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15 <title>Mydnight<ch.apos/>s Hero</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>The King of Siyen has been assassinated. Prince Karvas is the sole heir of this rich and powerful realm but he lives in exile in distant Sheasu<ch.emdash/>the Isle of Lost Heroes. In his absence, evil Baron Sadanzo and his army of robber knights have staked their claim to the vacant throne.</p>
31 <p>In <strong><cite>Mydnight<ch.apos/>s Hero</cite></strong>, your quest is to voyage to Sheasu and track down Prince Karvas in the fabled city of Mydnight. Once found you must persuade him to return with you to Siyen without delay. You have only 50 days in which to complete this challenging quest or Siyen will be enslaved by the tyrannical Sadanzo and his brutal followers.</p>
33 <description class="publication">
34 <p>Internet Edition published by <a href="http://www.projectaon.org/">Project Aon</a>. This edition is intended to reflect the complete text of the original version. Where we have made minor corrections, they will be noted in the <a idref="errata">Errata</a>.</p>
36 <rights class="copyrights">
37 <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1995 Joe Dever.</line>
38 <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1995 Brian Williams.</line>
40 <rights class="license-notification">
42 <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> Joe Dever.</line>
43 <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> Brian Williams.</line>
44 <line>Distribution of this Internet Edition is restricted under the terms of the <a idref="license">Project Aon License</a>.</line>
56 <title>Title Page</title>
57 <link class="next" idref="dedicate" />
62 <section class="frontmatter" id="dedicate">
64 <title>Dedication</title>
65 <link class="prev" idref="title" />
66 <link class="next" idref="acknwldg" />
70 <p class="dedication">For Liz and Dwight</p>
74 <section class="frontmatter" id="acknwldg">
76 <title>Acknowledgements</title>
77 <link class="prev" idref="dedicate" />
78 <link class="next" idref="tssf" />
83 &inclusion.joe.dever.endowment;
85 <section class="frontmatter" id="credits">
86 <meta><title>Credits</title></meta>
90 <dt>Transcription</dt>
93 <line>Sean Donald</line>
95 <dt>Illustration Transcription</dt>
96 <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
99 <line>Jonathan Blake</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>Simon Osborne (Frontmatter, and Sections 1<ch.endash/>150 and 276<ch.endash/>350)</line>
110 <line>Robert Wellock (Sections 151<ch.endash/>275)</line>
114 <line>Jan Charv<ch.aacute/>t</line>
115 <line>Ingo Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
116 <line>LeRoy McSwain</line>
117 <line>Sean Donald</line>
118 <line>Simon Osborne</line>
119 <line>Robert Wellock</line>
121 <dt>Coordination</dt>
122 <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
123 <dt>Special Thanks</dt>
124 <dd>James Durrant, Paul Gresty, Benjamin Krefetz, James Murray, Anders <ch.Ouml/>sterberg, Sam Seaver</dd>
132 <section class="frontmatter" id="tssf">
134 <title>The Story So Far<ch.ellips/></title>
135 <link class="prev" idref="acknwldg" />
136 <link class="next" idref="gamerulz" />
140 <p>You are a Grand Master of the New Order of the Kai<ch.emdash/>the warrior <ch.eacute/>lite of Sommerlund.</p>
142 <p>It is the year MS 5083 and thirty-three years have passed since the First Order of the Kai was almost wiped out by the Darklords of Helgedad. These champions of evil, who were sent by the Dark God Naar to destroy your fertile world of Magnamund, have since been destroyed. The leader of your illustrious fighting order<ch.emdash/>Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>was the sole survivor of the massacre. As a young Kai initiate he stood amidst the burning wreckage of the old Kai Monastery and vowed to avenge the slaughter of his comrades. In the year MS 5070 he kept his pledge when alone he infiltrated the foul domain of the Darklords and destroyed the infernal city of Helgedad, the base of their evil power.</p>
144 <p>With the fall of Helgedad, chaos befell the Darkland armies who had, until then, been poised to conquer all Magnamund. Quickly their disorder escalated into a mutinous civil war which allowed the Freeland armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a successful counter-offensive. Against all odds, a swift and total victory was secured over the feuding armies of evil.</p>
146 <p>Following the demise of the Darklords, peace reigned in your homeland of Sommerlund. Under the direction of Lone Wolf the ruined Monastery of the Kai was rebuilt and restored to its former glory, and the raising of a New Order of Kai warriors was swiftly established. You are one of the new generation of Kai recruits. You were born in Sommerlund in the year MS 5063, during the time of the war against the Darklords. When you were seven years old you were sent by your father to the Kai Monastery. There, under the tutelage of Lone Wolf, you developed your martial skills and honed the special Kai abilities which lay dormant within you. During the years that followed, your skills were nurtured and sharpened to perfection by long hours of study and rigorous training. Your exceptional talent helped you to master all of the Kai and Magnakai Disciplines and you rose swiftly through the ranks of the New Order to become one of only five who now hold the high rank of Kai Grand Master. It is an achievement which has brought great honour upon you and your family.</p>
148 <p>In the year MS 5077 your skill and courage were put to the test when an attack was launched upon the Kai Monastery during Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s absence. By means of a Shadow Gate (an astral corridor between the physical world of Magnamund and the many ethereal domains which lie beyond it) the Dark God Naar sent forth a host of dragon-creatures to besiege the monastery and lay waste to all Sommerlund. He had chosen his time well, yet his evil plan was thwarted by the tenacious defence that you and your brethren maintained until the siege was raised by Lone Wolf and the King<ch.apos/>s Army of Sommerlund.</p>
150 <p>The defeat of his minions enraged Naar and inflamed his lust for vengeance. Three years later he created and sent to Sommerlund an evil champion called <quote>Wolf<ch.apos/>s Bane</quote> who was the very image of Lone Wolf. While your leader was engaged upon a quest overseas, this impostor terrorized your homeland in his guise and sought to destroy the reputation and the honour of the Kai. He would have succeeded had not Lone Wolf returned home and pursued this enemy to an ancient necropolis in the Sommlending city of Tyso. There, deep within a subterranean crypt, he and his evil alter-ego were drawn through a Shadow Gate to the Plane of Darkness<ch.emdash/>Naar<ch.apos/>s stronghold<ch.emdash/>where a deadly duel ensued. Lone Wolf vanquished the foe and discovered that Naar had in his possession the fabled Moonstone of the Shianti. This wondrous artefact was created many thousands of years ago by the god-like Shianti, whose presence upon Magnamund heralded the dawn of humanity. This stone of power contains the combined might of all their magic and wisdom, the sum of all their knowledge. So significant was the creation of this stone that all time on Magnamund has since been measured from the date of its creation. It had long been held that the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s location was a secret known only to the remnants of the Shianti, who dwell upon the mysterious Isle of Lorn in Southern Magnamund, yet the evidence of Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s eyes had told him that this mystical artefact had somehow fallen into the hands of Naar.</p>
152 <p>Lone Wolf realized that the Dark God had been using its legendary powers to generate Shadow Gates within the world of Magnamund, at locations and times of his own choosing. Such power had enabled him to send his loathsome champions to your home world while the force of the Gods of Good<ch.emdash/>Kai and Ishir<ch.emdash/>had been held at bay. Lone Wolf and the New Order Kai were all that stood against the onslaught of Naar<ch.apos/>s agents following the demise of the Darklords.</p>
154 <p>Lone Wolf successfully escaped from the Plane of Darkness and returned to Sommerlund, yet he knew that the fight against Evil had not been won outright. He realized that he would have to return to the Plane of Darkness to retrieve the fabled Moonstone. Only by doing so would Magnamund truly be safe from an invasion by Naar<ch.apos/>s legions of darkness. Two years ago, with the aid of his most trusted ally, Lord Rimoah of Dessi, Lone Wolf fulfilled his vow by journeying to the Dark God<ch.apos/>s domain and retrieving the Moonstone of the Shianti. Upon his triumphant return, Lone Wolf placed the Moonstone in the Vault of the Sun<ch.emdash/>his personal chamber located deep below the fortified citadel of the Kai Monastery. He had hoped that the fabled artefact could remain there indefinitely, to be guarded by generations of Kai who would keep it secure from Naar<ch.apos/>s minions. Retrieval of the Moonstone had denied the Dark God<ch.apos/>s champions ready access to Magnamund, yet Lone Wolf knew that there were many lesser agents of Naar upon Magnamund waiting quietly in the shadows for the chance to do his evil bidding. Undoubtedly they would stop at nothing to retrieve the Moonstone for their foul master.</p>
156 <p>Within a year of his return home it became clear to Lone Wolf that his wish could not be fulfilled. At first the presence of the Moonstone seemed greatly beneficial to Sommerlund. Crops grew abundantly, incidence of disease and illness became increasingly rare, and the newly-born were uniformly healthy. Even the offspring of the impoverished who, in normal times, could expect only one in three of their infants to survive longer than a month beyond birth, were all in good health and exceptional in their physical and mental development. The Sommlending called this extraordinary period of providence the <quote>Blessing of the Moonstone</quote>, yet this time of good fortune could not last. The power of the Moonstone is a great force for Good, but it is also greatly disruptive of the natural order of Magnamund. Soon death itself became a rarity in Sommerlund, and the four seasons of the year were slowly transformed into one unending spring. Lone Wolf was deeply troubled by the changes wrought by the Moonstone and sought the counsel of his closest friend<ch.emdash/>Guildmaster Banedon<ch.emdash/>leader of Sommerlund<ch.apos/>s Brotherhood of Magicians. Banedon entreated him to relinquish the Moonstone before the effects of its power became irreversible. To right the imbalance of nature the Moonstone would have to be taken to the Isle of Lorn, in the southernmost reaches of Magnamund, and delivered back into the hands of the Shianti. Only they, its creators, could prevent its powers from disrupting the natural order of your world.</p>
158 <p>Lone Wolf agreed with Banedon<ch.emdash/>the Moonstone would have to be returned to the Shianti. The physical effects of its presence were beginning to attract the unwelcome attentions of those who secretly desire to enact Naar<ch.apos/>s revenge upon the Kai. When one of Naar<ch.apos/>s agents was captured by a Kai patrol within a few miles of the monastery, Lone Wolf felt he could wait no longer. He resolved to act immediately. Preparations were made for a long journey and, especially among the lower ranks of the Kai, rumours were rife that your leader would personally take responsibility for returning the Moonstone to the Shianti. Indeed, this speculation seemed to be confirmed as fact when it was discovered that Lone Wolf had secured the use of Guildmaster Banedon<ch.apos/>s famous flying ship<ch.emdash/><cite>Cloud-dancer</cite>.</p>
160 <p>It therefore came as a shock when, early one morning, you were summoned unexpectedly to the Vault of the Sun. In strictest confidence, Supreme Master Lone Wolf informed you that he had decided to entrust you with the task of returning the Moonstone. His elaborate preparations were simply a diversion, a bluff designed to draw attention away from the vital mission that he wished you<ch.emdash/>the most talented and courageous of his five Kai Grand Masters<ch.emdash/>to undertake. It was with great pride and apprehension that you accepted the quest.</p>
162 <p>Lone Wolf gave you the precious Moonstone in a seemingly ordinary satchel, yet the lining of this plain leather bag was woven from korlinium, a special mineral that would hide the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s powerful energies from the agents of Naar. In the guise of a Kai journeyman, you set sail from the Sommlending capital of Holmgard aboard a sailing ship that was to carry you south on the first leg of your journey, a voyage of 2,000 miles to Elzian, the capital of Dessi. This legendary city is home to Lord Rimoah and the Elder Magi. They are the last surviving members of Magnamund<ch.apos/>s oldest race of magicians and they had promised Lone Wolf that they would help you reach your final destination. You had hoped and expected the voyage to be swift and uneventful; however fate and ill fortune decreed otherwise. Your voyage was fraught with danger, yet you overcame the many perils ranged against you and eventually arrived at the Dessian capital, to the relief of Lord Rimoah and his anxious brother magicians who had feared the worst.</p>
164 <p>For three days you were treated to the hospitality of the Elder Magi and the freedom of the wondrous city of Elzian. Then, on the morning of the fourth day, having fully recovered from the rigours of your journey to Dessi, you set out upon the final stage of your quest<ch.emdash/>the voyage to the Isle of Lorn. Passage had been arranged for you aboard a Suhnese trading ship called <cite>The Azan</cite>. The ship<ch.apos/>s master, Captain Jenkshi, had been paid handsomely to carry you to his home port of Suhn and you had been promised a swift and comfortable voyage. However, this was not to be. In the Shadakine city-port of Ghol-Tabras you fell foul of Sesketera, the city<ch.apos/>s ruthless ruler, and you were forced to abandon <cite>The Azan</cite> during your daring escape from his murderous bodyguards. After a perilous journey south by way of land and sea, you finally reached the Port of Suhn. There you made contact with Lord Zinair, the Dessian ambassador. He provided you with a small sailboat for your passage to the Isle of Lorn. This tiny island home of the Shianti lies no more than 200 miles east of the busy Port of Suhn, across the Sea of Dreams, yet no sailor has ever set eyes upon it for the Shianti have encircled their refuge with a web of enchantments, magical mists, and winds. Aided by the power of the Moonstone, you were able to navigate these mysterious waters and land upon the shores of Lorn.</p>
166 <p>The Shianti had sensed the approach of the Moonstone and were waiting to greet your arrival. In a formal ceremony in the sacred Temple of Amida you received the thanks and praise of Acarya, the leader of the Shianti exiles. Solemnly, he vowed to deliver the Moonstone into the hands of Goddess Ishir herself, thereby ensuring that never again would its power disrupt Magnamund<ch.apos/>s delicate balance of nature, nor be misused by the forces of Evil.</p>
168 <p>After the ceremony, the Shianti revealed to you some of the magical wonders of their island that have never before been seen by Man. You marvelled at flowing rivers of jewels, fabulous flora, and species of exotic fauna. After your tour of this paradise isle you were allowed to rest before being escorted to your sailboat to begin your journey back to the Port of Suhn.</p>
170 <p>Your return voyage across the Sea of Dreams was swift and eerily smooth. You sensed that your direction and speed were being controlled by the Shianti, for within minutes of casting off from the shores of Lorn, the bustling harbour entrance to the Port of Suhn suddenly appeared from out of the swirling sea mist. A stiff breeze caught your sail and propelled you towards the quayside where Lord Zinair was waiting to greet your valiant return.</p>
172 <p>Your journey from Suhn to the Isle of Lorn and back again seemed to have lasted no more than a few days. Yet, to your surprise, you discovered that two whole months had elapsed since the day you first sailed upon the Sea of Dreams. Lord Zinair praised you for the success of your quest. He also informed you that during the time you spent on Lorn a new and sinister threat to the fragile peace of Magnamund had arisen. The precise nature of this threat was revealed when you returned with Lord Zinair to his consulate.</p>
174 <p>In a secret chamber of the Dessian consulate, you were able to communicate the success of your mission to Supreme Master Lone Wolf by means of a magical seeing stone. Warmly he praised the skill and courage you had displayed, and he commended you for upholding the highest traditions of the Kai. He told you that he and the New Order were justly proud of your accomplishment and they welcomed the day when you would return to the monastery. Lone Wolf also had some grave news to impart, news that would delay a swift return home.</p>
176 <p><quote>King Oridon of Siyen has been assassinated,</quote> he said, sadly. <quote>His only son, Prince Karvas, is the sole heir to the throne of Siyen, but he has lived in exile on the Isle of Sheasu for the past decade. The Kingdom of Siyen is one of our oldest allies. Lord Xavial, the Siyenese High Chancellor, has journeyed here to the monastery to warn that, in the Prince<ch.apos/>s absence, the throne is to be claimed by Baron Sadanzo. The Baron is an evil man and he possesses a sorcerous power that has turned the minds of the Siyenese Court. He has won the favour of those who, until the King<ch.apos/>s murder, openly denounced him as a heartless warmonger. Lord Xavial fears that the Baron draws his newfound power from the Dark God himself, for never before has Sadanzo possessed such sinister influence. If Sadanzo becomes King, the consequence of his rule will be disastrous for us all. Siyen is one of the richest and most powerful realms in all the southern reaches of Magnamund. If it should fall into the hands of Naar, then war and widespread destruction will surely follow. This is grim news, but all is not yet lost<ch.ellips/>not if we act swiftly. The Constitution of Siyen decrees that Prince Karvas has, upon the death of his father, 60 days in which to lay claim to his rightful heritage. If he should fail to return in time then Sadanzo will be elected as the new ruler. I have vowed to Lord Xavial that the Kai will not stand idly by and let Siyen become enslaved by an agent of Naar. But time is against us<ch.emdash/>we must act immediately if we are to thwart Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s scheme. Ten days have already passed since King Oridon was murdered. Now only 50 days remain before Harvestmas Day<ch.emdash/>the day of royal ascendance.</quote></p>
178 <p>You asked Lone Wolf how you could assist in keeping his pledge to Lord Xavial. His reply sent a shiver tingling down your spine.</p>
180 <p><quote>Prince Karvas must be found. He must also be persuaded to return to Seroa, his homeland capital, to claim his throne before time runs out. You, Grand Master, are closer to the Isle of Sheasu than any other Kai. I must command you to go there and seek him out. Lord Zinair has already made provision for your journey by ship. He will accompany you and assist your mission. The Magicians<ch.apos/> Guild of Toran has also pledged its help. The Guildmaster has dispatched one of his brotherhood<ch.emdash/>Wizard Acraban<ch.emdash/>to Sheasu. He travels by skyship and should arrive there in twenty days<ch.apos/> time. You are to rendezvous with Wizard Acraban at the city of Mydnight<ch.emdash/>the island<ch.apos/>s only port. Acraban will help you find the Prince and transport him aboard his flying craft directly to Seroa.</quote></p>
182 <p>With mixed feelings of pride and trepidation, you accepted the mission and vowed to Lone Wolf that you would do everything in your power to ensure its success. Your resolute promise met with his approval.</p>
184 <p><quote>I have faith in you, Grand Master,</quote> he replied. <quote>The quest you are to undertake upholds the noblest traditions of the Kai. I am confident you will prevail. May Kai and Ishir guide you swiftly to victory over Sadanzo<ch.emdash/>an agent of Naar.</quote></p>
188 <section class="frontmatter" id="gamerulz">
190 <title>The Game Rules</title>
191 <link class="prev" idref="tssf" />
192 <link class="next" idref="kainame" />
196 <footnote id="gamerulz-1-foot" idref="gamerulz-1">
197 <p>If you have completed any previous <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> adventures, remember to choose an additional Grand Master Discipline and add +1 to your basic <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and +2 to your basic <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> for each adventure you successfully completed (cf. <a idref="discplnz">Grand Master Disciplines</a>).</p>
202 <p>You keep a record of your adventure on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
203 <p>During the years you have spent in training at the Kai Monastery, you have devoted yourself to further developing your fighting prowess (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>) and physical stamina (<typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>). Before you begin this <cite>New Order</cite> adventure you need to measure how effective your training has been. To do this take a pencil and, with your eyes closed, point the blunt end of it onto the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick a 0 it counts as zero.</p>
204 <p>The first number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> in this way represents your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Add 25 to the number you picked and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (i.e. if your pencil fell on the number 7 in the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would write in a <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 32). When you fight, your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> will be pitted against that of your enemy. A high score in this section is therefore desirable.</p>
205 <p>The second number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> represents your powers of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Add 30 to this number and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (i.e. if your pencil fell on the number 8 on the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would have 38 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
206 <p>If you are wounded in combat you will lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. If at any time your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points fall to zero or below, you are dead and the adventure is over. Lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points can be regained during the course of the adventure, but your number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points cannot rise above the number you have when you start an adventure.</p>
207 <p>If you have successfully completed either of the previous adventures in the <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> series (Books 21<ch.endash/>22), you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to this adventure.<footref id="gamerulz-1" idref="gamerulz-1-foot"/> You may also carry over any Special Items, Kai Weapon, normal Weapons, and Backpack Items you had in your possession at the end of your last adventure, and these should be entered on your new <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
208 <p><strong>Playing Tip:</strong> You may use a 10-sided die instead of the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> if you find it more convenient.</p>
210 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="kainame">
212 <title>Your Kai Name</title>
213 <link class="prev" idref="gamerulz" />
214 <link class="next" idref="discplnz" />
218 <p>It has long been the tradition of your <ch.eacute/>lite warrior caste to bestow a new name upon each young novice when they complete their first year<ch.apos/>s training at the Kai Monastery. Kai names are chosen by senior Kai Masters with the aim of reflecting the individual strengths and qualities of each novice.</p>
219 <p>You may create your own Kai name for yourself, or you can generate a Kai name at random using the name tables below. To generate a Kai name, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and consult Table A. The name which corresponds to the number you have picked is the first part, or prefix, of your Kai name. Now pick a second number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and consult Table B. The name which corresponds to the number you have picked is the second part, or suffix, of your Kai name. Put the prefix and the suffix together and you have your own personal Kai name.</p>
224 <th colspan="2" scope="colgroup">Table A</th>
225 <th colspan="1" scope="colgroup"></th>
226 <th colspan="2" scope="colgroup">Table B</th>
229 <th colspan="2" scope="colgroup">(Kai name prefix)</th>
230 <th colspan="1" scope="colgroup"></th>
231 <th colspan="2" scope="colgroup">(Kai name suffix)</th>
307 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="discplnz">
309 <title>New Order Kai Grand Master Disciplines</title>
310 <link class="prev" idref="kainame" />
311 <link class="next" idref="equipmnt" />
315 <footnote id="discplnz-1-foot" idref="discplnz-1">
316 <p>Given the rules for the previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> books, it seems odd that a Grand Master is only allowed to choose to be proficient in one of the few Weapons listed in the <a idref="equipmnt">Equipment section</a>. In view of the unprecedented nature of this rule, you might decide that it is acceptable to be proficient in any of the ten Weapons that the Kai typically train to use.</p>
318 <illustration class="inline">
320 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
322 <instance class="html" src="weapons.png" width="386" height="310" mime-type="image/png"/>
323 <instance class="html-compatible" src="weapons.gif" width="386" height="310" mime-type="image/gif"/>
324 <instance class="pdf" src="weapons.pdf" width="386" height="310" />
329 <footnote id="discplnz-2-foot" idref="discplnz-2">
330 <p>The rules in the Mongoose Publishing editions state that the bonus for Grand Weaponmastery with Bow is 5. Certain sections direct the reader to use different bonuses when using a Bow, ranging from 3 to 5, if you have Grand Weaponmastery with Bow. This may be the author adjusting the Grand Weaponmastery bonus on a case-by-case basis (and therefore this bonus should be used instead of the standard bonus) or an error (and therefore all of these bonuses should be 5). It is up to you to decide, but it seems most reasonable to follow the first alternative, to replace the Grand Weaponmastery bonus with whatever bonus is mentioned in that section.</p>
333 <footnote id="discplnz-3-foot" idref="discplnz-3">
334 <p>Details about the Kai Weapon appear in the next section of the game rules.</p>
339 <section class="frontmatter" id="mksumary">
341 <title>Kai and Magnakai Disciplines</title>
345 <p>During your distinguished rise to the ranks of the New Order of Kai Grand Masters, you have become proficient in all of the basic Kai and Magnakai Disciplines. These Disciplines provide you with a formidable arsenal of natural abilities which will serve you well. A brief summary of your skills is given below:</p>
347 <dl class="paragraphed">
348 <dt>Weaponmastery</dt>
349 <dd><p>You are proficient with all close combat and missile weapons. You are a master of unarmed combat and suffer no <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> loss when fighting bare-handed.</p></dd>
350 <dt>Animal Control</dt>
351 <dd><p>You are able to communicate with most animals and have limited control over hostile creatures. You can use woodland animals as guides and you are able to block a non-sentient creature<ch.apos/>s sense of taste and smell.</p></dd>
354 <p>You are able to restore <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost as a direct result of combat. You may restore 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point for every numbered section of the book you pass through in which you are not involved in further combat. The maximum number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points that can be restored in this way is limited to 10 per adventure.</p>
355 <p>You also possess the ability to heal the wounds of others, and you can neutralize the harmful effects of most poisons, venoms, and toxins.</p>
357 <dt>Invisibility</dt>
358 <dd><p>You can hide effectively in most environments, mask any sounds made during movement, and you can cause minor alterations of your own physical appearance. Also you are able to mask your own body heat and scent.</p></dd>
360 <dd><p>You are an expert hunter of food in the wild. You possess great physical agility and a keen sense of vision (day and night). Your senses of hearing and smell are especially acute.</p></dd>
361 <dt>Pathsmanship</dt>
362 <dd><p>You are able to understand most languages, magical symbols, and hieroglyphics. You are expert at reading footprints and tracks. You have an intuitive knowledge of the compass points and can detect the threat of an enemy ambush up to a distance of 500 yards. You possess an ability to cross terrain without leaving tracks. You can converse with sentient creatures and mask yourself from psychic spells of detection.</p></dd>
364 <dd><p>You are able to attack enemies using the powers of your mind. Also you can set up disruptive vibrations in inanimate objects and cause confusion in the minds of unsophisticated enemies.</p></dd>
366 <dd><p>You possess strong mental defences against hypnosis, supernatural illusions, charms, hostile telepathy, and evil spirits. You are able to divert and re-channel some hostile psychic energy to your own ends.</p></dd>
368 <dd><p>You can move small items by projection of your mind power. You can withstand extremes of temperature and are able to extinguish fire by force of your will alone. You have a limited immunity to flames, toxic gases, and corrosive liquids.</p></dd>
370 <dd><p>Your famous Kai Sixth Sense can warn you of imminent danger. You can detect invisible or hidden enemies, and you are able to communicate telepathically. You can recognize magic-using and/or magical creatures, detect psychic residues, and you have a limited ability to leave your corporeal body (<quote>spirit-walk</quote>) for short periods.</p></dd>
375 <section class="frontmatter" id="nodispln">
377 <title>New Order Kai Grand Master Disciplines</title>
381 <p>After years of martial training and study at the Kai Monastery, and by the rigorous practice of the teachings of your illustrious mentor<ch.emdash/>Kai Supreme Master Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>you have achieved the noble rank of Kai Grand Master Senior.</p>
383 <p>Following in the footsteps of Lone Wolf himself, you have vowed that one day you will become totally proficient in all 16 of the New Order Kai Grand Master Disciplines. By doing so successfully you will share with Lone Wolf the responsibility, the honour, and the future glory of leading the New Order Kai as a Supreme Master.</p>
385 <p>If this is the first <cite>New Order</cite> adventure you have undertaken, then your present rank is that of Kai Grand Master Senior. This means that you have mastered <em>four</em> of the New Order Grand Master Disciplines listed below. It is for you to decide which four Disciplines these are. As all of the New Order Grand Master Disciplines may be of use to you at some point during your mission, pick these four skills with care. The correct use of a New Order Grand Master Discipline at the right time could save your life. When you have chosen your four Disciplines, enter them in the Grand Master Disciplines section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
387 <section class="frontmatter" id="wpnmstry">
388 <meta><title>Grand Weaponmastery</title></meta>
391 <illustration class="inline">
393 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
395 <instance class="html" src="wpnmast.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
396 <instance class="html-compatible" src="wpnmast.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
397 <instance class="pdf" src="wpnmast.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
400 <p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to become supremely efficient in the use of all weapons. When you enter combat armed with one of your Grand Master weapons, you may add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. The rank of Kai Grand Master Senior, with which you begin the <cite>New Order</cite> series, means that you are skilled in the use of <em>one</em> of the weapons listed in the <a idref="equipmnt">Equipment section</a>.<footref id="discplnz-1" idref="discplnz-1-foot"/> For every adventure that you complete successfully in the <cite>New Order</cite> series while possessing the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery, you will gain proficiency with one additional weapon.</p>
401 <p>If you have the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery with Bow, you may add 5 points to any number you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, when using the Bow.<footref id="discplnz-2" idref="discplnz-2-foot"/></p>
405 <section class="frontmatter" id="anmlmstr">
406 <meta><title>Animal Mastery</title></meta>
409 <illustration class="inline">
411 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
413 <instance class="html" src="anmlmast.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
414 <instance class="html-compatible" src="anmlmast.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
415 <instance class="pdf" src="anmlmast.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
418 <p>New Order Grand Masters have considerable control over hostile, non-sentient creatures. Also, they have the ability to converse with birds and fishes, and use them as guides.</p>
422 <section class="frontmatter" id="deliver">
423 <meta><title>Deliverance <em>(Advanced Curing)</em></title></meta>
426 <illustration class="inline">
428 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
430 <instance class="html" src="delvrance.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
431 <instance class="html-compatible" src="delvrance.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
432 <instance class="pdf" src="delvrance.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
435 <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to use their healing power to repair serious battle-wounds. If, while in combat, their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is reduced to 8 points or less, they can draw upon their mastery to restore 20 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. This emergency ability can only be used once every 20 days.</p>
439 <section class="frontmatter" id="assimila">
440 <meta><title>Assimilance <em>(Advanced Invisibility)</em></title></meta>
443 <illustration class="inline">
445 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
447 <instance class="html" src="assmlnce.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
448 <instance class="html-compatible" src="assmlnce.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
449 <instance class="pdf" src="assmlnce.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
452 <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to effect striking changes to their physical appearance, and maintain these changes over a period of one to three days. They have also mastered advanced camouflage techniques which make them virtually undetectable in an open landscape.</p>
456 <section class="frontmatter" id="hntmstry">
457 <meta><title>Grand Huntmastery</title></meta>
460 <illustration class="inline">
462 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
464 <instance class="html" src="huntmstr.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
465 <instance class="html-compatible" src="huntmstr.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
466 <instance class="pdf" src="huntmstr.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
469 <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to see in total darkness and they possess great natural speed and agility. They also have a superb sense of touch and taste. If you have chosen the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery as one of your skills, you will not need to tick off a Meal when instructed to eat.</p>
473 <section class="frontmatter" id="pthmnshp">
474 <meta><title>Grand Pathsmanship</title></meta>
477 <illustration class="inline">
479 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
481 <instance class="html" src="pathsmn.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
482 <instance class="html-compatible" src="pathsmn.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
483 <instance class="pdf" src="pathsmn.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
486 <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to resist entrapment by hostile plants. Also they have a super-awareness of ambush, or the threat of ambush, in woods and dense forests.</p>
490 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaisurge">
491 <meta><title>Kai-surge</title></meta>
494 <illustration class="inline">
496 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
498 <instance class="html" src="ksurge.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
499 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ksurge.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
500 <instance class="pdf" src="ksurge.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
503 <p>When using their psychic ability to attack an enemy, New Order Grand Masters may add 8 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. For every round in which Kai-surge is used, they need only deduct 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. Grand Masters have the option of using a weaker form of psychic attack called Mindblast. When using this lesser attack, they may add 4 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> without loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (Kai-surge and Mindblast cannot be used simultaneously). New Order Grand Masters cannot use Kai-surge if their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 6 points or below.</p>
507 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiscrn">
508 <meta><title>Kai-screen</title></meta>
511 <illustration class="inline">
513 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
515 <instance class="html" src="kscreen.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
516 <instance class="html-compatible" src="kscreen.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
517 <instance class="pdf" src="kscreen.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
520 <p>During psychic combat, New Order Grand Masters are able to construct mind-fortresses capable of protecting themselves and others. The strength and capacity of these fortresses increase as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
524 <section class="frontmatter" id="nexus">
525 <meta><title>Grand Nexus</title></meta>
528 <illustration class="inline">
530 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
532 <instance class="html" src="nexus.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
533 <instance class="html-compatible" src="nexus.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
534 <instance class="pdf" src="nexus.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
537 <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to withstand contact with harmful elements, such as flames and acids, for upwards of an hour in duration. This ability increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
541 <section class="frontmatter" id="gnosis">
542 <meta><title>Telegnosis <em>(Advanced Divination)</em></title></meta>
545 <illustration class="inline">
547 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
549 <instance class="html" src="telegnss.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
550 <instance class="html-compatible" src="telegnss.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
551 <instance class="pdf" src="telegnss.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
554 <p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to spirit-walk for far greater lengths of time, and with far fewer ill effects. Duration of the spirit-walk and the protection afforded to his inanimate body increase as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
558 <section class="frontmatter" id="magi">
559 <meta><title>Magi-magic <em>(Old Kingdom Magic)</em></title></meta>
562 <illustration class="inline">
564 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
566 <instance class="html" src="magimagc.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
567 <instance class="html-compatible" src="magimagc.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
568 <instance class="pdf" src="magimagc.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
571 <p>Under the tutelage of Lone Wolf, you have been able to master the rudimentary skills of Old Kingdom battle-magic. These arcane skills include the use of basic Old Kingdom Spells, such as <spell>Shield</spell>, <spell>Power Word</spell>, and <spell>Invisible Fist</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Old Kingdom magic increase.</p>
575 <section class="frontmatter" id="alchemy">
576 <meta><title>Kai-alchemy <em>(Brotherhood Magic)</em></title></meta>
579 <illustration class="inline">
581 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
583 <instance class="html" src="alchemy.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
584 <instance class="html-compatible" src="alchemy.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
585 <instance class="pdf" src="alchemy.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
588 <p>Under the tutelage of Lone Wolf and Guildmaster Banedon (the leader of Sommerlund<ch.apos/>s Guild of Magicians), you have mastered the elementary spells of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. These spells include <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>, <spell>Levitation</spell>, and <spell>Mind Charm</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Brotherhood magic increase.</p>
592 <section class="frontmatter" id="astrolgy">
593 <meta><title>Astrology</title></meta>
596 <illustration class="inline">
598 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
600 <instance class="html" src="astrolgy.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
601 <instance class="html-compatible" src="astrolgy.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
602 <instance class="pdf" src="astrolgy.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
605 <p>The celestial bodies which occupy the skies above Magnamund have long been known to affect the lives of its inhabitants. Mastery of this Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to predict and shape the future by studying the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and the myriad planets and stars. The number and accuracy of these predictions increase as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
609 <section class="frontmatter" id="herbmst">
610 <meta><title>Herbmastery</title></meta>
613 <illustration class="inline">
615 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
617 <instance class="html" src="herblism.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
618 <instance class="html-compatible" src="herblism.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
619 <instance class="pdf" src="herblism.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
622 <p>Mastery of this New Order Discipline enables a Grand Master to identify readily any substance derived from living or growing organic material. He is aware of any secret uses to which an organic material may be put, and he is skilled in effecting the release of a substance<ch.apos/>s medicinal and/or magical properties.</p>
626 <section class="frontmatter" id="element">
627 <meta><title>Elementalism</title></meta>
630 <illustration class="inline">
632 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
634 <instance class="html" src="elmntlsm.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
635 <instance class="html-compatible" src="elmntlsm.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
636 <instance class="pdf" src="elmntlsm.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
639 <p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to manipulate the four basic elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. By drawing upon individual elements that are available, or combinations thereof, he is able to detach, affix, increase, concentrate, intensify, remove, or accelerate this matter to fulfil a specific purpose, e.g. create a wall, hurl a rock, spray sand, remove air, intensify fire. The versatility of this Discipline increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
643 <section class="frontmatter" id="bardsman">
644 <meta><title>Bardsmanship</title></meta>
647 <illustration class="inline">
649 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
651 <instance class="html" src="bard.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
652 <instance class="html-compatible" src="bard.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
653 <instance class="pdf" src="bard.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
656 <p>Through mastery of this Discipline a Kai Grand Master of the New Order becomes a multi-talented performer, proficient in the use of any musical instrument. He is able to sing or chant, recite or compose tales of legend, mimic speech or dialect, and stimulate a wide range of emotions among sentient creatures. The effect and power of his bardic abilities will steadily increase as he advances through the Grand Master ranks.</p>
660 <p>If you successfully complete the mission as set in Book 23 of the <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> series, you may add a further Grand Master Discipline of your choice to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> in Book 24. For every Grand Master Discipline you possess, in excess of the original four Disciplines you begin with, you may add 1 point to your basic <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> score and 2 points to your basic <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score. These bonus points, together with your extra Grand Master Discipline(s), your original four Grand Master Disciplines, your Kai Weapon,<footref id="discplnz-3" idref="discplnz-3-foot"/> and any other Special Items and Backpack Items that you have found and been able to keep during your adventures, may then be carried over and used in the next <cite>New Order</cite> adventure, which is called: <bookref series ="lw" book="24rw"><cite>Rune War</cite>.</bookref></p>
666 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="equipmnt">
668 <title>Equipment</title>
669 <link class="prev" idref="discplnz"/>
670 <link class="next" idref="cmbtrulz"/>
674 <footnote id="equipmnt-1-foot" idref="equipmnt-1">
675 <p>If you have completed any of the previous <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> adventures (Books 21+), you already possess a Kai Weapon.</p>
678 <footnote id="equipmnt-2-foot" idref="equipmnt-2">
679 <p>These bonuses are <em>not</em> cumulative.</p>
682 <footnote id="equipmnt-3-foot" idref="equipmnt-3">
683 <p><quote>Valiance</quote> is also effective against magical creatures.</p>
688 <p>Before you leave the Port of Suhn and begin your long voyage to the Isle of Sheasu, you take with you a <a idref="map">map</a> of central Southern Magnamund and a pouch of gold. To find out how much gold is in the pouch, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add 20 to the number you have picked. The total equals the number of Gold Crowns inside the pouch, and you should now enter this number in the <quote>Gold Crowns</quote> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
689 <p>If you have successfully completed either of the previous adventures in the <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> series (Books 21<ch.endash/>22), you may add this sum to the number of Crowns you already possess. Fifty is the maximum number of Gold Crowns you can carry in your pouch at any time. You may also select five items from the list below, only two of which may be Weapons.</p>
690 <ul class="paragraphed">
692 <li><p>Quarterstaff (Weapons)</p>
693 <illustration class="inline">
695 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
697 <instance class="html" src="qurtstff.png" width="386" height="45" mime-type="image/png"/>
698 <instance class="html-compatible" src="qurtstff.gif" width="386" height="45" mime-type="image/gif"/>
699 <instance class="pdf" src="qurtstff.pdf" width="386" height="45"/>
702 <li><p>Bow (Weapons)</p>
703 <illustration class="inline">
705 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
707 <instance class="html" src="bow.png" width="386" height="64" mime-type="image/png"/>
708 <instance class="html-compatible" src="bow.gif" width="386" height="64" mime-type="image/gif"/>
709 <instance class="pdf" src="bow.pdf" width="386" height="64"/>
712 <li><p>Quiver (Special Items) This contains six Arrows; record them on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
713 <illustration class="inline">
715 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
717 <instance class="html" src="quiver.png" width="386" height="127" mime-type="image/png"/>
718 <instance class="html-compatible" src="quiver.gif" width="386" height="127" mime-type="image/gif"/>
719 <instance class="pdf" src="quiver.pdf" width="386" height="127"/>
722 <li><p>Flute (Backpack Item)</p>
723 <illustration class="inline">
725 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
727 <instance class="html" src="flute.png" width="386" height="68" mime-type="image/png"/>
728 <instance class="html-compatible" src="flute.gif" width="386" height="68" mime-type="image/gif"/>
729 <instance class="pdf" src="flute.pdf" width="386" height="68"/>
732 <li><p>Dagger (Weapons)</p>
733 <illustration class="inline">
735 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
737 <instance class="html" src="dagger.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
738 <instance class="html-compatible" src="dagger.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
739 <instance class="pdf" src="dagger.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
742 <li><p>Sword (Weapons)</p>
743 <illustration class="inline">
745 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
747 <instance class="html" src="sword.png" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/png"/>
748 <instance class="html-compatible" src="sword.gif" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/gif"/>
749 <instance class="pdf" src="sword.pdf" width="386" height="69"/>
752 <li><p>2 Meals (Meals) Each Meal takes up one space in your Backpack.</p>
753 <illustration class="inline">
755 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
757 <instance class="html" src="food.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
758 <instance class="html-compatible" src="food.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
759 <instance class="pdf" src="food.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
762 <li><p>Rope (Backpack Item)</p>
763 <illustration class="inline">
765 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
767 <instance class="html" src="rope.png" width="386" height="109" mime-type="image/png"/>
768 <instance class="html-compatible" src="rope.gif" width="386" height="109" mime-type="image/gif"/>
769 <instance class="pdf" src="rope.pdf" width="386" height="109"/>
772 <li><p>Potion of Laumspur (Backpack Item) This potion restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to your total when swallowed after combat. There is enough for only one dose.</p>
773 <illustration class="inline">
775 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
777 <instance class="html" src="potion.png" width="386" height="167" mime-type="image/png"/>
778 <instance class="html-compatible" src="potion.gif" width="386" height="167" mime-type="image/gif"/>
779 <instance class="pdf" src="potion.pdf" width="386" height="167"/>
782 <li><p>Axe (Weapons)</p>
783 <illustration class="inline">
785 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
787 <instance class="html" src="axe.png" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/png"/>
788 <instance class="html-compatible" src="axe.gif" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/gif"/>
789 <instance class="pdf" src="axe.pdf" width="386" height="112"/>
794 <p>List the five items that you have chosen on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, under the appropriate headings, and make a note of any effect that they may have on your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points and/or <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
796 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiweapn">
798 <title>Kai Weapons</title>
802 <p>Upon reaching the ultimate rank of Kai Supreme Master, Lone Wolf received as a reward from the God Kai many new skills and abilities. One of these skills was Kai Weaponcraft. Using his newfound mastery, Lone Wolf forged ten weapons of magical power in the armoury furnaces of the Kai Monastery. These magical weapons are reserved for the <ch.eacute/>lite of the New Order Kai who attain the rank of Grand Master.</p>
804 <p>In recognition of your rank and achievement, you may choose your own Kai Weapon from the table below or, if you prefer, you can generate one at random. To generate a Kai Weapon, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and consult the first column. The magical Axe, Sword, or Broadsword which corresponds to the number you have picked will be your own personal Kai Weapon. Record this magical weapon and its unique properties in the Kai Weapon section of the <a idref="action">Special Items List</a>.<footref id="equipmnt-1" idref="equipmnt-1-foot"/></p>
806 <p><strong>Example</strong></p>
807 <p>Say you choose the number 8 from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, your Kai Weapon will be the Broadsword <quote>Illuminatus</quote>.</p>
809 <p>When using this Kai Weapon in normal combat you may add +5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Each Kai Weapon has a unique property. When you use your Kai Weapon in combat against the type of enemy that matches its unique property, or use it at the optimum time or location, then you may add the higher bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.<footref id="equipmnt-2" idref="equipmnt-2-foot"/></p>
811 <p><strong>Example</strong></p>
812 <p>If you were to use <quote>Illuminatus</quote> in combat against an enemy in an underground cavern, cave, or tunnel, you could add the higher bonus of 7 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you were to fight this enemy in any other location, the bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> would remain at 5.</p>
816 <th colspan="6" scope="colgroup">Kai Weapon Table</th>
822 <th><typ class="attribute">CS</typ></th>
823 <th>Unique Properties</th>
824 <th><typ class="attribute">CS</typ></th>
829 <td><quote>Spawnsmite</quote></td>
831 <td>versus reptilian enemies</td>
837 <td><quote>Alema</quote></td>
839 <td>versus undead enemies</td>
845 <td><quote>Magnara</quote></td>
847 <td>versus rock or stone</td>
853 <td><quote>Sunstrike</quote></td>
855 <td>when used in daylight</td>
861 <td><quote>Kaistar</quote></td>
863 <td>when used at night</td>
869 <td><quote>Valiance</quote></td>
871 <td>when used versus magicians<footref id="equipmnt-3" idref="equipmnt-3-foot"/></td>
877 <td><quote>Ulnarias</quote></td>
879 <td>when used underwater</td>
885 <td><quote>Raumas</quote></td>
887 <td>versus winged enemies</td>
893 <td><quote>Illuminatus</quote></td>
895 <td>when used underground</td>
901 <td><quote>Firefall</quote></td>
903 <td>versus fire-emitting enemies</td>
907 <td colspan="3">RN = Random Number</td>
908 <td colspan="3"><typ class="attribute">CS</typ> = <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ></td>
914 <section class="frontmatter" id="howuse">
916 <title>Equipment<ch.emdash/>How to use it</title>
920 <dl class="paragraphed">
922 <dd><p>The maximum number of Weapons that you can carry is <em>two</em>. Weapons aid you in combat. If you have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery and a correct Weapon, it adds 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you find a Weapon during your adventure, you may pick it up and use it. You may only use one Weapon at a time in combat.</p></dd>
923 <dt>Bows and Arrows</dt>
925 <p>During your adventure there will be opportunities to use a Bow and Arrow. If you equip yourself with this Weapon, and you possess at least one Arrow, you may use it when the text of a particular section allows you to do so. The Bow is a useful Weapon, for it enables you to hit an enemy at a distance. However, a Bow cannot be used in hand-to-hand combat; therefore it is best to equip yourself also with a close combat Weapon, such as a Sword or an Axe.</p>
926 <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>
928 <dt>Backpack Items</dt>
930 <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>
931 <p>Any item that may be of use, and which can be picked up on your adventure and entered on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, is given either initial capitals (e.g. Silver Mirror, Gold Key), or is clearly identified as a Backpack Item. Unless you are told that it is a Special Item, carry it in your Backpack.</p>
933 <dt>Special Items</dt>
935 <p>Special Items are not carried in the Backpack. When you discover a Special Item, you will be told how or where to carry it. The maximum number of Special Items that can be carried on any adventure is 12.</p>
938 <dd><p>Your Kai Weapon is a Special Item and it can be carried and used in addition to two normal Weapons. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery for a weapon type which is the same as your unique Kai Weapon, you may add the Grand Weaponmastery bonus of +5 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. This is in addition to the bonus gained when you use your Kai Weapon in combat.</p></dd>
940 <dd><p>Food is carried in your Backpack. Each Meal counts as one item. You will need to eat regularly during your adventure. If you do not have any food when you are instructed to eat a Meal, you will lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. However, if you have chosen Grand Huntmastery as one of your four Disciplines, then you will not need to tick off a Meal when instructed to eat.</p></dd>
941 <dt>Potion of Laumspur</dt>
942 <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>
945 <p>The currency of Siyen is the Lune. These are always carried in the Belt Pouch. It will hold a maximum of 200 Lune or 50 Gold Crowns. Gold Crowns are also readily accepted at a rate of 1 Gold Crown for 4 Lune. In the course of your journey you may also come across Ren. Ren is accepted at a rate of 10 Ren for 1 Gold Crown, and accordingly your Belt Pouch can hold a maximum of 500 Ren.</p>
953 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="cmbtrulz">
955 <title>Rules for Combat</title>
956 <link class="prev" idref="equipmnt" />
957 <link class="next" idref="levels" />
961 <p>There will be occasions during your adventure when you will have to fight an enemy. The enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points are given in the text. Your aim in the combat is to kill the enemy by reducing his <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to zero while losing as few <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points as possible yourself.</p>
962 <p>At the start of a combat, enter your own and the enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points in the appropriate boxes on the Combat Record section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
963 <p>The sequence for combat is as follows:</p>
964 <ol class="paragraphed">
965 <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>
967 <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>
969 <p>You, Grand Master (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 32), are attacked in a forest by a pack of Wild Dogs (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 31). You are taken by surprise and are not given the opportunity of evading their attack. You possess the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-surge to which the Wild Dogs are not immune, so you add 8 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. You also possess the Kai Weapon <quote>Ulnarias</quote>, so you add an additional 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. This gives you a total <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 45.</p>
970 <p>You now subtract the Wild Dogs<ch.apos/> <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> from your own, giving a Combat Ratio of +14 (45<ch.minus/>31=+14). +14 is noted on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as the Combat Ratio.</p>
972 <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>
974 <p>Turn to the <a idref="crtable">Combat Results Table</a>. Along the top of the chart are shown the Combat Ratio numbers. Find the number that is the same as your Combat Ratio and cross-reference it with the random number that you have picked (the random numbers appear on the side of the chart). You now have the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost by both yourself and your enemy in this round of combat. (E represents points lost by the enemy; GM represents points lost by yourself<ch.emdash/>Grand Master.)</p>
976 <p>The Combat Ratio between you and the Wild Dogs has been established as +14. If the number picked from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> is 1, then the result of the first round of combat is:</p>
978 <li>You (GM) lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (plus an additional 1 point for using Kai-surge. This loss is in addition to the loss suffered as a result of combat).</li>
979 <li>Wild Dogs lose 9 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
982 <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>
983 <li><p>Unless otherwise instructed, or unless you have an option to evade, the next round of combat now starts.</p></li>
984 <li><p>Repeat the sequence from <a idref="stage3">Stage 3</a>.</p></li>
987 <p>This process of combat continues until the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points of either your enemy or yourself are reduced to zero or below, at which point that combatant is declared dead. If you are declared dead, the adventure is over. If the enemy is dead, you can proceed but with your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points possibly reduced.</p>
988 <p>A <a idref="crsumary">summary of Combat Rules</a> appears in the back of this book.</p>
990 <section class="frontmatter" id="evasion">
991 <meta><title>Evasion of Combat</title></meta>
994 <p>During your adventure you may be given the chance to evade combat. If you have already engaged in a round of combat and decide to evade, calculate the combat for that round in the usual manner. All points lost by the enemy as a result of that round are ignored, and you make your escape. Only <strong>you</strong> may lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points during that round (such is the risk of turning tail and running away during combat!). You may only evade if the text of the particular section allows you to do so.</p>
1000 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="levels">
1002 <title>Levels of New Order Kai Grand Mastership</title>
1003 <link class="prev" idref="cmbtrulz" />
1004 <link class="next" idref="imprvdsc" />
1008 <footnote id="levels-1-foot" idref="levels-1">
1009 <p>It is unclear why a New Order Grand Master becomes a Supreme Master by mastering only 15 of the 16 Grand Master Disciplines. It is also unclear why New Order Grand Masters must master four extra Disciplines in order to receive the same improvements to their Disciplines as Lone Wolf did with fewer.</p>
1015 <p>The following table is a guide to the ranks and titles you can achieve at each stage of your journey along the road of Kai Grand Mastership. As you successfully complete each adventure in the <cite>New Order</cite> series, you will gain an additional Grand Master Discipline and progress towards the pinnacle of Kai perfection<ch.emdash/>to become a Kai Supreme Master.</p>
1018 <li>Kai Grand Master Senior<ch.emdash/><em>You begin the <cite>New Order</cite> adventures at this level of Kai Grand Mastery</em><footref id="levels-1" idref="levels-1-foot"/></li>
1019 <li>Kai Grand Master Superior</li>
1020 <li>Kai Grand Sentinel</li>
1021 <li>Kai Grand Defender</li>
1022 <li>Kai Grand Guardian</li>
1026 <li>Grand Thane</li>
1027 <li>Grand Crown</li>
1029 <li>Kai Supreme Master</li>
1035 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="imprvdsc">
1037 <title>Improved Grand Master Disciplines</title>
1038 <link class="prev" idref="levels" />
1039 <link class="next" idref="kaiwisdm" />
1043 <p>As you rise through the higher levels of Grand Mastery you will find that your Disciplines will steadily improve.</p>
1045 <section class="frontmatter" id="superior">
1046 <meta><title>Kai Grand Master Superior</title></meta>
1049 <p>If you are a New Order Kai who has attained the rank of Kai Grand Master Superior, you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
1050 <dl class="paragraphed">
1051 <dt>Animal Mastery</dt>
1052 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Superiors who possess this Discipline are able to deter predatory animals in the wild by exuding a scent which is repellent to them. In order for this improved Discipline to work effectively, a Kai Grand Master Superior must be aware of the species of predatory animal he/she wishes to deter. The scent can only be detected by the targeted animal.</p></dd>
1053 <dt>Assimilance</dt>
1054 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Superiors who possess this skill are able to create a noise and project it up to 15 yards away from their location. The noise is akin to the rumbling sound of thunder and it can be used to distract or divert an enemy<ch.apos/>s attention. This improved Discipline requires a degree of preparation and therefore it cannot be used during combat.</p></dd>
1056 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Superiors who possess this Discipline are skilled in the use of all mechanical devices designed to measure and/or observe the cosmology of Magnamund. Such devices include sextants, astrolabes, and orreries.</p></dd>
1057 <dt>Herbmastery</dt>
1058 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Superiors who have this Discipline are able to purify water, thereby making contaminated or briny water suitable for consumption. Roughly two pints of water per day can be purified using this skill alone. This daily total steadily increases as a Grand Master advances in rank.</p></dd>
1059 <dt>Elementalism</dt>
1060 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Superiors who possess this skill are able to condense pure water out of the surrounding air. This water can be made to fall as a fine spray or as a sudden deluge. It can also be made to fill any suitable container or receptacle. Using this skill, Grand Master Superiors can create the equivalent of one large bucketful of fresh water.</p></dd>
1061 <dt>Bardsmanship</dt>
1062 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Superiors who possess this Discipline are able to utilize their musical skills to pacify an excited or hostile animal.</p></dd>
1067 <section class="frontmatter" id="sentinel">
1068 <meta><title>Kai Grand Sentinel</title></meta>
1071 <p>If you are a New Order Kai who has attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel, you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
1072 <dl class="paragraphed">
1073 <dt>Grand Weaponmastery</dt>
1074 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Sentinels who possess this Discipline are, when physically parted from their Kai Weapon, able to detect its location. This power of detection will pass through solid objects, with the notable exception of lead. Accuracy and range of detection steadily increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
1075 <dt>Grand Pathsmanship</dt>
1076 <dd><p>Kai Grand Sentinels who possess this skill are able to predict the weather accurately for the forthcoming 3 hours. The range of this ability is an area ten square miles around the Kai Grand Sentinel. Duration and range steadily increase as a Kai Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
1078 <dd><p>Kai Grand Sentinels who possess this Discipline are able to detect psychic residues left on an object by its owner. The more valuable the object is to its owner, the stronger will be the lingering psychic attachment. The majority of everyday or shared objects do not retain such residues.</p></dd>
1079 <dt>Herbmastery</dt>
1080 <dd><p>Through their knowledge and use of common plants, Kai Grand Sentinels who have this Discipline are able to make contaminated or rotten food fit for human consumption.</p></dd>
1081 <dt>Elementalism</dt>
1082 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Sentinels who possess this skill are able to charge particles of air electrically around any man-sized or smaller object. The particles will automatically discharge and cause damage should the affected object be touched or opened. Kai Grand Master Sentinels are able to handle a charged object without discharging it.</p></dd>
1083 <dt>Bardsmanship</dt>
1084 <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Sentinels who possess this Discipline are able to use their singing or playing to counter a hostile sonic attack. The effective use and range of this sonic defence steadily increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
1089 <p>The nature of additional improvements and how they affect your existing Grand Master Disciplines will be noted in the Improved Grand Master Disciplines section of future <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> books.</p>
1096 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiwisdm">
1098 <title>New Order Wisdom</title>
1099 <link class="prev" idref="imprvdsc" />
1100 <link class="next" idref="sect1" />
1104 <p>You are about to embark upon a vital mission to save the realm of Siyen from the clutches of the evil Baron Sadanzo and his robber knights. It is a noble quest and its success will bring great honour upon you and the Kai.</p>
1106 <p>Some of the material items that you will encounter during your quest will be of use to you, while others may be red herrings of no real value at all. If you discover items, be selective in what you choose to keep.</p>
1108 <p>Pick 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. Completion of previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures (Books 1<ch.endash/>22) may be advantageous, but it is not essential for the successful completion of this <cite>New Order</cite> adventure.</p>
1110 <p>May the light of the Gods Kai and Ishir guide you during your important quest.</p>
1112 <p>For Sommerlund and the Kai!</p>
1116 <section class="numbered" id="numbered">
1117 <meta><title>Numbered Sections</title></meta>
1121 <section class="numbered" id="sect1">
1122 <meta><title>1</title></meta>
1125 <p>After a restless night spent contemplating the mission you have vowed to complete, you rise shortly before dawn and meet with Lord Zinair in the courtyard of the stables that adjoin the Dessian consulate. A horse-drawn carriage is waiting to take you both to the harbour where a sleek Suhnese clipper called <cite>The Azaktana</cite> is ready to set sail. This magnificent ship is one of the fastest vessels ever to have plied the southern seas, and Lord Zinair has commissioned it for your voyage to Sheasu. He and you will be the only passengers aboard.</p>
1126 <p><cite>The Azaktana</cite> is stocked with sufficient fresh water and provisions to enable her to complete the voyage without unnecessary delays. The weather is Zinair<ch.apos/>s main concern for the southern seas are notorious for the occurrence of sudden storms and squalls. Yet, despite his fears, the weather proves to be uncommonly mild. Aided by a strong easterly trade wind, the long voyage across the Mythenian and Vaduz seas is completed in record time.</p>
1127 <p>Shortly after sunset on the twentieth day of your voyage, the twinkling harbour lights of Mydnight are sighted by the lookout. The captain shouts an order and hurriedly his crew lower the sails to allow <cite>The Azaktana</cite> to glide silently into the harbour of Sheasu<ch.apos/>s solitary port. As the crewmen secure the ship to the quayside, the scudding clouds part and the decks are bathed by the ashen light of a full moon.</p>
1128 <p><quote>In thirty days<ch.apos/> time the moon will be full once more,</quote> says Lord Zinair, thoughtfully. <quote>It will then be the moon of Harvestmas. I pray that you and Prince Karvas shall be in Seroa to see that.</quote></p>
1129 <p>The parting clouds have also revealed a smaller globe of light in the night sky, above the port<ch.apos/>s eastern quarter. At first you assume it to be just a star, but when you magnify your vision you see it is the stern lantern of a flying ship which is hovering 100 feet above the rooftops.</p>
1130 <p><quote>See, there, my lord,</quote> you say, and point to the orb of light.</p>
1131 <p><quote>Ah, yes,</quote> replies Zinair, smiling. <quote>It would appear that Wizard Acraban has arrived before us.</quote></p>
1132 <p>Lord Zinair<ch.apos/>s pronouncement is proved to be correct when a young man, attired in the blue and silver robes of a Brotherhood magician, comes striding along the quayside towards your ship. He has a neatly trimmed beard and long, flowing ginger hair, and his chiselled features are distinctly Sommlending.</p>
1133 <choice idref="sect165">If you have ever visited the city of Caeno (in a previous <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> adventure), <link-text>turn to 165</link-text>.</choice>
1134 <choice idref="sect299">If you have never visited the city of Caeno, <link-text>turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
1138 <section class="numbered" id="sect2">
1139 <meta><title>2</title></meta>
1142 <p>You return to the jetty and show your tickets to the ticket seller. He grunts his approval and waves you aboard the riverboat. The number of your berth is written on your ticket, and you discover that you are both sharing cabin number 12 which is located at the stern. You are pleased to discover that it is one of the better cabins aboard. It has a cupboard stocked with food and wine, a washing bowl and a jug of water, and twin bunk beds with mattresses and feather pillows.</p>
1143 <p>After a short while you hear the <onomatopoeia>clang</onomatopoeia> of the riverboat<ch.apos/>s bell. It is a signal that the boat is about to set off for Seroa in five minutes<ch.apos/> time and a last call for passengers who are still in Xaia. Through the porthole of your cabin you can see the jetty and a queue of people boarding the boat. Fortunately, you do not see any Cavalians among them.</p>
1144 <p>Once everyone is aboard, the gangplank is raised and the riverboat<ch.apos/>s waterwheel begins to turn. As the boat gets underway, you lock the cabin door and settle down to a good night<ch.apos/>s sleep.</p>
1145 <choice idref="sect46">To continue, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
1149 <section class="numbered" id="sect3">
1150 <meta><title>3</title></meta>
1153 <p>You are shaken by the sudden impact of hitting the water, but you swiftly muster your senses and fight to stay astride your horse. Prince Karvas and his mount come crashing down nearby and, in a tangle of flailing limbs, you are all swept away by the river<ch.apos/>s irresistible current.</p>
1154 <p>You are sped along by the rushing water for more than three miles before you reach a stretch of shallows at a bend in the river. Here you are able to regain control of your frightened horses and coax them towards the bank. Bruised and bedraggled, you stagger out of the water and collapse on the muddy shore, gasping for breath.</p>
1155 <p>When you fully recover, you find that you have lost 1 Weapon and 1 Backpack Item during your ordeal in the river. (Make the necessary adjustments to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a><ch.emdash/>you may choose which Weapon and Backpack Item to erase.)</p>
1156 <choice idref="sect80">To leave the river and return to the trail, <link-text>turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
1160 <section class="numbered" id="sect4">
1161 <meta><title>4</title></meta>
1164 <p>Your skill and persistence finally pay off when the lock clicks open. You twist the iron door handle and push it open to reveal a circular stone staircase which leads all the way to the bell chamber at the top of the tower. On reaching the top you are treated to a spectacular view of the city. As you scan the rooftops and towers using your night vision, you are able to locate stables less than a mile away, to the north of the tower. You commit their location to memory and then hurriedly you descend the stairs to the antechamber below.</p>
1165 <p>As you close the tower door, your Kai senses alert you to a concealed panel in the wall opposite. You press this panel and it slides aside to reveal a secret cache of valuable items:</p>
1167 <li>100 Ren (equivalent to 10 Gold Crowns)</li>
1168 <li>Jewelled Knife</li>
1169 <li>Silver Signet Ring</li>
1171 <p>If you wish to keep any of the above, record them on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as Backpack Items. (Ren is local currency which you may carry in your Belt Pouch.)</p>
1172 <p>On your return to the warehouse, Prince Karvas is delighted to hear that there are stables in Bakhasa and he insists that you set off for them at once. He is leading the way out of the ruins when suddenly the tower bell begins to toll once more. Moments later, the temple doors swing open and the procession of black-clad figures file out into the street. Instinctively you take hold of Karvas by the arm and pull him back into the ruins to avoid being seen by the emerging soldiers. As they pass by, you peer around the edge of the crumbling warehouse doorway to watch them. A strange feeling of unease makes the skin on the back of your neck prickle, and immediately you sense that all is not what it seems. When you magnify your vision to take a closer look at the passing figures, you gasp with shock at what you see.</p>
1173 <choice idref="sect100"><link-text>Turn to 100</link-text>.</choice>
1177 <section class="numbered" id="sect5">
1178 <meta><title>5</title></meta>
1181 <p>Bravely your horse obeys your command and he makes a tremendous leap through the fire to land surefootedly on the trail beyond. You sustain no injury from the fire and your horse, too, has escaped with little more than a singed belly. You pat him enthusiastically on the flanks in praise for his courageous action.</p>
1182 <choice idref="sect285">To continue, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text>.</choice>
1186 <section class="numbered" id="sect6">
1187 <meta><title>6</title></meta>
1190 <p>Your swift action saves the Prince from being struck by a crossbow bolt. It also saves you from being hit when one of these deadly iron missiles ricochets off the paddock gate and whistles by your head.</p>
1191 <choice idref="sect159"><link-text>Turn to 159</link-text>.</choice>
1195 <section class="numbered" id="sect7">
1196 <meta><title>7</title></meta>
1199 <p>The searing flash of the lightning strike singes the skin on your face and hands (lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), and leaves you blinded for a few moments. When your vision returns, you muster all of your Kai senses and focus them on the narrow strip of land which separates the fissures. Bolts of searing energy leap out of these chasms and soar past the skyship on either side to explode with thunderous cacophony among the roiling clouds. The crew cower with terror, but you maintain your nerve and let your Kai skills take full control of the wheel. After several nerve-racking miles the fissures eventually taper off and then disappear completely. As the <cite>Starstrider</cite> emerges from the gauntlet of deadly white fire, the crew gives a loud cheer in appreciation of your skilful helmsmanship. Gladly you acknowledge their praise, but you keep a grip on the helm for your Kai senses are screaming a warning that the danger is not yet over.</p>
1200 <p>You are five miles clear of the fissures when the steering becomes dangerously erratic. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> is losing altitude and her deck is beginning to tilt alarmingly to starboard. Soon it becomes almost impossible to stand upright. Acraban appears from below and struggles valiantly across the sloping deck to join you at the helm. The young sorcerer looks gaunt and exhausted, and his ginger hair is matted with grime and sweat. Clearly his efforts to repair the ailing skyship have severely drained his magical energies.</p>
1201 <p><quote>We have lost one stabilizer and the other is badly damaged,</quote> he says, grimly. <quote>I have done all I can to repair it but I fear it will fail at any moment. Without stabilizers we cannot stay airborne.</quote></p>
1202 <p>Acraban takes the helm and orders his crew to prepare for a crash landing. Some of the young men tie themselves to the ship<ch.apos/>s mast, while others brace themselves against the rails and put their fate in the hands of the Goddess Ishir. Prince Karvas has found refuge in a rope locker which is bolted to the main deck. He lifts the lid and calls for you to join him. There is sufficient space for two inside.</p>
1203 <choice idref="sect79">If you wish to climb into the rope locker alongside Prince Karvas, <link-text>turn to 79</link-text>.</choice>
1204 <choice idref="sect199">If you choose to stay with Acraban at the ship<ch.apos/>s helm, <link-text>turn to 199</link-text>.</choice>
1208 <section class="numbered" id="sect8">
1209 <meta><title>8</title></meta>
1212 <p>The rock grazes your scalp (lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point) and you almost fall from the saddle, but you manage to keep a tight hold of the reins and pull yourself upright.</p>
1213 <p>The speed and surefootedness of your Bhanarian stallions carry you and Karvas swiftly out of harm<ch.apos/>s way. You soon reach the rubble-strewn gate of the fortress and dismount to lead your horses inside. Within its crumbling walls there stands a keep, a cylindrical structure of time-worn masonry. The upper parts have collapsed leaving huge chunks of broken stone heaped around its base. Where once stood a gate of gleaming bronze, now only a blackened hole remains. It provides access to an inner hall and you enter to take shelter from the torrential rain.</p>
1214 <p>Engravings in the ceiling and walls of this derelict hall tell you that this fortress was once occupied by the Elder Magi. Both you and Karvas are fascinated by the intricate carvings and you decide to split up and explore this hall further. In an alcove at the north side you discover a shrine dedicated to the God Kai. Clumps of wild laumspur are growing around its base and you discover enough here for 3 potions. (Each Potion of Laumspur is a Backpack Item. It will restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points when swallowed after combat.)</p>
1215 <p>You are examining the shrine more closely when suddenly you hear Karvas scream out in alarm.</p>
1216 <choice idref="sect177"><link-text>Turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
1220 <section class="numbered" id="sect9">
1221 <meta><title>9</title></meta>
1224 <p>You call upon your Magnakai Discipline of Psi-screen to protect your mind from this psychic attack. The pain in your head lessens, yet your protection does not extend to Prince Karvas who is now on the verge of unconsciousness. You bring your horse around and ride to his aid. As you draw alongside, you pull him upright in the saddle and then, using your Magnakai Curing skills, you are able to revive him to full consciousness (use of this skill costs you 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
1225 <p>The terrible sound of the hunter<ch.apos/>s horn ceases abruptly and you hear them galloping towards you. Their leader is a broad-shouldered man with a ginger beard and long wavy hair. His hair fans out from around the edges of a conical helm that is topped by a pair of polished antlers. He brings his horse to a halt before you and Prince Karvas and he regards your mounts with an appraising eye.</p>
1227 <illustration class="inline">
1229 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1231 <instance class="html" src="small11.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1232 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1233 <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1236 <p><quote>I see you ride Cavalian colts,</quote> he says, and he points to the eagle brands that mark your horses<ch.apos/> hindquarters. You nod in acknowledgement but you do not offer any explanation. The man narrows his blue eyes and strokes his beard thoughtfully.</p>
1237 <p><quote>You do not know who I am, do you?</quote> You shake your head dumbly, hoping that he will take you for a simpleton and return to his deer hunting.</p>
1238 <p><quote>I am Halx<ch.emdash/>the Inquisitor-major of Cavalia. Among my many duties is the regulation and taxation of horses, mules, and oxen. You both ride Cavalian steeds, yet I do not recall seeing either of you in the city before. I trust your saddle taxes have been paid? Perhaps you would be kind enough to furnish your names and places of lodging so that, upon my return to Cavalia, I am able to confirm that this is so?</quote></p>
1239 <p>You sense that your continued silence is beginning to irritate the Inquisitor-major. His followers are also growing impatient.</p>
1240 <choice idref="sect116">If you wish to say that you are special emissaries on your way to Seroa to witness the crowning of Baron Sadanzo, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
1241 <choice idref="sect123">If you wish to say that you are new recruits to the Cavalian Citadel Guard, <link-text>turn to 123</link-text>.</choice>
1245 <section class="numbered" id="sect10">
1246 <meta><title>10</title></meta>
1249 <p>Karvas grabs your hand and pulls you to your feet. The drooling horror utters a chilling cackle and suddenly gathers speed. It has caught the enticing scent of horseflesh drifting on the chill night wind. You unsheathe your Kai Weapon and hurriedly move forward to block its approach to the narrow gully. You must now fight the creature.</p>
1250 <illustration class="float">
1252 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1253 <description>The drooling horror utters a chilling cackle and quickly moves towards the narrow gulley.</description>
1255 <instance class="html" src="ill1.png" width="386" height="609" mime-type="image/png"/>
1256 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="609" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1257 <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="609" />
1259 <combat><enemy>Bavazanur <em>(Winged Agarashi<ch.emdash/>wounded)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
1260 <p>This enemy is immune to Mindblast (but not Kai-surge). You may add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight, for Prince Karvas is assisting your battle against this foul creature. If the Kai Weapon you wield is <quote>Raumas</quote>, you may apply the bonus gained due to its unique properties.</p>
1261 <choice idref="sect129">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 129</link-text>.</choice>
1265 <section class="numbered" id="sect11">
1266 <meta><title>11</title></meta>
1269 <p>You draw upon your Grand Mastery of Elementalism to extinguish the deadly flames by removing the air in the immediate vicinity of the fire. As the flames rapidly recede, Prince Karvas rushes forward and smothers the smouldering remains with his journeyman<ch.apos/>s cloak.</p>
1270 <choice idref="sect121"><link-text>Turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
1274 <section class="numbered" id="sect12">
1275 <meta><title>12</title></meta>
1278 <p>You follow Karvas through the teeming streets of the capital towards Palace Square, the grand plaza where the crowning ceremony is set to take place in less than an hour. A wide avenue of marbled stone leads towards the square, and as you hurry along it, you marvel at the aristocratic mansions and embassies that march past on either side. The sound of a fanfare echoes in the distance and you increase your pace when Karvas tells you that it signifies the arrival of Baron Sadanzo. The approach to the square itself is blocked by the crowd, but the Prince knows of another way by which you may reach it. You leave the avenue and he takes you along a narrow lane that winds through a maze of buildings in the Merchants<ch.apos/> Quarter. This area has been closed for the Ascendance and Harvestmas ceremonies, but you are able to climb over the barricades that have been erected to prevent entry by the crowd, and you reach the square unchallenged.</p>
1279 <p>On a raised platform in the centre of Palace Square, Baron Sadanzo is preparing to kneel before Phedros, the Marshal of the Realm, the highest ranking officer in the kingdom of Siyen. He is flanked by the High Chancellor, the High Chamberlain, the Mayor of Seroa, and other Siyenese noblemen. Under the Constitution of Siyen, following the death of Oridon and the absence of Karvas, the Marshal of the Realm is empowered to bestow kingship upon the Baron.</p>
1280 <p>Frantically, you and the Prince struggle through the crowd that encircles the platform. Phedros is about to place the State Crown of Siyen upon Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s head when you leap onto the platform and bring the ceremony to an abrupt halt.</p>
1281 <p><quote>I am Karvas, Crown Prince of Siyen, and I demand my birthright!</quote> shouts the Prince to the assembled nobles. The crowd gives a gasp of astonishment which is followed by a deathly hush.</p>
1282 <p><quote>You are an impostor,</quote> screams Sadanzo. <quote>The real Prince Karvas is exiled in Sheasu. I demand this man be executed for his insolence!</quote></p>
1283 <p>Marshal Phedros approaches Karvas and takes hold of his right arm. He pulls back the sleeve of his tunic and examines the birthmark on his wrist. Phedros has known Karvas since he was a baby, and you sense that he is convinced that the mark is genuine. He raises the Prince<ch.apos/>s arm so that the other Siyenese nobles gathered on the platform can see the crescent-shaped mark. Murmurs of dissent can be heard among the crowd, and whispers that Karvas has returned filter back to Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s ears. The evil Baron narrows his coal-black eyes and slips a glowing green gem from the pocket of his ermine robes. Your Sixth Sense warns you that this stone is radiating strong psychic energies. Through its use, Sadanzo is able to exert a powerful control over the noblemen of Siyen who are gathered here on the platform. If you are to break the Baron<ch.apos/>s mental hold over them, you must destroy the evil gem that is clenched in his bony fist.</p>
1285 <illustration class="inline">
1287 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1289 <instance class="html" src="small5.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1290 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small5.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1291 <instance class="pdf" src="small5.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1294 <choice idref="sect97">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 97</link-text>.</choice>
1295 <choice idref="sect205">If you possess Magi-magic and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 205</link-text>.</choice>
1296 <choice idref="sect135">If you possess a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 135</link-text>.</choice>
1297 <choice idref="sect314">If you possess neither of these Disciplines, nor a Bow, or if you choose not to use any of them, <link-text>turn to 314</link-text>.</choice>
1301 <section class="numbered" id="sect13">
1302 <meta><title>13</title></meta>
1305 <p>You pull your rope out of your pack and cast one end down to the helpless Prince. The instant he grabs this trailing end securely with his free hand, you pull with all your strength and haul him out of the cavity. As you are helping him to his feet, you happen by chance to notice that he has a crescent-shaped birthmark on his right wrist.</p>
1307 <illustration class="inline">
1309 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1311 <instance class="html" src="small5.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1312 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small5.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1313 <instance class="pdf" src="small5.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1316 <p>Between gasps of breath, Karvas thanks you earnestly for your timely help. Had you not acted when you did he feels certain that he would have slipped and fallen into the raging river.</p>
1317 <choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
1321 <section class="numbered" id="sect14">
1322 <meta><title>14</title></meta>
1325 <p>You hold the blacksmith with a piercing stare and quietly recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell>. As the spell takes hold, you command him mentally to signal to his son that all is well between you. Your magical charm instils a sense of calm well-being into the man and he begins to relax and smile. He complies with your command and his son returns to his furnace.</p>
1326 <p>You ask the blacksmith if he knows the whereabouts of Prince Karvas of Siyen. He tells you that the Prince does not reside in the city. It is said that he lives somewhere on the remote northern coast of Sheasu. He also tells you that Karvas is not alone. Shortly after he came here, almost a decade ago, he was joined by a young woman. They were married by a sea captain in Mydnight harbour, on board the deck of his trading ship, and ever since their wedding day they have rarely been seen again.</p>
1327 <p>You thank the blacksmith for his help and leave the smithy before the effects of the spell wear off. On returning to the quayside you set out to explore the tangle of alleyways that make up the city<ch.apos/>s eastern quarter in the hope of discovering more about the Prince and his wife. Unfortunately, your efforts garner no new information. As the sun begins to settle on the horizon, you abandon your search and hurry back through the darkening passageways towards the market square.</p>
1328 <choice idref="sect308"><link-text>Turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
1332 <section class="numbered" id="sect15">
1333 <meta><title>15</title></meta>
1336 <p>An arrow, fired from the battlements, grazes your skull: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
1337 <choice idref="sect342">Make the necessary adjustment to your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score and then continue by <link-text>turning to 342</link-text>.</choice>
1341 <section class="numbered" id="sect16">
1342 <meta><title>16</title></meta>
1345 <p>You gag and tie the unconscious guard with his belt and tunic, and then you hide him in some long grass at the base of the perimeter wall. Hurrying across the field, you soon reach a courtyard located near to the main entrance. This flagstoned yard abuts the entrance gates and is bounded on the other three sides by paddocks, tack rooms, and the training fields. There are only two guards on duty here, the others having been called upon to assist the patrols that are out searching the city. They are both asleep at their posts and you have no difficulty tiptoeing past them and entering the paddocks where the horses are stabled.</p>
1346 <p>You search the stalls and soon discover two black Bhanarian stallions of magnificent quality and breeding. They will make ideal mounts for you and Prince Karvas. These intelligent animals respond readily to your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control and they remain calm and composed as you hurriedly fix their saddles and bridles. As you are leading them out into the courtyard, you stop to unbuckle a sword belt from the belly of a sleeping guard. Prince Karvas is unarmed and you are sure he will appreciate this weapon more than its present owner.</p>
1347 <p>You lead the horses across the courtyard and as you approach the stables<ch.apos/> main doors, you mount one of them and fix the reins of the other to your stirrup. Then you kick open one of the double doors and urge your horse forward at the gallop.</p>
1348 <p>The guards outside are taken completely by surprise. As they fumble to unsheathe their swords, you race across the square and wave to Karvas who is waiting patiently for your signal. The Prince leaps up from behind the cart and comes running towards the spare horse. He is getting ready to leap into its saddle when a gruff cry alerts you to danger. A patrol has entered the square and their officer is commanding his sergeant to fire at you with his bow.</p>
1349 <choice idref="sect172">If you possess Kai-surge, <link-text>turn to 172</link-text>.</choice>
1350 <choice idref="sect313">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 313</link-text>.</choice>
1354 <section class="numbered" id="sect17">
1355 <meta><title>17</title></meta>
1358 <p>You descend the stairs and make your way through the taproom crowd to the two Cavalian lordlings who are sipping wine at the counter.</p>
1359 <p><quote>Good evening, my lords,</quote> says Karvas, politely. <quote>My friend and I were wondering if you two gentlemen are bound for Seroa this night.</quote></p>
1360 <p>The Cavalians regard you with disdain as they sip their perfumed wine from long-stemmed glasses.</p>
1361 <p><quote>And what business would it be of yours, pray tell?</quote> retorts the taller of the two.</p>
1362 <p><quote>We wish to buy two tickets for the riverboat to Seroa,</quote> you reply, truthfully.</p>
1363 <p><quote>My, my,</quote> tuts the shorter, plumper man. <quote>I do believe they want us to sell our tickets, Foluge. Would you credit their nerve?</quote></p>
1364 <p>The taller dandy utters a terse laugh and he flicks his fingers at you dismissively. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve waited many years for Baron Sadanzo to come to power, and we would not miss his crowning for all the Orla in Siyen.</quote></p>
1365 <p><quote>Yea, <ch.apos/>tis so,</quote> fawns his stout companion. <quote>When Baron Sadanzo becomes King we shall both become rich men. Now leave us. We have no tickets to sell and we tire of your company.</quote></p>
1366 <choice idref="sect309">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 309</link-text>.</choice>
1367 <choice idref="sect78">If you do not possess this skill, or if you choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 78</link-text>.</choice>
1371 <section class="numbered" id="sect18">
1372 <meta><title>18</title></meta>
1375 <p>One of your pursuers suddenly emerges from the alleyway behind you, his steam-spear raised in readiness to launch another projectile. Instinctively, you dive at him and bring him crashing to the ground before he can release the deadly missile. In the ensuing struggle you knock him unconscious with a blow to his jaw; then you grab the hollow spear and turn it towards the Bakhasians gathered at the end of the street. A trigger lever on the side of the spear fires a projectile and you see it soar through the air to strike the nearest shrine-bearer squarely in the chest. As the man is hurled backwards by the force of its impact, his grip is torn from the platform. It tilts over and the tiger-head idol tumbles from its wooden base to hit the ground with a mighty crash. It shatters in two, releasing a whirling cone of red flame from its hollow core that swiftly engulfs the remaining bearers. In the blink of an eye these men are transformed into smouldering heaps of ash.</p>
1377 <illustration class="inline">
1379 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1381 <instance class="html" src="small1.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1382 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small1.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1383 <instance class="pdf" src="small1.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1386 <p>Cries of fear and outrage echo along the street as the Bakhasian soldiers witness the deaths of their comrades and the destruction of their unholy symbol. Before they can muster themselves and give chase, you cast aside the steam-spear and call for Karvas to follow as you rush across the street and make a hasty escape into the dark alleyway beyond.</p>
1387 <choice idref="sect180"><link-text>Turn to 180</link-text>.</choice>
1391 <section class="numbered" id="sect19">
1392 <meta><title>19</title></meta>
1395 <p>The Knight Bachelor regards your handful of coins with ill-disguised contempt. He averts his eyes from your hand and begins to take a closer interest in your horse. Your Sixth Sense warns you that he secretly wants your fine Bhanarian steed for himself.</p>
1396 <p><quote>Well, my lord, will you accept my donation?</quote> you ask.</p>
1397 <choice idref="sect262">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
1398 <choice idref="sect95">If you do not possess this skill, or if you choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 95</link-text>.</choice>
1402 <section class="numbered" id="sect20">
1403 <meta><title>20</title></meta>
1406 <p>Acraban is deaf to your pleas. He has never experienced anything like this storm before and he seems unable to decide the best course of action to take. When at last he decides to order Kuo to change course it is already too late. There is a second deafening <onomatopoeia>Crack!</onomatopoeia> as the skyship is struck forcefully beneath the stern.</p>
1407 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
1408 <choice idref="sect268">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>3, <link-text>turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
1409 <choice idref="sect149">If it is 4<ch.endash/>8, <link-text>turn to 149</link-text>.</choice>
1410 <choice idref="sect341">If it is 9, <link-text>turn to 341</link-text>.</choice>
1414 <section class="numbered" id="sect21">
1415 <meta><title>21</title></meta>
1418 <p>For several minutes you struggle to unlock the door but without success. When you hear the sound of footsteps approaching from the temple hall, you are forced to abandon your efforts and return to the street. Once outside, you glance up at the open second-storey window and you resolve to gain entry that way.</p>
1419 <choice idref="sect228">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
1420 <choice idref="sect175">If you do not possess this skill, <link-text>turn to 175</link-text>.</choice>
1424 <section class="numbered" id="sect22">
1425 <meta><title>22</title></meta>
1428 <p>You call upon your mastery of the elements to summon up a whirling cloud of dust to blind the guards. As it engulfs them, they fall to their knees and cover their faces to protect their eyes from the stinging grit, leaving you and Karvas free to gallop through the open gate and escape across the plain that surrounds Jaroc.</p>
1429 <choice idref="sect303"><link-text>Turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
1433 <section class="numbered" id="sect23">
1434 <meta><title>23</title></meta>
1437 <p>You close the safe and call upon your advanced Kai Mastery to electrically charge the surface layer of air that is in contact with its steel door. Karvas watches you preparing this booby trap with a mix of curiosity and fascination. You tell him that in future, if any person or object should touch the door, then the power will discharge itself with an explosive force sufficient to destroy the safe and ignite the surrounding books. Your explanation makes Karvas smile. Clearly he relishes the thought of Sadanzo falling foul of this trap at some later date.</p>
1438 <p>Your work done, you turn away from the safe and hurry to leave this evil library. But, as you approach the arch which leads to the adjoining chamber, you suddenly hear a noise which makes you stop dead in your tracks.</p>
1439 <choice idref="sect86"><link-text>Turn to 86</link-text>.</choice>
1443 <section class="numbered" id="sect24">
1444 <meta><title>24</title></meta>
1447 <p>You are halfway through the portal when the missile strikes you between the shoulder blades. The impact numbs your senses and sends you somersaulting across an alleyway outside the warehouse: lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1448 <p>Although you have been hit squarely by the projectile, your Backpack has prevented it from penetrating your body. The impact has, however, punched a hole in your pack and destroyed four of the items you are carrying. (Erase from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> any four items you have recorded on your list of Backpack Items.)</p>
1449 <p>Your landing on the ground is cushioned by a carpet of rotting refuse and canvas sacking. Stunned by the force of the missile<ch.apos/>s impact, you are only dimly aware of Prince Karvas as he grabs the front of your tunic and lifts you to your feet. With his help you make a hurried escape along the dark passageway towards an adjoining torchlit street.</p>
1450 <choice idref="sect88"><link-text>Turn to 88</link-text>.</choice>
1454 <section class="numbered" id="sect25">
1455 <meta><title>25</title></meta>
1458 <p>In desperation to save the Prince<ch.apos/>s life, you unsheathe your Kai Weapon and strike the horn clean out of the Inquisitor-major<ch.apos/>s hands. Your blow cleaves his accursed horn in two and sends its sundered halves spinning through the air. The Inquisitor-major bellows with rage and orders his men to attack you. Frantically they level their lances and make a haphazard attack.</p>
1459 <combat><enemy>Hunting party</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">47</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
1460 <p>You may not evade this combat. You may, however, add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> after three rounds of combat, for this is when Prince Karvas is able to join in and fight against the hunting party.</p>
1461 <choice idref="sect186">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 186</link-text>.</choice>
1465 <section class="numbered" id="sect26">
1466 <meta><title>26</title></meta>
1469 <p>The trader pockets your bribe and bids you follow him to a smaller room at the rear of the warehouse. In the quiet privacy of this adjoining room he tells you all he knows about Prince Karvas of Siyen.</p>
1470 <p><quote>This man Karvas does not live here in the city,</quote> he says. <quote>He did for a while, when he first came to Sheasu ten years ago, but then a young woman arrived and they got married. They live on the north coast of the island somewhere. I<ch.apos/>ve not seen them since the day they left Mydnight.</quote></p>
1471 <p>You thank the trader for his information and leave the warehouse. Outside, on the quay, you resolve to explore the tangle of alleyways that make up the city<ch.apos/>s eastern quarter in the hope of finding someone else who is willing to tell or sell what they know about the Prince. Unfortunately, your efforts garner no further information. As the sun begins to settle on the horizon, you finally abandon your search and hurry back through the darkening passageways towards the market square.</p>
1472 <choice idref="sect308"><link-text>Turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
1476 <section class="numbered" id="sect27">
1477 <meta><title>27</title></meta>
1480 <p>When you and Karvas are unable to produce a ticket, the guard gets angry. You say that you must have lost your tickets during the voyage, but this excuse does not impress him. He beckons to a group of his fellow guardsmen who are standing beside a stone hut at the entrance to the docking area. <quote>You<ch.apos/>ll have to see the Wharfmaster,</quote> he says, brusquely. <quote>Tell him your tale.</quote></p>
1481 <p>The group of guardsmen come and escort you and Karvas to the hut where an officious man in a scarlet tunic is sitting at a desk, writing with a quill pen. <quote>They<ch.apos/>ve no tickets, Wharfmaster,</quote> states one of the guardsmen, before they turn away and close the door. The man puts down his pen and takes a crystal sphere from his pocket which he fixes into a holder at the centre of his desk. Then he tells you both to sit before him at the table and explain why you have no tickets to travel aboard the riverboat. Karvas becomes impatient with the man and he demands that you be allowed to leave.</p>
1482 <p><quote>I don<ch.apos/>t think you realize the trouble you<ch.apos/>re in,</quote> replies the Wharfmaster, testily. <quote>Travelling by riverboat without paying the fare is a custodial offence. The punishment is one day in gaol for every day travelled.</quote> The man opens his desk drawer and takes out a slim rod of opaque crystal. <quote>Now,</quote> he says, staring you straight in the eye, <quote>kindly tell me why you have no ticket.</quote></p>
1483 <p>You repeat the excuse you gave when you disembarked, that you must have lost your ticket during the voyage. The clear crystal sphere resting on his desk becomes milky white, and then its hue changes to crimson.</p>
1484 <p><quote>You<ch.apos/>re lying,</quote> says the Wharfmaster, and he touches you lightly on the hand with the tip of his slim rod. Suddenly a blinding white light flashes before your eyes and you feel yourself rapidly falling into unconsciousness.</p>
1485 <choice idref="sect332"><link-text>Turn to 332</link-text>.</choice>
1489 <section class="numbered" id="sect28">
1490 <meta><title>28</title></meta>
1493 <p>You call upon your mastery of Old Kingdom magic and utter the ancient power-word <spell>Gloar!</spell> at the creature<ch.apos/>s torso. The concussive power of your word batters against its chest, making it shriek with pain, yet it does not deter it from continuing its hungry advance towards your horses. As it stalks closer, you see that it is drawing in great gulps of air to inflate its chest. Its rib cage expands and suddenly there is a sharp popping sound. You gasp with fear as dozens of horned spikes shoot out of its skin and come hurtling towards you like a volley of deadly darts.</p>
1494 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
1495 <choice idref="sect96">If your total score is 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
1496 <choice idref="sect269">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 269</link-text>.</choice>
1500 <section class="numbered" id="sect29">
1501 <meta><title>29</title></meta>
1504 <p>You hurry past the gate guards and through the open archway into a flagstoned concourse.</p>
1505 <p>You are about to enter a seemingly empty avenue which bisects the city<ch.apos/>s west quarter, when an armed soldier suddenly appears from out of a darkened doorway. He raises his spear and commands you to halt.</p>
1506 <choice idref="sect325">If you wish to obey the soldier<ch.apos/>s command, <link-text>turn to 325</link-text>.</choice>
1507 <choice idref="sect82">If you choose to ignore his order, you can attempt to escape by running away. <link-text>Turn to 82</link-text>.</choice>
1511 <section class="numbered" id="sect30">
1512 <meta><title>30</title></meta>
1515 <p>You rush into the small bakery and your sudden appearance startles the baker<ch.apos/>s wife. She gasps when she sees your soaked and slime-smeared features, and nervously she snatches up a knife and threatens to use it if either of you come a step closer. You can understand her reaction; after your dip in the citadel moat, you and Karvas look more reptilian than human.</p>
1516 <p><quote>Calm yourself, good lady,</quote> you say, in as soothing a tone as you are able to muster. <quote>My companion and I may appear a little wretched but we mean you no harm.</quote> The woman is not convinced. She raises the knife in her trembling hand and begins shouting hysterically for her husband. Moments later, a portly man in a white smock and cloth hat emerges from an open doorway at the rear of the shop. He is brandishing an iron skillet and comes at you like a charging bull.</p>
1517 <p><quote>Hold there, Barwick!</quote> shouts Karvas, and to your astonishment the baker skids to a halt and drops his iron pot to the floor.</p>
1518 <p><quote>Prince Karvas<ch.ellips/>is it you?</quote> he stammers. Karvas uses his sleeve to wipe some of the slime from his face, and then he gives the baker a broad smile.</p>
1519 <p><quote>Yes, Barwick, it is I.</quote></p>
1520 <p><quote>Thank Ishir,</quote> gasps the baker, and he falls to his knees. <quote>We have prayed that you would return home and save us from Sadanzo. We of Cavalia have suffered his tyranny for too long. He is an evil man and we fear that he will bring ruin to Siyen when he is crowned king. But now our Prince has returned to stop him. Ishir be praised!</quote></p>
1521 <p>The sound of horses galloping to a halt outside the bakery alerts you to the fact that you and the Prince are still in great danger. The baker bolts the door and then urges you and Karvas to follow him as he hurries out of the shop, past his baking ovens, and through a rear door that leads to a walled yard scattered with chickens. He pulls open the door of an outbuilding and he offers you and Karvas the two young horses that are stabled inside. They are his most valuable animals and Karvas is impressed by the man<ch.apos/>s generosity.</p>
1522 <p><quote>I<ch.apos/>ll not forget this, Barwick,</quote> says Karvas, as you and he quickly saddle the two colts. The baker pulls open one of a pair of gates at the rear of his yard. Proudly he salutes you as you steer your horses through the gap and gallop away along a passageway that leads to one of Cavalia<ch.apos/>s city streets.</p>
1523 <choice idref="sect67"><link-text>Turn to 67</link-text>.</choice>
1527 <section class="numbered" id="sect31">
1528 <meta><title>31</title></meta>
1531 <p><quote>We don<ch.apos/>t welcome spies here,</quote> growls the blacksmith. He nods to his son and the brawny young man snatches an iron from the furnace. Menacingly he levels this glowing rod at your face and very slowly he moves towards you. Hurriedly you apologize to the blacksmith and leave the smithy.</p>
1532 <p>On returning to the quayside you resolve to explore the tangle of alleyways that make up the city<ch.apos/>s eastern quarter in the hope of finding someone who is more willing to talk about the Prince. Unfortunately, your efforts garner no useful information. As the sun begins to settle on the horizon, you finally abandon your search and hurry back through the darkening passageways towards the market square.</p>
1533 <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the <cite>Starstrider</cite> by the time you reach the market square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. They are disappointed to hear that your search for information has been in vain. Fortunately, Lord Zinair<ch.apos/>s efforts have been more fruitful.</p>
1534 <p><quote>Prince Karvas is not here,</quote> he says. <quote>He lived here when he first came to Sheasu some ten years ago, but a young woman called Amarelda arrived soon after and they were married, here, in the harbour. They left Mydnight the day after their wedding and settled somewhere on the northern coastline. It has been more than a year since they last visited the city.</quote></p>
1535 <p>Turning to Acraban, Zinair says: <quote>I propose we travel north at first light and commence a search of the northern shoreline. I suspect it will be easier to espy their retreat from the air than to attempt any search by land.</quote></p>
1536 <p>Acraban nods in agreement. Then he passes word to his young crew to prepare the <cite>Starstrider</cite> for a voyage north at first light.</p>
1537 <choice idref="sect187"><link-text>Turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
1541 <section class="numbered" id="sect32">
1542 <meta><title>32</title></meta>
1545 <p>The farmer seems bemused by your refusal. His fee is very reasonable, especially when compared to the charge you would be expected to pay for crossing the river at the Voshno Bridge. When he tells you that there are no other river crossings for 30 miles in either direction, you ask if he would accept something other than cash in return for the use of his raft. After a few moments<ch.apos/> thought, he says that he would accept either 1 Weapon or 1 Backpack Item.</p>
1546 <p>If you possess sufficient cash, you can still pay the farmer a fee of 8 Lune, or 2 Gold Crowns. If you do not have enough money, you must give him either 1 Weapon or 1 Backpack Item of your choice. (Make the appropriate changes to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
1547 <p>The farmer ferries you and your horse across the river, and then he goes back to collect Karvas and his mount. Once the Prince is safely across, you bid the cheerful man farewell and ride away from the river, heading east. You notice that Prince Karvas is smiling as he rides across this lush river valley and you ask him why he is so happy. He explains that the Ioma is the political boundary between the realms of Lunarlia and Siyen, and having crossed the river you are now on Siyenese soil. After ten years in exile he has, at last, returned to his homeland.</p>
1548 <p>Dusk is turning to darkness when you come to a road that traverses the plain to the east of Voshno. Your horses are tired and so you decide to camp for the night in a small wood that borders this road. Before you rest, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery).</p>
1549 <choice idref="sect125">To continue, <link-text>turn to 125</link-text>.</choice>
1553 <section class="numbered" id="sect33">
1554 <meta><title>33</title></meta>
1557 <p>You tug on the reins and swivel in the saddle to avoid the onrushing shaft. Your speedy reactions save you from being struck in the body, yet the arrow tears a strip of skin and muscle from your shoulder before it shatters into the ground: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1558 <p>Karvas leaps onto his horse and you toss him the reins. With a cry of elation, you wheel your stallion about and spur him towards an avenue on the west side of the square. You and the Prince gallop side by side along this broad thoroughfare as fast as your horses will carry you, trampling any Bakhasian who is foolish enough to stand in your way. The road leads directly to the city<ch.apos/>s east gate where a bell is tolling loudly. A crowd of militiamen have gathered at the gate, summoned from their beds by the alarm, but they are without their officer and in the chaos and confusion they have forgotten to close the gate. They scatter in all directions as you thunder along the avenue towards them and you are able to escape through the open archway without challenge.</p>
1559 <p>Whooping with excitement, you race away from Bakhasa along a dusty trail that heads towards the foothills of the Dammerdon Mountains. You glance to your side and see Prince Karvas punch the air victoriously. Clearly he is as excited by this daring escape as you are, for there is a grin fixed to his sweat-streaked face that stretches from ear to ear.</p>
1560 <p>Your strong Bhanarian stallions carry you swiftly into the foothills and never once do they falter in their stride nor slacken their impressive pace. Only when you can no longer see the lights of Bakhasa do you let them slow to a canter. For more than an hour you travel the trail as it meanders through pine-covered hills and shallow valleys. The night sky is clear and the way ahead is illuminated by bright starlight. When you come to a shallow ford across a fast-flowing stream, you stop here awhile to let your horses drink their fill.</p>
1561 <p>Unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1562 <choice idref="sect323">To continue, <link-text>turn to 323</link-text>.</choice>
1566 <section class="numbered" id="sect34">
1567 <meta><title>34</title></meta>
1569 <p>You break the bad news to Karvas and he explodes with rage. Immediately he kicks back his chair and unsheathes his sword. <quote>You, there, skulking in the shadows,</quote> he bellows, pointing with his sword at the Cavalians on the far side of the taproom. <quote>You<ch.apos/>re the cowards who murdered Baron Jayde. Step out of the shadows and face your accuser, if you dare!</quote></p>
1570 <p>The Cavalians laugh and sneer at Prince Karvas<ch.apos/> accusation. <quote>Watch your tongue, journeyman,</quote> retorts their leader, a scar-faced sergeant with a shaved head. <quote>We Siyenese don<ch.apos/>t take kindly to Northland troublemakers.</quote> Another of the group calls out to the tavern-keeper, demanding that he come and throw you out. Sheepishly the tavern-keeper approaches and he asks that you both leave. You sense that he has no liking for the Cavalians, but Karvas<ch.apos/> outburst has unsettled his other guests, some of whom are already hurrying out of the door.</p>
1571 <p>You take hold of the Prince<ch.apos/>s arm and pull him along as you move towards the tavern door. The Cavalians fix you with murderous stares as you leave, but they do not attempt to follow you. Once you are outside, you hurry across to the stables to fetch your horses.</p>
1572 <p>You are about to enter when suddenly you notice the body of a young boy lying partially buried beneath a heap of straw. By the colour and cut of his clothing, you recognize the body to be that of the stable boy who took charge of your horses when you first arrived here. Swiftly you unsheathe your Kai Weapon as you enter the stables. Your caution is justified, for as soon as you pass through the stable door, you are attacked by six Cavalian bandits who have been lying in wait for you and Karvas to appear.</p>
1573 <illustration class="float">
1575 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1576 <description>As soon as you pass through the stable door, you are attacked by six Cavalian bandits.</description>
1578 <instance class="html" src="ill2.png" width="386" height="633" mime-type="image/png"/>
1579 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="633" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1580 <instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="633" />
1582 <combat><enemy>Cavalian Bandits</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">36</enemy-attribute></combat>
1583 <p>You may add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat, for Prince Karvas is helping you to fight these murdering bandits.</p>
1584 <choice idref="sect215">If you win the combat in three rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 215</link-text>.</choice>
1585 <choice idref="sect103">If it takes you four rounds or more to win this combat, <link-text>turn to 103</link-text>.</choice>
1589 <section class="numbered" id="sect35">
1590 <meta><title>35</title></meta>
1593 <p>The rolling plain to the west of Bakhasa is a bleak and barren steppe, devoid of flora yet studded with countless thousands of sawn-off tree stumps. Once this region was part of the Great Forest of Kelderwood, but in recent times the ruler of Bhanar, Autarch Sejanoz, has commanded the Bakhasians to harvest the forest<ch.apos/>s valuable hardwood and dispatch it downstream to feed the insatiable needs of the imperial shipyards of Otavai. Travelling on foot, the stumps do not obstruct your progress and you are able to press on until late in the afternoon. As you are cresting a ridge of high ground, you spot a troop of horsemen escorting a line of wagons laden with timber. They are less than a mile distant and they appear to be heading towards a settlement on the banks of the River Tehda. You wait and watch them until they are dots on the horizon before continuing your trek towards the city of Bakhasa.</p>
1594 <p>You are within 20 miles of Bakhasa when dusk begins to darken the gloomy sky. Karvas requests that you stop to rest awhile before making a final push for the city. You are feeling hungry after your long day<ch.apos/>s march and you agree readily. (Unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.) You are about to resume your trek when your Kai Sixth Sense alerts you to the sound of approaching horses and wagons. You are scanning the surrounding hills when suddenly a dozen riders appear from behind a ridge to the north. They are escorting two wagons filled with sleepy timber workers returning to their settlement after a day<ch.apos/>s labour. You signal to Karvas to hide himself as they approach along a cleared trail which passes within 20 yards of your position. The horsemen canter past ahead of the wagons, but one of the riders who is following behind suddenly leaves the track and steers his horse through the stumps towards your position. Fearing that you may have been spotted, you signal to Prince Karvas to split up and find a new hiding place. Silently you watch as the horseman is slowed to a halt by a dense cluster of tree stumps. He dismounts and abandons his mare in order to continue his search on foot. He draws his sword as he passes close to where you are hiding, but he does not see you. As he moves away, you see that his horse does not follow. She stays to crop some sickly weeds at the base of a tree stump barely 10 yards from where you are lying. Hanging from her saddle are a bulging leather satchel, an axe, and a coil of rope.</p>
1595 <choice idref="sect145">If you wish to attempt to look inside the horse<ch.apos/>s saddlebag, <link-text>turn to 145</link-text>.</choice>
1596 <choice idref="sect287">If you decide to remain hidden among the tree stumps, <link-text>turn to 287</link-text>.</choice>
1600 <section class="numbered" id="sect36">
1601 <meta><title>36</title></meta>
1604 <p>The Marshal of the Guard orders his men to confiscate all of your Weapons and equipment. Then he marches you and Karvas under close escort to the cells below the main hall, where you are shackled to the wall in irons. Karvas is shocked by this brutal treatment and he cannot fathom a reason why Lodamos would treat you both this way.</p>
1605 <p>An hour passes before the door to the cell is thrown open and in strides Baron Lodamos, escorted by a bodyguard of his toughest men-at-arms. Prince Karvas pleads for your immediate release, but his pleas fall on deaf ears.</p>
1606 <p><quote>Do you not recognize me, my lord?</quote> he asks. <quote>Do you not remember the days we spent hunting wild boar in the Ioma Forest?</quote></p>
1607 <p><quote>The resemblance is uncanny, I grant you that,</quote> replies Lodamos, <quote>but you are another impostor, another of Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s sorcerous creations sent here to assassinate me.</quote></p>
1608 <p>The Baron holds up the Stone Dagger that was found in your Backpack. <quote>You have a persuasive tongue,</quote> he says, <quote>but here I hold proof that you are assassins. This evil blade is the instrument with which you intended to slay me. See, it is already stained with the blood of those you have slain before. No goodly men would carry such a weapon for their own defence.</quote></p>
1609 <p>Desperately you try to explain how the Stone Dagger came into your possession, how you discovered it in the hut in the Dammerdon Mountains. Unfortunately your hurried explanation does little to help. Baron Lodamos has already made up his mind that you are assassins in the pay of Baron Sadanzo, sent here to murder him, and he will not be convinced otherwise.</p>
1610 <p>The Baron turns to the sergeant of his bodyguard and orders him to have his men prepare their weapons. A cold shiver runs down your spine when you see that these men-at-arms are equipped with crossbows that are cocked and loaded, ready to fire. The sergeant gives the order. The guards raise their bows and take aim. Prince Karvas begs the Baron to reconsider but it is now too late. Lodamos hurls the Stone Dagger to the floor, smashing it to pieces, and then he spins on his heel and strides out of the cell without looking back. With a grunt, his sergeant gives the order to fire and his men release their volley of deadly missiles. Death is mercifully swift.</p>
1611 <p>Tragically, your life and your mission end here in the dungeons of the Varedo Citadel.</p>
1615 <section class="numbered" id="sect37">
1616 <meta><title>37</title></meta>
1619 <p>The tavern-keeper looks at the 2 Gold Crowns and smiles. <quote>Ah, Northland coinage,</quote> he says, as he examines them with an appraising eye, <quote>and cast from pure gold, unlike some that pass across this counter. Rarely do I see coinage of this quality.</quote></p>
1620 <p>The tavern-keeper is so impressed by the quality of your Crowns that he offers you 5 Lune for every 1 Gold Crown you are willing to give him. If you wish to exchange some of your Gold Crowns for Lune on these favourable terms, make the appropriate adjustments to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
1621 <choice idref="sect272">To continue, <link-text>turn to 272</link-text>.</choice>
1625 <section class="numbered" id="sect38">
1626 <meta><title>38</title></meta>
1629 <p>The lightning bolt strikes the skyship<ch.apos/>s hull directly below the helm, rendering you unconscious as the concussive force of the blast was transmitted through the deck (lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
1630 <p>On regaining consciousness you discover that the <cite>Starstrider</cite> is now more than 5 miles clear of the fissures. As your vision slowly clears you see that Acraban has taken control of the wheel. He smiles when he sees that you are still alive. You notice that he looks gaunt and exhausted, and his ginger hair is matted with grime and sweat. Clearly his efforts to repair the ailing skyship have severely drained his magical energies. As you stagger to the helm you sense that the steering has become more erratic. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> has lost altitude and her deck is starting to tilt alarmingly to starboard. Soon it becomes almost impossible to stand upright.</p>
1631 <p><quote>We have lost one stabilizer and the other is badly damaged,</quote> says Acraban, grimly. <quote>I have done all I can to repair it but I fear it will fail us at any moment. Without stabilizers we cannot stay airborne.</quote></p>
1632 <p>Acraban orders his crew to prepare for a crash landing. Some of the young men tie themselves to the ship<ch.apos/>s mainmast, while others brace themselves against the rails and place their fate in the hands of the Goddess Ishir. Prince Karvas has found refuge in a rope locker which is bolted to the main deck. He lifts the lid and calls out to you to join him for there is sufficient space for two inside.</p>
1633 <choice idref="sect79">If you wish to climb into the rope locker alongside Prince Karvas, <link-text>turn to 79</link-text>.</choice>
1634 <choice idref="sect199">If you choose to stay with Acraban at the ship<ch.apos/>s helm, <link-text>turn to 199</link-text>.</choice>
1638 <section class="numbered" id="sect39">
1639 <meta><title>39</title></meta>
1642 <p>You and Karvas step across the lifeless bodies of the knight and his escort, and then hurry out into the corridor beyond. You slam the cell door shut behind you and, with a powerful kick of your heel, you cleave away the dial of the lock to prevent the door from being opened easily.</p>
1643 <p>Across the corridor you see the door to the cell that contains your Weapons and equipment, and you pause for a few moments to work on its tumbler lock. Your efforts are quickly rewarded and you discover all of your confiscated equipment lying here on the floor. (You may erase the asterisks [*] from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> to indicate that your arms and equipment have been restored.)</p>
1644 <p>In addition to your equipment you also discover Prince Karvas<ch.apos/> sword and belt, together with the following:</p>
1648 <li>Enough food for 1 Meal</li>
1652 <p>Karvas buckles on his sword belt and, before you leave, he unhooks a coil of rope from the wall and slings it over his shoulder. On returning to the corridor, you hurry to the end to where a circular stone staircase ascends to the levels above. With Kai Weapon in hand you begin to climb the steps, retracing the route that you committed to memory when you were dragged to the cell more than an hour ago.</p>
1653 <choice idref="sect169"><link-text>Turn to 169</link-text>.</choice>
1657 <section class="numbered" id="sect40">
1658 <meta><title>40</title></meta>
1661 <p>The tip of your enemy<ch.apos/>s lance glances your shoulder and spins you out of the saddle to crash heavily on the rocky trail (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). The Bakhasians cheer their leader as he brings his horse around, and they urge him to trample you into the ground with his next pass. Hurriedly you retrieve your Kai Weapon and steel yourself to face him as he levels his lance and comes thundering down the trail.</p>
1662 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Weaponmastery, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 2. If you possess Assimilance, add 1.</p>
1663 <choice idref="sect343">If your total score is now 3 or less, <link-text>turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
1664 <choice idref="sect117">If it is 4<ch.endash/>7, <link-text>turn to 117</link-text>.</choice>
1665 <choice idref="sect263">If it is 8 or higher, <link-text>turn to 263</link-text>.</choice>
1669 <section class="numbered" id="sect41">
1670 <meta><title>41</title></meta>
1673 <p>You bid goodnight to the tavern-keeper and wearily you climb the stairs to a first-floor corridor that leads to your rooms. You are standing in this corridor, arranging with Karvas to meet in the stables at dawn, when you happen to glance out of a window that overlooks the tavern<ch.apos/>s courtyard. Six shadowy figures are creeping towards the stables and, when you magnify your vision to get a better look at their faces, your blood runs cold. They are wearing the armour and emblems of Cavalia, and your Kai Sixth Sense tells you that they are part of the band of mounted crossbowmen who ambushed you at Baron Jayde<ch.apos/>s chateau.</p>
1674 <p>You tell Karvas what you have seen and he unsheathes his sword. <quote>Quick, Grand Master,</quote> he says, as he turns to run back towards the stairs. <quote>We must protect our horses or all is lost!</quote></p>
1675 <choice idref="sect128"><link-text>Turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
1679 <section class="numbered" id="sect42">
1680 <meta><title>42</title></meta>
1683 <p>It is a difficult struggle to keep the <cite>Starstrider</cite> on a straight and level course for she veers continually towards starboard. To counter this persistent drift you pull the wheel hard to port, yet the effects of her damaged stabilizer are unpredictable, making it almost impossible for you to maintain any sure control of the helm. In desperation, you muster all of your Kai senses and focus them on the narrow strip of land which separates the fissures. Bolts of searing energy leap out of these chasms and soar past the skyship on either side to explode with thunderous cacophony among the roiling clouds. The crew cower with terror, but you keep your nerve and let your Kai skills take full control of the wheel. After several nerve-racking miles the fissures eventually taper off and then disappear completely.</p>
1684 <p>As the <cite>Starstrider</cite> emerges from the gauntlet of deadly white fire, the crew gives a loud cheer in appreciation of your skilful helmsmanship. Gladly you acknowledge their praise, but you maintain your grip of the helm for your Kai senses are screaming a warning that the danger has not yet passed.</p>
1685 <choice idref="sect302"><link-text>Turn to 302</link-text>.</choice>
1689 <section class="numbered" id="sect43">
1690 <meta><title>43</title></meta>
1693 <p>Your silence angers the Knight Bachelor.</p>
1694 <p><quote>Perhaps you are spies?</quote> he exclaims. <quote>I command you to throw down your weapons. By the power vested in my rank, and for the security of Cavalia, I arrest you both.</quote></p>
1695 <choice idref="sect318">If you wish to offer an apology to the Knight Bachelor in the hope that he will accept it and let you go on your way, <link-text>turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
1696 <choice idref="sect62">If you wish to attempt to escape from this arrogant young knight and his troop of cavalry, <link-text>turn to 62</link-text>.</choice>
1700 <section class="numbered" id="sect44">
1701 <meta><title>44</title></meta>
1704 <p>The Inquisitor-major snatches up a hunting horn that hangs from a cord strung around his neck, and he blows into it with great force. The discordant note rises in pitch until it passes beyond the normal range of the human ear. Moments later, a terrific pain shoots through your head that makes you grasp your skull with both hands.</p>
1705 <choice idref="sect252">If you possess Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s Seal, <link-text>turn to 252</link-text>.</choice>
1706 <choice idref="sect335">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
1710 <section class="numbered" id="sect45">
1711 <meta><title>45</title></meta>
1714 <p>Beyond the arch is a narrow brick walkway which borders the river. You hurry along this unlit footpath until you come to a flight of steps that leads to a flagstoned loading area crowded with soldiers and wagons. By keeping low and moving from one wagon to the next, you and Karvas are able to cross this busy concourse undetected.</p>
1715 <p>Soon you come to a stone bridge that traverses the River Tehda. You hurry across it and enter a wide avenue which leads to the city<ch.apos/>s east quarter. Grimy two-storey houses of carved hardwood pass by on either side, silent behind their bolts and shutters. At the end of the avenue you almost collide with a patrol of armed guards which is marching towards the river, and hurriedly you are forced to take cover in a timber yard to avoid being seen. You watch the ten-strong patrol as it marches past, and note that these men are clad in black quilted tunics with wide silk leggings, and they are armed with curved swords and hand-axes. They are almond-eyed and they all have shiny black hair tied in a knot at the nape of their necks. Their leader, a stocky bull-necked sergeant, wears the emblem of Sejanoz emblazoned upon a scarlet armband. Patiently you wait for them to reach the river but, when they do, you see another patrol come marching along the avenue from the opposite direction. The east quarter of Bakhasa is a bustling place, even at this late hour. Rather than risk being seen and captured, you decide to remain hidden here in the timber yard and attempt to get a few hours<ch.apos/> sleep before dawn.</p>
1717 <illustration class="inline">
1719 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1721 <instance class="html" src="small3.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1722 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1723 <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1726 <p>Unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1727 <choice idref="sect340">To continue, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
1731 <section class="numbered" id="sect46">
1732 <meta><title>46</title></meta>
1734 <p>It is early morning when you awaken. Your sleep has revived your strength (restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points) and left you feeling in good spirits. You wake Karvas and then you both go up on deck to enjoy the warm sunshine and watch the passing countryside. To the west, the left bank is backed by farmsteads and orchards; to the east, the ground gently rises to low, rolling, vine-clad hills. The Sero is deep, and its fast-flowing current helps propel the boat downstream at a quicker rate than could be maintained by a horse. On reflection, you are glad that you decided to travel to Seroa by this route.</p>
1736 <illustration class="inline">
1738 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1740 <instance class="html" src="small12.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1741 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1742 <instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1745 <p>The riverboat is crowded with passengers bound for the capital. From snatches of conversations that you overhear on deck, you learn that most of them are going there to see the crowning of Sadanzo. Many of your fellow travellers stand to gain in some way from his ascendance, and when you discover this fact, you and Karvas take care to avoid them as much as possible.</p>
1746 <p>As darkness falls, the passengers congregate on a lower deck of the boat which serves as a gambling hall. You and Karvas remain at the rail and enjoy the sight of a waxing moon that dominates the clear night sky. <quote>Tomorrow will be Harvestmas Day and the moon will be at its fullest,</quote> says Karvas, wistfully.</p>
1747 <p><quote>Yes,</quote> you reply, <quote>and you, my lord, shall by then be rightful king of this realm.</quote></p>
1748 <p>You leave the rail and retire to sleep, waking early the following morning with mixed feelings of excitement and apprehension. The riverboat comes within sight of Seroa by mid-morning and docks at the city<ch.apos/>s wharf one hour before noon. You and Karvas are jostled by the other passengers as you wait on deck, for everyone is eager to disembark and hurry to Palace Square in time to see the crowning ceremony. When your turn comes to leave the riverboat, you see that the passengers ahead of you are being stopped at the end of the gangplank by two Seroan City Guardsmen. They are collecting their riverboat tickets.</p>
1749 <illustration class="float">
1751 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1752 <description>Two Seroan City Guardsmen stop passengers at the end of the gangplank to collect their riverboat tickets.</description>
1754 <instance class="html" src="ill3.png" width="386" height="639" mime-type="image/png"/>
1755 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="639" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1756 <instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="639" />
1758 <choice idref="sect153">If you possess a Riverboat Ticket, <link-text>turn to 153</link-text>.</choice>
1759 <choice idref="sect27">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
1763 <section class="numbered" id="sect47">
1764 <meta><title>47</title></meta>
1767 <p>The town of Jaroc has little to entice you to stay here any longer. The weather has steadily improved since you left the Dammerdon Mountains and so you resolve to try to make up for the time that was lost to the storm.</p>
1768 <p>You leave the town and for the next two days you ride in a northeasterly direction, across a rich expanse of rolling prairie. The riding is easy and the fine weather helps you make good progress. By noon of the third day you have covered nearly 200 miles and you are feeling in good spirits. The prairie gradually gives way to a region of hilly uplands that lie sandwiched between two mountain ranges. Here you happen upon a rutted track that leaves the prairie and winds through the hills through a high pass. There are no signposts on this road, but Karvas is familiar with this region and he tells you that it leads to an outpost town called Battle Pass. You are in the land of Lunarlia and for centuries this realm has been the enemy of Siyen<ch.emdash/>Prince Karvas<ch.apos/> homeland. Many wars have been waged between the two kingdoms and this region has seen countless battles. Karvas pledges to end these wars. When he is crowned King of Siyen he vows that he will seek a lasting peace with the kingdom of Lunarlia.</p>
1769 <p>It is noon and a warm sun is beating down on the fortified town of Battle Pass as you approach its west gate. Karvas is grateful that he is wearing the clothes of a Sommlending journeyman, for the inhabitants of this tough frontier post are notoriously hostile to the Siyenese. To your surprise, the guards at the gate pay you scant attention and you are allowed to enter the town with little more than a cursory glance. You ask Karvas why this is so and he tells you that riders approaching from the west, the Lunarlian side, are allowed to pass freely. Riders from the east, the Siyenese side, are subjected to far greater scrutiny.</p>
1770 <p>Beyond the west gate a broad avenue opens out into a main square that is bordered by a trading post, a barracks, and a tavern. Both you and Karvas are especially thirsty after your ride through the dry, dusty hills, and you are eager to seek out some refreshment.</p>
1771 <choice idref="sect266">If you wish to visit the tavern, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
1772 <choice idref="sect120">If you prefer to visit the trading post, <link-text>turn to 120</link-text>.</choice>
1776 <section class="numbered" id="sect48">
1777 <meta><title>48</title></meta>
1780 <p>Having decided the places where each of you will search for the whereabouts of Price Karvas, you follow Acraban to the rear deck and enter the skyship<ch.apos/>s boarding cage. Swiftly it is winched down to the market square where you are met unexpectedly by a pressing crowd of grimy-faced street urchins. They have been gathering here since dawn to stare in wonderment at the <cite>Starstrider</cite> hovering motionless in the cloudless sky above. Acraban scatters a handful of copper coins across the cobblestones and the children scramble to retrieve them. This creates enough space to allow Zinair to open the cage door and the three of you to step out. After agreeing to return to the skyship no later than sunset, you split up and go in search of your chosen destinations.</p>
1781 <p>Unlike the urchins, the adult population of Mydnight appears less than fascinated by the imposing sight of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> hovering above their city. Few give it a second glance. This seeming lack of interest does not surprise you. For centuries this port has been a refuge for exiles from the many nations of Magnamund who, for their own individual reasons, have chosen to forsake their native lands. They are, by nature, a secretive community. Any overt interest in the affairs of another is often viewed with suspicion and distrust. You retrace the route you took last night and soon find yourself at the harbour. <cite>The Azaktana</cite> is still moored at the quayside and you give the crew a friendly wave as you stride along the harbour wall towards the city<ch.apos/>s south quarter.</p>
1782 <p>You have no difficulty finding Grosta<ch.apos/>s Warehouse; this weather-beaten emporium occupies most of the waterfront. Its main entrance is guarded by two muscular, sallow-faced Mythenians who wear long, silky black moustaches. Reluctantly they move aside to allow you into the warehouse. Inside you are greeted by a bald, pot-bellied man with a thin smile. He wipes his hands on his striped apron and enquires how he may be of service. When you ask if he knows where you can find Prince Karvas of Siyen his smile quickly transforms into a scowl of suspicion and he takes a few shuffling steps backwards. Your Kai Sixth Sense tells you that he suspects you to be an assassin who has come here to Mydnight to find and murder the Prince. Nervously he glances at the two Mythenians guarding the door. You realize you must act quickly if you wish to allay his fears and avoid a confrontation with his men.</p>
1783 <choice idref="sect192">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
1784 <choice idref="sect243">If you do not possess this skill, or if you choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 243</link-text>.</choice>
1788 <section class="numbered" id="sect49">
1789 <meta><title>49</title></meta>
1792 <p>The instant you touch the lever, there is a tremendous flash of yellow light and a searing pain runs along your arm and through your body: lose 10 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1793 <choice idref="sect69">If you have survived this grievous wounding, <link-text>turn to 69</link-text>.</choice>
1797 <section class="numbered" id="sect50">
1798 <meta><title>50</title></meta>
1801 <p>Sadanzo gasps as your killing blow pierces his heart. He drops to his knees and the gem in his hand suddenly crumbles and disintegrates to dust. With his last ounce of strength he lunges at you with his sword, but you sidestep his last, desperate thrust, and he crashes lifelessly to the floor.</p>
1802 <p>The destruction of Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s gem frees the Siyenese nobles from its evil influence, an influence that had robbed them of their free will. Marshal Phedros immediately orders that the city gates be sealed, and then he commands the Royal Guardsmen and the Court Cavalry to hunt down Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s robber knights in every quarter of Seroa and bring them to justice. As these noble troopers eagerly set about their task, Phedros turns to Prince Karvas and hugs him to his chest. <quote>Welcome home at last, my boy,</quote> he says, his voice wavering with emotion. <quote>Welcome home<ch.ellips/>King Karvas.</quote></p>
1803 <choice idref="sect148"><link-text>Turn to 148</link-text>.</choice>
1807 <section class="numbered" id="sect51">
1808 <meta><title>51</title></meta>
1811 <p>Acraban repeats his order to Kuo the helmsman to reverse the descent and change course, thirty degrees to port. The bow of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> rises up and the deck banks gently over to the left. But then another deafening <onomatopoeia>Crack!</onomatopoeia> explodes from somewhere below the stern, and you are thrown onto your hands and knees when a violent shock wave ripples along the decking. Acraban calls for a damage report and each crewman shouts his response in turn. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> has sustained a glancing blow from an energy bolt. It has torn away part of the hull plating and damaged one of the ship<ch.apos/>s two internal stabilizers, upon which it relies for level flight. The craft ceases to gain height and begins drifting to starboard. This change of course is accompanied by a jarring vibration that runs through the deck and superstructure.</p>
1812 <p>The surrounding sky is now a seething mass of billowing black clouds lit up by lethal blue-white bolts of lightning. The ship passes through a dark cloud and the metallic stench of ozone fills your nostrils. This harsh-smelling gas does you no harm, protected as you are by your innate Magnakai skill of Nexus. Likewise, Acraban suffers no ill effects from the gas for his magic is sufficient to counter it. But for Prince Karvas and the crew its effects are immediate and devastating. Clutching at their throats they lose their balance and fall to the deck, choking and spluttering as they fight for breath. Acraban instructs you to take the helm while he goes below to work on the damaged stabilizer. You follow his command and take control of the wheel from a barely-conscious Kuo. As the cloud passes the crew slowly recover, but you glimpse a fresh danger ahead. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> is drifting towards two large active fissures running parallel to each other, and a little over 100 feet apart. Sweat streaks your face as you struggle to steer a straight course between these fissures and so avoid the crackling bolts of energy that are hurtling out of their fiery depths.</p>
1813 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery or Elementalism, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
1814 <choice idref="sect201">If you total score is now 0<ch.endash/>2, <link-text>turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
1815 <choice idref="sect179">If it is 3<ch.endash/>7, <link-text>turn to 179</link-text>.</choice>
1816 <choice idref="sect42">If it is 8 or higher, <link-text>turn to 42</link-text>.</choice>
1820 <section class="numbered" id="sect52">
1821 <meta><title>52</title></meta>
1824 <p>You enter the sleepy hamlet of Voshno and ride along its main street, past rows of dusty shops and gabled houses. You come to a market square. The villagers here are a sullen, silent crowd. Few pay you more than the scantest attention as they go about their evening chores. To the east of the square you can see a paved avenue called Shaney Street that leads down to the river. An arch of pale pink stone stands at the entrance to the Voshno Bridge, its surface pitted and scarred with lasting reminders of desperate battles fought here during wars past.</p>
1825 <p>You recall the advice given you freely by the man called Daventi when you visited the Oridon Stone. He said that the bridge at Voshno has been seized by robber knights from Cavalia and they are demanding a heavy toll from anyone seeking to use it. You tell Karvas this and he says that you should avoid the bridge and continue north along the trail.</p>
1826 <p>Three miles out of Voshno you see a small farmstead at the river<ch.apos/>s edge. It has a water-mill and its wheel is turning slowly, grinding the farmer<ch.apos/>s corn. Beside the mill you notice a raft moored to a wooden jetty. The farmer is in an adjoining field and he waves as you ride nearer. You stop to ask if he would kindly ferry you and your horses across to the other side of the river.</p>
1827 <p><quote>I<ch.apos/>d be glad to, my lords,</quote> he replies, with a broad smile. <quote>If<ch.apos/>n you<ch.apos/>d be willing to pay me 8 Lune.</quote></p>
1828 <choice idref="sect193">If you wish to pay the farmer 8 Lune (or the equivalent<ch.emdash/>2 Gold Crowns), <link-text>turn to 193</link-text>.</choice>
1829 <choice idref="sect32">If you do not have sufficient money to pay him, or if you choose not to accept his offer, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
1833 <section class="numbered" id="sect53">
1834 <meta><title>53</title></meta>
1837 <p>Upon reaching the shelter of the ledge, you dismount and prepare a makeshift camp in the narrow gully. Karvas is having difficulty staying awake and you volunteer to sit the first watch so that he can rest. Your watch passes uneventfully and, when Karvas takes over, you pull your warm cloak close around your shoulders and settle down to sleep.</p>
1838 <p>It seems as if you have only just closed your eyes when you are woken by a fearful screeching. Karvas is standing nearby, braced for combat, his sword in his hand. As you scramble to your feet, he points to the sky and you glimpse the dark outline of a flying creature circling above the ledge. Its cries have startled the horses and hurriedly you attempt to calm them for fear that they will bolt and run. Twice the creature circles around the ledge before it swoops down to land on the trail. It folds its wings behind its pallid body and you see that its torso is lean and sinewy and studded with hundreds of horny spikes. Bubbling drool runs from its dangled jaw and its eye-slits emit a cold, yellowy light. Slowly it creeps towards your shelter and suddenly you sense its purpose. This ghastly being is diseased and starving; it is desperate for food and its sole desire is to feast upon the flesh of your horses.</p>
1839 <choice idref="sect102">If you possess a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 102</link-text>.</choice>
1840 <choice idref="sect210">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
1841 <choice idref="sect28">If you possess Magi-magic and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 28</link-text>.</choice>
1842 <choice idref="sect301">If you possess none of these skills, nor a Bow, or if you choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text>.</choice>
1846 <section class="numbered" id="sect54">
1847 <meta><title>54</title></meta>
1850 <p>Karvas rises from among the tree stumps and hurries back to join you. Together you watch the departing wagons and horsemen until they are no more than dots on the horizon before you continue your trek towards the city of Bakhasa.</p>
1851 <p>Night falls within an hour of you resuming your trek, yet the distant lights of Bakhasa and its surrounding settlements enable you to stay on course and maintain an impressive pace. The city is lit by hundreds of fiery beacons which mark the outline of its ancient perimeter wall and angular watchtowers. These fires also illuminate the surface of the River Tehda which passes through the centre of Bakhasa. To the south of the city, lines of tethered barges stacked high with logs lie moored along both of its paved banks. Under cover of the night, you are able to move through the outlying settlements without being seen. When at last you hear a bell in the city tolling the midnight hour, you find yourself upon a knoll overlooking a rutted road which approaches Bakhasa<ch.apos/>s west gate. Using your night vision, you scan the high perimeter wall and note the positions of guards posted around its tiled parapet. They are greatest in number above a wide stone archway where the glimmering river flows out of the city. Prince Karvas is eager to enter the city before dawn and he asks you to choose the way. Aware that it may prove easier to find and take some horses while most of Bakhasa<ch.apos/>s inhabitants are still asleep, you scan the perimeter wall once more and consider how best you can pass beyond it.</p>
1853 <illustration class="inline">
1855 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1857 <instance class="html" src="small7.png" width="386" height="72" mime-type="image/png"/>
1858 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small7.gif" width="386" height="72" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1859 <instance class="pdf" src="small7.pdf" width="386" height="72"/>
1862 <choice idref="sect311">If you wish to attempt to enter Bakhasa by way of its west gate, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
1863 <choice idref="sect94">If you decide to attempt entry to the city by way of the river arch, <link-text>turn to 94</link-text>.</choice>
1867 <section class="numbered" id="sect55">
1868 <meta><title>55</title></meta>
1871 <p>It has been dark for more than two hours and your horses are close to exhaustion when finally you glimpse the city of Varedo, standing like a beacon of hope upon the northern edge of the Lucien Plain. Its towers and turrets and strong perimeter wall are constructed of a bleached white stone that glimmers eerily in the moonlight. Prince Karvas is glad to have left the province of Cavalia behind and he is hopeful that your reception in Varedo will be a more cordial one. The city, and its surrounding region, have always been loyal to the House of Oridon. Its ruler, Baron Lodamos, was a friend and martial advisor to his father, King Oridon. Karvas cannot imagine that Lodamos would ever join forces with Sadanzo whom he has always openly despised.</p>
1872 <p>As you approach the city gate, you see that the blue flags of Varedo are flying at half-mast. This sight reassures Karvas, for it tells him that the city is still mourning the passing of his father. If Lodamos had joined with Sadanzo there would be no such display of respect for the memory of the king. At first the guards refuse you entry for the gates of Varedo are kept secure during the hours of nightfall. But when Karvas demands to see Guard Captain Dunwayne, the matter is quickly resolved. Karvas and Dunwayne both attended the military academy of Seroa, where they spent seven years together learning the art of soldiering. During this time they became the best of friends. Only when Karvas was forced into exile in distant Sheasu did their friendship lapse. The Prince is delighted to hear that Dunwayne still commands the city guard of Varedo and he awaits his arrival with keen anticipation. When eventually Dunwayne arrives at the gatehouse, theirs is a heart-warming reunion. Karvas quickly tells the guard captain of your need to reach Seroa as swiftly as you are able, and Dunwayne pledges to do all he can to help you. He provides you with fresh horses and escorts you personally through the lamplit streets of the city of the citadel where Baron Lodamos resides. Using his rank and influence, Dunwayne is able to rouse Chamberlain Gant, the Baron<ch.apos/>s aide. Gant can scarcely believe his eyes when he comes to meet Karvas. He has his guards escort you to the main hall of the citadel while he goes to wake the Baron and tell him the news. Karvas bids Dunwayne goodnight, for the guard captain must now return to his duties at the perimeter wall, but they agree to meet again soon, once Karvas has been crowned King.</p>
1873 <p>The Chamberlain<ch.apos/>s guards leave you to wait for Baron Lodamos in the main hall. You spend the passing minutes admiring the many regal portraits which hang around its marble walls. They depict the kings of Siyen, and Karvas muses aloud that one day his own portrait will hang there. Then you hear the tramp of marching feet approaching the closed doors of the hall, and you and Karvas stand to attention in readiness to meet Baron Lodamos. But when the great doors swing open, it is not Lodamos who stands before you. It is a unit of armoured soldiers led by a grim-faced Marshal of the Guard.</p>
1874 <p><quote>Drop your weapons!</quote> he commands, as he and his men rush into the hall and quickly surround you. Shocked by this unexpectedly hostile reception, you comply with the Marshal<ch.apos/>s order and lay your Weapons on the floor.</p>
1875 <choice idref="sect36">If you possess a Stone Dagger, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
1876 <choice idref="sect247">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
1880 <section class="numbered" id="sect56">
1881 <meta><title>56</title></meta>
1884 <p>Gingerly you push the door with the toe of your boot and it swings open to reveal a sumptuous chamber. Tapestries adorn the walls and golden ornaments gleam on lacquered shelves and sculptured wooden cabinets. You cross the carpeted floor and look out of a tall window to see a panoramic view of Cavalia, its roofs and spires gleaming in the afternoon sun. Below you can see a troop of citadel cavalry, their white pennants trailing from their lances as they ride across the drawbridge and canter away from the citadel along a broad, shop-lined avenue.</p>
1885 <p>The evil that you detected from outside the iron door is stronger now, but it does not originate from this chamber. You sense that it comes from an adjoining room which is separated from this chamber by velvet draperies.</p>
1886 <choice idref="sect178">If you wish to pull the draperies aside and investigate the source of this evil, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
1887 <choice idref="sect288">If you choose to search the chamber that you are in more thoroughly, <link-text>turn to 288</link-text>.</choice>
1891 <section class="numbered" id="sect57">
1892 <meta><title>57</title></meta>
1895 <p>Your warning brings Acraban to an immediate halt, yet it comes just seconds too late for he has already stepped upon the edge of the covered pit. There is a loud <onomatopoeia>crack</onomatopoeia> of splintering wood and the young magician yelps with alarm as he drops feet-first through the branches which camouflage this trap.</p>
1896 <p>Fearing the worst, you rush forward to help him. Suddenly he rises out of the pit before you, lifted up by a hastily-cast <spell>Levitation</spell> spell. His magical skill and swift reactions have saved him from being impaled upon the sharpened stakes which line the walls and base of this deadly trap. But he has not escaped the stakes unscathed: he has suffered deep gashes to his legs and feet.</p>
1897 <p>Using your Kai healing skills, you tend to the magician<ch.apos/>s wounds and restore him to health. The effort required to do this costs you 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. When he has fully recovered, you skirt carefully around the edge of this second trap before continuing on towards the clearing.</p>
1898 <choice idref="sect282"><link-text>Turn to 282</link-text>.</choice>
1902 <section class="numbered" id="sect58">
1903 <meta><title>58</title></meta>
1906 <p>Having finished your transactions, you and Karvas bid the trader farewell and return to your horses. Mindful that you still have far to travel, you mount your steeds and ride along Pikestaff Way, the town<ch.apos/>s main street, which leads to its fortified east gate.</p>
1907 <choice idref="sect230"><link-text>Turn to 230</link-text>.</choice>
1911 <section class="numbered" id="sect59">
1912 <meta><title>59</title></meta>
1915 <p>Early next morning, shortly before dawn, you meet with Karvas and Sainus and go to collect your horses from the stable. As you mount them, the old man bids you good luck and he gives the Prince a pouch containing 50 Orla, a sum that could prove useful during the journey to Seroa.</p>
1916 <p>Dawn breaks as you leave Sainus<ch.apos/> house, and you hear a bell which signifies that the night curfew has now come to an end. You ride along the waking streets of the north quarter and enter a broad avenue that leads directly to the east gatehouse. The guards posted here are opening the great east gate as you approach, and you gallop through the widening gap and out onto the plain beyond.</p>
1917 <p>The sun shines brightly all day and you make good progress along the trail that heads due east towards the River Sero. By nightfall you have covered more than 75 miles and have reached the tiny village of Xaia. Moored at its wooden jetty is a large riverboat. This grand vessel is brightly illuminated by hundreds of coloured lanterns that are fixed to its masts and deck rails. You tether your horses to a post and then hurry along the jetty to where a thin man in a long black coat is seated at a table. He is counting out Orla and stacking them neatly in piles of twenty. Karvas asks if he may purchase two tickets to Seroa, but the man shakes his head and tells you that all the tickets have been sold. The riverboat sails within the hour and every place aboard has been purchased.</p>
1918 <p><quote>If you<ch.apos/>re lucky, you may be able persuade a couple o<ch.apos/> passengers to sell you their tickets,</quote> he says, cheerlessly. <quote>Them that<ch.apos/>s not already aboard are over there, drinking their fill at the Crown <ch.ampersand/> Bugle Inn.</quote> He scratches his stubby chin and then points a bony finger towards a ramshackle tavern perched on the riverfront.</p>
1919 <choice idref="sect256">If you wish to go to the Crown <ch.ampersand/> Bugle Inn, <link-text>turn to 256</link-text>.</choice>
1920 <choice idref="sect202">If you wish to try to bribe the ticket seller to let you go aboard the riverboat, <link-text>turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
1924 <section class="numbered" id="sect60">
1925 <meta><title>60</title></meta>
1928 <p>You wheel your horse about and tug your Kai Weapon from its scabbard. Karvas catches up with you and he brings his stallion around to stand by your side. The pursuing Bakhasians have slowed to a halt less than 100 feet back along the trail, and their leader is shouting and shaking his fist at you triumphantly. You hear his coarse laughter and you watch with mounting dread as his staff grows in length and tapers to a point at one end. In a matter of seconds it is no longer a staff: it has become a heavy jousting lance. The armour-clad leader bellows a challenge, demanding that you face him in personal combat. With your only route of escape cut off by the burning tree, you accept his challenge. You raise your weapon and shout your battle-cry<ch.emdash/><quote>For Sommerlund and the Kai!</quote><ch.emdash/>as you spur your horse towards your cackling foe.</p>
1929 <illustration class="float">
1931 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1932 <description>The armour-clad leader bellows a challenge, demanding that you face him in personal combat.</description>
1934 <instance class="html" src="ill4.png" width="386" height="596" mime-type="image/png"/>
1935 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="596" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1936 <instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="596" />
1938 <combat><enemy>Zhakka (warrior-mage)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">36</enemy-attribute></combat>
1939 <p>You will only be able to fight one round of combat before the momentum of your charge carries you past your enemy. If the Kai Weapon you wield is <quote>Valiance</quote>, you may apply the bonus gained due to its unique properties.</p>
1940 <choice idref="sect40">If you sustain a higher <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> loss than your enemy in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 40</link-text>.</choice>
1941 <choice idref="sect297">If your enemy sustains a higher <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points loss than you, <link-text>turn to 297</link-text>.</choice>
1942 <choice idref="sect143">If you should both sustain identical <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses, <link-text>turn to 143</link-text>.</choice>
1946 <section class="numbered" id="sect61">
1947 <meta><title>61</title></meta>
1950 <p>Prince Karvas denounces Sadanzo as a murderer and a traitor, and you show the scroll that you discovered in the Baron<ch.apos/>s safe to Phedros as proof of his treachery. The Marshal gasps when he reads the damning contract and he orders the Royal Guard to arrest Sadanzo immediately. <quote>Take the traitor to the palace dungeons,</quote> he commands. Upon hearing this, a vast section of the stunned crowd roar their approval, and sporadic fighting breaks out as followers of Sadanzo attempt to battle their way out of the square. Marshal Phedros orders that the city gates be sealed, and then he commands the Royal Court Cavalry to hunt down Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s robber knights in every quarter of Seroa, and bring them to justice. As these noble troopers eagerly set about their task, Phedros turns to Prince Karvas and hugs him to his chest. <quote>Welcome home at last,</quote> he says, his voice wavering with emotion. <quote>Welcome home<ch.ellips/>King Karvas.</quote></p>
1951 <choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
1955 <section class="numbered" id="sect62">
1956 <meta><title>62</title></meta>
1959 <p>You glance at Karvas and give a slight, almost imperceptible nod of your head. The Prince narrows his eyes in recognition that he understands you are going to attempt to break free from these Cavalian horsemen.</p>
1960 <p>You dig your heel into your horse<ch.apos/>s flank and he suddenly rears up and scrabbles at the air with his forelegs. The Knight Bachelor pulls back on his reins and turns his steed aside to avoid being struck by the flailing hooves. At this moment, you press yourself flat against your horse<ch.apos/>s neck and urge him forwards. The knight<ch.apos/>s men bring their mounts together to block your escape, but your horse is quick to the gallop. He surges forwards and forces himself between two troopers, barging them from the saddle as he pushes through their stationary ranks. As you break out of the circle, you hear a cry and it sends a shiver down your spine. You recognize the Prince<ch.apos/>s voice. When you glance back you see that he has been unsaddled and he is now lying on the ground, helpless before the stamping steel-shod hooves of the Knight Bachelor<ch.apos/>s warhorse.</p>
1961 <p><quote>Surrender yourself, Northlander!</quote> commands the arrogant Cavalian knight. <quote>Or your journeyman companion dies!</quote></p>
1962 <p>Reluctantly you rein in your horse and raise your hands. Better to surrender and live to fight another day than allow Prince Karvas to be crushed by the hooves of this arrogant knight<ch.apos/>s horse.</p>
1963 <choice idref="sect130"><link-text>Turn to 130</link-text>.</choice>
1967 <section class="numbered" id="sect63">
1968 <meta><title>63</title></meta>
1971 <p>The voyage to Siyen begins early the next day, an hour after first light. After saying a final farewell at Amarelda<ch.apos/>s graveside, Karvas gathers together a few of his meagre belongings, frees his livestock, and then allows himself to be winched aboard the deck of the waiting <cite>Starstrider</cite>. There are now twenty-five days remaining before Harvestmas Day and the crowning ceremony in Seroa. Acraban calculates that the voyage by air should take no longer than twelve days to complete. This news fosters a cheerful mood of optimism for it means that the Prince should arrive in good time to be able to thwart Baron Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s plan.</p>
1972 <p>As the waters of the Sheasu Channel speed past the hull, and the crew of ten young Brotherhood initiates go about their airborne duties, you accompany Karvas to Acraban<ch.apos/>s quarters where the Prince is given new clothing to replace his goatskin hides. Acraban offers him the pick of several fine costumes that befit his highborn status, but the Prince chooses instead to dress in the simple, functional grey tunic, cloak, and breeches of a Sommlending journeyman.</p>
1973 <p><quote>I vowed to Amarelda that I would one day return to Siyen,</quote> says Karvas, fixing the clasp of his cloak. <quote>Yet never would I have expected to arrive thus<ch.emdash/>dressed as a Northlander aboard a flying ship!</quote></p>
1974 <p>For three days and nights the <cite>Starstrider</cite> sails eastwards across the vast uncharted forests of the Kelderwastes, a region where few men have ever set foot. Your natural curiosity fills you with a desire to learn more about this strange unexplored territory, yet you are prevented from observing its passing by an unending blanket of raincloud which keeps the timberland hidden from view. It is not until the afternoon of the fourth day that you observe gaps in the cloud cover through which you see swathes of dense forest and tracts of dark, volcanic rock. In the far distance you can hear a sound like thunder, and your keen Kai senses detect that the pressure of the surrounding air is beginning to rise and fall erratically.</p>
1975 <choice idref="sect156">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel, <link-text>turn to 156</link-text>.</choice>
1976 <choice idref="sect235">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 235</link-text>.</choice>
1980 <section class="numbered" id="sect64">
1981 <meta><title>64</title></meta>
1984 <p>The speed and surefootedness of your Bhanarian stallions carry you and Karvas swiftly out of harm<ch.apos/>s reach. You soon reach the rubble-strewn gate of the fortress and dismount to lead your horses inside. Within its crumbling walls there stands a keep, a cylindrical structure of time-worn masonry. The upper parts have collapsed leaving huge chunks of broken stone heaped around its base. Where once stood a gate of gleaming bronze, now only a blackened hole remains. It provides access to the inner hall and you enter to take shelter from the torrential rain.</p>
1985 <p>Engravings in the ceiling and walls of this derelict hall tell you that this fortress was once occupied by the Elder Magi. Both you and Karvas are fascinated by the intricate carvings and you decide to split up and explore this hall further. In an alcove at its north side you discover a shrine dedicated to the God Kai. Clumps of wild laumspur are growing around its base and you discover enough here for 3 potions. (Each Potion of Laumspur is a Backpack Item. It will restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points when swallowed after combat.)</p>
1986 <p>You are examining the shrine more closely when suddenly you hear Karvas scream out in alarm.</p>
1987 <choice idref="sect177"><link-text>Turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
1991 <section class="numbered" id="sect65">
1992 <meta><title>65</title></meta>
1995 <p>Quietly you recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and focus the power of this spell upon the two Cavalians. For all their pomp and grandeur they are both weak-willed wastrels at heart, and instantly they become compliant to your mental commands. You ask them to hand their riverboat tickets to you and Prince Karvas and dumbly they comply. (Record the Riverboat Ticket on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep it the pocket of your breeches. You need not discard another item in its favour if you already possess the maximum number of Special Items permissible.)</p>
1996 <p>Having obtained what you require, you mentally command the two fops to forget about their plans to visit Seroa for the crowning ceremony. You order them to return to the tavern and spend the rest of the night sampling its cellar of fine wines.</p>
1997 <choice idref="sect2"><link-text>Turn to 2</link-text>.</choice>
2001 <section class="numbered" id="sect66">
2002 <meta><title>66</title></meta>
2005 <p>You make good use of your advanced Kai skills as you attempt to open the lock. Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess a Dagger, you may add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
2006 <choice idref="sect233">If your total score is 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 233</link-text>.</choice>
2007 <choice idref="sect279">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 279</link-text>.</choice>
2011 <section class="numbered" id="sect67">
2012 <meta><title>67</title></meta>
2015 <p>It has been a long time since Prince Karvas last visited Cavalia, but he is still able to remember the swiftest route from the citadel to the east gate. You ride fast and you are able to avoid the patrols of Citadel Guards that have been dispatched to hunt you down. You are anxious that your escape will be short-lived if the east gate is closed, yet fortune swings in your favour, for upon your arrival you discover a wagon has shed a wheel. Its broken axle is jammed in the threshold of the gate and a dozen guards are struggling to move it so that the portcullis can be lowered fully.</p>
2016 <p>With an exuberant shout to the incredulous guards, Prince Karvas presses his head to his horse<ch.apos/>s neck and gallops under the spikes of the portcullis. You copy the Prince<ch.apos/>s actions and follow closely in his wake as he rides out of Cavalia along the straight road that heads due east to Varedo.</p>
2017 <p>For more than an hour you ride without stopping until your horses refuse to take another step. They are young and lack the muscle and stamina of your Bhanarian steeds, yet they are healthy colts and will serve you better than most. After they have recovered, you press on across the plain until dusk. With darkness closing, you leave the road and take shelter for the night in a small wood. During your overnight stop, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery).</p>
2018 <choice idref="sect171">To continue, <link-text>turn to 171</link-text>.</choice>
2022 <section class="numbered" id="sect68">
2023 <meta><title>68</title></meta>
2026 <p>You somersault helplessly across the decking until you are brought to a sudden and painful halt when you collide with a steel vent pipe: lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2027 <choice idref="sect295">If you have survived this injury, you may continue by <link-text>turning to 295</link-text>.</choice>
2031 <section class="numbered" id="sect69">
2032 <meta><title>69</title></meta>
2035 <p>Carefully Prince Karvas takes hold of you under the arms and helps you to stand on your feet. As soon as the pain of your wounding has receded, you approach the door once more. Your senses detect that the spell protecting this door has now discharged, and the portal is open and unguarded.</p>
2036 <p>Gingerly you push the door with the toe of your boot and silently it swings open to reveal a sumptuous chamber. Tapestries adorn the walls and golden ornaments gleam in lacquered shelves and sculptured wooded cabinets. You cross the carpeted floor and look out of a tall window to see a panoramic view of Cavalia, its roofs and spires gleaming in the afternoon sun. Below you can see a troop of citadel cavalry, their white pennants trailing from their lances as they ride across the drawbridge and canter away from the citadel along a broad, shop-lined avenue.</p>
2037 <p>The evil that you detected from outside the iron door is stronger now, but it does not originate from this chamber. You sense that it comes from an adjoining room which is separated from this chamber by velvet draperies.</p>
2038 <choice idref="sect178">If you wish to pull the draperies aside and investigate the source of this evil, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
2039 <choice idref="sect288">If you choose to search the chamber that you are in more thoroughly, <link-text>turn to 288</link-text>.</choice>
2043 <section class="numbered" id="sect70">
2044 <meta><title>70</title></meta>
2047 <p>Lodamos sends an urgent order to the commander of the cavalry, Guard Captain Sneida, to muster a troop of his best men and horses and have them ready to ride within the hour.</p>
2048 <p><quote>Sneida is a most accomplished horseman, and he knows the road to Seroa better than any man in this city or province,</quote> says Lodamos. <quote>He and his troop will act as your escort to ensure that nothing delays your journey to the capital.</quote></p>
2049 <p>The sleeping citadel of Varedo comes alive as preparations are made for your speedy departure. Lodamos takes you and Karvas to the stables where you are given the pick of his personal steeds. Karvas chooses a young black stallion and you settle for a dark bay mare. Lodamos approves of your choice: these horses possess speed and stamina, qualities that may prove essential if you are to reach Seroa in time. As your mounts are being saddled, you meet with Guard Captain Sneida and the men of your escort. You are impressed by their eager readiness to carry out this unexpected duty, and by the quiet professionalism with which they go about their preparations.</p>
2050 <p>Baron Lodamos wishes you godspeed and bids you farewell as you climb into the saddle and get ready to set off from the citadel. It is still dark when you and your escort ride out of Varedo and head east across the plain, along a wagon-worn road that leads to Oberra. When darkness gives way to the golden light of the rising sun, the troop unfurls Lodamos<ch.apos/> personal banner which they carry proudly at the head of their column. It is a pale blue flag, trimmed with gold braids, and it depicts an owl clutching the blade of a sword. Karvas tell you that these symbols represent Lodamos<ch.apos/> motto<ch.emdash/><cite>Wisdom and Strength</cite>. His flag serves you well, for as the day unfolds, all the fellow travellers you encounter on the road hurriedly move aside to allow you to pass unhindered when they see Lodamos<ch.apos/> banner approaching.</p>
2051 <p>You ride all day and put more than a hundred miles behind you. It is dusk when Sneida brings the troop to the fortified chateau of Lord Jopas, Baron Lodamos<ch.apos/> younger brother. You stay there overnight, and in the morning the troop are furnished with fresh mounts for the coming day<ch.apos/>s ride across the Lucien Hills. This region of Siyen is one of great natural beauty and you enjoy the panoply of castles, chateaux, and richly wooded valleys which unfolds as you traverse the hill trail to Oberra. When night falls you find yourselves still within the boundaries of this hilly timberland. Captain Sneida is loath to make camp in the forest for it harbours packs of wild wolves that may be tempted to attack by the scent of the horses. He urges the troop to continue for several moonlit miles further until you reach the chateau of Baron Jayde. He is commander of the Lucien Province and a trusted friend of Baron Lodamos.</p>
2052 <p>The troop ride through a pair of open, torchlit gates and come to a halt inside a walled courtyard at the front of Baron Jayde<ch.apos/>s grand estate. Adjacent to the gates are a stables block and a paddock. Captain Sneida orders his men to put the horses in the paddock while he goes to inform Baron Jayde of your arrival. You are leading your horses into the paddock by the reins when your Kai Sixth Sense warns you of hidden danger. You look around the courtyard and suddenly you realize that something is amiss. Ever since you arrived at the chateau you have seen no sign of Baron Jayde<ch.apos/>s staff or guards. The estate is seemingly deserted. Then you hear Captain Sneida call out a welcome, and when you look to the chateau, you see the figure of a stout man standing in a doorway at the head of a grand flight of stone steps. <quote>Well met, Baron Jayde,</quote> calls Sneida, but his friendly greeting elicits no response. The man in the doorway is utterly immobile; not a flicker of emotion stirs his pale round face. Sneida approaches and quickens his pace. He is halfway up the steps when suddenly the rotund figure of Baron Jayde topples stiffly forwards and falls, face down, upon the flagstones. Fear chills your blood when you see the polished handle of a stiletto dagger protruding from between his shoulder blades.</p>
2053 <p>In that instant the trap is sprung. Suddenly the top of the courtyard is ringed by grim-faced soldiers armed with crossbows. <quote>Ambush!</quote> shouts Captain Sneida. It is the last word he will ever utter. In response to his shout of warning, the soldiers let loose a deadly volley of bolts that claim his life, and the lives of four of his men. As the dead and wounded scream and fall, you drag Prince Karvas to the ground in a desperate effort to save him from being hit.</p>
2054 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you possess Assimilance, add 1.</p>
2055 <choice idref="sect261">If your total score is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 261</link-text>.</choice>
2056 <choice idref="sect6">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 6</link-text>.</choice>
2060 <section class="numbered" id="sect71">
2061 <meta><title>71</title></meta>
2064 <p>You look to the nearby barge, with its cargo of logs strapped to its deck, and a bold plan forms in your mind. Drawing upon the power of Old Kingdom magic, you clench the fingers of your right hand and breathe the words of the spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell>. Then you thrust your clenched fist towards a wooden peg that secures one of the barge<ch.apos/>s cargo straps. The peg splinters when the force of your spell slams into it and, with a loud <onomatopoeia>crack</onomatopoeia>, the canvas strap snaps in two. There is a thunderous roar as five heavy logs roll off the deck of the barge and splash into the river. Sped along by the swift current, they ram into other barges moored downstream and punch holes through their hulls. When the guards on the parapet see one of the barges sinking, they raise the alarm and muster a rescue party to go to save its valuable cargo.</p>
2066 <illustration class="inline">
2068 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2070 <instance class="html" src="small7.png" width="386" height="72" mime-type="image/png"/>
2071 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small7.gif" width="386" height="72" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2072 <instance class="pdf" src="small7.pdf" width="386" height="72"/>
2075 <p>Under cover of the sudden commotion, you and Karvas creep towards the river arch and pass beneath it without being seen.</p>
2076 <choice idref="sect304"><link-text>Turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
2080 <section class="numbered" id="sect72">
2081 <meta><title>72</title></meta>
2084 <p>Your worst fears are realized when suddenly you hear a mighty roar. You look up to your right and gasp when you see a solid wall of water and loose rock comes rushing down the mountainside towards the trail. Terrified by the thought of being washed away in this avalanche of water and shale, you and Karvas hurriedly leave the trail and gallop your horses towards the sanctuary of the ruined fortress.</p>
2085 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Animal Mastery, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
2086 <choice idref="sect289">If your total score is now 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
2087 <choice idref="sect64">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 64</link-text>.</choice>
2091 <section class="numbered" id="sect73">
2092 <meta><title>73</title></meta>
2095 <p>The Inquisitor-major snatches up a hunting horn that hangs by a cord strung around his neck, and he blows into it with great force. The discordant note rises in pitch until it passes beyond the normal range of the human ear. Moments later, a terrific pain shoots through your head that makes you grasp your skull with both hands. You call upon your Magnakai Discipline of Psi-screen to counter the attack and it does so, successfully. But Karvas has no such protections and you sense that a psychic assault this powerful, and at such close quarters, could leave him either paralysed or dead within a matter of seconds.</p>
2096 <choice idref="sect81">If you possess Bardsmanship and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
2097 <choice idref="sect344">If you possess Kai-surge and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 344</link-text>.</choice>
2098 <choice idref="sect25">If you do not possess these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 25</link-text>.</choice>
2102 <section class="numbered" id="sect74">
2103 <meta><title>74</title></meta>
2106 <p>The rate of exchange offered by the clerk is 4 Sheasu Torqs for every 1 Gold Crown. You may exchange as many Gold Crowns as you wish, but remember to amend the Belt Pouch section of you <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
2107 <choice idref="sect127">When you have completed your transaction, you may join the queue for the reeve-sergeant<ch.apos/>s table by <link-text>turning to 127</link-text>.</choice>
2111 <section class="numbered" id="sect75">
2112 <meta><title>75</title></meta>
2115 <footnote id="sect75-1-foot" idref="sect75-1">
2116 <p>This is the correct answer to the cylinder lock puzzle in <a idref="sect178">Section 178</a>.</p>
2121 <p>The second tumbler clicks into position and the door of the safe swings open<footref id="sect75-1" idref="sect75-1-foot"/> to reveal a single scroll of vellum, embossed with a ribbon and a wax imprint of Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s seal. You unfurl the scroll and you are shocked to the core when you read its contents.</p>
2122 <p>The scroll is a contract between Baron Sadanzo and the Assassins<ch.apos/> Guild of Avalar. It states that the Guild will undertake the murder of King Oridon in return for 20,000 Orla. Half of this sum is to be paid in advance, with the balance due for payment upon successful completion of the assassination. The seal of the Assassins<ch.apos/> Guild is attached beside Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s mark to show that the full sum has since been received.</p>
2123 <p>You show the scroll to Karvas and he is outraged; here is proof beyond doubt that Sadanzo was responsible for the murder of his father, and clearly his act of foul treachery was part of his plan to seize the throne of Siyen. This shocking revelation fills Karvas with a renewed loathing for the Baron. He reaffirms his pledge to thwart Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s scheme and he vows, in memory of his father, that he will bring the traitor to justice.</p>
2124 <p>You take Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s Scroll and place it inside your tunic. Record this on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item<ch.emdash/>you need not discard another item in its favour if you already possess the maximum number permissible.</p>
2125 <choice idref="sect198">To continue, <link-text>turn to 198</link-text>.</choice>
2129 <section class="numbered" id="sect76">
2130 <meta><title>76</title></meta>
2133 <p>The wall is no more than 12 feet high, but its brick surface is in a poor state of repair. It crumbles at your touch, making it difficult for you to climb the wall without making a sound.</p>
2134 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked. If you possess a Rope, add 1.</p>
2135 <choice idref="sect163">If your total score is now 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 163</link-text>.</choice>
2136 <choice idref="sect231">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 231</link-text>.</choice>
2140 <section class="numbered" id="sect77">
2141 <meta><title>77</title></meta>
2144 <p>You strike a killing blow and the last of the robber knights tumbles backwards over the parapet of the bridge to splash into the rushing river. There is a moment of deathly hush, and then the silence is shattered by an eruption of whooping and cheering. The citizens of Voshno have gathered to watch your fight and now they are applauding your brave victory. For more than a month this band of murdering knights have been abusing the people of this hamlet, and any traveller who has sought to cross their bridge. Now, at last, their reign of terror has ended.</p>
2145 <p>The grateful villagers insist that you and Karvas spend the night as their guests at the Fuller<ch.apos/>s Inn, the best tavern and hostelry on the east bank of Voshno. Your horses are groomed and you are treated to a delicious feast at the owner<ch.apos/>s expense, after which you are given the finest rooms in the hostelry (you may restore 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). As you are retiring to bed, you notice that Prince Karvas is smiling delightedly. At first you think it is just the food and fine ale that have cheered him so, but he tells you it is more than this. He explains that the east side of Voshno is Siyenese territory, part of his native country, and after ten years in exile he could not have wished for a more appreciative homecoming.</p>
2146 <choice idref="sect283">To continue, <link-text>turn to 283</link-text>.</choice>
2150 <section class="numbered" id="sect78">
2151 <meta><title>78</title></meta>
2154 <p><quote>Come, my friend,</quote> you say to Karvas, <quote>let us leave these good gentlemen in peace.</quote> The Prince can hardly believe his ears, but he allows you to take him by the arm and lead him away to the tavern door.</p>
2155 <p><quote>Have you lost your mind, Grand Master?</quote> he hisses. <quote>We must have their tickets!</quote></p>
2156 <p><quote>And we shall, my lord, we shall,</quote> you reply, wryly. <quote>Just be patient a little longer, that<ch.apos/>s all I ask.</quote></p>
2157 <p>You leave the tavern and wait in the shadows of a nearby alleyway for the two Cavalians to depart. Soon you hear the <onomatopoeia>clang</onomatopoeia> of the riverboat<ch.apos/>s bell echoing through the village. The captain is calling all passengers aboard; his boat is due to set off for Seroa in fifteen minutes<ch.apos/> time. You watch a steady stream of people leaving the tavern and walking to the jetty to board the boat, but you do not see the Cavalians. You are beginning to fear that you have missed them in the crowd when suddenly they emerge from the tavern. They are the last ones to leave.</p>
2158 <choice idref="sect320"><link-text>Turn to 320</link-text>.</choice>
2162 <section class="numbered" id="sect79">
2163 <meta><title>79</title></meta>
2166 <p>You climb into the locker and wedge yourself among the thick coils of rope. As Karvas pulls shut the heavy metal lid, you pray to Ishir to protect everyone aboard the <cite>Starstrider</cite> in this desperate hour. In the dark confines of the locker your senses become super-sensitive to every movement and noise outside. Your stomach churns when the ship heaves from side to side, and you feel a chill run down your spine when you hear the cries of the terrified crewmen echoing across the decks. Then there is a sudden jolt and a fearful sound of screeching metal. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> has been losing height for several minutes, but now its angle of descent has become far steeper. You brace yourself and count aloud the seconds as you await the dreadful moment of impact. You hear the scrape and splintering <onomatopoeia>crack</onomatopoeia> of sundered treetops when the skyship ploughs into the timberland. Then there is a terrific jolt as the craft<ch.apos/>s bow slams into the rocky soil and comes to an abrupt halt.</p>
2167 <p>The impact of the crash landing leaves you breathless and bruised (lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point), but you thank the fact that you chose to take shelter here in this locker, for its metal sides and the cushioning coils of rope have undoubtedly spared you serious injury.</p>
2168 <choice idref="sect101"><link-text>Turn to 101</link-text>.</choice>
2172 <section class="numbered" id="sect80">
2173 <meta><title>80</title></meta>
2176 <p>As dusk approaches you find a secluded hollow beside the trail, close to a bend in the river, where you set up camp for the night. Your Magnakai Huntmastery skills are put to good use at the river<ch.apos/>s edge and you are able to enjoy a pair of fat fish for your supper this evening. The night passes peacefully and you leave the camp at dawn to continue northwards along the trail, following the flow of the river.</p>
2177 <p>It is nearing the end of the day when you see a hamlet on the road ahead. Its half-timbered buildings are clustered on either side of the river and connected by a sturdy stone bridge. A signpost at the side of the road tells you that you are approaching the hamlet of Voshno.</p>
2178 <choice idref="sect52">If you visited the Oridon Stone, <link-text>turn to 52</link-text>.</choice>
2179 <choice idref="sect155">If you did not, <link-text>turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
2183 <section class="numbered" id="sect81">
2184 <meta><title>81</title></meta>
2187 <p>Quickly you retrieve your Flute from your Backpack and play a sequence of ultrasonic notes to counter the psychic assault that is battering you and Karvas. The effect is immediate and dramatic. The Prince revives and is able to pull himself upright on his horse. The Inquisitor-major and his fellow hunters, however, do not fare so well. They are immune to the sound of their own horn, but you use your Kai skill to turn the tables on them. Your notes occur at a higher frequency, one to which they are not immune. You watch with grim satisfaction as they wheel their horses about and gallop away in a desperate effort to put distance between themselves and the piercing sound of your Flute, which is filling their heads with an agonizing clamour.</p>
2188 <choice idref="sect144"><link-text>Turn to 144</link-text>.</choice>
2192 <section class="numbered" id="sect82">
2193 <meta><title>82</title></meta>
2196 <p>You grab the soldier<ch.apos/>s spear, barge him aside, and then take off along the avenue at a run with Prince Karvas close on your heels. The soldier staggers to his feet and attempts to give chase, but he soon loses you both in the darkness and is forced to give up his pursuit.</p>
2197 <p>You hurry through the city, past grimy two-storey houses of hardwood that are silent behind their bolts and shutters. The wide thoroughfare leads to a stone bridge that traverses the River Tehda and then continues into the heart of the east quarter. Here you almost collide with a patrol of armed guards which is marching towards the river, and you are forced to take cover in a timber yard to avoid being seen. You observe the ten-strong patrol as it marches past. These men are clad in black quilted tunics and wide silk leggings, and they are armed with curved swords and hand-axes. All are almond-eyed and they have shiny black hair tied in a knot at the nape of their necks. Their leader, a stocky bull-necked sergeant, wears the emblem of Sejanoz emblazoned upon a scarlet armband. Patiently you wait for them to reach the bridge, yet as they do so, another patrol comes tramping along the avenue from the opposite direction. The east quarter of Bakhasa is a busy place even at this late hour. Rather than risk being seen and captured, you decide to remain hidden in the timber yard and attempt to catch a few hours<ch.apos/> sleep before dawn.</p>
2199 <illustration class="inline">
2201 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2203 <instance class="html" src="small3.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2204 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2205 <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2208 <p>Unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2209 <choice idref="sect340">To continue, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
2213 <section class="numbered" id="sect83">
2214 <meta><title>83</title></meta>
2216 <p>You show the scroll that you discovered in Baron Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s safe to Marshal Phedros, and he gasps when he reads the words of this damning contract. <quote>By Ishir!</quote> he exclaims. <quote>The murdering cur! I<ch.apos/>ll have his treacherous Cavalian head for this!</quote></p>
2217 <p>The Marshal sends messengers to the high-ranking noblemen of Siyen, all of whom have travelled to Seroa for the crowning. He musters them at the barracks and reads to them the contents of the scroll. They are outraged by what they hear, and they resolve to go immediately to the palace to confront Sadanzo. Escorted by a loyal regiment of Royal Guardsmen, the noblemen burst into the palace and meet with little resistance from Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s drunken knights. The Baron is cornered in a banqueting hall and confronted with the scroll, which he immediately denounces as a forgery. <quote>This is no fake,</quote> growls Marshal Phedros. <quote>I know your lowly seal when I see it.</quote></p>
2218 <p>Sadanzo draws his sword with his left hand and, with his right, he pulls a glowing green gem from the pocket of his ermine robes. Your Sixth Sense warns you that this stone is radiating strong psychic energies. Through its use, Sadanzo is able to exert a powerful control over the noblemen of Siyen. The gem flares in his hand and the noblemen, including Prince Karvas, cease all movement. They have become rigid, like a group of stone statues.</p>
2219 <illustration class="float">
2221 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2222 <description>Sadanzo draws his sword and pulls a glowing green gem from the pocket of his robes.</description>
2224 <instance class="html" src="ill5.png" width="386" height="630" mime-type="image/png"/>
2225 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="630" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2226 <instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="630" />
2228 <p>Your Sixth Sense tells you that your psychic Kai defences are preventing you from succumbing to the power of this evil gem. You also sense that if you are to break the Baron<ch.apos/>s mental hold over Karvas and the others, you must destroy the gem that is clenched in his bony fist.</p>
2229 <p>You unsheathe your Kai Weapon and advance upon Sadanzo. He laughs at your approach and raises his sword in readiness for a fight to the death.</p>
2230 <combat><enemy>Baron Sadanzo <em>(with Gem of Naar)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">54</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">36</enemy-attribute></combat>
2231 <p>Sadanzo is immune to Mindblast (but not Kai-surge).</p>
2232 <choice idref="sect50">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 50</link-text>.</choice>
2236 <section class="numbered" id="sect84">
2237 <meta><title>84</title></meta>
2240 <p>You are pleased to discover that the stone hut is both empty and large enough to accommodate you and your horses with ease. Its ancient granite blocks keep out the chill mountain wind and its slate-tiled roof is in remarkably good condition. Once you have tended to your horses and settled them for the night, you and Karvas try to make yourselves comfortable on the flagstoned floor so that you can get a few hours<ch.apos/> sleep before daybreak. You are laying your cloak down on the ground when you discover an iron ring set into one of the flagstones. Closer inspection reveals the stone to be a hinged trapdoor and, when you pull it open, you discover a flight of steps leading down to a subterranean chamber. Positioned in the centre of this sunken chamber is a solid block of marble. A symbol has been carved in its surface, one that you recognize immediately: it is the tiger<ch.apos/>s-head emblem of Sejanoz<ch.emdash/>the Autarch of Bhanar.</p>
2242 <illustration class="inline">
2244 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2246 <instance class="html" src="small9.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2247 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small9.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2248 <instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2251 <p>Cautiously you descend the steps and approach the block. Your Magnakai Discipline of Divination makes you sensitive to an aura of evil that lingers in this chamber, and your Magnakai Pathsmanship skills alert you to a concealed panel which is located at the centre of the carved symbol.</p>
2252 <choice idref="sect185">If you wish to attempt to open the concealed panel, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
2253 <choice idref="sect329">If you would prefer to leave this chamber, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
2257 <section class="numbered" id="sect85">
2258 <meta><title>85</title></meta>
2261 <p>You land among the rocks, gashing your hands and knees as you scramble for the cover of a large boulder (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). The blond man fires his crossbow and the bolt comes whistling up the track towards Acraban. Hurriedly the magician makes a circular movement with his right hand and the iron projectile shatters when it collides with the invisible shield he has created.</p>
2262 <p>Shocked by this display of sorcery, the man discards his weapon and runs away along the beach. You pull yourself to your feet and call him to come back.</p>
2263 <p><quote>Please stop, Prince Karvas,</quote> you plead, striving hard to make your voice sound as unthreatening as you can. On hearing his name the man halts and turns to face you.</p>
2264 <p><quote>You have no need to fear us<ch.emdash/>we come as friends,</quote> calls out Acraban. <quote>We have journeyed far to find you and we bring important news from Siyen. Please, sire, let us talk.</quote></p>
2265 <p>You are now able to see the man<ch.apos/>s face clearly and you note his long flaxen hair, his tanned skin, and his bold blue eyes. Your Kai senses assure you that this man truly is Prince Karvas.</p>
2266 <p><quote>Who are you?</quote> retorts the Prince. <quote>And what do you want from me?</quote></p>
2267 <choice idref="sect170"><link-text>Turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
2271 <section class="numbered" id="sect86">
2272 <meta><title>86</title></meta>
2275 <p>You can hear the sound of metal scraping on stone above your head. When you look up at the ceiling, you see a pair of crossed swords cocooned by pale amber tongues of flame. These flames give off no heat and you recognize at once that they are magical. The swords are slowly rotating, their shiny steel blades skimming the ceiling stones as they gather speed. Sparks fly, and then the blades separate and come whirling towards you with frightening speed. Swiftly you raise your Kai Weapon and fend off a stunning blow as one of the magical blades flashes past your head in a scything arc. Karvas unsheathes his sword and parries the other blade as it sweeps around the room and strikes at him from behind. Having failed to draw blood with their initial attack, the blades return to the ceiling where they hover menacingly above your heads. But you sense the threat has not passed. Their magical power is recharging itself, increasing its intensity in readiness for a second, swifter attack.</p>
2276 <choice idref="sect217">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 217</link-text>.</choice>
2277 <choice idref="sect244">If you do not possess this Discipline, or if you choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 244</link-text>.</choice>
2281 <section class="numbered" id="sect87">
2282 <meta><title>87</title></meta>
2285 <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and release a bolt of energy at the palisade gate. It rips through its timbers and leaves a jagged hole smouldering in its wake. Your display of Brotherhood magic clearly terrifies the guards for they drop their spears and scatter. Without looking back, the two of you gallop out of Jaroc and escape across the open plain that lies beyond.</p>
2286 <choice idref="sect303"><link-text>Turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
2290 <section class="numbered" id="sect88">
2291 <meta><title>88</title></meta>
2294 <p>When you reach the end of the passageway, you stop for a few moments to recover and take stock of your perilous situation. Your pursuers have entered the alleyway behind you and you can hear them running towards the street. You see another alley, sandwiched between two tall buildings on the opposite side, and you tell Karvas to follow as you hurry towards it. You are halfway across the street when suddenly a second group of Bakhasians appears. They have circled around the warehouse in an attempt to cut off your escape. Moments later, the four shrine-bearers arrive with their tiger-head idol still hoisted upon their shoulders. Your Sixth Sense tells you that this idol is helping them to follow your trail. If you are to make a successful escape from these ghoulish soldiers, you must do something to disrupt the idol<ch.apos/>s power.</p>
2296 <illustration class="inline">
2298 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2300 <instance class="html" src="small1.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2301 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small1.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2302 <instance class="pdf" src="small1.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2305 <choice idref="sect345">If you possess a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 345</link-text>.</choice>
2306 <choice idref="sect242">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
2307 <choice idref="sect138">If you possess Magi-magic and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 138</link-text>.</choice>
2308 <choice idref="sect291">If you possess Elementalism and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 291</link-text>.</choice>
2309 <choice idref="sect18">If you possess neither a Bow, nor any of these Grand Master Disciplines (or if you choose not to use any of them), <link-text>turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
2313 <section class="numbered" id="sect89">
2314 <meta><title>89</title></meta>
2317 <p>You reach to your Belt Pouch and unbuckle the flap. The ticket seller<ch.apos/>s eyes fill with unabashed greed when he sees the number of coins that it contains. He agrees to let you both go aboard the riverboat, but only if you give him all of your money. This extortionate demand is in addition to the cash and horses already offered by Prince Karvas.</p>
2318 <choice idref="sect346">If you wish to agree to his greedy request, <link-text>turn to 346</link-text>.</choice>
2319 <choice idref="sect167">If you refuse to give him all of your money, <link-text>turn to 167</link-text>.</choice>
2323 <section class="numbered" id="sect90">
2324 <meta><title>90</title></meta>
2326 <p>Lord Zinair tells the captain of <cite>The Azaktana</cite> to await his return. Then he accompanies you and Acraban along an avenue that leads away from the quayside and climbs steeply into the heart of the eastern quarter. Your first impressions of the port of Mydnight are less than favourable. In the stark glare of the full moon it seems to be little more than a brooding shamble of slate-roofed houses and reeking tenements built around a haphazard maze of narrow, rat-infested alleyways. At this late hour, few of the port<ch.apos/>s inhabitants are abroad. The only people you see are the few who dare to peek at your passing through the mullioned glass of their wretched hovels.</p>
2327 <p>The avenue leads eventually to a deserted market square which commands a view over the harbour below. Here you see a large iron cage with a thick cable attached to a ring at the centre of its roof. The cable is held taut by a winch fixed to the stern of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> which hovers 100 feet overhead. The faint hum of its magical engine can be heard wavering on the warm sea breeze. Acraban ushers you into the cage and clicks shut its iron door. He tugs a cord and immediately the cage is lifted off the ground and hoisted up to the rear deck of the skyship. Here you are welcomed aboard by the skyship<ch.apos/>s crew, all of whom are young acolytes of the Magicians<ch.apos/> Guild of Toran. Acraban takes you to his quarters located below the forward deck where he offers you and Lord Zinair some food and wine. After many months away from home it is good to taste Sommlending fare once more.</p>
2328 <illustration class="float">
2330 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2331 <description>A large iron cage is attached to the stern of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> which hovers 100 feet overhead.</description>
2333 <instance class="html" src="ill6.png" width="386" height="643" mime-type="image/png"/>
2334 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="643" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2335 <instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="643" />
2337 <p>Since his arrival in Mydnight earlier in the day, Acraban has learned that Prince Karvas does not reside here in the city. To search for him now would be futile and so you resolve to get some sleep and commence your hunt for the Prince at first light. Shortly after dawn, the three of you meet again on the main deck. Acraban suggests that you each spend the day scouting the city for information that may lead you to Karvas. He tells of three places where this information is most likely to be found. The first is a large trading post, known as Grosta<ch.apos/>s Warehouse, located on the south side of the harbour. The second is the Hall of the Judicars, a base for the officers who are elected by the citizens of Mydnight to maintain law and order in their city. And the third is The Smitheries, the artisans<ch.apos/> and tradesmen<ch.apos/>s district of Mydnight that is situated west of the quayside.</p>
2338 <choice idref="sect48">If you wish to visit Grosta<ch.apos/>s Warehouse, <link-text>turn to 48</link-text>.</choice>
2339 <choice idref="sect321">If you choose to visit the Hall of the Judicars, <link-text>turn to 321</link-text>.</choice>
2340 <choice idref="sect226">If you decide to explore The Smitheries, <link-text>turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
2344 <section class="numbered" id="sect91">
2345 <meta><title>91</title></meta>
2348 <p>Your Kai Sixth Sense detects that a strong concentration of evil lies beyond the door. Forewarned, you approach the iron portal with caution to inspect its lever more closely. Your Magnakai Discipline of Divination detects an aura of magic around this lever yet you are unable to fathom its true purpose. You suspect that it could be some kind of locking or holding spell.</p>
2349 <p>Calling upon your mastery of Brotherhood magic, you utter the words of the spell <spell>Counterspell</spell> and direct its energies against the door. You sense that your spell is working, but you are surprised when you detect that it has cancelled only one layer of magic. There remains in place a second layer of sorcery which contains powerful explosive energies. Your senses warn you that to touch the lever with your bare hands could prove fatal.</p>
2350 <choice idref="sect330">If you wish to attempt to discharge the spell by throwing something at the door, <link-text>turn to 330</link-text>.</choice>
2351 <choice idref="sect146">If you wish to try to open the door by striking the lever down with the tip of your Kai Weapon, <link-text>turn to 146</link-text>.</choice>
2355 <section class="numbered" id="sect92">
2356 <meta><title>92</title></meta>
2359 <p>Bravely your horse makes a tremendous leap across the tree to land surefootedly on the trail beyond. As you bring him to a halt, you pat his neck in praise for his courageous action. Moments later, you see Karvas come leaping over the trunk and you cheer his masterful display of horsemanship. With a wave of your Kai Weapon you beckon him to follow as you make good your escape into the foothills of the Dammerdon Mountains.</p>
2360 <choice idref="sect251"><link-text>Turn to 251</link-text>.</choice>
2364 <section class="numbered" id="sect93">
2365 <meta><title>93</title></meta>
2368 <p>Prince Karvas does not relish the prospect of having to face these riders, yet he goes along with your decision and patiently you sit and wait as they draw closer. Their leader is a broad-shouldered man with a ginger beard and long wavy hair. His hair fans out from around the edges of a conical helm that is topped by a pair of polished antlers. He brings his horse to a halt before you and regards your mounts with an appraising eye.</p>
2370 <illustration class="inline">
2372 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2374 <instance class="html" src="small11.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2375 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2376 <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2379 <p><quote>I see you ride Cavalian colts,</quote> he says, and he points to the eagle brands that mark your horses<ch.apos/> hindquarters. You nod in acknowledgement but you do not offer any explanation. The man narrows his blue eyes and strokes his beard thoughtfully. <quote>You do not know who I am, do you?</quote></p>
2380 <p>You shake your head dumbly, hoping that he will take you for a simpleton and return to his deer hunting. <quote>I am Halx<ch.emdash/>the Inquisitor-major of Cavalia. Among my many duties is the regulation and taxation of horses, mules, and oxen. You both ride Cavalian steeds, yet I do not recall seeing either of you in the city before. I trust your saddle taxes have been paid? Perhaps you would be kind enough to furnish your names and places of lodging so that, upon my return to Cavalia, I am able to confirm that this is so?</quote></p>
2381 <p>You sense that your continued silence is beginning to irritate the Inquisitor-major. His followers are also growing impatient.</p>
2382 <choice idref="sect116">If you wish to say that you are special emissaries on your way to Seroa to witness the crowning of Baron Sadanzo, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
2383 <choice idref="sect123">If you wish to say that you are new recruits to the Cavalian Citadel Guard, <link-text>turn to 123</link-text>.</choice>
2384 <choice idref="sect44">If you decide not to say anything at all, <link-text>turn to 44</link-text>.</choice>
2388 <section class="numbered" id="sect94">
2389 <meta><title>94</title></meta>
2392 <p>You make your approach to within 40 yards of the gate by means of a road that runs parallel to the fast-flowing river. At this point you leave the road and scurry to take cover behind a pile of logs that are stacked at the river<ch.apos/>s edge, ready to be loaded aboard a barge which is moored close by. You can see a dozen soldiers patrolling the parapet above the river gate, and each one is clad in a suit of shiny armour made from lacquered steel scales and hardened leather. They are armed with bows, spears, and maces, and their shields display the head of a tiger-like creature baring ferocious fangs. Karvas whispers that it is the emblem of Autarch Sejanoz<ch.emdash/>the ruler of Bhanar.</p>
2394 <illustration class="inline">
2396 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2398 <instance class="html" src="small7.png" width="386" height="72" mime-type="image/png"/>
2399 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small7.gif" width="386" height="72" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2400 <instance class="pdf" src="small7.pdf" width="386" height="72"/>
2403 <p>For several minutes you observe the guards as they march back and forth with their spears couched on their shoulders. During your watch you discover that the guardsmen are not the only ones who occupy this span. On a tiled ledge running beneath the parapet is a long line of roosting crows. They are resting shoulder-to-shoulder and are almost invisible against the jet-black stonework of the arch. Your careful observations tell you that the guards are alert and observant. It will be difficult to get past these men without being seen. If you are to gain entry to the city by this river route, first you will have to create a diversion to draw away the watchful guards.</p>
2404 <choice idref="sect213">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Elementalism and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
2405 <choice idref="sect71">If you possess Magi-magic and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 71</link-text>.</choice>
2406 <choice idref="sect109">If you possess neither of these skills, or if you choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 109</link-text>.</choice>
2410 <section class="numbered" id="sect95">
2411 <meta><title>95</title></meta>
2414 <p>The Knight Bachelor glares at you. He attempts to say something but he cannot seem to muster his words. Red-faced, he unsheathes his sword and levels it at you in his trembling hand. <quote>You<ch.ellips/>you are spies!</quote> he exclaims. <quote>Throw down your weapons. By the power of my rank and<ch.ellips/>and for the security of Cavalia, I am arresting you both.</quote></p>
2415 <p>The surrounding troopers draw their sabres and begin to edge their horses towards you, closing the circle. You see Karvas inching his hand towards his sword but you dissuade him from drawing it with a terse shake of your head. Better to surrender and live to fight another day than be slaughtered by such an overwhelming number of trained and disciplined soldiers.</p>
2416 <choice idref="sect130"><link-text>Turn to 130</link-text>.</choice>
2420 <section class="numbered" id="sect96">
2421 <meta><title>96</title></meta>
2424 <p>Instinctively you shield your face with your forearm as the cloud of spikes comes whistling towards you. Your swift reactions save your eyes, but you are hit by several of these painful darts and knocked backwards to the ground: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2425 <choice idref="sect10">To continue, <link-text>turn to 10</link-text>.</choice>
2429 <section class="numbered" id="sect97">
2430 <meta><title>97</title></meta>
2433 <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and point your right arm towards the gem that Sadanzo is holding. You feel a tingling sensation run the length of your outstretched arm, and then a crackling burst of energy leaps from your index finger to connect with the evil gem. Sadanzo screams with fear as this gem crumbles and disintegrates to dust.</p>
2434 <choice idref="sect250"><link-text>Turn to 250</link-text>.</choice>
2438 <section class="numbered" id="sect98">
2439 <meta><title>98</title></meta>
2442 <p><quote>With respect, Grand Master, I<ch.apos/>ve more experience of sky-sailing than you,</quote> retorts Acraban, <quote>and my experience tells me that it is better to avoid rogue storm clouds, such as this one, by cutting below them rather than<ch.emdash/></quote></p>
2443 <p>Acraban<ch.apos/>s words are suddenly drowned out by a crackling explosion that stuns you with its raw ferocity. From his nest atop the mainmast, the lookout shouts out a warning and frantically he points towards the ground. You rush to the rail and peer over the side, your stomach churning with fearful anticipation of what you will see. Deep within the fathomless reaches of the fissures and chasms passing below, you glimpse flashes of blue-white energy. These bolts are growing brighter and louder as they streak towards the surface. One bolt escapes from a vent in the middle distance and rips open the sky. It skewers a cluster of steam clouds and blows them apart in a spectacular explosion of gas and flame. Once again you urge Acraban to order his helmsman to ascend, this time to avoid the new and deadly danger that is striking from below.</p>
2444 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
2445 <choice idref="sect119">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>3, <link-text>turn to 119</link-text>.</choice>
2446 <choice idref="sect20">If it is 4<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 20</link-text>.</choice>
2450 <section class="numbered" id="sect99">
2451 <meta><title>99</title></meta>
2454 <p>The Holtor lunges at you as you speed past him and the tip of his spear gouges your thigh: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. You grit your teeth against the stinging pain and gallop out of Jaroc to escape across the open plain which lies beyond.</p>
2455 <choice idref="sect303"><link-text>Turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
2459 <section class="numbered" id="sect100">
2460 <meta><title>100</title></meta>
2462 <p>The Bakhasian soldiers have undergone a dramatic transformation. Before they entered the temple their skin had the yellowy hue of tallow and their hair was silky black. Now their faces and hands are ghostly white, their hair has turned steely grey, and the pupils of their red-rimmed eyes have changed to a pale translucent amber. The sight of their gaunt faces chills your heart; they look more like animated corpses than living men.</p>
2463 <p>The procession leaves the temple at a funereal pace. At the rear of the column you can see four Bakhasians carrying a platform on their shoulders on which rests an elaborate shrine. It is fashioned from gold and jewels and has been crafted into the likeness of a tiger<ch.apos/>s head. Two huge ivory fangs protrude from its jaw and its jewelled eyes glow with a flickering scarlet fire. You notice that the tiger-like shrine resembles the emblem of Sejanoz which is embroidered upon the sleeves of the soldiers<ch.apos/> padded black tunics. As the platform-bearers draw level with the warehouse doorway, the head of the tiger shrine slowly rotates in your direction and two pencil-thin beams of red light shoot from its eyes. You duck back behind the doorway but you know that it is too late<ch.emdash/>the shrine has detected your presence and it is alerting the cadaverous soldiers to your hiding place. Your Sixth Sense informs you that it is the goodly aura of your Kai Weapon that has activated the shrine and betrayed your position.</p>
2464 <illustration class="float">
2466 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2467 <description>Four Bakhasians carry a platform on which rests an elaborate shrine crafted into the likeness of a tiger<ch.apos/>s head.</description>
2469 <instance class="html" src="ill7.png" width="386" height="588" mime-type="image/png"/>
2470 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="588" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2471 <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="588" />
2473 <p>When you hear one of the platform-bearers shouting an order, you tell Karvas to get ready to run. You chance a glance around the doorway and your worst fears are confirmed when you see three Bakhasians advancing swiftly towards the warehouse. They are carrying what appear to be hollow, stubby spears that are connected by metallic piping to cylindrical backpacks. One of the advancing soldiers sees you and a puff of bubbling steam gushes from the tip of his spear. In the next instant, a solid projectile smashes through the warehouse wall, leaving a ragged hole in the brickwork less than a hand<ch.apos/>s breadth from your head.</p>
2475 <illustration class="inline">
2477 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2479 <instance class="html" src="small4.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2480 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small4.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2481 <instance class="pdf" src="small4.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2484 <p>You and Karvas scramble across the rubble-strewn floor towards an open portal on the far side of the derelict warehouse. As you reach this exit, you hear the hiss and thump of another projectile being launched at your fleeing backs.</p>
2485 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you possess Assimilance, add 2. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 20 or higher, add 1.</p>
2486 <choice idref="sect24">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 24</link-text>.</choice>
2487 <choice idref="sect223">If it is 5<ch.endash/>7, <link-text>turn to 223</link-text>.</choice>
2488 <choice idref="sect307">If it is 8 or higher, <link-text>turn to 307</link-text>.</choice>
2492 <section class="numbered" id="sect101">
2493 <meta><title>101</title></meta>
2496 <p>For several minutes you remain crouched in the darkness as the crashed <cite>Starstrider</cite> shifts and settles into the ground. When all movement ceases, Karvas tentatively shoulders open the buckled lid of the locker and you heave yourselves out onto a smoke-wreathed deck. Through the pall you hear the groans of wounded crewmen and the crackling <onomatopoeia>buzz</onomatopoeia> of electrical arcing. Steam rises from a gaping hole in the stern deck and a fire rages around the base of the mainmast. Fear chills your heart when you see that the fire is licking at the sides of a barrel of lantern oil which is lashed to the deck.</p>
2497 <choice idref="sect265">If you possess the Discipline of Grand Nexus, <link-text>turn to 265</link-text>.</choice>
2498 <choice idref="sect11">If you possess the Discipline of Elementalism, <link-text>turn to 11</link-text>.</choice>
2499 <choice idref="sect239">If you possess neither of these skills, or if you choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 239</link-text>.</choice>
2503 <section class="numbered" id="sect102">
2504 <meta><title>102</title></meta>
2507 <p>You draw an Arrow to your Bow and send it speeding towards the creature<ch.apos/>s torso. The shaft buries itself in its rib cage and the beast shrieks with pain, yet it does not deter it from continuing its hungry advance towards your horses. As it stalks closer, you see that it is drawing in great gulps of air to inflate its chest. Its rib cage expands and suddenly there is a sharp popping sound. You gasp with fear as dozens of horned spikes shoot out of its skin and come hurtling towards you like a volley of deadly darts.</p>
2508 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
2509 <choice idref="sect96">If your total score is 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
2510 <choice idref="sect269">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 269</link-text>.</choice>
2514 <section class="numbered" id="sect103">
2515 <meta><title>103</title></meta>
2518 <p>The last Cavalian shudders as you land your killing blow. He shrieks his death-cry and twists away from your blade to fall limply across the heaped bodies of his confederates. As the echo of his plaintive cry fades, you hear another sound that makes you spin on your heel and face the stables door; it is the sound of running footsteps, and they are getting louder by the second. The sound of combat has alerted another group of Cavalians who were waiting inside the tavern. Now they are rushing across the courtyard towards the stables.</p>
2519 <p>Karvas hides himself beside the door and he fells the first Cavalian to enter with a scything swipe to the midriff. As he doubles over and falls, another four come bursting through the doorway and throw themselves upon you, hacking and slicing with swords and axes. You make short work of these clumsy warriors. You dispatch three of their number while Karvas skilfully defeats the fourth. You are about to mount your horses and leave when another Cavalian suddenly appears, silhouetted in the doorway. He is attired from head to toe in crafted leather armour, and in his right hand he clasps a sword that radiates a sickly evil. Its razor-sharp blade is wreathed with green flame and a fiery red jewel pulsates at its hilt. With a cry of vengeance upon his lips, this fearsome warrior-mage launches a ferocious attack.</p>
2520 <combat><enemy>Peutrimax (with magical sword)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">53</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
2521 <p>This enemy is immune to Mindblast (but not Kai-surge). You may add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight for Prince Karvas is helping you to defend yourself against this foe. (If the Kai Weapon you possess is either <quote>Kaistar</quote> or <quote>Valiance</quote>, you will benefit from its additional <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus.)</p>
2522 <choice idref="sect176">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 176</link-text>.</choice>
2526 <section class="numbered" id="sect104">
2527 <meta><title>104</title></meta>
2530 <p>As you approach the Oridon Stone you see a dozen men standing in a circle around its base, and a horse-drawn wagon parked close by. They salute you in a friendly manner as you rein in your horses and come to a halt beside their wagon. One of them, a bearded man with ruddy cheeks, leaves the circle and walks over to introduce himself and his companions. You learn that they, like Prince Karvas, are from Siyen. They are the great-great-grandchildren of warriors who fell here in battle exactly one hundred years ago to the day. They have come here all the way from Seroa on a pilgrimage to honour the memory of their fallen ancestors.</p>
2532 <illustration class="inline">
2534 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2536 <instance class="html" src="small6.png" width="386" height="148" mime-type="image/png"/>
2537 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="148" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2538 <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="148"/>
2541 <p>After a few minutes, Prince Karvas dismounts and joins the circle of men at the Oridon Stone. He bows his head in reverence and offers up a silent prayer to Ishir to watch over the souls of the brave Siyenese who sacrificed their lives on this field of battle. While Karvas is praying, you talk quietly with the bearded man and learn that his name is Daventi. When you tell him that you and your companion are bound for Siyen, he offers you some words of advice. He tells you to be wary should you wish to cross the River Ioma at Voshno, the next town on the trail. The bridge has been seized by robber knights from Cavalia and they are demanding a heavy toll from anyone seeking to use the bridge. Rather than cross the river at Voshno, the man suggests that you should continue north along the trail. Three miles north of Voshno is a small farmstead at the river<ch.apos/>s edge. For a moderate charge the farmer will ferry you and your horses across the river by raft.</p>
2542 <p>Having paid his respects, Karvas walks away from the monolith and remounts his horse. As you turn your horses to leave, the friendly Siyenese salute you and bid you both good luck and godspeed on the road ahead. You return their kind gesture with a Kai salute before you and Karvas gallop off across the plain to resume your ride along the dusty trail.</p>
2543 <choice idref="sect139"><link-text>Turn to 139</link-text>.</choice>
2547 <section class="numbered" id="sect105">
2548 <meta><title>105</title></meta>
2551 <p>The trader becomes angry when you refuse to offer him more of your gold, and he signals to his henchmen to throw you out of his emporium. They move towards you in eager readiness to obey their master<ch.apos/>s command. Rather than resist and risk slaying them in a fight, you allow yourself to be roughly manhandled out of the warehouse: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2552 <p>Back on the quayside you resolve to explore the tangle of alleyways that make up the city<ch.apos/>s eastern quarter in the hope of finding someone who is more willing to talk about the Prince. Unfortunately, your efforts garner no useful information. As the sun begins to settle on the horizon, you finally abandon your search and hurry back through the darkening passageways towards the market square.</p>
2553 <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the <cite>Starstrider</cite> by the time you reach the market square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. They are disappointed to hear that your search for information has been in vain. Fortunately, Lord Zinair<ch.apos/>s efforts have been more fruitful.</p>
2554 <p><quote>Prince Karvas is not here,</quote> he says. <quote>He lived here when he first came to Sheasu some ten years ago, but a young woman called Amarelda arrived soon after and they were married, here, in the harbour. They left Mydnight the day after their wedding and settled somewhere on the northern coastline. It has been more than a year since they last visited the city.</quote></p>
2555 <p>Turning to Acraban, Zinair says: <quote>I propose we travel north at first light and commence a search of the northern shoreline. I suspect it will be easier to espy their retreat from the air than to attempt any search by land.</quote></p>
2556 <p>Acraban nods in agreement. Then he passes word to his young crew to prepare the <cite>Starstrider</cite> for a voyage north at first light.</p>
2557 <choice idref="sect187"><link-text>Turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
2561 <section class="numbered" id="sect106">
2562 <meta><title>106</title></meta>
2565 <p>As your final blow shatters the second blade and breaks the spell that brought it to life, you hear the sound of a bell tolling in a lower level of the citadel. Your Sixth Sense warns you that it is an alarm bell; your escape from the dungeons has been detected.</p>
2566 <p>You leave the library and hurry across the sumptuous chamber to the shiny steel door by which you first entered this apartment. Soldiers are ascending the stairs towards it. You catch a glimpse of them and quickly you retreat into the chamber, slamming the door shut behind you. An attempt to secure the door is unsuccessful for the lock is jammed and the dial refuses to turn. Hastily you and Karvas barricade the door with furniture and then you look about for another way to escape. You see only one<ch.emdash/>through the window. The soldiers are pounding on the door and the barricade is shifting and collapsing as you and Karvas climb out onto a stone ledge. The barricade gives way and you hear the soldiers shouting as they force their way into the chamber. Then an arrow shatters against the surface of the ledge, only a few inches from your left boot. You look up and see Citadel Guardsmen with loaded bows leaning over the battlements above. Alerted by the tolling bell, they have spotted you on the ledge outside Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s chamber. When a second arrow pierces Karvas<ch.apos/> cloak, you take hold of the Prince<ch.apos/>s forearm and pull him with you as you step off the ledge and plummet towards the moat, 30 feet below.</p>
2567 <p>You hit the stagnant water with a mighty splash and immediately strike out for the surface. You break through the scummy film that floats on top of the water and, seconds later, you see Karvas emerge from the depths to gasp a lungful of clean air. Arrows are falling all about you. They drop from the battlements above, and they streak past your head, fired by archers who are running across the drawbridge.</p>
2568 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
2569 <choice idref="sect312">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>1, <link-text>turn to 312</link-text>.</choice>
2570 <choice idref="sect15">If it is 2<ch.endash/>6, <link-text>turn to 15</link-text>.</choice>
2571 <choice idref="sect224">If it is 7<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text>.</choice>
2575 <section class="numbered" id="sect107">
2576 <meta><title>107</title></meta>
2579 <p>Hastily you leap aside to avoid the dagger but it wounds your thigh as you fall to the ground: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2580 <p>The guard runs forward and tries to land a kick to your chin but you turn his foot aside with your forearm and it brushes harmlessly past your head. As he struggles to regain his balance, you spring to your feet and attack him.</p>
2581 <combat><enemy>Tehda Stables Guard</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">24</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">24</enemy-attribute></combat>
2582 <p>Reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 5 for the first round of this fight.</p>
2583 <choice idref="sect316">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
2587 <section class="numbered" id="sect108">
2588 <meta><title>108</title></meta>
2591 <p>As the last of Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s knights crashes dead at your feet, you leap over his crumpled body and rush towards the rear of the stables where the slain knights<ch.apos/> horses are tethered to a rail. You and Karvas cut free the two sturdiest mounts and pull yourselves into their saddles. Prince Karvas wheels his horse about and rides him out into the courtyard. When you emerge from the stables, you are following close behind the Prince and struggling hard to keep your jittery horse from losing its footing on the smooth flagstones. Strewn around the walled yard and paddock are the bodies of slain and wounded troopers. Your heart goes out to these brave men, but you dare not stop to help them. To do so would be suicidal. Karvas gallops his horse towards the open gates and you hear shouts of alarm from the Cavalians positioned around the courtyard wall. They have recognized you and they are bringing their loaded crossbows to bear on your fleeing backs.</p>
2592 <choice idref="sect234">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 234</link-text>.</choice>
2593 <choice idref="sect337">If you possess Magi-magic and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 337</link-text>.</choice>
2594 <choice idref="sect273">If you possess neither of these skills, or if you choose not to use either of them, <link-text>turn to 273</link-text>.</choice>
2598 <section class="numbered" id="sect109">
2599 <meta><title>109</title></meta>
2602 <p>Calling upon your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control, you focus your special powers at the line of sleeping crows and command them to awaken. Suddenly the birds erupt into life and begin cawing and flapping their wings excitedly. You will the startled crows to attack the guardsmen on the parapet and instantly they obey. While the soldiers are fighting vainly to fend off the birds, you motion Karvas to follow your lead as you break cover and hurry along the river bank towards the arch.</p>
2603 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
2604 <choice idref="sect257">If your total score is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 257</link-text>.</choice>
2605 <choice idref="sect45">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 45</link-text>.</choice>
2609 <section class="numbered" id="sect110">
2610 <meta><title>110</title></meta>
2613 <p>You utter the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Net</spell> and point the index finger of your right hand towards Karvas. You feel your arm tingle and a gush of sticky strands shoot from your fingertip to engulf the helpless Prince. You counter the spell to stop the flow, and then you take hold of the net with both hands and pull Karvas out of this cavity. As you are cutting him free from the gluey fibres, you happen by chance to notice that he has a crescent-shaped birthmark on his right wrist.</p>
2615 <illustration class="inline">
2617 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2619 <instance class="html" src="small5.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2620 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small5.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2621 <instance class="pdf" src="small5.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2624 <p>Once free of the net, Karvas thanks you earnestly for your timely help. Had you not acted when you did, he feels sure that he would have slipped and fallen into the raging river.</p>
2625 <choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
2629 <section class="numbered" id="sect111">
2630 <meta><title>111</title></meta>
2633 <p>You walk from the tavern and wait in the shadows of a nearby alleyway for the two Cavalians to leave. Soon you hear the <onomatopoeia>clang</onomatopoeia> of the riverboat<ch.apos/>s bell echoing through the village. The captain is calling all passengers aboard; his boat is due to set off for Seroa in fifteen minutes<ch.apos/> time. You watch a steady stream of people leaving the tavern and walking to the jetty to board the boat, but you do not see the Cavalians. You are beginning to fear that you have missed them in the crowd when suddenly they emerge from the tavern. They are the last ones to leave.</p>
2634 <choice idref="sect222">If you wish to approach them and offer to buy their riverboat tickets to Seroa, <link-text>turn to 222</link-text>.</choice>
2635 <choice idref="sect320">If you choose to approach them and simply demand that they hand you their tickets, <link-text>turn to 320</link-text>.</choice>
2639 <section class="numbered" id="sect112">
2640 <meta><title>112</title></meta>
2643 <p>The trader is mesmerized by the sight of the Gold Crowns. You offer him two of your coins and a trickle of nervous sweat runs down his waxy face. He reaches out to take them but then he hesitates and withdraws his trembling hand. He is having second thoughts about selling you what he knows about Prince Karvas.</p>
2644 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> (0 = zero). For every Gold Crown that you are willing to give the trader, in addition to the 2 you have already offered him, you may add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
2645 <choice idref="sect105">If your total score is now 5 or lower, <link-text>turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
2646 <choice idref="sect26">If it is 6 or higher, <link-text>turn to 26</link-text>.</choice>
2650 <section class="numbered" id="sect113">
2651 <meta><title>113</title></meta>
2654 <footnote id="sect113-1-foot" idref="sect113-1">
2655 <p>The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
2660 <p>The instant the cell door crashes shut, you use your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus to loosen the cords that bind your wrists, and then you untie the Prince. The air in this dark prison is dank and stifling, and what little ventilation that there is seems to come from the narrow crack that runs around the iron cell door. You vow to Karvas that this foul dungeon will not hold him for long, and you set about examining its walls and floor in the hope of finding a way to escape.</p>
2661 <p>You soon discover that you have been locked in the securest cell of the citadel, deep below the ground. Beyond its slimy walls there lies nothing but solid earth. Only the cell door offers a glimmer of hope, yet it has no handle, hinges, or keyhole visible on the inside. It is not secured by key but by a tumbler lock, similar to the lock of a safe, and it can be opened by means of a dial on the outside of the door. Placing your ear to its surface, you use your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus to will the lock tumblers to move. After a few moments you hear them begin to click over.</p>
2662 <p>You discover that there are three tumblers. To open the door, each one has to be turned to the correct position in sequence. Using your Sixth Sense, you determine that the first number in the sequence is equal to the number of horses you took from the Tehda Stables. The second is equivalent to the number of Lune one can normally expect to receive in exchange for 1 Gold Crown. The third in the sequence is equivalent to the number of towns and cities there are, at present, in the Doomlands of Naaros.</p>
2663 <p>When you think you know the three-digit answer, note down the figures in order and <choose test="has-numbered-section-list"><when value="true"><a idref="numbered">turn to the section of the book</a></when><otherwise>turn to the section of the book</otherwise></choose> which is the same as your answer.<footref id="sect113-1" idref="sect113-1-foot"/></p>
2664 <choice idref="sect203">If you are unable to determine the correct solution, <link-text>turn instead to 203</link-text>.</choice>
2668 <section class="numbered" id="sect114">
2669 <meta><title>114</title></meta>
2672 <p>You are desperate to keep ahead of the herd for fear of being trampled under their pounding hooves. But as you approach the River Ioma you are shocked to see that the bank ahead is steeply undercut. Hurriedly you tug on your horse<ch.apos/>s reins but to no avail; you are unable to stop him from carrying you headlong over the edge. With screams of terror on your lips, you and Karvas plummet 20 feet into the rushing river astride your terrified mounts.</p>
2673 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
2674 <choice idref="sect339">If your total score is now 1 or less, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
2675 <choice idref="sect212">If it is 2<ch.endash/>7, <link-text>turn to 212</link-text>.</choice>
2676 <choice idref="sect3">If it is 8 or more, <link-text>turn to 3</link-text>.</choice>
2680 <section class="numbered" id="sect115">
2681 <meta><title>115</title></meta>
2684 <p>You grab the soldier<ch.apos/>s spear and pull him off-balance. As he stumbles, Karvas moves forward and lands a powerful punch to the side of his head which sends the man tumbling into the river. He surfaces and attempts to shout out to attract his comrades on the parapet, but the strong current whisks him away before his bubbling cries can be heard.</p>
2685 <p>Stealthily you climb the steps to a flagstoned loading area that is crowded with soldiers and wagons. By keeping low and moving from one wagon to the next, you and Karvas are able to cross this concourse undetected. On the far side you discover a stone bridge that traverses the River Tehda. You hurry across it and enter a wide avenue which leads to the city<ch.apos/>s east quarter. Grimy two-storey houses of carved hardwood pass by on either side, silent behind their bolts and shutters. At the end of the avenue you almost collide with a patrol of armed guards which is marching towards the river, and hurriedly you are forced to take cover in a timber yard to avoid being seen. You watch the ten-strong patrol as it marches past, and note that these men are clad in black quilted tunics with wide silk leggings, and they are armed with curved swords and hand-axes. They are almond-eyed and they all have shiny black hair tied in a knot at the nape of their necks. Their leader, a stocky bull-necked sergeant, wears the emblem of Sejanoz emblazoned upon a scarlet armband. Patiently you wait for them to reach the river but, when they do, you see another patrol come marching along the avenue from the opposite direction. The east quarter of Bakhasa is a busy place, even at this late hour. Rather than risk being seen and captured, you decide to remain hidden here in the timber yard and attempt to get a few hours<ch.apos/> sleep before dawn.</p>
2687 <illustration class="inline">
2689 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2691 <instance class="html" src="small3.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2692 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2693 <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2696 <p>Unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2697 <choice idref="sect340">To continue, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
2701 <section class="numbered" id="sect116">
2702 <meta><title>116</title></meta>
2705 <p>The Inquisitor-major regards you with a sneering look that conveys his disbelief of your explanation.</p>
2706 <p><quote>Special emissaries, eh?</quote> he spits. <quote>Pah! Deserters or horse-thieves, more like! What proof do you carry to show that you speak the truth?</quote></p>
2707 <choice idref="sect264">If you possess Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s Seal, <link-text>turn to 264</link-text>.</choice>
2708 <choice idref="sect73">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 73</link-text>.</choice>
2712 <section class="numbered" id="sect117">
2713 <meta><title>117</title></meta>
2716 <p>You dive to avoid your enemy<ch.apos/>s lance, but your reflexes have been dulled by the shock of your fall and you react too slowly to avoid being struck by this expert horseman. The razor-sharp tip of his lance gouges a deep furrow across your thigh.</p>
2717 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If the number you have picked is odd (i.e. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) deduct 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. If the number is even (i.e. 0, 2, 4, 6, 8) deduct 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2718 <p>As the Bakhasian leader thunders past, you stagger to your feet and use your Kai skills to command your horse to come to you. He obeys, and you are able to mount up and ride back towards Karvas before your adversary can make his third pass. In the distance you can see that the tree is now burning less fiercely. On approaching the Prince, you call for him to follow as you race along the trail towards this flaming pine. Bravely your horse makes a tremendous leap across the tree to land surefootedly on the trail beyond. As you bring him to a halt, you pat his neck in praise for his courageous action. Moments later, you see Karvas come leaping over the trunk and you cheer his masterful display of horsemanship. The Bakhasians choose not to follow. They break off their pursuit and allow you to make good your escape into the foothills of the Dammerdon Mountains.</p>
2719 <choice idref="sect251"><link-text>Turn to 251</link-text>.</choice>
2723 <section class="numbered" id="sect118">
2724 <meta><title>118</title></meta>
2727 <p>You follow the Prince through the noisy streets of Seroa to the barracks of the Royal Cavalry, where he seeks an urgent audience with Marshal Phedros. At first he is refused, but he persists until finally you are both granted a few minutes in which to state your business to the Marshal.</p>
2728 <p>Phedros sits alone in the officer<ch.apos/>s mess with a glass of wine in his hand, his only consolation for the shame he feels at having been the one who crowned Baron Sadanzo King of Siyen earlier this day. As you enter, he raises his bloodshot eyes and snaps: <quote>What do you want?</quote></p>
2729 <choice idref="sect83">If you possess Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s Scroll, <link-text>turn to 83</link-text>.</choice>
2730 <choice idref="sect162">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 162</link-text>.</choice>
2734 <section class="numbered" id="sect119">
2735 <meta><title>119</title></meta>
2738 <p>This time Acraban does not argue. He bellows the order to Kuo the helmsman to reverse the descent and change course, thirty degrees to port. The bow of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> rises up and the deck banks gently over to the left. But then a deafening <onomatopoeia>Crack!</onomatopoeia> explodes from somewhere below the stern, and you are thrown onto your hands and knees when a violent shock wave ripples along the decking. Acraban calls for a damage report and each crewman shouts his response in turn. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> has sustained a glancing blow from an energy bolt. It has torn away part of the hull plating and damaged one of the ship<ch.apos/>s two internal stabilizers, upon which it relies for level flight. The craft ceases to gain height and begins drifting to starboard. This change of course is accompanied by a jarring vibration that runs through the deck and superstructure.</p>
2739 <p>The surrounding sky is now a seething mass of billowing black clouds lit up by lethal blue-white bolts of lightning. The ship passes through a dark cloud and the metallic stench of ozone fills your nostrils. This harsh-smelling gas does you no harm, protected as you are by your innate Magnakai skill of Nexus. Likewise, Acraban suffers no ill effects from the gas for his magic is sufficient to counter it. But for Prince Karvas and the crew its effects are immediate and devastating. Clutching at their throats they lose their balance and fall to the deck, choking and spluttering as they fight for breath. Acraban instructs you to take the helm while he goes below to work on the damaged stabilizer. You follow his command and take control of the wheel from a barely-conscious Kuo. As the cloud passes the crew slowly recover, but you glimpse a fresh danger ahead. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> is drifting towards two large active fissures running parallel to each other, and a little over 100 feet apart. Sweat streaks your face as you struggle to steer a straight course between these fissures and so avoid the crackling bolts of energy that are hurtling out of their fiery depths.</p>
2740 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery or Elementalism, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
2741 <choice idref="sect201">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>2, <link-text>turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
2742 <choice idref="sect179">If it is 3<ch.endash/>7, <link-text>turn to 179</link-text>.</choice>
2743 <choice idref="sect42">If it is 8 or higher, <link-text>turn to 42</link-text>.</choice>
2747 <section class="numbered" id="sect120">
2748 <meta><title>120</title></meta>
2751 <p>You push open the limed-oak door of the trading post and step into its cool interior. The owner of the store is fletching an arrow, but he stops the moment he sees you enter. This oily-skinned trader is keen to do business and he is especially interested in purchasing items for his poorly-stocked shelves. He is prepared to offer you the following prices for these particular items:</p>
2758 <td>Bottle of Rice Wine</td>
2766 <td>Jewelled Knife</td>
2770 <td>Silver Signet Ring</td>
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