<dt>MS 5086 Bhanar and Chai</dt>
<dd>The Chai army occupied eastern Bhanar, and all of its steam-powered engines and weapons of war were systematically destroyed. The aged Khea-khan Xo-lin of Chai died, and his only remaining son, Zha-zhing, acceded to the throne. Zha-zhing<ch.apos/>s political rivals accused him of plotting and orchestrating the young prince Kadama<ch.apos/>s death in the preceding year for his personal gain. These accusations were never proven. Upon his inauguration he married Princess Myelsha of Mhytan. Chai forts along the border with Bhanar were attacked by Bhanarian irregulars in reprisal for the Massacre of Yua Tzhan. A treaty was signed between Chai and Mhytan (the Chai Sea Treaty). All Bhanarian shipping was denied access to the Chai Sea by Mhytanian and Chai men of war. The blockade soon suffocated Bhanarian resistance.</dd>
<dt>MS 5086 Shadaki and Free Alliance of Southern Magnamund</dt>
- <dd>Zultan Zedoli seized the throne of Shadaki in a bloody uprising, and the state of Shadaki seceded from the Free Alliance of Southern Magnamund<ch.emdash/>the confederation of states which had emerged from the collapse of the Shadakine Empire of Shasarak the Wytch-king in MS 5057. Grey Star, the previous ruler of Shadaki, fled but he remained the Wizard Regent of the Free Alliance and set up his new capital in Port of Suhn.</dd>
+ <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>
<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>
</meta>
<data>
- <!--TODO-->
+ <p>It is early Spring in the year MS<ch.nbsp/>5102, and you are a Grand Master of the New Order of the Kai, the warrior elite of Sommerlund.</p>
+
+ <p>It is a clear moonlit night and you are staring out across the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Dreams from the high window of your chambers in the Kai Monastery of Lorn. The crunching sound of footfalls on loose gravel draws your attention to the parade ground below. A pair of diligent young Kai Warmarns, clad in black and yellow chequered tabards, is patrolling the perimeter with spears on their shoulders. Your eyes wander towards the centre of the parade ground, to a low circular wall of white Kirlundin stone. It encompasses two sturdy Sommlending Oaks. You are reminded of when these trees were transplanted here during the inauguration of the monastery, on the Feast of Fehmarn, two years previously. They were transported all the way from your homeland by sea. The oaks represent the two Sommlending Kai Monasteries with their roots inextricably entwined. The moon is full tonight. Ishir<ch.apos/>s Blessing casts its ashen light upon the battlements, towers and gleaming porticos of the new monastery. You take great pride in what you see, for the sweat of your own labour contributed to the construction of this magnificent fortress.</p>
+
+ <p>Your pride is tinged with apprehension for you have much on your mind. Sommerlund suffered greatly during the perpetual winter and heavy thaw of last year. Fortunately, before his untimely death in MS<ch.nbsp/>5101, King Tor IV had wisely made provision for the storage of food and fuel throughout Sommerlund, and these caches saved the lives of countless thousands of citizens. You are confident that your homeland will surely recover from the Long Winter of MS<ch.nbsp/>5101, but it will likely take two years or more before life there returns to normal. However, this is the lesser of your present concerns. The greater is something less tangible. For the past two weeks, you have been haunted by a feeling that the forces of darkness are poised to unleash an assault upon Magnamund. You are not alone in your feelings. Blazer, one of your fellow Grand Masters, confided to you this evening that he, too, has been having similar feelings of foreboding for no apparent reason, as have several of the more-psychically gifted Kai Masters in the monastery.</p>
+
+ <p>The events of tomorrow should allay or confirm your fears. Supreme Master Lone Wolf is expected to arrive by skyship from Dessi at noon. You and Grand Master Blazer will formally greet him when he disembarks upon the monastery parade ground. You have personally overseen the arrangements for the docking of his skyship, and an honour guard of Kai Masters has been drilled to perfection is readiness for his inspection. Satisfied that everything is prepared for tomorrow<ch.apos/>s duty, you close your window and retire to your bed.</p>
+
+ <p>You awake at dawn and breakfast with a dozen Kai Masters in the mess hall. Then you make your final preparations for Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s return. As noon approaches, there is a buzz of anticipation on the parade ground as eagerly you await the imminent arrival of Supreme Master Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s skyship. Together with Blazer, your fellow Kai Grand Master, you make one last inspection to check that everything is ready. The lookout in the Tower of the Moon spots two skyships approaching, and he informs you of this by a telepathic message. Hastily, you issue orders to the Kai docking crew to prepare to receive this second, unexpected skycraft. A further area of the parade ground is cleared, and mooring points for the second craft are quickly installed and made ready.</p>
+
+ <p>The skyships make a slow and simultaneous decent towards the parade ground from out of the blue cloudless sky. They come to hover, side by side, no more than a few feet above the ground and their sorcerous engines are powered-down to a soft hum. Mooring lines are attached fore and aft of each vessel, and wheeled stairs are positioned against the gunwales of their main decks. The larger of the two skyships is Skyfort, Supreme Master Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s personal vessel, which he received as a gift from Guildmaster Banedon two years previously. Lone Wolf appears at the head of the stairs, and behind him you can see four Kai Grand Masters: Black Hawk, Star Lynx, Steel Hand and Swift Sword, each dressed in their distinctive personal uniforms.</p>
+
+ <p>The smaller skyship is named Comet, one of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star<ch.apos/>s new fleet of fast aerial vessels. Standing on its main deck, you recognize Lord Rimoah and Guildmaster Banedon. With them is a small humanoid creature with greenish skin and crimson eyes. It shuffles impatiently and tugs at the brim of its tall felt hat to shield its sensitive crimson eyes from the glare of the noon sun. Although you have never seen a creature like this before, you know enough about the myriad races of Magnamund to deduce that this is a Kloon Sage of Chaman.</p>
+
+ <p>Supreme Master Lone Wolf descends the stairs to the parade ground, and a fanfare of cornets is sounded when he first sets foot on the gravelled surface. He makes a swift inspection of the assembled ranks and commends the Kai Masters on their turnout. Then he dismisses them in order that they may return to their teaching duties. As they disperse and leave the parade ground, Lone Wolf calls you and Blazer forward and informs you both that a special conference will be held in his personal chambers in one hour<ch.apos/>s time. You are both instructed to attend.</p>
+
+ <p>Supreme Master Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s chambers occupy the top two floors of the Tower of the Moon, the tallest of the monastery<ch.apos/>s crenulated towers. The lower of these two floors contains the Grand Hall of the Supreme Master, and it is here that the special conference is convened. The hall is a magnificent exemplification of Sommlending architectural design. Its gold-veined pillars of marble support a buttressed ceiling embellished with a vibrant mural depicting famous events in Sommlending history. The walls are draped with the war banners of the Kai, and several glass-fronted display cabinets, set around the hall, contain trophies, medals, and mementoes collected by Lone Wolf during his many quests. You and Blazer pass through the hall<ch.apos/>s great door which closes behind you and locks with a muffled click. Gathered in a circle around a large table set before the Supreme Master<ch.apos/>s alabaster throne, you see the illustrious and dignified group who arrived at the monastery an hour ago. Lone Wolf beckons you and Blazer to join them. Spread upon the table<ch.apos/>s polished surface is a detailed map of Magnamund.</p>
+
+ <p><quote>Now that our company is complete, I call upon Lord Rimoah and Sage Chastan to give their report of the unprecedented events that have prompted me to convene this special meeting,</quote> says Lone Wolf.</p>
+
+ <p><quote>Thank you, my Lord,</quote> responds Rimoah. He picks up a steel pointer from the table and uses it to aid his briefing. Tapping its tip upon his homeland of Dessi, he begins.</p>
+
+ <p><quote>The High Council of the Elder Magi has become aware of several threats to the security of Magnamund that have demanded our urgent attention. Whereas, in the past, the agents of darkness have confined their attempts to corrupt sovereign nations in one or two specific regions, we are now convinced that an orchestrated effort is underway to overwhelm the goodly nations of Magnamund. Several sizeable and coordinated attacks have been launched simultaneously. We believe their express purpose is to overwhelm us before we are able to gather our allies and mount an effective counter-offensive. Here, in Dessi, from the depths of the chasm of Gorgoron, a vast horde of Agarashi has awoken. They have emerged from the chasm and spread throughout the central jungles of my homeland. Our magicians and our brave Vakeros are now locked in battle with this horde as I speak.</quote></p>
+
+ <p>Lord Rimoah moves the pointer across the map and taps several other places where sinister uprisings are taking place.</p>
+
+ <p><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. All of these places have now become mustering points for the forces of darkness.</quote></p>
+
+ <p>Lord Rimoah lifts his steely gaze from the map and looks to the slight figure of Sage Chastan.</p>
+
+ <p><quote>Our learned allies in Chaman forewarned us late last year. I very much regret that the High Council did not heed their warnings sooner, and for that I owe our learned ally a sincere apology.</quote> The Kloon blinks his crimson eyes and accepts Rimoah<ch.apos/>s apology with a gracious nod of his head.</p>
+
+ <p><quote>Our fears have become real,</quote> he replies, in a softly rasping tone. <quote>But there is still time enough to stem this tide of darkness, though precious little time it is.</quote></p>
+
+ <p><quote>Precious little time, indeed,</quote> says Lone Wolf, solemnly. <quote>If we are to prevent this resurgence of evil from overwhelming the Freelands of Magnamund, we must strike swiftly and effectively at the enemy<ch.apos/>s main mustering points. By preventing the reinforcement of their hordes, we shall stem this flood before it converges and drowns us.</quote></p>
+
+ <p>Lone Wolf casts his eyes upon each Kai Grand Master in turn as he continues speaking.</p>
+
+ <p><quote>With the aid of my wise and learned councillors, I have prepared missions for each and every one of you.</quote> From the pocket of his golden battle tunic, Lone Wolf produces six furled parchments, each tied with a silk cord of a different colour. One by one, he hands them out to you and the five other Kai Grand Masters assembled here.</p>
+
+ <p><quote>Unfurl your scroll, my lords. Read and memorise the contents,</quote> instructs Lone Wolf.</p>
+
+ <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>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>
+
+ <p>The Sages of Chaman have located the Eye of Agarash. For centuries, and without the knowledge of a succession of royal owners, it has been a gem that embellishes the Grand Throne of the Khea-khans. This throne is located in the Imperial Palace of Pensei, in Chai. Your mission is to journey to Pensei and retrieve the Eye of Agarash. Once you have it in your possession, you must return with it as quickly as you are able to the Kai Monastery of Lorn. Years ago, you saved the life of the young Khea-Khan<ch.apos/>s grandfather. For that, he will forever be in your debt. Our agents in Chai are confident that Lao Tin will willingly give you the Eye of Agarash and assist your swift return here to the monastery. However, now that Zashnor<ch.apos/>s hordes are moving quickly to invade Chai, there is a serious risk that the city of Pensei may fall within a matter of days.</p>
+
+ <p>We are in no doubt that Zashnor is aware of the Eye<ch.apos/>s location and its significance. It must be retrieved before it falls into his foul hands. We know that he possesses a personal weapon that bears a chilling similarity to the Claw of Naar. If, indeed, it has the same properties as the Claw you retrieved, then the consequences of him capturing the Eye of Agarash will be devastating. This outcome must be prevented at all costs.</p>
+ </blockquote>
+
+ <p>When you and the other Grand Masters have finished reading and digesting the contents of your mission scrolls, Lone Wolf instructs you to furl them and place them in the centre of the map table. Guildmaster Banedon steps forward and sweeps his hands across the pile of scrolls. Immediately, they are consumed by a cold magical fire that destroys them utterly leaving no trace. Lone Wolf calls an end to the conference and dismisses you and the other Grand Masters. Before you leave the Grand Hall, he instructs you all to gather at dawn on the parade ground in readiness for your departure from the monastery. With a formal salute, you acknowledge his order and leave the hall in single file. In silent contemplation, you each return to your quarters to make preparations for your individual missions. The afternoon is spent selecting your clothing and equipment for the mission and, after supper, you retire early in order to get plenty of rest before you set off tomorrow morning. With some difficulty, you eventually fall asleep after several hours spent in listless contemplation of your quest and the unknown dangers that lie ahead.</p>
</data>
</section>
<instance class="pdf" src="wpnmast.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
</illustration>
- <p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to become supremely efficient in the use of all weapons. When you enter combat armed with one of your Grand Master weapons, you may add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. The rank of Kai Grand Master Senior, with which you begin the <cite>New Order</cite> series, means that you are skilled in the use of <em>one</em> of the weapons listed below.</p>
-
+ <p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to become supremely efficient in the use of all weapons. When you enter combat armed with one of your Grand Master weapons, you may add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. The rank of Kai Grand Master Senior, with which you begin the <cite>New Order</cite> series, means that you are skilled in the use of <em>one</em> of the weapons listed below.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</data>
</section>
- <!--TODO-->
- <p>The nature of additional improvements and how they affect your existing Grand Disciplines will be noted in the Improved Grand Master Disciplines section of future <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> books.</p>
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="grandthane">
+ <meta><title>Grand Thane</title></meta>
- </data>
+ <data>
+ <p>If you are a New Order Kai who has attained the rank of Grand Thane, you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
+ <dl class="paragraphed">
+ <dt>Grand Weaponmastery</dt>
+ <dd><p>Grand Thanes are able to draw a weapon very swiftly, or switch between a hand weapon and a bow in the blink of eye.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Animal Mastery</dt>
+ <dd><p>A Grand Thane can command an animal to halt and remain motionless. Few animals can resist this command. The effects of a Grand Thane<ch.apos/>s command last approximately one minute and affect one animal.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Assimilance </dt>
+ <dd><p>Upon reaching the rank of Grand Thane, a Kai Grand Master who possesses Assimilance can cause himself, and/or a group of willing creatures in the nearby proximity, to take on the appearance of inanimate objects. Anyone affected in such a way must remain stationary for the illusion to work. Unwilling creatures are not affected by the use of this skill. A Grand Thane, or any group affected, can take on the convincing appearance of trees, rocks, bushes, boulders etc. The effect will be negated immediately if the Grand Thane, or any of the affected creatures, should move or be attacked. The effect lasts for approximately 10 minutes and has a range radius of 30 feet.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Kai-surge</dt>
+ <dd><p>Grand Thanes can use Kai-surge to attack up to 10 enemies in psychic combat simultaneously.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Kai-screen</dt>
+ <dd><p>Grand Thanes are able to absorb and transform hostile psychic energy into a positive physical effect. Using this powerful ability, a Grand Thane can restore lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points while being subjected to psychic attack. The number and rate of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points regained in this way varies greatly, and is dependent upon the nature of the attack and the physical condition of the Grand Thane when the attack occurs.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Grand Nexus</dt>
+ <dd><p>By uttering the Kai Word of Power (<quote>Kai!</quote>), a Grand Thane can repel and cause damage to creatures who devoutly follow any of the lesser gods and champions of Naar - the King of the Darkness. The Kai Word of Power has no effect when used against non-sentient creatures or persons who have neither sworn fealty to Naar, nor acknowledged Naar as their master.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Telegnosis</dt>
+ <dd><p>Grand Thanes are able to excavate earth by force of their will alone. The amount of earth, the depth of the excavation, and the speed at which the excavation occurs all increase as a Grand Thane advances in rank.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Magi-Magic </dt>
+ <dd>
+ <p>A Grand Thane is able to use the following Old Kingdom spells:</p>
+ <ol>
+ <li><spell>Speed</spell><ch.emdash/>By casting this spell upon themselves, or on another creature within 10 feet, a Grand Thane can triple the speed of all normal physical movement. It lasts for approximately 5 minutes. The duration of the spell increases as a Grand Thane advances in rank.</li>
+ <li><spell>Power Strike</spell><ch.emdash/>Can be cast immediately before combat. It adds +1 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> to the Grand Thane, and +1 to every <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point lost by the enemy due to wounds caused by the Grand Thane. The spell ends immediately when combat is concluded. It costs a Grand Thane -3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to use this spell.</li>
+ </ol>
+ </dd>
+ <dt>Kai-alchemy</dt>
+ <dd>
+ <p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Grand Thane are able to use the following Brotherhood spells:</p>
+ <ol>
+ <li><spell>Illumination</spell><ch.emdash/>Creates a sphere of brilliant white light that will hover in mid air within 10 feet of the Grand Thane. It can be directed at will and lasts for up to 1 hour. It can only be cast once per day.</li>
+
+ <li><spell>Bridge</spell><ch.emdash/>Creates a solid bridge over an obstacle, or from ground level to a higher or lower location. The bridge appears as an opaque, milky-white stone. The range of this spell is approximately 20 feet, and its duration is precisely 1 minute. The range and the duration of effect increase as a Grand Thane advances in Kai rank.</li>
+ </ol>
+ </dd>
+ </dl>
+ <p>The nature of additional improvements and how they affect your existing Grand Disciplines will be noted in the Improved Grand Master Disciplines section of future <cite>Lone Wolf New Order</cite> books.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+ </data>
</section>
</data>
</section>
<p>Quang and the Watchers leave their locations and race to their horses. Rapidly, you mount your horse and spur him towards the open doors. You are halfway across the barn when a Chagarashi appears in the open doorway and throws its arms wide. It spreads its sinewy fingers and its razor-sharp talons glint in the dull light. It is attempting to block your escape.</p>
<p>You are almost upon it when your horse rears up in alarm. The Chagarashi seizes this opportunity and leaps forward to attack.</p>
<combat><enemy>Chagarashi Scout</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>You struggle to control your frightened horse throughout this combat. Its wild and erratic movement makes it hard for you to strike this enemy with precision. Deduct 4 points from your Combat Skill for the duration of this fight.</p>
+ <p>You struggle to control your frightened horse throughout this combat. Its wild and erratic movement makes it hard for you to strike this enemy with precision. Deduct 4 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect224">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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 <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>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.</p>
<p>If you possess the Kai Weapon <quote>Spawnsmite</quote> or <quote>Valiance</quote> you may add the bonus that you gain from its unique properties during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect160">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>Despite the rumbling thunder, howling winds, and heavy rain beating on the shingle roof of the hut, you soon drift off into a deep and dreamless sleep. Four hours later you are awoken by Anseng<ch.apos/>s strong hand shaking your shoulder.</p>
<p><quote>Wake up, my Lord. It<ch.apos/>s time to go.</quote></p>
<p>The noise of the night storm has disappeared. The only sound you can hear outside is a dawn chorus of chittering bird song. You rise from your mattress and gather your weapons and equipment. When you are ready, Anseng takes you to a stable at the rear of the hut where two horses are saddled ready to ride. He prepared them while you were sleeping. Leaving the stable, you and set off along the muddy highway at a brisk pace. The rain and thunder have ceased but the slowly brightening sky is heavy with thick grey cloud.</p>
- <p>As you ride along, you stare out across the lush green paddy fields bordering the road. On your way you pass by several isolated huts and houses. Their owners, all rice growers, are repairing roofs and walls that been damaged by the storm and they pay you scant regards as you ride past their humble abodes. Anseng says that you must reach the village of Zang before nightfall. You have a long day<ch.apos/>s ride ahead and there will be no time to stop and rest along the way. Unless you have a Meal in your Backpack, you lose 3 Endurance points. The need to stay in the saddle all day prevents you from foraging for food in the adjacent rice fields.</p>
+ <p>As you ride along, you stare out across the lush green paddy fields bordering the road. On your way you pass by several isolated huts and houses. Their owners, all rice growers, are repairing roofs and walls that been damaged by the storm and they pay you scant regards as you ride past their humble abodes. Anseng says that you must reach the village of Zang before nightfall. You have a long day<ch.apos/>s ride ahead and there will be no time to stop and rest along the way. Unless you have a Meal in your Backpack, you lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. The need to stay in the saddle all day prevents you from foraging for food in the adjacent rice fields.</p>
<p>During your long journey, you converse with Anseng and find out more about your trusty guide. He hails from the city of Dwala, approximately 200 miles due east of your present location. He is one of a group of covert agents established by the Elder Magi for the purpose of gathering intelligence about vengeful Bhanarians, obsessed with avenging the Massacre of Yua Tzhan, who are operating in and around Pensei. They have also been tasked with finding out why Agarashi have recently been sighted far from their lairs in the Hyunsei Foothills, the Voxai Swamp and the Huzang Forest. The last time they found the courage to do so was seventeen years ago, when they joined the army of Autarch Sejanoz for the invasion of Chai. Anseng tells you that his group of agents are headquartered at the Tower of Ishir in Dwala. Here they meet regularly with Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s envoy and pass on all the information they have gathered about the enemy. Anseng is a proud member of this secret group of agents who call themselves <quote>The Watchers</quote>. While you are riding together, you notice an unusual polearm that is strapped to Anseng<ch.apos/>s saddle.</p>
<choice idref="sect248">If you wish to ask Anseng about this weapon, <link-text>turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect148">If you choose not to say anything about it, <link-text>turn to 148</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>127</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Two Imperial Guardsmen clad in <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">ang<ch.apos/>sei</foreign> (the famous Chai waistcoats of golden mail) who are posted at the gates of the Imperial Palace Keep come smartly to attention and salute Captain Voushan as you approach. He acknowledges their salute and you accompany the Captain into the courtyard beyond. The largest building in this exclusive area is the Pensei Pagoda. It is also the oldest and most impressive construction in all of Chai, dating back to the time when the country was first established following the collapse of the Vaduzhan Empire during the Great Civil War of MS 1620.</p>
+ <p>Two Imperial Guardsmen clad in <foreign xml:lang="x-chaian">ang<ch.apos/>sei</foreign> (the famous Chai waistcoats of golden mail) who are posted at the gates of the Imperial Palace Keep come smartly to attention and salute Captain Voushan as you approach. He acknowledges their salute and you accompany the Captain into the courtyard beyond. The largest building in this exclusive area is the Pensei Pagoda. It is also the oldest and most impressive construction in all of Chai, dating back to the time when the country was first established following the collapse of the Vaduzhan Empire during the Great Civil War of MS<ch.nbsp/>1620.</p>
<p>Upon entering the main concourse of the Pensei Pagoda, you are struck by the lavishness of the interior which recently has been renovated at Khea-khan Lao Tin<ch.apos/>s behest. Its panelled walls and ornamented arched doors are exquisitely carved with symbols of historic and religious significance, delicately inlaid with fine gold leaf and myriad pearls. There is an impressive circular skywell positioned above an elegant indoor garden that harbours several dozen miniature trees, all meticulously cultivated and beautifully arranged around a narrow winding stream of shimmering azure water. A grand mahogany staircase dominates the north side of the concourse and ascends to the first storey. It is here that the Grand Throne Room of the Khea-khan is located.</p>
<p>The arched door opens as you reach the top of the staircase and Captain Voushan escorts you into the luxuriously appointed chamber beyond. Every inch of the walls and ceiling are embellished with intricate carvings clad with gold leaf. The effect is dazzling at first sight. Portraits of past Khea-khans and depictions of significant events in Chai<ch.apos/>s proud history are displayed around the walls, and in the centre of the chamber there is a grand ebony throne set atop a large rectangular slab of crimson-veined marble. You inspect the throne and you are disappointed to discover that the Eye of Agarash is missing. There is a deep indentation where the gem was mounted. Tell-tale gouges around this indentation reveal that the gem has recently been prised out of its setting.</p>
<p>A robed courtier approaches Captain Voushan and informs him that the Khea-khan is inspecting the west wall defences. He is expected to return within the hour and she invites you to await him here.</p>
<p>The Chagarashi lead the attack on the North wall. They leap up and sink their talons deep into the logs and cling on tightly as the Skarada use them like scaling ladders. They clamber up their backs to reach the top of the parapet wall.</p>
<p>You unsheathe your Kai Weapon and join the militiamen crouching along the parapet walkway. The instant the clawed hands and head of the first Skarad appear above the parapet, you spring to your feet and strike.</p>
<combat><enemy>Skarad</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>You may add +3 to your Combat Skill in the first round of this combat. The Skarad is unable to retaliate in the first round as it has not cleared the wall, therefore you should ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> loss you sustain in the initial round.</p>
+ <p>You may add +3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> in the first round of this combat. The Skarad is unable to retaliate in the first round as it has not cleared the wall, therefore you should ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> loss you sustain in the initial round.</p>
<choice idref="sect68">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 68</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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 <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>
+ <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 <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>
</section>
<p>Quang and the Watchers leave their locations and race to their horses. Rapidly, you mount your horse and spur him towards the open doors. You are halfway across the barn when two Chagarashi appear in the open doorway and throw their arms wide. They spread their sinewy fingers and their razor-sharp talons glint in the dull light. They are attempting to block your escape.</p>
<p>You are almost upon them when your horse rears up in alarm. The Chagarashi seize this opportunity and leap forward to attack.</p>
<combat><enemy>2 Chagarashi Scouts</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>You struggle to control your frightened horse throughout this combat. Its wild and erratic movement makes it hard for you to strike these enemies with precision. Deduct 4 points from your Combat Skill for the duration of this fight.</p>
+ <p>You struggle to control your frightened horse throughout this combat. Its wild and erratic movement makes it hard for you to strike these enemies with precision. Deduct 4 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect224">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>251</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You enter and ride along Tzushen Avenue. This thoroughfare is well lit and lined with leafy jougong trees that exude a fragrant scent, but you are immediately struck by the large number of shops and eating houses that are closed, their doors and windows boarded and shuttered. Halfway along the avenue are several consulates and embassies of foreign nations. Judging by their darkened windows and chained doors, they appear to have been shut down and abandoned by their diplomatic staff. You pass the abandoned Dessian Embassy which was administered by Lord Ghadra when you visited this city many years ago. The embassy was shut down in MS 5085 in protest of the Massacre of Yua Tzhan. Now only one consulate shows any signs of life. A column of grey smoke is rising from its chimney, its front door is unchained and there is candlelight radiating from one of its ground floor windows. You recognise the dark blue flag that hangs above its door; it is the national flag of Durenor.</p>
+ <p>You enter and ride along Tzushen Avenue. This thoroughfare is well lit and lined with leafy jougong trees that exude a fragrant scent, but you are immediately struck by the large number of shops and eating houses that are closed, their doors and windows boarded and shuttered. Halfway along the avenue are several consulates and embassies of foreign nations. Judging by their darkened windows and chained doors, they appear to have been shut down and abandoned by their diplomatic staff. You pass the abandoned Dessian Embassy which was administered by Lord Ghadra when you visited this city many years ago. The embassy was shut down in MS<ch.nbsp/>5085 in protest of the Massacre of Yua Tzhan. Now only one consulate shows any signs of life. A column of grey smoke is rising from its chimney, its front door is unchained and there is candlelight radiating from one of its ground floor windows. You recognise the dark blue flag that hangs above its door; it is the national flag of Durenor.</p>
<choice idref="sect36">If you wish to stop and enter the Durenese Consulate, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect289">If you wish to continue along Tzushen Avenue, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>Quang and the Watchers rush to their horses. Rapidly, you mount your horse and spur him towards the open doors. You are halfway across the barn when two Chagarashi appear in the open doorway and throw their arms wide. They spread their sinewy fingers and their razor-sharp talons glint in the dull light. They are attempting to block your escape.</p>
<p>You are almost upon them when your horse rears up in fright. The Chagarashi seize this opportunity and leap forward to attack.</p>
<combat><enemy>2 Chagarashi Scouts</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>You struggle to control your terrified horse throughout this combat. Its wild and erratic movement makes it hard for you to strike these enemies with precision. Deduct 4 points from your Combat Skill for the duration of this fight.</p>
+ <p>You struggle to control your terrified horse throughout this combat. Its wild and erratic movement makes it hard for you to strike these enemies with precision. Deduct 4 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect224">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>The Chagarashi lead the attack on the West wall. They leap up and sink their talons deep into the logs and cling on tightly as the Skarada use them like scaling ladders. They clamber up their backs to reach the top of the parapet wall.</p>
<p>You unsheathe your Kai Weapon and join the militiamen crouching along the parapet walkway. The instant the clawed hands and head of the first Skarad appear above the parapet, you spring to your feet and strike.</p>
<combat><enemy>Skarad</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">41</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>You may add +3 to your Combat Skill in the first round of this combat. The Skarad is unable to retaliate in the first round as it has not cleared the wall, therefore you should ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> loss you sustain in the initial round.</p>
+ <p>You may add +3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> in the first round of this combat. The Skarad is unable to retaliate in the first round as it has not cleared the wall, therefore you should ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> loss you sustain in the initial round.</p>
<choice idref="sect68">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 68</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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 <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>
+ <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>
</section>
<p>The remaining Chagarashi lead the attack on the North wall. They leap up and sink their talons deep into the logs and cling on tightly as the Skarada use them like scaling ladders, clambering up their backs to reach the top of the wall.</p>
<p>You unsheathe your Kai Weapon and join the militiamen crouching along the parapet walkway. The instant the clawed hands and head of the first Skarad appear above the parapet, you spring to your feet and strike.</p>
<combat><enemy>Skarad</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>You may add +3 to your Combat Skill in the first round of this combat. The Skarad is unable to retaliate in the first round as it has not cleared the wall, therefore you should ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> loss you sustain in the initial round.</p>
+ <p>You may add +3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> in the first round of this combat. The Skarad is unable to retaliate in the first round as it has not cleared the wall, therefore you should ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> loss you sustain in the initial round.</p>
<choice idref="sect68">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 68</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>It is mid-afternoon when you come to a small spire of stone at side of the highway, close to a wooded copse. Its metallic tip gleams dully in the poor light. Anseng says you should stop here for a short while to allow the horses to rest. You may now eat a Meal from your Backpack, or you can use your basic Kai Hunting Discipline to forage enough food for one Meal in the rice fields hereabouts. You are getting ready to remount and continue when a lightning storm breaks directly overhead. A crackling bolt of lightning strikes the tip of the stone spire, followed almost immediately by a deafening crash of thunder. The muddy ground shudders, but it is not the storm that is causing the sodden earth to tremble. From out of the copse comes a stampeding herd of Wild Guanza! These large bipedal lizards are wide-eyed with terror as they come racing towards you. Anseng screams a warning but the crazed Guanza pack are upon you before you can turn your horses about and evade them.</p>
<combat><enemy>Wild Guanza Herd</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>These creatures are pack hunters. They are in a frenzy of fear induced by the deafening thunder and close lightning strikes. They are also very hungry and the scent of your horses is enough to override their primeval panic.</p>
- <p>If you possess the Kai Grand Master Discipline of Animal Mastery, add 2 to your Combat Skill for the duration of this fight.</p>
+ <p>If you possess the Kai Grand Master Discipline of Animal Mastery, add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect201">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="backmatter" id="crsumary">
<meta><title>Combat Rules Summary</title></meta>
-
+
<data>
<ol>
<li>Add your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> to any bonus points given to you by your Kai Weapon, Special Items, or Grand Master Disciplines.</li>
<li>Find your Combat Ratio along the top of the chart and cross-reference to the random number you have picked. (E indicates loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to Enemy. GM indicates loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to yourself.)</li>
<li>Continue the combat from Stage 3 until one character is dead. This is when the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points of either character falls to 0 or below.</li>
</ol>
-
+
<section class="backmatter" id="smevazn">
<meta><title>To Evade Combat</title></meta>
-
+
<data>
-
+
<ol>
<li>You may only do this when the text of the adventure offers you the opportunity.</li>
<li>You undertake one round of combat in the usual way. All points lost by the enemy are ignored; only you lose the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
<li>If the book offers the chance of taking evasive action in place of combat, it can be taken in the first or any subsequent round (unless specifically stated otherwise).</li>
</ol>
-
+
</data>
</section>
-
+
</data>
</section>
<data>
<!-- JB: what other frontmatter errata apply here -->
<p>(<a idref="timeline">Timeline of Notable Events in Magnamund</a>) Changed <quote>Zha-zing</quote> to <quote>Zha-zhing</quote>. Changed <quote>Shararak</quote> to <quote>Shasarak</quote>. Changed <quote>MS 5101 Kalte, Sommerlund and Durenor</quote> to <quote>MS 5101 Kalte, Sommerlund, and Durenor</quote>. Changed <quote>leveled</quote> to <quote>levelled</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="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>.</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>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect2">2</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Master discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
</data>
</section>
</data>
- </section>
+ </section>
&inclusion.project.aon.license;
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