beast is suddenly upon you, stabbing and slashing at your body with its sword-sharp talons.</p>
2351 <combat><enemy>Degradon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">49</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">36</enemy-attribute></combat>
2352 <p>This creature is immune to Mindblast and Psi-surge (but not Kai-surge).</p>
2353 <choice idref="sect296">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 296</link-text>.</choice>
2357 <section class="numbered" id="sect121">
2358 <meta><title>121</title></meta>
2361 <p>As you step away from the dead Vazhag, you notice a tiny box-like device hanging from a chain around the Pit Agarashi<ch.apos/>s neck. At once your natural Sixth Sense informs you that the device is magical. It controlled the creature<ch.apos/>s instincts, enslaving it to the commands of the weaker Vazhag.</p>
2362 <p>If you wish to take this Restrainer, record it as a Special Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
2363 <p>Anxious to leave, you lift the furs which cover the divan and see, protruding from the side, a small lever identical to the one that opened the secret door. You pull it and the door clicks open, enabling you to escape by the way you entered.</p>
2364 <choice idref="sect308"><link-text>Turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
2368 <section class="numbered" id="sect122">
2369 <meta><title>122</title></meta>
2372 <p>The Vazhag inform you that they are returning from a place called the Temple of Dzenya. Brother Hoylez, the druid in charge of the temple, recently resurrected this human from the temple<ch.apos/>s grave-pits. They have been ordered to deliver it to Brother Croumah at the Hall of Sacrifice in Mogaruith.</p>
2373 <p><quote>Excellent!</quote> you reply, convincingly. <quote>I myself am on my way to seek counsel with Brother Croumah this very instant. You will escort me there. Now, lead on!</quote></p>
2374 <p>The Vazhag appear to relax upon hearing your order, as if they had half-expected you to punish them, and they set off readily towards the drawbridge with you following close behind.</p>
2375 <choice idref="sect233"><link-text>Turn to 233</link-text>.</choice>
2379 <section class="numbered" id="sect123">
2380 <meta><title>123</title></meta>
2383 <p>You see the red-robed druid flick his wrist and from his golden rod there leaps a second charge. This lance of crackling fire spirals through the hole in the wall and comes arcing towards your face, like a ravenous vampire let loose upon a maiden<ch.apos/>s throat.</p>
2384 <choice idref="sect215">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 215</link-text>.</choice>
2385 <choice idref="sect51">If you possess Magi-magic and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
2386 <choice idref="sect344">If you have neither of these Grand Master Disciplines or choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 344</link-text>.</choice>
2390 <section class="numbered" id="sect124">
2391 <meta><title>124</title></meta>
2394 <p>You sense a strong aura of power surrounding the druid. He stands only a few feet from where you are crouching and, in order to prevent him detecting your presence, you call upon all of your advanced mastery of camouflage to keep you safe.</p>
2395 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add 3 to the number you have chosen.</p>
2396 <choice idref="sect213">If your total score is now 3<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
2397 <choice idref="sect164">If it is 5<ch.endash/>12, <link-text>turn to 164</link-text>.</choice>
2401 <section class="numbered" id="sect125">
2402 <meta><title>125</title></meta>
2405 <p>You sense that Cadak<ch.apos/>s command is no simple trick for you can feel another presence in the room, moving towards your back. You sidestep to your left and turn, keeping the Arch Druid still in sight as you glance across your shoulder at the rest of the chamber.</p>
2406 <p>You had been half-expecting to see one of Cadak<ch.apos/>s henchmen sneaking forward with a dagger in his hand, and so the terrible sight which greets your gaze now is doubly shocking.</p>
2407 <p>Stepping from out of the tapestry which covers the wall is a gigantic, bull-like creature, with the head and face of a man. Two needle-sharp fangs protrude from its bloodstained upper lip, and its eyes gleam with a murderous lust that chills your soul. What had once, only minutes before, been woven into the fabric of the tapestry, now strides towards you with slow purposeful steps, its taloned hands outstretched in eager readiness to tear you apart.</p>
2409 <illustration class="float">
2411 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2412 <description>A gigantic, bull-like creature steps towards you out of the tapestry.</description>
2414 <instance class="html" src="ill7.png" width="386" height="625" mime-type="image/png"/>
2415 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="625" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2416 <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="625" />
2419 <combat><enemy>Exterminus</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
2420 <choice idref="sect2">You may evade this combat after 4 rounds by <link-text>turning to 2</link-text>.</choice>
2421 <choice idref="sect320">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 320</link-text>.</choice>
2425 <section class="numbered" id="sect126">
2426 <meta><title>126</title></meta>
2429 <p>A sudden noise startles you and you spin around to face it. A section of the wall is moving inwards, carrying with it the robes that are hanging there. A figure, dressed in a hooded purple cloak and clasping a large leather-bound book, appears in the opening. As he steps into the room the section of wall closes behind him.</p>
2430 <p><quote>What are you doing here, brother?</quote> he asks, his voice heavy with suspicion. You sense that he is a druid of high rank and you know your answer must be convincing if you are to avoid his wrath.</p>
2431 <choice idref="sect170">If you wish to answer by saying that you have come here to help him, <link-text>turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
2432 <choice idref="sect156">If you wish to say that you are looking for a lost possession, <link-text>turn to 156</link-text>.</choice>
2433 <choice idref="sect212">If you decide that actions speak louder than words, you can attack him by <link-text>turning to 212</link-text>.</choice>
2437 <section class="numbered" id="sect127">
2438 <meta><title>127</title></meta>
2441 <p>Waiting in the shadows, camouflaged from detection by your cloak of Kai skills, you patiently observe the portal and guards. After several minutes, the resonant boom of a metal gong echoes in some deep and distant part of the caves. As the echo slowly fades, another sound, that of metal scraping on stone, resounds around the cavern. Then a crack of light appears along the bottom of the portal and, with a grating screech, the great wall of iron slowly rises up into the ceiling.</p>
2442 <p>Through the opening comes a patrol of Vazhag who are escorting a wagon stacked high with wooden boxes, barrels, and sacks. A sudden rush of female Vazhag, all squealing and clamouring for food, brings the wagon to a halt directly beneath the onion-shaped portico. The escort struggles to fend off the hungry females with little effect until, with a spine-tingling screech, the portal begins to descend. A wave of panic washes over the Vazhag and they turn and run back into the cavern, fearful of being crushed beneath the falling iron door.</p>
2443 <p>When it is just a few feet from the wagon, the portal shudders and grinds to a halt. Those few guards and Vazhag escort who remained nearby quickly rush forward to drag the wagon from beneath the portal. You notice that the females are beginning to return and you know that you must act now if you are to escape from the cavern before the wagon is pulled clear and the iron door closes.</p>
2444 <choice idref="sect270">If you wish to use your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus to help you escape, <link-text>turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
2445 <choice idref="sect68">If you wish to use your Magnakai Discipline of Psi-surge, <link-text>turn to 68</link-text>.</choice>
2446 <choice idref="sect9">If you wish to use your Magnakai Discipline of Invisibility, <link-text>turn to 9</link-text>.</choice>
2450 <section class="numbered" id="sect128">
2451 <meta><title>128</title></meta>
2454 <p>Beyond the doorway is a flight of stone steps which ascend into the gloom. You pound up the steps, your heart beating in time with your feet, and emerge at a chamber which is lit by foul-smelling torches fixed around the walls. Two passages lead out of this room: one heads towards the west, the other towards the east. You pause for a moment to use your Magnakai senses of Divination and Pathsmanship, but you detect nothing unusual about either passage.</p>
2455 <choice idref="sect271">If you wish to enter the west passage, <link-text>turn to 271</link-text>.</choice>
2456 <choice idref="sect95">If you choose to enter the east passage, <link-text>turn to 95</link-text>.</choice>
2460 <section class="numbered" id="sect129">
2461 <meta><title>129</title></meta>
2464 <p>Coughing and retching, you haul your way out of the stinking bog and collapse upon the soft forest floor. For a few moments you lie there, unable to see through the mask of filth that hangs down in front of your eyes. Then, with the edge of your hand, you slowly scrape the slime from your face and look back at the threads of dark crimson blood which trace a marbled pattern against the green surface scum. They are testimony to your hard-won fight.</p>
2465 <p>With the memory of your battle against the bog creature still vivid in your mind, you clamber to your feet and hurry along the track heading east.</p>
2466 <choice idref="sect242"><link-text>Turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
2470 <section class="numbered" id="sect130">
2471 <meta><title>130</title></meta>
2474 <p>Anxious to avoid being seen by the approaching Vazhag, you release your grip and allow yourself to drop silently into the lake. The moment the cold waters close above your head you strike out and swim underwater towards the north bank. The lake is dark and forbidding yet your powerful sight enables you to see the contours of the lake bed as they pass beneath you.</p>
2475 <p>For the most part the water is no more than twenty feet deep, hardly a depth capable of hiding the huge body of a Dholdaarg. But as you are nearing the centre you catch sight of the monster<ch.apos/>s lair. A yawning black crevasse cuts a jagged line east to west along the bottom of the lake bed. A strong undercurrent and an inky blackness tell you that this watery abyss could be several hundred feet deep.</p>
2476 <p>You increase your stroke and swim across the crevasse as swiftly as you can, fearful of what lurks in its hellish depths. Like an underwater cliff<ch.apos/>s edge the lake bed reappears, and beyond it you glimpse the inviting shallows of the north bank.</p>
2477 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
2478 <choice idref="sect183">If the number you have chosen is 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 183</link-text>.</choice>
2479 <choice idref="sect312">If the number is 5<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 312</link-text>.</choice>
2483 <section class="numbered" id="sect131">
2484 <meta><title>131</title></meta>
2487 <p>Using your Magnakai power of Nexus, and the strength of your own two hands, you force open the barred door and gain access to the anteroom beyond. It is unlit and every surface is thick with a dust that has lain undisturbed for many years. On a marble dais, which occupies most of the floor, there stands a large rectangular stone casket. It has no lid, and as you approach it you see that it contains the mummified remains of a creature you cannot readily identify.</p>
2489 <illustration class="float">
2491 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2492 <description>You approach a marble dais containing remains of a creature you cannot identify.</description>
2494 <instance class="html" src="ill8.png" width="386" height="593" mime-type="image/png"/>
2495 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill8.gif" width="386" height="593" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2496 <instance class="pdf" src="ill8.pdf" width="386" height="593" />
2499 <p>You can feel no evil in the vicinity of this corpse, and your senses tell you that there is nothing, other than yourself, alive in this room. Confident in this knowledge you lean forward to examine the corpse.</p>
2500 <p>Without warning, a powerful spike of psychic energy penetrates deep into your mind. Its icy cold attack numbs your senses and leaves you trembling helplessly with shock<ch.emdash/>lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2501 <p>Reeling from the unexpected onslaught, you struggle to erect a mind shield as the mummified remains of the corpse slowly stir into life.</p>
2502 <p>Suddenly, a claw-tipped limb snakes towards your throat and grabs you in a choking, vice-tight grip. Desperately you struggle to unsheathe a weapon and free yourself as the grisly remains of a Plague Agarashi rise up from the casket only inches before your disbelieving eyes.</p>
2503 <combat><enemy>Plague Agarashi (Undead/magically animated)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">36</enemy-attribute></combat>
2504 <p>Due to the speed and surprise of this creature<ch.apos/>s attack, reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 3 for the duration of this fight. If you wield the Sommerswerd, remember to double the Undead Plague Agarashi<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point loss in each round of combat.</p>
2505 <choice idref="sect18">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
2509 <section class="numbered" id="sect132">
2510 <meta><title>132</title></meta>
2513 <p>Suddenly, above you, there is a loud rattling noise followed by the grating squeal of iron on stone. You spin around to look at the staircase by which you entered and, to your horror, you see a heavy portcullis come crashing down to seal off the exit. Then there is another sound: the hiss of escaping air. Your senses detect it is coming from around the great portal and, as it slowly begins to open, you reach for your weapons in readiness to defend your life.</p>
2514 <choice idref="sect221">If you possess a Bow and an Arrow and wish to use them, <link-text>turn to 221</link-text>.</choice>
2515 <choice idref="sect325">If you do not possess a Bow or choose not to use it, you can unsheathe a hand weapon instead by <link-text>turning to 325</link-text>.</choice>
2519 <section class="numbered" id="sect133">
2520 <meta><title>133</title></meta>
2523 <p>The crumbling rock wall and lack of secure handholds fail to thwart your natural climbing ability. With relative ease you scale the shaft and emerge upon a mountainside, at a place hidden beneath an outcrop which is ringed by wind-worn boulders and scrub.</p>
2524 <p>Early morning sunlight illuminates the surrounding hills. Beyond them you see a vast expanse of forest, a sea of sickly grey-green trees, which radiates an unmistakable aura of evil. The position of the sun and your Pathsmanship skills inform you that you are looking upon the Forest of Ruel from the eastern foothills of the Skardos Mountains.</p>
2525 <p>The land appears deserted, the only unusual feature being a wide dirt track which wends its way eastward through the hills towards a gap at the edge of the grim forest. You consult your <a idref="map">map</a> and conclude that this must be the Skardos Trail, the secret route used by the Ceners, which leads all the way to Mogaruith itself. You resolve to follow the trail, but first (unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery) you must eat a meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2526 <choice idref="sect230">To continue, <link-text>turn to 230</link-text>.</choice>
2530 <section class="numbered" id="sect134">
2531 <meta><title>134</title></meta>
2534 <p>Desperately you try to swim against the current to avoid the fall of shattered rocks and fire but, despite your valiant efforts, you cannot escape being crushed by the deluge. Death is mercifully swift.</p>
2535 <p>The incredible bravery you have displayed during your quest has brought about the destruction of the plague virus, and the druids who knew the secrets of its cultivation. This destruction has saved millions from a terrible death, and the selfless courage you have shown in bringing this about will never be forgotten by the free peoples of Magnamund. Sadly, though, death is the price you have paid for your victory.</p>
2536 <deadend>Tragically, your life and your quest end here beneath the Ghardoz Bridge.</deadend>
2540 <section class="numbered" id="sect135">
2541 <meta><title>135</title></meta>
2544 <p>The druid<ch.apos/>s bolt knocks you flat on your back and surrounds your body with a flashing web of electrical power. Painfully you drag yourself to your feet and, as the spider-like threads of energy begin to fade, you look up to see the Cener shouting and waving at his Vazhag minions. He is commanding them to attack the ruins and rip what remains of you to shreds!</p>
2545 <p>With hatred blazing in their blood-red eyes, the Vazhag advance towards the derelict dwelling, each carrying a rusty weapon poised for the kill.</p>
2546 <choice idref="sect25">If you wish to stand and fight these disease-ridden Vazhag, <link-text>turn to 25</link-text>.</choice>
2547 <choice idref="sect279">If you decide to attempt to evade them, <link-text>turn to 279</link-text>.</choice>
2551 <section class="numbered" id="sect136">
2552 <meta><title>136</title></meta>
2555 <p>Gasping for air, you are forced to retreat from this seemingly impenetrable cloud of poisonous spores. For several minutes you claw your way blindly up the steep passageway until at last you reach a section where you can breathe more easily. You have survived, but you have been severely weakened by your encounter with a colony of deadly khloros fungi: lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2556 <p>Unable to continue in your chosen direction, you turn around and reluctantly head back towards the fissure.</p>
2557 <choice idref="sect332"><link-text>Turn to 332</link-text>.</choice>
2561 <section class="numbered" id="sect137">
2562 <meta><title>137</title></meta>
2565 <p>You descend a few rungs, just far enough to put you beyond reach of the spear blades, and then you utter the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Levitation</spell>. Moments later you feel gravity losing its grip and gently you push yourself away from the ladder to hover in mid-air.</p>
2566 <p>The Acolytes gasp in shocked surprise as you rise up to confront them eye to eye. The nearest allows his spear to waver and instantly you lash out at his vulnerable chest. The impact of your blow knocks him from the platform to fall, screaming, into the midst of the glass boxes on an experiment table far below.</p>
2567 <p>Gracefully you step onto the platform and crouch in readiness to fight the remaining Acolyte. He meets your stare with a sneer that readily conveys his hatred of your race. Then, spurred on by the yells of his confederates in the hall below, he jumps forward and thrusts his weapon at your throat.</p>
2568 <combat><enemy>Acolyte of Vashna (With Medallion of Protection)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">25</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
2569 <choice idref="sect29">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
2573 <section class="numbered" id="sect138">
2574 <meta><title>138</title></meta>
2577 <p>You trail the two novices along a series of corridors that end at a large antechamber. This domed hall is decorated with tapestries which depict Cenerese legends, ignoble and infamous deeds that were perpetrated during the Age of the Old Kingdoms, when, for nearly a thousand years, the Cenerese tyrannized Northern Magnamund.</p>
2578 <p>The novices hurry towards a heavy door and, as they swing it open and enter, you hear the doleful sound of chanting. Curiosity prompts you to approach the door, which they have left ajar, and peer through its narrow opening. A chill runs the length of your spine the moment you see what lies in the hall beyond.</p>
2579 <choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
2583 <section class="numbered" id="sect139">
2584 <meta><title>139</title></meta>
2587 <p>The corpulent Vazhag continues to snore, blissfully oblivious to your presence inside his private chamber.</p>
2588 <choice idref="sect238">If you wish to cross the chamber and investigate the curtained archway, <link-text>turn to 238</link-text>.</choice>
2589 <choice idref="sect308">If you choose to leave the chamber via the secret door, <link-text>turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
2593 <section class="numbered" id="sect140">
2594 <meta><title>140</title></meta>
2597 <p>Nimbly you dive and roll across the spongy ground to avoid the falling creepers. Your swift action saves you from the first attack, but another mass descend, moving faster than the first, and ensnare you in their thorny grasp before you can get back on your feet.</p>
2598 <choice idref="sect56">If you possess Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 56</link-text>.</choice>
2599 <choice idref="sect291">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 291</link-text>.</choice>
2603 <section class="numbered" id="sect141">
2604 <meta><title>141</title></meta>
2607 <p>Suddenly there is a loud crack: the support pin has popped out and, as the massive weight of the cauldron is suddenly removed, the chain whips away like an angry snake. You step back to avoid being hit by it and, from the edge of the platform, you watch with grim satisfaction as the cauldron plummets into the hall below.</p>
2608 <choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
2612 <section class="numbered" id="sect142">
2613 <meta><title>142</title></meta>
2616 <p>The speed and apparent ease with which you dispatched his minions shocks the Cener Druid to the core. Gibbering with fright, he turns and runs for the safety of the tunnel by which he and his now deceased underlings entered the cave. Anxious not to allow him to escape and raise the alarm, you clamber onto the platform and run across the drawbridge in pursuit of the red-robed figure.</p>
2617 <p>The tunnel beyond the bridge is narrow yet well-lit and you have no difficulty following your prey. Stealthily and speedily you close upon him like a lion running to ground a frightened fawn. He glances over his shoulder repeatedly as you draw nearer; then, in desperation, he skids to a halt beneath one of the many hanging bowls which illuminate the passageway. He raises both hands, as if surrendering, but as you approach him he grasps the underside of the heavy bowl and heaves it at you. Suddenly, with a sizzling rush, a gallon of blazing coal oil spills over the stone rim and comes gushing down towards your unprotected face.</p>
2618 <choice idref="sect324">If you possess Grand Nexus, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
2619 <choice idref="sect22">If you do not possess mastery of this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
2623 <section class="numbered" id="sect143">
2624 <meta><title>143</title></meta>
2627 <p>You draw on all your strength to resist the terrible power which is sucking you towards its heart. In desperation you call upon the Gods Kai and Ishir to aid you and, as if in response to your prayers, you sense yourself rising as the swirling vortex begins to recede.</p>
2628 <p>Then, abruptly, the swirling funnel evaporates and you find yourself on your hands and knees, breathless and trembling, staring at the cold stone floor of Cadak<ch.apos/>s throne room. Slowly you rise to your feet; then a faint sound behind warns you that someone or something is moving about in the antechamber.</p>
2629 <choice idref="sect222"><link-text>Turn to 222</link-text>.</choice>
2633 <section class="numbered" id="sect144">
2634 <meta><title>144</title></meta>
2637 <p>Carefully you form your lips into an <quote>O</quote> shape in readiness to utter the battle-spell <spell>Power Word</spell> you have been taught by Lord Rimoah. Then, the instant the spell-thoughts focus in your mind, you project the power-word <spell>Gloar!</spell> at the middle of the fleeing druid<ch.apos/>s back. Like a sledgehammer, the sound hits him between the shoulder blades and sends him tumbling head over heels into a tangle of forest briars.</p>
2638 <p>Stunned and groaning, the Cener fumbles for his slender golden rod and, as if guided by more than chance, his spindly fingers locate it at once. Yet, before he can use it to retaliate, you sprint across the clearing, weapon in hand, and attack him where he lies:</p>
2639 <combat><enemy>Cener Druid (prone)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">28</enemy-attribute></combat>
2640 <choice idref="sect60">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 60</link-text>.</choice>
2644 <section class="numbered" id="sect145">
2645 <meta><title>145</title></meta>
2648 <p>You are within a few feet of the gap when the first of the Vazhag<ch.apos/>s arrows come screaming towards your legs. You twist aside and avoid one of the shafts, but the other hits you in the left leg and gouges a furrow of flesh from your calf: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2649 <p>Gritting your teeth against the sharp pain, you drag yourself through the narrow opening and emerge on a mountainside, at a place hidden beneath an outcrop which is ringed by wind-worn boulders and scrub. Early morning sunlight illuminates the surrounding hills, and beyond them you see a vast expanse of forest, a sea of sickly grey-green trees, which radiates an unmistakable aura of evil. The position of the sun and your Pathsmanship skills tell you that you are now looking upon the Forest of Ruel from the eastern foothills of the Skardos Mountains.</p>
2650 <p>The land appears deserted, the only unusual feature being a wide dirt track which wends its way eastward through the hills towards a gap at the edge of the grim forest. You consult your <a idref="map">map</a> and conclude that this must be the Skardos Trail, the secret route used by the Ceners, which leads all the way to Mogaruith itself. You resolve to follow the trail, but first you hobble away from the ledge lest the Vazhag, and their monstrous war-dogs, should decide to give chase.</p>
2651 <choice idref="sect230">To continue, <link-text>turn to 230</link-text>.</choice>
2655 <section class="numbered" id="sect146">
2656 <meta><title>146</title></meta>
2659 <footnote id="sect146-1-foot" idref="sect146-1">
2660 <p>This section corresponds to the correct answer to the riddle in <a idref="sect48">Section 48</a>.</p>
2665 <p>You speak your answer and instantly the lid of the box clicks open.<footref id="sect146-1" idref="sect146-1-foot"/> Congratulations, Grand Master Lone Wolf, your reckoning was correct. Dividing any number by one half actually doubles that number. Therefore, 80 divided by one half becomes 160. Subtract 14 from 160 and you have the solution to the puzzle.</p>
2666 <p>Inside the box you discover a Map of Mogaruith, which details its dungeon levels. This is a Special Item which you carry tucked into your tunic. You need not discard any other Special Item in its favour if you already carry the maximum allowed.</p>
2667 <p>An unexpected shuffling noise, somewhere in another part of the library, causes you to freeze. Someone else has entered. You look over your shoulder at the door and decide that now would be a very wise time to leave.</p>
2668 <choice idref="sect335"><link-text>Turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
2672 <section class="numbered" id="sect147">
2673 <meta><title>147</title></meta>
2676 <p>You clear the gap with inches to spare but not entirely without cost. The portcullis snares your Backpack and, as you roll away, it is torn from your shoulders and crushed when the heavy portal slams to the ground. (You must now erase all Backpack Items and Meals from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
2677 <p>You spring to your feet instantly and run headlong across the drawbridge towards the far side. Arrows rain down on you from the battlements, but your speed and agility keep you from being hit. Then, within seconds of reaching firm ground, you are confronted by a group of three Vazhag returning from battle. Two are armed with spears and they face you on foot, but the third sits astride a captured Slovian steed. It is wielding a cavalry lance and you can tell by the way the rat-man balances it that it is skilled in its use.</p>
2678 <p>The two spear-wielders squeal their battle-cry and attack you simultaneously. However, this cry is quickly transformed into a duet of pain when you strike out and kill them instantly. They drop to the ground and almost immediately the rider is upon you, jabbing at your chest with the tip of its lance. You duck the first thrust, and steady yourself to meet the second as the Vazhag lancer turns and bears down on you once more.</p>
2680 <enemy>Vazhag Lancer</enemy>
2681 <enemy-attribute class="combatskill">32</enemy-attribute>
2682 <enemy-attribute class="endurance">20</enemy-attribute>
2684 <choice idref="sect113">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 113</link-text>.</choice>
2688 <section class="numbered" id="sect148">
2689 <meta><title>148</title></meta>
2692 <p>The grim horde shambles nearer and close ranks, in readiness, perhaps, for a concerted attack. But combat is not their intent. As one, they open their mouths and give vent to a ghastly sound that is akin to mocking laughter, the like of which you have never heard before.</p>
2693 <p>As if in answer to their gleeful cacophony there arises, from out of the black shadows of the pits, a dreadful rumbling roar. Something huge is stirring deep within each of those dark forbidding shafts. As the ghoulish laughter reaches its pitch, three giant, misshapen cat-like heads rise up into the light, each perched atop a snaky body as thick as the trunk of a tree. They bare their fangs and shake off the tangle of human bones that cling to their stinking, corpse-green manes.</p>
2694 <p>The sight of these unholy creatures makes you reel back in shock and utter a cry of disbelief. Your cry is lost among the barrage of screeching howls, yet the cat-things react as if they hear it and, together, they come oozing out from their dark, noisome lairs and glide slowly towards where you stand.</p>
2695 <choice idref="sect80">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-surge, <link-text>turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
2696 <choice idref="sect38">If you do not possess this skill, <link-text>turn to 38</link-text>.</choice>
2700 <section class="numbered" id="sect149">
2701 <meta><title>149</title></meta>
2704 <p>Having witnessed how swiftly you dispatched his entire Vazhag escort, the Cener chooses to escape while he can. He turns and runs along the track which leads away from the clearing, and hurriedly you give chase.</p>
2705 <p>You catch up with him less than fifty yards along the track. In desperation, he tries to cut you down with another blast of energy but your swift reflexes save you from being hit. A well-placed blow knocks the rod from his hand and deflects the blast away into the trees. Cursing you, he unsheathes a dagger and lunges at your heart.</p>
2707 <enemy>Cener Druid</enemy>
2708 <enemy-attribute class="combatskill">28</enemy-attribute>
2709 <enemy-attribute class="endurance">28</enemy-attribute>
2711 <choice idref="sect53">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 53</link-text>.</choice>
2715 <section class="numbered" id="sect150">
2716 <meta><title>150</title></meta>
2719 <p>Beyond the door awaits an echoing hall which reeks of decay. Its walls are adorned with gruesome paintings which depict terrible scenes of human slaughter. One in particular catches your eye and, although you try hard to ignore it, you find you cannot turn your head away. It shows a pit of helpless humans, writhing and screaming in anguish as they are slowly consumed by packs of wild-eyed plague dogs. The scene shocks you deeply for the doomed humans all have distinct Sommlending features.</p>
2720 <p>With difficulty you tear your eyes away and force yourself to look elsewhere in this unfriendly hall. You see columns rising to the roof, each wound round with creepers and fungi which give off an unwholesome, pallid light. Ahead you see another door, identical to that by which you have entered, and before it there stands a desk on top of a plinth of green stone. A creature sits at the desk, huddled over the open pages of a ledger upon which it is writing with a feathered quill pen. As you draw closer it stops scrawling and places its quill into a nearby pot of ink, fashioned from the crown of a human skull. The creature raises its hairless head and stares at you unblinkingly with its solitary eye.</p>
2722 <illustration class="float">
2724 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2725 <description>As you draw closer the creature stops scrawling and places its quill into an ink pot fashioned from a human skull.</description>
2727 <instance class="html" src="ill9.png" width="386" height="569" mime-type="image/png"/>
2728 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill9.gif" width="386" height="569" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2729 <instance class="pdf" src="ill9.pdf" width="386" height="569" />
2732 <p><quote>Who seeks an audience with He?</quote> it croaks, hoarsely. <quote>State your name, brother, and your purpose here.</quote></p>
2733 <p>You are standing in the antechamber of Arch Druid Cadak<ch.apos/>s throne hall. To enter the hall itself and, hopefully, discover where the deadly virus is being cultivated, you know that you must first persuade this creature to allow you to pass.</p>
2734 <choice idref="sect314">If you decide to say that you have come from the battlefront with important news for the Arch Druid, <link-text>turn to 314</link-text>.</choice>
2735 <choice idref="sect208">If you wish to say that you are an agent who has just arrived from the Lastlands with vital information for Cadak<ch.apos/>s eyes only, <link-text>turn to 208</link-text>.</choice>
2736 <choice idref="sect91">If you possess Animal Mastery and wish to use it to exert control over this creature<ch.apos/>s mind, <link-text>turn to 91</link-text>.</choice>
2740 <section class="numbered" id="sect151">
2741 <meta><title>151</title></meta>
2744 <p>You call upon the power of your Animal Mastery and hold the rat-man with your piercing gaze as you demand that he grants you entry to Mogaruith without further delay. He does not respond to your power and at once you detect that his mind is shielded by some magical means which enables him to resist your will.</p>
2745 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Grand Mastery of Kai-alchemy <em>and</em> Kai-surge, add 3 to the number you have chosen.</p>
2746 <choice idref="sect70">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 70</link-text>.</choice>
2747 <choice idref="sect175">If your score is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 175</link-text>.</choice>
2751 <section class="numbered" id="sect152">
2752 <meta><title>152</title></meta>
2755 <p>The flame-creature rises up and hovers little more than an arm<ch.apos/>s length above your head. Its tentacles lash out and you are forced to sidestep swiftly to avoid them ensnaring you. Then, as if spurred on by the frantic cries of the cave beasts, it advances upon you. For a moment it seems to swell and contract, as if it is inhaling and exhaling a huge lungful of air; then suddenly a wall of blinding white light erupts before your eyes as a blast of psychic energy comes crashing into your mind. You reel from the unexpected shock of its impact, and your Magnakai senses are unable to shield you from its withering onslaught: lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2756 <choice idref="sect301">If you survive this massive psychic assault, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text>.</choice>
2760 <section class="numbered" id="sect153">
2761 <meta><title>153</title></meta>
2764 <p>You hide yourself as best you can, taking advantage of a brace of boulders that lie beside the stone steps, and wait with bated breath as the sound of the approaching group grows louder and nearer. Torchlight flickers, casting a watery yellow beam across the cavern floor; then the first of the group enters and you catch sight of their repulsive forms.</p>
2765 <p>A patrol of six Vazhag files into the cavern. Each one is as tall as a Sommlending youth and all are armed with crude, rusty weapons. Fragments of armour and uniforms, which once belonged to human soldiers, encase their hairy, rat-like bodies. They are more than ten feet from your hiding place, but even so, they give off such a vile aroma of filth and disease that you are forced to draw upon your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus to prevent yourself from retching out loud.</p>
2766 <p>They come closer and halt at the foot of the stone stairs, barely an arm<ch.apos/>s length from where you are hiding, and you hear them talking in a high-pitched squeal which reminds you of rusty door hinges. All the while they repeatedly cast furtive glances at the west tunnel entrance as if they are waiting for another of their party to catch up.</p>
2767 <p>Within minutes another member of their patrol does arrive, only this creature is not one of their breed: it is human-sized. However, the hooded scarlet robe it is wearing makes it difficult for you to be absolutely sure that the creature within is human. The Vazhag cease their squealing when the hooded one raises a gloved hand. In that instant, you catch a glimpse of the glassy green mask which is covering his face, and at once you recognize this mask: it is a <foreign xml:lang="x-cenerese">jazak</foreign>, the ritual mask of a Cener Druid.</p>
2768 <choice idref="sect124">If you possess Grand Mastery of Assimilance, <link-text>turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
2769 <choice idref="sect213">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
2773 <section class="numbered" id="sect154">
2774 <meta><title>154</title></meta>
2777 <p>The inquisitive Tzarg passes within a few feet of your hiding place, but your Grand Mastery saves you from detection. Eventually it waddles into the passageway from which you entered and hurries off with an excited group of Vazhag close on its heels, all of them now convinced by the Tzarg<ch.apos/>s actions that it has picked up your trail.</p>
2778 <p>Patiently you wait until the sound of their footsteps has faded before you emerge from your hiding place and leave the hall by the stairs.</p>
2779 <choice idref="sect75"><link-text>Turn to 75</link-text>.</choice>
2783 <section class="numbered" id="sect155">
2784 <meta><title>155</title></meta>
2787 <p>Cautiously you advance to the edge of the stagnant pool, your super-sharp senses alert to the slightest hint of danger. Using your innate Magnakai skill of Invisibility you take care to mask your body heat and scent least they should stir the unwanted attentions of any keen-nosed denizens of Ruel. You pause at the pool<ch.apos/>s edge for a moment where, using your powers of Divination, you scan the surrounding darkness for invisible or hidden enemies. Sensing no threat, you continue to skirt the fetid pond and follow the stream to where it trickles out of the forest. There you are greeted by an unwholesome warmth. It rises from a decaying mulch of roots and fungi that squelch repulsively underfoot. Silently you offer up a prayer to Ishir before venturing further into this inhospitable domain.</p>
2788 <p>For several miles you trudge through the slime that borders the stream. This sickly strip of mud forms a narrow pathway that is, in turn, bordered by the tall trunks and thorny briars of the forest. So dense is this tangle of trees and brush that you feel sure it could only be the result of evil herbcraft.</p>
2789 <p>At length the stream widens and the forest begins to thin out. Soon you are able to leave the foul-smelling brook and enter the forest proper, where after a short while you happen upon the remnants of a track. It descends towards a bog from which arises a cloak of misty vapour. Warily you approach, for the fog clings to the morass and masks its dangers.</p>
2790 <p>Now your senses tingle: there is evil all around. At once you reach for your weapon and, as your hand closes upon it, you feel something snake-like coiling around your left foot.</p>
2791 <choice idref="sect19">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
2792 <choice idref="sect273">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 273</link-text>.</choice>
2796 <section class="numbered" id="sect156">
2797 <meta><title>156</title></meta>
2800 <p><quote>What blasphemy is this!</quote> gasps the druid, horrified by your answer. <quote>Know you not that it is forbidden for a brother to possess anything! The pursuit of possessions is a hammer that shatters loyalty to our cause. You will atone for this<ch.ellips/>oh yes. You will atone to me!</quote></p>
2801 <p>And with these crazed words the druid unsheathes a dagger and raises it above his head. A wave of psychic energy washes over your mind and, for an instant, you see his cold eyes widen with shock as he discovers who you really are. He screams a curse and the blade of his dagger is transformed at once into a yellow spike of glowing luminescence. Swiftly you reach for your own weapon as the crazed druid forces you back, stabbing and slicing the air before him with his sorcerous blade.</p>
2803 <enemy>High Priest</enemy>
2804 <enemy-attribute class="combatskill">47</enemy-attribute>
2805 <enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute>
2807 <p>This enemy is immune to Mindblast and Psi-surge (but not Kai-surge).</p>
2808 <choice idref="sect340">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
2812 <section class="numbered" id="sect157">
2813 <meta><title>157</title></meta>
2816 <p>You release the creaking bowstring and send your Arrow burrowing deep into the Vazhag<ch.apos/>s chest. The rat-thing utters a strangled cry of pain and surprise as, wide-eyed, it crashes down face first into the midst of its hoard of shoddy treasure.</p>
2817 <p>Immediately, with an angry roar, the dog-creature springs forward with its taloned paws outstretched. You retreat, discarding your Bow in favour of a hand weapon with which to fight this ravenous beast.</p>
2818 <combat><enemy>Pit Agarashi</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
2819 <p>This creature is immune to Mindblast and Psi-surge; only Kai-surge can harm it psychically.</p>
2820 <choice idref="sect297">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 297</link-text>.</choice>
2824 <section class="numbered" id="sect158">
2825 <meta><title>158</title></meta>
2828 <footnote id="sect158-1-foot" idref="sect158-1">
2829 <p>The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
2834 <p>A narrow corridor connects the chamber to another, where there stands an imposing door made of sheeted copper, inlaid with a filigree of gold and silver. It is the only exit from this otherwise drab chamber.</p>
2835 <p>A closer inspection of the door reveals that it is surrounded by an airtight seal. Furthermore, there is no keyhole, bolt, or handle. However, your keen eyesight is drawn to a pattern in the door<ch.apos/>s centre panel which, thanks to past experience, you recognize to be a sophisticated combination lock.</p>
2836 <p>The gold inlays form three rows of three numbers within a grid of silver lines:</p>
2837 <illustration class="inline">
2839 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2841 <instance class="html" src="small14.png" width="386" height="200" mime-type="image/png"/>
2842 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small14.gif" width="386" height="200" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2843 <instance class="pdf" src="small14.pdf" width="386" height="200" />
2844 <instance class="text">
2847 <th colspan="3" scope="colgroup">Number grid</th>
2867 <p>Below these numbers, in ancient Cenerese script, is carved the message:</p>
2868 <p><quote>Declare ye the true number to pass this way</quote></p>
2869 <puzzle idref="sect15">Study the grid of numbers. When you think you know the answer to the riddle, <choose test="has-numbered-section-list"><when value="true"><a idref="numbered">turn to the entry</a></when><otherwise>turn to the entry</otherwise></choose> that bears the same number as your answer.<footref id="sect158-1" idref="sect158-1-foot"/></puzzle>
2870 <choice idref="sect132">If you cannot solve this puzzle, <link-text>turn to 132</link-text>.</choice>
2874 <section class="numbered" id="sect159">
2875 <meta><title>159</title></meta>
2878 <p>A hellish noise echoes around the clearing, a terrifying whip-like crack that sets your ears ringing. From the tip of the Cener<ch.apos/>s rod there has erupted a stream of crackling blue light. It arcs towards the dwelling and comes bursting through the blocks of ancient stone, ripping them asunder as if they were no more substantial than bales of mildewed corn. Sharp slivers of stone pepper your legs, and the blast<ch.apos/>s concussion leaves you wide-eyed and gasping for breath: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2879 <p>Through the smoking hole in the wall you can see that the Vazhag pack have halted in their tracks. They hold their grimy paws to their ears and grimace as the Cener prepares to launch a second blast of power from his golden rod.</p>
2880 <choice idref="sect322">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 322</link-text>.</choice>
2881 <choice idref="sect123">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 123</link-text>.</choice>
2885 <section class="numbered" id="sect160">
2886 <meta><title>160</title></meta>
2889 <p>You decide that to travel openly along the track would be too risky. Rather than chance falling foul of a Vazhag patrol, you set off through the forest, using the trees for cover, but all the while keeping the trail in sight as you trek northeastwards toward the Cenerese stronghold.</p>
2890 <p>Your decision is soon justified. Within a few minutes you are forced to hide when a rickety wagon, laden with casks and escorted by a dozen Vazhag, appears on the trail ahead. Unaware of your presence, the detachment passes within yards of your position before continuing on its way southwards.</p>
2891 <p>It is an hour past noon when the trees thin out and you catch your first glimpse of Mogaruith. Crouching at the forest<ch.apos/>s edge, you stare awestricken by the sight of its slime-green walls and towers. This vast Cenerese fortress, rising out of the land like the thrusting fist of some vile volcanic demon, bristles with formidable defences. Turrets and bastions punctuate its sheer stone walls, and its base is ringed by a moat of bubbling water. A single drawbridge spans this moat, providing sole access to an archway lined with iron spikes, which gives the entrance a monstrous appearance, like that of a gigantic fanged maw.</p>
2893 <illustration class="float">
2895 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2896 <description>You catch your first glimpse of Mogaruith, the vast Cenerese fortress rising out of the land like the thrusting fist of some volcanic demon.</description>
2898 <instance class="html" src="ill10.png" width="772" height="580" mime-type="image/png"/>
2899 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill10.gif" width="772" height="580" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2900 <instance class="pdf" src="ill10.pdf" width="772" height="580" />
2903 <p>Two muddy tracks lead away from the drawbridge. One is the Skardos Trail, the track that brought you here, and the other heads due east. You consult your <a idref="map">map</a> and discover that it leads to the River Storn, less than five miles distant. There a bridge spans this mighty waterway, connecting Ruel to the realm of Slovia. A small army of Vazhag, accompanied by a host of other creatures of doubtful origin, are marching away from Mogaruith in a column. Judging by their numbers, and the wagonloads of equipment they trundle in their wake, you suspect that they are marching to battle with the Freeland army of Slovia.</p>
2904 <p>In order to destroy the plague virus and fulfil your vital quest, you know you must gain entry to this stronghold. Anxiously you let the minutes pass as you scan the interminable lines of marching Vazhag, and the fortress walls, in the hope of spotting a means by which you could enter Mogaruith undetected.</p>
2905 <choice idref="sect292">If you possess a Cener Mask <em>and</em> a Cener Robe, <link-text>turn to 292</link-text>.</choice>
2906 <choice idref="sect193">If you do not possess both of these items, <link-text>turn to 193</link-text>.</choice>
2910 <section class="numbered" id="sect161">
2911 <meta><title>161</title></meta>
2914 <p>You seize the spear and ascend the ladder as quickly as you can. The remaining archers are hot on your heels as you pull yourself onto the platform and rush towards the cauldron. Hastily you wedge the spear<ch.apos/>s shaft between the chain and its mounting, and lever it back as hard as you can. The wooden shaft begins to split and, for a moment, you are gripped by the fear that all your valiant efforts will be in vain. Then there is a loud crack: the support pin has popped out and, as the massive weight of the cauldron is suddenly removed, the chain whips away like an angry snake.</p>
2915 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
2916 <choice idref="sect191">If the number you have chosen is 0<ch.endash/>3, <link-text>turn to 191</link-text>.</choice>
2917 <choice idref="sect105">If it is 4<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
2921 <section class="numbered" id="sect162">
2922 <meta><title>162</title></meta>
2925 <p><quote>How dare you delay me with trivial formalities!</quote> you bellow, and slap the Vazhag aside with the palm of your hand. The creature snarls and raises its spear defensively. <quote>Delay me a moment longer and I<ch.apos/>ll see you are boiled alive in your own grease,</quote> you growl. <quote>Let me pass!</quote></p>
2926 <p>Your bold threat works. The rat-man<ch.apos/>s confidence crumbles and nervously he shuffles to one side, lowering his spear as you advance towards him. At that moment, a column of Vazhag and a wagon laden with weapons converge beneath the archway, blocking it completely. Chaos ensues, but the confusion is to your advantage. Quickly you weave your way through the crowd and into the keep beyond where you notice several smaller entrances dotted around the flagstoned square. One in particular looks promising: a staircase that descends to a portal set into the base of the citadel.</p>
2927 <p>You are moving towards this entrance when unexpectedly you are confronted by three Cener Druids. They emerge from an alley and come walking towards you in a line abreast. To avoid them you are forced to sidestep quickly into a shadowy doorway.</p>
2928 <choice idref="sect98"><link-text>Turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
2932 <section class="numbered" id="sect163">
2933 <meta><title>163</title></meta>
2936 <p>Marching shoulder to grisly shoulder the ghoulish horde advances, hungry for flesh untainted by disease and decay. Hurriedly you draw your weapon and breathe a prayer to the Sun-god Kai to protect you in this moment of truth. Then, with a rush, the first wave fall upon you with a mindless fury. With blurring speed you deal them blows that would consign any mortal to its doom, but the grievous wounds draw neither blood nor ichor.</p>
2937 <p>Tirelessly you slash and sever their grasping arms to prevent them from clawing you to the ground. They howl, but not in pain; these ghastly cries are joyous and triumphant. For no matter how skilfully you fight, you cannot resist their weight of numbers and, inch by relentless inch, they are forcing you ever nearer to the pits. As soon as you recognize their strateg
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