&inclusion.brian.williams.bio.lw;
</creator>
<publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
- <date class="publication"><year>2007</year><month>9</month><day>17</day></date>
+ <date class="publication"><year>2008</year><month>4</month><day>24</day></date>
<description class="blurb">
- <p>You are Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>Kai Grand Master of Sommerlund. During your long voyage home from a successful quest you discover the Dark God Naar is poised to unleash a horde of fire-breathing dragons upon the Kai Monastery. Will his agents assassinate you <foreign xml:lang="fr">en route</foreign>? Or will you manage to arrive at your monastery in time to take command of the new order of young Kai warriors in what could be their first and final battle against Naar<ch.apos/>s champions of evil?</p>
+ <p>You are Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>Kai Grand Master of Sommerlund. During your long voyage home from a successful quest you discover the Dark God Naar is poised to unleash a horde of fire-breathing dragons upon the Kai Monastery. Will his agents assassinate you <foreign xml:lang="fr">en route</foreign>? Or will you manage to arrive at your monastery in time to take command of the <!--ERRTAG-RE-1209-->New Order<!--/ERRTAG-RE-1209--> of young Kai warriors in what could be their first and final battle against Naar<ch.apos/>s champions of evil?</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>
</meta>
<data>
- <p class="dedication">To Rick, Nancy <ch.ampersand/> Amy (Ca.)</p>
+ <p class="dedication">To Rick, <!--ERRTAG-RE-2648-->Nancy, and Amy<!--/ERRTAG-RE-2648--> (Ca.)</p>
</data>
</section>
<line>Melvin Mah</line>
<line>Simon Osborne</line>
</dd>
- <dt><a idref="action">Action Chart</a>s</dt>
+ <dt>Action Charts</dt>
<dd>
<line>JC Alvarez</line>
<line>Jonathan Blake</line>
<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 which you had recovered during an earlier quest for Kai knowledge. In this vault, bathed in the golden light of those radiant gems, you spent countless hours in pursuit of perfection. Sometimes alone, sometimes in the company of your two able advisors<ch.emdash/>Banedon and Rimoah<ch.emdash/>you worked hard to develop your innate Grand Master Disciplines, and grasp the fundamental secrets of Brotherhood and Old Kingdom magic. During this time you noticed many remarkable changes taking place within your body: you became physically and mentally stronger, your five primary senses sharpened 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 years following your victory over the Darklords, peace has reigned victorious and the peoples of the Free Kingdoms rejoice in the knowledge that the evil which once threatened to destroy them has been banished from the face of Magnamund. Readily men have exchanged their swords for hoes and their shields for ploughs, and now the only marching they do is along the ruts of their fleshly 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 the Dark God Naar come in many guises and there are those upon Magnamund who wait quietly in the shadows for the chance to do his evil bidding.</p>
+ <p>In the years following your victory over the Darklords, peace has reigned victorious and the peoples of the Free Kingdoms rejoice in the knowledge that the evil which once threatened to destroy them has been banished from the face of Magnamund. Readily men have exchanged their swords for hoes and their shields for ploughs, and now the only marching they do is along the ruts of their freshly furrowed fields. Few are the watchful eyes that scan the distant horizon in fear of what may appear, although there are still those who maintain their vigilance, for the agents of the Dark God Naar come in many guises and there are those upon Magnamund who wait quietly in the shadows for the chance to do his evil bidding.</p>
<p>Already your newfound skills have been tested against Naar<ch.apos/>s agents and you have, on each occasion, acquitted yourself admirably. But your continuing victories against his minions have enraged the Dark God and inflamed his lust for vengeance. One such minion, the powerful Deathlord of Ixia, threatened to enslave the free nations of Magnamund with a weapon forged by Naar himself. Bravely you ventured alone into the Deathlord<ch.apos/>s icy domain and confronted him in a life-or-death battle in which you were triumphant. However, as you were returning from the Deathlord<ch.apos/>s frigid realm you learned that Sommerlund had been attacked. In your absence, Naar had sent forth a host of dragon-creatures to destroy the New Order of the Kai and lay waste to your homeland.</p>
<data>
<p>You keep a record of your adventure on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
- <p>For more than six 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 take a pencil and, with your eyes closed, point with the blunt end of it
on to the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick a 0 it counts as zero.</p>
+ <p>For more than six 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 take a pencil and, with your eyes closed, point with the blunt end of it
<!--ERRTAG-RE-13113-->onto<!--/ERRTAG-RE-13113--> 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 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/>17), you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to Book 18. These scores may include Weaponmastery, Curing, and Psi-surge bonuses obtained upon completion of <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Kai (Books 1<ch.endash/>5) or Magnakai (Books 6<ch.endash/>12) adventures.<footref id="gamerulz-1" idref="gamerulz-1-foot"/> Only if you have completed these previous adventures will you benefit from the appropriate bonuses in the course of the 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>If you have successfully completed any of the previous adventures in the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> series (Books 1<ch.endash/>17), you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to Book 18. These scores may include Weaponmastery, Curing, and Psi-surge bonuses obtained upon completion of <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Kai (Books 1<ch.endash/>5) or Magnakai (Books 6<ch.endash/>12) adventures.<footref id="gamerulz-1" idref="gamerulz-1-foot"/> Only if you have completed these previous adventures will you benefit from the appropriate bonuses in the course of the 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 (Books 1<ch.endash/>5) and Magnakai (Books 6<ch.endash/>12) series to the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> Grand Master series (Books 13<ch.endash/>onwards):</p>
<ul>
<li>Crystal Star Pendant</li>
<footnotes>
<footnote id="discplnz-1-foot" idref="discplnz-1">
- <p>The rules of the books in the Magnakai series (6<ch.endash/>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 Kai weapon. For example, if you complete <cite>The Plague Lords of Ruel</cite> and have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery at the beginning of the next 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<ch.endash/>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 Kai weapon. For example, if you complete <cite>The Plague Lords of Ruel</cite> and have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery at the beginning of the next book, you can choose an additional Weapon from the list to have Mastery of.</p>
</footnote>
</footnotes>
<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.<footref id="discplnz-1" idref="discplnz-1-foot"/></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-21699-->Grand Weaponmastery<!--/ERRTAG-RE-21699--> 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.<footref id="discplnz-1" idref="discplnz-1-foot"/></p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
<section class="frontmatter" id="magi">
<meta><title><!--ERRTAG-RE-33045-->Magi-magic<!--/ERRTAG-RE-33045--></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<ch.emdash/>the native warriors of Dessi. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Old Kingdom magic increase.</p>
+ <p>Under the tutelage of Lord Rimoah, you have been able to master the rudimentary skills of battle-magic, as taught to the Vakeros<ch.emdash/>the native warriors of Dessi. These skills include the basic use of Old Kingdom Spells such as <spell>Shield</spell>, <spell>Power Word</spell>, and <spell>Invisible Fist</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Old Kingdom magic increase.</p>
</data>
</section>
<section class="frontmatter" id="alchemy">
<meta><title>Kai-alchemy</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Under the tutelage of Guildmaster Banedon, you have mastered the elementary spells of Left-handed magic, as practised by the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Left-handed magic increase, enabling you to craft new Kai weapons and <!--ERRTAG-RE-34720-->artefacts<!--/ERRTAG-RE-34720-->.</p>
+ <p>Under the tutelage of Guildmaster Banedon, you have mastered the elementary spells of Left-handed magic, as practised by the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. These spells include <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>, <spell>Levitation</spell>, and <spell>Mind Charm</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Left-handed magic increase, enabling you to craft new Kai weapons and <!--ERRTAG-RE-34720-->artefacts<!--/ERRTAG-RE-34720-->.</p>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Before you set off on your long journey to Sommerlund you take with you a <a idref="map">map of Northern Magnamund</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 <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures (Books 1<ch.endash/>17), you may add this sum to the total sum of crowns you already possess. Fifty Crowns is the maximum you can carry, but additional Crowns can be left in safekeeping at your monastery.</p>
- <p>You can take four items from the list below, again adding to these, if necessary, any you may already possess from previous adventures (remember, you are still limited to two weapons, but you may now carry a maximum of ten Backpack Items).</p>
+ <p>If you have successfully completed any of the previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures (Books 1<ch.endash/>17), you may add this sum to the total sum of Crowns you already possess. Fifty Crowns is the maximum you can carry, but additional Crowns can be left in safekeeping at your monastery.</p>
+ <p>You can take four items from the list below, again adding to these, if necessary, any you may already possess from previous adventures (remember, you are still limited to two Weapons, but you may now carry a maximum of ten Backpack Items).</p>
<ul class="paragraphed">
<li><p>Quarterstaff (Weapons)</p></li>
<li><p>Bow (Weapons)</p></li>
<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>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>
+ <p>If you have the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery with 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>
<dd>
<dt>Deliverance</dt>
<dd><p>Sun Knights who possess this skill are able to repair serious wounds sustained by creatures other than themselves. By the laying of hands upon the affected creature<ch.apos/>s body, a Sun Knight can cause an open wound (or other serious injury) to mend itself. The speed at which this healing takes place increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
<dt>Grand Pathsmanship</dt>
- <dd><p>Kai Sun Knights with this skill are able to repel at will all normal-sized insects within a radius of three yards. The range and numbers of insects so affected increases considerably as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
+ <dd><p>Kai Sun Knights with this skill are able to repel at will all normal-sized insects within a radius of three yards. The range and number of insects so affected increase considerably as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
<dt>Grand Nexus</dt>
<dd><p>Sun Knights who possess Mastery of this Discipline are able to feign death. By placing themselves into a state of suspended animation, outwardly they are able to achieve all semblance of being truly dead. However, whilst in this state the only sense that a Sun Knight retains is the ability to hear.</p></dd>
<dt>Telegnosis</dt>
<dt>Kai-surge</dt>
<dd><p>Sun Lords who possess mastery of this Discipline are able to launch a Kai-blast<ch.emdash/>a pulse of intense psychic energy which is capable of affecting both psychically active and inactive enemies. This form of psychic attack is very effective, more so than a usual Kai-surge, Psi-surge, or Mindblast. It can cause an enemy to lose between 2 and 18 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points in one attack. A Kai Sun Lord using Kai-blast determines the damage inflicted on an enemy by picking two numbers from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. These numbers should be added together (a <quote>0</quote> = 1) and the resultant total equals the damage inflicted. However, use of a Kai-blast will reduce a Sun Lord<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total by 4. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other form of psychic attack.</p></dd>
<dt>Telegnosis</dt>
- <dd><p>Sun Lords who possess this Discipline are able to alter their body weight in order to walk successfully upon different kinds of surface, e.g. water, mud, lava, and quicksand. Time duration and degree of surface difficulty increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
+ <dd><p>Sun Lords who possess this Discipline are able to alter their body weight in order to walk successfully upon different kinds of surface, e.g. water, mud, lava, and quicksand. Time duration and degree of surface difficulty increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
<dt><!--ERRTAG-RE-57185-->Magi-magic<!--/ERRTAG-RE-57185--></dt>
<dd>
<p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Sun Lord are able to use the following battle-spells of the Elder Magi:</p>
<p>If you are a Kai Grand Master who has reached the rank of Grand Thane (9 Disciplines), you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
<dl class="paragraphed">
<dt>Deliverance</dt>
- <dd><p>Grand Thanes with this Discipline are able to call upon the God Kai for divine assistance should a situation warrant it. Kai cannot intervene to save a Grand Thane from physical danger, but he can give signs which may help a Grand Thane chose the best course of action. A Grand Thane can call upon the God Kai for assistance no more than once every month. The frequency of divine audiences will increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
+ <dd><p>Grand Thanes with this Discipline are able to call upon the God Kai for divine assistance should a situation warrant it. Kai cannot intervene to save a Grand Thane from physical danger, but he can give signs which may help a Grand Thane choose the best course of action. A Grand Thane can call upon the God Kai for assistance no more than once every month. The frequency of divine audiences will increase as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
<dt>Assimilance</dt>
<dd><p>Grand Thanes who possess this skill are able to protect themselves from detection by creatures using infravision (the ability to see the heat radiating from a person or thing), or ultravision (the ability to detect objects or movement in the ultraviolet spectrum of light).</p></dd>
<dt>Kai-surge</dt>
<dd><p>Grand Thanes with this skill are able to focus their mind-power upon inanimate breakable objects, e.g. bottles, windows, all ceramics, urns, jugs, etc., and cause them to explode violently. Any person or creature in close proximity to such an explosion risks injury from flying shrapnel.</p></dd>
<dt>Grand Nexus</dt>
- <dd><p>Grand Thanes who possess mastery of this Discipline can pass freely through Shadow Gates. These phenomena are special portals which enable one to access other dimensions and planes of existence outside of Magnamund. Kai Grand Thanes are able to detect the location of Shadow Gates and pass through them without suffering any physical ill effects. The range of their detection increases as a Kai Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
+ <dd><p>Grand Thanes who possess mastery of this Discipline can pass freely through Shadow Gates. These phenomena are special portals which enable one to access other dimensions and planes of existence outside of Magnamund. Kai Grand Thanes are able to detect the location of Shadow Gates and pass through them without suffering any physical ill effects. The range of detection increases as a Kai Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
<dt>Telegnosis</dt>
<dd><p>Grand Thanes who possess this Discipline are able to detect the exact location of precious gems, and valuable metals such as gold, platinum, and silver. These minerals and metals may occur naturally in the ground or they could be part of a hidden treasure hoard. The range of this ability is limited at first, but increases steadily as a Kai Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
<dt>Magi-magic</dt>
<p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Grand Thane are able to use the following Old Kingdom Battle-spells:</p>
<ul>
<li><spell>Power Glyph</spell><ch.emdash/>By inscribing this ancient glyph (a secret magical symbol) upon a door, an archway, or even upon the lid of a closed box, a Kai Grand Thane is able to protect items or portals from being opened. Any creature attempting to open a portal protected in such a way will release the power of the glyph and suffer its deadly effects.</li>
- <li><spell>Hold Enemy</spell><ch.emdash/>Using this spell, a Kai Grand Thane is able to immobilize a single hostile creature anywhere within twenty feet of themselves. The duration of the spell is dependent upon the size and strength of the targeted creature. The range and duration of effect of this spell increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</li>
+ <li><spell>Hold Enemy</spell><ch.emdash/>Using this spell, Kai Grand Thanes are able to immobilize a single hostile creature anywhere within twenty feet of themselves. The duration of the spell is dependent upon the size and strength of the targeted creature. The <!--ERRTAG-RE-58002-->range and duration of effect of this spell increase<!--/ERRTAG-RE-58002--> as a Grand Master rises in rank.</li>
</ul>
</dd>
</dl>
<meta><title>1</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You set sail from Vadera harbour on a bitterly cold, grey, late winters day. The masts of your host ship, the Lencian clipper <cite>Saxin</cite>, have been rigged with every available square inch of canvas to catch the prevailing winds that will, with luck, propel you quickly to Talestria<ch.emdash/>the first stage of your long journey home. The clipper is a sleek and impressive craft and its departure does not go unnoticed, yet of all the many Lencians who have turned out to watch and wave it farewell, only King Sarnac and his closest advisors know the true purpose of its voyage.</p>
- <p>Once the <cite>Saxin</cite> is beyond the sheltering walls of Vadera harbour,
its Captain charts an easterly course along the Tentarias<ch.emdash/>the chain of seas and landlocked lakes which separate the two continents of Magnamund. You and your companion, Lord Ardan, settle into the ship<ch.apos/>s easy routine and, with few on-board duties to perform, you endeavour to pass the long hours constructively. With the aid of a <a idref="map">map</a> which he gives to you, Ardan briefs you on the route you should travel if you are to reach Sommerlund as swiftly as possible. You spend your time discussing the details of the route and pondering the new Evil which now threatens your homeland and the Kai.</p>
+ <p>You set sail from Vadera harbour on a bitterly cold, grey, late winter<ch.apos/>s day. The masts of your host ship, the Lencian clipper <cite>Saxin</cite>, have been rigged with every available square inch of canvas to catch the prevailing winds that will, with luck, propel you quickly to Talestria<ch.emdash/>the first stage of your long journey home. The clipper is a sleek and impressive craft and its departure does not go unnoticed, yet of all the many Lencians who have turned out to watch and wave it farewell, only King Sarnac and his closest advisors know the true purpose of its voyage.</p>
+ <p>Once the <cite>Saxin</cite> is beyond the sheltering walls of Vadera harbour,
<!--ERRTAG-RE-60736-->its captain<!--/ERRTAG-RE-60736--> charts an easterly course along the Tentarias<ch.emdash/>the chain of seas and landlocked lakes which separate the two continents of Magnamund. You and your companion, Lord Ardan, settle into the ship<ch.apos/>s easy routine and, with few on-board duties to perform, you endeavour to pass the long hours constructively. With the aid of a <a idref="map">map</a> which he gives to you, Ardan briefs you on the route you should travel if you are to reach Sommerlund as swiftly as possible. You spend your time discussing the details of the route and pondering the new Evil which now threatens your homeland and the Kai.</p>
- <illustration id="bw-small1" class="inline">
+ <illustration id="bw-small7" class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small1.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="small1.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="small7.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small7.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
<p>Every night, as you lie awake on your bunk staring at the tarred beams of your cabin, you wish away the miles that separate you from your beloved homeland. You want, most of all, to be with your young Kai acolytes in this dark hour, but fate has seen fit to place a great distance between you. Fearful of what you may find if you arrive home too late, every night you offer up prayers to the Gods Ishir and Kai to help speed your return to Sommerlund.</p>
<data>
<p>It is early in the afternoon when you catch sight of a grand, half-timbered bridge in the far distance. It spans a river, swollen by the recent rains, which you recognize at once to be the River Reloni. There is a small circular tent near the approach to the bridge, and three Eldenoran soldiers are seated on stools beside it, each smoking a long-stemmed pipe.</p>
- <p>At first you consider avoiding the bridge and finding somewhere else to make a crossing, but the river is wide and fast-flowing, and the three guards look particularly weak and stupid. After some deliberation, you decide to try and bluff your way past them.</p>
+ <p>At first you consider avoiding the bridge and finding somewhere else to make a crossing, but the river is wide and fast-flowing, and the three guards look particularly weak and stupid. After some deliberation, you decide to <!--ERRTAG-RE-63875-->try to<!--/ERRTAG-RE-63875--> bluff your way past them.</p>
<p>As you approach, one of the guards gets up off his stool and moves to stand in your way. Casually, he asks to see some sort of identification.</p>
<choice idref="sect283">If you possess a Silver Seal, <link-text>turn to 283</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect317">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 317</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>4</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shout the order to fire and the Kai let loose their straining bowstrings. A cloud of arrows with armour-piercing tips, hardened in the fires of the monastery forge, whistle towards the swooping Lavas with impressive accuracy. All find their target, but only one of the winged creatures falls from the sky. You see that the beast has been struck in the eye. Hurriedly the acolytes reload as the Lavas prepare to land on the Tower of the Sun.</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. This time more than half find their target, decimating the onrushing Lavas at a single stroke, yet those winged creatures who do survive this deadly volley are quickly among the defenders on the tower.</p>
+ <p>You shout the order to fire and the Kai let loose their straining bowstrings. A cloud of arrows with armour-piercing tips, hardened in the fires of the monastery forge, <!--ERRTAG-RE-64639-->whistles towards<!--/ERRTAG-RE-64639--> the swooping Lavas with impressive accuracy. All find their target, but only one of the winged creatures falls from the sky. You see that the beast has been struck in the eye. Hurriedly the acolytes reload as the Lavas prepare to land on the Tower of the Sun.</p>
+ <p><quote>Fire at their eyes!</quote> you shout, and a cloud of Kai arrows <!--ERRTAG-RE-65039-->is sent<!--/ERRTAG-RE-65039--> screaming through the sky to seek their elusive mark. This time more than half find their target, decimating the onrushing Lavas at a single stroke, yet those winged creatures who do survive this deadly volley are quickly among the defenders on the tower.</p>
<choice idref="sect58"><link-text>Turn to 58</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>If you wish to keep any of these items, remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<p>Shortly before sunset, you emerge from the trees at a place where three trails meet. A wooden signpost propped against a boulder indicates three directions, and distances:</p>
<signpost>
- <line>North<ch.emdash/>Chod<ch.emdash/>250 miles</line>
- <line>West<ch.emdash/>Holona<ch.emdash/>50 miles</line>
- <line>South<ch.emdash/>Tenzha<ch.emdash/>20 miles</line>
+ <line>Chod: 250 miles North</line>
+ <line>Holona: 50 miles West</line>
+ <line>Tenzha: 20 miles South</line>
</signpost>
-<!-- <table>
- <tr>
- <td>North<ch.emdash/></td>
- <td>Chod</td>
- <td>250 miles</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>West</td>
- <td>Holona</td>
- <td>50 miles</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>South</td>
- <td>Tenzha</td>
- <td>20 miles</td>
- </tr>
- </table>-->
-<!-- <p>North<ch.endash/>Chod<ch.endash/>250 miles</p>
- <p>West<ch.endash/>Holona<ch.endash/>50 miles</p>
- <p>South<ch.endash/>Tenzha<ch.endash/>20 miles</p>
- Should the <ch.emdash/>es be removed as per the table?-->
<p>You are anxious to leave hostile Eldenoran territory as soon as possible and, after checking your <a idref="map">map</a>, you set off to the south, towards the Slovian border town of Tenzha. During your ride, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect343">To continue, <link-text>turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>17</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>High above you can hear the distant sound of running feet. A troop of the Prince<ch.apos/>s guards are rushing to his aid, although you sense that it is too late to save him now. Rather than stay to face their wrath when they discover their leader has been incinerated, you use the Sommerswerd to open the circular panel in the wall of the pit. As it falls away, you discover a chute which leads to an underground river. Quickly you crawl along this slime-smeared chute and slip into the cold waters, where you are carried swiftly away by the strong undercurrent.</p>
+ <p>High above you can hear the distant sound of running feet. A troop of the Prince<ch.apos/>s guards <!--ERRTAG-RE-79885-->is rushing<!--/ERRTAG-RE-79885--> to his aid, although you sense that it is too late to save him now. Rather than stay to face their wrath when they discover their leader has been incinerated, you use the Sommerswerd to open the circular panel in the wall of the pit. As it falls away, you discover a chute which leads to an underground river. Quickly you crawl along this slime-smeared chute and slip into the cold waters, where you are carried swiftly away by the strong undercurrent.</p>
<choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Beyond the valley lies an expanse of coarse and thorny vegetation which is alive with wild game. You stop to catch yourself an evening meal and then make camp beneath an old twisted oak (restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). The night passes uneventfully and at first light you resume your ride east. Shortly before midday, you arrive at the ruins of an ancient church where a signpost, pointing to the east, says:</p>
- <signpost>VANAMOR<ch.emdash/>42 miles</signpost>
+ <signpost><!--ERRTAG-RE-80830-->Vanamor<!--/ERRTAG-RE-80830--><ch.emdash/>42 miles</signpost>
<p>You allow yourself a smile; with luck you could be inside the city walls by nightfall.</p>
<p>Later in the day you see a dust cloud approaching along the road. You magnify your vision and see a dozen armed horsemen clad in ragged uniforms of green and black. A sense of unease pervades your mind; these are the colours most often worn by Eldenoran soldiers. Trusting to your Kai instincts, you steer your horse off the trail and take cover among the trees of a nearby copse.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<p>The unexpected sound of the voice jolts you to full consciousness. You look around for who it was who uttered these words and, to your surprise, you see an old man dressed in brown robes standing before you, stroking your horse<ch.apos/>s nose. Immediately you recognize the kindly face of Gwynian the Sage.</p>
<p><quote>Fate calls us together once more, Lone Wolf,</quote> he says. <quote>Come, we have much to discuss.</quote></p>
<p>And with that he takes hold of your horse<ch.apos/>s bridle and leads him across the park to a grand building. It has changed much since you were last here, but despite the new brick and marble fa<ch.ccedil/>ade you recognize Varetta<ch.apos/>s Halls of Learning.</p>
- <p>You are taken along a gravelled path to a hall, where a sign hanging over its richly-carved oak door says: LIBRARY. You dismount, and Gwynian ties the reins to a ring set into the wall. Then he pushes open the door and together you enter the library<ch.apos/>s cool interior. Countless thousands of books and parchments crowd the stone shelves of this magnificent library, marching past on either side as you walk towards another door at the far end of the hall.</p>
+ <p>You are taken along a gravelled path to a hall, where a sign hanging over its richly-carved oak door <!--ERRTAG-RE-83320-->says <quote>Library</quote><!--/ERRTAG-RE-83320-->. You dismount, and Gwynian ties the reins to a ring set into the wall. Then he pushes open the door and together you enter the library<ch.apos/>s cool interior. Countless thousands of books and parchments crowd the stone shelves of this magnificent library, marching past on either side as you walk towards another door at the far end of the hall.</p>
<choice idref="sect268"><link-text>Turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You take a gasp of air and dive below the surface, but as you submerge, you feel the stinging kiss of a crossbow bolt<ch.apos/>s tip graze your shoulder: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>Having lost the element of surprise, you allow the current to carry you a few hundred yards downstream before you come to the surface. You find yourself opposite a shallow bay in the river bank which affords you better cover from the nearest enemy trench than your previous position upstream. Quickly you crawl out of the water and slither like a snake up the muddy bank to drop silently into this trench. A dull-witted Eldenoran is swiftly dispatched with a blow from the edge of your hand, enabling you to move further along this log-walled ditch. Just as you are passing the opening to a makeshift dugout, you sense danger ahead. A single file of Eldenoran swordsmen are marching along the trench in your direction; it will be only a matter of seconds before they are close enough to see you.</p>
+ <p>Having lost the element of surprise, you allow the current to carry you a few hundred yards downstream before you come to the surface. You find yourself opposite a shallow bay in the river bank which affords you better cover from the nearest enemy trench than your previous position upstream. Quickly you crawl out of the water and slither like a snake up the muddy bank to drop silently into this trench. A dull-witted Eldenoran is swiftly dispatched with a blow from the edge of your hand, enabling you to move further along this log-walled ditch. Just as you are passing the opening to a makeshift dugout, you sense danger ahead. A single file of Eldenoran swordsmen <!--ERRTAG-RE-90474-->is marching<!--/ERRTAG-RE-90474--> along the trench in your direction; it will be only a matter of seconds before they are close enough to see you.</p>
<choice idref="sect185">If you wish to dive into the dugout to avoid being seen by these men, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect57">If you choose to unsheathe your weapon and prepare for combat with this advancing file of troops, <link-text>turn to 57</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Your decision to stop and speak with the pilgrims clearly irritates the Lord Constable, but he bows to your authority and waits patiently for you to finish talking with them.</p>
- <p>You learn that this ragged group are on their way to Garthen. Their leader, a bearded wretch called Pospora, also tells you of a strange camp that he and his pilgrims discovered last night, near a place on the road which he calls <ch.apos/>red rock<ch.apos/>. However, this information does not come cheaply<ch.emdash/>you are pressed by the pilgrims into making a donation to their dubious cause. (Deduct 5 Gold Crowns from you <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. If you possess less than 5 Crowns, erase instead one Backpack Item of your choice.)</p>
+ <p>You learn that this ragged group are on their way to Garthen. Their leader, a bearded wretch called Pospora, also tells you of a strange camp that he and his pilgrims discovered last night, near a place on the road which he calls <ch.apos/>red rock<ch.apos/>. However, this information does not come cheaply<ch.emdash/>you are pressed by the pilgrims into making a donation to their dubious cause. (Deduct 5 Gold Crowns from you <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. If you possess <!--ERRTAG-RE-91768-->fewer than 5 Crowns<!--/ERRTAG-RE-91768-->, erase instead one Backpack Item of your choice.)</p>
<p>Having satisfied your curiosity, you return to the troop and continue the ride east.</p>
<choice idref="sect319"><link-text>Turn to 319</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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>31</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>A signpost on the road out of Quarlen says: Casiorn 260 miles. On a normal horse you would expect the journey to take four days, but on Wildwind you are confident of reaching the City of Merchants before midnight.</p>
+ <p>A signpost on the road out of Quarlen <!--ERRTAG-RE-93572-->says <quote>Casiorn 260 miles</quote><!--/ERRTAG-RE-93572-->. On a normal horse you would expect the journey to take four days, but on Wildwind you are confident of reaching the City of Merchants before midnight.</p>
<p>Aided by a full moon and your sharp Kai skills, you keep Wildwind on a safe course throughout your long night<ch.apos/>s ride. Rapidly the miles melt away beneath his hooves and, as midnight approaches, you see the welcoming lights of Casiorn twinkling on the horizon. Using magical spyglasses, the watchful guards above the city<ch.apos/>s west gate see you coming and set their torches to fire-beacons to help guide you. The gates of the city are thrown open and, as you ride through, you meet with a thunderous welcome from its citizens, rich and poor, many of whom have left their beds to cheer your arrival.</p>
- <p>Not until you see the bulbous golden towers of the High-Mayor<ch.apos/>s Palace do you allow Wildwind to slow his pace. You pass through the palace<ch.apos/>s grand arch, crafted from marble and gold, and as you bring Wildwind to a halt you see a wondrous skyship hovering over the roof of the High-Mayor<ch.apos/>s chambers. It reminds you of <cite>Skyrider</cite><ch.emdash/>your friend Guildmaster Banedon<ch.apos/>s flying ship, although the craft above is sleeker and appears to be fashioned not from wood, but from burnished metal.</p>
+ <p>Not until you see the bulbous golden towers of the High-Mayor<ch.apos/>s Palace do you allow Wildwind to slow his pace. You pass through the palace<ch.apos/>s grand arch, crafted from marble and gold, and as you bring Wildwind to a halt you see a wondrous skyship hovering over the roof of the High-Mayor<ch.apos/>s chambers. It reminds you of <cite>Skyrider</cite><ch.emdash/>your friend Guildmaster Banedon<ch.apos/>s flying <!--ERRTAG-RE-94864-->ship<ch.emdash/>although<!--/ERRTAG-RE-94864--> the craft above is sleeker and appears to be fashioned not from wood, but from burnished metal.</p>
<p><quote>She awaits your command,</quote> says High-Mayor Cordas, as he strides down the steps of his palace chambers with an entourage of guards and advisors scurrying in his wake. <quote>What do you think?</quote> He beams, pointing to the ship. <quote>Is she not magnificent?</quote></p>
<illustration class="float">
<data>
<p>The trooper fumbles for the haft of an axe which is tucked into his belt. Before he can free it, you stride forward and strike a blow with your fist that sends him crashing backwards through the open hut door. Moments later, there is a loud commotion and half a dozen angry Eldenorans come pouring out of the doorway with weapons drawn. You will have to fight them:</p>
- <combat><enemy>Eldenoran horse-scouts</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy><!--ERRTAG-RE-97826-->Eldenoran Horse-scouts<!--/ERRTAG-RE-97826--></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">34</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect85">If you win and the combat lasts three rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 85</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect160">If you win and the combat lasts four rounds or more, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>34</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your calves and feet are badly scorched by the heat of the dragon<ch.apos/>s breath: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Gritting your teeth against the pain, you force yourself to stand and then use your Magnakai skill of Nexus to extinguish your burning breeches. Your quick thinking has saved you from more serious injury, but it does not impress the dragon. Your escape from his incinerating breath serves to make him even angrier. In a fit of pique, he stomps his massive forefoot down on to the black soil and sends a splash of molten mud and flame soaring into the sulphurous sky.</p>
+ <p>Your calves and feet are badly scorched by the heat of the dragon<ch.apos/>s breath: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Gritting your teeth against the pain, you force yourself to stand and then use your Magnakai skill of Nexus to extinguish your burning breeches. Your quick thinking has saved you from more serious injury, but it does not impress the dragon. Your escape from his incinerating breath serves to make him even angrier. In a fit of pique, he stomps his massive forefoot down <!--ERRTAG-RE-98193-->onto<!--/ERRTAG-RE-98193--> the black soil and sends a splash of molten mud and flame soaring into the sulphurous sky.</p>
<p>You use this opportunity to retreat towards the Shadow Gate, but you do not get very far before the great beast sees you and 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>
<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">
+ <illustration id="bw-small8" class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small9.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="small8.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small8.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 on to 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>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 <!--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>
<data>
<p>The defenders on the tower fight like lions. The battle is fierce and bloody throughout the monastery, but the struggle is soon won and the shaken remnants of the winged attackers are repelled with heavy losses. A great cheer goes up as the last of the battered Lavas limps into the air and makes its escape towards the Durncrags.</p>
- <illustration id="bw-small7" class="inline">
+ <illustration id="bw-small1" class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small7.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="small7.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="small1.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small1.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
<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>
<data>
<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>
+ <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 your <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 <!--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>
<data>
<p>Throughout your sky voyage home, your mind is filled with the fear and uncertainty of what may await you in Holmgard. You spend most of the journey on the rear deck, alone with your thoughts, staring down at the land speeding past more than a mile below. You watch as the jungle of the Maakenmire swamp gives way to the barren scrub of the Wildlands. Then, when you catch sight of the Pass of Moytura, your pulse races with excitement for this V-shaped cleft in the southern Durncrags is where the Wildland territories end and your beloved homeland of Sommerlund begins. Yet the excitement you feel here is but nothing compared to your elation when you first glimpse the lights of Holmgard<ch.emdash/>the Sommlending capital.</p>
- <illustration id="bw-small3" class="inline">
+ <illustration id="bw-small12" class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
<p>Guided by beacons blazing atop the King<ch.apos/>s Citadel, the crew of the <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite> bring her gently in towards the city. The craft is made to hover directly above the Citadel and hawsers are lowered to anchor her in position against the wind. Then you descend by rope ladder to the Citadel roof where you are greeted by a distinguished party of Barons and Fryearls, led by King Ulnar himself.</p>
<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>
<p>You raise your hand and bring the regiment to a silent 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 beyond 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>
<p><quote>You are right, Grand Master. The risks are indeed great, but I and my men are willing to take them to ensure your return to the Monastery of the Kai. You must get through. You are the only one who can destroy the Shadow Gate and remove this curse from our land.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>Very well, then, Captain,</quote> you reply, unsheathing your weapon. <quote>Pass the order to prepare to charge.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Very well, then, <!--ERRTAG-RE-139821-->captain<!--/ERRTAG-RE-139821-->,</quote> you reply, unsheathing your weapon. <quote>Pass the order to prepare to charge.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You tell Captain D<ch.apos/>Val to take the regiment fifty yards back along the trail. When he has complied with your order, you move upstream until you can see, at an angle, the source of the ultraviolet beam: it is a shiny metallic polyhedron, studded with rivets.</p>
<p>Using your Kai Mastery of Nexus, you cause the device to rise. You have lifted it no more than a few inches when suddenly it is torn apart by a violent explosion that peppers the area around the ford with sharp splinters of rock. As the dust of the explosion clears, you signal to D<ch.apos/>Val to bring the regiment forward.</p>
- <p><quote>Thank Ishir you<ch.apos/>re with us,</quote> says the Captain, as he leads the men across the ford. <quote>Without you, this wicked sorcery would have cost us dear.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Thank Ishir you<ch.apos/>re with us,</quote> says the <!--ERRTAG-RE-142889-->captain<!--/ERRTAG-RE-142889-->, as he leads the men across the ford. <quote>Without you, this wicked sorcery would have cost us dear.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect235"><link-text>Turn to 235</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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>
<data>
<p>You leave behind the Denka Gate and follow a road that twists and climbs through densely wooded highland. Once you crest the last timbered hill, you begin a gradual descent towards the Taunor Valley<ch.emdash/>a fertile expanse of cropland and grassy plain. By dusk you can see the River Quarl ahead and, shortly before nightfall, you cross its fast-flowing waters at a bridge in the centre of Quarlen, a busy town on the caravan route to Casiorn.</p>
- <p>Just beyond the bridge you see an impressive hostelry, with adjoining stables. A shield hangs above the courtyard gate displaying its name: THE BARREL BRIDGE TAVERN.</p>
+ <p>Just beyond the bridge you see an impressive hostelry, with adjoining stables. A shield hangs above the courtyard gate displaying its <!--ERRTAG-RE-148078-->name: <quote>The Barrel Bridge Tavern</quote><!--/ERRTAG-RE-148078-->.</p>
<choice idref="sect211">If you wish to stop and enter this hostelry, <link-text>turn to 211</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect31">If you choose to continue your ride to Casiorn, <link-text>turn to 31</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>A signpost at the entrance to the hamlet announces its name: Kalma. It is a quiet, sleepy sort of place that in many ways reminds you of Dage, the Sommlending village where you were born and where you spent your early years. Near the centre of this humble village you discover a smithy where, even at this early hour, you can hear the sound of a hammer beating iron. You tether your horse to a rail alongside a moth-eaten old donkey, and call out for the blacksmith.</p>
<p><quote>In <ch.apos/>ere,</quote> comes the curt reply. On entering you discover a tall, broad-shouldered man clad in a leather apron, busily shaping a horseshoe on an anvil.</p>
- <illustration id="bw-small8" class="inline">
+ <illustration id="bw-small6" class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small8.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="small8.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
<p><quote>My steed has shed a shoe,</quote> you say. <quote>Can you replace it?</quote></p>
<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. <!--ERRTAG-RE-154396-->A mass of images swirls<!--/ERRTAG-RE-154396--> 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>85</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the last of the Eldenorans falls to the ground, you turn and vault on to the freed horse<ch.apos/>s back. With a flick of your heels, you urge him to gallop and steer him into the woods. You keep to the trees and head south in a wide arc around the Eldenoran settlement at Fabri. During your ride through the timberland, you discover the following items in the bags and blanket roll which are attached to the horse<ch.apos/>s saddle:</p>
+ <p>As the last of the Eldenorans falls to the ground, you turn and vault <!--ERRTAG-RE-160908-->onto<!--/ERRTAG-RE-160908--> the freed horse<ch.apos/>s back. With a flick of your heels, you urge him to gallop and steer him into the woods. You keep to the trees and head south in a wide arc around the Eldenoran settlement at Fabri. During your ride through the timberland, you discover the following items in the bags and blanket roll which are attached to the horse<ch.apos/>s saddle:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sword</li>
<li>Rope</li>
<p>If you wish to keep any of these items, remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<p>Shortly before sunset, you emerge from the trees at a place where three trails meet. A wooden signpost propped against a boulder indicates three directions, destinations, and distances:</p>
<signpost>
- <line>North<ch.emdash/>Chod<ch.emdash/>250 miles</line>
- <line>West<ch.emdash/>Holona<ch.emdash/>50 miles</line>
- <line>South<ch.emdash/>Tenzha<ch.emdash/>20 miles</line>
+ <line>Chod: 250 miles North</line>
+ <line>Holona: 50 miles West</line>
+ <line>Tenzha: 20 miles South</line>
</signpost>
-<!-- <table>
- <tr>
- <td>North<ch.emdash/></td>
- <td>Chod</td>
- <td>250 miles</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>West</td>
- <td>Holona</td>
- <td>50 miles</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>South</td>
- <td>Tenzha</td>
- <td>20 miles</td>
- </tr>
- </table>-->
-<!-- <p>North<ch.endash/>Chod<ch.endash/>250 miles</p>
- <p>West<ch.endash/>Holona<ch.endash/>50 miles</p>
- <p>South<ch.endash/>Tenzha<ch.endash/>20 miles</p>
- Should the <ch.emdash/>es be removed as per the table?-->
<p>You are anxious to leave hostile Eldenoran territory as soon as possible and, after checking your <a idref="map">map</a>, you set off to the south, towards the Slovian border town of Tenzha.</p>
<p>During your ride, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect343">To continue, <link-text>turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
<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 and ride along a gravelled path which leads to a building where a sign, hanging over its richly-carved oak door, simply says: LIBRARY. 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>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>
<choice idref="sect348">If you have ever visited a hut on Raider<ch.apos/>s Road, the city of Tahou, or Lake Vorndarol (in previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures), <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
<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 <!--ERRTAG-RE-178945-->mass of images begins to swirl<!--/ERRTAG-RE-178945--> 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>
<data>
<p>The figure beside the fireplace does not reply. Instead, it stretches out a gloved hand and takes up an iron rod which is lying upon the stone mantle. The moment its fingers close around the haft, a crackling blue flame ignites at its tip.</p>
- <illustration id="bw-small4" class="inline">
+ <illustration id="bw-small5" class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small4.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="small4.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="small5.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small5.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
<p><quote>Draw steel!</quote> commands Nathor, and his men respond by unsheathing their swords in readiness for combat. The Sommerswerd hums with power as you release it from its scabbard and hold it before your face. You sense that the figure is not human: it possesses an aura of evil that marks it as a dark disciple, a magician versed in the forbidden black arts of the Nadziranim.</p>
<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>
<p>Quickly you rise from the river and cough out a mouthful of cold water. The dust of the explosion is settling and you can see D<ch.apos/>Val bringing the regiment forward.</p>
<p><quote>Are you badly injured, Grand Master?</quote> he shouts, as he comes riding through the water.</p>
<p><quote>I<ch.apos/>ll live,</quote> you reply, sardonically, and hurry to remount your skittish horse.</p>
- <p><quote>Thank Ishir you<ch.apos/>re with us,</quote> says the Captain, as together you return to the regiment and lead them across the ford. <quote>Without you, this wicked sorcery would have cost us dear.</quote></p>
- <choice idref="sect253"><link-text>Turn to 235</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p><quote>Thank Ishir you<ch.apos/>re with us,</quote> says the <!--ERRTAG-RE-192473-->captain<!--/ERRTAG-RE-192473-->, as together you return to the regiment and lead them across the ford. <quote>Without you, this wicked sorcery would have cost us dear.</quote></p>
+ <choice idref="sect235"><link-text>Turn to 235</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>
<li>Lantern</li>
<li>Blanket</li>
<li>Spyglass</li>
- <li>Sliver Seal (Special Item)</li>
+ <li>Silver Seal (Special Item)</li>
</ul>
<p>If you choose to keep any of the above items, remember to record them in the appropriate sections of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect340">To continue your journey east, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
<p>If you decide to keep any of these items, remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<p>Shortly before sunset, you emerge from the trees at a place where three trails meet. A wooden signpost propped against a boulder indicates three directions, destinations, and distances:</p>
<signpost>
- <line>North<ch.emdash/>Chod<ch.emdash/>250 miles</line>
- <line>West<ch.emdash/>Holona<ch.emdash/>50 miles</line>
- <line>South<ch.emdash/>Tenzha<ch.emdash/>20 miles</line>
+ <line>Chod: 250 miles North</line>
+ <line>Holona: 50 miles West</line>
+ <line>Tenzha: 20 miles South</line>
</signpost>
- <!-- <table>
- <tr>
- <td>North<ch.emdash/></td>
- <td>Chod</td>
- <td>250 miles</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>West</td>
- <td>Holona</td>
- <td>50 miles</td>
- </tr>
- <tr>
- <td>South</td>
- <td>Tenzha</td>
- <td>20 miles</td>
- </tr>
- </table>-->
-<!-- <p>North<ch.endash/>Chod<ch.endash/>250 miles</p>
- <p>West<ch.endash/>Holona<ch.endash/>50 miles</p>
- <p>South<ch.endash/>Tenzha<ch.endash/>20 miles</p>
- Should the <ch.emdash/>es be removed as per the table?-->
<p>You are anxious to leave hostile Eldenoran territory as soon as possible and, after checking your <a idref="map">map</a>, you set off to the south, towards the Slovian border town of Tenzha.</p>
<p>During your ride, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect343">To continue, <link-text>turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
<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>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>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 and<!--/ERRTAG-RE-202481--> 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 <!--ERRTAG-RE-201005-->Court Cavalrymen<!--/ERRTAG-RE-201005-->, 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 <!--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>You enter and ride along a gravelled path which leads to a building where a sign, hanging over its richly-carved oak door, simply says: LIBRARY. 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>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>
<choice idref="sect348">If you have ever visited a hut on Raider<ch.apos/>s Road, the city of Tahou, or Lake Vorndarol (in previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures), <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
<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>
<p><quote>It is good to see you again, Grand Master,</quote> he says, forcing a smile. <quote>I was expecting you. I received word yesterday from Queen Evaine telling me of your urgent journey. Yet it is unfortunate that your visit should come at this time; I would have hoped to have given you the kind of welcome you truly deserve.</quote> The Elector then introduces you to his generals who acknowledge you with soldierly salutes.</p>
<p><quote>As you can see, we are at war, Grand Master,</quote> he says, sweeping a hand over the maps which lie strewn across his state table. <quote>The new ruler of Eldenora, a low-born blackguard by the name of Lutha who dares to adorn himself with the title <quote>Prince of Duadon</quote>, is attempting to seize our northern territories. We are locked in battle with his army of cut-throats near Holona and, though it pains me to have to admit this, we<ch.apos/>re hard-pressed to contain his advance. This war has come without warning and we were ill-prepared. We have few reserves, insufficient to support the Holona garrison and to counter the many small units of Eldenoran horsemen who are ravaging our plains. This is a dark and testing time for us, Grand Master, but e<ch.apos/>en so, I shall aid you all I can.</quote></p>
- <illustration id="bw-small5" class="inline">
+ <illustration id="bw-small2" class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small5.gif" width="386" height="141"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="small5.pdf" width="386" height="141"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="141"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="141"/>
</illustration>
<p>You learn that the Elector has already elicited, on your behalf, the help of High-Mayor Cordas of Casiorn. Cordas is reputedly the richest man in all of Magnamund. Manatine tells you that Cordas has ordered the construction of a sky-vessel to transport you swiftly to Sommerlund.</p>
<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>
<meta><title>135</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The carriage door swings open and the beautiful young woman steps gracefully out on to the stony trail.</p>
+ <p>The carriage door swings open and the beautiful young woman steps gracefully out <!--ERRTAG-RE-226151-->onto<!--/ERRTAG-RE-226151--> the stony trail.</p>
<p><quote>May I be so bold as to introduce myself,</quote> she says, pausing to adjust a broad-brimmed hat which is trimmed with black corvayl fur, as silky smooth as her flowing hair. <quote>I am the Baroness Coryene of the Lucia Province.</quote></p>
<p>She offers her delicate hand and you kiss it in deference to her noble rank. Out of the corner of your eye you notice the leading horseman dismount and come to stand protectively by her side.</p>
<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>
- <signpost>The Towering Pine Inn</signpost>
- <signpost>Room <ch.ampersand/> Stabling<ch.emdash/>2 Gold Crowns per night</signpost>
+ <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>
+ <line>The Towering Pine Inn</line>
+ <line>Room <ch.ampersand/> Stabling<ch.emdash/>2 Gold Crowns per night</line>
+ </signpost>
<choice idref="sect103">If you possess sufficient Gold Crowns to stay here for the night, <link-text>turn to 103</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect302">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 302</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The river track runs parallel to the Kinam for nearly a mile before bearing east and entering a coppice of tall conifers. On the far side of this cultivated wood you come to a bridge across a wide, fast-flowing tributary of the Kinam. The parapet of the bridge is lined with imposing stone statues, each depicting a past lord of Scade Manor.</p>
- <illustration id="bw-small10" class="inline">
+ <illustration id="bw-small3" class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small10.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="small10.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
<p>In the distance you can now see Castle Tranius. Its curtain wall and fortified barbican are illuminated by torches which were lit, as is the custom here, an hour before sunset. On arriving at the gatehouse, Lord Nathor and the rest of you are welcomed into the castle keep where your horses are attended to. A trio of Knight Tranius<ch.apos/>s guards come to escort you to his hall and, as you follow them to the castle<ch.apos/>s upper chambers, Nathor asks after Guetor the Boarmaster, the leader of Knight Tranius<ch.apos/>s hunt.</p>
<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>
<p><quote>You are right, Grand Master. The risks are indeed great, but I and my men are willing to take them to ensure your return to the Monastery of the Kai. You must get through. You are the only one who can destroy the Shadow Gate and remove this curse from our land.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>Very well then, Captain,</quote> you reply, unsheathing your weapon. <quote>Pass the order to prepare to charge.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Very well then, <!--ERRTAG-RE-242381-->captain<!--/ERRTAG-RE-242381-->,</quote> you reply, unsheathing your weapon. <quote>Pass the order to prepare to charge.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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>For hours the sound of the Kraan<ch.apos/>s incessant cry echoes among the surrounding hills, making it difficult for you to sleep at all this night. As you lie awake listening to its ghastly caw, a sense of foreboding invades your mind and, despite your strong will, you feel powerless to overcome it. Restless and agitated, you get up and pace around the cellar until, at last, the cawing ceases and a chorus of bird song ushers in the dawn (lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points because of lack of rest).</p>
- <illustration id="bw-small6" class="inline">
+ <illustration id="bw-small10" class="inline">
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="small10.gif" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small10.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
<p>You join the troop for breakfast with Rasbarin and his brothers. During this meal, the elderly monk offers you a Flask of Aquas to fortify you on the road ahead, and a Talisman of Ishir to ward off hostile creatures (these are both Backpack Items). After breakfast, Nathor thanks Rasbarin for his hospitality and makes a donation of 50 Lune to his monastery. (If, before leaving, you too would like to make a donation, erase from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> the number of Gold Crowns you decide to give to the holy Vaderish Brethren.)</p>
<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>
<meta><title>160</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You finish the last of the horse scouts with a crushing blow to the head, and, as he collapses to the ground, you spin about and vault on to the freed horse<ch.apos/>s back. But before you can spur him to the gallop and make good your escape, you hear the ominous click of a crossbow being cocked in the doorway behind you.</p>
+ <p>You finish the last of the horse scouts with a crushing blow to the head, and, as he collapses to the ground, you spin about and vault <!--ERRTAG-RE-258294-->onto<!--/ERRTAG-RE-258294--> the freed horse<ch.apos/>s back. But before you can spur him to the gallop and make good your escape, you hear the ominous click of a crossbow being cocked in the doorway behind you.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Assimilance, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect224">If your total score is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 224</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect14">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 14</link-text>.</choice>
<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 says: LIBRARY. 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>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>
<p><quote>Welcome, Grand Master,</quote> says Gwynian the Sage. <quote>I have been expecting you.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect268"><link-text>Turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
<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&
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