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-<gamebook xml:lang="en-UK" version="0.11">
-
-<!--
-
-$Id$
-$Log$
-Revision 1.3 2005/03/26 16:22:12 jonathan.blake
-Adding Illustrator Transcription credits that went missing since
-The Masters of Darkness
-
-Revision 1.2 2005/03/10 18:21:51 jonathan.blake
-Removed link to old staff email address.
-
-Revision 1.1 2004/11/09 06:47:15 jonathan.blake
-Initial Freepository revision
-
-
-//// RCS Revision Log ////
-
-Revision 1.12 2003/01/27 22:11:39 jblake
-Checkin prior to global footnote change
-
-Revision 1.11 2003/01/27 21:53:41 jblake
-Checkin prior to making global change to footnote structure.
-
-Revision 1.10 2003/01/09 20:41:40 jblake
-Added small12 and minor validity corrections.
-
-Revision 1.9 2003/01/08 16:30:00 jdougan
-- Added Peter Smyth to "Special Thanks" (for providing primary illustration captions)
-- Cross-check against posted //non-errata// mistakes (trying to ensure that nothing was missed)
-- inserted code for large illustrations
-- placed all small illustrations except for small12 (which, per SOSBORNE, does not appear to have a good place to go)
-- updated tables of illustrations
-- added footnote to Section 15 for riddle solution. (The other correct riddle explanation provides a correct answer, and the obvious incorrect answer makes it obvious that the solution is incorrect.)
-
-Revision 1.8 2003/01/07 00:30:28 jblake
-Errata corrections and general cleanup.
-
-Revision 1.7 2002/11/12 18:53:00 jblake
-Fixed validity errors.
-
-Revision 1.6 2002/11/06 01:14:00 jdougan
-- attempted reasonable link for 14TCoK in front matter and section 350.
-- dougan note to jblake: should we renumber the versions in which validity errors have been corrected and no other changes made to, e.g. 1.4.1? Or is that possible with your version control tools?
-- created section structure (without prev/next links) for Combat Rules, ranks, and improved disciplines
-- replaced all relevant ' with '
-- corrected proofreader errata as noted.
-
-Revision 1.5 2002/10/31 18:21:36 jblake
-Corrected validity errors.
-
-Revision 1.4 2002/10/31 18:10:00 jdougan
-- Inserted escape sequences for emdash (48 occurrences) and endash (18 sections)
-- Pasted backmatter from TPoT; removed data from errata, lists, etc.
-- put in <quote></quote> where appropriate
-
-Revision 1.3 2002/10/31 16:49:23 jblake
-Corrected validity errors.
-
-Revision 1.2 2002/10/30 20:36:07 jdougan
-- Inserted paragraph delimiters throughout front matter
-- linked all front matter occurrences of Action Chart
-- Marked all front matter occurrences of COMBAT SKILL and ENDURANCE with <typ></typ> markup
-- Began to insert <section><data></data></section> structure into front matter. (incomplete)
-- Linked all front matter occurrences of the random number table
-- Noticed that none of the Grand Master Disciplines have the usual "if you choose this skill..." paragraph. Should we add these?
-- Entered the credits (transcription, XML, Proofreading)
-- front matter is missing the "how to carry" section - something seems a little wonky in general. closing out the currently open data and sections, then sending it back to Jon.
-
-Revision 1.1 2002/10/20 06:49:07 jblake
-Initial revision
-
-//////////////////////////
-
-Pending errata - TPLOR
-
-(3) Under Bows and Arrows, page 33, do we add 3 or 5 to numbers we pick from the RNT?
-
-==>JDOUGAN: I can make the case both ways, but suspect that it should probably be +3.
-
-(4) {JDOUGAN} The example combat has a major mistake, adding +3 CS for using Kai-surge - this gives a wrong Combat Ratio, with consequently wrong EP losses for both participants. What's the best way to fix it?
-
-Section 127: First sentence doesn't make sense grammatically.
-
-Secction 133: pathsmanship > Pathsmanship ?
-Changes made:
-<li>The Story So Far: Changed <quote>Ragador</quote> to <quote>Ragadorn</quote></li>
-<li>How to Use Your Equipment/Weapons: Amended the text to correctly reflect the +5 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus for Grand Weaponmastery</li>
-<li>Section 2: Changed <quote>Extermius</quote> to <quote>Exterminus</quote></li>
-<li>Section 7: Changed <quote>crease</quote> to <quote>cease</quote></li>
-<li>Section 7: Changed <quote>fowards</quote> to <quote>forwards</quote></li>
-<li>Section 24: Changed <quote>agarashi</quote> to <quote>Agarashi</quote></li>
-<li>Section 24: Changed <quote>it red eyes</quote> to <quote>its red eyes</quote></li>
-<li>Section 31: Changed <quote>agarashi</quote> to <quote>Agarashi</quote></li>
-<li>Section 35: Changed <quote>as it they were</quote> to <quote>as if they were</quote></li>
-<li>Section 41: Changed <quote>suface</quote> to <quote>surface</quote></li>
-<li>Section 41: Changed <quote>aproaches</quote> to <quote>approaches</quote></li>
-<li>Section 47: Changed <quote>eg</quote> to <quote>i.e.</quote></li>
-
-==>jdougan: in context, this is the proper abbreviation - we want "that is", not "for the sake of an example", because the list provided is complete
-
-<li>Section 50: Changed <quote>seeth</quote> to <quote>seethe</quote></li>
-<li>Section 106: Changed <quote>youself</quote> to <quote>yourself</quote></li>
-<li>Section 108: Changed <quote>imposter</quote> to <quote>impostor</quote></li>
-<li>Section 110: Changed <quote>agarashi</quote> to <quote>Agarashi</quote></li>
-<li>Section 121: Changed <quote>agarashi's</quote> to <quote>Agarashi's</quote></li>
-<li>Section 127: Changed <quote>gong echoes n some</quote> to <quote>gong echoes in some</quote></li>
-<li>Section 127: Changed <quote>begining</quote> to <quote>beginning</quote></li>
-<li>Section 131: Changed <quote>foward</quote> to <quote>forward</quote></li>
-<li>Section 131: Changed <quote>agarashi</quote> to <quote>Agarashi</quote> in two places</li>
-<li>Section 186: Changed <quote>suface</quote> to <quote>surface</quote></li>
-<li>Section 188: Changed <quote>Grand Mastery</quote> to <quote>Grand Nexus</quote></li>
-
-==>JDOUGAN: Based on the text of section 203, this is probably what was intended
+ <!ENTITY % general.inclusions SYSTEM "geninc.mod">
+ %general.inclusions;
+]>
-<li>Section 220: Changed <quote>0&endash;2 turn</quote> to <quote>0&endash;2, turn</quote></li>
-<li>Section 223: Changed <quote>Unforturnately</quote> to <quote>Unfortunately</quote></li>
-<li>Section 256: Changed <quote>creatures snarls</quote> to <quote>creature snarls</quote></li>
-<li>Section 266: Changed <quote>flame, Two</quote> to <quote>flame. Two</quote></li>
-<li>Section 277: Changed <quote>stength</quote> to <quote>strength</quote></li>
-<li>Section 310: Changed <quote>lifiting</quote> to <quote>lifting</quote></li>
-<li>Section 320: Changed <quote>suddeness</quote> to <quote>suddenness</quote></li>
-
--->
+<gamebook xml:lang="en-UK" version="0.12">
<meta>
<title>The Plague Lords of Ruel</title>
- <creator class="short">Joe Dever and Brian Williams</creator>
- <creator class="medium">Joe Dever<br />Illustrated by Brian Williams</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>Brian Williams</strong> was first noticed by Joe Dever for his work in White Dwarf magazine (circa issue 50) and the Real Life Adventure series by Jon Sutherland. Brian Williams was Joe's first choice of illustrators to replace Gary Chalk. Jon, being an old friend of Joe's, introduced the two. Brian was excited to work with Joe on the Lone Wolf series. He illustrated <cite>The Cauldron of Fear</cite> and almost every book about Magnamund since that time.</p>
- </creator>
- <publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
- <date class="publication"><year>2003</year><month>2</month><day>1</day></date>
- <description class="blurb">
- <p>You are the warrior Lone Wolf&emdash;Kai Grand Master of Sommerlund. You have defeated the Darklords of Helgedad and avenged your murdered ancestors, but now you are challenged by a sinister evil which threatens to destroy all life on your home world of Magnamund.</p>
- <p>In <cite>The Plague Lords of Ruel</cite> your mission is to prevent the malevolent Cener Druids of Ruel from releasing a deadly plague virus that will destroy all but their own kind. Of all the warriors of Magnamund only you can thwart their wicked plans&emdash;for only you possess the disciplines of a Kai Grand Master.</p>
- </description>
- <description class="publication">
- <p>Internet Edition published by <a href="http://www.projectaon.org/">Project Aon</a>. This edition is intended to reflect the complete text of the original version. Where we have made minor corrections, they will be noted in the <a idref="errata">Errata</a>.</p>
- </description>
- <rights class="copyrights">Text copyright © 1990 Joe Dever.<br />Illustrations copyright © 1990 Brian Williams.</rights>
- <rights class="license-notification">
- <p>Text copyright © 1990 Joe Dever.<br />Illustrations copyright © 1990 Brian Williams.<br />Distribution of this Internet Edition is restricted under the terms of the <a idref="license">Project Aon License</a>.</p>
- </rights>
-</meta>
+ <creator class="short">Joe Dever and Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator class="medium">
+ <line>Joe Dever</line>
+ <line>Illustrated by Brian Williams</line>
+ </creator>
+ <creator class="long">
+ &inclusion.joe.dever.bio.lw;
+ &inclusion.brian.williams.bio.lw;
+ </creator>
+ <publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
+ <date class="publication"><year>2007</year><month>7</month><day>22</day></date>
+ <description class="blurb">
+ <p>You are the warrior Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>Kai Grand Master of Sommerlund. You have defeated the Darklords of Helgedad and avenged your murdered ancestors, but now you are challenged by a sinister evil which threatens to destroy all life on your home world of Magnamund.</p>
+ <p>In <cite>The Plague Lords of Ruel</cite> your mission is to prevent the malevolent Cener Druids of Ruel from releasing a deadly plague virus that will destroy all but their own kind. Of all the warriors of Magnamund only you can thwart their wicked plans<ch.emdash/>for only you possess the disciplines of a Kai Grand Master.</p>
+ </description>
+ <description class="publication">
+ <p>Internet Edition published by <a href="http://www.projectaon.org/">Project Aon</a>. This edition is intended to reflect the complete text of the original version. Where we have made minor corrections, they will be noted in the <a idref="errata">Errata</a>.</p>
+ </description>
+ <rights class="copyrights">
+ <line>Text copyright <ch.copy></ch.copy> 1990 Joe Dever.</line>
+ <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy></ch.copy> 1990 Brian Williams.</line>
+ </rights>
+ <rights class="license-notification">
+ <p>
+ <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> Joe Dever.</line>
+ <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> Brian Williams.</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>
<section id="toc">
<meta><title>Table of Contents</title></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>Illustration Transcription</dt>
<dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
<dt>XML</dt>
- <dd>Jonathan Blake<br />Jeff Dougan</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
+ <line>Jeff Dougan</line>
+ <line>Simon Osborne</line>
+ </dd>
<dt>Action Charts</dt>
- <dd>JC Alvarez<br />Jonathan Blake</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>JC Alvarez</line>
+ <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
+ </dd>
<dt>Proofreading</dt>
- <dd>Daniel Nash (Sections 71&endash;105) <br />Simon Osborne (Frontmatter, Sections 1&endash;70, 106&endash;140, 176&endash;350) <br />Tony Wrigley (Sections 141&endash;175)</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Daniel Nash (Sections 71<ch.endash/>105)</line>
+ <line>Simon Osborne (Frontmatter, Sections 1<ch.endash/>70, 106<ch.endash/>140, 176<ch.endash/>350)</line>
+ <line>Tony Wrigley (Sections 141<ch.endash/>175)</line>
+ </dd>
<dt>Editing</dt>
- <dd>Jeff Dougan<br/>Christopher Lundgren<br />Ingo Klöcker<br/>Simon Osborne<br/>Thomas Wolmer</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Jeff Dougan</line>
+ <line>Christopher Lundgren</line>
+ <line>Ingo Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
+ <line>LeRoy McSwain</line>
+ <line>Simon Osborne</line>
+ <line>Thomas Wolmer</line>
+ </dd>
<!-- <dt>PDF Layout</dt>
<dd></dd>-->
<dt>Coordination</dt>
<dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
<dt>Special Thanks</dt>
- <dd>Boris Basic<br />Martin Ryland<br />Peter Smyth<br />Jason Thomas</dd>
+ <dd>Boris Basic, Dan Carter, Ben Libert, Neil McGrory, Martin Ryland, Peter Smyth, Jason Thomas, and Arthur Yin</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 Grand Master Lone Wolf, last of the Kai Lords of Sommerlund and sole survivor of a massacre that wiped out the First Order of your élite warrior caste.</p>
- <p>It is the year MS 5075 and twenty-five years have passed since your brave kinsmen perished at the hands of the Darklords of Helgedad. These champions of evil, who were sent forth by Naar, the King of the Darkness, to destroy the fertile world of Magnamund, have themselves since been destroyed. You vowed to avenge the murder of the Kai and you kept your pledge, for it was you who brought about their downfall when alone you infiltrated their foul domain&emdash;the Darklands&emdash;and caused the destruction of their leader, Archlord Gnaag, and the core of their cancerous power that was the infernal city of Helgedad.</p>
+ <p>You are Grand Master Lone Wolf, last of the Kai Lords of Sommerlund and sole survivor of a massacre that wiped out the First Order of your <ch.eacute/>lite warrior caste.</p>
+ <p>It is the year MS 5075 and twenty-five years have passed since your brave kinsmen perished at the hands of the Darklords of Helgedad. These champions of evil, who were sent forth by Naar, the King of the Darkness, to destroy the fertile world of Magnamund, have themselves since been destroyed. You vowed to avenge the murder of the Kai and you kept your pledge, for it was you who brought about their downfall when alone you infiltrated their foul domain<ch.emdash/>the Darklands<ch.emdash/>and caused the destruction of their leader, Archlord Gnaag, and the core of their cancerous power that was the infernal city of Helgedad.</p>
<p>In the wake of their destruction, chaos befell the Darkland armies who, until then, had been poised to conquer all of Northern Magnamund. Some factions which comprised this huge army, most notably the barbaric Drakkarim, began to fight with the others for control. This disorder quickly escalated into an all-out civil war, which allowed the Freeland armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a counter-offensive. Skilfully their commanders exploited the chaos and secured a swift and total victory over an enemy far superior in numbers.</p>
- <p>For five years now peace has reigned in Sommerlund. Under your direction, the once-ruined monastery of the Kai has been thoroughly rebuilt and restored to its former glory, and you have begun the task of training a Second Order of Kai warriors so that the skills and proud traditions of your ancestors will be carried forward in the centuries to come. The new generation of Kai recruits, all of whom were born during the era of war against the Darklords, possess latent Kai skills and show exceptional promise. These skills will be nurtured and honed to perfection during their time at the monastery so that they may teach and inspire future generations, thereby ensuring the continued security of your homeland in future years.</p>
- <p>Your attainment of the rank of Kai Grand Master brought with it great rewards. Some, such as the restoration of the Kai and the undying gratitude of your fellow Sommlending, could have been anticipated. Yet there have also been rewards which you could not possibly have foreseen. The discovery that within you lay the potential to develop Kai Disciplines beyond those of the Magnakai, which, until now, were thought to be the ultimate that a Kai Master could aspire to, was truly a revelation. Your discovery has inspired you to set out upon a new and previously unknown path in search of the wisdom and power that no Kai lord before you has ever possessed. In the name of your creator, the God Kai, and for the greater glory of Sommerlund and the Goddess Ishir, you have vowed to reach the very pinnacle of Kai perfection&emdash;to attain all of the Grand Master Disciplines and become the first Kai Supreme Master.</p>
- <p>With diligence and determination you set about the restoration of the Kai monastery and organized the training of the Second Order recruits. Your efforts were soon rewarded and, within the space of two short years, the first raw recruits had graduated to become a cadre of gifted Kai Masters who, in turn, were able to commence the teaching of their skills to subsequent intakes of Kai novices. Readily the Kai Masters rose to their new-found responsibilities, leaving you free to devote more of your time to the pursuit and perfection of the Grand Master Disciplines. During this period you also received expert tutelage in the ways of magic from two of your most trusted friends and advisors: Guildmaster Banedon, leader of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star, and Lord Rimoah, speaker for the High Council of the Elder Magi.</p>
- <p>In the deepest subterranean level of the monastery, one hundred feet below the Tower of the Sun, you ordered the excavation and construction of a special vault. In this magnificent chamber wrought of granite and gold, you placed the seven Lorestones of Nyxator, the gems of Kai power that you had recovered during your quest for the Magnakai. It was here, bathed in the golden light of those radiant gems, that you spent countless hours in pursuit of perfection. Sometimes alone, sometimes in the company of your two able advisors&emdash;Banedon and Rimoah&emdash;you worked hard to develop your innate Grand Master Disciplines and grasp the fundamental secrets of left-handed and Old Kingdom magic. During this time you noticed many remarkable changes taking place within your body: you became physically and mentally stronger, your five primary senses sharpened beyond all that you had experienced before, and, perhaps most remarkably, your body began to age at a much slower rate. Now, for every five years that elapse you age but one year.</p>
- <p>At this time many changes were also occurring beyond the borders of Sommerlund. In the regions to the north-east of Magador and the Maakengorge, the Elder Magi of Dessi and the Herbwardens of Bautar were working together in an effort to restore the dusty volcanic wasteland to its former fertile state. It was the first tentative step towards the reclamation of all the Darklands. However, although they had had notable successes in these regions, generally their progress was painfully slow and both parties were resigned to the fact that their efforts to undo the damage caused by the Darklords would take not years but centuries to complete.</p>
+ <p>For five years now peace has reigned in Sommerlund. Under your direction, the once-ruined Monastery of the Kai has been thoroughly rebuilt and restored to its former glory, and you have begun the task of training a Second Order of Kai warriors so that the skills and proud traditions of your ancestors will be carried forward in the centuries to come. The new generation of Kai recruits, all of whom were born during the era of war against the Darklords, possess latent Kai skills and show exceptional promise. These skills will be nurtured and honed to perfection during their time at the monastery so that they may teach and inspire future generations, thereby ensuring the continued security of your homeland in future years.</p>
+ <p>Your attainment of the rank of Kai Grand Master brought with it great rewards. Some, such as the restoration of the Kai and the undying gratitude of your fellow Sommlending, could have been anticipated. Yet there have also been rewards which you could not possibly have foreseen. The discovery that within you lay the potential to develop Kai Disciplines beyond those of the Magnakai, which, until now, were thought to be the ultimate that a Kai Master could aspire to, was truly a revelation. Your discovery has inspired you to set out upon a new and previously unknown path in search of the wisdom and power that no Kai Lord before you has ever possessed. In the name of your creator, the God Kai, and for the greater glory of Sommerlund and the Goddess Ishir, you have vowed to reach the very pinnacle of Kai perfection<ch.emdash/>to attain all of the Grand Master Disciplines and become the first Kai Supreme Master.</p>
+ <p>With diligence and determination you set about the restoration of the Kai monastery and organized the training of the Second Order recruits. Your efforts were soon rewarded and, within the space of two short years, the first raw recruits had graduated to become a cadre of gifted Kai Masters who, in turn, were able to commence the teaching of their skills to subsequent intakes of Kai novices. Readily the Kai Masters rose to their newfound responsibilities, leaving you free to devote more of your time to the pursuit and perfection of the Grand Master Disciplines. During this period you also received expert tutelage in the ways of magic from two of your most trusted friends and advisors: Guildmaster Banedon, leader of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star, and Lord Rimoah, speaker for the High Council of the Elder Magi.</p>
+ <p>In the deepest subterranean level of the monastery, one hundred feet below the Tower of the Sun, you ordered the excavation and construction of a special vault. In this magnificent chamber wrought of granite and gold you placed the seven Lorestones of Nyxator, the gems of Kai power that you had recovered during your quest for the Magnakai. It was here, bathed in the golden light of those radiant gems, that you spent countless hours in pursuit of perfection. Sometimes alone, sometimes in the company of your two able advisors<ch.emdash/>Banedon and Rimoah<ch.emdash/>you worked hard to develop your innate Grand Master Disciplines and grasp the fundamental secrets of Left-handed and Old Kingdom magic. During this time you noticed many remarkable changes taking place within your body: you became physically and mentally stronger, your five primary senses sharpened beyond all that you had experienced before, and, perhaps most remarkably, your body began to age at a much slower rate. Now, for every five years that elapse you age but one year.</p>
+ <p>At this time many changes were also occurring beyond the borders of Sommerlund. In the regions to the northeast of Magador and the Maakengorge, the Elder Magi of Dessi and the Herbwardens of Bautar were working together in an effort to restore the dusty volcanic wasteland to its former fertile state. It was the first tentative step towards the reclamation of all the Darklands. However, although they had had notable successes in these regions, generally their progress was painfully slow and both parties were resigned to the fact that their efforts to undo the damage caused by the Darklords would take not years but centuries to complete.</p>
<p>In the far west, the Drakkarim had retreated to their homelands and were engaged in a bloody war against the Lencians. Much of Nyras had been reclaimed by the armies of King Sarnac, the Lencian commander, and his flag now flew over a land which, two thousand years ago, had once been part of Lencia.</p>
- <p>Following the destruction of the Darklords of Helgedad, the Giaks, the most prolific in number of all of Gnaag's troops, fled into the Darklands and sought refuge in the gigantic city-fortresses of Nadgazad, Aarnak, Gournen and Kaag. Within each of these hellish strongholds there exists now a state of frenzied civil war as remnants of the Xaghash (lesser Darklords) and the Nadziranim (evil practitioners of right-handed magic who once aided individual Darklord masters) fight for control. By virtue of their geographic locations, and the struggles taking place within them, each of these city-fortresses is isolated from the next and poses no immediate threat to the peoples of the Free Kingdoms. It is widely believed that by the time the Elder Magi and the Herbalish reach the walls of these strongholds the occupants will have long since brought about their own extinction.</p>
+ <p>Following the destruction of the Darklords of Helgedad, the Giaks, the most prolific in number of all of Gnaag<ch.apos/>s troops, fled into the Darklands and sought refuge in the gigantic city-fortresses of Nadgazad, Aarnak, Gournen, and Kaag. Within each of these hellish strongholds there exists now a state of frenzied civil war as remnants of the Xaghash (lesser Darklords) and the Nadziranim (evil practitioners of Right-handed magic who once aided individual Darklord masters) fight for control. By virtue of their geographic locations, and the struggles taking place within them, each of these city-fortresses is isolated from the next and poses no immediate threat to the peoples of the Free Kingdoms. It is widely believed that by the time the Elder Magi and the Herbalish reach the walls of these strongholds the occupants will have long since brought about their own extinction.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, throughout Northern Magnamund, peace reigns victorious and the peoples of the Free Kingdoms rejoice in the knowledge that the age of the Darklords has finally come to an end. Readily men have exchanged their swords for hoes and their shields for ploughs, and now the only marching they do is along the ruts of their freshly furrowed fields. Few are the watchful eyes that scan the distant horizon in fear of what may appear, although there are still those who maintain their vigilance, for the agents of Naar come in many guises and there are those upon Magnamund who wait quietly in the shadows for the chance to do his evil bidding.</p>
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="195"/>
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- </illustration>
- <p>Often, over the past two years, Lord Rimoah has warned you to be wary of one such group. They are known as the Cener Druids and they occupy a small forested realm to the south of the Stornlands called Ruel, which they have made virtually impregnable to invasion through the use of evil herbcraft. Once, long ago, after the defeat of Naar's greatest champion&emdash;Agarash the Damned&emdash;they were used by Naar as agents of revenge. Then they formulated and released a plague that decimated the Elder Magi and left the way open for their conquest of Magnamund. Now the Elder Magi fear that, as before, Naar will use them again to enact revenge for the defeat of his champions. They fear that they will seek to destroy the Second Order of the Kai before it becomes too strong, for your quest for mastery of the Grand Master Disciplines has opened a door to such goodly power that even Naar himself may be unable to counter it. Unless he closes that door, others of your kind could soon be following in your footsteps.</p>
- <p>Already the Elder Magi have petitioned the courts of all the Freeland rulers, beseeching them to act immediately and destroy the Cenerese before it is too late. Many of the kingdoms they have visited unwittingly harboured secret sects of Cener Druids who practised their vile herbcraft, often in remote areas. Sommerlund was one such land. Only a year ago, a sect of Cenerese was found in the foothills of the Durncrags engaging in blood rituals at a site less than a day's ride from the Kai monastery. News of this prompted action which brought about a scourge of the Lastlands and forced many Cenerese sects to flee to the safety of Ruel. The regular armies of three nations&emdash;Palmyrion, Lourden, and Slovia&emdash;are now encamped around its border in an attempt to contain the Cener threat. They remain watchful, but that is all they can hope to do. The Cenerese are too powerful within their own domain for the Freeland armies to dare launch an invasion. One such attempt has already ended in disaster. Six months ago an allied force numbering seven thousand men entered the Forest of Ruel, intent on storming the Cenerese fortress of Mogaruith and razing it to the ground. Seven thousand men went into the forest; only seventy returned alive.</p>
- <p>Despite the vigilance of the three Freeland armies, the containment of the Cenerese threat within Ruel has not been entirely successful. To the south, the Cenerese can enter and leave their realm by means of tunnels which honeycomb the Skardos Mountains. These secret passages emerge in the free state of Caron, at the northern edge of the Rootstrangle Swamp which, in due course, drains into the Tentarias (the great waterway which divides the northern and southern continents of Magnamund). Once access to the Tentarias has been achieved, the Cenerese are virtually free to sail to any port or country of their choosing. Caron is helpless to prevent the Cenerese from using this route through their land. They are a poor nation with few resources, and the Rootstrangle Swamp is one of the most difficult places to patrol. It comprises a constantly shifting morass of mud flats and rotting vegetation, inhabited only by Tzargs&emdash;a carnivorous race of frog-like animals originally bred by the Cenerese for the sole purpose of guiding them through the swamp's ever-shifting channels.</p>
- <p>On midsummer's day, Lord Rimoah arrived at the monastery without, as was customary on such occasions, any forewarning of his visit. His unexpected appearance surprised the other Kai and caused them to speculate in whispers about the reasons for his journey. Yet his coming was of no surprise to you. For days you had experienced a feeling of unease, a presentiment that your orderly life at the monastery was about to undergo a dramatic change. Rimoah brought with him a glass phial of pale green liquid, a liquid that was proof-positive that the Cenerese were indeed preparing to enact Naar's revenge upon the Free Kingdoms of Magnamund.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="195"></instance>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="195"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>Often, over the past two years, Lord Rimoah has warned you to be wary of one such group. They are known as the Cener Druids and they occupy a small forested realm to the south of the Stornlands called Ruel, which they have made virtually impregnable to invasion through the use of evil herbcraft. Once, long ago, after the defeat of Naar<ch.apos/>s greatest champion<ch.emdash/>Agarash the Damned<ch.emdash/>they were used by Naar as agents of revenge. Then they formulated and released a plague that decimated the Elder Magi and left the way open for their conquest of Magnamund. Now the Elder Magi fear that, as before, Naar will use them again to enact revenge for the defeat of his champions. They fear that they will seek to destroy the Second Order of the Kai before it becomes too strong, for your quest for mastery of the Grand Master Disciplines has opened a door to such goodly power that even Naar himself may be unable to counter it. Unless he closes that door, others of your kind could soon be following in your footsteps.</p>
+ <p>Already the Elder Magi have petitioned the courts of all the Freeland rulers, beseeching them to act immediately and destroy the Cenerese before it is too late. Many of the kingdoms they have visited unwittingly harboured secret sects of Cener Druids who practised their vile herbcraft, often in remote areas. Sommerlund was one such land. Only a year ago, a sect of Cenerese was found in the foothills of the Durncrags engaging in blood rituals at a site less than a day<ch.apos/>s ride from the Kai monastery. News of this prompted action which brought about a scourge of the Lastlands and forced many Cenerese sects to flee to the safety of Ruel. The regular armies of three nations<ch.emdash/>Palmyrion, Lourden, and Slovia<ch.emdash/>are now encamped around its border in an attempt to contain the Cener threat. They remain watchful, but that is all they can hope to do. The Cenerese are too powerful within their own domain for the Freeland armies to dare launch an invasion. One such attempt has already ended in disaster. Six months ago an allied force numbering seven thousand men entered the Forest of Ruel, intent on storming the Cenerese fortress of Mogaruith and razing it to the ground. Seven thousand men went into the forest; only seventy returned alive.</p>
+ <p>Despite the vigilance of the three Freeland armies, the containment of the Cenerese threat within Ruel has not been entirely successful. To the south, the Cenerese can enter and leave their realm by means of tunnels which honeycomb the Skardos Mountains. These secret passages emerge in the free state of Caron, at the northern edge of the Rootstrangle Swamp which, in due course, drains into the Tentarias (the great waterway which divides the northern and southern continents of Magnamund). Once access to the Tentarias has been achieved, the Cenerese are virtually free to sail to any port or country of their choosing. Caron is helpless to prevent the Cenerese from using this route through their land. They are a poor nation with few resources, and the Rootstrangle Swamp is one of the most difficult places to patrol. It comprises a constantly shifting morass of mud flats and rotting vegetation, inhabited only by Tzargs<ch.emdash/>a carnivorous race of frog-like animals originally bred by the Cenerese for the sole purpose of guiding them through the swamp<ch.apos/>s ever-shifting channels.</p>
+ <p>On midsummer<ch.apos/>s day, Lord Rimoah arrived at the monastery without, as was customary on such occasions, any forewarning of his visit. His unexpected appearance surprised the other Kai and caused them to speculate in whispers about the reasons for his journey. Yet his coming was of no surprise to you. For days you had experienced a feeling of unease, a presentiment that your orderly life at the monastery was about to undergo a dramatic change. Rimoah brought with him a glass phial of pale green liquid, a liquid that was proof-positive that the Cenerese were indeed preparing to enact Naar<ch.apos/>s revenge upon the Free Kingdoms of Magnamund.</p>
<p>The phial had been found among the possessions of a Cener Druid who had been caught in the city of Ragadorn after having been followed there by a watchful Herbwarden from Bautar. Under interrogation, the Cener revealed that he had been sent to Ragadorn by Arch Druid Cadak, the ruler of Ruel, to distribute the phials of this liquid to agents sympathetic to the Cenerese cause. The Herbwarden had sent the phial to Dessi where the Elder Magi, upon analysing the liquid, discovered it to be a powerful vaccine against a new and complex plague virus. Judging by the composition of the vaccine, this plague virus would prove to be several times more lethal than the Great Plague which had so devastated their race thousands of years ago. The Cener succeeded in taking his own life before he revealed further details, but, judging from the evidence in their possession, the Elder Magi were convinced that the Cenerese are getting ready to unleash an airborne plague virus that could kill all the living creatures of Magnamund, save those that had ingested the vaccine.</p>
<p>Rimoah informs you that the Elder Magi are unable to replicate the vaccine in huge quantities, and even if they were so able, to distribute it to every living creature on Magnamund would be an impossible task.</p>
<p><quote>The Herbwardens are sure that the Cener they found in Ragadorn was one of the first of those sent out of Mogaruith to distribute this vaccine,</quote> said Rimoah, his voice uncharacteristically sombre. <quote>Therefore we must act quickly if we are to destroy the virus before Cadak is ready to release it into the atmosphere. Someone must enter Mogaruith. They must find and destroy the plague virus, and they must ensure that this evil work can never again be resumed.</quote></p>
- <p>For a long moment you stood in silence staring into Rimoah's unblinking eyes. Then, with a nod of your head, you acknowledged what had to be done. Only a Kai Grand Master possesses the skills and experience that would be essential to the success of this vital mission&ellips; and there is only one Kai Grand Master.</p>
+ <p>For a long moment you stood in silence staring into Rimoah<ch.apos/>s unblinking eyes. Then, with a nod of your head, you acknowledged what had to be done. Only a Kai Grand Master possesses the skills and experience that would be essential to the success of this vital mission<ch.ellips/> and there is only one Kai Grand Master.</p>
</data>
</section>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="gamerulz-1-foot" idref="gamerulz-1">
- <p>The Discipline bonuses mentioned do not affect your permanent scores. If you have completed previous adventures, the Disciplines that you have mastered may still be beneficial. See the Grand Master Rules section of the <a href="&link.rh;">Rules Handbook</a> for details.</p>
+ <p>The Discipline bonuses mentioned do not affect your permanent scores. If you have completed previous adventures, the Disciplines that you have mastered may still be beneficial. See the Grand Master Rules section of the <a href="&link.rh;">Readers<ch.apos/> Handbook</a> for details.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<data>
<p>You keep a record of your adventure on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
- <p>For five years, ever since the demise of the Darklords of Helgedad, you have devoted yourself to developing further your fighting prowess
&emdash;<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>&emdash;and physical stamina&emdash;<typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Before you begin your first Grand Master adventure you need to measure how effective your training has been. To do this, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick a 0 it counts as zero.</p>
+ <p>For five years, ever since the demise of the Darklords of Helgedad, you have devoted yourself to developing further your fighting prowess
<ch.emdash/><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ><ch.emdash/>and physical stamina<ch.emdash/><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Before you begin your first Grand Master adventure you need to measure how effective your training has been. To do this, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick a 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 25 to the number you picked and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (i.e. if your pencil fell on the number 6 in the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would write in a <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 31). When you fight, your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> will be pitted against that of your enemy. A high score in this section is therefore very desirable.</p>
<p>The second number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> represents your powers of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Add 30 to this number and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (i.e. if your pencil fell on the number 7 on the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would have 37 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
- <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 have when you start an adventure.</p>
- <p>If you have successfully completed any of the previous adventures in the Lone Wolf series (Books 1-12), you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to Book 13. These scores may include Lore-circle bonuses. You may also benefit from the Disciplines that you've mastered (e.g. Weaponmastery, Curing, and Psi-surge bonuses).<a id="gamerulz-1" idref="gamerulz-1-foot" class="footnote" /> Only if you have completed these previous adventures will you benefit from the appropriate bonuses in the course of the Grand Master series. You may also carry over any Weapons and Backpack Items you had in your possession at the end of your last adventure, and these should be entered on your new Grand Master <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (you are still limited to two Weapons, but you may now carry up to ten Backpack Items).</p>
- <p>However, only the following Special Items may be carried over to the Lone Wolf Grand Master series (Book 13 onwards):</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 have when you start an adventure.</p>
+ <p>If you have successfully completed any of the previous adventures in the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> series (Books 1-12), you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to Book 13. These scores may include Lore-circle bonuses. You may also benefit from the Disciplines that you<ch.apos/>ve mastered (e.g. Weaponmastery, Curing, and Psi-surge bonuses).<a id="gamerulz-1" idref="gamerulz-1-foot" class="footnote" /> Only if you have completed these previous adventures will you benefit from the appropriate bonuses in the course of the Grand Master series. You may also carry over any Weapons and Backpack Items you had in your possession at the end of your last adventure, and these should be entered on your new Grand Master <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. (You are still limited to two Weapons, but you may now carry up to ten Backpack Items.)</p>
+ <p>However, only the following Special Items may be carried over to the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Grand Master series (Book 13 onwards):</p>
<ul>
<li>Crystal Star Pendant</li>
<li>Sommerswerd</li>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="discplnz-1-foot" idref="discplnz-1">
- <p>The rules of the books in the Magnakai series (6-12) and the fact that the <quote>rank of Kai Grand Defender&ellips; means you are skilled in two&ellips; weapons</quote> imply that for each book that you complete of the Grand Master series (13-20), you will gain mastery of an additional Kai weapon. E.g. if you complete <cite>The Plague Lords of Ruel</cite> and have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery at the beginning of the next book, you can choose an additional Weapon from the list to have Mastery of.</p>
+ <p>The rules of the books in the Magnakai series (6-12) and the fact that the <quote>rank of Kai Grand Defender<ch.ellips/> means you are skilled in two<ch.ellips/> weapons</quote> imply that, for each book that you complete of the Grand Master series (13-20), you will gain mastery of an additional Kai weapon. E.g. if you complete <cite>The Plague Lords of Ruel</cite> and have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery at the beginning of the next book, you can choose an additional Weapon from the list to have Mastery of.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<dt>Weaponmastery</dt>
<dd>Proficiency with all close combat and missile weapons. Master of unarmed combat; no <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> loss when fighting bare-handed.</dd>
<dt>Animal Control</dt>
- <dd>Communication with most animals; limited control over hostile creatures. Can use woodland animals as guides and can block a non-sentient creature's sense of taste and smell.</dd>
+ <dd>Communication with most animals; limited control over hostile creatures. Can use woodland animals as guides and can block a non-sentient creature<ch.apos/>s sense of taste and smell.</dd>
<dt>Curing</dt>
- <dd>Steady restoration of lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (to self and others) as a result of combat wounds. Neutralization of poisons, venoms and toxins. Repair of serious battle wounds.</dd>
+ <dd>Steady restoration of lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (to self and others) as a result of combat wounds. Neutralization of poisons, venoms, and toxins. Repair of serious battle wounds.</dd>
<dt>Invisibility</dt>
<dd>Mask body heat and scent; hide effectively; mask sounds during movement; minor alterations of physical appearance.</dd>
<dt>Huntmastery</dt>
</data>
</section>
- <p>Now, through the pursuit of your new skills and the further development of your innate Kai abilities, you have set out upon a path of discovery that no other Kai Grand Master has ever attempted with success. Your determination to become the first Kai Supreme Master, by acquiring total proficiency in all twelve of the Grand Master Disciplines, is an awe-inspiring challenge. You will be venturing into the unknown, pushing back the boundaries of human limitation in the pursuit of greatness and the cause of Good. May the blessings of the gods Kai and Ishir go with you as you begin your brave and noble quest.</p>
+ <p>Now, through the pursuit of your new skills and the further development of your innate Kai abilities, you have set out upon a path of discovery that no other Kai Grand Master has ever attempted with success. Your determination to become the first Kai Supreme Master, by acquiring total proficiency in all twelve of the Grand Master Disciplines, is an awe-inspiring challenge. You will be venturing into the unknown, pushing back the boundaries of human limitation in the pursuit of greatness and the cause of Good. May the blessings of the Gods Kai and Ishir go with you as you begin your brave and noble quest.</p>
<p>In the years following the demise of the Darklords you have reached the rank of Kai Grand Defender, which means that you have mastered four of the Grand Master Disciplines listed below. It is up to you to choose which four Disciplines these are. As all of the Grand Master Disciplines will be of use to you at some point during your adventure, pick your four skills with care. The correct use of a Grand Master Discipline at the right time could save your life.</p>
<p>When you have chosen your four Disciplines, enter them in the Grand Master Disciplines section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart.</a></p>
<section class="frontmatter" id="wpnmstry">
<meta><title>Grand Weaponmastery</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>This Discipline enables a Grand Master to become supremely efficient in the use of all weapons. When you enter combat with one of your
Grand Master weapons, you add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. The rank of Kai Grand Defender, with which you begin the Grand Master series, means you are skilled in two of the weapons listed below.<a id="discplnz-1" idref="discplnz-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
+ <p>This Discipline enables a Grand Master to become supremely efficient in the use of all weapons. When you enter combat with one of your
<!--ERRTAG-RE-27897-->Grand Weaponmastery weapons<!--/ERRTAG-RE-27897-->, you add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. The rank of Kai Grand Defender, with which you begin the Grand Master series, means you are skilled in two of the weapons listed below.<a id="discplnz-1" idref="discplnz-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<section class="frontmatter" id="kaisurge">
<meta><title>Kai-surge</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>When using their psychic ability to attack an enemy, Grand Masters may add 8 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. For every round in which Kai-surge is used, Grand Masters need only deduct 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. When using the weaker psychic attack&emdash;Mindblast&emdash;they may add 4 points without loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. (Kai-surge, Psi-surge, and Mindblast cannot be used simultaneously.)</p>
+ <p>When using their psychic ability to attack an enemy, Grand Masters may add 8 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. For every round in which Kai-surge is used, Grand Masters need only deduct 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. When using the weaker psychic attack<ch.emdash/>Mindblast<ch.emdash/>they may add 4 points without loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. (Kai-surge, Psi-surge, and Mindblast cannot be used simultaneously.)</p>
<p>Grand Masters cannot use Kai-surge if their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 6 points or below.</p>
</data>
</section>
<section class="frontmatter" id="kaiscrn">
<meta><title>Kai-screen</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>In psychic combat, Grand Masters are able to construct mind fortresses capable of protecting themselves and others. The strength and capacity of these fortresses increases as a Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
+ <p>In psychic combat, Grand Masters are able to construct mind fortresses capable of protecting themselves and others. The strength and capacity of these fortresses increase as a Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
</data>
</section>
<section class="frontmatter" id="gnosis">
<meta><title>Telegnosis (Advanced Divination)</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>This Discipline enables a Grand Master to spirit-walk for far greater lengths of time, and with far fewer ill effects. Duration, and the protection of his inanimate body, increases as a Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
+ <p>This Discipline enables a Grand Master to spirit-walk for far greater lengths of time, and with far fewer ill effects. Duration, and the protection of his inanimate body, increase as a Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
</data>
</section>
<section class="frontmatter" id="magi">
<meta><title>Magi-magic</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Under the tutelage of Lord Rimoah, you have been able to master the rudimentary skills of battle magic, as taught to the Vakeros&emdash;the native warriors of Dessi. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Old Kingdom magic increase.</p>
+ <p>Under the tutelage of Lord Rimoah, you have been able to master the rudimentary skills of battle-magic, as taught to the Vakeros<ch.emdash/>the native warriors of Dessi. These skills include the basic use of Old Kingdom Spells such as <spell>Shield</spell>, <spell>Power Word</spell>, and <spell>Invisible Fist</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Old Kingdom magic increase.</p>
</data>
</section>
<section class="frontmatter" id="alchemy">
<meta><title>Kai-alchemy</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Under the tutelage of Guildmaster Banedon, you have mastered the elementary spells of left-handed magic, as practised by the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of left-handed magic increase, enabling you to craft new Kai weapons and artifacts.</p>
+ <p>Under the tutelage of Guildmaster Banedon, you have mastered the elementary spells of Left-handed magic, as practised by the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. These spells include <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>, <spell>Levitation</spell>, and <spell>Mind Charm</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Left-handed magic increase, enabling you to craft new Kai weapons and artefacts.</p>
</data>
</section>
- <p>If you successfully complete the mission as set in this, the first of the Lone Wolf Grand Master series, you may add a further Grand Master Discipline of your choice to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> in <a href="&link.14tcok;">Book 14</a>.</p>
+ <p>If you successfully complete the mission as set in this, the first of the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Grand Master series, you may add a further Grand Master Discipline of your choice to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> in <bookref series="lw" book="14tcok">Book 14</bookref>.</p>
- <p>For every Grand Master Discipline you possess, in excess of the original four disciplines you begin with, you may add 1 point to your basic <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> score and 2 points to your basic <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score. These bonus points, together with your extra Grand Master Discipline, your original four Grand Master Disciplines, and any Special Items that you have found and been able to keep during your adventures, may then be carried over and used in the next Grand Master adventure, which is called <a href="&link.14tcok;"><cite>The Captives of Kaag</cite></a>.</p>
+ <p>For every Grand Master Discipline you possess, in excess of the original four disciplines you begin with, you may add 1 point to your basic <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> score and 2 points to your basic <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score. These bonus points, together with your extra Grand Master Discipline, your original four Grand Master Disciplines, and any Special Items that you have found and been able to keep during your adventures, may then be carried over and used in the next Grand Master adventure, which is called <bookref series="lw" book="14tcok"><cite>The Captives of Kaag</cite></bookref>.</p>
</data>
</section>
</meta>
<data>
- <p>Before you leave the monastery and begin your long journey to the land of Palmyrion, you take with you a <a idref="map">map of the Dark Realm of Ruel</a> and a pouch of gold. To find out how much gold is in the pouch, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add 20 to the number you have picked. The total equals the number of Gold Crowns inside the pouch, and you should now enter this number in the <quote>Gold Crowns</quote> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. If you have successfully completed any of the previous Lone Wolf adventures (Books 1-12), you may add this sum to the total sum of Crowns you already possess. Fifty Crowns is the maximum you carry, but additional Crowns can be left in safekeeping at your monastery.</p>
+ <p>Before you leave the monastery and begin your long journey to the land of Palmyrion, you take with you a <a idref="map">map of the Dark Realm of Ruel</a> and a pouch of gold. To find out how much gold is in the pouch, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add 20 to the number you have picked. The total equals the number of Gold Crowns inside the pouch, and you should now enter this number in the <quote>Gold Crowns</quote> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. If you have successfully completed any of the previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures (Books 1-12), you may add this sum to the total sum of Crowns you already possess. Fifty Crowns is the maximum you carry, but additional Crowns can be left in safekeeping at your monastery.</p>
<p>You can take five items from the list below, again adding to these, if necessary, any you may already possess from previous adventures (remember, you are still limited to two Weapons, but you may now carry a maximum of ten Backpack Items).</p>
<ul class="paragraphed">
<li><p>Sword (Weapons)</p></li>
<li><p>Bow (Weapons)</p></li>
<li>
- <p>Quiver (Special Items) This contains six arrows: record them on your weapons list.</p>
+ <p>Quiver (Special Items) This contains six Arrows: record them on your weapons list.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<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 should 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>Axe&emdash;carried in the hand.</li>
- <li>Meals&emdash;carried in the Backpack.</li>
- <li>Rope&emdash;carried in the Backpack.</li>
- <li>Potion of Laumspur&emdash;carried in the Backpack.</li>
- <li>Spear&emdash;carried in the hand.</li>
- <li>Dagger&emdash;carried in the hand.</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>Axe<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
+ <li>Meals<ch.emdash/>carried in the Backpack.</li>
+ <li>Rope<ch.emdash/>carried in the Backpack.</li>
+ <li>Potion of Laumspur<ch.emdash/>carried in the Backpack.</li>
+ <li>Spear<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
+ <li>Dagger<ch.emdash/>carried in the hand.</li>
</ul>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<dl class="paragraphed">
<dt>Weapons</dt>
- <dd><p>The maximum number of weapons that you may carry is two.</p></dd>
+ <dd><p>The maximum number of weapons that you may carry is <em>two</em>.</p></dd>
<dt>Backpack Items</dt>
<dd><p>These must be stored in your Backpack. Because space is limited, you may keep a maximum of only ten articles, including Meals, in your Backpack at any one time.</p></dd>
<dt>Special Items</dt>
<dd><p>The maximum number of weapons that you can carry is two. Weapons aid you in combat. If you have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery and a correct weapon, it adds 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you find a weapon during your adventure, you may pick it up and use it.</p></dd>
<dt>Bows 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, such as a sword or axe.</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>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, such as a sword or axe.</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 Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery with a Bow, you may add 3 to any number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, when using the Bow.</p>
</dd>
<dt>Backpack Items</dt>
</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>. The sequence for combat is as follows:</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>. The sequence for combat is as follows:</p>
<ol class="paragraphed">
<li><p>Add any extra points gained through your Grand Master Disciplines and Special Items to your current <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> total.</p></li>
<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> 27) is attacked by a pack of Doomwolves (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 30). He is taken by surprise and is not given the opportunity of evading their attack. Lone Wolf has the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-surge to which the Doomwolves are not immune, so Lone Wolf adds 8 points to his <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>, giving him a total <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 35.</p>
- <p>He subtracts the Doomwolf pack
's <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> from his own, giving a Combat Ratio of +5. (35-30 = +5). +5 is noted on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as the Combat Ratio.</p>
+ <p>He subtracts the Doomwolf pack
<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> from his own, giving a Combat Ratio of +5. (35-30 = +5). +5 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>
<li><p>Repeat the sequence from <a idref="stage3">Stage 3.</a></p></li>
</ol>
- <p>This process of combat continues until <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 <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 you can achieve at each stage of your journey along the road of Kai Grand Mastership. As you successfully complete each adventure in the Lone Wolf Grand Master series, you will gain an additional Grand Master Discipline and progress towards the pinnacle of Kai perfection&emdash;to become a Kai Supreme Master.</p>
+ <p>The following table is a guide to the rank and titles you can achieve at each stage of your journey along the road of Kai Grand Mastership. As you successfully complete each adventure in the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Grand Master series, you will gain an additional Grand Master Discipline and progress towards the pinnacle of Kai perfection<ch.emdash/>to become a Kai Supreme Master.</p>
<ol>
<li>Kai Grand Master Senior</li>
<li>Kai Grand Master Superior</li>
<li>Kai Grand Sentinel</li>
- <li>Kai Grand Defender&emdash;<em>You begin the Lone Wolf Grand Master adventures at this level of Mastery</em></li>
+ <li>Kai Grand Defender<ch.emdash/><em>You begin the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Grand Master adventures at this level of Mastery</em></li>
<li>Kai Grand Guardian</li>
<li>Sun Knight</li>
<li>Sun Lord</li>
</meta>
<data>
- <p>As you rise through the higher levels of Kai Grand Mastery you will find that your Disciplines will steadily improve. For example, if you possess the Discipline of Grand Nexus when you reach the Grand Master rank of Grand Thane, you will be able to pass freely through Shadow Gates and explore the nether realms of Aon and the Daziarn Plane.</p>
- <p>The nature of these additional improvements and how they affect your Grand Master Disciplines will be noted in the Improved Grand Master Disciplines section of future Lone Wolf books.</p>
+ <p>As you rise through the higher levels of Kai Grand Mastery, you will find that your Disciplines will steadily improve. For example, if you possess the Discipline of Grand Nexus when you reach the Grand Master rank of Grand Thane, you will be able to pass freely through Shadow Gates and explore the nether realms of Aon and the Daziarn Plane.</p>
+ <p>The nature of these additional improvements and how they affect your Grand Master Disciplines will be noted in the Improved Grand Master Disciplines section of future <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> books.</p>
</data>
</section>
<section class="frontmatter" id="kaiwisdm">
<meta>
- <title>Grand Master's Wisdom</title>
+ <title>Grand Master<ch.apos/>s Wisdom</title>
<link class="prev" idref="imprvdsc" />
<link class="next" idref="sect1" />
</meta>
<data>
- <p>Your mission to enter the Cenerese stronghold of Mogaruith and destroy the deadly plague virus will be fraught with deadly danger. Be wary and on your guard at all times, for the inhabitants of Ruel are sworn enemies of the gods Kai and Ishir.</p>
- <p>Some of the things that you will find during your mission will be of use to you in this and future Lone Wolf books, while others may be red herrings of no real value at all, so try to be selective in what you decide to keep.</p>
- <p>Choose your four Grand Master Disciplines with care, for a wise choice will enable any player to complete the quest, no matter how weak their initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> scores may be. Successful completion of previous Lone Wolf adventures, although an advantage, is not essential for the completion of this first Grand Master adventure.</p>
+ <p>Your mission to enter the Cenerese stronghold of Mogaruith and destroy the deadly plague virus will be fraught with deadly danger. Be wary and on your guard at all times, for the inhabitants of Ruel are sworn enemies of the Gods Kai and Ishir.</p>
+ <p>Some of the things that you will find during your mission will be of use to you in this and future <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> books, while others may be red herrings of no real value at all, so try to be selective in what you decide to keep.</p>
+ <p>Choose your four Grand Master Disciplines with care, for a wise choice will enable any player to complete the quest, no matter how weak their initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> scores may be. Successful completion of previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures, although an advantage, is not essential for the completion of this first Grand Master adventure.</p>
<p>The prevention of the spread of a deadly Cenerese plague virus, and the subsequent deaths of untold millions, depends on the success of your mission. May the light of Kai and Ishir be your guide as you venture into the darkness of Ruel.</p>
<p>For Sommerlund and the Kai!</p>
</data>
<meta><title>1</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>Grand Master&ellips; the quest must begin without delay for time is not our ally,</quote> says Lord Rimoah, as he paces nervously back and forth across the flagstoned floor of your monastery chamber. You voice your agreement and call upon your wise friend to counsel you as best he can about the mission you have undertaken. Not entirely to your surprise, you learn that he has already made preparation, confident in the knowledge that you would agree to this dangerous quest. He has arranged for you to travel to the Freeland of Palmyrion where a guide is waiting to escort you to Ruel. The guide can guarantee safe passage to the borders of the dark realm, but no further.</p>
+ <p><quote>Grand Master<ch.ellips/> the quest must begin without delay for time is not our ally,</quote> says Lord Rimoah, as he paces nervously back and forth across the flagstoned floor of your monastery chamber. You voice your agreement and call upon your wise friend to counsel you as best he can about the mission you have undertaken. Not entirely to your surprise, you learn that he has already made preparation, confident in the knowledge that you would agree to this dangerous quest. He has arranged for you to travel to the Freeland of Palmyrion where a guide is waiting to escort you to Ruel. The guide can guarantee safe passage to the borders of the dark realm, but no further.</p>
<p>Rimoah tells you that little is known of Ruel, save that the unnatural forest which surrounds and protects the Cenerese stronghold of Mogaruith harbours creatures that are the stuff of nightmares. Some almost defy description. The poor wretches who survived the last ill-conceived, ill-fated invasion of Ruel, spoke of their encounters with gigantic, acid-spitting worms that rose up out of the ground without warning and devoured whole regiments of their comrades at a single stroke. They told also of the battles that were waged against ferocious packs of disease-ridden rat-creatures they called <quote>Vazhag</quote>. The Cenerese breed these sentient vermin in warrens deep below Mogaruith, then release them into the forest to patrol and gather food for even viler abominations that rarely venture beyond the walls of their stronghold.</p>
<p><quote>Truly I wish that I were able to tell you more, Lone Wolf, but so little is known of Ruel. It is a dark and sinister place. Yet, there is something else, something that I can give you which will aid your quest,</quote> says Rimoah, and he holds out his hand. In his palm is the phial of green liquid, the vaccine that will, at least, protect you from the plague which threatens to destroy so much of your beloved world. You take it, uncork it, then quickly swallow the bitter contents. Unexpectedly your stomach rebels and a wave nausea rises up which makes you slap a hand over your mouth. A few moments later the nausea fades and you are able to remove your hand and speak.</p>
<p><quote>How long will it protect me?</quote> you ask, queasily.</p>
- <p>Rimoah smiles. <quote>Oh, I'm sure you will be safe for some considerable time, Lone Wolf. I'm afraid I forgot to mention that the phial contained a concentrated vaccine, more than sufficient to protect a hundred men!</quote></p>
- <p>Within the space of a few short hours you are ready to begin your long journey south to Palmyrion. Having entrusted the monastery to the care of your Kai Masters, you and Lord Rimoah leave by means of a secret tunnel, one of several that you have had constructed to enable you to enter and leave the monastery unobserved. You emerge in a clearing at the heart of the Fryelund forest, at a place where Guildmaster Banedon is waiting patiently to welcome you aboard Skyrider, his flying ship. Here you take time to bid farewell to Lord Rimoah, who will await your return at the monastery, before climbing aboard and placing yourself in the charge of your old friend Banedon.</p>
+ <p>Rimoah smiles. <quote>Oh, I<ch.apos/>m sure you will be safe for some considerable time, Lone Wolf. I<ch.apos/>m afraid I forgot to mention that the phial contained a concentrated vaccine, more than sufficient to protect a hundred men!</quote></p>
+ <p>Within the space of a few short hours you are ready to begin your long journey south to Palmyrion. Having entrusted the monastery to the care of your Kai Masters, you and Lord Rimoah leave by means of a secret tunnel, one of several that you have had constructed to enable you to enter and leave the monastery unobserved. You emerge in a clearing at the heart of the Fryelund Forest, at a place where Guildmaster Banedon is waiting patiently to welcome you aboard Skyrider, his flying ship. Here you take time to bid farewell to Lord Rimoah, who will await your return at the monastery, before climbing aboard and placing yourself in the charge of your old friend Banedon.</p>
<choice idref="sect260"><link-text>Turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>2</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You wrench yourself free from the creature's grip and stagger towards the antechamber, but Cadak is not prepared to allow you to escape from his creation so easily. From the tip of his staff there erupts a stream of thorny vines that wrap themselves around you and bury their barbs deep into your flesh: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. You struggle desperately to break your cruel bonds as Exterminus closes in for the kill.</p>
+ <p>You wrench yourself free from the creature<ch.apos/>s grip and stagger towards the antechamber, but Cadak is not prepared to allow you to escape from his creation so easily. From the tip of his staff there erupts a stream of thorny vines that wrap themselves around you and bury their barbs deep into your flesh: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. You struggle desperately to break your cruel bonds as Exterminus closes in for the kill.</p>
<choice idref="sect97">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 97</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect245">If you do not possess mastery of this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 245</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>3</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The knife's tip draws a crimson line across your left shoulder before it hits the wall and rebounds with a metallic clang: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>The knife<ch.apos/>s tip draws a crimson line across your left shoulder before it hits the wall and rebounds with a metallic clang: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>The Vazhag, its confidence boosted by the wounds it has caused you, draws another knife and comes waddling across the chamber, screeching maniacally. Raising your weapon you turn to face your foe as it launches its desperate attack.</p>
<combat><enemy>Fat Vazhag</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">18</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">28</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect121">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
<p>Warily you follow the track into the deepening gloom, your senses alive to the evil that permeates every root and branch of this forbidding forest. As darkness closes in there arises from out of the mire a mist, grey-green and sickly, which smothers the ground. Its corpse-like chill leaves you shivering, despite all your efforts to shield yourself from its clammy touch.</p>
<p>Night no longer restricts your vision and, as the track ascends towards a wooded peak, you see the outline of a ruined stone watchtower perched atop a rocky knoll. You sense that the tower is deserted and, keen to escape from the mist, you climb towards a crack in its granite base. You crouch to enter the jagged breach and, in doing so, you disturb a host of crab-creatures nesting within. In a frenzy they scuttle away from the tower, disappearing among the surrounding rocks in the blink of an eye.</p>
<p>Aching with fatigue, and mindful of the perils which still lie ahead, you settle yourself into a corner of the rubble-strewn tower and try to snatch a few hours of sleep. This night your slumber is disturbed by strange and unwholesome dreams, formed from the fears suppressed by your conscious mind. You are haunted by phantom shapes which take the form of friends and fellow countrymen. Kai initiates under your tutorage and simple Sommlending folk, their heads bowed and their faces pitted and disfigured by plague, drift past you in a seemingly endless procession.</p>
- <p>You awake with a start, your pulse racing and your forehead glistening with beads of sweat. At first a sense of hopelessness washes over you, brought on by the vivid memory of your nightmare but, as your consciousness returns, so too does your inner strength. You perceive the dreams as a warning of what will happen should your quest fail, and this realization strengthens your resolve to reach Mogaruith and thwart the Cener's evil plan.</p>
+ <p>You awake with a start, your pulse racing and your forehead glistening with beads of sweat. At first a sense of hopelessness washes over you, brought on by the vivid memory of your nightmare but, as your consciousness returns, so too does your inner strength. You perceive the dreams as a warning of what will happen should your quest fail, and this realization strengthens your resolve to reach Mogaruith and thwart the Ceners<ch.apos/> evil plan.</p>
<p>You have slept for several hours and, physically at least, you feel refreshed (restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). In the half-light of early morning you gather together your equipment and weapons in readiness to resume your perilous journey to Mogaruith.</p>
<choice idref="sect160"><link-text>Turn to 160</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The sound of scraping metal and rattling chains echoes in your ears as you fell the creature with a deadly blow to the base of its skull. As it falls from its stool, you spin around, weapon in hand, and the first thing you see is the knife-like glint of fangs. From a semicircular hole in the wall a pack of war-dogs come charging into the hall, their jaws agape and their claws scrabbling on the shiny flagstones as they race towards the desk. You raise your weapon confidently and brace yourself in readiness to meet their attack.</p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>A pack of war-dogs with jaws agape charges into the hall.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>A pack of war-dogs with jaws</line>
+ <line>agape charges into the hall.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="613"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="613"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="613"></instance>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="613"></instance>
</illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>Ruel War-dogs</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">36</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">22</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect323">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 323</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The columns of armoured rat-men pay little attention to you, but your undead charge does elicit squeals of disgust from some as you draw closer to their mighty stronghold.</p>
<p>Walking across the age-blackened drawbridge towards the spiky arched tower of Mogaruith is an unnerving experience. It is as if you are walking along a blackened tongue towards the gaping throat of some gigantic dragon. On either side the bubbling moat releases foul fumes which fill your nostrils with a terrible sugary stench that clogs your lungs and blurs your vision. You draw upon your Magnakai skills and your vision clears, but the sight which lies ahead looks no more inviting than it did before.</p>
- <p>At the tower you are challenged by a troop of Vazhag guards who regard your companion with a distaste that is all too obvious. Using your Magnakai Disciplines of Animal Control and Pathsmanship to aid your deception, you inform them that you have come from the south on urgent business. They demand to know your name and why you have charge of an undead human. You try to bluff them but you notice that the zombie's presence is beginning to attract the unwanted interest of other Vazhag guards.</p>
+ <p>At the tower you are challenged by a troop of Vazhag guards who regard your companion with a distaste that is all too obvious. Using your Magnakai Disciplines of Animal Control and Pathsmanship to aid your deception, you inform them that you have come from the south on urgent business. They demand to know your name and why you have charge of an undead human. You try to bluff them but you notice that the zombie<ch.apos/>s presence is beginning to attract the unwanted interest of other Vazhag guards.</p>
<p>One of the rat-men pushes his snout to within inches of your mask and says, to your surprise, that you can enter Mogaruith so long as you first register your arrival. He points to a door in the tower wall and asks you to enter it. <quote>There,</quote> he says, <quote>you can make your registration.</quote></p>
<p>Immediately your Magnakai sense of Divination warns that the Vazhag is lying; a prison cell awaits you beyond that door.</p>
<choice idref="sect30">If you wish to do as the Vazhag requests and enter the door, <link-text>turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>As you strike the blow that brings one of the fearsome monsters crashing lifelessly to the ground, you spring away from its gore-stained carcass and barge shoulder-first through the line of screeching ghouls. The spectacle of the fallen Giganite, and the suddenness of your action, has taken the creatures by surprise. Before they can react you have already sprinted to within a few yards of the leafy tunnel.</p>
- <p>You glance over your shoulder to see the shambling horde falling over themselves in their haste to give chase. The sight raises your spirits but the sensation is short-lived, for above them towers a Giganite, its mouth full of bubbling phlegm. With a flick of its powerful neck it sends the massive spit-ball arching towards your fleeing form.</p>
- <p>Instinctively you throw yourself to the ground and the foul missile whooshes past, hitting a tree at the base of its trunk. At once there is a sizzling sound and, with a creaking groan, the tree is brought crashing to the ground, its base eaten clean away by the acidic saliva. Great droplets of the spittle splash your tunic and instantly it begins to smoulder.</p>
+ <p>You glance over your shoulder to see the shambling horde falling over themselves in their haste to give chase. The sight raises your spirits but the sensation is short-lived, for above them towers a Giganite, its mouth full of bubbling phlegm. With a flick of its powerful neck it sends the massive spit-ball arcing towards your fleeing form.</p>
+ <p>Instinctively you throw yourself to the ground and the foul missile <onomatopoeia>whooshes</onomatopoeia> past, hitting a tree at the base of its trunk. At once there is a sizzling sound and, with a creaking groan, the tree is brought crashing to the ground, its base eaten clean away by the acidic saliva. Great droplets of the spittle splash your tunic and instantly it begins to smoulder.</p>
<choice idref="sect88">If you possess Grand Nexus, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect343">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p><quote>Szalista,</quote> you say, the ancient Cenerese word meaning <quote>fifteen</quote>, and immediately you hear the door
's locking mechanism disengage itself.<a id="sect15-foot" idref="sect15-foot-1" class="footnote" /> There is a hiss of escaping air and the heavy portal swings slowly inwards on massive hinges.</p>
+ <p><quote>Szalista,</quote> you say, the ancient Cenerese word meaning <quote>fifteen</quote>, and immediately you hear the door
<ch.apos/>s locking mechanism disengage itself.<a id="sect15-foot" idref="sect15-foot-1" class="footnote" /> There is a hiss of escaping air and the heavy portal swings slowly inwards on massive hinges.</p>
<p>Without hesitation, you step through the doorway and enter the circular tunnel beyond.</p>
<choice idref="sect205"><link-text>Turn to 205</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>After a while you notice long streamers of greasy yellow moss hanging from cracks in the tunnel roof. Between them are spread festering fungi of varying hues, all cankerous and vile to the eye. You are passing beneath these growths when suddenly, as if triggered by a silent command, they burst open and shower you with great clouds of sticky, mote-like spores.</p>
<p>At once your body senses that the spores are highly poisonous and, as a subconscious reflex, your Magnakai Curing skills activate and counter the deadly toxins that have found their way into your lungs. Your chest is wracked with pain but you sustain no serious injury: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>The sticky, foul-smelling spore cloud is so thick that you have difficulty moving forwards. It feels as if you are wading through a tunnel of mud. Your Kai skills have neutralized the poisonous spores, but there is now hardly any air left to breathe. Fear wells up in your stomach as you feel your strength beginning to ebb.</p>
- <choice idref="sect277">If you possess some Baylon's Fungi, <link-text>turn to 277</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect277">If you possess some Baylon<ch.apos/>s Fungi, <link-text>turn to 277</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect136">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 136</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>17</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>There is only one who could withstand the fire of this wand &ellips; Kai lord,</quote> he spits, still pointing at you with his flame-tipped staff.</p>
+ <p><quote>There is only one who could withstand the fire of this wand <ch.ellips/> Kai Lord,</quote> he spits, still pointing at you with his flame-tipped staff.</p>
<p><quote>And I rejoice that fate has brought you here to me, Lone Wolf. Your doom is sealed. Turn around and meet your nemesis!</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect125"><link-text>Turn to 125</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>18</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As your killing blow severs the creature's body, the two halves explode, scattering shards of mummified remains all around the chamber. The force knocks you backwards and, as you fall, you catch a glimpse of a wispy, ghost-like shadow, rising towards the ceiling. It halts for a moment in mid-air, then it seeps through the solid stone ceiling like smoke through a veil.</p>
+ <p>As your killing blow severs the creature<ch.apos/>s body, the two halves explode, scattering shards of mummified remains all around the chamber. The force knocks you backwards and, as you fall, you catch a glimpse of a wispy, ghost-like shadow, rising towards the ceiling. It halts for a moment in mid-air, then it seeps through the solid stone ceiling like smoke through a veil.</p>
<p>Before leaving the chamber you pause to search the stone casket. Inside you discover a few mouldering rags and a Copper Key (if you wish to keep this Key, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Backpack item).</p>
- <p>Cursing your ill luck, you leave the chamber and head towards the laboratory door. On the other side of it you discover a series of narrow passages which eventually end at an antechamber. This domed chamber is decorated with tapestries which depict Cenerese legends, ignoble and infamous deeds that were perpetuated during the Age of the Old Kingdoms, when, for nearly a thousand years, the Cenerese tyrannized Northern Magnamund.</p>
+ <p>Cursing your ill luck, you leave the chamber and head towards the laboratory door. On the other side of it you discover a series of narrow passages which eventually end at an antechamber. This domed chamber is decorated with tapestries which depict Cenerese legends, ignoble and infamous deeds that were perpetrated during the Age of the Old Kingdoms, when, for nearly a thousand years, the Cenerese tyrannized Northern Magnamund.</p>
<p>A single heavy oaken door in the opposite wall offers the only exit from the antechamber. As you approach it, you notice that it is slightly ajar. Suddenly you hear the doleful sound of chanting emanating from beyond this door. Curiosity prompts you to peer through its narrow opening and, as you do so, a chill runs the length of your spine when you see what lies beyond.</p>
<choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
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<p>You look down to see that a leafy vine is spiralling upwards around your leg. You summon your powers to repel the plant but your commands appear to have no effect. Then the fearful realization hits you that this is not a vine at all: it is the limb of a bog creature.</p>
- <p>You attack and sever the plant-like tendril, but immediately there is another, then another. With the speed of striking snakes they ensnare your legs and wrench you into the morass. You fight desperately to free yourself as you are dragged deeper into the foul-smelling mire. Repeatedly you strike out below the surface in the hope of dealing your attacker a mortal wound. You feel something burst upon your weapon's tip and, momentarily, the creature's grip falters, but only to recover with renewed strength and tenacity.</p>
- <p>Then sharp pain lances through your thighs as row upon row of barbed claws spring out from the unseen creature's tendrils and puncture your skin. You scream in agony and your cry is echoed from beneath the surface of the muddy pool by the sound of a malicious bubbling laugh.</p>
+ <p>You attack and sever the plant-like tendril, but immediately there is another, then another. With the speed of striking snakes they ensnare your legs and wrench you into the morass. You fight desperately to free yourself as you are dragged deeper into the foul-smelling mire. Repeatedly you strike out below the surface in the hope of dealing your attacker a mortal wound. You feel something burst upon your weapon<ch.apos/>s tip and, momentarily, the creature<ch.apos/>s grip falters, but only to recover with renewed strength and tenacity.</p>
+ <p>Then sharp pain lances through your thighs as row upon row of barbed claws spring out from the unseen creature<ch.apos/>s tendrils and puncture your skin. You scream in agony and your cry is echoed from beneath the surface of the muddy pool by the sound of a malicious bubbling laugh.</p>
<choice idref="sect339">If you possess Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect47">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
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<meta><title>20</title></meta>
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- <p>As you strike the blow that seals this creature's doom, it vents a fearful high-pitched shriek that instantly silences the cave-beasts and sends them scurrying for the shadows of their filthy cells.</p>
+ <p>As you strike the blow that seals this creature<ch.apos/>s doom, it vents a fearful high-pitched shriek that instantly silences the cave-beasts and sends them scurrying for the shadows of their filthy cells.</p>
<p>Within the blink of an eye the ghostly Pechdrazil evaporates in the air, leaving nothing to mark its existence save the harsh metallic odour of ozone. You wipe your sweat-laden brow with the back of your left hand and glance over your shoulder at the cowering creatures, huddled in their cells. Casually you sheathe your weapon and step forward to stare down the staircase into the gloom below. You focus upon the darkness, but you are unable to discern where the staircase ends.</p>
<choice idref="sect106">If you wish to descend the stairs, <link-text>turn to 106</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect85">If you decide not to descend the staircase, you can retrace your steps to the junction and continue by means of the north tunnel instead. <link-text>Turn to 85</link-text>.</choice>
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<p>The torrent of flaming oil hits you in the face and a wave of pain forces you to your knees. Instinctively you call upon your Magnakai skill of Nexus to extinguish the flames and, within seconds, the oily fire gutters and dies: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>The Cener had begun to cackle gleefully, so sure was he that you were doomed. Now his cruel laughter chokes in his throat as, numbly, he fumbles for a weapon to halt your approach. He draws a curvy-bladed knife from a hidden sheath and holds it out unsteadily in front of his chest. You tell him to drop the dagger but he is deaf to your command. He feints a swipe then lunges for your heart, yet you deflect this weak attack with your right forearm and counter it with a left hook to the chin which shatters the druid's glassy green mask. He reels backwards and crashes to the floor, his bony fingers scrabbling his throat. For a moment he writhes around on the dusty ground, then his body stiffens and he lies completely still. Cautiously you step nearer, expecting trickery. Then you see that a shattered fragment of his mask has severed his jugular vein and you know that he no longer poses a threat to your life.</p>
- <choice idref="sect253">If you wish to search the druid's body, <link-text>turn to 253</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>The Cener had begun to cackle gleefully, so sure was he that you were doomed. Now his cruel laughter chokes in his throat as, numbly, he fumbles for a weapon to halt your approach. He draws a curvy-bladed knife from a hidden sheath and holds it out unsteadily in front of his chest. You tell him to drop the dagger but he is deaf to your command. He feints a swipe then lunges for your heart, yet you deflect this weak attack with your right forearm and counter it with a left hook to the chin which shatters the druid<ch.apos/>s glassy green mask. He reels backwards and crashes to the floor, his bony fingers scrabbling his throat. For a moment he writhes around on the dusty ground; then his body stiffens and he lies completely still. Cautiously you step nearer, expecting trickery. Then you see that a shattered fragment of his mask has severed his jugular vein and you know that he no longer poses a threat to your life.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect253">If you wish to search the druid<ch.apos/>s body, <link-text>turn to 253</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect306">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 306</link-text>.</choice>
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</section>
<meta><title>23</title></meta>
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- <p>Swiftly you search the drawers of the dead creature's desk, sifting through papers and ledgers for clues as to where in Mogaruith the plague virus is being cultivated. The papers yield no useful information, but you do find two small levers set into the desk's surface.</p>
- <p>You examine them closely and your Kai senses reveal that they operate the two metal doors to this antechamber. You flip the right-hand lever and the door by which you entered glides shut. Then you pause for a moment to prepare yourself before flipping the left lever, for this will open the door which leads to Cadak's throne room.</p>
+ <p>Swiftly you search the drawers of the dead creature<ch.apos/>s desk, sifting through papers and ledgers for clues as to where in Mogaruith the plague virus is being cultivated. The papers yield no useful information, but you do find two small levers set into the desk<ch.apos/>s surface.</p>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / blobdiff