</meta>
<data>
- <!--TODO-->
+ <dl>
+ <dt>MS 5085 Bhanar and Chai</dt>
+ <dd>The vampiric Autarch Sejanoz of Bhanar was destroyed. Khea-khan Xo-lin of Chai rallied the New Kingdom armies, defeated the invading Bhanarian army and pursued it deep into the Bhanarian homeland. Xo-lin<ch.apos/>s son, General Zha-zhing, looted the city of Yua Tzhan and razed it to the ground. Very few of its citizens escaped alive. This has since become remembered as the Massacre of Yua Tzhan. Young Prince Kamada, Xo-Lin<ch.apos/>s great-great-grandson, died during the winter. He was next in line for the throne of Chai because General Zha-zhing was the illegitimate son of Xo-lin.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5086 Bhanar and Chai</dt>
+ <dd>The Chai army occupied eastern Bhanar, and all of its steam-powered engines and weapons of war were systematically destroyed. The aged Khea-khan Xo-lin of Chai died, and his only remaining son, Zha-zhing, acceded to the throne. Zha-zhing<ch.apos/>s political rivals accused him of plotting and orchestrating the young prince Kadama<ch.apos/>s death in the preceding year for his personal gain. These accusations were never proven. Upon his inauguration he married Princess Myelsha of Mhytan. Chai forts along the border with Bhanar were attacked by Bhanarian irregulars in reprisal for the Massacre of Yua Tzhan. A treaty was signed between Chai and Mhytan (the Chai Sea Treaty). All Bhanarian shipping was denied access to the Chai Sea by Mhytanian and Chai men of war. The blockade soon suffocated Bhanarian resistance.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5086 Shadaki and Free Alliance of Southern Magnamund</dt>
+ <dd>Zultan Zedoli seized the throne of Shadaki in a bloody uprising, and the state of Shadaki seceded from the Free Alliance of Southern Magnamund<ch.emdash/>the confederation of states which had emerged from the collapse of the Shadakine Empire of Shasarak the Wytch-king in MS 5057. Grey Star, the previous ruler of Shadaki, fled but he remained the Wizard Regent of the Free Alliance and set up his new capital in Port of Suhn.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5087 Bhanar and Chai</dt>
+ <dd>Bhanarian resistance collapsed. Khea-khan Zha-zhing installed Overseer Klutan upon the throne of Bhanar. Klutan was a political puppet of Chai. The Chai army withdrew from eastern Bhanar. Khea-khan Zha-zhing had a son, Lao Tin.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5088 Vaduzhan, Bhanar and Chai</dt>
+ <dd>Vaduzhan invaded south-western Bhanar. The capital city of Otavai fell to Vaduzian forces with little resistance. King Kardisa of Vaduzhan claimed the territories of former south-western Bhanar for his imperial throne. Chai chose not to oppose his claims. Overseer Klutan transferred his seat of power to the coastal city of Yua Klio near to the Chai border. Gradually he lost control over most of Bhanar.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5088 The Isle of Lorn</dt>
+ <dd>The Shianti left the Isle of Lorn to reside with Goddess Ishir on the Plane of Light. Their final act upon Magnamund was to bequeath their island to the Order of the Kai. The handover was facilitated by their emissary, Grey Star.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5089 The Isle of Lorn, Shadaki, and the Free Alliance</dt>
+ <dd>Lone Wolf travelled to the Isle of Lorn. Assisted by Grey Star and Guildmaster Banedon, he made plans for the construction of a second Kai Monastery. Zultan Zedoli of Shadaki declared their presence upon the Isle of Lorn <quote>an act of war</quote>. Shadaki mustered its army and attacked its southern neighbours: Korli and Forlu, members of the Free Alliance of Southern Magnamund. The Freelands sent troops to support the Free Alliance led by Grey Star, as did Lone Wolf. A cassel of Kai and three cassels of Sommlending marines fought in the War of the Sea of Winds. Shadaki was soundly defeated and forced to relinquish all of its territorial gains. Zultan Zedoli was assassinated before the year was out. Ulonga the Shaman, the evil necromancer who pulled the strings in Zedoli<ch.apos/>s shadow, now overtly seized control of Shadaki with assistance from Sesketera, the notoriously cruel ruler of the city-state of Ghol-Tabras.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5090 Lencia and Nyras</dt>
+ <dd>The Lencians were forced out of Nyras by Warmarshal Ranghor. King Sarnac III was killed. A civil war erupted in the Drakkarim nations as Ranghor and his former lieutenant, Ghangrim, wrestled for control.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5090 The Isle of Lorn</dt>
+ <dd>Construction began on the new Kai Monastery on the Isle of Lorn. It would take ten years to complete. Most of the Grand Masters of the New Order helped in the building of this magnificent fortress.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5090 Shadaki</dt>
+ <dd>Occasional border skirmishes between Shadaki and Korli persisted.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5091 Siyen</dt>
+ <dd>A large number of Agarashi creatures (estimated at between 8,000-12,000) emerged from the Darkwall Mountains and invaded the Lucien Plain of Siyen. The city of Varedo was overrun and destroyed. The Siyenese army swiftly counter-attacked and forced the ravening horde back into its hidden mountain lairs.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5091 The Isle of Lorn</dt>
+ <dd>The Freelands Alliance provided 1,000 workers to help with the construction of the Kai Monastery of Lorn. </dd>
+ <dt>MS 5091 Shadaki</dt>
+ <dd>All incursions by Shadaki into Korli ceased.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5091 Sommerlund</dt>
+ <dd>King Ulnar V of Sommerlund and his two daughters, Crown Princess Imelda and Princess Madelon, died in unexplained circumstances in the King<ch.apos/>s Keep of Holmgard. Kai Grand Master Firestone was killed attempting to protect them. The party responsible for these tragic murders was never found but the fact someone could strike in the heart of Sommerlund greatly worried Supreme Master Lone Wolf. King Tor IV, son of Crown Princess Imelda, acceded to the throne of Sommerlund.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5092 Lunarlia</dt>
+ <dd>The town of Jaroc, in southern Lunarlia, was attacked and destroyed by a large force (estimated at between 7,000-10,000) of Agarashi from the Doomlands of Naaros.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5092 Stornlands</dt>
+ <dd>The War of the Warrens erupted between Eldenora and Delden following the assassination of Lord Vandyan of Eldenora.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5093 Starn</dt>
+ <dd>Mt. Vost was besieged by a large horde of unnamed creatures (estimated at between 12,000-15,000) from out of the Kraknalorg Chasm. The Giants of Starn received military aid from Boden which broke the siege and sent the horde fleeing back into the chasm. The southern borderlands of Starn (namely the Shadow Grails and the Tsuzeloi Hills) have since been heavily patrolled by the rangers of Boden and Starn.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5093 Stornlands</dt>
+ <dd>End of the War of the Warrens between Eldenora and Delden. Eldenora won the war, gaining territory and tribute from defeated King Loarn of Delden.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5094 Kasland and Cincoria</dt>
+ <dd>Several skirmishes occurred between Kasland border patrols and creatures encroaching upon Kasland territory from out of the Kraknalorg Chasm. In northern Cincoria, several of its timberland settlements were destroyed by similar creatures from the chasm.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5095 Vassagonia</dt>
+ <dd>Zakhan Jaraza acceded to the throne of Vassagonia. Peace treaties were signed between Vassagonia and the Lastlands. The new Zakhan formerly renounced all Vassagonian territorial claims to Cloeasia in perpetuity.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5095 Magador</dt>
+ <dd>President Kadharian was assassinated and control of Magador was seized by Marshall Luthos Vorgada, a senior Magadorian army officer.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5095 Sommerlund</dt>
+ <dd>A record harvest was reported.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5096 Magador and Ogia</dt>
+ <dd>Magador allied to Ogia and their joint armies attacked Talestria. Palmyrion supported Talestria with military assistance and they won a decisive joint victory over Magador and Ogia at the Second Battle of Luukos.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5097 The Danarg and Talestria</dt>
+ <dd>The Talestrian border with the Danarg Swamp was violated. Dozens of incursions were reported of swamp creatures hunting well beyond their usual confines of the Danarg. The Talestrian Army was deployed to contain the encroachments.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5098 Lencia, Nyras and Nyvoz</dt>
+ <dd>In the Drakkarim Homelands, Warlord Ghangrim and his Nadziranim allies were pushed back into Nyvoz. Drakkar Warmarshal Ranghor oversaw the construction of ironclad warships at Zeegazad. King Telnac of Lencia ordered the construction of a shipyard at Newton on the River Doun. </dd>
+ <dt>MS 5098 Kasland</dt>
+ <dd>Archduke Chalamis of Kasland died in mysterious circumstances. He was succeeded by Archduchess Larena.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5098 Sommerlund</dt>
+ <dd>Rich new gold seams were discovered in the south-eastern reaches of the Maaken Mines. The Sommlending Crown reaped huge rewards from this new-found gold. King Tor IV doubled the size of the regular Sommlending Army of the South, and increased the size of all the Sommlending fleets.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5099 The Isle of Lorn</dt>
+ <dd>A Shadakine plot to destroy the Kai Monastery of Lorn was foiled by Lone Wolf and the New Order Kai. Kai Grand Master Bright Star sacrificed himself to save the new Monastery. </dd>
+ <dt>MS 5099 Stornlands</dt>
+ <dd>Acolytes of Vashna were sighted numerous times throughout the year, mostly in Delden, Eldenora, and Salony. </dd>
+ <dt>MS 5100 The Isle of Lorn</dt>
+ <dd>The Kai Monastery of Lorn was completed on the fifth day of the New Year. At the inaugural ceremony, the God Kai appeared to Supreme Master Lone Wolf. He gave his praises, his blessings, and a sombre warning that Magnamund would soon suffer assault by the forces of Naar.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5100 Sommerlund</dt>
+ <dd>Lone Wolf returned to Sommerlund to prepare the Kai Order for a new dawn of darkness. He also sent Kai Master Red Bear and three Kai Aspirants to Talestria.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5100 Kalte</dt>
+ <dd>All Sommlending and Durenese trading links with Ljuk were severed without warning by the Ice Barbarians. Sommlending traders had their cargoes seized before they were run out of the Kalte trading post. Two Northlands Trading Company ships were commandeered at anchor off the Ljuk Ice Shelf by Ice Barbarian war parties. Their cargoes were seized and the crews were brutally murdered. The Kalte barbarian warlord, Tvor<ch.apos/>tana, united all of the disparate tribes of the northern wastes for the first time. With their unanimous consent, he claimed for himself the title <quote>Grand Brumalmarc of the Icelands</quote>.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5100 Salony</dt>
+ <dd>The seceding town of Amory was besieged and captured by an army of mercenary companies led by Prince Darthon of Rhem. Duke Lortha, the evil Highborn of Amory, was brutally slain.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5100 Lencia</dt>
+ <dd>King Telnac was warned by the Telchoi of an impending Agarashi uprising and he called off his crusade against the Drakkarim. The Drakkarim perceived this as a sign of weakness and launched a swift invasion of Lencia. After Vadera and Westhaven were razed to the ground and King Telnac was killed on the battlefield, Warmarshal Ranghor claimed the throne of Lencia. Prince Sarnac, heir to crown of Lencia, was able to flee from Helmstorm and went into exile. </dd>
+ <dt>MS 5100 The Darklands</dt>
+ <dd>The Lake of Blood surrounding the ruins of Helgedad self-extinguished.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5101 Dessi</dt>
+ <dd>Shortly after the Feast of Fehmarn, the Chasm of Gorgoron was rocked by violent earthquakes. When finally the quakes subsided, swarms of Agarashi arose from the chasm and infiltrated the jungle realm of Dessi.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5101 Kalte, Sommerlund, and Durenor</dt>
+ <dd>The newly declared <quote>Grand Brumalmarc of the Icelands</quote>, Tvor<ch.apos/>tana, with Nadziranim aid, unlocked the Vagadyn Gate, a Shadow Gate located beneath the Ice Fortress of Ikaya and released the Ice Demons that had not managed to pass through this ethereal corridor before it was sealed millennia ago. These powerful creatures of evil brought an early and unnatural winter to Sommerlund and Durenor. The Kaltersee froze over and the Ice Barbarians swept down and invaded northern Sommerlund and northern Durenor. Supreme Master Lone Wolf, King Tor IV of Sommerlund, and King Danan I of Durenor lead the armies that destroyed most of the Ice Demons, and then defeated the Ice Barbarians, sending them fleeing back to their frigid wilderness. The victory was won at the cost of the heroic self-sacrifice of King Tor IV. The unnatural winter ended as swiftly as it had begun. Sommerlund endured three months of flooding before all of the melt waters declined and the natural cycle of the seasons resumed once more. King Haigh V acceded to the throne of Sommerlund and married Princess Emyla of Talestria.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5101 Lencia</dt>
+ <dd>Prince Sarnac, at the head of a united Freelands force, attacked Helmstorm and liberated it from the Drakkarim. Sarnac was crowned King Sarnac IV of Lencia before he led his forces from Helmstorm to face the Drakkarim who had rallied to the north of the capital. Lencian and Drakkarim armies fought at the Battle of Grimstone Valley. Ranghor was vanquished when troops from Kasland arrived to reinforce the Lencians late on the second day of the battle.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5101 Eru</dt>
+ <dd>An Eruan Pathfinder reported that Ghangrim<ch.apos/>s Nadziranim had constructed a machine that would <quote>devastate the Freelands</quote>.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5101 Western Tentarias</dt>
+ <dd>The Invasion of Darke began. The city fell to the united forces of Eru, Lencia, Kasland, Boden and Bor. King Sarnac IV renamed the city <quote>Gamir</quote>, its ancient Lencian title. Sarnac pressed on through Nyras and Nyvoz, intent on taking Kagorst and wiping out the remaining Drakkarim threat. Sarnac rode to victory and razed Kagorst.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5101 Skaror</dt>
+ <dd>Frequent and violet earthquakes tore open the borderland between the Darklands and Skaror in the southern foothills of the Ogshezar Mountains. A deep chasm, two hundred miles long and of unknown depth, appeared and destroyed the ancient Darklord city of Cragmantle. It stretched from the ruins of Cragmantle on the Skaror border, all the way to the abandoned Darklands city of Nadgazad.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5101 Bhanar</dt>
+ <dd>The remote Bhanarian city of Bakhasa was seized by a Nadziranim sorcerer named Zashnor.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5101 Maakengorge</dt>
+ <dd>The Maakengorge opened further, extending the vast chasm by twenty five miles to the east. The ruins of Maaken were completely leveled by the violent aftershocks, and very few buildings in the Free State of Casiorn were left standing.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5101 Stornlands</dt>
+ <dd>Thousands of Acolytes of Vashna began to make pilgrimage to the Maakengorge.</dd>
+ <dt>MS 5102 Chai</dt>
+ <dd>Khea-khan Zha-zhing died (aged 58) on the Feast of Fehmarn. His son, Lao Tin (aged 16), became the new Khea-khan of Chai.</dd>
+ </dl>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>1</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You rise an hour before dawn. You have chosen to wear the simple clothing of a Chai countryman – a padded jacket of cinnamon-coloured cotton, apple green breeches, tan leather boots and a hooded grey woolen cloak. You don your equipment and make a final check before you leave your chambers and hurry to the parade ground.</p>
- <p>In the early pre-dawn light, the area is alive with activity. The hum of the skyship engines makes the gravel surface of the parade ground vibrate beneath your feet as you approach the magnificent vessels. Lord Rimoah beckons you over to the boarding stairs of the Comet. He and Grand Master Blazer are awaiting you on main deck, and they both salute when you step aboard. They invite you to join them at the rail and watch the preparations that are underway on the deck of Skyfort, moored alongside. You watch Lone Wolf leading Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand and Swift Sword in single file up the boarding steps. When they are all on deck, they turn to wave you farewell. You and Blazer return their waves and bid them good luck and good hunting.</p>
+ <p>You rise an hour before dawn. You have chosen to wear the simple clothing of a Chai countryman<ch.emdash/>a padded jacket of cinnamon-coloured cotton, apple green breeches, tan leather boots and a hooded grey woollen cloak. You don your equipment and make a final check before you leave your chambers and hurry to the parade ground.</p>
+ <p>In the early predawn light, the area is alive with activity. The hum of the skyship engines makes the gravel surface of the parade ground vibrate beneath your feet as you approach the magnificent vessels. Lord Rimoah beckons you over to the boarding stairs of the <cite>Comet</cite>. He and Grand Master Blazer are awaiting you on main deck, and they both salute when you step aboard. They invite you to join them at the rail and watch the preparations that are underway on the deck of Skyfort, moored alongside. You watch Lone Wolf leading Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand and Swift Sword in single file up the boarding steps. When they are all on deck, they turn to wave you farewell. You and Blazer return their waves and bid them good luck and good hunting.</p>
<p>Comet is the first to leave the parade ground. The powerful hum of its engine rises steadily in pitch as the skycraft makes its ascent. As it gains altitude, so you are afforded a spectacular view of the morning sunrise. It bathes the Kai Monastery with a vividly golden light. Once the skyship is safely clear of the monastery<ch.apos/>s towers, Lord Rimoah sets a northwesterly course before handing over the helm to Bo<ch.apos/>sun Durin. With a smile, Lord Rimoah invites you and Blazer to join him in the skycraft<ch.apos/>s comfortable cabin where breakfast awaits.</p>
<p>You enjoy a hearty meal together and discuss the details of your missions. The first part of your aerial voyage will take you to the small Chai coastal town of H<ch.apos/>lau. This is where you will disembark and begin your overland journey incognito to the Chai capital, Pensei.</p>
<p>Enemy agents are known to be operating in Pensei and so it has been decided not to land you at the capital directly, for to do so would alert Zashnor to your presence and reveal your intentions. After dropping you off in H<ch.apos/>lau, located on the Chai Sea, Lord Rimoah and Blazer will proceed to the Kraknalorg chasm where his mission awaits. You will each be picked up by Comet after you have completed your quests. Lord Rimoah gives each of you a large amber gem, the size of an orange. These are tracker-gems, kindly provided by Sage Chastan. He also gives you each a small leather satchel in which to keep it. (Record this Tracker-Gem as a Special Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You keep it in its leather satchel which you wear slung over your right shoulder and around your body, so that the satchel rests on your left hip.) Rimoah tells you that the stones are beacons. They emit a power that he can detect at a great distance. By way of these beacons, he will be able to steer the Comet to your precise locations and retrieve you. Then he adds a few cautionary words:</p>
<p><quote>Be sure you do not part company with your tracker-gem. Look after it and it will look after you.</quote></p>
<p>Rimoah tells you that the first part of the voyage, to your drop-off point at H<ch.apos/>lau, will take six hours. You are expecting to arrive there at noon. A guide will be waiting for you at a clearing located a mile to the east of the coastal town. His name is Anseng. Lord Rimoah says that you could not wish for a better guide.</p>
- <p><quote>He was once an Imperial Chai Guard Captain, and now, in early retirement, he is one of a network of brave agents who provide us with reliable information about our enemies, most especially their troop strengths and dispositions. He will take you directly to Pensei for an audience with Khea-khan Lao Tin. You are to collect the Eye of Agarash and leave the city. Head south towards the coastal city of Dwala. I will return to Chai at dusk of the 6th day hence. So long as you still possess your tracker-gem, I will find you and bring you back to the monastery, safe and sure.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>He was once an Imperial Chai Guard Captain, and now, in early retirement, he is one of a network of brave agents who provide us with reliable information about our enemies, most especially their troop strengths and dispositions. He will take you directly to Pensei for an audience with Khea-khan Lao Tin. You are to collect the Eye of Agarash and leave the city. Head south towards the coastal city of Dwala. I will return to Chai at dusk of the sixth day hence. So long as you still possess your tracker-gem, I will find you and bring you back to the monastery, safe and sure.</quote></p>
<p>You are reassured by Rimoah<ch.apos/>s plan. Yet you know that so much depends upon you retrieving the Eye of Agarash before Zashnor and his ravenous army reaches Pensei.</p>
<p>Three hours after leaving the Isle of Lorn, the Comet runs into heavy weather over the Mythenian Sea. Bo<ch.apos/>sun Durin commands the crew to secure the decks for a rough passage. Once their duties are completed, they hurry below deck to the safety of their quarters. The bo<ch.apos/>sun is expecting to be clear of the storm and back on course within the hour. Yet the weather does not improve; it steadily worsens. The Comet is swallowed up in a seemingly endless expanse of roiling black thunder clouds. Tremendous winds buffet the hull and the skyship is shaken vigorously from bow to stern. Lord Rimoah draws upon his great powers to create a magical sphere of calmness that encapsulates the Comet. It keeps you safe from the lightning and the tremendous winds, but it cannot increase the speed of your passage and you are blown wildly off course.</p>
<p>It is close to midnight, twelve hours past your expected time of arrival, when finally the tiny lights of the coastal town of H<ch.apos/>lau are first sighted in the sheeting rain. As Comet passes over the town, you see that it has been badly damaged by the storm. Many of the dwellings have lost their roofs and its colourful fleet of fishing boats lies smashed and scattered along the shoreline. On the outskirts of the battered town, Lord Rimoah orders Bo<ch.apos/>sun Durin to slow the skyship to a halt. Below its keel, you look down upon a clearing in the toa and Chai pine trees which is bisected by a muddy road. This area is illuminated sporadically by flashes of lightning. A solitary male figure stands in the middle of this grassy, storm-swept clearing. He is clad in a wide-brimmed peasant<ch.apos/>s hat, a hooded rain cape, and he is holding aloft a Chai lantern which gives off a pale yellowy light.</p>
<data>
<p>Suddenly you realise that you are not being subjected to an audio attack. The noise that fills your head is the effect of a powerful psychic assault on your senses. You call upon your Grand Master discipline to suppress the unbearable noise and your swift response saves you from sustaining any permanent injury to your mind: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
<p>Howling with frustration, the ghoulish figure leaps towards you brandishing his black staff and, in the blink of an eye, the staff transforms into a hissing serpent. It is disturbingly similar to the snake that emerged from the mouth of undead Anseng. You reach to your weapon and pull back as the serpent<ch.apos/>s venomous fangs strike out for your throat.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer (reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod) </enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer <em>(reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</em> </enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Xaol is a powerful undead adversary. If your chosen weapon provides you with a bonus when used in a fight against an undead foe, be sure to calculate and add the bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> before this battle begins. If you possess the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Valiance</quote> you may add the bonus that you gain from its unique properties during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect160">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>3</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You turn your mount about and shout to your companions to follow as your spur your horse to the gallop. Your mind is reeling as you race back along the puddled and potholed highway with Quang and the Watchers close behind. What are Doomwolves doing here in Chai? These loathsome creatures rarely venture far from the Darklands of Northern Magnamund, the Nadulritzaga Mountains of Ghatan, and the Ogshezar Mountains of Northern Skaror. It is unheard of them ever being seen in Southern Magnamund. You come to the rapid and chilling conclusion that Zashnor must be responsible. Only the sorcery of the evil Nadziran could spawn these creatures so far from their native lands.</p>
+ <p>You turn your mount about and shout to your companions to follow as your spur your horse to the gallop. Your mind is reeling as you race back along the puddled and pot-holed highway with Quang and the Watchers close behind. What are Doomwolves doing here in Chai? These loathsome creatures rarely venture far from the Darklands of Northern Magnamund, the Nadulritzaga Mountains of Ghatan, and the Ogshezar Mountains of Northern Skaror. It is unheard of them ever being seen in Southern Magnamund. You come to the rapid and chilling conclusion that Zashnor must be responsible. Only the sorcery of the evil Nadziran could spawn these creatures so far from their native lands.</p>
<p>Your horse stumbles over a pothole and loses speed. Your companions flash past on both sides, leaving you trailing in the rear. Anxiously, you glance over your shoulder and are shocked to see how rapidly the Doomwolves are gaining ground. The leading Doomwolf draws alongside the left flank of your horse with its fearsome jaws agape. Your frightened mount veers to the right of the road and you struggle to keep him galloping in a straight line. Then two more of the loathsome Doomwolves come racing up behind you on your right flank, growling and howling with murderous intent.</p>
<choice idref="sect252">If you possess the Grand Master discipline of Magi-magic, and have reached the rank of Grand Thane, <link-text>turn to 252</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect48">If you do not possess this discipline, or have yet to attain this rank, <link-text>turn to 48</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>9</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>With trepidation, you climb the wooden steps that ascend to the wheelhouse. Through the rear window you see a huge winged creature perched on the end of the stone pier. It is an Imperial Zlanbeast. Astride a grand saddle embellished with Darklord icons, you see a slender man-like figure swathed in a hooded grey robe. The raised hood of the robe hides the figure<ch.apos/>s face but at once you know who this is; Nadziran Zashor! Klüz and Xaol have both been slain by your hand, and so Zashnor has now been forced to show itself and finish the task they failed to accomplish on its behalf.</p>
+ <p>With trepidation, you climb the wooden steps that ascend to the wheelhouse. Through the rear window you see a huge winged creature perched on the end of the stone pier. It is an Imperial Zlanbeast. Astride a grand saddle embellished with Darklord icons, you see a slender man-like figure swathed in a hooded grey robe. The raised hood of the robe hides the figure<ch.apos/>s face but at once you know who this is; Nadziran Zashor! Kl<ch.uuml/>z and Xaol have both been slain by your hand, and so Zashnor has now been forced to show itself and finish the task they failed to accomplish on its behalf.</p>
<p>In the Nadziran<ch.apos/>s right hand is a short staff that bears an uncanny resemblance to the Claw of Naar. The head of the staff looks like a petrified vulture<ch.apos/>s foot. It is cast in pure Kagonite embedded with specks of a shimmering scarlet mineral. Its shaft is twisted like a length of gnarled tree root and perforated with myriad pea-sized hollows. In a moment of sudden and terrible realisation, you know that this staff is not a replica of the Claw; it is the Claw!</p>
<p>Zashnor detects your presence in the wheelhouse and swiftly it points the Claw of Naar at the window. The Eye starts to vibrate and move in its satchel. It becomes rapidly colder and frost forms on the satchel<ch.apos/>s leather surface. The movements become stronger and now you are being tugged steadily closer to the window. Zashnor has unleashed a spell that is drawing the Eye inexorably towards the Claw. If you allow the two evil artefacts to be reunited, the consequences will be disastrous. The only way you can prevent this calamity is to slay the vile Nadziran.</p>
<choice idref="sect138">If you decide to confront Zashnor in open combat, <link-text>turn to 138</link-text></choice>
<li>Lantern: 20 Ren (2 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Manacles (with two keys): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Whetstone: 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
- <li>Rope (50ft length): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
+ <li>Rope (50 ft. length): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Potion of Laumspur: 40 Ren (4 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Compass: 50 Ren (5 Gold Crowns)</li>
</ul>
<p>You may buy any of the items listed above for the price indicated. They are all backpack items that will take up one space in your backpack. You are under no obligation to make a purchase.</p>
- <p>Shau Zau will buy any items you have noted on your Backpack List (with the exception of Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami). He will pay 10 Ren for each item, regardless of how much it originally cost. If you wish to sell any of your items, erase them from your list and add 1 Gold Crown (10 Ren) per item to your Belt Pouch.</p>
+ <p>Shau Zau will buy any items you have noted on your Backpack List (with the exception of Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign>). He will pay 10 Ren for each item, regardless of how much it originally cost. If you wish to sell any of your items, erase them from your list and add 1 Gold Crown (10 Ren) per item to your Belt Pouch.</p>
<p>Shau Zau and his helpers bid you a pleasant good night when you leave the shop.</p>
- <choice idref="sect325">If you choose to visit or revisit Zian-zu<ch.apos/>s Weaponshop on the opposite side of the street, <link-text>turn to 325</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect325">If you choose to visit or revisit Zian-zu<ch.apos/>s Weapon Shop on the opposite side of the street, <link-text>turn to 325</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect266">If you decide to continue along Daruzhi Street, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>15</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Congratulations, your answer is correct! The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by 5/6ths vinegar and 1/6th oil. This would leave 5/6ths of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other 5/6ths of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with 5/6ths of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.</p>
+ <p>Congratulations, your answer is correct! The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by <ch.frac56/> vinegar and <ch.frac16/> oil. This would leave <ch.frac56/> of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other <ch.frac56/> of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with <ch.frac56/> of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.</p>
<p>The patrons cheer when Shou Lin confirms that you have given him the correct answer. With good grace, he hands you the Samor Queen and you place it inside the pocket of your jacket. (The Samor Queen is a Special Item. You should add this to your Special Items list on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
<p><quote>Well done, my Lord,</quote> says Anseng, cheerfully. <quote>I wish I had your gift for deduction.</quote></p>
<p>You are now feeling very tired and are finding it a little difficult to keep your eyes open. Rather than stay for Shou Lin<ch.apos/>s next riddle, you bid Anseng good night and retire to your room.</p>
<meta><title>17</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Lieutenant Quang and the Watchers arrive on horseback soon after you slay the vicious Skarad leader. They complement you on your fighting prowess, but your Sixth Sense is now alerting you to a new danger. It warns you that the Skarada are not the only ones of their kind occupying the treeline. Another two groups are now rushing towards this area, from the east and the south. Fearing that you could be surrounded by them when they converge, you inform the lieutenant of what you have detected.</p>
+ <p>Lieutenant Quang and the Watchers arrive on horseback soon after you slay the vicious Skarad leader. They complement you on your fighting prowess, but your Sixth Sense is now alerting you to a new danger. It warns you that the Skarada are not the only ones of their kind occupying the tree-line. Another two groups are now rushing towards this area, from the east and the south. Fearing that you could be surrounded by them when they converge, you inform the lieutenant of what you have detected.</p>
<p><quote>We can<ch.apos/>t go forward and we daren<ch.apos/>t go any deeper into the forest,</quote> he says, thoughtfully. <quote>We<ch.apos/>d best take our chances out on the plain. We<ch.apos/>re behind the Chagarashi roadblock now. If the highway is clear between the roadblock and Vabou, we<ch.apos/>ll ride there directly.</quote></p>
- <p>You agree with Quang<ch.apos/>s plan and the Watchers agree that is the best course of action. Together, you turn your horses to the west and ride out from the treeline, heading for the highway two miles beyond the open grassland.</p>
+ <p>You agree with Quang<ch.apos/>s plan and the Watchers agree that is the best course of action. Together, you turn your horses to the west and ride out from the tree-line, heading for the highway two miles beyond the open grassland.</p>
<choice idref="sect108"><link-text>Turn to 108</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You place one hand around the blacksmith<ch.apos/>s ruined throat and the other on his chest. You draw upon your powers and transfer the healing warmth of your Kai discipline into the dying man. His eyes flicker open and he mouths a warning with blood-flecked lips: <quote>Beware the ghouls!</quote> His eyes glaze over and his agony comes to an abrupt end. He is dead.</p>
<p>You lay his head upon the blood drenched floor and lower his eyelids. Now your mind is flooded with unanswered questions. Why was he savagely murdered? What kind of beast is capable of such cold-bloodied slaughter? Where is Anseng? Is he still alive or has he, too, met a grisly end?</p>
- <p>Galvanised into action by what has happened here, you race down the stairs and mount your horse. Quickly you bring her around to face the open doors and ride out into the pouring rain. The fresh tracks from the Blacksmithy lead you along the paved road until you reach the northern perimeter of the village. Here they leave the highway and veer due east towards the Nagah Forest. A narrow woodman<ch.apos/>s trail snakes its way through the Chai pines and the tracks can clearly be seen in its muddy surface. Your Sixth Sense screams a warning that this dense forest harbours an evil presence. You rein in your horse and scan the surrounding trees. At once you detect an ambush has been prepared and several evil creatures are lying in wait for you on the trail ahead.</p>
+ <p>Galvanised into action by what has happened here, you race down the stairs and mount your horse. Quickly you bring her around to face the open doors and ride out into the pouring rain. The fresh tracks from the Blacksmithy lead you along the paved road until you reach the northern perimeter of the village. Here they leave the highway and veer due east towards the Nagah Forest. A narrow woodsman<ch.apos/>s trail snakes its way through the Chai pines and the tracks can clearly be seen in its muddy surface. Your Sixth Sense screams a warning that this dense forest harbours an evil presence. You rein in your horse and scan the surrounding trees. At once you detect an ambush has been prepared and several evil creatures are lying in wait for you on the trail ahead.</p>
<choice idref="sect218">If you wish to turn around and leave the forest, <link-text>go to 218</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect262">If you decide to continue along the trail, knowing that to do so will trigger the ambush, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>24</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shape your mouth and utter the Old Kingdom power-word: Gloar! The concussive force of the word hits Anseng squarely in the centre of his emaciated chest and knocks him down. Unfortunately, it also causes his kirusami to flare brightly. It is as if you have just thrown water onto a flaming blue fire! Unless you possess the discipline of Grand Nexus, you lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the surge of power released by the impact of your spell upon this sorcerous weapon.</p>
+ <p>You shape your mouth and utter the Old Kingdom power-word: <spell>Gloar!</spell> The concussive force of the word hits Anseng squarely in the centre of his emaciated chest and knocks him down. Unfortunately, it also causes his <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> to flare brightly. It is as if you have just thrown water onto a flaming blue fire! Unless you possess the discipline of Grand Nexus, you lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the surge of power released by the impact of your spell upon this sorcerous weapon.</p>
<p>For a few terrifying moments the intense explosion of blue light blinds you. Your vision quickly returns, but you are dismayed to see that Anseng is now back on his feet and preparing to attack.</p>
<choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You attack the five undead Nagah Ghouls before they can get back on their feet. Lieutenant Quang fights fiercely by your side, and the three Watchers engage those ghouls that attempt to outflank you. Your effective use of your Kai-surge discipline has given you the combat advantage. You may ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses you sustain in the first round of this fight:</p>
<combat><enemy>5 Nagah Ghouls</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">57</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>You may add 6 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight, for Quang and the Watchers are supporting you throughout this battle against these deadly creatures. If you win this combat, Quang decapitates the heads of the fallen enemy to prevent them from being reanimated by the evil energy that has kept them in an undead state for centuries. As he chops off the head of the last Nagah Ghoul with his kirusami, you feel a chilling aura radiating from the Eye of Agarash. A sudden wave of weakness drains you of 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You may add 6 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight, for Quang and the Watchers are supporting you throughout this battle against these deadly creatures. If you win this combat, Quang decapitates the heads of the fallen enemy to prevent them from being reanimated by the evil energy that has kept them in an undead state for centuries. As he chops off the head of the last Nagah Ghoul with his <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>, you feel a chilling aura radiating from the Eye of Agarash. A sudden wave of weakness drains you of 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>As the nausea subsides, you turn your attention to the Watchers who have all sustained wounds during the combat. By the use of your Magnakai Curing discipline, you are able to stop their bleeding and help them quickly to recover. You sense that you must now leave this location for there are more Nagah Ghouls in the vicinity and they are heading for the tavern garden, drawn by the foul smell of the spilt blood of their slain brethren. Hurriedly, you all remount your horses and press on with your journey to Vabou without further delay.</p>
<choice idref="sect227"><link-text>Turn to 227</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>30</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Anseng insists that it is too dangerous to linger here any longer. The constant shuddering of the ground beneath your feet confirms this to be so. With his lantern held aloft, he begins the difficult trek through the toa and pine forest with you following close behind. Soon you emerge from the swaying trees and set off along a muddy forest road at a brisk pace, heading east. The sheeting rain and the constant thunder make it impossible for you to speak with your determined guide until you reach a small woodman<ch.apos/>s hut a few miles distant. Anseng points to the hut<ch.apos/>s rickety door and you follow him inside, thankful to be out of the relentless downpour.</p>
+ <p>Anseng insists that it is too dangerous to linger here any longer. The constant shuddering of the ground beneath your feet confirms this to be so. With his lantern held aloft, he begins the difficult trek through the toa and pine forest with you following close behind. Soon you emerge from the swaying trees and set off along a muddy forest road at a brisk pace, heading east. The sheeting rain and the constant thunder make it impossible for you to speak with your determined guide until you reach a small woodsman<ch.apos/>s hut a few miles distant. Anseng points to the hut<ch.apos/>s rickety door and you follow him inside, thankful to be out of the relentless downpour.</p>
<p><quote>You did well to keep up with me, my Lord,</quote> he says, as he places his glowing lantern on the hut<ch.apos/>s solitary table. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ll rest here for a few hours and leave at first light.</quote></p>
- <p>From his leather backpack he produces some provisions: a loaf of bread, some strips of cured lamb meat, some dried fruits and a small bottle of rice wine. Generously, he shares his meagre rations with you. While you are eating, you take the opportunity to observe your guide. He is a lean man in his early fifties, physically fit and impressively agile. He is dressed in simple peasant garb with a wide conical hat made from straw. Despite his mundane clothing, this man is clearly not a lowly peasant. He has the distinctive mien of a professional soldier, the legacy of years spent as a Captain in the Imperial Chai Guard: the warrior elite of the Chai army. A <quote>kirusami</quote>, an ornate bladed pole arm is slung over his shoulder on a thin strip of leather.</p>
+ <p>From his leather backpack he produces some provisions: a loaf of bread, some strips of cured lamb meat, some dried fruits and a small bottle of rice wine. Generously, he shares his meagre rations with you. While you are eating, you take the opportunity to observe your guide. He is a lean man in his early fifties, physically fit and impressively agile. He is dressed in simple peasant garb with a wide conical hat made from straw. Despite his mundane clothing, this man is clearly not a lowly peasant. He has the distinctive mien of a professional soldier, the legacy of years spent as a Captain in the Imperial Chai Guard: the warrior elite of the Chai army. A <quote><foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign></quote>, an ornate bladed pole arm is slung over his shoulder on a thin strip of leather.</p>
<p>When you have finished your meal, Anseng opens a wooden cupboard fixed to the interior wall and retrieves two bed rolls. He unties them and lays them out upon the floor of the hut.</p>
<p><quote>We must get some sleep while we can. We<ch.apos/>ve a long journey ahead. We leave at dawn.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect55"><link-text>Turn to 55</link-text></choice>
<data>
<p>You call upon your advanced discipline of Assimilance and create a cloud of fog directly in the path of the onrushing Doomwolf. Suddenly blinded by the dense vapour, the creature missteps and loses its balance. You see it fall from the fog and plunge head first into the ravine. The weight on the fallen tree is lessened by the demise of the second Doomwolf. You urge your companions to push harder against the pine and it starts to give. The compacted earth beneath it cracks and crumbles.</p>
- <p><quote>Get clear!</quote> you shout, and hastily the five of you leap away as the tree trunk sinks with the collapsing edge of the gulley. There is a loud rumble and you see the tree and the loosened earth fall away into the yawning fissure. The remaining two Doomwolves howl with terror as they tumble off the falling trunk and plummet to their doom at the base of the ravine, one hundred feet below.</p>
+ <p><quote>Get clear!</quote> you shout, and hastily the five of you leap away as the tree trunk sinks with the collapsing edge of the gully. There is a loud rumble and you see the tree and the loosened earth fall away into the yawning fissure. The remaining two Doomwolves howl with terror as they tumble off the falling trunk and plummet to their doom at the base of the ravine, one hundred feet below.</p>
<choice idref="sect287"><link-text>Turn to 287</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>33</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Unfortunately, your answer is incorrect. The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by 5/6ths vinegar and 1/6th oil. This would leave 5/6ths of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other 5/6ths of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with 5/6ths of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.</p>
+ <p>Unfortunately, your answer is incorrect. The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by <ch.frac56/> vinegar and <ch.frac16/> oil. This would leave <ch.frac56/> of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other <ch.frac56/> of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with <ch.frac56/> of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.</p>
<p>The patrons mummer their approval when Shou Lin explains the correct solution to the puzzle. You must now erase 10 Gold Crowns from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> and give the coins to the old man. Gladly he accepts your payment and praises you for your brave attempt at solving it.</p>
<p><quote>Bad luck, my Lord,</quote> says Anseng, in an attempt to console you. <quote>May you have better fortune next time.</quote> You are now feeling very tired and are finding it a little difficult to keep your eyes open. Rather than stay for Shou Lin<ch.apos/>s next riddle, you bid Anseng good night and retire to your room.</p>
<choice idref="sect286"><link-text>Turn to 286</link-text></choice>
<p>You continue your desperate flight across the rain-soaked grassland until the howls of the Skarada can no longer be heard. As you ease your sweating horse to a gentle trot, Quang and the Watchers catch up with you and the lieutenant signals you to halt. You rein your horse to a stop and your companions draw their breathless horses in a circle around you. Quang pulls his mount alongside yours and together you assess your options.</p>
<p><quote>We cannot go on in this direction, my Lord</quote> he says. <quote>This way will take us back towards Pensei. Despite the risks, we must turn back and continue south if we are to reach Vabou before nightfall.</quote></p>
<p>You know that the lieutenant is right. The further you go northwards, the greater you will distance yourself from Vabou and increase the likelihood that you will miss your rendezvous with Lord Rimoah in two days<ch.apos/> time. You are about to agree with him when a sudden wave of nausea and fatigue makes you swoon in the saddle. The Eye is exacting an energy drain and the increased strength of its insidious power catches you by surprise: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
- <p>Quang grabs you and prevents you from falling off your horse. Anxiously he asks if you are strong enough to go on. <quote>Yes… yes, I<ch.apos/>m ready to go back,</quote> you answer, your voice a little shaky. <quote>We… we must reach Vabou before dark.</quote></p>
+ <p>Quang grabs you and prevents you from falling off your horse. Anxiously he asks if you are strong enough to go on. <quote>Yes<ch.ellips/> yes, I<ch.apos/>m ready to go back,</quote> you answer, your voice a little shaky. <quote>We<ch.ellips/> we must reach Vabou before dark.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect34"><link-text>Turn to 34</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>44</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You have encountered these creatures before when first you visited Chai. They are Chagarashi. Long ago, during the Age of Eternal Night, this land was stalked by Agarashi – the hellish creations of Agarash the Damned. When Agarash was destroyed by the Elder Magi, his creations were scattered across the wilderness and plains of Chai. The creatures you now face are descendants of those ancient horrors. It is rare for Chagarashi to be found in this region of Chai. You sense that there is a sinister force present that has driven them from their burrows and caves in search of prey.</p>
+ <p>You have encountered these creatures before when first you visited Chai. They are Chagarashi. Long ago, during the Age of Eternal Night, this land was stalked by Agarashi<ch.emdash/>the hellish creations of Agarash the Damned. When Agarash was destroyed by the Elder Magi, his creations were scattered across the wilderness and plains of Chai. The creatures you now face are descendants of those ancient horrors. It is rare for Chagarashi to be found in this region of Chai. You sense that there is a sinister force present that has driven them from their burrows and caves in search of prey.</p>
<choice idref="sect195"><link-text>Turn to 195</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<li>Lantern: 20 Ren (2 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Chisel: 20 Ren (2 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Hammer: 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
- <li>Rope (50ft length): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
+ <li>Rope (50 ft. length): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Potion of Laumspur: 40 Ren (4 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Small Telescope: 60 Ren (6 Gold Crowns)</li>
</ul>
<p>You may buy any of the items listed above for the price indicated. They are all backpack items that will take up one space in your backpack. You are under no obligation to make a purchase.</p>
- <p>Hopdai will buy any items you have noted on your Backpack List (with the exception of Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami). He will pay 10 Ren for each item, regardless of how much it originally cost. If you wish to sell any of your items, erase them from your list and add 1 Gold Crown (10 Ren) per item to your Belt Pouch.</p>
+ <p>Hopdai will buy any items you have noted on your Backpack List (with the exception of Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign>). He will pay 10 Ren for each item, regardless of how much it originally cost. If you wish to sell any of your items, erase them from your list and add 1 Gold Crown (10 Ren) per item to your Belt Pouch.</p>
<p>Hopdai and Meng-an bid you a pleasant good night when you leave the shop.</p>
<choice idref="sect124">If you choose to visit or revisit Xiong the Weaponsmith on the opposite side of the street, <link-text>turn to 124</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect149">If you decide to continue along South Avenue, <link-text>turn to 149</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>46</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The moment you take the satchel from the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s hand, you feel a wave of nausea flow through your body that makes you shudder with revulsion. The bag contains the Eye of Agarash. For centuries this evil gem has lain dormant, its power inert. Now it is has been awoken, triggered by the close proximity to you - a champion of God Kai. Hurriedly, you draw upon your Magnakai discipline of Psi-screen to shield yourself from its malicious radiance. Your defences deaden its insidious effect, but you suffer a shock to your nervous system: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
+ <p>The moment you take the satchel from the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s hand, you feel a wave of nausea flow through your body that makes you shudder with revulsion. The bag contains the Eye of Agarash. For centuries this evil gem has lain dormant, its power inert. Now it has been awoken, triggered by the close proximity to you<ch.emdash/>a champion of God Kai. Hurriedly, you draw upon your Magnakai discipline of Psi-screen to shield yourself from its malicious radiance. Your defences deaden its insidious effect, but you suffer a shock to your nervous system: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
<p>Whenever you are affected by the debilitating power of the Eye of Agarash, you may use Laumspur to help you recover. Normally, a healing potion of Laumspur restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points when taken after combat. When using it to restore <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> lost due to the power of the Eye of Agarash, you may only restore the actual number of points lost. For example, if you lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the effects of the Eye (as is the case here), and then you take a potion of Laumspur which normally restores 4 points, you will only regain the lost 3 points. The extra point of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is not gained and should not be added to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score.</p>
<choice idref="sect192"><link-text>Turn to 192</link-text></choice>
</data>
<combat><enemy>Doomwolf</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">30</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">26</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>You can only engage in one round of combat with this enemy before the momentum of your galloping horse carries you away from it.</p>
<choice idref="sect141">If you kill the Doomwolf outright, or if your loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points is lower than the number of points lost by the Doomwolf, <link-text>turn to 141</link-text></choice>
- <choice idref="sect32">If you lose more ENDRANCE points than the Doomwolf in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect32">If you lose more <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than the Doomwolf in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>49</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The second Chagarashi enters the combat at the start of the 4th round. Fortunately, this is also the moment that Anseng joins you in the fight against these ferocious foes. You may now continue the combat you began in section 265.</p>
- <p>Anseng engages the companion Chagarashi in combat directly, therefore you should continue the fight with you and your enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> scores as they were at the end of the 3rd round.</p>
+ <p>The second Chagarashi enters the combat at the start of the fourth round. Fortunately, this is also the moment that Anseng joins you in the fight against these ferocious foes. You may now continue the combat you began in section 265.</p>
+ <p>Anseng engages the companion Chagarashi in combat directly, therefore you should continue the fight with you and your enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> scores as they were at the end of the third round.</p>
<choice idref="sect90">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 90</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>50</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>When combat commenced, Zashnor sent a telepathic command to its Imperial Zlanbeast to assist it in the fight. The creature took off from the pier and commenced a flight over the raging estuary in a wide circle in order to best position itself to launch an attack on you from the rear. At the start of the 7th round, it comes swooping low along the deck behind you. It stabs at you with its sharp horny beak before the momentum of its attack carries it past and it soars away into the clouds.</p>
- <p>In the 7th round, Zashnor<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> increases to 59. Its <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total increases by 5 points. The <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> increase lasts only for the 7th round and represents a temporary bonus that the Nadziran receives from the Imperial Zlanbeast<ch.apos/>s attack. If you survive the 7th round, the Imperial Zlanbeast will no longer be a part of the combat in any further rounds.</p>
- <choice idref="sect54">At the start of the 8th round, you may deduct Zashnor<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus. This will <link-text>return its <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> to 54</link-text>. The increase of 5 points it gained to its <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> in the 7th round remains.</choice>
+ <p>When combat commenced, Zashnor sent a telepathic command to its Imperial Zlanbeast to assist it in the fight. The creature took off from the pier and commenced a flight over the raging estuary in a wide circle in order to best position itself to launch an attack on you from the rear. At the start of the seventh round, it comes swooping low along the deck behind you. It stabs at you with its sharp horny beak before the momentum of its attack carries it past and it soars away into the clouds.</p>
+ <p>In the seventh round, Zashnor<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> increases to 59. Its <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total increases by 5 points. The <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> increase lasts only for the seventh round and represents a temporary bonus that the Nadziran receives from the Imperial Zlanbeast<ch.apos/>s attack. If you survive the seventh round, the Imperial Zlanbeast will no longer be a part of the combat in any further rounds.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect54">At the start of the eighth round, you may deduct Zashnor<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus. This will <link-text>return its <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> to 54</link-text>. The increase of 5 points it gained to its <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> in the seventh round remains.</choice>
<choice idref="sect276">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 276</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Suddenly you realise that you are not being subjected to an audio attack. The noise that fills your head is the effect of a powerful psychic assault on your senses. You call upon your advanced discipline to erect a Mindfort to shut out the unbearable noise, and your swift response saves you from sustaining any permanent impairment to your mental faculties.</p>
<p>Howling with frustration that its psychic attack has helped and not harmed you, the ghoulish figure leaps towards you brandishing his black staff. In the blink of an eye, the staff transforms into a hissing serpent. It is disturbingly similar to the snake that emerged from the mouth of undead Anseng. You reach to your weapon and pull back as the serpent<ch.apos/>s venomous fangs strike out for your throat.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer (reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer <em>(reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Xaol is a powerful undead adversary. If your chosen weapon provides you with a bonus when used in a fight against an undead foe, be sure to calculate and add the bonus to your Combat Skill before this battle begins.</p>
<p>If you possess the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Valiance</quote> you may add the bonus that you gain from its unique properties during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect160">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text></choice>
<data>
<p>Despite the rumbling thunder, howling winds, and heavy rain beating on the shingle roof of the hut, you soon drift off into a deep and dreamless sleep. Four hours later you are awoken by Anseng<ch.apos/>s strong hand shaking your shoulder.</p>
<p><quote>Wake up, my Lord. It<ch.apos/>s time to go.</quote></p>
- <p>The noise of the night storm has disappeared. The only sound you can hear outside is a dawn chorus of chittering birdsong. You rise from your mattress and gather your weapons and equipment. When you are ready, Anseng takes you to a stable at the rear of the hut where two horses are saddled ready to ride. He prepared them while you were sleeping. Leaving the stable, you and set off along the muddy highway at a brisk pace. The rain and thunder have ceased but the slowly brightening sky is heavy with thick grey cloud.</p>
+ <p>The noise of the night storm has disappeared. The only sound you can hear outside is a dawn chorus of chittering bird song. You rise from your mattress and gather your weapons and equipment. When you are ready, Anseng takes you to a stable at the rear of the hut where two horses are saddled ready to ride. He prepared them while you were sleeping. Leaving the stable, you and set off along the muddy highway at a brisk pace. The rain and thunder have ceased but the slowly brightening sky is heavy with thick grey cloud.</p>
<p>As you ride along, you stare out across the lush green paddy fields bordering the road. On your way you pass by several isolated huts and houses. Their owners, all rice growers, are repairing roofs and walls that been damaged by the storm and they pay you scant regards as you ride past their humble abodes. Anseng says that you must reach the village of Zang before nightfall. You have a long day<ch.apos/>s ride ahead and there will be no time to stop and rest along the way. Unless you have a Meal in your Backpack, you lose 3 Endurance points. The need to stay in the saddle all day prevents you from foraging for food in the adjacent rice fields.</p>
<p>During your long journey, you converse with Anseng and find out more about your trusty guide. He hails from the city of Dwala, approximately 200 miles due east of your present location. He is one of a group of covert agents established by the Elder Magi for the purpose of gathering intelligence about vengeful Bhanarians, obsessed with avenging the Massacre of Yua Tzhan, who are operating in and around Pensei. They have also been tasked with finding out why Agarashi have recently been sighted far from their lairs in the Hyunsei Foothills, the Voxai Swamp and the Huzang Forest. The last time they found the courage to do so was seventeen years ago, when they joined the army of Autarch Sejanoz for the invasion of Chai. Anseng tells you that his group of agents are headquartered at the Tower of Ishir in Dwala. Here they meet regularly with Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s envoy and pass on all the information they have gathered about the enemy. Anseng is a proud member of this secret group of agents who call themselves <quote>The Watchers</quote>. While you are riding together, you notice an unusual pole arm that is strapped to Anseng<ch.apos/>s saddle.</p>
<choice idref="sect248">If you wish to ask Anseng about this weapon, <link-text>turn to 248</link-text></choice>
<data>
<p>Your mind is reeling as you spur your horse to the gallop. What are Doomwolves doing here in Chai? These loathsome creatures rarely venture far from the Darklands of Northern Magnamund, the Nadulritzaga Mountains of Ghatan, and the Ogshezar Mountains of Northern Skaror. It is unheard of them ever being seen in Southern Magnamund. You come to the rapid and chilling conclusion that Zashnor must be responsible. Only the sorcery of the evil Nadziran could spawn these creatures so far from their native lands.</p>
- <p>You glance over your shoulder and are shocked to see how rapidly the Doomwolves are gaining ground. In less than a minute they are among the horses, racing alongside, snarling and snapping at their haunches. You see Lieutenant Quang unshoulder his kirusami and stab one in the throat as it attempts to leap up at his horse<ch.apos/>s head. The sharp blade slices deep into its greasy black fur and the Doomwolf tumbles head over tail, mortally wounded. Another Doomwolf draws alongside your horse with its fearsome jaws agape. Your frightened mount veers away and cuts across the path of two more of these loathsome creatures that are racing along to your right.</p>
+ <p>You glance over your shoulder and are shocked to see how rapidly the Doomwolves are gaining ground. In less than a minute they are among the horses, racing alongside, snarling and snapping at their haunches. You see Lieutenant Quang unshoulder his <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> and stab one in the throat as it attempts to leap up at his horse<ch.apos/>s head. The sharp blade slices deep into its greasy black fur and the Doomwolf tumbles head over tail, mortally wounded. Another Doomwolf draws alongside your horse with its fearsome jaws agape. Your frightened mount veers away and cuts across the path of two more of these loathsome creatures that are racing along to your right.</p>
<choice idref="sect115">If you have a bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 115</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect233">If you possess the discipline of Animal Mastery and have reached the rank of Sun Thane, <link-text>turn to 233</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect194">If you wish to unsheathe your Kai Weapon and slash at a Doomwolf within striking distance, <link-text>turn to 194</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>58</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You return to the highway a mile from Uzam and turn north towards Pensei. The rumble of distant thunder heralds the start of another storm. Intermittent flashes of lightning illuminate the hills to the west, and the peaks of the Szuchow Mountains beyond are soon lost from view amidst of a roiling mass of ominous black rain clouds. You pass by a dozen covered wagons on the rain-swept highway, all traveling in the opposite direction. This traffic of wagons steadily increases until you are forced to abandon the highway and continue northwards by way of the soft grassland that borders the overcrowded road.</p>
+ <p>You return to the highway a mile from Uzam and turn north towards Pensei. The rumble of distant thunder heralds the start of another storm. Intermittent flashes of lightning illuminate the hills to the west, and the peaks of the Szuchow Mountains beyond are soon lost from view amidst of a roiling mass of ominous black rain clouds. You pass by a dozen covered wagons on the rain-swept highway, all travelling in the opposite direction. This traffic of wagons steadily increases until you are forced to abandon the highway and continue northwards by way of the soft grassland that borders the overcrowded road.</p>
<p>By mid-afternoon, the highway is clogged with dour-faced Chai pushing hand carts heaped high with household possessions. This sorry procession is a refugee column from Pensei. The fact that so many of its citizens have abandoned the shelter and comfort of their homes to travel south, in such appalling weather, fills you with a sense of dread. It means that the capital must be facing an imminent enemy attack.</p>
<p>Six Chai cavalry rangers come riding across the grassland that runs parallel with the crowded highway. They are all standing in their stirrups and seem to be searching for something or someone among the column of refugees.</p>
<choice idref="sect322">If you possess Assimilance, <link-text>turn to 322</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>60</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The Doomgah leader raises its mighty kirusami and spouts of cracking blue flame erupt along the length of its razor sharp blade. It opens its maw to reveal a score of dagger-like fangs and a thin black tongue that writhes between them.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Klüz (armed with Zukgudrak)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>The Doomgah leader raises its mighty <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> and spouts of cracking blue flame erupt along the length of its razor sharp blade. It opens its maw to reveal a score of dagger-like fangs and a thin black tongue that writhes between them.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Kl<ch.uuml/>z <em>(armed with Zukgudrak)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>The weapon that this enemy wields can leach power from the Eye of Agarash. This inflicts 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point of damage to you in every round of this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect228">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>63</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You utter the Kai Word of Power Kai! And the tremendous force of your advanced discipline hits the grouped Nagah Ghouls and sends them reeling in all directions. Your decision to use your power has worked well, for these enemies were originally a cult who worshiped God Naar – King of the Darkness. They had a secret subterranean base in the Nagah Forest during the ancient times when Chai was a province of the Vaduzhan Empire. After their mortal deaths, they were interred in their lair and its entrance was sealed, but your Magnakai discipline of Divination reveals to you that the power they gained from the Dark God through human sacrifices has kept them in a state of suspended undeath. Nadziran Zashnor who has, since the demise of the Darklords of Helgedad, become a champion of Naar, has most likely awoken these terrible creatures and is using them to further its sinister ambitions.</p>
+ <p>You utter the Kai Word of Power Kai! And the tremendous force of your advanced discipline hits the grouped Nagah Ghouls and sends them reeling in all directions. Your decision to use your power has worked well, for these enemies were originally a cult who worshipped God Naar<ch.emdash/>King of the Darkness. They had a secret subterranean base in the Nagah Forest during the ancient times when Chai was a province of the Vaduzhan Empire. After their mortal deaths, they were interred in their lair and its entrance was sealed, but your Magnakai discipline of Divination reveals to you that the power they gained from the Dark God through human sacrifices has kept them in a state of suspended undeath. Nadziran Zashnor who has, since the demise of the Darklords of Helgedad, become a champion of Naar, has most likely awoken these terrible creatures and is using them to further its sinister ambitions.</p>
<p><quote>Charge!</quote> shouts Lieutenant Quang, and his stirring command galvanises the Watchers into action. Anxious to seize the advantage your Kai word of power has provided, all five of you attack the scattered and fallen Nagah Ghouls before they can get scramble back to their feet.</p>
<choice idref="sect174"><link-text>Turn to 174</link-text></choice>
</data>
<p>Your arrow grazes the top of Chagarashi<ch.apos/>s skull and fails to slow its inexorable advance. Curing your misfortune, you leap from the driver<ch.apos/>s seat and unsheathe your Kai Weapon the instant you land with a splash on the muddy highway. The Chagarashi are intent on attacking the leading pair of horses and you move quickly to block their advance. Screeching with frustration, the larger of the two horrors launches itself upon you with ferocious zeal.</p>
<combat><enemy>Large Chagarashi</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">37</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect313">If you win the combat in 3 rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 313</link-text></choice>
- <choice idref="sect49">If you are still engaged in combat at the start of the 4th round, do not calculate the outcome of this round. Instead, <link-text>turn to 49</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect49">If you are still engaged in combat at the start of the fourth round, do not calculate the outcome of this round. Instead, <link-text>turn to 49</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<li>Small Blanket: 10 Ren (1 Gold Crown)</li>
<li>Arrows: 10 Ren each (1 Gold Crown each)</li>
<li>Lantern: 20 Ren (2 Gold Crowns)</li>
- <li>Rope (50ft length): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
+ <li>Rope (50 ft. length): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Potion of Laumspur: 40 Ren (4 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Compass: 50 Ren (5 Gold Crowns)</li>
</ul>
<meta><title>78</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Swiftly you invoke the Old Kingdom spell Shield and a shimmering circular field of energy forms in front of you. The black arrow hits this magical shield and explodes into a harmless shower of hissing fragments.</p>
+ <p>Swiftly you invoke the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Shield</spell> and a shimmering circular field of energy forms in front of you. The black arrow hits this magical shield and explodes into a harmless shower of hissing fragments.</p>
<choice idref="sect327"><link-text>Turn to 327</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>79</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Hurriedly, you recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell - Slow Fall – but the shock of the initial impact with the trees prevents you from completing it. The spell is only partially effective; you sustain a few cuts and bruises before you land, dazed and breathless, amidst a clump of thick foliage (lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). Fortunately, the lush vegetation and the slowed rate of descent have cushioned your impact, and you are able to rise to your feet with no bones broken. Your eyes are drawn to a glimmer of lantern light amidst the dense undergrowth and swaying trees. You shout out, hoping to draw Anseng<ch.apos/>s attention, but the sound of the teeming rain, the howling winds and the rolling thunder makes it impossible for you to be heard.</p>
+ <p>Hurriedly, you recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell<ch.emdash/><spell>Slow Fall</spell><ch.emdash/>but the shock of the initial impact with the trees prevents you from completing it. The spell is only partially effective; you sustain a few cuts and bruises before you land, dazed and breathless, amidst a clump of thick foliage (lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). Fortunately, the lush vegetation and the slowed rate of descent have cushioned your impact, and you are able to rise to your feet with no bones broken. Your eyes are drawn to a glimmer of lantern light amidst the dense undergrowth and swaying trees. You shout out, hoping to draw Anseng<ch.apos/>s attention, but the sound of the teeming rain, the howling winds and the rolling thunder makes it impossible for you to be heard.</p>
<p>You force a way through the heavy foliage and emerge from the trees at the edge of the clearing, close by the muddy road. A flash of lightning illuminates the area for a few fleeting moments, yet in that brief instant you are seen by Anseng. You are also spotted by Lord Rimoah who is clinging with all his strength to the prow rail of the Comet, high above. He tosses a small object over the skyship<ch.apos/>s gunwale and it ignites into an intense ball of green flame as it falls. It drops into the tangled grass of the clearing where it continues to burn fiercely. It is a signal flare, acknowledging that you have been seen. It also tells you that your mission must proceed as planned. As you hurry towards the sputtering flare, you see the keel of the skyship turn about and ascend rapidly into the roiling black clouds.</p>
<p>Anseng and his lantern emerge from the trees. Your worried guide pauses for a few moments to get his bearings, then he comes running towards you as fast as his waterlogged clothing will allow. You rush to meet him at the edge of the road. The noise of the storm has grown much louder since the Comet departed, and now the ground shudders alarmingly with every step you take. The sodden soil has become dangerously unstable. Lightning bolts strike the ground, causing fissures that tear open the soft friable earth. You watch with growing dread as parts of the clearing break away and tumble into these treacherous crevasses. A wide fissure opens beneath your feet and you lose your balance. Instantly, a strong hand grabs your forearm and pulls you away from the yawning rift.</p>
- <p><quote>Steady, my Lord,</quote> says Anseng, his rain-lashed face lit by the eerie yellow light of his storm lantern. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll not see you buried before your mission has begun. Follow close on my heel, sire. Tread only where I tread.</quote> You nod in agreement and stay close behind your guide as skillfully he makes his way across the treacherous ground towards the treeline on the eastern side of the clearing. Here the earth is more stable; the tangled roots of the tall trees are preventing it from breaking apart and collapsing. Sheltered from the pouring rain by the thick canopy of toa fronds, you pause to rest and recover from your dramatic return to Chai.</p>
- <p>Upon checking your equipment, you are dismayed to find that the leather satchel containing your tracker gem is missing. The strap is still slung around your shoulder, but the satchel bag has been torn away during your fall through the trees. Your backpack has also been damaged in the fall, and three items are now missing. (Erase the Tracker Gem from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You must also erase 2 Backpack Items – the third and the fifth items you have noted on your list.)</p>
+ <p><quote>Steady, my Lord,</quote> says Anseng, his rain-lashed face lit by the eerie yellow light of his storm lantern. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll not see you buried before your mission has begun. Follow close on my heel, sire. Tread only where I tread.</quote> You nod in agreement and stay close behind your guide as skillfully he makes his way across the treacherous ground towards the tree-line on the eastern side of the clearing. Here the earth is more stable; the tangled roots of the tall trees are preventing it from breaking apart and collapsing. Sheltered from the pouring rain by the thick canopy of toa fronds, you pause to rest and recover from your dramatic return to Chai.</p>
+ <p>Upon checking your equipment, you are dismayed to find that the leather satchel containing your tracker gem is missing. The strap is still slung around your shoulder, but the satchel bag has been torn away during your fall through the trees. Your backpack has also been damaged in the fall, and three items are now missing. (Erase the Tracker Gem from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You must also erase 2 Backpack Items<ch.emdash/>the third and the fifth items you have noted on your list.)</p>
<choice idref="sect326"><link-text>Turn to 326</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You are stopped at the gate by three Imperial Guardsmen who challenge you to identify yourself and state your business here. You call upon your Magnakai discipline of Invisibility in an attempt to mask your distinctly Sommlending features, but this does not fool these watchful warriors. One of them calls for his sergeant to come forward. The hard-faced warrior scrutinises you for a few moments, then he commands a squad of his imperial soldiers to leave the courtyard beyond the gate and surround you. He steps closer and snatches the horse<ch.apos/>s reins from your hands.</p>
- <p><quote>You<ch.apos/>re under arrest. Come with me,</quote> he says, curtly. The squad unshoulder their kirusamis and point them at you menacingly. You are left in no doubt that they will use them if you attempt to escape.</p>
+ <p><quote>You<ch.apos/>re under arrest. Come with me,</quote> he says, curtly. The squad unshoulder their <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusamis</foreign> and point them at you menacingly. You are left in no doubt that they will use them if you attempt to escape.</p>
<p>The sergeant and his men escort you and your horse into the courtyard and take you to a blockhouse. You are pulled from the saddle and pushed unceremoniously through the open blockhouse door.</p>
<choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn to 270</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You struggle to retrieve the potion from your backpack before the paralysis in your legs starts to spread to your torso and arms. With trembling fingers, you pull out the cork and swallow the bitter liquid in one gulp. There is a sensation of glowing warmth in your throat and stomach that moves rapidly to your chest and shoulders. The powerful anti-venom you have ingested swiftly counters the deadly Black Yua venom, neutralising it before your whole body becomes paralysed.</p>
- <p>With gritted teeth, you wrench the arrow from your shoulder and cast it away. The Doomgah Mooldor is reloading its bow and preparing to fire again. With a strength born of desperation, you scramble to your feet and race towards the gangplank of the Silver Virixe. Mooldor tracks you as you run and unleashes a second arrow. It speeds towards you, forcing you to somersault along the gangplank to avoid being hit. The deadly black arrow strikes the wooden edge of the plank barely inches from your right foot. Gasping for breath, you leap from the plank onto the stern deck of the cargo ship and hurriedly take cover behind the wheelhouse.</p>
+ <p>With gritted teeth, you wrench the arrow from your shoulder and cast it away. The Doomgah Mooldor is reloading its bow and preparing to fire again. With a strength born of desperation, you scramble to your feet and race towards the gangplank of the <cite>Silver Virixe</cite>. Mooldor tracks you as you run and unleashes a second arrow. It speeds towards you, forcing you to somersault along the gangplank to avoid being hit. The deadly black arrow strikes the wooden edge of the plank barely inches from your right foot. Gasping for breath, you leap from the plank onto the stern deck of the cargo ship and hurriedly take cover behind the wheelhouse.</p>
<choice idref="sect333">If you have a bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 333</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect158">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 158</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The Chagarashi<ch.apos/>s talons become ensnared in your oilskin cloak and you are wrenched out of the saddle as your horse gallops away. You hit the ground hard and the impact of the fall knocks the breath from your lungs: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>The snarling Chagarashi leaps on you in a frenzy, slashing at your face and throat with its razor-sharp claws. Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. The number you pick determines how many <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points of damage you sustain from this manic attack (0 = -10 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
- <p>Lieutenant Quang and the Watchers see that you are in grave danger and they come galloping through the trees towards the frenzied Chagarashi. The lieutenant sweeps past and deals it a deadly scything blow with his kirusami, sending the foul creature<ch.apos/>s head spinning away into the leafy undergrowth.</p>
+ <p>Lieutenant Quang and the Watchers see that you are in grave danger and they come galloping through the trees towards the frenzied Chagarashi. The lieutenant sweeps past and deals it a deadly scything blow with his <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>, sending the foul creature<ch.apos/>s head spinning away into the leafy undergrowth.</p>
<p>As you drag yourself to your feet, Quang and the Watchers draw their horses up in a semi-circle around you and the headless body of the Chagarashi. They are anxious of your condition but you reassure them that you are fit enough to continue. <quote>We must proceed with caution,</quote> you say. <quote>This creature may not have been the only one scouting this area.</quote></p>
- <p>You remount your horse and lead the others through the treeline in single file, with all eyes peeled for the slightest movement among the pines and foliage ahead.</p>
+ <p>You remount your horse and lead the others through the tree-line in single file, with all eyes peeled for the slightest movement among the pines and foliage ahead.</p>
<choice idref="sect99"><link-text>Turn to 99</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You have consigned the necromancer<ch.apos/>s head forever to a watery grave, but you need to dispense with the accursed weapon he wielded. Drawing upon your Magnakai discipline of Nexus, you focus on the smoking sphere and will it to rise up from the deck. Slowly it ascends. When it reaches chest height, you halt it in mid-air and concentrate a burst of mental energy that sends it flying over the gunwale of the ship. It hits the raging waters and explodes, showering you with foaming spray.</p>
- <p>You are wiping the foam from your face with the back of your hand when your eye catches some movement on the quayside. The Doomgah are slowly and nervously returning to the stone pier. They are very wary but they are also very curious to discover if Xaol has been triumphant. You crouch low to avoid being spotted and shuffle your way towards the door of the wheelhouse. You resolve to get below deck and find a place to hide before the Doomgah muster enough courage to come along the pier and board the Silver Virixe. When they find the ruined remains of Xaol<ch.apos/>s corpse, they will likely come searching for you.</p>
+ <p>You are wiping the foam from your face with the back of your hand when your eye catches some movement on the quayside. The Doomgah are slowly and nervously returning to the stone pier. They are very wary but they are also very curious to discover if Xaol has been triumphant. You crouch low to avoid being spotted and shuffle your way towards the door of the wheelhouse. You resolve to get below deck and find a place to hide before the Doomgah muster enough courage to come along the pier and board the <cite>Silver Virixe</cite>. When they find the ruined remains of Xaol<ch.apos/>s corpse, they will likely come searching for you.</p>
<p>Your basic Kai discipline of Mind over Matter deals quickly and easily with the padlock on the wheelhouse door. It snaps open and you slide back the door and enter. Swiftly, you tug the door closed behind you and use the padlock to secure it from the inside. A set of wooden steps lead down to the lower deck where you discover the crews<ch.apos/> quarters. There are two cabins notably larger than the others: the Captain<ch.apos/>s cabin and the Purser<ch.apos/>s Cabin.</p>
<choice idref="sect40">If you wish to explore the Captain<ch.apos/>s cabin, <link-text>turn to 40</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect285">If you choose to investigate the Purser<ch.apos/>s cabin, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>92</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw upon the power of your Grand Master discipline to loosen the earth beneath the fallen pine at the edge of the gulley. It crumbles and the top of the tree trunk sinks with it, falling away into the deep ravine. With a chorus of terrified howls, the Doomwolves tumble off the trunk and plummet to their doom at the base of the ravine, one hundred feet below.</p>
+ <p>You draw upon the power of your Grand Master discipline to loosen the earth beneath the fallen pine at the edge of the gully. It crumbles and the top of the tree trunk sinks with it, falling away into the deep ravine. With a chorus of terrified howls, the Doomwolves tumble off the trunk and plummet to their doom at the base of the ravine, one hundred feet below.</p>
<choice idref="sect236"><link-text>Turn to 236</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>96</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You raise your right hand and point towards the Doomgah clustered around the entrance to the pier. Carefully, you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell Lightning Hand and you feel a tingle run the length of your arm. A bolt of lightning leaps from your fingertips and rips a hole through their ranks, sending several of them tumbling in all directions. To your disappointment, only three of them are slain by the crackling power of your spell. The others scramble to their feet and hurry back to join the others.</p>
+ <p>You raise your right hand and point towards the Doomgah clustered around the entrance to the pier. Carefully, you recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and you feel a tingle run the length of your arm. A bolt of lightning leaps from your fingertips and rips a hole through their ranks, sending several of them tumbling in all directions. To your disappointment, only three of them are slain by the crackling power of your spell. The others scramble to their feet and hurry back to join the others.</p>
<choice idref="sect263"><link-text>Turn to 263</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>98</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Xo Street is lined with fishmongers<ch.apos/> and butchers<ch.apos/> shops and small workshops that make and sell hardware and traveling equipment. You pass their shuttered doors and arrive at the city<ch.apos/>s quay. Thunder rumbles and the dark waters of the estuary roil and seethe, illuminated and tormented by jagged bolts of lightning. Scarlet flags are flying all along the quayside as a weather warning. It is forbidden to take a boat out when these flags are displayed. Most of the boats are securely moored and under canvas, save for a few foreign trading vessels that are berthed at a long stone pier. These are not under covers, but they are well secured with ropes and chains, their hatches battened down and their sails stowed away in lockers below deck.</p>
- <p>Opposite the stone pier you see a large tavern with a brightly painted façade. Warm amber light pours from the panes of its bow-fronted windows and a sign in the middle of its façade proudly announces its name: The Tkukoma Tavern.</p>
+ <p>Xo Street is lined with fishmongers<ch.apos/> and butchers<ch.apos/> shops and small workshops that make and sell hardware and travelling equipment. You pass their shuttered doors and arrive at the city<ch.apos/>s quay. Thunder rumbles and the dark waters of the estuary roil and seethe, illuminated and tormented by jagged bolts of lightning. Scarlet flags are flying all along the quayside as a weather warning. It is forbidden to take a boat out when these flags are displayed. Most of the boats are securely moored and under canvas, save for a few foreign trading vessels that are berthed at a long stone pier. These are not under covers, but they are well secured with ropes and chains, their hatches battened down and their sails stowed away in lockers below deck.</p>
+ <p>Opposite the stone pier you see a large tavern with a brightly painted fa<ch.ccedil/>ade. Warm amber light pours from the panes of its bow-fronted windows and a sign in the middle of its fa<ch.ccedil/>ade proudly announces its name: The Tkukoma Tavern.</p>
<choice idref="sect280">If you wish to enter the Tkukoma Tavern, <link-text>turn to 280</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect59">If you decide to forego the tavern and make your way across the storm-swept quayside, you will arrive at a street which heads off in a northerly direction. This is called Chunang Street (<link-text>turn to 59</link-text>).</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>99</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You have covered three miles of treeline when Lieutenant Quang shouts a warning, <quote>Over there!</quote> He is pointing into the trees to your left. You scour the sparse pines and undergrowth and see four dark shapes scurrying through the foliage. Although you cannot see them clearly, you are able to determine that they are not Chagarashi. As they stalk closer, Quang gives a signal to the Watchers to prepare their bows.</p>
+ <p>You have covered three miles of tree-line when Lieutenant Quang shouts a warning, <quote>Over there!</quote> He is pointing into the trees to your left. You scour the sparse pines and undergrowth and see four dark shapes scurrying through the foliage. Although you cannot see them clearly, you are able to determine that they are not Chagarashi. As they stalk closer, Quang gives a signal to the Watchers to prepare their bows.</p>
<p>When you catch your first clear view of the approaching shapes, a chill runs down your spine. These creatures are muscular bipeds covered with a coarse grey fur. A bony ridge runs from their foreheads to the base of their stunted tails and each has a mouth filled with tiger-like fangs. They carry crude axes fashioned from flint and bone gripped tightly in their short-clawed hands.</p>
<p><quote>Skarada!</quote> gasps Quang, and quickly he tugs his bow from its saddle holster and reaches to his quiver for an arrow.</p>
<p><quote>I crossed paths with a Skarad many years ago in the Voxai Swamp. I still bear the scars of that accursed creature.</quote></p>
<p>Zashnor is immune to Mindblast, and has partial resistance to Kai-surge and Kai-blast. If you possess Kai-surge and use it during this combat, you may add 4 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> at a cost of 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point per round. If you possess the advanced Grand Master discipline of Kai-blast and use it during this combat, you may pick only 1 number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> to determine the damage inflicted upon the Nadziran, at the cost of 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. If you use the Kai Weapon 'Valiance' or 'Spawnsmite' you may add the bonus that you gain from its unique properties during this combat.</p>
<p>The Eye of Agarash becomes active throughout this combat. It drains you of 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point per round until the combat ends.</p>
<choice idref="sect312">If you win this combat in 6 rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 312</link-text></choice>
- <choice idref="sect50">If combat is still in progress when you reach the beginning of the 7th round, do not continue. <link-text>Turn instead to 50</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect50">If combat is still in progress when you reach the beginning of the seventh round, do not continue. <link-text>Turn instead to 50</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You hear shrieks of pain and triumphant Chai battle cries. Captain Jian Tzu has rallied the City Guard and he is leading them personally in a merciless pursuit of the Doomgah. The last of these loathsome creatures have been flushed out of the streets and passageways of Dwala and hounded mercilessly towards the quay. Now the few remaining Doomgah are being pushed off the quay into the turbulent waters of the estuary. None of them can swim and they all perish swiftly in the deep dark waters.</p>
<p><quote>For Chai!</quote> shout the victorious guardsmen, <quote>For Khea-Khan and Chai!</quote></p>
- <p>Journeymage Honos and Herbwarden Zautro are with Captain Jian Tzu and they spot you standing on the deck of the Silver Virixe. They hurry along the walkway of the stone pier and come running down the gangplank, their faces beaming with joy that you are still alive. They embrace you warmly and commend your skill and bravery. The dramatic turn in the weather tells them that you have overcome a great evil this night and saved the city, and all of Chai, from a terrible fate at the hands of the merciless Zashnor. You inform them about the Claw of Naar and they can hardly believe their ears. But when you point to it lying on the deck a few yards away, all doubt is swiftly dispelled. Journeymage Honos removes his cape and carefully he wraps the accursed artefact, making sure that he does not touch the twisted shaft with his bare hands.</p>
+ <p>Journeymage Honos and Herbwarden Zautro are with Captain Jian Tzu and they spot you standing on the deck of the <cite>Silver Virixe</cite>. They hurry along the walkway of the stone pier and come running down the gangplank, their faces beaming with joy that you are still alive. They embrace you warmly and commend your skill and bravery. The dramatic turn in the weather tells them that you have overcome a great evil this night and saved the city, and all of Chai, from a terrible fate at the hands of the merciless Zashnor. You inform them about the Claw of Naar and they can hardly believe their ears. But when you point to it lying on the deck a few yards away, all doubt is swiftly dispelled. Journeymage Honos removes his cape and carefully he wraps the accursed artefact, making sure that he does not touch the twisted shaft with his bare hands.</p>
<p><quote>I will carry this back to City Guard headquarters,</quote> he says, solemnly. <quote>I fear that if you were to convey it along with the Eye of Agarash, the consequences would prove fatal, my Lord.</quote></p>
<p>Your Sixth Sense tells you that Honos<ch.apos/>s fears are well founded. The close proximity of the Eye and the Claw would create a surge of evil energy that would kill you in an instant. You follow a safe distance behind Honos and Zautro as you return along the pier to the quayside. Captain Jian Tzu is overjoyed to see that you are alive. He salutes you and shakes you warmly by the hand.</p>
<p><quote>My eternal thanks, Grand Master,</quote> he says. <quote>Once again you have saved Chai from a great and terrible evil. You will forever be revered as a hero in our land!</quote></p>
<meta><title>108</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You soon reach the highway, but on arriving here you are disappointed to see a large group of Chagarashi have occupied the paved road less than half a mile to the south. Their presence prevents you from following the highway directly to Vabou. You are soon spotted out in the open and you see a party of twenty Chagarashi leave the main group and come loping along the paved road. You dare not stay here and you dare not go back to the treeline. Quang<ch.apos/>s military training kicks in and he seizes the initiative. He orders you all to push on westwards and seek cover in the hills. It is a sound tactical decision.</p>
+ <p>You soon reach the highway, but on arriving here you are disappointed to see a large group of Chagarashi have occupied the paved road less than half a mile to the south. Their presence prevents you from following the highway directly to Vabou. You are soon spotted out in the open and you see a party of twenty Chagarashi leave the main group and come loping along the paved road. You dare not stay here and you dare not go back to the tree-line. Quang<ch.apos/>s military training kicks in and he seizes the initiative. He orders you all to push on westwards and seek cover in the hills. It is a sound tactical decision.</p>
<p>The grass and mixed foliage is taller and denser on the west side of the highway than it is on the east side. Gradually it slows the horses down, reducing their pace to little more than a trot. As they push on, it is as if they are wading through a thick green sea that swirls around your knees. At length you reach a gentle rise that ascends towards the brow of a wide hill. It is here that your Sixth Sense alerts you to danger ahead. Immediately, you shout a warning to Quang and he signals to the Watchers to halt.</p>
<p><quote>What is it, my Lord</quote> he says, anxiously.</p>
<p><quote>I can sense something hostile on the far side of this hill,</quote> you reply. <quote>I fear it could be an ambush.</quote></p>
<data>
<p>Your hastily-aimed arrow arcs towards the Doomgah and strikes the middle of its iron bow, severing two of the fingers on its left hand and sending the bow spinning away. It shrieks with pain and frustration and hurriedly unsheathes its serrated sword. You run to the other side of the wheelhouse and peer around its side to see the Doomgah scurrying along the walkway, slashing at the rain with its black blade in a berserk frenzy. You shoulder your bow and draw your Kai Weapon as it comes racing down the gangplank, shrieking maniacally. It does not know precisely where you are and you seize this vital advantage. The moment it reaches the stern deck, you spring out from behind the wheelhouse and launch a swift attack.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Mooldor (wounded)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Mooldor <em>(wounded)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Because of the speed and surprise of your attack, you may ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> losses you receive in the first round of combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect300">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 300</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Quang hurriedly unshoulders his bow and commands Bai and Deng to do likewise.</p>
<p><quote>Fire at will!</quote> he shouts, and the three of them unleash a flurry of arrows at the advancing Skarada. Six of the enemy fall dead or wounded before the remainder reaches the top of the hill. Two of the beasts rush at you in a frenzied attack, their bloodstained axes held poised to hack you down.</p>
- <combat><enemy>2 Skarada (in combat frenzy)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>2 Skarada <em>(in combat frenzy)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect274">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 274</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>119</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Klüz shrieks with agony when you land your killing blow. Clutching at its sundered breast plate, it tumbles off the stone pier and plummets head first into the heaving waters of the Tkukoma Estuary. Its fell weapon, Zukgudrak, balances precariously on the edge of the pier. Only the weight of its blade is preventing this polearm from following its owner into the raging waters. You touch the tip of Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami to the blade to make it fall and there is sparkling flash of blue light. The blade of the fallen weapon is transmuted into lead and the power it possessed passes instantly into the blade of Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami.</p>
+ <p>Kl<ch.uuml/>z shrieks with agony when you land your killing blow. Clutching at its sundered breast plate, it tumbles off the stone pier and plummets head first into the heaving waters of the Tkukoma Estuary. Its fell weapon, Zukgudrak, balances precariously on the edge of the pier. Only the weight of its blade is preventing this polearm from following its owner into the raging waters. You touch the tip of Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign> to the blade to make it fall and there is sparkling flash of blue light. The blade of the fallen weapon is transmuted into lead and the power it possessed passes instantly into the blade of Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign>.</p>
<p>This special weapon will now triple all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point damage you inflict upon undead enemies in combat. However, this increased power comes at an increased price. In the first round of combat in which you use this enhanced weapon, you will suffer an automatic loss of 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect228">To continue, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The Skarada are less than thirty feet away when Lieutenant Quang shouts <quote>Fire!</quote> As one, you release your straining bowstrings and send a volley of arrows whistling into the advancing enemy. The missiles all hit their mark and three of the four Skarada tumble forwards, mortally wounded. Your arrow penetrates the left shoulder of the leading Skarad and spins it around, but it does not make it lose its footing. Bellowing with pain, the creature hacks the protruding shaft in two with one blow of its flint axe. It snarls with anger and glares at you with its bloodshot amber eyes before it beats a hasty retreat into the trees.</p>
<p>You are determined not to let it escape. Hurriedly, you shoulder your bow and urge your horse forward in pursuit of the wounded beast. In less than a minute you run it to ground among the pines. Roaring like a cornered tiger, the Skarad swings around and leaps towards your horse with its axe raised high, slashing the air as it strikes. Terrified by its ferocity, your mount rears up and shies away from the creature<ch.apos/>s manic attack. You are forced to cling to the pommel of your saddle with your left hand as you fight to prevent the snarling Skarad from hacking your horse to the ground.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Skarad Leader (wounded)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Skarad Leader <em>(wounded)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This creature is immune to all forms of psychic attack except Kai-surge. If you possess this Grand Master discipline and wish to use it during this combat, you may only add 3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
<choice idref="sect17">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 17</link-text></choice>
</data>
<p>You force a way through the heavy foliage and emerge from the trees at the edge of the clearing, close by the muddy road. A flash of lightning illuminates the area for a few fleeting moments, yet in that brief instant you are seen by Anseng. You are also spotted by Lord Rimoah who is clinging with all his strength to the prow rail of the Comet, high above. He tosses a small object over the skyship<ch.apos/>s gunwale which ignites into an intense ball of green flame as it falls. It drops into the tangled grass of the clearing where it continues to burn fiercely. It is a signal flare, acknowledging that you have been seen. It also tells you that your mission must proceed as planned. As you hurry towards the sputtering flare, you see the keel of the skyship turn about and ascend rapidly into the roiling black clouds.</p>
<p>Anseng and his lantern emerge from the trees. Your worried guide pauses for a few moments to get his bearings, then he comes running towards you as fast as his saturated clothing will allow. You rush to meet him at the edge of the road. The noise of the storm has grown much louder since the Comet departed, and now the ground shudders alarmingly with every step you take. The sodden soil has become dangerously unstable. Lightning bolts strike the ground, causing fissures that tear open the soft friable earth. You watch with growing dread as parts of the clearing break away and tumble into these treacherous crevasses. A wide fissure opens beneath your feet and you lose your balance. Instantly, a strong hand grabs your forearm and pulls you away from the yawning rift.</p>
<p><quote>Steady, my Lord,</quote> says Anseng, his rain-lashed face lit by the eerie yellow light of his storm lantern. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll not see you buried before your mission has begun. Follow close on my heel, sire. Tread only where I tread.</quote> You nod in agreement and stay close behind your guide as skillfully he makes his way across the treacherous ground towards the tree line on the eastern side of the clearing. Here the earth is more stable; the tangled roots of the tall trees are preventing it from breaking apart and collapsing. Sheltered from the pouring rain by the thick canopy of toa fronds, you pause to rest and recover from your dramatic return to Chai.</p>
- <p>Upon checking your equipment, you are dismayed to find that the leather satchel containing your tracker gem is missing. The strap is still slung around your shoulder, but the satchel bag has been torn away during your fall through the trees. Your backpack has also been damaged in the fall, and three items are now missing. (Erase the Tracker Gem from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You must also erase 3 Backpack Items – the first, third, and fifth items on your list.)</p>
+ <p>Upon checking your equipment, you are dismayed to find that the leather satchel containing your tracker gem is missing. The strap is still slung around your shoulder, but the satchel bag has been torn away during your fall through the trees. Your backpack has also been damaged in the fall, and three items are now missing. (Erase the Tracker Gem from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You must also erase 3 Backpack Items<ch.emdash/>the first, third, and fifth items on your list.)</p>
<choice idref="sect326"><link-text>Turn to 326</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>125</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Anseng<ch.apos/>s
Kirusami is a Special Item, but you must carry it as a Weapon slung suspended by a thin leather strap across your back. Although it is a Special Item, it should be recorded it in the Weapons section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. If you already have the maximum number of weapons permissible, you must now discard one in its favour. In combat, the superior craftsmanship and balance of this Chai weapon will add 1 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Moreover, the lingering power that remains in the blade of this weapon will double all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point damage you inflict upon undead enemies in combat. However, this power comes at a price. In the first round of combat in which you use this weapon, you will suffer an automatic loss of 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Anseng<ch.apos/>s
<foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign> is a Special Item, but you must carry it as a Weapon slung suspended by a thin leather strap across your back. Although it is a Special Item, it should be recorded it in the Weapons section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. If you already have the maximum number of weapons permissible, you must now discard one in its favour. In combat, the superior craftsmanship and balance of this Chai weapon will add 1 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Moreover, the lingering power that remains in the blade of this weapon will double all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point damage you inflict upon undead enemies in combat. However, this power comes at a price. In the first round of combat in which you use this weapon, you will suffer an automatic loss of 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect223">To continue, <link-text>turn to 223</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Rakhi gives a sudden squeal of delight and points at the pocket of your jacket.</p>
<p><quote>You have the Queen!</quote> she says, excitedly. You draw the playing piece from your pocket and Rakhi begs you to let her look at it. With trembling fingers she examines it closely.</p>
- <p><quote>Yes, yes… it<ch.apos/>s the missing piece I<ch.apos/>ve been looking for!</quote> she gasps.</p>
+ <p><quote>Yes, yes<ch.ellips/> it<ch.apos/>s the missing piece I<ch.apos/>ve been looking for!</quote> she gasps.</p>
<p><quote>What<ch.apos/>s so special about this samor piece?</quote> you ask, somewhat bemused by her passionate reaction.</p>
<p><quote>Wait here, I need to fetch something. I<ch.apos/>ll not be long.</quote> She returns the Samor Queen to you and leaves the table. You watch her hurry across the taproom and disappear through the curtained archway. In less than a minute she returns clutching a mahogany box inlaid with intricate gold designs.</p>
- <p>Proudly, she raises the lid revealing a set of beautifully carved samor pieces, each one resting in its own velvet-lined partition. One piece is missing from the set – the Samor Queen.</p>
+ <p>Proudly, she raises the lid revealing a set of beautifully carved samor pieces, each one resting in its own velvet-lined partition. One piece is missing from the set<ch.emdash/>the Samor Queen.</p>
<p><quote>I lost the Queen over a year ago, and I<ch.apos/>ve been searching for it ever since to restore my set. This was a present from my late grandmother. She taught me how to play samor when I was a child. I<ch.apos/>m not wealthy and I cannot offer you much money for the Queen, but I have something of value that may interest you. Perhaps we can make a deal?</quote></p>
<p>She clutches a small scarlet gem that is strung around her throat on a fine gold chain. She unhooks its clasp and passes it to you.</p>
<p><quote>It belonged to my mother,</quote> she says. <quote>She gave it to me when I joined the troupe. It has magical properties that have kept me safe since I left Durwan, but I<ch.apos/>d happily exchange it for the Samor Queen.</quote></p>
<data>
<p>The guard scrutinises your face and then he tells you to pull aside your rain cape so that he can inspect the weapons and equipment you are carrying.</p>
- <choice idref="sect321">If you possess Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami, <link-text>turn to 321</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect321">If you possess Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign>, <link-text>turn to 321</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect75">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 75</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>Your arrow pierces the creature<ch.apos/>s left shoulder and makes it shriek loudly. But it does not penetrate any vital organs and the beast is enraged by the sudden pain. It grips the shaft of the arrow and contemptuously it snaps it in half as it lopes towards the terrified horses.</p>
<p>You leap from the driver<ch.apos/>s seat and unsheathe your Kai Weapon the instant you land with a splash on the muddy highway. The remaining Chagarashi is intent upon attacking the leading pair of horses and you move quickly to block its advance. Screeching with pain and frustration, the ghastly creature launches itself upon you in a frenzied attack.</p>
<combat><enemy>Wounded Chagarashi</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">33</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>Anseng joins you in this fight at the beginning of the 2nd round. You may now temporarily increase your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 5 points until the combat ends.</p>
+ <p>Anseng joins you in this fight at the beginning of the second round. You may now temporarily increase your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 5 points until the combat ends.</p>
<choice idref="sect90">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 90</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You let loose your straining bowstring and your arrow flies straight and true. It strikes the Doomwolf between its feral eyes and the sharp tip penetrates deep into its brain, killing it instantly. It falls off the tree bridge and plunges head first into the ravine. The weight on the fallen tree is lessened by the demise of the second Doomwolf. You urge your companions to push harder against the pine and it starts to give. The compacted earth beneath it cracks and crumbles.</p>
- <p><quote>Get clear!</quote> you shout, and hastily they leap away as the tree trunk sinks with the collapsing edge of the gulley. There is a loud rumble and you see the tree and the loosened earth fall away into the yawning fissure. The remaining two Doomwolves howl with terror as they tumble off the falling trunk and plummet to their doom at the base of the ravine, one hundred feet below.</p>
+ <p><quote>Get clear!</quote> you shout, and hastily they leap away as the tree trunk sinks with the collapsing edge of the gully. There is a loud rumble and you see the tree and the loosened earth fall away into the yawning fissure. The remaining two Doomwolves howl with terror as they tumble off the falling trunk and plummet to their doom at the base of the ravine, one hundred feet below.</p>
<p>Quang and the Watchers are greatly impressed by the way in which you have dealt with the Doomwolves. They punch the air and shout in unison: <quote>Paizar!</quote></p>
<p>You smile and nod your head in acknowledgement of their generous praise. As the echo of their cheer fades away among the surrounding trees, you feel a sudden wave of weakness coursing through your body. It makes your stomach churn and leaves you gasping for breath. Once again, the Eye of Agarash has activated and this time it drains you of 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
<p>Wiping a trickle of cold sweat from your brow with the back of your trembling hand, you swallow hard and quickly reassure your companions that you are fit to continue.</p>
<meta><title>137</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Lieutenant Quang nods in agreement and you lead him and the Watchers away from the halted refugee column and ride east towards the treeline of the Nagah Forest. Passage through the treeline is easy as the forest here is far less dense than it is to the north east. You make swift progress until you spot something moving up ahead. You signal to your companions to halt.</p>
+ <p>Lieutenant Quang nods in agreement and you lead him and the Watchers away from the halted refugee column and ride east towards the tree-line of the Nagah Forest. Passage through the tree-line is easy as the forest here is far less dense than it is to the north east. You make swift progress until you spot something moving up ahead. You signal to your companions to halt.</p>
<p>Using your Sixth Sense and magnified vision skills, you identify the moving object. It is a lone Chagarashi. It appears to be scouting the sparse woodland, looking for refugees that may be attempting to circle around the roadblock.</p>
<choice idref="sect324">If you possess Animal Mastery and have achieved the rank of Sun Thane or higher, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect157">If you do not possess this Grand Master discipline, or if you have yet to achieve the required rank, <link-text>turn to 157</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>140</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Klüz leaps from the saddle and lands on the stone pier with a splash, its kirusami gripped firmly in its leathery black hands. The gathered Doomgah hiss their approval as their leader stomps towards you along the walkway. You steel yourself and prepare to fight this formidable creature to the death.</p>
- <choice idref="sect342">If you possess Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami, <link-text>turn to 342</link-text></choice>
+ <p>Kl<ch.uuml/>z leaps from the saddle and lands on the stone pier with a splash, its <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> gripped firmly in its leathery black hands. The gathered Doomgah hiss their approval as their leader stomps towards you along the walkway. You steel yourself and prepare to fight this formidable creature to the death.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect342">If you possess Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign>, <link-text>turn to 342</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect60">If you do not have this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 60</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>142</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your glancing blow sends the Chagarashi tumbling backwards into the wet foliage. As it struggles to get back on its feet, you rein in your horse and bring him around to face your wounded foe. Lieutenant Quang and the Watchers come galloping through the trees towards the Chagarashi. It has only just got back on its feet when the lieutenant gallops past and deals it a deadly scything blow with his kirusami. The foul creature<ch.apos/>s head is parted from its body and sent spinning away into the leafy undergrowth.</p>
+ <p>Your glancing blow sends the Chagarashi tumbling backwards into the wet foliage. As it struggles to get back on its feet, you rein in your horse and bring him around to face your wounded foe. Lieutenant Quang and the Watchers come galloping through the trees towards the Chagarashi. It has only just got back on its feet when the lieutenant gallops past and deals it a deadly scything blow with his <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>. The foul creature<ch.apos/>s head is parted from its body and sent spinning away into the leafy undergrowth.</p>
<p>You signal to Quang and the Watchers to gather in a circle.</p>
<p><quote>We must proceed with caution,</quote> you say. <quote>This creature may not have been the only one scouting this area.</quote></p>
- <p>You urge your horse forward and lead the others through the treeline in single file, with all eyes peeled for the slightest movement among the pines and foliage ahead.</p>
+ <p>You urge your horse forward and lead the others through the tree-line in single file, with all eyes peeled for the slightest movement among the pines and foliage ahead.</p>
<choice idref="sect99"><link-text>Turn to 99</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You scramble to your feet and face your enemy. Zashnor has reached the bottom of the gangplank and it levels the Claw of Naar at your chest. Its initial psychic attack has failed to stop you and now it launches a magical attack that it hopes will put paid to you once and for all. The tip of the Claw erupts into a terrifying ball of lighting that arcs across the deck at blinding speed.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the discipline of Grand Huntmastery, deduct 2 from the number you have chosen.</p>
<p>If your total is now 3 or lower, you lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
- <p>If your total is now 4 - 6, you lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
+ <p>If your total is now 4<ch.endash/>6, you lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
<p>If your total is now 7 or 8, you lose 7 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
<p>If your total is 9, you are engulfed and consumed by the ferocious ball of lightning. Zashnor will recover the Eye of Agarash from your smouldering remains and marry it with the Claw of Naar. The weapon thus created will give the Nadziran the ability to unleash a fireball so powerful that it will incinerate Dwala and all of its inhabitants at one fell stroke. Tragically, you will no longer be able to prevent this catastrophe, for your life and your mission ends here.</p>
<choice idref="sect162">If you have survived this magical attack, <link-text>turn to 162</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>146</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>Bhanarian spies,</quote> he replies with distain. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve caught over a dozen in the past week alone. These two attempted to poison a well in the south-eastern precinct. They will suffer the same fate as all the others. They<ch.apos/>ll be beheaded at dawn.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Bhanarian spies,</quote> he replies with disdain. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve caught over a dozen in the past week alone. These two attempted to poison a well in the south-eastern precinct. They will suffer the same fate as all the others. They<ch.apos/>ll be beheaded at dawn.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect127"><link-text>Turn to 127</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>150</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Anseng moves towards you, sweeping his glowing kirusami before him like a sorcerous scythe. Resolutely you unsheathe your Kai Weapon, yet as you raise it in readiness to counter his inexorable advance you are engulfed by a wave of nausea that makes you shiver and retch. Once again the Eye has activated, triggered now by the close proximity of the evil power that is driving Anseng to seek your doom: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Anseng moves towards you, sweeping his glowing <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> before him like a sorcerous scythe. Resolutely you unsheathe your Kai Weapon, yet as you raise it in readiness to counter his inexorable advance you are engulfed by a wave of nausea that makes you shiver and retch. Once again the Eye has activated, triggered now by the close proximity of the evil power that is driving Anseng to seek your doom: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>You retreat a few unsteady paces and struggle to suppress the tide of nausea that is sapping your strength. As if sensing your weakness, Anseng lunges forward and thrusts the glowing tip of his cursed weapon at your trembling face.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Anseng (undead)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Anseng <em>(undead)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect335">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 335</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>151</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Priestess Song Tao leads you to an alcove behind the altar and traces her fingertip around one of the engravings on the wall. It actives a secret panel which slides open to reveal a spiral stone staircase. You follow as she climbs to a landing near the top of the tower. A silver-plated door stands before you. Song Tao knocks on this shining door before opening it.</p>
+ <p>Priestess Song Tao leads you to an alcove behind the altar and traces her fingertip around one of the engravings on the wall. It activates a secret panel which slides open to reveal a spiral stone staircase. You follow as she climbs to a landing near the top of the tower. A silver-plated door stands before you. Song Tao knocks on this shining door before opening it.</p>
<p>You follow her into a large and impressive circular chamber. Its smooth walls and ceiling are midnight blue in colour and studded with clusters of tiny Caronese crystals. The effect is stunning; it is as if you have just stepped into deep space and are surrounded by thousands of tiny twinkling stars. The chamber is dimly lit by an oil lamp resting on a circular table in the middle of the room. Song Tao raises its wick and the light becomes brighter. It illuminates three people who are seated in winged armchairs on the far side of the chamber. They stand up and Song Tao introduces them to you.</p>
<p>The first is Lord Honos, a journeymage from Dessi. The second is Zautro, a curate Herbwarden from Bautar, and the third is Captain Jian Tzu, the commander of Dwala<ch.apos/>s City Guard. He is also the leader of the Watchers and a loyal friend and ally to the Elder Magi. It was Jian Tzu who sent Anseng to meet you on your arrival in Chai and to be your guide. When you tell them what has happened since your arrival in Chai, they are relieved to see you still have the Eye of Agarash safely in your possession. They are also shocked and saddened to learn of the regrettable loss of Anseng, Chao and Lieutenant Quang. Lord Honos assures you that their sacrifice will not be in vain, and neither will it be forgotten. Zautro the Herbwarden steps forward and asks to see the Eye of Agarash. The others, too, are anxious to view this infamous artefact and they gather round.</p>
<p>When you open the leather satchel, you are assailed by a wave of evil energy that drains you of 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<meta><title>153</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>It is Anseng, but he is no longer how you remember him. His face is grey and gaunt, and his eyes are now empty sockets that radiate a dull blue glow. Stiffly, he turns towards you with his cupped hands outstretched. There is a loud <quote>crack</quote> and his hands and forearms are wreathed in sparking balls of electric blue fire. Before your disbelieving eyes, these unholy spheres of flame coalesce into a glowing rod that rapidly transforms into the shape of a kirusami. Your Sixth Sense screams a warning that you are in the presence of a great evil that has taken possession of Anseng and turned him into an undead automaton. He opens his mouth as if to scream and the ghastly eyeless head of a black snake emerges from where his tongue should be. He raises his glowing kirusami and scythes the night air with several sweeping strokes. The weapon glows brighter with every stroke he makes.</p>
+ <p>It is Anseng, but he is no longer how you remember him. His face is grey and gaunt, and his eyes are now empty sockets that radiate a dull blue glow. Stiffly, he turns towards you with his cupped hands outstretched. There is a loud <quote>crack</quote> and his hands and forearms are wreathed in sparking balls of electric blue fire. Before your disbelieving eyes, these unholy spheres of flame coalesce into a glowing rod that rapidly transforms into the shape of a <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>. Your Sixth Sense screams a warning that you are in the presence of a great evil that has taken possession of Anseng and turned him into an undead automaton. He opens his mouth as if to scream and the ghastly eyeless head of a black snake emerges from where his tongue should be. He raises his glowing <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> and scythes the night air with several sweeping strokes. The weapon glows brighter with every stroke he makes.</p>
<choice idref="sect74">If you possess a bow, <link-text>turn to 74</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect24">If you possess the Grand Master discipline of Magi-magic, <link-text>turn to 24</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect150">If have neither a bow nor Magi-magic, of if you decide not to use either of them, <link-text>turn to 150</link-text></choice>
<p>Due to the speed of your attack, you can only engage in one round of combat with this enemy before the momentum of your charging horse carries you past it.</p>
<choice idref="sect267">If you kill the Chagarashi in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 267</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect142">If you do not kill the Chagarashi outright with your single blow, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text></choice>
- <choice idref="sect88">If you lose more ENDRANCE points than the Chagarashi in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect88">If you lose more <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than the Chagarashi in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Your final blow decapitates Xaol and sends his decayed head arcing away into the tempestuous waters of the Tkukoma Estuary. His crippled body drops to the deck and rapidly decays before your eyes. The necromantic spell that raised Xaol from the dead and restored his sundered body has been broken, and now the years of rot and decay that were held at bay rapidly consume his diseased corpse. His serpent rod reverts to its spherical form and lies beside the putrid remains, smoking and hissing intensely.</p>
- <choice idref="sect188">If you possess Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami, <link-text>turn to 188</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect188">If you possess Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign>, <link-text>turn to 188</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect89">If you do not possess this special weapon, <link-text>turn to 89</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>167</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The boat tumbles stern over bow and you are hurled into the raging waters. You plunge deep into the watery abyss, dragged down by the strong currents and the weight of your weapons and equipment. You intone the words of the Brotherhood spell Breathe Water and the crushing pain in your lungs recedes when you begin to absorb oxygen through your skin. With your strength fast returning, you fight your way up from the depths and back towards the surface.</p>
+ <p>The boat tumbles stern over bow and you are hurled into the raging waters. You plunge deep into the watery abyss, dragged down by the strong currents and the weight of your weapons and equipment. You intone the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Breathe Water</spell> and the crushing pain in your lungs recedes when you begin to absorb oxygen through your skin. With your strength fast returning, you fight your way up from the depths and back towards the surface.</p>
<choice idref="sect101">To continue, <link-text>turn to 101</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>170</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Swiftly you invoke the Brotherhood spell Halt Missile and the black arrow freezes in mid-air just a few feet in front of your face. You step aside and, moments later, the spell dissipates and the arrow whistles past you to ricochet harmlessly off the wall of the convent several yards along the alleyway behind.</p>
+ <p>Swiftly you invoke the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Halt Missile</spell> and the black arrow freezes in mid-air just a few feet in front of your face. You step aside and, moments later, the spell dissipates and the arrow whistles past you to ricochet harmlessly off the wall of the convent several yards along the alleyway behind.</p>
<choice idref="sect327"><link-text>Turn to 327</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<ul>
<li>Arrows: 10 Ren each (1 Gold Crown each)</li>
<li>Lantern: 20 Ren (2 Gold Crowns)</li>
- <li>Rope (50ft length): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
+ <li>Rope (50 ft. length): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Potion of Laumspur: 40 Ren (4 Gold Crowns)</li>
</ul>
<p>You may buy any of the items listed above for the price indicated. With the exception of the arrows, they are all backpack items that will take up one space in your backpack. You are under no obligation to make a purchase.</p>
- <p>You can also sell any of the items you have noted on your Backpack List (with the exception of Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami). The shop will pay 20 Ren for each item, regardless of how much it originally cost. If you wish to sell any of your items, erase them from your list and add 2 Gold Crowns (20 Ren) per item to your Belt Pouch.</p>
+ <p>You can also sell any of the items you have noted on your Backpack List (with the exception of Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign>). The shop will pay 20 Ren for each item, regardless of how much it originally cost. If you wish to sell any of your items, erase them from your list and add 2 Gold Crowns (20 Ren) per item to your Belt Pouch.</p>
<p>Quang finally decides which compass he is going to purchase and he hands 50 Ren to the shop assistant. The wife of the emporium<ch.apos/>s owner approaches him and they exchange a few words. She is concerned about Deng<ch.apos/>s morose demeanour and suggests that he would benefit from some Senara Tea. Quang agrees and he gives her 10 Ren. In return, she reaches for a bottle of the tea from the shelf behind her and places it on the counter. Quang uncorks the bottle and makes Deng drink it. The soothing liquid will help him to recover from his state of shock. When he has consumed the contents, you thank the woman and leave.</p>
<p>At the end of Xiang Street you enter the quayside area. The churning waters of the estuary stretch out before you. Because of the heavy rain and failing light, you cannot see across the estuary to the opposite bank and have no way of judging how wide it is at this point. Quang asks a passer-by for directions to the ferry post and she points south and tells you that it is a five minute walk is that direction. Soon you reach the post and see the ferry boat to Dwala is moored at the quay. You approach it, hoping that you are in time to catch the dusk crossing, but you find that access to this part of the quay has been chained off. A sign hanging from the chain says: <quote>Ferry cancelled due to weather</quote>.</p>
<p>Directly opposite the quay is a large three-storey building. The ornate sign fixed above its front door says: <quote>Ferry House Inn</quote></p>
<meta><title>172</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Unfortunately, your answer is incorrect. The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by 5/6ths vinegar and 1/6th oil. This would leave 5/6ths of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other 5/6ths of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with 5/6ths of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.</p>
+ <p>Unfortunately, your answer is incorrect. The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by <ch.frac56/> vinegar and <ch.frac16/> oil. This would leave <ch.frac56/> of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other <ch.frac56/> of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with <ch.frac56/> of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.</p>
<p>The patrons mummer their approval when Shou Lin explains the correct solution to the puzzle. You must now erase 10 Gold Crowns from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> and give the coins to the old man. Gladly he accepts your payment and praises you for your brave attempt at solving it.</p>
<p><quote>Bad luck, my Lord,</quote> says Anseng, in an attempt to console you. <quote>May you have better luck next time.</quote> You are now feeling very tired and are finding it a little difficult to keep your eyes open. Rather than stay for Shou Lin<ch.apos/>s next riddle, you bid Anseng good night and retire to your room.</p>
<choice idref="sect286"><link-text>Turn to 286</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>173</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shape your mouth in readiness and shout the Old Kingdom power-word with all your might: <quote>Gloar!</quote></p>
+ <p>You shape your mouth in readiness and shout the Old Kingdom power-word with all your might: <quote><cite>Gloar!</cite></quote></p>
<p>The concussive shock of your spell hits the Claw of Naar and sends it skittering away across the deck, beyond Zashnor<ch.apos/>s reach. The fell dragon shrieks with rage and slashes wildly at the deck with its powerful talons, gouging and scarring its timbers. You rush forwards with your Kai Weapon unsheathed and poised to strike. You are determined to exploit Zashnor<ch.apos/>s unfocused fit of anger and slay this evil adversary where it stands.</p>
<choice idref="sect100"><link-text>Turn to 100</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You attack the five undead Nagah Ghouls before they can scramble back to their feet. Lieutenant Quang fights fiercely by your side, and the three Watchers engage those ghouls that attempt to outflank you. Your use of the Kai power-word has given you the combat advantage. You may ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses you sustain in the first 2 rounds of this fight:</p>
<combat><enemy>5 Nagah Ghouls</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">57</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>You may add 6 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight, for Quang and the Watchers are supporting you in this battle. If you win this combat, Quang decapitates the heads of the fallen enemy to prevent them from being reanimated by the evil energy that has kept them in an undead state for centuries. As he chops off the head of the last Nagah Ghoul with his kirusami, you feel a chilling aura radiating from the Eye of Agarash. A sudden wave of weakness drains you of 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You may add 6 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight, for Quang and the Watchers are supporting you in this battle. If you win this combat, Quang decapitates the heads of the fallen enemy to prevent them from being reanimated by the evil energy that has kept them in an undead state for centuries. As he chops off the head of the last Nagah Ghoul with his <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>, you feel a chilling aura radiating from the Eye of Agarash. A sudden wave of weakness drains you of 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>As the nausea subsides, you turn your attention to the Watchers who have all sustained wounds during the combat. By the use of your Magnakai Curing discipline, you are able to stop their bleeding and help them quickly to recover. You sense that you must now leave this location for there are more Nagah Ghouls in the vicinity and they are heading for the tavern garden, drawn by the foul smell of the spilt blood of their slain brethren. Hurriedly, you all remount your horses and press on with your journey to Vabou without further delay.</p>
<choice idref="sect227"><link-text>Turn to 227</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>178</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You speak the words of the Old Kingdom battle-spell Invisible Fist and thrust your clenched right hand towards the Doomgah clustered around the entrance to the pier. The force of your spell punches a hole through their ranks and sends several of them tumbling in all directions. To your dismay, you watch them scramble to their feet and hurry back to join the others. Only one Doomgah has been slain by the force of your spell and its broken body now lies slumped against the front door of the Tkukoma Tavern.</p>
+ <p>You speak the words of the Old Kingdom battle-spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and thrust your clenched right hand towards the Doomgah clustered around the entrance to the pier. The force of your spell punches a hole through their ranks and sends several of them tumbling in all directions. To your dismay, you watch them scramble to their feet and hurry back to join the others. Only one Doomgah has been slain by the force of your spell and its broken body now lies slumped against the front door of the Tkukoma Tavern.</p>
<choice idref="sect263"><link-text>Turn to 263</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>181</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Steadily, you catch up with Quang and the Watchers. As you rejoin them, you see something blocking the highway in the middle distance. A score of Skarada are shambling along the highway towards you. They took cover in the tall grass when you and your companions rode along this section of the highway two hours ago, and now they are trying to rejoin the survivors of last night<ch.apos/>s battle. You signal to the others to get off the highway and divert east across the open grassland, towards the western edge of the Tviloi Forest which is visible on the horizon. They acknowledge your command and together you gallop due east. As you race across the open plain, you are able to shake off most of the pursuing Doomwolves before you reach the distant treeline.</p>
+ <p>Steadily, you catch up with Quang and the Watchers. As you rejoin them, you see something blocking the highway in the middle distance. A score of Skarada are shambling along the highway towards you. They took cover in the tall grass when you and your companions rode along this section of the highway two hours ago, and now they are trying to rejoin the survivors of last night<ch.apos/>s battle. You signal to the others to get off the highway and divert east across the open grassland, towards the western edge of the Tviloi Forest which is visible on the horizon. They acknowledge your command and together you gallop due east. As you race across the open plain, you are able to shake off most of the pursuing Doomwolves before you reach the distant tree-line.</p>
<p>Upon reaching the forest you find that the pines are widely spaced and you are able to maintain your fast pace with relative ease. However, this sparse border also makes it easy for a determined handful of Doomwolves to maintain their pursuit. The rumble of distant thunder and flashes of sheet lightning herald the return of heavy rain. This sudden change in the weather works to your advantage, dampening the scent of your horses and making it harder for the few remaining Doomwolves to track you. At length you come to a denser part of the forest that forces your mounts to slow their pace. It is criss-crossed with several narrow but deep gullies. You work your way around these fissures until you arrive at one that is much longer than the others. It stretches across your path and, at first glance, there appears to be no way to traverse it.</p>
- <p><quote>Over there!</quote> shouts Quang, pointing along the gulley towards the east. He has spotted a dead pine that has fallen across this narrow ravine. Its trunk spans the yawning gap and provides a natural bridge to the far side.</p>
+ <p><quote>Over there!</quote> shouts Quang, pointing along the gully towards the east. He has spotted a dead pine that has fallen across this narrow ravine. Its trunk spans the yawning gap and provides a natural bridge to the far side.</p>
<p>Quang takes the lead and you follow him in single file as he steers his horse safely across the fallen pine. When you reach the far side, you hear the ominous growl of a Doomwolf close behind. The pack leader and three of its foul brood are in hot pursuit. They have already reached the middle of the tree bridge and will soon be upon you unless you can do something to halt their swift and determined advance.</p>
<choice idref="sect92">If you have the Grand Master discipline of Elementalism, <link-text>turn to 92</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect14">If you possess the Grand Master discipline of Kai-Alchemy, and have attained the rank of Sun Knight or higher, <link-text>turn to 14</link-text></choice>
<data>
<p>The arrow whistles towards you with an exceptional speed and accuracy that reveals its magical enhancement. It is a Zejar-dulaga, a sorcerous missile imbued with magical accuracy which is only known to be crafted in the Darklands! Instinctively, you twist aside to avoid it and it rips through your oilskin cape and disappears into the storm-swept waters of the estuary. The rip in your cape is smeared with a black tarry substance with a bitter smell. It is Black Yua venom, a fast-acting and deadly toxin.</p>
- <p>The Doomgah Mooldor is reloading its bow and preparing to fire again. You race along the walkway towards the gangplank of the Silver Virixe, desperately seeking cover. Mooldor tracks you as you run and unleashes a second arrow. It speeds towards you, forcing you to somersault along the gangplank to avoid being hit. The deadly black arrow strikes the wooden edge of the plank barely inches from your right foot. Gasping for breath, you leap from the plank onto the stern deck of the cargo ship and hurriedly take cover behind the wheelhouse.</p>
+ <p>The Doomgah Mooldor is reloading its bow and preparing to fire again. You race along the walkway towards the gangplank of the <cite>Silver Virixe</cite>, desperately seeking cover. Mooldor tracks you as you run and unleashes a second arrow. It speeds towards you, forcing you to somersault along the gangplank to avoid being hit. The deadly black arrow strikes the wooden edge of the plank barely inches from your right foot. Gasping for breath, you leap from the plank onto the stern deck of the cargo ship and hurriedly take cover behind the wheelhouse.</p>
<choice idref="sect333">If you have a bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 333</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect158">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 158</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>188</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You place the blade of the
kirusami under the sphere and flip it over the gunwale of the ship. It hits the raging waters and explodes, showering you with foaming spray. You have dispensed with the necromancer<ch.apos/>s head and his accursed weapon, consigning them forever to a watery grave, but in doing so the blade of the kirusami is irrevocably damaged. The shining steel fractures and then shatters. The broken shards scatter across the rain-swept deck and are transmuted into lead by the dying power they harboured. (Erase Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
- <p>Your eye is caught by movement on the quayside. The Doomgah are slowly and nervously returning to the stone pier. They are very wary but they are also very curious to discover if Xaol has been triumphant. You crouch low to avoid being spotted and shuffle your way towards the door of the wheelhouse. You resolve to get below deck and find a place to hide before the Doomgah muster enough courage to come along the pier and board the Silver Virixe. When they find the ruined remains of Xaol<ch.apos/>s corpse, they will likely come searching for you.</p>
+ <p>You place the blade of the
<foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> under the sphere and flip it over the gunwale of the ship. It hits the raging waters and explodes, showering you with foaming spray. You have dispensed with the necromancer<ch.apos/>s head and his accursed weapon, consigning them forever to a watery grave, but in doing so the blade of the <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> is irrevocably damaged. The shining steel fractures and then shatters. The broken shards scatter across the rain-swept deck and are transmuted into lead by the dying power they harboured. (Erase Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign> from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
+ <p>Your eye is caught by movement on the quayside. The Doomgah are slowly and nervously returning to the stone pier. They are very wary but they are also very curious to discover if Xaol has been triumphant. You crouch low to avoid being spotted and shuffle your way towards the door of the wheelhouse. You resolve to get below deck and find a place to hide before the Doomgah muster enough courage to come along the pier and board the <cite>Silver Virixe</cite>. When they find the ruined remains of Xaol<ch.apos/>s corpse, they will likely come searching for you.</p>
<p>Your basic Kai discipline of Mind over Matter deals quickly and easily with the padlock on the wheelhouse door. It snaps open and you slide back the door and enter. Swiftly, you tug the door closed behind you and use the padlock to secure it from the inside. A set of wooden steps lead down to the lower deck where you discover the crews<ch.apos/> quarters. There are two cabins notably larger than the others: the Captain<ch.apos/>s cabin and the Purser<ch.apos/>s Cabin.</p>
<choice idref="sect40">If you wish to explore the Captain<ch.apos/>s cabin, <link-text>turn to 40</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect285">If you choose to investigate the Purser<ch.apos/>s cabin, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text></choice>
<p><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 30 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> 26</p>
<p>You can only engage in one round of combat with this enemy before the momentum of your galloping horse carries you away from it.</p>
<choice idref="sect283">If you kill the Doomwolf outright, or if your loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points is lower than the number of points lost by the Doomwolf, <link-text>turn to 283</link-text></choice>
- <choice idref="sect315">If you lose more ENDRANCE points than the Doomwolf in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 315</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect315">If you lose more <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than the Doomwolf in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 315</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p><quote>Chagarashi!</quote> screams Anseng, <quote>Ishir save us!</quote></p>
<p>The ghastly creatures detect the scent of the frightened wagon horses and detach themselves from the tattered remains of their victims. With murderous intent, they come loping along the muddy highway with their bloodied mouths agape.</p>
- <p><quote>We must protect the horses!</quote> shouts Anseng, and hurriedly he dismounts from the wagon and unshoulders his kirusami. Your mount is overcome with sheer terror. He rears up and you are thrown out of the saddle onto the muddy ground. Before you can attempt to calm him, he bolts and gallops away along the highway you have just travelled. Chengu is shaking with fear. Desperately he fights to regain control of his panicking horse team as the Chagarashi increase their loping pace.</p>
+ <p><quote>We must protect the horses!</quote> shouts Anseng, and hurriedly he dismounts from the wagon and unshoulders his <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>. Your mount is overcome with sheer terror. He rears up and you are thrown out of the saddle onto the muddy ground. Before you can attempt to calm him, he bolts and gallops away along the highway you have just travelled. Chengu is shaking with fear. Desperately he fights to regain control of his panicking horse team as the Chagarashi increase their loping pace.</p>
<p>Drenched with rain and plastered with sticky mud, you scramble to your feet and rush to join Anseng who is standing defiantly on the highway between the onrushing monsters and the terrified wagon horses. Coolly, you unsheathe your Kai Weapon and stand beside your guide. Two of the howling horrors launch themselves upon you while the third beast leaps through the air and slashes at Anseng with its razor-sharp talons.</p>
<p>Chagarashi</p>
<p><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 44 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> 40</p>
<p>Deng nods his head and salutes the Lieutenant. He wishes you both good luck before he leaves the quayside and walks away into the teeming rain. You watch him go. He does not look back.</p>
<p><quote>It is best he goes with Bai tomorrow,</quote> says Quang. <quote>If they should run into the enemy during their journey, they<ch.apos/>ll stand a better chance of surviving than if Bai were to go alone.</quote></p>
<p><quote>It will be hard on them to tell Shen-Yin that she has lost her husband,</quote> you reply.</p>
- <p><quote>Yes… yes it will,</quote> says Quang, his voice tinged with bitter sadness. <quote>Her husband… and her sister too. When I spoke with Bai at the stables, he told me that when he searched the farm house next to the barn, he found the bodies of Shen-Yin<ch.apos/>s sister and her husband. Both had been murdered by the Skarada.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Yes<ch.ellips/> yes it will,</quote> says Quang, his voice tinged with bitter sadness. <quote>Her husband<ch.ellips/> and her sister too. When I spoke with Bai at the stables, he told me that when he searched the farm house next to the barn, he found the bodies of Shen-Yin<ch.apos/>s sister and her husband. Both had been murdered by the Skarada.</quote></p>
<p><quote>This is so sad,</quote> you reply, <quote>I pray that Ishir will give her strength to bear her grievous loss.</quote></p>
<p>Quang walks to the edge of the quay and loosens the rope securing the rowboat.</p>
<p><quote>Perhaps we should wait until the storm abates,</quote> you say.</p>
<meta><title>198</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The Skarada are less than thirty feet away when Lieutenant Quang shouts <quote>Fire!</quote> As one, you release your straining bowstrings and send a volley of arrows whistling into the advancing enemy. The missiles all hit their mark and the four Skarada tumble forwards, mortally wounded. Quang compliments everyone on their fine bowmanship and orders you all to shoulder your bows. You comply with his order and follow behind as he canters his horse towards the fallen Skarada. Two of them have been killed outright, and the remaining two are swiftly put out of their misery by the blade of Quang<ch.apos/>s kirusami.</p>
- <p>Your Sixth Sense warns you that these Skarada are not the only ones of their kind occupying the treeline. Another two groups are now rushing towards this area, from the east and the south. Fearing that you could be surrounded by them when they converge, you shout a warning to Lieutenant Quang and he quickly mounts his horse and brings it alongside yours.</p>
- <p><quote>We can<ch.apos/>t go forward and we daren<ch.apos/>t go any deeper into the forest,</quote> he says, thoughtfully. <quote>We<ch.apos/>d best take our chances out on the plain. We<ch.apos/>re behind the Chagarashi roadblock now. If the highway is clear between the roadblock and Vabou, we<ch.apos/>ll ride there directly.</quote> You agree with the Lieutenant<ch.apos/>s plan and pass the word to the Watchers. Together, you turn your horses to the west and ride out from the treeline, heading for the highway two miles beyond the open grassland.</p>
+ <p>The Skarada are less than thirty feet away when Lieutenant Quang shouts <quote>Fire!</quote> As one, you release your straining bowstrings and send a volley of arrows whistling into the advancing enemy. The missiles all hit their mark and the four Skarada tumble forwards, mortally wounded. Quang compliments everyone on their fine bowmanship and orders you all to shoulder your bows. You comply with his order and follow behind as he canters his horse towards the fallen Skarada. Two of them have been killed outright, and the remaining two are swiftly put out of their misery by the blade of Quang<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>.</p>
+ <p>Your Sixth Sense warns you that these Skarada are not the only ones of their kind occupying the tree-line. Another two groups are now rushing towards this area, from the east and the south. Fearing that you could be surrounded by them when they converge, you shout a warning to Lieutenant Quang and he quickly mounts his horse and brings it alongside yours.</p>
+ <p><quote>We can<ch.apos/>t go forward and we daren<ch.apos/>t go any deeper into the forest,</quote> he says, thoughtfully. <quote>We<ch.apos/>d best take our chances out on the plain. We<ch.apos/>re behind the Chagarashi roadblock now. If the highway is clear between the roadblock and Vabou, we<ch.apos/>ll ride there directly.</quote> You agree with the Lieutenant<ch.apos/>s plan and pass the word to the Watchers. Together, you turn your horses to the west and ride out from the tree-line, heading for the highway two miles beyond the open grassland.</p>
<choice idref="sect108"><link-text>Turn to 108</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You attack the five undead Nagah Ghouls before they can stagger back to their feet. Lieutenant Quang fights fiercely by your side, and the three Watchers engage those ghouls that attempt to outflank you. Your use of the Old Kingdom power-word has given you the combat advantage. You may ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses you sustain in the first round of this fight:</p>
<p>5 Nagah Ghouls</p>
<p><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 45 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> 59</p>
- <p>You may add 6 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight, for Quang and the Watchers are supporting you throughout this battle against these fearsome creatures. If you win this combat, Quang decapitates the heads of the fallen enemy to prevent them from being reanimated by the evil energy that has kept them in an undead state for centuries. As he chops off the head of the last Nagah Ghoul with his kirusami, you feel a chilling aura radiating from the Eye of Agarash. A sudden wave of weakness drains you of 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You may add 6 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight, for Quang and the Watchers are supporting you throughout this battle against these fearsome creatures. If you win this combat, Quang decapitates the heads of the fallen enemy to prevent them from being reanimated by the evil energy that has kept them in an undead state for centuries. As he chops off the head of the last Nagah Ghoul with his <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>, you feel a chilling aura radiating from the Eye of Agarash. A sudden wave of weakness drains you of 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>As the nausea subsides, you turn your attention to the Watchers who have all sustained wounds during the combat. By the use of your Magnakai Curing discipline, you are able to stop their bleeding and help them quickly to recover. You sense that you must now leave this location for there are more Nagah Ghouls in the vicinity and they are heading for the tavern garden, drawn by the foul smell of the spilt blood of their slain brethren. Hurriedly, you all remount your horses and press on with your journey to Vabou without further delay.</p>
<choice idref="sect227"><link-text>Turn to 227</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Daruzhi Street is a cobblestoned thoroughfare well-lit by latticed street lanterns. Fifty yards along it you see two shops that stand directly opposite each other and are still open for business.</p>
<choice idref="sect13">If you wish to visit Shau Zau<ch.apos/>s General Store, <link-text>turn to 13</link-text></choice>
- <choice idref="sect325">If you choose to visit Zian-zu<ch.apos/>s Weaponshop, <link-text>turn to 325</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect325">If you choose to visit Zian-zu<ch.apos/>s Weapon Shop, <link-text>turn to 325</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect266">If you decide to continue along Daruzhi Street, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You unsheathe your Kai Weapon, unlock the wheelhouse door, and race out across the rain-swept stern deck towards the bow of the ship. You are halfway to the foredeck when you hear Zashnor screaming with glee. The sound of its hideous gloating scream makes you glance over your shoulder and you are mortified by what you see. Zashnor has reached the bottom of the gangplank and it is taking aim with the Claw of Naar at your back. The tip of the Claw erupts into a terrifying ball of lighting that arcs across the deck at blinding speed.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the discipline of Grand Huntmastery, deduct 2 from the number you have chosen.</p>
<p>If your total is now 3 or lower, you lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
- <p>If your total is now 4 - 6, you lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
+ <p>If your total is now 4<ch.endash/>6, you lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
<p>If your total is now 7 or 8, you lose 7 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
<p>If your total is 9, you are engulfed and consumed by the ferocious ball of lightning. Zashnor will recover the Eye of Agarash from your smouldering remains and marry it with the Claw of Naar. The weapon thus created will give the Nadziran the ability to unleash a fireball so powerful that it will incinerate Dwala and all of its inhabitants at one fell stroke. Tragically, you will no longer be able to prevent this catastrophe, for your life and your mission ends here.</p>
<choice idref="sect162">If you have survived this magical attack, <link-text>turn to 162</link-text></choice>
<data>
<p>Three refugee wagons lay overturned in the shallow basin of the valley, their contents spilled out and scattered among the tall foliage. Lying among them are the torn and bloodied remnants of many Chai civilians. It is impossible to estimate just how many refugees have been slaughtered here for none of their corpses are wholly intact. You are sickened to witness several hulking grey shapes moving about in this killing field, pausing only to snatch up and gnaw at the remains of the dead.</p>
- <choice idref="sect204">If you have arrived at this location from the eastern treeline, <link-text>turn to 204</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect204">If you have arrived at this location from the eastern tree-line, <link-text>turn to 204</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect332">If you have arrived here from the halted refugee column, after having chosen to go west (section 239), <link-text>turn to 332</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>The Skarada are now fast closing in around the open barn doors. They are armed with flint axes and long-bladed bone daggers. You dig your heels into your horse<ch.apos/>s flanks and jolt him forward in a desperate effort to escape before the Skarada can block the exit. Your horse is back under your control and he responds at once to your actions. He bolts through their closing ranks and you gallop away along the muddy farm track. Quang and the Watchers follow in your wake. The snarling Skarada slash and stab at them as they race out of the barn, forcing them run a deadly gauntlet before they can get away.</p>
<p>You come to the end of the farm track and turn your horse to the east. When you look back towards the barn, you are relieved to see that all of your companions have escaped and are galloping along the track towards the farm entrance. By the time the Skarada reach the farm<ch.apos/>s split pine fence, you are all racing along the highway in the pelting rain with your heads down and your cheeks pressed close to your horses<ch.apos/> necks.</p>
<p>Only when you can no longer see the farmstead and the Skarada do you signal to Quang and the others to bring their horses to a halt. Your mounts are breathless and their sweaty flanks steam in the pouring rain. Your companions, too, are weary. They slump in their saddles and struggle to regain their composure. Quang comes forward and halts his horse alongside yours.</p>
- <p><quote>That… was a close thing,</quote> he says, gasping for breath. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve you to thank for getting us out of that barn alive.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>That<ch.ellips/> was a close thing,</quote> he says, gasping for breath. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve you to thank for getting us out of that barn alive.</quote></p>
<p>Then you hear a loud splash behind you and immediately you sense that something awful has happened.</p>
<choice idref="sect65"><link-text>Turn to 65</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>228</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Klüz shrieks with agony when you land your killing blow. Clutching at its sundered breast plate, it tumbles off the stone pier and plummets head first into the heaving waters of the Tkukoma Estuary. For a few moments its fell weapon, Zukgudrak, balances precariously on the edge of walkway. Then the howling winds catch its heavy blade and send it spiralling down into the dark waters to join its owner.</p>
- <p>The Doomgah at the far end of the pier are devastated by the defeat of their leader. They break and run in all directions to escape a similar fate by your hand. Only one remains behind. Your Magnakai discipline of Divination informs you that this creature is Mooldor, Klüz<ch.apos/>s sycophantic and vengeful lieutenant. The creature raises its iron bow and lets loose a black arrow aimed at your heart.</p>
+ <p>Kl<ch.uuml/>z shrieks with agony when you land your killing blow. Clutching at its sundered breast plate, it tumbles off the stone pier and plummets head first into the heaving waters of the Tkukoma Estuary. For a few moments its fell weapon, Zukgudrak, balances precariously on the edge of walkway. Then the howling winds catch its heavy blade and send it spiralling down into the dark waters to join its owner.</p>
+ <p>The Doomgah at the far end of the pier are devastated by the defeat of their leader. They break and run in all directions to escape a similar fate by your hand. Only one remains behind. Your Magnakai discipline of Divination informs you that this creature is Mooldor, Kl<ch.uuml/>z<ch.apos/>s sycophantic and vengeful lieutenant. The creature raises its iron bow and lets loose a black arrow aimed at your heart.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Grand Master discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect35">If you total is now 4 or lower, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect182">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 182</link-text></choice>
<data>
<p>Suddenly you realise that you are not being subjected to an audio attack. The noise that fills your head is the effect of a powerful psychic assault upon your senses. Hurriedly, you call upon your Magnakai discipline of Psi-screen to protect your mind from this powerful psychic assault, and you are able to create a mental wall to repel it. However, it takes you crucial seconds to erect this defensive wall and you suffer a painful psychic shock before it is completed: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Sensing your distress and eager to exploit it, the ghoulish figure leaps towards you brandishing his black staff. In the blink of an eye, the staff transforms into a hissing serpent. It is disturbingly similar to the snake which emerged from the mouth of undead Anseng! You reach to your weapon and pull back as the serpent<ch.apos/>s venomous fangs strike out for your throat.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer (reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer <em>(reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This enemy is a powerful undead adversary. If your chosen weapon provides you with a bonus when used in a fight against an undead foe, be sure to calculate and add the bonus to your Combat Skill before this battle begins. If you possess the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Valiance</quote> you may add the bonus that you gain from its unique properties during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect160">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You are stopped at the gate by three Imperial Guardsmen who challenge you to identify yourself and state your business here. You give them the Durenese Consulate Pass that you received from Envoy Helsar and they examine it carefully. One of the guardsmen calls for his sergeant to come forward and he hands the hard-faced warrior your pass. After scrutinising it for a few moments, he commands a squad of his imperial soldiers stationed in the courtyard beyond the gate to come forward and surround you. The sergeant looks once more at the pass and swiftly snatches the horse<ch.apos/>s reins from your hands.</p>
- <p><quote>You<ch.apos/>re under arrest. Come with me,</quote> he says, curtly. The squad unshoulder their kirusamis and point them at you menacingly. You are left in no doubt that they will use them if you attempt to escape.</p>
+ <p><quote>You<ch.apos/>re under arrest. Come with me,</quote> he says, curtly. The squad unshoulder their <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusamis</foreign> and point them at you menacingly. You are left in no doubt that they will use them if you attempt to escape.</p>
<p>The sergeant and his men escort you and your horse into the courtyard and take you to a blockhouse. You are pulled from the saddle and pushed towards its open door.</p>
<p><quote>Did you really think you could use this pass to enter the Imperial Palace?</quote> says the sergeant, with contempt. <quote>These numerals tell me you are seventy-nine years old. Hah! If that is so, you<ch.apos/>re the youngest old man I<ch.apos/>ve ever seen!</quote></p>
<p>You are grabbed by two of the sergeant<ch.apos/>s men and shoved through the blockhouse door.</p>
<p>Lord Honos and Herbwarden Zautro come running up the stairs from the convent<ch.apos/>s cellar. They are covered with plaster dust and look badly shaken. You ask if Priestess Song Tao is safe. They glance at each other and then look dejectedly at the floor and shake their heads.</p>
<p><quote>Grand Master,</quote> says the Captain, urgently. <quote>You must leave here. It is too dangerous for you to stay any longer.</quote></p>
<p>He stands in the open doorway and points along the alley to a passageway at the southern end.</p>
- <p><quote>Turn right at the end and the passage will take you to Izara Street. Go left when you reach Izara and you<ch.apos/>ll soon arrive at the Main Square. Look for the sign to the Quay. Follow the sign and you<ch.apos/>ll be sure to reach the quayside. Make your way to the stone pier in the middle of the quayside and look for the <quote>Silver Virixe</quote>. She is a Korlian cargo ship berthed at the end of the pier. She will be bound for Port of Suhn as soon as the storms abate. Go aboard her and hide yourself below deck. If it is safe to do so, we will come for you an hour before noon and bring you back here to the North Gate in time for Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s arrival.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Turn right at the end and the passage will take you to Izara Street. Go left when you reach Izara and you<ch.apos/>ll soon arrive at the Main Square. Look for the sign to the Quay. Follow the sign and you<ch.apos/>ll be sure to reach the quayside. Make your way to the stone pier in the middle of the quayside and look for the <quote><cite>Silver Virixe</cite></quote>. She is a Korlian cargo ship berthed at the end of the pier. She will be bound for Port of Suhn as soon as the storms abate. Go aboard her and hide yourself below deck. If it is safe to do so, we will come for you an hour before noon and bring you back here to the North Gate in time for Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s arrival.</quote></p>
<p><quote>And what if you don<ch.apos/>t come?</quote> you ask, pragmatically.</p>
- <p><quote>If we don<ch.apos/>t come for you,</quote> replies Jian Tzu, <quote>then the situation here will have escalated beyond our control. You should remain hidden aboard the ship. Once it sails and is safely beyond the estuary, you should make yourself known to the Captain. His name is Chengan. He is a Watcher and he is loyal to our cause. He will convey you to Port of Suhn and from there you will be able to make contact with your Kai Monastery on the Isle of Lorn. We will send word of this to Lord Rimoah… if we are able.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>If we don<ch.apos/>t come for you,</quote> replies Jian Tzu, <quote>then the situation here will have escalated beyond our control. You should remain hidden aboard the ship. Once it sails and is safely beyond the estuary, you should make yourself known to the Captain. His name is Chengan. He is a Watcher and he is loyal to our cause. He will convey you to Port of Suhn and from there you will be able to make contact with your Kai Monastery on the Isle of Lorn. We will send word of this to Lord Rimoah<ch.ellips/> if we are able.</quote></p>
<p>You acknowledge the Captain<ch.apos/>s words and set off from the kitchen doorway. But you have barely taken a dozen steps along the alleyway when you see a group of leathery black creatures appear in the passageway beyond. They are armed with iron bows. One of them raises its bow and a black arrow comes speeding directly towards your head!</p>
<choice idref="sect78">If you possess Magi-magic and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 78</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect170">If you possess Kai-alchemy, have attained the rank of Sun Knight or higher, and wish to use your advanced skill, <link-text>turn to 170</link-text></choice>
<data>
<p>You twist the portal<ch.apos/>s silver handle and, to your relief, you discover it is unlocked. You push it open and step across the threshold into a small chapel dedicated to Goddess Ishir. Standing before a wooden altar draped with a silver cloth stands a Priestess of the Moon, a devout acolyte of Ishir. She is clothed in a beautiful robe of shimmering white silk interwoven with threads of fine silver. She leaves the altar and walks towards you with her delicate hands crossed upon her chest.</p>
<p><quote>I am Priestess Song Tao,</quote> she says, softly. <quote>Welcome.</quote></p>
- <p>You sense the aura of goodness that she exudes and it flows over you like a cool refreshing breeze (restore 1 ENDURANE point). You introduce yourself and tell her that you are the Kai Grand Master whom Anseng had been sent to escort to Pensei. She asks after your guide and she is deeply saddened to hear what became of him. She closes her eyes and a single tear trickles down her pale cheek. Slowly, she opens her eyes and holds you with a mesmerizing stare. Your Sixth Sense tells you that she is looking into your mind. When she is sure that you are indeed a Kai Grand Master, she uncrosses her hands and beckons you to follow her.</p>
+ <p>You sense the aura of goodness that she exudes and it flows over you like a cool refreshing breeze (restore 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point). You introduce yourself and tell her that you are the Kai Grand Master whom Anseng had been sent to escort to Pensei. She asks after your guide and she is deeply saddened to hear what became of him. She closes her eyes and a single tear trickles down her pale cheek. Slowly, she opens her eyes and holds you with a mesmerizing stare. Your Sixth Sense tells you that she is looking into your mind. When she is sure that you are indeed a Kai Grand Master, she uncrosses her hands and beckons you to follow her.</p>
<p><quote>There are some important people that are waiting for you. Come with me.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect151"><link-text>Turn to 151</link-text></choice>
</data>
<p><quote>Mount up! Let<ch.apos/>s get out of here!</quote></p>
<p>Quang and the Watchers leave their locations and race to their horses. Rapidly, you mount your horse and spur him towards the open doors. You are halfway across the barn when two Chagarashi appear in the open doorway and throw their arms wide. They spread their sinewy fingers and their razor-sharp talons glint in the dull light. They are attempting to block your escape.</p>
<p>You are almost upon them when your horse rears up in alarm. The Chagarashi seize this opportunity and leap forward to attack.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Chagarashi Scouts (x2)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>2 Chagarashi Scouts</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>You struggle to control your frightened horse throughout this combat. Its wild and erratic movement makes it hard for you to strike these enemies with precision. Deduct 4 points from your Combat Skill for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect224">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text></choice>
</data>
<li>Lantern: 20 Ren (2 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Iron Pot: 20 Ren (2 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Hammer: 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
- <li>Rope (50ft length): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
+ <li>Rope (50 ft. length): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Potion of Laumspur: 40 Ren (4 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Spyglass: 50 Ren (5 Gold Crowns)</li>
</ul>
<p>You may buy any of the items listed above for the price indicated. They are all backpack items that will take up one space in your backpack. You are under no obligation to make a purchase.</p>
- <p>Sheni will buy any items you have noted on your Backpack List (with the exception of Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami). He will pay 10 Ren for each item, regardless of how much it originally cost. If you wish to sell any of your items, erase them from your list and add 1 Gold Crown (10 Ren) per item to your Belt Pouch.</p>
+ <p>Shen will buy any items you have noted on your Backpack List (with the exception of Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign>). He will pay 10 Ren for each item, regardless of how much it originally cost. If you wish to sell any of your items, erase them from your list and add 1 Gold Crown (10 Ren) per item to your Belt Pouch.</p>
<p>Shen and Meixiu bid you good night when you leave the shop.</p>
<choice idref="sect71">If you choose to visit or revisit Qui Ling<ch.apos/>s Weapons Shop on the opposite side of the street, <link-text>turn to 71</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect346">If you decide to continue along N<ch.apos/>kow Lane, <link-text>turn to 346</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>248</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Anseng tells you that his ornate bladed pole arm is called a kirusami. It resembles a short spear with a curved blade fixed at one end. The blade is beautifully engraved and razor sharp. This distinctive weapon says much about Anseng<ch.apos/>s distinguished military career. Only the Chai Imperial Guard are permitted to own and use such weapons, and only the bravest of their cadre are allowed to keep them when they retire from service. A thin strip of supple leather is fixed to either end of the kirusami so that Anseng can carry it slung over his shoulder when he is not on horseback.</p>
+ <p>Anseng tells you that his ornate bladed pole arm is called a <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>. It resembles a short spear with a curved blade fixed at one end. The blade is beautifully engraved and razor sharp. This distinctive weapon says much about Anseng<ch.apos/>s distinguished military career. Only the Chai Imperial Guard are permitted to own and use such weapons, and only the bravest of their cadre are allowed to keep them when they retire from service. A thin strip of supple leather is fixed to either end of the <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> so that Anseng can carry it slung over his shoulder when he is not on horseback.</p>
<choice idref="sect148"><link-text>Turn to 148</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>249</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shape your mouth precisely and shout the Old Kingdom power-word <quote>Gloar</quote>. The concussive force of your shout hits the Doomgah in the chest and makes it reel back in the saddle. With difficulty, it clings to the horn of the Kraan saddle with its free hand until the force of your Old Kingdom battle spell subsides. The impact leaves him shaken but undeterred.</p>
+ <p>You shape your mouth precisely and shout the Old Kingdom power-word <quote><spell>Gloar</spell></quote>. The concussive force of your shout hits the Doomgah in the chest and makes it reel back in the saddle. With difficulty, it clings to the horn of the Kraan saddle with its free hand until the force of your Old Kingdom battle spell subsides. The impact leaves him shaken but undeterred.</p>
<choice idref="sect140"><link-text>Turn to 140</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>252</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You intone the words of the Old Kingdom spell Speed and cast it on your flagging horse. Instantly, he responds with a dramatic surge of speed that carries you swiftly out of harm<ch.apos/>s way. Soon you catch up to and overtake your companions, and they shake their heads in disbelief at how fast your horse is travelling. Anxious not to get too far ahead of Quang and the Watchers, you rein in your horse to a regular gallop and this is when you see something blocking the highway in the middle distance.</p>
- <p>A score of Skarada are shambling along the highway towards you. They took cover in the tall grass when you and your companions rode along this section of the highway two hours ago, and now they are trying to rejoin the survivors of last night<ch.apos/>s battle. You signal to the others to get off the highway and divert east across the open grassland, towards the western edge of the Tviloi Forest which is visible on the horizon. Quang and the Watchers skilfully shake off and outdistance most of the pursuing Doomwolves and together you race towards the distant treeline.</p>
+ <p>You intone the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Speed</spell> and cast it on your flagging horse. Instantly, he responds with a dramatic surge of speed that carries you swiftly out of harm<ch.apos/>s way. Soon you catch up to and overtake your companions, and they shake their heads in disbelief at how fast your horse is travelling. Anxious not to get too far ahead of Quang and the Watchers, you rein in your horse to a regular gallop and this is when you see something blocking the highway in the middle distance.</p>
+ <p>A score of Skarada are shambling along the highway towards you. They took cover in the tall grass when you and your companions rode along this section of the highway two hours ago, and now they are trying to rejoin the survivors of last night<ch.apos/>s battle. You signal to the others to get off the highway and divert east across the open grassland, towards the western edge of the Tviloi Forest which is visible on the horizon. Quang and the Watchers skilfully shake off and outdistance most of the pursuing Doomwolves and together you race towards the distant tree-line.</p>
<p>Upon reaching the forest you find that the pines are widely spaced and you are able to maintain your fast pace with relative ease. However, this sparse border also makes it easy for a determined handful of Doomwolves to maintain their pursuit. The rumble of distant thunder and flashes of sheet lightning herald the return of heavy rain. This sudden change in the weather works to your advantage, dampening the scent of your horses and making it harder for the few remaining Doomwolves to track you. At length you come to a denser part of the forest that forces your mounts to slow their pace. It is criss-crossed with several narrow but deep gullies. You work your way around these fissures until you arrive at one that is much longer than the others. It stretches across your path and, at first glance, there appears to be no way to traverse it.</p>
- <p><quote>Over there!</quote> shouts Quang, pointing along the gulley towards the east. He has spotted a dead pine that has fallen across this narrow ravine. Its trunk spans the yawning gap and provides a natural bridge to the far side.</p>
+ <p><quote>Over there!</quote> shouts Quang, pointing along the gully towards the east. He has spotted a dead pine that has fallen across this narrow ravine. Its trunk spans the yawning gap and provides a natural bridge to the far side.</p>
<p>Quang takes the lead and you follow him in single file as he steers his horse safely across the fallen pine. When you reach the far side, you hear the ominous growl of a Doomwolf close behind. The pack leader and three of its foul brood are in hot pursuit. They have already reached the middle of the tree bridge and will soon be upon you unless you can do something to halt their swift and determined advance.</p>
<choice idref="sect92">If you have the Grand Master discipline of Elementalism, <link-text>turn to 92</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect14">If you possess the Grand Master discipline of Kai-Alchemy, and have attained the rank of Sun Knight or higher, <link-text>turn to 14</link-text></choice>
<data>
<p>The Skarada are less than thirty feet away when Lieutenant Quang shouts <quote>Fire!</quote> As one, your companions release their straining bowstrings and send a volley of arrows whistling into the advancing enemy. The missiles all hit their mark and three of the four Skarada tumble forwards, mortally wounded. The lieutenant<ch.apos/>s arrow penetrates the left shoulder of the leading Skarad and spins it around, but it does not make it lose its footing. Bellowing with pain, the creature hacks the protruding shaft in two with one blow of its flint axe. It snarls with anger and glares at you with its bloodshot amber eyes before it beats a hasty retreat into the trees.</p>
<p>You are determined not to let it escape. Hurriedly, you urge your horse forward in pursuit of the wounded beast. In less than a minute you run it to ground among the pines. Roaring like a cornered tiger, the Skarad swings around and leaps towards your horse with its axe raised high, slashing the air as it strikes. Terrified by its ferocity, your mount rears up and shies away from the creature<ch.apos/>s manic attack. You are forced to cling to the pommel of your saddle with your left hand as you fight to prevent the snarling Skarad from hacking your horse to the ground.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Skarad Leader (wounded)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Skarad Leader <em>(wounded)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This creature is immune to all forms of psychic attack except Kai-surge. If you possess this Grand Master discipline and wish to use it during this combat, you may only add 3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
<choice idref="sect17">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 17</link-text></choice>
</data>
<p>Deng nods his head and salutes the Lieutenant. He wishes you both good luck before he leaves the quayside and walks away into the teeming rain. You watch him go. He does not look back.</p>
<p><quote>It is best he goes with Bai tomorrow,</quote> says Quang. <quote>If they should run into the enemy during their journey, they<ch.apos/>ll stand a better chance of surviving than if Bai were to go alone.</quote></p>
<p><quote>It will be hard on them to tell Shen-Yin that she has lost her husband,</quote> you reply.</p>
- <p><quote>Yes… yes it will,</quote> says Quang, his voice tinged with bitter sadness. <quote>Her husband… and her sister too. When I spoke with Bai at the stables, he told me that when he searched the farm house next to the barn, he found the bodies of Shen-Yin<ch.apos/>s sister and her husband. Both had been murdered by the Skarada.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Yes<ch.ellips/> yes it will,</quote> says Quang, his voice tinged with bitter sadness. <quote>Her husband<ch.ellips/> and her sister too. When I spoke with Bai at the stables, he told me that when he searched the farm house next to the barn, he found the bodies of Shen-Yin<ch.apos/>s sister and her husband. Both had been murdered by the Skarada.</quote></p>
<p><quote>This is so sad,</quote> you reply, <quote>I pray that Ishir will give her strength to bear her grievous loss.</quote></p>
<p>Quang walks to the edge of the quay and loosens the rope securing the rowboat.</p>
<p><quote>Perhaps we should wait until the storm abates,</quote> you say.</p>
<data>
<p>You unsheathe your Kai Weapon and prepare to take the fight to the snickering Doomgah. You resolve to cut your way through them to the quayside beyond and make a hasty escape into the city. If you allow them to force you along the pier to the cargo ship, they will have the combat advantage for there is nowhere you can escape to once you are on the deck of the ship.</p>
- <p>Coolly, you advance along the pier. You show the vile creatures no fear, but you are stopped dead in your tracks when you hear the loud flapping of wings behind you. You glance over your left shoulder and see a Kraan landing at the end of the pier. Astride its back is a Doomgah, but one that is larger and more muscular than the others. A beast plate of black iron encases its chest and in its hand it carries a large kirusami, an exaggerated mockery of the Chai Imperial Guard weapon. Your Magnakai discipline of Divination informs you that this creature is Klüz, the Doomgah leader. It fixes you with a withering stare and its dull orange eyes flare brightly. It is preparing to dismount from the back of the cawing Kraan.</p>
+ <p>Coolly, you advance along the pier. You show the vile creatures no fear, but you are stopped dead in your tracks when you hear the loud flapping of wings behind you. You glance over your left shoulder and see a Kraan landing at the end of the pier. Astride its back is a Doomgah, but one that is larger and more muscular than the others. A beast plate of black iron encases its chest and in its hand it carries a large <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>, an exaggerated mockery of the Chai Imperial Guard weapon. Your Magnakai discipline of Divination informs you that this creature is Kl<ch.uuml/>z, the Doomgah leader. It fixes you with a withering stare and its dull orange eyes flare brightly. It is preparing to dismount from the back of the cawing Kraan.</p>
<choice idref="sect249">If you possess Magi-magic and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 249</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect197">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 197</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect301">If you have a bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>264</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quang and the Watchers skilfully shake off and outdistance their pursuing Doomwolves and together you plunge through the treeline of the Tviloi Forest. At first the pines are widely spaced and you maintain your fast pace with relative ease. However, this sparse border also makes it easy for a determined handful of Doomwolves to maintain their pursuit. The rumble of distant thunder and flashes of sheet lightning herald the return of heavy rain. This sudden change in the weather works to your advantage, dampening the scent of your horses and making it harder for the remaining Doomwolves to track you. At length you come to a denser part of the forest that forces your mounts to slow their pace. It is criss-crossed with several narrow but deep gullies. You work your way around these fissures until you arrive at one that is much longer than the others. It stretches across your path and, at first glance, there appears to be no way to traverse it.</p>
- <p><quote>Over there!</quote> shouts Quang, pointing along the gulley towards the east. He has spotted a dead pine that has fallen across this narrow ravine. Its trunk spans the yawning gap and provides a natural bridge to the far side.</p>
+ <p>Quang and the Watchers skilfully shake off and outdistance their pursuing Doomwolves and together you plunge through the tree-line of the Tviloi Forest. At first the pines are widely spaced and you maintain your fast pace with relative ease. However, this sparse border also makes it easy for a determined handful of Doomwolves to maintain their pursuit. The rumble of distant thunder and flashes of sheet lightning herald the return of heavy rain. This sudden change in the weather works to your advantage, dampening the scent of your horses and making it harder for the remaining Doomwolves to track you. At length you come to a denser part of the forest that forces your mounts to slow their pace. It is criss-crossed with several narrow but deep gullies. You work your way around these fissures until you arrive at one that is much longer than the others. It stretches across your path and, at first glance, there appears to be no way to traverse it.</p>
+ <p><quote>Over there!</quote> shouts Quang, pointing along the gully towards the east. He has spotted a dead pine that has fallen across this narrow ravine. Its trunk spans the yawning gap and provides a natural bridge to the far side.</p>
<p>Quang takes the lead and you follow him in single file as he steers his horse safely across the fallen pine. When you reach the far side, you hear the ominous growl of a Doomwolf close behind. The pack leader and three of its foul brothers are in hot pursuit. They have already reached the middle of the tree bridge and will soon be upon you unless you can do something to halt their swift and determined advance.</p>
<choice idref="sect92">If you have the Grand Master discipline of Elementalism, <link-text>turn to 92</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect14">If you possess the Grand Master discipline of Kai-Alchemy, and have attained the rank of Sun Knight or higher, <link-text>turn to 14</link-text></choice>
<p>You leap from the driver<ch.apos/>s seat and unsheathe your Kai Weapon the instant you land with a splash on the muddy highway. The Chagarashi are intent on attacking the leading pair of horses and you move quickly to block their advance. Screeching with frustration, the larger of the two horrors launches itself upon you with ferocious zeal.</p>
<combat><enemy>Large Chagarashi</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect313">If you win the combat in 3 rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 313</link-text></choice>
- <choice idref="sect49">If you are still engaged in combat at the start of the 4th round, do not calculate the outcome of this round. Instead, <link-text>turn to 49</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect49">If you are still engaged in combat at the start of the fourth round, do not calculate the outcome of this round. Instead, <link-text>turn to 49</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Daruzhi Street leads to the quayside area of the city. Thunder rumbles all along the quay and the dark waters of the estuary roil and seethe, illuminated and tormented by jagged bolts of lightning. Scarlet flags are flying all along the quayside as a weather warning. It is forbidden to take a boat out when these flags are displayed. Most of the boats are securely moored and under canvas, save for a few foreign trading vessels that are berthed at a long stone pier. These are not under covers, but they are well secured with ropes and chains, their hatches battened down and their sails stowed away in lockers below deck.</p>
- <p>Opposite the stone pier you see a large tavern with a brightly painted façade. Warm amber light pours from the panes of its bow-fronted windows and a sign in the middle of its façade proudly announces its name: The Tkukoma Tavern.</p>
+ <p>Opposite the stone pier you see a large tavern with a brightly painted fa<ch.ccedil/>ade. Warm amber light pours from the panes of its bow-fronted windows and a sign in the middle of its fa<ch.ccedil/>ade proudly announces its name: The Tkukoma Tavern.</p>
<choice idref="sect280">If you wish to enter the Tkukoma Tavern, <link-text>turn to 280</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect59">If you decide to make your way across the storm-swept quayside, you will arrive at a street which heads off in a northerly direction. This is called Chunang Street (<link-text>turn to 59</link-text>).</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The Chagarashi spins around and crashes down into the damp foliage, its chest ripped open by your deadly blow. You rein in your horse and return to the fallen enemy to make sure it is dead. Quickly dismounting, you rush towards it with your Kai Weapon poised to strike if it shows the slightest sign of life. As soon as you are certain it is dead, you signal to your companions to come forward. There is something wrapped around the creature<ch.apos/>s left wrist that catches your eye. It is Gold Necklace, a trinket that the beast most likely stole from the body of a luckless refugee. On close examination you find that it is poorly plated gold and is of little monetary value. Quang and the Watchers draw their horses up in a semi-circle around you and the slain Chagarashi.</p>
<p><quote>We must proceed with caution,</quote> you say. <quote>This creature may not have been the only one scouting this area.</quote></p>
- <p>You remount and lead the others through the treeline in single file, with all eyes peeled for the slightest movement among the pines and foliage ahead.</p>
+ <p>You remount and lead the others through the tree-line in single file, with all eyes peeled for the slightest movement among the pines and foliage ahead.</p>
<choice idref="sect99"><link-text>Turn to 99</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<p><quote>Let<ch.apos/>s get out of here!</quote></p>
<p>Quang and the Watchers rush to their horses. Rapidly, you mount your horse and spur him towards the open doors. You are halfway across the barn when two Chagarashi appear in the open doorway and throw their arms wide. They spread their sinewy fingers and their razor-sharp talons glint in the dull light. They are attempting to block your escape.</p>
<p>You are almost upon them when your horse rears up in fright. The Chagarashi seize this opportunity and leap forward to attack.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Chagarashi Scouts (x2)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>2 Chagarashi Scouts</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>You struggle to control your terrified horse throughout this combat. Its wild and erratic movement makes it hard for you to strike these enemies with precision. Deduct 4 points from your Combat Skill for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect224">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text></choice>
</data>
<p>The sergeant salutes his senior officer and, without any murmur of dissent, he signals to his men to leave the blockhouse. He follows as they file out of the chamber and pauses only to close the stout door behind him.</p>
<p><quote>I<ch.apos/>ve been briefed to expect you, but I<ch.apos/>m sorry to hear that Anseng is missing. He<ch.apos/>s a fine man, an exemplary guardsman. I pray to Ishir he<ch.apos/>ll find his way here before the siege begins.</quote></p>
<p>Captain Voushan formally introduces himself and tells you what has happened in Pensei over the past few days.</p>
- <p><quote>An attack was launched upon Fort Jhung, two days ago, by Bhanarian forces and a horde of Agarashi commanded by the dark wizard they call Zashnor. It was destroyed in a blizzard of lightning and crumbled to the ground. None of the fort<ch.apos/>s garrison is known to have survived. The destruction of Fort Jhung created a breach in the Chai Wall through which Zashnor<ch.apos/>s army has poured like water through a broken dam. Yesterday at dawn, the enemy vanguard was first sighted on the west road. By dusk, they<ch.apos/>d reached the city wall. All throughout today their numbers have grown greater as the bulk of Zashnor<ch.apos/>s invasion force has arrived from the ruins of Fort Jhung. Many of our citizens have abandoned their homes and are heading south to take refuge in the towns of Valus and Hi<ch.apos/>Joi. I have deployed the guard and garrison of Pensei along the west wall. Only a small bodyguard remains here in the palace under my command. Lao Tin received word of your coming from three Watchers who arrived here yesterday from Dwala. I am privy to the Prince<ch.apos/>s plans and I can assure you that the item you seek will be given to you gladly. Lao Tin is young but he is wise beyond his years. He believes that Zasnhor craves that which you are determined to deny him, and he hopes the sorcerer will withdraw his forces from the city when he discovers that it is no longer here.</quote></p>
- <p>Captain Voushan bids you follow him to the keep of the Imperial Palace where Prince Lao Tin resides. You leave the blockhouse in his company and cross a parade ground on your way to the doors of the keep. On one side of the parade ground, illuminated by a circle of guttering torches, two men in torn clothing kneel in the pouring rain with their heads bowed and their hands tied behind their backs. Behind them stand two Imperial Guardsmen at attention with their kirusamis held diagonally across their chests.</p>
+ <p><quote>An attack was launched upon Fort Jhung, two days ago, by Bhanarian forces and a horde of Agarashi commanded by the dark wizard they call Zashnor. It was destroyed in a blizzard of lightning and crumbled to the ground. None of the fort<ch.apos/>s garrison is known to have survived. The destruction of Fort Jhung created a breach in the Chai Wall through which Zashnor<ch.apos/>s army has poured like water through a broken dam. Yesterday at dawn, the enemy vanguard was first sighted on the west road. By dusk, they<ch.apos/>d reached the city wall. All throughout today their numbers have grown greater as the bulk of Zashnor<ch.apos/>s invasion force has arrived from the ruins of Fort Jhung. Many of our citizens have abandoned their homes and are heading south to take refuge in the towns of Valus and Hi<ch.apos/>Joi. I have deployed the guard and garrison of Pensei along the west wall. Only a small bodyguard remains here in the palace under my command. Lao Tin received word of your coming from three Watchers who arrived here yesterday from Dwala. I am privy to the Prince<ch.apos/>s plans and I can assure you that the item you seek will be given to you gladly. Lao Tin is young but he is wise beyond his years. He believes that Zashnor craves that which you are determined to deny him, and he hopes the sorcerer will withdraw his forces from the city when he discovers that it is no longer here.</quote></p>
+ <p>Captain Voushan bids you follow him to the keep of the Imperial Palace where Prince Lao Tin resides. You leave the blockhouse in his company and cross a parade ground on your way to the doors of the keep. On one side of the parade ground, illuminated by a circle of guttering torches, two men in torn clothing kneel in the pouring rain with their heads bowed and their hands tied behind their backs. Behind them stand two Imperial Guardsmen at attention with their <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusamis</foreign> held diagonally across their chests.</p>
<choice idref="sect146">If you wish to ask Captain Voushan who the kneeling men are, <link-text>turn to 146</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect127">If you choose not to ask the Captain this question, <link-text>turn to 127</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>271</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You raise and extend your right arm and point your fingers at the Claw of Naar. You intone the words of the Brotherhood spell Lightning Hand and feel a tingle of power run the length of your arm and explode with a blinding flash from your fingertips. A bolt of pure energy streaks toward the Claw and strikes the twisted shaft, sending it skittering away across the deck beyond Zashnor<ch.apos/>s reach. The fell dragon shrieks angrily and slashes at the deck with its powerful talons, gouging and scarring its timbers. You rush forwards with your Kai Weapon unsheathed and poised to strike. You are determined to exploit Zashnor<ch.apos/>s unfocused fit of wild rage and slay this evil adversary where it stands.</p>
+ <p>You raise and extend your right arm and point your fingers at the Claw of Naar. You intone the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and feel a tingle of power run the length of your arm and explode with a blinding flash from your fingertips. A bolt of pure energy streaks toward the Claw and strikes the twisted shaft, sending it skittering away across the deck beyond Zashnor<ch.apos/>s reach. The fell dragon shrieks angrily and slashes at the deck with its powerful talons, gouging and scarring its timbers. You rush forwards with your Kai Weapon unsheathed and poised to strike. You are determined to exploit Zashnor<ch.apos/>s unfocused fit of wild rage and slay this evil adversary where it stands.</p>
<choice idref="sect100"><link-text>Turn to 100</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The robed figure jumps from the saddle to the deck of the ship. As soon as he is clear, the Kraan beats its leathery wings and ascends into the storm clouds overhead. With difficulty, the bald gaunt-faced man hobbles across the foredeck and descends the steps to the main deck. The smoking orb in his hand transforms into a long black staff as he fixes you with his cold dead eyes.</p>
- <p><quote>I have returned, Kai wretch! I come to fulfill my vow. Vengeance shall be mine!</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>I have returned, Kai wretch! I come to fulfil my vow. Vengeance shall be mine!</quote></p>
<p>A spike of freezing fear stabs at your heart like an icy dagger. In a moment of pure horror, you recognize this man. It is Xaol the Necromancer. He has kept his dying vow to return from beyond the grave and enact his revenge on you. You sense that he has been reconstructed by evil sorcery since you sliced him in two in Gazad Helkona . His crippled yet functioning body is chilling testimony to the power of Nadziran Zashnor.</p>
<p>He opens wide his rotting mouth to reveal an array of putrid needle-sharp teeth. A deafening sound emerges from this ghastly maw, a cry far louder than the noise of the thundering storm. The force of this unholy roar drags you to your knees and fills your head with blinding pain.</p>
<choice idref="sect25">If you possess Kai-screen, <link-text>turn to 25</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>275</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The moment you take the satchel from the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s hand, you feel a wave of nausea flow through your body that makes you shudder with revulsion. The bag contains the Eye of Agarash. For centuries this evil gem has lain dormant, its power inert. Now it is has been awoken, triggered by the close proximity to you - a champion of God Kai. Hurriedly, you draw upon your Grand Master discipline of Kai-screen to shield yourself from its malicious radiance. Your defences counter its insidious effect, but you suffer a minor shock to your nervous system that leaves you chilled to the bone: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
+ <p>The moment you take the satchel from the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s hand, you feel a wave of nausea flow through your body that makes you shudder with revulsion. The bag contains the Eye of Agarash. For centuries this evil gem has lain dormant, its power inert. Now it has been awoken, triggered by the close proximity to you<ch.emdash/>a champion of God Kai. Hurriedly, you draw upon your Grand Master discipline of Kai-screen to shield yourself from its malicious radiance. Your defences counter its insidious effect, but you suffer a minor shock to your nervous system that leaves you chilled to the bone: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
<p>Whenever you are affected by the debilitating power of the Eye of Agarash, you may use Laumspur to help you recover. Normally, a healing potion of Laumspur restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points when taken after combat. When using it to restore <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> lost due to the power of the Eye of Agarash, you may only restore the actual number of points lost. For example, if you should lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the effects of the Eye, and then you take a potion of Laumspur which normally restores 4 points, you will only regain the lost 3 points. The extra point of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is not gained and should not be added to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score.</p>
<choice idref="sect192"><link-text>Turn to 192</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Your final fatal blow shatters the chest of the Ice Dragon Zashnor. It implodes with a deafening noise, like the simultaneous smashing of a thousand crystal chandeliers. The frosty wings and limbs become detached as the torso disintegrates upon the deck, and rapidly they melt into a milky cloud that engulfs the broken remains. For a few moments this opaque ball of mist churns and seethes until it loses the last fragments of its energy and is whipped away on the winds of the storm.</p>
- <p>The Imperial Zlanbeast circles above the deck of the Silver Virixe, cawing incessantly. When it detects that its master has been destroyed, it emits a despairing shriek before flying off in a westerly direction, across to the far side of the Tkukoma Estuary and beyond.</p>
+ <p>The Imperial Zlanbeast circles above the deck of the <cite>Silver Virixe</cite>, cawing incessantly. When it detects that its master has been destroyed, it emits a despairing shriek before flying off in a westerly direction, across to the far side of the Tkukoma Estuary and beyond.</p>
<p>Lying at your feet is the grey robed form of Zashnor, torn and lifeless. You draw back the hood of its robe and reveal its true form. Its distorted goat-like skull is semi-transparent allowing you to see its brain which is as dark as night. Two small straight horns protrude from its forehead and its eye sockets appear unnaturally black, as if they are two holes through which you can see into another plain of existence. It is exceedingly rare to look upon a Nadziran in its true form. You recall something that Supreme Master Lone Wolf told you about the Nadziranim, that when they are destroyed they are destroyed utterly; nothing at all remains of their bodies or spirit. Zashnor was clearly an exceptional Nadziran. There are rumours that a select few Nadziranim have returned to Magnamund by the grace of Naar and by life-draining necromantic rituals after having seemingly been destroyed. Mindful of this, you resolve that Zashnor shall never join their ranks.</p>
<p>Driven by an overwhelming instinct, you raise your Kai Weapon above your head and bring it crashing down upon the Nadziran<ch.apos/>s loathsome skull. Your mighty blow sunders the translucent bone case, destroying it completely. Within moments of its destruction, the crushed remains of the skull and the entire skeletal carcass become a pungent black slime that bubbles and boils until all that is left are a ragged grey robe and a man-sized patch of scorched decking.</p>
<p>The thunder and lightning cease abruptly and the violent storm begins to abate. The winds die down and the torrential rain recedes until it becomes little more than light drizzle. Calm is slowly returning to storm ravaged Chai as the power of Zashnor relinquishes its foul grip on nature. After so many days of raging turmoil, the natural balance of the elements is finally being restored.</p>
<meta><title>299</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Shousan hurries away to prepare your food and you try to relax after the rigours of your long ride. The greenish ale helps. It is called Chai-cheer and it is a brew famous throughout Magnamund. It is deliciously malty and wonderfully refreshing. Quang tells you that he chose his words carefully when speaking to the innkeeper. To have said nothing would have stoked his fears and caused unnecessary anxiety among the villagers. He is in no doubt that Soushan will not keep what he has been told to himself for very long.</p>
+ <p>Shousun hurries away to prepare your food and you try to relax after the rigours of your long ride. The greenish ale helps. It is called Chai-cheer and it is a brew famous throughout Magnamund. It is deliciously malty and wonderfully refreshing. Quang tells you that he chose his words carefully when speaking to the innkeeper. To have said nothing would have stoked his fears and caused unnecessary anxiety among the villagers. He is in no doubt that Shousun will not keep what he has been told to himself for very long.</p>
<p>Soon the innkeeper returns with your meals, four plates stacked high with slices of grilled pork and copious roasted potatoes. He places the food on the table and hands you each a key to your rooms on the floor above. You eat your food in silence and then retire, thankful to be out of the rain and in warm comfortable beds on this bleak and stormy night.</p>
<p>You fall asleep with ease but you do not rest easily. You are haunted by dreams filled with sinister shadowy images and premonitions of impending loss. Thrice you awaken during the night, drenched in cold sweat, and each time you do you find it hard to go back to sleep. When you wake a fourth time, an hour before dawn, you decide to leave your bed and sit by the window to await the coming light of day. Due to your poor night<ch.apos/>s sleep and the chilling nightmares you have suffered, you lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
- <p>Quang, Bai and Deng are waiting for you when you descend the stairs to the taproom below. Shousun<ch.apos/>s daughter, Zhou-Yin, has brought your horses from the stable and they are tethered to a rail outside the front door of the inn. She has prepared some food to take with you. It is wrapped in four neat parcels of toa leaves and secured with twine. (If you wish to accept your food parcel, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Meal).You bid her thanks and tell her to convey your appreciation to her father when he awakens.</p>
+ <p>Quang, Bai and Deng are waiting for you when you descend the stairs to the taproom below. Shousun<ch.apos/>s daughter, Zhou-Yin, has brought your horses from the stable and they are tethered to a rail outside the front door of the inn. She has prepared some food to take with you. It is wrapped in four neat parcels of toa leaves and secured with twine. (If you wish to accept your food parcel, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Meal). You bid her thanks and tell her to convey your appreciation to her father when he awakens.</p>
<p>Chao is in the market square when you arrive there, seated astride his horse. There is no need to ask him if he enjoyed his visit home; the smile on his face says it all. Quang tells you that it is a thirty mile ride from here to Valus and he wants to reach the town by late afternoon. The Watchers nod in agreement and together you set off along the highway heading east.</p>
<choice idref="sect103"><link-text>Turn to 103</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>300</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You step away from Mooldor<ch.apos/>s body and brace yourself against the side of the wheelhouse as the deck of the ship sways from side to side. The mooring ropes and chains creak and groan as the hull of the Silver Virixe is battered by the raging waves. Bolts of lightning strike the pier and a deafening thunderclap explodes directly overhead. A feeling of cold dread grips your stomach; your Sixth Sense is screaming a warning that a great evil is fast approaching the vessel.</p>
+ <p>You step away from Mooldor<ch.apos/>s body and brace yourself against the side of the wheelhouse as the deck of the ship sways from side to side. The mooring ropes and chains creak and groan as the hull of the <cite>Silver Virixe</cite> is battered by the raging waves. Bolts of lightning strike the pier and a deafening thunderclap explodes directly overhead. A feeling of cold dread grips your stomach; your Sixth Sense is screaming a warning that a great evil is fast approaching the vessel.</p>
<p>A loathsome Kraan emerges from the churning black clouds and swoops down to hover a few feet above the ship<ch.apos/>s foredeck. Astride its back is a thin figure swathed in black robes edged with gold and scarlet braid. In his cadaverous hand he clutches a black orb that trails wisps of thin black smoke.</p>
<choice idref="sect273">If you have ever visited Gazad Helkona, a fortress-city in the Darklands, in a previous New Order adventure, <link-text>turn to 273</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect69">If you have never visited Gazad Helkona, <link-text>turn to 69</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>301</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>With consummate skill, simultaneously you unshoulder your bow and draw an arrow from your quiver. Upon the instant that the feathered flights and the taut drawstring touch your pursed lips, you let slip the string and your arrow flies straight and true towards the creature<ch.apos/>s ugly, snarling face. Instinctively it reacts to the approaching danger; it slashes at the speeding arrow and shatters it upon the blade of its oversized kirusami. The shock of the close impact leave the creature unsettled yet undeterred.</p>
+ <p>With consummate skill, simultaneously you unshoulder your bow and draw an arrow from your quiver. Upon the instant that the feathered flights and the taut drawstring touch your pursed lips, you let slip the string and your arrow flies straight and true towards the creature<ch.apos/>s ugly, snarling face. Instinctively it reacts to the approaching danger; it slashes at the speeding arrow and shatters it upon the blade of its oversized <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>. The shock of the close impact leave the creature unsettled yet undeterred.</p>
<choice idref="sect140"><link-text>Turn to 140</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You are in combat with 5 undead Nagah Ghouls. Lieutenant Quang fights fiercely by your side, and the three Watchers engage those ghouls that attempt to outflank you.</p>
<combat><enemy>5 Nagah Ghouls</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>Youi may add 6 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat for Quang and the Watchers are fighting by your side throughout this battle against these fearsome foes. If you win this combat, Quang decapitates the heads of the fallen enemy to prevent them from being reanimated by the evil energy that has kept them in an undead state for centuries. As he chops off the head of the last Nagah Ghoul with his kirusami, you feel a chilling aura radiating from the Eye of Agarash. A sudden wave of weakness drains you of 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You may add 6 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat for Quang and the Watchers are fighting by your side throughout this battle against these fearsome foes. If you win this combat, Quang decapitates the heads of the fallen enemy to prevent them from being reanimated by the evil energy that has kept them in an undead state for centuries. As he chops off the head of the last Nagah Ghoul with his <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>, you feel a chilling aura radiating from the Eye of Agarash. A sudden wave of weakness drains you of 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>As the nausea subsides, you turn your attention to the Watchers who have all sustained wounds during the combat. By the use of your Magnakai Curing discipline, you are able to stop their bleeding and help them quickly to recover. You sense that you must now leave this location for there are more Nagah Ghouls in the vicinity and they are heading for the tavern garden, drawn by the foul smell of the spilt blood of their slain brethren. Hurriedly, you all remount your horses and press on with your journey to Vabou without further delay.</p>
<choice idref="sect227"><link-text>Turn to 227</link-text></choice>
</data>
<p><quote>Mount up! Let<ch.apos/>s get out of here!</quote></p>
<p>Quang and the Watchers leave their locations and race to their horses. Rapidly, you mount your horse and spur him towards the open doors. You are halfway across the barn when two Chagarashi appear in the open doorway and throw their arms wide. They spread their sinewy fingers and their razor-sharp talons glint in the dull light. They are attempting to block your escape.</p>
<p>You are almost upon them when your horse rears up in alarm. The Chagarashi seize this opportunity and leap forward to attack.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Chagarashi Scouts (x2)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>2 Chagarashi Scouts</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>You struggle to control your frightened horse throughout this combat. Its wild and erratic movement makes it hard for you to strike these enemies with precision. Deduct 4 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect224">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>311</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shape your mouth in readiness to utter the Old Kingdom power-word: Gloar! The force of your spell word hits the grouped Nagah Ghouls and sends them tumbling backwards to the ground.</p>
+ <p>You shape your mouth in readiness to utter the Old Kingdom power-word: <spell>Gloar!</spell> The force of your spell word hits the grouped Nagah Ghouls and sends them tumbling backwards to the ground.</p>
<p><quote>Charge!</quote> shouts Lieutenant Quang, and his stirring command galvanises the Watchers into action. Anxious to seize the advantage your power-word has provided, all five of you attack the fallen Nagah Ghouls before they can get back on their feet.</p>
<choice idref="sect207"><link-text>Turn to 207</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You spur your horse to the front of the wagon team and your stomach churns when you see what has frightened them. On the highway ahead, three ravenous long-limbed monstrosities with scaly green hides and dripping fangs are consuming the shredded remains of a luckless traveller and his horse. It is a horrific sight to behold.</p>
- <choice idref="sect44">If you have ever visited the town of Javai in a previous Lone Wolf adventure, <link-text>turn to 44</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect44">If you have ever visited the town of Javai in a previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventure, <link-text>turn to 44</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect195">If not, <link-text>turn to 195</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Suddenly you realise that you are not being subjected to an audio attack. The noise that fills your head is the effect of a powerful psychic assault on your senses. You call upon your advanced discipline to absorb and transform the hostile psychic energy into a positive physical effect: restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
<p>Howling with frustration that its psychic attack has not harmed you, the ghoulish figure leaps forwards brandishing his black staff. In the blink of an eye, the staff transforms into a hissing serpent. It is disturbingly similar to the snake that emerged from the mouth of undead Anseng. You reach to your weapon and pull back as the serpent<ch.apos/>s venomous fangs strike out for your throat.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer (reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer <em>(reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Xaol is a powerful undead adversary. If your chosen weapon provides you with a bonus when used in a fight against an undead foe, be sure to calculate and add the bonus to your Combat Skill before this battle begins. If you possess the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Valiance</quote> you may add the bonus that you gain from its unique properties during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect160">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>321</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>When the guard sees that you are carrying a kirusami, his attitude changes dramatically.</p>
+ <p>When the guard sees that you are carrying a <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>, his attitude changes dramatically.</p>
<p><quote>My Lord,</quote> he says, with respect. <quote>I had no idea you are an Imperial Guardsman. Why did you not tell me this? It would have spared you all this inconvenience.</quote></p>
<p><quote>It was no inconvenience, soldier,</quote> you reply. <quote>I am conducting a test to see if you are carrying out your duties to the full. You have availed yourself well. I am impressed. I will commend your thoroughness to your commanding officer when I make my report.</quote></p>
<p>The guard is impressed and delighted. Such a commendation will surely lead to the promotion he has coveted for so long. A new-found pride wells up inside him. He snaps to attention and salutes you. You return his salute and briskly he steps aside to allow you to enter the south gate.</p>
<data>
<p>Using your Grand Master discipline of Assimilance, you effect a striking change to your appearance. Your facial features change so that you now resemble a typical Chai peasant. The rangers approach and gallop past you without paying you any undue attention.</p>
- <p>A few miles on, you see a large group of refugees assembled around a stone shrine dedicated to Goddess Ishir. They are kneeling in communal prayer, oblivious to the mud and the teeming rain. Your Sixth Sense detects an invisible aura of goodness surrounding the shrine. You bring your horse to a halt at the edge of the circle of devout worshipers and you feel a sensation of warmth and calmness following through you: restore 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Your horse also benefits from the reviving power of the shrine, and when you push on along the margin of grassland bordering the highway, she is able to maintain a steady canter without tiring.</p>
+ <p>A few miles on, you see a large group of refugees assembled around a stone shrine dedicated to Goddess Ishir. They are kneeling in communal prayer, oblivious to the mud and the teeming rain. Your Sixth Sense detects an invisible aura of goodness surrounding the shrine. You bring your horse to a halt at the edge of the circle of devout worshippers and you feel a sensation of warmth and calmness following through you: restore 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Your horse also benefits from the reviving power of the shrine, and when you push on along the margin of grassland bordering the highway, she is able to maintain a steady canter without tiring.</p>
<p>Pensei appears in view shortly before dusk. A night curfew has been imposed and you arrive at the south gate of the city just in time to enter before the heavy portal is chained shut until dawn tomorrow. You meet with no challenge from the guards at the gate; they are too busy dealing with a last rush of refugees who are desperate to leave Pensei before the gate is locked and the curfew begins.</p>
<p>Inside the south gate there is a large square ringed by shops and dwellings. You must make your way to the Imperial Palace, but it has been a long time since you last set foot in this ancient capital and you are not sure which avenue will lead you there. All you can remember is that the palace occupies the north-eastern precinct of the city.</p>
<choice idref="sect126">If you wish to enter and follow Maoshen Avenue towards the north, <link-text>turn to 126</link-text></choice>
<p>Drawing upon your Animal Mastery discipline, you focus on the distant Chagarashi and command it to fall asleep. The creature slows its pace but it does not drop to the ground as you were expecting it to. Your Sixth Sense detects that this creature is unusually resistant to your psychic command. It shakes its head and emits a shriek of frustration before turning its feral gaze in your direction. On seeing you and your party it reacts in an instant. Swiftly, it turns about and lopes away through the trees in the direction of the roadblock.</p>
<p><quote>I must stop it getting away,</quote> you shout to your companions. <quote>If it makes it to the roadblock, we<ch.apos/>ll soon have more than one of them to deal with.</quote></p>
<p>You spur your horse to the gallop and charge at the fleeing Chagarashi. The creature panics and collides face first with a tree trunk in its desperation to evade your swift and sudden approach. Reeling from the impact with the tree, drunkenly it turns to face you as you bear down on it. You unsheathe your Kai Weapon and raise it in readiness to strike the beast a killing blow.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Chagarashi Scout (stunned)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">36</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Chagarashi Scout <em>(stunned)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">36</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Due to the speed of your attack, you can only engage in one round of combat with this enemy before the momentum of your charging horse carries you past it.</p>
<choice idref="sect267">If you kill the Chagarashi in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 267</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect142">If you do not kill the Chagarashi outright with your single blow, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text></choice>
- <choice idref="sect88">If you lose more ENDRANCE points than the Chagarashi in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect88">If you lose more <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than the Chagarashi in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Honos and Zautro dash from the kitchen door and rush ahead of you along the alleyway to provide you with some cover from the leathery black archers in the passage beyond. Lord Honos casts a brace of flaming bolts that incinerate the nearest two enemies and transforms them to glowing heaps of ash. Herbwarden Zautro hurls a green glass sphere that smashes in the midst of the remaining four and ensnares them in rapidly growing tangle of barbed briars. They accompany you to the end of the alley and scour the adjoining passageway to check if the coast is clear.</p>
<p><quote>Go, Grand Master,</quote> says Zautro, <quote>Go now, and may Kai and Ishir go with you!</quote></p>
- <p>Mindful of Captain Jian Tzu<ch.apos/>s directions, you reach the end of the passageway and go left into Izara Street. Soon you reach the city<ch.apos/>s Main Square and follow the sign westwards to the Quay. Upon reaching the quayside, you shield your eyes from the lashing rain and scan the length of the central stone pier until you espy what you are looking for. The Silver Virixe is moored at the end of the pier, roped and chained securely in its berth. You run to the pier and race along its stone walkway, buffeted on all sides by the wind and sheeting rain. You are halfway along the pier when a leathery-winged creature swoops down from of the raging storm clouds and passes directly over your head. It screeches and your pounding heart misses a beat when you recognise what this creature is.</p>
+ <p>Mindful of Captain Jian Tzu<ch.apos/>s directions, you reach the end of the passageway and go left into Izara Street. Soon you reach the city<ch.apos/>s Main Square and follow the sign westwards to the Quay. Upon reaching the quayside, you shield your eyes from the lashing rain and scan the length of the central stone pier until you espy what you are looking for. The <cite>Silver Virixe</cite> is moored at the end of the pier, roped and chained securely in its berth. You run to the pier and race along its stone walkway, buffeted on all sides by the wind and sheeting rain. You are halfway along the pier when a leathery-winged creature swoops down from of the raging storm clouds and passes directly over your head. It screeches and your pounding heart misses a beat when you recognise what this creature is.</p>
<choice idref="sect47"><link-text>Turn to 47</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>330</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Upon the instant you defeat the Spectral Entity, its ghostly body and the dome of dark energy both vanish in the blink of an eye. Anseng regains his ability to speak, but the shock of the supernatural encounter leaves him agitated and wary. You sense that the presence of evil that has haunted you since entering this hilly and wooded area has now gone. Tranquility has returned to this region. Anseng and the horse team are reassured by this welcome return to normality and you resume your journey to Vabou with all haste.</p>
+ <p>Upon the instant you defeat the Spectral Entity, its ghostly body and the dome of dark energy both vanish in the blink of an eye. Anseng regains his ability to speak, but the shock of the supernatural encounter leaves him agitated and wary. You sense that the presence of evil that has haunted you since entering this hilly and wooded area has now gone. Tranquillity has returned to this region. Anseng and the horse team are reassured by this welcome return to normality and you resume your journey to Vabou with all haste.</p>
<p>Night falls long before you reach the town. The way ahead is illuminated by bright moonlight that pours through a break in the leaden clouds and is reflected in the puddles that cover the waterlogged highway. You offer up a silent prayer of thanks to Goddess Ishir for this blessing she has bestowed upon you and your companions, for it enables the horse team to follow the highway across the Huzang Plain with little difficulty.</p>
- <p>It is an hour before midnight when you see the lights of Vabou in the middle distance. This large town is surrounded by a wooden palisade, lending it a fort-like appearance. Upon reaching the town<ch.apos/>s west gate, you are waved down by two town guardsmen with glowing lanterns. They recognise the kirusami that Anseng is armed with and respectfully they salute him. They are aware that only the Imperial Guard are permitted to own and use such weapons, and only the most distinguished former-members of the Guard are allowed to retain their coveted polearm when they retire from service. Beyond the west gate, you trundle along a wide shop-lined street that leads to a junction where it joins the main highway connecting the town of Klatii with the capital, Pensei. During your night journey to Vabou, Chengu has fully recovered from the shock of his ordeal and has resumed his role as wagoneer. Anseng directs him along the central highway to a large inn called The Golden Dragon. It is here that you bid farewell to Chengu and climb down from his wagon. He wishes you both good luck and farewell before he sets off for the house of his brother and family on the east side of the town.</p>
+ <p>It is an hour before midnight when you see the lights of Vabou in the middle distance. This large town is surrounded by a wooden palisade, lending it a fort-like appearance. Upon reaching the town<ch.apos/>s west gate, you are waved down by two town guardsmen with glowing lanterns. They recognise the <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> that Anseng is armed with and respectfully they salute him. They are aware that only the Imperial Guard are permitted to own and use such weapons, and only the most distinguished former-members of the Guard are allowed to retain their coveted polearm when they retire from service. Beyond the west gate, you trundle along a wide shop-lined street that leads to a junction where it joins the main highway connecting the town of Klatii with the capital, Pensei. During your night journey to Vabou, Chengu has fully recovered from the shock of his ordeal and has resumed his role as wagoneer. Anseng directs him along the central highway to a large inn called The Golden Dragon. It is here that you bid farewell to Chengu and climb down from his wagon. He wishes you both good luck and farewell before he sets off for the house of his brother and family on the east side of the town.</p>
<p>Despite the late hour, the Golden Dragon is still open for business. The rains have returned and Anseng beckons you to follow as he climbs the wide stone steps from the street to the inn<ch.apos/>s front door.</p>
<choice idref="sect4"><link-text>Turn to 4</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>335</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The instant you slay Anseng, his cadaverous body is consumed by a ball of guttering blue flames. Hungrily they feed on his remains and the ball becomes larger, forcing you to retreat from its expanding power for fear of being drawn into the raging core. Abruptly, the ball transforms into a column of intense blue light that rapidly ascends into the storm clouds overhead. And then it is gone, leaving behind a heap of cold ashes on the muddy ground. Lying atop this mound is Anseng<ch.apos/>s kirusami. It is no longer wreathed with blue fire; it appears to have returned to its normal state.</p>
- <p>Your Sixth Sense tells you that the aura of evil that surrounded Anseng and his weapon has now vanished. You kneel beside the ashes and place your hand upon the shaft of the kirusami. It feels cool to the touch. Your Kai senses detect that some of its fell power still lingers in the blade, but it is insufficient to cause you harm.</p>
- <choice idref="sect125">If you wish to pick up and keep this kirusami, <link-text>turn to 125</link-text></choice>
+ <p>The instant you slay Anseng, his cadaverous body is consumed by a ball of guttering blue flames. Hungrily they feed on his remains and the ball becomes larger, forcing you to retreat from its expanding power for fear of being drawn into the raging core. Abruptly, the ball transforms into a column of intense blue light that rapidly ascends into the storm clouds overhead. And then it is gone, leaving behind a heap of cold ashes on the muddy ground. Lying atop this mound is Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>. It is no longer wreathed with blue fire; it appears to have returned to its normal state.</p>
+ <p>Your Sixth Sense tells you that the aura of evil that surrounded Anseng and his weapon has now vanished. You kneel beside the ashes and place your hand upon the shaft of the <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>. It feels cool to the touch. Your Kai senses detect that some of its fell power still lingers in the blade, but it is insufficient to cause you harm.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect125">If you wish to pick up and keep this <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign>, <link-text>turn to 125</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect223">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 223</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>337</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You ride ten miles through the gentle hills before turning east and heading back across the open grassland to the highway. You rejoin it near a place where a large group of refugees are assembled around a stone shrine dedicated to Goddess Ishir. They are kneeling in communal prayer, oblivious to the mud and the teeming rain. Your Sixth Sense detects an invisible aura of goodness surrounding the shrine. You bring your horse to a halt at the edge of the circle of devout worshipers and you feel a sensation of warmth and calmness following through you: restore 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Your horse also benefits from the reviving power of the shrine, and when you push on along the margin of grassland bordering the highway, she is able to maintain a steady canter without tiring.</p>
+ <p>You ride ten miles through the gentle hills before turning east and heading back across the open grassland to the highway. You rejoin it near a place where a large group of refugees are assembled around a stone shrine dedicated to Goddess Ishir. They are kneeling in communal prayer, oblivious to the mud and the teeming rain. Your Sixth Sense detects an invisible aura of goodness surrounding the shrine. You bring your horse to a halt at the edge of the circle of devout worshippers and you feel a sensation of warmth and calmness following through you: restore 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Your horse also benefits from the reviving power of the shrine, and when you push on along the margin of grassland bordering the highway, she is able to maintain a steady canter without tiring.</p>
<p>Pensei appears in view shortly before dusk. A night curfew has been imposed and you arrive at the south gate of the city just in time to enter before the heavy portal is chained shut until dawn tomorrow. You meet with no challenge from the guards at the gate; they are too busy dealing with a last rush of refugees who are desperate to leave Pensei before the gate is locked and the curfew begins.</p>
<p>Inside the south gate there is a large square ringed by shops and dwellings. You must make your way to the Imperial Palace, but it has been a long time since you last set foot in this ancient capital and you are not sure which avenue will lead you there. All you can remember is that the palace occupies the north-eastern precinct of the city.</p>
<choice idref="sect126">If you wish to enter and follow Maoshen Avenue towards the north, <link-text>turn to 126</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>342</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The Doomgah leader raises its mighty kirusami and spouts of cracking blue flame erupt along the length of its razor sharp blade. It opens its maw to reveal a score of dagger-like fangs and a thin black tongue that writhes between them.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Klüz (armed with Zukgudrak)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami partially blocks the Zukgudrak<ch.apos/>s ability to leach power from the Eye of Agarash and turn it against you during this combat. In every round of combat in which you inflict an <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points loss on Klüz that is greater than -3, you may deduct a further -1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from the result.</p>
+ <p>The Doomgah leader raises its mighty <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> and spouts of cracking blue flame erupt along the length of its razor sharp blade. It opens its maw to reveal a score of dagger-like fangs and a thin black tongue that writhes between them.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Kl<ch.uuml/>z <em>(armed with Zukgudrak)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign> partially blocks the Zukgudrak<ch.apos/>s ability to leach power from the Eye of Agarash and turn it against you during this combat. In every round of combat in which you inflict an <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points loss on Kl<ch.uuml/>z that is greater than <ch.minus/>3, you may deduct a further <ch.minus/>1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from the result.</p>
<choice idref="sect119">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 119</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<li><ch.blankline/>: 10th Grand Master Discipline if you have completed 5 New Order Adventures successfully</li>
<li><ch.blankline/>: 11th Grand Master Discipline if you have completed 6 New Order Adventures successfully</li>
<li><ch.blankline/>: 12th Grand Master Discipline if you have completed 7 New Order Adventures successfully</li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/>: 13th Grand Master Discipline if you have completed 7 New Order Adventures successfully</li>
</ol>
<p>Weapons:</p>
<ol>
<data>
<!-- JB: what other frontmatter errata apply here -->
+ <p>(<a idref="timeline">Timeline of Notable Events in Magnamund</a>) Changed <quote>Zha-zing</quote> to <quote>Zha-zhing</quote>. Changed <quote>Shararak</quote> to <quote>Shasarak</quote>. Changed <quote>MS 5101 Kalte, Sommerlund and Durenor</quote> to <quote>MS 5101 Kalte, Sommerlund, and Durenor</quote>. Changed <quote>leveled</quote> to <quote>levelled</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect1">1</a>) Replaced <quote>woolen</quote> with <quote>woollen</quote>. Changed <quote>6th</quote> to <quote>sixth</quote>. Changed <quote>pre-dawn</quote> to <quote>predawn</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect3">3</a>) Replaced <quote>potholed</quote> with <quote>pot-holed</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect13">13</a>) Changed <quote>50ft</quote> to <quote>50 ft.</quote>. Changed <quote>Weaponshop</quote> to <quote>Weapon Shop</quote> (cf. <a idref="sect221">Section 221</a>).</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect15">15</a>) Changed <quote>1/6th</quote> to <quote><ch.frac16/></quote> and multiple occurrences of <quote>5/6ths</quote> to <quote><ch.frac56/></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect17">17</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect19">19</a>) Replaced <quote>woodman<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>woodsman<ch.apos/>s</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect30">30</a>) Replaced <quote>woodman<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>woodsman<ch.apos/>s</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect31">31</a>) Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect33">33</a>) Changed <quote>1/6th</quote> to <quote><ch.frac16/></quote> and multiple occurrences of <quote>5/6ths</quote> to <quote><ch.frac56/></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect45">45</a>) Replaced <quote>50ft</quote> with <quote>50 ft.</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect46">46</a>) Replaced <quote>it is has been</quote> with <quote>it has been</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect49">49</a>) Replaced <quote>4th</quote> with <quote>fourth</quote>. Replaced <quote>3rd</quote> with <quote>third</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect49">49</a>) Replaced all instances of <quote>7th</quote> with <quote>seventh</quote>. Replaced <quote>8th</quote> with <quote>eighth</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect54">54</a>) Replaced <quote>Queng</quote> with <quote>Quang</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect55">55</a>) Replaced <quote>birdsong</quote> with <quote>bird song</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect58">58</a>) Replaced <quote>traveling</quote> with <quote>travelling</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect62">62</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the paragraph starting with <quote>When he was a young boy,</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect79">79</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the phrase <quote>Steady, my Lord,</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect66">66</a>) Replaced <quote>4th round</quote> with <quote>fourth round</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect63">63</a>) Replaced <quote>worshiped</quote> with <quote>worshipped</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect73">73</a>) Replaced <quote>50ft length</quote> with <quote>50 ft. length</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect78">78</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect79">79</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the phrase <quote>Steady, my Lord,</quote>. Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect87">87</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the phrase <quote>Hah!</quote> and replaced <quote>Snorts</quote> with <quote>snorts</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect88">88</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect92">92</a>) Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect96">96</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect98">98</a>) Replaced <quote>traveling</quote> with <quote>travelling</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect99">99</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect100">100</a>) Replaced <quote>7th round</quote> with <quote>seventh round</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect108">108</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect114">114</a>) Placed Madam Dai-zia<ch.apos/>s speech inside a block quote element and removed the quotation mark at the beginning of the first paragraph and at the end of the last. Added an apostrophe to the phrase <quote>three minutes<ch.apos/> time</quote>. Added a period to the end of the last paragraph.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect123">123</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the phrase <quote>Steady, my Lord,</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect238">238</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the phrase <quote>Grand Master,</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect131">131</a>) Replaced <quote>2nd round</quote> with <quote>second round</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect134">134</a>) Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect137">137</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect142">142</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect146">146</a>) Replaced <quote>distain</quote> with <quote>disdain</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect151">151</a>) Replaced <quote>actives</quote> with <quote>activates</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect157">157</a>) Replaced <quote>ENDRANCE</quote> with <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect167">167</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect170">170</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect171">171</a>) Replaced <quote>50ft length</quote> with <quote>50 ft. length</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect172">172</a>) Changed <quote>1/6th</quote> to <quote><ch.frac16/></quote> and multiple occurrences of <quote>5/6ths</quote> to <quote><ch.frac56/></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect181">181</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>. Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect194">194</a>) Replaced <quote>ENDRANCE</quote> with <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect198">198</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect208">208</a>) Changed <quote>Weaponshop</quote> to <quote>Weapon Shop</quote> (cf. <a idref="sect221">Section 221</a>).</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect220">220</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect238">238</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the phrase <quote>Grand Master,</quote>. Replaced <quote>Silver Virixe</quote> with <quote><cite>Silver Virixe</cite></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect240">240</a>) Replaced <quote>ENDURANE</quote> with <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect242">242</a>) Replaced <quote>Chagarashi Scouts (x2)</quote> with <quote>2 Chagarashi Scouts</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect241">241</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the phrase <quote>Thank you very much,</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect245">245</a>) Replaced <quote>Sheni</quote> with <quote>Shen</quote>. Replaced <quote>50ft length</quote> with <quote>50 ft. length</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect252">252</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell</quote>. Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>. Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect264">264</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>. Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect265">265</a>) Replaced <quote>4th round</quote> with <quote>fourth round</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect267">267</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect268">268</a>) Replaced <quote>Chagarashi Scouts (x2)</quote> with <quote>2 Chagarashi Scouts</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect270">270</a>) Replaced <quote>Zasnhor</quote> with <quote>Zashnor</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect271">271</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect273">273</a>) Replaced <quote>fulfill</quote> with <quote>fulfil</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect275">275</a>) Replaced <quote>it is has been</quote> with <quote>it has been</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect299">299</a>) Replaced <quote>Meal.)You</quote> with <quote>Meal.) You</quote>. Replaced <quote>Shousan</quote> with <quote>Shousun</quote>. Replaced <quote>Soushan</quote> with <quote>Shousun</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect304">304</a>) Replaced <quote>Youi</quote> with <quote>You</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect307">307</a>) Replaced <quote>Chagarashi Scouts (x2)</quote> with <quote>2 Chagarashi Scouts</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect314">314</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the paragraph starting with <quote>When he was a young boy,</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect318">318</a>) Replaced <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect322">322</a>) Replaced <quote>worshipers</quote> with <quote>worshippers</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect324">324</a>) Replaced <quote>ENDRANCE</quote> with <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect330">330</a>) Replaced <quote>Tranquility</quote> with <quote>Tranquillity</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect337">337</a>) Replaced <quote>worshipers</quote> with <quote>worshippers</quote>.</p>
</data>
</section>
</data>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / blobdiff