<gamebook xml:lang="en-UK" version="0.12">
<meta>
- <title>Mydnight's Hero</title>
+ <title>Mydnight<ch.apos/>s Hero</title>
+ <creator class="short">Joe Dever and Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator class="medium">
+ <line>Joe Dever</line>
+ <line>Illustrated by Brian Williams</line>
+ </creator>
+ <creator class="long">
+ &inclusion.joe.dever.bio.lw;
+ &inclusion.brian.williams.bio.lw;
+ </creator>
+ <publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
+ <date class="publication"><year>2008</year><month>5</month><day>16</day></date>
+ <description class="blurb">
+ <p>The King of Siyen has been assassinated. Prince Karvas is the sole heir of this rich and powerful realm but he lives in exile in distant Sheasu<ch.emdash/><quote>the Isle of Lost heroes</quote>. In his absence, evil Baron Sadanzo and his army of robber knights have staked their claim to the vacant throne.</p>
+ <p>In <strong>Mydnight<ch.apos/>s Hero</strong>, your quest is to voyage to Sheasu and track down Prince Karvas in the fabled city of Mydnight. Once found you must persuade him to return with you to Siyen without delay. You have only 50 days in which to complete this challenging quest or Siyen will be enslaved by the tyrannical Sadanzo and his brutal followers.</p>
+ </description>
+ <description class="publication">
+ <p>Internet Edition published by <a href="http://www.projectaon.org/">Project Aon</a>. This edition is intended to reflect the complete text of the original version. Where we have made minor corrections, they will be noted in the <a idref="errata">Errata</a>.</p>
+ </description>
+ <rights class="copyrights">
+ <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> 1995 Joe Dever.</line>
+ <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> 1995 Brian Williams.</line>
+ </rights>
+ <rights class="license-notification">
+ <p>
+ <line>Text copyright <ch.copy/> Joe Dever.</line>
+ <line>Illustrations copyright <ch.copy/> Brian Williams.</line>
+ <line>Distribution of this Internet Edition is restricted under the terms of the <a idref="license">Project Aon License</a>.</line>
+ </p>
+ </rights>
</meta>
<section id="toc">
<data>
- <!-- Frontmatter
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="dedicate">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Dedication</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="title" />
+ <link class="next" idref="acknwldg" />
+ </meta>
-Blurb
-
-The King of Siyen has been assassinated. Prince Karvas is the sole heir of this rich and powerful realm but he lives in exile in distant Sheasu--'the Isle of Lost heroes'. In his absence, evil Baron Sadanzo and his army of robber knights have staked their claim to the vacant throne.
-
-In MYDNIGHT'S HERO, your quest is to voyage to Sheasu and track down Prince Karvas in the fabled city of Mydnight. Once found you must persuade him to return with you to Siyen without delay. You have only 50 days in which to complete this challenging quest or Siyen will be enslaved by the tyrannical Sadanzo and his brutal followers.
-
-Dedication
-
-For Liz and Dwight
-
-THE STORY SO FAR &ellips;
-
-You are a Grand Master of the New Order of the Kai--the warrior elite of Sommerlund.
-
-It is the year MS5083 and thirty-three years have passed since the First Order of the Kai were almost wiped out by the Darklords of Helgedad. These champions of evil, who were sent by the Dark God Naar to destroy your fertile world of Magnamund, have since been destroyed. The leader of your illustrious fighting order--Lone Wolf--was the sole survivor of the massacre. As a young Kai initiate he stood amidst the burning wreckage of the old Kai monastery and vowed to avenge the slaughter of his comrades. In the year MS5075 he kept his pledge when alone he infiltrated the foul domain of the Darklords and destroyed the infernal city of Helgedad, the base of their evil power.
-
-With the fall of Helgedad, chaos befell the Darklord armies who had, until then, been poised to conquer all Magnamund. Quickly their disorder escalated into a mutinous civil war which allowed the freestate armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a successful counter-offensive. Against all odds, a swift and total victory was secured over the feuding armies of evil.
-
-Following the demise of the Darklords, peace reigned in your homeland of Sommerlund. Under the direction of Lone Wolf the ruined monastery of the Kai was rebuilt and restored to its former glory, and the raising of a New Order of Kai warriors was swiftly established. You are one of the new generation of Kai recruits. You were born in Sommerlund in the year MS5063, during the time of the war against the Darklords. When you were seven years old you were sent by your father to the Kai Monastery. There, under the tutelage of Lone Wolf, you developed your martial skills and honed the special Kai abilities which day dormant within you. During the years that followed, your skills were nurtured and sharpened to perfection by long hours of study and rigorous training. Your exceptional talent helped you to master all of the Kai and Magnakai Disciplines and you rose swiftly through the ranks of the New Order to become one of only five who now hold the high rank of Kai Grand Master. It is an achievement which has brought great honour upon you and your family.
-
-In the year MS5077 your skill and courage were put to the test when an attack was launched upon the Kai Monastery during Lone Wolf's absence. By means of a Shadow Gate (an astral corridor between the physical world of Sommerlund and the many ethereal domains which lie beyond it) the Dark God Naar sent forth a host of dragon-creatures to besiege the monastery and lay waste of all Sommerlund. He had chosen his time well, yet his evil plan was thwarted by the tenacious defence that you and your brethren maintained until the siege was raised by Lone Wolf and the King's army of Sommerlund.
-
-The defeat of his minions enraged Naar and inflamed his lust for vengeance. Three years later he created and sent to Sommerlund and evil champion called 'Wolf's Bane' who was the very image of Lone Wolf. While your leader was engaged upon a quest overseas, this impostor terrorized your homeland in his guise and sought to destroy the reputation and the honour of the Kai. He would have succeeded had not Lone Wolf returned home and pursued this enemy to an ancient necropolis in the Sommlending city of Tyso. There, deep within a subterranean crypt, he and his evil alter-ego were drawn through a Shadow Gate to the Plane of Darkness--Naar's stronghold--where a deadly duel ensued. Lone Wolf vanquished the foe and discovered that Naar had in his possession the fabled Moonstone of the Shianti. This wondrous artefact was created many thousands of years ago by the god-like Shianti, whose presence upon Magnamund heralded the dawn of humanity. This stone of power contains the combined might of all their magic and wisdom, the sum of all their knowledge. So significant was the creation of this stone that all time on Magnamund has since been measured from the date of its creation. It had long been held that the Moonstone's location was a secret known only to the remnants of the Shianti, who dwell upon the mysterious Isle of Lorn in Southern Magnamund, yet the evidence of Lone Wolf's eyes had told him that this mystical artefact had somehow fallen into the hands of Naar.
-
-Lone Wolf realized that the Dark God had been using its legendary powers to generate Shadow Gates within the world of Magnamund, at locations and times of his own choosing. Such power had enabled him to send his loathsome champions to your home world while the force of the gods of Good--Kai and Ishir--had been held at bay. Lone Wolf and the New Order Kai were all that stood against the onslaught of Naar's agents following the demise of the Darklords.
-
-Lone Wolf successfully escaped from the Plane of Darkness and returned to Sommerlund, yet he knew that the fight against Evil had not been won outright. He realized that he would have to return to the Plane of Darkness to retrieve the fabled Moonstone. Only be doing so would Magnamund truly be safe from an invasion by Naar's legions of darkness. Two years ago, with the aid of his most trusted ally, Lord Rimoah of Dessi, Lone Wolf fulfilled his vow by journeying to the Dark God's domain and retrieving the Moonstone of the Shianti. Upon his triumphant return, Lone Wolf placed the Moonstone in the Vault of the Sun--his personal chamber located deep below the fortified citadel of the Kai Monastery. He had hoped that the fabled artefact could remain there indefinitely, to be guarded by generations of Kai who would keep it secure from Naar's minions. Retrieval of the Moonstone had denied the Dark God's champions ready access to Magnamund, yet Lone Wolf knew that there were many lesser agents of Naar upon Magnamund waiting quietly in the shadows for the chance to do his evil bidding. Undoubtedly they would stop at nothing to retrieve the Moonstone for their foul master.
-
-Within a year of his return home it became clear to Lone Wolf that his wish could not be fulfilled. At first the presence of the Moonstone seemed greatly beneficial to Sommerlund. Crops grew abundantly, incidence of disease and illness became increasingly rare, and the newly-born were uniformly healthy. Even the offspring of the impoverished who, in normal times, could expect only one in three of their infants to survive longer than a month beyond birth, were all in good health and exceptional in their physical and mental development. The Sommlending called this extraordinary period of providence the 'Blessing of the Moonstone', yet this time of good fortune could not last. The power of the Moonstone is a great force for Good, but it is also greatly disruptive of the natural order of Magnamund. Soon death itself became a rarity in Sommerlund, and the four seasons of the year were slowly transformed into one unending spring. Lone Wolf was deeply troubled by the changes wrought by the Moonstone and sought the counsel of his closest friend--Guildmaster Banedon--leader of Sommerlund's Brotherhood of Magicians. Banedon entreated him to relinquish the Moonstone before the effects of its power became irreversible. To right the imbalance of nature the Moonstone would have to be taken to the Isle of Lorn, in the southern-most reaches of Magnamund, and delivered back into the hands of the Shianti. Only they, its creators, could prevent its powers from disrupting the natural order of your world.
-
-Lone Wolf agreed with Banedon--the Moonstone would have to be returned to the Shianti. The physical effects of its presence were beginning to attract the unwelcome attentions of those who secretly desire to enact Naar's revenge upon the Kai. When one of Naar's agents was captured by a Kai patrol within a few miles of the monastery, Lone Wolf felt he could wait no longer. He resolved to act immediately. Preparations were made for a long journey and, especially among the lower ranks of the Kai, rumours were rife that your leader would personally take responsibility for returning the Moonstone to the Shianti. Indeed, this speculation seemed to be confirmed as fact when it was discovered that Lone Wolf had secured the use of Guildmaster Banedon's famous flying ship--Cloud Dancer.
-
-It therefore came as a shock when, early one morning, you were summoned unexpectedly to the Vault of the Sun. In strictest confidence, Supreme Lone Wolf informed you that he had decided to entrust you with the task of returning the Moonstone. His elaborate preparations were simply a diversion, a bluff designed to draw attention away from the vital mission that he wished you--the most-talented and courageous of his five Kai Grand Masters--to undertake. It was with great pride and apprehension that you accepted the quest.
-
-Lone Wolf gave you the precious Moonstone in a seemingly ordinary satchel, yet the lining of this plain leather bag was woven from Korlinium, a special mineral that would hide the Moonstone's powerful energies from the agents of Naar. In the guise of a Kai journeyman, you set sail from the Sommlending capital of Holmgard aboard a sailing ship that was to carry you south on the first leg of your journey, a voyage of 2,000 miles to Elzian, the capital of Dessi. This legendary city is home to Lord Rimoah and the Elder Magi. They are the last surviving members of Magnamund's oldest race of magicians and they had promised Lone Wolf that they would help you reach your final destination. You had hoped and expected the voyage to be swift and uneventful; however fate and ill fortune decreed otherwise. Your voyage was fraught with danger, yet you overcame the many perils ranged against you and eventually arrived at the Dessi capital, to the relief of Lord Rimoah and his anxious brother magicians who had feared the worst.
-
-For three days you were treated to the hospitality of the Elder Magi and the freedom of the wondrous city of Elzian. Then, on the morning of the forth day, having fully recovered from the rigours of your journey to Dessi, you set out upon the final stage of your quest--the voyage to the Isle of Lorn. Passage had been arranged for you aboard a Suhnese trading ship called The Azan. The ship's master, Captain Jenkshi, had been paid handsomely to carry you to his home port of Suhn and you had been promised a swift and comfortable voyage. However, this was not to be. In the Shadakine city-port of Ghol-Tabras you fell foul of Sesketera, the city's ruthless ruler, and you were forced to abandon The Azan during your daring escape from his murderous bodyguards. After a perilous journey south by way of land and sea, you finally reached the Port of Suhn. There you made contact with Lord Zinair, the Dessian ambassador. He provided you with a small sailboat for your passage to the Isle of Lorn. This tiny island home of the Shianti lies no more than 200 miles east of the busy Port of Suhn, across the Sea of Dreams, yet no sailor has ever set eyes upon it for the Shianti have encircled their refuge with a web of enchantments, magical mists and winds. Aided by the power of the Moonstone, you were able to navigate these mysterious waters and land upon the shores of Lorn.
-
-The Shianti had sensed the approach of the Moonstone and were waiting to greet your arrival. In a formal ceremony in the sacred Temple of Amida you received the thanks and praise of Acarya, the leader of the Shianti exiles. Solemnly, he vowed to deliver the Moonstone into the hands of Goddess Ishir herself, thereby ensuring that never again would its power disrupt Magnamund's delicate balance of nature, nor be misused by the forces of Evil.
-
-After the ceremony, the Shianti revealed to you some of the magical wonders of their island that have never before been seen by Man. You marvelled at flowing rivers of jewels, fabulous flora and species of exotic fauna. After your tour of this paradise isle you were allowed to rest before being escorted to your sailboat to begin your journey back to the Port of Suhn.
-
-Your return voyage across the Sea of Dreams was swift and eerily smooth. You sensed that your direction and speed were being controlled by the Shianti, for within minutes of casting off from the shores of Lorn, the bustling harbour entrance to the Port of Suhn suddenly appeared from out of the swirling sea mist. A stiff breeze caught your sail and propelled you towards the quayside where Lord Zinair was waiting to greet your valiant return.
-
-Your journey from Suhn to the Isle of Lorn and back again seemed to have lasted no more than a few days. Yet, to your surprise, you discovered that two whole months had elapsed since the day you first sailed upon the Sea of Dreams. Lord Zinair praised you for the success of your quest. He also informed you that during the time you spent on Lorn a new and sinister threat to the fragile peace of Magnamund had arisen. The precise nature of this threat was revealed when you returned with Lord Zinair to his consulate.
-
-In a secret chamber of the Dessi consulate, you were able to communicate the success of your mission to Supreme Master Lone Wolf by means of a magical seeing stone. Warmly he praised the skill and courage you had displayed, and he commended you for upholding the highest traditions of the Kai. He told you that he and the New Order were justly proud of your accomplishment and they welcomed the day when you would return to the monastery. Lone Wolf also had some grave news to impart, news that would delay a swift return home.
-
-'King Oridon of Siyen has been assassinated,' he said, sadly. 'His only son, Prince Karvas, is the sole heir to the throne of Siyen, but he has lived in exile on the Isle of Sheasu for the past decade. The kingdom of Siyen is one of our oldest allies. Lord Xavial, the Siyenese High Chancellor, has journeyed here to the monastery to warn that, in the Prince's absence, the throne is to be claimed by Baron Sadanzo. The Baron is an evil man and he possesses a sorcerous power that has turned the minds of the Siyenese Court. He has won the favour of those who, until the King's murder, openly denounced him as a heartless warmonger. Lord Xavial fears that the baron draws his newfound power from the Dark God himself, for never before has Sadanzo possessed such sinister influence. If Sadanzo becomes King, the consequence of his rule will be disastrous for us all. Siyen is one of the richest and most powerful realms in all the southern reaches of Magnamund. If it should fall into the hands of Naar, then war and widespread destruction will surely follow. This is grim news, but all is not yet lost &ellips; not if we act swiftly. The constitution of Siyen decrees that Prince Karvas has, upon the death of his father, 60 days in which to lay claim to his rightful heritage. If he should fail to return in time then Sadanzo will be elected as the new ruler. I have vowed to Lord Xavial that the Kai will not stand idly by and let Siyen become enslaved by an agent of Naar. But time is against us--we must act immediately if we are to thwart Sadanzo's scheme. Ten days have already passed since King Oridon was murdered. Now only 50 days remain before Harvestmas Day--the day of royal ascendance.'
-
-You asked Lone Wolf how you could assist in keeping his pledge to Lord Xavial. His reply sent a shiver tingling down your spine.
-
-'Prince Karvas must be found. He must also be persuaded to return to Seroa, his homeland capital, to claim his throne before time runs out. You, Grand Master, are closer to the Isle of Sheasu than any other Kai. I must command you to go there and seek him out. Lord Zinair has already made provision for your journey by ship. He will accompany you and assist your mission. The Magician's Guild of Toran have also pledged their help. The Guildmaster has despatched one of his brotherhood--Wizard Acraban--to Sheasu. He travels by skyship and should arrive there in twenty days' time. You are to rendezvous with Wizard Acraban at the city of Mydnight--the island's only port. Acraban will help you find the prince and transport him aboard his flying craft directly to Seroa.'
-
-With mixed feelings of pride and trepidation, you accepted the mission and vowed to Lone Wolf that you would do everything in your power to ensure its success. Your resolute promise met with his approval.
-
-'I have faith in you, Grand Master,' he replied. 'The quest you are to undertake upholds the noblest traditions of the Kai. I am confident you will prevail. May Kai and Ishir guide you swiftly to victory over Sadanzo--the agent of Naar.'
-
-THE GAME RULES
-
-You keep a record of your adventure on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> that you will find in the front of this book. For ease of use, and for further adventuring, it is recommended that you photocopy these pages.
-
-During the years you have spent in training at the Kai Monastery, you have devoted yourself to further developing your fighting prowess (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>) and physical stamina (<typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>). Before you begin this New Order adventure you need to measure how effective your training has been. To do this take a pencil and, with your eyes closed, point the blunt end of it on to the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> on the last page of the book. If you pick a 0 it counts as zero.
-
-The first number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> in this way represents your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Add 25 to the number you picked and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (ie, if your pencil fell on the number 7 in the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would write in a <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 32). When you fight, your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> will be pitted against that of your enemy. A high score in this section is therefore desirable.
-
-The second number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> represents your powers of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Add 30 to this number and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (ie, if your pencil fell on the number 8 on the Random lumber Table you would have 38 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).
-
-If you are wounded in combat you will lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. If at any time your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points fall to zero, you are dead and the adventure is over. Lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points can be regained during the course of the adventure, but your number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points cannot rise above the number you have when you start an adventure.
-
-If you have successfully completed previous adventures in the Lone Wolf New Order series (Books 21-22), you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to this adventure. You may also carry over any Special Items, Kai Weapon, normal weapons and Backpack Items you had in your possession at the end of your last adventure, and these should be entered on your new <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.
-
-Playing Tip: You may use a 10-sided die instead of the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> if you find it more convenient.
-
-YOUR KAI NAME
-
-It has long been the tradition of your elite warrior caste to bestow a new name upon each young novice when they complete their first year's training at the Kai Monastery. Kai names are chosen by senior Kai Masters with the aim of reflecting the individual strengths and qualities of each novice.
-
-You may create your own Kai name for yourself, or you can generate a Kai name at random using the name tables below. To generate a Kai name, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and consult Table A. The name which corresponds to the number you have picked is the first part, or prefix, of your Kai name. Now pick a second number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and consult Table B. The name which corresponds to the number you have picked is the second part, or suffix, of your Kai name. Put the prefix and the suffix together and you have your own personal Kai name. You can record your personal Kai name on the book plate which appears on the inside front cover of this book.
-
-TABLE A
-(Kai name prefix)
-
-0) = Swift
-1) = Sun
-2) = True
-3) = Bold
-4) = Moon
-5) = Sword
-6) = Wise
-7) = Storm
-8) = Rune
-9) = Brave
-
-TABLE B
-(Kai name suffix)
-
-0) = Blade
-1) = Fire
-2) = Hawk
-3) = Heart
-4) = Friend
-5) = Star
-6) = Dancer
-7) = Helm
-8) = Strider
-9) = Shield
-
-KAI & MAGNAKAI DISCIPLINES
-
-During your distinguished rise to the ranks of the New Order of Kai Grand Masters, you have become proficient in all of the basic Kai and Magnakai Disciplines. These Disciplines provide you with a formidable arsenal of natural abilities which will serve you well. A brief summary of your skills is given below:
-
-Weaponmastery
-
-You are proficient with all close combat and missile weapons. You are a master of unarmed combat and suffer no <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> loss when fighting bare-handed.
-
-Animal Control
-
-You are able to communicate with most animals and have limited control over hostile creatures. You can use woodland animals as guides and you are able to block a non-sentient creature's sense of taste and smell.
-
-Curing
-
-You are able to restore <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost as a direct result of combat. You may restore 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point for every numbered section of the book you pass through in which you are not involved in further combat. The maximum number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points that can be restored in this way is limited to 10 per adventure.
-
-You also possess the ability to heal the wounds of others, and you can neutralize the harmful effects of most poisons, venoms and toxins.
-
-Invisibility
-
-You can hide effectively in most environments, mask any sounds made during movement, and you can cause minor alterations of your own physical appearance. Also you are able to mask your own body heat and scent.
-
-Huntmastery
-
-You are an expert hunter of food in the wild. You possess great physical agility and a keen sense of vision (day and night). Your senses of hearing and smell are especially acute.
-
-Pathsmanship
-
-You are able to understand most languages, magical symbols and hieroglyphics. You are expert at reading footprints and tracks. You have an intuitive knowledge of the compass points and can detect the threat of an enemy ambush up to a distance of 500 yards. You possess an ability to cross terrain without leaving tracks. You can converse with sentient creatures and mask yourself from psychic spells of detection.
-
-Psi-surge
-
-You are able to attack enemies using the powers of your mind. Also you can set up disruptive vibrations in inanimate objects and cause confusion in the minds of unsophisticated enemies.
-
-Psi-screen
-
-You possess strong mental defences against hypnosis, supernatural illusions, charms, hostile telepathy, and evil spirits. You are able to divert and re-channel some hostile psychic energy to your own ends.
-
-Nexus
-
-You can move small items by projection of your mind power. You can withstand extremes of temperature and are able to extinguish fire by force of your will alone. You have a limited immunity to flames, toxic gases, and corrosive liquids.
-
-Divination
-
-Your famous Kai sixth sense can warn you of imminent danger. You can detect invisible or hidden enemies, and you are able to communicate telepathically. You can recognize magic-using and/or magical creatures, detect psychic residues, and you have a limited ability to leave your corporeal body ('spirit-walk') for short periods.
-
-NEW ORDER KAI GRAND MASTER DISCIPLINES
-
-After years of martial training and study at the Kai Monastery, and by the rigorous practice of the teachings of your illustrious mentor--Kai Supreme Master Lone Wolf--you have achieved the noble rank of Kai Grand Master Senior.
-
-Following in the footsteps of Lone Wolf himself, you have vowed that one day you will become totally proficient in all 16 of the New Order Kai Grand Master Disciplines. By doing so successfully you will share with Lone Wolf the responsibility, the honour, and the future glory of leading the New Order Kai as a Supreme Master.
-
-If this is the first New Order adventure you have undertaken then your present rank is that of Kai Grand Master Senior. This means that you have mastered four of the New Order Grand Master Disciplines listed below. It is for you to decide which four Disciplines these are. As all of the New Order Grand Master Disciplines will be of use to you at some point during your mission, pick these four skills with care. The correct use of a New Order Grand Master Discipline at the right time could save your life. When you have chosen your four Disciplines, enter them in the Grand Master Disciplines section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.
-
-1. Grand Weaponmastery
-
-This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to become supremely efficient in the use of all weapons. When you enter combat armed with one of your Grand Master weapons, you may add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. The rank of Kai Grand Master Senior, with which you begin the New Order series, means that you are skilled in the use of one of the weapons listed in the EQUIPMENT section. For every adventure that you complete successfully in the New Order series, you will gain proficiency with one additional weapon.
-
-2. Animal Mastery
-
-New Order Grand Masters have considerable control over hostile, non-sentient creatures. Also, they have the ability to converse with birds and fishes, and use them as guides.
-
-3. Deliverance (Advanced Curing)
-
-New Order Grand Masters are able to use their healing power to repair serious battle wounds. If, while in combat, their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> is reduced to 8 points or less, they can draw upon their mastery to restore 20 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. This emergency ability can only be used once every 20 days.
-
-4. Assimilance (Advanced Invisibility)
-
-New Order Grand Masters are able to effect striking changes to their physical appearance, and maintain these changes over a period of 1 to 3 days. They have also mastered advanced camouflage techniques which make them virtually undetectable in an open landscape.
-
-5. Grand Huntmastery
-
-New Order Grand Masters are able to see in total darkness and they possess great natural speed and agility. They also have a superb sense of touch and taste.
-
-6. Grand Pathsmanship
-
-New Order Grand Masters are able to resist entrapment by hostile plants. Also they have a super-awareness of ambush, or the threat of ambush, in woods and dense forests.
-
-7. Kai-surge
-
-When using their psychic ability to attack an enemy, New Order Grand Masters may add 8 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. For every round in which Kai-surge is used, they need only deduct 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. Grand Masters have the option of using a weaker form of psychic attack called Mindblast. When using this lesser attack, they may add 4 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> without loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (Kai-surge and Mindblast cannot be used simultaneously). New Order Grand Masters cannot use Kai-surge if their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 6 points or below.
-
-8. Kai-screen
-
-During psychic combat, New Order Grand Masters are able to construct mind-fortresses capable of protecting themselves and others. The strength and capacity of these fortresses increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.
-
-9. Grand Nexus
-
-New Order Grand Masters are able to withstand contact with harmful elements, such as flames and acids, for upwards of an hour in duration. This ability increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.
-
-10. Telegnosis (Advanced Divination)
-
-This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to spirit-walk for far greater lengths of time, and with far fewer ill effects. Duration of the spirit-walk, and the protection afforded to his inanimate body, increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.
-
-11. Magi-Magic (Old Kingdom Magic)
-
-Under the tutelage of Lone Wolf, you have been able to master the rudimentary skills of Old Kingdom battle magic. These arcane skills include the use of basic magi-magic spells, such as Shield, Power Word, and Invisible Fist. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Old Kingdom magic increase.
-
-12. Kai-alchemy {Brotherhood Magic)
-
-Under the tutelage of Lone Wolf and Guildmaster Banedon (the leader of Sommerlund's guild of magicians), you have mastered the elementary spells of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. These spells include Lightning Hand, Levitation, and Mind Charm. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Brotherhood magic increase.
-
-13. Astrology
-
-The celestial bodies which occupy the skies above Magnamund have long been known to affect the lives of its inhabitants. Mastery of this Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to predict and shape the future by studying the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and the myriad planets and stars. The number and accuracy of these predictions increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.
-
-14. Herbmastery
-
-Mastery of this New Order Discipline enables a Grand Master to identify readily any substance derived from living or growing organic material. He is aware of any secret uses to which an organic material may be put, and he is skilled in effecting the release of a substance's medicinal and/or magical properties.
-
-15. Elementalism
-
-This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to manipulate the four basic elements: earth, air, fire, and water. By drawing upon individual (or combinations of) elements that are available, he is able to detach, affix, increase, concentrate, intensify, remove or accelerate this matter to fulfil a specific purpose, eg, create a wall, hurl a rock, spray sand, remove air, intensify fire. The versatility of this Discipline increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.
-
-16. Bardsmanship
-
-Through mastery of this Discipline a Kai Grand Master of the New Order becomes a multi-talented performer, proficient in the use of any musical instrument. He is able to sing or chant, recite or compose tales of legend, mimic speech or dialect and stimulate a wide range of emotions among sentient creatures. The effect and power of his bardic abilities will steadily increase as he advances through the Grand Master ranks.
-
-If you successfully complete the mission as set in Book 22 of the Lone Wolf (New Order) series, you may add a further Grand Master Discipline of your choice to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> in Book 23. For every Grand Master Discipline you possess, in excess of the original four Disciplines you begin with, you may add 1 point to your basic <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> score and 2 points to your basic <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score. These bonus points, together with your extra Grand Master Discipline(s), your original four Grand Master Disciplines, your Kai Weapon and any other Special Items that you have found and been able to keep during your adventures, may then be carried over and used in the next New Order adventure, which is called: Mydnight's Hero
-
-EQUIPMENT
-
-Before you leave Elzian and begin your long voyage south to the Isle of Lorn, you take with you a map of south-eastern Magnamund (see the inside front cover of this book) and a pouch of gold. To find out how much gold is in the pouch, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add 20 to the number you have picked. The total equals the number of Gold Crowns inside the pouch, and you should now enter this number in the 'Gold Crowns' section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.
-
-If you have successfully completed previous New Order adventure (Book 21), you may add this sum to the total sum of Crowns you already possess. Fifty is the maximum number of Gold Crowns you can carry in your pouch at any time. You may also select five items from the list below, only two of which may be Weapons.
-
-* QUATERSTAFF (Weapons)
-* BOW (Weapons)
-* QUIVER (Special Items) This contains six arrows; record them on your Weapons List
-* FLUTE (Backpack Item)
-* DAGGER (Weapons)
-* SWORD (Weapons)
-* 2 MEALS (Meals) Each Meal takes up one space in your Backpack.
-* ROPE (Backpack Item)
-* POTION OF LAUMSPUR (Backpack Item) This potion restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to your total when swallowed after combat. There is enough for only one dose.
-* AXE (Weapons)
-
-List the five items that you have chosen on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, under the appropriate headings, and make a note of any effect that they may have to your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points and/or <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.
-
-KAI WEAPONS
-
-Upon reaching the ultimate rank of Kai Supreme Master, Lone Wolf received as a reward from the God Kai many new skills and abilities. One of these skills was Kai Weaponcraft. Using his new-found mastery, Lone Wolf forged ten weapons of magical power in the armoury furnaces of the Kai Monastery. These magical weapons are reserved for the elite of the New Order Kai who attain the rank of Grand Master.
-
-In recognition of your rank and achievement, you may choose your own Kai Weapon from the table below or, if you prefer, you can generate one at random. To generate a Kai Weapon, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and consult the first column. The magical axe, sword or broadsword which corresponds to the number you have picked will be your own personal Kai Weapon. Record this magical weapon and its unique properties in the Kai Weapon section of the Special Items List at the front of the book.
-
-Example
-
-Say you choose the number 8 from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, your Kai Weapon will be the broadsword 'Illuminatus'.
-
-When using this Kai Weapon in normal combat you may add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Each Kai Weapon has a unique property. When you use your Kai Weapon in combat against the type of enemy that matches its unique property, or use it at the optimum time or location, then you may add the higher bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.
-
-Example
-
-If you were to use 'Illuminatus' in combat against an enemy in an underground cavern, cave or tunnel, you could add the higher bonus of 7 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you were to fight this enemy in any other location, the bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> would remain at 5.
-
-KAI WEAPON TABLE
-
-RN Weapon type Weapon Name <typ class="attribute">CS</typ> Unique Properties <typ class="attribute">CS</typ>
-0 Axe 'Spawnsmite' +5 versus reptilian enemies +6
-1 Axe 'Alema' +5 versus undead enemies +7
-2 Axe 'Magnara' +5 versus rock or stone +8
-3 Sword 'Sunstrike' +5 when used in daylight +6
-4 Sword 'Kaistar' +5 when used at night +7
-5 Sword 'Valiance' +5 when used versus magicians +8
-6 Sword 'Ulnarias' +5 when used underwater +9
-7 Broadsword 'Raumas' +5 versus winged enemies +6
-8 Broadsword 'Illuminatus' +5 when used underground +7
-9 Broadsword 'Firefall' +5 versus fire-emitting enemies +8
-
-RN = Random Number <typ class="attribute">CS</typ> = <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>
-
-Equipment--How to use it
-
-Weapons
-
-The maximum number of weapons that you can carry is two. Weapons aid you in combat. If you have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery and a correct weapon, it adds 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you find a weapon during your adventure, you may pick it up and use it.
-
-Bows and Arrows
-
-During your adventure there will be opportunities to use a bow and arrow. If you equip yourself with this weapon, and you possess at least one arrow, you may use it when the text of a particular section allows you to do so. The bow is a useful weapon, for it enables you to hit an enemy at a distance. However, a bow cannot be used in hand-to-hand combat, therefore it is best to equip yourself also with a close combat weapon, such as a sword or an axe.
-
-In order to use a bow you must possess a quiver and at least one arrow. Each time the bow is used, erase an arrow from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. A bow cannot, of course, be used if you exhaust your supply of arrows, but the opportunity may arise during your mission for you to replenish your stock of arrows.
-
-If you have the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery with a bow, you may add 3 points to any number you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, when using the bow.
-
-Backpack Items
-
-These must be stored in your Backpack. Because space is limited, you may keep a maximum of ten articles, including Meals, in your Backpack at any one time. You may only carry one Backpack at a time. During your travels you will discover various useful items which you may decide to keep. You may exchange or discard them at any point when you are not involved in combat.
-
-Any item that may be of use, and which can be picked up on your adventure and entered on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, is given either initial capitals (eg, Silver Mirror, Gold Key), or is clearly identified as a Backpack Item. Unless you are told that it is a Special Item, carry it in your Backpack.
-
-Special Items
-
-Special Items are not carried in the Backpack. When you discover a Special Item, you will be told how or where to carry it. The maximum number of Special Items that can be carried on any adventure is 12.
-
-Kai Weapon
-
-Your Kai Weapon is a Special Item and it can be carried and used in addition to two normal weapons. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery for a weapon type which is the same as your unique Kai Weapon, you may add the Grand Weaponmastery bonus of +5 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. This is in addition to the bonus gained when you use your Kai Weapon in combat.
-
-Food
-
-Food is carried in your Backpack. Each Meal counts as one item. You will need to eat regularly during your adventure. If you do not have any food when you are instructed to eat a Meal, you will lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. However, if you have chosen Grand Huntmastery as one of your four Disciplines then you will not need to tick off a Meal when instructed to eat.
-
-Potion of Laumspur
-
-This is a healing potion that can restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to your total when swallowed after combat. There is enough for one dose only. If you discover any other potion during the adventure, you will be informed of its effect. All potions are Backpack Items.
-
-RULES FOR COMBAT
-
-There will be occasions during your adventure when you will have to fight an enemy. The enemy's <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points are given in the text. Your aim in the combat is to kill the enemy by reducing his <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to zero while losing as few <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points as possible yourself.
-
-At the start of a combat, enter your own and the enemy's <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points in the appropriate boxes on the Combat Record section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.
-
-The sequence for combat is as follows:
-
-1. Add any extra points gained through your Grand Master Disciplines and Special Items to your current <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> total.
-
-2. Subtract the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of your enemy from this total. The result is your Combat Ratio. Enter it on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.
+ <data>
+ <p class="dedication">For Liz and Dwight</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
-Example
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="acknwldg">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Acknowledgements</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="dedicate" />
+ <link class="next" idref="tssf" />
+ </meta>
-You, Grand Master (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 32), are attacked in a forest by a pack of Wild Dogs (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 31). You are taken by surprise and are not given the opportunity of evading their attack. You possess the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-surge to which the Wild Dogs are not immune, so you add 8 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. You also possess the Kai Weapon 'Ulnarias', so you add an additional 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. This gives you a total <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 45.
+ <data>
-You now subtract the Wild Dogs' <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> from your own, giving a Combat Ratio of +14 (45-31=+14). +14 is noted on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as the Combat Ratio.
+ &inclusion.joe.dever.endowment;
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="credits">
+ <meta><title>Credits</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <dl>
+ <dt>Transcription</dt>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Jeff Teo</line>
+ <line>Sean Donald</line>
+ </dd>
+ <dt>Illustration Transcription</dt>
+ <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
+ <dt>XML</dt>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
+ <line>Simon Osborne</line>
+ </dd>
+ <dt>Action Charts</dt>
+ <dd>
+ <line>JC Alvarez</line>
+ <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
+ </dd>
+ <dt>Proofreading</dt>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Simon Osborne (Frontmatter, Sections 1<ch.endash/>150, 276<ch.endash/>350)</line>
+ <line>Robert Wellock (Sections 151<ch.endash/>275)</line>
+ </dd>
+ <dt>Editing</dt>
+ <dd>
+<!-- <line>Ingo Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
+ <line>LeRoy McSwain</line>
+ <line>Jennifer Sigman</line>-->
+ <line>Simon Osborne</line>
+ </dd>
+ <dt>Coordination</dt>
+ <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
+ </dl>
+ </data>
+ </section>
-3. When you have your Combat Ratio, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.
+ </data>
+ </section>
-4. Turn to the COMBAT RESULTS TABLE on the inside back cover of this book. Along the top of the chart are shown the Combat Ratio numbers. Find the number that is the same as your Combat Ratio and cross-reference it with the random number that you have picked (the random numbers appear on the side of the chart). You now have the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost by both yourself and your enemy in this round of combat. (E represents points lost by the enemy; GM represents points lost by yourself--Grand Master.)
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="tssf">
+ <meta>
+ <title>The Story So Far<ch.ellips/></title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="acknwldg" />
+ <link class="next" idref="gamerulz" />
+ </meta>
-Example
+ <data>
+ <p>You are a Grand Master of the New Order of the Kai<ch.emdash/>the warrior <ch.eacute/>lite of Sommerlund.</p>
-The Combat Ratio between you and the Wild Dogs has been established as +14. If the number picked from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> is 1, then the result of the first round of combat is:
+ <p>It is the year MS5083 and thirty-three years have passed since the First Order of the Kai were almost wiped out by the Darklords of Helgedad. These champions of evil, who were sent by the Dark God Naar to destroy your fertile world of Magnamund, have since been destroyed. The leader of your illustrious fighting order<ch.emdash/>Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>was the sole survivor of the massacre. As a young Kai initiate he stood amidst the burning wreckage of the old Kai monastery and vowed to avenge the slaughter of his comrades. In the year MS5075 he kept his pledge when alone he infiltrated the foul domain of the Darklords and destroyed the infernal city of Helgedad, the base of their evil power.</p>
-You (GM) lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (plus an additional 1 point for using Kai-surge. This loss is in addition to the loss suffered as a result of combat).
+ <p>With the fall of Helgedad, chaos befell the Darklord armies who had, until then, been poised to conquer all Magnamund. Quickly their disorder escalated into a mutinous civil war which allowed the freestate armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a successful counter-offensive. Against all odds, a swift and total victory was secured over the feuding armies of evil.</p>
-Wild Dogs lose 9 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.
+ <p>Following the demise of the Darklords, peace reigned in your homeland of Sommerlund. Under the direction of Lone Wolf the ruined monastery of the Kai was rebuilt and restored to its former glory, and the raising of a New Order of Kai warriors was swiftly established. You are one of the new generation of Kai recruits. You were born in Sommerlund in the year MS5063, during the time of the war against the Darklords. When you were seven years old you were sent by your father to the Kai Monastery. There, under the tutelage of Lone Wolf, you developed your martial skills and honed the special Kai abilities which day dormant within you. During the years that followed, your skills were nurtured and sharpened to perfection by long hours of study and rigorous training. Your exceptional talent helped you to master all of the Kai and Magnakai Disciplines and you rose swiftly through the ranks of the New Order to become one of only five who now hold the high rank of Kai Grand Master. It is an achievement which has brought great honour upon you and your family.</p>
-5. On the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, mark the changes in <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to the participants in the combat.
+ <p>In the year MS5077 your skill and courage were put to the test when an attack was launched upon the Kai Monastery during Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s absence. By means of a Shadow Gate (an astral corridor between the physical world of Sommerlund and the many ethereal domains which lie beyond it) the Dark God Naar sent forth a host of dragon-creatures to besiege the monastery and lay waste of all Sommerlund. He had chosen his time well, yet his evil plan was thwarted by the tenacious defence that you and your brethren maintained until the siege was raised by Lone Wolf and the King<ch.apos/>s army of Sommerlund.</p>
-6. Unless otherwise instructed, or unless you have an option to evade, the next round of combat now starts.
+ <p>The defeat of his minions enraged Naar and inflamed his lust for vengeance. Three years later he created and sent to Sommerlund and evil champion called <quote>Wolf<ch.apos/>s Bane</quote> who was the very image of Lone Wolf. While your leader was engaged upon a quest overseas, this impostor terrorized your homeland in his guise and sought to destroy the reputation and the honour of the Kai. He would have succeeded had not Lone Wolf returned home and pursued this enemy to an ancient necropolis in the Sommlending city of Tyso. There, deep within a subterranean crypt, he and his evil alter-ego were drawn through a Shadow Gate to the Plane of Darkness<ch.emdash/>Naar<ch.apos/>s stronghold<ch.emdash/>where a deadly duel ensued. Lone Wolf vanquished the foe and discovered that Naar had in his possession the fabled Moonstone of the Shianti. This wondrous artefact was created many thousands of years ago by the god-like Shianti, whose presence upon Magnamund heralded the dawn of humanity. This stone of power contains the combined might of all their magic and wisdom, the sum of all their knowledge. So significant was the creation of this stone that all time on Magnamund has since been measured from the date of its creation. It had long been held that the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s location was a secret known only to the remnants of the Shianti, who dwell upon the mysterious Isle of Lorn in Southern Magnamund, yet the evidence of Lone Wolf<ch.apos/>s eyes had told him that this mystical artefact had somehow fallen into the hands of Naar.</p>
-7. Repeat the sequence from Stage 3.
+ <p>Lone Wolf realized that the Dark God had been using its legendary powers to generate Shadow Gates within the world of Magnamund, at locations and times of his own choosing. Such power had enabled him to send his loathsome champions to your home world while the force of the gods of Good<ch.emdash/>Kai and Ishir<ch.emdash/>had been held at bay. Lone Wolf and the New Order Kai were all that stood against the onslaught of Naar<ch.apos/>s agents following the demise of the Darklords.</p>
-This process of combat continues until the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points of either your enemy or yourself are reduced to zero, at which point the one with the zero score is declared dead. If you are declared dead, the adventure is over. If the enemy is dead, you can proceed but with your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points reduced.
+ <p>Lone Wolf successfully escaped from the Plane of Darkness and returned to Sommerlund, yet he knew that the fight against Evil had not been won outright. He realized that he would have to return to the Plane of Darkness to retrieve the fabled Moonstone. Only be doing so would Magnamund truly be safe from an invasion by Naar<ch.apos/>s legions of darkness. Two years ago, with the aid of his most trusted ally, Lord Rimoah of Dessi, Lone Wolf fulfilled his vow by journeying to the Dark God<ch.apos/>s domain and retrieving the Moonstone of the Shianti. Upon his triumphant return, Lone Wolf placed the Moonstone in the Vault of the Sun<ch.emdash/>his personal chamber located deep below the fortified citadel of the Kai Monastery. He had hoped that the fabled artefact could remain there indefinitely, to be guarded by generations of Kai who would keep it secure from Naar<ch.apos/>s minions. Retrieval of the Moonstone had denied the Dark God<ch.apos/>s champions ready access to Magnamund, yet Lone Wolf knew that there were many lesser agents of Naar upon Magnamund waiting quietly in the shadows for the chance to do his evil bidding. Undoubtedly they would stop at nothing to retrieve the Moonstone for their foul master.</p>
-A sumary of Combat Rules appears on the page after the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.
+ <p>Within a year of his return home it became clear to Lone Wolf that his wish could not be fulfilled. At first the presence of the Moonstone seemed greatly beneficial to Sommerlund. Crops grew abundantly, incidence of disease and illness became increasingly rare, and the newly-born were uniformly healthy. Even the offspring of the impoverished who, in normal times, could expect only one in three of their infants to survive longer than a month beyond birth, were all in good health and exceptional in their physical and mental development. The Sommlending called this extraordinary period of providence the <quote>Blessing of the Moonstone</quote>, yet this time of good fortune could not last. The power of the Moonstone is a great force for Good, but it is also greatly disruptive of the natural order of Magnamund. Soon death itself became a rarity in Sommerlund, and the four seasons of the year were slowly transformed into one unending spring. Lone Wolf was deeply troubled by the changes wrought by the Moonstone and sought the counsel of his closest friend<ch.emdash/>Guildmaster Banedon<ch.emdash/>leader of Sommerlund<ch.apos/>s Brotherhood of Magicians. Banedon entreated him to relinquish the Moonstone before the effects of its power became irreversible. To right the imbalance of nature the Moonstone would have to be taken to the Isle of Lorn, in the southern-most reaches of Magnamund, and delivered back into the hands of the Shianti. Only they, its creators, could prevent its powers from disrupting the natural order of your world.</p>
-Evasion of combat
+ <p>Lone Wolf agreed with Banedon<ch.emdash/>the Moonstone would have to be returned to the Shianti. The physical effects of its presence were beginning to attract the unwelcome attentions of those who secretly desire to enact Naar<ch.apos/>s revenge upon the Kai. When one of Naar<ch.apos/>s agents was captured by a Kai patrol within a few miles of the monastery, Lone Wolf felt he could wait no longer. He resolved to act immediately. Preparations were made for a long journey and, especially among the lower ranks of the Kai, rumours were rife that your leader would personally take responsibility for returning the Moonstone to the Shianti. Indeed, this speculation seemed to be confirmed as fact when it was discovered that Lone Wolf had secured the use of Guildmaster Banedon<ch.apos/>s famous flying ship<ch.emdash/><cite>Cloud Dancer</cite>.</p>
-During your adventure you may be given the chance to evade combat. If you have already engaged in a round of combat and decide to evade, calculate the combat for that round in the usual manner. All points lost by the enemy as a result of that round are ignored, and you make your escape. Only you may lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points during that round (such is the risk of turning tail and running away during combat!). You may only evade if the text of the particular section allows you to do so.
+ <p>It therefore came as a shock when, early one morning, you were summoned unexpectedly to the Vault of the Sun. In strictest confidence, Supreme Lone Wolf informed you that he had decided to entrust you with the task of returning the Moonstone. His elaborate preparations were simply a diversion, a bluff designed to draw attention away from the vital mission that he wished you<ch.emdash/>the most-talented and courageous of his five Kai Grand Masters<ch.emdash/>to undertake. It was with great pride and apprehension that you accepted the quest.</p>
-LEVELS OF NEW ORDER KAI GRAND MASTERSHIP
+ <p>Lone Wolf gave you the precious Moonstone in a seemingly ordinary satchel, yet the lining of this plain leather bag was woven from Korlinium, a special mineral that would hide the Moonstone<ch.apos/>s powerful energies from the agents of Naar. In the guise of a Kai journeyman, you set sail from the Sommlending capital of Holmgard aboard a sailing ship that was to carry you south on the first leg of your journey, a voyage of 2,000 miles to Elzian, the capital of Dessi. This legendary city is home to Lord Rimoah and the Elder Magi. They are the last surviving members of Magnamund<ch.apos/>s oldest race of magicians and they had promised Lone Wolf that they would help you reach your final destination. You had hoped and expected the voyage to be swift and uneventful; however fate and ill fortune decreed otherwise. Your voyage was fraught with danger, yet you overcame the many perils ranged against you and eventually arrived at the Dessi capital, to the relief of Lord Rimoah and his anxious brother magicians who had feared the worst.</p>
-The following table is a guide to the rank and titles you can achieve at each stage of your journey along the road of Kai Grand Mastership. As you successfully complete each adventure in the New Order series, you will gain an additional Grand Master Discipline and progress towards the pinnacle of Kai perfection--to become a Kai Supreme Master.
+ <p>For three days you were treated to the hospitality of the Elder Magi and the freedom of the wondrous city of Elzian. Then, on the morning of the forth day, having fully recovered from the rigours of your journey to Dessi, you set out upon the final stage of your quest<ch.emdash/>the voyage to the Isle of Lorn. Passage had been arranged for you aboard a Suhnese trading ship called <cite>The Azan</cite>. The ship<ch.apos/>s master, Captain Jenkshi, had been paid handsomely to carry you to his home port of Suhn and you had been promised a swift and comfortable voyage. However, this was not to be. In the Shadakine city-port of Ghol-Tabras you fell foul of Sesketera, the city<ch.apos/>s ruthless ruler, and you were forced to abandon <cite>The Azan</cite> during your daring escape from his murderous bodyguards. After a perilous journey south by way of land and sea, you finally reached the Port of Suhn. There you made contact with Lord Zinair, the Dessian ambassador. He provided you with a small sailboat for your passage to the Isle of Lorn. This tiny island home of the Shianti lies no more than 200 miles east of the busy Port of Suhn, across the Sea of Dreams, yet no sailor has ever set eyes upon it for the Shianti have encircled their refuge with a web of enchantments, magical mists and winds. Aided by the power of the Moonstone, you were able to navigate these mysterious waters and land upon the shores of Lorn.</p>
-No. of Grand Master Disciplines acquired Grand Master Rank
+ <p>The Shianti had sensed the approach of the Moonstone and were waiting to greet your arrival. In a formal ceremony in the sacred Temple of Amida you received the thanks and praise of Acarya, the leader of the Shianti exiles. Solemnly, he vowed to deliver the Moonstone into the hands of Goddess Ishir herself, thereby ensuring that never again would its power disrupt Magnamund<ch.apos/>s delicate balance of nature, nor be misused by the forces of Evil.</p>
-4) Kai Grand Master Senior (You begin the New Order adventures at this level of Kai Grand Mastery)
-5) Kai Grand Master Superior
-6) Kai Grand Sentinel
-7) Kai Grand Defender
-8) Kai Grand Guardian
-9) Sun Knight
-10) Sun Lord
-11) Sun Thane
-12) Grand Thane
-13) Grand Crown
-14) Sun Prince
-15) Kai Supreme Master
+ <p>After the ceremony, the Shianti revealed to you some of the magical wonders of their island that have never before been seen by Man. You marvelled at flowing rivers of jewels, fabulous flora and species of exotic fauna. After your tour of this paradise isle you were allowed to rest before being escorted to your sailboat to begin your journey back to the Port of Suhn.</p>
-IMPROVED GRAND MASTER DISCIPLINES
+ <p>Your return voyage across the Sea of Dreams was swift and eerily smooth. You sensed that your direction and speed were being controlled by the Shianti, for within minutes of casting off from the shores of Lorn, the bustling harbour entrance to the Port of Suhn suddenly appeared from out of the swirling sea mist. A stiff breeze caught your sail and propelled you towards the quayside where Lord Zinair was waiting to greet your valiant return.</p>
-As you rise through the higher levels of Kai Grand Mastery you will find that your Disciplines will steadily improve. If you are a New Order Kai who has attained the rank of Kai Grand Master Superior, you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:
+ <p>Your journey from Suhn to the Isle of Lorn and back again seemed to have lasted no more than a few days. Yet, to your surprise, you discovered that two whole months had elapsed since the day you first sailed upon the Sea of Dreams. Lord Zinair praised you for the success of your quest. He also informed you that during the time you spent on Lorn a new and sinister threat to the fragile peace of Magnamund had arisen. The precise nature of this threat was revealed when you returned with Lord Zinair to his consulate.</p>
-Weaponmastery
+ <p>In a secret chamber of the Dessi consulate, you were able to communicate the success of your mission to Supreme Master Lone Wolf by means of a magical seeing stone. Warmly he praised the skill and courage you had displayed, and he commended you for upholding the highest traditions of the Kai. He told you that he and the New Order were justly proud of your accomplishment and they welcomed the day when you would return to the monastery. Lone Wolf also had some grave news to impart, news that would delay a swift return home.</p>
-Kai Grand Master Sentinels who possess this Discipline are, when physically parted from their Kai Weapon, able to detect its location. This power of detection will pass through solid objects, with the notable exception of lead. Accuracy and range of detection steadily increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.
+ <p><quote>King Oridon of Siyen has been assassinated,</quote> he said, sadly. <quote>His only son, Prince Karvas, is the sole heir to the throne of Siyen, but he has lived in exile on the Isle of Sheasu for the past decade. The kingdom of Siyen is one of our oldest allies. Lord Xavial, the Siyenese High Chancellor, has journeyed here to the monastery to warn that, in the Prince<ch.apos/>s absence, the throne is to be claimed by Baron Sadanzo. The Baron is an evil man and he possesses a sorcerous power that has turned the minds of the Siyenese Court. He has won the favour of those who, until the King<ch.apos/>s murder, openly denounced him as a heartless warmonger. Lord Xavial fears that the baron draws his newfound power from the Dark God himself, for never before has Sadanzo possessed such sinister influence. If Sadanzo becomes King, the consequence of his rule will be disastrous for us all. Siyen is one of the richest and most powerful realms in all the southern reaches of Magnamund. If it should fall into the hands of Naar, then war and widespread destruction will surely follow. This is grim news, but all is not yet lost<ch.ellips/> not if we act swiftly. The constitution of Siyen decrees that Prince Karvas has, upon the death of his father, 60 days in which to lay claim to his rightful heritage. If he should fail to return in time then Sadanzo will be elected as the new ruler. I have vowed to Lord Xavial that the Kai will not stand idly by and let Siyen become enslaved by an agent of Naar. But time is against us<ch.emdash/>we must act immediately if we are to thwart Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s scheme. Ten days have already passed since King Oridon was murdered. Now only 50 days remain before Harvestmas Day<ch.emdash/>the day of royal ascendance.</quote></p>
-Grand Pathsmanship
+ <p>You asked Lone Wolf how you could assist in keeping his pledge to Lord Xavial. His reply sent a shiver tingling down your spine.</p>
-Kai Grand Master Sentinels who possess this skill are able to predict the weather accurately for the forthcoming three hours. The range of this ability is an area fifteen square kilometres around the Grand Master Sentinel. Duration and range steadily increase as a Kai Grand Master rises in rank.
+ <p><quote>Prince Karvas must be found. He must also be persuaded to return to Seroa, his homeland capital, to claim his throne before time runs out. You, Grand Master, are closer to the Isle of Sheasu than any other Kai. I must command you to go there and seek him out. Lord Zinair has already made provision for your journey by ship. He will accompany you and assist your mission. The Magician<ch.apos/>s Guild of Toran have also pledged their help. The Guildmaster has despatched one of his brotherhood<ch.emdash/>Wizard Acraban<ch.emdash/>to Sheasu. He travels by skyship and should arrive there in twenty days<ch.apos/> time. You are to rendezvous with Wizard Acraban at the city of Mydnight<ch.emdash/>the island<ch.apos/>s only port. Acraban will help you find the prince and transport him aboard his flying craft directly to Seroa.</quote></p>
-Astrology
-Kai Grand Master Sentinels who possess this Discipline are able to detect psychic residues left on an object by its owner. The more valuable the object is to its owner, the stronger will be the lingering psychic attachment. The majority of everyday or shared objects do not retain such residues.
+ <p>With mixed feelings of pride and trepidation, you accepted the mission and vowed to Lone Wolf that you would do everything in your power to ensure its success. Your resolute promise met with his approval.</p>
-Herbmastery
-Through their knowledge and use of common plants, Kai Grand Master Sentinels who have this Discipline are able to make contaminated or rotten food fit for human consumption.
+ <p><quote>I have faith in you, Grand Master,</quote> he replied. <quote>The quest you are to undertake upholds the noblest traditions of the Kai. I am confident you will prevail. May Kai and Ishir guide you swiftly to victory over Sadanzo<ch.emdash/>the agent of Naar.</quote></p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
-Elementalism
-Kai Grand Master Sentinels who possess this skill are able to charge particles of air electrically around any man-sized or smaller object. The particles will automatically discharge and cause damage should the affected object be touched or opened. Kai Grand Master Sentinels are able to handle a charged object without discharging it.
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="gamerulz">
+ <meta>
+ <title>The Game Rules</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="tssf" />
+ <link class="next" idref="kainame" />
+ </meta>
-Bardsmanship
-Kai Grand Master Sentinels who possess this Discipline are able to use their singing or playing to counter a hostile sonic attack. The effective use and range of this sonic defence steadily increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.
+ <data>
+ <p>You keep a record of your adventure on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ <p>During the years you have spent in training at the Kai Monastery, you have devoted yourself to further developing your fighting prowess (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>) and physical stamina (<typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>). Before you begin this New Order adventure you need to measure how effective your training has been. To do this take a pencil and, with your eyes closed, point the blunt end of it onto the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you pick a 0 it counts as zero.</p>
+ <p>The first number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> in this way represents your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Add 25 to the number you picked and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (i.e., if your pencil fell on the number 7 in the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> you would write in a <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 32). When you fight, your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> will be pitted against that of your enemy. A high score in this section is therefore desirable.</p>
+ <p>The second number that you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> represents your powers of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>. Add 30 to this number and write the total in the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> (i.e., if your pencil fell on the number 8 on the Random lumber Table you would have 38 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
+ <p>If you are wounded in combat you will lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. If at any time your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points fall to zero or below, you are dead and the adventure is over. Lost <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points can be regained during the course of the adventure, but your number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points cannot rise above the number you have when you start an adventure.</p>
+ <p>If you have successfully completed either of the previous adventures in the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> New Order series (Books 21<ch.endash/>22), you can carry your current scores of <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points over to this adventure. You may also carry over any Special Items, Kai Weapon, normal weapons, and Backpack Items you had in your possession at the end of your last adventure, and these should be entered on your new <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ <p><strong>Playing Tip</strong>: You may use a 10-sided die instead of the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> if you find it more convenient.</p>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="kainame">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Your Kai Name</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="gamerulz" />
+ <link class="next" idref="discplnz" />
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>It has long been the tradition of your <ch.eacute/>lite warrior caste to bestow a new name upon each young novice when they complete their first year<ch.apos/>s training at the Kai Monastery. Kai names are chosen by senior Kai Masters with the aim of reflecting the individual strengths and qualities of each novice.</p>
+ <p>You may create your own Kai name for yourself, or you can generate a Kai name at random using the name tables below. To generate a Kai name, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and consult Table A. The name which corresponds to the number you have picked is the first part, or prefix, of your Kai name. Now pick a second number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and consult Table B. The name which corresponds to the number you have picked is the second part, or suffix, of your Kai name. Put the prefix and the suffix together and you have your own personal Kai name.</p>
+
+ <table>
+ <td colspan="2">Table A</td>
+ <tr>
+ <th>(Kai name prefix)</th>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>0 =</td>
+ <td>Swift</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>1 =</td>
+ <td>Sun</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>2 =</td>
+ <td>True</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>3 =</td>
+ <td>Bold</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>4 =</td>
+ <td>Moon</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>5 =</td>
+ <td>Sword</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>6 =</td>
+ <td>Wise</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>7 =</td>
+ <td>Storm</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>8 =</td>
+ <td>Rune</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>9 =</td>
+ <td>Brave</td>
+ </tr>
+ </table>
+
+ <table>
+ <td colspan="2">Table B</td>
+ <tr>
+ <th>(Kai name suffix)</th>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>0 =</td>
+ <td>Blade</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>1 =</td>
+ <td>Fire</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>2 =</td>
+ <td>Hawk</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>3 =</td>
+ <td>Heart</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>4 =</td>
+ <td>Friend</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>5 =</td>
+ <td>Star</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>6 =</td>
+ <td>Dancer</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>7 =</td>
+ <td>Helm</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>8 =</td>
+ <td>Strider</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>9 =</td>
+ <td>Shield</td>
+ </tr>
+ </table>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="discplnz">
+ <meta>
+ <title>New Order Kai Grand Master Disciplines</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="kainame" />
+ <link class="next" idref="equipmnt" />
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="mksumary">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Kai and Magnakai Disciplines</title>
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>During your distinguished rise to the ranks of the New Order of Kai Grand Masters, you have become proficient in all of the basic Kai and Magnakai Disciplines. These Disciplines provide you with a formidable arsenal of natural abilities which will serve you well. A brief summary of your skills is given below:</p>
+
+ <dl>
+ <dt>Weaponmastery</dt>
+ <dd>You are proficient with all close combat and missile weapons. You are a master of unarmed combat and suffer no <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> loss when fighting bare-handed.</dd>
+ <dt>Animal Control</dt>
+ <dd>You are able to communicate with most animals and have limited control over hostile creatures. You can use woodland animals as guides and you are able to block a non-sentient creature<ch.apos/>s sense of taste and smell.</dd>
+ <dt>Curing</dt>
+ <dd>You are able to restore <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost as a direct result of combat. You may restore 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point for every numbered section of the book you pass through in which you are not involved in further combat. The maximum number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points that can be restored in this way is limited to 10 per adventure.</dd>
+ <dd>You also possess the ability to heal the wounds of others, and you can neutralize the harmful effects of most poisons, venoms, and toxins.</dd>
+ <dt>Invisibility</dt>
+ <dd>You can hide effectively in most environments, mask any sounds made during movement, and you can cause minor alterations of your own physical appearance. Also you are able to mask your own body heat and scent.</dd>
+ <dt>Huntmastery</dt>
+ <dd>You are an expert hunter of food in the wild. You possess great physical agility and a keen sense of vision (day and night). Your senses of hearing and smell are especially acute.</dd>
+ <dt>Pathsmanship</dt>
+ <dd>You are able to understand most languages, magical symbols, and hieroglyphics. You are expert at reading footprints and tracks. You have an intuitive knowledge of the compass points and can detect the threat of an enemy ambush up to a distance of 500 yards. You possess an ability to cross terrain without leaving tracks. You can converse with sentient creatures and mask yourself from psychic spells of detection.</dd>
+ <dt>Psi-surge</dt>
+ <dd>You are able to attack enemies using the powers of your mind. Also you can set up disruptive vibrations in inanimate objects and cause confusion in the minds of unsophisticated enemies.</dd>
+ <dt>Psi-screen</dt>
+ <dd>You possess strong mental defences against hypnosis, supernatural illusions, charms, hostile telepathy, and evil spirits. You are able to divert and re-channel some hostile psychic energy to your own ends.</dd>
+ <dt>Nexus</dt>
+ <dd>You can move small items by projection of your mind power. You can withstand extremes of temperature and are able to extinguish fire by force of your will alone. You have a limited immunity to flames, toxic gases, and corrosive liquids.</dd>
+ <dt>Divination</dt>
+ <dd>Your famous Kai sixth sense can warn you of imminent danger. You can detect invisible or hidden enemies, and you are able to communicate telepathically. You can recognize magic-using and/or magical creatures, detect psychic residues, and you have a limited ability to leave your corporeal body (<quote>spirit-walk</quote>) for short periods.</dd>
+ </dl>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="mksumary">
+ <meta>
+ <title>New Order Kai Grand Master Disciplines</title>
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>After years of martial training and study at the Kai Monastery, and by the rigorous practice of the teachings of your illustrious mentor<ch.emdash/>Kai Supreme Master Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>you have achieved the noble rank of Kai Grand Master Senior.</p>
+
+ <p>Following in the footsteps of Lone Wolf himself, you have vowed that one day you will become totally proficient in all 16 of the New Order Kai Grand Master Disciplines. By doing so successfully you will share with Lone Wolf the responsibility, the honour, and the future glory of leading the New Order Kai as a Supreme Master.</p>
+
+ <p>If this is the first New Order adventure you have undertaken then your present rank is that of Kai Grand Master Senior. This means that you have mastered <em>four</em> of the New Order Grand Master Disciplines listed below. It is for you to decide which four Disciplines these are. As all of the New Order Grand Master Disciplines will be of use to you at some point during your mission, pick these four skills with care. The correct use of a New Order Grand Master Discipline at the right time could save your life. When you have chosen your four Disciplines, enter them in the Grand Master Disciplines section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="wpnmstry">
+ <meta><title>Grand Weaponmastery</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to become supremely efficient in the use of all weapons. When you enter combat armed with one of your Grand Master weapons, you may add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. The rank of Kai Grand Master Senior, with which you begin the New Order series, means that you are skilled in the use of <em>one</em> of the weapons listed in the <a idref="equipmnt">EQUIPMENT section</a>. For every adventure that you complete successfully in the New Order series, you will gain proficiency with one additional weapon.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="anmlmstr">
+ <meta><title>Animal Mastery</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>New Order Grand Masters have considerable control over hostile, non-sentient creatures. Also, they have the ability to converse with birds and fishes, and use them as guides.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="deliver">
+ <meta><title>Deliverance <em>(Advanced Curing)</em></title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to use their healing power to repair serious battle wounds. If, while in combat, their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is reduced to 8 points or less, they can draw upon their mastery to restore 20 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. This emergency ability can only be used once every 20 days.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="assimila">
+ <meta><title>Assimilance <em>(Advanced Invisibility)</em></title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to effect striking changes to their physical appearance, and maintain these changes over a period of 1 to 3 days. They have also mastered advanced camouflage techniques which make them virtually undetectable in an open landscape.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="hntmstry">
+ <meta><title>Grand Huntmastery</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to see in total darkness and they possess great natural speed and agility. They also have a superb sense of touch and taste.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="pthmnshp">
+ <meta><title>Grand Pathsmanship</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to resist entrapment by hostile plants. Also they have a super-awareness of ambush, or the threat of ambush, in woods and dense forests.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="kaisurge">
+ <meta><title>Kai-surge</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>When using their psychic ability to attack an enemy, New Order Grand Masters may add 8 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. For every round in which Kai-surge is used, they need only deduct 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. Grand Masters have the option of using a weaker form of psychic attack called Mindblast. When using this lesser attack, they may add 4 points to their <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> without loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (Kai-surge and Mindblast cannot be used simultaneously). New Order Grand Masters cannot use Kai-surge if their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 6 points or below.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiscrn">
+ <meta><title>Kai-screen</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>During psychic combat, New Order Grand Masters are able to construct mind-fortresses capable of protecting themselves and others. The strength and capacity of these fortresses increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="nexus">
+ <meta><title>Grand Nexus</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>New Order Grand Masters are able to withstand contact with harmful elements, such as flames and acids, for upwards of an hour in duration. This ability increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="gnosis">
+ <meta><title>Telegnosis <em>(Advanced Divination)</em></title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to spirit-walk for far greater lengths of time, and with far fewer ill effects. Duration of the spirit-walk, and the protection afforded to his inanimate body, increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="magi">
+ <meta><title>Magi-magic <em>(Old Kingdom Magic)</em></title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>Under the tutelage of Lone Wolf, you have been able to master the rudimentary skills of Old Kingdom battle-magic. These arcane skills include the use of basic Old Kingdom Spells, such as <spell>Shield</spell>, <spell>Power Word</spell>, and <spell>Invisible Fist</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Old Kingdom magic increase.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="alchemy">
+ <meta><title>Kai-alchemy <em>(Brotherhood Magic)</em></title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>Under the tutelage of Lone Wolf and Guildmaster Banedon (the leader of Sommerlund<ch.apos/>s guild of magicians), you have mastered the elementary spells of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. These spells include <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>, <spell>Levitation</spell>, and <spell>Mind Charm</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Brotherhood magic increase.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="astrolgy">
+ <meta><title>Astrology</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>The celestial bodies which occupy the skies above Magnamund have long been known to affect the lives of its inhabitants. Mastery of this Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to predict and shape the future by studying the relative positions of the Sun, the Moon, and the myriad planets and stars. The number and accuracy of these predictions increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="herbmst">
+ <meta><title>Herbmastery</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>Mastery of this New Order Discipline enables a Grand Master to identify readily any substance derived from living or growing organic material. He is aware of any secret uses to which an organic material may be put, and he is skilled in effecting the release of a substance<ch.apos/>s medicinal and/or magical properties.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="element">
+ <meta><title>Elementalism</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to manipulate the four basic elements: earth, air, fire, and water. By drawing upon individual elements that are available, or combinations thereof, he is able to detach, affix, increase, concentrate, intensify, remove, or accelerate this matter to fulfil a specific purpose, e.g., create a wall, hurl a rock, spray sand, remove air, intensify fire. The versatility of this Discipline increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="bardsman">
+ <meta><title>Bardsmanship</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>Through mastery of this Discipline a Kai Grand Master of the New Order becomes a multi-talented performer, proficient in the use of any musical instrument. He is able to sing or chant, recite or compose tales of legend, mimic speech or dialect, and stimulate a wide range of emotions among sentient creatures. The effect and power of his bardic abilities will steadily increase as he advances through the Grand Master ranks.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <p>If you successfully complete the mission as set in Book 23 of the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> (New Order) series, you may add a further Grand Master Discipline of your choice to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> in Book 27. For every Grand Master Discipline you possess, in excess of the original four Disciplines you begin with, you may add 1 point to your basic <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> score and 2 points to your basic <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points score. These bonus points, together with your extra Grand Master Discipline(s), your original four Grand Master Disciplines, your Kai Weapon, and any other Special Items that you have found and been able to keep during your adventures, may then be carried over and used in the next New Order adventure, which is called: <bookref book="24rw"><cite>Rune War</cite>.</bookref></p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="equipmnt">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Equipment</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="discplnz"/>
+ <link class="next" idref="cmbtrulz"/>
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Before you leave the Port of Suhn and begin your long voyage to the Isle of Sheasu, you take with you a <a idref="map">map</a> of central Southern Magnamund and a pouch of gold. To find out how much gold is in the pouch, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and add 20 to the number you have picked. The total equals the number of Gold Crowns inside the pouch, and you should now enter this number in the <quote>Gold Crowns</quote> section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ <p>If you have successfully completed the previous New Order adventure (Book 21), you may add this sum to the total sum of Crowns you already possess. Fifty is the maximum number of Gold Crowns you can carry in your pouch at any time. You may also select five items from the list below, only two of which may be Weapons.</p>
+ <ul class="paragraphed">
+
+ <li><p>Quarterstaff (Weapons)</p>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="quarters.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="quarters.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ </illustration>
+ </li>
+ <li><p>Bow (Weapons)</p>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="bow.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="bow.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ </illustration>
+ </li>
+ <li><p>Quiver (Special Items) This contains six Arrows; record them on your <a idref="action">Weapons List</a>.</p>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="quiver.gif" width="386" height="127"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="quiver.pdf" width="386" height="127"/>
+ </illustration>
+ </li>
+ <li><p>Flute (Backpack Item)</p>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="quiver.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="quiver.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ </illustration>
+ </li>
+ <li><p>Dagger (Weapons)</p>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="dagger.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="dagger.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ </illustration>
+ </li>
+ <li><p>Sword (Weapons)</p>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="sword.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="sword.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ </illustration>
+ </li>
+ <li><p>2 Meals (Meals) Each Meal takes up one space in your Backpack.</p>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="meal.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="meal.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ </illustration>
+ </li>
+ <li><p>Rope (Backpack Item)</p>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="rope.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="rope.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ </illustration>
+ </li>
+ <li><p>Potion of Laumspur (Backpack Item) This potion restores 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to your total when swallowed after combat. There is enough for only one dose.</p>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="axe.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="axe.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ </illustration>
+ </li>
+ <li><p>Axe (Weapons)</p>
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="html" src="axe.gif" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="axe.pdf" width="386" height="xxx"/>
+ </illustration>
+ </li>
+ </ul>
-The nature of additional improvements and how they affect your existing Grand Master Disciplines will be noted in the 'Improved Grand Master Disciplines' section of future Lone Wolf New Order books.
+ <p>List the five items that you have chosen on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, under the appropriate headings, and make a note of any effect that they may have on your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points and/or <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiweapn">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Kai Weapons</title>
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>Upon reaching the ultimate rank of Kai Supreme Master, Lone Wolf received as a reward from the God Kai many new skills and abilities. One of these skills was Kai Weaponcraft. Using his newfound mastery, Lone Wolf forged ten weapons of magical power in the armoury furnaces of the Kai Monastery. These magical weapons are reserved for the <ch.eacute/>lite of the New Order Kai who attain the rank of Grand Master.</p>
+
+ <p>In recognition of your rank and achievement, you may choose your own Kai Weapon from the table below or, if you prefer, you can generate one at random. To generate a Kai Weapon, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> and consult the first column. The magical axe, sword, or broadsword which corresponds to the number you have picked will be your own personal Kai Weapon. Record this magical weapon and its unique properties in the Kai Weapon section of the <a idref="action">Special Items List</a>.</p>
+
+ <p><strong>Example</strong></p>
+ <p>Say you choose the number 8 from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, your Kai Weapon will be the broadsword <quote>Illuminatus</quote>.</p>
+
+ <p>When using this Kai Weapon in normal combat you may add +5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. Each Kai Weapon has a unique property. When you use your Kai Weapon in combat against the type of enemy that matches its unique property, or use it at the optimum time or location, then you may add the higher bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
+
+ <p><strong>Example</strong></p>
+ <p>If you were to use <quote>Illuminatus</quote> in combat against an enemy in an underground cavern, cave, or tunnel, you could add the higher bonus of 7 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you were to fight this enemy in any other location, the bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> would remain at 5.</p>
+
+ <table>
+ <td colspan="6">Kai Weapon Table</td>
+ <tr>
+ <th>RN</th>
+ <th>Weapon type</th>
+ <th>Weapon Name</th>
+ <th><typ class="attribute">CS</typ></th>
+ <th>Unique Properties</th>
+ <th><typ class="attribute">CS</typ></th>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>Axe</td>
+ <td><quote>Spawnsmite</quote></td>
+ <td>+5</td>
+ <td>versus reptilian enemies</td>
+ <td>+6</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>Axe</td>
+ <td><quote>Alema</quote></td>
+ <td>+5</td>
+ <td>versus undead enemies</td>
+ <td>+7</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>Axe</td>
+ <td><quote>Magnara</quote></td>
+ <td>+5</td>
+ <td>versus rock or stone</td>
+ <td>+8</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>3</td>
+ <td>Sword</td>
+ <td><quote>Sunstrike</quote></td>
+ <td>+5</td>
+ <td>when used in daylight</td>
+ <td>+6</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>Sword</td>
+ <td><quote>Kaistar</quote></td>
+ <td>+5</td>
+ <td>when used at night</td>
+ <td>+7</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>Sword</td>
+ <td><quote>Valiance</quote></td>
+ <td>+5</td>
+ <td>when used versus magicians</td>
+ <td>+8</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>Sword</td>
+ <td><quote>Ulnarias</quote></td>
+ <td>+5</td>
+ <td>when used underwater</td>
+ <td>+9</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>Broadsword</td>
+ <td><quote>Raumas</quote></td>
+ <td>+5</td>
+ <td>versus winged enemies</td>
+ <td>+6</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>Broadsword</td>
+ <td><quote>Illuminatus</quote></td>
+ <td>+5</td>
+ <td>when used underground</td>
+ <td>+7</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>9</td>
+ <td>Broadsword</td>
+ <td><quote>Firefall</quote></td>
+ <td>+5</td>
+ <td>versus fire-emitting enemies</td>
+ <td>+8</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td colspan="3">RN = Random Number</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td colspan="3"><typ class="attribute">CS</typ> = <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ></td>
+ </tr>
+ </table>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="howuse">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Equipment<ch.emdash/>How to use it</title>
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <dl class="paragraphed">
+ <dt>Weapons</dt>
+ <dd><p>The maximum number of weapons that you can carry is <em>two</em>. Weapons aid you in combat. If you have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery and a correct weapon, it adds 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. If you find a weapon during your adventure, you may pick it up and use it.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Bows and Arrows</dt>
+ <dd>
+ <p>During your adventure there will be opportunities to use a Bow and Arrow. If you equip yourself with this weapon, and you possess at least one Arrow, you may use it when the text of a particular section allows you to do so. The Bow is a useful weapon, for it enables you to hit an enemy at a distance. However, a Bow cannot be used in hand-to-hand combat; therefore it is best to equip yourself also with a close combat weapon, such as a sword or axe.</p>
+ <p>In order to use a Bow you must possess a Quiver and at least one Arrow. Each time the Bow is used, erase an Arrow from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. A Bow cannot, of course, be used if you exhaust your supply of Arrows, but the opportunity may arise during your adventure for you to replenish your stock of Arrows.</p>
+ <p>If you have the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery with a Bow, you may add 3 points to any number you pick from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>, when using the Bow.</p>
+ </dd>
+ <dt>Backpack Items</dt>
+ <dd>
+ <p>These must be stored in your Backpack. Because space is limited, you may keep a maximum of ten articles, including Meals, in your Backpack at any one time. You may only carry one Backpack at a time. During your travels you will discover various useful items which you may decide to keep. You may exchange or discard them at any point when you are not involved in combat.</p>
+ <p>Any item that may be of use, and which can be picked up on your adventure and entered on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, is given either initial capitals (e.g., Silver Mirror, Gold Key), or is clearly identified as a Backpack Item. Unless you are told that it is a Special Item, carry it in your Backpack.</p>
+ </dd>
+ <dt>Special Items</dt>
+ <dd>
+ <p>Special Items are not carried in the Backpack. When you discover a Special Item, you will be told how or where to carry it. The maximum number of Special Items that can be carried on any adventure is 12.</p>
+ </dd>
+ <dt>Kai Weapon</dt>
+ <dd><p>Your Kai Weapon is a Special Item and it can be carried and used in addition to two normal weapons. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery for a weapon type which is the same as your unique Kai Weapon, you may add the Grand Weaponmastery bonus of +5 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. This is in addition to the bonus gained when you use your Kai Weapon in combat.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Food</dt>
+ <dd><p>Food is carried in your Backpack. Each Meal counts as one item. You will need to eat regularly during your adventure. If you do not have any food when you are instructed to eat a Meal, you will lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. However, if you have chosen Grand Huntmastery as one of your four Disciplines then you will not need to tick off a Meal when instructed to eat.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Potion of Laumspur</dt>
+ <dd><p>This is a healing potion that can restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to your total when swallowed after combat. There is enough for one dose only. If you discover any other potion during the adventure, you will be informed of its effect. All potions are Backpack Items.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Gold Crowns</dt>
+ <dd>
+ <p><!--Add explanation here. The currency of Siyen is the Lune.--></p>
+ </dd>
+ </dl>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="cmbtrulz">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Rules for Combat</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="equipmnt" />
+ <link class="next" idref="levels" />
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>There will be occasions during your adventure when you will have to fight an enemy. The enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points are given in the text. Your aim in the combat is to kill the enemy by reducing his <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to zero while losing as few <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points as possible yourself.</p>
+ <p>At the start of a combat, enter your own and the enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points in the appropriate boxes on the Combat Record section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ <p>The sequence for combat is as follows:</p>
+ <ol class="paragraphed">
+ <li><p>Add any extra points gained through your Grand Master Disciplines and Special Items to your current <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> total.</p></li>
+ <li>
+ <p>Subtract the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of your enemy from this total. The result is your Combat Ratio. Enter it on the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
+ <p>Example</p>
+ <p>You, Grand Master (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 32), are attacked in a forest by a pack of Wild Dogs (<typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> 31). You are taken by surprise and are not given the opportunity of evading their attack. You possess the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-surge to which the Wild Dogs are not immune, so you add 8 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. You also possess the Kai Weapon <quote>Ulnarias</quote>, so you add an additional 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. This gives you a total <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of 45.</p>
+ <p>You now subtract the Wild Dogs<ch.apos/> <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> from your own, giving a Combat Ratio of +14 (45<ch.minus/>31=+14). +14 is noted on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as the Combat Ratio.</p>
+ </li>
+ <li><p><a id="stage3">When you have your Combat Ratio</a>, pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p></li>
+ <li>
+ <p>Turn to the <a idref="crtable">Combat Results Table</a>. Along the top of the chart are shown the Combat Ratio numbers. Find the number that is the same as your Combat Ratio and cross-reference it with the random number that you have picked (the random numbers appear on the side of the chart). You now have the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points lost by both yourself and your enemy in this round of combat. (E represents points lost by the enemy; GM represents points lost by yourself<ch.emdash/>Grand Master.)</p>
+ <p>Example</p>
+ <p>The Combat Ratio between you and the Wild Dogs has been established as +14. If the number picked from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> is 1, then the result of the first round of combat is:</p>
+ <ul>
+ <li>You (GM) lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points (plus an additional 1 point for using Kai-surge. This loss is in addition to the loss suffered as a result of combat).</li>
+ <li>Wild Dogs lose 9 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
+ </ul>
+ </li>
+ <li><p>On the <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, mark the changes in <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to the participants in the combat.</p></li>
+ <li><p>Unless otherwise instructed, or unless you have an option to evade, the next round of combat now starts.</p></li>
+ <li><p>Repeat the sequence from <a idref="stage3">Stage 3.</a></p></li>
+ </ol>
+
+ <p>This process of combat continues until the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points of either your enemy or yourself are reduced to zero or below, at which point that combatant is declared dead. If you are declared dead, the adventure is over. If the enemy is dead, you can proceed but with your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points possibly reduced.</p>
+ <p>A <a idref="crsumary">summary of Combat Rules</a> appears in the back of this book.</p>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="evasion">
+ <meta><title>Evasion of Combat</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>During your adventure you may be given the chance to evade combat. If you have already engaged in a round of combat and decide to evade, calculate the combat for that round in the usual manner. All points lost by the enemy as a result of that round are ignored, and you make your escape. Only <strong>you</strong> may lose <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points during that round (such is the risk of turning tail and running away during combat!). You may only evade if the text of the particular section allows you to do so.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="levels">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Levels of New Order Kai Grand Mastership</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="cmbtrulz" />
+ <link class="next" idref="imprvdsc" />
+ </meta>
+ <data>
+
+ <p>The following table is a guide to the rank and titles you can achieve at each stage of your journey along the road of Kai Grand Mastership. As you successfully complete each adventure in the New Order series, you will gain an additional Grand Master Discipline and progress towards the pinnacle of Kai perfection<ch.emdash/>to become a Kai Supreme Master.</p>
+
+ <ol>
+ <li>Kai Grand Master Senior<ch.emdash/><em>(You begin the New Order adventures at this level of Kai Grand Mastery)</em></li>
+<!--How do we start this numbered list at 4 instead of 1?-->
+ <li>Kai Grand Master Superior</li>
+ <li>Kai Grand Sentinel</li>
+ <li>Kai Grand Defender</li>
+ <li>Kai Grand Guardian</li>
+ <li>Sun Knight</li>
+ <li>Sun Lord</li>
+ <li>Sun Thane</li>
+ <li>Grand Thane</li>
+ <li>Grand Crown</li>
+ <li>Sun Prince</li>
+ <li>Kai Supreme Master</li>
+ </ol>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+
+ <section class="frontmatter-separate" id="imprvdsc">
+ <meta>
+ <title>Improved Grand Master Disciplines</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="levels" />
+ <link class="next" idref="kaiwisdm" />
+ </meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p><!--Add text from Book 22 here--></p>
+
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="sunknight">
+ <meta><title>Kai Grand Sentinel</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>As you rise through the higher levels of Kai Grand Mastery you will find that your Disciplines will steadily improve. If you are a New Order Kai who has attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel, you will now benefit from improvements to the following Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
+ <dl class="paragraphed">
+ <dt>Grand Weaponmastery</dt>
+ <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Sentinels who possess this Discipline are, when physically parted from their Kai Weapon, able to detect its location. This power of detection will pass through solid objects, with the notable exception of lead. Accuracy and range of detection steadily increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Grand Pathsmanship</dt>
+ <dd><p>Kai Grand Sentinels who possess this skill are able to predict the weather accurately for the forthcoming three hours. The range of this ability is an area fifteen square kilometres around the Kai Grand Sentinel. Duration and range steadily increase as a Kai Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Astrology</dt>
+ <dd><p>Kai Grand Sentinels who possess this Discipline are able to detect psychic residues left on an object by its owner. The more valuable the object is to its owner, the stronger will be the lingering psychic attachment. The majority of everyday or shared objects do not retain such residues.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Herbmastery</dt>
+ <dd><p>Through their knowledge and use of common plants, Kai Grand Sentinels who have this Discipline are able to make contaminated or rotten food fit for human consumption.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Grand Nexus</dt>
+ <dd><p>Sun Knights who possess mastery of this Discipline are able to feign death. By placing themselves into a state of suspended animation, outwardly they are able to achieve all semblance of being truly dead. However, whilst in this state, the only sense that a Sun Knight retains is the ability to hear.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Astrology</dt>
+ <dd><p>Sun Knights who have this Discipline are skilled in the art of chiromancy<ch.emdash/>the ability to tell fortunes from the skin creases and patterns found on the palms of hands.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Elementalism</dt>
+ <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Sentinels who possess this skill are able to charge particles of air electrically around any man-sized or smaller object. The particles will automatically discharge and cause damage should the affected object be touched or opened. Kai Grand Master Sentinels are able to handle a charged object without discharging it.</p></dd>
+ <dt>Bardsmanship</dt>
+ <dd><p>Kai Grand Master Sentinels who possess this Discipline are able to use their singing or playing to counter a hostile sonic attack. The effective use and range of this sonic defence steadily increases as a Grand Master rises in rank.</p></dd>
+ </dl>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <p>The nature of additional improvements and how they affect your existing Grand Master Disciplines will be noted in the Improved Grand Master Disciplines section of future <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> New Order books.</p>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+ </data>
+ </section>
-NEW ORDER WISDOM
-You are about to embark upon the final stage of a vital mission to return the fabled Moonstone of the Shianti to its creators.
+ <section class="frontmatter" id="kaiwisdm">
+ <meta>
+ <title>New Order Wisdom</title>
+ <link class="prev" idref="imprvdsc" />
+ <link class="next" idref="sect1" />
+ </meta>
-Some of the material items that you will encounter during your quest will be of use to you, while others may be red herrings of no real value at all. If you discover items, be selective in what you choose to keep.
+ <data>
+ <p>You are about to embark upon a vital mission to save the realm of Siyen from the clutches of the evil Baron Sadanzo and his robber knights. It is a noble quest and its success will bring great honour upon you and the Kai.</p>
-Pick your four Grand Master Disciplines with care, for a wise choice will enable any player to complete the quest, no matter how weak their initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> scores may be. Completion of previous Lone Wolf adventures (Books 1-21) may be advantageous, but it is not essential for the successful completion of this New Order adventure.
+ <p>Some of the material items that you will encounter during your quest will be of use to you, while others may be red herrings of no real value at all. If you discover items, be selective in what you choose to keep.</p>
-May the light of the gods Kai and Ishir guide you during your important quest.
+ <p>Pick your four Grand Master Disciplines with care, for a wise choice will enable any player to complete the quest, no matter how weak their initial <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> and <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> scores may be. Completion of previous <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> adventures (Books 1-22) may be advantageous, but it is not essential for the successful completion of this New Order adventure.</p>
-For Sommerlund and the Kai!
+ <p>May the light of the Gods Kai and Ishir guide you during your important quest.</p>
- -->
+ <p>For Sommerlund and the Kai!</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
<section class="numbered" id="numbered">
<meta><title>Numbered Sections</title></meta>
<meta><title>1</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>After a restless night spent contemplating the mission you have vowed to complete, you rise shortly before dawn and meet with Lord Zinair in the courtyard of the stables that adjoin the Dessi consulate. A horse-drawn carriage is waiting to take you both to the harbour where a sleek Suhnese clipper called The Azaktana is ready to set sail. This magnificent ship is one of the fastest vessels ever to have plied the southern seas, and Lord Zinair has commissioned it for your voyage to Sheasu. He and you will be the only passengers aboard.</p>
- <p>The Azaktana is stocked with sufficient fresh water and provisions to enable her to complete the voyage without unnecessary delays. The weather is Zinair's main concern for the southern seas are notorious for the occurrence of sudden storms and squalls. Yet, despite his fears, the weather proves to be uncommonly mild. Aided by a strong easterly trade wind, the long voyage across the Mythenian and Vaduz seas is completed in record time.</p>
- <p>Shortly after sunset on the twentieth day of your voyage, the twinkling harbour lights of Mydnight are sighted by the lookout. The Captain shouts an order and hurriedly his crew lower the sails to allow The Azaktana to glide silently into the harbour of Sheasu's solitary port. As the crewmen secure the ship to the quayside, the scudding clouds part and the decks are bathed by the ashen light of a full moon.</p>
- <p>'In thirty days' time the moon will be full once more,' says Lord Zinair, thoughtfully. 'It will then be the moon of Harvestmas. I pray that you and Prince Karvas shall be in Seroa to see that.'</p>
- <p>The parting clouds have also revealed a smaller globe of light in the night sky, above the port's eastern quarter. At first you assume it to be just a star, but when you magnify your vision you see it is the stern lantern of a flying ship which is hovering 30 metres above the rooftops.</p>
- <p>'See, there, my lord,' you say, and point to the orb of light. 'Ah, yes,' replies Zinair, smiling. 'It would appear that Wizard Acraban has arrived before us.'</p>
- <p>Lord Zinair's pronouncement is proved to be correct when a young man, attired in the blue and silver robes of a Brotherhood magician, comes striding along the quayside towards your ship. He has a neatly trimmed beard and long, flowing ginger hair, and his chiselled features are distinctly Sommlending.</p>
+ <p>After a restless night spent contemplating the mission you have vowed to complete, you rise shortly before dawn and meet with Lord Zinair in the courtyard of the stables that adjoin the Dessi consulate. A horse-drawn carriage is waiting to take you both to the harbour where a sleek Suhnese clipper called <cite>The Azaktana</cite> is ready to set sail. This magnificent ship is one of the fastest vessels ever to have plied the southern seas, and Lord Zinair has commissioned it for your voyage to Sheasu. He and you will be the only passengers aboard.</p>
+ <p><cite>The Azaktana</cite> is stocked with sufficient fresh water and provisions to enable her to complete the voyage without unnecessary delays. The weather is Zinair<ch.apos/>s main concern for the southern seas are notorious for the occurrence of sudden storms and squalls. Yet, despite his fears, the weather proves to be uncommonly mild. Aided by a strong easterly trade wind, the long voyage across the Mythenian and Vaduz seas is completed in record time.</p>
+ <p>Shortly after sunset on the twentieth day of your voyage, the twinkling harbour lights of Mydnight are sighted by the lookout. The Captain shouts an order and hurriedly his crew lower the sails to allow <cite>The Azaktana</cite> to glide silently into the harbour of Sheasu<ch.apos/>s solitary port. As the crewmen secure the ship to the quayside, the scudding clouds part and the decks are bathed by the ashen light of a full moon.</p>
+ <p><quote>In thirty days<ch.apos/> time the moon will be full once more,</quote> says Lord Zinair, thoughtfully. <quote>It will then be the moon of Harvestmas. I pray that you and Prince Karvas shall be in Seroa to see that.</quote></p>
+ <p>The parting clouds have also revealed a smaller globe of light in the night sky, above the port<ch.apos/>s eastern quarter. At first you assume it to be just a star, but when you magnify your vision you see it is the stern lantern of a flying ship which is hovering 30 metres above the rooftops.</p>
+ <p><quote>See, there, my lord,</quote> you say, and point to the orb of light. <quote>Ah, yes,</quote> replies Zinair, smiling. <quote>It would appear that Wizard Acraban has arrived before us.</quote></p>
+ <p>Lord Zinair<ch.apos/>s pronouncement is proved to be correct when a young man, attired in the blue and silver robes of a Brotherhood magician, comes striding along the quayside towards your ship. He has a neatly trimmed beard and long, flowing ginger hair, and his chiselled features are distinctly Sommlending.</p>
<choice idref="sect165">If you have ever visited the city of Caeno (in a previous Lone Wolf New Order Adventure) <link-text>turn to 165</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect299">If you have never visited the city of Caeno, <link-text>turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You return to the jetty and show your tickets to the ticket seller. He grunts his approval and waves you aboard the riverboat. The number of your berth is written on your ticket, and you discover that you are both sharing cabin number 12 which is located at the stern. You are pleased to discover that it is one of the better cabins aboard. It has a cupboard stocked with food and wine, a washing bowl and a jug of water, and twin bunk beds with mattresses and feather pillows.</p>
- <p>After a short while you hear the clang of the riverboat's bell. It is a signal that the boat is about to set off for Seroa in fifteen minutes' time and a last call for passengers who are still in Xaia. Through the porthole of your cabin you can see the jetty and a queue of people boarding the boat. Fortunately, you do not see any Cavalians among them.</p>
- <p>Once everyone is aboard, the gangplank is raised and the riverboat's waterwheel begins to turn. As the boat gets under way, you lock the cabin door and settle down to a good night's sleep.</p>
+ <p>After a short while you hear the clang of the riverboat<ch.apos/>s bell. It is a signal that the boat is about to set off for Seroa in fifteen minutes<ch.apos/> time and a last call for passengers who are still in Xaia. Through the porthole of your cabin you can see the jetty and a queue of people boarding the boat. Fortunately, you do not see any Cavalians among them.</p>
+ <p>Once everyone is aboard, the gangplank is raised and the riverboat<ch.apos/>s waterwheel begins to turn. As the boat gets under way, you lock the cabin door and settle down to a good night<ch.apos/>s sleep.</p>
<choice idref="sect46">To continue, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>3</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are shaken by the sudden impact of hitting the water, but you swiftly muster your senses and fight to stay astride your horse. Prince Karvas and his mount come crashing down nearby and, in a tangle of flailing limbs, you are all swept away by the river's irresistible current.</p>
+ <p>You are shaken by the sudden impact of hitting the water, but you swiftly muster your senses and fight to stay astride your horse. Prince Karvas and his mount come crashing down nearby and, in a tangle of flailing limbs, you are all swept away by the river<ch.apos/>s irresistible current.</p>
<p>You are sped along by the rushing water for more than five kilometres before you reach a stretch of shallows at a bend in the river. Here you are able to regain control of your frightened horses and coax them towards the bank. Bruised and bedraggled, you stagger out of the water and collapse on the muddy shore, gasping for breath.</p>
- <p>When you fully recover, you find that you have lost 1 Weapon and 1 Backpack Item during your ordeal in the river (Make the necessary adjustments to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>--you may choose which weapon and Backpack Item to erase.)</p>
+ <p>When you fully recover, you find that you have lost 1 Weapon and 1 Backpack Item during your ordeal in the river (Make the necessary adjustments to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a><ch.emdash/>you may choose which weapon and Backpack Item to erase.)</p>
<choice idref="sect80">To leave the river and return to the trail, <link-text>turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>7</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The searing flash of the lightning strike singes the skin on your face and hands (lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), and leaves you blinded for a few moments. When your vision returns, you muster all of your Kai senses and focus them on the narrow strip of land which separates the fissures. Bolts of searing energy leap out of these chasms and soar past the skyship on either side to explode with thunderous cacophony among the rolling clouds. The crew cower with terror, but you maintain your nerve and let your Kai skills take full control of the wheel. After several nerve-racking miles the fissures eventually taper off and then disappear completely. As the Starstrider emerges from the gauntlet of deadly white fire, the crew give a loud cheer in appreciation of your skilful helmsmanship. Gladly you acknowledge their praise, but you keep a grip on the helm for your Kai senses are screaming a warning that the danger is not yet over.</p>
- <p>You are five miles clear of the fissures when the steering becomes dangerously erratic. The Starstrider is losing altitude and her deck is beginning to tilt alarmingly to starboard. Soon it becomes almost impossible to stand upright. Acraban appears from below and struggles valiantly across the sloping deck to join you at the helm. The young sorcerer looks gaunt and exhausted, and his ginger hair is matted with grime and sweat. Clearly his efforts to repair the ailing skyship have severely drained his magical energies.</p>
- <p>'We have lost one stabilizer and the other is badly damaged,' he says, grimly, 'I have done all I can to repair it but I fear it will fail at any moment. Without stabilizers we cannot stay airborne.'</p>
- <p>Acraban takes the helm and orders his crew to prepare for a crash landing. Some of the young men tie themselves to the ship's mast, while others brace themselves against the rails and put their fate in the hands of the Goddess Ishir. Prince Karvas has found refuge in a rope locker which is bolted to the main deck. He lifts the lid and calls for you to join him. There is sufficient space for two inside.</p>
+ <p>The searing flash of the lightning strike singes the skin on your face and hands (lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), and leaves you blinded for a few moments. When your vision returns, you muster all of your Kai senses and focus them on the narrow strip of land which separates the fissures. Bolts of searing energy leap out of these chasms and soar past the skyship on either side to explode with thunderous cacophony among the rolling clouds. The crew cower with terror, but you maintain your nerve and let your Kai skills take full control of the wheel. After several nerve-racking miles the fissures eventually taper off and then disappear completely. As the <cite>Starstrider</cite> emerges from the gauntlet of deadly white fire, the crew give a loud cheer in appreciation of your skilful helmsmanship. Gladly you acknowledge their praise, but you keep a grip on the helm for your Kai senses are screaming a warning that the danger is not yet over.</p>
+ <p>You are five miles clear of the fissures when the steering becomes dangerously erratic. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> is losing altitude and her deck is beginning to tilt alarmingly to starboard. Soon it becomes almost impossible to stand upright. Acraban appears from below and struggles valiantly across the sloping deck to join you at the helm. The young sorcerer looks gaunt and exhausted, and his ginger hair is matted with grime and sweat. Clearly his efforts to repair the ailing skyship have severely drained his magical energies.</p>
+ <p><quote>We have lost one stabilizer and the other is badly damaged,</quote> he says, grimly, <quote>I have done all I can to repair it but I fear it will fail at any moment. Without stabilizers we cannot stay airborne.</quote></p>
+ <p>Acraban takes the helm and orders his crew to prepare for a crash landing. Some of the young men tie themselves to the ship<ch.apos/>s mast, while others brace themselves against the rails and put their fate in the hands of the Goddess Ishir. Prince Karvas has found refuge in a rope locker which is bolted to the main deck. He lifts the lid and calls for you to join him. There is sufficient space for two inside.</p>
<choice idref="sect79">If you wish to climb into the rope locker alongside Prince Karvas, <link-text>turn to 79</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect199">If you choose to stay with Acraban at the ship's helm, <link-text>turn to 199</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect199">If you choose to stay with Acraban at the ship<ch.apos/>s helm, <link-text>turn to 199</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The rock grazes your scalp (lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point) and you almost fall from the saddle, but you manage to keep a tight hold of the reins and pull yourself upright.</p>
- <p>The speed an surefootedness of your Bhanarian stallions carry you and Karvas swiftly out of harm's way. You soon reach the rubble-strewn gate of the fortress and dismount to lead your horses inside. Within its crumbling walls there stands a keep, a cylindrical structure of time-worn masonry. The upper parts have collapsed leaving huge chunks of broken stone heaped around its base. Where once stood a gate of gleaming bronze now only a blackened hole remains. It provides access to an inner hall and you enter to take shelter from the torrential rain.</p>
+ <p>The speed an surefootedness of your Bhanarian stallions carry you and Karvas swiftly out of harm<ch.apos/>s way. You soon reach the rubble-strewn gate of the fortress and dismount to lead your horses inside. Within its crumbling walls there stands a keep, a cylindrical structure of time-worn masonry. The upper parts have collapsed leaving huge chunks of broken stone heaped around its base. Where once stood a gate of gleaming bronze now only a blackened hole remains. It provides access to an inner hall and you enter to take shelter from the torrential rain.</p>
<p>Engravings in the ceiling and walls of this derelict hall tell you that this fortress was once occupied by the Elder Magi. Both you and Karvas are fascinated by the intricate carvings and you decide to split up and explore this hall further. In an alcove at the north side you discover a shrine dedicated to the God Kai. Clumps of wild laumspur are growing around its base and you discover enough here for 3 potions. (Each potion is a Backpack Item. It will restore 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points when swallowed after combat.)</p>
<p>You are examining the shrine more closely when suddenly you hear Karvas scream out in alarm.</p>
<choice idref="sect177"><link-text>Turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You call upon your Magnakai Discipline of Psi-screen to protect your mind from this psychic attack. The pain in you head lessens, yet your protection does not extend to Prince Karvas who is now on the verge of unconsciousness. You bring your horse around and ride to his aid. As you draw alongside, you pull him upright in the saddle and then, using you Kai curing skills, you are able to revive him to full consciousness (use of this skill costs you 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
- <p>The terrible sound of the hunter's horn ceases abruptly and you hear them galloping towards you. Their leader is a broad-shouldered man with a ginger beard and long wavy hair. His hair fans out from around the edges of a conical helm that is topped by a pair of polished antlers. He brings his horse to a halt before you and Prince Karvas and he regards your mounts with an appraising eye.</p>
- <p>'I see you ride Cavalian colts,' he says, and he points to the eagle brands that mark your horses' hindquarters. You nod in acknowledgement but you do not offer any explanation. The man narrows his blue eyes and strokes his beard thoughtfully.</p>
- <p>'You do not know who I am, do you?' You shake your head dumbly, hoping that he will take you for a simpleton and return to his deer hunting.</p>
- <p>'I am Halx--the Inquisitor-Major of Cavalia. Among my many duties is the regulation and taxation of horses, mules and oxen. You both ride Cavalian steeds, yet I do not recall seeing either of you in the city before. I trust your saddle taxes have been paid? Perhaps you would be kind enough to furnish your names and places of lodging so that, upon my return to Cavalia, I am able to confirm that this is so?'</p>
+ <p>The terrible sound of the hunter<ch.apos/>s horn ceases abruptly and you hear them galloping towards you. Their leader is a broad-shouldered man with a ginger beard and long wavy hair. His hair fans out from around the edges of a conical helm that is topped by a pair of polished antlers. He brings his horse to a halt before you and Prince Karvas and he regards your mounts with an appraising eye.</p>
+ <p><quote>I see you ride Cavalian colts,</quote> he says, and he points to the eagle brands that mark your horses<ch.apos/> hindquarters. You nod in acknowledgement but you do not offer any explanation. The man narrows his blue eyes and strokes his beard thoughtfully.</p>
+ <p><quote>You do not know who I am, do you?</quote> You shake your head dumbly, hoping that he will take you for a simpleton and return to his deer hunting.</p>
+ <p><quote>I am Halx<ch.emdash/>the Inquisitor-Major of Cavalia. Among my many duties is the regulation and taxation of horses, mules and oxen. You both ride Cavalian steeds, yet I do not recall seeing either of you in the city before. I trust your saddle taxes have been paid? Perhaps you would be kind enough to furnish your names and places of lodging so that, upon my return to Cavalia, I am able to confirm that this is so?</quote></p>
<p>You sense that your continued silence is beginning to irritate the Inquisitor-Major. His followers are also growing impatient.</p>
<choice idref="sect166">If you wish to say that you are special emmissaries on your way to Seroa to witness the crowning of Baron Sadanzo, <link-text>turn to 166</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect123">If you wish to say that you are new recruits to the Cavalian Citadel Guard, <link-text>turn to 123</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Karvas grabs your hand and pulls you to your feet. The drooling horror utters a chilling cackle and suddenly gathers speed. It has caught the enticing scent of horseflesh drifting on the chill night wind. You unsheathe your Kai weapon and hurriedly move forward to block its approach to the narrow gulley. You must now fight the creature.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Bavazanur (Winged agarashi--wounded)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <combat><enemy>Bavazanur (Winged agarashi<ch.emdash/>wounded)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">38</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">30</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This enemy is immune to Mindblast (but not Kai-surge). You may add 5 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight, for Prince Karvas is assisting you battle against this foul creature.</p>
<choice idref="sect129">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 129</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>11</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw upon your Grand Mastery of Elementalism to extinguish the deadly flames by removing the air in the immediate vicinity of the fire. As the flames rapidly recede, Prince Karvas rushes forward and smothers the smouldering remains with his journeyman's cloak.</p>
+ <p>You draw upon your Grand Mastery of Elementalism to extinguish the deadly flames by removing the air in the immediate vicinity of the fire. As the flames rapidly recede, Prince Karvas rushes forward and smothers the smouldering remains with his journeyman<ch.apos/>s cloak.</p>
<choice idref="sect121"><link-text>Turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>12</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You follow Karvas through the teeming streets of the capital towards Palace Square, the grand plaza where the crowning ceremony is set to take place in less than an hour. A wide avenue of marbled stone leads towards the square, and as you hurry along it, you marvel at the aristocratic mansions and embassies that march past on either side. The sound of a fanfare echoes in the distance and you increase your pace when Karvas tells you that it signifies the arrival of Baron Sadanzo. The approach to the square itself is blocked by the crowd, but the prince knows of another way by which you may reach it. You leave the avenue and he takes you along a narrow lane that winds through a maze of buildings in the Merchant's Quarter. This area has been closed for the Ascendance and Harvestmas ceremonies, but you are able to climb over the barricades that have been erected to prevent entry by the crowd, and you reach the square unchallenged.</p>
+ <p>You follow Karvas through the teeming streets of the capital towards Palace Square, the grand plaza where the crowning ceremony is set to take place in less than an hour. A wide avenue of marbled stone leads towards the square, and as you hurry along it, you marvel at the aristocratic mansions and embassies that march past on either side. The sound of a fanfare echoes in the distance and you increase your pace when Karvas tells you that it signifies the arrival of Baron Sadanzo. The approach to the square itself is blocked by the crowd, but the prince knows of another way by which you may reach it. You leave the avenue and he takes you along a narrow lane that winds through a maze of buildings in the Merchant<ch.apos/>s Quarter. This area has been closed for the Ascendance and Harvestmas ceremonies, but you are able to climb over the barricades that have been erected to prevent entry by the crowd, and you reach the square unchallenged.</p>
<p>On a raised platform in the centre of Palace Square, Baron Sadanzo is preparing to kneel before Phedros, the Marshal of the Realm, the highest ranking officer in the kingdom of Siyen. He is flanked by the High Chancellor, the High Chamberlain, the Mayor of Seroa, and other Siyenese noblemen. Under the constitution of Siyen, following the death of Oridon and the absence of Karvas, the Marshal of the Realm is empowered to bestow kingship upon him.</p>
- <p>Frantically, you and the prince struggle through the crowd that encircles the platform. Phedros is about to place the State Crown of Siyen upon Sadanzo's head when you leap onto the platform and bring the ceremony to an abrupt halt.</p>
- <p>'I am Karvas, Crown Prince of Siyen, and I demand my birthright!' shouts the prince to the assembled nobles. The crowd give a gasp of astonishment which is followed by a deathly hush.</p>
- <p>'You are an impostor,' screams Sadanzo. 'The real Prince Karvas is exiled in Sheasu. I demand this man be executed for his insolence!'</p>
- <p>Marshal Phedros approaches Karvas and takes hold of his right arm. He pulls back the sleeve of his tunic and examines the birthmark on his wrist. Phedros has known Karvas since he was a baby, and you sense that he is convinced that the mark is genuine. He raises the prince's arm so that the other Siyenese nobles gathered on the platform can see the crescent-shaped mark. Murmurs of dissent can be heard among the crowd, and whispers that Karvas has returned filter back to Sadanzo's ears. The evil Baron narrows his coal-black eyes and slips a glowing green gem from the pocket of his ermine robes. Your sixth sense warns you that this stone is radiating strong psychic energies. Through its use, Sadanzo is able to exert a powerful control over the noblemen of Siyen who are gathered here on the platform. If you are to break the Baron's mental hold over them, you must destroy the evil gem that is clenched in his bony fist.</p>
+ <p>Frantically, you and the prince struggle through the crowd that encircles the platform. Phedros is about to place the State Crown of Siyen upon Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s head when you leap onto the platform and bring the ceremony to an abrupt halt.</p>
+ <p><quote>I am Karvas, Crown Prince of Siyen, and I demand my birthright!</quote> shouts the prince to the assembled nobles. The crowd give a gasp of astonishment which is followed by a deathly hush.</p>
+ <p><quote>You are an impostor,</quote> screams Sadanzo. <quote>The real Prince Karvas is exiled in Sheasu. I demand this man be executed for his insolence!</quote></p>
+ <p>Marshal Phedros approaches Karvas and takes hold of his right arm. He pulls back the sleeve of his tunic and examines the birthmark on his wrist. Phedros has known Karvas since he was a baby, and you sense that he is convinced that the mark is genuine. He raises the prince<ch.apos/>s arm so that the other Siyenese nobles gathered on the platform can see the crescent-shaped mark. Murmurs of dissent can be heard among the crowd, and whispers that Karvas has returned filter back to Sadanzo<ch.apos/>s ears. The evil Baron narrows his coal-black eyes and slips a glowing green gem from the pocket of his ermine robes. Your sixth sense warns you that this stone is radiating strong psychic energies. Through its use, Sadanzo is able to exert a powerful control over the noblemen of Siyen who are gathered here on the platform. If you are to break the Baron<ch.apos/>s mental hold over them, you must destroy the evil gem that is clenched in his bony fist.</p>
<choice idref="sect97">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 97</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect205">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 205</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect135">If you possess a Bow, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 135</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You hold the blacksmith with a piercing stare and quietly recite the words of the Brotherhood spell Mind Charm. As the spell takes hold, you command him mentally to signal to his son that all is well between you. Your magical charm instils a sense of calm well being into the man and he begins to relax and smile. He complies with your command and his son returns to his furnace.</p>
<p>You ask the blacksmith if he knows the whereabouts of Prince Karvas of Siyen. He tells you that the prince does not reside in the city. It is said that he lives somewhere on the remote northern coast of Sheasu. He also tells you that Karvas is not alone. Shortly after he came here, almost a decade ago, he was joined by a young woman. They were married by a sea captain in Mydnight harbour, on board the deck of his trading ship, and ever since their wedding day they have rarely been seen again.</p>
- <p>You thank the blacksmith for his help and leave the smithy before the effects of the mind charm wear off. On returning to the quayside you set out to explore the tangle of alleyways that make up the city's eastern quarter in the hope of discovering more about the prince and his wife. Unfortunately, your efforts garner no new information. As the sun begins to settle on the horizon, you abandon your search and hurry back through the darkening passageways towards the market square.</p>
+ <p>You thank the blacksmith for his help and leave the smithy before the effects of the mind charm wear off. On returning to the quayside you set out to explore the tangle of alleyways that make up the city<ch.apos/>s eastern quarter in the hope of discovering more about the prince and his wife. Unfortunately, your efforts garner no new information. As the sun begins to settle on the horizon, you abandon your search and hurry back through the darkening passageways towards the market square.</p>
<choice idref="sect308"><link-text>Turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You gag and tie the unconscious guard with his belt and tunic, then you hide him in some long grass at the base of the perimeter wall. Hurrying across the field, you soon reach a courtyard located near to the main entrance. This flagstoned yard abuts the entrance gates and is bounded on the other three sides by paddocks, tack rooms and the training fields. There are only two guards on duty here, the others having been called upon to assist the patrols who are out searching the city. They are both asleep at their posts and you have no difficulty tiptoeing past them and entering the paddocks where the horses are stabled.</p>
<p>You search the stalls and soon discover two black Bhanarian stallions of magnificent quality and breeding. They will make ideal mounts for you and Prince Karvas. These intelligent animals respond readily to your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control and they remain calm and composed as you hurriedly fix their saddles and bridles. As you are leading them out into the courtyard, you stop to unbuckle a swordbelt from the belly of a sleeping guard. Prince Karvas is unarmed and you are sure he will appreciate this weapon more than its present owner.</p>
- <p>You lead the horses across the courtyard and as you approach the stables' main doors, you mount one of them and fix the reins of the other to you stirrup. Then you kick open one of the double doors and urge your horse forward at the gallop.</p>
+ <p>You lead the horses across the courtyard and as you approach the stables<ch.apos/> main doors, you mount one of them and fix the reins of the other to you stirrup. Then you kick open one of the double doors and urge your horse forward at the gallop.</p>
<p>The guards outside are taken completely by surprise. As they fumble to unsheathe their swords, you race across the square and wave to Karvas who is waiting patiently for your signal. The prince leaps up from behind the cart and comes running towards the spare horse. He is getting ready to leap into its saddle when a gruff cry alerts you to danger. A patrol has entered the square and their officer is commanding his sergeant to fire at you with his bow.</p>
<choice idref="sect172">If you possess Kai-surge, <link-text>turn to 172</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect313">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 313</link-text>.</choice>
<p>You rush into the small bakery and your sudden appearance startles the baker's wife. She gasps when she sees your soaked and slime-smeared features, and nervously she snatches up a knife and threatens to use it if either of you come a step closer. You can understand her reaction; after your dip in the citadel moat, you and Karvas look more reptilian than human.</p>
<p>'Calm yourself, good lady,' you say, in as soothing a tone as you are able to muster. 'My companion and I may appear a little wretched but we mean you no harm.' The woman is not convinced. She raises the knife in her trembling hand and begins shouting hysterically for her husband. Moments later, a portly man in a white smock and cloth hat emerges from an open doorway at the rear of the shop. He is brandishing an iron skillet and comes at you like a charging bull.</p>
<p>'Hold there, Barwick!' shouts Karvas, and to your astonishment the baker skids to a halt and drops his iron pot to the floor.</p>
- <p>'Prince Karvas <ch.ellips/> is it you?' he stammers. Karvas uses his sleeve to wipe some of the slime from his face, then he gives the baker a broad smile.</p>
+ <p>'Prince Karvas<ch.ellips/> is it you?' he stammers. Karvas uses his sleeve to wipe some of the slime from his face, then he gives the baker a broad smile.</p>
<p>'Yes, Barwick, it is I.'</p>
<p>'Thank Ishir,' gasps the baker, and he falls to his knees. 'We have prayed that you would return home and save us from Sadanzo. We of Cavalia have suffered his tyranny for too long. He is an evil man and we fear that he will bring ruin to Siyen when he is crowned king. But now our prince has returned to stop him. Ishir be praised!'</p>
<p>The sound of horses galloping to a halt outside the bakery alerts you to the fact that you and the prince are still in great danger. The baker bolts the door and then urges you and Karvas to follow him as he hurries out of the shop, past his baking ovens, and through a rear door that leads to a walled yard scattered with chickens. He pulls open the door of an outbuilding and he offers you and Karvas the two young horses that are stabled inside. They are his most valuable animals and Karvas is impressed by the man's generosity.</p>
<data>
<p>'We don't welcome spies here,' growls the blacksmith. He nods to his son and the brawny young man snatches an iron from the furnace. Menacingly he levels this glowing rod at your face and very slowly he moves towards you. Hurriedly you apologize to the blacksmith and leave the smithy.</p>
<p>On returning to the quayside you resolve to explore the tangle of alleyways that make up the city's eastern quarter in the hope of finding someone who is more willing to talk about the prince. Unfortunately, your efforts garner no useful information. As the sun begins to settle on the horizon, you finally abandon your search and hurry back through the darkening passageways towards the market square.</p>
- <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the Starstrider by the time you reach the market square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. They are disappointed to hear that your search for information has been in vain. Fortunately, Lord Zinair's efforts have been more fruitful.</p>
+ <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the <cite>Starstrider</cite> by the time you reach the market square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. They are disappointed to hear that your search for information has been in vain. Fortunately, Lord Zinair's efforts have been more fruitful.</p>
<p>'Prince Karvas is not here,' he says. 'He lived here when he first came to Sheasu some ten years ago, but a young woman called Amarelda arrived soon after and they were married, here, in the harbour. They left Mydnight the day after their wedding and settled somewhere on the northern coastline. It has been more than a year since they last visited the city.'</p>
<p>Turning to Acraban, Zinair says: ' I propose we travel north at first light and commence a search of the northern shoreline. I suspect it will be easier to espy their retreat from the air than to attempt any search by land.'</p>
- <p>Acraban nods in agreement. Then he passes word to his young crew to prepare the Starstrider for a voyage north at first light.</p>
+ <p>Acraban nods in agreement. Then he passes word to his young crew to prepare the <cite>Starstrider</cite> for a voyage north at first light.</p>
<choice idref="sect187"><link-text>Turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The lightning bolt struck the skyship's hull directly below the helm, rendering you unconscious as the concussive force of the blast was transmitted through the deck (lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
- <p>On regaining consciousness you discover that the Starstrider is now more than five miles clear of the fissures. As your vision slowly clears you see that Acraban has taken control of the wheel. He smiles when he sees that you are still alive. You notice that he looks gaunt and exhausted, and his ginger hair is matted with grime and sweat. Clearly his efforts to repair the ailing skyship have severely drained his magical energies. As you stagger to the helm you sense that the steering has become more erratic. The Starstrider has lost altitude and her deck is starting to tilt alarmingly to starboard. Soon it becomes almost impossible to stand upright.</p>
+ <p>On regaining consciousness you discover that the <cite>Starstrider</cite> is now more than five miles clear of the fissures. As your vision slowly clears you see that Acraban has taken control of the wheel. He smiles when he sees that you are still alive. You notice that he looks gaunt and exhausted, and his ginger hair is matted with grime and sweat. Clearly his efforts to repair the ailing skyship have severely drained his magical energies. As you stagger to the helm you sense that the steering has become more erratic. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> has lost altitude and her deck is starting to tilt alarmingly to starboard. Soon it becomes almost impossible to stand upright.</p>
<p>'We have lost one stabilizer and the other is badly damaged,' says Acraban, grimly. 'I have done all I can to repair it but I fear it will fail us at any moment. Without stabilizers we cannot stay airborne.'</p>
<p>Acraban orders his crew to prepare for a crash landing. Some of the young men tie themselves to the ship's mainmast, while others brace themselves against the rails and place their fate in the hands of the Goddess Ishir. Prince Karvas has found refuge in a rope locker which is bolted to the main deck. He lifts the lid and calls out to you to join him for there is sufficient space for two inside.</p>
<choice idref="sect79">If you wish to climb into the rope locker alongside Prince Karvas, <link-text>turn to 79</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>42</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>It is a difficult struggle to keep the Starstrider on a straight and level course for she veers continually towards starboard. To counter this persistent drift you pull the wheel hard to port, yet the effects of her damaged stabilizer are unpredictable, making it almost impossible for you to maintain any sure control of the helm. In desperation, you muster all of your Kai senses and focus them on the narrow strip of land which separates the fissures. Bolts of searing energy leap out of these chasms and soar past the skyship on either side to explode with thunderous cacophony among the rolling clouds. The crew cower with terror, but you keep your nerve and let your Kai skills take full control of the wheel. After several nerve-racking miles the fissures eventually taper off and then disappear completely.</p>
- <p>As the Starstrider emerges from the gauntlet of deadly white fire, the crew give a loud cheer in appreciation of your skilful helmsmanship. Gladly you acknowledge their praise, but you maintain your grip of the helm for your kai senses are screaming a warning that the danger has not yet passed.</p>
+ <p>It is a difficult struggle to keep the <cite>Starstrider</cite> on a straight and level course for she veers continually towards starboard. To counter this persistent drift you pull the wheel hard to port, yet the effects of her damaged stabilizer are unpredictable, making it almost impossible for you to maintain any sure control of the helm. In desperation, you muster all of your Kai senses and focus them on the narrow strip of land which separates the fissures. Bolts of searing energy leap out of these chasms and soar past the skyship on either side to explode with thunderous cacophony among the rolling clouds. The crew cower with terror, but you keep your nerve and let your Kai skills take full control of the wheel. After several nerve-racking miles the fissures eventually taper off and then disappear completely.</p>
+ <p>As the <cite>Starstrider</cite> emerges from the gauntlet of deadly white fire, the crew give a loud cheer in appreciation of your skilful helmsmanship. Gladly you acknowledge their praise, but you maintain your grip of the helm for your kai senses are screaming a warning that the danger has not yet passed.</p>
<choice idref="sect302"><link-text>Turn to 302</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The town of Jaroc has little to entice you to stay here any longer. The weather has steadily improved since you left the Dammerdon mountains and so you resolve to try to make up for the time that was lost to the storm.</p>
- <p>You leave the town and for the next two days you ride in an north-easterly direction, across a rich expanse of rolling prairie. The riding is easy and the fine weather helps you make good progress. By noon of the third day you have covered nearly 200 miles and you are feeling in good spirits. The prairie gradually gives way to a region of hilly uplands that lie sandwiched between two mountain ranges. Here you happen upon a rutted track that leaves the prairie and winds through the hills through a high pass. There are no signposts on this road, but Karvas is familiar with this region and he tells you that it leads to an outpost town called Battle Pass. You are in the land of Lunarlia and for centuries this realm has been the enemy of Siyen--Prince Karvas's homeland. Many wars have been waged between the two kingdoms and this region has seen countless battles. Karvas pledges to end these wars. When he is crowned King of Siyen he vows that he will seek a lasting peace with the kingdom of Lunarlia.</p>
+ <p>You leave the town and for the next two days you ride in an north-easterly direction, across a rich expanse of rolling prairie. The riding is easy and the fine weather helps you make good progress. By noon of the third day you have covered nearly 200 miles and you are feeling in good spirits. The prairie gradually gives way to a region of hilly uplands that lie sandwiched between two mountain ranges. Here you happen upon a rutted track that leaves the prairie and winds through the hills through a high pass. There are no signposts on this road, but Karvas is familiar with this region and he tells you that it leads to an outpost town called Battle Pass. You are in the land of Lunarlia and for centuries this realm has been the enemy of Siyen<ch.emdash/>Prince Karvas's homeland. Many wars have been waged between the two kingdoms and this region has seen countless battles. Karvas pledges to end these wars. When he is crowned King of Siyen he vows that he will seek a lasting peace with the kingdom of Lunarlia.</p>
<p>It is noon and a warm sun is beating down on the fortified town of Battle Pass as you approach its west gate. Karvas is grateful that he is wearing the clothes of a Sommlending journeyman, for the inhabitants of this tough frontier post are notoriously hostile to the Siyenese. To your surprise, the guards at the gate pay you scant attention and you are allowed to enter the town with little more than a cursory glance. You ask Karvas why this is so and he tells you that riders approaching from the west, the Lunarlian side, are allowed to pass freely. Riders from the east, the Siyenese side, are subjected to far greater scrutiny.</p>
<p>Beyond the west gate a broad avenue opens out into a main square that is bordered by a trading post, a barracks, and a tavern. Both you and Karvas are especially thirsty after your ride through the dry, dusty hills, and you are eager to seek out some refreshment.</p>
<choice idref="sect266">If you wish to visit the tavern, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>48</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Having decided the places where each of you will search for the whereabouts of Price Karvas, you follow Acraban to the rear deck and enter the skyship's boarding cage. Swiftly it is winched down to the market square where you are met unexpectedly by a pressing crowd of grimy-faced street urchins. They have been gathering here since dawn to stare in wonderment at the Starstrider hovering motionless in the cloudless sky above. Acraban scatters a handful of copper coins across the cobblestones and the children scramble to retrieve them. This creates enough space to allow Zinair to open the cage door and the three of you to step out. After agreeing to return to the skyship no later than sunset, you split up and go in search of your chosen destinations.</p>
- <p>Unlike the urchins, the adult population of Mydnight appears less than fascinated by the imposing sight of the Starstrider hovering above their city. Few give it a second glance. This seeming lack of interest does not surprise you. For centuries this port has been a refuge for exiles from the many nations of Magnamund who, for their own individual reasons, have chosen to forsake their native lands. They are, by nature, a secretive community. Any overt interest in the affairs of another is often viewed with suspicion and distrust. You retrace the route you took last night and soon find yourself at the harbour. The Azaktana is still moored at the quayside and you give the crew a friendly wave as you stride along the harbour wall towards the city's south quarter. You have no difficulty finding Grosta's Warehouse; this weather-beaten emporium occupies most of the waterfront. Its main entrance is guarded by two muscular, sallow-faced Mythenians who wear long, silky black moustaches. Reluctantly they move aside to allow you into the warehouse. Inside you are greeted by a bald, pot-bellied man with a thin smile. He wipes his hands on his striped apron and enquires how he may be of service. When you ask if he knows where you can find Prince Karvas of Siyen his smile quickly transforms into a scowl of suspicion and he takes a few shuffling steps backwards. Your Kai sixth sense tells you that he suspects you to be an assassin who has come here to Mydnight to find and murder the prince. Nervously he glances at the two Mythenians guarding the door. You realize you must act quickly if you wish to allay his fears and avoid a confrontation with his men.</p>
+ <p>Having decided the places where each of you will search for the whereabouts of Price Karvas, you follow Acraban to the rear deck and enter the skyship's boarding cage. Swiftly it is winched down to the market square where you are met unexpectedly by a pressing crowd of grimy-faced street urchins. They have been gathering here since dawn to stare in wonderment at the <cite>Starstrider</cite> hovering motionless in the cloudless sky above. Acraban scatters a handful of copper coins across the cobblestones and the children scramble to retrieve them. This creates enough space to allow Zinair to open the cage door and the three of you to step out. After agreeing to return to the skyship no later than sunset, you split up and go in search of your chosen destinations.</p>
+ <p>Unlike the urchins, the adult population of Mydnight appears less than fascinated by the imposing sight of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> hovering above their city. Few give it a second glance. This seeming lack of interest does not surprise you. For centuries this port has been a refuge for exiles from the many nations of Magnamund who, for their own individual reasons, have chosen to forsake their native lands. They are, by nature, a secretive community. Any overt interest in the affairs of another is often viewed with suspicion and distrust. You retrace the route you took last night and soon find yourself at the harbour. <cite>The Azaktana</cite> is still moored at the quayside and you give the crew a friendly wave as you stride along the harbour wall towards the city's south quarter. You have no difficulty finding Grosta's Warehouse; this weather-beaten emporium occupies most of the waterfront. Its main entrance is guarded by two muscular, sallow-faced Mythenians who wear long, silky black moustaches. Reluctantly they move aside to allow you into the warehouse. Inside you are greeted by a bald, pot-bellied man with a thin smile. He wipes his hands on his striped apron and enquires how he may be of service. When you ask if he knows where you can find Prince Karvas of Siyen his smile quickly transforms into a scowl of suspicion and he takes a few shuffling steps backwards. Your Kai sixth sense tells you that he suspects you to be an assassin who has come here to Mydnight to find and murder the prince. Nervously he glances at the two Mythenians guarding the door. You realize you must act quickly if you wish to allay his fears and avoid a confrontation with his men.</p>
<choice idref="sect192">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect243">If you do not possess this skill, or if you choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 243</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Sadanzo gasps as your killing blow pierces his heart. He drops to this knees and the gem in his hand suddenly crumbles and disintegrates to dust. With his last ounce of strength he lunges at you with his sword, but you sidestep his last, desperate thrust, and he crashes lifelessly to the floor.</p>
- <p>The destruction of Sadanzo's gem frees the Siyenese nobles from its evil influence, an influence that had robbed them of their free will. Marshal Phedros immediately orders that the city gates be sealed, and then he commands the Royal Guardsmen and the Court Cavalry to hunt down Sadanzo's robber knights in every quarter of Seroa and bring them to justice. As these noble troopers eagerly set about their task, Phedros turns to Prince Karvas and hugs him to his chest. 'Welcome home at last, my boy,' he says, his voice wavering with emotion, 'welcome home <ch.ellips/> King Karvas.'</p>
+ <p>The destruction of Sadanzo's gem frees the Siyenese nobles from its evil influence, an influence that had robbed them of their free will. Marshal Phedros immediately orders that the city gates be sealed, and then he commands the Royal Guardsmen and the Court Cavalry to hunt down Sadanzo's robber knights in every quarter of Seroa and bring them to justice. As these noble troopers eagerly set about their task, Phedros turns to Prince Karvas and hugs him to his chest. 'Welcome home at last, my boy,' he says, his voice wavering with emotion, 'welcome home<ch.ellips/> King Karvas.'</p>
<choice idref="sect148"><link-text>Turn to 148</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>51</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Acraban repeats his order to Kuo the helmsman to reverse the descent and change course, thirty degrees to port. The bow of the Starstrider rises up and the deck banks gently over to the left. But then a second deafening Crack! explodes from somewhere below the stern, and you are thrown onto your hands and knees when a violent shock-wave ripples along the decking. Acraban calls for a damage report and each crewman shouts his response in turn. The Starstrider has sustained a glancing blow from an energy bolt. It has torn away part of the hull plating and damaged one of the ship's two internal stabilizers, upon which it relies for level flight. The craft ceases to gain height and begins drifting to starboard. This change of course is accompanied by a jarring vibration that runs through the deck and superstructure.</p>
- <p>The surrounding sky is now a seething mass of billowing black clouds lit up by lethal blue-white bolts of lightning. The ship passes through a dark cloud and the metallic stench of ozone fills your nostrils. This harsh-smelling gas does you no harm, protected as you are by your innate Magnakai skill of Nexus. Likewise, Acraban suffers no ill effects from the gas for his magic is sufficient to counter it. But for Prince Karvas and the crew its effects are immediate and devastating. Clutching at their throats they lose their balance and fall to the deck, choking and spluttering as they fight for breath. Acraban instructs you to take the helm while he goes below to work on the damaged stabilizer. You follow his command and take control of the wheel from a barely-conscious Kuo. As the cloud passes the crew slowly recover, but you glimpse a fresh danger ahead. The Starstrider is drifting towards two large active fissures running parallel with each other, and a little over 30 metres apart. Sweat streaks your face as you struggle to steer a straight course between these fissures and so avoid the crackling bolts of energy that are hurtling out of their fiery depths.</p>
+ <p>Acraban repeats his order to Kuo the helmsman to reverse the descent and change course, thirty degrees to port. The bow of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> rises up and the deck banks gently over to the left. But then a second deafening Crack! explodes from somewhere below the stern, and you are thrown onto your hands and knees when a violent shock-wave ripples along the decking. Acraban calls for a damage report and each crewman shouts his response in turn. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> has sustained a glancing blow from an energy bolt. It has torn away part of the hull plating and damaged one of the ship's two internal stabilizers, upon which it relies for level flight. The craft ceases to gain height and begins drifting to starboard. This change of course is accompanied by a jarring vibration that runs through the deck and superstructure.</p>
+ <p>The surrounding sky is now a seething mass of billowing black clouds lit up by lethal blue-white bolts of lightning. The ship passes through a dark cloud and the metallic stench of ozone fills your nostrils. This harsh-smelling gas does you no harm, protected as you are by your innate Magnakai skill of Nexus. Likewise, Acraban suffers no ill effects from the gas for his magic is sufficient to counter it. But for Prince Karvas and the crew its effects are immediate and devastating. Clutching at their throats they lose their balance and fall to the deck, choking and spluttering as they fight for breath. Acraban instructs you to take the helm while he goes below to work on the damaged stabilizer. You follow his command and take control of the wheel from a barely-conscious Kuo. As the cloud passes the crew slowly recover, but you glimpse a fresh danger ahead. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> is drifting towards two large active fissures running parallel with each other, and a little over 30 metres apart. Sweat streaks your face as you struggle to steer a straight course between these fissures and so avoid the crackling bolts of energy that are hurtling out of their fiery depths.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery or Elementalism, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect201">If you total score is now 0-2, <link-text>turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect179">If it is 3-7, <link-text>turn to 179</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>60</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You wheel your horse about and tug your Kai weapon from its scabbard. Karvas catches up with you and he brings his stallion around to stand by your side. The pursuing Bakhasians have slowed to a halt less than 30 metres back along the trail, and their leader is shouting and shaking his fist at you triumphantly. You hear his coarse laughter and you watch with mounting dread as his staff grows in length and tapers to a point at one end. In a matter of seconds it is no longer a staff: it has become a heavy jousting lance. The armour-clad leader bellows a challenge, demanding that you face him in personal combat. With your only route of escape cut off by the burning tree, you accept his challenge. You raise your weapon and shout your battle cry--'For Sommerlund and the Kai!'--as you spur your horse towards your cackling foe.</p>
+ <p>You wheel your horse about and tug your Kai weapon from its scabbard. Karvas catches up with you and he brings his stallion around to stand by your side. The pursuing Bakhasians have slowed to a halt less than 30 metres back along the trail, and their leader is shouting and shaking his fist at you triumphantly. You hear his coarse laughter and you watch with mounting dread as his staff grows in length and tapers to a point at one end. In a matter of seconds it is no longer a staff: it has become a heavy jousting lance. The armour-clad leader bellows a challenge, demanding that you face him in personal combat. With your only route of escape cut off by the burning tree, you accept his challenge. You raise your weapon and shout your battle cry<ch.emdash/>'For Sommerlund and the Kai!'<ch.emdash/>as you spur your horse towards your cackling foe.</p>
<combat><enemy>Zhakka (warrior-mage)</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">42</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">36</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>You will only be able to fight one round of combat before the momentum of your charge carries you past your enemy.</p>
<choice idref="sect40">If you sustain a higher <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> loss than your enemy in this single round of combat, <link-text>turn to 40</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>61</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Prince Karvas denounces Sadanzo as a murderer and a traitor, and you show the scroll that you discovered in the Baron's safe to Phedros as proof of his treachery. The Marshal gasps when he reads the damning contract and he orders the Royal Guard to arrest Sadanzo immediately. 'Take the traitor to the palace dungeons,' he commands. Upon hearing this, a vast section of the stunned crowd roar their approval, and sporadic fighting breaks out as followers of Sadanzo attempt to battle their way out of the square. Marshal Phedros orders that the city gates be sealed, and then he commands the Royal Court Cavalry to hunt down Sadanzo's robber knights in every quarter of Seroa, and bring them to justice. As these noble troopers eagerly set about their task, Phedros turns to Prince Karvas and hugs him to his chest. 'Welcome home at last,' he says, his voice wavering with emotion, 'welcome home <ch.ellips/> King Karvas.'</p>
+ <p>Prince Karvas denounces Sadanzo as a murderer and a traitor, and you show the scroll that you discovered in the Baron's safe to Phedros as proof of his treachery. The Marshal gasps when he reads the damning contract and he orders the Royal Guard to arrest Sadanzo immediately. 'Take the traitor to the palace dungeons,' he commands. Upon hearing this, a vast section of the stunned crowd roar their approval, and sporadic fighting breaks out as followers of Sadanzo attempt to battle their way out of the square. Marshal Phedros orders that the city gates be sealed, and then he commands the Royal Court Cavalry to hunt down Sadanzo's robber knights in every quarter of Seroa, and bring them to justice. As these noble troopers eagerly set about their task, Phedros turns to Prince Karvas and hugs him to his chest. 'Welcome home at last,' he says, his voice wavering with emotion, 'welcome home<ch.ellips/> King Karvas.'</p>
<choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>63</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The voyage to Siyen begins early the next day, an hour after first light. After saying a final farewell at Amarelda's graveside, Karvas gathers together a few of his meagre belongings, frees his livestock, and then allows himself to be winched aboard the deck of the waiting Starstrider. There are now twenty-five days remaining before Harvestmas Day and the crowning ceremony in Seroa. Acraban calculates that the voyage by air should take no longer than twelve days to complete. This news fosters a cheerful mood of optimism for it means that the prince should arrive in good time to be able to thwart Baron Sadanzo's plan.</p>
+ <p>The voyage to Siyen begins early the next day, an hour after first light. After saying a final farewell at Amarelda's graveside, Karvas gathers together a few of his meagre belongings, frees his livestock, and then allows himself to be winched aboard the deck of the waiting <cite>Starstrider</cite>. There are now twenty-five days remaining before Harvestmas Day and the crowning ceremony in Seroa. Acraban calculates that the voyage by air should take no longer than twelve days to complete. This news fosters a cheerful mood of optimism for it means that the prince should arrive in good time to be able to thwart Baron Sadanzo's plan.</p>
<p>As the waters of the Sheasu Channel speed past the hull, and the crew of ten young Brotherhood initiates go about their airborne duties, you accompany Karvas to Acraban's quarters where the prince is given new clothing to replace his goatskin hides. Acraban offers him the pick of several fine costumes that befit his highborn status, but the prince chooses instead to dress in the simple, functional grey tunic, cloak, and breeches of a Sommlending journeyman.</p>
- <p>'I vowed to Amarelda that I would one day return to Siyen,' says Karvas, fixing the clasp of his cloak. 'Yet never would I have expected to arrive thus--dressed as a Northlander aboard a flying ship!'</p>
- <p>For three days and nights the Starstrider sails eastwards across the vast uncharted forests of the Kelderwastes, a region where few men have ever set foot. Your natural curiosity fills you with a desire to learn more about this strange unexplored territory, yet you are prevented from observing its passing by an unending blanket of raincloud which keeps the timberland hidden from view. It is not until the afternoon of the fourth day that you observe gaps in the cloud cover through which you see swathes of dense forest and tracts of dark, volcanic rock. In the far distance you can hear a sound like thunder, and your keen Kai senses detect that the pressure of the surrounding air is beginning to rise and fall erratically.</p>
+ <p>'I vowed to Amarelda that I would one day return to Siyen,' says Karvas, fixing the clasp of his cloak. 'Yet never would I have expected to arrive thus<ch.emdash/>dressed as a Northlander aboard a flying ship!'</p>
+ <p>For three days and nights the <cite>Starstrider</cite> sails eastwards across the vast uncharted forests of the Kelderwastes, a region where few men have ever set foot. Your natural curiosity fills you with a desire to learn more about this strange unexplored territory, yet you are prevented from observing its passing by an unending blanket of raincloud which keeps the timberland hidden from view. It is not until the afternoon of the fourth day that you observe gaps in the cloud cover through which you see swathes of dense forest and tracts of dark, volcanic rock. In the far distance you can hear a sound like thunder, and your keen Kai senses detect that the pressure of the surrounding air is beginning to rise and fall erratically.</p>
<choice idref="sect156">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel, <link-text>turn to 156</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect235">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 235</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>65</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quietly you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell
--Mind Charm--and focus the power of this spell upon the two Cavalians. For all their pomp and grandeur they are both weak-willed wastrels at heart, and instantly they become compliant to your mental commands. You ask them to hand their riverboat tickets to you and Prince Karvas and dumbly they comply. (Record the Riverboat Ticket on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep it the pocket of your breeches. You need not discard another item in its favour if you already possess the maximum number of Special Items permissible.)</p>
+ <p>Quietly you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell
<ch.emdash/>Mind Charm<ch.emdash/>and focus the power of this spell upon the two Cavalians. For all their pomp and grandeur they are both weak-willed wastrels at heart, and instantly they become compliant to your mental commands. You ask them to hand their riverboat tickets to you and Prince Karvas and dumbly they comply. (Record the Riverboat Ticket on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep it the pocket of your breeches. You need not discard another item in its favour if you already possess the maximum number of Special Items permissible.)</p>
<p>Having obtained what you require, you mentally command the two fops to forget about their plans to visit Seroa for the crowning ceremony. You order them to return to the tavern and spend the rest of the night sampling its cellar of fine wines.</p>
<choice idref="sect2"><link-text>Turn to 2</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>Lodamos sends an urgent order to the commander of the cavalry, Guard Captain Sneida, to muster a troop of his best men and horses and have them ready to ride within the hour.</p>
<p>'Sneida is a most accomplished horseman, and he knows the road to Seroa better than any man in this city or province,' says Lodamos. 'He and his troop will act as your escort to ensure that nothing delays your journey to the capital.'</p>
<p>The sleeping citadel of Varedo comes alive as preparations are made for your speedy departure. Lodamos takes you and Karvas to the stables where you are given the pick of his personal steeds. Karvas chooses a young black stallion and you settle for a dark bay mare. Lodamos approves of your choice; these horses possess speed and stamina, qualities that may prove essential if you are to reach Seroa in time. As your mounts are being saddled, you meet with Guard Captain Sneida and the men of your escort. You are impressed by their eager readiness to carry out this unexpected duty, and by the quiet professionalism with which they go about their preparations.</p>
- <p>Baron Lodamos wishes you godspeed and bids you farewell as you climb into the saddle and get ready to set off from the citadel. It is still dark when you and your escort ride out of Varedo and head east across the plain, along a wagon-worn read that leads to Oberra. When darkness gives way to the golden light of the rising sun, the troop unfurl Lodamos's personal banner which they carry proudly at the head of their column. It is a pale blue flag, trimmed with gold braids, and it depicts an owl clutching the blade of a sword. Karvas tell you that these symbols represent Lodamos's motto--Wisdom and Strength. His flag serves you well, for as the day unfolds, all the fellow travellers you encounter on the road hurriedly move aside to allow you to pass unhindered when they see Lodamos's banner approaching.</p>
+ <p>Baron Lodamos wishes you godspeed and bids you farewell as you climb into the saddle and get ready to set off from the citadel. It is still dark when you and your escort ride out of Varedo and head east across the plain, along a wagon-worn read that leads to Oberra. When darkness gives way to the golden light of the rising sun, the troop unfurl Lodamos's personal banner which they carry proudly at the head of their column. It is a pale blue flag, trimmed with gold braids, and it depicts an owl clutching the blade of a sword. Karvas tell you that these symbols represent Lodamos's motto<ch.emdash/>Wisdom and Strength. His flag serves you well, for as the day unfolds, all the fellow travellers you encounter on the road hurriedly move aside to allow you to pass unhindered when they see Lodamos's banner approaching.</p>
<p>You ride all day and put more than a hundred kilometres behind you. It is dusk when Sneida brings the troop to the fortified chateau of Lord Jopas, Baron Lodamos's younger brother. You stay there overnight, and in the morning the troop are furnished with fresh mounts for the coming day's ride across the Lucien Hills. This region of Siyen is one of great natural beauty and you enjoy the panoply of castles, chateaux, and richly wooded valleys which unfolds as you traverse the hill trail to Oberra. When night falls you find yourselves still within the boundaries of this hilly timberland. Captain Sneida is loathe to make camp in the forest for it harbours packs of wild wolves that may be tempted to attack by the scent of the horses. He urges the troop to continue for several moonlit kilometres further until you reach the chateau of Baron Jayde. He is commander of the Lucien Province and a trusted friend of Baron Lodamos.</p>
<p>The troop ride through a pair of open, torchlit gates and come to a halt inside a walled courtyard at the front of Baron Jayde's grand estate. Adjacent to the gates are a stables block and a paddock. Captain Sneida orders his men to put the horses in the paddock while he goes to inform Baron Jayde of your arrival. You are leading your horses into the paddock by the reins when your Kai sixth sense warns you of hidden danger. You look around the courtyard and suddenly you realize that something is amiss. Ever since you arrived at the chateau you have seen no sign of Baron Jayde's staff or guards. The estate is seemingly deserted. Then you hear Captain Sneida call out a welcome, and when you look to the chateau, you see the figure of a stout man standing in a doorway at the head of a grand flight of stone steps. 'Well met, Baron Jayde,' calls Sneida, but his friendly greeting elicits no response. The man in the doorway is utterly immobile; not a flicker of emotion stirs his pale round face. Sneida approaches and quickens his pace. He is halfway up the steps when suddenly the rotund figure of Baron Jayde topples stiffly forwards and falls, face down, upon the flagstones. Fear chills your blood when you see the polished handle of a stiletto dagger protruding from between his shoulder blades.</p>
<p>In that instant the trap is sprung. Suddenly the top of the courtyard is ringed by grim-faced soldiers armed with crossbows. 'Ambush!' shouts Captain Sneida. It is the last word he will ever utter. In response to his shout of warning, the soldiers let loose a deadly volley of bolts that claim his life, and the lives of four of his men. As the dead and wounded scream and fall, you drag Prince Karvas to the ground in a desperate effort to save him from being hit.</p>
<p>The second tumbler clicks into position and the door of the safe swings open to reveal a single scroll of vellum, embossed with a ribbon and wax imprint of Sadanzo's seal. You unfurl the scroll and you are shocked to the core when you read its contents.</p>
<p>The scroll is a contract between Baron Sadanzo and the Assassins' Guild of Avalar. It states that the Guild will undertake the murder of King Oridon in return of 20,000 Orla. Half of this sum is to be paid in advance, with the balance due for payment upon successful completion of the assassination. The seal of the Assassin's Guild is attached beside Sadanzo's mark to show that the full sum has since been received.</p>
<p>You show the scroll to Karvas and he is outraged; here is proof beyond doubt that Sadanzo was responsible for the murder of his father, and clearly his act of foul treachery was part of his plan to seize the throne of Siyen. This shocking revelation fills Karvas with a renewed loathing for the Baron. He reaffirms his pledge to thwart Sadanzo's scheme and he vows, in memory of his father, that he will bring the traitor to justice.</p>
- <p>You take Sadanzo's Scroll and place it inside your tunic. Record this on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item--you need not discard another item in its favour if you already possess the maximum number permissible.</p>
+ <p>You take Sadanzo's Scroll and place it inside your tunic. Record this on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item<ch.emdash/>you need not discard another item in its favour if you already possess the maximum number permissible.</p>
<choice idref="sect198">To continue, <link-text>turn to 198</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>79</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You climb into the locker and wedge yourself among the thick coils of rope. As Karvas pulls shut the heavy metal lid, you pray to Ishir to protect everyone aboard the Starstrider in this desperate hour. In the dark confines of the locker your senses become super-sensitive to every movement and noise outside. Your stomach churns when the ship heaves from side to side, and you feel a chill run down your spine when you hear the cries of the terrified crewmen echoing across the decks. Then there is a sudden jolt and a fearful sound of screeching metal. The Starstrider has been losing height for several minutes, but now its angle of descent has become far steeper. You brace yourself and count aloud the seconds as you await the dreadful moment of impact. You hear the scrape and splintering crack of sundered treetops when the skyship ploughs into the timberland. Then there is a terrific jolt as the craft's bow slams into the rocky soil and comes to an abrupt halt.</p>
+ <p>You climb into the locker and wedge yourself among the thick coils of rope. As Karvas pulls shut the heavy metal lid, you pray to Ishir to protect everyone aboard the <cite>Starstrider</cite> in this desperate hour. In the dark confines of the locker your senses become super-sensitive to every movement and noise outside. Your stomach churns when the ship heaves from side to side, and you feel a chill run down your spine when you hear the cries of the terrified crewmen echoing across the decks. Then there is a sudden jolt and a fearful sound of screeching metal. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> has been losing height for several minutes, but now its angle of descent has become far steeper. You brace yourself and count aloud the seconds as you await the dreadful moment of impact. You hear the scrape and splintering crack of sundered treetops when the skyship ploughs into the timberland. Then there is a terrific jolt as the craft's bow slams into the rocky soil and comes to an abrupt halt.</p>
<p>The impact of the crash landing leaves you breathless and bruised (lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point), but you thank the fact that you chose to take shelter here in this locker, for its metal sides and the cushioning coils of rope have undoubtedly spared you serious injury.</p>
<choice idref="sect101"><link-text>Turn to 101</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>84</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are pleased to discover that the stone hut is both empty and large enough to accommodate you and your horses with ease. Its ancient granite blocks keep out the chill mountain wind and its slate-tiled roof is in remarkably good condition. Once you have tended to your horses and settled them for the night, you and Karvas try to make yourselves comfortable on the flagstoned floor so that you can get a few hours' sleep before daybreak. You are laying your cloak down on the ground when you discover an iron ring set into one of the flagstones. Closer inspection reveals the stone to be a hinged trapdoor and, when you pull it open, you discover a flight of steps leading down to a subterranean chamber. Positioned in the centre of this sunken chamber is a solid block of marble. A symbol has been carved in its surface, one that you recognize immediately: it is the tiger's head emblem of Sejanoz--the Autarch of Bhanar.</p>
+ <p>You are pleased to discover that the stone hut is both empty and large enough to accommodate you and your horses with ease. Its ancient granite blocks keep out the chill mountain wind and its slate-tiled roof is in remarkably good condition. Once you have tended to your horses and settled them for the night, you and Karvas try to make yourselves comfortable on the flagstoned floor so that you can get a few hours' sleep before daybreak. You are laying your cloak down on the ground when you discover an iron ring set into one of the flagstones. Closer inspection reveals the stone to be a hinged trapdoor and, when you pull it open, you discover a flight of steps leading down to a subterranean chamber. Positioned in the centre of this sunken chamber is a solid block of marble. A symbol has been carved in its surface, one that you recognize immediately: it is the tiger's head emblem of Sejanoz<ch.emdash/>the Autarch of Bhanar.</p>
<p>Cautiously you descend the steps and approached the block. Your Magnakai Discipline of Divination makes you sensitive to an aura of evil that lingers in this chamber, and your Kai pathsmanship skills alert you to a concealed panel which is located at the centre of the carved symbol.</p>
<choice idref="sect185">If you wish to attempt to open the concealed panel, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect329">If you would prefer to leave this chamber, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
<p>You land among the rocks, gashing your hands and knees as you scramble for the cover of a large boulder (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). The blond man fires his crossbow and the bolt comes whistling up the track towards Acraban. Hurriedly the magician makes a circular movement with his right hand and the iron projectile shatters when it collides with the invisible shield he has created.</p>
<p>Shocked by this display of sorcery, the man discards his weapon and runs away along the beach. You pull yourself to your feet and call him to come back.</p>
<p>'Please stop, Prince Karvas,' you plead, striving hard to make your voice sound as unthreatening as you can. On hearing his name the man halts and turns to face you.</p>
- <p>'You have no need to fear us--we come as friends,' calls out Acraban. 'We have journeyed far to find you and we bring important news from Siyen. Please, sire, let us talk.'</p>
+ <p>'You have no need to fear us<ch.emdash/>we come as friends,' calls out Acraban. 'We have journeyed far to find you and we bring important news from Siyen. Please, sire, let us talk.'</p>
<p>You are now able to see the man's face clearly and you note his long flaxen hair, his tanned skin, and his bold blue eyes. Your Kai senses assure you that this man truly is Prince Karvas.</p>
<p>'Who are you?' retorts the prince, 'and what do you want from me?'</p>
<choice idref="sect170"><link-text>Turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>87</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood spell--Lightning Hand--and release a bolt of energy at the palisade gate. It rips through its timbers and leaves a jagged hole smouldering in its wake. Your display of Brotherhood magic clearly terrifies the guards for they drop their spears and scatter. Without looking back, you two gallop out of Jaroc and escape across the open plain that lies beyond.</p>
+ <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Lightning Hand<ch.emdash/>and release a bolt of energy at the palisade gate. It rips through its timbers and leaves a jagged hole smouldering in its wake. Your display of Brotherhood magic clearly terrifies the guards for they drop their spears and scatter. Without looking back, you two gallop out of Jaroc and escape across the open plain that lies beyond.</p>
<choice idref="sect303"><link-text>Turn to 303</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>90</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Lord Zinair tells the captain of The Azaktana to await his return. Then he accompanies you and Acraban along an avenue that leads away from the quayside and climbs steeply into the heart of the eastern quarter. Your first impressions of the port of Mydnight are less than favourable. In the stark glare of the full moon it seems to be little more than a brooding shamble of slate-roofed houses and reeking tenements built around a haphazard maze of narrow, rat-infested alleyways. At this late hour, few of the port's inhabitants are abroad. The only people you see are the few who dare to peek at your passing through the mullioned glass of their wretched hovels.</p>
- <p>The avenue leads eventually to a deserted market square which commands a view over the harbour below. Here you see a large iron cage with a thick cable attached to a ring at the centre of its roof. The cable is held taut by a winch fixed to the stern of the Starstrider which hovers 30 metres overhead. The faint hum of its magical engine can be heard wavering on the warm sea breeze. Acraban ushers you into the cage and clicks shut its iron door. He tugs a cord and immediately the cage is lifted off the ground and hoisted up to the rear deck of the skyship. Here you are welcomed aboard by the skyship's crew, all of whom are young acolytes of the Magician's Guild of Toran. Acraban takes you to his quarters located below the forward deck where he offers you and Lord Zinair some food and wine. After many months away from home it is good to taste Sommlending fare once more.</p>
+ <p>Lord Zinair tells the captain of <cite>The Azaktana</cite> to await his return. Then he accompanies you and Acraban along an avenue that leads away from the quayside and climbs steeply into the heart of the eastern quarter. Your first impressions of the port of Mydnight are less than favourable. In the stark glare of the full moon it seems to be little more than a brooding shamble of slate-roofed houses and reeking tenements built around a haphazard maze of narrow, rat-infested alleyways. At this late hour, few of the port's inhabitants are abroad. The only people you see are the few who dare to peek at your passing through the mullioned glass of their wretched hovels.</p>
+ <p>The avenue leads eventually to a deserted market square which commands a view over the harbour below. Here you see a large iron cage with a thick cable attached to a ring at the centre of its roof. The cable is held taut by a winch fixed to the stern of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> which hovers 30 metres overhead. The faint hum of its magical engine can be heard wavering on the warm sea breeze. Acraban ushers you into the cage and clicks shut its iron door. He tugs a cord and immediately the cage is lifted off the ground and hoisted up to the rear deck of the skyship. Here you are welcomed aboard by the skyship's crew, all of whom are young acolytes of the Magician's Guild of Toran. Acraban takes you to his quarters located below the forward deck where he offers you and Lord Zinair some food and wine. After many months away from home it is good to taste Sommlending fare once more.</p>
<p>Since his arrival in Mydnight earlier in the day, Acraban has learned that Prince Karvas does not reside here in the city. To search for him now would be futile and so you resolve to get some sleep and commence your hunt for the prince at first light. Shortly after dawn, the three of you meet again on the main deck. Acraban suggests that you each spend the day scouting the city for information that may lead you to Karvas. He tells of three places where this information is most likely to be found. The first is a large trading post, known as Grosta's Warehouse, located on the south side of the harbour. The second is the Hall of the Judicars, a base for the officers who are elected by the citizens of Mydnight to maintain law and order in their city. And the third is The Smitheries, the artisans' and tradesmen's district of Mydnight that is situated west of the quayside.</p>
<choice idref="sect48">If you wish to visit Grosta's Warehouse, <link-text>turn to 48</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect321">If you choose to visit the Hall of the Judicars, <link-text>turn to 321</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Your Kai sixth sense detects that a strong concentration of evil lies beyond the door. Forewarned, you approach the iron portal with caution to inspect its lever more closely. Your Magnakai Discipline of Divination detects an aura of magic around this lever yet you are unable to fathom its true purpose. You suspect that it could be some kind of locking or holding spell.</p>
- <p>Calling upon your mastery of Brotherhood magic, you utter the words of the spell--Counterspell--and direct its energies against the door. You sense that your spell is working, but you are surprised when you detect that it has cancelled only one layer of magic. There remains in place a second layer of sorcery which contains powerful explosive energies. Your senses warn you that to touch the lever with your bare hands could prove fatal.</p>
+ <p>Calling upon your mastery of Brotherhood magic, you utter the words of the spell<ch.emdash/>Counterspell<ch.emdash/>and direct its energies against the door. You sense that your spell is working, but you are surprised when you detect that it has cancelled only one layer of magic. There remains in place a second layer of sorcery which contains powerful explosive energies. Your senses warn you that to touch the lever with your bare hands could prove fatal.</p>
<choice idref="sect330">If you wish to attempt to discharge the spell by throwing something at the door, <link-text>turn to 330</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect146">If you wish to try to open the door by striking the lever down with the tip of your Kai weapon, <link-text>turn to 146</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Prince Karvas does not relish the prospect of having to face these riders, yet he goes along with your decision and patiently you sit and wait as they draw closer. Their leader is a broad-shouldered man with a ginger beard and long wavy hair. His hair fans out from around the edges of a conical helm that is topped by a pair of polished antlers. He brings his horse to a halt before you and regards your mounts with an appraising eye.</p>
<p>'I see you ride Cavalian colts,' he says, and he points to the eagle brands that mark your horses' hindquarters. You nod in acknowledgement but you do not offer any explanation. The man narrows his blue eyes and strokes his beard thoughtfully. 'You do not know who I am, do you?'</p>
- <p>You shake your head dumbly, hoping that he will take you for a simpleton and return to his deer hunting. 'I am Halx--the Inquisitor-Major of Cavalia. Among my many duties is the regulation and taxation of horses, mules and oxen. You both ride Cavalian steeds, yet I do not recall seeing either of you in the city before. I trust your saddle taxes have been paid? Perhaps you would be kind enough to furnish your names and places of lodging so that, upon my return to Cavalia, I am able to confirm that this is so?'</p>
+ <p>You shake your head dumbly, hoping that he will take you for a simpleton and return to his deer hunting. 'I am Halx<ch.emdash/>the Inquisitor-Major of Cavalia. Among my many duties is the regulation and taxation of horses, mules and oxen. You both ride Cavalian steeds, yet I do not recall seeing either of you in the city before. I trust your saddle taxes have been paid? Perhaps you would be kind enough to furnish your names and places of lodging so that, upon my return to Cavalia, I am able to confirm that this is so?'</p>
<p>You sense that your continued silence is beginning to irritate the Inquisitor-Major. His followers are also growing impatient.</p>
<choice idref="sect116">If you wish to say that you are special emmissaries on your way to Seroa to witness the crowning of Baron Sadanzo, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect123">If you wish to say that you are new recruits to the Cavalian Citadel Guard, <link-text>turn to 123</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>94</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You make your approach to within 40 metres of the gate by means of a road that runs parallel to the fast-flowing river. At this point you leave the road and scurry to take cover behind a pile of logs that are stacked at the river's edge, ready to be loaded aboard a barge which is moored close by. You can see a dozen soldiers patrolling the parapet above the river gate, and each one is clad in a suit of shiny armour made from lacquered steel scales and hardened leather. They are armed with bows, spears and maces, and their shields display the head of a tiger-like creature baring ferocious fangs. Karvas whispers that it is the emblem of Autarch Sejanoz--the ruler of Bhanar.</p>
+ <p>You make your approach to within 40 metres of the gate by means of a road that runs parallel to the fast-flowing river. At this point you leave the road and scurry to take cover behind a pile of logs that are stacked at the river's edge, ready to be loaded aboard a barge which is moored close by. You can see a dozen soldiers patrolling the parapet above the river gate, and each one is clad in a suit of shiny armour made from lacquered steel scales and hardened leather. They are armed with bows, spears and maces, and their shields display the head of a tiger-like creature baring ferocious fangs. Karvas whispers that it is the emblem of Autarch Sejanoz<ch.emdash/>the ruler of Bhanar.</p>
<p>For several minutes you observe the guards as they march back and forth with their spears couched on their shoulders. During your watch you discover that the guardsmen are not the only ones who occupy this span. On a tiled ledge running beneath the parapet is a long line of roosting crows. They are resting shoulder-to-shoulder and are almost invisible against the jet black stonework of the arch. Your careful observations tell you that the guards are alert and observant. It will be difficult to get past these men without being seen. If you are to gain entry to the city by this river route, first you will have to create a diversion to draw away the watchful guards.</p>
<choice idref="sect213">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Elementalism, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect71">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 71</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>95</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The Knight Bachelor glares at you. He attempts to say something but he cannot seem to muster his words. Red-faced, he unsheathes his sword and levels it at you in his trembling hand. 'You <ch.ellips/> you are spies!' he exclaims. 'Throw down your weapons. By the power of my rank and <ch.ellips/> and for the security of Cavalia, I am arresting you both.'</p>
+ <p>The Knight Bachelor glares at you. He attempts to say something but he cannot seem to muster his words. Red-faced, he unsheathes his sword and levels it at you in his trembling hand. 'You<ch.ellips/> you are spies!' he exclaims. 'Throw down your weapons. By the power of my rank and<ch.ellips/> and for the security of Cavalia, I am arresting you both.'</p>
<p>The surrounding troopers draw their sabres and begin to edge their horses towards you, closing the circle. You see Karvas inching his hand towards his sword but you dissuade him from drawing it with a terse shake of your head. Better to surrender and live to fight another day then be slaughtered by such an overwhelming number of trained and disciplined soldiers.</p>
<choice idref="sect130"><link-text>Turn to 130</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>97</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood spell--Lightning Hand--and point your right arm towards the gem that Sadanzo is holding. You feel a tingling sensation run the length of your outstretched arm, and then a crackling burst of energy leaps from your index finger to connect with the evil gem. Sadanzo screams with fear as this gem crumbles and disintegrates to dust.</p>
+ <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Lightning Hand<ch.emdash/>and point your right arm towards the gem that Sadanzo is holding. You feel a tingling sensation run the length of your outstretched arm, and then a crackling burst of energy leaps from your index finger to connect with the evil gem. Sadanzo screams with fear as this gem crumbles and disintegrates to dust.</p>
<choice idref="sect250"><link-text>Turn to 250</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>98</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>'With respect, Grand Master, I've more experience of sky-sailing than you,' retorts Acraban, 'and my experience tells me that it is better to avoid rogue storm clouds, such as this one, by cutting below them rather than--'</p>
+ <p>'With respect, Grand Master, I've more experience of sky-sailing than you,' retorts Acraban, 'and my experience tells me that it is better to avoid rogue storm clouds, such as this one, by cutting below them rather than<ch.emdash/>'</p>
<p>Acraban's words are suddenly drowned out by a crackling explosion that stuns you with its raw ferocity. From his nest atop the mainmast, the lookout shouts out a warning and frantically he points towards the ground. You rush to the rail and peer over the side, your stomach churning with fearful anticipation of what you will see. Deep within the fathomless reaches of the fissures and chasms passing below, you glimpse flashes of blue-white energy. These bolts are growing brighter and louder as they streak towards the surface. One bolt escapes from a vent in the middle distance and rips open the sky. It skewers a cluster of steam-clouds and blows them apart in a spectacular explosion of gas and flame. Once again you urge Acraban to order his helmsman to ascend, this time to avoid the new and deadly danger that is striking from below.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect119">If the number you have picked is 0-3, <link-text>turn to 119</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The Bakhasian soldiers have undergone a dramatic transformation. Before they entered the temple their skin had the yellowy hue of tallow and their hair was silky black. Now their faces and hands are ghostly white, their hair has turned steely grey, and the pupils of their red-rimmed eyes have changed to a pale translucent amber. The sight of their gaunt faces chills your heart; they look more like animated corpses than living men.</p>
- <p>The procession leaves the temple at a funereal pace. At the rear of the column you can see four Bakhasians carrying a platform on their shoulders on which rests an elaborate shrine. It is fashioned from gold and jewels and has been crafted into the likeness of a tiger's head. Two huge ivory fangs protrude from its jaw and its jewelled eyes glow with a flickering scarlet fire. You notice that the tiger-like shrine resembles the emblem of Sejanoz which is embroidered upon the sleeves of the soldiers' padded black tunics. As the platform-bearers draw level with the warehouse doorway, the head of the tiger shrine slowly rotates in your direction and two pencil-thin beams of red light shoot from its eyes. You duck back behind the doorway but you know that it is too late--the shrine has detected your presence and it is alerting the cadaverous soldiers to your hiding place. Your sixth sense informs you that it is the goodly aura of your Kai Weapon that has activated the shrine and betrayed your position.</p>
+ <p>The procession leaves the temple at a funereal pace. At the rear of the column you can see four Bakhasians carrying a platform on their shoulders on which rests an elaborate shrine. It is fashioned from gold and jewels and has been crafted into the likeness of a tiger's head. Two huge ivory fangs protrude from its jaw and its jewelled eyes glow with a flickering scarlet fire. You notice that the tiger-like shrine resembles the emblem of Sejanoz which is embroidered upon the sleeves of the soldiers' padded black tunics. As the platform-bearers draw level with the warehouse doorway, the head of the tiger shrine slowly rotates in your direction and two pencil-thin beams of red light shoot from its eyes. You duck back behind the doorway but you know that it is too late<ch.emdash/>the shrine has detected your presence and it is alerting the cadaverous soldiers to your hiding place. Your sixth sense informs you that it is the goodly aura of your Kai Weapon that has activated the shrine and betrayed your position.</p>
<p>When you hear one of the platform-bearers shouting an order, you tell Karvas to get ready to run. You chance a glance around the doorway and your worst fears are confirmed when you see three Bakhasians advancing swiftly towards the warehouse. They are carrying what appear to be hollow, stubby spears, that are connected by metallic piping to cylindrical backpacks. One of the advancing soldiers sees you and a puff of bubbling steam gushes from the tip of his spear. In the next instant, a solid projectile smashes through the warehouse wall, leaving a ragged hole in the brickwork less than a hand's breadth from your head.</p>
<p>You and Karvas scramble across the rubble-strewn floor towards an open portal on the far side of the derelict warehouse. As you reach this exit, you hear the hiss and thump of another projectile being launched at your fleeing backs.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you possess Assimilance, add 2. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 20 or higher, add 1.</p>
<meta><title>101</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>For several minutes you remain crouched in the darkness as the crashed Starstrider shifts and settles into the ground. When all movement ceases, Karvas tentatively shoulders open the buckled lid of the locker and you heave yourselves out onto a smoke-wreathed deck. Through the pall you hear the groans of wounded crewmen and the crackling buzz of electrical arcing. Steam rises from a gaping hole in the stern deck and a fire rages around the base of the mainmast. Fear chills your heart when you see that the fire is licking at the sides of a barrel of lantern oil which is lashed to the deck.</p>
+ <p>For several minutes you remain crouched in the darkness as the crashed <cite>Starstrider</cite> shifts and settles into the ground. When all movement ceases, Karvas tentatively shoulders open the buckled lid of the locker and you heave yourselves out onto a smoke-wreathed deck. Through the pall you hear the groans of wounded crewmen and the crackling buzz of electrical arcing. Steam rises from a gaping hole in the stern deck and a fire rages around the base of the mainmast. Fear chills your heart when you see that the fire is licking at the sides of a barrel of lantern oil which is lashed to the deck.</p>
<choice idref="sect265">If you possess the Discipline of Grand Nexus, <link-text>turn to 265</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect11">If you possess the Discipline of Elementalism, <link-text>turn to 11</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect239">If you possess neither of these skills, or if you choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 239</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The trader becomes angry when you refuse to offer him more of your gold, and he signals to his henchmen to throw you out of his emporium. They move towards you in eager readiness to obey their master's command. Rather than resist and risk slaying them in a fight, you allow yourself to be roughly manhandled out of the warehouse: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Back on the quayside you resolve to explore the tangle of alleyways that make up the city's eastern quarter in the hope of finding someone who is more willing to talk about the prince. Unfortunately, your efforts garner no useful information. As the sun begins to settle on the horizon, you finally abandon your search and hurry back through the darkening passageways towards the market square.</p>
- <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the Starstrider by the time you reach the market square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. They are disappointed to hear that your search for information has been in vain. Fortunately, Lord Zinair's efforts have been more fruitful.</p>
+ <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the <cite>Starstrider</cite> by the time you reach the market square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. They are disappointed to hear that your search for information has been in vain. Fortunately, Lord Zinair's efforts have been more fruitful.</p>
<p>'Prince Karvas is not here,' he says. 'He lived here when he first came to Sheasu some ten years ago, but a young woman called Amarelda arrived soon after and they were married, here, in the harbour. They left Mydnight the day after their wedding and settled somewhere on the northern coastline. It has been more than a year since they last visited the city.'</p>
<p>Turning to Acraban, Zinair says: 'I propose we travel north at first light and commence a search of the northern shoreline. I suspect it will be easier to espy their retreat from the air than to attempt any search by land.'</p>
- <p>Acraban nods in agreement. Then he passes word to his young crew to prepare the Starstrider for a voyage north at first light.</p>
+ <p>Acraban nods in agreement. Then he passes word to his young crew to prepare the <cite>Starstrider</cite> for a voyage north at first light.</p>
<choice idref="sect187"><link-text>Turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>As your final blow shatters the second blade and breaks the spell that brought it to life, you hear the sound of a bell tolling in a lower level of the citadel. Your sixth sense warns you that it is an alarm bell; your escape from the dungeons has been detected.</p>
- <p>You leave the library and hurry across the sumptuous chamber to the shiny steel door by which you first entered this apartment. Soldiers are ascending the stairs towards it. You catch a glimpse of them and quickly you retreat into the chamber, slamming the door shut behind you. An attempt to secure the door is unsuccessful for the lock is jammed and the dial refuses to turn. Hastily you and Karvas barricade the door with furniture and then you look about for another way to escape. You see only one--through the window. The soldiers are pounding on the door and the barricade is shifting and collapsing as you and Karvas climb out onto a stone ledge. The barricade gives way and you hear the soldiers shouting as they force their way into the chamber. Then an arrow shatters against the surface of the ledge, only a few centimetres from your left boot. You look up and see Citadel Guardsmen with loaded bows leaning over the battlements above. Alerted by the tolling bell, they have spotted you on the ledge outside Sadanzo's chamber. When a second arrow pierces Karvas's cloak, you take hold of the prince's forearm and pull him with you as you step off the ledge and plummet towards the moat, 10 metres below.</p>
+ <p>You leave the library and hurry across the sumptuous chamber to the shiny steel door by which you first entered this apartment. Soldiers are ascending the stairs towards it. You catch a glimpse of them and quickly you retreat into the chamber, slamming the door shut behind you. An attempt to secure the door is unsuccessful for the lock is jammed and the dial refuses to turn. Hastily you and Karvas barricade the door with furniture and then you look about for another way to escape. You see only one<ch.emdash/>through the window. The soldiers are pounding on the door and the barricade is shifting and collapsing as you and Karvas climb out onto a stone ledge. The barricade gives way and you hear the soldiers shouting as they force their way into the chamber. Then an arrow shatters against the surface of the ledge, only a few centimetres from your left boot. You look up and see Citadel Guardsmen with loaded bows leaning over the battlements above. Alerted by the tolling bell, they have spotted you on the ledge outside Sadanzo's chamber. When a second arrow pierces Karvas's cloak, you take hold of the prince's forearm and pull him with you as you step off the ledge and plummet towards the moat, 10 metres below.</p>
<p>You hit the stagnant water with a mighty splash and immediately strike out for the surface. You break through the scummy film that floats on top of the water and, seconds later, you see Karvas emerge from the depths to gasp a lungful of clean air. Arrows are falling all about you. They drop from the battlements above, and they streak past your head, fired by archers who are running across the drawbridge.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<p>If the number you have picked is 0-1, turn 312.</p>
<meta><title>110</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You utter the words of the Brotherhood spell--Net--and point the index finger of your right hand towards Karvas. You feel your arm tingle and a gush of sticky strands shoot from your fingertip to engulf the helpless prince. You counter the spell to stop the flow, and then you take hold of the net with both hands and pull Karvas out of this cavity. As you are cutting him free from the gluey fibres, you happen by chance to notice that he has a crescent-shaped birthmark on his right wrist.</p>
+ <p>You utter the words of the Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Net<ch.emdash/>and point the index finger of your right hand towards Karvas. You feel your arm tingle and a gush of sticky strands shoot from your fingertip to engulf the helpless prince. You counter the spell to stop the flow, and then you take hold of the net with both hands and pull Karvas out of this cavity. As you are cutting him free from the gluey fibres, you happen by chance to notice that he has a crescent-shaped birthmark on his right wrist.</p>
<p>Once free of the net, Karvas thanks you earnestly for your timely help. Had you not acted when you did he feels sure that he would have slipped and fallen into the raging river.</p>
<choice idref="sect200"><link-text>Turn to 200</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>119</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>This time Acraban does not argue. He bellows the order to Kuo the helmsman to reverse the descent and change course, thirty degrees to port. The bow of the Starstrider rises up and the deck banks gently over to the left. But then a deafening Crack! explodes from somewhere below the stern, and you are thrown onto your hands and knees when a violent shockwave ripples along the decking. Acraban calls for a damage report and each crewman shouts his response in turn. The Starstrider has sustained a glancing blow from an energy bolt. It has torn away part of the hull plating and damaged one of the ship's two internal stabilizers, upon which it relies for level flight. The craft ceases to gain height and begins drifting to starboard. This change of course is accompanied by a jarring vibration that runs through the deck and superstructure.</p>
- <p>The surrounding sky is now a seething mass of billowing black clouds lit up by lethal blue-white bolts of lightning. The ship passes through a dark cloud and the metallic stench of ozone fills your nostrils. This harsh-smelling gas does you no harm, protected as you are by your innate Magnakai skill of Nexus. Likewise, Acraban suffers no ill effects from the gas for his magic is sufficient to counter it. But for Prince Karvas and the crew its effects are immediate and devastating. Clutching at their throats they lose their balance and fall to the deck, choking and spluttering as they fight for breath. Acraban instructs you to take the helm while he goes below to work on the damaged stabilizer. You follow his command and take control of the wheel from a barely-conscious Kuo. As the cloud passes the crew slowly recover, but you glimpse a fresh danger ahead. The Starstrider is drifting towards two large active fissures running parallel with each other, and a little over 30 metres apart. Sweat streaks your face as you struggle to steer a straight course between these fissures and so avoid the crackling bolts of energy that are hurtling out of their fiery depths.</p>
+ <p>This time Acraban does not argue. He bellows the order to Kuo the helmsman to reverse the descent and change course, thirty degrees to port. The bow of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> rises up and the deck banks gently over to the left. But then a deafening Crack! explodes from somewhere below the stern, and you are thrown onto your hands and knees when a violent shockwave ripples along the decking. Acraban calls for a damage report and each crewman shouts his response in turn. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> has sustained a glancing blow from an energy bolt. It has torn away part of the hull plating and damaged one of the ship's two internal stabilizers, upon which it relies for level flight. The craft ceases to gain height and begins drifting to starboard. This change of course is accompanied by a jarring vibration that runs through the deck and superstructure.</p>
+ <p>The surrounding sky is now a seething mass of billowing black clouds lit up by lethal blue-white bolts of lightning. The ship passes through a dark cloud and the metallic stench of ozone fills your nostrils. This harsh-smelling gas does you no harm, protected as you are by your innate Magnakai skill of Nexus. Likewise, Acraban suffers no ill effects from the gas for his magic is sufficient to counter it. But for Prince Karvas and the crew its effects are immediate and devastating. Clutching at their throats they lose their balance and fall to the deck, choking and spluttering as they fight for breath. Acraban instructs you to take the helm while he goes below to work on the damaged stabilizer. You follow his command and take control of the wheel from a barely-conscious Kuo. As the cloud passes the crew slowly recover, but you glimpse a fresh danger ahead. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> is drifting towards two large active fissures running parallel with each other, and a little over 30 metres apart. Sweat streaks your face as you struggle to steer a straight course between these fissures and so avoid the crackling bolts of energy that are hurtling out of their fiery depths.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery or Elementalism, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect201">If your total score is now 0-2, <link-text>turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect179">If it is 3-7, <link-text>turn to 179</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Moments later, Acraban emerges from the smoke that wreathes the stern deck. His robes are torn and a trickle of blood runs from a gash above his right ear. You use your Kai curing skills to heal the wizard's wound and then, with Karvas's help, you evacuate some injured crewmen from the crippled skyship. Acraban orders Bo'sun Gora to go and assess the condition of his crew. He returns shortly and reports that out of the ship's original compliment of ten men, three are now missing, three are wounded, and one is dead. The remaining three crewmen, himself included, have survived the crash with only minor injuries.</p>
- <p>Using your curing skills, you ease the pain of the badly injured crewmen before helping Karvas and Gora to bury the dead man--Kuo the helmsman. The area surrounding the crashed skyship is thickly wooded and, with night fast approaching and a sky heavy with clouds, it is impossible for you to determine your exact location. Acraban proposes to contact Lord Zinair and inform him of the disaster by means of his seeing stone. But, to his dismay, he soon discovers that the magical artefact has been lost in the crash.</p>
- <p>As the darkness of night envelops the smouldering wreck of the Starstrider, you find it hard to suppress a growing sense of despair. It is a mood shared by the other survivors, and few words are exchanged as you work together to erect a makeshift shelter for the wounded beside the ship's battered keel. When the shelter is finished, you each look for a place nearby where you can lie down and attempt to recover from the fatigue of your terrible ordeal.</p>
+ <p>Using your curing skills, you ease the pain of the badly injured crewmen before helping Karvas and Gora to bury the dead man<ch.emdash/>Kuo the helmsman. The area surrounding the crashed skyship is thickly wooded and, with night fast approaching and a sky heavy with clouds, it is impossible for you to determine your exact location. Acraban proposes to contact Lord Zinair and inform him of the disaster by means of his seeing stone. But, to his dismay, he soon discovers that the magical artefact has been lost in the crash.</p>
+ <p>As the darkness of night envelops the smouldering wreck of the <cite>Starstrider</cite>, you find it hard to suppress a growing sense of despair. It is a mood shared by the other survivors, and few words are exchanged as you work together to erect a makeshift shelter for the wounded beside the ship's battered keel. When the shelter is finished, you each look for a place nearby where you can lie down and attempt to recover from the fatigue of your terrible ordeal.</p>
<p>Before you try to get some sleep, unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect331">To continue, <link-text>turn to 331</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>The Prince smiles when you refuse to let him attempt the long journey to Seroa alone.</p>
<p>'Very well, Grand Master,' he says, 'so be it. In truth, I could not hope for a more worthy companion on the road ahead. Come, let us plan our way as best we can.'</p>
<p>Acraban has one of his men fetch his compass and charts from the skyship to help you to determine the swiftest route overland to Seroa. You quickly establish your present location and suddenly you realize how difficult the journey ahead will be. Seroa lies over 1,200 kilometres to the east, beyond mountains, plains and uncharted wilderness. You calculate that in order to reach the city in time you must cover no less than 60 kilometres every day.</p>
- <p>'On foot, across such harsh terrain <ch.ellips/> it is impossible,' says Acraban, shaking his head. 'Perhaps so,' replies Karvas, 'but if we had horses then it could be done.'</p>
+ <p>'On foot, across such harsh terrain<ch.ellips/> it is impossible,' says Acraban, shaking his head. 'Perhaps so,' replies Karvas, 'but if we had horses then it could be done.'</p>
<p>You scan the surrounding forest and let your Kai senses wander afar. 'There are no horses in this timberland, my lord,' you say, certain in the knowledge that your judgement is correct. Karvas acknowledges your skill with a wry smile.</p>
<p>'I take great pride in my magical powers,' interjects Acraban, jovially, 'but even I, my lord, cannot summon horses from out of the air. Where, pray tell, do you hope to find mounts with strength enough to carry you all the way home?'</p>
- <p>Karvas turns his eyes to the east and says: 'Why, in Bakhasa of course. Mark you, the citizens of that foul city will not help us out of the goodness of their hearts, of that we can be sure. But they have horses--strong Bhanarian stallions. Perhaps, Grand Master, we shall be able to borrow a pair?'</p>
- <p>You laugh with Prince Karvas at the audacity of his plan and you feel your spirits rise. A long and dangerous journey lies ahead, yet you are impressed by the Prince's courage and determination and you feel confident once more that your mission can succeed. Acraban also approves. He and his men will stay and restore the Starstrider and then fly back to Toran as soon as they are able.</p>
+ <p>Karvas turns his eyes to the east and says: 'Why, in Bakhasa of course. Mark you, the citizens of that foul city will not help us out of the goodness of their hearts, of that we can be sure. But they have horses<ch.emdash/>strong Bhanarian stallions. Perhaps, Grand Master, we shall be able to borrow a pair?'</p>
+ <p>You laugh with Prince Karvas at the audacity of his plan and you feel your spirits rise. A long and dangerous journey lies ahead, yet you are impressed by the Prince's courage and determination and you feel confident once more that your mission can succeed. Acraban also approves. He and his men will stay and restore the <cite>Starstrider</cite> and then fly back to Toran as soon as they are able.</p>
<p>Mindful that time is not your ally, you gather your weapons and equipment together in readiness to leave. After bidding farewell to Acraban and his crewmen, you set off with Prince Karvas into the great forest, heading east. The vast timberland is rich with game, roots and berries, and you are able to hunt and gather food on the move (you gather enough for 2 Meals). By noon you have made good progress and have reached the eastern fringe of the forest. Beyond lies an undulating plain that gradually descends towards a wide river. To the north-east, sitting astride this river, you glimpse the dark outline of a city.</p>
<p>'That's Bakhasa,' says Karvas, confidently. You magnify your vision and estimate it to be no more than 50 kilometres distant. 'With luck, we should make it there by midnight.'</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<data>
<p>You strike camp at dawn and set off along the plains road to the east. The morning sky is clear and sunny, and the air is filled with butterflies and the sound of birdsong. Having now entered Siyen, and with ten days remaining to Harvestmas, you are feeling quietly confident that you will reach Seroa in time for Karvas to be crowned King. But the prince is a little less optimistic. He tells you that you are now in the eastern province of Cavalia, a region which shares its name with its principal city. The province and city are ruled by Sadanzo, the evil baron who seeks to usurp the throne of Siyen. Karvas advocates that you both remain vigilant until you are safely beyond the borders of his enemy's province.</p>
<p>It is nearing noon when you first glimpse the towers and spires of Cavalia glinting on the horizon. The plains road leads directly to its fortified gatehouse, but Karvas is anxious to avoid entering the city. He proposes that you leave the road and use a smaller trail which threads through several small villages and settlements that ring the city. You are approaching the first of these villages where you see a troop of thirty horsemen riding towards you on the trail ahead. They wear chainmail armour and they each have the emblem of a black eagle's head emblazoned upon their white surcoats and shields. A golden crown surmounts these eagle's heads and Karvas gasps when he sees them. He signals to you to rein in your horse and, as you come to a halt, he tells you that the approaching horsemen are wearing the livery of Baron Sadanzo. The black eagle's head is his mark, but it is the addition of a golden crown that has shocked Karvas. It is the sign of royal ascendance. Karvas is fearful that Baron Sadanzo has already been crowned King of Siyen.</p>
- <p>As they ride nearer, the leader of the troop--a Knight Bachelor--motions his horsemen to leave the trail and encircle you and the prince. As they obey his command, the Knight Bachelor brings his snorting steed to a halt alongside your horse.</p>
+ <p>As they ride nearer, the leader of the troop<ch.emdash/>a Knight Bachelor<ch.emdash/>motions his horsemen to leave the trail and encircle you and the prince. As they obey his command, the Knight Bachelor brings his snorting steed to a halt alongside your horse.</p>
<p>'Hail, fellow riders,' he says, with forced politeness. He raises the visor of his helmet and his dark, suspicious eyes scrutinise you from head to toe.</p>
<p>'You are Northlanders, are you not? What business do you pursue here in the province of Cavalia?'</p>
<choice idref="sect140">If you wish to answer that you are journeymen from Sommerlund who are travelling across Southern Magnamund to learn about its peoples and customs, <link-text>turn to 140</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>After an interminable wait you arrive at the front of the slow-moving queue. Without looking up from the books and papers spread around him, the Reeve-sergeant motions you to sit down on the bench before his table. With a tone of bored indifference he asks you to state the reason for your visit to the Judicar's Hall. You tell him that you are looking for Prince Karvas of Siyen, that you have come here with urgent news of events in his homeland that you must impart to him. The officer rubs his stubbly chin and stares unblinkingly into your eyes. You sense that he doubts your word and is contemplating whether or not he should have you arrested. When you insist that it is vital that you find the prince he gives a gruff laugh and shrugs his shoulders.</p>
- <p>'Karvas is not here,' he grunts. 'Lived here when he first came to Sheasu, maybe ten years ago now, but when his bride arrived he took her up north. They live up there on the coast someplace <ch.ellips/> not sure where. Rarely visits Mydnight nowadays. That's all I know.'</p>
+ <p>'Karvas is not here,' he grunts. 'Lived here when he first came to Sheasu, maybe ten years ago now, but when his bride arrived he took her up north. They live up there on the coast someplace<ch.ellips/> not sure where. Rarely visits Mydnight nowadays. That's all I know.'</p>
<p>You thank the Reeve-sergeant for his help and leave. On returning to the street outside the hall you notice that the sun is low on the western horizon. Having spent nearly all day queuing in the Hall of the Judicars for such scant information, you pray that your companions have fared better as you hurry back through the darkening streets towards the eastern quarter of the city.</p>
<choice idref="sect308"><link-text>Turn to 308</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>They are searching Karvas when one of the men discovers the crescent-shaped birthmark on his wrist and he gasps with shock. 'By the gods!' he exclaims, 'he bears the mark of Crown Prince Karvas!' Instantly the Knight Bachelor leaps down from his saddle. Roughly he grabs the prince's arm and pulls back the sleeve of his tunic to inspect the birthmark for himself.</p>
<p>'So, our exiled prince has returned from Sheasu,' he says, with a haughty, mocking tone. 'Perhaps you've grown tired of the city of Mydnight, eh? A little homesick? Or have you come back to try to claim the crown that you forfeited a decade ago?'</p>
<p>The knight utters a mocking laugh and then he steps away from Karvas to strut like a peacock before his men.</p>
- <p>'Mydnight's hero has come home to us at last!' he bellows. 'Well, let us take our hero prince back to Cavalia and provide him with a royal chamber. We have many <ch.ellips/> in the dungeons of the citadel! When King Sadanzo returns, he will be greatly pleased with us. And he will be generous too. Most generous.'</p>
+ <p>'Mydnight's hero has come home to us at last!' he bellows. 'Well, let us take our hero prince back to Cavalia and provide him with a royal chamber. We have many<ch.ellips/> in the dungeons of the citadel! When King Sadanzo returns, he will be greatly pleased with us. And he will be generous too. Most generous.'</p>
<choice idref="sect184">To continue, <link-text>turn to 184</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>With care, Baron Lodamos's men lift and carry Prince Karvas out of the chapel. You follow in the company of the Baron and his Marshal as they bear him along the corridors of the citadel and up a grand staircase to Lodamos's personal chamber. Here they rest the prince upon a divan and the Baron's physician comes to examine him.</p>
- <p>Lodamos offers you his sincere apologies for the harsh treatment you have endured since your arrival at his citadel. He explains that Sadanzo has made several attempts to murder him during the past year and he dare not lower his guard. The Baron is impressed that you survived your encounter in the chapel with the ghost of his ancestor--the paladin knight Ranald. 'No mortal creature born of evil has ever survived the judgement of Ranald,' he says, 'and no goodly mortals have ever maintained their consciousness in his presence. I judge you to be no ordinary man. Pray tell, sir, who are you?' You confide in the Baron that you are a Kai Grand Master and you tell him of your purpose here in Siyen. When you recount the events that have led you to his citadel, the Baron praises your courage and determination. You learn that he is a great admirer of the Kai and it is his ambition, one day, to journey to the monastery and meet with your illustrious leader, Lone Wolf.</p>
+ <p>Lodamos offers you his sincere apologies for the harsh treatment you have endured since your arrival at his citadel. He explains that Sadanzo has made several attempts to murder him during the past year and he dare not lower his guard. The Baron is impressed that you survived your encounter in the chapel with the ghost of his ancestor<ch.emdash/>the paladin knight Ranald. 'No mortal creature born of evil has ever survived the judgement of Ranald,' he says, 'and no goodly mortals have ever maintained their consciousness in his presence. I judge you to be no ordinary man. Pray tell, sir, who are you?' You confide in the Baron that you are a Kai Grand Master and you tell him of your purpose here in Siyen. When you recount the events that have led you to his citadel, the Baron praises your courage and determination. You learn that he is a great admirer of the Kai and it is his ambition, one day, to journey to the monastery and meet with your illustrious leader, Lone Wolf.</p>
<p>Lodamos orders his Marshal to return your confiscated weapons and equipment (you may erase the asterisks from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>). He also sends to the kitchens for food and wine. While the physician is attending to the prince, you enjoy a reviving meal (you may restore 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
<choice idref="sect293">To continue, <link-text>turn to 293</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>In a burst of sudden rage, the blacksmith slaps the gold crowns from out of your hand and scatters them across the floor. Before you can retrieve them he orders his son to chase you out of their workshop. Rather than resist and risk slaying them both in a fight, you turn and run towards the door. (Erase from your belt pouch the number of Gold Crowns that you have lost here in the blacksmith's shop.)</p>
<p>Hurriedly you return to the quayside where you stop to catch your breath. After a while you resolve to explore the tangle of alleyways that make up the city's eastern quarter in the hope of finding someone more willing to talk about the prince. Unfortunately, your efforts garner no useful information. As the sun begins to settle on the horizon, you finally abandon your search and hurry back through the darkening passageways towards the market square.</p>
- <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the Starstrider by the time you reach the market square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. They are disappointed to hear that your search for information has been in vain. Fortunately, Lord Zinair's efforts have been more fruitful.</p>
+ <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the <cite>Starstrider</cite> by the time you reach the market square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. They are disappointed to hear that your search for information has been in vain. Fortunately, Lord Zinair's efforts have been more fruitful.</p>
<p>'Prince Karvas is not here,' he says. 'He lived here when he first came to Sheasu some ten years ago, but a young woman called Amarelda arrived soon after and they were married, here, in the harbour. They left Mydnight the day after their wedding and settled somewhere on the northern coastline. It has been more than a year since they last visited the city.'</p>
<p>Turning to Acraban, Zinair says: 'I propose we travel north at first light and commence a search of the northern shoreline. I suspect it will be easier to espy their retreat from the air than to attempt any search by land.'</p>
- <p>Acraban nods in agreement. Then he passes word to his young crew to prepare the Starstrider for a voyage north at first light.</p>
+ <p>Acraban nods in agreement. Then he passes word to his young crew to prepare the <cite>Starstrider</cite> for a voyage north at first light.</p>
<choice idref="sect187"><link-text>Turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>145</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You call upon your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control to calm the horse as you creep towards her. Taking care to keep the mare between yourself and her rider, in case he should happen to glance in your direction, you quickly unbuckle the saddlebag and peer inside. It contains mostly personal items--a Blanket, enough food for 2 Meals, a Dagger, and a Tinderbox.</p>
+ <p>You call upon your Magnakai Discipline of Animal Control to calm the horse as you creep towards her. Taking care to keep the mare between yourself and her rider, in case he should happen to glance in your direction, you quickly unbuckle the saddlebag and peer inside. It contains mostly personal items<ch.emdash/>a Blanket, enough food for 2 Meals, a Dagger, and a Tinderbox.</p>
<p>You are about to return to your hiding place when you chance upon a concealed pocket at the base of the bag. It contains an iron key that bears an inscription on its shank, and your Magnakai pathsmanship skills enable you to decipher its meaning: THIS KEY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TEHDA STABLES. You slip the key into your pocket and rebuckle the saddlebag before you take cover.</p>
<p>(Remember to record this Tehda Key on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. It is a Special Item which you carry in the pocket of your tunic. You need not discard another item in its favour if you are already carrying the maximum number of Special Items permissible.)</p>
<p>Once you are hidden from view, you watch as the horseman stops to stare out across endless rows of tree stumps. Slowly he shakes his head, then he looks up at the darkening sky and you hear him curse the failing light. In the distance, one of his comrades shouts his name and beckons him to rejoin the wagons. Begrudgingly he acknowledges the call. He slams his sabre back into its steel scabbard and returns to his horse. Patiently you watch him climb into the saddle and ride away before you rise from your hiding place and call for Prince Karvas to show himself.</p>
<meta><title>149</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The concussive shockwave hits you barely a second after you hear the noise of the explosion. It hurls you sideways across the deck and slams you painfully against the base of the mainmast--lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Stunned, although still conscious, you use the mast to help pull yourself back onto your feet.</p>
+ <p>The concussive shockwave hits you barely a second after you hear the noise of the explosion. It hurls you sideways across the deck and slams you painfully against the base of the mainmast<ch.emdash/>lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. Stunned, although still conscious, you use the mast to help pull yourself back onto your feet.</p>
<choice idref="sect51"><link-text>Turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>151</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Plainly the nomad's meat is rotten to the bone. So, too, is most of the other food that is displayed on the trader's stall. You agree with the nomad that the meat is unfit to eat, and immediately the trader denounces you. Loudly he accuses you of being tricksters, conspiring together to cheat him out of his wares. He shouts for the Holtors--the market guardsmen--demanding they come and arrest you all.</p>
+ <p>Plainly the nomad's meat is rotten to the bone. So, too, is most of the other food that is displayed on the trader's stall. You agree with the nomad that the meat is unfit to eat, and immediately the trader denounces you. Loudly he accuses you of being tricksters, conspiring together to cheat him out of his wares. He shouts for the Holtors<ch.emdash/>the market guardsmen<ch.emdash/>demanding they come and arrest you all.</p>
<p>Karvas suggests that now may be a good time to leave Jaroc. You nod in agreement. Together you turn your horses away from the trader's stall and canter back through the crowds towards the palisade. As you approach it, you see two portly armed guards hurrying to shut the gate.</p>
<choice idref="sect87">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 87</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect22">If you possess Elementalism, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The lightning bolt hit the skyship's hull directly below the helm, rendering you unconscious as the concussive force of the blast was transmitted upwards through the deck (lose 6 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points).</p>
- <p>On regaining consciousness you discover that the Starstrider is now more than three miles clear of the fissures. As your vision slowly clears you see that Acraban has taken control of the wheel. He smiles when he sees that you are still alive. You notice that he looks gaunt and exhausted, and his ginger hair is matted with grime and sweat. Clearly his efforts to repair the ailing skyship have severely drained his magical energies. As you stagger to the helm you sense that the steering has become more erratic. The Starstrider has lost altitude and her deck is starting to tilt alarmingly to starboard. Soon it becomes almost impossible to stand upright.</p>
+ <p>On regaining consciousness you discover that the <cite>Starstrider</cite> is now more than three miles clear of the fissures. As your vision slowly clears you see that Acraban has taken control of the wheel. He smiles when he sees that you are still alive. You notice that he looks gaunt and exhausted, and his ginger hair is matted with grime and sweat. Clearly his efforts to repair the ailing skyship have severely drained his magical energies. As you stagger to the helm you sense that the steering has become more erratic. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> has lost altitude and her deck is starting to tilt alarmingly to starboard. Soon it becomes almost impossible to stand upright.</p>
<p>'We have lost one stabilizer and the other is badly damaged,' says Acraban, grimly. 'I have done all I can to repair it but I fear it will fail us at any moment. Without stabilizers we cannot stay airborne.' Acraban orders his crew to prepare for a crash landing. Some of the young men tie themselves to the ship's mainmast, while others brace themselves against the rails and place their fate in the hands of the Goddess Ishir. Prince Karvas has found refuge in a rope locker which is bolted to the main deck. He lifts the lid and calls out to you to join him for there is sufficient space for two inside.</p>
<choice idref="sect79">If you wish to climb into the rope locker alongside Prince Karvas, <link-text>turn to 79</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect199">If you choose to stay with Acraban at the ship's helm, <link-text>turn to 199</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You enter the sleepy hamlet of Voshno and ride along its main street, past rows of dusty shops and gabled houses, until you reach a market square. The villagers here are a sullen, silent crowd. Few pay you more than the scantest attention as you ride across the square and enter Shaney Street, a paved avenue that leads down to the river. An arch of pale pink stone stands at the entrance to the Voshno Bridge, its surface pitted and scarred with lasting reminders of desperate battles fought here during wars past. The centre of the bridge is blocked by a rickety cart parked deliberately to stop traffic from passing freely, and leaning against it is a man clad in chainmail armour. He sucks at an unlit pipe and narrows his bushy-browed eyes as you approach.</p>
- <p>'Bridge toll!' he snaps, and thrusts out a calloused palm, inviting payment. '40 Lune <ch.ellips/> and no arguing.'</p>
+ <p>'Bridge toll!' he snaps, and thrusts out a calloused palm, inviting payment. '40 Lune<ch.ellips/> and no arguing.'</p>
<choice idref="sect221">If you possess 40 Lune (or its equivalent, which is 10 Gold Crowns) and wish to pay this toll collector, <link-text>turn to 221</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect254">If you do not possess 40 Lune (10 Gold Crowns), or if you refuse to pay this excessive toll, <link-text>turn to 254</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>At first your senses lead you to believe that a tempest is brewing, that the fluctuating air pressure is merely the prelude to a violent electrical storm. You magnify your vision and scan the horizon in sure expectation, but, to your surprise, you see neither lightning bolts nor storm clouds in the far distance. Then your Kai senses detect the source of the shifting pressure; it is coming up from the ground.</p>
- <p>Rapidly the blanket of cloud below the keel dissipates to reveal a stark landscape of black volcanic rock. It is scarred by deep chasms and fissures, some of which emit jets of steam that roar skywards to buffet the hub of the Starstrider as it passes by. These colossal jets condense to form strange green-grey clouds which slowly drift and tumble back to the ground. One such cloud forms in the air and begins to fall on a collision course with the ship. Acraban sees the threat and he orders Kuo, his helmsman, to descend 300 feet in order to evade the falling cloud mass. As he obeys the wizard's command, you sense suddenly that this manoeuvre could place the ship in greater danger, from the roaring jets of steam.</p>
+ <p>Rapidly the blanket of cloud below the keel dissipates to reveal a stark landscape of black volcanic rock. It is scarred by deep chasms and fissures, some of which emit jets of steam that roar skywards to buffet the hub of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> as it passes by. These colossal jets condense to form strange green-grey clouds which slowly drift and tumble back to the ground. One such cloud forms in the air and begins to fall on a collision course with the ship. Acraban sees the threat and he orders Kuo, his helmsman, to descend 300 feet in order to evade the falling cloud mass. As he obeys the wizard's command, you sense suddenly that this manoeuvre could place the ship in greater danger, from the roaring jets of steam.</p>
<choice idref="sect98">If you wish to tell Acraban to cancel his last command and order the helmsman to climb 300 feet instead, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect290">If you decide it is best to leave the steering of the skyship to Acraban and his crewmen, <link-text>turn to 290</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>'It is I, my lord, Marshal,' says Karvas, 'do you not recognize me?' 'Prince Karvas! By the gods, how can this be?' exclaims Marshal Phedros 'This wine must have addled my brain, for Karvas dwells in exile. You cannot be him. This is another of Sadanzo's foul tricks, I'll be bound.'</p>
<p>Karvas pulls up the sleeve of his tunic and advances towards Phedros to show him the crescent-shaped birthmark on his wrist. But Phedros, his senses wine-dulled, mistakes his advance for an attack. 'Seize them!' he bellows, and immediately four of the Marshal's bodyguards emerge from the shadows of the mess hall. Two of them wrestle Karvas to the ground, while the others come rushing at you with their swords drawn. Rather than risk the prince's life by resisting these guards, you raise your hands in surrender. Karvas begs Phedros to believe that he truly is the Crown Prince of Siyen. He asks that he be allowed to explain how he returned to his homeland, but Phedros refuses to listen to his pleas. He calls for more guards and he commands them to confiscate your weapons and equipment. Then you are both taken to the barracks' cells where you are placed in irons.</p>
<p>It is in the early hours of the morning when the cell door bangs open and in shuffles Marshal Phedros in the company of Baron Sadanzo and a dozen of his robber knights. The Baron cackles with glee when he sees Karvas chained to the wall. He takes a glowing green gem from the pocket of his ermine robes, and immediately your sixth sense warns you that this stone is radiating strong psychic energies. Through its use, Sadanzo is able to exert a powerful control over Phedros's mind.</p>
- <p>'So, Marshal Phedros,' says Sadanzo, in a quiet, silky-smooth voice that is chillingly evil, 'this is the impostor and his accomplice. Pray tell me, my lord, what is the punishment for impersonating a member of the Royal household?' 'It <ch.ellips/> is <ch.ellips/> death,' croaks Phedros. By the forced sound of his voice you can tell that the Marshal does not speak of his own free will.</p>
+ <p>'So, Marshal Phedros,' says Sadanzo, in a quiet, silky-smooth voice that is chillingly evil, 'this is the impostor and his accomplice. Pray tell me, my lord, what is the punishment for impersonating a member of the Royal household?' 'It<ch.ellips/> is<ch.ellips/> death,' croaks Phedros. By the forced sound of his voice you can tell that the Marshal does not speak of his own free will.</p>
<p>Prince Karvas rails against his shackles and shouts out in protest, but the gem flares in Sadanzo's hand and instantly Karvas ceases to speak or move. Your sixth sense tells you that your psychic Kai defences are preventing you from succumbing to the power of this evil gem, a power that has rendered Karvas incapable of speech or movement.</p>
- <p>'Well, my loyal knights,' says Sadanzo, addressing his gloating henchmen, 'did you not hear the Marshal? The punishment for their crime is death.' The Baron looks at you and Karvas and a malicious smile spreads slowly across his taut, cadaverous face. 'By the power invested in me as King of Siyen, I sentence you both to death. Sentence to be carried out <ch.ellips/> at once!'</p>
+ <p>'Well, my loyal knights,' says Sadanzo, addressing his gloating henchmen, 'did you not hear the Marshal? The punishment for their crime is death.' The Baron looks at you and Karvas and a malicious smile spreads slowly across his taut, cadaverous face. 'By the power invested in me as King of Siyen, I sentence you both to death. Sentence to be carried out<ch.ellips/> at once!'</p>
<p>And with these fateful words ringing in their ears, the robber knights unsheathe their swords and move forward to carry out the Baron's order of execution. Mercifully, death is swift for you both.</p>
<p>Tragically, your life and your quest end here in the cells of the Royal Cavalry barracks of Siyen.</p>
</data>
<data>
<p>'Well met, my lords,' calls the ginger-haired magician as he waits on the quayside for you and Lord Zinair to disembark. As you descend the gangplank, you are struck by the young man's resemblance to Melchar, the journeyman whom you met in Caeno during your long voyage south to the Isle of Lorn. As you step ashore, the magician greets you with a broad smile and a firm handshake.</p>
- <p>'I am Acraban, of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. I had not expected we would rendezvous so soon. I arrived here myself only this morning aboard my skyship Starstrider,' he says, earnestly. His facial similarity to Melchar is so striking that you feel compelled to ask if he knows of the journeyman. 'Why, yes, Grand Master. Melchar is my brother. On his return from Caeno he told me all about your escapades at the races there. I have looked forward to meeting you in person.'</p>
+ <p>'I am Acraban, of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. I had not expected we would rendezvous so soon. I arrived here myself only this morning aboard my skyship <cite>Starstrider</cite>,' he says, earnestly. His facial similarity to Melchar is so striking that you feel compelled to ask if he knows of the journeyman. 'Why, yes, Grand Master. Melchar is my brother. On his return from Caeno he told me all about your escapades at the races there. I have looked forward to meeting you in person.'</p>
<p>Then the young magician excuses himself before turning away to face his flying ship. He raises his right hand and a shimmering blue flame suddenly engulfs his open palm. From the rear deck of the hovering skyship you see a flashing pinpoint of light. It is an acknowledgement of Acraban's signal to his watching crew that you have arrived.</p>
- <p>'Come, my lords, let us return to Starstrider. We have much to discuss and time is precious.'</p>
+ <p>'Come, my lords, let us return to <cite>Starstrider</cite>. We have much to discuss and time is precious.'</p>
<choice idref="sect90"><link-text>Turn to 90</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You run your eye over the items stored on the dusty shelves, and note that their prices are displayed on small scraps of parchment attached to them by twine. Only the following items are worthy of your interest:</p>
<ul>
- <li>) Meals--4 Lune (each)</li>
- <li>) Arrows--4 Lune (each)</li>
- <li>) Rope--8 Lune</li>
- <li>) Lantern--8 Lune</li>
- <li>) 1 Potion of Alether--12 Lune (increases <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 2 for the duration of one combat only)</li>
- <li>) Quarterstaff--20 Lune</li>
- <li>) Bow--32 Lune</li>
+ <li>) Meals<ch.emdash/>4 Lune (each)</li>
+ <li>) Arrows<ch.emdash/>4 Lune (each)</li>
+ <li>) Rope<ch.emdash/>8 Lune</li>
+ <li>) Lantern<ch.emdash/>8 Lune</li>
+ <li>) 1 Potion of Alether<ch.emdash/>12 Lune (increases <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> by 2 for the duration of one combat only)</li>
+ <li>) Quarterstaff<ch.emdash/>20 Lune</li>
+ <li>) Bow<ch.emdash/>32 Lune</li>
</ul>
<p>The trader will accept Gold Crowns in payment for any of the above items, at the rate of 1 Gold Crown for 4 Lune. He will not accept Ren.</p>
<p>If you wish to purchase any of the above items, make the appropriate adjustments to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
<data>
<p>Slowly you step away from the boulder and motion Acraban to follow as you descend the steep trail to the beach. Prince Karvas walks towards you, his right hand resting purposefully on the hilt of a short sword sheathed by his side. Despite his dishevelled appearance, he moves with a proud aristocratic gait that reveals his noble ancestry.</p>
<p>With a polite formality usually reserved for the King's court and council chambers, Acraban bows to the prince and makes his introductions. In sober tones he informs him of the unhappy events which have transpired in Siyen, events which have brought you both to Sheasu in search of him. Prince Karvas is saddened to hear of the death of his father. He glances at the mound of sand close to the base of the trail and you notice a tear in his eye. Lying alongside this mound is a plank of driftwood carved with the name Amarelda. It marks the last resting place of the prince's young wife.</p>
- <p>'This is bitter news you bring, my lords,' says Karvas, his sonorous voice wavering with emotion, 'for my grief is doubled. I have now lost my wife and my father--the only two people I have ever truly loved.'</p>
+ <p>'This is bitter news you bring, my lords,' says Karvas, his sonorous voice wavering with emotion, 'for my grief is doubled. I have now lost my wife and my father<ch.emdash/>the only two people I have ever truly loved.'</p>
<p>You and your companion offer the prince your deepest condolences, and Acraban suggests that perhaps it would be best if you all left the beach. Karvas nods his consent and together you climb the trail back to his house atop the cliffs.</p>
- <p>Over a cup of berry wine, Prince Karvas tells you the story of how he came to Sheasu to live the life of an outcast. A decade earlier, during a chance encounter in a foreign court, he had met and fallen helplessly in love with Princess Amarelda--the daughter of the King of Lunarlia. She, too, had fallen for him, and had accepted his offer of marriage. For centuries the neighbouring lands of Lunarlia and Siyen have been enemies, yet the sudden prospect of a marriage between Prince Karvas and Princess Amarelda promised to put an end to many years of rivalry and bloodshed. At first his father, the King of Siyen, approved of their union. But later he changed his mind and forbade his son to marry her on pain of exile. Karvas defied his father and was forced to leave his homeland. He travelled to Sheasu where he was later joined by his beloved Amarelda. She, too, had disobeyed her father's command and had been cast out for her act of defiance. Karvas talks fondly of the years they spent here alone together. Then, with sadness, he tells you that she recently fell ill with a fever from which she never recovered. For more than a month she fought the illness until, only three days ago, she passed away quietly in her sleep.</p>
- <p>The news that Baron Sadanzo plans to steal his birthright enrages the prince. For years he has blamed the Baron for his exile, for he alone openly opposed the marriage that would have healed the rift between Lunarlia and Siyen. Karvas is convinced that the Baron turned his father's mind with sorcery, and he agrees readily to leave Sheasu and journey with you aboard the Starstrider to Seroa to thwart Sadanzo's plan. The Prince's willing acceptance to return to his homeland raises your spirits. Acraban proposes a toast to the future King of Siyen and Karvas accepts the gesture in good humour. Then Acraban imparts the glad news to Lord Zinair by means of the seeing stone given to him by the elder magician. Zinair, who is sailing back to Suhn, congratulates you both for successfully finding the exiled prince and he wishes you all a safe and speedy air voyage to Siyen.</p>
+ <p>Over a cup of berry wine, Prince Karvas tells you the story of how he came to Sheasu to live the life of an outcast. A decade earlier, during a chance encounter in a foreign court, he had met and fallen helplessly in love with Princess Amarelda<ch.emdash/>the daughter of the King of Lunarlia. She, too, had fallen for him, and had accepted his offer of marriage. For centuries the neighbouring lands of Lunarlia and Siyen have been enemies, yet the sudden prospect of a marriage between Prince Karvas and Princess Amarelda promised to put an end to many years of rivalry and bloodshed. At first his father, the King of Siyen, approved of their union. But later he changed his mind and forbade his son to marry her on pain of exile. Karvas defied his father and was forced to leave his homeland. He travelled to Sheasu where he was later joined by his beloved Amarelda. She, too, had disobeyed her father's command and had been cast out for her act of defiance. Karvas talks fondly of the years they spent here alone together. Then, with sadness, he tells you that she recently fell ill with a fever from which she never recovered. For more than a month she fought the illness until, only three days ago, she passed away quietly in her sleep.</p>
+ <p>The news that Baron Sadanzo plans to steal his birthright enrages the prince. For years he has blamed the Baron for his exile, for he alone openly opposed the marriage that would have healed the rift between Lunarlia and Siyen. Karvas is convinced that the Baron turned his father's mind with sorcery, and he agrees readily to leave Sheasu and journey with you aboard the <cite>Starstrider</cite> to Seroa to thwart Sadanzo's plan. The Prince's willing acceptance to return to his homeland raises your spirits. Acraban proposes a toast to the future King of Siyen and Karvas accepts the gesture in good humour. Then Acraban imparts the glad news to Lord Zinair by means of the seeing stone given to him by the elder magician. Zinair, who is sailing back to Suhn, congratulates you both for successfully finding the exiled prince and he wishes you all a safe and speedy air voyage to Siyen.</p>
<choice idref="sect63"><link-text>Turn to 63</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>171</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You take it in turns to keep watch throughout the night in case a pursuit party is sent from Cavalia to track you down. Fortunately, the night passes peacefully and you leave the wood shortly before dawn. As the sun crests the eastern horizon, you ee a signpost at the roadside which says: 'VAREDO--150 miles'.</p>
+ <p>You take it in turns to keep watch throughout the night in case a pursuit party is sent from Cavalia to track you down. Fortunately, the night passes peacefully and you leave the wood shortly before dawn. As the sun crests the eastern horizon, you ee a signpost at the roadside which says: 'VAREDO<ch.emdash/>150 miles'.</p>
<p>'Normally one could expect to reach Varedo in three days by horse,' says Karvas, 'but if we use every hour of daylight and rest our mounts briefly, every hour, we may be able to cover the distance in half the time.' Mindful that you now have only nine days in which to reach Seroa to be in time for the crowning, and wary that a pursuit party could still be sent from Cavalia to hunt you down, you spend this day in the saddle riding as far and as fast as your horses are able. By nightfall, you have made excellent progress and you are confident that the threat from Cavalia is no more. You camp for the night beside a stream and, before you sleep, you use your Magnakai skills to assist the horses to recover fully from their hard day's ride.</p>
<p>The following day is spent crossing the seemingly endless Lucien Plain, the monotony of the grasslands broken only occasionally by an isolated hamlet or farmstead. You have no need to approach these settlements for the rich prairie yields enough game to keep you well fed while you are on the move. It also provides surplus food equivalent to 2 Meals (adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly if you wish to keep one or both of these Meals).</p>
- <p>During the afternoon, you see a group of riders approaching from the north, from out of the wooded foothills of the Ioma Range. You magnify your vision and your stomach churns when you see that they are carrying spears which display the white eagle's-head pennant of Baron Sadanzo. You focus your Kai senses upon this distant group of riders and detect that they are not soldiers. They are a hunting party seeking wild deer. The open plain offers no place to hide from these approaching horsemen and the lack of cover makes you feel especially vulnerable. You remain stationary for a few minutes while you watch them draw closer. You are hoping that they are too preoccupied with their hunt to pay you any attention. However, you soon realize that they have lost the trail of their wild deer and have decided to track new quarry--you and Karvas.</p>
+ <p>During the afternoon, you see a group of riders approaching from the north, from out of the wooded foothills of the Ioma Range. You magnify your vision and your stomach churns when you see that they are carrying spears which display the white eagle's-head pennant of Baron Sadanzo. You focus your Kai senses upon this distant group of riders and detect that they are not soldiers. They are a hunting party seeking wild deer. The open plain offers no place to hide from these approaching horsemen and the lack of cover makes you feel especially vulnerable. You remain stationary for a few minutes while you watch them draw closer. You are hoping that they are too preoccupied with their hunt to pay you any attention. However, you soon realize that they have lost the trail of their wild deer and have decided to track new quarry<ch.emdash/>you and Karvas.</p>
<choice idref="sect93">If you wish to stand and face this hunting party, <link-text>turn to 93</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect277">If you wish to attempt to evade them, <link-text>turn to 277</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>'So you're on your way to Seroa, eh?' says the Knight Bachelor. 'If you are there in time for Harvestmas then you'll see the crowning of Baron Sadanzo. I only wish I could be there myself to celebrate that happy day. Alas, someone must remain to protect Cavalia while our master, our future king, is away.'</p>
<p>Karvas asks the young knight why he and his men are wearing the crown of Siyen upon their shields and surcoats. 'I thought,' he says, taking care to mask his native Siyenese accent, 'that it is customary here in Siyen for only soldiers of the King's Guard to wear the royal crown? Is it not so?'</p>
- <p>The Knight Bachelor glares at Karvas and you sense that the prince's comments have stung him. 'Our master is <ch.ellips/> will be <ch.ellips/> the King of Siyen,' he blusters. 'There is no other who claims the throne of our realm. We wear the crown in honour of his right to ascendance. Perhaps you foreigners oppose our Baron's right?'</p>
+ <p>The Knight Bachelor glares at Karvas and you sense that the prince's comments have stung him. 'Our master is<ch.ellips/> will be<ch.ellips/> the King of Siyen,' he blusters. 'There is no other who claims the throne of our realm. We wear the crown in honour of his right to ascendance. Perhaps you foreigners oppose our Baron's right?'</p>
<p>The Knight Bachelor stares accusingly into your eyes. When he gets no reaction, he jerks his head back to Karvas and fixes the prince with the same cold, unblinking gaze. Your Kai sixth sense informs you that this Knight Bachelor is a greedy and ambitious young man who is hungry for promotion. Unwittingly, Karvas has insulted his honour and, to save face in front of his men, he is thinking of arresting you both on the suspicion that you are spies. You know that you must act swiftly if you are to avoid this.</p>
<choice idref="sect95">If you wish to apologize to the Knight Bachelor and tell him that your companion did not mean any insult by what he said, <link-text>turn to 95</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect161">If you wish to offer the Knight Bachelor a bribe in the hope that he will allow you and Karvas to go on your way, <link-text>turn to 161</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Beyond the draperies you find a circular chamber with a polished wooden floor. The dark oak surface is inlaid with lighter woods which form intricate pentagrams and other mystical patterns. The walls are lined with shelves which store a vast number of books, scrolls and parchments. Your Kai senses warn you that these are works of great evil; it is a library of sorcerous manuals and tomes of worship dedicated to Naar. Prince Karvas is repulsed by the sight of this evil repository. It confirms the suspicion he has held for many years, that Baron Sadanzo is a secret disciple of the Dark God.</p>
<p>You scan the walls and your Kai senses reel in the face of the evil that festers here. Your instincts tell you to destroy these vile works, to put them to the torch, yet to do so could jeopardise your chances of making a successful escape from the citadel. Rather than take that risk you decide to leave this evil library at once, but as you are retreating towards the archway you notice a square plate of steel sandwiched among the books on a middle shelf. A closer look reveals it to be the door of a wall safe. There is a dial at its centre, similar to the cylinder lock which secured the door to your prison cell. Your sixth sense reveals that only two digits are required to open this safe.</p>
- <p>The first number in the sequence is equal to the number of bonus points added to combat skill when the Kai Weapon 'Alema' is used against undead enemies. The second is equivalent to half of the Starstrider's full compliment of crewmen (not including Acraban).</p>
+ <p>The first number in the sequence is equal to the number of bonus points added to combat skill when the Kai Weapon 'Alema' is used against undead enemies. The second is equivalent to half of the <cite>Starstrider</cite>'s full compliment of crewmen (not including Acraban).</p>
<p>When you think you know the two-digit answer, note down the figures in order and turn to the section of the book which is the same as your answer.</p>
<choice idref="sect258">If you are unable to determine the correct solution, <link-text>turn instead to 258</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>180</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Word of the shrine's destruction spreads quickly. Within minutes of your escape, the sleeping city is rudely awakened by a cacophony of alarm bells and discordant horns. Search parties are mustered and soon the major avenues of the city echo to a new sound--the tramp of vengeful patrols dispatched to track you down. By using your advanced Kai tracking skills and taking care to avoid the main thoroughfares, at length you are able to reach the stables that you saw from the top of the temple bell-tower. From the cover of a cart parked across a square from its double-gated entrance, you observe the building and the passing patrols and wait patiently for the commotion to die down.</p>
+ <p>Word of the shrine's destruction spreads quickly. Within minutes of your escape, the sleeping city is rudely awakened by a cacophony of alarm bells and discordant horns. Search parties are mustered and soon the major avenues of the city echo to a new sound<ch.emdash/>the tramp of vengeful patrols dispatched to track you down. By using your advanced Kai tracking skills and taking care to avoid the main thoroughfares, at length you are able to reach the stables that you saw from the top of the temple bell-tower. From the cover of a cart parked across a square from its double-gated entrance, you observe the building and the passing patrols and wait patiently for the commotion to die down.</p>
<p>The stables are surrounded by a high brick wall topped by a row of foot-long spikes embedded in mortar. A sign hangs above the main entrance that reads TEHDA STABLES. The tolling bells have roused the stable guards and this entrance is now heavily guarded, as are three smaller entrances set at intervals along its perimeter wall. Only one door has no armed guard posted before it, but when you magnify your vision you quickly see why this is so. It is secured by three steel drawbolts and a heavy iron lock.</p>
<choice idref="sect136">If you possess a Tehda Key, <link-text>turn to 136</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect274">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 274</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The troopers tie your hands with cord before they take you and Karvas to Cavalia under close escort. As you ride through the city's grand west gate, the guards on duty here come stiffly to attention. The Gate Sergeant salutes the Knight Bachelor with great exaggeration, and some of the older guards bow and doff their helmets as he passes, but their actions are not born of a respect for him or rank. You sense that they despise the haughty knight, and this is their way of mocking his insufferable arrogance.</p>
- <p>Beyond the gate, you enter a wide avenue flanked by a well-ordered collection of houses and richly-appointed public buildings. Cavalia is a wealthy city, yet many of the citizens that you glimpse in passing have a strained and uneasy look about them. At length you arrive at a fortified citadel--a huge, square, moated edifice built on four levels around a central courtyard. Its upper floors contain the Baron's luxurious personal chambers, as well as other apartments used by those who have his favour. The middle level is occupied by provincial officials and the ground floor by the Citadel Guard. There is also an underground level, which is used for the imprisonment and torture of Sadanzo's enemies. Vaingloriously the Knight Bachelor leads his horsemen across the citadel drawbridge and through a torchlit tunnel that give access to the central courtyard. Here, you and Prince Karvas are pulled from your saddles by Citadel Guardsmen and dragged away to the dungeons where you are thrown into a dark, windowless cell.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the gate, you enter a wide avenue flanked by a well-ordered collection of houses and richly-appointed public buildings. Cavalia is a wealthy city, yet many of the citizens that you glimpse in passing have a strained and uneasy look about them. At length you arrive at a fortified citadel<ch.emdash/>a huge, square, moated edifice built on four levels around a central courtyard. Its upper floors contain the Baron's luxurious personal chambers, as well as other apartments used by those who have his favour. The middle level is occupied by provincial officials and the ground floor by the Citadel Guard. There is also an underground level, which is used for the imprisonment and torture of Sadanzo's enemies. Vaingloriously the Knight Bachelor leads his horsemen across the citadel drawbridge and through a torchlit tunnel that give access to the central courtyard. Here, you and Prince Karvas are pulled from your saddles by Citadel Guardsmen and dragged away to the dungeons where you are thrown into a dark, windowless cell.</p>
<choice idref="sect306">If you possess Grand Weaponmastery, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel, <link-text>turn to 306</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect113">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 113</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>187</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You spend the evening aboard the Starstrider in the company of your two companions. In the comfort of Acraban's quarters, you study charts and maps of the Isle of Sheasu in preparation for tomorrow's voyage. The northern coastline stretches for more than 200 miles and it is indented with hundreds of bays and tiny inlets. Searching this territory for Prince Karvas's home will be a difficult task, yet, thanks to the Starstrider, not an impossible one.</p>
+ <p>You spend the evening aboard the <cite>Starstrider</cite> in the company of your two companions. In the comfort of Acraban's quarters, you study charts and maps of the Isle of Sheasu in preparation for tomorrow's voyage. The northern coastline stretches for more than 200 miles and it is indented with hundreds of bays and tiny inlets. Searching this territory for Prince Karvas's home will be a difficult task, yet, thanks to the <cite>Starstrider</cite>, not an impossible one.</p>
<p>Lord Zinair gives Acraban a small seeing-stone, one of a pair that he possesses. It will enable him to stay in contact with the elder magician and inform him when the Prince has been found. Lord Zinair has decided it is best that he go back to Suhn aboard The Azaktara. He has fulfilled his promise to Lone Wolf that he would escort you swiftly and safely here to Mydnight, and the time has now come for him to return to his ambassadorial duties. Before he leaves for his ship moored in the harbour, he wishes you both a swift, sure, and successful voyage.</p>
<p>'I look forward to the day we shall meet again, my lords,' he says. Though I shall not be with you in body, my spirit will travel with you all the way to Seroa. Good luck and godspeed.'</p>
<p>You rise before daybreak and as the first rays of the morning sun creep over the horizon, you hear Acraban giving the order to commence the voyage north. From the forward deck rail you watch in fascination as the hovels and harbour of Mydnight slide gently away beneath the keel. The hum of the skyship's engine increases in pitch as it steady gains speed and altitude, until soon all you can see are the hills and valleys of Sheasu whirling past far below.</p>
- <p>The flight to the north coast takes a day to complete. Upon arriving in this remote region you soon realize that the shoreline will prove more challenging to explore than had been expected. Much of the coast is forested, and there are countless miles of undercut cliffs and steep ravines that could keep entire villages hidden from the air. For two days the Starstrider follows the coastline with all hands on look-out duty, yet no human habitation is sighted. It is not until the afternoon of the fourth day of your voyage that your luck changes for the better. An eagle-eyed crewman on the forward deck spots a tiny clearing on a wooded peak overlooking a crescent-shaped bay. You magnify your vision and see, in the centre of this clearing, a single-storey house with a split log roof, surrounded by animal pens and shelters. You feel sure that you have found the prince's retreat and you ask Acraban to bring the skyship down within a mile of the settlement so as to avoid the risk of frightening him away. He complies, and within a matter of minutes the Starstrider is hovering above the treeline less than a mile from the clearing. Acraban hands over command of the skyship to Gora, his bo'sun, and then you and he are lowered to the ground in the boarding cage.</p>
+ <p>The flight to the north coast takes a day to complete. Upon arriving in this remote region you soon realize that the shoreline will prove more challenging to explore than had been expected. Much of the coast is forested, and there are countless miles of undercut cliffs and steep ravines that could keep entire villages hidden from the air. For two days the <cite>Starstrider</cite> follows the coastline with all hands on look-out duty, yet no human habitation is sighted. It is not until the afternoon of the fourth day of your voyage that your luck changes for the better. An eagle-eyed crewman on the forward deck spots a tiny clearing on a wooded peak overlooking a crescent-shaped bay. You magnify your vision and see, in the centre of this clearing, a single-storey house with a split log roof, surrounded by animal pens and shelters. You feel sure that you have found the prince's retreat and you ask Acraban to bring the skyship down within a mile of the settlement so as to avoid the risk of frightening him away. He complies, and within a matter of minutes the <cite>Starstrider</cite> is hovering above the treeline less than a mile from the clearing. Acraban hands over command of the skyship to Gora, his bo'sun, and then you and he are lowered to the ground in the boarding cage.</p>
<p>After landing, you quickly discover a narrow trail that wends its way through this thickly wooded headland. You volunteer to take the lead and you follow this track as it meanders towards the clearing. Wind whistles through the surrounding pines but the timberland itself is strangely silent; you can hear no sound from the beasts and birds that dwell herein.</p>
<choice idref="sect214">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 214</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect315">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 315</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>188</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You take a scroll, one of many that are crammed between the books that line the surrounding shelves, and you place it in the empty safe. Then you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell--Lightning Hand--and point your right index finger at the scroll. An arc of crackling fire jumps from your hand and ignites the yellowed parchment, causing it to burn fiercely. You wait for a few moments until all that remains of the scroll is a layer of flaky ash, and then you slam shut the door and spin its dial. Now, should Sadanzo open his safe, he will find that his contract with the Assassins' Guild has mysteriously combusted.</p>
+ <p>You take a scroll, one of many that are crammed between the books that line the surrounding shelves, and you place it in the empty safe. Then you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Lightning Hand<ch.emdash/>and point your right index finger at the scroll. An arc of crackling fire jumps from your hand and ignites the yellowed parchment, causing it to burn fiercely. You wait for a few moments until all that remains of the scroll is a layer of flaky ash, and then you slam shut the door and spin its dial. Now, should Sadanzo open his safe, he will find that his contract with the Assassins' Guild has mysteriously combusted.</p>
<p>Your work done, you turn away from the safe and motion Karvas to follow as you hurry to leave this evil library. But, as you are approaching the arch which leads to the adjoining chamber, you suddenly hear a noise which makes you both stop dead in your tracks.</p>
<choice idref="sect86"><link-text>Turn to 86</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>191</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood spell--Net--and level your right hand at the onrushing lancer. Waves of energy ripple down your arm and then a mass of sticky fibres gushes from your open palm. The lancer's eyes are wide with terror as the sticky strands engulf his head and shoulders. With a muffled scream, he drops his lance and tumbles backwards out of the saddle to crash down heavily upon the cobblestoned passageway.</p>
+ <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Net<ch.emdash/>and level your right hand at the onrushing lancer. Waves of energy ripple down your arm and then a mass of sticky fibres gushes from your open palm. The lancer's eyes are wide with terror as the sticky strands engulf his head and shoulders. With a muffled scream, he drops his lance and tumbles backwards out of the saddle to crash down heavily upon the cobblestoned passageway.</p>
<choice idref="sect207"><link-text>Turn to 207</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You brace yourself against the ship's rail and watch with trepidation as Acraban fights to maintain control over his ailing skyship. Your stomach churns as the deck heaves from side to side, and your heart misses a beat when there is a sudden jolt and a fearful sound of screeching metal.</p>
- <p>'We've lost the second stabilizer!' shouts Acraban in alarm. The wheel is suddenly wrenched from his grasp and it begins to spin out of control. The Starstrider has been losing height for several minutes, but now its angle of descent becomes far steeper. The skyship dives through a bank of low cloud and a great sea of trees comes rushing up to meet the bow. You grip the rail as tightly as you can and await the dreadful moment of impact. There is a splintering crack of timber when the hull collides with the treetops, and then, moments later, there is a terrific jolt as the craft's bow slams into the rocky soil and comes to an abrupt halt.</p>
+ <p>'We've lost the second stabilizer!' shouts Acraban in alarm. The wheel is suddenly wrenched from his grasp and it begins to spin out of control. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> has been losing height for several minutes, but now its angle of descent becomes far steeper. The skyship dives through a bank of low cloud and a great sea of trees comes rushing up to meet the bow. You grip the rail as tightly as you can and await the dreadful moment of impact. There is a splintering crack of timber when the hull collides with the treetops, and then, moments later, there is a terrific jolt as the craft's bow slams into the rocky soil and comes to an abrupt halt.</p>
<p>The impact of the crash wrenches your hands from the rail and sends you tumbling across the stern deck.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect68">If your total score is now 4 or lower, <link-text>turn to 68</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>201</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You fight hard to keep the Starstrider on a straight and level course, yet, despite your best efforts, she veers continually towards starboard. Now the effects of the damaged stabilizer are making it almost impossible for you to maintain control of the helm. You steel yourself as the skyship drifts above the right-hand fissure, directly into the path of the soaring energy bolts. Desperately you pull the wheel hard about to avoid a collision but it is already too late. A powerful bolt strikes the hull and a stunning flash of white light obliterates your senses.</p>
+ <p>You fight hard to keep the <cite>Starstrider</cite> on a straight and level course, yet, despite your best efforts, she veers continually towards starboard. Now the effects of the damaged stabilizer are making it almost impossible for you to maintain control of the helm. You steel yourself as the skyship drifts above the right-hand fissure, directly into the path of the soaring energy bolts. Desperately you pull the wheel hard about to avoid a collision but it is already too late. A powerful bolt strikes the hull and a stunning flash of white light obliterates your senses.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect38">If the number you have picked is 0-5, <link-text>turn to 38</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect7">If it is 6 or higher, <link-text>turn to 7</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>205</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You utter the words of the Old Kingdom spell--Invisible Fist--as slowly you clench the fingers of your right hand. Upon the final word, you thrust your clenched fist at the gem in Sadanzo's hand and the Baron screams with fear. The brute power of your spell hits the gem and smashes it to dust.</p>
+ <p>You utter the words of the Old Kingdom spell<ch.emdash/>Invisible Fist<ch.emdash/>as slowly you clench the fingers of your right hand. Upon the final word, you thrust your clenched fist at the gem in Sadanzo's hand and the Baron screams with fear. The brute power of your spell hits the gem and smashes it to dust.</p>
<choice idref="sect250"><link-text>Turn to 250</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>210</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You utter the words of the Brotherhood spell--Lightning Hand--and level your right arm towards the creature's torso. An arc of electrical power leaps from your hand and stabs the beast's chest, making it shriek with pain, yet it does not deter it from continuing its hungry advance towards your horses. As is stalks closer, you see that it is drawing in great gulps of air to inflate its chest. Its ribcage expands and suddenly there is a sharp, popping sound. You gasp with fear as dozens of horned spikes shoot out of its skin and come hurtling towards you like a volley of deadly darts.</p>
+ <p>You utter the words of the Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Lightning Hand<ch.emdash/>and level your right arm towards the creature's torso. An arc of electrical power leaps from your hand and stabs the beast's chest, making it shriek with pain, yet it does not deter it from continuing its hungry advance towards your horses. As is stalks closer, you see that it is drawing in great gulps of air to inflate its chest. Its ribcage expands and suddenly there is a sharp, popping sound. You gasp with fear as dozens of horned spikes shoot out of its skin and come hurtling towards you like a volley of deadly darts.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If your total score is 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect269">If it is 5 of more, <link-text>turn to 269</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You are stunned by the shock of impact upon hitting the water (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), but you swiftly muster your senses and fight to stay astride your horse. Prince Karvas and his mount come crashing down into the water nearby and, in a tangle of flailing limbs, you are all swept away by the river's irresistible current.</p>
<p>You are sped along by the rushing water for more than five miles before you reach a stretch of shallows at a bend in the river. Here you are able to regain control of your frightened horses and coax them towards the bank. Bruised and bedraggled, you stagger out of the water and collapse on the muddy shore, gasping for breath.</p>
- <p>When you fully recover, you find that you have lost 1 Special Item, 1 Weapon, 2 Backpack Items, and half of the money in your belt pouch during your ordeal in the river. (Make the necessary adjustments to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>--you may choose which items to erase).</p>
+ <p>When you fully recover, you find that you have lost 1 Special Item, 1 Weapon, 2 Backpack Items, and half of the money in your belt pouch during your ordeal in the river. (Make the necessary adjustments to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a><ch.emdash/>you may choose which items to erase).</p>
<choice idref="sect80">To leave the river and return to the trail, <link-text>turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>216</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Hastily you utter the words of Old Kingdom spell--Shield--and make a circular motion with the palm of your right hand. The shield of energy you create has only partially formed when the dagger strikes, yet it is sufficient to deflect it away from your chest.</p>
+ <p>Hastily you utter the words of Old Kingdom spell<ch.emdash/>Shield<ch.emdash/>and make a circular motion with the palm of your right hand. The shield of energy you create has only partially formed when the dagger strikes, yet it is sufficient to deflect it away from your chest.</p>
<p>The guard gasps with shock and turns to run, but you leap on him and drag him to the ground. In his blind panic he is able to squirm from under you and scramble to his feet. He tries to land a kick to your chin but you turn his foot aside with your forearm and it brushes harmlessly past your head. As he struggles to regain his balance, you spring to your feet and attack.</p>
<combat><enemy>Tehda Stables Guard</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">24</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">24</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>(You fight this combat without weapons; ignore all weapon bonuses)</p>
<meta><title>217</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood spell--Counterspell--and direct its power at the whirling swords. The blades are slowed by the effects of your spell, but the magic that animates them is far stronger than your own. You have slowed them but this will not prevent them from attacking again.</p>
+ <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Counterspell<ch.emdash/>and direct its power at the whirling swords. The blades are slowed by the effects of your spell, but the magic that animates them is far stronger than your own. You have slowed them but this will not prevent them from attacking again.</p>
<p>Once more the deadly blades draw sparks from the stone ceiling, and then they come whirling down towards your head.</p>
<combat><enemy>Sadanzo's sorcerous blades</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">40</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">20</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>These blades are immune to all forms of psychic attack. If you possess the Kai Weapon 'Valiance', you may add the additional <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> bonus (vs. magicians) to your score when calculating your Combat Ratio.</p>
<meta><title>226</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Having agreed the places where each of you will begin your search for the whereabouts of Prince Karvas, you follow Acraban to the rear deck and enter the skyship's boarding cage. Swiftly it is winched down to the market square where you are met unexpectedly by a jostling crowd of grimy-faced street urchins. They have been gathering here since dawn to stare in wonderment at the Starstrider hovering motionless in the cloudless sky above. Acraban hurls a handful of copper coins across the cobblestones and the children scramble to retrieve them. This creates enough space to allow Zinair to push open the cage door and the three of you to step out. After agreeing to return to the skyship no later than sunset, you split up and go in search of your chosen destinations.</p>
- <p>Unlike the urchins, the adult population of Mydnight appear less than fascinated by the imposing sight of the Starstrider hovering above their city, and few give it a second glance. This seeming lack of interest does not surprise you. For centuries this port has been a refuge for exiles from the many nations of Magnamund who, for their own individual reasons, have chosen to forsake their native lands. They are, by nature, a secretive community. Any overt interest in the affairs of another is commonly viewed with suspicion and distrust.</p>
- <p>You retrace the route you took last night and soon find yourself at the harbour. The Azaktana is still moored at the quayside and you give the crew a friendly wave as you stride across the quayside towards The Smitheries--the city's west quarter. This district of Mydnight is crowded with the workshops of skilled artisans and craftsmen--ironsmiths, potters, carpenters, weavers, wheelwrights, and glassblowers to name but a few. Most are honest men seeking refuge from the greedy barons and landlords of their native lands. Some have come to escape their debts, while others have found themselves brought here by some misfortune. The noise that fills this quarter of the city is almost deafening. The ceaseless hammering of iron and copper blends with the cries of sellers to create a reverberating wall of sound.</p>
+ <p>Having agreed the places where each of you will begin your search for the whereabouts of Prince Karvas, you follow Acraban to the rear deck and enter the skyship's boarding cage. Swiftly it is winched down to the market square where you are met unexpectedly by a jostling crowd of grimy-faced street urchins. They have been gathering here since dawn to stare in wonderment at the <cite>Starstrider</cite> hovering motionless in the cloudless sky above. Acraban hurls a handful of copper coins across the cobblestones and the children scramble to retrieve them. This creates enough space to allow Zinair to push open the cage door and the three of you to step out. After agreeing to return to the skyship no later than sunset, you split up and go in search of your chosen destinations.</p>
+ <p>Unlike the urchins, the adult population of Mydnight appear less than fascinated by the imposing sight of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> hovering above their city, and few give it a second glance. This seeming lack of interest does not surprise you. For centuries this port has been a refuge for exiles from the many nations of Magnamund who, for their own individual reasons, have chosen to forsake their native lands. They are, by nature, a secretive community. Any overt interest in the affairs of another is commonly viewed with suspicion and distrust.</p>
+ <p>You retrace the route you took last night and soon find yourself at the harbour. <cite>The Azaktana</cite> is still moored at the quayside and you give the crew a friendly wave as you stride across the quayside towards The Smitheries<ch.emdash/>the city's west quarter. This district of Mydnight is crowded with the workshops of skilled artisans and craftsmen<ch.emdash/>ironsmiths, potters, carpenters, weavers, wheelwrights, and glassblowers to name but a few. Most are honest men seeking refuge from the greedy barons and landlords of their native lands. Some have come to escape their debts, while others have found themselves brought here by some misfortune. The noise that fills this quarter of the city is almost deafening. The ceaseless hammering of iron and copper blends with the cries of sellers to create a reverberating wall of sound.</p>
<p>You enter a blacksmith's shop that has an impressive display of knives, tools, and other utensils fixed to the beams which support its slated roof. You hope that Prince Karvas may have purchased items from this shop as sometime in the past and you ask the owner if he knows of him and his whereabouts. The blacksmith scowls with disdain and turns his back on you. Your Kai sixth sense tells you that he suspects you to be an assassin who has come here to Mydnight to find and murder the prince. He motions to his son who is working the bellows of a furnace nearby. You realize you must act quickly if you wish to allay the blacksmith's suspicions and avoid a confrontation with his son.</p>
<choice idref="sect14">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 14</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect260">If you do not possess this skill, or if you should choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Early next morning, before dawn, you meet with Karvas and Sainus and go to collect your horses from the stable. As you mount them, the old man bids you good luck and he gives the prince a pouch containing 50 Orla, a sum that could prove useful during the ride to Seroa.</p>
<p>Dawn breaks as you leave Sainus's house, and you hear a bell which signifies that the night curfew has now come to an end. You ride along the streets of the north quarter and enter a broad avenue that leads directly to the east gatehouse. The guards posted here are opening the great east gate as you approach, and you gallop through the widening gap.</p>
- <p>The sun shines brightly all day and you make good progress along the King's Highway. By nightfall you have covered more than 80 miles and have reached a small village called Landsdorf. You decide to stop and rest at the village's solitary tavern--the Golden Plough Inn--and as you ride into its courtyard a young stable boy runs to greet you and take care of your horses. Two rooms here cost 10 Orla, a sum which Prince Karvas pays in full using part of the money given to him by Sainus. The jovial tavern-keeper hands you each a key and he offers you a tankard of his best ale, on the house.</p>
+ <p>The sun shines brightly all day and you make good progress along the King's Highway. By nightfall you have covered more than 80 miles and have reached a small village called Landsdorf. You decide to stop and rest at the village's solitary tavern<ch.emdash/>the Golden Plough Inn<ch.emdash/>and as you ride into its courtyard a young stable boy runs to greet you and take care of your horses. Two rooms here cost 10 Orla, a sum which Prince Karvas pays in full using part of the money given to him by Sainus. The jovial tavern-keeper hands you each a key and he offers you a tankard of his best ale, on the house.</p>
<p>You accept his generous offer and enter the taproom of this hospitable tavern. As your frothing beer is being drawn from the cask, you overhear a conversation at a nearby table. Three farmers are discussing the crowning ceremony and one of them says that it is to take place at noon. This news unsettles Karvas, for traditionally the ceremony of ascendance begins at dusk, as soon as the sun disappears below the horizon. If what the farmer says is true, you now have only one and a half days left in which to reach Seroa in time for the crowning. You resolve to get as much sleep as you can this night, and then ride for Seroa at dawn. If you forego sleep tomorrow and journey through the night, you can still arrive at the capital before noon on Harvestmas Day. Karvas prays that your horses are fit enough for the gruelling ride, and you are both glad that you have decided to rest them here tonight. They will need all their strength come the morning.</p>
<p>As you sip your ale, your rumbling stomach reminds you that you have not eaten for several hours.</p>
<choice idref="sect142">If you wish to order and eat a meal in the taproom, <link-text>turn to 142</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>228</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood spell--Levitation--and feel your feet leaving the dusty street as you ascend effortlessly towards the second-storey window. When you draw level with the window you counter the spell and step through its tall frame onto a stone stairway beyond. This circular staircase leads to the top of the tower which commands a magnificent view of the city. Aided by your night vision, you are able to locate stables less than a mile to the north of the tower. You commit their location to memory and then hurriedly you descend the stairs and return to the window. Once more you use your Brotherhood magic, this time to slow your descent as you step through to the street below.</p>
+ <p>You speak the words of the Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Levitation<ch.emdash/>and feel your feet leaving the dusty street as you ascend effortlessly towards the second-storey window. When you draw level with the window you counter the spell and step through its tall frame onto a stone stairway beyond. This circular staircase leads to the top of the tower which commands a magnificent view of the city. Aided by your night vision, you are able to locate stables less than a mile to the north of the tower. You commit their location to memory and then hurriedly you descend the stairs and return to the window. Once more you use your Brotherhood magic, this time to slow your descent as you step through to the street below.</p>
<p>Prince Karvas is delighted to hear that there are stables in the city, and he insists that you set off for them at once. He is leading the way out of the warehouse ruins when suddenly the tower bell begins to toll once more. Moments later, the temple doors swing open and the procession of black-clad figures file out into the street. Instinctively you take hold of Karvas by the arm and pull him back into the ruins to avoid being seen by the emerging soldiers. As they pass by, you peer around the edge of the crumbling warehouse doorway to watch them. A strange feeling of unease makes the skin on the back of your neck prickle, and immediately you sense that all is not what it seems. When you magnify your vision to take a closer look at the passing figures, you gasp with shock at what you see.</p>
<choice idref="sect100"><link-text>Turn to 100</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>234</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Hastily you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell--Invisible Shield--and sweep your hand in a circle behind your head. The spell materializes barely moments before a speeding crossbow bolt hits it and is deflected away from your neck. Its buckled point trails a line of sparks as it gouges a furrow in the flagstones.</p>
+ <p>Hastily you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Invisible Shield<ch.emdash/>and sweep your hand in a circle behind your head. The spell materializes barely moments before a speeding crossbow bolt hits it and is deflected away from your neck. Its buckled point trails a line of sparks as it gouges a furrow in the flagstones.</p>
<choice idref="sect174"><link-text>Turn to 174</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>235</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your Kai senses lead you to believe that a storm is brewing, but it is unlike any you have encountered before. The blanket of cloud, which has been a constant feature of the voyage so far, is beginning to dissipate. As it thins out it reveals a stark landscape of black volcanic rock far below. This tortured landscape is scarred by deep chasms and fissures, some of which emit jets of steam that roar skywards to buffet the hull of the Starstrider as it flies past. Some of these colossal jets condense to form strange green-grey clouds which slowly drift and tumble back to the ground. One such cloud forms in the air and begins to fall on a collision course with the ship. Acraban sees the threat and he orders Kuo, his helmsman, to descend 300 feet in order to evade the falling cloud mass.</p>
- <p>As the Starstrider begins its descent there is a startlingly loud explosion. From his nest atop the mainmast, the lookout shouts a warning and points frantically towards the ground. You rush to the rail and peer over the side, your stomach churning with fearful anticipation of what you will see. Deep within the fathomless reaches of the fissures and chasms passing below, you glimpse flashes of blue-white energy. These bolts are growing brighter and louder as they streak towards the surface. One bolt escapes from a vent in the middle distance and rips open the sky. It skewers a cluster of steam-clouds and blows them apart in a loud and spectacular explosion of gas and flame. You urge Acraban to order his helmsman to ascend, to avoid the new and deadly danger that is striking at you from below. The wizard turns to Kuo, but before he can issue the order, there is a deafening Crack! from somewhere beneath the stern.</p>
+ <p>Your Kai senses lead you to believe that a storm is brewing, but it is unlike any you have encountered before. The blanket of cloud, which has been a constant feature of the voyage so far, is beginning to dissipate. As it thins out it reveals a stark landscape of black volcanic rock far below. This tortured landscape is scarred by deep chasms and fissures, some of which emit jets of steam that roar skywards to buffet the hull of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> as it flies past. Some of these colossal jets condense to form strange green-grey clouds which slowly drift and tumble back to the ground. One such cloud forms in the air and begins to fall on a collision course with the ship. Acraban sees the threat and he orders Kuo, his helmsman, to descend 300 feet in order to evade the falling cloud mass.</p>
+ <p>As the <cite>Starstrider</cite> begins its descent there is a startlingly loud explosion. From his nest atop the mainmast, the lookout shouts a warning and points frantically towards the ground. You rush to the rail and peer over the side, your stomach churning with fearful anticipation of what you will see. Deep within the fathomless reaches of the fissures and chasms passing below, you glimpse flashes of blue-white energy. These bolts are growing brighter and louder as they streak towards the surface. One bolt escapes from a vent in the middle distance and rips open the sky. It skewers a cluster of steam-clouds and blows them apart in a loud and spectacular explosion of gas and flame. You urge Acraban to order his helmsman to ascend, to avoid the new and deadly danger that is striking at you from below. The wizard turns to Kuo, but before he can issue the order, there is a deafening Crack! from somewhere beneath the stern.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect268">If the number you have picked is 0-3, <link-text>turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect149">If it is 4-6, <link-text>turn to 149</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Hurriedly you retrieve the seal from your backpack and thrust it before the Inquisitor-Major's face. The man blanches when he recognizes the object you hold and immediately he stops blowing his horn.</p>
- <p>'Please, please accept my apology,' he begs, his voice suddenly dripping with fear. 'I did not know that you were travelling with the Baron's seal. Your mission must be of great importance. I <ch.ellips/> I trust I have not caused you too great a discomfort. I am truly sorry.'</p>
+ <p>'Please, please accept my apology,' he begs, his voice suddenly dripping with fear. 'I did not know that you were travelling with the Baron's seal. Your mission must be of great importance. I<ch.ellips/> I trust I have not caused you too great a discomfort. I am truly sorry.'</p>
<p>Without saying a word, you return the seal to your backpack and watch as the Inquisitor-Major and his hunting party make a hasty departure. As they gallop away across the plain towards the distant foothills, you use your Kai curing skills to revive Prince Karvas fully before you continue your ride east towards Varedo.</p>
<choice idref="sect55"><link-text>Turn to 55</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>253</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>'Hail, Prince Karvas,' you call, trying hard to make your voice sound as unthreatening as you can. 'You have no need to fear us--we come as friends. We have journeyed far to find you and we bring important news from Siyen. Please, sire, put down your bow and let us talk.'</p>
+ <p>'Hail, Prince Karvas,' you call, trying hard to make your voice sound as unthreatening as you can. 'You have no need to fear us<ch.emdash/>we come as friends. We have journeyed far to find you and we bring important news from Siyen. Please, sire, put down your bow and let us talk.'</p>
<p>The blond-haired man hesitates, and then he lowers his crossbow just enough for you to be able to see his face clearly. Now you are sure that he is the man you seek.</p>
<p>'Who are you?' he shouts, 'and what do you want from me?'</p>
<choice idref="sect170"><link-text>Turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>262</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Mentally you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell--Mind Charm--and attempt to use its power to command the Knight Bachelor to let you go on your way. As the waves of your psychic energy reach his mind, you are shocked to see that a green gemstone ring on the index finger of his right hand is beginning to radiate bright pulses of light. Your sixth sense warns you that this ring has the power to protect its wearer from the effects of charms and illusions. It also alerts him to the fact that you are attempting to use such magic on him.</p>
+ <p>Mentally you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell<ch.emdash/>Mind Charm<ch.emdash/>and attempt to use its power to command the Knight Bachelor to let you go on your way. As the waves of your psychic energy reach his mind, you are shocked to see that a green gemstone ring on the index finger of his right hand is beginning to radiate bright pulses of light. Your sixth sense warns you that this ring has the power to protect its wearer from the effects of charms and illusions. It also alerts him to the fact that you are attempting to use such magic on him.</p>
<p>The Knight Bachelor looks at the pulsating ring and then he glares at you. With a cry of rage he unsheathes his sword and attempts to strike out for your head, but you pull away and the point of the blade flashes past to gash your shoulder: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>'You sorcerous spy!' he exclaims. You glance at Karvas and shout for him to follow your lead. The Prince nods in acknowledgement and you dig your heels into your horse's flank, causing him to rear up and scrabble at the air with his forelegs. The Knight Bachelor pulls back on his reins and turns his steed aside to avoid being struck by the flailing hooves. At this moment, you press yourself flat against your horse's neck and urge him forwards. The knight's men bring their mounts together to block your escape, but your horse is quick to the gallop. He surges forwards and forces himself between two troopers, barging them from the saddle as he pushes through their stationary ranks. As you break from the circle, you hear Karvas cry out and the sound sends a shiver racing down your spine. When you glance back you see that he has been unsaddled and he is now lying on the ground, helpless before the stamping steel-shod hooves of the Knight Bachelor's warhorse.</p>
<p>'Surrender yourself, you trickster!' commands the arrogant Cavalian knight, 'or your journeyman companion dies!'</p>
<data>
<p>You retrieve the seal from your backpack and offer it to the Inquisitor-Major. The man blanches when he recognizes the object.</p>
- <p>'Please, accept my apology,' he says, in a quiet and humble tone. 'I did not know that you were travelling with the Baron's seal. Your mission must be of great importance. I <ch.ellips/> I trust I have not caused you too great a delay.'</p>
+ <p>'Please, accept my apology,' he says, in a quiet and humble tone. 'I did not know that you were travelling with the Baron's seal. Your mission must be of great importance. I<ch.ellips/> I trust I have not caused you too great a delay.'</p>
<p>You return the seal to your backpack and watch as the Inquisitor-Major and his hunting party make a hasty departure. As they gallop away across the plain towards the distant foothills, you and Karvas breathe a sigh of relief before you continue your ride east towards Varedo.</p>
<choice idref="sect55"><link-text>Turn to 55</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The trader becomes flustered and angry when you put away your gold, and he signals to his henchmen to throw you out of his emporium. They move towards you in eager readiness to obey their master's command. Rather than resist and risk slaying them in a fight, you allow yourself to be manhandled out of the warehouse.</p>
<p>Back on the quayside you resolve to explore the tangle of alleyways that make up the city's eastern quarter in the hope of finding someone who is more willing to talk about the prince. Unfortunately, your efforts garner no useful information. As the sun begins to settle on the horizon, you finally abandon your search and hurry back through the darkening passageways towards the market square.</p>
- <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the Starstrider by the time you reach the market square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. They are disappointed to hear that your search for information has been in vain. Fortunately, Lord Zinair's efforts have been more fruitful.</p>
+ <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the <cite>Starstrider</cite> by the time you reach the market square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. They are disappointed to hear that your search for information has been in vain. Fortunately, Lord Zinair's efforts have been more fruitful.</p>
<p>'Prince Karvas is not here,' he says. 'He lived here when he first came to Sheasu some ten years ago, but a young woman called Amarelda arrived soon after and they were married, here, in the harbour. They left Mydnight the day after their wedding and settled somewhere on the northern coastline. It has been more than a year since they last visited the city.'</p>
<p>Turning to Acraban, Zinair says: 'I propose we travel north at first light and commence a search of the northern shoreline. I suspect it will be easier to espy their retreat from the air than to attempt any search by land.'</p>
- <p>Acraban nods in agreement. Then he passes word to his young crew to prepare the Starstrider for a voyage north at first light.</p>
+ <p>Acraban nods in agreement. Then he passes word to his young crew to prepare the <cite>Starstrider</cite> for a voyage north at first light.</p>
<choice idref="sect187"><link-text>Turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>You rise at dawn and, after a hearty breakfast in the tavern kitchen, you and Karvas collect your horses from the stables. The tavern-keeper and his wife bid you a cheery farewell, and you set off from Voshno along a road that crosses the plain to the east.</p>
<p>The morning sky is clear and sunny, and the air is filled with butterflies and the sound of birdsong. Having now entered Siyen, and with ten days remaining to Harvestmas, you are feeling quietly confident that you will reach Seroa in time for Karvas to be crowned King. To your surprise you find that the prince is a little less optimistic. He tells you that you are now approaching the eastern province of Cavalia, a region which shares its name with its principal city. The province and city are ruled by Sadanzo, the evil baron who seeks to usurp the throne of Siyen. Karvas cautions you to remain vigilant until you are safely beyond the borders of his enemy's province.</p>
<p>It is nearing noon when you first glimpse the towers and spires of Cavalia glinting on the horizon. The plains road leads directly to its fortified gatehouse, but Karvas is anxious to avoid entering the city. He proposes that you leave the road and use a smaller trail which threads through several villages and settlements that ring the city. You are approaching the first of these villages where you see a troop of thirty horsemen riding towards you on the trail ahead. They wear chainmail armour and they each have the emblem of a black eagle's head emblazoned upon their white surcoats and shields. A golden crown surmounts these eagle's heads and Karvas gasps when he sees them. He signals to you to rein in your horse and, as you come to a halt, he tells you that the approaching horsemen are wearing the livery of Baron Sadanzo. The black eagle's head is his mark, but it is the addition of a golden crown that has shocked Karvas. It is the sign of royal ascendance. Karvas is fearful that Baron Sadanzo has already been crowned King of Siyen.</p>
- <p>As they ride nearer, the leader of the troop--a Knight Bachelor--motions his horsemen to leave the trail and encircle you and the prince. As they obey his command, the Knight Bachelor brings his snorting steed to a halt alongside your horse.</p>
+ <p>As they ride nearer, the leader of the troop<ch.emdash/>a Knight Bachelor<ch.emdash/>motions his horsemen to leave the trail and encircle you and the prince. As they obey his command, the Knight Bachelor brings his snorting steed to a halt alongside your horse.</p>
<p>'Hail, fellow riders' he says, with forced politeness. He raises the steel visor of his helmet and his dark, suspicious eyes scrutinise you from head to toe.</p>
<p>'You are Northlanders, are you not? What business do you pursue here in the province of Cavalia?'</p>
<choice idref="sect140">If you wish to answer that you are journeymen from Sommerlund who are travelling across Southern Magnamund to learn about its peoples and customs, <link-text>turn to 140</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>290</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the Starstrider begins to descend there is a loud explosion. From his nest atop the mainmast, the lookout shouts out a warning and frantically he points towards the ground. You rush to the rail and peer over the side, your stomach churning with fearful anticipation of what you will see. Deep within the fathomless reaches of the fissures and chasms passing below, you glimpse flashes of blue-white energy. These bolts are growing brighter and louder as they streak towards the surface. One bolt escapes from a vent in the middle distance and rips open the sky. It skewers a cluster of steam-clouds and blows them apart in a loud and spectacular explosion of gas and flame. Once more you urge Acraban to order his helmsman to ascend, this time to avoid the new and deadly danger that is striking at you from below. The wizard hesitates before turning to Kuo, but before he can issue the counter-order, there is a deafening Crack! from somewhere beneath the stern.</p>
+ <p>As the <cite>Starstrider</cite> begins to descend there is a loud explosion. From his nest atop the mainmast, the lookout shouts out a warning and frantically he points towards the ground. You rush to the rail and peer over the side, your stomach churning with fearful anticipation of what you will see. Deep within the fathomless reaches of the fissures and chasms passing below, you glimpse flashes of blue-white energy. These bolts are growing brighter and louder as they streak towards the surface. One bolt escapes from a vent in the middle distance and rips open the sky. It skewers a cluster of steam-clouds and blows them apart in a loud and spectacular explosion of gas and flame. Once more you urge Acraban to order his helmsman to ascend, this time to avoid the new and deadly danger that is striking at you from below. The wizard hesitates before turning to Kuo, but before he can issue the counter-order, there is a deafening Crack! from somewhere beneath the stern.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect268">If the number you have picked is 0-2, <link-text>turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect149">If it is 3-7, <link-text>turn to 149</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The morning sky is filled with brooding clouds and the surrounding granite peaks appear hostile and unforgiving, but you draw some comfort from the fact that the rain has ceased and you are able to ride this ancient mountain trail with little difficulty. It is nearing midday when you catch your first glimpse of the wastelands that lie to the east, far beyond the Dammerdon range. These are the Doomlands of Naaros and your heart fills with dread when you recall something of what you learned about this region during your teachings at the Kai Monastery.</p>
- <p>This vast wasteland of dust and ash was formerly the seat of power of the greatest, most evil being who ever ruled Magnamund--Agarash the Damned. At is centre there once stood his mighty fortress-city of Naaros; now all that remains is a titanic chasm of molten lava and heat-fused rock. Ten milleniums ago, the gods Ishir and Kai sent forth the magical Elder Magi to challenge the rule of Agarash, and they undertook a daring assault upon Naaros and its fell inhabitants, the Agarashi--the Creatures of Darkness. This attack precipitated a war which lasted a thousand years and culminated in the destruction of Agarash and his accursed empire. Once there were many cities and fortresses in the Doomlands; now there are none.</p>
+ <p>This vast wasteland of dust and ash was formerly the seat of power of the greatest, most evil being who ever ruled Magnamund<ch.emdash/>Agarash the Damned. At is centre there once stood his mighty fortress-city of Naaros; now all that remains is a titanic chasm of molten lava and heat-fused rock. Ten milleniums ago, the gods Ishir and Kai sent forth the magical Elder Magi to challenge the rule of Agarash, and they undertook a daring assault upon Naaros and its fell inhabitants, the Agarashi<ch.emdash/>the Creatures of Darkness. This attack precipitated a war which lasted a thousand years and culminated in the destruction of Agarash and his accursed empire. Once there were many cities and fortresses in the Doomlands; now there are none.</p>
<p>As you continue along the trail you pass several waystones that are set into the ground at regular intervals. They are not ancient stones for they each bear the symbol of Sejanoz, and your Kai senses detect that these carvings are no more than a decade old. Karvas suspects that Sejanoz has had them placed here as a form of homage to the memory of Agarash. Throughout Southern Magnamund it is rumoured that the spirit of Agarash lives on, imprisoned within the molten ruins of Naaros.</p>
<choice idref="sect348">If you possess Grand Pathsmanship, and have attained the rank of Kai Grand Sentinel, <link-text>turn to 348</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect238">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 238</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You stagger painfully to your feet and try to focus on your surroundings. Through a pall of smoke you hear the groans of wounded crewmen and the crackling buzz of electrical arcing. Steam rises from a gaping hole in the stern deck and a fire rages around the base of the mainmast. Prince Karvas emerges unscathed from the rope locker and quickly he helps you to smother this fire. Then he gives first aid to a crewman who is lying nearby, nursing a broken knee. Acraban comes staggering out of the smoke. His robes are torn and a trickle of blood runs from a cut above his right ear. You use your Kai curing skills to heal the wizard's wound and then together you help evacuate the injured crewmen from the crippled skyship. Acraban orders Bo'sun Gora to go and assess the state of the crew. He returns shortly and reports that from the ship's original compliment of ten men, three are now missing, three are wounded, and one is dead. The remaining three crewmen, himself included, have survived the crash with only minor injuries.</p>
- <p>Using your Kai curing skills, you ease the pain of the badly injured crewmen before helping Karvas and Gora to bury the dead man--Kuo the helmsman. The area surrounding the crashed skyship is thickly wooded and, with night fast approaching and a sky heavy with clouds, it is impossible for you to determine your exact location. Acraban proposes to contact Lord Zinair and inform him of the disaster by means of his seeing stone. But, to his dismay, he soon discovers that the magical artefact has been lost in the crash.</p>
- <p>As the darkness of night envelops the smouldering wreck of the Starstrider, you find it hard to suppress a growing sense of despair. It is a mood shared by the other survivors, and few words are exchanged as you work together to erect a makeshift shelter for the wounded beside the ship's battered keel. When the shelter is finished, you each look for a place nearby where you can lie down and attempt to recover from the fatigue of your terrible ordeal.</p>
+ <p>Using your Kai curing skills, you ease the pain of the badly injured crewmen before helping Karvas and Gora to bury the dead man<ch.emdash/>Kuo the helmsman. The area surrounding the crashed skyship is thickly wooded and, with night fast approaching and a sky heavy with clouds, it is impossible for you to determine your exact location. Acraban proposes to contact Lord Zinair and inform him of the disaster by means of his seeing stone. But, to his dismay, he soon discovers that the magical artefact has been lost in the crash.</p>
+ <p>As the darkness of night envelops the smouldering wreck of the <cite>Starstrider</cite>, you find it hard to suppress a growing sense of despair. It is a mood shared by the other survivors, and few words are exchanged as you work together to erect a makeshift shelter for the wounded beside the ship's battered keel. When the shelter is finished, you each look for a place nearby where you can lie down and attempt to recover from the fatigue of your terrible ordeal.</p>
<p>Before you try to get some sleep, unless you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery you must now eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect331">To continue, <link-text>turn to 331</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>296</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>In the ensuing confusion, Sadanzo attempts to flee the platform and escape with his entourage of robber knights. Marshal Phedros rushes forward to examine the shattered pieces of Sadanzo's gem, and at once he recognises that they are the remnants of an evil artefact crafted by Naar--the King of the Darkness.</p>
+ <p>In the ensuing confusion, Sadanzo attempts to flee the platform and escape with his entourage of robber knights. Marshal Phedros rushes forward to examine the shattered pieces of Sadanzo's gem, and at once he recognises that they are the remnants of an evil artefact crafted by Naar<ch.emdash/>the King of the Darkness.</p>
<p>He turns to the bewildered crowd and denounces Sadanzo as a disciple of Naar: a treasonable offence in Siyen that is punishable by death. He orders the Royal Guard to pursue and arrest Sadanzo immediately. 'Find him and take him to the palace dungeons,' he commands. Upon hearing this, a vast section of the stunned crowd roar their approval and sporadic fighting breaks out as followers of Sadanzo attempt to battle their way out of the square. Marshal Phedros orders that the city gates be sealed, and then he commands the Royal Court Cavalry to hunt down Sadanzo's robber knights, in every quarter of Seroa, and bring them to justice. As these noble troopers eagerly set about their task, Phedros turns to Prince Karvas and hugs him to his chest.</p>
- <p>'Welcome home at last,' he says, his voice wavering with emotion, 'welcome home <ch.ellips/> King Karvas.'</p>
+ <p>'Welcome home at last,' he says, his voice wavering with emotion, 'welcome home<ch.ellips/> King Karvas.'</p>
<choice idref="sect270"><link-text>Turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>299</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>'Well met, my lords,' calls the ginger-haired magician as he waits at the end of the gangplank for you and Lord Zinair to disembark. You gather together your equipment and, as you step ashore, he greets you with a broad smile and a firm handshake. 'I am Acraban, of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. I had not expected we would rendezvous so soon. I arrived here myself only this morning aboard my skyship Starstrider,' he says, earnestly.</p>
+ <p>'Well met, my lords,' calls the ginger-haired magician as he waits at the end of the gangplank for you and Lord Zinair to disembark. You gather together your equipment and, as you step ashore, he greets you with a broad smile and a firm handshake. 'I am Acraban, of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. I had not expected we would rendezvous so soon. I arrived here myself only this morning aboard my skyship <cite>Starstrider</cite>,' he says, earnestly.</p>
<p>Then the young magician excuses himself before turning away to face his flying ship. He raises his right hand and a shimmering blue flame suddenly engulfs his open palm. From the rear deck of the hovering skyship you see a flashing pinpoint of light. It is an acknowledgement of Acraban's signal to his crew that you have arrived.</p>
- <p>'Come, my lords, let us return to Starstrider. We have much to discuss and time is precious'.</p>
+ <p>'Come, my lords, let us return to <cite>Starstrider</cite>. We have much to discuss and time is precious'.</p>
<choice idref="sect90"><link-text>Turn to 90</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>302</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are five kilometres clear of the fissures when the steering becomes dangerously erratic. The Starstrider is losing altitude and her deck is beginning to tilt alarmingly to starboard. Soon it becomes almost impossible to stand upright. Acraban appears from below and struggles valiantly across the sloping deck to join you at the helm. The young sorcerer is gaunt and exhausted, and his ginger hair is matted with grime and sweat. Clearly his efforts to repair the ailing skyship have severely drained his magical energies.</p>
+ <p>You are five kilometres clear of the fissures when the steering becomes dangerously erratic. The <cite>Starstrider</cite> is losing altitude and her deck is beginning to tilt alarmingly to starboard. Soon it becomes almost impossible to stand upright. Acraban appears from below and struggles valiantly across the sloping deck to join you at the helm. The young sorcerer is gaunt and exhausted, and his ginger hair is matted with grime and sweat. Clearly his efforts to repair the ailing skyship have severely drained his magical energies.</p>
<p>'We have lost one stabilizer and the other is badly damaged,' he says, grimly. 'I have done all I can to repair it but I fear it may fail at any moment. Without stabilizers we will not stay airborne.'</p>
<p>Acraban takes the helm and orders his crew to prepare for a crash landing. Some of the men tie themselves to the ship's superstructure, whilst others stand free of the rails and pray for the protection of Goddess Ishir. Prince Karvas has found refuge in a rope locker bolted to the main deck. He lifts the lid and urges you to join him. There is sufficient room for two.</p>
<choice idref="sect79">If you wish to climb into the rope locker alongside Prince Karvas, <link-text>turn to 79</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>303</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Over the next two days you ride away from Jaroc in a north-easterly direction, crossing a rich expanse of rolling prairie. The riding is easy and the fine weather helps you make good progress. By noon of the third day out of Jaroc you have covered nearly 200 kilometres and you are feeling in good spirits. The prairie gradually gives way to a region of hilly uplands that lie sandwiched between two mountain ranges. Here you happen upon a rutted track that leaves the prairie and winds through the hills towards a high pass. There are no signposts on this road, but Karvas is familiar with this region and he tells you that it leads to an outpost town called Battle Pass. You are in the land of Lunarlia and for centuries this realm has been the enemy of Siyen--Prince Karvas's homeland. Many wars have been waged between the two kingdoms and this region has seen countless battles. Karvas pledges to end these wars. When he is crowned King of Siyen he vows that he will seek a lasting peace with the kingdom of Lunarlia.</p>
+ <p>Over the next two days you ride away from Jaroc in a north-easterly direction, crossing a rich expanse of rolling prairie. The riding is easy and the fine weather helps you make good progress. By noon of the third day out of Jaroc you have covered nearly 200 kilometres and you are feeling in good spirits. The prairie gradually gives way to a region of hilly uplands that lie sandwiched between two mountain ranges. Here you happen upon a rutted track that leaves the prairie and winds through the hills towards a high pass. There are no signposts on this road, but Karvas is familiar with this region and he tells you that it leads to an outpost town called Battle Pass. You are in the land of Lunarlia and for centuries this realm has been the enemy of Siyen<ch.emdash/>Prince Karvas's homeland. Many wars have been waged between the two kingdoms and this region has seen countless battles. Karvas pledges to end these wars. When he is crowned King of Siyen he vows that he will seek a lasting peace with the kingdom of Lunarlia.</p>
<p>It is noon and a warm sun is beating down on the fortified town of Battle Pass as you approach its west gate. Karvas is grateful that he is wearing the clothes of a Sommlending journeyman, for the inhabitants of this tough frontier post are notoriously hostile to the Siyenese. To your surprise, the guards at the gate pay you scant attention and you are allowed to enter the town with little more than a cursory glance. You ask Karvas why this is so and he tells you that riders approaching from the west, the Lunarlian side, are allowed to pass freely. Riders from the east, the Siyenese side, are subjected to far greater scrutiny.</p>
<p>Beyond the west gate a broad avenue opens out into a main square that is bordered by a trading post, a barracks and a tavern. Both you and Karvas are especially thirsty after your ride through the dry, dusty hills, and you are eager to seek out some refreshment.</p>
<choice idref="sect266">If you wish to visit the tavern, <link-text>turn to 266</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>305</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You utter the words of the Old Kingdom spell--Invisible Fist--and thrust your right arm stiffly towards the onrushing lancer. A wave of energy surges from your clenched fist and strikes the man squarely in the chest. With a muffled scream, he flings his lance into the air and tumbles backwards out of the saddle to crash down heavily upon the cobblestoned passageway.</p>
+ <p>You utter the words of the Old Kingdom spell<ch.emdash/>Invisible Fist<ch.emdash/>and thrust your right arm stiffly towards the onrushing lancer. A wave of energy surges from your clenched fist and strikes the man squarely in the chest. With a muffled scream, he flings his lance into the air and tumbles backwards out of the saddle to crash down heavily upon the cobblestoned passageway.</p>
<choice idref="sect207"><link-text>Turn to 207</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>308</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the Starstrider by the time you reach the market square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. Both are anxious to hear your news of Prince Karvas's whereabouts for their own enquiries have yielded little useful information. You inform them of what you have learned--that the prince has a wife and they are living somewhere on the island's northern coastline. Lord Zinair has discovered that Amarelda is the name of Karvas's wife, and Acraban has learned that they last visited Mydnight a year ago.</p>
+ <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the <cite>Starstrider</cite> by the time you reach the market square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. Both are anxious to hear your news of Prince Karvas's whereabouts for their own enquiries have yielded little useful information. You inform them of what you have learned<ch.emdash/>that the prince has a wife and they are living somewhere on the island's northern coastline. Lord Zinair has discovered that Amarelda is the name of Karvas's wife, and Acraban has learned that they last visited Mydnight a year ago.</p>
<p>'You have done well, Grand Master,' says Lord Zinair. 'The citizens of this city are a secretive breed, yet you may have prised enough from them to help us find our reclusive Siyenese prince.' Turning to Acraban, he says: 'I propose we travel north at first light and commence a search of the northern shoreline. It will be easier to espy his retreat from the air than to attempt a search by land.'</p>
- <p>Acraban nods in agreement and passes word to his young crew to prepare the Starstrider for a voyage north at first light.</p>
+ <p>Acraban nods in agreement and passes word to his young crew to prepare the <cite>Starstrider</cite> for a voyage north at first light.</p>
<choice idref="sect187"><link-text>Turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>309</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quietly you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell
--Mind Charm--and focus the power of this spell upon the two Cavalians. For all their pomp and grandeur they are both weak-willed wastrels at heart, and instantly they become compliant to your mental command. You ask them to give their riverboat tickets to you and Prince Karvas and dumbly they comply. (Record the Riverboat Ticket on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in the pocket of your breeches. You need not discard another item in its favour if you already possess the maximum number of Special Items permissible.)</p>
+ <p>Quietly you recite the words of the Brotherhood spell
<ch.emdash/>Mind Charm<ch.emdash/>and focus the power of this spell upon the two Cavalians. For all their pomp and grandeur they are both weak-willed wastrels at heart, and instantly they become compliant to your mental command. You ask them to give their riverboat tickets to you and Prince Karvas and dumbly they comply. (Record the Riverboat Ticket on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in the pocket of your breeches. You need not discard another item in its favour if you already possess the maximum number of Special Items permissible.)</p>
<p>Having obtained what you require, you mentally command the two fops to forget that they have ever set eyes on you and Karvas. As they resume their conversation, you and the prince slip away through the crowd.</p>
<choice idref="sect2"><link-text>Turn to 2</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>311</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You approach to within 30 metres of the east gate by means of a drainage ditch that runs parallel to the rutted road. The heavy iron gate is open but the way through to the city beyond is blocked by four soldiers, each clad in a suit of shiny armour made from lacquered steel scales and hardened leather. They are armed with spears and maces, and their shields display the head of a tiger-like creature with ferocious fangs. It is the emblem of Autarch Sejanoz--the ruler of Bhanar.</p>
+ <p>You approach to within 30 metres of the east gate by means of a drainage ditch that runs parallel to the rutted road. The heavy iron gate is open but the way through to the city beyond is blocked by four soldiers, each clad in a suit of shiny armour made from lacquered steel scales and hardened leather. They are armed with spears and maces, and their shields display the head of a tiger-like creature with ferocious fangs. It is the emblem of Autarch Sejanoz<ch.emdash/>the ruler of Bhanar.</p>
<p>Two of the soldiers stand rigidly to attention in the middle of the road with the hafts of their spears crossed to bar entry. Their comrades are seated beside them on benches set into alcoves on either side of the open gateway. A ragged white line appears to have been drawn along the threshold of the gate, but when you magnify your vision you realize that this line is nothing more than a trail of bird droppings. On a tiled ledge above the arch of the gateway you can see a long line of roosting crows. They appear almost invisible against the jet black stonework of the parapet.</p>
<p>After watching the guards for several minutes you are sure that they are all alert and observant. It would be difficult to get past these men without their knowledge. If you are to gain entry to the city by this route, first you will have to create a diversion to draw away these vigilant guards.</p>
<choice idref="sect182">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Elementalism, <link-text>turn to 182</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>321</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Once you have decided the places where each of you will search for the whereabouts of Prince Karvas, you follow Acraban to the rear deck and enter the skyship's boarding cage. Swiftly it is winched down to the market square where you are met unexpectedly by a pressing crowd of grimy-faced street urchins. They have been gathering here since dawn to stare in wonderment at the Starstrider hovering motionless in the cloudless sky above. Acraban scatters a handful of copper coins across the cobblestones and the children scramble to retrieve them. This creates enough room to allow Zinair to open the cage door and the three of you to step out. After agreeing to return here to the skyship no later than sunset, you split up and go in search of your chosen destinations.</p>
- <p>Unlike the urchins, the adult population of Mydnight appears less than fascinated by the imposing sight of the Starstrider hovering above their city. Few pay it a second glance, yet this seeming lack of interest does not surprise you. For centuries this port has been a refuge for exiles from the many nations of Magnamund who, for their own individual reasons, have chosen to forsake their native lands. They are, by nature, a secretive community. Any overt interest in the affairs of another is most often viewed with suspicion and distrust.</p>
- <p>You retrace the route you took last night and soon find yourself at the harbour. The Azaktana is still moored at the quayside and you give the crew a friendly wave as you stride across the quayside and enter a wide avenue that leads to the Hall of the Judicars.</p>
+ <p>Once you have decided the places where each of you will search for the whereabouts of Prince Karvas, you follow Acraban to the rear deck and enter the skyship's boarding cage. Swiftly it is winched down to the market square where you are met unexpectedly by a pressing crowd of grimy-faced street urchins. They have been gathering here since dawn to stare in wonderment at the <cite>Starstrider</cite> hovering motionless in the cloudless sky above. Acraban scatters a handful of copper coins across the cobblestones and the children scramble to retrieve them. This creates enough room to allow Zinair to open the cage door and the three of you to step out. After agreeing to return here to the skyship no later than sunset, you split up and go in search of your chosen destinations.</p>
+ <p>Unlike the urchins, the adult population of Mydnight appears less than fascinated by the imposing sight of the <cite>Starstrider</cite> hovering above their city. Few pay it a second glance, yet this seeming lack of interest does not surprise you. For centuries this port has been a refuge for exiles from the many nations of Magnamund who, for their own individual reasons, have chosen to forsake their native lands. They are, by nature, a secretive community. Any overt interest in the affairs of another is most often viewed with suspicion and distrust.</p>
+ <p>You retrace the route you took last night and soon find yourself at the harbour. <cite>The Azaktana</cite> is still moored at the quayside and you give the crew a friendly wave as you stride across the quayside and enter a wide avenue that leads to the Hall of the Judicars.</p>
<p>By the lowly standards of the city, this hall could almost be considered grand in comparison to the neighbouring hovels. You pass beneath its façade of mouldering marble and walk through a stone archway that leads to a gloomy, torchlit interior. Here you discover over a hundred men and women standing patiently in two separate queues. One line ends at an open window where a clerk is busily exchanging gold and silver coins for linen Torqs, the woven currency that is used here on Sheasu. The other queue ends at a marble-topped desk where a man in the uniform of a Reeve-sergeant is listening with bored indifference to a citizen who is reporting the theft of a goat.</p>
<choice idref="sect127">If you wish to join the queue for the Reeve-sergeant, <link-text>turn to 127</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect334">If you choose to stand in line for the Clerk of the Hall, <link-text>turn to 334</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You pass the hours before daybreak in a restless, semi-conscious state. You cannot sleep properly for your mind is tormented by the gnawing fear that your mission has come to an early and tragic end. You rise before dawn and try to overcome your melancholic mood by tending to the three wounded crew members. Through the use of your Kai curing skills you are able to accelerate their own natural healing processes so that, when daybreak finally arrives, they are no longer incapacitated by the injuries they received in the crash.</p>
- <p>As the grey morning light filters down through the canopy of the forest, it reveals a corridor of smashed and flattened trees lying in the wake of the crippled Starstrider. Acraban and his bo'sun make a lengthy inspection of the craft and then report their findings.</p>
+ <p>As the grey morning light filters down through the canopy of the forest, it reveals a corridor of smashed and flattened trees lying in the wake of the crippled <cite>Starstrider</cite>. Acraban and his bo'sun make a lengthy inspection of the craft and then report their findings.</p>
<p>'The glad news is that she's repairable,' pipes bo'sun Gora, confidently. 'She looks bad but her engine's as sound as a bell. We've the materials and tools aboard to fix 'er stabilizers, and there's mor'n enough timber 'round here to patch up the decks and hull.' Acraban nods his agreement yet, unlike his bo'sun, his face remains dour.</p>
<p>'Aye, she'll fly again,' confirms Acraban, 'but it'll take us close to a month to craft the parts we need to repair the stabilizers.' He turns to Prince Karvas and says: 'Alas, my lord, by then it will be too late to reach Seroa in time for your crowning.'</p>
<p>'What if we were to seek aid from the craftsmen of Bakhasa?' you say, knowing by instinct and a brief study of your map that this city can be no further than 100 kilometres away to the east. 'Could the repairs be made any sooner with their help?'</p>
- <p>'Expect no help from that quarter,' replies Karvas, coolly. 'During my time in Mydnight I heard many stories about Bakhasa and its ruler--the Imperial Autarch Sejanoz. They were all chilling tales. They say it's a cruel and evil place--a city without a soul where human life counts for little. If you wish to live to see your homeland again, master Acraban, you should not seek the help of the Bakhasians. Better by far to keep your work hidden from their eyes.'</p>
+ <p>'Expect no help from that quarter,' replies Karvas, coolly. 'During my time in Mydnight I heard many stories about Bakhasa and its ruler<ch.emdash/>the Imperial Autarch Sejanoz. They were all chilling tales. They say it's a cruel and evil place<ch.emdash/>a city without a soul where human life counts for little. If you wish to live to see your homeland again, master Acraban, you should not seek the help of the Bakhasians. Better by far to keep your work hidden from their eyes.'</p>
<p>'But, my lord,' replies Acraban, 'what of your kingdom? Are you prepared to surrender your birthright to Baron Sadanzo?'</p>
<p>'No, never!' retorts Karvas, suddenly angered by the wizard's suggestion. 'There are twenty-one days yet before the feast of Harvestmas. With the blessing of the gods, I vow I shall be in Seroa on that day to claim my ascendance.'</p>
- <p>The Prince proposes to set off for Seroa on foot. He says that he will go alone and that you should stay here to help Acraban restore the Starstrider, returning with him to Sommerlund once the repairs are complete. Politely you refuse his proposal. You have vowed to Lone Wolf that you will carry out your mission and, despite adversity, you will not abandon your duty. It is a matter of Kai honour that you should escort him to Seroa.</p>
+ <p>The Prince proposes to set off for Seroa on foot. He says that he will go alone and that you should stay here to help Acraban restore the <cite>Starstrider</cite>, returning with him to Sommerlund once the repairs are complete. Politely you refuse his proposal. You have vowed to Lone Wolf that you will carry out your mission and, despite adversity, you will not abandon your duty. It is a matter of Kai honour that you should escort him to Seroa.</p>
<choice idref="sect124"><link-text>Turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>When consciousness returns and you prise open your eyes, to your dismay you discover that you are lying upon the straw-covered floor of a prison cell. Prince Karvas is lying unconscious at your feet. Carefully you raise his head and, by the use of your innate Kai healing skills, you are able to coax him back to full consciousness.</p>
<p>Through the bars of a high cell window you can see that night has fallen. The noise of raucous celebration is being carried on the evening breeze, and it is a sound that strikes a chill into your heart, for it tells you that your mission has failed. Sadanzo has been crowned King of Siyen, and in every tavern throughout this capital his robber knights are celebrating their leader's rise to power.</p>
<p>The iron door clangs as its bolt is pulled. It creaks open and a grim-faced gaoler throws your weapons and equipment into the cell. 'You're free to go,' he growls, 'not that you're likely to be free for long now that Sadanzo rules the roost.' The gaoler turns you and Karvas out onto the street, and as you walk dejectedly away from the jail, you witness a band of Sadanzo's robber knights looting houses and shops. They pillage the homes and livelihoods of the innocent in defiance of the city guard who are now powerless to stop them.</p>
- <p>The sight makes Prince Karvas's blood boil and he resolves to do something about it. 'Come, Grand Master,' he says, excitedly, 'we may still have one chance left to triumph over Sadanzo. We must seek out Phedros--the Marshal of the Realm.'</p>
+ <p>The sight makes Prince Karvas's blood boil and he resolves to do something about it. 'Come, Grand Master,' he says, excitedly, 'we may still have one chance left to triumph over Sadanzo. We must seek out Phedros<ch.emdash/>the Marshal of the Realm.'</p>
<choice idref="sect118"><link-text>Turn to 118</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>337</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quickly you intone the words of the Old Kingdom battle spell--Shield--and circle your right hand behind your head. The spell materialises barely a second before a speeding crossbow bolt hits it and is deflected away from your back. Its buckled tip trails a line of sparks as it skims across the flagstones and embeds itself in the courtyard wall.</p>
+ <p>Quickly you intone the words of the Old Kingdom battle spell<ch.emdash/>Shield<ch.emdash/>and circle your right hand behind your head. The spell materialises barely a second before a speeding crossbow bolt hits it and is deflected away from your back. Its buckled tip trails a line of sparks as it skims across the flagstones and embeds itself in the courtyard wall.</p>
<choice idref="sect174"><link-text>Turn to 174</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The searing flash of the lightning strike burns the skin on your face and hands (lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points), and leaves you blinded for a few fearful minutes. When your vision returns, you muster all of your Kai senses and focus them on the narrow strip of land which separates the fissures. Bolts of searing energy leap out of these chasms and soar past the skyship on either side to explode with thunderous cacophony among the rolling clouds. The crew cower with terror, but you maintain your nerve and let your Kai skills take full control of the wheel. After several nerve-racking kilometres the fissures eventually taper off and then disappear completely.</p>
- <p>As the Starstrider emerges from the gauntlet of deadly white fire, the crew give a loud cheer in appreciation of your skilful helmsmanship. Gladly you acknowledge their praise, but you keep a grip on the helm for your Kai senses are screaming a warning that the danger is not yet over.</p>
+ <p>As the <cite>Starstrider</cite> emerges from the gauntlet of deadly white fire, the crew give a loud cheer in appreciation of your skilful helmsmanship. Gladly you acknowledge their praise, but you keep a grip on the helm for your Kai senses are screaming a warning that the danger is not yet over.</p>
<choice idref="sect302"><link-text>Turn to 302</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>341</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>A concussive blast of air strikes you less than a second after you hear the noise of the explosion. It hurls you sideways across the deck and slams you head-first against the base of the mainmast--lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>A concussive blast of air strikes you less than a second after you hear the noise of the explosion. It hurls you sideways across the deck and slams you head-first against the base of the mainmast<ch.emdash/>lose 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>Stunned, shaken, and barely conscious, you take hold of the mast and use it to help you pull yourself back onto your feet.</p>
<choice idref="sect51"><link-text>Turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The blacksmith pockets your bribe and bids you follow him to a smaller room at the rear of his workshop. In the quiet privacy of this adjoining room he tells you all he knows about Prince Karvas of Siyen.</p>
- <p>'The Prince don't live here in Mydnight,' he says. 'He did once, when he first came to Sheasu <ch.ellips/> that be ten years ago now. Then this woman arrived and they got wed. He took her up-country. They live up there on the north coast somewhere. They rarely visits Mydnight these days. Fact is, I haven't seen them for more than a year.'</p>
+ <p>'The Prince don't live here in Mydnight,' he says. 'He did once, when he first came to Sheasu<ch.ellips/> that be ten years ago now. Then this woman arrived and they got wed. He took her up-country. They live up there on the north coast somewhere. They rarely visits Mydnight these days. Fact is, I haven't seen them for more than a year.'</p>
<p>You thank the blacksmith for the information and leave his workshop. On returning to the quayside you resolve to explore the tangle of alleyways that make up the city's eastern quarter in the hope of finding someone else who is willing to tell or sell what they know about the prince. Unfortunately your efforts garner no further information. As the sun begins to settle on the horizon, you finally abandon your search and hurry back through the darkening passageways towards the market square.</p>
- <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the Starstrider by the time you reach the square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. Both are anxious to hear your news of Prince Karvas's whereabouts for their own enquiries have yielded little useful information. You inform them of what you have learned--that the prince has a wife and they are living somewhere on the island's northern coastline. Lord Zinair has discovered that Amarelda is the name of Karvas's wife, and Acraban has learned that they last visited Mydnight exactly a year ago.</p>
+ <p>Wizard Acraban and Lord Zinair are already waiting aboard the <cite>Starstrider</cite> by the time you reach the square. The magician orders the boarding cage to be lowered and you are winched up to the skyship. Both are anxious to hear your news of Prince Karvas's whereabouts for their own enquiries have yielded little useful information. You inform them of what you have learned<ch.emdash/>that the prince has a wife and they are living somewhere on the island's northern coastline. Lord Zinair has discovered that Amarelda is the name of Karvas's wife, and Acraban has learned that they last visited Mydnight exactly a year ago.</p>
<p>'You have done well, Grand Master,' says Lord Zinair. 'The citizens of this city are a secretive breed, yet you may have prised enough from them to help us find our reclusive Siyenese prince.' Turning to Acraban, he says: 'I propose we travel north at first light and commence a search of the northern shoreline. It will be easier to espy his retreat from the air than to attempt a search by land.'</p>
- <p>Acraban nods in agreement and passes word to his young crewmen to prepare the Starstrider for a voyage north at first light.</p>
+ <p>Acraban nods in agreement and passes word to his young crewmen to prepare the <cite>Starstrider</cite> for a voyage north at first light.</p>
<choice idref="sect187"><link-text>Turn to 187</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
</section>
<!-- Backmatter -->
+ <section class="backmatter" id="map">
+ <meta><title>Central Southern Magnamund</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <illustration>
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="map.jpg" width="1024" height="768" class="html"></instance>
+ <instance src="map.pdf" width="1024" height="768" class="pdf"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="action">
+ <meta><title>Action Chart</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>JC Alvarez / Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acstats.gif" width="386" height="286" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>JC Alvarez / Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acdscplz.gif" width="385" height="259" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>JC Alvarez / Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acchklst.gif" width="385" height="128" class="html" mime-type="image/gif" />
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>JC Alvarez / Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acitems.gif" width="386" height="161" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>JC Alvarez / Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acbckpck.gif" width="386" height="137" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>JC Alvarez / Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="acspcl.gif" width="386" height="280" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration>
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="text">
+ <p>
+ <line><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>: <ch.blankline/></line>
+ <line><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ>: <ch.blankline/></line>
+ </p>
+ <p>Grand Master Disciplines:</p>
+ <ol>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ </ol>
+ <p>Bonus Disciplines:</p>
+ <ol>
+ <li><ch.blankline/>: 5th Grand Master Discipline if you have completed 1 New Order Adventure successfully</li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/>: 6th Grand Master Discipline if you have completed 2 New Order Adventures successfully</li>
+ </ol>
+ <p>Weapons:</p>
+ <ol>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ </ol>
+ <p>Belt Pouch: <ch.blankline/></p>
+ <p>Meals: <ch.blankline/></p>
+ <p>Backpack Items:</p>
+ <ol>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ </ol>
+ <p>Special Items:</p>
+ <ol>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ <li><ch.blankline/></li>
+ </ol>
+ </instance>
+ </illustration>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="crsumary">
+ <meta><title>Combat Rules Summary</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <ol>
+ <li>Add your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> to any bonus points given to you by your Kai Weapon, Special Items, or Grand Master Disciplines.</li>
+ <li>Subtract the <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> of your enemy from this total. This number = Combat Ratio.</li>
+ <li>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</li>
+ <li>Turn to the <a idref="crtable">Combat Results Table</a>.</li>
+ <li>Find your Combat Ratio along the top of the chart and cross-reference to the random number you have picked. (E indicates loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to Enemy. GM indicates loss of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points to yourself.)</li>
+ <li>Continue the combat from Stage 3 until one character is dead. This is when the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points of either character falls to 0 or below.</li>
+ </ol>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="smevazn">
+ <meta><title>To Evade Combat</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <ol>
+ <li>You may only do this when the text of the adventure offers you the opportunity.</li>
+ <li>You undertake one round of combat in the usual way. All points lost by the enemy are ignored; only you lose the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</li>
+ <li>If the book offers the chance of taking evasive action in place of combat, it can be taken in the first or any subsequent round (unless specifically stated otherwise).</li>
+ </ol>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="crtable">
+ <meta><title>Combat Results Table</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <illustration>
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="crtneg.gif" width="386" height="472" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ <instance src="crtneg.tex" width="380" height="500" class="tex"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration>
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="crtpos.gif" width="386" height="472" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ <instance src="crtpos.tex" width="380" height="500" class="tex"></instance>
+ </illustration>
+
+ <illustration>
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance class="text">
+ <table summary="This table provides the endurance losses sustained by the hero and enemy as a result of combat.">
+ <caption>Combat Results with combined hero and enemy endurance losses</caption>
+
+ <colgroup span="1"></colgroup>
+ <colgroup span="13"></colgroup>
+
+ <tfoot>
+ <tr>
+ <td colspan="14">Combat results are given enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> loss first followed by the hero<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> loss. For example, "12/0" means that the enemy loses 12 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points while the hero loses 0 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. A combat result of "k" means that the combatant is killed. For example, "0/k" means that the enemy loses 0 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points while the hero is killed.</td>
+ </tr>
+ </tfoot>
+
+ <tbody>
+ <tr>
+ <th rowspan="2" scope="col">Random Number</th>
+ <th colspan="13" scope="colgroup">Combat Ratio</th>
+ </tr>
+
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">-11 or lower</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">-10/ -9</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">-8/ -7</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">-6/ -5</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">-4/ -3</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">-2/ -1</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">0</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">1/ 2</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">3/ 4</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">5/ 6</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">7/ 8</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">9/ 10</th>
+ <th scope="col" axis="combat_ratio">11 or higher</th>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">1</th>
+ <td>0/k</td>
+ <td>0/k</td>
+ <td>0/8</td>
+ <td>0/6</td>
+ <td>1/6</td>
+ <td>2/5</td>
+ <td>3/5</td>
+ <td>4/5</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/4</td>
+ <td>7/4</td>
+ <td>8/3</td>
+ <td>9/3</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">2</th>
+ <td>0/k</td>
+ <td>0/8</td>
+ <td>0/7</td>
+ <td>1/6</td>
+ <td>2/5</td>
+ <td>3/5</td>
+ <td>4/4</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/3</td>
+ <td>8/3</td>
+ <td>9/3</td>
+ <td>10/2</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">3</th>
+ <td>0/8</td>
+ <td>0/7</td>
+ <td>1/6</td>
+ <td>2/5</td>
+ <td>3/5</td>
+ <td>4/4</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/3</td>
+ <td>8/3</td>
+ <td>9/2</td>
+ <td>10/2</td>
+ <td>11/2</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">4</th>
+ <td>0/8</td>
+ <td>1/7</td>
+ <td>2/6</td>
+ <td>3/5</td>
+ <td>4/4</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/3</td>
+ <td>8/2</td>
+ <td>9/2</td>
+ <td>10/2</td>
+ <td>11/2</td>
+ <td>12/2</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">5</th>
+ <td>1/7</td>
+ <td>2/6</td>
+ <td>3/5</td>
+ <td>4/4</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/2</td>
+ <td>8/2</td>
+ <td>9/2</td>
+ <td>10/2</td>
+ <td>11/2</td>
+ <td>12/2</td>
+ <td>14/1</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">6</th>
+ <td>2/6</td>
+ <td>3/6</td>
+ <td>4/5</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/2</td>
+ <td>8/2</td>
+ <td>9/2</td>
+ <td>10/2</td>
+ <td>11/1</td>
+ <td>12/1</td>
+ <td>14/1</td>
+ <td>16/1</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">7</th>
+ <td>3/5</td>
+ <td>4/5</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/2</td>
+ <td>8/2</td>
+ <td>9/1</td>
+ <td>10/1</td>
+ <td>11/1</td>
+ <td>12/0</td>
+ <td>14/0</td>
+ <td>16/0</td>
+ <td>18/0</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">8</th>
+ <td>4/4</td>
+ <td>5/4</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/2</td>
+ <td>8/1</td>
+ <td>9/1</td>
+ <td>10/0</td>
+ <td>11/0</td>
+ <td>12/0</td>
+ <td>14/0</td>
+ <td>16/0</td>
+ <td>18/0</td>
+ <td>k/0</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">9</th>
+ <td>5/3</td>
+ <td>6/3</td>
+ <td>7/2</td>
+ <td>8/0</td>
+ <td>9/0</td>
+ <td>10/0</td>
+ <td>11/0</td>
+ <td>12/0</td>
+ <td>14/0</td>
+ <td>16/0</td>
+ <td>18/0</td>
+ <td>k/0</td>
+ <td>k/0</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <th scope="row" axis="random_number">0</th>
+ <td>6/0</td>
+ <td>7/0</td>
+ <td>8/0</td>
+ <td>9/0</td>
+ <td>10/0</td>
+ <td>11/0</td>
+ <td>12/0</td>
+ <td>14/0</td>
+ <td>16/0</td>
+ <td>18/0</td>
+ <td>k/0</td>
+ <td>k/0</td>
+ <td>k/0</td>
+ </tr>
+ </tbody>
+ </table>
+ </instance>
+ </illustration>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="random">
+ <meta><title>Random Number Table</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <illustration class="inline">
+ <meta>
+ <creator>Jonathan Blake</creator>
+ </meta>
+ <instance src="random.gif" width="332" height="432" class="html" mime-type="image/gif"></instance>
+ <instance src="random.tex" width="380" height="500" class="tex"></instance>
+ <instance class="text">
+ <table>
+ <tr>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>9</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>3</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>9</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>3</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>9</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>3</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>3</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>9</td>
+ <td>3</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>9</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>9</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>4</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ </tr>
+ <tr>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>7</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>6</td>
+ <td>2</td>
+ <td>1</td>
+ <td>8</td>
+ <td>5</td>
+ <td>0</td>
+ </tr>
+ </table>
+ </instance>
+ </illustration>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="errata">
+ <meta><title>Errata</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="errintro">
+ <meta><title>Introduction</title></meta>
+ <data>
+ <p>We have taken our unique opportunity to correct errors and to enforce a standard of English usage. We list our changes here. If you see anything that needs correction, please <a href="&link.staff.contact;">contact</a> the Project Aon Staff.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="errerr">
+ <meta><title>Errata</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>(<a idref="title">Title</a>) Replaced <quote>MYDNIGHT<ch.apos/>S HERO</quote> with <quote><strong>Mydnight<ch.apos/>s Hero</strong></quote>.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="tssf">The Story so Far<ch.ellips/></a>) </p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="gamerulz">The Game Rules</a>) Removed <quote>that you will find in the front of this book. For ease of use, and for further adventuring, it is recommended that you photocopy these pages</quote> and <quote>on the last page of this book</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>ie</quote> with <quote>i.e.</quote>. Replaced <quote>fall to zero</quote> with <quote>fall to zero or below</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series. Replaced <quote>fall to zero</quote> with <quote>fall to zero or below</quote>. Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>. Replaced <quote>weapons and</quote> with <quote>weapons, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>Book 22</quote> with <quote>Book 23</quote>.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="kainame">Your Kai Name</a>) Replaced <quote>elite</quote> with <quote><ch.eacute/>lite</quote>. Deleted <quote>You can record your personal Kai name on the book plate which appears on the inside front cover of this book.</quote>.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="discplnz">New Order Disciplines</a>) Replaced <quote>venoms and</quote> with <quote>venoms, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>symbols and</quote> with <quote>symbols, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>gases and</quote> with <quote>gases, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>honour and</quote> with <quote>honour, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>Four Disciplines</quote> with <quote>four Disciplines</quote>. Replaced <quote><typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> is reduced</quote> with <quote><typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is reduced</quote>. Replaced <quote>Grand masters</quote> with <quote>Grand Masters</quote>. Replaced <quote>Old Kingdom battle magic</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom battle-magic</quote>. Replaced <quote>magi-magic spells</quote> with <quote>Old Kingdom Spells</quote>. Replaced <quote>Moon and</quote> with <quote>Moon, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>individual (or combinations of) elements that are available,</quote> with <quote>individual elements that are available, or combinations thereof,</quote>. Replaced <quote>remove or</quote> with <quote>remove, or</quote>. Replaced <quote>eg</quote> with <quote>e.g.</quote>. Replaced <quote>multitalented</quote> with <quote>multi-talented</quote>. Replaced <quote>dialect and</quote> with <quote>dialect, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>Weapon and</quote> with <quote>Weapon, and</quote>. Replaced <quote>Book 22</quote> with <quote>Book 23</quote>. Replaced <quote>in Book 23</quote> with <quote>in Book 24</quote>. Replaced <quote><cite>Mydnight<ch.apos/>s Hero</cite></quote> with <quote><cite>Rune War</cite></quote>.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="equipmnt">Equipment</a>) Replaced each occurrence of <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series. Replaced <quote>eg,</quote> with <quote>e.g.</quote>. Replaced <quote>combat, therefore</quote> with <quote>combat; therefore</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>arrow</quote> with <quote>Arrow</quote>, each occurrence of <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>, <quote>quiver</quote> with <quote>Quiver</quote>, and <quote>arrows</quote> with <quote>Arrows</quote>. Deleted <quote>(see the inside front cover of this book)</quote>. Added a paragraph about Gold Crowns to the section <quote>Equipment<ch.emdash/>How to use it</quote>. Replaced <quote>have to your</quote> with <quote>have on your</quote>. Replaced <quote>Before you leave Elzian and begin your long voyage south to the Isle of Lorn, you take with you a map of south-eastern Magnamund</quote> with <quote>Before you leave the Port of Suhn and begin your long voyage to the Isle of Sheasu, you take with you a map of central Southern Magnamund</quote>. Set the items on the list of equipment in Initial Capitals. Replaced <quote>the previous New Order adventure (Book 21)</quote> with <quote>completed either of the previous adventures in the <cite>Lone Wolf</cite> New Order series (Books 21<ch.endash/>22)</quote>.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="kaiweapn">Kai Weapons</a>) Replaced <quote>elite</quote> with <quote><ch.eacute/>lite</quote>. Replaced <quote>new-found</quote> with <quote>newfound</quote>. Deleted <quote>at the front of the book</quote>. Replaced <quote>cave or</quote> with <quote>cave, or</quote>. Replaced <quote>sword or</quote> with <quote>sword, or</quote>.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="cmbtrulz">Rules for Combat</a>) Removed <quote>on the inside back cover of this book</quote>. Replaced <quote>on the page after the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a></quote> with <quote>in the back of this book</quote>. Replaced <quote>points reduced</quote> with <quote>points possibly reduced</quote>. Replaced <quote>to zero</quote> with <quote>to zero or below</quote>. Replaced <quote>at which point the one with the zero score is declared dead</quote> with <quote>at which point that combatant is declared dead</quote>. Replaced <quote>sumary</quote> with <quote>summary</quote>.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="imprvdsc">Improved Grand Master Disciplines</a>) Replaced <quote>Weaponmastery</quote> with <quote>Grand Weaponmastery</quote>. Replaced <quote>Kai Grand Master Superior</quote> with <quote>Kai Grand Sentinel</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>Kai Grand Master Sentinels</quote> with <quote>Kai Grand Sentinels</quote>. Replaced <quote><ch.thinspace/>Improved Grand Master Disciplines<ch.rsquot/><ch.thinspace/></quote> with <quote>Improved Grand Master Disciplines</quote>. Italicised <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="kaiwisdm">New Order Wisdom</a>) Replaced <quote>You are about to embark upon the final stage of a vital mission to return the fabled Moonstone of the Shianti to its creators.</quote> with <quote>You are about to embark upon a vital mission to save the realm of Siyen from the clutches of the evil Baron Sadanzo and his robber knights. It is a noble quest and its success will bring great honour upon you and the Kai.</quote>. Replaced <quote>Books 1<ch.endash/>21</quote> with <quote>Books 1<ch.endash/>22</quote>. Replaced <quote>gods</quote> with <quote>Gods</quote>. Italicised <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series.</p>
+
+ <p>(<a idref="crsumary">Combat Rules Summary</a>) Replaced <quote>Items or</quote> with <quote> Items, or</quote>, and <quote>falls to 0</quote> with <quote>falls to 0 or below</quote>, <quote>Pick number from</quote> with <quote>Pick a number from the</quote>, <quote>Turn to Combat</quote> with <quote>Turn to the Combat</quote>, <quote>to random number</quote> with <quote>to the random number</quote>, and <quote>when ENDURANCE</quote> with <quote>when the ENDURANCE</quote>.</p>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="footnotz">
+ <meta><title>Footnotes</title></meta>
+
+ <data/>
+
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="illstrat">
+ <meta><title>Table of Illustrations</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <p>The following is a list of all Sections containing illustrations found in this book:</p>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="primill">
+ <meta><title>Primary Illustrations</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <ul class="unbulleted">
+ <li>Illustration I (<a idref="sect10">Section 10</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration II (<a idref="sect34">Section 34</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration III (<a idref="sect46">Section 46</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration IV (<a idref="sect60">Section 60</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration V (<a idref="sect83">Section 83</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration VI (<a idref="sect90">Section 90</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration VII (<a idref="sect100">Section 100</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration VIII (<a idref="sect139">Section 139</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration IX (<a idref="sect148">Section 148</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration X (<a idref="sect165">Section 165</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XI (<a idref="sect177">Section 177</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XII (<a idref="sect203">Section 203</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XIII (<a idref="sect220">Section 220</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XIV (<a idref="sect254">Section 254</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XV (<a idref="sect256">Section 256</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XVI (<a idref="sect282">Section 282</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XVII (<a idref="sect295">Section 295</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XVIII (<a idref="sect300">Section 300</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XIX (<a idref="sect310">Section 310</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration XX (<a idref="sect342">Section 342</a>)</li>
+ <li><a idref="map">Central Southern Magnamund</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="action">Action Chart</a></li>
+ </ul>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ <section class="backmatter" id="secill">
+ <meta><title>Secondary Illustrations</title></meta>
+
+ <data>
+ <ul class="unbulleted">
+ <li><a idref="equipmnt">Equipment</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="discplnz">Grand Master Disciplines</a></li>
+<!-- <li><a idref="sect1">Section 1</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect11">Section 11</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect35">Section 35</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect51">Section 51</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect131">Section 131</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect209">Section 209</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect217">Section 217</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect230">Section 230</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect283">Section 283</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect290">Section 290</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect318">Section 318</a></li>
+ <li><a idref="sect350">Section 350</a></li> -->
+ </ul>
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ </data>
+ </section>
+
+ &inclusion.project.aon.license;
</data>
</section>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / commitdiff