<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<ch.nbsp/>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>
+ <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<ch.nbsp/>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 the 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>
<p>With a tingle of anticipation, you untie the scarlet cord and open your furled parchment. It contains the details of your mission, handwritten by Supreme Master Lone Wolf personally.</p>
<blockquote>
- <p>An Agarashi horde, numbering several thousands, has emerged from the Doomlands of Naaros. Our agents in Chai inform us that it is being commanded by a powerful Nadziranim sorcerer called Zashnor. The Bhanarian city of Bakhasa has become their mustering point and it is now completely under Zashnor<ch.apos/>s control. Bhanarian forces, hungry to avenge the Massacre of Yua Tzhan, have been mobilised and are currently marching southeast towards the Chai border with Zahsnor<ch.apos/>s Agarashi horde. Khea-khan Zha-zhing, Chai<ch.apos/>s renowned warrior king, passed away peacefully in his sleep some weeks ago, on the Feast of Fehmarn. The new ruler of Chai is Zha-zhing<ch.apos/>s son, Lao Tin. He is sixteen years old. Although he commands the loyalty and respect of Chai<ch.apos/>s military High Command, he does not yet possess the wisdom and martial experience of his famous father. Without Zha-zhing<ch.apos/>s outstanding generalship, Chai is especially vulnerable to invasion at this time.</p>
+ <p>An Agarashi horde, numbering several thousands, has emerged from the Doomlands of Naaros. Our agents in Chai inform us that it is being commanded by a powerful Nadziranim sorcerer called Zashnor. The Bhanarian city of Bakhasa has become their mustering point and it is now completely under Zashnor<ch.apos/>s control. Bhanarian forces, hungry to avenge the Massacre of Yua Tzhan, have been mobilised and are currently marching south-east towards the Chai border with Zahsnor<ch.apos/>s Agarashi horde. Khea-khan Zha-zhing, Chai<ch.apos/>s renowned warrior king, passed away peacefully in his sleep some weeks ago, on the Feast of Fehmarn. The new ruler of Chai is Zha-zhing<ch.apos/>s son, Lao Tin. He is sixteen years old. Although he commands the loyalty and respect of Chai<ch.apos/>s military High Command, he does not yet possess the wisdom and martial experience of his famous father. Without Zha-zhing<ch.apos/>s outstanding generalship, Chai is especially vulnerable to invasion at this time.</p>
<p>Seventeen years ago, you defeated Autarch Sejanoz of Bhanar and secured the cursed artefact called the Claw of Naar. This powerful weapon was delivered to the Elder Magi in order that they should destroy it, to prevent it from ever falling into the hands of our enemies. Alas, despite every attempt to annihilate this foul object by all means at their disposal, its destruction has not been achieved. The Elder Magi have constructed a secure prison for the weapon in a secret location in Dessi until the means to destroy it is found. After years of careful study, and with the invaluable assistance of the Sages of Chaman, we now know a great deal more about this cursed artefact than we did when you first captured it. The Claw is powerful, but it is not complete. It is but one half of a weapon that is capable of unleashing a far more intense blast of destructive energy, with power enough to obliterate an entire city at a single stroke. The missing component of this weapon is a gem-like object called the Eye of Agarash. Without the Claw, the Eye of Agarash has no innate destructive powers. However, when it is married with the Claw, it greatly intensifies and concentrates the power of that weapon several hundredfold.</p>
<data>
<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 <cite>Skyfort</cite>, 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><cite>Comet</cite> 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><cite>Comet</cite> 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 north-westerly 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 <cite>Comet</cite> 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 <cite>Comet</cite> 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>
<data>
<p>You urge your horse to the gallop. Despite the difficulty he has forcing his way through the tall and sodden grasses, he quickens his pace just enough to keep you from falling into the merciless hands of the howling Skarada. Quang and the Watchers follow closely behind, whipping their mounts to extract every last ounce of strength and effort from them to escape the vengeful enemy.</p>
<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><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<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>
<li>Tincture of Sabito Root: 100 Ren (10 Gold Crowns). Sabito Root is only to be found in the Boari Jungle of Valerion. It is rare in Chai. It enables the human body to extract oxygen from water through the skin, thus permitting anyone who swallows it to <quote>breathe</quote> underwater.</li>
</ul>
<p>You may buy any of the four potions shown above for the price indicated. They are all Backpack Items that will each take up one space. You are under no obligation to make a purchase.</p>
- <p>When Deng has finished the flask of Senara Tea, you bid thanks to the shop owners and leave. Soon you reach the end of Xo-lin Avenue and 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. There is a ferry post close by and 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>When Deng has finished the flask of Senara Tea, you bid thanks to the shop owners and leave. Soon you reach the end of Xo-lin Avenue and 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. There is a ferry post close by and 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: <signpost>Ferry cancelled due to weather</signpost>.</p>
<p>Directly opposite the quay is a large three-storey building. The ornate sign fixed above its front door says: <signpost>Ferry House Inn</signpost>.</p>
<choice idref="sect114">If you wish to enter the Ferry House Inn, <link-text>turn to 114</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect202">If you decide to look for someone on the quayside with a boat, and who is prepared to take you across the stormy estuary, <link-text>turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Quang reaches to his belt pouch to pay for the beverages, but Shousun has a sudden change of mind.</p>
- <p><quote>One moment, my Lord</quote> he says. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll gladly let you have these ales for free if you<ch.apos/>d be so kind to tell me what is happening in the north.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>Come a little closer</quote>, he says to the inquisitive innkeeper. <quote>I will tell you what we know, but I<ch.apos/>d prefer that not everyone in your fine establishment hears what I have to say.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>Of course, my Lord</quote>, replies Shousun, with a wry smile. He moves closer to Quang and leans forward so that the Lieutenant can speak quietly in his ear. In a hushed voice, Quang tells him that some of the citizens of Pensei believe their city will be attacked by the Bhanarians. They have decided to leave their homes and travel to Hi<ch.apos/>joi by way of Vabou and Klatii. He tells him to have faith in the might of the Chai army and the wisdom of his Khea-khan. If the threat to Pensei is real, we shall prevail.</p>
+ <p><quote>One moment, my Lord,</quote> he says. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll gladly let you have these ales for free if you<ch.apos/>d be so kind to tell me what is happening in the north.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Come a little closer,</quote> he says to the inquisitive innkeeper. <quote>I will tell you what we know, but I<ch.apos/>d prefer that not everyone in your fine establishment hears what I have to say.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Of course, my Lord,</quote> replies Shousun, with a wry smile. He moves closer to Quang and leans forward so that the Lieutenant can speak quietly in his ear. In a hushed voice, Quang tells him that some of the citizens of Pensei believe their city will be attacked by the Bhanarians. They have decided to leave their homes and travel to Hi<ch.apos/>joi by way of Vabou and Klatii. He tells him to have faith in the might of the Chai army and the wisdom of his Khea-khan. If the threat to Pensei is real, we shall prevail.</p>
<p><quote>Thank you my Lord,</quote> says the innkeeper. Having now satisfied his curiosity, Shousun tells you that the ales are on the house. He says that it is an honour to have an Imperial Guardsman visit his humble inn and he invites you all to enjoy a meal and stay the night at his expense. Quang thanks him and accepts his hospitality.</p>
<choice idref="sect299"><link-text>Turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>97</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your room is facing you when you reach the top of the stairs. The door is unlocked and you enter to find that it is a well-appointed room with a comfortable bed and nice furnishings. As you eat your meal of steamed rice, fresh vegetables and diced lamb, you listen to the rain beating against the window pane and the sounds of jollity in the taproom below. You begin to wish you had stayed with Anseng, but another long ride on the highway awaits you tomorrow and you are in need of a good night<ch.apos/>s sleep.</p>
+ <p>Your room is facing you when you reach the top of the stairs. The door is unlocked and you enter to find that it is a well-appointed room with a comfortable bed and nice furnishings. As you eat your meal of steamed rice, fresh vegetables, and diced lamb, you listen to the rain beating against the window pane and the sounds of jollity in the taproom below. You begin to wish you had stayed with Anseng, but another long ride on the highway awaits you tomorrow and you are in need of a good night<ch.apos/>s sleep.</p>
<p>You wake at dawn to the sound of a cockerel crowing. It stopped raining during the night and sunlight is streaming through the room<ch.apos/>s solitary window. You gather up your equipment and descend the stairs to the taproom. Anseng is waiting there and he greets you with a smile. Tzu approaches from the adjoining kitchen and Anseng offers to pay him for your rooms and food. Politely, the friendly owner refuses to accept his money and Anseng does not argue with his decision.</p>
- <p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s the least I can do for you, my friend,</quote> says Tzu, <quote> after all the help you have given me in the past. I wish you both a safe journey. I hope you<ch.apos/>ll come visit us again before too long.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s the least I can do for you, my friend,</quote> says Tzu, <quote>after all the help you have given me in the past. I wish you both a safe journey. I hope you<ch.apos/>ll come visit us again before too long.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect347"><link-text>Turn to 347</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>105</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>This shop is run by Pau Ping, an old apothecary who has lived in Dwala all his life. He greets you with a broad smile when you walk through his door. Pau Ping buys, sells and prepares all manner of potions and healing medicaments. He invites you to browse his shelves. Most of his wares are ointments for soothing aching muscles and treating minor skin complaints, but there are a few potions among them that are of interest:</p>
+ <p>This shop is run by Pau Ping, an old apothecary who has lived in Dwala all his life. He greets you with a broad smile when you walk through his door. Pau Ping buys, sells, and prepares all manner of potions and healing medicaments. He invites you to browse his shelves. Most of his wares are ointments for soothing aching muscles and treating minor skin complaints, but there are a few potions among them that are of interest:</p>
<ul>
<li>Oxydine: 40 Ren (4 Gold Crowns). Restores 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed at any time. It also cures Korovax infections.</li>
<li>Laumspur: 50 Ren (5 Gold Crowns). Restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed after combat.</li>
<li>Alether: 60 Ren (6 Gold Crowns). Adds 2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of one combat.</li>
- <li>Malavan: 60 Ren (6 Gold Crowns). Increases the effect of Mindblast, Psi-surge and Kai-surge, by adding 2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of one combat.</li>
+ <li>Malavan: 60 Ren (6 Gold Crowns). Increases the effect of Mindblast, Psi-surge, and Kai-surge by adding 2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of one combat.</li>
</ul>
<p>You may buy any of the potions listed above for the price indicated. They are all Backpack Items that will take up one space in your backpack.</p>
<p>Pau Ping buys potions, but he will only pay you 20 Ren (2 Gold Crowns) for each one, no matter how much it may have cost you to acquire them. However, he will make an exception for some Karmo. He has a customer who will pay a high price for this potion. If you have a potion of Karmo and are prepared to sell it to Pau Ping, he will pay you 200 Ren (20 Gold Crowns) for it.</p>
<data>
<p>The graceful courtier leaves the hall and returns a few minutes later bearing a golden tray laden with refreshments. She pours tea from a silver pot into two porcelain cups and offers them to you and the Captain. Gratefully you accept her hospitality and sip the delicious beverage while you peruse the many fine portraits and paintings displayed in the hall. One canvas in particular catches your eye for you are one of three subjects portrayed in it.</p>
<p>The painting depicts the fall of Autarch Sejanoz. The setting is a darkened chamber heaped with rubble and earth. Light pours down through a ragged hole in the ceiling, illuminating the evil tyrant who is shown on his knees at the left of the composition. The magical Arrow of Atonement is embedded deep in his chest and, through the grill of his tiger helm, his eyes blaze with anger and agony. A small boy, young Prince Kamada, is shown in the foreground running towards the sanctuary of your outstretched arms. You are positioned on the right of the painting and you are pleased to see that you have been depicted with some fair degree of accuracy. The artist has captured your hair and facial features well, but he has exercised a degree of license by showing you clad in overly ornate Kai battle dress and not the plain blue padded tunic and breeches that you were wearing at the time. The Bow with which you fired the fateful Arrow into the Autarch<ch.apos/>s heart lies discarded on the ground at your feet.</p>
- <p><quote>My compliments, Grand Master</quote> says Captain Voushan, with deep respect. <quote>The likeness is uncanny. You have barely aged at all since this painting was commissioned. If memory serves, I believe it was first hung in the throne room 17 years ago.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>My compliments, Grand Master,</quote> says Captain Voushan, with deep respect. <quote>The likeness is uncanny. You have barely aged at all since this painting was commissioned. If memory serves, I believe it was first hung in the throne room 17 years ago.</quote></p>
<p><quote>You<ch.apos/>re too kind,</quote> you reply with a smile, and say no more than this. You refrain from telling the Captain that you owe your preservation to your diligent exercise and development of your innate Grand Master Disciplines. Since you became a Kai Grand Master, your body has aged at a much slower rate than men less gifted than you. For every five years that elapse you age but one year.</p>
<p>A fanfare of trumpets sounds in the concourse, announcing Lin Tao<ch.apos/>s return to the Pensei Pagoda. You return to the middle of the throne room and place your empty tea cup on the golden tray. As you straighten up, the young Khea-khan comes striding into chamber with his personal bodyguard, Lieutenant Quang, following close behind. He is clad in golden armour and is wearing his <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Hoguan</foreign>, his imperial crown.</p>
- <p><quote>Greetings Grand Master,</quote> he says, with a youthful yet confident voice. <quote>We are humbled to finally meet the Slayer of Sejanoz. We forever owe you a debt of gratitude for ridding us of the unholy Autarch.</quote> Lao Tin pauses to instruct his bodyguard to bring the Watchers to the throne room then he mounts his throne and motions to you and Captain Voushan to approach the marble plinth.</p>
+ <p><quote>Greetings, Grand Master,</quote> he says, with a youthful yet confident voice. <quote>We are humbled to finally meet the Slayer of Sejanoz. We forever owe you a debt of gratitude for ridding us of the unholy Autarch.</quote> Lao Tin pauses to instruct his bodyguard to bring the Watchers to the throne room then he mounts his throne and motions to you and Captain Voushan to approach the marble plinth.</p>
<p><quote>We have been informed of your reason for coming to Pensei. We are in accord with your desire to convey the Eye of Agarash to the Elder Magi, and we shall assist you as best we can.</quote> You are impressed by the candour of this young Khea-khan. He has the proud mien of his illustrious forbears and you sense that he will become an exceptional leader, given time and good fortune. Lao Tin removes a small leather satchel that hangs by a strap from his shoulder. He offers it to you and you lean forward with your hand outstretched to accept it.</p>
<choice idref="sect275">If you possess Kai-screen, <link-text>turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect46">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
<p><quote>It has gone,</quote> replies Jian Tzu, sadly. <quote>It fell in flames an hour ago. I regret to inform you that there are no survivors.</quote></p>
<p>The Captain makes his personal quarters available to you. Before he leaves he tells you to get some rest and he confirms that Lord Rimoah will be arriving aboard <cite>Comet</cite> as planned, at noon.</p>
<p><quote>I will escort you to the North Gate shortly before midday and see you safely aboard,</quote> he says, and then he bids you good night and closes the door to his chambers. The physical and mental strain of your battle with Zashnor and its foul cohorts wells up and overwhelms you with fatigue. You climb onto the Captain<ch.apos/>s bed and fall immediately into a deep and dreamless sleep.</p>
- <p>You are awoken mid-morning by Journeymage Honos and Herbwarden Zautro. They bring you a hearty breakfast and together you eat and talk before Captain Jian Tzu enters to inform you that it is time to leave. You ride from the headquarters building to the North Gate in the company of the Captain, Lord Honos and Herbwarden Zautro. The young journeymage carries the Claw of Naar still wrapped securely in his cape. Upon arriving at the gate, you see that it is open. Nearby, the smouldering remains of the Tower of Ishir remind you of the selfless sacrifices that were made during your long and difficult mission. You offer up a silent prayer to Goddess Ishir to cherish and preserve the souls of those who willingly gave their lives so that you might succeed. They have gone but they will never be forgotten.</p>
+ <p>You are awoken mid-morning by Journeymage Honos and Herbwarden Zautro. They bring you a hearty breakfast and together you eat and talk before Captain Jian Tzu enters to inform you that it is time to leave. You ride from the headquarters building to the North Gate in the company of the Captain, Lord Honos, and Herbwarden Zautro. The young journeymage carries the Claw of Naar still wrapped securely in his cape. Upon arriving at the gate, you see that it is open. Nearby, the smouldering remains of the Tower of Ishir remind you of the selfless sacrifices that were made during your long and difficult mission. You offer up a silent prayer to Goddess Ishir to cherish and preserve the souls of those who willingly gave their lives so that you might succeed. They have gone, but they will never be forgotten.</p>
<p>While you slept, the dawn of the day brought with it a dramatic change in the weather. The skies have cleared and warm sunshine is drying the saturated streets of Dwala. Lord Rimoah arrives precisely at noon. <cite>Comet</cite> appears in a cloudless sky and gradually it descends until it comes to hover just a few feet above an area of cleared ground outside the North Gate. You hear its engine powering down to a soft hum and see Lord Rimoah and Blazer awaiting you at the rail of the stern deck. They both salute you with pride. The boarding ladder is lowered and you say farewell to Captain Jian Tzu and Herbwarden Zautro before you climb aboard. Journeymage Honos has been instructed to return to Dessi by Lord Rimoah. He has been charged with the safekeeping of the Claw of Naar until <cite>Comet</cite> arrives at the High Council in Elzian, the Dessian capital. Rimoah and Blazer greet and commend you on completing your mission successfully. Bo<ch.apos/>sun Durin takes Honos to his quarters in the bow while you retire to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s comfortable cabin at the stern. On approaching the cabin door, you turn and take one last look at the city of Dwala and wave a final farewell to Jian Tzu and Zautro as <cite>Comet</cite> ascends smoothly into the clear blue sky.</p>
<choice idref="sect350"><link-text>Turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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 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>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>
<p>Respectful of your Kai intuition, Quang tells everyone to dismount and draw weapons. He orders Chao to remain here and hold the horses while the rest of you go to the top of the hill under cover of the tall grass in order to determine what lies beyond. Crouching low, cautiously the four of you make your way to the crest of the hill. When you see the terrible scene that lies in the shallow valley beyond, a cold shiver runs the length of your spine.</p>
<choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p><quote>And now, my dear friends, I have a very special riddle for you. A special riddle with a special prize.</quote></p>
<p>Shou Len removes something from his tunic pocket and holds it aloft for all to see. It is a playing piece from a samor set, an exquisitely carved queen made of ivory and inlaid with gold.</p>
- <p>This is a valuable item, and therefore I must request that you wager a minimum of 100 Ren (10 Gold Crowns).</p>
- <choice idref="sect229">If you have 10 Gold Crowns and wish to wager them on the next riddle in the hope of winning the Samor Queen, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p><quote>This is a valuable item, and therefore I must request that you wager a minimum of 100 Ren.</quote></p>
+ <choice idref="sect229">If you have 100 Ren (10 Gold Crowns) and wish to wager them on the next riddle in the hope of winning the Samor Queen, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect286">If you do not have sufficient Gold Crowns, or if you choose not to place a wager on the next riddle, you bid good night to Anseng and retire to your room. <link-text>Turn to 286</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>111</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>It is still dark when Quang wakes you up. The glowing embers of the camp fire illuminate the interior of the shelter with a dull amber light by which you and the Watchers are able to gather your equipment and make ready to leave.</p>
+ <p>It is still dark when Quang wakes you up. The glowing embers of the campfire illuminate the interior of the shelter with a dull amber light by which you and the Watchers are able to gather your equipment and make ready to leave.</p>
<p>Bai and Chao venture outside and go forage for some edible foliage with which to feed the horses. There are plentiful puddles of rainwater and Quang makes sure the horses drink their fill before Bai and Chao return. Dawn has broken by the time the horses have finished feeding and you mount up and begin your woodland journey to the village of Jueng.</p>
- <p>It is mid-morning when you happen upon an old hunting track. It is mostly overgrown with foliage, but it provides you with a south-easterly route through the forest which is easy to follow. The rain stops and your woodland ride is blessedly uneventful. The forest is rich with berries, nuts and edible flora that are sufficient to sustain you and your companions throughout the day. Shortly before dusk you come to a wide and muddy highway. Bai and Chao recognize this road at once for it connects the town of Klatii with the village of Jueng. They have travelled this highway many times in their youth. Bai, who was born and raised in Klatii, remembers that there was an old woodsman<ch.apos/>s hut near here, just a mile or two to the south in the direction of Jueng. He leads you to it and you spend the night here before setting off to Jueng at first light.</p>
+ <p>It is mid-morning when you happen upon an old hunting track. It is mostly overgrown with foliage, but it provides you with a south-easterly route through the forest which is easy to follow. The rain stops and your woodland ride is blessedly uneventful. The forest is rich with berries, nuts, and edible flora that are sufficient to sustain you and your companions throughout the day. Shortly before dusk you come to a wide and muddy highway. Bai and Chao recognize this road at once for it connects the town of Klatii with the village of Jueng. They have travelled this highway many times in their youth. Bai, who was born and raised in Klatii, remembers that there was an old woodsman<ch.apos/>s hut near here, just a mile or two to the south in the direction of Jueng. He leads you to it and you spend the night here before setting off to Jueng at first light.</p>
<choice idref="sect64"><link-text>Turn to 64</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>112</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You run along the corridor, past the crew quarters towards a bulkhead door that gives access to the cargo hold. Beyond the door you enter the voluminous hold which is stacked with bales of jute and wooden crates filled with Chai goods bound for Port of Suhn. It does not take you long to realise that there are no secure hiding places in this hold that will keep you safe from an enemy search party. Reluctantly, you leave the hold and retrace your steps to the stairs that lead to the wheelhouse on the deck above.</p>
+ <p>You run along the corridor, past the crew quarters towards a bulkhead door that gives access to the cargo hold. Beyond the door you enter the voluminous hold which is stacked with bales of jute and wooden crates filled with Chai goods bound for the Port of Suhn. It does not take you long to realise that there are no secure hiding places in this hold that will keep you safe from an enemy search party. Reluctantly, you leave the hold and retrace your steps to the stairs that lead to the wheelhouse on the deck above.</p>
<choice idref="sect9"><link-text>Turn to 9</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s bodyguard, Lieutenant Quang, enters the throne room accompanied by three men. Like you, they are dressed in normal Chai peasant attire. They address Lao Tin with the formal acknowledgement <quote>Your Highness</quote> and bow their heads in respect.</p>
- <p><quote>Please, gentlemen, introduce yourselves to our famous guest</quote> says Lao Tin, motioning them towards you with a sweep of his hand.</p>
+ <p><quote>Please, gentlemen, introduce yourselves to our famous guest,</quote> says Lao Tin, motioning them towards you with a sweep of his hand.</p>
<p>In turn, the men step forward and identify themselves. The first to speak is the eldest of the three. His name is Bai and he comes from the town of Klatii. The second man is Chao, from the village of Jueng. And the third is Deng, from the port of Valus. Like Anseng, they are all native Chai and have been Watchers for the Elder Magi for more than a decade. Bai is also an agent for Lao Tin and has provided him with reliable information about Bhanar that has earned him the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s trust. You hear that he was in Dwala three days ago when the Elder Magi instructed him to go to Pensei ahead of your arrival here. He brought Chao and Deng with him. It is he who persuaded the Khea-khan to remove the Eye of Agarash from his throne and prepare it for your collection.</p>
<p>Lao Tin informs Lieutenant Quang that he is to accompany you when you leave Pensei. He is to ensure you are not delayed on your ride to Dwala. You tell the Khea-khan that your plans have changed since you lost the tracking stone upon arriving in Chai. Now you need to return to the place where you landed so that Lord Rimoah can pick you up from there when he returns aboard <cite>Comet</cite>.</p>
<p><quote>So be it,</quote> replies Lao Tin. <quote>Lieutenant Quang, see to it that they have everything they need for the journey. You shall leave at first light.</quote></p>
<meta><title>114</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You push open the front door and immediately you are struck by the sweet aroma of Lissanian tobacco smoke that clouds the air of the inn<ch.apos/>s spacious, high-ceilinged taproom. There are more patrons here than you were expecting to find at this hour. Quang wends his way through them and you follow him in single file to the rear of the crowded taproom. Fortunately, you find a table where three men are preparing to leave. You take their seats, remove your backpacks and stow them between your feet where you can keep a watchful eye on them. A serving girl emerges from the crowd and asks you what you would like to order. Quang requests three ales and food enough for all of you. She nods politely and disappears back into the throng of chattering customers. While you are waiting for her to return, you listen to snippets of conversations and learn that some of the patrons have been here for three days. They are waiting for the storms to abate and the ferry service to Dwala to resume its normal service.</p>
+ <p>You push open the front door and immediately you are struck by the sweet aroma of Lissanian tobacco smoke that clouds the air of the inn<ch.apos/>s spacious, high-ceilinged taproom. There are more patrons here than you were expecting to find at this hour. Quang wends his way through them and you follow him in single file to the rear of the crowded taproom. Fortunately, you find a table where three men are preparing to leave. You take their seats, remove your backpacks, and stow them between your feet where you can keep a watchful eye on them. A serving girl emerges from the crowd and asks you what you would like to order. Quang requests three ales and food enough for all of you. She nods politely and disappears back into the throng of chattering customers. While you are waiting for her to return, you listen to snippets of conversations and learn that some of the patrons have been here for three days. They are waiting for the storms to abate and the ferry service to Dwala to resume its normal service.</p>
<p>At length, the girl returns with three pewter tankards of ale and a large plate heaped with cuts of cold meat and peeled vegetables. Quang pays her and she gives him three small parchment envelopes, six slips of yellow paper and a stick of sharpened charcoal. While you are enjoying your meal, a gong is stuck three times and a hush descends upon the taproom. The innkeeper climbs onto the counter and addresses his patrons in a loud voice:</p>
<p><quote>My dear ladies and gentlemen. I am proud to introduce to you one of Chai<ch.apos/>s most celebrated riddlers. Please welcome the wonderful, the amazing, the confusing and confounding Madam Dai-zia!</quote></p>
- <p>The patrons applaud and an elderly woman, swathed in a flamboyant robe of turquoise and gold silk, is lifted onto the counter by the innkeeper<ch.apos/>s twin sons. The innkeeper hands her a large glass sand timer which carefully she sets down on the counter beside her feet, then she smiles and bows graciously to the appreciative crowd. As the applause fades, she addresses them in a warm maternal tone.</p>
+ <p>The patrons applaud and an elderly woman, swathed in a flamboyant robe of turquoise and gold silk, is lifted onto the counter by the innkeeper<ch.apos/>s twin sons. The innkeeper hands her a large hourglass which carefully she sets down on the counter beside her feet, then she smiles and bows graciously to the appreciative crowd. As the applause fades, she addresses them in a warm maternal tone.</p>
<p><quote>Thank you, thank you, most kind. This evening I have prepared for you a special riddle. Please listen carefully and then wager generously.</quote> There is a soft ripple of laughter among the patrons before Madam Dai-zia clears her throat and begins.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Long, long ago, there lived a beautiful princess who yearned for a handsome and intelligent husband. She had many suitors. Some were handsome, some were intelligent, but woefully few were both these things. She was herself very intelligent indeed. And so she devised this riddle to test the mental mettle of the men who so desired to win her affections and take her for their bride.</p>
<p>She had three toa wood boxes which were identical in size. Each one was painted a different colour and each one had a different inscription on the lid. Into one of these boxes she placed a wedding ring. To every suitor who presented himself she posed the same question. Based solely on the inscriptions, she asked them to choose in which box the wedding ring was hidden.</p>
<p>She told them that at least one of the inscriptions was true and at least one of the inscriptions was false.</p>
- <p>The inscription on the Gold Box read: <quote>The ring is not in the Silver Box</quote></p>
- <p>The inscription on the Silver Box read: <quote>The ring is not in this Box</quote></p>
- <p>The inscription on the Bronze Box read: <quote>The ring is in this Box</quote></p>
+ <p>The inscription on the Gold Box read: <quote>The ring is not in the Silver Box</quote>.</p>
+ <p>The inscription on the Silver Box read: <quote>The ring is not in this Box</quote>.</p>
+ <p>The inscription on the Bronze Box read: <quote>The ring is in this Box</quote>.</p>
<p>Please consider your answer carefully. The innkeeper and his sons will come and collect your wagers in three minutes<ch.apos/> time.</p>
</blockquote>
- <p>The moment Madam Dai-zia finishes her last sentence, the innkeeper turns the glass timer and the sand begins to flow.</p>
+ <p>The moment Madam Dai-zia finishes her last sentence, the innkeeper turns the hourglass and the sand begins to flow.</p>
<p>The innkeeper will double any money that is wagered by those who solve this riddle. Your answer must be written on one of the two yellow paper slips and placed in the parchment envelope along with your wager. On the face of the envelope you must inscribe a symbol. On the second slip of paper you must inscribe the same symbol that you made on the face of the envelope. This second slip must be kept safely. If your answer is correct you will have to show this slip. If the symbol does not match any of the winning envelopes then you cannot lay claim to your winnings.</p>
<p>Now you must decide how much you wish to wager on this riddle. If you do not have any Gold Crowns, Lieutenant Quang will lend you 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns) which you must use to make a wager. You cannot refuse to bet on the answer to this riddle. Everyone in the taproom is obliged to make a bet.</p>
<p>Deduct from your Belt Pouch the number of Gold Crowns you wish to wager. Make a note of this deduction in the margin of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. If you deduce the answer correctly you may add double this number of Gold Crowns to the money in your Belt Pouch. If you do not answer correctly, you will lose the Gold Crowns you wager.</p>
<meta><title>120</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The taproom is almost empty, save for a couple of aged villagers who are playing samor at a table near the tavern<ch.apos/>s crackling wood fire. They smile cordially and bid you good day. One of them calls out <quote>Kenga, you<ch.apos/>ve got a customer,</quote> and a wiry man old man in an apron appears from a doorway behind the counter.</p>
+ <p>The taproom is almost empty, save for a couple of aged villagers who are playing samor at a table near the tavern<ch.apos/>s crackling wood fire. They smile cordially and bid you good day. One of them calls out <quote>Kenga, you<ch.apos/>ve got a customer,</quote> and a wiry old man in an apron appears from a doorway behind the counter.</p>
<p><quote>How may I serve you, sir?</quote> he says, benignly.</p>
- <p>You cast your eye along his shelves that are filled with bottles and small casks of wines, spirits and exotic liqueurs. There are a myriad to choose from and they come from all over Magnamund. On one of the middle shelves you see a tall dark-green bottle that you recognise immediately; it is Moyturan Brandy from Sommerlund. A sudden wave of homesickness makes you swallow hard.</p>
+ <p>You cast your eye along his shelves that are filled with bottles and small casks of wine, spirits, and exotic liqueurs. There are a myriad to choose from and they come from all over Magnamund. On one of the middle shelves you see a tall dark-green bottle that you recognise immediately; it is Moyturan Brandy from Sommerlund. A sudden wave of homesickness makes you swallow hard.</p>
<p><quote>I<ch.apos/>ll have a glass of that one please,</quote> you say, and the tavern keeper smiles.</p>
<p><quote>Ah, I see you are a man of impeccable taste, good sir. A fine spirit from a fine land.</quote></p>
<p>Kenga takes the bottle down from the shelf and sets it on the counter. He produces a bulb-shaped glass and tugs the cork from the bottle. When he upends it, only a few drops of brandy emerge, barely enough to moisten the bottom of the glass.</p>
<meta><title>125</title></meta>
<data>
- <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 i
t 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 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>
<meta><title>131</title></meta>
<data>
- <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>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 second round. You may now temporarily increase your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 5 points until the combat ends.</p>
<meta><title>133</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You wake shortly before dawn and stretch your weary limbs. Quang gets to his feet and awakens each of the snoring Watchers. A daunting ride awaits you all. You have two days in which to cover the 120 miles between Vabou and the location of the lost tracker gem. Mindful that every hour counts, you forego breakfast and mount your horses. In the grey light of dawn, the old highway that bisects the town is busy with townsfolk preparing to leave Vabou while they still can. They are afraid that the enemy will return and have decided to abandon their homes and journey to the distant town of Hi<ch.apos/>joi. It is located southeast of Vabou, on the eastern side of the mighty River Tkukoma. They believe that they will find safe sanctuary there.</p>
+ <p>You wake shortly before dawn and stretch your weary limbs. Quang gets to his feet and awakens each of the snoring Watchers. A daunting ride awaits you all. You have two days in which to cover the 120 miles between Vabou and the location of the lost tracker gem. Mindful that every hour counts, you forego breakfast and mount your horses. In the grey light of dawn, the old highway that bisects the town is busy with townsfolk preparing to leave Vabou while they still can. They are afraid that the enemy will return and have decided to abandon their homes and journey to the distant town of Hi<ch.apos/>joi. It is located south-east of Vabou, on the eastern side of the mighty River Tkukoma. They believe that they will find safe sanctuary there.</p>
<p>The rain has eased off overnight to be replaced by a light drizzle. It makes your journey less miserable than it has been since you first arrived in Chai four days ago. The first nineteen miles of your ride towards the village of Zang pass uneventfully. It is not until you approach your twentieth mile on the highway that your Sixth Sense warns you enemies are close. You signal to the others to stop. You stand in the stirrups and scan the surrounding countryside, but all you can see is rain-swept grassland swaying in the wind. There are no signs of the Skarada and Chagarashi that attacked Vabou last night. Satisfied that there appears to be no threat of ambush, you resume the ride towards your rendezvous point. It is not until you are twenty five miles from Vabou that the situation takes a turn for the worse.</p>
<p>A large group of creatures are spotted in the distance. You magnify your vision and see that they are the survivors of last night<ch.apos/>s attack. They are blocking the highway and are spread out on either side for half a mile in both directions. You call your companions to a halt and consider the best way to avoid them. Quang suggests you try to circle around to the south, across the Huzang Plain. Bai suggests you may stand a better chance if you enter the foothills of the Szuchow Range to the north and use the cover they provide to get around them that way. Both routes will delay your journey to the rendezvous point significantly. Moreover, you<ch.apos/>ll not be able to reach Zang before nightfall and will face having to spend a night in the open in enemy occupied territory.</p>
<choice idref="sect349"><link-text>Turn to 349</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>An elegant Palace courtier takes you gently by the arm and escorts you to your sleeping room on the ground floor. Upon arriving, she opens the mahogany door, bows politely, and motions you to enter. You cross the threshold and stare in amazement at this luxurious bedchamber. The courtier bids you good night and the door closes behind her without a sound.</p>
<p>Fine food and new clothing have thoughtfully been provided for you. You climb out of your damp and travel-stained clothes and ease yourself into the warm water of a sunken marble bath. The scented water soothes your aching limbs. After bathing, you eat before retiring to a majestic bed where you fall asleep as soon as your head touches the soft silk pillow.</p>
- <p>You are awoken before dawn by the harmonic tinkling of a small hand bell. You open your eyes and the first thing you see is the smiling face of the courtier. With a soft and lilting voice, she tells you that Lieutenant Quang will be in the concourse in thirty minutes time. You watch as she seemingly glides out of the bed chamber and closes the door. You arise feeling better than you have felt in days. A good night<ch.apos/>s rest and a generous helping of shameless luxuriance restore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you may have lost so far. You get dressed in your new clothes which comprise a crimson leather jacket, black breeches, sturdy black boots and a dark green oilskin cape with a generous hood. After reequipping yourself with your belt, backpack, weapons and satchel containing the Eye of Agarash, you leave the bedchamber and make your way to the concourse. The three Watchers are here and they bid you good morning. You have all arrived a little early and you have ten minutes to kill before Lieutenant Quang is expected. The palace courtiers bring you each a basket of freshly baked bread, cheese, and slices of veal with exotic fruits and together you eat a hurried breakfast beside the azure stream of the indoor garden before Quang arrives.</p>
+ <p>You are awoken before dawn by the harmonic tinkling of a small hand bell. You open your eyes and the first thing you see is the smiling face of the courtier. With a soft and lilting voice, she tells you that Lieutenant Quang will be in the concourse in thirty minutes time. You watch as she seemingly glides out of the bed chamber and closes the door. You arise feeling better than you have felt in days. A good night<ch.apos/>s rest and a generous helping of shameless luxuriance restore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you may have lost so far. You get dressed in your new clothes which comprise a crimson leather jacket, black breeches, sturdy black boots, and a dark green oilskin cape with a generous hood. After reequipping yourself with your belt, backpack, weapons and satchel containing the Eye of Agarash, you leave the bedchamber and make your way to the concourse. The three Watchers are here and they bid you good morning. You have all arrived a little early and you have ten minutes to kill before Lieutenant Quang is expected. The palace courtiers bring you each a basket of freshly baked bread, cheese, and slices of veal with exotic fruits and together you eat a hurried breakfast beside the azure stream of the indoor garden before Quang arrives.</p>
<p>The lieutenant appears, clad in his battle dress with his badge of rank prominently displayed on his dark green cloak. He ushers you all to the Imperial stables where you collect your mounts for the journey. They are fine steeds and will serve you well. You pass through the city<ch.apos/>s south gate just as dawn is breaking and begin the long ride to Vabou. The rain swept highway is still crowded with refugees but they quickly make way for you when they recognise Quang<ch.apos/>s Imperial Guard insignia and you reach the village of Uzam in the early afternoon. You pass by the blacksmithy and general store and notice that both places are now closed and boarded up. You are riding past the tavern when you see Kenga, the tavern owner, appear at an open upper floor window. He looks petrified and he is about to shout something to you when he is dragged away from the window by unseen hands.</p>
<choice idref="sect54">If you wish to stop and investigate what has just happened to Kenga, <link-text>turn to 54</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect227">If you decide to do nothing and continue your ride through the village without stopping, <link-text>turn to 227</link-text>.</choice>
<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 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>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>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 <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>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 gotten 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 tree-line in single file, with all eyes peeled for the slightest movement among the pines and foliage ahead.</p>
<meta><title>148</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>It starts to rain as you approach the village of Zang at dusk. This picturesque Chai settlement sits astride the highway amidst a range of rolling hills. To the south east you can see the darkening peaks of the Huzang Mountains, and to the north west, beyond the hills, you espy the perimeter of the Northern Huzang Forest. Its giant toa trees are swaying gently in the strengthening breeze. You note that Zang has been spared the ravages of last night<ch.apos/>s storm; its shops and dwellings show no signs of damage. Its citizens have finished a hard day<ch.apos/>s work and are hurrying back to their homes, anxious to take shelter from the rain and settle down to their evening meals.</p>
+ <p>It starts to rain as you approach the village of Zang at dusk. This picturesque Chai settlement sits astride the highway amidst a range of rolling hills. To the south-east you can see the darkening peaks of the Huzang Mountains, and to the north-west, beyond the hills, you espy the perimeter of the Northern Huzang Forest. Its giant toa trees are swaying gently in the strengthening breeze. You note that Zang has been spared the ravages of last night<ch.apos/>s storm; its shops and dwellings show no signs of damage. Its citizens have finished a hard day<ch.apos/>s work and are hurrying back to their homes, anxious to take shelter from the rain and settle down to their evening meals.</p>
<p>Anseng leads you along the muddy main road towards a distant tavern. A brace of copper lanterns creak slowly in the breeze above its shiny red door.</p>
<p><quote>We<ch.apos/>ll stay here this night,</quote> says Anseng. <quote>The owner<ch.apos/>s an old friend and he owes me a favour or two.</quote></p>
<p>From the shelter of an awning, the owner<ch.apos/>s son watches your approach. When he recognises Anseng, he runs forward and takes hold of your horses<ch.apos/> bridles. He bows respectfully to Anseng and bids him welcome.</p>
<meta><title>149</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You walk along the paved street, passing closed cook shops and small emporiums that sell clothing, furniture and fruit, until you arrive at Dwala<ch.apos/>s main square. At its centre is a tiered pyramid of veined marble topped by a magnificent sculpture of a dragon roaring at the sky. This is the famous Dwala Dragon, erected at a time when the free citizens of Dwala willingly chose to join the Chai Empire many centuries ago. It is a homage to Nyxator, the wise and goodly dragon who, in 12209 MS, created the Lorestones to preserve the powers and knowledge bestowed upon him by God Kai. These ancient gems contained the secrets and the power of the Magnakai Disciplines that you have mastered. Encircling the base of the pyramid are dozens of market trader stalls wrapped in oilskin tarpaulins and wound round tightly with rope. In more clement times the square is a vibrant open market where thousands of goods are bought, bartered and sold every day. Now it is closed, and it looks like it will remain so for several days to come.</p>
- <p>Through the teeming rain, you see two thoroughfares that lead away from the main square. One goes north and is called Izara Street. The other heads west and is named Xo Street. A signpost at the start of Xo Street points due west and reads: <quote>To the Quay</quote>.</p>
+ <p>You walk along the paved street, passing closed cook shops and small emporiums that sell clothing, furniture, and fruit, until you arrive at Dwala<ch.apos/>s main square. At its centre is a tiered pyramid of veined marble topped by a magnificent sculpture of a dragon roaring at the sky. This is the famous Dwala Dragon, erected at a time when the free citizens of Dwala willingly chose to join the Chai Empire many centuries ago. It is a homage to Nyxator, the wise and goodly dragon who, in 12209 MS, created the Lorestones to preserve the powers and knowledge bestowed upon him by God Kai. These ancient gems contained the secrets and the power of the Magnakai Disciplines that you have mastered. Encircling the base of the pyramid are dozens of market trader stalls wrapped in oilskin tarpaulins and wound round tightly with rope. In more clement times the square is a vibrant open market where thousands of goods are bought, bartered and sold every day. Now it is closed, and it looks like it will remain so for several days to come.</p>
+ <p>Through the teeming rain, you see two thoroughfares that lead away from the main square. One goes north and is called Izara Street. The other heads west and is named Xo Street. A signpost at the start of Xo Street points due west and reads: <signpost>To the Quay</signpost>.</p>
<choice idref="sect7">If you wish to leave the main square and enter Izara Street, heading in a northerly direction, <link-text>turn to 7</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect98">If you decide to enter Xo Street and head towards the Quay, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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 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>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>
<choice idref="sect309">If you have survived this sudden energy drain, <link-text>turn to 309</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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 <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>
+ <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 <onomatopoeia>crack</onomatopoeia> 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>You reach to your belt pouch, but Shousun has a sudden change of mind.</p>
<p><quote>One moment,</quote> he says. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll gladly let you have these ales for free if you<ch.apos/>d be so kind to tell me what is happening in the north.</quote></p>
<p>You look to Quang and he narrows his eyes a little. He is signalling you to say nothing.</p>
- <p><quote>Come a little closer</quote>, he says to the inquisitive innkeeper. <quote>I will tell you what we know, but I<ch.apos/>d prefer that not everyone in your fine establishment hears what I have to say.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>Of course, my Lord</quote>, replies Shousun, with a wry smile. He moves closer to Quang and leans forward so that the Lieutenant can speak quietly in his ear. In a hushed voice, Quang tells him that some of the citizens of Pensei believe their city will be attacked by the Bhanarians. They have decided to leave their homes and travel to Hi<ch.apos/>joi by way of Vabou and Klatii. He tells him to have faith in the might of the Chai army and the wisdom of his Khea-khan. If the threat to Pensei is real, we shall prevail.</p>
+ <p><quote>Come a little closer,</quote> he says to the inquisitive innkeeper. <quote>I will tell you what we know, but I<ch.apos/>d prefer that not everyone in your fine establishment hears what I have to say.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Of course, my Lord,</quote> replies Shousun, with a wry smile. He moves closer to Quang and leans forward so that the Lieutenant can speak quietly in his ear. In a hushed voice, Quang tells him that some of the citizens of Pensei believe their city will be attacked by the Bhanarians. They have decided to leave their homes and travel to Hi<ch.apos/>joi by way of Vabou and Klatii. He tells him to have faith in the might of the Chai army and the wisdom of his Khea-khan. If the threat to Pensei is real, we shall prevail.</p>
<p><quote>Thank you my Lord,</quote> says the innkeeper. Having now satisfied his curiosity, Shousun tells you that the ales are on the house. He says that it is an honour to have an Imperial Guardsman visit his humble inn and he invites you all to enjoy a meal and stay the night at his expense. Quang thanks him and accepts his hospitality.</p>
<choice idref="sect299"><link-text>Turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<combat><enemy>Chagarashi Scout</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</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="sect142">If you do not kill the Chagarashi outright with your single blow and lose the same or fewer <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than the Chagarashi, <link-text>turn to 142</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>
<p><quote>If this is so, then they will know that you are here in the Tower of Ishir,</quote> says Zautro, anxiously.</p>
<p>Song Tao uses her goodly powers to calm the Herbwarden<ch.apos/>s fraying nerves and she recommends that you all should now retire and get some sleep.</p>
<p><quote>I will pray to Ishir to grant us a break in the storm so that Lord Rimoah shall be able to land in safety tomorrow,</quote> she adds, and calls forward Jia Zhai to escort you to your room. You bid good night to the others and follow the Moon Maiden as she leads you out of the chamber and down the spiral staircase to the alcove behind the chapel<ch.apos/>s altar. She beckons you to follow her to another alcove and she opens a secret door to a comfortably appointed room with a bed and a narrow stained glass window. She wishes you a peaceful night<ch.apos/>s sleep before leaving.</p>
- <p>You remove your oilskin cloak, your boots and your backpack and place them beside the bed. You are feeling weary and it does not take long for you to drift off into a deep sleep.</p>
+ <p>You remove your oilskin cloak, your boots, and your backpack and place them beside the bed. You are feeling weary and it does not take long for you to drift off into a deep sleep.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect37">If the number you have chosen is 0-2, <link-text>turn to 37</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect81">If it is 3-6, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
<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 <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>
+ <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: <signpost>Ferry cancelled due to weather</signpost>.</p>
+ <p>Directly opposite the quay is a large three-storey building. The ornate sign fixed above its front door says: <signpost>Ferry House Inn</signpost></p>
<choice idref="sect114">If you wish to enter the Ferry House Inn, <link-text>turn to 114</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect202">If you decide to look for someone on the quayside with a boat, and who is prepared to take you across the stormy estuary, <link-text>turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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><cite>Gloar!</cite></quote></p>
+ <p>You shape your mouth in readiness and shout the Old Kingdom power-word with all your might: <quote><spell>Gloar!</spell></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 <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>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.</p>
+ <p>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>Once the puzzling is done and the successful wagers have all been paid out, the taproom settles down and the patrons resume their drinking and convivial conversations. Quang and Deng both won their wagers, but it does little to lift Deng<ch.apos/>s sullen mood. The innkeeper leaves his counter in the capable hands of his two sons and comes out to mingle with his customers. The storms have been good for business and he is in high spirits. When he passes by your table, Quang stops him and asks if he has any room for the night.</p>
<p><quote>I<ch.apos/>m sorry, my Lord,</quote> he replies. <quote>We<ch.apos/>re completely full. Even my attic and stables are occupied tonight.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>Do you know if anyone is crossing the estuary before nightfall,</quote> asks Quang.</p>
+ <p><quote>Do you know if anyone is crossing the estuary before nightfall?</quote> asks Quang.</p>
<p><quote>Not if they know what<ch.apos/>s best for them. There<ch.apos/>ve been no boats on the waters for the past three days. The ferry is closed and the fishermen are all safely tucked up at home. Well, those that aren<ch.apos/>t in here that is!</quote></p>
<p>With each passing minute new customers enter the inn until the taproom is bursting at the seams.</p>
<p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s time to leave,</quote> says Quang. <quote>There little chance we<ch.apos/>ll find anyone who<ch.apos/>ll take us to Dwala in here.</quote></p>
<p>After the two of you have consumed the food, Lun-chow escorts you to the rear of the inn and ushers you into a small green-tiled stable. Two fine mares are saddled ready for you to collect. You mount up and Lun-chow bids you both a safe journey as you leave his stable.</p>
<p>It is a grey dawn and a light drizzle is falling. Vabou is slowly awaking to a new day as you follow the main street to the town<ch.apos/>s north gate. The guards pay you no heed when you pass through the open gate and ride away from Vabou along the highway beyond. This is an ancient road which is paved with weather-worn flagstones. During your morning<ch.apos/>s ride, gradually the drizzle becomes rain but you are able to make good progress along the smooth paved highway.</p>
<p>You reach the village of Uzam shortly after midday. Anseng signals to you to halt before you enter the settlement. He dismounts and inspects his horse<ch.apos/>s forelegs.</p>
- <p><quote>As I thought</quote>, he says, disappointedly. <quote>The shoe on her left hoof is loose. If we continue on with it like this, she<ch.apos/>ll shed this shoe and go lame before the afternoon is out.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>As I thought,</quote> he says, disappointedly. <quote>The shoe on her left hoof is loose. If we continue on with it like this, she<ch.apos/>ll shed this shoe and go lame before the afternoon is out.</quote></p>
<p>Only two nails are holding the shoe in place. You will need to find a blacksmith who can put this right before you leave the village.</p>
<choice idref="sect209"><link-text>Turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>Quang and Deng accept your decision with good grace. Chao is delighted and eagerly he leads you along the main street to his modest home on the eastern edge of the village. You dismount and tether your horses beneath an open-sided shelter at the side of the two-storey house. Chao leads you around to the front door and knocks four times. You hear the sound of scurrying feet and the door swings open. Before you stands Shen-Yin, Chao<ch.apos/>s wife. She beams with delight when she sees her husband and throws herself into his open arms. She is clearly overjoyed by his unexpected return. Chao motions you to enter and you go through into a parlour where five young children are sitting in a circle on the pine wood floor in front of a brick fireplace. They are happily playing with their toys. They look at you with quizzical expressions, but when they see their father in the doorway behind they leap to their feet and rush to embrace him.</p>
<p>Shen-Yin relinquishes her hold on Chao and welcomes you to their home. With some difficulty, Chao gently extricates himself from the grip of his excited children and introduces you to his wife. Bai needs no introduction for he has visited here many times in the past. Chao tells Shen-Yin that you are bound for Valus on imperial business and that you can only stay here overnight. She is understandably disappointed to hear that her husband will be home for such a short time, but she puts on a brave face and draws comfort from the fact that they are together again, albeit briefly. She gathers the children and shoos them upstairs so that you have the parlour to yourselves. Then she disappears into the kitchen to prepare some tea and food for you all.</p>
<p>After a simple but reviving meal and copious cups of tea, Chao and Shen-Yin retire upstairs leaving you and the others to sleep on the parlour floor. There is not much room but you are all thankful to be out of the rain and in warm home on this bleak and stormy night. 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. 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>Chao wakes you all up at dawn. While you are checking your equipment and preparing for another long day in the saddle, Shen-Yin prepares breakfast and brings it to you in the parlour. While you are eating, Quang tells you that it is a thirty mile ride from here to Valus and he wants to reach the town by late afternoon. You finish your food while listening to the sounds of the children playing in their room above. When the time comes to leave, Quang, Bai and Deng go and feed the horses while you and Chao help Shen-Yin to clear away the breakfast dishes. You bid her thanks and walk to the front door to go and assist the others. Chao holds his doting wife in a warm and loving embrace and assures her that he will return soon. You are touched by the deep affection they have for each other. Quietly, you exit the door and see Quang leading two horses, yours and Chao<ch.apos/>s, out of the shelter by their reins. You climb into the saddle and hold Chao<ch.apos/>s horse alongside. Soon you are joined by Quang, Bai and Deng astride their mounts and patiently you wait for Chao to appear. After a few minutes, Quang calls out:</p>
+ <p>Chao wakes you all up at dawn. While you are checking your equipment and preparing for another long day in the saddle, Shen-Yin prepares breakfast and brings it to you in the parlour. While you are eating, Quang tells you that it is a thirty mile ride from here to Valus and he wants to reach the town by late afternoon. You finish your food while listening to the sounds of the children playing in their room above. When the time comes to leave, Quang, Bai, and Deng go and feed the horses while you and Chao help Shen-Yin to clear away the breakfast dishes. You bid her thanks and walk to the front door to go and assist the others. Chao holds his doting wife in a warm and loving embrace and assures her that he will return soon. You are touched by the deep affection they have for each other. Quietly, you exit the door and see Quang leading two horses, yours and Chao<ch.apos/>s, out of the shelter by their reins. You climb into the saddle and hold Chao<ch.apos/>s horse alongside. Soon you are joined by Quang, Bai, and Deng astride their mounts and patiently you wait for Chao to appear. After a few minutes, Quang calls out:</p>
<p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s time to go, Chao!</quote></p>
- <p>The door opens and Chao and his wife share a final embrace in the doorway before Chao, sheepishly, bids a final farewell to his wife and climbs into the saddle. With a wave, Shen-yin bids you goodbye and Godspeed as you set off along the highway heading east from Jueng.</p>
+ <p>The door opens and Chao and his wife share a final embrace in the doorway before Chao, sheepishly, bids a final farewell to his wife and climbs into the saddle. With a wave, Shen-Yin bids you goodbye and Godspeed as you set off along the highway heading east from Jueng.</p>
<choice idref="sect103"><link-text>Turn to 103</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>At the entrance to Maoshen Avenue is an apothecary shop. Its bow window is empty, but there is a lantern hanging above the front door that illuminates a sign that says it is still open for business. You secure your horse to a hitching rail and enter. Inside you find the old apothecary overseeing his assistants, directing them to clear the shelves and pack his stock of pills and potions into straw-lined boxes. He, too, is preparing to leave Pensei. You are about to turn around and exit the shop when he bids you stay and peruse a shelf of potions that have yet to be cleared.</p>
<p><quote>Finest potions in all Chai,</quote> he fawns, <quote>best you buy now. Maybe your last chance.</quote></p>
<p>You inspect the remaining items and find the following tinctures and potions:</p>
- <p>Laumwort: 20 Ren (2 Gold Crowns). Restores 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed at any time.</p>
- <p>Oxydine: 40 Ren (4 Gold Crowns). Restores 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed at any time. It also cures Korovax infections.</p>
- <p>Laumspur: 50 Ren (5 Gold Crowns). Restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed after combat.</p>
- <p>Alether: 60 Ren (6 Gold Crowns). Adds 2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of one combat.</p>
- <p>Malavan: 60 Ren (6 Gold Crowns). Increases the effect of Mindblast, Psi-surge and Kai-surge, by adding 2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of one combat.</p>
- <p>Karmo: 100 Ren (10 Gold Crowns). When taken before combat, this potion doubles your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score for the duration of the combat. It has heavy side effects that sometimes can result in death. After consuming Karmo, you must pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. The number you choose determines how many <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose as a consequence of the side effects (0 = zero).</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>Laumwort: 20 Ren (2 Gold Crowns). Restores 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed at any time.</li>
+ <li>Oxydine: 40 Ren (4 Gold Crowns). Restores 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed at any time. It also cures Korovax infections.</li>
+ <li>Laumspur: 50 Ren (5 Gold Crowns). Restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed after combat.</li>
+ <li>Alether: 60 Ren (6 Gold Crowns). Adds 2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of one combat.</li>
+ <li>Malavan: 60 Ren (6 Gold Crowns). Increases the effect of Mindblast, Psi-surge, and Kai-surge, by adding 2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of one combat.</li>
+ <li>Karmo: 100 Ren (10 Gold Crowns). When taken before combat, this potion doubles your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score for the duration of the combat. It has heavy side effects that sometimes can result in death. After consuming Karmo, you must pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. The number you choose determines how many <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose as a consequence of the side effects (0 = zero).</li>
+ </ul>
<p>You may buy any of the potions listed above for the price indicated. They are all Backpack Items that will each take up one space. You are under no obligation to make a purchase.</p>
<p>You ask the apothecary if he knows the quickest way to reach the Imperial Palace.</p>
<p><quote>You can go along Maoshen or you can go along Tzushen. Both good. Both get you there equal soon.</quote></p>
<meta><title>188</title></meta>
<data>
- <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>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>
<meta><title>190</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Beyond the South Gate is a large flagstoned plaza, bordered by several shops that sell clothing, groceries, fine art, curios and musical instruments. At the centre of the plaza stands a marble statue of Khea-khan Zha-zhing, Lao Tin<ch.apos/>s father, surrounded by a pool of crystal clear water. Most of the shops are closing for the night and their owners are pulling down the shutters on their windows and front doors, but there is one that is still open for business. It is located close to the South Gate and the sign above the door says <quote>Pau Ping<ch.apos/>s Potions and Lotions</quote>. There are three streets which converge at the plaza: Drauzhi Street, South Avenue and N<ch.apos/>kow Lane.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the South Gate is a large flagstoned plaza, bordered by several shops that sell clothing, groceries, fine art, curios and musical instruments. At the centre of the plaza stands a marble statue of Khea-khan Zha-zhing, Lao Tin<ch.apos/>s father, surrounded by a pool of crystal clear water. Most of the shops are closing for the night and their owners are pulling down the shutters on their windows and front doors, but there is one that is still open for business. It is located close to the South Gate and the sign above the door says <signpost>Pau Ping<ch.apos/>s Potions and Lotions</signpost>. There are three streets which converge at the plaza: Drauzhi Street, South Avenue and N<ch.apos/>kow Lane.</p>
<choice idref="sect105">If you wish to pay a visit to Pau Ping<ch.apos/>s Potions and Lotions, <link-text>turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect208">If you wish to enter Drauzhi Street to your left, <link-text>turn to 208</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect292">If you choose to enter South Avenue directly ahead, <link-text>turn to 292</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You follow this street towards the quayside. Halfway along it you see a cook shop selling hot food and cold tea. Quang decides to enter this shop to purchase something that he is certain will help the despondent Deng: a bottle of Senara Tea. Quang pays the shopkeeper 10 Ren and the man places the bottle on the shop counter. Quang uncorks it and makes Deng drink it all down. The soothing liquid will help him to recover from his state of shock. When he has consumed the last drop, Quang thanks the shopkeeper and you leave.</p>
- <p>At the end of street you arrive at 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. You find the ferry post and see the ferry boat to Dwala moored alongside the quay. You approach it, hoping that you are in time to catch the dusk crossing, but only to discover that the gangplank has been chained off. A sign hanging from the chain says: <quote>Ferry cancelled due to weather</quote>.</p>
+ <p>At the end of street you arrive at 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. You find the ferry post and see the ferry boat to Dwala moored alongside the quay. You approach it, hoping that you are in time to catch the dusk crossing, but only to discover that the gangplank has been chained off. A sign hanging from the chain says: <signpost>Ferry cancelled due to weather</signpost>.</p>
<p>A hundred yards along the quayside, Lieutenant Quang spots a small brick built cabin with a roof of thick red tiles. It is the Coast Guard station and he marches towards it at a brisk pace. Inside you find the Quay Master seated at his desk. He is hunched over a detailed map of the Tkukoma Estuary with a mug of steaming jala cupped in his hands. Quang asks him if he has any Coast Guard boats operational in the estuary and the thin-faced Quay Master snorts with derision.</p>
<p><quote>In this weather? Not likely!</quote></p>
<p><quote>Then by the power vested in me by Khea-khan Lao Tin, I am commandeering one of your boats,</quote> replies Quang, officiously, and he shows the Quay Master his insignia of rank. The man looks at his insignia, then he looks at you and Deng and he bursts out laughing.</p>
<data>
<p>You lift the lid and find a tray containing the captain<ch.apos/>s clothes and personal possessions all neatly arranged. You lift the tray out of the chest and, in the space beneath, there is a brass banded toa wood box. You open it and discover eight vials standing upright in its partitioned interior. This is a potions box and it contains the following:</p>
- <p>2 Potions of Laumwort: Each potion restores 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed at any time.</p>
- <p>3 Potions of Laumspur: These each restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed after combat.</p>
- <p>1 Potion of Oxydine: Restores 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed at any time. It also cures Korovax infections.</p>
- <p>1 Potion of Alether: This potion adds 2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of one combat.</p>
- <p>1 Potion of Malavan: This potion increases the effect of Mindblast, Psi-surge and Kai-surge, by adding 2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of one combat.</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>2 Potions of Laumwort: Each potion restores 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed at any time.</li>
+ <li>3 Potions of Laumspur: These each restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed after combat.</li>
+ <li>1 Potion of Oxydine: Restores 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed at any time. It also cures Korovax infections.</li>
+ <li>1 Potion of Alether: This potion adds 2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of one combat.</li>
+ <li>1 Potion of Malavan: This potion increases the effect of Mindblast, Psi-surge, and Kai-surge, by adding 2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of one combat.</li>
+ </ul>
<p>These potions are all Backpack Items. Each individual potion will each take up one space in your backpack. If you wish to take any of them, make the necessary adjustment to your Backpack List. You may discard any of the Backpack Items already on your list to make room.</p>
<choice idref="sect260">To continue, <link-text>turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>You retrieve 3 Gold Crowns from your belt pouch and place them in girl<ch.apos/>s hand. She thanks you politely and returns to the counter. From snippets of conversation you overhear, you learn that the entertainers are a band of travelling troubadours who hail from the city of Durwan in Lissan. They are on their way back to their native city after having performed in several taverns and inns of Pensei. The musicians begin to play a lively tune and a trio of pretty dancing girls whirl and twirl around the taproom to the delight of the patrons. One of the girls is wearing a tight-fitting red silk dress, and she glances repeatedly in your direction as she gyrates around the room. It appears that she has taken a special interest in you.</p>
<p>When the performance comes to a close, the patrons give a loud cheer and the girls pass among them collecting donations of Ren from the appreciative audience. After the money has been gathered up, the troubadours thank the Chai for their generosity and leave the taproom by way of the curtained archway. A few minutes later, the girl in the red silk dress reappears. With a charming smile, she comes and sits opposite you at your table. She tells you her name is Rakhi and says she has never seen anyone quite like you before. She asks if you are a Northlander. Your senses detect that she is genuinely friendly and does not intend to do you any harm. You reply that you are indeed a Northlander, but you refrain from telling her exactly which realm of the Northlands you hail from. <quote>I thought so,</quote> she beams, joyfully. <quote>I have something that may be of interest to you.</quote></p>
<p>She places a velvet satchel on the table and flips it open. It contains four ceramic phials, each one stoppered with a cork and carefully labelled and priced. She invites you to inspect them and gives an assurance that they are all genuine potions.</p>
- <p>Laumspur (will restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points when swallowed after combat): 50 Ren / 5 Gold Crowns</p>
- <p>Tazheng (a powerful anti-venom): 60 Ren / 6 Gold Crowns</p>
- <p>Tincture of Sabito root (rare in this part of Magnamund, Sabito enables the human body to extract oxygen from water through the skin, thus permitting anyone who swallows it to <quote>breathe</quote> underwater): 80 Ren / 8 Gold Crowns</p>
- <p>Karmo: 120 Ren (12 Gold Crowns). When taken before combat, this potion doubles your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score for the duration of the combat. It has heavy side effects that sometimes can result in death. After consuming Karmo, you must pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. The number you choose determines how many <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose as a consequence of the side effects (0 = zero).</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>Laumspur (will restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points when swallowed after combat): 50 Ren / 5 Gold Crowns</li>
+ <li>Tazheng (a powerful anti-venom): 60 Ren / 6 Gold Crowns</li>
+ <li>Tincture of Sabito root (rare in this part of Magnamund, Sabito enables the human body to extract oxygen from water through the skin, thus permitting anyone who swallows it to <quote>breathe</quote> underwater): 80 Ren / 8 Gold Crowns</li>
+ <li>Karmo: 120 Ren (12 Gold Crowns). When taken before combat, this potion doubles your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score for the duration of the combat. It has heavy side effects that sometimes can result in death. After consuming Karmo, you must pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. The number you choose determines how many <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose as a consequence of the side effects (0 = zero).</li>
+ </ul>
<p>You may purchase any or all of these potions for the price indicated. If you wish to make a purchase, remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly. These potions are all Backpack Items.</p>
<choice idref="sect144">To continue, <link-text>turn to 144</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You walk along the quayside, scouring every vessel that is tied up here. Most are firmly tethered to cast iron moorings and shrouded with oilskin tarpaulins. You find only one that appears to be in a ready state to depart. Its owner is fixing its mooring rope when you approach.</p>
- <p><quote>Hail, sir</quote> says Quang. <quote>Would you be prepared to take us across the estuary to Dwala?</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Hail, sir,</quote> says Quang. <quote>Would you be prepared to take us across the estuary to Dwala?</quote></p>
<p>The boatman regards the Lieutenant with a look of incredulity.</p>
<p><quote>Some say I<ch.apos/>m a little bit mad. But I<ch.apos/>m not that mad. What you propose it nothing less than suicidal!</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect87">If you wish to offer to pay the boatman for his services, <link-text>turn to 87</link-text>.</choice>
<p><quote>Skarada,</quote> you reply, uneasily. <quote>Lots of Skarada.</quote></p>
<p>You can see a large formation of the creatures more than five hundred strong. They are moving towards the east and are crossing your route of escape. The lieutenant proposes that you change direction and head south-eastwards. This will put you on a course to Vabou and should enable you to reach the town ahead of the Skarada horde. You and the Watchers agree to the lieutenant<ch.apos/>s proposal and together you set off at a brisk pace.</p>
<p>You reach the west gate of Vabou shortly after dark. The two sentries posted here come smartly to attention and salute the instant they recognize Quang<ch.apos/>s Imperial Guard insignia. Hurriedly they push open the gate and you ride into the town, along the same road that you travelled two days ago when you arrived here by wagon with Anseng and Chengu. Quang takes the lead and the rest of you follow as he canters his horse along the lantern-lit road to a junction at the centre of the town. He is familiar with Vabou, having stopped here overnight on many occasions whilst travelling from Pensei to Valus to meet with the town<ch.apos/>s military commander.</p>
- <p>Quang crosses the junction and brings his horse to a halt before a large green-tiled two storey building with a tall bell tower. It is the house of the town elder and headquarters of the Vabou militia. You all dismount and follow the lieutenant through its ornate arched doorway. When you stride into the reception hall, you find Elder Qinlau and Militia Captain Xing seated at a large pine table heaped with parchments. They are locked in conversation. Both of them turn their heads, recognise the familiar face of Lieutenant Quang and immediately stand up and salute him.</p>
+ <p>Quang crosses the junction and brings his horse to a halt before a large green-tiled two storey building with a tall bell tower. It is the house of the town elder and headquarters of the Vabou militia. You all dismount and follow the lieutenant through its ornate arched doorway. When you stride into the reception hall, you find Elder Qinlau and Militia Captain Xing seated at a large pine table heaped with parchments. They are locked in conversation. Both of them turn their heads, recognise the familiar face of Lieutenant Quang, and immediately stand up and salute him.</p>
<p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s an unexpected pleasure to see you again, Quang,</quote> says Captain Xing. <quote>But what brings you here at this late hour?</quote></p>
<p>The lieutenant tells Captain Xing of your difficult journey from Pensei, your encounter with the Skarada and your discovery of the refugee massacre in the hills. Both Elder Qinlau and Xing are visibly shocked by his chilling report. Quang informs them that a large force of Skarada is heading for Vabou from the west, and he urges Xing to muster his militiamen and deploy them on the palisade wall at once. He is certain that the enemy will attack Vabou during the night.</p>
<p>The Captain tugs a large scroll from under the pile of documents and clears the table with one swift sweep of his arm. Quickly, he unfurls the parchment and lays it out on the bare table top. It is a detailed plan of Vabou. He motions Quang and yourself to come forward and examine it.</p>
<data>
<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>
<combat><enemy>5 Nagah Ghouls</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">59</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 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>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.</p>
+ <p>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>213</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You walk along the paved avenue, passing by closed cook shops and small emporiums that sell clothing, furniture and fruit, until you arrive at Dwala<ch.apos/>s main square. At its centre is a tiered pyramid of veined marble topped by an impressive sculpture of a dragon roaring at the sky. This is the famous Dwala Dragon, erected at a time when the free citizens of Dwala willingly chose to join the Chai Empire many centuries ago. It is a homage to Nyxator, the wise and goodly dragon who, in 12209 MS, created the Lorestones to preserve the powers and knowledge bestowed upon him by God Kai. These ancient gems contained the secrets and the power of the Magnakai Disciplines that you have mastered. Encircling the base of the pyramid are dozens of traders stalls wrapped in oilskin tarpaulins and wound round tightly with rope. In more clement times the square is a vibrant open market where thousands of goods are bought, bartered and sold every day. Now it is closed, and it looks like it will remain so for several days to come.</p>
- <p>Through the teeming rain, you see two streets that lead away from the main square. One goes north and is called Izara Avenue. The other heads west and is named Xo Street. A signpost at the start of Xo Street points due west and reads: <quote>To the Quay</quote>.</p>
+ <p>You walk along the paved avenue, passing by closed cook shops and small emporiums that sell clothing, furniture, and fruit, until you arrive at Dwala<ch.apos/>s main square. At its centre is a tiered pyramid of veined marble topped by an impressive sculpture of a dragon roaring at the sky. This is the famous Dwala Dragon, erected at a time when the free citizens of Dwala willingly chose to join the Chai Empire many centuries ago. It is a homage to Nyxator, the wise and goodly dragon who, in 12209 MS, created the Lorestones to preserve the powers and knowledge bestowed upon him by God Kai. These ancient gems contained the secrets and the power of the Magnakai Disciplines that you have mastered. Encircling the base of the pyramid are dozens of traders stalls wrapped in oilskin tarpaulins and wound round tightly with rope. In more clement times the square is a vibrant open market where thousands of goods are bought, bartered, and sold every day. Now it is closed, and it looks like it will remain so for several days to come.</p>
+ <p>Through the teeming rain, you see two streets that lead away from the main square. One goes north and is called Izara Avenue. The other heads west and is named Xo Street. A signpost at the start of Xo Street points due west and reads: <signpost>To the Quay</signpost>.</p>
<choice idref="sect7">If you wish to leave the main square and enter Izara Avenue, heading in a northerly direction, <link-text>turn to 7</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect98">If you decide to enter Xo Street and head towards the Quay, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Lieutenant Quang enters the farm house. Once he has checked that the dwelling is empty, he beckons the Watchers to join him. You take up a position on the threshold of the creaking door and jam your foot against it to hold it open.</p>
- <p>The interior of the farm house shows signs of having been abandoned in a hurry. The embers of a log fire are still aglow in its stone fireplace, and the remnants of a hastily eaten meal remain on the table. The Watchers seat themselves around the table and rest their weary heads in their hands. Quang remains standing. Chao, Bai and Deng are close to tears. They have been badly affected by the massacre of the refugees. You listen to Quang as he tries to console them but they are consumed with grief and do not respond. Then he reminds them that they must put duty first. Escorting you to your rendezvous place must be their first and foremost concern. By fulfilling this goal they will help bring about the swift avenging of the murdered refugees. The lieutenant<ch.apos/>s words inspire the Watchers and they draw strength from them. Soon they are able to compose themselves and refocus on doing their duty.</p>
+ <p>The interior of the farm house shows signs of having been abandoned in a hurry. The embers of a log fire are still aglow in its stone fireplace, and the remnants of a hastily eaten meal remain on the table. The Watchers seat themselves around the table and rest their weary heads in their hands. Quang remains standing. Chao, Bai, and Deng are close to tears. They have been badly affected by the massacre of the refugees. You listen to Quang as he tries to console them but they are consumed with grief and do not respond. Then he reminds them that they must put duty first. Escorting you to your rendezvous place must be their first and foremost concern. By fulfilling this goal they will help bring about the swift avenging of the murdered refugees. The lieutenant<ch.apos/>s words inspire the Watchers and they draw strength from them. Soon they are able to compose themselves and refocus on doing their duty.</p>
<p>Quang is able to gather enough food from the kitchen shelves to provide everyone with a meal. He brings you a bowl of cold boiled rice and diced raw vegetables before joining the others seated around the table. As they eat in silence, you eat your food with your fingers while you scour the surrounding countryside. Soon you detect movement along the ridge of distant hills. You magnify your vision and see a war party of Skarada moving rapidly along the hillcrest. They are heading in your direction.</p>
<p><quote>They<ch.apos/>re coming!</quote> you shout, and your warning galvanises your companions into action. As one, they rise from the table and quickly gather their weapons and equipment. In less than a minute you are all back in the saddle and heading south, eager to avoid being caught by the murderous Skarada.</p>
<choice idref="sect203"><link-text>Turn to 203</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The smell of spilt Chagarashi blood makes your horse whinny with fear. You draw on your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control to calm him, and you rally Quang and the Watchers with a stirring battle cry you know they will respond to: <quote>For Chai!</quote></p>
- <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>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 to 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<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><quote>I have something else to offer that may interest you,</quote> she says, enticingly. She finishes her tea and reaches to 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. She gave it to me when I joined the troupe. It has magical properties that have kept me safe since I left Durwan.</quote></p>
<p>You examine the gem and your Sixth Sense reveals that it does indeed have magical properties. It is a Wardstone, one of many such artefacts that were created by the Elder Magi millennia ago. It is imbued with the power to weaken undead creatures.</p>
- <p><quote>It can be yours for only 200 Ren</quote> (20 Gold Crowns)</p>
- <choice idref="sect241">If you wish to buy this Wardstone, <link-text>turn to 241</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p><quote>It can be yours for only 200 Ren.</quote></p>
+ <choice idref="sect241">If you wish to buy this Wardstone for 200 Ren (20 Gold Crowns), <link-text>turn to 241</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect26">If you decide not to buy it, or if you cannot afford the price that Rakhi is asking for it, <link-text>turn to 26</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>228</title></meta>
<data>
- <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>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 the 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="sect35">If your 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>
</section>
<meta><title>233</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw upon your advanced Discipline of Animal Mastery and command the doomwolf alongside you on the left to fall asleep. The creature is in a highly excited state and it resists your psychic order, but the power of your command is strong enough to fill its mind with a fog of confusion. It stumbles and nosedives into the grassland, snapping its neck as it head sinks deeply into the soft ground. Startled by its sudden death, the two doomwolves on your right ease back and you are able to quickly outpace them.</p>
+ <p>You draw upon your advanced Discipline of Animal Mastery and command the doomwolf alongside you on the left to fall asleep. The creature is in a highly excited state and it resists your psychic order, but the power of your command is strong enough to fill its mind with a fog of confusion. It stumbles and nosedives into the grassland, snapping its neck as its head sinks deeply into the soft ground. Startled by its sudden death, the two doomwolves on your right ease back and you are able to quickly outpace them.</p>
<choice idref="sect264"><link-text>Turn to 264</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>235</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your Arrow misses the Claw of Naar and embeds itself in the ships gunwale. Hurriedly, you drop your Bow, unsheathe your Kai Weapon and rush towards Zashnor as it struggles to pluck the Claw off the swaying deck. It grasps it unsteadily between two of its talons and fires off another bolt of energy in your direction. It is hastily cast and poorly aimed. The bolt shoots close by your left hip, melting the frost on the satchel containing the Eye as it crackles past and discharges harmlessly in the stormy waters of the estuary. You have avoided being hit directly, but the Eye is activated by the power of the Claw and it drains you of 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Your Arrow misses the Claw of Naar and embeds itself in the ship<ch.apos/>s gunwale. Hurriedly, you drop your Bow, unsheathe your Kai Weapon and rush towards Zashnor as it struggles to pluck the Claw off the swaying deck. It grasps it unsteadily between two of its talons and fires off another bolt of energy in your direction. It is hastily cast and poorly aimed. The bolt shoots close by your left hip, melting the frost on the satchel containing the Eye as it crackles past and discharges harmlessly in the stormy waters of the estuary. You have avoided being hit directly, but the Eye is activated by the power of the Claw and it drains you of 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Courageously, you strike the taloned hand of the Ice Dragon and send the Claw skittering away across the deck, beyond Zashnor<ch.apos/>s reach. The fell dragon shrieks with rage. You resolve to exploit Zashnor<ch.apos/>s unfocused burst of anger and slay this evil adversary where it stands.</p>
<choice idref="sect100"><link-text>Turn to 100</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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><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>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 <cite>Silver Virixe</cite>. She is a Korlian cargo ship berthed at the end of the pier. She will be bound for the 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<ch.ellips/> 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 the 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>
<meta><title>239</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Lieutenant Quang nods in agreement and you lead him and the Watchers away from the halted refugee column and ride west towards the southern end of the Szuchow hills. The grass and mixed foliage is taller and denser here than it is on the east side of the highway and you make slow progress. As your horses push on, it is as if they are wading through a thick green sea that swirls around your knees. You are little than a mile from the hills when Quang signals everyone to halt. He has seen something suspicious and he points to it. You magnify your vision and scour the rain drenched grassland. Immediately, you spot three Chagarashi snaking their way through the foliage towards you. They are less than fifty yards away. Quang says it would be best to avoid them and you agree. He proposes that you circle around this area and attempt to enter the hills further south.</p>
+ <p>Lieutenant Quang nods in agreement and you lead him and the Watchers away from the halted refugee column and ride west towards the southern end of the Szuchow hills. The grass and mixed foliage is taller and denser here than it is on the east side of the highway and you make slow progress. As your horses push on, it is as if they are wading through a thick green sea that swirls around your knees. You are little more than a mile from the hills when Quang signals everyone to halt. He has seen something suspicious and he points to it. You magnify your vision and scour the rain drenched grassland. Immediately, you spot three Chagarashi snaking their way through the foliage towards you. They are less than fifty yards away. Quang says it would be best to avoid them and you agree. He proposes that you circle around this area and attempt to enter the hills further south.</p>
<choice idref="sect284"><link-text>Turn to 284</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You agree to Rakhi<ch.apos/>s proposal and pay her 20 Gold Crowns from your belt pouch. You may record this Wardstone on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item that you wear around your neck, suspended by its gold chain. If you enter into combat against an undead adversary whilst in possession of this item, you may reduce your enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 3 for the duration of the fight.</p>
<p>Rakhi is delighted and she puts the Gold Crowns in her velvet satchel.</p>
<p><quote>Thank you very much,</quote> she says. Then she leans across the table and kisses you fondly on the cheek. It is at this moment that Anseng arrives, having just completed his long conversation with the innkeeper.</p>
- <p><quote>I see you<ch.apos/>ve found a new friend while I<ch.apos/>ve been gone,</quote> he says, with a grin, <quote>and I must admit, she a lot prettier than me.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>I see you<ch.apos/>ve found a new friend while I<ch.apos/>ve been gone,</quote> he says, with a grin, <quote>and I must admit, she<ch.apos/>s a lot prettier than me.</quote></p>
<p>Rakhi giggles and bids you both goodnight. Clutching her velvet satchel, she leaves the table and Anseng sits himself opposite you. You ask him about his negotiations with the innkeeper and he nods his head wearily.</p>
<p><quote>Lun-chow drives a hard bargain,</quote> he replies, <quote>but we have ourselves two new horses. I had to pay him every Ren I possessed to get them. Don<ch.apos/>t worry, my Lord. The Khea-khan is a generous man and he will recompense me once we reach Pensei.</quote></p>
<p>Anseng tells you that two rooms for the night were part of the bargain he struck with Lun-chow. He hands you a key and tells you that your room is number 5.</p>
<meta><title>243</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your Arrow pierces the creature chest and makes it shriek loudly. It stumbles forward a few steps and then collapses face first into the mud, its heart skewered by the tip and shaft of your well-aimed missile.</p>
+ <p>Your Arrow pierces the creature<ch.apos/>s chest and makes it shriek loudly. It stumbles forward a few steps and then collapses face first into the mud, its heart skewered by the tip and shaft of your well-aimed missile.</p>
<p><quote>Fine shooting, my Lord,</quote> says Anseng, settling himself down on the driver<ch.apos/>s seat beside you, <quote>Though I must say that this does not bode well for us. I<ch.apos/>ve never known these creatures to venture this far south before. Something has made them come here, something more than a hunger for horseflesh.</quote></p>
- <p>Your Sixth Sense warns you of an evil presence in the surrounding trees, an evil that is supernatural in nature, but you decide not to inform Anseng of your feelings for it will only disturb your brave guide unnecessarily. Once again you call upon your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control to calm the wagon team. They are slow to respond to your soothing commands but your persistence pays off. When they have settled, you flick the reins and the team set off at a steady pace. Slowly they gather speed as their confidence returns.</p>
+ <p>Your Sixth Sense warns you of an evil presence in the surrounding trees, an evil that is supernatural in nature, but you decide not to inform Anseng of your feelings for it will only disturb your brave guide unnecessarily. Once again you call upon your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control to calm the wagon team. They are slow to respond to your soothing commands but your persistence pays off. When they have settled, you flick the reins, and the team sets off at a steady pace. Slowly they gather speed as their confidence returns.</p>
<p>You have covered less than a mile when you come to a sharp bend in the road. You rein in the horses to negotiate this difficult hairpin bend, but upon clearing it your heart sinks when you see a strange phenomenon blocking the highway. Barely fifty yards ahead, a semi-circular dome of swirling dark energy crackles and hisses as it brings the surface of the muddy road to the boil. Ghostly grey images swoop in and out of this dark dome, trailing wreathes of steam as they emerge from its unnatural blackness. Anseng can hardly believe what he is seeing. He opens his mouth to voice his shocked surprise but no sound emerges. His eyes widen with fear when he realises he can no longer speak.</p>
<choice idref="sect61">If you possess Kai-screen and have achieved the rank of Grand Thane, <link-text>turn to 61</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect102">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, or if you have yet to achieve the rank of Grand Thane, <link-text>turn to 102</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>254</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The young barmaid takes your order and tells you to take a seat in a vacant booth near the front door. She will bring your meal to your table shortly. You go and settle yourself down on the comfortably padded bench seat and quietly observe Anseng and the innkeeper who are engaged in conversation at the end of the counter. A ripple of applause among the patrons draws your attention to a curtained archway in the far wall. The curtain is draw aside and a troupe of entertainers files into the taproom, smiling with gratitude at the warm welcome they are receiving. They have performed for the patrons earlier this evening and now they return for their final performance of the night. As the applause dies down, the barmaid arrives at your table with a tray bearing a steaming bowl of rice and vegetables, mixed with a generous helping of diced lamb and chicken. There is also a tall glass of local ale.</p>
+ <p>The young barmaid takes your order and tells you to take a seat in a vacant booth near the front door. She will bring your meal to your table shortly. You go and settle yourself down on the comfortably padded bench seat and quietly observe Anseng and the innkeeper who are engaged in conversation at the end of the counter. A ripple of applause among the patrons draws your attention to a curtained archway in the far wall. The curtain is drawn aside and a troupe of entertainers files into the taproom, smiling with gratitude at the warm welcome they are receiving. They have performed for the patrons earlier this evening and now they return for their final performance of the night. As the applause dies down, the barmaid arrives at your table with a tray bearing a steaming bowl of rice and vegetables, mixed with a generous helping of diced lamb and chicken. There is also a tall glass of local ale.</p>
<p><quote>Thirty Ren, kind Sir,</quote> she says, as she places the food and drink on the table before you. 30 Ren is equivalent to 3 Gold Crowns which are readily accepted throughout Chai.</p>
<choice idref="sect200">If you wish to pay the girl 3 Gold Crowns, <link-text>turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect339">If you do not have sufficient Gold Crowns to pay for your meal, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>With trepidation, you continue along the trail. You reach a section of the muddy forest path that is wider and straighter, and here you see that the tracks have changed. They indicate that several new barefooted creatures have joined with the ones you have been following, and the hoof-prints of the horse are deeper and more numerous. From these tracks you deduce that a struggle occurred here. The hoof-prints continue along the trail, but they are wider spaced than before. This tells you that Anseng was able to break free from the creatures and escape at speed along the path beyond.</p>
- <p>A gurgling growl makes you reach to your Kai Weapon and scan the surrounding trees. Several hulking grey shapes are closing in from both sides and your pulse quickens when you first catch sight of them. They resemble tall muscular humans, but these cadaverous creatures are neither human nor alive. Their scabrous hairless grey skins reek of a charnel smell that makes your stomach churn. Foul black fluid drips from their fanged mouths and a baleful green glow radiates from their ragged eye sockets. From the tip of index fingers of their right hands extend curved razor-sharp talons that glint in the subdued light of the forest. Your horse rear up in fright and you struggle to keep control of her as the creatures come leaping out from the trees with unnerving speed. These creatures are undead and you must fight them all as one enemy.</p>
+ <p>A gurgling growl makes you reach to your Kai Weapon and scan the surrounding trees. Several hulking grey shapes are closing in from both sides and your pulse quickens when you first catch sight of them. They resemble tall muscular humans, but these cadaverous creatures are neither human nor alive. Their scabrous hairless grey skins reek of a charnel smell that makes your stomach churn. Foul black fluid drips from their fanged mouths and a baleful green glow radiates from their ragged eye sockets. From the tip of index fingers of their right hands extend curved razor-sharp talons that glint in the subdued light of the forest. Your horse rears up in fright and you struggle to keep control of her as the creatures come leaping out from the trees with unnerving speed. These creatures are undead and you must fight them all as one enemy.</p>
<combat><enemy>Nagah Ghouls</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">44</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">44</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect246">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 246</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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 <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>
+ <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 breast 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>267</title></meta>
<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>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 a 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 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>
<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 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>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>
<choice idref="sect230">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 230</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The tavern<ch.apos/>s taproom is crowded with traders and fishermen who are taking refuge from the storms. They have come here to drown their sorrows in ale. Several are very intoxicated and others, who have imbibed too much of the innkeeper<ch.apos/>s strong brew, have passed out on the taproom<ch.apos/>s sawdust-covered floor. The innkeeper calls for order but his demand is ignored. It is not until he bangs a brass gong three times with the base of a tankard that the patrons finally settle down. It is time for a riddle!</p>
- <p>The innkeeper<ch.apos/>s wife, Li-liu, distributes envelopes, slips of paper and sticks of charcoal to customers who are not too drunk to remember how to use them.</p>
+ <p>The innkeeper<ch.apos/>s wife, Li-liu, distributes envelopes, slips of paper, and sticks of charcoal to customers who are not too drunk to remember how to use them.</p>
<choice idref="sect62">If you have visited the Ferry House Inn on the quayside in Valus, <link-text>turn to 62</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect314">If you have not, <link-text>turn to 314</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>282</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You close your eyes and draw deeply upon your Grand Master Discipline in an effort to establish a telepathic link with Lord Rimoah. You focus and strain your Discipline to the limit, but try as you may you are unable to make direct mind contact him. After several fruitless and tiring attempts, you resign yourself to the fact that he is somewhere beyond the range of your telepathic ability. The mental energy you expend leaves you feeling emotionally and physically drained: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
+ <p>You close your eyes and draw deeply upon your Grand Master Discipline in an effort to establish a telepathic link with Lord Rimoah. You focus and strain your Discipline to the limit, but try as you may you are unable to make direct mind contact with him. After several fruitless and tiring attempts, you resign yourself to the fact that he is somewhere beyond the range of your telepathic ability. The mental energy you expend leaves you feeling emotionally and physically drained: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
<choice idref="sect279">To continue, <link-text>turn to 279</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You move away from the approaching Chagarashi and steer your horses due south through the dense grassland. Once you are safely clear of the enemy, you make a gradual turn towards the west and approach the hills once more. As you walk your horses up the gentle rise that ascends towards the brow of a wide hill, 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>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>
<p>Respectful of your Kai intuition, Quang tells everyone to dismount and draw weapons. He orders Chao to remain here and hold the horses while the rest of you go to the top of the hill under cover of the tall grass in order to determine what lies beyond. Crouching low, cautiously the four of you make your way to the crest of the hill. When you see the terrible scene that lies in the shallow valley beyond, it sends a cold shiver down the length of your spine.</p>
<choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>285</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The door to the purser<ch.apos/>s cabin is locked, but it presents no challenge to your basic Kai Discipline of Mind Over Matter. It takes merely moments for you to unlock the door and slide it open. The purser<ch.apos/>s wood panelled cabin is comfortably furnished with a bunk, an oak table, an ornately carved high-backed Mythenian chair and a toa wood chest of drawers. There is a large iron safe positioned next to the oak table. Its lockplate has a keyhole but there is no sign of the key that opens the safe.</p>
+ <p>The door to the purser<ch.apos/>s cabin is locked, but it presents no challenge to your basic Kai Discipline of Mind Over Matter. It takes merely moments for you to unlock the door and slide it open. The purser<ch.apos/>s wood panelled cabin is comfortably furnished with a bunk, an oak table, an ornately carved high-backed Mythenian chair, and a toa wood chest of drawers. There is a large iron safe positioned next to the oak table. Its lockplate has a keyhole but there is no sign of the key that opens the safe.</p>
<choice idref="sect329">If you wish to attempt to open the door of the iron safe, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect260">If you decide to leave the safe undisturbed, <link-text>turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Your room is facing you when you reach the top of the stairs. The door is unlocked and you enter to find that it is a well-appointed room with a comfortable bed and fine furnishings. You can hear the rain beating against the window pane and the sounds of jollity in the taproom below. You begin to wish you had stayed below with Anseng, but another long ride on the highway awaits you tomorrow and you are in need of a good night<ch.apos/>s sleep.</p>
<p>You wake at dawn to the sound of a cockerel crowing. It stopped raining during the night and sunlight is streaming through the room<ch.apos/>s solitary window. You gather up your equipment and descend the stairs to the taproom. Anseng is waiting there and he greets you with a smile. Tzu approaches from the adjoining kitchen and Anseng offers to pay him for your rooms and food. Politely, the friendly owner refuses to accept his money and Anseng does not argue with his decision.</p>
- <p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s the least I can do for you, my friend,</quote> says Tzu, <quote> after all the help you have given me in the past. I wish you both a safe journey. I hope you<ch.apos/>ll come visit us again before too long.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s the least I can do for you, my friend,</quote> says Tzu, <quote>after all the help you have given me in the past. I wish you both a safe journey. I hope you<ch.apos/>ll come visit us again before too long.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect347"><link-text>Turn to 347</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>288</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Priestess Song Tao places her hand gently on your chest and intones a prayer to Goddess Ishir. As she speaks the words of the prayer, you feel a healing warmth flow through your body that restores to you 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. When she finishes her prayer, she offers you a potion of Laumspur (will restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when taken after combat) which you may keep in your backpack, space permitting.</p>
+ <p>Priestess Song Tao places her hand gently on your chest and intones a prayer to Goddess Ishir. As she speaks the words of the prayer, you feel a healing warmth flow through your body that restores 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. When she finishes her prayer, she offers you a potion of Laumspur (will restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when taken after combat) which you may keep in your backpack, space permitting.</p>
<choice idref="sect338">To continue, <link-text>turn to 338</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>Quang pulls the two Watchers back several paces. He is breathless but unharmed, but Bai and Chao have both sustained gouges to their upper arms and they are bleeding badly.</p>
<choice idref="sect311">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Magi-Magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect164">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-surge, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 164</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect63">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Nexus and have attained the rank of Grand Thane, <link-text>turn to 63</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect63">If you possess the Discipline of Grand Nexus and have attained the rank of Grand Thane, <link-text>turn to 63</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect244">If you possess none of these Grand Master Disciplines, or if you choose not to use them <link-text>turn to 244</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Once you are beyond the treacherous currents at the middle of the estuary, swimming through the heaving waves and lightning strikes seems easier by comparison. Several times you magnify your vision and scan the churning waters, looking for any sign of Lieutenant Quang, but it is a futile effort. The waters are too rough and dusk is fast turning to night.</p>
<p>You glimpse a shimmer of lights ahead and you strike out for them in the hope it is the city of Dwala. The flow of the estuary waters push you away from the lights and you are exhausted by the time you reach the muddy eastern shore. You crawl through the mud and collapse unconscious several yards from the tempestuous waters.</p>
- <p>When you regain consciousness, every muscle in your body aches and your vision is blurry. Gradually, you recover enough strength and vision to struggle wearily to your feet and survey your surroundings. You have come ashore a mile south of Dwala. The city lights shimmer in the darkness, enticing you towards them. You stumble up the gradient of the shore and find firmer ground that is covered with grass, shrubs and reeds. You stop to stare back at the raging waters of the estuary and you pray to Ishir to save the lost Lieutenant.</p>
- <choice idref="sect226">If you have the Grand Master Discipline of Huntmastery, <link-text>turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>When you regain consciousness, every muscle in your body aches and your vision is blurry. Gradually, you recover enough strength and vision to struggle wearily to your feet and survey your surroundings. You have come ashore a mile south of Dwala. The city lights shimmer in the darkness, enticing you towards them. You stumble up the gradient of the shore and find firmer ground that is covered with grass, shrubs, and reeds. You stop to stare back at the raging waters of the estuary and you pray to Ishir to save the lost Lieutenant.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect226">If you have the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, <link-text>turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect27">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>An elegant Palace courtier takes you gently by the arm and escorts you to your sleeping room on the ground floor. Upon arriving, she opens the mahogany door, bows politely, and motions you to enter. You cross the threshold and stare in amazement at this luxurious bedchamber. The courtier bids you good night and the door closes behind her without a sound.</p>
<p>Fine food and new clothing have thoughtfully been provided for you. You climb out of your damp and travel-stained clothes and ease yourself into the warm water of a sunken marble bath. The scented water soothes your aching limbs. After bathing, you eat before retiring to a majestic bed where you fall asleep as soon as your head touches the soft silk pillow.</p>
- <p>You are awoken before dawn by the harmonic tinkling of a small hand bell. You open your eyes and the first thing you see is the smiling face of the courtier. With a soft and lilting voice, she tells you that Lieutenant Quang will be in the concourse in thirty minutes time. You watch as she seemingly glides out of the bed chamber and closes the door. You arise feeling better than you have felt in days. A good night<ch.apos/>s rest and a generous helping of shameless luxuriance restore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you may have lost so far. You get dressed in your new clothes which comprise a crimson leather jacket, black breeches, sturdy black boots and a dark green oilskin cape with a generous hood. After re-equipping yourself with your belt, backpack and weapons, you leave the bedchamber and make your way to the concourse. The three Watchers are there and they bid you good morning. You have all arrived a little early and you have ten minutes to kill before Lieutenant Quang is expected. The palace courtiers bring you each a basket of freshly baked bread, cheese, and slices of veal with exotic fruits and together you eat a hurried breakfast beside the azure stream of the indoor garden before Quang arrives.</p>
+ <p>You are awoken before dawn by the harmonic tinkling of a small hand bell. You open your eyes and the first thing you see is the smiling face of the courtier. With a soft and lilting voice, she tells you that Lieutenant Quang will be in the concourse in thirty minutes time. You watch as she seemingly glides out of the bed chamber and closes the door. You arise feeling better than you have felt in days. A good night<ch.apos/>s rest and a generous helping of shameless luxuriance restore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you may have lost so far. You get dressed in your new clothes which comprise a crimson leather jacket, black breeches, sturdy black boots, and a dark green oilskin cape with a generous hood. After re-equipping yourself with your belt, Backpack, and Weapons, you leave the bedchamber and make your way to the concourse. The three Watchers are there and they bid you good morning. You have all arrived a little early and you have ten minutes to kill before Lieutenant Quang is expected. The palace courtiers bring you each a basket of freshly baked bread, cheese, and slices of veal with exotic fruits and together you eat a hurried breakfast beside the azure stream of the indoor garden before Quang arrives.</p>
<p>The lieutenant appears, clad in his battle dress with his badge of rank prominently displayed on his dark green cloak. He ushers you all to the Imperial stables where you collect your mounts for the journey. They are fine steeds and will serve you well. You pass through the city<ch.apos/>s south gate just as dawn is breaking and begin the long ride to Vabou. The rain swept highway is still crowded with refugees but they quickly make way for you when they recognise Quang<ch.apos/>s Imperial Guard insignia and you reach the village of Uzam in the early afternoon. You pass by the blacksmithy and general store and notice that both places are now closed and boarded up. You are riding past the tavern when you see Kenga, the tavern owner, appear at an open upper floor window. He looks very frightened and he is about to shout something to you when he is dragged away from the window by unseen hands.</p>
<choice idref="sect54">If you wish to stop and investigate what has just happened to Kenga, <link-text>turn to 54</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect227">If you decide to do nothing and continue your ride through the village without stopping, <link-text>turn to 227</link-text>.</choice>
<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>
<p>The wagon comes trundling along the highway as fast as the furrowed surface will allow. The driver sees you but it is clear that he has no intention of stopping. You draw upon your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control and transmit a silent command to the horses to slow down and stop. They obey at once and the wagon slows to a halt alongside the grassy verge where you are standing. The driver whips the reins impatiently and shouts at the horse team to move but they do not respond.</p>
<p><quote>May I ride aboard with you to Dwala?</quote> you ask.</p>
<p><quote>Not if these nags don<ch.apos/>t pick up their hooves and do their job you can<ch.apos/>t!</quote> retorts the leathery-faced driver. He glares at you and then he narrows his eyes.</p>
- <p><quote>10 Ren</quote> he says. <quote>10 Ren to the south gate, and no further.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>10 Ren,</quote> he says. <quote>10 Ren to the south gate, and no further.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect215">If you wish to pay the driver 10 Ren (1 Gold Crown) to ride in his wagon to the city<ch.apos/>s south gate, <link-text>turn to 215</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect39">If you do not wish to pay him, or if you have no money, <link-text>turn to 39</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>308</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You approach the open door of the farm house and enter. Having determined that this dwelling is empty, you beckon the others to join you and then you wedge the door open with kitchen knife that is lying discarded on the floor. The interior of this dwelling shows signs of having been abandoned in a hurry. The embers of a log fire are still aglow in its stone fireplace, and the remnants of a hastily eaten meal remain on the table. You draw up a chair and seat yourself at the table, making sure you have a clear view through the open doorway to the hills beyond.</p>
+ <p>You approach the open door of the farm house and enter. Having determined that this dwelling is empty, you beckon the others to join you and then you wedge the door open with a kitchen knife that is lying discarded on the floor. The interior of this dwelling shows signs of having been abandoned in a hurry. The embers of a log fire are still aglow in its stone fireplace, and the remnants of a hastily eaten meal remain on the table. You draw up a chair and seat yourself at the table, making sure you have a clear view through the open doorway to the hills beyond.</p>
<p>The Watchers seat themselves around the table and rest their weary heads in their hands. Quang remains standing nearby. Bai, Chao and Deng are close to tears. They have been badly affected by the massacre of the refugees. Quang tries to console them but they are consumed with grief. He reminds them that they must put duty first. Escorting you to your rendezvous place must be their first and foremost concern. By fulfilling this goal they will help bring about the swift avenging of the murdered refugees. The lieutenant<ch.apos/>s words are inspiring and the Watchers draw strength from them. Soon they are able to compose themselves and refocus on doing their duty.</p>
<p>Quang is able to gather enough food from the kitchen shelves to provide everyone with a meal. As you eat in silence, you detect movement along the ridge of the distant hills. You leave the table and go to the open doorway to get a better look. It is as you suspect; a war party of Skarada are moving along the crest and they are heading in your direction.</p>
<p><quote>They are coming!</quote></p>
<data>
<p>As you approach the covered wagon, you see that it has shed one of its two rear wheels. The Chai wagoneer, clad in a hooded grey oilskin, is struggling to get the wheel back onto the axle but the thick mud and relentless rain confound his every attempt.</p>
- <p><quote>I know this man,</quote> says Anseng, and calls out to the luckless traveller. <quote>Hail Chengu!</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>I know this man,</quote> says Anseng, and calls out to the luckless traveller. <quote>Hail, Chengu!</quote></p>
<p>The wagoneer turns his head and peers at you both through the teeming rain.</p>
<p><quote>Anseng? Is that you? Ishir be praised, it is you!</quote></p>
<p><quote>Chengu, my dear friend, you picked a fine time to go to market!</quote></p>
- <p>You bring your horse to a halt behind the wagon, dismount and tether its reins to the tailboard. Anseng makes a cursory inspection of the damaged axle and then introduces you to his friend. You learn that Chengu is a rice farmer. He and Anseng have known each other since they were young boys. They were both born and raised in the same street in the city of Dwala. When they were young men they went their separate ways; Anseng enlisted in the Chai Army and Chengu became a farmer in this region. Anseng always made sure to visit Chengu at his farmstead when the army dispatched him to H<ch.apos/>lau once a year.</p>
+ <p>You bring your horse to a halt behind the wagon, dismount, and tether its reins to the tailboard. Anseng makes a cursory inspection of the damaged axle and then introduces you to his friend. You learn that Chengu is a rice farmer. He and Anseng have known each other since they were young boys. They were both born and raised in the same street in the city of Dwala. When they were young men they went their separate ways; Anseng enlisted in the Chai Army and Chengu became a farmer in this region. Anseng always made sure to visit Chengu at his farmstead when the army dispatched him to H<ch.apos/>lau once a year.</p>
<p>The wagon is laden with sacks of rice and the weight of this cargo has made it impossible for Chengu to reattach the wheel. But with Anseng<ch.apos/>s assistance, you are able to raise the rear of the wagon just enough for Chengu to push the wheel back into position. Its retaining pin has sheared off and so you improvise a replacement from an iron bracing scavenged from the tailgate. Within the hour, the wagon is good to continue its journey to Vabou. Anseng sits himself beside his friend, and you travel alongside the wagon on horseback. You have covered barely a mile when a cawing sound draws your gaze skyward. A trio of coal-black ravens are circling directly overhead.</p>
<choice idref="sect22">If you possess the Discipline of Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect259">If you do not possess this Kai Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 259</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>316</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You steer your horse onto the crowded highway and draw up alongside a covered wagon that shields you from the eyes of the approaching Chai rangers. But your actions do not go unnoticed. The rangers turn their horses onto the highway, scattering refugees as they force their way through. It will take more than your Magnakai Discipline of Invisibility to keep you and your horse hidden from these elite cavalrymen. Inexorably, they draw closer and you are forced to abandon your attempt to hide beside the wagon which no longer provides any cover from the approaching rangers.</p>
+ <p>You steer your horse onto the crowded highway and draw up alongside a covered wagon that shields you from the eyes of the approaching Chai rangers, but your actions do not go unnoticed. The rangers turn their horses onto the highway, scattering refugees as they force their way through. It will take more than your Magnakai Discipline of Invisibility to keep you and your horse hidden from these elite cavalrymen. Inexorably, they draw closer and you are forced to abandon your attempt to hide beside the wagon which no longer provides any cover from the approaching rangers.</p>
<p>You leave the wagon and force your way through the refugees. The moment you are off the highway, you urge your mare to the gallop and head due west towards a range of low hills. They will provide you with good cover in which to shake off the Chai cavalrymen who are now pursuing you across rain-swept grassland.</p>
<p>The rangers give up the chase as soon as you enter the hills. Reluctantly, they turn their horses around and ride back to the highway. As you watch them go, you resolve to head north through the hills and attempt to return to the highway nearer Pensei. You have been riding for an hour when you happen upon a large timber cabin surrounded by a split log fence.</p>
<choice idref="sect76">If you wish to stop and investigate this remote homestead, <link-text>turn to 76</link-text>.</choice>
<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 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>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 flowing 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="sect185">If you wish to enter and follow Maoshen Avenue towards the north, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
</ul>
<p>You may buy any of the items listed above for the price indicated. With the exception of the Bow (which you carry slung over your shoulder) and the Arrows (which are kept in your Quiver), they are all Weapons that you carry sheathed on your belt. You are under no obligation to make a purchase at this establishment.</p>
<p>Zian-zu gives a respectful bow and he bids you good night when you leave the shop.</p>
- <choice idref="sect13">If you choose to visit or revisit Shau Zau<ch.apos/>s General Store the opposite side of the street, <link-text>turn to 13</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect13">If you choose to visit or revisit Shau Zau<ch.apos/>s General Store on the opposite side of the street, <link-text>turn to 13</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect266">If you decide to continue along Daruzhi Street, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The raging storm and the seismic upheaval of the land hereabouts make it impossible for you to search for your lost beacon. It is too dangerous for you to stay here and so you decide to return to this place once your mission has been achieved. The tracker gem will bring Lord Rimoah back to this location at sunset in six days<ch.apos/> time. You resolve to be here when he arrives.</p>
- <choice idref="sect214">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Pathsmanship, and have also attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel (or higher), <link-text>turn to 214</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect214">If you possess the Discipline of Grand Pathsmanship, and have also attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel (or higher), <link-text>turn to 214</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect30">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have not yet attained this rank, <link-text>turn instead to 30</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p><quote>Skarada!</quote> gasps Quang, in disbelief. <quote>I encountered a Skarad years ago in the Voxai Swamp. I still carry the scars of that accursed creature.</quote></p>
<p>Bai and Deng are so shocked and outraged when they survey this terrible scene that they cannot suppress their anger. Vehemently, they curse the murdering bloodthirsty beasts. Lieutenant Quang hisses at them to be quiet but their curses have already reached the ears of the closest Skarada. One of them emits a piercing shriek and a dozen of its confederates respond instantly. They cease their gruesome feasting and come bounding up the slope of the hill towards your position.</p>
<choice idref="sect343">If you wish to evade these Skarada, you can tell Quang and the Watchers to retreat from the hilltop and hurry back to the horses. <link-text>Turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect118">Of you can unsheathe your Kai Weapon and prepare to fight the advancing Skarada the moment they reach the top of the hill. <link-text>Turn to 118</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect118">Or you can unsheathe your Kai Weapon and prepare to fight the advancing Skarada the moment they reach the top of the hill. <link-text>Turn to 118</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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 <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>
+ <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 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>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 flowing 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="sect185">If you wish to enter and follow Maoshen Avenue towards the north, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Lord Honos is holding something when he returns to the chamber. Inquisitively, you all gather around him. Cupped in his hands is an apple-sized crystal with a milky opalescence. You sense it has magical properties. He brings the stone to his chest and presses it close to his heart. With his eyes firmly closed, he makes silent mental contact with the High Council in Elzian. A minute passes before he opens his eyes and says:</p>
<p><quote>It is done. Now we must await their answer.</quote></p>
- <p>There is a knock on the chamber door and Song Tao says <quote>Enter</quote>. The door opens and into the chamber come two Moon Maidens, devoted assistants to the Priestess. Their names are Kwe and Jia Zhai. They are bearing two silver platters of food and Priestess Song Tao invites you all to partake of this delicious selection of grilled fish, boiled rice and steamed vegetables. You are eating when Lord Honos suddenly jumps up from his chair as if he has been stunk by a bee.</p>
+ <p>There is a knock on the chamber door, and Song Tao says <quote>Enter.</quote> The door opens and into the chamber come two Moon Maidens, devoted assistants to the Priestess. Their names are Kwe and Jia Zhai. They are bearing two silver platters of food and Priestess Song Tao invites you all to partake of this delicious selection of grilled fish, boiled rice, and steamed vegetables. You are eating when Lord Honos suddenly jumps up from his chair as if he has been stung by a bee.</p>
<choice idref="sect169"><link-text>Turn to 169</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>347</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You collect your horses from tavern<ch.apos/>s stable and you are pleased to see that Tzu<ch.apos/>s son, Jeng, has done a fine job of looking after them. They have been fed, watered, groomed and are both well rested. Anseng tips the boy 20 Ren and he beams with joyful appreciation. He wishes you both a safe journey as you mount up and begin your long ride to the town of Vabou.</p>
+ <p>You collect your horses from the tavern<ch.apos/>s stable and you are pleased to see that Tzu<ch.apos/>s son, Jeng, has done a fine job of looking after them. They have been fed, watered, groomed and are both well rested. Anseng tips the boy 20 Ren and he beams with joyful appreciation. He wishes you both a safe journey as you mount up and begin your long ride to the town of Vabou.</p>
<p>The weather is fine and sunny as you make a gradual decent through the hills beyond the village of Zang. But by the time you reach the Huzang Plain, heavy cloud has moved in from the west. It brings with it more rain. Anseng peers out from beneath the dripping rim of his straw hat and casts a sceptical eye across the great expanse of lush grassland to the east of the muddy highway.</p>
<p><quote>We<ch.apos/>ll be lucky to reach Vabou by nightfall,</quote> he says, pessimistically. <quote>But try we must.</quote></p>
<p>You ride all morning in the heavy rain. The highway has been reduced to a muddy morass in places, but your horses are sure footed and you make good progress despite the foul weather. Several of the farmsteads that you pass along the way are busily preparing for the coming storms that hit H<ch.apos/>lau overnight. Farmers are hurriedly securing loose roof shingles and boarding up their windows. A few have decided to abandon their farms until the storms have passed. They are loading their wagons and preparing to abandon their homes to seek shelter with relatives in Zang and Vabou until it is safe to return.</p>
<data>
<p>You consider both suggestions and realise it is time you must face the harsh reality of your situation; you have no chance of reaching the rendezvous point in time. It is difficult having to admit this to yourself, and even more difficult having to inform your brave companions that you cannot go any further westwards. The risks of being captured or killed are simply too great.</p>
- <p>They accept your decision in silence, their faces taught with frustration and disappointment. Having endured so much hardship and danger since leaving Pensei, they are wont to give up now. Chao is the first to speak.</p>
- <p><quote>My Lord, though it saddens me to have failed to carry out my duty to escort you to your destination, there may be another way to see you safely home. I propose we turn to the southeast and enter the Tviloi Forest. It will provide us with good cover from the enemy. My home village is Jueng and I know the forest well. We could ride to Jueng and stay there overnight. I can assure you all of a warm welcome there.</quote></p>
+ <p>They accept your decision in silence, their faces taut with frustration and disappointment. Having endured so much hardship and danger since leaving Pensei, they are loath to give up now. Chao is the first to speak.</p>
+ <p><quote>My Lord, though it saddens me to have failed to carry out my duty to escort you to your destination, there may be another way to see you safely home. I propose we turn to the south-east and enter the Tviloi Forest. It will provide us with good cover from the enemy. My home village is Jueng and I know the forest well. We could ride to Jueng and stay there overnight. I can assure you all of a warm welcome there.</quote></p>
<p>Lieutenant Quang turns his sullen head and stares at Chao.</p>
<p><quote>And what then? Do you have a plan that will deliver the Grand Master home safely, or do you simply long to return to your own home and to Naar with the vow you made to our Khea-khan?</quote></p>
<p>Chao begs the Lieutenant<ch.apos/>s forgiveness and asks to be allowed to continue.</p>
<data>
<p>Your return sky voyage to the Kai Monastery of Lorn takes a little over six hours. During your aerial flight, Lord Rimoah asks many questions about your mission and he prepares a detailed account which he will give to Kai Supreme Master Lone Wolf. Blazer has already given a similar report about his mission to the Kraknalorg chasm. He is proud to tell you that he, too, was successful.</p>
- <p>You arrive at the Monastery in the early evening and watch the descent to the parade ground from the stern deck of the <cite>Comet</cite>. The blessed tranquillity of the Monastery is a welcome relief after the days and nights you have spent in the heavy rains and thunderous storms of Chai. You see <cite>Skyfort</cite> moored on the parade ground below and you hope that Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand and Swift Sword have enjoyed the same success that you and Blazer have achieved.</p>
+ <p>You arrive at the Monastery in the early evening and watch the descent to the parade ground from the stern deck of the <cite>Comet</cite>. The blessed tranquillity of the Monastery is a welcome relief after the days and nights you have spent in the heavy rains and thunderous storms of Chai. You see <cite>Skyfort</cite> moored on the parade ground below and you hope that Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand, and Swift Sword have enjoyed the same success that you and Blazer have achieved.</p>
<p>A Kai honour guard awaits you when you descend the boarding ladder to the gravelled parade ground. With pride, you acknowledge their salutes and accompany Lord Rimoah and Blazer to the Grand Hall at the top of the Tower of the Moon. Upon entering the hall, you see Lone Wolf seated upon his alabaster throne with Star Lynx and Sage Chastan standing quietly on either side.</p>
<p><quote>Welcome Grand Masters,</quote> says Lone Wolf, proudly, <quote>I commend you both on achieving your missions with honour. You have each defeated a powerful champion of evil and removed the threat they posed to the peace and stability of the lands around their mustering points. You have done well and you should feel rightly proud to have upheld the highest traditions of the Order.</quote></p>
<p>Sage Chastan approaches you and requests that you give him the Eye of Agarash. Lone Wolf nods his approval and willingly you hand over the satchel containing the bane that has burdened you all the way from Pensei. Chastan thanks you and bows respectfully to Lone Wolf and the others before leaving the Grand Hall. Lone Wolf gets up and steps away from his throne. He beckons you all to join him at his map table where he picks up the steel pointer and taps it on the Kraknalorg Chasm and the Doomlands of Naaros. He looks at you and Blazer and says:</p>
<!-- Backmatter -->
<section class="backmatter" id="map">
<meta><title><!--TODO--></title></meta>
- <data/>
+
+ <data>
+ <illustration>
+ <meta>
+ <creator></creator>
+ </meta>
+ <!--<instance src="map.png" width="1024" height="823" class="html" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance src="map.pdf" width="1024" height="823" class="pdf" />-->
+ <instance class="text">
+ <p>The Khea-khanate of Chai is a land whose north-east is dominated by flat expanses of grassy plains, while the southern coast consists largely of forests and rolling hills. Two small mountain ranges, the Huzang and the Szuchow, are located slightly west of the country’s centre and are separated by jungles which slowly give way to swamps as one moves further west. The city of Vabou is located near Chai’s centre, and a traveler moving on from Vabou would be able to choose between three of Chai’s principal roadways in order to continue their journey. Choosing the south-west road would take the traveler towards the Chai Sea and the coastal town of H’lau, with a jungle bordering the road to the north and the Huzang Mountains and its foothills to the south. If, instead, the traveler chose the south-east road, they would find themselves passing between the grasslands of the Chai Plain to their north and the Tviloi Forest to their south, with the road forking at the town of Klatii. One fork bears generally eastwards towards the river town of Hi’joi, while the other turns further southwards through the Tviloi forest, passing through Jueng and ending at the town of Valus, which is separated from the great city of Dwala by the waters of the Tkukoma Estuary. Finally, the traveler leaving from Vabou might choose the road bearing north, and after a journey flanked by the Nagah Forest to the east and Szuchow Mountains to the west, they would arrive at Pensei, the capital of Chai and home of the Khea-khan himself. The capital is protected from the incursions of Chai’s often unfriendly Bhanarian neighbors by the Chai Wall, a huge construction located a dozen miles to the west of Pensei, running about 50 miles from north to south, and anchored by several forts, notably Fort Jhung which stands athwart the road running west from Pensei into the nation of Bhanar.</p>
+ </instance>
+ </illustration>
+ </data>
</section>
<section class="backmatter" id="action">
<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>. Replaced <quote>Xo-Lin<ch.apos/>s great-great-grandson</quote> with <quote>Xo-lin<ch.apos/>s great-great-grandson</quote>. Replaced <quote>MS 5088 Vaduzhan, Bhanar and Chai</quote> with <quote>MS 5088 Vaduzhan, Bhanar, and Chai</quote>. Replaced <quote>formerly</quote> with <quote>formally</quote>. Replaced <quote>MS 5098 Lencia, Nyras and Nyvoz</quote> with <quote>MS 5098 Lencia, Nyras and, Nyvoz</quote>. Replaced <quote>Eru, Lencia, Kasland, Boden and Bor</quote> with <quote>Eru, Lencia, Kasland, Boden, and Bor</quote>. Replaced <quote>from the ruins of Cragmantle on the Skaror border, all the way to</quote> with <quote>from the ruins of Cragmantle on the Skaror border all the way to</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="tssf">The Story So Far<ch.ellips/></a>) Replaced <quote>Spring</quote> with <quote>spring</quote>. Replaced <quote>elite</quote> with <quote><ch.aacute/>lite</quote>. Replaced <quote>battlements, towers and gleaming porticos</quote> with <quote>battlements, towers, and gleaming porticos</quote>. Replaced <quote>Your pride is tinged with apprehension for you</quote> with <quote>Your pride is tinged with apprehension, for you</quote>. Replaced <quote>more-psychically</quote> with <quote>more psychically</quote>. Replaced <quote>is readiness</quote> with <quote>in readiness</quote>. Replaced <quote>decent towards</quote> with <quote>descent towards</quote>. Replaced <quote>powered-down</quote> with <quote>powered down</quote>. Replaced <quote>Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand and Swift Sword</quote> with <quote>Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand, and Swift Sword</quote>. Replaced <quote>The Maakengorge, the Kraknalorg Chasm, The Dark Realm of Ruel, the ruins of Cragmantle, Ljuk, The Danarg, the city of Shadaki and the Doomlands of Naaros</quote> with <quote>The Maakengorge, the Kraknalorg Chasm, the Dark Realm of Ruel, the ruins of Cragmantle, Ljuk, the Danarg, the city of Shadaki, and the Doomlands of Naaros</quote>. Replaced <quote>Naaros. All of these places</quote> with <quote>Naaros: All of these places</quote>. Replaced <quote>forces hungry</quote> with <quote>forces, hungry</quote>. Replaced <quote>young Khea-Khan<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>young Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s</quote>. Replaced <quote>that destroys them utterly leaving no trace</quote> with <quote>that destroys them, utterly leaving no trace</quote>.</p>
+ <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>. Replaced <quote>Xo-Lin<ch.apos/>s great-great-grandson</quote> with <quote>Xo-lin<ch.apos/>s great-great-grandson</quote>. Replaced <quote>MS 5088 Vaduzhan, Bhanar and Chai</quote> with <quote>MS 5088 Vaduzhan, Bhanar, and Chai</quote>. Replaced <quote>formerly</quote> with <quote>formally</quote>. Replaced <quote>MS 5098 Lencia, Nyras and Nyvoz</quote> with <quote>MS 5098 Lencia, Nyras and, Nyvoz</quote>. Replaced <quote>Eru, Lencia, Kasland, Boden and Bor</quote> with <quote>Eru, Lencia, Kasland, Boden, and Bor</quote>. Replaced <quote>from the ruins of Cragmantle on the Skaror border, all the way to</quote> with <quote>from the ruins of Cragmantle on the Skaror border all the way to</quote>. Replaced <quote>Port of Suhn</quote> with <quote>the Port of Suhn</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="tssf">The Story So Far<ch.ellips/></a>) Replaced <quote>Spring</quote> with <quote>spring</quote>. Replaced <quote>elite</quote> with <quote><ch.aacute/>lite</quote>. Replaced <quote>battlements, towers and gleaming porticos</quote> with <quote>battlements, towers, and gleaming porticos</quote>. Replaced <quote>Your pride is tinged with apprehension for you</quote> with <quote>Your pride is tinged with apprehension, for you</quote>. Replaced <quote>more-psychically</quote> with <quote>more psychically</quote>. Replaced <quote>is readiness</quote> with <quote>in readiness</quote>. Replaced <quote>decent towards</quote> with <quote>descent towards</quote>. Replaced <quote>powered-down</quote> with <quote>powered down</quote>. Replaced <quote>Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand and Swift Sword</quote> with <quote>Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand, and Swift Sword</quote>. Replaced <quote>The Maakengorge, the Kraknalorg Chasm, The Dark Realm of Ruel, the ruins of Cragmantle, Ljuk, The Danarg, the city of Shadaki and the Doomlands of Naaros</quote> with <quote>The Maakengorge, the Kraknalorg Chasm, the Dark Realm of Ruel, the ruins of Cragmantle, Ljuk, the Danarg, the city of Shadaki, and the Doomlands of Naaros</quote>. Replaced <quote>Naaros. All of these places</quote> with <quote>Naaros: All of these places</quote>. Replaced <quote>forces hungry</quote> with <quote>forces, hungry</quote>. Replaced <quote>young Khea-Khan<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>young Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s</quote>. Replaced <quote>that destroys them utterly leaving no trace</quote> with <quote>that destroys them, utterly leaving no trace</quote>. Replaced <quote>southeast</quote> with <quote>south-east</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="nodispln">New Order Kai Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced <quote>Elementalism and Bardsmanship</quote> with <quote>Elementalism, and Bardsmanship</quote>. Replaced <quote>Bautar and Dessi</quote> with <quote>Bautar, and Dessi</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="imprvdsc">Improved Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced <quote><spell>Speed</spell><ch.emdash/>by casting</quote> with <quote><spell>Speed</spell><ch.emdash/>By casting</quote>. Replaced <quote><spell>Power Strike</spell><ch.emdash/>can be cast</quote> with <quote><spell>Power Strike</spell><ch.emdash/>Can be cast</quote>. Replaced <quote><spell>Illumination</spell><ch.emdash/>creates</quote> with <quote><spell>Illumination</spell><ch.emdash/>Creates</quote>. Replaced <quote><spell>Bridge</spell><ch.emdash/>creates</quote> with <quote><spell>Bridge</spell><ch.emdash/>Creates</quote>. Replaced <quote>Sun Knights who possess Mastery</quote> with <quote>Sun Knights who possess mastery</quote>. Replaced <quote>boulders etc.</quote> with <quote>boulders, etc.</quote>. Replaced <quote>mid air</quote> with <quote>mid-air</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="kaiwisdm">New Order Wisdom</a>) Replaced <quote>Khea Khan<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s</quote> and both instances of <quote>Khea Khan</quote> with <quote>Khea-khan</quote>.</p>
<p>(All <a idref="numbered">numbered sections</a>, except <a idref="sect253">253</a> and <a idref="sect350">350</a>) Added <quote>.</quote> to the end of reader choice paragraphs. Sections <a idref="sect50">50</a>, <a idref="sect62">62</a>, <a idref="sect98">98</a>, <a idref="sect105">105</a>, <a idref="sect113">113</a>, <a idref="sect266">266</a>, and <a idref="sect314">314</a> already had one choice with the appropriate punctuation.</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>. Replaced <quote>a padded jacket of cinnamon-coloured cotton, apple green breeches, tan leather boots and a hooded grey woollen cloak</quote> with <quote>a padded jacket of cinnamon-coloured cotton, apple green breeches, tan leather boots and a hooded grey woollen cloak</quote>. Replaced <quote>Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand and Swift Sword</quote> with <quote>Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand, and Swift Sword</quote>. Replaced <quote>Rimoah<ch.apos/>s plan. Yet</quote> with <quote>Rimoah<ch.apos/>s plan, yet</quote>. Replaced <quote>hour. Yet</quote> with <quote>hour, yet</quote>. Replaced three instances of <quote>Bo<ch.apos/>sun Durin</quote> with <quote>bo<ch.apos/>sun Durin</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>. Replaced <quote>a padded jacket of cinnamon-coloured cotton, apple green breeches, tan leather boots and a hooded grey woollen cloak</quote> with <quote>a padded jacket of cinnamon-coloured cotton, apple green breeches, tan leather boots and a hooded grey woollen cloak</quote>. Replaced <quote>Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand and Swift Sword</quote> with <quote>Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand, and Swift Sword</quote>. Replaced <quote>Rimoah<ch.apos/>s plan. Yet</quote> with <quote>Rimoah<ch.apos/>s plan, yet</quote>. Replaced <quote>hour. Yet</quote> with <quote>hour, yet</quote>. Replaced three instances of <quote>Bo<ch.apos/>sun Durin</quote> with <quote>bo<ch.apos/>sun Durin</quote>. Replaced <quote>northwesterly</quote> with <quote>north-westerly</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect2">2</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>reach to your weapon</quote> with <quote>reach for your weapon</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect3">3</a>) Replaced <quote>potholed</quote> with <quote>pot-holed</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</quote>. Replaced three instances of <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect8">8</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>Hail Chengu!</quote> with <quote>Hail, Chengu!</quote>. Replaced <quote>you bring your horse to a halt behind the wagon, dismount and tether its reins</quote> with <quote>you bring your horse to a halt behind the wagon, dismount, and tether its reins</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect38">38</a>) Replaced <quote>Backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack items</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect39">39</a>) Replaced <quote>turn 94</quote> with <quote>turn to 94</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect40">40</a>) Replaced <quote>a bunk, chart table, swivel-backed captain<ch.apos/>s chair and mahogany cabinets</quote> with <quote>a bunk, chart table, swivel-backed captain<ch.apos/>s chair, and mahogany cabinets</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect42">42</a>) Replaced <quote><quote>We cannot go on in this direction, my Lord</quote></quote> with <quote><quote>We cannot go on in this direction, my Lord,</quote></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect43">43</a>) Replaced <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>. Replaced <quote>Mindblast, Psi-surge and Kai-surge, by adding</quote> with <quote>Mindblast, Psi-surge, and Kai-surge by adding</quote>. Replaced <quote><quote>Ferry House Inn</quote></quote> with <quote><signpost>Ferry House Inn</signpost>.</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect45">45</a>) Replaced <quote>50ft</quote> with <quote>50 ft.</quote>. Replaced <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>. Added <quote> Restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed after combat.</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect46">46</a>) Replaced <quote>it is has been</quote> with <quote>it has been</quote>. Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect73">73</a>) Replaced <quote>50ft length</quote> with <quote>50 ft. length</quote>. Replaced <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrows</quote>. Added <quote> Restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed after combat.</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect74">74</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>bow</quote>. Replaced all instances of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect76">76</a>) Replaced <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect77">77</a>) Replaced <quote>Hi<ch.apos/>Joi</quote> with <quote>Hi<ch.apos/>joi</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect77">77</a>) Replaced <quote>Hi<ch.apos/>Joi</quote> with <quote>Hi<ch.apos/>joi</quote>. Replaced <quote><quote>One moment, my Lord</quote>, he says</quote> with <quote><quote>One moment, my Lord,</quote> he says</quote>. Replaced <quote><quote>Come a little closer</quote></quote> with <quote><quote>Come a little closer,</quote></quote>. Replaced <quote><quote>Of course, my Lord</quote>, replies Shousun</quote> with <quote><quote>Of course, my Lord,</quote> replies Shousun</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>. Replaced <quote>Backpack Items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>. Replaced <quote>the teeming rain, the howling winds and the rolling thunder</quote> with <quote>the teeming rain, the howling winds, and the rolling thunder</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect80">80</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote><quote>Kai!</quote></quote> with <quote><spell>Kai!</spell></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect92">92</a>) Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>. Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect93">93</a>) Replaced <quote>woodman<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>woodsman<ch.apos/>s</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect96">96</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect97">97</a>) Replaced <quote>steamed rice, fresh vegetables and diced lamb</quote> with <quote>steamed rice, fresh vegetables, and diced lamb</quote>. Replaced <quote>says Tzu, <quote> after all <ch.ellips/></quote></quote> with <quote>says Tzu, <quote>after all <ch.ellips/></quote></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>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect100">100</a>) Replaced <quote>7th round</quote> with <quote>seventh round</quote>. Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect102">102</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect103">103</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect104">104</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect105">105</a>) Replaced <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect106">106</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect107">107</a>) Replaced <quote>Khea-Khan</quote> with <quote>Khea-khan</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect108">108</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect105">105</a>) Replaced <quote>buys, sells and prepares</quote> with <quote>buys, sells and prepares</quote>. Replaced <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>. Replaced <quote>Increases the effect of Mindblast, Psi-surge and Kai-surge, by adding</quote> with <quote>Increases the effect of Mindblast, Psi-surge, and Kai-surge by adding</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect106">106</a>) Replaced <quote><quote>My compliments, Grand Master</quote></quote> with <quote><quote>My compliments, Grand Master,</quote></quote>. Replaced <quote>Greetings Grand Master</quote> with <quote>Greetings, Grand Master</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect107">107</a>) Replaced <quote>Khea-Khan</quote> with <quote>Khea-khan</quote>. Replaced <quote>the Captain, Lord Honos and Herbwarden Zautro</quote> with <quote>the Captain, Lord Honos, and Herbwarden Zautro</quote>. Replaced <quote>They have gone but they will never be forgotten.</quote> with <quote>They have gone, but they will never be forgotten.</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect108">108</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>. Replaced <quote>What is it, my Lord</quote> with <quote>What is it, my Lord?</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect109">109</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect111">111</a>) Replaced <quote>Queng</quote> with <quote>Quang</quote>. Replaced <quote>woodman<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>woodsman<ch.apos/>s</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="sect110">110</a>) Replaced <quote>This is a valuable item, and therefore I must request that you wager a minimum of 100 Ren (10 Gold Crowns).</quote> with <quote><quote>This is a valuable item, and therefore I must request that you wager a minimum of 100 Ren.</quote>.</quote>. Replaced <quote>If you have 10 Gold Crowns</quote> with <quote>If you have 100 Ren (10 Gold Crowns)</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect111">111</a>) Replaced <quote>camp fire</quote> with <quote>campfire</quote>. Replaced <quote>Queng</quote> with <quote>Quang</quote>. Replaced <quote>woodman<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>woodsman<ch.apos/>s</quote>. Replaced <quote>berries, nuts and edible flora</quote> with <quote>berries, nuts, and edible flora</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect112">112</a>) Replaced <quote>Port of Suhn</quote> with <quote>the Port of Suhn</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect113">113</a>) Replaced <quote><quote>Please, gentlemen, introduce yourselves to our famous guest</quote></quote> with <quote><quote>Please, gentlemen, introduce yourselves to our famous guest,</quote></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. Replaced <quote>You take their seats, remove your backpacks and stow them</quote> with <quote>You take their seats, remove your backpacks, and stow them</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>sand timer</quote> with <quote>hourglass</quote>. Added periods to end of the three sentences describing the inscriptions on the boxes.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect115">115</a>) Replaced <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</quote>. Replaced <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>quiver</quote> with <quote>Quiver</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect116">116</a>) Replaced <quote>Weapomnmastery</quote> with <quote>Weaponmastery</quote>. Replaced all instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect120">120</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect120">120</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>a wiry man old man</quote> with <quote>a wiry old man</quote>. Replaced <quote>casks of wines, spirits and exotic liqueurs</quote> with <quote>casks of wine, spirits, and exotic liqueurs</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect121">121</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrows</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect122">122</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect123">123</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the phrase <quote>Steady, my Lord,</quote>. Replaced <quote>Backpack Items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect124">124</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrows</quote>. Replaced <quote>quiver</quote> with <quote>Quiver</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect131">131</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>2nd round</quote> with <quote>second round</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect125">125</a>) Replaced <quote>it should be recorded it in the Weapons section</quote> with <quote>it should be recorded in the Weapons section</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect131">131</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>2nd round</quote> with <quote>second round</quote>. Replaced <quote>loudly. But it</quote> with <quote>loudly, but it</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect133">133</a>) Replaced <quote>southeast</quote> with <quote>south-east</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect134">134</a>) Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect137">137</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect135">135</a>) Replaced <quote>leather jacket, black breeches, sturdy black boots and a dark green oilskin cape</quote> with <quote>leather jacket, black breeches, sturdy black boots, and a dark green oilskin cape</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect137">137</a>) Replaced <quote>north east</quote> with <quote>north-east</quote>. Replaced both occurrences of <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect138">138</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect141">141</a>) Replaced <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect142">142</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect142">142</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>. Replaced <quote>It has only just got back on its feet</quote> with <quote>It has only just gotten back on its feet</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect144">144</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect145">145</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect146">146</a>) Replaced <quote>distain</quote> with <quote>disdain</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect148">148</a>) Replaced <quote>pole arm</quote> with <quote>polearm</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect149">149</a>) Replaced <quote>Magnakai disciplines</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Disciplines</quote>. Replaced <quote>turn to 180</quote> with <quote>turn to 98</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect151">151</a>) Replaced <quote>actives</quote> with <quote>activates</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect148">148</a>) Replaced <quote>pole arm</quote> with <quote>polearm</quote>. Replaced <quote>south east</quote> with <quote>south-east</quote>. Replaced <quote>north west</quote> with <quote>north-west</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect149">149</a>) Replaced <quote>Magnakai disciplines</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Disciplines</quote>. Replaced <quote>turn to 180</quote> with <quote>turn to 98</quote>. Replaced <quote>clothing, furniture and fruit</quote> with <quote>clothing, furniture, and fruit</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect151">151</a>) Replaced <quote>actives</quote> with <quote>activates</quote>. Replaced <quote>Anseng, Chao and Lieutenant Quang</quote> with <quote>Anseng, Chao, and Lieutenant Quang</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect153">153</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect154">154</a>) Replaced <quote>Hi<ch.apos/>Joi</quote> with <quote>Hi<ch.apos/>joi</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect154">154</a>) Replaced <quote><quote>Come a little closer</quote>,</quote> with <quote><quote>Come a little closer,</quote></quote>. Replaced <quote><quote>Come a little closer</quote>, he says</quote> with <quote><quote>Come a little closer,</quote> he says</quote>. Replaced <quote><quote>Of course, my Lord</quote>, replies Shousun</quote> with <quote><quote>Of course, my Lord,</quote> replies Shousun</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect156">156</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect157">157</a>) Replaced <quote>ENDRANCE</quote> with <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect157">157</a>) Replaced <quote>If you do not kill the Chagarashi outright with your single blow</quote> with <quote>If you do not kill the Chagarashi outright with your single blow and lose the same or fewer <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points than the Chagarashi</quote>. Replaced <quote>ENDRANCE</quote> with <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect159">159</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect162">162</a>) Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect163">163</a>) Replaced <quote>woodman<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>woodsman<ch.apos/>s</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect165">165</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect166">166</a>) Replaced <quote>Angseng<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>Anseng<ch.apos/>s</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect167">167</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect169">169</a>) Replaced <quote>oilskin cloak, your boots and your backpack</quote> with <quote>oilskin cloak, your boots, and your backpack</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>. Replaced <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrows</quote>. Added <quote> Restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed after combat.</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="sect174">174</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect175">175</a>) Replaced <quote>Queng</quote> with <quote>Quang</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect174">174</a>) Divided the paragraph beginning <quote>You may add 6 points</quote> in two. Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect175">175</a>) Replaced <quote>nightfall,</quote> with <quote>nightfall?</quote>. Replaced <quote>Queng</quote> with <quote>Quang</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect176">176</a>) Replaced <quote>Backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect177">177</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect179">179</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</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>. Replaced all instances of <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>. Replaced three instances of <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>. Replaced <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect182">182</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect185">185</a>) Replaced <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect188">188</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline of Mind over Matter</quote> with <quote>Discipline of Mind Over Matter</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect183">183</a>) Replaced <quote><quote>As I thought</quote>, he says</quote> with <quote><quote>As I thought,</quote> he says</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect184">184</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>Quang, Bai and Deng</quote> with <quote>Quang, Bai, and Deng</quote>. Replaced <quote>With a wave, Shen-yin</quote> with <quote>With a wave, Shen-Yin</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect185">185</a>) Replaced <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>. Replaced <quote>Mindblast, Psi-surge and Kai-surge</quote> with <quote>Mindblast, Psi-surge, and Kai-surge</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect188">188</a>) Replaced the first two instances of <quote>kirusami</quote> with <quote>Kirusami</quote>. Replaced <quote>discipline of Mind over Matter</quote> with <quote>Discipline of Mind Over Matter</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect189">189</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect191">191</a>) Replaced <quote>turn 94</quote> with <quote>turn to 94</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect192">192</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect196">196</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect197">197</a>) Replaced <quote>pole arm</quote> with <quote>polearm</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect198">198</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrows</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect199">199</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect199">199</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>. Replaced <quote>Mindblast, Psi-surge and Kai-surge</quote> with <quote>Mindblast, Psi-surge, and Kai-surge</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect200">200</a>) Replaced <quote>Backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect207">207</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect202">202</a>) Replaced <quote><quote>Hail, sir</quote> says Quang</quote> with <quote><quote>Hail, sir,</quote> says Quang</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect203">203</a>) Replaced <quote>Both of them turn their heads, recognise the familiar face of Lieutenant Quang and immediately stand up and salute him.</quote> with <quote>Both of them turn their heads, recognise the familiar face of Lieutenant Quang, and immediately stand up and salute him.</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect207">207</a>) Split the paragraph beginning <quote>You may add 6 points</quote> in two. Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</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="sect210">210</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect211">211</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect213">213</a>) Replaced <quote>turn to 180</quote> with <quote>turn to 98</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect213">213</a>) Replaced <quote>clothing, furniture and fruit</quote> with <quote>clothing, furniture, and fruit</quote>. Replaced <quote>turn to 180</quote> with <quote>turn to 98</quote>. Replaced <quote>bought, bartered and sold</quote> with <quote>bought, bartered, and sold</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect215">215</a>) Replaced <quote>turn 94</quote> with <quote>turn to 94</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect216">216</a>) Replaced <quote>Chao, Bai and Deng</quote> with <quote>Chao, Bai, and Deng</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect217">217</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect219">219</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect220">220</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect222">222</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect223">223</a>) Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect224">224</a>) Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect228">228</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect224">224</a>) Replaced <quote>forcing them run</quote> with <quote>forcing to them run</quote>. Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect225">225</a>) Replaced <quote><quote>It can be yours for only 200 Ren</quote> (20 Gold Crowns)</quote> with <quote><quote>It can be yours for only 200 Ren.</quote></quote>. Replaced <quote>If you wish to buy this Wardstone</quote> with <quote>If you wish to buy this Wardstone for 200 Ren (20 Gold Crowns)</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect228">228</a>) Replaced <quote>on the edge of walkway</quote> with <quote>on the edge of the walkway</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>If you total is now 4 or lower</quote> with <quote>If your total is now 4 or lower</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect230">230</a>) Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>reach to your weapon</quote> with <quote>reach for your weapon</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect233">233</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</quote>. Replaced <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect233">233</a>) Replaced <quote>as it head sinks</quote> with <quote>as its head sinks</quote>. Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</quote>. Replaced <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect234">234</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect235">235</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect235">235</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>ships</quote> with <quote>ship<ch.apos/>s</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect236">236</a>) Replaced <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect237">237</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</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>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master disciplines</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Disciplines</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect238">238</a>) Replaced both instances <quote>Port of Suhn</quote> with <quote>the Port of Suhn</quote>. 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>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master disciplines</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Disciplines</quote>. Replaced <quote><quote>Silver Virixe</quote></quote> with <quote><cite>Silver Virixe</cite></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect239">239</a>) Replaced <quote>You are little than a mile</quote> with <quote>You are little more than a mile</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect240">240</a>) Replaced <quote>ENDURANE</quote> with <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ></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="sect241">241</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the phrase <quote>Thank you very much,</quote>. Replaced <quote>she a lot prettier</quote> with <quote>she<ch.apos/>s a lot prettier</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect242">242</a>) Replaced <quote>Chagarashi Scouts (x2)</quote> with <quote>2 Chagarashi Scouts</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect243">243</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect243">243</a>) Replaced <quote>creature chest</quote> with <quote>creature<ch.apos/>s chest</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>you flick the reins and the team set off</quote> with <quote>you flick the reins, and the team sets off</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>. Replaced <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>. Added <quote> Restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed after combat.</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect248">248</a>) Replaced <quote>pole arm</quote> with <quote>polearm</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect250">250</a>) Replaced all instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect251">251</a>) Replaced <quote>Jougong</quote> with <quote>jougong</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>. Replaced all instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced three instances of <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>. Replaced <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect254">254</a>) Replaced <quote>The curtain is draw aside</quote> with <quote>The curtain is drawn aside</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect255">255</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect256">256</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect257">257</a>) Replaced <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect258">258</a>) Replaced <quote>backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect261">261</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect262">262</a>) Replaced <quote>turn to 218</quote> with <quote>turn to 246</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect263">263</a>) Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master disciplines</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Disciplines</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect262">262</a>) Replaced <quote>horse rear up</quote> with <quote>horse rears up</quote>. Replaced <quote>turn to 218</quote> with <quote>turn to 246</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect263">263</a>) Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master disciplines</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Disciplines</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>beast plate</quote> with <quote>breast plate</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect267">267</a>) Replaced <quote>It is Gold Necklace</quote> with <quote>It is a Gold Necklace</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>. Replaced all instances of <quote>Grand Master discipline(s)</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline(s)</quote>. Replaced three instances of <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>. Replaced <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</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="sect270">270</a>) Replaced <quote>Zasnhor</quote> with <quote>Zashnor</quote>. Replaced <quote>Hi<ch.apos/>Joi</quote> with <quote>Hi<ch.apos/>joi</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect271">271</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect272">272</a>) Replaced <quote>Angseng<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>Anseng<ch.apos/>s</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect273">273</a>) Replaced <quote>fulfill</quote> with <quote>fulfil</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect273">273</a>) Replaced <quote>fulfill</quote> with <quote>fulfil</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>in Gazad Helkona .</quote> with <quote>in Gazad Helkona.</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect275">275</a>) Replaced <quote>it is has been</quote> with <quote>it has been</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect278">278</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect282">282</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect280">280</a>) Replaced <quote>envelopes, slips of paper and sticks of charcoal</quote> with <quote>envelopes, slips of paper, and sticks of charcoal</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect282">282</a>) Replaced <quote>make direct mind contact him</quote> with <quote>make direct mind contact with him</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect283">283</a>) Replaced <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect285">285</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline of Mind over Matter</quote> with <quote>Discipline of Mind Over Matter</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect284">284</a>) Replaced <quote><quote>What is it, my Lord</quote> he says</quote> with <quote><quote>What is it, my Lord?</quote> he says</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect285">285</a>) Replaced <quote>a bunk, an oak table, an ornately carved high-backed Mythenian chair and a toa wood chest of drawers</quote> with <quote>a bunk, an oak table, an ornately carved high-backed Mythenian chair, and a toa wood chest of drawers</quote>. Replaced <quote>discipline of Mind over Matter</quote> with <quote>Discipline of Mind Over Matter</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect286">286</a>) Replaced <quote>says Tzu, <quote> after all the help <ch.ellips/></quote></quote> with <quote>says Tzu, <quote>after all the help <ch.ellips/></quote></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect287">287</a>) Replaced <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect288">288</a>) Replaced <quote>restores to you 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points</quote> with <quote>restores 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect290">290</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>129</quote> with <quote>turn to 129</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect293">293</a>) Replaced all instances of <quote>discipline(s)</quote> with <quote>Discipline(s)</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect294">294</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect293">293</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master Discipline of Nexus</quote> with <quote>Discipline of Grand Nexus</quote>. Replaced all instances of <quote>discipline(s)</quote> with <quote>Discipline(s)</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect294">294</a>) Replaced <quote>grass, shrubs and reeds</quote> with <quote>grass, shrubs, and reeds</quote>. Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master Discipline of Huntmastery</quote> with <quote>Discipline of Grand Huntmastery</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect295">295</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</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>. Replaced <quote>Zhou-Yin</quote> with <quote>Zhou-yin</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect297">297</a>) Replaced <quote>a crimson leather jacket, black breeches, sturdy black boots and a dark green oilskin cape</quote> with <quote>a crimson leather jacket, black breeches, sturdy black boots, and a dark green oilskin cape</quote>. Replaced <quote>backpack and weapons</quote> with <quote>Backpack, and Weapons</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>. Replaced <quote>Zhou-Yin</quote> with <quote>Zhou-yin</quote>. Replaced <quote>Quang, Bai and Deng</quote> with <quote>Quang, Bai, and Deng</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect308">308</a>) Replaced <quote>with kitchen knife</quote> with <quote>with a kitchen knife</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect301">301</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced three instances of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>quiver</quote> with <quote>Quiver</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect302">302</a>) Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect303">303</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect303">303</a>) Replaced <quote><quote>10 Ren</quote> he says</quote> with <quote><quote>10 Ren,</quote> he says</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect304">304</a>) Replaced <quote>Youi</quote> with <quote>You</quote>. Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect307">307</a>) Replaced <quote>Chagarashi Scouts (x2)</quote> with <quote>2 Chagarashi Scouts</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect309">309</a>) Replaced <quote>turn 338</quote> with <quote>turn to 338</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect310">310</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect310">310</a>) Replaced <quote>You bring your horse to a halt behind the wagon, dismount and tether its reins</quote> with <quote>You bring your horse to a halt behind the wagon, dismount, and tether its reins</quote>. Replaced <quote>Hail Chengu!</quote> with <quote>Hail, Chengu!</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect313">313</a>) Replaced <quote>Angseng</quote> with <quote>Anseng</quote>. Replaced both instances of <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</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="sect315">315</a>) Replaced <quote>Doomwolf</quote> with <quote>doomwolf</quote>. Replaced <quote>Turn 264</quote> with <quote>Turn to 264</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect316">316</a>) Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect316">316</a>) Replaced <quote>rangers. But</quote> with <quote>rangers, but</quote>. Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect317">317</a>) Replaced <quote>Zhou-Yin</quote> with <quote>Zhou-yin</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect318">318</a>) Replaced <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect319">319</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>reach to your weapon</quote> with <quote>reach to your weapon</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect322">322</a>) Replaced <quote>worshipers</quote> with <quote>worshippers</quote>. Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>turn to 126</quote> with <quote>turn to 185</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect322">322</a>) Replaced <quote>worshipers</quote> with <quote>worshippers</quote>. Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>turn to 126</quote> with <quote>turn to 185</quote>. Replaced <quote>warmth and calmness following through you</quote> with <quote>warmth and calmness flowing through you</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect324">324</a>) Replaced <quote>ENDRANCE</quote> with <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ></quote>. Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect325">325</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrows</quote>. Replaced <quote>quiver</quote> with <quote>Quiver</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect325">325</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrows</quote>. Replaced <quote>quiver</quote> with <quote>Quiver</quote>. Replaced <quote>General Store the opposite side</quote> with <quote>General Store on the opposite side</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect326">326</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master Discipline of Pathsmanship</quote> with <quote>Discipline of Grand Pathsmanship</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect328">328</a>) Replaced both instances of <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrows</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect329">329</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline of Mind over Matter</quote> with <quote>Discipline of Mind Over Matter</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect330">330</a>) Replaced <quote>Tranquility</quote> with <quote>Tranquillity</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect331">331</a>) Replaced <quote>Doomwolf<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>doomwolf<ch.apos/>s</quote>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect332">332</a>) Replaced <quote>Of you can unsheathe</quote> with <quote>Or you can unsheathe</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect333">333</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>quiver</quote> with <quote>Quiver</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect334">334</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect334">334</a>) Added <quote>and restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed after combat.</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect337">337</a>) Replaced <quote>worshipers</quote> with <quote>worshippers</quote>. Replaced <quote>turn to 126</quote> with <quote>turn to 185</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect334">334</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>. Added <quote>and restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> when swallowed after combat.</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect335">335</a>) Replaced all three instances of <quote>kirusami</quote> with <quote>Kirusami</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect337">337</a>) Replaced <quote>warmth and calmness following through you</quote> with <quote>warmth and calmness flowing through you</quote>. Replaced <quote>worshipers</quote> with <quote>worshippers</quote>. Replaced <quote>turn to 126</quote> with <quote>turn to 185</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect338">338</a>) Replaced <quote>There is a knock on the chamber door and Song Tao says <quote>Enter</quote>.</quote> with <quote>There is a knock on the chamber door, and Song Tao says <quote>Enter.</quote></quote>. Replaced <quote>grilled fish, boiled rice and steamed vegetables</quote> with <quote>grilled fish, boiled rice, and steamed vegetables</quote>. Replaced <quote>stunk by a bee</quote> with <quote>stung by a bee</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect339">339</a>) Replaced <quote>Backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect344">344</a>) Replaced <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrows</quote>. Replaced <quote>Turn to 135</quote> with <quote>Turn to 297</quote>. Replaced <quote>quiver</quote> with <quote>Quiver</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect345">345</a>) Replaced <quote>turn 94</quote> with <quote>turn to 94</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect347">347</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai hunting discipline</quote> with <quote>Kai Hunting Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect347">347</a>) Replaced <quote>from tavern<ch.apos/>s stable</quote> with <quote>from the tavern<ch.apos/>s stable</quote>. Replaced <quote>Kai hunting discipline</quote> with <quote>Kai Hunting Discipline</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect348">348</a>) Replaced <quote>Magnakai discipline</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect349">349</a>) Replaced <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect349">349</a>) Replaced <quote>Doomwolves</quote> with <quote>doomwolves</quote>. Replaced <quote>southeast</quote> with <quote>south-east</quote>. Replaced <quote>their faces taught with frustration</quote> with <quote>their faces taut with frustration</quote>. Replaced <quote>they are wont to give up now</quote> with <quote>they are loath to give up now</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect350">350</a>) Replaced <quote>Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand and Swift Sword</quote> with <quote>Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand, and Swift Sword</quote>.</p>
</data>
</section>
</data>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / blobdiff