<dt>Grand Huntmastery</dt>
<dd><p>Kai Sun Lords with this skill are able to see, with acute accuracy, light in the infrared spectrum, i.e., they can see the 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 psychics 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. 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 conjuction 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 psychics 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 conjuction 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>
<dt>Magi-magic</dt>
<p>Grand Masters who have reached the rank of Sun Lord are able to use the following battle-spells of the Elder Magi:</p>
<ul>
<li><spell>Penetrate</spell><ch.emdash/>This increases the penetrative energy of any arrow, or arrow-like missile, launched by a Sun Lord.</li>
- <li><spell>Energy Grasp</spell><ch.emdash/>This spell enables a Sun Lord to discharge a powerful electrical force into anything he or she touches. It is similar in effect to the Brotherhood spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>. It differs in that it is easier to control and channel the resulting energy. It also requires the actual touching of an object or enemy to effect the spell.</li>
+ <li><spell>Energy Grasp</spell><ch.emdash/>This spell enables a Sun Lord to discharge a powerful electrical force into anything he or she touches. It is similar in effect to the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>. It differs in that it is easier to control and channel the resulting energy. It also requires the actual touching of an object or enemy to effect the spell.</li>
</ul>
</dd>
<dt>Bardsmanship</dt>
<p>Within the hour, you find yourself standing beside Lord Rimoah at the deck-rail of the sleek flying ship <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite>, watching the Kai Monastery melt away into the distance as the craft soars into an azure sky. The weather is fresh and clear, and you are blessed with a strong tail wind that will assist your long journey south to the land of Bhanar.</p>
<p>Rimoah has already charted a course for Sunderer Pass, and as his young Toranese crew attend to the running of the skyship, you settle back into the plush comfort of the Captain<ch.apos/>s cabin and discuss with him the details of your mission. After a delicious supper, you retire early and rise late in order to be best prepared for the task ahead.</p>
<p>By noon of the next day, you have already crossed the Tentarias and entered into Southern Magnamund. You spend much of the early afternoon standing at the bow rail, lost in your thoughts as an endless panoply of rolling hills and grasslands pass silently beneath <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite><ch.apos/>s gleaming keel.</p>
- <p>When the forbidding peaks of the Darkwall Mountains are sighted on the horizon, Rimoah takes charge of the helm and steers the skyship on a south-easterly bearing to avoid them. These mountains mark the northern boundary of the Doomlands of Naaros, and Rimoah is anxious to avoid this notoriously stormy region. Skilfully he navigates a course around the eastern boundary of the Doomlands until, late in the afternoon, you see the snow-capped tips of the Southern Dammerdon Mountains soar into view.</p>
+ <p>When the forbidding peaks of the Darkwall Mountains are sighted on the horizon, Rimoah takes charge of the helm and steers the skyship on a southeasterly bearing to avoid them. These mountains mark the northern boundary of the Doomlands of Naaros, and Rimoah is anxious to avoid this notoriously stormy region. Skilfully he navigates a course around the eastern boundary of the Doomlands until, late in the afternoon, you see the snow-capped tips of the Southern Dammerdon Mountains soar into view.</p>
<p>Rimoah passes the helm back to his bo<ch.apos/>sun, then he hurries to join you at the bow rail. <quote>Keep your eyes peeled, Grand Master,</quote> he says. <quote>Sunderer Pass is a narrow gorge. It<ch.apos/>ll be hard to spot from here.</quote> Aided by your ability to magnify your vision, you are the first one to see the tiny pass. Rimoah praises your keen sight and he signals to the bo<ch.apos/>sun to bring <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite> around to the southern slopes of the Dammerdons, to a place where the pass emerges from the mountain range. Here you notice a pale cross of sun-bleached boulders laid out on the dark, dusty ground. It is a sign Rimoah has been hoping for, and excitedly he calls for the bo<ch.apos/>sun to steer the skycraft towards it.</p>
<p><cite>Cloud-dancer</cite> is brought to hover directly above the cross. You leave the rail and accompany Rimoah into a boarding cage located at the stern, and together you are winched to the ground. As the cage touches down, you push open its iron gate and step out. Your pulse quickens when suddenly you see four shadowy figures emerging from the surrounding rocks.</p>
<choice idref="sect225">To continue, <link-text>turn to 225</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You make a wide detour around the encampment before continuing your ride south. It is mid-afternoon when you see a settlement in the distance, one of many that can be found on the fringes of the Yua Tzhan province. As you are passing through this ragged plains village, you see a busy market in operation. The traders and their costumers stop to stare as you ride past; their eyes drawn by the unusual cut and colour of your tunics.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small1.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small1.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small1.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Gildas points to a clothes stall that is heaped with simple straw-coloured robes, much favoured by these Bhanarian plains-dwellers. <quote>Maybe a wise purchase, Sir Kai?</quote> he mutters. <quote>I fear our tunics may arouse yet more suspicion the further south we venture.</quote> You nod in agreement and halt to ask the trader how much he wants for four of his robes.</p>
<p><quote>One hundred and fifty Ren,</quote> he replies, breezily.</p>
<p>The trader<ch.apos/>s price is the equivalent to 15 Gold Crowns. The rangers do not have any money, so if you wish to purchase these garments you must pay the full price.</p>
<p>Your tracking skills tell you that this hut was abandoned by its owner earlier this morning. Its log stove is still warm, and a plate of food lies untouched on the table. You share out the food and dry your clothes by the stove. Sergeant Paviz keeps watch at the window in case a patrol should come by to search the hut.</p>
<p>As midnight approaches, the enemy activity in Zuda decreases. Gildas suggests you should leave during the night to minimize risk of discovery the darkness provides invaluable cover. You agree, and after midnight you set out for the town.</p>
<p>Bhanarian soldiers are billeted in most of the shops and houses. You keep to the back streets to avoid the patrols, but every alley and avenue leads to the market square at the centre of the town, and you cannot avoid passing through this area. In the middle of the square a magnificent tent has been erected. High above flies a scarlet flag emblazoned with a gold tiger<ch.apos/>s head. This is Sejanoz<ch.apos/>s personal flag and it signifies that the Autarch is here in person. A dozen of his best soldiers guard his tent, and parked beside its entrance are two strange machines.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small2.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>The first is an elaborate shrine. It is fashioned from gold and jewels and has been crafted into the likeness of a tiger<ch.apos/>s head. Two huge ivory fangs protrude from its jaw and its jewelled eyes glow with a flickering scarlet fire.</p>
<p>The second is a golden chariot. This vehicle has no team of horses to pull it, for it needs no animals to cause it to move. It is a sky chariot, powered by the same magical forces that enable <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite> to soar through the air.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small11.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>You are observing the shrine from the cover of a doorway when suddenly the head slowly rotates in your direction, and two pencil-thin beams of red light shoot from its eyes. You duck back, but it is too late<ch.emdash/>the shine has detected your presence. The guards at the tent raise the alarm and a troop of Bhanarians come running from the doorway of a nearby hall.</p>
<p><quote>Run!</quote> cries Gildas, as the soldiers come rushing towards you.</p>
<choice idref="sect86">To continue, <link-text>turn to 86</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>5</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quickly you retrieve the potion from your backpack, flip open the stopper, and down it all in one gulp.</p>
+ <p>Quickly you retrieve the Poghlam from your backpack, flip open the stopper, and down it all in one gulp.</p>
<p>Instantly, the nausea subsides and you feel a wave of strength coursing through your veins: restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect48">To continue, <link-text>turn to 48</link-text></choice>
</data>
<meta><title>6</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Before you release your bowstring, you recite the words of the Old Kingdom spell <spell>Flameshaft</spell> and a magical blue flame engulfs your arrow<ch.apos/>s tip. Then you send your fiery missile arcing towards a pool of oil on the ground in front of the charging Xanon. It plunges into the black puddle and ignites with a terrific Whoomph!, exploding a searing ball of flame and black smoke into the air. The heat of the fireball forces the Xanon to retreat, but as they pull back, you become aware of a new threat.</p>
+ <p>Before you release your bowstring, you recite the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Flameshaft</spell> and a magical blue flame engulfs your arrow<ch.apos/>s tip. Then you send your fiery missile arcing towards a pool of oil on the ground in front of the charging Xanon. It plunges into the black puddle and ignites with a terrific <onomatopoeia>Whoomph!</onomatopoeia> exploding a searing ball of flame and black smoke into the air. The heat of the fireball forces the Xanon to retreat, but as they pull back, you become aware of a new threat.</p>
<p>Some Xanon have ridden in a wide arc around the ruins and have come up behind your position. You hear their leader snorting gruffly as he leaps into the ruined hall, and quickly you spin around to face him. Shouldering your bow, you unsheathe your Kai Weapon and leap forward to block him before he can launch a surprise attack upon the backs of your three companions.</p>
<choice idref="sect270">To continue, <link-text>turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>11</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Beyond the door you discover an empty chamber with a flight of spiral steps. You check your compass and then you lead the rangers up these iron stairs to a wide corridor on the floor above.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the door you discover an empty chamber with a flight of spiral steps. You check your Siyenese Compass and then you lead the rangers up these iron stairs to a wide corridor on the floor above.</p>
<p>You instruct Gildas and his men to wait at the top of the staircase while you make sure the way ahead is clear. Tall arched windows march past on either side as you approach a door at the end of the passageway. You detect the aroma of roasting meat and hear the sounds of feasting, and when you peep through the door<ch.apos/>s keyhole, you see a soldier<ch.apos/>s mess hall beyond.</p>
<p>Carefully you twist its spherical handle and push open the heavy oak door just a few inches. Peering around the door, you see a dozen Bhanarian soldiers sitting at a large table set before a blazing log fire. A side of beef is roasting on a spit above this fire, and the soldier<ch.apos/>s plates are heaped high with meat and vegetables. Stands of antique armour are positioned around the walls of the hall, and its panelled ceiling is decorated with the portraits of famous Bhanarian generals of old.</p>
- <p>Some of the soldiers dining here are Imperial Guards from the squad that you encountered in Sunderer Pass. You scrutinise their faces, yet you cannot see their leader among them. Your compass indicates that the Claw of Naar is nearby; its needle is pointing to a door on the far side of the mess hall. You sense that the Claw is in the room beyond this door, and you resolve to find a way of reaching it without being seen.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>Peering around the door, you see a dozen Bhanarian</line>
+ <line>soldiers feasting at a long table.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill1.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
+ <p>Some of the soldiers dining here are Imperial Guards from the squad that you encountered in Sunderer Pass. You scrutinise their faces, yet you cannot see their leader among them. Your Siyenese Compass indicates that the Claw of Naar is nearby; its needle is pointing to a door on the far side of the mess hall. You sense that the Claw is in the room beyond this door, and you resolve to find a way of reaching it without being seen.</p>
<choice idref="sect222">If you possess Grand Nexus, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 222</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect98">If you possess Assimilance, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect178">If you possess Elementalism, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The dial emits a loud <onomatopoeia>Click!</onomatopoeia> and the heavy door swings inwards without a sound. Quickly you step inside, then beckon the rangers to follow: <quote>This way!</quote></p>
- <p>When all three are safely inside, you push the heavy door closed and slide its drawbolt across, locking it securely.</p>
+ <p>When all three are safely inside, you push the heavy door closed and slide its bolt across, locking it securely.</p>
<choice idref="sect136">To continue, <link-text>turn to 136</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>13</title></meta>
<data>
- <p><quote>Wait here, Captain,</quote> you say to Gildas, <quote>I must go to the ravine. I will return soon, I promise.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Wait here, Captain,</quote> you say to Gildas. <quote>I must go to the ravine. I will return soon, I promise.</quote></p>
<p>And with these words you leave the rangers and make your way to the steep gully where <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite> lay concealed before it was attacked. As you approach the ravine, your Kai tracking skills direct you towards a small metallic tube that lies hidden among the boulders.</p>
<p>Hurriedly you scoop up the tube, flip open its hinged lid, and shake a rolled piece of papyrus on to your palm. On this scrap of material is a hastily written message from Rimoah, telling you that the Claw of Naar must not be allowed to fall into the hands of Autarch Sejanoz. He urges you to find and destroy it.</p>
<p><quote>If this should prove impossible, you must take it to the city of Pensei. There you should make contact with Lord Ghadra, the Dessian envoy, and he will see to its destruction. He will also help you to return home to Sommerlund.</quote></p>
<data>
<p>The street is filled with parked wagons, anxious troops, and irate delivery drivers who have been barred entrance to the barracks. An alarm bell continues to toll as you wend your way through the crowds, and your sixth sense tells you that the Claw has now been discovered missing.</p>
- <p>You turn a corner and ride along an unobstructed avenue that takes you to a far quieter quarter of the city. Guided by your pathsmanship and tracking skills, you lead the rangers to the South Gate of Yua Tzhan. Here you are able to depart the city along a road that passes through outlying settlements before climbing gently into the Honah Hills.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>You turn a corner and ride along an unobstructed avenue that takes you to a far quieter quarter of the city. Guided by your Pathsmanship and tracking skills, you lead the rangers to the South Gate of Yua Tzhan. Here you are able to depart the city along a road that passes through outlying settlements before climbing gently into the Honah Hills.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect202">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect194">If it is 5<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 194</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You reach the end of the roof and climb down the trunk of the tree. Gildas and his men follow your lead, and when all of you are safely on the ground, you pause for a few moments to assess the situation. From beneath the leafy boughs of the young oak, you look out across the parade ground and scan the buildings that border upon it. Bhanarian soldiers are running everywhere, seemingly in confusion. Then you realize that they all have a purpose: they are rushing to secure every entrance and exit from the barracks.</p>
<p>Gildas points to a building on the west side of the parade ground. Its doors are open and unguarded. You magnify your vision and see that it is part of the barracks stables. Its well-lit interior is busy with troopers who are preparing their mounts for tomorrow<ch.apos/>s ceremonial parade through the city. Beyond its rows of stalls is an archway that opens on to one of the city<ch.apos/>s streets. You inform the rangers of what you have seen and you decide that the stables offer you your best hope for an escape from the barracks. Using the perimeter trees for cover, you skirt around the parade ground and make your approach to the stables. You are less than 20 metres from its open doors when you are suddenly called upon to halt. Three Bhanarian guards come weaving through the line of trees towards you, their spears held at the ready. <quote>Stay where you are,</quote> barks the tallest of these soldiers, <quote>and all of you<ch.emdash/>raise your hands!</quote></p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>Three Bhanarian guards come rushing towards</line>
+ <line>you, their spears held at the ready.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill2.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect229">If you possess Herbmastery, and have attained the rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 229</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect111">If you possess Kai-surge, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Guardian, <link-text>turn to 111</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect274">If you possess neither of these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 274</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>23</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You snatch an arrow from your quiver and place it to your bow. As the leading creature comes swooping down towards your hiding place, you pull back your bowstring and take aim at the beast<ch.apos/>s open jaw.</p>
+ <p>You snatch an arrow from your Quiver and place it to your bow. As the leading creature comes swooping down towards your hiding place, you pull back your bowstring and take aim at the beast<ch.apos/>s open jaw.</p>
<choice idref="sect284">If you possess Magi-magic, and have attained the Kai rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 284</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect172">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 172</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You inform Gildas and the others of your discovery, and tell them to rest awhile beneath the wooden bridge while you attempt to lure a distant group of stallions towards the stream. By the use of your Animal Mastery, you are soon able to entice four horses to approach the bridge. At first they are nervous, for they can detect the vile stench of the Doomlands<ch.apos/> dust which impregnates the rangers<ch.apos/> tunics. But they are also thirsty and they cannot resist the temptation of the sparkling stream.</p>
- <p>You allow them to drink at the stream for several minutes and, as they settle, you use your Kai mastery to subdue their natural instincts. At your command, Gildas and the others emerge from beneath the bridge and each man chooses a stallion. They are all expert horsemen, and they are able to make bridles and saddlecloths from ropes and blankets that they carry in their packs, Within the hour, all four of you are ready to leave the bridge and ride south in pursuit of the Imperial Guards.</p>
+ <p>You allow them to drink at the stream for several minutes and, as they settle, you use your Kai Mastery to subdue their natural instincts. At your command, Gildas and the others emerge from beneath the bridge and each man chooses a stallion. They are all expert horsemen, and they are able to make bridles and saddlecloths from ropes and blankets that they carry in their packs, Within the hour, all four of you are ready to leave the bridge and ride south in pursuit of the Imperial Guards.</p>
<p>Before you set off, 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="sect130">To continue, <link-text>turn to 130</link-text></choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Only the swiftness of your reactions saves you and your companions from a watery death. You race back along the hill road, through the blinding rain, with a surging torrent of mud and debris chasing you all the way. Trees are uprooted and loose boulders are sent hurtling into the air by the destructive force of this merciless flow. You are struck by pieces of debris and you suffer cuts to your head and back: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>You succeed in out-running the mudsling but at some cost. Your horses are so drained by the ordeal that two of them die of exhaustion, and a third becomes too lame to continue. You are forced to abandon them and continue your journey on foot. You head east, and take shelter in a wooded hillside while you wait for the rains to abate.</p>
+ <p>You succeed in outrunning the mudsling but at some cost. Your horses are so drained by the ordeal that two of them die of exhaustion, and a third becomes too lame to continue. You are forced to abandon them and continue your journey on foot. You head east, and take shelter on a wooded hillside while you wait for the rains to abate.</p>
<p>While you are resting, unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect59">To continue, <link-text>turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<choice idref="sect53">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 53</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect124">If you possess Elementalism, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect281">If you possess Kai-surge, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 281</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect164">If you possess none of these skills, or if you choose not to use them, or a Bow, <link-text>turn instead to 164</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect164">If you possess none of these skills, nor a Bow, or if you choose not to use them, <link-text>turn instead to 164</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>33</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your spell fails to split the iron skin of the cannon<ch.apos/>s pressure cylinder. Alerted now to your presence, a handful of Bhanarians leave the fight at the archway and come running towards the antechamber with their swords and axes raised to strike. You offer up a short prayer to Ishir to protect you as you draw your Kai Weapon ready to meet their determined attack. With your battle cry upon your lips, you pull open the door and flail at the first Bhanarian who comes within striking distance of your deadly blade.</p>
+ <p>Your spell fails to split the iron skin of the cannon<ch.apos/>s pressure cylinder. Alerted now to your presence, a handful of Bhanarians leave the fight at the archway and come running towards the antechamber with their swords and axes raised to strike. You offer up a short prayer to Ishir to protect you as you draw your Kai Weapon ready to meet their determined attack. With your battle-cry upon your lips, you pull open the door and flail at the first Bhanarian who comes within striking distance of your deadly blade.</p>
<combat><enemy>Bhanarian Guards</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">37</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect144">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 144</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You catch up with the fleeing rangers at a clearing in the forest. The swiftness of your flight has outpaced the fearsome shape-changer, yet no sooner have you recovered your composure and rallied your companions, than you find yourself confronted by a new threat.</p>
<p>At the far side of the clearing is a large mound of packed earth, with a cave-like entrance that is adorned with bones and skulls. From out of the mouth of this cave there emerges a hulking form. Its body resembles a great grey egg supported by a cluster of pale, spindly legs. Two bloodshot eyeballs wobble atop stalks that protrude from its swollen head, and a vile-smelling green bile drips unceasingly from its gap-toothed maw.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>A strange, hulking form emerges</line>
+ <line>from the mouth of the cave.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill3.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<p>Gildas raises his bow and draws an arrow in readiness to fire at the advancing beast. You raise your Kai Weapon, but suddenly you sense that this abomination is surrounded by a benign, magical aura. Your Kai sixth sense tells you that, despite its fulsome appearance, this creature poses no real threat to you and your companions, and hurriedly you command Gildas to hold his fire. Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect213">If the number you have picked is 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect176">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 176</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>There is a blinding flash of scarlet light upon the instant that your blade strikes the shaft of the Claw, and a searing wave of energy sends you crashing backwards to the ground: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Dazed and gasping for breath, you drag yourself to your feet and approach the stone block which is now wreathed with trails of grey smoke. To your dismay, you discover that the Claw is still intact. Despite the huge burst of energy that your blow released, you discover no mark or blemish upon its gnarled shaft.</p>
- <p>The blade of your Kai Weapon, however, is notched and discoloured at the point where it struck the shaft of the Claw. (The damage to your Kai Weapon has caused a permanent reduction of 2 points to its <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus. You should now adjust the bonus on your Special Items list.)</p>
+ <p>The blade of your Kai Weapon, however, is notched and discoloured at the point where it struck the shaft of the Claw. (The damage to your Kai Weapon has caused a permanent reduction of 2 points to its <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus. You should now adjust the bonus on your <a idref="action">list of Special Items</a>.)</p>
<choice idref="sect228">To continue, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>47</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You pull open the door to the antechamber and sprint across the body-strewn hall towards the distant archway. Your Magnakai Discipline of Huntmastery enables you to see through the dissipating clouds of steam, but your ranger allies are not so gifted. As you pass through the archway and rush into the corridor, they mistake you for a Bhanarian attacker and they let loose a volley of arrows at your fleeting form.</p>
+ <p>You pull open the door to the antechamber and sprint across the body-strewn hall towards the distant archway. Your Magnakai Discipline of Huntmastery enables you to see through the dissipating clouds of steam, but your ranger allies are not so gifted. As you pass through the archway and rush into the corridor, they mistake you for a Bhanarian attacker and they let loose a volley of arrows at your fleeing form.</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 9, <link-text>turn to 163</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect209">If it is 4<ch.endash/>8, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>49</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw upon your improved Discipline of Grand Huntmastery and focus your vision upon the advancing squad, but you cannot detect anything unusual there. It is not until you cast your eyes to the blanket of cloud above that you discover the cause of your disquiet. Hidden from plain sight yet clear to your improved infravision, you see a host of flying creatures soaring overhead. The sight makes you swallow hard. They have lean and sinewy bodies that are studded with hundreds of spikes, and their slitted eyes emit a cold, bilious light.</p>
+ <p>You draw upon your improved Discipline of Grand Huntmastery and focus your vision upon the advancing squad, but you cannot detect anything unusual there. It is not until you cast your eyes to the blanket of cloud above that you discover the cause of your disquiet. Hidden from plain sight, yet clear to your improved infravision, you see a host of flying creatures soaring overhead. The sight makes you swallow hard. They have lean and sinewy bodies that are studded with hundreds of spikes, and their slitted eyes emit a cold, bilious light.</p>
<p>You warn the rangers of their presence and swiftly they take cover among the boulders, hiding themselves from above. Your swift action saves you from being detected by the winged beasts, but as the last of their number passes overhead, you witness something that makes your heart skip a beat.</p>
<choice idref="sect296"><link-text>Turn to 296</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>53</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You intone the words of the Old Kingdom spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and hold out the palm of your right hand, directing it towards the body of the sinister young woman. You feel a surge of tingling power leap from your palm and shoot towards her, but this power is deflected away when suddenly a translucent wall of energy appears before her.</p>
+ <p>You intone the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and hold out the palm of your right hand, directing it towards the body of the sinister young woman. You feel a surge of tingling power leap from your palm and shoot towards her, but this power is deflected away when suddenly a translucent wall of energy appears before her.</p>
<p>Fearing that you may be facing a powerful sorceress, you abandon your attack and try to think of a more effective weapon to use against her.</p>
<choice idref="sect151">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 151</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect281">If you possess Kai-surge, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 281</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>62</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your mind is set upon the task of finding and retrieving the Claw of Naar before Autarch Sejanoz arrives, and impatiently you dismiss the fortune-teller with a wave of your hand. Gildas and his men follow as you hurry out of the inn and stride across the main square. In the light of a street lantern you consult your Siyenese compass once more before setting off in the direction that it indicates. It leads you towards the military quarter located on the east side of the square. You follow a broad avenue lined with closed shop doorways and soon arrive at a busy barracks. The compass, and your Kai sixth sense, both tell you that the Claw of Naar is located somewhere inside this troop-infested building.</p>
+ <p>Your mind is set upon the task of finding and retrieving the Claw of Naar before Autarch Sejanoz arrives, and impatiently you dismiss the fortune-teller with a wave of your hand. Gildas and his men follow as you hurry out of the inn and stride across the main square. In the light of a street lantern you consult your Siyenese Compass once more before setting off in the direction that it indicates. It leads you towards the Military Quarter located on the east side of the square. You follow a broad avenue lined with closed shop doorways and soon arrive at a busy barracks. The Siyenese Compass and your Kai sixth sense both tell you that the Claw of Naar is located somewhere inside this troop-infested building.</p>
<choice idref="sect81">If you wish to try to find a way to enter the barracks undetected, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect242">If you decide to observe this building from the cover of an unlit doorway, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>63</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You have travelled less than a mile when it begins to rain. At first it is just a few drops that spot the shoulders of your robe, but within minutes it has become a deluge that soaks you through to the skin. The land bordering this road is steep and impossible to climb on horseback, and through the sheeting rain you can see little of the way ahead. The thunder grows steadily louder. When this rumbling becomes almost deafening, you suddenly realize that it is not thunder at all: it is a terrifying sound of a mudslide. Frantically you signal to the rangers to turn back. As the torrent of earth and water comes crashing down the hillsides, you urge your horses to a blind gallop in a desperate attempt to out-run this merciless river of mud.</p>
+ <p>You have travelled less than a mile when it begins to rain. At first it is just a few drops that spot the shoulders of your robe, but within minutes it has become a deluge that soaks you through to the skin. The land bordering this road is steep and impossible to climb on horseback, and through the sheeting rain you can see little of the way ahead. The thunder grows steadily louder. When this rumbling becomes almost deafening, you suddenly realize that it is not thunder at all: it is a terrifying sound of a mudslide. Frantically you signal to the rangers to turn back. As the torrent of earth and water comes crashing down the hillsides, you urge your horses to a blind gallop in a desperate attempt to outrun this merciless river of mud.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Animal Mastery, add 1 to the number you have picked. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 20 or higher, add 1. If it is 10 or lower, deduct 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect160">If your total score is now 2 or lower, <link-text>turn to 160</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect31">If it is 3<ch.endash/>7, <link-text>turn to 31</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>For over three hours you ride south across the rolling grasslands, guided on your way by your tracking skills and the light of a waxing moon. It is not until you see the outline of a derelict temple silhouetted on the crest of a ridge that you slow your pace and point your tired horse towards it. Upon reaching the ruined temple you discover that it stands beside a well brim-full with fresh water. You let the horses drink their fill, and as they recover their strength, you and your companions explore the ruin.</p>
<p>The temple is empty and overgrown. Its only feature of note is an altar stone engraved with ancient designs. It is illuminated by a solitary stream of moonlight that filters down through a hole in the shattered slate roof. While the horses are resting, you take the opportunity to examine the Claw and, as you unfold its covering blanket on the altar, you find yourself both fascinated and repulsed by the intricacies of its evil design. The head of the Claw resembles a petrified vulture<ch.apos/>s foot, cast in a black metal that is flecked with shimmering scarlet specks. Its shaft is twisted, like a length of gnarled root, and it is perforated along its length with pea-sized hollows.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>You are repulsed and yet fascinated</line>
+ <line>by the evil Claw of Naar.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill4.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<p>A palpable aura of evil radiates from this dread artefact, and you feel an overwhelming compulsion to destroy it. You warn the rangers to stand clear, and then you unsheathe your Kai Weapon and deal the shaft of the Claw a mighty blow.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
- <choice idref="sect323">If the number you have picked is even (ie, 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8), <link-text>turn to 323</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect248">If it is odd (ie, 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9), <link-text>turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect323">If the number you have picked is even (i.e., 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8), <link-text>turn to 323</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect248">If it is odd (i.e., 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9), <link-text>turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>65</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You recite the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and point the index finger of your right hand at the keyhole. A tingling sensation runs the length of your arm, and then a crackling bolt of blue energy leaps your fingertip and tears open the iron lockplate. The doors to the stables shudder and then fly open amid a cloud of smoke.</p>
+ <p>You recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and point the index finger of your right hand at the keyhole. A tingling sensation runs the length of your arm, and then a crackling bolt of blue energy leaps your fingertip and tears open the iron lockplate. The doors to the stables shudder and then fly open amid a cloud of smoke.</p>
<choice idref="sect152"><link-text>Turn to 152</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You grab the chariot<ch.apos/>s guide rail as you thrust your right hand forwards on the glittering sphere. The sky-chariot surges forwards, and as you leave the courtyard and tower, you hear Autarch Sejanoz scream a vow that he will take vengeance upon you for the defeat you have dealt him this day.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small11.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small11.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small11.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>You steer the sky-chariot away to the east and flee towards the friendlier skies of Chai. As the wind whips your face, you feel the sweet exhilaration of victory. Yet it is tempered by the memory of the brave men you had to leave behind.</p>
<choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>69</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You recite the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and raise your right hand, pointing your outstretched fingers towards the distant steam-cannon. A bolt of radiant energy leaps from your fingertips and speeds across the mess hall, striking its iron cylinder with a blinding flash of blue-white sparks.</p>
+ <p>You recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and raise your right hand, pointing your outstretched fingers towards the distant steam-cannon. A bolt of radiant energy leaps from your fingertips and speeds across the mess hall, striking its iron cylinder with a blinding flash of blue-white sparks.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. For every level of Kai rank you have attained above Kai Grand Sentinel, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect33">If your total score is now is 4 or lower, <link-text>turn to 33</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect61">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 61</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>70</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw upon your Kai mastery to command the snake to hold its attack. The Conda hesitates, and Gildas reaches for his sword. With one swift and deadly swipe, his blade decapitates the serpent and sends its fangled head spinning through the air, trailing a stream of greenish-yellow venom.</p>
+ <p>You draw upon your Kai Mastery to command the snake to hold its attack. The Conda hesitates, and Gildas reaches for his sword. With one swift and deadly swipe, his blade decapitates the serpent and sends its fangled head spinning through the air, trailing a stream of greenish-yellow venom.</p>
<p>Breaching a sigh of relief, Gildas wipes his blade on the grubby sleeve of his tunic before slipping it silently into his scabbard.</p>
<choice idref="sect335"><link-text>Turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Quickly you remove your pack and, to your dismay, you discover that it has been torn open by the blow you received just prior to your escape from the ruins.</p>
- <p>(In addition to the Claw of Naar, you have also lost 3 Backpack Items. You must now erase from your Backpack Items List the Claw of Naar, plus any three Backpack Items of your choosing.)</p>
+ <p>(In addition to the Claw of Naar, you have also lost 3 Backpack Items. You must now erase from your <a idref="action">list of Backpack Items</a> the Claw of Naar, plus any three Backpack Items of your choosing.)</p>
<p>Cursing your bad fortune, you see the Xanon leave the ruins and join with the Autarch<ch.apos/>s Imperial Guards who have been observing your battle from the safety of a nearby ridge. You see a Xanon deliver the Claw to the squad leader, and it galls you to see him raising it defiantly. With a whooping cry, the Bhanarians and their Xanon allies leave the ridge and ride south across the open grasslands.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect327">If the number you have picked is 4 or lower <link-text>turn to 327</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>75</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quickly you speak the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and raise your right arm. You point your outstretched fingers at the Autarch<ch.apos/>s helm and a crackling bolt of blue fire leaps from your fingertips. It strikes his helm, and the force of the impact makes him shudder. He releases his grip and the rangers fall limply to the floor.</p>
+ <p>Quickly you speak the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and raise your right arm. You point your outstretched fingers at the Autarch<ch.apos/>s helm and a crackling bolt of blue fire leaps from your fingertips. It strikes his helm, and the force of the impact makes him shudder. He releases his grip and the rangers fall limply to the floor.</p>
<p>Then he turns to face you. <quote>Give me the Claw!</quote> he demands, his voice booming around the chamber. <quote>Give me the Claw and I shall spare all your worthless lives!</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect35">If you choose to obey his command, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect338">If you choose to refuse his command, <link-text>turn to 338</link-text>.</choice>
<p>You offer to carry the old man away from the forest but he refuses to leave. <quote>My days are numbered. I shall only be a burden to you. You must leave me and go. Do not delay<ch.ellips/> the shape-changer is approaching. I<ch.ellips/> can feel<ch.ellips/> her anger.</quote></p>
<p>Your Kai sixth sense confirms that the old man is correct. The shape-changer is approaching the clearing, and you must leave immediately if you are to avoid another deadly confrontation with her.</p>
<p>Reluctantly you bid farewell to this brave old man, and then you cross the clearing hurriedly and remount your horse. Gildas beckons you to follow as he and his rangers make good a hasty escape into the trees.</p>
- <p>(If you choose to keep the Pogh
ram and the Red Key, record them on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as Backpack Items.)</p>
+ <p>(If you choose to keep the Pogh
lam and the Red Key, record them on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as Backpack Items.)</p>
<choice idref="sect346">To continue, <link-text>turn to 346</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<li>Food (enough for 2 Meals)</li>
<li>Comb</li>
</ul>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small12.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>You also, discover a gleaming talisman that engraved with the tiger<ch.apos/>s head emblem of Autarch Sejanoz. It is strung upon a braided cord. (If you wish to keep this Gold Talisman, record it on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. You may wear it around your neck.)</p>
<choice idref="sect291">To continue, <link-text>turn to 291</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>81</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>There is a great deal of activity going on at the main entrance to the barracks. Columns of Bhanarian spearmen, clad in black quilted uniforms with wide silk leggings, go marching through its gate every few minutes with an almost clockwork regularity. You suspect that they are mustering in preparation for the arrival of the Autarch, although they seem too heavily armed to be gathering for ceremonial parade duties. You also catch sight of some Xanons, and you sense that these creatures were among those whom you fought at the ruins earlier today.</p>
+ <p>There is a great deal of activity going on at the main entrance to the barracks. Columns of Bhanarian spearmen, clad in black quilted uniforms with wide silk leggings, go marching through its gate every few minutes with an almost clockwork regularity. You suspect that they are mustering in preparation for the arrival of the Autarch, although they seem too heavily armed to be gathering for ceremonial parade duties. You also catch sight of some Xanon, and you sense that these creatures were among those whom you fought at the ruins earlier today.</p>
<p>You signal to Gildas and his men to follow as you skirt around the barracks and approach one of several smaller entrances that punctuate its northern flank wall. A line of wagons are parked here awaiting their turn to enter. While they wait, the drivers and their civilian helpers busy themselves by checking the food and provisions they are delivering to the barracks<ch.apos/> kitchens. One driver is struggling to recover the contents of a crate that has fallen from the tailgate of his wagon and broken open.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small9.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small9.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small9.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect227">If you wish to offer to help the driver recover his spilled load, <link-text>turn to 227</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect301">If you wish to attempt to hide in the rear of one of the wagons that is queuing to enter the barracks, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect301">If you wish to attempt to hide in the rear of one of the wagons that is queueing to enter the barracks, <link-text>turn to 301</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>83</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The trader frowns. He is loathe to lose a sale, at any price. After some thought, he says that he will accept 1 Weapon, 4 Gold Crowns, and 1 Backpack item in exchange for the robes.</p>
+ <p>The trader frowns. He is loath to lose a sale, at any price. After some thought, he says that he will accept 1 Weapon, 4 Gold Crowns, and 1 Backpack item in exchange for the robes.</p>
<p>You agree to the man<ch.apos/>s price and you hand over the items he requests (remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly). Then you and your companions each take one of the loose-fitting robes and slip them on over your tunics. The thin, hooded garments are large enough to conceal your backpacks and weapons, and you are pleased to discover that they do not hamper your movement.</p>
<p>Having concluded your business, you thank the trader and bid him farewell. Then you leave this village and continue your ride south across the plain.</p>
<choice idref="sect118"><link-text>Turn to 118</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The soldiers chase you through the back streets of Zuda until you are cornered in the courtyard of a tall crimson-coloured tower. Desperately you scan the walls of the courtyard but there is no way out, except by way of the narrow passageway that led you here.</p>
- <p>Marching along this passage come a squad of the Autarch<ch.apos/>s Imperial Guard. They are carrying what appear to be hollow stubby spears, connected by metallic piping to cylindrical backpacks. One of the advancing soldiers raises his spear and a puff of bubbling steam gushes from the tip. In the next instant, a solid projectile smashes into the wall behind you, spraying you with slivers of stone.</p>
+ <p>Marching along this passage comes a squad of the Autarch<ch.apos/>s Imperial Guard. They are carrying what appear to be hollow stubby spears, connected by metallic piping to cylindrical backpacks. One of the advancing soldiers raises his spear and a puff of bubbling steam gushes from the tip. In the next instant, a solid projectile smashes into the wall behind you, spraying you with slivers of stone.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>An advancing soldier fires at you</line>
+ <line>with his terrifying steam-gun.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill5.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect166">If you possess a Red Key, <link-text>turn to 166</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect226">If you do not have this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>87</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You pull out the talisman that you wear on a cord around your neck, and show it to the sergeant. He inspects it carefully before nodding his approval. Believing that you and your companions are Imperial Guards from the Autarch<ch.apos/>s court in Otavai, he steps aside and allows you to enter the barracks.</p>
+ <p>You pull out the Gold Talisman that you wear on a cord around your neck, and show it to the sergeant. He inspects it carefully before nodding his approval. Believing that you and your companions are Imperial Guards from the Autarch<ch.apos/>s court in Otavai, he steps aside and allows you to enter the barracks.</p>
<choice idref="sect110"><link-text>Turn to 110</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You hurl your blade and it whirls through the air to strike the squad leader in the chest, dealing him a deep and mortal wound. The force of the impact tips him out of his tub and sends a torrent of water cascading into the fire. His dying cries mingle with a loud hiss of steam as the bath water extinguishes the fire and sizzles on the red-hot grate.</p>
<p>You rush forward and tug your Kai Weapon from the dead man<ch.apos/>s chest. Then you turn aside the bath tub to see what he was reaching for. Lying among the soap suds you discover a Bor pistol, its flint and firing powder now waterlogged and useless.</p>
- <p>Your Kai senses tell you that you are very close to the Claw of Naar. You look at your Siyenese compass once again, and now you see that its needle is pointing to a painting which hangs above the fireplace.</p>
+ <p>Your Kai senses tell you that you are very close to the Claw of Naar. You look at your Siyenese Compass once again, and now you see that its needle is pointing to a painting which hangs above the fireplace.</p>
<choice idref="sect137">To continue, <link-text>turn to 137</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>90</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your horse sails across the barrier, and the rangers jump their mounts over it with consumate ease. Then you gallop across the bridge and follow the road as it wends its way up into the hills beyond.</p>
+ <p>Your horse sails across the barrier, and the rangers jump their mounts over it with consummate ease. Then you gallop across the bridge and follow the road as it wends its way up into the hills beyond.</p>
<choice idref="sect272"><link-text>Turn to 272</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>91</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You retrace your route back to the perimeter of the forest and turn eastwards, leaving the trail. You soon discover that the tall plains<ch.apos/> grass makes the going increasingly difficult. It binds around your horses<ch.apos/> hooves and frustrates your attempts to hasten their pace. For five miles you force your mounts to wade through this sea of verdant vegetation until you catch sight of some stone ruins on the slope of a distant hill. It is the remnants of an ancient village, and it is bisected by a dried-up watercourse. You scan the site and notice dark pools of liquid scattered throughout the area. The pungent aroma of crude oil can be smelt wafting on the breeze.</p>
+ <p>You retrace your route back to the perimeter of the forest and turn eastwards, leaving the trail. You soon discover that the tall plains grass makes the going increasingly difficult. It binds around your horses<ch.apos/> hooves and frustrates your attempts to hasten their pace. For five miles you force your mounts to wade through this sea of verdant vegetation until you catch sight of some stone ruins on the slope of a distant hill. It is the remnants of an ancient village, and it is bisected by a dried-up watercourse. You scan the site and notice dark pools of liquid scattered throughout the area. The pungent aroma of crude oil can be smelt wafting on the breeze.</p>
<p>Your Kai sixth sense tells you that the ruins are deserted. Captain Gildas is anxious to press on for fear of being caught by the pursuing Bhanarians, but you command him to pause for a moment. Your instincts are warning you of a hidden danger.</p>
<choice idref="sect138">If you wish to enter the ruins of the ancient plains village, <link-text>turn to 138</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect109">If you decide to make a detour around them, <link-text>turn to 109</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>92</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You speak the words of the Old Kingdom spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and thrust your right arm stiffly towards the distant steam-cannon. A wave of energy surges from your clenched fist and speeds across the mess hall to strike its iron cylinder with a resounding <onomatopoeia>Clang!</onomatopoeia></p>
+ <p>You speak the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and thrust your right arm stiffly towards the distant steam-cannon. A wave of energy surges from your clenched fist and speeds across the mess hall to strike its iron cylinder with a resounding <onomatopoeia>Clang!</onomatopoeia></p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. For every level of Kai rank you have attained above Kai Grand Sentinel, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect33">If your total score is now is 4 or lower, <link-text>turn to 33</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect61">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 61</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The creature sinks beneath the surface. Then you see a trail of bubbles come speeding towards you. Fearing an imminent attack, you tug your Kai Weapon from its scabbard and stab blindly about you. Suddenly the water surrounding you seethes and boils. You feel your blade cut through the creature<ch.apos/>s jelly-like flesh, and in the next instant it erupts through the surface and launches itself upon you.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>The creature erupts through the surface</line>
+ <line>and launches itself towards you.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill6.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<combat><enemy>Sligza</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">49</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">20</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This enemy is immune to Mindblast (but not Kai-surge).</p>
<choice idref="sect328">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 328</link-text>.</choice>
<p><quote>Look at the compass needle, Sir Kai,</quote> he says, and he picks up the Claw and begins to walk. As he circles around you, the point of the needle follows his every move.</p>
<p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s a Siyenese tracker-gem,</quote> he says. <quote>The needle of the compass is tuned to its vibrations. It<ch.apos/>s just a precaution, in case you should be part from the Claw before you deliver it to the Elder Magi. So long as the gem remains embedded in its shaft, you<ch.apos/>ll be able to track it using the compass.</quote> Gildas hands you the Claw and you compliment him for his prudence.</p>
<p><quote>A very wise precaution, Captain,</quote> you say, as you slip the compass into your tunic pocket. <quote>Somehow I feel sure that we have not yet seen the last of the Autarch<ch.apos/>s squad.</quote></p>
- <p>(You can record the Siyenese Compass on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. You should also record the Claw of Naar as a Special Item which you carry in your pack. You must discard two items in their favour if you already have the maximum number of Special Items permissible.)</p>
+ <p>(You can record the Siyenese Compass on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. You should also record the Claw of Naar as a Special Item. You must discard two items in their favour if you already have the maximum number of Special Items permissible.)</p>
<p>You sheathe your Kai Weapon and follow Gildas as he returns outside to the horses. As you walk towards them, Ranger Yalin beckons you over to look at a strange shrub that is growing around the base of the well.</p>
<choice idref="sect205">If you possess Herbmastery, <link-text>turn to 205</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect16">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 16</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>A second volley of projectiles comes streaking across the courtyard, forcing Gildas and his men to throw themselves to the ground to avoid being struck. One of these missiles hits the door<ch.apos/>s dial and completely destroys the lock. Moments later, the heavy door swings inwards without a sound. You thank Ishir for this momentous stroke of good fortune as you scramble to your feet. Quickly you step inside the tower, then you turn and beckon the rangers to follow.</p>
- <p>When all three are safely inside, you push the heavy door closed and slide its drawbolt across, locking it securely.</p>
+ <p>When all three are safely inside, you push the heavy door closed and slide its bolt across, locking it securely.</p>
<choice idref="sect136">To continue, <link-text>turn to 136</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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="sect279">If your total score is now 2 or lower, <link-text>turn to 279</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect307">If it is 3<ch.endash/>8, <link-text>turn to 307</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect190">If it is 93 or higher, <link-text>turn to 190</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect190">If it is 9 or higher, <link-text>turn to 190</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You skirt around the ruins to the north and happen upon the remnants of an old track, overgrown with shorter vegetation. You are following this trail when you suddenly you hear a sound like thundering hooves. The noise is approaching from the north and you command your companions to halt. To get a better view, you stand upon your horse<ch.apos/>s back and magnify your vision. A tingle of shock runs down the length of your spine when you catch sight of a group of strange creatures speeding through the tall grass-land at a terrific pace.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>Through the tall grass, a group of creatures</line>
+ <line>speed towards you at a terrific pace.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill7.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<p>They have black bull-like bodies, yet their heads are crocodilian in shape, and a spiky mane of hair runs the entire length of their muscular backs, they possess four legs and two forelimbs, tipped with claws, in which they cradle cumbersome lances crudely pared from the trunks of Vanchou pines.</p>
<p>You inform Gildas of what is approaching and he gasps with fear. <quote>Xanon!</quote> he exclaims. <quote>Ishir preserve us!</quote> Before you can stop them, the rangers turn their steeds about and take off at a gallop along the track that leads back towards the site of the ancient village.</p>
<choice idref="sect299"><link-text>Turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>110</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Beyond the main gate is a courtyard where several wagons, filled with provisions, are being unloaded. You and your companions each take a box from the rear of the nearest wagon and join a line of men who are delivering their goods to a kitchen storeroom located near the middle of the barracks complex. You leave your boxes here and then return to the courtyard to collect some more. As you are making your way back, you pass a door that your Kai senses tell you is unlocked. Quickly you slip inside and then signal to the rangers to follow. When all of you are safely inside, you shut the door and draw its bolt.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the main gate is a courtyard where several wagons, filled with provisions, are being unloaded. You and your companions each take a box from the rear of the nearest wagon and join a line of men who are delivering their goods to a kitchen store room located near the middle of the barracks complex. You leave your boxes here and then return to the courtyard to collect some more. As you are making your way back, you pass a door that your Kai senses tell you is unlocked. Quickly you slip inside and then signal to the rangers to follow. When all of you are safely inside, you shut the door and draw its bolt.</p>
<choice idref="sect298"><link-text>Turn to 298</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You magnify your vision and see that the approaching group are Bhanarians. Each of the twelve warriors is armed with a sword and spear, and all are clad in black quilted tunics edged with gold braid. Emblazoned boldly upon their chests is the tiger<ch.apos/>s head emblem of Autarch Sejanoz, denoting them to be Imperial Guards from the Autarch<ch.apos/>s court in Otavai.</p>
- <p>As the squad draws nearer, you note with surprise that this elite unit of bodyguards have neglected to place any scouts at the head of their marching column. You are about to mention this fact to Captain Gildas when suddenly you hear a startling shriek echoing from out of the clouds above.</p>
+ <p>As the squad draws nearer, you note with surprise that this <ch.eacute/>lite unit of bodyguards have neglected to place any scouts at the head of their marching column. You are about to mention this fact to Captain Gildas when suddenly you hear a startling shriek echoing from out of the clouds above.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect271">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 271</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect167">If it is 5<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 167</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You draw an arrow to your bow and take aim at the iron cylinder that is fixed on top of the barrel. You pray to Ishir that by puncturing this part of the steam-cannon, you will cause the weapon to explode.</p>
- <choice idref="sect173">If you possess Magi-magic, and have attained the rank of Kai Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 173</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect173">If you possess Magi-magic, and have attained the rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 173</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect54">If you do not possess this Discipline, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 54</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Gildas falls unconscious at your feet, and you hear the Autarch<ch.apos/>s thin laughter echoing around the chamber. He has enjoyed watching the two of you fight, but now he wants what he has come all the way from Otavai for.</p>
- <p><quote>You have the Claw<ch.emdash/>I sense it,</quote> he growls, in a menacingly quiet tone. <quote>Give it to me and you shall be rewarded. Deny me, and you will perish in agony.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>You have the Claw<ch.emdash/>I sense it,</quote> he growls, in a quiet, menacing tone. <quote>Give it to me and you shall be rewarded. Deny me, and you will perish in agony.</quote></p>
<p>Your Kai senses detect that the evil aura which surrounds the Autarch is growing stronger. Suddenly you feel a strong wave of nausea rising in the pit of your stomach, and you feel unable to prevent it from overwhelming your senses.</p>
<choice idref="sect175">If you possess some Poghlam, <link-text>turn to 175</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect285">If you do not possess this potion, <link-text>turn to 285</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The sun has nearly set by the time you reach Yua Tzhan. Even at this late hour, the roads that approach the city<ch.apos/>s four gates are busy with the traffic of travelling merchants. Some have come from the gold-rush town of Bajo in the foothills of the Hyunsei Mountains, but most are arriving from Hotloi and Liyulin, their wagons laden with exotic wares.</p>
- <p>As you approach the north gate you consult your Siyenese compass, and its steady needle confirms that the Claw of Naar is here, somewhere, in this grand walled city. You and your companions pass through the arched gateway without challenge, and follow a broad lantern-lit avenue towards the city<ch.apos/>s main square. Many open-fronted shops line this thoroughfare, their display tables laden with goods to entice its citizens to part with their hard-earned Ren.</p>
+ <p>As you approach the north gate you consult your Siyenese Compass, and its steady needle confirms that the Claw of Naar is here, somewhere, in this grand walled city. You and your companions pass through the arched gateway without challenge, and follow a broad lantern-lit avenue towards the city<ch.apos/>s main square. Many open-fronted shops line this thoroughfare, their display tables laden with goods to entice its citizens to part with their hard-earned Ren.</p>
<p>Upon entering the main square, you notice that small crowds have gathered on each corner. They are reading proclamations which have been pasted upon the walls by the city<ch.apos/>s officials. Using your Magnakai Discipline of Pathsmanship, you are able to translate the Bhanarian script for the benefit of your companions. The posters declare that tomorrow shall be a holiday. This is to celebrate a visit to the city by Autarch Sejanoz himself. He will arrive at noon tomorrow, and every citizen is expected to be present to honour their ruler when his entourage passes through the streets.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small4.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small4.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small4.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Your Kai senses tell you that the Autarch is visiting the city for one simple reason: he is coming here to collect the Claw of Naar. The news of his imminent arrival re-ignites your resolve to find the artefact, and swiftly.</p>
<p>As you and your companions are riding across the main square, you scan the surrounding buildings in search of an inn where you may stable your horses for the night. The houses and hovels of Yua Tzhan are densely-packed, and your search for the Claw will best be conducted on foot. There are several inns bordering the square, but only two have stables: The Prairie Princess and the Golden Trough.</p>
<choice idref="sect273">If you wish to visit the Prairie Princess, <link-text>turn to 273</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>120</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Silently you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and direct its power at the fortune-teller. Under the influence of your spell, he suddenly becomes susceptible to your mental commands. You tell him to take off his signet ring and give it to you. Meekly he complies. Then you tell him to forget that he ever set eyes on you and your companions, dumbly he nods his head, and then he drifts off into a deep sleep.</p>
+ <p>Silently you recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and direct its power at the fortune-teller. Under the influence of your spell, he suddenly becomes susceptible to your mental commands. You tell him to take off his signet ring and give it to you. Meekly he complies. Then you tell him to forget that he ever set eyes on you and your companions, dumbly he nods his head, and then he drifts off into a deep sleep.</p>
<p>(On your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, record the Tiger Ring as a Special Item that you wear on the index finger of your right hand. You need not discard any other Special Item in its favour if you already possess the maximum number of items permissible.)</p>
<choice idref="sect295">To continue, <link-text>turn to 295</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>There is a blinding flash of scarlet light upon the instant that your blade strikes the shaft of the Claw, and a searing blast of energy sends you crashing backwards to the ground: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Painfully, you stagger to your feet and approach the stone block which is now wreathed with trails of grey smoke. To your dismay, you discover that the Claw is still intact. Despite the huge burst of energy that your blow released, you discover no mark or blemish upon its gnarled shaft.</p>
- <p>The blade of your Kai Weapon, however, is notched and discoloured at the point where it struck the shaft of the Claw (The damage to your Kai Weapon has caused a permanent reduction of 1 point to its <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus. You should now adjust the bonus on your Special Items list.)</p>
+ <p>The blade of your Kai Weapon, however, is notched and discoloured at the point where it struck the shaft of the Claw (The damage to your Kai Weapon has caused a permanent reduction of 1 point to its <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus. You should now adjust the bonus on your <a idref="action">list of Special Items</a>.)</p>
<choice idref="sect228">To continue, <link-text>turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p><quote>Come! We must pursue the enemy without delay,</quote> says Gildas, excitedly. <quote>They must not be allowed to steal away the Claw.</quote></p>
<p><quote>Hold, Captain,</quote> you retort. <quote>The enemy is too strong. They outnumber us, and they possess a weapon that can slay us all but with one bolt. Do you not recall what happened at Sunderer Pass? You have lost one good man already. Surely you have no wish to risk our lives in a reckless pursuit.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>Are you abandoning your mission, Sir Kai?</quote> he asks, reproachfully. <quote>No, Captain,</quote> you reply. <quote>My vow to retrieve the Claw and oversee its destruction remains true. I merely propose we pursue the enemy at a safe distance. They may run with the Claw of Naar, but they cannot keep it from us forever. The tracker-gem that you placed in the haft will lead us to it, no matter where they may choose to carry it.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Are you abandoning your mission, Sir Kai?</quote> he asks, reproachfully.</p>
+ <p><quote>No, Captain,</quote> you reply. <quote>My vow to retrieve the Claw and oversee its destruction remains true. I merely propose we pursue the enemy at a safe distance. They may run with the Claw of Naar, but they cannot keep it from us forever. The tracker-gem that you placed in the haft will lead us to it, no matter where they may choose to carry it.</quote></p>
<p><quote>You are right, Sir Kai,</quote> says Gildas, apologetically.</p>
- <p><quote>Firstly, we shall rest and recover our strength,</quote> you say. <quote>Then we shall hunt down our enemies and claim back that accursed artefact before it can be delivered to Autarch Sejanoz.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Firstly, we shall rest and recover our strength,</quote> you say. <quote>Then we shall hunt down our enemies and reclaim that accursed artefact before it can be delivered to Autarch Sejanoz.</quote></p>
<p>Unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect201">To continue, <link-text>turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>130</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>For most of the day you ride across a seemingly endless expanse of grassland without once catching sight of the enemy you are pursuing. It is nearly dusk before your keen eyes detect a column of woodsmoke on the horizon, rising vertically in the still evening air. You call the rangers to a halt and then magnify your vision to take a closer look at the source of the smoke. It rises from a small copse of trees and you suspect that the enemy have set up a camp there for the night. The smoke tells you that they are cooking food, confident in the false belief that they have safely outdistanced you and your companions.</p>
+ <p>For most of the day you ride across a seemingly endless expanse of grassland without once catching sight of the enemy you are pursuing. It is nearly dusk before your keen eyes detect a column of wood smoke on the horizon, rising vertically in the still evening air. You call the rangers to a halt and then magnify your vision to take a closer look at the source of the smoke. It rises from a small copse of trees and you suspect that the enemy have set up a camp there for the night. The smoke tells you that they are cooking food, confident in the false belief that they have safely outdistanced you and your companions.</p>
<p>You inform the others of what you have seen before continuing your ride along the plains road. When you are within a mile of the copse, you leave the trail and dismount. Sergeant Paviz and Ranger Yalin are told to stay and hold the horses while you and the Captain go forward to scout the enemy encampment.</p>
<p>Together you crawl towards the copse, side by side, concealed by the approaching darkness and the waist-high grass. You are within 100 metres of the enemy campfire when Gildas makes a sharp intake of breath. You glance at him and your blood freezes when you see that his face is inches from a Grey Conda<ch.emdash/>a deadly Bhanarian plains snake. The serpent<ch.apos/>s neck is raised and its wedge-shaped head is drawn to strike at your companion<ch.apos/>s eyes.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>The deadly Grey Conda is only</line>
+ <line>inches away from his face.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill8.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill8.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill8.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect70">If you possess Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 70</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect56">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 56</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>131</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The tavern-keeper<ch.apos/>s blast of buckshot peppers your side (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points) and damages your quiver. You must now erase half of all the arrows you carry, rounding the figure up to the nearest whole number where appropriate.</p>
+ <p>The tavern-keeper<ch.apos/>s blast of buckshot peppers your side (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points) and damages your Quiver. You must now erase half of all the arrows you carry, rounding the figure up to the nearest whole number where appropriate.</p>
<choice idref="sect287">To continue, <link-text>turn to 287</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>134</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You tell your companions to raise the hoods of their robes to keep their faces hidden, then you beckon them to follow as you approach the rear of a canvas-covered wagon that is queuing outside the main entrance. Swiftly you clamber over its tailgate and hide yourselves among its load. Several minutes later, the wagon begins to move. You tear a hole in its canvas cover through which you can see the inner buildings of the barracks complex as they pass. The wagon trundles along a passageway towards a parade square, beyond which lies its final destination<ch.emdash/>the kitchen storerooms. You clamber to the rear of the wagon and crouch beside the tailgate. Then, at the moment the vehicle emerges from the passageway, you signal to your companions to leave. One after the other, you leap from the back of the moving wagon.</p>
+ <p>You tell your companions to raise the hoods of their robes to keep their faces hidden, then you beckon them to follow as you approach the rear of a canvas-covered wagon that is queueing outside the main entrance. Swiftly you clamber over its tailgate and hide yourselves among its load. Several minutes later, the wagon begins to move. You tear a hole in its canvas cover through which you can see the inner buildings of the barracks complex as they pass. The wagon trundles along a passageway towards a parade square, beyond which lies its final destination<ch.emdash/>the kitchen store rooms. You clamber to the rear of the wagon and crouch beside the tailgate. Then, at the moment the vehicle emerges from the passageway, you signal to your companions to leave. One after the other, you leap from the back of the moving wagon.</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="sect165">If your total score is now 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 165</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect66">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 66</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>135</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You quickly recite the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Invisible Shield</spell>. As the last spell-word leaves your lips, a translucent disc shimmers into being and the falling rock slams into it with a loud <onomatopoeia>Thwack!</onomatopoeia> The rock shatters into hundreds of stone splinters, some of which pepper your legs and abdomen: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
+ <p>You quickly recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Invisible Shield</spell>. As the last spell-word leaves your lips, a translucent disc shimmers into being and the falling rock slams into it with a loud <onomatopoeia>Thwack!</onomatopoeia> The rock shatters into hundreds of stone splinters, some of which pepper your legs and abdomen: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
<choice idref="sect339">To continue, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<section class="numbered" id="sect137">
<meta><title>137</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect137-1-foot" idref="sect137-1">
+ <p>The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>Behind the portrait you discover a safe embedded in a granite wall. There is a dial set near the middle of its iron door, and it is ringed with numerals ranging from 0 to 9. Your sixth sense reveals to you that by turning the dial consecutively to the correct three numbers, you will cause the lock to disengage and the door to the wall safe will open.</p>
<p>The first number in the sequence is equal to the levels of Kai rank a Sun Prince is superior to a Grand Thane.</p>
- <p>The second number is equal to the original total of rangers in Gildas<ch.apos/>s command, including the captain himself.</p>
+ <p>The second number is equal to the original total of rangers in Gildas<ch.apos/>s command, including the Captain himself.</p>
<p>The third number is equal to the number of islands in the Northern Gulf of the Chai Sea.</p>
- <p>When you think you know the three-digit answer, note down the figures in order and turn to the section of this book which is the same as your answer.</p>
+ <p>When you think you know the three-digit answer, note down the figures in order and turn to the section of this book which is the same as your answer.<footref id="sect137-1" idref="sect137-1-foot"/></p>
<choice idref="sect294">If you are unable to determine the correct solution, <link-text>turn instead to 294</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The mounted patrol approaches and encircles and you. The officer is an aristocratic-looking soldier with a pencil-thin moustache, and he looks at your dishevelled robes with disdain. <quote>What are four lowly plains-herders doing abroad in the city tonight?</quote> he asks.</p>
- <p><quote>We came to deliver horses to the barracks,</quote> you reply. He shakes his head slowly; he does not believe your story. <quote>You are all under arrest,</quote> he says, and with a flick of his riding crop he motions his men to dismount and detain you. Gildas is the first to react. He grabs the officer by his sword-belt and pulls him out of the saddle. You and the others follow Gildas<ch.apos/>s lead, and quickly you unhorse and overpower the officer<ch.apos/>s men. Then you mount their horses and gallop away along the street, leaving the patrol lying unconscious in the gutter.</p>
+ <p><quote>We came to deliver horses to the barracks,</quote> you reply. He shakes his head slowly; he does not believe your story. <quote>You are all under arrest,</quote> he says, and with a flick of his riding crop he motions his men to dismount and detain you. Gildas is the first to react. He grabs the officer by his sword belt and pulls him out of the saddle. You and the others follow Gildas<ch.apos/>s lead, and quickly you unhorse and overpower the officer<ch.apos/>s men. Then you mount their horses and gallop away along the street, leaving the patrol lying unconscious in the gutter.</p>
<choice idref="sect212">To continue, <link-text>turn to 212</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>142</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you make the jump, the corporal side-steps and thrusts at you with his spear. Its sharpened steel tip penetrates your rib-cage and you are knocked out of the saddle by the force of the blow. As you fall, you strike the back of your head on the road and lose consciousness.</p>
+ <p>As you make the jump, the corporal sidesteps and thrusts at you with his spear. Its sharpened steel tip penetrates your rib cage and you are knocked out of the saddle by the force of the blow. As you fall, you strike the back of your head on the road and lose consciousness.</p>
<p>Sadly, you never awaken. Before the rangers can come to your aid, the corporal stabs again with his spear and its tip punctures your heart. Your death is painless, and instantaneous.</p>
<p>Tragically, your life and your mission end here.</p>
</data>
<meta><title>143</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>With a mounting feeling of dread, you follow the trail into the Vanchou Forest. Upon entering this chill timberland it becomes strangely silent, as if the beasts and birds who dwell here can sense the presence of intruders.</p>
+ <p>With a mounting feeling of dread, you follow the trail into the Vanchou Forest. Upon entering this chill timberland it becomes strangely silent, as if the beasts and birds that dwell here can sense the presence of intruders.</p>
<p>You have penetrated little more than a mile into this unwholesome forest when you come upon the wreckage of a wagon abandoned by the side of the trail. A large black crow is perched on its rot-infested tailgate, and it caws angrily as you approach.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small5.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small5.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small5.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect329">If you possess Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect170">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>149</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You leave your horses in the stable and walk through an arched corridor that opens into the taproom of the Golden Trough Inn. A warm fire and the welcoming smell of roasting meat greets your entry. The patrons of this establishment cast you no more than a cursory glance as you make your way to the counter and attempt to attract the innkeeper<ch.apos/>s attention.</p>
+ <p>You leave your horses in the stable and walk through an arched corridor that opens into the taproom of the Golden Trough Inn. A warm fire and the welcoming smell of roasting meat greet your entry. The patrons of this establishment cast you no more than a cursory glance as you make your way to the counter and attempt to attract the innkeeper<ch.apos/>s attention.</p>
<p>The owner of the tavern is a rotund man with freckled cheeks and an easy smile. You ask him the cost of stabling and quickly add that you and your friends will not be requiring rooms for the night. <quote>Five Ren each,</quote> he says, <quote>including their feed. You can pay in the morning when you come back to fetch <ch.apos/>em.</quote></p>
<p>As you are leaving the inn, you are approached by a dark-skinned man wearing a turban. He introduces himself as Fanshalla and says that he is a fortune-teller of some renown. He produces a pack of cards from his robe and offers to use them to predict your future.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>You are approached by Fanshalla,</line>
+ <line>the fortune-teller.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill9.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill9.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill9.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect197">If you wish to accept the man<ch.apos/>s offer, <link-text>turn to 197</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect62">If you wish to decline his offer, <link-text>turn to 62</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>As the sun rises over the eastern horizon, you catch your first glimpse of the formidable Chai Wall. You cast your eye along its entire length and observe the three great forts of Xian, Kinani, and Jhung. The tall crenellated walls of Fort Jhung lie directly ahead and, as you speed near to them, you observe something else, something unexpected and greatly welcome, which makes your spirits soar.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small6.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small6.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small6.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect350"><link-text>Turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>151</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You recite the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Counterspell</spell> and direct its power at the sinister young woman. You see her shudder and recoil as the power of your spell washes over her and, for a short while, the rangers are spared the effect of her hypnotic voice. But the use of this spell leaves you vulnerable to a sudden psychic attack. Sensing this, the woman quickly seizes her chance to retaliate.</p>
+ <p>You recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Counterspell</spell> and direct its power at the sinister young woman. You see her shudder and recoil as the power of your spell washes over her and, for a short while, the rangers are spared the effect of her hypnotic voice. But the use of this spell leaves you vulnerable to a sudden psychic attack. Sensing this, the woman quickly seizes her chance to retaliate.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Kai-screen, add 3 to the number you have picked. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 15 or lower, deduct 2.</p>
<choice idref="sect337">If your total score is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 337</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect101">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 101</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>153</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw upon your lyrical skills to dampen the man<ch.apos/>s anger with the soothing, hypnotic sound of your voice. Under the influence of your bardsmanship, he suddenly becomes calm and susceptible to your commands. You prompt him to tell his cohorts that he has made a grave error, that you are not the plainsman who swindled him after all, and meekly he complies with your suggestion.</p>
+ <p>You draw upon your lyrical skills to dampen the man<ch.apos/>s anger with the soothing, hypnotic sound of your voice. Under the influence of your Bardsmanship, he suddenly becomes calm and susceptible to your commands. You prompt him to tell his cohorts that he has made a grave error, that you are not the plainsman who swindled him after all, and meekly he complies with your suggestion.</p>
<p>His accomplices are embarrassed by their friend<ch.apos/>s mistake, and they offer to buy you and your companions some ale. Politely you decline their offer and make your way quickly towards the door.</p>
<choice idref="sect295"><link-text>Turn to 295</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You are struggling to free your trapped foot when suddenly one of the winged creatures comes swooping down from out of the clouds. It is clasping a large rock in its foreclaws, and as it glides overhead, it releases its grip and lets the rock hurtle towards your helpless form.</p>
- <choice idref="sect266">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text></choice>
- <choice idref="sect135">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 135</link-text></choice>
- <choice idref="sect51">If you possess Elementalism, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text></choice>
- <choice idref="sect230">If you possess none of these skills, or if you choose not to use any of them, <link-text>turn to 230</link-text></choice>
+ <choice idref="sect266">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect135">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 135</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect51">If you possess Elementalism, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect230">If you possess none of these skills, or if you choose not to use any of them, <link-text>turn to 230</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>158</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You whisper the words of the Brotherhood spell <spel>Silence</spel> and cast it upon the area around the campfire to help you reach the sleeping squad leader undetected. Then, with great care, you stalk forward and stretch out your hand to take hold of the blanket roll containing the Claw. The leader is oblivious to your presence, but as your fingers close around his pillow, your stomach heaves and your pulse begins to race. You feel a tremendous concentration of evil radiating from the artefact, and its sudden assault upon your senses makes you gasp with shock. Suddenly the <spell>Silence</spell> spell is broken and the squad leader awakes with a start. Before he can react, you snatch the blanket roll from beneath his head and leap forwards.</p>
+ <p>You whisper the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Silence</spell> and cast it upon the area around the campfire to help you reach the sleeping squad leader undetected. Then, with great care, you stalk forward and stretch out your hand to take hold of the blanket roll containing the Claw. The leader is oblivious to your presence, but as your fingers close around his pillow, your stomach heaves and your pulse begins to race. You feel a tremendous concentration of evil radiating from the artefact, and its sudden assault upon your senses makes you gasp with shock. Suddenly the <spell>Silence</spell> spell is broken and the squad leader awakes with a start. Before he can react, you snatch the blanket roll from beneath his head and leap forwards.</p>
<p>Your heart is pounding wildly in your chest as you race towards the rangers on the far side of the copse. They have dispersed the Bhanarians<ch.apos/> horses and they are waiting anxiously for you to appear. As you rush through the trees, you hear the squad leader screaming at his men to wake up and give chase.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect195">If the number you have picked is 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 195</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You roll aside but fail to avoid the Conda<ch.apos/>s fangs that graze your neck. Gildas reaches for his sword and, with one swift and deadly swipe, he decapitates the serpent and sends its fanged head spinning through the air, trailing a stream of greenish-yellow venom.</p>
- <p>With a trembling hand, you touch your neck and then look to your fingertips. They are smeared with blood. Nausea wells up from the pit of your stomach and your vision blurs as the serpent<ch.apos/>s deadly venom begins to take hold. You draw upon your Magnakai Discipline of Curing to counter the poison, but before your innate defences win the battle, you suffer agonising muscle spasms throughout your body: lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>With a trembling hand, you touch your neck and then look to your fingertips. They are smeared with blood. Nausea wells up from the pit of your stomach and your vision blurs as the serpent<ch.apos/>s deadly venom begins to take hold. You draw upon your Magnakai Discipline of Curing to counter the poison, but before your innate defences win the battle, you suffer agonizing muscle spasms throughout your body: lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect335">To continue, <link-text>turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>166</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Suddenly you recall the dying words of the old herbalist you encountered in the Vanchou Forest: <quote><ch.lellips/>and the key will open the door to my home in Zuda. It is called the Crimson Tower.</quote></p>
- <p>You retrieve the key from your backpack and insert it into the dial. It fits, and when you twist it, the heavy door swings inwards without a sound. Quickly you step inside, then beckon the rangers to follow: <quote>This way!</quote></p>
- <p>When all three are inside, you push the heavy door closed and slide its drawbolt across, locking it securely.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly you recall the dying words of the old herbalist you encountered in the Vanchou Forest: <quote><em><ch.lellips/>and the key will open the door to my home in Zuda. It is called the Crimson Tower.</em></quote></p>
+ <p>You retrieve the Red Key from your backpack and insert it into the dial. It fits, and when you twist it, the heavy door swings inwards without a sound. Quickly you step inside, then beckon the rangers to follow: <quote>This way!</quote></p>
+ <p>When all three are inside, you push the heavy door closed and slide its bolt across, locking it securely.</p>
<choice idref="sect136">To continue, <link-text>turn to 136</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You continue along the trail until you see a distant figure standing in the middle of the rutted track. As you draw closer, your skin prickles with a sudden premonition of danger when you see that the figure is a beautiful young woman. She has milky white skin and a mane of glistening hair that cascades around her slender body. She is wrapped in a flowing gossamer robe and her dark eyes glimmer as she beckons you to come closer with a soft, hypnotic voice.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>A beautiful young woman beckons you closer</line>
+ <line>with her soft, hypnotic voice.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill10.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill10.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill10.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect32">If you possess Kai-screen, <link-text>turn to 32</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect223">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 223</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>172</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You release the straining bowstring and send your arrow whistling towards the beast<ch.apos/>s open jaw. Desperately it twists its loathsome head away from the on-rushing missile, but it cannot escape your unerring aim. The arrow enters the beast<ch.apos/>s left eye-slit and sends the creature somersaulting head over tail, out of control. You dive aside to avoid being crushed beneath its plummeting body, but you are grazed by its body-spikes when it hits and bounces off the rocks: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You release the straining bowstring and send your arrow whistling towards the beast<ch.apos/>s open jaw. Desperately it twists its loathsome head away from the onrushing missile, but it cannot escape your unerring aim. The arrow enters the beast<ch.apos/>s left eye-slit and sends the creature somersaulting head over tail, out of control. You dive aside to avoid being crushed beneath its plummeting body, but you are grazed by its body-spikes when it hits and bounces off the rocks: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect18">To continue, <link-text>turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>173</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Before you release your arrow, you intone the words of the Old Kingdom spell <spell>Penetrate</spell>. Then you send your missile whistling across the mess hall towards the distant steam-cannon. It strikes the cylinder and it punctures its iron skin with devastating effect.</p>
+ <p>Before you release your arrow, you intone the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Penetrate</spell>. Then you send your missile whistling across the mess hall towards the distant steam-cannon. It strikes the cylinder and it punctures its iron skin with devastating effect.</p>
<choice idref="sect29"><link-text>Turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>174</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You and your companions race along the alleyway and lose yourselves in the maze of passages and tunnels that infest this quarter of Yua Tzhan. When you are sure that the City Guard have lost your trail, you halt beneath the light of a tavern lantern, heal your wounds, and consult your Siyenese compass. Your mind is now focused upon the task of finding and retrieving the Claw of Naar before Autarch Sejanoz arrives in the city. You set off in the direction indicated by the compass needle, and it leads you towards the military quarter located to the east of the main square. Here you follow a broad avenue lined with closed shop doorways and soon arrive at a busy barracks. The compass, and your Kai sixth sense, both tell you that the Claw of Naar is located somewhere inside this troop-infested building.</p>
+ <p>You and your companions race along the alleyway and lose yourselves in the maze of passages and tunnels that infest this quarter of Yua Tzhan. When you are sure that the City Guard have lost your trail, you halt beneath the light of a tavern lantern, heal your wounds, and consult your Siyenese Compass. Your mind is now focused upon the task of finding and retrieving the Claw of Naar before Autarch Sejanoz arrives in the city. You set off in the direction indicated by the compass needle, and it leads you towards the Military Quarter located to the east of the main square. Here you follow a broad avenue lined with closed shop doorways and soon arrive at a busy barracks. The Siyenese Compass and your Kai sixth sense both tell you that the Claw of Naar is located somewhere inside this troop-infested building.</p>
<choice idref="sect81">If you wish to try to find a way to enter the barracks undetected, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect242">If you decide to observe this building from the cover of an unlit doorway, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>175</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quickly you retrieve the potion from your backpack, flip open the stopper, and down it all in one gulp. Instantly, the nausea subsides and you feel new strength coursing through your aching limbs: restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Quickly you retrieve the Poghlam from your backpack, flip open the stopper, and down it all in one gulp. Instantly, the nausea subsides and you feel new strength coursing through your aching limbs: restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect48">To continue, <link-text>turn to 48</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Gildas obeys your command and reluctantly he returns the arrow to his quiver. Cautiously you dismount and approach the misshapen creature on foot, for you sense your horse is too frightened to venture any closer to its lair. Using your Magnakai Discipline of Divination, you attempt to communicate with the creature telepathically. Your patience and your effort is soon rewarded when you hear its true voice speaking to you in your mind.</p>
<p>You learn that this <quote>creature</quote> is human. It is the victim of an evil spell cast by the vampiric shape-changer that you encountered on the forest track. You ask if there is anything you can do to alleviate its wretched condition, and you are shocked when you hear its plaintive reply.</p>
- <p><quote>Strike me with your blade, kind sir. Deal me a mortal wound so that my soul may be freed from this hellish torment.</quote></p>
+ <p>Strike me with your blade, kind sir. Deal me a mortal wound so that my soul may be freed from this hellish torment.</p>
<choice idref="sect321">If you wish to strike the creature with your Kai Weapon, <link-text>turn to 321</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect114">If you choose not to strike the creature, <link-text>turn to 114</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>182</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quickly you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and direct its power at the angry sergeant. Under the influence of your spell, he calms down and becomes susceptible to your mental commands. You tell him that you and your companions are agents from the Autarch<ch.apos/>s court in Otavai, sent here to check the barracks before his arrival tomorrow. Without questioning your claim, he steps aside and allows you to enter the barracks.</p>
+ <p>Quickly you recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and direct its power at the angry sergeant. Under the influence of your spell, he calms down and becomes susceptible to your mental commands. You tell him that you and your companions are agents from the Autarch<ch.apos/>s court in Otavai, sent here to check the barracks before his arrival tomorrow. Without questioning your claim, he steps aside and allows you to enter the barracks.</p>
<choice idref="sect110"><link-text>Turn to 110</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>185</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The rock hits your shield spell and explodes in pieces, showering you with razor-sharp shards of stone. One sliver of rock cuts your cheek and another tears open the shoulder of your tunic: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
+ <p>The rock hits your <spell>Shield</spell> spell and explodes in pieces, showering you with razor-sharp shards of stone. One sliver of rock cuts your cheek and another tears open the shoulder of your tunic: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
<choice idref="sect339">To continue, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>When the Xanon are only 20 metres from the wall, you command the rangers to open fire. All three arrows find their mark and the leading beasts stagger and fall. Shocked by the sudden death of their brothers, the following creatures turn to retreat from the rangers<ch.apos/> deadly bows. But as they pull back to the outskirts of the ruins, you suddenly become aware of a new threat.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>The attacking Xanon are surprised</line>
+ <line>by your volley of arrows.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill11.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill11.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill11.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<p>Some of the Xanon have left the main group and ridden in a wide arc around the ancient site in order to come up behind your position. You hear their leader snorting gruffly as he leaps into the ruined hall and quickly you spin around to face him. You raise your Kai Weapon and courageously you leap forward to block him before he can launch a surprise attack upon the backs of your three companions.</p>
<choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>190</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You dodge to the right, and all at once there is a flash and a deafening bang. You feel the lead ball from the squad leader<ch.apos/>s pistol rip through your loose robe. It passes beneath your armpit and stikes the far wall without causing you any injury.</p>
+ <p>You dodge to the right, and all at once there is a flash and a deafening bang. You feel the lead ball from the squad leader<ch.apos/>s pistol rip through your loose robe. It passes beneath your armpit and strikes the far wall without causing you any injury.</p>
<choice idref="sect204">To continue, <link-text>turn to 204</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Shortly before midnight, you approach a toll bridge that traverses a deep gorge. The entrance to this bridge is blocked by a single-pole barrier, and on either side of the obstruction are painted wooden shacks, adorned with flickering lanterns. The soldiers who guard this bridge are asleep inside the shacks and they fail to hear you approaching. You decide to jump your horse over the barrier and you call to Gildas and the others to follow your lead.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small7.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small7.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small7.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Animal Control, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect42">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>1, <link-text>turn to 42</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect90">If it is 2 or higher, <link-text>turn to 90</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The man invites you to sit at his table and then he proceeds to shuffle and deal out twelve cards from his deck and place them face up before you. They each feature intricate designs and symbols that you have never seen before. Predictably, he assures you in a syrupy tone that you shall enjoy health, wealth, and great happiness. As he is pointing to the cards, you notice he is wearing a distinctive black signet ring engraved with a tiger<ch.apos/>s head. You suspect this man is secretly one of Sejanoz<ch.apos/>s agents. When he asks why you have come to Yua Tzhan, Gildas places his hand on your shoulder and suggests that it is time you should be leaving.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small8.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small8.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small8.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect120">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 120</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect15">If you do not possess this skill, or if you choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 15</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>198</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you make the jump, the corporal side-steps and thrusts at you with his spear. Its sharpened steel tip grazes your rib-cage (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
+ <p>As you make the jump, the corporal sidesteps and thrusts at you with his spear. Its sharpened steel tip grazes your rib cage (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
<p>Your horse sails across the barrier, and the rangers jump their mounts over it with consummate ease. The angry cries of the corporal quickly fade into the distance as you leave the bridge and follow the road up into the hills beyond.</p>
<choice idref="sect272"><link-text>Turn to 272</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>199</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and level your right arm at the creature<ch.apos/>s head. A crackling arc of electrical power leaps from your hand and connects with the beast<ch.apos/>s jaw, its raw power causing the creature to lose all control. With a sickening crunch, the helpless creature collides with the rocky wall of the mountain pass and then tumbles out of view.</p>
- <p>To continue, to 18.</p>
+ <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and level your right arm at the creature<ch.apos/>s head. A crackling arc of electrical power leaps from your hand and connects with the beast<ch.apos/>s jaw, its raw power causing the creature to lose all control. With a sickening crunch, the helpless creature collides with the rocky wall of the mountain pass and then tumbles out of view.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect18">To continue, <link-text>turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You see the fearsome figure of Autarch Sejanoz come stepping through the chamber<ch.apos/>s shattered window. He alights from the platform of his golden sky-chariot which hovers silently beside the tower. Sheathed from neck to toe in black and golden armour, this warrior stands an arm<ch.apos/>s length taller than you and your companions. A great tiger helm conceals his face and behind him swirls a voluminous scarlet cloak. Only his hands are visible and they seem strangely at odds with the grand scale and design of his armour. They are withered and twisted like claws, the skin wrinkled and cracked like burnt parchment. Hanging over them are four long, curved, needle-like claws of steel that sprout from the back of the golden bracers which encase his wrists.</p>
<p>Gildas and his men reach for their bows and fire repeatedly at the Autarch, yet every arrow they send against him ends shattered. From the visor of his helm there issues a thin, chilling laugh: <quote>You cannot kill me with your sharpened sticks, you fools!</quote> Upon hearing this, Paviz and Yalin drop their bows and unsheathe their blades. Paviz shouts a much-practiced cue, and together they attack the Autarch, striking simultaneously from either side.</p>
<p>With stunning swiftness, Sejanoz retaliates. He reaches out and grabs each man by the throat with his cadaverous hands, and raises them several inches from the floor. With a series of metallic clicks, the needle-claws extend and turn inwards, puncturing their jugular veins. Their faces blanch as their blood is drained, and not a drop is spilt.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>Gildas<ch.apos/> men are powerless in the grip</line>
+ <line>of the mighty Autarch Sejanoz.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill12.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill12.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill12.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<p>You are shocked by the spectacle of the Autarch<ch.apos/>s vampiric attack, and your senses scream at you to act to save your brave companions before it is too late.</p>
<choice idref="sect75">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 75</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect233">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 233</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>201</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Dusk soon approaches and you resolve to return to the ancient ruins to set up a camp for the night. At first light you begin a long ride south, guided by your Siyenese compass. Judging by the steady course that you follow, you hazard a guess that the enemy are heading towards the city of Yua Tzhan.</p>
+ <p>Dusk soon approaches and you resolve to return to the ancient ruins to set up a camp for the night. At first light you begin a long ride south, guided by your Siyenese Compass. Judging by the steady course that you follow, you hazard a guess that the enemy are heading towards the city of Yua Tzhan.</p>
<choice idref="sect332">If you possess Astrology, <link-text>turn to 332</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect232">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 232</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Shortly before midnight, you approach a toll bridge that traverses a deep gorge. The entrance to this bridge is blocked by a single-pole barrier, and on either side of the obstruction are painted wooden shacks, adorned with flickering lanterns. The soldiers who guard this bridge are awoken by the sound of your horses<ch.apos/> hooves. Fearing you to be a surprise inspection by their commanding officer, they grab their spears and stumble out of the shacks. As they draw themselves up in an untidy line before the barrier, their corporal raises his hand, commanding you to halt.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small7.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small7.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small7.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect159">If you wish to stop before the barrier, <link-text>turn to 159</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect38">If you wish to attempt to jump your horse over the barrier and ride across the bridge beyond, <link-text>turn to 38</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>With surprising agility, the squad leader leaps from his bath tub and attacks you with the butt of his empty pistol. In the ensuing struggle, you deal him a deep and mortal wound to the chest. The force of your blow sends him tumbling backwards to collide with the tub. It tips over and a torrent of water cascades into the fire. His dying cries mingle with the loud hissing of steam as the bath water extinguishes the fire and sizzles on the red-hot grate.</p>
- <p>You sheathe your blade and your Kai senses tell you that you are now very close to the Claw of Naar. You look at your Siyenese compass once again, and you see that its needle is pointing to a painting which hangs above the fireplace.</p>
+ <p>You sheathe your blade and your Kai senses tell you that you are now very close to the Claw of Naar. You look at your Siyenese Compass once again, and you see that its needle is pointing to a painting which hangs above the fireplace.</p>
<choice idref="sect137">To continue, <link-text>turn to 137</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You observe that the bridge at Zuda is occupied by Bhanarian soldiers. Their tented encampments are dotted around the approach road and river bank, and the line of their supply wagons stretches away to the west.</p>
<p>The tiger<ch.apos/>s head flag of Autarch Sejanoz now flies over Zuda. This border town has been overrun by his army within the last 24 hours. At first you suspect that this could be the start of a war between Bhanar and Chai, but your Kai senses tell you that this is no ordinary military operation. This army has come here for one purpose<ch.emdash/>to ensure the recover of the Claw of Naar.</p>
- <p>You hold sombre council with the rangers and try to determine how best to proceed from here. <quote>I propose we try to reach the Chai Wall,</quote> says Gildas, and his men readily agree. Having never heard of this edifice, you ask Gildas to explain. <quote>The Chai Wall is a line of forts and military defences that lies 60 miles to the east of Zuda,</quote> he says. <quote>Invasion from Bhanar has long been a threat to Chai, but its ancient ruler<ch.emdash/>Khea Khan Xo<ch.emdash/>had remarkable foresight. He constructed a formidable wall to deter Autarch Sejanoz from invading his peaceful realm. It has served Chai well for many centuries.</quote></p>
- <p>You thank Gildas for this history lesson, but you question its accuracy. <quote>I was taught at the Kai Monastery that the reign of Khea Khan Xo was more than a thousand years ago. Surely his enemy then was not the same Autarch Sejanoz who rules Bhanar now?</quote></p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small2.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small2.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small2.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>You hold sombre council with the rangers and try to determine how best to proceed from here. <quote>I propose we try to reach the Chai Wall,</quote> says Gildas, and his men readily agree. Having never heard of this edifice, you ask Gildas to explain. <quote>The Chai Wall is a line of forts and military defences that lies 60 miles to the east of Zuda,</quote> he says. <quote>Invasion from Bhanar has long been a threat to Chai, but its ancient ruler<ch.emdash/>Khea-khan Xo<ch.emdash/>had remarkable foresight. He constructed a formidable wall to deter Autarch Sejanoz from invading his peaceful realm. It has served Chai well for many centuries.</quote></p>
+ <p>You thank Gildas for this history lesson, but you question its accuracy. <quote>I was taught at the Kai Monastery that the reign of Khea-khan Xo was more than a thousand years ago. Surely his enemy then was not the same Autarch Sejanoz who rules Bhanar now?</quote></p>
<p><quote>Ah, but he is!</quote> replies Gildas. <quote>Sejanoz has ruled this land for 3,000 years. Legend says that he entered into a pact with Agarash the Damned. In return for his soul he received<ch.ellips/> immortality.</quote></p>
<p>As you look upon the flag of Autarch Sejanoz fluttering high above the buildings of Zuda, a growing sense of foreboding creeps upon you and it leaves a chill in your blood.</p>
<choice idref="sect184">To continue, <link-text>turn to 184</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You reach the far door without being seen. Silently you twist its copper handle and enter a small antechamber that is hung with tapestries. Beyond this small room is an archway through which you catch sight of part of a sumptuous bedchamber. You detect the sound of splashing water and the sweet aroma of perfumed bath oils. You can also detect the powerful aura of evil which radiates from the Claw of Naar.</p>
<p>Cautiously you approach the archway and peer around its carved frame. Bathing in a large tub of soapy water set before a blazing log fire, you see the squad leader. You sense that the Claw is somewhere close to him, but you cannot see it. Suddenly you are startled be a loud knock on the door behind you.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>You discover the squad leader bathing</line>
+ <line>in a tub of soapy water.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill13.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill13.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill13.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect73">If you wish open the door, <link-text>turn to 73</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect217">If you decide to lock the door, you can draw its bolt by <link-text>turning to 217</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>212</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Guided by your pathsmanship and tracking skills, you lead the rangers to the South Gate of Yua Tzhan. Here you are able to depart the city unchallenged, along a road that passes through outlying settlements before climbing gently into the Honah Hills.</p>
+ <p>Guided by your Pathsmanship and tracking skills, you lead the rangers to the South Gate of Yua Tzhan. Here you are able to depart the city unchallenged, along a road that passes through outlying settlements before climbing gently into the Honah Hills.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect202">If the number you have picked is 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect194">If it is 5<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 194</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>214</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you gallop through the stables, you quickly intone the words of the Old Kingdom spell <spell>Power Word</spell> and shape your mouth in readiness to utter it: <spell>Gloar!</spell></p>
+ <p>As you gallop through the stables, you quickly intone the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Power Word</spell> and shape your mouth in readiness to utter it: <spell>Gloar!</spell></p>
<p>The concussive energy of your spell-word strikes one of the troopers who is attempting to bar your escape, and it sends him cartwheeling across the straw-covered ground. His companion slams shut his door, blocking half of the archway, but there is still space enough for you and your companions to make good your escape into the streets beyond. As you gallop through the narrowed exit, you steer your horse to the right and race away along a dark, cobblestoned street.</p>
<choice idref="sect14"><link-text>Turn to 14</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>215</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Silently you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and direct its power at your angry accuser. Under the influence of your spell, he suddenly becomes calm and susceptible to your mental commands. You prompt him to tell his cohorts that he has made an error, that you are not the plainsman who swindled him after all, and meekly he complies with your psychic suggestion.</p>
+ <p>Silently you recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Mind Charm</spell> and direct its power at your angry accuser. Under the influence of your spell, he suddenly becomes calm and susceptible to your mental commands. You prompt him to tell his cohorts that he has made an error, that you are not the plainsman who swindled him after all, and meekly he complies with your psychic suggestion.</p>
<p>His accomplices are embarrassed by their friend<ch.apos/>s mistake, and they offer to buy you and your companions some ale. Politely you decline their offer as you make your way towards the door.</p>
<choice idref="sect295"><link-text>Turn to 295</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Quickly you draw the bolt and, as you step away from the door, you hear the squad leader call out in response to the knock: <quote>Enter!</quote></p>
- <p>The door shudders and the handle turns as an attempt is made to enter the ante-chamber.</p>
+ <p>The door shudders and the handle turns as an attempt is made to enter the antechamber.</p>
<choice idref="sect247">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect28">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 28</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>218</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You hand over the gold crowns and the trader slips the coins into the pocket of his apron. Then you and your companions each take one of the loose-fitting robes and slip them on over your tunics. The thin, hooded garments are large enough to conceal your backpacks and weapons, and you are pleased to discover that they do not hamper your movement.</p>
+ <p>You hand over the Gold Crowns and the trader slips the coins into the pocket of his apron. Then you and your companions each take one of the loose-fitting robes and slip them on over your tunics. The thin, hooded garments are large enough to conceal your backpacks and weapons, and you are pleased to discover that they do not hamper your movement.</p>
<p>Having concluded your business, you thank the trader and bid him farewell. Then you leave this village and continue your ride south.</p>
<choice idref="sect118"><link-text>Turn to 118</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>219</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You smash the head of the Claw against the floor to remove the burning log, and then tuck the artefact in your belt. Below, you can hear the door to the tower being blown off its hinges and an old fear returns to chill your blood. The Autarch<ch.apos/>s guards are storming up the stairs; it is only a matter of seconds before they enter the chamber. Your instincts tell you to save your unconscious companions, but your rational mind tells you that this is now impossible; there is only time enough to save yourself. You bid them a sad farewell as you run towards the open window and leap out on to the platform of the Autarch<ch.apos/>s sky-chariot. Below, you glimpse the Imperial Guards gathered around the body of the Autarch. To your amazement, you see that they are helping their leader to his feet. Sejanoz is still alive.</p>
+ <p>You smash the head of the Claw against the floor to remove the burning log, and then tuck the artefact in your belt. Below, you can hear the door to the tower being blown off its hinges and an old fear returns to chill your blood. The Autarch<ch.apos/>s guards are storming up the stairs; it is only a matter of seconds before they will enter the chamber. Your instincts tell you to save your unconscious companions, but your rational mind tells you that this is now impossible; there is only time enough to save yourself. You bid them a sad farewell as you run towards the open window and leap out on to the platform of the Autarch<ch.apos/>s sky-chariot. Below, you glimpse the Imperial Guards gathered around the body of the Autarch. To your amazement, you see that they are helping their leader to his feet. Sejanoz is still alive.</p>
<p>Quickly you look to the controls of the sky-chariot and they seem vaguely familiar. They are similar in design and purpose to those found at the helm of <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite>, albeit on a smaller, simpler scale. You place your right hand on a sparkling sphere, but as you are pushing it forward to make the chariot advance, a handful of the Imperial Guards in the courtyard below fire a volley of projectiles at you.</p>
<p>The Autarch has given the order; he is determined not to let you get away.</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.</p>
<meta><title>221</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shoulder your bow, then you speak the words of the Brotherhood spell Lighting Hand and point your right hand at a pool of oil on the ground in front of the charging Xanon. An arc of crackling blue energy hits the black puddle and ignites the oil with a terrific Whoomph!, sending a searing ball of flame and black smoke soaring into the air. The heat of the fireball forces the Xanon to retreat, but as they pull back, you suddenly become aware of a new threat.</p>
+ <p>You shoulder your bow, then you speak the words of the Brotherhood Spell Lighting Hand and point your right hand at a pool of oil on the ground in front of the charging Xanon. An arc of crackling blue energy hits the black puddle and ignites the oil with a terrific <onomatopoeia>Whoomph!</onomatopoeia> sending a searing ball of flame and black smoke soaring into the air. The heat of the fireball forces the Xanon to retreat, but as they pull back, you suddenly become aware of a new threat.</p>
<p>Some Xanon have ridden in a wide arc around the ruins and have come up behind your position. You hear their leader snorting gruffly as he leaps into the ruined hall, and you spin around to face him. Hurriedly, you unsheathe your Kai Weapon and leap forward to block his path before he can launch a surprise attack upon the backs of your three companions.</p>
<choice idref="sect270">To continue, <link-text>turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<choice idref="sect53">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 53</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect124">If you possess Elementalism, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect281">If you possess Kai-surge, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 281</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect164">If you possess none of these skills, or if you choose not to use them, or a Bow, <link-text>turn instead to 164</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect164">If you possess none of these skills, nor a Bow, or if you choose not to use them, <link-text>turn instead to 164</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Instinctively you reach for the hilt of your Kai Weapon, but Rimoah stays your hand. <quote>Hold, Grand Master. These are not our enemies<ch.emdash/>they<ch.apos/>re our friends.</quote></p>
<p>The four gaunt, grey, grime-encrusted figures leave their hiding places and move slowly towards the cage. It is not until their leader smiles and reveals his white teeth that you realize they are human. The many weeks that these Siyenese rangers have spent in the hell of the Doomlands have exacted upon them a heavy toll.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>Four gaunt, grime-encrusted figures leave the</line>
+ <line>cover of the rocks and move towards you.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill14.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill14.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill14.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<p><quote>Greetings, Lord Rimoah,</quote> says the leader. <quote>I am Captain Gildas of the King<ch.apos/>s Ranger Regiment, and these are my men<ch.emdash/>Sergeant Paviz, Ranger Durasso, and Ranger Yalin. We<ch.apos/>re glad you<ch.apos/>ve arrived before the enemy, though by no more than a few hours at best.</quote></p>
<p>Captain Gildas looks at you and bows his head reverently. <quote>We<ch.apos/>re honoured by your presence, Sir Kai. I was lucky to be in Seroa last year when Karvas was crowned King, and I witnessed your knighthood in the Palace Square. We Siyenese will be forever in your debt for ridding us of that usurper<ch.emdash/>Baron Sadanzo.</quote></p>
<p>You thank the Ranger Captain for his compliment and tell him that you have come here with Lord Rimoah to help capture the Claw of Naar. <quote>It is vital that Sejanoz be denied the Claw,</quote> you say earnestly, <quote><ch.lellips/>at all costs.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>Fear not, Sir Kai,</quote> he replies with confidence. <quote>We have laid a trap to ensnare the enemy and their foul relic. They<ch.apos/>ll not get out of Sunderer Pass. Come, we shall show you what we have prepared, but first you must conceal your skyship before the enemy arrive. Look over there, Lord Rimoah,</quote> says Gildas, pointing to a distant ravine, <quote>that gully is deceptively deep. It will swallow your ship without trace. You must hide it there. But first, may ask a favour?</quote> Rimoah nods in reply.</p>
+ <p><quote>Fear not, Sir Kai,</quote> he replies with confidence. <quote>We have laid a trap to ensnare the enemy and their foul relic. They<ch.apos/>ll not get out of Sunderer Pass. Come, we shall show you what we have prepared, but first you must conceal your skyship before the enemy arrive. Look over there, Lord Rimoah,</quote> says Gildas, pointing to a distant ravine. <quote>That gully is deceptively deep. It will swallow your ship without trace. You must hide it there. But first, may ask a favour?</quote> Rimoah nods in reply.</p>
<p><quote>Our provisions are exhausted. We have some water, but we<ch.apos/>ve had nothing to eat for days. Can you spare some food before you depart?</quote></p>
<p><quote>Of course, Captain,</quote> replies Rimoah. <quote>I<ch.apos/>ll have the bo<ch.apos/>sun drop provisions this instant.</quote></p>
<p>Rimoah climbs into the boarding cage and is winched up to the rear deck of <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite>. Within minutes, the cage descends once more, laden with food and water. With a gleeful cry, Gildas throws open the cage door and he and his men leap upon the provisions like ravenous wolves. What little they fail to consume immediately they stow away in their empty backpacks for later.</p>
<section class="numbered" id="sect226">
<meta><title>226</title></meta>
+ <footnotes>
+ <footnote id="sect226-1-foot" idref="sect226-1">
+ <p>The section corresponding to the correct answer will have a footnote confirming that it is indeed correct.</p>
+ </footnote>
+ </footnotes>
+
<data>
<p>You retreat before the advancing Imperial Guardsmen until your backs are pressed against the base of the crimson tower. Gildas calls for you to look behind, and when you glance over your shoulder, you see that there is a red door set flush into the tower wall. Forcefully you push the door but it will not open. Then you notice a dial set in the middle of its surface, and in the centre of the dial is a small keyhole. The rangers load their bows and fire repeatedly at the advancing guardsmen as you attempt to unlock the door to the crimson tower.</p>
<p>The dial is surrounded by numerals numbering from 0 to 100. Using your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus, you determine that by turning the dial to one of these numbers, you will cause the lock to disengage and the door will open.</p>
<p>While examining the dial, you recall the wall safe in the barracks at Yua Tzhan. That lock required 3 digits to open it. This requires only one. The number that will open this lock is equal to the total you get when you add together the three digits that opened the wall safe.</p>
- <p>When you think you know the answer, turn to the section of this book which is the same as your answer.</p>
+ <p>When you think you know the answer, turn to the section of this book which is the same as your answer.<footref id="sect226-1" idref="sect226-1-foot"/></p>
<choice idref="sect244">If you are unable to determine the correct solution, <link-text>turn instead to 244</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>227</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Thinking that you are provisioners from one of the other wagons, the driver is glad to accept your offer to help gather up the vegetables that lie strewn across the paved street. The raised hoods of your robes help keep your faces in shadow, and he fails to recognize that you are not native Bhanarians. Then one of the iron doors in the northern wall creaks opens, and a barracks guard barks an order to the waiting drivers to begin delivering their loads by hand. A collective groan arises from the line of parked wagons, but for you and your companions it proves to be a perfect opportunity to enter the barracks undetected.</p>
- <p>Each of you takes a box of provision from the rear of the wagon and joins in the line of drivers as they file through the iron door. You follow this line to a kitchen storeroom, located near the middle of the barracks complex, where you deposit your delivery and then return to the street to collect another box. As you are making your way back, you pass a door that your Kai senses tell you is unlocked. Quickly you slip inside and then signal to your companions to follow. When all of you are safely inside, you close the door and draw its bolt.</p>
+ <p>Thinking that you are provisioners from one of the other wagons, the driver is glad to accept your offer to help gather up the vegetables that lie strewn across the paved street. The raised hoods of your robes help keep your faces in shadow, and he fails to recognize that you are not native Bhanarians. Then one of the iron doors in the northern wall creaks open, and a barracks guard barks an order to the waiting drivers to begin delivering their loads by hand. A collective groan arises from the line of parked wagons, but for you and your companions it proves to be a perfect opportunity to enter the barracks undetected.</p>
+ <p>Each of you takes a box of provision from the rear of the wagon and joins in the line of drivers as they file through the iron door. You follow this line to a kitchen store room, located near the middle of the barracks complex, where you deposit your delivery and then return to the street to collect another box. As you are making your way back, you pass a door that your Kai senses tell you is unlocked. Quickly you slip inside and then signal to your companions to follow. When all of you are safely inside, you close the door and draw its bolt.</p>
<choice idref="sect298"><link-text>Turn to 298</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p><quote>Look at the compass needle, Sir Kai,</quote> he says, and he picks up the Claw and begins to walk. As he circles around you, the point of the needle follows his every move.</p>
<p><quote>It<ch.apos/>s a Siyenese tracker-gem,</quote> he says. <quote>The needle of the compass is tuned to its vibrations. It<ch.apos/>s just a precaution, in case you should be parted from the Claw before you deliver it to the Elder Magi. So long as the gem remains embedded in its shaft, you<ch.apos/>ll be able to track it using the compass.</quote> Gildas hands you the Claw and you compliment him for his prudence.</p>
<p><quote>A very wise precaution, Captain,</quote> you say, as you slip the compass into your tunic pocket. <quote>Somehow I feel sure that we have not yet seen the last of the Autarch<ch.apos/>s squad.</quote></p>
- <p>(You can record the Siyenese Compass on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. You should also record the Claw of Naar as a Special Item which you carry in your pack. You must discard two items in their favour if you already have the maximum number of Special Items permissible.)</p>
+ <p>(You can record the Siyenese Compass on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. You should also record the Claw of Naar as a Special Item. You must discard two items in their favour if you already have the maximum number of Special Items permissible.)</p>
<p>You sheathe your Kai Weapon and follow Gildas as he returns to the horses. As you walk towards them, Ranger Yalin beckons you over to look at a strange shrub that is growing near the ruins.</p>
<choice idref="sect305">If you possess Herbmastery, <link-text>turn to 305</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect255">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 255</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>233</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You intone the words of the Old Kingdom spell <spell>Power Word</spell> and shape your mouth in readiness to utter it: <spell>Gloar!</spell></p>
+ <p>You intone the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Power Word</spell> and shape your mouth in readiness to utter it: <spell>Gloar!</spell></p>
<p>The concussive energy of your spell-word slams against the Autarch<ch.apos/>s helm, and the force of the impact makes him shudder. He releases his grip and the rangers fall limply to the floor. Then he turns to face you.</p>
<p><quote>Give me the Claw!</quote> he demands, his voice booming around the chamber. <quote>Give me the Claw and I shall spare all your worthless lives!</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect35">If you choose to obey his command, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You launch a mindblast at the angry sergeant and he reels back, clutching his head in pain. Your sudden psychic attack soon renders him unconscious, but you catch him before his limp body crumples to the ground.</p>
<p>You call out to the gate guards to come and help you. You say their sergeant has been taken ill, and quickly they respond. As they lift him out of your arms, you motion to your companions to follow as you slip away into the barracks.</p>
- <p>Beyond the main gate is a courtyard where several wagons, filled with provisions, are being unloaded. You and your companions each take a box from the rear of the nearest wagon and join a line of men who are delivering their goods to a kitchen storeroom located near the middle of the barracks complex. You leave your boxes here and then return to the courtyard to collect some more. As you are making your way back, you pass a door that your Kai senses tell you is unlocked. You quickly step inside and then signal to the rangers to follow. When all of you are safely in, you shut the door and draw its bolt.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the main gate is a courtyard where several wagons, filled with provisions, are being unloaded. You and your companions each take a box from the rear of the nearest wagon and join a line of men who are delivering their goods to a kitchen store room located near the middle of the barracks complex. You leave your boxes here and then return to the courtyard to collect some more. As you are making your way back, you pass a door that your Kai senses tell you is unlocked. You quickly step inside and then signal to the rangers to follow. When all of you are safely in, you shut the door and draw its bolt.</p>
<choice idref="sect298"><link-text>Turn to 298</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You inch open the door to witness a fight taking place on the far side of the mess hall. The Bhanarians have abandoned their feasting and are now attempting to storm the archway. Four of their number lie dead or wounded on the ground, hit by ranger arrows. Your companions are putting up a brave fight, but they face the danger of being surrounded on both sides and trapped in the corridor.</p>
<p>Then a new threat to their survival arrives. Three Bhanarian guards enter the hall pushing a strange, cannon-like contraption towards the distant archway. Fixed above its barrel is a large iron cylinder. It is studded with heavy rivets and fitted with a springed valve that bubbles and hisses like an angry serpent. You surmise this device is a steam-powered cannon, and you fear that if it is fired along the corridor it could slay your companions with one blast. As the Bhanarian gunners begin loading their weapon with handfuls of rusty nails and lead shot, you know you must find some way to stop them from firing this devilish device.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>They load the steam-cannon with</line>
+ <line>rusty nails and lead shot.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill15.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill15.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill15.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect115">If you possess a Bow, and wishes to use it, <link-text>turn to 115</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect92">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 92</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect69">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 69</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>240</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You mount your horse and lead the rangers away from the ruins, heading south. Soon you come upon a track and you steer your horse on to it so that he can travel at a faster pace. Your Kai sixth sense and your pathsmanship skills warn you that the Autarch<ch.apos/>s squad have recovered their stallions and are now in hot pursuit.</p>
- <p>You follow the track into a shallow valley where a corridor of weather-worn pillars line the trail. These man-sized pinnacles of rock are engraved with the likenesses of ancient Bhanarian rulers dating back to a time long before Autarch Sejanoz seized control of this land. As you pass between them, you notice that each one has been defaced by axe and hammer blows.</p>
+ <p>You mount your horse and lead the rangers away from the ruins, heading south. Soon you come upon a track and you steer your horse on to it so that he can travel at a faster pace. Your Kai sixth sense and your Pathsmanship skills warn you that the Autarch<ch.apos/>s squad have recovered their stallions and are now in hot pursuit.</p>
+ <p>You follow the track into a shallow valley where a corridor of weather-worn pillars lines the trail. These man-sized pinnacles of rock are engraved with the likenesses of ancient Bhanarian rulers dating back to a time long before Autarch Sejanoz seized control of this land. As you pass between them, you notice that each one has been defaced by axe and hammer blows.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small10.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small10.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small10.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
<choice idref="sect183">If you possess Elementalism, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel, or higher, <link-text>turn to 183</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect78">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 78</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>242</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You observe the main entrance to the barracks building and note a great deal of activity despite the lateness of the hour. Columns of Bhanarian spearmen, clad in black quilted uniforms with wide silk leggings, go marching through its main gate every few minutes with an almost clockwork regularity. You suspect that they are mustering in preparation for the arrival of the Autarch, although they appear too heavily armed to be gathering for ceremonial duties. You also catch sight of some Xanons, and you sense that these creatures were among those whom you fought at the ruins earlier today.</p>
+ <p>You observe the main entrance to the barracks building and note a great deal of activity despite the lateness of the hour. Columns of Bhanarian spearmen, clad in black quilted uniforms with wide silk leggings, go marching through its main gate every few minutes with an almost clockwork regularity. You suspect that they are mustering in preparation for the arrival of the Autarch, although they appear too heavily armed to be gathering for ceremonial duties. You also catch sight of some Xanon, and you sense that these creatures were among those whom you fought at the ruins earlier today.</p>
<p>During the time you spend observing the barracks, several wagons arrive laden with weapons and supplies. When seven of these army transports converge upon the main gate at the same time, it creates chaos for the Gate Guards. As they try desperately to untangle the ensuing chaos, you see an opportunity to enter the barracks.</p>
- <choice idref="sect134">If you wish to attempt to hide in the rear of one of the army wagons that is queuing to enter the barracks, <link-text>turn to 134</link-text>.</choice>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small3.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small3.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small3.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <choice idref="sect134">If you wish to attempt to hide in the rear of one of the army wagons that is queueing to enter the barracks, <link-text>turn to 134</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect95">If you choose to try to slip through the main entrance on foot, <link-text>turn to 95</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You scurry to the edge of the ravine and search for Rimoah<ch.apos/>s metallic tube. After several frantic minutes, you finally discover that it is lying on a jagged outcrop of slate which protrudes from the wall of the ravine, some 6 metres below the rim.</p>
<p>Quickly you descend the steep gully wall, but in your haste to retrieve the tube, you lose your footing and fall.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
- <p>If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
+ <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect106">If your total score is now 4 or lower, <link-text>turn to 106</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect67">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 67</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>247</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You recite the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Silence</spell> and cast its effect upon the door. Outside, the soldier who is trying to gain entry starts to bang repeatedly on the door with his fists, but inside the antechamber not a sound can be heard.</p>
+ <p>You recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Silence</spell> and cast its effect upon the door. Outside, the soldier who is trying to gain entry starts to bang repeatedly on the door with his fists, but inside the antechamber not a sound can be heard.</p>
<p>You unsheathe your Kai Weapon in silence and enter the main chamber to confront the squad leader in his bath.</p>
<choice idref="sect260"><link-text>Turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>There is a blinding flash of scarlet light upon the instant that your blade strikes the shaft of the Claw, and a searing wave of heat sends you spinning backwards to the ground: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Stunned and gasping for breath, you drag yourself to your feet and stagger to the altar stone which is now wreathed with trails of grey smoke. To your dismay, you discover that the Claw is still intact. Despite the huge burst of energy that your blow released, you discover no mark or blemish upon its gnarled shaft.</p>
- <p>The blade of your Kai Weapon, however, is notched and discoloured at the point where it struck the shaft of the Claw. (The damage to your Kai Weapon has caused a permanent reduction of 1 point to its <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus. You should now adjust the bonus on your Special Items list.)</p>
+ <p>The blade of your Kai Weapon, however, is notched and discoloured at the point where it struck the shaft of the Claw. (The damage to your Kai Weapon has caused a permanent reduction of 1 point to its <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus. You should now adjust the bonus on your <a idref="action">list of Special Items</a>.)</p>
<choice idref="sect103">To continue, <link-text>turn to 103</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>250</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The tall plains<ch.apos/> grass makes the going increasingly difficult. It binds around your horses<ch.apos/> hooves and frustrates your attempts to hasten their pace. For five miles you force your mounts to wade through this sea of verdant vegetation until you catch sight of some stone ruins on the slope of a distant hill. It is the remnants of an ancient village, and it is bisected by a dried-up watercourse. You scan the site and notice dark pools of liquid scattered throughout the area. The pungent aroma of crude oil can be smelt wafting on the breeze.</p>
+ <p>The tall plains grass makes the going increasingly difficult. It binds around your horses<ch.apos/> hooves and frustrates your attempts to hasten their pace. For five miles you force your mounts to wade through this sea of verdant vegetation until you catch sight of some stone ruins on the slope of a distant hill. It is the remnants of an ancient village, and it is bisected by a dried-up watercourse. You scan the site and notice dark pools of liquid scattered throughout the area. The pungent aroma of crude oil can be smelt wafting on the breeze.</p>
<p>Your Kai sixth sense tells you that the ruins are deserted. Captain Gildas is anxious to press on, but you command him to pause for a moment. Your instincts are warning you of a hidden danger.</p>
<choice idref="sect138">If you wish to enter the ruins of the ancient plains village, <link-text>turn to 138</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect109">If you decide to make a detour around them, <link-text>turn to 109</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The noise of the fighting has drawn a crowd of curious onlookers. Their cries of encouragement and outrage have in turn alerted the City Guard, and as the last of your attackers falls to your blows, you hear the sound of their iron-shod boots echoing along an adjoining avenue. Anxious to avoid them, you rally Gildas and his men together and then make a hurried escape from the square, along a dimly-lit alley.</p>
- <p>When you are sure that the City Guard have lost your trail, you halt beneath the light of a tavern lantern and consult your Siyenese compass. Your mind is now focused upon the task of finding and retrieving the Claw of Naar before Autarch Sejanoz arrives in the city. You set off in the direction indicated by the compass needle, and it leads you towards the military quarter located to the east of the main square. Here you follow a broad avenue lined with closed shop dollars and soon arrive at a busy barracks. The compass, and your Kai sixth sense, both tell you that the Claw of Naar is located somewhere inside this troop-infested building.</p>
+ <p>When you are sure that the City Guard have lost your trail, you halt beneath the light of a tavern lantern and consult your Siyenese Compass. Your mind is now focused upon the task of finding and retrieving the Claw of Naar before Autarch Sejanoz arrives in the city. You set off in the direction indicated by the compass needle, and it leads you towards the Military Quarter located to the east of the main square. Here you follow a broad avenue lined with closed shop dollars and soon arrive at a busy barracks. The Siyenese Compass and your Kai sixth sense both tell you that the Claw of Naar is located somewhere inside this troop-infested building.</p>
<choice idref="sect81">If you wish to try to find a way to enter the barracks undetected, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect242">If you decide to observe this building from the cover of an unlit doorway, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>257</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Aided by your Kai mastery, you study the night sky and try to predict the future from the relative position of the planets, moons, and stars. But your observations unsettle you and fill you with a sense of foreboding. You learn from the night sky that your flight to Chai will be fraught with many dangers and disappointments.</p>
+ <p>Aided by your Kai Mastery, you study the night sky and try to predict the future from the relative position of the planets, moons, and stars. But your observations unsettle you and fill you with a sense of foreboding. You learn from the night sky that your flight to Chai will be fraught with many dangers and disappointments.</p>
<p>You resolve not to tell your companions what you have foreseen for fear of lowering their morale. Later, when you are asleep, your predictions return to haunt your dreams.</p>
<choice idref="sect341"><link-text>Turn to 341</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Shortly after dark, you make your way towards the stone bridge, keeping close to the river to avoid the enemy encampments on either side of the road which crosses into Zuda. You get to within 6 metres of the bridge itself before you are forced to stop when you see enemy soldiers at the river<ch.apos/>s edge. They are filling their canteens and washing clothes. If you are to make a successful crossing below the bridge, you will first have to distract them, or lure them away.</p>
- <choice idref="sect17">If you possess Assimilance, and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Master Superior, <link-text>turn to 17</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect333">If you possess Elementalism, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Defender, <link-text>turn to 333</link-text>.</choice>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>Bhanarian soldiers at the river<ch.apos/>s edge.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill16.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill16.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill16.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
+ <choice idref="sect17">If you possess Assimilance, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Master Superior, or higher, <link-text>turn to 17</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect333">If you possess Elementalism, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Defender, or higher, <link-text>turn to 333</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect79">If you possess neither of these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required levels of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 79</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>263</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You recite the words of the Old Kingdom spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and thrust your right arm stiffly towards the lock. A wave of energy surges from your clenched fist and strikes the lockplate, smashing its internal mechanism. The doors shudder and then they swing slowly open.</p>
+ <p>You recite the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and thrust your right arm stiffly towards the lock. A wave of energy surges from your clenched fist and strikes the lockplate, smashing its internal mechanism. The doors shudder and then they swing slowly open.</p>
<choice idref="sect152"><link-text>Turn to 152</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>266</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You quickly recite the words of the Old Kingdom spell <spell>Shield</spell> and make a circle in the air with your right hand. A translucent disc shimmers into existence, and the falling rock slams into it with a loud <onomatopoeia>Crack!</onomatopoeia></p>
+ <p>You quickly recite the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Shield</spell> and make a circle in the air with your right hand. A translucent disc shimmers into existence, and the falling rock slams into it with a loud <onomatopoeia>Crack!</onomatopoeia></p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. For every level of Kai rank you have achieved, above that of Kai Grand Sentinel, add an additional 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect88">If your total score is now 0<ch.endash/>3, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect185">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>268</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>A fight is on the verge of breaking out when suddenly the innkeeper intervenes to break it up. You hear the distinctive metallic click of crossbows being cocked, and when you look to the taproom bar, you see the innkeeper holding two of these weapons, one in either hand.</p>
+ <p>A fight is on the verge of breaking out when suddenly the innkeeper intervenes to break it up. You hear the distinctive metallic <onomatopoeia>click</onomatopoeia> of crossbows being cocked, and when you look to the taproom bar, you see the innkeeper holding two of these weapons, one in either hand.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>The innkeeper holds two cocked</line>
+ <line>crossbows, one in either hand.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill17.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill17.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill17.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<p><quote>I<ch.apos/>ll drop the first man to draw a blade,</quote> he growls. <quote>You!</quote> he shouts, directing his ire towards your accuser. <quote>Get out, and take your friends with you.</quote></p>
<p>The one-eyed man curses under his breath, then he turns on his heel and leaves with his motley cohorts following in his wake. You thank the innkeeper for his timely action but he does not reply. You can tell by his stony silence that he would prefer it if you and your companions left as well.</p>
<choice idref="sect340">If you possess Telegnosis, or Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You are a few leagues to the south of the toll bridge when you pass a signpost that says: BEHNAZ<ch.emdash/>70 miles. Beyond this point, the hill road begins to twist like a swimming serpent. You are passing around one of its seemingly endless bends when you hear a loud rumble of thunder echoing through the hills.</p>
- <choice idref="sect113">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel, <link-text>turn to 113</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect113">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel, or higher, <link-text>turn to 113</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect63">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to reach this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 63</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You stable your horses and enter the taproom of the Prairie Princess. As the door creaks open, a gust of ale-soaked air and the jingle of bells interrupts the hubbub. The denizens of this tavern cast your party a suspicious glance or two, then they return to their conversations. The innkeeper approaches, wending his way nimbly through the closely-packed tables. He is a lean man with dark skin and a shaven head. You ask the cost of stabling and add that you shall not be requiring rooms for the night.</p>
<p><quote>Seven Ren each,</quote> he says, brusquely. <quote>You can pay tomorrow when you collect your nags.</quote></p>
- <p>You turn to leave the crowded taproom, but your way to the door is blocked be a stout, one-eyed man with a roughly-trimmed beard. <quote>You plains-nomads have got some nerve t<ch.apos/>come in here,</quote> he spits. <quote>You swindled me, near on stole all my herd o<ch.apos/> stallions. Well I vowed I<ch.apos/>d make you pay and now I<ch.apos/>m going to collect!</quote></p>
+ <p>You turn to leave the crowded taproom, but your way to the door is blocked be a stout, one-eyed man with a roughly-trimmed beard. <quote>You plains-nomads have got some nerve t<ch.apos/>come in here,</quote> he spits. <quote>You swindled me, near on stole all my herd o<ch.apos/> stallions. Well, I vowed I<ch.apos/>d make you pay and now I<ch.apos/>m going to collect!</quote></p>
<p>With a flick of his hand he signals to his cohorts to bar the tavern door. You tell the man that he is mistaken, that he is confusing you for somebody else, but he pays no heed to your explanation.</p>
<choice idref="sect215">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 215</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect153">If you possess Bardsmanship, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 153</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>277</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the Xanon bellows its death-cry and crumples to the ground, you see six of its kin come galloping along beside the west wall of the ruin. Fearful that these determined creatures could overwhelm your position if they chose to attack simultaneously, you command Gildas and the rangers to abandon their positions and escape to the east. Together you leap on to your horses and, as the captain leads his men away at the gallop, you stay and fight a brave rearguard action to delay the battling Xanon.</p>
+ <p>As the Xanon bellows its death-cry and crumples to the ground, you see six of its kin come galloping along beside the west wall of the ruin. Fearful that these determined creatures could overwhelm your position if they chose to attack simultaneously, you command Gildas and the rangers to abandon their positions and escape to the east. Together you leap on to your horses and, as the Captain leads his men away at the gallop, you stay and fight a brave rearguard action to delay the battling Xanon.</p>
<p>With ice-cool nerve and deadly grace, you wield your Kai Weapon to deadly effect. Your blows shatter Xanon skulls and smash their lances, forcing them to abandon any hope of following the rangers as they make good their escape across the plain. But when the time comes for you to follow your fleeing companions, a thrusting lance blow to the middle of your back nearly unhorses you. You hang on desperately to the mane of your frightened mount as he leaps over the wall and carries you away.</p>
<p>You rejoin the rangers at the top of a grassy rise that overlooks the ancient ruins. The triumphant cries of the Xanon are carried to you on the wind, and when you magnify your vision, you see they have gathered in a group in the ruins of the hall. One of their number appears to be holding aloft a short staff. You focus upon it and your heart sinks when you see that it is the Claw of Naar!</p>
<choice idref="sect72"><link-text>Turn to 72</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>282</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You unsheathe your Kai Weapon and you offer up a prayer to Ishir to protect you as you get ready to launch yourself into the fray. With your battle cry upon your lips, you pull open the door and rush headlong across the mess hall, flailing your deadly blade at any Bhanarian who dares to stand in your way. Your sudden attack from the rear diverts the gunners<ch.apos/> attention away from the rangers. As you cut a bloody swathe through their comrades, they are forced to abandon the steam-cannon and face you with cold steel.</p>
+ <p>You unsheathe your Kai Weapon and you offer up a prayer to Ishir to protect you as you get ready to launch yourself into the fray. With your battle-cry upon your lips, you pull open the door and rush headlong across the mess hall, flailing your deadly blade at any Bhanarian who dares to stand in your way. Your sudden attack from the rear diverts the gunners<ch.apos/> attention away from the rangers. As you cut a bloody swathe through their comrades, they are forced to abandon the steam-cannon and face you with cold steel.</p>
<combat><enemy>Bhanarian Guards <ch.ampersand/>Gunners</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect144">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 144</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>283</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The fortune-teller become irate. He stands up and stabs at the air with his index finger as he threatens to report you to the City Guards. Gildas takes hold of his wagging finger and bends it back, forcing him to his knees. The man whimpers like a frightened puppy and says he has changed his mind. He will forget all about your supposed debt. You leave the table, and as you walk towards the tavern door, Gildas releases the trickster. He motions his rangers to accompany him as he follows you to the door.</p>
+ <p>The fortune-teller becomes irate. He stands up and stabs at the air with his index finger as he threatens to report you to the City Guards. Gildas takes hold of his wagging finger and bends it back, forcing him to his knees. The man whimpers like a frightened puppy and says he has changed his mind. He will forget all about your supposed debt. You leave the table, and as you walk towards the tavern door, Gildas releases the trickster. He motions his rangers to accompany him as he follows you to the door.</p>
<choice idref="sect295">To continue, <link-text>turn to 295</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>284</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You intone the words of the Old Kingdom spell <spell>Penetrate</spell> moments before you release the straining bowstring and send your arrow whistling towards the beast<ch.apos/>s open jaw. The missile sinks deeply into the roof of its foaming mouth and its magic-hardened tip penetrates the creature<ch.apos/>s brain, killing it instantly.</p>
+ <p>You intone the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Penetrate</spell> moments before you release the straining bowstring and send your arrow whistling towards the beast<ch.apos/>s open jaw. The missile sinks deeply into the roof of its foaming mouth and its magic-hardened tip penetrates the creature<ch.apos/>s brain, killing it instantly.</p>
<choice idref="sect18"><link-text>Turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>286</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You hand over the gold crowns and the old man slips the coins into his pocket with a contented grin. Then you and your companions each take one of the loose-fitting robes and slip them on over your tunics. The thin, hooded garments are large enough to conceal your backpacks and weapons, and you are pleased to discover that they do not hamper your movement.</p>
+ <p>You hand over the Gold Crowns and the old man slips the coins into his pocket with a contented grin. Then you and your companions each take one of the loose-fitting robes and slip them on over your tunics. The thin, hooded garments are large enough to conceal your backpacks and weapons, and you are pleased to discover that they do not hamper your movement.</p>
<p>Having concluded your business, you thank the old man and bid him farewell. Then you leave his tent and collect your horses.</p>
<choice idref="sect118"><link-text>Turn to 118</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>The tower is empty and overgrown with weeds. All that it contains are several blocks of stone engraved with ancient designs, which are illuminated by streams of moonlight filtering down through the holes in the shattered roof. You take the opportunity to examine the Claw, and as you unfold its covering blanket on one of the blocks, you find yourself both fascinated and repulsed by the intricacies of its evil design. The head of the Claw resembles a petrified vulture<ch.apos/>s foot, cast in a black metal that is flecked with shimmering scarlet specks. Its shaft is twisted, like a length of gnarled root, and it is perforated along its length with pea-sized hollows.</p>
<p>A palpable evil radiates from this dread artefact and you feel an overwhelming compulsion to destroy it. You tell the rangers to stand clear, and then you unsheathe your Kai Weapon and deal the shaft of the Claw a mighty blow.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
- <choice idref="sect46">If the number you have picked is even (ie, 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8), <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect122">If it is odd (ie, 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9), <link-text>turn to 122</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect46">If the number you have picked is even (i.e., 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8), <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect122">If it is odd (i.e., 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9), <link-text>turn to 122</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>295</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>With your mind set upon the task of finding and retrieving the Claw of Naar before Autarch Sejanoz arrives, you hurry out of the inn and stride across the main square. In the light of a street lantern you consult your Siyenese compass once more before setting off in the direction that it indicates. It leads you towards the military quarter located on the east side of the square. You follow a broad avenue lined with closed shop doorways and soon arrive at a busy barracks. The compass, and your Kai sixth sense, both tell you that the Claw of Naar is located somewhere inside this troop-infested building.</p>
+ <p>With your mind set upon the task of finding and retrieving the Claw of Naar before Autarch Sejanoz arrives, you hurry out of the inn and stride across the main square. In the light of a street lantern you consult your Siyenese Compass once more before setting off in the direction that it indicates. It leads you towards the Military Quarter located on the east side of the square. You follow a broad avenue lined with closed shop doorways and soon arrive at a busy barracks. The Siyenese Compass and your Kai sixth sense both tell you that the Claw of Naar is located somewhere inside this troop-infested building.</p>
<choice idref="sect81">If you wish to try to find a way to enter the barracks undetected, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect242">If you decide to observe this building from the cover of an unlit doorway, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The corporal orders you and your companions to turn back. When you do not obey his command immediately, one of the bridge guards steps out of the line and jabs Captain Gildas in the ribs with the haft of his spear. The Captain retaliates by kicking the guard in the shoulder, sending him spinning to the ground. A brawl ensues, and despite your best efforts to stop it, it quickly deteriorates into an all-out fight.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>The guards at the bridge are quick to anger.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill18.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill18.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill18.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<combat><enemy>Bhanarian Bridge Guards</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">32</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>You may add +2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat, for the rangers are supporting you during this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect84">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 84</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>298</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Beyond the door you discover a narrow passage that leads to a flight of stone steps. You check your compass and then you lead the rangers up the stairs to a wider corridor on the floor above.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the door you discover a narrow passage that leads to a flight of stone steps. You check your Siyenese Compass and then you lead the rangers up the stairs to a wider corridor on the floor above.</p>
<p>You instruct Gildas and his men to wait at the top of the stairs while you make sure the way ahead is clear. Tall arched windows march past on either side as you approach a door at the end of the passageway. You detect the aroma of roasting meat and hear the sounds of feasting, and when you peep through the door<ch.apos/>s keyhole, you see a soldier<ch.apos/>s mess hall beyond.</p>
<p>Carefully you twist its spherical handle and push open the heavy oak door just a few inches. Peering around the door, you see a dozen Bhanarian soldiers sitting at a large table set before a blazing log fire. A side of beef is roasting on a spit above this fire, and the soldier<ch.apos/>s plates are heaped high with meat and vegetables. Stands of antique armour are positioned around the walls of the hall, and its panelled ceiling is decorated with the portraits of famous Bhanarian generals of old.</p>
- <p>Some of the soldiers dining here are Imperial Guards from the squad that you encountered in Sunderer Pass. You scrutinise their faces, yet you cannot see their leader among them. Your compass indicates that the Claw of Naar is nearby; its needle is pointing to a door on the far side of the mess hall. You sense that the Claw is in the room beyond this door, and you resolve to find a way of reaching it without being seen.</p>
+ <p>Some of the soldiers dining here are Imperial Guards from the squad that you encountered in Sunderer Pass. You scrutinise their faces, yet you cannot see their leader among them. Your Siyenese Compass indicates that the Claw of Naar is nearby; its needle is pointing to a door on the far side of the mess hall. You sense that the Claw is in the room beyond this door, and you resolve to find a way of reaching it without being seen.</p>
<choice idref="sect222">If you possess Grand Nexus, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 222</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect98">If you possess Assimilance, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect178">If you possess Elementalism, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>301</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Using the shadows to conceal your approach, you climb over the tailgate of a canvas-covered wagon that is standing in the line, and hide yourselves among its load. Patiently you settle down and wait for it to enter the barracks. Several minutes pass before the wagon begins to move. You tear a hole in its canvas cover through which you are able to see the inner buildings of the barracks complex. The wagon trundles along a narrow passage towards a parade square, beyond which lies its final destination<ch.emdash/>the kitchen storerooms. You clamber to the rear of the wagon and crouch beside the tailgate. Then, at the moment the wagon emerges from the passage, you signal to your companions to leave. One after the other you leap from the back of the wagon.</p>
+ <p>Using the shadows to conceal your approach, you climb over the tailgate of a canvas-covered wagon that is standing in the line, and hide yourselves among its load. Patiently you settle down and wait for it to enter the barracks. Several minutes pass before the wagon begins to move. You tear a hole in its canvas cover through which you are able to see the inner buildings of the barracks complex. The wagon trundles along a narrow passage towards a parade square, beyond which lies its final destination<ch.emdash/>the kitchen store rooms. You clamber to the rear of the wagon and crouch beside the tailgate. Then, at the moment the wagon emerges from the passage, you signal to your companions to leave. One after the other you leap from the back of the wagon.</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="sect165">If your total score is now 4 or lower, <link-text>turn to 165</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect66">If it is 5 or higher, <link-text>turn to 66</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You watch with mounting fear as the horde of winged creatures circle and dive repeatedly into the ravine. They are met by intermittent flashes of magical energy which illuminate the gloom; Lord Rimoah and his young crewmen are putting up a spirited defence of their grounded skyship.</p>
<p>Then you see an unexpected sight: <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite> rises out of the gully and ascends rapidly into the darkening sky. You magnify your vision and witness a bloody battle raging along her decks as the winged beasts attempt to wrest control of the helm. You watch helplessly as the beleaguered skyship powers away towards the east, pursued by the flying swarm of ravening beasts.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>The skyship is swathed in a</line>
+ <line>blanket of attacking beasts.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill19.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill19.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill19.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<p>When the squad of Imperial Guards catch sight of <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite> fleeing eastwards, their leader raises his hand and signals his men to advance. Using your enhanced vision, you focus on the leader and your Kai senses reel at the aura of evil surrounding him. You sense that this power does not emanate from him directly; it flows around a mace-like weapon which he carries sheathed in his belt. It is the Claw of Naar, and even at a distance its malignant power fills you with unease and foreboding.</p>
<p>With bated breath, you watch the Autarch<ch.apos/>s men come marching along the narrow trail. Captain Gildas gives the signal to Durasso to spring the ambush, and the ranger tugs hard on the rope in his hands. There is a moment of silence, then a thunderous rumble reverberates through the mountains. A billowing cloud of thick dust engulfs the trail and you lose sight of the squad as a thousand tons of rock and rubble cascade towards them.</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>
<data>
<p>You tear the scrap of papyrus into small pieces and swallow them to ensure that Rimoah<ch.apos/>s message will not be discovered by the enemy. Then you return to the mountain pass to rejoin Captain Gildas and his men, but upon arriving there you discover that his ambush has failed. Gildas triggered a rockfall to block the pass, but the Autarch<ch.apos/>s men used the Claw of Naar to blow their way through the resulting obstruction. In the ensuing fight, Ranger Durasso was killed and Sergeant Paviz was wounded in the shoulder. You use your Magnakai healing skills to numb the sergeant<ch.apos/>s pain, and then you scan the trail leading south from the pass for signs of the enemy squad. In the failing light you glimpse their black-clad forms hurrying away along the trail which leads towards the Bhanarian Plain.</p>
- <p>Gildas and his rangers are too shocked after their deadly encounter with Autarch Sejanoz<ch.apos/>s guards to attempt an immediate pursuit. You inform the dazed captain that Lord Rimoah was forced to flee in order to save <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite> and his crew from the attacking horde, and he nods his head in silence. You also tell him of the message that Rimoah left behind. Then you hear Ranger Yalin shouting a warning: the flying creatures are returning. Hurriedly you take cover among the rocks and watch as they circle above the pass. Your Kai instincts tell you that these beasts cannot survive for long beyond the mountain borders of the Doomlands, and soon you see them returning north to Naaros. When the last of the creatures has disappeared, you beckon Gildas and his men to follow you down on to the mountain trail. Here you discover the bodies of two Imperial Guards who were caught by the rockslide ambush and crushed to death.</p>
+ <p>Gildas and his rangers are too shocked after their deadly encounter with Autarch Sejanoz<ch.apos/>s guards to attempt an immediate pursuit. You inform the dazed Captain that Lord Rimoah was forced to flee in order to save <cite>Cloud-dancer</cite> and his crew from the attacking horde, and he nods his head in silence. You also tell him of the message that Rimoah left behind. Then you hear Ranger Yalin shouting a warning: the flying creatures are returning. Hurriedly you take cover among the rocks and watch as they circle above the pass. Your Kai instincts tell you that these beasts cannot survive for long beyond the mountain borders of the Doomlands, and soon you see them returning north to Naaros. When the last of the creatures has disappeared, you beckon Gildas and his men to follow you down on to the mountain trail. Here you discover the bodies of two Imperial Guards who were caught by the rockslide ambush and crushed to death.</p>
<choice idref="sect80">If you wish to search their pockets and backpacks, <link-text>turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect291">If you choose to ignore them, you may leave the pass by <link-text>turning to 291</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<li>Sword</li>
<li>100 Ren (equivalent to 10 Gold Crowns)</li>
</ul>
- <p>If you wish to keep any of the above ietms, make the necessary adjustments to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="small12.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="small12.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="small12.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <p>If you wish to keep any of the above items, make the necessary adjustments to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect125">To leave the chamber and return to the rangers, <link-text>go to 125</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>316</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You take a single
gold crown from your belt pouch and toss it on to the floor (remember to erase this crown from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>). The fortune-teller scurries after the coin like a cat after a mouse. While he is searching for it, you leave the table and stride towards the tavern door with Gildas and his men following close behind.</p>
+ <p>You take a single
Gold Crown from your belt pouch and toss it on to the floor (remember to erase this Crown from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>). The fortune-teller scurries after the coin like a cat after a mouse. While he is searching for it, you leave the table and stride towards the tavern door with Gildas and his men following close behind.</p>
<choice idref="sect295">To continue, <link-text>turn to 295</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>318</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You magnify your vision and see that the approaching figures are Bhanarians. Armed with swords and spears, they are all clad in black quilted tunics edged with gold braid and emblazoned with the tiger<ch.apos/>s head emblem of Autarch Sejanoz. They are clearly a unit of Imperial Guards from the Autarch<ch.apos/>s court in Otavai. As the squad of twelve guardsmen draws nearer, your Kai sixth sense tells you that something is wrong. These are elite soldiers of the Autarch<ch.apos/>s personal bodyguard, yet they seem to have forgotten basic military practice: they have placed no scouts at the head of their squad to check that the way ahead is clear.</p>
+ <p>You magnify your vision and see that the approaching figures are Bhanarians. Armed with swords and spears, they are all clad in black quilted tunics edged with gold braid and emblazoned with the tiger<ch.apos/>s head emblem of Autarch Sejanoz. They are clearly a unit of Imperial Guards from the Autarch<ch.apos/>s court in Otavai. As the squad of twelve guardsmen draws nearer, your Kai sixth sense tells you that something is wrong. These are <ch.eacute/>lite soldiers of the Autarch<ch.apos/>s personal bodyguard, yet they seem to have forgotten basic military practice: they have placed no scouts at the head of their squad to check that the way ahead is clear.</p>
<choice idref="sect49">If you have attained the Kai rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 49</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect74">If you have yet to attain this level of Kai rank, <link-text>turn instead to 74</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>319</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you gallop through the stables, you quickly recite the words of the Brotherhood spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and raise your right arm. You point your outstretched fingers towards the closing doors and a crackling bolt of blue fire leaps from your fingertips. It strikes one of the troopers who is attempting to bar your escape, and it sends him cartwheeling across the straw-covered ground. His companion slams shut one door, blocking half of the doorway, but there is still space enough for you and your companions to make good your escape into the street beyond. As you gallop through the narrowed exit, you steer your horse to the right and race away along a cobblestoned street.</p>
+ <p>As you gallop through the stables, you quickly recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell> and raise your right arm. You point your outstretched fingers towards the closing doors and a crackling bolt of blue fire leaps from your fingertips. It strikes one of the troopers who is attempting to bar your escape, and it sends him cartwheeling across the straw-covered ground. His companion slams shut one door, blocking half of the doorway, but there is still space enough for you and your companions to make good your escape into the street beyond. As you gallop through the narrowed exit, you steer your horse to the right and race away along a cobblestoned street.</p>
<choice idref="sect14"><link-text>Turn to 14</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>320</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You show the ring to the sergeant and he nods his approval. Believing that you and your companions are the Autarch<ch.apos/>s secret agents, he steps aside and allows you to enter the barracks.</p>
+ <p>You show the Tiger Ring to the sergeant and he nods his approval. Believing that you and your companions are the Autarch<ch.apos/>s secret agents, he steps aside and allows you to enter the barracks.</p>
<choice idref="sect110"><link-text>Turn to 110</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Only the swiftness of your reactions saves you and your companions from a watery death. You race back along the hill road, through the blinding rain, with a surging torrent of mud and debris chasing you all the way. Trees are uprooted and loose boulders are sent hurtling into the air by the destructive force of this merciless flow.</p>
- <p>You succeed in out-running the mudslide but at some cost. Your horses are so drained by the ordeal that two of them die of exhaustion, and a third becomes too lame to continue. You are forced to abandon them and continue your journey on foot. You head east, and take shelter in a wooded hillside while you wait for the rains to abate.</p>
+ <p>You succeed in outrunning the mudslide but at some cost. Your horses are so drained by the ordeal that two of them die of exhaustion, and a third becomes too lame to continue. You are forced to abandon them and continue your journey on foot. You head east, and take shelter on a wooded hillside while you wait for the rains to abate.</p>
<p>While you are resting, unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect59">To continue, <link-text>turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>There is a blinding flash of scarlet light upon the instant that your blade strikes the shaft of the Claw, and a searing wave of energy sends you crashing backwards to the ground: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Dazed and gasping for breath, you drag yourself to your feet and approach the altar stone which is now wreathed with trails of grey smoke. To your dismay, you discover that the Claw is still intact. Despite the huge burst of energy that your blow released, you discover no mark or blemish upon its gnarled shaft.</p>
- <p>The blade of your Kai Weapon, however, is notched and discoloured at the point where it struck the shaft of the Claw. (The damage to your Kai Weapon has caused a permanent reduction of 2 points to its <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus. You should now adjust the bonus on your Special Items list.)</p>
+ <p>The blade of your Kai Weapon, however, is notched and discoloured at the point where it struck the shaft of the Claw. (The damage to your Kai Weapon has caused a permanent reduction of 2 points to its <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus. You should now adjust the bonus on your <a idref="action">list of Special Items</a>.)</p>
<choice idref="sect103">To continue, <link-text>turn to 103</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Your arrow strikes the cannon<ch.apos/>s pressure cylinder, but it fails to penetrate the thick iron skin and it ricochets away. Your failed attempt to destroy the cannon betrays your presence, and a handful of the Bhanarians leave the fight at the archway and come running towards the antechamber with their swords and axes raised to strike.</p>
- <p>You shoulder your bow and offer up a short prayer to Ishir to protect you as you get ready to meet their determined attack. With your battle cry upon your lips, you pull open the door and flail your Kai Weapon at the first Bhanarian who comes within striking distance.</p>
+ <p>You shoulder your bow and offer up a short prayer to Ishir to protect you as you get ready to meet their determined attack. With your battle-cry upon your lips, you pull open the door and flail your Kai Weapon at the first Bhanarian who comes within striking distance.</p>
<combat><enemy>Bhanarian Guards</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">37</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">40</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect144">If you win this combat, <link-text>turn to 144</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p><quote>Hold, Sir Kai,</quote> retorts Captain Gildas. <quote>The enemy is too strong. They outnumber us, and they possess a weapon that can slay us all but with one bolt. Do you not recall what happened at Sunderer Pass? I have lost one good man already. I have no desire to risk any more in a reckless pursuit.</quote></p>
<p><quote>Are you breaking your vow to help me, Captain?</quote> you ask, reproachfully.</p>
<p><quote>No, Sir Kai,</quote> he retorts. <quote>My vow remains true. I simply propose we pursue the enemy at a safe distance. They may run with the Claw of Naar, but they cannot keep it from us forever. The tracker-gem that I<ch.apos/>ve placed in the haft will always lead us to it, no matter where it may be hidden.</quote></p>
- <p><quote>You are right, Captain,</quote> you reply, apologetically. <quote>Firstly we shall rest and recover our strength. Then we shall hunt down our enemy and claim back that accursed artefact before they can deliver it to Autarch Sejanoz.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>You are right, Captain,</quote> you reply, apologetically. <quote>Firstly we shall rest and recover our strength. Then we shall hunt down our enemy and reclaim that accursed artefact before they can deliver it to Autarch Sejanoz.</quote></p>
<p>Unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect201">To continue, <link-text>turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>330</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You utter the words of the Old Kingdom spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and project your clenched right hand towards the on-rushing creature.</p>
- <p>The power of your spell hits the beast squarely in the chest and sends it somersaulting sideways, out of control. With a sickening thud, it impacts against the rocky wall of the mountain pass and disappears from view.</p>
- <p>To continue, to 18.</p>
+ <p>You utter the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and project your clenched right hand towards the onrushing creature.</p>
+ <p>The power of your spell hits the beast squarely in the chest and sends it somersaulting sideways, out of control. With a sickening <onomatopoeia>thud</onomatopoeia>, it impacts against the rocky wall of the mountain pass and disappears from view.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect18">To continue, <link-text>turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You thread your way through the crush of soldiers and enter the barracks unchallenged. The raised hoods of your robes keep your faces in shadow, and the guards fail to recognize that you are not native Bhanarians.</p>
- <p>Beyond the entrance is a courtyard where several wagons, filled with provisions, are being unloaded. You and your companions each take a box from the rear of the nearest wagon and join a line of men who are delivering their goods to a kitchen storeroom located near the middle of the barracks complex. You leave your boxes here and then return to the courtyard to collect some more. As you are making your way back, you pass a door that your Kai senses tell you is unlocked. Quickly you slip inside and then signal to the rangers to follow. When all of you are safely inside, you shut the door and draw its bolt.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the entrance is a courtyard where several wagons, filled with provisions, are being unloaded. You and your companions each take a box from the rear of the nearest wagon and join a line of men who are delivering their goods to a kitchen store room located near the middle of the barracks complex. You leave your boxes here and then return to the courtyard to collect some more. As you are making your way back, you pass a door that your Kai senses tell you is unlocked. Quickly you slip inside and then signal to the rangers to follow. When all of you are safely inside, you shut the door and draw its bolt.</p>
<choice idref="sect298"><link-text>Turn to 298</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>333</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You call upon your improved Kai mastery to conjure up a mist beneath the first arch of the bridge. Made eerie by the light of the torches that the soldiers are carrying, the sudden appearance of this mist startles the soldiers on the river bank. Fearing that a monster is set to rise up and consume the bridge with its fiery breath, they turn tail and flee in panic from the water<ch.apos/>s edge.</p>
+ <p>You call upon your improved Kai Mastery to conjure up a mist beneath the first arch of the bridge. Made eerie by the light of the torches that the soldiers are carrying, the sudden appearance of this mist startles the soldiers on the river bank. Fearing that a monster is set to rise up and consume the bridge with its fiery breath, they turn tail and flee in panic from the water<ch.apos/>s edge.</p>
<choice idref="sect127"><link-text>Turn to 127</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Cautiously you continue your approach towards the enemy encampment. Upon reaching the edge of the copse, you catch sight of the Imperial Guards gathered around a campfire. They are eating the remnants of a roasted fanji, and their horses are tethered by silken ropes to the bough of a chestnut tree some distance away from the crackling fire. A few of the warriors are already asleep, including their leader. You observe him carefully and your Kai sixth sense tells you that the Claw of Naar is wrapped in the blanket roll he is using as a pillow. Having committed the details of the encampment to memory, you signal to Captain Gildas to follow as silently you slip away and return to your waiting companions.</p>
+ <illustration class="float">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <description>
+ <line>Imperial Guards gathered around their campfire.</line>
+ </description>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill20.png" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill20.gif" width="386" height="xxx" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill20.pdf" width="386" height="xxx" />
+ </illustration>
<choice idref="sect4"><link-text>Turn to 4</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>337</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The woman launches a bolt of psychic energy that lances your mind and fills your head with a fiery, agonising pain: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>The woman launches a bolt of psychic energy that lances your mind and fills your head with a fiery, agonizing pain: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Fortunately, your mental defences knit together to repair the damage you have sustained from this opportunistic attack, and the pain in your head quickly recedes.</p>
<choice idref="sect236">To continue, <link-text>turn to 236</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>As the flying creature disappears over the lip of the ravine, you wrench your foot free from the cleft in the boulder. Instantly, you fall towards the base of the steep gully, but your natural agility enables you to twist in mid-air and land safely on your feet without sustaining any further injuries.</p>
- <p>You quickly ascend the steeply sloping wall and retrieve the steel tube from the slate outcrop. You tuck it into your belt, then you climb back to the top of the ravine where you pause to examine what the tube contains.</p>
+ <p>You quickly ascend the steeply-sloping wall and retrieve the steel tube from the slate outcrop. You tuck it into your belt, then you climb back to the top of the ravine where you pause to examine what the tube contains.</p>
<choice idref="sect140"><link-text>Turn to 140</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>340</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your Kai sense warns you that the one-eyed man and his cohorts are waiting outside in the main square. They are determined to ambush you and your companions the moment you step from the inn. Wary of their intentions, you ask the innkeeper if there is another exit from the taproom and he points to a curtained archway. It conceals a door which opens on to an alleyway running alongside the inn. You leave by this door and walk to the end of the alley, taking care to avoid the main square. Your mind is now focused upon the task of finding and retrieving the Claw of Naar before Autarch Sejanoz arrives, and when you consult your Siyenese compass, you set off in the direction it indicates. It leads you towards the military quarter of the city, located on the east side of the main square. You follow an avenue lined with closed shop doorways, and soon you arrive at a busy barracks. The compass, and your Kai sixth sense, both tell you that the Claw of Naar is located somewhere inside this troop-infested building.</p>
+ <p>Your Kai sixth sense warns you that the one-eyed man and his cohorts are waiting outside in the main square. They are determined to ambush you and your companions the moment you step from the inn. Wary of their intentions, you ask the innkeeper if there is another exit from the taproom and he points to a curtained archway. It conceals a door which opens on to an alleyway running alongside the inn. You leave by this door and walk to the end of the alley, taking care to avoid the main square. Your mind is now focused upon the task of finding and retrieving the Claw of Naar before Autarch Sejanoz arrives, and when you consult your Siyenese Compass, you set off in the direction it indicates. It leads you towards the Military Quarter of the city, located on the east side of the main square. You follow an avenue lined with closed shop doorways, and soon you arrive at a busy barracks. The Siyenese Compass and your Kai sixth sense both tell you that the Claw of Naar is located somewhere inside this troop-infested building.</p>
<choice idref="sect81">If you wish to try to find a way to enter the barracks undetected, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect242">If you decide to observe this building from the cover of an unlit doorway, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>Errata</title></meta>
<data>
+ <p>(<a idref="title">Title Page</a>) Replaced <quote>VAMPIRIUM</quote> with <quote><strong><cite>Vampirium</cite></strong></quote>.</p>
+
<p>(<a idref="tssf">The Story so Far<ch.ellips/></a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>elite</quote> with <quote><ch.eacute/>lite</quote>. Replaced <quote>Kai monastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Monastery</quote>. Replaced <quote>Free Alliance</quote> with <quote>Freeland Alliance</quote>. Replaced <quote>monastery of the Kai</quote> with <quote>Monastery of the Kai</quote>. Replaced <quote>the Monastery</quote> with <quote>the monastery</quote>. Replaced <quote>autocracy of Bhanar</quote> with <quote>Autocracy of Bhanar</quote>. Replaced <quote>Southern Dammerdon mountains</quote> with <quote>Southern Dammerdon Mountains</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) Removed <quote>that you will find in the front of this book. For ease of use, and for further adventuring, it is recommended that you photocopy these pages</quote> and <quote>on the last page of this book</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>ie</quote> with <quote>i.e.</quote>. Replaced <quote>fall to zero</quote> with <quote>fall to zero or below</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series. Replaced <quote>fall to zero</quote> with <quote>fall to zero or below</quote>. Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>. Replaced <quote>weapons and</quote> with <quote>weapons, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="cmbtrulz">Rules for Combat</a>) Removed <quote>on the inside back cover of this book</quote>. Replaced <quote>on the page after the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a></quote> with <quote>in the back of this book</quote>. Replaced <quote>points reduced</quote> with <quote>points possibly reduced</quote>. Replaced <quote>to zero</quote> with <quote>to zero or below</quote>. Replaced <quote>at which point the one with the zero score is declared dead</quote> with <quote>at which point that combatant is declared dead</quote>. Replaced <quote>sumary</quote> with <quote>summary</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="imprvdsc">Improved Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced each occurrence of <quote>eg</quote> with <quote>e.g.</quote>. Replaced <quote>rushes etc,</quote> with <quote>rushes, etc.,</quote>. Replaced <quote>ie</quote> with <quote>i.e.</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>Kai Blast</quote> with <quote>Kai-blast</quote>. Replaced <quote>Psi-surge or</quote> with <quote>Psi-surge, or</quote>. Replaced <quote>lava and</quote> with <quote>lava, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>flasks etc,</quote> with <quote>flasks, etc.,</quote>. Replaced <quote><ch.thinspace/>Improved Grand Master Disciplines<ch.rsquot/><ch.thinspace/></quote> with <quote>Improved Grand Master Disciplines</quote>. Italicised <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="imprvdsc">Improved Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced each occurrence of <quote>eg</quote> with <quote>e.g.</quote>. Replaced <quote>rushes etc,</quote> with <quote>rushes, etc.,</quote>. Replaced <quote>ie</quote> with <quote>i.e.</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>Kai Blast</quote> with <quote>Kai-blast</quote>. Replaced <quote>Psi-surge or</quote> with <quote>Psi-surge, or</quote>. Replaced <quote>lava and</quote> with <quote>lava, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>. Replaced <quote>flasks etc,</quote> with <quote>flasks, etc.,</quote>. Replaced <quote><ch.thinspace/>Improved Grand Master Disciplines<ch.rsquot/><ch.thinspace/></quote> with <quote>Improved Grand Master Disciplines</quote>. Italicised <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series. Inserted <quote>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.</quote> into the description of the Kai-blast, taken from <cite>Lone Wolf Club Newsletter 24</cite>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="kaiwisdm">New Order Wisdom</a>) Replaced <quote>gods Kai and Ishir</quote> with <quote>Gods Kai and Ishir</quote>. Italicised <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect1">1</a>) Replaced <quote></quote> with <quote></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect1">1</a>) Replaced <quote>south-easterly</quote> with <quote>southeasterly</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect5">5</a>) Replaced <quote>potion</quote> with <quote>Poghlam</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect6">6</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell</quote>. Replaced <quote><onomatopoeia>Whoomph!</onomatopoeia>,</quote> with <quote><onomatopoeia>Whoomph!</onomatopoeia></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect11">11</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>compass</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass</quote>. Replaced <quote>Peering round</quote> with <quote>Peering around</quote> in the illustration<ch.apos/>s caption.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect12">12</a>) Replaced <quote>drawbolt</quote> with <quote>bolt</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect13">13</a>) Replaced <quote>Gildas, <ch.lsquot/>I</quote> with <quote>Gildas. <ch.lsquot/>I</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect14">14</a>) Replaced <quote>pathsmanship</quote> with <quote>Pathsmanship</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect17">17</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect23">23</a>) Replaced <quote>quiver</quote> with <quote>Quiver</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect25">25</a>) Replaced <quote>agonising</quote> with <quote>agonizing</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect27">27</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect31">31</a>) Replaced <quote>out-running</quote> with <quote>outrunning</quote>. Replaced <quote>in a wooded hillside</quote> with <quote>on a wooded hillside</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect32">32</a>) Replaced <quote>skills, or if you choose not to use them, or a Bow</quote> with <quote>skills, nor a Bow, or if you choose not to use them</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect33">33</a>) Replaced <quote>battle cry</quote> with <quote>battle-cry</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect46">46</a>) Replaced <quote>Special Items list</quote> with <quote><a idref="action">list of Special Items</a>/quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect47">47</a>) Replaced <quote>fleeting</quote> with <quote>fleeing</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect49">49</a>) Replaced <quote>sight yet</quote> with <quote>sight, yet</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect53">53</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect62">62</a>) Replaced <quote>Siyenese compass</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass</quote>. Replaced <quote>military quarter</quote> with <quote>Military Quarter</quote>. Replaced <quote>compass, and your Kai sixth sense, both</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass and your Kai sixth sense both</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect63">63</a>) Replaced <quote>out-run</quote> with <quote>outrun</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect64">64</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>ie</quote> with <quote>i.e.</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect65">65</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect69">69</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect70">70</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect72">72</a>) Replaced <quote>Backpack Items List</quote> with <quote><a idref="action">list of Backpack Items</a></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect75">75</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect76">76</a>) Replaced <quote>Poghram</quote> with <quote>Poghlam</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect81">81</a>) Replaced <quote>Xanons</quote> with <quote>Xanon</quote>. Replaced <quote>queuing</quote> with <quote>queueing</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect83">83</a>) Replaced <quote>loathe to</quote> with <quote>loath to</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect86">86</a>) Replaced <quote>come a squad</quote> with <quote>comes a squad</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect87">87</a>) Replaced <quote>talisman</quote> with <quote>Gold Talisman</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect89">89</a>) Replaced <quote>Siyenese compass</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect90">90</a>) Replaced <quote>consumate</quote> with <quote>consummate</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect91">91</a>) Replaced <quote>plains<ch.apos/> grass</quote> with <quote>plains grass</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect92">92</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect103">103</a>) Deleted <quote>which you carry in your pack</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect104">104</a>) Replaced <quote>drawbolt</quote> with <quote>bolt</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect107">107</a>) Replaced <quote>93 or higher</quote> with <quote>9 or higher</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect110">110</a>) Replaced <quote>storeroom</quote> with <quote>store room</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect112">112</a>) Replaced <quote>elite</quote> with <quote><ch.eacute/>lite</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect115">115</a>) Replaced <quote>rank of Kai Sun Lord</quote> with <quote>rank of Sun Lord</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect117">117</a>) Replaced <quote>menacingly quiet</quote> with <quote>quiet, menacing</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect118">118</a>) Replaced <quote>Siyenese compass</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect120">120</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect122">122</a>) Replaced <quote>Special Items list</quote> with <quote><a idref="action">list of Special Items</a></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect128">128</a>) Replaced <quote>claim back</quote> with <quote>reclaim</quote>. Added a paragraph break between <quote>asks, reproachfully.</quote> with <quote><ch.thinspace/><ch.lsquot/>No, Captain</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect130">130</a>) Replaced <quote>woodsmoke</quote> with <quote>wood smoke</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect131">131</a>) Replaced <quote>quiver</quote> with <quote>Quiver</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect134">134</a>) Replaced <quote>queuing</quote> with <quote>queueing</quote>. Replaced <quote>storerooms</quote> with <quote>store rooms</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect135">135</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect137">137</a>) Replaced <quote>the captain</quote> with <quote>the Captain</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect139">139</a>) Replaced <quote>sword-belt</quote> with <quote>sword belt</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect142">142</a>) Replaced <quote>side-steps</quote> with <quote>sidesteps</quote>. Replaced <quote>rib-cage</quote> with <quote>rib cage</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect143">143</a>) Replaced <quote>birds who</quote> with <quote>birds that</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect149">149</a>) Replaced <quote>greets your</quote> with <quote>greet your</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect151">151</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect153">153</a>) Replaced <quote>bardsmanship</quote> with <quote>Bardsmanship</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect154">154</a>) Added a period after <quote>turn to 266</quote>, <quote>turn to 135</quote>, <quote>turn to 51</quote>, and <quote>turn to 230</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect158">158</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect161">161</a>) Replaced <quote>agonising</quote> with <quote>agonizing</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect166">166</a>) Replaced <quote>drawbolt</quote> with <quote>bolt</quote>. Replaced <quote>the key</quote> with <quote>the Red Key</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect172">172</a>) Replaced <quote>on-rushing</quote> with <quote>onrushing</quote>. Replaced <quote>continue, to 18</quote> with <quote>continue, turn to 18</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect173">173</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect174">174</a>) Replaced <quote>Siyenese compass</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass</quote>. Replaced <quote>military quarter</quote> with <quote>Military Quarter</quote>. Replaced <quote>compass, and your Kai sixth sense, both</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass and your Kai sixth sense both</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect175">175</a>) Replaced <quote>potion</quote> with <quote>Poghlam</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect176">176</a>) Removed quotation marks from thought-speech.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect182">182</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect185">185</a>) Replaced <quote>shield spell</quote> with <quote><spell>Shield</spell> spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect190">190</a>) Replaced <quote>stikes</quote> with <quote>strikes</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect198">198</a>) Replaced <quote>side-steps</quote> with <quote>sidesteps</quote>. Replaced <quote>rib-cage</quote> with <quote>rib cage</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect199">199</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>. Replaced <quote>continue, to 18</quote> with <quote>continue, turn to 18</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect201">201</a>) Replaced <quote>Siyenese compass</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect204">204</a>) Replaced <quote>Siyenese compass</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect206">206</a>) Replaced each occurrence of <quote>Khea Khan</quote> with <quote>Khea-khan</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect212">212</a>) Replaced <quote>pathsmanship</quote> with <quote>Pathsmanship</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect214">214</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect215">215</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect217">217</a>) Replaced <quote>ante-chamber</quote> with <quote>antechamber</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect218">218</a>) Replaced <quote>gold crowns</quote> with <quote>Gold Crowns</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect219">219</a>) Replaced <quote>they enter</quote> with <quote>they will enter</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect221">221</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>. Replaced <quote><onomatopoeia>Whoomph!</onomatopoeia>,</quote> with <quote><onomatopoeia>Whoomph!</onomatopoeia></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect223">223</a>) Replaced <quote>skills, or if you choose not to use them, or a Bow</quote> with <quote>skills, nor a Bow, or if you choose not to use them</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect225">225</a>) Replaced <quote>distant ravine, <ch.lsquot/>that gully</quote> with <quote>distant reavine. <ch.lsquot/>That gully</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect227">227</a>) Replaced <quote>storeroom</quote> with <quote>store room</quote>. Replaced <quote>creaks opens</quote> with <quote>creaks open</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect228">228</a>) Deleted <quote>which you carry in your pack</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect233">233</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect235">235</a>) Replaced <quote>storeroom</quote> with <quote>store room</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect240">240</a>) Replaced <quote>pathsmanship</quote> with <quote>Pathsmanship</quote>. Replaced <quote>a corridor of weather-worn pillars line</quote> with <quote>a corridor of weather-worn pillars lines</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect242">242</a>) Replaced <quote>Xanons</quote> with <quote>Xanon</quote>. Replaced <quote>queuing</quote> with <quote>queueing</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect243">243</a>) Removed paragraph break between <quote><a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</quote> with <quote>If you possess</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect247">247</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect248">248</a>) Replaced <quote>Special Items list</quote> with <quote><a idref="action">list of Special Items</a></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect250">250</a>) Replaced <quote>plains<ch.apos/> grass</quote> with <quote>plains grass</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect256">256</a>) Replaced <quote>Siyenese compass</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass</quote>. Replaced <quote>military quarter</quote> with <quote>Military Quarter</quote>. Replaced <quote>compass, and your Kai sixth sense, both</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass and your Kai sixth sense both</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect257">257</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect261">261</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai rank of Grand Master Superior</quote> with <quote>rank of Kai Grand Master Superior</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Master Superior, turn</quote> with <quote>Grand master Superior, or higher, turn</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Defender, turn</quote> with <quote>Grand Defender, or higher, turn</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect263">263</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect266">266</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect268">268</a>) Replaced <quote>click</quote> with <quote><onomatopoeia>click</onomatopoeia></quote>. Replaced <quote>The Innkeeper</quote> with <quote>The innkeeper</quote> in the illustration<ch.apos/>s caption.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect272">272</a>) Replaced <quote>Grand Sentinel, turn</quote> with <quote>Grand Sentinel or higher, turn</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect273">273</a>) Replaced <quote>Well I vowed</quote> with <quote>Well, I vowed</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect277">277</a>) Replaced <quote>the captain</quote> with <quote>the Captain</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect282">282</a>) Replaced <quote>battle cry</quote> with <quote>battle-cry</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect283">283</a>) Replaced <quote>become irate</quote> with <quote>becomes irate</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect284">284</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect286">286</a>) Replaced <quote>gold crowns</quote> with <quote>Gold Crowns</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect293">293</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>ie</quote> with <quote>i.e.</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect295">295</a>) Replaced <quote>Siyenese compass</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass</quote>. Replaced <quote>military quarter</quote> with <quote>Military Quarter</quote>. Replaced <quote>compass, and your Kai sixth sense, both</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass and your Kai sixth sense both</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect298">298</a>) Replaced both occurrences of <quote>compass</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect301">301</a>) Replaced <quote>storerooms</quote> with <quote>store rooms</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect310">310</a>) Replaced <quote>the captain</quote> with <quote>the Captain</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect311">311</a>) Replaced <quote>ietms</quote> with <quote>items</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect316">316</a>) Replaced <quote>gold crown</quote> with <quote>Gold Crown</quote>. Replaced <quote>this crown</quote> with <quote>this Crown</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect318">318</a>) Replaced <quote>elite</quote> with <quote><ch.eacute/>lite</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect319">319</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect320">320</a>) Replaced <quote>the ring</quote> with <quote>the Tiger Ring</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect322">322</a>) Replaced <quote>out-running</quote> with <quote>outrunning</quote>. Replaced <quote>in a wooded hillside</quote> with <quote>on a wooded hillside</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect323">323</a>) Replaced <quote>Special Items list</quote> with <quote><a idref="action">list of Special Items</a></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect326">326</a>) Replaced <quote>battle cry</quote> with <quote>battle-cry</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect327">327</a>) Replaced <quote>claim back</quote> with <quote>reclaim</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect330">330</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell</quote>. Replaced <quote>on-rushing</quote> with <quote>onrushing</quote>. Replaced <quote>continue, to 18</quote> with <quote>continue, turn to 18</quote>. Replaced <quote>thud</quote> with <quote><onomatopoeia>thud</onomatopoeia></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect331">331</a>) Replaced <quote>storeroom</quote> with <quote>store room</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect333">333</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect337">337</a>) Replaced <quote>agonising</quote> with <quote>agonizing</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect339">339</a>) Replaced <quote>steeply sloping</quote> with <quote>steeply-sloping</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect340">340</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai sense</quote> with <quote>Kai sixth sense</quote>. Replaced <quote>Siyenese compass</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass</quote>. Replaced <quote>military quarter</quote> with <quote>Military Quarter</quote>. Replaced <quote>compass, and your Kai sixth sense, both</quote> with <quote>Siyenese Compass and your Kai sixth sense both</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="crsumary">Combat Rules Summary</a>) Replaced <quote>Items or</quote> with <quote> Items, or</quote>, and <quote>falls to 0</quote> with <quote>falls to 0 or below</quote>, <quote>Pick number from</quote> with <quote>Pick a number from the</quote>, <quote>Turn to Combat</quote> with <quote>Turn to the Combat</quote>, <quote>to random number</quote> with <quote>to the random number</quote>, and <quote>when ENDURANCE</quote> with <quote>when the ENDURANCE</quote>.</p>
</data>
<ul class="unbulleted">
<li><a idref="equipmnt">Equipment</a></li>
<li><a idref="discplnz">Grand Master Disciplines</a></li>
-<!-- <li><a idref="sect1">Section 1</a></li>
- <li><a idref="sect11">Section 11</a></li>
- <li><a idref="sect35">Section 35</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect2">Section 2</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect3">Section 3</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect14">Section 14</a></li>
<li><a idref="sect51">Section 51</a></li>
- <li><a idref="sect131">Section 131</a></li>
- <li><a idref="sect209">Section 209</a></li>
- <li><a idref="sect217">Section 217</a></li>
- <li><a idref="sect230">Section 230</a></li>
- <li><a idref="sect283">Section 283</a></li>
- <li><a idref="sect290">Section 290</a></li>
- <li><a idref="sect318">Section 318</a></li>
- <li><a idref="sect350">Section 350</a></li> -->
+ <li><a idref="sect68">Section 68</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect80">Section 80</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect81">Section 81</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect118">Section 118</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect143">Section 143</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect150">Section 150</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect194">Section 194</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect197">Section 197</a></li>
</ul>
</data>
</section>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / blobdiff