<data>
<p>Suddenly you realise that you are not being subjected to an audio attack. The noise that fills your head is the effect of a powerful psychic assault on your senses. You call upon your Grand Master discipline to suppress the unbearable noise and your swift response saves you from sustaining any permanent injury to your mind: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
<p>Howling with frustration, the ghoulish figure leaps towards you brandishing his black staff and, in the blink of an eye, the staff transforms into a hissing serpent. It is disturbingly similar to the snake that emerged from the mouth of undead Anseng. You reach to your weapon and pull back as the serpent<ch.apos/>s venomous fangs strike out for your throat.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer (reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod) </enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer <em>(reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</em> </enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Xaol is a powerful undead adversary. If your chosen weapon provides you with a bonus when used in a fight against an undead foe, be sure to calculate and add the bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> before this battle begins. If you possess the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Valiance</quote> you may add the bonus that you gain from its unique properties during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect160">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>15</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Congratulations, your answer is correct! The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by 5/6ths vinegar and 1/6th oil. This would leave 5/6ths of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other 5/6ths of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with 5/6ths of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.</p>
+ <p>Congratulations, your answer is correct! The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by <ch.frac56/> vinegar and <ch.frac16/> oil. This would leave <ch.frac56/> of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other <ch.frac56/> of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with <ch.frac56/> of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.</p>
<p>The patrons cheer when Shou Lin confirms that you have given him the correct answer. With good grace, he hands you the Samor Queen and you place it inside the pocket of your jacket. (The Samor Queen is a Special Item. You should add this to your Special Items list on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
<p><quote>Well done, my Lord,</quote> says Anseng, cheerfully. <quote>I wish I had your gift for deduction.</quote></p>
<p>You are now feeling very tired and are finding it a little difficult to keep your eyes open. Rather than stay for Shou Lin<ch.apos/>s next riddle, you bid Anseng good night and retire to your room.</p>
<data>
<p>You place one hand around the blacksmith<ch.apos/>s ruined throat and the other on his chest. You draw upon your powers and transfer the healing warmth of your Kai discipline into the dying man. His eyes flicker open and he mouths a warning with blood-flecked lips: <quote>Beware the ghouls!</quote> His eyes glaze over and his agony comes to an abrupt end. He is dead.</p>
<p>You lay his head upon the blood drenched floor and lower his eyelids. Now your mind is flooded with unanswered questions. Why was he savagely murdered? What kind of beast is capable of such cold-bloodied slaughter? Where is Anseng? Is he still alive or has he, too, met a grisly end?</p>
- <p>Galvanised into action by what has happened here, you race down the stairs and mount your horse. Quickly you bring her around to face the open doors and ride out into the pouring rain. The fresh tracks from the Blacksmithy lead you along the paved road until you reach the northern perimeter of the village. Here they leave the highway and veer due east towards the Nagah Forest. A narrow woodman<ch.apos/>s trail snakes its way through the Chai pines and the tracks can clearly be seen in its muddy surface. Your Sixth Sense screams a warning that this dense forest harbours an evil presence. You rein in your horse and scan the surrounding trees. At once you detect an ambush has been prepared and several evil creatures are lying in wait for you on the trail ahead.</p>
+ <p>Galvanised into action by what has happened here, you race down the stairs and mount your horse. Quickly you bring her around to face the open doors and ride out into the pouring rain. The fresh tracks from the Blacksmithy lead you along the paved road until you reach the northern perimeter of the village. Here they leave the highway and veer due east towards the Nagah Forest. A narrow woodsman<ch.apos/>s trail snakes its way through the Chai pines and the tracks can clearly be seen in its muddy surface. Your Sixth Sense screams a warning that this dense forest harbours an evil presence. You rein in your horse and scan the surrounding trees. At once you detect an ambush has been prepared and several evil creatures are lying in wait for you on the trail ahead.</p>
<choice idref="sect218">If you wish to turn around and leave the forest, <link-text>go to 218</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect262">If you decide to continue along the trail, knowing that to do so will trigger the ambush, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>30</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Anseng insists that it is too dangerous to linger here any longer. The constant shuddering of the ground beneath your feet confirms this to be so. With his lantern held aloft, he begins the difficult trek through the toa and pine forest with you following close behind. Soon you emerge from the swaying trees and set off along a muddy forest road at a brisk pace, heading east. The sheeting rain and the constant thunder make it impossible for you to speak with your determined guide until you reach a small woodman<ch.apos/>s hut a few miles distant. Anseng points to the hut<ch.apos/>s rickety door and you follow him inside, thankful to be out of the relentless downpour.</p>
+ <p>Anseng insists that it is too dangerous to linger here any longer. The constant shuddering of the ground beneath your feet confirms this to be so. With his lantern held aloft, he begins the difficult trek through the toa and pine forest with you following close behind. Soon you emerge from the swaying trees and set off along a muddy forest road at a brisk pace, heading east. The sheeting rain and the constant thunder make it impossible for you to speak with your determined guide until you reach a small woodsman<ch.apos/>s hut a few miles distant. Anseng points to the hut<ch.apos/>s rickety door and you follow him inside, thankful to be out of the relentless downpour.</p>
<p><quote>You did well to keep up with me, my Lord,</quote> he says, as he places his glowing lantern on the hut<ch.apos/>s solitary table. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ll rest here for a few hours and leave at first light.</quote></p>
<p>From his leather backpack he produces some provisions: a loaf of bread, some strips of cured lamb meat, some dried fruits and a small bottle of rice wine. Generously, he shares his meagre rations with you. While you are eating, you take the opportunity to observe your guide. He is a lean man in his early fifties, physically fit and impressively agile. He is dressed in simple peasant garb with a wide conical hat made from straw. Despite his mundane clothing, this man is clearly not a lowly peasant. He has the distinctive mien of a professional soldier, the legacy of years spent as a Captain in the Imperial Chai Guard: the warrior elite of the Chai army. A <quote><foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign></quote>, an ornate bladed pole arm is slung over his shoulder on a thin strip of leather.</p>
<p>When you have finished your meal, Anseng opens a wooden cupboard fixed to the interior wall and retrieves two bed rolls. He unties them and lays them out upon the floor of the hut.</p>
<meta><title>33</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Unfortunately, your answer is incorrect. The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by 5/6ths vinegar and 1/6th oil. This would leave 5/6ths of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other 5/6ths of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with 5/6ths of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.</p>
+ <p>Unfortunately, your answer is incorrect. The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by <ch.frac56/> vinegar and <ch.frac16/> oil. This would leave <ch.frac56/> of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other <ch.frac56/> of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with <ch.frac56/> of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.</p>
<p>The patrons mummer their approval when Shou Lin explains the correct solution to the puzzle. You must now erase 10 Gold Crowns from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> and give the coins to the old man. Gladly he accepts your payment and praises you for your brave attempt at solving it.</p>
<p><quote>Bad luck, my Lord,</quote> says Anseng, in an attempt to console you. <quote>May you have better fortune next time.</quote> You are now feeling very tired and are finding it a little difficult to keep your eyes open. Rather than stay for Shou Lin<ch.apos/>s next riddle, you bid Anseng good night and retire to your room.</p>
<choice idref="sect286"><link-text>Turn to 286</link-text></choice>
<li>Lantern: 20 Ren (2 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Chisel: 20 Ren (2 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Hammer: 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
- <li>Rope (50ft length): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
+ <li>Rope (50 ft. length): 30 Ren (3 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Potion of Laumspur: 40 Ren (4 Gold Crowns)</li>
<li>Small Telescope: 60 Ren (6 Gold Crowns)</li>
</ul>
<meta><title>46</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The moment you take the satchel from the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s hand, you feel a wave of nausea flow through your body that makes you shudder with revulsion. The bag contains the Eye of Agarash. For centuries this evil gem has lain dormant, its power inert. Now it is has been awoken, triggered by the close proximity to you<ch.emdash/>a champion of God Kai. Hurriedly, you draw upon your Magnakai discipline of Psi-screen to shield yourself from its malicious radiance. Your defences deaden its insidious effect, but you suffer a shock to your nervous system: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
+ <p>The moment you take the satchel from the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s hand, you feel a wave of nausea flow through your body that makes you shudder with revulsion. The bag contains the Eye of Agarash. For centuries this evil gem has lain dormant, its power inert. Now it has been awoken, triggered by the close proximity to you<ch.emdash/>a champion of God Kai. Hurriedly, you draw upon your Magnakai discipline of Psi-screen to shield yourself from its malicious radiance. Your defences deaden its insidious effect, but you suffer a shock to your nervous system: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
<p>Whenever you are affected by the debilitating power of the Eye of Agarash, you may use Laumspur to help you recover. Normally, a healing potion of Laumspur restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points when taken after combat. When using it to restore <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> lost due to the power of the Eye of Agarash, you may only restore the actual number of points lost. For example, if you lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the effects of the Eye (as is the case here), and then you take a potion of Laumspur which normally restores 4 points, you will only regain the lost 3 points. The extra point of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is not gained and should not be added to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score.</p>
<choice idref="sect192"><link-text>Turn to 192</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>49</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The second Chagarashi enters the combat at the start of the 4th round. Fortunately, this is also the moment that Anseng joins you in the fight against these ferocious foes. You may now continue the combat you began in section 265.</p>
- <p>Anseng engages the companion Chagarashi in combat directly, therefore you should continue the fight with you and your enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> scores as they were at the end of the 3rd round.</p>
+ <p>The second Chagarashi enters the combat at the start of the fourth round. Fortunately, this is also the moment that Anseng joins you in the fight against these ferocious foes. You may now continue the combat you began in section 265.</p>
+ <p>Anseng engages the companion Chagarashi in combat directly, therefore you should continue the fight with you and your enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> scores as they were at the end of the third round.</p>
<choice idref="sect90">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 90</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>50</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>When combat commenced, Zashnor sent a telepathic command to its Imperial Zlanbeast to assist it in the fight. The creature took off from the pier and commenced a flight over the raging estuary in a wide circle in order to best position itself to launch an attack on you from the rear. At the start of the 7th round, it comes swooping low along the deck behind you. It stabs at you with its sharp horny beak before the momentum of its attack carries it past and it soars away into the clouds.</p>
- <p>In the 7th round, Zashnor<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> increases to 59. Its <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total increases by 5 points. The <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> increase lasts only for the 7th round and represents a temporary bonus that the Nadziran receives from the Imperial Zlanbeast<ch.apos/>s attack. If you survive the 7th round, the Imperial Zlanbeast will no longer be a part of the combat in any further rounds.</p>
- <choice idref="sect54">At the start of the 8th round, you may deduct Zashnor<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus. This will <link-text>return its <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> to 54</link-text>. The increase of 5 points it gained to its <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> in the 7th round remains.</choice>
+ <p>When combat commenced, Zashnor sent a telepathic command to its Imperial Zlanbeast to assist it in the fight. The creature took off from the pier and commenced a flight over the raging estuary in a wide circle in order to best position itself to launch an attack on you from the rear. At the start of the seventh round, it comes swooping low along the deck behind you. It stabs at you with its sharp horny beak before the momentum of its attack carries it past and it soars away into the clouds.</p>
+ <p>In the seventh round, Zashnor<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> increases to 59. Its <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total increases by 5 points. The <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> increase lasts only for the seventh round and represents a temporary bonus that the Nadziran receives from the Imperial Zlanbeast<ch.apos/>s attack. If you survive the seventh round, the Imperial Zlanbeast will no longer be a part of the combat in any further rounds.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect54">At the start of the eighth round, you may deduct Zashnor<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus. This will <link-text>return its <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> to 54</link-text>. The increase of 5 points it gained to its <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> in the seventh round remains.</choice>
<choice idref="sect276">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 276</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Suddenly you realise that you are not being subjected to an audio attack. The noise that fills your head is the effect of a powerful psychic assault on your senses. You call upon your advanced discipline to erect a Mindfort to shut out the unbearable noise, and your swift response saves you from sustaining any permanent impairment to your mental faculties.</p>
<p>Howling with frustration that its psychic attack has helped and not harmed you, the ghoulish figure leaps towards you brandishing his black staff. In the blink of an eye, the staff transforms into a hissing serpent. It is disturbingly similar to the snake that emerged from the mouth of undead Anseng. You reach to your weapon and pull back as the serpent<ch.apos/>s venomous fangs strike out for your throat.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer (reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer <em>(reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Xaol is a powerful undead adversary. If your chosen weapon provides you with a bonus when used in a fight against an undead foe, be sure to calculate and add the bonus to your Combat Skill before this battle begins.</p>
<p>If you possess the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Valiance</quote> you may add the bonus that you gain from its unique properties during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect160">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text></choice>
<data>
<p>The Doomgah leader raises its mighty <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> and spouts of cracking blue flame erupt along the length of its razor sharp blade. It opens its maw to reveal a score of dagger-like fangs and a thin black tongue that writhes between them.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Kl<ch.uuml/>z (armed with Zukgudrak)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Kl<ch.uuml/>z <em>(armed with Zukgudrak)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>The weapon that this enemy wields can leach power from the Eye of Agarash. This inflicts 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point of damage to you in every round of this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect228">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Your hastily-aimed arrow arcs towards the Doomgah and strikes the middle of its iron bow, severing two of the fingers on its left hand and sending the bow spinning away. It shrieks with pain and frustration and hurriedly unsheathes its serrated sword. You run to the other side of the wheelhouse and peer around its side to see the Doomgah scurrying along the walkway, slashing at the rain with its black blade in a berserk frenzy. You shoulder your bow and draw your Kai Weapon as it comes racing down the gangplank, shrieking maniacally. It does not know precisely where you are and you seize this vital advantage. The moment it reaches the stern deck, you spring out from behind the wheelhouse and launch a swift attack.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Mooldor (wounded)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Mooldor <em>(wounded)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Because of the speed and surprise of your attack, you may ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> losses you receive in the first round of combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect300">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 300</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Quang hurriedly unshoulders his bow and commands Bai and Deng to do likewise.</p>
<p><quote>Fire at will!</quote> he shouts, and the three of them unleash a flurry of arrows at the advancing Skarada. Six of the enemy fall dead or wounded before the remainder reaches the top of the hill. Two of the beasts rush at you in a frenzied attack, their bloodstained axes held poised to hack you down.</p>
- <combat><enemy>2 Skarada (in combat frenzy)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>2 Skarada <em>(in combat frenzy)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect274">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 274</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The Skarada are less than thirty feet away when Lieutenant Quang shouts <quote>Fire!</quote> As one, you release your straining bowstrings and send a volley of arrows whistling into the advancing enemy. The missiles all hit their mark and three of the four Skarada tumble forwards, mortally wounded. Your arrow penetrates the left shoulder of the leading Skarad and spins it around, but it does not make it lose its footing. Bellowing with pain, the creature hacks the protruding shaft in two with one blow of its flint axe. It snarls with anger and glares at you with its bloodshot amber eyes before it beats a hasty retreat into the trees.</p>
<p>You are determined not to let it escape. Hurriedly, you shoulder your bow and urge your horse forward in pursuit of the wounded beast. In less than a minute you run it to ground among the pines. Roaring like a cornered tiger, the Skarad swings around and leaps towards your horse with its axe raised high, slashing the air as it strikes. Terrified by its ferocity, your mount rears up and shies away from the creature<ch.apos/>s manic attack. You are forced to cling to the pommel of your saddle with your left hand as you fight to prevent the snarling Skarad from hacking your horse to the ground.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Skarad Leader (wounded)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Skarad Leader <em>(wounded)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This creature is immune to all forms of psychic attack except Kai-surge. If you possess this Grand Master discipline and wish to use it during this combat, you may only add 3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
<choice idref="sect17">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 17</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Anseng moves towards you, sweeping his glowing <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> before him like a sorcerous scythe. Resolutely you unsheathe your Kai Weapon, yet as you raise it in readiness to counter his inexorable advance you are engulfed by a wave of nausea that makes you shiver and retch. Once again the Eye has activated, triggered now by the close proximity of the evil power that is driving Anseng to seek your doom: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>You retreat a few unsteady paces and struggle to suppress the tide of nausea that is sapping your strength. As if sensing your weakness, Anseng lunges forward and thrusts the glowing tip of his cursed weapon at your trembling face.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Anseng (undead)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Anseng <em>(undead)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect335">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 335</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>172</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Unfortunately, your answer is incorrect. The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by 5/6ths vinegar and 1/6th oil. This would leave 5/6ths of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other 5/6ths of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with 5/6ths of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.</p>
+ <p>Unfortunately, your answer is incorrect. The amounts are the same. After mixing in a quart of oil, the mixture would by <ch.frac56/> vinegar and <ch.frac16/> oil. This would leave <ch.frac56/> of a quart of oil in the first pitcher. Since the other <ch.frac56/> of the removed mixture is vinegar, and this is now mixed into the other pitcher, in the end both pitchers end up with <ch.frac56/> of a quart of the other liquid in them. As they have equal amounts of the other liquid, and the total volumes are equal (back to 5 quarts each), they must have equal amounts of their original liquids.</p>
<p>The patrons mummer their approval when Shou Lin explains the correct solution to the puzzle. You must now erase 10 Gold Crowns from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> and give the coins to the old man. Gladly he accepts your payment and praises you for your brave attempt at solving it.</p>
<p><quote>Bad luck, my Lord,</quote> says Anseng, in an attempt to console you. <quote>May you have better luck next time.</quote> You are now feeling very tired and are finding it a little difficult to keep your eyes open. Rather than stay for Shou Lin<ch.apos/>s next riddle, you bid Anseng good night and retire to your room.</p>
<choice idref="sect286"><link-text>Turn to 286</link-text></choice>
<data>
<p>Suddenly you realise that you are not being subjected to an audio attack. The noise that fills your head is the effect of a powerful psychic assault upon your senses. Hurriedly, you call upon your Magnakai discipline of Psi-screen to protect your mind from this powerful psychic assault, and you are able to create a mental wall to repel it. However, it takes you crucial seconds to erect this defensive wall and you suffer a painful psychic shock before it is completed: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Sensing your distress and eager to exploit it, the ghoulish figure leaps towards you brandishing his black staff. In the blink of an eye, the staff transforms into a hissing serpent. It is disturbingly similar to the snake which emerged from the mouth of undead Anseng! You reach to your weapon and pull back as the serpent<ch.apos/>s venomous fangs strike out for your throat.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer (reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer <em>(reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This enemy is a powerful undead adversary. If your chosen weapon provides you with a bonus when used in a fight against an undead foe, be sure to calculate and add the bonus to your Combat Skill before this battle begins. If you possess the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Valiance</quote> you may add the bonus that you gain from its unique properties during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect160">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The Skarada are less than thirty feet away when Lieutenant Quang shouts <quote>Fire!</quote> As one, your companions release their straining bowstrings and send a volley of arrows whistling into the advancing enemy. The missiles all hit their mark and three of the four Skarada tumble forwards, mortally wounded. The lieutenant<ch.apos/>s arrow penetrates the left shoulder of the leading Skarad and spins it around, but it does not make it lose its footing. Bellowing with pain, the creature hacks the protruding shaft in two with one blow of its flint axe. It snarls with anger and glares at you with its bloodshot amber eyes before it beats a hasty retreat into the trees.</p>
<p>You are determined not to let it escape. Hurriedly, you urge your horse forward in pursuit of the wounded beast. In less than a minute you run it to ground among the pines. Roaring like a cornered tiger, the Skarad swings around and leaps towards your horse with its axe raised high, slashing the air as it strikes. Terrified by its ferocity, your mount rears up and shies away from the creature<ch.apos/>s manic attack. You are forced to cling to the pommel of your saddle with your left hand as you fight to prevent the snarling Skarad from hacking your horse to the ground.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Skarad Leader (wounded)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Skarad Leader <em>(wounded)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This creature is immune to all forms of psychic attack except Kai-surge. If you possess this Grand Master discipline and wish to use it during this combat, you may only add 3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
<choice idref="sect17">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 17</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>275</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The moment you take the satchel from the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s hand, you feel a wave of nausea flow through your body that makes you shudder with revulsion. The bag contains the Eye of Agarash. For centuries this evil gem has lain dormant, its power inert. Now it is has been awoken, triggered by the close proximity to you<ch.emdash/>a champion of God Kai. Hurriedly, you draw upon your Grand Master discipline of Kai-screen to shield yourself from its malicious radiance. Your defences counter its insidious effect, but you suffer a minor shock to your nervous system that leaves you chilled to the bone: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
+ <p>The moment you take the satchel from the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s hand, you feel a wave of nausea flow through your body that makes you shudder with revulsion. The bag contains the Eye of Agarash. For centuries this evil gem has lain dormant, its power inert. Now it has been awoken, triggered by the close proximity to you<ch.emdash/>a champion of God Kai. Hurriedly, you draw upon your Grand Master discipline of Kai-screen to shield yourself from its malicious radiance. Your defences counter its insidious effect, but you suffer a minor shock to your nervous system that leaves you chilled to the bone: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
<p>Whenever you are affected by the debilitating power of the Eye of Agarash, you may use Laumspur to help you recover. Normally, a healing potion of Laumspur restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points when taken after combat. When using it to restore <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> lost due to the power of the Eye of Agarash, you may only restore the actual number of points lost. For example, if you should lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the effects of the Eye, and then you take a potion of Laumspur which normally restores 4 points, you will only regain the lost 3 points. The extra point of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is not gained and should not be added to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score.</p>
<choice idref="sect192"><link-text>Turn to 192</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Suddenly you realise that you are not being subjected to an audio attack. The noise that fills your head is the effect of a powerful psychic assault on your senses. You call upon your advanced discipline to absorb and transform the hostile psychic energy into a positive physical effect: restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
<p>Howling with frustration that its psychic attack has not harmed you, the ghoulish figure leaps forwards brandishing his black staff. In the blink of an eye, the staff transforms into a hissing serpent. It is disturbingly similar to the snake that emerged from the mouth of undead Anseng. You reach to your weapon and pull back as the serpent<ch.apos/>s venomous fangs strike out for your throat.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer (reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Xaol the Necromancer <em>(reconstructed undead, with Serpent Rod)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Xaol is a powerful undead adversary. If your chosen weapon provides you with a bonus when used in a fight against an undead foe, be sure to calculate and add the bonus to your Combat Skill before this battle begins. If you possess the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Valiance</quote> you may add the bonus that you gain from its unique properties during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect160">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text></choice>
</data>
<p>Drawing upon your Animal Mastery discipline, you focus on the distant Chagarashi and command it to fall asleep. The creature slows its pace but it does not drop to the ground as you were expecting it to. Your Sixth Sense detects that this creature is unusually resistant to your psychic command. It shakes its head and emits a shriek of frustration before turning its feral gaze in your direction. On seeing you and your party it reacts in an instant. Swiftly, it turns about and lopes away through the trees in the direction of the roadblock.</p>
<p><quote>I must stop it getting away,</quote> you shout to your companions. <quote>If it makes it to the roadblock, we<ch.apos/>ll soon have more than one of them to deal with.</quote></p>
<p>You spur your horse to the gallop and charge at the fleeing Chagarashi. The creature panics and collides face first with a tree trunk in its desperation to evade your swift and sudden approach. Reeling from the impact with the tree, drunkenly it turns to face you as you bear down on it. You unsheathe your Kai Weapon and raise it in readiness to strike the beast a killing blow.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Chagarashi Scout (stunned)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">36</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Chagarashi Scout <em>(stunned)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">36</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Due to the speed of your attack, you can only engage in one round of combat with this enemy before the momentum of your charging horse carries you past it.</p>
<choice idref="sect267">If you kill the Chagarashi in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 267</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect142">If you do not kill the Chagarashi outright with your single blow, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text></choice>
<data>
<p>The Doomgah leader raises its mighty <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">kirusami</foreign> and spouts of cracking blue flame erupt along the length of its razor sharp blade. It opens its maw to reveal a score of dagger-like fangs and a thin black tongue that writhes between them.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Kl<ch.uuml/>z (armed with Zukgudrak)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Kl<ch.uuml/>z <em>(armed with Zukgudrak)</em></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Anseng<ch.apos/>s <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">Kirusami</foreign> partially blocks the Zukgudrak<ch.apos/>s ability to leach power from the Eye of Agarash and turn it against you during this combat. In every round of combat in which you inflict an <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points loss on Kl<ch.uuml/>z that is greater than <ch.minus/>3, you may deduct a further <ch.minus/>1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from the result.</p>
<choice idref="sect119">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 119</link-text></choice>
</data>
<p>(<a idref="sect1">1</a>) Replaced <quote>woolen</quote> with <quote>woollen</quote>. Changed <quote>6th</quote> to <quote>sixth</quote>. Changed <quote>pre-dawn</quote> to <quote>predawn</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect3">3</a>) Replaced <quote>potholed</quote> with <quote>pot-holed</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect13">13</a>) Changed <quote>50ft</quote> to <quote>50 ft.</quote>. Changed <quote>Weaponshop</quote> to <quote>Weapon Shop</quote> (cf. <a idref="sect221">Section 221</a>).</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect15">15</a>) Changed <quote>1/6th</quote> to <quote><ch.frac16/></quote> and multiple occurrences of <quote>5/6ths</quote> to <quote><ch.frac56/></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect17">17</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect19">19</a>) Replaced <quote>woodman<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>woodsman<ch.apos/>s</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect30">30</a>) Replaced <quote>woodman<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>woodsman<ch.apos/>s</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect31">31</a>) Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect33">33</a>) Changed <quote>1/6th</quote> to <quote><ch.frac16/></quote> and multiple occurrences of <quote>5/6ths</quote> to <quote><ch.frac56/></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect45">45</a>) Replaced <quote>50ft</quote> with <quote>50 ft.</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect46">46</a>) Replaced <quote>it is has been</quote> with <quote>it has been</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect49">49</a>) Replaced <quote>4th</quote> with <quote>fourth</quote>. Replaced <quote>3rd</quote> with <quote>third</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect49">49</a>) Replaced all instances of <quote>7th</quote> with <quote>seventh</quote>. Replaced <quote>8th</quote> with <quote>eighth</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect54">54</a>) Replaced <quote>Queng</quote> with <quote>Quang</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect55">55</a>) Replaced <quote>birdsong</quote> with <quote>bird song</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect58">58</a>) Replaced <quote>traveling</quote> with <quote>travelling</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect62">62</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the paragraph starting with <quote>When he was a young boy,</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect157">157</a>) Replaced <quote>ENDRANCE</quote> with <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect167">167</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect170">170</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect172">172</a>) Changed <quote>1/6th</quote> to <quote><ch.frac16/></quote> and multiple occurrences of <quote>5/6ths</quote> to <quote><ch.frac56/></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect181">181</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>. Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect194">194</a>) Replaced <quote>ENDRANCE</quote> with <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect198">198</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect270">270</a>) Replaced <quote>Zasnhor</quote> with <quote>Zashnor</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect271">271</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect273">273</a>) Replaced <quote>fulfill</quote> with <quote>fulfil</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect275">275</a>) Replaced <quote>it is has been</quote> with <quote>it has been</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect299">299</a>) Replaced <quote>Meal.)You</quote> with <quote>Meal.) You</quote>. Replaced <quote>Shousan</quote> with <quote>Shousun</quote>. Replaced <quote>Soushan</quote> with <quote>Shousun</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect304">304</a>) Replaced <quote>Youi</quote> with <quote>You</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect314">314</a>) Added a quotation mark at the end of the paragraph starting with <quote>When he was a young boy,</quote>.</p>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / blobdiff