$Id$
$Log$
+Revision 1.13 2006/09/06 09:01:32 Wibbleboy
+o Fixed a few formatting errors
+o Implemented series-wide consistency changes
+
+Revision 1.12 2006/09/05 14:29:29 Wibbleboy
+o Fixed a few formatting errors
+o Made a few changes in response to wiki entries.
+o Removed obsolete errata comment text in header
+
+Revision 1.11 2006/08/08 15:31:14 Wibbleboy
+o Fixed a few Errata entries
+o Updated errata and footnote lists.
+o Initial provisional placement of small illustrations
+
+Revision 1.10 2006/08/07 15:26:33 Wibbleboy
+o Fixed a few minor non-errata typos.
+o Added footnotes regarding ammo deductions
+o Updated errata and footnote lists.
+o Began adding small illustrations
+
Revision 1.9 2006/07/31 11:09:25 Wibbleboy
o Fixed a few minor non-errata typos.
o Added link to book 2
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-ERRATA
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-196: "gasolene" should be "gasoline"
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-209: The two instances of "red indian" should be capitalised, "Red Indian".
-ERRATA106-140
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-122: "gutteral" should be "guttural"
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-ERRATA 211 -245
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-219: "gasolene" should be "gasoline".
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-229: "...across the bridge. at a run." The first full-stop should be a comma.
-ERRATA 281-315
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-305: "'You gone an' broked down, ain't you' boy?'" The apostrophe after "you" is superfluous.
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<meta>
<title>Highway Holocaust</title>
<creator class="short">Joe Dever</creator>
<dt>Illustration Transcription</dt>
<dd></dd>
<dt>XML</dt>
- <dd>Jonathan Blake<br />Iain Smith</dd>
+ <dd>Iain Smith<br />Jonathan Blake</dd>
<dt>Proofreading</dt>
<dd>Iain Smith (frontmatter)<br />Matthew Reynolds (sections 1&endash;105, 246&endash;280)<br />Simon Osborne (sections 106&endash;245, 281&endash;350)</dd>
<dt>Editing</dt>
- <dd>Simon Osborne</dd>
+ <dd>Iain Smith<br />Jonathan Blake<br />Simon Osborne<br />Ingo Klöcker<br />Neil McGrory<br />Mark Baumann</dd>
<!-- <dt>PDF Layout</dt>
<dd></dd> -->
<dt>Coordination</dt>
- <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
+ <dd>Iain Smith</dd>
<dt>Special Thanks</dt>
<dd></dd>
</dl>
<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 link 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>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small8.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small8.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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 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.</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, 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.</p>
+ <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>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
<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>
</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. An <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> has been supplied 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 <typ class="attribute">CLOSE 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>Before embarking on your adventure, you must first determine your personal characteristics and the weapons and provisions with which you are equipped. An <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> has been supplied on which to record and amend these details as the adventure unfolds.</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>. 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 <typ class="attribute">CLOSE 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="sskills">
<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>
+ <p>Listed on your <a idref='action'>Action Chart</a> are your five basic Survival Skills:</p>
<section class="frontmatter" id="driving">
<meta><title>Driving</title></meta>
</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>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 <cite><a href="&link.02smr;">Slaughter Mountain Run</a></cite>.</p>
</data>
<li><typ class="item">FLEXIBLE SAW</typ></li>
<li><typ class="item">GEIGER COUNTER</typ></li>
</ul>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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>
<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>
<table>
- <tr>
- <th></th>
- <th>Calibre</th>
- <th>Rate of Fire</th>
- <th>Initial No. of Rounds</th>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>PISTOL</td>
- <td>9mm</td>
- <td>1</td>
- <td>8</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>MACHINE PISTOL</td>
- <td>9mm</td>
- <td>6</td>
- <td>30</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>SHOTGUN</td>
- <td>12-gauge</td>
- <td>1</td>
- <td>4</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>RIFLE</td>
- <td>7.62mm</td>
- <td>1</td>
- <td>4</td>
- </tr>
+ <tr><th></th><th>Calibre</th><th>Rate of Fire</th><th>Initial No. of Rounds</th></tr>
+ <tr><td>PISTOL</td><td>9mm</td><td>1</td><td>8</td></tr>
+ <tr><td>MACHINE PISTOL</td><td>9mm</td><td>6</td><td>30</td></tr>
+ <tr><td>SHOTGUN</td><td>12-gauge</td><td>1</td><td>4</td></tr>
+ <tr><td>RIFLE</td><td>7.62mm</td><td>1</td><td>4</td></tr>
</table>
<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>
</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>Turn to the <a idref="crtable">Close Combat Results Table</a>. 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<br />The Combat Ratio between Cal Phoenix and the Renegade Clansman has been established as <ch.plus/>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:</p>
<ul>
<li>Cal Phoenix loses 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
<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, siphoned 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>
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<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>
<data>
<p>You press your face against the metal stock of your machine pistol, take careful aim at the enemy sniper perched on the building opposite, and squeeze the trigger.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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 10 or less, <link-text>turn to 349</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect229">If your total score is now 11 or more, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>It takes just four seconds for the clansman to pump thirty bullets into the side of your roadster. Several of the special armour-piercing loads pass straight through the thin metal sheeting that encases the driving compartment, and wound you in a line from your shoulder to your thigh. The force of their impact knocks you across the passenger seat and, as you fall, you pull the steering wheel and send the car veering wildly out of control. It careers off the road and rolls over and over until finally it explodes with a tremendous roar.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Tragically, your journey and your life end here on Freeway 20.</p>
</data>
</section>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>The instant you tap the number 20 on the keypad,<a id="sect20-1" idref="sect20-1-foot" class="footnote" /> 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>The instant you tap the number 20 on the keypad,<a id="sect20-1" idref="sect20-1-foot" class="footnote" /> there is a sharp <onomatopoeia>click</onomatopoeia> 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><typ class="item">Geiger Counter</typ></li>
<data>
<p>Obstructions are few on this stretch of Freeway 35. Most of the wrecks that once choked this route into Fort Worth now lie in dusty heaps at the side of the road, their bodies having been stripped of serviceable parts long ago by city gang scavengers. The piles of auto-shells steadily increase as you near the outskirts of Fort Worth, warning you of the increasing likelihood of ambush and prompting you to keep your eyes peeled for anything that could pose a threat to the convoy.</p>
<p>To your left, you can see the buildings of downtown Dallas perched precariously around the edge of a huge crater. These once-gleaming towers of mirrored glass and steel now lie black and broken, like a circle of charred bones. It is a murderously chilling sight.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>At a junction on the outskirts of Fort Worth, you decide to leave Freeway 35 and follow a safer route that will take you around the city. The remains of Highway 820 serve your purpose well, until you reach another junction where the Jacksboro Highway crosses your path. In order for the convoy to connect with Freeway 20, the interstate highway that leads all the way to Big Spring, you must traverse one major obstacle - the Trinity River.</p>
<p>You consult your map. There are two places where the convoy can cross the Trinity, both of them close by. Two miles further along Highway 820 there is a bridge over Lake Worth. Two miles north, along the Jacksboro Highway, another bridge crosses the river at a place called Lakeside Village.</p>
<choice idref="sect312">If you wish to check out the bridge at Lakeside Village, <link-text>turn to 312</link-text>.</choice>
<p>You squeeze the trigger and immediately the rider throws his hands to his face.<a id="sect23-1" idref="sect23-1-foot" class="footnote" /> 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 grim satisfaction you stare at the burning wreckage, but your gaze is soon distracted by a column of motorcycles - the main body of the clan - as it 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 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> 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>
+ <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> 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>
</data>
<data>
<p>Silently you unsling your shotgun and trombone a 12-gauge shell into the breach. The machine gunner disappears from view, reappearing a moment later with his reloaded gun held at waist level, ready to fire.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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>
<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.<a id="sect28-1" idref="sect28-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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="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>
<data>
<p>As you cruise along the deserted freeway you glance frequently to the north, on the lookout for a dust cloud that would herald the arrival of the Detroit Lions. But no matter how hard you try to concentrate on your role as convoy scout, you cannot seem to think of anything but your growing affection for Kate. An hour later, as you reach Colorado City, your romantic daydreaming is brought to an abrupt end as a serious problem looms into view.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>The apex of the bridge that carries Freeway 20 across the Colorado River has collapsed, leaving a gap nearly eight feet wide. You stop the convoy and Cutter examines the damage. He returns to report that the bridge is not beyond repair. 'It's gonna take at least three hours, maybe four, to rig a ramp across that gap strong enough to support the tanker,' he says, squinting at the bridge.</p>
<p>At length it is decided that you should scout along the river for another place to cross, while the colony sets to work building a ramp. Then, if your search proves fruitless, at least the repair of the bridge will be well under way.</p>
<choice idref="sect161">If you wish to scout along the river to the north, <link-text>turn to 161</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You cradle your rifle in your left hand and, with your right, you work a round into the chamber. The moving shadow of your enemy half fills the window as you raise your weapon, flick back the safety catch and take aim at his chest.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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>
<choice idref="sect180">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 180</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You scream at your people to get away from the window as hurriedly you load, raise, and then aim your rifle at the rider's chest.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add to it your Shooting skill total.</p>
<choice idref="sect340">If your total score is 13 or less, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect302">If your total score is 14 or more, <link-text>turn to 302</link-text>.</choice>
<section class="numbered" id="sect58">
<meta><title>58</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect58-1-foot" idref="sect58-1">
+ <p>Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>As the rumbling sound of your gunfire rolls out across the lake bed, the figure throws his hands to his face, staggers drunkenly and then falls heavily to the ground. His body remains still, convincing you that your shooting has proved deadly accurate.</p>
+ <p>As the rumbling sound of your gunfire rolls out across the lake bed, the figure throws his hands to his face, staggers drunkenly and then falls heavily to the ground.<a id="sect58-1" idref="sect58-1-foot" class="footnote" /> His body remains still, convincing you that your shooting has proved deadly accurate.</p>
<choice idref="sect303">If you wish to search the body, <link-text>turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect160">If you decide to press on with the crossing, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>63</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you pull yourself free from beneath Copperhead's body, the Flick Knife (2) drops from his lifeless hand. (If you decide to keep this weapon, remember to mark it on your Weapons list.)</p>
+ <p>As you pull yourself free from beneath Copperhead's body, the Flick Knife (2) drops from his lifeless hand. (If you decide to keep this weapon, remember to mark it on your <a idref="action">Weapons List</a>.)</p>
<p>Another burst of fire echoes from across the street, and once more Long Jake urges you to take cover in the store. With your pulse racing, you jump to your feet and sprint, head down, towards the darkened doorway.</p>
<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="sect18">If the total is now 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>66</title></meta>
<data>
- <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>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>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>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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>
<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 <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>
+ <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>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>
+ <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><typ class="item">Distributor Cap</typ></li>
<li><typ class="item">Condenser</typ></li>
<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 helmet.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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 colony is divided in opinion. Roughly half urges an investigation of the signal; the other half believes, like you, that it would be foolish to risk walking into an ambush on the dubious merits of such a patchy broadcast.</p>
<p>A vote decides the course of action in your favour, and the convoy prepares for the next stage of its journey to Santo. You lead the way along Freeway 20 and, as you pass by the outskirts of a town called Brock, the sun dips reluctantly below the horizon. A full moon brightens the twilight and the temperature drops rapidly until you find yourself shivering in the cold night wind.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>It takes forty minutes to reach Santo, and another twenty to find a site on which to set up camp overnight. Uncle Jonas orders that the vehicles be drawn into a circle, like a ring of wagons in the wild west, to offer the best protection against the threat of a night raid. Lots are drawn to see who will stand the first watch; unfortunately, you pick the shortest straw.</p>
<p>It is an hour after midnight when you see a cluster of lights in the middle distance. They are less than a mile away to the east, and approaching at speed. With only a few minutes at most before the bikers reach the camp, you sound the alarm.</p>
<p>Like a pack of screaming demons the marauding bikers descend on the convoy, shooting wildly as they weave in and out of the circle. One of the bikers guns his machine towards you, forcing you to dive aside to avoid being ridden down. You are staggering to your feet when another attacks you from behind.</p>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>The moment you tap the correct number on the keypad,<a id="sect98-1" idref="sect98-1-foot" class="footnote" /> 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>The moment you tap the correct number on the keypad,<a id="sect98-1" idref="sect98-1-foot" class="footnote" /> there is loud <onomatopoeia>click</onomatopoeia> 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><typ class="item">Geiger Counter</typ></li>
<p>'This'll get us back on course,' he says, confidently. 'Follow this baby and we'll make Freeway 35 in under an hour.'</p>
<p>Twenty minutes later, you can make out Freeway 35 in the distance, its long, concrete body bleached and quaking beneath the fiery sun. The road you are following passes beneath it but, as you draw closer, you notice a ramp coiling away to your right giving access to the freeway.</p>
<p>A few hundred yards beyond the ramp you see another. It leads to the ruins of a once prestigious group of buildings - the North Texas State University.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small8.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small8.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect82">If you wish to search the university, <link-text>turn to 82</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect22">If you decide to lead the convoy on to Freeway 35, <link-text>turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Your shotgun roars and spits out a deadly cloud of buckshot, catching the ambusher full in the chest. Briefly you see him thrown backwards through the air before his lifeless body crashes down upon the rubbish-strewn floor of the derelict drugstore. You eject the spent shell but keep your gun trained on the window in case he was not alone. After a minute of silence you lower your weapon and begin to breathe a little easier.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Remember to erase one 12-gauge round from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<choice idref="sect251">To continue, <link-text>turn to 251</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You pull the bolt of your G-12, priming it to fire, then rest its stubby barrel on the rollbar of your roadster to steady your aim. At 200 yards your target appears little more than 1/16 inch high. It will demand great skill and considerable luck to hit such a small target with a machine pistol.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add to it your current Shooting skill level. Now decide how many bursts of fire you intend to launch at the target (minimum: one burst; maximum: five bursts ). For every burst, add one point to your current score.</p>
<choice idref="sect164">If your total score is now 11 or less, <link-text>turn to 164</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect58">If it is 12, <link-text>turn to 58</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You see a cloud of dust approaching, then the roar of 100 motorcycle engines fills the air as the Detroit Lions come racing along the freeway into Colorado City. '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>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small9.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>'Count on us!' 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>
<choice idref="sect332">If you wish to hide behind the auto wreck, <link-text>turn to 332</link-text>.</choice>
<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 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>
+ <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>
</data>
<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>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>
<data>
<p>Swiftly you bring your rifle to your shoulder, draw a breath through clenched teeth, then take careful aim at the enemy sniper perched on the building opposite.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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 9 or less, <link-text>turn to 349</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect229">If your total score is now 10 or more, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
<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>
<table>
- <tr>
- <td>2</td>
- <td>12</td>
- <td>5</td>
- <td>9</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>4</td>
- <td>20</td>
- <td>7</td>
- <td>17</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>12</td>
- <td>12</td>
- <td>4</td>
- <td>-</td>
- </tr>
+ <tr><td>2</td><td>12</td><td>5</td><td>9</td></tr>
+ <tr><td>4</td><td>20</td><td>7</td><td>17</td></tr>
+ <tr><td>12</td><td>12</td><td>4</td><td>-</td></tr>
</table>
<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.<a id="sect152-1" idref="sect152-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
<data>
<p>As you raise your shotgun, you shout at your people to get away from the window. Their screams of terror fill your ears as you take aim at the rider's chest and squeeze the trigger.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add to it your Shooting skill total.</p>
<choice idref="sect340">If your total score is 7 or less, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect302">If your total score is 8 or more, <link-text>turn to 302</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Two miles and two hours later you reach the opposite side of the lake. Half an hour further on, the convoy makes a rest stop and takes stock of its surroundings. Traces of a paved road that disappears towards the west are found, and Cutter Jacks, who lived only a few miles from Lake Lewisville before 'The Day', identifies it as the remains of State Highway 407. 'This'll get us back on course,' he says confidently. 'Follow this baby and we'll make Freeway 35 in under an hour.'</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Twenty minutes later, Freeway 35 appears in the distance, its long, concrete body lying bleached and quaking beneath the fiery sun. The road you are following passes beneath it but, as you draw closer, you notice a ramp coiling away to your right, giving access to the freeway.</p>
<p>A few hundred yards beyond the ramp you see another. It leads to the ruins of a once prestigious building - the North Texas State University.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small8.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small8.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect82">If you wish to search the university, <link-text>turn to 82</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect22">If you decide to lead the convoy on to Freeway 35, <link-text>turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Using your map of central Texas as your guide, you leave Colorado City and follow the remains of State Highway 208 north towards Lake Thomas. You are hoping that the dam marked there on your map is still intact, for most dams have a service road running across the top.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small8.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small8.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>An hour later you arrive at Lake Thomas to find that the dam is still standing. Excitedly you stop the car and start walking towards it. As you get nearer you see that the service road is no wider than a garden path: the bus and the tanker will never be able to cross the river here. Sadly you return to your car.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, and add to it your Field Craft and Perception skill totals.</p>
<choice idref="sect274">If your total score is now 10 or less, <link-text>turn to 274</link-text>.</choice>
<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>
+ <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 <a idref="action">Weapons List</a> and Ammo Pouch accordingly.</p>
<choice idref="sect123">To leave the control tower, <link-text>turn to 123</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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>(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>
<choice idref="sect61">To continue, <link-text>turn to 61</link-text>.</choice>
<section class="numbered" id="sect164">
<meta><title>164</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect164-1-foot" idref="sect164-1">
+ <p>Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>The hollow sound of your gunfire echoes across the dry lake bed and for a moment your target is obscured by smoke. As the cloud thins, you see that your efforts were in vain. The black figure is now running away from the tree towards a motorcycle that is lying on its side. Frantically he pulls the machine upright, kicks it into life, and makes a speedy escape.</p>
+ <p>The hollow sound of your gunfire echoes across the dry lake bed and for a moment your target is obscured by smoke.<a id="sect164-1" idref="sect164-1-foot" class="footnote" /> As the cloud thins, you see that your efforts were in vain. The black figure is now running away from the tree towards a motorcycle that is lying on its side. Frantically he pulls the machine upright, kicks it into life, and makes a speedy escape.</p>
<p>Helpless to prevent him from getting away, you signal once more to the others to restart their engines and continue with the difficult crossing.</p>
<choice idref="sect271"><link-text>Turn to 271</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<section class="numbered" id="sect174">
<meta><title>174</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect174-1-foot" idref="sect174-1">
+ <p>Remember to deduct a round of 9mm ammunition from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>You hear your enemy scream and catch a brief glimpse of him in your rear-view mirror when his body hits the dusty ground behind your speeding car. The other bikers lose interest and soon give up the chase. They peel away, cursing and firing ill-aimed shots at your back as you make your escape from Denton.</p>
+ <p>You hear your enemy scream and catch a brief glimpse of him in your rear-view mirror when his body hits the dusty ground behind your speeding car.<a id="sect174-1" idref="sect174-1-foot" class="footnote" /> The other bikers lose interest and soon give up the chase. They peel away, cursing and firing ill-aimed shots at your back as you make your escape from Denton.</p>
<choice idref="sect198"><link-text>Turn to 198</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You awake ten hours later in a schoolroom bathed in bright sunlight. The storm has passed during the night and the sun has returned, bringing with it the oppressive heat. 'Ninety-two degrees already,' says Cutter, tapping at an old mercuric thermometer that hangs on the wall. 'And it's not yet eight o'clock. Today's a day for fryin' eggs on the sidewalk <ch.ellips/> if we had any eggs, that is.'</p>
<p>Soon the colony is busy making preparations to leave. After clearing away the dust you check your roadster thoroughly, making sure that the fuel is clean and that the engine runs as smoothly as ever. Meanwhile, Cutter oversees a group who are working on the bus and Uncle Jonas heads another team who are servicing the tanker. The others, led by Kate, search the school for anything that could be useful on the road ahead. By mid-morning the convoy is back on the road, following Freeway 20 away from the dust-blown ruins of Abilene on the next stage of the journey west.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>You have been driving for little over an hour when you see a bridge in the distance and notice a glint of sunlight bouncing off a point near the centre of the parapet. Not until you are within 100 yards of the bridge do you realize what is causing the refraction: it is the telescopic sight of a sniper's rifle and it is aimed directly at you.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, and add it to your Driving and Stealth skill totals.</p>
<choice idref="sect326">If your total score is now 7 or less, <link-text>turn to 326</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You squeeze the trigger and feel the butt of your rifle kick your shoulder. Your enemy has no time to cry out as the bullet finds its mark with deadly accuracy. It passes straight through his heart, killing him instantly.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Remember to erase one 7.62mm round from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<choice idref="sect251">To continue, <link-text>turn to 251</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>181</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quickly you tear open your Backpack and remove the rope. You slide down the slope, riding the shale feet first, and, as you near the bottom, get ready to throw Kate your line. Twice you cast it across the water to no avail. Then, on the third attempt, she manages to grab it and you are able to pull her, breathless and bedraggled, on to the muddy shore.</p>
+ <p>Quickly you tear open your Backpack and remove the Rope. You slide down the slope, riding the shale feet first, and, as you near the bottom, get ready to throw Kate your line. Twice you cast it across the water to no avail. Then, on the third attempt, she manages to grab it and you are able to pull her, breathless and bedraggled, on to the muddy shore.</p>
<choice idref="sect335"><link-text>Turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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>
<data>
<p>Raising your weapon, you trust to instinct alone as you point it at the intruder and squeeze the trigger.<a id="sect191-1" idref="sect191-1-foot" class="footnote" /> 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>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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>
<meta><title>205</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The foul smell of their unwashed bodies dissuades you from searching through the pockets of your two attackers. However, their clubs lie on the ground nearby and you may keep one if you wish (record it on your Weapons list as a Club (2)).</p>
+ <p>The foul smell of their unwashed bodies dissuades you from searching through the pockets of your two attackers. However, their clubs lie on the ground nearby and you may keep one if you wish (record it on your <a idref="action">Weapons List</a> as a Club (2)).</p>
<p>A search of the store reveals no trace of Maria, and you are about to leave to look elsewhere when your transceiver crackles into life. It is Kate, and she has good news: she has found Maria and she is on her way back to the school. You acknowledge her call, then tune your handset to Uncle Jonas' signal and use it to guide you back to base.</p>
<choice idref="sect280"><link-text>Turn to 280</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>'Here Cal, take this,' says Uncle Jonas, offering you his sawn-off shotgun. 'When you git in close you won't need to be too fussy where you point this beauty.'</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>You take the gun and check that both barrels are loaded. 'I'll go left,' whispers Cutter.</p>
<p>'Whenever you're ready,' you reply, tensing your body in preparation for the run.</p>
<choice idref="sect177"><link-text>Turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<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>You move away, keeping an eye on your mirror to make sure that you do not outdistance 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>
<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 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>
+
+ <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>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>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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>
<choice idref="sect155">If your total is now 6-12, <link-text>turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect46">If it is 13 or more, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Hurriedly you bring your shotgun to your shoulder, draw a breath through clenched teeth, and take aim at the enemy sniper perched on the building opposite.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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 11 or less, <link-text>turn to 349</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect229">If your total score is now 12 or more, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Beyond the door lies a mass of heavy machinery: an engine that once powered a thrilling space ride, which was the biggest attraction of this provincial town park. You glimpse the obsolete engine as you dive and manage to twist aside at the last moment. Although you graze your shoulder (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), you save yourself from crashing head first against its stainless-steel casing.</p>
- <p>As you recover, your hand locates the sharp implement that caused your wound. It is a Crowbar (2). If you wish to keep this item, record it on your Weapons list as a close combat weapon.</p>
+ <p>As you recover, your hand locates the sharp implement that caused your wound. It is a Crowbar (2). If you wish to keep this item, record it on your <a idref="action">Weapons List</a> as a close combat weapon.</p>
<choice idref="sect56"><link-text>Turn to 56</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>'We gotta get out <ch.ellips/>' you say, turning towards Long Jake. But your words of warning stick in your throat when you catch sight of him lying on the floor, unmoving, his chest wet with blood. You reach for a Medi-kit and rush to his side, but it is too late; he caught the worst of the shotgun blast and nothing can be done to help him now.</p>
- <p>'Watch the street,' shouts the girl, as she moves forward to search the body of Long Jake's killer. 'This dude you've wasted has some real mean kin. They'll soon get to wonderin' what's hap'ning in here and 'll come to check us out.' She pockets some cartridges, snatches up the killer's shotgun, and hurriedly reloads it as she moves towards the door. From out of the ruins opposite step three punks armed with pistols. Slowly they advance, their movements stiff with caution.</p>
+ <p>'Watch the street,' shouts the girl, as she moves forward to search the body of Long Jake's killer. 'This dude you've wasted has some real mean kin. They'll soon get to wonderin' what's hap'ning in here and'll come to check us out.' She pockets some cartridges, snatches up the killer's shotgun, and hurriedly reloads it as she moves towards the door. From out of the ruins opposite step three punks armed with pistols. Slowly they advance, their movements stiff with caution.</p>
<p>'Make a run for the car,' she says. 'I'll cover you.' You nod in agreement and take a deep breath before launching yourself out of the doorway. The punks stop and shoot wildly at your moving form, but their nerve deserts them when the girl opens fire, and they soon melt away into the ruins. You reach your roadster, start the engine, then beckon to the girl to follow. The moment she is safely aboard, you drop the clutch and stamp your foot on the gas pedal. The engine roars and the back wheels spin, sending up great clouds of dust and loose stones, but the car does not move forwards. Panic knots your stomach as you feel the rear end snaking sideways - you are losing control. Then the tyres grip the road and you are thrown back in your seat as you screech away, accelerating like a rocket along the main street that leads out of Sherman.</p>
<choice idref="sect318"><link-text>Turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<section class="numbered" id="sect229">
<meta><title>229</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect229-1-foot" idref="sect229-1">
+ <p>Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>You fire and immediately the sniper clutches his chest. He gives a loud scream and then tumbles over the parapet, landing with a thud on the sidewalk below. With grim satisfaction you stare at his body, but your gaze is distracted when a column of motor cycles - 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>You fire and immediately the sniper clutches his chest.<a id="sect229-1" idref="sect229-1-foot" class="footnote" /> He gives a loud scream and then tumbles over the parapet, landing with a thud on the sidewalk below. With grim satisfaction you stare at his body, but your gaze is distracted when a column of motor cycles - 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 no 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 <ch.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. '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>
+ <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>
</data>
<data>
<p>You watch carefully as the group draws closer, noticing several things that make you feel uneasy. The dogs look much larger than ordinary alsatians, and flecks of white foam drip from their mouths as they tug and snap repeatedly at their heavy chain leashes. By contrast, the two handlers appear painfully thin and gaunt, the skin on their faces unnaturally pale despite the burning desert sun.</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>Rather than await their arrival, you decide to return to your roadster and leave, but you have taken barely a dozen steps towards your car when the dogs emit blood-curdling howls and come racing across the rocky ground towards you.</p>
<choice idref="sect133">If you possess enough food for three Meals, <link-text>turn to 133</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect322">If you do not possess this much food, <link-text>turn to 322</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You grab your rifle, pull back its bolt, and let it spring forward to chamber a round. With the safety off and the tangent sight set at 200 yards, you rest the barrel across the rollbar of your roadster and take aim at your distant target. At this range the figure in black appears little more than 1/16 inch high, but this does not cause you any worries. You are used to hitting targets up to half a mile away, using this rifle.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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 7 or less, <link-text>turn to 164</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect58">If it is 8 or more, <link-text>turn to 58</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<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>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small9.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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">
<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>
<table>
- <tr>
- <td>8</td>
- <td>7</td>
- <td>9</td>
- <td>6</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>94</td>
- <td>20</td>
- <td>37</td>
- <td>77</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>52</td>
- <td>57</td>
- <td>11</td>
- <td>-</td>
- </tr>
+ <tr><td>8</td><td>7</td><td>9</td><td>6</td></tr>
+ <tr><td>94</td><td>20</td><td>37</td><td>77</td></tr>
+ <tr><td>52</td><td>57</td><td>11</td><td>-</td></tr>
</table>
<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>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 <ch.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>
+ <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>
</data>
<data>
<p>Carefully, you push the barrel of your rifle through the bush and flick the adjustable rear sight to a range setting of sixty yards. The wooden stock feels uncomfortably warm against your cheek as you take aim at the running clansman. Holding your breath, slowly you squeeze the trigger.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Add your Shooting skill total to your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If your total score is now 7 or less, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect77">If your total score is now 8 or more, <link-text>turn to 77</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Unfortunately, the stores show signs of having been looted recently. Lockers, drums, and crates that were once full of spares and munitions lie discarded in heaps on the floor. You climb across the debris, searching among the empty ammunition lockers. After nearly an hour of painstaking work, you manage to find just three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a Hammer (2).</p>
- <p>If you wish to keep these items, amend your Weapons list and Ammo Pouch accordingly.</p>
+ <p>If you wish to keep these items, amend your <a idref="action">Weapons List</a> and Ammo Pouch accordingly.</p>
<choice idref="sect123">To leave the stores, <link-text>turn to 123</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect275">
<meta><title>275</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect275-1-foot" idref="sect275-1">
+ <p>Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<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>
+ <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.<a id="sect275-1" idref="sect275-1-foot" class="footnote" /> 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>
<choice idref="sect63">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 63</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<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>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<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>
<meta><title>290</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You throw yourself forward and your swift reflexes save you from being cut in half by a swathe of bullets. As you rise to your feet once more, the shooting stops with a dull click, a sound that tells you that the gun is now empty.</p>
+ <p>You throw yourself forward and your swift reflexes save you from being cut in half by a swathe of bullets. As you rise to your feet once more, the shooting stops with a dull <onomatopoeia>click</onomatopoeia>, a sound that tells you that the gun is now empty.</p>
<choice idref="sect132">If you have a missile weapon, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 132</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect250">If you do not have a missile weapon, or do not have sufficient ammunition to use it, <link-text>turn to 250</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>As soon as Cutter has the engine running smoothly and everyone is back on board the bus, you return to your roadster and lead them west to Weatherford.</p>
<p>As the afternoon wears on, the rays of the sun cast a blood-red hue on the surrounding landscape. Ahead, the freeway cuts a straight line due west, towards the high peaks of the Edwards Plateau that pierce the horizon like a row of sharpened flints, jagged and blue. You stare into the distance, trying to relax and not think about the dangers you have faced today, or the unknown perils that lie ahead.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>An hour later you catch sight of Weatherford and signal the convoy to stop. You are hungry and must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Despite the delays, the convoy is making better time than expected, and with at least an hour of light still remaining, it is decided that it would be best to press on to the next town and make camp there overnight.</p>
<p>You are finishing your food when suddenly Pop Ewell calls to everyone to hurry to the bus. He has located a broadcast on his C.B. radio set, and he is as excited as a youngster on Christmas morning. 'Listen to this,' he says, holding up the earphones. A faint call sign can be heard above the crackle of static, broadcasting the same message repeatedly: 'Radio K.L.F.M. Mineral Wells <ch.ellips/> Radio K.L.F.M. Mineral Wells <ch.ellips/>'</p>
<p>'That's a town about twenty-five miles north-west o' here,' says Cutter, scratching his scalp. 'It's not where we're planned on headin' but it would be worth checking out.'</p>
<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>'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 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>
<data>
<p>As the group draws closer you notice several things about them that stir your curiosity. The dogs look much larger than ordinary alsatians, and great flecks of white foam drip from their jaws as they tug and snap repeatedly at their heavy chain leashes. By contrast, the two handlers appear painfully thin and gaunt, the skin of their hands and faces unnaturally grey despite the burning desert sun.</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>Suddenly the handlers see you and release the chain leashes. With a rasping scream, they command the dogs to attack and immediately the pack obeys.</p>
<choice idref="sect107">If you possess a missile weapon, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 107</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect16">If you do not possess a missile weapon, or do not wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 16</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>314</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The clansman collapses at your feet, his fingers clasping the fatal wound that you have dealt him. You pick up his Meat Hook (2), which lies nearby, swallowing uneasily as you inspect its razor-sharp tip (if you wish to keep this weapon, remember to record it on your Weapons list). You are about to search his body when you hear the mob approaching the warehouse door. Quickly you run to the far side of the building and escape through a door that leads to a deserted passage. At the end of the passage you discover a derelict timber yard where, behind a stack of rotten fencing posts, you crouch, waiting for the chance to slip out of Albany. While you are lying low, you must take a Drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>The clansman collapses at your feet, his fingers clasping the fatal wound that you have dealt him. You pick up his Meat Hook (2), which lies nearby, swallowing uneasily as you inspect its razor-sharp tip (if you wish to keep this weapon, remember to record it on your <a idref="action">Weapons List</a>). You are about to search his body when you hear the mob approaching the warehouse door. Quickly you run to the far side of the building and escape through a door that leads to a deserted passage. At the end of the passage you discover a derelict timber yard where, behind a stack of rotten fencing posts, you crouch, waiting for the chance to slip out of Albany. While you are lying low, you must take a Drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect61">To continue, <link-text>turn to 61</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You make your way back to the convoy, aware that less than a few hours of daylight remain. Cutter and Uncle Jonas greet your return with a nod and a wave, both of them itching to get underway. Quickly you climb into your roadster, switch on the ignition and lead them single file on to the southbound carriageway of Freeway 35.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect22"><link-text>Turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>As you watch the town shrinking in your rear view mirror, the shock of your encounter, especially the death of Long Jake, makes you shiver despite the burning midday heat. 'D'you know those guys?' you ask, anxious to make some sense of the situation.</p>
<p>'Yeah,' replies the girl, her voice shaky, 'though not by choice.'</p>
- <p>As you race back along the highway to McKinney. The girl, whose name is Kate Norton, tells you about the events leading up to your meeting. She comes from Kansas City and is one of the lucky few who have managed to survive there since the holocaust. A month ago her colony was attacked and wiped out by a gang of motorcycle renegades called 'the Lions'. Their leader, who calls himself Mad Dog Michigan, took a liking to her and spared her life. He was once a high-ranking HAVOC agent who had escaped from Pontiac Deep Pen near Detroit, and he and his gang, most of whom were also HAVOC escapees, were heading for the Fort Hood Military Reserve near Killeen, the largest armoury in the whole of the United States.</p>
+ <p>As you race back along the highway to McKinney, the girl, whose name is Kate Norton, tells you about the events leading up to your meeting. She comes from Kansas City and is one of the lucky few who have managed to survive there since the holocaust. A month ago her colony was attacked and wiped out by a gang of motorcycle renegades called 'the Lions'. Their leader, who calls himself Mad Dog Michigan, took a liking to her and spared her life. He was once a high-ranking HAVOC agent who had escaped from Pontiac Deep Pen near Detroit, and he and his gang, most of whom were also HAVOC escapees, were heading for the Fort Hood Military Reserve near Killeen, the largest armoury in the whole of the United States.</p>
<p>'He hopes to find enough weapons and ammunition there to equip the other HAVOC clans who are in control of cities all along the eastern seaboard. Once he's armed his army he'll take over the rest of the country,' she says, her blue eyes brimming with tears. 'Three days ago the Lions reached Oklahoma City. They were desperate for food, so Mad Dog decided to camp there and forage the surrounding area. Until then they'd always been kept closely guarded, but while most of them were away I managed to steal a bike and escape. I was beginning to think I'd made it. I was wrong. I ran out of fuel just north of Sherman and had to ditch the bike. I met up with your friend this morning when he walked into town. Soon after he'd told me all about you and your colony and your plans to head west, those guys back there arrived. Mad Dog sent them to find me.' She pauses to wipe her tears and brush the tangle of windswept blonde hair away from her beautiful face.</p>
<p>'I'm really sorry about what happened to Long Jake. It's all my fault.'</p>
<p>'Don't blame yourself,' you say, trying to console her. 'It's over now. Once we get back to DC1 and take off for Big Spring, Mad Dog and his gang will be just a bad memory.'</p>
<data>
<p>With a squeal of tyres, you accelerate away, retracing your route along Freeway 20 towards the convoy. As you drive, you are haunted by images of the two Rad-vics that you encountered at the trench: the chilling memory of their gaunt, grey faces has awakened your deepest fears. The road crests a rise and you see the convoy parked less than a quarter of a mile away. The welcoming sight distracts you from your morbid thoughts, but the relief is to be short-lived.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>As you bring your roadster to a halt alongside the bus, you see Cutter standing on the roof, a pair of battered binoculars pressed to his eyes. 'Looks like we're goin' to have company real soon,' he says, staring at a large cloud of dust that is advancing towards Eastland from the north-east. 'I reckon there's over 100 bikes out there on the prairie, and they're all headin' this way. Looks like that Mad Dog Michigan decided not to go to Killeen after all!'</p>
<p>'I think we should head for Cisco and lay low until they pass,' says Uncle Jonas, but he soon changes his mind when you tell him about your encounter at the trench.</p>
<p>'Abilene would be safer,' says Kate, leaning out of a window of the bus. 'But we'll have to pass wide of Cisco to get there.'</p>
<data>
<p>The instant you set foot in the store, two hands reach out of the darkness, grab you by the jacket lapels and pull you away from the doorway. Immediately, there is a long burst of fire and a hail of bullets scythes the air where you were standing only moments before.</p>
<p>'These ain't no ordinary punks,' growls Long Jake, peering cautiously over the edge of the bullet-shattered window frame. 'They're scouts for a Yankee gang that's headin' this way, looking to take over. They're a mite anxious to get their hands on her, too,' he says, nodding towards the girl who is crouching behind the store counter, her eyes wide with fright.</p>
- <p>'What do they want with her?' you ask, but before Long Jake can reply there is a flash and a deafening explosion. The store's rear door is blown inwards and a searing wave of heat and flying debris knocks you off your feet. Stunned by the blast, you rise unsteadily and reach for a weapon. A grey shape fills the rear entrance, its outline fuzzy in the smoke and dust that hovers there. Then the shape draws into focus and you see the silhouette of a tall man, lean and sinewy, his thin mouth set in cruel sneer.</p>
+ <p>'What do they want with her?' you ask, but before Long Jake can reply there is a flash and a deafening explosion. The store's rear door is blown inwards and a searing wave of heat and flying debris knocks you off your feet. Stunned by the blast, you rise unsteadily and reach for a weapon. A grey shape fills the rear entrance, its outline fuzzy in the smoke and dust that hovers there. Then the shape draws into focus and you see the silhouette of a tall man, lean and sinewy, his thin mouth set in a cruel sneer.</p>
<p>'Look out!' screams Long Jake, as the figure leaps through the doorway, a shotgun held before him ready to fire.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current Shooting, Stealth and Perception points (when added together) total 8 or more, then add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect191">If your total is now 0-3, <link-text>turn to 191</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You crouch behind the wrecked car and watch as Kate disappears into the factory. Minutes later you see her face at a window on the top floor and notice the barrel of her gun resting on its ledge. Nervously you count the passing seconds, your eyes fixed on the road ahead.</p>
<p>The first of the Lions appears: it is a motorcycle and sidecar. A lion's head flag flutters from an aerial fixed behind the rider's saddle, and a heavy-calibre machine gun is mounted in front of the chair. As soon as they see the tanker they open fire, sending a stream of tracer bullets arcing towards your position. As the fiery shells rip through your cover, you fight the urge to throw yourself down on the ground, and take aim at the approaching vehicle. You know that you must make your shot count, for if just one of the tracer shells were to pierce the tanker, it would ignite the fuel and blow it sky high.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small9.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect308">If the gun you are holding is a Pistol, <link-text>turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect102">If it is a Machine Pistol, <link-text>turn to 102</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect268">If it is a Rifle, <link-text>turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
<signpost>EXIT - FIRE ESCAPE</signpost>
<signpost>USE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ONLY</signpost>
<p>'I reckon this constitutes an emergency,' you mutter, as you get ready to break cover and run towards the door. Just as you are about to leave your hand brushes against the stock of a sawn-off shotgun that is lying on a shelf beneath the counter. Both hammers are cocked and the chamber tags show that both barrels are loaded.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect176">If you wish to take the weapon, <link-text>turn to 176</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect84">If you decide to ignore it, <link-text>turn to 84</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The drive to Albany takes you across a rolling plain that once fed a million head of longhorn cattle. Now the once-lush grassland is a vast desert of parched and blistered earth, completely devoid of life. The town stands at the centre of this bald prairie, its battered wooden houses and stores clustered haphazardly in groups on either side of a single main street. You stop your car half a mile from the town and park it in the shade of an old farm building, before venturing into Albany on foot.</p>
- <p>The first building that you see is the ruins of the Shackelford county sheriff's office. Spent cartridge cases litter the ground around its entrance, marking the site of a recent gunfight.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small10.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small10.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>The first building that you see is the ruins of the Shackelford County Sheriff's office. Spent cartridge cases litter the ground around its entrance, marking the site of a recent gunfight.</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="sect31">If your total score is now 12 or less, <link-text>turn to 31</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect277">If your total score is now 13 or more, <link-text>turn to 277</link-text>.</choice>
<section class="numbered" id="sect348">
<meta><title>348</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect348-1-foot" idref="sect348-1">
+ <p>Remember to deduct a round of 12-gauge ammunition from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>You raise your arm and fire your shotgun without aiming. The speed of your reflexes and the spread of the Double-A target load guarantee that your enemy will never point his pistol at anyone again.</p>
+ <p>You raise your arm and fire your shotgun without aiming.<a id="sect348-1" idref="sect348-1-foot" class="footnote" /> The speed of your reflexes and the spread of the Double-A target load guarantee that your enemy will never point his pistol at anyone again.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>As the smoke clears, you see Cutter approach the gully and reload his gun as he stares over the edge at the lifeless bodies of your ambushers. You are soon joined by the others and together you search their bodies for useful items.</p>
<choice idref="sect216"><link-text>Turn to 216</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<section class="numbered" id="sect349">
<meta><title>349</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect349-1-foot" idref="sect349-1">
+ <p>Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>You have aimed too low: your gunfire hits the stone parapet of the roof, alerting the sniper to your position. Quickly he lifts his assault rifle, swings the barrel around towards the factory, and focuses on your window. You glimpse a muzzle flash a split-second before the ledge and frame are blown to pieces by a dozen high-velocity bullets.</p>
+ <p>You have aimed too low: your gunfire hits the stone parapet of the roof, alerting the sniper to your position.<a id="sect349-1" idref="sect349-1-foot" class="footnote" /> Quickly he lifts his assault rifle, swings the barrel around towards the factory, and focuses on your window. You glimpse a muzzle flash a split-second before the ledge and frame are blown to pieces by a dozen high-velocity bullets.</p>
<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="sect151">If your total score is now 7 or less, <link-text>turn to 151</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect260">If your total score is now 8 or more, <link-text>turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
<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>Turn to the <a idref="crtable">Close 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>
<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="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>On pages 6 and 7 you will find an Action Chart</quote> with <quote>An Action Chart has been supplied</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) Removed <quote>For ease of use during play it is recommended that you photocopy these pages</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>the Random Number Table at the back of this book</quote> with <quote>the Random Number Table</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>survival skills</quote> with <quote>Survival Skills</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="equipmnt">Equipment</a>) Replaced <quote>potassium iodine</quote> with <quote>potassium iodide</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="backpack">Backpack</a>) Replaced <quote>H.E. (High Explosive) GRENADE</quote> with <quote>HE (High Explosive) GRENADE</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 <ch.plus/>1 If </quote> with <quote>as <ch.plus/>1. If </quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="cmbtrulz">Combat Rules</a>) Removed <quote>on the inside back cover of the book</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="calstory">Cal's Story</a>) Replaced <quote>re-establish</quote> with <quote>reestablish</quote> and <quote>Denton county</quote> with <quote>Denton County</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect1">1</a>) Replaced <quote>syphoned</quote> with <quote>siphoned</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect13">13</a>) Added missing period after <quote>Random Number Table</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect20">20</a>) Replaced <quote>GEIGER COUNTER</quote>, <quote>ALTIMETER</quote> and <quote>RADIATION SUIT</quote> with initial capitals.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect48">48</a>) Replaced <quote>dislodgng</quote> with <quote>dislodging</quote> and <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="sect63">66</a>) Replaced <quote>First Aid Box</quote> with <quote>first aid box</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect72">72</a>) Replaced <quote>shooting skill</quote> with <quote>Shooting skill</quote> and <quote>(minimum - one round; maximum - four rounds)</quote> with <quote>(minimum: one round; maximum: four rounds)</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect82">82</a>) Replaced <quote>needin</quote> with <quote>needin'</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect85">85</a>) Replaced <quote>DISTRIBUTOR CAP</quote>, <quote>CONDENSER</quote>, <quote>GAS MODIFIER</quote>, <quote>OIL PLUG</quote>, <quote>FAN BELT</quote> with initial capitals.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect101">101</a>) Replaced <quote>(minimum - one round; maximum - six rounds)</quote> with <quote>(minimum: one round; maximum: six rounds)</quote></p>
<p>(<a idref="sect116">116</a>) Replaced <quote>key-in</quote> with <quote>key in</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect117">117</a>) Added missing period after <quote>(0 equals 10)</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect119">119</a>) Replaced <quote>Water Canteen, containing</quote> with <quote>Water Canteen containing</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect122">122</a>) Replaced <quote>gutteral</quote> with <quote>guttural</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect131">131</a>) Replaced <quote>(minimum - one round; maximum - five rounds)</quote> with <quote>(minimum: one burst; maximum: five bursts)</quote></p>
<p>(<a idref="sect132">132</a>) Replaced <quote>machine-gunner</quote> with <quote>machine gunner</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect143">143</a>) Replaced <quote>( with</quote> with <quote>(with</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect143">143</a>) Replaced <quote>Water Canteen, containing</quote> with <quote>Water Canteen containing</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="sect162">162</a>) Replaced <quote>Ammo pouch</quote> with <quote>Ammo Pouch</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect171">171</a>) Replaced <quote>de-activates</quote> with <quote>deactivates</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect175">175</a>) Replaced <quote>anti-biotics</quote> with <quote>antibiotics</quote> and <quote>H.E. Grenade</quote> with <quote>HE Grenade</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect181">181</a>) Replaced <quote>rope</quote> with <quote>Rope</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> and <quote>come 'an pay</quote> with <quote>come an' pay</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect194">194</a>) Replaced <quote>de-activates</quote> with <quote>deactivates</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect195">195</a>) Replaced <quote>machine-gunner</quote> with <quote>machine gunner</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect204">194</a>) Replaced <quote>machine-gun fire</quote> with <quote>machine gun fire</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect204">204</a>) Replaced <quote>machine-gun fire</quote> with <quote>machine gun fire</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect210">210</a>) Replaced <quote>out-distance</quote> with <quote>outdistance</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect216">216</a>) Replaced <quote>Three rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition</quote> with <quote>Three rounds of 12-gauge ammunition</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect220">220</a>) Replaced <quote>and 'll</quote> with <quote>and'll</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect229">229</a>) Replaced <quote>breathlessly:'Set </quote> with <quote>breathlessly: 'Set </quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect229">229</a>) Replaced <quote>across the bridge. at a run.</quote> with <quote>across the bridge at a run.</quote></p>
<p>(<a idref="sect233">233</a>) Replaced <quote>(minimum - one round; maximum - four rounds)</quote> with <quote>(minimum: one round; maximum: four rounds)</quote></p>
<p>(<a idref="sect248">248</a>) Replaced <quote>C.B. radio</quote> with <quote>C.B. Radio</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect250">250</a>) Replaced <quote>machine-gunner</quote> with <quote>machine gunner</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect260">260</a>) Replaced <quote>Cmon</quote> with <quote>C'mon</quote> and <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="sect305">305</a>) Replaced <quote>ain't you' boy?'</quote> with <quote>ain't you boy?'</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect336">336</a>) Replaced <quote>letters,</quote> with <quote>letters:</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect336">329</a>) Replaced <quote>set in cruel sneer.</quote> with <quote>set in a cruel sneer.</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect338">338</a>) Replaced <quote>bushwacked</quote> with <quote>bushwhacked</quote>, <quote>Rickenbaker</quote> with <quote>Rickenbacker</quote> and <quote>fusilage</quote> with <quote>fuselage</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect343">343</a>) Replaced <quote>Shackelford county sheriff's office</quote> with <quote>Shackelford County Sheriff's office</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect12">12</a>,<a idref="sect24">24</a>,<a idref="sect80">80</a>,<a idref="sect105">105</a>,<a idref="sect117">117</a>,<a idref="sect177">177</a>,<a idref="sect222">222</a>,<a idref="sect242">242</a>,<a idref="sect296">296</a>,<a idref="sect348">348</a>) Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect23">23</a>,<a idref="sect73">73</a>,<a idref="sect85">85</a>,<a idref="sect138">138</a>,<a idref="sect163">163</a>,<a idref="sect229">229</a>,<a idref="sect260">260</a>) Replaced <quote>Backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect63">63</a>,<a idref="sect162">162</a>,<a idref="sect205">205</a>,<a idref="sect218">218</a>,<a idref="sect269">269</a>,<a idref="sect314">314</a>) Replaced <quote>Weapons list</quote> with <quote>Weapons List</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="calstory">Cal's Story</a>,<a idref="sect105">105</a>,<a idref="sect160">160</a>,<a idref="sect257">257</a>) Replaced <quote>'the Day'</quote> with <quote>'The Day'</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>
+ <p>(<a idref="crsumary">Combat Rules Summary</a>) Replaced <quote>Combat Results Table</quote> with <quote>Close Combat Results Table</quote>.</p>
</data>
</section>
</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="sect23">23</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect28">28</a>) Remember to deduct a round of 7.62mm ammunition from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect58">58</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect62">62</a>) Remember to deduct a round of 12-gauge ammunition from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect64">64</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch (if any).</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect77">77</a>) Remember to deduct a round of 7.62mm ammunition from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect132">132</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</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="sect153">153</a>) Remember to deduct six rounds of 9mm ammunition from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect164">164</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect168">168</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect172">172</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect174">174</a>) Remember to deduct a round of 9mm ammunition from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect190">190</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect191">191</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect229">229</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</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>
<p>(<a idref="sect261">261</a>) Remember to deduct a round of 9mm ammunition from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect275">275</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect293">293</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect302">302</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect320">320</a>) Remember to deduct a round of 12-gauge ammunition from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect340">340</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect344">344</a>) Remember to deduct a round of 9mm ammunition from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect349">349</a>) Remember to deduct the relevant number of rounds from your Ammo Pouch.</p>
</data>
</section>
<section class="backmatter" id="secill">
<meta><title>Secondary Illustrations</title></meta>
-
<data>
+ <p>Only the first occurrence of each secondary illustration is cited.</p>
<ul class="unbulleted">
-<!--
- <li><a idref="sect8">8</a>, <a idref="sect339">339</a></li>
--->
+ <li><a idref="calstory">Cal's Story</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect22">Section 22</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect26">Section 26</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="calstory">Cal's Story</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="calstory">Cal's Story</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="equipmnt">Equipment</a></li>
+ <li></li>
+ <li><a idref="calstory">Cal's Story</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect135">Section 135</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect343">Section 343</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect17">Section 17</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect2">Section 2</a></li>
</ul>
</data>
</section>
-
- </data>
- </section>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
&inclusion.project.aon.license;
- </data>
-</section>
+ </data>
+ </section>
</gamebook>
\ No newline at end of file
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / blobdiff