&inclusion.brian.williams.bio.lw;
</creator>
<publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
- <date class="publication"><year>2007</year><month>08</month><day>01</day></date>
+ <date class="publication"><year>2007</year><month>08</month><day>07</day></date>
<description class="blurb">
<p>You are the warrior Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>Kai Grand master of Sommerlund. Fresh from your victory over your elvil alter-ego<ch.emdash/><ch.lsquot/>Wolf<ch.apos/>s Bane<ch.rsquot/><ch.emdash/>reluctantly you are forced to return to the Plane of Darkness. For there you glimpsed the fabled Moonstone and you have sworn to save this gem of mystical power from the clutches of Naar<ch.emdash/>the King of Ultimate Darkness.</p>
<p>In <strong>The Curse of Naar</strong>, you must venture once more through the Shadow Gate and confront the Dark God. Only by finding and retrieving the Moonstone can you hope to save your world from invasion by Naar<ch.apos/>s armies of night. In this ultimate Grand Master challenge, your life and the future of your entire world is at stake!</p>
<meta><title>27</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Rimoah ushers you to a refectory table at the entrance to the chamber where Lord Ardan is carefully arranging artifacts upon a sheet of scarlet silk, and he invites you to inspect these curious items. He glances at your swordbelt and smiles when he sees the finely-crafted hilt of the Sommerswerd protruding from your scabbard.</p>
+ <p>Rimoah ushers you to a refectory table at the entrance to the chamber where Lord Ardan is carefully arranging artefacts upon a sheet of scarlet silk, and he invites you to inspect these curious items. He glances at your swordbelt and smiles when he sees the finely-crafted hilt of the Sommerswerd protruding from your scabbard.</p>
<p><quote>Well, I see you<ch.apos/>ll have no need of new weaponry, Grand Master. Surely there can be no blade better suited to the slaying of the Dark God<ch.apos/>s foul creatures than the one you already possess<ch.emdash/>the Sword of the Sun.</quote></p>
<p><quote>Aye,</quote> comments Ardan, <quote>tis true. Your divine sword can vanquish any of Naar<ch.apos/>s creations. It may even possess power enough to smite the Dark God himself!</quote></p>
<p>Lord Ardan<ch.apos/>s words lift your spirits. It is comforting to hear that you possess at least one effective weapon against the horrors you may have to face during your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
<meta><title>28</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your speed and skill have devastated the maggot swarm. You have slayed more than half their number and forced the remainder to seek shelter in the shadowy recesses of this reeking hall. You sense also that your victory over the swarm has greatly weakened the spirit of Cadak. You are about to seize the advantage and launch a psychic attack when suddenly you hear something quite unexpected.</p>
+ <p>Your speed and skill have devastated the maggot swarm. You have slain more than half their number and forced the remainder to seek shelter in the shadowy recesses of this reeking hall. You sense also that your victory over the swarm has greatly weakened the spirit of Cadak. You are about to seize the advantage and launch a psychic attack when suddenly you hear something quite unexpected.</p>
<p><quote>Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,</quote> pleads Cadak<ch.apos/>s plaintive voice in your mind. <quote>I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the K<ch.uuml/>nae.</quote></p>
<p>The receding tide of maggots has revealed a glowing ring that lies on the slime-smeared floor at the centre of the hall.</p>
<p><quote>Take the ring, Lone Wolf. Take the ring and grant me your forgiveness. With the ring the way is clear for you to leave this hall through the Tunnel of the Wyrm.</quote></p>
- <p>Beyond the flame-like spirit of Cadak you can see the rotting rib cage of the reptillian carcass. The semi-circular shadow that occupies it is now pulsing with a warm, amber light.</p>
- <choice idref="sect128">If you agree to forgive the spirit of Cadak and wish to pick up the ring, <link-text>turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>Beyond the flame-like spirit of Cadak you can see the rotting rib cage of the reptillian carcass. The semicircular shadow that occupies it is now pulsing with a warm, amber light.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect128">If you agree to forgive the spirit of Cadak, and wish to pick up the ring, <link-text>turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect20">If you refuse to forgive the spirit of Cadak, and decide that you will not pick up the ring, <link-text>turn to 20</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You retrieve the book from your backpack and thumb through its shiny blank pages until you discover two pages that have changed both in colour and texture. A cluster of rust-red lettering is enclosed within the black runic borders that outline these two sheets of creamy parchment. Once again, using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you study the complex text and are able to decipher much of its meaning.</p>
- <p>The words tell of Zantaz<ch.emdash/>the Lord of the Pit<ch.emdash/>whose many accompanying titles include Reaper of Gloom, Armourer of the Fell Legions, and Guardian of the Gate of Dragonflame. It says that he presides over a <quote>deep realm of rock, iron, steel and flame</quote>, and that among the many eternal duties he has been set by Naar, his primary task is to forge weapons of power for the Dark God<ch.apos/>s champions. Zantaz has no secret name, but you are able to translate the text which details how one can leave his domain. It makes for uneasy reading. The tome states that any who wish to depart must first <quote>defeat Zantaz in mortal combat and cast his body into the Pit of Darkflame, from whence he shall be reborn.</quote> Only by proving oneself worthy in combat against Zantaz can one cause <quote>the Gate of Dragonflame to release the worthy victor.</quote> The name <quote>Zantaz</quote> is vaguely familiar; you are sure that you have heard it before. As you ponder the remaining text which lists his infamous deeds, you suddenly recall where it was that you heard his name spoken. It was many years ago, while you were still an initiate at the Kai monastery, and your old tutor<ch.emdash/>Storm Hawk<ch.emdash/>was lecturing your class about the Drakkarim: the barbarian race of humanoids whose conquest of Northern Magnamund preceded the rise of the Darklords of Helgedad. Zantaz was the name of the warrior-god whom the Drakkarim worshipped.</p>
+ <p>The words tell of Zantaz<ch.emdash/>the Lord of the Pit<ch.emdash/>whose many accompanying titles include Reaper of Gloom, Armourer of the Fell Legions, and Guardian of the Gate of Dragonflame. It says that he presides over a <quote>deep realm of rock, iron, steel and flame</quote>, and that among the many eternal duties he has been set by Naar, his primary task is to forge weapons of power for the Dark God<ch.apos/>s champions. Zantaz has no secret name, but you are able to translate the text which details how one can leave his domain. It makes for uneasy reading. The tome states that any who wish to depart must first <quote>defeat Zantaz in mortal combat and cast his body into the Pit of Darkflame, from whence he shall be reborn.</quote> Only by proving oneself worthy in combat against Zantaz can one cause <quote>the Gate of Dragonflame to release the worthy victor.</quote> The name <quote>Zantaz</quote> is vaguely familiar; you are sure that you have heard it before. As you ponder the remaining text which lists his infamous deeds, you suddenly recall where it was that you heard his name spoken. It was many years ago, while you were still an initiate at the Kai Monastery, and your old tutor<ch.emdash/>Storm Hawk<ch.emdash/>was lecturing your class about the Drakkarim: the barbarian race of humanoids whose conquest of Northern Magnamund preceded the rise of the Darklords of Helgedad. Zantaz was the name of the warrior-god whom the Drakkarim worshipped.</p>
<p>Feeling a little unnerved by what you have discovered and remembered, you close the tome and slip it back into your pack. You sense that the Moonstone is not to be found here in this domain of tunnels and so you resolve to escape from here as soon as possible. But if you are to do so successfully it seems you will first have to find and defeat Zantaz, the warrior-god of the Drakkarim.</p>
<p>You get to your feet and continue along the tunnel which leads out of the empty cavern. You follow this passageway for several hundred yards until you arrive at a junction where another tunnel crosses your path from right to left. Cautiously you scan the tunnel in both directions and notice that away to your right, little more than twenty yards distant, is an open archway. Although you can sense no living presence, the angle of view and the darkness of the interior prevent you from determining what lies beyond this archway. To your left, your tracking skills reveal that the tunnel leads eventually to a dead end.</p>
<choice idref="sect260">If you wish to investigate what lies beyond the arch, <link-text>turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You turn and head back quickly along the jungle trail, dodging and weaving as you run in an attempt to avoid the whipping vines. Through the undergrowth ahead you glimpse the beach, but before you are able to reach it you are brought crashing to the soft earth by a creeper which lashes you from behind and twists itself tightly around your foot. Red hot pain courses up your leg, making you cry out as you struggle hard to break free: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Beneath the coating of moss which sheathes this vine are hundreds of tiny hollow barbs that have pierced your boot and penetrated your flesh. Your Kai curing skills swiftly counter the deadly bacteria that cling to these barbs, but they cannot prevent the flow of blood that is being sucked out of your leg by this vampiric vine.</p>
- <choice idref="sect193">If you possess the Sommerswerd, or the Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 193</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect193">If you possess the Sommerswerd, or Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 193</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect261">If you possess neither of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 261</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You focus on a clump of insects that are attached to the side of the hive and your Kai senses tell you that these creatures are being guided by psychic commands originating from within their pear-shaped home. This discovery leads you to suspect that they could be susceptible to mind control.</p>
<choice idref="sect247">If you possess Kai-surge, and have reached the rank of Sun Lord or higher, <link-text>turn to 247</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect178">If you possess Animal Mastery and have reached the rank of Sun Thane or higher, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect178">If you possess Animal Mastery, and have reached the rank of Sun Thane or higher, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect101">If you possess neither of these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn instead to 101</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>With your back pressed hard against the wall of the pit, you quickly recite the words of the Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Shield</spell> as you draw a circle in the air directly above your head. Nza<ch.apos/>pok growls the order to his minions and immediately a clattering deluge of spears rains down upon you. Most shatter when they hit the invisible barrier you have created, but some ricochet off the pit wall and their sharp tips gouge your flesh.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Grand Discipline of Assimilance, 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 the Grand Master Discipline of Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect312">If your total is 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 312</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect277">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 277</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>49</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Drawing upon your grand mastery skills, you are able eventually to haul yourself free from this sticky mire and reach the distant knoll (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to fatigue).</p>
+ <p>Drawing upon your Grand Mastery skills, you are able eventually to haul yourself free from this sticky mire and reach the distant knoll (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points due to fatigue).</p>
<p>The boughs of the thorny-barked trees of this swamp island are tightly intertwined and form a formidable barrier. Through a gap in their tortured branches you can see a clearing at the centre of this copse and, when you magnify your vision, you glimpse part of a crude stone hut. You unsheathe your weapon and cleave a path through the trees to the clearing where you discover that the hut is surrounded by a moat brim-full of gelatinous black mud, the surface of which is pitted with a myriad of animal tracks. Sensing that the hut is empty, you leap across the moat and take cover inside from the corrosive rain.</p>
<choice idref="sect269">If you possess Telegnosis, and have reached the rank of Grand Thane or higher, <link-text>turn to 269</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect348">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Freed from the constraints of the force-field, Alyss is able to use the power of the Moonstone to bring into being a Shadow Gate which materializes in the floor of the chamber.</p>
- <p><quote>Come, Grand Master,</quote> she implores as she gets ready to step into the whirling black abyss, <quote>Follow me!</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Come, Grand Master,</quote> she implores as she gets ready to step into the whirling black abyss. <quote>Follow me!</quote></p>
<p>And with these words she is swallowed up by the inky abyss. Seconds later, you drop the heavy axe and take a running leap into the Shadow Gate, escaping in her wake barely moments before a pack of screeching, gnawing, parasitic horrors engulf the place where you last were standing.</p>
<choice idref="sect350"><link-text>Turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p><quote>You<ch.apos/>ll not be requiring this after all,</quote> he says, <quote>but there is something which I<ch.apos/>m sure you will find most useful. And I<ch.apos/>m certain that you have not come across anything of its like before.</quote></p>
<p>Once again Rimoah motions to Ardan and the elderly wizard responds by taking up a small package that is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly, you take it from him.</p>
<p><quote>It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,</quote> says Ardan. <quote>A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.</quote></p>
- <p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty, devoid of script, pictures or diagrams of any sort.</p>
+ <p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty, devoid of script, pictures, or diagrams of any sort.</p>
<p><quote>I do not see how this book will help my quest,</quote> you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
<p><quote>This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,</quote> replies Lord Rimoah, <quote>but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar<ch.apos/>s domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.</quote></p>
- <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your backpack. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
+ <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>56</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shout the name <quote>Lukha</quote> aloud but it has no effect. For a moment there is an uneasy silence, then the rubbery mouth of Nza<ch.apos/>pok emits a hideous, bubbling laugh. He is mocking your futile attempt to save yourself by calling upon the powers which bind him in fealty to the Dark God. As his foul form wobbles with undisguised mirth, you quickly unshoulder your backpack and tear open the flap to retrieve the Tome of Darkness. Nza<ch.apos/>pok ceases to laugh when he glimpses its jet black cover for he is aware of its origins and the powerful secrets it contains.</p>
+ <p>You shout the name <quote>Lukha</quote> aloud but it has no effect. For a moment there is an uneasy silence, then the rubbery mouth of Nza<ch.apos/>pok emits a hideous, bubbling laugh. He is mocking your futile attempt to save yourself by calling upon the powers which bind him in fealty to the Dark God. As his foul form wobbles with undisguised mirth, you quickly unshoulder your backpack and tear open the flap to retrieve the Tome of Darkness. Nza<ch.apos/>pok ceases to laugh when he glimpses its jet-black cover for he is aware of its origins and the powerful secrets it contains.</p>
<p>With a terse growl, he gives the signal to his minions and they hurl their spears into the pit with chilling accuracy. You are struck by more than a dozen of these deadly lances and, unlike most who have fallen foul of Nza<ch.apos/>pok, your death is mercifully swift and almost painless.</p>
<p>Sadly, your life and your quest for the Moonstone ends here.</p>
</data>
<meta><title>57</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you pass through the curtain of black flames, the three magical items vanish from your hands (erase the Nza<ch.apos/>pok Amulet, the K<ch.uuml/>nae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon from the Special Items section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>). Beyond the flaming curtain lies a hall of grey adamanite which is seemingly devoid of all life. You scour this eerie chamber and your senses detect Alyss<ch.apos/>s lifeforce. Hers is the only goodly presence, save your own, in the whole of this evil stronghold, and although her aura is weak it is sufficient enough for you to be able to track it.</p>
+ <p>As you pass through the curtain of black flames, the three magical items vanish from your hands (erase the Nza<ch.apos/>pok Amulet, the K<ch.uuml/>nae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon from the Special Items section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>). Beyond the flaming curtain lies a hall of grey adamanite which is seemingly devoid of all life. You scour this eerie chamber and your senses detect Alyss<ch.apos/>s life-force. Hers is the only goodly presence, save your own, in the whole of this evil stronghold, and although her aura is weak it is sufficient enough for you to be able to track it.</p>
<p>Guided by your instincts and shielded by your Kai Disciplines, you follow Alyss<ch.apos/>s trail as it wends its way deeper into the heart of this citadel of Evil. During your exploration you encounter many of Naar<ch.apos/>s newest creations who populate the halls and dungeons of Dazganon. Their repugnant forms, and depraved and brutal behaviour provide you with an unsavoury insight into Naar<ch.apos/>s seemingly infinite capability to create evil and monstrous life forms. You shudder to imagine these foul beings running loose upon your home world of Magnamund, and the thought strengthens your resolve to fulfil your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
<p>For what seems like an hour, your camouflage and psychic skills make you invisible to the creatures that dwell within Dazganon. It is not until you reach a busy junction at the heart of a maze of tunnels that your skills are truly put to the test. Your senses detect the presence of Alyss at the end of an adjacent tunnel, yet the entrance to this wide passage is virtually blocked by creatures who are bickering with Naar<ch.apos/>s armed guards.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, or Grand Pathsmanship, add 1. Also, for every level of Kai rank you have attained above the rank of Grand Guardian, add a further 1.</p>
<data>
<p>As you pass into the void, a sensation of unimaginable speed assaults your senses. You fly through the stellar darkness and a universe unfolds before you, like a million gems strewn upon an endless sea of black velvet. Your physical body is sheathed within a casing of pale white light, and you sense that it is a protective shell generated by your platinum amulet to protect you from the icy chill and airlessness of this astral starscape.</p>
<p>You surrender yourself to the invisible currents that ebb and flow through the void and, as you glide across this immeasurable no-space, once more you consult the Tome of Darkness. The transparent page that revealed information about Shamath<ch.apos/>s realm is now blank, but the one which follows has changed in colour and texture. Lines of glowing text have appeared on a page that is as dark as deep space. Again, using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of the text and you discover that it tells of <quote>Avarvae the Tormentress</quote>, and it reveals that this void<ch.emdash/>which is her domain<ch.emdash/>is called <quote>The Oblivion of the Tortured Souls</quote>. You ignore the list of her cruel and evil deeds, and search out her secret name.</p>
- <p>Unfortunately you discover that there is no name to bind her. However, you do learn that no special artifact is required to leave her realm and there are two exits: The Gates of Darkness, by which you entered, and the Bridge of the Damned. Having no desire to return to Shamath<ch.apos/>s domain, you put away the tome and resolve instead to find the Bridge of the Damned. Yet, as you stare across the infinite distances of this void, it is hard to dispel your fears that you may end your days lost here forever.</p>
+ <p>Unfortunately you discover that there is no name to bind her. However, you do learn that no special artefact is required to leave her realm and there are two exits: The Gates of Darkness, by which you entered, and the Bridge of the Damned. Having no desire to return to Shamath<ch.apos/>s domain, you put away the tome and resolve instead to find the Bridge of the Damned. Yet, as you stare across the infinite distances of this void, it is hard to dispel your fears that you may end your days lost here forever.</p>
<choice idref="sect315">If you possess Shamath<ch.apos/>s Potion, <link-text>turn to 315</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect218">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>63</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Through the criss-crossed ropes of your net prison you see the surrounding flock. They are swooping and cawing delightedly, like successful hunters returning home with their captured prey. Above, you can make out the claws and leathery black bellies of the three winged creatures that are hoisting you ever higher into the rainswept clouds. You are tempted to use your kai powers to break free and slay your abductors, but a glance below at the rapidly receding ground is enough to dissuade you, at least for now.</p>
+ <p>Through the criss-crossed ropes of your net prison you see the surrounding flock. They are swooping and cawing delightedly, like successful hunters returning home with their captured prey. Above, you can make out the claws and leathery black bellies of the three winged creatures that are hoisting you ever higher into the rain-swept clouds. You are tempted to use your kai powers to break free and slay your abductors, but a glance below at the rapidly receding ground is enough to dissuade you, at least for now.</p>
<p>For more than an hour the flock transports you northwards through sickly green skies, hundreds of feet above a ceiling of storm clouds. Gradually this cloud cover thins until you are able to note that the swamp has given way to a tropical jungle which is thinly veiled by a swirling mist. A river snakes through this dense foliage, winding its way towards a coastline on the horizon. As you approach the distant sea, the river becomes wider and flows into a delta. Your captors follow the river and begin a slow descent to an islet on the eastern side of the delta, towards an area near its seaward shore where the jungle has been hacked down to make room for a primitive settlement.</p>
<p>As the flock encircles the settlement prior to landing, you are able to make out a cluster of strange-looking huts, seemingly constructed from the hides of reptiles and the bones of huge fish. In the middle of these huts there is an expanse of cleared ground and a large circular pit. The shrieks of the fliers draws an expectant crowd, a score of creatures of two distinctly different species. From the air they resemble gigantic ants and deformed, pale-skinned humanoids.</p>
<choice idref="sect97">If you have ever visited the icy realm of Ixia in a previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventure, <link-text>turn to 97</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>64</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Two great scaly legs, each tipped with razor-clawed talons, precede the huge bulk of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor as he lowers himself down upon his nest of flames. You take cover as best you can among the piles of treasure, but when his talons descend to within an arm<ch.apos/>s length of where you are cowering the Dragonlord suddenly detects your presence. He emits a deafening roar and bolts of flame shoot from his mouth to explode with shattering effect among the piles of precious artifacts that lie close to where you are sheltering. Hurriedly you roll away from your hiding place and unsheathe your weapon as you scramble to your feet. There is now no place for you to hide. Your quest and your survival now depend on the outcome of your imminent combat with the mighty Huan<ch.apos/>zhor.</p>
+ <p>Two great scaly legs, each tipped with razor-clawed talons, precede the huge bulk of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor as he lowers himself down upon his nest of flames. You take cover as best you can among the piles of treasure, but when his talons descend to within an arm<ch.apos/>s length of where you are cowering the Dragonlord suddenly detects your presence. He emits a deafening roar and bolts of flame shoot from his mouth to explode with shattering effect among the piles of precious artefacts that lie close to where you are sheltering. Hurriedly you roll away from your hiding place and unsheathe your weapon as you scramble to your feet. There is now no place for you to hide. Your quest and your survival now depend on the outcome of your imminent combat with the mighty Huan<ch.apos/>zhor.</p>
<combat><enemy>Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">56</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This being is immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray. If you possess a Blue Diamond, you may add 3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat. If you possess Skarn-Ska, you may add 2 (in addition to all other combat bonuses applicable for this Special Item) to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect344">Conduct this fight using normal combat procedures. However, as soon as your enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 20 or less, do not continue. Instead, <link-text>turn immediately to 344</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>74</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the beast leaps from the ramp you dive below it and thrust your weapon up into its chest. The power of your blow deflects the creature and sends it sommersaulting into the wall. It howls in surprise and pain, but the failure of its attack does not make it suddenly forget its hunger. With lightning speed it recovers and leaps at your chest with its claws extended. You sidestep to avoid it but it succeeds in knocking you backwards as its heavy bulk glances your arm. Cursing its ferocity, you brace yourself for what must be a fight to the finish.</p>
+ <p>As the beast leaps from the ramp you dive below it and thrust your weapon up into its chest. The power of your blow deflects the creature and sends it somersaulting into the wall. It howls in surprise and pain, but the failure of its attack does not make it suddenly forget its hunger. With lightning speed it recovers and leaps at your chest with its claws extended. You sidestep to avoid it but it succeeds in knocking you backwards as its heavy bulk glances your arm. Cursing its ferocity, you brace yourself for what must be a fight to the finish.</p>
<combat><enemy>Ghazoul</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This creature is immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray.</p>
<choice idref="sect36">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 36</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>77</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The sight of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor fast approaching galvanizes you into action. Frantically you search for the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon but you cannot detect any artifact that resembles either a scarab or a wingless dragon. Through the wall of flames you can see Huan<ch.apos/>zhor flaring his mighty wings; he is slowing his approach to the temple in preparation to land upon his nest of fire. You feel a wave of magical energy sweeping over the nest and you sense that the Dragonlord has reactivated the spell which shielded the trapdoor. This route of escape is now sealed. Moments later his shadow darkens the flames<ch.emdash/>he is but seconds away from landing.</p>
+ <p>The sight of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor fast approaching galvanizes you into action. Frantically you search for the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon but you cannot detect any artefact that resembles either a scarab or a wingless dragon. Through the wall of flames you can see Huan<ch.apos/>zhor flaring his mighty wings; he is slowing his approach to the temple in preparation to land upon his nest of fire. You feel a wave of magical energy sweeping over the nest and you sense that the Dragonlord has reactivated the spell which shielded the trapdoor. This route of escape is now sealed. Moments later his shadow darkens the flames<ch.emdash/>he is but seconds away from landing.</p>
<choice idref="sect209">If you wish to escape the nest by leaping into the transporter beam, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect185">If you wish to attempt to find a place in the nest where you can hide from the approaching Dragonlord, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You recognize the vengeful visage of Zahda<ch.emdash/>the evil renegade sorcerer<ch.emdash/>who was killed by your hand and whose body was incarcerated in the ruins of Kazan-Oud. As his tortured soul falls back into the howling mass, you begin to see others that you recognize immediately, for their evil countenances are etched indelibly upon your mind.</p>
- <p>The spirit of Darklords Gnaag, Haakon, and Kraagensk<ch.ucirc/>l are trapped upon this plain. So, too, are those of Warlord Magnaarn, many cener druids, acolytes of Vashna, Nadziranim and their Liganim minions. But there is one ghostly figure that is more terrifying than any other; and when you see him appear at the back of the encircling ranks of tortured souls, he strikes a new chord of terror deep in your heart.</p>
+ <p>The spirits of Darklords Gnaag, Haakon, and Kraagensk<ch.ucirc/>l are trapped upon this plain. So, too, are those of Warlord Magnaarn, many Cener Druids, Acolytes of Vashna, Nadziranim and their Liganim minions. But there is one ghostly figure that is more terrifying than any other; and when you see him appear at the back of the encircling ranks of tortured souls, he strikes a new chord of terror deep in your heart.</p>
<choice idref="sect170"><link-text>Turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>81</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Suddenly you sense movement behind you and you turn around to face it. You see nothing, but your swift reactions do save you from suffering the full effects of a powerful psychic shock-wave. The blast glances your shoulder and spins you backwards through the bloodstained entrance to Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum. This entrance then closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly you sense movement behind you and you turn around to face it. You see nothing, but your swift reactions do save you from suffering the full effects of a powerful psychic shock wave. The blast glances your shoulder and spins you backwards through the bloodstained entrance to Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum. This entrance then closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound.</p>
<p>You leap to your feet and unsheathe your weapon in readiness to defend both Alyss and yourself against any threat that Naar may launch. You do not have long to wait. Bursting from out of the smoky wall of the chamber comes Naar<ch.apos/>s fearsome champion<ch.emdash/>Kekataag the Avenger. He is attired in battle armour that glimmers like slime-dulled gold, and beneath his helmet there is a hollow skull-face from which emerges a sickly stench that permeates even the foul air of this hall. The skulls and bones of humans bedeck his armoured hide and in his mighty hands he carries a great two-handed axe, its blade stained black with the blood of his countless victims.</p>
<p>This terrifying warrior mesmerizes you with his glowing eyes and you feel waves of powerful psychic energy buffeting your mind.</p>
<choice idref="sect121">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>82</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You feel the crushing power of the hostile mind-force collide with the fabric of your consciousness like a tidal wave that leaves you reeling under its impact. Yet your formidable Kai-screen absorbs and deflects all of this destructive energy, and you are able to survive the attack with no lasting damage to your psychic senses: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
+ <p>You feel the crushing power of the hostile Mindforce collide with the fabric of your consciousness like a tidal wave that leaves you reeling under its impact. Yet your formidable Kai-screen absorbs and deflects all of this destructive energy, and you are able to survive the attack with no lasting damage to your psychic senses: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
<choice idref="sect290"><link-text>Turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The canoe grounds on a submerged boulder a few dozen yards from the beach, forcing you to abandon the craft and wade ashore. You soon discover that the stones littering this beach are slick with an oily residue. Your natural agility overcomes this obstacle but the slippery surface makes it difficult for you to reach the cover of the distant treeline as swiftly as you would like.</p>
- <p>As you draw near to the perimeter of trees you pause for a moment to scan the dark, jungle undergrowth. Long streamers of moss-encrusted vines hang from the trees, draping themselves limply over every rock and bough, and a tangled mass of interwoven creepers and low-spreading branches forms a blanket canopy which keeps much of the forest floor in semi-darkness. As you stare into the damp and shadowy foliage, you feel a growing sense of unease. Your burning desire to press on with your quest is suddenly dampened by an overwhelming urge to avoid this jungle.</p>
+ <p>As you draw near to the perimeter of trees you pause for a moment to scan the dark jungle undergrowth. Long streamers of moss-encrusted vines hang from the trees, draping themselves limply over every rock and bough, and a tangled mass of interwoven creepers and low-spreading branches forms a blanket canopy which keeps much of the forest floor in semi-darkness. As you stare into the damp and shadowy foliage, you feel a growing sense of unease. Your burning desire to press on with your quest is suddenly dampened by an overwhelming urge to avoid this jungle.</p>
<choice idref="sect334">If you have Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 334</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect255">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 255</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>87</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You sense a sorcerous resistance to your counterspell, but the power of your Brotherhood magic proves strong enough to overcome this reaction. There is a sharp crackling noise and spiders of fiery blue electrical arcing appear all around the circular slot. Then they flicker and fade and you suddenly hear another sound<ch.emdash/>a grating squeal. Anxiously you watch as the great portal slowly swings open.</p>
+ <p>You sense a sorcerous resistance to your <spell>Counterspell</spell>, but the power of your Brotherhood magic proves strong enough to overcome this reaction. There is a sharp crackling noise and spiders of fiery blue electrical arcing appear all around the circular slot. Then they flicker and fade and you suddenly hear another sound<ch.emdash/>a grating squeal. Anxiously you watch as the great portal slowly swings open.</p>
<choice idref="sect343"><link-text>Turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p><quote>Very well,</quote> you reply, and take the amulet from your advisor<ch.apos/>s outstretched palm. (Record this Platinum Amulet, which you wear around your neck, as a Special Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<p>As you tuck the amulet inside the collar of your robes, Lord Ardan picks up a small package from the table that is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly this time, you take it from him.</p>
<p><quote>It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,</quote> he says. <quote>A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was found buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.</quote></p>
- <p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty<ch.emdash/>devoid of script, pictures or diagrams of any sort.</p>
+ <p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty<ch.emdash/>devoid of script, pictures, or diagrams of any sort.</p>
<p><quote>I do not see how this book will help my quest,</quote> you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
<p><quote>This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,</quote> replies Lord Rimoah, <quote>but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar<ch.apos/>s domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.</quote></p>
- <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your backpack. As with the Platinum Amulet, you need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible).</p>
+ <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. As with the Platinum Amulet, you need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible).</p>
<choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>A feeling of dread makes your hands tremble the moment you catch a clear sight of the huge, ant-like creatures. You have encountered these insectoids once before, although in a location which could not be more different than the humid jungle settlement into which you are now descending. They are Dentaag<ch.emdash/>giant spindly-limbed insectoids who possess ghoulish heads implanted with evil composite eyes. They are an ancient breed, a cruel creation spawned by Naar for the armies of the Deathlord of Ixia. It was in the Deathlord<ch.apos/>s frigid chamber, atop the Spire of Xaagon, that you last faced these terrible creatures and you had hoped then that your first encounter with them would also be your last. Fate has decreed otherwise.</p>
<p>Memories of your ordeal in Ixia suddenly come flooding back to haunt you. As you recall your previous encounter, you remember that these horrific beings possess strong psychic powers. Forewarned, you draw upon your mental Kai defences as your captors prepare to land with you inside the settlement.</p>
- <choice idref="sect242">If you possess Kai Screen, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect242">If you possess Kai-screen, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect59">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The warrior raises his black sword and releases a crackling surge of electrical energy from its tip. It passes over your head and earths itself to the end of the stone beam, at the place where it joins the chasm wall. You feel a jolt beneath your feet as the beam cracks and breaks away from the wall and, to your amazement, you watch as this solid spar of rock curls up and slowly rolls in towards you, like a snake<ch.apos/>s tongue withdrawing into its mouth.</p>
- <p>The coiled beam retracts towards the mouth of the dragon-gate, forcing you nearer and nearer to the fearsome black warrior. As he watches your reluctant approach he swings his mighty sword above his head, slicing and stabbing at the air with it in eager anticipation of the coming fight. When you have been pushed to within ten yards of your adversary, you give voice to the power word<ch.emdash/>Kai!<ch.emdash/>and project its concussive energy at the towering warrior. He shudders as the terrific force of your spell-word hits his chest and forces him back towards the glowing gate. Instantly you seize the advantage. You draw your weapon and rush forward to strike the first blow while your enemy is caught off-balance.</p>
+ <p>The coiled beam retracts towards the mouth of the dragon-gate, forcing you nearer and nearer to the fearsome black warrior. As he watches your reluctant approach he swings his mighty sword above his head, slicing and stabbing at the air with it in eager anticipation of the coming fight. When you have been pushed to within ten yards of your adversary, you give voice to the power word <spell>Kai!</spell> and project its concussive energy at the towering warrior. He shudders as the terrific force of your spell-word hits his chest and forces him back towards the glowing gate. Instantly you seize the advantage. You draw your weapon and rush forward to strike the first blow while your enemy is caught off-balance.</p>
<choice idref="sect310">If you possess the Sommerswerd, or Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 310</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect147">If you possess neither of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You run to where Alyss sits imprisoned within her sparkling force-field and, with one precise and powerful blow from your magical blade, you shatter her sorcerous prison. The anguished scream of Naar echoes through the corridors and dungeons of Dazganon. As its terrible timbre begins to rumble and fade, you are horrified to see a host of monstrous creatures burst forth from the smoky walls of the inner sanctum and close in upon you from all sides.</p>
<p>Freed from the constraints of her prison, Alyss is able to use the power of the Moonstone to bring into being a Shadow Gate which materializes in the floor of the chamber.</p>
- <p><quote>Come, Grand Master,</quote> she implores as she gets ready to step into the whirling black abyss, <quote>Follow me!</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Come, Grand Master,</quote> she implores as she gets ready to step into the whirling black abyss. <quote>Follow me!</quote></p>
<p>And with these words she is swallowed up by the inky abyss. Seconds later, you take a running leap and dive head-first into the Shadow Gate, escaping in her wake barely moments before a pack of screeching, gnawing, parasitic horrors engulf the place where you last were standing.</p>
<choice idref="sect350"><link-text>Turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>118</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Frantically you draw upon your Magnakai Discipline of Psi-screen and form a defensive wall around your mind to repel this destructive surge of psychic energy. You feel the raw power of the attacking mind-force crash into the fabric of your consciousness like a tidal wave that leaves you reeling under its impact. Your hurried defences absorb much of the hostile mind-energy and spare you an agonising death; however, you do sustain serious damage from this assault which leaves you in a state of psychic shock: lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Frantically you draw upon your Magnakai Discipline of Psi-screen and form a defensive wall around your mind to repel this destructive surge of psychic energy. You feel the raw power of the attacking Mindforce crash into the fabric of your consciousness like a tidal wave that leaves you reeling under its impact. Your hurried defences absorb much of the hostile mind-energy and spare you an agonising death; however, you do sustain serious damage from this assault which leaves you in a state of psychic shock: lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect290">If you have survived this psychic wounding, you can continue by <link-text>turning to 290</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You soar across the shimmering span of this colossal bridge towards a new and terrifying realm. Ahead you see a sprawling plateau burning with magical flame. At its centre there is a vast crater of cinder and ash and, rising like a towering spike at the heart of this desolate bowl, you glimpse a titanic fortress.</p>
- <p>As you traverse the great Bridge of the Damned, you consult the Tome of Darkness and it confirms your highest hopes and your deepest fears. Ahead lies the realm of Naar and his dread stronghold of Dazganon. The tome warns those who would voluntarily seek to enter Naar<ch.apos/>s fortress that they must possess three magical artifacts: the Nza<ch.apos/>pok Amulet, a K<ch.uuml/>nae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon. The final page of the tome lists the names of Naar<ch.apos/>s closest minions who dwell within Dazganon, and one who dwells without whose name is <quote>Tzor<ch.emdash/>The Guardian of the Plain of Despair, Keeper of Evil Souls</quote>. The text of the final page states that there is no secret name to bind Naar and, most chillingly, that there is no exit from his dread fortress.</p>
+ <p>As you traverse the great Bridge of the Damned, you consult the Tome of Darkness and it confirms your highest hopes and your deepest fears. Ahead lies the realm of Naar and his dread stronghold of Dazganon. The tome warns those who would voluntarily seek to enter Naar<ch.apos/>s fortress that they must possess three magical artefacts: the Nza<ch.apos/>pok Amulet, a K<ch.uuml/>nae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon. The final page of the tome lists the names of Naar<ch.apos/>s closest minions who dwell within Dazganon, and one who dwells without whose name is <quote>Tzor<ch.emdash/>The Guardian of the Plain of Despair, Keeper of Evil Souls</quote>. The text of the final page states that there is no secret name to bind Naar and, most chillingly, that there is no exit from his dread fortress.</p>
<p>As you close the tome it suddenly ignites and is consumed by voracious tongues of blue flame. You drop the blazing book and it disappears below, to be swallowed up by the fabric of the bridge (erase this Special Item from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>).</p>
<choice idref="sect248">To continue, <link-text>turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>168</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Suddenly you feel a massive weight hit you between the shoulder blades. You have been struck by a powerful psychic shock-wave that propels you head-first through the bloodstained entrance to Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum. This entrance then closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly you feel a massive weight hit you between the shoulder blades. You have been struck by a powerful psychic shock wave that propels you head-first through the bloodstained entrance to Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum. This entrance then closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect68"><link-text>Turn to 68</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>169</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You sense there is a magical resistance to your counterspell which grows rapidly until there is a blinding flash of brilliant white light. A wave of searing heat explodes from the slot and you are thrown backwards by the blast: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You sense there is a magical resistance to your <spell>Counterspell</spell> which grows rapidly until there is a blinding flash of brilliant white light. A wave of searing heat explodes from the slot and you are thrown backwards by the blast: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>You are left dazed and singed by the sudden release of energy, but at least your efforts were not in vain. As the crackling noise of the electrical discharge gradually fades, you hear another sound<ch.emdash/>a grating squeal<ch.emdash/>and anxiously you watch as the great portal slowly swings open.</p>
<choice idref="sect343"><link-text>Turn to 343</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>171</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You speak the name aloud but to no effect. For a moment there is an uneasy silence, then the rubbery mouth of Nza<ch.apos/>pok emits a hideous, bubbling laugh. He is mocking your futile attempt to save yourself by calling upon the powers which bind him in fealty to the Dark God. As his foul form wobbles with undisguised mirth, you quickly unshoulder your backpack and tear open the flap to retrieve the Tome of Darkness. Nza<ch.apos/>pok ceases to laugh when he glimpses its jet black cover for he is aware of its origins and the powerful secrets it contains.</p>
+ <p>You speak the name aloud but to no effect. For a moment there is an uneasy silence, then the rubbery mouth of Nza<ch.apos/>pok emits a hideous, bubbling laugh. He is mocking your futile attempt to save yourself by calling upon the powers which bind him in fealty to the Dark God. As his foul form wobbles with undisguised mirth, you quickly unshoulder your backpack and tear open the flap to retrieve the Tome of Darkness. Nza<ch.apos/>pok ceases to laugh when he glimpses its jet-black cover for he is aware of its origins and the powerful secrets it contains.</p>
<p>With a terse growl, he gives the signal to his minions and they hurl their spears into the pit with chilling accuracy. You are struck by more than a dozen of these deadly lances. Mercifully, unlike most who have fallen foul of Nza<ch.apos/>pok, your death is swift and painless.</p>
<p>Sadly, your life and your quest for the Moonstone end here.</p>
</data>
<p><quote>You<ch.apos/>ll not be requiring this after all,</quote> he says, <quote>but there is something which I<ch.apos/>m sure you will find most useful. And I<ch.apos/>m certain that you have not come across anything of its like before.</quote></p>
<p>Once again Rimoah motions to Ardan and the elderly wizard responds by taking up a small package that is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly, you take it from him.</p>
<p><quote>It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,</quote> says Ardan. <quote>A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.</quote></p>
- <p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty, devoid of script, pictures or diagrams of any sort.</p>
+ <p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty, devoid of script, pictures, or diagrams of any sort.</p>
<p><quote>I do not see how this book will help my quest,</quote> you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
<p><quote>This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,</quote> replies Lord Rimoah, <quote>but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar<ch.apos/>s domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.</quote></p>
- <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your backpack. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
+ <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>With your back pressed hard against the wall of the pit, you quickly recite the words of the Brotherhood Spell <spell>Invisible Shield</spell> as you draw a circle in the air directly above your head. Nza<ch.apos/>pok growls the order to his minions and immediately a clattering deluge of spears rains down upon you. Most shatter when they hit the invisible barrier you have created, but some ricochet off the pit wall and their sharp tips gouge your flesh.</p>
- <p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Grand Discipline of Assimilance, 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 the Grand Master Discipline of Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect206">If your total is 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 206</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect154">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 154</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>185</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Two great scaly legs, each tipped with razor-clawed talons, precede the huge bulk of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor as he lowers himself down upon his nest of flames. You take cover as best you can among the piles of treasure, but when his talons descend to within an arm<ch.apos/>s length of where you are cowering the Dragonlord suddenly detects your presence. He emits a deafening roar and bolts of flame shoot from his mouth to explode with shattering effect among the piles of precious artifacts that lie close to where you are sheltering. Hurriedly you roll away from your hiding place and unsheathe your weapon as you scramble to your feet. There is now no place for you to hide, and you dare not enter the transporter beam without the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon for fear of certain death. Your quest and survival now depend on the outcome of your imminent combat with the mighty Huan<ch.apos/>zhor.</p>
+ <p>Two great scaly legs, each tipped with razor-clawed talons, precede the huge bulk of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor as he lowers himself down upon his nest of flames. You take cover as best you can among the piles of treasure, but when his talons descend to within an arm<ch.apos/>s length of where you are cowering the Dragonlord suddenly detects your presence. He emits a deafening roar and bolts of flame shoot from his mouth to explode with shattering effect among the piles of precious artefacts that lie close to where you are sheltering. Hurriedly you roll away from your hiding place and unsheathe your weapon as you scramble to your feet. There is now no place for you to hide, and you dare not enter the transporter beam without the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon for fear of certain death. Your quest and survival now depend on the outcome of your imminent combat with the mighty Huan<ch.apos/>zhor.</p>
<combat><enemy>Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">56</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This being is immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray. If you possess a Blue Diamond, you may add 3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat. If you possess Skarn-Ska, you may add 2 (in addition to all other combat bonuses applicable for this Special Item) to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect70">Conduct this fight using normal combat procedures. However, as soon as your enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 20 or less, do not continue. Instead, <link-text>turn immediately to 70</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>187</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You feel the raw power of the attacking mind-force crash into the fabric of your consciousness like a tidal wave that leaves you reeling under its impact. Your Kai defences absorb much of the destructive mind-energy; however; you do sustain damage from this assault which leaves you in a state of psychic shock: lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You feel the raw power of the attacking Mindforce crash into the fabric of your consciousness like a tidal wave that leaves you reeling under its impact. Your Kai defences absorb much of the destructive mind-energy; however; you do sustain damage from this assault which leaves you in a state of psychic shock: lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect290">If you have survived this psychic wounding, you can continue by <link-text>turning to 290</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>189</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your camouflage proves to be inadequate and your presence is swiftly detected by Naar<ch.apos/>s bodyguards. Then, with devastating speed and ruthlessness, a host of monstrous creatures descends upon you from the surrounding maze of tunnels. You fight bravely but your resistance is to no avail; you are captured, disarmed, blinded and hurled from the battlements of Dazganon out onto the Plain of Despair, where you are fallen upon by thousands of vengeful spirits, many of whom were slayed by your hand. Your physical death is swift, but tragically your spirit is doomed to spend the rest of eternity running endlessly with the host of lost souls, here upon the Plain of Despair.</p>
+ <p>Your camouflage proves to be inadequate and your presence is swiftly detected by Naar<ch.apos/>s bodyguards. Then, with devastating speed and ruthlessness, a host of monstrous creatures descends upon you from the surrounding maze of tunnels. You fight bravely but your resistance is to no avail; you are captured, disarmed, blinded and hurled from the battlements of Dazganon out onto the Plain of Despair, where you are fallen upon by thousands of vengeful spirits, many of whom were slain by your hand. Your physical death is swift, but tragically your spirit is doomed to spend the rest of eternity running endlessly with the host of lost souls, here upon the Plain of Despair.</p>
<p>Your life and your quest end here.</p>
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</section>
<meta><title>192</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are approaching the entrance when Alyss suddenly raises her bowed head and screams a telepathic warning that you are about to enter a trap. Instantly you skid to a halt, but moments later you feel a massive weight hit you between the shoulder blades. You have been struck by a powerful shock-wave that propels you head-first through the bloodstained entrance to Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum, which closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound.</p>
+ <p>You are approaching the entrance when Alyss suddenly raises her bowed head and screams a telepathic warning that you are about to enter a trap. Instantly you skid to a halt, but moments later you feel a massive weight hit you between the shoulder blades. You have been struck by a powerful shock wave that propels you head-first through the bloodstained entrance to Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum, which closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound.</p>
<p>You leap to your feet and unsheathe your weapon in readiness to defend both Alyss and yourself against any threat that Naar may launch at you.</p>
<choice idref="sect237"><link-text>Turn to 237</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You recognize the vengeful visage of Darklord Gnaag<ch.emdash/>the Archlord of Helgedad<ch.emdash/>who was destroyed by your hand and whose body was incarcerated in the ruins of Helgedad. As his tortured soul falls back into the howling mass, you begin to see others that you recognize immediately, for their evil countenances are etched indelibly upon your mind.</p>
- <p>The spirit of Darklords Haakon and Kraagensk<ch.ucirc/>l are trapped upon this plain. So, too, are those of Warlord Magnaarn, many Cener druids, acolytes of Vashna, Nadziranim and their Liganim minions.</p>
+ <p>The spirits of Darklords Haakon and Kraagensk<ch.ucirc/>l are trapped upon this plain. So, too, are those of Warlord Magnaarn, many Cener Druids, Acolytes of Vashna, and Nadziranim and their Liganim minions.</p>
<p>But there is one ghostly figure that is more terrifying than all the others, and when you see him appear at the back of the encircling ranks of tortured souls, he strikes a new chord of terror deep in your heart.</p>
<choice idref="sect170"><link-text>Turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>209</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The moment you enter the beam, you feel yourself descending through the centre of the temple encased in a cocoon of shimmering blue light. Gradually the heat of the nest of fire gives way to a pleasant coolness, but as you continue your descent deeper and deeper into the unknown, this equable temperature slowly transforms into an unbearable icy chill. Never before have you experienced the terrible coldness that engulfs you now, and sadly you will never experience it again. For despite the protections of your Grand Master Disciplines and your platinum amulet, you do not possess the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon<ch.emdash/>the only artifact that can protect you from the supernatural cold of the domain through which you are passing.</p>
+ <p>The moment you enter the beam, you feel yourself descending through the centre of the temple encased in a cocoon of shimmering blue light. Gradually the heat of the nest of fire gives way to a pleasant coolness, but as you continue your descent deeper and deeper into the unknown, this equable temperature slowly transforms into an unbearable icy chill. Never before have you experienced the terrible coldness that engulfs you now, and sadly you will never experience it again. For despite the protections of your Grand Master Disciplines and your platinum amulet, you do not possess the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon<ch.emdash/>the only artefact that can protect you from the supernatural cold of the domain through which you are passing.</p>
<p>Tragically, your life and your quest comes to a frozen end as you attempt to escape from the realm of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>219</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You feel the terrible power of the hostile mindforce colliding with the fabric of your consciousness like a tidal wave that leaves you reeling under its impact. Your Kai defences absorb and deflect much of its destructive energy, and you are able to survive the attack with little damage to your psychic senses: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>You feel the terrible power of the hostile mind-force colliding with the fabric of your consciousness like a tidal wave that leaves you reeling under its impact. Your Kai defences absorb and deflect much of its destructive energy, and you are able to survive the attack with little damage to your psychic senses: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect290">To continue, <link-text>turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>220</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The piles of building materials and the partially-finished dwellings which surround the base of the main temple make it easy for you to approach this edifice without being seen. Your Kai senses confirm that this grand construction is the lair of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor; the master of this fiery domain, and they also confirm that the evil Dragonlord is not in residence. You skirt around the base of the temple until you locate an entrance which is guarded by two armoured reptillians. Using your Magnakai skills you lure these guards away from their posts just long enough for you to gain entry. Once inside, you discover that at ground level the temple comprises just one large chamber which is supported by a single central pillar that runs through the middle of the building. A circular stair winds around the outside of this pillar, giving access to the levels above. Cautiously you ascend the stairs and pass through four levels, all empty. The higher you climb, the hotter it becomes until, when you reach the uppermost tier of the temple, only your platinum amulet saves you from being roasted alive. In the roof of this narrow circular chamber you discover an open trapdoor through which you can see a mass of flickering orange flames. You sense that it is the base of the nest of fire, the location, as told in the Tome of Darkness, of the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon<ch.emdash/>the artifact that can secure your escape from this domain. With bated breath you climb the scorched steps which lead to the open trapdoor in the base of the nest of fire, but as you draw closer, your sixth senses warn you that the opening is not all it seems. It is protected by an invisible shield of magical energy.</p>
+ <p>The piles of building materials and the partially-finished dwellings which surround the base of the main temple make it easy for you to approach this edifice without being seen. Your Kai senses confirm that this grand construction is the lair of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor; the master of this fiery domain, and they also confirm that the evil Dragonlord is not in residence. You skirt around the base of the temple until you locate an entrance which is guarded by two armoured reptillians. Using your Magnakai skills you lure these guards away from their posts just long enough for you to gain entry. Once inside, you discover that at ground level the temple comprises just one large chamber which is supported by a single central pillar that runs through the middle of the building. A circular stair winds around the outside of this pillar, giving access to the levels above. Cautiously you ascend the stairs and pass through four levels, all empty. The higher you climb, the hotter it becomes until, when you reach the uppermost tier of the temple, only your platinum amulet saves you from being roasted alive. In the roof of this narrow circular chamber you discover an open trapdoor through which you can see a mass of flickering orange flames. You sense that it is the base of the nest of fire, the location, as told in the Tome of Darkness, of the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon<ch.emdash/>the artefact that can secure your escape from this domain. With bated breath you climb the scorched steps which lead to the open trapdoor in the base of the nest of fire, but as you draw closer, your sixth senses warn you that the opening is not all it seems. It is protected by an invisible shield of magical energy.</p>
<choice idref="sect295">If you possess a Blue Diamond, <link-text>turn to 295</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect239">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 239</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You accompany the members of the secret council to the deepest chamber below the Guildhall wherein lies the Daziarn Portal. It is a perpetual entrance to a Shadow Gate and is one of only a handful which exist upon Magnamund. For many centuries the magicians of Toran have used this portal to banish criminals and traitors from Sommerlund, believing that it led to the limbo of deep space from where there could be no escape. However, in recent years their understanding of this portal has greatly increased following your own journeys through similar Shadow Gates. Inspired by your accounts of your experiences on the planes of existence which lie beyond the material universe of Aon, and by their own experimentation, the Brotherhood magicians and the Elders of the High Council of Dessi have since been able to achieve limited control over the forces which exist within these supernatural portals.</p>
- <p>Using this newly acquired knowledge of Shadow Gates coupled to their powerful arcane lore, the council members begin preparations for a ritual which will culminate with you stepping into the Daziarn Portal. Rimoah oversees the drawing of an intricate pentagram upon the flagstones at the threshold of the portal, whilst Guildmaster Banedon instructs his guildsmen in the recital of complex spell chants and the placing of magical artifacts at key points around the chamber. The preparations are painstaking and lengthy. During this period you reflect on the quest you have vowed to undertake and Lord Rimoah takes time to reassure you of the vital importance of your mission. He also offers you some magical items which could prove invaluable during your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
+ <p>Using this newly acquired knowledge of Shadow Gates coupled to their powerful arcane lore, the council members begin preparations for a ritual which will culminate with you stepping into the Daziarn Portal. Rimoah oversees the drawing of an intricate pentagram upon the flagstones at the threshold of the portal, whilst Guildmaster Banedon instructs his guildsmen in the recital of complex spell chants and the placing of magical artefacts at key points around the chamber. The preparations are painstaking and lengthy. During this period you reflect on the quest you have vowed to undertake and Lord Rimoah takes time to reassure you of the vital importance of your mission. He also offers you some magical items which could prove invaluable during your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
<choice idref="sect27">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 27</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect307">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 307</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p><quote>Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,</quote> pleads Cadak<ch.apos/>s plaintive voice in your mind. <quote>I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the K<ch.uuml/>nae.</quote></p>
<p>The host of maggots which carpet the floor of this foul hall suddenly recede like an ebb~tide. As they retreat, a glowing ring is revealed lying on the slime-smeared ground.</p>
<p><quote>Take the ring, Lone Wolf. Take the ring and grant me your forgiveness. With the ring the way is clear for you to leave this hall through the Tunnel of the Wyrm.</quote></p>
- <p>Beyond the flame-like spirit of Cadak you can see the rotting rib-cage of the carcass. The semi-circular shadow that occupies it is now pulsing with a warm, amber light.</p>
- <choice idref="sect128">If you agree to forgive the spirit of Cadak and wish to pick up the ring, <link-text>turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>Beyond the flame-like spirit of Cadak you can see the rotting rib-cage of the carcass. The semicircular shadow that occupies it is now pulsing with a warm, amber light.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect128">If you agree to forgive the spirit of Cadak, and wish to pick up the ring, <link-text>turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect20">If you refuse to forgive the spirit of Cadak, and decide that you will not pick up the ring, <link-text>turn to 20</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>250</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>With trepidation you cast your eyes around the walls of this fiery nest to see a great shaking panoply of gold, orange and crimson flames. They shoot fifteen paces into the air and, despite your protections, they scorch you with their terrible heat. The floor of the nest is paved with glowing black metal and is heaped with scores of wondrous artifacts that comprise Huan<ch.apos/>zhor<ch.apos/>s secret treasure hoard. Gems, jewellery, statuettes, armour and weapons of fiendish design and purpose are piled knee-high all around you. Close by the trapdoor you notice a pool of shimmering blue light that you immediately recognize to be an apex of a transporter beam, similar to that which brought you here from the crater. By its location you judge that it must pass through the central column which supports the nest and the temple below. At first you assume it gives access to the underground levels of the temple, but when you stare into its mesmerizing light your sixth sense reveals otherwise. This transporter beam leads to another realm within the Plane of Darkness.</p>
- <p>Mindful of your purpose here, hurriedly you search the treasure hoard for the Scarab that will enable you to escape safely from this hellish domain. As you are sifting through the hundreds of artifacts, you suddenly hear a distant screech that is distinctively different from the coarse cawing of the passing lavas. Through the flickering wall of flames you glimpse the outline of a gigantic dragon as it emerges from a vent in the roof on the far side of the chasm. Immediately, a deathly silence fills the great cavern as the lavas and reptillians cease their activities and bow in deference to their master. Your pulse races when you see this monstrous creature come gliding across the chasm towards the temple for you know that he is Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord<ch.emdash/>the ruler of this realm of fire<ch.emdash/>and he is fast returning to his nest.</p>
+ <p>With trepidation you cast your eyes around the walls of this fiery nest to see a great shaking panoply of gold, orange and crimson flames. They shoot fifteen paces into the air and, despite your protections, they scorch you with their terrible heat. The floor of the nest is paved with glowing black metal and is heaped with scores of wondrous artefacts that comprise Huan<ch.apos/>zhor<ch.apos/>s secret treasure hoard. Gems, jewellery, statuettes, armour and weapons of fiendish design and purpose are piled knee-high all around you. Close by the trapdoor you notice a pool of shimmering blue light that you immediately recognize to be an apex of a transporter beam, similar to that which brought you here from the crater. By its location you judge that it must pass through the central column which supports the nest and the temple below. At first you assume it gives access to the underground levels of the temple, but when you stare into its mesmerizing light your sixth sense reveals otherwise. This transporter beam leads to another realm within the Plane of Darkness.</p>
+ <p>Mindful of your purpose here, hurriedly you search the treasure hoard for the Scarab that will enable you to escape safely from this hellish domain. As you are sifting through the hundreds of artefacts, you suddenly hear a distant screech that is distinctively different from the coarse cawing of the passing lavas. Through the flickering wall of flames you glimpse the outline of a gigantic dragon as it emerges from a vent in the roof on the far side of the chasm. Immediately, a deathly silence fills the great cavern as the lavas and reptillians cease their activities and bow in deference to their master. Your pulse races when you see this monstrous creature come gliding across the chasm towards the temple for you know that he is Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord<ch.emdash/>the ruler of this realm of fire<ch.emdash/>and he is fast returning to his nest.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Telegnosis, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect77">If your total score is 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 77</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect327">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 327</link-text>.</choice>
<p><quote>As you wish,</quote> you reply, and take the amulet from your advisor<ch.apos/>s outstretched palm. (Record this Platinum Amulet, which you wear around your neck, as a Special Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<p>As you tuck the amulet inside the collar of your robes, Lord Ardan picks up a small package from the table which is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly this time, you take it from him.</p>
<p><quote>It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,</quote> he says. <quote>A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was found buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.</quote></p>
- <p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty<ch.emdash/>devoid of script, pictures or diagrams of any sort.</p>
+ <p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty<ch.emdash/>devoid of script, pictures, or diagrams of any sort.</p>
<p><quote>I do not see how this book will help my quest,</quote> you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
<p><quote>This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,</quote> replies Lord Rimoah, <quote>but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar<ch.apos/>s domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.</quote></p>
- <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your Backpack. As with the Platinum Amulet, you need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
+ <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. As with the Platinum Amulet, you need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>307</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Rimoah ushers you to a refectory table at the entrance to the chamber where Lord Ardan is carefully arranging some magically-crafted artifacts upon a sheet of scarlet silk. He invites you to inspect these items and Lord Ardan steps aside to allow you a closer look. The first object to catch your eye is a double-edged sword with a jewel-encrusted hilt. The blade looks exceptionally sharp and appears to have been crafted from a rich golden alloy. It shimmers brightly, like sunlight on water, even in the gloom of this torchlit chamber.</p>
+ <p>Rimoah ushers you to a refectory table at the entrance to the chamber where Lord Ardan is carefully arranging some magically-crafted artefacts upon a sheet of scarlet silk. He invites you to inspect these items and Lord Ardan steps aside to allow you a closer look. The first object to catch your eye is a double-edged sword with a jewel-encrusted hilt. The blade looks exceptionally sharp and appears to have been crafted from a rich golden alloy. It shimmers brightly, like sunlight on water, even in the gloom of this torchlit chamber.</p>
<p><quote>This is <quote>Skarn-Ska</quote>,</quote> says Rimoah proudly. <quote>It was crafted by Lord Ardan and myself in the weapons forge at the Kai Monastery, during your absence. It was tempered in spell-fire and is imbued with Old Kingdom magic. It will never lose its razor-keen edge. There are few blades better suited to the slaying of the Dark God<ch.apos/>s foul spawn than this.</quote></p>
<p><quote>Aye,</quote> comments Ardan, <quote>and we have named it in your honour, Grand Master. In the tongue of the Old Kingdoms, <quote>Skarn-Ska</quote> means <quote>Wolf<ch.apos/>s Blade</quote>.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect50">If you wish to take this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 50</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The portal opens into a vaulted corridor lined with wall-paintings that exude a crude aura of evil. This procession of gaudy murals depict nightmarish scenes: diseased creatures, alien landscapes blighted with pestilence, hosts of larvae writhing in awful triumph over the goodly forces of Kai and Ishir. This macabre celebration of decay fills you with revulsion, yet it pales in comparison to the sight awaiting you at the corridor<ch.apos/>s end.</p>
- <p>Beyond the corridor lies a vast chamber, rough-hewn from the bedrock of this rotting land. The decomposing carcass of a gigantic reptile rests here upon a floor which shimmers in the eerie yellow half-light. Bile rises in your throat when suddenly you realize why the floor is shimmering<ch.emdash/>it is carpeted with a seething sea of maggots. Gagging with fear and nausea, you snatch your cloak to your mouth and steady yourself against a pillar as you survey this ghastly hall. Mounted upon the broken back of the great reptillian carcass are two throne-like chairs carved from black wood. Between and below them, lying deep within the creature<ch.apos/>s exposed rib cage, is a dark semi-circular shadow that resembles the entrance to a cave. Drawing upon your Magnakai Discipline of divination, you scan the hall and quickly determine that all is not what it seems. You detect the presence of three powerful entities protected by spells of illusion and invisibility. You feel sure that two of them are the K<ch.uuml/>nae<ch.emdash/>the rulers of this hellish domain<ch.emdash/>but the third eludes you. Its aura feels oddly familiar yet you cannot readily determine its location or identity.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the corridor lies a vast chamber, rough-hewn from the bedrock of this rotting land. The decomposing carcass of a gigantic reptile rests here upon a floor which shimmers in the eerie yellow half-light. Bile rises in your throat when suddenly you realize why the floor is shimmering<ch.emdash/>it is carpeted with a seething sea of maggots. Gagging with fear and nausea, you snatch your cloak to your mouth and steady yourself against a pillar as you survey this ghastly hall. Mounted upon the broken back of the great reptillian carcass are two throne-like chairs carved from black wood. Between and below them, lying deep within the creature<ch.apos/>s exposed rib cage, is a dark semicircular shadow that resembles the entrance to a cave. Drawing upon your Magnakai Discipline of divination, you scan the hall and quickly determine that all is not what it seems. You detect the presence of three powerful entities protected by spells of illusion and invisibility. You feel sure that two of them are the K<ch.uuml/>nae<ch.emdash/>the rulers of this hellish domain<ch.emdash/>but the third eludes you. Its aura feels oddly familiar yet you cannot readily determine its location or identity.</p>
<choice idref="sect18">If you have ever visited Mogaruith, Kaag, or Helgor, in a previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventure, <link-text>turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect320">If you have never visited any of these places, <link-text>turn to 320</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>As you tumble into the dark vortex of this newly-created Shadow Gate, you see the glow of the Moonstone illuminating the silhouette of Alyss in the middle distance. Behind and above, the mouth of the gate by which you entered the abyss is rapidly shrinking. Alyss is using the power of the Moonstone once more, this time to seal the gate in Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum to prevent his fell minions from following you home to Toran.</p>
<p>The deeper you fall into the spiraling darkness so it seems the stronger Alyss becomes. Gripping the precious Moonstone with both hands, she extends her arms and glides easily through the whirling funnel towards you. As she draws level, you hear her speaking softly in your mind:</p>
<p><quote>Thank you, Grand Master. I shall never forget what you have done for me. Had you not returned when you did I would have forfeited my freedom to the Dark God. And freedom, to me, is the most precious of things. For without freedom I would cease to be.</quote></p>
- <p>For a moment, the whirling frigid darkness of the Shadow Gate is illuminated brightly by the flaring rays of the Moonstone. Alyss passes the sacred artifact into your safe keeping, kisses you fondly on the cheek, and with the parting words<ch.emdash/><quote>Farewell Lone Wolf. Kai and Ishir should be proud. You are indeed their most worthy champion</quote><ch.emdash/>she flashes you an impudent smile and in the blink of an eye she is gone.</p>
+ <p>For a moment, the whirling frigid darkness of the Shadow Gate is illuminated brightly by the flaring rays of the Moonstone. Alyss passes the sacred artefact into your safe keeping, kisses you fondly on the cheek, and with the parting words<ch.emdash/><quote>Farewell Lone Wolf. Kai and Ishir should be proud. You are indeed their most worthy champion</quote><ch.emdash/>she flashes you an impudent smile and in the blink of an eye she is gone.</p>
<p>Congratulations, Grand Master, for you have braved the many terrors of the Plane of Darkness and emerged triumphant, your quest fulfilled. By denying the Dark God the power of the Moonstone you have won a great and lasting victory which will help keep your world secure. Your achievement will live forever in the legends of Sommerlund, and the tales that will be told of your valiant deeds will inspire future generations of Sommlending to follow the ways of the Kai.</p>
<p>Your triumph over Naar paves the way for your accedence to rank of Kai Supreme Master. It also heralds the dawning of a new age, when new challenges will arise to test the courage and bravery of your New Order Kai. Under your paternal stewardship, the first of the New Order adventures is about to begin with the return of the fabled Moonstone to the remote and mysterious Isle of Lorn. If you wish to accept the challenge of the new era, the first exciting quest awaits you in the next <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventure which is entitled:</p>
<p><bookref series="lw" book="21votm"><cite>Voyage of the Moonstone</cite></bookref></p>
<p>(<a idref="sect19">19</a>) Replaced <quote>Telegnosis and</quote> with <quote>Telegnosis, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect22">22</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>. Replaced <quote>Avavae</quote> with <quote>Avarvae</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect26">26</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect28">28</a>) Replaced <quote>ribcage</quote> with <quote>rib cage</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect38">38</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect27">27</a>) Replaced <quote>artifacts</quote> with <quote>artefacts</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect28">28</a>) Replaced <quote>ribcage</quote> with <quote>rib cage</quote>. Replaced <quote>slayed</quote> with <quote>slain</quote>. Replaced <quote>semi-circular</quote> with <quote>semicircular</quote>. Replaced <quote>Cadak and</quote> with <quote>Cadak, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect33">33</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai monastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Monastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect35">35</a>) Replaced <quote>the Skarn-Ska</quote> with <quote>Skarn-Ska</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect38">38</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>. Replaced <quote>Animal Mastery and</quote> with <quote>Animal Mastery, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect40">40</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>. Replaced both occurrences of <quote>force field</quote> with <quote>force-field</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect43">43</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell<ch.emdash/>Shield<ch.emdash/>as</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Shield</spell> as</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect49">49</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect52">52</a>) Replaced <quote>force field</quote> with <quote>force-field</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect43">43</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell<ch.emdash/>Shield<ch.emdash/>as</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Shield</spell> as</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect49">49</a>) Replaced <quote>grand mastery</quote> with <quote>Grand Mastery</quote>. Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect52">52</a>) Replaced <quote>force field</quote> with <quote>force-field</quote>. Replaced <quote>abyss, <ch.lsquot/>Follow</quote> with <quote>abyss. <ch.lsquot/>Follow</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect53">53</a>) Deleted <quote> which you keep in your backpack</quote>. Replaced <quote>pictures or</quote> with <quote>pictures, or</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect56">56</a>) Replaced <quote>jet black</quote> with <quote>jet-black</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect57">57</a>) Replaced <quote>lifeforce</quote> with <quote>life-force</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect60">60</a>) Replaced <quote>artifact</quote> with <quote>artefact</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect61">61</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect63">63</a>) Replaced <quote>rainswept</quote> with <quote>rain-swept</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect64">64</a>) Replaced <quote>artifacts</quote> with <quote>artefacts</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect73">73</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Teleport<ch.emdash/>and</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell <spell>Teleport</spell> and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect74">74</a>) Replaced <quote>sommersaulting</quote> with <quote>somersaulting</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect77">77</a>) Replaced <quote>artifact</quote> with <quote>artefact</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect78">78</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>. Replaced <quote>Telegnosis and</quote> with <quote>Telegnosis, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect79">79</a>) Replaced <quote>The spirit of</quote> with <quote>The spirits of</quote>. Replaced <quote>cener druids</quote> with <quote>Cener Druids</quote>. Replaced <quote>acolytes of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolytes of Vashna</quote>. Replaced <quote>Vashna, Nadziranim</quote> with <quote>Vashna, and Nadziranim</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect81">81</a>) Replaced <quote>shock-wave</quote> with <quote>shock wave</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect82">82</a>) Replaced <quote>mind-force</quote> with <quote>Mindforce</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect85">85</a>) Replaced <quote>dark, jungle</quote> with <quote>dark jungle</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect87">87</a>) Replaced <quote>counterspell</quote> with <quote><spell>Counterspell</spell></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect89">89</a>) Deleted <quote> which you keep in your backpack</quote>. Replaced <quote>pictures or</quote> with <quote>pictures, or</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect97">97</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai Screen</quote> with <quote>Kai-screen</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect98">98</a>) Replaced <quote><ch.emdash/>Kai!<ch.emdash/></quote> with <quote><spell>Kai!</spell></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect106">106</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect108">108</a>) Replaced <quote>force field</quote> with <quote>force-field</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect108">108</a>) Replaced <quote>force field</quote> with <quote>force-field</quote>. Replaced <quote>abyss, <ch.lsquot/>Follow</quote> with <quote>abyss. <ch.lsquot/>Follow</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect111">111</a>) Replaced <quote>Telegnosis and</quote> with <quote>Telegnosis, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect118">118</a>) Replaced <quote>mind-force</quote> with <quote>Mindforce</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect120">120</a>) Replaced <quote>Telegnosis and</quote> with <quote>Telegnosis, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect123">123</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect125">125</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect134">134</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect135">135</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Lightning Hand.</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>.</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect146">146</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect150">150</a>) Replaced <quote>artifacts</quote> with <quote>artefacts</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect157">157</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect168">168</a>) Replaced <quote>shock-wave</quote> with <quote>shock wave</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect169">169</a>) Replaced <quote>counterspell</quote> with <quote><spell>Counterspell</spell></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect171">171</a>) Replaced <quote>jet black</quote> with <quote>jet-black</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect180">180</a>) Deleted <quote> which you keep in your backpack</quote>. Replaced <quote>pictures or</quote> with <quote>pictures, or</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect182">182</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell<ch.emdash/>Invisible Fist<ch.emdash/>and</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect184">184</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Invisible Shield<ch.emdash/>as</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell <spell>Invisible Shield</spell> as</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect184">184</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Invisible Shield<ch.emdash/>as</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell <spell>Invisible Shield</spell> as</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand Discipline</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Discipline</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect185">185</a>) Replaced <quote>artifacts</quote> with <quote>artefacts</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect187">187</a>) Replaced <quote>mind-force</quote> with <quote>Mindforce</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect189">189</a>) Replaced <quote>slayed</quote> with <quote>slain</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect192">192</a>) Replaced <quote>shock-wave</quote> with <quote>shock wave</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect202">202</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect207">207</a>) Replaced <quote>The spirit of</quote> with <quote>The spirits of</quote>. Replaced <quote>Cener druids</quote> with <quote>Cener Druids</quote>. Replaced <quote>acolytes of Vashna</quote> with <quote>Acolytes of Vashna</quote>. Replaced <quote>Vashna, Nadziranim</quote> with <quote>Vashna, and Nadziranim</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect208">208</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Counterspell<ch.emdash/>upon</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell <spell>Counterspell</spell> upon</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect209">209</a>) Replaced <quote>artifact</quote> with <quote>artefact</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect215">215</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect216">216</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>. Replaced <quote>Telegnosis and</quote> with <quote>Telegnosis, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect219">219</a>) Replaced <quote>mind-force</quote> with <quote>Mindforce</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect220">220</a>) Replaced <quote>artifact</quote> with <quote>artefact</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect222">222</a>) Replaced <quote>Telegnosis and</quote> with <quote>Telegnosis, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect223">223</a>) Replaced <quote>artifacts</quote> with <quote>artefacts</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect227">227</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect245">245</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Teleport<ch.emdash/>and</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell <spell>Teleport</spell> and</quote> and <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect246">246</a>) Replaced <quote>spell<ch.emdash/>Teleport<ch.emdash/>and</quote> with <quote>spell <spell>Teleport</spell> and</quote>. Replaced <quote>Telegnosis and</quote> with <quote>Telegnosis, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect249">249</a>) Replaced <quote>semi-circular</quote> with <quote>semicircular</quote>. Replaced <quote>Cadak and</quote> with <quote>Cadak, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect250">250</a>) Replaced both occurences of <quote>artifacts</quote> with <quote>artefacts</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect251">251</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Levitation<ch.emdash/>and</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell <spell>Levitation</spell> and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect259">259</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect279">279</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect281">281</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Vigour<ch.emdash/>and</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell <spell>Vigour</spell> and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect283">283</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Levitation<ch.emdash/>and</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell <spell>Levitation</spell> and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect291">291</a>) Replaced <quote>Telegnosis and</quote> with <quote>Telegnosis, and</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect296">296</a>) Deleted <quote> which you keep in your Backpack</quote>. Replaced <quote>pictures or</quote> with <quote>pictures, or</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect298">298</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Teleport<ch.emdash/>as</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell <spell>Teleport</spell> as</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect307">307</a>) Replaced <quote>artifacts</quote> with <quote>artefacts</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect316">316</a>) Replaced <quote>Telegnosis and</quote> with <quote>Telegnosis, and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect320">320</a>) Replaced <quote>ribcage</quote> with <quote>rib cage</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect326">326</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Net<ch.emdash/>and</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell <spell>Net</spell> and</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect329">329</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect330">330</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect336">336</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai mastery</quote> with <quote>Kai Mastery</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect343">343</a>) Replaced <quote>ribcage</quote> with <quote>rib cage</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect343">343</a>) Replaced <quote>ribcage</quote> with <quote>rib cage</quote>. Replaced <quote>semi-circular</quote> with <quote>semicircular</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect349">349</a>) Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom spell<ch.emdash/>Invisible Fist<ch.emdash/>and</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spell <spell>Invisible Fist</spell> and</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect350">350</a>) Replaced <quote>VOYAGE OF THE MOONSTONE</quote> with <quote><cite>Voyage of the Moonstone</cite></quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect350">350</a>) Replaced <quote>artifact</quote> with <quote>artefact</quote>. Replaced <quote>VOYAGE OF THE MOONSTONE</quote> with <quote><cite>Voyage of the Moonstone</cite></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="crsumary">Combat Rules Summary</a>) Replaced <quote>cross reference</quote> with <quote>cross-reference</quote>, <quote>top of chart</quote> with <quote>top of the chart</quote>, and <quote>fall to 0</quote> with <quote>falls to 0 or below</quote>. Replaced <quote>Kai Disciplines</quote> with <quote>Grand Master Disciplines</quote>. Replaced <quote>Pick number from</quote> with <quote>Pick a number from the</quote>. Replaced <quote>Turn to Combat</quote> with <quote>Turn to the Combat</quote>. Replaced <quote>to random number</quote> with <quote>to the random number</quote>. Replaced <quote>when ENDURANCE</quote> with <quote>when the ENDURANCE</quote>. Replaced <quote>ignored, only</quote> with <quote>ignored; only</quote>.</p>
</data>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / commitdiff