<p>You are the warrior, Lone Wolf, last of the Kai Masters of Sommerlund and sole survivor of the massacre that destroyed your kinsmen during a bitter war with your age-old enemies<ch.emdash/>the Darklords of Helgedad.</p>
<p>Many centuries have passed since Sun Eagle, the first of your kind, established the Order of the Kai. Aided by the magicians of Dessi, he completed a perilous quest to find seven crystals of power, known as the Lorestones of Nyxator, and upon their discovery he unlocked a wisdom and strength that lay within both the Lorestones and himself. He recorded the nature of his discoveries and his experiences in a great tome entitled <cite>The Book of the Magnakai</cite>. You have discovered this lost Kai treasure and have given a solemn pledge to restore the Kai to their former glory, thereby ensuring the security of your land in the years to come. However, your diligent study of this ancient book has enabled you to master only three of the ten Magnakai Disciplines. To fulfil your pledge, you must complete the quest first undertaken by Sun Eagle over one thousand years ago. By doing so successfully, you, too, will acquire the power and wisdom of the Magnakai, which is held within the Lorestones<ch.apos/> crystal forms.</p>
<p>Already your quest has taken you far from your northern homeland. Following in the footsteps of the first Kai Grand Master, you journeyed to Dessi and sought the help of the Elder Magi, the magicians that aided Sun Eagle on his quest long ago. There you learned that one of the seven Lorestones was still present in their land, hidden deep inside an island stronghold known as Kazan-Oud, or Castle Death. You survived the perils of Castle Death and emerged triumphant, having achieved what the Elder Magi had believed to be impossible. During the victory celebrations held in your honour, you learned that for centuries the Elder Magi had been expecting your coming. An ancient Dessi legend tells of the birth and rise to greatness of two <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">koura-tas-kai</foreign>, which means <quote>sons of the sun</quote>. One was named <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Ikar</foreign>, which means <quote>eagle</quote>, and the other was named <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Skarn</foreign>, which means <quote>wolf</quote>. A prophecy foretold that the <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">koura-tas-kai</foreign> would both come from the north to seek the council of the Elder Magi in order that they might fulfil a great quest. Although separated by several centuries, they would share one spirit, one purpose, and one destiny<ch.emdash/>to triumph over the champions of darkness in an age of great peril. Your victory at Kazan-Oud proved that you were <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Skarn</foreign><ch.emdash/>the wolf of Dessi legend<ch.emdash/>and in keeping with their ancient vows the Elder Magi promised to help you complete the Magnakai quest.</p>
- <p>In Elzian, the capital of Dessi, you were tutored in the histories of Magnamund and received lessons in lore that you would have learned from Kai Masters if only they, like you, had survived the murderous Darklord attack on the Kai Monastery eleven years ago. You were eager to learn all that your tutor, Lord Rimoah, could teach you in preparation for the next stage of your quest, but grim news from the Darklands cut short your tuition. In the Darklord city of Helgedad a civil war had erupted, following your defeat of Haakon, Archlord of the Black City. After five years, the battle for the throne of Helgedad had finally been won by a Darklord called Gnaag. The other Darklords, now united behind this new leader, were ordered to amass huge armies in preparation for the conquest of Magnamund. So swiftly did their Giak legions grow in numbers that the Elder Magi ceased their counselling and arranged for you to begin at once the search for the third Lorestone. Guided by Lord Paido, a warrior-magician of Dessi, you set off on a perilous journey across the Freelands of Talestria on your way to the jungle-swamps of the Danarg. There, in an ancient temple that was once the Elder Magi<ch.apos/>s most sacred place of worship, you succeeded in discovering the object of your quest. However, during your escape from the Danarg, your guide, Lord Paido, was captured by Darklord agents, and upon your return to Elzian you learned the fearful news that the Darklords were now waging open war throughout Magnamund. Several lands, after brief but futile resistance, had been overrun completely by Darklord armies; others had surrendered without fighting in the face of their determined might, and sadly there were others who chose to betray former friends and allies by joining the Darklord cause, in the misguided hope that they would share in the spoils of victory, following the triumph of Darklord Gnaag. One such land was Vassagonia, a powerful desert realm to the north of Dessi. Already her armies had invaded the neighbouring territories of Casiorn and Cloeasia, and were preparing to march through the Republic of Anari in order to join Gnaag<ch.apos/>s horde now advancing across the plain of Slovia. The thought of such an eventuality filled the Elder Magi with dread, for the Lorestone you must find next lies deep below the streets of Tahou, the capital of Anari, in an ancient city built during the dawn of Magnamund. If Tahou were to fall before your arrival the chances of you completing your quest successfully would be slim indeed, even for a warrior of your renowned skill and daring.</p>
+ <p>In Elzian, the capital of Dessi, you were tutored in the histories of Magnamund and received lessons in lore that you would have learned from Kai Masters if only they, like you, had survived the murderous Darklord attack on the Kai Monastery eleven years ago. You were eager to learn all that your tutor, Lord Rimoah, could teach you in preparation for the next stage of your quest, but grim news from the Darklands cut short your tuition. In the Darklord city of Helgedad a civil war had erupted, following your defeat of Haakon, Archlord of the Black City. After five years, the battle for the throne of Helgedad had finally been won by a Darklord called Gnaag. The other Darklords, now united behind this new leader, were ordered to amass huge armies in preparation for the conquest of Magnamund. So swiftly did their Giak legions grow in numbers that the Elder Magi ceased their counselling and arranged for you to begin at once the search for the third Lorestone. Guided by Lord Paido, a warrior-magician of Dessi, you set off on a perilous journey across the Freelands of Talestria on your way to the jungle-swamps of the Danarg. There, in an ancient temple that was once the Elder Magi<ch.apos/>s most sacred place of worship, you succeeded in discovering the object of your quest. However, during your escape from the Danarg, your guide, Lord Paido, was captured by Darklord agents, and upon your return to Elzian you learned the fearful news that the Darklords were now waging open war throughout Magnamund. Several lands, after brief but futile resistance, had been overrun completely by Darkland armies; others had surrendered without fighting in the face of their determined might, and sadly there were others who chose to betray former friends and allies by joining the Darklord cause, in the misguided hope that they would share in the spoils of victory, following the triumph of Darklord Gnaag. One such land was Vassagonia, a powerful desert realm to the north of Dessi. Already her armies had invaded the neighbouring territories of Casiorn and Cloeasia, and were preparing to march through the Republic of Anari in order to join Gnaag<ch.apos/>s horde now advancing across the plain of Slovia. The thought of such an eventuality filled the Elder Magi with dread, for the Lorestone you must find next lies deep below the streets of Tahou, the capital of Anari, in an ancient city built during the dawn of Magnamund. If Tahou were to fall before your arrival the chances of you completing your quest successfully would be slim indeed, even for a warrior of your renowned skill and daring.</p>
<p>Whilst preparations were being made for your journey you learned that the Darklords had attacked and captured Ruanon, the southernmost province of your homeland of Sommerlund. The news of this calamity shook your resolve and filled you with the desire to forego the journey to Tahou and return home without delay. The Elder Magi implored you not to abandon your quest and you faced a difficult and crucial decision. Which should you honour: your vow to complete the Magnakai quest or your oath of loyalty to your King, an oath which pledged your service in the defence of the sun-realm? Fortunately, the surprise arrival of an old friend was to decide the matter for you. Magemaster Banedon, envoy of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star<ch.emdash/>the Magicians<ch.apos/> Guild of Sommerlund<ch.emdash/>landed unexpectedly at Elzian aboard his flying ship Skyrider. He and his dwarven crew were warmly greeted, for Banedon, a frequent and favoured visitor to Dessi, was highly respected by the Elder Magi for his mastery of new magic. Six years had passed since last you met and there was much you wished to discuss and reminisce about, but there was an urgent matter of duty to perform first. Banedon had been sent by King Ulnar of Sommerlund to deliver into your hand a royal missive concerning your quest. The scroll, written and sealed by the King himself, ordered you to pursue the Magnakai quest above all other duties. It ended with the words: <quote>Sommerlund has suffered a grievous defeat at Ruanon, but the will of the people is undaunted and the strength of our army undiminished. Boldly we will resist our enemies so long as there is hope of the rebirth of the Kai.</quote></p>
<p>Banedon informed you that the King had ordered that he and his skyship be placed under your command. He also delivered the news that the King had bestowed upon you the rank of Warmarshall of the Royal Estates. Proudly you accepted from Banedon two platinum badges, each crafted in the shape of a blazing sun, and affixed them to the collar of your Kai tunic. They signified that you were now a general of the Sommlending army, the youngest general there had ever been. The honour bestowed upon you lifted your spirits, and the news that Banedon would be joining your quest helped greatly to allay your fear of the dangers that lay ahead. For two years Banedon had lived in Tahou as Journeymaster to his guild; his knowledge of the city and of the Tahou Cauldron, the entrance to the ancient metropolis, which lies buried deep beneath the city streets, would be especially useful.</p>
<p>On the eve of your journey to Tahou, the Elder Magi convened a meeting of the High Council. A golden torch was lit and placed in the centre of their great cylindrical council chamber as a symbol of their hopes and prayers for your success.</p>
<meta><title>252</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Like most southern Anarian peasants, these farm hands are simple folk. They have heard nothing of the war in the north, and know nothing about the Darklord armies that are poised to assault their capital. All they are able to tell you is that a great many wagons carrying <quote><foreign xml:lang="x-anarian">Takas</foreign></quote>, or rich city folk, have travelled the road to Navasari in the last ten days.</p>
+ <p>Like most southern Anarian peasants, these farm hands are simple folk. They have heard nothing of the war in the north, and know nothing about the Darkland armies that are poised to assault their capital. All they are able to tell you is that a great many wagons carrying <quote><foreign xml:lang="x-anarian">Takas</foreign></quote>, or rich city folk, have travelled the road to Navasari in the last ten days.</p>
<p>They would be happy to share their humble meal of corn soup with you, but the smell of their dung fire has destroyed your appetite and you refuse their offer politely. Banedon, who has been talking with the owner of the house, returns to his horse and nods at the signpost. <quote>It<ch.apos/>s pointing the wrong way. A few days ago one of the Takas<ch.apos/> wagons ran into it and nobody has bothered to fix it yet.</quote></p>
<p>With a wave, the farm hands bid you farewell as you urge your horses back onto the highway. You are now hungry and must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect318"><link-text>Turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
<p>At last the fighting around the city comes to an end, and the defenders give voice to their elation that their home has been saved from the hordes of Darklord Gnaag. Senator Zilaris proclaims you <quote>the saviour of Tahou</quote>, and the victorious cheers of the citizens echo through the burning streets and across the flats that lie strewn with enemy dead. (If any of your Weapons or weapon-like Special Items were confiscated by the South Gate Guard, they are now gratefully returned to you.) You gaze at this grim panorama and your blood runs cold. But it is not the sight of the carnage that grips you with fear, it is your growing awareness of a powerful evil that is taking shape above the West Gate. A billowing black cloud forms in the sky, and from out of this cloud there comes a harsh and terrible voice.</p>
<p><quote>I will be avenged,</quote> it booms, its resonance shaking the battlements on which you stand. You steel yourself, half expecting a bolt of lightning to leap from the cloud and hurtle towards you, but no such attack materializes. Instead, the chilling voice continues in a mocking tone. <quote>Know this: you will pay for your defiance with your life. I, Gnaag of Mozg<ch.ocirc/>ar, have the three remaining Lorestones that you seek, and I shall destroy them when I destroy you, Kai Lord.</quote></p>
<p>A gust of wind catches the cloud and it clears swiftly, but it leaves behind a numbing dread that fills your heart, for you sense that the words were no idle threat<ch.emdash/>the terrible voice of Darklord Gnaag spoke the truth.</p>
- <p>Your quest has succeeded, for the wisdom and strength of the Lorestone of Tahou is now a part of your body and spirit, and your defeat of Zakhan Kimah has turned the tide of war decisively against the Darklord armies. But the shocking news that the Darklords now possess the remaining Lorestones of Nyxator heralds the start of a new and deadly perilous episode of the Magnakai quest.</p>
+ <p>Your quest has succeeded, for the wisdom and strength of the Lorestone of Tahou is now a part of your body and spirit, and your defeat of Zakhan Kimah has turned the tide of war decisively against the Darkland armies. But the shocking news that the Darklords now possess the remaining Lorestones of Nyxator heralds the start of a new and deadly perilous episode of the Magnakai quest.</p>
<p>If you have the courage of a true Kai Master, the challenge of recovering the last Lorestones from the clutches of your mortal enemies awaits you, beginning in Book 10 of the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> series, entitled:</p>
<p><bookref series="lw" book="10tdot"><cite>The Dungeons of Torgar</cite></bookref></p>
</data>
<data>
<p>(<a idref="title">Title Page</a>) Replaced <quote><cite>THE CAULDRON OF FEAR</cite></quote> with <quote><strong><cite>The Cauldron of Fear</cite></strong></quote>. Replaced <quote>metropolis, built</quote> with <quote>metropolis built</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="tssf">The Story So Far<ch.ellips/></a>) Replaced <quote>freelands of Talestria</quote> with <quote>Freelands of Talestria</quote>. Removed the quotation marks from the words from the language of Dessi (i.e. <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">koura-tas-kai</foreign>, <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Ikar</foreign>, <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Skarn</foreign>). Replaced <quote>Kai monastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Monastery</quote>. Replaced <quote>gods</quote> with <quote>Gods</quote>. Replaced <quote>armies, others</quote> with <quote>armies; others</quote>. Replaced <quote>magician<ch.apos/>s guild</quote> with <quote>Magicians<ch.apos/> Guild</quote>. Replaced <quote>purpose and</quote> with <quote>purpose, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>would each come</quote> with <quote>would both come</quote>. Replaced <quote>chances of your completing your</quote> with <quote>chances of you completing your</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="tssf">The Story So Far<ch.ellips/></a>) Replaced <quote>freelands of Talestria</quote> with <quote>Freelands of Talestria</quote>. Removed the quotation marks from the words from the language of Dessi (i.e. <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">koura-tas-kai</foreign>, <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Ikar</foreign>, <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Skarn</foreign>). Replaced <quote>Kai monastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Monastery</quote>. Replaced <quote>gods</quote> with <quote>Gods</quote>. Replaced <quote>armies, others</quote> with <quote>armies; others</quote>. Replaced <quote>magician<ch.apos/>s guild</quote> with <quote>Magicians<ch.apos/> Guild</quote>. Replaced <quote>purpose and</quote> with <quote>purpose, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>would each come</quote> with <quote>would both come</quote>. Replaced <quote>chances of your completing your</quote> with <quote>chances of you completing your</quote>. Replaced <quote>Darklord armies</quote> with <quote>Darkland armies</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>you you</quote> with <quote>you</quote>. Replaced all occurrences of <quote>ie,</quote> with <quote>i.e.</quote>. Removed <quote>that you will find in the front of this book. For further adventuring you can copy out the chart yourself or get it photocopied</quote>. Deleted <quote>on the last page of this book</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series. Placed <quote>or below</quote> after <quote>fall to zero</quote>. Replaced <quote>Chart (you</quote> with <quote>Chart. (You</quote>. Replaced <quote>Items).</quote> with <quote>Items.)</quote>. Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>. Replaced <quote>Lone Wolf Magnakai</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf Magnakai</cite></quote>. Replaced <quote><a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. (ie, if</quote> with <quote><a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (i.e. if</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect244">244</a>) Replaced <quote>scalp but</quote> with <quote>scalp, but</quote>. Replaced <quote>doomwolves</quote> with <quote>Doomwolves</quote>. Replaced both occurrences of <quote>doomwolf</quote> with <quote>Doomwolf</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect245">245</a>) Replaced <quote>camp fires</quote> with <quote>campfires</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect251">251</a>) Replaced <quote>sight, as</quote> with <quote>sight as</quote>. Replaced <quote>stygian</quote> with <quote>Stygian</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect252">252</a>) Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>. Replaced <quote>Takas</quote> with <quote><foreign xml:lang="x-anarian">Takas</foreign></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect252">252</a>) Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>. Replaced <quote>Takas</quote> with <quote><foreign xml:lang="x-anarian">Takas</foreign></quote>. Replaced <quote>Darklord armies</quote> with <quote>Darkland armies</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect253">253</a>) Added <quote>(Gold Crowns may not be used in lieu of Lune in this instance.)</quote> in harmony with the recent Mongoose Publishing edition. Replaced <quote>Lune, or</quote> with <quote>Lune or</quote>. Replaced <quote>sum, and</quote> with <quote>sum and</quote>. Replaced <quote>Or, leave</quote> with <quote>Or leave</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect254">254</a>) Added <quote>If you wield the Sommerswerd in this combat, you may double these undead creatures<ch.apos/> <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point loss.</quote> in harmony with the recent Mongoose Publishing edition.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect256">256</a>) Replaced <quote>softens, as</quote> with <quote>softens as</quote>. Removed the quotation marks from the telepathic speech. Replaced <quote>He who</quote> with <quote>Him who</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect341">341</a>) Replaced <quote>air and gives</quote> with <quote>air, and gives</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect342">342</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai training</quote> with <quote>Magnakai training</quote>. Replaced <quote>or have</quote> with <quote>or if you have</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect345">345</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect350">350</a>) Replaced <quote>counter-attack</quote> with <quote>counterattack</quote>. Replaced <quote>end and</quote> with <quote>end, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>stewn</quote> with <quote>strewn</quote>. Replaced <quote>this;</quote> with <quote>this:</quote>. Replaced <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series. Replaced <quote>white and</quote> with <quote>white, and</quote>. Added <quote>(If any of your Weapons or weapon-like Special Items were confiscated by the South Gate Guard, they are now gratefully returned to you.)</quote> as clarified in the <cite>Lone Wolf Club Newsletter Summer Special 1987</cite> and in harmony with the recent Mongoose Publishing edition.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect350">350</a>) Replaced <quote>counter-attack</quote> with <quote>counterattack</quote>. Replaced <quote>end and</quote> with <quote>end, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>stewn</quote> with <quote>strewn</quote>. Replaced <quote>this;</quote> with <quote>this:</quote>. Replaced <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series. Replaced <quote>white and</quote> with <quote>white, and</quote>. Added <quote>(If any of your Weapons or weapon-like Special Items were confiscated by the South Gate Guard, they are now gratefully returned to you.)</quote> as clarified in the <cite>Lone Wolf Club Newsletter Summer Special 1987</cite> and in harmony with the recent Mongoose Publishing edition. Replaced <quote>Darklord armies</quote> with <quote>Darkland armies</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="crsumary">Combat Rules Summary</a>) Replaced <quote>cross reference</quote> with <quote>cross-reference</quote>. Replaced <quote>top of chart</quote> with <quote>top of the chart</quote>. Replaced <quote>fall to 0</quote> with <quote>falls to 0 or below</quote>. Replaced <quote>Kai Disciplines</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Disciplines</quote>. Replaced <quote>Pick number from</quote> with <quote>Pick a number from the</quote>. Replaced <quote>Turn to Combat</quote> with <quote>Turn to the Combat</quote>. Replaced <quote>to random number</quote> with <quote>to the random number</quote>. Replaced <quote>when ENDURANCE</quote> with <quote>when the ENDURANCE</quote>. Replaced <quote>ignored, only</quote> with <quote>ignored; only</quote>.</p>
</data>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / blobdiff