</data>
</section>
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect71">
+ <meta><title>71</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>With cool defiance you stare back at the ghoulish mutant horde. You count more than thirty spears raised and ready to be hurled at you upon Nza'pok's command, far more than you can hope to dodge at once, yet still you refuse to show him and his loathsome spawn any sign of weakness. Then, in the face of imminent death, you suddenly recall part of the script of the Tome of Darkness that told of a secret name which can bind Nza'pok when spoken aloud. This name could be the key to your survival, yet you have no time left to retrieve the book from your backpack. If you are to use this secret name you must try to recall it from memory.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect171">If you think that Nza'pok's secret name is Hulka, <link-text>turn to 171</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect105">If you think that the name is Khula, <link-text>turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect56">If you think that the name is Lukha, <link-text>turn to 56</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect72">
+ <meta><title>72</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Using your Grand Mastery skills, you conjure a thick mist to surround the basalt dais on which you stand. The sudden appearance of the fog startles the lavas and nervously it backs away along the parapet. It is armed with a barbed trident with which it stabs the air as it retreats, as if to warn off any would-be attacker. You watch the lavas moving away and then, under cover of the mist, you sprint from the dais towards an open archway at the base of the tower. A spiral stone stairway leads down to a landing, one level below, and as you reach this floor you see something that brings you skidding to a halt.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect73">
+ <meta><title>73</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You recite the words of the Brotherhood spell - Teleport - and the moment you complete the recitation you feel your feet losing contact with the ground. You will yourself along the tunnel, away from the approaching creature, and as you glide around a gentle bend you see a junction less than a hundred yards ahead where another tunnel meets this one from the right. Displaced air is now rushing past you, whipping at your hair and cloak, and the rumbling noise has grown to an almost deafening crescendo. Swiftly you glide along the passageway, enter the adjoining tunnel, and ease yourself back to the ground (lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point).</p>
+ <p>A few moments later the gigantic beetle-creature thunders past in a cloud of dust, hauling a long line of ore wagons in its wake. Some of these heavy wagons are empty but the majority are piled high with grey metallic rock. This ore load is heavily veined with a mineral which radiates a yellow luminescence.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect181">If you wish to leap on the last ore wagon as it passes by the junction, <link-text>turn to 181</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect158">If you do not wish to leap on the wagon, <link-text>turn to 158</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect74">
+ <meta><title>74</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>As the beast leaps from the ramp you dive below it and thrust your weapon up into its chest. The power of your blow deflects the creature and sends it sommersaulting into the wall. It howls in surprise and pain, but the failure of its attack does not make it suddenly forget its hunger. With lightning speed it recovers and leaps at your chest with its claws extended. You sidestep to avoid it but it succeeds in knocking you backwards as its heavy bulk glances your arm. Cursing its ferocity, you brace yourself for what must be a fight to the finish.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Ghazoul</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>This creature is immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect36">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect75">
+ <meta><title>75</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>The first bolts come whistling through the air as you throw yourself behind Shamath's great Throne of Power. Crouching here as you listen fearfully to the hiss of flying missiles and the screams of the approaching horde, you suddenly notice the waters of the strange pool which lies less than a dozen yards from the rear of the throne. Beyond this pool you see the pair of huge black gates which dominate the far wall of this chamber and suddenly your mind recalls the text which appeared in the Tome of Darkness. This must be the Pool of Sorrows, and beyond it are the Gates of Darkness - an exit from this cruel domain. Your feelings of excitement at having discovered a way to escape the approaching horde are tempered when you further recall that you must spill your own blood into the pool if you are to leave this realm successfully. Without hesitation, you stab a finger against the point of your belt buckle and draw a few droplets of blood. Then you spring to your feet and rush towards the pool. As you come to within a few yards, you flick your finger and a stunning transformation takes place the instant your blood hits the pool's swirling surface.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect300"><link-text>Turn to 300</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect76">
+ <meta><title>76</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You crouch down among some mossy boulders directly opposite the stairwell to the open entrance. Then, using your Grand Mastery, you let yourself slip into the trance-state that will allow your conscious mind to leave your corporeal body. You continue to see your surroundings as they would appear to your physical eyes, but now you are able to transport yourself freely through the air like a bird.</p>
+ <p>You glide towards the statue and swoop down through the open portal, pausing momentarily to scan the surrounding arch for hidden traps. Detecting none, you continue deeper into the darkness of this alien edifice. A wide stone ramp descends to a sealed portal which is engraved with runes. You cannot immediately decipher them but you sense that they are evil in design and possess some destructive power locked within their jagged forms. Then the sound of a growl, above and far away, makes you suddenly fearful for the safety of your physical body, and so you leave the portal and ascend rapidly to the surface where you rejoin your dormant form. (Unless you have attained the Kai rank of Sun Lord, you lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to the haste with which you have returned to your corporeal body).</p>
+ <p>Having already reconnoitred the entrance to your satisfaction, you are able to descend the steps and enter the base of the statue with confidence. You follow the stone ramp down to the sealed portal where you carefully examine the runes which cover every square inch of its surface. You are beginning to fathom some of their secrets when suddenly you hear a noise above and behind you. Instantly you spin on your heel and reach for your weapon, but the outline that you see silhouetted in the archway at the top of the ramp is so shocking that you are unable to close your trembling hand upon it.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect268"><link-text>Turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect77">
+ <meta><title>77</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>The sight of Huan'zhor fast approaching galvanizes you into action. Frantically you search for the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon but you cannot detect any artifact that resembles either a scarab or a wingless dragon. Through the wall of flames you can see Huan'zhor flaring his mighty wings; he is slowing his approach to the temple in preparation to land upon his nest of fire. You feel a wave of magical energy sweeping over the nest and you sense that the Dragonlord has reactivated the spell which shielded the trapdoor. This route of escape is now sealed. Moments later his shadow darkens the flames - he is but seconds away from landing.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect209">If you wish to escape the nest by leaping into the transporter beam, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect185">If you wish to attempt to find a place in the nest where you can hide from the approaching Dragonlord, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect78">
+ <meta><title>78</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>As you hurry towards the knoll, you fail to notice that the shallow ridge of ground is beginning to disappear beneath the surface of the swamp. Within seconds you are up to your knees in an evil-smelling mud that clings like thick, warm treacle. You attempt to drag your legs free but the more you struggle the deeper you sink into the mire.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect49">If you possess Telegnosis and have reached the rank of Sun Lord, or if you possess the Discipline of Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 49</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect8">If you possess neither of these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn instead to 8</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect79">
+ <meta><title>79</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You recognize the vengeful visage of Zahda - the evil renegade sorcerer - who was killed by your hand and whose body was incarcerated in the ruins of Kazan-Oud. As his tortured soul falls back into the howling mass, you begin to see others that you recognize immediately, for their evil countenances are etched indelibly upon your mind.</p>
+ <p>The spirit of Darklords Gnaag, Haakon, and Kraagenskul are trapped upon this plain. So, too, are those of Warlord Magnaarn, many cener druids, acolytes of Vashna, Nadziranim and their Liganim minions. But there is one ghostly figure that is more terrifying than any other; and when you see him appear at the back of the encircling ranks of tortured souls, he strikes a new chord of terror deep in your heart.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect170"><link-text>Turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect80">
+ <meta><title>80</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You use your Kai skill to command the apprehensive creature to abandon its thoughts of attacking you and run away. The beast's evil eyes widen with uncertainty and then, in a moment of sheer terror, its nerve breaks and it scrambles back up the ramp. You watch it disappear through the archway before you turn your attention to the portal and examine its surface in an attempt to find a way to open it. Using your advanced Kai skills you are able to decipher enough of the runic text to discover the secret code which keeps it secure. Confidently you press a section of the surface and it moves inwards with an audible clunk! Moments later; the portal creaks open and you hurry through before it slams shut with a resounding boom.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect210"><link-text>Turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect81">
+ <meta><title>81</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Suddenly you sense movement behind you and you turn around to face it. You see nothing, but your swift reactions do save you from suffering the full effects of a powerful psychic shock-wave. The blast glances your shoulder and spins you backwards through the bloodstained entrance to Naar's inner sanctum. This entrance then closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound.</p>
+ <p>You leap to your feet and unsheathe your weapon in readiness to defend both Alyss and yourself against any threat that Naar may launch. You do not have long to wait. Bursting from out of the smoky wall of the chamber comes Naar's fearsome champion - Kekataag the Avenger. He is attired in battle armour that glimmers like slime-dulled gold, and beneath his helmet there is a hollow skull-face from which emerges a sickly stench that permeates even the foul air of this hall. The skulls and bones of humans bedeck his armoured hide and in his mighty hands he carries a great two-handed axe, its blade stained black with the blood of his countless victims.</p>
+ <p>This terrifying warrior mesmerizes you with his glowing eyes and you feel waves of powerful psychic energy buffeting your mind.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect121">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect211">If you possess Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 211</link-text>. 82-83</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect282">If you do not possess either of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 282</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect82">
+ <meta><title>82</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You feel the crushing power of the hostile mind-force collide with the fabric of your consciousness like a tidal wave that leaves you reeling under its impact. Yet your formidable Kai-screen absorbs and deflects all of this destructive energy, and you are able to survive the attack with no lasting damage to your psychic senses: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect290"><link-text>Turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect83">
+ <meta><title>83</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You attempt to dodge the onrushing lance of flame but it glances your shoulder and sends you tumbling backwards across the hall's slimy floor.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> (0=10). The number you have picked is equal to the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you have lost as a result of your wounds. If you possess Deliverance, you may reduce this total by 1 point.</p>
+ <p>Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you stagger to your feet and shout his secret name. Immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form, and the sudden cessation of mind contact, throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size.</p>
+ <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Kunae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness - you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is Rhunotar, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect311">If you think the secret name is Rhunadan, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect289">If you think the secret name is Rhunaguin, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect84">
+ <meta><title>84</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>This gloomy cavern looks chillingly familiar, and when suddenly you recognize its derelict features a sense of fear and loathing pervades your mind. It was here you first encountered the Demoness Shamath with her army of attendants and dread automatons. You shudder when you recall how you seized the evil Deathstaff from this place, escaped from here by way of a Shadow Gate, and later thwarted Shamath's attempt to resurrect Darklord Vashna from the depths of the Maakengorge. The chamber's cracked and crumbling walls seem to reaffirm your past victory over the Demoness for you can detect no trace of the Shadow Gate nor of the supernatural creatures who previously dwelt in this once-splendid chamber. Cautiously you step out of the transporter beam and enter the cavern. The shattered remnants of the crystal dais crunch underfoot as you make your way across the floor towards a tunnel which gradually descends for more than a mile before reaching a circular cavern. The mouths of several smaller tunnels meet at this chamber, and all of these entrances are dark, save for one which radiates an icy blue luminescence. Before approaching any closer, you retrieve the Tome of Darkness from your backpack and consult its pages.</p>
+ <p>The black page that revealed to you information about the realm of Huan'zhor is now featureless, but the one which follows it has transformed; it has taken on the appearance of a thin sheet of ice. Sandwiched within its transparent layers are lines of blood-red writing interposed with intricate diagrams and astrological charts. Relying once more upon your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this sorcerous text. The writings confirm some of what you already know, and they also provide you with fresh information that may aid your quest. You have entered the realm of the Demoness Shamath - the Mistress of the Gates of Darkness. The tome does not tell of her defeat by your hand, but you assume that this is because it was written long before your recent victory over her and her minions. Speaking as if she were still in control here, it says that she rules this domain from her throne of power which stands beside the Pool of Sorrows. You pass over the long list of unspeakably cruel deeds which earned her the right to rule this icy realm, and the revelation of her secret name - 'Gnekasha', until you discover that which interests you most: details of how to escape from this realm. You swallow hard when you read that all those who would seek to leave the realm of Shamath must first 'spill their own blood in the Pool of Sorrows'.</p>
+ <p>You close the tome and stow it away into your backpack, then stealthily you approach the tunnel entrance which is radiating a pale azure light. When you halt upon its threshold and peer through its embellished archway, you witness a scene which both shocks and confounds you.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect275"><link-text>Turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect85">
+ <meta><title>85</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>The canoe grounds on a submerged boulder a few dozen yards from the beach, forcing you to abandon the craft and wade ashore. You soon discover that the stones littering this beach are slick with an oily residue. Your natural agility overcomes this obstacle but the slippery surface makes it difficult for you to reach the cover of the distant treeline as swiftly as you would like.</p>
+ <p>As you draw near to the perimeter of trees you pause for a moment to scan the dark, jungle undergrowth. Long streamers of moss-encrusted vines hang from the trees, draping themselves limply over every rock and bough, and a tangled mass of interwoven creepers and low-spreading branches forms a blanket canopy which keeps much of the forest floor in semi-darkness. As you stare into the damp and shadowy foliage, you feel a growing sense of unease. Your burning desire to press on with your quest is suddenly dampened by an overwhelming urge to avoid this jungle.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect334">If you have Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 334</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect255">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 255</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect86">
+ <meta><title>86</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Upon reaching the crater you are relieved to discover that its steep sides are covered with hardened lava, dusted with loose volcanic ash. You climb towards the rim, pausing halfway to take cover from the searing hot winds in the lee of a jagged boulder. While you are sheltering here, you take the opportunity to consult the Tome of Darkness given to you by Lord Rimoah. Its metallic pages appear as blank as when you first looked through them, but then you discover a page that is now very different. Bold black text stands out from a page that glimmers like mirrored steel. Using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of the arcane script which fills this page.</p>
+ <p>The text tells of a creature called Huan'zhor the Dragonlord, and of his throne of power which is located within 'a nest of fire atop the Tree of the Wyrm'. It lists the many acts of Evil perpetrated by Huan'zhor during his long existence, for which he has been generously rewarded by Naar; the Dark God has granted him this fiery domain within the Plane of Darkness. It continues at length to describe the creatures who are enslaved to him, which include the Lavas, the Zarthryn, and the Chugotha. But most interestingly it reveals his secret name - 'Zheva' - which can be used to bind him, and tells of a magical item - the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon - which can be found in the 'nest of fire' and which can be used to effect an escape from his realm.</p>
+ <p>You close the tome and slip it back into your pack. From your makeshift shelter you command a view over the surrounding landscape in which there is nothing that remotely resembles a nest or a tree. All you are able to discern with any clarity is the blazing firestorm which is now sweeping across this charred land. Fearful of what could befall you when the firestorm reaches this exposed flank of the crater, you continue your climb and seek cover within the crater itself.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect194">If you have ever visited the city of Tahou in a previous Lone Wolf adventure, <link-text>turn to 194</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect339">If you have never visited this city, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect87">
+ <meta><title>87</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You sense a sorcerous resistance to your counterspell, but the power of your Brotherhood magic proves strong enough to overcome this reaction. There is a sharp crackling noise and spiders of fiery blue electrical arcing appear all around the circular slot. Then they flicker and fade and you suddenly hear another sound - a grating squeal. Anxiously you watch as the great portal slowly swings open.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect343"><link-text>Turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect88">
+ <meta><title>88</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You pull yourself to your feet and listen to the ore train as it disappears into the distant gloom with a sound like dying thunder. When you can no longer hear its rumble, you walk back along the tunnel to the junction where a new passageway branches off to the left. Your gnawing desire to find the Moonstone prompts you to explore this tunnel and you follow it for several hundred yards until you reach a dank and empty cavern. Streams of ore-rich water run down the walls of this chamber, staining them a rusty shade of brown. You are hungry and you decide to stop and rest here for a while. Unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>While you are resting, you decide to consult the Tome of Darkness to see if it has any useful information about this strange subterranean complex.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect33"><link-text>Turn to 33</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect89">
+ <meta><title>89</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Even though you decline to accept the sword which Rimoah and Ardan have painstakingly crafted, they show no disappointment. They accept your decision without comment or question. Rimoah returns the blade to the table and takes up a sigil of platinum which is strung upon a loop of braided cord.</p>
+ <p>'Grand Master will you accept this amulet? It possesses powers which may help you survive the challenge of your coming ordeal.'</p>
+ <p>'Very well,' you reply, and take the amulet from your advisor's outstretched palm. (Record this Platinum Amulet, which you wear around your neck, as a Special Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
+ <p>As you tuck the amulet inside the collar of your robes, Lord Ardan picks up a small package from the table that is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly this time, you take it from him.</p>
+ <p>'It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,' he says. 'A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was found buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.'</p>
+ <p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty - devoid of script, pictures or diagrams of any sort.</p>
+ <p>'I do not see how this book will help my quest,' you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
+ <p>'This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,' replies Lord Rimoah, 'but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar's domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.'</p>
+ <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah's judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your backpack. As with the Platinum Amulet, you need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible).</p>
+ <choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect90">
+ <meta><title>90</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Gradually the distant speck grows larger until, with a sudden violent surge, you pass through its white-hot core and feel yourself engulfed by a damp and fetid atmosphere. Moments later your journey ends abruptly when you splash feet-first into a swampy morass. Despite the speed of your impact, your natural balance and agility prevents you from plunging beneath the surface of the stinking swamp into which you have fallen.</p>
+ <p>After wiping away the slime that has splashed your face, you cast your gaze out across an unlovely vista of steaming mud pools fringed with dark jungle vegetation. A cloying aura of evil permeates every part of this vile landscape, leaving you in no doubt that you have successfully arrived at your destination - the Plane of Darkness. You look up and scour the corpse-green skies, but dense clouds of acidic vapour hide all traces of the Shadow Gate through which you have entered this plane. Feeling suddenly vulnerable standing waistdeep in steaming swamp mud, you decide to wade through the gluey sludge towards a nearby mound of barren grey earth. Once out of the mire, you rest on your haunches and consult the Tome of Darkness given to you by Lord Rimoah. Its metallic pages appear to be as blank as when you first flicked through them, but then you turn to one page that is now very different. Coloured designs have appeared, surrounded by a ragged text which radiates a flickering spectrum of light. Using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this arcane writing.</p>
+ <p>The text tells of a creature called Nza'pok - Lord of the Mire - and of his throne of power which is located upon an islet at the mouth of the River of Flies. It describes the many vile deeds he has perpetrated for the cause of Evil, for which he has been greatly rewarded by Naar. The Dark God has granted him his own domain within the Plane of Darkness. It goes on to list the names of the creatures who are enslaved to him. But most interestingly it tells of a secret name - 'Khula' - which can be used to bind him, and of an amulet which he possesses that will enable one to leave his territory. You study the text for some time and conclude that this swamp must be a part of Nza'pok's realm. The pages of the tome seem to hold the key to the hierarchy of the Plane of Darkness and contain information that is needed to move from one domain to another. Unfortunately, not all of the book appears legible at any one time. You close the tome and slip it back into your pack. Your natural instincts tell you that the Moonstone is not to be found here in this swampland, and, in view of what you have discovered, you decide that you must escape from here as soon as possible. However, if you are to do so successfully you will first have to find Nza'pok - the ruler of this domain - and take the amulet which he possesses. Suddenly your sixth sense warns you that the seemingly empty swamp harbours hidden enemies. They are distant but they are drawing closer with every passing minute. You get to your feet and look for the best route away from this mound, but only two ways offer any promise. To the south you see a shattered causeway of mouldering grey stones and, to the east, you catch sight of a shallow ridge that barely breaks the surface of the swamp.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect202">If you wish to explore the causeway, turn to 67. If you decide to investigate the ridge, <link-text>turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect91">
+ <meta><title>91</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>The haunted faces which adorn the comets swiftly transform themselves back into masks of flame. Then they return to the orbit of the distant star cluster. You, too, are drawn towards these glowing stars, and as you pass through them at an incredible speed, you glimpse a wondrous sight in the void beyond. A vast rainbow bridge of colour arcs across the immeasurable darkness to a titanic plateau of fire. Your spirits soar when you detect that this is the Bridge of the Damned, the exit that you seek from this astral domain. Yet as you approach the magnificent bridge, you detect a less-welcoming presence. The shadowy riders are returning and this time they are escorting an astral creature that sets your pulse racing with fear.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect272"><link-text>Turn to 272</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect92">
+ <meta><title>92</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Using your Grand Mastery, you command the advancing maggot-tide to halt. A ripple of hesitation passes through their ranks and clumps of the foul larvae falter and fall back, but the majority of these squirming horrors press on with their relentless advance, forcing you to draw your weapon and fight them for your life.</p>
+ <p>Nemagog swarm: COMBAT SKIll 36 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> 30</p>
+ <choice idref="sect28">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 28</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect93">
+ <meta><title>93</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You have taken no more than a dozen paces towards the archway when the lavas detects your presence. It spins around and emits a loud snickering growl, as if it is ordering you to halt. Then, with one beat of its golden wings, it propels itself in an arc towards the tower's open archway in an effort to block your route of escape. Fearful that it could raise the alarm at any time, you unsheathe your weapon and rush forward to attack it the moment its webbed feet touch the ground.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Lavas sentry</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <choice idref="sect119">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 119</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect94">
+ <meta><title>94</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You reach the bank but the creatures are quicker than you feared. One circles around and blocks your escape while the others leap out of the muddy water and attack you from behind. You must fight them.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Avagnids</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>These creatures are immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-ray. If you possess Animal Mastery you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect316">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 316</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect95">
+ <meta><title>95</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Your bold gamble pays off. You race across the bridge and reach the far side without being seen. Once across, you dive for cover in the empty lower storey of a newly-constructed dwelling, one of several that encircle the main temple. Here you pause to catch your breath and formulate a way of avoiding the many teams of reptillians who are busy building the crude block dwellings on this side of the chasm.</p>
+ <p>Unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect220">To continue, <link-text>turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect96">
+ <meta><title>96</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You shout the name 'Rhunotar' but it has no effect. The remaining Lord of Decay utters a bilious laugh and watches with undisguised glee as his growing maggot horde closes in and suffocates you beneath ever-swelling bodies. You fight bravely to save yourself, but your fate is sealed when the Kunae discharges a second lance of flame. It rips through the maggot swarm and consumes your upper body; death is instantaneous.</p>
+ <p>Tragically, your life and your quest for the Moonstone ends here in the Hall of the Kunae.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect97">
+ <meta><title>97</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>A feeling of dread makes your hands tremble the moment you catch a clear sight of the huge, ant-like creatures. You have encountered these insectoids once before, although in a location which could not be more different than the humid jungle settlement into which you are now descending. They are Dentaag - giant spindly-limbed insectoids who possess ghoulish heads implanted with evil composite eyes. They are an ancient breed, a cruel creation spawned by Naar for the armies of the Deathlord of Ixia. It was in the Deathlord's frigid chamber, atop the Spire of Xaagon, that you last faced these terrible creatures and you had hoped then that your first encounter with them would also be your last. Fate has decreed otherwise.</p>
+ <p>Memories of your ordeal in Ixia suddenly come flooding back to haunt you. As you recall your previous encounter, you remember that these horrific beings possess strong psychic powers. Forewarned, you draw upon your mental Kai defences as your captors prepare to land with you inside the settlement.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect242">If you possess Kai Screen, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect59">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect98">
+ <meta><title>98</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>The warrior raises his black sword and releases a crackling surge of electrical energy from its tip. It passes over your head and earths itself to the end of the stone beam, at the place where it joins the chasm wall. You feel a jolt beneath your feet as the beam cracks and breaks away from the wall and, to your amazement, you watch as this solid spar of rock curls up and slowly rolls in towards you, like a snake's tongue withdrawing into its mouth.</p>
+ <p>The coiled beam retracts towards the mouth of the dragon-gate, forcing you nearer and nearer to the fearsome black warrior. As he watches your reluctant approach he swings his mighty sword above his head, slicing and stabbing at the air with it in eager anticipation of the coming fight. When you have been pushed to within ten yards of your adversary, you give voice to the power word - Kai! - and project its concussive energy at the towering warrior. He shudders as the terrific force of your spell-word hits his chest and forces him back towards the glowing gate. Instantly you seize the advantage. You draw your weapon and rush forward to strike the first blow while your enemy is caught off-balance.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect310">If you possess the Sommerswerd, or Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 310</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect147">If you possess neither of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect99">
+ <meta><title>99</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Using your improved Grand Mastery to spirit-walk, you cause yourself to soar at great speed towards the distant bridge. Within this astral domain, your body and spirit do not separate from one another when using this ability. Instead, it has the effect of propelling you through the void by the force of your will alone. However, the use of such willpower takes its toll upon your reserves of strength and stamina: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Your sudden and unexpected acceleration take Avarvae and her minions completely by surprise. By the time they react to your escape it is already too late; you have reached the Bridge of the Damned - the exit from Avarvae's domain.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect100">
+ <meta><title>100</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Upon entering the tunnel, the ground disappears beneath your feet and you begin to fall through darkness towards a pale speck of greyish light far below. You are gripped instantly by the fear that you have unwittingly stepped into a deep pit, yet your descent is uncannily smooth and controlled. It is as if you are being lowered by an invisible cable down a dark, interminable mineshaft.</p>
+ <p>As you slowly descend, your fear subsides and you take the opportunity to look at the ring which you cut from the hand of the Kunae. It radiates its own dim light by which you can see a runic inscription carved on the inside of the band. Record this Kunae Ring on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item, which you keep in your pocket. The runic number on its band is 20. Make a note of this number in the margin of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> for future reference.</p>
+ <p>After what seems like more than an hour, you eventually reach the base of this dark shaft. Your feet hit solid ground with more force than you are expecting after the long and gentle descent, and the violent jolt of impact leaves you sprawled in the dust, stunned and gasping for breath: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Dragging yourself wearily to your feet, you inspect your new surroundings with a feeling of curiosity and apprehension. You have emerged in a deep mine tunnel that passes through ore-rich rock. The reek of iron, sulphur; and rust assails your nostrils, a pungent aroma but one that smells as sweet as spring in Sommerlund after the indescribable stench of the Hall of the Kunae. You scan the tunnel in both directions and use your Kai senses to gather information. The faint sounds of hammering and scraping can be heard coming from somewhere above, and the symmetrical grooves which scar the tunnel walls tell you that this passage was excavated by some sort of gigantic burrowing machine. Feeling certain that you have entered a new realm of the Plane of Darkness, you are about to consult the Tome of Darkness when suddenly you hear a noise along the tunnel away to your right. Something huge is approaching at great speed.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect113">If you possess Grand Huntmastery, <link-text>turn to 113</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect7">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 7</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect101">
+ <meta><title>101</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Suddenly the insects detect you and become agitated. You sense something is wrong and hurriedly you back away from the pile of stones. Moments later, a host of angry insects comes pouring from out of every gap in the rocks and rises up into a dark cloud that hovers menacingly above the fallen slabs. At first it looks like a defensive action, a show of force to frighten you away, but when the tone of their buzzing suddenly deepens you sense that these angry insects are not preparing to defend their lair at all - they are getting ready to launch an attack.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect212">If you wish to attempt to escape from these angry insects, <link-text>turn to 212</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect318">If you choose to stand and face them, <link-text>turn to 318</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect102">
+ <meta><title>102</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>To your relief you sense that the dragon no longer suspects that it is carrying a stowaway. It raises its head and continues its flight towards the construction area which lies close to the main temple. Upon reaching this busy area it hovers above an expanse of levelled ground which is covered with dozens of cargo nets full of blocks awaiting collection by the building teams. A crew of four reptillians guide your net gently to the ground and then swiftly they unhook it from the dragon's harness using long poles.</p>
+ <p>From the safety of your hiding place you watch as the dragon flies away to collect another cargo. As soon as the reptillians move on to attend to the next delivery of blocks, you leave the net and make your way as quickly as you can towards the main temple.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect103">
+ <meta><title>103</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You insert the Gold Crown into the square slot and instantly you are assailed by another blinding flash of white light, but one far stronger than the first. A blistering wave of pain engulfs your hand and arm and you are thrown into the air by this explosive release of energy: lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Cursing your poor judgement, you stagger to your feet and cradle your twice-injured arm. When function fully returns to your burnt and aching hand, you take a third coin from your pouch and press it into the circular slot. It falls into a hollow inside the base of the door and, with a grating squeal, the great portal slowly swings open.</p>
+ <p>Remember to erase 2 Gold Crowns from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> before going on with your quest.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect343">To continue, <link-text>turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect104">
+ <meta><title>104</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>As you draw level with the great table, your eye is caught by the phial of potion lying upon its pillow of purple silk. Your Discipline of Telegnosis reveals to you that this golden fluid, whilst deadly and corrosive to creatures of Evil, has many properties that are beneficial to creatures of Good. Such a potion could prove useful for healing wounds or restoring lost energy.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect286">If you wish to attempt to retrieve this potion from atop the giant table, <link-text>turn to 286</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect3">If you choose to ignore the potion, you may take cover behind the table by <link-text>turning to 3</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect105">
+ <meta><title>105</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You shout the word 'Khula' and the effect is both immediate and electrifying. Nza'pok freezes, as if he has suddenly turned to stone, and a sheen of grey ice appears on his foul-smelling blubbery skin. Then the iron amulet which is hanging by a chain from his lower lip begins to pulsate with an eerie green light. The chaos-horde are at first stunned by their leader's transformation, then shock rapidly becomes a blind panic and they turn and flee, dropping their spears and trampling each other in their scramble to get away.</p>
+ <p>Swiftly you climb the wall of the pit and as you pull yourself over the edge, you see the mass of humanoids and ant-creatures swarming across a bridge which leads to a neighbouring delta island. Once the last few are across, a rope is pulled and the middle section of the bridge drops away into the river to prevent you from pursuing them. Confident that the horde no longer poses any threat, you return your gaze to its frozen leader. Nza'pok is completely immobile except for his eyes which blaze with a potent mix of fear and hatred. You sense that this once all-powerful being is terrified that you will now enact your revenge upon his helpless body.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect13">If you wish to unsheathe a weapon and slay Nza'pok while he is unable to resist, <link-text>turn to 13</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect139">If you decide not to kill him, but wish to take the glowing amulet which hangs from his mouth, <link-text>turn to 139</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect126">If you choose to ignore Nza'pok and the amulet, you can escape from the settlement by <link-text>turning to 126</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect106">
+ <meta><title>106</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Your fear of being engulfed by the approaching firestorm prompts you to take immediate and decisive action. You leap into the well and a painful jolt runs the entire length of your body as you are consumed by the shimmering light. It feels as if you have just jumped into a pool of ice-cold electricity: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>The initial shock quickly passes and you surrender yourself to a long descent through a column of glimmering azure light. You feel your platinum amulet glowing warmly at your throat and you sense that it is protecting you from the rigours of this journey into the unknown.</p>
+ <p>Looking down through the curtain of blue light, you can see the roofs of ziggurats and towers rising up to meet you. Gradually you slow to a halt and find yourself standing upon a circular dais of basalt rock atop a large, flat-roofed building. Several yards away to your left you see a squat tower, and to your right, standing at a parapet, you see a horny-skinned creature with wings that glimmer like folded sheets of gold leaf. Your pulse races when you recognize this creature to be a lavas, one of Naar's deadly minions. The lavas is peering idly at the view beyond the parapet and is unaware of your arrival, yet you are reluctant to leave the shimmering beam for fear that it may see you and raise an alarm.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect72">If you possess Assimilance, and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Guardian, <link-text>turn to 72</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect174">If you possess Assimilance or Grand Huntmastery, <link-text>turn to 174</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect140">If you do not possess these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 140</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect107">
+ <meta><title>107</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>The sight of the approaching creatures stirs distant memories of the Temple of Maaken - the forbidden place which lies buried beneath the ruins of an old Sommlending city that teeters on the edge of the infamous Maakengorge. These winged horrors are Daemonaks, a breed of vampiric predators who were originally spawned by Lord Vashna - the first and mightiest Darklord leader. You first encountered one of their kind at Maaken, but now you face a flock of twenty such creatures.</p>
+ <p>As they descend towards your hiding place they give vent to a piercing wail that makes your flesh crawl. The sound of their cries unsettles you, but this discomfort pales in comparison to the shock you experience upon seeing the response to their hideous cries.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect280"><link-text>Turn to 280</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect108">
+ <meta><title>108</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You run to where Alyss sits imprisoned within her sparkling force field and, with one precise and powerful blow from your magical blade, you shatter her sorcerous prison. The anguished scream of Naar echoes through the corridors and dungeons of Dazganon. As its terrible timbre begins to rumble and fade, you are horrified to see a host of monstrous creatures burst forth from the smoky walls of the inner sanctum and close in upon you from all sides.</p>
+ <p>Freed from the constraints of her prison, Alyss is able to use the power of the Moonstone to bring into being a Shadow Gate which materializes in the floor of the chamber.</p>
+ <p>'Come, Grand Master,' she implores as she gets ready to step into the whirling black abyss, 'Follow me!'</p>
+ <p>And with these words she is swallowed up by the inky abyss. Seconds later, you take a running leap and dive head-first into the Shadow Gate, escaping in her wake barely moments before a pack of screeching, gnawing, parasitic horrors engulf the place where you last were standing.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect350"><link-text>Turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect109">
+ <meta><title>109</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>From the runic inscription on the floor you suspect that the portal may be opened by using a piece of gold. Taking a Gold Crown from your belt pouch you carefully examine the three slots, using your Kai senses to help you choose into which one you should place your coin. Unfortunately, your senses can only detect the powerful magical energy that is present in the core of this portal.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect195">If you wish to insert your Gold Crown into the circular slot, <link-text>turn to 195</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect214">If you decide to insert the coin into the square slot, <link-text>turn to 214</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect332">If you choose to insert the coin into the triangular slot, <link-text>turn to 332</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect110">
+ <meta><title>110</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Successfully you dodge the flying bolts until you are within a few yards of the open Gates of Darkness. One of the silver missiles ricochets from the floor and gouges a deep groove of flesh from the back of your left thigh: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Clutching your injured leg, you stagger forwards and hurl yourself head-first into the darkness of the void.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect60"><link-text>Turn to 60</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect111">
+ <meta><title>111</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You take hold of your rope and make a lasso from one end. Then you cast this loop at a sapling growing on the bank, several yards from the water's edge. The rope hits its mark and you are able to pull yourself over dry land before cancelling the effects of your levitation spell.</p>
+ <p>The moment your feet touch the ground, you retrieve your rope and run headlong across the clearing towards a distant perimeter of trees and dense undergrowth. At first the arachnids give chase, but they are not so agile on dry land and you are soon able to outdistance them. On entering the jungle perimeter, you force your way through thick foliage and discover the remnants of a trail which you follow for nearly a mile until you arrive at the edge of a second clearing. This expanse of level ground is devoid of foliage yet it is littered with strange fruits that resemble gigantic grey pineapples. Beyond these curious fruits you can see the ruins of a settlement partially overgrown with moss. Warily you leave the jungle, make your way around the fruits, and hurry across the clearing towards a statue which is crouching among the ruins. It is constructed of a smooth, lustrous black mineral and is fashioned in the likeness of some evil beast of prey. It reminds you of a hyena, but one with a massive lower jaw set with a pair of sabre-toothed fangs. Between its forelegs is a flight of rubble-strewn steps leading down to an open door. You detect waves of power emanating from somewhere beyond this darkened doorway, but you are unable to determine just how deep below the ground the source of this energy is located.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect76">If you possess Telegnosis and wish to use this skill to spirit-walk through the doorway to investigate what lies beyond, <link-text>turn to 76</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect177">If you do not possess this skill, or choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect112">
+ <meta><title>112</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>As you wait for the rain to abate, you inspect the inside of the hollow and the pendulous insect hive. Despite the seemingly haphazard lie of the stone slabs, the rain does not penetrate into the interior and the inside of the hollow stays remarkably dry. On the ground lies a thick carpet of soft leathery leaves. They are spattered with a yellow, honey-like, substance which is oozing from the base of the hive. It smells sweet but your Kai senses warn you not to taste any: it is poisonous. (If you wish to take some of this, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as Muntaag Honey. You can wrap it in a leaf and store it as a Backpack Item.)</p>
+ <p>You are busy cleaning the acidic rain from your equipment with a handful of leaves when suddenly your sixth sense warns you of approaching danger. You peer out through a crack in the stones and catch sight of a flock of bat-winged creatures. They are swooping down from out of the rainy sky towards your hiding place.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect107">If you have ever been to the Ruins of Maaken in a previous Lone Wolf adventure, <link-text>turn to 107</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect252">If you have never visited this place, <link-text>turn to 252</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect113">
+ <meta><title>113</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Your improved mastery enables you to detect the outline of a large creature approaching through the tunnel. Viewed from the front it has the appearance of a gigantic beetle, but one with hundreds of stubby legs that are moving in rapid waves like those of a millipede. You sense that it is a living creature and not a mechanical device, and that it is approaching at a terrific pace. Its width almost completely fills the tunnel and, unless you take immediate steps to avoid it, you could be knocked down and crushed as it passes through this section.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect279">If you wish to turn and run from the advancing creature, <link-text>turn to 279</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect122">If you wish to try to find a safe haven where you can avoid its passing, <link-text>turn to 122</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect114">
+ <meta><title>114</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>To your relief you sense that you have persuaded the dragon that it is not carrying a stowaway. It raises its head and continues its flight towards the construction area which lies close to the main temple. Upon reaching this busy area it hovers above an expanse of levelled ground which is covered with dozens of cargo nets full of blocks awaiting collection by the building teams. A crew of four reptillians guides your net gently to the ground and then swiftly unhooks it from the dragon's harness using long poles.</p>
+ <p>From the safety of your hiding place you watch as the dragon flies away to collect another cargo. As soon as the reptillians move on to attend to the next delivery of blocks, you leave the net and make your way as quickly as you can towards the main temple.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect115">
+ <meta><title>115</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Using your advanced Kai Discipline, you command the mossy creepers to move aside and create a tunnel through which you can pass. The reaction to your order is immediate and dramatic. There is a deafening noise, like the sound of heavy tropical rainfall, and suddenly the hanging vines rise up and flail the air. They lash out at you with stunning ferocity, forcing you to retreat back along the trail before their stinging blows. Rapidly your sense of surprise is surpassed by fear when you realize that these vines are not plants at all; they are hostile living creatures.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect35">If you wish to attempt to evade their attack, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect46">If you decide to try to fight your way through them, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect116">
+ <meta><title>116</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You wait until the bickering dies down and the tunnel traffic thins out. When you see your chance I to move you seize it swiftly and successfully. Shielded by your Kai skills, you avoid the guards and hurry along this tunnel. The deeper you explore, the stronger the sensation and concentration of Evil becomes, but still you can sense the presence of Alyss. Eventually you reach the tunnel's end at an ante-chamber, where an open archway to an adjoining hall is dripping with blood. You peer through this gruesome entrance and recognize the hall beyond to be the inner sanctum of Naar's stronghold - his personal chamber. The walls comprise swirling smoke in which alien shapes writhe and contort themselves into impossible shapes. A circular plinth occupies the central section of the floor; and your heart skips a beat when you glimpse something beyond the plinth, something encased within a glimmering field of energy.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect40"><link-text>Turn to 40</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect117">
+ <meta><title>117</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>As you are getting ready to leap from the rear of the wagon, you suddenly feel your stomach tighten and the skin on your face and hands becomes sore and inflamed. You sense that you are succumbing to the insidious effects of the radioactive ore and, rather than wait a moment longer, you make your jump before you are fully ready.</p>
+ <p>You hit the tunnel floor with bone-shuddering force, and even though you cover your head and roll expertly to lessen the shock of impact, you suffer painful injuries to your shoulders, knees and elbows: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect88">To continue, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect118">
+ <meta><title>118</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Frantically you draw upon your Magnakai Discipline of Psi-screen and form a defensive wall around your mind to repel this destructive surge of psychic energy. You feel the raw power of the attacking mind-force crash into the fabric of your consciousness like a tidal wave that leaves you reeling under its impact. Your hurried defences absorb much of the hostile mind-energy and spare you an agonising death; however, you do sustain serious damage from this assault which leaves you in a state of psychic shock: lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect290">If you have survived this psychic wounding, you can continue by <link-text>turning to 290</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect119">
+ <meta><title>119</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>The moment your killing blow brings the lavas crashing to the ground, you quickly sheathe your weapon, grab both of its clawed feet, and drag its still-twitching body into the open archway at the base of the tower. You are anxious to hide the lavas as quickly as possible to prevent the sight of its carcass from alerting others to your presence here, and so you haul the heavy body down a spiral stone stairway to a landing, one level below. Here you abandon it, but as you turn to hurry away, you see something that brings you skidding to an abrupt halt.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect120">
+ <meta><title>120</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>The moment you reach firm ground, you sprint headlong across the clearing towards a distant jungle perimeter. At first the giant arachnids give chase, but they prove themselves not to be so agile on dry land and you are soon able to out-distance them and escape.</p>
+ <p>On entering the jungle perimeter, you force your way through dense foliage and soon discover the remnants of a trail which you follow for nearly a mile until you arrive at the edge of a second clearing. This area of levelled ground is devoid of foliage yet it is littered with strange fruits that resemble gigantic grey pineapples. Beyond these curious fruits you can see the ruins of a settlement partially overgrown with moss. Warily you leave the jungle, make your way around the fruits, and hurry across the clearing towards a statue which is crouching among the ruins. It is constructed of a smooth, lustrous black mineral and is fashioned in the likeness of some evil beast of prey. It reminds you of a hyena, but one with a massive lower jaw set with a pair of sabre-toothed fangs. Between its forelegs is a flight of rubble-strewn steps leading down to an open door. You detect waves of power emanating from somewhere beyond this darkened doorway, but you are unable to determine just how deep below the ground the source of this energy is located.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect76">If you possess Telegnosis and wish to use this skill to spirit-walk through the doorway to investigate what lies beyond, <link-text>turn to 76</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect177">If you do not possess this skill, or choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 177</link-text></choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect121">
+ <meta><title>121</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You raise the Sommerswerd and a blinding halo of golden light engulfs the blade. You sense that Naar is present in this chamber, but he will not materialize and show himself so long as your divine blade is unsheathed, for he fears that your god-forged weapon could destroy him. He is content to allow his mighty champion - Kekataag - the pleasure of slaying you on his behalf.</p>
+ <p>Kekataag pounds the floor repeatedly with his armoured boot to demonstrate his eagerness to commence combat. In response, you give voice to your battle-cry - 'For Sommerlund and the Kai!' and launch yourself at your fell adversary in an attempt to land the first blow.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Kekataag the Avenger</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">60</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">58</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>This enemy is an undead warrior. You may double all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses which you inflict upon him during this combat.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect29">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect122">
+ <meta><title>122</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You scour the tunnel walls but detect no cracks nor crevices large enough to accommodate your body. Then you notice the supporting beams which criss-cross the tunnel ceiling. They protrude no more than a foot or two from the roof of the tunnel, but they could provide you with a way of escaping out of the path of the approaching juggernaut.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect73">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Crown, <link-text>turn to 73</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect251">If you possess Kai-alchemy but have yet to attain this rank, <link-text>turn to 251</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect166">If you do not possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 166</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect123">
+ <meta><title>123</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You have covered barely a dozen yards when the shallow ridge of ground disappears completely beneath the surface of the steaming swamp. Within seconds you are wading knee-deep through mud that clings like thick, warm treacle. Yet by drawing on your natural Kai agilities you are able to haul yourself free from this sticky mire and make your way slowly to the distant knoll.</p>
+ <p>The boughs of the thorny-barked trees of this swamp island are tightly intertwined and form a formidable barrier. Through a gap in their tortured branches you can see a clearing at the centre of this copse and, when you magnify your vision, you glimpse part of a crude stone hut. You unsheathe your weapon and cleave a path through the trees to the clearing where you discover that the hut is surrounded by a moat brim-full of gelatinous black mud, the surface of which is pitted with a myriad of animal tracks. Sensing that the hut is empty, you leap across the moat and take cover inside from the corrosive rain.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect269">If you possess Telegnosis, and have reached the rank of Grand Thane or higher; <link-text>turn to 269</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect348">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect124">
+ <meta><title>124</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Cautiously you step out of the transporter beam and enter the cavern. The shattered remnants of the crystal dais crunch underfoot as you make your way across the floor towards a tunnel which gradually descends for more than a mile before reaching a circular cavern. The mouths of several smaller tunnels meet at this chamber, and all of these entrances are dark, save for one which radiates an icy blue luminescence. Before approaching any closer, you retrieve the Tome of Darkness from your backpack and consult its pages.</p>
+ <p>The black page that revealed to you information about the realm of Huan'zhor is now featureless, but the one which follows it has transformed; it has taken on the appearance of a thin sheet of ice. Sandwiched within its transparent layers are lines of blood-red writing interposed with intricate diagrams and astrological charts. Relying once more upon your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this sorcerous text. The writings inform you that you have entered the realm of the Demoness Shamath - the Mistress of the Gates of Darkness - who rules from her Throne of Power which stands beside the Pool of Sorrows. You pass over a long list of unspeakably cruel deeds which have secured for her the rulership of this realm, until you come to two very useful pieces of information. The first reveals Shamath's secret name - 'Gnekasha' - and the second details how one can escape from this realm. You swallow hard when you read that 'all those who would seek to leave the realm of Shamath must first spill their own blood in the Pool of Sorrows'.</p>
+ <p>You close the tome and stow it away into your backpack, then stealthily you approach the tunnel entrance which is radiating a pale azure light. When you halt upon its threshold and peer through its embellished archway, you witness a scene which both shocks and confounds you.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect275"><link-text>Turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect125">
+ <meta><title>125</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You drag yourself to your feet and look with mounting dread at the nightmarish landscape into which you have fallen. A blazing vista meets your gaze, a burning dead world of volcanic magma, boiling lava pools, and shifting islets of cinder and ash. The smoky orange sky is lit frequently by geysers of yellow flame which shoot forth from vents in the uncertain ground, and a hellish temperature conspires with a toxic atmosphere to overwhelm your senses.</p>
+ <p>Your initial feelings of dread suddenly deepen when memories of this dark domain come flooding back to haunt your consciousness. You have been here once before, four years previously, when your brave actions in defence of the Kai Monastery resulted in a mortal combat upon this evil domain, against Vaxagore - the leader of Naar's dragon army. You had wished then never to return to this terrible place - but fate, it seems, has decreed otherwise.</p>
+ <p>You are aware that your Platinum Amulet is affording you protection from the searing heat and poisons of this realm. However, your Kai senses tell you that a firestorm is brewing in the skies above and you fear that the powers of the amulet will not be sufficient to save you when this storm breaks. Anxiously you scan the bleak horizon in search of anything that may provide shelter from the coming storm. The only feature which promises to provide cover is the cone of a seemingly dormant volcano several miles away on the distant horizon.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect245">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Crown, <link-text>turn to 245</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect165">If you possess Telegnosis, and have attained the Kai rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 165</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect230">If you possess Grand Huntmastery, and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Guardian, <link-text>turn to 230</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect144">If you do not possess any of these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 144</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect126">
+ <meta><title>126</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You hurry away along a track that winds through the settlement of huts and down to a beach covered with coarse black sand. Here a ramshackle jetty, constructed from wood and bone, protrudes from the lee of a sand dune and out into the sluggish grey sea. Fringing the beach is dense jungle from where there suddenly arises a cacophony of hellish cries. You glimpse shadows moving in the undergrowth and when you stop momentarily to take a longer look, several arrows come shooting out of the trees. They arc towards you and explode when they hit the sand close by. Your Kai senses warn you that there are a great number of archers lurking in the jungle, far more than you can hope to defeat single-handedly. Anxious to escape while you are still able, you hurry down the beach to the jetty where you discover a sea-going canoe. Without daring to look back, you leap into this canoe, cast off its mooring rope, and paddle as fast as you can away from the shore.</p>
+ <p>Once you feel sure that you are beyond arrow range, you attempt to follow the coastline in the hope of finding a safer place to put ashore. But a mist sweeps in across the water and engulfs your tiny craft before you can change course. This mist thickens rapidly to become a dense sea fog, the like of which you have never experienced. Despite your advanced Kai skills, you are unable to see through it and quickly you lose all sense of time and direction.</p>
+ <p>After what seems like many hours, you eventually catch sight of a dark shape low in the water which, at first, appears to be a distant island. You paddle towards it but as you draw closer your senses suddenly scream a warning that you are heading into deadly danger. Instantly you reverse your stroke to change course, but it is already too late. Two slits open in the dark shape and a ghostly light washes over the fog-wreathed ocean. You feel the canoe lurch violently as it is hit by a powerful undercurrent and, in the next terrifying instant, you are sucked into the maw of a titanic subterranean sea creature and swallowed whole.</p>
+ <p>Tragically, your life and your quest for the Moonstone come to a watery end here.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect127">
+ <meta><title>127</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You are shocked to the core when suddenly you recognize the faces that have appeared upon the surfaces of the three leading comets. The first is Lord Paido - the Vakeros warrior who accompanied you through the uncharted swamps of the Danarg and later sacrificed his life to protect yours in the infamous Darklord fortress of Torgar. The second is the face of Adamas - the Lord Constable of Garthen - who led the armies of Talestria and Palmyrion in the assault upon Torgar and perished during that fearsome siege. And the third is the bearded face of Seb Jarel - the brave Eruan partizan who guided you through the Hellswamp and, in so doing, forfeited his life.</p>
+ <p>Your Kai senses detect that the souls of these three brave men are trapped upon this domain. Their spirits were captured by evil at the moment of their deaths and Naar has since condemned them to an eternity in the service of Avarvae the Tormentress. You see them mouthing words; they are pleading for you to release them from their torment, and your heart is torn by their silent, plaintive cries.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect163">If you possess Deliverance, and you have attained the Kai rank of Sun Thane, <link-text>turn to 163</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect138">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 138</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect128">
+ <meta><title>128</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>The very instant you touch the ring it transforms into the mouth of a huge scaly worm. Your whole hand and forearm disappear into its fang-filled maw and, before you can save yourself, it snaps shut its powerful jaws. Red-hot agony engulfs your arm and sears your senses. Instinctively you pull away and, to your horror, you fall backwards with blood spilling freely from your severed limb. Cadak's malicious laughter fills your ears as, in a swirl of pain and confusion, you feel the numbing chill of shock begin to fill you with a deadly lethargy.</p>
+ <p>Seated upon the two throne-like seats which adorn the great carcass appear the ghastly forms of the Kunae - the Lords of Decay. Their braying laughter echoes Cadak's vicious howl; they are clearly delighted by his use of base trickery to defeat you. Tragically, this awful sound is the last that you will ever hear. You have allowed yourself to be deceived by the spirit of the Arch Druid and you have paid the ultimate price. In a moment of sheer terror, the Kunae focus their terrible powers of disease and decay and turn them upon you, consigning you swiftly to oblivion.</p>
+ <p>Sadly, your life and your quest end here in the dreaded Hall of the Kunae.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect129">
+ <meta><title>129</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>As the last of the ghoulish horde falls to your deadly blows, you leap over its shattered body and break into a run. Unfortunately you do not get very far; a heavy weight hits you squarely in the back and knocks you to your knees. You struggle to regain your footing in the thick mud but your efforts are soon thwarted when you are suddenly engulfed by a coarse rope net dropped from above. Frantically you scrabble to untangle yourself, but a second net smothers the first and delays you just long enough for a pair of winged flyers to land on your back and force you down. Then another two of these demonic fliers come to assist them. While you are being subdued they hurriedly thread ropes through the edges of the nets and hurl the loose ends to others hovering above. Then, as one, the flock utters a chilling shriek of triumph. Your stomach churns and your heart pounds as you feel the net close in and hoist you off the ground.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If the number you have picked is 0-4, you lose 1 Backpack Item of your choice as you are lifted into the air. If the number you have picked is 5-9, your money pouch spills open and you lose all of your Gold Crowns.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect63">After making the necessary adjustments to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, you may continue by <link-text>turning to 63</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect130">
+ <meta><title>130</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You throw yourself to the ground and, as you fall, you feel the searing heat of the approaching fire-column singe your face and hair.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect15">If your total score is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 15</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect328">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 328</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect131">
+ <meta><title>131</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>The howling fires of this supernatural storm lash you with a violent fury. Your platinum amulet and your Grand Master skills protect you from being incinerated the instant you emerge into the crater, yet even so, the exposed parts of your body suffer searing burns before you are able to leap back into the shimmering light and escape the wrath of the firestorm. Lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect17">To continue, <link-text>turn to 17</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect132">
+ <meta><title>132</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Rapidly the creature's apprehension turns to rage. Growling maniacally, it scrapes its claws repeatedly on the stone ramp to sharpen their curved tips, then it hurls itself towards you with its fang-filled jaw opened wide in readiness to bite.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect11">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 11</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect349">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 349</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect234">If you do not possess these skills, or if you choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 234</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect133">
+ <meta><title>133</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Hastily you retreat into the forest of flames and pray that your Kai psychic and camouflage skills will keep you safe from Tzor's dread gaze.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 16 or higher, add 1 to the number you have picked. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 10 or lower, deduct 1.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect262">If your total is now 2 or lower, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect338">If it is 3 or higher, <link-text>turn to 338</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect134">
+ <meta><title>134</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You leave the causeway and advance through the knee-deep mire towards the shattered heap of grey stone slabs. Only moments before you reach the pile, you hear a buzzing sound which makes you freeze in your tracks. Through a gap in the stones you see a host of winged insects swarming around a large, pear-shaped hive. Glinting scarlet-tipped stingers protrude like small knives from their tails, leaving you in no doubt that these insects could prove deadly if provoked. You are about to turn back when they detect you and become enraged. Moments later this host of angry insects comes pouring from out of every gap in the rocks.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect238">If you possess the Discipline of Assimilance, and have reached the rank of Kai Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 238</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect156">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 156</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect135">
+ <meta><title>135</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You raise your right hand and utter the words of the Brotherhood spell - Lightning Hand. Moments later a bolt of crackling energy leaps from your palm and hits the towering warrior squarely in the chest. He shudders momentarily, but the power and impact of the spell proves insufficient to topple him from this narrow beam of rock and he quickly recovers.</p>
+ <p>The warrior retaliates by raising his black sword and releasing a crackling surge of electrical energy from its tip. It passes over your head and earths itself to the end of the stone beam, at the place where it joins the chasm wall. You feel a jolt beneath your feet as the beam cracks and breaks away from the wall and, to your amazement, you watch as this solid spar of rock curls up and slowly rolls in towards you, like a snake's tongue returning to its mouth.</p>
+ <p>The coiled beam retracts towards the mouth of the dragon-gate, forcing you nearer and nearer to the fearsome black warrior. As he watches your reluctant approach he swings his mighty sword above his head, slicing and stabbing at the air with it in eager anticipation of the coming fight. When you are pushed to within ten yards of the gate itself, you reach for your own weapon and brace yourself for a fight that seems unavoidable.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect254">If you possess the Sommerswerd, or Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 254</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect147">If you possess neither of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect136">
+ <meta><title>136</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Unfortunately, the swooping lavas see you attempting to take cover and they spiral down to the ground and surround your hiding place. In less than a minute their cries of alarm attract more than two dozen of their kin to this area of derelict ground. At a given signal they close in and attack you mercilessly with spears and tridents. You fight back bravely, dispatching more than ten lavas before you succumb to their blows and are overwhelmed by their sheer weight of numbers. Sadly, your life and your quest end here.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect137">
+ <meta><title>137</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Using your Kai skill, you command the hesitant creature to abandon its thoughts of attacking you and run away. The beast's evil eyes widen with uncertainty and then, in a moment of sheer terror, its nerve breaks and it scrambles back up the ramp. You watch it disappear through the archway before you turn your attention to the portal and examine its surface in an attempt to find a way to open it. Using your advanced Kai skills you are able to decipher enough of the runic text to discover the secret code which keeps it secure. Confidently you press a section of the surface and it moves inwards with an audible clunk! Moments later, the portal creaks open and you hurry through before it slams shut with a resounding boom.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect210"><link-text>Turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect138">
+ <meta><title>138</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Out of a sense of duty and respect for the memories of these three brave men, you pray to the God Kai to release them from their torment (reduce your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score by 4). As you intone the hallowed words of your prayer, you feel an aura of peace and tranquility descend upon their tortured souls. The twisted and pained faces which adorn the surface of the fiery comets gradually soften and fade until, with an overwhelming sense of release, you detect that they are no more. Through your presence here, and the power of your prayer, the God Kai has been able to penetrate the darkness of this domain and retrieve their souls. It is with a great sense of satisfaction you detect that they have at last found eternal peace upon the Plane of Light.</p>
+ <p>The comets, now devoid of soul-energy, are drawn back into the orbit of the distant star cluster. You, too, are drawn towards these glowing stars, and as you pass through them at an incredible speed, you glimpse a wondrous sight in the void beyond. A vast rainbow bridge of colour arcs across the immeasurable darkness to a titanic plateau of fire. Your spirits soar when you detect that this is the Bridge of the Damned, the exit that you seek from this astral domain. Yet as you approach the magnificent bridge, you detect a less-welcoming presence. The shadowy riders are returning and this time they are escorting a creature that sets your pulse racing with fear.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect272"><link-text>Turn to 272</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect139">
+ <meta><title>139</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You hook a link of the chain upon the tip of your weapon and wrench the amulet free from Nza'pok's frozen lip. The amulet ceases to glow the moment it is cut free, and you sense that it is now safe to touch. When you pick it up, you notice that on the facing side is engraved Nza'pok's name and on the reverse side you discover a runic number.</p>
+ <p>Record this Nza'pok Amulet on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item, which you keep in your pocket. The runic number on the reverse side is a six. Make a note of this number in the margin of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> for future reference.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect314">To continue, <link-text>turn to 314</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="numbered" id="sect140">
+ <meta><title>140</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>You notice an open archway at the base of the squat tower. When you focus on this opening, you detect a flight of steps leading down. It occurs to you that with a little luck, helped along by your Kai hunting and camouflage skills, it may be possible for you to slip past the lavas and escape down these stairs unseen.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect308">If you decide to try to reach the tower stairs, <link-text>turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect278">If you decide that it is too risky, you can stay where you are by <link-text>turning to 278</link-text>.</choice>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
<section class="numbered" id="sect141">
<meta><title>141</title></meta>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / commitdiff