<data>
<p>You fall among the damp, jagged rocks and gash your head on a pointed outcrop: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>Your sudden movement alerts a Lavas to your position and it circles around Raven<ch.apos/>s Eerie until it is sure that you are human. Then, with a piercing shriek, it comes diving out of the sky with its claws extended and its beaked jaw open wide.</p>
+ <p>Your sudden movement alerts a Lavas to your position and it circles around <!--ERRTAG-RE-92415-->Raven<ch.apos/>s Eyrie<!--/ERRTAG-RE-92415--> until it is sure that you are human. Then, with a piercing shriek, it comes diving out of the sky with its claws extended and its beaked jaw open wide.</p>
<choice idref="sect108"><link-text>Turn to 108</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>40</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You leave the monastery under cover of darkness and set off towards the northwest, into the foothills the Durncrag Mountains. Soon you pick up the trail that leads to Raven<ch.apos/>s Eerie and you follow it for a mile to where it crosses a mountain stream. Mist oozes from the peaty soil, breathing a damp film on the surrounding rocks.</p>
- <p>You continue beyond the mist-enshrouded stream until you reach a rocky spur of granite called Eagle<ch.apos/>s Claw. Here you detect a low humming sound and your pulse quickens; you sense you are getting closer to the Shadow Gate. This resonant hum steadily increases in volume the nearer you get to Raven<ch.apos/>s Eerie. Then, as you come to within a few hundred yards of the peak, you catch your first glimpse of the Shadow Gate. It is an awe-inspiring sight.</p>
+ <p>You leave the monastery under cover of darkness and set off towards the northwest, into the foothills the Durncrag Mountains. Soon you pick up the trail that leads to <!--ERRTAG-RA-106515-->Raven<ch.apos/>s Eyrie<!--/ERRTAG-RA-106515--> and you follow it for a mile to where it crosses a mountain stream. Mist oozes from the peaty soil, breathing a damp film on the surrounding rocks.</p>
+ <p>You continue beyond the mist-enshrouded stream until you reach a rocky spur of granite called Eagle<ch.apos/>s Claw. Here you detect a low humming sound and your pulse quickens; you sense you are getting closer to the Shadow Gate. This resonant hum steadily increases in volume the nearer you get to <!--ERRTAG-RA-106515-->Raven<ch.apos/>s Eyrie<!--/ERRTAG-RA-106515-->. Then, as you come to within a few hundred yards of the peak, you catch your first glimpse of the Shadow Gate. It is an awe-inspiring sight.</p>
<illustration id="bw-small9" class="inline">
<meta>
<instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
- <p>It appears like a black, semicircular cave mouth that seems to hover motionless in the air. Crackling snakes of electrical energy surround its edges, and the air before it writhes and shimmers like a desert mirage. You reach to the pocket of your tunic and remove the Sun-crystal, weighing it carefully in your hand so that you will be ready to throw it accurately when the time comes.</p>
+ <p>It appears like a black, semicircular cave mouth that seems to hover motionless in the air. Crackling snakes of electrical energy surround its edges, and the air before it writhes and shimmers like a desert mirage. You <!--ERRTAG-RE-107789-->reach into<!--/ERRTAG-RE-107789--> the pocket of your tunic and remove the Sun-crystal, weighing it carefully in your hand so that you will be ready to throw it accurately when the time comes.</p>
<p>The electrical fire that borders the Shadow Gate suddenly flares and gives off hissing sparks which climb like fireworks into the night sky. Moments later, a trio of Lavas emerge from its total darkness and soar into the air. Judging by their direction of flight, you determine that they are going to reinforce the enemy line which keeps King Ulnar<ch.apos/>s armies at bay.</p>
<p>You are too far from the Shadow Gate to hurl the Sun-crystal and so, with caution, you begin to inch your way nearer to your goal.</p>
<choice idref="sect291">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship and Telegnosis, <link-text>turn to 291</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>42</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>This village is a run down shabby-looking place which appears to have seen better days. The timbers of its gaudily-painted houses are riddled with rot, and its citizens have a mean and surly demeanour that you find irksome. You are having second thoughts about stopping at the inn and are only persuaded when you hear the distant rumble of thunder.</p>
+ <p>This village is a <!--ERRTAG-RE-109996-->run-down<!--/ERRTAG-RE-109996--> shabby-looking place which appears to have seen better days. The timbers of its gaudily-painted houses are riddled with rot, and its citizens have a mean and surly demeanour that you find irksome. You are having second thoughts about stopping at the inn and are only persuaded when you hear the distant rumble of thunder.</p>
<p>To your surprise, you discover the owner of the Pickled Scow to be an unusually kind and cheerful character. For 3 Gold Crowns (erase these from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>), he and his daughter furnish you with a fine meal and a warm room above their kitchen. Before you retire for the night, they invite you to sample their ale<ch.emdash/>free of charge. It is a weak but flavoursome brew, and while you sip it in front of the blazing hearth, they tell you stories about the colourful travellers who have spent the night at their inn.</p>
<choice idref="sect231">If you wish to ask them if they have heard any news about your homeland, <link-text>turn to 231</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect56">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 56</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>44</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>King Ulnar convenes an emergency council of the Sommlending barons in his Chamber of State. When all are assembled, Baron Caldar of Anskaven conducts a briefing, principally for your benefit, outlining the grave situation confronting Sommerlund and, most especially, the new order of the Kai. You are aware of much of what he says, having been briefed already by Gwynian the Sage in Varetta, but you learn that the Sommlending army has lost many brave men attempting to break the siege at the Kai Monastery and is too weakened, at present, to attack the enemy again.</p>
+ <p>King Ulnar convenes an emergency council of the Sommlending barons in his Chamber of State. When all are assembled, Baron Caldar of Anskaven conducts a briefing, principally for your benefit, outlining the grave situation confronting Sommerlund and, most especially, the <!--ERRTAG-RE-112138-->New Order<!--/ERRTAG-RE-112138--> of the Kai. You are aware of much of what he says, having been briefed already by Gwynian the Sage in Varetta, but you learn that the Sommlending army has lost many brave men attempting to break the siege at the Kai Monastery and is too weakened, at present, to attack the enemy again.</p>
<p><quote>Where is Guildmaster Banedon?</quote> you ask, when called upon by the King to speak to the council of war.</p>
<p><quote>He is at the Kai Monastery,</quote> answers Baron Medar of Tyso. <quote>He, in company with Lord Rimoah of Dessi and the ten most senior magicians of Toran<ch.apos/>s Brotherhood, went to the monastery during the early days of the siege. They travelled there aboard the Guildmaster<ch.apos/>s skyship and<ch.ellips/></quote> At this point, the Baron hesitates and looks to the King, as if seeking his permission to continue. The King continues on his behalf.</p>
<p><quote>Grand Master,</quote> he says, his voice heavy, <quote>the Guildmaster<ch.apos/>s skyship was seen falling from the skies above the monastery. Border Rangers saw it crash in flames. We<ch.ellips/> we fear that all aboard were lost.</quote></p>
<data>
<p>You fight with devastating skill and, despite the overwhelming odds against you, you succeed in defeating every last one of these vicious hounds. As the last one falls to your blows, you urge your horse away from the bridge and set off along the track to the distant town of Scade.</p>
- <p>On returning to the Lucky Bucket inn, you break the ill news of your encounter at Castle Tranius to the remaining five troopers. It comes as a shock, both to them and to the innkeeper, who fears for the safety of the real Knight Tranius.</p>
+ <p>On returning to the <!--ERRTAG-RE-114339-->Lucky Bucket Inn<!--/ERRTAG-RE-114339-->, you break the ill news of your encounter at Castle Tranius to the remaining five troopers. It comes as a shock, both to them and to the innkeeper, who fears for the safety of the real Knight Tranius.</p>
<p><quote>I haven<ch.apos/>t seen him in the town for near-on a week,</quote> he says, anxiously rubbing his many chins. <quote>We <ch.apos/>ere had no inkling that somethin<ch.apos/> bad was happenin<ch.apos/> up there at the castle. It<ch.apos/>s right put the shakes up me, I can tell you.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect246"><link-text>Turn to 246</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Hurriedly you utter the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Levitation</spell> and, simultaneously, you leap into the air. The spell takes effect almost immediately, and it pushes you high enough to avoid the dragon<ch.apos/>s searing blast of flame.</p>
<p>Your quick thinking has saved your skin, but it does not impress the dragon. Your escape from his incinerating breath serves to make him even angrier. He stomps his massive forefoot down <!--ERRTAG-RE-114530-->onto<!--/ERRTAG-RE-114530--> the black soil and sends a splash of molten mud and flame soaring into the sulphurous sky.</p>
- <p>You ease the levitation spell and return to the uncertain black soil. Then you retreat towards the Shadow Gate, but, as you run, you are forced to reach for your weapon as the great beast comes lumbering forwards with his jaw agape.</p>
+ <p>You ease <!--ERRTAG-RE-115746-->the <spell>Levitation</spell> spell<!--/ERRTAG-RE-115746--> and return to the uncertain black soil. Then you retreat towards the Shadow Gate, but, as you run, you are forced to reach for your weapon as the great beast comes lumbering forwards with his jaw agape.</p>
<p>Unless you possess a Platinum Amulet, a Talisman of Ishir, or the Discipline of Grand Nexus, you must now deduct 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the debilitating effects of the heat and atmosphere.</p>
<choice idref="sect316"><link-text>Turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>You leave the Tower and tour the battlements, offering words of comfort to the wounded and praising those Kai who have shown exceptional bravery. You are returning to the Grand Hall when you see Banedon approaching from the other direction.</p>
<p><quote>The time is ripe for you to begin your mission, Grand Master,</quote> he says. <quote>The enemy have lost a great number this night<ch.emdash/>it is unlikely they will return before the dawn.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>Yes, my friend,</quote> you reply, touching the pocket of your tunic which contains the Sun-crystal, <quote>you are right. The time has come<ch.emdash/>I will leave for Raven<ch.apos/>s Eerie at once.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Yes, my friend,</quote> you reply, touching the pocket of your tunic which contains the Sun-crystal, <quote>you are right. The time has come<ch.emdash/>I will leave for <!--ERRTAG-RE-118830-->Raven<ch.apos/>s Eyrie<!--/ERRTAG-RE-118830--> at once.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect40"><link-text>Turn to 40</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You rush into the forest and glance overhead to make doubly sure that you are not being tracked by the winged Lavas. The darkening sky is clear of the enemy and confidently you press on through the trees, sure in your ability to remain undetected now that you are in your natural environment of the forest.</p>
- <p>Soon you reach the clearing and hurry to a boulder which bears the imprint of a human hand. You place your right hand upon it and the imprint fits around it like a glove. Silently a hinged stone slab rises up from the ground revealing a stair that leads down into a brick-lined passageway. You enter and hurry along this familiar tunnel, covering a mile before you come to a door that opens automatically at your approach. Beyond lies the Vault of the Sun, your personal stronghold. It radiates a warmly golden light: they are the rays of the Lorestones of Nyxator. Once safely inside your underground lair, you pause to allow the radiant light of the Lorestones to wash over your tired and aching limbs and, within the space of a few heartbeats, the fatigue of your long journey home is melted away (restore all lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
+ <p>Soon you reach the clearing and hurry to a boulder which bears the imprint of a human hand. You place your right hand upon it and the imprint fits around it like a glove. Silently a hinged stone slab rises up from the ground revealing a stair that leads down into a brick-lined passageway. You enter and hurry along this familiar tunnel, covering a mile before you come to a door that opens automatically at your approach. Beyond lies the Vault of the Sun, your personal stronghold. It radiates a <!--ERRTAG-RE-121523-->warm golden light<!--/ERRTAG-RE-121523-->: <!--ERRTAG-RE-121542-->it is the rays<!--/ERRTAG-RE-121542--> of the Lorestones of Nyxator. Once safely inside your underground lair, you pause to allow the radiant light of the Lorestones to wash over your tired and aching limbs and, within the space of a few heartbeats, the fatigue of your long journey home is melted away (restore all lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
<p>Revived and revitalized, you throw open the door to the vault and see a young Kai Master standing guard at the foot of the tower stairwell. He is Sabre Fox, one of your most gifted students.</p>
<p><quote>Gr<ch.ellips/> Grand Master!</quote> he stammers, hardly daring to believe his eyes. <quote>You have returned. Praise the Gods! Our prayers have been answered!</quote></p>
<p>You smile at the young Kai Master who now has tears of joy in his steel-grey eyes.</p>
<p>Using the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Levitation</spell> you are able to counter the speed of your descent. Unfortunately, Lord Constable Nathor does not possess the same ability and, as you are beginning to slow down, he comes screaming past you, his eyes and mouth wide with terror.</p>
<p>You stretch out and make a grab for his cloak as he hurtles past. You manage to get a grip and hold on fast, but as you are nearing the ground, his cloak comes undone and he falls the last twenty feet to the flagstoned keep. Upon landing, you discover that Nathor is still alive, but his left ankle is badly broken and his face is cut and bruised. Despite his obvious pain he manages a smile, revealing gaps where he is now missing two of his teeth.</p>
<p>Bravely Nathor stifles his urge to scream as you take hold of his shattered ankle. You summon your healing powers and transmit them through your hands to the injured foot (reduce you <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score by 4). You feel the warmth of your power start to reduce the swollen tissues and mend the broken bone, but before you can complete the cure, a yelling horde of bogus castle guardsmen come rushing from out of the gatehouse with their swords drawn. You unsheathe your weapon and crouch in readiness to meet their manic attack.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Castle guardsmen (impostors)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Castle <!--ERRTAG-RE-124173-->Guardsmen<!--/ERRTAG-RE-124173--> (impostors)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect93">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 93</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>56</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You sleep well and rise with the cock<ch.apos/>s crow. When you reach the stable, you discover the innkeeper has already prepared your horse ready for your departure. You thank him and wave farewell to the cheerful man and his daughter as you set off on the road north to Varetta.</p>
+ <p>You sleep well and rise with the cock<ch.apos/>s crow. When you reach the stable, you discover the innkeeper has already prepared your <!--ERRTAG-RE-126932-->horse, ready<!--/ERRTAG-RE-126932--> for your departure. You thank him and wave farewell to the cheerful man and his daughter as you set off on the road north to Varetta.</p>
<p>It is midday when you catch your first glimpse of this ancient city. Positioned on a large plateau in the centre of a grassy plain, the blood-red walls and towering spires of Varetta look doubly impressive. As you approach the south gate, you admire the carvings which embellish the city<ch.apos/>s walls. They depict great dragons with snake-like bodies that intertwine as they flow around the towers and bastions of this ancient city.</p>
<p>The guards at the gate allow you to enter without challenge, and you pass through the grand southern entrance which leads to a flagstoned square.</p>
<choice idref="sect284">If you have ever visited Varetta before, in a previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventure, <link-text>turn to 284</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The leading Eldenoran soldier is stunned into open-mouthed shock when he sees you standing in the trench before him. You strike a swift, deadly blow, and he staggers backwards, pulling two of his comrades down to the floor of the trench as he falls. The others draw their swords and come leaping over their fallen friends, attacking you with unexpected fury.</p>
- <p>Eldenoran assault troops; <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 39 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> 42</p>
+ <combat><enemy><!--ERRTAG-RE-128547-->Eldenoran Assault Troops<!--/ERRTAG-RE-128547--></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">39</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect324">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You help the Baroness<ch.apos/>s entourage to set up camp beside the stream while Dorst, who considers himself something of a master cook, prepares the trout you caught earlier. To your surprise, the meal turns out to be excellent (restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
- <p>During supper, you ask the Baroness what news she has heard of events in the east. She tells you that there is war between the principalities of the Stornlands, although this is such a common condition that it can hardly be considered news any more. Of distant Sommerlund she has heard nothing. After supper, she excuses herself and retires to her carriage. Dorst posts two men to guard her coach, then he invites you to play cards with himself and the remaining five men.</p>
+ <p>During supper, you ask the Baroness what news she has heard of events in the east. She tells you that there is war between the principalities of the Stornlands, although this is such a common condition that it can hardly be considered news <!--ERRTAG-RE-130146-->anymore<!--/ERRTAG-RE-130146-->. Of distant Sommerlund she has heard nothing. After supper, she excuses herself and retires to her carriage. Dorst posts two men to guard her coach, then he invites you to play cards with himself and the remaining five men.</p>
<illustration id="bw-small11" class="inline">
<meta>
<p><quote>In the name of the Gods!</quote> splutters Nathor, spilling liqueur down the front of his tunic. <quote>What was that?</quote></p>
<p>A knot of fear tightens in the pit of your stomach. <quote>A Kraan,</quote> you reply, recognizing at once the fell cry of this unwelcome creature.</p>
<p>You hurry to a window and see the large, bat-like Kraan silhouetted against the moon. A man-sized rider clings precariously to the creature<ch.apos/>s reptilian back as it swoops and soars among the hills and gullies.</p>
- <p><quote>You had best come away from the window, my Lord,</quote> replies an anxious Nathor, <quote>lest it detects your presence here.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>You had best come away from the window, my Lord,</quote> replies an anxious Nathor, <quote><!--ERRTAG-RE-133678-->lest it detect<!--/ERRTAG-RE-133678--> your presence here.</quote></p>
<p>You take heed of the Lord Constable<ch.apos/>s advice and retreat from the window. Furthermore, you use your Magnakai skill of Psi-screen to shield your mind in case the Kraan rider is able to employ psychic abilities to locate your presence.</p>
<p><quote>It is not the first time it has come,</quote> says Rasbarin. <quote>Every night for the past ten days we<ch.apos/>ve heard it circling the hills. Sometimes there is more than one of its kind.</quote> He suggests that you bunk in the cellar of the monastery where you may be safer from detection, and you accept his offer gladly.</p>
<choice idref="sect154"><link-text>Turn to 154</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>As the horsemen close in, unexpectedly you spur your steed straight at them in a bold countercharge. The move takes the leading pair of riders by surprise and, before they fully recover their battle-senses, you speed between them and lash out with a single scything sweep. Both riders crash to the ground<ch.emdash/>minus their heads.</p>
<p>Shocked by your sheer audacity, the brigand leader shouts a recall to the others. They wheel around in a wide arc and form up in a line behind him, cursing you vehemently for the death of their comrades. Then, with a vengeful yell, the brigand chief leads his gang of saddle-bandits in a charge that, he hopes, will leave you trampled into the ground.</p>
- <p>As this wave of brigands come thundering down upon you, the leader lunges at your head with his straight-bladed sword. It whistles by just inches from your scalp, but you do not allow him a second try. You twist in the saddle and strike like lightning, splitting his helmet and his skull with a single mighty blow. He falls before his men, yet they prove to be hardy rogues and they press home their attack regardless.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Eldenoran brigands</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">41</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>As this <!--ERRTAG-RE-136134-->wave of brigands comes<!--/ERRTAG-RE-136134--> thundering down upon you, the leader lunges at your head with his straight-bladed sword. It whistles by just inches from your scalp, but you do not allow him a second try. You twist in the saddle and strike like lightning, splitting his helmet and his skull with a single mighty blow. He falls before his men, yet they prove to be hardy rogues and they press home their attack regardless.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Eldenoran <!--ERRTAG-RE-136567-->Brigands<!--/ERRTAG-RE-136567--></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">41</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect182">You may evade this combat after four rounds, by <link-text>turning to 182</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect109">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 109</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Within a matter of seconds, the remaining pack members catch the scent of their leader<ch.apos/>s blood and it drives them into a frenzy. They increase their speed and, knowing that you cannot outrun them, you are forced to turn and face them as they launch a simultaneous attack.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Eldenoran war-dogs (in blood-frenzy)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">47</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>Due to their frenzied state, these war-dogs are immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-surge and Kai-blast.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Eldenoran <!--ERRTAG-RA-147521-->War-dogs<!--/ERRTAG-RA-147521--> (in blood-frenzy)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">47</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>Due to their frenzied state, these <!--ERRTAG-RA-147521-->War-dogs<!--/ERRTAG-RA-147521--> are immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-surge and Kai-blast.</p>
<choice idref="sect295">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 295</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>76</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your arrow glances harmlessly off the dragon<ch.apos/>s skull, making him even angrier than he already is. He stomps his massive forefoot down onto the black soil and sends a splash of molten mud and flames soaring into the air.</p>
- <p>Hurriedly you discard your bow and reach for your weapon as the great beast comes lumbering slowly towards you with his massive jaw agape.</p>
+ <p>Your <!--ERRTAG-RE-151366-->Arrow<!--/ERRTAG-RE-151366--> glances harmlessly off the dragon<ch.apos/>s skull, making him even angrier than he already is. He stomps his massive forefoot down onto the black soil and sends a splash of molten mud and flames soaring into the air.</p>
+ <p>Hurriedly you <!--ERRTAG-RE-151624-->shoulder<!--/ERRTAG-RE-151624--> your <!--ERRTAG-RE-151678-->Bow<!--/ERRTAG-RE-151678--> and reach for your weapon as the great beast comes lumbering slowly towards you with his massive jaw agape.</p>
<p>Unless you possess a Platinum Amulet, a Talisman of Ishir, or the Discipline of Grand Nexus, you must now deduct 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the debilitating effects of the heat and atmosphere.</p>
<choice idref="sect316"><link-text>Turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Using the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell>, you command the prisoner to reveal the identity of the person who sent him here to Garthen to murder you. At first you are unable to penetrate the man<ch.apos/>s mind<ch.emdash/>his memory is protected by a magical shield. Then you draw on your psychic Kai skills to boost the <spell>Mind Charm</spell> spell and suddenly you feel the man<ch.apos/>s magical shield begin to crack and disintegrate.</p>
- <p>The man shrieks with fear as his body is racked by convulsions. A mass of images swirl and solidify in your mind<ch.apos/>s eye<ch.emdash/>they are images of a past meeting in a far-off place which you recognize to be Duadon, the capital city of Eldenora. You see a shadowy figure, sheathed in ornate chainmail, handing a bulging pouch of gold to the prisoner in a dimly-lit alleyway. The figure speaks your name before melting away into the shadows.</p>
+ <p>The man shrieks with fear as his body is racked by convulsions. A mass of images swirl and solidify in your mind<ch.apos/>s eye<ch.emdash/>they are images of a past meeting in a far-off place which you recognize to be Duadon, the capital city of Eldenora. You see a shadowy figure, sheathed in ornate chainmail, handing a bulging pouch of gold to the prisoner in a <!--ERRTAG-RE-155259-->dimly lit<!--/ERRTAG-RE-155259--> alleyway. The figure speaks your name before melting away into the shadows.</p>
<p><quote>Who is this person?</quote> you say, commanding the trembling prisoner to answer. He parts his bruised lips and tries to utter a name but no sound emerges. You sense that he is fighting to overcome the remnants of the shielding spell placed upon his mind. Moving closer, you try to make out the name he is struggling hard to whisper.</p>
<choice idref="sect326"><link-text>Turn to 326</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>80</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The herd of coppery-red dragons continue their relentless advance across the fiery plain. You count more than a hundred in total, and each one is as long and as broad as a galleon. The largest of their number, who is also the swiftest of foot, comes looming towards you, breathing blasts of blue flame. His scaly brethren halt in their tracks and watch expectantly, through hooded black eyes, as their leader stalks you like a cat preying upon a helpless dormouse.</p>
+ <p>The <!--ERRTAG-RE-155992-->herd of coppery-red dragons continues its<!--/ERRTAG-RE-155992--> relentless advance across the fiery plain. You count more than a hundred in total, and each one is as long and as broad as a galleon. The largest of their number, who is also the swiftest of foot, comes looming towards you, breathing blasts of blue flame. His scaly brethren halt in their tracks and watch expectantly, through hooded black eyes, as their leader stalks you like a cat preying upon a helpless dormouse.</p>
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<meta><title>86</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You ride to Scade, with all the speed your exhausted horse can muster, and return at once to the Lucky Bucket inn where the remaining members of the troop are billeted. The news of your encounter at Castle Tranius comes as a shock, both to the troopers and to the innkeeper who fears for the safety of the real Knight Tranius.</p>
+ <p>You ride to <!--ERRTAG-RE-165347-->Scade with<!--/ERRTAG-RE-165347--> all the speed your exhausted horse can <!--ERRTAG-RE-165444-->muster and<!--/ERRTAG-RE-165444--> return at once to the <!--ERRTAG-RE-164579-->Lucky Bucket Inn<!--/ERRTAG-RE-164579--> where the remaining members of the troop are billeted. The news of your encounter at Castle Tranius comes as a shock, both to the troopers and to the innkeeper who fears for the safety of the real Knight Tranius.</p>
<p><quote>I haven<ch.apos/>t seen him in the town for near-on a week,</quote> he says, anxiously rubbing his many chins. <quote>We <ch.apos/>ere had no inkling that somethin<ch.apos/> bad was happenin<ch.apos/> up there at the castle. It<ch.apos/>s right put the shakes up me, I can tell you.</quote></p>
<p>In the warm comfort of the inn, you use your Kai healing skills to mend the Lord Constable<ch.apos/>s injuries. He is carefully testing his weight on his newly mended ankle when suddenly there is a commotion outside in the street. An angry mob of hard-faced men, many clutching torches, staves, and coils of rope, are marching down the cobbled avenue towards the inn.</p>
<p><quote>Hang the Talestrian thieves!</quote> they shout. <quote>String up the murdering swine!</quote></p>
<data>
<p>You are part-way across the ford when alarm bells sound on both sides of the river.</p>
<p><quote>Deserter at the ford!</quote> goes the cry from the Eldenoran fort. <quote>Enemy spy approaching!</quote> shout the Slovian guards.</p>
- <p>Moments later, a hissing cloud of arrows and bolts descend on you from both sides and several missiles graze your back and thighs: lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. But the speed of your surprise crossing and your Kai camouflage skills enable you to reach the Slovian side intact, and you disappear swiftly into the darkness of the plains beyond.</p>
+ <p>Moments later, a hissing <!--ERRTAG-RE-168372-->cloud of arrows and bolts descends<!--/ERRTAG-RE-168372--> on you from both sides and several missiles graze your back and thighs: lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. But the speed of your surprise crossing and your Kai camouflage skills enable you to reach the Slovian side intact, and you disappear swiftly into the darkness of the plains beyond.</p>
<choice idref="sect92"><link-text>Turn to 92</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>89</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The moment you strike your killing blow, the evil power of Lutha<ch.apos/>s ring implodes and consumes the Prince<ch.apos/>s body in a whirlwind of supernatural fire. You turn your back on the intense heat and, when the heat subsides, you turn around to see that he has been incinerated beyond all recognition. No sign of the ring remains, and only a glowing heap of bones mark the place where he fell.</p>
+ <p>The moment you strike your killing blow, the evil power of Lutha<ch.apos/>s ring implodes and consumes the Prince<ch.apos/>s body in a whirlwind of supernatural fire. You turn your back on the intense heat and, when the heat subsides, you turn around to see that he has been incinerated beyond all recognition. No sign of the ring remains, and only a glowing <!--ERRTAG-RE-170090-->heap of bones marks<!--/ERRTAG-RE-170090--> the place where he fell.</p>
<p>From beyond a closed door you hear a horde of guards come running along an echoing corridor towards the chamber in which you stand. Beside your feet is the Dagger which Prince Lutha used against you, and you stoop to pick it up (record this in the <a idref="action">Weapons List</a> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>).</p>
<p>Then you lower yourself back into the shaft and descend to the bottom of the pit. There you use the dagger to prise open the circular panel in the wall and, as it falls away, you discover a chute which leads to an underground river. Quickly you crawl along the slime-smeared chute and slip into the river, where you are carried swiftly away by the strong undercurrent.</p>
<choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>90</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You enter Quill Street and ride along this narrow avenue, which is flanked by aromatic jala houses and perfumeries, until it turns abruptly right into a wider thoroughfare called Brass Street. Here you see the courtyard entrance to a grand building whose brick and marble fa<ch.ccedil/>ade is adorned with the words: HALLS OF LEARNING. Suddenly you feel inexplicably drawn towards this building; it is as if it possesses the solution to all your problems.</p>
+ <p>You enter Quill Street and ride along this narrow avenue, which is flanked by aromatic jala houses and perfumeries, until it turns abruptly right into a wider thoroughfare called Brass Street. Here you see the courtyard entrance to a grand building whose brick and marble fa<ch.ccedil/>ade is adorned with the <!--ERRTAG-RA-171438-->words <quote>HALLS OF LEARNING</quote><!--/ERRTAG-RA-171438-->. Suddenly you feel inexplicably drawn towards this building; it is as if it possesses the solution to all your problems.</p>
<p>You enter and ride along a gravelled path which leads to a building where a sign, hanging over its richly-carved oak door, simply <!--ERRTAG-RE-169998-->says <quote>LIBRARY</quote><!--/ERRTAG-RE-169998-->. You feel compelled to stop here and, without quite knowing why, you dismount from your horse and tie his reins to a ring which is set into the wall. Then you push open the door and enter the library<ch.apos/>s cool interior.</p>
<p>Countless thousands of books and parchments crowd the stone shelves of this magnificent library. Your eyes travel along them until they reach another door at the far end of the hall. There, standing framed in its archway, is an old man clad in plain brown robes. He looks at you and smiles knowingly.</p>
<p><quote>Welcome, Grand Master,</quote> he says. <quote>I have been expecting you.</quote></p>
<p>After the dangers of Eldenora, the plains of peaceful Slovia seem like a tranquil paradise. The grasslands are rich and fertile, and an abundance of game keeps you well fed during the five days it takes you to ride north to the walled city of Tekaro. Here, at an inn close by the city<ch.apos/>s cathedral, where, years ago, you discovered one of the Lorestones of Nyxator during your quest for Kai knowledge, you spend a fortunate evening in the company of a band of Salonese mercenaries. Aided by your Kai skills, you fleece them of 30 Gold Crowns while playing cards, and with your gain you purchase a fresh horse for your continuing journey home. (Your new horse and a night<ch.apos/>s lodging at the inn cost you 25 Gold Crowns; you may add the balance of 5 Gold Crowns to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, maximum allowances permitting.)</p>
<p>Early the following day you leave Tekaro and set out on the highway bound for Tido. You plan to reach Casiorn by means of the North Pass through the Slovarian Range, but during your second day on the road you are forced to revise your plans drastically. During a chance meeting at a wayside inn with a merchant who has journeyed from Casiorn, you learn that an avalanche has blocked the North Pass and travel by that route is now impossible. It will be several months before the pass is cleared and the mountain road rebuilt. You resolve instead to reach Casiorn by way of Varetta, the ancient city of crossed swords, and the following day you resume your ride north.</p>
<p>During your ride, you stop to assist a farmer whose cart has shed a wheel. In return for your help, he offers the services of his brother who operates a raft ferry across the River Quarl. Gladly the brother transports you and your horse across the river to Salony, where you enter the great forest by way of a timberland trail. After a full day<ch.apos/>s ride along this lonely track, you find yourself approaching the outskirts of a town called Ellio.</p>
- <p>During your long day<ch.apos/>s ride through the forest of Salony, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>During your long day<ch.apos/>s ride through the <!--ERRTAG-RE-175601-->Forest of Salony<!--/ERRTAG-RE-175601-->, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect138"><link-text>Turn to 138</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You focus your Magnakai powers of Psi-surge and launch a pulse of energy at the prisoner<ch.apos/>s mind in an attempt to weaken his resolve. Unexpectedly, you discover that his memory is protected by a magical shield and it takes a great effort for you to break through this defence (reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by 4 points).</p>
- <p>Suddenly the man<ch.apos/>s mind shield crumbles. He shrieks with fear and his body is racked by uncontrollable tremors. You command the prisoner to reveal the identity of the person who sent him here to Garthen to murder you, and a mass of images begin to swirl and solidify in your mind<ch.apos/>s eye. They are the images of a past meeting in a far-off place which you recognize to be Duadon, the capital city of Eldenora. You see a shadowy figure, sheathed in ornate chainmail, handing a bulging pouch of gold to the prisoner in a dimly-lit alleyway. The figure speaks your name before melting away into the shadows.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly the man<ch.apos/>s mind shield crumbles. He shrieks with fear and his body is racked by uncontrollable tremors. You command the prisoner to reveal the identity of the person who sent him here to Garthen to murder you, and a mass of images begin to swirl and solidify in your mind<ch.apos/>s eye. They are the images of a past meeting in a far-off place which you recognize to be Duadon, the capital city of Eldenora. You see a shadowy figure, sheathed in ornate chainmail, handing a bulging pouch of gold to the prisoner in a <!--ERRTAG-RE-180089-->dimly lit<!--/ERRTAG-RE-180089--> alleyway. The figure speaks your name before melting away into the shadows.</p>
<p><quote>Who is this person?</quote> you say, commanding the trembling prisoner to answer. He parts his bruised lips and tries to utter a name but no sound emerges. You sense that he is fighting to overcome the remnants of the shielding spell placed upon his mind. Moving closer, you try to make out the name he is struggling hard to whisper.</p>
<choice idref="sect326"><link-text>Turn to 326</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You resolve to reach a clearing in the Fryelund Forest, a mile to the east of the monastery, where a secret entrance and passageway are located. The passage leads directly to your vault beneath the Tower of the Sun, and it is your intention to gain entry to the monastery by this way.</p>
- <p>Before you set off towards the woods, you use your psychic ability<ch.emdash/>Mindblend<ch.emdash/>as an extra camouflage precaution. Quickly it proves to be wise, for no sooner have you begun to run for the trees, than a flight of winged Lavas come soaring out of the clouds overhead. You throw yourself to the ground and they pass by without slowing.</p>
+ <p>Before you set off towards the woods, you use your <!--ERRTAG-RE-181479-->psychic <spell>Mindblend</spell> ability as<!--/ERRTAG-RE-181479--> an extra camouflage precaution. Quickly it proves to be wise, for no sooner have you begun to run for the trees, than a flight of winged Lavas come soaring out of the clouds overhead. You throw yourself to the ground and they pass by without slowing.</p>
<p>Once they have disappeared beyond the ridge, you get to your feet and continue your run for the trees.</p>
<choice idref="sect51"><link-text>Turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>99</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You look up to see the loathsome creature circling directly above, less than twenty feet above the tops of the trees. Instinctively, you crouch down and take cover amongst the nearby foliage, your weapon drawn in readiness, as it attempts in vain to force a landing amongst the densely-packed pines. Its incessant cawing and the crash of its leathery wings against the upper branches brings Dorst and his men hurrying to investigate. They each pause to grab a bow and quiver from their saddlebags, then they loose off a volley of arrows at the beast. Shrieking with frustration, the Kraan takes to the night sky and quickly disappears, heading away to the north.</p>
+ <p>You look up to see the loathsome creature circling directly above, less than twenty feet above the tops of the trees. Instinctively, you crouch down and take cover amongst the nearby foliage, your weapon drawn in readiness, as it attempts in vain to force a landing amongst the densely-packed pines. Its incessant cawing and the crash of its leathery wings against the upper branches <!--ERRTAG-RE-184864-->bring<!--/ERRTAG-RE-184864--> Dorst and his men hurrying to investigate. They each pause to grab a bow and quiver from their saddlebags, then they loose off a volley of arrows at the beast. Shrieking with frustration, the Kraan takes to the night sky and quickly disappears, heading away to the north.</p>
<p>A chill night wind whistles through the trees and you shiver. But it is not the cold that is chilling your blood<ch.emdash/>it is the nagging fear that you may never live to see your homeland again.</p>
<choice idref="sect275"><link-text>Turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p><quote>Just so,</quote> replies Gwynian. <quote>Just so.</quote></p>
<p><quote>Then I must away at once,</quote> you say, placing the Sun-crystal into the pocket of your tunic. <quote>Now that I have the weapon I need to save my people, I can stay not a moment longer; I must leave for Casiorn at once.</quote></p>
<p><quote>Yes,</quote> says Gwynian, still smiling, <quote>I know of your plans, and I have made provision for you to travel to the City of Merchants more swiftly. Come, follow me, and all will be revealed.</quote></p>
- <p>Record the Sun-crystal on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. You must discard another item in its favour if you already possess the maximum permissible.</p>
+ <p>Record the Sun-crystal on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. You must discard another item in its favour if you already possess the <!--ERRTAG-RE-187953-->maximum number permissible<!--/ERRTAG-RE-187953-->.</p>
<choice idref="sect323"><link-text>Turn to 323</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>102</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your arrow penetrates deeply into the dragon<ch.apos/>s eye. Its entire length disappears into the black cornea and he reacts to the sudden, agonizing pain by emitting a ground-shuddering roar. He rears up on his hind legs and, for a few terrifying moments, he claws wildly at the sulphurous sky before keeling over on his side. You have slain the dragon!</p>
+ <p>Your <!--ERRTAG-RE-190102-->Arrow<!--/ERRTAG-RE-190102--> penetrates deeply into the dragon<ch.apos/>s eye. Its entire length disappears into the black cornea and he reacts to the sudden, agonizing pain by emitting a ground-shuddering roar. He rears up on his hind legs and, for a few terrifying moments, he claws wildly at the sulphurous sky before keeling over on his side. You have slain the dragon!</p>
<choice idref="sect24"><link-text>Turn to 24</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Your horse crashes lifelessly to the ground and you are thrown forwards through the air. With cat-like grace, you land on your feet among the boulders and bracken which border this hill road, and regain your balance almost immediately. Seconds later, you see a yelling horde of leather-clad men, each brandishing a sword or a spear, come rushing from hiding places among the surrounding pines. As they close in upon you, you unsheathe your weapon and prepare to fight for your life.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Eldenoran ambushers</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Eldenoran <!--ERRTAG-RE-197365-->Ambushers<!--/ERRTAG-RE-197365--></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect285">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>111</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You spend the night at the Royal Citadel as the guest of Queen Evaine, and enjoy a fine feast and the hospitality of her court. Then, shortly after dawn of the following day, you bid her majesty, and your companion<ch.emdash/>Lord Ardan<ch.emdash/>a fond farewell before beginning the next stage of your long journey home.</p>
+ <p>You spend the night at the Royal Citadel as the guest of Queen Evaine, and enjoy a fine feast and the hospitality of her court. Then, shortly after dawn of the following day, you bid <!--ERRTAG-RE-202481-->her Majesty<!--/ERRTAG-RE-202481-->, and your companion<ch.emdash/>Lord Ardan<ch.emdash/>a fond farewell before beginning the next stage of your long journey home.</p>
<p>The Queen has given her Lord Constable a Royal Seal and placed him, along with a troop of ten court cavalrymen, at your disposal. Lord Nathor and his men are to act as your guides and bodyguards on the road to Vanamor, the capital city of neighbouring Palmyrion. This republic is closely allied to Talestria and lies along its eastern border. Palmyrion also has close ties with your homeland and you look forward to the chance of renewing your friendship with its leader, Elector Manatine.</p>
- <p>Mounted on fine Talestrian steeds, your party leaves the walled city of Garthen by its East Gate and sets off towards the outlying village of Sharr. Here you cross the mighty River Phoen by way of a great stone bridge. On the far side of this bridge you notice a signpost which points to the east. It reads: VANAMOR 280 miles.</p>
+ <p>Mounted on fine Talestrian steeds, your party leaves the walled city of Garthen by its East Gate and sets off towards the outlying village of Sharr. Here you cross the mighty River Phoen by way of a great stone bridge. On the far side of this bridge you notice a signpost which points to the east. It <!--ERRTAG-RE-203498-->reads <quote>VANAMOR 280 miles</quote><!--/ERRTAG-RE-203498-->.</p>
<choice idref="sect210"><link-text>Turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You ride across this busy square and enter Ladder Way, a thoroughfare which heads towards the very heart of Varetta. Apothecaries and candle-makers<ch.apos/> shops flank this wide street until it opens upon an ornate park that is filled with rare and beautiful flowers.</p>
- <p>To the west of the park you notice a fortified tower, by far the tallest in the city. You feel inexplicably drawn towards this tower; it is as if it possesses the solution to all your problems. You leave the park by its west gate and enter a wider thoroughfare called Brass Street. Here you see the courtyard entrance to a grand building whose brick and marble fa<ch.ccedil/>ade is adorned with the words: HALLS OF LEARNING.</p>
+ <p>To the west of the park you notice a fortified tower, by far the tallest in the city. You feel inexplicably drawn towards this tower; it is as if it possesses the solution to all your problems. You leave the park by its west gate and enter a wider thoroughfare called Brass Street. Here you see the courtyard entrance to a grand building whose brick and marble fa<ch.ccedil/>ade is adorned with the <!--ERRTAG-RE-204183-->words <quote>HALLS OF LEARNING</quote><!--/ERRTAG-RE-204183-->.</p>
<p>You enter and ride along a gravelled path which leads to a building where a sign, hanging over its richly-carved oak door, simply <!--ERRTAG-RE-202455-->says <quote>LIBRARY</quote><!--/ERRTAG-RE-202455-->. You feel compelled to stop here and, without quite knowing why, you dismount from your horse and tie his reins to a ring which is set into the wall. Then you push open the door and enter the library<ch.apos/>s cool interior.</p>
<p>Countless thousands of books and parchments crowd the stone shelves of this magnificent library. Your eyes travel along them until they reach another door at the far end of the hall. There, standing framed in its archway, is an old man clad in plain brown robes. He looks at you and smiles knowingly.</p>
<p><quote>Welcome. Grand Master,</quote> he says. <quote>I have been expecting you.</quote></p>
<section class="numbered" id="sect113">
<meta><title>113</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect113-1-foot" idref="sect113-1">
+ <p>Remember to remove the Oede herb or Matho<ch.apos/>s Potion from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
- <p>The swelling in your throat is choking your oesophagus, making it difficult for you to swallow: lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Fighting back the pain, you force yourself to swallow hard and, within seconds, you feel the terrible plague symptoms begin to subside.</p>
+ <p>The swelling in your throat is choking your oesophagus, making it difficult for you to swallow: lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Fighting back the pain, you force yourself to swallow hard and, within seconds, you feel the terrible plague symptoms begin to subside.<footref id="sect113-1" idref="sect113-1-foot"/></p>
<choice idref="sect193"><link-text>Turn to 193</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The lower ranks of the Kai are proud and excited to have you among them. Your presence inspires their courage and you feel confident that they will fight exceptionally well in the coming battle. Lord Rimoah is also by your side, quietly intoning the words of battle-spells in preparation for the Lavas<ch.apos/> attack.</p>
<p><quote>Here they come!</quote> shouts Sabre Fox from the far end of the battlements.</p>
- <p><quote>Take up your bows, my lords!</quote> you cry, as the first wave of winged beasts come sweeping down from out of the northern sky. <quote>And make every arrow count!</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Take up your bows, my lords!</quote> you cry, as the first <!--ERRTAG-RE-207175-->wave of winged beasts comes<!--/ERRTAG-RE-207175--> sweeping down from out of the northern sky. <quote>And make every arrow count!</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect192">If you possess a Bow, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect78">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 78</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>127</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You get to your feet and resume your steady climb towards the gate, now less than a hundred yards distant, but you have taken only a few dozen steps when suddenly another flight of Lavas emerge from the Shadow Gate. You flatten yourself against the damp granite in a desperate attempt to avoid being seen, but in your hurry you lose your footing on the slippery rocks.</p>
+ <p>You get to your feet and resume your steady climb towards the gate, now less than a hundred yards distant, but you have taken only a few dozen steps when suddenly another <!--ERRTAG-RE-220937-->flight of Lavas emerges<!--/ERRTAG-RE-220937--> from the Shadow Gate. You flatten yourself against the damp granite in a desperate attempt to avoid being seen, but in your hurry you lose your footing on the slippery rocks.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. For every level of Kai rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect272">If your total score is now 5 or less, <link-text>turn to 272</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect29">If it is 6<ch.endash/>8, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The severe heat and poisonous atmosphere is beginning to take its toll: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>You sense that your Magnakai skill of Nexus is shielding your body from the worse effects of this hellish environment, but you cannot rely on it to protect you indefinitely. Already your tunic is smouldering and the soles of your boots are giving off wisps of blue smoke. You must escape from here soon, before you succumb to the heat and the toxic atmosphere.</p>
+ <p>You sense that your Magnakai skill of Nexus is shielding your body from the <!--ERRTAG-RE-224841-->worst effects<!--/ERRTAG-RE-224841--> of this hellish environment, but you cannot rely on it to protect you indefinitely. Already your tunic is smouldering and the soles of your boots are giving off wisps of blue smoke. You must escape from here soon, before you succumb to the heat and the toxic atmosphere.</p>
<p>However, for the moment there is a more pressing danger to be faced. The dragon-creatures that you saw earlier are now advancing rapidly towards the Shadow Gate.</p>
<choice idref="sect80"><link-text>Turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Queen Evaine commands the Lord Constable to take you to the citadel dungeons which are located several levels below the State Hall. Here, shackled to the dank stone wall of a rat-infested cell, is the man who was caught in a Garthen tavern plotting your murder. Limp and unconscious, he hangs by his wrists in chains, his emaciated body showing all too clearly the signs of recent tortures. A pot-bellied gaoler scoops a bucket of foul water from a trough by the cell door and revives the prisoner by pouring it unceremoniously over his head. Coughing and spluttering, the wretch stirs to consciousness. He raises his face and you sense that he recognizes immediately who you are; his eyes blaze with an undisguised hatred.</p>
- <p><quote>He<ch.apos/>s a tough <ch.apos/>un,</quote> growls the gaoler. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ve used all o<ch.apos/> me skills on <ch.apos/>im but <ch.apos/>e won<ch.apos/>t say who <ch.apos/>is paymaster be.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>He<ch.apos/>s a <!--ERRTAG-RE-226322-->tough un<!--/ERRTAG-RE-226322-->,</quote> growls the gaoler. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ve used all o<ch.apos/> me skills on <ch.apos/>im but <ch.apos/>e won<ch.apos/>t say who <ch.apos/>is paymaster be.</quote></p>
<p>The fat gaoler reaches for a pair of long-handled pincers which are protruding from a brazier of hot coals.</p>
<p><quote>Perhaps you<ch.apos/>ll be wanting to interrogate <ch.apos/>im yourself, sire?</quote> he says, offering you the pincers. Wisps of smoke curl from their sharpened tips which are red and glowing.</p>
- <p><quote>Aye, gaoler, there are questions I<ch.apos/>d like this man to answer. But I<ch.apos/>ll not be needing those,</quote> you reply, declining the use of the cruel pincers.</p>
- <p><quote>I prefer to rely on my own methods of interrogation.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Aye, gaoler, there are questions I<ch.apos/>d like this man to answer. But I<ch.apos/>ll not be needing those,</quote> you reply, declining the use of the cruel pincers. <quote>I prefer to rely on my own methods of interrogation.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect79">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 79</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect254">If you possess Kai-surge, <link-text>turn to 254</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect95">If you possess neither of these Grand Master Disciplines, or choose not to use them, <link-text>turn instead to 95</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>133</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You wait until the line of Eldenoran soldiers have filed past the entrance to the dugout, then you slip outside and make your way swiftly along the trench. Suddenly there is a terrific boom, and a brilliant splash of blue-white fire illuminates the distant bridge. It is the opening bombardment in yet another futile assault across the river.</p>
+ <p>You wait until the <!--ERRTAG-RE-227678-->line of Eldenoran soldiers has<!--/ERRTAG-RE-227678--> filed past the entrance to the dugout, then you slip outside and make your way swiftly along the trench. Suddenly there is a terrific boom, and a brilliant splash of blue-white fire illuminates the distant bridge. It is the opening bombardment in yet another futile assault across the river.</p>
<p>The trench ahead is empty; its owners have already gone forward to support the new attack. When you reach the end, you scramble over the muddy parapet and race head-down across a stretch of open ground towards a small wood.</p>
<choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You steel yourself for the impact, but you hit the flagstones with such numbing force that your preparation does little to lessen the injuries you receive to your legs and body (lose 12 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). Moments later, you are hit by Nathor who comes crashing down upon your prone form. Your body softens his fall, but even so, the impact leaves him with a broken left ankle and severe cuts to his face and hands. Despite his obvious pain he manages to smile when he realizes that you are both still alive, revealing gaps where he is now missing two of his front teeth.</p>
- <p>Using your natural Kai curing skills, you repair your internal injuries sufficiently for you to be able to stand and assist your companion. Bravely Nathor stifles his urge to scream as you take hold of his shattered ankle. You summon your healing powers and transmit them through your hands to his injured foot (reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by a further 4 points). You feel the warmth of your power start to reduce the swollen tissues and mend the broken bone, but before you can complete the cure, a yelling horde of bogus castle guardsmen come rushing from out of the gatehouse with their swords drawn. Cursing your luck, you unsheathe your weapon and crouch in readiness to meet their manic attack.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Castle guardsmen (impostors)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>Using your natural Kai curing skills, you repair your internal injuries sufficiently for you to be able to stand and assist your companion. Bravely Nathor stifles his urge to scream as you take hold of his shattered ankle. You summon your healing powers and transmit them through your hands to his injured foot (reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by a further 4 points). You feel the warmth of your power start to reduce the swollen tissues and mend the broken bone, but before you can complete the cure, a yelling <!--ERRTAG-RE-234381-->horde of bogus castle guardsmen comes<!--/ERRTAG-RE-234381--> rushing from out of the gatehouse with their swords drawn. Cursing your luck, you unsheathe your weapon and crouch in readiness to meet their manic attack.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Castle <!--ERRTAG-RE-232730-->Guardsmen<!--/ERRTAG-RE-232730--> (impostors)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect93">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 93</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>138</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The first spatterings of rain are dampening your shoulders as you approach the forest town<ch.apos/>s solitary inn. The smell and soft noises of horses waft from an adjoining stable, and the flickering orange light of an open fire can be seen shimmering through the bulls-eye glass of the inn<ch.apos/>s leaded windows. You halt outside the main door and stoop to read a weather-faded board that is fixed to the wall:</p>
+ <p>The first spatterings of rain are dampening your shoulders as you approach the forest town<ch.apos/>s solitary inn. The smell and soft noises of horses waft from an adjoining stable, and the flickering orange light of an open fire can be seen shimmering through the <!--ERRTAG-RE-235319-->bull's-eye<!--/ERRTAG-RE-235319--> glass of the inn<ch.apos/>s leaded windows. You halt outside the main door and stoop to read a weather-faded board that is fixed to the wall:</p>
<signpost>The Towering Pine Inn</signpost>
<signpost>Room <ch.ampersand/> Stabling<ch.emdash/>2 Gold Crowns per night</signpost>
<choice idref="sect103">If you possess sufficient Gold Crowns to stay here for the night, <link-text>turn to 103</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>147</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You recognize these creatures at once<ch.emdash/>they are Lavas, winged horrors from the Plane of Darkness, the domain of the Dark God himself. The memory of your previous encounter with these creatures sends a shiver coursing down your spine.</p>
+ <p>You recognize these creatures at once<ch.emdash/>they are Lavas, winged horrors from the Plane of Darkness, the domain of the Dark God himself. The memory of your <!--ERRTAG-RE-244652-->previous experience<!--/ERRTAG-RE-244652--> with these creatures sends a shiver coursing down your spine.</p>
<p>With a silent signal you bring the regiment to a halt. Captain D<ch.apos/>Val leans towards you from his saddle and whispers: <quote>Here is the enemy who have your monastery surrounded, Grand Master, and this is the weakest point in their line.</quote></p>
<p><quote>I know this place,</quote> you reply quietly. <quote>The monastery lies over the next ridge of trees. If we are to break through here, we must be quick about it. These creatures can take to the skies<ch.emdash/>it would not take them long to summon reinforcements.</quote></p>
<meta><title>148</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You recoil from the insidious green cloud and fall back towards the cell door. Your mastery of Nexus protects you from this highly poisonous gas, but the gaoler and Lord Nathor are not so fortunate: both are vulnerable to its deadly effect. Choking and retching, they collapse to the floor, their fingers scrabbling at their swelling throats as they fight desperately for breath. You grab hold of their tunics, one in each hand, and drag their bodies out of the cell into the cleaner air of the corridor beyond. Here you use your Magnakai healing disciplines to ease the effects of the poison gas; your skill and the swiftness of your actions save them from a painful, suffocating death.</p>
+ <p>You recoil from the insidious green cloud and fall back towards the cell door. Your mastery of Nexus protects you from this highly poisonous gas, but the gaoler and Lord Nathor are not so fortunate: both are vulnerable to its deadly effect. Choking and retching, they collapse to the floor, their fingers scrabbling at their swelling throats as they fight desperately for breath. You grab hold of their tunics, one in each hand, and drag their bodies out of the cell into the cleaner air of the corridor beyond. Here you use your <!--ERRTAG-RE-246571-->Magnakai Discipline of Curing<!--/ERRTAG-RE-246571--> to ease the effects of the poison gas; your skill and the swiftness of your actions save them from a painful, suffocating death.</p>
<p><quote>Wh<ch.ellips/> what happened?</quote> wheezes Nathor, as he slowly recovers from the deadly gas.</p>
<p>You peer into the cell at the man now hanging limply in chains, then you turn to Nathor and say: <quote>Suicide. A suicide and an attempted murder. The prisoner has just killed himself with a poison pellet and it seems his last wish was to take all three of us with him.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect309"><link-text>Turn to 309</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>149</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Calling upon your Kai Mastery, you cause yourself to slip into a coma-like state which gives every outwardly appearance of death.</p>
+ <p>Calling upon your Kai Mastery, you cause yourself to slip into a coma-like state which gives every <!--ERRTAG-RE-247488-->outward appearance<!--/ERRTAG-RE-247488--> of death.</p>
<p>High above, you hear Prince Lutha howling delightedly at the sight of your seemingly lifeless body. He calls for his guards and, a few moments later, you hear them entering the pit. They pronounce you dead, then there follows the tinny sound of metal scraping on metal before you feel yourself being lifted by the shoulders and feet and lowered into a slippery chute. A wave of panic makes you awake from your death-like trance with a start. This sudden and unexpected resurrection makes the guards scream and drop you. They scurry away, gibbering like idiots, and you are left to slide headlong down a chute which leads to a fast-flowing underground river. You hit the cold waters head-first and are carried swiftly away by the strong undercurrent.</p>
<choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>After your long ride to Varetta, the youth<ch.apos/>s offer of rest and assistance sounds inviting. You dismount and approach the door, but as you are about to enter, your Kai Sixth Sense screams a warning.</p>
- <p>Suddenly, a gang of scurrilous rogues emerge from the shadows and come creeping towards your back. Swiftly you unsheathe your weapon and spin around to face them as they launch their cowardly attack.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly, a <!--ERRTAG-RE-255567-->gang of scurrilous rogues emerges<!--/ERRTAG-RE-255567--> from the shadows and come creeping towards your back. Swiftly you unsheathe your weapon and spin around to face them as they launch their cowardly attack.</p>
<combat><enemy>Thieves of Varetta</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">36</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect222">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 222</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The cry of the war-dogs grows steadily louder until the Eldenoran archers let them off the leash. Then, like a wave of hellish demons, the yellow-eyed hounds come bounding through the trees, homing-in directly on your scent. The leading war-dog, a great grey beast with teeth that glint like polished daggers, storms through the foliage less than twenty yards from where you are crouching. It fixes you with its gruesome stare and turns towards you.</p>
- <choice idref="sect341">If you possess a bow, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 341</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect341">If you possess a <!--ERRTAG-RE-255065-->Bow<!--/ERRTAG-RE-255065-->, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 341</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect142">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>158</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>From the top of the Tower of the Sun you survey the mountainous northern approaches with growing trepidation. Banedon is by your side, so too are Kai Masters Black Hawk and Wild Weasel and a score of Kai warmarns and savants. You sense the lower ranks of the Kai are proud and excited to be stationed here with their Grand Master. Your presence inspires their courage and you feel confident that they will fight exceptionally well in the coming battle.</p>
+ <p>From the top of the Tower of the Sun you survey the mountainous northern approaches with growing trepidation. Banedon is by your <!--ERRTAG-RE-259320-->side; so<!--/ERRTAG-RE-259320--> too are Kai Masters Black Hawk and Wild Weasel and a score of Kai warmarns and savants. You sense the lower ranks of the Kai are proud and excited to be stationed here with their Grand Master. Your presence inspires their courage and you feel confident that they will fight exceptionally well in the coming battle.</p>
<p>You look down at the shattered wreck of the <cite>Skyrider</cite> lying in the monastery grounds far below, and it reminds you of your sky journey from Casiorn to Holmgard. You tell Banedon about the <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite> and you promise him that, if your mission to destroy the Shadow Gate is successful, you will make a gift of it to him in recognition of the help he has given the Kai in your absence.</p>
<p><quote>Thank you, Grand Master,</quote> he says. <quote>Yours is a most gracious gesture.</quote></p>
<p>Then the first of the Lavas horde are seen, their burnished wings glinting in the moonlight.</p>
<section class="numbered" id="sect163">
<meta><title>163</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect163-1-foot" idref="sect163-1">
+ <p>It is not certain whether you can add 3 for Sabito and also 3 for Kai-alchemy simultaneously, but that is a reasonable interpretation.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>You are more than two-thirds of the way across the river when you become entangled in the submerged wreckage of a siege engine. You fight to free yourself but, in doing so, you quickly expend the last of the air in your lungs.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
- <p>If you possess any Sabito, or if you possess Kai-alchemy, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Nexus, add 1.</p>
+ <p>If you possess any Sabito, or if you possess Kai-alchemy, add 3 to the number you have picked.<footref id="sect163-1" idref="sect163-1-foot"/> If you possess Grand Nexus, add 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect65">If your total is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 65</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect116">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You focus your advanced Kai healing powers on the young man<ch.apos/>s wound and cause the punctured tissues to knit together (reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by 3 points). Your treatment deadens his pain and revives him, but you know that this remission is but temporary; the poison in his blood is too strong and too well-established to be neutralized by your Kai powers.</p>
- <p>Through clenched teeth, he forces himself to speak. You hear him tell his father that Prince Lutha<ch.apos/>s army is being aided by a sinister group of Cener Druids and renegade Nadziranim magicians. Lutha himself possesses a ring of power, which bestows upon him an invulnerability to weapons. The boy says this ring must be taken from him if he is to be slain.</p>
+ <p>Through clenched teeth, he forces himself to speak. You hear him tell his father that Prince Lutha<ch.apos/>s army is being aided by a sinister group of Cener Druids and renegade <!--ERRTAG-RE-266667-->Nadziran magicians<!--/ERRTAG-RE-266667-->. Lutha himself possesses a ring of power, which bestows upon him an invulnerability to weapons. The boy says this ring must be taken from him if he is to be slain.</p>
<p>Gradually, the effects of your healing powers wear off and the brave young man slips into a sleep from which he will not awaken.</p>
<choice idref="sect255"><link-text>Turn to 255</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Moments before you reach him, he throws the young woman and her child to the ground and spins around to face you, his dagger held poised to slash at your throat. He strikes and you dodge his first clumsy blow with ease. As he is about to strike out for a second time, you raise your weapon and aim a scything blow at his head.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Eldenoran thug (drunk)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">30</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Eldenoran <!--ERRTAG-RE-268685-->Thug<!--/ERRTAG-RE-268685--> (drunk)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">30</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect333">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 333</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>168</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You ask a street trader the way to the Halls of Learning and he points impatiently to an avenue on the west side of the square. A rusty plate fixed to the corner building says: Quill Street.</p>
+ <p>You ask a street trader the way to the Halls of Learning and he points impatiently to an avenue on the west side of the square. A rusty plate fixed to the corner building <!--ERRTAG-RE-269290-->says <quote>Quill Street</quote><!--/ERRTAG-RE-269290-->.</p>
<p>You ride along this narrow avenue, which is flanked by aromatic jala houses and perfumeries, until it turns abruptly right into a wider thoroughfare called Brass Street. A smile cracks your travel-grimy face when you see the courtyard entrance to a grand building. It has changed much since you were last here, but despite its new brick and marble fa<ch.ccedil/>ade you recognize Varetta<ch.apos/>s Halls of Learning.</p>
<p>You ride along a gravelled path to a fountain where you stop to ask a brown-robed scholar if he knows where Gwynian can be found. Without speaking, he points to a nearby hall. A sign hanging over its richly-carved oak door <!--ERRTAG-RE-266411-->says <quote>LIBRARY</quote><!--/ERRTAG-RE-266411-->. You thank the robed man and dismount from your horse, leaving him tied to a ring which is set into the wall. Then you push open the door and enter the library<ch.apos/>s cool interior.</p>
<p>Countless thousands of books and parchments crowd the stone shelves of this magnificent library. Your eyes travel along them until they reach another door at the far end of the hall. There, standing framed in the arch, is the man whose help you seek.</p>
<meta><title>173</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your arrow glances off the Dragons lower eyelid and its tip gouges a furrow of black tissue from the cornea of his eye. He reacts to the sudden, agonizing pain by emitting a ground-shuddering roar. Wildly he stomps his massive forefeet down into the black soil and sends splashes of molten mud and flame soaring into the air.</p>
+ <p>Your <!--ERRTAG-RE-272921-->Arrow<!--/ERRTAG-RE-272921--> glances off the Dragons lower eyelid and its tip gouges a furrow of black tissue from the cornea of his eye. He reacts to the sudden, agonizing pain by emitting a ground-shuddering roar. Wildly he stomps his massive forefeet down into the black soil and sends splashes of molten mud and flame soaring into the air.</p>
<choice idref="sect344"><link-text>Turn to 344</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Stoically you swim against the powerful current and reach the distant shore, breathless and exhausted, but glad to have escaped in one piece from the hostile land of Eldenora.</p>
- <p>Once you have fully recovered, you put on your boots and cloak and take stock of your surroundings. You have emerged from the Storn at a wooded stretch of river bank, less than a mile south of the city of Rhem. You set off along a track heading north and within a few minutes, you catch sight of the city walls and its famous horseshoe-shaped harbour.</p>
+ <p>Once you have fully recovered, you put on your boots and cloak and take stock of your surroundings. You have emerged from the Storn at a wooded stretch of river bank, less than a mile south of the city of Rhem. You set off along a track heading north and within a few minutes, you catch sight of the <!--ERRTAG-RE-281406-->city's walls<!--/ERRTAG-RE-281406--> and its famous horseshoe-shaped harbour.</p>
<p>You enter the city by its south gate, using your Kai camouflage skills and your natural stealth to avoid the attentions of the watchful guards. Once inside, you merge with the crowds and soon find yourself in a square that is overshadowed by the twin towers of Rhem Cathedral. An avenue runs along the cathedral<ch.apos/>s south side and, at its far end, your eye is drawn to a rusty suit of armour which stands beside the door to a dingy-looking shop.</p>
<choice idref="sect339">If you wish to enter this armoury, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect36">If you decide not to enter, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>178</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw an arrow and take careful aim at one of the leading Lavas. As it dips its head and opens its jaw, you release your straining bowstring and send your shaft whistling towards its head. The fire-hardened tip penetrates its eye and, with a hideous shriek, it spins end over end before crashing into the parapet of the tower.</p>
- <p><quote>Fire at their eyes!</quote> you shout, and a cloud of Kai arrows are sent screaming through the sky to seek their elusive mark. More than half find their target, decimating the first wave of the Lavas attack at a single stroke, yet those winged creatures who do survive this deadly volley are quickly among the defenders on the tower. Suddenly you are confronted by one of these beasts who attempts to bat you over the parapet with its horny tail. You leap to avoid its scything attack, draw your weapon in mid-air, and strike your first blow the moment your feet return to the tower<ch.apos/>s flagstones.</p>
+ <p>You draw an <!--ERRTAG-RE-280242-->Arrow<!--/ERRTAG-RE-280242--> and take careful aim at one of the leading Lavas. As it dips its head and opens its jaw, you release your straining bowstring and send your shaft whistling towards its head. The fire-hardened tip penetrates its eye and, with a hideous shriek, it spins end over end before crashing into the parapet of the tower.</p>
+ <p><quote>Fire at their eyes!</quote> you shout, and a <!--ERRTAG-RE-282775-->cloud of Kai arrows is<!--/ERRTAG-RE-282775--> sent screaming through the sky to seek their elusive mark. More than half find their target, decimating the first wave of the Lavas attack at a single stroke, yet those winged creatures who do survive this deadly volley are quickly among the defenders on the tower. Suddenly you are confronted by one of these beasts who attempts to bat you over the parapet with its horny tail. You leap to avoid its scything attack, draw your weapon in mid-air, and strike your first blow the moment your feet return to the tower<ch.apos/>s flagstones.</p>
<combat><enemy>Lavas</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">46</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect49">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 49</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Your slain horse crashes to the ground and you are thrown through the air. You land among the boulders and bracken which border the hill road, but your swift Kai reflexes prevent you from sustaining serious injury: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Bruised but unshaken, you spring to your feet in time to see a yelling horde of leather-clad men, each brandishing a sword or a spear, come rushing from hiding places among the surrounding trees. As they close in upon you, you draw your weapon and prepare to fight for your life.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Eldenoran ambushers</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Eldenoran <!--ERRTAG-RE-287783-->Ambushers<!--/ERRTAG-RE-287783--></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect285">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect188">
<meta><title>188</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect188-1-foot" idref="sect188-1">
+ <p>40 Lune is worth 10 Gold Crowns and also takes up the same space in your Belt Pouch as 10 Gold Crowns.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>The woman reaches to her purse and counts out 40 silver Lune into the cleric<ch.apos/>s trembling hands, and all the while she praises him loudly for taking the pain from her head. The cleric, whose name is Matho, sheepishly accepts her generous donation. Then, quite suddenly, he is swamped by the crowd of onlookers who all rush the stage at once. Each one waves a money purse and demands that he cure them as well. The frail old man is in danger of being crushed to death until you rescue him from this agitated crowd.</p>
- <p>Once safely outside, he offers you all of the woman<ch.apos/>s donation, for he knows only too well that it was your healing abilities which cured her, and not his own. (If you wish to accept this money, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as 40 Lune).</p>
+ <p>Once safely outside, he offers you all of the woman<ch.apos/>s donation, for he knows only too well that it was your healing abilities which cured her, and not his own. (If you wish to accept this money, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as 40 <!--ERRTAG-RE-295583-->Lune.)<!--/ERRTAG-RE-295583--><footref id="sect188-1" idref="sect188-1-foot"/></p>
<p><quote>Where are you bound for, stranger?</quote> he asks.</p>
<p><quote>The east,</quote> you reply.</p>
<p><quote>That<ch.apos/>s where I<ch.apos/>ve journeyed from. Perhaps I can offer you a word of caution, eh? There<ch.apos/>s plague in the Stornlands this year. You would be well to avoid the region if you can. If you can<ch.apos/>t, well, this potion will protect you. I can at least guarantee that.</quote></p>
- <p>The old cleric pulls a small flask from his pocket and offers it to you (if you wish to accept this potion, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as Matho<ch.apos/>s Potion).</p>
+ <p>The old cleric pulls a small flask from his pocket and offers it to <!--ERRTAG-RE-296214-->you. (If<!--/ERRTAG-RE-296214--> you wish to accept this potion, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as Matho<ch.apos/>s <!--ERRTAG-RE-296368-->Potion.)<!--/ERRTAG-RE-296368--></p>
<p>Then the old cleric accompanies you back to the blacksmithy where he, too, is having his mount re-shoed. You collect your horse, and he collects his ragged old mule, then you bid each other good luck and farewell before going your separate ways.</p>
<choice idref="sect315"><link-text>Turn to 315</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>192</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw an arrow and take careful aim at one of the leading Lavas. As it dips its head and opens its jaw, you release your straining bowstring and send your shaft whistling towards its face. The fire-hardened tip penetrates its eye and, with a hideous shriek, it spins end over end before crashing into the parapet of the North Watch.</p>
+ <p>You draw an <!--ERRTAG-RE-297915-->Arrow<!--/ERRTAG-RE-297915--> and take careful aim at one of the leading Lavas. As it dips its head and opens its jaw, you release your straining bowstring and send your shaft whistling towards its face. The fire-hardened tip penetrates its eye and, with a hideous shriek, it spins end over end before crashing into the parapet of the North Watch.</p>
<p><quote>Fire at their eyes!</quote> you shout, and a cloud of fifty Kai arrows are sent screaming through the sky to seek their elusive mark. More than half find their target, decimating the first wave of the Lavas attack at a single stroke, yet those winged creatures who do survive this deadly volley are quickly among the defenders on the wall. Suddenly you are confronted by one of these beasts who attempts to bat you from the battlements with its horny tail. You leap to avoid its scything attack, draw your weapon in mid-air, and strike your first blow the moment your feet return to the flagstones of the North Watch.</p>
<combat><enemy>Lavas</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">46</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect282">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 282</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>194</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Before the angry thieves of Spur Lane can catch you, you cross the square and enter Quill Street. This narrow avenue is flanked by aromatic jala houses and perfumeries, until at length it turns abruptly right into a wider thoroughfare called Brass Street. Here you see the courtyard entrance to a grand building whose brick and marble fa<ch.ccedil/>ade is adorned with the words: HALLS OF LEARNING. Suddenly you feel inexplicably drawn towards this building; it is as if it possesses the solution to all your problems.</p>
+ <p>Before the angry thieves of Spur Lane can catch you, you cross the square and enter Quill Street. This narrow avenue is flanked by aromatic jala houses and perfumeries, until at length it turns abruptly right into a wider thoroughfare called Brass Street. Here you see the courtyard entrance to a grand building whose brick and marble fa<ch.ccedil/>ade is adorned with the <!--ERRTAG-RE-301473-->words <quote>HALLS OF LEARNING</quote><!--/ERRTAG-RE-301473-->. Suddenly you feel inexplicably drawn towards this building; it is as if it possesses the solution to all your problems.</p>
<p>You enter and ride along a gravelled path which leads to a building where a sign, hanging over its richly-carved oak door, simply <!--ERRTAG-RE-299569-->says <quote>LIBRARY</quote><!--/ERRTAG-RE-299569-->. You feel compelled to stop here and, without quite knowing why, you dismount from your horse and tie his reins to a ring which is set into the wall. Then you push open the door and enter the library<ch.apos/>s cool interior.</p>
<p>Countless thousands of books and parchments crowd the stone shelves of this magnificent library. Your eyes travel along them until&
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