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+Revision 1.2 2005/11/30 00:11:15 cvsuser
+Major update to fix pending erratum and non-erratum reports.
+
Revision 1.1 2004/11/09 06:47:16 jonathan.blake
Initial Freepository revision
-->
<meta>
- <title>[Insert Title]</title>
+ <title>Highway Holocaust</title>
+ <creator class="short">Joe Dever and Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <creator class="medium">Joe Dever<br />Illustrated by Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <creator class="long">
+ &inclusion.joe.dever.bio.lw;
+<!-- &inclusion.brian.williams.bio.lw;-->
+ </creator>
+ <publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
+ <date class="publication"><year>2005</year><month>11</month><day>25</day></date>
+ <description class="blurb">
+ <p>You are Cal Phoenix, the freeway warrior, champion and protector of Dallas Colony One. A murderous gang of H.A.V.O.C. clansmen, led by the psychotic Mad Dog Michigan, are bent on destroying your fragile colony as it crosses the wastelands of Texas on the first stage of a life-or-death exodus to the California coast. These bike-riding clansmen are a formidable enemy: armed, cunning, and extremely dangerous, capable of launching a lightning raid at any time, day or night. You will need all your wits about you if you are to defend your people and reach your destination intact!</p>
+ </description>
+ <description class="publication">
+ <p>Internet Edition published by <a href="http://www.projectaon.org/">Project Aon</a>. This edition is intended to reflect the complete text of the original version. Where we have made minor corrections, they will be noted in the <a idref="errata">Errata</a>.</p>
+ </description>
+ <rights class="copyrights">Text copyright © 1988 Joe Dever.<br />Illustrations copyright © 1988 Melvyn Grant.</rights>
+ <rights class="license-notification">
+ <p>Text copyright © 1988 Joe Dever.<br />Illustrations copyright © 1988 Melvyn Grant.<br />Distribution of this Internet Edition is restricted under the terms of the <a idref="license">Project Aon License</a>.</p>
+ </rights>
</meta>
<section id="toc">
<data>
- <!-- Frontmatter -->
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="dedicate">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Dedication</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="title" />
+ <link class="next" idref="acknwldg" />
+ </meta>
-<!--
-Ii
-Dateline to Disaster
-1900-1998 Rise of global terrorism on an
-unprecedented scale. Political
-violence funded by organized cilme
-syndicate called HAVOC - The
-Hijack, Assassination and Violent
-Opposition Consortium.
-
-1998-2003
-
-
-
-
-2003-2008
-The governments of many small and
-impoverished nations fall into the
-hands of HAVOC. International
-terrorists receive arms, training and
-shelter in these 'Badlands'.
-
-Raids on oil and gas installations,
-assassinations, and the kidnapping of
-prominent world statesmen become
-commonplace as HAVOC attempt to
-terrorize the civilized world into
-submission. Despite public outrage
-and growing international tension,
-the major powers steadfastly refuse to
-give in to HAVOC's demands.
-
-2008 President of the United States and
-General Secretary of Supreme Soviet
-both assassinated at emergency
-summit meeting. US, USSR and major
-
-11-'~*-~- -
-j
-I
-Dateline go Disaster
-1gO-lgg Rise of global terrorism on an
-Unprecedented scale. Political
-violence funded by organized crime
-syndicate Called HAVOC - The
-Hijack, Assassination and Violent
-Opposition Consortium.
-
-l996-2~33 The governmen~ of many small and
-impove~sh~~ nations fall into the
-hands of HAVOC International
-terrorists receive arms, training and
-shelter in these 'Badlands'.
-
-Raids on oil and gas installations
-assassinations, and the kidnapping of
-prominent world statesmen become
-commonplace as HAVOC attempt to
-terrorize the civilized world into
-submission. Despite Public outrage
-and growing international tension,
-the major Powers steadfastly refuse to
-give in to~VOC's demands
-
-2006 President of the United States and
-General Secretary of Supreme Soviet
-both assassinated at emergency
-summit meeting. US, USSR and major
-
-
-:11
--
-p
-European nations create the World
-Defence League and declare war on
-HAVOC. The Badlands are invaded,
-key HAVOC bases destroyed, and
-thousands of HAVOC agents are
-captured.
-
-2000 HAVOC leaders imprisoned for life in
-'Deep Pens' - maximum security
-gaols located deep underground - to
-prevent their escape or release by
-HAVOC agents still at large.
-
-2010 New leadership emerges to unify the
-scattered remnants of HAVOC and
-plan revenge.
-
-2011 A WDL train transporting seventeen
-100-kiloton nuclear warheads,
-destined to be neutralized and
-dismantled, is attacked by HAVOC
-agents. The train is destroyed and its
-deadly cargo stolen.
-HAVOC hijack a WDL news satellite
-and broadcast a chilling ultimatum.
-They have planted the seventeen
-stolen warheads in major cities
-throughout the US, USSR and Europe.
-They call for the immediate release of
-all HAVOC agents held in Deep Pens,
-plus the payment of $2 trillion in gold
-bullion, or they will trigger the
-warheads one by one until their
-demands are met in full.
-I
-I
-A twenty-four hour deadline is set.
-WDL leaders declare emergency and
-request that the deadline be extended.
-HAVOC refuse.
-
-2nd January First warhead detonated at Brie
-Nuclear Energy Plant, ten miles south
-of Paris, France. Blast and radioactive
-fallout claim millions of lives.
-HAVOC repeat their demand and
-extend deadline by twenty-four hours.
-
-
-3rd January World Defence League agents
-The Day' discover location of HAVOC
-command headquarters on an island
-in the South Pacific Ocean.
-Immediately orders are given to
-infiltrate and destroy the HQ and its
-occupants. The assault is swift and
-decisive; the complex is quickly
-overrun and its inhabitants are killed.
-
-
-Yet, ironically, as the news of this
-victory is being relayed around the
-world, HAVOC enact their ultimate
-revenge. A transmitter hidden on the
-island, fitted with a time-delay
-mechanism, clicks on, sending its
-high-frequency radio signal to a
-communications satellite orbiting the
-earth. This signal is amplified and
-returned to earth where,
-simultaneously, It triggers the
-remaining nuclear warheads.
-13
-2012
-New Year's
-Day
-12
-2012-2019
-The initial explosions set off a
-disastrous chain reaction that feeds on
-civil and military nuclear installations
-all across the northern hemisphere.
-Hundreds of millions of people are
-killed within days, and many more
-perish during the years that follow,
-falling victim to the lingering
-radioactivity and the severe climatic
-changes that affect the earth.
-
-Gale force winds sweep across the
-world, carrying enormous amounts of
-dust into the upper atmosphere and
-preventing much sunlight from
-reaching the earth's surface.
-Temperatures plummet, deterring
-survivors from remaining above
-ground. Communications are
-disrupted by gamma radiation,
-making all radio, cable and satellite
-contact impossible. Small colonies of
-survivors develop in total isolation
-from one another during these years of
-darkness.
-
-2019-2020 Gradually, the dust storms die down
-and the sun penetrates the
-atmosphere, thawing the earths
-frozen surface. Radiation has decayed
-to tolerable levels, and survivors
-emerge to reclaim what little remains
-of the world they once knew.
-I
-I
-Cal's Story
-You are Cal Phoenix, a survivor, born on Thanks-
-giving in the year 2000 AD. When you cast your
-mind back to the time before 'the Day', you recall your
-two brothers and your sister, your parents' house in
-California, and summer vacations spent cruising the
-blue Pacific off Catalina Island aboard your father's
-boat. They are your fondest memories, yet your most
-vivid recollections are of winter vacations, when the
-family would drive to Dallas to spend Christmas with
-Uncle Jonas and Aunt Betty-Ann. Of all your Texan
-Christmases, the 2011 visit was the most memorable.
-It was also the last time you saw your family alive.
-
-Your parents had decided to cancel the trip to Dallas
-that year. The oil shortage had pushed up the price
-of gasolene to $30 a gallon, and only the rich could
-afford to drive long distances, even in cars equipped
-with solar-pacs. You were so disappointed when you
-heard the news that you decided to walk the 1300
-miles to Dallas, and would have done so had your
-father not caught up with you three miles from home.
-Then, when Uncle Jonas and Aunt Betty-Ann got to
-hear of it, they fixed it with your parents so that you
-at least could spend Christmas with them at their
-ranch near Denton.
-
-From the moment they met your charter flight at
-
-14 ΒΆ5
-Addison Airport you knew it was going to be a vaca-
-tion to remember. Uncle Jonas was an oilman. He
-had been one ever since he graduated from the
-University of Texas in '95 with a degree in geology.
-Earlier that summer he had been put in charge of
-construction at a shale-oil mine near Austin, the very
-first of its kind in Texas, and as a special Christmas
-treat he promised to take you on a guided tour of
-the whole underground complex.
-
-On New Year's Day 2012, the three of you started
-out early on the road to your uncle's mine, located
-on the Austin Chalk, over 200 miles south of Dallas.
-The trip would take at least two days, with an over-
-night stop in Waco. For, in an effort to conserve
-energy, the Federal government had imposed a speed
-restriction of fifteen miles per hour on all state
-highways. It was a slow journey, and despite the
-sombre radio bulletins that gave news of HAVOC's
-latest threats, you can still remember your excitement
-at the thought of exploring those tunnels deep below
-the earth.
-Your arrival at the mine was met by a military patrol,
-
-posted there by the World Defence League. The job
-
-16
-U
-
-U
-of the patrol was to prevent sabotage oil installa-
-hans all over the world had become one of HAVOC's
-primary targets m their campaign of terror The mine
-was officially closed for the New Year's recess but
-Uncle Jonas had right of access at all times and, after
-checking his papers, the patrol allowed you in. It
-was a massive complex and, for security reasons, it
-was totally self-supporting. A central shaft serviced
-the many working levels to which there were
-attached laboratories, workshops and even refineries
-for processing the precious crude oil after it had been
-extracted from the rock. Uncle Jonas was explaining
-the function of these refineries, 300 feet below the
-surface, when it happened.
-
-The ground shuddered when the shock waves from
-the first distant explosions reached the mine, and you
-remember thinking that it must be the start of an
-earthquake, the like of which you had experienced
-many times at home in California. But as the levels
-nearest the surface began to collapse and the central
-shaft filled with falling rubble, you realized the awful
-truth. The unthinkable had happened.
-At first there was no way of telling the extent of the
-surface devastation. Below ground, the safety
-generators had automatically switched into operation
-when the main power supply failed, and the tremors
-faded quickly, encouraging your aunt and uncle to
-believe that the damage above was superficial. Uncle
-Jonas was confident that the military would mount
-k a rescue operation and that you would be brought
-L outwithin a few days - a week at the most. Aunt
-Betty-Ann was also optimistic. After all, there were
-emergency supplies, enough to feed 200 men for a
-whole month. Little did she know that the three of
-you would end up consuming all of those supplies,
-or that the mine would become your home, your
-shelter and your prison for the next eight years of
-your lives.
-
-It was a month after the flay' when the three of you
-accepted that there would never be a rescue opera-
-tion. Many days had been spent in silence, hoping
-and praying for the sounds of excavation or a voice
-on the radio lint to the surface. But all that could
-be heard was the static crackle of the gamma radia-
-tion which was blanketing the earth. Uncle Jonas pro-
-posed that an attempt be made to reach the surface
-by tunnelling through the blocked central shaft. It
-was an awesomely dangerous feat, to dig vertically
-through 300 feet of compressed concrete rubble and
-twisted steel girders, but there was no other way you
-could ever hope to escape from the mine. Progress
-was painfully slow but the work gave you all a sense
-of purpose, a reason to go on, even though you feared
-what could be awaiting you on the surface.
-
-Those years spent In the mine taught you invaluable
-lessons in survival. Uncle Jonas showed you how to
-refine gasolene from crude oil to keep the generators
-alive; to coax fresh water from porous rock; to manu-
-facture spare parts in order to maintain vital
-machinery. Aunt Betty-Ann, who had at one time
-been a nurse and a high school teacher in Denton
-county, attended to your education and made sure
-that you stayed fit and healthy. Their love and sup-
-port enabled you to grow during those dark days
-underground despite the enormous sense of loss you
-felt for your parents, brothers and sister. You vowed
-then that one day you would repay their kindness
-by protecting and caring for them.
-
-It was early September in the year 2019 when finally
-you broke through to the surface. Aunt Betty-Ann
-was convinced that radiation levels would still be
-dangerously high, and at first she was against leav-
-ing the mine. But, during the last few months of your
-incarceration, the static that had always jammed the
-radio wavelengths had gradually cleared, and Uncle
-Jonas was able to persuade her that this meant it was
-now safe to live above ground.
-
-When you first emerged from the mine, you thought
-you were on the surface of another planet. Surely
-this could not be Earth? Few structures had survived
-the blizzards and intense cold that had swept around
-the world in the years following 'the Day', and now,
-after the dust had settled and the sun returned, the
-\95 once-fertile plains of Austin resembled little more
-than a desert of parched and broken rock, littered
-with the artefacts of an absent civilization. During
-the first few days, when you set out to explore this
-wilderness, it was easy to believe that you were the
-only survivors. But on the morning of the fifth day,
-Uncle Jonas made a chance radio contact with a
-family called Ewell who were living near the ruins
-of McKinney, thirty miles north of Dallas. They told
-him that they had been in touch with a handful of
-other groups who had managed somehow to survive
-the holocaust. Most were isolated, unable to move
-due to lack of fuel, food or water. They had urged
-those who could travel to join them in McKinney,
-to start a new community, and some were already
-on their way. Your uncle and aunt also accepted their
-18 19
-invitation. McKinney was not very far from Denton,
-and they were curious to see if anything remained
-of their ranch. They planned to return home, salvage
-whatever they could that might be of use, and then
-move on to McKinney. The Ewells were enthusiastic,
-but they warned that not everyone who had survived
-wanted to establish a new community, The ruins of
-Dallas and Fort Worth were controlled by gangs of
-criminals who fought with each other and terrorized
-anyone seeking to re-establish law and order. They
-advised you to avoid them at all costs when travel-
-ling north.
-
-Interstate Freeway 35 was the only highway still
-intact amid the devastation that surrounded the mine.
-It offered a direct route home to Denton, if only
-transportation could be found, for Uncle Jonas con-
-sidered conditions far too dangerous to attempt such
-a long journey on foot. It took more than a week to
-discover a vehicle that was still serviceable. It was
-an old school bus, one that had been parked in an
-underground lot and had survived the years of sub-
-zero blizzards. With a few new parts, a tankful of
-gas and a lot of hard work it was eventually brought
-back to life.
-
-Provisions, including a small generator, were hoisted
-out of the mine and stowed aboard before you began
-the journey back to the ranch. The noisy old bus
-bumped along the rock-strewn freeway that stretched
-northward across an empty sea of dust. It was a har-
-rowing sight. Hardly a trace remained of what were
-once thriving communities, and the once-populous
-cities of Temple and Waco had barely enough
-buildings still standing to qualify as small towns.
-I
-It was not until you reached the outskirts of Fort
-Worth that you encountered signs of human habita-
-tion. The road ahead was blocked by a line of
-wrecked autos, and at your approach a group of hard-
-faced men and women, clad in composite costumes
-of leather and rivetted steel, suddenly popped up
-from behind this barricade. Uncle Jonas was
-suspicious and slowed the bus almost to a halt. Sud-
-denly they produced handguns and rifles and began
-to take aim at the windshield, and he knew it was
-not the time to stop to ask for directions! He told
-you and Aunt Betty-Ann to brace yourselves, then
-stamped his foot on the gas and drove the bus straight
-through the wall of cars, scattering the punks like
-ten-pins in a strike. The bus was shot at many times
-as it sped through Fort Worth, but the street gangs
-had been caught out and you managed to escape from
-the ruined city before they could give chase.
-
-When you got to Denton you discovered that the
-ranch, like all the other nearby dwellings, had been
-~ reduced to a heap of broken bricks and shattered
-timbers. The sight greatly upset your aunt, and
-~incle Jonas felt it better not to stop but to continue
-~werland to McKinney. It was easy to find where
-
-20 21
-the Ewells lived, for their ranch was the only place
-in town that was still standing. It looked more like
-an old frontier post than a ranch, with its fortified
-perimeter wall, lookout posts and stake-filled moat.
-But, after your brush with the citizens of Fort Worth,
-it was easy to understand the need for these
-defences.
-
-'Pop' Ewell, the seventy-year-old grandfather of the
-Ewell family, was the leader of this small colony of
-survivors; it was he who had urged Uncle Jonas to
-join them when they had first made radio contact.
-The colony numbered less than a dozen at the time
-of your arrival, yet as the airwaves became clearer,
-soon this number had more than doubled to twenty-
-five. It was decided that a name was needed to
-identify the settlement. The name 'Dallas Colony One'
-was adopted - 'DCI' for short - and from that day
-on everyone worked hard to make DCI a secure
-haven for those seeking refuge from the hostile
-wastelands and marauding city gangs.
-
-'Cutter' Jacks was one such refugee. Before the
-holocaust he had been chief mechanic at the Inter-
-national Grand Prix Circuit near Lake Dallas, and his
-Incredible skill and knowledge of engines was soon
-to prove invaluable to the colony. He taught you how
-to drive, and from a pile of old wrecks that you
-helped him salvage from the circuit he built you a
-powerful, customized car. You used it to patrol the
-highways north of the city, keeping a lookout for
-gangs of city punks who frequently mounted raids
-to steal or destroy DCI's supplies. 'Cutter' also taught
-you to shoot, and it was your prowess with a gun
-and your skill behind the wheel that was to earn you
-
-22
-the begrudging respect of your enemies who took to
-calling you 'Freeway Warrior'.
-
-Six months after you arrived at DCI, the colony was
-faced with a major crisis. A heat wave was causing
-a drought that threatened to destroy the food sup-
-ply. Crops were failing and the colony's artesian well
-- its only source of uncontaminated water - was
-beginning to dry up. The drought was also provok-
-mg more attacks from the city punks who were
-desperate for food and water. Their common need
-united them and they posed a very real threat to the
-security of DC1.
-
-It was the last day of May 2020 when Pop Ewell made
-radio contact with another colony who were based
-in the city of Big Spring, 300 miles west of
-McKinney. It appeared that their situation was com-
-pletely the reverse of Dcl's: they had plenty of food
-and water but they were desperately short of fuel.
-They told of their contact with survivors in Tucson,
-Arizona, who were also without fuel. The Tucson
-colony reported that the territories west of the Sierra
-Nevada mountains had been spared the worst effects
-of the radioactive blizzards that had devastated the
-rest of the country and, miraculously, much of
-southern California was still widely populated. It had
-survived the last eight years virtually intact. When
-you heard the news you could hardly believe your
-ears. Perhaps your family were alive. You might be
-reunited after all!
-
-Pop Ewell called for a meeting to decide how best
-to deal with the crisis now facing Dci. Everyone
-agreed that to stay at McKinney would lead to
-
-23
-
-
-
-eventual death, either slowly from starvation or sud-
-denly at the hands of the murderous city gangs. The
-only option open to Dcl was to try to reach
-California; only there lay any real hope for the future
-of the colony. Your decision was relayed to the sur-
-vivors at Big Spring and a deal was struck to rendez-
-vous with them as soon as possible. DCI would
-exchange fuel for food and water, and together they
-would join up with the Tuscon colony for the final
-journey to California.
-
-Preparations began almost immediately. Morale was
-so high that a heady sense of adventure and optimism
-enveloped everyone. Few guessed just how fraught
-with danger the journey would be.
-The Game Rules
-Before embarking on your adventure you must first
-determine your personal characteristics and the
-weapons and provisions with which you are equip-
-ped. On pages 6 and 7 you will find an <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>
-on which to record and amend these details as the
-adventure unfolds. For ease of use during play it is
-recommended that you photocopy these pages.
-
-Your personal characteristics comprise two basic
-attributes: <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ>. To
-discover your initial <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ>, take a
-pencil and, with your eyes closed, point the blunt end
-of it on to the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> at the back of
-this book. If you pick a 0 It counts as zero. Add 10
-to the number you have picked and write the total in
-the <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> section of your Action
-Chart (for example, if your pencil falls on the number
-5 in the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>, you have a CLOSE
-<typ class='attribute'>COMBAT SKILL</typ> total of 15). When you fight an enemy
-in hand-to-hand combat, your <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ>
-will be measured against that of your enemy, so a high
-score in this section is desirable.
-
-To discover your <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> level, repeat the pro-
-cess, but this time add 20 to the number you have
-picked from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>. Write the
-total in the <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>
-
-24 25
-(for example, if your pencil falls on the number 8 on
-the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>, you have a total
-<typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> score of 28). If you are wounded in com-
-bat, or injured at any other time during your adven-
-ture you will lose <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points. If, at any time,
-your <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points total falls to zero, you are
-dead and the adventure is over. You can regain lost
-<typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points during the course of the adven-
-ture, but your <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> level can never rise above
-your initial score.
-
-
-
-~Swvtv~SIdUs~
-Ever since the day you returned to the surface, you
-have endeavoured to develop your skills and natural
-instincts fully in order to best defend yourself and
-your colony.
-
-Listed on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> are your five basic sur-
-vival skills:
-
-Driving
-Your ability to control powered vehicles, such as cars,
-motorcycles and trucks.
-
-Shooting
-Your familiarity and experience in the use of missile
-weapons, such as pistols, machine pistols, shotguns
-and rifles.
-
-Field craft
-Your knowledge and experience of all aspects of out-
-door survival.
-
-26
-I
-Stealth
-Your physical fitness, the speed of your reflexes and
-your dexterity.
-Perception
-Your intelligence, your ability to evaluate informa-
-tion, your education and your mental alertness.
-
-
-Your ability in each of these five individual skills is
-measured in skill points. You begin with 3 points per
-skill. Before starting the adventure, you may allocate
-an additional 4 skill points to your list of five survival
-skills. These 4 extra points can be used to improve
-one or more of your five skills. During your adven-
-ture, all five skills will be severely tested, therefore
-the higher the individual skill level, the better your
-chances of survival. You may allocate your 4 addi-
-tional points entirely how you like.
-
-When you have decided where to allocate your 4 addi-
-tional skill points, make a note of the totals in the Sur-
-vival Skills section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>. (In your first
-adventure, your total number of skill points should
-be 19: five skills x 3 points each = 15, plus 4 addi-
-tional skill points = 19 points.)
-
-If you complete successfully the mission set in
-Book 1 of the Freeway Warrior series, you may add
-an additional 4 points to your Survival Skills in
-Book 2. These additional points, together with any
-equipment and provisions that you possess at the end
-of Book 1, may then be used in the next Freeway
-Warrior adventure, which is called Slaughter
-Mountain Bun.
-
-
-
-Equipment
-Apart from your clothing, a number of useful items
-form your basic equipment. These comprise a
-Backpack, and a belt on which hangs your Ammo
-Pouch, Medi-kit, Water Canteen and Hunting Knife.
-In addition to these items, you possess a map of
-Central Texas (see the inside front cover of this book),
-which you carry tucked inside your leather jacket.
-
-Backpack
-Up to ten separate items may be stored and carried
-in your Backpack at any time. However, if more than
-three items are carried, your Stealth level will be
-reduced by I point, If more than six items are car-
-ried, your Stealth level will be reduced by 2 points;
-and if you carry a full Backpack (containing ten
-items) your Stealth level will be reduced by 3 points.
-
-In order to equip yourself for the task ahead, you may
-choose up to four items from the following list:
-
-SOLAR TORCH
-H.E. (High Explosive) GRENADE
-
-BINOCULARS
-COMPASS
-C.B. RADIO
-SIGNAL FLARE
-THREE MEALS (each Meal takes up one space in
-your Backpack)
-FLEXIBLE SAW
-GEIGER COUNTER
-
-List the items you have chosen on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>.
-If you have picked four items, adjust your current
-Stealth level accordingly.
-
-28
-Opportunities may arise during your adventure for
-you to pick up useful items. These items will appear
-in the text in bold print and, unless you are
-instructed otherwise, they can be stored and carried
-in your Backpack.
-
-You will need to eat regularly. If you do not possess
-any food when you are instructed to eat a Meal, you
-will lose 3 <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points.
-
-Ammo Pouch
-Your Ammo Pouch is where you store any spare
-ammunition for firearms. It can hold a maximum of
-the following:
-
-40 rounds of 9mm calibre Pistol/Machine Pistol
-ammunition
-or
-20 rounds of 7.62mm calibre Rifle ammunition
-or
-10 rounds of 12-gauge calibre Shotgun ammunition
-
-When carrying mixed calibres of ammunition, use
-this equation to check how much space you have left
-in your Ammo Pouch:
-
-4 x 9mmrounds = 2 x 7.62 rounds = 1 x l2gaugeround
-Additional ammunition can be carried in your Back-
-pack. Ammunition occupies one space for each
-quantity that is equal to (or less than) the maximum
-that can be carried in one Ammo Pouch.
-
-
-Med i-kit
-A well-stocked Medi-kit can make all the difference
-to your chances of survival should you suffer injury
-in the field or as a result of combat. It contains useful
-
-29
-
-
-
-first aid supplies, such as dressings, antiseptics,
-antibiotics, water purification tablets,
-sulphonamides, pain killers, potassium iodine tablets
-(to delay absorption of radioactivity) and sutures.
-
-For convenience, these medical supplies are grouped
-into units. To find how many units you have in your
-Medi-kit, pick a number from the Random Number
-Table (0 equals 10) and add 2. Your total score equals
-the number of units with which you begin your
-adventure. To keep a record of them, circle the
-appropriate number of unit symbols in the Medi-kit
-section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>. The maximum number
-of units you can carry in your Medi-kit is twelve.
-
-You may use your Medi-kit units to restore lost
-<typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points; each unit used in this way
-restores 3 points. Units cannot be used to restore
-<typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points in lieu of a Meal or Water when
-instructed to eat or drink.
-
-Water Canteen
-Water is essential to life, and your life will depend
-on having a sufficient, uncontaminated supply. You
-will need to drink regularly during your adventure.
-One drink is equivalent to half a pint and your can-
-teen holds exactly two pints of water: enough for one
-day's needs. When instructed to drink, be sure to tick
-off one box in the Water section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>.
-
-If you do not have any Water when instructed to
-drink, you must lose 3 <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points.
--~apons~
-Close Combat Weapons
-These weapons aid you in hand-to-hand fighting.
-You begin your adventure armed with a Hunting
-Knife which, when used in close combat, adds 2
-points to your <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Note this Hunt-
-ing Knife in the Close Combat Weapons section of
-your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>.
-
-If you find a close combat weapon during your
-adventure, you may pick it up and use it. Close com-
-bat weapons will appear in the text with a close com-
-bat skill number, for example, Machete (3). This
-number indicates how many points this weapon will
-add to your <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> when used in a
-hand-to-hand fight.
-
-The maximum number of close combat weapons you
-may carry is two.
-
-Missile Weapons
-There are four types of missile weapon:
-
-Pistol
-Machine Pistol
-Shotgun
-Rifle
-
-You begin your adventure armed with only one of
-these weapons. Make your choice and then record
-the weapon you have chosen, together with its calibre
-and rate of fire details, in the Missile Weapons sec-
-tion of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>.
-
-In order to be able to use a missile weapon, you must
-
-30 31
-
-
-have sufficient ammumtion of the correct calibre The
-following list shows the calibre of each weapon, the
-amount that is used every time the weapon is fired,
-and the number of rounds that you possess at the
-start of your adventure:
-
-
-Rate of Initial No.
-Calibre Fire of Rounds
-PISTOL 9mm 1 8
-MACHINE PISTOL 9mm 6 30
-SHOTGUN 12-gauge I -' 4
-RIFLE 7.62mm 1 4
-The initial number of rounds should be noted in the
-Ammo Pouch section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>. Missile
-weapons cannot be used if you run out of ammuni-
-tion or possess rounds of the wrong calibre. However,
-the opportunity may arise for you to replenish your
-supply of ammunition and/or discover a weapon of
-the correct calibre.
+ <data>
+ <p class="dedication">For Rus and Sue</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
-You may carry a maximum of three missile weapons.
-However, for every missile weapon that you carry
-(excluding your initial choice), you must reduce your
-Stealth level by I point.
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="acknwldg">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Acknowledgements</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="dedicate" />
+ <link class="next" idref="dtd" />
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p><quote>I would be especially pleased if my granting of the rights to distribute my books in this way was seen as my <quote>millennium gift</quote> to all those devoted readers who have kept the Kai flag flying high, through all the good times, and the not-so-good. It would make me very proud indeed if this enterprise laid the foundations of a lasting legacy, securing the longevity of Lone Wolf by making my creation freely and readily accessible to current and future online generations. For them, for us, for Sommerlund and the Kai.&ellips;</quote> <strong>Joe Dever</strong></p>
+ <p>Project Aon would first like to thank Joe Dever for making this generous offering of the books that we have all loved from the beginning. We would also like to acknowledge the following members of Project Aon for their diligent work:</p>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="credits">
+ <meta><title>Credits</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <dl>
+ <dt>Transcription</dt>
+ <dd>Ryan Landek</dd>
+ <dt>Illustration Transcription</dt>
+ <dd>Jonathan Blake<br />Simon Osborne</dd>
+ <dt>XML</dt>
+ <dd>Jonathan Blake<br />Jeff Dougan</dd>
+ <dt>Alternate Illustrations</dt>
+ <dd>JC Alvarez (text illustrations and action charts)<br />Jonathan Blake (extramatter charts and tables)<br />Michael Hahn (map)</dd>
+ <dt>Proofreading</dt>
+ <dd>Mark Laird (Sections 36&endash;70 and 281&endash;315)<br />Christian Leonhard (Sections 106&endash;140 and 211&endash;245)<br />Brad Phelps (Sections 176&endash;210)<br />Michael Richey (Sections 1&endash;35 and 316&endash;350)<br />Tyson Torres (Sections 71&endash;105, 141&endash;175 and 246&endash;280)</dd>
+ <dt>Editing</dt>
+ <dd>Mike Feldman<br />Ingo Klöcker<br />Mark Laird<br />Simon Osborne<br />Thomas Wolmer</dd>
+ <dt>PDF Layout</dt>
+ <dd>Ingo Klöcker</dd>
+ <dt>Coordination</dt>
+ <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
+ <dt>Special Thanks</dt>
+ <dd>Pedro Almeida</dd>
+ </dl>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="dtd">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Dateline to Disaster</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="acknwldg" />
+ <link class="next" idref="calstory" />
+ </meta>
+ <data>
+ <p><strong>1900-1998</strong><br />Rise of global terrorism on an unprecedented scale. Political violence funded by organized crime syndicate called HAVOC - The Hijack, Assassination and Violent Opposition Consortium.</p>
+ <p><strong>1998-2003</strong><br />The governments of many small and impoverished nations fall into the hands of HAVOC. International terrorists receive arms, training and shelter in these 'Badlands'.</p>
+ <p><strong>2003-2008</strong><br />Raids on oil and gas installations, assassinations, and the kidnapping of prominent world statesmen become commonplace as HAVOC attempt to terrorize the civilized world into submission. Despite public outrage and growing international tension, the major powers steadfastly refuse to give in to HAVOC's demands.</p>
+ <p><strong>2008</strong><br />President of the United States and General Secretary of Supreme Soviet both assassinated at emergency summit meeting. US, USSR and major European nations create the World Defence League and declare war on HAVOC. The Badlands are invaded, key HAVOC bases destroyed, and thousands of HAVOC agents are captured.</p>
+ <p><strong>2009</strong><br />HAVOC leaders imprisoned for life in 'Deep Pens' - maximum security gaols located deep underground - to prevent their escape or release by HAVOC agents still at large.</p>
+ <p><strong>2010</strong><br />New leadership emerges to unify the scattered remnants of HAVOC and plan revenge.</p>
+ <p><strong>2011</strong><br />A WDL train transporting seventeen 100-kiloton nuclear warheads, destined to be neutralized and dismantled, is attacked by HAVOC agents. The train is destroyed and its deadly cargo stolen.</p>
+ <p><strong>2012 New Years Day</strong><br />HAVOC hijack a WDL news satellite and broadcast a chilling ultimatum. They have planted the seventeen stolen warheads in major cities throughout the US, USSR and Europe. They call for the immediate release of all HAVOC agents held in Deep Pens, plus the payment of $2 trillion in gold bullion, or they will trigger the warheads one by one until their demands are met in full. A twenty-four hour deadline is set. WDL leaders declare emergency and request that the deadline be extended. HAVOC refuse.</p>
+ <p><strong>2nd January</strong><br />First warhead detonated at Brie Nuclear Energy Plant, ten miles south of Paris, France. Blast and radioactive fallout claim millions of lives. HAVOC repeat their demand and extend deadline by twenty-four hours.</p>
+ <p><strong>3rd January 'The Day'</strong><br />World Defence League agents discover location of HAVOC command headquarters on an island in the South Pacific Ocean. Immediately orders are given to infiltrate and destroy the HQ and its occupants. The assault is swift and decisive; the complex is quickly overrun and its inhabitants are killed. Yet, ironically, as the news of this victory is being relayed around the world, HAVOC enact their ultimate revenge. A transmitter hidden on the island, fitted with a time-delay mechanism, clicks on, sending its high-frequency radio signal to a communications satellite orbiting the earth. This signal is amplified and returned to earth where, simultaneously, it triggers the remaining nuclear warheads. The initial explosions set off a disastrous chain reaction that feeds on civil and military nuclear installations all across the northern hemisphere. Hundreds of millions of people are killed within days, and many more perish during the years that follow, falling victim to the lingering radioactivity and the severe climatic changes that affect the earth.</p>
+ <p><strong>2012-2019</strong><br />Gale force winds sweep across the world, carrying enormous amounts of dust into the upper atmosphere and preventing much sunlight from reaching the earth's surface. Temperatures plummet, deterring survivors from remaining above ground. Communications are disrupted by gamma radiation, making all radio, cable and satellite contact impossible. Small colonies of survivors develop in total isolation from one another during these years of darkness.</p>
+ <p><strong>2019-2020</strong><br />Gradually, the dust storms die down and the sun penetrates the atmosphere, thawing the earths frozen surface. Radiation has decayed to tolerable levels, and survivors emerge to reclaim what little remains of the world they once knew.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
--~ Rules for Close Combat
-There will be occasions when you will have to fight
-an enemy in hand-to-hand combat. The enemy s
-<typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> level will
-both be given in the text. Your aim in close combat
--_ ___ -
-
-
-is to kill the enemy by reducing his <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ>
-points to zero while losing as few of your own
-<typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points as possible.
-
-
-At the start of a close combat, enter both your own
-and your enemy's <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points in the
-appropriate boxes on the Close Combat Record sec-
-tion of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>. The sequence for close
-combat is as follows:
-
-Add any extra points gained through the use of
-close combat weapons to your current CLOSE
-<typ class='attribute'>COMBAT SKILL</typ> total.
-
-Subtract the <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> Of your enemy
-from this total. The result is your Combat Ratio.
-Enter it on the <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>.
-
-Example
-Cal Phoenix (<typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> 17) is attacked by
-a Renegade Clansman (<typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> 18). He
-is not given the opportunity to evade close ~m~t,but
-must stand and fight his adversary. Cal Phoenix is
-armed with a Hunting Knife, so he adds 2 points to his
-<typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ>, giving a total CLOSE COMBAT
-SKILL of 19.
-
-
-He subtracts the Renegade Clansman's CLOSECOMBAT
-SKILL from his own, giving a Combat Ratio of + 1
-LI9 -18 = + 1)He notes this +1 onhis<a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> as
-
-.he Combat Ratio.
-
-3. After working out your Combat Ratio, pick a
-number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>.
-
-4. Turn to the Close Combat Results Table on the
-inside back cover of the book. Along the top of
-
-32 33
-
-
-
-the chart are the Combat Ratio numbers. Find
-the number that is the same as your Combat
-Ratio and cross-refer it with the number that you
-have picked (the random numbers appear down
-the side of the chart). You now have the
-<typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points lost by both Cal Phoenix and
-his enemy in this round of close combat.
-(E represents points lost by the enemy;
-CF represents points lost by Cal Phoenix.)
-
-Example
-The Combat Ratio between Cal Phoenix and the
-Renegade Clansman has been established as Γ·1 If the
-number picked from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> is a
-4, then the result of the first round of close combat is:
-Cal Phoenix loses 3 <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points
-Renegade Clansman loses 4 <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points.
-
-5. On the <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>, mark the changes in
-<typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points to the participants in the
-close combat.
-
-6. Unless otherwise instructed, or unless you have
-an option to evade, start the next round of close
-combat.
-
-7. Repeat the sequence from stage 3.
-
-This procedure continues until the <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ>
-points of either the enemy or Cal Phoenix are
-reduced to zero, at which point the one whose score
-is zero is declared dead. If Cal Phoenix is dead, the
-adventure is over. If the enemy is dead, Cal Phoenix
-proceeds but with a reduced <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> point
-score.
-
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="calstory">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Cal's Story</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="dtd" />
+ <link class="next" idref="gamerulz" />
+ </meta>
-34
-A summary of the close combat niles appears on
-the page after the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>.
+ <data>
+ <p>You are Cal Phoenix, a survivor, born on Thanksgiving in the year 2000 AD. When you cast your mind back to the time before 'Tthe Day', you recall your two brothers and your sister, your parents' house in California, and summer vacations spent cruising the blue Pacific off Catalina Island aboard your father's boat. They are your fondest memories, yet your most vivid recollections are of winter vacations, when the family would drive to Dallas to spend Christmas with Uncle Jonas and Aunt Betty-Ann. Of all your Texan Christmases, the 2011 visit was the most memorable. It was also the last time you saw your family alive.</p>
+ <p>Your parents had decided to cancel the trip to Dallas that year. The oil shortage had pushed up the price of gasolene to $30 a gallon, and only the rich could afford to drive long distances, even in cars equipped with solar-pacs. You were so disappointed when you heard the news that you decided to walk the 1300 miles to Dallas, and would have done so had your father not caught up with you three miles from home. Then, when Uncle Jonas and Aunt Betty-Ann got to hear of it, they fixed it with your parents so that you at least could spend Christmas with them at their ranch near Denton.</p>
+ <p>From the moment they met your charter flight at Addison Airport you knew it was going to be a vacation to remember. Uncle Jonas was an oilman. He had been one ever since he graduated from the University of Texas in '95 with a degree in geology. Earlier that summer he had been put in charge of construction at a shale-oil mine near Austin, the very first of its kind in Texas, and as a special Christmas treat he promised to take you on a guided tour of the whole underground complex.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small1.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small1.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>On New Year's Day 2012, the three of you started out early on the road to your uncle's mine, located on the Austin Chalk, over 200 miles south of Dallas. The trip would take at least two days, with an overnight stop in Waco. For, in an effort to conserve energy, the Federal government had imposed a speed restriction of fifteen miles per hour on all state highways. It was a slow journey, and despite the sombre radio bulletins that gave news of HAVOC's latest threats, you can still remember your excitement at the thought of exploring those tunnels deep below the earth.</p>
+ <p>Your arrival at the mine was met by a military patrol, posted there by the World Defence League. The job of the patrol was to prevent sabotage; oil installations all over the world had become one of HAVOC's primary targets in their campaign of terror. The mine was officially closed for the New Year's recess but Uncle Jonas had right of access at all times and, after checking his papers, the patrol allowed you in. It was a massive complex and, for security reasons, it was totally self-supporting. A central shaft serviced the many working levels to which there were attached laboratories, workshops and even refineries for processing the precious crude oil after it had been extracted from the rock. Uncle Jonas was explaining the function of these refineries, 300 feet below the surface, when it happened.</p>
+ <p>The ground shuddered when the shock waves from the first distant explosions reached the mine, and you remember thinking that it must be the start of an earthquake, the like of which you had experienced many times at home in California. But as the levels nearest the surface began to collapse and the central shaft filled with falling rubble, you realized the awful truth. The unthinkable had happened. </p>
+ <p>At first there was no way of telling the extent of the surface devastation. Below ground, the safety generators had automatically switched into operation when the main power supply failed, and the tremors faded quickly, encouraging your aunt and uncle to believe that the damage above was superficial. Uncle Jonas was confident that the military would mount a rescue operation and that you would be brought out within a few days - a week at the most. Aunt Betty-Ann was also optimistic. After all, there were emergency supplies, enough to feed 200 men for a whole month. Little did she know that the three of you would end up consuming all of those supplies, or that the mine would become your home, your shelter and your prison for the next eight years of your lives.</p>
+ <p>It was a month after 'the Day' when the three of you accepted that there would never be a rescue operation. Many days had been spent in silence, hoping and praying for the sounds of excavation or a voice on the radio lint to the surface. But all that could be heard was the static crackle of the gamma radiation which was blanketing the earth. Uncle Jonas proposed that an attempt be made to reach the surface by tunnelling through the blocked central shaft. It was an awesomely dangerous feat, to dig vertically through 300 feet of compressed concrete rubble and twisted steel girders, but there was no other way you could ever hope to escape from the mine. Progress was painfully slow but the work gave you all a sense of purpose, a reason to go on, even though you feared what could be awaiting you on the surface.</p>
+ <p>Those years spent in the mine taught you invaluable lessons in survival. Uncle Jonas showed you how to refine gasolene from crude oil to keep the generators alive; to coax fresh water from porous rock; to manufacture spare parts in order to maintain vital machinery. Aunt Betty-Ann, who had at one time been a nurse and a high school teacher in Denton county, attended to your education and made sure that you stayed fit and healthy. Their love and support enabled you to grow during those dark days underground despite the enormous sense of loss you felt for your parents, brothers and sister. You vowed then that one day you would repay their kindness by protecting and caring for them.</p>
+ <p>It was early September in the year 2019 when finally you broke through to the surface. Aunt Betty-Ann was convinced that radiation levels would still be dangerously high, and at first she was against leaving the mine. But, during the last few months of your incarceration, the static that had always jammed the radio wavelengths had gradually cleared, and Uncle Jonas was able to persuade her that this meant it was now safe to live above ground.</p>
+ <p>When you first emerged from the mine, you thought you were on the surface of another planet. Surely this could not be Earth? Few structures had survived the blizzards and intense cold that had swept around the world in the years following 'the Day', and now, after the dust had settled and the sun returned, the once-fertile plains of Austin resembled little more than a desert of parched and broken rock, littered with the artefacts of an absent civilization. During the first few days, when you set out to explore this wilderness, it was easy to believe that you were the only survivors. But on the morning of the fifth day, Uncle Jonas made a chance radio contact with a family called Ewell who were living near the ruins of McKinney, thirty miles north of Dallas. They told him that they had been in touch with a handful of other groups who had managed somehow to survive the holocaust. Most were isolated, unable to move due to lack of fuel, food or water. They had urged those who could travel to join them in McKinney, to start a new community, and some were already on their way. Your uncle and aunt also accepted their invitation. McKinney was not very far from Denton, and they were curious to see if anything remained of their ranch. They planned to return home, salvage whatever they could that might be of use, and then move on to McKinney. The Ewells were enthusiastic, but they warned that not everyone who had survived wanted to establish a new community. The ruins of Dallas and Fort Worth were controlled by gangs of criminals who fought with each other and terrorized anyone seeking to reestablish law and order. They advised you to avoid them at all costs when travelling north.</p>
+ <p>Interstate Freeway 35 was the only highway still intact amid the devastation that surrounded the mine. It offered a direct route home to Denton, if only transportation could be found, for Uncle Jonas considered conditions far too dangerous to attempt such a long journey on foot. It took more than a week to discover a vehicle that was still serviceable. It was an old school bus, one that had been parked in an underground lot and had survived the years of subzero blizzards. With a few new parts, a tankful of gas and a lot of hard work it was eventually brought back to life.</p>
+ <p>Provisions, including a small generator, were hoisted out of the mine and stowed aboard before you began the journey back to the ranch. The noisy old bus bumped along the rock-strewn freeway that stretched northward across an empty sea of dust. It was a harrowing sight. Hardly a trace remained of what were once thriving communities, and the once-populous cities of Temple and Waco had barely enough buildings still standing to qualify as small towns.</p>
+ <p>It was not until you reached the outskirts of Fort Worth that you encountered signs of human habitation. The road ahead was blocked by a line of wrecked autos, and at your approach a group of hard faced men and women, clad in composite costumes of leather and rivetted steel, suddenly popped up from behind this barricade. Uncle Jonas was suspicious and slowed the bus almost to a halt. Suddenly they produced handguns and rifles and began to take aim at the windshield, and he knew it was not the time to stop to ask for directions! He told you and Aunt Betty-Ann to brace yourselves, thenstamped his foot on the gas and drove the bus straight through the wall of cars, scattering the punks like ten-pins in a strike. The bus was shot at many times as it sped through Fort Worth, but the street gangs had been caught out and you managed to escape from the ruined city before they could give chase.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small4.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small4.pdf" width="386" height="150" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>When you got to Denton you discovered that the ranch, like all the other nearby dwellings, had been reduced to a heap of broken bricks and shattered timbers. The sight greatly upset your aunt, and Uncle Jonas felt it better not to stop but to continue overland to McKinney. It was easy to find where the Ewells lived, for their ranch was the only place in town that was still standing. It looked more like an old frontier post than a ranch, with its fortified perimeter wall, lookout posts and stake-filled moat. But, after your brush with the citizens of Fort Worth, it was easy to understand the need for these defences.</p>
+ <p>'Pop' Ewell, the seventy-year-old grandfather of the Ewell family, was the leader of this small colony of survivors; it was he who had urged Uncle Jonas to join them when they had first made radio contact. The colony numbered less than a dozen at the time of your arrival, yet as the airwaves became clearer, soon this number had more than doubled to twenty five. It was decided that a name was needed to identify the settlement. The name 'Dallas Colony One' was adopted - 'DC1' for short - and from that day on everyone worked hard to make DC1 a secure haven for those seeking refuge from the hostile wastelands and marauding city gangs.</p>
+ <p>'Cutter' Jacks was one such refugee. Before the holocaust he had been chief mechanic at the International Grand Prix Circuit near Lake Dallas, and his incredible skill and knowledge of engines was soon to prove invaluable to the colony. He taught you how to drive, and from a pile of old wrecks that you helped him salvage from the circuit he built you a powerful, customized car. You used it to patrol the highways north of the city, keeping a lookout for gangs of city punks who frequently mounted raids to steal or destroy DC1's supplies. 'Cutter' also taught you to shoot, and it was your prowess with a gun and your skill behind the wheel that was to earn you the begrudging respect of your enemies who took to calling you 'Freeway Warrior'.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small5.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small5.pdf" width="386" height="150" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>Six months after you arrived at DC1, the colony was faced with a major crisis. A heat wave was causing a drought that threatened to destroy the food supply. Crops were failing and the colony's artesian well - its only source of uncontaminated water - was beginning to dry up. The drought was also provoking more attacks from the city punks who were desperate for food and water. Their common need united them and they posed a very real threat to the security of DC1.</p>
+ <p>It was the last day of May 2020 when Pop Ewell made radio contact with another colony who were based in the city of Big Spring, 300 miles west of McKinney. It appeared that their situation was completely the reverse of DC1's: they had plenty of food and water but they were desperately short of fuel. They told of their contact with survivors in Tucson, Arizona, who were also without fuel. The Tucson colony reported that the territories west of the Sierra Nevada mountains had been spared the worst effects of the radioactive blizzards that had devastated the rest of the country and, miraculously, much of southern California was still widely populated. It had survived the last eight years virtually intact. When you heard the news you could hardly believe your ears. Perhaps your family were alive. You might be reunited after all!</p>
+ <p>Pop Ewell called for a meeting to decide how best to deal with the crisis now facing DC1. Everyone agreed that to stay at McKinney would lead to eventual death, either slowly from starvation or suddenly at the hands of the murderous city gangs. The only option open to DC1 was to try to reach California; only there lay any real hope for the future of the colony. Your decision was relayed to the survivors at Big Spring and a deal was struck to rendezvous with them as soon as possible. DC1 would exchange fuel for food and water, and together they would join up with the Tuscon colony for the final journey to California.</p>
+ <p>Preparations began almost immediately. Morale was so high that a heady sense of adventure and optimism enveloped everyone. Few guessed just how fraught with danger the journey would be.</p>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
-Evasion of combat
-During your adventure you may be given the chance to
-evade close combat. If you have already engaged in a
-round of close combat and decide to evade, calculate
-the combat for that round in the usual manner. All
-ENDURA NCE points lost by the enemy as a result of that
-round are ignored; only Cal Phoenix may lose
-<typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points during that round, but that is the
-risk of running away! You may evade combat only if the
-text of the particular section allows you to do so.
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="gamerulz">
+ <meta>
+ <title>The Game Rules</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="calstory" />
+ <link class="next" idref="sskills" />
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Before embarking on your adventure, you must first determine your personal characteristics and the weapons and provisions with which you are equipped. On pages 6 and 7 you will find an <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> on which to record and amend these details as the adventure unfolds. For ease of use during play it is recommended that you photocopy these pages.</p>
+ <p>Your personal characteristics comprise two basic attributes: <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ>. To discover your initial <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ>, take a pencil and, with your eyes closed, point the blunt end of it on to the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> at the back of this book. If you pick a 0 it counts as zero. Add 10 to the number you have picked and write the total in the <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> section of your Action Chart (for example, if your pencil falls on the number 5 in the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>, you have a CLOSE <typ class='attribute'>COMBAT SKILL</typ> total of 15). When you fight an enemy in hand-to-hand combat, your <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> will be measured against that of your enemy, so a high score in this section is desirable.</p>
+ <p>To discover your <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> level, repeat the process, but this time add 20 to the number you have picked from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>. Write the total in the <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> (for example, if your pencil falls on the number 8 on the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>, you have a total <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> score of 28). If you are wounded in combat, or injured at any other time during your adventure you will lose <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points. If, at any time, your <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points total falls to zero, you are dead and the adventure is over. You can regain lost <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points during the course of the adventure, but your <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> level can never rise above your initial score.</p>
+<!--
+ <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="sskills1">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Survival Skills</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="gamerulz" />
+ <link class="next" idref="equipmnt" />
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Ever since the day you returned to the surface, you have endeavoured to develop your skills and natural instincts fully in order to best defend yourself and your colony.</p>
+ <p>Listed on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> are your five basic survival skills:</p>
+ <dl>
+ <dt>Driving</dt>
+ <dd>Your ability to control powered vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles and trucks.</dd>
+ </dl>
+ <dl>
+ <dt>Shooting</dt>
+ <dd>Your familiarity and experience in the use of missile weapons, such as pistols, machine pistols, shotguns and rifles.</dd>
+ </dl>
+ <dl>
+ <dt>Field craft</dt>
+ <dd>Your knowledge and experience of all aspects of outdoor survival.</dd>
+ </dl>
+ <dl>
+ <dt>Stealth</dt>
+ <dd>Your physical fitness, the speed of your reflexes and your dexterity.</dd>
+ </dl>
+ <dl>
+ <dt>Perception</dt>
+ <dd>Your intelligence, your ability to evaluate information, your education and your mental alertness.</dd>
+ </dl>
+
+ <p>Your ability in each of these five individual skills is measured in skill points. You begin with 3 points per skill. Before starting the adventure, you may allocate an additional 4 skill points to your list of five survival skills. These 4 extra points can be used to improve one or more of your five skills. During your adventure, all five skills will be severely tested, therefore the higher the individual skill level, the better your chances of survival. You may allocate your 4 additional points entirely how you like.</p>
+ <p>When you have decided where to allocate your 4 additional skill points, make a note of the totals in the Survival Skills section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>. (In your first adventure, your total number of skill points should be 19: five skills x 3 points each = 15, plus 4 additional skill points = 19 points.)</p>
+ <p>If you complete successfully the mission set in Book 1 of the Freeway Warrior series, you may add an additional 4 points to your Survival Skills in Book 2. These additional points, together with any equipment and provisions that you possess at the end of Book 1, may then be used in the next Freeway Warrior adventure, which is called Slaughter Mountain Run.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+-->
+ <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="sskills">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Survival Skills</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="gamerulz" />
+ <link class="next" idref="equipmnt" />
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="driving">
+ <meta><title>Driving</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Your ability to control powered vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles and trucks.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="shooting">
+ <meta><title>Shooting</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Your familiarity and experience in the use of missile weapons, such as pistols, machine pistols, shotguns and rifles.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="fldcraft">
+ <meta><title>Field craft</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Your knowledge and experience of all aspects of outdoor survival.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="stealth">
+ <meta><title>Stealth</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Your physical fitness, the speed of your reflexes and your dexterity.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="perceptn">
+ <meta><title>Perception</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Your intelligence, your ability to evaluate information, your education and your mental alertness.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <p>Your ability in each of these five individual skills is measured in skill points. You begin with 3 points per skill. Before starting the adventure, you may allocate an additional 4 skill points to your list of five survival skills. These 4 extra points can be used to improve one or more of your five skills. During your adventure, all five skills will be severely tested, therefore the higher the individual skill level, the better your chances of survival. You may allocate your 4 additional points entirely how you like.</p>
+ <p>When you have decided where to allocate your 4 additional skill points, make a note of the totals in the Survival Skills section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>. (In your first adventure, your total number of skill points should be 19: five skills x 3 points each = 15, plus 4 additional skill points = 19 points.)</p>
+ <p>If you complete successfully the mission set in Book 1 of the Freeway Warrior series, you may add an additional 4 points to your Survival Skills in Book 2. These additional points, together with any equipment and provisions that you possess at the end of Book 1, may then be used in the next Freeway Warrior adventure, which is called Slaughter Mountain Run.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="equipmnt">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Equipment</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="sskills" />
+ <link class="next" idref="weapons" />
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Apart from your clothing, a number of useful items form your basic equipment. These comprise a Backpack, and a belt on which hangs your Ammo Pouch, Medi-kit, Water Canteen and Hunting Knife. In addition to these items, you possess a <a idref="map">Map of Central Texas</a>, which you carry tucked inside your leather jacket.</p>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="backpack">
+ <meta><title>Backpack</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>Up to ten separate items may be stored and carried in your Backpack at any time. However, if more than three items are carried, your Stealth level will be reduced by 1 point. If more than six items are carried, your Stealth level will be reduced by 2 points; and if you carry a full Backpack (containing ten items) your Stealth level will be reduced by 3 points.</p>
+ <p>In order to equip yourself for the task ahead, you may choose up to four items from the following list:</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li><typ class="item">SOLAR TORCH</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">H.E. (High Explosive) GRENADE</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">BINOCULARS</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">COMPASS</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">C.B. RADIO</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">SIGNAL FLARE</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">THREE MEALS</typ> (each Meal takes up one space in your Backpack)</li>
+ <li><typ class="item">FLEXIBLE SAW</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">GEIGER COUNTER</typ></li>
+ </ul>
+ <p>List the items you have chosen on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>. If you have picked four items, adjust your current Stealth level accordingly.</p>
+ <p>Opportunities may arise during your adventure for you to pick up useful items. These items will appear in the text in bold print and, unless you are instructed otherwise, they can be stored and carried in your Backpack.</p>
+ <p>You will need to eat regularly. If you do not possess any food when you are instructed to eat a Meal, you will lose 3 <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="ammpouch">
+ <meta><title>Ammo Pouch</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>Your Ammo Pouch is where you store any spare ammunition for firearms. It can hold a maximum of the following:</p>
+ <p>
+ 40 rounds of 9mm calibre Pistol/Machine Pistol ammunition<br />
+ or<br />
+ 20 rounds of 7.62mm calibre Rifle ammunition<br />
+ or<br />
+ 10 rounds of 12-gauge calibre Shotgun ammunition
+ </p>
+ <p>When carrying mixed calibres of ammunition, use this equation to check how much space you have left in your Ammo Pouch:</p>
+ <p>4 x 9mm rounds = 2 x 7.62 rounds = 1 x 12 gauge round</p>
+ <p>Additional ammunition can be carried in your Backpack. Ammunition occupies one space for each quantity that is equal to (or less than) the maximum that can be carried in one Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="medikit">
+ <meta><title>Medi-kit</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>A well-stocked Medi-kit can make all the difference to your chances of survival should you suffer injury in the field or as a result of combat. It contains useful first aid supplies, such as dressings, antiseptics, antibiotics, water purification tablets, sulphonamides, pain killers, potassium iodine tablets (to delay absorption of radioactivity) and sutures.</p>
+ <p>For convenience, these medical supplies are grouped into units. To find how many units you have in your Medi-kit, pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> (0 equals 10) and add 2. Your total score equals the number of units with which you begin your adventure. To keep a record of them, circle the appropriate number of unit symbols in the Medi-kit section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>. The maximum number of units you can carry in your Medi-kit is twelve.</p>
+ <p>You may use your Medi-kit units to restore lost <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points; each unit used in this way restores 3 points. Units cannot be used to restore <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points in lieu of a Meal or Water when instructed to eat or drink.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="canteen">
+ <meta><title>Water Canteen</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>Water is essential to life, and your life will depend on having a sufficient, uncontaminated supply. You will need to drink regularly during your adventure. One drink is equivalent to half a pint and your canteen holds exactly two pints of water: enough for one day's needs. When instructed to drink, be sure to tick off one box in the Water section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ <p>If you do not have any Water when instructed to drink, you must lose 3 <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="weapons">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Weapons</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="equipmnt" />
+ <link class="next" idref="cmbtrulz" />
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="close">
+ <meta><title>Close Combat Weapons</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>These weapons aid you in hand-to-hand fighting. You begin your adventure armed with a Hunting Knife which, when used in close combat, adds 2 points to your <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Note this Hunting Knife in the Close Combat Weapons section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ <p>If you find a close combat weapon during your adventure, you may pick it up and use it. Close combat weapons will appear in the text with a close combat skill number, for example, Machete (3). This number indicates how many points this weapon will add to your <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> when used in a hand-to-hand fight.</p>
+ <p>The maximum number of close combat weapons you may carry is two.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="missile">
+ <meta><title>Missile Weapons</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>There are four types of missile weapon:</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>PISTOL</li>
+ <li>MACHINE PISTOL</li>
+ <li>SHOTGUN</li>
+ <li>RIFLE</li>
+ </ul>
+ <p>You begin your adventure armed with only one of these weapons. Make your choice and then record the weapon you have chosen, together with its calibre and rate of fire details, in the Missile Weapons section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ <p>In order to be able to use a missile weapon, you must have sufficient ammunition of the correct calibre. The following list shows the calibre of each weapon, the amount that is used every time the weapon is fired, and the number of rounds that you possess at the start of your adventure:</p>
+
+<!--
+Calibre Rate of Fire Initial No. of Rounds
+PISTOL 9mm 1 8
+MACHINE PISTOL 9mm 6 30
+SHOTGUN 12-gauge 1 4
+RIFLE 7.62mm 1 4
-->
+
+
+ <p><strong>PISTOL</strong> Calibre: 9mm, Rate of Fire: 1, Initial No. of Rounds: 8</p>
+ <p><strong>MACHINE PISTOL</strong> Calibre: 9mm, Rate of Fire: 6, Initial No. of Rounds: 30</p>
+ <p><strong>SHOTGUN</strong> Calibre: 12-gauge, Rate of Fire: 1, Initial No. of Rounds: 4</p>
+ <p><strong>RIFLE</strong> Calibre: 7.62mm, Rate of Fire: 1, Initial No. of Rounds: 4</p>
+ <p>The initial number of rounds should be noted in the Ammo Pouch section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>. Missile weapons cannot be used if you run out of ammunition or possess rounds of the wrong calibre. However, the opportunity may arise for you to replenish your supply of ammunition and/or discover a weapon of the correct calibre.</p>
+ <p>You may carry a maximum of three missile weapons. However, for every missile weapon that you carry (excluding your initial choice), you must reduce your Stealth level by 1 point.</p>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+
+ <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="cmbtrulz">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Rules for Close Combat</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="weapons" />
+ <link class="next" idref="numbered" />
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>There will be occasions when you will have to fight an enemy in hand-to-hand combat. The enemy's <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> level will both be given in the text. Your aim in close combat is to kill the enemy by reducing his <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points to zero while losing as few of your own <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points as possible.</p>
+ <p>At the start of a close combat, enter both your own and your enemy's <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points in the appropriate boxes on the Close Combat Record section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>. The sequence for close combat is as follows:</p>
+ <ol class="paragraphed">
+ <li><p>Add any extra points gained through the use of close combat weapons to your current <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> total.</p></li>
+ <li>
+ <p>Subtract the <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> of your enemy from this total. The result is your Combat Ratio. Enter it on the <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ <p>Example</p>
+ <p>Cal Phoenix (<typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> 17) is attacked by a Renegade Clansman (<typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> 18). He is not given the opportunity to evade close combat, but must stand and fight his adversary. Cal Phoenix is armed with a Hunting Knife, so he adds 2 points to his <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ>, giving a total CLOSE COMBAT SKILL of 19.</p>
+ <p>He subtracts the Renegade Clansman's <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> from his own, giving a Combat Ratio of +1 (19 − 18 = +1). He notes this +1 on his <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> as the Combat Ratio.</p>
+ </li>
+ <li><p>After working out your Combat Ratio, pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>.</p></li>
+ <li>
+ <p>Turn to the Close Combat Results Table on the inside back cover of the book. Along the top of the chart are the Combat Ratio numbers. Find the number that is the same as your Combat Ratio and cross-reference it with the number that you have picked (the random numbers appear down the side of the chart). You now have the <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points lost by both Cal Phoenix and his enemy in this round of close combat. (E represents points lost by the enemy; CP represents points lost by Cal Phoenix.)</p>
+ <p>Example</p>
+ <p>The Combat Ratio between Cal Phoenix and the Renegade Clansman has been established as +1. If the number picked from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> is a 4, then the result of the first round of close combat is:
+ <ul>
+ <li>Cal Phoenix loses 3 <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
+ <li>Renegade Clansman loses 4 <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
+ </ul>
+ </p>
+ </li>
+ <li><p>On the <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>, mark the changes in <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points to the participants in the close combat.</p></li>
+ <li><p>Unless otherwise instructed, or unless you have an option to evade, start the next round of close combat.</p></li>
+ <li><p>Repeat the sequence from stage 3.</p></li>
+ </ol>
+ <p>This procedure continues until the <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points of either the enemy or Cal Phoenix are reduced to zero, at which point the one whose score is zero is declared dead. If Cal Phoenix is dead, the adventure is over. If the enemy is dead, Cal Phoenix proceeds but with a reduced <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> point score.</p>
+ <p>A <a idref="crsumary">summary of the Close Combat Rules</a> appears on the page after the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>.</p>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="evasion">
+ <meta><title>Evasion of Combat</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>During your adventure you may be given the chance to evade close combat. If you have already engaged in a round of close combat and decide to evade, calculate the combat for that round in the usual manner. All ENDURANCE points lost by the enemy as a result of that round are ignored; only Cal Phoenix may lose <typ class='attribute'>ENDURANCE</typ> points during that round, but that is the risk of running away! You may evade combat only if the text of the particular section allows you to do so.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
<section class="numbered" id="numbered">
<meta><title>Numbered Sections</title></meta>
<data>
-
<section class="numbered" id="sect1">
<meta><title>1</title></meta>
<data>
<p>After a week of careful preparation, the colony is ready to begin the long trek to Big Spring. Three vehicles have been picked to make up the convoy: the school bus, your customized roadster, and a gasolene tanker that was salvaged from an old drilling site at nearby Greenville. Cutter and your uncle have rigged up a square canvas canopy to hide the tanker's tell-tale cylindrical body, which now holds over 5,000 gallons of petroleum, syphoned from the underground storage tanks at the Ewell ranch. In this fuel-starved world, gasolene is the most valuable of all commodities. If the city gangs were to discover that DC1 were transporting such a precious load they would stop at nothing to capture it.</p>
<p>Most of the colony will be travelling aboard the bus, which will be driven by your uncle. Cutter will drive the tanker and you, acting as scout, will drive your roadster at the head of the convoy. With the bus full of passengers, luggage is limited to essential supplies only; everything else will be destroyed before leaving McKinney. At dawn, on the day before the convoy is to set off, a thorough check is made of the vehicles and provisions. There is enough food and water to reach your destination but, apart from your personal weapons, the colony has very few firearms with which to defend itself.</p>
- <p>Long Jake Bannerman, a former roustabout from Gainsville, has volunteered to drive north and search for weapons and ammunition. His brother once owned a hardware store in Sherman and kept his stock of sporting guns locked in the basement. Although they may have to be dug out there is a good chance that they have survived intact. Everyone agrees that it is worth a try, and so Jake, equipped with a C.B. radio. a shovel, and a rusty revolver, sets out for Sherman in his beat-up old truck.</p>
- <p>Two hours later he radios a message from Sherman. He has found rifles and ammunition, but his truck haa broken down and he is now stranded in the town. He has also found a survivor - a teenage girl - and he requests that you come to pick them up as soon as possible. Uncle Jonas agrees. He tells him to sit tight and wait for you to arrive.</p>
+ <p>Long Jake Bannerman, a former roustabout from Gainsville, has volunteered to drive north and search for weapons and ammunition. His brother once owned a hardware store in Sherman and kept his stock of sporting guns locked in the basement. Although they may have to be dug out there is a good chance that they have survived intact. Everyone agrees that it is worth a try, and so Jake, equipped with a C.B. radio, a shovel, and a rusty revolver, sets out for Sherman in his beat-up old truck.</p>
+<!--
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ </illustration>
+-->
+ <p>Two hours later he radios a message from Sherman. He has found rifles and ammunition, but his truck has broken down and he is now stranded in the town. He has also found a survivor - a teenage girl - and he requests that you come to pick them up as soon as possible. Uncle Jonas agrees. He tells him to sit tight and wait for you to arrive.</p>
<p>'Trust Jake to go an' maroon hi'self with a gal!' grumbles Uncle Jonas, wryly. 'Cal, you better git your body up to Sherman and haul 'em back here. An' no messin' with street punks on the way, y'hear!'</p>
<p>'We'll be back in time for breakfast!' you reply, cheerily, as you slide behind the wheel of your roadster and fire up its throaty V-8 engine. Then, with a farewell wave, you power the car out of McKinney and speed northwards to Sherman along what remains of Highway 75.</p>
<choice idref="sect204"><link-text>Turn to 204</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>3</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are about to search the bodies for items that may help you survive when you hear the mob ascending the stairs. Immediately you abandon the idea and concentrate on making an escape. At the end of the corridor is an open window. Below is an alleyway that passes to the rear of the bar. Without a moments hesitation, you climb out on to the ledge and leap to the ground, landing with a jolt that leaves you breathless. Gasping for air, you stagger along the alley and out into a deserted street. The jump has robbed you of stamina but at least you didn't break any hones.</p>
+ <p>You are about to search the bodies for items that may help you survive when you hear the mob ascending the stairs. Immediately you abandon the idea and concentrate on making an escape. At the end of the corridor is an open window. Below is an alleyway that passes to the rear of the bar. Without a moments hesitation, you climb out on to the ledge and leap to the ground, landing with a jolt that leaves you breathless. Gasping for air, you stagger along the alley and out into a deserted street. The jump has robbed you of stamina but at least you didn't break any bones.</p>
<p>Desperately you look for somewhere to hide while you recover. An old boarding house opposite seems to be the answer to your prayers, and you cross the street and enter before the mob reappears.</p>
<choice idref="sect86"><link-text>Turn to 86</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>7</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Moonlight pours in through a large hole in the roof, illuminating the interior of the store. Judging by the nature of the debris littering the floor, this place was once a liquor store. Most of its stock was consumed by the Skulls when they first took over the town, but after a careful search, you discover a Bottle of Bourbon still intact.</p>
+ <p>Moonlight pours in through a large hole in the roof, illuminating the interior of the store. Judging by the nature of the debris littering the floor, this place was once a liquor store. Most of its stock was consumed by the Skulls when they first took over the town, but after a careful search, you discover a <typ class="item">Bottle of Bourbon</typ> still intact.</p>
<p>If you decide to keep this item, remember to adjust your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<choice idref="sect273">To leave the store and continue, <link-text>turn to 273</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>A gnawing pain, brought on by the exertion of opening your backpack, stiffens your right hand. You grit your teeth and persist until your aching fingers locate the tip of your survival flare. With care you remove it from the pack and position it between the ropes that bind your body in such a way as to avoid burning yourself when you set it off.</p>
<p>Less than a dozen clanswomen and children are on the street when you decide to fire the flare. There is a flash of red light at your side as it erupts into life, then you are engulfed by a huge cloud of choking crimson smoke. The flare alerts the clanswomen who immediately raise the alarm while you struggle against your smouldering bonds.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a></p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a></p>.
<choice idref="sect91">If the number you have picked is 0-4, <link-text>turn to 91</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect30">If the number is 5-9, <link-text>turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>16</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You reach for a close combat weapon as the first of the pack reaches the highway and comes bounding towards you. You have encountered rabid dogs before and know only too well that just one scratch from an infected beast will seal your doom. You must fight with speed and skill if you are to survive this deadly attack.</p>
+ <p>You reach for a close combat weapon as the first of the pack reaches the highway and comes bounding towards you.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>You know too well that one scratch from an infected dog will seal your doom.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="649" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="649" />
+ </illustration>
+ <p>You have encountered rabid dogs before and know only too well that just one scratch from an infected beast will seal your doom. You must fight with speed and skill if you are to survive this deadly attack.</p>
<combat><enemy>Rabid Dog</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">12</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">32</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect113">If you win and the fight lasts three rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 113</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect201">If the fight lasts four rounds or more, <link-text>turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect291">If the fight lasts four rounds or more, <link-text>turn to 291</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The moment you break cover, gunfire erupts from all sides. In the hope of making yourself a difficult target you zig-zag towards the door, but your manoeuvre is anticipated and a stream of bullets tears up the ground ahead, dangerously close. Long Jake shouts encouragement, and you are within a few feet of the doorway when a sharp burning sensation lances your right forearm: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Gritting your teeth against the sudden pain of your wound, you force yourself forwards and fall headlong through the doorway.</p>
- <choice idref="sect320"><link-text>Turn to 320</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect329"><link-text>Turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect20">
<meta><title>20</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect20-1-foot" idref="sect20-1">
+ <p>This is the correct answer to the keypad puzzle in <a idref="sect152">Section 152.</a></p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>The instant you tap the number 20 on the keypad, there is a sharp click and the steel door swings inwards to reveal the shelved walls of a strongroom beyond. You smile with satisfaction at having cracked the university's door code: the number in the last column of each row is the sum of the numbers in the first two columns, minus the number in the third column.</p>
<p>Curious as to what lies within, you enter the strongroom and inspect its dusty shelves. This concrete vault contains the documentation of experiments and small quantities of what were once considered precious metals - gold, platinum, silver and titanium. After a thorough search you find three items that you may be able to put to practical use:</p>
<ul>
- <li>GEIGER COUNTER</li>
- <li>ALTIMETER</li>
- <li>RADIATION SUIT (occupies two item spaces in the Backpack)</li>
+ <li><typ class="item">GEIGER COUNTER</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">ALTIMETER</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">RADIATION SUIT</typ> (occupies two item spaces in the Backpack)</li>
</ul>
<p>If you wish to keep any of these items, amend your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<choice idref="sect29">To leave the strongroom and return to the convoy, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
<p>In one swift, smooth movement you bring your gun to your shoulder and fire.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Shooting skill total.</p>
<choice idref="sect275">If the total is now 0-5, <link-text>turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
- <p>If it is 6 or more, turn to Ill.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect111">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 111</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>As you unsling your rifle you glance at the breach, taking note of the red tag which indicates that a round is chambered ready to fire. Then swiftly you raise the gun to your shoulder, flick the safety and take aim at the leading dog. You fire as it leaps and your bullet passes clean through its body, killing it instantly and wounding another in the pack behind.</p>
<choice idref="sect190">If you wish to fire a second round at these rabid dogs and are able to do so, <link-text>turn to 190</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect04">If you have run out of ammunition, or choose not to fire a second round, <link-text>turn to 04</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect64">If you have run out of ammunition, or choose not to fire a second round, <link-text>turn to 64</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>With your back bent beneath the combined weight of your equipment, fifty pounds of salt and the thick roll of polythene sheeting that is slung around your shoulders, you slowly make your way back to the convoy. The sight of you staggering out of the campus, half-hidden beneath the mountain of items you have salvaged, provokes a loud roar of laughter from the bus. Cutter Jacks and Uncle Jonas come to your aid, both resisting the urge to poke fun at you. When they discover what you are carrying, their mouths drop open in amazement.</p>
- <p>Word spreads and everyone is suddenly eager to congratulate you. You decide to keep one of the tubs (mark the
Salt on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> as a Backpack Item - if you already carry the maximum number, you must discard another item in favour of this one). As soon as all your precious discoveries are loaded safely on the bus, you climb back into your roadster and lead the convoy along the southbound carriageway of Freeway 35.</p>
+ <p>Word spreads and everyone is suddenly eager to congratulate you. You decide to keep one of the tubs (mark the
<typ class="item">Salt</typ> on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> as a Backpack Item - if you already carry the maximum number, you must discard another item in favour of this one). As soon as all your precious discoveries are loaded safely on the bus, you climb back into your roadster and lead the convoy along the southbound carriageway of Freeway 35.</p>
<choice idref="sect22"><link-text>Turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The billowing smoke threatens to suffocate you before you have a chance to break free. Frantically you pull at the ropes until they give, then you stagger out of the smoke, coughing and retching violently: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>No sooner have you recovered from the effects of the smoke than you are faced with another peril. An indian clansman is running at you, holding a wide-bladed machete above his head. With a scream, he leaps forwards and takes a swipe at your neck.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>An indian clansman is running at you, holding a wide-bladed machete above his head.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="591" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="591" />
+ </illustration>
<combat><enemy>Choctaw</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">17</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">28</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect228">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>31</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You stoop to pick up one of the spent cartridges, an empty 7.82mm casing. As you are inspecting it, a heavy weight lands on your back, forcing you to your knees: you have been smothered by a large rope net thrown from the roof of the sheriff's office.</p>
+ <p>You stoop to pick up one of the spent cartridges, an empty 7.62mm casing. As you are inspecting it, a heavy weight lands on your back, forcing you to your knees: you have been smothered by a large rope net thrown from the roof of the sheriff's office.</p>
<p>The silence is shattered by a riot of noise as a dozen screaming clansmen surround your struggling form. Grasping hands snatch your weapons (erase all your missile and close combat weapons from your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>) before they drag you - still ensnared in the net - through the entrance doors and along a narrow corridor. At the far end of the corridor, a pair of evil-smelling clansmen pull you out of the net and throw you head first into an empty cell. As the heavy iron door clangs shut, you stagger wearily to your feet and survey your spartan surroundings.</p>
- <choice idref="sect346">If you possess either a File or a Flexible Saw, <link-text>turn to 346</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect346">If you possess either a <typ class="item">File</typ> or a <typ class="item">Flexible Saw</typ>, <link-text>turn to 346</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect294">If you possess neither of these items, <link-text>turn to 294</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You take hold of the crate, ready to wrench it open but, to your surprise, the wood is infested with dry rot and crumbles to dust under the slightest pressure. You strip away the flaky timbers to discover hundreds of square plastic tubs, held together by a sheet of clear polythene - just what your uncle wanted! Using your hunting knife, carefully you lay open the sheet, peeling it away from the tubs, and rolling it up for future use.</p>
<p>On the tubs themselves are blue and white labels that display the letters: N a C 1.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Perception skill total.</p>
- <p>If the total is now 7 or less, turn 240.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect240">If the total is now 7 or less, <link-text>turn to 240</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect4">If it is 8 or more, <link-text>turn to 4</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You arrive at a ridge of high ground that overlooks the ruins of Denton. The place is familiar - you have stopped here many times over the past few months during your routine patrols of the area, to check that the town was not being used as a base by the gangs who were raiding McKinney. Although you cannot see anything out of the ordinary, you sense that something is wrong, that there is a hidden danger lurking in Denton. Your skin prickles at the thought of investigating the ruins lest your suspicions prove correct, but, on the other hand, the convoy must reach the freeway. You consider your options carefully.</p>
- <choice idref="sect339">If you possess some Binoculars, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect339">If you possess some <typ class="item">Binoculars</typ>, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect198">If you wish to return to the convoy and tell them to avoid Denton, <link-text>turn to 198</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect298">If you decide to ignore your fears and investigate the ruins, <link-text>turn to 298</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Consciousness returns slowly and painfully. With your head pounding fit to burst, you ease yourself into a sitting position and gaze upon your new surroundings. You are in a prison cell, empty save for a wooden bunk. A solitary open window, criss-crossed with pitted steel bars, provides the only source of light and ventilation, and a heavy steel door the only means of access. You no longer possess any weapons or backpack equipment (be sure to erase all your missile and close combat weapons, together with any items you were carrying in your Backpack) but you still possess your Medi-kit, Ammo Pouch and Water Canteen.</p>
- <p>Standing on the edge of the bunk, you are able to peer through the bars at an alleyway that runs along the rear of the building, which you recognize to be the sheriff's office. However, without weapons, or any other means of dislodgng the bars, you have no hope of escaping through the window.</p>
+ <p>Standing on the edge of the bunk, you are able to peer through the bars at an alleyway that runs along the rear of the building, which you recognize to be the sheriff's office. However, without weapons, or any other means of dislodging the bars, you have no hope of escaping through the window.</p>
<p>An hour later you hear your captors laughing in the corridor outside. A key rattles in the lock and the cell door swings back to reveal a barrel-chested clansman, clad in a suit of black leather which is adorned with sharpened metal studs. He fixes you with his small bloodshot eyes, and sneers contemptuously.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>The cell door swings back to reveal a barrel-chested clansman.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="591" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="591" />
+ </illustration>
<p>'You scoutin' for the Skulls, ain't you boy?' he says, his hand caressing the butt of a pistol that is holstered on his hip. 'That 'roach Alcatraz sent you here t'check us out, didn't he?' Resentful mutterings fill the corridor outside, urging the beady-eyed clansman to settle the matter by shooting you.</p>
- <p>'Do I look like a Skull,' you ask defensively.</p>
+ <p>'Do I look like a Skull?' you ask defensively.</p>
<p>'Maybe not,' he growls, 'but if you ain't a Skull, what are you doing nosin' around Albany?'</p>
<p>Choosing your words with care, you manage to convince the clansman and his cohorts that you are a loner, desperately short of food and water, who ran across the town by chance and decided to enter in search of supplies. The clansman, who calls himself Manhattan, seems impressed by your story and invites you to join his gang, who are known as 'the Kickers'. You have little option but to accept his invitation in the hope that once you are released from the cell you will be able to escape.</p>
<p>'Good!' snarls Manhattan. He informs his men of your decision and orders them to make preparations for the Rite'. When you ask what 'the Rite' is, he narrows his eyes and sniggers. 'You must earn the right to become a Kicker,' he explains, grimly. 'You must prove to us that you are worthy.'</p>
<meta><title>55</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>It is nearly dusk when the clansmen and their chief reappear. Slowly the shiny thunderbird drives towards you, positioned at the head of a torchlit procession of men and women dressed in strange, ceremonial robes. Chief Drawoher brings the line to a halt before the totem and calls for silence. Then he extols the virtues of Heng, the Thunder Spirit, and asks that he grant their request for rain. The clansmen form a wide circle around you and, as their leader steps forwards, they chant loudly and hypnotically.</p>
+ <p>It is nearly dusk when the clansmen and their chief reappear. Slowly the shiny Thunderbird drives towards you, positioned at the head of a torchlit procession of men and women dressed in strange, ceremonial robes. Chief Drawoher brings the line to a halt before the totem and calls for silence. Then he extols the virtues of Heng, the Thunder Spirit, and asks that he grant their request for rain. The clansmen form a wide circle around you and, as their leader steps forwards, they chant loudly and hypnotically.</p>
<p>With a glint of madness in his eyes, the chief unsheathes the sacrificial dagger, a blade carved from the bone of a buffalo, and holds it above his head. 'You die so that the land may live!' he screams, his voice barely audible above the drone of his followers. In desperation, you remove your free hand from behind your back and attempt to grab his wrist as he brings the dagger down towards your heart.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the Random Number Tubie and add to it your current Field Craft and Stealth skill totals.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Field Craft and Stealth skill totals.</p>
<choice idref="sect241">If your total score is now 13 or less, <link-text>turn to 241</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect256">If it is 14 or more, <link-text>turn to 256</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>60</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You wait until Cutter reaches the safety of the alley before you set off towards the amusement park. Silently, like a cat, you pad across the open ground, before gaining entry to the park itself by wriggling under its rusty chain-link fence. The deserted rides look strange and scary in the moonlight. The shapes play tricks on your imagination, and when a patroi of Skull clansmen suddenly appears at the entrance to the park, you panic and dive for cover through the nearest doorway.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your Current Stealth and Perception 8kill totals.</p>
- <choice idref="sect218">If your total score is now 12 or less, turn to 331. If your total score is now 13 or more, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>You wait until Cutter reaches the safety of the alley before you set off towards the amusement park. Silently, like a cat, you pad across the open ground, before gaining entry to the park itself by wriggling under its rusty chain-link fence. The deserted rides look strange and scary in the moonlight. The shapes play tricks on your imagination, and when a patrol of Skull clansmen suddenly appears at the entrance to the park, you panic and dive for cover through the nearest doorway.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your Current Stealth and Perception skill totals.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect331">If your total score is now 12 or less, <link-text>turn to 331</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect218">If your total score is now 13 or more, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>It is dusk before you are able to escape from Albany under cover of the failing light. With relief you discover that your roadster is still parked at the farm where you left it, and quickly you climb in and accelerate away.</p>
<p>When you reach Moran you find that the convoy is awaiting your return with trepidation. Because you are so long overdue, they feared that you had fallen foul of Mad Dog Michigan and his bikers. You tell them what happened to you in Albany, and everyone agrees that, with darkness less than an hour away, it is too dangerous to continue.</p>
- <p>The night in Moran passes uneventfully and at first light the convoy sets off cross-country towards Abilene. The arid, stony bed of Hubbard Greek leads the convoy south-west, back towards Freeway 20. Shortly after midday you reach the freeway from which you can see the outskirts of Abilene less than five miles distant.</p>
+ <p>The night in Moran passes uneventfully and at first light the convoy sets off cross-country towards Abilene. The arid, stony bed of Hubbard Creek leads the convoy south-west, back towards Freeway 20. Shortly after midday you reach the freeway from which you can see the outskirts of Abilene less than five miles distant.</p>
<choice idref="sect100"><link-text>Turn to 100</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The dogs rush towards you, undaunted by your valiant attempts to stop them. As one pounces at your chest, you grab a close combat weapon and prepare to defend yourself as best you can.</p>
<combat><enemy>Rabid Dog</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">12</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">32</enemy-attribute></combat>
-
<choice idref="sect113">If you win, and the fight lasts three rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 113</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect291">If the fight lasts four rounds or more, <link-text>turn to 291</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>A bullet clips the flesh above your left elbow and spins you to the ground: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. You clutch your injured arm to feel warm blood oozing through your fingers as you crawl along the ground towards your car. A second shot passes over your head and you notice the muzzle flash of the sniper's gun; he is hiding in the doorway of a diner on the other side of the highway. Two motorcycles are parked at the side of the building indicating that he is not alone.</p>
- <choice idref="sect116">If you possess a C.B. Radio, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect116">If you possess a <typ class="item">C.B. Radio</typ>, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect99">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 99</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>66</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The only items you find of practical value are a Fire Extinguisher and a First Aid Box. The box contains dressings and antiseptics sufficient for two Medi-kit units.</p>
+ <p>The only items you find of practical value are a <typ class="item">Fire Extinguisher</typ> and a First Aid Box. The box contains dressings and antiseptics sufficient for two Medi-kit units.</p>
<p>If you choose to keep either of these items, remember to adjust your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<choice idref="sect284"><link-text>Turn to 284</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The voice seems to be drifting from the east, so you change direction and head towards it. After a few minutes there is a lull in the storm and, as the dust settles, you are able to see the ruins of a candy store standing close to the school's perimeter fence. Once more you call out her name and a voice replies, faintly, 'Help me &ellips; I'm in here.'</p>
<choice idref="sect341">If your current Perception skill total is 4 or less <link-text>turn to 341</link-text>.</choice>
- <p>If it is 5 or more, turnto 154.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect154">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 154</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You relay the message to the others and they begin to laugh. 'I think the heat's finally got to you, Cal!' jokes Hammer Harlan. 'Here, let me listen to those 'phones. Ain't nothin' wrong with my hearin'.' You pass him the headphones, but before he has had a chance to put them on, the insect-like sound of a small engine draws all eyes to the west.</p>
<p>'Well, I'll be&ellips; !' mutters Hammer, scarcely able to believe his eyes. High in the azure sky you see a tin flying machine with fragile, bat-shaped wings. Spellbound, the colony watches as the plane circles above the town and comes in to land on the stretch of freeway that approaches the bridge. Slowly the pilot extricates himself from the tiny, motorized hang glider, and gives a friendly wave as he strides towards the group.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>'The name's Rickenbacker,' he says, removing his goggles and shaking Uncle Jonas by the hand.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="595" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="595" />
+ </illustration>
<p>'The name's Rickenbacker,' he says, removing his goggles and shaking Uncle Jonas by the hand. 'I'm from Big Spring. I saw y'all while I was scoutin' the freeway and thought I'd drop by. Shame about the radio: 'fraid my set's seen better days.'</p>
<p>Rickenbacker warns the colony that a large group of clansmen is riding towards the town from the east. They are less than five miles distant and closing fast. He also tells you about another gang of bikers, a clan called 'the Mavericks', who have been the bane of the Big Spring colony for the last six months. They control the city of Lubbock, 100 miles to the north, and their raiding parties are in the area foraging for food. 'I know the next thirty miles ain't gonna be easy for you folks, but there's a big welcome waitin' for y'all at Big Spring,' he says, as he gets ready to take to the air once more. 'Don't delay now. We're countin' on you to make it through.'</p>
<p>As soon as he is airborne, the colony sets to work on the bridge with renewed vigour. The Lions are closer than anyone dared imagine and everyone is eager to get across the river before they show up. When Cutter announces that the bridge is safe, you drive the roadster across the platform and park it on the freeway ready for a fast getaway. The colony crosses over on foot, and Cutter drives the empty bus across the bridge. The platform creaks and shudders, but Cutter is able to cross safely to the far side. Together with Kate, the three of you return to help guide Uncle Jonas and the tanker across.</p>
<data>
<p>You flick the safety catch off and rest your shotgun across the rollbar of your roadster in order to steady your aim. At 200 yards, the figure appears little more than 1/16 inch high and, as you squeeze the trigger, you pray that your buckshot load will have enough power to reach that far.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Shooting skill total. Now decide how many rounds you wish to fire (minimum-one round; maximum-four rounds). For every round you fire, add one point to your current score.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Shooting skill total. Now decide how many rounds you wish to fire (minimum - one round; maximum - four rounds). For every round you fire, add one point to your current score.</p>
<choice idref="sect164">If your total score is now 15 or less, <link-text>turn to 164</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect58">If it is 16 or more, <link-text>turn to 58</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>73</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>'You'll be needing one of these,' says Pop Ewell, handing you a C.B. transceiver. 'It'll do no good if you find Maria but can't find your way back here.' You take the handset (mark this on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> as a C.B. Radio; if you already possess the maximum number of Backpack items, you must discard one in favour of this item), thank him, and then join the others to decide on a search plan.</p>
+ <p>'You'll be needing one of these,' says Pop Ewell, handing you a C.B. transceiver. 'It'll do no good if you find Maria but can't find your way back here.' You take the handset (mark this on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> as a <typ class="item">C.B. Radio</typ>; if you already possess the maximum number of Backpack items, you must discard one in favour of this item), thank him, and then join the others to decide on a search plan.</p>
<choice idref="sect304"><link-text>Turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Before you set off for Mineral Wells, you consult with Cutter and Uncle Jonas and devise a plan of action. It is decided that after you have investigated the source of the radio transmission, you will drive south on the remains of Highway 281 and rendezvous with the others at Santo, the next town west along the freeway, where the convoy intends to make camp for the night.</p>
- <choice idref="sect253">If you possess a C.B. Radio, <link-text>turn to 253</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect253">If you possess a <typ class="item">C.B. Radio</typ>, <link-text>turn to 253</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect158">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 158</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>At this range your bullet hits the clansman with devastating accuracy, passing through his heart and killing him instantly. He throws his hands in the air and falls forward. As he disappears from sight, his partner unleashes a long burst of fire that powders the scree behind you. When the firing stops, you raise your head and peer through the bushes, expecting to see your enemy reloading. Instead he discards his empty magazine and turns to run away. He has exhausted his ammunition and has decided to make his escape before you have a chance to return fire.</p>
<p>As soon as you are sure that the coast is clear, you rise cautiously and help Kate to her feet. The sound of a motor cycle riding away into the distance reassures you that your ambusher has fled, and confidently you scramble up the slope and go to examine the body of the one who did not get away.</p>
- <p>Turn 175.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect175"><link-text>Turn to 175</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>81</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The door is locked, but one swift kick is all that is needed to shatter its corroded bolt and gain entry to the warehouse. For a few seconds, as your eyes adapt to the darkness, you are blind: you have no idea of the layout of the building, and you fail to see the scar- faced clansman advancing towards you with a sharpened meat hook in his hand. Only the sound of glass breaking beneath his feet alerts you to his presence and saves you from his first, vicious swipe. Quickly you recover and reach for a close combat weapon as he makes his second attack.</p>
+ <p>The door is locked, but one swift kick is all that is needed to shatter its corroded bolt and gain entry to the warehouse. For a few seconds, as your eyes adapt to the darkness, you are blind: you have no idea of the layout of the building, and you fail to see the scar-faced clansman advancing towards you with a sharpened meat hook in his hand. Only the sound of glass breaking beneath his feet alerts you to his presence and saves you from his first, vicious swipe. Quickly you recover and reach for a close combat weapon as he makes his second attack.</p>
<combat><enemy>Trans-am</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">14</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">24</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect314">If you win and the combat lasts three rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 314</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>82</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>'OK, it's worth a look,' agrees Uncle Jonas, when you tell him you want to search the university campus before the convoy takes the freeway south. 'See if you can rustle up some polythene sheeting. We're mighty short an' we'll be needin some real bad as soon as we hit the desert. We'll wait right here for you an' keep an eye on the road. Any trouble then jus' give a holler.'</p>
+ <p>'OK, it's worth a look,' agrees Uncle Jonas, when you tell him you want to search the university campus before the convoy takes the freeway south. 'See if you can rustle up some polythene sheeting. We're mighty short an' we'll be needin' some real bad as soon as we hit the desert. We'll wait right here for you an' keep an eye on the road. Any trouble then jus' give a holler.'</p>
<p>With your uncle's request in mind, you drive towards the centre of the campus in search of what was once the chemistry faculty. Most of the buildings are just burnt-out, rubble-filled shells, their contents either buried beyond reach or looted months ago by roving city gangs. A shattered sign indicates the entrance to the building you seek, and your hopes rise when you notice that it is the least damaged structure on the campus.</p>
<p>Inside, the sound of your footsteps echoes along the dusty corridors as you make your way down to the basement storage levels. To your disappointment you discover little remaining there of practical value.</p>
<choice idref="sect184">If you wish to continue your search, <link-text>turn to 184</link-text>.</choice>
<p>It takes you a few minutes to clear the rubble away from the engine compartment, but your efforts are not in vain. Some of the engine components are still serviceable and could prove useful as spares for the colony's bus.</p>
<p>Below are listed the items worth salvaging from the wreck. You may take two from the list, all of which are Backpack items:</p>
<ul>
- <li>DISTRIBUTOR CAP</li>
- <li>CONDENSER</li>
- <li>GAS MODIFIER</li>
- <li>OIL PLUG</li>
- <li>FAN BELT</li>
- <li>SPARK PLUGS</li>
- <li>SOLAR REGULATOR</li>
+ <li><typ class="item">DISTRIBUTOR CAP</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">CONDENSER</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">GAS MODIFIER</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">OIL PLUG</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">FAN BELT</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">SPARK PLUGS</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">SOLAR REGULATOR</typ></li>
</ul>
<p>If you decide to keep any of these spares, remember to adjust your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<choice idref="sect224">To return to the convoy, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>87</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Holding your breath to steady your nerves, you stare along the barrel of your shotgun and focus your aim on the driver's crash heimet.</p>
+ <p>Holding your breath to steady your nerves, you stare along the barrel of your shotgun and focus your aim on the driver's crash helmet.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Shooting skill total.</p>
<choice idref="sect172">If your total score is now 11 or less, <link-text>turn to 172</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect23">If your total score is now 12 or more, <link-text>turn to 23</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The glare of a dozen motorcycle headlights follow in the wake of the convoy. The Mavericks who survived your brief but devastating visit to Coahoma are now in pursuit, and they are closing the gap swiftly. Shots are fired from the back of the bus, bringing down two of the leading bikes, but they do not prevent the others from moving alongside. Anxiously you watch in your rear-view mirror as the pillion riders risk their lives to jump aboard. The few who survive the leap without falling under the wheels gain entry by kicking their way through the windows.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>The pillion riders risk their lives to jump aboard the bus.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="590" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="590" />
+ </illustration>
<p>Suddenly the bus loses speed. You sense that something is seriously amiss and you go back to find out what is wrong. You wave the tanker on, then slow almost to a standstill in order to allow Cutter to catch up. As he draws nearer you see that a running battle is taking place on board. You accelerate, bringing your roadster alongside the boarding door, then you tell Kate to move over into the driving seat and take the wheel. As soon as she has control of the car, you coil yourself like a spring and leap towards the door of the bus.</p>
- <p>Add your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score to your Stealth skill level, and make a note of the total in the margin of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>. Now, pick a number from the Random Number Tabie and add it to your total.</p>
+ <p>Add your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score to your Stealth skill level, and make a note of the total in the margin of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>. Now, pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add it to your total.</p>
<choice idref="sect10">If the total is 22 or less, <link-text>turn to 10</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect313">If the total is 23 or more, <link-text>turn to 313</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The lake occupies the centre of a saucer-like depression and, as you bring your roadster to a halt at the edge of this rocky rim and stare down at the shimmering water below, you are heartened to see that clumps of vegetation are growing close by: a sure sign that the water is not contaminated.</p>
- <p>The sides of the depression are steep and covered with loose shale. Rather than risk a fall, you suggest to Kate that perhaps you should go down to the lake alone. When you reach it, she could throw the containers to you, and then help you with them when you climb back out. The idea does not impress her. 'It's been so long, I can't remember the last time I took a dip in some real water. rm sick a' washin' in sand. If you think I'm gonna hang around up here while you splash about down there, you've got another think comin', buster!'</p>
+ <p>The sides of the depression are steep and covered with loose shale. Rather than risk a fall, you suggest to Kate that perhaps you should go down to the lake alone. When you reach it, she could throw the containers to you, and then help you with them when you climb back out. The idea does not impress her. 'It's been so long, I can't remember the last time I took a dip in some real water. I'm sick a' washin' in sand. If you think I'm gonna hang around up here while you splash about down there, you've got another think comin', buster!'</p>
<p>With that she grabs two of the plastic containers and lowers herself over the edge. Seconds later you hear her scream and you rush forward to see her tumbling head-over-heels towards the lake. She hits the water with a loud splash and disappears from view. Briefly she surfaces, thrashing her arms and shouting: 'Help, Cal! I can't swim!'</p>
- <choice idref="sect181">If you possess a Rope, <link-text>turn to 181</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect181">If you possess a <typ class="item">Rope</typ>, <link-text>turn to 181</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect246">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 246</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Your gunfire fails to bring down the clansman, but it passes close enough to make him veer away from the edge of the slope. Cursing your luck, you shoulder your weapon and turn to Kate.</p>
<p>'I've got to stop him before he reaches the roadster,' you say. Kate protests, but you are determined to save your car, and reluctantly she agrees to cover you as best she can with a tiny Derringer pistol that she carries in her boot.</p>
- <p>'I call it 'Chihuahua',' sue quips, as she cocks the double-hammers and gets ready to fire. 'It don't look much but it makes one helluva noise!'</p>
+ <p>'I call it 'Chihuahua',' she quips, as she cocks the double-hammers and gets ready to fire. 'It don't look much but it makes one helluva noise!'</p>
<p>You scan the slope. When you have picked out the best place to make your climb, you break cover and zig-zag along the shore towards it. Immediately, the machine-gunner opens up on you. Kate replies with a single shot, and he diverts his fire back to the rocks and bushes. Swiftly you claw your way to the top of the slope and run straight at the clansman, grimly determined to intercept him before he can do any damage. He sees you approaching, draws a pistol, and empties it at your chest.</p>
<p>Add your Stealth skill total to your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score.</p>
<choice idref="sect258">If your total is 9 or less, <link-text>turn to 258</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Gingerly, you examine the wounds sustained during your fight. Most were caused when you hit the hard surface of the road, but several of the cuts and scratches that criss-cross your arms were made by the teeth and claws of the dog. Fear knots your stomach as you realize that you must have been infected with the rabies virus.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>.</p>
- <choice idref="sect44">If the number you have picked is 0-4, turn to 283. If it is 5-9, <link-text>turn to 44</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect283">If the number you have picked is 0-4, <link-text>turn to 283</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect44">If it is 5-9, <link-text>turn to 44</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect98">
<meta><title>98</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect98-1-foot" idref="sect98-1">
+ <p>This is the correct answer to the keypad puzzle in <a idref="sect255">Section 255.</a></p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>The moment you tap the correct number on the keypad, there is loud click and the steel door creaks inwards to reveal the shelved walls of a strongroom beyond. You smile with satisfaction at having cracked the university's door code: the number of the last column of each row is the sum of the number of the first two columns, minus the number in the third column.</p>
<p>Intrigued by what lies within, you enter the strongroom and peer along the dusty shelves. The vault contains the documentation of experiments and quantities of what were once considered precious metals - gold, platinum, silver and titanium. After a thorough search, you find three items that may be put to practical use:</p>
<ul>
- <li>GEIGER COUNTER</li>
- <li>ALTIMETER</li>
- <li>RADIATION SUIT (occupies two item spaces in the Backpack)</li>
+ <li><typ class="item">GEIGER COUNTER</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">ALTIMETER</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">RADIATION SUIT</typ> (occupies two item spaces in the Backpack)</li>
</ul>
<p>If you wish to keep any of these items, amend your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<choice idref="sect315">To leave the strongroom and return to the convoy, <link-text>turn to 315</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The convoy is too far away to see that you need help, and you dare not stand up and signal to them for fear of being hit. Two more bullets smack the side of your car and then you hear the sound of a rifle bolt being worked frantically back and forth: the sniper's gun has jammed. While he is trying to clear it, you dash across the highway and take cover behind the two motor cycles. You stop there just long enough to sabotage their engines, then you advance along the side of the diner towards an open window.</p>
- <choice idref="sect276">If you possess an H.E. Grenade, <link-text>turn to 276</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect276">If you possess an <typ class="item">H.E. Grenade</typ>, <link-text>turn to 276</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect311">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>As you approach the city a fierce wind arises. It sweeps down from the north and lashes the convoy, not with rain, but with blinding clouds of grit and sand. Within the space of half an hour the colony is engulfed in a ferocious duststorm that threatens to bury you all without trace. At the first opportunity you signal to the others to pull off the elevated freeway and seek shelter from the storm. The danger of grit finding its way into the engines of the convoy vehicles, causing them irreparable damage, is uppermost in your mind, and anxiously you search for shelter.</p>
<p>A signpost looms out of the swirling dust, pointing to what was once a high school. You signal to Cutter to follow you into the school yard, but the storm is reaching its peak and you are forced to halt before you can see the school itself. Quickly the colony disembarks and blindly you lead them in single file, heads bowed against the stinging wind, until you reach the school building. Fortunately, it still has a roof and four walls, and offers adequate protection from the storm. Once inside, Aunt Betty-Ann decides to take a roll call to make sure everyone is present. She is about to begin when Rosita Rodriguez cries out in anguish, 'Maria! Where is my Maria? She is not here!'</p>
<p>A check of the school reveals that Rosita's little six-year-old girl is missing. She was with the family when they left the bus and must still be close by, but with the storm now at its peak, everyone knows that her chances of survival outside are slim. Uncle Jonas calls for three volunteers to search for Maria, and immediately you step forward, as do Cutter and Kate.</p>
- <choice idref="sect304">If you possess a C.B. Radio, <link-text>turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect304">If you possess a <typ class="item">C.B. Radio</typ>, <link-text>turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect73">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 73</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Using the rollbar of your roadster to steady your hand, you level your pistol and take aim at the distant figure. At 200 yards, your target appears little more than 1/16 inch high. It will take a great deal of skill and considerable luck to hit such a small target, using a pistol.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Shooting skill total. Now decide how many rounds you will fire at the target (minimum-one round; maximum-six rounds). For every round you fire add one point to your current score.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Shooting skill total. Now decide how many rounds you will fire at the target (minimum - one round; maximum - six rounds). For every round you fire add one point to your current score.</p>
<choice idref="sect164">If your total score is now 12 or less, <link-text>turn to 164</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect58">If it is 13 or more, <link-text>turn to 58</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Cutter pats you on the shoulder: it is the signal to move. Silently, like a snake, you crawl across the open ground on your stomach, inching your way nearer to the entrance of the alley, which is sandwiched between two mounds of stinking garbage. A clansman appears from the shadows and you freeze in your tracks. With bated breath you watch as he dumps a sack of rubbish on to one of the mounds before turning around and disappearing into the dark.</p>
- <p>By the time you reach the alley it is deserted. Cautiously you advance along it, your knife held ready just in case you are forced to silence one of the town's inhabitants. The alley ends near the centre of the mall, where the remains of a huge marble fountain lie scattered across the tiled floor. The shop-lined avenues appear empty, so you enter the mall and make your way towards the truck depot. You have just turned a corner when you see a patrol of four Skull clansmen. Instantly you dive through the doorway of a store to your right and crouch in the shadows. The patrol swaggers past the store without noticing you, and soon their footfalls have passed out of earshot.</p>
- <choice idref="sect273">If you wish to search the store, turn to 7. If you decide to leave the store and continue, <link-text>turn to 273</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>By the time you reach the alley it is deserted. Cautiously you advance along it, your knife held ready just in case you are forced to silence one of the town's inhabitants. The alley ends near the centre of the mall, where the remains of a huge marble fountain lie scattered across the tiled floor. The shop-lined avenues appear empty, so you enter the mall and make your way towards the truck depot. You have just turned a corner when you see a patrol of four Skull clansmen.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>A patrol of four clansmen appears.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="583" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="583" />
+ </illustration>
+ <p>Instantly you dive through the doorway of a store to your right and crouch in the shadows. The patrol swaggers past the store without noticing you, and soon their footfalls have passed out of earshot.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect7">If you wish to search the store, <link-text>turn to 7</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect273">If you decide to leave the store and continue, <link-text>turn to 273</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>One by one the clansmen appear in the street, emerging from stores and other buildings. They advance towards you, brandishing knives and axes, and you are forced to run for your life.</p>
- <p>As you run past the entrance to a bar, a large group appears on the sidewalk loss than twenty yards ahead. Shots ring out, forcing you to dive for cover inside the bar. Fortunately the place is deserted, but the angry screams of the mob grow louder as they near the bar. Quickly your eyes scan the gloomy interior, searching for a way out or for a place to hide. Two possibilities present themselves: the staircase to the first floor, and the counter at the rear of the bar.</p>
+ <p>As you run past the entrance to a bar, a large group appears on the sidewalk less than twenty yards ahead. Shots ring out, forcing you to dive for cover inside the bar. Fortunately the place is deserted, but the angry screams of the mob grow louder as they near the bar. Quickly your eyes scan the gloomy interior, searching for a way out or for a place to hide. Two possibilities present themselves: the staircase to the first floor, and the counter at the rear of the bar.</p>
<choice idref="sect286">If you wish to ascend the stairs to the first floor, <link-text>turn to 286</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect118">If you wish to hide behind the counter, <link-text>turn to 118</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You have taken fewer than a dozen steps when suddenly the ground disappears beneath your feet. With a yelp of horror, you scrabble at the air as you fall head first into a steep-sided gulley.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> (0 equals 10) The number you pick is equal to the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose as a result of your fall.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> (0 equals 10). The number you pick is equal to the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose as a result of your fall.</p>
<choice idref="sect242">If you are still alive, adjust your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total and <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Suddenly Cutter appears, his face lined with worry. He soon relaxes when he sees that you are alive. 'I reckon these guys were members of the Maverick gang that Rickenbacker warned us about,' he says. 'Seems that the Lions ain't the only ones we gotta look out for.'</p>
<p>Cutter helps you search the bodies and the diner. You discover the following items:</p>
- <p>Pistol (with four rounds of 9mm ammunition)</p>
- <p>Rifle (with four rounds of 7.62mm ammunition)</p>
- <p>Water Canteen, containing enough water for three Drinks</p>
- <p>Serum, sulphonamides, and dressings, sufficient for three Medi-kit units.</p>
- <p>Flick knife (2)</p>
- <p>Club (2)</p>
- <p>Binoculars</p>
- <p>Rope</p>
- <p>Fire Extinguisher</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>Pistol (with four rounds of 9mm ammunition)</li>
+ <li>Rifle (with four rounds of 7.62mm ammunition)</li>
+ <li>Water Canteen, containing enough water for three Drinks</li>
+ <li>Serum, sulphonamides, and dressings, sufficient for three Medi-kit units.</li>
+ <li>Flick knife (2)</li>
+ <li>Club (2)</li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Binoculars</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Rope</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Fire Extinguisher</typ></li>
+ </ul>
<p>If you wish to keep any of these items, remember to adjust your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<p>As soon as your flat tyre has been repaired, and the highway swept clear of spikes, you climb back into your roadster and lead the convoy on towards Big Spring.</p>
<choice idref="sect347"><link-text>Turn to 347</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>122</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you near the centre of the corral, you throw yourself forward and reach out for the knife. Your fingers close around the hilt, but your enemy grabs your wrist and twists it, forcing you to drop the blade: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Gasping at the sudden pain, you stagger back, allowing him to pick up the fallen knife. With an evil gutteral laugh, he raises the blade above his head and comes stalking towards you.</p>
+ <p>As you near the centre of the corral, you throw yourself forward and reach out for the knife. Your fingers close around the hilt, but your enemy grabs your wrist and twists it, forcing you to drop the blade: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Gasping at the sudden pain, you stagger back, allowing him to pick up the fallen knife. With an evil guttural laugh, he raises the blade above his head and comes stalking towards you.</p>
<combat><enemy>Meltdown</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">17</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">25</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect163">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 163</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>124</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You raise your pistol with both hands, drew a breath through clenched teeth, then take careful aim at the enemy sniper perched on the building opposite.</p>
+ <p>You raise your pistol with both hands, draw a breath through clenched teeth, then take careful aim at the enemy sniper perched on the building opposite.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Shooting skill total.</p>
<choice idref="sect349">If your total score is now 14 or less, <link-text>turn to 349</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect229">If your total score is now 15 or more, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You take the food out of your Backpack and hurl it down into the trench. As soon as the dogs scent the aroma of the food, they switch their attention to the hollow and leap in feet first. Then the two men appear. They shamble to the edge of the trench and stare at you with vacant eyes. The skilful way in which you distracted their dogs does not seem to have antagonized them in the slightest, nor do they appear unduly concerned for their own safety. You stand your ground, challenging them to attack if they dare. They laugh. It is a pitiful, thin sound that makes your flesh crawl. You return their empty stares, noting with disgust the ulcer-like sores that cover their pale, greyish skins; their almost complete lack of hair; and their teeth, black with decay. Your disgust turns to pity, however, when suddenly you realize why they show no fear: they are both afflicted with terminal radiation sickness. Death is already their companion.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>They are both afflicted with terminal radiation sickness. Death is already their companion.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="614" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="614" />
+ </illustration>
<p>'Where are you from?' you call, anxious to discover if there is a hot spot - a zone of radioactivity - nearby.</p>
<p>'Cisco,' comes the reply.</p>
<p>You take some dressings from your Medi-kit and place them on the ground in front of you (erase one Medi-kit unit from your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>), before turning and walking back to your roadster. The dressings may be of little comfort to these two Rad-vics (the name your colony gives to the victims of high-dosage radioactivity), but they may know others who will benefit from them.</p>
<meta><title>137</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The journey south-west to Lake Lewisville is a slow and arduous trek across rough terrain, but one that cannot be avoided as you skirt around Denton. When finally you sight the dry lake, it is clear that crossing it will be a dangerous business as the convoy will make an easy target to anyone occupying the surrounding high ground. You must get the convoy moss in the shortest time possible.</p>
+ <p>The journey south-west to Lake Lewisville is a slow and arduous trek across rough terrain, but one that cannot be avoided as you skirt around Denton. When finally you sight the dry lake, it is clear that crossing it will be a dangerous business as the convoy will make an easy target to anyone occupying the surrounding high ground. You must get the convoy across in the shortest time possible.</p>
<p>The bed of the lake is littered with rusted car wrecks and old household machinery. Between these heaps of twisted scrap are avenues covered with slabs of broken earth that jut upwards at all angles, their sharp edges baked hard by months in the furnace-like heat. The bus and the tanker, both heavily laden, are soon reduced to a snail's pace for fear of shredding their tyres, and you are forced to stay close in case they break down or fall victim to an ambush.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect281">If the number you have picked is 0-6, <link-text>turn to 281</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You throw yourself to the ground. Your speedy reactions save you from being cut in half by the deadly tracer shells. The air is alive with bullet fragments and pieces of twisted metal, and you dare not raise your head for fear of being hit. Out of the corner of your eye you see Kate aiming her rifle from the window of the factory. She shoots and immediately the machine gun fire ceases. You look up to see the rider clutching his face with both hands. He swoons, falls backwards, and then tumbles from the saddle. Before the sidecar rider can jump free, the speeding machine careers off the road into the wall of an office building, and explodes in a searing ball of flame.</p>
<p>With a smile you signal a thumbs-up to Kate and she returns your salute with a wave. A few minutes later a column of motorcycles - the main body of the clan - rides into view. They are now less than a mile from the bridge. 'C'mon you two!' shouts Cutter. 'It's time to go.' The tanker has made it across the platform and is now parked with the other vehicles on the far side of the river. Kate is running towards you from the factory and, as she reaches the bridge, you call out to her: 'Set the bomb! I'll cover you!'</p>
- <p>Tensely you watch tthe clansmen as they gun their bikes along the freeway, and you glance repeatedly over your shoulder, praying for Kate to signal that the bomb is ready. Then the front line of bikers open fire with their machine pistols, and suddenly the air is filled with the whine and whistle of bullets. 'It's ready!' shouts Kate, and takes off across the bridge at a run.</p>
+ <p>Tensely you watch the clansmen as they gun their bikes along the freeway, and you glance repeatedly over your shoulder, praying for Kate to signal that the bomb is ready. Then the front line of bikers open fire with their machine pistols, and suddenly the air is filled with the whine and whistle of bullets. 'It's ready!' shouts Kate, and takes off across the bridge at a run.</p>
<p>Add together your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score and your Stealth skill total. (NOTE: If your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is low and you are heavily encumbered, it may be advisable to discard some of your Backpack items in order to increase your Stealth skill level.)</p>
<choice idref="sect324">If your total is 11 or less, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect200">If your total is 12 or more, <link-text>turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
<p>The fleeing man sees you and fires twice, but his aim is awry and the bullets pass high above your head. You raise your gun and order him to stop but he ignores your call. He shoots again and you return fire, killing him cleanly with a shot to the heart.</p>
<p>Cutter appears and beckons you over to the diner. Inside the doorway lies the body of another man, a rifle resting across his blood-stained chest. 'I reckon these two were from that Maverick gang that Rickenbacker warned us about,' says Cutter, as he searches through the dead man's pockets. 'Seems like the Lions ain't the only ones we gotta look out for.'</p>
<p>You help Cutter search the bodies and the diner. You discover the following items:</p>
- <p>Pistol (with two rounds of 9mm ammunition)</p>
- <p>Rifle (with two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition)</p>
- <p>Water Canteen, containing enough water for three Drinks</p>
- <p>Serum, sulphonamides, and dressings, sufficient for three Medi-kit units</p>
- <p>Flick Knife (2)</p>
- <p>Club (2)</p>
- <p>Binoculars</p>
- <p>Rope</p>
- <p>Fire Extinguisher</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>Pistol (with two rounds of 9mm ammunition)</li>
+ <li>Rifle (with two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition)</li>
+ <li>Water Canteen, containing enough water for three Drinks</li>
+ <li>Serum, sulphonamides, and dressings, sufficient for three Medi-kit units.</li>
+ <li>Flick knife (2)</li>
+ <li>Club (2)</li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Binoculars</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Rope</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Fire Extinguisher</typ></li>
+ </ul>
<p>If you wish to keep any of the items, remember to adjust your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<p>As soon as your flat tyre has been repaired and the highway swept clear of spikes, you climb back into your roadster and lead the convoy on towards Big Spring.</p>
<choice idref="sect347"><link-text>Turn to 347</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>For a mile beyond the junction, the highway passes through a corridor of petrified trees, the pitiful remains of a fertile city park that thrived before the holocaust. Then it crests a ridge of high ground that overlooks the sickly, tainted waters of Lake Worth. The bridge ahead is blocked by a manned barricade, and you slow to a halt, signalling to the others to pull off the road to avoid being seen.</p>
- <p>Cutter is the first to join you, his eagle eyes fixed on the barricade as silently he assess its strength. Uncle Jonas and Hammer Harlan are the next to arrive and they are quick to ask Cutter for his opinion. 'Ain't nothing fancy down there,' he says, almost casually. 'They got a few cars strung out in a line, that's all. I figure if we was to hit 'em hard enough, you can bet yer boots we'd bust through their centre like a bull through a wicker fence.'</p>
+ <p>Cutter is the first to join you, his eagle eyes fixed on the barricade as silently he assesses its strength. Uncle Jonas and Hammer Harlan are the next to arrive and they are quick to ask Cutter for his opinion. 'Ain't nothing fancy down there,' he says, almost casually. 'They got a few cars strung out in a line, that's all. I figure if we was to hit 'em hard enough, you can bet yer boots we'd bust through their centre like a bull through a wicker fence.'</p>
<p>'We can't risk damaging a vehicle,' says Hammer, wiping the sweat from his brow. 'If we smash a rad or rip a tyre, we can kiss goodbye to our hopes o' seein' Big Spring.'</p>
<p>'True enough,' replies Cutter, stroking his stubbly chin. 'But I've got an idea that'll give us a better-than-evens chance o' cuttin' through without a scratch.'</p>
<choice idref="sect227"><link-text>Turn to 227</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>It is not until you reach the town of Trent, seven miles beyond the bridge, that you consider it safe to slow down and allow the convoy to resume its cruising speed. The sniper attack and the burning midday sun have left you shaking and streaming with sweat. You must now take a Drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>The battered houses and stores of this Texan town slip past and once again a featureless plain of broken, sun-baked earth stretches before you. Your pulse has just returned to normal when you notice, out of the corner of your eye, something that sets it racing once more. Less than a mile to the north a small cloud of dust is moving across the plain parallel to the freeway. Slowly it draws nearer until you can hear the sound of two motorcycles and glimpse the ugly faces of their riders. They are both standing to help balance their bouncing machines, and as they approach the freeway, they open their throttles and lift their front wheels in a display of bravado. They draw level with your roadster, one on either side, and you notice the symbol that is painted on the sides of their fuel tanks. It is the head of a lion with its teeth bared: the symbol of the Detroit Lions clan.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>You hear the sound of two motorcycles and glimpse the ugly faces of their riders.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill8.gif" width="386" height="593" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill8.pdf" width="386" height="593" />
+ </illustration>
<p>The clansman to your right shouts something but the rush of wind steals his words. You sense something land in the car, and when you turn to look, you are horrified to see a live grenade lying on the passenger seat beside you.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>, and add to it your Driving and Stealth skill totals.</p>
<choice idref="sect236">If your total score is now 11 or less, <link-text>turn to 236</link-text>.</choice>
<section class="numbered" id="sect152">
<meta><title>152</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect152-1-foot" idref="sect152-1">
+ <p>The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>The heavy steel door is held shut by an electronic lock. At first you suspect that the lock has jammed, its power having run down long ago, but as soon as you touch the keypad, a blue LED display glows into life above it.</p>
<p>Eleven numbers appear, arranged in three rows. There are four numbers on the top row, four on the second, and three on the third:</p>
- <p>2 12 5 9 4 20 7 17 12 12 4 -</p>
+ <p>2 12 5 9</p>
+ <p>4 20 7 17</p>
+ <p>12 12 4 -</p>
<p>You study the rows of numbers carefully, looking for a pattern. By tapping on the keypad the number that is missing from the last row, you will release the lock and open the door.</p>
<p>When you think you know the missing number, turn to the entry that bears that number.</p>
<choice idref="sect171">If you cannot work out the correct answer, <link-text>turn to 171</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>156</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Fifty miles of broken highway lie between you and the town of Albany. By mid-afternoon the temperature has climbed above 110ΒΊ Fahrenheit, and the combined effects of the scorching heat and the poor road surface begins to take its toll of those travelling aboard the crowded bus. As you approach the outskirts of a small town called Moran, Cutter signals for you to stop. 'We've got six people down with heat exhaustion and four more on the brink,' he says, his face awash with sweat. 'We've got to get 'em out of this travelling oven and let 'em rest awhile in the shade.'</p>
- <p>You suggest that the convoy waits in Moran while you go on ahead to make sure that Albany is safe to enter. By the time you have checked it out and returned, the worst of the afternoon heat will have passed and the colony will be better able to continue. Before you leave for Albany you must take a Drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Unless you possess a tub of Salt, you must reduce your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by 4 points, due to excessive salt loss.</p>
+ <p>Fifty miles of broken highway lie between you and the town of Albany. By mid-afternoon the temperature has climbed above 110° Fahrenheit, and the combined effects of the scorching heat and the poor road surface begins to take its toll on those travelling aboard the crowded bus. As you approach the outskirts of a small town called Moran, Cutter signals for you to stop. 'We've got six people down with heat exhaustion and four more on the brink,' he says, his face awash with sweat. 'We've got to get 'em out of this travelling oven and let 'em rest awhile in the shade.'</p>
+ <p>You suggest that the convoy waits in Moran while you go on ahead to make sure that Albany is safe to enter. By the time you have checked it out and returned, the worst of the afternoon heat will have passed and the colony will be better able to continue. Before you leave for Albany you must take a Drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Unless you possess a tub of <typ class="item">Salt</typ>, you must reduce your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by 4 points, due to excessive salt loss.</p>
<choice idref="sect343"><link-text>Turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>'You had better take this with you,' says Pop Ewell, reaching into a satchel that he carries over his shoulder. He removes a hand-held transceiver and offers it to you. 'It's tuned to 153 megahertz. I'll be listenin' out for you the whole time you're away.'</p>
- <p>You take the
C.B. Radio (mark this on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> as a Backpack Item - you must discard another item in its favour if you already carry the maximum quota of items), check the setting and make sure there is sufficient power left in its miniaturized solar-pac before you walk to your roadster.</p>
+ <p>You take the
<typ class="item">C.B. Radio</typ> (mark this on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> as a Backpack Item - you must discard another item in its favour if you already carry the maximum quota of items), check the setting and make sure there is sufficient power left in its miniaturized solar-pac before you walk to your roadster.</p>
<p>'Good luck, Cal,' says Uncle Jonas, as you switch on your ignition and check your instrumentation. 'Don't take no unnecessary risks, y'hear!'</p>
<p>With a wave, you bid him farewell, before accelerating the roadster along the highway that leads to Mineral Wells.</p>
<choice idref="sect325"><link-text>Turn to 325</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>162</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You park beside the control tower, switch off the engine, then wait. Only when you are sure that the area is deserted do you leave your vehicle and enter the derelict building. A spiral staircase leads to the main control room where once sophisticated technology now lies scorched and twisted beyond recognition. You open a service hatch to find yourself staring at the skeletal remains of an air force sergeant. You regain your composure quickly and move to close the hatch. Then you notice that a holster and ammunition pouch are still attached to the dead soldier's belt, and your scavenger's instincts get the better of you.</p>
+ <p>You park beside the control tower, switch off the engine, then wait. Only when you are sure that the area is deserted do you leave your vehicle and enter the derelict building. A spiral staircase leads to the main control room where once sophisticated technology now lies scorched and twisted beyond recognition. You open a service hatch to find yourself staring at the skeletal remains of an air force sergeant.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>You open a service hatch to find yourself staring at the skeletal remains of an air force sergeant.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill9.gif" width="386" height="590" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill9.pdf" width="386" height="590" />
+ </illustration>
+ <p>You regain your composure quickly and move to close the hatch. Then you notice that a holster and ammunition pouch are still attached to the dead soldier's belt, and your scavenger's instincts get the better of you.</p>
<p>The holster contains a Pistol and the pouch holds twelve rounds of 9mm ammunition. If you decide to keep either of these items, amend your Weapons list and Ammo pouch accordingly.</p>
<choice idref="sect123">To leave the control tower, <link-text>turn to 123</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You step away from Meltdown's body and turn to face the cheering crowd. Manhattan comes striding towards you, his face beaming, delighted that you have disposed of his would-be rival. 'Nice work, kid. I knew y'was a Kicker when I first set eyes on you,' he says glibly. Then he calls to one of his sidekicks and says something to him that you cannot hear. 'Follow Tweet,' he says, nodding to his grimy, one-eyed helper. 'He'll give you some chow and make sure you get some new equipment. Come see me in an hour - I've got a special job for you.'</p>
<p>Tweet takes you to a motel near the centre of town, where he offers you enough food for one Meal, enough water for two Drinks, and a choice of the following weapons, ammunition and equipment:</p>
- <p>Machine Pistol plus twenty rounds of 9mm ammunition</p>
- <p>Pistol plus six rounds of 9mm ammunition</p>
- <p>Rifle plus six rounds of 7.62mm ammunition</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>Machine Pistol plus twenty rounds of 9mm ammunition</li>
+ <li>Pistol plus six rounds of 9mm ammunition</li>
+ <li>Rifle plus six rounds of 7.62mm ammunition</li>
+ </ul>
<p>(You may take only one of the three weapons listed above.)</p>
- <p>Binoculars</p>
- <p>File</p>
- <p>Signal Flare</p>
- <p>Compass</p>
- <p>Geiger Counter</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li><typ class="item">Binoculars</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">File</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Signal Flare</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Compass</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Geiger Counter</typ></li>
+ </ul>
<p>(You may take any number of the above Backpack items.)</p>
<p>After you have eaten and re-equipped yourself, you ask to be allowed to visit the latrine. Tweet points to a restroom in the Motel's lobby and tells you to be quick: Manhattan does not like to be kept waiting. Once inside, you discover what you were hoping to find: a window. The small window overlooks an old parking lot, and seconds later, you jump down into it.</p>
<p>You have been gone less than a few minutes when Tweet raises the alarm. Soon the town is swarming with clansmen searching for you. In desperation you hide in an old timber yard, where you wait patiently for the chance to slip out of Albany unseen. While you are lying low, you must take a drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<data>
<p>Using what scraps of cloth are available, you cover your nose and mouth before setting off into the storm. You pass the colony's vehicles and walk out on to the main street. With visibility less than five yards, you must rely solely on your sense of hearing for some indication of the child's location. Repeatedly you call her name, hoping she will reply, yet all you hear is the incessant howling of the dust-storm.</p>
<p>As you cross the street, you catch what sounds like a young girl's voice drifting on the wind. You shout her name and a voice answers faintly: 'Help me &ellips; I'm here!'</p>
- <choice idref="sect223">If you possess a pair of Goggles, <link-text>turn to 223</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect223">If you possess a pair of <typ class="item">Goggles</typ>, <link-text>turn to 223</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect252">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 252</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You turn out the pockets of the dead clansman and empty the leather satchel that he carried over his shoulder. Among his personal effects you discover the following items:</p>
- <p>Pistol (no ammunition)</p>
- <p>Machine Pistol (no ammunition)</p>
- <p>Knife (2)</p>
- <p>Enough food for two Meals</p>
- <p>Water Canteen</p>
- <p>Enough water for three Drinks</p>
- <p>Enough pain killers, antibiotics, and dressings for five Medi-kit units</p>
- <p>Cigarette Lighter</p>
- <p>H.E. Grenade</p>
- <p>Compass</p>
- <p>Gold Nugget</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>Pistol (no ammunition)</li>
+ <li>Machine Pistol (no ammunition)</li>
+ <li>Knife (2)</li>
+ <li>Enough food for two Meals</li>
+ <li>Water Canteen</li>
+ <li>Enough water for three Drinks</li>
+ <li>Enough pain killers, antibiotics, and dressings for five Medi-kit units</li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Cigarette Lighter</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">H.E. Grenade</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Compass</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Gold Nugget</typ></li>
+ </ul>
<p>You are sifting through his possessions, trying to decide which ones to keep (remember to adjust your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> if you keep any of the items), when you hear Kate calling to you to come and look at the dead man's motorcycle. Its fuel tank bears the same lion's head symbol as those of the two scouts you encountered on the freeway, but it is what Kate has found inside the saddle-bag that is of greater interest.</p>
<choice idref="sect297"><link-text>Turn to 297</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The twin beams of your headlights cast a white corridor of light along Freeway 20 as you overtake and pull in to take your place at the head of the convoy. With the memory of the biker's raid still fresh in your mind, you cast frequent glances in your rear-view mirror to make sure that the clansmen are not on your tail.</p>
- <p>The road climbs steadily for several miles as it approaches the mountains of Erath country. A signpost reflects the glare of your lights, announcing your entry to the town of Thurber, which once had a population of 5,006. You contemplate that figure, wondering how many, if any, inhabitants are still alive, when you are distracted by a light flashing in your mirror. It is the bus: Uncle Jonas is signalling for you to stop.</p>
+ <p>The road climbs steadily for several miles as it approaches the mountains of Erath County. A signpost reflects the glare of your lights, announcing your entry to the town of Thurber, which once had a population of 5,006. You contemplate that figure, wondering how many, if any, inhabitants are still alive, when you are distracted by a light flashing in your mirror. It is the bus: Uncle Jonas is signalling for you to stop.</p>
<p>You reach the bus soon after Cutter and hear him asking what is wrong. Uncle Jonas says nothing. He simply tugs at the steering wheel and watches in dismay as it spins freely on the hub. 'Looks like we've got ourselves a big problem,' says Cutter, peering under the front wheel arch. 'The steering linkage has sheared clean in two. I'd guess that rough ride out o' Santo did for it good and proper.'</p>
<p>'Can you fix it?' asks Uncle Jonas.</p>
<p>'Not without welding gear, or a replacement part,' he replies, dejectedly. 'I guess we'd better stop here for the night. Looks like we won't get much further in this ol' bus, anyhow.'</p>
<p>The Mavericks seemed to give up the chase as soon as they saw the flare, and now the freeway looks deserted. You join Cutter at the front of the bus and scan the landscape for some sign of your roadster, but the only other vehicle you can see is the tanker, trundling along a few hundred yards ahead.</p>
<p>A few minutes later you see your car in the distance, parked at the side of the freeway. As you draw nearer you get ready to wave to Kate. Your heart almost stops when, with horror, you see that two motorcycles are parked alongside, and Kate is embroiled in a desperate hand-to-hand struggle with their riders. 'Stop the bus, Cutter!' you shout. 'It's Kate; she's in trouble.'</p>
<p>Cutter slows the bus and you leap out on to the freeway and run towards Kate. 'Help me, Cal!' she screams, as the Mavericks try to bundle her, kicking and punching, into a sidecar attached to one of their machines. A blow to the back of her head with the stock of a machine pistol brings an end to her resistance. Then, as you approach, the biker turns and fires a long burst from the hip.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>The Mavericks try to bundle Kate, kicking and punching, into a sidecar.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill10.gif" width="386" height="589" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill10.pdf" width="386" height="589" />
+ </illustration>
<p>Add your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score to your Stealth skill total.</p>
<choice idref="sect221">If you total is 8 or less, <link-text>turn to 221</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect290">If your total is 9 or more, <link-text>turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>189</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>'Strawn is held by a gang o' renegades,' says Mountain Goat, looking west along the freeway in the direction of the town. 'There's 'bout forty of them. They was kicked out o' San Angelo six months ago after they tried to take over the Angelo clan from Mekong Mike. He sure womped 'em real good. Those that got away came north an' settled here. They're known as 'the Skulls' on account o' their shaved heads, an' their leader is a real mean dude called Alcatraz. He an' his gang have got Strawn sewn up like a genuine fortress, just in case Mekong Mike should ever get the idea to come 'an pay 'em a surprise visit.'</p>
+ <p>'Strawn is held by a gang o' renegades,' says Mountain Goat, looking west along the freeway in the direction of the town. 'There's 'bout forty of them. They was kicked out o' San Angelo six months ago after they tried to take over the Angelo clan from Mekong Mike. He sure whomped 'em real good. Those that got away came north an' settled here. They're known as 'the Skulls' on account o' their shaved heads, an' their leader is a real mean dude called Alcatraz. He an' his gang have got Strawn sewn up like a genuine fortress, just in case Mekong Mike should ever get the idea to come an' pay 'em a surprise visit.'</p>
<p>Dangerous though it would be, a raid on Strawn must be attempted. Cutter proposes that you and he should be the ones to go: he can identify the part that is needed, and you are by far the fittest member of the colony. You swallow your fear and agree to go with him at first light.</p>
<choice idref="sect222"><link-text>Turn to 222</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>191</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Raising your weapon, you trust to instinct alone as you point It at the intruder and squeeze the trigger. At the same time, the double muzzle flash of his shotgun lights up the gloomy interior, and you cry out in pain as birdshot peppers your right arm and shoulder: lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Raising your weapon, you trust to instinct alone as you point it at the intruder and squeeze the trigger. At the same time, the double muzzle flash of his shotgun lights up the gloomy interior, and you cry out in pain as birdshot peppers your right arm and shoulder: lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>You stagger backwards and lean against the wall in order to stay on your feet. Your enemy is not so fortunate. Your gunfire has hit him full in the chest, killing him instantly.</p>
<p>Remember to make the necessary adjustments to your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect220">To continue, <link-text>turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
<p>After a few hours' rest, you help Cutter and Uncle Jonas install the new steering linkage. Then you fill your roadster's fuel tank with gasolene piped from the tanker and prepare to lead the convoy on the next stage of the long journey west.</p>
<p>You leave Freeway 20 and travel cross-country in order to bypass Strawn. Later in the afternoon you rejoin the highway as it approaches Lake Leon and the town of Eastland. You are two miles from Eastland when you spot an obstruction in the far distance that appears to he blocking the entire road. However, you are aware that the constant heat haze can play strange tricks on your vision, so you signal to the convoy to halt while you scout ahead.</p>
<p>A mile along the highway you discover that the obstruction is in fact a trench that has been dug diagonally across the road. It is sufficiently deep along its whole length to wreck any vehicle attempting to cross it at speed. You bring your car to a halt and step out on to the sun-scorched asphalt in order to take a closer look at this curious excavation.</p>
- <choice idref="sect34">If you possess a Telescope or Binoculars, <link-text>turn to 34</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect34">If you possess a <typ class="item">Telescope</typ> or <typ class="item">Binoculars</typ>, <link-text>turn to 34</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect147">If you possess neither of these items, <link-text>turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You check your rear-view mirror and see both Cutter and Uncle Jonas giving you a thumbs up. 'Hold on tight,' you shout to Kate, your voice almost lost as you rev your engine. 'Here we go!'</p>
<p>You move away, keeping an eye on your mirror to make sure that you do not out-distance the rest of the convoy. Then, as you approach the outskirts of the town, Kate raises her shotgun and gets ready to greet the Maverick clansmen who are brave, or foolish, enough to stand in your way. Gunfire erupts from the windows of the nearby buildings and bullets whistle past, fired from all directions. Kate opens up in reply, empty cartridge cases spewing from her gun as she picks off the renegade bikers with chilling accuracy. Then the first of the obstacles appears and you stamp your foot to the floor. The force of your car's acceleration hits you like a kick in the back. The car screams through the town, scattering motorcycles and riders, its rear wheels trailing a blue haze of friction-burnt rubber.</p>
<p>The last few buildings are flashing past on either side when you see a solitary figure standing in the middle of the highway ahead. As you scream towards him, coolly he raises a rifle and takes aim at your windshield.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>Coolly the figure raises a rifle and takes aim at your windshield.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill11.gif" width="386" height="593" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill11.pdf" width="386" height="593" />
+ </illustration>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect27">If the number you have picked is 0-2, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect328">If it is 3-8, <link-text>turn to 328</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>211</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The familiar outline of McKinney appears on the horizon and you increase speed. You are keen to return as quickly as you can and warn the colony of the danger now approaching from the north. Your return is met with mixed feelings: all are upset to hear that Long lake is dead, and many are disappointed that you could not save the cache of rifles and ammunition that he found. However, all, without exception, are thankful that you are still alive and, despite the threat of a revenge attack by Mad Dog Michigan, they welcome Kate to the colony with open arms.</p>
+ <p>The familiar outline of McKinney appears on the horizon and you increase speed. You are keen to return as quickly as you can and warn the colony of the danger now approaching from the north. Your return is met with mixed feelings: all are upset to hear that Long Jake is dead, and many are disappointed that you could not save the cache of rifles and ammunition that he found. However, all, without exception, are thankful that you are still alive and, despite the threat of a revenge attack by Mad Dog Michigan, they welcome Kate to the colony with open arms.</p>
<p>In the light of this new threat to your safety it is decided that the colony should not wait until tomorrow to begin its long journey west. With all the major preparations already completed, the convoy is loaded and ready to move off within the hour. All that remains to do, once the convoy is at a safe distance, is to set fire to the ranch. This will destroy the supplies you are forced to leave behind, preventing them from falling into the hands of either Mad Dog Michigan, or the murderous city gangs of Dallas and Fort Worth.</p>
<p>Once the Ewell ranch is ablaze, you lead the convoy cross-country towards Denton. There you hope to pick up Freeway 35 and follow it south on the first stage of your journey to Big Spring. Two miles outside Denton, you signal to the others to halt while you go ahead and make sure that the town is empty and the freeway is clear of obstructions.</p>
<p>Add together your current levels of Field Craft and Perception. Now, pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> (0 = zero) and add this to your score.</p>
<data>
<p>With a tremendous effort, you leap and dive across the hood of your roadster to avoid being caught by the burst of automatic fire. Bullets follow you across the car, piercing the side and glancing noisily off the case-hardened rollbar, but your swift reflexes save you from being hit.</p>
<p>As soon as you are safely under cover you let out a scream that convinces your enemy that he has killed you. He turns his attention elsewhere, and you are able to pull yourself into the car and start the engine without being seen. Swiftly you accelerate away, steering your roadster towards the tail-lights of the bus as it crashes through a group of bikers and escapes on to the freeway. A few random shots ricochet off the trunk as you follow the bus out of Santo, but within minutes you pass out of range and the gunfire ceases.</p>
- <choice idref="sect162"><link-text>Turn to 162</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect182"><link-text>Turn to 182</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The dead bikers sport snake tattoos around their throats, marking them as members of the Arlington Vipers gang. Your colony has encountered many from this gang during the past few months; they often led night raids on the DC1 settlement at McKinney.</p>
<p>In addition to three pistols and a shotgun, which are given to some of the colonists aboard the bus who have no weapons, a search of the bikes and bodies reveals the following items:</p>
- <p>Two Knives (2) Enough food for three Meals Mirror Enough antiseptic and pain killers for two Medi-kit units Water Canteen Enough water for two Drinks (1 pint) Twelve rounds of 9mm ammunition Three rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition Telescope File</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>Two Knives (2)</li>
+ <li>Enough food for three Meals</li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Mirror</typ></li>
+ <li>Enough antiseptic and pain killers for two Medi-kit units</li>
+ <li>Water Canteen</li>
+ <li>Enough water for two Drinks (1 pint)</li>
+ <li>Twelve rounds of 9mm ammunition</li>
+ <li>Three rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition</li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Telescope</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">File</typ></li>
+ </ul>
<p>If you decide to keep any of these items, remember to amend your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> accordingly. After your exertion, you must now take a Drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect105">To continue, <link-text>turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>All those whose clothes have been set alight by splashes of the burning gasolene-and-oil mixture, are dragged away from the blaze and smothered with blankets. Miraculously, nobody is seriously burnt, but the bus itself is still ablaze and the flames and fumes are beginning to spread rapidly towards the front.</p>
- <choice idref="sect59">If you possess a Fire Extinguisher, <link-text>turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect59">If you possess a <typ class="item">Fire Extinguisher</typ>, <link-text>turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect92">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 92</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>Fifteen minutes later, the barrier is firmly roped and braced to the front of the bus. Cutter volunteers to take the wheel and lead the attack, with Uncle Jonas driving the tanker and you bringing up the rear in your roadster. If all goes to plan, the bus will smash through the barricade, leaving a gap wide enough for both the tanker and you to follow in its wake.</p>
<p>As soon as everyone is in position, Cutter gives the signal to move. Fortunately, the bridge is below you, at the bottom of a steep hill, enabling the bus to build up a good speed. Your heart quickens as the convoy gathers pace, and nervously you watch as your speedometer needle moves further around the dial.</p>
<p>The bus is fifty yards from the barricade when the defenders open fire, their automatic weapons filling the air with wave upon wave of lead. The vast bulk of the tanker shields you from this hail of death, but your heart goes out to those aboard the bus who must be bearing the brunt of this withering fire. Then you hear a tremendous crash as the bus slams into the barricade, and moments later you see the tanker shudder as it widens the gap that Cutter has made. It ploughs through with ease, but in doing so, it catches and spins the torn wreckage directly into your path. A cold chill runs down your spine as the twisted wreck of a car comes hurtling towards your windshield.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>The tanker catches and spins the torn wreckage directly into your path.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill12.gif" width="386" height="597" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill12.pdf" width="386" height="597" />
+ </illustration>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Driving and Perception skill totals.</p>
<choice idref="sect323">If your total is now 0-10, <link-text>turn to 323</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect263">If your total is now 11-14, <link-text>turn to 263</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The broken ground is illuminated by the full moon but, after a short while, the shadow of Washout Mountain intrudes across your path and soon you find yourself in pitch darkness.</p>
- <choice idref="sect24">If you possess a Solar Torch, <link-text>turn to 24</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect24">If you possess a <typ class="item">Solar Torch</typ>, <link-text>turn to 24</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect117">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 117</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The chief smiles as the colour drains from your face, then he motions to his driver who slowly drives him away. The clan continues to dance around you for nearly an hour before dispersing to prepare for your sacrifice. During this time you manage to free one hand, and furtively you work at undoing the buckles of your Backpack.</p>
- <choice idref="sect186">If you possess a Flexible Saw, <link-text>turn to 186</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect13">If you possess a Signal Flare, <link-text>turn to 13</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect186">If you possess a <typ class="item">Flexible Saw</typ>, <link-text>turn to 186</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect13">If you possess a <typ class="item">Signal Flare</typ>, <link-text>turn to 13</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect55">If you possess neither of these items, <link-text>turn to 55</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>242</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are winded by your fall and lie for several minutes staring helplessly at the starry sky. Gradually you recover your senses and manage to pull yourself unsteadily to your feet. A cursory check of your equipment reveals that your
C.B. Radio is smashed to pieces, together with the second Backpack item listed on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> (erase both of these items from your list).</p>
+ <p>You are winded by your fall and lie for several minutes staring helplessly at the starry sky. Gradually you recover your senses and manage to pull yourself unsteadily to your feet. A cursory check of your equipment reveals that your
<typ class="item">C.B. Radio</typ> is smashed to pieces, together with the second Backpack item listed on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> (erase both of these items from your list).</p>
<p>As your strength returns, you resolve to climb out of the gulley as quickly as you can.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Stealth and Field Craft skill totals.</p>
<choice idref="sect80">If your total score is now 10 or less, <link-text>turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
<p>You enter the derelict factory and take up your position at a top floor window that overlooks both the freeway and the bridge. Below you can see Kate. She is crouching behind the auto wreck with a rifle in her hands. Nervously you count the passing seconds, your eyes fixed on the road.</p>
<p>The first of the Lions appears: it is a motorcycle and sidecar. A lion's head flag flutters from an aerial fixed to the rider's saddle, and a heavy-calibre machine gun is mounted in front of his partner's chair. As soon as they see the tanker they open fire, sending a stream of tracer bullets arcing towards the bridge. The fiery shells tear great holes in the asphalt and riddle Kate's position, but bravely she holds her ground. You rest your weapon on the window ledge and watch the enemy vehicle through your gunsight as it speeds towards the bridge. You are about to fire when a single shot echoes along the street, and you see the rider throw his hands up to his face. Seconds later the speeding machine careers off the road, slams into the wall of an office building, and explodes in a searing ball of flame.</p>
<p>With grim satisfaction you stare at the burning wreckage, but your gaze is soon distracted by something moving across the roof of the building opposite. It is a clansman, dressed wholly in black leather and wearing a visored crash helmet. He stops at the corner, unslings a rifle, and takes careful aim at the bridge. Your pulse quickens when you see that the barrel of his gun is pointing directly at Kate.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>Your gaze is distracted by something moving across the roof of the building opposite. It is a clansman.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill13.gif" width="386" height="596" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill13.pdf" width="386" height="596" />
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect124">If the gun you are holding is a Pistol, <link-text>turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect2">If it is a Machine Pistol, <link-text>turn to 2</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect145">If it is a Rifle, <link-text>turn to 145</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The hell you will!' shouts Cutter in reply, and looses off a round from his old Colt .45 to reinforce his answer. You glance over the top of the slope and try to estimate the enemy's strength. The punks are well hidden but three motorcycles are visible in the distance. 'It's a bluff', you whisper. 'I reckon there can only be six of them at most.'</p>
- <p>The muffled sounds of crying can be heard aboard the bus as the children take fright at the unexpected sound of gunfire. Uncle Jonas and Harvey Harlan, known affectionately as 'Hammer Harlan' by the rest of DC1, jump out of the boarding door and run towards you, both of them cradling loaded shotguns. Hurriedly you make a plan: Uncle Jonas, Kate and Hammer will stay here and give covering fire while you and Cutter circle around behind the punks' posi- tions and attempt to flush them out into the open. It is a bold move but one that must be attempted. If the punks manage to pin you down until more of their gang arrive, then the fate of the convoy will be sealed.</p>
+ <p>The muffled sounds of crying can be heard aboard the bus as the children take fright at the unexpected sound of gunfire. Uncle Jonas and Harvey Harlan, known affectionately as 'Hammer Harlan' by the rest of DC1, jump out of the boarding door and run towards you, both of them cradling loaded shotguns. Hurriedly you make a plan: Uncle Jonas, Kate and Hammer will stay here and give covering fire while you and Cutter circle around behind the punks' positions and attempt to flush them out into the open. It is a bold move but one that must be attempted. If the punks manage to pin you down until more of their gang arrive, then the fate of the convoy will be sealed.</p>
<choice idref="sect37">If you possess a Shotgun, <link-text>turn to 37</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect208">If you do not possess this missile weapon, <link-text>turn to 208</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Instantly you drop to the ground and take cover behind the engine compartment of your car. A glance over the hood invites another shot; it passes within inches of your scalp and makes you duck, but not before you notice the muzzle flash of the sniper's gun. The ambusher is hiding in the doorway of a diner on the other side of the highway. Two motorcycles are parked at the side of the building, indicating that he is not alone.</p>
- <choice idref="sect116">If you possess a C.B. radio, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect116">If you possess a <typ class="item">C.B. Radio</typ>, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect99">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 99</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>An eerie silence is broken by Long Jake, who shouts out: ''Taint over yet, Cal. There's more of them damn peckerwoods hidin' out there somewhere!' As if to prove his point, two single shots ring out, almost simultaneously, and ricochet off the storehouse wall. Watch your sides,' Jake yells. 'Don't let 'em circle you.'</p>
<p>You sense someone, or something, moving among the ruined shops away to your right. They are trying to get into a position where they will have a clear shot at you. If you are to survive this ambush you had better find somewhere less exposed.</p>
- <choice idref="sect120">If you wish to make a dash for the store, <link-text>turn to 120</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect126">If you wish to make a dash for the store, <link-text>turn to 126</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect142">If you decide to jump into your roadster and take off along the main street, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect255">
<meta><title>255</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect255-1-foot" idref="sect255-1">
+ <p>The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>The steel door appears to be held shut by an electronic lock. You suspect it to be jammed, its power source run down long ago, but as soon as you run your fingers over the keypad, an LED display glows into life above it.</p>
<p>Eleven numbers appear, arranged in three horizontal rows. There are four numbers on the top row, four on the second, and three on the third:</p>
- <p>8 7 9 6 94 20 37 77 52 57 11 -</p>
+ <p>8 7 9 6</p>
+ <p>94 20 37 77</p>
+ <p>52 57 11 -</p>
<p>You study the rows of numbers carefully, looking for a pattern. By tapping on the keypad the number that is missing from the last row, you will release the lock and open the door.</p>
<p>When you think you know the missing number turn to the entry that bears that number.</p>
<choice idref="sect194">If you cannot work out the correct answer, <link-text>turn to 194</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>As your fingers close around the chief's wrist, you twist his hand aside with all the strength you can muster. He screams in frustration and tries to counter your unexpected move by grabbing at your throat with his free hand. In the desperate struggle the blade passes within an inch of your chest. He tightens his grip until you can no longer breathe, but you fight tenaciously to maintain your hold. The tip of the dagger wavers, dangerously close, then jerks upwards and cuts through your bonds. Instinctively you lash out with your freed hand and knock the chief down with a forceful punch to the jaw. By the time he has recovered and staggered to his feet, you have stripped away the remaining ropes and freed yourself from the totem. He still holds the dagger, but he is alone - his clansmen are deeply entranced and oblivious to the struggle that is taking place before them.</p>
<p>'Heng will be appeased!' screams the chief, and lunges once more at your heart.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>'Heng will be appeased!' screams the chief, and lunges once more at your heart.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill14.gif" width="386" height="584" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill14.pdf" width="386" height="584" />
+ </illustration>
<combat><enemy>Chief Drawoher</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">17</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">28</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect136">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 136</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>'It's six miles west o' here,' pipes Mountain Goat, eager to appear helpful.</p>
<p>'Good. At first light, Cal can drive us there and you can help locate the part we need.'</p>
<p>'Mrnmm&ellips; OK,' replies Mountain Goat, hesitantly, 'but first I think there's something y'all should know.'</p>
- <choice idref="sect169"><link-text>Turn to 169</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect189"><link-text>Turn to 189</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>Suddenly your fingers go numb as the biker lashes out at your hand with the heel of his boot, sending your pistol spinning high into the air. You curse the loss of a good weapon (remember to delete this pistol from your list of missile weapons), and fumble for your Hunting Knife as your attacker gets ready to leap into the seat beside you.</p>
<combat><enemy>Bronx</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">15</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">26</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Because of your numb hand and your need to remain in control of the roadster throughout this combat, reduce your <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 4 points for the duration of the fight.</p>
- <choice idref="sect167">If you win and the fight lasts four rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 167</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect187">If you win and the fight lasts four rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect230">If the fight lasts five rounds or more, <link-text>turn to 230</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Instinctively you dive away from the window, your speedy reactions saving you from being cut down by the swathe of bullets. Then you hear a man scream and abruptly the firing ceases. You chance a glance out of the window to see the sniper falling from the parapet, clutching at his chest as he crashes to the sidewalk below. With a smile you signal a thumbs-up to Kate and she returns your thanks with a wave of her rifle.</p>
- <p>A few minutes later a column of motorcycles - the main body of the clan - rides into view. They are now less than a mile from the bridge, 'Cmon you two!' shouts Cutter. 'It's time to go.'</p>
- <p>The tanker has made it across the platform and is now parked with the other vehicles on the far side of the river. You leave the factory and run back towards the bridge. When you reach the position that Kate is defending, you say breathlessly: 'Set the bomb I'll stay here and cover you!'</p>
+ <p>A few minutes later a column of motorcycles - the main body of the clan - rides into view. They are now less than a mile from the bridge, 'C'mon you two!' shouts Cutter. 'It's time to go.'</p>
+ <p>The tanker has made it across the platform and is now parked with the other vehicles on the far side of the river. You leave the factory and run back towards the bridge. When you reach the position that Kate is defending, you say breathlessly: 'Set the bomb &ellips; I'll stay here and cover you!'</p>
<p>Tensely you watch the clansmen as they gun their bikes along the freeway, and you glance repeatedly over your shoulder, praying for Kate to signal that the bomb is ready. Then the front line of bikers open fire with their machine pistols, and suddenly the air is filled with the whine and whistle of bullets. 'Its ready!' shouts Kate, and takes off across the bridge at a run.</p>
<p>Add together your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score and your stealth skill total. (NOTE: if your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is low and you are heavily encumbered, it may be advisable to discard some of your Backpack items in order to increase your Stealth skill level.)</p>
<choice idref="sect324">If your total is 11 or less, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Your quick, defensive action has saved you from a venomous bite. Your blow causes the rattlesnake to fall limply to the ground, unconscious. Before it revives, you move forward and finish it with a crushing blow to the head, then you step back and wipe the sweat from your forehead with the back of your hand.</p>
<p>You must now take a Drink (or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points) before you climb back into your roadster and return to the convoy.</p>
- <choice idref="sect165"><link-text>Turn to 165</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect185"><link-text>Turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>270</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You lead the convoy along the split and cratered surface of State Highway 571, across a wasteland of bleached hills and scorched scrub. In the distance you see mountains - the twin summits of Caddo Peaks and the craggy outline of Spring Mesa - standing sharp and clear against the backdrop of a cloudless sky. By mid-afternoon the temperature has climbed to 110 Fahrenheit, and the combined effects of the heat and poor road surface begin to take their toll. Two miles inside Comanche county, the tanker is forced to halt with an overheated engine. Luckily, the breakdown occurs within sight of the Sabanna River, now little more than a torpid stream, and enough water is soon collected to enable the tanker to continue. (If you wish, you can refill your water canteen at the river at the cost of one Medi-kit unit).</p>
+ <p>You lead the convoy along the split and cratered surface of State Highway 571, across a wasteland of bleached hills and scorched scrub. In the distance you see mountains - the twin summits of Caddo Peaks and the craggy outline of Spring Mesa - standing sharp and clear against the backdrop of a cloudless sky. By mid-afternoon the temperature has climbed to 110° Fahrenheit, and the combined effects of the heat and poor road surface begin to take their toll. Two miles inside Comanche County, the tanker is forced to halt with an overheated engine. Luckily, the breakdown occurs within sight of the Sabanna River, now little more than a torpid stream, and enough water is soon collected to enable the tanker to continue. (If you wish, you can refill your water canteen at the river at the cost of one Medi-kit unit).</p>
<p>Gradually the road turns westwards and climbs towards high plains country. Then, as you approach the outskirts of a town called Rising Star, Cutter signals to you to stop. 'We've got six people down with heat exhaustion, and four more on the brink,' he says, his face awash with sweat. 'We've got to get 'em out of this travelling oven and let 'em rest awhile in the shade.'</p>
- <p>You suggest that the convoy waits in Rising Star while you go on ahead to make sure that Cross Plains is safe to enter. By the time you have checked it out and returned, the worst of the afternoon heat will have passed and the colony will be in better shape to continue. Before you leave for Cross Plains you must take a drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Unless you possess a tub of Salt, you must reduce your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> total by 4 points, due to excessive salt loss.</p>
+ <p>You suggest that the convoy waits in Rising Star while you go on ahead to make sure that Cross Plains is safe to enter. By the time you have checked it out and returned, the worst of the afternoon heat will have passed and the colony will be in better shape to continue. Before you leave for Cross Plains you must take a drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Unless you possess a tub of <typ class="item">Salt</typ>, you must reduce your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> total by 4 points, due to excessive salt loss.</p>
<choice idref="sect42"><link-text>Turn to 42</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Your enemy's reactions are lightning fast. He throws himself down behind the window and your gunfire passes harmlessly through the now empty frame. An instant later, the unexpected sound of running feet makes you spin on your heel. A leather-clad punk, his skull shaved and sprayed with rings of metallic brown paint, is charging at you from the ruins with a knife held high in his hand. You raise your weapon, but before you can squeeze the trigger, he dives full length and catches you in the chest with the crown of his head. His attack slams you backwards to the ground and, gasping for breath, you struggle to grab hold of his wrist before he can make use of his deadly blade.</p>
<combat><enemy>Copperhead</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">14</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">24</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>Owing to the suddenness of his attack, you must fight the first two rounds of combat unarmed and with your <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> reduced by 2 poInts. If you are still alive at the start of the third combat round, you will then be able to draw your Hunting Knife.</p>
+ <p>Owing to the suddenness of his attack, you must fight the first two rounds of combat unarmed and with your <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> reduced by 2 points. If you are still alive at the start of the third combat round, you will then be able to draw your Hunting Knife.</p>
<choice idref="sect63">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 63</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You race up the carpeted stairs, but as you reach the top you are confronted by two savage-looking women, both armed with knives. For a moment they stare at you with hatred blazing from their eyes, then simultaneously they emit a hideous shriek and launch themselves upon you.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>Two savage-looking women, both armed with knives.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill15.gif" width="386" height="586" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill15.pdf" width="386" height="586" />
+ </illustration>
<combat><enemy>Lipsync</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">12</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">18</enemy-attribute></combat>
<combat><enemy>Catsup</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">11</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">20</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>You must fight each of these women in turn. Owing to the speed and ferocity of their attack, you are unable to use a missile weapon.</p>
<p>The roar of 100 motorcycle engines fills the air as the Detroit Lions come racing along the freeway into Colorado City. 'Y'better take this, Cal,' says Kate, handing you a Rifle that she found while you were away. 'I think you'll be needin' it real soon.' You draw back the bolt and work a cartridge into the breech, noting that there are only two 7.62mm rounds remaining in the magazine (remember to record all three of these 7.62mm rounds - one in the breech and two in the magazine - in the Ammo Pouch section of your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a>).</p>
<p>'You gotta hold 'em off until we've got this baby across,' shouts Cutter, as he waves frantic signals to Uncle Jonas, who is having to fight to keep the tanker in a straight line. The sight of the makeshift platform sagging under the weight of the heavy vehicle makes your stomach churn.</p>
<p>'You can count on it!' you shout in reply, then turn and follow Kate as she runs back towards the town.</p>
- <p>As you reach the end of the bridge you notice two ideal defensive positions. One is a three-storey factory that overlooks the freeway; the other is an auto-wreck overturned on the approach ramp to the bridge.</p>
+ <p>As you reach the end of the bridge you notice two ideal defensive positions. One is a three-storey factory that overlooks the freeway; the other is an auto wreck overturned on the approach ramp to the bridge.</p>
<choice idref="sect332">If you wish to hide behind the auto wreck, <link-text>turn to 332</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect243">If you decide to take cover inside the factory, <link-text>turn to 243</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>As you had suspected, the spy was a city gang member, a scout for the Arlington Vipers judging by the snake tattoo that encircles his throat. You have encountered many from this gang during the past few months; they often led night raids on the DC1 settlement at McKinney.</p>
<p>You roll the dead scout over on to his chest and quickly search through his rucksack and pockets. You discover the following items:</p>
- <p>Pistol (containing three rounds of 9mm ammunition)</p>
- <p>Dagger (2)</p>
- <p>Mirror</p>
- <p>Enough food for two Meals</p>
- <p>Enough pain killers for one Medi-kit unit</p>
- <p>Water Canteen</p>
- <p>Enough water for one Drink (1/2 pint)</p>
- <p>Five rounds of 9mm ammunition</p>
- <p>Two rounds of 12-gauge ammunition</p>
- <p>Telescope</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>Two Knives (2)</li>
+ <li>Pistol (containing three rounds of 9mm ammunition)</li>
+ <li>Dagger (2)</li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Mirror</typ></li>
+ <li>Enough food for two Meals</li>
+ <li>Enough pain killers for one Medi-kit unit</li>
+ <li>Water Canteen</li>
+ <li>Enough water for one Drink (1/2 pint)</li>
+ <li>Five rounds of 9mm ammunition</li>
+ <li>Two rounds of 12-gauge ammunition</li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Telescope</typ></li>
+ </ul>
<p>If you decide to keep any of these items, remember to adjust your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<choice idref="sect160">To return to the convoy and continue with the crossing, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>A scrawny old man, dressed in an assortment of evil-smelling rags, sits cross-legged beside the fire. He pokes at the crackling flames with the handle of an old branding iron, and mumbles continuously and incoherently under his breath. At your approach, he raises his eyes and stares at your gun, yet you sense that it does not worry him unduly.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>A scrawny old man, dressed in an assortment of evil-smelling rags.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill16.gif" width="386" height="580" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill16.pdf" width="386" height="580" />
+ </illustration>
<p>'Saw your lights on the road,' he croaks, a toothy smile cracking several layers of dirt that have built up around his nose and mouth. 'Said to m'self, those folks will come a' callin'. Best whup up a real larrupin' meal to make 'em feel right welcome.' He jabs his metal rod into the fire and spears the blackened remains of a large rat. Proudly he holds it up and nods enthusiastically, as if he were about to serve you a prime T-bone steak. Your stomach turns when he offers you the charred carcass. You refuse politely.</p>
<p>'You gone an' broked down, ain't you' boy?' he says, pointing at the convoy on the highway below. 'What exactly's the problem? You never know, maybe I kin help you out. You'd not be the first folks that ol' Mountain Goat'd set right.'</p>
- <p>Half-heartedly you tell the old hermit about the breakdown, suspecting that he is just wasting your time. When you have fininshed, he smiles once more, and taps the side of his nose with a greasy forefinger. 'I know just where you can lay y'hands on the part you need to fix that ol' bus o' yours,' he says, smugly.</p>
+ <p>Half-heartedly you tell the old hermit about the breakdown, suspecting that he is just wasting your time. When you have finished, he smiles once more, and taps the side of his nose with a greasy forefinger. 'I know just where you can lay y'hands on the part you need to fix that ol' bus o' yours,' he says, smugly.</p>
<p>'Where?' you reply.</p>
<p>'If you agree to take me with you, I'll tell you where. Is it a deal?'</p>
<choice idref="sect257">If you agree to his proposition, <link-text>turn to 257</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You dodge aside, your lightning reflexes saving you from the gunman's bullets, and then leap towards his chest. You are determined to wrestle him to the ground before he has a chance to reload his pistol and fire again.</p>
<combat><enemy>Belushi</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">14</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">26</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>Owing to the determination of your attack, increase your close combat skill by 2 points for the duration of the fight.</p>
+ <p>Owing to the determination of your attack, increase your <typ class='attribute'>CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 2 points for the duration of the fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect119">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 119</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You land on the boarding platform and manage to grab the handrails to prevent yourself from falling backwards out of the door. Then you pull yourself up the short flight of steps towards the driver's seat, where Cutter is locked in a vicious struggle with a blond-haired Maverick, who is trying desperately to wrestle the wheel from his hands.</p>
<p>As you approach, the Maverick releases Cutter, spins around and tries to grab you by the throat.</p>
- <p>Emteevee: <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>: 17 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> 25</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>The Maverick spins around and tries to grab you by the throat.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill17.gif" width="386" height="591" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill17.pdf" width="386" height="591" />
+ </illustration>
+ <combat><enemy>Emteevee:</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">17</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">25</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect70">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 70</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You are soon swallowed up in the network of narrow alleyways, and are able to shake off the few clansmen who attempted to pursue you. Eventually you emerge on to a wider street that is lined with dilapidated stores. Rather than take the risk of staying on the street, you decide to hide in one of these buildings and wait until the heat dies down. Fortunately you choose a hardware store that still has a cache of stock hidden on the first floor, and you discover the following items that could prove useful:</p>
- <p>1 Rifle</p>
- <p>Six rounds of 7.62mm ammunition</p>
- <p>Enough food for two Meals</p>
- <p>Enough medical supplies for three Medi-kit units</p>
- <p>Rope</p>
- <p>Goggles</p>
- <p>Solar Torch</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>Two Knives (2)</li>
+ <li>1 Rifle</li>
+ <li>Six rounds of 7.62mm ammunition</li>
+ <li>Enough food for two Meals</li>
+ <li>Enough medical supplies for three Medi-kit units</li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Rope</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Goggles</typ></li>
+ <li><typ class="item">Solar Torch</typ></li>
+ </ul>
<p>If you decide to keep any of these items be sure to adjust your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<p>From a window on the first floor, you watch as a large group of indian clansmen pour out of an alley opposite. They divide into two groups and begin searching the adjoining street, seemingly convinced that you are still out in the open. Silently you crouch by the window, awaiting the chance to slip out of Cross Plains unseen. While you are lying low, you must take a Drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>It is dusk before you are able to escape from the town. With relief you discover that your roadster is still parked at the gas station where you left it, and quickly you climb in and accelerate away.</p>
<p>Reluctantly the sun dips below the horizon, relinquishing its reign to a full moon and a clear night sky. The landscape is shrouded in a ghostly twilight and, as the miles slip past, the temperature steadily drops.</p>
<p>It takes a little over twenty minutes to reach Mineral Wells. It seems no different to a handful of other towns through which you have passed today: it is derelict, decayed and deserted. As you drive along the main street, you scan the rooftops in search of a radio mast, and, almost immediately, you discover what you seek. On the roof of a three-storey building at the end of the street is the tripod-like structure. The upper section of the mast has long since collapsed, but the remaining lower section is still intact, sufficient in length to carry a call-signal as far as Weatherford.</p>
<p>Stopping outside the building, you fasten your jacket against the chill night air, then enter to find the dusty halls and offices of a commercial radio station awaiting you. In a studio at the top of the building you discover what you are looking for. Slumped over a control panel is the body of Doctor Drool, former ace DJ and anchor-man of Radio K.L.F.M. Beneath his skeletal hand is the button that controls the station call-sign, a transmission that has played continuously for the last eight years.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>Slumped over a control panel is the body of Doctor Drool, former ace DJ.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill18.gif" width="386" height="589" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill18.pdf" width="386" height="589" />
+ </illustration>
<p>You use your C.B. to call the convoy and tell them what you have found. Then you cut the power to the control panel, pausing briefly to sign-off for the last time on behalf of the Doctor.</p>
<choice idref="sect66">If you wish to search the radio station, <link-text>turn to 66</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect284">If you decide to return to the convoy without delay, <link-text>turn to 284</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>333</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Without taking your eyes off your target, you unsung your G-12, draw back its fixing bolt and flick the selector to burst-fire. Your enemy is reloading a fresh magazine, locking it in place with the heel of his palm, when he sees you. With a scream of fear, he attempts to get away from the open window as you let loose your first burst of fire.</p>
+ <p>Without taking your eyes off your target, you unsling your G-12, draw back its fixing bolt and flick the selector to burst-fire. Your enemy is reloading a fresh magazine, locking it in place with the heel of his palm, when he sees you. With a scream of fear, he attempts to get away from the open window as you let loose your first burst of fire.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Shooting skill total.</p>
<choice idref="sect275">If the total is now 0-6, <link-text>turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect54">If it is 7 or more, <link-text>turn to 54</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The rotten wood splits and crumbles under the slightest pressure, enabling you to open the crate with your bare hands. Inside, you discover hundreds of square plastic tubs, bound together with tape into units of twelve. Sealing the whole consignment is a vast sheet of clear polythene - just what your uncle wanted! Using your hunting knife, you slit open the sheeting at the corners, remove it from the tubs and fold it away carefully for future use.</p>
- <p>The tubs themselves are each adorned with blue and white labels that display the letters, N a C l.</p>
+ <p>The tubs themselves are each adorned with blue and white labels that display the letters: N a C l.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Perception skill total.</p>
<choice idref="sect134">If the total is now 6 or less, <link-text>turn to 134</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect201">If it is 7 or more, <link-text>turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
<p>Lying on the ground at the centre of the corral is your Hunting Knife, and beyond it, leaning against the wooden rails of the corral, is your adversary. As punishment for a breach of clan discipline, Manhattan has chosen him to fight against you in 'the Rite'. It is a dubious honour, for he knows that his life will be forfeit if he fails.</p>
<p>The rules of the initiation ceremony are simple. When Manhattan fires his pistol, you must both dash towards the knife. The one who reaches it first will then hold the advantage in the hand-to-hand combat that follows. The combat is to the death; only he who survives the fight will be declared a worthy clan member.</p>
<p>The crowd grow silent and nervously you wait for Manhattan to fire. His shot rings out, and you launch yourself towards the centre of the corral.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ <description>The combat is to the death; you both launch yourself towards the centre of the corral.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill19.gif" width="386" height="588" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill19.pdf" width="386" height="588" />
+ </illustration>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Stealth skill total.</p>
<choice idref="sect122">If your total score is 7 or less, <link-text>turn to 122</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect141">If your total score is 8 or more, <link-text>turn to 141</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>At the place where it enters the town, the surface of the freeway glitters as if it were covered with hundreds of tiny mirrors. You narrow your eyes to focus on these glimmering points of light, and a chill runs down your spine when you realize what they are. The highway is covered with metal spikes.</p>
- <p>You signal to the convoy to halt and then inform the other drivers - Cutter and Uncle Jonas - of what you have seen. 'We'll have to circle around this place,' says Uncle Jonas. 'We can't risk our tyres on this stretch o' road. According to that Rickenbaker guy, this land's now bandit territory.'</p>
- <p>'I bet they're responsible for spikin' the road,' says Cutter. 'It'll be gettin' dark soon an' I sure don't wanna be bushwacked while changing tyres. Besides, we're gettin' real close to home. I'm sure we all'd like to make camp tonight in Big Spring.' You nod your agreement.</p>
+ <p>You signal to the convoy to halt and then inform the other drivers - Cutter and Uncle Jonas - of what you have seen. 'We'll have to circle around this place,' says Uncle Jonas. 'We can't risk our tyres on this stretch o' road. According to that Rickenbacker guy, this land's now bandit territory.'</p>
+ <p>'I bet they're responsible for spikin' the road,' says Cutter. 'It'll be gettin' dark soon an' I sure don't wanna be bushwhacked while changing tyres. Besides, we're gettin' real close to home. I'm sure we all'd like to make camp tonight in Big Spring.' You nod your agreement.</p>
<p>The three of you decide to detour the town and pick up the freeway a few miles further on. You lead the convoy cross-country, but as you draw level with the town you hear the sound of gunfire.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref='random'>Random Number Table</a> and add to it your Driving skill total.</p>
<choice idref="sect6">If your total is now 7 or less, <link-text>turn to 6</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You raise the heavy Zeiss binoculars to your eyes and slowly scan the ruins. There is little to confirm your suspicions: rolling tumbleweed and the shimmering heat of early afternoon are the only movements you observe among the derelict remains of Denton. Then something catches your eye at the entrance to an alley near the centre of the town. Your pulse quickens when you recognize it. It is a haze of oily blue smoke - the exhaust fumes of a motorcycle.</p>
- <choice idref="sect296">If you wish to enter Denton and take a closer look, <link-text>turn to 296</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect298">If you wish to enter Denton and take a closer look, <link-text>turn to 298</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect198">If you decide to return to the convoy and warn them to avoid Denton, <link-text>turn to 198</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>342</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The overturned fusilage of an Amcorp DL-70, a wide-bodied military transport plane, blocks the entrance to this derelict air force base. Casually you swerve around the wreckage and drive across the perimeter fence, knocked flat by the same blast that destroyed the plane eight years ago. Cruising along the main runway, you cast your eye over the hangars and buildings that once serviced this base. Most have either collapsed or been wrecked by city gangs, but there are still a few that could be worth investigating.</p>
+ <p>The overturned fuselage of an Amcorp DL-70, a wide-bodied military transport plane, blocks the entrance to this derelict air force base. Casually you swerve around the wreckage and drive across the perimeter fence, knocked flat by the same blast that destroyed the plane eight years ago. Cruising along the main runway, you cast your eye over the hangars and buildings that once serviced this base. Most have either collapsed or been wrecked by city gangs, but there are still a few that could be worth investigating.</p>
<choice idref="sect162">If you wish to explore the control tower, <link-text>turn to 162</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect269">If you wish to investigate the stores, <link-text>turn to 269</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>In the distance you see the sun resting on the peak of Signal Mountain, and you estimate that no more than an hour of daylight remains. Then a freeway mileage sign looms into view, its paint blistered and barely legible. You slow down and read:</p>
<p>BIG SPRING 16 MLS</p>
<p>The sign coaxes a cheer from those aboard the bus and renews your hopes of completing the first stage of your long journey west. A few miles further on you see another sign. This announces that you are approaching the town of Coahoma. With the memory of what happened at Westbrook still fresh in your mind, you decide to bring the convoy to a halt.</p>
- <p>If you possess Binoculars or a Telescope, turn to ll.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect11">If you possess <typ class="item">Binoculars</typ> or a <typ class="item">Telescope</typ>, <link-text>turn to 11</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect33">If you possess neither of these items, <link-text>turn to 33</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>350</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Seething with anger you watch as the remaining biker climbs astride his machine and kicks it into life. You rush forward in a brave but hopeless attempt to save Kate from being abducted: the Maverick clansman accelerates away before you can even get near. As you watch his fleeing form disappear into the night, you promise yourself that you will get Kate back, no matter what it takes. You run towards your roadster, determined to follow him and rescue Kate, but your plans are frustrated when the bus pulls up close by and Cutter shouts a warning. 'There's a whole mess o lights headin' this way, Cal. I'm sure it's the Lions. We've got to move now or they'll catch us before we get inside Big Spring.' Reluctantly you agree with Cutter. It would be madness to drive alone into the Detroit Lions.</p>
+ <p>Seething with anger you watch as the remaining biker climbs astride his machine and kicks it into life. You rush forward in a brave but hopeless attempt to save Kate from being abducted: the Maverick clansman accelerates away before you can even get near. As you watch his fleeing form disappear into the night, you promise yourself that you will get Kate back, no matter what it takes. You run towards your roadster, determined to follow him and rescue Kate, but your plans are frustrated when the bus pulls up close by and Cutter shouts a warning. 'There's a whole mess o' lights headin' this way, Cal. I'm sure it's the Lions. We've got to move now or they'll catch us before we get inside Big Spring.' Reluctantly you agree with Cutter. It would be madness to drive alone into the Detroit Lions.</p>
<p>The convoy enters the fortified gates of Big Spring and receives a rapturous welcome from the colonists of the settlement. The mood is celebratory, for your arrival marks the start of an alliance that is destined to grow stronger over the forthcoming months. You have completed the first stage of your difficult journey and, although your achievement is overshadowed by Kate's abduction, your mission is a success.</p>
<p>For you, Cal Phoenix, champion and protector of Dallas Colony 1, the journey continues in Book 2 of the Freeway Warrior series, entitled:</p>
+<!-- <p><cite><a href="&link.02smr;">SLAUGHTER MOUNTAIN RUN</a></cite></p>-->
<p>SLAUGHTER MOUNTAIN RUN</p>
</data>
</section>
</data>
</section>
- <!-- Backmatter -->
+ <section class="backmatter" id="map">
+ <meta><title>Map of Central Texas</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="map.jpg" width="1024" height="768" class="html" />
+ <instance src="map.pdf" width="1024" height="768" class="pdf" />
+ </illustration>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="action">
+ <meta><title>Action Chart</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Iain Smith</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acskills.gif" width="386" height="123" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Iain Smith</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acitems.gif" width="386" height="308" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Iain Smith</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="accombat.gif" width="386" height="358" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Iain Smith</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acammo.gif" width="386" height="363" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Iain Smith</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acweapns.gif" width="386" height="383" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
+ </illustration>
+<!--
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="ac1.tex" width="400" height="500" class="tex" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="ac2.tex" width="400" height="500" class="tex" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="ac3.tex" width="400" height="500" class="tex" />
+ </illustration>
+-->
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="crsumary">
+ <meta><title>Close Combat Rules Summary</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <ol>
+ <li>Add to your <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> any extra points gained through use of a close combat weapon.</li>
+ <li>Subtract the <typ class="attribute">CLOSE COMBAT SKILL</typ> score of your enemy from your total. The resulting number is the Combat Ratio.</li>
+ <li>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</li>
+ <li>Turn to the <a idref="crtable">Combat Results Table</a>.</li>
+ <li>Find your Combat Ratio along the top of the chart and cross-reference it with the random number you have picked. (E indicates enemy's loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. CP indicates Cal Phoenix's loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.)</li>
+ <li>Continue the combat from stage 3 until one combatant has zero <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points, this is when he is declared dead.</li>
+ </ol>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="smevazn">
+ <meta><title>To Evade Combat</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <ol>
+ <li>You may only evade combat when the text of the adventure offers you the opportunity.</li>
+ <li>If the text offers the chance of taking evasive action instead of entering into combat, you may evade in the first round of combat or in any subsequent round.</li>
+ <li>If you decide to evade after a round of combat, ignore all points lost by the enemy in that round: only Cal Phoenix loses <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
+ </ol>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="crtable">
+ <meta><title>Combat Results Table</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="crtneg.gif" width="386" height="472" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
+ <instance src="crtneg.tex" width="380" height="500" class="tex" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="crtpos.gif" width="386" height="472" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
+ <instance src="crtpos.tex" width="380" height="500" class="tex" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="random">
+ <meta><title>Random Number Table</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="random.gif" width="332" height="432" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="errata">
+ <meta><title>Errata</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="errintro">
+ <meta><title>Introduction</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>We have taken our unique opportunity to correct errors and to enforce a standard of English usage. We list our changes here. If you see anything that needs correction, please <a href="&link.staff.contact;">contact</a> the Project Aon Staff.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="errerr">
+ <meta><title>Errata</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>(<a idref="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>if you pick a O</quote> with <quote>if you pick a 0</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="equipmnt">Equipment</a>) Replaced <quote>map of Central Texas</quote> with <quote>Map of Central Texas</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="cmbtrulz">Combat Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>CLOSECOMBAT</quote> with <quote>CLOSE COMBAT</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="cmbtrulz">Combat Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>cross-refer</quote> with <quote>cross-reference</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="cmbtrulz">Combat Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>as +1 If </quote> with <quote>as +1. If </quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="calstory">Cal's Story</a>) Replaced <quote>re-establish</quote> with <quote>reestablish</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect13">13</a>) Added missing period after <quote>Random Number Table</quote></p>.
+ <p>(<a idref="sect48">48</a>) Replaced <quote>dislodgng</quote> with <quote>dislodging</quote></p>.
+ <p>(<a idref="sect48">48</a>) Replaced <quote>Skull,'</quote> with <quote>Skull?'</quote></p>.
+ <p>(<a idref="sect55">55</a>) Replaced <quote>thunderbird</quote> with <quote>Thunderbird</quote></p>.
+ <p>(<a idref="sect94">94</a>) Replaced <quote>shouting :</quote> with <quote>shouting: </quote></p>.
+ <p>(<a idref="sect117">117</a>) Added missing period after <quote>(0 equals 10)</quote></p>.
+ <p>(<a idref="sect122">122</a>) Replaced <quote>gutteral</quote> with <quote>guttural</quote></p>.
+ <p>(<a idref="sect143">143</a>) Replaced <quote>( with</quote> with <quote>(with</quote></p>.
+ <p>(<a idref="sect149">149</a>) Replaced <quote>assess</quote> with <quote>assesses</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect156">156</a>) Replaced <quote>take its toll of those</quote> with <quote>take its toll on those</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect182">182</a>) Replaced <quote>Erath country</quote> with <quote>Erath County</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect189">189</a>) Replaced <quote>womped</quote> with <quote>whomped</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect189">189</a>) Replaced <quote>come 'an pay</quote> with <quote>come an' pay</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect229">229</a>) Replaced <quote>breathlessly:'Set </quote> with <quote>breathlessly: 'Set </quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect248">248</a>) Replaced <quote>C.B. radio</quote> with <quote>C.B. Radio</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect260">260</a>) Replaced <quote>Cmon</quote> with <quote>C'mon</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect270">270</a>) Replaced <quote>Comanche county</quote> with <quote>Comanche County</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect288">288</a>) Replaced <quote>auto-wreck</quote> with <quote>auto wreck</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect305">305</a>) Replaced <quote>fininshed</quote> with <quote>finished</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect336">336</a>) Replaced <quote>letters,</quote> with <quote>letters:</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect338">338</a>) Replaced <quote>bushwacked</quote> with <quote>bushwhacked</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect338">338</a>) Replaced <quote>Rickenbaker</quote> with <quote>Rickenbacker</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect342">338</a>) Replaced <quote>fusilage</quote> with <quote>fuselage</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="crsumary">Combat Rules Summary</a>) Added missing period after <quote>from your total</quote></p>.
+ <p>(<a idref="crsumary">Combat Rules Summary</a>) Replaced <quote>cross-refer</quote> with <quote>cross-reference</quote>.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="footnotz">
+ <meta><title>Footnotes</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect20">20</a>) This is the correct answer to the keypad puzzle in <a idref="sect152">Section 152.</a></p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect98">98</a>) This is the correct answer to the keypad puzzle in <a idref="sect255">Section 255.</a></p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect152">152</a>) The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect255">255</a>) The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="illstrat">
+ <meta><title>Table of Illustrations</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>The following is a list of all Sections containing illustrations found in this book:</p>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="primill">
+ <meta><title>Primary Illustrations</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <ul class="unbulleted">
+ <li>Illustration I (<a idref="sect16">Section 16</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration II (<a idref="sect30">Section 30</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration III (<a idref="sect48">Section 48</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration IV (<a idref="sect68">Section 68</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration V (<a idref="sect89">Section 89</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration VI (<a idref="sect103">Section 103</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration VII (<a idref="sect133">Section 133</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration VIII (<a idref="sect150">Section 150</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration IX (<a idref="sect162">Section 162</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration X (<a idref="sect188">Section 188</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XI (<a idref="sect210">Section 210</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XII (<a idref="sect227">Section 227</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XIII (<a idref="sect243">Section 243</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XIV (<a idref="sect256">Section 256</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XV (<a idref="sect286">Section 286</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XVI (<a idref="sect305">Section 305</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XVII (<a idref="sect313">Section 313</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XVIII (<a idref="sect325">Section 325</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XIX (<a idref="sect337">Section 337</a>)</li>
+ <li><a idref="map">Map Of Central Texas</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="action">Action Chart</a></li>
+ </ul>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="secill">
+ <meta><title>Secondary Illustrations</title></meta>
- </data>
-</section>
+ <data>
+ <ul class="unbulleted">
+<!--
+ <li><a idref="sect8">8</a>, <a idref="sect339">339</a></li>
+-->
+ </ul>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ &inclusion.project.aon.license;
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
</gamebook>
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