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-<gamebook xml:lang="en-UK" version="0.11">
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-<!--
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-$Id$
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-Revision 1.1 2004/11/09 06:47:16 jonathan.blake
-Initial Freepository revision
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-//// RCS Revision Log ////
-
-Revision 1.7 2003/03/05 23:51:16 jblake
-Fixes to the Table of Illustrations, illustrations placement
-and markup.
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-Revision 1.6 2003/03/05 22:01:56 jblake
-Moved small illustration placeholders into chosen sections
-and implemented the Table of Illustrations.
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-Revision 1.5 2003/03/03 17:00:00 jdougan
-Added illustrations and placeholder markup for the small illustrations.
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-Revision 1.4 2003/02/24 15:33:46 jblake
-Inserted missing backmatter and fixed validity.
-
-Revision 1.3 2003/02/24 15:00:00 jdougan
-Coded special characters and added backmatter.
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-Revision 1.2 2003/02/20 17:47:00 jblake
-Added numbered sections and validated.
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-Revision 1.1 2003/02/20 17:21:09 jdougan
-Initial progress on front matter
-
-Change log:
-- TSSF: Changed Oarklands to Darklands as a presumed OCR error.
-Game Rules: retained original list of acceptable Special Items from 13tplor
-As the XML editions of the front matter from 13TPLoR and the Rules Handbook were used to speed the processing of the existing front matter, all remaining errata in the front matter from 13TPLoR apply here, as well. this also means that the Combat Rules example is the one from the Rules Handbook. (it was this editor's opinion that a Combat Ratio of +10 was unrealistic for a first-time player.)
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-- Fixed dimensions and references on primary illustrations; added formatted placeholder code for secondary illustrations in following commented section
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-TO DO:
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-- do the Statuettes of Zagarna and Slutar occupy a Backpack space in addition to a Special Item slot?
-- Footnotes for combination lock answers
-- add "foreign" tags to Giak
--->
+<gamebook xml:lang="en-UK" version="0.12">
<meta>
<title>The Captives of Kaag</title>
<creator class="short">Joe Dever and Brian Williams</creator>
- <creator class="medium">Joe Dever<br />Illustrated by 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>2003</year><month>5</month><day>19</day></date>
+ <date class="publication"><year>2007</year><month>7</month><day>22</day></date>
<description class="blurb">
- <p>You are the Lone Wolf&emdash;Kai Grand Master of Sommerlund. After the demise of the Darklords of Helgedad, the fearsome city-fortress of Kaag became a refuge for the remains of their broken armies. Defeated and powerless, these minions seemed doomed to live in bitter isolation from the rest of Magnamund. But now a new evil is stirring deep within the dungeons of Kaag.&ellips;</p>
+ <p>You are the Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>Kai Grand Master of Sommerlund. After the demise of the Darklords of Helgedad, the fearsome city-fortress of Kaag became a refuge for the remains of their broken armies. Defeated and powerless, these minions seemed doomed to live in bitter isolation from the rest of Magnamund. But now a new evil is stirring deep within the dungeons of Kaag.<ch.ellips/></p>
<p>In <cite>The Captives of Kaag</cite>, you must venture alone into the black heart of Kaag, to free your friend from the forces which imprison him against his will. Will you succeed? Or will you and Banedon fall victim to the evil power which commands this fortress of nightmares?</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 © 1991 Joe Dever.<br />Illustrations copyright © 1991 Brian Williams.</rights>
+ <rights class="copyrights">
+ <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1991 Joe Dever.</line>
+ <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1991 Brian Williams.</line>
+ </rights>
<rights class="license-notification">
- <p>Text copyright © 1991 Joe Dever.<br />Illustrations copyright © 1991 Brian Williams.<br />Distribution of this Internet Edition is restricted under the terms of the <a idref="license">Project Aon License</a>.</p>
+ <p>
+ <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1991 Joe Dever.</line>
+ <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1991 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>
<data>
<dl>
<dt>Transcription</dt>
- <dd>Rob Hataway <br />Tim Pederick</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Rob Hataway</line>
+ <line>Tim Pederick</line>
+ </dd>
+ <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>Rob Hartley (Sections 141&endash;210)<br />Tim Pederick (Sections 71&endash;140)<br />Martin Ryland (Frontmatter, Sections 1&endash;70 and 211&endash;350)</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Rob Hartley (Sections 141<ch.endash/>210)</line>
+ <line>Tim Pederick (Sections 71<ch.endash/>140)</line>
+ <line>Martin Ryland (Frontmatter, Sections 1<ch.endash/>70 and 211<ch.endash/>350)</line>
+ </dd>
<dt>Editing</dt>
- <dd>David Davis<br />Jeff Dougan<br />Nick Jankowski<br />Ingo Klöcker<br />Christopher Lundgren<br />Simon Osborne</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>David Davis</line>
+ <line>Jeff Dougan</line>
+ <line>Nick Jankowski</line>
+ <line>Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
+ <line>Christopher Lundgren</line>
+ <line>LeRoy McSwain</line>
+ <line>Simon Osborne</line>
+ </dd>
<!-- <dt>PDF Layout</dt>
<dd></dd>-->
<dt>Coordination</dt>
<dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
<dt>Special Thanks</dt>
- <dd>Peter Smyth</dd>
+ <dd>Neil McGrory, Peter Smyth, and Simon Williams</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 seat of his 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 seat of his power that was the infernal city of Helgedad.</p>
<p>In the wake of their destruction, chaos befell the Darkland armies who, until then, had been poised to conquer all of 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 the task of teaching a Second Order of Kai warriors the skills and proud traditions of your ancestors is also well underway. The new generation of Kai recruits, all of whom were born during the era of war against the Darklords, possesses latent Kai skills and all show exceptional promise. These skills will be nurtured and honed to perfection during their time at the monastery so that they may teach and inspire future generations, thereby ensuring the continued security of your homeland in future years.</p>
- <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.</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 the task of teaching a Second Order of Kai warriors the skills and proud traditions of your ancestors is also well underway. The new generation of Kai recruits, all of whom were born during the era of war against the Darklords, possesses latent Kai skills and all show exceptional promise. These skills will be nurtured and honed to perfection during their time at the monastery so that they may teach and inspire future generations, thereby ensuring the continued security of your homeland in future years.</p>
+ <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.</p>
<p>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>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 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, 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 the homelands and were engaged in a bloody war again the Lencians. Much of Nyras had been reclaimed by the armies of King Sarnac, the Lencian commander, and his flag now flew over territory 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, Gourmen and Kaag. Within each of these hellish strongholds fierce fighting broke out as remnants of the Xaghash (lesser Darklords) and the Nadziranim (evil practitioners of Right-handed magic who once aided individual Darklord masters) fought for control. It is widely believed that by the time the Elder Magi and the Herbwardens reach the walls of these strongholds 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 fierce fighting broke out as remnants of the Xaghash (lesser Darklords) and the Nadziranim (evil practitioners of Right-handed magic who once aided individual Darklord masters) fought for control. It is widely believed that by the time the Elder Magi and the Herbwardens reach the walls of these strongholds 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 who wait quietly in the shadows for the chance to do his evil bidding.</p>
- <p>Only six months ago the evil Cener Druids of Ruel attempted to enact Naar's revenge. Secretly, in the laboratories of their foul stronghold of Mogaruith, they had laboured to create a virulent plague virus capable of killing every living creature upon Magnamund, save their own kind. Word of their terrible plan reached Lord Rimoah who immediately urged the rulers of the Freelands to raise armies and invade Ruel. Hurriedly they complied, but the invasion ended in disaster. Seven thousand fighting men entered Ruel intent on storming the fortress of Mogaruith and razing it to the ground. Seven thousand marched into the dark realm; only seventy emerged alive. The Ceners were within days of perfecting their ultimate weapon when you took up the challenge and ventured alone into Mogaruith. Despite overwhelming odds you thwarted their evil plan by destroying the virus and the means by which it was created.</p>
+ <p>Only six months ago the evil Cener Druids of Ruel attempted to enact Naar<ch.apos/>s revenge. Secretly, in the laboratories of their foul stronghold of Mogaruith, they had laboured to create a virulent plague virus capable of killing every living creature upon Magnamund, save their own kind. Word of their terrible plan reached Lord Rimoah who immediately urged the rulers of the Freelands to raise armies and invade Ruel. Hurriedly they complied, but the invasion ended in disaster. Seven thousand fighting men entered Ruel intent on storming the fortress of Mogaruith and razing it to the ground. Seven thousand marched into the dark realm; only seventy emerged alive. The Ceners were within days of perfecting their ultimate weapon when you took up the challenge and ventured alone into Mogaruith. Despite overwhelming odds you thwarted their evil plan by destroying the virus and the means by which it was created.</p>
<p>After emerging from Ruel triumphant, your quest fulfilled, you returned home to Sommerlund and the Kai monastery where you resumed your duties as Grand Master. Three months later, on the day that saw the first fall of winter snow, you were visited by Lord Rimoah. Once again he found himself the reluctant bearer of ill news. Your friend Guildmaster Banedon, whilst helping with the reclamation of wastelands close to the Maakengorge, had been abducted by a war-band of Giaks under the command of Nadziranim sorcerers. A rescue was attempted, but ruthlessly the Nadziranim obliterated those who tried to follow their escape into the Darklands.</p>
- <p><quote>The Nadziranim have grown bold of late,</quote> said Lord Rimoah, his words tinged with fear and bitterness. <quote>They have a new-found power and are keen to exercise it. It would have taken considerable skill and energy to ensnare one as gifted as Banedon.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>The Nadziranim have grown bold of late,</quote> said Lord Rimoah, his words tinged with fear and bitterness. <quote>They have a newfound power and are keen to exercise it. It would have taken considerable skill and energy to ensnare one as gifted as Banedon.</quote></p>
<p><quote>But why Banedon?</quote> you asked, trying at once to comprehend and come to terms with the loss of your trusted friend.</p>
<p><quote>I fear that the Nadziranim seek to extract from him the secrets of Left-handed magic, so that they may be able to marry it to their own foul sorcery. Such an outcome would give them extraordinary power. It could herald the rebirth of the Darklands.</quote></p>
<p>At once you recalled how such an attempt to unite the two paths of magic had resulted in catastrophe for Sommerlund. Vonotar the Traitor, a magician from the same guild as Banedon, had betrayed his homeland in exchange for the promise of Nadziranim power. It was his act of treachery that brought about the invasion of Sommerlund and the destruction of the First Order of the Kai.</p>
<p><quote>What can be done?</quote> you asked of Rimoah, fearful that it may already be too late to save your friend.</p>
- <p><quote>Banedon is still alive, of that I'm sure. The Nadziranim have taken him to the old Darklord city-fortress of Kaag. His life is in deadly danger but they will not kill him until they have succeeded in extracting the knowledge they crave. We can only pray that he is strong enough to resist them until&ellips;</quote> Lord Rimoah held you with his eyes, words no longer necessary. It was clear that all hope for Banedon's survival depended upon his swift rescue from Kaag, and there was only one who could effect such a perilous quest with any hope of success.</p>
- <p><quote>So be it,</quote> you said, resolutely, <quote>I accept the mission. I alone will go to Kaag and secure his release&ellips; or die valiantly in the attempt.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Banedon is still alive, of that I<ch.apos/>m sure. The Nadziranim have taken him to the old Darklord city-fortress of Kaag. His life is in deadly danger but they will not kill him until they have succeeded in extracting the knowledge they crave. We can only pray that he is strong enough to resist them until<ch.ellips/></quote> Lord Rimoah held you with his eyes, words no longer necessary. It was clear that all hope for Banedon<ch.apos/>s survival depended upon his swift rescue from Kaag, and there was only one who could effect such a perilous quest with any hope of success.</p>
+ <p><quote>So be it,</quote> you said, resolutely, <quote>I accept the mission. I alone will go to Kaag and secure his release<ch.ellips/> or die valiantly in the attempt.</quote></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>
<footnote id="gamerulz-2-foot" idref="gamerulz-2">
- <p>Note that this list is not identical to the one used in <cite><a href="&link.13tplor;">The Plague Lords of Ruel</a></cite>: this list is missing the Silver Bracers and Korlinium Scabbard. These items are restored to the list of permissible items from the Kai and Magnakai series again in <cite><a href="&link.17tdoi;">The Deathlord of Ixia</a></cite>. Presumably, therefore, it should be permissible to leave the Silver Bracers and Korlinium Scabbard in safekeeping at the monastery during the intervening books and retrieve them at the outset of <cite><a href="&link.17tdoi;">The Deathlord of Ixia</a></cite>.</p>
+ <p>Note that this list is not identical to the one used in <bookref series="lw" book="13tplor"><cite>The Plague Lords of Ruel</cite></bookref>: this list is missing the Silver Bracers and Korlinium Scabbard. These items are restored to the list of permissible items from the Kai and Magnakai series again in <bookref series="lw" book="17tdoi"><cite>The Deathlord of Ixia</cite></bookref>. Presumably, therefore, it should be permissible to leave the Silver Bracers and Korlinium Scabbard in safekeeping at the monastery during the intervening books and retrieve them at the outset of <bookref series="lw" book="17tdoi"><cite>The Deathlord of Ixia</cite></bookref>.</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 1-13), you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to Book 14. 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 from the
Lone Wolf Kai (1-5) and Magnakai (6-12) series to the Lone Wolf Grand Master series (<a href="&link.13tplor;">Book 13</a> onwards):<a id="gamerulz-2" idref="gamerulz-2-foot" class="footnote" /></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<ch.endash/>13), you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to Book 14. 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 from the
<cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Kai (1-5) and Magnakai (6-12) series to the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Grand Master series (<bookref series="lw" book="13tplor">Book 13</bookref> onwards):<a id="gamerulz-2" idref="gamerulz-2-foot" class="footnote" /></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<ch.endash/>20), you will gain mastery of an additional 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>
<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 <em>two</em> 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-25739-->Grand Weaponmastery weapons<!--/ERRTAG-RE-25739-->, 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 <em>two</em> of the weapons listed below.<a id="discplnz-1" idref="discplnz-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</ul>
</instance>
</illustration>
- </data>
+
+ </data>
</section>
<section class="frontmatter" id="anmlmstr">
<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. 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. 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 Book 14 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.15tdc;">Book 15.</a></p>
+ <p>If you successfully complete the mission as set in Book 14 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="15tdc">Book 15</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 Disciplines, 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.15tdc;"><cite>The Darke Crusade</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 Disciplines, 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="15tdc"><cite>The Darke Crusade</cite></bookref>.</p>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Before you leave the monastery and journey westwards to Kaag, you take with you a <a idref="map">map of the Darklands</a> and a pouch of gold. To find out how much gold is in the pouch, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add 20 to the number you have picked. The total equals the number of Gold Crowns inside the pouch, and you should now enter this number in the <quote>Gold Crowns</quote> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
- <p>If you have successfully completed any of the previous Lone Wolf adventures (Books 1-13), 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>If you have successfully completed any of the previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures (Books 1-13), 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>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="quiver.gif" width="386" height="127"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="quiver.pdf" width="386" height="127"/>
</illustration>
- </li>
+
+ </li>
<li><p>Axe (Weapons)</p></li>
<li>
<p>4 Meals (Meals) Each Meal takes up one space in your Backpack.</p>
<data>
<p>Now that you have your equipment, the following list shows you how it is carried. You do not need to make notes, but you 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>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>
<section class="frontmatter" id="guardian">
<meta><title>Kai Grand Guardian</title></meta>
<data>
<p>If you are a Grand Master who has reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian (5 Disciplines), you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
<dl class="paragraphed">
<dt>Animal Mastery</dt>
- <dd><p>Kai Grand Guardians with this Discipline are able to summon a limited number of forest animals to their location. The creatures so summoned will become loyal and willing allies, willing to do the Kai Grand Guardian's bidding. This ability can only be used in an outdoor setting.</p></dd>
+ <dd><p>Kai Grand Guardians with this Discipline are able to summon a limited number of forest animals to their location. The creatures so summoned will become loyal and willing allies, willing to do the Kai Grand Guardian<ch.apos/>s bidding. This ability can only be used in an outdoor setting.</p></dd>
<dt>Assimilance</dt>
<dd><p>Kai Grand Guardians who possess this skill are able to create a cloud of fog-like vapour within 15 yards of their location. This fog will obscure both normal and infravision. The duration of the fog increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
<dt>Grand Huntmastery</dt>
<dd>
<p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian are able to use the following battle-spells of the Elder Magi:</p>
<ul>
- <li><spell>Splinter</spell>&emdash;This causes breakable items such as bottles, jugs, mirrors, windows, etc., to shatter to pieces. The range of this spell increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</li>
- <li><spell>Flameshaft</spell>&emdash;This causes the tip of any Arrow, or arrow-like missile, to burn fiercely with a magical flame which cannot readily be extinguished by normal means.</li>
+ <li><spell>Splinter</spell><ch.emdash/>This causes breakable items such as bottles, jugs, mirrors, windows, etc., to shatter to pieces. The range of this spell increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</li>
+ <li><spell>Flameshaft</spell><ch.emdash/>This causes the tip of any Arrow, or arrow-like missile, to burn fiercely with a magical flame which cannot readily be extinguished by normal means.</li>
</ul>
</dd>
</dl>
</data>
</section>
- <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>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 old Darklord city-fortress of Kaag and rescue Guildmaster Banedon will be fraught with deadly dangers. Be wary and on your guard at all times, for the inhabitants of Kaag are still a formidable enemy despite the demise of their Darklord masters.</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 Grand Master adventure.</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 Grand Master adventure.</p>
<p>The survival of your countryman and close friend Banedon depends on the success of your mission. May the light of Kai and Ishir be your guide as you venture into the grim darkness of Kaag.</p>
<p>For Sommerlund and the Kai!</p>
</data>
<meta><title>1</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Preparations for the quest take no more than a day to complete. The following morning, shortly before dawn, you and Lord Rimoah leave the Kai monastery by a secret route which takes you to a clearing deep in the heart of the Fryelund forest. There awaits the means by which you will travel swiftly to Kaag.</p>
- <p>Your journey to the Darklands will be made aboard Guildmaster Banedon's airship&emdash;the <cite>Skyrider</cite>. This magical craft has borne you on many quests to distant lands, yet never before without your friend and companion at its helm. Now, in his absence, the stewardship of the <cite>Skyrider</cite> has passed to its bo'sun&emdash;Nolrim of Bor.</p>
+ <p>Preparations for the quest take no more than a day to complete. The following morning, shortly before dawn, you and Lord Rimoah leave the Kai monastery by a secret route which takes you to a clearing deep in the heart of the Fryelund Forest. There awaits the means by which you will travel swiftly to Kaag.</p>
+ <p>Your journey to the Darklands will be made aboard Guildmaster Banedon<ch.apos/>s airship<ch.emdash/>the <cite>Skyrider</cite>. This magical craft has borne you on many quests to distant lands, yet never before without your friend and companion at its helm. Now, in his absence, the stewardship of the <cite>Skyrider</cite> has passed to its bo<ch.apos/>sun<ch.emdash/>Nolrim of Bor.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small5.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small5.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
+
<p><quote>Welcome aboard, Grand Master,</quote> says Nolrim, proud to be serving under your command. You clasp his strong hand in friendship and compliment him and the crew for the pristine condition of their craft. There is no doubting that he and his company of dwarves are sorely grieved by the absence of their Captain, yet they have not allowed their anguish to give way to hopelessness or despair. These sturdy warriors are renowned for their formidable fighting spirit and you know they willingly risk their lives to help you rescue Banedon from the minions of darkness.</p>
- <p>Soon the frost-laden fir trees are receding beneath the <cite>Skyrider's</cite> bow as Nolrim steers a westward course towards the grey, snow-capped peaks of the Durncrag mountains. You spend the flight inside the Captain's cabin, where you and Lord Rimoah discuss your dangerous mission. The plan is to traverse the Durncrag Range and enter the Darklands under cover of a dust storm which is currently sweeping southwards towards Kaag. A landing will be made ten miles to the north-east of the city-fortress, beyond a ridge of hills that will keep the <cite>Skyrider</cite> hidden from the eyes of Kaag's watchful lookouts. From there you are to make your way to the fortress on foot, enter as best you can, locate and rescue Banedon, then return with him to the <cite>Skyrider</cite> which will carry you back to the safety of Sommerlund. You will have 48 hours in which to complete your mission. If, after the two days have elapsed, you have not returned, Rimoah will be forced to assume that you and the Guildmaster have perished. The dust storm will not last for more than two days, after which time there is a grave danger that the <cite>Skyrider</cite> will be spotted and attacked by the Kraan and Zlanbeasts which are known to patrol the skies around Kaag.</p>
+ <p>Soon the frost-laden fir trees are receding beneath the <cite>Skyrider<ch.apos/>s</cite> bow as Nolrim steers a westward course towards the grey, snow-capped peaks of the Durncrag mountains. You spend the flight inside the Captain<ch.apos/>s cabin, where you and Lord Rimoah discuss your dangerous mission. The plan is to traverse the Durncrag Range and enter the Darklands under cover of a dust storm which is currently sweeping southwards towards Kaag. A landing will be made ten miles to the northeast of the city-fortress, beyond a ridge of hills that will keep the <cite>Skyrider</cite> hidden from the eyes of Kaag<ch.apos/>s watchful lookouts. From there you are to make your way to the fortress on foot, enter as best you can, locate and rescue Banedon, then return with him to the <cite>Skyrider</cite> which will carry you back to the safety of Sommerlund. You will have 48 hours in which to complete your mission. If, after the two days have elapsed, you have not returned, Rimoah will be forced to assume that you and the Guildmaster have perished. The dust storm will not last for more than two days, after which time there is a grave danger that the <cite>Skyrider</cite> will be spotted and attacked by the Kraan and Zlanbeasts which are known to patrol the skies around Kaag.</p>
<p>In a little under two hours you reach your destination where the weather conditions are atrocious. A fierce, dust-choked wind buffets the craft mercilessly during the final descent and visibility is no more than a dozen yards at best. Yet, despite these terrible conditions, Nolrim brings the <cite>Skyrider</cite> in for a faultless landing behind the ridge. The moment the keel beds into the soft ground, the crew leap into action with ropes and chains. Nolrim soon enters the cabin to inform you that the craft is secure and, with trepidation, you get ready to set off for Kaag.</p>
<p><quote>Godspeed, Lone Wolf,</quote> says Rimoah, with a smile of encouragement. <quote>I shall pray to Kai and Ishir for your safety and success. May their light guide you on your journey into darkness.</quote></p>
<p>You acknowledge his blessing gratefully before bidding him, and Nolrim, farewell. Then, without looking back, you pull your warm cloak tight about you and set off into the storm.</p>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="sect3-1-foot" idref="sect3-1">
- <p>This section corresponds to the correct answer to the Kagonite door lock.</p>
+ <p>This section corresponds to the correct answer to the Kagonite door lock in <a idref="sect127">Section 127</a>and <a idref="sect319">Section 319</a>.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<meta><title>5</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Defiantly you raise your right hand and point your finger at the Helghast's chest. The creature sneers, revealing two sharp fangs which protrude from its lower jaw. It emits a hideous cackle, full of hatred and contempt, and its eyes blaze like two hot coals as it confidently quickens its gait. You utter the words of power that you learned from your mentor, Guildmaster Banedon, and at once your whole hand is sleeved with a crackling blue-white fire. A jolt runs the length of your arm and a pulse of energy, shaped like a small meteor, arcs from your index finger towards the approaching Helghast. The bolt rips through its chest and, with a wail of abject terror, the creature is lifted into the air and sent tumbling backwards into the flame-filled moat.</p>
+ <p>Defiantly you raise your right hand and point your finger at the Helghast<ch.apos/>s chest. The creature sneers, revealing two sharp fangs which protrude from its lower jaw. It emits a hideous cackle, full of hatred and contempt, and its eyes blaze like two hot coals as it confidently quickens its gait. You utter the words of power that you learned from your mentor, Guildmaster Banedon, and at once your whole hand is sleeved with a crackling blue-white fire. A jolt runs the length of your arm and a pulse of energy, shaped like a small meteor, arcs from your index finger towards the approaching Helghast. The bolt rips through its chest and, with a wail of abject terror, the creature is lifted into the air and sent tumbling backwards into the flame-filled moat.</p>
<p>Open-mouthed, the two Drakkarim stumble to a halt and stare down into the all-consuming fire. Nervously they glance at each other, fearful of suffering a similar fate, but years of fierce battle discipline soon override their anxiety and, like two automatons, they raise their swords and continue to advance towards you.</p>
<combat><enemy>Drakkarim Veterans</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">30</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">35</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect340">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You raise the sun-sword and the onrushing bolt of energy is drawn to its blade where it collides with a brilliant flash, showering you with sparks which rapidly dissolve. Power surges through the hilt of your divine sword and flows along your arm, renewing your flagging strength: increase your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score by 3.</p>
- <p>Revitalized by this energy, you bite back your fear and focus on the advancing swarm. Suddenly your psychic senses tingle. These are no ordinary insects; in fact these are not insects at all. Your sixth sense detects that they are merely a clever illusion created to deceive you. Confident in this knowledge, you stand your ground and allow the tide of creepy-crawlies to wash over your feet. Within a matter of seconds the insect horde fades and vanishes, dispelled by your disbelief in their existence.</p>
+ <p>Revitalized by this energy, you bite back your fear and focus on the advancing swarm. Suddenly your psychic senses tingle. These are no ordinary insects; in fact these are not insects at all. Your Sixth Sense detects that they are merely a clever illusion created to deceive you. Confident in this knowledge, you stand your ground and allow the tide of creepy-crawlies to wash over your feet. Within a matter of seconds the insect horde fades and vanishes, dispelled by your disbelief in their existence.</p>
<choice idref="sect281"><link-text>Turn to 281</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="sect8-1-foot" idref="sect8-1">
- <p>This section corresponds to the correct answer to the lock on the exit from the torture chamber of the Nadziranim.</p>
+ <p>This section corresponds to the correct answer to the lock on the exit from the torture chamber of the Nadziranim in <a idref="sect220">Section 220</a>.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<data>
- <p>On the eighth tap, there is a loud <onomatopoeia>click</onomatopoeia> and the heavy steel door creaks slowly open.<a id="sect8-1" idref="sect8-1-foot" class="footnote" /> Ahead you see a ramp which slopes down to a junction where a passage crosses from left to right. You descend the slope, taking care not to graze Banedon's back against the low ceiling, and when you reach the junction you ask your friend in which direction you should go. Unfortunately your question goes unanswered; Banedon has lapsed once more into unconsciousness.</p>
+ <p>On the eighth tap, there is a loud <onomatopoeia>click</onomatopoeia> and the heavy steel door creaks slowly open.<a id="sect8-1" idref="sect8-1-foot" class="footnote" /> Ahead you see a ramp which slopes down to a junction where a passage crosses from left to right. You descend the slope, taking care not to graze Banedon<ch.apos/>s back against the low ceiling, and when you reach the junction you ask your friend in which direction you should go. Unfortunately your question goes unanswered; Banedon has lapsed once more into unconsciousness.</p>
<p>You stand at the junction and use your Kai senses in an attempt to choose the safest route, but you detect nothing that can help or influence your decision. Both routes seem equally unwelcoming and perilous.</p>
<choice idref="sect271">If you decide to turn left, <link-text>turn to 271</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect83">If you choose to go right, <link-text>turn to 83</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You pull yourself over the parapet, only to be confronted immediately by a Drakkar guard. Unbeknown to you he has been sitting on the tower roof, quietly watching the spectacle of the feeding Kraan.</p>
- <p>He grabs you by the throat and attempts to throw you off the tower. You counter this clumsy attack easily by turning his hand aside and grabbing hold of his battle tunic. A swift twist of your body sends him sailing over your shoulder to land, head first, in the street below.</p>
+ <p>He grabs you by the throat and attempts to throw you off the tower. You counter this clumsy attack easily by turning his hand aside and grabbing hold of his battle tunic. A swift twist of your body sends him sailing over your shoulder to land, head-first, in the street below.</p>
<p>The guard, his neck broken, is no longer a threat to anyone, so you turn your attention to the five Kraan which are feeding on the roof. Gingerly you approach them, hoping not to startle them into flight, but the commotion, and your presence, has made them very uneasy.</p>
<choice idref="sect90">If you possess the Discipline of Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 90</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect136">If you do not possess this skill, <link-text>turn to 136</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>11</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You search for a weak spot on the creature's shell but you cannot readily discern one. The tip of your Arrow is made of best Sommlending steel but, even so, you fear it may not be sufficient to penetrate the creature's chest.</p>
+ <p>You search for a weak spot on the creature<ch.apos/>s shell but you cannot readily discern one. The tip of your Arrow is made of best Sommlending steel but, even so, you fear it may not be sufficient to penetrate the creature<ch.apos/>s chest.</p>
<choice idref="sect227">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, <link-text>turn to 227</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect73">If you do not possess this skill, or have not yet reached this Kai rank, <link-text>turn to 73</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>12</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You raise your weapon to defend yourself from the creature's attack but, as you stare into its hellish eyes, you suddenly realize that this supernatural horror is immune to the effects of man-made weaponry.</p>
+ <p>You raise your weapon to defend yourself from the creature<ch.apos/>s attack but, as you stare into its hellish eyes, you suddenly realize that this supernatural horror is immune to the effects of man-made weaponry.</p>
<choice idref="sect330">If you possess the Dagger of Vashna, a Jewelled Mace, or Helshezag, <link-text>turn to 330</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect212">If you do not possess one of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 212</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You step over the dead war-dog and enter the adjoining chamber. This foul-smelling room is littered with Giak bones and half-chewed haunches of greenish meat. Amongst the debris you notice something gleaming dully. It is a bronze statuette, forged in the likeness of Darklord Zagarna.</p>
- <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your Backpack. If you already carry the maximum number of items allowed, you will have to discard one in its favour.</p>
+ <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. If you already carry the maximum number of items allowed, you will have to discard one in its favour.</p>
<p>To your right you notice another curtained archway. Through the threadbare cloth you can see a stone staircase spiralling down into the dark.</p>
<choice idref="sect56">If you wish to explore this staircase, <link-text>turn to 56</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect44">If you choose to retrace your steps and leave the barracks, <link-text>turn to 44</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>14</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Before you can find something with which to start a fire, the octopoid moves away from the pool and forces you back against the wall of rubble. You contemplate escaping through the narrow gap by which you entered the chamber but it is already too late; the creature's tentacles are almost upon you.</p>
+ <p>Before you can find something with which to start a fire, the octopoid moves away from the pool and forces you back against the wall of rubble. You contemplate escaping through the narrow gap by which you entered the chamber but it is already too late; the creature<ch.apos/>s tentacles are almost upon you.</p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>The octopoid forces you back against the wall of rubble<br />and you face the hideous being in mortal combat.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>The octopoid forces you back against the wall of</line>
+ <line>rubble and you face the hideous being in mortal combat.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="613"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="613"/>
- </illustration>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Resigned to your fate, you unsheathe your weapon and prepare to face this hideous being in mortal combat.</p>
<combat><enemy>Korozon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">52</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This creature is immune to all forms of psychic attack.</p>
<meta><title>15</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The Liganim watch you return to Banedon, then they turn and flee through the archway. Less than a minute later they return with a troop of armoured Drakkarim and Giak soldiers. Like a horde of screaming fanatics, they come rushing down the staircase and spread out to surround you and your companion. You draw your weapon and fight bravely, dispatching more than fifty of the enemy, but they receive a constant stream of reinforcements and, when finally your strength fails you, you are overwhelmed by these merciless denizens of Kaag.</p>
+ <p>The Liganim watch you return to Banedon; then they turn and flee through the archway. Less than a minute later they return with a troop of armoured Drakkarim and Giak soldiers. Like a horde of screaming fanatics, they come rushing down the staircase and spread out to surround you and your companion. You draw your weapon and fight bravely, dispatching more than fifty of the enemy, but they receive a constant stream of reinforcements and, when finally your strength fails you, you are overwhelmed by these merciless denizens of Kaag.</p>
<p>Tragically, your life and your quest end here.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>18</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The sensation of danger is steadily building. Fearful that the denizens of this domain may burst into the hall and thwart your rescue attempt at any moment, you cast the Brotherhood spell <quote>Detect Evil</quote> in the hope of locating exactly where the danger lies.</p>
+ <p>The sensation of danger is steadily building. Fearful that the denizens of this domain may burst into the hall and thwart your rescue attempt at any moment, you cast the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Sense Evil</spell> in the hope of locating exactly where the danger lies.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the spell merely serves to increase the sensitivity of your Kai senses. The sensation of impending danger becomes like a heavy cloud that is suffocating you. Gasping for breath, you are forced to break off the spell for fear of losing consciousness: deduct 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
<choice idref="sect274">If you possess Telegnosis, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 274</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect146">If you do not possess this Discipline, or choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 146</link-text>.</choice>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="sect20-1-foot" idref="sect20-1">
- <p>This section corresponds to the correct answer to the lock on the <quote>stout steel-sheathed doors</quote>.</p>
+ <p>This section corresponds to the correct answer to the lock on the <quote>stout steel-sheathed doors</quote> in <a idref="sect181">Section 181</a>.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<meta><title>21</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>A wave of negative psychic energy crashes against your mind, forcing you to erect a defensive wall to prevent it from damaging your nervous system. You muster your psychic reserves in preparation yet, as the complex process is taking place, you suddenly realize that you are playing into your unseen enemy's hands.</p>
+ <p>A wave of negative psychic energy crashes against your mind, forcing you to erect a defensive wall to prevent it from damaging your nervous system. You muster your psychic reserves in preparation yet, as the complex process is taking place, you suddenly realize that you are playing into your unseen enemy<ch.apos/>s hands.</p>
<p>You sense that your attacker feeds off psychic defences; to erect a mind-wall would merely provide power for the creature to gorge itself upon. Mindful of this fact you consciously deplete your mind-wall, draining the energy away, channelling it to boost your Kai senses instead.</p>
<p>Your strategy works; the creature breaks off its psychic attack (increase your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> by 4 points). The creature then prepares to attack you face to face.</p>
<choice idref="sect229"><link-text>Turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You race across the mound of jagged rubble, barely slowing your stride as you surmount this obstacle easily. The pursuing Death Knights, handicapped by their weighty armour and lack of special skills, can only watch in astonishment as you disappear from view.</p>
<p>The street continues beyond the mound, heading due south towards the great citadel, the shadow of this edifice looming ever larger. Soon the street opens out to a wide concourse which encircles the citadel and offers access to its great northern door. The entire door is made of black iron and streaked with rust. Turrets jut from either side, on top of which you see giant cannon-like weapons, similar to those once employed by the Darklords aboard their ironclad fleets.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
+
+ <illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>Giaks and Drakkarim pass the citadel, all clad in orange<br />uniforms bearing the mark of a bloodied scythe.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>Giaks and Drakkarim pass the citadel, all</line>
+ <line>clad in orange uniforms bearing the mark</line>
+ <line>of a bloodied scythe.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="613"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="613"/>
- </illustration>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>From the cover of a ruined house, you watch the traffic of Giaks and Drakkarim, all clad in orange uniforms bearing the mark of a bloodied scythe. The more you stare at the citadel, the more you are sure that this is where Banedon is being held prisoner. However, entry into the citadel itself looks to be impossible, until, that is, an opportunity unexpectedly presents itself.</p>
<choice idref="sect124"><link-text>Turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>You race to the edge of the steps and jump for the Drakkar guard. You land on his back heavily, your feet together, slamming him flat on his face with the full weight of your body and rendering him completely unconscious. You are winded by the impact but you quickly recover and drag his limp body out of sight, fearful that it will be seen by a passing patrol. Already a huge bruise is beginning to discolour his face and you are sure that it will be many hours before he regains consciousness. As you are moving him you notice that he wears two chains around his neck. To one there is attached a Whistle; to the other a Brass Key. (If you decide to keep either of these Backpack Items, mark your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.)</p>
<p>Once you are satisfied that he is well hidden, you climb the stairs and carefully push open the heavy door. At the end of a short corridor there is a landing where a gallery overlooks the cavernous lower level.</p>
<p>Nearby there is a staircase, leading down, and to your right you see a black oak door set flush to the wall.</p>
- <p>Slowly you approach the gallery's railed parapet and peer down at an unnerving sight.</p>
+ <p>Slowly you approach the gallery<ch.apos/>s railed parapet and peer down at an unnerving sight.</p>
<choice idref="sect47"><link-text>Turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The challenge catches you off-guard and your mind races for an answer that you hope will sound convincing.</p>
- <p><quote>I've been sent here by my master to deliver an unholy relic,</quote> you say, patting your canvas haversack.</p>
+ <p><quote>I<ch.apos/>ve been sent here by my master to deliver an unholy relic,</quote> you say, patting your canvas haversack.</p>
<p>The two guards stare at the satchel then look at each other and converse in a language you do not recognize.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Kai-alchemy or Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect239">If total score is now 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 239</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You push Banedon aside and dive to avoid the falling trap but, even though you act speedily, your legs are ensnared by the net and you are brought crashing to your knees.</p>
- <p><quote>Finish them both!</quote> snarls a voice, and a dozen trident-wielding Drakkarim leap from the shadows, eager to enact their master's command.</p>
+ <p><quote>Finish them both!</quote> snarls a voice, and a dozen trident-wielding Drakkarim leap from the shadows, eager to enact their master<ch.apos/>s command.</p>
<choice idref="sect182"><link-text>Turn to 182</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You lower Banedon to the floor and make him as comfortable as you can by propping him in a sitting position with his back against one of the statues. Then, despite your own fatigue, you use your innate healing skills in an attempt to revive him to consciousness. His pulse is weak and his skin is cold to the touch, and you can tell by his poor physical condition that he has been starved and beaten during his imprisonment here in Kaag. Placing your hands upon his brow, you feel some of your body warmth draining away as you concentrate on transmitting your healing powers to your injured friend. Slowly he responds, and although he is still too weak to speak, he manages to open his eyes and communicate with you telepathically.</p>
- <p><thought>I know this chamber&ellips;</thought> he says, <thought>&ellips;I have been here before. Look there, at the statue opposite. You'll find a lever concealed at its side. It opens a hidden door.</thought></p>
- <p>Guided by Banedon's messages you discover that there is indeed a lever as he described. You pull it and a panel in the stone wall glides open to reveal a secret alcove and flight of steps leading downwards. Noises in the tunnel warn you that Drakkarim are approaching and so, without hesitation, you shoulder your friend once more and hurry into the alcove to avoid them.</p>
+ <p><thought>I know this chamber<ch.ellips/></thought> he says, <thought><ch.ellips/>I have been here before. Look there, at the statue opposite. You<ch.apos/>ll find a lever concealed at its side. It opens a hidden door.</thought></p>
+ <p>Guided by Banedon<ch.apos/>s messages you discover that there is indeed a lever as he described. You pull it and a panel in the stone wall glides open to reveal a secret alcove and flight of steps leading downwards. Noises in the tunnel warn you that Drakkarim are approaching and so, without hesitation, you shoulder your friend once more and hurry into the alcove to avoid them.</p>
<choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>31</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The stairs ascend to a chamber lined with wooden racks covered with saddlery, lances, tack and all manner of Kraan kit. A single Drakkar occupies this musty room. He is asleep on a chair near to a window which overlooks a landing platform and the city far below. You are tempted to take hold of the snoring guard and force him to tell you where Banedon is being held, but you daren't risk being detected. If the guard should raise the alarm, your chances of finding and rescuing your friend will be greatly reduced.</p>
+ <p>The stairs ascend to a chamber lined with wooden racks covered with saddlery, lances, tack and all manner of Kraan kit. A single Drakkar occupies this musty room. He is asleep on a chair near to a window which overlooks a landing platform and the city far below. You are tempted to take hold of the snoring guard and force him to tell you where Banedon is being held, but you daren<ch.apos/>t risk being detected. If the guard should raise the alarm, your chances of finding and rescuing your friend will be greatly reduced.</p>
<choice idref="sect326">If you possess the Discipline of Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 326</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect246">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 246</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You land with a jolt that empties your lungs and sends red-hot pain lancing up your left leg. You have landed on a heap of broken bricks and rot-infested timbers, one of which has opened a deep gash along the back of your calf: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>Winded, disorientated, and in acute pain, you crawl across the slimy floor of this cellar towards a flight of steps. Then, with a chilling suddenness, your senses warn that you are not alone. From behind, a lanky grey-skinned humanoid form creeps from a shadowy hollow, snickering evilly. It leaps upon your back and scratches your face with its razor-sharp nails. You twist yourself free and hammer your elbow into its chest, sending it sprawling to the damp ground where it lies deathly still. You draw your weapon and prepare for combat, but this proves unnecessary. Your blow has crushed the creature's brittle rib cage, piercing its heart.</p>
+ <p>Winded, disorientated, and in acute pain, you crawl across the slimy floor of this cellar towards a flight of steps. Then, with a chilling suddenness, your senses warn that you are not alone. From behind, a lanky grey-skinned humanoid form creeps from a shadowy hollow, snickering evilly. It leaps upon your back and scratches your face with its razor-sharp nails. You twist yourself free and hammer your elbow into its chest, sending it sprawling to the damp ground where it lies deathly still. You draw your weapon and prepare for combat, but this proves unnecessary. Your blow has crushed the creature<ch.apos/>s brittle rib cage, piercing its heart.</p>
<choice idref="sect225">If you possess the Discipline of Deliverance, <link-text>turn to 225</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect130">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 130</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>34</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your Arrow penetrates the beast's skull and kills it instantaneously, although the momentum of its attack carries its hulking body forward for several yards before it finally crashes snout-first into the iron drawbridge floor, and tumbles head over heels.</p>
+ <p>Your Arrow penetrates the beast<ch.apos/>s skull and kills it instantaneously, although the momentum of its attack carries its hulking body forward for several yards before it finally crashes snout-first into the iron drawbridge floor, and tumbles head over heels.</p>
<choice idref="sect247"><link-text>Turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>Beyond the initial heaps of rubble this avenue is surprisingly clear of debris and obstructions. You are conscious that perhaps it is too clear, offering you no cover at all from the buildings which line this route to the centre of Kaag.</p>
<p>You decide to trust to the ruins rather than run the risk of being detected out in the open. However, within a matter of minutes you are confronted by a new hazard. The ground in this section of the city is unsafe. It is riddled with pot-holes and concealed cellars, covered by rotten wooden beams and slabs of paper-thin plaster. Suddenly one such section gives way beneath your feet and you find yourself falling headlong into coal-black darkness.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect32">If your total score is now 0&endash;5, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect32">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>5, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect51">If it is 6 or higher, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Arrows fly past you on all sides, forcing you to a halt.</p>
- <p><quote>It's no good, Lone Wolf,</quote> shouts Banedon, as he watches the Drakkarim advancing along the passage, <quote>we'll have to go back and take our chances in the pen.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s no good, Lone Wolf,</quote> shouts Banedon, as he watches the Drakkarim advancing along the passage, <quote>we<ch.apos/>ll have to go back and take our chances in the pen.</quote></p>
<p>Cursing your predicament, you turn around and hurry back towards the waiting ambush. You are expecting to be attacked by more archers, yet as soon as you set foot inside the pen you are confronted by something totally unexpected. A faint sound above makes you look up, and, to your horror, you see a weighted net falling from the ceiling directly on to your heads.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have Grand Huntmastery, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect27">If your total is now 0&endash;4, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect27">If your total is now 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect262">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Aided by your mastery, you traverse the tunnel without injury and reach the cooler section beyond. Here you happen upon a steep staircase, set into the right-hand wall, which ascends to a hall on the level above. This vault-like room contains a wealth of grim exhibits, hung upon the walls and displayed in glass-fronted cases. The skulls of rare creatures are displayed beside tanned hides and jewel-encrusted bones. One item in particular catches your eye: it is a Statuette, fashioned in the likeness of Darklord Zagarna.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
+
+ <illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>The skulls of rare creatures are displayed beside tanned<br />hides, jewel encrusted bones and a Statuette of Darklord<br />Zagarna.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>The skulls of rare creatures are displayed</line>
+ <line>beside tanned hides, jewel encrusted bones</line>
+ <line>and a Statuette of Darklord Zagarna.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="613"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="613"/>
- </illustration>
- <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, mark it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your Backpack. If you already carry your maximum quota, you must discard one item in its favour.</p>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, mark it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. If you already carry your maximum quota, you must discard one item in its favour.</p>
<choice idref="sect209">To continue, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The dingy stone staircase leads down to an empty torchlit chamber, its floor strewn with filthy straw. A dank tunnel extends from the chamber and you follow this for over a mile before you reach its end. There you discover an iron door, eaten by rust, its lock made useless by years of acidic corrosion. Using your Magnakai skill of Nexus you free the lock mechanism, then lever the door open to reveal a short flight of steps which are almost unrecognizable beneath a carpet of moss and fungi.</p>
<p>Cautiously you ascend, clearing the way ahead with your weapon before trusting it to your step. The stairs emerge at street level, in the midst of a once-grand building which now lies in ruins. Through one of its shattered windows you look out upon a concourse littered with more than a dozen Giak dead. Their posture, and the nature of their wounds, tell of a savage street battle fought here within the last few hours. Perched on nearby rooftops are a flock of vulture-like birds, cawing delightedly, their bellies distended by a feast of Giak meat.</p>
- <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tells you that the fighting is not over, it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to stay crouched in the ruins whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
+ <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tells you that the fighting is not over; it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to stay crouched in the ruins whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
<choice idref="sect228">If you wish to cross the street and investigate the crypt, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect303">If you choose to ignore the crypt, <link-text>turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>39</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Talons spring from the creature's forepaws and its sharp teeth glint like polished knives as it comes leaping through the air towards you.</p>
+ <p>Talons spring from the creature<ch.apos/>s forepaws and its sharp teeth glint like polished knives as it comes leaping through the air towards you.</p>
<combat><enemy>Vodok</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">44</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">52</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect150">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You have only just re-entered the chamber when a second bolt slams into the floor of the tunnel. The blast and concussion throw you forwards, but you manage to recover your balance and stay on your feet.</p>
<p>The sound of the explosion revives Banedon and, although he is still far too weak to speak or walk, he manages to open his eyes and communicate with you telepathically.</p>
- <p><thought>I know this chamber&ellips;</thought> he says, <thought>&ellips;I have been here before. Look there, at the statue opposite. You'll find a lever concealed at its side. It opens a hidden door. Hurry&ellips;</thought></p>
- <p>Guided by Banedon's messages you discover that there is indeed a lever as he described. You pull it and a panel in the stone wall glides open to reveal a secret alcove and flight of steps leading downwards. The sound of running feet warns you that the enemy are approaching along both passages <!--(jon: what was original???)-->, and so, without hesitation, you shoulder your friend once more and slip into the alcove to avoid them.</p>
+ <p><thought>I know this chamber<ch.ellips/></thought> he says, <thought><ch.ellips/>I have been here before. Look there, at the statue opposite. You<ch.apos/>ll find a lever concealed at its side. It opens a hidden door. Hurry<ch.ellips/></thought></p>
+ <p>Guided by Banedon<ch.apos/>s messages you discover that there is indeed a lever as he described. You pull it and a panel in the stone wall glides open to reveal a secret alcove and flight of steps leading downwards. The sound of running feet warns you that the enemy are approaching along both passages <!--(jon: what was original???)-->, and so, without hesitation, you shoulder your friend once more and slip into the alcove to avoid them.</p>
<choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>After several abortive attempts to open the lock, you decide to abandon the door and leave the chamber by means of the narrow staircase. An unwholesome smell fills this dark spiralling stairwell and, as you descend, you are forced to cling to the wall to prevent yourself slipping on the uneven, slime-smeared steps.</p>
- <p>After several minutes your painfully slow progress is halted by a huge mound of rubble. At first your heart sinks with the fear that you have reached a dead end, then you glimpse a pinpoint of light filtering through the debris and at once your senses reveal that a chamber lies a few yards beyond. However, in order to gain access to this chamber you must first clear away some of the debris which blocks the stairs.</p>
+ <p>After several minutes your painfully slow progress is halted by a huge mound of rubble. At first your heart sinks with the fear that you have reached a dead end; then you glimpse a pinpoint of light filtering through the debris and at once your senses reveal that a chamber lies a few yards beyond. However, in order to gain access to this chamber you must first clear away some of the debris which blocks the stairs.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. Now subtract 1 from the number you have picked. The resultant score equals the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost due to fatigue. (If you picked 0 or 1, your score is zero.)</p>
<choice idref="sect100">To continue, <link-text>turn to 100</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You hurry along the corridor, down the steps, and along the alley to the street. When the coast is clear you cross the street and follow a passage which takes you further southwards, towards the centre of this hellish metropolis. Everywhere there is decay and dereliction. Once-grand buildings lie in ruins and every surface is beslimed with nameless refuse. Soon you happen upon a concourse littered with more than a dozen Giak dead. Their posture, and the nature of their wounds, tell of a savage street battle fought here within the last few hours. Perched on nearby rooftops are a flock of vulture-like birds, cawing delightedly, their bellies distended by a surfeit of Giak meat.</p>
- <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tells you that the fighting is not over, it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to crouch in a darkened doorway for cover whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
+ <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tells you that the fighting is not over; it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to crouch in a darkened doorway for cover whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
<choice idref="sect228">If you wish to cross the street and investigate the crypt, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect303">If you choose to ignore the crypt, <link-text>turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>46</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You sheathe your weapon and unshoulder your Bow as you run towards the stairs. Once there, you draw an Arrow and take aim at the advancing creature. It halts, snarling defiantly, then, to your utter amazement, its furry chest undergoes a rapid metamorphosis. What was fur only a few seconds ago is now a shiny steel-hard shell.</p>
- <choice idref="sect11">If you wish to aim your Arrow at the creature's shell, <link-text>turn to 11</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>You sheathe your weapon and unshoulder your Bow as you run towards the stairs. Once there, you draw an Arrow and take aim at the advancing creature. It halts, snarling defiantly; then, to your utter amazement, its furry chest undergoes a rapid metamorphosis. What was fur only a few seconds ago is now a shiny steel-hard shell.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect11">If you wish to aim your Arrow at the creature<ch.apos/>s shell, <link-text>turn to 11</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect345">If you choose to aim at its head, <link-text>turn to 345</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect125">If you decide to abandon your shot altogether, you can shoulder your Bow by <link-text>turning to 125</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>48</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the Helghast closes for the kill it emits a wailing cry, sending a wave of psychic energy to assail your mind. Your Magnakai defences are more than sufficient to repel this weak attack and, to the creature's visible dismay, you remain unaffected by its initial assault. The Helghast's feral eyes blaze brightly and talons spring from its fingers as, with one last cry, it launches itself towards your chest.</p>
+ <p>As the Helghast closes for the kill it emits a wailing cry, sending a wave of psychic energy to assail your mind. Your Magnakai defences are more than sufficient to repel this weak attack and, to the creature<ch.apos/>s visible dismay, you remain unaffected by its initial assault. The Helghast<ch.apos/>s feral eyes blaze brightly and talons spring from its fingers as, with one last cry, it launches itself towards your chest.</p>
<choice idref="sect162">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 162</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect12">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 12</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>50</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The moment you strike your killing blow, the body of the Ice Dragon becomes transparent, as if it was made wholly of glass, then slowly this form melts away to a steamy vapour which quickly evaporates, leaving no trace of the creature's existence.</p>
- <p>A deathly silence fills the hall, broken only by the sound of Banedon's laboured breathing. Fearful of his condition, you climb the ivory staircase and rush to his side. However, you are prevented from touching your friend by the encircling wall of energy in which he is held prisoner. You sense that the power which keeps him here against his will is being generated by the crystal sphere which hangs suspended in the air directly above him. You gaze at this sphere and the thought occurs that if you could disrupt it in some way, by breaking or dislodging it, it might cause the power wall to fail.</p>
+ <p>The moment you strike your killing blow, the body of the Ice Dragon becomes transparent, as if it was made wholly of glass; then slowly this form melts away to a steamy vapour which quickly evaporates, leaving no trace of the creature<ch.apos/>s existence.</p>
+ <p>A deathly silence fills the hall, broken only by the sound of Banedon<ch.apos/>s laboured breathing. Fearful of his condition, you climb the ivory staircase and rush to his side. However, you are prevented from touching your friend by the encircling wall of energy in which he is held prisoner. You sense that the power which keeps him here against his will is being generated by the crystal sphere which hangs suspended in the air directly above him. You gaze at this sphere and the thought occurs that if you could disrupt it in some way, by breaking or dislodging it, it might cause the power wall to fail.</p>
<choice idref="sect245">If you have a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 245</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect69">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, <link-text>turn to 69</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect108">If you possess Magi-magic, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, <link-text>turn to 108</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>As you fall, you throw out your hands and manage to grab hold of a thick timber which lies across the gaping hole. Splinters of rotten wood dig deeply into your hands, causing you to cry out in pain (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), but the discomfort does not cause you to lose your grip. With grim determination, you haul yourself out of the hole and continue across these perilous ruins, taking more care than before as to where you tread.</p>
<p>Eventually you clear this section of the city and find yourself in the midst of a once-grand building which now lies derelict. Through one of its shattered windows you look out upon a concourse littered with more than a dozen Giak dead. Their posture, and the nature of their wounds, tell of a savage street battle fought here within the last few hours. Perched on nearby rooftops are a flock of vulture-like birds, cawing delightedly, their bellies distended by a surfeit of Giak meat.</p>
- <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tell you that the fighting is not over, it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to stay crouched in the ruins whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
+ <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tell you that the fighting is not over; it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to stay crouched in the ruins whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
<choice idref="sect228">If you wish to cross the street and investigate the crypt, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect303">If you choose to ignore the crypt, <link-text>turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>52</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The bolt strikes the pool and the inflammable liquid ignites with a deafening <onomatopoeia>whoomph</onomatopoeia> that knocks you flat on your back. For a few seconds the chamber is aglow with a blinding white light, then the glare fades to reveal the octopoid writhing on the floor, close to the blazing pool's edge, its loathsome body being consumed by a hungry mass of guttering yellow flames.</p>
+ <p>The bolt strikes the pool and the inflammable liquid ignites with a deafening <onomatopoeia>whoomph</onomatopoeia> that knocks you flat on your back. For a few seconds the chamber is aglow with a blinding white light; then the glare fades to reveal the octopoid writhing on the floor, close to the blazing pool<ch.apos/>s edge, its loathsome body being consumed by a hungry mass of guttering yellow flames.</p>
<p>Covering your mouth with your cloak, you skirt around the burning carcass and approach the archway through the thick smoke. The sheet of blue-green metal that once blocked this exit is no longer there; it has moved aside to reveal a dark tunnel leading away from the chamber. Eager to leave this smoke-filled hall and continue your search for your captive friend without further delay, you hurry through the archway into the darkness beyond.</p>
<choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You sprint across the street and bound up the tower stairs. You are halfway up when suddenly there is a loud <onomatopoeia>clunk</onomatopoeia>, and you look up to see a heavy wooden log, pierced by a criss-cross of metal staves sharpened at either end, come careering down the steps towards you. Frozen with horror, you can but stare at the brutal face of a Drakkar who is peering over the edge of the tower parapet. He guards this feeding tower and, with gleeful expectation, he watches as his <quote>toy</quote>, the great spiked log, bounces on the steps and spins straight towards its latest unsuspecting victim.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
+
+ <illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>A heavy wooden log, pierced by a criss-cross of metal<br />staves, comes careering down the steps towards you.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>A heavy wooden log, pierced by a criss-cross</line>
+ <line>of metal staves, comes careering down the</line>
+ <line>steps towards you.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="570"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="570"/>
- </illustration>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect289">If your total score is now 3 or less, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect41">If it is 4-9 <link-text>turn to 41</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect348">If it is 10 or more, <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
<p><quote>So we meet again, Lone Wolf.</quote></p>
<p>The words, full of hatred, are spoken by a tall, ancient figure, whose gaunt face is framed by a shock of platinum hair. It is Arch Druid Cadak, ruler of Mogaruith, the leader of the Cener Druids of Ruel.</p>
<p><quote>What is your purpose here, Cadak?</quote> you growl in reply, your weapon raised in case he or his minions should attempt to rush you.</p>
- <p><quote>I am ruler of this city now. After all, is it not fitting that I should inherit the legacy of the Darklords?</quote> Cadak's whimsical mood seems to change for the worse, a change reflected in his voice.</p>
+ <p><quote>I am ruler of this city now. After all, is it not fitting that I should inherit the legacy of the Darklords?</quote> Cadak<ch.apos/>s whimsical mood seems to change for the worse, a change reflected in his voice.</p>
<p><quote>Your meddlesome intrusions have cost me dear, Kai Lord,</quote> he hisses. <quote>We have a debt to settle and I intend to make you pay what you owe. I brought you here. It was my purpose. I have no interest in the inferior magic of this fool you call friend,</quote> he says, sneering at Banedon, <quote>yet I knew he would be bait enough to lure you.</quote></p>
<p>Slowly he steps towards the shadows and you tense yourself, fearing an imminent attack.</p>
- <p><quote>Now you will settle your debt&ellips;</quote> he says, almost in a whisper, <quote>once and for all!</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Now you will settle your debt<ch.ellips/></quote> he says, almost in a whisper, <quote>once and for all!</quote></p>
<p>He snaps his fingers and you hear the creak of a heavy iron door slowly opening. Then a low, snorting noise echoes through the pen, stirring the caged Kraan and Zlanbeast to sudden frenzy. You steel yourself and cast your eyes around in a desperate attempt to see what it is that is responsible for this sudden uproar. Then the cause emerges into the light and your blood runs ice cold in your veins when you look upon its terrible face.</p>
<choice idref="sect226"><link-text>Turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>56</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The dingy stone staircase leads down to an empty torchlit chamber, its floor strewn with filthy straw. To the right there is a stout wooden door secured by a rusty drawbolt, and ahead you see a damp passage. Your Magnakai senses tell you that it heads due south.</p>
+ <p>The dingy stone staircase leads down to an empty torchlit chamber, its floor strewn with filthy straw. To the right there is a stout wooden door secured by a rusty bolt, and ahead you see a damp passage. Your Magnakai senses tell you that it heads due south.</p>
<choice idref="sect242">If you wish to take a closer look at the door, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect343">If you wish to investigate the passage, <link-text>turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>58</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Despite the fatigue of recent combat, you manage to erect a defensive wall around your mind which protects you from the Vordak's attack. At first their destructive energy is absorbed by this barrier, then it is transformed and cast back at them with twice its original intensity.</p>
+ <p>Despite the fatigue of recent combat, you manage to erect a defensive wall around your mind which protects you from the Vordak<ch.apos/>s attack. At first their destructive energy is absorbed by this barrier; then it is transformed and cast back at them with twice its original intensity.</p>
<p>The Vordaks reel under the impact of your psychic retaliation. Before they can fully recover, you run at them and launch yourself into hand-to-hand combat.</p>
<combat><enemy>3 Vordak (in psychic shock)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">28</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect260">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The tunnel ends at a huge, echoing hall. It was once a place of worship dedicated to Zagarna, Darklord of Kaag. Now, however, it lies in total ruin, having been ransacked and destroyed by those who took command following his destruction, by your hand, at the raising of the Siege of Holmgard.</p>
- <p>In the alcoves and grottoes that adjoin this hall, where once stood effigies of Zagarna, there now stand likenesses of Darklord Slûtar. Behind one such tribute you notice something very unusual, yet familiar. A column of shimmering blue light descends into the alcove from a hole in the middle of the roof and passes through a similar hole in the floor. Your senses tingle as you gaze at this column, for you immediately recognize its purpose. Within the confines of the light, gravity is greatly reduced. It is used as a means of transportation, an elevator that can take you to other levels of Kaag, either above or below. The last time you saw one of these devices was in Helgedad, the former principal stronghold of the Darklands.</p>
+ <p>In the alcoves and grottoes that adjoin this hall, where once stood effigies of Zagarna, there now stand likenesses of Darklord Sl<ch.ucirc/>tar. Behind one such tribute you notice something very unusual, yet familiar. A column of shimmering blue light descends into the alcove from a hole in the middle of the roof and passes through a similar hole in the floor. Your senses tingle as you gaze at this column, for you immediately recognize its purpose. Within the confines of the light, gravity is greatly reduced. It is used as a means of transportation, an elevator that can take you to other levels of Kaag, either above or below. The last time you saw one of these devices was in Helgedad, the former principal stronghold of the Darklands.</p>
<choice idref="sect127">If you wish to step into the transporter beam, <link-text>turn to 127</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect254">If you choose to ignore it, you can leave this ruined hall by means of a tunnel in its north wall. <link-text>Turn to 254</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>66</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You push down on the Zlanbeast's head and send it into a steep dive, a swift action which saves you from being knocked out of the sky by the cloud of deadly bolts. The streets of Kaag come rushing towards you with unnerving speed, but you control the winged creature skilfully, reining it in to level off in time to clear the ramparts of the South Gate. As you pass over this gate you catch sight of something strange yet wondrous to behold.</p>
+ <p>You push down on the Zlanbeast<ch.apos/>s head and send it into a steep dive, a swift action which saves you from being knocked out of the sky by the cloud of deadly bolts. The streets of Kaag come rushing towards you with unnerving speed, but you control the winged creature skilfully, reining it in to level off in time to clear the ramparts of the South Gate. As you pass over this gate you catch sight of something strange yet wondrous to behold.</p>
<choice idref="sect350"><link-text>Turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>For over a mile you wend your way through derelict buildings before you happen upon an avenue which is surprisingly clear of debris and obstructions. You are conscious that perhaps it is too clear, offering you no cover at all from the tall buildings that line this route to the centre of Kaag.</p>
<p>You decide to trust to the ruins rather than run the risk of being detected out in the open. However, within a matter of minutes you are confronted by a new hazard. The ground in this section of the city is unsafe. It is riddled with pot-holes and concealed cellars, covered by rotten wooden beams and slabs of paper-thin plaster. Suddenly one such section gives way beneath your feet and you find yourself falling headlong into coal-black darkness.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect32">If your total score is now 0&endash;5, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect32">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>5, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect51">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Painfully you stagger to your feet and shake your head in a vain attempt to be rid of the loud ringing that now fills your ears. Through the smoke and dust generated by the explosion, you glimpse the hooded creature creeping towards you. He holds a rod before him which radiates a ghostly green light. You snatch up your weapon and prepare to do battle as your robed enemy raises this rod in readiness to strike you down. Then there is a crack of energy and, as the rod whistles towards your chest, the tip transforms itself into a fiery spiked ball.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
+
+ <illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>A hooded creature creeps towards you holding a rod<br />which radiates a ghostly green light.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>A hooded creature creeps towards you holding</line>
+ <line>a rod which radiates a ghostly green light.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="609"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="609"/>
- </illustration>
+ </illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>Liganim (with Ziranakag)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">44</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">32</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect298">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 298</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>73</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The weakest area appears to be the creature's throat, where the horny chest plates butt against the bony cartilage which protects its windpipe. You whisper a prayer to the God Kai to guide your Arrow as you let slip your straining bowstring.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Weaponmastery with Bow, add 5 to the number you have picked.</p>
+ <p>The weakest area appears to be the creature<ch.apos/>s throat, where the horny chest plates butt against the bony cartilage which protects its windpipe. You whisper a prayer to the God Kai to guide your Arrow as you let slip your straining bowstring.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Weaponmastery with Bow, add 5 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect251">If your total score is 8 or less, <link-text>turn to 251</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect231">If it is 9 or more, <link-text>turn to 231</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>74</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You whisper the words of the Brotherhood spell <quote>Invisible Shield</quote> and feel a chill as some of your body warmth surges from your trunk towards your outstretched hand. Hurriedly you circle your palm in the air before you, barely moments before the Death Knights let loose a volley of deadly bolts.</p>
+ <p>You whisper the words of the Brotherhood Spell <quote>Invisible Shield</quote> and feel a chill as some of your body warmth surges from your trunk towards your outstretched hand. Hurriedly you circle your palm in the air before you, barely moments before the Death Knights let loose a volley of deadly bolts.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> (in this instance, 0 = 10). If you have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect178">If your total score is 2 or less, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect28">If your score is 3&endash;5, <link-text>turn to 28</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect28">If your score is 3<ch.endash/>5, <link-text>turn to 28</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect344">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 344</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>A search of this chamber uncovers the following items which may be of use to you during your quest:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tinderbox</li>
- <li>Laumspur (enough for 3 doses&emdash;each dose restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points after combat)</li>
+ <li>Laumspur (enough for 3 doses<ch.emdash/>each dose restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points after combat)</li>
<li>Vial of Gold Dust</li>
<li>Conch Shell</li>
<li>Silver Flask</li>
<meta><title>77</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Biting back your fears, you raise your weapon and focus on the advancing swarm. Suddenly your psychic senses tingle. These are no ordinary insects; in fact these are not insects at all. Your sixth sense detects that they are merely a clever illusion created to deceive you. Confident in this knowledge you stand your ground and allow the tide of creepy-crawlies to wash over your feet. Within a matter of seconds the insect horde fades and vanishes, dispelled by your disbelief in their existence.</p>
+ <p>Biting back your fears, you raise your weapon and focus on the advancing swarm. Suddenly your psychic senses tingle. These are no ordinary insects; in fact these are not insects at all. Your Sixth Sense detects that they are merely a clever illusion created to deceive you. Confident in this knowledge you stand your ground and allow the tide of creepy-crawlies to wash over your feet. Within a matter of seconds the insect horde fades and vanishes, dispelled by your disbelief in their existence.</p>
<choice idref="sect281"><link-text>Turn to 281</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You hurry out of the building and descend to the alley below. When the coast is clear you cross the street and follow a passage which takes you further south, towards the centre of this hellish metropolis.</p>
<p>Everywhere there is decay and dereliction. Once-grand buildings lie in ruins and every surface is beslimed with nameless refuse. Soon you happen upon a concourse littered with more than a dozen Giak dead. Their posture, and the nature of their wounds, tell of a savage battle fought here within the last few hours. Perched on nearby rooftops are a flock of vulture-like birds, cawing delightedly, their bellies distended by a surfeit of Giak meat.</p>
- <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tell you that the fighting is not over, it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to crouch in a darkened doorway for cover whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
+ <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tell you that the fighting is not over; it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to crouch in a darkened doorway for cover whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
<choice idref="sect228">If you wish to cross the street and investigate the crypt, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect303">If you choose to ignore the crypt, <link-text>turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>81</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You utter the words of the spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and point your right index finger at the creature's ugly head. You feel your arm tingling from the shoulder down, then a crackling mass of energy takes form at your fingertip. With a loud crack it arcs towards the oncoming beast and explodes full in its face, making it falter and cry out in pained surprise. But it does not delay its advance for very long. Its horny eyelids save its sight and quickly it recovers, now more determined to fulfil Cadak's command. Hastily you draw a hand weapon as the shadow of the beast falls upon you.</p>
+ <p>You utter the words of the spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and point your right index finger at the creature<ch.apos/>s ugly head. You feel your arm tingling from the shoulder down; then a crackling mass of energy takes form at your fingertip. With a loud crack it arcs towards the oncoming beast and explodes full in its face, making it falter and cry out in pained surprise. But it does not delay its advance for very long. Its horny eyelids save its sight and quickly it recovers, now more determined to fulfil Cadak<ch.apos/>s command. Hastily you draw a hand weapon as the shadow of the beast falls upon you.</p>
<choice idref="sect128"><link-text>Turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The tunnel descends, by slope and staircase, deeper into the bowels of the citadel. In the distance you see a torchlit chamber and hear the sound of Giaks screaming in agony. As you draw closer to the room, your suspicions are confirmed that you have stumbled upon a torture chamber.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small4.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small4.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
+
<p>The Drakkarim torturers are too preoccupied with the mutilation of their charges to notice you slipping through their grisly workplace to the tunnel beyond. This leads to a large stairwell from where you can see many levels, above and below.</p>
<choice idref="sect145">If you wish to ascend the stairs, <link-text>turn to 145</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect106">If you choose to descend the stairs, <link-text>turn to 106</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>83</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>After a hundred yards or so, the passage bears to the left then continues in a straight line until it arrives at a small stone-walled chamber. A crude cot, a chair, a battered trunk and a three-legged table made from a captured Freeland battleshield comprise its meagre furnishings. You stop to rest here for a few minutes, placing Banedon upon the cot while you half-heartedly search the trunk. Your curiosity is rewarded though, for inside you discover half a bottle of fine Slovian wine and a pouch full of Laumspur. You consume these (restore 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points) and, suitably refreshed, you shoulder your charge and set off along the passage in search of a way to escape from this dread citadel.</p>
+ <p>After a hundred yards or so, the passage bears to the left then continues in a straight line until it arrives at a small stone-walled chamber. A crude cot, a chair, a battered trunk and a three-legged table made from a captured Freeland battle-shield comprise its meagre furnishings. You stop to rest here for a few minutes, placing Banedon upon the cot while you half-heartedly search the trunk. Your curiosity is rewarded though, for inside you discover half a bottle of fine Slovian wine and a pouch full of Laumspur. You consume these (restore 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points) and, suitably refreshed, you shoulder your charge and set off along the passage in search of a way to escape from this dread citadel.</p>
<choice idref="sect290"><link-text>Turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Less than twenty yards ahead the street bears sharply to the right. You slow your pace and get ready to make the turn, but you are brought skidding to a halt when you see that the street goes nowhere. It is a dead end. A solid wall of black marble, thirty feet high, blocks your escape from the pursuing Death Knights.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small8.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small8.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
+
<p>Reluctantly you turn to face your foes. Having reached the junction and seen that you are trapped, they have spread out and are now walking slowly towards you in a line abreast. Casually they unshoulder their crossbows and prepare them as they advance.</p>
<choice idref="sect324">If you possess the Discipline of Assimilance, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect74">If you possess the Discipline of Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 74</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>86</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Anxious to make up for lost time, you turn away from the altar and hurry through the archway opposite. Beyond lies an icy-cold corridor where the walls and ceilings are carved with many strange spatial designs. As you follow this passage, you notice that the theme of planets and stars gradually changes to one of volcanoes and lava fissures. As if to mirror this the temperature also changes, becoming steadily hotter and drier until, by the time you finally near the corridor's end, the heat has become almost furnace-like in intensity. Breathless and bathed with sweat, you stare through the shimmering air and see a great iron door at the end of the passage.</p>
+ <p>Anxious to make up for lost time, you turn away from the altar and hurry through the archway opposite. Beyond lies an icy cold corridor where the walls and ceilings are carved with many strange spatial designs. As you follow this passage, you notice that the theme of planets and stars gradually changes to one of volcanoes and lava fissures. As if to mirror this the temperature also changes, becoming steadily hotter and drier until, by the time you finally near the corridor<ch.apos/>s end, the heat has become almost furnace-like in intensity. Breathless and bathed with sweat, you stare through the shimmering air and see a great iron door at the end of the passage.</p>
<p>Due to the excessive heat, unless you possess the Disciplines of Grand Huntmastery and Grand Nexus, you must now consume a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect300"><link-text>Turn to 300</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The flames lessen and, as the heat subsides, you lower your cloak and stare with trepidation at the sealed archway.</p>
- <p><quote>He who does not serve&ellips;</quote> booms the voice, menacingly, <quote>shall not live.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>He who does not serve<ch.ellips/></quote> booms the voice, menacingly, <quote>shall not live.</quote></p>
<p>With a startling abruptness, there is a loud <onomatopoeia>crack</onomatopoeia>. Chunks of mortar fall from the octopoid mosaic above the archway and, to your mounting horror, you watch as the eyes of the creature begin to glow with a baleful green light.</p>
- <p>Like a waking goliath, the mosaic comes slowly to life. Mesmerized by its pulsating gaze, you barely step back in time to save yourself when its tile-encrusted tentacles burst from the wall and come writhing towards your head. You lash out at the flailing limbs but your blow glances off the armour-like skin, inflicting no more than a scratch upon the tiled hide of this supernatural creature. The tentacles move apart briefly to reveal once more the two glowing green orbs. Then a wave of psychic energy buffets your mind, designed to weaken and subdue you, but your Magnakai defences deflect this attack. You sense that the creature is surprised by your natural resistance and, before it can muster its powers to launch a second, far stronger psychic blast, you leap forward and aim a blow between its evil green eyes. You are within an arm's length of striking the creature's bulbous head when suddenly it squirts a stream of clear liquid from its beak aimed directly at your face.</p>
+ <p>Like a waking goliath, the mosaic comes slowly to life. Mesmerized by its pulsating gaze, you barely step back in time to save yourself when its tile-encrusted tentacles burst from the wall and come writhing towards your head. You lash out at the flailing limbs but your blow glances off the armour-like skin, inflicting no more than a scratch upon the tiled hide of this supernatural creature. The tentacles move apart briefly to reveal once more the two glowing green orbs. Then a wave of psychic energy buffets your mind, designed to weaken and subdue you, but your Magnakai defences deflect this attack. You sense that the creature is surprised by your natural resistance and, before it can muster its powers to launch a second, far stronger psychic blast, you leap forward and aim a blow between its evil green eyes. You are within an arm<ch.apos/>s length of striking the creature<ch.apos/>s bulbous head when suddenly it squirts a stream of clear liquid from its beak aimed directly at your face.</p>
<choice idref="sect139">If you possess mastery of Grand Nexus, <link-text>turn to 139</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect258">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 258</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Swallowing your fears of what may lie ahead, you descend the ridge and approach the great, frowning bastions of Kaag. Through the swirling dust you see a wide road that leads to the North Gate, its surface littered with Giak corpses, bleached bones and rusted weapons. Crab-like scavengers scuttle among the debris, fighting for scraps to feed their young, which nest in thousands of empty skulls half-buried in the ground.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
+
<p>Shielded from detection by the storm and your Kai skills, you reach the breached wall unobserved. Swiftly you climb over the huge mound of rubble, which is all that remains of this section of the curtain-wall, and find yourself in a street lined with decaying hovels and ugly, squat towers. A dun pall of smoke hovers above this thoroughfare and the air reeks of iron and sulphurous smoke. At the far end of the street you see a ragged group of Giaks, led by two Drakkarim warriors, suddenly emerge from an alley. They stop for a few moments as if to catch their breath, then one of the Drakkarim barks an order and they take off at a lumbering pace, heading south. You notice that their tattered, orange-coloured uniforms all bear the emblem of a scythe with a bloodied blade.</p>
<choice idref="sect123">If you wish to follow these troops, <link-text>turn to 123</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect327">If you choose to avoid them by heading in the opposite direction, <link-text>turn to 327</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You draw your weapon and steel yourself to fight the approaching beast. The boar-thing comes bounding on to the drawbridge, its red-rimmed jaws agape and its great curved tusks glinting evilly in the fires of the moat. Defiantly you shout your battle-cry and step forwards to meet its advance.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
+
+ <illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>The boar-thing bounds onto the draw bridge,<br />red-rimmed jaws agape and curved tusks glinting.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>The boar-thing bounds onto the draw bridge,</line>
+ <line>red-rimmed jaws agape and curved tusks glinting.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="635"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="635"/>
- </illustration>
+ </illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>Gnagusk</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">41</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect247">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>90</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Using your Kai mastery, you focus upon one of the five feeding Kraan, the only one which is equipped with a saddle and reins. The other four abandon their feast and take to the air as you approach, but the target of your attention remains on the roof, cowed and submissive to your psychic command.</p>
+ <p>Using your Kai Mastery, you focus upon one of the five feeding Kraan, the only one which is equipped with a saddle and reins. The other four abandon their feast and take to the air as you approach, but the target of your attention remains on the roof, cowed and submissive to your psychic command.</p>
<p>You approach this scaly beast confidently and climb into its saddle. Obediently it obeys when, with a kick of your heels, you urge it skywards. Its powerful wings bear you speedily towards the landing platforms situated high above the great north door and, as you fly closer to your destination, you see two which are open and unguarded. One has an arch-shaped portal, the other a wider, oblong-shaped entrance.</p>
<choice idref="sect121">If you wish to land at the platform with the arch-shaped portal, <link-text>turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect282">If you choose to land upon the platform with the oblong-shaped entrance, <link-text>turn to 282</link-text>.</choice>
<p>The handlers jump to their feet and fumble for their weapons as they scramble to attack you.</p>
<p><quote>For Sommerlund!</quote> you cry as they approach, then launch yourself at them in a determined counterattack.</p>
<combat><enemy>Drakkarim handlers</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">35</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">39</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <choice idref="sect40">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 40</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect40">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 40</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You draw your weapon and support your friend with your free hand. You tell him what you have sensed, that there is a strong chance that an ambush awaits you in the pen, but he agrees with you that a sudden rush towards the landing platform stands a good chance of success. Then, with a nod of your head, you indicate the Zlanbeast that is perched outside on the platform and whisper to Banedon that that particular creature is the one that will soon be carrying you out of Kaag. He nods his approval and you get ready to enter the pen.</p>
<p>You have taken less than five steps towards the platform when an unexpected sound makes you look up. To your horror, you see a weighted net falling from the ceiling directly on to your heads.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have Grand Huntmastery, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect27">If your total score is now 0&endash;4, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect27">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect262">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>Beyond the rubble you discover a large chamber fashioned from great blocks of polished blue-green stone. At the centre of this eerie hall there lies an oval pool of water, the surface of which appears to be alight with a myriad of tiny, pale green flames. The flames shed light on the surrounding walls but generate no heat.</p>
<p>As you approach the pool, you see a mosaic of glittering stones set high upon the far wall. They have been fixed to depict the shape of an octopus-like creature with two bulging eyes, a hooked beak, and twelve snaky tentacles. Directly below this mosaic is an archway which is sealed by a featureless sheet of solid blue-green metal.</p>
<p>Your senses tingle in response to the aura of magic that saturates this chamber. Fearful of what may lurk here, you unsheathe your weapon and hold it in readiness for your defence. For a moment the light of the pool flickers and the flames waver from side to side, as if disturbed by the passage of an invisible hand. Then, from the sealed archway, there issues forth a deep, resonant voice.</p>
- <p><thought>Which Darklord of Kaag do you call master?</thought> booms the disembodied voice. <thought>Zagarna or Slûtar?</thought></p>
+ <p><thought>Which Darklord of Kaag do you call master?</thought> booms the disembodied voice. <thought>Zagarna or Sl<ch.ucirc/>tar?</thought></p>
<choice idref="sect157">If you wish to answer <quote>Zagarna</quote>, <link-text>turn to 157</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect204">If you decide to answer <quote>Slûtar</quote>, <link-text>turn to 204</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect204">If you decide to answer <quote>Sl<ch.ucirc/>tar</quote>, <link-text>turn to 204</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect193">If you choose not to answer at all, <link-text>turn to 193</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>101</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The Ashradon comes crashing to the ground with a tremendous noise. Its crumpled wings collide with one of the braziers, knocking it over and scattering glowing coals the length of the hall. One of these coals sets alight the sleeve of Banedon's robe, and you have to act quickly to extinguish the flames before he is badly burned.</p>
- <p>Once more you heave your friend across your shoulders, then you hurry out of the hall and follow the tunnel for almost a mile before you reach a chamber where eight smaller passages disappear off in all directions. You scan these exits and a familiar fear returns to haunt you, a fear that you will never find your way out of Kaag alive.</p>
- <p>Using your innate healing skills, you try once more to revive Banedon. You remember once, during a tutorial at the Kai monastery, that Banedon conjured up a vision of the monastery and its surrounding estates. You were able to see yourself in miniature, standing in your chambers as if you were a tiny animated doll in a doll's house. If he were able to perform that spell here in Kaag, you might well be able to locate your position and plan a route of escape.</p>
- <p>Mustering your skills, you place your hands on Banedon's chest and transmit your power directly into his heart. (Reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> by 3 points.) Gradually he stirs to consciousness and, as his strength returns, rekindled by your healing power, he is able to grant your request. On the floor of the chamber he calls forth a living, three-dimensional vision of Kaag. Gradually this vision expands until you are looking at yourselves, kneeling on the floor of a chamber on one of the upper levels of the central citadel. The vision blurs and fades, but not before you are able to trace the quickest way out of this dreadful place.</p>
+ <p>The Ashradon comes crashing to the ground with a tremendous noise. Its crumpled wings collide with one of the braziers, knocking it over and scattering glowing coals the length of the hall. One of these coals sets alight the sleeve of Banedon<ch.apos/>s robe, and you have to act quickly to extinguish the flames before he is badly burned.</p>
+ <p>Once more you heave your friend across your shoulders; then you hurry out of the hall and follow the tunnel for almost a mile before you reach a chamber where eight smaller passages disappear off in all directions. You scan these exits and a familiar fear returns to haunt you, a fear that you will never find your way out of Kaag alive.</p>
+ <p>Using your innate healing skills, you try once more to revive Banedon. You remember once, during a tutorial at the Kai monastery, that Banedon conjured up a vision of the monastery and its surrounding estates. You were able to see yourself in miniature, standing in your chambers as if you were a tiny animated doll in a doll<ch.apos/>s house. If he were able to perform that spell here in Kaag, you might well be able to locate your position and plan a route of escape.</p>
+ <p>Mustering your skills, you place your hands on Banedon<ch.apos/>s chest and transmit your power directly into his heart. (Reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> by 3 points.) Gradually he stirs to consciousness and, as his strength returns, rekindled by your healing power, he is able to grant your request. On the floor of the chamber he calls forth a living, three-dimensional vision of Kaag. Gradually this vision expands until you are looking at yourselves, kneeling on the floor of a chamber on one of the upper levels of the central citadel. The vision blurs and fades, but not before you are able to trace the quickest way out of this dreadful place.</p>
<p>The passage that heads due south from this chamber leads directly to the Zlanbeast pens and landing platforms situated on the exterior wall of the citadel, high above the great South Gate. It is from here that you plan to escape, leaving the citadel the same way you entered it: by air.</p>
<p>Confident that the success of your quest is now within your grasp, you help Banedon to his feet and support him as you make your way along the south passage.</p>
<choice idref="sect267"><link-text>Turn to 267</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>102</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>To your dismay the Arrow glances off the creature
's tusk and arcs harmlessly into the air. With only seconds to go before the beast falls upon you, you drop your Bow and reach to unsheathe your weapon. The Bow tumbles off the bridge (erase this from your <a idref="action">Weapons List</a>) and you curse its loss as you get ready to fight to the death.</p>
+ <p>To your dismay the Arrow glances off the creature
<ch.apos/>s tusk and arcs harmlessly into the air. With only seconds to go before the beast falls upon you, you drop your Bow and reach to unsheathe your weapon. The Bow tumbles off the bridge (erase this from your <a idref="action">Weapons List</a>) and you curse its loss as you get ready to fight to the death.</p>
<combat><enemy>Gnagusk</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">41</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect247">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Aching with battle fatigue and the pain of your wounds, you stumble and fall to your knees before the mighty Zavaghar. Cadak laughs like a madman and screams for his creature to finish you off quickly. The beast rises up on its hind legs in readiness to strike you a killing blow, but suddenly, as it reaches its full height, its limbs and torso become stiff and its movements jerky.</p>
<p><thought>Slay the beast, Lone Wolf!</thought> whispers Banedon, the words forming in your mind. <thought>I cannot hold it for long.</thought></p>
- <p>You glance to where your friend is lying and see that his trembling hand is stretched out towards the towering Zavaghar. Inspired by his courageousness, you shake off your fatigue and rush forwards to plunge your weapon deep into the exposed belly of the beast, striking it a mortal wound barely moments before Banedon's spell of <spell>Holding</spell> fails.</p>
+ <p>You glance to where your friend is lying and see that his trembling hand is stretched out towards the towering Zavaghar. Inspired by his courageousness, you shake off your fatigue and rush forwards to plunge your weapon deep into the exposed belly of the beast, striking it a mortal wound barely moments before Banedon<ch.apos/>s spell of <spell>Holding</spell> fails.</p>
<choice idref="sect248"><link-text>Turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>As you sprint towards the beckoning safety of the cooler tunnel section, you trip and stumble headlong to the floor. Your hands and knees are burnt by rough contact with the red-hot metal, leaving them badly blistered: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>When finally you reach the cooler section, you happen upon a steep staircase, set into the right-hand wall, which ascends to a hall on the level above. This vault-like room contains a wealth of grim exhibits, hung upon the walls and displayed in glass-fronted cases. The skulls of rare creatures are displayed beside tanned hides and jewel-encrusted bones. One item in particular catches your eye: it is a statuette, fashioned in the likeness of Darklord Zagarna.</p>
- <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, mark it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your Backpack. If you already carry your maximum quota, you must discard one item in its favour.</p>
+ <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, mark it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. If you already carry your maximum quota, you must discard one item in its favour.</p>
<choice idref="sect209">To continue, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>112</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are struggling to recover your footing when you hear the metallic <onomatopoeia>twang</onomatopoeia> of a crossbow's drawstring, and feel something hard punch you squarely in the middle of your back. Fortunately, your Backpack has spared you from a fatal wound.</p>
+ <p>You are struggling to recover your footing when you hear the metallic <onomatopoeia>twang</onomatopoeia> of a crossbow<ch.apos/>s drawstring, and feel something hard punch you squarely in the middle of your back. Fortunately, your Backpack has spared you from a fatal wound.</p>
<p>Driven by fear, you recover your footing and force yourself to the top of the mound. Only when you crest the summit and slide down the far side do you realize that the bolt has damaged one of your Backpack Items beyond repair.</p>
<p>Erase the item noted as No. 3 on your current list of Backpack Items.</p>
<choice idref="sect337">To continue, <link-text>turn to 337</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You have only just re-entered the chamber when a second bolt slams into the arch of the tunnel. The blast and concussion throws you off-balance and, together with Banedon, you crash headlong to the floor: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>The fall revives Banedon and, although he is still far too weak to speak or walk, he manages to open his eyes and communicate with you telepathically.</p>
- <p><thought>I know this chamber&ellips;</thought> he says, <thought>&ellips;I have been here before. Look there, at the statue opposite. You'll find a lever concealed at its side. It opens a hidden door. Hurry&ellips;</thought></p>
- <p>Guided by Banedon's messages you discover that there is indeed a lever as he described. You pull it and a panel in the stone wall glides open to reveal a secret alcove and a flight of steps leading down. The sound of running feet warns you that the enemy are approaching along both passages, and so, without hesitation, you shoulder your friend once more and hurry into the alcove to avoid them.</p>
+ <p><thought>I know this chamber<ch.ellips/></thought> he says, <thought><ch.ellips/>I have been here before. Look there, at the statue opposite. You<ch.apos/>ll find a lever concealed at its side. It opens a hidden door. Hurry<ch.ellips/></thought></p>
+ <p>Guided by Banedon<ch.apos/>s messages you discover that there is indeed a lever as he described. You pull it and a panel in the stone wall glides open to reveal a secret alcove and a flight of steps leading down. The sound of running feet warns you that the enemy are approaching along both passages, and so, without hesitation, you shoulder your friend once more and hurry into the alcove to avoid them.</p>
<choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>116</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>At once you recognize the glassy orb which rests upon the altar. It is identical to the sphere you saw in the chamber of Arch Druid Cadak in Mogaruith, the sphere by which he communicated with the master of all evil&emdash;the evil God Naar. With dread, you look upon the surface of the orb and your blood runs cold; it is as if the eye of the Dark God himself were gazing upon you.</p>
+ <p>At once you recognize the glassy orb which rests upon the altar. It is identical to the sphere you saw in the chamber of Arch Druid Cadak in Mogaruith, the sphere by which he communicated with the master of all evil<ch.emdash/>the evil God Naar. With dread, you look upon the surface of the orb and your blood runs cold; it is as if the eye of the Dark God himself were gazing upon you.</p>
<choice idref="sect208">If you wish to attempt to destroy this sphere, <link-text>turn to 208</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect86">If you choose to flee from this temple as quickly as you can, <link-text>turn to 86</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>As the last of the Drakkarim falls to your deadly blows, his outstretched hand grabs at your tunic and holds on with a vice-like grip. In order to free yourself you are forced to prise back the fingers one by one, mindful all the while of the Drakkarim squad who are arming themselves in readiness to attack.</p>
- <p>As you disentangle the last two fingers you notice a chain bracelet dangling from the dead warrior
's wrist. A polished key is fixed to this chain. (If you wish to keep this Brass Key, record it as a Backpack Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
+ <p>As you disentangle the last two fingers you notice a chain bracelet dangling from the dead warrior
<ch.apos/>s wrist. A polished key is fixed to this chain. (If you wish to keep this Brass Key, record it as a Backpack Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
<p>With the angry screams of the Drakkarim echoing in your ears, you leap over the body of the slain warrior and sprint along the passage beyond.</p>
<choice idref="sect304"><link-text>Turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>120</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your spell causes the sphere to vibrate uncontrollably. Tiny cracks appear in its crystal surface then, with a flash of sparks, it breaks cleanly in two. At once the shimmering wall of light which imprisons Banedon flickers, then disappears completely.</p>
+ <p>Your spell causes the sphere to vibrate uncontrollably. Tiny cracks appear in its crystal surface; then, with a flash of sparks, it breaks cleanly in two. At once the shimmering wall of light which imprisons Banedon flickers, then disappears completely.</p>
<choice idref="sect188"><link-text>Turn to 188</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>124</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Directly across the street from where you are hiding, you see a square, flat-roofed tower, one of several which encircle the outer edge of the concourse. A flock of screeching Kraan are feeding on slabs of maggoty meat which have been left there by the Drakkarim guards. Once they have eaten their fill, they take to the air and return to their cave-like pens, located high up on the citadel's outer wall. Some of the returning Kraan are ridden by Drakkarim and other guards who steer their mounts towards landing platforms which jut like great steel tongues from the entrances to the pens.</p>
+ <p>Directly across the street from where you are hiding, you see a square, flat-roofed tower, one of several which encircle the outer edge of the concourse. A flock of screeching Kraan are feeding on slabs of maggoty meat which have been left there by the Drakkarim guards. Once they have eaten their fill, they take to the air and return to their cave-like pens, located high up on the citadel<ch.apos/>s outer wall. Some of the returning Kraan are ridden by Drakkarim and other guards who steer their mounts towards landing platforms which jut like great steel tongues from the entrances to the pens.</p>
<p>It occurs to you that if you were able to mount one of the feeding Kraan, you could attempt to enter the citadel by the very same route.</p>
<p>Emboldened by your plan, you resolve to put it into action. Patiently you survey the feeding tower opposite and note that there are two ways to gain access to its roof. You could climb a staircase that runs directly from the street to the roof, or you could attempt to scale its wall.</p>
<choice idref="sect237">If you possess the Discipline of Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 237</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The further you explore along this tunnel, so the sense of impending doom becomes greater. Although the plain grey walls, ceiling, and floor of this passage appear featureless and ordinary, you are soon brought to a halt by the overwhelming presentiment of danger. Instinctively you reach for your weapon, but before your hand tightens around it, a slick syrupy sound draws your eyes to the arched ceiling above.</p>
<p>Fear stabs like an ice-cold spike in your heart when you see three jelly-like discs peel away from the roof and come plummeting down towards your head. Each of the rubbery discs has two sets of snake-like fangs which trail sticky yellow venom. At once you recognize these deadly creatures: they are Plaak, live instruments of assassination employed by the Nadziranim.</p>
- <p>Desperate to avoid their venomous fangs, you hurl yourself backwards and crash heavily to the ground. Breathlessly you unsheathe your weapon and get ready to defend yourself as the loathsome Plaak bounce off the floor and come arching through the air towards your chest.</p>
+ <p>Desperate to avoid their venomous fangs, you hurl yourself backwards and crash heavily to the ground. Breathlessly you unsheathe your weapon and get ready to defend yourself as the loathsome Plaak bounce off the floor and come arcing through the air towards your chest.</p>
<combat><enemy>Plaak</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">39</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">20</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>These creatures are immune to all forms of psychic attack.</p>
<choice idref="sect138">You may evade this combat after three rounds by <link-text>turning to 138</link-text>.</choice>
<p>You step warily into the glimmering column of light and immediately feel yourself begin to rise. Bands of darkness flick past with growing rapidity, each one marking a passing level of this mountainous citadel. Then you feel yourself slowing to a halt. The column fades and you find yourself standing on a metal dais in the centre of a domed chamber. Ahead you see a great door, forged of Kagonite, and beside it there is a narrow staircase leading downwards.</p>
<p>As you approach the door, you notice the lock which secures it. It is inlaid with a series of numbers and, at once, you recognize that they are component parts of a combination lock. One number in the sequence is missing. By tapping the correct number upon the blank square, you will cause the lock to disengage.</p>
<p>Study the following sequence of numbers carefully. When you think you know what the missing number is, turn to the page that is identical to your answer.<a id="sect127-1" idref="sect127-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
-<illustration class="inline">
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="sect127.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="sect127.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
- </illustration>
- <choice idref="sect43">If you guess incorrectly, or if you cannot answer the puzzle, <link-text>turn instead to 43</link-text>.</choice>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <choice idref="sect43">If you guess incorrectly, or if you cannot answer the puzzle, <link-text>turn instead to 43</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You draw upon your Magnakai skill of Kai-screen to mask your presence here in the ruins, but the Vordak detects a mental resistance where there should be none. It shrieks an unearthly cry and at once the troop of Giaks respond by drawing their swords and charging towards your hiding place.</p>
- <p>Confident of success, you emerge from the shattered building and challenge your enemy&emdash;six Giaks and their Vordak lieutenant&emdash;to combat on the street bordering the square.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Vordak & Giak patrol</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">37</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>Confident of success, you emerge from the shattered building and challenge your enemy<ch.emdash/>six Giaks and their Vordak lieutenant<ch.emdash/>to combat on the street bordering the square.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Vordak <ch.ampersand/> Giak patrol</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">37</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect79">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 79</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>132</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Defiantly you face the Helghast, your weapon at your side. The creature looks upon you and sneers, revealing two sharp fangs which protude from its lower jaw. It emits a chilling cackle, full of hatred and contempt, and its eyes blaze like hot coals as it confidently quickens its gait. You focus on its ghastly visage and muster all your strength to summon a pulse of psychic energy. The pulse forms an invisible ball of power which speeds across the hall and slams into the head of the approaching Helghast. The concussive force of this psychic attack lifts the creature bodily into the air and sends it tumbling, like some hideous rag doll, backwards into the flame-filled moat.</p>
+ <p>Defiantly you face the Helghast, your weapon at your side. The creature looks upon you and sneers, revealing two sharp fangs which protrude from its lower jaw. It emits a chilling cackle, full of hatred and contempt, and its eyes blaze like hot coals as it confidently quickens its gait. You focus on its ghastly visage and muster all your strength to summon a pulse of psychic energy. The pulse forms an invisible ball of power which speeds across the hall and slams into the head of the approaching Helghast. The concussive force of this psychic attack lifts the creature bodily into the air and sends it tumbling, like some hideous rag doll, backwards into the flame-filled moat.</p>
<p>As the last shriek of the doomed creature echoes through the hall, the two Drakkarim stumble to a halt and stare down into the all-consuming fire. Nervously they glance at each other, fearful of suffering a similar fate, but years of fierce battle discipline soon override their anxiety and, like two automatons, they raise their swords and continue to advance towards you.</p>
<combat><enemy>Drakkarim Veterans</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">30</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">35</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect340">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>135</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your Arrow drills into the warhound's shoulder, but it does not stop the beast's attack. Oblivious to the pain it leaps upon you, knocking you down, its fang-filled jaws snapping within inches of your unprotected face.</p>
+ <p>Your Arrow drills into the warhound<ch.apos/>s shoulder, but it does not stop the beast<ch.apos/>s attack. Oblivious to the pain it leaps upon you, knocking you down, its fang-filled jaws snapping within inches of your unprotected face.</p>
<combat><enemy>Akataz (<em>wounded</em>)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">20</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">22</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This war-dog is especially susceptible to psychic attack. If you can and wish to use a psychic attack during combat, double all bonuses to which you are entitled.</p>
<choice idref="sect13">If you win this combat in four rounds, or less, <link-text>turn to 13</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>136</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You notice that only one of the five Kraan is equipped with a saddle and reins. You focus on this beast and use you Magnakai skill of Animal Control in an attempt to subdue it. The other four abandon their feast and take to the air as you approach, but the target of your attention remains on the roof, eyeing you nervously.</p>
- <p>You have approached to within an arm's length of the reins when suddenly the Kraan takes fright. It beats its wings frantically in an attempt to knock you away, then propels itself into the air. You leap for its neck and hold fast as the spawn clears the tower and takes to the sky. Desperately you try to swing yourself into the saddle as the creature hovers haphazardly, fifty feet above the concourse.</p>
+ <p>You notice that only one of the five Kraan is equipped with a saddle and reins. You focus on this beast and use your Magnakai skill of Animal Control in an attempt to subdue it. The other four abandon their feast and take to the air as you approach, but the target of your attention remains on the roof, eyeing you nervously.</p>
+ <p>You have approached to within an arm<ch.apos/>s length of the reins when suddenly the Kraan takes fright. It beats its wings frantically in an attempt to knock you away, then propels itself into the air. You leap for its neck and hold fast as the spawn clears the tower and takes to the sky. Desperately you try to swing yourself into the saddle as the creature hovers haphazardly, fifty feet above the concourse.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score is 20 or higher, add 2 to the number you have chosen. If your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is less than 10, deduct 2. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect16">If your total score is now 3 or less, <link-text>turn to 16</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect249">If it is 4 or more, <link-text>turn to 249</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You take up the Spear and notice three notches cut along the shaft where the guard has recorded the lives he has taken with this crudely made weapon. (If you wish to keep this spear, remember to record it on your <a idref="action">Weapons List</a>.)</p>
<p>You push open the heavy door carefully and glimpse the Drakkar striding along a corridor. He reaches the end and starts to descend a staircase to the ground floor. You enter and move stealthily towards the stairs. As you draw nearer, you see a gallery which overlooks the cavernous lower level. To your right, set flush to the wall, is a black oak door.</p>
- <p>Slowly you approach the gallery's railed parapet where you look down at an unnerving sight.</p>
+ <p>Slowly you approach the gallery<ch.apos/>s railed parapet where you look down at an unnerving sight.</p>
<choice idref="sect47"><link-text>Turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The avenue continues to a square where stands a massive horseshoe-shaped arch, crafted from dull blue metal which is engraved with runes and evil insignia. A score of battle-weary Giaks, some Drakkarim, and a Gourgaz are resting nearby. No guards have been posted around their makeshift camp and your arrival here goes unnoticed.</p>
<p>Beyond them, in the middle distance, you see the base of the great citadel. It is a truly awesome sight, a pyramid of jet-black stone which rises to a needle-sharp peak more than ten thousand feet above the streets of the city.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
+
+ <illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>Battle-weary Giaks, Drakkarim and a Gourgaz rest<br />near the massive horseshoe shaped arch.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>Battle-weary Giaks, Drakkarim and a Gourgaz rest</line>
+ <line>near the massive horseshoe shaped arch.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="644"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="644"/>
- </illustration>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="644"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="644"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Soon a rickety wooden cart, drawn by two ugly, ox-like creatures in harness, trundles into the square. It halts and its Giak driver pulls back the tarpaulin which is covering its cargo, revealing haunches of grey-green meat stacked in a pile. Unceremoniously, the driver tosses them to the soldiers who devour them with obvious relish. It is an unwholesome sight, made even more so when you realize that what they are eating is freshly slaughtered Giak meat.</p>
<choice idref="sect250"><link-text>Turn to 250</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>143</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your Arrow slams into the centre of the crystal and cracks it open. There is a flash of sparks, then the shimmering wall of light which imprisons Banedon flickers and disappears completely.</p>
+ <p>Your Arrow slams into the centre of the crystal and cracks it open. There is a flash of sparks; then the shimmering wall of light which imprisons Banedon flickers and disappears completely.</p>
<choice idref="sect188"><link-text>Turn to 188</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The Gourgaz, followed obediently by his squad of ragged Giak warriors, crosses a mile-wide section of derelict buildings before entering a broad, clear avenue where there is very little cover. Unhampered by the terrain, you watch as they start to outdistance you, but you are not lured into following them. You decide to stay in the ruins rather than run the risk of being detected out in the open. However, within a matter of minutes you discover the reason why the Gourgaz took his troops out into the open. The ground in this section of the ruins is unsafe. It is riddled with pot-holes and concealed cellars, covered by rotten wooden beams and slabs of paper-thin plaster. Suddenly one such section gives way beneath your feet and you find yourself falling headlong into coal-black darkness.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect32">If your total score is now 0&endash;5 <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect32">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>5 <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect51">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The moment the heavy iron bridge crashes down across the moat you leap upon it and race towards the dais. But as you near its centre a wall of sparkling magical flame erupts at either end, sealing off both routes completely. In desperation you call telepathically to Banedon, hoping to awaken him to consciousness, but you are unable to make contact. Then, unexpectedly, your psychic calls are answered by a blood-chilling scream.</p>
- <p>Horror floods your mind when you realize that the person on the dais is not your friend Banedon&emdash;it is a Helghast. As the creature rises and its features twist and distort before your gaze, you cast an anxious glance back across the bridge towards the great door. Standing there now are two Drakkarim guards with a slavering boar-like beast which is straining on its leash. Suddenly the magical flame vanishes and, with relish, they release the creature and send it bounding towards you.</p>
+ <p>Horror floods your mind when you realize that the person on the dais is not your friend Banedon<ch.emdash/>it is a Helghast. As the creature rises and its features twist and distort before your gaze, you cast an anxious glance back across the bridge towards the great door. Standing there now are two Drakkarim guards with a slavering boar-like beast which is straining on its leash. Suddenly the magical flame vanishes and, with relish, they release the creature and send it bounding towards you.</p>
<choice idref="sect335">If you have a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect89">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 89</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>You have retreated barely a dozen yards along the passage when suddenly a troop of Drakkarim appear in the distance, blocking your escape. They howl like demons and unshoulder their bows as they come rushing along the tunnel towards you.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect275">If the number you have picked is 0, <link-text>turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect283">If it is 1&endash;3, <link-text>turn to 283</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect36">If it is 4&endash;9, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect283">If it is 1<ch.endash/>3, <link-text>turn to 283</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect36">If it is 4<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The moment you step inside the building your breath is snatched away by an overpowering stench. It takes some considerable effort to stem the waves of nausea welling up from the pit of your stomach as, slowly, you follow a corridor which winds its way deeper into this foul place. The smell is atrocious, but not unfamiliar, and when the passage finally reaches its destination your suspicions are confirmed. What you can smell is the stench of Giak blood.</p>
<p>Before you is a vast, low-ceilinged hall, filled with butchered carcasses hanging from hooks drilled into a criss-cross of roof beams. A dozen Giaks stand at gore-stained benches, cleavers in hand, hacking the grey-green meat into more manageable sizes. It does not seem to worry them in the least that the meat they are crudely shaping is of their own kind.</p>
- <p>Your churning stomach prompts you quickly to leave this abattoir by means of another passage. This ends abruptly at a flight of stairs, at the foot of which is a door secured by a large wooden drawbolt.</p>
+ <p>Your churning stomach prompts you quickly to leave this abattoir by means of another passage. This ends abruptly at a flight of stairs, at the foot of which is a door secured by a large wooden bolt.</p>
<choice idref="sect38">If you wish to descend the stairs, <link-text>turn to 38</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect279">If you choose to investigate the door, <link-text>turn to 279</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>150</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Slowly a brooding, malignant vapour arises from the creature's corpse to hover in the air above it. You sense a powerful magical aura radiating from this sinister shadow and, as you back away from it, a mass of swirling sparks begin flickering at its core. Banedon calls for your help, his cry echoing faintly in your mind. You spin around and see him falling sideways to the floor of the platform, unconscious and unmoving. Fear runs cold in your veins, a fear that grows wilder when you glance once more at the hovering shadow, for now it has descended to the ground and from beneath its curtain-like base there pours a seething tide of black-bodied insects, some as large as mice.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>Black-bodied insects seethe from the base of the<br />hovering shadow.</description>
- </meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill8.gif" width="386" height="660"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill8.pdf" width="386" height="660"/>
- </illustration>
- <choice idref="sect30">If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score is 12 or lower <link-text>turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>Slowly a brooding, malignant vapour arises from the creature<ch.apos/>s corpse to hover in the air above it. You sense a powerful magical aura radiating from this sinister shadow and, as you back away from it, a mass of swirling sparks begin flickering at its core. Banedon calls for your help, his cry echoing faintly in your mind. You spin around and see him falling sideways to the floor of the platform, unconscious and unmoving. Fear runs cold in your veins, a fear that grows wilder when you glance once more at the hovering shadow, for now it has descended to the ground and from beneath its curtain-like base there pours a seething tide of black-bodied insects, some as large as mice.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>Black-bodied insects seethe from</line>
+ <line>the base of the hovering shadow.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill8.gif" width="386" height="660"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill8.pdf" width="386" height="660"/>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <choice idref="sect30">If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score is 12 or lower <link-text>turn to 30</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect77">If it is 13 or more <link-text>turn to 77</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>151</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The fell creature pins you to the ground and you feel its steely fingers clawing at your throat. In sheer desperation, you twist and writhe like a snake to free yourself from its deadly grip. For an instant its hold falters and you exploit this weakness to the full. Swiftly you bring your knees up to your chest and kick out at the creature's midriff whilst holding firm to the neck of its robe. The Helghast is sent tumbling over your shoulder to plummet, head-first, into the flame-filled moat.</p>
- <p>Open-mouthed, the two Drakkarim stumble to a halt and stare down into the crackling fire. Nervously they glance at each other, fearful of suffering a similar fate, then they turn and run towards the open chamber door. Determined not to let them escape, you give chase and catch up with them within a few yards of the entrance.</p>
+ <p>The fell creature pins you to the ground and you feel its steely fingers clawing at your throat. In sheer desperation, you twist and writhe like a snake to free yourself from its deadly grip. For an instant its hold falters and you exploit this weakness to the full. Swiftly you bring your knees up to your chest and kick out at the creature<ch.apos/>s midriff whilst holding firm to the neck of its robe. The Helghast is sent tumbling over your shoulder to plummet, head-first, into the flame-filled moat.</p>
+ <p>Open-mouthed, the two Drakkarim stumble to a halt and stare down into the crackling fire. Nervously they glance at each other, fearful of suffering a similar fate; then they turn and run towards the open chamber door. Determined not to let them escape, you give chase and catch up with them within a few yards of the entrance.</p>
<combat><enemy>Drakkarim</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">26</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">35</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect340">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>153</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Coolly you face the advancing line of Death Knights. There is nowhere to run, and there are too many of the enemy to hope to avoid all of their deadly bolts. Upon their leader's command, the Death Knights take aim and fire, sending a dozen iron-tipped shafts whistling towards your chest. You dive aside, but even though your reflexes are lightning-fast, two of the missiles penetrate your heart, killing you instantly.</p>
+ <p>Coolly you face the advancing line of Death Knights. There is nowhere to run, and there are too many of the enemy to hope to avoid all of their deadly bolts. Upon their leader<ch.apos/>s command, the Death Knights take aim and fire, sending a dozen iron-tipped shafts whistling towards your chest. You dive aside, but even though your reflexes are lightning-fast, two of the missiles penetrate your heart, killing you instantly.</p>
<p>Tragically, your life and your quest end here in the dread city-fortress of Kaag.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>155</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your sixth sense prickles with the presentiment of danger. You can feel the presence of a hostile magical being who, although not in this chamber, is somewhere very near. Fearful of the risk of being trapped in this dingy crypt, you unsheathe your weapon and back slowly towards the door, your eyes scanning all around for the merest hint of movement. Then, suddenly, the heavy portal slams shut with a mighty crash that reverberates in your ears. Before you have time to take a breath there is another sound, stone grating on stone, which draws your eyes to the fire-blackened chair.</p>
+ <p>Your Sixth Sense prickles with the presentiment of danger. You can feel the presence of a hostile magical being who, although not in this chamber, is somewhere very near. Fearful of the risk of being trapped in this dingy crypt, you unsheathe your weapon and back slowly towards the door, your eyes scanning all around for the merest hint of movement. Then, suddenly, the heavy portal slams shut with a mighty crash that reverberates in your ears. Before you have time to take a breath there is another sound, stone grating on stone, which draws your eyes to the fire-blackened chair.</p>
<choice idref="sect167"><link-text>Turn to 167</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p><thought>Very well, minion of Zagarna,</thought> rumbles the voice. <thought>Display proof of your allegiance to your master and you shall be allowed to pass beyond this chamber.</thought></p>
- <p>The echoing voice has barely faded when suddenly the tiny flames of the pool are transformed into a hundred roaring jets of white fire. A wave of searing heat forces you to retreat from the pool's edge and, as you cower behind the protection of your cloak, you try to think of a way to satisfy the voice's command.</p>
+ <p>The echoing voice has barely faded when suddenly the tiny flames of the pool are transformed into a hundred roaring jets of white fire. A wave of searing heat forces you to retreat from the pool<ch.apos/>s edge and, as you cower behind the protection of your cloak, you try to think of a way to satisfy the voice<ch.apos/>s command.</p>
<choice idref="sect336">If you possess a Statuette of Zagarna, <link-text>turn to 336</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect87">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 87</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>With deadly accuracy, you draw an Arrow and let fire at the crawling Drakkar guard. At such short range the shaft penetrates his iron backplate, killing him instantly.</p>
<p>Quickly you descend the iron stairs and drag his limp body out of sight, fearful that it may be seen by a passing patrol. As you are moving him, you notice that he has two chains around his neck. To one there is attached a Whistle; to the other a Brass Key. (If you would like to keep either of these Backpack Items, mark your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.)</p>
<p>Once you are satisfied that the body is well hidden, you climb the stairs and carefully push open the heavy door. At the end of a short corridor there is a landing where a gallery overlooks the cavernous lower level. Nearby there is a staircase, leading downwards, and to your right a black oak door set flush to the wall.</p>
- <p>Slowly you approach the gallery's railed parapet and peer down at an unnerving sight.</p>
+ <p>Slowly you approach the gallery<ch.apos/>s railed parapet and peer down at an unnerving sight.</p>
<choice idref="sect47"><link-text>Turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>162</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You unsheathe the sun-sword and hold it before your face. At once a golden halo of flame bursts from its polished blade, causing the Helghast to shriek in alarm as it recognizes the power you wield. It breaks off its advance and staggers back towards the bridge, desperate to flee its nemesis. Determinedly you chase after this evil being and, as it reaches the drawbridge, you come to within a sword's length of its spine.</p>
+ <p>You unsheathe the sun-sword and hold it before your face. At once a golden halo of flame bursts from its polished blade, causing the Helghast to shriek in alarm as it recognizes the power you wield. It breaks off its advance and staggers back towards the bridge, desperate to flee its nemesis. Determinedly you chase after this evil being and, as it reaches the drawbridge, you come to within a sword<ch.apos/>s length of its spine.</p>
<p><quote>Die, foul spawn!</quote> you cry, and with one fell sweep of your arm, you cleave the demonic creature cleanly in two.</p>
- <p>The sundered halves of the Helghast fall from the bridge to be consumed by the hungry flames. Open-mouthed, the two Drakkarim stumble to a halt and stare down into the moat. Nervously they glance at each other, fearful of suffering a similar fate, then they turn and run towards the open door. Determined not to let them escape, you give chase and catch up with them within a few yards of the entrance.</p>
+ <p>The sundered halves of the Helghast fall from the bridge to be consumed by the hungry flames. Open-mouthed, the two Drakkarim stumble to a halt and stare down into the moat. Nervously they glance at each other, fearful of suffering a similar fate; then they turn and run towards the open door. Determined not to let them escape, you give chase and catch up with them within a few yards of the entrance.</p>
<combat><enemy>Drakkarim</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">26</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">35</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect340">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Not daring to move a muscle, you watch the Drakkar guard as he repeatedly attempts to light his pipe. On his sixth attempt he manages to cause the braid to smoulder. However, his success is short-lived. Calling upon your Magnakai skill of Nexus, you extinguish the braid by force of will. Cursing foully, the Drakkar hurls it to the floor in frustration, then turns and throws open the heavy iron door to go in search of a more reliable light. In his anger and haste he leaves his spear behind. With your weapon at the ready, you advance to the top of the stairs and approach the door.</p>
- <choice idref="sect140">If you wish to pick up the Drakkar's spear, <link-text>turn to 140</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect140">If you wish to pick up the Drakkar<ch.apos/>s spear, <link-text>turn to 140</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect194">If you choose to ignore the spear, <link-text>turn to 194</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>165</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Levitation</spell> and slowly you feel yourself rising out of the pool of dust. The moment your feet clear the surface, you reach out, take hold of the arched entrance, and pull yourself to safety.</p>
+ <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Levitation</spell> and slowly you feel yourself rising out of the pool of dust. The moment your feet clear the surface, you reach out, take hold of the arched entrance, and pull yourself to safety.</p>
<p>Your submersion has cost you your money pouch and one item from your Backpack, lost when you first fell into the dusty pool. Erase all your Gold Crowns, and the first item recorded on your Backpack Items list.</p>
<p>As the effects of the spell wear off, you leave this sinister chamber and head off along the tunnel.</p>
<choice idref="sect82"><link-text>Turn to 82</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>166</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The fireball skims your back before impacting against a distant wall. Your swift reflexes have saved you from injury but now you find yourself lying face down in the seething carpet of insects. You feel them creeping and slithering across your skin, then your psychic senses tingle with a sudden realization. These are no ordinary insects; in fact these are not insects at all. Your sixth sense tells you that they are merely a clever illusion created to panic and deceive you. Confident in this knowledge, you get to your feet, ignoring the mass of creepy-crawlies that are attached in clumps to your body. Then, in a matter of seconds, the insect horde fades and vanishes, the illusion dispelled by your disbelief in its existence.</p>
+ <p>The fireball skims your back before impacting against a distant wall. Your swift reflexes have saved you from injury but now you find yourself lying face down in the seething carpet of insects. You feel them creeping and slithering across your skin; then your psychic senses tingle with a sudden realization. These are no ordinary insects; in fact these are not insects at all. Your Sixth Sense tells you that they are merely a clever illusion created to panic and deceive you. Confident in this knowledge, you get to your feet, ignoring the mass of creepy-crawlies that are attached in clumps to your body. Then, in a matter of seconds, the insect horde fades and vanishes, the illusion dispelled by your disbelief in its existence.</p>
<choice idref="sect281"><link-text>Turn to 281</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You draw your weapon and hold it in your right hand whilst supporting your friend with your left. Then, with a nod of your head, you indicate the Zlanbeast that is perched outside on the platform and whisper to Banedon that it will soon be your transport out of Kaag. He nods his approval and cautiously you take your first few steps into the pen.</p>
<p>An unexpected sound makes you look up and, to your horror, you see a weighted net falling from the ceiling directly on to your heads.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have Grand Huntmastery, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect27">If your total is now 0&endash;4, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect27">If your total is now 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect262">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You throw yourself down to avoid the fiery missiles and the stream passes over your head, missing you by inches. They rip into a pillar supporting the tunnel ceiling, and sever it cleanly in two. Then there is a thunderous roar and, in the blink of an eye, a whole section of the roof collapses, burying one of the dragon-creatures beneath hundreds of tons of iron and stone.</p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>The dragon leaps forward and lashes out with its fiery<br />blade.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>The dragon leaps forward and lashes</line>
+ <line>out with its fiery blade.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill9.gif" width="386" height="563"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill9.pdf" width="386" height="563"/>
</illustration>
- <p>For several seconds you stare at the remaining creature through a cloud of choking dust. Then, as if prompted by a silent command, you are both galvanized into action. The dust clears and a flaming sword appears in the dragon's paw. With stunning suddenness, it leaps forwards and lashes out with its fiery blade.</p>
+
+ <p>For several seconds you stare at the remaining creature through a cloud of choking dust. Then, as if prompted by a silent command, you are both galvanized into action. The dust clears and a flaming sword appears in the dragon<ch.apos/>s paw. With stunning suddenness, it leaps forwards and lashes out with its fiery blade.</p>
<combat><enemy>Nadziran (in dragon guise, with flamesword)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This creature possesses strong psychic ability. Unless you possess the Discipline of Kai-screen, deduct 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points every round you are in combat due to its relentless psychic assault.</p>
<choice idref="sect76">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 76</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The corridor wends a tortuous route through a series of interconnecting caverns and chambers. Some are occupied by lowly Giak slaves engaged in menial tasks, none of whom notice your stealthy passing.</p>
<p>After nearly an hour you arrive at a large hall which is littered with stout trestle tables and wooden benches. A squad of thirty Drakkarim are seated around the largest table, hungrily devouring a foul-smelling feast of meat and wine. You note that most are unarmed, their weapons having been heaped upon an adjoining table prior to the feasting.</p>
- <p>From the shadowy cover of an alcove you listen to their idle chatter, hoping to glean clues as to the location of Zagarna's courtroom, but, unfortunately, your patience goes unrewarded. These troops seem preoccupied with exaggerating the success of ambushes which they have launched recently upon their enemies in the streets around the citadel. However, from this barrack-room talk you do learn two interesting facts about the struggle taking place within Kaag. The two warring factions are fighting principally for control over the Giak spawning vats located in the dungeons of the citadel. The vats are the key to power here; they produce both an unending supply of fresh troops and a source of raw food for whoever controls them.</p>
+ <p>From the shadowy cover of an alcove you listen to their idle chatter, hoping to glean clues as to the location of Zagarna<ch.apos/>s courtroom, but, unfortunately, your patience goes unrewarded. These troops seem preoccupied with exaggerating the success of ambushes which they have launched recently upon their enemies in the streets around the citadel. However, from this barrack-room talk you do learn two interesting facts about the struggle taking place within Kaag. The two warring factions are fighting principally for control over the Giak spawning vats located in the dungeons of the citadel. The vats are the key to power here; they produce both an unending supply of fresh troops and a source of raw food for whoever controls them.</p>
<p>Anxious to continue your quest, you resolve to leave the hall by an archway on the far side. Although confident that your camouflage skills will keep you hidden from the Drakkarim, the hall is well-lit and there is a slim chance that you could be seen.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect210">If your total is 3 or less, <link-text>turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You leave the fetid watercourse and enter a passage which takes you further south, towards the centre of this hellish metropolis. Everywhere there is decay and dereliction. Once-grand buildings lie in ruins and every surface is beslimed with nameless refuse. Soon you happen upon a concourse littered with more than a dozen Giak dead. Their posture, and the nature of their wounds, tell of a savage street battle fought here within the last few hours. Perched on nearby rooftops are a flock of vulture-like birds, cawing delightedly, their bellies distended by a feast of Giak meat.</p>
- <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tells you that the fighting is not over, it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to crouch in a darkened doorway for cover whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
+ <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tells you that the fighting is not over; it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to crouch in a darkened doorway for cover whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
<choice idref="sect228">If you wish to cross the street and investigate the crypt, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect303">If you choose to ignore the crypt, <link-text>turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Eventually you clear this section of the city and find yourself in the midst of a once-grand building which now lies derelict. Through one of its shattered windows you look out upon a concourse littered with more than a dozen dead Giak. Their posture, and the nature of their wounds, tell of a savage street battle fought here within the last few hours. Perched on nearby rooftops are a flock of vulture-like birds, cawing delightedly, their bellies distended by a surfeit of Giak meat.</p>
- <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tells you that the fighting is not over, it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to stay crouched in the ruins whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
+ <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tells you that the fighting is not over; it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to stay crouched in the ruins whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
<choice idref="sect228">If you wish to cross the street and investigate the crypt, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect303">If you choose to ignore the crypt, <link-text>turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>175</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The guards see the approaching clouds of smoke and immediately they come thundering along the corridor. You step away from the door, expecting them to kick it open and come rushing in, but instead they skid to a halt and hurriedly pull the door closed to stop the fire spreading into the corridor. They wait outside for several minutes before they are sure it is safe, then together they return to their positions.</p>
+ <p>The guards see the approaching clouds of smoke and immediately they come thundering along the corridor. You step away from the door, expecting them to kick it open and come rushing in, but instead they skid to a halt and hurriedly pull the door closed to stop the fire spreading into the corridor. They wait outside for several minutes before they are sure it is safe; then together they return to their positions.</p>
<p>Unfortunately your plan has backfired, but at least your Magnakai skill of Nexus enables you to extinguish the fire before it gets out of control. Frustrated but not defeated, you return to the spy-hole and try to formulate a more successful plan.</p>
<choice idref="sect278"><link-text>Turn to 278</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You give the door a mighty kick, slamming it open to reveal a creature clad in a hooded orange robe, kneeling in prayer before a black stone altar where a golden statuette stands on a square of faded cloth. It is flanked on either side by candles which give off a sickly bitter odour. The creature half-turns and shrieks in horror when it sees you rushing into the room. In desperation it raises its warty fists, but it is a futile defence against a blow which cleaves both its hands, and its head, from its loathsome body.</p>
- <p>Sheathing your weapon, you step over the corpse and examine the creature's remains. You recognize it to be a Liganim, one of those who aid the Nadziranim sorcerers in their evil craft. The statuette is a likeness of Slûtar, a Darklord who once ruled Kaag, and the orange robes mark this creature as one of his minions. It would seem that he still worshipped his master's memory.</p>
+ <p>Sheathing your weapon, you step over the corpse and examine the creature<ch.apos/>s remains. You recognize it to be a Liganim, one of those who aid the Nadziranim sorcerers in their evil craft. The statuette is a likeness of Sl<ch.ucirc/>tar, a Darklord who once ruled Kaag, and the orange robes mark this creature as one of his minions. It would seem that he still worshipped his master<ch.apos/>s memory.</p>
<p>A foul, misty vapour arises from the corpse, forcing you to cover your nose and mouth and retreat from the chamber. As you pass in front of the altar, your eye is drawn to the gleaming golden statuette.</p>
- <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Slûtar, mark it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your Backpack. If your Backpack is full you need not discard an item in its favour.</p>
+ <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Sl<ch.ucirc/>tar, mark it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. If your Backpack is full you need not discard an item in its favour.</p>
<choice idref="sect7">To continue, <link-text>turn to 7</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You enter the passage, but you have covered less than fifteen yards when you see something which forces you to a halt. A group of figures clad in hooded orange robes are walking towards you from the opposite end of the passage. The leader wears silver bracers on his wrists and he carries a silver staff which he levels at you the moment he sees you and Banedon in the tunnel ahead.</p>
- <p>Instinctively you dodge aside; it is an instinct that saves both your lives, for without warning a radiant bolt of energy leaps from the tip of the creature's staff and comes hurtling along the passage to explode in the chamber behind. Hurriedly you turn and run from the group as the leader makes ready to launch a second bolt.</p>
+ <p>Instinctively you dodge aside; it is an instinct that saves both your lives, for without warning a radiant bolt of energy leaps from the tip of the creature<ch.apos/>s staff and comes hurtling along the passage to explode in the chamber behind. Hurriedly you turn and run from the group as the leader makes ready to launch a second bolt.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect113">If the number you have chosen is even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8), <link-text>turn to 113</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect42">If the number is odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9), <link-text>turn to 42</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>179</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You call to mind the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and point your index finger at the keyhole. Upon reciting those words a surge of power runs along your arm, culminating in a blast of energy that leaps from your fingertip and rips into the lockplate. Some glowing splinters from the torn plate pepper your face (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), but your spell has worked: the door is now open.</p>
+ <p>You call to mind the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and point your index finger at the keyhole. Upon reciting those words a surge of power runs along your arm, culminating in a blast of energy that leaps from your fingertip and rips into the lockplate. Some glowing splinters from the torn plate pepper your face (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), but your spell has worked: the door is now open.</p>
<choice idref="sect328"><link-text>Turn to 328</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>180</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You muster your skill and use it to calm the unseen Akataz. The growling stops and, when you pull back the curtain, you see the leathery creature lying on the sawdusted floor as docile as a lamb. This foul-smelling chamber is littered with Giak bones and half-chewed haunches of meat. Amongst the debris you notice something gleaming dully. It is a bronze statuette, forged in the likeness of Darklord Zagarna.</p>
- <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your Backpack. If you already carry the maximum number of items allowed, you will have to discard one in its favour.</p>
+ <p>You muster your skill and use it to calm the unseen Akataz. The growling stops and, when you pull back the curtain, you see the leathery creature lying on the sawdust-covered floor as docile as a lamb. This foul-smelling chamber is littered with Giak bones and half-chewed haunches of meat. Amongst the debris you notice something gleaming dully. It is a bronze statuette, forged in the likeness of Darklord Zagarna.</p>
+ <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. If you already carry the maximum number of items allowed, you will have to discard one in its favour.</p>
<p>To your right you notice another curtained archway. Through the threadbare cloth you see a stone staircase spiralling down into the dark.</p>
<choice idref="sect56">If you wish to explore this staircase, <link-text>turn to 56</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect44">If you choose to retrace your steps and leave the barracks, <link-text>turn to 44</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Beyond the archway, a passage leads to a pair of stout steel-sheathed doors. The lock that secures them is inlaid with a series of numbers and you immediately recognize that they are part of a combination lock. One number in the sequence is missing. By tapping the correct number upon the blank square, you will cause the lock to disengage.</p>
<p>Study the following sequence of numbers carefully. When you think you know what the missing number is, turn to the page that is identical to your answer.<a id="sect181-1" idref="sect181-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
-<illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance class="html" src="sect181.gif" width="386" height="131"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="sect181.pdf" width="386" height="131"/>
- </illustration>
- <choice idref="sect297">If you guess incorrectly, or if you cannot answer the puzzle, <link-text>turn instead to 297</link-text>.</choice>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="sect181.gif" width="386" height="131"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="sect181.pdf" width="386" height="131"/>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <choice idref="sect297">If you guess incorrectly, or if you cannot answer the puzzle, <link-text>turn instead to 297</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The purplish glare is generated by a glassy opaque sphere which hangs suspended above the doors. It pours forth a blinding curtain of light which fills the entrance, but this quickly fades once you have passed through into the chamber beyond.</p>
- <p>As your eyes adjust to the gloomy interior, you find yourself standing in a small temple. A plain stone altar dominates the chamber, around which are positioned a ring of twenty black candles. The candles are fixed into elaborately carved holders fashioned to resemble each of the twenty Darklords sent long ago by Naar, King of the Darkness, to conquer Magnamund. Their flames burn brightly scarlet and they give off a rancid, greasy smell that, despite your attempts to block it, makes you feel lightheaded and nauseous.</p>
+ <p>As your eyes adjust to the gloomy interior, you find yourself standing in a small temple. A plain stone altar dominates the chamber, around which are positioned a ring of twenty black candles. The candles are fixed into elaborately carved holders fashioned to resemble each of the twenty Darklords sent long ago by Naar, King of the Darkness, to conquer Magnamund. Their flames burn brightly scarlet and they give off a rancid, greasy smell that, despite your attempts to block it, makes you feel light-headed and nauseous.</p>
<p>Hurriedly you dispose of the Drakkar uniform and move to leave this temple through an archway opposite, for there is an extraordinary saturation of evil contained within these walls and you feel it leeching your mental and physical strength. (Unless you possess Kai-screen, deduct 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to its insidious effects.)</p>
<p>You are near the centre of the temple when you notice something strange resting in a hollow in the surface of the altar.</p>
<choice idref="sect116">If, in a previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventure, you have ever been to Mogaruith, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You draw your weapon but before you can raise it to strike, a mass of flailing tentacles come snaking towards you, forcing you to retreat towards the pool. Each of these limbs is tipped with a razor-sharp segment of tile which whistles as it cuts the air before your face.</p>
- <p>Slowly but relentlessly the octopoid advances, pushing you steadily back towards the rubble-strewn entrance to the chamber. As it draws level with the central pool, you suddenly realize something that had eluded your senses when first you entered this hall. The pool itself contains not water, but a clear, oily fluid&ellips; a clear, oily, <em>inflammable</em> fluid!</p>
+ <p>Slowly but relentlessly the octopoid advances, pushing you steadily back towards the rubble-strewn entrance to the chamber. As it draws level with the central pool, you suddenly realize something that had eluded your senses when first you entered this hall. The pool itself contains not water, but a clear, oily fluid<ch.ellips/> a clear, oily, <em>inflammable</em> fluid!</p>
<p>In a moment of vivid realization your Kai senses inform you that this creature is especially vulnerable to fire. Hastily you sheathe your weapon and search instead for something capable of igniting a fire.</p>
<choice idref="sect223">If you possess a Lantern, a Torch, or a Tinderbox, <link-text>turn to 223</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect14">If you do not possess any of these items, <link-text>turn to 14</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The fading echoes of the voice give way to a low, rumbling growl which seems to emanate from somewhere behind the sealed archway. This rumbling persists for more than a minute until, with a startling abruptness, there is a loud <onomatopoeia>crack</onomatopoeia>. Chunks of mortar fall from the octopoid mosaic and, to your mounting horror, you watch as the eyes of the creature begin to glow with a baleful green light.</p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>Chunks of mortar fall from the tiled hide of the<br />octopoid mosaic as its eyes glow with baleful green light.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>Chunks of mortar fall from the tiled hide</line>
+ <line>of the octopoid mosaic as its eyes glow</line>
+ <line>with baleful green light.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill10.gif" width="386" height="642"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill10.pdf" width="386" height="642"/>
</illustration>
- <p>Like a waking goliath, the mosaic comes slowly to life. Mesmerized by its pulsating gaze, you barely step back in time to save yourself when its tile-encrusted tentacles burst from the wall and come writhing towards your head. You lash out at the flailing limbs but your blow glances off the armour-like skin, inflicting no more than a scratch upon the tiled hide of this supernatural creature. Briefly the tentacles move apart to reveal once more the two glowing green orbs. Then a wave of psychic energy buffets your mind, designed to weaken and subdue you, but your Magnakai defences deflect this attack. You sense that the creature is surprised by your natural resistance and, before it can muster its powers to launch a second, far stronger psychic blast, you leap forwards and aim a blow between its evil green eyes. You are within an arm's length of striking the creature's bulbous head when suddenly it squirts a stream of clear liquid from its beak, aimed directly at your face.</p>
+
+ <p>Like a waking goliath, the mosaic comes slowly to life. Mesmerized by its pulsating gaze, you barely step back in time to save yourself when its tile-encrusted tentacles burst from the wall and come writhing towards your head. You lash out at the flailing limbs but your blow glances off the armour-like skin, inflicting no more than a scratch upon the tiled hide of this supernatural creature. Briefly the tentacles move apart to reveal once more the two glowing green orbs. Then a wave of psychic energy buffets your mind, designed to weaken and subdue you, but your Magnakai defences deflect this attack. You sense that the creature is surprised by your natural resistance and, before it can muster its powers to launch a second, far stronger psychic blast, you leap forwards and aim a blow between its evil green eyes. You are within an arm<ch.apos/>s length of striking the creature<ch.apos/>s bulbous head when suddenly it squirts a stream of clear liquid from its beak, aimed directly at your face.</p>
<choice idref="sect139">If you possess mastery of Grand Nexus, <link-text>turn to 139</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect258">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 258</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You push open the heavy door carefully and glimpse the Drakkar striding along a corridor. He reaches the end and starts to descend a staircase to the ground floor. You enter and move stealthily towards the stairs. As you draw nearer, you see a gallery which overlooks the cavernous lower level. To your right, set flush to the wall, is a black oak door.</p>
- <p>Slowly you approach the gallery's railed parapet where you look down at an unnerving sight.</p>
+ <p>Slowly you approach the gallery<ch.apos/>s railed parapet where you look down at an unnerving sight.</p>
<choice idref="sect47"><link-text>Turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>196</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the terrible pain in your shoulder subsides, you open your eyes to find yourself lying face down in the seething carpet of insects. You feel them creeping and slithering across your skin, then your psychic senses tingle with a sudden realization. These are no ordinary insects; in fact these are not insects at all. Your sixth sense tells you that they are merely a cunning illusion created to panic and deceive you. Confident in this knowledge, you get to your feet, ignoring the mass of creepy-crawlies that are attached in clumps to your body. Then, in a matter of seconds, the insect horde fades and vanishes, the illusion dispelled by your disbelief in its existence.</p>
+ <p>As the terrible pain in your shoulder subsides, you open your eyes to find yourself lying face down in the seething carpet of insects. You feel them creeping and slithering across your skin; then your psychic senses tingle with a sudden realization. These are no ordinary insects; in fact these are not insects at all. Your Sixth Sense tells you that they are merely a cunning illusion created to panic and deceive you. Confident in this knowledge, you get to your feet, ignoring the mass of creepy-crawlies that are attached in clumps to your body. Then, in a matter of seconds, the insect horde fades and vanishes, the illusion dispelled by your disbelief in its existence.</p>
<choice idref="sect281"><link-text>Turn to 281</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>197</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Talons spring from the creature's forepaws and its sharp teeth glint like polished knives as it comes leaping through the air towards you.</p>
+ <p>Talons spring from the creature<ch.apos/>s forepaws and its sharp teeth glint like polished knives as it comes leaping through the air towards you.</p>
<combat><enemy>Vodok</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">44</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">52</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect150">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>199</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw your Arrow and let fire at the creature's head, aiming for its eyes, but it twists its powerful neck as the shaft approaches and it lodges harmlessly between its teeth. The great jaw chomps down, pulping the Arrow which it spits back at you with contempt. Hastily you drop your Bow and draw a hand weapon as the shadow of the beast falls upon you.</p>
+ <p>You draw your Arrow and let fire at the creature<ch.apos/>s head, aiming for its eyes, but it twists its powerful neck as the shaft approaches and it lodges harmlessly between its teeth. The great jaw chomps down, pulping the Arrow which it spits back at you with contempt. Hastily you drop your Bow and draw a hand weapon as the shadow of the beast falls upon you.</p>
<choice idref="sect128"><link-text>Turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The dark tunnel descends to a titanic circular hall which is lit by a lava-filled vent at its centre. Tunnels radiate from this hall in every direction, like the spokes of an infernal wheel, their destinations mere pinpoints of flame in the far distance. The air here is thick and cloying. It is choked by sulphur and other foul discharges of noisy engines located deep in the bowels of Kaag. The pressure of this tainted atmosphere is forever changing, causing you momentarily to lose your balance and stumble when first you enter the central hall.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small7.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small7.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
+
<p>Before you, astride the vent, a colossal idol looms up against the crimson light like some supernatural giant forged of steel and stone. Warily you pass beside one of its huge, taloned feet, half expecting it to animate suddenly and come crashing down upon you as if you were a lowly insect. Fortunately, the foot remains immobile and you are able to leave by a triangular-shaped tunnel, the largest of those which radiate from this hall.</p>
<p>Other passages branch off this tunnel, spaced at regular intervals of one hundred paces. You detect movement taking place in several of these sub-tunnels and, when at last your natural curiosity prompts you to stop and observe one (using your Magnakai skills to magnify your vision), you detect that it is occupied by Nadziranim. These mysterious sorcerers are gifted in the black arts of Right-handed magic and, before their demise, they slavishly assisted the Darklords of Helgedad. These particular Nadziranim are busy at slime-filled vats, engaged in the harvesting of Giak spawn, a process that at first fascinates then rapidly repulses you. Sickened by what you have seen, you hurry away towards a distant junction where a narrower tunnel crosses from left to right. As you approach the junction, you feel the skin on your arms and the nape of your neck tingle with a premonition of peril. The sensation soon passes, but you are left with an awareness that a greater danger lurks somewhere nearby.</p>
<choice idref="sect156">If you wish to turn left at the junction and continue, <link-text>turn to 156</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The guard lowers his eyes to avoid your burning stare. He mumbles something which sounds like an apology and shuffles away from the door to let you enter. With exaggerated bravado, you thrust open the heavy iron portal and stride into the corridor beyond. The door slams shut behind you with a dull boom.</p>
<p>The corridor ends at a landing where a gallery overlooks the cavernous lower level. Nearby there is a staircase, leading down, and a black oak door set flush to the wall.</p>
- <p>Slowly you approach the gallery's railed parapet and look down at an unnerving sight.</p>
+ <p>Slowly you approach the gallery<ch.apos/>s railed parapet and look down at an unnerving sight.</p>
<choice idref="sect47"><link-text>Turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>203</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you are ascending the steps towards the curtain of light which hangs before the main entrance your Kai senses warn you that there is danger ahead. You halt and listen. At first you hear nothing, then you detect the sound of marching feet. The sound stops and moments later you see the curtain on light shimmering; the doors to the hall have been opened.</p>
+ <p>As you are ascending the steps towards the curtain of light which hangs before the main entrance your Kai senses warn you that there is danger ahead. You halt and listen. At first you hear nothing; then you detect the sound of marching feet. The sound stops and moments later you see the curtain of light shimmering; the doors to the hall have been opened.</p>
<p>Cursing your luck, you turn and run towards the tunnel as the first few soldiers of a Drakkarim patrol come marching through the light-curtain into the hall. They command you to halt but you ignore them and hurry across the tiered hall as fast as you can. Burdened by the weight of your friend, you cannot move as quickly as you would like, and before you reach the mouth of the tunnel the Drakkarim are taking aim at you with their bows.</p>
<choice idref="sect2">If you possess Grand Huntmastery and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, <link-text>turn to 2</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect269">If you do not possess this skill, or have yet to reach this level of Kai rank, <link-text>turn to 269</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>204</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>Very well, minion of Slûtar,</quote> rumbles the voice. <quote>Display proof of your allegiance to your master and you shall be allowed to pass beyond this chamber.</quote></p>
- <p>The echoing voice has barely faded when suddenly the tiny flames of the pool are transformed into a hundred roaring jets of white fire. A wave of searing heat forces you to retreat from the pool's edge and, as you cower behind the protection of your cloak, you try to think of a way to satisfy the voice's command.</p>
- <choice idref="sect336">If you possess a Statuette of Slûtar, <link-text>turn to 336</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p><quote>Very well, minion of Sl<ch.ucirc/>tar,</quote> rumbles the voice. <quote>Display proof of your allegiance to your master and you shall be allowed to pass beyond this chamber.</quote></p>
+ <p>The echoing voice has barely faded when suddenly the tiny flames of the pool are transformed into a hundred roaring jets of white fire. A wave of searing heat forces you to retreat from the pool<ch.apos/>s edge and, as you cower behind the protection of your cloak, you try to think of a way to satisfy the voice<ch.apos/>s command.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect336">If you possess a Statuette of Sl<ch.ucirc/>tar, <link-text>turn to 336</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect87">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 87</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You reach to your belt and unsheathe the sun-sword. At once a golden halo of flame bursts from its polished blade, causing the Helghast to shriek in alarm as it recognizes the power you wield. It loosens its terrible grip upon your throat, enabling you to thrust the hilt of the Sommerswerd into its midriff and force it away. The Helghast emits a wailing cry and a wave of psychic energy assails your mind. But your Magnakai defences are more than sufficient to repel this weak attack and, with one fell sweep of your arm, you cleave the demonic creature cleanly in two.</p>
- <p>The sundered halves of the Helghast fall from the bridge to be consumed by the hungry flames. Open-mouthed, the two Drakkarim stumble to a halt and stare down into the moat. Nervously they glance at each other, fearful of suffering a similar fate, then they turn and run towards the open door. Determined not to let them escape, you give chase and catch up with them within a few yards of the entrance.</p>
+ <p>The sundered halves of the Helghast fall from the bridge to be consumed by the hungry flames. Open-mouthed, the two Drakkarim stumble to a halt and stare down into the moat. Nervously they glance at each other, fearful of suffering a similar fate; then they turn and run towards the open door. Determined not to let them escape, you give chase and catch up with them within a few yards of the entrance.</p>
<combat><enemy>Drakkarim</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">26</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">35</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect340">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>207</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You return to collect Banedon, then, once he is safely across your shoulders, you climb the stairs and hurry through the archway. A tunnel lined with rich wood panelling leads to a chamber where eight smaller passages disappear off in all directions. You scan these exits and a familiar fear returns to haunt you, a fear that you will never find your way out off Kaag alive.</p>
- <p>Using your innate healing skills, you try once more to revive Banedon. You remember once, during a tutorial at the Kai monastery, that Banedon conjured up a vision of the monastery and its surrounding estates. You were able to see yourself in miniature, standing in your chambers as if you were a tiny animated doll in a doll's house. If he were well enough to perform that spell here in Kaag, you might be able to locate your position and plan a route of escape.</p>
- <p>Mustering your skills, you place your hands on Banedon's chest and transmit your power directly into his heart. (Reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> by 3 points.) Gradually Banedon stirs to consciousness and, as his strength returns, rekindled by your healing power, he is able to grant your request. On the floor of the chamber he calls forth a living, three-dimensional vision of Kaag. Gradually this vision expands until you are looking at yourselves, kneeling on the floor of a chamber on one of the upper levels of the central citadel. The vision blurs and fades, but not before you are able to trace the quickest way out of this dreadful place.</p>
+ <p>You return to collect Banedon; then, once he is safely across your shoulders, you climb the stairs and hurry through the archway. A tunnel lined with rich wood panelling leads to a chamber where eight smaller passages disappear off in all directions. You scan these exits and a familiar fear returns to haunt you, a fear that you will never find your way out of Kaag alive.</p>
+ <p>Using your innate healing skills, you try once more to revive Banedon. You remember once, during a tutorial at the Kai monastery, that Banedon conjured up a vision of the monastery and its surrounding estates. You were able to see yourself in miniature, standing in your chambers as if you were a tiny animated doll in a doll<ch.apos/>s house. If he were well enough to perform that spell here in Kaag, you might be able to locate your position and plan a route of escape.</p>
+ <p>Mustering your skills, you place your hands on Banedon<ch.apos/>s chest and transmit your power directly into his heart. (Reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> by 3 points.) Gradually Banedon stirs to consciousness and, as his strength returns, rekindled by your healing power, he is able to grant your request. On the floor of the chamber he calls forth a living, three-dimensional vision of Kaag. Gradually this vision expands until you are looking at yourselves, kneeling on the floor of a chamber on one of the upper levels of the central citadel. The vision blurs and fades, but not before you are able to trace the quickest way out of this dreadful place.</p>
<p>The passage which heads due south from this chamber leads directly to the Zlanbeast pens and landing platforms situated on the exterior wall of the citadel, high above the great South Gate. It is from here that you plan to escape, leaving the citadel by the same way you entered it: by air.</p>
<p>Confident that the success of your quest is now within your grasp, you help Banedon to his feet and support him as you make your way along the south passage.</p>
<choice idref="sect267"><link-text>Turn to 267</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You are within a few yards of the passage that leads out of the mess hall when suddenly four Drakkarim turn a corner and come striding up the passage towards you. One of them sees you and shouts out in alarm: <quote>Intruder!</quote></p>
- <p>In an instant your weapon is in your hand, ready for combat. Behind you the feasting squad falls silent, then, as one, they jump to their feet and scramble to retrieve their weapons. Rather than face thirty Giaks, you decide to rush the four who are now striding along the passage, their swords drawn ready to cut you down.</p>
+ <p>In an instant your weapon is in your hand, ready for combat. Behind you the feasting squad falls silent; then, as one, they jump to their feet and scramble to retrieve their weapons. Rather than face thirty Giaks, you decide to rush the four who are now striding along the passage, their swords drawn ready to cut you down.</p>
<p><quote>For Sommerlund!</quote> you cry, and launch yourself at the four grim-faced warriors.</p>
<combat><enemy>4 Drakkarim</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">37</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">41</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect119">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 119</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You unsheathe the sun-sword and hold it before you. Immediately, the twin streams of fiery bolts are drawn to its golden blade. They hit the tip and merge into a searing hot ball of power which radiate a blinding white light. The Sommerswerd vibrates in your hands. Desperately you fight to control the power that is held precariously in your grasp.</p>
<p><quote>For Sommerlund!</quote> you cry and, with a mighty effort, you cast the ball of energy at the two dragon-creatures. The meteor of light hits the leading creature and explodes with a brilliant flash. There a splash of white-hot sparks and suddenly the tunnel is silent. The dragon-creature and the ball of fire have vanished.</p>
- <p>For several seconds you stare at the remaining creature without either of you moving. Then, as prompted into action by a silent command, the two of you are galvanized into action. A flaming sword appears in the dragon's paw and, with stunning suddenness, it leaps forwards into the attack.</p>
+ <p>For several seconds you stare at the remaining creature without either of you moving. Then, as prompted into action by a silent command, the two of you are galvanized into action. A flaming sword appears in the dragon<ch.apos/>s paw and, with stunning suddenness, it leaps forwards into the attack.</p>
<combat><enemy>Nadziran (in dragon guise, with flamesword)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This creature possesses strong psychic ability. Unless you possess the Discipline of Kai-screen, deduct 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points every round you are in combat due to its relentless psychic assault.</p>
<data>
<p>In the dim distance you see a score of creatures stumbling along the tunnel. You magnify your gaze and discern that they are vaguely human in form, although hairless, lean and stringy as if from starvation. Their toes and fingers end in horny, hooked claws and their large eyes are deep set in skeletal faces, etched by untold years of pain and anguish. You bring to bear your innate psychic skills and are shocked by what you discover.</p>
<p>Your senses reveal that these creatures were once human soldiers in the armies of the Freeland Alliance. Captured in battle and brought to Kaag long ago, they have endured unspeakable experiments at the hands of the Nadziranim. Now, no longer of use to those evil magicians, these pitiful victims have been left to wander the forgotten passages of this foul city, united in undeath.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
+
+ <illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>Lean, hairless and stringy creatures stumble along the<br />tunnel, faces showing years of pain and anguish.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>Lean, hairless and stringy creatures stumble</line>
+ <line>along the tunnel, faces showing years</line>
+ <line>of pain and anguish.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill11.gif" width="386" height="578"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill11.pdf" width="386" height="578"/>
- </illustration>
- <p>When the undead soldiers are twenty yards distant you attempt to communicate with them telepathically. You sense that the one who is leading the group radiates a faint psychic aura and you hope that he may know the whereabouts of your captive friend Banedon. At first your questions elicit no reply, then, when your eyes meet, you feel a wave of despair wash over you as suddenly you tap into the agony of this creature's existence. (Lose two <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to psychic shock.) As the effects of the shock fade, you hear a ghostly voice echoing thinly in your mind.</p>
- <p><thought>Yes&ellips; I know of whom you seek&ellips;</thought> it croaks. <thought>The Sommlending wizard is imprisoned here in Kaag&ellips; in Zagarna's courtroom&ellips;</thought></p>
- <p>You ask the wretched zombie for directions to Zagarna's courtroom but the only help he can offer is to tell you that it is <quote>many levels above</quote>.</p>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>When the undead soldiers are twenty yards distant you attempt to communicate with them telepathically. You sense that the one who is leading the group radiates a faint psychic aura and you hope that he may know the whereabouts of your captive friend Banedon. At first your questions elicit no reply; then, when your eyes meet, you feel a wave of despair wash over you as suddenly you tap into the agony of this creature<ch.apos/>s existence. (Lose two <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to psychic shock.) As the effects of the shock fade, you hear a ghostly voice echoing thinly in your mind.</p>
+ <p><thought>Yes<ch.ellips/> I know of whom you seek<ch.ellips/></thought> it croaks. <thought>The Sommlending wizard is imprisoned here in Kaag<ch.ellips/> in Zagarna<ch.apos/>s courtroom<ch.ellips/></thought></p>
+ <p>You ask the wretched zombie for directions to Zagarna<ch.apos/>s courtroom but the only help he can offer is to tell you that it is <quote>many levels above</quote>.</p>
<p>The pitiful group part in two to allow you to pass. As you move through them, your hatred of the Nadziranim blazes anew when you see upon the bodies of these once-human soldiers the terrible scars left by the cruel experiments. Filled with anger and remorse you hurry away, silently fearful that Banedon may already have suffered a similar fate.</p>
<choice idref="sect57"><link-text>Turn to 57</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p><thought>Despite all their fiendish tortures,</thought> he says, his mind-voice weak yet full of pride, <thought>they learned nothing.</thought></p>
<p>You search for a way out of this vault and soon discover a steel door which is secured by a curious combination lock. It comprises three raised blocks, each block divided into four equal squares. In each square, bar one, there is a number. You ask Banedon if he knows how the lock operates and he recalls once seeing a Nadziranim tapping the empty square several times in order to make the door open.</p>
<p>Consider the following grids of numbers. When you think you know what the missing number is, turn to the entry that bears the same number as your answer.<a id="sect220-1" idref="sect220-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="sect220.gif" width="386" height="124"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="sect220.pdf" width="386" height="124"/>
- </illustration>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect154">If your answer is incorrect, or if you cannot solve the puzzle, <link-text>turn to 154</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>221</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your Arrow strikes the creature's head and gouges out a skull-deep furrow of skin and muscle before arcing away into the air. The beast shrieks with the agony of the wound and skids to a halt, twisting its head violently from side to side in a futile attempt to rid itself of the terrible pain. The wound has slowed the beast but not stopped it and, with revenge stark in its eyes, it resumes the attack.</p>
+ <p>Your Arrow strikes the creature<ch.apos/>s head and gouges out a skull-deep furrow of skin and muscle before arcing away into the air. The beast shrieks with the agony of the wound and skids to a halt, twisting its head violently from side to side in a futile attempt to rid itself of the terrible pain. The wound has slowed the beast but not stopped it and, with revenge stark in its eyes, it resumes the attack.</p>
<p>Cursing its tenacity, you shoulder your Bow and unsheathe your weapon in readiness for a fight to the death.</p>
<combat><enemy>Gnagusk</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">41</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect247">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>222</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The fiery bolt continues to gather speed and energy as it comes racing towards you. It is barely an arm's length from your chest when you are forced to dive headlong into the insect swarm to avoid being hit.</p>
+ <p>The fiery bolt continues to gather speed and energy as it comes racing towards you. It is barely an arm<ch.apos/>s length from your chest when you are forced to dive headlong into the insect swarm to avoid being hit.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect33">If your total score is now 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 33</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect166">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 166</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You hurl your light towards the pool and the inflammable liquid ignites on contact, with a deafening <onomatopoeia>whoomph</onomatopoeia> that leaves you sprawled flat on your back.</p>
- <p>For a few seconds the chamber is aglow with a blinding white light, then the glare fades to reveal the octopoid writhing on the floor, close to the blazing pool's edge, its loathsome body being consumed by a hungry mass of guttering yellow flames.</p>
+ <p>For a few seconds the chamber is aglow with a blinding white light; then the glare fades to reveal the octopoid writhing on the floor, close to the blazing pool<ch.apos/>s edge, its loathsome body being consumed by a hungry mass of guttering yellow flames.</p>
<p>Covering your mouth with your cloak, you stumble to your feet and skirt around the burning carcass towards the archway. The sheet of blue-green metal that once blocked this exit is no longer there; it has moved aside to reveal a dark tunnel leading away from the chamber. Eager to leave this smoke-filled hall and continue the search for your captive friend without further delay, you hurry through the archway into the unwelcoming darkness beyond. (Remember to erase the Backpack Item from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.)</p>
<choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Intrigued by the squealing, you approach the door cautiously and place your eye to the spy-hole. Your fears soon melt away when you see two ragged-eared rats in a corridor beyond, fighting over a meaty bone. You chuckle as the smaller of the two unexpectedly wins the dispute and proudly drags away his prize. Your eyes follow the rat as it disappears towards a distant hallway where you spy something else that makes your pulse quicken in anticipation.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small9.gif" width="386" height="148"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="148"/>
</illustration>
+
<p>Using your Magnakai skills to magnify your vision, you see a pair of massive doors at the far side of the thoroughfare, guarded by two warriors clad in polished silver armour. A steady traffic of Drakkarim and Giaks passes to and fro before the doors, but none enter. You judge the hall to be over a hundred yards away, but even at this distance you can sense a great power is being contained behind the doors.</p>
- <p>After a short while the traffic in the hallway subsides. Then two wispy, ghost-like figures glide into view, each clad in shimmering semi-transparent robes, and at once you recognize them to be Nadziranim&emdash;masters of evil magic. The guards step aside and, as the great doors part to allow the sorcerers entry, a flood of blinding purplish light pours from out of the room beyond. Suddenly your senses tingle with a premonition that your friend Banedon is close at hand. Convinced that you will find him somewhere beyond the doors, you resolve to gain entry as quickly as you can, but if you are to get past the two guards you must first create a diversion.</p>
- <choice idref="sect268">If you wish to start a fire in this storeroom in order to lure the guards away, <link-text>turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>After a short while the traffic in the hallway subsides. Then two wispy, ghost-like figures glide into view, each clad in shimmering semi-transparent robes, and at once you recognize them to be Nadziranim<ch.emdash/>masters of evil magic. The guards step aside and, as the great doors part to allow the sorcerers entry, a flood of blinding purplish light pours from out of the room beyond. Suddenly your senses tingle with a premonition that your friend Banedon is close at hand. Convinced that you will find him somewhere beyond the doors, you resolve to gain entry as quickly as you can, but if you are to get past the two guards you must first create a diversion.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect268">If you wish to start a fire in this store room in order to lure the guards away, <link-text>turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect70">If you wish to put on a Drakkar uniform (which lies discarded on the floor nearby), then attempt to bluff your way past the guards, <link-text>turn to 70</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Emerging from the shadows with slow purposeful steps comes a huge rodent-like creature. Its mustard-coloured body and its six claw-tipped legs are thick and powerful, corded with muscle that ripples as it moves. Its head is monstrous, the jaw seeming too large for the skull. This entire bony structure extends beyond the lips and is studded with large spade-like teeth.</p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>A huge, rodent-like creature with monstrous jaw and<br />large spade-like teeth emerges from the shadows.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>A huge, rodent-like creature with monstrous jaw and</line>
+ <line>large spade-like teeth emerges from the shadows.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill12.gif" width="386" height="597"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill12.pdf" width="386" height="597"/>
- </illustration>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>It turns its great head to look at you with cruel deep-set eyes and an eerie cry breaks from its maw. Cadak laughs with undisguised glee and, upon his command, the creature gathers speed and attacks.</p>
<choice idref="sect199">If you possess a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 199</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect81">If you have Kai-alchemy and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>227</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You invoke the words of the Brotherhood spell <quote>Flameshaft</quote> and instantly the first few inches of your Arrow are sheathed with magical blue fire.</p>
+ <p>You invoke the words of the Brotherhood Spell <quote>Flameshaft</quote> and instantly the first few inches of your Arrow are sheathed with magical blue fire.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small10.gif" width="386" height="79"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small10.pdf" width="386" height="79"/>
</illustration>
+
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Weaponmastery with Bow, add 5 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect91">If your total score is now 6 or less, <link-text>turn to 91</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect158">If it is 7 or more, <link-text>turn to 158</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Swooping down from out of the shadows of the roof comes a huge gull-winged monstrosity. Its red reptilian skin is aglow with fine barbs, and a mass of coal-black hair streams from its bony skull. An open maw reveals a set of chisel-shaped teeth, many of which have been broken on the bones of past victims who have wandered unwittingly into this hall. It shrieks maniacally as it plummets towards your head.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
+
+ <illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>A huge gull-winged monstrosity with glowing red<br />reptilian skin swoops out of the shadows.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>A huge gull-winged monstrosity with glowing red</line>
+ <line>reptilian skin swoops out of the shadows.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill13.gif" width="386" height="574"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill13.pdf" width="386" height="574"/>
- </illustration>
- <p>You drop Banedon to the floor and unsheathe a weapon just in time to defend yourself against this creature's initial attack.</p>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>You drop Banedon to the floor and unsheathe a weapon just in time to defend yourself against this creature<ch.apos/>s initial attack.</p>
<combat><enemy>Ashradon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This creature is immune to Mindblast and Psi-surge, and suffers only half-damage resulting from the use of Kai-surge. If you choose to use Kai-surge during this combat, halve your normal <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus for the duration of the combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect101">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 101</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Drawing on your inner strength to quell your fears of what may lie ahead, you descend the ridge and approach the great, frowning bastions of Kaag. Through the swirling dust you see a pitted road which leads to the East Gate. Its storm-blown surface is littered with corpses, bleached bones, rusted weapons and armour. Crab-like scavengers scuttle among the debris, fighting for scraps to feed their young which nest in thousands of empty Giak skulls half-buried in the ground.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
+
<p>Shielded from detection by the storm and your Kai skills, you reach the breached east wall unobserved.</p>
- <p>Swiftly you climb over the rubble, which is heaped between the huge cubes of marble that once comprised this section of Kaag's curtain-wall, and find yourself in a street lined with decaying halls and slum dwellings. A dun pall of choking smoke hovers above this quarter, which reeks of iron and sulphur. Moving among the ruins you see a ragged group of Giaks, led by a Gourgaz clad in a shirt of mail. They halt for a few moments, then the Gourgaz hisses an order and they continue at a lumbering pace, heading south. You notice that their tattered blue-green uniforms all bear the emblem of a broken skull.</p>
+ <p>Swiftly you climb over the rubble, which is heaped between the huge cubes of marble that once comprised this section of Kaag<ch.apos/>s curtain-wall, and find yourself in a street lined with decaying halls and slum dwellings. A dun pall of choking smoke hovers above this quarter, which reeks of iron and sulphur. Moving among the ruins you see a ragged group of Giaks, led by a Gourgaz clad in a shirt of mail. They halt for a few moments, then the Gourgaz hisses an order and they continue at a lumbering pace, heading south. You notice that their tattered blue-green uniforms all bear the emblem of a broken skull.</p>
<choice idref="sect185">If you wish to follow these troops, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect104">If you choose to avoid them by heading in the opposite direction, <link-text>turn to 104</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>An arrow pierces your breeches and gouges a crimson line across the back of your thigh, making you cry out in pain. You stumble, but you manage to stay on your feet: lose three <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Cursing the pain, you hobble into the dingy passage beyond and descend by slope and stair to a rectangular hall which is lined with ancient stone statues, their features made unrecognizable by age. Tar-soaked torches fixed to the two longest walls illuminate this musty chamber with a flickering amber light, and the air is heavy with their oily stench. In the distance you see an archway and the passage continuing away into darkness. Your injured leg aches viciously and the thought of resting for a few minutes seems irresistible.</p>
- <choice idref="sect29">If you wish to stop here for a few minutes' rest, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect29">If you wish to stop here for a few minutes<ch.apos/> rest, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect177">If you decide to press on without stopping, <link-text>turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You try to control your urge to struggle, yet you are aware that even when you remain perfectly still you are sinking little by little to your doom.</p>
- <p>Suddenly the toe of your left boot strikes something firm and a shiver runs down your spine when you sense that it is a corpse. It is the body of a Giak who was thrown into this chamber as punishment for some minor infringement of citadel discipline. You wait until your foot is firmly placed on the corpse, then you tense your leg muscles and push yourself upwards as hard as you can, with your hands outstretched in a desperate effort to grab hold of the arched entrance.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly the toe of your left boot strikes something firm and a shiver runs down your spine when you sense that it is a corpse. It is the body of a Giak who was thrown into this chamber as punishment for some minor infringement of citadel discipline. You wait until your foot is firmly placed on the corpse; then you tense your leg muscles and push yourself upwards as hard as you can, with your hands outstretched in a desperate effort to grab hold of the arched entrance.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect187">If your total score is 3 or less, <link-text>turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect342">If it is 4-8, <link-text>turn to 342</link-text>.</choice>
<p><quote>Show this relic,</quote> commands the warrior to your right.</p>
<p>Hesitantly you reach into the satchel and fumble with the buckle, stalling for time.</p>
<p><quote>Be quick,</quote> warns the other guard, reaching for a dagger with his free hand, <quote>or I shall open it for you.</quote></p>
- <choice idref="sect61">If you possess either a Statue of Slûtar, the Dagger of Vashna, or Helshezag, <link-text>turn to 61</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect61">If you possess either a Statue of Sl<ch.ucirc/>tar, the Dagger of Vashna, or Helshezag, <link-text>turn to 61</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect137">If you do not possess any of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 137</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>240</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>A sudden noise makes you spin around, half-crouched, your weapon ready to hand for your defence. At first you see nothing, then a faint shadow moving at the corner of your eye draws your attention to an alcove on the other side of the hall. Suddenly you hear Banedon's voice echoing faintly in your head. You cannot understand what he is saying but you sense that it is a warning. You glance over your shoulder and notice that he is pointing at the granite throne. To your horror you see that the throne's fanged mouth is opening wider and wider.</p>
+ <p>A sudden noise makes you spin around, half-crouched, your weapon ready to hand for your defence. At first you see nothing; then a faint shadow moving at the corner of your eye draws your attention to an alcove on the other side of the hall. Suddenly you hear Banedon<ch.apos/>s voice echoing faintly in your head. You cannot understand what he is saying but you sense that it is a warning. You glance over your shoulder and notice that he is pointing at the granite throne. To your horror you see that the throne<ch.apos/>s fanged mouth is opening wider and wider.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect184">If you possess Kai-screen, <link-text>turn to 184</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect265">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 265</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You draw an Arrow but before you can place it to your Bow, a mass of flailing tentacles come snaking towards you, forcing you to retreat towards the pool. Each of these limbs is tipped with a razor-sharp segment of tile which whistles as it cuts the air before your face.</p>
- <p>Slowly but relentlessly the octopoid advances, pushing you steadily back towards the rubble-strewn entrance to the chamber. As it draws level with the central pool, you suddenly realize something that had eluded your senses when first you entered this hall. The pool itself contains not water, but a clear, oily fluid&ellips; a clear, oily, <em>inflammable</em> fluid!</p>
+ <p>Slowly but relentlessly the octopoid advances, pushing you steadily back towards the rubble-strewn entrance to the chamber. As it draws level with the central pool, you suddenly realize something that had eluded your senses when first you entered this hall. The pool itself contains not water, but a clear, oily fluid<ch.ellips/> a clear, oily, <em>inflammable</em> fluid!</p>
<choice idref="sect346">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 346</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect94">If you do not possess mastery of this Discipline, <link-text>turn instead to 94</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>244</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You pull open a bolt which secures the door and slip inside the room beyond. With bated breath you close the door and listen intently to the footfalls of the approaching Drakkarim, silently praying that they will pass by without checking this room. The steps grow louder, then, to your dismay, they halt immediately outside the door. You hear a gruff voice cursing, then there is a metallic click as the bolt is drawn. Unwittingly they have locked you in.</p>
+ <p>You pull open a bolt which secures the door and slip inside the room beyond. With bated breath you close the door and listen intently to the footfalls of the approaching Drakkarim, silently praying that they will pass by without checking this room. The steps grow louder; then, to your dismay, they halt immediately outside the door. You hear a gruff voice cursing; then there is a metallic click as the bolt is drawn. Unwittingly they have locked you in.</p>
<p>The Drakkarim continue on their way and you hear the sound of their heavy iron-shod boots receding along the passageway. Suddenly, a low growl makes you spin around, your hand flashing to the hilt of your weapon. Before you, resting on a bed of mouldy straw, lies the largest Doomwolf you have ever seen. It twitches and flicks its massive head as slowly it stirs from sleep.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If you possess the Discipline of Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect195">If you do not possess mastery of this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 195</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You step back a few paces and take aim with your Bow at the centre of the crystal sphere. For someone of your ability this is a target that is difficult to miss. But will the Arrow strike with sufficient force to break or dislodge the sphere?</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
- <choice idref="sect131">If the number you have picked is 0&endash;4, <link-text>turn to 131</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect131">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 131</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect143">If it is 5-9, <link-text>turn to 143</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>After some deliberation, you decide to let the Drakkar sleep on undisturbed. You climb the stairs and emerge in the centre of a hall on the level above. This vault-like room contains a wealth of grim exhibits, hung upon the walls and displayed in glass-fronted cases. The skulls of rare creatures are displayed beside tanned hides and jewel-encrusted bones. One item in particular catches your eye: it is a statuette, fashioned in the likeness of Darklord Zagarna.</p>
- <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, mark it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your Backpack. If you already carry your maximum quota, you must discard one item in its favour.</p>
+ <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, mark it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. If you already carry your maximum quota, you must discard one item in its favour.</p>
<choice idref="sect209">To continue, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p><quote>No! No! No!</quote> screams Arch Druid Cadak, his voice filled with anger and bitter frustration. <quote>It cannot be! It cannot be!</quote></p>
<p>Madly he rushes across the pen and stares with open-mouthed incredulity at the carcass of the huge Zavaghar, his eyes wide with disbelief. Meanwhile, you have helped Banedon to his feet and the two of you have begun to hurry towards your means of escape which is still perched on the landing platform.</p>
<p>Suddenly, Cadak recovers from his shock and, seeing the two of you escaping, screams an order to his remaining Drakkarim to prevent you from getting away.</p>
- <p>You reach the winged creature and, using your Magnakai skills, you manage to subdue it to your command. Arrows and crossbow bolts fly past, dangerously close, fired by those Drakkarim who have responded to Cadak's order. You try to ignore these missiles as you mount the Zlanbeast and heave Banedon roughly across its great scaly neck.</p>
+ <p>You reach the winged creature and, using your Magnakai skills, you manage to subdue it to your command. Arrows and crossbow bolts fly past, dangerously close, fired by those Drakkarim who have responded to Cadak<ch.apos/>s order. You try to ignore these missiles as you mount the Zlanbeast and heave Banedon roughly across its great scaly neck.</p>
<p>With a sharp kick, you urge the Zlanbeast into the air and, as it soars away from the platform, you glance back to see Cadak shaking his fist and screaming vile curses.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
+
<p>You laugh at his displeasure, but your laughter chokes in your throat when you notice a battery of heavy bolt-throwers lining the battlements above the pens. They are manned by Giak soldiers, and, as you fly past them, they discharge a cloud of deadly missiles.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
- <choice idref="sect66">If the number you have picked is 0&endash;8, <link-text>turn to 66</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect66">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>8, <link-text>turn to 66</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect341">If it is 9, <link-text>turn to 341</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The troops have almost finished their grisly meal when a figure, clad in flowing grey robes and a helm of brightly polished steel, swoops down from out of the brooding sky upon the back of a Zlanbeast. He screams orders to the Gourgaz who immediately responds by cursing and slapping his tired troops into line. The grey rider berates the sorry-looking squad before finally taking to the skies once more. Stung into action by his harsh words, the Gourgaz officer leads his unit away at the double.</p>
- <p>Curiosity prompts you to follow them, although you take care to remain hidden from view. They zig-zag through a maze of back streets before arriving at the approach road to a large hall. Here a pitched battle is taking place between two warring factions: one side wearing uniforms of orange cloth, the other clad in blue-green.</p>
+ <p>Curiosity prompts you to follow them, although you take care to remain hidden from view. They zigzag through a maze of back streets before arriving at the approach road to a large hall. Here a pitched battle is taking place between two warring factions: one side wearing uniforms of orange cloth, the other clad in blue-green.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
+
<p>For several minutes you observe the carnage taking place as the two groups fight for control of the hall. The fighting soon escalates to the surrounding ruins and wisely you decide it best to leave this area before you, too, become caught up in the fighting.</p>
<p>You notice a road away to your right which leads directly to the citadel. It is virtually deserted and seems to offer the best escape route from the battle zone. However, you have covered barely a hundred yards when you are suddenly confronted by a unit of Drakkarim Death Knights, reinforcements freshly arrived from the citadel itself.</p>
<p>Quickly you dive into a side street and run as fast as I you can, but the Death Knights have seen you and, despite their heavy armour, they give chase determinedly.</p>
<meta><title>251</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The fiery Arrow strikes the creature's throat but fails to penetrate. With a high-pitched whine, the steel-tipped shaft ricochets harmlessly away into the hall. There is no time now for a second shot so you hurriedly shoulder your Bow and draw a hand weapon ready. Sensing victory within its grasp, the creature emits a gurgling shriek and comes bounding forwards. You get set to meet its advance, yet, when it is only ten feet away, it suddenly opens its mouth wide and spews forth a stream of white-hot liquid fire.</p>
+ <p>The Arrow strikes the creature<ch.apos/>s throat but fails to penetrate. With a high-pitched whine, the steel-tipped shaft ricochets harmlessly away into the hall. There is no time now for a second shot so you hurriedly shoulder your Bow and draw a hand weapon ready. Sensing victory within its grasp, the creature emits a gurgling shriek and comes bounding forwards. You get set to meet its advance, yet, when it is only ten feet away, it suddenly opens its mouth wide and spews forth a stream of white-hot liquid fire.</p>
<choice idref="sect333">If you possess the Discipline of Grand Nexus, <link-text>turn to 333</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect287">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 287</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The corridor passes through a series of interconnecting caverns, some of which are occupied by lowly Giak slaves engaged in menial tasks, none of whom notice your stealthy passing. After almost an hour, you arrive at a cavernous hall filled with iron cages in which lie countless Akataz, a breed of leathery war-dogs used by the Drakkarim. Nearby are a group of Drakkarim handlers seated at a table playing cards.</p>
- <p>From the shadows you listen to their idle chatter, hoping to glean clues as to the location of Zagarna's courtroom, but, unfortunately, your patience goes unrewarded. These brutish humanoids seem preoccupied with their game, and the unfairness of their duties here in the Akataz pen. However, from their banal conversation you do learn two interesting facts about the struggle taking place within Kaag. The two warring factions are fighting principally for control over the Giak spawning vats located in the dungeons of this citadel. The vats are the key to power here; they produce both an unending supply of fresh troops and a ready source of raw food for whoever controls them.</p>
+ <p>From the shadows you listen to their idle chatter, hoping to glean clues as to the location of Zagarna<ch.apos/>s courtroom, but, unfortunately, your patience goes unrewarded. These brutish humanoids seem preoccupied with their game, and the unfairness of their duties here in the Akataz pen. However, from their banal conversation you do learn two interesting facts about the struggle taking place within Kaag. The two warring factions are fighting principally for control over the Giak spawning vats located in the dungeons of this citadel. The vats are the key to power here; they produce both an unending supply of fresh troops and a ready source of raw food for whoever controls them.</p>
<p>Anxious to continue your quest, you resolve to leave the pen by an archway on the far side. Although confident that your camouflage skills will keep you hidden from the Drakkarim, the hall is full of keen-nosed war-dogs.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect92">If your total is 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 92</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You are within a few yards of the passage that leads out of the mess hall when suddenly four Drakkarim turn a corner and come striding up the passage towards you. Hurriedly you flatten yourself against the nearest wall and muster your Kai camouflage skills in an attempt to stay hidden.</p>
- <p>The four stride past within an arm's length of your position yet they fail to detect your presence. Once they are inside the hall you peel yourself away from the wall and quickly escape into the passage.</p>
+ <p>The four stride past within an arm<ch.apos/>s length of your position yet they fail to detect your presence. Once they are inside the hall you peel yourself away from the wall and quickly escape into the passage.</p>
<choice idref="sect304"><link-text>Turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>With a loud <onomatopoeia>crack</onomatopoeia>, the Drakkar hits the cobblestones head-first and is knocked unconscious. Quickly you descend the iron stairs and drag his limp body out of sight, fearful that it might be seen by a passing patrol. Already a huge bruise is beginning to discolour his face and you are sure that it will be many hours before he regains consciousness. As you are moving him, you notice that he wears two chains around his neck. To one there is attached a Whistle; to the other a Brass Key. If you wish to keep either of these Backpack Items, adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<p>Once you are satisfied that he is well hidden, you climb the stairs and carefully push open the heavy door. At the end of a short corridor there is a landing where a gallery overlooks the cavernous lower level. Nearby there is a staircase, leading down, and to your right a black oak door set flush to the wall.</p>
- <p>Slowly you approach the gallery's railed parapet and peer over at an unnerving sight.</p>
+ <p>Slowly you approach the gallery<ch.apos/>s railed parapet and peer over at an unnerving sight.</p>
<choice idref="sect47"><link-text>Turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You twist aside in time to avoid the liquid, but a small quantity still splashes your right shoulder and cheek. Instantly there is a sizzling hiss and you feel a searing pain engulf your head and upper body as this highly corrosive acid bites deep into your flesh: lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>Only your innate Magnakai skill of Nexus saves you from sustaining what, for any lesser mortal, would have undoubtedly been a fatal injury. Shaken by this ferocious and unexpected attack, you scramble to the safety of a nearby pillar. Another stream of acid comes arching towards you, but only to splash harmlessly against the blue-green stone.</p>
+ <p>Only your innate Magnakai skill of Nexus saves you from sustaining what, for any lesser mortal, would have undoubtedly been a fatal injury. Shaken by this ferocious and unexpected attack, you scramble to the safety of a nearby pillar. Another stream of acid comes arcing towards you, but only to splash harmlessly against the blue-green stone.</p>
<p>A glance around the pillar prompts a third stream of acid, only this time the creature ejects barely a trickle from its hook-like beak. It has exhausted its corrosive venom. Hungry for vengeance you emerge from your hiding place and face the octopoid once more, determined more than ever to defeat it in combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect243">If you have a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 243</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect192">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>259</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your weapon slams into the centre of the crystal and cracks it open. There is a flash of sparks, then the shimmering wall of light which imprisons Banedon flickers, and disappears completely.</p>
+ <p>Your weapon slams into the centre of the crystal and cracks it open. There is a flash of sparks; then the shimmering wall of light which imprisons Banedon flickers, and disappears completely.</p>
<choice idref="sect188"><link-text>Turn to 188</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect263">
<meta><title>263</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect263-1-foot" idref="sect263-1">
+ <p>Presumably by <quote>double all bonuses it bestows upon you</quote> you are meant to receive a 16 point bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>Hurriedly you retreat, drawing a hand weapon in your defence as the two evil-eyed horrors come rushing forwards with murderous intent.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
+
+ <illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>Two evil-eyed horrors rush forward with murderous<br />intent.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>Two evil-eyed horrors rush forward</line>
+ <line>with murderous intent.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill14.gif" width="386" height="596"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill14.pdf" width="386" height="596"/>
</illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>2 Xaghash</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">52</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>If you possess the Sommerswerd, double all bonuses it bestows upon you (for the duration of this combat only).</p>
+ <p>If you possess the Sommerswerd, double all bonuses it bestows upon you (for the duration of this combat only).<a id="sect263-1" idref="sect263-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
<choice idref="sect276">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 276</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You step back from the dead war-dog and wipe away the splashes of its foul blood from your face. The sound of footfalls outside the door warn you that the noise of the fight has attracted some unwanted attention. A Drakkar shouts, demanding to know who is in the room. You rush to the door and pull across the bolt just in time to prevent him getting in. With the warrior pounding on the door, you turn and run into the adjoining chamber which is littered with Giak bones and half-chewed haunches of meat. To your right you notice another curtained archway, and through its threadbare cloth you see a stone staircase spiralling down into the dark.</p>
- <p>The dingy stone staircase leads down to an empty torchlit chamber, its floor strewn with filthy straw. To the right there is a stout wooden door secured by a rusty drawbolt, and ahead you see a damp passage. Your Magnakai senses tell you that it heads due south.</p>
+ <p>The dingy stone staircase leads down to an empty torchlit chamber, its floor strewn with filthy straw. To the right there is a stout wooden door secured by a rusty bolt, and ahead you see a damp passage. Your Magnakai senses tell you that it heads due south.</p>
<choice idref="sect242">If you wish to take a closer look at the door, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect343">If you wish to investigate the passage, <link-text>turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>267</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>With trepidation you follow the passage, praying all the while that Banedon's vision proves to be correct. Then at last your prayers are answered when, in the distance, you catch your first glimpse of the Zlanbeast pens.</p>
+ <p>With trepidation you follow the passage, praying all the while that Banedon<ch.apos/>s vision proves to be correct. Then at last your prayers are answered when, in the distance, you catch your first glimpse of the Zlanbeast pens.</p>
<p>You soon arrive at the entrance to the pens, where, from the safety of the shadows, you stop to observe the activity taking place inside. Lining the walls of the chamber you count more than a dozen cages, each holding a Zlanbeast or several smaller Kraan. Most are feeding, but there are some saddled ready for flight. One of these saddled Zlanbeast is perched nearby on a landing platform from where it casts its idle gaze upon the city far below.</p>
<p>You are contemplating how long it will take you and Banedon to reach the platform and climb aboard the waiting Zlanbeast, when suddenly you notice something strange that arouses your suspicions: there are no handlers or guards on duty in the pen.</p>
<choice idref="sect294">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 294</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You pull the door slightly ajar then quickly gather up some sacks and boxes which you stack in a heap near the opening. The guttering wall torch that illuminates this chamber provides the flame to set this little makeshift bonfire alight. Soon the tinder-dry pile is ablaze, sending clouds of acrid blue-grey smoke billowing along the corridor towards the guards.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
- <choice idref="sect347">If the number you have picked is 0&endash;4, <link-text>turn to 347</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect175">If it is 5&endash;9, <link-text>turn to 175</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect347">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 347</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect175">If it is 5<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 175</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Barbed arrows whistle past you to shatter on the marble steps as you force your aching legs to cover the final twenty feet which separate you from the safety of the tunnel ahead.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect71">If your total is 0&endash;1, <link-text>turn to 71</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect236">If it is 2&endash;6. <link-text>turn to 236</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect71">If your total is 0<ch.endash/>1, <link-text>turn to 71</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect236">If it is 2<ch.endash/>6. <link-text>turn to 236</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect316">If it is 7 or more, <link-text>turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>271</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The passage runs in an uninterrupted straight line for several hundred yards before arriving at a great circular room constructed of granite blocks. Cold air falls from a dark opening overhead and dozens of ropes and pulleys extend from this shaft, hanging down to touch the flag stoned floor. A large square door, furnished with brass and iron studs, is situated to your left. Apart from the shaft it appears to be the only exit from this chamber.</p>
+ <p>The passage runs in an uninterrupted straight line for several hundred yards before arriving at a great circular room constructed of granite blocks. Cold air falls from a dark opening overhead and dozens of ropes and pulleys extend from this shaft, hanging down to touch the flagstoned floor. A large square door, furnished with brass and iron studs, is situated to your left. Apart from the shaft it appears to be the only exit from this chamber.</p>
<choice idref="sect141">If you possess a Brass Key, <link-text>turn to 141</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect255">If you do not have this Backpack Item, <link-text>turn to 255</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>274</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Using your Magnakai Discipline of Telegnosis, you induce a trance that allows your conscious mind to leave your physical body and float across the fiery moat towards Banedon's prone form. Telepathically you call to him, trying to awaken him to consciousness, but you are unable to make contact. Then unexpectedly, your psychic calls are answered by a blood-chilling scream.</p>
- <p>Horror floods your mind when you realize that the person before you is not your friend Banedon&emdash;it is a Helghast. As the creature rises and its features twist and distort before your gaze, you cast an anxious glance back across the moat to the place where your physical body stands. Through the great door come two Drakkarim guards behind a slavering boar-like creature which is straining on its leash. With relish they release the beast and it bounds towards your inanimate body, its jaws snapping wildly. Fear blazes scarlet as you will your spirit towards your body, desperate to reunite before the boar-thing tears your flesh to shreds.</p>
+ <p>Using your Magnakai Discipline of Telegnosis, you induce a trance that allows your conscious mind to leave your physical body and float across the fiery moat towards Banedon<ch.apos/>s prone form. Telepathically you call to him, trying to awaken him to consciousness, but you are unable to make contact. Then unexpectedly, your psychic calls are answered by a blood-chilling scream.</p>
+ <p>Horror floods your mind when you realize that the person before you is not your friend Banedon<ch.emdash/>it is a Helghast. As the creature rises and its features twist and distort before your gaze, you cast an anxious glance back across the moat to the place where your physical body stands. Through the great door come two Drakkarim guards behind a slavering boar-like creature which is straining on its leash. With relish they release the beast and it bounds towards your inanimate body, its jaws snapping wildly. Fear blazes scarlet as you will your spirit towards your body, desperate to reunite before the boar-thing tears your flesh to shreds.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score is 20 or more, add 1 to the number you have picked. If your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is 19 or less, deduct 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect299">If your total score is now 3 or less, <link-text>turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect122">If it is 4 or more, <link-text>turn to 122</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You draw back the bolt and push the rickety door. It opens out to a passageway which runs alongside the abattoir, deserted and empty save for a few piles of Giak bones freshly stripped of their flesh.</p>
<p>You follow this passage to its end, keeping to the shadows to minimize the risk of being seen by those who may be lurking in the ruins, yet, unfortunately, you neglect to notice the Kraan which are circling high above. As you reach the end of the passage and turn the corner, three of these flying spawn come swooping down out of the smoky sky to batter you with their claw-tipped wings. Twice you are knocked down before you manage to draw your weapon and fight back.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>3 Kaag Kraan</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>If you possess the skill of Kai-surge and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, double any psychic combat bonuses you may be entitled to (for the duration of this combat only).</p>
<choice idref="sect190">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 190</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>281</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The hovering shadow is changing shape once more. It expands and thickens, its misty outline now becoming hard and clearly defined. Your heart quickens when the transformation is complete for now you see before you a scaly dragon, with frosty-white skin and eyes as black as deep space. It fixes you with a murderous gaze and opens a mouth that is packed with razor-sharp fangs. Then a chilling gust of super-cold breath blows over you, leaving you shivering. Your Magnakai skills save you from being instantly frozen to death by this icy blast, but they will not keep you safe from the creature's fangs, its horny tail, or its sword-like claws. With a hungry growl, the dragon comes stalking forwards. Its jaw hangs open in expectation of an easy feast.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
+ <p>The hovering shadow is changing shape once more. It expands and thickens, its misty outline now becoming hard and clearly defined. Your heart quickens when the transformation is complete for now you see before you a scaly dragon, with frosty-white skin and eyes as black as deep space. It fixes you with a murderous gaze and opens a mouth that is packed with razor-sharp fangs. Then a chilling gust of super-cold breath blows over you, leaving you shivering. Your Magnakai skills save you from being instantly frozen to death by this icy blast, but they will not keep you safe from the creature<ch.apos/>s fangs, its horny tail, or its sword-like claws. With a hungry growl, the dragon comes stalking forwards. Its jaw hangs open in expectation of an easy feast.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>A scaly dragon with frosty white skin and razor-sharp<br />fangs fixes you with a murderous gaze.</description>
- </meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill15.gif" width="386" height="567"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill15.pdf" width="386" height="567"/>
- </illustration>
- <combat><enemy>Ice dragon (polymorphed Nadziranim)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">52</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <description>
+ <line>A scaly dragon with frosty white skin and razor-</line>
+ <line>sharp fangs fixes you with a murderous gaze.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill15.gif" width="386" height="567"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill15.pdf" width="386" height="567"/>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <combat><enemy>Ice dragon (polymorphed Nadziranim)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">52</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect50">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 50</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>An arrow clips your forearm, making you cry out in pained surprise: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p><quote>It's no good, Banedon,</quote> you shout, as you watch the Drakkarim rushing towards you, <quote>we'll have to take our chances in the pen.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s no good, Banedon,</quote> you shout, as you watch the Drakkarim rushing towards you, <quote>we<ch.apos/>ll have to take our chances in the pen.</quote></p>
<p>Cursing your predicament you turn around and hurry back towards the waiting ambush. But you have taken less than five steps inside the pen when an unexpected sound makes you look up. To your horror, you see a weighted net falling from the ceiling directly on to your heads.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have Grand Huntmastery, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect27">If your total is now 0&endash;4, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect27">If your total is now 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect262">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Before you land the killing blow which parts the head of this ghastly Vordak, it shrieks a cry of alarm that attracts a Zlanbeast circling in the smoky sky above. The winged reptilian answers its call by swooping down and raking you with its serrated beak.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add 1 to this number. The resulting total is equivalent to the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose due to the Zlanbeast's attack.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add 1 to this number. The resulting total is equivalent to the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you lose due to the Zlanbeast<ch.apos/>s attack.</p>
<p>Before you can retaliate, the winged creature soars into the air and disappears. Cursing its departure, you look down to see that the body of the slain Vordak is no longer there. It has transformed into a foul-smelling green gas.</p>
<p>Mindful that the Zlanbeast might summon others of its kind, you sheathe your weapon and escape from the area as quickly as you can. At the end of the street you see an avenue leading off to the south, and another, blocked by rubble, heading off to the west.</p>
<choice idref="sect142">If you wish to follow the avenue southwards, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>288</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The vines are rope-thick and immensely tough. Despite their thorns, which repeatedly snag your cloak, you find it easy to climb up the shaft to the level above. However, as you approach the level, the thorns begin to grow at an alarming rate. They pierce your clothing and, when they puncture your skin, you feel an agonising pain course through your body. Like the teeth of a vampire, the thorns allow the bloodsucking vines to leech your life's blood: lose 10 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>The vines are rope-thick and immensely tough. Despite their thorns, which repeatedly snag your cloak, you find it easy to climb up the shaft to the level above. However, as you approach the level, the thorns begin to grow at an alarming rate. They pierce your clothing and, when they puncture your skin, you feel an agonizing pain course through your body. Like the teeth of a vampire, the thorns allow the bloodsucking vines to leech your life<ch.apos/>s blood: lose 10 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Half-blinded by the pain and loss of blood, you fail to see the pair of Drakkarim Death Knights who are standing close to the edge of the shaft on this level. Your cries of agony startle them and, with brutal efficiency, they tear you away from your thorny prison and throw you to the ground. Through a red haze of pain you glimpse them unsheathing their swords with the intention of striking you dead.</p>
<combat><enemy>Drakkarim Death Knights</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">37</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect230">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 230</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>291</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Anger wells up in the guard's face when you refuse to answer him.</p>
+ <p>Anger wells up in the guard<ch.apos/>s face when you refuse to answer him.</p>
<p><quote>Okak gaz!</quote> he growls, and thrusts his spear murderously at your chest. With ease you sidestep the attack and, as you move, you take hold of the shaft and pull him off balance. With a yelp of fear the brutish Drakkar stumbles and falls headlong down the steps towards the alley below.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
- <choice idref="sect257">If the number you have chosen is 0&endash;4, <link-text>turn to 257</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect111">If it is 5&endash;9, <link-text>turn to 111</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect257">If the number you have chosen is 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 257</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect111">If it is 5<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 111</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>292</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You feel your strength waning as the Helghast's steely fingers claw relentlessly into your throat: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. In sheer desperation you twist and writhe like a snake in a last-ditch attempt to free yourself from its deadly grip. For an instant its hold falters and you exploit this weakness to the full. You grab the creature's sleeves and, with a swerve of your hips, you send it hurtling over your shoulder. With a wail of abject terror, the Helghast is sent tumbling off the bridge to fall, face first, into the flame-filled moat.</p>
- <p>Open-mouthed, the two Drakkarim stumble to a halt and stare down into the moat. Nervously they glance at each other, fearful of suffering a similar fate, then they turn and run towards the open chamber door. Determined not to let them escape, you give chase and catch up with them within a few yards of the entrance.</p>
+ <p>You feel your strength waning as the Helghast<ch.apos/>s steely fingers claw relentlessly into your throat: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. In sheer desperation you twist and writhe like a snake in a last-ditch attempt to free yourself from its deadly grip. For an instant its hold falters and you exploit this weakness to the full. You grab the creature<ch.apos/>s sleeves and, with a swerve of your hips, you send it hurtling over your shoulder. With a wail of abject terror, the Helghast is sent tumbling off the bridge to fall, face first, into the flame-filled moat.</p>
+ <p>Open-mouthed, the two Drakkarim stumble to a halt and stare down into the moat. Nervously they glance at each other, fearful of suffering a similar fate; then they turn and run towards the open chamber door. Determined not to let them escape, you give chase and catch up with them within a few yards of the entrance.</p>
<combat><enemy>Drakkarim</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">26</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">35</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect340">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>From out of the mist-filled jaw there emerges a small black creature covered in shaggy fur. Its head is white, cut with dark bony ridges and studded with running sores that encircle its flaming red eyes.</p>
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>A small, black, shaggy creature with flaming red eyes<br />emerges from the mist-filled jaw.</description>
+ <description>
+ <line>A small, black, shaggy creature with flaming</line>
+ <line>red eyes emerges from the mist-filled jaw.</line>
+ </description>
</meta>
<instance class="html" src="ill16.gif" width="386" height="676"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill16.pdf" width="386" height="676"/>
- </illustration>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>You raise your weapon and get ready to strike as it stalks nearer, but your concentration is momentarily broken when you notice a wispy shadow emerging from the alcove on the far side of the hall. It is a Nadziranim sorcerer. Fearful of its purpose, you turn away from the furry creature and make a dash towards the ivory staircase, intent on reaching Banedon as quickly as possible. The stalking creature, thinking that you are running in fear, immediately gives chase and comes bounding towards you, determined to intercept you before you reach the steps.</p>
<choice idref="sect46">If you have a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect173">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 173</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You bring your advanced tracking senses to bear and, almost at once, you detect an ambush has been laid for you in this pen. An elaborate magical screen has been erected to camouflage and keep hidden the warriors who are, at this very moment, lying in wait for you and Banedon to appear.</p>
- <p>Anxiously, you peer into the pen, scrutinizing every shadow for some clue to the ambushers' whereabouts, but you are unable to spot their positions. The saddled Zlanbeast looks so inviting, yet your hopes of escape are tempered by the desire to keep yourself and Guildmaster Banedon alive.</p>
+ <p>Anxiously, you peer into the pen, scrutinizing every shadow for some clue to the ambushers<ch.apos/> whereabouts, but you are unable to spot their positions. The saddled Zlanbeast looks so inviting, yet your hopes of escape are tempered by the desire to keep yourself and Guildmaster Banedon alive.</p>
<choice idref="sect95">If you wish to attempt to reach the Zlanbeast and escape as quickly as you can, hopefully before the ambushers can stop you, <link-text>turn to 95</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect147">If you decide to retreat from the pens and go in search of an alternative escape route, <link-text>turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>295</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the Doomwolf howls its death-cry and crashes to the floor, you hear the sound of booted feet running along the passageway outside. The noise of combat and the Doomwolf's last howl have drawn a squad of Drakkarim to this cell.</p>
- <p>Quickly you cross to the room's solitary window. It is criss-crossed with iron bars, but on closer examination you discover that they are loose and badly corroded. A swift blow with the heels of your hands is enough to dislodge them, allowing you to escape with ease.</p>
- <p>Outside the window there is a covered courtyard. You crouch in the shadows while you wait for a group of Drakkarim stablehands to disappear, then you cross to the far side, climb a low wall, and make your escape into the ruins beyond.</p>
+ <p>As the Doomwolf howls its death-cry and crashes to the floor, you hear the sound of booted feet running along the passageway outside. The noise of combat and the Doomwolf<ch.apos/>s last howl have drawn a squad of Drakkarim to this cell.</p>
+ <p>Quickly you cross to the room<ch.apos/>s solitary window. It is criss-crossed with iron bars, but on closer examination you discover that they are loose and badly corroded. A swift blow with the heels of your hands is enough to dislodge them, allowing you to escape with ease.</p>
+ <p>Outside the window there is a covered courtyard. You crouch in the shadows while you wait for a group of Drakkarim stablehands to disappear; then you cross to the far side, climb a low wall, and make your escape into the ruins beyond.</p>
<p>For over a mile you wend your way through derelict buildings before you happen upon an avenue which is surprisingly clear of debris and obstructions. You are conscious that perhaps it is too clear, offering you no cover at all from the tall buildings that line this route to the centre of Kaag. You decide to trust to the ruins rather than run the risk of being detected out in the open. However, within a matter of minutes you are confronted by a new hazard. The ground in this section of the city is unsafe. It is riddled with pot-holes and concealed cellars, covered by rotten wooden beams and slabs of paper-thin plaster. Suddenly one such section gives way beneath your feet and you find yourself falling headlong into coal-black darkness.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect32">If your total score is now 0&endash;5, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect32">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>5, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect51">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>296</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your spell causes the sphere to vibrate uncontrollably. Tiny cracks appear in its crystal surface then, with a flash of sparks, it breaks in two. At once the shimmering wall of light which imprisons Banedon flickers, then disappears completely.</p>
+ <p>Your spell causes the sphere to vibrate uncontrollably. Tiny cracks appear in its crystal surface; then, with a flash of sparks, it breaks in two. At once the shimmering wall of light which imprisons Banedon flickers, then disappears completely.</p>
<choice idref="sect188"><link-text>Turn to 188</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You increase your speed as you approach the iron door and get ready to push against it, expecting great resistance but, to your complete surprise, the heavy portal swings open the instant you reach out to touch it. A gust of cooling air wafts in your face, encouraging you to step into the hall which lies beyond. Swiftly the iron door slams shut behind you but you pay it no heed. The refreshing coolness and the awesome spectacle of the hall itself commands your complete attention.</p>
<p>Tiers of glittering gold-veined marble descend to a circular hall where a ring of fluted copper pillars support a platform, shaped like the foredeck of some great ship. Multicoloured rays stream from a crystal sphere suspended above this platform, creating a cage of flickering light at its centre. Sitting in this radiant cage is a pale-skinned man with long blond hair. His knees are drawn up to his chin and his eyes are closed, as if asleep. You recognize him to be Banedon, but still mindful of your encounter with the Helghast, you reserve your judgement.</p>
<p>A narrow staircase, its hand-rails carved and fashioned from the tusks of Kalte mammoths, leads directly to the platform. Cautiously you descend the tiers, cross the floor, and advance towards these stairs, stopping only when you reach a granite throne positioned directly opposite the staircase. The back and arms of this crude seat have been chiselled to resemble a lion-like creature sitting on its haunches, and it is from here that you attempt to communicate telepathically with the sleeping man.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>Multicoloured rays stream from a crystal sphere into<br />the circular hall where the blond, pale-skinned man sits.</description>
- </meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill17.gif" width="386" height="638"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill17.pdf" width="386" height="638"/>
- </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>Multicoloured rays stream from a crystal sphere into</line>
+ <line>the circular hall where the blond, pale-skinned man sits.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill17.gif" width="386" height="638"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill17.pdf" width="386" height="638"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>At first there is no response. Then, wearily, he raises his head and forces open his eyes. His face is haggard and lined with fatigue, but the look of extreme tiredness slowly changes to a smile of recognition when he sees you.</p>
- <p><thought>Lone Wolf&ellips;</thought> the words form slowly in your mind, <thought>thank Ishir you've found me&ellips;</thought></p>
- <p>Convinced now that he truly is your friend Banedon, you rush towards the steps, eager to free him from his prison. Then you sense something is wrong and you skid to a halt at the foot of the steps. Banedon's weary smile has changed to a wide-eyed look of fear.</p>
+ <p><thought>Lone Wolf<ch.ellips/></thought> the words form slowly in your mind, <thought>thank Ishir you<ch.apos/>ve found me<ch.ellips/></thought></p>
+ <p>Convinced now that he truly is your friend Banedon, you rush towards the steps, eager to free him from his prison. Then you sense something is wrong and you skid to a halt at the foot of the steps. Banedon<ch.apos/>s weary smile has changed to a wide-eyed look of fear.</p>
<choice idref="sect240"><link-text>Turn to 240</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You enter a street bordering the square and move quickly towards a junction in the far distance. All the while you keep to the shadows to minimize the risk of being seen by those lurking in the ruins, yet, unfortunately, you neglect the Kraan who are circling above. As you reach the junction and turn the corner, three of these flying spawn come swooping down out of the smoky sky to batter you with their claw-tipped wings. Twice you are knocked down before you manage to draw your weapon and fight back.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>3 Kaag Kraan</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>If you possess the skill of Kai-surge and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, double any psychic combat bonuses you may be entitled to (for the duration of this combat only).</p>
<choice idref="sect190">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 190</link-text>.</choice>
<p>Fifty yards on, the passage turns sharply to the left and you find yourself staring at an iron-banded door. Luckily this portal is unlocked and you hurry through it, pausing only for a few seconds to bolt it shut behind you before continuing on your way.</p>
<p>Shortly you arrive at a deserted stairwell where you begin a long and laborious ascent. You climb more than sixty levels of the citadel before reaching the top. During your climb, unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Directly opposite the landing at the top of the stairs is a massive bronze portal, its surface inlaid with intricate symbols cast in silver and gleaming gold. A sleeping Drakkar sentry is seated beside this huge door. He snores softly, his leather-helmeted head tilted to his shoulder and his spear lying uselessly at his feet. He is oblivious to your presence as you glide past him and silently push open the great door.</p>
- <p>Beyond the portal lies a massive circular hall, its walls lined with slabs of smooth black rock. Its domed ceiling rises more than a hundred feet to point directly above a dais positioned at the centre of the chamber. A flame-filled moat surrounds this circular platform whereupon lies the unconscious body of a blond-haired man clad in silken blue robes. Your spirits soar when you recognize the designs embroidered upon the robe for they are the symbols of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star&emdash;the magician's guild of Sommerlund. For a moment your joy at having found your friend is dampened when your Magnakai senses warn that great danger is close at hand. Prompted by this presentiment you hurry towards the moat, to where an iron drawbridge stands raised, and begin to crank its handle in order to lower it across the fiery divide.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the portal lies a massive circular hall, its walls lined with slabs of smooth black rock. Its domed ceiling rises more than a hundred feet to point directly above a dais positioned at the centre of the chamber. A flame-filled moat surrounds this circular platform whereupon lies the unconscious body of a blond-haired man clad in silken blue robes. Your spirits soar when you recognize the designs embroidered upon the robe for they are the symbols of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star<ch.emdash/>the Magicians<ch.apos/> Guild of Sommerlund. For a moment your joy at having found your friend is dampened when your Magnakai senses warn that great danger is close at hand. Prompted by this presentiment you hurry towards the moat, to where an iron drawbridge stands raised, and begin to crank its handle in order to lower it across the fiery divide.</p>
<choice idref="sect18">If you possess the Discipline of Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect274">If you possess Telegnosis and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 274</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect146">If you possess neither of these Grand Master Disciplines, or choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 146</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>307</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You utter a power-word which you direct at the creature's head. The concussive force of this spell hits the beast full in its face, making it falter and stagger back. But it does not delay its advance for very long. Its sheer size and strength enables it to withstand the blow and continue its advance, now doubly determined to fulfil Cadak's command. Hastily you draw a hand weapon as the shadow of the angry beast falls upon you.</p>
+ <p>You utter a power-word which you direct at the creature<ch.apos/>s head. The concussive force of this spell hits the beast full in its face, making it falter and stagger back. But it does not delay its advance for very long. Its sheer size and strength enables it to withstand the blow and continue its advance, now doubly determined to fulfil Cadak<ch.apos/>s command. Hastily you draw a hand weapon as the shadow of the angry beast falls upon you.</p>
<choice idref="sect128"><link-text>Turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You climb the stairs and emerge in the centre of a hall on the level above. This vault-like room contains a wealth of grim exhibits, hung upon the walls and displayed in glass-fronted cases. The skulls of rare creatures are displayed beside tanned hides and jewel-encrusted bones. One item in particular catches your eye: it is a statuette, fashioned in the likeness of Darklord Zagarna.</p>
- <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, mark it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your Backpack. If you already carry your maximum quota, you must discard one item in its favour.</p>
+ <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, mark it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. If you already carry your maximum quota, you must discard one item in its favour.</p>
<choice idref="sect209">To continue, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You lower your head and force yourself to trudge uphill against the storm, your feet sinking ankle-deep into the barren volcanic dust with every laboured step. Keeping your eyes shut tight against the stinging, gritty winds, you trust solely to your Magnakai senses to steer you on the correct course towards the Darkland city. Only when you reach the top of the ridge do you attempt to look around at the bleak domain. The <cite>Skyrider</cite> is lost from sight, shrouded by the swirling grey clouds. Kaag, too, remains hidden for some minutes until a sudden lull in the storm clears the southern vista. Then, what you see makes your blood run cold.</p>
<p>In your lifetime you have gazed upon many awe-inspiring cities, but few compare with the enormous size and monstrous grandeur of Kaag. A coal-black curtain-wall constructed of massive blocks of smooth, featureless stone, encircles this city, forty miles wide. At its centre there arises a gigantic citadel of black marble, pyramid-shaped and slitted with numerous vents to allow what passes for air to circulate within. Its highest point towers two miles above the desolate plain. Thunder booms and streaks of blue-white lightning earth themselves against its walls, drawn from the rolling storm clouds gathered menacingly overhead.</p>
+
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<instance class="html" src="small1.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="small1.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
+
<p>At first the fortress seems wholly impregnable, then you notice that the outer wall is not entirely intact. Illuminated by the infrequent electrical flashes, you see that a vast section of the battlements, close to the North Gate, have collapsed. Also, away to the east, a mile-long section has fallen outwards to litter the plain with huge black cubes of stone. You are surprised to note that no attempt has been made to repair these breaches and, consequently, access to the city could be effected at either place with relative ease.</p>
<choice idref="sect88">If you wish to enter Kaag through the breach in the north wall, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect235">If you decide instead to enter Kaag through the east wall, <link-text>turn to 235</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>314</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Using the Brotherhood spell of <spell>Mind Charm</spell>, reinforced by your powerful psychic ability, you convince the two guards to allow you to pass unhindered. They draw back their spears and at once the crackling crimson energy which united them ceases to arc between the shafts.</p>
+ <p>Using the Brotherhood Spell of <spell>Mind Charm</spell>, reinforced by your powerful psychic ability, you convince the two guards to allow you to pass unhindered. They draw back their spears and at once the crackling crimson energy which united them ceases to arc between the shafts.</p>
<p><quote>You may enter,</quote> they say, without any trace of emotion, and as they stand aside, so the two great doors glide silently open. Steeling yourself, you stride towards the blazing purple light which fills the chamber.</p>
<choice idref="sect186"><link-text>Turn to 186</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You try the handle and discover the door is unlocked. Inside, you find a room lit by four wall sconces. A single bed, a trestle table, a stool and a wooden trunk are the only furnishings in this spartan abode. A filthy curtain partitions this room from the next and, as you approach it, you hear a menacing growl that makes you reach for your weapon. It is the growl of an Akataz: a Drakkarim war-dog.</p>
<choice idref="sect180">If you possess the Discipline of Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 180</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect215">If you do not possess this skill, <link-text>turn to 215</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect215">If you do not possess this skill, <link-text>turn to 215</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>317</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Desperately you call upon your psychic defences to shield your mind from this attack, but your reflexes have been dulled by the fatigue of recent combat and you react too slowly to prevent some of the Vordaks' destructive energy from reaching your psyche. Lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Desperately you call upon your psychic defences to shield your mind from this attack, but your reflexes have been dulled by the fatigue of recent combat and you react too slowly to prevent some of the Vordaks<ch.apos/> destructive energy from reaching your psyche. Lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect219"><link-text>Turn to 219</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>318</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You call upon your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control in an attempt to halt the Egorgh advance, but your powers of persuasion are not strong enough to turn away all three of these fearsome hulks. For a moment they halt and settle on their haunches, then, with a chorus of frantic screeches, the creatures come leaping towards you, their mouths agape and their claws extended ready for the kill.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>The creatures leap towards you, mouths agape and<br />claws extended, ready for the kill.</description>
- </meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill18.gif" width="386" height="644"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill18.pdf" width="386" height="644"/>
- </illustration>
+ <p>You call upon your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control in an attempt to halt the Egorgh advance, but your powers of persuasion are not strong enough to turn away all three of these fearsome hulks. For a moment they halt and settle on their haunches; then, with a chorus of frantic screeches, the creatures come leaping towards you, their mouths agape and their claws extended ready for the kill.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>The creatures leap towards you, mouths agape</line>
+ <line>and claws extended, ready for the kill.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill18.gif" width="386" height="644"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill18.pdf" width="386" height="644"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<combat><enemy>3 Egorghs</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">37</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>These creatures are particularly susceptible to psychic attacks; double all bonuses you would normally be entitled to if you choose to employ psychic attacks during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect261">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 261</link-text>.</choice>
<p>With trepidation you step into the glimmering column of light and immediately you feel yourself begin to rise. Bands of darkness flick past with growing rapidity, each one a passing floor level of this mountainous citadel. Then you feel yourself slowing to a halt. The column fades and you find yourself standing on a metal dais in the centre of a domed chamber. Ahead you see a great door, forged of Kagonite, and beside it there is a narrow staircase leading down.</p>
<p>As you approach the door, you notice the lock that secures it. It is inlaid with a series of numbers and, at once, you recognize that they are component parts of a combination lock. One number in the sequence is missing. By tapping the correct number upon the blank square, you will cause the lock to disengage.</p>
<p>Study the following sequence of numbers carefully. When you think you know what the missing number is, turn to the page that is identical to your answer.<a id="sect319-1" idref="sect319-1-foot" class="footnote" /></p>
-<illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance class="html" src="sect181.gif" width="386" height="131"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="sect181.pdf" width="386" height="131"/>
- </illustration>
- <choice idref="sect297">If you guess incorrectly, or if you cannot answer the puzzle, <link-text>turn instead to 297</link-text>.</choice>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="sect319.gif" width="386" height="131"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="sect319.pdf" width="386" height="131"/>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <choice idref="sect297">If you guess incorrectly, or if you cannot answer the puzzle, <link-text>turn instead to 297</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>321</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the last of the Drakkarim falls dead at your feet, you turn and help Banedon who has been wounded during the fight. He is bleeding from the upper right arm, but when you examine the wound you discover that it is not as deep as you had first feared. You are helping him to stand when you hear a man's voice cursing you quietly in the shadows. You turn to face this voice, weapon in hand, ready to attack. You command him to show himself, but you are shocked to the core when you see who it is who emerges into the grey light of the pen.</p>
+ <p>As the last of the Drakkarim falls dead at your feet, you turn and help Banedon who has been wounded during the fight. He is bleeding from the upper right arm, but when you examine the wound you discover that it is not as deep as you had first feared. You are helping him to stand when you hear a man<ch.apos/>s voice cursing you quietly in the shadows. You turn to face this voice, weapon in hand, ready to attack. You command him to show himself, but you are shocked to the core when you see who it is who emerges into the grey light of the pen.</p>
<choice idref="sect54"><link-text>Turn to 54</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>324</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Calling upon the secrets of your new-found Kai mastery, you summon from the ground a dense mist which rapidly fills the space between you and the advancing Death Knights. The instant they are lost to sight, you throw yourself flat on your chest to avoid their volley of deadly bolts. They fire, but their missiles pass over where you lie and shatter harmlessly against a distant wall.</p>
+ <p>Calling upon the secrets of your newfound Kai Mastery, you summon from the ground a dense mist which rapidly fills the space between you and the advancing Death Knights. The instant they are lost to sight, you throw yourself flat on your chest to avoid their volley of deadly bolts. They fire, but their missiles pass over where you lie and shatter harmlessly against a distant wall.</p>
<p>Before they can retreat from the mist to reload, you spring to your feet and rush forwards, catching them unaware. You dodge through their line with ease, and by the time they realize that you have evaded them, and start to give chase, you have passed the junction and have begun to run along the street opposite.</p>
<choice idref="sect266"><link-text>Turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>326</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You invoke the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and direct it at the sleeping Drakkar. Telepathically, you ask him where the Sommlending wizard is being held prisoner, and at first you detect no reply. You ask again, and this time you get a faint response.</p>
- <p><thought>Above&ellips; high above&ellips; In old Zagarna's courtroom.</thought></p>
+ <p>You invoke the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and direct it at the sleeping Drakkar. Telepathically, you ask him where the Sommlending wizard is being held prisoner, and at first you detect no reply. You ask again, and this time you get a faint response.</p>
+ <p><thought>Above<ch.ellips/> high above<ch.ellips/> In old Zagarna<ch.apos/>s courtroom.</thought></p>
<p>Satisfied that you have gleaned all the information you are likely to from this Drakkar, you climb the stairs and emerge in the centre of a hall on the level above. This vault-like room contains a wealth of grim exhibits, hung upon the walls or displayed in glass-fronted cases. The skulls of rare creatures are displayed beside tanned hides and jewel-encrusted bones. One item in particular catches your eye: it is a statuette, fashioned in the likeness of Darklord Zagarna.</p>
- <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, mark it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your Backpack. If you already carry your maximum quota, you must discard one item in its favour.</p>
+ <p>If you wish to keep this Statuette of Zagarna, mark it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. If you already carry your maximum quota, you must discard one item in its favour.</p>
<choice idref="sect209">To continue, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Beyond the door awaits a sumptuous chamber dominated by a magnificent fireplace crafted from blocks of glassy rock. The walls are hung with fine tapestries, looted from the Stornlands during times of war, and you note that the furniture is carved from best Durenese oak.</p>
<p>You pass through the chamber into an adjoining passage which leads to a library. As you enter, you disturb a robed creature seated at a lectern. Before it can rise or raise the alarm, you draw your weapon and silence it with a swift blow to the base of its skull. Pulling back its hood reveals it to be a Liganim, a thrall of the Nadziranim sorcerers.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>Beyond the door lies a sumptuous chamber, walls<br />hung with fine tapestries and furniture carved from Durenese<br />oak.</description>
- </meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill19.gif" width="386" height="642"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill19.pdf" width="386" height="642"/>
- </illustration>
- <p>Suddenly you hear movement and glance up to see another Liganim peering over the parapet of a gallery which encircles the upper level of this library. The creature, having witnessed the slaying of its companion, lets out a horrified squeal and turns to run towards an archway on the far side of the gallery. Determined to prevent his escape, you lower Banedon to the floor then rush towards a flight of wooden stairs that also lead to the archway. However, as you near the landing at the top of these stairs, two more of the creatures appear from either side, with wands gripped in their clawed hands. They shout a spell-word in the dark tongue and a crackling curtain of energy flares between the two rods, blocking your path. The power-wall looks formidable, but you sense at once that it is really quite weak.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>Beyond the door lies a sumptuous chamber,</line>
+ <line>walls hung with fine tapestries and furniture</line>
+ <line>carved from Durenese oak.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill19.gif" width="386" height="642"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill19.pdf" width="386" height="642"/>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>Suddenly you hear movement and glance up to see another Liganim peering over the parapet of a gallery which encircles the upper level of this library. The creature, having witnessed the slaying of its companion, lets out a horrified squeal and turns to run towards an archway on the far side of the gallery. Determined to prevent his escape, you lower Banedon to the floor then rush towards a flight of wooden stairs that also lead to the archway. However, as you near the landing at the top of these stairs, two more of the creatures appear from either side, with wands gripped in their clawed hands. They shout a spell-word in the dark tongue and a crackling curtain of energy flares between the two rods, blocking your path. The power-wall looks formidable, but you sense at once that it is really quite weak.</p>
<choice idref="sect134">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 134</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect241">If you wish to run straight through this magical barrier, <link-text>turn to 241</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect15">If you choose to retreat down the stairs and rejoin your unconscious companion, <link-text>turn to 15</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>329</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Outside the window there is a covered courtyard. You crouch in the shadows while you wait for a group of Drakkarim stablehands to finish their duties here, then you cross to the far side, climb over a low wall, and make your escape into the ruins beyond.</p>
+ <p>Outside the window there is a covered courtyard. You crouch in the shadows while you wait for a group of Drakkarim stablehands to finish their duties here; then you cross to the far side, climb over a low wall, and make your escape into the ruins beyond.</p>
<p>For over a mile you wend your way through derelict buildings before you happen upon an avenue which is surprisingly clear of debris and obstructions. You are conscious that perhaps it is too clear, offering you no cover at all from the tall buildings that line this route to the centre of Kaag.</p>
<p>You decide to trust to the ruins rather than run the risk of being detected out in the open. However, within a matter of minutes you are confronted by a new hazard. The ground in this section of the city is unsafe. It is riddled with pot-holes and concealed cellars, covered by rotten wooden beams and slabs of paper-thin plaster. Suddenly one such section gives way beneath your feet and you find yourself falling headlong into coal-black darkness.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect32">If your total score is now 0&endash;5, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect32">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>5, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect51">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>330</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you raise your enchanted weapon, the Helghast shrieks in alarm as it recognizes the power you wield. Immediately it breaks off its advance and staggers back towards the bridge, desperate to flee its nemesis. Determinedly you chase after this evil being and, as it reaches the drawbridge, you come to within a sword's length of its skull.</p>
- <p><quote>Die, foul spawn!</quote> you cry, and with one fell sweep of your arm, you send the creature tumbling from the bridge to be consumed by the hungry flames below. Open-mouthed, the two Drakkarim stumble to a halt and stare down into the moat. Nervously they glance at each other, fearful of suffering a similar fate, then they turn and run towards the open door. Determined not to let them escape, you give chase and catch up with them within a few yards of the entrance.</p>
+ <p>As you raise your enchanted weapon, the Helghast shrieks in alarm as it recognizes the power you wield. Immediately it breaks off its advance and staggers back towards the bridge, desperate to flee its nemesis. Determinedly you chase after this evil being and, as it reaches the drawbridge, you come to within a sword<ch.apos/>s length of its skull.</p>
+ <p><quote>Die, foul spawn!</quote> you cry, and with one fell sweep of your arm, you send the creature tumbling from the bridge to be consumed by the hungry flames below. Open-mouthed, the two Drakkarim stumble to a halt and stare down into the moat. Nervously they glance at each other, fearful of suffering a similar fate; then they turn and run towards the open door. Determined not to let them escape, you give chase and catch up with them within a few yards of the entrance.</p>
<combat><enemy>Drakkarim</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">26</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">35</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect340">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>332</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The passage ends at an open door which leads to a covered courtyard. You wait for a group of Drakkarim stablehands to leave the yard, then you cross to the far side, climb over a low wall, and make your way into the ruins beyond.</p>
+ <p>The passage ends at an open door which leads to a covered courtyard. You wait for a group of Drakkarim stablehands to leave the yard; then you cross to the far side, climb over a low wall, and make your way into the ruins beyond.</p>
<p>For over a mile you wend your way through derelict buildings before you happen upon an avenue which is surprisingly clear of debris and obstructions. You are conscious that perhaps it is too clear, offering you no cover at all from the tall buildings which line this route to the centre of Kaag.</p>
<p>You decide to trust to the ruins rather than run the risk of being detected out in the open. However, within a matter of minutes you are confronted by a new hazard. The ground in this section of the city is unsafe. It is riddled with pot-holes and concealed cellars, covered by rotten wooden beams and slabs of paper-thin plaster. Suddenly one such section gives way beneath your feet and you find yourself falling headlong into coal-black darkness.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you have the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
- <choice idref="sect32">If your total score is now 0&endash;5, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect32">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>5, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect51">If it is 6 or more, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>334</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You release the straining bowstring but the speed of the war-dog's attack spoils your aim. The Arrow misses by a hair's breadth and shatters against the floor. An instant later the dog is upon you, knocking you down, its fang-filled jaws snapping within inches of your unprotected face.</p>
+ <p>You release the straining bowstring but the speed of the war-dog<ch.apos/>s attack spoils your aim. The Arrow misses by a hair<ch.apos/>s breadth and shatters against the floor. An instant later the dog is upon you, knocking you down, its fang-filled jaws snapping within inches of your unprotected face.</p>
<combat><enemy>Akataz</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">24</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">25</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This hound is especially susceptible to psychic attack. If you can and wish to use a psychic attack during combat, double all bonuses to which you are entitled.</p>
<choice idref="sect13">If you win this combat in four rounds, or less, <link-text>turn to 13</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>339</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Mentally you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> while you hold the Drakkar with your eyes. You say nothing, but within moments the brutish soldier breaks off his stare and stands aside, as if you had given him an acceptable answer. With exaggerated bravado, you thrust open the heavy iron portal and stride into the corridor beyond. The door slams shut behind you with a dull boom.</p>
+ <p>Mentally you recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> while you hold the Drakkar with your eyes. You say nothing, but within moments the brutish soldier breaks off his stare and stands aside, as if you had given him an acceptable answer. With exaggerated bravado, you thrust open the heavy iron portal and stride into the corridor beyond. The door slams shut behind you with a dull boom.</p>
<p>The corridor ends at a landing where a gallery overlooks the cavernous lower level. Nearby there is a staircase, leading down, and a black oak door set flush to the wall.</p>
- <p>Slowly you approach the gallery's railed parapet and look down at an unnerving sight.</p>
+ <p>Slowly you approach the gallery<ch.apos/>s railed parapet and look down at an unnerving sight.</p>
<choice idref="sect47"><link-text>Turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You follow the dank passage for over a mile before you reach its end. There you discover an iron door, eaten by rust, its lock made useless by years of acidic corrosion. Using your Magnakai skill of Nexus you free the lock mechanism, then lever open the door to reveal a short flight of steps which are almost unrecognizable beneath a carpet of moss and fungi.</p>
<p>Cautiously you ascend, clearing the way ahead with your weapon before trusting it to your step. The stairs emerge at street level, in the midst of a once-grand building which now lies in ruin. Through one of its shattered windows you look out upon a concourse littered with more than a dozen Giak dead. Their posture, and the nature of their wounds, tell of a savage street battle fought here within the last few hours. Perched on nearby rooftops are a flock of vulture-like birds, cawing delightedly, their bellies distended by a feast of Giak meat.</p>
- <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tell you that the fighting is not over, it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to stay crouched in the ruins whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
+ <p>The distant clang and clash of steel tell you that the fighting is not over; it has simply moved on. The noise prompts you to stay crouched in the ruins whilst you consider your next course of action. From this position you survey the street and notice a narrow stairway, directly opposite, which leads down to a crypt door. You focus on the dark portal and sense at once that it is open and unguarded.</p>
<choice idref="sect228">If you wish to cross the street and investigate the crypt, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect303">If you choose to ignore the crypt, <link-text>turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>345</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You take aim at the point mid-way between the creature's feral eyes, then release your straining bowstring.</p>
+ <p>You take aim at the point mid-way between the creature<ch.apos/>s feral eyes, then release your straining bowstring.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Weaponmastery with Bow, add 5 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect17">If your total score is 6 or less, <link-text>turn to 17</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect305">If your total score is 7 or more, <link-text>turn to 305</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>346</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quickly you transfer your Bow to your left hand and raise your right, pointing it directly at the shimmering surface of the pool. The octopoid is within a few feet of the pool's edge when you shout out the power words that trigger the Brotherhood spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>. Immediately, a brilliant flash of blue-white light engulfs your palm and a bolt of flame shoots from your index finger towards the pool.</p>
+ <p>Quickly you transfer your Bow to your left hand and raise your right, pointing it directly at the shimmering surface of the pool. The octopoid is within a few feet of the pool<ch.apos/>s edge when you shout out the power words that trigger the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>. Immediately, a brilliant flash of blue-white light engulfs your palm and a bolt of flame shoots from your index finger towards the pool.</p>
<choice idref="sect52"><link-text>Turn to 52</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>347</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The guards see the approaching clouds of smoke and immediately raise the alarm. Aided by a passing group of Drakkarim and Giaks, the two silver-clad guardians come thundering along the corridor and skid to a halt outside the door. You hear them coughing and cursing, then the door flies open and two luckless Giaks are thrust into the smoky room with orders to put out the blaze.</p>
+ <p>The guards see the approaching clouds of smoke and immediately raise the alarm. Aided by a passing group of Drakkarim and Giaks, the two silver-clad guardians come thundering along the corridor and skid to a halt outside the door. You hear them coughing and cursing; then the door flies open and two luckless Giaks are thrust into the smoky room with orders to put out the blaze.</p>
<p>Utilizing your Magnakai camouflage skills, and helped by the smoke and confusion, you manage to slip past the Giaks and the others and hurry along the corridor towards the distant doors. To your surprise, the two massive portals open as you approach them. A purple glare blinds you momentarily, forcing you to raise your hand to shield your eyes, but still you keep running until you have passed through the doors.</p>
<choice idref="sect186"><link-text>Turn to 186</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>350</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Below you is the South Gate of Kaag. Its surface is covered by the hide of Nyxator, preserved by the Darklords as a trophy of Naar's evil power. Nyxator was the first servant of the God Kai to appear on Magnamund and the form he chose to adopt was that of a great dragon. He was the first recipient of Kai's wisdom, a wisdom he encapsulated in the Lorestones for the future good of all who follow the way of Kai.</p>
- <illustration class="float">
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- <description>Below is the South Gate of Kaag, its surface covered<br />by the hide of Nyxator.</description>
- </meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill20.gif" width="386" height="641"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill20.pdf" width="386" height="641"/>
- </illustration>
- <p>You stare down at the face of your ancient ancestor and, for a fleeting moment, you detect the trace of a smile upon its fossilized lips. Then, in the next instant, you plunge into a bank of stormy grey cloud and the dread city of Kaag is lost to view.</p>
+ <p>Below you is the South Gate of Kaag. Its surface is covered by the hide of Nyxator, preserved by the Darklords as a trophy of Naar<ch.apos/>s evil power. Nyxator was the first servant of the God Kai to appear on Magnamund and the form he chose to adopt was that of a great dragon. He was the first recipient of Kai<ch.apos/>s wisdom, a wisdom he encapsulated in the Lorestones for the future good of all who follow the way of Kai.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>Below is the South Gate of Kaag, its</line>
+ <line>surface covered by the hide of Nyxator.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill20.gif" width="386" height="641"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill20.pdf" width="386" height="641"/>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>You stare down at the face of your ancient ancestor and, for a fleeting moment, you detect the trace of a smile upon its fossilized lips. Then, in the next instant, you plunge into a bank of stormy grey cloud and the dread city of Kaag is lost to view.</p>
<p>By the time you find your way back to the <cite>Skyrider</cite>, the storm has blown itself out. Your return is met with cheers and joyous celebration for your quest has been a great success. Lord Rimoah is especially pleased and he praises you warmly:</p>
<p><quote>Against all odds,</quote> he says, his voice filled with pride, <quote>you have rescued our friend from the nightmare fortress of Kaag and delivered him safely into the arms of his loyal crew.</quote></p>
<p>Congratulations, Grand Master Lone Wolf. You have triumphed once again, proving beyond doubt that you embody the ideals of the Kai. You have saved your closest friend from the clutches of the evil druid Cadak and confounded his plans.</p>
<p>Yet the fight against Evil goes ever on. Soon your courage and skills will be put to the test again, this time in a far distant realm of Magnamund. The nature of the quest and the perils that await you can be found in the next Grand Master adventure entitled:</p>
- <p><a href="&link.15tdc;">The Darke Crusade</a></p>
+ <p><bookref series="lw" book="15tdc"><cite>The Darke Crusade</cite></bookref></p>
</data>
</section>
</data>
<section class="backmatter" id="map">
<meta><title>Sommerlund and The Darklands</title></meta>
- <data>
- <illustration>
- <meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="map.jpg" width="1024" height="768" class="html" />
- <instance src="map.pdf" width="1024" height="768" class="pdf" />
- </illustration>
- </data>
- </section>
-
- <section class="backmatter" id="action">
- <meta><title>Action Chart</title></meta>
-
- <data>
-
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>JC Alvarez & Jonathan Blake</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="acstats.gif" width="386" height="286" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
- </illustration>
-
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>JC Alvarez & Jonathan Blake</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="acdscplz.gif" width="386" height="156" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
- </illustration>
-
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>JC Alvarez & Jonathan Blake</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="acchklst.gif" width="385" height="128" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
- </illustration>
-
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>JC Alvarez & Jonathan Blake</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="acitems.gif" width="386" height="161" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
- </illustration>
-
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>JC Alvarez & Jonathan Blake</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="acbckpck.gif" width="386" height="137" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
- </illustration>
-
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>JC Alvarez & Jonathan Blake</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="acspcl.gif" width="386" height="280" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
- </illustration>
-
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="ac1.tex" width="400" height="500" class="tex" />
- </illustration>
-
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="ac2.tex" width="400" height="500" class="tex" />
- </illustration>
-
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="ac3.tex" width="400" height="500" class="tex" />
- </illustration>
-
- </data>
- </section>
-
- <section class="backmatter" id="crsumary">
- <meta><title>Combat Rules Summary</title></meta>
-
- <data>
-
- <ol>
- <li>Add your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> to any extra points given to you by your Kai Disciplines.</li>
- <li>Subtract the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of your enemy from this total. This number = Combat Ratio.</li>
- <li>Pick number from <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</li>
- <li>Turn to <a idref="crtable">Combat Results Table</a>.</li>
- <li>Find your Combat Ratio on the top of chart and cross-reference to random number you have picked. (E indicates loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to Enemy. LW indicates loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to Lone Wolf.)</li>
- <li>Continue the combat from Stage 3 until one character is dead. This is when <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points of either character fall to 0.</li>
- </ol>
-
- <section class="backmatter" id="smevazn">
- <meta><title>To Evade Combat</title></meta>
-
- <data>
-
+ <data>
+ <illustration>
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="map.jpg" width="1024" height="768" class="html"></instance>
+ <instance src="map.pdf" width="1024" height="768" class="pdf"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="action">
+ <meta><title>Action Chart</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>JC Alvarez / Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acstats.gif" width="386" height="286" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>JC Alvarez / Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acdscplz.gif" width="385" height="246" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>JC Alvarez / Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acchklst.gif" width="385" height="128" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>JC Alvarez / Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acitems.gif" width="386" height="192" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>JC Alvarez / Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acbckpck.gif" width="386" height="113" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>JC Alvarez / Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acspcl.gif" width="386" height="280" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration>
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="text">
+ <p>
+ <line><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>: <ch.blankline></ch.blankline></line>
+ <line><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>: <ch.blankline></ch.blankline></line>
+ </p>
+ <p>Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
<ol>
- <li>You may only do this when the text of the adventure offers you the opportunity.</li>
- <li>You undertake one round of combat in the usual way. All points lost by the enemy are ignored, only Lone Wolf loses the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
- <li>If the book offers the chance of taking evasive action in place of combat, it can be taken in the first round of combat or any subsequent round.</li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
</ol>
+ <p>Bonus Disciplines:</p>
+ <ol>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 5th Discipline if you've completed one Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventure successfully</li>
+ </ol>
+ <p>Weapons:</p>
+ <ol>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ </ol>
+ <p>Belt Pouch: <ch.blankline></ch.blankline></p>
+ <p>Meals: <ch.blankline></ch.blankline></p>
+ <p>Backpack Items:</p>
+ <ol>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ </ol>
+ <p>Special Items:</p>
+ <ol>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline></li>
+ </ol>
+ </instance>
+ </illustration>
+ </data>
+ </section>
- </data>
- </section>
-
- </data>
- </section>
-
- <section class="backmatter" id="crtable">
- <meta><title>Combat Results Table</title></meta>
-
- <data>
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="crtneg.gif" width="386" height="472" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
- <instance src="crtneg.tex" width="380" height="500" class="tex" />
- </illustration>
-
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="crtpos.gif" width="386" height="472" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
- <instance src="crtpos.tex" width="380" height="500" class="tex" />
- </illustration>
- </data>
- </section>
-
- <section class="backmatter" id="random">
- <meta><title>Random Number Table</title></meta>
-
- <data>
-
- <illustration class="inline">
- <meta>
- <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
- </meta>
- <instance src="random.gif" width="332" height="432" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
- <instance src="random.tex" width="380" height="500" class="tex" />
- </illustration>
-
- </data>
- </section>
-
- <section class="backmatter" id="errata">
- <meta><title>Errata</title></meta>
+ <section class="backmatter" id="crsumary">
+ <meta><title>Combat Rules Summary</title></meta>
<data>
- <section class="backmatter" id="errintro">
- <meta><title>Introduction</title></meta>
-
- <data>
- <p>We have taken our unique opportunity to correct errors and to enforce a standard of English usage. We list our changes here. If you see anything that needs correction, please contact the <a href="mailto:staff@projectaon.org">Project Aon Staff</a>.</p>
- </data>
- </section>
-
- <section class="backmatter" id="errerr">
- <meta><title>Errata</title></meta>
-
- <data>
- <p>(<a idref="tssf">The Story So Far&ellips;</a>) Replaced <quote>elite</quote> with <quote>élite</quote>, <quote>Kai lord</quote> with <quote>Kai Lord</quote>, <quote>freestate</quote> with <quote>Freeland</quote>, and <quote>re-birth</quote> with <quote>rebirth</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>13-onwards</quote> with <quote>Book 13 onwards</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="discplnz">Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced <quote>gods</quote> with <quote>Gods</quote>. Replaced <quote>their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ></quote> with <quote>their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ></quote> under Deliverance. It seems unlikely that the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> score would ever be reduced to such a low level. We assume that this was intended to be <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> instead.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="equipmnt">Equipment</a>) Replaced all occurrences of <quote>arrow</quote> or <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="imprvdsc">Improved Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced <quote>etc,</quote> with <quote>etc.,</quote>, <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>, and <quote>Magi-Magic</quote> with <quote>Magi-magic</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>infra-vision</quote> with <quote>infravision</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect1">1</a>) Replaced <quote>Bo'sun</quote> with <quote>bo'sun</quote> and <quote>look-outs</quote> with <quote>lookouts</quote>.</p>
+ <ol>
+ <li>Add your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> to any extra points given to you by your Grand Master Disciplines.</li>
+ <li>Subtract the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of your enemy from this total. This number = Combat Ratio.</li>
+ <li>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</li>
+ <li>Turn to the <a idref="crtable">Combat Results Table</a>.</li>
+ <li>Find your Combat Ratio on the top of the chart and cross-reference to the random number you have picked. (E indicates loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to Enemy. LW indicates loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to Lone Wolf.)</li>
+ <li>Continue the combat from Stage 3 until one character is dead. This is when the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points of either character falls to 0 or below.</li>
+ </ol>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="smevazn">
+ <meta><title>To Evade Combat</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <ol>
+ <li>You may only do this when the text of the adventure offers you the opportunity.</li>
+ <li>You undertake one round of combat in the usual way. All points lost by the enemy are ignored; only Lone Wolf loses the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
+ <li>If the book offers the chance of taking evasive action in place of combat, it can be taken in the first round of combat or any subsequent round.</li>
+ </ol>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="crtable">
+ <meta><title>Combat Results Table</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <illustration>
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="crtneg.gif" width="386" height="472" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ <instance src="crtneg.tex" width="380" height="500" class="tex"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration>
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="crtpos.gif" width="386" height="472" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ <instance src="crtpos.tex" width="380" height="500" class="tex"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration>
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="text">
+ <table summary="This table provides the endurance losses sustained by the hero and enemy as a result of combat.">
+ <caption>Combat Results with combined hero and enemy endurance losses</caption>
+
+ <colgroup span="1"></colgroup>
+ <colgroup span="13"></colgroup>
+
+ <tfoot>
+ <tr>
+ <td colspan="14">Combat results are given enemy's endurance loss first followed by the hero's endurance loss. For example, "12/0" means that the enemy loses 12 endurance points while the hero loses 0 endurance points. A combat result of "k" means that the combatant is killed. For example, "0/k" means that the enemy loses 0 endurance points while the hero is killed.</td>
+ </tr>
+ </tfoot>
+
+ <tbody>
+ <tr>
+ <th rowspan="2" scope="col">Random Number</th>
+ <th colspan="13" scope="colgroup">Combat Ratio</th>
+ </tr>
+
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">-11 or lower</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">-10/ -9</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">-8/ -7</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">-6/ -5</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">-4/ -3</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">-2/ -1</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">0</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">1/ 2</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">3/ 4</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">5/ 6</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">7/ 8</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">9/ 10</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">11 or higher</th>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">1</th>
+ <td>0/k</td>
+ <td>0/k</td>
+ <td>0/8</td>
+ <td>0/6</td>
+ <td>1/6</td>
+ <td>2/5</td>
+ <td>3/5</td>
+ <td>4/5</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/4</td>
+ <td>7/4</td>
+ <td>8/3</td>
+ <td>9/3</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">2</th>
+ <td>0/k</td>
+ <td>0/8</td>
+ <td>0/7</td>
+ <td>1/6</td>
+ <td>2/5</td>
+ <td>3/5</td>
+ <td>4/4</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/3</td>
+ <td>8/3</td>
+ <td>9/3</td>
+ <td>10/2</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">3</th>
+ <td>0/8</td>
+ <td>0/7</td>
+ <td>1/6</td>
+ <td>2/5</td>
+ <td>3/5</td>
+ <td>4/4</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/3</td>
+ <td>8/3</td>
+ <td>9/2</td>
+ <td>10/2</td>
+ <td>11/2</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">4</th>
+ <td>0/8</td>
+ <td>1/7</td>
+ <td>2/6</td>
+ <td>3/5</td>
+ <td>4/4</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/3</td>
+ <td>8/2</td>
+ <td>9/2</td>
+ <td>10/2</td>
+ <td>11/2</td>
+ <td>12/2</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">5</th>
+ <td>1/7</td>
+ <td>2/6</td>
+ <td>3/5</td>
+ <td>4/4</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/2</td>
+ <td>8/2</td>
+ <td>9/2</td>
+ <td>10/2</td>
+ <td>11/2</td>
+ <td>12/2</td>
+ <td>14/1</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">6</th>
+ <td>2/6</td>
+ <td>3/6</td>
+ <td>4/5</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/2</td>
+ <td>8/2</td>
+ <td>9/2</td>
+ <td>10/2</td>
+ <td>11/1</td>
+ <td>12/1</td>
+ <td>14/1</td>
+ <td>16/1</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">7</th>
+ <td>3/5</td>
+ <td>4/5</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/2</td>
+ <td>8/2</td>
+ <td>9/1</td>
+ <td>10/1</td>
+ <td>11/1</td>
+ <td>12/0</td>
+ <td>14/0</td>
+ <td>16/0</td>
+ <td>18/0</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">8</th>
+ <td>4/4</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/2</td>
+ <td>8/1</td>
+ <td>9/1</td>
+ <td>10/0</td>
+ <td>11/0</td>
+ <td>12/0</td>
+ <td>14/0</td>
+ <td>16/0</td>
+ <td>18/0</td>
+ <td>k/0</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">9</th>
+ <td>5/3</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/2</td>
+ <td>8/0</td>
+ <td>9/0</td>
+ <td>10/0</td>
+ <td>11/0</td>
+ <td>12/0</td>
+ <td>14/0</td>
+ <td>16/0</td>
+ <td>18/0</td>
+ <td>k/0</td>
+ <td>k/0</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">0</th>
+ <td>6/0</td>
+ <td>7/0</td>
+ <td>8/0</td>
+ <td>9/0</td>
+ <td>10/0</td>
+ <td>11/0</td>
+ <td>12/0</td>
+ <td>14/0</td>
+ <td>16/0</td>
+ <td>18/0</td>
+ <td>k/0</td>
+ <td>k/0</td>
+ <td>k/0</td>
+ </tr>
+ </tbody>
+ </table>
+ </instance>
+ </illustration>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="random">
+ <meta><title>Random Number Table</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="random.gif" width="332" height="432" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ <instance src="random.tex" width="380" height="500" class="tex"></instance>
+ <instance class="text">
+ <table>
+ <tr>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>3</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>9</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>3</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>9</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>9</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>9</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>3</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>3</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>9</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>3</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>3</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>9</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>9</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ </tr>
+ </table>
+ </instance>
+ </illustration>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="errata">
+ <meta><title>Errata</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="errintro">
+ <meta><title>Introduction</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>We have taken our unique opportunity to correct errors and to enforce a standard of English usage. We list our changes here. If you see anything that needs correction, please <a href="&link.staff.contact;">contact</a> the Project Aon Staff.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="errerr">
+ <meta><title>Errata</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>(<a idref="tssf">The Story So Far<ch.ellips/></a>) Replaced <quote>elite</quote> with <quote><ch.eacute/>lite</quote>, <quote>Kai lord</quote> with <quote>Kai Lord</quote>, <quote>freestate</quote> with <quote>Freeland</quote>, and <quote>re-birth</quote> with <quote>rebirth</quote>. Replaced <quote>monastery of the Kai</quote> with <quote>Monastery of the Kai</quote>. Replaced both occurrences of <quote>new-found</quote> with <quote>newfound</quote>. Replaced <quote>gold, you</quote> with <quote>gold you</quote>. Replaced <quote>north-east</quote> with <quote>northeast</quote>. Replaced <quote>Gournen and</quote> with <quote>Gournen, and</quote>.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) Replaced <quote>13-onwards</quote> with <quote>Book 13 onwards</quote>. Replaced <quote>fall to zero</quote> with <quote>fall to zero or below</quote>. Replaced both occurrences of <quote>ie</quote> with <quote>i.e.</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="discplnz">Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced <quote>gods</quote> with <quote>Gods</quote>. Replaced <quote><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> is reduced to 8 points or less</quote> with <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is reduced to 8 points or less</quote> as clarified in <cite>Lone Wolf Club Newsletter No.24</cite>. Replaced <quote>battle magic</quote> with <quote>battle-magic</quote>. Replaced <quote>venoms and</quote> with <quote>venoms, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>artifacts</quote> with <quote>artefacts</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series. Replaced <quote>fortresses increases</quote> with <quote>fortresses increase</quote>. Replaced <quote>body, increases</quote> with <quote>body, increase</quote>.<!--ERRTAG-RE-25739-ITEM--> Replaced <quote>Grand Master weapons</quote> with <quote>Grand Weaponmastery weapons</quote>.<!--/ERRTAG-RE-25739-ITEM--></p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="cmbtrulz">Rules for Combat</a>) Removed <quote>on the inside back cover of this book</quote>. Replaced <quote>reduced to zero</quote> with <quote>reduced to zero or below</quote>. Replaced <quote>on the page after the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a></quote> with <quote>in the back of this book</quote>. In the example combat, changed Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> to 27 and corrected the Kai-surge bonus to +8 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Replaced <quote>points reduced</quote> with <quote>points possibly reduced</quote>. Replaced <quote>at which point the one with the zero score is declared dead.</quote> with <quote>at which point that combatant is declared dead.</quote>.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="equipmnt">Equipment</a>) Removed <quote>(see the inside front cover of this book)</quote>. Replaced all occurrences of <quote>arrow</quote> or <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Amended the text to correctly reflect the +5 <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus for Grand Weaponmastery. Replaced both occurrences of <quote>safe-keeping</quote> with <quote>safekeeping</quote>. Replaced <quote>eg,</quote> with <quote>e.g.</quote>. Replaced all occurrences of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>quiver</quote> with <quote>Quiver</quote>. Replaced <quote>combat, therefore</quote> with <quote>combat; therefore</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="imprvdsc">Improved Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced <quote>etc,</quote> with <quote>etc.,</quote>, <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>, and <quote>Magi-Magic</quote> with <quote>Magi-magic</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>infra-vision</quote> with <quote>infravision</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="sect1">1</a>) Replaced <quote>Bo<ch.apos/>sun</quote> with <quote>bo<ch.apos/>sun</quote> and <quote>look-outs</quote> with <quote>lookouts</quote>. Replaced <quote>Fryelund forest</quote> with <quote>Fryelund Forest</quote>. Replaced <quote>north-east</quote> with <quote>northeast</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect5">5</a>) Replaced <quote>veterans</quote> with <quote>Veterans</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect11">11</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect6">6</a>) Replaced <quote>sixth sense</quote> with <quote>Sixth Sense</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect10">10</a>) Replaced <quote>head first</quote> with <quote>head-first</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect11">11</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>Kai-alchemy</quote> with <quote>Magi-magic</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect12">12</a>) Replaced <quote>the Sword of Helshezag</quote> with <quote>Helshezag</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect13">13</a>) Deleted <quote> which you keep in your Backpack</quote> to avoid confusion.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect15">15</a>) Replaced <quote>Banedon, then</quote> with <quote>Banedon; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect17">17</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote> and <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect29">29</a>) Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon's speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect18">18</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>. Replaced<quote><em><ch.apos/>Detect Evil<ch.apos/></em></quote> with <quote><spell>Sense Evil</spell></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect29">29</a>) Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon<ch.apos/>s speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect32">32</a>) Replaced <quote>rib-cage</quote> with <quote>rib cage</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect34">34</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect35">35</a>) Replaced <quote>potholes</quote> with <quote>pot-holes</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect37">37</a>) Replaced <quote>statuette</quote> with <quote>Statuette</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect38">38</a>) Replaced <quote>torch-lit</quote> with <quote>torchlit</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect42">42</a>) Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon's speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect43">43</a>) Replaced <quote>pin-point</quote> with <quote>pinpoint</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect46">46</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced both occurrences of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect50">50</a>) Replaced <quote>ice dragon</quote> with <quote>Ice Dragon</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect37">37</a>) Replaced <quote>statuette</quote> with <quote>Statuette</quote>. Deleted <quote> which you keep in your Backpack</quote> to avoid confusion.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect38">38</a>) Replaced <quote>torch-lit</quote> with <quote>torchlit</quote>. Replaced <quote>not over, it</quote> with <quote>not over; it</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect42">42</a>) Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon<ch.apos/>s speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect43">43</a>) Replaced <quote>pin-point</quote> with <quote>pinpoint</quote>. Replaced <quote>dead end, then</quote> with <quote>dead end; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect44">44</a>) Replaced <quote>not over, it</quote> with <quote>not over; it</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect46">46</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced both occurrences of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>snarling defiantly, then</quote> with <quote>snarling defiantly; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect50">50</a>) Replaced <quote>ice dragon</quote> with <quote>Ice Dragon</quote>. Replaced <quote>of glass, then</quote> with <quote>of glass; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect51">51</a>) Replaced <quote>not over, it</quote> with <quote>not over; it</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect52">52</a>) Replaced <quote>white light, then</quote> with <quote>white light; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect54">54</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai lord</quote> with <quote>Kai Lord</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect55">55</a>) Replaced <quote>stalagtites</quote> with <quote>stalactites</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect56">56</a>) Replaced <quote>torch-lit</quote> with <quote>torchlit</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect56">56</a>) Replaced <quote>torch-lit</quote> with <quote>torchlit</quote>. Replaced <quote>drawbolt</quote> with <quote>bolt</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect57">57</a>) Replaced <quote>torch-lit</quote> with <quote>torchlit</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect58">58</a>) Replaced <quote>this barrier, then</quote> with <quote>this barrier; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect62">62</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote> and <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect67">67</a>) Replaced <quote>potholes</quote> with <quote>pot-holes</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect70">70</a>) Replaced <quote>backpack</quote> with <quote>Backpack</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect73">73</a>) Replaced <quote>god</quote> with <quote>God</quote> and <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect76">76</a>) Replaced <quote>enough for 3 doses. Each dose restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points after combat.</quote> with <quote>enough for 3 doses&emdash;each dose restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points after combat</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect80">80</a>) Replaced <quote>here. within</quote> with <quote>here within</quote> (the word <quote>within</quote> also began on a new line which has also been fixed).</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect73">73</a>) Replaced <quote>god</quote> with <quote>God</quote> and <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>Weaponmastery</quote> with <quote>Grand Weaponmastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect74">74</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect76">76</a>) Replaced <quote>enough for 3 doses. Each dose restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points after combat.</quote> with <quote>enough for 3 doses<ch.emdash/>each dose restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points after combat</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect77">77</a>) Replaced <quote>sixth sense</quote> with <quote>Sixth Sense</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect80">80</a>) Replaced <quote>here. within</quote> with <quote>here within</quote> (the word <quote>within</quote> also began on a new line which has also been fixed). Replaced <quote>not over, it</quote> with <quote>not over; it</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect81">81</a>) Replaced <quote>shoulder down, then</quote> with <quote>shoulder down; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect82">82</a>) Replaced <quote>torch-lit</quote> with <quote>torchlit</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect83">83</a>) Replaced <quote>battleshield</quote> with <quote>battle-shield</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect86">86</a>) Replaced <quote>icy-cold</quote> with <quote>icy cold</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect87">87</a>) Replaced <quote>far-stronger</quote> with <quote>far stronger</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect90">90</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect91">91</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote> and <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect92">92</a>) Replaced <quote>40</quote> with <quote>40.</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect94">94</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow in your quiver</quote> with <quote>Arrow in your Quiver</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect99">99</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect100">100</a>) Italicized the speech of the disembodied voice and removed the quotation marks. Replaced <quote>Zargarna</quote> with <quote>Zagarna</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect101">101</a>) Replaced <quote>your shoulders, then</quote> with <quote>your shoulders; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect102">102</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote> and both occurrences of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect105">105</a>) Replaced <quote>Bandedon</quote> with <quote>Banedon</quote>. Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon's speech in favour of italicizing the text. Replaced <quote>Spell of <spell>Holding</spell></quote> with <quote>spell of <spell>Holding</spell></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect105">105</a>) Replaced <quote>Bandedon</quote> with <quote>Banedon</quote>. Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon<ch.apos/>s speech in favour of italicizing the text. Replaced <quote>Spell of <spell>Holding</spell></quote> with <quote>spell of <spell>Holding</spell></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect106">106</a>) Replaced <quote>god</quote> with <quote>God</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect107">107</a>) Replaced <quote>out-run</quote> with <quote>outrun</quote> and <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect113">113</a>) Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon's speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect110">110</a>) Deleted <quote> which you keep in your Backpack</quote> to avoid confusion.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect113">113</a>) Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon<ch.apos/>s speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect116">116</a>) Replaced <quote>god</quote> with <quote>God</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect120">120</a>) Replaced <quote>surface then,</quote> with <quote>surface; then,</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect121">121</a>) Replaced <quote>semi-circular</quote> with <quote>semicircular</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect124">124</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect125">125</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote> and <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect126">126</a>) Replaced <quote>arching</quote> with <quote>arcing</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect131">131</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote> and <quote>any of the above</quote> with <quote>either of the above</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect132">132</a>) Replaced <quote>veterans</quote> with <quote>Veterans</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect135">135</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote> and <quote>war-hound's</quote> with <quote>warhound's</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect132">132</a>) Replaced <quote>veterans</quote> with <quote>Veterans</quote>. Replaced <quote>protude</quote> with <quote>protrude</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect135">135</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote> and <quote>war-hound<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>warhound<ch.apos/>s</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect136">136</a>) Replaced <quote>use you</quote> with <quote>use your</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect139">139</a>) Replaced <quote>Grandmastery of Nexus</quote> with <quote>mastery of Grand Nexus</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect140">140</a>) Replaced <quote>spear</quote> with <quote>Spear</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect143">143</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect143">143</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>of sparks, then</quote> with <quote>of sparks; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect144">144</a>) Replaced <quote>out-distance</quote> with <quote>outdistance</quote> and <quote>potholes</quote> with <quote>pot-holes</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect148">148</a>) Replaced <quote>carcases</quote> with <quote>carcasses</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect148">148</a>) Replaced <quote>carcases</quote> with <quote>carcasses</quote>. Replaced <quote>drawbolt</quote> with <quote>bolt</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect151">151</a>) Replaced <quote>similar fate, then</quote> with <quote>similar fate; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect152">152</a>) Replaced <quote>torch-lit</quote> with <quote>torchlit</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect154">154</a>) Replaced <quote>Eight</quote> with <quote>Eight,</quote>. Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon's speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect154">154</a>) Replaced <quote>Eight</quote> with <quote>Eight,</quote>. Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon<ch.apos/>s speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect155">155</a>) Replaced <quote>sixth sense</quote> with <quote>Sixth Sense</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect156">156</a>) Replaced <quote>egorghs</quote> with <quote>Egorghs</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect157">157</a>) Italicized the speech of the disembodied voice and removed the quotation marks.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect158">158</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect159">159</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect170">170</a>) Replaced <quote>Zargarna's</quote> with <quote>Zagarna's</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect175">175</a>) Replaced <quote>spyhole</quote> with <quote>spy-hole</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect162">162</a>) Replaced <quote>similar fate, then</quote> with <quote>similar fate; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect165">165</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect166">166</a>) Replaced <quote>your skin, then</quote> with <quote>your skin; then</quote>. Replaced <quote>sixth sense</quote> with <quote>Sixth Sense</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect170">170</a>) Replaced <quote>Zargarna<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>Zagarna<ch.apos/>s</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect171">171</a>) Replaced <quote>not over, it</quote> with <quote>not over; it</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect172">172</a>) Replaced <quote>not over, it</quote> with <quote>not over; it</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect175">175</a>) Replaced <quote>spyhole</quote> with <quote>spy-hole</quote>. Replaced <quote>safe, then</quote> with <quote>safe; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect176">176</a>) Deleted <quote> which you keep in your Backpack</quote> to avoid confusion.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect179">179</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect180">180</a>) Deleted <quote> which you keep in your Backpack</quote> to avoid confusion. Replace <quote>sawdusted</quote> with <quote>sawdust-covered</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect192">192</a>) Replaced <quote>clear oily</quote> with <quote>clear, oily</quote> and <quote>clear oily <em>inflammable</em></quote> with <quote>clear, oily, <em>inflammable</em></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect196">196</a>) Replaced <quote>your skin, then</quote> with <quote>your skin; then</quote>. Replaced <quote>sixth sense</quote> with <quote>Sixth Sense</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect199">199</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect200">200</a>) Replaced <quote>pin-points</quote> with <quote>pinpoints</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect203">203</a>) Replaced <quote>hear nothing, then</quote> with <quote>hear nothing; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect205">205</a>) Replaced <quote>similar fate, then</quote> with <quote>similar fate; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect207">207</a>) Replaced <quote>Banedon, then</quote> with <quote>Banedon; then</quote>. Replaced <quote>off Kaag</quote> with <quote>of Kaag</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect209">209</a>) Replaced <quote>stalagtites</quote> with <quote>stalactites</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect210">210</a>) Replaced <quote>silent, then</quote> with <quote>silent; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect211">211</a>) Replaced <quote>Immmediately</quote> with <quote>Immediately</quote> and <quote>(In</quote> with <quote>(in</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect212">212</a>) Replaced <quote><a idref="sect331">turn to 331</a></quote> with <quote><a idref="sect311">turn to 311</a></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect216">216</a>) Emphasized <quote>clang</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect217">217</a>) Replaced <quote>torch-lit</quote> with <quote>torchlit</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect218">218</a>) Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon's speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect220">220</a>) Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon's speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect218">218</a>) Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon<ch.apos/>s speech in favour of italicizing the text. Replaced <quote>no reply, then</quote> with <quote>no reply; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect220">220</a>) Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon<ch.apos/>s speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect221">221</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote> and <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect224">224</a>) Replaced <quote>spyhole</quote> with <quote>spy-hole</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect227">227</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect223">223</a>) Replaced <quote>white light, then</quote> with <quote>white light; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect224">224</a>) Replaced <quote>spyhole</quote> with <quote>spy-hole</quote>. Replaced <quote>storeroom</quote> with <quote>store room</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect227">227</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>. Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect228">228</a>) Emphasized the word <quote>both</quote> in the last choice.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect231">231</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect236">236</a>) Replaced <quote>irresistable</quote> with <quote>irresistible</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect238">238</a>) Replaced <quote>corpse, then</quote> with <quote>corpse; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect239">239</a>) Replaced <quote>the sword of Helshezag</quote> with <quote>Helshezag</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect240">240</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai-surge</quote> with <quote>Kai-screen</quote>. <a idref="sect184">Section 184</a> speaks of <quote>powerful mind defences</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect240">240</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai-surge</quote> with <quote>Kai-screen</quote>. <a idref="sect184">Section 184</a> speaks of <quote>powerful mind defences</quote>. Replaced <quote>see nothing, then</quote> with <quote>see nothing; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect241">241</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>liganim</quote> with <quote>Liganim</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect243">243</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote> and <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Emphasized <quote>inflammable</quote> to mirror <a idref="sect192">Section 192</a>. Replaced <quote>clear oily</quote> with <quote>clear, oily</quote> and <quote>clear oily <em>inflammable</em></quote> with <quote>clear, oily, <em>inflammable</em></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect244">244</a>) Replaced <quote>cursing, then</quote> with <quote>cursing; then</quote>. Replaced <quote>louder, then</quote> with <quote>louder; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect245">245</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote> and <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect246">246</a>) Deleted <quote> which you keep in your Backpack</quote> to avoid confusion.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect248">248</a>) Replaced <quote>eeks</quote> with <quote>ekes</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect251">251</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote> and <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect250">250</a>) Replaced <quote>zig-zag</quote> with <quote>zigzag</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect251">251</a>) Replaced <quote>fiery arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote> and <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect258">258</a>) Replaced <quote>arching</quote> with <quote>arcing</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect259">259</a>) Replaced <quote>of sparks, then</quote> with <quote>of sparks; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect261">261</a>) Replaced <quote>egorgh</quote> with <quote>Egorgh</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect264">264</a>) Replaced <quote>torch-lit</quote> with <quote>torchlit</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect264">264</a>) Replaced <quote>torch-lit</quote> with <quote>torchlit</quote>. Replaced <quote>drawbolt</quote> with <quote>bolt</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect266">266</a>) Replaced <quote>out-run</quote> with <quote>outrun</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect280">280</a>) Replaced <quote>veterans</quote> with <quote>Veterans</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect295">295</a>) Replaced <quote>death cry</quote> with <quote>death-cry</quote> and <quote>potholes</quote> with <quote>pot-holes</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect300">300</a>) Replaced <quote>handrails</quote> with <quote>hand-rails</quote> and <quote>commmunicate</quote> with <quote>communicate</quote>. Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon's speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect288">288</a>) Replaced <quote>agonising</quote> with <quote>agonizing</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect292">292</a>) Replaced <quote>similar fate, then</quote> with <quote>similar fate; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect295">295</a>) Replaced <quote>death cry</quote> with <quote>death-cry</quote> and <quote>potholes</quote> with <quote>pot-holes</quote>. Replaced <quote>disappear, then</quote> with <quote>disappear; then</quote></p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect296">296</a>) Replaced <quote>surface then,</quote> with <quote>surface; then,</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect300">300</a>) Replaced <quote>handrails</quote> with <quote>hand-rails</quote> and <quote>commmunicate</quote> with <quote>communicate</quote>. Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon<ch.apos/>s speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect304">304</a>) Replaced <quote>magician<ch.apos/>s guild</quote> with <quote>Magicians<ch.apos/> Guild</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect305">305</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>. Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote></p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect318">318</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote> and <quote>egorgh</quote> with <quote>Egorgh</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect326">326</a>) Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon's speech in favour of italicizing the text.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect308">308</a>) Deleted <quote> which you keep in your Backpack</quote> to avoid confusion.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect310">310</a>) Replaced <quote>avoid him</quote> with <quote>avoid it</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect315">315</a>) Replaced <quote>215</quote> with <quote>215.</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect314">314</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect318">318</a>) Replaced <quote>discipline</quote> with <quote>Discipline</quote> and <quote>egorgh</quote> with <quote>Egorgh</quote>. Replaced <quote>their haunches, then</quote> with <quote>their haunches; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect324">324</a>) Replaced <quote>new-found</quote> with <quote>newfound</quote>. Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect326">326</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>. Removed the quotation marks from the quotation of Banedon<ch.apos/>s speech in favour of italicizing the text. Deleted <quote> which you keep in your Backpack</quote> to avoid confusion.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect328">328</a>) Replaced <quote>liganim</quote> with <quote>Liganim</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect329">329</a>) Replaced <quote>potholes</quote> with <quote>pot-holes</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect332">332</a>) Replaced <quote>potholes</quote> with <quote>pot-holes</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect329">329</a>) Replaced <quote>potholes</quote> with <quote>pot-holes</quote>. Replaced <quote>here, then</quote> with <quote>here; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect330">330</a>) Replaced <quote>similar fate, then</quote> with <quote>similar fate; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect332">332</a>) Replaced <quote>potholes</quote> with <quote>pot-holes</quote>. Replaced <quote>yard, then</quote> with <quote>yard; then</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect334">334</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect335">335</a>) Replaced <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect336">336</a>) Italicized the speech of the disembodied voice and removed the quotation marks.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect339">339</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect340">340</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>spyhole</quote> with <quote>spy-hole</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect343">343</a>) Replaced <quote>not over, it</quote> with <quote>not over; it</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect345">345</a>) Replaced <quote>bowsting</quote> with <quote>bowstring</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect346">346</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect346">346</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>. Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect347">347</a>) Replaced <quote>cursing, then</quote> with <quote>cursing; then</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="crsumary">Combat Rules Summary</a>) Replaced <quote>cross reference</quote> with <quote>cross-reference</quote>, <quote>top of chart</quote> with <quote>top of the chart</quote>, and <quote>fall to 0</quote> with <quote>falls to 0 or below</quote>. Replaced <quote>Kai Disciplines</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Disciplines</quote>. Replaced <quote>Pick number from</quote> with <quote>Pick a number from the</quote>. Replaced <quote>Turn to Combat</quote> with <quote>Turn to the Combat</quote>. Replaced <quote>to random number</quote> with <quote>to the random number</quote>. Replaced <quote>when ENDURANCE</quote> with <quote>when the ENDURANCE</quote>. Replaced <quote>ignored, only</quote> with <quote>ignored; only</quote>.</p>
</data>
</section>
<section class="backmatter" id="footnotz">
<meta><title>Footnotes</title></meta>
- <data>
- <p>(<a idref="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) 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>(<a idref="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) Note that this list is not identical to the one used in <cite><a href="&link.13tplor;">The Plague Lords of Ruel</a></cite>: this list is missing the Silver Bracers and Korlinium Scabbard. These items are restored to the list of permissible items from the Kai and Magnakai series again in <cite><a href="&link.17tdoi;">The Deathlord of Ixia</a></cite>. Presumably, therefore, it should be permissible to leave the Silver Bracers and Korlinium Scabbard in safekeeping at the monastery during the intervening books and retrieve them at the outset of <cite><a href="&link.17tdoi;">The Deathlord of Ixia</a></cite>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="discplnz">Grand Master Disciplines</a>) 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>(<a idref="sect3">3</a>) This section corresponds to the correct answer to the Kagonite door lock.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect8">8</a>) This section corresponds to the correct answer to the lock on the exit from the torture chamber of the Nadziranim.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect20">20</a>) This section corresponds to the correct answer to the lock on the <quote>stout steel-sheathed doors</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect62">62</a>) Presumably by <quote>double all bonuses it bestows upon you</quote> you are meant to receive a 16 point bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect127">127</a>) The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect181">181</a>) The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect220">220</a>) The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect230">230</a>) Kika are one-tenth of the value of a Gold Crown and also take up one-tenth of the space of a Gold Crown.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect319">319</a>) The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
- </data>
+ <data/>
+
</section>
<section class="backmatter" id="illstrat">
<li>Illustration XVIII (<a idref="sect318">Section 318</a>)</li>
<li>Illustration XIX (<a idref="sect328">Section 328</a>)</li>
<li>Illustration XX (<a idref="sect350">Section 350</a>)</li>
- <li><a idref="action">Action Chart</a></li>
<li><a idref="map">Sommerlund and the Darklands</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="action">Action Chart</a></li>
</ul>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>Secondary Illustrations</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Only the first occurrence of each secondary illustration is cited.</p>
<ul class="unbulleted">
+ <li><a idref="equipmnt">Equipment</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="discplnz">Kai Disciplines</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect1">Section 1</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect82">Section 82</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect85">Section 85</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect220">Section 220</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect224">Section 224</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect227">Section 227</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect235">Section 235</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect240">Section 240</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect248">Section 248</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect250">Section 250</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect279">Section 279</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect303">Section 303</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect309">Section 309</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect319">Section 319</a></li>
</ul>
</data>
</section>
</gamebook>
-
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