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+Revision 1.17 2007/04/30 17:54:31 Wibbleboy
+o Made several changes in response to suggestions in Wiki.
+
Revision 1.16 2006/10/27 14:22:32 Wibbleboy
o Added small illustrations for puzzles
o Corrected image heights to match updated images.
<p>Six months after you arrived at DC1, the colony was faced with a major crisis. A heat wave was causing a drought that threatened to destroy the food supply. Crops were failing and the colony's artesian well<ch.emdash/>its only source of uncontaminated water<ch.emdash/>was beginning to dry up. The drought was also provoking more attacks from the city punks who were desperate for food and water. Their common need united them and they posed a very real threat to the security of DC1.</p>
<p>It was the last day of May 2020 when Pop Ewell made radio contact with another colony who were based in the city of Big Spring, 300 miles west of McKinney. It appeared that their situation was completely the reverse of DC1's: they had plenty of food and water but they were desperately short of fuel. They told of their contact with survivors in Tucson, Arizona, who were also without fuel. The Tucson colony reported that the territories west of the Sierra Nevada mountains had been spared the worst effects of the radioactive blizzards that had devastated the rest of the country and, miraculously, much of southern California was still widely populated. It had survived the last eight years virtually intact. When you heard the news you could hardly believe your ears. Perhaps your family were alive. You might be reunited after all!</p>
- <p>Pop Ewell called for a meeting to decide how best to deal with the crisis now facing DC1. Everyone agreed that to stay at McKinney would lead to eventual death, either slowly from starvation or suddenly at the hands of the murderous city gangs. The only option open to DC1 was to try to reach California; only there lay any real hope for the future of the colony. Your decision was relayed to the survivors at Big Spring and a deal was struck to rendezvous with them as soon as possible. DC1 would exchange fuel for food and water, and together they would join up with the Tuscon colony for the final journey to California.</p>
+ <p>Pop Ewell called for a meeting to decide how best to deal with the crisis now facing DC1. Everyone agreed that to stay at McKinney would lead to eventual death, either slowly from starvation or suddenly at the hands of the murderous city gangs. The only option open to DC1 was to try to reach California; only there lay any real hope for the future of the colony. Your decision was relayed to the survivors at Big Spring and a deal was struck to rendezvous with them as soon as possible. DC1 would exchange fuel for food and water, and together they would join up with the Tucson colony for the final journey to California.</p>
<p>Preparations began almost immediately. Morale was so high that a heady sense of adventure and optimism enveloped everyone. Few guessed just how fraught with danger the journey would be.</p>
</data>
<meta><title>3</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are about to search the bodies for items that may help you survive when you hear the mob ascending the stairs. Immediately you abandon the idea and concentrate on making an escape. At the end of the corridor is an open window. Below is an alleyway that passes to the rear of the bar. Without a moments hesitation, you climb out on to the ledge and leap to the ground, landing with a jolt that leaves you breathless. Gasping for air, you stagger along the alley and out into a deserted street. The jump has robbed you of stamina but at least you didn't break any bones.</p>
+ <p>You are about to search the bodies for items that may help you survive when you hear the mob ascending the stairs. Immediately you abandon the idea and concentrate on making an escape. At the end of the corridor is an open window. Below is an alleyway that passes to the rear of the bar. Without a moments hesitation, you climb out onto the ledge and leap to the ground, landing with a jolt that leaves you breathless. Gasping for air, you stagger along the alley and out into a deserted street. The jump has robbed you of stamina but at least you didn't break any bones.</p>
<p>Desperately you look for somewhere to hide while you recover. An old boarding house opposite seems to be the answer to your prayers, and you cross the street and enter before the mob reappears.</p>
<choice idref="sect86"><link-text>Turn to 86</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>18</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The moment you break cover, gunfire erupts from all sides. In the hope of making yourself a difficult target you zig-zag towards the door, but your manoeuvre is anticipated and a stream of bullets tears up the ground ahead, dangerously close. Long Jake shouts encouragement, and you are within a few feet of the doorway when a sharp burning sensation lances your right forearm: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>The moment you break cover, gunfire erupts from all sides. In the hope of making yourself a difficult target you zigzag towards the door, but your manoeuvre is anticipated and a stream of bullets tears up the ground ahead, dangerously close. Long Jake shouts encouragement, and you are within a few feet of the doorway when a sharp burning sensation lances your right forearm: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Gritting your teeth against the sudden pain of your wound, you force yourself forwards and fall headlong through the doorway.</p>
<choice idref="sect329"><link-text>Turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The road to Cross Plains is virtually free of the craters and other hazards that have plagued your journey so far, enabling you to drive at speed at last. You are glad of the cooling breeze but you cannot shake off your presentiment that danger awaits you in Cross Plains. Tyre tracks in the dust, some no more than a few days old, indicate that this highway is used by other four-wheeled vehicles.</p>
<p>When the town appears in the distance, caution prompts you to stop your car at a derelict gas station. You park it under cover, inside an empty repair shop at the rear of the building, then venture into Cross Plains on foot.</p>
- <p>Tyre tracks zig-zag the main street, but you can see no sign of the vehicles that made them. The place itself appears deserted and unremarkable, yet your mind warns you to stay alert. At a junction near the centre of the town you notice something unusual: a tall wooden pole, carved and painted in the fashion of an old Comanche totem, has been erected in the middle of the street.</p>
+ <p>Tyre tracks zigzag the main street, but you can see no sign of the vehicles that made them. The place itself appears deserted and unremarkable, yet your mind warns you to stay alert. At a junction near the centre of the town you notice something unusual: a tall wooden pole, carved and painted in the fashion of an old Comanche totem, has been erected in the middle of the street.</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="sect300">If your total score is now 12 or less, <link-text>turn to 300</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect209">If your total score is now 13 or more, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>With a superhuman effort, you leap and dive across the hood of your roadster in an attempt to avoid being caught by the burst of automatic fire. Bullets follow you across the car, piercing the side and glancing noisily off the case-hardened rollbar. One of the hollow-tipped slugs creases your thigh, making you cry out loudly with the sudden pain: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>Your scream convinces the biker that he has killed you, and he turns his attention elsewhere. You drag yourself into your car and start the engine without being seen, and swiftly you accelerate away, steering your roadster towards the tail-lights of the bus as it crashes through a group of bikers and escapes on to the freeway. A few random shots ricochet off the trunk as you follow the bus out of Santo, but within minutes you pass out of range and the gunfire ceases.</p>
+ <p>Your scream convinces the biker that he has killed you, and he turns his attention elsewhere. You drag yourself into your car and start the engine without being seen, and swiftly you accelerate away, steering your roadster towards the tail-lights of the bus as it crashes through a group of bikers and escapes onto the freeway. A few random shots ricochet off the trunk as you follow the bus out of Santo, but within minutes you pass out of range and the gunfire ceases.</p>
<choice idref="sect182"><link-text>Turn to 182</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>Your gunfire fails to bring down the clansman, but it passes close enough to make him veer away from the edge of the slope.<a id="sect96-1" idref="sect96-1-foot" class="footnote" /> Cursing your luck, you shoulder your weapon and turn to Kate.</p>
<p>'I've got to stop him before he reaches the roadster,' you say. Kate protests, but you are determined to save your car, and reluctantly she agrees to cover you as best she can with a tiny Derringer pistol that she carries in her boot.</p>
<p>'I call it 'Chihuahua',' she quips, as she cocks the double-hammers and gets ready to fire. 'It don't look much but it makes one helluva noise!'</p>
- <p>You scan the slope. When you have picked out the best place to make your climb, you break cover and zig-zag along the shore towards it. Immediately, the machine gunner opens up on you. Kate replies with a single shot, and he diverts his fire back to the rocks and bushes. Swiftly you claw your way to the top of the slope and run straight at the clansman, grimly determined to intercept him before he can do any damage. He sees you approaching, draws a pistol, and empties it at your chest.</p>
+ <p>You scan the slope. When you have picked out the best place to make your climb, you break cover and zigzag along the shore towards it. Immediately, the machine gunner opens up on you. Kate replies with a single shot, and he diverts his fire back to the rocks and bushes. Swiftly you claw your way to the top of the slope and run straight at the clansman, grimly determined to intercept him before he can do any damage. He sees you approaching, draws a pistol, and empties it at your chest.</p>
<p>Add your Stealth skill total to your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score.</p>
<choice idref="sect258">If your total is 9 or less, <link-text>turn to 258</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect83">If it is 10 or more, <link-text>turn to 83</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>103</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Cutter pats you on the shoulder: it is the signal to move. Silently, like a snake, you crawl across the open ground on your stomach, inching your way nearer to the entrance of the alley, which is sandwiched between two mounds of stinking garbage. A clansman appears from the shadows and you freeze in your tracks. With bated breath you watch as he dumps a sack of rubbish on to one of the mounds before turning around and disappearing into the dark.</p>
+ <p>Cutter pats you on the shoulder: it is the signal to move. Silently, like a snake, you crawl across the open ground on your stomach, inching your way nearer to the entrance of the alley, which is sandwiched between two mounds of stinking garbage. A clansman appears from the shadows and you freeze in your tracks. With bated breath you watch as he dumps a sack of rubbish onto one of the mounds before turning around and disappearing into the dark.</p>
<p>By the time you reach the alley it is deserted. Cautiously you advance along it, your knife held ready just in case you are forced to silence one of the town's inhabitants. The alley ends near the centre of the mall, where the remains of a huge marble fountain lie scattered across the tiled floor. The shop-lined avenues appear empty, so you enter the mall and make your way towards the truck depot. You have just turned a corner when you see a patrol of four Skull clansmen.</p>
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
</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>
+ <choice idref="sect22">If you decide to lead the convoy onto Freeway 35, <link-text>turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>With a cotton bandana tied around your nose and mouth, and the collar of your leather jacket pulled close to your face, you set off into the storm. With visibility less than five yards, you must rely on your sense of hearing for some indication of the child's position. Repeatedly you call her name, hoping she will reply, yet all you hear is the incessant howling of the wind.</p>
- <p>You reach the edge of the school grounds and find a hole in the perimeter fence. A few feet beyond it stands the side wall of a derelict candy store. Once more you call out her name and a faint voice replies: 'Help me <ch.ellips/> I'm in here.'</p>
+ <p>You reach the edge of the school grounds and find a hole in the perimeter fence. A few feet beyond it stands the side wall of a derelict candy store. Once more you call out her name and a faint voice replies: 'Help me<ch.ellips/> I'm in here.'</p>
<choice idref="sect341">If your current Perception skill total is 3 or less, <link-text>turn to 341</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect154">If it is 4 or more, <link-text>turn to 154</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>'Even so,' says Uncle Jonas, 'we daren't afford t' stop too long in any one place. We gotta keep ahead o' that pack all the way to Big Spring.'</p>
<p>The next town on the freeway is Sweetwater. Most of the buildings are still standing, although few have roofs as a result of yesterday's storm. Except for a few hungry coyote that have come down from the hills looking for jack rabbits, the place is deserted.</p>
<p>Cutter signals for you to stop. The engine of the bus is overheating and, despite the risk of a clan attack, it must be allowed to cool down. The others take the opportunity to search the town for food, and you busy yourself by refuelling your roadster. 'What do you make of that, Cal?' says Uncle Jonas, as you finish rewinding the tanker's fuel pipe. He is standing on the cab of the tanker, pointing at a shimmering ribbon of light to the south of the town. You climb up beside him and immediately you see that it is the sun reflecting off the surface of a small lake. 'Water!' you both exclaim, excitedly.</p>
- <p>The chance of replenishing the colony's depleted water supply is too good an opportunity to miss. Uncle Jonas helps you load some empty plastic containers on to your roadster, and Kate volunteers to come with you to help fill and carry them. As soon as she is aboard, you start the engine and drive off towards the distant lake.</p>
+ <p>The chance of replenishing the colony's depleted water supply is too good an opportunity to miss. Uncle Jonas helps you load some empty plastic containers onto your roadster, and Kate volunteers to come with you to help fill and carry them. As soon as she is aboard, you start the engine and drive off towards the distant lake.</p>
<choice idref="sect94"><link-text>Turn to 94</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The fleeing man sees you and fires twice, but his aim is awry and the bullets pass high above your head. You raise your gun and order him to stop but he ignores your call. He shoots again and you return fire, killing him cleanly with a shot to the heart.</p>
- <p>Cutter appears and beckons you over to the diner. Inside the doorway lies the body of another man, a rifle resting across his blood-stained chest. 'I reckon these two were from that Maverick gang that Rickenbacker warned us about,' says Cutter, as he searches through the dead man's pockets. 'Seems like the Lions ain't the only ones we gotta look out for.'</p>
+ <p>Cutter appears and beckons you over to the diner. Inside the doorway lies the body of another man, a rifle resting across his bloodstained chest. 'I reckon these two were from that Maverick gang that Rickenbacker warned us about,' says Cutter, as he searches through the dead man's pockets. 'Seems like the Lions ain't the only ones we gotta look out for.'</p>
<p>You help Cutter search the bodies and the diner. You discover the following items:</p>
<ul>
<li>Pistol (with two rounds of 9mm ammunition)</li>
<data>
<p>With the bulky roll of polythene sheeting slung over your shoulder, you hurry back to the convoy as quickly as you can. Uncle Jonas greets you with a broad grin and offers to help you stow your find aboard the bus. 'That'll come in right useful if we run short o' water,' he says, as he slams shut the stowage door. 'We can use it to rig up a solar still.'</p>
- <p>Once everyone is aboard, you start the roadster and lead the convoy in single file on to the southbound carriageway of Freeway 35.</p>
+ <p>Once everyone is aboard, you start the roadster and lead the convoy in single file onto the southbound carriageway of Freeway 35.</p>
<choice idref="sect22"><link-text>Turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
</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>
+ <choice idref="sect22">If you decide to lead the convoy onto Freeway 35, <link-text>turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>169</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Using what scraps of cloth are available, you cover your nose and mouth before setting off into the storm. You pass the colony's vehicles and walk out on to the main street. With visibility less than five yards, you must rely solely on your sense of hearing for some indication of the child's location. Repeatedly you call her name, hoping she will reply, yet all you hear is the incessant howling of the dust-storm.</p>
- <p>As you cross the street, you catch what sounds like a young girl's voice drifting on the wind. You shout her name and a voice answers faintly: 'Help me <ch.ellips/> I'm here!'</p>
+ <p>Using what scraps of cloth are available, you cover your nose and mouth before setting off into the storm. You pass the colony's vehicles and walk out onto the main street. With visibility less than five yards, you must rely solely on your sense of hearing for some indication of the child's location. Repeatedly you call her name, hoping she will reply, yet all you hear is the incessant howling of the dust-storm.</p>
+ <p>As you cross the street, you catch what sounds like a young girl's voice drifting on the wind. You shout her name and a voice answers faintly: 'Help me<ch.ellips/> I'm here!'</p>
<choice idref="sect223">If you possess a pair of <typ class="item">Goggles</typ>, <link-text>turn to 223</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect252">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 252</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Breathlessly you climb the iron staircase to the roof. Three times your foot plunges through the rust-weakened steps and three times you nearly fall, but each time you manage to recover your footing and drive yourself onwards. Shots ring out and bullets fly, drawing sparks as they slam into the ironwork; the manic shouts of the angry mob echo loudly in the alley below.</p>
- <p>After what seems like an eternity you reach the top of the fire escape and stagger on to the warehouse roof. You are feeling light-headed and nauseous due to the combined effects of heat, exertion and fear. Your vision swims in and out of focus and you are finding it difficult to concentrate.</p>
+ <p>After what seems like an eternity you reach the top of the fire escape and stagger onto the warehouse roof. You are feeling light-headed and nauseous due to the combined effects of heat, exertion and fear. Your vision swims in and out of focus and you are finding it difficult to concentrate.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score is 19 or more, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect225">If your total score is now 0-4, <link-text>turn to 225</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect202">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>178</title></meta>
<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>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><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, onto the muddy shore.</p>
<choice idref="sect335"><link-text>Turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>On your arrival at Colorado City you discover that the colony has been busy during your absence. Using materials salvaged from the ruins of nearby factories, they have managed to put down a platform that spans the gap in the middle of the bridge. Now Cutter is supervising the strengthening of this platform to ensure that it will withstand the weight of the loaded tanker, the heaviest of the convoy vehicles.</p>
- <p>You tell everyone that you were unable to find an alternative way across the river, expecting the news to be met with disappointment. But most of the colony greets your scouting report with a nod of approval, a reaction that baffles you until Kate offers an explanation. 'That explosive we found at Lake Sweetwater is now under the bridge,' she says, pointing towards the newly laid platform. 'Once we're all on the other side, I'll trigger the timer and two minutes later <ch.ellips/> boom! No bridge! It might not stop the Lions chasing us but it should keep 'em off our backs until we reach Big Spring.'</p>
+ <p>You tell everyone that you were unable to find an alternative way across the river, expecting the news to be met with disappointment. But most of the colony greets your scouting report with a nod of approval, a reaction that baffles you until Kate offers an explanation. 'That explosive we found at Lake Sweetwater is now under the bridge,' she says, pointing towards the newly laid platform. 'Once we're all on the other side, I'll trigger the timer and two minutes later<ch.ellips/> boom! No bridge! It might not stop the Lions chasing us but it should keep 'em off our backs until we reach Big Spring.'</p>
<p>You are about to take a closer look when Pop Ewell calls everyone to the bus. He has made radio contact with Big Spring. 'Here, Cal,' he says, handing you the headphones, 'your ears are younger than mine. See if you can figure out what they're saying.'</p>
<p>You slip on the headphones and listen to a voice that is almost completely obscured by the hiss and crackle of static. You close your eyes and concentrate as hard as you can in an effort to understand what is being said. 'The guy says he's going to pay us a visit,' you say, hesitantly, suspecting that you have not heard the message correctly. Then the static fades and clearly you hear the words: 'Be with you soon. Watch the skies!'</p>
<choice idref="sect68"><link-text>Turn to 68</link-text>.</choice>
<p>A green flare climbs into the darkening sky and bursts over the town, signalling that the Big Spring colony has seen you approaching. Pop Ewell makes radio contact, and passes on their welcome. 'They say the freeway gate is open. All we got t' do is drive straight in.'</p>
<p>The Mavericks seemed to give up the chase as soon as they saw the flare, and now the freeway looks deserted. You join Cutter at the front of the bus and scan the landscape for some sign of your roadster, but the only other vehicle you can see is the tanker, trundling along a few hundred yards ahead.</p>
<p>A few minutes later you see your car in the distance, parked at the side of the freeway. As you draw nearer you get ready to wave to Kate. Your heart almost stops when, with horror, you see that two motorcycles are parked alongside, and Kate is embroiled in a desperate hand-to-hand struggle with their riders. 'Stop the bus, Cutter!' you shout. 'It's Kate; she's in trouble.'</p>
- <p>Cutter slows the bus and you leap out on to the freeway and run towards Kate. 'Help me, Cal!' she screams, as the Mavericks try to bundle her, kicking and punching, into a sidecar attached to one of their machines. A blow to the back of her head with the stock of a machine pistol brings an end to her resistance. Then, as you approach, the biker turns and fires a long burst from the hip.</p>
+ <p>Cutter slows the bus and you leap out onto the freeway and run towards Kate. 'Help me, Cal!' she screams, as the Mavericks try to bundle her, kicking and punching, into a sidecar attached to one of their machines. A blow to the back of her head with the stock of a machine pistol brings an end to her resistance. Then, as you approach, the biker turns and fires a long burst from the hip.</p>
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Melvyn Grant</creator>
<data>
<p>'One of them's heading for the roadster,' you say, watching anxiously as the clansman scurries around the rim. 'I'm going to stop him before he gets there!' Kate protests, but you are determined to save your car, and reluctantly she agrees to cover you as best she can with the tiny Derringer pistol that she carries in her boot.</p>
- <p>'I call it 'Chihuahua',' she quips, as she cocks the double-hammers and gets ready to fire. 'It don't look much but it makes one hellava noise!'</p>
- <p>You scan the slope. When you have picked out the best place to make your climb, you break cover and zig-zag along the shore towards it. Immediately, the machine gunner opens up on you. Kate replies with a single shot and he diverts his fire back to the rocks and bushes. Swiftly you claw your way to the top of the slope and run straight at the clansman, grimly determined to intercept him before he can do any damage to your roadster. He sees you approaching, draws a pistol, and, still running, empties it at your chest.</p>
+ <p>'I call it 'Chihuahua',' she quips, as she cocks the double-hammers and gets ready to fire. 'It don't look much but it makes one helluva noise!'</p>
+ <p>You scan the slope. When you have picked out the best place to make your climb, you break cover and zigzag along the shore towards it. Immediately, the machine gunner opens up on you. Kate replies with a single shot and he diverts his fire back to the rocks and bushes. Swiftly you claw your way to the top of the slope and run straight at the clansman, grimly determined to intercept him before he can do any damage to your roadster. He sees you approaching, draws a pistol, and, still running, empties it at your chest.</p>
<p>Add your Stealth skill total to your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score.</p>
<choice idref="sect258">If your total is 9 or less, <link-text>turn to 258</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect83">If it is 10 or more, <link-text>turn to 83</link-text>.</choice>
<p>The success of your daring night raid is applauded by the colony. Mountain Goat is especially pleased that you found the part needed to fix the bus, and he is quick to remind everyone that without his help the mission would not have been possible.</p>
<p>After a few hours' rest, you help Cutter and Uncle Jonas install the new steering linkage. Then you fill your roadster's fuel tank with gasolene piped from the tanker and prepare to lead the convoy on the next stage of the long journey west.</p>
<p>You leave Freeway 20 and travel cross-country in order to bypass Strawn. Later in the afternoon you rejoin the highway as it approaches Lake Leon and the town of Eastland. You are two miles from Eastland when you spot an obstruction in the far distance that appears to he blocking the entire road. However, you are aware that the constant heat haze can play strange tricks on your vision, so you signal to the convoy to halt while you scout ahead.</p>
- <p>A mile along the highway you discover that the obstruction is in fact a trench that has been dug diagonally across the road. It is sufficiently deep along its whole length to wreck any vehicle attempting to cross it at speed. You bring your car to a halt and step out on to the sun-scorched asphalt in order to take a closer look at this curious excavation.</p>
+ <p>A mile along the highway you discover that the obstruction is in fact a trench that has been dug diagonally across the road. It is sufficiently deep along its whole length to wreck any vehicle attempting to cross it at speed. You bring your car to a halt and step out onto the sun-scorched asphalt in order to take a closer look at this curious excavation.</p>
<choice idref="sect34">If you possess a <typ class="item">Telescope</typ> or <typ class="item">Binoculars</typ>, <link-text>turn to 34</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect147">If you possess neither of these items, <link-text>turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>With a tremendous effort, you leap and dive across the hood of your roadster to avoid being caught by the burst of automatic fire. Bullets follow you across the car, piercing the side and glancing noisily off the case-hardened rollbar, but your swift reflexes save you from being hit.</p>
- <p>As soon as you are safely under cover you let out a scream that convinces your enemy that he has killed you. He turns his attention elsewhere, and you are able to pull yourself into the car and start the engine without being seen. Swiftly you accelerate away, steering your roadster towards the tail-lights of the bus as it crashes through a group of bikers and escapes on to the freeway. A few random shots ricochet off the trunk as you follow the bus out of Santo, but within minutes you pass out of range and the gunfire ceases.</p>
+ <p>As soon as you are safely under cover you let out a scream that convinces your enemy that he has killed you. He turns his attention elsewhere, and you are able to pull yourself into the car and start the engine without being seen. Swiftly you accelerate away, steering your roadster towards the tail-lights of the bus as it crashes through a group of bikers and escapes onto the freeway. A few random shots ricochet off the trunk as you follow the bus out of Santo, but within minutes you pass out of range and the gunfire ceases.</p>
<choice idref="sect182"><link-text>Turn to 182</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>220</title></meta>
<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>'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>'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<ch.emdash/>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>
<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<ch.emdash/>the main body of the clan<ch.emdash/>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>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>
<choice idref="sect324">If your total is 11 or less, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Instinctively you dive away from the window, your speedy reactions saving you from being cut down by the swathe of bullets. Then you hear a man scream and abruptly the firing ceases. You chance a glance out of the window to see the sniper falling from the parapet, clutching at his chest as he crashes to the sidewalk below. With a smile you signal a thumbs-up to Kate and she returns your thanks with a wave of her rifle.</p>
<p>A few minutes later a column of motorcycles<ch.emdash/>the main body of the clan<ch.emdash/>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>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>
<choice idref="sect324">If your total is 11 or less, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You try to dodge aside but the front wheel of the motorcycle runs over your right calf, forcing you to the ground with a painful jolt: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points</p>
<p>Gritting your teeth against the pain, you manage to roll under the tanker and crouch beside the rear axle.</p>
- <p>In the flickering light of the camp fire you see two bikers skid to a halt, then hurriedly step away from their machines. Both draw knives as they run towards the open door of the bus.</p>
+ <p>In the flickering light of the campfire you see two bikers skid to a halt, then hurriedly step away from their machines. Both draw knives as they run towards the open door of the bus.</p>
<choice idref="sect206">If you wish to unshoulder a weapon and open fire on the bikers, <link-text>turn to 206</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect129">If you choose to leap to your feet and try to intercept them before they enter the bus, <link-text>turn to 129</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>289</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The speed of your reactions saves you from the wheels of the motorcycle. You hit the ground, roll over to lessen the impact, then take cover beneath the belly of the tanker. In the flickering light of the camp fire you see two bikers skid to a halt, then hurriedly step away from their machines. Both draw knives as they run towards the open door of the bus.</p>
+ <p>The speed of your reactions saves you from the wheels of the motorcycle. You hit the ground, roll over to lessen the impact, then take cover beneath the belly of the tanker. In the flickering light of the campfire you see two bikers skid to a halt, then hurriedly step away from their machines. Both draw knives as they run towards the open door of the bus.</p>
<choice idref="sect206">If you wish to unshoulder a weapon and open fire on the bikers, <link-text>turn to 206</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect129">If you choose to leap to your feet and try to intercept them before they enter the bus, <link-text>turn to 129</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</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 CB 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>You are finishing your food when suddenly Pop Ewell calls to everyone to hurry to the bus. He has located a broadcast on his CB 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 northwest o' here,' says Cutter, scratching his scalp. 'It's not where we're planned on headin' but it would be worth checking out.'</p>
<choice idref="sect74">If you wish to volunteer to go to Mineral Wells and investigate the source of the radio broadcast, <link-text>turn to 74</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect93">If you choose to ignore the broadcast and insist that the convoy continues along its chosen route, <link-text>turn to 93</link-text>.</choice>
<p>'What is it?' you ask.</p>
<p>'About seven pounds of military grade Zevatec explosive; enough to make a hole the size of this lake.'</p>
<p>'That's some fire-cracker!' you reply, uneasily.</p>
- <p>'Don't worry, it's safe,' she assures you, taking the explosive from your trembling hands. 'I saw the Lions use this stuff in Oklahoma. It's as stable as clay until you prime and time it, then <ch.ellips/> boom! I think I'll hang on to it. It could come in useful.' She slips the Zevatec into her bag and then walks back towards the lake.</p>
+ <p>'Don't worry, it's safe,' she assures you, taking the explosive from your trembling hands. 'I saw the Lions use this stuff in Oklahoma. It's as stable as clay until you prime and time it, then<ch.ellips/> boom! I think I'll hang on to it. It could come in useful.' She slips the Zevatec into her bag and then walks back towards the lake.</p>
<p>'C'mon Cal,' she says. 'We'd better hustle that water. When that scout gets back to the Lions, Mad Dog's gonna be hot on our heels.'</p>
- <p>You fill the containers and hurry back to Sweetwater as fast as you can. When you tell Uncle Jonas what has happened at the lake, he cancels the food search and recalls everyone to the bus. As soon as all are safely aboard, you head back on to the freeway and begin the sixty-six mile journey to Big Spring.</p>
+ <p>You fill the containers and hurry back to Sweetwater as fast as you can. When you tell Uncle Jonas what has happened at the lake, he cancels the food search and recalls everyone to the bus. As soon as all are safely aboard, you head back onto the freeway and begin the sixty-six mile journey to Big Spring.</p>
<choice idref="sect36"><link-text>Turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You pull your T-shirt up to cover your nose and mouth before venturing out into the storm. Visibility is less than five yards and, with the dust constantly gusting into your eyes, you must rely heavily on your sense of hearing for some indication of the child's location. Repeatedly you call out her name, hoping she will reply, yet all you hear is the incessant howling of the wind.</p>
<p>A wide avenue leads you to a baseball park on the edge of the school grounds. For a few seconds the wind drops and you are able to see a small grocery store on the other side of the avenue, its front door hanging off its hinges. You can make out a thin, faint sound coming from inside the store.</p>
<p>You run towards the entrance, eager to get inside before the wind picks up and you lose sight of the building altogether. The stench of rotting food assails your nostrils the moment you enter the store, making your stomach churn, but you force yourself to ignore it and continue your search. You call Maria's name and hear the sound again: it is coming from behind the cellar door. In the eerie half-light you find the latch and lift it. 'Don't be afraid, Maria. It's Cal,' you say, hoping to reassure and comfort the girl, but when you push open the door it is not little Maria who greets you.</p>
- <p>A seething flood of squealing rats swarm out of the doorway and break like a wave against your feet. You scream in shocked surprise and drag yourself on to a nearby counter as the ravenous rodents run amok. Most of the pack ignore you, but there are a few that have developed a taste for human flesh, and determinedly they claw their way up the counter in an effort to get at your legs.</p>
+ <p>A seething flood of squealing rats swarm out of the doorway and break like a wave against your feet. You scream in shocked surprise and drag yourself onto a nearby counter as the ravenous rodents run amok. Most of the pack ignore you, but there are a few that have developed a taste for human flesh, and determinedly they claw their way up the counter in an effort to get at your legs.</p>
<combat><enemy>Rat Pack</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">13</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">25</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect146">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 146</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>As you had suspected, the spy was a city gang member, a scout for the Arlington Vipers judging by the snake tattoo that encircles his throat. You have encountered many from this gang during the past few months; they often led night raids on the DC1 settlement at McKinney.</p>
- <p>You roll the dead scout over on to his chest and quickly search through his rucksack and pockets. You discover the following items:</p>
+ <p>You roll the dead scout over onto his chest and quickly search through his rucksack and pockets. You discover the following items:</p>
<ul>
<li>Two Knives (2)</li>
<li>Pistol (containing three rounds of 9mm ammunition)</li>
<meta><title>315</title></meta>
<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>
+ <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 onto the southbound carriageway of Freeway 35.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<meta><title>321</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are soon swallowed up in the network of narrow alleyways, and are able to shake off the few clansmen who attempted to pursue you. Eventually you emerge on to a wider street that is lined with dilapidated stores. Rather than take the risk of staying on the street, you decide to hide in one of these buildings and wait until the heat dies down. Fortunately you choose a hardware store that still has a cache of stock hidden on the first floor, and you discover the following items that could prove useful:</p>
+ <p>You are soon swallowed up in the network of narrow alleyways, and are able to shake off the few clansmen who attempted to pursue you. Eventually you emerge onto a wider street that is lined with dilapidated stores. Rather than take the risk of staying on the street, you decide to hide in one of these buildings and wait until the heat dies down. Fortunately you choose a hardware store that still has a cache of stock hidden on the first floor, and you discover the following items that could prove useful:</p>
<ul>
<li>Two Knives (2)</li>
<li>1 Rifle</li>
<p>(<a idref="cmbtrulz">Combat Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>CLOSECOMBAT</quote> with <quote>CLOSE COMBAT</quote>, <quote>cross-refer</quote> with <quote>cross-reference</quote>, and <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="dtd">Dateline to Disaster</a>) Replaced <quote>training and</quote> with <quote>training, and</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="calstory">Cal's Story</a>) Replaced <quote>re-establish</quote> with <quote>reestablish</quote>, <quote>Denton county</quote> with <quote>Denton County</quote>, and <quote>fuel, food or water</quote> with <quote>fuel, food, or water</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="calstory">Cal's Story</a>) Replaced <quote>re-establish</quote> with <quote>reestablish</quote>, <quote>Denton county</quote> with <quote>Denton County</quote>, <quote>fuel, food or water</quote> with <quote>fuel, food, or water</quote>, and <quote>Tuscon colony</quote> with <quote>Tucson colony</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect1">1</a>) Replaced <quote>syphoned</quote> with <quote>siphoned</quote>, and <quote>C.B. radio</quote> with <quote>CB radio</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="sect136">136</a>) Replaced <quote>north-west</quote> with <quote>northwest</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect137">137</a>) Replaced <quote>south-west</quote> with <quote>southwest</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect142">142</a>) Replaced <quote>feet first</quote> with <quote>feet-first</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect143">143</a>) Replaced <quote>( with</quote> with <quote>(with</quote>, <quote>Water Canteen, containing</quote> with <quote>Water Canteen containing</quote>, and <quote>sulphonamides</quote> with <quote>sulfonamides</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect143">143</a>) Replaced <quote>( with</quote> with <quote>(with</quote>, <quote>blood-stained</quote> with <quote>bloodstained</quote>, <quote>Water Canteen, containing</quote> with <quote>Water Canteen containing</quote>, and <quote>sulphonamides</quote> with <quote>sulfonamides</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect149">149</a>) Replaced <quote>assess</quote> with <quote>assesses</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect152">152</a>) Replaced text based number puzzle with illustration.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect155">155</a>) Replaced <quote>red indian</quote> with <quote>Red Indian</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="sect195">195</a>) Replaced <quote>machine-gunner</quote> with <quote>machine gunner</quote> and <quote>hellava</quote> with <quote>helluva</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect198">198</a>) Replaced <quote>south-west</quote> with <quote>southwest</quote> (x2).</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect204">204</a>) Replaced <quote>machine-gun fire</quote> with <quote>machine gun fire</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect209">209</a>) Replaced <quote>red indian</quote> with <quote>Red Indian</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect255">255</a>) Replaced text based number puzzle with illustration.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect259">259</a>) Replaced <quote>pistol</quote> with <quote>Pistol</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="sect265">265</a>) Replaced <quote>camp fire</quote> with <quote>campfire</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect270">270</a>) Replaced <quote>water canteen</quote> with <quote>Water Canteen</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect288">288</a>) Replaced <quote>auto-wreck</quote> with <quote>auto wreck</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect289">289</a>) Replaced <quote>camp fire</quote> with <quote>campfire</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect294">294</a>) Replaced <quote>'the Kickers'</quote> with <quote>the 'Kickers'</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect295">295</a>) Replaced <quote>C.B. radio</quote> with <quote>CB radio</quote> and <quote>north-west</quote> with <quote>northwest</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect298">298</a>) Replaced <quote>red indian</quote> with <quote>Red Indian</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect336">336</a>) Replaced <quote>letters,</quote> with <quote>letters:</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect338">338</a>) Replaced <quote>bushwacked</quote> with <quote>bushwhacked</quote>, <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="sect18">18</a>,<a idref="sect42">42</a>,<a idref="sect96">96</a>,<a idref="sect195">195</a>) Replaced <quote>zig-zag</quote> with <quote>zigzag</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="sect3">3</a>,<a idref="sect78">78</a>,<a idref="sect103">103</a>,<a idref="sect105">105</a>,<a idref="sect127">127</a>,<a idref="sect144">144</a>,<a idref="sect160">160</a>,<a idref="sect169">169</a>,<a idref="sect173">173</a>,<a idref="sect181">181</a>,<a idref="sect188">188</a>,<a idref="sect196">196</a>,<a idref="sect213">213</a>,<a idref="sect295">295</a>,<a idref="sect297">297</a>,<a idref="sect299">299</a>,<a idref="sect303">303</a>,<a idref="sect315">315</a>,<a idref="sect321">321</a>) Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</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>. Replaced <quote>cross-refer</quote> with <quote>cross-reference</quote>, <quote>Combat Results Table</quote> with <quote>Close Combat Results Table</quote>, and <quote>zero ENDURANCE</quote> with <quote>zero or fewer ENDURANCE</quote>.</p>
</data>
$Id$
$Log$
+Revision 1.9 2007/04/30 17:55:17 Wibbleboy
+o Made several changes in response to suggestions in Wiki.
+
Revision 1.8 2006/09/14 14:48:00 Wibbleboy
o Made various errata/non errata changes.
o Updated errata section to combine all changes for a given page in a single entry.
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>The crack of your pistol shot is echoed by the clansman's shocked scream.<a id="sect4-1" idref="sect4-1-foot" class="footnote" /> He drops the knife and clutches his hands to his wound before crashing lifelessly to the floor. With fear in their eyes, the other two reach for their pistols as they back away hastily from the guard's blood-stained body.</p>
+ <p>The crack of your pistol shot is echoed by the clansman's shocked scream.<a id="sect4-1" idref="sect4-1-foot" class="footnote" /> He drops the knife and clutches his hands to his wound before crashing lifelessly to the floor. With fear in their eyes, the other two reach for their pistols as they back away hastily from the guard's bloodstained body.</p>
<choice idref="sect335"><link-text>Turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>For three long, hot, tedious hours you sit watching the two clansmen through your binoculars (during which time you must take a Drink or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). You see them finish their meal and then attend to the repair of one of their motorcycle engines. You are beginning to fear that they have no intention of ever leaving the bridge, when another biker appears atop a ridge of high ground on the far side of the river. He approaches them and stops briefly to talk. Then the two clansmen mount their machines and follow him back across the bridge, accelerating away to the south.</p>
- <p>Once you are sure that it is safe to continue, you start your engine and drive towards the bridge. As you approach the entrance you see the remains of the clansmen's camp fire, its ashes still smouldering.</p>
- <choice idref="sect111">If you wish to stop and search the area around the camp fire, <link-text>turn to 111</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>Once you are sure that it is safe to continue, you start your engine and drive towards the bridge. As you approach the entrance you see the remains of the clansmen's campfire, its ashes still smouldering.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect111">If you wish to stop and search the area around the campfire, <link-text>turn to 111</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect213">If you decide to cross the bridge and press on towards San Angelo, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>28</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Kate manages to pull the snapping dog from your arm and despatch it swiftly with a pistol shot to the head.</p>
+ <p>Kate manages to pull the snapping dog from your arm and dispatch it swiftly with a pistol shot to the head.</p>
<p>Its fangs have penetrated the leather sleeve of your jacket and gouged your arm (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points) but you are relieved to see that there are no signs that the animal was rabid.</p>
<p>Quickly you regain full control of the roadster and steer it towards the Christoval bridge.</p>
<choice idref="sect324"><link-text>Turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>38</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Reaching over your head, you grasp the rounded handle of your shotgun and unsheathe it from its storage place behind your seat. It is loaded, and a glance at the breach tells you that the safety catch is set to fire. The moment the clansman sees you resting the twelve-gauge barrel on the door, he veers across to the left lane of the highway as quickly as he can. You smile when you realize the purpose of this manouevre: he is trying to increase his chances of survival by making it as difficult as he can for you to shoot at him with your right hand.</p>
+ <p>Reaching over your head, you grasp the rounded handle of your shotgun and unsheathe it from its storage place behind your seat. It is loaded, and a glance at the breach tells you that the safety catch is set to fire. The moment the clansman sees you resting the twelve-gauge barrel on the door, he veers across to the left lane of the highway as quickly as he can. You smile when you realize the purpose of this manoeuvre: he is trying to increase his chances of survival by making it as difficult as he can for you to shoot at him with your right hand.</p>
<p>Add together your Driving and Shooting skill scores. Now decide how many rounds you wish to fire at the clansman (minimum: one round; maximum: four rounds), and add the number of rounds to your skills total.</p>
<choice idref="sect318">If your total score is 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect19">If your total score is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>The sharp report of your rifle is echoed by the clansman's shocked scream as your bullet passes straight through his body and punches a hole in the observation window behind.<a id="sect49-1" idref="sect49-1-foot" class="footnote" /> He drops his knife and clutches his hands to his wound before crashing lifelessly to the floor. With fear in their eyes, the other two reach for their holstered pistols as hurriedly they back away from the guard's blood-stained body.</p>
+ <p>The sharp report of your rifle is echoed by the clansman's shocked scream as your bullet passes straight through his body and punches a hole in the observation window behind.<a id="sect49-1" idref="sect49-1-foot" class="footnote" /> He drops his knife and clutches his hands to his wound before crashing lifelessly to the floor. With fear in their eyes, the other two reach for their holstered pistols as hurriedly they back away from the guard's bloodstained body.</p>
<choice idref="sect335"><link-text>Turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>At such close range, the blast from your shotgun virtually rips the clansman in two.<a id="sect62-1" idref="sect62-1-foot" class="footnote" /> With a gurgling scream he crashes down in the middle of the table before rolling lifelessly to the floor. Hurriedly the other two reach for their pistols as, with fear in their eyes, they back away from the clansman's torn and blood-stained body.</p>
+ <p>At such close range, the blast from your shotgun virtually rips the clansman in two.<a id="sect62-1" idref="sect62-1-foot" class="footnote" /> With a gurgling scream he crashes down in the middle of the table before rolling lifelessly to the floor. Hurriedly the other two reach for their pistols as, with fear in their eyes, they back away from the clansman's torn and bloodstained body.</p>
<choice idref="sect335"><link-text>Turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>'Hey, this oil's still wet,' you say to Kate, as you dab your index finger in the pool. You are wiping it clean on the leg of your jeans when you hear an unexpected reply. 'Drop your weapons <ch.ellips/> or I'll drop you!'</p>
<p>It is a man's voice and it is coming from inside a derelict pay booth.</p>
<choice idref="sect241">If you wish to obey the command, <link-text>turn to 241</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect164">lf you decide to dive for cover, <link-text>turn to 164</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect164">If you decide to dive for cover, <link-text>turn to 164</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>A sharp, burning pain erupts in your right calf as a bullet, fired from below, hits you and gouges a furrow of flesh from the back of your leg: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>Gritting your teeth, you hobble to the end of the gantry, to where a covered staircase leads down to tbe vast area located below the stadium tiers. Kate helps you as best she can by supporting your weight, but you are bleeding heavily and you are soon forced to stop for fear of fainting.</p>
+ <p>Gritting your teeth, you hobble to the end of the gantry, to where a covered staircase leads down to the vast area located below the stadium tiers. Kate helps you as best she can by supporting your weight, but you are bleeding heavily and you are soon forced to stop for fear of fainting.</p>
<choice idref="sect320">If you possess at least one Medi-kit unit, <link-text>turn to 320</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect135">If you have no Medi-kit units left, <link-text>turn to 135</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>At such close range, your burst of automatic fire lifts the heavy clansman clean off his feet.<a id="sect107-1" idref="sect107-1-foot" class="footnote" /> He screams, and with a crash he lands on his back in the middle of the table, before rolling lifelessly to the floor. The other two reach for their pistols as hurriedly they back away from the clansman's blood-stained body.</p>
+ <p>At such close range, your burst of automatic fire lifts the heavy clansman clean off his feet.<a id="sect107-1" idref="sect107-1-foot" class="footnote" /> He screams, and with a crash he lands on his back in the middle of the table, before rolling lifelessly to the floor. The other two reach for their pistols as hurriedly they back away from the clansman's bloodstained body.</p>
<choice idref="sect335"><link-text>Turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>111</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The scorched bones of a coyote lie scattered around the ashes of the camp
fire, the remnants of the meal that you watched the two clansmen share. Where their motorcycles were parked you discover a <typ class="item">Leather Face Mask</typ>. If you decide to keep this item, remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
+ <p>The scorched bones of a coyote lie scattered around the ashes of the campfire, the remnants of the meal that you watched the two clansmen share. Where their motorcycles were parked you discover a <typ class="item">Leather Face Mask</typ>. If you decide to keep this item, remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<p>Satisfied that nothing of importance has been missed, you return to your roadster and begin the next stage of your journey to San Angelo. Less than a mile beyond the bridge you see a deserted stretch of Freeway 87. You join the freeway, heading south, and within a few minutes you catch sight of a town on the road ahead. A glance at your <a idref="map">map</a> confirms your suspicions: you are approaching Sterling City.</p>
<choice idref="sect100"><link-text>Turn to 100</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>112</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You abandon your cover and shadow the two clansmen as they circle around to the rear. An old tyre rack propped against the side of a derelict car wash offers you a good defensive position, and quickly you scurry towards it. You reach the rack in time to see the Lions halt. For a moment they duck out of sight, but soon they reappear and come running half-crouched with guns at the ready, towards your new-found hiding place.</p>
+ <p>You abandon your cover and shadow the two clansmen as they circle around to the rear. An old tyre rack propped against the side of a derelict car wash offers you a good defensive position, and quickly you scurry towards it. You reach the rack in time to see the Lions halt. For a moment they duck out of sight, but soon they reappear and come running half-crouched with guns at the ready, towards your newfound hiding place.</p>
<choice idref="sect27">If the weapon you are using is a Pistol, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect142">If the weapon you are using is a Machine Pistol, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect319">If the weapon you are using is a Shotgun, <link-text>turn to 319</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>133</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Coughing and popping, the roadster lurches to a halt in the middle of the highway. You try to restart the engine but it refuses to run smoothly for more than a few seconds at a time. You are running over all the possible faults that could have caused the breakdown when suddenly you remember the comp-aid digipad that Cutter fitted to the dashboard while you were in Big Spring. He had salvaged the unit from the wreck of a '99 Mercedes Malibu Coupe and modified it so that you could use it to run an automatic systems check on your roadster. Hurriedly you tap in your access code and immediately the unit's LCD identifies the fault : <ch.ellips/> FUEL FILTER <ch.ellips/></p>
+ <p>Coughing and popping, the roadster lurches to a halt in the middle of the highway. You try to restart the engine but it refuses to run smoothly for more than a few seconds at a time. You are running over all the possible faults that could have caused the breakdown when suddenly you remember the comp-aid digipad that Cutter fitted to the dashboard while you were in Big Spring. He had salvaged the unit from the wreck of a '99 Mercedes Malibu Coup<ch.eacute/> and modified it so that you could use it to run an automatic systems check on your roadster. Hurriedly you tap in your access code and immediately the unit's LCD identifies the fault : <ch.ellips/> FUEL FILTER <ch.ellips/></p>
<p>It takes you an hour to dismantle, clean and replace the fuel filter, during which time you must take 2 Drinks or lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to dehydration.</p>
<p>The fault rectified, the engine starts sweetly the first time you touch the ignition. You accelerate away but within a few minutes you see something in the distance that makes you slow to a snail's pace.</p>
- <p>It is a girder bridge that carries the highway across the North Concho River. The bridge is intact and passable, but you are worried by the sight of a lazy plume of woodsmoke rising from a spot near its approach ramp.</p>
+ <p>It is a girder bridge that carries the highway across the North Concho River. The bridge is intact and passable, but you are worried by the sight of a lazy plume of wood smoke rising from a spot near its approach ramp.</p>
<choice idref="sect296">If you possess <typ class="item">Binoculars</typ>, <link-text>turn to 296</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect224">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>143</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You rush forward, pausing briefly at the bottom of the staircase to check that the two guards are no longer a threat. Lying across the blood-stained chest of one of the men is a machine pistol (if you wish to take this weapon, you discover that it contains twenty-four rounds of 9mm ammunition) and attached to the belt of the other is an <typ class="item">HE Grenade</typ>.</p>
+ <p>You rush forward, pausing briefly at the bottom of the staircase to check that the two guards are no longer a threat. Lying across the bloodstained chest of one of the men is a machine pistol (if you wish to take this weapon, you discover that it contains twenty-four rounds of 9mm ammunition) and attached to the belt of the other is an <typ class="item">HE Grenade</typ>.</p>
<p>Stepping over the bodies, you begin to ascend the stairs to the observation room, but you are only half-way up when you see the door start to open.</p>
<choice idref="sect268"><link-text>Turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>150</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You decide to spend the night in the library's main hall. After clearing a space near the centre, you build a small camp fire, using a few of the many thousands of books that line the walls. Then, once it is ablaze, you help Kate to prepare the food she has found. Outside, the weather has grown steadily worse. Thunder rolls across the surrounding plains and the jagged flashes of forked lightning illuminate the roiling clouds of dust with increasing regularity.</p>
+ <p>You decide to spend the night in the library's main hall. After clearing a space near the centre, you build a small campfire, using a few of the many thousands of books that line the walls. Then, once it is ablaze, you help Kate to prepare the food she has found. Outside, the weather has grown steadily worse. Thunder rolls across the surrounding plains and the jagged flashes of forked lightning illuminate the roiling clouds of dust with increasing regularity.</p>
<p>'I don't like it<ch.emdash/>it looks real bad,' you say, as you stare anxiously out of the window at the raging storm.</p>
<p>'It ain't all bad,' replies Kate. 'At least we don't have to worry 'bout Mad Dog's boys showin' up outta the blue.'</p>
- <p>The food and wine taste delicious (restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), and, after eating your fill, you both settle down to sleep in front of the glowing embers of the camp fire.</p>
+ <p>The food and wine taste delicious (restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), and, after eating your fill, you both settle down to sleep in front of the glowing embers of the campfire.</p>
<p>It seems as though you have only just closed your eyes when you are stirred to consciousness by a loud crackling sound and the acrid smell of smoke. Horror fills your senses when you open your eyes to see yourself surrounded by a blazing wall of yellow flame. Lightning struck the library roof while you were asleep, starting a fire that has been fuelled by the shelves of dust-dry books, and which has now spread to the main hall where it threatens to consume you both.</p>
<p>Quickly you wake Kate and together you fight your way towards the main door. You are within ten feet of the exit when a burning bookcase falls across your path.</p>
<illustration class="float">
<meta><title>152</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>A parting blow with the edge of your new-found weapon stuns the clansman and drops him to the floor. You call to Kate, telling her to follow you, and immediately she moves out from her hiding place. As she passes the clansman, she stoops to snatch his machine pistol from the floor and then quickly follows in your footsteps as you retrace your way along the defile and return to the surface.</p>
+ <p>A parting blow with the edge of your newfound weapon stuns the clansman and drops him to the floor. You call to Kate, telling her to follow you, and immediately she moves out from her hiding place. As she passes the clansman, she stoops to snatch his machine pistol from the floor and then quickly follows in your footsteps as you retrace your way along the defile and return to the surface.</p>
<choice idref="sect168"><link-text>Turn to 168</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>157</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Haskell despatches three of the four clansmen, and the survivor manages to escape into the yucca forest. You are about to give chase when he says, 'Let him go, Cal. He won't get far on his own. Let's see what they had on board the truck.'</p>
+ <p>Haskell dispatches three of the four clansmen, and the survivor manages to escape into the yucca forest. You are about to give chase when he says, 'Let him go, Cal. He won't get far on his own. Let's see what they had on board the truck.'</p>
<p>You discover several crates and lockers filled with munitions: mortars, anti-tank weapons, heavy machine guns and the like. However, you cannot find any ammunition for these weapons. You are about to set fire to the truck, to prevent them from falling into the hands of other clansmen, when you discover one item that could be of some use after all.</p>
<p>In a sealed locker at the bottom of the heap, you discover a portable Leviathan ground-to-air missile, a weapon with approximately eight times the destructive power of a bazooka. If you wish to keep this <typ class="item">Leviathan Missile</typ>, you must reduce your Stealth score by 2 points due to its size and weight.</p>
<p>Having set fire to the truck, you return to your roadster. You are just about to climb in when you feel an arm snake around your neck and pull you backwards into the yucca forest.</p>
<meta><title>175</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Using the cover afforded by the undercut banks of Lacy Creek you are able to creep to within twenty yards of the bridge unseen. The harsh, greasy smell of roasted coyote wafts over your hiding place as silently you watch the taller of the two clansmen fan the camp fire with his hat, while his partner kneels down and carves himself a large slice of the blackened meat. He chews it without enthusiasm before finally spitting it out in disgust.</p>
+ <p>Using the cover afforded by the undercut banks of Lacy Creek you are able to creep to within twenty yards of the bridge unseen. The harsh, greasy smell of roasted coyote wafts over your hiding place as silently you watch the taller of the two clansmen fan the campfire with his hat, while his partner kneels down and carves himself a large slice of the blackened meat. He chews it without enthusiasm before finally spitting it out in disgust.</p>
<p>'Goddamn dogmeat!' he growls. 'I ain't never gonna git used to it.'</p>
<p>He gulps a mouthful of water from his canteen as he rises to his feet. Your pulse quickens as he turns and starts to walk straight towards you.</p>
<choice idref="sect65">If you have a missile weapon and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 65</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>224</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Cautiously you drive towards the bridge, fearful yet curious to know what you may find there. You are less than 400 yards away when you see the source of the smoke: a camp fire, over which two clansmen are busily cooking the stringy torso of a coyote. They hear your engine noise and turn their bearded faces to stare in your direction. Suddenly, as if they had received an electric shock, they leap to their feet and start running towards their motorcycles, which are parked at the entrance to the bridge. One of them unsheathes an automatic rifle from the saddle of his bike, whilst the other tries frantically to kick his machine into life.</p>
+ <p>Cautiously you drive towards the bridge, fearful yet curious to know what you may find there. You are less than 400 yards away when you see the source of the smoke: a campfire, over which two clansmen are busily cooking the stringy torso of a coyote. They hear your engine noise and turn their bearded faces to stare in your direction. Suddenly, as if they had received an electric shock, they leap to their feet and start running towards their motorcycles, which are parked at the entrance to the bridge. One of them unsheathes an automatic rifle from the saddle of his bike, whilst the other tries frantically to kick his machine into life.</p>
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<meta><title>264</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You signal to Kate to come over to your position and immediately she obeys. You point to the two circling clansmen and she nods her silent understanding of the situation. Together you abandon your cover and shadow the two men as they circle around to the rear. An old tyre rack propped against the side of a derelict car wash offers you a good defensive position, and quickly you scurry towards it. Kate reaches the rack first, in time to see the Lions halt. For a moment they duck out of sight, but soon they reappear and come running, half-crouched, with guns at the ready, towards your new-found hiding place.</p>
+ <p>You signal to Kate to come over to your position and immediately she obeys. You point to the two circling clansmen and she nods her silent understanding of the situation. Together you abandon your cover and shadow the two men as they circle around to the rear. An old tyre rack propped against the side of a derelict car wash offers you a good defensive position, and quickly you scurry towards it. Kate reaches the rack first, in time to see the Lions halt. For a moment they duck out of sight, but soon they reappear and come running, half-crouched, with guns at the ready, towards your newfound hiding place.</p>
<p>Kate cocks her machine pistol and takes aim as the first clansman scurries between the rocks that litter the edge of the service area. He is less than twenty yards away when she squeezes off a burst of fire, bringing him crashing to the ground. His partner hesitates, then abandons his stealthy approach and comes running towards you, screaming hysterically, his own machine pistol blazing furiously at his hip. Bullets rip into the tyre rack and one smashes the barrel of Kate's gun, rendering it useless. In the next instant, he leaps on to the rack but, before he brings his weapon to bear, you lash out and smash his knee with the edge of your hand. He drops his weapon and falls forward, landing on top of you with a jolt that leaves you breathless.</p>
<combat><enemy>Kalashnikov</enemy><enemy-attribute class="closecombatskill">16</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">25</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>You cannot evade combat and must fight the clansman to the death.</p>
<data>
<p>Drawing on your reserves of nervous energy, you race up the last few steps and lash out at the door with the sole of your boot. The door flies wide open and slams against the wall, sending the red-headed clansman who was about to investigate the noise, sprawling flat on his back.</p>
- <p>Inside the observation room you see two men<ch.emdash/>one dressed in a flamboyant mix of bright colours and the other attired in sombre black<ch.emdash/>seated at a table with a map of the United States spread before them. A muscular clansman, his chest criss-crossed with cartridge belts, stands behind the man in black and beyond him, huddled in the corner of the room, is Kate. Clearly she has suffered at the hands of Mad Dog Michigan and the sight of her bruised face and her pained, dispairing expression stirs you to a fit of rage.</p>
+ <p>Inside the observation room you see two men<ch.emdash/>one dressed in a flamboyant mix of bright colours and the other attired in sombre black<ch.emdash/>seated at a table with a map of the United States spread before them. A muscular clansman, his chest criss-crossed with cartridge belts, stands behind the man in black and beyond him, huddled in the corner of the room, is Kate. Clearly she has suffered at the hands of Mad Dog Michigan and the sight of her bruised face and her pained, despairing expression stirs you to a fit of rage.</p>
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<meta><title>296</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You pull over to the side of the road and focus your lenses on the distant bridge. Two clansmen, both stripped to the waist, are roasting something on a spit that is suspended over a small camp fire. Their motorcycles are parked beside them, nose-to-tail across the road, so that they obstruct the entrance to the bridge. The two men appear to be occupied with the cooking of their meal and are, for now, unaware of your presence.</p>
+ <p>You pull over to the side of the road and focus your lenses on the distant bridge. Two clansmen, both stripped to the waist, are roasting something on a spit that is suspended over a small campfire. Their motorcycles are parked beside them, nose-to-tail across the road, so that they obstruct the entrance to the bridge. The two men appear to be occupied with the cooking of their meal and are, for now, unaware of your presence.</p>
<choice idref="sect175">If you wish to launch a surprise attack on these two clansmen, <link-text>turn to 175</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect12">If you prefer to stay where you are and wait for them to leave the bridge, <link-text>turn to 12</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You wait until the stadium gate opens and the crowd of clansmen starts to enter before you make your move. Purposefully, you stride across the wide avenue that surrounds the stadium, trying not to look directly at any of the bikers or attract their attention. One of the trucks in particular has caught your eye and you head straight for it. It is towing a trailer that contains two powerful-looking motorcycles, and you are convinced that they are to be used in the races. If any of the trucks are to enter the stadium then this one surely will.</p>
- <p>There is nobody in the truck and its rear door is unlocked, so quickly you climb aboard and find yourself a hiding place behind two large drums of gasolene. After a few minutes, you hear someobody climb into the cab and start the engine. Then the truck moves away and you sense by its direction that it is approaching the stadium gate. You see the shadow of the arch fall across the trailer and then suddenly the vehicle halts. Your heart pounds in your chest as you hear the rear doors creak open and sense someone clambering aboard.</p>
+ <p>There is nobody in the truck and its rear door is unlocked, so quickly you climb aboard and find yourself a hiding place behind two large drums of gasolene. After a few minutes, you hear somebody climb into the cab and start the engine. Then the truck moves away and you sense by its direction that it is approaching the stadium gate. You see the shadow of the arch fall across the trailer and then suddenly the vehicle halts. Your heart pounds in your chest as you hear the rear doors creak open and sense someone clambering aboard.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add to it your Stealth skill score.</p>
<choice idref="sect115">If your total score is now 6 or less, <link-text>turn to 115</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect68">If your total score is 7 or more, <link-text>turn to 68</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>311</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>At once you recognize the brown, thin-legged arachnid by the dark, violin-shaped marking on the back of its head. It is Loxoscees reclusa<ch.emdash/>a poisonous Fiddleback spider.</p>
+ <p>At once you recognize the brown, thin-legged arachnid by the dark, violin-shaped marking on the back of its head. It is <foreign xml:lang="latin">Loxoceles Reclusa</foreign><ch.emdash/>a poisonous Fiddleback spider.</p>
<p>Nervously you watch the spider while Kate salvages a scrap of stiff board from the rubbish-strewn floor. She tells you to keep absolutely still, for she intends to try to knock it off your arm with one quick flick of the card.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect202">If the number you have picked is 0-2, <link-text>turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>328</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Sergeant Haskell and yourself despatch the clansmen with a volley of well-aimed shots (erase two rounds from your Ammo Pouch) before taking a closer look at what they were transporting. You discover several crates and lockers filled with munitions: mortars, anti-tank weapons, heavy machine guns and the like. However, you cannot find any ammunition for these weapons. You are about to set fire to the truck, to prevent the weapons from falling into the hands of other clansmen, when you discover one item that could be of some use after all.</p>
+ <p>Sergeant Haskell and yourself dispatch the clansmen with a volley of well-aimed shots (erase two rounds from your Ammo Pouch) before taking a closer look at what they were transporting. You discover several crates and lockers filled with munitions: mortars, anti-tank weapons, heavy machine guns and the like. However, you cannot find any ammunition for these weapons. You are about to set fire to the truck, to prevent the weapons from falling into the hands of other clansmen, when you discover one item that could be of some use after all.</p>
<p>In a sealed locker at the bottom of the heap, you discover a portable Leviathan ground-to-air missile, a weapon with approximately eight times the destructive power of a bazooka.</p>
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<data>
<p>Repeatedly you pump the gas pedal and, gradually, after a bout of coughing and popping, the engine clears and begins to pick up speed. Confident that the fault has rectified itself, you relax and accelerate away.</p>
- <p>You have driven ten miles when, on the horizon, you see a girder bridge appear. It carries the highway across the North Concho River, and, although it appears to be intact and passable, you are worried by the sight of a lazy plume of woodsmoke that is rising close to its approach ramp.</p>
+ <p>You have driven ten miles when, on the horizon, you see a girder bridge appear. It carries the highway across the North Concho River, and, although it appears to be intact and passable, you are worried by the sight of a lazy plume of wood smoke that is rising close to its approach ramp.</p>
<choice idref="sect296">If you possess <typ class="item">Binoculars</typ>, <link-text>turn to 296</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect224">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text>.</choice>
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<p>It is almost noon when you drive into Brogado. The storm-shattered ruins of this mountain town do not inspire much hope of finding fuel, and, after making a thorough search of its two gas stations, your initial fears are confirmed: one station has been looted and the other has been gutted by fire.</p>
- <p>It is beginning to look as though you will have to walk the last thirty miles to Kent when Marine Gunter sees a station wagon backed up to the entrance of a drug store, and he calls it to your attention. All five of you are walking along the main street towards the vehicle when a shot rings out from the first floor window of the store, and Gunter is brought to the ground, clutching his blood-stained chest.</p>
+ <p>It is beginning to look as though you will have to walk the last thirty miles to Kent when Marine Gunter sees a station wagon backed up to the entrance of a drug store, and he calls it to your attention. All five of you are walking along the main street towards the vehicle when a shot rings out from the first floor window of the store, and Gunter is brought to the ground, clutching his bloodstained chest.</p>
<p>'Sniper!' shouts Sergeant Haskell. 'Hit the deck!'</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add to it your Stealth and Perception skill scores.</p>
<choice idref="sect257">If your total score is 10 or less, <link-text>turn to 257</link-text>.</choice>
<p>(<a idref="sect8">8</a>) Replaced <quote>gun fire</quote> with <quote>gunfire</quote> and <quote>monumentous</quote> with <quote>monumental</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect18">18</a>) Replaced <quote>gun fire</quote> with <quote>gunfire</quote> and <quote>sulphonamides</quote> with <quote>sulfonamides</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect23">23</a>) Replaced <quote>Small blanket</quote> with <quote>Small Blanket</quote>, <quote>Medi-kits units</quote> with <quote>Medi-kit units</quote>, <quote>sulphonamides</quote> with <quote>sulfonamides</quote>, and <quote>unleash a round of fire at the door</quote> with <quote>fire at the door</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect28">28</a>) Replaced <quote>despatch</quote> with <quote>dispatch</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect30">30</a>) Replaced <quote>bushwack</quote> with <quote>bushwhack</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect36">36</a>) Replaced <quote>sulphonamides</quote> with <quote>sulfonamides</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect38">38</a>) Replaced <quote>manouevre</quote> with <quote>manoeuvre</quote> and <quote>(minimum equals one; maximum equals four)</quote> with <quote>(minimum: one round; maximum: four rounds)</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect126">126</a>) Replaced <quote>sulphonamides</quote> with <quote>sulfonamides</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect127">127</a>) Replaced <quote>gun fire</quote> with <quote>gunfire</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect130">130</a>) Replaced <quote>Plastic tube</quote> with <quote>Plastic Tube</quote> and <quote>Four rounds of 12-gauge Shotgun shells</quote> with <quote>Four rounds of 12-gauge ammunition</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect133">133</a>) Replaced <quote>Coupe</quote> with <quote>Coup<ch.eacute/></quote> and <quote>woodsmoke</quote> with <quote>wood smoke</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect153">153</a>) Replaced <quote>south-east</quote> with <quote>southeast</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect157">157</a>) Replaced <quote>despatches</quote> with <quote>dispatches</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect168">168</a>) Replaced <quote>syphon</quote> with <quote>siphon</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect172">172</a>) Replaced <quote>north-west</quote> with <quote>northwest</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect178">178</a>) Replaced <quote>machine-gunning</quote> with <quote>machine gunning</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect279">279</a>) Replaced <quote>(minimum equals one; maximum equals four)</quote> with <quote>(minimum: one burst; maximum: four bursts)</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect292">292</a>) Replaced <quote>gun fire</quote> with <quote>gunfire</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect299">299</a>) Replaced <quote>someobody</quote> with <quote>somebody</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect311">311</a>) Replaced <quote>Loxoscees reclusa</quote> with <quote>Loxosceles reclusa</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect311">311</a>) Replaced <quote>Loxoscees reclusa</quote> with <quote>Loxosceles Reclusa</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect315">315</a>) Replaced section references. The original text directed the reader to sections <a idref="sect161">161</a> and <a idref="sect207">207</a>, however those references are the result of being apprehended by a single clansman in section <a idref="sect115">115</a>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect320">320</a>) Replaced <quote>sulphonamides</quote> with <quote>sulfonamides</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect328">328</a>) Replaced <quote>despatch</quote> with <quote>dispatch</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect332">332</a>) Replaced <quote>botton</quote> with <quote>bottom</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect342">342</a>) Replaced <quote>south-east</quote> with <quote>southeast</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect344">344</a>) Replaced <quote>woodsmoke</quote> with <quote>wood smoke</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect346">346</a>) Replaced <quote>H.E. Grenade</quote> with <quote>HE Grenade</quote> and <quote>checkered</quote> with <quote>chequered</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect348">348</a>) Replaced <quote>sulphonamides</quote> with <quote>sulfonamides</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect112">112</a>,<a idref="sect152">152</a>,<a idref="sect264">264</a>) Replaced <quote>new-found</quote> with <quote>newfound</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect18">18</a>,<a idref="sect23">23</a>,<a idref="sect36">36</a>,<a idref="sect63">63</a>,<a idref="sect71">71</a>,<a idref="sect101">101</a>,<a idref="sect126">126</a>,<a idref="sect138">138</a>,<a idref="sect146">146</a>,<a idref="sect183">183</a>,<a idref="sect187">187</a>,<a idref="sect232">232</a>,<a idref="sect248">248</a>,<a idref="sect266">266</a>,<a idref="sect308">308</a>,<a idref="sect348">348</a>) Replaced CCS Bonuses in <quote>[]</quote> with <quote>()</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect48">48</a>,<a idref="sect64">64</a>,<a idref="sect124">124</a>,<a idref="sect207">207</a>,<a idref="sect227">227</a>,<a idref="sect253">253</a>) Replaced <quote>Backpack items</quote> with <quote>Backpack Items</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="tssf">The Story So Far</a>,<a idref="sect123">123</a>,<a idref="sect153">153</a>,<a idref="sect205">205</a>,<a idref="sect208">208</a>,<a idref="sect288">288</a>,<a idref="sect303">303</a>,<a idref="sect321">321</a>,<a idref="sect331">331</a>) Replaced <quote>'the Day'</quote> with <quote>'The Day'</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect4">4</a>,<a idref="sect49">49</a>,<a idref="sect62">62</a>,<a idref="sect107">107</a>,<a idref="sect143">143</a>,<a idref="sect347">347</a>) Replaced <quote>blood-stained</quote> with <quote>bloodstained</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect12">12</a>,<a idref="sect111">111</a>,<a idref="sect150">150</a>,<a idref="sect175">175</a>,<a idref="sect224">224</a>,<a idref="sect296">296</a>) Replaced <quote>camp fire</quote> with <quote>campfire</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="crsumary">Combat Rules Summary</a>) Replaced <quote>cross-refer</quote> with <quote>cross-reference</quote>, and <quote>zero ENDURANCE</quote> with <quote>zero or fewer ENDURANCE</quote>.</p>
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Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / commitdiff