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-Revision 1.3 2006/01/05 18:04:07 jonathan.blake
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-Revision 1.2 2005/03/10 18:21:51 jonathan.blake
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-Revision 1.1 2004/11/08 01:29:12 jonathan.blake
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+<gamebook xml:lang="en-UK" version="0.12">
<meta>
<title>The Jungle of Horrors</title>
<creator class="short">Joe Dever and Gary Chalk</creator>
+ <creator class="medium">
+ <line>Joe Dever</line>
+ <line>Illustrated by Gary Chalk</line>
+ </creator>
<creator class="long">
- <p><strong>Joe Dever</strong>, the creator of the bestselling Lone Wolf adventure books and novels, has achieved world-wide recognition in three creative fields&emdash;as an award-winning author of international renown, as an acclaimed musician and composer, and as a games designer specialising in role-playing games.</p>
- <p>On graduating from college in 1974, Joe Dever became a professional musician, and for several years, he worked in the music industry in Europe and the United States.</p>
- <p>While working in Los Angeles in 1977 he discovered a then little-known game called <quote>Dungeons &ersand; Dragons</quote>. Although the game was in its infancy, Joe at once realised its huge potential and began designing his own role-playing games along similar conceptual lines. These first games were to form the basis of a fantasy world called Magnamund, which later became the setting for the Lone Wolf books.</p>
- <p>Five years later, in 1982, Joe won the Advanced Dungeons &ersand; Dragons World Championships in Baltimore, an event held before 16,000 people. Inspired and encouraged by his success at Origins, Joe decided to quit the music business and devote his time to writing and games design.</p>
- <p>In 1983, after a brief spell at Games Workshop in London, he wrote <cite>Flight from the Dark</cite>&emdash;the first Lone Wolf interactive gamebook. His manuscript immediately attracted a frenzy of interest from three major London publishing companies, all of whom bid for world rights. Joe accepted an offer of publication from Hutchinson's (later to become Century Hutchinson Ltd; now Random House UK) and <cite>Flight from the Dark</cite> was first published in 1984.</p>
- <p>This first book sold more than 100,000 copies within its first month of publication, and overseas rights were snapped up by twelve countries (including the United States, France, Germany, Japan, Italy and Sweden). The success of Joe's first book laid the foundations for the future of the Lone Wolf series, which has sold millions of copies around the world.</p>
- <p>The Lone Wolf series ended after 28 books and 14 years. Joe has continued to work in the games industry as script writer and games design consultant.</p>
- <p><strong>Gary Chalk</strong>, the illustrator of the early Lone Wolf series, was born in 1952, grew up in Hertfordshire, England. Being interested in history, he began playing war games at the age of fifteen. When he graduated from college with a Bachelor of Arts in design, Gary spent three years training in a studio before becoming a teacher in art and design.</p>
- <p>Gary was working as a children's book illustrator when he became involved in adventure gaming, an interest which eventually led to the creation of several successful games. He is the inventor/illustrator of some of Britain's biggest-selling fantasy games including Cry Havoc, Starship Captain and Battlecars (co-designed with Ian Livingstone). He is also known for his work on the very successful game, Talisman.</p>
- <p>Gary was working at Games Workshop when Joe Dever asked him to illustrate some of his manuscript of Flight from the Dark. The two teamed up after that and, they continued to work together until the eighth book in the series, <cite>The Jungle of Horrors</cite>.</p>
- <p>Gary has also drawn the illustrations in <cite>Redwall</cite> and related books, <cite>The Prince of Shadows</cite> gamebook series, and several books which he also authored. Gary continues to enjoy war gaming and works as an illustrator and model maker. He maintains a <a href="&link.gary.chalk.website;">website</a> with examples of his work.</p>
+ &inclusion.joe.dever.bio.lw;
+ &inclusion.gary.chalk.bio.lw;
</creator>
<publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
- <date class="publication"><year>2003</year><month>1</month><day>4</day></date>
+ <date class="publication"><year>2007</year><month>7</month><day>23</day></date>
<description class="blurb">
<p>You are Lone Wolf. Sworn to avenge your forefathers, the Kai Lords, you must now venture into the dreaded jungle-swamps of the Danarg.</p>
<p>Guided by Lord Paido, warrior-magician of Dessi, you begin your trek across the violent and war-torn lands of Talestria on your secret mission to capture the prized Lorestone of Ohrido.</p>
- <p>You must survive in fearsome battle the assassins of Gnaag, the armies of the dreaded Warlord Zegron and the chaos-creatures of Agarash the Damned.</p>
- <p>But nothing must stop you now, for if you fail the Lorestone of Ohrido will be lost forever and vengeance will escape your grasp.&ellips;</p>
+ <p>You must survive in fearsome battle the assassins of Gnaag, the armies of the dreaded Warlord Zegron and the Chaos-creatures of Agarash the Damned.</p>
+ <p>But nothing must stop you now, for if you fail the Lorestone of Ohrido will be lost forever and vengeance will escape your grasp.<ch.ellips/></p>
</description>
<description class="publication">
<p>Internet Edition published by <a href="&link.project.website;">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>
</description>
- <rights class="copyrights">Text copyright © 1987 Joe Dever.<br />Illustrations copyright © 1987 Gary Chalk.</rights>
+ <rights class="copyrights">
+ <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1987 Joe Dever.</line>
+ <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1987 Gary Chalk.</line>
+ </rights>
<rights class="license-notification">
- <p>Text copyright © 1987 Joe Dever.<br />Illustrations copyright © 1987 Gary Chalk.<br />Distribution of this Internet Edition is restricted under the terms of the <a idref="license">Project Aon License</a>.</p>
+ <p>
+ <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1987 Joe Dever.</line>
+ <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1987 Gary Chalk.</line>
+ <line>Distribution of this Internet Edition is restricted under the terms of the <a idref="license">Project Aon License</a>.</line>
+ </p>
</rights>
</meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>I would be especially pleased if my granting of the rights to distribute my books in this way was seen as my <quote>millennium gift</quote> to all those devoted readers who have kept the Kai flag flying high, through all the good times, and the not-so-good. It would make me very proud indeed if this enterprise laid the foundations of a lasting legacy, securing the longevity of Lone Wolf by making my creation freely and readily accessible to current and future online generations. For them, for us, for Sommerlund and the Kai.&ellips;</quote> <strong>Joe Dever</strong></p>
- <p>Project Aon would first like to thank Joe Dever for making this generous offering of the books that we have all loved from the beginning. We would also like to acknowledge the following members of Project Aon for their diligent work:</p>
+ &inclusion.joe.dever.endowment;
<section class="frontmatter" id="credits">
<meta><title>Credits</title></meta>
<dt>Transcription</dt>
<dd>Matthew Reynolds</dd>
<dt>Illustration Transcription</dt>
- <dd>Jonathan Blake<br />Paul Haskell<br/>Simon Osborne</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
+ <line>Paul Haskell</line>
+ <line>Simon Osborne</line>
+ </dd>
<dt>XML</dt>
- <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
+ <line>Simon Osborne</line>
+ </dd>
<dt>Alternate Illustrations</dt>
- <dd>JC Alvarez (action charts)<br />Jonathan Blake (extramatter charts and tables)<br />Michael Hahn (map)</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>JC Alvarez (action charts)</line>
+ <line>Jonathan Blake (extramatter charts and tables)</line>
+ <line>Michael Hahn (map)</line>
+ </dd>
<dt>Proofreading</dt>
- <dd>Simon Osborne (front matter, Sections 1&endash;70 and 106&endash;140)<br />Matthew Reynolds (front matter, Sections 71&endash;105 and 141&endash;280 )<br />Vito Trifilo (Sections 281&endash;350)</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Simon Osborne (front matter, Sections 1<ch.endash/>70 and 106<ch.endash/>140)</line>
+ <line>Matthew Reynolds (front matter, Sections 71<ch.endash/>105 and 141<ch.endash/>280)</line>
+ <line>Vito Trifilo (Sections 281<ch.endash/>350)</line>
+ </dd>
<dt>Editing</dt>
- <dd>Mike Feldman<br />Ingo Klöcker<br />Mark Laird<br />Simon Osborne<br />Matthew Reynolds<br />Thomas Wolmer</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Mike Feldman</line>
+ <line>Ingo Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
+ <line>Mark Laird</line>
+ <line>LeRoy McSwain</line>
+ <line>Simon Osborne</line>
+ <line>Matthew Reynolds</line>
+ <line>Thomas Wolmer</line>
+ </dd>
<dt>Coordination</dt>
<dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
<dt>Special Thanks</dt>
- <dd>Boris Basic<br />Erik Forsell</dd>
+ <dd>Boris Basic, Erik Forsell, and Javier Fern<ch.aacute/>ndez-Sanguino Pe<ch.ntilde/>a</dd>
</dl>
</data>
</section>
<section class="frontmatter" id="tssf">
<meta>
- <title>The Story So Far&ellips;</title>
+ <title>The Story So Far<ch.ellips/></title>
<link class="prev" idref="acknwldg" />
<link class="next" idref="gamerulz" />
</meta>
<data>
<p>You are the warrior, Lone Wolf, last of the Kai Masters of Sommerlund and sole survivor of the massacre that destroyed your kinsmen during a bitter war with your age-old enemies, the Darklords of Helgedad.</p>
- <p>Many centuries have passed since Sun Eagle, the first of your kind, established the Order of the Kai. Aided by the magicians of Dessi, he completed a perilous quest to find seven crystals of power, known as the Lorestones of Nyxator. On discovering them he unlocked a wisdom and strength that lay within both the Lorestones and himself. He recorded the nature of his discoveries and experiences in a great tome entitled The Book of the Magnakai. You have discovered this lost Kai treasure and have given a solemn pledge to restore the Kai to their former glory, ensuring the security of your land in the years to come. However, your diligent study of this ancient book has enabled you to master only three of the ten Magnakai Disciplines. To fulfil your pledge you must complete the quest first undertaken by Sun Eagle over one thousand years ago and find the Lorestones of Nyxator. By doing so, you, too, will acquire the power and wisdom of the Magnakai, which is held within the Lorestones' crystal forms.</p>
- <p>Already your quest has taken you far from your northern homeland. Following in the footsteps of the first Kai Grand Master, you journeyed to Dessi and sought the help of the Elder Magi, the magicians who aided Sun Eagle on his quest long ago. There you learned that one of the seven Lorestones was still present in their land, hidden deep within the island stronghold known as Kazan-Oud&emdash;Castle Death. In the years since Sun Eagle first came to Dessi, the fortress of Kazan-Oud had become the abode of a great but evil sorcerer called Zahda. The Elder Magi, realizing the danger of Zahda's increasing power, attempted to destroy Kazan-Oud, but they failed. In desperation they constructed a prison of energy around the fortress to prevent Zahda from ever escaping. Steadily, however, his power grew and the people of Dessi lived in fear of the day when he would break free and wreak his vengeance upon them. When you resolved to enter Kazan-Oud to retrieve the Lorestone, the Elder Magi rejoiced, for the success of your quest would bring about the destruction of Zahda and put an end to the bane that had haunted Dessi for hundreds of years.</p>
- <p>You survived the perils of Castle Death and emerged triumphant, achieving that which the Elder Magi had believed to be impossible. During the victory celebrations held in your honour you learned that for centuries the Elder Magi had been expecting your coming. An ancient Dessi legend tells of the birth and rise to greatness of two <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">koura-tas-kai</foreign>&emdash;<quote>sons of the sun</quote>. One was named <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Ikar</foreign>, which means <quote>eagle</quote>; the other was called <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Skarn</foreign>, which means <quote>wolf</quote>. A prophecy foretold that the <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">koura-tas-kai</foreign> would come from the north to seek the council of the Elder Magi in order that they might fulfil a great quest. Although separated by several centuries, they would share one spirit, one purpose and one destiny&emdash;to triumph over the champions of darkness in an age of great peril.</p>
+ <p>Many centuries have passed since Sun Eagle, the first of your kind, established the Order of the Kai. Aided by the magicians of Dessi, he completed a perilous quest to find seven crystals of power, known as the Lorestones of Nyxator. On discovering them he unlocked a wisdom and strength that lay within both the Lorestones and himself. He recorded the nature of his discoveries and experiences in a great tome entitled The Book of the Magnakai. You have discovered this lost Kai treasure and have given a solemn pledge to restore the Kai to their former glory, ensuring the security of your land in the years to come. However, your diligent study of this ancient book has enabled you to master only three of the ten Magnakai Disciplines. To fulfil your pledge you must complete the quest first undertaken by Sun Eagle over one thousand years ago and find the Lorestones of Nyxator. By doing so, you, too, will acquire the power and wisdom of the Magnakai, which is held within the Lorestones<ch.apos/> crystal forms.</p>
+ <p>Already your quest has taken you far from your northern homeland. Following in the footsteps of the first Kai Grand Master, you journeyed to Dessi and sought the help of the Elder Magi, the magicians who aided Sun Eagle on his quest long ago. There you learned that one of the seven Lorestones was still present in their land, hidden deep within the island stronghold known as Kazan-Oud<ch.emdash/>Castle Death. In the years since Sun Eagle first came to Dessi, the fortress of Kazan-Oud had become the abode of a great but evil sorcerer called Zahda. The Elder Magi, realizing the danger of Zahda<ch.apos/>s increasing power, attempted to destroy Kazan-Oud, but they failed. In desperation they constructed a prison of energy around the fortress to prevent Zahda from ever escaping. Steadily, however, his power grew and the people of Dessi lived in fear of the day when he would break free and wreak his vengeance upon them. When you resolved to enter Kazan-Oud to retrieve the Lorestone, the Elder Magi rejoiced, for the success of your quest would bring about the destruction of Zahda and put an end to the bane that had haunted Dessi for hundreds of years.</p>
+ <p>You survived the perils of Castle Death and emerged triumphant, achieving that which the Elder Magi had believed to be impossible. During the victory celebrations held in your honour you learned that for centuries the Elder Magi had been expecting your coming. An ancient Dessi legend tells of the birth and rise to greatness of two <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">koura-tas-kai</foreign><ch.emdash/><quote>sons of the sun</quote>. One was named <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Ikar</foreign>, which means <quote>eagle</quote>; the other was called <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Skarn</foreign>, which means <quote>wolf</quote>. A prophecy foretold that the <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">koura-tas-kai</foreign> would come from the north to seek the council of the Elder Magi in order that they might fulfil a great quest. Although separated by several centuries, they would share one spirit, one purpose and one destiny<ch.emdash/>to triumph over the champions of darkness in an age of great peril.</p>
<p>At the Temple of Truth in Elzian, the magnificent capital city of Dessi, the Elder Magi prepared you for the next stage of the Magnakai quest. Lord Rimoah, the speaker of the High Council, tutored you in the ancient histories of Magnamund, and you received lessons in lore that you would have learned from the Kai Masters if only they had survived the attack by the murderous Darklords of Helgedad.</p>
- <p>The Lorestone you must find now lies hidden in a temple in the centre of a jungle-swamp known as the Danarg. In ancient times this huge area, once the crater of a massive volcano, was controlled by a powerful lord of evil called Agarash the Damned. The Elder Magi defeated him in a war that lasted one thousand years and, in the wake of his destruction, they turned the Danarg crater into a rich and fertile paradise, the perfect setting for their most sacred place of worship&emdash;the Temple of Ohrido. The Danarg flourished until a great plague befell the Elder Magi and decimated their race. They were forced to abandon the Danarg and seek refuge in Dessi. Slowly the Danarg was consumed by a creeping mire, which swallowed or poisoned all healthy forms of life. The crater became a sanctuary for a host of evil creatures who thrived in the fetid waters and fought for control of the treacherous shifting mud flats. Many came from the barren hills of Ogia, but many more awoke from lairs deep beneath the crater where they had lain dormant since the defeat of their master, Agarash the Damned, eight thousand years ago.</p>
- <p>Now the time for study has passed and the time for swift action has arrived. Grim news from the west prompts the Elder Magi to cease their counselling and arrange for your immediate passage to the Danarg. In the Darklord city of Helgedad a civil war has raged for five years following your defeat of Haakon, Archlord of the Black City. Now, a new lord sits upon the throne of Helgedad&emdash;Darklord Gnaag of Mozgôar.</p>
+ <p>The Lorestone you must find now lies hidden in a temple in the centre of a jungle-swamp known as the Danarg. In ancient times this huge area, once the crater of a massive volcano, was controlled by a powerful lord of evil called Agarash the Damned. The Elder Magi defeated him in a war that lasted one thousand years and, in the wake of his destruction, they turned the Danarg crater into a rich and fertile paradise, the perfect setting for their most sacred place of worship<ch.emdash/>the Temple of Ohrido. The Danarg flourished until a great plague befell the Elder Magi and decimated their race. They were forced to abandon the Danarg and seek refuge in Dessi. Slowly the Danarg was consumed by a creeping mire, which swallowed or poisoned all healthy forms of life. The crater became a sanctuary for a host of evil creatures who thrived in the fetid waters and fought for control of the treacherous shifting mud flats. Many came from the barren hills of Ogia, but many more awoke from lairs deep beneath the crater where they had lain dormant since the defeat of their master, Agarash the Damned, eight thousand years ago.</p>
+ <p>Now the time for study has passed and the time for swift action has arrived. Grim news from the west prompts the Elder Magi to cease their counselling and arrange for your immediate passage to the Danarg. In the Darklord city of Helgedad a civil war has raged for five years following your defeat of Haakon, Archlord of the Black City. Now, a new lord sits upon the throne of Helgedad<ch.emdash/>Darklord Gnaag of Mozg<ch.ocirc/>ar.</p>
<p><quote>The Darklords are united behind their new leader,</quote> reports Lord Rimoah solemnly to his fellow elders of the High Council. <quote>And they are hungry for conquest and revenge. Their strength grows with each passing day. We dare delay no longer.</quote></p>
<p>Silently the members of the High Council rise from their seats and turn to face you. No sounds reach your ears, yet the words of their blessing fill your mind.</p>
- <p><quote>May the gods Ishir and Kai protect you on your journey into darkness, <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Kor-Skarn</foreign>,</quote> they intone.</p>
+ <p><quote>May the Gods Ishir and Kai protect you on your journey into darkness, <foreign xml:lang="x-dessi">Kor-Skarn</foreign>,</quote> they intone.</p>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You keep a record of your adventure on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
- <p>During your training as a Kai Master you have developed fighting prowess
&emdash;<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>&emdash;and physical stamina&emdash;<typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Before you set off on your 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 on to the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick 0 it counts as zero.</p>
- <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 10 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 4 in the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would write in a <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 14.) 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>
- <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 20 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 6 on the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would have 26 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.)</p>
- <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, 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 started with.</p>
- <p><strong>If you have successfully completed any of the previous adventures in the
Lone Wolf Series</strong>, you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to Book 8. You may also carry over any Weapons and Special Items you have in your possession at the end of your last adventure, and these should be entered on your new <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (you are still limited to two Weapons and eight Backpack Items).</p>
- <p>You may choose one bonus <a idref="discplnz">Magnakai Discipline</a> to add to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> for every Lone Wolf Magnakai adventure you successfully complete (books 6&endash;12).</p>
+ <p>During your training as a Kai Master you have developed fighting prowess
<ch.emdash/><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ><ch.emdash/>and physical stamina<ch.emdash/><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Before you set off on your 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 on to the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick 0 it counts as zero.</p>
+ <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 10 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 4 in the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would write in a <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 14). 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>
+ <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 20 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 6 on the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would have 26 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
+ <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 started with.</p>
+ <p><strong>If you have successfully completed any of the previous adventures in the
<cite>Lone Wolf</cite> series</strong>, you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to Book 8. You may also carry over any Weapons and Special Items you have in your possession at the end of your last adventure, and these should be entered on your new <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (you are still limited to two Weapons and eight Backpack Items).</p>
+ <p>You may choose one bonus <a idref="discplnz">Magnakai Discipline</a> to add to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> for every <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Magnakai adventure you successfully complete (books 6<ch.endash/>12).</p>
<section class="frontmatter-separate" id="discplnz">
<meta>
<data>
<p>During your training as a Kai Lord, and in the course of the adventures that led to the discovery of <cite>The Book of the Magnakai</cite>, you have mastered all ten of the basic warrior skills known as the Kai Disciplines.</p>
<p>After studying <cite>The Book of the Magnakai</cite>, you have also reached the rank of Kai Master Superior, which means that you have learnt <em>three</em> of the Magnakai Disciplines listed below. It is up to you to choose which three skills these are. As all of the Magnakai Disciplines will be of use to you at some point on your adventure, pick your three with care. The correct use of a Magnakai Discipline at the right time can save your life.</p>
- <p>The Magnakai skills are divided into groups, each of which is governed by a separate school of training. These groups are called <quote>Lore-circles</quote>. By mastering all of the Magnakai Disciplines in a particular Lore-circle, you can gain an increase in your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score. (See <quote><a idref="lorecrcl">Lore-circles of the Magnakai</a></quote> for details of these bonuses.)</p>
+ <p>The Magnakai skills are divided into groups, each of which is governed by a separate school of training. These groups are called <quote>Lore-circles</quote>. By mastering all of the Magnakai Disciplines in a particular Lore-circle, you can gain an increase in your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score. (See
the section <quote><a idref="lorecrcl">Lore-circles of the Magnakai</a></quote> for details of these bonuses.)</p>
<p>When you have chosen your three Magnakai Disciplines, enter them in the Magnakai Disciplines section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
<section class="frontmatter" id="wpnmstry">
</ul>
</instance>
</illustration>
- <p>The fact that you are skilled with three weapons does not mean that you begin the adventure carrying any of them. However, you will have opportunities to acquire weapons during your adventure. For every Lone Wolf book that you complete in the Magnakai series, you may add an additional weapon to your list.</p>
- <p>If you choose this skill, write <quote>Weaponmastery: +3 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, and tick your chosen weapons on the weapons list that appears on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You cannot carry more than two weapons.</p>
+ <p>The fact that you are skilled with three weapons does not mean that you begin the adventure carrying any of them. However, you will have opportunities to acquire weapons during your adventure. For every <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> book that you complete in the Magnakai series, you may add an additional weapon to your list.</p>
+ <p>If you choose this skill, write <quote>Weaponmastery: +3 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, and tick your chosen weapons on the <a idref="action">Weapons List</a>. You cannot carry more than <!--ERRTAG-RE-17090-->two Weapons<!--/ERRTAG-RE-17090-->.</p>
</data>
</section>
<section class="frontmatter" id="curing">
<meta><title>Curing</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The possessor of this skill can restore 1 lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point to his total for every numbered section of the book through which he passes, provided he is not involved in combat. (This can only be done after his <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> has fallen below its original level.) This Magnakai Discipline also enables a Kai Master to cure disease, blindness and any combat wounds sustained by others, as well as himself. Using the knowledge mastery of this skill provides will also allow a Kai Master to identify the properties of any herbs, roots and potions that may be encountered during the adventure.</p>
+ <p>The possessor of this skill can restore 1 lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point to his total for every numbered section of the book through which he passes, provided he is not involved in combat. (This can only be done after his <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> has fallen below its original level.) This Magnakai Discipline also enables a Kai Master to cure disease, blindness and any combat wounds sustained by others, as well as himself. Using the knowledge that mastery of this skill provides will also allow a Kai Master to identify the properties of any herbs, roots and potions that may be encountered during the adventure.</p>
<p>If you choose this skill, write <quote>Curing: +1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point for each section without combat</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>Psi-surge</title></meta>
<data>
<p>This psychic skill enables a Kai Master to attack an enemy using the force of his mind. It can be used as well as normal combat weapons and adds 4 extra points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
- <p>It is a powerful Discipline, but it is also a costly one. For every round of combat in which you use Psi-surge, you must deduct 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. A weaker form of Psi-surge called Mindblast can be used against an enemy without losing any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points, but it will add only 2 extra points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Psi-surge cannot be used if your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> falls to 6 points or below, and not all of the creatures encountered on your adventure will be affected by it; you will be told if a creature is immune.</p>
- <p>If you choose this skill, write <quote>Psi-surge: +4 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points but
−2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points per round</quote> and <quote>Mindblast: +2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ <p>It is a powerful Discipline, but it is also a costly one. For every round of combat in which you use Psi-surge, you must deduct 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. A weaker form of Psi-surge called Mindblast can be used against an enemy without losing any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points, but it will add only 2 extra points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. (Psi-surge and Mindblast cannot be used simultaneously.) Psi-surge cannot be used if your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> falls to 6 points or below, and not all of the creatures encountered on your adventure will be affected by it; you will be told if a creature is immune.</p>
+ <p>If you choose this skill, write <quote>Psi-surge: +4 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points but
<ch.minus/>2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points per round</quote> and <quote>Mindblast: +2 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points</quote> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
</data>
</section>
</data>
</section>
- <p><strong>If you successfully complete the mission as set in Book 8 of the Lone Wolf Magnakai series</strong>, you may add a further Magnakai Discipline of your choice to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> in <a href="&link.09tcof;">Book 9</a>. This additional skill, together with your other Magnakai skills and any Special Items that you have found and been able to keep during your adventures, may then be used in the next adventure, which is called <cite><a href="&link.09tcof;">The Cauldron of Fear</a></cite>.</p>
+ <p><strong>If you successfully complete the mission as set in Book 8 of the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Magnakai series</strong>, you may add a further Magnakai Discipline of your choice to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> in <bookref series="lw" book="09tcof">Book 9</bookref>. This additional skill, together with your other Magnakai skills and any Special Items that you have found and been able to keep during your adventures, may then be used in the next adventure, which is called <bookref series="lw" book="09tcof"><cite>The Cauldron of Fear</cite></bookref>.</p>
</data>
</section>
</meta>
<data>
- <p>Before leaving Dessi on your journey to the Danarg, the Elder Magi give you a <a idref="map">map of the jungle-swamp</a> and its surrounding lands, 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>. Add 10 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>. If you have successfully completed books 1&endash;7 of the Lone Wolf adventures, you may add this sum to the total sum of Crowns you already possess. You can carry a maximum of only fifty Crowns, but additional Crowns can be left in safekeeping at your Kai monastery.</p>
+ <p>Before leaving Dessi on your journey to the Danarg, the Elder Magi give you a <a idref="map">map of the jungle-swamp</a> and its surrounding lands, 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>. Add 10 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>. If you have successfully completed books 1<ch.endash/>7 of the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures, you may add this sum to the total sum of Crowns you already possess. You can carry a maximum of only fifty Crowns, but additional Crowns can be left in safekeeping at your Kai Monastery.</p>
<p>The Elder Magi offer you a choice of equipment to aid you on your perilous mission. You can take five items from the list below, again adding to these, if necessary, any you may already possess. However, remember that you can carry a maximum of two Weapons and eight Backpack Items.</p>
<ul class="paragraphed">
<li><p>Sword (Weapons)</p></li>
<li><p>Bow (Weapons)</p></li>
<li>
- <p>Quiver (Special Items) This contains six arrows. Tick them off as they are used.</p>
+ <p>Quiver (Special Items) This contains six Arrows. Tick them off as they are used.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
</illustration>
</li>
<li><p>Lantern (Backpack Items)</p></li>
- <li><p>Mace (Weapons)</p></li>
+ <li>
+ <p>Mace (Weapons)</p>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="mace.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="mace.pdf" width="386" height="150" />
+ </illustration>
+ </li>
<li>
<p>3 Meals (Meals) Each Meal takes up one space in your Backpack.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<instance class="pdf" src="meals.pdf" width="156" height="39" />
</illustration>
</li>
- <li><p>Dagger (Weapons)</p></li>
+ <li>
+ <p>Dagger (Weapons)</p>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="dagger.gif" width="386" height="150" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="dagger.pdf" width="386" height="150" />
+ </illustration>
+ </li>
<li><p>3 Fireseeds (Special Items) When thrown against a hard surface, these Fireseeds explode and burn fiercely.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>List the five items that you choose on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, under the heading given in brackets, 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>
<data>
<p>Now that you have your equipment, the following list shows you how it is carried. You do not need to make notes but you can refer back to this list in the course of your adventure.</p>
<ul>
- <li>Sword&emdash;carried in the hand.</li>
- <li>Bow&emdash;carried in the hand.</li>
- <li>Quiver&emdash;slung over your shoulder.</li>
- <li>Rope&emdash;carried in the Backpack.</li>
- <li>Potion Of Laumspur&emdash;carried in the Backpack.</li>
- <li>Lantern&emdash;carried in the Backpack.</li>
- <li>Mace&emdash;carried in the hand.</li>
- <li>Meals&emdash;carried in the Backpack.</li>
- <li>Dagger&emdash;carried in the hand.</li>
- <li>Fireseeds&emdash;carried in your pocket.</li>
+ <li>Sword<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
+ <li>Bow<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
+ <li>Quiver<ch.emdash/>slung over your shoulder.</li>
+ <li>Rope<ch.emdash/>carried in the Backpack.</li>
+ <li>Potion Of Laumspur<ch.emdash/>carried in the Backpack.</li>
+ <li>Lantern<ch.emdash/>carried in the Backpack.</li>
+ <li>Mace<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
+ <li>Meals<ch.emdash/>carried in the Backpack.</li>
+ <li>Dagger<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
+ <li>Fireseeds<ch.emdash/>carried in your pocket.</li>
</ul>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<dl>
<dt>Weapons</dt>
- <dd>The maximum number of weapons that you may carry is two.</dd>
+ <dd>The maximum number of weapons that you may carry is <em>two</em>.</dd>
<dt>Backpack Items</dt>
<dd>These must be stored in your Backpack. Because space is limited, you may keep a maximum of only eight articles, including Meals, in your Backpack at any one time.</dd>
<dt>Special Items</dt>
<dd>
<p>Special Items are not carried in the Backpack. When you discover a Special Item, you will be told how to carry it.</p>
- <p>The maximum number of Special Items that can be carried on any adventure is twelve. Any additional Special Items may be left for safekeeping at the Kai monastery.</p>
+ <p>The maximum number of Special Items that can be carried on any adventure is twelve. Any additional Special Items may be left for safekeeping at the Kai Monastery.</p>
</dd>
<dt>Gold Crowns</dt>
<dd>These are always carried in the Belt Pouch. It will hold a maximum of fifty Crowns.</dd>
<data>
<dl class="paragraphed">
<dt>Weapons</dt>
- <dd><p>Weapons aid you in combat. If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Weaponmastery and a correct weapon, it adds 3 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you enter a combat with no weapons, deduct 4 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and fight with your bare hands. If you find a weapon during the adventure, you may pick it up and use it. (Remember that you can only carry two weapons at once.)</p></dd>
+ <dd><p>Weapons aid you in combat. If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Weaponmastery and a correct weapon, it adds 3 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you enter a combat with no weapons, deduct 4 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and fight with your bare hands. If you find a weapon during the adventure, you may pick it up and use it. (Remember that you can only carry <!--ERRTAG-RE-30859-->two Weapons<!--/ERRTAG-RE-30859--> at once.)</p></dd>
<dt>Bow and Arrows</dt>
<dd>
- <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 strongly recommended that you also equip yourself with a close combat weapon, like a sword or mace.</p>
- <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>
- <p>If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Weaponmastery with a bow, you may add 3 to any number that you choose from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, when using the bow. If you enter combat armed only with a bow, you must deduct 4 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and fight with your bare hands.</p>
+ <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 strongly recommended that you also equip yourself with a close combat weapon, like a Sword or Mace.</p>
+ <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>
+ <p>If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Weaponmastery with Bow, you may add 3 to any number that you choose from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, when using the Bow. If you enter combat armed only with a Bow, you must deduct 4 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and fight with your bare hands.</p>
</dd>
<dt>Backpack Items</dt>
<dd><p>During your travels you will discover various useful items which you may wish to keep. (Remember you can only carry a maximum of eight items in your Backpack at anytime.) You may exchange or discard them at any point when you are not involved in combat.</p></dd>
<dt>Special Items</dt>
<dd>
- <p>Special Items are not carried in the Backpack. When you discover a Special Item, you will be told how to carry it. If you have successfully completed previous Lone Wolf books, you may already possess Special Items.</p>
- <p>The maximum number of Special Items that a Kai Master can carry during an adventure is twelve. Any additional Items may be left for safekeeping at the Kai monastery.</p>
+ <p>Special Items are not carried in the Backpack. When you discover a Special Item, you will be told how to carry it. If you have successfully completed previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> books, you may already possess Special Items.</p>
+ <p>The maximum number of Special Items that a Kai Master can carry during an adventure is twelve. Any additional Items may be left for safekeeping at the Kai Monastery.</p>
</dd>
<dt>Gold Crowns</dt>
<dd><p>No form of currency is used in the Danarg. However, you will be able to use Gold Crowns during your journey through the land of Talestria. There the unit of currency is the Lune, but Gold Crowns are readily accepted at an exchange rate of four Lune for every one Gold Crown.</p></dd>
</meta>
<data>
- <p>There will be occasions during your adventure when you have to fight an enemy. The enemy's <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points are given in the text. Lone Wolf'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>
- <p>At the start of a combat, enter Lone Wolf
's and the enemy'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>
+ <p>There will be occasions during your adventure when you 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>
+ <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>
<p>The sequence for combat is as follows:</p>
<ol class="paragraphed">
<li><p>Add any extra points gained through your Magnakai Disciplines and Special Items to your current <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> total.</p></li>
<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>
<p>Example</p>
<p>Lone Wolf (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 15) is attacked by a Nightstalker (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 22). He is not given the opportunity to evade combat but must stand and fight as the creature leaps on him. Lone Wolf has the Magnakai Discipline of Psi-surge to which the Nightstalker is not immune, so Lone Wolf adds 4 points to his <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>, giving a total <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 19.</p>
- <p>He subtracts the Nightstalker
's <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> from his own, giving a Combat Ratio of −3. (19 − 22 = −3). −3 is noted on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as the Combat Ratio.</p>
+ <p>He subtracts the Nightstalker
<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> from his own, giving a Combat Ratio of <ch.minus/>3. (19 <ch.minus/> 22 = <ch.minus/>3). <ch.minus/>3 is noted on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as the Combat Ratio.</p>
</li>
<li><p><a id="stage3">When you have your Combat Ratio</a>, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p></li>
<li>
<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>
<p>Example</p>
- <p>The Combat Ratio between Lone Wolf and the Nightstalker has been established as
−3. If the number taken from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> is a 6, then the result of the first round of combat is:</p>
+ <p>The Combat Ratio between Lone Wolf and the Nightstalker has been established as
<ch.minus/>3. If the number taken from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> is a 6, then the result of the first round of combat is:</p>
<ul>
<li>Lone Wolf loses 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (plus an additional 2 points for using Psi-surge)</li>
<li>Nightstalker loses 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points</li>
<li><p>Unless otherwise instructed, or unless you have an option to evade, the next round of combat now starts.</p></li>
<li><p>Repeat the sequence from <a idref="stage3">Stage 3</a>.</p></li>
</ol>
- <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, at which point the one with the zero score 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 reduced.</p>
+ <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>
<p>A <a idref="crsumary">summary of Combat Rules</a> appears in the back of this book.</p>
<section class="frontmatter" id="evasion">
</meta>
<data>
- <p>The following table is a guide to the rank and titles that are achieved by Kai Masters at each stage of their training. As you successfully complete each adventure in the Lone Wolf Magnakai series, you will gain an additional Magnakai Discipline and progress towards the ultimate distinction of a Kai Warrior&emdash;Kai Grand Mastership.</p>
+ <p>The following table is a guide to the rank and titles that are achieved by Kai Masters at each stage of their training. As you successfully complete each adventure in the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Magnakai series, you will gain an additional Magnakai Discipline and progress towards the ultimate distinction of a Kai Warrior<ch.emdash/>Kai Grand Mastership.</p>
<ol>
<li>Kai Master</li>
<li>Kai Master Senior</li>
- <li>Kai Master Superior&emdash;<em>You begin the Lone Wolf Magnakai adventures with this level of training</em>.</li>
+ <li>Kai Master Superior<ch.emdash/><em>You begin the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Magnakai adventures with this level of training</em>.</li>
<li>Primate</li>
<li>Tutelary</li>
<li>Principalin</li>
<p>Listed below are the four Lore-circles of the Magnakai and the skills that must be mastered in order to complete them.</p>
<dl>
<dt>Circle of Fire</dt>
- <dd>Weaponmastery &ersand; Huntmastery</dd>
+ <dd>Weaponmastery <ch.ampersand/> Huntmastery</dd>
<dt>Circle of Light</dt>
- <dd>Animal Control &ersand; Curing</dd>
+ <dd>Animal Control <ch.ampersand/> Curing</dd>
<dt>Circle of Solaris</dt>
- <dd>Invisibility, Huntmastery &ersand; Pathsmanship</dd>
+ <dd>Invisibility, Huntmastery <ch.ampersand/> Pathsmanship</dd>
<dt>Circle of the Spirit</dt>
- <dd>Psi-surge, Psi-screen, Nexus &ersand; Divination</dd>
+ <dd>Psi-surge, Psi-screen, Nexus <ch.ampersand/> Divination</dd>
</dl>
<p>By completing a Lore-circle, you may add to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> the extra bonus points that are shown below.</p>
<dt>Animal Control</dt>
<dd>Primates with this Magnakai Discipline will be able to repel an animal that is intent on harming them by blocking its sense of taste and smell. The level of success is dependent on the size and ferocity of the animal.</dd>
<dt>Curing</dt>
- <dd>Primates with this skill will have the ability to delay the effect of poisons, including venoms, that they may come into contact with. Although a Kai Primate with this skill will not be able to neutralize a poison, he will be able to slow its effect, giving him more time to find an antidote or cure.</dd>
+ <dd>Primates with this skill will have the ability to delay the effect of poisons, including venoms, that they may come into contact with. Although a Kai Primate with this skill is not able to neutralize a poison, he will be able to slow its effect, giving him more time to find an antidote or cure.</dd>
<dt>Huntmastery</dt>
- <dd>Primates with this skill will have a greatly increased agility and be able to climb without the use of climbing aids, such as ropes, etc.</dd>
+ <dd>Primates with this skill have a greatly increased agility and are able to climb without the use of climbing aids, such as ropes, etc.</dd>
<dt>Psi-surge</dt>
<dd>Primates with the Magnakai Discipline of Psi-surge will, by concentrating their psychic powers upon an object, be able to set up vibrations that may lead to the disruption or destruction of the object.</dd>
<dt>Nexus</dt>
<dt>Weaponmastery</dt>
<dd>Tutelaries are able to use defensive combat skills to great effect when fighting unarmed. When entering combat without a weapon, you will lose only 2 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>, instead of the usual 4 points.</dd>
<dt>Invisibility</dt>
- <dd>Tutelaries are able to increase the effectiveness of their skill by drawing the enemy's attention to a place other than that in which they are hiding. The effectiveness of this ability increases as a Kai Master rises in rank.</dd>
+ <dd>Tutelaries are able to increase the effectiveness of their skill by drawing the enemy<ch.apos/>s attention to a place other than that in which they are hiding. The effectiveness of this ability increases as a Kai Master rises in rank.</dd>
<dt>Pathsmanship</dt>
<dd>Tutelaries with this skill can detect an enemy ambush within 500 yards of their position unless their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is low due to wounds sustained or lack of food.</dd>
<dt>Psi-screen</dt>
</data>
</section>
- <p>The nature of any additional improvements and how they affect your Magnakai Disciplines will be noted in the Improved Disciplines section of future Lone Wolf books.</p>
+ <p>The nature of any additional improvements and how they affect your Magnakai Disciplines will be noted in the Improved Disciplines section of future <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> books.</p>
</data>
</section>
</meta>
<data>
- <p>The quest for the Lorestone of Ohrido will be fraught with danger, for the temple in which it lies is situated deep within the Danarg. Make notes as you progress through the story&emdash;they will be of great help in this and future adventures.</p>
- <p>Many things that you find will help you during your adventure. Some Special Items will be of use in future Lone Wolf adventures and others may be red herrings of no real use at all, so be selective in what you decide to keep.</p>
- <p>Choose your three Magnakai Disciplines with care, for a wise choice enables any player to complete the quest, no matter how weak his initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points scores. Successful completion of previous Lone Wolf adventures, although an advantage, is not essential for the completion of this Magnakai adventure.</p>
+ <p>The quest for the Lorestone of Ohrido will be fraught with danger, for the temple in which it lies is situated deep within the Danarg. Make notes as you progress through the story<ch.emdash/>they will be of great help in this and future adventures.</p>
+ <p>Many things that you find will help you during your adventure. Some Special Items will be of use in future <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures and others may be red herrings of no real use at all, so be selective in what you decide to keep.</p>
+ <p>Choose your three Magnakai Disciplines with care, for a wise choice enables any player to complete the quest, no matter how weak his initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points scores. Successful completion of previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures, although an advantage, is not essential for the completion of this Magnakai adventure.</p>
<p>May the spirit of your ancestors guide you on the path of the Magnakai.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
</data>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="sect1-1-foot" idref="sect1-1">
- <p>Many sections in the book assume that you haven't discarded the Pass. It is advisable that you don't discard it during this adventure.</p>
+ <p>Many sections in the book assume that you haven<ch.apos/>t discarded the Pass. It is advisable that you don't discard it during this adventure.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>You leave Elzian under cover of darkness on a trading ship bound for Garthen. It is a trim vessel, lean-prowed and simple in design&emdash;one of a thousand such ships that sail the chain of land-locked seas and lakes dividing the northern and southern continents of Magnamund. Its passage along this great waterway called the Tentarias is unlikely to invite undue attention, and it is for this reason that the Elder Magi have placed you aboard. The nature of your voyage is secret, but you are not alone, for a guide has been chosen to accompany you on your dangerous mission. His name is Paido, a tall, ebony-skinned Vakeros, who is a master of the art of battle-magic. Among his fellow warriors he is a high-ranking lord, respected and honoured for his bravery and skill on the field of battle. Now, for the mission that lies ahead, he has exchanged his gold and scarlet robes for the clothes of a commoner, a roving adventurer with a sword for hire. It is a disguise you too have adopted to veil your true identity on the long voyage to the land of Talestria, where a rendezvous with royalty awaits you.</p>
- <p>You sail westwards, a benevolent wind filling the triangular sail and skimming the ship across the still, blue waters. The hull seems to slide over the surface of the water rather than cut its way through, and you cannot help but wonder if Paido has conjured some magic to speed your passage. Your first port of call is the city of Talon, where food stocks and fresh water are replenished. Then the voyage continues along the Tentarias to the port of Orello, the last stopping place before your ship-bound journey ends at Garthen&emdash;crown capital of Talestria.</p>
- <p>It is an hour past midnight when you dock at Varnos harbour in Garthen, a sprawling network of quays and cracked stone jetties that shelter great fleets of merchants, traders and dhows. Silently like a shadow, you disembark and follow Paido through the twisting harbour streets, slowly climbing the steep stairs that connect one level of Garthen to the next. Rusty lanterns cast pools of yellow light beneath the timbered balconies, illuminating the stalls of merchants and vendors who will haggle, brag and barter in the crowded streets till dawn. Paido halts at an iron-shod door and raps the grille with the hilt of his blue-steel sword. A man's face appears, stern and handsome, with smooth dark hair and keen, intelligent eyes. A smile of recognition softens his lordly features when he sees Paido. In an instant the door swings open and you are ushered inside.</p>
- <p>The man's name is Adamas, Lord Constable of the Royal Citadel, protector and cousin of Queen Evaine of Talestria. For centuries a strong bond of friendship has existed between the royal household and the magicians of Dessi, and when called upon by the Elder Magi to help you in your quest, Queen Evaine pledged her support without hesitation. She has volunteered the services of Lord Adamas, who is to ensure your safe and unhindered passage through Talestria to the borders of the Danarg. At dawn, after snatching a few hours' sleep, you are taken by coach to the east city wharf, where an empty corn barge is waiting to ferry you up-river. Haulage is provided by eight large ghorkas&emdash;hairy, ox-like creatures from the plains of Slovia&emdash;which are harnessed to the barge by chains. They lumber along the cobbled towpath, continually kept in line by the stinging lash of the barge owner's zull-hide whip. The next day the barge arrives at a small river village called Lona, where a detachment of Lord Adamas' cavalry, resplendent in surcoats of scarlet and grey, provide you with horses for the cross-country journey to the fortified city of Phoena.</p>
+ <p>You leave Elzian under cover of darkness on a trading ship bound for Garthen. It is a trim vessel, lean-prowed and simple in design<ch.emdash/>one of a thousand such ships that sail the chain of land-locked seas and lakes dividing the northern and southern continents of Magnamund. Its passage along this great waterway called the Tentarias is unlikely to invite undue attention, and it is for this reason that the Elder Magi have placed you aboard. The nature of your voyage is secret, but you are not alone, for a guide has been chosen to accompany you on your dangerous mission. His name is Paido, a tall, ebony-skinned Vakeros, who is a master of the art of battle-magic. Among his fellow warriors he is a high-ranking lord, respected and honoured for his bravery and skill on the field of battle. Now, for the mission that lies ahead, he has exchanged his gold and scarlet robes for the clothes of a commoner, a roving adventurer with a sword for hire. It is a disguise you too have adopted to veil your true identity on the long voyage to the land of Talestria, where a rendezvous with royalty awaits you.</p>
+ <p>You sail westwards, a benevolent wind filling the triangular sail and skimming the ship across the still, blue waters. The hull seems to slide over the surface of the water rather than cut its way through, and you cannot help but wonder if Paido has conjured some magic to speed your passage. Your first port of call is the city of Talon, where food stocks and fresh water are replenished. Then the voyage continues along the Tentarias to the port of Orello, the last stopping place before your ship-bound journey ends at Garthen<ch.emdash/>crown capital of Talestria.</p>
+ <p>It is an hour past midnight when you dock at Varnos Harbour in Garthen, a sprawling network of quays and cracked stone jetties that shelter great fleets of merchants, traders and dhows. Silently like a shadow, you disembark and follow Paido through the twisting harbour streets, slowly climbing the steep stairs that connect one level of Garthen to the next. Rusty lanterns cast pools of yellow light beneath the timbered balconies, illuminating the stalls of merchants and vendors who will haggle, brag and barter in the crowded streets till dawn. Paido halts at an iron-shod door and raps the grille with the hilt of his blue-steel sword. A man<ch.apos/>s face appears, stern and handsome, with smooth dark hair and keen, intelligent eyes. A smile of recognition softens his lordly features when he sees Paido. In an instant the door swings open and you are ushered inside.</p>
+ <p>The man<ch.apos/>s name is Adamas, Lord Constable of the Royal Citadel, protector and cousin of Queen Evaine of Talestria. For centuries a strong bond of friendship has existed between the royal household and the magicians of Dessi, and when called upon by the Elder Magi to help you in your quest, Queen Evaine pledged her support without hesitation. She has volunteered the services of Lord Adamas, who is to ensure your safe and unhindered passage through Talestria to the borders of the Danarg. At dawn, after snatching a few hours<ch.apos/> sleep, you are taken by coach to the east city wharf, where an empty corn barge is waiting to ferry you up-river. Haulage is provided by eight large ghorkas<ch.emdash/>hairy, ox-like creatures from the plains of Slovia<ch.emdash/>which are harnessed to the barge by chains. They lumber along the cobbled towpath, continually kept in line by the stinging lash of the barge owner<ch.apos/>s zull-hide whip. The next day the barge arrives at a small river village called Lona, where a detachment of Lord Adamas<ch.apos/> cavalry, resplendent in surcoats of scarlet and grey, provide you with horses for the cross-country journey to the fortified city of Phoena.</p>
<p>Ill news greets you in Phoena, the city of triple towers. Zegron, warlord of Xanar, ruler of the barren highlands of Ogia, has amassed an army of Drakkarim warriors. Three days ago they attacked the border town of Luukos to the north. The Talestrian garrison put up a brave and spirited defence, but they were hopelessly outnumbered by the bloodthirsty Ogian horde that drove through the perimeter walls with battering rams and engines of war. The Drakkarim razed Luukos to the ground, and only a handful of survivors escaped to tell of the dreadful battle.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
<instance class="html" src="sect1.gif" width="331" height="179" />
<instance class="pdf" src="sect1.pdf" width="331" height="179" />
</illustration>
+
<p><quote>The situation is grave,</quote> reports Lord Adamas, on returning from an emergency conclave of his fellow Talestrian knights. <quote>For decades Zegron and his minions have raided our northern territories, but never before with such determination and strength. We must mobilize our army for war, for it is war that Ogia has invited by its unforgivable attack on Luukos. I must return to Garthen to muster my retainers in preparation for battle and inform the Queen of the evil that threatens her realm. I can no longer escort you to the Danarg, though your quest must proceed in spite of all that conspires against it.</quote></p>
<p>He sends for his scribe, who arrives with helpers laden with the paraphernalia of his craft. He dictates an order of safe conduct and sets the impression of his signet ring into the hot wax seal before passing the parchment to you.</p>
<p><quote>Our northern people are a frontier breed, wary and suspicious of strangers. If challenged, show this Pass and your safe passage will be assured by all who are loyal to Queen Evaine.</quote> (Mark this Pass<a id="sect1-1" idref="sect1-1-foot" class="footnote" /> on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you carry tucked inside your tunic.)</p>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>The villagers give a spontaneous cheer when they hear you answer the old man
's riddle correctly.<a id="sect3-1" idref="sect3-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
+ <p>The villagers give a spontaneous cheer when they hear you answer the old man
<ch.apos/>s riddle correctly.<a id="sect3-1" idref="sect3-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
<p><quote>Well done,</quote> he says, <quote>you are right. If the brick counter-balances three-quarters of a brick plus three-quarters of a pound, then a quarter of a brick must weigh three-quarters of a pound. The whole brick must weigh four times as much as this, which is, of course, three pounds.</quote></p>
<p>The villagers are as good as their word. They stand aside and wish you safe passage as you leave Stia and continue your ride north.</p>
<choice idref="sect135"><link-text>Turn to 135</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>4</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>For little more than a second the space between you and your target clears. You release your arrow and it hurtles towards the necromancer's head. His death looks imminent, but he has escaped far greater threats than this. With a sudden sweep of his arm he parries the arrow with the hilt of his rapier, and the arrow disintegrates in a cloud of dust.</p>
+ <p>For little more than a second the space between you and your target clears. You release your arrow and it hurtles towards the necromancer<ch.apos/>s head. His death looks imminent, but he has escaped far greater threats than this. With a sudden sweep of his arm he parries the arrow with the hilt of his rapier, and the arrow disintegrates in a cloud of dust.</p>
<choice idref="sect310">If you wish to draw another arrow and fire again, <link-text>turn to 310</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect291">If you wish to shoulder your bow and draw a hand weapon, <link-text>turn to 291</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>As you unsheathe the sun-sword, a shimmering pulse of golden flame engulfs the blade from hilt to tip. Your attackers hesitate as the pure light washes over their hellish faces. They shriek with malice and leap forward once more, their bony hands now clutching weapons of black steel previously hidden beneath their robes.</p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
- <description>They shriek with malice and leap forward<br />clutching weapons of black steel</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>They shriek with malice and leap forward</line>
+ <line>clutching weapons of black steel.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="679" />
<instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="679" />
</illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>Vordaks</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">28</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Unless you possess the Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control, deduct 3 points from your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of the fight. These undead are immune to Mindblast (but not Psi-surge). Remember to double all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses sustained by your enemy due to the power of the Sommerswerd.</p>
<choice idref="sect202">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>10</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>A stronger pulse and the appearance of sweat on his brow are the first two outward signs of Paido's recovery. Slowly he stirs to consciousness, waking from a sleep that was so nearly his last. He can remember nothing of the ordeal, and when you tell him what has happened he shakes his head in disbelief. <quote>A Helghast?</quote> he says, incredulous. <quote>How can that be?</quote></p>
- <p><quote>The servants of Darklord Gnaag have infiltrated this monastery,</quote> you reply. <quote>They have kept themselves hidden, but I fear the day fast approaches when they will rise up and wreak their havoc. Already they know our true identities, and I wager they know why we're here.</quote></p>
+ <p>A stronger pulse and the appearance of sweat on his brow are the first two outward signs of Paido<ch.apos/>s recovery. Slowly he stirs to consciousness, waking from a sleep that was so nearly his last. He can remember nothing of the ordeal, and when you tell him what has happened he shakes his head in disbelief. <quote>A Helghast?</quote> he says, incredulous. <quote>How can that be?</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>The servants of Darklord Gnaag have infiltrated this monastery,</quote> you reply. <quote>They have kept themselves hidden, but I fear the day fast approaches when they will rise up and wreak their havoc. Already they know our true identities, and I wager they know why we<ch.apos/>re here.</quote></p>
<p><quote>This is bitter news, Lone Wolf,</quote> says Paido, his face etched with worry. <quote>We can afford to delay no longer. If Talestria falls to Darklord Gnaag before we reach the Danarg, then the quest is lost.</quote></p>
<p>It is a sobering thought, but you do not dwell on it. Quickly you help Paido to his feet and cast your eyes around the cellar in search of another exit.</p>
<choice idref="sect153"><link-text>Turn to 153</link-text>.</choice>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="sect13-1-foot" idref="sect13-1">
<p>Note that in this combat, you are meant to go to <a idref="sect158">Section 158</a> immediately when the fight reaches the specified number of rounds: do not finish the combat first.</p>
- <p>The original text reads <quote>If the combat lasts more than five rounds
&ellips;</quote> This would leave you no option if the fight lasts exactly five rounds. We reasoned that the most likely interpretation is that the author intended the second choice to be taken if the combat last five rounds or more. However, it is also possible that he intended for it to read "If you win the combat in five rounds or less&ellips; If the combat lasts more than five rounds," in which case would you get one more round to fight before going to <a idref="sect158">Section 158</a>.</p>
- <p>This section is very problematic for a player just starting their adventures from this book. It is actually impossible to kill both Vordaks in time if your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> is too low. According to a strict interpretation of the text, this combat must be won in four rounds or less. To find the probability of success in this combat, we counted the number of four digit combinations of numbers picked from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> that kill both Vordaks, divided by 10,000 (the total number of four digit possibilities). For example, a 0.03&percent; chance of success for an initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 14, reflects that only 3 combinations of random number picks (in this case, 0-0-0-0, 0-0-0-9, and 0-0-9-0) out of a possible 10,000 are capable of defeating both Vordaks in time. <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points are a non-issue in this case since no combination which destroys both creatures in time will also deduct 20 or more <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points from Lone Wolf. All of the probabilities given assume that Lone Wolf has chosen Disciplines most advantageous to his <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for this battle&emdash;Weaponmastery with an appropriate Weapon in his possession, Psi-surge, and Psi-screen&emdash;as well as saved the one potion of Alether found in this adventure for this battle, for a total of 9 points above the initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> score.</p>
+ <p>The original text reads <quote>If the combat lasts more than five rounds
<ch.ellips/></quote> This would leave you no option if the fight lasts exactly five rounds. We reasoned that the most likely interpretation is that the author intended the second choice to be taken if the combat last five rounds or more. However, it is also possible that he intended for it to read "If you win the combat in five rounds or less<ch.ellips/> If the combat lasts more than five rounds," in which case would you get one more round to fight before going to <a idref="sect158">Section 158</a>.</p>
+ <p>This section is very problematic for a player just starting their adventures from this book. It is actually impossible to kill both Vordaks in time if your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> is too low. According to a strict interpretation of the text, this combat must be won in four rounds or less. To find the probability of success in this combat, we counted the number of four digit combinations of numbers picked from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> that kill both Vordaks, divided by 10,000 (the total number of four digit possibilities). For example, a 0.03<ch.percent/> chance of success for an initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 14, reflects that only 3 combinations of random number picks (in this case, 0-0-0-0, 0-0-0-9, and 0-0-9-0) out of a possible 10,000 are capable of defeating both Vordaks in time. <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points are a non-issue in this case since no combination which destroys both creatures in time will also deduct 20 or more <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points from Lone Wolf. All of the probabilities given assume that Lone Wolf has chosen Disciplines most advantageous to his <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for this battle<ch.emdash/>Weaponmastery with an appropriate Weapon in his possession, Psi-surge, and Psi-screen<ch.emdash/>as well as saved the one potion of Alether found in this adventure for this battle, for a total of 9 points above the initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> score.</p>
<table>
<tr>
<th>Initial <typ class="attribute">CS</typ></th>
<th>Probability of Survival</th>
</tr>
- <tr><td align="center">10</td><td align="right">0.00&percent;</td></tr>
- <tr><td align="center">11</td><td align="right">0.00&percent;</td></tr>
- <tr><td align="center">12</td><td align="right">0.00&percent;</td></tr>
- <tr><td align="center">13</td><td align="right">0.00&percent;</td></tr>
- <tr><td align="center">14</td><td align="right">0.03&percent;</td></tr>
- <tr><td align="center">15</td><td align="right">0.12&percent;</td></tr>
- <tr><td align="center">16</td><td align="right">0.72&percent;</td></tr>
- <tr><td align="center">17</td><td align="right">1.62&percent;</td></tr>
- <tr><td align="center">18</td><td align="right">4.59&percent;</td></tr>
- <tr><td align="center">19</td><td align="right">14.08&percent;</td></tr>
+ <tr><td align="center">10</td><td align="right">0.00<ch.percent/></td></tr>
+ <tr><td align="center">11</td><td align="right">0.00<ch.percent/></td></tr>
+ <tr><td align="center">12</td><td align="right">0.00<ch.percent/></td></tr>
+ <tr><td align="center">13</td><td align="right">0.00<ch.percent/></td></tr>
+ <tr><td align="center">14</td><td align="right">0.03<ch.percent/></td></tr>
+ <tr><td align="center">15</td><td align="right">0.12<ch.percent/></td></tr>
+ <tr><td align="center">16</td><td align="right">0.72<ch.percent/></td></tr>
+ <tr><td align="center">17</td><td align="right">1.62<ch.percent/></td></tr>
+ <tr><td align="center">18</td><td align="right">4.59<ch.percent/></td></tr>
+ <tr><td align="center">19</td><td align="right">14.08<ch.percent/></td></tr>
</table>
<p>A player starting from this adventure with 10-13 as her or his initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> cannot survive this battle and thus cannot complete the adventure. New players with a higher initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> still have a slim chance of completing this adventure.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>The liquid fire tears into the Levitron's rail, twisting and melting the shiny alloy as it cuts into the hull. Two more of the Kraan swoop in and hover above the prow. Their riders leap on to the deck and begin attacking part of the superstructure. <quote>Stop them,</quote> screams Paido, drawing his sword. <quote>Stop them or we're doomed!</quote></p>
+ <p>The liquid fire tears into the Levitron<ch.apos/>s rail, twisting and melting the shiny alloy as it cuts into the hull. Two more of the Kraan swoop in and hover above the prow. Their riders leap on to the deck and begin attacking part of the superstructure. <quote>Stop them,</quote> screams Paido, drawing his sword. <quote>Stop them or we<ch.apos/>re doomed!</quote></p>
<p>You leap from the bow and run along the main deck, your weapon raised to strike.</p>
<combat><enemy>Vordak 1</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">22</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">28</enemy-attribute></combat>
<combat><enemy>Vordak 2</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">21</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">26</enemy-attribute></combat>
<data>
<p>You call out your answer, and at first, the man pretends not to hear.<a id="sect16-1" idref="sect16-1-foot" class="footnote" /> Hurriedly he begins to pose a second puzzle, but the crowd shout him down, insisting that he answer your call.</p>
<p><quote>A lucky guess,</quote> he says, a little flustered at the thought of losing 20 Lune. <quote>Perhaps our friend can explain how he arrived at his answer.</quote> You reply that the answer is simple: if one and a half geese lay one and a half eggs in one and a half days, it therefore follows that three geese would lay three eggs in one and a half days, or two eggs in one day. Thus, in eight days, three geese would lay sixteen eggs.</p>
- <p>The crowd applaud your display of logic, much to the chagrin of Count Conundrum, who parts reluctantly with 20 Lune. (Record the Lune in the Belt Pouch section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>&emdash;20 Lune take up the same space as 5 Gold Crowns.)</p>
+ <p>The crowd applaud your display of logic, much to the chagrin of Count Conundrum, who parts reluctantly with 20 Lune. (Record the Lune in the Belt Pouch section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a><ch.emdash/>20 Lune take up the same space as 5 Gold Crowns.)</p>
<choice idref="sect141"><link-text>Turn to 141</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>17</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your horse is panic-stricken; the tree-bridge is too narrow for it to turn around, and Paido's mount is so close behind that you are unable to back up without risk of sending them both over the edge.</p>
+ <p>Your horse is panic-stricken; the tree-bridge is too narrow for it to turn around, and Paido<ch.apos/>s mount is so close behind that you are unable to back up without risk of sending them both over the edge.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have completed the Lore-circles of Fire <em>and</em> Light, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect6">If your total is now 0&endash;7, <link-text>turn to 6</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect6">If your total is now 0<ch.endash/>7, <link-text>turn to 6</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect77">If it is 8 or higher, <link-text>turn to 77</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>The crowd of soldiers turn about and come running towards you, leaving their prisoner unguarded. (He immediately seizes the opportunity to make his escape.) <quote>Lone Wolf, look out!</quote> shouts Paido, as the gate guard lunges at you with his spear. You dodge aside, but the tip gashes your hip (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
<p>The soldiers are unlikely to listen to reason. Your only hope is to evade them before you are both surrounded and speared to death.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control or Huntmastery, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you have reached the rank of Primate, add 2.</p>
- <choice idref="sect57">If your total is 0&endash;3, <link-text>turn to 57</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect57">If your total is 0<ch.endash/>3, <link-text>turn to 57</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect234">If it is 4 or more, <link-text>turn to 234</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>19</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You concentrate all your skill on trying to save your companion's life. Placing your hands on his chest, you transfer the warmth of your healing power into Paido's poisoned body, breaking down the toxin by degrees. The treatment is slow and laborious, and it is dawn before you know for sure if your skill has saved his life.</p>
+ <p>You concentrate all your skill on trying to save your companion<ch.apos/>s life. Placing your hands on his chest, you transfer the warmth of your healing power into Paido<ch.apos/>s poisoned body, breaking down the toxin by degrees. The treatment is slow and laborious, and it is dawn before you know for sure if your skill has saved his life.</p>
<choice idref="sect103"><link-text>Turn to 103</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>A claw-like probe of mental energy rakes your mind. Instantly your Discipline repels it, protecting your thoughts and memory from its wilful intrusion, but the unexpectedness and power of the attack leaves you shivering.</p>
- <p><quote>Are you all right?</quote> asks Paido. <quote>Perhaps we should go below and shelter from this storm.</quote> You answer with a nod and follow him down the stairs into the welcoming warmth of the tap-room. The soldier Trost greets you on your return, but you fail to notice him&emdash;you are too busy scanning the hold for the stranger. You see him, seated alone in a shadowy corner opposite your table, quietly reading his black book.</p>
+ <p><quote>Are you all right?</quote> asks Paido. <quote>Perhaps we should go below and shelter from this storm.</quote> You answer with a nod and follow him down the stairs into the welcoming warmth of the tap-room. The soldier Trost greets you on your return, but you fail to notice him<ch.emdash/>you are too busy scanning the hold for the stranger. You see him, seated alone in a shadowy corner opposite your table, quietly reading his black book.</p>
<choice idref="sect166"><link-text>Turn to 166</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>In the distance you see a pall of dense, black smoke rising into the sky. At its base a fortress wall and a cluster of cottages are feeding the greedy flames. Syada burns. To the north of the doomed town an army of black-clad troops covers the hills. The black wolf-head banners of Ogia sway on long poles, fluttering grimly above the ranks of the merciless horde.</p>
- <p>Along the track a great procession of men, women children come towards you, some on horseback, some in carts, and some with bundles of possessions clutched to their soot-blackened chests. They stumble forward in silence, their eyes filled with terror and despair.</p>
+ <p>Along the track a great procession of men, women, and children come towards you, some on horseback, some in carts, and some with bundles of possessions clutched to their soot-blackened chests. They stumble forward in silence, their eyes filled with terror and despair.</p>
<p>A soldier, bleeding from a wound to his head, rides past the crest shouting, <quote>Turn back! Turn back! The armies of darkness are coming!</quote></p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
- <description>A soldier bleeding from a wound to his<br />head rides past shouting <quote>Turn back!</quote></description>
+ <description>
+ <line>A soldier bleeding from a wound to his</line>
+ <line>head rides past shouting: <ch.lsquot/>Turn back!<ch.rsquot/></line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="672" />
<instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="672" />
</illustration>
+
<p>It is impossible to continue along the track eastwards. The dirt road is blocked with refugees from Syada, and the Ogian horde are poised to launch an attack from the hills. Only two courses of action are left open to you: you can turn back along the track, or you can ride west, across the hills towards the Mordril Forest. Consult the <a idref="map">map</a> at the front of the book before making your decision.</p>
<choice idref="sect311">If you wish to ride west, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect276">If you decide to turn back along the track, <link-text>turn to 276</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>25</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your psychic skill detects that each of the black crystal cubes are vibrating, and what is more, the vibrations are building up to an explosive intensity. Should even one tiny fragment of a crystal puncture the Levitron's pressure tank, the liquid gas stored inside will ignite and the skyship will be torn to pieces in the resulting explosion.</p>
+ <p>Your psychic skill detects that each of the black crystal cubes are vibrating, and what is more, the vibrations are building up to an explosive intensity. Should even one tiny fragment of a crystal puncture the Levitron<ch.apos/>s pressure tank, the liquid gas stored inside will ignite and the skyship will be torn to pieces in the resulting explosion.</p>
<choice idref="sect50">If you wish to gather up the crystal cubes and throw them overboard, <link-text>turn to 50</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect169">If first you wish to help Paido fight off his attackers, <link-text>turn to 169</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>26</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The dwarf's face beams with pride as he prepares to talk on his favourite subject&emdash;himself. Nearly an hour later you have heard all there is to hear about the life and hopes of Lardin, son of Kardon of Bor.</p>
+ <p>The dwarf<ch.apos/>s face beams with pride as he prepares to talk on his favourite subject<ch.emdash/>himself. Nearly an hour later you have heard all there is to hear about the life and hopes of Lardin, son of Kardon of Bor.</p>
<p><quote>What news have you of Luukos?</quote> asks Paido, as the dwarf takes a rare pause for breath.</p>
- <p><quote>News of a kind that's becomin' only too familiar round these parts,</quote> he replies in a disgruntled tone. <quote>That Zegron's bitten off more than he can chew this time. Once Lord Adamas an' the army boys come down on 'im he'll wish he'd stayed in his stinkin' city of Xanar, you mark my words.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>Don't be too sure o' that, Lardin,</quote> says a rosy-faced farmer, who has sidled along the bar to join in your conversation. <quote>My sister reckons that this time Zegron won't stop till he's flattened everything between Luukos and the Tentarias.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>That star-gazin' sister o' yours is full o' good news. When 'as she ever seen anything cheerful with 'er telescopes an' charts an' crystal balls, eh? Answer me that.</quote> Agreement rumbles from the tavern crowd, now openly listening to the discussion.</p>
- <p><quote>That's as maybe,</quote> retorts the farmer. <quote>But when 'as she ever been wrong, eh?</quote> An uncomfortable silence fills the inn, and slowly the crowd return to their own business. None, least of all the innkeeper, chooses to pursue the matter further.</p>
+ <p><quote>News of a kind that<ch.apos/>s becomin<ch.apos/> only too familiar round these parts,</quote> he replies in a disgruntled tone. <quote>That Zegron<ch.apos/>s bitten off more than he can chew this time. Once Lord Adamas an<ch.apos/> the army boys come down on <ch.apos/>im he<ch.apos/>ll wish he<ch.apos/>d stayed in his stinkin<ch.apos/> city of Xanar, you mark my words.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Don<ch.apos/>t be too sure o<ch.apos/> that, Lardin,</quote> says a rosy-faced farmer, who has sidled along the bar to join in your conversation. <quote>My sister reckons that this time Zegron won<ch.apos/>t stop till he<ch.apos/>s flattened everything between Luukos and the Tentarias.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>That star-gazin<ch.apos/> sister o<ch.apos/> yours is full o<ch.apos/> good news. When <ch.apos/>as she ever seen anything cheerful with <ch.apos/>er telescopes an<ch.apos/> charts an<ch.apos/> crystal balls, eh? Answer me that.</quote> Agreement rumbles from the tavern crowd, now openly listening to the discussion.</p>
+ <p><quote>That<ch.apos/>s as maybe,</quote> retorts the farmer. <quote>But when <ch.apos/>as she ever been wrong, eh?</quote> An uncomfortable silence fills the inn, and slowly the crowd return to their own business. None, least of all the innkeeper, chooses to pursue the matter further.</p>
<choice idref="sect262">If you wish to ask the farmer where his sister lives, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect318">If you decide to leave the tavern and continue your journey north to Tharro, <link-text>turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="sect28-1-foot" idref="sect28-1">
- <p>The original text didn
't allow for any bonuses to be added to the randomly picked number. We switched the choices to allow for this. If you'd rather play without bonuses, <a idref="sect125">go to 125</a> if you pick 0&endash;4 and <a idref="sect38">go to 38</a> otherwise.</p>
+ <p>The original text didn
<ch.apos/>t allow for any bonuses to be added to the randomly picked number. We switched the choices to allow for this. If you<ch.apos/>d rather play without bonuses, <a idref="sect125">go to 125</a> if you pick 0<ch.endash/>4 and <a idref="sect38">go to 38</a> otherwise.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<data>
<p>You draw an arrow and take aim at the man-like creature close on your heels. Short-tufted fur covers his body and yellow tusks curl up from his boar-like snout. He wields an iron sword, old and rust-gnawed, and his eyes are black and cold.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
- <choice idref="sect38">If the number you have picked is 0
&endash;4,<a id="sect28-1" idref="sect28-1-foot" class="footnote" /> <link-text>turn to 38</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect125">If it is 5&endash;9, <link-text>turn to 125</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect38">If the number you have picked is 0
<ch.endash/>4,<a id="sect28-1" idref="sect28-1-foot" class="footnote" /> <link-text>turn to 38</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect125">If it is 5<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 125</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>29</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your horse becomes skittish when it sees the abbey loom into view: the painful memory of the Vordak attack is still fresh in its mind. Paido's horse behaves in exactly the same manner, and you are forced to ride cross-country, making a wide detour to avoid the abbey before rejoining the track and reaching the Great North Road.</p>
+ <p>Your horse becomes skittish when it sees the abbey loom into view: the painful memory of the Vordak attack is still fresh in its mind. Paido<ch.apos/>s horse behaves in exactly the same manner, and you are forced to ride cross-country, making a wide detour to avoid the abbey before rejoining the track and reaching the Great North Road.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
<instance class="html" src="sect29.gif" width="192" height="174" />
<instance class="pdf" src="sect29.pdf" width="192" height="174" />
</illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect280"><link-text>Turn to 280</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="sect30-1-foot" idref="sect30-1">
- <p>It seems peculiar that you are instructed to reduce <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> at the beginning of every round if you do not have Psi-screen. This loss would be cumulative so that during the first round you fight with 2 fewer <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points, the second round with 4 fewer points, the third with 6 fewer, etc. This loss is certainly intended to be for the duration of this Combat only&emdash;not permanently&emdash;since Joe Dever always makes special note of instances where you permanently lose <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. It is possible that this penalty is an error, and that you are meant to lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points rather than <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points at the beginning of every round.</p>
+ <p>It seems peculiar that you are instructed to reduce <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> at the beginning of every round if you do not have Psi-screen. This loss would be cumulative so that during the first round you fight with 2 fewer <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points, the second round with 4 fewer points, the third with 6 fewer, etc. This loss is certainly intended to be for the duration of this Combat only<ch.emdash/>not permanently<ch.emdash/>since Joe Dever always makes special note of instances where you permanently lose <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. It is possible that this penalty is an error, and that you are meant to lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points rather than <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points at the beginning of every round.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<meta><title>32</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Paido opens the tailboard and you pull yourself into the wagon. The driver jerks the reins and the rickety vehicle moves away, its wheels squealing as it clatters across the flagstoned quadrangle. In the narrow street ahead you see your horses hitched to a post outside a bakery. You call to the cloaked driver to stop and immediately he obeys your command, pulling his mules to a halt opposite the baker's shop. You bid farewell to your silent friend and retrieve your horses. He returns your wave with a smile and, as you mount your horse, you notice that around his neck he wears a wooden amulet shaped like a fish.</p>
- <p>Suddenly the sound of angry voices echoes along the street as the monks emerge from the baker's shop. You and Paido spur your horses to a gallop and not until you reach the town's north gate do you bring them to a halt.</p>
+ <p>Paido opens the tailboard and you pull yourself into the wagon. The driver jerks the reins and the rickety vehicle moves away, its wheels squealing as it clatters across the flagstoned quadrangle. In the narrow street ahead you see your horses hitched to a post outside a bakery. You call to the cloaked driver to stop and immediately he obeys your command, pulling his mules to a halt opposite the baker<ch.apos/>s shop. You bid farewell to your silent friend and retrieve your horses. He returns your wave with a smile and, as you mount your horse, you notice that around his neck he wears a wooden amulet shaped like a fish.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly the sound of angry voices echoes along the street as the monks emerge from the baker<ch.apos/>s shop. You and Paido spur your horses to a gallop and not until you reach the town<ch.apos/>s north gate do you bring them to a halt.</p>
<choice idref="sect347"><link-text>Turn to 347</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The withered trees are grouped more densely around the northern edge of the pool. A ceiling of vines criss-crosses above your head, and creatures slither against your ankles as you wade through the foul-smelling mud. Progress is very slow.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="sect36.gif" width="175" height="209" />
- <instance class="pdf" src="sect258.pdf" width="175" height="209" />
+ <instance class="pdf" src="sect36.pdf" width="175" height="209" />
</illustration>
- <p>Suddenly fearful screams, like the baying of rabid dogs, sound from the mist-enshrouded trees ahead. A host of creeping creatures, each an arm's length taller than a man, rise from their hiding places. Black water drips from their corpse-green hides, and their toad-like faces betray their evil intent as they slither and shuffle towards you.</p>
+
+ <p>Suddenly fearful screams, like the baying of rabid dogs, sound from the mist-enshrouded trees ahead. A host of creeping creatures, each an arm<ch.apos/>s length taller than a man, rise from their hiding places. Black water drips from their corpse-green hides, and their toad-like faces betray their evil intent as they slither and shuffle towards you.</p>
<choice idref="sect182">If you have a bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 182</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect225">If you have a Fireseed and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 225</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect265">If you wish to draw a hand weapon and prepare for combat, <link-text>turn to 265</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>37</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>The next barge north stops 'ere in an hour's time, though it's like to be a might late 'cause o' the storm,</quote> he says. <quote>The fare is 40 Lune. If you wait at the jetty you'll see it when it comes up the valley.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>The next barge north stops <ch.apos/>ere in an hour<ch.apos/>s time, though it<ch.apos/>s like to be a might late <ch.apos/>cause o<ch.apos/> the storm,</quote> he says. <quote>The fare is 40 Lune. If you wait at the jetty you<ch.apos/>ll see it when it comes up the valley.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect244">If you want to ask the old woman about her daughter, Tadia the Prophetess, <link-text>turn to 244</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect299">If you wish to thank her and leave the Ferry House, <link-text>turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>39</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You manage to release the arrow a split second before the fireball hits you in the chest and flings you backwards to the ground! Lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Your shaft sinks into the Helghast's stomach but the creature is unshaken. With a gloating laugh it plucks the arrow from its body and hurls it aside with contempt. This fiend is unaffected by ordinary weapons; it can only be harmed by magic.</p>
+ <p>You manage to release the arrow a split second before the fireball hits you in the chest and flings you backwards to the ground! Lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Your shaft sinks into the Helghast<ch.apos/>s stomach but the creature is unshaken. With a gloating laugh it plucks the arrow from its body and hurls it aside with contempt. This fiend is unaffected by ordinary weapons; it can only be harmed by magic.</p>
<choice idref="sect131">If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Divination and have reached the rank of Tutelary, <link-text>turn to 131</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect289">If you wish to take cover behind the refectory table, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>40</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your instinct saves you. The speeding shaft punctures your sleeve, drawing an angry red weal across your forearm before shattering against the wall behind&emdash;lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Your instinct saves you. The speeding shaft punctures your sleeve, drawing an angry red weal across your forearm before shattering against the wall behind<ch.emdash/>lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>The bowyery owner utters a thin cry of disbelief and hurls the bow at your head, distracting you as he unsheathes his sword.</p>
<combat><enemy>Bourn the Bowyer</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">19</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">24</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect87">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 87</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p><quote>I am Tadia the Prophetess,</quote> she says, her voice soft and lilting, <quote>and you are Lone Wolf, lord of the sun-realm, skarn of legend.</quote> Paido reaches for his sword but you stay his hand, for you sense that this woman wishes to help, not harm you.</p>
<p><quote>We live in an age of great peril. Your enemies of old are our enemies; they stand poised to conquer our land and I fear we are too weak to resist them. Your purpose is known to me, and I will aid you all I can in the hope that you will fulfil your destiny and destroy the champions of darkness.</quote></p>
- <p>Tadia raises her arms and points towards the sky. Floating in the air between her parted hands appears a spinning globe of white fire. She tilts back her head and stares into this ball of flame, her eyes unblinking despite the fearful intensity of the light. <quote>Your safest passage to the Danarg is through the Mordril Forest,</quote> she says solemnly. <quote>The road to Syada is fraught with danger&emdash;only battle and death await you there.</quote></p>
+ <p>Tadia raises her arms and points towards the sky. Floating in the air between her parted hands appears a spinning globe of white fire. She tilts back her head and stares into this ball of flame, her eyes unblinking despite the fearful intensity of the light. <quote>Your safest passage to the Danarg is through the Mordril Forest,</quote> she says solemnly. <quote>The road to Syada is fraught with danger<ch.emdash/>only battle and death await you there.</quote></p>
<p>The globe flickers and fades and Tadia returns her gaze to you. <quote>Let nothing delay your quest, Lone Wolf. The future of both our lands depends on your success.</quote></p>
<p>Before you leave the prophetess offers you a choice of potions and weapons. You may take whatever you wish but remember to amend your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly. Choose from the following:</p>
<ul>
- <li>POTION OF ALETHER&emdash;increases <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 2 points for the duration of a single combat.</li>
- <li>POTION OF LAUMSPUR&emdash;restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (enough for one dose).</li>
- <li>BROADSWORD</li>
- <li>QUARTERSTAFF</li>
- <li>RENDALIM'S ELIXIR&emdash;restores 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (enough for one dose).</li>
- <li>T
INCTURE OF OXYDINE&emdash;restores 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (enough for one dose).<a id="sect42-1" idref="sect42-1-foot" class="footnote" /></li>
+ <li>Potion of Alether<ch.emdash/>increases <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 2 points for the duration of a single combat.</li>
+ <li>Potion of Laumspur<ch.emdash/>restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (enough for one dose).</li>
+ <li>Broadsword</li>
+ <li>Quarterstaff</li>
+ <li>Rendalim<ch.apos/>s Elixir<ch.emdash/>restores 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (enough for one dose).</li>
+ <li>T
incture of Oxydine<ch.emdash/>restores 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (enough for one dose).<a id="sect42-1" idref="sect42-1-foot" class="footnote" /></li>
</ul>
<p>All potions are Backpack Items.</p>
<p>Once you have made your choice you leave the Ferry House and continue.</p>
<meta><title>43</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You leap from the saddle, narrowly avoiding being pulled off the tree-bridge. Your horse and the hideous creature both disappear from view, quickly swallowed up by the spray from the waterfall. As you land on the slippery wet wood, Paido's horse rears up on its hind legs, its forelegs kicking the air and its eyes rolling madly. He fights to control the animal but it is wild with fear and, with a crack of splintering wood, its hind hoof shears through a rotten branch; it totters on the brink. Paido swings his legs clear and abandons his doomed horse barely seconds before it falls into the watery abyss.</p>
+ <p>You leap from the saddle, narrowly avoiding being pulled off the tree-bridge. Your horse and the hideous creature both disappear from view, quickly swallowed up by the spray from the waterfall. As you land on the slippery wet wood, Paido<ch.apos/>s horse rears up on its hind legs, its forelegs kicking the air and its eyes rolling madly. He fights to control the animal but it is wild with fear and, with a crack of splintering wood, its hind hoof shears through a rotten branch; it totters on the brink. Paido swings his legs clear and abandons his doomed horse barely seconds before it falls into the watery abyss.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
<instance class="html" src="sect43.gif" width="250" height="178" />
<instance class="pdf" src="sect43.pdf" width="250" height="178" />
</illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect31"><link-text>Turn to 31</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>45</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw on your skill to repel the awesome snake, but it is very hungry and the smell of Paido's warm flesh draws it closer despite your success at masking your own scent.</p>
+ <p>You draw on your skill to repel the awesome snake, but it is very hungry and the smell of Paido<ch.apos/>s warm flesh draws it closer despite your success at masking your own scent.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Invisibility, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect155">If your total is now 0&endash;6 <link-text>turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect155">If your total is now 0<ch.endash/>6 <link-text>turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect167">If your total is now 7 or more, <link-text>turn to 167</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>46</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Kezoor lies dead, but Paido warns you not to approach the body. <quote>I've heard tell that these priests of evil can awaken after death to avenge themselves. Stand back and I'll make sure this one never returns to haunt us.</quote></p>
- <p>Paido raises his sword and severs Kezoor's head with one swift stroke. Both eyelids spring open revealing eyes burning red with hatred, but the fire quickly dies and the eyes turn a misty grey.</p>
+ <p>Kezoor lies dead, but Paido warns you not to approach the body. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ve heard tell that these priests of evil can awaken after death to avenge themselves. Stand back and I<ch.apos/>ll make sure this one never returns to haunt us.</quote></p>
+ <p>Paido raises his sword and severs Kezoor<ch.apos/>s head with one swift stroke. Both eyelids spring open revealing eyes burning red with hatred, but the fire quickly dies and the eyes turn a misty grey.</p>
<p><quote>There, it is done,</quote> says Paido, wiping his sword on the sleeve of his tunic. He steps back and looks around. <quote>Where is Trost?</quote></p>
- <p>You cast your eyes to the place where he fell and see a fire-blackened body covered with the remains of incinerated spiders. <quote>There he is,</quote> you say sadly. Paido takes a blanket from his Backpack and drapes it over the corpse before reciting the words of the Knurla&emdash;a Vakeros prayer for those who have fallen in battle.</p>
+ <p>You cast your eyes to the place where he fell and see a fire-blackened body covered with the remains of incinerated spiders. <quote>There he is,</quote> you say sadly. Paido takes a blanket from his Backpack and drapes it over the corpse before reciting the words of the Knurla<ch.emdash/>a Vakeros prayer for those who have fallen in battle.</p>
<choice idref="sect80"><link-text>Turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="sect47-1-foot" idref="sect47-1">
- <p>It seems peculiar that you are instructed to reduce <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> at the beginning of every round if you do not have Psi-screen. This loss would be cumulative so that during the first round you fight with 2 fewer <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points, the second round with 4 fewer points, the third with 6 fewer, etc. This loss is certainly intended to be for the duration of this Combat only&emdash;not permanently&emdash;since Joe Dever always makes special note of instances where you permanently lose <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. It is possible that this penalty is an error, and that you are meant to lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points rather than <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points at the beginning of every round.</p>
+ <p>It seems peculiar that you are instructed to reduce <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> at the beginning of every round if you do not have Psi-screen. This loss would be cumulative so that during the first round you fight with 2 fewer <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points, the second round with 4 fewer points, the third with 6 fewer, etc. This loss is certainly intended to be for the duration of this Combat only<ch.emdash/>not permanently<ch.emdash/>since Joe Dever always makes special note of instances where you permanently lose <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. It is possible that this penalty is an error, and that you are meant to lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points rather than <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> points at the beginning of every round.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>This blue-steel blade was forged in the furnaces of Elzian, crafted by the Elder Magi as an instrument of good. The Helghast senses its latent power and hurriedly casts another sparking fireball, but it is poorly aimed. You strike the missile as you vault over the table, sending it hurtling back to its sender. It glances off the creature's shoulder and jars the staff from its shrunken hand. You seize the advantage and attack before it can retrieve the deadly weapon.</p>
+ <p>This blue-steel blade was forged in the furnaces of Elzian, crafted by the Elder Magi as an instrument of good. The Helghast senses its latent power and hurriedly casts another sparking fireball, but it is poorly aimed. You strike the missile as you vault over the table, sending it hurtling back to its sender. It glances off the creature<ch.apos/>s shoulder and jars the staff from its shrunken hand. You seize the advantage and attack before it can retrieve the deadly weapon.</p>
<combat><enemy>Gnaag Helghast</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">28</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This creature is immune to Mindblast (but not Psi-surge). Unless you possess the Magnakai Discipline of Psi-screen, you must reduce your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ><a id="sect47-1" idref="sect47-1-foot" class="footnote" /> by 2 points at the beginning of every round that you fight this creature. If you have completed the Lore-circle of the Spirit, you may increase your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 2 points for the duration of the fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect195">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 195</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>51</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You plummet through the mist and crash head first into the rocks and boulders that lie just beneath the surface of the pool, 100 feet below. Death is instantaneous.</p>
+ <p>You plummet through the mist and crash head-first into the rocks and boulders that lie just beneath the surface of the pool, 100 feet below. Death is instantaneous.</p>
<choice>Your life and your quest end here.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>The stable is full of fine horses, all of them as sound and sturdy as the mounts given to you by Lord Adamas. Paido acts as lookout while you saddle up two black stallions. You are making the final adjustments to their bridles when Paido hisses a warning. <quote>Four monks coming this way!</quote></p>
<p>You mount your fresh steeds and gallop out of the stables, scattering the startled monks, who had just reached the door. In an act of desperation, one of the monks unsheathes his sword and hurls it at your back. The deadly blade spins through the air with alarming accuracy.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Magnakai Disciplines of Huntmastery <em>and</em> Divination, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect134">If your total is now 0&endash;2, <link-text>turn to 134</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect134">If your total is now 0<ch.endash/>2, <link-text>turn to 134</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect219">If it is 3 or more, <link-text>turn to 219</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>55</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Shafts of sunlight break through the slate-grey cloud, and the rain eases off and finally stops. You ride across the rolling valley floor towards the River Phoen until the track stops at a ramshackle house perched precariously on the river-bank. An old wooden jetty juts out from the side of the house, its platform almost submerged in the rain-swollen river. A noticeboard standing in front of the house reads:</p>
+ <p>Shafts of sunlight break through the slate-grey cloud, and the rain eases off and finally stops. You ride across the rolling valley floor towards the River Phoen until the track stops at a ramshackle house perched precariously on the river bank. An old wooden jetty juts out from the side of the house, its platform almost submerged in the rain-swollen river. A notice board standing in front of the house reads:</p>
<signpost>
<p>FERRY HOUSE LANDING</p>
- <p>Passenger barges to Tharro&emdash;embark from this jetty.<br />Barges to Phoena&emdash;embark from opposite bank.</p>
+ <p>
+ <line>Passenger barges to Tharro<ch.emdash/>embark from this jetty.</line>
+ <line>Barges to Phoena<ch.emdash/>embark from opposite bank.</line>
+ </p>
<p>NO CATTLE, WAGONS, CARAVANS OR HERD ANIMALS UNLESS BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT</p>
</signpost>
<choice idref="sect299">If you wish to wait here for a barge to Tharro, <link-text>turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You arrive at a mound where a tree bearing blood-red fruit overhangs a pool of crystal-clear water. You stop to rest and to dislodge the tiny leeches that are feasting on your legs.</p>
- <p>Paido climbs the tree to scan the horizon. He carries with him a starguider, a homing device invented by the Elder Magi to enable their flying ships to navigate in the dark. It is sensitive to the vibrations given off by korlinium crystals. The spire of the Temple of Ohrido is solid korlinium, and the Elder Magi have set Paido's starguider to home in on the vibrations emitted by the spire. By following the direction of the signals, it is hoped that you will be able to find the lost temple.</p>
+ <p>Paido climbs the tree to scan the horizon. He carries with him a starguider, a homing device invented by the Elder Magi to enable their flying ships to navigate in the dark. It is sensitive to the vibrations given off by korlinium crystals. The spire of the Temple of Ohrido is solid korlinium, and the Elder Magi have set Paido<ch.apos/>s starguider to home in on the vibrations emitted by the spire. By following the direction of the signals, it is hoped that you will be able to find the lost temple.</p>
<p>Whilst Paido is busy adjusting the starguider, you decide to investigate your surroundings.</p>
<choice idref="sect301">If you wish to examine the red fruit, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect2">If you wish to examine the pool of water, <link-text>turn to 2</link-text>.</choice>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>What little colour there is in the Count
's already pallid face drains away.<a id="sect59-1" idref="sect59-1-foot" class="footnote" /> The crowd hoots with delight as he nods his head slowly to affirm that your answer is correct. As the ice-lilies double in number each day, the lake is half-covered on the day before it is fully covered.</p>
- <p>Begrudgingly the Count hands over your prize
&emdash;40 Lune. Record the Lune in the Belt Pouch section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (40 Lune occupy the same space as 10 Gold Crowns).</p>
+ <p>What little colour there is in the Count
<ch.apos/>s already pallid face drains away.<a id="sect59-1" idref="sect59-1-foot" class="footnote" /> The crowd hoots with delight as he nods his head slowly to affirm that your answer is correct. As the ice-lilies double in number each day, the lake is half-covered on the day before it is fully covered.</p>
+ <p>Begrudgingly the Count hands over your prize
<ch.emdash/>40 Lune. Record the Lune in the Belt Pouch section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (40 Lune occupy the same space as 10 Gold Crowns).</p>
<choice idref="sect338"><link-text>Turn to 338</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect60">
<meta><title>60</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect60-1-foot" idref="sect60-1">
+ <p>You should also turn to this number if you possess a magical weapon such as the Dagger of Vashna, the Jewelled Mace, or the Magic Spear. (See <bookref series="lw" book="14tcok"><cite>The Captives of Kaag</cite></bookref> <bookref series="lw" book="14tcok" section="sect12">Section 12</bookref>.)</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>A ghastly transformation is taking place before your eyes. The monk's face is writhing and contorting as the skin tightens and grows darker. Tattered flesh drops from his sunken cheeks to hang in festoons beneath the exposed jawbone. A sickening dread fills your heart as you recognize the creature standing before you. It is a Helghast, a nightmarish agent of the Darklords. Its demonic eyes glow like red-hot coals as it shrieks and raises its long black staff.</p>
- <choice idref="sect308">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>A ghastly transformation is taking place before your eyes. The monk<ch.apos/>s face is writhing and contorting as the skin tightens and grows darker. Tattered flesh drops from his sunken cheeks to hang in festoons beneath the exposed jawbone. A sickening dread fills your heart as you recognize the creature standing before you. It is a Helghast, a nightmarish agent of the Darklords. Its demonic eyes glow like red-hot coals as it shrieks and raises its long black staff.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect308">If you possess the Sommerswerd,<a id="sect60-1" idref="sect60-1-foot" class="footnote" /> <link-text>turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect248">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Seconds later you hear the crash of broken furniture as a fight breaks out inside the cabin. Paido has surprised your would-be assailant, and the two of them are now locked in hand-to-hand combat. Abruptly the noise ceases, and Paido appears at the front door, sweating and dishevelled, his sword bloodied in his hand.</p>
- <p><quote>Where have you been?</quote> he asks, stepping aside to allow you to enter. A scar-faced man lies dead on the floor, a wooden stave lying across his chest. <quote>Come and see what I've found in the back room,</quote> says Paido, leading the way.</p>
- <p>Small sacks, each filled with nuggets of silver, are stacked in a huge mound that reaches almost to the ceiling. <quote>No wonder he fought so desperately,</quote> you say, staring at this treasure hoard. <quote>There's enough silver here to pay a king's ransom.</quote></p>
- <p>You may take some treasure before you leave&emdash;each Sack of Silver counts as one Backpack Item.</p>
+ <p><quote>Where have you been?</quote> he asks, stepping aside to allow you to enter. A scar-faced man lies dead on the floor, a wooden stave lying across his chest. <quote>Come and see what I<ch.apos/>ve found in the back room,</quote> says Paido, leading the way.</p>
+ <p>Small sacks, each filled with nuggets of silver, are stacked in a huge mound that reaches almost to the ceiling. <quote>No wonder he fought so desperately,</quote> you say, staring at this treasure hoard. <quote>There<ch.apos/>s enough silver here to pay a king<ch.apos/>s ransom.</quote></p>
+ <p>You may take some treasure before you leave<ch.emdash/>each Sack of Silver counts as one Backpack Item.</p>
<choice idref="sect152">If you wish to continue along the valley, <link-text>turn to 152</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect120">If you wish to investigate the mine, <link-text>turn to 120</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>65</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quietly you agree a plan of action. Paido and Trost will approach the necromancer while you guard the stairs. If he should evade your companions, he'll have you to contend with before he can escape from the hold.</p>
+ <p>Quietly you agree a plan of action. Paido and Trost will approach the necromancer while you guard the stairs. If he should evade your companions, he<ch.apos/>ll have you to contend with before he can escape from the hold.</p>
<p>Unhurriedly, you leave your seat and walk to the tap-room stairs. When you are in position your companions rise and advance towards the stranger who remains motionless, seemingly engrossed in his black book. Trost draws his sword and challenges the man, demanding that he state his name and the purpose of his journey. It is a fatal mistake. The man looks up from his book, his grey eyes suddenly aglow with a terrible red fire. Trost screams. His face has become a mass of horrible, erupting boils. As he falls to the floor, Paido strikes, his sword a shimmering lance of blue steel forged by the Elder Magi. His attack is lightning fast, but the necromancer counters his blow on the edge of his blade. Sparks explode, showering the tap-room with glowing fragments. The crowd begins to cheer, but their cheers turn to screams of terror when the necromancer summons a new defence.</p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
- <description>Trost's face has become a mass of horrible erupting boils</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>Trost<ch.apos/>s face has become a mass</line>
+ <line>of horrible erupting</line><line>boils.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="682" />
<instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="682" />
</illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect206"><link-text>Turn to 206</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Paido opens his palm to reveal the small gold coin: it shows heads. <quote>Bad luck!</quote> he exclaims with a grin. <quote>You take the first watch.</quote> He settles himself down on the mound of spongy earth and is soon asleep, snoring softly. You sit beside him, your eyes scouring the black spaces between the ghostly grey trees.</p>
- <p>The first half of the night passes uneventfully. In need of rest, you are about to awaken Paido when you sense something moving in the shadows off to your right. Two tiny pin-points of yellow light blink in the darkness. You draw your weapon, expecting an attack, but you can no longer see the eyes of the shadow creature. Paido wakes and takes over the watch, but the lingering feeling that you are being observed makes you uneasy and disturbs your rest (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). Four hours later, you wake to the gloomy grey of dawn and prepare to set off once more.</p>
+ <p>The first half of the night passes uneventfully. In need of rest, you are about to awaken Paido when you sense something moving in the shadows off to your right. Two tiny pinpoints of yellow light blink in the darkness. You draw your weapon, expecting an attack, but you can no longer see the eyes of the shadow creature. Paido wakes and takes over the watch, but the lingering feeling that you are being observed makes you uneasy and disturbs your rest (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). Four hours later, you wake to the gloomy grey of dawn and prepare to set off once more.</p>
<choice idref="sect138"><link-text>Turn to 138</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>68</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Upon seeing Lord Adamas' seal, the guard returns your Pass, salutes, and commands that the gate be opened without delay. You pass through the gatehouse arch and enter an open courtyard. Two avenues lead from the courtyard: Copperpiece Lane and Hog-Foot Run.</p>
+ <p>Upon seeing Lord Adamas<ch.apos/> seal, the guard returns your Pass, salutes, and commands that the gate be opened without delay. You pass through the gatehouse arch and enter an open courtyard. Two avenues lead from the courtyard: Copperpiece Lane and Hog-Foot Run.</p>
<choice idref="sect35">If you wish to go east into Copperpiece Lane, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect282">If you wish to go north into Hog-Foot Run, <link-text>turn to 282</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Paido kicks open the side door and rushes out into the storm with you close on his heels. A grimy-faced farmer blocks the passage beyond, a pitchfork wobbling in his clumsy hands. Paido emits a shout far louder than you ever imagined could be made by a human voice. The force of the shout hits the man in the chest and slams him to the muddy ground like a limp rag doll.</p>
- <p><quote>Vakeros power-word,</quote> explains Paido, in answer to your unspoken question. <quote>Someday I'll teach you the technique, Kai lord.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Vakeros power-word,</quote> explains Paido, in answer to your unspoken question. <quote>Someday I<ch.apos/>ll teach you the technique, Kai Lord.</quote></p>
<p>A handful of plains folk, clutching rakes and hoes, are waiting for you at the stable door. But, after seeing the fate that befell their leader, they throw down their improvised weapons and melt into the storm.</p>
<p>Swiftly you saddle your mounts and gallop away from the tavern at full speed.</p>
<choice idref="sect318"><link-text>Turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Beyond the archway is a narrow alley that leads to the quadrangle. You reach the end of the alley and peer around the corner to check that all is clear. You see a group of monks walking towards you, all armed with swords.</p>
- <p>Waiting on the other corner is a small wagon. Its canvas cover is threadbare and patched in a score of places. It is harnessed to a pair of moth-eaten old mules and a driver sits holding their reins, his features hidden by a hooded black robe. As the monks draw closer he raises a hand and beckons to you; he wants you to hide in his wagon. It is now or never&emdash;the monks are about to turn the corner.</p>
+ <p>Waiting on the other corner is a small wagon. Its canvas cover is threadbare and patched in a score of places. It is harnessed to a pair of moth-eaten old mules and a driver sits holding their reins, his features hidden by a hooded black robe. As the monks draw closer he raises a hand and beckons to you; he wants you to hide in his wagon. It is now or never<ch.emdash/>the monks are about to turn the corner.</p>
<choice idref="sect270">If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Divination or have reached the rank of Tutelary, <link-text>turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect32">If you wish to hide in the wagon, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect41">If you choose to stand and confront the monks, <link-text>turn to 41</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>73</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The hamlet of Honey Lodge is small&emdash;two cottages, a barn and a stone watchtower cluster in a circle at the river's edge. A gang of excited young boys wait on the rain-swept jetty to welcome home their fathers, each hoping for a present, perhaps a fishing rod or a hunting bow, from the marketplace in Phoena.</p>
+ <p>The hamlet of Honey Lodge is small<ch.emdash/>two cottages, a barn and a stone watchtower cluster in a circle at the river<ch.apos/>s edge. A gang of excited young boys wait on the rain-swept jetty to welcome home their fathers, each hoping for a present, perhaps a fishing rod or a hunting bow, from the marketplace in Phoena.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
<instance class="html" src="sect73.gif" width="249" height="125" />
<instance class="pdf" src="sect73.pdf" width="249" height="125" />
</illustration>
- <p>Eight men, including the Count, disembark at Honey Lodge, but only one new passenger embarks for the journey to Tharro&emdash;a thin individual with hard grey eyes that gleam coldly from beneath his wide-brimmed hat. Slung at his side is a narrow-bladed sword, and in his hand he clutches a leather-bound book, its cover as plain and as black as his clothing. He pays his fare and descends to the tap-room, pausing briefly at the top of the stairs to return your stare.</p>
+
+ <p>Eight men, including the Count, disembark at Honey Lodge, but only one new passenger embarks for the journey to Tharro<ch.emdash/>a thin individual with hard grey eyes that gleam coldly from beneath his wide-brimmed hat. Slung at his side is a narrow-bladed sword, and in his hand he clutches a leather-bound book, its cover as plain and as black as his clothing. He pays his fare and descends to the tap-room, pausing briefly at the top of the stairs to return your stare.</p>
<choice idref="sect23">If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Psi-screen and have reached the rank of Tutelary, <link-text>turn to 23</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect325">If you do not possess this skill, or have yet to reach the Magnakai rank of Tutelary, <link-text>turn to 325</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>75</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The chilling sound of the Helghast's laughter rings in your ears as you launch yourself against this fell creature. It offers no resistance to your attack and you smite a crushing blow, tearing it from shoulder to stomach. But the Helghast does not cease laughing and no blood pours from its wound, for it cannot be harmed by sharpened steel or hardened wood&emdash;its bane is magic.</p>
+ <p>The chilling sound of the Helghast<ch.apos/>s laughter rings in your ears as you launch yourself against this fell creature. It offers no resistance to your attack and you smite a crushing blow, tearing it from shoulder to stomach. But the Helghast does not cease laughing and no blood pours from its wound, for it cannot be harmed by sharpened steel or hardened wood<ch.emdash/>its bane is magic.</p>
<p>The last sound you hear is the roar of fire as a searing burst of flame penetrates your chest.</p>
<choice>Your life and your quest end here.</choice>
</data>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="sect76-1-foot" idref="sect76-1">
- <p><a idref="sect221">Section 221</a> gives you further information about these monks. It is most likely the author
's mistake that you miss this information in lieu of the discovery you make by using Divination in this section. At your discretion <a idref="sect221">go to 221</a> before making your choice in this section.</p>
+ <p><a idref="sect221">Section 221</a> gives you further information about these monks. It is most likely the author
<ch.apos/>s mistake that you miss this information in lieu of the discovery you make by using Divination in this section. At your discretion <a idref="sect221">go to 221</a> before making your choice in this section.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<meta><title>77</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your arrow enters the creature's mouth, transfixing its tongue to the back of its throat. It gurgles and chomps on the feathered shaft, its clawed fingers scrabbling to pull it free. In its frenzy it loses its footing and slips, throwing open its arms instinctively to steady itself. Its claws ensnare your horse's bridle and, as it topples from the tree-bridge, it pulls your horse and you over the edge.</p>
+ <p>Your arrow enters the creature<ch.apos/>s mouth, transfixing its tongue to the back of its throat. It gurgles and chomps on the feathered shaft, its clawed fingers scrabbling to pull it free. In its frenzy it loses its footing and slips, throwing open its arms instinctively to steady itself. Its claws ensnare your horse<ch.apos/>s bridle and, as it topples from the tree-bridge, it pulls your horse and you over the edge.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect51">If your total is now 0&endash;1, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect51">If your total is now 0<ch.endash/>1, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect43">If it is 2 or more, <link-text>turn to 43</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You dismount and climb the steps leading to the temple doors. An old man in brown robes answers your knock and invites you and Paido inside; a novice attends to your horses.</p>
<p>Stepping through the door is like stepping into another world. The air is sweet with incense and the flickering light, cast by a long row of squat red candles, does little to illuminate the interior. You follow the old man along a vaulted corridor, down several flights of stairs, and finally into a torchlit refectory. A delicious smell of cooking wafts from an open hatch in the wall together with the sounds of people in the kitchen beyond.</p>
<p><quote>Be seated,</quote> says the old man, pointing to a stout oak table laid for supper, <quote>and enjoy our humble food. May it revive you after your travels and fortify you for the road ahead.</quote></p>
- <p>Another monk enters the chamber, carrying two steaming plates of meat stew. He sets them down before you and blesses the food with the words, <quote>gaj kog zutag</quote>. You are hungry after your day's journey and must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Another monk enters the chamber, carrying two steaming plates of meat stew. He sets them down before you and blesses the food with the words, <quote><foreign xml:lang="x-giak">Gaj kog zutag</foreign></quote>. You are hungry after your day<ch.apos/>s journey and must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect336">If you wish to eat the appetizing stew, <link-text>turn to 336</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect217">If you choose to eat a Meal from your Backpack instead, <link-text>turn to 217</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect174">If you decide to go without food, deduct 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points and <link-text>turn to 174</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>80</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>In the name of the gods, what's happened here?</quote> thunders the captain as he hurries down the tap-room stairs. A crowd of passengers huddle in his wake, frightened but curious to discover the outcome of the fight that has devastated the hold. <quote>I'll see you pay for this,</quote> he blusters. <quote>It'll cost hundreds of Lune to fix this damage. Pay up now or I'll take it out of your hides!</quote></p>
- <p>Paido snatches the cloth from a nearby table and scoops up the head of Kezoor, wrapping and tying it tightly with cord. He tosses this gruesome package to the captain, together with the notice of death that lies beside Trost's scorched body. <quote>That'll pay for the damage, captain,</quote> says Paido, <quote>and be sure that the balance goes to the family of this brave soldier or we'll take it out of <em>your</em> hide!</quote></p>
- <p>As the captain reads the scroll a wry grin spreads slowly across his weather-worn face. <quote>So, Kezoor met his doom aboard my barge,</quote> he says, thoughtfully. <quote>Maybe I'll leave the hold just as it is. There's plenty o' folk who'd pay to see the place where this rogue ended his days.</quote></p>
- <p>The captain orders his crew to prepare the corpses for burial, and as the bargees carry away Kezoor's remains, you notice his black book lying on the floor.</p>
+ <p><quote>In the name of the gods, what<ch.apos/>s happened here?</quote> thunders the captain as he hurries down the tap-room stairs. A crowd of passengers huddle in his wake, frightened but curious to discover the outcome of the fight that has devastated the hold. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll see you pay for this,</quote> he blusters. <quote>It<ch.apos/>ll cost hundreds of Lune to fix this damage. Pay up now or I<ch.apos/>ll take it out of your hides!</quote></p>
+ <p>Paido snatches the cloth from a nearby table and scoops up the head of Kezoor, wrapping and tying it tightly with cord. He tosses this gruesome package to the captain, together with the notice of death that lies beside Trost<ch.apos/>s scorched body. <quote>That<ch.apos/>ll pay for the damage, captain,</quote> says Paido, <quote>and be sure that the balance goes to the family of this brave soldier or we<ch.apos/>ll take it out of <em>your</em> hide!</quote></p>
+ <p>As the captain reads the scroll a wry grin spreads slowly across his weather-worn face. <quote>So, Kezoor met his doom aboard my barge,</quote> he says, thoughtfully. <quote>Maybe I<ch.apos/>ll leave the hold just as it is. There<ch.apos/>s plenty o<ch.apos/> folk who<ch.apos/>d pay to see the place where this rogue ended his days.</quote></p>
+ <p>The captain orders his crew to prepare the corpses for burial, and as the bargees carry away Kezoor<ch.apos/>s remains, you notice his black book lying on the floor.</p>
<choice idref="sect179">If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Divination and have reached the rank of Tutelary, <link-text>turn to 179</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect312">If you wish to examine the book, <link-text>turn to 312</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect255">If you wish to leave it untouched, <link-text>turn to 255</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>81</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You hurl the Fireseed and it strikes the jagged rock directly in front of the hissing swamp-dwellers. In the next instant the swamp, the creatures, and the causeway itself are transformed into a searing ball of flame as the exploding Fireseed ignites the inflammable cloud of gas. The blast badly burns your face and hands and scorches your tunic&emdash;lose 12 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You hurl the Fireseed and it strikes the jagged rock directly in front of the hissing swamp-dwellers. In the next instant the swamp, the creatures, and the causeway itself are transformed into a searing ball of flame as the exploding Fireseed ignites the inflammable cloud of gas. The blast badly burns your face and hands and scorches your tunic<ch.emdash/>lose 12 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect71">If you are still alive after this catastrophe, <link-text>turn to 71</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>82</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You follow the foot-worn cobbles of Globe Walk, past the premises of coopers, cobblers and carpenters, to an open square where you see a sign pointing to an alley that disappears among the shadows. Ahead the street continues, flanked by shops and the town's perimeter wall.</p>
+ <p>You follow the foot-worn cobbles of Globe Walk, past the premises of coopers, cobblers and carpenters, to an open square where you see a sign pointing to an alley that disappears among the shadows. Ahead the street continues, flanked by shops and the town<ch.apos/>s perimeter wall.</p>
<choice idref="sect204">If you wish to continue along the street, <link-text>turn to 204</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect332">If you wish to ride along the alley, <link-text>turn to 332</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The blows drive the needles deeper into your hand, but the anaesthetic prevents you from feeling any pain.</p>
- <p>The creature is soon crushed to a pulp and drops from your hand in tattered lumps. You nurse your nerveless fingers, pulling the needles from your palm that have been driven so deep that their points protrude from the back of your hand. Gradually feeling returns, and with it comes pain as intense as if you had held a red-hot coal&emdash;lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>The creature is soon crushed to a pulp and drops from your hand in tattered lumps. You nurse your nerveless fingers, pulling the needles from your palm that have been driven so deep that their points protrude from the back of your hand. Gradually feeling returns, and with it comes pain as intense as if you had held a red-hot coal<ch.emdash/>lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect315">If you wish to bathe your burning hand in the pool of clear water, <link-text>turn to 315</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect177">If you choose not to bathe your hand, <link-text>turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>84</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You focus your mental energy on your opponent's weapon and launch a pulse of psi-power. There is a loud crack as the studded club splits in two above the dwarf's head, showering him with splinters of wood. He screams and falls flat on his back.</p>
+ <p>You focus your mental energy on your opponent<ch.apos/>s weapon and launch a pulse of psi-power. There is a loud crack as the studded club splits in two above the dwarf<ch.apos/>s head, showering him with splinters of wood. He screams and falls flat on his back.</p>
<p><quote>Sorcerers!</quote> exclaims the startled crowd, as they stampede towards the main door, overturning benches and tables in their desperation to escape. The dwarf follows suit, mustering his senses and scurrying away through the side door on all fours like a frightened boar. The innkeeper is nowhere to be seen.</p>
<choice idref="sect341">If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Divination, <link-text>turn to 341</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect122">If you do not possess this skill, <link-text>turn to 122</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Paido appears in the doorway as the bowyer falls dead at your feet. <quote>He tried to kill me,</quote> you say, as you scour the floor for your silver bow.</p>
- <p><quote>Foolish fellow,</quote> answers Paido, sardonically. <quote>He
'll not try that again.</quote> You discover the bow, but it is damaged beyond repair (delete this Special Item from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>).</p>
- <p><quote>Bourn, Bourn!</quote> Someone in the bowyery is calling the dead owner's name. Paido suggests leaving quickly and quietly by the rear door and leads the way.</p>
+ <p><quote>Foolish fellow,</quote> answers Paido, sardonically. <quote>He
<ch.apos/>ll not try that again.</quote> You discover the bow, but it is damaged beyond repair (delete this Special Item from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>).</p>
+ <p><quote>Bourn, Bourn!</quote> Someone in the bowyery is calling the dead owner<ch.apos/>s name. Paido suggests leaving quickly and quietly by the rear door and leads the way.</p>
<choice idref="sect273">If you wish to follow him, <link-text>turn to 273</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect124">If you wish to stop and search the bowyer's body, <link-text>turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect124">If you wish to stop and search the bowyer<ch.apos/>s body, <link-text>turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The blood pounds in your ears as you gallop towards the onrushing warriors. There is a mighty crash, and suddenly you are in the thick of the battle. Steel bites steel and the curses and cries of the enemy ring loudly in your ears as you fight desperately to survive. You swing in the saddle and fell a warrior with a crushing blow to his chest, ducking an instant later as a spiked mace whistles past your head. Paido dispatches its wielder, running him through with his blue-steel blade. Their leader bellows an order and they pull away, standing off a dozen paces to regroup and recover. Paido reins his horse to your side as the bronze-helmed warrior lord yells his battle-cry: <quote>Shaag Drakkarim!</quote></p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
- <description>The bronze-helmeted warrior lord yells<br />his battle-cry <quote>Shaag Drakkarim!</quote></description>
+ <description>
+ <line>The bronze-helmeted warrior lord yells</line>
+ <line>his battle-cry: <ch.lsquot/><foreign xml:lang="x-giak">Shaag Drakkarim!</foreign><ch.rsquot/></line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="627" />
<instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="627" />
</illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>Drakkar Horselords</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">24</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control, add 2 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of the combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect144">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 144</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>As you descend the steps of the Ferry House, Paido catches sight of something glinting in the distance.</p>
- <p><quote>It's the barge,</quote> he says, shielding his eyes from the sun which is shining at last. A team of bedraggled ghorkas are hauling the vessel upstream, seemingly unaffected by the storm-strengthened flow. Eventually the barge arrives at the jetty and stops to allow a motley assortment of peasants and travellers to disembark.</p>
- <p><quote>You two goin' to Tharro?</quote> asks the captain. <quote>The fare's 40 Lune a-piece, an' that includes y'horses.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s the barge,</quote> he says, shielding his eyes from the sun which is shining at last. A team of bedraggled ghorkas are hauling the vessel upstream, seemingly unaffected by the storm-strengthened flow. Eventually the barge arrives at the jetty and stops to allow a motley assortment of peasants and travellers to disembark.</p>
+ <p><quote>You two goin<ch.apos/> to Tharro?</quote> asks the captain. <quote>The fare<ch.apos/>s 40 Lune a-piece, an<ch.apos/> that includes y<ch.apos/>horses.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect266">If you want to board the barge, pay the captain the 40 Lune (or 10 Gold Crowns) and <link-text>turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect348">If you do not want to board, or if you cannot afford the fare, <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>90</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your shaft penetrates deep into the creature's rib cage but he seems unmoved. He breaks the flights and hurls them at you as he closes in for combat.</p>
+ <p>Your shaft penetrates deep into the creature<ch.apos/>s rib cage but he seems unmoved. He breaks the flights and hurls them at you as he closes in for combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect205">If you wish to engage this creature in close combat, <link-text>turn to 205</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect309">If you wish to evade its attack, <link-text>turn to 309</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>91</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Twilight is approaching. As the sky above darkens, a black bird flies among the upper branches, emitting a shrill cry, which sounds unnaturally loud in the silent forest. It settles, stares at you for a few minutes, then flaps away. A little later you stumble upon a clearing. Shafts of ghostly moonlight pour through a gap in the black canopy of leaves, revealing a mound of earth, rising out of the forest mist. You are both exhausted after the day's events and agree to stop here to rest. Paido takes a Gold Crown from his pocket and tosses it in the air to decide who should take the first watch. <quote>Heads or tails?</quote> he asks, the Crown clenched in his fist.</p>
+ <p>Twilight is approaching. As the sky above darkens, a black bird flies among the upper branches, emitting a shrill cry, which sounds unnaturally loud in the silent forest. It settles, stares at you for a few minutes, then flaps away. A little later you stumble upon a clearing. Shafts of ghostly moonlight pour through a gap in the black canopy of leaves, revealing a mound of earth, rising out of the forest mist. You are both exhausted after the day<ch.apos/>s events and agree to stop here to rest. Paido takes a Gold Crown from his pocket and tosses it in the air to decide who should take the first watch. <quote>Heads or tails?</quote> he asks, the Crown clenched in his fist.</p>
<choice idref="sect11">If you possess the Magnakai Discipline of Divination, <link-text>turn to 11</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect274">If you wish to call <quote>heads</quote>, <link-text>turn to 274</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect66">If you wish to call <quote>tails</quote>, <link-text>turn to 66</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>92</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You sense that the guard has taken a dislike to you. The attack on Luukos has made the Tharro garrison more suspicious than usual and, rather than risk allowing two possible spies into the stronghold, he turns you away. <quote>Go back to Phoena, if that's where you've come from,</quote> he shouts. <quote>We've no welcome here for strangers.</quote></p>
+ <p>You sense that the guard has taken a dislike to you. The attack on Luukos has made the Tharro garrison more suspicious than usual and, rather than risk allowing two possible spies into the stronghold, he turns you away. <quote>Go back to Phoena, if that<ch.apos/>s where you<ch.apos/>ve come from,</quote> he shouts. <quote>We<ch.apos/>ve no welcome here for strangers.</quote></p>
<p>It will soon be dark. You, Paido and the horses need food and rest, but there is scant hope of finding either on the darkening plain that surrounds Tharro.</p>
<choice idref="sect107">If you wish to skirt the perimeter of Fortress Hill and look for another entrance to the town, <link-text>turn to 107</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect226">If you decide to camp out on the plain, <link-text>turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>95</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Silently you slip from your saddle and pad noiselessly through the mud, hiding in the shadows cast by the timber staircase. You reach the far side of the platform and look up to see the silhouette of a man clutching a spear, its tip held low at Paido's midriff.</p>
+ <p>Silently you slip from your saddle and pad noiselessly through the mud, hiding in the shadows cast by the timber staircase. You reach the far side of the platform and look up to see the silhouette of a man clutching a spear, its tip held low at Paido<ch.apos/>s midriff.</p>
<choice idref="sect196">If you have a bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 196</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect137">If you wish to call to the man to put down his spear, <link-text>turn to 137</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect240">If you choose to stay quietly hidden in the shadows of the platform, <link-text>turn to 240</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>97</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Carefully you slip the tip of your dagger beneath the creature's body and wrench the blade back, cutting it clean in half. The tentacles release their grip, and the two halves drop from your nerveless hand. Hurriedly you pluck the needle-like spines from your palm and the feeling gradually returns&emdash;lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
+ <p>Carefully you slip the tip of your dagger beneath the creature<ch.apos/>s body and wrench the blade back, cutting it clean in half. The tentacles release their grip, and the two halves drop from your nerveless hand. Hurriedly you pluck the needle-like spines from your palm and the feeling gradually returns<ch.emdash/>lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
<choice idref="sect315">If you wish to bathe your stinging hand in the pool of clear water, <link-text>turn to 315</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect177">If you decide not to bathe it, <link-text>turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>98</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The cloying smell in the cabin is unbearable and soon forces you to return to the deck to clear your lungs. From there you see the captain walking along the river bank inspecting his team of long-haired ghorkas. Stoically they haul the barge upstream, rarely faltering as they tread the rutted and potholed towpath. Beyond the bank lies an incredible array of colourful wild flowers&emdash;scarlet lankpetal, yellow podlumes and violet mellowroots of towering proportions. Their perfume soon dispels the lingering odour in the cabin.</p>
+ <p>The cloying smell in the cabin is unbearable and soon forces you to return to the deck to clear your lungs. From there you see the captain walking along the river bank inspecting his team of long-haired ghorkas. Stoically they haul the barge upstream, rarely faltering as they tread the rutted and pot-holed towpath. Beyond the bank lies an incredible array of colourful wild flowers<ch.emdash/>scarlet lankpetal, yellow podlumes and violet mellowroots of towering proportions. Their perfume soon dispels the lingering odour in the cabin.</p>
<p>The colourful fields suddenly give way to rolling acres of grassy plain, and gradually the sky grows darker until just a slender streak of light fringes the horizon. It is not long before a roll of thunder echoes across the plain.</p>
<p><quote>Storm brewing,</quote> shouts the captain, as the first drops of rain splash the deck. <quote>You two best take shelter below.</quote> You baulk at the thought of returning to the dank and dismal cabin. Paido suggests a visit to the tap-room and offers to buy you ale. It is an offer that sounds too good to refuse.</p>
<choice idref="sect151"><link-text>Turn to 151</link-text>.</choice>
<p>The great doors close with a whisper. You follow Paido along a corridor of gleaming silvery metal that dazzles your eyes to a hall carved from solid crystal. Icicles of diamond hang from its ceiling and reflect in a floor set with mosaics of a thousand shimmering squares.</p>
<p><quote>Approach the crystal dais, Lone Wolf,</quote> instructs Paido, pointing to a radiant circular plateau of pure quartz.</p>
<p>But even as his words leave his lips you are already walking towards the plinth, drawn by a strange compulsion. You mount the dais and a flood of golden light pours down from above, bathing you in its warm, cleansing rays. You raise your cupped hands, as if offering up an invisible gift, and a tingling sensation runs the length of your arms and spreads through your body, giving you an incredible sense of well being. A ball of sparkling light is taking shape in your hands. It condenses into a radiant crystal filled with golden fire: it is the Lorestone of Ohrido.</p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
- <description>It is the Lorestone of Ohrido</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>It is the Lorestone of Ohrido.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="670" />
<instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="670" />
</illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect239">Restore your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score to its original level and <link-text>turn to 239</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>102</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Day breaks and the view it brings fills you with awe. Perched on this rocky peak, you can see the sheer vastness of the swamp in all its frightening glory for the first time. Paido activates the starguider and scans the horizon, but even before its tell-tale clicks are heard, your eagle eyes have spotted the glint of the temple's korlinium spire. To the west, beyond a sea of sickly green-black vegetation, stands the Temple of Ohrido, imprisoned but unaffected by the swamp.</p>
+ <p>Day breaks and the view it brings fills you with awe. Perched on this rocky peak, you can see the sheer vastness of the swamp in all its frightening glory for the first time. Paido activates the starguider and scans the horizon, but even before its tell-tale clicks are heard, your eagle eyes have spotted the glint of the temple<ch.apos/>s korlinium spire. To the west, beyond a sea of sickly green-black vegetation, stands the Temple of Ohrido, imprisoned but unaffected by the swamp.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
<instance class="html" src="sect102.gif" width="288" height="154" />
<instance class="pdf" src="sect102.pdf" width="288" height="154" />
</illustration>
- <p>The howl of the Ghagrim echoes across the island as you make your descent, by rope and vine, to the wetlands below. You reach the rocky base and set off across the mud flats, following the starguider's signal now that the spire is hidden by swamp mist.</p>
+
+ <p>The howl of the Ghagrim echoes across the island as you make your descent, by rope and vine, to the wetlands below. You reach the rocky base and set off across the mud flats, following the starguider<ch.apos/>s signal now that the spire is hidden by swamp mist.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
- <choice idref="sect278">If the number you have picked is 0&endash;5, <link-text>turn to 278</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect150">If it is 6&endash;9, <link-text>turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect278">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>5, <link-text>turn to 278</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect150">If it is 6<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>103</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>A bead of sweat on Paido's forehead is the first sign of his recovery. Slowly he stirs to consciousness, waking from a sleep that was so nearly his last. He can remember nothing of the ordeal, and when you tell him what has happened he shakes his head in disbelief. <quote>A Helghast?</quote> he says, incredulously. <quote>How can it be?</quote></p>
- <p><quote>The servants of Darklord Gnaag have infiltrated this monastery,</quote> you reply. <quote>They have kept themselves hidden, but I fear the day is fast approaching when they will rise up and wreak their havoc. Already they know our true identities, and I wager they know why we're here.</quote></p>
+ <p>A bead of sweat on Paido<ch.apos/>s forehead is the first sign of his recovery. Slowly he stirs to consciousness, waking from a sleep that was so nearly his last. He can remember nothing of the ordeal, and when you tell him what has happened he shakes his head in disbelief. <quote>A Helghast?</quote> he says, incredulously. <quote>How can it be?</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>The servants of Darklord Gnaag have infiltrated this monastery,</quote> you reply. <quote>They have kept themselves hidden, but I fear the day is fast approaching when they will rise up and wreak their havoc. Already they know our true identities, and I wager they know why we<ch.apos/>re here.</quote></p>
<p><quote>This is bitter news, Lone Wolf,</quote> replies Paido, his face etched with worry. <quote>We can afford to delay no longer. If Talestria falls to Darklord Gnaag before we reach the Danarg, then the quest is lost.</quote> You nod in agreement, and as you cast your eyes along the gloomy passageway, you cannot help but wonder if the quest is already lost. With a shake of your head you dismiss the thought and help Paido to his feet.</p>
<p>The passage follows a tortuous path that leads eventually to a panelled door. A raised button activates the lock, and the door slides into the wall to reveal a strange room. Domed and hexagonal, its walls are hung with tapestries depicting strange and grotesque creatures. Numerous plinths stand upon the richly carpeted floor, each supporting a large bowl filled to the brim with a silvery liquid. Cautiously you step through the secret portal and into this sumptuous chamber.</p>
<choice idref="sect201"><link-text>Turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The sudden chill of cold water on your brow makes you open your eyes with a start. Blinking away the droplets, you shake your head and a terrible pain shoots through your skull, making you curse and grit your teeth: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Strong hands lift you off the floor and steer you towards a quiet corner of the tap-room where Paido sits, grinning broadly. <quote>That Bor Brew packs a vicious punch,</quote> he says, blithely, barely able to conceal his amusement at the effect the ale has had on you.</p>
- <p><quote>It's got a taste like nectar but the kick of an angry mule!</quote> replies the man in red, who has helped you across the floor. As your vision and the pain in your head begin to clear, you notice that he is a soldier. He wears the scarlet tunic of the Tharro garrison, emblazoned with their insignia of a castle and an open hand. You apologize for the trouble you have caused and offer to buy him a drink to make amends. He accepts but on one condition&emdash;that you do not have another Bor Brew!</p>
+ <p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s got a taste like nectar but the kick of an angry mule!</quote> replies the man in red, who has helped you across the floor. As your vision and the pain in your head begin to clear, you notice that he is a soldier. He wears the scarlet tunic of the Tharro garrison, emblazoned with their insignia of a castle and an open hand. You apologize for the trouble you have caused and offer to buy him a drink to make amends. He accepts but on one condition<ch.emdash/>that you do not have another Bor Brew!</p>
<choice idref="sect126"><link-text>Turn to 126</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>106</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You race to the end of the alley, turn the corner, and run across the quadrangle. Suddenly two monks on horseback trot out of the street ahead. You recognize them at once: they are the two monks you saw earlier&emdash;the two that took your horses. They shout a curse and draw their swords, riding straight towards you.</p>
+ <p>You race to the end of the alley, turn the corner, and run across the quadrangle. Suddenly two monks on horseback trot out of the street ahead. You recognize them at once: they are the two monks you saw earlier<ch.emdash/>the two that took your horses. They shout a curse and draw their swords, riding straight towards you.</p>
<combat><enemy>Monks (on horseback)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">22</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">29</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control, you may add 2 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of the combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect247">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>110</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The monks stare in horror at the smouldering remains of the Helghast. <quote>What manner of demon are you?</quote> asks one, with terror in his voice. <quote>He's a black sorcerer,</quote> says the monk at his side. <quote>A creature of darkness!</quote> shouts another.</p>
- <p>You sense that the monks were unaware of their leader's true identity. They believe you came here tonight to murder him, and his smoking remains convince them that you have accomplished your mission. Before you can utter a word, they draw short swords and rush at you like men possessed.</p>
+ <p>The monks stare in horror at the smouldering remains of the Helghast. <quote>What manner of demon are you?</quote> asks one, with terror in his voice. <quote>He<ch.apos/>s a black sorcerer,</quote> says the monk at his side. <quote>A creature of darkness!</quote> shouts another.</p>
+ <p>You sense that the monks were unaware of their leader<ch.apos/>s true identity. They believe you came here tonight to murder him, and his smoking remains convince them that you have accomplished your mission. Before you can utter a word, they draw short swords and rush at you like men possessed.</p>
<combat><enemy>Monks of the Sword</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">25</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>Owing to their state of frenzy, the monks are immune to Mindblast (but not Psi-surge).</p>
<choice idref="sect191">You may evade combat after three rounds by pulling yourself through the hatch; <link-text>turn to 191</link-text>.</choice>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="sect112-1-foot" idref="sect112-1">
- <p>If you wish to make a guess, you can go to the <a idref="numbered">Numbered Sections List</a> and choose your answer. If your first guess is incorrect, go to <a idref="sect269">Section 269</a>. The correct section will have a footnote confirming that you've answered the riddle correctly.</p>
+ <p>If you decide to make a guess, the section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<data>
<p><quote>Good, good!</quote> he exclaims gleefully, twisting his droopy moustache as he paces the muddy road. <quote>Answer me this riddle. If a brick counter-balances three quarters of a pound plus three quarters of a brick, how many pounds does the whole brick weigh?</quote></p>
- <choice>If you can answer the old man
's riddle,<a id="sect112-1" idref="sect112-1-foot" class="footnote" /> write down the solution and then turn to the entry with the same number as your answer.</choice>
+ <choice>If you can answer the old man
<ch.apos/>s riddle,<a id="sect112-1" idref="sect112-1-foot" class="footnote" /> write down the solution and then turn to the entry with the same number as your answer.</choice>
<choice idref="sect269">If you cannot answer the riddle, <link-text>turn to 269</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>113</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>Gaj aki-amaz!</quote> hisses the monk, pulling back the hood of his black robe. You gasp in shock as you stare upon a ghastly transformation. The monk's face is writhing and contorting as his skin tightens and grows darker. Tattered flesh drops from his sunken cheeks to hang in festoons beneath the exposed lower jaw. A snake-like tongue, black and narrow, flickers between curved fangs that have risen from the lower jaw.</p>
+ <p><quote>Gaj aki-amaz!</quote> hisses the monk, pulling back the hood of his black robe. You gasp in shock as you stare upon a ghastly transformation. The monk<ch.apos/>s face is writhing and contorting as his skin tightens and grows darker. Tattered flesh drops from his sunken cheeks to hang in festoons beneath the exposed lower jaw. A snake-like tongue, black and narrow, flickers between curved fangs that have risen from the lower jaw.</p>
<p>A sickening dread fills your heart as you recognize the creature standing before you. It is a Helghast, a nightmarish agent of the Darklords. Its demonic eyes glow like red-hot coals as it shrieks and raises its claw-tipped hands.</p>
<choice idref="sect30">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect183">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 183</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The archery range is a long and narrow room lit by torches set into the walls at regular intervals. At the far end are three targets bound with wire to bales of hay. Each target is the same size as the one you saw earlier, hanging behind the counter, but instead of rings, they each display the silhouette of a different creature: the left target shows a man; the centre one shows a wolf; and the right target shows a bear. You hand the owner your silver bow and he chooses three arrows from a rack on the wall. He praises the balance and fine workmanship of the bow as he draws the bowstring and takes aim at the centre target.</p>
- <p><quote>Head!</quote> he says, and releases the shaft. The arrow whistles to the target and sinks into the head of the wolf silhouette. <quote>Rump!</quote> he calls on the second shot, shooting the arrow exactly in the target's hind quarters. <quote>And now for the last,</quote> he says, taking care to load the bow correctly; <quote>the heart of the wolf.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Head!</quote> he says, and releases the shaft. The arrow whistles to the target and sinks into the head of the wolf silhouette. <quote>Rump!</quote> he calls on the second shot, shooting the arrow exactly in the target<ch.apos/>s hind quarters. <quote>And now for the last,</quote> he says, taking care to load the bow correctly; <quote>the heart of the wolf.</quote></p>
<p>Suddenly he turns and fires. The arrow comes screaming towards your chest.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Huntmastery, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Divination and have reached the rank of Primate, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect154">If your total score is now 0&endash;4, <link-text>turn to 154</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect40">If it is 5&endash;8, <link-text>turn to 40</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect154">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 154</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect40">If it is 5<ch.endash/>8, <link-text>turn to 40</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect251">If it is 9 or more, <link-text>turn to 251</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>All is deathly quiet as you set your empty tankard on the table. A few minutes pass and you notice that the passengers are no longer regarding you with suspicion. Instead, their stares seem complimentary, as if they were admiring you for being able to drink an ale as strong as Bor Brew.</p>
- <p>Paido raises his tankard and takes a great mouthful of the ale of his choice&emdash;Ferina Nog. Immediately he spits it out, wiping away its insipid taste on the back of his hand. <quote>Bilge juice!</quote> he splutters, slamming down his mug.</p>
- <p><quote>You should be a sight more careful where you empty your mouth stranger,</quote> growls a man seated to your right. He bends down and picks up his pointed steel helmet. With a slow and deliberate twist of his wrist he empties it of ale, pouring the contents all over Paido's feet. Your companion curses and reaches instinctively for his sword.</p>
+ <p>Paido raises his tankard and takes a great mouthful of the ale of his choice<ch.emdash/>Ferina Nog. Immediately he spits it out, wiping away its insipid taste on the back of his hand. <quote>Bilge juice!</quote> he splutters, slamming down his mug.</p>
+ <p><quote>You should be a sight more careful where you empty your mouth stranger,</quote> growls a man seated to your right. He bends down and picks up his pointed steel helmet. With a slow and deliberate twist of his wrist he empties it of ale, pouring the contents all over Paido<ch.apos/>s feet. Your companion curses and reaches instinctively for his sword.</p>
<choice idref="sect314">If you wish to take action to stop a fight breaking out, <link-text>turn to 314</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect253">If you choose to do nothing, <link-text>turn to 253</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>121</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Paido's coma deepens. Shortly after midnight, his heart and brain cease to function and he slips painlessly into death. Grief fills your senses and you mourn the loss of your brave companion, but your grief soon turns to anger as you remember the foul trickery that ended his life and so nearly put an end to yours.</p>
- <p>A rage grows within you. You take Paido's sword and vow to avenge his death by washing it in the blood of his murderers. Heedless of caution and the warning cry of your senses, you throw open the cellar door and go in search of vengeance.</p>
+ <p>Paido<ch.apos/>s coma deepens. Shortly after midnight, his heart and brain cease to function and he slips painlessly into death. Grief fills your senses and you mourn the loss of your brave companion, but your grief soon turns to anger as you remember the foul trickery that ended his life and so nearly put an end to yours.</p>
+ <p>A rage grows within you. You take Paido<ch.apos/>s sword and vow to avenge his death by washing it in the blood of his murderers. Heedless of caution and the warning cry of your senses, you throw open the cellar door and go in search of vengeance.</p>
<p>You have taken only a few paces along the corridor when a terrific explosion lifts you off your feet. The monks followed your trail to the cellar and prepared a surprise for you. You have tripped a wire and activated an explosive charge set into the floor. When the monks come to inspect their handiwork, they will discover your remains lying in the rubble.</p>
<choice>Your life and your quest end here.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The sudden thud of metal on wood makes you spin round on your heel. Nestling between two kegs of ale on the tavern counter you glimpse the face of the innkeeper, the stock of a heavy crossbow pressed close to his bearded cheek. He growls a curse and tightens his finger around the trigger.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect115">If the total is 0&endash;5, <link-text>turn to 115</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect115">If the total is 0<ch.endash/>5, <link-text>turn to 115</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect334">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 334</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>123</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Less than a hundred yards along this jetty of volcanic rock, you encounter a cloud of choking marsh gas. A pair of green, spindly limbed creatures sits on the causeway, dangling their legs over the side and sniffing the stinking cloud with apparent delight. When they see you approaching they hiss and bare their fangs menacingly.</p>
+ <p>Less than a hundred yards along this jetty of volcanic rock, you encounter a cloud of choking marsh gas. A pair of green, <!--ERRTAG-RE-180296-->spindly-limbed<!--/ERRTAG-RE-180296--> creatures sits on the causeway, dangling their legs over the side and sniffing the stinking cloud with apparent delight. When they see you approaching they hiss and bare their fangs menacingly.</p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
- <description>A pair of green, spindly limbed creatures sit on the<br />causeway, sniffing the stinking cloud with delight</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>A pair of green, spindly-limbed creatures sit on the</line>
+ <line>causeway, sniffing the stinking cloud with delight.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="674" />
<instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="674" />
</illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect339">If you wish to approach these creatures, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect105">If you wish to return to the junction and take the west spur, <link-text>turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect81">If you have a Fireseed and wish to scare them with it, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>124</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Hanging around the dead man's neck on a silver chain is a medallion, cast in the shape of a flaming broadsword. The sound of footsteps in the next room prompts you to leave it untouched and hurry after Paido.</p>
+ <p>Hanging around the dead man<ch.apos/>s neck on a silver chain is a medallion, cast in the shape of a flaming broadsword. The sound of footsteps in the next room prompts you to leave it untouched and hurry after Paido.</p>
<choice idref="sect273"><link-text>Turn to 273</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>125</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your arrow sinks deep into the Ghagrim's thick neck, bringing it crashing to the ground. It tries to lift itself but is trodden underfoot by another of its kin, who snatches up the iron sword and licks the blade before yelling its battle-cry.</p>
+ <p>Your arrow sinks deep into the Ghagrim<ch.apos/>s thick neck, bringing it crashing to the ground. It tries to lift itself but is trodden underfoot by another of its kin, who snatches up the iron sword and licks the blade before yelling its battle-cry.</p>
<choice idref="sect90">If you have another arrow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 90</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect205">If you wish to engage the Ghagrim with a hand weapon, <link-text>turn to 205</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect309">If you wish to evade its attack, <link-text>turn to 309</link-text>.</choice>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="sect126-1-foot" idref="sect126-1">
- <p>If you wish to make a guess, you can go to the <a idref="numbered">Numbered Sections List</a> and choose your answer. If your first guess is incorrect, go to <a idref="sect141">Section 141</a>. The correct section will have a footnote confirming that you've answered the riddle correctly.</p>
+ <p>If you decide to make a guess, the section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>The bargee brings a round of Chai-cheer to your table and you drink to the health of Queen Evaine of Talestria. The mood soon becomes much friendlier and you learn that the soldier, whose name is Trost, is on his way back to his post at the Tharro garrison after enjoying a week's leave with his family in Phoena.</p>
+ <p>The bargee brings a round of Chai-cheer to your table and you drink to the health of Queen Evaine of Talestria. The mood soon becomes much friendlier and you learn that the soldier, whose name is Trost, is on his way back to his post at the Tharro garrison after enjoying a week<ch.apos/>s leave with his family in Phoena.</p>
<p>As you drink your ale, the sound of applause rises above the hubbub of conversation. An elderly man, tall and distinguished-looking, walks slowly to the centre of the floor and bows to his audience. His pale face and silver-grey hair are a stark contrast to his richly embroidered robes of crimson and gold. He smiles warmly and introduces himself as Count Conundrum, the prince of puzzles. For your amusement, he will pose some brain-twisting conundrums. So confident is he that none will be able to answer his riddles correctly that he is offering 20 Lune to anyone who can prove him wrong. A hush descends as the passengers await his first puzzle.</p>
<p><quote>If one-and-a-half geese lay one-and-a-half eggs in one-and-a-half days, how many eggs will three geese lay in eight days?</quote></p>
- <choice>If you can answer the Count
's riddle, turn to the entry with the same number as your answer.<a id="sect126-1" idref="sect126-1-foot" class="footnote" /></choice>
+ <choice>If you can answer the Count
<ch.apos/>s riddle, turn to the entry with the same number as your answer.<a id="sect126-1" idref="sect126-1-foot" class="footnote" /></choice>
<choice idref="sect141">If you cannot answer the riddle, <link-text>turn to 141</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>127</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you near the stream, a dozen mounted warriors appear, the pounding hooves of their jet-black horses churning the water as they race along the gully to your left. Their leader, clad in a fearsome bronze helm, draws his axe&emdash;it is the signal to charge. With a blood-curdling yell, they sweep up the rocky bank and come thundering towards the track.</p>
+ <p>As you near the stream, a dozen mounted warriors appear, the pounding hooves of their jet-black horses churning the water as they race along the gully to your left. Their leader, clad in a fearsome bronze helm, draws his axe<ch.emdash/>it is the signal to charge. With a blood-curdling yell, they sweep up the rocky bank and come thundering towards the track.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
<instance class="html" src="sect127.gif" width="295" height="179" />
<instance class="pdf" src="sect127.pdf" width="295" height="179" />
</illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect209">If you have a bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect88">If you wish to draw a weapon and meet them head-on, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect185">If you wish to evade them, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>129</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>After your encounter with the Taan-spider, you are both in need of a rest. You stop to recover your strength; you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Paido is optimistic that you will reach the temple by sundown if you can avoid encountering any more of the Danarg's hostile inhabitants.</p>
+ <p>After your encounter with the Taan-spider, you are both in need of a rest. You stop to recover your strength; you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Paido is optimistic that you will reach the temple by sundown if you can avoid encountering any more of the Danarg<ch.apos/>s hostile inhabitants.</p>
<choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>131</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your senses reveal that Paido's sword is magical&emdash;it has the power to kill the enemy you now face.</p>
+ <p>Your senses reveal that Paido<ch.apos/>s sword is magical<ch.emdash/>it has the power to kill the enemy you now face.</p>
<choice idref="sect47">To retrieve this weapon and use it against the Helghast, <link-text>turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>132</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The numbness in your arm spreads rapidly across your chest and up your throat. Your vocal chords are frozen, making it impossible to shout for Paido's help. You must act swiftly before your lungs and heart are affected by the powerful anaesthetic.</p>
+ <p>The numbness in your arm spreads rapidly across your chest and up your throat. Your vocal chords are frozen, making it impossible to shout for Paido<ch.apos/>s help. You must act swiftly before your lungs and heart are affected by the powerful anaesthetic.</p>
<choice idref="sect263">If you wish to plunge your hand into the pool of water, <link-text>turn to 263</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect83">If you wish to slam your palm against the tree, <link-text>turn to 83</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect15">If you have a Fireseed and wish to crush it with the palm of your hand, <link-text>turn to 15</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>135</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The sun is setting as you catch your first glimpse of Tharro on the road ahead. Mud-coloured walls, tall and fortified, surround the houses which sit atop a broad grassy rise known as Fortress Hill. Soldiers in tunics of scarlet and grey patrol the walls and stand guard at the huge wooden doors that grant access to the town's south quarter.</p>
+ <p>The sun is setting as you catch your first glimpse of Tharro on the road ahead. Mud-coloured walls, tall and fortified, surround the houses which sit atop a broad grassy rise known as Fortress Hill. Soldiers in tunics of scarlet and grey patrol the walls and stand guard at the huge wooden doors that grant access to the town<ch.apos/>s south quarter.</p>
<p>You ride along the straight dirt road towards a stone bridge, which arches across a man-made canal encircling the hill. Once over the bridge, you pass up a ramp leading to the gatehouse. At the gate, a square-jawed soldier in silver chainmail demands to know your business before he will allow you entry to the town.</p>
<choice idref="sect68">If you wish to show him your Pass, <link-text>turn to 68</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect92">If you do not wish to show him your Pass, or no longer have it, <link-text>turn to 92</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You follow the stream until it enters a long corridor of towering trees that descend towards the bank of a swift-flowing brook, a tributary of the River Syad. You stop here briefly to bathe your faces in the icy water and to stare at the mass of blue-green giant trees that fill the western horizon.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
<instance class="html" src="sect136.gif" width="150" height="172" />
<instance class="pdf" src="sect136.pdf" width="150" height="172" />
</illustration>
+
<p><quote>The Mordril Forest,</quote> says Paido, a note of trepidation in his voice. <quote>It was once a wondrous forest, a place of light and goodness. The trees grew strong and the birds and beasts were the fairest of any forest breed. But the Mordril has grown dark and dismal of late. The Danarg encroaches, feeding its sickness to the soil and poisoning the saplings and the creatures that dwell there still. It is a doomed forest, doomed to become part of the Danarg swamp.</quote></p>
<p>You remount your horse and cross the brook. As you climb the opposite bank you notice a set of freshly made tracks in the soft earth.</p>
<choice idref="sect256">If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 256</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Your sense of time slips away as you trek through the seemingly endless expanse of bleak grey trees. Slowly you become aware that you are on an incline, and as your passage becomes steeper, you notice large outcrops of pitted volcanic rock.</p>
- <p><quote>We're approaching the Danarg crater,</quote> says Paido, his quietly spoken words echoing loudly through the eerie forest. Suddenly you recall the words of Lord Rimoah during your period of preparation in Elzian: <quote>The Danarg occupies the crater of an ancient and massive volcano. Once it was a lush jungle of fertile vegetation, but now it is a cancerous wound that poisons all who dwell there&ellips;</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>We<ch.apos/>re approaching the Danarg crater,</quote> says Paido, his quietly spoken words echoing loudly through the eerie forest. Suddenly you recall the words of Lord Rimoah during your period of preparation in Elzian: <quote>The Danarg occupies the crater of an ancient and massive volcano. Once it was a lush jungle of fertile vegetation, but now it is a cancerous wound that poisons all who dwell there<ch.ellips/></quote></p>
<p>By noon you have climbed to the lip of the crater and begun your descent. Gradually the tall, straight trees of the Mordril Forest thin out giving way to twisted trunks and stunted saplings as the land sinks deeper and deeper. Imperceptibly the forest ends and the swamp begins. The ground is softer, and tall, black rushes appear in clumps around misty pools of stagnant water. From tortured husks of trees hang thorny vines, as tough and as cruel as sharpened steel wire. So thickly are they entwined around some trees that they have strangled them, leaving empty coils where the trunks have rotted away. The stench of decay fills your nostrils in the humid yet cold air.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
<instance class="html" src="sect138.gif" width="212" height="117" />
<instance class="pdf" src="sect138.pdf" width="212" height="117" />
</illustration>
+
<p>You wade through ankle-deep slime for nearly an hour before reaching the edge of a huge, murky pool. Whirls and eddies disturb its surface, warning of the creatures that lurk below.</p>
<choice idref="sect203">If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Pathsmanship and have reached the rank of Tutelary, <link-text>turn to 203</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect36">If you wish to skirt around this pool to the north, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="sect141-1-foot" idref="sect141-1">
- <p>If you wish to make a guess, you can go to the <a idref="numbered">Numbered Sections List</a> and choose your answer. If your first guess is incorrect, go to <a idref="sect338">Section 338</a>. The correct section will have a footnote confirming that you've answered the riddle correctly.</p>
+ <p>If you decide to make a guess, the section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<meta><title>143</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>What do you want 'ere?</quote> growls a guard, suddenly appearing from the shadows of the archway to challenge you with his spear.</p>
+ <p><quote>What do you want <ch.apos/>ere?</quote> growls a guard, suddenly appearing from the shadows of the archway to challenge you with his spear.</p>
<choice idref="sect18">If you have a Pass and wish to show it to the guard, <link-text>turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect286">If you wish to ask him the way to the garrison commander's quarters, <link-text>turn to 286</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect286">If you wish to ask him the way to the garrison commander<ch.apos/>s quarters, <link-text>turn to 286</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect204">If you choose to evade confrontation by galloping away along the street, <link-text>turn to 204</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>144</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your killing blow beheads the evil warlord, sending the great bronze helm spinning skywards. The sight of him slain in such a way shakes the morale of his men, and they break off their attack abruptly, wheeling their horses about and galloping away in disorder. <quote>Let's fly,</quote> shouts Paido, waving his sword darkened by the blood of the Drakkarim, <quote>before they regroup and attack again.</quote></p>
+ <p>Your killing blow beheads the evil warlord, sending the great bronze helm spinning skywards. The sight of him slain in such a way shakes the morale of his men, and they break off their attack abruptly, wheeling their horses about and galloping away in disorder. <quote>Let<ch.apos/>s fly,</quote> shouts Paido, waving his sword darkened by the blood of the Drakkarim, <quote>before they regroup and attack again.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect136">You sheathe your weapon and follow Paido as he leaves the track and rides along the stream to the west. <link-text>Turn to 136</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>145</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The dwarf draws two flagons of ale and a brace of wheat cakes from the counter. <quote>That'll be fifteen Lune, all told,</quote> he says, pushing two carved wooden platters with their mouthwatering cargoes a little closer. You flick open your Belt Pouch and take out four Crowns.</p>
+ <p>The dwarf draws two flagons of ale and a brace of wheat cakes from the counter. <quote>That<ch.apos/>ll be fifteen Lune, all told,</quote> he says, pushing two carved wooden platters with their mouthwatering cargoes a little closer. You flick open your Belt Pouch and take out four Crowns.</p>
<p><quote>This should cover it,</quote> you say, sliding the gold coins across the bar. He tests them between his teeth before nodding his approval.</p>
- <p><quote>No offence t'you two gentlemen, y'understand, but I've been caught with snide coinage afore an' it's made me a might careful like. These be Dessi mint, if I'm not mistaken?</quote> he enquires, his eye twinkling at the thought of hearing tales of that distant magical land.</p>
- <p><quote>Could be,</quote> says Paido, guardedly. <quote>The coins of Magnamund mix freely in Garthen's markets&emdash;there's no telling when those four last saw their birthplace.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>How about you, innkeeper?</quote> you interrupt, steering conversation away from Dessi. <quote>You're no native Talestrian. When did you last see your homeland?</quote> The dwarf's face beams as he prepares to talk on his favourite subject&emdash;himself. By the time you have finished your food and ale you have heard the life story of Lardin, son of Kardon of Bor.</p>
+ <p><quote>No offence t<ch.apos/>you two gentlemen, y<ch.apos/>understand, but I<ch.apos/>ve been caught with snide coinage afore an<ch.apos/> it<ch.apos/>s made me a might careful like. These be Dessi mint, if I<ch.apos/>m not mistaken?</quote> he enquires, his eye twinkling at the thought of hearing tales of that distant magical land.</p>
+ <p><quote>Could be,</quote> says Paido, guardedly. <quote>The coins of Magnamund mix freely in Garthen<ch.apos/>s markets<ch.emdash/>there<ch.apos/>s no telling when those four last saw their birthplace.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>How about you, innkeeper?</quote> you interrupt, steering conversation away from Dessi. <quote>You<ch.apos/>re no native Talestrian. When did you last see your homeland?</quote> The dwarf<ch.apos/>s face beams as he prepares to talk on his favourite subject<ch.emdash/>himself. By the time you have finished your food and ale you have heard the life story of Lardin, son of Kardon of Bor.</p>
<p><quote>What news have you of Luukos?</quote> asks Paido, as the dwarf takes a rare pause for breath.</p>
- <p><quote>News of a kind that's becomin' only too familiar round these parts,</quote> he replies in a disgruntled tone. <quote>But that Zegron's bitten off more than he can chew this time. Once Lord Adamas an' the army boys come down on 'im he'll wish he'd stayed in his stinkin' city o' Xanar, mark my words.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>Don't be too sure o' that, Lardin,</quote> says a rosy-faced farmer, who has sidled along the bar to within earshot of your conversation. <quote>My sister reckons that this time Zegron won't stop till he's flattened everything between Luukos and the Tentarias.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>That star-gazin' sister o' yours is full o' good news,</quote> retorts the dwarf. <quote>When 'as she ever seen anything cheerful with 'er telescopes an' charts an' crystal balls, eh? Answer me that!</quote> Agreement rumbles from the tavern crowd, now openly listening to the discussion.</p>
- <p><quote>That's as maybe,</quote> says the farmer. <quote>But when 'as she ever been wrong, eh?</quote> An uncomfortable silence fills the inn, and slowly the crowd return to their own business. No one, least of all the innkeeper, chooses to dwell on the matter any further.</p>
+ <p><quote>News of a kind that<ch.apos/>s becomin<ch.apos/> only too familiar round these parts,</quote> he replies in a disgruntled tone. <quote>But that Zegron<ch.apos/>s bitten off more than he can chew this time. Once Lord Adamas an<ch.apos/> the army boys come down on <ch.apos/>im he<ch.apos/>ll wish he<ch.apos/>d stayed in his stinkin<ch.apos/> city o<ch.apos/> Xanar, mark my words.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Don<ch.apos/>t be too sure o<ch.apos/> that, Lardin,</quote> says a rosy-faced farmer, who has sidled along the bar to within earshot of your conversation. <quote>My sister reckons that this time Zegron won<ch.apos/>t stop till he<ch.apos/>s flattened everything between Luukos and the Tentarias.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>That star-gazin<ch.apos/> sister o<ch.apos/> yours is full o<ch.apos/> good news,</quote> retorts the dwarf. <quote>When <ch.apos/>as she ever seen anything cheerful with <ch.apos/>er telescopes an<ch.apos/> charts an<ch.apos/> crystal balls, eh? Answer me that!</quote> Agreement rumbles from the tavern crowd, now openly listening to the discussion.</p>
+ <p><quote>That<ch.apos/>s as maybe,</quote> says the farmer. <quote>But when <ch.apos/>as she ever been wrong, eh?</quote> An uncomfortable silence fills the inn, and slowly the crowd return to their own business. No one, least of all the innkeeper, chooses to dwell on the matter any further.</p>
<choice idref="sect262">If you wish to ask the farmer where his sister lives, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect318">If you decide to leave the tavern and continue your journey to Tharro, <link-text>turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>147</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are welcomed by an attractive young woman with long, jet-black hair, woven into a single plait that reaches almost to her waist. She is dressed in a green suede-cloth tunic, similar to your own, and wears soft, calf-skin gloves. In addition to the maps, which she researches and draws herself, she also sells all manner of hunting and scouting equipment. She takes an obvious delight in her work and shows you samples of her maps, which are excellent for their accuracy and attention to detail. You ask her if she has ever prepared a map of the Danarg and she turns strangely silent. Tears begin to fill her dark eyes as she recalls how she and her father once explored beyond the fringes of that fearsome domain. They had planned to map its internal waterways and, if luck was with them, discover the lost temple of the Elder Magi. With sadness she tells of her father's death in the jaws of a monster that had stalked them from the moment they had entered the jungle-swamp. She escaped but not unscathed. As she fought to free her father from the mouth of the beast she was badly burned by its caustic saliva. Carefully she removes one of her calf-skin gloves and reveals an injured hand. The sight of the angry red scar tissue fills you with compassion for this brave young woman.</p>
+ <p>You are welcomed by an attractive young woman with long, jet-black hair, woven into a single plait that reaches almost to her waist. She is dressed in a green suede-cloth tunic, similar to your own, and wears soft, calf-skin gloves. In addition to the maps, which she researches and draws herself, she also sells all manner of hunting and scouting equipment. She takes an obvious delight in her work and shows you samples of her maps, which are excellent for their accuracy and attention to detail. You ask her if she has ever prepared a map of the Danarg and she turns strangely silent. Tears begin to fill her dark eyes as she recalls how she and her father once explored beyond the fringes of that fearsome domain. They had planned to map its internal waterways and, if luck was with them, discover the lost temple of the Elder Magi. With sadness she tells of her father<ch.apos/>s death in the jaws of a monster that had stalked them from the moment they had entered the jungle-swamp. She escaped but not unscathed. As she fought to free her father from the mouth of the beast she was badly burned by its caustic saliva. Carefully she removes one of her calf-skin gloves and reveals an injured hand. The sight of the angry red scar tissue fills you with compassion for this brave young woman.</p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Gary Chalk</creator>
- <description>The young woman shows you her maps and<br />with sadness tells of her father's death</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>The young woman shows you her maps and</line>
+ <line>with sadness tells of her father<ch.apos/>s death.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="698" />
<instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="698" />
</illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect44">If you wish to question her further about the Danarg, <link-text>turn to 44</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect204">If you wish to bid her good evening and leave the shop, <link-text>turn to 204</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>149</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The old man steps aside, nursing his injured pride. <quote>Teach these upstarts a lesson they'll never forget!</quote> he shouts, his command ringing in your ears. Without saying a word you and Paido spur your horses to a trot and move rapidly towards the villagers. They had not expected this. Several of them lower their forks and staves and shift nervously in the line.</p>
+ <p>The old man steps aside, nursing his injured pride. <quote>Teach these upstarts a lesson they<ch.apos/>ll never forget!</quote> he shouts, his command ringing in your ears. Without saying a word you and Paido spur your horses to a trot and move rapidly towards the villagers. They had not expected this. Several of them lower their forks and staves and shift nervously in the line.</p>
<p><quote>Go!</quote> shouts Paido and, in a matter of seconds, you have broken through to the clear road beyond. For all their arrogance, the villagers and their vain old mayor are no match for two combat-hardened fighters. You leave the village of Stia without loss or injury and continue your journey north to Tharro.</p>
<choice idref="sect135"><link-text>Turn to 135</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>150</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You stop at noon to rest and review your progress. The starguider's homing signal has strengthened steadily, and Paido is optimistic that you will reach the temple before sundown if you can keep up your present pace. So far you have avoided the Danarg's more hostile inhabitants, but invisible dangers still lurk all around, waiting for you to lower your guard. You are hungry and must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You stop at noon to rest and review your progress. The starguider<ch.apos/>s homing signal has strengthened steadily, and Paido is optimistic that you will reach the temple before sundown if you can keep up your present pace. So far you have avoided the Danarg<ch.apos/>s more hostile inhabitants, but invisible dangers still lurk all around, waiting for you to lower your guard. You are hungry and must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect220">To continue, <link-text>turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>The hold is crowded with travellers on their way north. For most it is a regular journey home after selling their wares in Phoena. Their purses are full and their mood is friendly as they pass the time drinking and playing games of chance.</p>
<p>One of the crew glances up from serving and, wiping his hands on his apron, hurries over to welcome you to the floating tavern. He points to a plank table at the far end of the hold that is bowed beneath the weight of several kegs of ale and platters of food. He asks if you would care for some refreshment.</p>
<p><quote>Two jugs of ale,</quote> replies Paido, reaching for his pouch of crowns.</p>
- <p><quote>Certainly, sir,</quote> replies the bargee, in a servile tone. <quote>I have three fine ales to delight your palates&emdash;Ferina Nog, Chai-cheer, and Bor Brew.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Certainly, sir,</quote> replies the bargee, in a servile tone. <quote>I have three fine ales to delight your palates<ch.emdash/>Ferina Nog, Chai-cheer, and Bor Brew.</quote></p>
<p>Paido chooses a jug of Ferina Nog. Which ale will you choose?</p>
<choice idref="sect173">If you choose Ferina Nog, <link-text>turn to 173</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect218">If you choose Chai-cheer, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>154</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>A blinding pain rips through your chest, making you scream out. The room spins before your eyes as you gasp for air, and the pain drags you to the floor. Suddenly you feel no more&emdash;the pain has gone and with it the last beat of your punctured heart.</p>
+ <p>A blinding pain rips through your chest, making you scream out. The room spins before your eyes as you gasp for air, and the pain drags you to the floor. Suddenly you feel no more<ch.emdash/>the pain has gone and with it the last beat of your punctured heart.</p>
<choice>Your life and your quest end here.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The great snake flicks its tongue and lunges forward, intent on consuming you both in its massive jaws.</p>
<combat><enemy>Silver Swamp Python</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>Owing to the swiftness of its attack, you do not have time to use a bow. Unless you possess the Magnakai Discipline of Curing and have reached the rank of Primate, double all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses you sustain during the combat, due to the snake's venomous bite.</p>
+ <p>Owing to the swiftness of its attack, you do not have time to use a bow. Unless you possess the Magnakai Discipline of Curing and have reached the rank of Primate, double all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses you sustain during the combat, due to the snake<ch.apos/>s venomous bite.</p>
<choice idref="sect62">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 62</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>You sense that your wound has become infected with korovax bacillus, which infest the soil of northern Talestria. Talestrian korovax is a virulent disease
&emdash;only your Kai skill is delaying its swift and terrible effect. Unless you treat the wound within two days with Tincture of Oxydine or Oede herb, the muscles of your chest wall will suffer uncontrollable spasms. Then the inability to control your breathing will kill you within minutes.<a id="sect156-1" idref="sect156-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
+ <p>You sense that your wound has become infected with korovax bacillus, which infest the soil of northern Talestria. Talestrian korovax is a virulent disease
<ch.emdash/>only your Kai skill is delaying its swift and terrible effect. Unless you treat the wound within two days with Tincture of Oxydine or Oede herb, the muscles of your chest wall will suffer uncontrollable spasms. Then the inability to control your breathing will kill you within minutes.<a id="sect156-1" idref="sect156-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
<p>Owing to loss of blood you must now reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> by a further 6 points before continuing your ride to Tharro.</p>
<choice idref="sect318"><link-text>Turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>157</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>At the top of the stairs you pass through a curtained archway and step into a large prayer hall. A central aisle separates the pews of white wood, which face a golden pulpit with a facia shaped to resemble a flaming sword. Carefully you rest Paido on a pew and examine the glass vial you found in the kitchen. Your fears and suspicions are soon confirmed&emdash;it contains poison. The clear, sticky fluid is sap from the gnadurn tree, a substance used frequently by assassins because of its lack of flavour or scent. The monks must have put some of this poison in the food that Paido unwittingly consumed. The sap is deadly, and you must act quickly if you are to save your companion's life.</p>
+ <p>At the top of the stairs you pass through a curtained archway and step into a large prayer hall. A central aisle separates the pews of white wood, which face a golden pulpit with a facia shaped to resemble a flaming sword. Carefully you rest Paido on a pew and examine the glass vial you found in the kitchen. Your fears and suspicions are soon confirmed<ch.emdash/>it contains poison. The clear, sticky fluid is sap from the gnadurn tree, a substance used frequently by assassins because of its lack of flavour or scent. The monks must have put some of this poison in the food that Paido unwittingly consumed. The sap is deadly, and you must act quickly if you are to save your companion<ch.apos/>s life.</p>
<p>You hear the sound of running feet and the growl of dogs off the leash at the bottom of the stairs. Once more you shoulder your burden, carrying Paido towards the far end of the hall in search of an exit. Behind a drawn curtain you discover a door, but it is locked and bolted from the other side. The noise of your pursuers grows louder as they climb the stairs to the hall.</p>
<choice idref="sect67">If you have the Magnakai Discipline of Invisibility and have reached the rank of Tutelary, <link-text>turn to 67</link-text>.</choice>
<p>If you do not possess this skill, or have yet to reach the rank of Tutelary, you can:</p>
- <choice idref="sect96">hide in the pulpit&emdash;<link-text>turn to 96</link-text>;</choice>
- <choice idref="sect198">hide among the pews&emdash;<link-text>turn to 198</link-text>;</choice>
- <choice idref="sect305">or stand in the central aisle and await your pursuers&emdash;<link-text>turn to 305</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect96">hide in the pulpit<ch.emdash/><link-text>turn to 96</link-text>;</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect198">hide among the pews<ch.emdash/><link-text>turn to 198</link-text>;</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect305">or stand in the central aisle and await your pursuers<ch.emdash/><link-text>turn to 305</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>158</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you fight, the Vordak succeeds in driving its black steel sword through the side of the ship's pressure tank. A blast of liquid gas hisses from the hole, freezing the Vordak in its petrifying spray. From above comes a stream of blue fire that ignites the escaping gas. There is a flash, and in a fraction of a second, the Levitron is transformed into a colossal ball of flame.</p>
+ <p>As you fight, the Vordak succeeds in driving its black steel sword through the side of the ship<ch.apos/>s pressure tank. A blast of liquid gas hisses from the hole, freezing the Vordak in its petrifying spray. From above comes a stream of blue fire that ignites the escaping gas. There is a flash, and in a fraction of a second, the Levitron is transformed into a colossal ball of flame.</p>
<choice>Your life and your quest end here.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>The numbing cold robs you of the speed and strength needed to fight this evil enemy: lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Suddenly a wave of heat awakens your senses. Paido has summoned fire to his aid, wafting a sheet of flame down upon the spiders that are closing in for the kill. They flare brightly, their legs withering in the flames, their crackling black bodies dropping to the floor and crumbling to dust. Kezoor shrieks in frustration. He draws his sword before his face and mouths a silent spell of protection before lowering his blade and pointing it towards your chest.</p>
<combat><enemy>Kezoor</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">28</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>He is immune to Mindblast and Psi-surge. You may reduce by half any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses you sustain during the combat as Paido fights by your side, receiving half Kezoor's blows.</p>
+ <p>He is immune to Mindblast and Psi-surge. You may reduce by half any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses you sustain during the combat as Paido fights by your side, receiving half Kezoor<ch.apos/>s blows.</p>
<choice idref="sect46">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>160</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The Xlorg gurgles its last breath and falls dead, writhing briefly in the mud before becoming still with an uncanny abruptness. You turn to Paido and drag him away from the pool's edge, where his bleeding arm is attracting a crawling horde of hungry leeches.</p>
+ <p>The Xlorg gurgles its last breath and falls dead, writhing briefly in the mud before becoming still with an uncanny abruptness. You turn to Paido and drag him away from the pool<ch.apos/>s edge, where his bleeding arm is attracting a crawling horde of hungry leeches.</p>
<p>You leave the pool and press on along the muddy trail, glancing back once. No sign remains of the dead Xlorg; their bodies have already been claimed by the creatures of the pool.</p>
<choice idref="sect192"><link-text>Turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>161</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>Summon the brothers!</quote> commands the menacing figure in black. You draw an arrow and fire, felling one of the brown-robed monks as they rush to the door. The other escapes, slamming shut the door as he hurries to obey his master's order.</p>
+ <p><quote>Summon the brothers!</quote> commands the menacing figure in black. You draw an arrow and fire, felling one of the brown-robed monks as they rush to the door. The other escapes, slamming shut the door as he hurries to obey his master<ch.apos/>s order.</p>
<choice idref="sect208">If you wish to fire your bow at the remaining black-robed monk, <link-text>turn to 208</link-text>.</choice&
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