&inclusion.brian.williams.bio.lw;
</creator>
<publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
- <date class="publication"><year>2007</year><month>7</month><day>31</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>
</dd>
<dt>Editing</dt>
<dd>
+ <line>Ingo Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
<line>LeRoy McSwain</line>
+ <line>Jennifer Sigman</line>
<line>Simon Osborne</line>
</dd>
<dt>Coordination</dt>
<p>It is the year MS 5077, twenty-seven years since your brave kinsmen perished at the hands of the Darklords of Helgedad. These champions of evil, who were sent forth by Naar, the King of the Darkness, to destroy the fertile world of Magnamund, have themselves since been destroyed. You vowed to avenge the murder of the Kai and you kept your pledge, for it was you who brought about their downfall when alone you infiltrated their foul domain<ch.emdash/>the Darklands<ch.emdash/>and caused the destruction of their leader and the base of his power that was the infernal city of Helgedad.</p>
- <p>In the wake of their destruction, chaos befell the Darkland armies who, until then, had been poised to conquer all of Magnamund. Some factions which comprised this huge army, roost notably the barbaric Drakkarim, began to fight with the others for control. This disorder quickly escalated into an all-out civil war which allowed the Freeland armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a counter-offensive. Skilfully their commanders exploited the chaos and secured a swift and total victory over an enemy far superior in numbers.</p>
+ <p>In the wake of their destruction, chaos befell the Darkland armies who, until then, had been poised to conquer all of Magnamund. Some factions which comprised this huge army, most notably the barbaric Drakkarim, began to fight with the others for control. This disorder quickly escalated into an all-out civil war which allowed the Freeland armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a counter-offensive. Skilfully their commanders exploited the chaos and secured a swift and total victory over an enemy far superior in numbers.</p>
- <p>For sever years now peace has reigned in Sommerlund. Under your direction the once-ruined Monastery of the Kai has been thoroughly rebuilt and restored to its former glory, and the task of teaching a New Order of Kai warriors the skills and proud traditions of your ancestors is also well established. The new generation of Kai recruits, all of whom were born during the era of war against he Darklords, possess latent Kai skills and show exceptional promise. These skills will be nurtured and honed to perfection during their time here at the monastery so that they may teach and inspire future generations, thereby ensuring the continued security of your homeland in future years.</p>
+ <p>For seven years now peace has reigned in Sommerlund. Under your direction the once-ruined Monastery of the Kai has been thoroughly rebuilt and restored to its former glory, and the task of teaching a New Order of Kai warriors the skills and proud traditions of your ancestors is also well established. The new generation of Kai recruits, all of whom were born during the era of war against the Darklords, possess latent Kai skills and show exceptional promise. These skills will be nurtured and honed to perfection during their time here at the monastery so that they may teach and inspire future generations, thereby ensuring the continued security of your homeland in future years.</p>
- <p>Your attainment of he rank of Kai Grand Master brought with it great rewards. Some, such as he restoration of he Kai and the undying gratitude of your fellow Sommlending, could have been anticipated. Yet there have been rewards which you could not possibly have foreseen. The discovery that within you lay he potential to develop Kai Disciplines beyond those of he Magnakai, which, until now, were thought to be the ultimate that a Kai Master could aspire to, was truly a revelation. Your discovery has inspired you to set out upon a new and previously unknown path in search of the wisdom and power that no Kai Lord before you has ever possessed. In the name of your creator, the God Kai, and for the greater glory of Sommerlund and the Goddess Ishir, you have vowed to reach the very pinnacle of Kai perfection<ch.emdash/>to attain all of the Grand Master Disciplines and become the first Kai Supreme Master.</p>
+ <p>Your attainment of the rank of Kai Grand Master brought with it great rewards. Some, such as the restoration of the Kai and the undying gratitude of your fellow Sommlending, could have been anticipated. Yet there have been rewards which you could not possibly have foreseen. The discovery that within you lay the potential to develop Kai Disciplines beyond those of the Magnakai, which, until now, were thought to be the ultimate that a Kai Master could aspire to, was truly a revelation. Your discovery has inspired you to set out upon a new and previously unknown path in search of the wisdom and power that no Kai Lord before you has ever possessed. In the name of your creator, the God Kai, and for the greater glory of Sommerlund and the Goddess Ishir, you have vowed to reach the very pinnacle of Kai perfection<ch.emdash/>to attain all of the Grand Master Disciplines and become the first Kai Supreme Master.</p>
- <p>With diligence and determination you set about the restoration of the Kai Monastery and the training of the New Order recruits. Your efforts were soon rewarded for, within the space of two short years, the first raw recruits had graduated to become a cadre of gifted Kai Masters who, in turn, were able to commence the teaching of their skills to subsequent intakes of Kai novices. Readily the Kai Masters rose to their newfound responsibilities, leaving you free to devote more of your time to the pursuit and perfection of the Grand Master Disciplines. During this period you also received expert tutelage in the ways of magic from two of your most trusted friends and advisors: Guildmaster Banedon, leader of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star, and Lord Rimoah, speaker for the High Council of be Elder Magi.</p>
+ <p>With diligence and determination you set about the restoration of the Kai Monastery and the training of the New Order recruits. Your efforts were soon rewarded for, within the space of two short years, the first raw recruits had graduated to become a cadre of gifted Kai Masters who, in turn, were able to commence the teaching of their skills to subsequent intakes of Kai novices. Readily the Kai Masters rose to their newfound responsibilities, leaving you free to devote more of your time to the pursuit and perfection of the Grand Master Disciplines. During this period you also received expert tutelage in the ways of magic from two of your most trusted friends and advisors: Guildmaster Banedon, leader of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star, and Lord Rimoah, speaker for the High Council of the Elder Magi.</p>
<p>In the deepest subterranean level of the monastery, one hundred feet below the Tower of the Sun, you ordered the excavation and construction of a special vault. In this magnificent chamber wrought of granite and gold you placed the seven Lorestones of Nyxator, the gems of Kai power 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 host of dragon-creatures to destroy the New Order of the Kai and lay waste to your homeland.</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>
<p>The news came as a terrible shock. In Ixia you had won a great victory over Evil, yet at what cost? You had no doubts that the New Order were worthy Kai warriors, but they were all so young, their mettle as yet untested in the furnace-heat of battle. Secretly you feared that they would be unable to resist Naar<ch.apos/>s newest champions, and so you resolved to return as quickly as possible to Sommerlund to take command of the Kai Monastery and orchestrate your country<ch.apos/>s defences.</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>
</li>
</ul>
- <p>List the four items
bat you choose on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, under the appropriate headings, and make a note of any effect they may have on your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points or <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
+ <p>List the four items
that you choose on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, under the appropriate headings, and make a note of any effect they may have on your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points or <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
<section class="frontmatter" id="howuse">
<meta>
<data>
<dl class="paragraphed">
<dt>Weapons</dt>
- <dd><p>The maximum number of weapons that you can carry is two. Weapons aid you in combat. If you have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery and a correct weapon, it adds 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you find a weapon during your adventure, you may pick it up and use it.</p></dd>
+ <dd><p>The maximum number of weapons that you can carry is <em>two</em>. Weapons aid you in combat. If you have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery and a correct weapon, it adds 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you find a weapon during your adventure, you may pick it up and use it.</p></dd>
<dt>Bows and Arrows</dt>
<dd>
<p>During your adventure there will be opportunities to use a Bow and Arrow. If you equip yourself with this weapon, and you possess at least one Arrow, you may use it when the text of a particular section allows you to do so. The Bow is a useful weapon, for it enables you to hit an enemy at a distance. However, a Bow cannot be used in hand-to-hand combat; therefore it is strongly recommended that you also equip yourself with a close combat weapon, such as a sword or axe.</p>
<p>In order to use a Bow you must possess a Quiver and at least one Arrow. Each time the Bow is used, erase an Arrow from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. A Bow cannot, of course, be used if you exhaust your supply of Arrows, but the opportunity may arise during your adventure for you to replenish your stock of Arrows.</p>
- <p>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>Grand Huntmastery</dt>
<dd><p>Kai Sun Lords with this skill are able to see, with acute accuracy, light in the infrared spectrum, <!--ERRTAG-RE-58448-->i.e. they<!--/ERRTAG-RE-58448--> can see complex patterns generated by heat in near or total darkness. They can also see light in the ultraviolet spectrum.</p></dd>
<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>
+ <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>
+ <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>You are deeply suspicious of the youth, and by using the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Sense Evil</spell>, you soon confirm your fears. You detect that he is a murderous cut-throat and that his sinister building is home to Varetta<ch.apos/>s notorious Guild of Thieves. Forewarned of the danger, you wheel your horse about and gallop away along Spur Lane, retracing your route back to the square at the city<ch.apos/>s South Gate. On returning here, you rein in your horse and pause to consider the remaining two exits from the square.</p>
- <choice idref="sect308">If you wish to go north Into Ladder Way, <link-text>turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect308">If you wish to go north into Ladder Way, <link-text>turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect194">If you choose to go west into Quill Street, <link-text>turn to 194</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>3</title></meta>
<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 mall 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>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 <!--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>You bow to the King<ch.apos/>s wishes and resolve, instead, to reach the Kai Monastery by land and destroy the Shadow Gate as soon as you are able. Strengthened by this resolution, you show to the council the Sun-crystal that Gwynian gave you, and you tell them how you intend to use it.</p>
<p>Ulnar and the barons applaud your plan and your steadfast courage. The King places under your command his <ch.eacute/>lite Guard Cavalry regiment, so that you may be able to use them to break through the enemy<ch.apos/>s line at its weakest point and reach the Kai Monastery. Captain D<ch.apos/>Val, commander of the Guard Cavalry, knows where this weak point is and he will guide you to it.</p>
<p>The King dissolves the council and, as the barons return to their armies in the field, he orders you to rest in his chambers for a few hours.</p>
- <p><quote>Get some sleep, Grand Master,</quote> he says, patting you paternally on the shoulder, <quote>you will need it. You ride with the Guard at dawn.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Get some sleep, Grand Master,</quote> he says, patting you paternally on the shoulder. <quote>You will need it. You ride with the Guard at dawn.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect94"><link-text>Turn to 94</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>10</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quickly you make your descent across the rocks to where the Sun-crystal lies, but in your hurry, you slip and fall on he wet granite.</p>
+ <p>Quickly you make your descent across the rocks to where the Sun-crystal lies, but in your hurry, you slip and fall on the wet granite.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Nexus, add 2. If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, add 1. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points total is 11 or less, deduct 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect258">If your total score is now 2 or less, <link-text>turn to 258</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect134">If it is 3 or more, <link-text>turn to 134</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>11</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>It is near dusk when you emerge from the hills and see the glimmering waters of River Kinam less than five miles distant. This great river marks the border between Talestria and Palmyrion, Queen Evaine<ch.apos/>s neighbouring ally. The road descends to a border toll bridge beyond which you can see the sprawling town of Scade. The troop is challenged by the bridge warden to halt and pay a fee of 100 Silver Lune. This fee is soon forgotten, though, when the Lord Constable shows the pedantic old man his Royal Seal. With a stiff salute he steps aside and bids you all a safe journey.</p>
+ <p>It is near dusk when you emerge from the hills and see the glimmering waters of the River Kinam less than five miles distant. This great river marks the border between Talestria and Palmyrion, Queen Evaine<ch.apos/>s neighbouring ally. The road descends to a border toll bridge beyond which you can see the sprawling town of Scade. The troop is challenged by the bridge warden to halt and pay a fee of 100 Silver Lune. This fee is soon forgotten, though, when the Lord Constable shows the pedantic old man his Royal Seal. With a stiff salute he steps aside and bids you all a safe journey.</p>
<p>Scade is a bustling market town which has grown rich and fat in the years following the defeat of the Darklords. Its brightly painted buildings and paved thoroughfares exude affluence, and even its lowly street-beggars look clean and well-fed by comparison to those in other parts of Magnamund. Nathor leads the troop to an inn near the centre of the town, a fine establishment called <quote>The Lucky Bucket</quote>. Its owner, a corpulent fellow with a polished bald pate, welcomes him with open arms. After the ordeal at Pinepeaks and the long day<ch.apos/>s ride, you are looking forward to a hot bath and a large supper. However, it soon transpires that the inn is almost full and the owner can only provide rooms for five of the troop.</p>
<p><quote>Not to worry,</quote> says Nathor, noticing the look of disappointment on your face. <quote>I know Knight Tranius<ch.emdash/>the lord of this manor. Many<ch.apos/>s the time we<ch.apos/>ve hunted boar in the hills. His castle is but two miles from here. Five can billet here tonight while the rest of us lodge with Tranius.</quote></p>
<p>You agree to Nathor<ch.apos/>s proposal and set off with him, accompanied by three of the troopers, along a river track which heads north to Castle Tranius.</p>
</ul>
<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>
- <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?-->
+ <signpost>
+ <line>Chod: 250 miles North</line>
+ <line>Holona: 50 miles West</line>
+ <line>Tenzha: 20 miles South</line>
+ </signpost>
<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>
<meta><title>18</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You sense that the talisman is protecting your body from the extreme heat and toxic atmosphere of this hellish plane. However, this talisman alone will not be sufficient to keep you sale from the creatures that are now advancing rapidly towards the Shadow Gate.</p>
+ <p>You sense that the talisman is protecting your body from the extreme heat and toxic atmosphere of this hellish plane. However, this talisman alone will not be sufficient to keep you safe from the creatures that are now advancing rapidly towards the Shadow Gate.</p>
<choice idref="sect80"><link-text>Turn to 80</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>
- <p>You allow yourself a smile; with luck you could be the city walls by nightfall.</p>
+ <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>
<choice idref="sect81">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>6, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>20</title></meta>
<data>
- <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 horses nose. Immediately you recognize the kindly face of Gwynian the Sage.</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>Desperately you urge the horse forwards, but the combined weight of you and Lord Nathor conspire to slow its progress. Before it can carry you through the gatehouse and onto the drawbridge beyond, the portcullis comes crashing down, sealing your only means of escape. Then a second portcullis descends, preventing you from returning into the castle keep. You are caught, trapped like fish in a barrel in the narrow corridor between these two gates.</p>
<p>This area is called the <quote>murder hole</quote>, and, as you soon discover to your cost, it is an apt description of what can occur in this dreadful place. Within seconds of your capture, the walls above are ringed by guardsmen, each armed with bows which they aim at you and your companion. At a given signal they open fire, pouring volley after relentless volley of arrows into your defenceless forms.</p>
- <p>Tragically, your life and your journey home to Sommerlund ends here, in the murder hole of castle Tranius.</p>
+ <p>Tragically, your life and your journey home to Sommerlund end here, in the murder hole of Castle Tranius.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>24</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The death of their leader stuns the dragon herd into frozen silence, and you seize this opportunity to make a dash for the Shadow Gate. Before Naar can direct his lavas to block your escape, you reach the Shadow Gate and hurl yourself through it into the whirling black abyss.</p>
+ <p>The death of their leader stuns the dragon herd into frozen silence, and you seize this opportunity to make a dash for the Shadow Gate. Before Naar can direct his Lavas to block your escape, you reach the Shadow Gate and hurl yourself through it into the whirling black abyss.</p>
<choice idref="sect69"><link-text>Turn to 69</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<line>dagger and lunges for your heart.</line>
</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="622"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="622"/>
</illustration>
<combat><enemy>Bargee (master thief):</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">36</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">25</enemy-attribute></combat>
<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 cone 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>
<meta><title>28</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your decision to stop and speak with the pilgrims clearly irritates the Lord Constable, but he bows to your authority and watts 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>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 <!--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 Ravens 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>30</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You abandon your horse at the derelict barn and creep down stealthily to the river<ch.apos/>s edge. After stowing your cloak and boots in your backpack, you wade out into the cold dark waters of the Storn and begin your swim to the opposite bank. The river current is strong and, before long, you find yourself being carried swiftly downstream.</p>
+ <p>You abandon your horse at the derelict barn and creep down stealthily to the river<ch.apos/>s edge. After stowing your cloak and boots in your backpack, you wade out into the cold, dark waters of the Storn and begin your swim to the opposite bank. The river current is strong and, before long, you find yourself being carried swiftly downstream.</p>
<choice idref="sect232">If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score is 10 or less, <link-text>turn to 232</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect177">If it is 11 or more, <link-text>turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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 Skyrider<ch.emdash/>your friend Guildmaster Banedon<ch.apos/>s flying ship, although the craft above is 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">
<line><ch.lsquot/>Is she not magnificent?<ch.rsquot/></line>
</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="624"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="624"/>
</illustration>
<p><quote>Yes, indeed she is,</quote> you reply, as you dismount from Wildwind who, to your greater astonishment, displays not the slightest sign of fatigue after your incredible ride from Varetta. <quote>Pray tell me, High-Mayor, what is the craft<ch.apos/>s name?</quote></p>
<p><quote>We call her <ch.ldquot/>Cloud-dancer<ch.rdquot/>,</quote> he replies, proudly.</p>
- <p>Within the hour you are standing aboard the gleaming steel deck of Cloud-dancer, which vibrates gently in tune to the rising power of its magical engines. The crew of Casiornian engineers set free the hawsers which hold her in place and then, with a farewell wave to Cordas and his court, you give the order for Cloud-dancer to commence her maiden voyage north to Holmgard.</p>
+ <p>Within the hour you are standing aboard the gleaming steel deck of <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite>, which vibrates gently in tune to the rising power of its magical engines. The crew of Casiornian engineers set free the hawsers which hold her in place and then, with a farewell wave to Cordas and his court, you give the order for <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite> to commence her maiden voyage north to Holmgard.</p>
<choice idref="sect60"><link-text>Turn to 60</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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>
<data>
<p>You continue along the avenue until you reach the city<ch.apos/>s north wall. Here you stop to read a proclamation that has been nailed to the door of a coaching inn and stables. It states that a curfew is in force in Rhem, and anyone found on the streets an hour after nightfall will be arrested by the city watch.</p>
<p>You are about to leave when you overhear the owner of the stables talking to one of his stable-hands. The boy is holding the reins of an aged horse that is severely lame in one leg, and the owner is telling him that he can no longer afford to stable the sick old mare.</p>
- <p><quote>She<ch.apos/>ll have to go,</quote> says the owner, shaking his head, <quote>she<ch.apos/>s worthless to me now she<ch.apos/>s not earning her keep.</quote></p>
- <p>Tears are streaming down the young boys face. Clearly he loves the old horse and is heartbroken at the prospect of her being destroyed. Boldly you approach the owner and propose a deal.</p>
+ <p><quote>She<ch.apos/>ll have to go,</quote> says the owner, shaking his head. <quote>She<ch.apos/>s worthless to me now she<ch.apos/>s not earning her keep.</quote></p>
+ <p>Tears are streaming down the young boy<ch.apos/>s face. Clearly he loves the old horse and is heartbroken at the prospect of her being destroyed. Boldly you approach the owner and propose a deal.</p>
<p><quote>Sir, if I am able to cure this lame mare,</quote> you say, stroking the horse<ch.apos/>s velvety nose, <quote>then will you allow me to keep her?</quote></p>
<p><quote>Ha, ha, ha, so you think you can work miracles, do you?</quote> chuckles the owner. <quote>Very well then, stranger. If you can cure her<ch.emdash/>you can keep her.</quote></p>
<meta><title>39</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You erect a psychic shield to protect our mind from Roark<ch.apos/>s assault, and you successfully deflect his attack. But as his ghastly apparition gallops past, it stirs in its wake a whirling maelstrom that is filled with rocks, broken glass and other city debris. This whirlwind assails you physically and knocks you to the ground.</p>
+ <p>You erect a psychic shield to protect your mind from Roark<ch.apos/>s assault, and you successfully deflect his attack. But as his ghastly apparition gallops past, it stirs in its wake a whirling maelstrom that is filled with rocks, broken glass, and other city debris. This whirlwind assails you physically and knocks you to the ground.</p>
<combat><enemy>Ghost of Roark</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
- <p>You conduct this combat in ho normal way. While attacking the ghost of Roark using your psychic Kai abilities, you must defend yourself from the injurious effects of the debris-storm. Only by defeating Roark<ch.apos/>s ghost an combat will you cause the maelstrom to cease.</p>
+ <p>You conduct this combat in the normal way. While attacking the ghost of Roark using your psychic Kai abilities, you must defend yourself from the injurious effects of the debris-storm. Only by defeating Roark<ch.apos/>s ghost in combat will you cause the maelstrom to cease.</p>
<choice idref="sect146">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 146</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>40</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You leave the monastery under cover of darkness and set off towards the northwest, into the foothills the Durncrag Mountains. Soon you pick up the trail that leads to Raven<ch.apos/>s Eerie and you follow it for a mile to where it crosses a mountain stream. Mist oozes from the peaty soil, breathing a damp film on the surrounding rocks.</p>
- <p>You continue beyond the mist-enshrouded stream until you reach a rocky spur of granite called Eagle<ch.apos/>s Claw. Here you detect a low humming sound and your pulse quickens; you sense you are getting closer to the Shadow Gate. This resonant hum steadily increases in volume the nearer you get to Raven<ch.apos/>s Eerie. Then, as you come to within a few hundred yards of the peak, you catch your first glimpse of the Shadow Gate. It is an awe-inspiring sight.</p>
+ <p>You leave the monastery under cover of darkness and set off towards the northwest, into the foothills the Durncrag Mountains. Soon you pick up the trail that leads to <!--ERRTAG-RA-106515-->Raven<ch.apos/>s Eyrie<!--/ERRTAG-RA-106515--> and you follow it for a mile to where it crosses a mountain stream. Mist oozes from the peaty soil, breathing a damp film on the surrounding rocks.</p>
+ <p>You continue beyond the mist-enshrouded stream until you reach a rocky spur of granite called Eagle<ch.apos/>s Claw. Here you detect a low humming sound and your pulse quickens; you sense you are getting closer to the Shadow Gate. This resonant hum steadily increases in volume the nearer you get to <!--ERRTAG-RA-106515-->Raven<ch.apos/>s Eyrie<!--/ERRTAG-RA-106515-->. Then, as you come to within a few hundred yards of the peak, you catch your first glimpse of the Shadow Gate. It is an awe-inspiring sight.</p>
- <illustration id="bw-small9" class="inline">
+ <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>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>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>
<choice idref="sect127">If you do not possess <em>both</em> of these skills, <link-text>turn to 127</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 at 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>
+ <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>
<p>The King<ch.apos/>s words come as a terrible blow for Banedon and Rimoah are your closest friends. If it is true, and all of Sommerlund<ch.apos/>s finest magicians have been lost at a stroke, then the blow is doubly severe. The security of your homeland will have been greatly compromised by their deaths.</p>
<choice idref="sect252">If you possess Telegnosis, <link-text>turn to 252</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect124">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
<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 he remaining five troopers. It comes as a shock, both to them and to he 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>
<meta><title>48</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The Lord Constable Is an imposing man with a proud and noble countenance. At your approach he removes a white Leather gauntlet and welcomes you with a formal salute.</p>
+ <p>The Lord Constable is an imposing man with a proud and noble countenance. At your approach he removes a white leather gauntlet and welcomes you with a formal salute.</p>
<p><quote>Greetings, my Lord,</quote> he says, his voice deep and resonant, <quote>Welcome to Garthen. I am Nathor, Lord Constable of the Royal Citadel. It would be an honour if you would allow me to escort you and Lord Ardan to an audience with Queen Evaine.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect238"><link-text>Turn to 238</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>49</title></meta>
<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>
+ <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>
<line>a wild animal and they rush forward.</line>
</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="575"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="575"/>
</illustration>
- <combat><enemy>Duadon guardsmen:</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Duadon guardsmen</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect335">You may evade this combat after four rounds, by <link-text>turning to 335</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect290">If you win he fight, <link-text>turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect290">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>51</title></meta>
<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 band. 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 around revealing a stair hat 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>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 <!--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>53</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Suddenly an explosion of while light fills your vision and the taste of blood fills your mouth: you have been hit in the head by an armour-piercing arrow. Mercifully, death is virtually instantaneous.</p>
- <p>Sadly your life and your journey home comes to an abrupt end here, in the cold dark waters of the River Reloni.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly an explosion of white light fills your vision and the taste of blood fills your mouth: you have been hit in the head by an armour-piercing arrow. Mercifully, death is virtually instantaneous.</p>
+ <p>Sadly, your life and your journey home come to an abrupt end here, in the cold, dark waters of the River Reloni.</p>
</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 be 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>
<meta><title>59</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You help the Baroness<ch.apos/>s entourage 10 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>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 <!--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>
<meta><title>60</title></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 he 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>
+ <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 Cloud-dancer 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 your are greeted by a distinguished party of Barons and Fryearls, led by King Ulnar himself.</p>
- <p><quote>Welcome home, Grand Master,</quote> he says, his voice breaking with emotion. Then he clasps you to his chest, like a father welcoming home a lost son. <quote>Thank Kai and Ishir you are safe, Lone Wolf</quote> he says. <quote>Now may the darkness of Naar be lifted from our land.</quote></p>
+ <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>Welcome home, Grand Master,</quote> he says, his voice breaking with emotion. Then he clasps you to his chest, like a father welcoming home a lost son. <quote>Thank Kai and Ishir you are safe, Lone Wolf,</quote> he says. <quote>Now may the darkness of Naar be lifted from our land.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect44"><link-text>Turn to 44</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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>You take heed of the Lord Constable<ch.apos/>s advice and retreat from the window. Furthermore, you use your Magnakai skill of Kai-screen to shield your mind in case the Kraan rider is able to employ psychic abilities to locate your presence.</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>
<data>
<p>As you stop to survey the shops and stalls which encircle this busy square, you notice a stone signpost positioned on a plinth at its centre. It indicates the names of the three exits from this square:</p>
- <ul>
- <li>Ladder Way (North)</li>
- <li>Spur Lane (East)</li>
- <li>Quill Street (West)</li>
- </ul>
+ <signpost>
+ <line>Ladder Way (North)</line>
+ <line>Spur Lane (East)</line>
+ <line>Quill Street (West)</line>
+ </signpost>
<choice idref="sect112">If you wish to enter Ladder Way, <link-text>turn to 112</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect338">If you wish to enter Spur Lane, <link-text>turn to 338</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect90">If you wish to enter Quill Street, <link-text>turn to 90</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>63</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the horsemen close in, unexpectedly you spur your steed straight at then 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>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 urges at your head with his straight-bladed sword. It whistles by just inches from your scalp, but you do not allow him a second try. You twist in the saddle and strike like lightning, splitting his helmet and his skull with a single mighty blow. He falls before his men, yet they prove to be hardy rogues and they press home their attack regardless.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Eldenoran brigands</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">41</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>As this <!--ERRTAG-RE-136134-->wave of brigands comes<!--/ERRTAG-RE-136134--> thundering down upon you, the leader lunges at your head with his straight-bladed sword. It whistles by just inches from your scalp, but you do not allow him a second try. You twist in the saddle and strike like lightning, splitting his helmet and his skull with a single mighty blow. He falls before his men, yet they prove to be hardy rogues and they press home their attack regardless.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Eldenoran <!--ERRTAG-RE-136567-->Brigands<!--/ERRTAG-RE-136567--></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">46</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">41</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect182">You may evade this combat after four rounds, by <link-text>turning to 182</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect109">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 109</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>With dread, you cast your eyes across a nightmare landscape that stretches in every direction to a horizon dancing with fire. Streams of blazing lava cut fissures through the coal-black soil, and pools of molten mud, glowing cherry-red, spout geysers of yellow flame that seem to claw vengefully at the orange sky. The heat, and the stench of sulphur, is overwhelming.</p>
- <p>The lavas drops you onto the shifting black soil and soars upwards until it disappears into the roiling clouds. In the middle distance you see a herd of dragon-like creatures, snorting fire as they lumber slowly across this hellish plain. You sense great danger, and when you focus your Kai skills at the approaching leviathans, you are shocked by what you learn.</p>
+ <p>The Lavas drops you onto the shifting black soil and soars upwards until it disappears into the roiling clouds. In the middle distance you see a herd of dragon-like creatures, snorting fire as they lumber slowly across this hellish plain. You sense great danger, and when you focus your Kai skills at the approaching leviathans, you are shocked by what you learn.</p>
<p>You have been transported to the Plane of Darkness, the domain occupied and ruled over by Naar, the Dark God. The approaching dragon-creatures are massing to enter the Shadow Gate that lies several hundred yards at your back. They are Naar<ch.apos/>s newest creations, and you sense that if they are allowed entry to your world, then Sommerlund and the Kai are doomed.</p>
<choice idref="sect321">If you possess Grand Nexus, <link-text>turn to 321</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect208">If you possess a Platinum Amulet, <link-text>turn to 208</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>65</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You manage to pull free from he tangle of shattered timbers, but you are now so chose to unconsciousness due to lack of oxygen that you are forced to surface. The moment your head bobs above the water and you gasp for breath, you attract a volley of arrows from the archers hiding in the trees.</p>
+ <p>You manage to pull free from the tangle of shattered timbers, but you are now so close to unconsciousness due to lack of oxygen that you are forced to surface. The moment your head bobs above the water and you gasp for breath, you attract a volley of arrows from the archers hiding in the trees.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, add 1.</p>
- <p>If your total score is now 3 or less, him to 53.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect53">If your total score is now 3 or less, <link-text>turn to 53</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect298">If it is 4 or more, <link-text>turn to 298</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>66</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You call upon your special Kai abilities to lighten your body weight sufficiently enough for you to prevent yourself from sinking further into this evil-smelling morass. Then, using your hands and weapons, you wade through this sinking bog until you feel the welcome sensation of firm ground once more beneath your feet. You rest momentarily to regain your strength before you hurry away from the morass and head north.</p>
+ <p>You call upon your special Kai abilities to lighten your body weight sufficiently enough for you to prevent yourself from sinking further into this evil-smelling morass. Then, using your hands and weapons, you wade through this stinking bog until you feel the welcome sensation of firm ground once more beneath your feet. You rest momentarily to regain your strength before you hurry away from the morass and head north.</p>
<choice idref="sect43"><link-text>Turn to 43</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>67</title></meta>
<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 as the weakest point in their line.</quote></p>
+ <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>
<meta><title>70</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You ride to a barricade that is within twenty yards of the river<ch.apos/>s edge. To he astonishment of the soldiers who are sheltering here from a hail of fire bombs and arrows, you leap from your horse and sprint headlong towards the river. The moment you hit the freezing water, you stay submerged as you begin the long swim to the opposite bank.</p>
+ <p>You ride to a barricade that is within twenty yards of the river<ch.apos/>s edge. To the astonishment of the soldiers who are sheltering here from a hail of fire bombs and arrows, you leap from your horse and sprint headlong towards the river. The moment you hit the freezing water, you stay submerged as you begin the long swim to the opposite bank.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect163">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>5, <link-text>turn to 163</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect125">If it is 6<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 125</link-text>.</choice>
<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>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 <!--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>
<line>a crackling blue flame ignites at its tip.</line>
</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="559"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="559"/>
</illustration>
<p><quote>Draw steel!</quote> commands Nathor, and his men respond by unsheathing their swords in readiness for combat. You focus your psychic powers at the figure and sense that it 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>
- <p>Suddenly there is a low, concussive boom and a spiral of blue flame shoots the length of the hail, Fired from the tip of the figure<ch.apos/>s iron stave. You are its intended target and you dive to the floor to avoid being hit. The bolt ricochets off the stone wall close behind you and shatters one of the tall windows into a thousand glittering shards.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly there is a low, concussive boom and a spiral of blue flame shoots the length of the hall, fired from the tip of the figure<ch.apos/>s iron stave. You are its intended target and you dive to the floor to avoid being hit. The bolt ricochets off the stone wall close behind you and shatters one of the tall windows into a thousand glittering shards.</p>
<p><quote>Take him!</quote> shouts Nathor, and his men rush forward, but a second blast from the stave puts an end to their brave advance. All three are cut down by an arc of blue fire that leaves their corpses heaped and smouldering in the middle of the hall.</p>
<p>Nathor curses the sinister figure and it responds by uttering a chilling, inhuman laugh. Now you sense a new danger approaching<ch.emdash/>the being<ch.apos/>s sickly laughter is summoning its minions to the hall.</p>
- <p><quote>Lord Nathor!</quote> you cry. <quote>We cannot prevail here. We must escape<ch.ellips/> follow me!</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Lord Nathor!</quote> you cry. <quote>We cannot prevail here. We must escape<ch.ellips/> Follow me!</quote></p>
<p>And with these words, you race to the window and leap feet-first through its shattered pane.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect219">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 219</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>73</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Within a matter of seconds, the remaining pack members catch the scent of their leaders 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>
+ <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 <!--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>
<data>
<p>In the twilight before dawn, you catch sight of the River Kinam less than a mile away to the west. You scan the surrounding landscape and note several small tracks (which lead to tiny farmsteads dotted around the vast plain) converging at a hamlet which nestles in a bend of this great river. During the past hour your horse has developed a slight limp, and a cursory look at his affected leg reveals that he has thrown a shoe. You know that unless you replace the missing shoe, and soon, he will be too lame to carry you further. Reluctantly, you decide to enter the hamlet and go in search of a blacksmith.</p>
<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 tail, broad-shouldered man clad in a leather apron, busily shaping a horseshoe on an anvil.</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 replace it?</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>My steed has shed a shoe,</quote> you say. <quote>Can you replace it?</quote></p>
<p><quote>Aye,</quote> he says, without bothering to look up from his work, <quote>but it<ch.apos/>ll cost you 20 Lune. In cash, and in advance, if you please.</quote></p>
- <choice idref="sect234">If you have sufficient cash to pay the blacksmith (20 Lune = 5 Gold Crowns}, <link-text>turn to 234</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect234">If you have sufficient cash to pay the blacksmith (20 Lune = 5 Gold Crowns), <link-text>turn to 234</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect259">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 259</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>76</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your arrow glances harmlessly off the dragon<ch.apos/>s skull, making him even angrier than he already is. He stomps his massive forefoot down onto the black soil and sends a splash of molten mud and flames soaring into the air.</p>
- <p>Hurriedly you discard your bow and reach for your weapon as the great beast comes lumbering slowly towards you with his massive jaw agape.</p>
+ <p>Your <!--ERRTAG-RE-151366-->Arrow<!--/ERRTAG-RE-151366--> glances harmlessly off the dragon<ch.apos/>s skull, making him even angrier than he already is. He stomps his massive forefoot down onto the black soil and sends a splash of molten mud and flames soaring into the air.</p>
+ <p>Hurriedly you <!--ERRTAG-RE-151624-->shoulder<!--/ERRTAG-RE-151624--> your <!--ERRTAG-RE-151678-->Bow<!--/ERRTAG-RE-151678--> and reach for your weapon as the great beast comes lumbering slowly towards you with his massive jaw agape.</p>
<p>Unless you possess a Platinum Amulet, a Talisman of Ishir, or the Discipline of Grand Nexus, you must now deduct 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the debilitating effects of the heat and atmosphere.</p>
<choice idref="sect316"><link-text>Turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>78</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 lava prepare to land on the battlements.</p>
- <p><quote>Fire at their eyes!</quote> you shout, and a cloud of fifty Kai arrows are sent screaming through the sky to seek their elusive mark. 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 quick1y among the defenders on the wall.</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, 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 battlements.</p>
+ <p><quote>Fire at their eyes!</quote> you shout, and a cloud of fifty Kai arrows are sent screaming through the sky to seek their elusive mark. 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 wall.</p>
<choice idref="sect165"><link-text>Turn to 165</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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>
<line>their leader stalks you like a cat.</line>
</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="627"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="627"/>
</illustration>
- <p>High above, swooping in and out of the clouds, are scores of cackling lavas. You sense also another presence, a wispy dark shadow that exudes malevolence. You shudder when you realize that you are in the presence of a manifestation of Naar himself. He has come to witness your doom, to enjoy the sport of your final, futile battle, before he unleashes his dragons upon Sommerlund. The lavas<ch.apos/> attacks were but a preliminary phase of his master plan to destroy Sommerlund and the Kai.</p>
+ <p>High above, swooping in and out of the clouds, are scores of cackling Lavas. You sense also another presence, a wispy dark shadow that exudes malevolence. You shudder when you realize that you are in the presence of a manifestation of Naar himself. He has come to witness your doom, to enjoy the sport of your final, futile battle, before he unleashes his dragons upon Sommerlund. The Lavas<ch.apos/> attacks were but a preliminary phase of his master plan to destroy Sommerlund and the Kai.</p>
<p>With terror in your heart you retreat across the moving sands in a desperate attempt to reach the Shadow Gate<ch.emdash/>your only hope of escape. The dragon continues to advance and it utters a thunderous roar as it bares its fangs in preparation for its attack.</p>
- <choice idref="sect196">If you have a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 196</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect196">If you have a Bow, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 196</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect122">If you do not, or if you choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 122</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>81</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the riders approach, your initial suspicions are confirmed: these are unquestionably Eldenoran brigands. Their saddle-cloths bear their emblem and their steeds are laden with sacks and pouches that bulge with ill-gotten gains. You decide to remain hidden until they have passed by, but as they draw level with the copse, your horse suddenly shrieks and rises up on its hind legs, With shocked dismay you see that a harmless grass snake has coiled itself around your horse<ch.apos/>s foreleg.</p>
+ <p>As the riders approach, your initial suspicions are confirmed: these are unquestionably Eldenoran brigands. Their saddle-cloths bear their emblem and their steeds are laden with sacks and pouches that bulge with ill-gotten gains. You decide to remain hidden until they have passed by, but as they draw level with the copse, your horse suddenly shrieks and rises up on its hind legs. With shocked dismay you see that a harmless grass snake has coiled itself around your horse<ch.apos/>s foreleg.</p>
<p>The cry of your frightened horse betrays your hiding place. The Eldenorans wheel away from the road and come charging towards the copse, their swords drawn in eager anticipation of yet another easy kill.</p>
- <choice idref="sect293">If you wish to unsheathe a weapon and gel ready to defend yourself, <link-text>turn to 293</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect293">If you wish to unsheathe a weapon and get ready to defend yourself, <link-text>turn to 293</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect241">If you choose to retreat deeper into the copse in an attempt to evade these brigands, <link-text>turn to 241</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Using the Old Kingdom Battle-spell <spell>Hold Enemy</spell>, you command the Eldenoran to cease all movement. Instantly, the drunken thug freezes like a stone statue, enabling the young woman and her child to break free from his grasp. She runs towards you, cradling the sobbing child in her arms.</p>
<p><quote>Thank you, thank you<ch.ellips/></quote> she cries as she falls to your feet. Gently you lift her, assuring her with kind words that her ordeal is over. She smiles, reassured, but her expression quickly changes when she spots something moving behind you.</p>
- <p><quote>There he is, that cur Holkar!</quote> she spits. <quote>He<ch.apos/>s the murdering leader of these bandits. All this chaos his doing.</quote></p>
- <p>You turn to look at the object of her hatred, and see a swarthy brigand dodging between the gravestones tat line the abbey grounds. He has a sack full of cot slung over his shoulder and he is hurrying towards his horse which stands close to the abbey<ch.apos/>s perimeter wall. Determined not to let him escape, you rush into the grounds of the abbey and give chase.</p>
+ <p><quote>There he is, that cur Holkar!</quote> she spits. <quote>He<ch.apos/>s the murdering leader of these bandits. All this chaos is his doing.</quote></p>
+ <p>You turn to look at the object of her hatred, and see a swarthy brigand dodging between the gravestones that line the abbey grounds. He has a sack full of loot slung over his shoulder and he is hurrying towards his horse which stands close to the abbey<ch.apos/>s perimeter wall. Determined not to let him escape, you rush into the grounds of the abbey and give chase.</p>
<choice idref="sect206"><link-text>Turn to 206</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Once outside the broken gate of Amory, you turn to the north and follow the road which leads to Varetta, the principal city of Lyris. At noon you come to a fork in the road where a signpost indicates two different destinations: Soren (left) and Varetta (right). You take the right-hand road and spend the afternoon riding across a lonely stretch of gently undulating plain. During this ride, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>Daylight is beginning to wane when you arrive at a village that is dominated by a fortified manor house. Rain clouds are fast closing in from the west and your thoughts turn, once more, to finding shelter or the night.</p>
+ <p>Daylight is beginning to wane when you arrive at a village that is dominated by a fortified manor house. Rain clouds are fast closing in from the west and your thoughts turn, once more, to finding shelter for the night.</p>
<choice idref="sect318">If you wish to seek shelter at the manor house, <link-text>turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect42">If you choose to seek shelter in the village, <link-text>turn to 42</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p><quote>Grand Master, let me introduce you to Captain Cearmaine,</quote> says Elector Manatine, formally presenting the tough-looking officer to you. <quote>I have chosen him to see you safely to Holona. He will do all he can to help you through the battle zone so that you may press on with your urgent journey to Casiorn.</quote></p>
- <p>You recognize the captain<ch.apos/>s name and recall haying heard tales of his bravery during the Darklands War. His acts of heroism turned many battles to the favour of the Freeland Armies and earned him a respected reputation throughout Northern Magnamund. You could not have asked for a better man to escort you on the next, difficult stage of your vital journey.</p>
+ <p>You recognize the captain<ch.apos/>s name and recall having heard tales of his bravery during the Darklands War. His acts of heroism turned many battles to the favour of the Freeland Armies and earned him a respected reputation throughout Northern Magnamund. You could not have asked for a better man to escort you on the next, difficult stage of your vital journey.</p>
<p>He offers you his hand in friendship and you are mildly shocked when your fingers close around a palm crafted from cold steel.</p>
<p><quote>A keepsake from the Battle of Vellino,</quote> he says, smiling at his metal hand. <quote>Sadly, the first was stole away by a Drakkar<ch.apos/>s axe.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect130"><link-text>Turn to 130</link-text>.</choice>
<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>
</ul>
<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>
- <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?-->
+ <signpost>
+ <line>Chod: 250 miles North</line>
+ <line>Holona: 50 miles West</line>
+ <line>Tenzha: 20 miles South</line>
+ </signpost>
<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 tide, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</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>
</data>
</section>
<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>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>
<p><quote>What<ch.apos/>s going on? Who are these men?</quote> says Nathor. The innkeeper<ch.apos/>s face turns white and he begins to tremble with fear.</p>
<p><quote>I<ch.ellips/> I don<ch.apos/>t rightly know,</quote> he stammers. <quote>I ain<ch.apos/>t never seen <ch.apos/>em before. They<ch.apos/>s not from these parts. We<ch.apos/>ve never had no quarrel with Talestria. You<ch.apos/>ve always been our friends.</quote></p>
<p>Nathor calls everyone to the rear of the inn where a passage leads directly to the stables.</p>
<p><quote>I fear this is some kind of crude ploy to murder you, Grand Master,</quote> he says. <quote>If you are to stand any chance of reaching your homeland, you must continue your journey at once. I and my men will do what we can to hold this mob at bay, but you must leave now and you must go alone.</quote></p>
<p>Another window shatters and a burning brand is hurled into the inn.</p>
- <p><quote>Very well,</quote> you reply, uneasily, <quote>I shall leave at once.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Very well,</quote> you reply, uneasily. <quote>I shall leave at once.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect161"><link-text>Turn to 161</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>87</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are part-way across the lord when alarm bells sound on both sides of the river.</p>
+ <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>88</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The instant you pass through the Shadow Gate, you are assailed by howling gales and icy winds that freeze you to the bone: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. You feel as if both you and the lavas are whirling downwards in ever-decreasing circles into the core of the vortex, and rapidly you lose all track of time. Then, as abruptly as it began, the whirling ceases and the frigidity of the abyss is transformed into a harsh and blistering heat. With fearful apprehension, you force open your eyes to look upon the nightmare realm that surrounds you.</p>
+ <p>The instant you pass through the Shadow Gate, you are assailed by howling gales and icy winds that freeze you to the bone: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. You feel as if both you and the Lavas are whirling downwards in ever-decreasing circles into the core of the vortex, and rapidly you lose all track of time. Then, as abruptly as it began, the whirling ceases and the frigidity of the abyss is transformed into a harsh and blistering heat. With fearful apprehension, you force open your eyes to look upon the nightmare realm that surrounds you.</p>
<choice idref="sect64"><link-text>Turn to 64</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>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>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>
</data>
<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 enhance 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>
<meta><title>92</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>After the dangers of Eldenora, the plains of peaceful Slovia seem like a tranquil paradise. The grasslands are rich a
rid 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 (or your continuing journey home. (Your new horse and a night<ch.apos/>s lodging at the inn cost you 25 Cold Crowns; you may add the balance of 5 Cold Crowns to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, maximum allowances permitting.)</p>
+ <p>After the dangers of Eldenora, the plains of peaceful Slovia seem like a tranquil paradise. The grasslands are rich a
nd 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>
<p>As the sun rises above the waters of the Holmgulf, it sheds its golden light upon the hopeful citizens of Holmgard who have gathered to cheer your departure. You ride out of the King<ch.apos/>s Citadel at the head of the Guard Cavalry regiment, with Captain D<ch.apos/>Val at your side. Bouquets of Sommlending roses are thrown before the hooves of your warhorse, and your ears ring to the jubilant cries of the crowd as you, and the brave horsemen at your back, ride with pride through the city streets that lead to Holmgard<ch.apos/>s north gate.</p>
<p>Once outside the city, you order your troop to couch their lances and form up in column, four abreast, in readiness for a swift ride north. At midday, you cross the River Unoram and meet with a patrol of Border Rangers who are guarding a junction. A track emerges from the Fryelund Forest and joins with the main road from the west at this point. Although it is unsigned, you recognize its rutted surface at once: it is the Alema Trail, one of several forest tracks which lead to the Kai Monastery, thirty miles distant. Captain D<ch.apos/>Val tells you that the enemy line is weakest at a place several miles along this trail.</p>
<p>The Border Rangers come quickly to attention when they see you approaching. Their leader, a sergeant with a battle-wounded leg, warns you that the enemy were seen earlier flying over this area of the forest. You acknowledge his salute, then you give the order for the regiment to form up in column, two abreast, before leading them along the trail and into the Fryelund Forest.</p>
- <p>You have covered less than a mile of this woodland track when you find yourself descending a gentle slope towards a stream, a tributary of the Unoram. There once was a bridge which crossed the water-course at this point, but it has long since collapsed. Its ancient stones now form a ford which carries the trail over to the far side of the stream.</p>
+ <p>You have covered less than a mile of this woodland track when you find yourself descending a gentle slope towards a stream, a tributary of the Unoram. There once was a bridge which crossed the watercourse at this point, but it has long since collapsed. Its ancient stones now form a ford which carries the trail over to the far side of the stream.</p>
<choice idref="sect203">If you possess Grand Huntmastery, and have attained the Kai rank of Sun Lord or higher, <link-text>turn to 203</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect151">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 151</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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><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 be is struggling hard to whisper.</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>
</section>
<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>
<data>
<p>As if in answer to your prayer to the Goddess Ishir, the blade of your divine sword suddenly radiates a blinding halo of golden light. You sense that you hold in your hands a weapon capable of destroying the dragon and this realization greatly lifts your spirits (restore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost so far).</p>
- <p>The dragon growls with disdain as the light of your sword washes over his scaly hide. He raises a claw-tipped forepaw and lashes out in an attempt to swat the Sommerswerd from your grasp, but you duck the blow and thrust the blade into his side. He roars with pain, but then he caps at you with frightening speed.</p>
+ <p>The dragon growls with disdain as the light of your sword washes over his scaly hide. He raises a claw-tipped forepaw and lashes out in an attempt to swat the Sommerswerd from your grasp, but you duck the blow and thrust the blade into his side. He roars with pain, but then he leaps at you with frightening speed.</p>
<combat><enemy>Vaxagore</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">56</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">52</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This creature is immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-surge and Kai-blast. Due to the increased power of your sword while upon the Plane of Darkness, you may add 4 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect288">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 288</link-text>.</choice>
<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>
<line>destroy the Shadow Gate,<ch.rsquot/> Gwynian tells you.</line>
</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="635"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="635"/>
</illustration>
<p>You look down at the glowing crystal with fearful respect. Gwynian notes your concern and smiles.</p>
<p><quote>You need not fear the crystal<ch.apos/>s power for it cannot cause harm in our world. Only if it is cast into another plane of existence will its powers be released. Grand Master, you must cast it into the Shadow Gate that Naar has created.</quote></p>
<p><quote>So this is how I can save my brethren,</quote> you whisper, as you peer into the glittering head of the crystal.</p>
<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>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 or combat. The Sommerswerd hums with power as you release it from its scabbard and hold it before dour 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>
+ <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>
<p>Suddenly there is a low, concussive boom and a spiral of blue flame shoots the length of the hall, fired from the tip of the figure<ch.apos/>s iron stave. It connects with the blade of your divine sword and rebounds, shattering one of the tall windows into a thousand glittering shards.</p>
<p><quote>Take him!</quote> shouts Nathor, and his men rush forward, but a second blast from the stave puts an end to their brave advance. All three are cut down by an arc of blue fire that leaves their corpses heaped and smouldering in the middle of the hall.</p>
<p>Nathor curses the sinister figure and it responds by uttering a chilling, inhuman laugh. Now you sense a new danger approaching<ch.emdash/>the being<ch.apos/>s sickly laughter is summoning its minions to the hall.</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>
<meta><title>103</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You dismount and toss your horse<ch.apos/>s reins to a sniffing stable-boy before entering the dry and welcome warmth of the inn. The innkeeper is a burly, ginger-bearded man with an incongruous lisp, who attends to his small group of patrons with an air of bored indifference. You hand him 2 Cold Crowns and in return you receive a small and draughty room over the stables.</p>
+ <p>You dismount and toss your horse<ch.apos/>s reins to a sniffing stable-boy before entering the dry and welcome warmth of the inn. The innkeeper is a burly, ginger-bearded man with an incongruous lisp, who attends to his small group of patrons with an air of bored indifference. You hand him 2 Gold Crowns and in return you receive a small and draughty room over the stables.</p>
<p>You sleep well (restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points) and wake at dawn. The innkeeper offers you breakfast, but the unsavoury plate of stale cheese and bacon rind that he produces from under the taproom counter does little to excite your appetite. You decline his offer, collect your horse, and set off on the trail which heads east out of Ellio.</p>
<choice idref="sect176"><link-text>Turn to 176</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>104</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The sun is now above the horizon and this hamlet is slowly stifling to life. You decide to while away the next hour or so by looking around its simple shops and riverside stores. One building in particular catches your eye: it is a hail perched precariously on the end of a wide wooden jetty. You can hear an old man<ch.apos/>s voice hailing from its open doors, answered by the occasional murmur of a crowd. Inside you discover a wizened old cleric administering to a sick woman whose head is swathed with bandages. The cleric is attempting to cure the woman of her ills by laying-on his hands, but the pressure is simply making the pain in her head feel worse.</p>
- <p><quote>Charlatan,</quote> mumbles one onlooker. <quote>Old fake,</quote> whispers another. The aged cleric hears these dissenting voices and he becomes flustered. Although he may be incompetent as a healer, you sense that he is a good man at heart and so you decide to save him from the disgruntled crowd, who look as if they are on the brink of throwing him In the river at any moment.</p>
+ <p>The sun is now above the horizon and this hamlet is slowly stirring to life. You decide to wile away the next hour or so by looking around its simple shops and riverside stores. One building in particular catches your eye: it is a hall perched precariously on the end of a wide wooden jetty. You can hear an old man<ch.apos/>s voice trailing from its open doors, answered by the occasional murmur of a crowd. Inside you discover a wizened old cleric administering to a sick woman whose head is swathed with bandages. The cleric is attempting to cure the woman of her ills by laying-on his hands, but the pressure is simply making the pain in her head feel worse.</p>
+ <p><quote>Charlatan,</quote> mumbles one onlooker. <quote>Old fake,</quote> whispers another. The aged cleric hears these dissenting voices and he becomes flustered. Although he may be incompetent as a healer, you sense that he is a good man at heart and so you decide to save him from the disgruntled crowd, who look as if they are on the brink of throwing him in the river at any moment.</p>
<p><quote>Hold, good brother!</quote> you say, moving swiftly through the crowd to the small stage on which he and the bandaged woman are standing. <quote>You should not be placing your hands upon this good woman<ch.apos/>s head. Surely the source of her pain stems from her aching heart!</quote></p>
<p>And with this you take hold of the man<ch.apos/>s hands and place them on the woman<ch.apos/>s chest. Her first reaction is one of shock and she starts to pull away, but when you transmit your own healing powers through the cleric<ch.apos/>s hands and into her body, the pain in her head suddenly vanishes. A smile of pure joy lights up her face and hurriedly she strips off her bandages.</p>
<p><quote>Ishir be praised!</quote> she cries. <quote>I<ch.apos/>m cured. I<ch.apos/>m completely cured!</quote></p>
<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>
<p>The tip of the swirling vortex is drawn to the Platinum Amulet you wear around your neck, like lightning to a conductor, and upon the instant it touches there is a blinding flash. An electrifying jolt runs through your body and a deafening screech splits the air.</p>
<p>For a terrifying moment the amulet becomes red hot (lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), then there is another flash, and the power of the ring rebounds from the amulet and returns towards its source. For an instant you glimpse the Prince<ch.apos/>s face<ch.emdash/>it is a mask of abject terror. Then the vortex reaches him and, in a blink of an eye, he is swallowed up by a whirlwind of supernatural fire.</p>
<p><quote>So perish all who serve the Dark God!</quote> you scream, elated by your unexpected victory over the evil Prince Lutha.</p>
- <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 edge of the amulet to prise open the circular panel in the wail 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 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 edge of the amulet to prise 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>Your horse crashes lifelessly to the ground and you are thrown forwards through the air. With cat-like grace, you land on your feet among the boulders and bracken which border this hill road, and regain your balance almost immediately. Seconds later, you see a yelling horde of leather-clad men, each brandishing a sword or a spear, come rushing from hiding places among the surrounding pines. As they close in upon you, you unsheathe your weapon and prepare to fight for your life.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Eldenoran ambushers</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Eldenoran <!--ERRTAG-RE-197365-->Ambushers<!--/ERRTAG-RE-197365--></enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect285">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>108</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The shrieking lavas snatches you off the mountainside and soars into the air. At first you struggle to free yourself from its mighty claws, but then you see the creature is carrying you directly towards the yawning black maw of the Shadow Gate and you freeze with shock.</p>
+ <p>The shrieking Lavas snatches you off the mountainside and soars into the air. At first you struggle to free yourself from its mighty claws, but then you see the creature is carrying you directly towards the yawning black maw of the Shadow Gate and you freeze with shock.</p>
<p>Moments before entering this hellish abyss, you look down and get a passing glimpse of the Sun-crystal lying among the rocks, no more than thirty feet from the entrance to the Shadow Gate.</p>
<choice idref="sect247">If you possess Grand Nexus, and have reached the Kai rank of Grand Thane, <link-text>turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect88">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You sheathe your bloodstained weapon and dismount in order to search the bodies of your slain foes. Your search is thorough and it uncovers the following items:</p>
- <p>6 Swords</p>
- <p>4 Axes</p>
- <p>1 Broadsword</p>
- <p>2 Spears</p>
- <p>260 Lune (equivalent to 65 Gold Crowns)</p>
- <p>4 Backpacks</p>
- <p>5 Daggers</p>
- <p>Enough food for 12 Meals</p>
- <p>Rope</p>
- <p>Boar Whip</p>
- <p>Hammer</p>
- <p>Lantern</p>
- <p>Blanket</p>
- <p>Spyglass</p>
- <p>Sliver Seal (Special Item)</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>6 Swords</li>
+ <li>4 Axes</li>
+ <li>Broadsword</li>
+ <li>2 Spears</li>
+ <li>260 Lune (equivalent to 65 Gold Crowns)</li>
+ <li>4 Backpacks</li>
+ <li>5 Daggers</li>
+ <li>Enough food for 12 Meals</li>
+ <li>Rope</li>
+ <li>Boar Whip</li>
+ <li>Hammer</li>
+ <li>Lantern</li>
+ <li>Blanket</li>
+ <li>Spyglass</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>
</data>
<data>
<p>You focus a blast of psychic energy at the trooper (deduct 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point) and he collapses in the doorway, clasping his head and screaming in agony.</p>
- <p>His cries of pain alert his fellow horsemen, but by the time they come to his aid, you and the shocked trooper<ch.apos/>s horse are nowhere to be seen. You keep to the trees and head south in a wide arc around the Eldenoran settlement at Fabri. During your ride trough the woodland, you discover the following items in the bags and blanket roll which are attached to the horse<ch.apos/>s saddle:</p>
+ <p>His cries of pain alert his fellow horsemen, but by the time they come to his aid, you and the shocked trooper<ch.apos/>s horse are nowhere to be seen. You keep to the trees and head south in a wide arc around the Eldenoran settlement at Fabri. During your ride through the woodland, 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>
</ul>
<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>
- <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?-->
+ <signpost>
+ <line>Chod: 250 miles North</line>
+ <line>Holona: 50 miles West</line>
+ <line>Tenzha: 20 miles South</line>
+ </signpost>
<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 is 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 sate and enter a wider thoroughfare called Brass Street. Here you see the courtyard entrance to a grand budding 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>Countless thousands of books and parchments crowd the stone shelves of his 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>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>
<choice idref="sect184">If you have never visited any of these places, <link-text>turn to 184</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>
<meta><title>114</title></meta>
<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>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 <!--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>
<data>
<p>Suddenly there is a tremendous <onomatopoeia>Crack!</onomatopoeia> and a gaping chasm splits the ground wide open. With the hellish laughter of the Dark God Naar ringing in your ears, you are consumed by this fiery crevasse.</p>
- <p>Tragically, on the threshold of victory, your life and pour quest end here on the Plane of Darkness.</p>
+ <p>Tragically, on the threshold of victory, your life and your quest end here on the Plane of Darkness.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>120</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The hall is lit by a hundred spluttering candies and the light of a log fire which blazes in the chamber<ch.apos/>s imposing stone hearth. Three tall arched windows, each glazed with stained glass panels, are set into the south wall, and an impressive collection of books and fine tapestries line the others. Clearly, Knight Tranius is a refined man whose tastes extend beyond hunting the occasional boar.</p>
+ <p>The hall is lit by a hundred spluttering candles and the light of a log fire which blazes in the chamber<ch.apos/>s imposing stone hearth. Three tall arched windows, each glazed with stained glass panels, are set into the south wall, and an impressive collection of books and fine tapestries line the others. Clearly, Knight Tranius is a refined man whose tastes extend beyond hunting the occasional boar.</p>
<p>After a few minutes, a concealed panel beside the fireplace slides open and a broad-shouldered man clad in a wolfskin coat and a silver helm steps into the hall.</p>
<p><quote>Hail, Tranius!</quote> says Nathor. <quote>It<ch.apos/>s good to<ch.ellips/></quote></p>
<p>The Lord Constable<ch.apos/>s words of greeting die in his throat and immediately you sense that something is very wrong. You hear a bolt slide shut outside the door to the hall, sealing it closed, and your Kai senses suddenly scream a warning of impending danger.</p>
<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, were 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>
+ <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="150"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="small5.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ <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>
<data>
<p>From the depths of its cavernous gullet, the dragon coughs forth a concentrated jet of white-hot flame that comes speeding towards your chest. Wide-eyed with fear, you leap aside desperately to avoid being incinerated by this lance of dragon-fire.</p>
- <choice idref="sect46">If you possess Kai alchemy, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect46">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect153">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 153</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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, hut 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>You try to drag yourself up from the roadway, but your strength rapidly deserts you and you tumble, unconscious, back into the mud.</p>
- <p>Several hours later you regain consciousness and are able to muster sufficient strength to stand. Your innate Kai Healing skills have saved you from the deadly plague virus which infects this town, but you have paid a grievous price.</p>
+ <p>Several hours later you regain consciousness and are able to muster sufficient strength to stand. Your innate Kai healing skills have saved you from the deadly plague virus which infects this town, but you have paid a grievous price.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If the number you have chosen is even (0, 2, 4. 6, 8), deduct 10 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points from your current total. If the number you have picked is odd (1, 3, 5, 7, 9), deduct 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect193">If you are still alive, <link-text>turn to 193</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>130</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Elector Manatine permits you the use of his private chambers, which adjoin the War Boom, where you are able to get a few hours<ch.apos/> sleep before dawn. Then, shortly after sunrise, you bid the Elector and his generals farewell and leave the city, with Captain Cearmaine, in a military coach bound for Holona. An escort of cavalry outriders accompany this armoured carriage in case you should meet unexpectedly with a unit of roving Eldenorans during your journey east. Thankfully, the journey proves swill and uneventful and, as the day is turning to dusk, you find yourself approaching the military outpost of Stonewatch.</p>
+ <p>Elector Manatine permits you the use of his private chambers, which adjoin the War Room, where you are able to get a few hours<ch.apos/> sleep before dawn. Then, shortly after sunrise, you bid the Elector and his generals farewell and leave the city, with Captain Cearmaine, in a military coach bound for Holona. An escort of cavalry outriders accompany this armoured carriage in case you should meet unexpectedly with a unit of roving Eldenorans during your journey east. Thankfully, the journey proves swift and uneventful and, as the day is turning to dusk, you find yourself approaching the military outpost of Stonewatch.</p>
<p>You stay at this fort overnight and then continue on to Holona in the morning. For most of the journey you experience a sense of unease, a premonition that something is wrong, but it is not until you catch sight of the city, shortly before noon, that your fears are realized.</p>
<choice idref="sect157"><link-text>Turn to 157</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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>
<meta><title>132</title></meta>
<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 o 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>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 <!--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>
<line>out and offers you her delicate hand.</line>
</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="637"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="637"/>
</illustration>
<p><quote>Oh, and this is my personal guard<ch.emdash/>Dorst.</quote></p>
<p><quote>We made <ch.apos/>em pay dearly for wastin<ch.apos/> our time, though,</quote> adds Dorst, with quiet menace.</p>
<p><quote>It appears that we shall now have to encamp here in the hills this night,</quote> says the Baroness. <quote>Perhaps you would care to join us, my Lord? I would feel so much safer if you did.</quote></p>
<p>Despite Dorst<ch.apos/>s cutting glances, you agree to the Baroness<ch.apos/>s proposal. Then you produce the six trout that you caught earlier and offer them to her as a gift.</p>
- <p><quote>Why, thank you,</quote> she says, with a wide smile, <quote>they look<ch.ellips/> delicious.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Why, thank you,</quote> she says, with a wide smile. <quote>They look<ch.ellips/> delicious.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect59"><link-text>Turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You steel yourself for the impact, but you hit the flagstones with such numbing force that your preparation does little to lessen the injuries you receive to your legs and body (lose 12 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). Moments later, you are hit by Nathor who comes crashing down upon your prone form. Your body softens his fall, but even so, the impact leaves him with a broken left ankle and severe cuts to his face and hands. Despite his obvious pain he manages to smile when he realizes that you are both still alive, revealing gaps where he is now missing two of his front teeth.</p>
- <p>Using your natural Kai curing skills, you repair your internal injuries sufficiently for you to be able to stand and assist your companion. Bravely Nathor stifles his urge to scream as you take hold of his shattered ankle. You summon your healing powers and transmit them through your hands to his injured foot (reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by a further 4 points). You feel the warmth of your power start to reduce the swollen tissues and mend the broken bone, but before you can complete the cure, a yelling horde of bogus castle guardsmen come rushing from out of the gatehouse with their swords drawn. Cursing your luck, you unsheathe your weapon and crouch in readiness to meet their manic attack.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Castle guardsmen (impostors)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>Using your natural Kai curing skills, you repair your internal injuries sufficiently for you to be able to stand and assist your companion. Bravely Nathor stifles his urge to scream as you take hold of his shattered ankle. You summon your healing powers and transmit them through your hands to his injured foot (reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by a further 4 points). You feel the warmth of your power start to reduce the swollen tissues and mend the broken bone, but before you can complete the cure, a yelling <!--ERRTAG-RE-234381-->horde of bogus castle guardsmen comes<!--/ERRTAG-RE-234381--> rushing from out of the gatehouse with their swords drawn. Cursing your luck, you unsheathe your weapon and crouch in readiness to meet their manic attack.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Castle <!--ERRTAG-RE-232730-->Guardsmen<!--/ERRTAG-RE-232730--> (impostors)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">48</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">48</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect93">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 93</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>138</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The first spatterings of rain are dampening your shoulders as you approach the forest town<ch.apos/>s solitary inn. The smell and soft noises of horses waft from an adjoining stable, and the flickering orange light of an open fire can be seen shimmering through the bulls-eye glass of the inn<ch.apos/>s leaded windows. You halt outside the main door and stoop to read a weather-faded board that is fixed to the wall:</p>
- <p>The Towering Pine Inn Room <ch.ampersand/> Stabling<ch.emdash/>2 Cold Crowns per night</p>
+ <p>The first spatterings of rain are dampening your shoulders as you approach the forest town<ch.apos/>s solitary inn. The smell and soft noises of horses waft from an adjoining stable, and the flickering orange light of an open fire can be seen shimmering through the <!--ERRTAG-RE-235319-->bull's-eye<!--/ERRTAG-RE-235319--> glass of the inn<ch.apos/>s leaded windows. You halt outside the main door and stoop to read a weather-faded board that is fixed to the wall:</p>
+ <signpost>
+ <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>
<meta><title>139</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The lavas veers away from you and uses its wings to deflect the Sun-crystal. With dismay you watch as the glowing crystal drops harmlessly among the rocks, below the entrance to the Shadow Gate.</p>
- <p>Hurriedly you scramble over the jagged granite in a desperate attempt to retrieve the Sun-crystal and try again, but as you are about to stretch out and close your hand upon it, the lavas swoops down and fixes its claws into your backpack.</p>
+ <p>The Lavas veers away from you and uses its wings to deflect the Sun-crystal. With dismay you watch as the glowing crystal drops harmlessly among the rocks, below the entrance to the Shadow Gate.</p>
+ <p>Hurriedly you scramble over the jagged granite in a desperate attempt to retrieve the Sun-crystal and try again, but as you are about to stretch out and close your hand upon it, the Lavas swoops down and fixes its claws into your backpack.</p>
<choice idref="sect108"><link-text>Turn to 108</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>140</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The river hack 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>
+ <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>
<data>
<p>Swiftly you regain your footing and flatten yourself against the rocks. The granite is cold and damp against your cheek as you watch the second flight soar into the sky and fly away, heading due east.</p>
- <p>You resume your climb quickly. When you are within thirty yards of the Shadow Gate, you draw back your arm and get ready to hurl the Sun-crystal into its inky black core. At this moment, a piercing shriek rises above the Shadow Gate<ch.apos/>s throbbing hum and, to your horror, you look up to see a lavas diving towards your chest. Hurriedly you throw the Sun-crystal before the creature can press home its attack.</p>
+ <p>You resume your climb quickly. When you are within thirty yards of the Shadow Gate, you draw back your arm and get ready to hurl the Sun-crystal into its inky black core. At this moment, a piercing shriek rises above the Shadow Gate<ch.apos/>s throbbing hum and, to your horror, you look up to see a Lavas diving towards your chest. Hurriedly you throw the Sun-crystal before the creature can press home its attack.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect139">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 139</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect233">If it is 5<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 233</link-text>.</choice>
<p>The pack leader comes leaping through the air as you are unsheathing your weapon. You only just manage to sidestep in time to avoid being slammed to the ground beneath its vast bulk. As it flashes past, you spin around and sever its spine with one mighty, backhanded blow.</p>
<p>Within seconds, the remaining pack members appear. They catch the scent of their leader<ch.apos/>s blood and it drives them into a frenzy.</p>
<choice idref="sect166">If you possess Assimilance, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 166</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect216">If you do not possess his skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 216</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect216">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 216</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<line>then attack with chilling ferocity.</line>
</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill8.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill8.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill8.gif" width="386" height="547"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill8.pdf" width="386" height="547"/>
</illustration>
<p>Hounds of Vikkak <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 50 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> 50</p>
<meta><title>145</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you slay the last of the line of lavas, you feel the wrath of Naar sweep down upon your back. The ground beneath your feet begins to shudder and fissures appear in the black soil, running red with glowing lava. You struggle to reach the entrance to the Shadow Gate, barely ten yards distant, as the ground is transformed into a heaving molten mass.</p>
- <choice idref="sect228">If you possess Grand Huntmastery, and have attained the rank of Rat Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>As you slay the last of the line of Lavas, you feel the wrath of Naar sweep down upon your back. The ground beneath your feet begins to shudder and fissures appear in the black soil, running red with glowing lava. You struggle to reach the entrance to the Shadow Gate, barely ten yards distant, as the ground is transformed into a heaving molten mass.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect228">If you possess Grand Huntmastery, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect162">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 162</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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 Iron 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>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 men are willing to take them to ensure your return in 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>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, <!--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 he 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>
+ <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>
</data>
</section>
<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>High above, you hear Prince Lutha bowling 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>
+ <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>
</section>
<meta><title>150</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>For several minutes you ride the river, keeping to the centre of its course to avoid being dashed against the rough rock walls of the tunnel through it flows. Then you glimpse a moonlit opening in the distance and, a few moments later, you are tumbling from an outflow at the base of Duadon<ch.apos/>s east city wall. You fall amidst a torrent of frothing water and hit the surface of a river twenty feet below.</p>
- <p>Immediately you strike out with your hands and rise as quickly as you can, spitting out a mouthful of foul-tasting water as soon as your head breaks the surface. The current pushes you towards the river bank where a group of beggars, clad in mouldering rags, are sifting through the flotsam that is being flushed out of the city. You note with disgust that this floating debris consists mainly of corpses, many the victims of Prince Lutha<ch.apos/>s brutal regime. The beggars take fright and scatter when you stagger out of the water. You watch them run away, then you hurry towards the beckoning safety of a wood which borders upon a rutted river road. Here you spend a damp uncomfortable night trying to formulate a new plan of action that will enable you to reach Casiorn as quickly as possible. At length you resolve to go east and attempt to cross the River Storn to the Salonese city of Rhem, located on its east bank. It has the reputation for being a tough and lawless place but you feel sure it can be no worse than Duadon.</p>
+ <p>For several minutes you ride the river, keeping to the centre of its course to avoid being dashed against the rough rock walls of the tunnel through which it flows. Then you glimpse a moonlit opening in the distance and, a few moments later, you are tumbling from an outflow at the base of Duadon<ch.apos/>s east city wall. You fall amidst a torrent of frothing water and hit the surface of a river twenty feet below.</p>
+ <p>Immediately you strike out with your hands and rise as quickly as you can, spitting out a mouthful of foul-tasting water as soon as your head breaks the surface. The current pushes you towards the river bank where a group of beggars, clad in mouldering rags, are sifting through the flotsam that is being flushed out of the city. You note with disgust that this floating debris consists mainly of corpses, many the victims of Prince Lutha<ch.apos/>s brutal regime. The beggars take fright and scatter when you stagger out of the water. You watch them run away, then you hurry towards the beckoning safety of a wood which borders upon a rutted river road. Here you spend a damp, uncomfortable night trying to formulate a new plan of action that will enable you to reach Casiorn as quickly as possible. At length you resolve to go east and attempt to cross the River Storn to the Salonese city of Rhem, located on its east bank. It has the reputation for being a tough and lawless place but you feel sure it can be no worse than Duadon.</p>
<choice idref="sect202"><link-text>Turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>151</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You lead the regiment across the ford, keeping an eye peeled on the sky above In case the enemy should appear without warning from over the tree-line. But the danger to the regiment comes not from above; it is at ground level.</p>
+ <p>You lead the regiment across the ford, keeping an eye peeled on the sky above in case the enemy should appear without warning from over the tree-line. But the danger to the regiment comes not from above; it is at ground level.</p>
<p>As you are leaving the ford and ascending the slope of the river bank, suddenly there is a tremendous explosion. Unwittingly, you have ridden your horse through an invisible beam, a beam which has triggered a device hidden earlier among the rocks by Naar<ch.apos/>s minions. The explosion sends sharp splinters of rock tearing into horses and men with deadly effect. The blast knocks you from your saddle and, as you fall backwards into the cold water, a splinter of rock slices through your left arm and another tears open your upper left thigh: lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>Gritting your teeth against the stinging pain you struggle to your feet and use your Kai healing skills to staunch the bleeding. As the dust of the explosion clears, you count two horses and two men lying dead in the water. Captain D<ch.apos/>Val has lost his horse, but miraculously he has survived with no more than scratches to his face and legs, Quickly you attend to the wounded, using your healing skills to ease their suffering. D<ch.apos/>Val, wary of the vulnerability of his regiment, orders his men to abandon the dead and cross the ford as quickly as they can.</p>
+ <p>Gritting your teeth against the stinging pain you struggle to your feet and use your Kai healing skills to staunch the bleeding. As the dust of the explosion clears, you count two horses and two men lying dead in the water. Captain D<ch.apos/>Val has lost his horse, but miraculously he has survived with no more than scratches to his face and legs. Quickly you attend to the wounded, using your healing skills to ease their suffering. D<ch.apos/>Val, wary of the vulnerability of his regiment, orders his men to abandon the dead and cross the ford as quickly as they can.</p>
<p>Cursing your ill luck, you hurriedly remount and join him at the head of the column.</p>
<choice idref="sect235"><link-text>Turn to 235</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 Anion Chart the number of Gold Crowns you decide to give to the holy Vaderish Brethren.)</p>
+ <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>
<choice idref="sect16">To continue, <link-text>turn to 16</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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>
<line>Holona are littered with the ruins of war.</line>
</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill9.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill9.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill9.gif" width="386" height="637"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill9.pdf" width="386" height="637"/>
</illustration>
<p>Inside the city walls the situation is tense. Every available dwelling is packed to overflowing with wounded soldiers, and the civilian populace, displaced from their homes by the army<ch.apos/>s needs, wander the streets and alleyways in a state of shocked confusion, greatly adding to the chaos.</p>
<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>You look down at the shattered wreck of the <cite>Skyrider</cite> lying in the monastery grounds far below, and I 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>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>
+ <p>Then the first of the Lavas horde are seen, their burnished wings glinting in the moonlight.</p>
<p><quote>Here they come!</quote> shouts Black Hawk, from the far end of the tower.</p>
<p><quote>Take up your bows, my lords!</quote> you cry, as the first wave of these winged beasts comes sweeping down from out of the northern sky. <quote>And make every arrow count!</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect178">If you possess a Bow, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You step away from the heaped bodies of the bogus castle guardsmen and sheathe your bloodied weapon. Then you take hold of Nathor and heave him across the neck of a saddled horse. Quickly you mount this steed and urge it to the gallop, bursting forth from the stables at breakneck speed. Outside, the castle keep is alive with screams and curses as you steer your horse towards the gatehouse, where, to your mounting horror, you see that the portcullis is beginning to fall.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Telegnosis, and have reached the Kai rank of Sun Lord or higher, add 2 to the number you have picked. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2. If you possess Animal Mastery add 1.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Telegnosis, and have reached the Kai rank of Sun Lord or higher, add 2 to the number you have picked. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 2. If you possess Animal Mastery, add 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect21">If your total score is now 2 or less, <link-text>turn to 21</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect230">If it is 3 or higher, <link-text>turn to 230</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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>
<data>
<p>After bidding a hurried farewell to the Lord Constable and his men, you take a fresh horse and leave the inn by a door at the rear of the stables. Some of the mob have gathered in an adjoining alleyway, but aided by your Kai camouflage skills, you evade these bloodthirsty thugs with ease.</p>
- <p>Keeping to the smaller alleys and passages, you make your way across Scade unseen and then head north towards the open plains. You ride all night, using your infravision to help guide your horse trough the lush grasslands and keep watch for potential dangers. As the hours slip past you cannot help but think about Nathor and the men of his troop; they are risking their lives by staying behind as bait for the mob. You admire their courage and it strengthens your resolve to return home to Sommerlund. Should the Lord Constable and his men have to pay or your escape with their lives, then you are determined that their sacrifice shall not be a wasted one.</p>
+ <p>Keeping to the smaller alleys and passages, you make your way across Scade unseen and then head north towards the open plains. You ride all night, using your infravision to help guide your horse through the lush grasslands and keep watch for potential dangers. As the hours slip past you cannot help but think about Nathor and the men of his troop; they are risking their lives by staying behind as bait for the mob. You admire their courage and it strengthens your resolve to return home to Sommerlund. Should the Lord Constable and his men have to pay for your escape with their lives, then you are determined that their sacrifice shall not be a wasted one.</p>
<p>During your long night ride, unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect75">To continue, <link-text>turn to 75</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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>
<meta><title>164</title></meta>
<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>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 <!--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 mows 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>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>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>
</data>
<meta><title>170</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The young man gets up off his knees and greets you with a friendly smile. He is unusually talkative for a guildsman and you soon learn that his name is Frello, and that he is a journeyman from the Silversmiths Guild of Vanamor. He has stopped here to offer up a prayer to Ishir to protect him from <quote>bad strangers on the trail</quote>. It appears that he was robbed yesterday by some Eldenorans on the road out of Vanamor. He offers to share half a loaf of bread with you, but you decline his generosity, thanking him nonetheless. You sense that it is all the food he has. Mindful of wasting time, you bid him good luck and then continue your journey east.</p>
+ <p>The young man gets up off his knees and greets you with a friendly smile. He is unusually talkative for a guildsman and you soon learn that his name is Frello, and that he is a journeyman from the Silversmiths<ch.apos/> Guild of Vanamor. He has stopped here to offer up a prayer to Ishir to protect him from <quote>bad strangers on the trail</quote>. It appears that he was robbed yesterday by some Eldenorans on the road out of Vanamor. He offers to share half a loaf of bread with you, but you decline his generosity, thanking him nonetheless. You sense that it is all the food he has. Mindful of wasting time, you bid him good luck and then continue your journey east.</p>
<choice idref="sect19"><link-text>Turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<line>time with a dagger in his hand.</line>
</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill10.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill10.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill10.gif" width="386" height="612"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill10.pdf" width="386" height="612"/>
</illustration>
<p>Prince Lutha (with Ring of Power) <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 54 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> 39</p>
- <p>While wearing the Ring of Power, Lutha is immune to all fonts of psychic attack, except Kai-surge and Kai-blast.</p>
+ <p>While wearing the Ring of Power, Lutha is immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-surge and Kai-blast.</p>
<choice idref="sect89">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 89</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / blobdiff