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$Log$
+Revision 1.2 2005/03/05 15:16:24 jonathan.blake
+Implementing requested changes to date.
+
Revision 1.1 2004/11/08 00:25:27 cvsuser
Initial Freepository revision
<data>
<p>You are Grand Master Lone Wolf, last of the Kai Lords of Sommerlund and sole survivor of a massacre that wiped out the First Order of your élite warrior caste.</p>
<p>It is the year MS 5077 and twenty-seven years have passed since your brave kinsmen perished at the hands of the Darklords of Helgedad. These champions of evil, who were sent forth by Naar, the King of the Darkness, to destroy the fertile world of Magnamund, have themselves since been destroyed. You vowed to avenge the murder of the Kai and you kept your pledge, for it was you who brought about their downfall when alone you infiltrated their foul domain&emdash;the Darklands&emdash;and caused the destruction of their leader, Archlord Gnaag, and the seat of his power that was the infernal city of Helgedad.</p>
- <p>In the wake of their destruction, chaos befell the Darkland armies who, until then, had been poised to conquer all of Magnamund. Some factions which comprised this huge army, most notably the barbaric Drakkarim, began to fight with the others for control. This disorder quickly escalated into an all-out civil war, which allowed the free-state armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a counter-offensive. Skilfully their commanders exploited the chaos and secured a swift and total victory over an enemy far superior in numbers.</p>
+ <p>In the wake of their destruction, chaos befell the Darkland armies who, until then, had been poised to conquer all of Magnamund. Some factions which comprised this huge army, most notably the barbaric Drakkarim, began to fight with the others for control. This disorder quickly escalated into an all-out civil war, which allowed the Freeland armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a counter-offensive. Skilfully their commanders exploited the chaos and secured a swift and total victory over an enemy far superior in numbers.</p>
<p>For seven years now peace has reigned in Sommerlund. Under your direction, the once-ruined monastery of the Kai has been thoroughly rebuilt and restored to its former glory, and the task of teaching a Second Order of Kai warriors the skills and proud traditions of your ancestors is also well under way. The new generation of Kai recruits, all of whom were born during the era of war against the Darklords, possess latent Kai skills and show exceptional promise. These skills will be nurtured and honed to perfection during their time at the Monastery so that they may teach and inspire future generations, thereby ensuring the continued security of your homeland in future years.</p>
<p>Your attainment of the rank of Kai Grand Master brought with it great rewards. Some, such as the restoration of the Kai and the undying gratitude of your fellow Sommlending, could have been anticipated. Yet there have also been rewards which you could not possibly have foreseen. The discovery that within you lay the potential to develop Kai Disciplines beyond those of the Magnakai, which, until now, were thought to be the ultimate that a Kai Master could aspire to, was truly a revelation. Your discovery has inspired you to set out upon a new and previously unknown path in search of the wisdom and power that no Kai Lord before you has ever possessed. In the name of your creator, the God Kai, and for the greater glory of Sommerlund and the Goddess Ishir, you have vowed to reach the very pinnacle of Kai perfection&emdash;to attain all of the Grand Master Disciplines and become the first Kai Supreme Master.</p>
<p>With diligence and determination you set about the restoration of the Kai Monastery and organized the training of the Second Order recruits. Your efforts were soon rewarded and, within the space of two short years, the first raw recruits had graduated to become a cadre of gifted Kai Masters who, in turn, were able to commence the teaching of their skills to subsequent intakes of Kai novices. Readily the Kai Masters rose to their newfound responsibilities, leaving you free to devote more of your time to the pursuit and perfection of the Grand Master Disciplines. During this period you also received expert tutelage in the ways of magic from two of your most trusted friends and advisors: Guildmaster Banedon, leader of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star, and Lord Rimoah, speaker for the High Council of the Elder Magi.</p>
<p>Following the destruction of the Darklords of Helgedad, the Giaks, the most numerous of all Gnaag's troops, fled into the Darklands and sought refuge in the gigantic city-fortresses of Nadgazad, Aarnak, Gournen, Akagazad and Kaag. Within each of these hellish strongholds, fierce fighting broke out as remnants of the Xaghash (lesser Darklords) and the Nadziranim (evil practitioners of Right-handed magic who once aided individual Darklord masters) fought for control. It is widely believed that by the time the Elder Magi and the Herbwardens reach the walls of these strongholds they will encounter no resistance; the occupants will have long since brought about their own extinction.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, throughout Northern Magnamund, peace reigns victorious and the peoples of the Free Kingdoms rejoice in the knowledge that the age of the Darklords has finally come to an end. Readily men have exchanged their swords for hoes and their shields for ploughs, and now the only marching they do is along the ruts of their freshly furrowed fields. Few are the watchful eyes that scan the distant horizon in fear of what may appear, although there are still those who maintain their vigilance, for the agents of Naar come in many guises and there are those in Magnamund who wait quietly in the shadows for the chance to do his evil bidding.</p>
<p>Already your newfound skills have been tested against Naar's agents and you have, on each such occasion, acquitted yourself admirably. But your continuing victories against his minions have enraged the Dark God, and rarely has his lust for vengeance been greater than it is at present. Recently, Lord Rimoah has counselled you to be extra vigilant, for he fears that Naar is getting ready to strike at Sommerlund anew. The Elder Magi have received warnings from President Kadharian of Magador that something strange is taking place in the north of his country, in the mountainous territory which borders upon the Maakengorge. Freak storms and unseasonal weather have swept this remote region, and the night skies over Lake Vorndarol have, for several weeks now, been illuminated by eerie, inexplicable lights.</p>
- <p>Lord Rimoah fears that Naar is plotting to revive Vashna, the greatest of all the Darklords, whose spirit is trapped deep within the fathomless reaches of the Maakengorge. It has remained there, in uneasy entombment, ever since the day the Darklord was defeated in battle by King Ulnar I of Sommerlund. Vashna's body, and those of his loathsome troops, was hurled into the abyss, hopefully never to be seen again. Legend has it that the Darklord's body was destroyed but his spirit still lives on. He is said to be awaiting the day when he shall be made to rise, at the head of a vast army of undead warriors, and set loose to wreak his revenge upon Sommerlund and the house of Ulnar.</p>
+ <p>Lord Rimoah fears that Naar is plotting to revive Vashna, the greatest of all the Darklords, whose spirit is trapped deep within the fathomless reaches of the Maakengorge. It has remained there, in uneasy entombment, ever since the day the Darklord was defeated in battle by King Ulnar I of Sommerlund. Vashna's body, along with those of his loathsome troops, was hurled into the abyss, hopefully never to be seen again. Legend has it that the Darklord's body was destroyed but his spirit still lives on. He is said to be awaiting the day when he shall be made to rise, at the head of a vast army of undead warriors, and set loose to wreak his revenge upon Sommerlund and the house of Ulnar.</p>
<p><quote>If it is Naar's intention to resurrect Vashna and his army from the depths of the Maakengorge,</quote> said an anxious Lord Rimoah, as you and he discussed the situation in the secure privacy of your vault below the Kai Monastery, <quote>then no free realm upon the face of Magnamund will be safe. It has always been Sommerlund's misfortune that Ulnar's victory over Vashna was never total. I have always feared that the legacy of the Maakengorge would one day awaken and confront us&ellips; and I fear, unless we act swiftly, that that day is about to dawn.</quote></p>
<p>For several hours, you and your learned advisor deliberated what could be done to prevent such a catastrophe. You decided that the exact nature of the threat had first to be determined if you were to combat it effectively. You were confident that your Grand Master Disciplines would enable you to unravel this mystery quickly, and so you volunteered to journey to northern Magador and investigate the strange incidents at first hand. After all, there could be a perfectly innocent explanation for them.</p>
<p><quote>Let us hope it is so, Grand Master,</quote> said Lord Rimoah, earnestly, <quote>but, nevertheless, do not forget what could confront you there. I shall pray to Kai and Ishir to watch over and guide you on the journey ahead, Lone Wolf, and bring you home, swiftly, safely and victoriously.</quote></p>
</meta>
<data>
- <p>Before you set off on your long journey to Magador, you take with you a <a idref="map">map of the
area</a> (see the inside front cover of this book) and a pouch of gold. To find out how much gold is in the pouch, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add 20 to the number you have picked. The total equals the number of Gold Crowns inside the pouch, and you should now enter this number in the <quote>Gold Crowns</quote> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ <p>Before you set off on your long journey to Magador, you take with you a <a idref="map">map of the
the Maakengorge and surrounding territories</a> and a pouch of gold. To find out how much gold is in the pouch, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add 20 to the number you have picked. The total equals the number of Gold Crowns inside the pouch, and you should now enter this number in the <quote>Gold Crowns</quote> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
<p>If you have successfully completed any of the previous Lone Wolf adventures (Books 1&endash;15), you may add this sum to the total sum of Crowns you already possess. Fifty Crowns is the maximum you can carry, but additional Crowns can be left in safekeeping at your monastery.</p>
<p>You can take four items from the list below, again adding to these, if necessary, any you may already possess from previous adventures (remember, you are still limited to two Weapons, but you may now carry a maximum of ten Backpack Items).</p>
<ul class="paragraphed">
<p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian are able to use the following battle-spells of the Elder Magi:</p>
<ul>
<li><spell>Splinter</spell>&emdash;This causes breakable items such as bottles, jugs, mirrors, windows, etc., to shatter to pieces. The range of this spell increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</li>
- <li><spell>Flameshaft</spell>&emdash;This causes the tip of any arrow, or arrow-like missile, to burn fiercely with a magical flame which cannot readily be extinguished by normal means.</li>
+ <li><spell>Flameshaft</spell>&emdash;This causes the tip of any Arrow or Arrow-like missile, to burn fiercely with a magical flame which cannot readily be extinguished by normal means.</li>
</ul>
</dd>
</dl>
<dd>
<p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Sun Knight are able to use the following Brotherhood spells:</p>
<ul>
- <li><spell>Halt Missile</spell>&emdash;This causes any projected or hurled missile (i.e. arrows, axes, crossbow bolts etc.) which may pose an immediate threat to the life of a Sun Knight, to cease its flight and remain stationary in mid-air. The effect of the spell lasts for 2&endash;3 seconds, allowing the Sun Knight sufficient time to move away from its line of flight. Initially only one missile can be affected by this spell, but the number increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</li>
+ <li><spell>Halt Missile</spell>&emdash;This causes any projected or hurled missile (i.e. Arrows, axes, crossbow bolts etc.) which may pose an immediate threat to the life of a Sun Knight, to cease its flight and remain stationary in mid-air. The effect of the spell lasts for 2&endash;3 seconds, allowing the Sun Knight sufficient time to move away from its line of flight. Initially only one missile can be affected by this spell, but the number increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</li>
<li><spell>Strength</spell>&emdash;By casting this spell, a Sun Knight is able to greatly increase his or her physical strength for a short duration. It can be used to lift or move heavy objects, or to effect a temporary increase in <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> scores whilst fighting an enemy in unarmed combat.<a id="imprvdsc-1" idref="imprvdsc-1-foot" class="footnote" /></li>
</ul>
</dd>
<dt>Assimilance</dt>
<dd><p>Sun Lords who possess this skill are able to cause the outline of their bodies to become blurred and indistinct. By so doing, they can greatly increase their chances of avoiding magical and/or non-magical missiles directed at them.</p></dd>
<dt>Grand Huntmastery</dt>
- <dd><p>Kai Sun Lords with this skill are able to see, with acute accuracy, light in the infrared spectrum, <strong><!-- -->jb: i.e.</strong> ie. they can see complex patterns generated by heat in near or total darkness. They can also see light in the ultraviolet spectrum.</p></dd>
- <dt>Kai Surge</dt>
- <dd><p>Sun Lords who possess mastery of this Discipline are able to launch a Kai-blast&emdash;a pulse of intense psychic energy which is capable of affecting both psychically active and inactive enemies. This form of psychic attack is very effective, more so than a usual Kai-surge, Psi-surge or Mindblast. It can cause an enemy to lose between 2 and 18 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points in one attack. However, use of a Kai-blast will reduce a Sun Lord's <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total by 4. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other form of psychic attack.</p></dd>
+ <dd><p>Kai Sun Lords with this skill are able to see, with acute accuracy, light in the infrared spectrum, i.e. they can see complex patterns generated by heat in near or total darkness. They can also see light in the ultraviolet spectrum.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Kai-surge</dt>
+ <dd><p>Sun Lords who possess mastery of this Discipline are able to launch a Kai-blast&emdash;a pulse of intense psychic energy which is capable of affecting both psychically active and inactive enemies. This form of psychic attack is very effective, more so than a usual Kai-surge, Psi-surge or Mindblast. It can cause an enemy to lose between 2 and 18 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points in one attack. A Kai Sun Lord using Kai-blast determines the damage inflicted on an enemy by picking two numbers from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. These numbers should be added together (a <quote>0</quote> = 1) and the resultant total equals the damage inflicted. However, use of a Kai-blast will reduce a Sun Lord's <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total by 4. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other form of psychic attack.</p></dd>
<dt>Telegnosis</dt>
<dd><p>Sun Lords who possess this Discipline are able to alter their body weight in order to walk successfully upon different kinds of surfaces, e.g. water, mud, lava and quicksand. Time duration and degree of surface difficulty increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
<dt>Magi-magic</dt>
<dd>
<p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Sun Lord are able to use the following battle-spells of the Elder Magi:</p>
<ul>
- <li><spell>Penetrate</spell>&emdash;This increases the penetrative energy of any arrow, or arrow-like missile, launched by a Sun Lord.</li>
+ <li><spell>Penetrate</spell>&emdash;This increases the penetrative energy of any Arrow or Arrow-like missile, launched by a Sun Lord.</li>
<li><spell>Energy Grasp</spell>&emdash;This spell enables a Sun Lord to discharge a powerful electrical force into anything he or she touches. It is similar in effect to the Brotherhood spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>, but differs in that it is easier to control and channel the resulting energy. It also requires the actual touching of an object or an enemy to effect the spell.</li>
</ul>
</dd>
</data>
</section>
- <p>The nature of any additional improvements and how they affect your Grand Master Disciplines will be noted in the Improved Grand Master Disciplines section of future Lone Wolf books.</p>
+ <p>The nature of any additional improvements and how they affect your Grand Master Disciplines will be noted in the Improved Grand Master Disciplines section of future Lone Wolf books.</p>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect1">
<meta><title>1</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect1-1-foot" idref="sect1-1">
+ <p>Note this Scroll as a Special Item that doesn't take up any space on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>The hours leading up to your departure from the Kai Monastery are spent in the company of your able advisor, Lord Rimoah. Having discussed the mission at great length, you busy yourself now with the practical preparations for your long journey to Magador. He gives you a scroll which contains a written invitation from President Kadharian to attend his senate to <quote>discuss trade between Sommerlund and Magador</quote>. It will provide a cover for you should the need arise to justify your journey. Also, in the interests of secrecy, you decide it best to discard your formal Kai robes in favour of less conspicuous garments, and you choose instead to wear the simple clothes of a guildsman&emdash;woollen breeches, leather tunic, and a cloak. Dressed thus, and aided by your innate Kai skills of invisibility, you feel confident you will be able to travel the road to Helgor, the Magadorian capital, without drawing undue attention to yourself or your purpose.</p>
+ <p>The hours leading up to your departure from the Kai Monastery are spent in the company of your able advisor, Lord Rimoah. Having discussed the mission at great length, you busy yourself now with the practical preparations for your long journey to Magador. He gives you a Scroll which contains a written invitation from President Kadharian to attend his senate to <quote>discuss trade between Sommerlund and Magador</quote>.<a id="sect1-1" idref="sect1-1-foot" class="footnote" /> It will provide a cover for you should the need arise to justify your journey. Also, in the interests of secrecy, you decide it best to discard your formal Kai robes in favour of less conspicuous garments, and you choose instead to wear the simple clothes of a guildsman&emdash;woollen breeches, leather tunic, and a cloak. Dressed thus, and aided by your innate Kai skills of invisibility, you feel confident you will be able to travel the road to Helgor, the Magadorian capital, without drawing undue attention to yourself or your purpose.</p>
<p>By horse, the journey to Helgor could be expected to take five weeks. Your initial thought had been to send word to your friend, Guildmaster Banedon, requesting that he allow you use of his magical skyship, <cite>Skyrider</cite>. However, on this occasion you will have to forego the speedy comfort of his wondrous craft, for Banedon is using it himself on a quest to the distant land of Bhanar in southern Magnamund, and he is not expected to return to Sommerlund before the year's end.</p>
<p>Your second choice was also to prove unsuitable. Having resigned yourself to a long journey on horseback, you immediately sent an order to the monastery stables for your horse, Storm, to be saddled and made ready. This fine Slovarian stallion had been a gift to you from Elector Manatine of Palmyrion, in gratitude for the crucial part you played in the victory over the evil Cener Druids of Ruel. His strength, intelligence, and indomitable spirit had reminded you so much of your old Kai tutor&emdash;Storm Hawk&emdash;that you chose to name the horse Storm in his memory. But, as Rimoah quickly pointed out, such a magnificent horse would be sure to attract suspicion, especially if it was ridden by what appeared to be a humble guildsman. And so, albeit reluctantly, you had the stables prepare you another horse, a strong but less exceptional mount called Bracer.</p>
<choice idref="sect105"><link-text>Turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>3</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The moment you slay the first two of these strange creatures, their bodies dissolve into a swirling cloud of steamy vapour. Now, upon the death of the third beast, the vapours unite and expand with breathtaking speed until the basalt island and the entire fiery plain beyond is engulfed by a thickening grey fog.</p>
+ <p>The moment you slay the first two of these strange creatures, their bodies dissolve into a swirling cloud of steamy vapour. Now, upon the death of the third beast, the vapours unite and expand with breathtaking speed until the basalt island and the entire fiery plain beyond are engulfed by a thickening grey fog.</p>
<p>You walk through this sea of mist for what seems like an eternity until your senses detect that something is circling high above you. At first you suspect that more of the golden-winged creatures have come hunting for you, but then you detect that it is something completely different. There is only one creature, and you sense that it is using a highly-developed psychic probe in order to seek you out.</p>
<choice idref="sect31">If you possess Grand Nexus and have reached the Kai rank of Sun Knight or higher, <link-text>turn to 31</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect106">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 106</link-text>.</choice>
<section class="numbered" id="sect6">
<meta><title>6</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect6-1-foot" idref="sect6-1">
+ <p>This is the correct answer to the crystal dais grid in <a idref="sect164">Section 164</a>.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>The instant you correctly complete the sequence, a deep hum resonates from inside the upper tier, and slowly it opens to reveal a hexagonal crystal plinth with a circular hole at its centre. Your Kai senses inform you that by inserting the tip of the Deathstaff into the hole, you will cause the shadow gate beneath the great arch to close.</p>
+ <p>The instant you correctly complete the sequence, a deep hum resonates from inside the upper tier, and slowly it opens to reveal a hexagonal crystal plinth with a circular hole at its centre.<a id="sect6-1" idref="sect6-1-foot" class="footnote" /> Your Kai senses inform you that by inserting the tip of the Deathstaff into the hole, you will cause the shadow gate beneath the great arch to close.</p>
<p>Trembling with fear and exhilaration, you raise the Deathstaff above your head and bring it down with one mighty thrust, driving it deep into the hole.</p>
<choice idref="sect246"><link-text>Turn to 246</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You dive over the mounds of charred timbers, aiming to land in the cobblestoned street outside the hut, but the bolt hits the building whilst you are in mid-air and the force of the concussion sends you twisting away in another direction.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Huntmastery and Assimilance, add another 2.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Huntmastery <em>and</em> Assimilance, add another 2.</p>
<choice idref="sect299">If your total score is now 6 or less, <link-text>turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect266">If it is 7 or more, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<section class="numbered" id="sect10">
<meta><title>10</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect10-1-foot" idref="sect10-1">
+ <p>This is the correct answer to Shamath's riddle in <a idref="sect189">Section 189</a>.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>Upon hearing you utter the correct solution to her riddle, Shamath recoils in horror. You have beaten her challenge and the humiliation she feels cuts her as sharply as any sword.</p>
+ <p>Upon hearing you utter the correct solution to her riddle, Shamath recoils in horror.<a id="sect10-1" idref="sect10-1-foot" class="footnote" /> You have beaten her challenge and the humiliation she feels cuts her as sharply as any sword.</p>
<p>She begins to whimper. Then, quite suddenly, a geyser of flame shoots from the floor and engulfs her wormlike body. You watch with disbelief as the tendrilled flesh blackens and flakes away in a matter of seconds, to leave nothing but a coiled heap of glowing cinders.</p>
<choice idref="sect261"><link-text>Turn to 261</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>11</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Cautiously you approach the circle of boulders, leading your frozen horse by the reins. Through a gap in the boulders you see a pack of eight ridge-backed jackals feeding on the carcass of a Durncrag scavenger, a vulture-like bird of prey. They are engrossed with their meal until they suddenly detect the scent of their most favoured food: live horsemeat.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>With a frenzied howl the wild jackals abandon the feathery carcass and come streaming through the gap in the boulders.</description>
- </meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="634"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="634"/>
- </illustration>
+ <p>Cautiously you approach the circle of boulders, leading your frozen horse by the reins. Through a gap in the boulders you see a pack of eight ridge-backed jackals feeding on the carcass of a Durncrag Scavenger, a vulture-like bird of prey. They are engrossed with their meal until they suddenly detect the scent of their most favoured food: live horsemeat.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>With a frenzied howl the wild jackals abandon the feathery carcass and come streaming through the gap in the boulders.</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="634"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="634"/>
+ </illustration>
<p>With a frenzied howl the wild jackals abandon the feathery carcass and come streaming through the gap in the boulders, drawn by the scent of your horse. They seem to know that he is in a weakened state, and this fuels their fury. Your horse takes fright and tries to pull away, his hooves flailing the air perilously close to your skull, and as the first of the jackals makes its attack, you find yourself struggling to hold on to the reins with one hand and fight them off with the other.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Vorndarol jackals</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Vorndarol Jackals</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Unless you possess Grand Weaponmastery and have reached the rank of Sun Knight or higher, you must reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 5 for the duration of this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect222">You may evade combat after four rounds by <link-text>turning to 222</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect347">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 347</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You approach the brigand leader stealthily, without making a sound. As you draw closer, you hear him cursing the incompetence of his men and you see him beating his clenched fist on the trunk of the fallen bough in frustration. Then, without warning, he turns around to retrieve something from a satchel lying on the ground nearby and his keen eyes catch sight of you creeping up on him. In an instant his sword is in his hand. You rush forward and launch your attack but you have lost the element of surprise. As he parries your first blow, he screams for his men to come to his aid.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Vakovarian brigand captain</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">33</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">32</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Vakovarian Brigand Captain</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">33</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">32</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect312">You may evade this combat after two rounds by <link-text>turning to 312</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect145">If you win and the fight lasts five rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 145</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect25">If you win and the fight lasts six rounds or more, <link-text>turn to 25</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You make a slow descent to the clearing, trusting to your camouflage skills to keep you hidden as you move from one boulder to the next. You are less than ten metres from the carcass when you hear the faint scrape of leather on stone. You turn to look and a man's voice growls, <quote>Don't move!</quote></p>
- <p>Standing between two boulders away to your left is grey-bearded man, clad in furs and clutching a loaded crossbow. The weapon is pointing at your heart.</p>
+ <p>Standing between two boulders away to your left is a grey-bearded man, clad in furs and clutching a loaded crossbow. The weapon is pointing at your heart.</p>
<choice idref="sect201">If you possess the Discipline of Telegnosis, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect280">If you do not possess this skill, or choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 280</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p><quote>You will not escape this time!</quote> shouts Cadak, as if he has been reading your mind. <quote>Not while I am alive!</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect135">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 135</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect213">If you wish to attack Arch Druid Cadak using the Deathstaff, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect109">If you wish to attack Cadak with a Bow and arrow, <link-text>turn to 109</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect109">If you wish to attack Cadak with a Bow and Arrow, <link-text>turn to 109</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect252">If you wish to do none of the above, <link-text>turn to 252</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You sense a hostile psychic presence about them, an evil mind-energy which is growing stronger as they draw nearer.</p>
- <choice idref="sect229">If you possess Kai-surge, and have reached the rank of Sun Lord or higher, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect229">If you possess Kai-surge, and have reached the rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect142">If you do not possess this Discipline, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai rank, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You stand perfectly still and concentrate on attaining the trance state needed in order to effect your transition from consciousness to suspended animation. You feel as if you are drifting off to sleep, although you have entered a state in which you appear, to any outside observer, to be dead.</p>
- <p>High above you, the unseen creature probes the fog for evidence of life force. Unable to detect any, it trails away to another part of this hellish plane in search of prey on which to feed its young. You hear the winged beast departing and you bring yourself out of the death-trance, awaking with a start.</p>
+ <p>High above you, the unseen creature probes the fog for evidence of life force. Unable to detect any, it trails away to another part of this hellish plane in search of prey with which to feed its young. You hear the winged beast departing and you bring yourself out of the death-trance, awaking with a start.</p>
<choice idref="sect233"><link-text>Turn to 233</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect36">
<meta><title>36</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect36-1-foot" idref="sect36-1">
+ <p>The originally published edition of this book instructed you to add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score. We believe that our alteration to specify restoration instead of addition is closer to the intent of the author. The original led to several questions. Would this additional score be a permanent increase of your maximum <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>? Permanent alterations of basic scores in the middle of an adventure are rare making this option unlikely. Nor does the context support this conclusion. Then would this addition only be for the duration of the combat similar to the bonus to <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>? This makes the bonus useless. If you were to complete the combat with fewer than 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points remaining and then removed the bonus after the combat was over, you would be just as dead as without the bonus. Another proposal was that you should remove the bonus from your score only if it leaves your score above the normal maximum after the combat. Although reasonable, this probably wasn't the intent of the author since he did not specify this procedure. We have opted for the simplest, most straightforward choice: that this is just a restorative effect.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>You draw on your defensive skill of Mindblend to protect and keep hidden your psyche from the attacking horde. The vortexi are psychic creatures who actively seek out their prey by the strength of their mind waves. Your Discipline disrupts this homing process and many, in the final few hundred yards of their dive, fail to lock on to your location and waste their attack.</p>
+ <p>You draw on your defensive skill of Mindblend to protect and keep hidden your psyche from the attacking horde. The Vortexi are psychic creatures who actively seek out their prey by the strength of their mind waves. Your Discipline disrupts this homing process and many, in the final few hundred yards of their dive, fail to lock on to your location and waste their attack.</p>
<p>But there are still those among the horde who sense accurately where you are. When they attack, you are forced to defend yourself vigorously.</p>
<combat><enemy>Vortexi</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">22</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight. If you possess the Sommerswerd, add 5 to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score.</p>
+ <p>For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight. If you possess the Sommerswerd, restore 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score.<a id="sect36-1" idref="sect36-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
<choice idref="sect46">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You use your Magnakai Curing skills to staunch the flow of blood pouring from your gashed neck, and to mend torn muscle, but it takes several minutes before you feel the blood flow and the pain subsiding. Strength is beginning to return to your aching limbs when half a dozen loutish brigands come rushing across the rocks towards you, brandishing swords and daggers in their hands. You pull yourself wearily to your feet and unsheathe your weapon as they rush at you, stabbing and hacking with their gleaming blades.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Vakovarian brigands</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Vakovarian Brigands</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Due to your wound and the speed of their attack, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery you must reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 5 for the first three rounds of this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect59">You may evade combat after six rounds by <link-text>turning to 59</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect348">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You sheathe your weapon, run to the edge of the warehouse, and launch yourself towards the roof of the building opposite.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery <em>and</em> have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect154">If your total score is now 3 or less, <link-text>turn to 154</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect310">If it is 4&endash;7, <link-text>turn to 310</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect70">If it is 8 or higher, <link-text>turn to 70</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>48</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The creature roars with pain as your arrow clips its shoulder. Unfortunately, it is just a flesh wound and it does not stop the beast from advancing. You shoulder your bow and draw your weapon, bringing your horse about with your knees as you get ready to face the beast. But the instant he sees the creature, he panics and rears up on his hind legs, neighing with fright, his hooves scrabbling frantically at the air. You bring him under control using your innate Kai skills, but in doing so your attention is diverted momentarily from the attacking beast as it moves in and swipes at you with its clawed paw.</p>
+ <p>The creature roars with pain as your Arrow clips its shoulder. Unfortunately, it is just a flesh wound and it does not stop the beast from advancing. You shoulder your Bow and draw your weapon, bringing your horse about with your knees as you get ready to face the beast. But the instant he sees the creature, he panics and rears up on his hind legs, neighing with fright, his hooves scrabbling frantically at the air. You bring him under control using your innate Kai skills, but in doing so your attention is diverted momentarily from the attacking beast as it moves in and swipes at you with its clawed paw.</p>
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>The creature roars with pain as your arrow clips its shoulder.</description>
+ <description>The creature roars with pain as your Arrow clips its shoulder.</description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="576"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="576"/>
</illustration>
- <combat><enemy>Black corvayl</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">44</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">52</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Black Corvayl</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">44</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">52</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 10 for the first round of this fight only.</p>
<choice idref="sect210">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>52</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Suddenly they flicker and disappear altogether from view. Frantically, you scan the brooding sky for some sign of where the creatures have gone, but it is not until you use your psychic ability that you detect them.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly they flicker and disappear altogether from view. Frantically, you scan the brooding sky for some sign of where the creatures have gone, but it is not until you use your psychic abilities that you detect them.</p>
<p>With your eyes closed you can picture them in your mind's eye. You see them circling their lair, then they break away and come swooping down to attack you.</p>
<p>You draw your weapon and detect that an aura of protection is sheathing it from the extreme temperatures of this domain. Then a hideous shriek splits the air, and you find yourself fighting the urge to open your eyes as the first of the beasts dives upon you.</p>
<combat><enemy>Lavas</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
<data>
<p>You hold the brigand in a vice-tight armlock and demand to know who sent him here to ambush you.</p>
<p><quote>No one sent me,</quote> he pleads, <quote>no one&ellips; no one at all. I was plannin' on robbin' me a few acolytes, that's all. Some of 'em has gold and trinkets that's worth cash in Vakovar. This trail's been good to me. It's netted me some rich pickin's in the past month or so. We wern't after you in partic'lar&ellips; no, you jus' happened to come ridin' past, that's all.</quote></p>
- <p>Your Kai senses inform you that he is speaking the truth. He and his band of robbers have been waylaying acolytes of Vashna who have travelled this route over the past few weeks. Without slackening your grip, you ask him what he knows about them.</p>
+ <p>Your Kai senses inform you that he is speaking the truth. He and his band of robbers have been waylaying Acolytes of Vashna who have travelled this route over the past few weeks. Without slackening your grip, you ask him what he knows about them.</p>
<p><quote>They been preparin' something, over on the&ellips;</quote> he says, but he ceases to speak the moment he sees a group of his men emerge from the surrounding pines.</p>
<p><quote>You're in for it now,</quote> he hisses, <quote>my men are goin' to do for you good an' proper.</quote></p>
<p>Another six of the captain's men step from out of the trees and begin to move towards you, their swords held ready to strike. Rather than stay and fight them, you shove the captain away and take to your heels, pausing only to snatch up his satchel as you make your escape.</p>
<data>
<p>You don a red robe, taken from one of the dead acolytes, and raise its black hood to keep your face hidden. The folds of this voluminous garment cover your weapons as well as your clothing, and a haversack taken from another acolyte battle-corpse is large enough to conceal your Backpack. Confident that you can pass for one of them, you run to the quayside and join with those acolytes who are now climbing aboard the longboat.</p>
- <p>When your turn comes, you leap from the quay on to the deck of the ship. You land very close to the sandalled feet of one of the three acolyte Elders and he glares at you angrily, though he does not see through your disguise. You take your place on a bench alongside the others and use your Kai Camouflage skills to avoid their attention. You notice that a bank of oars stands upright in the gunwales of the boat, and it strikes you as odd that no order has been given to man them. When the last of the acolytes are safely aboard, you discover why.</p>
+ <p>When your turn comes, you leap from the quay on to the deck of the ship. You land very close to the sandalled feet of one of the three Acolyte Elders and he glares at you angrily, though he does not see through your disguise. You take your place on a bench alongside the others and use your Kai Camouflage skills to avoid their attention. You notice that a bank of oars stands upright in the gunwales of the boat, and it strikes you as odd that no order has been given to man them. When the last of the acolytes are safely aboard, you discover why.</p>
<choice idref="sect93"><link-text>Turn to 93</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>82</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The Elder becomes angry. He scolds you for taking a <quote>forbidden</quote> weapon and he orders you to hand it over to him at once. Aware that most of the acolytes in this section of the boat are watching you, and that any resistance would be sure to lead to the revealing of your true identity, you reach inside your robe and undo the buckle of your weapon's belt. It clatters to the deck and the Elder snatches it up and hurls it into the lake. (Erase from your Weapons List any hand weapons you possess. If you have a Bow, you may still keep it.)</p>
+ <p>The Elder becomes angry. He scolds you for taking a <quote>forbidden</quote> weapon and he orders you to hand it over to him at once. Aware that most of the acolytes in this section of the boat are watching you, and that any resistance would be sure to lead to the revealing of your true identity, you reach inside your robe and undo the buckle of your weapon's belt. It clatters to the deck, and the Elder snatches it up and hurls it into the lake. (Erase from your Weapons List any hand weapons you possess. If you have a Bow, you may still keep it.)</p>
<p>Still fuming, the Elder orders you to go to the rear of the ship where a score of acolytes are kneeling in prayer, and plead to the spirit of Vashna for forgiveness.</p>
<choice idref="sect124"><link-text>Turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>83</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You resist the urge to make use of the Deathstaff to ward off the approaching vortexi horde. You would rather trust in your own goodly powers than use a weapon forged of evil.</p>
+ <p>You resist the urge to make use of the Deathstaff to ward off the approaching Vortexi horde. You would rather trust in your own goodly powers than use a weapon forged of evil.</p>
<p>Lashed by the wind and the rain, you steel yourself as the screaming phantoms come swooping down to attack.</p>
- <choice idref="sect103">If you possess Assimilance, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, <link-text>turn to 103</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect36">If you possess Kai-screen, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect103">If you possess Assimilance, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 103</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect36">If you possess Kai-screen, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect144">If you do not possess these skills, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 144</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>86</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Using the Brotherhood spell <spell>Sense Evil</spell> you determine that the token is a cursed relic which has been activated by its proximity to the pool of stagnant water. The closer you get to the pool, the hotter the relic becomes. Another few steps and it will explode. Desperately, you fumble to retrieve it from the smoking pocket of your tunic, and hurl it away.</p>
+ <p>Using the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Sense Evil</spell> you determine that the token is a cursed relic which has been activated by its proximity to the pool of stagnant water. The closer you get to the pool, the hotter the relic becomes. Another few steps and it will explode. Desperately, you fumble to retrieve it from the smoking pocket of your tunic, and hurl it away.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If the number you have picked is 0&endash;3, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect316">If it is 4&endash;9, <link-text>turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You are nearing the middle of the river when your acute hearing detects the cawing of birds in the far distance. At first you dismiss the sounds, thinking they are probably birds of prey feeding somewhere high in the mountains, but when the cawing rapidly grows louder you look upwards to try to detect where it is coming from. You do not have to look very far.</p>
- <p>Three hundred metres above you, a flock of ugly black birds are cawing excitedly as they ride a thermal air current. You recognize them to be Durncrag scavengers, cruel predators native only to these mountains. Then, with an awful suddenness, they come diving towards you, screeching like demons as they prepare to strike with beak and claw.</p>
+ <p>Three hundred metres above you, a flock of ugly black birds are cawing excitedly as they ride a thermal air current. You recognize them to be Durncrag Scavengers, cruel predators native only to these mountains. Then, with an awful suddenness, they come diving towards you, screeching like demons as they prepare to strike with beak and claw.</p>
<choice idref="sect249">If you possess Animal Mastery and have reached the rank of Sun Knight or higher, <link-text>turn to 249</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect180">If you do not possess this Discipline, or if you have yet to attain this level of Grand Mastery, <link-text>turn to 180</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>For half an hour you crouch among the boulders, your eyes scanning every inch of the terrain which surrounds the clearing, but you detect nothing untoward. Then the silence is broken by a sharp <onomatopoeia>clack!</onomatopoeia> and a small rock comes tumbling down the slope. You catch sight of movement among some bushes at the top of the slope, and you sense at once that someone is hiding there.</p>
- <choice idref="sect227">If you possess a Bow and wish to fire an arrow into the bushes, <link-text>turn to 227</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect227">If you possess a Bow and wish to fire an Arrow into the bushes, <link-text>turn to 227</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect320">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 320</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>90</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The great winged beast ekes out its death throes for several minutes after you strike the fatal blow. Aching with the fatigue of your combat, you stagger away from its carcass and stumble blindly through the fog. Soon you sense the temperature beginning to drop and the great grey wall of fog gradually condenses and falls as rain. This rain freezes and you quickly find yourself surrounded by a wall of glittering ice which stretches like a range of jagged glass mountains from horizon to horizon.</p>
+ <p>The great winged beast ekes out its death throes for several minutes after you strike the fatal blow. Aching with the fatigue of your combat, you stagger away from its carcass and stumble blindly through the fog. Soon you sense the temperature beginning to drop, and the great grey wall of fog gradually condenses and falls as rain. This rain freezes and you quickly find yourself surrounded by a wall of glittering ice which stretches like a range of jagged glass mountains from horizon to horizon.</p>
<choice idref="sect187"><link-text>Turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The hollow is damp and draughty and offers poor protection against the elements. There is little foliage on which to feed your mount and the incessant storm winds howl through the gaps in the rocks, making it impossible for you to sleep. During this long and uncomfortable night, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>Shortly before dawn the storm dies down and you are able to snatch an hour's sleep. Unfortunately, it is insufficient rest to refresh you fully: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Shortly before dawn, the storm dies down and you are able to snatch an hour's sleep. Unfortunately, it is insufficient rest to refresh you fully: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect285">To continue, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>94</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>There is a thunderous <strong><!-- -->jb: crack!</strong> <onomatopoeia>Crack!</onomatopoeia> as a bolt of white lightning leaps from the Deathstaff and connects with the hilt of Helshezag. You feel an agonizing pain wrack your body from skull to toe: lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Then, with a breathtaking suddenness, the pain ceases.</p>
+ <p>There is a thunderous <onomatopoeia>crack!</onomatopoeia> as a bolt of white lightning leaps from the Deathstaff and connects with the hilt of Helshezag. You feel an agonizing pain wrack your body from skull to toe: lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Then, with a breathtaking suddenness, the pain ceases.</p>
<p>You open your eyes and look down, and to your astonishment you see the scorched remains of Helshezag lying at the foot of the dais, the sword obliterated by the power of the Deathstaff (erase Helshezag from your Special Items list).</p>
<choice idref="sect318">To continue, <link-text>turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>96</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You throw the red-hot token away, but it hits a boulder and rebounds directly into the trough. There is a dreadful moment of silence, then the whole area is lit up by a blinding flash of yellow flame and suddenly everything seems to be happening in slow motion. You see acolytes tumbling backwards, screaming, their robes sprouting tongues of flame, and chunks of marble from the trough hurtling skywards like fiery meteors. Then the heat and the shock of the explosion rips into your face and chest, sending you cartwheeling backwards into a black, unfeeling oblivion.</p>
+ <p>You throw the red-hot token away, but it hits a boulder and rebounds directly into the trough. There is a dreadful moment of silence, then the whole area is lit up by a blinding flash of yellow flame. Suddenly everything seems to be happening in slow motion. You see acolytes tumbling backwards, screaming, their robes sprouting tongues of flame, and chunks of marble from the trough hurtling skywards like fiery meteors. Then the heat and the shock of the explosion rip into your face and chest, sending you cartwheeling backwards into a black, unfeeling oblivion.</p>
<p>Tragically, your life and your quest end here, on the trail to the Maakengorge.</p>
</data>
</section>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="592"/>
</illustration>
<combat><enemy>Cheghath</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">37</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>These beings are gifted with strong psychic defences. Halve all bonuses you would normally receive if you choose to use a psychic attack (including Kai Blast) during this combat.</p>
+ <p>These beings are gifted with strong psychic defences. Halve all bonuses you would normally receive if you choose to use a psychic attack (including Kai-blast) during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect303">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>98</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>After a few minutes it is clear that the brigands have no idea where you are. The leader is furious; he turns to his henchmen and orders them to find you at once. One by one his brutish sidekicks scurry away into the surrounding trees until the leader is left all alone.</p>
+ <p>After a few minutes it is clear that the brigands have no idea where you are. The leader is furious; he turns to his henchmen and orders them to find you at once. One by one, his brutish sidekicks scurry away into the surrounding trees until the leader is left all alone.</p>
<choice idref="sect14">If you wish to launch a surprise attack on the brigand leader, <link-text>turn to 14</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect291">If you wish to creep forward and attempt to take him hostage, <link-text>turn to 291</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The jackals are gaining too quickly for you to outrun them; your only hope now is to fight them off. You rein your exhausted horse to a halt and slip out of the saddle, drawing your weapon as you touch the ground. The jackals spread out and surround you, howling maniacally as they savour the scent of your frightened horse. Then, as if responding to a silent signal, they slink forward to tighten the circle. Your horse rears up and tries to pull away, his hooves flailing the air perilously close to your skull.</p>
<p>As the first of the jackals makes its attack, you find yourself struggling to hold on to the reins with one hand and fight the jackals off with the other.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Vorndarol jackals</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>Unless you possess Grand Weaponmastery and have reached the rank of Sun Knight, or higher, you must reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 5 for the duration of this combat.</p>
- <choice idref="sect222">You may evade combat after four rounds, by <link-text>turning to 222</link-text>.</choice>
+ <combat><enemy>Vorndarol Jackals</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>Unless you possess Grand Weaponmastery and have reached the rank of Sun Knight or higher, you must reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 5 for the duration of this combat.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect222">You may evade combat after four rounds by <link-text>turning to 222</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect347">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 347</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p><quote>Somewhere, here, I fear there is a great evil at work,</quote> says Kadharian, pointing to a section of the table which depicts the territory north of Lake Vorndarol, an area uncomfortably close to the deep furrow which represents the Maakengorge.</p>
<p><quote>Three moons ago, the lakeside hamlet of Vorn was reportedly destroyed by an unnatural storm, the first of many that have continuously swept the region. I dispatched a troop of my guards to investigate but they never returned. Since then, a second troop has also disappeared without trace.</quote></p>
<p><quote>But what makes you think that a plot to resurrect Vashna is afoot?</quote> you reply, trying not to sound overly sceptical. <quote>With due respect, President, this is a notorious region infested with renegades and brigands. There may be a far simpler explanation for the destruction of Vorn and the disappearance of your troops.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>Aye, 'tis so,</quote> retorts Kadharian. <quote>At first I, too, made the same assumption. But then I came into the possession of something which made me believe otherwise.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Aye, 'tis so,</quote> retorts Kadharian. <quote>At first, I too made the same assumption. But then I came into the possession of something which made me believe otherwise.</quote></p>
<p>From a leather pouch hanging from his sword belt, Kadharian takes an item which is neatly wrapped in a square of patterned silk.</p>
<p><quote>Here, Grand Master,</quote> he says, offering it to you, <quote>I'll let you draw your own conclusions from this.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect133"><link-text>Turn to 133</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>102</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You sense that you are not alone; you can feel the presence of another living creature close by. Silently you draw your weapon and set off on foot to investigate and your Kai senses lead you directly to a derelict hut on the perimeter of this ancient settlement. You call out, demanding whoever is inside to show himself, but there is no reply. You repeat your demand but again it goes unanswered. With weapon raised you rush in through the door, expecting to have to fight a skulking brigand or an acolyte of Vashna, but you find neither. You are confronted instead by something wholly unexpected.</p>
+ <p>You sense that you are not alone; you can feel the presence of another living creature close by. Silently you draw your weapon and set off on foot to investigate. Your Kai senses lead you directly to a derelict hut on the perimeter of this ancient settlement. You call out, demanding whoever is inside to show himself, but there is no reply. You repeat your demand but again it goes unanswered. With weapon raised you rush in through the door, expecting to have to fight a skulking brigand or an Acolyte of Vashna, but you find neither. You are confronted instead by something wholly unexpected.</p>
<choice idref="sect47"><link-text>Turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect103">
<meta><title>103</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect103-1-foot" idref="sect103-1">
+ <p>The originally published edition of this book instructed you to add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score. We believe that our alteration to specify restoration instead of addition is closer to the intent of the author. The original led to several questions. Would this additional score be a permanent increase of your maximum <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>? Permanent alterations of basic scores in the middle of an adventure are rare making this option unlikely. Nor does the context support this conclusion. Then would this addition only be for the duration of the combat similar to the bonus to <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>? This makes the bonus useless. If you were to complete the combat with fewer than 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points remaining and then removed the bonus after the combat was over, you would be just as dead as without the bonus. Another proposal was that you should remove the bonus from your score only if it leaves your score above the normal maximum after the combat. Although reasonable, this probably wasn't the intent of the author since he did not specify this procedure. We have opted for the simplest, most straightforward choice: that this is just a restorative effect.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>You draw on your Kai mastery to conjure up a dense fog to surround you, in the hope that it will hamper the attacking horde. However, the vortexi are psychic creatures who actively seek out their prey by the strength of their mind waves. Your Discipline disrupts this homing process to some extent, but there are still many among the phantom horde who sense accurately where you are. When they attack, you are forced to defend yourself vigorously.</p>
+ <p>You draw on your Kai mastery to conjure up a dense fog to surround you, in the hope that it will hamper the attacking horde. However, the Vortexi are psychic creatures who actively seek out their prey by the strength of their mind waves. Your Discipline disrupts this homing process to some extent, but there are still many among the phantom horde who sense accurately where you are. When they attack, you are forced to defend yourself vigorously.</p>
<combat><enemy>Vortexi</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">44</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight. If you possess the Sommerswerd, add 5 to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score.</p>
+ <p>For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight. If you possess the Sommerswerd, restor 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score.<a id="sect103-1" idref="sect103-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
<choice idref="sect46">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>105</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The journey to Helgor takes you south to the Citystate of Casiorn, then west to the Lyrisian capital of Varetta&emdash;a road you once travelled several years ago during your Magnakai quest. In the main, your ride is peaceably uneventful. By choice you keep to yourself and avoid staying too long in any one place. It is not until you reach Vakovar that the uncertain politics of this region give rise for concern. This squalid, lawless city is home to some of the Stornlands' most notorious criminals and robber-barons. It is common knowledge that travellers who value their wealth and health wisely avoid Vakovar whenever possible. Forewarned by these rumours you choose not to dwell here, but ride swiftly through the city and press on to Helgor. Yet while you are within the city walls of Vakovar no less than a dozen separate attempts are made to relieve you of your money pouch and horse. There are no witnesses to these attacks, which is just as well, for when you ride out of Vakovar you leave a score of dead robbers littering the cobblestones.</p>
+ <p>The journey to Helgor takes you south to the City-state of Casiorn, then west to the Lyrisian capital of Varetta&emdash;a road you once travelled several years ago during your Magnakai quest. In the main, your ride is peaceably uneventful. By choice you keep to yourself and avoid staying too long in any one place. It is not until you reach Vakovar that the uncertain politics of this region give rise for concern. This squalid, lawless city is home to some of the Stornlands' most notorious criminals and robber-barons. It is common knowledge that travellers who value their wealth and health wisely avoid Vakovar whenever possible. Forewarned by these rumours you choose not to dwell here, but ride swiftly through the city and press on to Helgor. Yet while you are within the city walls of Vakovar no less than a dozen separate attempts are made to relieve you of your money pouch and horse. There are no witnesses to these attacks, which is just as well, for when you ride out of Vakovar you leave a score of dead robbers littering the cobblestones.</p>
<p>It is early evening when you eventually crest a hill and catch your first disappointing glimpse of Helgor. It is a damp and unwholesome-looking city, ringed by a rampart of mouldering rubble, the remains of a curtain wall which was destroyed during the war against the Darklords. Through the many gaps in this rampart you can see the thick fog that swirls through Helgor's brick streets and crooked, filthy alleys. At first sight it seems that the Magadorian capital is little more than a beggar-city, a vast hotchpotch of slums and hovels, but as you ride nearer you notice several grand towers piercing the rolling grey mist.</p>
<p>The main approach to Helgor is patrolled by presidential guards, heavily armed with crossbows and spears, who are checking everyone attempting to enter by road. They are dressed in flamboyant tunics of green, scarlet, and black calf hide, which seem too lavish for the garrison of such a squalid city. When asked your business, you show them the scroll given to you by Rimoah. They are impressed by the invitation and insist that an armed escort be provided to take you directly to the President's palace. After your experience at Vakovar you welcome their offer.</p>
<p>Despite the overwhelming squalor of Helgor's dingy tenements and streets, you were expecting the President's palace to be the exception. To your disappointment, it turns out to be little more than a fortified chateau situated at the centre of the city, atop a hill known as the Vanagrom Knoll. You are welcomed into the palace's senate hall by an official called Stepona, a dour man who looks older than his thirty years. He sees to it that your horse is stabled, and that you are given refreshments while you await your audience with the President. An hour passes before the doors to the senate hall swing open and, without formal announcement, in strides President Kadharian of Magador.</p>
<data>
<p>You recite the words of the battle spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and suddenly you feel a powerful gust of wind sweep past your face. It punches the Elder squarely in the stomach, lifts him off his feet, and sends him tumbling over the side of the boat.</p>
- <p>A cry goes up along the deck, a shout of alarm that one of the Elders has fallen overboard. Scores of acolytes rush to the rail in response but there is nothing they can do. The longboat is travelling so fast that the Elder is already hundreds of metres behind the stern and cannot be seen amidst the, churning water.</p>
+ <p>A cry goes up along the deck, a shout of alarm that one of the Elders has fallen overboard. Scores of acolytes rush to the rail in response but there is nothing they can do. The longboat is travelling so fast that the Elder is already hundreds of metres behind the stern and cannot be seen amidst the churning water.</p>
<p>Those who were seated near you have now become uncomfortably curious about who you are. To avoid their attentions, you move to the stern where a score of acolytes are kneeling in prayer.</p>
<choice idref="sect124"><link-text>Turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p><quote>Calm yourself, Smudd,</quote> you say, purposefully letting your hands drift away from your weapons, <quote>I mean you no harm. I just want to talk with you awhile, that's all.</quote></p>
<p>The scrawny-faced knave stares at you with deep suspicion. Cold sweat beads upon his brow and his hand tightens on the hilt of his rapier.</p>
<p><quote>Look,</quote> you say, reaching to your Backpack, <quote>I'm even prepared to compensate you for the privilege.</quote></p>
- <p>Slowly you unshoulder your Backpack, unbuckle the flap, and offer him any item of his choosing. After some hesitation he picks the item which is listed at the top of your Backpack List. (Erase this item from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
+ <p>Slowly you unshoulder your Backpack, unbuckle the flap, and offer him any item of his choosing. After some hesitation
, he picks the item which is listed at the top of your Backpack List. (Erase this item from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
<choice idref="sect323">To continue, <link-text>turn to 323</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>109</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You raise your bow and draw an arrow, but the instant the feathers touch your lips, both the bow and the arrow burst into flames: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You raise your Bow and draw an Arrow, but the instant the feathers touch your lips, both the bow and the arrow burst into flames: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Cadak cackles with glee at the success of his spell. <quote>You are doomed, Lone Wolf. Why don't you admit it,</quote> he says, sneeringly. <quote>You were doomed the moment you returned from the great arch.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect252"><link-text>Turn to 252</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<section class="numbered" id="sect110">
<meta><title>110</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect110-1-foot" idref="sect110-1">
+ <p>This is the correct answer to second sequence of numbers on the crystal dais grid in <a idref="sect235">Section 235</a>.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>The instant you correctly complete the second sequence, a deep hum resonates from inside the upper tier and slowly it opens to reveal a hexagonal crystal plinth with a circular hole at its centre. Your Kai senses inform you that by inserting the tip of the Deathstaff into the hole, you will cause the shadow gate beneath the great arch to close.</p>
+ <p>The instant you correctly complete the second sequence, a deep hum resonates from inside the upper tier and slowly it opens to reveal a hexagonal crystal plinth with a circular hole at its centre.<a id="sect110-1" idref="sect110-1-foot" class="footnote" /> Your Kai senses inform you that by inserting the tip of the Deathstaff into the hole, you will cause the Shadow Gate beneath the great arch to close.</p>
<p>Trembling with fear and exhilaration, you raise the Deathstaff above your head and bring it down with one mighty thrust, driving it deep into the hole.</p>
<choice idref="sect246"><link-text>Turn to 246</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You sense a hostile psychic presence about them, an evil mind-energy which is becoming stronger as they draw nearer. You draw on your own formidable psychic skills and erect a defensive wall around your mind which keeps you safe from their first bombardment. They veer upwards and vanish into the clouds for a few moments, but then they reappear and come swooping down for another attack.</p>
- <choice idref="sect229">If you possess Kai-surge, and have reached the rank of Sun Lord, or higher, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect229">If you possess Kai-surge, and have reached the rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect142">If you do not possess this Discipline, of if you have yet to attain this level of Kai rank, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect112">
<meta><title>112</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect112-1-foot" idref="sect112-1">
+ <p>You may also eat a single Meal and only lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>Using your Kai mastery, you steer your exhausted horse across this difficult terrain with incredible skill. You manage to keep him ahead of the jackals just long enough to reach firmer ground, where he is then able to increase his pace and escape from the howling pack.</p>
- <p>The jackals command the shore and you are forced to retrace your steps all the way back to the fork in the trail and take the other path that leads into the foothills. By the time you arrive here, you are tired and very hungry. Unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat 2 meals or lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>The Jackals command the shore, and you are forced to retrace your steps all the way back to the fork in the trail and take the other path that leads into the foothills. By the time you arrive here, you are tired and very hungry. Unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat 2 meals or lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.<a id="sect112-1" idref="sect112-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
<choice idref="sect61">To continue, <link-text>turn to 61</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>113</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You stretch out with your right foot and kick open the satchel, but in doing so you place yourself off-balance. The brigand captain senses this and uses the opportunity to break free. He scurries away for the safety of the trees, screaming all the while for his men to come and save him. Then you see the first of them emerging from the surrounding pines. Rather than fight them you decide it better to escape whilst you still can and so you take to your heels, pausing only to snatch up the captain's satchel as you leave. The brigands give chase but they soon lose you among the dense pines and call off their pursuit.</p>
+ <p>You stretch out with your right foot and kick open the satchel, but in doing so you place yourself off balance. The brigand captain senses this and uses the opportunity to break free. He scurries away for the safety of the trees, screaming all the while for his men to come and save him. Then you see the first of them emerging from the surrounding pines. Rather than fight them, you decide it better to escape whilst you still can, and so you take to your heels pausing only to snatch up the captain's satchel as you leave. The brigands give chase, but they soon lose you among the dense pines and call off their pursuit.</p>
<choice idref="sect247"><link-text>Turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect118">
<meta><title>118</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect118-1-foot" idref="sect118-1">
+ <p>The originally published edition of this book instructed you to add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score. We believe that our alteration to specify restoration instead of addition is closer to the intent of the author. The original led to several questions. Would this additional score be a permanent increase of your maximum <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>? Permanent alterations of basic scores in the middle of an adventure are rare making this option unlikely. Nor does the context support this conclusion. Then would this addition only be for the duration of the combat similar to the bonus to <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>? This makes the bonus useless. If you were to complete the combat with fewer than 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points remaining and then removed the bonus after the combat was over, you would be just as dead as without the bonus. Another proposal was that you should remove the bonus from your score only if it leaves your score above the normal maximum after the combat. Although reasonable, this probably wasn't the intent of the author since he did not specify this procedure. We have opted for the simplest, most straightforward choice: that this is just a restorative effect.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>You raise the sun-sword and strike out with unerring accuracy as the first of the Vortexi engulf you.</p>
<combat><enemy>Vortexi</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">49</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>For possessing the Sommerswerd, add 5 to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score. For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, you may add a further 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
+ <p>For possessing the Sommerswerd, add 5 to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score.<a id="sect118-1" idref="sect118-1-foot" class="footnote" /> For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, you may add a further 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect46">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>120</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Swiftly you unshoulder your bow, draw an arrow to your lips, and take hurried aim as the man in black makes his daring leap across the street.</p>
+ <p>Swiftly you unshoulder your Bow, draw an Arrow to your lips, and take hurried aim as the man in black makes his daring leap across the street.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery with Bow, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect139">If your total score is now 6 or less, <link-text>turn to 139</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect328">If it is 7 or more, <link-text>turn to 328</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>122</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You place the food before their feet and step away, but they do not touch it until you sheathe your weapon and taste it yourself to prove that it has not been poisoned (erase this Meal from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>). Ravenously they consume the humble meal in seconds and, when they have finished, they allow you to approach and examine their sickly child. You tell them that you can help their son. Using your innate healing skills, you place your hands upon the boy's chest and let your Kai power flow through into his fever-wracked body. Within a few moments he stirs to consciousness and gives a healthy cry; you have saved his life.</p>
+ <p>You place the food before their feet and step away, but they do not touch it until you sheathe your weapon and taste it yourself to prove that it has not been poisoned (erase this Meal from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>). Ravenously they consume the humble meal in seconds and, when they have finished, they allow you to approach and examine their sickly child. You tell them that you can help their son. Using your innate Healing skills, you place your hands upon the boy's chest and let your Kai power flow through into his fever-wracked body. Within a few moments he stirs to consciousness and gives a healthy cry; you have saved his life.</p>
<choice idref="sect277"><link-text>Turn to 277</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>123</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You whisper the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and point your finger at the Arch Druid. A tingling sensation runs down the length of your arm which culminates with a bolt of blue-white energy that arcs from your index finger and explodes against the haft of Cadak's staff.</p>
+ <p>You whisper the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and point your finger at the Arch Druid. A tingling sensation runs down the length of your arm which culminates with a bolt of blue-white energy that arcs from your index finger and explodes against the haft of Cadak's staff.</p>
<p>Your sudden and unexpected use of magic caught the Arch Druid offguard. He defended himself, but you sense that the bolt has weakened him. Seizing this opportunity, you draw your weapon and rush forwards to attack him before he fully recovers.</p>
<combat><enemy>Arch Druid Cadak</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">32</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect298">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 298</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You kneel between two praying acolytes and begin to mumble along with their sonorous prayer-dirge. A shiver runs along your spine and you begin to feel queasy; a strong aura of evil surrounds the group and your psychic senses are struggling to shield your mind from its insidious influence.</p>
<p>You notice that some of the acolytes are shaking uncontrollably, and sweat drips from their faces despite the icy wind which howls across the deck. You recognize that they are suffering the after-effects of using Adgana, a potent and highly addictive potion which increases skill and ferocity in combat. You hazard a guess that many of the acolytes were made to take this narcotic before the assault on the quay, to stir them into battle-frenzy.</p>
- <p>You have been kneeling among the praying acolytes for barely a minute when suddenly the war-horn blares a long discordant tone. All eyes turn to the east where the shoreline can now be seen on the horizon. The longboat is speeding towards the wooden jetty where a large group of red-robed figures are awaiting its return. The prayer-dirge ceases and everyone gets to their feet in readiness to disembark as soon as the boat docks at the jetty.</p>
+ <p>You have been kneeling among the praying acolytes for barely a minute when suddenly the war-horn blares a long, discordant tone. All eyes turn to the east where the shoreline can now be seen on the horizon. The longboat is speeding towards the wooden jetty where a large group of red-robed figures are awaiting its return. The prayer-dirge ceases and everyone gets to their feet in readiness to disembark as soon as the boat docks at the jetty.</p>
<choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>125</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are awoken in the middle of the night by a tremendous clap of thunder which shakes the ground and startles Bracer. At first you think that a new day must already have dawned, for the cave is awash with bright light. But when you prise open your sleep-clogged eyes and look out over the surrounding landscape, you see that the light has a far sinister origin.</p>
- <p>The sky is alive with hordes of glowing, wraith-like phantoms. They swoop down from the roiling storm clouds and skim the treetops, howling and screeching like insane banshees. A trio of these ghastly apparitions pass within a few yards of the cave mouth and suddenly your head is gripped by a crushing pain. You use your Magnakai skills to erect a psi-screen to protect your mind from this psychic attack, but your reflexes are sleep-dulled and you lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points before your defence is intact.</p>
+ <p>You are awoken in the middle of the night by a tremendous clap of thunder which shakes the ground and startles Bracer. At first you think that a new day must already have dawned, for the cave is awash with bright light. But when you prise open your sleep-clogged eyes and look out over the surrounding landscape, you see that the light has a far more sinister origin.</p>
+ <p>The sky is alive with hordes of glowing, wraith-like phantoms. They swoop down from the roiling storm clouds and skim the treetops, howling and screeching like insane banshees. A trio of these ghastly apparitions pass within a few yards of the cave mouth and suddenly your head is gripped by a crushing pain. You use your Magnakai skills to erect a Psi-screen to protect your mind from this psychic attack, but your reflexes are sleep-dulled and you lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points before your defence is intact.</p>
<choice idref="sect326"><link-text>Turn to 326</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>127</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Using the Brotherhood spell <spell>Levitation</spell> you are able to rise in the air and glide over this soft section of the cavern floor until you reach firmer ground. With ease, you are then able to slip past the end of the line of automatons and race towards the dais.</p>
+ <p>Using the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Levitation</spell> you are able to rise in the air and glide over this soft section of the cavern floor until you reach firmer ground. With ease, you are then able to slip past the end of the line of automatons and race towards the dais.</p>
<p>During your flight across the sagging floor, the Demoness was putting on an armoured breastplate of varnished black steel and was otherwise distracted. But she saw you get around the flank of her automatons and now she is aware of your plan.</p>
<p>It is clear by the anger on her face that she has no intention of allowing you anywhere near the dais or the Deathstaff.</p>
- <choice idref="sect57">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 57</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect282">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 282</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect57"><link-text>Turn to 57</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>128</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You urge Bracer up a treacherously slick path that leads to the entrance. Without once faltering on the difficult ascent, he carries you to the top of the path where two rusty wagon rails disappear into the mineshaft's shadowy maw. You approach, and the instant you are out of the rain, your keen sixth sense alerts you to the fact that you are not the only ones seeking shelter here. The scent of greasy fur and the glint of two grey-green eyes in the gloom tell you that you have stumbled upon the lair of a mountain wolf.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>The scent of greasy fur and the glint of two grey-green eyes in the gloom&ellips;</description>
- </meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="577"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="577"/>
- </illustration>
- <p>The wolf growls menacingly and Bracer backs away in fright. Quickly you prepare to use your Magnakai skill of animal control to calm this beast before its hunger or its fear make it attack.</p>
+ <p>You urge Bracer up a treacherously slick path that leads to the entrance. Without once faltering on the difficult ascent, he carries you to the top of the path where two rusty wagon rails disappear into the mineshaft's shadowy maw. You approach, and the instant you are out of the rain, your keen Sixth Sense alerts you to the fact that you are not the only ones seeking shelter here. The scent of greasy fur and the glint of two grey-green eyes in the gloom tell you that you have stumbled upon the lair of a mountain wolf.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>The scent of greasy fur and the glint of two grey-green eyes in the gloom&ellips;</description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="577"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="577"/>
+ </illustration>
+ <p>The wolf growls menacingly and Bracer backs away in fright. Quickly you prepare to use your Magnakai skill of Animal Control to calm this beast before its hunger or its fear make it attack.</p>
<choice idref="sect89">If you possess Animal Mastery, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 89</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect151">If you do not possess this skill, or have yet to reach this rank, <link-text>turn instead to 151</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You pass through the arch and feel no harmful effects. But as you descend the steps on the far side, you suddenly notice that a large number of acolytes and Elders are staring at you with hatred and anger in their eyes. You look over your shoulder to see that the invisible curtain of power, through which you passed, is no longer invisible. It is glowing an accusing shade of red.</p>
<p><quote>Intruder!</quote> screams one of the Elders. <quote>Unbeliever!</quote> screams another. Then, with a sudden rush, a wave of acolytes comes running at you, many clasping knives and short swords in their fists.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Acolytes of Vasha</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Acolytes of Vashna</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect311">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> (0=10). The number you have picked is equal to the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost as a result of the lightning impact and the fall.</p>
- <p>You are left stunned and smouldering by the explosion. Drunkenly, you stagger to your feet and use your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus to extinguish those parts of your cloak and tunic ignited by the blast. Your
weapon disintegrated when it was hit (erase it from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>), yet it served to conduct some of the energy of the lightning ball away from your body.</p>
+ <p>You are left stunned and smouldering by the explosion. Drunkenly, you stagger to your feet and use your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus to extinguish those parts of your cloak and tunic ignited by the blast. Your
Weapon disintegrated when it was hit (erase it from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>), yet it served to conduct some of the energy of the lightning ball away from your body.</p>
<p>Your terrified horse has halted at the river's edge and you call to him, using your natural Kai skills to calm and control his fear. He responds at once and returns to collect you. Swiftly you climb back into the saddle and gallop away along the river trail, anxious to put distance between you and this deadly storm.</p>
<choice idref="sect80"><link-text>Turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>At Shamath's command, her attendants draw wicked-looking slivers of steel from scabbards hidden inside their robes and, with a cry of vengeance, they come rushing forwards to hack you down.</p>
<combat><enemy>Cheghath</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">37</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>These beings are gifted with strong psychic defences. Halve all bonuses you would normally receive if you choose to use a psychic attack (including Kai Blast) during this combat.</p>
+ <p>These beings are gifted with strong psychic defences. Halve all bonuses you would normally receive if you choose to use a psychic attack (including Kai-blast) during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect303">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Your punch knocks the Elder off his feet and leaves him slumped unconscious against the gunwale. A deathly silence descends on the deck and all eyes turn to stare in disbelief at what you have done.</p>
<p><quote>Seize him!</quote> bellows another Elder, and a score of acolytes spring from the benches to obey the command. You draw your weapon and fight them with breathtaking skill and valour, but eventually you are overcome by the sheer weight of numbers. By the time they have disarmed you and pinned you to the deck, more than thirty of them lie slain or seriously injured in a heaped circle around where you lie.</p>
- <p>You stare back defiantly at the ring of grim faces that loom over you. Then the face of an acolyte Elder comes into view and he sneers with disdain when he sees that you are a Sommlending. He places the tip of his glowing wand to your forehead and suddenly there is an explosion of white light. Sadly, it is the last sensation you will ever experience.</p>
+ <p>You stare back defiantly at the ring of grim faces that loom over you. Then the face of an Elder comes into view and he sneers with disdain when he sees that you are a Sommlending. He places the tip of his glowing wand to your forehead and suddenly there is an explosion of white light. Sadly, it is the last sensation you will ever experience.</p>
<p>Your life and your quest end here.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>136</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You retreat into the copse, using your Magnakai skills of invisibility to keep you hidden from the advancing brigands. In their clumsy eagerness to enter the trees, they fail to notice you slip through their lines and circle around behind them. You have outwitted them but you are still anxious that they may find your horse. You move to higher ground in order to get a better view of the copse and, from a vantage point among the boulders, you observe their leader and three of his henchmen hiding nearby, crouched behind the bough of a fallen tree.</p>
- <choice idref="sect304">If you possess a Bow and wish to fire an arrow at the brigand leader, <link-text>turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>You retreat into the copse, using your Magnakai skills of Invisibility to keep you hidden from the advancing brigands. In their clumsy eagerness to enter the trees, they fail to notice you slip through their lines and circle around behind them. You have outwitted them but you are still anxious that they may find your horse. You move to higher ground in order to get a better view of the copse and, from a vantage point among the boulders, you observe their leader and three of his henchmen hiding nearby, crouched behind the bough of a fallen tree.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect304">If you possess a Bow and wish to fire an Arrow at the brigand leader, <link-text>turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect212">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use the spell of <spell>Mind Charm</spell>, <link-text>turn to 212</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect98">If you decide to wait and observe the brigands a little longer, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>As you approach the hall, you notice that it has only one means of entry&emdash;a large pair of double doors facing the lake. A long procession of acolytes are filing into the hall through these open doors and you stop to observe them. It occurs to you that if you are to discover what is going on inside, then you will have to enter by the same way.</p>
- <p>A portly perimeter guard passes by and you duck into a darkened doorway to avoid being seen. He goes into a hut opposite and suddenly an idea springs to mind, an idea that could get you into the grand hall. You hurry across to the hut and rush in, catching the acolyte by surprise. A blow to the back of the head renders him unconscious and quickly you put on his voluminous red robes which completely cover your clothing and equipment (you need not record these robes on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>).</p>
- <p>Dressed as an acolyte, and aided by your Kai camouflage skills, you should now have no difficulty getting into the hall.</p>
+ <p>A portly perimeter guard passes by and you duck into a darkened doorway to avoid being seen. He goes into a hut opposite and suddenly an idea springs to mind, an idea that could get you into the grand hall. You hurry across to the hut and rush in, catching the acolyte by surprise. A blow to the back of the head renders him unconscious
, and quickly you put on his voluminous red robes which completely cover your clothing and equipment (you need not record these robes on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>).</p>
+ <p>Dressed as an acolyte, and aided by your Kai Camouflage skills, you should now have no difficulty getting into the hall.</p>
<choice idref="sect289">If, before leaving the hut, you wish to search it for useful items, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect143">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 143</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<section class="numbered" id="sect142">
<meta><title>142</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect142-1-foot" idref="sect142-1">
+ <p>The originally published edition of this book instructed you to add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score. We believe that our alteration to specify restoration instead of addition is closer to the intent of the author. The original led to several questions. Would this additional score be a permanent increase of your maximum <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>? Permanent alterations of basic scores in the middle of an adventure are rare making this option unlikely. Nor does the context support this conclusion. Then would this addition only be for the duration of the combat similar to the bonus to <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>? This makes the bonus useless. If you were to complete the combat with fewer than 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points remaining and then removed the bonus after the combat was over, you would be just as dead as without the bonus. Another proposal was that you should remove the bonus from your score only if it leaves your score above the normal maximum after the combat. Although reasonable, this probably wasn't the intent of the author since he did not specify this procedure. We have opted for the simplest, most straightforward choice: that this is just a restorative effect.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>You draw your weapon and brace yourself as the phantoms swoop down upon you like hungry vultures descending on a corpse.</p>
<combat><enemy>Vortexi</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight. If you possess the Sommerswerd, add 5 to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score.</p>
+ <p>For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight. If you possess the Sommerswerd, restore 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score.<a id="sect142-1" idref="sect142-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
<choice idref="sect159">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 159</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect143">
<meta><title>143</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect143-1-foot" idref="sect143-1">
+ <p>It is most likely that these Discipline bonuses are not intended to be cumulative.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>You raise the hood of your robe and join the procession of acolytes who are filing into the hall. The interior is a dark and forbidding place, decorated with the ritualistic trappings of the acolytes of Vashna. Spluttering candles dimly illuminate a central altar and a sickly-smelling incense saturates the air. The acolytes encircle the altar several ranks deep and listen intently as two of their Elders conduct a liturgy in praise of Darklord Vashna, and the victory he has seen fit to grant them. They conclude their sinister ceremony by crying out the words, <quote>we celebrate this eve of the <quote>Great Welcoming</quote>. May Lord Vashna, our master, vanquish his enemies and rule unchallenged ever more!</quote></p>
+ <p>You raise the hood of your robe and join the procession of acolytes who are filing into the hall. The interior is a dark and forbidding place, decorated with the ritualistic trappings of the Acolytes of Vashna. Spluttering candles dimly illuminate a central altar and a sickly-smelling incense saturates the air. The acolytes encircle the altar several ranks deep and listen intently as two of their Elders conduct a liturgy in praise of Darklord Vashna, and the victory he has seen fit to grant them. They conclude their sinister ceremony by crying out the words, <quote>We celebrate this eve of the <quote>Great Welcoming</quote>. May Lord Vashna, our master, vanquish his enemies and rule unchallenged ever more!</quote></p>
<p>The acolytes respond spontaneously by repeatedly chanting their master's name. <quote>Vashna! Vashna! Vashna!</quote> they cry, as they slowly shuffle out of the hall in single file. At the door, each acolyte is handed a burning torch and made to parade past the Elders who give them their unholy blessing. You take care to keep your face concealed within the raised hood of your robe as your turn comes to pass before them.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Kai-alchemy, Kai-screen, or Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Kai-alchemy, Kai-screen, or Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked.<a id="sect143-1" idref="sect143-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
<p>Also, if you possess a Runic Disc, add 1; if you possess the Sommerswerd, deduct 3; and for every rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, add 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect322">If your total score is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 322</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect192">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>144</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the screaming vortexi horde swoop down, you pray to Kai and Ishir to give you strength enough to defeat them.</p>
+ <p>As the screaming Vortexi horde swoop down, you pray to Kai and Ishir to give you strength enough to defeat them.</p>
<choice idref="sect118">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 118</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect284">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 284</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>149</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The bolt streaks towards you and, for one terrible moment, you are frozen rigid with fear. Then your natural Kai instincts take command and suddenly it is as if everything is happening in slow motion. You are in mortal danger and must act swiftly if you are to survive.</p>
+ <p>The bolt streaks towards you and, for one terrible moment, you are frozen rigid with fear. Then your natural Kai instincts take command, and suddenly it is as if everything is happening in slow motion. You are in mortal danger and must act swiftly if you are to survive.</p>
<choice idref="sect71">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 71</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect7">If you do not, you can attempt to avoid the bolt by diving out of the building. <link-text>Turn to 7</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<section class="numbered" id="sect150">
<meta><title>150</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect150-1-foot" idref="sect150-1">
+ <p>It is most likely that these Discipline bonuses are not intended to be cumulative.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>The longboat glides to a halt beside the jetty and attendant acolytes make it secure with ropes and hawsers. An Elder oversees the disembarkation, allowing the wounded off first, followed by the rest in descending order of rank and superiority. You join in the queue with the lowly initiates and follow the line as it files off the jetty and up a torchlit hilltrack to a hall of stone. It is a grand building which shows signs of having only recently been constructed.</p>
- <p>The interior of the hall is a dark and forbidding place, decorated with the ritualistic trappings of the acolytes of Vashna. Spluttering candles dimly illuminate a central altar and a sickly-smelling incense saturates the air. The acolytes encircle the altar several ranks deep and listen intently as two of their Elders conduct a liturgy in praise of Darklord Vashna, and the victory he has seen fit to grant them. They conclude their sinister ceremony by crying out the words, <quote>We celebrate this eve of the <quote>Great Welcoming</quote>. May Lord Vashna, our master, vanquish his enemies and rule unchallenged ever more!</quote></p>
+ <p>The interior of the hall is a dark and forbidding place, decorated with the ritualistic trappings of the Acolytes of Vashna. Spluttering candles dimly illuminate a central altar and a sickly-smelling incense saturates the air. The acolytes encircle the altar several ranks deep and listen intently as two of their Elders conduct a liturgy in praise of Darklord Vashna, and the victory he has seen fit to grant them. They conclude their sinister ceremony by crying out the words, <quote>We celebrate this eve of the <quote>Great Welcoming</quote>. May Lord Vashna, our master, vanquish his enemies and rule unchallenged ever more!</quote></p>
<p>The acolytes respond spontaneously by repeatedly chanting their master's name. <quote>Vashna! Vashna! Vashna!</quote> they cry, as they slowly shuffle out of the hall in single file. At the door, each acolyte is handed a burning torch and made to parade past the Elders who give them their unholy blessing. You take care to keep your face concealed within the raised hood of your robe as your turn comes to pass before them.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Kai-alchemy, Kai-screen, or Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Kai-alchemy, Kai-screen, or Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked.<a id="sect150-1" idref="sect150-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
<p>Also, if you possess a Runic Disc, add 1; if you possess the Sommerswerd, deduct 3; and for every rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, add 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect322">If your total score is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 322</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect192">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
<p>You back away from the advancing line of automatons and try to use your speed and agility to get around their flank. But you have taken less than a dozen steps when you feel the floor becoming soft and spongy beneath your feet.</p>
<choice idref="sect193">If you possess Telegnosis, and have reached the Kai rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 193</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect127">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 127</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect232">If you do not possess these skills, or if you have yet to attain the rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 232</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect232">Otherwise, <link-text>turn to 232</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>154</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You fly through the air towards the opposite roof, yet in your haste to pursue the assassin, you misjudge the jump and land short. Desperately, you scrabble to get a grip on the rusty guttering at the edge of the tiled roof, but it is weak and cannot support your weight. It collapses and, with a cry of fear, you plummet backwards into the street below.</p>
+ <p>You fly through the air towards the opposite roof, yet in your haste to pursue the assassin, you misjudge the jump and land short. Desperately, you scrabble to get a grip on the rusty gutter at the edge of the tiled roof, but it is weak and cannot support your weight. It collapses and, with a cry of fear, you plummet backwards into the street below.</p>
<choice idref="sect38"><link-text>Turn to 38</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You scan the brooding sky, using your ability to see in the ultraviolet and infrared light spectrums. Your advanced Kai skills enable you to see and track the flying creatures as they circle slowly around their lair and come swooping down to attack you.</p>
<p>You draw your weapon and, in the ultraviolet spectrum, you detect that an aura of protection is sheathing it from the extreme temperature of this domain. Then a hideous shriek splits the air as the first of the beasts dives upon you.</p>
<combat><enemy>Lavas</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">44</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <choice idref="sect276">You may evade this combat after five rounds, by <link-text>turning to 276</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect276">You may evade this combat after five rounds by <link-text>turning to 276</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect3">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 3</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>159</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You have destroyed all of the ghostly creatures that were attacking you, but you are mindful that there are still hundreds of these malevolent spirits circling the area. You stand with your horse at the rear of the shallow cave, your weapon ready in hand, and pray to Kai and Ishir to keep you both safely hidden. Gleefully, the vortexi ride the raging storm for more than an hour until eventually it dies and they slowly disappear.</p>
- <p>An uneasy calm descends upon the land. You sense that the danger has passed and try to get some rest, but the recent memory of your ghastly confrontation is still vivid in your mind and it makes it impossible for you to sleep: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You have destroyed all of the ghostly creatures that were attacking you, but you are mindful that there are still hundreds of these malevolent spirits circling the area. You stand with your horse at the rear of the shallow cave, your weapon ready in hand, and pray to Kai and Ishir to keep you both safely hidden. Gleefully, the Vortexi ride the raging storm for more than an hour until eventually it dies and they slowly disappear.</p>
+ <p>An uneasy calm descends upon the land. You sense that the danger has passed and try to get some rest, but the recent memory of your ghastly confrontation is still vivid in your mind which makes it impossible for you to sleep: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Furthermore, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose an additional 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect337"><link-text>Turn to 337</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The shops and hovels which sandwich this narrow street show no visible signs of life. Heavy iron bars and stout oaken shutters secure their every portal, understandably a necessary precaution in this villainous city. You are beginning to lose hope of finding the Crooked Sage Inn, when suddenly you notice a pale yellow light streaming from the doorway of a nearby building. As you ride closer, you see a sign hanging above the door. It shows a black bear standing upright on its hind legs, and in its forepaws it grasps a placard which says:</p>
<signpost>GHADLAR & SONS&emdash;FURRIERS</signpost>
- <choice idref="sect226">If you wish to enter the furrier's shop, <link-text>turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect226">If you wish to enter the furriers' shop, <link-text>turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect244">If you choose to ignore it, you may continue along this street by <link-text>turning to 244</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The howling phantoms come swirling out of the storm. They encircle the great shimmering arch in a long, unbroken chain, and then, one by one, they peel away to dive at the place where you are standing. Guided by your Kai instincts, you raise the Deathstaff and whirl it around your head&emdash;once, twice, three times&ellips;</p>
- <p>An ominous hum radiates from its haft. There is a crackle of static electricity and the damp air seethes with restrained, undischarged power. A thread of mist issues from the staff's tip and builds rapidly into a spinning cyclone that ensnares the vortexi and prevents them from reaching you. In desperation, you sense them pooling their immense psychic energies in an attempt to break out of this whirling prison and attack you.</p>
+ <p>An ominous hum radiates from its haft. There is a crackle of static electricity and the damp air seethes with restrained, undischarged power. A thread of mist issues from the staff's tip and builds rapidly into a spinning cyclone that ensnares the Vortexi and prevents them from reaching you. In desperation, you sense them pooling their immense psychic energies in an attempt to break out of this whirling prison and attack you.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<p>If you possess Kai-surge, add 4 to this number. If you possess Kai-screen, add 2. If you possess Assimilance, add 1.</p>
<p>Also, if your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total is 18 or more, add 1; if your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total is 17 or less, deduct 1.</p>
<meta><title>163</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Tied to a stone obelisk in the centre of the quay square are three acolytes of Vashna. They are guarded by two Vakovarian brigands who keep themselves amused by bullying and tormenting them.</p>
+ <p>Tied to a stone obelisk in the centre of the quay square are three Acolytes of Vashna. They are guarded by two Vakovarian brigands who keep themselves amused by bullying and tormenting them.</p>
<p>For the past hour the sky overhead has become increasingly grey and thundery, with occasional storm flashes illuminating the northern shore. Now this storm is crossing the lake and the lightning is beginning to strike dangerously close to the quay. The brigands seemingly ignore this danger, so preoccupied are they with their petty cruelties, but then something appears on the surface of the lake which commands their attention.</p>
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<meta><title>164</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Galvanized into action by the fear of what will happen should the Demoness be allowed entry to this world, you cast your eyes and Kai senses across the symbols which are engraved upon the crystal surface of the uppermost tier. Then, in a sudden flash of inspiration, you realize that the symbols themselves are the key to the activation of the shadow gate.</p>
- <p>You study the symbols and determine that a sequence must be completed in order for you to be able to close the shadow gate.</p>
+ <p>Galvanized into action by the fear of what will happen should the Demoness be allowed entry to this world, you cast your eyes and Kai senses across the symbols which are engraved upon the crystal surface of the uppermost tier. Then, in a sudden flash of inspiration, you realize that the symbols themselves are the key to the activation of the Shadow Gate.</p>
+ <p>You study the symbols and determine that a sequence must be completed in order for you to be able to close the Shadow Gate.</p>
<p>Study the following grid of numbers carefully. When you think you know the missing number, turn to the entry which bears the same number as your answer.</p>
<choice idref="sect235">If you cannot solve the problem, <link-text>turn to 235</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The moment you step through the archway you feel an electrifying jolt run through your body, and snake-like tendrils of blue-white energy arc from the rim of the arch to the hilt of the Sommerswerd. A gasp of astonishment arises from the acolytes, audible even above the howling wind.</p>
- <p><quote>We have an intruder in our midst,</quote> screams Cadak, levelling his wizard's staff at you accusingly. You fight the paralysing effect of the current and tug the sun-sword free of its scabbard. For a moment the current weakens as it is absorbed and neutralized by the Sommerswerd's divine energy, but then the tip of Cadak's staff ignites with a crimson flame and the current intensifies anew, numbing your limbs with its insidious effect.</p>
- <p><quote>Ha! I know you, intruder,</quote> yells Cadak, maniacally, <quote>You are Lone Wolf, the doomed hero of a doomed realm. You are a fool to come here, Kai lord. Your powers are no match for those of Naar, the King of the Darkness.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>We have an intruder in our midst!</quote> screams Cadak, levelling his wizard's staff at you accusingly. You fight the paralysing effect of the current and tug the Sun-sword free of its scabbard. For a moment the current weakens as it is absorbed and neutralized by the Sommerswerd's divine energy, but then the tip of Cadak's staff ignites with a crimson flame and the current intensifies anew, numbing your limbs with its insidious effect.</p>
+ <p><quote>Ha! I know you, intruder,</quote> yells Cadak maniacally. <quote>You are Lone Wolf, the doomed hero of a doomed realm. You are a fool to come here, Kai Lord. Your powers are no match for those of Naar, the King of the Darkness.</quote></p>
<p>With this he turns to the acolytes and throws up his hands triumphantly.</p>
<p><quote>This night we shall celebrate a double victory, my brethren. The resurrection of Lord Vashna and the destruction of Grand Master Lone Wolf!</quote></p>
<p>The acolytes scream their approval, but their cheer is drowned by the ever-increasing noise of the storm. Then you see that the storm itself is changing. A huge vortex of whirling cloud is descending from the heavens, a tornado whose deadly funnel is reaching down towards you. Then the tip of the roaring plume touches the ground at your feet and, with a terrifying suddenness, you are torn from the energy curtain and sent hurtling through the air towards the dark centre of the towering arch.</p>
<meta><title>167</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You cease firing, having decided to conserve your remaining arrows for later. After a few minutes the brigands suspect that one of their bolts has found its mark and they come creeping forwards.</p>
- <p>You retreat into the copse, using your Magnakai skills of invisibility to keep you hidden from the advancing brigands. They pass you, enabling you to circle around behind them. You have outwitted them but you are still anxious that they may find Bracer. You move to higher ground in order to get a better view of the copse and, from a vantage point among the boulders, you observe their leader and three of his henchmen hiding nearby, crouched behind the bough of a fallen tree.</p>
- <choice idref="sect304">If you wish to fire an arrow at the brigand leader, <link-text>turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>You cease firing, having decided to conserve your remaining Arrows for later. After a few minutes the brigands suspect that one of their bolts has found its mark and they come creeping forwards.</p>
+ <p>You retreat into the copse, using your Magnakai skills of Invisibility to keep you hidden from the advancing brigands. They pass you, enabling you to circle around behind them. You have outwitted them but you are still anxious that they may find Bracer. You move to higher ground in order to get a better view of the copse and, from a vantage point among the boulders, you observe their leader and three of his henchmen hiding nearby, crouched behind the bough of a fallen tree.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect304">If you wish to fire an Arrow at the brigand leader, <link-text>turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect212">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use the spell of <spell>Mind Charm</spell>, <link-text>turn to 212</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect98">If you decide to wait and observe the brigands a little longer, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p><quote>Easy, Smudd,</quote> you say, letting your hands drift away from your weapons, <quote>I mean you no harm. I just want to talk with you awhile, that's all.</quote></p>
<p>The scrawny-faced knave looks at you with deep suspicion, his hand tightening around the hilt of his rapier.</p>
<p><quote>Look,</quote> you say, reaching for your money pouch, <quote>I'm even prepared to pay for the privilege.</quote></p>
- <p>Slowly you remove five Gold Crowns and place them on the table (if you currently have less than five Gold Crowns, you give Smudd what you have plus one item from your Backpack).</p>
+ <p>Slowly you remove five Gold Crowns and place them on the table (if you currently have less than five Gold Crowns, you give Smudd what you have <em>plus</em> one item from your Backpack).</p>
<choice idref="sect323">Adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly, then <link-text>turn to 323</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>174</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>On leaving the furrier's shop, you continue along the street until you reach a junction. The old woman's directions lead you through a warren of covered alleyways and narrow passages which eventually lead to the start of Tavern Lane, the street where she says you'll find the Crooked Sage Inn.</p>
+ <p>On leaving the furriers' shop, you continue along the street until you reach a junction. The old woman's directions lead you through a warren of covered alleyways and narrow passages which eventually lead to the start of Tavern Lane, the street where she says you'll find the Crooked Sage Inn.</p>
<choice idref="sect332"><link-text>Turn to 332</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
</illustration>
<p>As you enter, a hawk swoops down from the roof and lands on Fyrad's arm. He produces a strip of dried meat from his pocket and the hawk takes it back to his perch to consume at his leisure.</p>
<p><quote>Fine bird, that 'un,</quote> he says, fondly. <quote>He's led me to some rich quarry over the years.</quote></p>
- <p>Over a meal of rabbit and wild berries, you ask Fyrad what he knows about the acolytes of Vashna and the Maakengorge. He says he has seen their camp on the east shore of the lake but, like the infamous gorge, only from a distance. His main cause for concern has been the storms and the Vakovarian bandits. If he did not have a hungry family and debts to meet in Karkaste, he would have packed up and gone home a month ago.</p>
+ <p>Over a meal of rabbit and wild berries, you ask Fyrad what he knows about the Acolytes of Vashna and the Maakengorge. He says he has seen their camp on the east shore of the lake but, like the infamous gorge, only from a distance. His main cause for concern has been the storms and the Vakovarian bandits. If he did not have a hungry family and debts to meet in Karkaste, he would have packed up and gone home a month ago.</p>
<p>After your delicious meal, you attend to your horse before settling down for the night. You offer to share the watch but Fyrad says this will not be necessary.</p>
<p><quote>Best watchman you could ever wish for,</quote> he says, pointing to his pet hawk. <quote>He'll let us know in good time if trouble comes a-callin' tonight.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect66"><link-text>Turn to 66</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>176</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You unsheathe the sun-sword and strike out at the approaching bolt in a desperate attempt to deflect it away. It strikes the edge of the blade and you are blinded by an eruption of searing white light. The Sommerswerd has negated the force of the bolt, rendering it harmless, but the shock of the impact sends you reeling backwards. As you fall you knock your head on a charred timber: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You unsheathe the Sun-sword and strike out at the approaching bolt in a desperate attempt to deflect it away. It strikes the edge of the blade and you are blinded by an eruption of searing white light. The Sommerswerd has negated the force of the bolt, rendering it harmless, but the shock of the impact sends you reeling backwards. As you fall you knock your head on a charred timber: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect200">To continue, <link-text>turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>180</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The birds attack at such a tremendous speed that you dismiss the idea of using a bow. Swiftly you draw your weapon&emdash;it has barely cleared its sheath when the first of the scavengers swoop in for the kill. You are forced to release your grip on the guide rope and step back a few paces for you are not the target of their attack; they are after your horse.</p>
+ <p>The birds attack at such a tremendous speed that you dismiss the idea of using a Bow. Swiftly you draw your weapon&emdash;it has barely cleared its sheath when the first of the Scavengers swoop in for the kill. You are forced to release your grip on the guide rope and step back a few paces, for you are not the target of their attack: they are after your horse.</p>
<combat><enemy>Durncrag scavengers</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">18</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect317">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 317</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>183</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw an arrow to your lips and fire it with blinding speed and accuracy. It pierces the heart of the leading acolyte, killing him instantly, and causes his partner to skid to a halt. Unnerved by your deadly prowess with a bow, he turns and runs towards his brethren who are fighting at the quayside.</p>
- <choice idref="sect325">Erase one
arrow from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, and <link-text>turn to 325</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>You draw an Arrow to your lips and fire it with blinding speed and accuracy. It pierces the heart of the leading acolyte, killing him instantly, and causes his partner to skid to a halt. Unnerved by your deadly prowess with a Bow, he turns and runs towards his brethren who are fighting at the quayside.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect325">Erase one
Arrow from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, and <link-text>turn to 325</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>184</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You turn your head slightly and see a pair of sandalled feet standing on the deck by your side. They belong to the Elder whom you almost collided with when you jumped aboard the longboat. He repeats his command and this time you recognize some of the words. You think he is saying something like: <quote>Move, or you'll be wounded.</quote></p>
+ <p>You turn your head slightly and see a pair of sandalled feet standing on the deck by your side. They belong to the Elder with whom you almost collided when you jumped aboard the longboat. He repeats his command and this time you recognize some of the words. You think he is saying something like: <quote>Move, or you'll be wounded.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect219">If you wish to move along the bench, <link-text>turn to 219</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect292">If you decide to ignore his command, <link-text>turn to 292</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>185</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>Bah! Y' towheaded screwjaws,</quote> curses the drunkard, when you refuse to pay his outrageous price. <quote>I've more pressin' things t' do than waste breath on you.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Bah! Y' towheaded screwjaw,</quote> curses the drunkard when you refuse to pay his outrageous price. <quote>I've more pressin' things t' do than waste breath on you.</quote></p>
<p>With this, he stumbles away into the fog, clutching his jug of ale. You watch him disappear, then you look again at the three exits from this square and try to fathom which one will lead you to the Crooked Sage Inn.</p>
<choice idref="sect16">If you wish to leave the square by the north exit, <link-text>turn to 16</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect332">If you wish to leave the square by the east exit, <link-text>turn to 332</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>186</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>It seems that the closer you get to the pool, the hotter the relic becomes. Another few steps and it will be hot enough to explode. Desperately, you fumble to retrieve it from the charred pocket of your tunic, and hurl it away.</p>
+ <p>It seems that the closer you get to the pool, the hotter the relic becomes. Another few steps and it will be hot enough to explode. Desperately, you fumble to retrieve it from the charred pocket of your tunic and hurl it away.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If the number you have picked is 0&endash;4, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect316">If it is 5&endash;9, <link-text>turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You speed across the room and lunge for the archer as he exits through the window. Your hand grabs hold of his breeches and you try to drag him back into the room, but he kicks free and leaves you clutching a fragment of cloth torn from the leg of his trousers.</p>
- <choice idref="sect9">If you wish to pursue the man on to the balcony, <link-text>turn to 9</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect9">If you wish to pursue the man onto the balcony, <link-text>turn to 9</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect231">If you decide to let him go, you can leave the inn by the front door by <link-text>turning to 231</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>198</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You unshoulder your bow and draw an arrow with one swift and fluid movement. Then, as the beast's head crosses your line of sight, you release the shaft and send it whistling towards its gaping jaw.</p>
+ <p>You unshoulder your Bow and draw an Arrow with one swift and fluid movement. Then, as the beast's head crosses your line of sight, you release the shaft and send it whistling towards its gaping jaws.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Weaponmastery with Bow, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect48">If your total score is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 48</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect272">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 272</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You stagger to your feet and shake your head to clear your blurred vision. The first thing you see when your sight returns to normal is the attacking longboat as it collides with the Vakovarian ship. With a deafening screech of twisting metal and shearing timbers, it shudders along the length of the starboard side, sending the brigands who are aboard cartwheeling helplessly across the deck. Grappling lines are cast and boarding planks lowered, and before the Vakovarians can recover, a screaming horde of red-robed acolytes are amongst them, slaying all without quarter.</p>
- <p>On the quayside the Vakovarians are gripped by panic. Many flee to the ruins, but there is a core of battle-hardened ex-mercenaries who band together and attempt a counter-attack. Bloody fighting rages along the quayside as the acolytes try to recapture the three who are tied to the stone obelisk. The prisoners are eventually saved by a trio of acolyte Elders, each of whom is armed with a glowing wand that discharges an incinerating blast of energy against any brigand foolish enough to stand in their way. The Elders retreat to the long boat with the freed prisoners, but the fighting has started to spread beyond the quay. There is a sudden noise to your left, and when you turn to face it you see, two acolytes of Vashna racing along the street towards you with bloodied swords held ready to strike you down.</p>
+ <p>On the quayside the Vakovarians are gripped by panic. Many flee to the ruins, but there is a core of battle-hardened ex-mercenaries who band together and attempt a counter-attack. Bloody fighting rages along the quayside as the acolytes try to recapture the three who are tied to the stone obelisk. The prisoners are eventually saved by a trio of Acolyte Elders, each of whom is armed with a glowing wand that discharges an incinerating blast of energy against any brigand foolish enough to stand in their way. The Elders retreat to the long boat with the freed prisoners, but the fighting has started to spread beyond the quay. There is a sudden noise to your left, and when you turn to face it, you see two Acolytes of Vashna racing along the street towards you with bloodied swords held ready to strike you down.</p>
<choice idref="sect183">If you possess a Bow, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 183</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect40">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 40</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect288">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 288</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>204</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Fear tightens its grip on your senses as you move slowly towards the arch. You are terrified by the thought of what might happen when you enter, but you dare not falter now. If you refuse to enter the arch, the acolytes of Vashna will know that you are not one of them.</p>
+ <p>Fear tightens its grip on your senses as you move slowly towards the arch. You are terrified by the thought of what might happen when you enter, but you dare not falter now. If you refuse to enter the arch, the Acolytes of Vashna will know that you are not one of them.</p>
<choice idref="sect20">If you possess the Dagger of Vashna, <link-text>turn to 20</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect81">If you possess Helshezag, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect343">If you do not possess either of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The ferocity of their attack leaves you sprawled on the floor of the cave, holding your aching head with both hands. Having encountered unexpected resistance, the phantoms veer away and vanish into the clouds. They have gone, but not for long. Within minutes they return with seven more of their ghostly brothers in train.</p>
- <choice idref="sect229">If you possess Kai-surge, and have reached the rank of Sun Lord, or higher, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect229">If you possess Kai-surge, and have reached the rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect142">If you do not possess this Discipline, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai rank, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The hut has long been deserted but it still offers you and your horse good protection against the elements. It is watertight and there is sufficient straw on the floor to feed your mount and keep you warm during the night.</p>
- <p>Before you settle down to rest, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Before you settle down to rest, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Sheltered from the foul storm, you are able to get a good night's rest. You awake the following morning feeling invigorated: restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect285">To continue, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>208</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Through a gap in the boulders you see a pack of eight ridge-backed jackals feeding on the carcass of a Durncrag scavenger, a vulture-like bird of prey. They are engrossed in their meal until they detect the scent of their most-favoured food: live horsemeat.</p>
- <p>With another frenzied howl the wild jackals abandon the feathery carcass and come streaming through the gap in the boulders, drawn by the scent of your horse. They seem to know that he is in a weakened state and this fuels their fury. Your horse takes fright and tries to pull away, his hooves flailing the air perilously close to your skull, and as the first of the jackals make its attack, you find yourself struggling to hold on to the reins with one hand and fight off the jackals with the other.</p>
+ <p>Through a gap in the boulders you see a pack of eight ridge-backed jackals feeding on the carcass of a Durncrag Scavenger, a vulture-like bird of prey. They are engrossed in their meal until they detect the scent of their most favoured food: live horsemeat.</p>
+ <p>With another frenzied howl the wild Jackals abandon the feathery carcass and come streaming through the gap in the boulders, drawn by the scent of your horse. They seem to know that he is in a weakened state and this fuels their fury. Your horse takes fright and tries to pull away, his hooves flailing the air perilously close to your skull, and as the first of the jackals make its attack, you find yourself struggling to hold on to the reins with one hand and fight off the jackals with the other.</p>
<combat><enemy>Vorndarol jackals</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>Unless you possess Grand Weaponmastery and have reached the rank of Sun Knight, or higher, you must reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 5 for the duration of this combat.</p>
- <choice idref="sect222">You may evade combat after four rounds, by <link-text>turning to 222</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>Unless you possess Grand Weaponmastery and have reached the rank of Sun Knight or higher, you must reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 5 for the duration of this combat.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect222">You may evade combat after four rounds by <link-text>turning to 222</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect347">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 347</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>209</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You gallop down the muddy track towards a cleft in the gulley which is protected by the overhanging ledge. Here you command Bracer to halt, but he does not respond as you would wish. He paws at the ground and refuses to stand still. You feel sure that the lightning flashes, the burning trees, and the deafening cracks of thunder are the reasons why he is so unsettled. In an attempt to calm him down, you draw on your innate Kai skill of animal kinship. In doing so you suddenly discover the real reason why he is so agitated.</p>
+ <p>You gallop down the muddy track towards a cleft in the gulley which is protected by the overhanging ledge. Here you command Bracer to halt, but he does not respond as you would wish. He paws at the ground and refuses to stand still. You feel sure that the lightning flashes, the burning trees, and the deafening cracks of thunder are the reasons why he is so unsettled. In an attempt to calm him down, you draw on your innate Kai skill of Animal Kinship. In doing so, you suddenly discover the real reason why he is so agitated.</p>
<choice idref="sect319"><link-text>Turn to 319</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>211</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your mastery of the Kai camouflage skills makes you virtually undetectable. The Vakovarians search the inn thoroughly but they fail to find you, even though one passes so close that he treads on your foot.</p>
+ <p>Your mastery of the Kai Camouflage skills makes you virtually undetectable. The Vakovarians search the inn thoroughly but they fail to find you, even though one passes so close that he treads on your foot.</p>
<p>You wait until they have gone, then you leave the inn and make your way down through the ruins towards the lake, taking care to avoid those other Vakovarians who are out looting. The burnt-out shell of a meeting hall offers you an unobstructed view of the quay and its flagstoned square. You hide here, invisible among the charred roof timbers, and watch as a curious scene unfolds on the quayside outside.</p>
<choice idref="sect163"><link-text>Turn to 163</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>212</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You focus on the brigand leader as you whisper the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell>. You will him to send away his henchmen and, when he is alone, you close in on him from behind without making a sound.</p>
+ <p>You focus on the brigand leader as you whisper the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell>. You will him to send away his henchmen and, when he is alone, you close in on him from behind without making a sound.</p>
<choice idref="sect119"><link-text>Turn to 119</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You level the Deathstaff at the Arch Druid, and say, <quote>This is the key to the resurrection of Vashna; without it your Demoness will be powerless to summon him.</quote></p>
- <p>Cadak laughs sneeringly at your words. <quote>And how long do you think you will keep it from her, Kai lord? Did you think that the Demoness Shamath will have difficulty taking it from you? No, she will not. You are doomed, Lone Wolf. Why don't you admit it? You were doomed the moment you returned from the great arch.</quote></p>
+ <p>Cadak laughs sneeringly at your words. <quote>And how long do you think you will keep it from her, Kai Lord? Did you think that the Demoness Shamath will have difficulty taking it from you? No, she will not. You are doomed, Lone Wolf. Why don't you admit it? You were doomed the moment you returned from the great arch.</quote></p>
<p>Your hatred for the evil druid wells up and you suddenly feel a tingling sensation engulf your hands. Your emotion has activated the power of the Deathstaff and, without warning, a swirling cone of grey vapour emerges from its tip and coils towards Cadak. He yelps with shocked surprise and raises his staff to fend off the attack. He is successful, but at great cost to his magical stamina.</p>
<p>You, too, feel the draining effect of this accursed staff (lose 7 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points) and your Kai senses scream a warning not to use it again in combat for fear of the consequences. Next time you could lose more than <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points&emdash;you could lose your soul!</p>
<choice idref="sect252"><link-text>Turn to 252</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>217</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You sheathe your weapon and hold out your open palms to show that you have no intention of harming them. They seem to respond to this gesture and they allow you to approach and examine their sickly child. You tell them that you can help their son and, using your innate healing skills, you place your hands upon the boy's chest and let your Kai power flow through into his fever-wracked body. Within a few moments he stirs to consciousness and gives a healthy cry; you have saved his life.</p>
+ <p>You sheathe your weapon and hold out your open palms to show that you have no intention of harming them. They seem to respond to this gesture and they allow you to approach and examine their sickly child. You tell them that you can help their son and, using your innate Healing skills, you place your hands upon the boy's chest and let your Kai power flow through into his fever-wracked body. Within a few moments he stirs to consciousness and gives a healthy cry; you have saved his life.</p>
<choice idref="sect277"><link-text>Turn to 277</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>222</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You leap into the saddle and steer your terrified horse away from the frenzied jackals. Bloodied in combat, they stand off just long enough for you to urge your horse to the gallop and get away along the shore. With the help of your Kai mastery, he crosses the difficult terrain with agility, despite his fatigue, and soon reaches firmer ground where he is able to increase his pace and escape from the howling pack.</p>
- <p>The jackals command the shore and you are forced to retrace your steps all the way back to the fork in the trail and take the other path that leads into the foothills. By the time you arrive here, you are tired and very hungry. Unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat 1 Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You leap into the saddle and steer your terrified horse away from the frenzied Jackals. Bloodied in combat, they stand off just long enough for you to urge your horse to a gallop and get away along the shore. With the help of your Kai mastery, he crosses the difficult terrain with agility, despite his fatigue, and soon reaches firmer ground where he is able to increase his pace and escape from the howling pack.</p>
+ <p>The Jackals command the shore and you are forced to retrace your steps all the way back to the fork in the trail and take the other path that leads into the foothills. By the time you arrive here, you are tired and very hungry. Unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat 1 Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect61">To continue, <link-text>turn to 61</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You wrench the Deathstaff from the dais and sag beneath its unnatural weight. The moment you raise it into the air, the Demoness spins around to stare at you, sending her attendants flying in all directions. She screams with unholy anger and the noise of her wrath lifts you bodily and sends you skidding across the floor.</p>
- <p>Desperately you fight to maintain your grip on the Deathstaff as the furious Shamath gets to her feet. She comes striding towards you, bolts of energy darting from her fingertips to rip open the ground as you stumble away towards the yawning black tunnel. The deafening shriek of Shamath's voice rings in your ears as you clutch the Deathstaff to your chest and leap head first into the oblivion of the shadow gate.</p>
+ <p>Desperately you fight to maintain your grip on the Deathstaff as the furious Shamath gets to her feet. She comes striding towards you, bolts of energy darting from her fingertips to rip open the ground as you stumble away towards the yawning black tunnel. The deafening shriek of Shamath's voice rings in your ears as you clutch the Deathstaff to your chest and leap head first into the oblivion of the Shadow Gate.</p>
<choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill13.pdf" width="386" height="633"/>
</illustration>
<p>Without replying, you step away from the counter and look up. On a square of black slate hanging above the old woman's head are chalked the following items and prices:</p>
- <p><strong><!-- -->jb: make table</strong>Coney-skin mitts 5 Gold Crowns a pair Wolfskin cloaks 12 Gold Crowns each Wildcat pelts 12 Gold Crowns each Bearskin cloaks 16 Gold Crowns each White wolf pelts 18 Gold Crowns each Kalkoth hides 20 Gold Crowns each Black corvayl cloaks 35 Gold Crowns each</p>
+ <p><strong><!-- -->jb: make table</strong>Coney-skin Mitts 5 Gold Crowns a pair Wolfskin Cloaks 12 Gold Crowns each Wildcat Pelts 12 Gold Crowns each Bearskin Cloaks 16 Gold Crowns each White wolf Pelts 18 Gold Crowns each Kalkoth Hides 20 Gold Crowns each Black Corvayl Cloaks 35 Gold Crowns each</p>
<choice idref="sect174">All of the above furs are Backpack Items. If you wish to purchase any (or should you decide to pay 5 Gold Crowns for directions to the Crooked Sage), deduct the appropriate amount of Gold Crowns and adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly. Then, <link-text>turn to 174</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect77">If you decide not to buy any furs, or pay for the information, <link-text>turn instead to 77</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The arrow streaks into the bushes and you hear it shatter against the rocks behind. Then you hear the faint scrape of leather on stone, above and to the side. You turn to look and a man's voice growls, <quote>Don't move!</quote></p>
- <p>Standing between two boulders away to your left is a grey-bearded man, clad in furs clutching a loaded crossbow. The weapon is pointing directly at your heart.</p>
+ <p>Standing between two boulders away to your left is a grey-bearded man clad in furs and clutching a loaded crossbow. The weapon is pointing directly at your heart.</p>
<choice idref="sect201">If you possess the Discipline of Telegnosis, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect280">If you do not possess this skill, or choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 280</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>228</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>Ha! I know you, intruder,</quote> yells Cadak, maniacally, <quote>You are Lone Wolf, the doomed hero of a doomed realm. You are a fool to come here, Kai lord. Your powers are no match for those of Naar, the King of the Darkness.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Ha! I know you, intruder,</quote> yells Cadak, maniacally, <quote>You are Lone Wolf, the doomed hero of a doomed realm. You are a fool to come here, Kai Lord. Your powers are no match for those of Naar, the King of the Darkness.</quote></p>
<p>With this he turns to the acolytes and throws up his hands triumphantly.</p>
<p><quote>This night we shall celebrate a double victory, my brethren. The resurrection of Lord Vashna and the destruction of Grand Master Lone Wolf!</quote></p>
<p>The acolytes scream their approval, but their cheer is drowned by the ever-increasing noise of the storm. Then you see that the storm itself is changing. A huge vortex of whirling cloud is descending from the heavens, a tornado whose deadly funnel is reaching down towards you. Then the tip of the roaring plume touches the ground at your feet and, with a terrifying suddenness, you are torn from the energy curtain and sent hurtling through the air towards the dark centre of the towering arch.</p>
<section class="numbered" id="sect229">
<meta><title>229</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect229-1-foot" idref="sect229-1">
+ <p>The originally published edition of this book instructed you to add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score. We believe that our alteration to specify restoration instead of addition is closer to the intent of the author. The original led to several questions. Would this additional score be a permanent increase of your maximum <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>? Permanent alterations of basic scores in the middle of an adventure are rare making this option unlikely. Nor does the context support this conclusion. Then would this addition only be for the duration of the combat similar to the bonus to <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>? This makes the bonus useless. If you were to complete the combat with fewer than 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points remaining and then removed the bonus after the combat was over, you would be just as dead as without the bonus. Another proposal was that you should remove the bonus from your score only if it leaves your score above the normal maximum after the combat. Although reasonable, this probably wasn't the intent of the author since he did not specify this procedure. We have opted for the simplest, most straightforward choice: that this is just a restorative effect.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>You open the depths of your mind and summon forth a glowing ball of Kai energy which you project at the leading phantom. This fiery ball of psychic power rips into the creature's ghostly form and causes it to shriek with agony. Your Kai blast has wounded this entity, but it has not stopped its attack. It gathers itself and swoops down upon you, like a hungry vulture descending on a corpse.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Vortexi (weakened by Kai blast)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">22</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight. If you possess the Sommerswerd, add 5 to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score.</p>
+ <p>You open the depths of your mind and summon forth a glowing ball of Kai energy which you project at the leading phantom. This fiery ball of psychic power rips into the creature's ghostly form and causes it to shriek with agony. Your Kai-blast has wounded this entity, but it has not stopped its attack. It gathers itself and swoops down upon you, like a hungry vulture descending on a corpse.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Vortexi (weakened by Kai-blast)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">22</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight. If you possess the Sommerswerd, restore 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score.<a id="sect229-1" idref="sect229-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
<choice idref="sect159">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 159</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>A kilometre beyond the cove the shoreline trail becomes littered with boulders and huge mounds of muddy earth. It is the debris of landslides from the surrounding hills, a consequence of the violent storms. It soon becomes impossible to continue on horseback and you are forced to dismount and make your way on foot, with your horse trailing behind you.</p>
<p>During this difficult trek an icy squall arises, driven by a gale-force wind which whips the shoreline mercilessly. Your innate skills of Nexus protect you from the cold, but your horse is not so lucky. You know that you must find shelter from this bitter wintery squall, and quickly, if he is to survive.</p>
- <p>As you reach the top of a rocky mound, you see below you a cluster of huge boulders grouped in a horseshoe circle near the lake's edge; they promise good protection from the squall.</p>
+ <p>As you reach the top of a rocky mound, you see below you a cluster of huge boulders grouped in a horseshoe shape near the lake's edge; they promise good protection from the squall.</p>
<choice idref="sect302">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 302</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect168">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 168</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>232</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Terror grips your heart as you feel yourself sinking into the cavern floor. Your feet have completely disappeared from sight when suddenly the sinking sensation stops&ellips; but the terror goes on. Suddenly you hear a hideous squeaking sound high above your head. You look up into the vaulted ceiling and gasp with dread as a writhing cloud of crypt spawn come plummeting down towards your face.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Crypt spawn</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">43</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">35</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>Terror grips your heart as you feel yourself sinking into the cavern floor. Your feet have completely disappeared from sight when suddenly the sinking sensation stops&ellips; but the terror goes on. Suddenly you hear a hideous squeaking sound high above your head. You look up into the vaulted ceiling and gasp with dread as a writhing cloud of Crypt Spawn come plummeting down towards your face.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Crypt Spawn</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">43</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">35</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 4 for the duration of this fight due to your immobility.</p>
<choice idref="sect79">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 79</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>234</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You remove the amulet from your pocket and hand it to the old sage.</p>
+ <p>You remove the Amulet from your pocket and hand it to the old sage.</p>
<p><quote>President Kadharian gave me this. It was found on the shore of Lake Vorndarol, near the ruins of Vorn, by a rogue who went by the name of Smudd. I tracked him to a tavern in Helgor but he was assassinated before he could tell me anything more about it. Can you?</quote></p>
- <p>Gwynian holds the amulet close to his myopic eyes and examines the engravings with great care. After a short while he says.</p>
- <p><quote>It is a seal. It's an amulet of fealty worn by the acolytes of Vashna,</quote> he says sadly. <quote>It would seem to confirm our fears. I have seen amulets such as this before, but none crafted from such a metal. This is a metal not of this world.</quote></p>
- <p>Gwynian hands back the amulet and you return it to your pocket.</p>
+ <p>Gwynian holds the Amulet close to his myopic eyes and examines the engravings with great care. After a short while he says.</p>
+ <p><quote>It is a seal. It's an amulet of fealty worn by the Acolytes of Vashna,</quote> he says sadly. <quote>It would seem to confirm our fears. I have seen amulets such as this before, but none crafted from such a metal. This is a metal not of this world.</quote></p>
+ <p>Gwynian hands back the Amulet and you return it to your pocket.</p>
<choice idref="sect45"><link-text>Turn to 45</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Your first attempt at deciphering the secret of the crystal dais was not successful and a new sequence of numbers materializes upon the surface of the upper tier.</p>
- <p>This time the sequence appears to be harder. Now you will need to bring to bear all your Kai skill and intelligence if you are to break the code and close the shadow gate in time. Or will you be defeated by your old enemy, Arch Druid Cadak, even after his death?</p>
+ <p>This time the sequence appears to be harder. Now you will need to bring to bear all your Kai skill and intelligence if you are to break the code and close the Shadow Gate in time. Or will you be defeated by your old enemy, Arch Druid Cadak, even after his death?</p>
<p>Study the following grid of numbers carefully. When you think you know the missing number, turn to the entry which bears the same number as your answer.</p>
<signpost>GRID ILLUSTRATION GOES HERE</signpost>
<choice idref="sect141">If you cannot solve the problem, <link-text>turn to 141</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>236</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>A ball of lightning comes hurtling towards your head. Desperately, you pull your horse away to avoid being hit, but the fiery meteor changes course in mid-flight as if guided by an unseen hand. Instinctively, you draw your weapon and raise it to defend yourself from the onrushing ball of energy, suspecting it to be a spectral enemy in disguise. Then, with a blinding flash, it impacts upon your weapon and you are hurled from the saddle amidst a shower of glowing sparks.</p>
+ <p>A ball of lightning comes hurtling towards your head. Desperately, you pull your horse away to avoid being hit, but the fiery meteor changes course in mid-flight as if guided by an unseen hand. Instinctively, you draw your Weapon and raise it to defend yourself from the onrushing ball of energy, suspecting it to be a spectral enemy in disguise. Then, with a blinding flash, it impacts upon your weapon and you are hurled from the saddle amidst a shower of glowing sparks.</p>
<choice idref="sect308">If the weapon you are wielding is a Bow or a Quarterstaff, <link-text>turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect131">If you are wielding any other type of weapon, <link-text>turn to 131</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p><quote>Who found this amulet?</quote> you ask.</p>
- <p><quote>A rogue, one who goes by the name of Smudd,</quote> answers Kadharian. <quote>A patrol found him in the mountains close by the River Storn, a few days after the second troop went missing. When he couldn't give a good reason for being there, they arrested him and brought him back to Helgor for questioning.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>A rogue, one who goes by the name of Smudd,</quote> answers Kadharian. <quote>A patrol found him in the mountains close by the River Storn, a few days after the second troop went missing. When he couldn't give a good reason for being there, they arrested him and brought him back to Helgor for <em>questioning</em>.</quote></p>
<p>Kadharian's emphasis on the word <quote>questioning</quote> leaves you in no doubt that Smudd's interrogation probably involved some degree of torture.</p>
<p><quote>Where is he now?</quote> you ask. <quote>I'd like to, er, question him myself.</quote></p>
<p><quote>He's in Helgor. He stays at the Crooked Sage, an inn in the north quarter of the city. I'd willingly send a detachment of Palace Guards to fetch him here but that quarter of Helgor is rife with villains. Word would be sure to get out and he'd go to ground. My men would never find him. No, I'm afraid the only likely way you'll get to speak to Smudd is by going to the Crooked Sage in person.</quote></p>
<data>
<p><quote>We have an intruder in our midst,</quote> screams Cadak. You fight the paralysing effect of the current and, for a moment, its effect weakens. Then the crimson current intensifies anew, numbing your limbs with its insidious effect.</p>
- <p><quote>Ha! I know you, intruder,</quote> yells Cadak, maniacally, <quote>You are Lone Wolf, the doomed hero of a doomed realm. You are a fool to come here, Kai lord. Your powers are no match for those of Naar, the King of the Darkness.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Ha! I know you, intruder,</quote> yells Cadak, maniacally, <quote>You are Lone Wolf, the doomed hero of a doomed realm. You are a fool to come here, Kai Lord. Your powers are no match for those of Naar, the King of the Darkness.</quote></p>
<p>With this he turns to the acolytes and throws up his hands triumphantly. <quote>This night we shall celebrate a double victory, my brethren. The resurrection of Lord Vashna and the destruction of Grand Master Lone Wolf!</quote></p>
<p>The acolytes scream their approval, but their cheer is drowned by the ever-increasing noise of the storm. Then you see that the storm itself is changing. A huge vortex of whirling cloud is descending from the heavens, a tornado whose deadly funnel is reaching down towards you. Then the tip of the roaring plume touches the ground at your feet and, with a terrifying suddenness, you are torn from the energy curtain and sent hurtling through the air towards the dark centre of the towering arch.</p>
<choice idref="sect60"><link-text>Turn to 60</link-text>.</choice>
<instance class="html" src="ill14.gif" width="386" height="599"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill14.pdf" width="386" height="599"/>
</illustration>
- <p>You soon discover that a gang of brigands are lying in ambush, well hidden among the boulders that line both sides of the trail. Your Kai hunting skills enable you to circle around and get behind them without being seen and, from a high vantage point among the boulders, you observe their leader and three of his henchmen hiding behind the bough of a fallen tree.</p>
- <choice idref="sect304">If you possess a Bow and wish to fire an arrow at the brigand leader, <link-text>turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>You soon discover that a gang of brigands are lying in ambush, well hidden among the boulders that line both sides of the trail. Your Kai Hunting skills enable you to circle around and get behind them without being seen and, from a high vantage point among the boulders, you observe their leader and three of his henchmen hiding behind the bough of a fallen tree.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect304">If you possess a Bow and wish to fire an Arrow at the brigand leader, <link-text>turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect212">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use the spell of <spell>Mind Charm</spell>, <link-text>turn to 212</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect98">If you decide to wait and observe the brigands a little longer, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect245">
- <meta><title>245</title></meta>
+ <meta><title>245</title></met>
<data>
<p>As you hurry towards the end of the procession, an Elder steps out from behind a boulder and grabs you by the shoulder, commanding you to halt. Then you feel a tingling sensation, as if a horde of spiders were crawling in a line from your shoulder to the nape of your neck; the Elder has psychic abilities and he is attempting to probe your mind.</p>
<meta><title>249</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You focus your power of animal control on the leader of this predatory flock and will him to abandon his attack. The speed of his descent is making it difficult for you to target him, but your persistence and your Kai skills overcome this. At the last moment the ugly black bird banks away, cawing frantically, and the remainder of his flock follow suit without pressing home their attack. You watch with grim satisfaction as the flock return to the mountains, cawing with frustration, their hunger unsatiated.</p>
+ <p>You focus your power of Animal Control on the leader of this predatory flock and will him to abandon his attack. The speed of his descent is making it difficult for you to target him, but your persistence and your Kai skills overcome this. At the last moment the ugly black bird banks away, cawing frantically, and the remainder of his flock follow suit without pressing home their attack. You watch with grim satisfaction as the flock return to the mountains, cawing with frustration, their hunger unsatiated.</p>
<p>You manage to regain control of the raft and, at length, you reach the far side of the river and disembark safely. A stony trail runs along the bank, heading north, and you follow it with high hopes of reaching Lake Vorndarol before sunset. All day the sun blazes supreme in a cloudless sky and waves of heat create a shimmering, distorted view of the trail ahead. The distant horizon is streaked with myriad colours and the dry air crackles with electricity, a legacy of last night's violent storm. Late in the afternoon you come to the ruins of an ancient settlement and stop here to allow your horse to rest awhile in the shade.</p>
<choice idref="sect102">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 102</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect260">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>250</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>For three kilometres you trek stolidly through the hills towards a deep magenta glow that is bathing the horizon. Then, as you round a knoll of rock, shaped like an accusing skeletal finger, you are confronted by a spectacle which leaves you staring open-mouthed with awe and horror.</p>
- <p>An expanse of dead land, littered with cracked and shattered rocks, slopes down to the edge of an immense chasm that stretches more than a kilometre from rim to rim. It is the Maakengorge. Hordes of screeching vortexi ride a violent electrical storm which rages in the clouds above this vast abyss, and the earth shudders in echoing response to the booming thunder. Near the rim of the chasm there stands a towering arch, hewn of stone, that shimmers with such a supernatural brilliance that you cannot fully focus upon it. Peering closer you see before the arch an elaborate, multi-tiered dais constructed entirely of crystal. Around it kneel hundreds of acolytes who are chanting devoutly. Their dreary voices add to the dreadful noise.</p>
+ <p>For three kilometres you trek stolidly through the hills towards a deep magenta glow that is bathing the horizon. Then as you round a knoll of rock shaped like an accusing skeletal finger, you are confronted by a spectacle which leaves you staring open-mouthed with awe and horror.</p>
+ <p>An expanse of dead land, littered with cracked and shattered rocks, slopes down to the edge of an immense chasm that stretches more than a kilometre from rim to rim. It is the Maakengorge. Hordes of screeching Vortexi ride a violent electrical storm which rages in the clouds above this vast abyss, and the earth shudders in echoing response to the booming thunder. Near the rim of the chasm there stands a towering arch, hewn of stone, that shimmers with such a supernatural brilliance that you cannot fully focus upon it. Peering closer you see before the arch an elaborate, multi-tiered dais constructed entirely of crystal. Around it kneel hundreds of acolytes who are chanting devoutly. Their dreary voices add to the dreadful noise.</p>
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<meta><title>251</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The tip of your arrow clips the man's calf and you hear him yelp with pain. But the wound is superficial and it does not prevent him from making his escape out on to the balcony.</p>
+ <p>The tip of your Arrow clips the man's calf and you hear him yelp with pain. But the wound is superficial and it does not prevent him from making his escape out on to the balcony.</p>
<p>With weapon in hand, you climb out of the window. You are expecting the archer to attack you the moment you appear but the balcony is deserted: he has disappeared. Then your keen eyes notice fresh bloodstains on the balcony rail and you catch a glimpse of movement on the roof of the building opposite. It is the archer. Despite his wounded leg he has leapt across the narrow street and is now making his escape across the rooftops of the north quarter.</p>
<p>With the grace of a panther you spring on to the balcony rail and leap across to the roof opposite. Without breaking your stride, you set off after the fleeing assassin and pursue him to the edge of a flat-topped warehouse at the end of Tavern Lane. Here a plank of wood has been laid down to span the gap of fifteen metres to the rooftop opposite. The man limps across the plank, then kicks it away to prevent you from following him.</p>
<choice idref="sect42">If you are determined to follow him and wish to try to leap across the gap, <link-text>turn to 42</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>254</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw an arrow and take aim in the direction you can hear the beast approaching. It sounds as if it is no more than twenty metres away when you release the straining bowstring and send the arrow streaking into the fog. The shaft has travelled barely a few metres when it ignites with a flash and is instantly transformed into a line of glowing splinters which float away on the mist.</p>
- <p>As soon as the arrow passed beyond the perimeter of the protection of your Platinum Amulet, it was subjected to the true temperature of this domain, a temperature which reduced it to glowing embers in less than a second.</p>
- <p>Suddenly, with a deafening roar, the unseen beast is upon you. You drop your bow and unsheathe your weapon as it tries to rake you unmercifully with fang and claw.</p>
+ <p>You draw an Arrow and take aim in the direction you can hear the beast approaching from. It sounds as if it is no more than twenty metres away when you release the straining bowstring and send the arrow streaking into the fog. The shaft has travelled barely a few metres when it ignites with a flash and is instantly transformed into a line of glowing splinters which float away on the mist.</p>
+ <p>As soon as the Arrow passed beyond the perimeter of the protection of your Platinum Amulet, it was subjected to the true temperature of this domain: a temperature which reduced it to glowing embers in less than a second.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly, with a deafening roar, the unseen beast is upon you. You drop your Bow and unsheathe your weapon as it tries to rake you unmercifully with fang and claw.</p>
<combat><enemy>Zarthyn</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">50</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect90">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 90</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>255</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The runic disc that you found in Helgor falls from your pocket as the Elder hauls you roughly off the bench. It bounces off the deck and comes to rest on his foot. He releases his grip on your robe and stoops to pick it up, thinking that it is booty you have looted from Vorn. But his temper quickly cools when he recognizes it to be the mark of the Guild of Rhem, the most feared brotherhood of assassins in all of northern Magnamund. He is aware that some guild assassins have been employed as agents to carry out missions for the acolytes, and he assumes at once that you are such an agent.</p>
+ <p>The Runic Disc that you found in Helgor falls from your pocket as the Elder hauls you roughly off the bench. It bounces off the deck and comes to rest on his foot. He releases his grip on your robe and stoops to pick it up, thinking that it is booty you have looted from Vorn. But his temper quickly cools when he recognizes it to be the mark of the Guild of Rhem, the most feared brotherhood of assassins in all of northern Magnamund. He is aware that some guild assassins have been employed as agents to carry out missions for the acolytes, and he assumes at once that you are such an agent.</p>
<p>Nervously he returns the disc to you. Then, without further word, he backs away a few paces, bows his head, and leaves to attend to other matters at the prow of the boat. Those seated around you have now become uncomfortably curious. To avoid their attentions, you get up and move to the stern where a score of acolytes are kneeling in prayer.</p>
<choice idref="sect124"><link-text>Turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>256</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your advanced Kai skills and the mud make it easy for you to tell that these tracks were made by humans travelling on foot. You count eight different pairs of footprints: six made by sandalled feet, and two by heavy hobnailed boots. The tracks are two days old and they are all heading in a north-easterly direction.</p>
+ <p>Your advanced Kai skills and the mud make it easy for you to tell that these tracks were made by humans travelling on foot. You count eight different pairs of footprints: six made by sandalled feet, and two by heavy hobnailed boots. The tracks are two days old and they are all heading in a northeasterly direction.</p>
<choice idref="sect67"><link-text>Turn to 67</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You raise your weapon and bring your horse about to face this fearsome beast's attack. The instant he sees the creature he panics and rears up on his hind legs, neighing with fright, his hooves scrabbling frantically at the air. You bring him under control using your innate Kai skills, but in doing so your attention is diverted from the attacking beast as it moves in and swipes at you with its clawed paw.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Black corvayl</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">58</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Black Corvayl</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">58</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 10 for the first round of this fight only.</p>
<choice idref="sect210">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<instance class="html" src="ill16.gif" width="386" height="568"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill16.pdf" width="386" height="568"/>
</illustration>
- <p>With a single word she commands the warriors to attack you. They raise their short swords and come marching slowly forwards, their movements stiff and machine-like. Beyond their advancing line you catch sight of the Deathstaff still lying near the base of the dais, and a bold plan springs to mind. If you could evade the oncoming line of automatons, you could reach the dais. Then you would be able to take the Deathstaff and enter the shadow gate before Shamath recovers her strength.</p>
+ <p>With a single word she commands the warriors to attack you. They raise their short swords and come marching slowly forwards, their movements stiff and machine-like. Beyond their advancing line you catch sight of the Deathstaff still lying near the base of the dais, and a bold plan springs to mind. If you could evade the oncoming line of automatons, you could reach the dais. Then you would be able to take the Deathstaff and enter the Shadow Gate before Shamath recovers her strength.</p>
<choice idref="sect171"><link-text>Turn to 171</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Guided by your Kai instincts, you raise the Deathstaff and whirl it around your head&emdash;once, twice, three times&ellips;</p>
- <p>An ominous hum radiates from its haft. There is a crackle of static electricity and the damp air seethes with restrained, undischarged power. A thread of mist issues from the staff's tip and builds rapidly into a spinning cyclone that ensnares the vortexi and prevents them from reaching you. In desperation, you sense them pooling their immense psychic energies in an attempt to break out of this whirling prison and attack you.</p>
+ <p>An ominous hum radiates from its haft. There is a crackle of static electricity and the damp air seethes with restrained, undischarged power. A thread of mist issues from the staff's tip and builds rapidly into a spinning cyclone that ensnares the Vortexi and prevents them from reaching you. In desperation, you sense them pooling their immense psychic energies in an attempt to break out of this whirling prison and attack you.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<p>If you possess Kai-surge, add 4 to this number. If you possess Kai-screen, add 2. If you possess Assimilance, add 1.</p>
<p>Also, if your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total is 18 or more, add 1; if your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total is 17 or less, deduct 1.</p>
<data>
<p>You are awoken in the middle of the night by an excruciating, vice-like pain that engulfs your whole head. With great difficulty you sit up and open your eyes and, at first, you assume that a new day must already have dawned for the cave is awash with a vivid white light. Then the pain in your head begins to ease and when you look out over the surrounding landscape, you see that the light has a far more sinister origin.</p>
- <p>The sky is alive with hordes of glowing, wraith-like phantoms. They swoop down from the roiling storm clouds and skim the treetops, howling and screeching like insane banshees. A trio of these ghastly apparitions are hovering just a few metres from the cave mouth, from where they are assaulting you with a psychic bombardment. You muster your Magnakai skills to erect a psi-screen to protect your mind from their psychic attack, but your reflexes are pain-dulled and you lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points before your defence knits together.</p>
+ <p>The sky is alive with hordes of glowing, wraith-like phantoms. They swoop down from the roiling storm clouds and skim the treetops, howling and screeching like insane banshees. A trio of these ghastly apparitions are hovering just a few metres from the cave mouth, from where they are assaulting you with a psychic bombardment. You muster your Magnakai skills to erect a Psi-screen to protect your mind from their psychic attack, but your reflexes are pain-dulled and you lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points before your defence knits together.</p>
<choice idref="sect326"><link-text>Turn to 326</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>265</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Weakened by the effects of the cursed water, you stagger away from the trough and very nearly drop your torch. Nearby, at the wayside altar, stands an acolyte Elder who is watching the procession. He notices your reaction after having dipped your hand into the trough and it makes him suspicious. He steps forwards and grabs your shoulder, commanding you to halt. Then you feel a tingling sensation, as if a horde of spiders were crawling in a line from your shoulder to the nape of your neck: the Elder has psychic abilities and he is attempting to probe your mind.</p>
+ <p>Weakened by the effects of the cursed water, you stagger away from the trough and very nearly drop your torch. Nearby, at the wayside altar, stands an Acolyte Elder who is watching the procession. He notices your reaction after having dipped your hand into the trough and it makes him suspicious. He steps forwards and grabs your shoulder, commanding you to halt. Then you feel a tingling sensation, as if a horde of spiders were crawling in a line from your shoulder to the nape of your neck: the Elder has psychic abilities and he is attempting to probe your mind.</p>
<choice idref="sect78">If you possess Kai-screen, <link-text>turn to 78</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect331">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 331</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>After a few minutes, the brigands suspect that one of their bolts has found its mark and they come creeping forwards. You inch your way back towards the copse, but before you can reach it you are intercepted by six brigands who come rushing across the rocks brandishing swords and daggers in their battle-scarred hands. You spring to your feet and unsheathe your weapon as they rush at you, stabbing and hacking with their gleaming blades.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Vakovarian brigands</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <choice idref="sect59">You may evade combat after six rounds, by <link-text>turning to 59</link-text>.</choice>
+ <combat><enemy>Vakovarian Brigands</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <choice idref="sect59">You may evade combat after six rounds by <link-text>turning to 59</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect348">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>269</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Using the Brotherhood spell of <spell>Mind Charm</spell> you try to convince the Elder that you are what you outwardly appear to be&emdash;a lowly acolyte of Vashna. A wave of calm washes over him. He ceases to panic and his eyes flicker as if he is about to fall asleep, but you sense that he is fighting hard to resist your spell.</p>
+ <p>Using the Brotherhood Spell of <spell>Mind Charm</spell> you try to convince the Elder that you are what you outwardly appear to be: a lowly Acolyte of Vashna. A wave of calm washes over him. He ceases to panic and his eyes flicker as if he is about to fall asleep, but you sense that he is fighting hard to resist your spell.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<p>For every level of Kai rank you have attained above the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect177">If your total score is now 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 177</link-text></choice>
<meta><title>272</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The hardened steel tip of your arrow penetrates the roof of the creature's mouth and skewers its brain. For a moment it freezes in mid-stride, seeming to defy gravity as it balances precariously on one hairy foot. Then its eyes roll back, revealing the whites, and it crashes down in an untidy heap at the side of the trail.</p>
+ <p>The hardened steel tip of your Arrow penetrates the roof of the creature's mouth and skewers its brain. For a moment it freezes in mid-stride, seeming to defy gravity as it balances precariously on one hairy foot. Then its eyes roll back, revealing the whites, and it crashes down in an untidy heap at the side of the trail.</p>
<p>You bring your horse about and gallop away in case there are others of its kind lurking nearby. Beyond the plateau, the trail descends steeply towards a thick pine wood. Milky-white pools of water punctuate this section of the track, some deceptively deep, making the descent difficult and tiring. By the time you reach the wood your horse is in need of rest.</p>
<p>You dismount to take the weight off his back, and as you gather his reins together you notice that the flap of your Backpack is undone. On checking the contents you discover that one of your possessions is missing. (Erase the second item on your list of Backpack Items. If you have only one item on your list, erase that one instead.)</p>
<p>As soon as your horse is rested, you remount him and set off through the pine wood, heading east.</p>
<meta><title>273</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You unsheathe the twisted spike of black steel and thrust it into the swirling coils of energy that are holding you prisoner. There is a terrific <strong><!-- -->jb: crack!</strong> <onomatopoeia>Crack!</onomatopoeia> as the tip penetrates the energy wall and, with a breathtaking suddenness, the wall disappears. You look down at the dagger in your hand but, to your astonishment, it too has disappeared (erase the Dagger of Vashna from your Special Items list).</p>
+ <p>You unsheathe the twisted spike of black steel and thrust it into the swirling coils of energy that are holding you prisoner. There is a terrific <onomatopoeia>Crack!</onomatopoeia> as the tip penetrates the energy wall and, with a breathtaking suddenness, the wall disappears. You look down at the dagger in your hand but, to your astonishment, it too has disappeared (erase the Dagger of Vashna from your Special Items list).</p>
<choice idref="sect132">To continue, <link-text>turn to 132</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>275</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As soon as all of the acolytes have clambered aboard, you see them cut the grappling lines which tie their longboat to the sinking Vakovarian ship. At the longboat's prow there stand a trio of acolyte Elders, each holding a glowing wand of power in their outstretched hands. The moment they touch them together to form a triangle there is a flash of light. A swirling cone of vapour pours from the tip of this triangle and coils into the sky, creating a howling wind which fills the ship's sails and catapults the vessel away from the quayside at tremendous speed. Five minutes later the longboat has disappeared from sight, beyond the stormy horizon.</p>
+ <p>As soon as all of the acolytes have clambered aboard, you see them cut the grappling lines which tie their longboat to the sinking Vakovarian ship. At the longboat's prow there stand a trio of Acolyte Elders, each holding a glowing wand of power in their outstretched hands. The moment they touch them together to form a triangle there is a flash of light. A swirling cone of vapour pours from the tip of this triangle and coils into the sky, creating a howling wind which fills the ship's sails and catapults the vessel away from the quayside at tremendous speed. Five minutes later the longboat has disappeared from sight, beyond the stormy horizon.</p>
<p>The raiding acolytes leave chaos behind them. The brigands flee in all directions, taking with them little more than the bitter regret that their hoard of loot is now resting in the hold of a sunken ship, ten fathoms down at the bottom of the quay. You leave Vorn as soon as you can and return to the copse to retrieve your horse. Then you set off on a trail that heads east, following along the shoreline of Lake Vorndarol. You pass a few brigands on this trail but they are too busy nursing their battle wounds to cause you any concern.</p>
<p>Three kilometres later, you come to a cove where the trail splits in two. The left trail continues on along the shoreline whilst the right trail turns towards the foothills of the Durncrags. Your natural tracking instincts tell you that the shoreline will be the harder of the two routes to follow. The hill trail looks easier, but it could take you much longer to reach the east shore of Lake Vorndarol that way.</p>
<choice idref="sect230">If you wish to follow the shoreline trail, <link-text>turn to 230</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You draw on all your Kai mastery to evade these swooping horrors as you make good your escape. At first they pursue you, but when you leave the island they seem to lose interest and they turn back to their lair. Within a few minutes of their departing, a grey vapour boils up from the cracks in the ground. The vapour thickens with breathtaking speed until the basalt island and the entire fiery plain beyond is engulfed by this grey fog.</p>
<p>You walk through this cloying sea of mist for what seems like an eternity until your senses detect that something is circling high above you. At first you suspect that the golden-winged creatures have come hunting for you again, but then you detect that it is something completely different. There is only one creature, and you sense that it is using a highly-developed psychic probe in order to seek you out.</p>
- <choice idref="sect31">If you possess Grand Nexus, and have reached the Kai rank of Sun Knight, or higher, <link-text>turn to 31</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect31">If you possess Grand Nexus, and have reached the Kai rank of Sun Knight or higher, <link-text>turn to 31</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect106">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 106</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Tearful with gratitude, the boy's parents kiss your hands and thank you with all their hearts for saving their child's life. The man asks if there is anything they can do to help you in return and you respond by asking who they are, and how they came to be hiding here.</p>
- <p>You learn that they once lived in the hamlet of Vorn where the man, whose name is Bayan, made a humble-but-honest living fishing the waters of Lake Vorndarol. Then one fateful night, some weeks ago, the acolytes of Vashna came and destroyed Vorn. They managed to escape with their lives but they fear that the rest of their community were slaughtered in the attack, or perished in the dreadful storms which followed. For the past few weeks they have been hiding in the hills to avoid the acolytes and the marauding bands of robbers who have come from Vakovar looking for loot.</p>
+ <p>You learn that they once lived in the hamlet of Vorn where the man, whose name is Bayan, made a humble but honest living fishing the waters of Lake Vorndarol. Then one fateful night, some weeks ago, the Acolytes of Vashna came and destroyed Vorn. They managed to escape with their lives but they fear that the rest of their community were slaughtered in the attack, or perished in the dreadful storms which followed. For the past few weeks they have been hiding in the hills to avoid the acolytes and the marauding bands of robbers who have come from Vakovar looking for loot.</p>
<p>You tell them that you have been sent here by President Kadharian to find out what is going on at Lake Vorndarol. Bayan replies that he knows a safe route through the hills which leads directly to the ruins of his old home. He says he is willing to act as your guide and you accept his offer gratefully.</p>
<choice idref="sect335"><link-text>Turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The three phantoms swoop down into the trees as if to pursue the fleeing cats, but then they break off their attack and come speeding once more towards the mouth of the cave.</p>
<p>You sense a hostile psychic presence about them, an evil mind energy which is growing stronger as they draw nearer. You draw on your own formidable psychic skills and erect a defensive wall around your mind which keeps you safe from their first bombardment. Having encountered unexpected resistance, they veer upwards and vanish into the clouds. They have gone, but not for long. Within minutes they return with seven more of their ghostly brothers in train.</p>
- <choice idref="sect229">If you possess Kai-surge, and have reached the rank of Sun Lord, or higher, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect229">If you possess Kai-surge, and have reached the rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect142">If you do not possess this Discipline, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai rank, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>284</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You level your weapon and strike out with deadly accuracy as the first of the vortexi engulf you.</p>
+ <p>You level your weapon and strike out with deadly accuracy as the first of the Vortexi engulf you.</p>
<combat><enemy>Vortexi</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">49</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, you may add a further 2 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect46">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p><quote>Very well,</quote> you say, <quote>how do you intend to help me?</quote></p>
- <p>The young woman begins by confirming your suspicions. The Demoness Shamath is indeed preparing to go to the Maakengorge in response to Cadak's summons. She will make the journey by entering the tunnel; it is a shadow gate which will transport her from this plane of existence to Magnamund, to the great shimmering archway through which you were hurled by the storm. She will take with her an artefact of great evil&emdash;the Deathstaff&emdash;a device forged by the Dark God Naar himself and imbued with the power to resurrect the spirit of his long-lost champion, Lord Vashna, from the depths of the chasm of doom.</p>
+ <p>The young woman begins by confirming your suspicions. The Demoness Shamath is indeed preparing to go to the Maakengorge in response to Cadak's summons. She will make the journey by entering the tunnel; it is a Shadow Gate which will transport her from this plane of existence to Magnamund, to the great shimmering archway through which you were hurled by the storm. She will take with her an artefact of great evil&emdash;the Deathstaff&emdash;a device forged by the Dark God Naar himself and imbued with the power to resurrect the spirit of his long-lost champion, Lord Vashna, from the depths of the Chasm of Doom.</p>
<p><quote>Naar has laboured long and hard to create the Deathstaff,</quote> says the young woman. She points once more towards the crystal dais and says, <quote>Can you see, Lone Wolf? It is there, resting beside Shamath's feet.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect63"><link-text>Turn to 63</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The drunkard gives a lop-sided grin and wipes his greasy mouth with the back of his hand before replying to your question.</p>
- <p><quote>F' sure I know where be the Crooked Sage. Fine ale to be had there, if only I was moneyed enough to afford it. I'll tell you where it is for a small payment&ellips; say, ten gold crowns?</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>F' sure I know where be the Crooked Sage. Fine ale to be had there, if only I was moneyed enough to afford it. I'll tell you where it is for a small payment&ellips; say, ten Gold Crowns?</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect62">If you wish to pay the drunkard for this information, erase 10 Gold Crowns from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> and <link-text>turn to 62</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect185">If you refuse to pay such a high price, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>288</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Coolly you stare into the eyes of the advancing acolytes as you summon forth the power-word of the Elder Magi: Gloar.</p>
+ <p>Coolly you stare into the eyes of the advancing acolytes as you summon forth the power-word of the Elder Magi: <em>Gloar</em>.</p>
<p>The sound hits them like a massive, invisible hammer. It crushes their ribs and leaves their bodies lying broken and lifeless amongst the charred debris.</p>
<choice idref="sect325"><link-text>Turn to 325</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You watch helplessly as the woman approaches, her corpse-white hands outstretched, reaching in eager anticipation for the flap of the money pouch which hangs from your belt. You fight to resist the mind charm which is paralysing your limbs but, try as you will, you cannot break free.</p>
- <p>Then with a jolt, the feeling suddenly returns to your paralysed body. The woman has vanished and so, too, have nearly all the Gold Crowns in your belt pouch.</p>
+ <p>Then with a jolt, the feeling suddenly returns to your paralysed body. The woman has vanished and so, too, have nearly all the Gold Crowns in your Belt Pouch.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<p>If the number you have picked is 0&endash;3, there are only two Gold Crowns left in your pouch.</p>
<p>If the number you have picked is 4&endash;7, there are only three Gold Crowns remaining.</p>
<meta><title>294</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You whisper the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and, at once, you see Smudd relaxing under its influence. He removes his hand from his sword and the scowl of fearful suspicion softens to a smile as he lowers himself back into his seat. With a flick of his hand he dismisses the bar-girl. She leaves without protest and as you watch her walk away, he leans across the table and says, <quote>How can I help you, stranger?</quote></p>
+ <p>You whisper the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and, at once, you see Smudd relaxing under its influence. He removes his hand from his sword and the scowl of fearful suspicion softens to a smile as he lowers himself back into his seat. With a flick of his hand he dismisses the bar-girl. She leaves without protest and as you watch her walk away, he leans across the table and says, <quote>How can I help you, stranger?</quote></p>
<p><quote>What do you know about a little hamlet called Vorn?</quote> you say, quietly.</p>
<p>For a moment the look of suspicion returns to his beady eyes, then he sneers and says, <quote>I know it no longer exists, that's what I know. There's rumour on the street that it was destroyed by the storms, but there's more to it than that. More than I care to remember.</quote></p>
<p>You show him the Black Amulet that President Kadharian gave to you and once more you repeat your question. Now he refuses to answer, fearing that you are one of Kadharian's agents out to arrest him. He kicks back his chair and tries to stand, but he does not make it.</p>
<data>
<p>The night passes uneventfully, but you awake at dawn to a spectacular sight. The eastern sky is filled with soaring meteors of fiery yellow light which shoot from the midst of a bank of deep magenta storm clouds. The air seethes with electrical energy and lightning flashes can be seen all along the distant horizon. You find the sight unnerving, doubly so when you calculate that its centre of activity lies directly over the Maakengorge.</p>
- <p>After a frugal breakfast, you set off along the shoreline trail on a route which takes you ever-nearer to the storm.</p>
+ <p>After a frugal breakfast, you set off along the shoreline trail on a route which takes you ever nearer to the storm.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect32">If the number you have picked is 0&endash;4, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect155">If it is 5&endash;9, <link-text>turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
<p>You thank Gwynian for his help and he waves farewell as you leave the hovel and walk back to your horse.</p>
<p><quote>Good luck, Grand Master,</quote> he calls out, <quote>my hopes and my prayers go with you.</quote></p>
<p>By nightfall you have covered twenty kilometres of rough terrain and have been assailed by extremes of weather. From a desert-like heat at mid-afternoon the temperature plummeted, causing a sub-zero squall which left you and Bracer blanketed with frost. But now, as darkness draws its cloak over this troubled land, the temperature quickly rises. This heralds the return of the rain, and the thunder and the violent lightning strikes.</p>
- <p>Helped by your tracking skills, you discover a shallow cave where you can take shelter from the storm. You are tired and hungry, and unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <choice idref="sect194">If you possess Animal Mastery, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, or higher, <link-text>turn to 194</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>Helped by your Tracking skills, you discover a shallow cave where you can take shelter from the storm. You are tired and hungry, and unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect194">If you possess Animal Mastery, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 194</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect23">If you do not possess this Discipline, or if you have yet to achieve this level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 23</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>It is dusk when you emerge from the woods and ride along a ridge which overlooks the eastern shoreline of Lake Vorndarol, and it is here that you catch your first glimpse of the acolyte settlement. It consists of several long huts, grouped around a great hall of stone on a hill overlooking a shingle beach. Down on the beach there is a wooden jetty where an acolyte longboat is moored. It is the same longboat that was used in the attack on Vorn quay.</p>
- <p>Cautiously, you descend the ridge and ride towards the settlement. When you are within half a kilometre of the perimeter, you leave your horse and go forwards on foot. There are acolytes everywhere but you find it easy to avoid them and enter the encampment unseen. Under cover of the approaching darkness and aided by your camouflage skills, you make your way towards the stone hall. You sense that something important is going on there and you resolve to find out what it is.</p>
+ <p>Cautiously, you descend the ridge and ride towards the settlement. When you are within half a kilometre of the perimeter, you leave your horse and go forwards on foot. There are acolytes everywhere but you find it easy to avoid them and enter the encampment unseen. Under cover of the approaching darkness and aided by your Camouflage skills, you make your way towards the stone hall. You sense that something important is going on there and you resolve to find out what it is.</p>
<choice idref="sect137"><link-text>Turn to 137</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>301</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Swiftly you unshoulder your bow, draw an arrow from your quiver, and take hurried aim as the man in black leaps from the window ledge on to the balcony.</p>
+ <p>Swiftly you unshoulder your Bow, draw an Arrow from your Quiver, and take hurried aim as the man in black leaps from the window ledge on to the balcony.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery with Bow, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect27">If your total score is now 6 or less, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect251">If it is 7 or more, <link-text>turn to 251</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>302</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your mastery of the Kai Pathsmanship Discipline warns you that you could be ambushed if you were to enter the circle of boulders. Forewarned, you wait and observe the horseshoe of rocks a while longer. Before too long your patience is rewarded: something is moving around down there.</p>
+ <p>Your mastery of the Magnakai Pathsmanship Discipline warns you that you could be ambushed if you were to enter the circle of boulders. Forewarned, you wait and observe the horseshoe of rocks a while longer. Before too long your patience is rewarded: something is moving around down there.</p>
<p>You intensify your vision and see that it is a pack of bony, dog-like creatures. They are feeding on something in the lee of the rocks.</p>
<choice idref="sect11">If you wish to go and see what it is they are feeding upon, <link-text>turn to 11</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect248">If you choose to avoid the horseshoe rocks, <link-text>turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>304</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw back your arrow until the feathers are touching your lips, then you let slip the straining bowstring. The shaft whistles through the trees towards the brigand leader's back and hits him squarely between the shoulder blades with a loud <onomatopoeia>thok!</onomatopoeia> He screams and throws his arms wide as he crashes face-first to the ground.</p>
+ <p>You draw back your Arrow until the feathers are touching your lips, then you let slip the straining bowstring. The shaft whistles through the trees towards the brigand leader's back and hits him squarely between the shoulder blades with a loud <onomatopoeia>thok!</onomatopoeia> He screams and throws his arms wide as he crashes face-first to the ground.</p>
<p>His henchmen spin around and see you. They bellow commands to their underlings and at once the angry brigands begin to close in on your position from all sides. You retreat into the trees and head back the way you came, anxious to retrieve your horse before the brigands find him. You are within a stone's throw of Bracer when suddenly you are confronted by more than a dozen bandits, hungry for revenge. They attack in a frenzy and you are forced to fight all twelve at once.</p>
<combat><enemy>Vakovarian brigands</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">56</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect35">You may evade this combat after six rounds by <link-text>turning to 35</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>305</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You wield the Deathstaff with confidence, but the insidious effect of the weapon is making you careless as you sweep the staff around your head. Some of the stronger vortexi are able to break away from the spinning cyclone to make good their attack.</p>
+ <p>You wield the Deathstaff with confidence, but the insidious effect of the weapon is making you careless as you sweep the staff around your head. Some of the stronger Vortexi are able to break away from the spinning cyclone to make good their attack.</p>
<combat><enemy>Vortexi</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight. However, due to the harmful side effects of the Deathstaff, you must reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by 2 prior to the start of this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect46">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The creature roars with frustration. Mentally its instincts are pulling it apart; it cannot decide whether to attack or retreat. Finally, with a howl of anger, it comes lumbering towards you. It is going to attack but you sense that your commands have greatly weakened its resolve.</p>
<p>You raise your weapon and bring your horse about to face the beast, but on the instant he sees the creature he panics and rears up on his hind legs, neighing with fright. You bring him under control using your innate Kai skills, but in doing so your attention is diverted from the attacking beast as it moves in and swipes at you with its clawed paw.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Black corvayl</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">56</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Black Corvayl</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">56</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 5 for the first round of this fight only.</p>
<choice idref="sect210">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>307</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your Magnakai Pathsmanship skills and the freshness of the mud make it easy for you to tell that the tracks are made by humans on foot. You count at least six different sets of footprints, all heading in a north-easterly direction.</p>
+ <p>Your Magnakai Pathsmanship skills and the freshness of the mud make it easy for you to tell that the tracks are made by humans on foot. You count at least six different sets of footprints, all heading in a northeasterly direction.</p>
<choice idref="sect67"><link-text>Turn to 67</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>308</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your
weapon disintegrated in the blast (erase it from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>), yet it served to conduct the energy of the lightning ball away from your body. It has spared you from sustaining injury and possibly death.</p>
+ <p>Your
Weapon disintegrated in the blast (erase it from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>), yet it served to conduct the energy of the lightning ball away from your body. It has spared you from sustaining injury and possibly death.</p>
<p>Dazed by the blast and the fall, you stagger to your feet and look around for your horse. He has halted at the river's edge where he is pacing nervously to and fro. You call to him, using your natural Kai skills to calm and control his fear, and he responds at once and returns to collect you. Swiftly you climb back into the saddle and gallop away along the river trail, anxious to put distance between you and this deadly storm.</p>
<choice idref="sect80"><link-text>Turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Stunned by the speed and skill with which you have dispatched over fifteen of their brothers, the circle of murderous acolytes retreat a few paces to catch their breath and lick their wounds.</p>
- <p><quote>We have an intruder in our midst,</quote> screams Cadak, levelling his wizard's staff at you accusingly. The tip flares brightly, then a jet of crimson energy comes arching towards your chest. You try to dodge it but it follows you and connects with your spine, numbing your limbs with its insidious effect.</p>
+ <p><quote>We have an intruder in our midst,</quote> screams Cadak, levelling his wizard's staff at you accusingly. The tip flares brightly, then a jet of crimson energy comes arcing towards your chest. You try to dodge it but it follows you and connects with your spine, numbing your limbs with its insidious effect.</p>
<choice idref="sect228"><link-text>Turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Immediately you recognize the tall, muscular man who stands before you now; he was once known as the Slavemaster of Aarnak. He was an agent of the Elder Magi based in the Darklands who, seven years earlier, helped you to enter the dread city of Helgedad and bring about the downfall of the Darklords. Now he is known by a different name&emdash;President Kadharian of Magador.</p>
<p><quote>Welcome, Grand Master,</quote> he says, smiling warmly, <quote>it seems we have both come a long way since our last meeting.</quote></p>
- <p>The President is amused by your expression of surprise and offers an explanation of how he came to be leader of this rough republic. After the fall of Helgedad, the Elder Magi arranged for his safe passage to the Stornlands where he was granted a command in the army of Lyris. He distinguished himself in battle and later, once the remains of the Darkland armies had been vanquished, he returned to his native Magador and led an uprising against King Vanagrom VI, who had long been a puppet of the Darklords. The revolt ended with the king's death and the abolition of the monarchy. Magador became a republic and the Slavemaster, whose given name was Kadharian, became its first elected leader.</p>
+ <p>The President is amused by your expression of surprise and offers an explanation of how he came to be leader of this rough republic. After the fall of Helgedad, the Elder Magi arranged for his safe passage to the Stornlands where he was granted a command in the army of Lyris. He distinguished himself in battle and later, once the remains of the Darkland armies had been vanquished, he returned to his native Magador and led an uprising against King Vanagrom VI, who had long been a puppet of the Darklords. The revolt ended with the King's death and the abolition of the monarchy. Magador became a republic and the Slavemaster, whose given name was Kadharian, became its first elected leader.</p>
<p><quote>And now to the reasons why I have requested your help, Grand Master,</quote> he says, as he pushes open the door to a smaller room which adjoins the senate hall.</p>
<choice idref="sect100"><link-text>Turn to 100</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>316</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You cast the glowing
token into the darkness and it explodes with a dull boom among the boulders, showering the path with dirt and slivers of stone. (Erase this Special Item from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
+ <p>You cast the glowing
Token into the darkness and it explodes with a dull boom among the boulders, showering the path with dirt and slivers of stone. (Erase this Special Item from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
<p>The sudden flash and bang cause a moment of panic among the acolytes. They fear that they are being attacked by Vakovarians and many of them drop their torches and run back along the path, screaming excitedly. Using this confusion to your advantage, you attempt to tag on to the end of the line of acolytes who are still advancing up the path.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Assimilance, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you possess Kai-screen, add 2.</p>
<choice idref="sect245">If your total score is now 6 or less, <link-text>turn to 245</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You step back from the glowing remains of Helshezag and feel yourself sagging beneath the unnatural weight of the Deathstaff. The sound of the bolt attracts Shamath's attention and she spins around to stare at you, sending her attendants flying in all directions. Then she screams with unholy anger and the noise of her wrath lifts you bodily and sends you skidding across the floor.</p>
- <p>Desperately you fight to maintain your grip on the Deathstaff as the furious Demoness gets to her feet. She comes striding towards you, bolts of energy darting from her fingertips to rip open the ground as you stumble away towards the yawning black tunnel. The deafening shriek of her voice rings in your ears as you clutch the Deathstaff to your chest and leap head first into the oblivion of the shadow gate.</p>
+ <p>Desperately you fight to maintain your grip on the Deathstaff as the furious Demoness gets to her feet. She comes striding towards you, bolts of energy darting from her fingertips to rip open the ground as you stumble away towards the yawning black tunnel. The deafening shriek of her voice rings in your ears as you clutch the Deathstaff to your chest and leap head first into the oblivion of the Shadow Gate.</p>
<choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<instance class="html" src="ill18.gif" width="386" height="591"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill18.pdf" width="386" height="591"/>
</illustration>
- <choice idref="sect104">If you possess Grand Huntmastery and have reached the Kai rank of Grand Guardian, or higher, <link-text>turn to 104</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect104">If you possess Grand Huntmastery and have reached the Kai rank of Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 104</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect73">If you do not possess this skill, or have yet to attain this rank of Kai Grand Mastership, <link-text>turn to 73</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>As you draw level with the first Elder he reaches down and takes hold of your shoulder to make you halt. He says something in a dialect you do not understand and, when you do not answer, his suspicion swiftly turns to anger. He grabs your robe and pulls it open, revealing your leather tunic and breeches. Recognizing them at once to be Sommlending in origin, he gasps with shock as he guesses at your true identity.</p>
<p><quote>Seize him!</quote> bellows the other Elder, and a score of acolytes spring forward to obey the command. You draw your weapon and fight them with breathtaking skill and valour, but eventually you are overcome by the sheer weight of their numbers. By the time they have disarmed you and pinned you to the ground, more than thirty of them lie slain or seriously injured in a heaped circle around where you lie.</p>
- <p>You stare back defiantly at the ring of grim torchlit faces that loom over you. Then the face of an acolyte Elder comes into view and he sneers with disdain. He places the tip of a glowing wand to your forehead and suddenly there is an explosion of white light. Sadly for you, it is the last sensation you will ever experience.</p>
+ <p>You stare back defiantly at the ring of grim torchlit faces that loom over you. Then the face of an Acolyte Elder comes into view and he sneers with disdain. He places the tip of a glowing wand to your forehead and suddenly there is an explosion of white light. Sadly for you, it is the last sensation you will ever experience.</p>
<p>Your life and your quest end here.</p>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The few acolytes who survive the fight count themselves lucky and flee for their lives. <quote>Fools!</quote> screams Cadak, at his routing acolytes. <quote>Must I do everything myself!</quote></p>
<p>With these words he bangs the tip of his staff three times against the floor of the dais and a gout of crackling energy arcs through the rain-laden air towards you. Instinctively, you raise the Deathstaff and catch the arcing bolt on its haft. There is a flash of sparks, then the crackling energy flickers and disappears.</p>
- <p>Cadak curses loudly and promises that you are about to die, but for all his bravado you sense that he is scared. He recognizes the Deathstaff for what it is and he fears that, in your hands, it could lay waste to all his meticulous plans. The aged druid looks to the stormy clouds and screams a command to the circling vortexi to help him finish you once and for all.</p>
+ <p>Cadak curses loudly and promises that you are about to die, but for all his bravado you sense that he is scared. He recognizes the Deathstaff for what it is and he fears that, in your hands, it could lay waste to all his meticulous plans. The aged druid looks to the stormy clouds and screams a command to the circling Vortexi to help him finish you once and for all.</p>
<choice idref="sect65"><link-text>Turn to 65</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>325</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Suddenly a piercing note blares out above the din of battle: it is a war-horn and it is sounding the recall to the acolyte longboat. You see those acolytes of Vashna who are fighting in the ruins suddenly break off their combat and race back to the quay in answer to this command. Their mission has been achieved. They have recaptured their three brothers and now the time has come for them to depart.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly a piercing note blares out above the din of battle: it is a war-horn and it is sounding the recall to the acolyte longboat. You see those Acolytes of Vashna who are fighting in the ruins suddenly break off their combat and race back to the quay in answer to this command. Their mission has been achieved. They have recaptured their three brothers and now the time has come for them to depart.</p>
<p>As you watch them streaming along the body-strewn quay, a bold plan springs to mind, a plan that could enable you quickly to discover the truth about what is happening at the Maakengorge. If you were to don a red robe from one of the acolytes you have slain, you could infiltrate the ranks of those acolytes who are now fleeing back to the longboat.</p>
<choice idref="sect76">If you wish to put on a red robe and attempt to get aboard the acolyte longboat, <link-text>turn to 76</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect275">If you decide that it is too dangerous a plan, you can watch the acolyte retreat from the safety of the ruins, by <link-text>turning to 275</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect275">If you decide that it is too dangerous a plan, you can watch the acolyte retreat from the safety of the ruins by <link-text>turning to 275</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The trio of phantoms break off their attack and take to the sky to rejoin their unholy siblings. As their wispy, glowing forms disappear into the stormy clouds, you get to your feet and quickly gather up your weapons and equipment. They have gone, but not for long. Within minutes they return with seven more of their ghostly brothers in train.</p>
- <choice idref="sect111">If you possess Kai-screen, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, or higher, <link-text>turn to 111</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect111">If you possess Kai-screen, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 111</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect30">If you do not possess this Discipline, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai rank, <link-text>turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>327</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Before you stretches a gigantic cavern. Its walls of ancient obsidian rise to a high-arched roof where hangs a circle of stalagtites&emdash;twelve huge luminescent spears of lime-green stone. Bathed in their pulsating glow is a many-tiered crystal dais, identical to the one on which Arch Druid Cadak stood before the great shimmering archway at the edge of the Maakengorge. To the right of this dais you see a dark tunnel. The entrance appears like a black semi-circular shadow upon the cavern wall.</p>
+ <p>Before you stretches a gigantic cavern. Its walls of ancient obsidian rise to a high-arched roof where hangs a circle of stalactites&emdash;twelve huge luminescent spears of lime-green stone. Bathed in their pulsating glow is a many-tiered crystal dais, identical to the one on which Arch Druid Cadak stood before the great shimmering archway at the edge of the Maakengorge. To the right of this dais you see a dark tunnel. The entrance appears like a black semi-circular shadow upon the cavern wall.</p>
<p>Standing upon the uppermost tier of the dais is a creature which both mesmerizes and repulses you. It has the semblance of a human female, yet she stands more than seven metres tall. She is strikingly beautiful but you sense at once that she is also wholly evil. Her skin has a deathly, corpse-like pallor and she is clad in a flowing black costume which trails thin wisps of smoke. Cloaked figures scurry around the lower tiers of the dais, carrying out their mistress's commands and attending to her every whim. If they fail or displease her she crushes them like lowly insects in her elegant, deadly hands.</p>
<p>You watch in silent fascination as this demonic creature makes preparations, as if for a long journey. Then, in a flash of a sudden realization, you know her purpose. She is getting ready to enter the tunnel, a tunnel which will transport her to the archway at the edge of the Maakengorge. She is the deliverer of Vashna of whom Cadak spoke, the one who will raise the spirit of Lord Vashna from the chasm of doom!</p>
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>You find yourself looking into the impish face of a young teenage girl.</description>
+ <description>You find yourself looking into the impish face of a young, teenage girl.</descriptio>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill19.gif" width="386" height="633"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill19.pdf" width="386" height="633"/>
</illustration>
- <p>Suddenly you are aware that someone is standing behind you. Instantly, you unsheathe your weapon and spin around to face them, half-expecting to see the grotesque face of a demonic minion. Instead, you find yourself looking into the impish face of a young teenage girl.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly you are aware that someone is standing behind you. Instantly, you unsheathe your weapon and spin around to face them, half-expecting to see the grotesque face of a demonic minion. Instead, you find yourself looking into the impish face of a young, teenage girl.</p>
<choice idref="sect173"><link-text>Turn to 173</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>328</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You let loose your arrow and watch as it clips the man's thigh before arcing away into the night. You hear him yelp with pain, but the wound is superficial and it does not prevent him from making a safe landing on the rooftop opposite.</p>
+ <p>You let loose your Arrow and watch as it clips the man's thigh before arcing away into the night. You hear him yelp with pain, but the wound is superficial and it does not prevent him from making a safe landing on the rooftop opposite.</p>
<p>You dash along the street, your eyes fixed on the limping archer as he makes good his escape from the inn. You are twenty metres ahead of him when the street makes a turn and you find yourself face-to-face with a solid brick wall; you have come to a dead end. You are about to retrace your steps when suddenly you notice a rusty iron staircase away to your right. It is a crude fire-escape ladder and it leads all the way to the roof of a linen warehouse. Quickly you climb the ladder, your weapon drawn in readiness to intercept the wounded assassin the moment he appears.</p>
<choice idref="sect95"><link-text>Turn to 95</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>330</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The brigands are clumsy in their eagerness to reach the copse, presenting themselves as easy targets to your bow. Every arrow finds its mark until their leader calls off the assault and they take cover among the boulders. Now the trees echo to the sound of steel bolts ripping through branches and ricocheting off stone; once more these brigands have begun firing at you with their crossbows.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> (0=10). The number you have picked is equal to the number of
arrows you have fired at the brigands (adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly).</p>
- <choice idref="sect268">If the number you have picked is greater than the number of arrows you have in your quiver, erase them all and <link-text>turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect167">If, after having deducted the relevant number of arrows, you still have one or more left in your quiver, <link-text>turn to 167</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>The brigands are clumsy in their eagerness to reach the copse, presenting themselves as easy targets to your Bow. Every Arrow finds its mark until their leader calls off the assault and they take cover among the boulders. Now the trees echo to the sound of steel bolts ripping through branches and ricocheting off stone; once more these brigands have begun firing at you with their crossbows.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> (0=10). The number you have picked is equal to the number of
Arrows you have fired at the brigands (adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly).</p>
+ <choice idref="sect268">If the number you have picked is greater than the number of Arrows you have in your Quiver, erase them all and <link-text>turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect167">If, after having deducted the relevant number of Arrows, you still have one or more left in your quiver, <link-text>turn to 167</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>334</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You rush towards the crystal dais, feinting and weaving to avoid the oncoming automatons. But the machine-like warriors move closer together and, by the time you reach them, they have closed ranks and you run straight into their solid wall. You will have to fight them. These beings are immune to all forms of psychic attack (except Kai Blast).</p>
- <combat><enemy>Shamath automatons</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>You rush towards the crystal dais, feinting and weaving to avoid the oncoming Automatons. But the machine-like warriors move closer together and, by the time you reach them, they have closed ranks and you run straight into their solid wall. You will have to fight them. These beings are immune to all forms of psychic attack (except Kai-blast).</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Shamath Automatons</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect153">You may evade combat after four rounds by <link-text>turning to 153</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect240">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 240</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The creature roars with anger as it overcomes your mental commands and rushes forward. You raise your weapon and bring your horse about to face this fearsome beast's attack. The instant he sees the creature he panics and rears up on his hind legs, neighing with fright, his hooves scrabbling frantically at the air. You bring him under control using your innate Kai skills, but in so doing your attention is diverted from the attacking beast as it moves in and swipes at you with its clawed paw.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Black corvayl</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">58</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Black Corvayl</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">58</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 10 for the first round of this fight only.</p>
<choice idref="sect210">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>338</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>While you enjoy your impromptu meal, you stare at the shimmering waters of the lake, now some ten kilometres distant, and contemplate with dread what may await you when you get to the east shore. Then, unexpectedly, your sixth sense warns you that danger is much closer at hand and instinctively you reach for your weapon. As your hand closes upon it, a fearful roar erupts from the bushes on the other side of the trail. Suddenly the foliage is torn open by two great hairy paws and a black, bear-like hulk comes charging across the trail towards you, its fanged jaw open as if to bite.</p>
+ <p>While you enjoy your impromptu meal, you stare at the shimmering waters of the lake, now some ten kilometres distant, and contemplate with dread what may await you when you get to the east shore. Then, unexpectedly, your Sixth Sense warns you that danger is much closer at hand and instinctively you reach for your weapon. As your hand closes upon it, a fearful roar erupts from the bushes on the other side of the trail. Suddenly the foliage is torn open by two great hairy paws and a black, bear-like hulk comes charging across the trail towards you, its fanged jaw open as if to bite.</p>
<choice idref="sect15">If you possess Animal Mastery, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 15</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect198">If you have a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 198</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect257">If you have neither, or choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 257</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>340</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>I bid you welcome, Northlander,</quote> says the fur-clad stranger, taking you aback with his friendly tone, <quote>T'as been many moons since I've seen a welcome face in this godforsaken land. What beckons you here?</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>I bid you welcome, Northlander,</quote> says the fur-clad stranger, taking you aback with his friendly tone, <quote>&thinspace;'T'as been many moons since I've seen a welcome face in this godforsaken land. What beckons you here?</quote></p>
<p>You answer with caution in case he is trying to trick you, and simply reply that you are a hunter.</p>
<p><quote>A hunter, eh?</quote> he says, smiling. <quote>Come, now. You be no hunter, least none like I know. And I should know seein' as I'm a hunter m'self.</quote></p>
<p>You use your Kai senses to assess this man's purpose and realize that he is speaking the truth. He really is a hunter and he intends you no harm.</p>
<p><quote>Very well,</quote> you say, <quote>I admit I'm not a hunter, at least not in the way you think. I've come here to find out what is going on at the Maakengorge. I want to know why Vorn was destroyed and what is causing the storms. But what of your purpose, master hunter? What quarry is there here that's worth battling these accursed storms for?</quote></p>
- <p>The hunter tells you that he has travelled all the way from Karkaste, in the realm of Lyris, to hunt for black corvayl. The fur of this beast is worth a small fortune in the markets of Casiorn and the Stornlands. He says the storms and the Vakovarian brigands have made things difficult for him; he has been in these mountains for more than a month now and has only two pelts to show for his trouble.</p>
+ <p>The hunter tells you that he has travelled all the way from Karkaste, in the realm of Lyris, to hunt for Black Corvayl. The fur of this beast is worth a small fortune in the markets of Casiorn and the Stornlands. He says the storms and the Vakovarian brigands have made things difficult for him; he has been in these mountains for more than a month now and has only two pelts to show for his trouble.</p>
<p>The hunter, whose name is Fyrad, invites you to join him at his camp in the hills. It will soon be dusk and the icy winds are getting colder, so you gladly accept his offer of food and warm shelter.</p>
<choice idref="sect175"><link-text>Turn to 175</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>341</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As soon as the stable boy has saddled Bracer, you mount up and leave the inn at a gallop. You decide to forgo sleep this night and begin your journey north without further delay. Shortly past midnight, you pass through Helgor's ruined East Gate and head off along a rutted track that winds a north-easterly route towards the River Storn. The moon is full and this rough trail is illuminated clearly by its cold, ashen light. Far to the north an electrical storm is brewing. Flashes of forked lightning light up the horizon and the sky, and the hills echo to the rumble of distant thunder.</p>
- <p>You have covered little more than ten kilometres when the trail gradually peters out. You continue on across soft heathland for a few miles further until you find another trail, muddier than the first. Fresh tracks are imprinted in its surface, leading off towards the north-east. Curious as to their origin, you dismount and take a closer look.</p>
+ <p>As soon as the stable boy has saddled Bracer, you mount up and leave the inn at a gallop. You decide to forgo sleep this night and begin your journey north without further delay. Shortly past midnight, you pass through Helgor's ruined East Gate and head off along a rutted track that winds a northeasterly route towards the River Storn. The moon is full and this rough trail is illuminated clearly by its cold, ashen light. Far to the north an electrical storm is brewing. Flashes of forked lightning light up the horizon and the sky, and the hills echo to the rumble of distant thunder.</p>
+ <p>You have covered little more than ten kilometres when the trail gradually peters out. You continue on across soft heathland for a few miles further until you find another trail, muddier than the first. Fresh tracks are imprinted in its surface, leading off towards the northeast. Curious as to their origin, you dismount and take a closer look.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have Grand Huntmastery, add 1 for every Kai level you are above the rank of Kai Grand Guardian to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect307">If your total score is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 307</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect256">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 256</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>342</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The horse refuses to approach the trees so you dismount and tether him to a boulder before investigating the wooded gulley on foot. Beyond the perimeter of trees you discover a clearing where a score of shallow graves are clustered in a circle. You scrape away some of the stones and earth from the nearest grave and uncover the corpse of a man clad in mouldering red robes. A black hood trimmed with skeletal insignia identify him to have once been an acolyte of Vashna. He and his brothers were attacked, robbed, and murdered by the brigands when they passed this way some weeks earlier. This clearing is where they disposed of the bodies.</p>
+ <p>The horse refuses to approach the trees so you dismount and tether him to a boulder before investigating the wooded gulley on foot. Beyond the perimeter of trees you discover a clearing where a score of shallow graves are clustered in a circle. You scrape away some of the stones and earth from the nearest grave and uncover the corpse of a man clad in mouldering red robes. A black hood trimmed with skeletal insignia identifies him to have once been an acolyte of Vashna. He and his brothers were attacked, robbed, and murdered by the brigands when they passed this way some weeks earlier. This clearing is where they disposed of the bodies.</p>
<choice idref="sect199">If you wish to search the robes of this corpse, <link-text>turn to 199</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect156">If you wish to leave this crude graveyard and return to the trail, <link-text>turn to 156</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>343</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the acolyte immediately before you in the line steps into the arch, your sixth sense screams a warning of imminent danger.</p>
+ <p>As the acolyte immediately before you in the line steps into the arch, your Sixth Sense screams a warning of imminent danger.</p>
<choice idref="sect130">If you wish to ignore your Kai senses and step through the arch, <link-text>turn to 130</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect28">If you decide to follow your senses and refuse to step through the arch, <link-text>turn to 28</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You are awoken in the middle of the night by the she-cat's nervous growl. At first you think that a new day must already have dawned for the cave is awash with bright light, but when you look out at the surrounding landscape you see that the light has a far more sinister origin.</p>
- <p>The sky is alive with hordes of glowing, wraith-like phantoms. They swoop down from the roiling storm clouds and skim the tree-tops, howling and screeching like angry banshees. A trio of these ghastly apparitions passes within a few yards of the cave mouth and startle the wild cat and her mewing cub. Terrified, they flee the cave and disappear into the pines.</p>
+ <p>The sky is alive with hordes of glowing, wraith-like phantoms. They swoop down from the roiling storm clouds and skim the treetops, howling and screeching like angry banshees. A trio of these ghastly apparitions passes within a few yards of the cave mouth and startle the wild cat and her mewing cub. Terrified, they flee the cave and disappear into the pines.</p>
<choice idref="sect283">If you possess Kai-screen, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 283</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect19">If you do not possess Kai-screen, or have yet to attain this Kai rank, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>345</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Time passes and you sense flashing motes of light streaking past your closed eyes, and faint far away sounds come dimly to your ears through the howling wind. Then, as suddenly as it began, the sensation of falling ceases and you feel yourself lurching forwards on to wet, rocky soil. Rain spatters your face and, when you open your eyes, you see that you have returned to Magnamund &ellips; and to terrible danger.</p>
- <p><quote>Kill him!</quote> It is the voice of Arch Druid Cadak. You have emerged from the shadow gate and now you lie on the ground between the great shimmering arch and Cadak's crystal dais. You have only just found your feet when a growling horde of vengeful acolytes close in upon you, eager to fulfil their leader's wish.</p>
+ <p>Time passes and you sense flashing motes of light streaking past your closed eyes, and faint far away sounds come dimly to your ears through the howling wind. Then, as suddenly as it began, the sensation of falling ceases and you feel yourself lurching forwards onto wet, rocky soil. Rain spatters your face and, when you open your eyes, you see that you have returned to Magnamund &ellips; and to terrible danger.</p>
+ <p><quote>Kill him!</quote> It is the voice of Arch Druid Cadak. You have emerged from the Shadow Gate and now you lie on the ground between the great shimmering arch and Cadak's crystal dais. You have only just found your feet when a growling horde of vengeful acolytes close in upon you, eager to fulfil their leader's wish.</p>
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<meta><title>347</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You slay all but one jackal. This bruised and blood-spattered cur flees from the shore, defeated but determined not to suffer the fate of the others. You pause to wipe the sticky gore from your weapon, then you mount your horse and set off along the rugged shoreline, foregoing the shelter of the horseshoe boulders in case the jackal should return in the night with more of its ferocious brothers.</p>
+ <p>You slay all but one Jackal. This bruised and blood-spattered cur flees from the shore, defeated but determined not to suffer the fate of the others. You pause to wipe the sticky gore from your weapon, then you mount your horse and set off along the rugged shoreline, foregoing the shelter of the horseshoe boulders in case the Jackal should return in the night with more of its ferocious brothers.</p>
<p>Fortunately, you soon reach firmer ground and, by nightfall, you come to a sheltered cove where you find a warm hollow in which to set up camp for the night. Unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect296">To continue, <link-text>turn to 296</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>As the last of the Vakovarians falls dead at your feet, you step away from their heaped bodies and wipe the sweat of battle from your bloodied brow. You have slain the enemy but you can hear more of their kind stumbling across the boulders, eager to reach you and avenge the deaths of their brothers-in-arms.</p>
- <p>You retreat into the copse, using your Magnakai skills of invisibility to keep you hidden from the advancing brigands. In their clumsy eagerness to enter the trees, they fail to notice you slip through their lines and circle around behind them. You have outwitted them but you are still anxious that they may find your horse. You move to higher ground in order to get a better view of the copse and, from a vantage point among the boulders, you observe their leader and three of his henchmen hiding nearby, crouched behind the bough of a fallen tree.</p>
+ <p>You retreat into the copse, using your Magnakai skills of Invisibility to keep you hidden from the advancing brigands. In their clumsy eagerness to enter the trees, they fail to notice you slip through their lines and circle around behind them. You have outwitted them but you are still anxious that they may find your horse. You move to higher ground in order to get a better view of the copse and, from a vantage point among the boulders, you observe their leader and three of his henchmen hiding nearby, crouched behind the bough of a fallen tree.</p>
<choice idref="sect304">If you possess a Bow and wish to fire an arrow at the Brigand leader, <link-text>turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect212">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use the spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell>, <link-text>turn to 212</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect98">If you decide to wait and observe these brigands a little longer, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>350</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Suddenly, the raging winds cease and you fall unconscious to the floor of the dais. When you awaken you discover that you are entirely alone. The collapse of the shadow gate and the whirlwind which followed have consumed everything, save yourself and the crystal dais: no acolytes, no trace of the grand archway, no Deathstaff, not even the storms remain. Virtually all trace of Cadak's evil plan has been wiped from the surface of your world.</p>
- <p>Congratulations, Grand Master Lone Wolf. You have triumphed. You have defeated the plan to resurrect Vashna and saved Magnamund from his rule of terror. But the fight against Evil is not yet over. The collapsing shadow gate destroyed everything it consumed &ellips; everything, that is, with one exception. That exception returns to haunt you in the next Grand Master adventure, entitled:</p>
+ <p>Suddenly, the raging winds cease and you fall unconscious to the floor of the dais. When you awaken you discover that you are entirely alone. The collapse of the Shadow Gate and the whirlwind which followed have consumed everything, save yourself and the crystal dais: no acolytes, no trace of the grand archway, no Deathstaff, not even the storms remain. Virtually all trace of Cadak's evil plan has been wiped from the surface of your world.</p>
+ <p>Congratulations, Grand Master Lone Wolf. You have triumphed. You have defeated the plan to resurrect Vashna and saved Magnamund from his rule of terror. But the fight against Evil is not yet over. The collapsing Shadow Gate destroyed everything it consumed&ellips; everything, that is, with one exception. That exception returns to haunt you in the next Grand Master adventure, entitled:</p>
<p><strong><!-- -->jb: linkify</strong>THE DEATHLORD OF IXIA</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>Errata</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>(<a idref="tssf">The Story So Far</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai lord</quote> with <quote>Kai Lord</quote>, <quote>strongholds fierce</quote> with <quote>strongholds, fierce</quote>, <quote>Right-Handed Magic</quote> with <quote>Right-handed magic</quote>, <quote>new-found</quote> with <quote>newfound</quote>, <quote>Dark God and</quote> with <quote>Dark God, and</quote>, <quote>vigilant for</quote> with <quote>vigilant, for</quote>, and <quote>quickly and</quote> with <quote>quickly, and</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="discplnz">Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced <quote>smell and</quote> with <quote>smell, and</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="equipmnt">Equipment</a>) Replaced <quote>Magador you</quote> with <quote>Magador, you</quote>, <quote>eg Gold</quote> with <quote>e.g. Gold</quote>, and <quote>adds 3 points</quote> with <quote>adds 5 points</quote>. Added a section about Gold Crowns which reads <quote>The currency of Magador is the Gold Crown. These are always carried in the Belt Pouch. It will hold a maximum of fifty Crowns.</quote></p>
- <p>(<a idref="imprvdsc">Improved Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>Kai-Blast</quote> with <quote>Kai-blast</quote>. Replaced <quote>surface, eg:</quote> with <quote>surfaces, e.g.</quote> and <quote>body-weight</quote> and <quote>body weight</quote>. Added <quote>(7 Disciplines)</quote> after <quote>Sun Lord</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect1">1</a>) Replaced <quote>skyship Skyrider</quote> with <quote>skyship, <cite>Skyrider</cite></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="tssf">The Story So Far</a>) Replaced <quote>elite</quote> with <quote>élite</quote>, <quote>no Kai lord</quote> with <quote>no Kai Lord</quote>, <quote>strongholds fierce</quote> with <quote>strongholds, fierce</quote>, <quote>Right-Handed Magic</quote> with <quote>Right-handed magic</quote>, both occurrences of <quote>new-found</quote> with <quote>newfound</quote>, <quote>Dark God and</quote> with <quote>Dark God, and</quote>, <quote>vigilant for</quote> with <quote>vigilant, for</quote>, <quote>free-state</quote> with <quote>Freeland</quote>, <quote>body, and those</quote> with <quote>body, along with those</quote>, and <quote>quickly and</quote> with <quote>quickly, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) Removed <quote>that you will find in the front of this book. For ease of use, and for further adventuring, it is recommended that you photocopy these pages</quote> and <quote>on the last page of this book</quote>. Changed <quote><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ></quote> to <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ></quote> according to <cite>Lone Wolf Club Newsletter 24</cite>. Replaced <quote>Magi-Magic</quote> with <quote>Magi-magic</quote> and <quote>opposite and overleaf</quote> with <quote>below</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="discplnz">Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced <quote>smell and</quote> with <quote>smell, and</quote> and both occurrences of <quote>(ie,</quote> with <quote>(i.e.</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="equipmnt">Equipment</a>) Replaced <quote>Magador you</quote> with <quote>Magador, you</quote>, <quote>eg Gold</quote> with <quote>e.g. Gold</quote>, <quote>map of the area</quote> with <quote>map of the the Maakengorge and surrounding territories</quote>, <quote>safe-keeping</quote> with <quote>safekeeping</quote>, all occurrences of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>, all occurrences of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>, and <quote>adds 3 points</quote> with <quote>adds 5 points</quote>. Removed <quote>(see the inside front cover of this book)</quote>. Added a section about Gold Crowns which reads <quote>The currency of Magador is the Gold Crown. These are always carried in the Belt Pouch. It will hold a maximum of fifty Crowns.</quote></p>
+ <p>(<a idref="cmbtrulz">Rules for Combat</a>) Removed <quote>on the inside back cover of this book</quote>. Replaced <quote>on the page after the Random Number Table</quote> with <quote>in the back of this book</quote>, <quote>Lone Wolf (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 32)</quote> with <quote>Lone Wolf (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 27)</quote>, and <quote>adds 3 points</quote> with <quote>adds 8 points</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="imprvdsc">Improved Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>Kai-Blast</quote> with <quote>Kai-blast</quote>. Replaced <quote>surface, eg:</quote> with <quote>surfaces, e.g.</quote>, <quote>ie.</quote> with <quote>i.e.</quote>, <quote>Kai Surge</quote> with <quote>Kai-surge</quote>, all occurrences of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>, both occurrences of <quote>arrow, or arrow-like</quote> with <quote>Arrow or Arrow-like</quote>, <quote>'Lightning Hand'</quote> with <quote><spell>Lightning Hand</spell></quote>, and <quote>body-weight</quote> and <quote>body weight</quote>. Added <quote>(7 Disciplines)</quote> after <quote>Sun Lord</quote>. Removed the quotation marks around <quote>Improved Grand Master Disciplines</quote>.</p>
+ <p>In <cite>Lone Wolf Club Newsletter 24</cite>: <quote>In Lone Wolf 16, the Improved Discipline of Kai-surge (at rank of Sun Lord) is not fully explained (a sentence is missing from the paragraph). A Kai Sun Lord using Kai Blast [sic] determines the damage inflicted on an enemy by picking two numbers from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. These numbers should be added together (a '0' = 1) and the resultant total equals the damage inflicted.</quote>. This missing information has been added to the text.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="kaiwisdm">Grand Master's Wisdom</a>) Moved this section of the book to its normal position after <a idref="imprvdsc">Improved Grand Master Disciplines</a>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect1">1</a>) Replaced <quote>skyship Skyrider</quote> with <quote>skyship, <cite>Skyrider</cite></quote> and <quote>scroll</quote> with <quote>Scroll</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect2">2</a>) Replaced <quote>animal kinship</quote> with <quote>Animal Kinship</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect3">3</a>) Replaced <quote>Nexus, and</quote> with <quote>Nexus and</quote> and <quote>Knight, or</quote> with <quote>Knight or</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect6">6</a>) Replaced <quote>tier and</quote> with <quote>tier and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect3">3</a>) Replaced <quote>beyond is</quote> with <quote>beyond are</quote>, <quote>Nexus, and</quote> with <quote>Nexus and</quote> and <quote>Knight, or</quote> with <quote>Knight or</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect6">6</a>) Replaced <quote>tier and</quote> with <quote>tier, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect9">9</a>) Replaced <quote>hand you</quote> with <quote>hand, you</quote>, <quote>appear but</quote> with <quote>appear, but</quote>, and <quote>panther you</quote> with <quote>panther, you</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect11">11</a>) Replaced <quote>most-favoured</quote> with <quote>most favoured</quote>, <quote>state and</quote> with <quote>state, and</quote>, <quote>skull and, as</quote> with <quote>skull, and as</quote>, <quote>Knight, or</quote> with <quote>Knight or</quote>, and <quote>rounds, by</quote> with <quote>rounds by</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect11">11</a>) Replaced <quote>Durncrag scavenger</quote> with <quote>Durncrag Scavenger</quote>, <quote>most-favoured</quote> with <quote>most favoured</quote>, <quote>weakened state and this</quote> with <quote>weakened state, and this</quote>, <quote>state and</quote> with <quote>state, and</quote>, <quote>skull and, as</quote> with <quote>skull, and as</quote>, <quote>Vorndarol jackals</quote> with <quote>Vorndarol Jackals</quote>, <quote>Knight, or</quote> with <quote>Knight or</quote>, and <quote>rounds, by</quote> with <quote>rounds by</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect12">12</a>) Replaced <quote>sun and</quote> with <quote>sun, and</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect14">14</a>) Replaced <quote>rounds, by</quote> with <quote>rounds by</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect14">14</a>) Replaced <quote>Vakovarian brigand captain</quote> with <quote>Vakovarian Brigand Captain</quote> and <quote>rounds, by</quote> with <quote>rounds by</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect15">15</a>) Replaced <quote>will and</quote> with <quote>will, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect16">16</a>) Replaced <quote>T'is</quote> with <quote>&thinspace;'Tis</quote> and <quote>not less</quote> with <quote>not 'less</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect19">19</a>) Replaced <quote>psi-screen</quote> with <quote>Psi-screen</quote>, <quote>sudden massive</quote> with <quote>sudden, massive</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect21">21</a>) Replaced <quote>doorway and</quote> with <quote>doorway, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect23">23</a>) Replaced <quote>sixth sense</quote> with <quote>Sixth Sense</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect25">25</a>) Replaced <quote>over and, as</quote> with <quote>over, and as</quote>, <quote>them you</quote> with <quote>them, you</quote>, <quote>can and so you</quote> with <quote>can. You</quote>, <quote>chase but</quote> with <quote>chase, but</quote>, and <quote>and they give</quote> with <quote>and give</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect29">29</a>) Replaced <quote>strike an</quote> with <quote>strike, an</quote>, <quote>this time,</quote> with <quote>this time!</quote> and <quote>alive.</quote> with <quote>alive!</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect29">29</a>) Replaced <quote>strike an</quote> with <quote>strike, an</quote>, <quote>this time,</quote> with <quote>this time!</quote>, <quote>alive.</quote> with <quote>alive!</quote>, <quote>Bow and arrow</quote> with <quote>Bow and Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect30">30</a>) Replaced <quote>Sun Lord or higher,</quote> with <quote>Sun Lord,</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect31">31</a>) Replaced <quote>prey on which</quote> with <quote>prey with which</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect33">33</a>) Replaced <quote>huntmastery</quote> with <quote>Huntmastery</quote> and <quote>swarthy-face</quote> with <quote>swarthy-faced</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect34">34</a>) Replaced <quote>Kraagenskul</quote> with <quote>Kraagenskûl</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect36">36</a>) Replaced <quote>Vortex</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect39">39</a>) Replaced <quote>curing</quote> with <quote>Curing</quote> and <quote>rounds, by</quote> with <quote>rounds by</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect44">44</a>) Replaced <quote>dim blue</quote> with <quote>dim, blue</quote> and <quote>light and in its dim glow you</quote> with <quote>light, and in its dim glow, you</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect36">36</a>) Replaced <quote>Vortex</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote>, <quote>vortexi</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote>, and <quote>add 5 to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score</quote> with <quote>restore 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect39">39</a>) Replaced <quote>curing</quote> with <quote>Curing</quote>, <quote>Vakovarian brigands</quote> with <quote>Vakovarian Brigands</quote>, and <quote>rounds, by</quote> with <quote>rounds by</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect40">40</a>) Removed the quotation marks around <quote>Lightning Hand</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect44">44</a>) Replaced <quote>dim blue</quote> with <quote>dim, blue</quote>, <quote>streches</quote> with <quote>stretches</quote>, and <quote>light and in its dim glow you</quote> with <quote>light, and in its dim glow, you</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect45">45</a>) Removed the superfluous semicolon in <quote>region; has</quote>&emdash;the original print has a suspicious looking smudge that makes no sense in this context. Replaced <quote>says, as</quote> with <quote>says as</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect48">48</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>, <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>, and <quote>Black corvayl</quote> with <quote>Black Corvayl</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect50">50</a>) Replaced <quote>them they</quote> with <quote>them, they</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect51">51</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect52">52</a>) Replaced <quote>rounds, by</quote> with <quote>rounds by</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect52">52</a>) Replaced <quote>psychic ability</quote> with <quote>psychic abilities</quote> and <quote>rounds, by</quote> with <quote>rounds by</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect54">54</a>) Replaced <quote>invisibility yet</quote> with <quote>invisibility, yet</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect55">55</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>acolytes</quote> with <quote>Acolytes</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect56">56</a>) Replaced <quote>eagle eyes</quote> with <quote>eagle-eyes</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect57">57</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect57">57</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>. Removed the quotation marks around <quote>Net</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect59">59</a>) Replaced <quote>bandits and</quote> with <quote>bandits, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect60">60</a>) Replaced <quote>ascend but</quote> with <quote>ascend, but</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect61">61</a>) Replaced <quote>pathsmanship</quote> with <quote>Pathsmanship</quote> and <quote>peak but</quote> with <quote>peak, but</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect64">64</a>) Replaced <quote>huntmastery</quote> with <quote>Huntmastery</quote>, <quote>desolate but</quote> with <quote>desolate, but</quote>, and <quote>streets and</quote> with <quote>streets, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect67">67</a>) Replaced <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect71">71</a>) Replaced <quote>spell</quote> with <quote>Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect71">71</a>) Replaced <quote>spell</quote> with <quote>Spell</quote> and removed the quotation marks around <quote>Counterspell</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect72">72</a>) Replaced <quote>downpour you</quote> with <quote>downpour, you</quote> and <quote>summonation</quote> with <quote>summoning</quote>. Replaced both occurrences of <quote>shadow gate</quote> with <quote>Shadow Gate</quote>. Added a comma after the first <quote>Shadow Gate</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect73">73</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>gulley</quote> with <quote>gully</quote>. Replaced <quote>flood you</quote> with <quote>flood, you</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect74">74</a>) Replaced <quote>strong and</quote> with <quote>strong, and</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect75">75</a>) Replaced <quote>arm lock</quote> with <quote>armlock</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect76">76</a>) Replaced <quote>camouflage</quote> with <quote>Camouflage</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect75">75</a>) Replaced <quote>arm lock</quote> with <quote>armlock</quote> and <quote>acolytes of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolytes of Vashna</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect76">76</a>) Replaced <quote>camouflage</quote> with <quote>Camouflage</quote> and <quote>acolyte Elders</quote> with <quote>Acolyte Elders</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect80">80</a>) Replaced <quote>huntmastery</quote> with <quote>Huntmastery</quote> and <quote>desolate but</quote> with <quote>desolate, but</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect82">82</a>) Replaced <quote>deck and</quote> with <quote>deck, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect83">83</a>) Replaced <quote>vortexi</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote> and both occurrences of <quote>Guardian,</quote> with <quote>Guardian or higher,</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect84">84</a>) Replaced <quote>pathsmanship</quote> with <quote>Pathsmanship</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect100">100</a>) Replaced <quote>t'is</quote> with <quote>&thinspace;'tis</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect105">105</a>) Replaced <quote>destoyed</quote> with <quote>destroyed</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect124">124</a>) Replaced <quote>adgana</quote> with <quote>Adgana</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect86">86</a>) Replaced <quote>spell</quote> with <quote>Spell</quote> and removed the quotation marks from <quote>Sense Evil</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect87">87</a>) Replaced <quote>scavengers</quote> with <quote>Scavengers</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect88">88</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect90">90</a>) Replaced <quote>drop and</quote> with <quote>drop, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect91">91</a>) Replaced <quote>dawn the</quote> with <quote>dawn, the</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect94">94</a>) Replaced <quote>Crack!</quote> with <quote>crack!</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect96">96</a>) Replaced <quote>rips</quote> with <quote>rip</quote> and <quote>flame and suddenly</quote> with <quote>flame. Suddenly</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect97">97</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai Blast</quote> with <quote>Kai-blast</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect98">98</a>) Replaced <quote>One by one his</quote> with <quote>One by one, his</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect99">99</a>) Replaced <quote>jackals</quote> with <quote>Jackals</quote>, <quote>Knight, or</quote> with <quote>Knight or</quote>, and <quote>rounds, by</quote> with <quote>rounds by</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect100">100</a>) Replaced <quote>t'is</quote> with <quote>&thinspace;'tis</quote> and <quote>At first I, too, made</quote> with <quote>At first, I too made</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect102">102</a>) Replaced <quote>investigate and your</quote> with <quote>investigate. Your</quote> and <quote>acolyte of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolyte of Vashna</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect103">103</a>) Replaced <quote>vortexi</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote> and <quote>add 5 to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score</quote> with <quote>restore 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect105">105</a>) Replaced <quote>Citystate</quote> with <quote>City-state</quote> and <quote>destoyed</quote> with <quote>destroyed</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect107">107</a>) Removed the quotation marks from <quote>Invisible Fist</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect108">108</a>) Replaced <quote>hesitation he</quote> with <quote>hesitation, he</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect109">109</a>) Replaced <quote>bow and draw an arrow</quote> with <quote>Bow and draw an Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect110">110</a>) Replaced <quote>shadow gate</quote> with <quote>Shadow Gate</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect111">111</a>) Removed <quote>, or higher</quote> from <quote>Sun Lord, or higher</quote>since Sun Lord is the highest available rank in this book.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect112">112</a>) Replaced <quote>shore and</quote> with <quote>shore, and</quote> and <quote>jackals</quote> with <quote>Jackals</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect113">113</a>) Replaced <quote>off-balance</quote> with <quote>off balance</quote>, <quote>them you</quote> with <quote>them, you</quote>, <quote>can and</quote> with <quote>can, and</quote>, <quote>heels, pausing</quote> with <quote>heels pausing</quote>, and <quote>chase but</quote> with <quote>chase, but</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect120">120</a>) Replaced <quote>bow, draw an arrow</quote> with <quote>Bow, draw an Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect122">122</a>) Replaced <quote>healing</quote> with <quote>Healing</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect123">123</a>) Removed the quotation marks around <quote>Lightning Hand</quote> and replaced <quote>spell</quote> with <quote>Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect124">124</a>) Replaced <quote>adgana</quote> with <quote>Adgana</quote> and <quote>long discordant</quote> with <quote>long, discordant</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect125">125</a>) Replaced <quote>far sinister</quote> with <quote>far more sinister</quote> and <quote>psi-screen</quote> with <quote>Psi-screen</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect127">127</a>) Removed the quotation marks from around <quote>Levitation</quote> and replaced <quote>spell</quote> with <quote>Spell</quote>. Removed the choices at the end since they are superfluous: Lone Wolf must have Kai-alchemy to reach this section. The choices read:</p>
+ <blockquote>
+ <p>If you possess Kai-alchemy, turn to 57.</p>
+ <p>If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, turn to 282.</p>
+ </blockquote>
+ <p>The single remaining choice now reads:</p>
+ <blockquote>
+ <p>Turn to 57.</p>
+ </blockquote>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect128">128</a>) Replaced <quote>sixth sense</quote> with <quote>Sixth Sense</quote> and <quote>animal control</quote> with <quote>Animal Control</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect129">129</a>) Removed the quotation marks around <quote>Mind Charm</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect130">130</a>) Replaced <quote>Vasha</quote> with <quote>Vashna</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect131">131</a>) Replaced <quote>weapon</quote> with <quote>Weapon</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect132">132</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai Blast</quote> with <quote>Kai-blast</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect134">134</a>) Replaced <quote>acolyte Elder</quote> with <quote>Elder</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect136">136</a>) Replaced <quote>invisibility</quote> with <quote>Invisibility</quote> and <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Removed the quotation marks around <quote>Mind Charm</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect137">137</a>) Replaced <quote>camouflage</quote> with <quote>Camouflage</quote> and <quote>unconscious and</quote> with <quote>unconscious, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect142">142</a>) Replaced <quote>add 5 to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score</quote> with <quote>restore 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect143">143</a>) Replaced <quote>we celebrate</quote> with <quote>We celebrate</quote> and <quote>acolytes of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolytes of Vashna</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect144">144</a>) Replaced <quote>vortexi</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect149">149</a>) Replaced <quote>command and</quote> with <quote>command, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect153">153</a>) Replaced <quote>If you do not possess these skills, or if you have yet to attain the rank of Sun Lord,</quote> with <quote>Otherwise,</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect154">154</a>) Replaced <quote>guttering</quote> with <quote>gutter</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect158">158</a>) Replaced <quote>rounds, by</quote> with <quote>rounds by</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect159">159</a>) Replaced <quote>and it makes</quote> with <quote>which makes</quote> and <quote>vortexi</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect161">161</a>) Replaced <quote>furrier's shop</quote> with <quote>furriers' shop</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect162">162</a>) Replaced <quote>vortexi</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect163">163</a>) Replaced <quote>acolytes of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolytes of Vashna</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect164">164</a>) Replaced both occurrences <quote>shadow gate</quote> with <quote>Shadow Gate</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect166">166</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai lord</quote> with <quote>Kai Lord</quote> and <quote>in our midst,</quote> with <quote>in our midst!</quote>, <quote>sun-sword</quote> with <quote>Sun-sword</quote>, and <quote>Cadak, maniacally, 'You</quote> with <quote>Cadak maniacally. 'You</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect167">167</a>) Replaced <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrows</quote>, <quote>invisibility</quote> with <quote>Invisibility</quote>, and <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Removed the quotation marks around <quote>Mind Charm</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect174">174</a>) Replaced <quote>furrier's shop</quote> with <quote>furriers' shop</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect175">175</a>) Replaced <quote>acolytes of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolytes of Vashna</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect176">176</a>) Replaced <quote>sun-sword</quote> with <quote>Sun-sword</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect180">180</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>, <quote>scavengers</quote> with <quote>Scavengers</quote>, <quote>paces for</quote> with <quote>paces, for</quote> and <quote>attack; they</quote> with <quote>attack: they</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect183">183</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote> and both occurrences of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect184">184</a>) Replaced <quote>whom you almost collided with</quote> with <quote>with whom you almost collided</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect185">185</a>) Replaced <quote>screwjaws</quote> with <quote>screwjaw</quote> and <quote>drunkard when</quote> with <quote>drunkard, when</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect186">186</a>) Replaced <quote>tunic, and</quote> with <quote>tunic and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect197">197</a>) Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect198">198</a>) Replaced <quote>bow and draw an arrow</quote> with <quote>Bow and draw an Arrow</quote> and <quote>jaw</quote> with <quote>jaws</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect200">200</a>) Replaced <quote>acolyte Elders</quote> with <quote>Acolyte Elders</quote>, <quote>face it you see, two</quote> with <quote>face it, you see two</quote> and <quote>acolytes of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolytes of Vashna</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect204">204</a>) Replaced <quote>acolytes of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolytes of Vashna</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect205">205</a>) Removed <quote>, or higher</quote> from <quote>Sun Lord, or higher</quote>since Sun Lord is the highest available rank in this book.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect207">207</a>) Replaced <quote>Huntmastery you</quote> with <quote>Huntmastery, you</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect208">208</a>) Replaced <quote>scavenger</quote> with <quote>Scavenger</quote>, <quote>most-favoured</quote> with <quote>most favoured</quote>, <quote>Jackals</quote> with <quote>Jackals</quote>, <quote>Knight, or</quote> with <quote>Knight or</quote>, and <quote>rounds, by</quote> with <quote>rounds by</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect209">209</a>) Replaced <quote>animal kinship</quote> with <quote>Animal Kinship</quote> and <quote>so you</quote> with <quote>so, you</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect211">211</a>) Replaced <quote>camouflage</quote> with <quote>Camouflage</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect212">212</a>) Removed the quotation marks around <quote>Mind Charm</quote> and replaced <quote>spell</quote> with <quote>Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect213">213</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai lord</quote> with <quote>Kai Lord</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect217">217</a>) Replaced <quote>healing</quote> with <quote>Healing</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect222">222</a>) Replaced <quote>to the gallop</quote> with <quote>to a gallop</quote> and both occurences of <quote>jackals</quote> with <quote>Jackals</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect225">225</a>) Replaced <quote>shadow gate</quote> with <quote>Shadow Gate</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect226">226</a>) Replaced <quote>mitts</quote> with <quote>Mitts</quote>, all occurrences of <quote>cloaks</quote> with <quote>Cloaks</quote>, <quote>corvayl</quote> with <quote>Corvayl</quote>, both occurrences of <quote>pelts</quote> in the sale list with <quote>Pelts</quote>, and <quote>hides</quote> with <quote>Hides</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect227">227</a>) Replaced <quote>man, clad in furs clutching</quote> with <quote>man clad in furs and clutching</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect228">228</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai lord</quote> with <quote>Kai Lord</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect229">229</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>Kai blast</quote> with <quote>Kai-blast</quote>. Replaced <quote>add 5 to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score</quote> with <quote>restore 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect283">283</a>) Removed <quote>, or higher</quote> from <quote>Sun Lord, or higher</quote>since Sun <p>(<a idref="sect230">230</a>) Replaced <quote>horseshoe circle</quote> with <quote>horseshoe shape</quote>.</p>
+Lord is the highest available rank in this book.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect232">232</a>) Replaced <quote>cloud of crypt spawn</quote> with <quote>cloud of Crypt Spawn</quote> and <quote>Crypt spawn</quote> with <quote>Crypt Spawn</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect234">234</a>) Replaced three occurences of <quote>amulet</quote> with <quote>Amulet</quote>. Replaced <quote>acolytes of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolytes of Vashna</quote></p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect235">235</a>) Replaced <quote>shadow gate</quote> with <quote>Shadow Gate</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect236">236</a>) Replaced <quote>weapon</quote> with <quote>Weapon</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect239">239</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai lord</quote> with <quote>Kai Lord</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect241">241</a>) Replaced <quote>hunting</quote> with <quote>Hunting</quote>, <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>, and <quote>longer ,</quote> with <quote>longer,</quote>. Removed the quotation marks around <quote>Mind Charm</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect249">249</a>) Replaced <quote>animal control</quote> with <quote>Animal Control</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect250">250</a>) Replaced <quote>Then, as you round a knoll of rock, shaped</quote> with <quote>Then as you round a knoll of rock shaped</quote> and <quote>vortexi</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect251">251</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect254">254</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>, <quote>approaching.</quote> with <quote>approaching from.</quote>, <quote>domain, a</quote> with <quote>domain: a</quote>, and <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect255">255</a>) Replaced <quote>runic disc</quote> with <quote>Runic Disc</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect256">256</a>) Replaced <quote>north-easterly</quote> with <quote>northeasterly</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect257">257</a>) Replaced <quote>Black corvayl</quote> with <quote>Black Corvayl</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect261">261</a>) Replaced <quote>shadow gate</quote> with <quote>Shadow Gate</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect263">263</a>) Replaced <quote>vortexi</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect264">264</a>) Replaced <quote>psi-screen</quote> with <quote>Psi-screen</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect265">265</a>) Replaced <quote>acolyte Elder</quote> with <quote>Acolyte Elder</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect268">268</a>) Replaced <quote>Vakovarian brigands</quote> with <quote>Vakovarian Brigands</quote> and <quote>rounds, by</quote> with <quote>rounds by</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect269">269</a>) Replaced <quote>spell</quote> with <quote>Spell</quote> and removed the quotation marks around <quote>Mind Charm</quote>. Replaced <quote>be&emdash;a lowly acolyte of Vashna</quote> with <quote>be: a lowly Acolyte of Vashna</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect272">272</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect275">275</a>) Replaced <quote>acolyte Elder</quote> with <quote>Acolyte Elder</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect276">276</a>) Replaced <quote>Knight, or</quote> with <quote>Knight or</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect277">277</a>) Replaced <quote>humble-but-honest</quote> with <quote>humble but honest</quote> and <quote>acolytes of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolytes of Vashna</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect284">284</a>) Replaced <quote>vortexi</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect286">286</a>) Replaced <quote>chasm of doom</quote> with <quote>Chasm of Doom</quote> and <quote>shadow gate</quote> with <quote>Shadow Gate</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect287">287</a>) Replaced <quote>gold crowns</quote> with <quote>Gold Crowns</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect288">288</a>) Replaced <quote>Elder-magi</quote> with <quote>Elder Magi</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect302">302</a>) Replaced <quote>pathsmanship</quote> with <quote>Pathsmanship</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect304">304</a>) Replaced <quote>screams, and</quote> with <quote>screams and</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect307">307</a>) Replaced <quote>pathsmanship</quote> with <quote>Pathsmanship</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect290">290</a>) Replaced <quote>belt pouch</quote> with <quote>Belt Pouch</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect294">294</a>) Replaced <quote>spell</quote> with <quote>Spell</quote> and removed the quotation marks from <quote>Mind Charm</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect296">296</a>) Replaced <quote>ever-nearer</quote> with <quote>ever nearer</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect297">297</a>) Replaced <quote>tracking</quote> with <quote>Tracking</quote> and <quote>Guardian, or</quote> with <quote>Guardian or</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect300">300</a>) Replaced <quote>camouflage</quote> with <quote>Camouflage</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect301">301</a>) Replaced <quote>bow, draw an arrow from your quiver</quote> with <quote>Bow, draw an Arrow from your Quiver</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect302">302</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai pathsmanship</quote> with <quote>Magnakai Pathsmanship</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect304">304</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>, <quote>Thok!</quote> with <quote>thok!</quote>, and <quote>screams, and</quote> with <quote>screams and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect305">305</a>) Replaced <quote>vortexi</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect306">306</a>) Replaced <quote>corvayl</quote> with <quote>Corvayl</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect307">307</a>) Replaced <quote>pathsmanship</quote> with <quote>Pathsmanship</quote> and <quote>north-easterly</quote> with <quote>northeasterly</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect308">308</a>) Replaced <quote>weapon</quote> with <quote>Weapon</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect311">311</a>) Replaced <quote>arching</quote> with <quote>arcing</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect315">315</a>) Replaced <quote>king's</quote> with <quote>King's</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect316">316</a>) Replaced <quote>token</quote> with <quote>Token</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect318">318</a>) Replaced <quote>shadow gate</quote> with <quote>Shadow Gate</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect319">319</a>) Replaced <quote>Guardian, or</quote> with <quote>Guardian or</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect322">322</a>) Replaced <quote>acolyte Elder</quote> with <quote>Acolyte Elder</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect324">324</a>) Replaced <quote>vortexi</quote> with <quote>Vortexi</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect325">325</a>) Replaced <quote>acolytes of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolytes of Vashna</quote> and <quote>ruins, by</quote> with <quote>ruins by</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect326">326</a>) Replaced <quote>Guardian, or</quote> with <quote>Guardian or</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect327">327</a>) Replaced <quote>stalagtites</quote> with <quote>stalactites</quote> and <quote>young teenage</quote> with <quote>young, teenage</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect328">328</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect330">330</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>, all occurrences of <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrows</quote>, and <quote>quiver</quote> with <quote>Quiver</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect334">334</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>automatons</quote> with <quote>Automatons</quote> and <quote>Kai Blast</quote> with <quote>Kai-blast</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect336">336</a>) Replaced <quote>corvayl</quote> with <quote>Corvayl</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect337">337</a>) Replaced <quote>pathsmanship</quote> with <quote>Pathsmanship</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect338">338</a>) Replaced <quote>sixth sense</quote> with <quote>Sixth Sense</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect340">340</a>) Replaced <quote>T'as</quote> with <quote>&thinspace;'T'</quote> and <quote>black corvayl</quote> with <quote>Black Corvayl</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect341">341</a>) Replaced <quote>north-easterly</quote> with <quote>northeasterly</quote> and <quote>north-east</quote> with <quote>northeast</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect342">342</a>) Replaced <quote>indentify</quote> with <quote>identifies</quote> and <quote>acolyte of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolyte of Vashna</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect343">343</a>) Replaced <quote>sixth sense</quote> with <quote>Sixth Sense</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect344">344</a>) Replaced <quote>tree-tops</quote> with <quote>treetops</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect345">345</a>) Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote> and <quote>shadow gate</quote> with <quote>Shadow Gate</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect347">347</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>jackal</quote> with <quote>Jackal</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect348">348</a>) Replaced <quote>invisibility</quote> with <quote>Invisibility</quote> and removed the quotation marks around <quote>Mind Charm</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect350">350</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>shadow gate</quote> with <quote>Shadow Gate</quote>.</p>
</data>
</section>
</data>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / commitdiff