Gildas points to a clothes stall that is heaped with simple straw-coloured robes, much favoured by these Bhanarian plains-dwellers. Maybe a wise purchase, Sir Kai?
he mutters. I fear our tunics may arouse yet more suspicion the further south we venture.
You nod in agreement and halt to ask the trader how much he wants for four of his robes.
The first is an elaborate shrine. It is fashioned from gold and jewels and has been crafted into the likeness of a tiger
Some of the soldiers dining here are Imperial Guards from the squad that you encountered in Sunderer Pass. You scrutinise their faces, yet you cannot see their leader among them. Your Siyenese Compass indicates that the Claw of Naar is nearby; its needle is pointing to a door on the far side of the mess hall. You sense that the Claw is in the room beyond this door, and you resolve to find a way of reaching it without being seen.
@@ -1445,9 +1445,9 @@You turn a corner and ride along an unobstructed avenue that takes you to a far quieter quarter of the city. Guided by your Pathsmanship and tracking skills, you lead the rangers to the South Gate of Yua Tzhan. Here you are able to depart the city along a road that passes through outlying settlements before climbing gently into the Honah Hills.
@@ -1539,7 +1539,7 @@Gildas raises his bow and draws an arrow in readiness to fire at the advancing beast. You raise your Kai Weapon, but suddenly you sense that this abomination is surrounded by a benign, magical aura. Your Kai Sixth Sense tells you that, despite its fulsome appearance, this creature poses no real threat to you and your companions, and hurriedly you command Gildas to hold his fire. Pick a number from the Random Number Table.
@@ -2025,7 +2025,7 @@A palpable aura of evil radiates from this dread artefact, and you feel an overwhelming compulsion to destroy it. You warn the rangers to stand clear, and then you unsheathe your Kai Weapon and deal the shaft of the Claw a mighty blow.
@@ -2313,7 +2313,7 @@They have black bull-like bodies, yet their heads are crocodilian in shape, and a spiky mane of hair runs the entire length of their muscular backs. They possess four legs and two forelimbs, tipped with claws, in which they cradle cumbersome lances crudely pared from the trunks of Vanchou pines.
@@ -2674,9 +2674,9 @@Your Kai senses tell you that the Autarch is visiting the city for one simple reason: he is coming here to collect the Claw of Naar. The news of his imminent arrival re-ignites your resolve to find the artefact, and swiftly.
@@ -2820,7 +2820,7 @@Some of the Xanon have left the main group and ridden in a wide arc around the ancient site in order to come up behind your position. You hear their leader snorting gruffly as he leaps into the ruined hall and quickly you spin around to face him. You raise your Kai Weapon and courageously you leap forward to block him before he can launch a surprise attack upon the backs of your three companions.
@@ -3542,9 +3542,9 @@Pick a number from the Random Number Table. If you possess Animal Control, add 2 to the number you have picked.
@@ -3584,9 +3584,9 @@You are shocked by the spectacle of the Autarch
You hold sombre council with the rangers and try to determine how best to proceed from here. I propose we try to reach the Chai Wall,
says Gildas, and his men readily agree. Having never heard of this edifice, you ask Gildas to explain. The Chai Wall is a line of forts and military defences that lies 60 miles to the east of Zuda,
he says. Invasion from Bhanar has long been a threat to Chai, but its ancient ruler
Greetings, Lord Rimoah,
says the leader. I am Captain Gildas of the King
I
he growls. You!
he shouts, directing his ire towards your accuser. Get out, and take your friends with you.
When the squad of Imperial Guards catch sight of Cloud-dancer fleeing eastwards, their leader raises his hand and signals his men to advance. Using your enhanced vision, you focus on the leader and your Kai senses reel at the aura of evil surrounding him. You sense that this power does not emanate from him directly; it flows around a mace-like weapon which he carries sheathed in his belt. It is the Claw of Naar, and even at a distance its malignant power fills you with unease and foreboding.
@@ -5234,7 +5234,7 @@