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15 <title>The Curse of Naar</title>
16 <creator class="author" sort-name="Dever, Joe">Joe Dever</creator>
17 <creator class="illustrator" sort-name="Williams, Brian">Brian Williams</creator>
18 <creator class="short">Joe Dever and Brian Williams</creator>
19 <creator class="medium">
20 <line>Joe Dever</line>
21 <line>Illustrated by Brian Williams</line>
23 <creator class="long">
24 &inclusion.joe.dever.bio.lw;
25 &inclusion.brian.williams.bio.lw;
27 <publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
28 <date class="publication"><year>2018</year><month>2</month><day>15</day></date>
29 <description class="blurb">
30 <p>You are the warrior Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>Kai Grand Master of Sommerlund. Fresh from your victory over your evil alter-ego, Wolf<ch.apos/>s Bane, reluctantly you are forced to return to the Plane of Darkness. For there you glimpsed the fabled Moonstone and you have sworn to save this gem of mystical power from the clutches of Naar, the King of Ultimate Darkness.</p>
31 <p>In <strong><cite>The Curse of Naar</cite></strong>, you must venture once more through the Shadow Gate and confront the Dark God. Only by finding and retrieving the Moonstone can you hope to save your world from invasion by Naar<ch.apos/>s armies of night. In this ultimate Grand Master challenge, your life and the future of your entire world are at stake!</p>
33 <description class="publication">
34 <p>Internet Edition published by <a href="http://www.projectaon.org/">Project Aon</a>. This edition is intended to reflect the complete text of the original version. Where we have made minor corrections, they will be noted in the <a idref="errata">Errata</a>.</p>
36 <rights class="copyrights">
37 <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1993 Joe Dever.</line>
38 <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1993 Brian Williams.</line>
40 <rights class="license-notification">
42 <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1993 Joe Dever.</line>
43 <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1993 Brian Williams.</line>
44 <line>Distribution of this Internet Edition is restricted under the terms of the <a idref="license">Project Aon License</a>.</line>
56 <title>Title Page</title>
57 <link class="next" idref="dedicate" />
62 <section class="frontmatter" id="dedicate">
64 <title>Dedication</title>
65 <link class="prev" idref="title" />
66 <link class="next" idref="acknwldg" />
70 <p class="dedication">For Piet Snyman</p>
74 <section class="frontmatter" id="acknwldg">
76 <title>Acknowledgements</title>
77 <link class="prev" idref="dedicate" />
78 <link class="next" idref="tssf" />
83 &inclusion.joe.dever.endowment;
85 <section class="frontmatter" id="credits">
86 <meta><title>Credits</title></meta>
90 <dt>Transcription</dt>
92 <dt>Illustration Transcription</dt>
93 <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
96 <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
97 <line>Jeff Dougan</line>
98 <line>Ingo Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
99 <line>Simon Osborne</line>
101 <dt>Action Charts</dt>
103 <line>JC Alvarez</line>
104 <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
106 <dt>Proofreading</dt>
108 <line>James Chown (Sections 141<ch.endash/>210 and 281<ch.endash/>350)</line>
109 <line>Patrick Kalinauskas (Sections 211<ch.endash/>280)</line>
110 <line>Tom McGill (Sections 1<ch.endash/>140)</line>
111 <line>Charles Porter (Sections 281<ch.endash/>350)</line>
115 <line>Ingo Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
116 <line>LeRoy McSwain</line>
117 <line>Simon Osborne</line>
119 <dt>Coordination</dt>
120 <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
121 <dt>Special Thanks</dt>
122 <dd>Jan Charv<ch.aacute/>t, Christopher Turner</dd>
130 <section class="frontmatter" id="tssf">
132 <title>The Story So Far<ch.ellips/></title>
133 <link class="prev" idref="acknwldg" />
134 <link class="next" idref="gamerulz" />
138 <p>You are Grand Master Lone Wolf, the sole survivor of a massacre that wiped out the First Order of the Kai<ch.emdash/>the warrior <ch.eacute/>lite of Sommerlund. It is the year MS<ch.nbsp/>5081, thirty-one years 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<ch.emdash/>the Darklands<ch.emdash/>and destroyed the base of their power that was the infernal city of Helgedad. In the wake of their destruction, chaos befell the Darkland armies that had been poised to conquer all of Magnamund. Their disorder escalated into a mutinous civil war which allowed the Freeland armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a successful counter-offensive. Against the odds, a swift and total victory was secured over the feuding enemy armies.</p>
140 <p>For more than ten years now, peace has reigned in Sommerlund. Under your direction the once-ruined Monastery of the Kai has been rebuilt and restored to its former glory, and the task of teaching a New Order of Kai warriors the skills and proud traditions of your ancestors has been reestablished. The new generation of Kai recruits, all of whom were born during the era of war against the Darklords, possess strong latent Kai skills and all 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>
142 <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 were once thought to be the ultimate that a Kai Master could aspire to) was truly a revelation. This discovery has inspired you to search for 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 scale the very pinnacle of Kai perfection<ch.emdash/>to attain all of the Grand Master Disciplines and become the first Kai Supreme Master.</p>
144 <p>With diligence and determination you set about the restoration of the Kai Monastery and the training of the New Order recruits. Your efforts were swiftly rewarded for 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>
146 <p>In the deepest subterranean level of the monastery, one hundred feet below the Tower of the Sun, you ordered the excavation and construction of a special vault. In this magnificent chamber wrought of granite and gold, you placed the Lorestones of Nyxator<ch.emdash/>seven gems of Kai power which you had recovered during an earlier quest for Kai knowledge. In this vault, bathed in the golden light of the radiant gems, you spent countless hours in pursuit of perfection. Sometimes alone, sometimes in the company of your two able advisors<ch.emdash/>Banedon and Rimoah<ch.emdash/>you worked hard to develop your innate Grand Master Disciplines and grasp the fundamental secrets of Brotherhood and Old Kingdom magic. During this time you noticed many remarkable changes taking place within your body: you became physically and mentally stronger, your five primary senses sharpened far beyond all that you had experienced before, and, perhaps most remarkably, your body began to age at a much slower rate. Now, for every five years that elapse you age but one year.</p>
148 <p>In the years since your victory over the Darklords, peace has reigned victorious and the peoples of the Free Kingdoms have rejoiced in the knowledge that the evil which once threatened to destroy them has been banished from the face of Magnamund. 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 some who maintain their vigilance, for the agents of the Dark God Naar come in many guises and there are those upon Magnamund who wait quietly in the shadows for the chance to do his evil bidding.</p>
150 <p>Already your newfound skills have been tested against Naar<ch.apos/>s agents and you have, on each occasion, acquitted yourself admirably. Yet your continuing victories have enraged the Dark God and inflamed his lust for vengeance. From the depths of his stronghold upon the Plane of Darkness he created and sent to Sommerlund an evil champion called <quote>Wolf<ch.apos/>s Bane</quote> who was the very image of yourself. While you were engaged upon a quest overseas, this impostor terrorized your homeland and sought to destroy your reputation and the honour of the Kai. And he would have succeeded had it not been for your courage and determination. You returned home and pursued your enemy to an ancient necropolis in the city of Tyso. Here, in a deep subterranean crypt, you and your evil alter-ego were drawn through a Shadow Gate, an astral corridor which connects your home world of Magnamund to several other planes of existence. You both emerged upon the remote planet of Avaros where a deadly duel ensued. With the unexpected help of an enigmatic elemental called Alyss you vanquished your foe, but before you could find your way back to your home world, you and Alyss were both sucked through a second Shadow Gate which led to the Plane of Darkness, the fell domain of Naar himself.</p>
152 <p>In the throne hall of Naar a titanic struggle took place as you and Alyss fought desperately to escape from the Dark God and his court of powerful minions. During this battle you discovered that Naar had in his possession the fabled Moonstone of the Shianti, a wondrous artefact created many thousands of years ago by the god-like Shianti whose presence upon Magnamund had heralded the dawn of humanity. This stone of power contains the combined might of all their magic and wisdom, the sum of all their knowledge. So significant was the creation of this stone that all time on Magnamund is measured from the date of its creation. It had long been held that the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s location was a secret known only to the remnants of the Shianti, who dwell upon the Isle of Lorn in remotest Southern Magnamund, yet the evidence of your eyes told you that this mystical artefact had somehow fallen into the hands of the Dark God.</p>
154 <p>Suddenly the significance of the Moonstone became crystal clear. Naar had been using its legendary powers to generate Shadow Gates within the world of Magnamund, at locations and times of his own choosing. Such power had enabled him to send his loathsome champions to your home world, while the goodly forces of Kai and Ishir had been held at bay, helpless to counter them. Only you and your Kai brethren have stood in the way of the onslaught of Naar<ch.apos/>s agents since the demise of the Darklords.</p>
156 <p>During the battle, thanks to Alyss<ch.apos/>s selfless courage, you were able to escape from Naar<ch.apos/>s throne hall by leaping into the Shadow Gate. As you entered its whirling maw, the last image that burned itself into your memory was that of Alyss slowly succumbing to the relentless attacks of Naar<ch.apos/>s minions. Successfully you had defeated Wolf<ch.apos/>s Bane and thwarted Naar<ch.apos/>s sinister plan to destroy the honour of the Kai, but as you returned through the Shadow Gate to the land of your birth, you knew that the fight against Evil was not yet won. You realized that if you are to prevent the Dark God from sending more of his dread creations into Magnamund, you would have to return to the Plane of Darkness and retrieve the fabled Moonstone. Only by doing so would Magnamund truly be safe from the ravages of Naar<ch.apos/>s armies of darkness.</p>
160 <section class="frontmatter" id="gamerulz">
162 <title>The Game Rules</title>
163 <link class="prev" idref="tssf" />
164 <link class="next" idref="discplnz" />
168 <footnote id="gamerulz-1-foot" idref="gamerulz-1">
169 <p>The Discipline bonuses mentioned do not affect your permanent scores. If you have completed previous adventures, the Disciplines that you have mastered may still be beneficial. See the Grand Master Rules section of the <a href="&link.rh;">Readers<ch.apos/> Handbook</a> for details.</p>
171 <footnote id="gamerulz-2-foot" idref="gamerulz-2">
172 <p>If you have completed any previous <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> adventures, remember to choose an additional Grand Master Discipline and add <ch.plus/>1 to your basic <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <ch.plus/>2 to your basic <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> for each adventure you successfully completed (cf. <a idref="discplnz">Grand Master Disciplines</a>).</p>
174 <footnote id="gamerulz-3-foot" idref="gamerulz-3">
175 <p>If you possess the Sommerswerd, <bookref series="lw" book="18dotd" section="sect98">Section 98</bookref> of <bookref series="lw" book="18dotd"><cite>Dawn of the Dragons</cite></bookref> suggests that you may be able to add 4 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> when using it in the Plane of Darkness (in addition to all other combat bonuses for this Special Item).</p>
180 <p>You keep a record of your adventure on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
181 <p>For more than ten years, ever since the demise of the Darklords of Helgedad, you have devoted yourself to developing further your fighting prowess<ch.emdash/><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ><ch.emdash/>and physical stamina<ch.emdash/><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Before you begin this ultimate Grand Master adventure you need to measure how effective your training has been. To do this take a pencil and, with your eyes closed, point with the blunt end of it onto the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick a 0 it counts as zero.</p>
182 <p>The first number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> in this way represents your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Add 25 to the number you picked and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (i.e. if your pencil fell on the number 6 in the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would write in a <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 31). When you fight, your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> will be pitted against that of your enemy. A high score in this section is therefore very desirable.</p>
183 <p>The second number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> represents your powers of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Add 30 to this number and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (i.e. if your pencil fell on the number 7 on the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would have 37 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
184 <p>If you are wounded in combat you will lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. If at any time your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points fall to zero or below, you are dead and the adventure is over. Lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points can be regained during the course of the adventure, but your number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points can never rise above the number you have when you start an adventure.</p>
185 <p>If you have successfully completed any of the previous adventures in the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> series (Books 1<ch.endash/>19), you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to Book 20. These scores may include Weaponmastery, Curing, and Psi-surge bonuses obtained upon completion of <cite>Lone Wolf Kai</cite> (Books 1<ch.endash/>5) or <cite>Magnakai</cite> (Books 6<ch.endash/>12) adventures.<footref id="gamerulz-1" idref="gamerulz-1-foot"/> Only if you have completed these previous adventures will you benefit from the appropriate bonuses in the course of the <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> series.<footref id="gamerulz-2" idref="gamerulz-2-foot"/> You may also carry over any Weapons and Backpack Items you had in your possession at the end of your last adventure, and these should be entered on your new Grand Master <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. (You are still limited to two Weapons, but you may now carry up to ten Backpack Items.)</p>
186 <p>However, only the following Special Items may be carried over from the <cite>Lone Wolf Kai</cite> (Books 1<ch.endash/>5) and <cite>Magnakai</cite> (Books 6<ch.endash/>12) series to the <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> series (Books 13<ch.endash/>onwards):</p>
188 <li>Crystal Star Pendant</li>
189 <li>Sommerswerd<footref id="gamerulz-3" idref="gamerulz-3-foot"/></li>
191 <li>Dagger of Vashna</li>
192 <li>Silver Bracers</li>
193 <li>Jewelled Mace</li>
194 <li>Silver Bow of Duadon</li>
196 <li>Korlinium Scabbard</li>
197 <li>Kagonite Chainmail</li>
200 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="discplnz">
202 <title>Grand Master Disciplines</title>
203 <link class="prev" idref="gamerulz" />
204 <link class="next" idref="equipmnt" />
208 <footnote id="discplnz-1-foot" idref="discplnz-1">
209 <p>Weaponmastery bonuses are replaced by Grand Weaponmastery bonuses, not added cumulatively (cf. <a href="http://www.projectaon.org/en/ReadersHandbook/NewsletterExcerpts#lwcn28">Lone Wolf Club Newsletter 28</a>).</p>
210 <p>If you have completed previous adventures, already possess the Magnakai Discipline of Weaponmastery with Bow, and have reached the rank of <bookref book="12tmod" section="imprvdsc">Mentora</bookref>, it seems that you should already be able to add 5 to numbers picked from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> (i.e. the basic Weaponmastery with Bow bonus of 3 added to the Mentora bonus of 2 for all missile weapons). Likely, the author intended the Weaponmastery bonus at the Mentora rank to be a <quote>hidden loyalty bonus</quote> (cf. <a href="http://www.projectaon.org/en/ReadersHandbook/NewsletterExcerpts#lwcn28">Lone Wolf Club Newsletter 28</a>). In view of this, the <ch.plus/>2 Mentora bonus is therefore <em>not</em> cumulative with Grand Weaponmastery with Bow.</p>
215 <section class="frontmatter" id="mksumary">
217 <title>Kai <ch.ampersand/> Magnakai Disciplines</title>
221 <p>During your distinguished rise to the rank of Kai Grand Master you have become proficient in all of the basic Kai and Magnakai Disciplines. These Disciplines have provided you with a formidable arsenal of natural abilities which have served you well in the fight against the agents and champions of Naar, King of the Darkness. A brief summary of your skills is given below:</p>
224 <dt>Weaponmastery</dt>
225 <dd>Proficiency with all close combat and missile weapons. Master of unarmed combat; no <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> loss when fighting bare-handed.</dd>
226 <dt>Animal Control</dt>
227 <dd>Communication with most animals; limited control over hostile creatures. Can use woodland animals as guides and can block a non-sentient creature<ch.apos/>s sense of taste and smell.</dd>
229 <dd>Steady restoration of lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (to self and others) as a result of combat wounds. Neutralization of poisons, venoms, and toxins. Repair of serious battle-wounds.</dd>
230 <dt>Invisibility</dt>
231 <dd>Mask body heat and scent; hide effectively; mask sounds during movement; minor alterations of physical appearance.</dd>
233 <dd>Effective hunting of food in the wild; increased agility; intensified vision, hearing, smell, and night vision.</dd>
234 <dt>Pathsmanship</dt>
235 <dd>Read languages, decipher symbols, read footprints and tracks. Intuitive knowledge of compass points; detection of enemy ambush up to 500 yards; ability to cross terrain without leaving tracks; converse with sentient creatures; mask self from psychic spells of detection.</dd>
237 <dd>Attack enemies using the powers of the mind; set up disruptive vibrations in objects; confuse enemies.</dd>
239 <dd>Defence against hypnosis, supernatural illusions, charms, hostile telepathy, and evil spirits. Ability to divert and re-channel hostile psychic energy.</dd>
241 <dd>Move small items by projection of mind power; withstand extremes of temperature; extinguish fire by force of will; limited immunity to flames, toxic gases, and corrosive liquids.</dd>
243 <dd>Sense imminent danger; detect invisible or hidden enemy; telepathic communication; recognize magic-using and/or magical creatures; detect psychic residues; limited ability to leave body and spirit-walk.</dd>
248 <p>Now, through the pursuit of new skills and the further development of your innate Kai abilities, you have set out upon a path of discovery that no other Kai Grand Master has ever attempted with success. Your determination to become the first Kai Supreme Master, by acquiring total proficiency in all twelve of the Grand Master Disciplines, is an awe-inspiring challenge. You will be venturing into the unknown, pushing back the boundaries of human limitation in the pursuit of greatness and the cause of Good. May the blessings of the Gods Kai and Ishir go with you on your brave and noble quest.</p>
249 <p>In the years following the demise of the Darklords you have reached the rank of Kai Grand Defender, which means that you have mastered <em>four</em> of the Grand Master Disciplines listed below. It is up to you to choose which four Disciplines these are. As all of the Grand Master Disciplines may be of use to you at some point during your quest, pick your four skills with care. The correct use of a Grand Master Discipline at the right time could save your life. When you have chosen your four Disciplines, enter them in the Grand Master Disciplines section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
251 <section class="frontmatter" id="wpnmstry">
252 <meta><title>Grand Weaponmastery</title></meta>
255 <illustration class="inline">
257 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
259 <instance class="html" src="wpnmast.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
260 <instance class="html-compatible" src="wpnmast.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
261 <instance class="pdf" src="wpnmast.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
264 <p>This Discipline enables a Grand Master to become supremely efficient in the use of all weapons. When you enter combat with one of your Grand Weaponmastery weapons, you add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. The rank of Kai Grand Defender, with which you begin the <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> series, means you are supremely efficient in the use of <em>two</em> of the weapons listed below. For each book that you complete in the <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> series (Books 13<ch.endash/>20), you will gain mastery of an additional weapon. For example, if you complete <cite>The Plague Lords of Ruel</cite> and have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery at the beginning of the next <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> book, you may choose an additional Weapon to gain mastery of.</p>
265 <illustration class="inline">
267 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
269 <instance class="html" src="weapons.png" width="386" height="310" mime-type="image/png"/>
270 <instance class="html-compatible" src="weapons.gif" width="386" height="310"/>
271 <instance class="pdf" src="weapons.pdf" width="386" height="310"/>
272 <instance class="text" src="none" width="none" height="none" >
273 <ul class="unbulleted">
280 <li>Quarterstaff</li>
287 <p>If you have the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery with Bow, you may add 5 to any number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, when using the Bow.<footref id="discplnz-1" idref="discplnz-1-foot"/></p>
291 <section class="frontmatter" id="anmlmstr">
292 <meta><title>Animal Mastery</title></meta>
295 <illustration class="inline">
297 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
299 <instance class="html" src="anmlmast.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
300 <instance class="html-compatible" src="anmlmast.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
301 <instance class="pdf" src="anmlmast.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
304 <p>Grand Masters have considerable control over hostile, non-sentient creatures. Also, they have the ability to converse with birds and fishes, and use them as guides.</p>
308 <section class="frontmatter" id="deliver">
309 <meta><title>Deliverance (Advanced Curing)</title></meta>
312 <illustration class="inline">
314 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
316 <instance class="html" src="delvrance.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
317 <instance class="html-compatible" src="delvrance.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
318 <instance class="pdf" src="delvrance.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
321 <p>Grand Masters are able to use their healing power to repair serious battle-wounds. If, whilst in combat, their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is reduced to 8 points or less, they can draw upon their mastery to restore 20 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. This ability can only be used once every 20 days.</p>
325 <section class="frontmatter" id="assimila">
326 <meta><title>Assimilance (Advanced Invisibility)</title></meta>
329 <illustration class="inline">
331 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
333 <instance class="html" src="assmlnce.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
334 <instance class="html-compatible" src="assmlnce.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
335 <instance class="pdf" src="assmlnce.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
338 <p>Grand Masters are able to effect striking changes to their physical appearance, and maintain these changes over a period of a few days. They have also mastered advanced camouflage techniques that make them virtually undetectable in an open landscape.</p>
342 <section class="frontmatter" id="hntmstry">
343 <meta><title>Grand Huntmastery</title></meta>
346 <illustration class="inline">
348 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
350 <instance class="html" src="huntmstr.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
351 <instance class="html-compatible" src="huntmstr.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
352 <instance class="pdf" src="huntmstr.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
355 <p>Grand Masters are able to see in total darkness and have greatly heightened senses of touch and taste. If you have chosen the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery as one of your skills, you will not need to tick off a Meal when instructed to eat.</p>
359 <section class="frontmatter" id="pthmnshp">
360 <meta><title>Grand Pathsmanship</title></meta>
363 <illustration class="inline">
365 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
367 <instance class="html" src="pathsmn.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
368 <instance class="html-compatible" src="pathsmn.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
369 <instance class="pdf" src="pathsmn.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
372 <p>Grand Masters are able to resist entrapment by hostile plants and have a super-awareness of ambush, or the threat of ambush, in woods and dense forests.</p>
376 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaisurge">
377 <meta><title>Kai-surge</title></meta>
380 <illustration class="inline">
382 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
384 <instance class="html" src="ksurge.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
385 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ksurge.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
386 <instance class="pdf" src="ksurge.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
389 <p>When using their psychic ability to attack an enemy, Grand Masters may add 8 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. For every round in which Kai-surge is used, they need only deduct 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. Grand Masters have the option of using a weaker form of psychic attack called Mindblast. When using this lesser attack, they may add 4 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> without loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. (Kai-surge, Psi-surge, and Mindblast cannot be used simultaneously.)</p>
390 <p>Grand Masters cannot use Kai-surge if their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 6 points or below.</p>
394 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiscrn">
395 <meta><title>Kai-screen</title></meta>
398 <illustration class="inline">
400 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
402 <instance class="html" src="kscreen.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
403 <instance class="html-compatible" src="kscreen.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
404 <instance class="pdf" src="kscreen.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
407 <p>In psychic combat, Grand Masters are able to construct mind fortresses capable of protecting themselves and others. The strength and capacity of these fortresses increase as a Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
411 <section class="frontmatter" id="nexus">
412 <meta><title>Grand Nexus</title></meta>
415 <illustration class="inline">
417 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
419 <instance class="html" src="nexus.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
420 <instance class="html-compatible" src="nexus.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
421 <instance class="pdf" src="nexus.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
424 <p>Grand Masters are able to withstand contact with harmful elements, such as flames and acids, for upwards of an hour in duration. This ability increases as a Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
428 <section class="frontmatter" id="gnosis">
429 <meta><title>Telegnosis (Advanced Divination)</title></meta>
432 <illustration class="inline">
434 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
436 <instance class="html" src="telegnss.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
437 <instance class="html-compatible" src="telegnss.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
438 <instance class="pdf" src="telegnss.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
441 <p>This Discipline enables a Grand Master to spirit-walk for far greater lengths of time, and with far fewer ill-effects. Duration and the protection of his inanimate body increase as a Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
445 <section class="frontmatter" id="magi">
446 <meta><title>Magi-magic</title></meta>
449 <illustration class="inline">
451 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
453 <instance class="html" src="magimagc.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
454 <instance class="html-compatible" src="magimagc.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
455 <instance class="pdf" src="magimagc.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
458 <p>Under the tutelage of Lord Rimoah, you have been able to master the rudimentary skills of battle-magic, as taught to the Vakeros<ch.emdash/>the native warriors of Dessi. These skills include the basic use of basic Old Kingdom Spells such as <spell>Shield</spell>, <spell>Power Word</spell>, and <spell>Invisible Fist</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Old Kingdom magic increase.</p>
462 <section class="frontmatter" id="alchemy">
463 <meta><title>Kai-alchemy</title></meta>
466 <illustration class="inline">
468 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
470 <instance class="html" src="alchemy.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
471 <instance class="html-compatible" src="alchemy.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
472 <instance class="pdf" src="alchemy.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
475 <p>Under the tutelage of Guildmaster Banedon, you have mastered the elementary spells of Left-handed magic, as practised by the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. These spells include <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>, <spell>Levitation</spell>, and <spell>Mind Charm</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Left-handed magic increase, enabling you eventually to craft new Kai weapons and artefacts.</p>
481 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="equipmnt">
483 <title>Equipment</title>
484 <link class="prev" idref="discplnz"/>
485 <link class="next" idref="cmbtrulz"/>
489 <p>Before you begin your perilous quest for the Moonstone, you take with you a <a idref="map">map of the Planes of Existence</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>
490 <p>If you have successfully completed any of the previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures (Books 1<ch.endash/>19), 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>
491 <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>
492 <ul class="paragraphed">
493 <li><p>Quarterstaff (Weapons)</p>
494 <illustration class="inline">
496 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
498 <instance class="html" src="qurtstff.png" width="386" height="45" mime-type="image/png"/>
499 <instance class="html-compatible" src="qurtstff.gif" width="386" height="45" mime-type="image/gif"/>
500 <instance class="pdf" src="qurtstff.pdf" width="386" height="45" />
503 <li><p>Broadsword (Weapons)</p>
504 <illustration class="inline">
506 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
508 <instance class="html" src="bsword.png" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/png"/>
509 <instance class="html-compatible" src="bsword.gif" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/gif"/>
510 <instance class="pdf" src="bsword.pdf" width="386" height="69" />
513 <li><p>Bow (Weapons)</p>
514 <illustration class="inline">
516 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
518 <instance class="html" src="bow.png" width="386" height="64" mime-type="image/png"/>
519 <instance class="html-compatible" src="bow.gif" width="386" height="64" mime-type="image/gif"/>
520 <instance class="pdf" src="bow.pdf" width="386" height="64"/>
523 <li><p>Quiver (Special Items) This contains six Arrows; record them on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
524 <illustration class="inline">
526 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
528 <instance class="html" src="quiver.png" width="386" height="127" mime-type="image/png"/>
529 <instance class="html-compatible" src="quiver.gif" width="386" height="127" mime-type="image/gif"/>
530 <instance class="pdf" src="quiver.pdf" width="386" height="127" />
533 <li><p>Dagger (Weapons)</p>
534 <illustration class="inline">
536 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
538 <instance class="html" src="dagger.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
539 <instance class="html-compatible" src="dagger.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
540 <instance class="pdf" src="dagger.pdf" width="386" height="150" />
543 <li><p>Sword (Weapons)</p>
544 <illustration class="inline">
546 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
548 <instance class="html" src="sword.png" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/png"/>
549 <instance class="html-compatible" src="sword.gif" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/gif"/>
550 <instance class="pdf" src="sword.pdf" width="386" height="69" />
553 <li><p>2 Meals (Meals) Each Meal takes up one space in your Backpack.</p>
554 <illustration class="inline">
556 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
558 <instance class="html" src="food.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
559 <instance class="html-compatible" src="food.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
560 <instance class="pdf" src="food.pdf" width="386" height="150" />
563 <li><p>Rope (Backpack Item)</p>
564 <illustration class="inline">
566 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
568 <instance class="html" src="rope.png" width="386" height="109" mime-type="image/png"/>
569 <instance class="html-compatible" src="rope.gif" width="386" height="109" mime-type="image/gif"/>
570 <instance class="pdf" src="rope.pdf" width="386" height="109" />
573 <li><p>Potion of Laumspur (Backpack Item) This potion restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to your total when swallowed after combat. There is enough for only one dose.</p>
574 <illustration class="inline">
576 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
578 <instance class="html" src="potion.png" width="386" height="167" mime-type="image/png"/>
579 <instance class="html-compatible" src="potion.gif" width="386" height="167" mime-type="image/gif"/>
580 <instance class="pdf" src="potion.pdf" width="386" height="167" />
583 <li><p>Axe (Weapons)</p>
584 <illustration class="inline">
586 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
588 <instance class="html" src="axe.png" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/png"/>
589 <instance class="html-compatible" src="axe.gif" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/gif"/>
590 <instance class="pdf" src="axe.pdf" width="386" height="112" />
595 <p>List the four items that you choose on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, under the appropriate headings, and make a note of any effect they may have on your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points or <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
597 <section class="frontmatter" id="howuse">
599 <title>How to Use Your Equipment</title>
603 <dl class="paragraphed">
605 <dd><p>The maximum number of Weapons that you can carry is <em>two</em>. Weapons aid you in combat. If you have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery and a correct weapon, it adds 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you find a Weapon during your adventure, you may pick it up and use it. You may only use one Weapon at a time in combat.</p></dd>
606 <dt>Bows and Arrows</dt>
608 <p>During your adventure there will be opportunities to use a Bow and Arrow. If you equip yourself with this weapon, and you possess at least one Arrow, you may use it when the text of a particular section allows you to do so. The Bow is a useful weapon, for it enables you to hit an enemy at a distance. However, a Bow cannot be used in hand-to-hand combat; therefore it is recommended that you also equip yourself with a close combat weapon, such as a Sword or an Axe.</p>
609 <p>In order to use a Bow you must possess a Quiver and at least one Arrow. Each time the Bow is used, erase an Arrow from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. A Bow cannot, of course, be used if you exhaust your supply of Arrows, but the opportunity may arise during your adventure for you to replenish your stock of Arrows.</p>
611 <dt>Backpack Items</dt>
613 <p>These must be stored in your Backpack. Because space is limited, you may keep a maximum of ten articles, including Meals, in your Backpack at any one time. You may only carry one Backpack at a time. During your travels you will discover various useful items which you may decide to keep. You may exchange or discard them at any point when you are not involved in combat.</p>
614 <p>Any item that may be of use, and which can be picked up on your adventure and entered on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, is given either initial capitals (e.g. Gold Dagger; Magic Pendant), or is clearly labelled as a Backpack Item. Unless you are told that it is a Special Item, carry it in your Backpack.</p>
616 <dt>Special Items</dt>
618 <p>Special Items are not carried in the Backpack. When you discover a Special Item, you will be told how or where to carry it. The maximum number of Special Items that can be carried on any adventure is twelve.</p>
622 <p>These are always carried in the Belt Pouch. It will hold a maximum of fifty Crowns.</p>
626 <p>Food is carried in your Backpack. Each Meal counts as one item. You will need to eat regularly during your adventure. If you do not have any food when you are instructed to eat a Meal, you will lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. However, if you have chosen the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you will not need to tick off a Meal when instructed to eat.</p>
628 <dt>Potion of Laumspur</dt>
630 <p>This is a healing potion that can restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to your total when swallowed after combat. It cannot be used to increase <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points immediately prior to a combat. There is enough for one dose only. If you discover any other potion during the adventure, you will be informed of its effect. All potions are Backpack Items.</p>
638 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="cmbtrulz">
640 <title>Rules for Combat</title>
641 <link class="prev" idref="equipmnt" />
642 <link class="next" idref="levels" />
646 <p>There will be occasions during your adventure when you will have to fight an enemy. The enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points are given in the text. Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s aim in the combat is to kill the enemy by reducing his <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to zero while losing as few <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points as possible himself.</p>
647 <p>At the start of a combat, enter Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s and the enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points in the appropriate boxes on the Combat Record section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
648 <p>The sequence for combat is as follows:</p>
649 <ol class="paragraphed">
651 <p>Add any extra points gained through your Grand Master Disciplines and Special Items to your current <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> total.</p>
654 <p>Subtract the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of your enemy from this total. The result is your Combat Ratio. Enter it on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
656 <p>Lone Wolf (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 32) is attacked by a pack of Doomwolves (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 30). He is taken by surprise and is not given the opportunity of evading their attack. Lone Wolf has the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-surge to which the Doomwolves are not immune, so Lone Wolf adds 8 points to his <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> giving him a total <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 40.</p>
657 <p>He subtracts the Doomwolf pack<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> from his own, giving a Combat Ratio of <ch.plus/>10 (40<ch.minus/>30 = <ch.plus/>10). <ch.plus/>10 is noted on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as the Combat Ratio.</p>
660 <p><a id="stage3">When you have your Combat Ratio</a>, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
663 <p>Turn to the <a idref="crtable">Combat Results Table</a>. Along the top of the chart are shown the Combat Ratio numbers. Find the number that is the same as your Combat Ratio and cross-reference it with the random number that you have picked (the random numbers appear on the side of the chart). You now have the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost by both Lone Wolf and his enemy in this round of combat. (E represents points lost by the enemy; LW represents points lost by Lone Wolf.)</p>
665 <p>The Combat Ratio between Lone Wolf and the Doomwolf Pack has been established as <ch.plus/>10. If the number taken from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> is a 2, then the result of the first round of combat is:</p>
667 <li>Lone Wolf loses 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (plus an additional 1 point for using Kai-surge. This loss is in addition to the loss suffered as a result of combat)</li>
668 <li>Doomwolf Pack loses 9 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
672 <p>On the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, mark the changes in <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to the participants in the combat.</p>
675 <p>Unless otherwise instructed, or unless you have an option to evade, the next round of combat now starts.</p>
678 <p>Repeat the sequence from <a idref="stage3">Stage 3</a>.</p>
682 <p>This process of combat continues until the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points of either the enemy or Lone Wolf are reduced to zero or below, at which point that combatant is declared dead. If Lone Wolf is dead, the adventure is over. If the enemy is dead, Lone Wolf proceeds but with his <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points possibly reduced.</p>
684 <p>A <a idref="crsumary">summary of Combat Rules</a> appears in the back of this book.</p>
686 <section class="frontmatter" id="evasion">
687 <meta><title>Evasion of Combat</title></meta>
690 <p>During your adventure you may be given the chance to evade combat. If you have already engaged in a round of combat and decide to evade, calculate the combat for that round in the usual manner. All points lost by the enemy as a result of that round are ignored, and you make your escape. Only Lone Wolf may lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points during that round (but then that is the risk of running away!). You may only evade if the text of the particular section allows you to do so.</p>
696 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="levels">
698 <title>Levels of Kai Grand Mastership</title>
699 <link class="prev" idref="cmbtrulz" />
700 <link class="next" idref="imprvdsc" />
703 <p>The following table is a guide to the ranks and titles you can achieve at each stage of your journey along the road of Kai Grand Mastership. As you complete successfully each adventure in the <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> series, you will gain an additional Grand Master Discipline and progress towards the pinnacle of Kai perfection<ch.emdash/>to become a Kai Supreme Master.</p>
706 <li>Kai Grand Master Senior</li>
707 <li>Kai Grand Master Superior</li>
708 <li>Kai Grand Sentinel</li>
709 <li>Kai Grand Defender<ch.emdash/><em>You begin the <cite>Lone Wolf Grand Master</cite> adventures at this level of mastery</em></li>
710 <li>Kai Grand Guardian</li>
717 <li>Kai Supreme Master</li>
722 <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="imprvdsc">
724 <title>Improved Grand Master Disciplines</title>
725 <link class="prev" idref="levels" />
726 <link class="next" idref="kaiwisdm" />
730 <p>As you rise through the higher levels of Kai Grand Mastery, you will find that your Disciplines will steadily improve. For example, if you possess the Discipline of Grand Nexus when you reach the Grand Master rank of Grand Thane, you will be able to pass freely through Shadow Gates and explore the nether realms of Aon and the Daziarn Plane.</p>
732 <section class="frontmatter" id="guardian">
733 <meta><title>Kai Grand Guardian</title></meta>
735 <p>If you are a Grand Master who has reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian (5 Disciplines), you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
736 <dl class="paragraphed">
737 <dt>Animal Mastery</dt>
738 <dd><p>Kai Grand Guardians with this Discipline are able to summon a limited number of forest animals to their location. The creatures so summoned will become loyal and willing allies, willing to do the Kai Grand Guardian<ch.apos/>s bidding. This ability can only be used in an outdoor setting.</p></dd>
740 <dd><p>Kai Grand Guardians who possess this skill are able to create a cloud of fog-like vapour within 15 yards of their location. This fog will obscure both normal and infravision. The duration of the fog increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
741 <dt>Grand Huntmastery</dt>
742 <dd><p>Kai Grand Guardians with this skill enjoy increased mobility when travelling across all types of terrain, whether on foot or on horseback. This improved ability is very useful when used to outdistance a pursuing enemy.</p></dd>
744 <dd><p>Kai Grand Guardians who possess mastery of this Discipline are able to attack up to three enemies in psychic combat simultaneously.</p></dd>
746 <dd><p>Kai Grand Guardians who possess this Discipline are able to exercise a defensive psychic skill known as Mindblend. This cloaking ability enables them to both protect and hide their minds from being detected by a hostile psychic probe.</p></dd>
749 <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>
751 <li><spell>Splinter</spell><ch.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>
752 <li><spell>Flameshaft</spell><ch.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>
759 <section class="frontmatter" id="sunkght">
760 <meta><title>Sun Knight</title></meta>
763 <p>If you are a Grand Master who has reached the rank of Sun Knight (6 Disciplines), you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
764 <dl class="paragraphed">
765 <dt>Grand Weaponmastery</dt>
766 <dd><p>Sun Knights with this Discipline are able to wield two-handed weapons (i.e. Broadsword, Quarterstaff, and Spear) with full effect, using only one hand.</p></dd>
768 <dd><p>Sun Knights who possess this skill are able to repair serious wounds sustained by creatures other than themselves. By the laying of hands upon the affected creature<ch.apos/>s body, a Sun Knight can cause an open wound (or other serious injury) to mend itself. The speed at which this healing takes place increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
769 <dt>Grand Pathsmanship</dt>
770 <dd><p>Kai Sun Knights with this skill are able to repel at will all normal-sized insects within a radius of three yards. The range and number of insects so affected increase considerably as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
772 <dd><p>Sun Knights who possess Mastery of this Discipline are able to feign death. By placing themselves into a state of suspended animation, outwardly they are able to achieve all semblance of being truly dead. However, whilst in this state the only sense that a Sun Knight retains is the ability to hear.</p></dd>
774 <dd><p>Sun Knights who possess this Discipline are able to communicate telepathically over great distances. Initially the range of this ability is approximately 100 miles, but this distance increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
777 <p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Sun Knight are able to use the following Brotherhood Spells:</p>
779 <li><spell>Halt Missile</spell><ch.emdash/>This causes any projected or hurled missile (e.g. arrows, axes, crossbow bolts) 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<ch.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>
780 <li><spell>Strength</spell><ch.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.</li>
787 <section class="frontmatter" id="sunlord">
788 <meta><title>Sun Lord</title></meta>
791 <p>If you are a Grand Master who has reached the rank of Sun Lord (7 Disciplines), you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
792 <dl class="paragraphed">
793 <dt>Grand Weaponmastery</dt>
794 <dd><p>Sun Lords with this Discipline are able to cause the metal edge of any non-magical weapon to ignite and burn fiercely. When a weapon thus affected is used in combat, it inflicts an additional 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point loss upon an enemy in every successful round of combat. This ability cannot be used with a wholly wooden weapon such as a quarterstaff.</p></dd>
796 <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>
797 <dt>Grand Huntmastery</dt>
798 <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>
800 <dd><p>Sun Lords who possess mastery of this Discipline are able to launch a Kai-blast<ch.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<ch.apos/>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>
802 <dd><p>Sun Lords who possess this Discipline are able to alter their body weight in order to walk successfully upon different kinds of surface, e.g. water, mud, lava, and quicksand. Time duration and degree of surface difficulty increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
805 <p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Sun Lord are able to use the following battle-spells of the Elder Magi:</p>
807 <li><spell>Penetrate</spell><ch.emdash/>This increases the penetrative energy of any Arrow or Arrow-like missile, launched by a Sun Lord.</li>
808 <li><spell>Energy Grasp</spell><ch.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>
815 <section class="frontmatter" id="sunthane">
816 <meta><title>Sun Thane</title></meta>
819 <p>If you are a Grand Master who has reached the rank of Sun Thane (8 Disciplines), you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
820 <dl class="paragraphed">
821 <dt>Animal Mastery</dt>
822 <dd><p>Sun Thanes with this Discipline are able to command an animal to fall asleep at will. Some hostile animals may be able to resist this command, but most will be affected by it in some way. The duration of effect and the number of animals which can be affected at one time will increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
824 <dd><p>Sun Thanes who possess this skill are able to conduct a Kai Exorcism. This ritual will banish any evil supernatural force that has taken possession of any goodly creature or object.</p></dd>
825 <dt>Grand Huntmastery</dt>
826 <dd><p>Kai Sun Thanes with this skill are able to protect themselves from the effects of being struck by natural electrical discharges, i.e. lightning.</p></dd>
827 <dt>Grand Pathsmanship</dt>
828 <dd><p>Sun Thanes who possess mastery of this Discipline are able to alter the temperature of water by touch. By using this skill they are able to transform water into ice and vice versa. The volume of water affected, and the duration of effect, both increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
830 <dd><p>Sun Thanes who possess this Discipline are able to erect a special psychic defence called <spell>Mindfort</spell>. A <spell>Mindfort</spell> defence greatly reduces the effects of any psychic shock that would normally paralyse or weaken a lesser mortal.</p></dd>
833 <p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Sun Thane are able to use the following Brotherhood Spells:</p>
835 <li><spell>Slow Fall</spell><ch.emdash/>By casting this spell, Kai Sun Thanes are able to slow their rate of free-falling to three feet per second, thereby avoiding damage upon landing while the spell is in effect. The duration of the spell is limited at first, but it steadily increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</li>
836 <li><spell>Breathe Water</spell><ch.emdash/>Using this spell, a Kai Sun Thane is able to breathe underwater for ten minutes. The duration of effect increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</li>
843 <section class="frontmatter" id="grandthane">
844 <meta><title>Grand Thane</title></meta>
847 <p>If you are a Kai Grand Master who has reached the rank of Grand Thane (9 Disciplines), you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
848 <dl class="paragraphed">
850 <dd><p>Grand Thanes with this Discipline are able to call upon the God Kai for divine assistance should a situation warrant it. Kai cannot intervene to save a Grand Thane from physical danger, but he can give signs which may help a Grand Thane choose the best course of action. A Grand Thane can call upon the God Kai for assistance no more than once every month. The frequency of divine audiences will increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
852 <dd><p>Grand Thanes who possess this skill are able to protect themselves from detection by creatures using infravision (the ability to see the heat radiating from a person or thing), or ultravision (the ability to detect objects or movement in the ultraviolet spectrum of light).</p></dd>
854 <dd><p>Grand Thanes with this skill are able to focus their mind-power upon inanimate breakable objects, e.g. bottles, windows, all ceramics, urns, jugs, etc., and cause them to explode violently. Any person or creature in close proximity to such an explosion risks injury from flying shrapnel.</p></dd>
856 <dd><p>Grand Thanes who possess mastery of this Discipline can pass freely through Shadow Gates. These phenomena are special portals which enable one to access other dimensions and planes of existence outside of Magnamund. Kai Grand Thanes are able to detect the location of Shadow Gates and pass through them without suffering any physical ill effects. The range of detection increases as a Kai Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
858 <dd><p>Grand Thanes who possess this Discipline are able to detect the exact location of precious gems, and valuable metals such as gold, platinum, and silver. These minerals and metals may occur naturally in the ground or they could be part of a hidden treasure hoard. The range of this ability is limited at first, but increases steadily as a Kai Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
861 <p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Grand Thane are able to use the following Old Kingdom Battle-spells:</p>
863 <li><spell>Power Glyph</spell><ch.emdash/>By inscribing this ancient glyph (a secret magical symbol) upon a door, an archway, or even upon the lid of a closed box, a Kai Grand Thane is able to protect items or portals from being opened. Any creature attempting to open a portal protected in such a way will release the power of the glyph and suffer its deadly effects.</li>
864 <li><spell>Hold Enemy</spell><ch.emdash/>Using this spell, Kai Grand Thanes are able to immobilize a single hostile creature anywhere within twenty feet of themselves. The duration of the spell is dependent upon the size and strength of the targeted creature. The range and duration of effect of this spell increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</li>
871 <section class="frontmatter" id="grandcrown">
872 <meta><title>Grand Crown</title></meta>
874 <p>If you are a Grand Master who has reached the rank of Grand Crown, you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
875 <dl class="paragraphed">
876 <dt>Grand Weaponmastery</dt>
877 <dd><p>Kai Grand Crowns with this discipline are consummate masters of unarmed combat. When fighting bare-handed, i.e. without any weapons, they may add 3 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p></dd>
878 <dt>Animal Mastery</dt>
879 <dd><p>Grand Crowns with this ability are able to plant in the mind of any animal the image of their most feared predator or adversary. Under the influence of this illusion the animal will believe, with all of its senses, that it is being confronted by such a creature instead of a Kai Grand Crown.</p></dd>
880 <dt>Grand Pathsmanship</dt>
881 <dd><p>Grand Crowns with this skill are able to create a clear passageway through dense undergrowth, forest, or jungle. Once having passed through this passageway, the plant material will revert to its normal state. This skill can also be employed by a Kai Grand Crown against magical foliage, or to counter any plant material ranged against him by an enemy.</p></dd>
883 <dd><p>Grand Crowns who possess mastery of this Discipline are able to mask the goodly aura which radiates naturally from their minds and bodies. Additionally, Grand Crowns can deliberately alter these auras to give a false impression of themselves to creatures that are sensitive to such psychic auras.</p></dd>
885 <dd><p>Grand Crowns who possess this Discipline are able to speak a Kai Power Word<ch.emdash/>a holy utterance which will cause physical and psychic damage to any single creature within a radius of thirty feet. The degree of damage so caused and the resultant drain upon a Grand Crown<ch.apos/>s reserves of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> are dependent upon individual circumstances. The power and range of this skill increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
887 <dd><p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Grand Crown are able to use the following Brotherhood Spells:</p>
889 <li><spell>Teleport</spell><ch.emdash/>By casting this spell, Kai Grand Crowns can transport themselves physically to any place which they can see with their own eyes. The spell will carry the caster, his equipment, and clothing to his chosen sighted destination. It cannot be used on any other living creature and it will not transport any other living creature along with the caster. Use of this spell will cost the caster between 1 and 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points every time it is used. This cost reduces as a Kai Grand Master increases in rank.</li>
890 <li><spell>See Illusion</spell><ch.emdash/>Using this spell, a Kai Grand Crown is able to detect an illusion and know immediately its true identity or purpose.</li>
897 <section class="frontmatter" id="sunprince">
898 <meta><title>Sun Prince</title></meta>
901 <p>If you are a Grand Master who has reached the rank of Sun Prince (11 Disciplines), you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
902 <dl class="paragraphed">
903 <dt>Animal Mastery</dt>
904 <dd><p>Kai Sun Princes with this Discipline are able to alter their appearance, including clothing and equipment, to take on the guise of any animal that they may come into contact with. This physical change will only be witnessed by the animal in question.</p></dd>
906 <dd><p>Sun Princes with this ability are able to cause the regeneration of lost body parts, i.e. hands, feet, arms, legs, eyes, and internal organs. This improved Discipline can be used to repair a Sun Prince<ch.apos/>s own body, or that of another person or creature. The time required to effect regeneration depends on the size and relative importance of the body part affected.</p></dd>
908 <dd><p>Kai Sun Princes who possess this Discipline are able to create an illusory double of themselves and project this image up to a range of thirty feet. The Sun Prince must remain in visual contact with his/her image in order to maintain the illusion. Physical, magical, and psychic attacks upon the illusory image will cause no injury. The range of this ability increases substantially when a Sun Prince attains the rank of Kai Supreme Master.</p></dd>
910 <dd><p>Sun Princes who possess mastery of this Discipline are able to focus their psychic power into a Kai-ray: a laser-like beam of mental energy capable of penetrating the strongest of psychic defences. This ability can be used once during a combat to reduce an enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by 15 points. However, use of this Kai-ray will also reduce a Sun Prince<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by 4 points. It cannot be used if a Sun Prince<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 10 or less, and it cannot be used in conjunction with any other form of psychic attack.</p></dd>
912 <dd><p>Sun Princes who possess this Discipline are able to create a mental sanctuary in which to keep safe their minds from psychic assault. Creation of this sanctuary does not require thought or concentration; it occurs instantly whenever a Kai Sun Prince is subjected to psychic attack. The defensive strength of this sanctuary further increases when a Sun Prince attains the rank of Kai Supreme Master.</p></dd>
913 <dt>Grand Huntmastery</dt>
914 <dd><p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Sun Prince are able to control their direction and rate of movement when subjected to strong currents of air or water, or when venturing through non-material planes of existence, e.g. Shadow Gates.</p></dd>
923 <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiwisdm">
925 <title>Grand Master<ch.apos/>s Wisdom</title>
926 <link class="prev" idref="imprvdsc" />
927 <link class="next" idref="sect1" />
931 <p>You are about to embark upon the ultimate quest against the Dark God Naar, the Master of all Evil. Your search for the precious Moonstone will take you to the Plane of Darkness where you can expect no help at all from the monstrous creatures who inhabit this terrible realm. You should remain wary and on your guard at all times for this mission will be the most dangerous you have ever undertaken.</p>
932 <p>Some of the things that you will encounter during your quest will be of use to you, while others may be red herrings of no real value at all. If you discover items, be selective in what you choose to keep.</p>
933 <p>Pick your Grand Master Disciplines with care for a wise choice will enable any player to complete the quest, no matter how weak their initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> scores may be. Successful completion of previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures, although an advantage, is not essential for the completion of this Grand Master adventure.</p>
934 <p>May the light of Kai and Ishir be your guide as you strive to outwit and defeat the Dark God and his loathsome minions.</p>
935 <p>For Sommerlund and the Kai!</p>
939 <section class="numbered" id="numbered">
940 <meta><title>Numbered Sections</title></meta>
944 <section class="numbered" id="sect1">
945 <meta><title>1</title></meta>
948 <p>Your journey through the Shadow Gate is a cold and lonely voyage, yet one that you endure without fear for you sense that Alyss is watching over you. She is using her powers to steer you safely home to Magnamund. As you hurtle through the timeless void, you remember vividly the last few moments which preceded your leap into the Shadow Gate and your triumphant escape from Naar<ch.apos/>s throne hall, the innermost sanctum of his stronghold upon the Plane of Darkness. You recall how Alyss commanded you to flee whilst she drew away the frenzied attacks of Naar<ch.apos/>s champion, Kekataag the Avenger. It was her selfless act of bravery which enabled you to escape and it has left an indelible mark upon your conscience. Inspired by her courage<ch.emdash/>and by the realization that if the Dark God is to be stopped from sending more of his foul creations to Magnamund you must deny him the fabled Moonstone of the Shianti<ch.emdash/>you vow that you will return to the Plane of Darkness and recapture that precious stone of power.</p>
949 <p>After what seems like an eternity, gradually the inky blackness of the abyss is illuminated by a fluorescent vapour studded with whirling motes of light. Clumps of tiny stars swirl around your body like swarms of glowing moths until you become completely cocooned within a shroud of blinding white luminescence. Then, quite suddenly, you feel solid ground once more beneath your feet and you emerge from the light to find yourself standing in a dank, subterranean vault.</p>
950 <choice idref="sect160"><link-text>Turn to 160</link-text>.</choice>
954 <section class="numbered" id="sect2">
955 <meta><title>2</title></meta>
958 <p>You throw yourself forwards and tumble into the adjoining tunnel barely seconds before the gigantic beetle-creature thunders past in a cloud of dust, hauling a long line of ore wagons in its wake. Some of these heavy wagons are empty but the majority are piled high with grey metallic rock, heavily veined with a mineral which radiates a strange yellow luminescence.</p>
960 <illustration class="inline">
962 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
964 <instance class="html" src="small9.png" width="386" height="124" mime-type="image/png"/>
965 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small9.gif" width="386" height="124" mime-type="image/gif"/>
966 <instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="124"/>
969 <choice idref="sect181">If you wish to attempt to leap onto the last ore wagon as it passes by the junction, <link-text>turn to 181</link-text>.</choice>
970 <choice idref="sect158">If you do not wish to leap onto the wagon, <link-text>turn to 158</link-text>.</choice>
974 <section class="numbered" id="sect3">
975 <meta><title>3</title></meta>
978 <p>As the first bolts come whistling through the air, you throw yourself behind Shamath<ch.apos/>s great Throne of Power. Crouching here, as you listen fearfully to the hiss of flying missiles and the screams of the approaching horde, you notice the waters of the strange pool which lies no more than a dozen yards from the throne. Beyond this pool you see the pair of huge black gates which dominate the far wall of this chamber and suddenly you recall the text which appeared in the Tome of Darkness. This must be the Pool of Sorrows, and beyond it are the Gates of Darkness, an exit from this cruel domain. Your feelings of excitement at having discovered a way to escape the approaching horde are tempered when you further recall that you must spill your own blood into the pool if you are to leave this realm successfully. Without hesitation, you stab a finger against the point of your belt buckle and draw a few droplets of blood. Then you spring to your feet and rush towards the pool. As you come to within a few yards, you flick your finger and a stunning transformation takes place the instant your blood hits the pool<ch.apos/>s swirling surface.</p>
979 <choice idref="sect300"><link-text>Turn to 300</link-text>.</choice>
983 <section class="numbered" id="sect4">
984 <meta><title>4</title></meta>
987 <p>The swirling mist condenses and reshapes itself into a column of flickering light. It resembles a large candle flame, but one that radiates an icy coldness. Within this chill flame you see a pair of glowing eyes that mesmerize and hold you transfixed. Pulses of psychic energy bombard your mind, making you shudder and recoil as your innate mind defences scramble to shield your psyche: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
989 <illustration class="float">
991 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
992 <description>The carpet of maggots squirm towards you like a seething flood-tide of corruption.</description>
994 <instance class="html" src="ill1.png" width="386" height="639" mime-type="image/png"/>
995 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="639" mime-type="image/gif"/>
996 <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="639"/>
999 <p>Sensing that its attack has weakened you, the spirit of Cadak ruthlessly seizes the advantage. It issues a psychic command and instantly the carpet of maggots wriggle and squirm towards you like a seething flood-tide of corruption.</p>
1000 <choice idref="sect92">If you possess Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 92</link-text>.</choice>
1001 <choice idref="sect69">If you do not possess this skill, <link-text>turn to 69</link-text>.</choice>
1005 <section class="numbered" id="sect5">
1006 <meta><title>5</title></meta>
1009 <p>You have survived the first volley but your ordeal is far from over. As soon as the front rank hurl their spears they retreat to let those behind them come forward to take their places at the rim of the pit. With cool defiance you stare back at this new rank of mutants. This time you count more than thirty spears held ready to be hurled at you upon Nza<ch.apos/>pok<ch.apos/>s command, far more than you can hope to avoid at once, even with the aid of magic. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds, you refuse to show this loathsome spawn any sign of weakness or despair.</p>
1010 <p>You offer up a silent prayer to the God Kai to protect you, and then suddenly you recall part of the script of the Tome of Darkness that told of a secret name which can bind Nza<ch.apos/>pok when spoken aloud. This name could be the key to your survival, yet you have no time left to retrieve the book from your Backpack. If you are to use this secret name you must try to recall it from memory.</p>
1011 <choice idref="sect171">If you think that Nza<ch.apos/>pok<ch.apos/>s secret name is <quote>Hulka</quote>, <link-text>turn to 171</link-text>.</choice>
1012 <choice idref="sect105">If you think that the name is <quote>Khula</quote>, <link-text>turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
1013 <choice idref="sect56">If you think that the name is <quote>Lukha</quote>, <link-text>turn to 56</link-text>.</choice>
1017 <section class="numbered" id="sect6">
1018 <meta><title>6</title></meta>
1021 <p>Suddenly you hear Alyss<ch.apos/>s voice in your mind.</p>
1022 <p><quote>Take up the axe, Lone Wolf,</quote> she cries. <quote>Use Kekataag<ch.apos/>s weapon to smite the power that holds me captive!</quote></p>
1024 <illustration class="inline">
1026 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1028 <instance class="html" src="small1.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1029 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small1.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1030 <instance class="pdf" src="small1.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1033 <p>You respond to her command and quickly you stoop to retrieve Kekataag<ch.apos/>s mighty two-handed axe which lies upon the floor, close to his mouldering remains. You close your hands around its iron handle, but when you try to raise it from the floor you discover that it is supernaturally heavy.</p>
1034 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Kai-alchemy, add 2 to the number you have picked. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 15 or higher, add 1. If your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 8 or lower, deduct 1.</p>
1035 <choice idref="sect346">If your total score is 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 346</link-text>.</choice>
1036 <choice idref="sect12">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 12</link-text>.</choice>
1040 <section class="numbered" id="sect7">
1041 <meta><title>7</title></meta>
1044 <p>As you listen to the rumbling sound drawing closer, you notice markings in the grit and dust which blankets the ground. You count wheel prints that have been made by several heavy wagons, and there are also innumerable rippled tracks that you cannot readily identify. The only markings you have experienced which bear any resemblance to these tracks were much smaller and were made by a centipede.</p>
1045 <p>The curious tracks have diverted your attention from the approaching noise. You glance along the tunnel and see a dark shape speeding through the gloom. Its width almost completely fills the tunnel.</p>
1046 <choice idref="sect141">If you wish to wait for it to come closer so that you attempt to identify it, <link-text>turn to 141</link-text>.</choice>
1047 <choice idref="sect266">If you wish to try to find somewhere you can hide from it, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
1051 <section class="numbered" id="sect8">
1052 <meta><title>8</title></meta>
1055 <p>Using your weapon you are able eventually to dig yourself free from this sticky mire. However, the physical exertion leaves you aching with fatigue: lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Also, due to the prolonged time you have spent in the open, the rain has taken a heavy toll on your clothing and equipment. Your cloak is in tatters and your Backpack is full of holes. When you reach the knoll you stop to repair your Backpack before the damage gets any worse and discover that three of the items contained within have been ruined. (Delete from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> the items which you have recorded in the first three sections of your Backpack Items list.)</p>
1056 <p>The boughs of the thorny-barked trees of this swamp island are tightly intertwined and form a formidable barrier. Through a gap in their tortured branches you can see a clearing at the centre of this copse and, when you magnify your vision, you glimpse part of a crude stone hut. You raise your weapon and cleave a path through the trees to the clearing where you discover that the hut is surrounded by a moat brim-full of gelatinous black mud, the surface of which is pitted with a myriad animal tracks. Sensing that the hut is empty, you leap across the moat and take cover inside from the corrosive rain.</p>
1057 <choice idref="sect269">If you possess Telegnosis and have reached the rank of Grand Thane or higher, <link-text>turn to 269</link-text>.</choice>
1058 <choice idref="sect348">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
1062 <section class="numbered" id="sect9">
1063 <meta><title>9</title></meta>
1066 <p>Patiently you wait until the bridge is clear of traffic before you muster your courage and seize the opportunity to make a dash for the far side.</p>
1067 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Assimilance, add 1 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 1. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 10 or lower, deduct 2.</p>
1068 <choice idref="sect241">If your total score is now 4 or lower, <link-text>turn to 241</link-text>.</choice>
1069 <choice idref="sect196">If your score is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 196</link-text>.</choice>
1073 <section class="numbered" id="sect10">
1074 <meta><title>10</title></meta>
1077 <footnote id="sect10-1-foot" idref="sect10-1">
1078 <p>This is the correct answer to the combination lock in <a idref="sect239">Section 239</a>.</p>
1083 <p>The instant you tap the tenth square, amber sparks flare and crackle into life to encircle the opening like the trail of a slow-burning fuse.<footref id="sect10-1" idref="sect10-1-foot"/> You sense that the magical shield which protects this hatch is rapidly disappearing. When you can no longer detect any residue of magical energies, you pull yourself through the trapdoor and climb into the nest of fire.</p>
1084 <choice idref="sect250"><link-text>Turn to 250</link-text>.</choice>
1088 <section class="numbered" id="sect11">
1089 <meta><title>11</title></meta>
1092 <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Net</spell> and point your right hand at the attacking creature. A gout of sticky fibres shoots from your palm and engulfs the beast, ensnaring its head and forefeet in a gluey net which brings it crashing to the floor at the foot of the ramp.</p>
1093 <p>As the beast struggles to break free from its sticky prison, you turn your attention to the portal and examine its surface in an attempt to find a way to open it. Using your advanced Kai skills you are able to decipher enough of the runic text to discover the secret code which keeps it secure. Confidently you press a section of the surface and, just as you believe it will, it moves inwards with an audible <onomatopoeia>clunk!</onomatopoeia> Moments later the portal creaks open and you hurry through, slamming it shut behind you to prevent the beast from following in your wake.</p>
1094 <choice idref="sect210"><link-text>Turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
1098 <section class="numbered" id="sect12">
1099 <meta><title>12</title></meta>
1102 <p>You raise the axe and stagger to where Alyss sits imprisoned within her sparkling force-field. Then, with one precise and powerful blow from Kekataag<ch.apos/>s fearsome weapon, you shatter the sorcerous prison. The anguished scream of Naar echoes through the corridors and dungeons of Dazganon. As its terrible timbre begins to rumble and fade, you are horrified to see a host of monstrous creatures burst forth from the smoky walls of the inner sanctum and close in upon you from all sides.</p>
1103 <choice idref="sect52"><link-text>Turn to 52</link-text>.</choice>
1107 <section class="numbered" id="sect13">
1108 <meta><title>13</title></meta>
1111 <p>You stride towards Nza<ch.apos/>pok and raise your weapon, grimly determined to rid the universe of this foul creature.</p>
1112 <p><quote>So perish all spawn of evil,</quote> you cry, and, with one swift and mighty blow, you sunder his ghastly body in two. From the torn halves of his carcass there is an eruption of putrid gas that makes you reel backwards and cover your mouth and nose. Rapidly this gas dissipates and, in a matter of seconds, the remains of Nza<ch.apos/>pok and his amulet have turned to dust.</p>
1113 <p>A collective cry of horror arises from the distant horde the moment you slay their master. Fearing that the destruction of their leader will spur them to seek revenge, you hurry away along a track that winds through the settlement of huts and down to a beach covered with coarse black sand. Here a ramshackle jetty, constructed from wood and bone, protrudes from the lee of a sand dune and out into the sluggish grey sea. Fringing the beach is dense jungle from where there suddenly arises a cacophony of hellish cries, echoing those of the chaos-horde. You glimpse shadows moving in the undergrowth, and when you stop momentarily to take a longer look, several arrows come shooting out of the trees. They arc towards you and explode when they hit the sand close by. Your Kai senses warn you that there are a great number of archers lurking in the jungle, far more than you can hope to defeat single-handedly. Anxious to escape while you are still able, you hurry down the beach to the jetty where you discover a sea-going canoe. Without daring to look back, you leap into this canoe, cast off its mooring rope, and paddle as fast as you can away from the shore.</p>
1114 <p>Once you feel sure that you are beyond arrow range, you attempt to follow the coastline in the hope of finding a safer place to put ashore. But a mist sweeps in across the water and engulfs your tiny craft before you can change course. This mist thickens rapidly to become a dense sea fog, the like of which you have never experienced. Despite your advanced Kai skills, you are unable to see through it and you quickly lose all sense of time and direction.</p>
1115 <p>After what seems like many hours, you eventually catch sight of a dark shape low in the water which, at first, appears to be a distant island. You paddle towards it but as you draw closer your senses suddenly scream a warning that you are heading into deadly danger. Instantly you reverse your stroke to change course, but it is already too late. Two slits open in the dark shape and a ghostly light washes over the fog-wreathed ocean. You feel the canoe lurch violently as it is hit by a powerful undercurrent and, in the next terrifying instant, you are sucked into the maw of a titanic sea creature and swallowed whole.</p>
1116 <deadend>Tragically, your life and your quest for the Moonstone come to a watery end here.</deadend>
1120 <section class="numbered" id="sect14">
1121 <meta><title>14</title></meta>
1124 <p>To your relief you sense that your precautions have worked; the dragon no longer suspects that it is carrying a stowaway. It raises its head and continues its flight towards the construction area which lies close to the main temple. Upon reaching this busy area it hovers above an expanse of levelled ground which is covered with dozens of cargo nets full of blocks awaiting collection by the building teams. A crew of four reptilians guide your net gently to the ground and then swiftly they unhook it from the dragon<ch.apos/>s harness using long poles.</p>
1125 <p>From the safety of your hiding place you watch as the dragon flies away to collect another cargo. As soon as the reptilians move on to attend to the next delivery of blocks, you leave the net and make your way as quickly as you can towards the main temple.</p>
1126 <choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
1130 <section class="numbered" id="sect15">
1131 <meta><title>15</title></meta>
1134 <p>Despite your brave attempt to dodge the onrushing lance of flame, it glances your back and sends you spinning backwards across the hall<ch.apos/>s slimy floor.</p>
1135 <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 you have lost as a result of your wounds. If you possess Deliverance, you may reduce this total by 1 point.</p>
1136 <p>Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you stagger to your feet and shout out his secret name. Immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form<ch.emdash/>and the sudden cessation of mind contact<ch.emdash/>throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the tide of larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size.</p>
1137 <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining K<ch.uuml/>nae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness: you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
1138 <choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is <quote>Rhunotar</quote>, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
1139 <choice idref="sect311">If you think the secret name is <quote>Rhunadan</quote>, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
1140 <choice idref="sect289">If you think the secret name is <quote>Rhunaguin</quote>, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
1144 <section class="numbered" id="sect16">
1145 <meta><title>16</title></meta>
1148 <p>As you tumble and spin through the void of the Shadow Gate, you struggle to keep your eyes focused on a tiny mote of light which glimmers in the dark, immeasurable distance. You sense that your passage through this astral corridor is being guided by the concerted will of the council gathered at the entrance to the portal. Using their psychic powers they are attempting to steer your body through a maze of channels which will lead towards that remote speck of light. Sensing this, you draw upon your improved Kai Discipline and use it to aid the magicians<ch.apos/> efforts. By doing so you are able to stabilize yourself and reduce the terrible fatigue of your journey.</p>
1149 <choice idref="sect90"><link-text>Turn to 90</link-text>.</choice>
1153 <section class="numbered" id="sect17">
1154 <meta><title>17</title></meta>
1157 <p>As you descend once more towards the base of the column of light, you use your innate Kai curing skills to treat your burns and you count yourself fortunate to have survived the fire-storm that is ravaging the surface. You resolve to try to avoid the Lavas and, upon reaching the dais, you see that the creature has not moved from its position. With bated breath, you step out from the shimmering light and tiptoe silently towards the tower archway, thirty yards distant.</p>
1158 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
1159 <choice idref="sect93">If your total score is now 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 93</link-text>.</choice>
1160 <choice idref="sect235">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 235</link-text>.</choice>
1164 <section class="numbered" id="sect18">
1165 <meta><title>18</title></meta>
1168 <p>Suddenly you fathom the identity of the third spirit occupying this hall. It is Cadak, Arch Druid of the Cenerese, sworn enemy of the Kai and all who ally themselves to the cause of Good. His body was destroyed on Magnamund five years ago but his spirit survives here, in this reeking hall, bound in eternal servitude to the Lords of Decay.</p>
1169 <p>Your heart pounds as you witness a swirling, ghostly, gossamer shape arise from the hollow rib cage of the carcass and snake towards you like a vampiric mist. As it draws closer, you hear the chilling voice of Cadak invade your mind: <quote>From beyond death the powers of decay grant me revenge, Lone Wolf!</quote></p>
1170 <choice idref="sect249">If you possess Kai-screen, <link-text>turn to 249</link-text>.</choice>
1171 <choice idref="sect4">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 4</link-text>.</choice>
1175 <section class="numbered" id="sect19">
1176 <meta><title>19</title></meta>
1179 <p>The few remaining vines that survive your deadly blows rapidly disappear into the canopy of branches and, within seconds of your victory, the jungle becomes deathly silent once more. You wipe your weapon against the trunk of a tree to remove the worst of the foul-smelling ichor, and then you move back along the trail towards the beach. However, when you reach the edge of the trees you see a patrol of scaly-winged reptiles swooping and gliding along the rocky shoreline. They have discovered the remains of the canoe and are now searching the beach for signs of survivors.</p>
1180 <p>Rather than risk being spotted by these vicious-looking creatures, you stay hidden beneath the jungle canopy and return once more along the trail. At the place where you had previously been halted by the curtain of bloodsucking vines, you now discover the way ahead is open and you press on until you come to the edge of a large clearing. This expanse of level ground is devoid of foliage yet it is littered with strange fruits that resemble gigantic grey pineapples. Beyond these curious fruits you can see the ruins of a settlement partially overgrown with moss. Warily you make your way around the fruits and across the clearing towards a statue which is crouching amongst the ruins. It is constructed of a smooth, lustrous black mineral and is fashioned in the likeness of some evil beast of prey. It reminds you of a hyena, but one with a massive lower jaw set with a pair of sabre-toothed fangs. Between its forelegs is a flight of rubble-strewn steps leading down to an open door. You detect waves of power emanating from somewhere beyond this darkened doorway, but you are unable to determine just how deep below the ground the source of this energy is located.</p>
1181 <choice idref="sect76">If you possess Telegnosis and wish to use this skill to spirit-walk through the doorway to investigate what lies beyond, <link-text>turn to 76</link-text>.</choice>
1182 <choice idref="sect177">If you do not possess this skill or choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
1186 <section class="numbered" id="sect20">
1187 <meta><title>20</title></meta>
1190 <p>You are wise not to trust Cadak<ch.apos/>s repentant plea for forgiveness: it is a trick. Sensing that you have seen through the charade, his spirit-entity becomes enraged. It howls a curse and the ring instantly transforms into a huge scaly worm. This creature has no eyes, but it does possess a large mouth packed with razor-sharp fangs which it snaps repeatedly, like an angry dog. You draw and raise your weapon and, in the space of a heartbeat, you deal the worm a mighty blow which splits it open from mouth to tail. Cadak<ch.apos/>s spirit emits a hideous scream, as if the destruction of the worm has wounded him deeply. Rapidly his spirit-form fades until all that is left is an echo of his plaintive cry of pain and frustration.</p>
1191 <p>Invigorated by your victory, you turn your attention now to the huge carcass that dominates this hall. You are determined to find a way out of this stinking chamber and you feel sure the answer lies somewhere here. You are advancing towards these huge rotting remains when a new and sinister threat to your life suddenly materializes.</p>
1192 <choice idref="sect228"><link-text>Turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
1196 <section class="numbered" id="sect21">
1197 <meta><title>21</title></meta>
1200 <p>Automatically your advanced psychic defences knit together to shield the fabric of your mind from this sudden, violent assault. But the speed and intensity of the attack is such that it threatens to penetrate your formidable mind-armour. Just how successful your defences will be is dependent upon your previous experience of psychic combat.</p>
1201 <choice idref="sect187">If your current level of Kai rank is Sun Knight or lower, <link-text>turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
1202 <choice idref="sect219">If your current level of Kai rank is between Grand Thane and Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 219</link-text>.</choice>
1203 <choice idref="sect82">If your current level of Kai rank is Grand Crown or higher, <link-text>turn to 82</link-text>.</choice>
1207 <section class="numbered" id="sect22">
1208 <meta><title>22</title></meta>
1211 <p>The unexpected sight of your face in the pool fills Shamath with a blind rage. In her fury, she expels a mass of psychic energy from which, using your Magnakai Discipline of Divination, you are able to extract scores of vivid images. They are Shamath<ch.apos/>s memories of what befell her after she failed to resurrect Darklord Vashna from the depths of the Maakengorge.</p>
1212 <p>From the collage of images you deduce that your destruction of the Shadow Gate at Maakengorge forced Shamath to return to the Plane of Darkness. As punishment for her failure to complete her mission, Naar imprisoned her and commanded Shamath<ch.apos/>s hated rival<ch.emdash/>Avarvae the Tormentress<ch.emdash/>to ruin her evil beauty. Satisfied that the Demoness had paid for her failure, Naar allowed her to return to her realm where, ever since, she has been goaded and tormented by her malicious rival.</p>
1213 <p>The appearance of your face in the pool has brought back these haunting memories. It has also alerted Shamath to your presence in her Throne Room. As her rage subsides, you sense that she is communicating telepathically with her two lieutenants. Suddenly, all three turn to stare at the pillar behind which you are hiding, and your Sixth Sense tells you that they are preparing to launch a combined psychic attack.</p>
1214 <choice idref="sect267">If you possess Kai-surge and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 267</link-text>.</choice>
1215 <choice idref="sect335">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
1219 <section class="numbered" id="sect23">
1220 <meta><title>23</title></meta>
1223 <p>For countless hours you follow this tunnel as it ascends and descends by ramps and stairways through a bewildering maze of chambers, vaults, and grand halls. On your travels through this vast underworld you witness many awe-inspiring sights: huge subterranean quarries, blazing furnaces, armouries, weapon forges, steel mills, and white-hot lava pits. Armies of grey-skinned humanoid workers labour without rest within this hellish domain to manufacture weapons of war and destruction.</p>
1224 <p>At one vast hall you stop to observe a legion of these creatures tapping the volcanic power which lies at the core of this realm. By a system of chutes and tubes they divert a blazing lava flow to turn gigantic wheels and heat titanic vats of noxious fluids. The workers, although physically similar in size and demeanour to Drakkarim, seem to lack consciousness and remain oblivious to your presence. It is as if they have been turned into unthinking automatons, programmed simply to perform their labour with little regard to their immediate surroundings.</p>
1225 <p>You leave the hall and ascend a staircase which spirals hundreds of feet through solid rock to a titanic concourse. Here your senses detect a living presence and you allow your Kai instincts to lead you in pursuit of it. You enter a tunnel which branches away from the concourse and follow this to a wider passage. The walls of this passage are decorated with spectacular scenes of war and destruction. Thousands of troops fight an endless parade of battles across the landscapes of a hundred different worlds. In each of the scenes the theme and the outcome is identical: the victory of the superior forces of Evil over the inferior armies of Good. This callous celebration of evil military might infuriates you, but you control your anger and use it to sharpen your senses. You detect that somewhere at the end of this passage is where the living presence can be found and, not knowing the nature of what it is that you will find there, you approach with the utmost caution.</p>
1226 <p>The passage ends at a vast chasm where a narrow bridge of rock crosses a yawning void to a gate located on the far side, some 300 yards distant. The gate and its surroundings have been fashioned to resemble the mouth and head of a ferocious dragon, and the bridge of rock is likewise carved to resemble its extended tongue. A shimmering, twinkling, blue-white light gleams from the mouth of the dragon-gate, revealing it to be the exit from this dark domain. Excited by your discovery, you step onto the narrow rock-bridge and make your way across to the far side as swiftly as you dare. On either side of this stone beam the chasm falls away into a seemingly bottomless pit. You try not to look down for the sight makes your stomach churn uncontrollably.</p>
1228 <illustration class="inline">
1230 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1232 <instance class="html" src="small10.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1233 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small10.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1234 <instance class="pdf" src="small10.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1237 <p>You are nearing the centre of the bridge when suddenly a dark and terrifying apparition manifests itself before the dragon-gate. This awesome sight brings you skidding to a halt.</p>
1238 <choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
1242 <section class="numbered" id="sect24">
1243 <meta><title>24</title></meta>
1246 <p>You are about to push your way through this barrier of vines when you notice something strange: each creeper is trembling very slightly, as if it is shivering with cold or fear. You draw your weapon and use it to prise the vines apart, but suddenly you hear something which makes you freeze. From somewhere above the canopy of branches there comes a deafening noise, like the sound of heavy tropical rainfall. As if in response to this noise the hanging vines rise up and flail the air. They lash out at you with stunning ferocity, forcing you to retreat along the trail before their stinging blows: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. With mounting dread you realize that these vines are not plants at all: they are hostile living creatures.</p>
1247 <p>Beneath the coating of moss which sheathes the vines are hundreds of tiny hollow barbs, capable of ripping flesh to shreds. You strike out at them, smashing one in half. It emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its broken tip. As if enraged by their companion<ch.apos/>s cry of pain, the remaining vines snake towards you with increased tenacity. You must fight them.</p>
1248 <combat><enemy>Haemodyls</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">49</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
1249 <p>These vine-creatures are immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray. If you possess Animal Mastery, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
1250 <choice idref="sect19">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
1254 <section class="numbered" id="sect25">
1255 <meta><title>25</title></meta>
1258 <p>Unfortunately, when you are halfway across the bridge you are spotted by a Lavas passing high overhead. Immediately it signals to two of its companions and all three creatures swoop down to block your exit. Their cries of alarm attract more than two dozen of their kin, and also alert the reptilians that are lining the parapet. At a given command they close in and attack you mercilessly with their spears and tridents. You fight back with stunning bravery, dispatching more than ten Lavas and seven reptilians before eventually you succumb to their sheer weight of numbers.</p>
1259 <deadend>Sadly, your life and your quest end here on the Huan<ch.apos/>zhor Chasm Bridge.</deadend>
1263 <section class="numbered" id="sect26">
1264 <meta><title>26</title></meta>
1267 <p>You cast your eyes over the body of your enemy and, to your dismay, you are unable to detect any chink in the thick plate armour that encases him. The thought of having to fight this warrior at close quarters, here upon this narrow beam of stone, is one that fills you with dread. While it is still an option, it would be better if you could use your Kai skills to defeat him at a distance.</p>
1268 <choice idref="sect98">If you possess Grand Nexus and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Crown or higher, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
1269 <choice idref="sect294">If you possess Magi-magic and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 294</link-text>.</choice>
1270 <choice idref="sect135">If you possess Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 135</link-text>.</choice>
1271 <choice idref="sect224">If you do not possess these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text>.</choice>
1275 <section class="numbered" id="sect27">
1276 <meta><title>27</title></meta>
1279 <p>Rimoah ushers you to a refectory table at the entrance to the chamber where Lord Ardan is carefully arranging artefacts upon a sheet of scarlet silk, and he invites you to inspect these curious items. He glances at your sword belt and smiles when he sees the finely-crafted hilt of the Sommerswerd protruding from your scabbard.</p>
1280 <p><quote>Well, I see you<ch.apos/>ll have no need of new weaponry, Grand Master. Surely there can be no blade better suited to the slaying of the Dark God<ch.apos/>s foul creatures than the one you already possess<ch.emdash/>the Sword of the Sun.</quote></p>
1281 <p><quote>Aye,</quote> comments Ardan, <quote><ch.thinspace/><ch.apos/>tis true. Your divine sword can vanquish any of Naar<ch.apos/>s creations. It may even possess power enough to smite the Dark God himself!</quote></p>
1282 <p>Lord Ardan<ch.apos/>s words lift your spirits. It is comforting to hear that you possess at least one effective weapon against the horrors you may have to face during your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
1283 <p><quote>It is a fine blade, Grand Master,</quote> says Rimoah, <quote>but be sure to use it with utmost discretion. It was crafted upon the Plane of Light and it radiates a strong and goodly aura. In Naar<ch.apos/>s domain its radiant energies could attract unwanted attention.</quote></p>
1284 <choice idref="sect258">If you possess a Korlinium Scabbard, <link-text>turn to 258</link-text>.</choice>
1285 <choice idref="sect341">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 341</link-text>.</choice>
1289 <section class="numbered" id="sect28">
1290 <meta><title>28</title></meta>
1293 <p>Your speed and skill have devastated the maggot swarm. You have slain more than half their number and forced the remainder to seek shelter in the shadowy recesses of this reeking hall. You sense also that your victory over the swarm has greatly weakened the spirit of Cadak. You are about to seize the advantage and launch a psychic attack when suddenly you hear something quite unexpected.</p>
1294 <p><quote>Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,</quote> pleads Cadak<ch.apos/>s plaintive voice in your mind. <quote>I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the K<ch.uuml/>nae.</quote></p>
1295 <p>The receding tide of maggots has revealed a glowing ring that lies on the slime-smeared floor at the centre of the hall.</p>
1296 <p><quote>Take the ring, Lone Wolf. Take the ring and grant me your forgiveness. With the ring the way is clear for you to leave this hall through the Tunnel of the Wyrm.</quote></p>
1297 <p>Beyond the flame-like spirit of Cadak you can see the rotting rib cage of the reptilian carcass. The semicircular shadow that occupies it is now pulsing with a warm, amber light.</p>
1298 <choice idref="sect128">If you agree to forgive the spirit of Cadak and wish to pick up the ring, <link-text>turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
1299 <choice idref="sect20">If you refuse to forgive the spirit of Cadak and decide that you will not pick up the ring, <link-text>turn to 20</link-text>.</choice>
1303 <section class="numbered" id="sect29">
1304 <meta><title>29</title></meta>
1307 <p>As you strike the fatal blow, Kekataag gives vent to a scream which rocks the foundations of Dazganon. His body falls to the floor and disintegrates into a mound of dust and rusty metal. From the core of this debris there arises a shadowy vapour which is sucked away through the porous chamber walls. You sense that it is the spirit of the defeated warrior and that as punishment for his failure, he has been consigned by Naar to eke out the rest of eternity with the other lost souls upon the Plain of Despair.</p>
1308 <p>You are elated and exhausted after your hard-won victory, but this is not the time for you to rest nor celebrate your triumph. You sense that Naar is enraged that you have destroyed his latest champion, and you can feel his wrath building to a fever pitch.</p>
1309 <choice idref="sect108">If you possess the Sommerswerd or Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 108</link-text>.</choice>
1310 <choice idref="sect6">If you possess neither of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 6</link-text>.</choice>
1314 <section class="numbered" id="sect30">
1315 <meta><title>30</title></meta>
1318 <p>As you look down at the ferocious jaws of the three giant arachnids below, you give thanks to your friend Guildmaster Banedon for having taught you this valuable spell. However, one limitation of this spell is that it can only levitate you vertically into the air; it cannot propel you horizontally. The effects of the spell soon wear off and you find yourself descending into the midst of the giant river-spiders. As your feet touch the muddy bank, you unsheathe your weapon and defend yourself against their immediate attack.</p>
1319 <combat><enemy>Avagnids</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
1320 <p>These creatures are immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-ray. If you possess Animal Mastery you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
1321 <choice idref="sect316">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
1325 <section class="numbered" id="sect31">
1326 <meta><title>31</title></meta>
1329 <p>To your relief you sense that the dragon is no longer convinced that it is carrying a stowaway. It raises its head and continues its flight towards the construction area which lies close to the main temple. Upon reaching this busy area it hovers above an expanse of levelled ground which is covered with dozens of cargo nets full of blocks awaiting collection by the building teams. A crew of four reptilians guides your net gently to the ground and then swiftly unhooks it from the dragon<ch.apos/>s harness using long poles.</p>
1330 <p>From the safety of your hiding place you watch as the dragon flies away to collect another cargo. As soon as the reptilians move on to attend to the next delivery of blocks, you leave the net and make your way as quickly as you can towards the main temple.</p>
1331 <choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
1335 <section class="numbered" id="sect32">
1336 <meta><title>32</title></meta>
1339 <p>The leading creatures snarl like ravenous wolves as they launch themselves at the entrance to your hiding place. You meet their attack with a flurry of lightning-fast blows which shatters their skulls and sends them tumbling from their skeletal shoulders. Their twitching headless torsos crash to the ground, yet more of their hideous kind pour through the gap and within seconds they are all over you. Claws and talons rake your arms and sides as desperately you fight to free yourself from this nightmare legion.</p>
1341 <illustration class="float">
1343 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1344 <description>Claws and talons rake your arms and sides, as you fight desperately to free yourself.</description>
1346 <instance class="html" src="ill2.png" width="386" height="590" mime-type="image/png"/>
1347 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="590" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1348 <instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="590"/>
1351 <combat><enemy>Chaos-mutants</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">37</enemy-attribute></combat>
1352 <p>These undead beings are immune to all forms of psychic attack.</p>
1353 <choice idref="sect129">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 129</link-text>.</choice>
1357 <section class="numbered" id="sect33">
1358 <meta><title>33</title></meta>
1361 <p>You retrieve the book from your Backpack and thumb through its shiny blank pages until you discover two pages that have changed both in colour and texture. A cluster of rust-red lettering is enclosed within the black runic borders that outline these two sheets of creamy parchment. Once again, using your Magnakai Discipline of Pathsmanship, you study the complex text and are able to decipher much of its meaning.</p>
1363 <illustration class="inline">
1365 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1367 <instance class="html" src="small4.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1368 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small4.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1369 <instance class="pdf" src="small4.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1372 <p>The words tell of Zantaz, the Lord of the Pit, whose many accompanying titles include Reaper of Gloom, Armourer of the Fell Legions, and Guardian of the Gate of Dragonflame. It says that he presides over a <quote>deep realm of rock, iron, steel, and flame</quote>, and that among the many eternal duties he has been set by Naar, his primary task is to forge weapons of power for the Dark God<ch.apos/>s champions. Zantaz has no secret name, but you are able to translate the text which details how one can leave his domain. It makes for uneasy reading. The Tome states that any who wish to depart must first <quote>defeat Zantaz in mortal combat and cast his body into the Pit of Darkflame, from whence he shall be reborn</quote>. Only by proving oneself worthy in combat against Zantaz can one cause <quote>the Gate of Dragonflame to release the worthy victor</quote>. The name <quote>Zantaz</quote> is vaguely familiar; you are sure that you have heard it before. As you ponder the remaining text which lists his infamous deeds, you suddenly recall where it was that you heard his name spoken. It was many years ago, while you were still an initiate at the Kai Monastery, and your old tutor, Storm Hawk, was lecturing your class about the Drakkarim: the barbarian race of humanoids whose conquests in Northern Magnamund preceded the rise of the Darklords of Helgedad. Zantaz was the name of the warrior-god whom the Drakkarim worshipped.</p>
1373 <p>Feeling a little unnerved by what you have discovered and remembered, you close the Tome and slip it back into your pack. You sense that the Moonstone is not to be found here in this domain of tunnels, and so you resolve to escape from here as soon as possible. But if you are to do so successfully, it seems you will first have to find and defeat Zantaz, the warrior-god of the Drakkarim.</p>
1374 <p>You get to your feet and continue along the tunnel which leads out of the empty cavern. You follow this passageway for several hundred yards until you arrive at a junction where another tunnel crosses your path from right to left. Cautiously you scan the tunnel in both directions and notice that away to your right, little more than twenty yards distant, is an open archway. Although you can sense no living presence, the angle of view and the darkness of the interior prevent you from determining what lies beyond this archway. To your left, your tracking skills reveal that the tunnel leads eventually to a dead end.</p>
1375 <choice idref="sect260">If you wish to investigate what lies beyond the arch, <link-text>turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
1376 <choice idref="sect23">If you decide to ignore the archway and continue your exploration of the main tunnel, <link-text>turn to 23</link-text>.</choice>
1380 <section class="numbered" id="sect34">
1381 <meta><title>34</title></meta>
1384 <p>Your swift construction of a defensive mental barrier helps to deflect much of the combined psychic energies that are ranged against you. However, one of Shamath<ch.apos/>s searing bolts pierces your defensive wall and grazes the fabric of your mind: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1385 <choice idref="sect54">To continue, <link-text>turn to 54</link-text>.</choice>
1389 <section class="numbered" id="sect35">
1390 <meta><title>35</title></meta>
1393 <p>You turn and head back quickly along the jungle trail, dodging and weaving as you run in an attempt to avoid the whipping vines. Through the undergrowth ahead you glimpse the beach, but before you are able to reach it you are brought crashing to the soft earth by a creeper which lashes you from behind and twists itself tightly around your foot. Red hot pain courses up your leg, making you cry out as you struggle hard to break free: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1394 <p>Beneath the coating of moss which sheathes this vine are hundreds of tiny hollow barbs that have pierced your boot and penetrated your flesh. Your Kai curing skills swiftly counter the deadly bacteria that cling to these barbs, but they cannot prevent the flow of blood that is being sucked out of your leg by this vampiric vine.</p>
1395 <choice idref="sect193">If you possess the Sommerswerd or Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 193</link-text>.</choice>
1396 <choice idref="sect261">If you possess neither of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 261</link-text>.</choice>
1400 <section class="numbered" id="sect36">
1401 <meta><title>36</title></meta>
1404 <p>As the Ghazoul breathes its last, you step away from its bloodstained carcass and turn your attention to the portal. You are eager to examine its surface in an attempt to find a way to open it. Using your advanced Kai skills you are able to decipher enough of the runic text to discover the secret code which keeps it secure. Confidently you press a section of the surface and it moves inwards with an audible <onomatopoeia>clunk!</onomatopoeia> Moments later, the portal creaks open and you hurry through before it slams shut with a resounding boom.</p>
1405 <choice idref="sect210"><link-text>Turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
1409 <section class="numbered" id="sect37">
1410 <meta><title>37</title></meta>
1413 <p>Quickly you retreat into the forest of flames and pray that your Magnakai Psi-screen and camouflage skills will keep you safe from Tzor<ch.apos/>s unholy gaze.</p>
1414 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 16 or higher, add 1 to the number you have picked. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 10 or lower, deduct 1.</p>
1415 <choice idref="sect262">If your total is now 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
1416 <choice idref="sect338">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 338</link-text>.</choice>
1420 <section class="numbered" id="sect38">
1421 <meta><title>38</title></meta>
1424 <p>You focus on a clump of insects that are attached to the side of the hive and your Kai senses tell you that these creatures are being guided by psychic commands originating from within their pear-shaped home. This discovery leads you to suspect that they could be susceptible to mind control.</p>
1425 <choice idref="sect247">If you possess Kai-surge and have reached the rank of Sun Lord or higher, <link-text>turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
1426 <choice idref="sect178">If you possess Animal Mastery and have reached the rank of Sun Thane or higher, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
1427 <choice idref="sect101">If you possess neither of these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn instead to 101</link-text>.</choice>
1431 <section class="numbered" id="sect39">
1432 <meta><title>39</title></meta>
1435 <p>Successfully you dodge the onrushing lance of flame and it speeds across the chamber to smash harmlessly against the shimmering green metal of the hall<ch.apos/>s grand portal.</p>
1436 <p>Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you shout out his secret name. Immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form<ch.emdash/>and the sudden cessation of mind contact<ch.emdash/>throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size.</p>
1437 <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining K<ch.uuml/>nae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
1438 <choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is <quote>Rhunotar</quote>, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
1439 <choice idref="sect311">If you think the secret name is <quote>Rhunadan</quote>, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
1440 <choice idref="sect289">If you think the secret name is <quote>Rhunaguin</quote>, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
1444 <section class="numbered" id="sect40">
1445 <meta><title>40</title></meta>
1448 <p>You see Alyss sitting cross-legged within a globular force-field, her emaciated face and limbs clearly displaying the price she has paid for her continued resistance to the Dark God. Yet despite her wasted physical appearance, you detect that she is still strong in spirit and the Moonstone of the Shianti is still in her possession.</p>
1449 <p>You focus on this force-field and deduce that Naar, having been unable to defeat Alyss in combat, has chosen instead to imprison her within this seamless cell of energy in order to prevent her from using the powers of the Moonstone to create a Shadow Gate through which she can escape. The Dark God has contented himself with waiting for her to weaken to the point where she can no longer resist his remorseless attacks. As you focus on Alyss you sense that she is dangerously close to reaching that breaking point. Prompted by an urge to help her, and by the sight of the Moonstone which she cradles in her lap, you move quickly towards the entrance to Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum.</p>
1450 <choice idref="sect192">If you possess Telegnosis and have attained the Kai rank of Sun Knight or higher, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
1451 <choice idref="sect324">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
1455 <section class="numbered" id="sect41">
1456 <meta><title>41</title></meta>
1459 <p>You focus on the runes that have been chiselled into the floor. They are similar to those you encountered on the portal to this subterranean labyrinth when first you entered. You feel your pulse quicken when slowly you are able to decipher part of their meaning:</p>
1460 <p><quote>Ye who seek entry to the Hall of the K<ch.uuml/>nae, renounce all falsehood and trickery for thou art transparent beneath our gaze. Pay homage to the Lords of Decay lest thy soul be devoured by the insatiable horde of Nemagog. Place gold within the circle for thy wish to be fulfilled, base metal without for thy fate to be sealed.</quote></p>
1461 <p>With caution guiding your every step, you cross the floor of the chamber and examine the engraved surface of the portal after a gentle push confirms that the door is locked. You had hoped that the runes which cover this great metal portal would reveal how it can be opened, but to your dismay they merely catalogue (in sickening detail) the evil accomplishments of the K<ch.uuml/>nae. Then you discover three small slots: one circular, one square, and one triangular in shape.</p>
1462 <choice idref="sect109">If you possess any Gold Crowns, <link-text>turn to 109</link-text>.</choice>
1463 <choice idref="sect65">If you have no Gold Crowns, <link-text>turn to 65</link-text>.</choice>
1467 <section class="numbered" id="sect42">
1468 <meta><title>42</title></meta>
1471 <p>You sense that the dragon suspects that it has a stowaway hiding amongst its cargo, but its eyesight is poor and it is not sure of what it sees. However, you dare not run the risk of the beast alerting the Lavas that are flying close by. Their eyesight is keen and they would be sure to spot you. Quickly you muster your innate camouflage skills in an attempt to keep yourself hidden.</p>
1472 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 10 or lower, deduct 1 from the number you have picked. If it is 20 or higher, add 1.</p>
1473 <choice idref="sect148">If your total score is now 4 or lower, <link-text>turn to 148</link-text>.</choice>
1474 <choice idref="sect14">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 14</link-text>.</choice>
1478 <section class="numbered" id="sect43">
1479 <meta><title>43</title></meta>
1482 <p>With your back pressed hard against the wall of the pit, you quickly recite the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Shield</spell> as you draw a circle in the air directly above your head. Nza<ch.apos/>pok growls the order to his minions and immediately a clattering deluge of spears rains down upon you. Most shatter when they hit the invisible barrier you have created, but some ricochet off the pit wall and their sharp tips gouge your flesh.</p>
1483 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
1484 <choice idref="sect312">If your total is 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 312</link-text>.</choice>
1485 <choice idref="sect277">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 277</link-text>.</choice>
1489 <section class="numbered" id="sect44">
1490 <meta><title>44</title></meta>
1493 <p>You hit out at the onrushing column of fire and it connects with the flat of your magical blade. There is a terrific flash of blinding golden light and you feel an electrifying jolt that sets every nerve in your body jangling. You follow through with your blow and send the K<ch.uuml/>nae flame rebounding from your blade to slam into the far wall where it dissipates harmlessly across its surface.</p>
1494 <p>Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you shout his secret name and immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form<ch.emdash/>and the sudden cessation of mind contact<ch.emdash/>throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the tide of larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size.</p>
1495 <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining K<ch.uuml/>nae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness: you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
1496 <choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is <quote>Rhunotar</quote>, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
1497 <choice idref="sect311">If you think the secret name is <quote>Rhunadan</quote>, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
1498 <choice idref="sect289">If you think the secret name is <quote>Rhunaguin</quote>, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
1502 <section class="numbered" id="sect45">
1503 <meta><title>45</title></meta>
1506 <p>To your dismay you sense that the dragon is immune to your psychic commands. It does not signal to the accompanying Lavas, as you had feared, but it does begin to lose height. Rather than continuing its flight towards the construction area, it banks towards an area of broken rocks and derelict dwellings located close to the edge of the chasm.</p>
1507 <choice idref="sect161"><link-text>Turn to 161</link-text>.</choice>
1511 <section class="numbered" id="sect46">
1512 <meta><title>46</title></meta>
1515 <p>From beneath the coating of moss which sheathes these vines emerge hundreds of tiny hollow barbs, transforming them instantly into deadly foes capable of ripping you to shreds. They whip the air within inches of your face, forcing you to frantically dodge and dive to avoid being torn open. You draw your weapon and strike out, cleaving through the end of one of these deadly creepers which emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its sundered tip. As if enraged by their companion<ch.apos/>s cry of pain, the remaining vines snake towards you with increased tenacity. You must fight them.</p>
1517 <illustration class="float">
1519 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1520 <description>The deadly vines whip the air, inches from your face.</description>
1522 <instance class="html" src="ill3.png" width="386" height="615" mime-type="image/png"/>
1523 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="615" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1524 <instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="615"/>
1527 <combat><enemy>Haemodyls</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">49</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
1528 <p>These vine-creatures are immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray. If you possess Animal Mastery, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
1529 <choice idref="sect19">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
1533 <section class="numbered" id="sect47">
1534 <meta><title>47</title></meta>
1537 <p>The seven riders keep their distance, yet they pass close enough to satisfy their curiosity before they turn and speed away into the void. As you watch them disappear, a deep sense of unease grips you. You are relieved to have avoided a confrontation yet you sense that their departure is but a temporary reprieve; they may yet return in greater numbers.</p>
1538 <p>Shortly after, you witness several objects that appear like comets encircling a cluster of distant stars. As you glide towards these stars the comets break away from their orbit and come soaring to meet you, racing with each other to reach you first. A collision looks imminent, but your mounting fears are soon forgotten when the surfaces of these shooting stars undergo a stunning transformation. Their leading surfaces take on the semblance of human faces.</p>
1539 <choice idref="sect127">If you have ever been to the city of Torgar in a previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventure, <link-text>turn to 127</link-text>.</choice>
1540 <choice idref="sect91">If you have never visited this city, <link-text>turn to 91</link-text>.</choice>
1544 <section class="numbered" id="sect48">
1545 <meta><title>48</title></meta>
1548 <footnote id="sect48-1-foot" idref="sect48-1">
1549 <p>It may not be appropriate to use Deliverance here if you have already in this adventure used its power to restore 20 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
1554 <p>You draw upon your Grand Mastery to supply a burst of life-saving vitality (restore 20 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).<footref id="sect48-1" idref="sect48-1-foot"/> As this wave of Kai energy surges through your battered body, you find the strength to scramble to your feet and rush towards the glowing portal. You leap through it just as the retracting coil of rock reaches the mouth of the dragon-gate, and the crash of stone echoes in your ears as you fall headlong through the corridor of swirling flame that lies beyond this mysterious portal. Your Platinum Amulet protects you from the fierce conflagration, and it also feeds you with a steady warming stream of energy which radiates from the centre of your body outwards to soothe your aching limbs.</p>
1555 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> (0=10). Now double the number you have picked. This total equals the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you may restore as a result of the healing effects of the Platinum Amulet. (Remember: your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score cannot exceed the total with which you began this adventure.)</p>
1556 <p>After a short time the swirling corridor of flame gradually darkens and you feel the speed of your fall begin to decrease. Then, in a breathtaking instant, your feet slam into hot, cindery ground and you crash forwards to land in a tangled heap.</p>
1557 <choice idref="sect125">If you have ever visited the Palmyrion town of Scade in a previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventure, <link-text>turn to 125</link-text>.</choice>
1558 <choice idref="sect215">If you have never visited this town, <link-text>turn to 215</link-text>.</choice>
1562 <section class="numbered" id="sect49">
1563 <meta><title>49</title></meta>
1566 <p>Drawing upon your Grand Mastery, you are able eventually to haul yourself free from this sticky mire and reach the distant knoll (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to fatigue).</p>
1567 <p>The boughs of the thorny-barked trees of this swamp island are tightly intertwined and form a formidable barrier. Through a gap in their tortured branches you can see a clearing at the centre of this copse and, when you magnify your vision, you glimpse part of a crude stone hut. You unsheathe your weapon and cleave a path through the trees to the clearing where you discover that the hut is surrounded by a moat brim-full of gelatinous black mud, the surface of which is pitted with a myriad of animal tracks. Sensing that the hut is empty, you leap across the moat and take cover inside from the corrosive rain.</p>
1568 <choice idref="sect269">If you possess Telegnosis and have reached the rank of Grand Thane or higher, <link-text>turn to 269</link-text>.</choice>
1569 <choice idref="sect348">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
1573 <section class="numbered" id="sect50">
1574 <meta><title>50</title></meta>
1577 <p>Ardan and Rimoah are honoured that you have chosen to take this sword which they have spent many months creating. (Record this sword, Skarn-Ska, on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. When used in combat it will add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. This sword possesses other attributes which will be revealed when it is used in combat.)</p>
1578 <p>You take hold of Skarn-Ska and essay a few strokes in the air to gauge its weight and balance. It does not take you too long to discover that this is an exceptionally fine blade. You feel your spirits rise, for now you possess at least one effective weapon against the horrors that may be encountered on your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
1580 <illustration class="inline">
1582 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1584 <instance class="html" src="small6.png" width="386" height="66" mime-type="image/png"/>
1585 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="66" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1586 <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="66"/>
1589 <p><quote>We are delighted that you approve of Skarn-Ska, Grand Master,</quote> says Rimoah, <quote>but you must be sure to use it with discretion. It has magical properties which give off a strong and goodly aura. In Naar<ch.apos/>s domain these radiant energies could attract the unwanted attentions of those who dwell therein.</quote></p>
1590 <p>Lord Ardan picks up a seemingly plain leather scabbard from the table and offers it to you.</p>
1591 <p><quote>Here, Grand Master. I urge that you sheathe Skarn-Ska with this. It is woven from strands of pure korlinium and it will keep hidden the blade<ch.apos/>s true power from Naar<ch.apos/>s foul spawn.</quote></p>
1592 <p>You accept the scabbard from Ardan and affix it to your belt. (Record this Korlinium Scabbard on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item.)</p>
1593 <p><quote>The scabbard will shield your blade, Grand Master,</quote> comments Lord Rimoah, <quote>but what of yourself? You are imbued with Kai powers that may readily be detected. There is a danger that your natural skills could alert Naar<ch.apos/>s minions to your presence among them.</quote></p>
1594 <choice idref="sect180">If you possess a Platinum Amulet, <link-text>turn to 180</link-text>.</choice>
1595 <choice idref="sect296">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 296</link-text>.</choice>
1599 <section class="numbered" id="sect51">
1600 <meta><title>51</title></meta>
1603 <p>Swiftly you draw an Arrow to your Bow and take aim at the beast<ch.apos/>s snout. The creature narrows its evil eyes and begins to sway from side to side. It is as if it senses the danger that your missile poses and it is trying to reduce its chances of being struck.</p>
1604 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Weaponmastery with Bow, add 5 to the number you have picked.</p>
1605 <choice idref="sect175">If your total score is 7 or lower, <link-text>turn to 175</link-text>.</choice>
1606 <choice idref="sect203">If it is 8 or higher, <link-text>turn to 203</link-text>.</choice>
1610 <section class="numbered" id="sect52">
1611 <meta><title>52</title></meta>
1614 <p>Freed from the constraints of the force-field, Alyss is able to use the power of the Moonstone to bring into being a Shadow Gate which materializes in the floor of the chamber.</p>
1615 <p><quote>Come, Grand Master,</quote> she implores as she gets ready to step into the whirling black abyss. <quote>Follow me!</quote></p>
1616 <p>And with these words she is swallowed up by the inky abyss. Seconds later, you drop the heavy axe and take a running leap into the Shadow Gate, escaping in her wake barely moments before a pack of screeching, gnawing, parasitic horrors engulf the place where you last were standing.</p>
1617 <choice idref="sect350"><link-text>Turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
1621 <section class="numbered" id="sect53">
1622 <meta><title>53</title></meta>
1625 <p>You reach to your throat, unbutton the collar of your Kai robes, and withdraw the Platinum Amulet by its braided cord.</p>
1626 <p><quote>Ah, I see that you already possess a sigil of power,</quote> says Lord Rimoah, approvingly. <quote>It seems you are better prepared for the quest than we had anticipated.</quote></p>
1627 <p>With a nod of his head he motions to Lord Ardan who then retrieves an almost identical amulet from among the items on the table. Ardan gives the amulet to Rimoah and he slips it into his pocket.</p>
1628 <p><quote>You<ch.apos/>ll not be requiring this after all,</quote> he says, <quote>but there is something which I<ch.apos/>m sure you will find most useful. And I<ch.apos/>m certain that you have not come across anything of its like before.</quote></p>
1629 <p>Once again Rimoah motions to Ardan and the elderly wizard responds by taking up a small package that is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly, you take it from him.</p>
1630 <p><quote>It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,</quote> says Ardan. <quote>A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.</quote></p>
1631 <p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty, devoid of script, pictures, or diagrams of any sort.</p>
1632 <p><quote>I do not see how this book will help my quest,</quote> you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
1633 <p><quote>This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,</quote> replies Lord Rimoah, <quote>but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar<ch.apos/>s domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.</quote></p>
1634 <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
1635 <choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
1639 <section class="numbered" id="sect54">
1640 <meta><title>54</title></meta>
1643 <p>The Demoness and her minions sense that they have wounded you and they howl with undisguised glee. But this sudden lull in the psychic combat allows you precious seconds in which to recover and strengthen your damaged mental defences. When they cease their cawing and launch their second attack, your defensive protections prove strong enough to deflect all of the combined psychic energies that are ranged against you, and the power of their attack rebounds upon them with devastating effect. The Lieutenants of Night fall screaming to the floor where they writhe in agony like wounded snakes. The Demoness reels and totters backwards, slumps down heavily upon her throne, and then grips her disfigured head in both hands as she struggles in vain to regain control of her disrupted mind.</p>
1644 <p>Seizing your advantage, you unsheathe your weapon and rush forward. With two swift and deadly blows you dispatch the lieutenants in passing and then rush towards Shamath<ch.apos/>s gigantic throne. Through the red haze of the agony that fills her head, the Demoness sees you approaching. Immediately she slams her right hand down upon the arm of her throne, to where a glowing opal is set into the stone.</p>
1645 <p><quote>Gnekasha!</quote> you scream, giving voice to her secret name, and she freezes as still as a stone statue. But not before her clenched fist has struck the glowing gem.</p>
1646 <p>Suddenly you hear a terrible sound: it is the screams and cries of Shamath<ch.apos/>s vengeful legions. With dread you glance over your shoulder and look to the source of the cacophony: the chamber of tunnels beyond the archway of the Throne Room. What you see there sends an icy cold shiver of fear coursing down your spine.</p>
1647 <choice idref="sect201"><link-text>Turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
1651 <section class="numbered" id="sect55">
1652 <meta><title>55</title></meta>
1655 <p>You throw yourself towards the adjoining tunnel, but in your desperate effort to get clear, you trip and fall in the path of the onrushing leviathan. This gigantic beetle-creature flattens you beneath its vast bulk, yet amazingly you survive this collision<ch.emdash/>but not for very long. Trailing in the creature<ch.apos/>s wake is a long line of wagons piled high with grey metallic ore. You are hit by several of these heavy iron carriages and killed instantly.</p>
1656 <deadend>Sadly, your life and your quest end here in the Mines of Zantaz.</deadend>
1660 <section class="numbered" id="sect56">
1661 <meta><title>56</title></meta>
1664 <p>You shout the name <quote>Lukha</quote> aloud but it has no effect. For a moment there is an uneasy silence; then the rubbery mouth of Nza<ch.apos/>pok emits a hideous, bubbling laugh. He is mocking your futile attempt to save yourself by calling upon the powers which bind him in fealty to the Dark God. As his foul form wobbles with undisguised mirth, you quickly unshoulder your Backpack and tear open the flap to retrieve the Tome of Darkness. Nza<ch.apos/>pok ceases to laugh when he glimpses its jet-black cover for he is aware of its origins and the powerful secrets it contains.</p>
1665 <p>With a terse growl, he gives the signal to his minions and they hurl their spears into the pit with chilling accuracy. You are struck by more than a dozen of these deadly lances and, unlike most who have fallen foul of Nza<ch.apos/>pok, your death is mercifully swift and almost painless.</p>
1666 <deadend>Sadly, your life and your quest for the Moonstone end here.</deadend>
1670 <section class="numbered" id="sect57">
1671 <meta><title>57</title></meta>
1674 <footnote id="sect57-1-foot" idref="sect57-1">
1675 <p>This is the correct answer to the total of the numbers on the three Special Items required to enter Dazganon (cf. Sections <a idref="sect297">297</a> and <a idref="sect338">338</a>).</p>
1680 <p>As you pass through the curtain of black flames, the three magical items vanish from your hands. (Erase the Nza<ch.apos/>pok Amulet, the K<ch.uuml/>nae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon from the Special Items section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)<footref id="sect57-1" idref="sect57-1-foot"/> Beyond the flaming curtain lies a hall of grey adamanite which is seemingly devoid of all life. You scour this eerie chamber and your senses detect Alyss<ch.apos/>s life-force. Hers is the only goodly presence, save your own, in the whole of this evil stronghold, and although her aura is weak, it is sufficient enough for you to be able to track it.</p>
1681 <p>Guided by your instincts and shielded by your Kai Disciplines, you follow Alyss<ch.apos/>s trail as it wends its way deeper into the heart of this citadel of Evil. During your exploration you encounter many of Naar<ch.apos/>s newest creations who populate the halls and dungeons of Dazganon. Their repugnant forms and depraved and brutal behaviour provide you with an unsavoury insight into Naar<ch.apos/>s seemingly infinite capability to create evil and monstrous life forms. You shudder to imagine these foul beings running loose upon your home world of Magnamund, and the thought strengthens your resolve to fulfil your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
1682 <p>For what seems like an hour, your camouflage and psychic skills make you invisible to the creatures that dwell within Dazganon. It is not until you reach a busy junction at the heart of a maze of tunnels that your skills are truly put to the test. Your senses detect the presence of Alyss at the end of an adjacent tunnel, yet the entrance to this wide passage is virtually blocked by creatures who are bickering with Naar<ch.apos/>s armed guards.</p>
1683 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, or Grand Pathsmanship, add 1. Also, for every level of Kai Mastery you have attained above the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, add a further 1.</p>
1684 <choice idref="sect189">If your total score is now 3 or less, <link-text>turn to 189</link-text>.</choice>
1685 <choice idref="sect116">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
1689 <section class="numbered" id="sect58">
1690 <meta><title>58</title></meta>
1693 <p>The crackling gout of flame comes shooting across the hall. At first it seems to be targeted at your illusory double; then it veers in mid-air and comes speeding towards your chest.</p>
1694 <choice idref="sect44">If you possess the Sommerswerd or Skarn-Ska and wish to use it in an attempt to deflect this onrushing column of fire, <link-text>turn to 44</link-text>.</choice>
1695 <choice idref="sect173">If you possess neither of these Special Items or choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 173</link-text>.</choice>
1699 <section class="numbered" id="sect59">
1700 <meta><title>59</title></meta>
1703 <p>You draw upon your Magnakai Discipline of Psi-screen to form a shield around your mind as defence against the risk of possible psychic assault. This precaution proves to be a wise one for, as the net hits the ground, the Dentaag unleash a violent psychic attack in an attempt to weaken and subdue you.</p>
1704 <p>Automatically your psychic defences knit together to shield the fabric of your mind, but the speed and intensity of the attack is such that it threatens to pierce your mind-armour. Just how successful your prepared defences will be against this attack is now dependent upon your previous experience of psychic combat.</p>
1705 <choice idref="sect187">If your current level of Kai rank is Sun Knight or lower, <link-text>turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
1706 <choice idref="sect219">If your current level of Kai rank is between Grand Thane and Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 219</link-text>.</choice>
1707 <choice idref="sect82">If your current level of Kai rank is Grand Crown or higher, <link-text>turn to 82</link-text>.</choice>
1711 <section class="numbered" id="sect60">
1712 <meta><title>60</title></meta>
1715 <p>As you pass into the void, a sensation of unimaginable speed assaults your senses. You fly through the stellar darkness and a universe unfolds before you, like a million gems strewn upon an endless sea of black velvet. Your physical body is sheathed within a casing of pale white light, and you sense that it is a protective shell generated by your Platinum Amulet to protect you from the icy chill and airlessness of this astral starscape.</p>
1717 <illustration class="inline">
1719 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1721 <instance class="html" src="small12.png" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/png"/>
1722 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1723 <instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="112"/>
1726 <p>You surrender yourself to the invisible currents that ebb and flow through the void and, as you glide across this immeasurable no-space, once more you consult the Tome of Darkness. The transparent page that revealed information about Shamath<ch.apos/>s realm is now blank, but the one which follows has changed in colour and texture. Lines of glowing text have appeared on a page that is as dark as deep space. Again, using your Magnakai Discipline of Pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of the text and you discover that it tells of <quote>Avarvae the Tormentress</quote>. It reveals that this void, which is her domain, is called <quote>The Oblivion of the Tortured Souls</quote>. You ignore the list of her cruel and evil deeds, and search out her secret name.</p>
1727 <p>Unfortunately you discover that there is no name to bind her. However, you do learn that no special artefact is required to leave her realm and there are two exits: The Gates of Darkness, by which you entered, and the Bridge of the Damned. Having no desire to return to Shamath<ch.apos/>s domain, you put away the Tome and resolve instead to find the Bridge of the Damned. Yet, as you stare across the infinite distances of this void, it is hard to dispel your fears that you may end your days lost here forever.</p>
1728 <choice idref="sect315">If you possess Shamath<ch.apos/>s Potion, <link-text>turn to 315</link-text>.</choice>
1729 <choice idref="sect218">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
1733 <section class="numbered" id="sect61">
1734 <meta><title>61</title></meta>
1737 <p>You draw your weapon and strike out, cleaving through the end of the deadly creeper which emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its sundered tip. Gagging at the stench of the creature<ch.apos/>s foul ichor, you pull yourself upright and stagger away along the trail. You are within sight of the beach when your escape is suddenly blocked by a wall of flailing vines which descend with alarming speed from the canopy overhead.</p>
1738 <choice idref="sect299">If you possess Grand Weaponmastery and have reached the Kai rank of Sun Lord or higher, <link-text>turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
1739 <choice idref="sect226">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
1743 <section class="numbered" id="sect62">
1744 <meta><title>62</title></meta>
1747 <p>You sense that the beast suspects it has a stowaway hiding amongst its cargo, but its eyesight is poor and it is unsure of what it is seeing. However, you cannot take the risk of the beast alerting the Lavas that are flying close by. Their eyesight is keen and they would be sure to spot you. Defiantly you return the dragon<ch.apos/>s stare and use your psychic Kai skill to discomfort and distract it.</p>
1748 <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 10 or lower, deduct 1 from the number you have picked. If it is 20 or higher, add 1.</p>
1749 <choice idref="sect45">If your total score is now 2 or lower, <link-text>turn to 45</link-text>.</choice>
1750 <choice idref="sect114">If it is 3 or higher, <link-text>turn to 114</link-text>.</choice>
1754 <section class="numbered" id="sect63">
1755 <meta><title>63</title></meta>
1758 <p>Through the criss-crossed ropes of your net prison you see the surrounding flock. They are swooping and cawing delightedly, like successful hunters returning home with their captured prey. Above, you can make out the claws and leathery black bellies of the three winged creatures that are hoisting you ever higher into the rain-swept clouds. You are tempted to use your Kai powers to break free and slay your abductors, but a glance below at the rapidly receding ground is enough to dissuade you, at least for now.</p>
1759 <p>For more than an hour the flock transports you northwards through sickly green skies, hundreds of feet above a ceiling of storm clouds. Gradually this cloud cover thins until you are able to note that the swamp has given way to a tropical jungle which is thinly veiled by a swirling mist. A river snakes through this dense foliage, winding its way towards a coastline on the horizon. As you approach the distant sea, the river becomes wider and flows into a delta. Your captors follow the river and begin a slow descent to an islet on the eastern side of the delta, towards an area near its seaward shore where the jungle has been hacked down to make room for a primitive settlement.</p>
1760 <p>As the flock encircles the settlement prior to landing, you are able to make out a cluster of strange-looking huts, seemingly constructed from the hides of reptiles and the bones of huge fish. In the middle of these huts there is an expanse of cleared ground and a large circular pit. The shrieks of the fliers draw an expectant crowd, a score of creatures of two distinctly different species. From the air they resemble gigantic ants and deformed, pale-skinned humanoids.</p>
1761 <choice idref="sect97">If you have ever visited the icy realm of Ixia in a previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventure, <link-text>turn to 97</link-text>.</choice>
1762 <choice idref="sect301">If you have not, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text>.</choice>
1766 <section class="numbered" id="sect64">
1767 <meta><title>64</title></meta>
1770 <p>Two great scaly legs, each tipped with razor-clawed talons, precede the huge bulk of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor as he lowers himself down upon his nest of flames. You take cover as best you can among the piles of treasure, but when his talons descend to within an arm<ch.apos/>s length of where you are cowering the Dragonlord suddenly detects your presence. He emits a deafening roar and bolts of flame shoot from his mouth to explode with shattering effect among the piles of precious artefacts that lie close to where you are sheltering. Hurriedly you roll away from your hiding place and unsheathe your weapon as you scramble to your feet. There is now no place for you to hide. Your quest and your survival now depend on the outcome of your imminent combat with the mighty Huan<ch.apos/>zhor.</p>
1772 <illustration class="float">
1774 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1775 <description>Bolts of flame shoot from Huan<ch.apos/>zhor<ch.apos/>s mouth and explode close to your shelter.</description>
1777 <instance class="html" src="ill4.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
1778 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1779 <instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="640"/>
1782 <combat><enemy>Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">56</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
1783 <p>This being is immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray. If you possess a Blue Diamond, you may add 3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat. If you possess Skarn-Ska, you may add 2 (in addition to all other combat bonuses applicable for this Special Item) to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat.</p>
1784 <choice idref="sect344">Conduct this fight using normal combat procedures. However, as soon as your enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 20 or less, do not continue. Instead, <link-text>turn immediately to 344</link-text>.</choice>
1785 <choice idref="sect155">You may evade this combat at any time after the first three rounds by leaping into the transporter beam. If you evade further combat in this way, <link-text>turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
1789 <section class="numbered" id="sect65">
1790 <meta><title>65</title></meta>
1793 <p>Moving as close to the door as you dare, you carefully examine the three small openings and see that there are narrow chutes at the rear of each slot which drop to the base of the door. Your Kai Sixth Sense warns you that a powerful magical energy is present in the base of this portal, an energy that could prove dangerous if the door is forced or tampered with.</p>
1794 <choice idref="sect208">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 208</link-text>.</choice>
1795 <choice idref="sect190">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 190</link-text>.</choice>
1799 <section class="numbered" id="sect66">
1800 <meta><title>66</title></meta>
1803 <p>You notice, close to the entrance to the bridge, that there is a pulley and chain which is rigged to a stout stone beam overhanging the chasm. A team of five reptilians are busy at this pulley, hoisting buckets of molten lava from the base of the chasm which they then pass along a line to a place where a dwelling is being built. Here a construction team are using the molten lava as cement for their building blocks.</p>
1804 <p>Drawing upon your improved Discipline, you focus on the pulley at the pivot point where it is attached to the beam, and you set up vibrations that, within a matter of seconds, cause it to shatter. The chain and the attached buckets of lava drop back into the chasm causing a spectacular firefall. The handful of creatures who are on the bridge at this time immediately rush to the parapet to watch this fiery display. While they are distracted, you seize the opportunity to make a dash across the open bridge.</p>
1805 <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 Grand Huntmastery, add 2. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 10 or lower, deduct 1.</p>
1806 <choice idref="sect25">If your total score is now 6 or lower, <link-text>turn to 25</link-text>.</choice>
1807 <choice idref="sect95">If your score is 7 or higher, <link-text>turn to 95</link-text>.</choice>
1811 <section class="numbered" id="sect67">
1812 <meta><title>67</title></meta>
1815 <p>The causeway comprises a procession of cracked grey blocks of stone which cross this fetid land and trail away towards a tangle of jungle vegetation that stretches across the horizon. In places the mouldering pavement disappears completely beneath the surface, swallowed by the swamp, yet the encroaching mud is shallow and it does not hamper your progress too greatly. On either side of this swamp-road you notice an occasional spur of rock protruding through the mire. Then you see the apex of a stone roof and a broken spire and suddenly you realize that they are segments of buildings. They are all that remain visible of an ancient city which has long since drowned beneath the swamp. The causeway is not a road at all; it is the remnants of the city<ch.apos/>s fortified wall.</p>
1816 <p>The cloudy green sky begins to darken and you sense a storm approaching. Minutes later, a gentle rain begins to fall which turns the surface of the swamp a milky shade of blue. You raise the hood of your cloak and press on, but suddenly you notice that your clothes are giving off wisps of smoke where they have been spattered by the rain. The rain is not water: it is a corrosive acid. Your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus protects your flesh from the effects of this acidic rain, but your clothing and equipment are vulnerable to its effect. Rather than risk losing them, you look around for some place to shelter from the coming storm. The only cover that you are able to discern is a large mound of fallen stone slabs several hundred yards away to your right.</p>
1817 <choice idref="sect263">If you possess the Discipline of Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 263</link-text>.</choice>
1818 <choice idref="sect134">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 134</link-text>.</choice>
1822 <section class="numbered" id="sect68">
1823 <meta><title>68</title></meta>
1826 <p>You leap to your feet and unsheathe your weapon in readiness to defend both Alyss and yourself against any threat that Naar may launch. You do not have long to wait. Bursting from out of the smoky wall of the chamber comes Naar<ch.apos/>s fearsome champion, Kekataag the Avenger. He is attired in battle armour that glimmers like slime-dulled gold, and beneath his helmet there is a hollow skull-face from which emerges a sickly stench that permeates even the foul air of this hall. The skulls and bones of humans bedeck his armoured hide and in his mighty hands he carries a great two-handed axe, its blade stained black with the blood of his countless victims.</p>
1828 <illustration class="inline">
1830 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1832 <instance class="html" src="small1.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
1833 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small1.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1834 <instance class="pdf" src="small1.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
1837 <p>This terrifying warrior mesmerizes you with his glowing eyes and you feel waves of powerful psychic energy buffeting your mind.</p>
1838 <choice idref="sect121">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
1839 <choice idref="sect211">If you possess Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 211</link-text>.</choice>
1840 <choice idref="sect282">If you do not possess either of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 282</link-text>.</choice>
1844 <section class="numbered" id="sect69">
1845 <meta><title>69</title></meta>
1848 <p>The spirit of Cadak utters a chilling laugh as you retreat before the inexorable flood-tide of maggots. When you feel the wall of the chamber pressing hard against your back, you unsheathe your weapon and brace yourself for combat with this foul host of larvae.</p>
1849 <combat><enemy>Nemagog swarm</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">32</enemy-attribute></combat>
1850 <choice idref="sect28">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 28</link-text>.</choice>
1854 <section class="numbered" id="sect70">
1855 <meta><title>70</title></meta>
1858 <p>Suddenly the fearsome Dragonlord ceases to roar and spit fire. The wounds you have inflicted have weakened him and he is forced to retreat from the combat momentarily in order to recoup enough strength to continue. Before he can strike again, you use the lull in the deafening noise that has accompanied this fight to shout out the Dragonlord<ch.apos/>s secret name.</p>
1859 <p><quote>Zheva!</quote> you cry. Huan<ch.apos/>zhor shudders when he hears the name, and a naked panic grips his heart. Bleating like a frightened lamb, the great dragon takes to the air and flees in terror. You watch him fly back across the chasm and soar upwards into the vent in the ceiling of the titanic cavern, from where he first appeared.</p>
1860 <p>Your swift and timely use of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor<ch.apos/>s secret name has routed your enemy but, unfortunately, the Lavas and the reptilian minions do not follow the example of their petrified leader. Sensing an enemy in their midst, they rapidly muster their numbers and encircle the temple. Through the wall of flames you glimpse several dozen Lavas approaching the nest by air from the far side of the chasm.</p>
1861 <choice idref="sect213">If you wish to search once more for the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
1862 <choice idref="sect209">If you decide to take your chances without the Scarab, you can avoid the attacking Lavas and escape from the nest of fire by leaping into the transporter beam. <link-text>Turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
1866 <section class="numbered" id="sect71">
1867 <meta><title>71</title></meta>
1870 <p>With cool defiance you stare back at the ghoulish mutant horde. You count more than thirty spears raised and ready to be hurled at you upon Nza<ch.apos/>pok<ch.apos/>s command, far more than you can hope to dodge at once, yet still you refuse to show him and his loathsome spawn any sign of weakness. Then, in the face of imminent death, you suddenly recall part of the script of the Tome of Darkness that told of a secret name which can bind Nza<ch.apos/>pok when spoken aloud. This name could be the key to your survival, yet you have no time left to retrieve the book from your Backpack. If you are to use this secret name you must try to recall it from memory.</p>
1871 <choice idref="sect171">If you think that Nza<ch.apos/>pok<ch.apos/>s secret name is <quote>Hulka</quote>, <link-text>turn to 171</link-text>.</choice>
1872 <choice idref="sect105">If you think that the name is <quote>Khula</quote>, <link-text>turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
1873 <choice idref="sect56">If you think that the name is <quote>Lukha</quote>, <link-text>turn to 56</link-text>.</choice>
1877 <section class="numbered" id="sect72">
1878 <meta><title>72</title></meta>
1881 <p>Using your Grand Mastery, you conjure a thick mist to surround the basalt dais on which you stand. The sudden appearance of the fog startles the Lavas and nervously it backs away along the parapet. It is armed with a barbed trident with which it stabs the air as it retreats, as if to warn off any would-be attacker. You watch the Lavas moving away and then, under cover of the mist, you sprint from the dais towards an open archway at the base of the tower. A spiral stone stairway leads down to a landing, one level below, and as you reach this floor you see something that brings you skidding to a halt.</p>
1882 <choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
1886 <section class="numbered" id="sect73">
1887 <meta><title>73</title></meta>
1890 <p>You recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Teleport</spell> and the moment you complete the recitation you feel your feet losing contact with the ground. You will yourself along the tunnel, away from the approaching creature, and as you glide around a gentle bend you see a junction less than a hundred yards ahead where another tunnel meets this one from the right. Displaced air is now rushing past you, whipping at your hair and cloak, and the rumbling noise has grown to an almost deafening crescendo. Swiftly you glide along the passageway, enter the adjoining tunnel, and ease yourself back to the ground (lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point).</p>
1891 <p>A few moments later the gigantic beetle-creature thunders past in a cloud of dust, hauling a long line of ore wagons in its wake. Some of these heavy wagons are empty but the majority are piled high with grey metallic rock. This ore load is heavily veined with a mineral which radiates a yellow luminescence.</p>
1893 <illustration class="inline">
1895 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1897 <instance class="html" src="small9.png" width="386" height="124" mime-type="image/png"/>
1898 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small9.gif" width="386" height="124" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1899 <instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="124"/>
1902 <choice idref="sect181">If you wish to leap onto the last ore wagon as it passes by the junction, <link-text>turn to 181</link-text>.</choice>
1903 <choice idref="sect158">If you do not wish to leap onto the wagon, <link-text>turn to 158</link-text>.</choice>
1907 <section class="numbered" id="sect74">
1908 <meta><title>74</title></meta>
1911 <p>As the beast leaps from the ramp you dive below it and thrust your weapon up into its chest. The power of your blow deflects the creature and sends it somersaulting into the wall. It howls in surprise and pain, but the failure of its attack does not make it suddenly forget its hunger. With lightning speed it recovers and leaps at your chest with its claws extended. You sidestep to avoid it but it succeeds in knocking you backwards as its heavy bulk glances your arm. Cursing its ferocity, you brace yourself for what must be a fight to the finish.</p>
1913 <illustration class="float">
1915 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1916 <description>The beast leaps at your chest with outstretched claws<ch.ellips/></description>
1918 <instance class="html" src="ill5.png" width="386" height="624" mime-type="image/png"/>
1919 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="624" mime-type="image/gif"/>
1920 <instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="624"/>
1923 <combat><enemy>Ghazoul</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
1924 <p>This creature is immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray.</p>
1925 <choice idref="sect36">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
1929 <section class="numbered" id="sect75">
1930 <meta><title>75</title></meta>
1933 <p>The first bolts come whistling through the air as you throw yourself behind Shamath<ch.apos/>s great Throne of Power. Crouching here as you listen fearfully to the hiss of flying missiles and the screams of the approaching horde, you suddenly notice the waters of the strange pool which lies less than a dozen yards from the rear of the throne. Beyond this pool you see the pair of huge black gates which dominate the far wall of this chamber and suddenly your mind recalls the text which appeared in the Tome of Darkness. This must be the Pool of Sorrows, and beyond it are the Gates of Darkness, an exit from this cruel domain. Your feelings of excitement at having discovered a way to escape the approaching horde are tempered when you further recall that you must spill your own blood into the pool if you are to leave this realm successfully. Without hesitation, you stab a finger against the point of your belt buckle and draw a few droplets of blood. Then you spring to your feet and rush towards the pool. As you come to within a few yards, you flick your finger and a stunning transformation takes place the instant your blood hits the pool<ch.apos/>s swirling surface.</p>
1934 <choice idref="sect300"><link-text>Turn to 300</link-text>.</choice>
1938 <section class="numbered" id="sect76">
1939 <meta><title>76</title></meta>
1942 <p>You crouch down among some mossy boulders directly opposite the stairwell to the open entrance. Then, using your Grand Mastery, you let yourself slip into the trance-state that will allow your conscious mind to leave your corporeal body. You continue to see your surroundings as they would appear to your physical eyes, but now you are able to transport yourself freely through the air like a bird.</p>
1943 <p>You glide towards the statue and swoop down through the open portal, pausing momentarily to scan the surrounding arch for hidden traps. Detecting none, you continue deeper into the darkness of this alien edifice. A wide stone ramp descends to a sealed portal which is engraved with runes. You cannot immediately decipher them but you sense that they are evil in design and possess some destructive power locked within their jagged forms. Then the sound of a growl, above and far away, makes you suddenly fearful for the safety of your physical body, and so you leave the portal and ascend rapidly to the surface where you rejoin your dormant form. (Unless you have attained the Kai rank of Sun Lord or higher, you lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the haste with which you have returned to your corporeal body.)</p>
1944 <p>Having already reconnoitred the entrance to your satisfaction, you are able to descend the steps and enter the base of the statue with confidence. You follow the stone ramp down to the sealed portal where you carefully examine the runes which cover every square inch of its surface. You are beginning to fathom some of their secrets when suddenly you hear a noise above and behind you. Instantly you spin on your heel and reach for your weapon, but the outline that you see silhouetted in the archway at the top of the ramp is so shocking that you are unable to close your trembling hand upon it.</p>
1945 <choice idref="sect268"><link-text>Turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
1949 <section class="numbered" id="sect77">
1950 <meta><title>77</title></meta>
1953 <p>The sight of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor fast approaching galvanizes you into action. Frantically you search for the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon but you cannot detect any artefact that resembles either a scarab or a wingless dragon. Through the wall of flames you can see Huan<ch.apos/>zhor flaring his mighty wings; he is slowing his approach to the temple in preparation to land upon his nest of fire. You feel a wave of magical energy sweeping over the nest and you sense that the Dragonlord has reactivated the spell which shielded the trapdoor. This route of escape is now sealed. Moments later his shadow darkens the flames<ch.emdash/>he is but seconds away from landing.</p>
1954 <choice idref="sect209">If you wish to escape the nest by leaping into the transporter beam, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
1955 <choice idref="sect185">If you wish to attempt to find a place in the nest where you can hide from the approaching Dragonlord, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
1959 <section class="numbered" id="sect78">
1960 <meta><title>78</title></meta>
1963 <p>As you hurry towards the knoll, you fail to notice that the shallow ridge of ground is beginning to disappear beneath the surface of the swamp. Within seconds you are up to your knees in an evil-smelling mud that clings like thick, warm treacle. You attempt to drag your legs free but the more you struggle the deeper you sink into the mire.</p>
1964 <choice idref="sect49">If you possess Telegnosis and have reached the rank of Sun Lord or higher, or if you possess the Discipline of Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 49</link-text>.</choice>
1965 <choice idref="sect8">If you possess neither of these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn instead to 8</link-text>.</choice>
1969 <section class="numbered" id="sect79">
1970 <meta><title>79</title></meta>
1973 <p>You recognize the vengeful visage of Zahda, the evil renegade sorcerer, who was killed by your hand and whose body was incarcerated in the ruins of Kazan-Oud. As his tortured soul falls back into the howling mass, you begin to see others that you recognize immediately, for their evil countenances are etched indelibly upon your mind.</p>
1974 <p>The spirits of Darklords Gnaag, Haakon, and Kraagensk<ch.ucirc/>l are trapped upon this plain. So, too, are those of Warlord Magnaarn, many Cener Druids, Acolytes of Vashna, and Nadziranim and their Liganim minions. But there is one ghostly figure that is more terrifying than any other, and when you see him appear at the back of the encircling ranks of tortured souls, he strikes a new chord of terror deep in your heart.</p>
1975 <choice idref="sect170"><link-text>Turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
1979 <section class="numbered" id="sect80">
1980 <meta><title>80</title></meta>
1983 <p>You use your Kai skill to command the apprehensive creature to abandon its thoughts of attacking you and run away. The beast<ch.apos/>s evil eyes widen with uncertainty and then, in a moment of sheer terror, its nerve breaks and it scrambles back up the ramp. You watch it disappear through the archway before you turn your attention to the portal and examine its surface in an attempt to find a way to open it. Using your advanced Kai skills you are able to decipher enough of the runic text to discover the secret code which keeps it secure. Confidently you press a section of the surface and it moves inwards with an audible <onomatopoeia>clunk!</onomatopoeia> Moments later, the portal creaks open and you hurry through before it slams shut with a resounding boom.</p>
1984 <choice idref="sect210"><link-text>Turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
1988 <section class="numbered" id="sect81">
1989 <meta><title>81</title></meta>
1992 <p>Suddenly you sense movement behind you and you turn around to face it. You see nothing, but your swift reactions do save you from suffering the full effects of a powerful psychic shock wave. The blast glances your shoulder and spins you backwards through the bloodstained entrance to Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum. This entrance then closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound.</p>
1993 <p>You leap to your feet and unsheathe your weapon in readiness to defend both Alyss and yourself against any threat that Naar may launch. You do not have long to wait. Bursting from out of the smoky wall of the chamber comes Naar<ch.apos/>s fearsome champion, Kekataag the Avenger. He is attired in battle armour that glimmers like slime-dulled gold, and beneath his helmet there is a hollow skull-face from which emerges a sickly stench that permeates even the foul air of this hall. The skulls and bones of humans bedeck his armoured hide and in his mighty hands he carries a great two-handed axe, its blade stained black with the blood of his countless victims.</p>
1995 <illustration class="inline">
1997 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
1999 <instance class="html" src="small1.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2000 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small1.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2001 <instance class="pdf" src="small1.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2004 <p>This terrifying warrior mesmerizes you with his glowing eyes and you feel waves of powerful psychic energy buffeting your mind.</p>
2005 <choice idref="sect121">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
2006 <choice idref="sect211">If you possess Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 211</link-text>.</choice>
2007 <choice idref="sect282">If you do not possess either of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 282</link-text>.</choice>
2011 <section class="numbered" id="sect82">
2012 <meta><title>82</title></meta>
2015 <p>You feel the crushing power of the hostile Mindforce collide with the fabric of your consciousness like a tidal wave that leaves you reeling under its impact. Yet your formidable psychic defences absorb and deflect all of this destructive energy, and you are able to survive the attack with no lasting damage to your psychic senses: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
2016 <choice idref="sect290"><link-text>Turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
2020 <section class="numbered" id="sect83">
2021 <meta><title>83</title></meta>
2024 <p>You attempt to dodge the onrushing lance of flame but it glances your shoulder and sends you tumbling backwards across the hall<ch.apos/>s slimy floor.</p>
2025 <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 you have lost as a result of your wounds. If you possess Deliverance, you may reduce this total by 1 point.</p>
2026 <p>Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you stagger to your feet and shout his secret name. Immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form<ch.emdash/>and the sudden cessation of mind contact<ch.emdash/>throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size.</p>
2027 <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining K<ch.uuml/>nae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness: you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
2028 <choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is <quote>Rhunotar</quote>, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
2029 <choice idref="sect311">If you think the secret name is <quote>Rhunadan</quote>, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
2030 <choice idref="sect289">If you think the secret name is <quote>Rhunaguin</quote>, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
2034 <section class="numbered" id="sect84">
2035 <meta><title>84</title></meta>
2038 <p>This gloomy cavern looks chillingly familiar, and when suddenly you recognize its derelict features a sense of fear and loathing pervades your mind. It was here you first encountered the Demoness Shamath with her army of attendants and dread automatons. You shudder when you recall how you seized the evil Deathstaff from this place, escaped from here by way of a Shadow Gate, and later thwarted Shamath<ch.apos/>s attempt to resurrect Darklord Vashna from the depths of the Maakengorge. The chamber<ch.apos/>s cracked and crumbling walls seem to reaffirm your past victory over the Demoness for you can detect no trace of the Shadow Gate nor of the supernatural creatures who previously dwelt in this once-splendid chamber. Cautiously you step out of the transporter beam and enter the cavern. The shattered remnants of the crystal dais crunch underfoot as you make your way across the floor towards a tunnel which gradually descends for more than a mile before reaching a circular cavern. The mouths of several smaller tunnels meet at this chamber, and all of these entrances are dark, save for one which radiates an icy blue luminescence. Before approaching any closer, you retrieve the Tome of Darkness from your Backpack and consult its pages.</p>
2040 <illustration class="inline">
2042 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2044 <instance class="html" src="small4.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2045 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small4.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2046 <instance class="pdf" src="small4.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2049 <p>The page that revealed to you information about the realm of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor is now featureless, but the one which follows it has transformed; it has taken on the appearance of a thin sheet of ice. Sandwiched within its transparent layers are lines of blood-red writing interposed with intricate diagrams and astrological charts. Relying once more upon your Magnakai Discipline of Pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this sorcerous text. The writings confirm some of what you already know, and they also provide you with fresh information that may aid your quest. You have entered the realm of the Demoness Shamath, the Mistress of the Gates of Darkness. The Tome does not tell of her defeat by your hand, but you assume that this is because it was written long before your recent victory over her and her minions. Speaking as if she were still in control here, it says that she rules this domain from her Throne of Power which stands beside the Pool of Sorrows. You pass over the long list of unspeakably cruel deeds which earned her the right to rule this icy realm, and the revelation of her secret name <quote>Gnekasha</quote> until you discover that which interests you most: details of how to escape from this realm. You swallow hard when you read that all those who would seek to leave the realm of Shamath must first <quote>spill their own blood in the Pool of Sorrows</quote>.</p>
2050 <p>You close the Tome and stow it away into your Backpack, and then stealthily you approach the tunnel entrance which is radiating a pale azure light. When you halt upon its threshold and peer through its embellished archway, you witness a scene which both shocks and confounds you.</p>
2051 <choice idref="sect275"><link-text>Turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
2055 <section class="numbered" id="sect85">
2056 <meta><title>85</title></meta>
2059 <p>The canoe grounds on a submerged boulder a few dozen yards from the beach, forcing you to abandon the craft and wade ashore. You soon discover that the stones littering this beach are slick with an oily residue. Your natural agility overcomes this obstacle but the slippery surface makes it difficult for you to reach the cover of the distant tree-line as swiftly as you would like.</p>
2060 <p>As you draw near to the perimeter of trees you pause for a moment to scan the dark jungle undergrowth. Long streamers of moss-encrusted vines hang from the trees, draping themselves limply over every rock and bough, and a tangled mass of interwoven creepers and low-spreading branches forms a blanket canopy which keeps much of the forest floor in semi-darkness. As you stare into the damp and shadowy foliage, you feel a growing sense of unease. Your burning desire to press on with your quest is suddenly dampened by an overwhelming urge to avoid this jungle.</p>
2061 <choice idref="sect115">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Crown or higher, <link-text>turn to 115</link-text>.</choice>
2062 <choice idref="sect334">If you have Grand Pathsmanship but have yet to attain this rank, <link-text>turn to 334</link-text>.</choice>
2063 <choice idref="sect255">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 255</link-text>.</choice>
2067 <section class="numbered" id="sect86">
2068 <meta><title>86</title></meta>
2071 <p>Upon reaching the crater you are relieved to discover that its steep sides are covered with hardened lava, dusted with loose volcanic ash. You climb towards the rim, pausing halfway to take cover from the searing hot winds in the lee of a jagged boulder. While you are sheltering here, you take the opportunity to consult the Tome of Darkness given to you by Lord Rimoah. Its metallic pages appear as blank as when you first looked through them, but then you discover a page that is now very different. Bold black text stands out from a page that glimmers like mirrored steel. Using your Magnakai Discipline of Pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of the arcane script which fills this page.</p>
2073 <illustration class="inline">
2075 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2077 <instance class="html" src="small4.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2078 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small4.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2079 <instance class="pdf" src="small4.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2082 <p>The text tells of a creature called Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord and of his Throne of Power which is located within <quote>a nest of fire atop the Tree of the Wyrm</quote>. It lists the many acts of evil perpetrated by Huan<ch.apos/>zhor during his long existence, for which he has been generously rewarded by Naar; the Dark God has granted him this fiery domain within the Plane of Darkness. It continues at length to describe the creatures that are enslaved to him, which include the Lavas, the Zarthyn, and the Chugotha. But most interestingly it reveals his secret name <quote>Zheva</quote> which can be used to bind him and tells of a magical item, the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon, which can be found in the <quote>nest of fire</quote> and which can be used to effect an escape from his realm.</p>
2083 <p>You close the Tome and slip it back into your pack. From your makeshift shelter you command a view over the surrounding landscape in which there is nothing that remotely resembles a nest or a tree. All you are able to discern with any clarity is the blazing fire-storm which is now sweeping across this charred land. Fearful of what could befall you when the fire-storm reaches this exposed flank of the crater, you continue your climb and seek cover within the crater itself.</p>
2084 <choice idref="sect194">If you have ever visited the city of Tahou in a previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventure, <link-text>turn to 194</link-text>.</choice>
2085 <choice idref="sect339">If you have never visited this city, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
2089 <section class="numbered" id="sect87">
2090 <meta><title>87</title></meta>
2093 <p>You sense a sorcerous resistance to your <spell>Counterspell</spell>, but the power of your Brotherhood magic proves strong enough to overcome this reaction. There is a sharp crackling noise and spiders of fiery blue electrical arcing appear all around the circular slot. Then they flicker and fade and you suddenly hear another sound, a grating squeal. Anxiously you watch as the great portal slowly swings open.</p>
2094 <choice idref="sect343"><link-text>Turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
2098 <section class="numbered" id="sect88">
2099 <meta><title>88</title></meta>
2102 <p>You pull yourself to your feet and listen to the ore train as it disappears into the distant gloom with a sound like dying thunder. When you can no longer hear its rumble, you walk back along the tunnel to the junction where a new passageway branches off to the left. Your gnawing desire to find the Moonstone prompts you to explore this tunnel and you follow it for several hundred yards until you reach a dank and empty cavern. Streams of ore-rich water run down the walls of this chamber, staining them a rusty shade of brown. You are hungry and you decide to stop and rest here for a while. Unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2103 <p>While you are resting, you decide to consult the Tome of Darkness to see if it has any useful information about this strange subterranean complex.</p>
2104 <choice idref="sect33"><link-text>Turn to 33</link-text>.</choice>
2108 <section class="numbered" id="sect89">
2109 <meta><title>89</title></meta>
2112 <p>Even though you decline to accept the sword which Rimoah and Ardan have painstakingly crafted, they show no disappointment. They accept your decision without comment or question. Rimoah returns the blade to the table and takes up a sigil of platinum which is strung upon a loop of braided cord.</p>
2113 <p><quote>Grand Master will you accept this amulet? It possesses powers which may help you survive the challenge of your coming ordeal.</quote></p>
2114 <p><quote>Very well,</quote> you reply, and take the amulet from your advisor<ch.apos/>s outstretched palm. (Record this Platinum Amulet, which you wear around your neck, as a Special Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
2115 <p>As you tuck the amulet inside the collar of your robes, Lord Ardan picks up a small package from the table that is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly this time, you take it from him.</p>
2116 <p><quote>It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,</quote> he says. <quote>A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was found buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.</quote></p>
2117 <p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty, devoid of script, pictures, or diagrams of any sort.</p>
2118 <p><quote>I do not see how this book will help my quest,</quote> you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
2119 <p><quote>This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,</quote> replies Lord Rimoah, <quote>but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar<ch.apos/>s domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.</quote></p>
2120 <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. As with the Platinum Amulet, you need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
2121 <choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
2125 <section class="numbered" id="sect90">
2126 <meta><title>90</title></meta>
2129 <footnote id="sect90-1-foot" idref="sect90-1">
2130 <p>If you possess the Sommerswerd, <bookref series="lw" book="18dotd" section="sect98">Section 98</bookref> of <bookref series="lw" book="18dotd"><cite>Dawn of the Dragons</cite></bookref> suggests that you may be able to add 4 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> when using it in the Plane of Darkness (in addition to all other combat bonuses for this Special Item).</p>
2135 <p>Gradually the distant speck grows larger until, with a sudden violent surge, you pass through its white-hot core and feel yourself engulfed by a damp and fetid atmosphere. Moments later your journey ends abruptly when you splash feet-first into a swampy morass. Despite the speed of your impact, your natural balance and agility prevent you from plunging beneath the surface of the stinking swamp into which you have fallen.<footref id="sect90-1" idref="sect90-1-foot"/></p>
2136 <p>After wiping away the slime that has splashed your face, you cast your gaze out across an unlovely vista of steaming mud pools fringed with dark jungle vegetation. A cloying aura of evil permeates every part of this vile landscape, leaving you in no doubt that you have successfully arrived at your destination, the Plane of Darkness. You look up and scour the corpse-green skies, but dense clouds of acidic vapour hide all traces of the Shadow Gate through which you have entered this plane. Feeling suddenly vulnerable standing waist-deep in steaming swamp mud, you decide to wade through the gluey sludge towards a nearby mound of barren grey earth. Once out of the mire, you rest on your haunches and consult the Tome of Darkness given to you by Lord Rimoah. Its metallic pages appear to be as blank as when you first flicked through them, but then you turn to one page that is now very different. Coloured designs have appeared, surrounded by a ragged text which radiates a flickering spectrum of light. Using your Magnakai Discipline of Pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this arcane writing.</p>
2138 <illustration class="inline">
2140 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2142 <instance class="html" src="small4.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2143 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small4.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2144 <instance class="pdf" src="small4.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2147 <p>The text tells of a creature called Nza<ch.apos/>pok, Lord of the Mire, and of his Throne of Power which is located upon an islet at the mouth of the River of Flies. It describes the many vile deeds he has perpetrated for the cause of Evil, for which he has been greatly rewarded by Naar. The Dark God has granted him his own domain within the Plane of Darkness. It goes on to list the names of the creatures that are enslaved to him. But most interestingly it tells of a secret name <quote>Khula</quote> which can be used to bind him, and of an amulet which he possesses that will enable one to leave his territory. You study the text for some time and conclude that this swamp must be a part of Nza<ch.apos/>pok<ch.apos/>s realm. The pages of the Tome seem to hold the key to the hierarchy of the Plane of Darkness and contain information that is needed to move from one domain to another. Unfortunately, not all of the book appears legible at any one time. You close the Tome and slip it back into your pack. Your natural instincts tell you that the Moonstone is not to be found here in this swampland, and, in view of what you have discovered, you decide that you must escape from here as soon as possible. However, if you are to do so successfully you will first have to find Nza<ch.apos/>pok, the ruler of this domain, and take the amulet which he possesses. Suddenly your Sixth Sense warns you that the seemingly empty swamp harbours hidden enemies. They are distant but they are drawing closer with every passing minute. You get to your feet and look for the best route away from this mound, but only two ways offer any promise. To the south, you see a shattered causeway of mouldering grey stones, and to the east, you catch sight of a shallow ridge that barely breaks the surface of the swamp.</p>
2148 <choice idref="sect67">If you wish to explore the causeway, <link-text>turn to 67</link-text>.</choice>
2149 <choice idref="sect202">If you decide to investigate the ridge, <link-text>turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
2153 <section class="numbered" id="sect91">
2154 <meta><title>91</title></meta>
2157 <p>The haunted faces which adorn the comets swiftly transform themselves back into masks of flame. Then they return to the orbit of the distant star cluster. You, too, are drawn towards these glowing stars, and as you pass through them at an incredible speed, you glimpse a wondrous sight in the void beyond. A vast rainbow bridge of colour arcs across the immeasurable darkness to a titanic plateau of fire. Your spirits soar when you detect that this is the Bridge of the Damned, the exit that you seek from this astral domain. Yet as you approach the magnificent bridge, you detect a less-welcoming presence. The shadowy riders are returning, and this time they are escorting an astral creature that sets your pulse racing with fear.</p>
2158 <choice idref="sect272"><link-text>Turn to 272</link-text>.</choice>
2162 <section class="numbered" id="sect92">
2163 <meta><title>92</title></meta>
2166 <p>Using your Grand Mastery, you command the advancing maggot-tide to halt. A ripple of hesitation passes through their ranks and clumps of the foul larvae falter and fall back, but the majority of these squirming horrors press on with their relentless advance, forcing you to draw your weapon and fight them for your life.</p>
2167 <combat><enemy>Nemagog swarm</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">36</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
2168 <choice idref="sect28">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 28</link-text>.</choice>
2172 <section class="numbered" id="sect93">
2173 <meta><title>93</title></meta>
2176 <p>You have taken no more than a dozen paces towards the archway when the Lavas detects your presence. It spins around and emits a loud snickering growl, as if it is ordering you to halt. Then, with one beat of its golden wings, it propels itself in an arc towards the tower<ch.apos/>s open archway in an effort to block your route of escape. Fearful that it could raise the alarm at any time, you unsheathe your weapon and rush forward to attack it the moment its webbed feet touch the ground.</p>
2177 <combat><enemy>Lavas sentry</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
2178 <choice idref="sect119">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 119</link-text>.</choice>
2182 <section class="numbered" id="sect94">
2183 <meta><title>94</title></meta>
2186 <p>You reach the bank but the creatures are quicker than you feared. One circles around and blocks your escape while the others leap out of the muddy water and attack you from behind. You must fight them.</p>
2188 <illustration class="float">
2190 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2191 <description>The creatures leap out of the muddy water and attack you from behind.</description>
2193 <instance class="html" src="ill6.png" width="386" height="622" mime-type="image/png"/>
2194 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="622" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2195 <instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="622"/>
2198 <combat><enemy>Avagnids</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
2199 <p>These creatures are immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-ray. If you possess Animal Mastery you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
2200 <choice idref="sect316">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
2204 <section class="numbered" id="sect95">
2205 <meta><title>95</title></meta>
2208 <p>Your bold gamble pays off. You race across the bridge and reach the far side without being seen. Once across, you dive for cover in the empty lower storey of a newly-constructed dwelling, one of several that encircle the main temple. Here you pause to catch your breath and formulate a way of avoiding the many teams of reptilians who are busy building the crude block dwellings on this side of the chasm.</p>
2209 <p>Unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2210 <choice idref="sect220">To continue, <link-text>turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
2214 <section class="numbered" id="sect96">
2215 <meta><title>96</title></meta>
2218 <p>You shout the name <quote>Rhunotar</quote> but it has no effect. The remaining Lord of Decay utters a bilious laugh and watches with undisguised glee as his growing maggot horde closes in and suffocates you beneath ever-swelling bodies. You fight bravely to save yourself, but your fate is sealed when the K<ch.uuml/>nae discharges a second lance of flame. It rips through the maggot swarm and consumes your upper body; death is instantaneous.</p>
2219 <deadend>Tragically, your life and your quest for the Moonstone end here in the Hall of the K<ch.uuml/>nae.</deadend>
2223 <section class="numbered" id="sect97">
2224 <meta><title>97</title></meta>
2227 <p>A feeling of dread makes your hands tremble the moment you catch a clear sight of the huge, ant-like creatures. You have encountered these insectoids once before, although in a location which could not be more different than the humid jungle settlement into which you are now descending. They are Dentaag, giant spindly-limbed insectoids who possess ghoulish heads implanted with evil composite eyes. They are an ancient breed, a cruel creation spawned by Naar for the armies of the Deathlord of Ixia. It was in the Deathlord<ch.apos/>s frigid chamber, atop the Spire of Xaagon, that you last faced these terrible creatures and you had hoped then that your first encounter with them would also be your last. Fate has decreed otherwise.</p>
2228 <p>Memories of your ordeal in Ixia suddenly come flooding back to haunt you. As you recall your previous encounter, you remember that these horrific beings possess strong psychic powers. Forewarned, you draw upon your mental Kai defences as your captors prepare to land with you inside the settlement.</p>
2229 <choice idref="sect242">If you possess Kai-screen, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
2230 <choice idref="sect59">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
2234 <section class="numbered" id="sect98">
2235 <meta><title>98</title></meta>
2238 <p>The warrior raises his black sword and releases a crackling surge of electrical energy from its tip. It passes over your head and earths itself to the end of the stone beam, at the place where it joins the chasm wall. You feel a jolt beneath your feet as the beam cracks and breaks away from the wall and, to your amazement, you watch as this solid spar of rock curls up and slowly rolls in towards you, like a snake<ch.apos/>s tongue withdrawing into its mouth.</p>
2240 <illustration class="inline">
2242 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2244 <instance class="html" src="small10.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2245 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small10.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2246 <instance class="pdf" src="small10.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2249 <p>The coiled beam retracts towards the mouth of the dragon-gate, forcing you nearer and nearer to the fearsome black warrior. As he watches your reluctant approach he swings his mighty sword above his head, slicing and stabbing at the air with it in eager anticipation of the coming fight. When you have been pushed to within ten yards of your adversary, you give voice to the power-word <spell>Kai!</spell> and project its concussive energy at the towering warrior. He shudders as the terrific force of your spell-word hits his chest and forces him back towards the glowing gate. Instantly you seize the advantage. You draw your weapon and rush forward to strike the first blow while your enemy is caught off-balance.</p>
2250 <choice idref="sect310">If you possess the Sommerswerd or Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 310</link-text>.</choice>
2251 <choice idref="sect147">If you possess neither of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
2255 <section class="numbered" id="sect99">
2256 <meta><title>99</title></meta>
2259 <p>Using your improved Grand Mastery to spirit-walk, you cause yourself to soar at great speed towards the distant bridge. Within this astral domain, your body and spirit do not separate from one another when using this ability. Instead, it has the effect of propelling you through the void by the force of your will alone. However, the use of such willpower takes its toll upon your reserves of strength and stamina: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2260 <p>Your sudden and unexpected acceleration takes Avarvae and her minions completely by surprise. By the time they react to your escape it is already too late: you have reached the Bridge of the Damned, the exit from Avarvae<ch.apos/>s domain.</p>
2261 <choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
2265 <section class="numbered" id="sect100">
2266 <meta><title>100</title></meta>
2269 <p>Upon entering the tunnel, the ground disappears beneath your feet and you begin to fall through darkness towards a pale speck of greyish light far below. You are gripped instantly by the fear that you have unwittingly stepped into a deep pit, yet your descent is uncannily smooth and controlled. It is as if you are being lowered by an invisible cable down a dark, interminable mineshaft.</p>
2270 <p>As you slowly descend, your fear subsides and you take the opportunity to look at the ring which you cut from the hand of the K<ch.uuml/>nae. It radiates its own dim light by which you can see a runic inscription carved on the inside of the band. Record this K<ch.uuml/>nae Ring on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item, which you keep in your pocket. The runic number on its band is 20. Make a note of this number in the margin of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> for future reference.</p>
2271 <p>After what seems like more than an hour, you eventually reach the base of this dark shaft. Your feet hit solid ground with more force than you are expecting after the long and gentle descent, and the violent jolt of impact leaves you sprawled in the dust, stunned and gasping for breath: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2272 <p>Dragging yourself wearily to your feet, you inspect your new surroundings with a feeling of curiosity and apprehension. You have emerged in a deep mine tunnel that passes through ore-rich rock. The reek of iron, sulphur, and rust assails your nostrils: a pungent aroma but one that smells as sweet as spring in Sommerlund after the indescribable stench of the Hall of the K<ch.uuml/>nae. You scan the tunnel in both directions and use your Kai senses to gather information. The faint sounds of hammering and scraping can be heard coming from somewhere above, and the symmetrical grooves which scar the tunnel walls tell you that this passage was excavated by some sort of gigantic burrowing machine. Feeling certain that you have entered a new realm of the Plane of Darkness, you are about to consult the Tome of Darkness when suddenly you hear a noise along the tunnel away to your right. Something huge is approaching at great speed.</p>
2273 <choice idref="sect113">If you possess Grand Huntmastery, <link-text>turn to 113</link-text>.</choice>
2274 <choice idref="sect7">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 7</link-text>.</choice>
2278 <section class="numbered" id="sect101">
2279 <meta><title>101</title></meta>
2282 <p>Suddenly the insects detect you and become agitated. You sense something is wrong and hurriedly you back away from the pile of stones. Moments later, a host of angry insects comes pouring from out of every gap in the rocks and rises up into a dark cloud that hovers menacingly above the fallen slabs. At first it looks like a defensive action, a show of force to frighten you away, but when the tone of their buzzing suddenly deepens you sense that these angry insects are not preparing to defend their lair at all: they are getting ready to launch an attack.</p>
2283 <choice idref="sect212">If you wish to attempt to escape from these angry insects, <link-text>turn to 212</link-text>.</choice>
2284 <choice idref="sect318">If you choose to stand and face them, <link-text>turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
2288 <section class="numbered" id="sect102">
2289 <meta><title>102</title></meta>
2292 <p>To your relief you sense that the dragon no longer suspects that it is carrying a stowaway. It raises its head and continues its flight towards the construction area which lies close to the main temple. Upon reaching this busy area it hovers above an expanse of levelled ground which is covered with dozens of cargo nets full of blocks awaiting collection by the building teams. A crew of four reptilians guide your net gently to the ground and then swiftly they unhook it from the dragon<ch.apos/>s harness using long poles.</p>
2293 <p>From the safety of your hiding place you watch as the dragon flies away to collect another cargo. As soon as the reptilians move on to attend to the next delivery of blocks, you leave the net and make your way as quickly as you can towards the main temple.</p>
2294 <choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
2298 <section class="numbered" id="sect103">
2299 <meta><title>103</title></meta>
2302 <p>You insert the Gold Crown into the square slot and instantly you are assailed by another blinding flash of white light, but one far stronger than the first. A blistering wave of pain engulfs your hand and arm and you are thrown into the air by this explosive release of energy: lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2303 <p>Cursing your poor judgement, you stagger to your feet and cradle your twice-injured arm. When function fully returns to your burnt and aching hand, you take a third coin from your pouch and press it into the circular slot. It falls into a hollow inside the base of the door and, with a grating squeal, the great portal slowly swings open.</p>
2304 <p>Remember to erase 2 Gold Crowns from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> before going on with your quest.</p>
2305 <choice idref="sect343">To continue, <link-text>turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
2309 <section class="numbered" id="sect104">
2310 <meta><title>104</title></meta>
2313 <p>As you draw level with the great table, your eye is caught by the phial of potion lying upon its pillow of purple silk. Your Discipline of Telegnosis reveals to you that this golden fluid, whilst deadly and corrosive to creatures of Evil, has many properties that are beneficial to creatures of Good. Such a potion could prove useful for healing wounds or restoring lost energy.</p>
2315 <illustration class="inline">
2317 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2319 <instance class="html" src="small11.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
2320 <instance class="html-compatible" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2321 <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
2324 <choice idref="sect286">If you wish to attempt to retrieve this potion from atop the giant table, <link-text>turn to 286</link-text>.</choice>
2325 <choice idref="sect3">If you choose to ignore the potion, you may take cover behind the table by <link-text>turning to 3</link-text>.</choice>
2329 <section class="numbered" id="sect105">
2330 <meta><title>105</title></meta>
2333 <p>You shout the word <quote>Khula</quote> and the effect is both immediate and electrifying. Nza<ch.apos/>pok freezes, as if he has suddenly turned to stone, and a sheen of grey ice appears on his foul-smelling blubbery skin. Then the iron amulet which is hanging by a chain from his lower lip begins to pulsate with an eerie green light. The chaos-horde are at first stunned by their leader<ch.apos/>s transformation; then shock rapidly becomes a blind panic and they turn and flee, dropping their spears and trampling each other in their scramble to get away.</p>
2334 <p>Swiftly you climb the wall of the pit, and as you pull yourself over the edge, you see the mass of humanoids and ant-creatures swarming across a bridge which leads to a neighbouring delta island. Once the last few are across, a rope is pulled and the middle section of the bridge drops away into the river to prevent you from pursuing them. Confident that the horde no longer poses any threat, you return your gaze to its frozen leader. Nza<ch.apos/>pok is completely immobile except for his eyes which blaze with a potent mix of fear and hatred. You sense that this once all-powerful being is terrified that you will now enact your revenge upon his helpless body.</p>
2335 <choice idref="sect13">If you wish to unsheathe a weapon and slay Nza<ch.apos/>pok while he is unable to resist, <link-text>turn to 13</link-text>.</choice>
2336 <choice idref="sect139">If you decide not to kill him, but wish to take the glowing amulet which hangs from his mouth, <link-text>turn to 139</link-text>.</choice>
2337 <choice idref="sect126">If you choose to ignore Nza<ch.apos/>pok and the amulet, you can escape from the settlement by <link-text>turning to 126</link-text>.</choice>
2341 <section class="numbered" id="sect106">
2342 <meta><title>106</title></meta>
2345 <p>Your fear of being engulfed by the approaching fire-storm prompts you to take immediate and decisive action. You leap into the well and a painful jolt runs the entire length of your body as you are consumed by the shimmering light. It feels as if you have just jumped into a pool of ice-cold electricity: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2346 <p>The initial shock quickly passes and you surrender yourself to a long descent through a column of glimmering azure light. You feel your Platinum Amulet glowing warmly at your throat and you sense that it is protecting you from the rigours of this journey into the unknown.</p>
2347 <p>Looking down through the curtain of blue light, you can see the roofs of ziggurats and towers rising up to meet you. Gradually you slow to a halt and find yourself standing upon a circular dais of basalt rock atop a large, flat-roofed building. Several yards away to your left you see a squat tower, and to your right, standing at a parapet, you see a horny-skinned creature with wings that glimmer like folded sheets of gold leaf. Your pulse races when you recognize this creature to be a Lavas, one of Naar<ch.apos/>s deadly minions. The Lavas is peering idly at the view beyond the parapet and is unaware of your arrival, yet you are reluctant to leave the shimmering beam for fear that it may see you and raise an alarm.</p>
2348 <choice idref="sect72">If you possess Assimilance and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 72</link-text>.</choice>
2349 <choice idref="sect174">If you possess Assimilance or Grand Huntmastery, <link-text>turn to 174</link-text>.</choice>
2350 <choice idref="sect140">If you do not possess these skills, <link-text>turn to 140</link-text>.</choice>
2354 <section class="numbered" id="sect107">
2355 <meta><title>107</title></meta>
2358 <footnote id="sect107-1-foot" idref="sect107-1">
2359 <p>It is possible to have visited the Temple of Maaken without encountering a Daemonak.</p>
2364 <p>The sight of the approaching creatures stirs distant memories of the Temple of Maaken, the forbidden place which lies buried beneath the ruins of an old Sommlending city that teeters on the edge of the infamous Maakengorge.<footref id="sect107-1" idref="sect107-1-foot"/> These winged horrors are Daemonaks, a breed of vampiric predators who were originally spawned by Lord Vashna, the first and mightiest Darklord leader. You first encountered one of their kind at Maaken, but now you face a flock of twenty such creatures.</p>
2365 <p>As they descend towards your hiding place they give vent to a piercing wail that makes your flesh crawl. The sound of their cries unsettles you, but this discomfort pales in comparison to the shock you experience upon seeing the response to their hideous cries.</p>
2366 <choice idref="sect280"><link-text>Turn to 280</link-text>.</choice>
2370 <section class="numbered" id="sect108">
2371 <meta><title>108</title></meta>
2374 <p>You run to where Alyss sits imprisoned within her sparkling force-field and, with one precise and powerful blow from your magical blade, you shatter her sorcerous prison. The anguished scream of Naar echoes through the corridors and dungeons of Dazganon. As its terrible timbre begins to rumble and fade, you are horrified to see a host of monstrous creatures burst forth from the smoky walls of the inner sanctum and close in upon you from all sides.</p>
2375 <p>Freed from the constraints of her prison, Alyss is able to use the power of the Moonstone to bring into being a Shadow Gate which materializes in the floor of the chamber.</p>
2376 <p><quote>Come, Grand Master,</quote> she implores as she gets ready to step into the whirling black abyss. <quote>Follow me!</quote></p>
2377 <p>And with these words she is swallowed up by the inky abyss. Seconds later, you take a running leap and dive head-first into the Shadow Gate, escaping in her wake barely moments before a pack of screeching, gnawing, parasitic horrors engulf the place where you last were standing.</p>
2378 <choice idref="sect350"><link-text>Turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
2382 <section class="numbered" id="sect109">
2383 <meta><title>109</title></meta>
2386 <p>From the runic inscription on the floor you suspect that the portal may be opened by using a piece of gold. Taking a Gold Crown from your Belt Pouch you carefully examine the three slots, using your Kai senses to help you choose into which one you should place your coin. Unfortunately, your senses can only detect the powerful magical energy that is present in the core of this portal.</p>
2387 <choice idref="sect195">If you wish to insert your Gold Crown into the circular slot, <link-text>turn to 195</link-text>.</choice>
2388 <choice idref="sect214">If you decide to insert the coin into the square slot, <link-text>turn to 214</link-text>.</choice>
2389 <choice idref="sect332">If you choose to insert the coin into the triangular slot, <link-text>turn to 332</link-text>.</choice>
2393 <section class="numbered" id="sect110">
2394 <meta><title>110</title></meta>
2397 <p>Successfully you dodge the flying bolts until you are within a few yards of the open Gates of Darkness. One of the silver missiles ricochets from the floor and gouges a deep groove of flesh from the back of your left thigh: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2398 <p>Clutching your injured leg, you stagger forwards and hurl yourself head-first into the darkness of the void.</p>
2399 <choice idref="sect60"><link-text>Turn to 60</link-text>.</choice>
2403 <section class="numbered" id="sect111">
2404 <meta><title>111</title></meta>
2407 <p>You take hold of your rope and make a lasso from one end. Then you cast this loop at a sapling growing on the bank, several yards from the water<ch.apos/>s edge. The rope hits its mark and you are able to pull yourself over dry land before cancelling the effects of your <spell>Levitation</spell> spell.</p>
2408 <p>The moment your feet touch the ground, you retrieve your rope and run headlong across the clearing towards a distant perimeter of trees and dense undergrowth. At first the arachnids give chase, but they are not so agile on dry land, and you are soon able to outdistance them. On entering the jungle perimeter, you force your way through thick foliage and discover the remnants of a trail which you follow for nearly a mile until you arrive at the edge of a second clearing. This expanse of level ground is devoid of foliage yet it is littered with strange fruits that resemble gigantic grey pineapples. Beyond these curious fruits you can see the ruins of a settlement partially overgrown with moss. Warily you leave the jungle, make your way around the fruits, and hurry across the clearing towards a statue which is crouching among the ruins. It is constructed of a smooth, lustrous black mineral and is fashioned in the likeness of some evil beast of prey. It reminds you of a hyena, but one with a massive lower jaw set with a pair of sabre-toothed fangs. Between its forelegs is a flight of rubble-strewn steps leading down to an open door. You detect waves of power emanating from somewhere beyond this darkened doorway, but you are unable to determine just how deep below the ground the source of this energy is located.</p>
2410 <illustration class="float">
2412 <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
2413 <description>Between the statue<ch.apos/>s forelegs is a flight of rubble-strewn steps leading down to an open door.</description>
2415 <instance class="html" src="ill7.png" width="386" height="641" mime-type="image/png"/>
2416 <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="641" mime-type="image/gif"/>
2417 <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="641"/>
2420 <choice idref="sect76">If you possess Telegnosis and wish to use this skill to spirit-walk through the doorway to investigate what lies beyond, <link-text>turn to 76</link-text>.</choice>
2421 <choice idref="sect177">If you do not possess this skill or choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
2425 <section class="numbered" id="sect112">
2426 <meta><title>112</title></meta>
2429 <p>As you wait for the rain to abate, you inspect the inside of the hollow and the pendulous insect hive. Despite the seemingly haphazard lie of the stone slabs, the rain does not penetrate into the interior, and the inside of the hollow stays remarkably dry. On the ground lies a thick carpet of soft leathery leaves. They are spattered with a yellow, honey-like, substance which is oozing from the base of the hive. It smells sweet but your Kai senses warn you not to taste any: it is poisonous. (If you wish to take some of this, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as Muntaag Honey. You can wrap it in a leaf and store it as a Backpack Item.)</p>
2430 <p>You are busy cleaning the acidic rain from your equipment with a handful of leaves when suddenly your Sixth Sense warns you of approaching danger. You peer out through a crack in the stones and catch sight of a flock of bat-winged creatures. They are swooping down from out of the rainy sky towards your hiding place.</p>
2431 <choice idref="sect107">If you have ever been to the Ruins of Maaken in a previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventure, <link-text>turn to 107</link-text>.</choice>
2432 <choice idref="sect252">If you have never visited this place, <link-text>turn to 252</link-text>.</choice>
2436 <section class="numbered" id="sect113">
2437 <meta><title>113</title></meta>
2440 <p>Your improved mastery enables you to detect the outline of a large creature approaching through the tunnel. Viewed from the front it has the appearance of a gigantic beetle, but one with hundreds of stubby legs that are moving in rapid waves like those of a millipede. You sense that it is a living creature and not a mechanical device, and that it is approaching at a terrific pace. Its width almost completely fills the tunnel and, unless you take immediate steps to avoid it, you could be knocked down and crushed as it passes through this section.</p>
2441 <choice idref="sect279">If you wish to turn and run from the advancing creature, <link-text>turn to 279</link-text>.</choice>
2442 <choice idref="sect122">If you wish to try to find a safe haven where you can avoid its passing, <link-text>turn to 122</link-text>.</choice>
2446 <section class="numbered" id="sect114">
2447 <meta><title>114</title></meta>
2450 <p>To your relief you sense that you have persuaded the dragon that it is not carrying a stowaway. It raises its head and continues its flight towards the construction area which lies close to the main temple. Upon reaching this busy area it hovers above an expanse of levelled ground which is covered with dozens of cargo nets full of blocks awaiting collection by the building teams. A crew of four reptilians guides your net gently to the ground and then swiftly unhooks it from the dragon<ch.apos/>s harness using long poles.</p>
2451 <p>From the safety of your hiding place you watch as the dragon flies away to collect another cargo. As soon as the reptilians move on to attend to the next delivery of blocks, you leave the net and make your way as quickly as you can towards the main temple.</p>
2452 <choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
2456 <section class="numbered" id="sect115">
2457 <meta><title>115</title></meta>
2460 <p>You decide to explore the perimeter of the undergrowth and have walked almost a mile along its edge before you come across the remnants of a path which leads into the jungle<ch.apos/>s dark interior. Cautiously you advance along this overgrown trail, but you have not gone far before you are forced to a halt by a thick curtain of hanging vines and creepers.</p>
2461 <p>Using your advanced Kai Discipline, you command the mossy creepers to move aside and create a tunnel through which you can pass. The reaction to your order is immediate and dramatic. There is a deafening noise, like the sound of heavy tropical rainfall, and suddenly the hanging vines rise up and flail the air. They lash out at you with stunning ferocity, forcing you to retreat back along the trail before their stinging blows. Rapidly your sense of surprise is surpassed by fear when you realize that these vines are not plants at all; they are hostile living creatures.</p>
2462 <choice idref="sect35">If you wish to attempt to evade their attack, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text>.</choice>
2463 <choice idref="sect46">If you decide to try to fight your way through them, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
2467 <section class="numbered" id="sect116">
2468 <meta><title>116</title></meta>
2471 <p>You wait until the bickering dies down and the tunnel traffic thins out. When you see your chance to move you seize it swiftly and successfully. Shielded by your Kai skills, you avoid the guards and hurry along this tunnel. The deeper you explore, the stronger the sensation and concentration of Evil becomes, but still you can sense the presence of Alyss. Eventually you reach the tunnel<ch.apos/>s end at an antechamber, where an open archway to an adjoining hall is dripping with blood. You peer through this gruesome entrance and recognize the hall beyond to be the inner sanctum of Naar<ch.apos/>s stronghold<ch.emdash/>his personal chamber. The walls comprise swirling smoke in which alien shapes writhe and contort themselves into impossible shapes. A circular plinth occupies the central section of the floor, and your heart skips a beat when you glimpse something beyond the plinth, something encased within a glimmering field of energy.</p>
2472 <choice idref="sect40"><link-text>Turn to 40</link-text>.</choice>
2476 <section class="numbered" id="sect117">
2477 <meta><title>117</title></meta>
2480 <p>As you are getting ready to leap from the rear of the wagon, you suddenly feel your stomach tighten and the skin on your face and hands becomes sore and inflamed. You sense that you are succumbing to the insidious effects of the radioactive ore and, rather than wait a moment longer, you make your jump before you are fully ready.</p>
2481 <p>You hit the tunnel floor with bone-shuddering force, and even though you cover your head and roll expertly to lessen the shock of impact, you suffer painful injuries to your shoulders, knees, and elbows: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2482 <choice idref="sect88">To continue, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text>.</choice>
2486 <section class="numbered" id="sect118">
2487 <meta><title>118</title></meta>
2490 <p>Frantically you draw upon your Magnakai Discipline of Psi-screen and form a defensive wall around your mind to repel this destructive surge of psychic energy. You feel the raw power of the attacking Mindforce crash into the fabric of your consciousness like a tidal wave that leaves you reeling under its impact. Your hurried defences absorb much of the hostile mind-energy and spare you an agonizing death; however, you do sustain serious damage from this assault which leaves you in a state of psychic shock: lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
2491 <choice idref="sect290">If you have survived this psychic wounding, you can continue by <link-text>turning to 290</link-text>.</choice>
2495 <section class="numbered" id="sect119">
2496 <meta><title>119</title></meta>
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