<dt>MS 5086 Bhanar and Chai</dt>
<dd>The Chai army occupied eastern Bhanar, and all of its steam-powered engines and weapons of war were systematically destroyed. The aged Khea-khan Xo-lin of Chai died, and his only remaining son, Zha-zhing, acceded to the throne. Zha-zhing<ch.apos/>s political rivals accused him of plotting and orchestrating the young prince Kadama<ch.apos/>s death in the preceding year for his personal gain. These accusations were never proven. Upon his inauguration he married Princess Myelsha of Mhytan. Chai forts along the border with Bhanar were attacked by Bhanarian irregulars in reprisal for the Massacre of Yua Tzhan. A treaty was signed between Chai and Mhytan (the Chai Sea Treaty). All Bhanarian shipping was denied access to the Chai Sea by Mhytanian and Chai men of war. The blockade soon suffocated Bhanarian resistance.</dd>
<dt>MS 5086 Shadaki and Free Alliance of Southern Magnamund</dt>
- <dd>Zultan Zedoli seized the throne of Shadaki in a bloody uprising, and the state of Shadaki seceded from the Free Alliance of Southern Magnamund – the confederation of states which had emerged from the collapse of the Shadakine Empire of Shararak the Wytch-king in MS 5057. Grey Star, the previous ruler of Shadaki, fled but he remained the Wizard Regent of the Free Alliance and set up his new capital in Port of Suhn.</dd>
+ <dd>Zultan Zedoli seized the throne of Shadaki in a bloody uprising, and the state of Shadaki seceded from the Free Alliance of Southern Magnamund<ch.emdash/>the confederation of states which had emerged from the collapse of the Shadakine Empire of Shararak the Wytch-king in MS 5057. Grey Star, the previous ruler of Shadaki, fled but he remained the Wizard Regent of the Free Alliance and set up his new capital in Port of Suhn.</dd>
<dt>MS 5087 Bhanar and Chai</dt>
<dd>Bhanarian resistance collapsed. Khea-khan Zha-zhing installed Overseer Klutan upon the throne of Bhanar. Klutan was a political puppet of Chai. The Chai army withdrew from eastern Bhanar. Khea-khan Zha-zhing had a son, Lao Tin.</dd>
<dt>MS 5088 Vaduzhan, Bhanar and Chai</dt>
<dt>MS 5101 Lencia</dt>
<dd>Prince Sarnac, at the head of a united Freelands force, attacked Helmstorm and liberated it from the Drakkarim. Sarnac was crowned King Sarnac IV of Lencia before he led his forces from Helmstorm to face the Drakkarim who had rallied to the north of the capital. Lencian and Drakkarim armies fought at the Battle of Grimstone Valley. Ranghor was vanquished when troops from Kasland arrived to reinforce the Lencians late on the second day of the battle.</dd>
<dt>MS 5101 Eru</dt>
- <dd>An Eruan Pathfinder reported that Ghangrim<ch.apos/>s Nadziranim had constructed a machine that would “devastate the Freelands”.</dd>
+ <dd>An Eruan Pathfinder reported that Ghangrim<ch.apos/>s Nadziranim had constructed a machine that would <quote>devastate the Freelands</quote>.</dd>
<dt>MS 5101 Western Tentarias</dt>
<dd>The Invasion of Darke began. The city fell to the united forces of Eru, Lencia, Kasland, Boden and Bor. King Sarnac IV renamed the city <quote>Gamir</quote>, its ancient Lencian title. Sarnac pressed on through Nyras and Nyvoz, intent on taking Kagorst and wiping out the remaining Drakkarim threat. Sarnac rode to victory and razed Kagorst.</dd>
<dt>MS 5101 Skaror</dt>
<meta><title>44</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You have encountered these creatures before when first you visited Chai. They are Chagarashi. Long ago, during the Age of Eternal Night, this land was stalked by Agarashi – the hellish creations of Agarash the Damned. When Agarash was destroyed by the Elder Magi, his creations were scattered across the wilderness and plains of Chai. The creatures you now face are descendants of those ancient horrors. It is rare for Chagarashi to be found in this region of Chai. You sense that there is a sinister force present that has driven them from their burrows and caves in search of prey.</p>
+ <p>You have encountered these creatures before when first you visited Chai. They are Chagarashi. Long ago, during the Age of Eternal Night, this land was stalked by Agarashi<ch.emdash/>the hellish creations of Agarash the Damned. When Agarash was destroyed by the Elder Magi, his creations were scattered across the wilderness and plains of Chai. The creatures you now face are descendants of those ancient horrors. It is rare for Chagarashi to be found in this region of Chai. You sense that there is a sinister force present that has driven them from their burrows and caves in search of prey.</p>
<choice idref="sect195"><link-text>Turn to 195</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>46</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The moment you take the satchel from the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s hand, you feel a wave of nausea flow through your body that makes you shudder with revulsion. The bag contains the Eye of Agarash. For centuries this evil gem has lain dormant, its power inert. Now it is has been awoken, triggered by the close proximity to you - a champion of God Kai. Hurriedly, you draw upon your Magnakai discipline of Psi-screen to shield yourself from its malicious radiance. Your defences deaden its insidious effect, but you suffer a shock to your nervous system: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
+ <p>The moment you take the satchel from the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s hand, you feel a wave of nausea flow through your body that makes you shudder with revulsion. The bag contains the Eye of Agarash. For centuries this evil gem has lain dormant, its power inert. Now it is has been awoken, triggered by the close proximity to you<ch.emdash/>a champion of God Kai. Hurriedly, you draw upon your Magnakai discipline of Psi-screen to shield yourself from its malicious radiance. Your defences deaden its insidious effect, but you suffer a shock to your nervous system: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
<p>Whenever you are affected by the debilitating power of the Eye of Agarash, you may use Laumspur to help you recover. Normally, a healing potion of Laumspur restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points when taken after combat. When using it to restore <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> lost due to the power of the Eye of Agarash, you may only restore the actual number of points lost. For example, if you lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the effects of the Eye (as is the case here), and then you take a potion of Laumspur which normally restores 4 points, you will only regain the lost 3 points. The extra point of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is not gained and should not be added to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score.</p>
<choice idref="sect192"><link-text>Turn to 192</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The Doomgah leader raises its mighty kirusami and spouts of cracking blue flame erupt along the length of its razor sharp blade. It opens its maw to reveal a score of dagger-like fangs and a thin black tongue that writhes between them.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Klüz (armed with Zukgudrak)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Kl<ch.uuml/>z (armed with Zukgudrak)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>The weapon that this enemy wields can leach power from the Eye of Agarash. This inflicts 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point of damage to you in every round of this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect228">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>63</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You utter the Kai Word of Power Kai! And the tremendous force of your advanced discipline hits the grouped Nagah Ghouls and sends them reeling in all directions. Your decision to use your power has worked well, for these enemies were originally a cult who worshiped God Naar – King of the Darkness. They had a secret subterranean base in the Nagah Forest during the ancient times when Chai was a province of the Vaduzhan Empire. After their mortal deaths, they were interred in their lair and its entrance was sealed, but your Magnakai discipline of Divination reveals to you that the power they gained from the Dark God through human sacrifices has kept them in a state of suspended undeath. Nadziran Zashnor who has, since the demise of the Darklords of Helgedad, become a champion of Naar, has most likely awoken these terrible creatures and is using them to further its sinister ambitions.</p>
+ <p>You utter the Kai Word of Power Kai! And the tremendous force of your advanced discipline hits the grouped Nagah Ghouls and sends them reeling in all directions. Your decision to use your power has worked well, for these enemies were originally a cult who worshiped God Naar<ch.emdash/>King of the Darkness. They had a secret subterranean base in the Nagah Forest during the ancient times when Chai was a province of the Vaduzhan Empire. After their mortal deaths, they were interred in their lair and its entrance was sealed, but your Magnakai discipline of Divination reveals to you that the power they gained from the Dark God through human sacrifices has kept them in a state of suspended undeath. Nadziran Zashnor who has, since the demise of the Darklords of Helgedad, become a champion of Naar, has most likely awoken these terrible creatures and is using them to further its sinister ambitions.</p>
<p><quote>Charge!</quote> shouts Lieutenant Quang, and his stirring command galvanises the Watchers into action. Anxious to seize the advantage your Kai word of power has provided, all five of you attack the scattered and fallen Nagah Ghouls before they can get scramble back to their feet.</p>
<choice idref="sect174"><link-text>Turn to 174</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>79</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Hurriedly, you recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell - Slow Fall – but the shock of the initial impact with the trees prevents you from completing it. The spell is only partially effective; you sustain a few cuts and bruises before you land, dazed and breathless, amidst a clump of thick foliage (lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). Fortunately, the lush vegetation and the slowed rate of descent have cushioned your impact, and you are able to rise to your feet with no bones broken. Your eyes are drawn to a glimmer of lantern light amidst the dense undergrowth and swaying trees. You shout out, hoping to draw Anseng<ch.apos/>s attention, but the sound of the teeming rain, the howling winds and the rolling thunder makes it impossible for you to be heard.</p>
+ <p>Hurriedly, you recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell<ch.emdash/>Slow Fall<ch.emdash/>but the shock of the initial impact with the trees prevents you from completing it. The spell is only partially effective; you sustain a few cuts and bruises before you land, dazed and breathless, amidst a clump of thick foliage (lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). Fortunately, the lush vegetation and the slowed rate of descent have cushioned your impact, and you are able to rise to your feet with no bones broken. Your eyes are drawn to a glimmer of lantern light amidst the dense undergrowth and swaying trees. You shout out, hoping to draw Anseng<ch.apos/>s attention, but the sound of the teeming rain, the howling winds and the rolling thunder makes it impossible for you to be heard.</p>
<p>You force a way through the heavy foliage and emerge from the trees at the edge of the clearing, close by the muddy road. A flash of lightning illuminates the area for a few fleeting moments, yet in that brief instant you are seen by Anseng. You are also spotted by Lord Rimoah who is clinging with all his strength to the prow rail of the Comet, high above. He tosses a small object over the skyship<ch.apos/>s gunwale and it ignites into an intense ball of green flame as it falls. It drops into the tangled grass of the clearing where it continues to burn fiercely. It is a signal flare, acknowledging that you have been seen. It also tells you that your mission must proceed as planned. As you hurry towards the sputtering flare, you see the keel of the skyship turn about and ascend rapidly into the roiling black clouds.</p>
<p>Anseng and his lantern emerge from the trees. Your worried guide pauses for a few moments to get his bearings, then he comes running towards you as fast as his waterlogged clothing will allow. You rush to meet him at the edge of the road. The noise of the storm has grown much louder since the Comet departed, and now the ground shudders alarmingly with every step you take. The sodden soil has become dangerously unstable. Lightning bolts strike the ground, causing fissures that tear open the soft friable earth. You watch with growing dread as parts of the clearing break away and tumble into these treacherous crevasses. A wide fissure opens beneath your feet and you lose your balance. Instantly, a strong hand grabs your forearm and pulls you away from the yawning rift.</p>
<p><quote>Steady, my Lord,</quote> says Anseng, his rain-lashed face lit by the eerie yellow light of his storm lantern. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll not see you buried before your mission has begun. Follow close on my heel, sire. Tread only where I tread.</quote> You nod in agreement and stay close behind your guide as skillfully he makes his way across the treacherous ground towards the treeline on the eastern side of the clearing. Here the earth is more stable; the tangled roots of the tall trees are preventing it from breaking apart and collapsing. Sheltered from the pouring rain by the thick canopy of toa fronds, you pause to rest and recover from your dramatic return to Chai.</p>
- <p>Upon checking your equipment, you are dismayed to find that the leather satchel containing your tracker gem is missing. The strap is still slung around your shoulder, but the satchel bag has been torn away during your fall through the trees. Your backpack has also been damaged in the fall, and three items are now missing. (Erase the Tracker Gem from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You must also erase 2 Backpack Items – the third and the fifth items you have noted on your list.)</p>
+ <p>Upon checking your equipment, you are dismayed to find that the leather satchel containing your tracker gem is missing. The strap is still slung around your shoulder, but the satchel bag has been torn away during your fall through the trees. Your backpack has also been damaged in the fall, and three items are now missing. (Erase the Tracker Gem from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You must also erase 2 Backpack Items<ch.emdash/>the third and the fifth items you have noted on your list.)</p>
<choice idref="sect326"><link-text>Turn to 326</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Xo Street is lined with fishmongers<ch.apos/> and butchers<ch.apos/> shops and small workshops that make and sell hardware and traveling equipment. You pass their shuttered doors and arrive at the city<ch.apos/>s quay. Thunder rumbles and the dark waters of the estuary roil and seethe, illuminated and tormented by jagged bolts of lightning. Scarlet flags are flying all along the quayside as a weather warning. It is forbidden to take a boat out when these flags are displayed. Most of the boats are securely moored and under canvas, save for a few foreign trading vessels that are berthed at a long stone pier. These are not under covers, but they are well secured with ropes and chains, their hatches battened down and their sails stowed away in lockers below deck.</p>
- <p>Opposite the stone pier you see a large tavern with a brightly painted façade. Warm amber light pours from the panes of its bow-fronted windows and a sign in the middle of its façade proudly announces its name: The Tkukoma Tavern.</p>
+ <p>Opposite the stone pier you see a large tavern with a brightly painted fa<ch.ccedil/>ade. Warm amber light pours from the panes of its bow-fronted windows and a sign in the middle of its fa<ch.ccedil/>ade proudly announces its name: The Tkukoma Tavern.</p>
<choice idref="sect280">If you wish to enter the Tkukoma Tavern, <link-text>turn to 280</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect59">If you decide to forego the tavern and make your way across the storm-swept quayside, you will arrive at a street which heads off in a northerly direction. This is called Chunang Street (<link-text>turn to 59</link-text>).</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>119</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Klüz shrieks with agony when you land your killing blow. Clutching at its sundered breast plate, it tumbles off the stone pier and plummets head first into the heaving waters of the Tkukoma Estuary. Its fell weapon, Zukgudrak, balances precariously on the edge of the pier. Only the weight of its blade is preventing this polearm from following its owner into the raging waters. You touch the tip of Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami to the blade to make it fall and there is sparkling flash of blue light. The blade of the fallen weapon is transmuted into lead and the power it possessed passes instantly into the blade of Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami.</p>
+ <p>Kl<ch.uuml/>z shrieks with agony when you land your killing blow. Clutching at its sundered breast plate, it tumbles off the stone pier and plummets head first into the heaving waters of the Tkukoma Estuary. Its fell weapon, Zukgudrak, balances precariously on the edge of the pier. Only the weight of its blade is preventing this polearm from following its owner into the raging waters. You touch the tip of Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami to the blade to make it fall and there is sparkling flash of blue light. The blade of the fallen weapon is transmuted into lead and the power it possessed passes instantly into the blade of Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami.</p>
<p>This special weapon will now triple all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point damage you inflict upon undead enemies in combat. However, this increased power comes at an increased price. In the first round of combat in which you use this enhanced weapon, you will suffer an automatic loss of 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect228">To continue, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text></choice>
</data>
<p>You force a way through the heavy foliage and emerge from the trees at the edge of the clearing, close by the muddy road. A flash of lightning illuminates the area for a few fleeting moments, yet in that brief instant you are seen by Anseng. You are also spotted by Lord Rimoah who is clinging with all his strength to the prow rail of the Comet, high above. He tosses a small object over the skyship<ch.apos/>s gunwale which ignites into an intense ball of green flame as it falls. It drops into the tangled grass of the clearing where it continues to burn fiercely. It is a signal flare, acknowledging that you have been seen. It also tells you that your mission must proceed as planned. As you hurry towards the sputtering flare, you see the keel of the skyship turn about and ascend rapidly into the roiling black clouds.</p>
<p>Anseng and his lantern emerge from the trees. Your worried guide pauses for a few moments to get his bearings, then he comes running towards you as fast as his saturated clothing will allow. You rush to meet him at the edge of the road. The noise of the storm has grown much louder since the Comet departed, and now the ground shudders alarmingly with every step you take. The sodden soil has become dangerously unstable. Lightning bolts strike the ground, causing fissures that tear open the soft friable earth. You watch with growing dread as parts of the clearing break away and tumble into these treacherous crevasses. A wide fissure opens beneath your feet and you lose your balance. Instantly, a strong hand grabs your forearm and pulls you away from the yawning rift.</p>
<p><quote>Steady, my Lord,</quote> says Anseng, his rain-lashed face lit by the eerie yellow light of his storm lantern. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll not see you buried before your mission has begun. Follow close on my heel, sire. Tread only where I tread.</quote> You nod in agreement and stay close behind your guide as skillfully he makes his way across the treacherous ground towards the tree line on the eastern side of the clearing. Here the earth is more stable; the tangled roots of the tall trees are preventing it from breaking apart and collapsing. Sheltered from the pouring rain by the thick canopy of toa fronds, you pause to rest and recover from your dramatic return to Chai.</p>
- <p>Upon checking your equipment, you are dismayed to find that the leather satchel containing your tracker gem is missing. The strap is still slung around your shoulder, but the satchel bag has been torn away during your fall through the trees. Your backpack has also been damaged in the fall, and three items are now missing. (Erase the Tracker Gem from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You must also erase 3 Backpack Items – the first, third, and fifth items on your list.)</p>
+ <p>Upon checking your equipment, you are dismayed to find that the leather satchel containing your tracker gem is missing. The strap is still slung around your shoulder, but the satchel bag has been torn away during your fall through the trees. Your backpack has also been damaged in the fall, and three items are now missing. (Erase the Tracker Gem from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You must also erase 3 Backpack Items<ch.emdash/>the first, third, and fifth items on your list.)</p>
<choice idref="sect326"><link-text>Turn to 326</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Rakhi gives a sudden squeal of delight and points at the pocket of your jacket.</p>
<p><quote>You have the Queen!</quote> she says, excitedly. You draw the playing piece from your pocket and Rakhi begs you to let her look at it. With trembling fingers she examines it closely.</p>
- <p><quote>Yes, yes… it<ch.apos/>s the missing piece I<ch.apos/>ve been looking for!</quote> she gasps.</p>
+ <p><quote>Yes, yes<ch.ellips/> it<ch.apos/>s the missing piece I<ch.apos/>ve been looking for!</quote> she gasps.</p>
<p><quote>What<ch.apos/>s so special about this samor piece?</quote> you ask, somewhat bemused by her passionate reaction.</p>
<p><quote>Wait here, I need to fetch something. I<ch.apos/>ll not be long.</quote> She returns the Samor Queen to you and leaves the table. You watch her hurry across the taproom and disappear through the curtained archway. In less than a minute she returns clutching a mahogany box inlaid with intricate gold designs.</p>
- <p>Proudly, she raises the lid revealing a set of beautifully carved samor pieces, each one resting in its own velvet-lined partition. One piece is missing from the set – the Samor Queen.</p>
+ <p>Proudly, she raises the lid revealing a set of beautifully carved samor pieces, each one resting in its own velvet-lined partition. One piece is missing from the set<ch.emdash/>the Samor Queen.</p>
<p><quote>I lost the Queen over a year ago, and I<ch.apos/>ve been searching for it ever since to restore my set. This was a present from my late grandmother. She taught me how to play samor when I was a child. I<ch.apos/>m not wealthy and I cannot offer you much money for the Queen, but I have something of value that may interest you. Perhaps we can make a deal?</quote></p>
<p>She clutches a small scarlet gem that is strung around her throat on a fine gold chain. She unhooks its clasp and passes it to you.</p>
<p><quote>It belonged to my mother,</quote> she says. <quote>She gave it to me when I joined the troupe. It has magical properties that have kept me safe since I left Durwan, but I<ch.apos/>d happily exchange it for the Samor Queen.</quote></p>
<meta><title>140</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Klüz leaps from the saddle and lands on the stone pier with a splash, its kirusami gripped firmly in its leathery black hands. The gathered Doomgah hiss their approval as their leader stomps towards you along the walkway. You steel yourself and prepare to fight this formidable creature to the death.</p>
+ <p>Kl<ch.uuml/>z leaps from the saddle and lands on the stone pier with a splash, its kirusami gripped firmly in its leathery black hands. The gathered Doomgah hiss their approval as their leader stomps towards you along the walkway. You steel yourself and prepare to fight this formidable creature to the death.</p>
<choice idref="sect342">If you possess Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami, <link-text>turn to 342</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect60">If you do not have this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 60</link-text></choice>
</data>
<p>You scramble to your feet and face your enemy. Zashnor has reached the bottom of the gangplank and it levels the Claw of Naar at your chest. Its initial psychic attack has failed to stop you and now it launches a magical attack that it hopes will put paid to you once and for all. The tip of the Claw erupts into a terrifying ball of lighting that arcs across the deck at blinding speed.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the discipline of Grand Huntmastery, deduct 2 from the number you have chosen.</p>
<p>If your total is now 3 or lower, you lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
- <p>If your total is now 4 - 6, you lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
+ <p>If your total is now 4<ch.endash/>6, you lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
<p>If your total is now 7 or 8, you lose 7 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
<p>If your total is 9, you are engulfed and consumed by the ferocious ball of lightning. Zashnor will recover the Eye of Agarash from your smouldering remains and marry it with the Claw of Naar. The weapon thus created will give the Nadziran the ability to unleash a fireball so powerful that it will incinerate Dwala and all of its inhabitants at one fell stroke. Tragically, you will no longer be able to prevent this catastrophe, for your life and your mission ends here.</p>
<choice idref="sect162">If you have survived this magical attack, <link-text>turn to 162</link-text></choice>
<p>Deng nods his head and salutes the Lieutenant. He wishes you both good luck before he leaves the quayside and walks away into the teeming rain. You watch him go. He does not look back.</p>
<p><quote>It is best he goes with Bai tomorrow,</quote> says Quang. <quote>If they should run into the enemy during their journey, they<ch.apos/>ll stand a better chance of surviving than if Bai were to go alone.</quote></p>
<p><quote>It will be hard on them to tell Shen-Yin that she has lost her husband,</quote> you reply.</p>
- <p><quote>Yes… yes it will,</quote> says Quang, his voice tinged with bitter sadness. <quote>Her husband… and her sister too. When I spoke with Bai at the stables, he told me that when he searched the farm house next to the barn, he found the bodies of Shen-Yin<ch.apos/>s sister and her husband. Both had been murdered by the Skarada.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Yes<ch.ellips/> yes it will,</quote> says Quang, his voice tinged with bitter sadness. <quote>Her husband<ch.ellips/> and her sister too. When I spoke with Bai at the stables, he told me that when he searched the farm house next to the barn, he found the bodies of Shen-Yin<ch.apos/>s sister and her husband. Both had been murdered by the Skarada.</quote></p>
<p><quote>This is so sad,</quote> you reply, <quote>I pray that Ishir will give her strength to bear her grievous loss.</quote></p>
<p>Quang walks to the edge of the quay and loosens the rope securing the rowboat.</p>
<p><quote>Perhaps we should wait until the storm abates,</quote> you say.</p>
<p>You unsheathe your Kai Weapon, unlock the wheelhouse door, and race out across the rain-swept stern deck towards the bow of the ship. You are halfway to the foredeck when you hear Zashnor screaming with glee. The sound of its hideous gloating scream makes you glance over your shoulder and you are mortified by what you see. Zashnor has reached the bottom of the gangplank and it is taking aim with the Claw of Naar at your back. The tip of the Claw erupts into a terrifying ball of lighting that arcs across the deck at blinding speed.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the discipline of Grand Huntmastery, deduct 2 from the number you have chosen.</p>
<p>If your total is now 3 or lower, you lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
- <p>If your total is now 4 - 6, you lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
+ <p>If your total is now 4<ch.endash/>6, you lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
<p>If your total is now 7 or 8, you lose 7 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from damage caused by the lightning bolt.</p>
<p>If your total is 9, you are engulfed and consumed by the ferocious ball of lightning. Zashnor will recover the Eye of Agarash from your smouldering remains and marry it with the Claw of Naar. The weapon thus created will give the Nadziran the ability to unleash a fireball so powerful that it will incinerate Dwala and all of its inhabitants at one fell stroke. Tragically, you will no longer be able to prevent this catastrophe, for your life and your mission ends here.</p>
<choice idref="sect162">If you have survived this magical attack, <link-text>turn to 162</link-text></choice>
<p>The Skarada are now fast closing in around the open barn doors. They are armed with flint axes and long-bladed bone daggers. You dig your heels into your horse<ch.apos/>s flanks and jolt him forward in a desperate effort to escape before the Skarada can block the exit. Your horse is back under your control and he responds at once to your actions. He bolts through their closing ranks and you gallop away along the muddy farm track. Quang and the Watchers follow in your wake. The snarling Skarada slash and stab at them as they race out of the barn, forcing them run a deadly gauntlet before they can get away.</p>
<p>You come to the end of the farm track and turn your horse to the east. When you look back towards the barn, you are relieved to see that all of your companions have escaped and are galloping along the track towards the farm entrance. By the time the Skarada reach the farm<ch.apos/>s split pine fence, you are all racing along the highway in the pelting rain with your heads down and your cheeks pressed close to your horses<ch.apos/> necks.</p>
<p>Only when you can no longer see the farmstead and the Skarada do you signal to Quang and the others to bring their horses to a halt. Your mounts are breathless and their sweaty flanks steam in the pouring rain. Your companions, too, are weary. They slump in their saddles and struggle to regain their composure. Quang comes forward and halts his horse alongside yours.</p>
- <p><quote>That… was a close thing,</quote> he says, gasping for breath. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve you to thank for getting us out of that barn alive.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>That<ch.ellips/> was a close thing,</quote> he says, gasping for breath. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve you to thank for getting us out of that barn alive.</quote></p>
<p>Then you hear a loud splash behind you and immediately you sense that something awful has happened.</p>
<choice idref="sect65"><link-text>Turn to 65</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>228</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Klüz shrieks with agony when you land your killing blow. Clutching at its sundered breast plate, it tumbles off the stone pier and plummets head first into the heaving waters of the Tkukoma Estuary. For a few moments its fell weapon, Zukgudrak, balances precariously on the edge of walkway. Then the howling winds catch its heavy blade and send it spiralling down into the dark waters to join its owner.</p>
- <p>The Doomgah at the far end of the pier are devastated by the defeat of their leader. They break and run in all directions to escape a similar fate by your hand. Only one remains behind. Your Magnakai discipline of Divination informs you that this creature is Mooldor, Klüz<ch.apos/>s sycophantic and vengeful lieutenant. The creature raises its iron bow and lets loose a black arrow aimed at your heart.</p>
+ <p>Kl<ch.uuml/>z shrieks with agony when you land your killing blow. Clutching at its sundered breast plate, it tumbles off the stone pier and plummets head first into the heaving waters of the Tkukoma Estuary. For a few moments its fell weapon, Zukgudrak, balances precariously on the edge of walkway. Then the howling winds catch its heavy blade and send it spiralling down into the dark waters to join its owner.</p>
+ <p>The Doomgah at the far end of the pier are devastated by the defeat of their leader. They break and run in all directions to escape a similar fate by your hand. Only one remains behind. Your Magnakai discipline of Divination informs you that this creature is Mooldor, Kl<ch.uuml/>z<ch.apos/>s sycophantic and vengeful lieutenant. The creature raises its iron bow and lets loose a black arrow aimed at your heart.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Grand Master discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect35">If you total is now 4 or lower, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect182">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 182</link-text></choice>
<p>He stands in the open doorway and points along the alley to a passageway at the southern end.</p>
<p><quote>Turn right at the end and the passage will take you to Izara Street. Go left when you reach Izara and you<ch.apos/>ll soon arrive at the Main Square. Look for the sign to the Quay. Follow the sign and you<ch.apos/>ll be sure to reach the quayside. Make your way to the stone pier in the middle of the quayside and look for the <quote>Silver Virixe</quote>. She is a Korlian cargo ship berthed at the end of the pier. She will be bound for Port of Suhn as soon as the storms abate. Go aboard her and hide yourself below deck. If it is safe to do so, we will come for you an hour before noon and bring you back here to the North Gate in time for Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s arrival.</quote></p>
<p><quote>And what if you don<ch.apos/>t come?</quote> you ask, pragmatically.</p>
- <p><quote>If we don<ch.apos/>t come for you,</quote> replies Jian Tzu, <quote>then the situation here will have escalated beyond our control. You should remain hidden aboard the ship. Once it sails and is safely beyond the estuary, you should make yourself known to the Captain. His name is Chengan. He is a Watcher and he is loyal to our cause. He will convey you to Port of Suhn and from there you will be able to make contact with your Kai Monastery on the Isle of Lorn. We will send word of this to Lord Rimoah… if we are able.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>If we don<ch.apos/>t come for you,</quote> replies Jian Tzu, <quote>then the situation here will have escalated beyond our control. You should remain hidden aboard the ship. Once it sails and is safely beyond the estuary, you should make yourself known to the Captain. His name is Chengan. He is a Watcher and he is loyal to our cause. He will convey you to Port of Suhn and from there you will be able to make contact with your Kai Monastery on the Isle of Lorn. We will send word of this to Lord Rimoah<ch.ellips/> if we are able.</quote></p>
<p>You acknowledge the Captain<ch.apos/>s words and set off from the kitchen doorway. But you have barely taken a dozen steps along the alleyway when you see a group of leathery black creatures appear in the passageway beyond. They are armed with iron bows. One of them raises its bow and a black arrow comes speeding directly towards your head!</p>
<choice idref="sect78">If you possess Magi-magic and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 78</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect170">If you possess Kai-alchemy, have attained the rank of Sun Knight or higher, and wish to use your advanced skill, <link-text>turn to 170</link-text></choice>
<p>Deng nods his head and salutes the Lieutenant. He wishes you both good luck before he leaves the quayside and walks away into the teeming rain. You watch him go. He does not look back.</p>
<p><quote>It is best he goes with Bai tomorrow,</quote> says Quang. <quote>If they should run into the enemy during their journey, they<ch.apos/>ll stand a better chance of surviving than if Bai were to go alone.</quote></p>
<p><quote>It will be hard on them to tell Shen-Yin that she has lost her husband,</quote> you reply.</p>
- <p><quote>Yes… yes it will,</quote> says Quang, his voice tinged with bitter sadness. <quote>Her husband… and her sister too. When I spoke with Bai at the stables, he told me that when he searched the farm house next to the barn, he found the bodies of Shen-Yin<ch.apos/>s sister and her husband. Both had been murdered by the Skarada.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Yes<ch.ellips/> yes it will,</quote> says Quang, his voice tinged with bitter sadness. <quote>Her husband<ch.ellips/> and her sister too. When I spoke with Bai at the stables, he told me that when he searched the farm house next to the barn, he found the bodies of Shen-Yin<ch.apos/>s sister and her husband. Both had been murdered by the Skarada.</quote></p>
<p><quote>This is so sad,</quote> you reply, <quote>I pray that Ishir will give her strength to bear her grievous loss.</quote></p>
<p>Quang walks to the edge of the quay and loosens the rope securing the rowboat.</p>
<p><quote>Perhaps we should wait until the storm abates,</quote> you say.</p>
<data>
<p>You unsheathe your Kai Weapon and prepare to take the fight to the snickering Doomgah. You resolve to cut your way through them to the quayside beyond and make a hasty escape into the city. If you allow them to force you along the pier to the cargo ship, they will have the combat advantage for there is nowhere you can escape to once you are on the deck of the ship.</p>
- <p>Coolly, you advance along the pier. You show the vile creatures no fear, but you are stopped dead in your tracks when you hear the loud flapping of wings behind you. You glance over your left shoulder and see a Kraan landing at the end of the pier. Astride its back is a Doomgah, but one that is larger and more muscular than the others. A beast plate of black iron encases its chest and in its hand it carries a large kirusami, an exaggerated mockery of the Chai Imperial Guard weapon. Your Magnakai discipline of Divination informs you that this creature is Klüz, the Doomgah leader. It fixes you with a withering stare and its dull orange eyes flare brightly. It is preparing to dismount from the back of the cawing Kraan.</p>
+ <p>Coolly, you advance along the pier. You show the vile creatures no fear, but you are stopped dead in your tracks when you hear the loud flapping of wings behind you. You glance over your left shoulder and see a Kraan landing at the end of the pier. Astride its back is a Doomgah, but one that is larger and more muscular than the others. A beast plate of black iron encases its chest and in its hand it carries a large kirusami, an exaggerated mockery of the Chai Imperial Guard weapon. Your Magnakai discipline of Divination informs you that this creature is Kl<ch.uuml/>z, the Doomgah leader. It fixes you with a withering stare and its dull orange eyes flare brightly. It is preparing to dismount from the back of the cawing Kraan.</p>
<choice idref="sect249">If you possess Magi-magic and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 249</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect197">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 197</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect301">If you have a bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text></choice>
<data>
<p>Daruzhi Street leads to the quayside area of the city. Thunder rumbles all along the quay and the dark waters of the estuary roil and seethe, illuminated and tormented by jagged bolts of lightning. Scarlet flags are flying all along the quayside as a weather warning. It is forbidden to take a boat out when these flags are displayed. Most of the boats are securely moored and under canvas, save for a few foreign trading vessels that are berthed at a long stone pier. These are not under covers, but they are well secured with ropes and chains, their hatches battened down and their sails stowed away in lockers below deck.</p>
- <p>Opposite the stone pier you see a large tavern with a brightly painted façade. Warm amber light pours from the panes of its bow-fronted windows and a sign in the middle of its façade proudly announces its name: The Tkukoma Tavern.</p>
+ <p>Opposite the stone pier you see a large tavern with a brightly painted fa<ch.ccedil/>ade. Warm amber light pours from the panes of its bow-fronted windows and a sign in the middle of its fa<ch.ccedil/>ade proudly announces its name: The Tkukoma Tavern.</p>
<choice idref="sect280">If you wish to enter the Tkukoma Tavern, <link-text>turn to 280</link-text></choice>
<choice idref="sect59">If you decide to make your way across the storm-swept quayside, you will arrive at a street which heads off in a northerly direction. This is called Chunang Street (<link-text>turn to 59</link-text>).</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>275</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The moment you take the satchel from the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s hand, you feel a wave of nausea flow through your body that makes you shudder with revulsion. The bag contains the Eye of Agarash. For centuries this evil gem has lain dormant, its power inert. Now it is has been awoken, triggered by the close proximity to you - a champion of God Kai. Hurriedly, you draw upon your Grand Master discipline of Kai-screen to shield yourself from its malicious radiance. Your defences counter its insidious effect, but you suffer a minor shock to your nervous system that leaves you chilled to the bone: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
+ <p>The moment you take the satchel from the Khea-khan<ch.apos/>s hand, you feel a wave of nausea flow through your body that makes you shudder with revulsion. The bag contains the Eye of Agarash. For centuries this evil gem has lain dormant, its power inert. Now it is has been awoken, triggered by the close proximity to you<ch.emdash/>a champion of God Kai. Hurriedly, you draw upon your Grand Master discipline of Kai-screen to shield yourself from its malicious radiance. Your defences counter its insidious effect, but you suffer a minor shock to your nervous system that leaves you chilled to the bone: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>.</p>
<p>Whenever you are affected by the debilitating power of the Eye of Agarash, you may use Laumspur to help you recover. Normally, a healing potion of Laumspur restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points when taken after combat. When using it to restore <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> lost due to the power of the Eye of Agarash, you may only restore the actual number of points lost. For example, if you should lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the effects of the Eye, and then you take a potion of Laumspur which normally restores 4 points, you will only regain the lost 3 points. The extra point of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is not gained and should not be added to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score.</p>
<choice idref="sect192"><link-text>Turn to 192</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The Doomgah leader raises its mighty kirusami and spouts of cracking blue flame erupt along the length of its razor sharp blade. It opens its maw to reveal a score of dagger-like fangs and a thin black tongue that writhes between them.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Klüz (armed with Zukgudrak)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami partially blocks the Zukgudrak<ch.apos/>s ability to leach power from the Eye of Agarash and turn it against you during this combat. In every round of combat in which you inflict an <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points loss on Klüz that is greater than -3, you may deduct a further -1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from the result.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Kl<ch.uuml/>z (armed with Zukgudrak)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>Anseng<ch.apos/>s Kirusami partially blocks the Zukgudrak<ch.apos/>s ability to leach power from the Eye of Agarash and turn it against you during this combat. In every round of combat in which you inflict an <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points loss on Kl<ch.uuml/>z that is greater than -3, you may deduct a further -1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> from the result.</p>
<choice idref="sect119">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 119</link-text></choice>
</data>
</section>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / commitdiff