<meta><title>1</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your journey through the Shadow Gate is a cold and lonely voyage, yet one that you endure without fear for you sense that Alyss is watching over you. She is using her powers to steer you safely home to Magnamund. As you hurtle through the timeless void, you remember vividly the last few moments which preceded your leap into the Shadow Gate and your triumphant escape from Naar's throne hall--the innermost sanctum of his stronghold upon the Plane of Darkness. You recall how Alyss commanded you to flee whilst she drew away the frenzied attacks of Naar's champion--Kekataag the Avenger. It was her selfless act of bravery which enabled you to escape and it has left an indelible mark upon your conscience. Inspired by her courage, and by the realization that if the Dark God is to be stopped from sending more of his foul creations to Magnamund you must deny him the fabled Moonstone of the Shianti, you vow that you will return to the Plane of Darkness and recapture that precious stone of power.</p>
+ <p>Your journey through the Shadow Gate is a cold and lonely voyage, yet one that you endure without fear for you sense that Alyss is watching over you. She is using her powers to steer you safely home to Magnamund. As you hurtle through the timeless void, you remember vividly the last few moments which preceded your leap into the Shadow Gate and your triumphant escape from Naar<ch.apos/>s throne hall--the innermost sanctum of his stronghold upon the Plane of Darkness. You recall how Alyss commanded you to flee whilst she drew away the frenzied attacks of Naar<ch.apos/>s champion--Kekataag the Avenger. It was her selfless act of bravery which enabled you to escape and it has left an indelible mark upon your conscience. Inspired by her courage, and by the realization that if the Dark God is to be stopped from sending more of his foul creations to Magnamund you must deny him the fabled Moonstone of the Shianti, you vow that you will return to the Plane of Darkness and recapture that precious stone of power.</p>
<p>After what seems like an eternity, gradually the inky blackness of the abyss is illuminated by a fluorescent vapour studded with whirling motes of light. Clumps of tiny stars swirl around your body like swarms of glowing moths until you become completely cocooned within a shroud of blinding white luminescence. Then, quite suddenly, you feel solid ground once more beneath your feet and you emerge from the light to find yourself standing in a dank, subterranean vault.</p>
<choice idref="sect160"><link-text>Turn to 160</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>3</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As the first bolts come whistling through the air, you throw yourself behind Shamath's great Throne of Power. Crouching here, as you listen fearfully to the hiss of flying missiles and the screams of the approaching horde, you notice the waters of the strange pool which lies no more than a dozen yards from the throne. Beyond this pool you see the pair of huge black gates which dominate the far wall of this chamber and suddenly you recall the text which appeared in the Tome of Darkness. This must be the Pool of Sorrows, and beyond it are the Gates of Darkness--an exit from this cruel domain. Your feelings of excitement at having discovered a way to escape the approaching horde are tempered when you further recall that you must spill your own blood into the pool if you are to leave this realm successfully. Without hesitation, you stab a finger against the point of your belt buckle and draw a few droplets of blood. Then you spring to your feet and rush towards the pool. As you come to within a few yards, you flick your finger and a stunning transformation takes place the instant your blood hits the pool's swirling surface.</p>
+ <p>As the first bolts come whistling through the air, you throw yourself behind Shamath<ch.apos/>s great Throne of Power. Crouching here, as you listen fearfully to the hiss of flying missiles and the screams of the approaching horde, you notice the waters of the strange pool which lies no more than a dozen yards from the throne. Beyond this pool you see the pair of huge black gates which dominate the far wall of this chamber and suddenly you recall the text which appeared in the Tome of Darkness. This must be the Pool of Sorrows, and beyond it are the Gates of Darkness--an exit from this cruel domain. Your feelings of excitement at having discovered a way to escape the approaching horde are tempered when you further recall that you must spill your own blood into the pool if you are to leave this realm successfully. Without hesitation, you stab a finger against the point of your belt buckle and draw a few droplets of blood. Then you spring to your feet and rush towards the pool. As you come to within a few yards, you flick your finger and a stunning transformation takes place the instant your blood hits the pool<ch.apos/>s swirling surface.</p>
<choice idref="sect300"><link-text>Turn to 300</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>5</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You have survived the first volley but your ordeal is far from over. As soon as the front rank hurl their spears they retreat to let those behind them come forward to take their places at the rim of the pit. With cool defiance you stare back at this new rank of mutants. This time you count more than thirty spears held ready to be hurled at you upon Nza'pok's command, far more than you can hope to avoid at once, even with the aid of magic. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds, you refuse to show this loathsome spawn any sign of weakness or despair.</p>
- <p>You offer up a silent prayer to the God Kai to protect you, and then suddenly you recall part of the script of the Tome of Darkness that told of a secret name which can bind Nza'pok when spoken aloud. This name could be the key to your survival, yet you have no time left to retrieve the book from your backpack. If you are to use this secret name you must try to recall it from memory.</p>
- <choice idref="sect171">If you think that Nza'pok's secret name is Hulka, <link-text>turn to 171</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>You have survived the first volley but your ordeal is far from over. As soon as the front rank hurl their spears they retreat to let those behind them come forward to take their places at the rim of the pit. With cool defiance you stare back at this new rank of mutants. This time you count more than thirty spears held ready to be hurled at you upon Nza<ch.apos/>pok<ch.apos/>s command, far more than you can hope to avoid at once, even with the aid of magic. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds, you refuse to show this loathsome spawn any sign of weakness or despair.</p>
+ <p>You offer up a silent prayer to the God Kai to protect you, and then suddenly you recall part of the script of the Tome of Darkness that told of a secret name which can bind Nza<ch.apos/>pok when spoken aloud. This name could be the key to your survival, yet you have no time left to retrieve the book from your backpack. If you are to use this secret name you must try to recall it from memory.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect171">If you think that Nza<ch.apos/>pok<ch.apos/>s secret name is Hulka, <link-text>turn to 171</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect105">If you think that the name is Khula, <link-text>turn to 105</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect56">If you think that the name is Lukha, <link-text>turn to 56</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>6</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Suddenly you hear Alyss's voice in your mind.</p>
- <p>'Take up the axe, Lone Wolf,' she cries, 'use Kekataag's weapon to smite the power that holds me captive!'</p>
- <p>You respond to her command and quickly you stoop to retrieve Kekataag's mighty two-handed axe which lies upon the floor, close to his mouldering remains. You close your hands around its iron handle, but when you try to raise it from the floor you discover that it is supernaturally heavy.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly you hear Alyss<ch.apos/>s voice in your mind.</p>
+ <p>'Take up the axe, Lone Wolf,' she cries, 'use Kekataag<ch.apos/>s weapon to smite the power that holds me captive!'</p>
+ <p>You respond to her command and quickly you stoop to retrieve Kekataag<ch.apos/>s mighty two-handed axe which lies upon the floor, close to his mouldering remains. You close your hands around its iron handle, but when you try to raise it from the floor you discover that it is supernaturally heavy.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Kai-alchemy, add 2 to the number you have picked. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 15 or higher, add 1. If your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 8 or lower, deduct 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect346">If your total score is 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 346</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect12">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 12</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>12</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You raise the axe and stagger to where Alyss sits imprisoned within her sparkling force field. Then, with one precise and powerful blow from Kekataag's fearsome weapon, you shatter the sorcerous prison. The anguished scream of Naar echoes through the corridors and dungeons of Dazganon. As its terrible timbre begins to rumble and fade, you are horrified to see a host of monstrous creatures burst forth from the smoky walls of the inner sanctum and close in upon you from all sides.</p>
+ <p>You raise the axe and stagger to where Alyss sits imprisoned within her sparkling force field. Then, with one precise and powerful blow from Kekataag<ch.apos/>s fearsome weapon, you shatter the sorcerous prison. The anguished scream of Naar echoes through the corridors and dungeons of Dazganon. As its terrible timbre begins to rumble and fade, you are horrified to see a host of monstrous creatures burst forth from the smoky walls of the inner sanctum and close in upon you from all sides.</p>
<choice idref="sect52"><link-text>Turn to 52</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>13</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You stride towards Nza'pok and raise your weapon, grimly determined to rid the universe of this foul creature.</p>
- <p>'So perish all spawn of evil,' you cry, and, with one swift and mighty blow, you sunder his ghastly body in two. From the torn halves of his carcass there is an eruption of putrid gas that makes you reel backwards and cover your mouth and nose. Rapidly this gas dissipates and, in a matter of seconds, the remains of Nza'pok and his amulet have turned to dust.</p>
+ <p>You stride towards Nza<ch.apos/>pok and raise your weapon, grimly determined to rid the universe of this foul creature.</p>
+ <p>'So perish all spawn of evil,' you cry, and, with one swift and mighty blow, you sunder his ghastly body in two. From the torn halves of his carcass there is an eruption of putrid gas that makes you reel backwards and cover your mouth and nose. Rapidly this gas dissipates and, in a matter of seconds, the remains of Nza<ch.apos/>pok and his amulet have turned to dust.</p>
<p>A collective cry of horror arises from the distant horde the moment you slay their master. Fearing that the destruction of their leader will spur them to seek revenge, you hurry away along a track that winds through the settlement of huts and down to a beach covered with coarse black sand. Here a ramshackle jetty, constructed from wood and bone, protrudes from the lee of a sand dune and out into the sluggish grey sea. Fringing the beach is dense jungle from where there suddenly arises a cacophany of hellish cries, echoing those of the chaos-horde. You glimpse shadows moving in the undergrowth and when you stop momentarily to take a longer look, several arrows come shooting out of the trees. They arc towards you and explode when they hit the sand close by. Your Kai senses warn you that there are a great number of archers lurking in the jungle, far more than you can hope to defeat single-handedly. Anxious to escape while you are still able, you hurry down the beach to the jetty where you discover a sea-going canoe. Without daring to look back, you leap into this canoe, cast off its mooring rope, and paddle as fast as you can away from the shore.</p>
<p>Once you feel sure that you are beyond arrow range, you attempt to follow the coastline in the hope of finding a safer place to put ashore. But a mist sweeps in across the water and engulfs your tiny craft before you can change course. This mist thickens rapidly to become a dense sea fog, the like of which you have never experienced. Despite your advanced Kai skills, you are unable to see through it and you quickly lose all sense of time and direction.</p>
<p>After what seems like many hours, you eventually catch sight of a dark shape low in the water which, at first, appears to be a distant island. You paddle towards it but as you draw closer your senses suddenly scream a warning that you are heading into deadly danger. Instantly you reverse your stroke to change course, but it is already too late. Two slits open in the dark shape and a ghostly light washes over the fog-wreathed ocean. You feel the canoe lurch violently as it is hit by a powerful undercurrent and, in the next terrifying instant, you are sucked into the maw of a titanic subterranean sea creature and swallowed whole.</p>
<meta><title>14</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>To your relief you sense that your precautions have worked; the dragon no longer suspects that it is carrying a stowaway. It raises its head and continues its flight towards the construction area which lies close to the main temple. Upon reaching this busy area it hovers above an expanse of levelled ground which is covered with dozens of cargo nets full of blocks awaiting collection by the building teams. A crew of four reptillians guide your net gently to the ground and then swiftly they unhook it from the dragon's harness using long poles.</p>
+ <p>To your relief you sense that your precautions have worked; the dragon no longer suspects that it is carrying a stowaway. It raises its head and continues its flight towards the construction area which lies close to the main temple. Upon reaching this busy area it hovers above an expanse of levelled ground which is covered with dozens of cargo nets full of blocks awaiting collection by the building teams. A crew of four reptillians guide your net gently to the ground and then swiftly they unhook it from the dragon<ch.apos/>s harness using long poles.</p>
<p>From the safety of your hiding place you watch as the dragon flies away to collect another cargo. As soon as the reptillians move on to attend to the next delivery of blocks, you leave the net and make your way as quickly as you can towards the main temple.</p>
<choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>15</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Despite your brave attempt to dodge the onrushing lance of flame, it glances your back and sends you spinning backwards across the hall's slimy floor.</p>
+ <p>Despite your brave attempt to dodge the onrushing lance of flame, it glances your back and sends you spinning backwards across the hall<ch.apos/>s slimy floor.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> (0=10). The number you have picked is equal to the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you have lost as a result of your wounds. If you possess Deliverance, you may reduce this total by 1 point.</p>
<p>Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you stagger to your feet and shout out his secret name. Immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form, and the sudden cessation of mind contact, throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the tide of larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size.</p>
<p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Knae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
<meta><title>20</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are wise not to trust Cadak's repentant plea for forgiveness: it is a trick. Sensing that you have seen through the charade, his spirit-entity becomes enraged. It howls a curse and the ring instantly transforms into a huge scaly worm. This creature has no eyes, but it does possess a large mouth packed with razor-sharp fangs which it snaps repeatedly, like an angry dog. You draw and raise your weapon and, in the space of a heartbeat, you deal the worm a mighty blow which splits it open from mouth to tail. Cadak's spirit emits a hideous scream, as if the destruction of the worm has wounded him deeply. Rapidly his spirit-form fades until all that is left is an echo of his plaintive cry of pain and frustration.</p>
+ <p>You are wise not to trust Cadak<ch.apos/>s repentant plea for forgiveness: it is a trick. Sensing that you have seen through the charade, his spirit-entity becomes enraged. It howls a curse and the ring instantly transforms into a huge scaly worm. This creature has no eyes, but it does possess a large mouth packed with razor-sharp fangs which it snaps repeatedly, like an angry dog. You draw and raise your weapon and, in the space of a heartbeat, you deal the worm a mighty blow which splits it open from mouth to tail. Cadak<ch.apos/>s spirit emits a hideous scream, as if the destruction of the worm has wounded him deeply. Rapidly his spirit-form fades until all that is left is an echo of his plaintive cry of pain and frustration.</p>
<p>Invigorated by your victory, you turn your attention now to the huge carcass that dominates this hall. You are determined to find a way out of this stinking chamber and you feel sure the answer lies somewhere here. You are advancing towards these huge rotting remains when a new and sinister threat to your life suddenly materializes.</p>
<choice idref="sect228"><link-text>Turn to 228</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>22</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The unexpected sight of your face in the pool fills Shamath with a blind rage. In her fury, she expels a mass of psychic energy from which, using your Magnakai Discipline of Divination, you are able to extract scores of vivid images. They are Shamath's memories of what befell her after she failed to resurrect Darklord Vashna from the depths of the Maakengorge.</p>
- <p>From the collage of images you deduce that your destruction of the Shadow Gate at Maakengorge forced Shamath to return to the Plane of Darkness. As punishment for her failure to complete her mission, Naar imprisoned her and commanded Shamath's hated rival--Avavae the Tormentress--to ruin her evil beauty. Satisfied that the Demoness had paid for her failure, Naar allowed her to return to her realm where, ever since, she has been goaded and tormented by her malicious rival.</p>
+ <p>The unexpected sight of your face in the pool fills Shamath with a blind rage. In her fury, she expels a mass of psychic energy from which, using your Magnakai Discipline of Divination, you are able to extract scores of vivid images. They are Shamath<ch.apos/>s memories of what befell her after she failed to resurrect Darklord Vashna from the depths of the Maakengorge.</p>
+ <p>From the collage of images you deduce that your destruction of the Shadow Gate at Maakengorge forced Shamath to return to the Plane of Darkness. As punishment for her failure to complete her mission, Naar imprisoned her and commanded Shamath<ch.apos/>s hated rival--Avavae the Tormentress--to ruin her evil beauty. Satisfied that the Demoness had paid for her failure, Naar allowed her to return to her realm where, ever since, she has been goaded and tormented by her malicious rival.</p>
<p>The appearance of your face in the pool has brought back these haunting memories. It has also alerted Shamath to your presence in her Throne Room. As her rage subsides, you sense that she is communicating telepathically with her two lieutenants. Suddenly, all three turn to stare at the pillar behind which you are hiding, and your sixth sense tells you that they are preparing to launch a combined psychic attack.</p>
<choice idref="sect267">If you possess Kai-surge, and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Guardian, <link-text>turn to 267</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect335">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 335</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You are about to push your way through this barrier of vines when you notice something strange: each creeper is trembling very slightly, as if it is shivering with cold or fear. You draw your weapon and use it to prise the vines apart, but suddenly you hear something which makes you freeze. From somewhere above the canopy of branches there comes a deafening noise, like the sound of heavy tropical rainfall. As if in response to this noise the hanging vines rise up and flail the air. They lash out at you with stunning ferocity, forcing you to retreat along the trail before their stinging blows: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. With mounting dread you realize that these vines are not plants at all--they are hostile living creatures.</p>
- <p>From beneath the coating of moss which sheathes the vines are hundreds of tiny hollow barbs, capable of ripping flesh to shreds. You strike out at them, smashing one in half. It emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its broken tip. As if enraged by their companion's cry of pain, the remaining vines snake towards you with increased tenacity. You must fight them.</p>
+ <p>From beneath the coating of moss which sheathes the vines are hundreds of tiny hollow barbs, capable of ripping flesh to shreds. You strike out at them, smashing one in half. It emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its broken tip. As if enraged by their companion<ch.apos/>s cry of pain, the remaining vines snake towards you with increased tenacity. You must fight them.</p>
<combat><enemy>Haemodyls</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">49</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>These vine-creatures are immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray. If you possess Animal Mastery, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect19">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>25</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Unfortunately, when you are halfway across the bridge you are spotted by a lavas passing high overhead. Immediately it signals to two of its companions and all three creatures swoop down to block your exit. Their cries of alarm attract more than two dozen of their kin, and also alert the reptillians that are lining the parapet. At a given command they close in and attack you mercilessly with their spears and tridents. You fight back with stunning bravery, dispatching more than ten lavas and seven reptillians before eventually you succumb to their sheer weight of numbers. Sadly, your life and your quest end here on the Huan'zhor Chasm Bridge.</p>
+ <p>Unfortunately, when you are halfway across the bridge you are spotted by a lavas passing high overhead. Immediately it signals to two of its companions and all three creatures swoop down to block your exit. Their cries of alarm attract more than two dozen of their kin, and also alert the reptillians that are lining the parapet. At a given command they close in and attack you mercilessly with their spears and tridents. You fight back with stunning bravery, dispatching more than ten lavas and seven reptillians before eventually you succumb to their sheer weight of numbers. Sadly, your life and your quest end here on the Huan<ch.apos/>zhor Chasm Bridge.</p>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Rimoah ushers you to a refectory table at the entrance to the chamber where Lord Ardan is carefully arranging artifacts upon a sheet of scarlet silk, and he invites you to inspect these curious items. He glances at your swordbelt and smiles when he sees the finely-crafted hilt of the Sommerswerd protruding from your scabbard.</p>
- <p>'Well, I see you'll have no need of new weaponry, Grand Master. Surely there can be no blade better suited to the slaying of the Dark God's foul creatures than the one you already possess--the Sword of the Sun.'</p>
- <p>'Aye,' comments Ardan, 'tis true. Your divine sword can vanquish any of Naar's creations. It may even possess power enough to smite the Dark God himself!'</p>
- <p>Lord Ardan's words lift your spirits. It is comforting to hear that you possess at least one effective weapon against the horrors you may have to face during your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
- <p>'It is a fine blade, Grand Master,' says Rimoah, 'but be sure to use it with utmost discretion. It was crafted upon the Plane of Light and it radiates a strong and goodly aura. In Naar's domain its radiant energies could attract unwanted attention.'</p>
+ <p>'Well, I see you<ch.apos/>ll have no need of new weaponry, Grand Master. Surely there can be no blade better suited to the slaying of the Dark God<ch.apos/>s foul creatures than the one you already possess--the Sword of the Sun.'</p>
+ <p>'Aye,' comments Ardan, 'tis true. Your divine sword can vanquish any of Naar<ch.apos/>s creations. It may even possess power enough to smite the Dark God himself!'</p>
+ <p>Lord Ardan<ch.apos/>s words lift your spirits. It is comforting to hear that you possess at least one effective weapon against the horrors you may have to face during your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
+ <p>'It is a fine blade, Grand Master,' says Rimoah, 'but be sure to use it with utmost discretion. It was crafted upon the Plane of Light and it radiates a strong and goodly aura. In Naar<ch.apos/>s domain its radiant energies could attract unwanted attention.'</p>
<choice idref="sect258">If you possess a Korlinium Scabbard, <link-text>turn to 258</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect341">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 341</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Your speed and skill have devastated the maggot swarm. You have slayed more than half their number and forced the remainder to seek shelter in the shadowy recesses of this reeking hall. You sense also that your victory over the swarm has greatly weakened the spirit of Cadak. You are about to seize the advantage and launch a psychic attack when suddenly you hear something quite unexpected.</p>
- <p>'Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,' pleads Cadak's plaintive voice in your mind. 'I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the Knae.'</p>
+ <p>'Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,' pleads Cadak<ch.apos/>s plaintive voice in your mind. 'I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the Knae.'</p>
<p>The receding tide of maggots has revealed a glowing ring that lies on the slime-smeared floor at the centre of the hall.</p>
<p>'Take the ring, Lone Wolf. Take the ring and grant me your forgiveness. With the ring the way is clear for you to leave this hall through the Tunnel of the Wyrm.'</p>
<p>Beyond the flame-like spirit of Cadak you can see the rotting ribcage of the reptillian carcass. The semi-circular shadow that occupies it is now pulsing with a warm, amber light.</p>
<meta><title>31</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>To your relief you sense that the dragon is no longer convinced that it is carrying a stowaway. It raises its head and continues its flight towards the construction area which lies close to the main temple. Upon reaching this busy area it hovers above an expanse of levelled ground which is covered with dozens of cargo nets full of blocks awaiting collection by the building teams. A crew of four reptillians guides your net gently to the ground and then swiftly unhooks it from the dragon's harness using long poles.</p>
+ <p>To your relief you sense that the dragon is no longer convinced that it is carrying a stowaway. It raises its head and continues its flight towards the construction area which lies close to the main temple. Upon reaching this busy area it hovers above an expanse of levelled ground which is covered with dozens of cargo nets full of blocks awaiting collection by the building teams. A crew of four reptillians guides your net gently to the ground and then swiftly unhooks it from the dragon<ch.apos/>s harness using long poles.</p>
<p>From the safety of your hiding place you watch as the dragon flies away to collect another cargo. As soon as the reptillians move on to attend to the next delivery of blocks, you leave the net and make your way as quickly as you can towards the main temple.</p>
<choice idref="sect220"><link-text>Turn to 220</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You retrieve the book from your backpack and thumb through its shiny blank pages until you discover two pages that have changed both in colour and texture. A cluster of rust-red lettering is enclosed within the black runic borders that outline these two sheets of creamy parchment. Once again, using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you study the complex text and are able to decipher much of its meaning.</p>
- <p>The words tell of Zantaz--the Lord of the Pit--whose many accompanying titles include Reaper of Gloom, Armourer of the Fell Legions, and Guardian of the Gate of Dragonflame. It says that he presides over a 'deep realm of rock, iron, steel and flame', and that among the many eternal duties he has been set by Naar, his primary task is to forge weapons of power for the Dark God's champions. Zantaz has no secret name, but you are able to translate the text which details how one can leave his domain. It makes for uneasy reading. The tome states that any who wish to depart must first 'defeat Zantaz in mortal combat and cast his body into the Pit of Darkflame, from whence he shall be reborn.' Only by proving oneself worthy in combat against Zantaz can one cause 'the Gate of Dragonflame to release the worthy victor.' The name 'Zantaz' is vaguely familiar; you are sure that you have heard it before. As you ponder the remaining text which lists his infamous deeds, you suddenly recall where it was that you heard his name spoken. It was many years ago, while you were still an initiate at the Kai monastery, and your old tutor--Storm Hawk--was lecturing your class about the Drakkarim: the barbarian race of humanoids whose conquest of Northern Magnamund preceded the rise of the Darklords of Helgedad. Zantaz was the name of the warrior-god whom the Drakkarim worshipped.</p>
+ <p>The words tell of Zantaz--the Lord of the Pit--whose many accompanying titles include Reaper of Gloom, Armourer of the Fell Legions, and Guardian of the Gate of Dragonflame. It says that he presides over a 'deep realm of rock, iron, steel and flame', and that among the many eternal duties he has been set by Naar, his primary task is to forge weapons of power for the Dark God<ch.apos/>s champions. Zantaz has no secret name, but you are able to translate the text which details how one can leave his domain. It makes for uneasy reading. The tome states that any who wish to depart must first 'defeat Zantaz in mortal combat and cast his body into the Pit of Darkflame, from whence he shall be reborn.' Only by proving oneself worthy in combat against Zantaz can one cause 'the Gate of Dragonflame to release the worthy victor.' The name 'Zantaz' is vaguely familiar; you are sure that you have heard it before. As you ponder the remaining text which lists his infamous deeds, you suddenly recall where it was that you heard his name spoken. It was many years ago, while you were still an initiate at the Kai monastery, and your old tutor--Storm Hawk--was lecturing your class about the Drakkarim: the barbarian race of humanoids whose conquest of Northern Magnamund preceded the rise of the Darklords of Helgedad. Zantaz was the name of the warrior-god whom the Drakkarim worshipped.</p>
<p>Feeling a little unnerved by what you have discovered and remembered, you close the tome and slip it back into your pack. You sense that the Moonstone is not to be found here in this domain of tunnels and so you resolve to escape from here as soon as possible. But if you are to do so successfully it seems you will first have to find and defeat Zantaz, the warrior-god of the Drakkarim.</p>
<p>You get to your feet and continue along the tunnel which leads out of the empty cavern. You follow this passageway for several hundred yards until you arrive at a junction where another tunnel crosses your path from right to left. Cautiously you scan the tunnel in both directions and notice that away to your right, little more than twenty yards distant, is an open archway. Although you can sense no living presence, the angle of view and the darkness of the interior prevent you from determining what lies beyond this archway. To your left, your tracking skills reveal that the tunnel leads eventually to a dead end.</p>
<choice idref="sect260">If you wish to investigate what lies beyond the arch, <link-text>turn to 260</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>34</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your swift construction of a defensive mental barrier helps to deflect much of the combined psychic energies that are ranged against you. However, one of Shamath's searing bolts pierces your defensive wall and grazes the fabric of your mind: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Your swift construction of a defensive mental barrier helps to deflect much of the combined psychic energies that are ranged against you. However, one of Shamath<ch.apos/>s searing bolts pierces your defensive wall and grazes the fabric of your mind: lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect54">To continue, <link-text>turn to 54</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>37</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Quickly you retreat into the forest of flames and pray that your Magnakai psi-screen and camouflage skills will keep you safe from Tzor's unholy gaze.</p>
+ <p>Quickly you retreat into the forest of flames and pray that your Magnakai psi-screen and camouflage skills will keep you safe from Tzor<ch.apos/>s unholy gaze.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 16 or higher, add 1 to the number you have picked. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 10 or lower, deduct 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect262">If your total is now 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect338">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 338</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>39</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Successfully you dodge the onrushing lance of flame and it speeds across the chamber to smash harmlessly against the shimmering green metal of the hall's grand portal.</p>
+ <p>Successfully you dodge the onrushing lance of flame and it speeds across the chamber to smash harmlessly against the shimmering green metal of the hall<ch.apos/>s grand portal.</p>
<p>Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you shout out his secret name. Immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form, and the sudden cessation of mind contact, throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size.</p>
<p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Knae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is Rhunotar, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You see Alyss sitting cross-legged within a globular force field, her emaciated face and limbs clearly displaying the price she has paid for her continued resistance to the Dark God. Yet despite her wasted physical appearance, you detect that she is still strong in spirit and the Moonstone of the Shianti is still in her possession.</p>
- <p>You focus on this force field and deduce that Naar, having been unable to defeat Alyss in combat, has chosen instead to imprison her within this seamless cell of energy in order to prevent her from using the powers of the Moonstone to create a Shadow Gate through which she can escape. The Dark God has contented himself with waiting for her to weaken to the point where she can no longer resist his remorseless attacks. As you focus on Alyss you sense that she is dangerously close to reaching that breaking point. Prompted by an urge to help her, and by the sight of the Moonstone which she cradles in her lap, you move quickly towards the entrance to Naar's inner sanctum.</p>
+ <p>You focus on this force field and deduce that Naar, having been unable to defeat Alyss in combat, has chosen instead to imprison her within this seamless cell of energy in order to prevent her from using the powers of the Moonstone to create a Shadow Gate through which she can escape. The Dark God has contented himself with waiting for her to weaken to the point where she can no longer resist his remorseless attacks. As you focus on Alyss you sense that she is dangerously close to reaching that breaking point. Prompted by an urge to help her, and by the sight of the Moonstone which she cradles in her lap, you move quickly towards the entrance to Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum.</p>
<choice idref="sect192">If you possess Telegnosis, and have attained the Kai rank of Sun Knight, <link-text>turn to 192</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect324">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 324</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>43</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>With your back pressed hard against the wall of the pit, you quickly recite the words of the Old Kingdom spell--Shield--as you draw a circle in the air directly above your head. Nza'pok growls the order to his minions and immediately a clattering deluge of spears rains down upon you. Most shatter when they hit the invisible barrier you have created, but some ricochet off the pit wall and their sharp tips gouge your flesh.</p>
+ <p>With your back pressed hard against the wall of the pit, you quickly recite the words of the Old Kingdom spell--Shield--as you draw a circle in the air directly above your head. Nza<ch.apos/>pok growls the order to his minions and immediately a clattering deluge of spears rains down upon you. Most shatter when they hit the invisible barrier you have created, but some ricochet off the pit wall and their sharp tips gouge your flesh.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Grand Discipline of Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect312">If your total is 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 312</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect277">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 277</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>46</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>From beneath the coating of moss which sheathes these vines emerge hundreds of tiny hollow barbs, transforming them instantly into deadly foes capable of ripping you to shreds. They whip the air within inches of your face, forcing you to frantically dodge and dive to avoid being torn open. You draw your weapon and strike out, cleaving through the end of one of these deadly creepers which emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its sundered tip. As if enraged by its companion's cry of pain, the remaining vines snake towards you with increased tenacity. You must fight them.</p>
+ <p>From beneath the coating of moss which sheathes these vines emerge hundreds of tiny hollow barbs, transforming them instantly into deadly foes capable of ripping you to shreds. They whip the air within inches of your face, forcing you to frantically dodge and dive to avoid being torn open. You draw your weapon and strike out, cleaving through the end of one of these deadly creepers which emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its sundered tip. As if enraged by its companion<ch.apos/>s cry of pain, the remaining vines snake towards you with increased tenacity. You must fight them.</p>
<combat><enemy>Haemodyls</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">49</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">42</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>These vine-creatures are immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray. If you possess Animal Mastery, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect19">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Ardan and Rimoah are honoured that you have chosen to take this sword which they have spent many months creating. (Record this sword--'Skarn-Ska'--on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item. When used in combat it will add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. This sword possesses other attributes which will be revealed when it is used in combat.)</p>
<p>You take hold of Skarn-Ska and essay a few strokes in the air to gauge its weight and balance. It does not take you too long to discover that this is an exceptionally fine blade. You feel your spirits rise, for now you possess at least one effective weapon against the horrors that may be encountered on your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
- <p>'We are delighted that you approve of Skarn-Ska, Grand Master,' says Rimoah, 'but you must be sure to use it with discretion. It has magical properties which give off a strong and goodly aura. In Naar's domain these radiant energies could attract the unwanted attentions of those who dwell therein.'</p>
+ <p>'We are delighted that you approve of Skarn-Ska, Grand Master,' says Rimoah, 'but you must be sure to use it with discretion. It has magical properties which give off a strong and goodly aura. In Naar<ch.apos/>s domain these radiant energies could attract the unwanted attentions of those who dwell therein.'</p>
<p>Lord Ardan picks up a seemingly plain leather scabbard from the table and offers it to you.</p>
- <p>'Here, Grand Master. I urge that you sheathe Skarn-Ska with this. It is woven from strands of pure korlinium and it will keep hidden the blade's true power from Naar's foul spawn.</p>
+ <p>'Here, Grand Master. I urge that you sheathe Skarn-Ska with this. It is woven from strands of pure korlinium and it will keep hidden the blade<ch.apos/>s true power from Naar<ch.apos/>s foul spawn.</p>
<p>You accept the scabbard from Ardan and affix it to your belt. (Record this Korlinium Scabbard on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item.)</p>
- <p>'The scabbard will shield your blade, Grand Master,' comments Lord Rimoah, 'but what of yourself? You are imbued with Kai powers that may readily be detected. There is a danger that your natural skills could alert Naar's minions to your presence among them.'</p>
+ <p>'The scabbard will shield your blade, Grand Master,' comments Lord Rimoah, 'but what of yourself? You are imbued with Kai powers that may readily be detected. There is a danger that your natural skills could alert Naar<ch.apos/>s minions to your presence among them.'</p>
<choice idref="sect180">If you possess a Platinum Amulet, <link-text>turn to 180</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect296">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 296</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>51</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Swiftly you draw an arrow to your bow and take aim at the beast's snout. The creature narrows its evil eyes and begins to sway from side to side. It is as if it senses the danger that your missile poses and it is trying to reduce its chances of being struck.</p>
+ <p>Swiftly you draw an arrow to your bow and take aim at the beast<ch.apos/>s snout. The creature narrows its evil eyes and begins to sway from side to side. It is as if it senses the danger that your missile poses and it is trying to reduce its chances of being struck.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Weaponmastery with Bow, add 5 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect175">If your total score is 7 or lower, <link-text>turn to 175</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect203">If it is 8 or higher, <link-text>turn to 203</link-text>.</choice>
<p>You reach to your throat, unbutton the collar of your Kai robes, and withdraw the platinum amulet by its braided cord.</p>
<p>'Ah, I see that you already possess a sigil of power,' says Lord Rimoah, approvingly. 'It seems you are better prepared for the quest than we had anticipated.'</p>
<p>With a nod of his head he motions to Lord Ardan who then retrieves an almost identical amulet from among the items on the table. Ardan gives the amulet to Rimoah and he slips it into his pocket.</p>
- <p>'You'll not be requiring this after all,' he says, 'but there is something which I'm sure you will find most useful. And I'm certain that you have not come across anything of its like before.'</p>
+ <p>'You<ch.apos/>ll not be requiring this after all,' he says, 'but there is something which I<ch.apos/>m sure you will find most useful. And I<ch.apos/>m certain that you have not come across anything of its like before.'</p>
<p>Once again Rimoah motions to Ardan and the elderly wizard responds by taking up a small package that is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly, you take it from him.</p>
<p>'It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,' says Ardan. 'A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.'</p>
<p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty, devoid of script, pictures or diagrams of any sort.</p>
<p>'I do not see how this book will help my quest,' you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
- <p>'This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,' replies Lord Rimoah, 'but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar's domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.'</p>
- <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah
's judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your backpack. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
+ <p>'This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,' replies Lord Rimoah, 'but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar<ch.apos/>s domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.'</p>
+ <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah
<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your backpack. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The Demoness and her minions sense that they have wounded you and they howl with undisguised glee. But this sudden lull in the psychic combat allows you precious seconds in which to recover and strengthen your damaged mental defences. When they cease their cawing and launch their second attack, your defensive protections prove strong enough to deflect all of the combined psychic energies that are ranged against you, and the power of their attack rebounds upon them with devastating effect. The Lieutenants of Night fall screaming to the floor where they writhe in agony like wounded snakes. The Demoness reels and totters backwards, slumps down heavily upon her throne, and then grips her disfigured head in both hands as she struggles in vain to regain control of her disrupted mind.</p>
- <p>Seizing your advantage, you unsheathe your weapon and rush forward. With two swift and deadly blows you dispatch the lieutenants in passing and then rush towards Shamath's gigantic throne. Through the red haze of the agony that fills her head, the Demoness sees you approaching. Immediately she slams her right hand down upon the arm of her throne, to where a glowing opal is set into the stone.</p>
+ <p>Seizing your advantage, you unsheathe your weapon and rush forward. With two swift and deadly blows you dispatch the lieutenants in passing and then rush towards Shamath<ch.apos/>s gigantic throne. Through the red haze of the agony that fills her head, the Demoness sees you approaching. Immediately she slams her right hand down upon the arm of her throne, to where a glowing opal is set into the stone.</p>
<p>'Gnekasha!' you scream, giving voice to her secret name, and she freezes as still as a stone statue. But not before her clenched fist has struck the glowing gem.</p>
- <p>Suddenly you hear a terrible sound; it is the screams and cries of Shamath's vengeful legions. With dread you glance over your shoulder and look to the source of the cacophony the chamber of tunnels beyond the archway of the Throne Room. What you see there sends an icy cold shiver of fear coursing down your spine.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly you hear a terrible sound; it is the screams and cries of Shamath<ch.apos/>s vengeful legions. With dread you glance over your shoulder and look to the source of the cacophony the chamber of tunnels beyond the archway of the Throne Room. What you see there sends an icy cold shiver of fear coursing down your spine.</p>
<choice idref="sect201"><link-text>Turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>55</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You throw yourself towards the adjoining tunnel, but in your desperate effort to get clear, you trip and fall in the path of the onrushing leviathan. This gigantic beetle-creature flattens you beneath its vast bulk, yet amazingly you survive this collision--but not for very long. Trailing in the creature's wake are a long line of wagons piled high with grey metallic ore. You are hit by several of these heavy iron carriages and killed instantly.</p>
+ <p>You throw yourself towards the adjoining tunnel, but in your desperate effort to get clear, you trip and fall in the path of the onrushing leviathan. This gigantic beetle-creature flattens you beneath its vast bulk, yet amazingly you survive this collision--but not for very long. Trailing in the creature<ch.apos/>s wake are a long line of wagons piled high with grey metallic ore. You are hit by several of these heavy iron carriages and killed instantly.</p>
<p>Sadly, your life and your quest end here in the Mines of Zantaz.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>56</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shout the name 'Lukha' aloud but it has no effect. For a moment there is an uneasy silence, then the rubbery mouth of Nza'pok emits a hideous, bubbling laugh. He is mocking your futile attempt to save yourself by calling upon the powers which bind him in fealty to the Dark God. As his foul form wobbles with undisguised mirth, you quickly unshoulder your backpack and tear open the flap to retrieve the Tome of Darkness. Nza'pok ceases to laugh when he glimpses its jet black cover for he is aware of its origins and the powerful secrets it contains.</p>
- <p>With a terse growl, he gives the signal to his minions and they hurl their spears into the pit with chilling accuracy. You are struck by more than a dozen of these deadly lances and, unlike most who have fallen foul of Nza'pok, your death is mercifully swift and almost painless.</p>
+ <p>You shout the name 'Lukha' aloud but it has no effect. For a moment there is an uneasy silence, then the rubbery mouth of Nza<ch.apos/>pok emits a hideous, bubbling laugh. He is mocking your futile attempt to save yourself by calling upon the powers which bind him in fealty to the Dark God. As his foul form wobbles with undisguised mirth, you quickly unshoulder your backpack and tear open the flap to retrieve the Tome of Darkness. Nza<ch.apos/>pok ceases to laugh when he glimpses its jet black cover for he is aware of its origins and the powerful secrets it contains.</p>
+ <p>With a terse growl, he gives the signal to his minions and they hurl their spears into the pit with chilling accuracy. You are struck by more than a dozen of these deadly lances and, unlike most who have fallen foul of Nza<ch.apos/>pok, your death is mercifully swift and almost painless.</p>
<p>Sadly, your life and your quest for the Moonstone ends here.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>57</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you pass through the curtain of black flames, the three magical items vanish from your hands (erase the Nza'pok Amulet, the Knae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon from the Special Items section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>). Beyond the flaming curtain lies a hall of grey adamanite which is seemingly devoid of all life. You scour this eerie chamber and your senses detect Alyss's lifeforce. Hers is the only goodly presence, save your own, in the whole of this evil stronghold, and although her aura is weak it is sufficient enough for you to be able to track it.</p>
- <p>Guided by your instincts and shielded by your Kai Disciplines, you follow Alyss's trail as it wends its way deeper into the heart of this citadel of Evil. During your exploration you encounter many of Naar's newest creations who populate the halls and dungeons of Dazganon. Their repugnant forms, and depraved and brutal behaviour provide you with an unsavoury insight into Naar's seemingly infinite capability to create evil and monstrous life forms. You shudder to imagine these foul beings running loose upon your home world of Magnamund, and the thought strengthens your resolve to fulfil your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
- <p>For what seems like an hour, your camouflage and psychic skills make you invisible to the creatures that dwell within Dazganon. It is not until you reach a busy junction at the heart of a maze of tunnels that your skills are truly put to the test. Your senses detect the presence of Alyss at the end of an adjacent tunnel, yet the entrance to this wide passage is virtually blocked by creatures who are bickering with Naar's armed guards.</p>
+ <p>As you pass through the curtain of black flames, the three magical items vanish from your hands (erase the Nza<ch.apos/>pok Amulet, the Knae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon from the Special Items section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>). Beyond the flaming curtain lies a hall of grey adamanite which is seemingly devoid of all life. You scour this eerie chamber and your senses detect Alyss<ch.apos/>s lifeforce. Hers is the only goodly presence, save your own, in the whole of this evil stronghold, and although her aura is weak it is sufficient enough for you to be able to track it.</p>
+ <p>Guided by your instincts and shielded by your Kai Disciplines, you follow Alyss<ch.apos/>s trail as it wends its way deeper into the heart of this citadel of Evil. During your exploration you encounter many of Naar<ch.apos/>s newest creations who populate the halls and dungeons of Dazganon. Their repugnant forms, and depraved and brutal behaviour provide you with an unsavoury insight into Naar<ch.apos/>s seemingly infinite capability to create evil and monstrous life forms. You shudder to imagine these foul beings running loose upon your home world of Magnamund, and the thought strengthens your resolve to fulfil your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
+ <p>For what seems like an hour, your camouflage and psychic skills make you invisible to the creatures that dwell within Dazganon. It is not until you reach a busy junction at the heart of a maze of tunnels that your skills are truly put to the test. Your senses detect the presence of Alyss at the end of an adjacent tunnel, yet the entrance to this wide passage is virtually blocked by creatures who are bickering with Naar<ch.apos/>s armed guards.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, or Grand Pathsmanship, add 1. Also, for every level of Kai rank you have attained above the rank of Grand Guardian, add a further 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect189">If your total score is now 3 or less, <link-text>turn to 189</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect116">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 116</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>As you pass into the void, a sensation of unimaginable speed assaults your senses. You fly through the stellar darkness and a universe unfolds before you, like a million gems strewn upon an endless sea of black velvet. Your physical body is sheathed within a casing of pale white light, and you sense that it is a protective shell generated by your platinum amulet to protect you from the icy chill and airlessness of this astral starscape.</p>
- <p>You surrender yourself to the invisible currents that ebb and flow through the void and, as you glide across this immeasurable no-space, once more you consult the Tome of Darkness. The transparent page that revealed information about Shamath's realm is now blank, but the one which follows has changed in colour and texture. Lines of glowing text have appeared on a page that is as dark as deep space. Again, using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of the text and you discover that it tells of 'Avarvae the Tormentress', and it reveals that this void--which is her domain--is called 'The Oblivion of the Tortured Souls'. You ignore the list of her cruel and evil deeds, and search out her secret name.</p>
- <p>Unfortunately you discover that there is no name to bind her. However, you do learn that no special artifact is required to leave her realm and there are two exits: The Gates of Darkness, by which you entered, and the Bridge of the Damned. Having no desire to return to Shamath's domain, you put away the tome and resolve instead to find the Bridge of the Damned. Yet, as you stare across the infinite distances of this void, it is hard to dispel your fears that you may end your days lost here forever.</p>
- <choice idref="sect315">If you possess Shamath's Potion, <link-text>turn to 315</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>You surrender yourself to the invisible currents that ebb and flow through the void and, as you glide across this immeasurable no-space, once more you consult the Tome of Darkness. The transparent page that revealed information about Shamath<ch.apos/>s realm is now blank, but the one which follows has changed in colour and texture. Lines of glowing text have appeared on a page that is as dark as deep space. Again, using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of the text and you discover that it tells of 'Avarvae the Tormentress', and it reveals that this void--which is her domain--is called 'The Oblivion of the Tortured Souls'. You ignore the list of her cruel and evil deeds, and search out her secret name.</p>
+ <p>Unfortunately you discover that there is no name to bind her. However, you do learn that no special artifact is required to leave her realm and there are two exits: The Gates of Darkness, by which you entered, and the Bridge of the Damned. Having no desire to return to Shamath<ch.apos/>s domain, you put away the tome and resolve instead to find the Bridge of the Damned. Yet, as you stare across the infinite distances of this void, it is hard to dispel your fears that you may end your days lost here forever.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect315">If you possess Shamath<ch.apos/>s Potion, <link-text>turn to 315</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect218">If you do not possess this item, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>61</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw your weapon and strike out, cleaving through the end of the deadly creeper which emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its sundered tip. Gagging at the stench of the creature's foul ichor, you pull yourself upright and stagger away along the trail. You are within sight of the beach when your escape is suddenly blocked by a wall of flailing vines which descend with alarming speed from the canopy overhead.</p>
+ <p>You draw your weapon and strike out, cleaving through the end of the deadly creeper which emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its sundered tip. Gagging at the stench of the creature<ch.apos/>s foul ichor, you pull yourself upright and stagger away along the trail. You are within sight of the beach when your escape is suddenly blocked by a wall of flailing vines which descend with alarming speed from the canopy overhead.</p>
<choice idref="sect299">If you possess Grand Weaponmastery, and have reached the Kai rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 299</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect226">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 226</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>62</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You sense that the beast suspects it has a stowaway hiding amongst its cargo, but its eyesight is poor and it is unsure of what it is seeing. However, you cannot take the risk of the beast alerting the lavas that are flying close by. Their eyesight is keen and they would be sure to spot you. Defiantly you return the dragon's stare and use your psychic Kai skill to discomfort and distract it.</p>
+ <p>You sense that the beast suspects it has a stowaway hiding amongst its cargo, but its eyesight is poor and it is unsure of what it is seeing. However, you cannot take the risk of the beast alerting the lavas that are flying close by. Their eyesight is keen and they would be sure to spot you. Defiantly you return the dragon<ch.apos/>s stare and use your psychic Kai skill to discomfort and distract it.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 10 or lower, deduct 1 from the number you have picked. If it is 20 or higher, add 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect45">If your total score is now 2 or lower, <link-text>turn to 45</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect114">If it is 3 or higher, <link-text>turn to 114</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>64</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Two great scaly legs, each tipped with razor-clawed talons, precede the huge bulk of Huan'zhor as he lowers himself down upon his nest of flames. You take cover as best you can among the piles of treasure, but when his talons descend to within an arm's length of where you are cowering the Dragonlord suddenly detects your presence. He emits a deafening roar and bolts of flame shoot from his mouth to explode with shattering effect among the piles of precious artifacts that lie close to where you are sheltering. Hurriedly you roll away from your hiding place and unsheathe your weapon as you scramble to your feet. There is now no place for you to hide. Your quest and your survival now depend on the outcome of your imminent combat with the mighty Huan'zhor.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Huan'zhor the Dragonlord</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">56</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>Two great scaly legs, each tipped with razor-clawed talons, precede the huge bulk of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor as he lowers himself down upon his nest of flames. You take cover as best you can among the piles of treasure, but when his talons descend to within an arm<ch.apos/>s length of where you are cowering the Dragonlord suddenly detects your presence. He emits a deafening roar and bolts of flame shoot from his mouth to explode with shattering effect among the piles of precious artifacts that lie close to where you are sheltering. Hurriedly you roll away from your hiding place and unsheathe your weapon as you scramble to your feet. There is now no place for you to hide. Your quest and your survival now depend on the outcome of your imminent combat with the mighty Huan<ch.apos/>zhor.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">56</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This being is immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray. If you possess a Blue Diamond, you may add 3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat. If you possess Skarn-Ska, you may add 2 (in addition to all other combat bonuses applicable for this Special Item) to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat.</p>
- <choice idref="sect344">Conduct this fight using normal combat procedures. However, as soon as your enemy's <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 20 or less, do not continue. Instead, <link-text>turn immediately to 344</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect344">Conduct this fight using normal combat procedures. However, as soon as your enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 20 or less, do not continue. Instead, <link-text>turn immediately to 344</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect155">You may evade this combat at any time after the first three rounds by leaping into the transporter beam. If you evade further combat in this way, <link-text>turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>67</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The causeway comprises a procession of cracked grey blocks of stone which cross this fetid land and trail away towards a tangle of jungle vegetation that stretches across the horizon. In places the mouldering pavement disappears completely beneath the surface, swallowed by the swamp, yet the encroaching mud is shallow and it does not hamper your progress too greatly. On either side of this swamp-road you notice an occasional spur of rock protruding through the mire. Then you see the apex of a stone roof and a broken spire and suddenly you realize that they are segments of buildings. They are all that remain visible of an ancient city which has long since drowned beneath the swamp. The causeway is not a road at all; it is the remnants of the city's fortified wall.</p>
+ <p>The causeway comprises a procession of cracked grey blocks of stone which cross this fetid land and trail away towards a tangle of jungle vegetation that stretches across the horizon. In places the mouldering pavement disappears completely beneath the surface, swallowed by the swamp, yet the encroaching mud is shallow and it does not hamper your progress too greatly. On either side of this swamp-road you notice an occasional spur of rock protruding through the mire. Then you see the apex of a stone roof and a broken spire and suddenly you realize that they are segments of buildings. They are all that remain visible of an ancient city which has long since drowned beneath the swamp. The causeway is not a road at all; it is the remnants of the city<ch.apos/>s fortified wall.</p>
<p>The cloudy green sky begins to darken and you sense a storm approaching. Minutes later, a gentle rain begins to fall which turns the surface of the swamp a milky shade of blue. You raise the hood of your cloak and press on, but suddenly you notice that your clothes are giving off wisps of smoke where they have been spattered by the rain. The rain is not water--it is a corrosive acid. Your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus protects your flesh from the effects of this acidic rain, but your clothing and equipment are vulnerable to its effect. Rather than risk losing them, you look around for some place to shelter from the coming storm. The only cover that you are able to discern is a large mound of fallen stone slabs several hundred yards away to your right.</p>
<choice idref="sect263">If you possess the Discipline of Grand Pathsmanship, <link-text>turn to 263</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect134">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 134</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>68</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You leap to your feet and unsheathe your weapon in readiness to defend both Alyss and yourself against any threat that Naar may launch. You do not have long to wait. Bursting from out of the smoky wall of the chamber comes Naar's fearsome champion--Kekataag the Avenger. He is attired in battle armour that glimmers like slime-dulled gold, and beneath his helmet there is a hollow skull-face from which emerges a sickly stench that permeates even the foul air of this hall. The skulls and bones of humans bedeck his armoured hide and in his mighty hands he carries a great two-handed axe, its blade stained black with the blood of his countless victims.</p>
+ <p>You leap to your feet and unsheathe your weapon in readiness to defend both Alyss and yourself against any threat that Naar may launch. You do not have long to wait. Bursting from out of the smoky wall of the chamber comes Naar<ch.apos/>s fearsome champion--Kekataag the Avenger. He is attired in battle armour that glimmers like slime-dulled gold, and beneath his helmet there is a hollow skull-face from which emerges a sickly stench that permeates even the foul air of this hall. The skulls and bones of humans bedeck his armoured hide and in his mighty hands he carries a great two-handed axe, its blade stained black with the blood of his countless victims.</p>
<p>This terrifying warrior mesmerizes you with his glowing eyes and you feel waves of powerful psychic energy buffeting your mind.</p>
<choice idref="sect121">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect211">If you possess Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 211</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>70</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Suddenly the fearsome Dragonlord ceases to roar and spit fire. The wounds you have inflicted have weakened him and he is forced to retreat from the combat momentarily in order to recoup enough strength to continue. Before he can strike again, you use the lull in the deafening noise that has accompanied this fight to shout out the Dragonlord's secret name.</p>
- <p>'Zhula!' you cry. Huan'zhor shudders when he hears the name, and a naked panic grips his heart. Bleating like a frightened lamb, the great dragon takes to the air and flees in terror. You watch him fly back across the chasm and soar upwards into the vent in the ceiling of the titanic cavern, from where he first appeared.</p>
- <p>Your swift and timely use of Huan'zhor's secret name has routed your enemy but, unfortunately, the lavas and the reptillian minions do not follow the example of their petrified leader. Sensing an enemy in their midst, they rapidly muster their numbers and encircle the temple. Through the wall of flames you glimpse several dozen lavas approaching the nest by air from the far side of the chasm.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly the fearsome Dragonlord ceases to roar and spit fire. The wounds you have inflicted have weakened him and he is forced to retreat from the combat momentarily in order to recoup enough strength to continue. Before he can strike again, you use the lull in the deafening noise that has accompanied this fight to shout out the Dragonlord<ch.apos/>s secret name.</p>
+ <p>'Zhula!' you cry. Huan<ch.apos/>zhor shudders when he hears the name, and a naked panic grips his heart. Bleating like a frightened lamb, the great dragon takes to the air and flees in terror. You watch him fly back across the chasm and soar upwards into the vent in the ceiling of the titanic cavern, from where he first appeared.</p>
+ <p>Your swift and timely use of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor<ch.apos/>s secret name has routed your enemy but, unfortunately, the lavas and the reptillian minions do not follow the example of their petrified leader. Sensing an enemy in their midst, they rapidly muster their numbers and encircle the temple. Through the wall of flames you glimpse several dozen lavas approaching the nest by air from the far side of the chasm.</p>
<choice idref="sect213">If you wish to search once more for the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon, <link-text>turn to 213</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect209">If you decide to take your chances without the Scarab, you can avoid the attacking lavas and escape from the nest of fire by leaping into the transporter beam. <link-text>Turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>145</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Lord Rimoah summons a meeting of a secret council at the hall of the magicians' guild in Toran. This gathering is attended by Magnamund's wisest men, many of whom have aided you in the past. Among their number you recognize Guildmaster Banedon, Gwynian the Sage, Baron Medar, several of Dessi's High Council of Elders, and the inner circle of magicians of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star.</p>
- <p>Under Rimoah's direction, these distinguished and gifted men deliberate how best they can help you to retrieve the Moonstone from the Plane of Darkness. A Shadow Gate has long existed in the dungeons below the Guildhall and it is quickly established that the High Council of Elders can, by pooling their ancient skills, use this portal to convey I 146-146</p>
- <p>you to Naar's forbidden realm. The thought of journeying once more to the Plane of Darkness fills you with a sense of dread, yet this daunting voyage could prove to be but one of the lesser perils you will have to face if you are to fulfil your vow. You are sorely aware that once you arrive upon Naar's domain, not only will you have to survive the attentions of his loathsome followers, but you must also locate the Moonstone and then return with it to your home world.</p>
+ <p>Lord Rimoah summons a meeting of a secret council at the hall of the magicians' guild in Toran. This gathering is attended by Magnamund<ch.apos/>s wisest men, many of whom have aided you in the past. Among their number you recognize Guildmaster Banedon, Gwynian the Sage, Baron Medar, several of Dessi<ch.apos/>s High Council of Elders, and the inner circle of magicians of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star.</p>
+ <p>Under Rimoah<ch.apos/>s direction, these distinguished and gifted men deliberate how best they can help you to retrieve the Moonstone from the Plane of Darkness. A Shadow Gate has long existed in the dungeons below the Guildhall and it is quickly established that the High Council of Elders can, by pooling their ancient skills, use this portal to convey I 146-146</p>
+ <p>you to Naar<ch.apos/>s forbidden realm. The thought of journeying once more to the Plane of Darkness fills you with a sense of dread, yet this daunting voyage could prove to be but one of the lesser perils you will have to face if you are to fulfil your vow. You are sorely aware that once you arrive upon Naar<ch.apos/>s domain, not only will you have to survive the attentions of his loathsome followers, but you must also locate the Moonstone and then return with it to your home world.</p>
<p>The members of the secret council consider these problems at great length. Reassuringly, they are able to offer you some practical help in overcoming them.</p>
<choice idref="sect223"><link-text>Turn to 223</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Your fear of this supernatural creature is fast transforming into sheer terror. You sense the colossal power that she is capable of wielding and you have no doubts that her intention is to slay you--but not quickly. It is clearly her desire to enjoy your slow demise.</p>
- <p>To engage the Tormentress and her huge escort of Shadow Reavers in combat would be a brave yet suicidal action, for you have no experience of the nature of combat upon this astral realm and you could be quickly overwhelmed by your enemy's sheer weight of numbers. You sense that your only chance for survival is to evade the Tormentress and her minions by crossing the Bridge of the Damned.</p>
+ <p>To engage the Tormentress and her huge escort of Shadow Reavers in combat would be a brave yet suicidal action, for you have no experience of the nature of combat upon this astral realm and you could be quickly overwhelmed by your enemy<ch.apos/>s sheer weight of numbers. You sense that your only chance for survival is to evade the Tormentress and her minions by crossing the Bridge of the Damned.</p>
<choice idref="sect225">If you possess Grand Nexus, and have attained the Kai rank of Sun Prince, <link-text>turn to 225</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect99">If you possess Telegnosis, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 99</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect313">If you do not possess these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 313</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>149</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You sense that the beast has detected your presence among its cargo, and you know that you must act swiftly if you are to prevent it from screeching a warning to the lavas flying close by. Defiantly you return the dragon's stare and use your Kai skill to command the creature to forget that it has seen you.</p>
+ <p>You sense that the beast has detected your presence among its cargo, and you know that you must act swiftly if you are to prevent it from screeching a warning to the lavas flying close by. Defiantly you return the dragon<ch.apos/>s stare and use your Kai skill to command the creature to forget that it has seen you.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 10 or lower, deduct 1 from the number you have picked. If it is 20 or higher, add 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect284">If your total score is now 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 284</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect31">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 31</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You soar across the shimmering span of this colossal bridge towards a new and terrifying realm. Ahead you see a sprawling plateau burning with magical flame. At its centre there is a vast crater of cinder and ash and, rising like a towering spike at the heart of this desolate bowl, you glimpse a titanic fortress.</p>
- <p>As you traverse the great Bridge of the Damned, you consult the Tome of Darkness and it confirms your highest hopes and your deepest fears. Ahead lies the realm of Naar and his dread stronghold of Dazganon. The tome warns those who would voluntarily seek to enter Naar's fortress that they must possess three magical artifacts: the Nza'pok Amulet, a Knae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon. The final page of the tome lists the names of Naar's closest minions who dwell within Dazganon, and one who dwells without whose name is 'Tzor--The Guardian of the Plain of Despair, Keeper of Evil Souls'. The text of the final page states that there is no secret name to bind Naar and, most chillingly, that there is no exit from his dread fortress.</p>
+ <p>As you traverse the great Bridge of the Damned, you consult the Tome of Darkness and it confirms your highest hopes and your deepest fears. Ahead lies the realm of Naar and his dread stronghold of Dazganon. The tome warns those who would voluntarily seek to enter Naar<ch.apos/>s fortress that they must possess three magical artifacts: the Nza<ch.apos/>pok Amulet, a Knae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon. The final page of the tome lists the names of Naar<ch.apos/>s closest minions who dwell within Dazganon, and one who dwells without whose name is 'Tzor--The Guardian of the Plain of Despair, Keeper of Evil Souls'. The text of the final page states that there is no secret name to bind Naar and, most chillingly, that there is no exit from his dread fortress.</p>
<p>As you close the tome it suddenly ignites and is consumed by voracious tongues of blue flame. You drop the blazing book and it disappears below, to be swallowed up by the fabric of the bridge (erase this Special Item from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>).</p>
<choice idref="sect248">To continue, <link-text>turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Your masterly construction of a strong defensive mental barrier deflects all of the combined psychic energies that are ranged against you. The full power of their attack rebounds upon them with devastating effect. The Lieutenants of Night fall screaming to the floor where they writhe in agony like wounded snakes. The Demoness reels and totters backwards, slumps down heavily upon her throne, and then grips her disfigured head with both hands as she struggles in vain to regain control of her mind.</p>
- <p>Seizing your advantage, you unsheathe your weapon and rush forward. With two swift and deadly blows you dispatch the lieutenants in passing and then rush towards Shamath's gigantic throne. Through the red haze of the agony that fills her head, the Demoness sees you approaching.</p>
+ <p>Seizing your advantage, you unsheathe your weapon and rush forward. With two swift and deadly blows you dispatch the lieutenants in passing and then rush towards Shamath<ch.apos/>s gigantic throne. Through the red haze of the agony that fills her head, the Demoness sees you approaching.</p>
<p>Immediately she slams her right hand down upon the arm of her throne, to where a glowing opal is set into the stone.</p>
<p>'Gnekasha!' you scream, giving voice to her secret name, and she freezes as still as a stone statue. But not before her clenched fist has struck the glowing gem.</p>
- <p>Suddenly you hear a terrible sound; it is the screams and cries of Shamath's vengeful legions. With dread you glance over your shoulder and look to the source of the cacophony--the chamber of tunnels beyond the archway of the Throne Room. What you see there sends an icy cold shiver of fear coursing down your spine.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly you hear a terrible sound; it is the screams and cries of Shamath<ch.apos/>s vengeful legions. With dread you glance over your shoulder and look to the source of the cacophony--the chamber of tunnels beyond the archway of the Throne Room. What you see there sends an icy cold shiver of fear coursing down your spine.</p>
<choice idref="sect201"><link-text>Turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The moment you enter the beam, you feel yourself descending through the centre of the temple in a cocoon of shimmering blue light. Gradually the heat of the nest of fire gives way to a pleasant coolness, but as you continue your descent deeper and deeper into the unknown, this equable temperature slowly transforms into an unbearable icy chill. Never before have you experienced the terrible coldness that engulfs you now. Fortunately, the magical properties of the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon protect and keep you from freezing to death. (Record this Scarab on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your pocket.)</p>
- <p>As the temperature slowly begins to rise, you are able to examine the scarab that you took from Huan
'zhor's nest, and at once you notice two runic numerals on the back of the wingless dragon, engraved on its surface. (The numerals comprise the number 31. Make a note of this number in the margin of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> for future reference.) Having satisfied your curiosity, you place the scarab into the pocket of your tunic and wait patiently for the beam to complete its seemingly endless descent.</p>
- <p>Eventually the shimmering light fades and you feel solid ground materialize beneath your feet once more. Stretching before you now lies a gigantic cavern. Its walls of cracked and stained obsidian rise to a high-arched roof where twelve stalactites of glowing lime-green stone form a circle. On the floor directly below this circle are the shattered remains of a crystal dais, its broken fragments glimmering in the cavern's eerie, icy gloom.</p>
+ <p>As the temperature slowly begins to rise, you are able to examine the scarab that you took from Huan
<ch.apos/>zhor<ch.apos/>s nest, and at once you notice two runic numerals on the back of the wingless dragon, engraved on its surface. (The numerals comprise the number 31. Make a note of this number in the margin of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> for future reference.) Having satisfied your curiosity, you place the scarab into the pocket of your tunic and wait patiently for the beam to complete its seemingly endless descent.</p>
+ <p>Eventually the shimmering light fades and you feel solid ground materialize beneath your feet once more. Stretching before you now lies a gigantic cavern. Its walls of cracked and stained obsidian rise to a high-arched roof where twelve stalactites of glowing lime-green stone form a circle. On the floor directly below this circle are the shattered remains of a crystal dais, its broken fragments glimmering in the cavern<ch.apos/>s eerie, icy gloom.</p>
<choice idref="sect84">If you have ever visited the city of Helgor in a previous Lone Wolf adventure, <link-text>turn to 84</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect124">If you have never visited this place, <link-text>turn to 124</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Fear of being consumed by the approaching firestorm prompts you to take swift and decisive action. You step into the well and begin a long descent through a column of glimmering azure light. You feel the diamond in your pocket glowing warmly and you sense that, in addition to your platinum amulet, it is protecting you from the rigours of this journey into the unknown.</p>
- <p>Looking down through the curtain of shimmering light, you can see the roofs of ziggurats and towers rising up to meet you. Gradually you slow to a halt and find yourself standing upon a circular dais of basalt rock atop a large, flat-roofed building. Several yards away to your left you see a squat tower, and to your right, standing at a parapet, you see a horny-skinned creature with wings that glimmer like folded sheets of gold leaf. Your pulse races when you recognize this creature to be a lavas, one of Naar's deadly minions. The lavas is peering idly at the view beyond the parapet and is unaware of your arrival, yet you are reluctant to leave the shimmering beam for fear that it may see you and raise an alarm.</p>
+ <p>Looking down through the curtain of shimmering light, you can see the roofs of ziggurats and towers rising up to meet you. Gradually you slow to a halt and find yourself standing upon a circular dais of basalt rock atop a large, flat-roofed building. Several yards away to your left you see a squat tower, and to your right, standing at a parapet, you see a horny-skinned creature with wings that glimmer like folded sheets of gold leaf. Your pulse races when you recognize this creature to be a lavas, one of Naar<ch.apos/>s deadly minions. The lavas is peering idly at the view beyond the parapet and is unaware of your arrival, yet you are reluctant to leave the shimmering beam for fear that it may see you and raise an alarm.</p>
<choice idref="sect174">If you possess Assimilance, and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Guardian, turn to 72. If you possess Assimilance or Grand Huntmastery, <link-text>turn to 174</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect140">If you do not possess these skills, or if you have yet to attain the required level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 140</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>160</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You cast your gaze around the mouldering walls of this dimly-lit vault and feel a surge of joy and relief well up from the pit of your stomach. The dripping granite is cold and cheerless, but to your eyes, having witnessed the horrors of Naar's throne hall, this dank stone vault looks warm, welcoming, and reassuringly familiar. You have returned to the secret burial chamber below the Necropolis of Tyso--the place from where you began your journey through the Shadow Gate some time ago. With Alyss's help you have arrived home safely to Sommerlund.</p>
- <p>No trace of the Shadow Gate remains; it vanished the moment you emerged from the cocoon of light and took your first tentative steps into the vault. With eager anticipation you leave the chamber and hurriedly ascend to the surface where you are greeted by warm summer sunshine. The commander of Tyso is Baron Tor Medar, and two of his stewards are dutifully guarding the gates to the city's necropolis. When they see you emerge from a mausoleum close by, their jaws drop open in amazement as simultaneously they recognize who you are from the cut and colour of your Grand Master robes. Upon recovering their senses, the stewards volunteer to escort you directly to Baron Medar's castle. During the brief journey through the city you are shocked to learn that a whole year has passed since you entered the Shadow Gate, even though the time that you spent upon the Plane of Darkness seemed no more than a few days at most.</p>
- <p>Baron Medar is an old and trusted friend and he welcomes your safe return to Tyso with a show of great warmth and affection. Having feared for the past year that you had perished during your pursuit of Wolf's Bane, he is clearly delighted to hear that not only did you survive your ordeal beyond the Shadow Gate, but that you also vanquished the impostor. Naturally you are anxious to return to your Kai brethren without delay and Medar gladly offers his help. He gives you the finest horse in his stables and assigns a troop of his personal bodyguards to escort you swiftly across Sommerlund to the Kai Monastery.</p>
- <p>At the monastery you receive a rapturous reception from the ranks of the Kai, for whom your return is the fulfilment of a year's hopes and prayers. Firestone, the most senior of the New Order warriors, despatches journeymen to carry word of your triumphant return to the King in Holmgard and to Guildmaster Banedon--the leader of the magicians' guild in Toran. Firestone had rightly assumed command during your absence and, as he accompanies you through the grounds of the monastery to your vault below the Tower of the Sun, you commend him on how well he has conducted his stewardship of the monastery and the training of the Kai in his charge.</p>
- <p>'Thank you, my lord,' he says with pride, 'yet truly I cannot lay claim to all of the credit. My duties would have been far harder to fulfil had it not been for the invaluable aid I've received from your wise advisors--Lord Rimoah and Lord Ardan of Dessi.'</p>
+ <p>You cast your gaze around the mouldering walls of this dimly-lit vault and feel a surge of joy and relief well up from the pit of your stomach. The dripping granite is cold and cheerless, but to your eyes, having witnessed the horrors of Naar<ch.apos/>s throne hall, this dank stone vault looks warm, welcoming, and reassuringly familiar. You have returned to the secret burial chamber below the Necropolis of Tyso--the place from where you began your journey through the Shadow Gate some time ago. With Alyss<ch.apos/>s help you have arrived home safely to Sommerlund.</p>
+ <p>No trace of the Shadow Gate remains; it vanished the moment you emerged from the cocoon of light and took your first tentative steps into the vault. With eager anticipation you leave the chamber and hurriedly ascend to the surface where you are greeted by warm summer sunshine. The commander of Tyso is Baron Tor Medar, and two of his stewards are dutifully guarding the gates to the city<ch.apos/>s necropolis. When they see you emerge from a mausoleum close by, their jaws drop open in amazement as simultaneously they recognize who you are from the cut and colour of your Grand Master robes. Upon recovering their senses, the stewards volunteer to escort you directly to Baron Medar<ch.apos/>s castle. During the brief journey through the city you are shocked to learn that a whole year has passed since you entered the Shadow Gate, even though the time that you spent upon the Plane of Darkness seemed no more than a few days at most.</p>
+ <p>Baron Medar is an old and trusted friend and he welcomes your safe return to Tyso with a show of great warmth and affection. Having feared for the past year that you had perished during your pursuit of Wolf<ch.apos/>s Bane, he is clearly delighted to hear that not only did you survive your ordeal beyond the Shadow Gate, but that you also vanquished the impostor. Naturally you are anxious to return to your Kai brethren without delay and Medar gladly offers his help. He gives you the finest horse in his stables and assigns a troop of his personal bodyguards to escort you swiftly across Sommerlund to the Kai Monastery.</p>
+ <p>At the monastery you receive a rapturous reception from the ranks of the Kai, for whom your return is the fulfilment of a year<ch.apos/>s hopes and prayers. Firestone, the most senior of the New Order warriors, despatches journeymen to carry word of your triumphant return to the King in Holmgard and to Guildmaster Banedon--the leader of the magicians' guild in Toran. Firestone had rightly assumed command during your absence and, as he accompanies you through the grounds of the monastery to your vault below the Tower of the Sun, you commend him on how well he has conducted his stewardship of the monastery and the training of the Kai in his charge.</p>
+ <p>'Thank you, my lord,' he says with pride, 'yet truly I cannot lay claim to all of the credit. My duties would have been far harder to fulfil had it not been for the invaluable aid I<ch.apos/>ve received from your wise advisors--Lord Rimoah and Lord Ardan of Dessi.'</p>
<p>These two Old Kingdom magicians--Lords Rimoah and Ardan--greet you the moment you enter the vault. Ever since you disappeared into the Shadow Gate a year ago, they have resided at the monastery so that they could assist Firestone with the task of training the New Order Kai.</p>
<p>'We sensed that you were still alive somewhere in the void beyond the universe of Aon,' says Rimoah, beaming delightedly, 'but neither I nor Ardan were able to discern when precisely you would return to Sommerlund. Come, Grand Master, tell us of your adventures beyond the Shadow Gate.'</p>
- <p>Eagerly they listen to your account of how you tracked and defeated Wolf's Bane and escaped from the throne hall of the Dark God. But it is your surprise revelation that Naar possesses the Moonstone of the Shianti which seems to fascinate and frighten them the most.</p>
- <p>'This is grave news indeed, Lone Wolf,' says Lord Rimoah, in a suddenly sombre tone. 'The Moonstone contains great power. It can create life and it can also destroy life--utterly. If Naar were able to fully harness its power he could use it to destroy all life on Magnamund. I fear it is just a matter of time before he fathoms its secrets. The Moonstone was once a blessing for the creatures of this world. In Naar's hand it could become the curse of us all.'</p>
+ <p>Eagerly they listen to your account of how you tracked and defeated Wolf<ch.apos/>s Bane and escaped from the throne hall of the Dark God. But it is your surprise revelation that Naar possesses the Moonstone of the Shianti which seems to fascinate and frighten them the most.</p>
+ <p>'This is grave news indeed, Lone Wolf,' says Lord Rimoah, in a suddenly sombre tone. 'The Moonstone contains great power. It can create life and it can also destroy life--utterly. If Naar were able to fully harness its power he could use it to destroy all life on Magnamund. I fear it is just a matter of time before he fathoms its secrets. The Moonstone was once a blessing for the creatures of this world. In Naar<ch.apos/>s hand it could become the curse of us all.'</p>
<p>'I for one shall not permit this,' you reply defiantly. 'I shall find the means to return to the Plane of Darkness and retrieve the Moonstone. This I vow. For Sommerlund and the Kai--so long as I live, Naar will never conquer Magnamund!'</p>
<p>'Your courage is an inspiration to us all, Grand Master,' says Lord Ardan respectfully.</p>
<p>'Aye, to us all,' echoes Lord Rimoah. 'And be assured, Lone Wolf, soon you will have the opportunity to enact your pledge, for it is within our power to help you fulfil your vow.'</p>
<meta><title>168</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Suddenly you feel a massive weight hit you between the shoulder blades. You have been struck by a powerful psychic shock-wave that propels you head-first through the bloodstained entrance to Naar's inner sanctum. This entrance then closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly you feel a massive weight hit you between the shoulder blades. You have been struck by a powerful psychic shock-wave that propels you head-first through the bloodstained entrance to Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum. This entrance then closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound: lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect68"><link-text>Turn to 68</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Wielding whips of living flame in each of his eight massive hands, the demonic spectre of Tzor lashes the host of doomed souls without let or mercy. Relentlessly he pursues them around the Plain of Despair, revelling in his sport, allowing them neither rest nor respite from this unending chase. Few avoid his watchful eyes and fewer still escape the searing kiss of his terrible whips of fire.</p>
- <p>As the towering shape of Tzor looms nearer, you detect a complex web of psychic probes emanating from his being. Clearly he utilizes his prodigious mental powers to monitor the souls of the damned who are trapped here forever upon the Plain of Despair. Then you realize that Tzor's powerful psychic abilities may also alert him to your presence at the edge of the crater. Tzor is fast approaching now; you must act quickly if you are to minimize the risk of being discovered.</p>
+ <p>As the towering shape of Tzor looms nearer, you detect a complex web of psychic probes emanating from his being. Clearly he utilizes his prodigious mental powers to monitor the souls of the damned who are trapped here forever upon the Plain of Despair. Then you realize that Tzor<ch.apos/>s powerful psychic abilities may also alert him to your presence at the edge of the crater. Tzor is fast approaching now; you must act quickly if you are to minimize the risk of being discovered.</p>
<choice idref="sect297">If you possess Kai-screen, and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Crown, <link-text>turn to 297</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect133">If you possess Kai-screen but have yet to attain this level of Kai rank, <link-text>turn to 133</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect37">If you do not possess this skill, <link-text>turn to 37</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>171</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You speak the name aloud but to no effect. For a moment there is an uneasy silence, then the rubbery mouth of Nza'pok emits a hideous, bubbling laugh. He is mocking your futile attempt to save yourself by calling upon the powers which bind him in fealty to the Dark God. As his foul form wobbles with undisguised mirth, you quickly unshoulder your backpack and tear open the flap to retrieve the Tome of Darkness. Nza'pok ceases to laugh when he glimpses its jet black cover for he is aware of its origins and the powerful secrets it contains.</p>
- <p>With a terse growl, he gives the signal to his minions and they hurl their spears into the pit with chilling accuracy. You are struck by more than a dozen of these deadly lances. Mercifully, unlike most who have fallen foul of Nza'pok, your death is swift and painless.</p>
+ <p>You speak the name aloud but to no effect. For a moment there is an uneasy silence, then the rubbery mouth of Nza<ch.apos/>pok emits a hideous, bubbling laugh. He is mocking your futile attempt to save yourself by calling upon the powers which bind him in fealty to the Dark God. As his foul form wobbles with undisguised mirth, you quickly unshoulder your backpack and tear open the flap to retrieve the Tome of Darkness. Nza<ch.apos/>pok ceases to laugh when he glimpses its jet black cover for he is aware of its origins and the powerful secrets it contains.</p>
+ <p>With a terse growl, he gives the signal to his minions and they hurl their spears into the pit with chilling accuracy. You are struck by more than a dozen of these deadly lances. Mercifully, unlike most who have fallen foul of Nza<ch.apos/>pok, your death is swift and painless.</p>
<p>Sadly, your life and your quest for the Moonstone end here.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>172</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You consider ignoring the combination lock and forcing your way through the trapdoor, but your Kai sixth sense warns you against this. The shielding spell which protects this hatch is terrifyingly powerful. If you were to force an entry the sudden release of this power would turn you, and your platinum amulet, into glowing cinders in the blink of an eye. Out of frustration you tap a number of the hollows at random, in the hope of hitting the correct sequence, but unfortunately this activates a silent alarm which attracts a host of lavas to the temple. They swoop in, surround your hiding place, and then launch a merciless attack. You fight them bravely, dispatching more than a dozen before you are finally overwhelmed by their sheer weight of numbers. Sadly, your life and your quest end here in the Temple of Huan'zhor.</p>
+ <p>You consider ignoring the combination lock and forcing your way through the trapdoor, but your Kai sixth sense warns you against this. The shielding spell which protects this hatch is terrifyingly powerful. If you were to force an entry the sudden release of this power would turn you, and your platinum amulet, into glowing cinders in the blink of an eye. Out of frustration you tap a number of the hollows at random, in the hope of hitting the correct sequence, but unfortunately this activates a silent alarm which attracts a host of lavas to the temple. They swoop in, surround your hiding place, and then launch a merciless attack. You fight them bravely, dispatching more than a dozen before you are finally overwhelmed by their sheer weight of numbers. Sadly, your life and your quest end here in the Temple of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>175</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You let fly your arrow and it hits the creature's forehead, but its thick skull bone deflects the steel tip and the shaft fails to penetrate.</p>
- <p>The hyena-beast shrieks and twists its head violently. Then it suddenly opens its great jaw and coughs up a ball of vile phlegm which it spits at you with stunning force. You dive to the floor to avoid being hit by this evil-smelling projectile and it speeds over your shoulder to splatter loudly against the portal. Droplets of saliva spray the back of your legs, leaving tiny white stains where it instantly removes the checked dyes from your breeches. You wipe your legs with the hem of your cloak but your stomach heaves when you detect that the creature's saliva contains a virulent plague bacteria.</p>
+ <p>You let fly your arrow and it hits the creature<ch.apos/>s forehead, but its thick skull bone deflects the steel tip and the shaft fails to penetrate.</p>
+ <p>The hyena-beast shrieks and twists its head violently. Then it suddenly opens its great jaw and coughs up a ball of vile phlegm which it spits at you with stunning force. You dive to the floor to avoid being hit by this evil-smelling projectile and it speeds over your shoulder to splatter loudly against the portal. Droplets of saliva spray the back of your legs, leaving tiny white stains where it instantly removes the checked dyes from your breeches. You wipe your legs with the hem of your cloak but your stomach heaves when you detect that the creature<ch.apos/>s saliva contains a virulent plague bacteria.</p>
<p>Fortunately, your innate Magnakai Disciplines of Nexus and Curing immediately neutralize this deadly plague virus, rendering it harmless to you. The creature howls with anger and frustration; it has never before encountered any living being capable of resisting its deadly plague-ridden saliva, and your unexpected survival makes it feel suddenly anxious and uncertain.</p>
<choice idref="sect137">If you possess Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 137</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect293">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 293</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>176</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You recognize these creatures for you have encountered them once before, when your Magnakai quest took you to the fringes of the Neverness in the Daziarn Plane. They are Shadow Reavers--wholly evil spirit-entities. They serve Naar's champions of darkness as scouts and messengers upon the non-corporeal planes of existence.</p>
+ <p>You recognize these creatures for you have encountered them once before, when your Magnakai quest took you to the fringes of the Neverness in the Daziarn Plane. They are Shadow Reavers--wholly evil spirit-entities. They serve Naar<ch.apos/>s champions of darkness as scouts and messengers upon the non-corporeal planes of existence.</p>
<choice idref="sect47"><link-text>Turn to 47</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You descend the spiral stairs to the base of the tower and make your way quickly through the narrow alleys of this subterranean settlement. Your Kai camouflage skills keep you hidden from the lavas and dragons that soar overhead, and you are able to reach the edge of the quarry unnoticed. Here you observe teams of reptillians chiselling freshly quarried stone into perfect cubes. Other teams load these heavy blocks into nets, fourteen to each, and then fix them by hooks and harness to the dragons who transport them across to the far side of the chasm.</p>
- <p>Stealthily you make your approach to an area where full nets are awaiting transport. Using your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus, you open a sealed net and hide yourself inside among the blocks of stone before closing up the seal behind you. Minutes later you hear the beat of large wings and the frenzied chattering of the reptillian work crews as they struggle to affix the net to a dragon's harness. Then the wings beat faster and you feel yourself swinging free from the ground. Slowly the great dragon hauls its heavy cargo into the air. As it begins to level out, you peer down through a gap in the blocks to see the chasm looming nearer. Then you see a river of scarlet lava flowing along the base of this great divide, more than a mile deep. The dragon is approaching the far side when suddenly it dips its huge head and looks down at the cargo hanging below its belly. An icicle of fear stabs your heart when you see its ghoulish eye staring directly at the place where you are hiding.</p>
+ <p>Stealthily you make your approach to an area where full nets are awaiting transport. Using your Magnakai Discipline of Nexus, you open a sealed net and hide yourself inside among the blocks of stone before closing up the seal behind you. Minutes later you hear the beat of large wings and the frenzied chattering of the reptillian work crews as they struggle to affix the net to a dragon<ch.apos/>s harness. Then the wings beat faster and you feel yourself swinging free from the ground. Slowly the great dragon hauls its heavy cargo into the air. As it begins to level out, you peer down through a gap in the blocks to see the chasm looming nearer. Then you see a river of scarlet lava flowing along the base of this great divide, more than a mile deep. The dragon is approaching the far side when suddenly it dips its huge head and looks down at the cargo hanging below its belly. An icicle of fear stabs your heart when you see its ghoulish eye staring directly at the place where you are hiding.</p>
<choice idref="sect149">If you possess Animal Mastery, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 149</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect62">If you possess Kai-surge, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 62</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect205">If you possess Kai-screen, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 205</link-text>.</choice>
<p>You reach to your throat and close your fingers upon the platinum amulet which hangs by a cord around your neck.</p>
<p>'Ah, I see that you already possess a sigil of power, says Lord Rimoah, upon noticing the oblong of precious metal as you withdraw it from beneath the collar of your robes. 'It would appear that you are better prepared for the quest than I had anticipated.'</p>
<p>With a nod of his head he motions to Lord Ardan who then retrieves an almost identical amulet from among the items on the table. Ardan gives the amulet to Rimoah and he slips it into his pocket.</p>
- <p>'You'll not be requiring this after all,' he says, 'but there is something which I'm sure you will find most useful. And I'm certain that you have not come across anything of its like before.'</p>
+ <p>'You<ch.apos/>ll not be requiring this after all,' he says, 'but there is something which I<ch.apos/>m sure you will find most useful. And I<ch.apos/>m certain that you have not come across anything of its like before.'</p>
<p>Once again Rimoah motions to Ardan and the elderly wizard responds by taking up a small package that is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly, you take it from him.</p>
<p>'It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,' says Ardan. 'A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.'</p>
<p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty, devoid of script, pictures or diagrams of any sort.</p>
<p>'I do not see how this book will help my quest,' you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
- <p>'This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,' replies Lord Rimoah, 'but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar's domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.'</p>
- <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah
's judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your backpack. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
+ <p>'This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,' replies Lord Rimoah, 'but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar<ch.apos/>s domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.'</p>
+ <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah
<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your backpack. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>184</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>With your back pressed hard against the wall of the pit, you quickly recite the words of the Brotherhood spell--Invisible Shield--as you draw a circle in the air directly above your head. Nza'pok growls the order to his minions and immediately a clattering deluge of spears rains down upon you. Most shatter when they hit the invisible barrier you have created, but some ricochet off the pit wall and their sharp tips gouge your flesh.</p>
+ <p>With your back pressed hard against the wall of the pit, you quickly recite the words of the Brotherhood spell--Invisible Shield--as you draw a circle in the air directly above your head. Nza<ch.apos/>pok growls the order to his minions and immediately a clattering deluge of spears rains down upon you. Most shatter when they hit the invisible barrier you have created, but some ricochet off the pit wall and their sharp tips gouge your flesh.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess the Grand Discipline of Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect206">If your total is 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 206</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect154">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 154</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>185</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Two great scaly legs, each tipped with razor-clawed talons, precede the huge bulk of Huan'zhor as he lowers himself down upon his nest of flames. You take cover as best you can among the piles of treasure, but when his talons descend to within an arm's length of where you are cowering the Dragonlord suddenly detects your presence. He emits a deafening roar and bolts of flame shoot from his mouth to explode with shattering effect among the piles of precious artifacts that lie close to where you are sheltering. Hurriedly you roll away from your hiding place and unsheathe your weapon as you scramble to your feet. There is now no place for you to hide, and you dare not enter the transporter beam without the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon for fear of certain death. Your quest and survival now depend on the outcome of your imminent combat with the mighty Huan'zhor.</p>
- <combat><enemy>Huan'zhor the Dragonlord</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">56</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
+ <p>Two great scaly legs, each tipped with razor-clawed talons, precede the huge bulk of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor as he lowers himself down upon his nest of flames. You take cover as best you can among the piles of treasure, but when his talons descend to within an arm<ch.apos/>s length of where you are cowering the Dragonlord suddenly detects your presence. He emits a deafening roar and bolts of flame shoot from his mouth to explode with shattering effect among the piles of precious artifacts that lie close to where you are sheltering. Hurriedly you roll away from your hiding place and unsheathe your weapon as you scramble to your feet. There is now no place for you to hide, and you dare not enter the transporter beam without the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon for fear of certain death. Your quest and survival now depend on the outcome of your imminent combat with the mighty Huan<ch.apos/>zhor.</p>
+ <combat><enemy>Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">56</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">60</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This being is immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray. If you possess a Blue Diamond, you may add 3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat. If you possess Skarn-Ska, you may add 2 (in addition to all other combat bonuses applicable for this Special Item) to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat.</p>
- <choice idref="sect70">Conduct this fight using normal combat procedures. However, as soon as your enemy's <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 20 or less, do not continue. Instead, <link-text>turn immediately to 70</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect70">Conduct this fight using normal combat procedures. However, as soon as your enemy<ch.apos/>s <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score falls to 20 or less, do not continue. Instead, <link-text>turn immediately to 70</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>189</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your camouflage proves to be inadequate and your presence is swiftly detected by Naar's bodyguards. Then, with devastating speed and ruthlessness, a host of monstrous creatures descends upon you from the surrounding maze of tunnels. You fight bravely but your resistance is to no avail; you are captured, disarmed, blinded and hurled from the battlements of Dazganon out onto the Plain of Despair, where you are fallen upon by thousands of vengeful spirits, many of whom were slayed by your hand. Your physical death is swift, but tragically your spirit is doomed to spend the rest of eternity running endlessly with the host of lost souls, here upon the Plain of Despair.</p>
+ <p>Your camouflage proves to be inadequate and your presence is swiftly detected by Naar<ch.apos/>s bodyguards. Then, with devastating speed and ruthlessness, a host of monstrous creatures descends upon you from the surrounding maze of tunnels. You fight bravely but your resistance is to no avail; you are captured, disarmed, blinded and hurled from the battlements of Dazganon out onto the Plain of Despair, where you are fallen upon by thousands of vengeful spirits, many of whom were slayed by your hand. Your physical death is swift, but tragically your spirit is doomed to spend the rest of eternity running endlessly with the host of lost souls, here upon the Plain of Despair.</p>
<p>Your life and your quest end here.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>192</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are approaching the entrance when Alyss suddenly raises her bowed head and screams a telepathic warning that you are about to enter a trap. Instantly you skid to a halt, but moments later you feel a massive weight hit you between the shoulder blades. You have been struck by a powerful shock-wave that propels you head-first through the blood-stained entrance to Naar's inner sanctum, which closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound.</p>
+ <p>You are approaching the entrance when Alyss suddenly raises her bowed head and screams a telepathic warning that you are about to enter a trap. Instantly you skid to a halt, but moments later you feel a massive weight hit you between the shoulder blades. You have been struck by a powerful shock-wave that propels you head-first through the blood-stained entrance to Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum, which closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound.</p>
<p>You leap to your feet and unsheathe your weapon in readiness to defend both Alyss and yourself against any threat that Naar may launch at you.</p>
<choice idref="sect237"><link-text>Turn to 237</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>193</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw your magical blade and sever the blood-sucking vine with one swift stroke. The sundered creeper screeches as it recoils, spraying you with sticky green slime, and it whips away into the trees above. Gagging at the stench of the creature's foul ichor, you pull yourself upright and stagger away along the trail. You are within a few yards of the beach when your escape is suddenly blocked by a wall of flailing vines which descend with alarming speed from the canopy of low branches. You must fight them.</p>
+ <p>You draw your magical blade and sever the blood-sucking vine with one swift stroke. The sundered creeper screeches as it recoils, spraying you with sticky green slime, and it whips away into the trees above. Gagging at the stench of the creature<ch.apos/>s foul ichor, you pull yourself upright and stagger away along the trail. You are within a few yards of the beach when your escape is suddenly blocked by a wall of flailing vines which descend with alarming speed from the canopy of low branches. You must fight them.</p>
<combat><enemy>Haemodyls</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">47</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">47</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>These vine-creatures are especially vulnerable to your magical blade: add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat. Also, if you possess Animal Mastery, you may add a further 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight. However, these vines are immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray.</p>
<choice idref="sect19">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>200</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Before the dragon-gate stands an armoured colossus. Clad from horned helm to booted foot in glowing black plate armour, this mighty warrior stands a full arm's length taller than yourself and radiates an evil so intense that you feel your skin crawling with fear and revulsion. In his right hand he wields a broadsword carved with runes of power, and in his left a dagger that bleeds scarlet venom. He raises the sword and spears of blue lightning arc from the surrounding chasm wall to earth themselves upon the hilt of his unholy blade. You launch a psychic probe to test the mental defences of this god-like warrior and you are shocked when you fail to locate his mindforce. You sense that this being is a living entity, and that he is the source of the power that has drawn you to this chasm, yet it is as if his mind has been erased. He has the psyche of an automaton--cold, brutal, and utterly unhuman. His mental state presents a formidable defence against your powerful psychic disciplines, rendering them near-useless. Yet where your psychic skills may fail, your agility and your mastery of conventional combat may prove especially effective against this hulking foe.</p>
+ <p>Before the dragon-gate stands an armoured colossus. Clad from horned helm to booted foot in glowing black plate armour, this mighty warrior stands a full arm<ch.apos/>s length taller than yourself and radiates an evil so intense that you feel your skin crawling with fear and revulsion. In his right hand he wields a broadsword carved with runes of power, and in his left a dagger that bleeds scarlet venom. He raises the sword and spears of blue lightning arc from the surrounding chasm wall to earth themselves upon the hilt of his unholy blade. You launch a psychic probe to test the mental defences of this god-like warrior and you are shocked when you fail to locate his mindforce. You sense that this being is a living entity, and that he is the source of the power that has drawn you to this chasm, yet it is as if his mind has been erased. He has the psyche of an automaton--cold, brutal, and utterly unhuman. His mental state presents a formidable defence against your powerful psychic disciplines, rendering them near-useless. Yet where your psychic skills may fail, your agility and your mastery of conventional combat may prove especially effective against this hulking foe.</p>
<choice idref="sect336">If you possess a Bow and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 336</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect26">If you do not possess a Bow, or choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 26</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>201</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Pouring from the mouth of every tunnel that converges upon the ante-chamber outside Shamath's Throne Room is a howling host of robed and skeletal creatures. The skeletal beings are armed with short swords and they march slowly with stiff machine-like movements, whilst the robed creatures shriek, howl, and move like demons. They streak ahead of their lumbering skeletal comrades and, as they burst into the Throne Room, you see that they are armed with gleaming silver crossbows. Fearful of being struck by a bolt fired from one of these formidable weapons, you dash to take cover behind Shamath's great marble table.</p>
+ <p>Pouring from the mouth of every tunnel that converges upon the ante-chamber outside Shamath<ch.apos/>s Throne Room is a howling host of robed and skeletal creatures. The skeletal beings are armed with short swords and they march slowly with stiff machine-like movements, whilst the robed creatures shriek, howl, and move like demons. They streak ahead of their lumbering skeletal comrades and, as they burst into the Throne Room, you see that they are armed with gleaming silver crossbows. Fearful of being struck by a bolt fired from one of these formidable weapons, you dash to take cover behind Shamath<ch.apos/>s great marble table.</p>
<choice idref="sect104">If you possess Telegnosis, <link-text>turn to 104</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect198">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 198</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>203</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your arrow buries itself deeply into the creature's throat and brings it crashing to the ground. Howling with pain, it rises unsteadily and looks at you with eyes that blaze like two fiery suns. It has suffered a near-fatal wound yet you sense it still possesses strength enough to rend you limb from limb. You draw another arrow to your bow but the sight is enough to break the creature's nerve and, with a final shriek, it scrambles away up the ramp. You watch it disappear through the archway before you shoulder your bow and turn your attention to the portal. You are anxious to examine its surface and find a way to open it.</p>
+ <p>Your arrow buries itself deeply into the creature<ch.apos/>s throat and brings it crashing to the ground. Howling with pain, it rises unsteadily and looks at you with eyes that blaze like two fiery suns. It has suffered a near-fatal wound yet you sense it still possesses strength enough to rend you limb from limb. You draw another arrow to your bow but the sight is enough to break the creature<ch.apos/>s nerve and, with a final shriek, it scrambles away up the ramp. You watch it disappear through the archway before you shoulder your bow and turn your attention to the portal. You are anxious to examine its surface and find a way to open it.</p>
<p>Using your advanced Kai skills you are able to decipher enough of the runic text to discover the secret code which keeps it secure. Confidently you press a section of the surface and it moves inwards with an audible clunk! Moments later, the portal creaks open and you hurry through before it slams shut with a resounding boom.</p>
<choice idref="sect210"><link-text>Turn to 210</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The moment you enter the beam, you feel yourself descending through the centre of the temple encased in a cocoon of shimmering blue light. Gradually the heat of the nest of fire gives way to a pleasant coolness, but as you continue your descent deeper and deeper into the unknown, this equable temperature slowly transforms into an unbearable icy chill. Never before have you experienced the terrible coldness that engulfs you now, and sadly you will never experience it again. For despite the protections of your Grand Master Disciplines and your platinum amulet, you do not possess the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon--the only artifact that can protect you from the supernatural cold of the domain through which you are passing.</p>
- <p>Tragically, your life and your quest comes to a frozen end as you attempt to escape from the realm of Huan'zhor the Dragonlord.</p>
+ <p>Tragically, your life and your quest comes to a frozen end as you attempt to escape from the realm of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>211</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You raise Skarn-Ska and a crackling arc of electricity leaps from the tip of the blade to arc itself to the floor near Kekataag's feet. You sense that Naar is present in this chamber, but he will not materialize and show himself so long as your blade is unsheathed, for he fears that your magically-forged weapon could wound and weaken him. He is content to allow his mighty champion--Kekataag--the pleasure of slaying you on his behalf.</p>
+ <p>You raise Skarn-Ska and a crackling arc of electricity leaps from the tip of the blade to arc itself to the floor near Kekataag<ch.apos/>s feet. You sense that Naar is present in this chamber, but he will not materialize and show himself so long as your blade is unsheathed, for he fears that your magically-forged weapon could wound and weaken him. He is content to allow his mighty champion--Kekataag--the pleasure of slaying you on his behalf.</p>
<p>Kekataag pounds the floor repeatedly with his armoured boot to demonstrate his eagerness to commence combat. In response, you give voice to your battle-cry--'For Sommerlund and the Kai!' and launch yourself at your fell adversary in an attempt to land the first blow.</p>
<combat><enemy>Kekataag the Avenger</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">60</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">58</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This enemy is an undead warrior. Your sword is especially effective against him and you may therefore add 3 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this combat.</p>
<meta><title>213</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Feverishly you search among the smouldering treasures, many of which have been damaged by the fiery bolts that issued from the mouth of Huan'zhor during your fierce combat. You pray to Ishir that the scarab has not been destroyed and your heart skips a beat when, moments later, you discover the item you are seeking. It is protruding from the broken shell of a golden orb that has been damaged by one of the Dragonlord's fire bolts. You prise the scarab from its hiding place and then rush towards the transporter beam. You are eager to escape this nest before the arrival of the lavas horde.</p>
+ <p>Feverishly you search among the smouldering treasures, many of which have been damaged by the fiery bolts that issued from the mouth of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor during your fierce combat. You pray to Ishir that the scarab has not been destroyed and your heart skips a beat when, moments later, you discover the item you are seeking. It is protruding from the broken shell of a golden orb that has been damaged by one of the Dragonlord<ch.apos/>s fire bolts. You prise the scarab from its hiding place and then rush towards the transporter beam. You are eager to escape this nest before the arrival of the lavas horde.</p>
<choice idref="sect155"><link-text>Turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>220</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The piles of building materials and the partially-finished dwellings which surround the base of the main temple make it easy for you to approach this edifice without being seen. Your Kai senses confirm that this grand construction is the lair of Huan'zhor; the master of this fiery domain, and they also confirm that the evil Dragonlord is not in residence. You skirt around the base of the temple until you locate an entrance which is guarded by two armoured reptillians. Using your Magnakai skills you lure these guards away from their posts just long enough for you to gain entry. Once inside, you discover that at ground level the temple comprises just one large chamber which is supported by a single central pillar that runs through the middle of the building. A circular stair winds around the outside of this pillar, giving access to the levels above. Cautiously you ascend the stairs and pass through four levels, all empty. The higher you climb, the hotter it becomes until, when you reach the uppermost tier of the temple, only your platinum amulet saves you from being roasted alive. In the roof of this narrow circular chamber you discover an open trapdoor through which you can see a mass of flickering orange flames. You sense that it is the base of the nest of fire, the location, as told in the Tome of Darkness, of the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon--the artifact that can secure your escape from this domain. With bated breath you climb the scorched steps which lead to the open trapdoor in the base of the nest of fire, but as you draw closer, your sixth senses warn you that the opening is not all it seems. It is protected by an invisible shield of magical energy.</p>
+ <p>The piles of building materials and the partially-finished dwellings which surround the base of the main temple make it easy for you to approach this edifice without being seen. Your Kai senses confirm that this grand construction is the lair of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor; the master of this fiery domain, and they also confirm that the evil Dragonlord is not in residence. You skirt around the base of the temple until you locate an entrance which is guarded by two armoured reptillians. Using your Magnakai skills you lure these guards away from their posts just long enough for you to gain entry. Once inside, you discover that at ground level the temple comprises just one large chamber which is supported by a single central pillar that runs through the middle of the building. A circular stair winds around the outside of this pillar, giving access to the levels above. Cautiously you ascend the stairs and pass through four levels, all empty. The higher you climb, the hotter it becomes until, when you reach the uppermost tier of the temple, only your platinum amulet saves you from being roasted alive. In the roof of this narrow circular chamber you discover an open trapdoor through which you can see a mass of flickering orange flames. You sense that it is the base of the nest of fire, the location, as told in the Tome of Darkness, of the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon--the artifact that can secure your escape from this domain. With bated breath you climb the scorched steps which lead to the open trapdoor in the base of the nest of fire, but as you draw closer, your sixth senses warn you that the opening is not all it seems. It is protected by an invisible shield of magical energy.</p>
<choice idref="sect295">If you possess a Blue Diamond, <link-text>turn to 295</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect239">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 239</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>224</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The warrior raises his black sword and releases a crackling surge of electrical energy from its tip. It passes over your head and earths itself to the end of the stone beam, at the place where it joins the chasm wall. You feel a jolt beneath your feet as the beam cracks and breaks away from the wall and, to your amazement, you watch as this solid spar of rock curls up and slowly rolls in towards you, like a snake's tongue returning to its mouth.</p>
+ <p>The warrior raises his black sword and releases a crackling surge of electrical energy from its tip. It passes over your head and earths itself to the end of the stone beam, at the place where it joins the chasm wall. You feel a jolt beneath your feet as the beam cracks and breaks away from the wall and, to your amazement, you watch as this solid spar of rock curls up and slowly rolls in towards you, like a snake<ch.apos/>s tongue returning to its mouth.</p>
<p>The coiled beam retracts towards the mouth of the dragon-gate, forcing you nearer and nearer to the fearsome black warrior. As he watches your reluctant approach he swings his mighty sword above his head, slicing and stabbing at the air with it in eager anticipation of the coming fight. When you are pushed to within ten yards of the gate itself, you reach for your own weapon and brace yourself for a fight that now seems unavoidable.</p>
<choice idref="sect254">If you possess the Sommerswerd, or Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 254</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect147">If you possess neither of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>225</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Using your improved Grand Mastery, you cause yourself to soar at great speed towards the distant bridge. Your sudden and unexpected acceleration take Avarvae and her minions completely by surprise. By the time they react to your escape it is already too late; you have reached the Bridge of the Damned--the exit from Avarvae's domain.</p>
+ <p>Using your improved Grand Mastery, you cause yourself to soar at great speed towards the distant bridge. Your sudden and unexpected acceleration take Avarvae and her minions completely by surprise. By the time they react to your escape it is already too late; you have reached the Bridge of the Damned--the exit from Avarvae<ch.apos/>s domain.</p>
<choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>231</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You reach up and grab one of the supporting beams, but your fingers slip on its dusty surface and you fall heavily on your back. Winded by the impact, you fail to scramble to your feet in time to avoid the onrushing leviathan. This gigantic beetle-creature slams you to the ground and flattens you beneath its vast bulk, yet amazingly you survive this collision--but not for very long. Trailing in the creature's wake are a long line of wagons piled high with grey metallic ore. You are hit by several of these heavy iron carriages and killed.</p>
+ <p>You reach up and grab one of the supporting beams, but your fingers slip on its dusty surface and you fall heavily on your back. Winded by the impact, you fail to scramble to your feet in time to avoid the onrushing leviathan. This gigantic beetle-creature slams you to the ground and flattens you beneath its vast bulk, yet amazingly you survive this collision--but not for very long. Trailing in the creature<ch.apos/>s wake are a long line of wagons piled high with grey metallic ore. You are hit by several of these heavy iron carriages and killed.</p>
<p>Tragically, your life and your quest end here in the Mines of Zantaz.</p>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Gradually the sea mist clears and you catch sight of land on the horizon. Your senses tingle with expectation for you have now entered a new realm of the Plane of Darkness and you are aware of several dramatic changes to your immediate surroundings. The sluggish grey sea has become a muddy brown sludge that clings to your paddle like marsh slime. Every time you break the crusty surface a cloud of tiny black insects erupts from the slime and soars into the warm, fetid air. The sky above is no longer green; it is a bilious yellow and it is streaked with high clouds that flash intermittently with sheet lightning.</p>
<p>Despite the glue-like consistency of the ocean, you detect a strong tidal undertow. Rather than fight it you decide to cease paddling and allow it to carry you towards the distant shore. While you wait for the current to do its work, you retrieve the Tome of Darkness from your backpack and turn through its pages in the hope of learning some of the secrets of this new, foul-smelling realm.</p>
- <p>The page that revealed to you information about Nza'pok's realm is now blank, but the one following it has changed in both colour and texture. Lines of spidery writing have appeared on a page that now looks and feels like cured animal hide. Once again, using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this arcane text.</p>
+ <p>The page that revealed to you information about Nza<ch.apos/>pok<ch.apos/>s realm is now blank, but the one following it has changed in both colour and texture. Lines of spidery writing have appeared on a page that now looks and feels like cured animal hide. Once again, using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this arcane text.</p>
<p>The writings tell of two powerful beings called the Knae--the Lords of Decay--and of their throne of power which is located upon 'the rotting corpse of Ghandezh--the Wyrm of Naaros'. You scan the page, passing over a long list of vile deeds that have earned the Knae the right to rule their ignoble realm, until you come to the part which details the secret names which can bind them. The names are 'Jantoor' and 'Rhunadan'. The text instructs those who would use these names in the presence of the Knae to exercise great caution, for if the name that is spoken is not directed at the correct Lord of Decay, the 'evocator will sacrifice his body and soul and be enslaved to the Knae forever upon the realm of putrefaction'. The text gives no indication of how to identify each of the Knae and does not state how and when their secret names should be used to bind them. Yet it does state that in order to leave their realm one must possess a 'ring of power', one of two such rings which exist and are worn 'upon the first fingers of the right hands of the Knae'.</p>
<p>You close the tome and stow it in your backpack. Time has passed rapidly while you have been consulting the book, and your canoe is now but a few hundred yards from the shore. Directly ahead you can see the estuary of a river, and away to your left you note a stony beach which gently ascends to a forest of grey-green trees.</p>
<choice idref="sect216">If you wish to paddle your canoe into the river estuary, <link-text>turn to 216</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>237</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You do not have long to wait for the threat to materialize. Bursting from out of the smoky wall of the chamber comes Naar's fearsome champion--Kekataag the Avenger. He is attired in battle armour that glimmers like slime-dulled gold, and beneath his helmet there is a hollow skull-face from which emerges a sickly stench that permeates even the foul air of this hall. The skulls and bones of humans bedeck his armoured hide and in his mighty hands he carries a great two-handed axe, its blade stained black with the blood of his countless victims.</p>
+ <p>You do not have long to wait for the threat to materialize. Bursting from out of the smoky wall of the chamber comes Naar<ch.apos/>s fearsome champion--Kekataag the Avenger. He is attired in battle armour that glimmers like slime-dulled gold, and beneath his helmet there is a hollow skull-face from which emerges a sickly stench that permeates even the foul air of this hall. The skulls and bones of humans bedeck his armoured hide and in his mighty hands he carries a great two-handed axe, its blade stained black with the blood of his countless victims.</p>
<p>This terrifying warrior mesmerizes you with his glowing eyes and you feel waves of powerful psychic energy buffet your mind.</p>
<choice idref="sect121">If you possess the Sommerswerd, <link-text>turn to 121</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect211">If you possess Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 211</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>241</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You are halfway across the bridge when you are spotted by a lavas passing high overhead. Immediately it signals to two of its companions and all three creatures swoop down to block your exit. Their cries of alarm attract more than two dozen of their kin, and also alert a party of reptillians at the chasm's edge. At a given command they close in and attack you mercilessly with their spears and tridents. You fight them with stunning bravery, dispatching more than ten lavas and seven reptillians before eventually you succumb to their sheer weight of numbers. Sadly, your life and your quest end here on the Huan'zhor Chasm Bridge.</p>
+ <p>You are halfway across the bridge when you are spotted by a lavas passing high overhead. Immediately it signals to two of its companions and all three creatures swoop down to block your exit. Their cries of alarm attract more than two dozen of their kin, and also alert a party of reptillians at the chasm<ch.apos/>s edge. At a given command they close in and attack you mercilessly with their spears and tridents. You fight them with stunning bravery, dispatching more than ten lavas and seven reptillians before eventually you succumb to their sheer weight of numbers. Sadly, your life and your quest end here on the Huan<ch.apos/>zhor Chasm Bridge.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>248</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Beyond the Bridge of the Damned, you enter the vast forest of fire that encircles the perimeter of Naar's realm. You sense that your platinum amulet is keeping you safe from the hellish heat of this region, and your Kai ability to spirit-walk is propelling you on a swift and steady course towards the central crater.</p>
- <p>Upon reaching the lip of this crater, the forest of fire comes to an abrupt end and you get your first clear view of the desolation which surrounds the stronghold of Dazganon. Cosmic winds blow across this barren plain, moaning like tortured souls. Now and then you hear cries of pain, bursts of mocking laughter, and haunting alien howls that chill your blood. Then you see swirling gossamer shapes that grow and multiply as your psychic senses become attuned to their presence. Millions of evil souls are swirling around the crater which encompasses Naar's stronghold, and as you watch their endless passage with a sense of awe and disbelief, you realize that this is the Plain of Despair detailed upon the last page of the Tome of Darkness. You stare at the ceaseless torment of these evil souls and you are deeply shocked by the visage of one spirit which rises out of the howling mass.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the Bridge of the Damned, you enter the vast forest of fire that encircles the perimeter of Naar<ch.apos/>s realm. You sense that your platinum amulet is keeping you safe from the hellish heat of this region, and your Kai ability to spirit-walk is propelling you on a swift and steady course towards the central crater.</p>
+ <p>Upon reaching the lip of this crater, the forest of fire comes to an abrupt end and you get your first clear view of the desolation which surrounds the stronghold of Dazganon. Cosmic winds blow across this barren plain, moaning like tortured souls. Now and then you hear cries of pain, bursts of mocking laughter, and haunting alien howls that chill your blood. Then you see swirling gossamer shapes that grow and multiply as your psychic senses become attuned to their presence. Millions of evil souls are swirling around the crater which encompasses Naar<ch.apos/>s stronghold, and as you watch their endless passage with a sense of awe and disbelief, you realize that this is the Plain of Despair detailed upon the last page of the Tome of Darkness. You stare at the ceaseless torment of these evil souls and you are deeply shocked by the visage of one spirit which rises out of the howling mass.</p>
<choice idref="sect79">If you have ever visited the Isle of Khor, in a previous Lone Wolf adventure, <link-text>turn to 79</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect207">If you have never visited this place, <link-text>turn to 207</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>249</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The swirling spirit of Cadak condenses and shapes itself into a column of flickering light. It now resembles a large candle flame, but one that radiates an icy coldness. Within this chill flame you see Cadak's evil eyes glowing hypnotically. You draw on your psychic defences to shield yourself from an imminent attack and, moments later, you feel pulses of energy bombarding the wall that you have erected around your mind. You sense that your speedy and successful defence has greatly weakened your old enemy. You are about to turn the tables by launching a counter-attack when suddenly you hear something quite unexpected.</p>
- <p>'Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,' pleads Cadak's plaintive voice in your mind. 'I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the Knae.'</p>
+ <p>The swirling spirit of Cadak condenses and shapes itself into a column of flickering light. It now resembles a large candle flame, but one that radiates an icy coldness. Within this chill flame you see Cadak<ch.apos/>s evil eyes glowing hypnotically. You draw on your psychic defences to shield yourself from an imminent attack and, moments later, you feel pulses of energy bombarding the wall that you have erected around your mind. You sense that your speedy and successful defence has greatly weakened your old enemy. You are about to turn the tables by launching a counter-attack when suddenly you hear something quite unexpected.</p>
+ <p>'Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,' pleads Cadak<ch.apos/>s plaintive voice in your mind. 'I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the Knae.'</p>
<p>The host of maggots which carpet the floor of this foul hall suddenly recede like an ebb~tide. As they retreat, a glowing ring is revealed lying on the slime-smeared ground.</p>
<p>'Take the ring, Lone Wolf. Take the ring and grant me your forgiveness. With the ring the way is clear for you to leave this hall through the Tunnel of the Wyrm.'</p>
<p>Beyond the flame-like spirit of Cadak you can see the rotting rib-cage of the carcass. The semi-circular shadow that occupies it is now pulsing with a warm, amber light.</p>
<meta><title>250</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>With trepidation you cast your eyes around the walls of this fiery nest to see a great shaking panoply of gold, orange and crimson flames. They shoot fifteen paces into the air and, despite your protections, they scorch you with their terrible heat. The floor of the nest is paved with glowing black metal and is heaped with scores of wondrous artifacts that comprise Huan'zhor's secret treasure hoard. Gems, jewellery, statuettes, armour and weapons of fiendish design and purpose are piled knee-high all around you. Close by the trapdoor you notice a pool of shimmering blue light that you immediately recognize to be an apex of a transporter beam, similar to that which brought you here from the crater. By its location you judge that it must pass through the central column which supports the nest and the temple below. At first you assume it gives access to the underground levels of the temple, but when you stare into its mesmerizing light your sixth sense reveals otherwise. This transporter beam leads to another realm within the Plane of Darkness.</p>
- <p>Mindful of your purpose here, hurriedly you search the treasure hoard for the Scarab that will enable you to escape safely from this hellish domain. As you are sifting through the hundreds of artifacts, you suddenly hear a distant screech that is distinctively different from the coarse cawing of the passing lavas. Through the flickering wall of flames you glimpse the outline of a gigantic dragon as it emerges from a vent in the roof on the far side of the chasm. Immediately, a deathly silence fills the great cavern as the lavas and reptillians cease their activities and bow in deference to their master. Your pulse races when you see this monstrous creature come gliding across the chasm towards the temple for you know that he is Huan'zhor the Dragonlord--the ruler of this realm of fire--and he is fast returning to his nest.</p>
+ <p>With trepidation you cast your eyes around the walls of this fiery nest to see a great shaking panoply of gold, orange and crimson flames. They shoot fifteen paces into the air and, despite your protections, they scorch you with their terrible heat. The floor of the nest is paved with glowing black metal and is heaped with scores of wondrous artifacts that comprise Huan<ch.apos/>zhor<ch.apos/>s secret treasure hoard. Gems, jewellery, statuettes, armour and weapons of fiendish design and purpose are piled knee-high all around you. Close by the trapdoor you notice a pool of shimmering blue light that you immediately recognize to be an apex of a transporter beam, similar to that which brought you here from the crater. By its location you judge that it must pass through the central column which supports the nest and the temple below. At first you assume it gives access to the underground levels of the temple, but when you stare into its mesmerizing light your sixth sense reveals otherwise. This transporter beam leads to another realm within the Plane of Darkness.</p>
+ <p>Mindful of your purpose here, hurriedly you search the treasure hoard for the Scarab that will enable you to escape safely from this hellish domain. As you are sifting through the hundreds of artifacts, you suddenly hear a distant screech that is distinctively different from the coarse cawing of the passing lavas. Through the flickering wall of flames you glimpse the outline of a gigantic dragon as it emerges from a vent in the roof on the far side of the chasm. Immediately, a deathly silence fills the great cavern as the lavas and reptillians cease their activities and bow in deference to their master. Your pulse races when you see this monstrous creature come gliding across the chasm towards the temple for you know that he is Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord--the ruler of this realm of fire--and he is fast returning to his nest.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Telegnosis, add 3 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect77">If your total score is 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 77</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect327">If it is 5 or more, <link-text>turn to 327</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You leap up at the table and, as you grab the phial from the pillow with your left hand, a bolt whistles past and grazes the palm of your right: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point.</p>
- <p>The moment you hit the ground, you stagger forwards and throw yourself behind Shamath's great Throne of Power. Crouching here, with fear running cold in your veins as you listen to the hiss of flying missiles and the screams of the approaching horde, you suddenly notice the waters of the strange pool which lies no more than a dozen yards from the rear of the throne. Beyond this pool you see the pair of huge black gates which dominate the far wall of this chamber and suddenly your mind recalls the text which appeared in the Tome of Darkness. This must be the Pool of Sorrows, and beyond it are the Gates of Darkness an exit from this cruel domain. Your feelings of excitement at having discovered a way to escape the approaching horde are tempered when you further recall that you must spill your own blood into the pool if you are to leave this realm successfully. Without hesitation, you spring to your feet and rush towards the pool. As you come to within a few yards, you flick your grazed right palm and a stunning transformation takes place when a few droplets of your blood hit the pool's swirling surface.</p>
- <p>(On your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> you may record the phial you have taken as Shamath's Potion. It is a Backpack Item.)</p>
+ <p>The moment you hit the ground, you stagger forwards and throw yourself behind Shamath<ch.apos/>s great Throne of Power. Crouching here, with fear running cold in your veins as you listen to the hiss of flying missiles and the screams of the approaching horde, you suddenly notice the waters of the strange pool which lies no more than a dozen yards from the rear of the throne. Beyond this pool you see the pair of huge black gates which dominate the far wall of this chamber and suddenly your mind recalls the text which appeared in the Tome of Darkness. This must be the Pool of Sorrows, and beyond it are the Gates of Darkness an exit from this cruel domain. Your feelings of excitement at having discovered a way to escape the approaching horde are tempered when you further recall that you must spill your own blood into the pool if you are to leave this realm successfully. Without hesitation, you spring to your feet and rush towards the pool. As you come to within a few yards, you flick your grazed right palm and a stunning transformation takes place when a few droplets of your blood hit the pool<ch.apos/>s swirling surface.</p>
+ <p>(On your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> you may record the phial you have taken as Shamath<ch.apos/>s Potion. It is a Backpack Item.)</p>
<choice idref="sect300"><link-text>Turn to 300</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>255</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You decide to explore the perimeter of the undergrowth and have walked almost a mile along its edge before you come across the remnants of a path which leads into the jungle's dark interior. Cautiously you advance along this overgrown trail, but you have not gone far before you are forced to a halt by a thick curtain of hanging vines and creepers.</p>
+ <p>You decide to explore the perimeter of the undergrowth and have walked almost a mile along its edge before you come across the remnants of a path which leads into the jungle<ch.apos/>s dark interior. Cautiously you advance along this overgrown trail, but you have not gone far before you are forced to a halt by a thick curtain of hanging vines and creepers.</p>
<choice idref="sect115">If you possess Grand Huntmastery, and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Crown, <link-text>turn to 115</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect304">If you possess an edged weapon (eg, sword or axe), and wish to use it to cut a path through this undergrowth, <link-text>turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect24">If you do not possess an edged weapon, <link-text>turn to 24</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>256</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Hurriedly you retrieve the potion from your pack for you recall that Shamath had intended to use this preparation to enact her revenge upon Avarvae. With the memory of the Demoness's words lingering prophetically in your ears, you pull out the stopper which seals the glass phial and hurl the golden fluid into the sneering face of the Tormentress.</p>
- <p>Avarvae's scream echoes to the furthest corners of her vast domain. With her hands clutched to her face, the wounded Tormentress soars like a meteor into the darkness above and disappears completely, leaving her carriage and her escort of outriders dazed and confused in her wake. The sound of Avarvae's terrible scream followed by her sudden rout shatters their nerve. Quickly they wheel their steeds about and, with Avarvae's chariot in tow, they flee across the cosmic starscape in search of their immortal mistress.</p>
+ <p>Hurriedly you retrieve the potion from your pack for you recall that Shamath had intended to use this preparation to enact her revenge upon Avarvae. With the memory of the Demoness<ch.apos/>s words lingering prophetically in your ears, you pull out the stopper which seals the glass phial and hurl the golden fluid into the sneering face of the Tormentress.</p>
+ <p>Avarvae<ch.apos/>s scream echoes to the furthest corners of her vast domain. With her hands clutched to her face, the wounded Tormentress soars like a meteor into the darkness above and disappears completely, leaving her carriage and her escort of outriders dazed and confused in her wake. The sound of Avarvae<ch.apos/>s terrible scream followed by her sudden rout shatters their nerve. Quickly they wheel their steeds about and, with Avarvae<ch.apos/>s chariot in tow, they flee across the cosmic starscape in search of their immortal mistress.</p>
<p>The way is now clear for you to reach the Bridge of the Damned. Using your innate Magnakai Discipline of Divination, you will yourself towards the bridge and feel your body moving rapidly through the void towards its rainbow span.</p>
<choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>'With respect, Lord Rimoah,' you reply, 'but the scabbard in which I carry the Sommerswerd is woven from strands of pure korlinium.'</p>
- <p>You lift the sword, in its scabbard, and invite Rimoah to inspect it more closely. He steps forward and his eyes run up and down the length of the sword's seemingly plain sheath. Sagely he nods his approval.</p>
- <p>'Indeed, it is korlinium and it will keep hidden the blade's true power from Naar's foul spawn,' he says, and then he smiles wryly. 'Until, that is, the time comes when you decide to unleash that power against them.'</p>
- <p>'Your scabbard will shield your goodly blade, Grand Master,' comments Lord Ardan, 'but what of yourself? You are imbued with Kai powers that may readily be detected. Your formidable skills could alert Naar's minions to your presence among them.'</p>
+ <p>You lift the sword, in its scabbard, and invite Rimoah to inspect it more closely. He steps forward and his eyes run up and down the length of the sword<ch.apos/>s seemingly plain sheath. Sagely he nods his approval.</p>
+ <p>'Indeed, it is korlinium and it will keep hidden the blade<ch.apos/>s true power from Naar<ch.apos/>s foul spawn,' he says, and then he smiles wryly. 'Until, that is, the time comes when you decide to unleash that power against them.'</p>
+ <p>'Your scabbard will shield your goodly blade, Grand Master,' comments Lord Ardan, 'but what of yourself? You are imbued with Kai powers that may readily be detected. Your formidable skills could alert Naar<ch.apos/>s minions to your presence among them.'</p>
<choice idref="sect53">If you possess a Platinum Amulet, <link-text>turn to 53</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect296">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 296</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You notice a reptillian guard that is standing on the wide parapet of the bridge. It is leaning on its trident and seems to be staring idly at the river of bubbling lava which flows through the base of the chasm a mile below. Drawing upon your improved Discipline, you focus on this creature and implant the image of its most feared enemy into its mind. The beast begins to tremble uncontrollably. It drops its weapon and, with a howl of abject terror, it slips and falls headlong into the void.</p>
<p>A pair of passing lavas dive into the chasm, screeching and cawing in alarm. The handful of creatures who are on the bridge at this time immediately rush to the parapet. They are eager to watch as the lavas attempt to save the falling reptillian before it splashes into the molten river far below. From the sound of their cackling laughter, you get the distinct impression that they are hoping the rescue will be less than successful.</p>
- <p>While this ghoulish group are enjoying the sight of their comrade's plight, you seize the opportunity to make a dash across the bridge.</p>
+ <p>While this ghoulish group are enjoying the sight of their comrade<ch.apos/>s plight, you seize the opportunity to make a dash across the bridge.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Assimilance, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 2. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 10 or lower, deduct 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect25">If your total score is now 6 or lower, <link-text>turn to 25</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect95">If your score is 7 or higher, <link-text>turn to 95</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>265</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>This circular hall is chillingly familiar, although you are sure that you have never been here before. Then a cold shiver runs down your spine when suddenly you recall where it was that you saw a chamber and runes uncannily similar to these. It was in Mogaruith, in the antechamber to Arch Druid Cadak's Throne Hall.</p>
+ <p>This circular hall is chillingly familiar, although you are sure that you have never been here before. Then a cold shiver runs down your spine when suddenly you recall where it was that you saw a chamber and runes uncannily similar to these. It was in Mogaruith, in the antechamber to Arch Druid Cadak<ch.apos/>s Throne Hall.</p>
<p>You magnify your vision and focus on the runes that decorate the floor. They are similar to those you encountered on the portal to this subterranean labyrinth when first you entered, and you feel your pulse quicken when slowly you are able to decipher part of their meaning:</p>
<p>'Ye who seek entry to the Hall of the Knae, renounce all falsehood and trickery for thou art transparent beneath our gaze. Pay homage to the Lords of Decay lest thy soul be devoured by the insatiable horde of Nemagog. Place gold within the circle for thy wish to be fulfilled; base metal without for thy fate to be sealed.'</p>
<p>With great caution, you cross the floor of the chamber and examine the engraved surface of the portal after a gentle push confirms that the door is locked. You were hoping that the runes which cover this great metal portal would reveal how it can be opened, but to your dismay they merely catalogue (in sickening detail) the evil accomplishments of the Knae. Then you discover three small slots: one circular, one square and one triangular in shape.</p>
<data>
<p>Before the Demoness and her Lieutenants of Night can focus their attack, you use your improved Kai Discipline to launch a hasty psychic assault on all three beings simultaneously. Your rapid bolts of psychic power penetrate their defences and short-circuit their minds with devastating effect. The Lieutenants of Night fall screaming to the floor where they writhe in agony like wounded snakes. The Demoness reels and totters backwards, slumps down heavily upon her throne, and then grips her disfigured head with both hands as she struggles in vain to regain control of her mind.</p>
- <p>Seizing your advantage, you unsheathe your weapon and rush forward. With two swift and deadly blows you dispatch the lieutenants in passing and then rush towards Shamath's gigantic throne. Through the red haze of the agony that fills her head, the Demoness sees you approaching. Immediately she slams her right hand down upon the arm of her throne, to where a glowing opal is set into the stone.</p>
+ <p>Seizing your advantage, you unsheathe your weapon and rush forward. With two swift and deadly blows you dispatch the lieutenants in passing and then rush towards Shamath<ch.apos/>s gigantic throne. Through the red haze of the agony that fills her head, the Demoness sees you approaching. Immediately she slams her right hand down upon the arm of her throne, to where a glowing opal is set into the stone.</p>
<p>'Gnekasha!' you scream, giving voice to her secret name, and she freezes as still as a stone statue. But not before her clenched fist has struck the glowing gem.</p>
- <p>Suddenly you hear a terrible sound; it is the screams and cries of Shamath's vengeful legions. With dread you glance over your shoulder and look to the source of the cacophony--the chamber of tunnels beyond the archway of the Throne Room. What you see there sends an icy cold shiver of fear coursing down your spine.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly you hear a terrible sound; it is the screams and cries of Shamath<ch.apos/>s vengeful legions. With dread you glance over your shoulder and look to the source of the cacophony--the chamber of tunnels beyond the archway of the Throne Room. What you see there sends an icy cold shiver of fear coursing down your spine.</p>
<choice idref="sect201"><link-text>Turn to 201</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>270</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Through a square hole in the wall of the tower; you catch your first clear view of this subterranean domain which lies deep beneath the crater. Nestling within a colossal cavern of crimson lava-rock, you look out across an alien city that is split in two by a steep-sided chasm. Lavas swoop back and forth across this divide while their wingless comrades traverse it by means of a narrow bridge constructed from blocks of blue-grey basalt. As you stare at the stubby towers and flat-roofed dwellings clustered on either side, your heart suddenly skips a beat. Perched upon a vast mound of shiny black cubes on the far side of the chasm you see a temple. Carvings of dragons embellish its angular surfaces, engraved in such a fashion that their scaly bodies lie recumbent around the base of the edifice whilst their tails writhe towards its highest level. Here they become entwined to form a twisted stem. Atop this stem, like branches fanning out above the trunk of a petrified tree, you see an inverted cupola of bright orange flames--a nest of fire. Your senses confirm that you have found the lair of Huan'zhor the Dragonlord, as revealed in the Tome of Darkness. This is the nest of fire which lies upon the Tree of the Wyrm, and it is here that you will find the scarab that will allow you to leave Huan'zhor's hellish domain. Quietly you resolve to reach the distant temple and achieve this aim.</p>
+ <p>Through a square hole in the wall of the tower; you catch your first clear view of this subterranean domain which lies deep beneath the crater. Nestling within a colossal cavern of crimson lava-rock, you look out across an alien city that is split in two by a steep-sided chasm. Lavas swoop back and forth across this divide while their wingless comrades traverse it by means of a narrow bridge constructed from blocks of blue-grey basalt. As you stare at the stubby towers and flat-roofed dwellings clustered on either side, your heart suddenly skips a beat. Perched upon a vast mound of shiny black cubes on the far side of the chasm you see a temple. Carvings of dragons embellish its angular surfaces, engraved in such a fashion that their scaly bodies lie recumbent around the base of the edifice whilst their tails writhe towards its highest level. Here they become entwined to form a twisted stem. Atop this stem, like branches fanning out above the trunk of a petrified tree, you see an inverted cupola of bright orange flames--a nest of fire. Your senses confirm that you have found the lair of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord, as revealed in the Tome of Darkness. This is the nest of fire which lies upon the Tree of the Wyrm, and it is here that you will find the scarab that will allow you to leave Huan<ch.apos/>zhor<ch.apos/>s hellish domain. Quietly you resolve to reach the distant temple and achieve this aim.</p>
<p>You magnify your vision and your hopes rise when you see that both the fiery nest and the temple appear to be uninhabited. However, your enthusiasm is soon tempered when you consider how you can reach the far side undetected. For several minutes you observe the lavas flying over the chasm and the traffic of wingless reptillians who cross via the bridge. The construction of new dwellings is taking place on the far side and the lavas are busy overseeing the transportation of building blocks from a quarry situated close to the tower in which you are standing. Under the direction of the lavas, a steady convoy of winged dragons transports these quarried blocks across the chasm in great nets which are slung beneath their bellies. As you watch this activity, you formulate two ways of reaching the far side. You could attempt to cross the bridge during a lull in the traffic, or you could try to stow away in one of the nets being ferried across by the lumbering dragons.</p>
<choice idref="sect259">If you wish to attempt to cross the chasm via the bridge, <link-text>turn to 259</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect179">If you decide to try to stow away in one of the dragon's nets, <link-text>turn to 179</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect179">If you decide to try to stow away in one of the dragon<ch.apos/>s nets, <link-text>turn to 179</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>271</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You unshoulder your bow, draw an arrow, and take careful aim at the nearest of the three spider-creatures below. You sense that the most vulnerable part of its body is the nape of its neck, where its almond-shaped head meets its bulbous body, and this point becomes your chosen target. You release your missile and it whistles down to pierce the creature's neck, penetrating so deeply that only the tail flights of the arrow remain visible. The beast shrieks and collapses lifelessly into the mud. Your second arrow also finds its mark, slaying the second creature while it is still stunned by the death of its companion. But the third and last creature proves to be no easy target. Despite the swift demise of its two companions it refuses to run away. Instead it dodges and feints with a succession of jerky movements designed to spoil your aim.</p>
+ <p>You unshoulder your bow, draw an arrow, and take careful aim at the nearest of the three spider-creatures below. You sense that the most vulnerable part of its body is the nape of its neck, where its almond-shaped head meets its bulbous body, and this point becomes your chosen target. You release your missile and it whistles down to pierce the creature<ch.apos/>s neck, penetrating so deeply that only the tail flights of the arrow remain visible. The beast shrieks and collapses lifelessly into the mud. Your second arrow also finds its mark, slaying the second creature while it is still stunned by the death of its companion. But the third and last creature proves to be no easy target. Despite the swift demise of its two companions it refuses to run away. Instead it dodges and feints with a succession of jerky movements designed to spoil your aim.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Weaponmastery with Bow, add 5 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect291">If your total score is now 7 or lower, <link-text>turn to 291</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect222">If it is 8 or higher, <link-text>turn to 222</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>275</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Beyond the archway you see a vaulted cavern ringed by pillars of ice. A huge marble throne and a table of carved marble stand before two massive black gates which gleam like polished jet. Located behind the throne, and within an arm's length of the grand gates, you glimpse a well-like pool set flush into the frosted cavern floor. The surface of this well is seething and swirling, as if its black waters were about to bubble and boil over.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the archway you see a vaulted cavern ringed by pillars of ice. A huge marble throne and a table of carved marble stand before two massive black gates which gleam like polished jet. Located behind the throne, and within an arm<ch.apos/>s length of the grand gates, you glimpse a well-like pool set flush into the frosted cavern floor. The surface of this well is seething and swirling, as if its black waters were about to bubble and boil over.</p>
<p>The sight of this wondrous cavern is a stunning spectacle, yet it pales in comparison to the visage of the creature which is occupying the massive marble throne.</p>
<choice idref="sect302">If you have ever visited Lake Vorndarol, in a previous Lone Wolf adventure, <link-text>turn to 302</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect183">If you have never visited this place, <link-text>turn to 183</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>286</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You take a running leap at the table and grab the phial from the pillow. Then, as your feet return to the ground, you stagger forwards and throw yourself behind Shamath's great Throne of Power. Crouching here with fear running cold in your veins, you listen to the hiss of the first crossbow bolts and the screams of the approaching horde. Then you notice the waters of the strange pool which lies no more than a dozen yards away from the throne. Beyond this pool you see the pair of huge black gates which dominates the far wail of the chamber and suddenly you recall the text which appeared in the Tome of Darkness. This is the Pool of Sorrows, and beyond it lie the Gates of Darkness--an exit from this cruel domain. Your feelings of excitement at having discovered a way to escape the approaching horde are tempered when you further recall that you must spill your own blood into the pool if you are to leave this realm successfully.</p>
- <p>With little hesitation, you stab a finger against the point of your belt buckle and draw a few droplets of blood. Then you spring to your feet and rush towards the pool. As you come to within a few yards, you flick your finger and a stunning transformation takes place the instant your blood hits the pool's swirling surface.</p>
- <p>(On your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> you may record the phial you have taken as Shamath's Potion. It is a Backpack Item.)</p>
+ <p>You take a running leap at the table and grab the phial from the pillow. Then, as your feet return to the ground, you stagger forwards and throw yourself behind Shamath<ch.apos/>s great Throne of Power. Crouching here with fear running cold in your veins, you listen to the hiss of the first crossbow bolts and the screams of the approaching horde. Then you notice the waters of the strange pool which lies no more than a dozen yards away from the throne. Beyond this pool you see the pair of huge black gates which dominates the far wail of the chamber and suddenly you recall the text which appeared in the Tome of Darkness. This is the Pool of Sorrows, and beyond it lie the Gates of Darkness--an exit from this cruel domain. Your feelings of excitement at having discovered a way to escape the approaching horde are tempered when you further recall that you must spill your own blood into the pool if you are to leave this realm successfully.</p>
+ <p>With little hesitation, you stab a finger against the point of your belt buckle and draw a few droplets of blood. Then you spring to your feet and rush towards the pool. As you come to within a few yards, you flick your finger and a stunning transformation takes place the instant your blood hits the pool<ch.apos/>s swirling surface.</p>
+ <p>(On your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> you may record the phial you have taken as Shamath<ch.apos/>s Potion. It is a Backpack Item.)</p>
<choice idref="sect300">To continue, <link-text>turn to 300</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>287</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The hyena-beast suddenly opens its great jaw and coughs up a ball of vile phlegm which it spits at you with stunning force. You dive to the floor to avoid being hit by this evil-smelling projectile and it speeds over your shoulder to splatter loudly against the portal. Droplets of saliva spray the back of your legs, leaving tiny white stains where it instantly removes the checked dyes from your breeches. You wipe your legs with the hem of your cloak but your stomach heaves when you detect that the creature's saliva contains a virulent plague bacteria.</p>
+ <p>The hyena-beast suddenly opens its great jaw and coughs up a ball of vile phlegm which it spits at you with stunning force. You dive to the floor to avoid being hit by this evil-smelling projectile and it speeds over your shoulder to splatter loudly against the portal. Droplets of saliva spray the back of your legs, leaving tiny white stains where it instantly removes the checked dyes from your breeches. You wipe your legs with the hem of your cloak but your stomach heaves when you detect that the creature<ch.apos/>s saliva contains a virulent plague bacteria.</p>
<p>Fortunately, your innate Magnakai Disciplines of Nexus and Curing immediately neutralize this deadly plague virus, rendering it harmless to you. The creature howls with anger and frustration; it has never before encountered any living being capable of resisting its deadly plague-ridden saliva, and your unexpected survival makes it feel suddenly anxious and unsure.</p>
<choice idref="sect80">If you possess Animal Mastery, <link-text>turn to 80</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect132">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 132</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>288</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The roaring flames of this supernatural storm tear at you with a violent fury. Your platinum amulet saves you from being incinerated the moment you emerge into the crater, yet even so, you suffer searing burns to most of your body before you are able to stagger back into the vent's shimmering light and escape the wrath of this vengeful firestorm: lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
+ <p>The roaring flames of this supernatural storm tear at you with a violent fury. Your platinum amulet saves you from being incinerated the moment you emerge into the crater, yet even so, you suffer searing burns to most of your body before you are able to stagger back into the vent<ch.apos/>s shimmering light and escape the wrath of this vengeful firestorm: lose 8 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<choice idref="sect17">If you have survived your unexpected return to the crater, you may continue your adventure by <link-text>turning to 17</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>The net spills open as it touches the ground beside the yawning pit, enabling you quickly to disentangle yourself and unsheathe a weapon. Freed from the net but still trembling from the residual effects of psychic shock, you drop to one knee to steady yourself as you try to assess your situation. You look around for a way to escape from this alien settlement but all that you can see is an encircling wall of hideous humanoid mutants and ant-creatures. A tight wedge, comprising a dozen of these creatures, gibbers excitedly as it rushes forwards with frightening speed. You attempt to stand and meet their attack, but they hit you before you are fully upright and knock you headlong into the pit.</p>
- <p>Cursing your luck, you struggle to your feet amongst a deep carpet of bones and look up at the rim of the pit, some fifteen feet above. An unbroken line of ghastly faces are shrieking and staring back at you with unconcealed glee. Then suddenly the faces fall silent and a gap appears in their ranks to allow access to their hideous leader. You swallow hard to suppress the rising nausea you feel upon seeing this creature's grotesque features. Its body resembles a huge bloated bubble, endowed with a misshapen humanoid face--like that moulded by a child from wet clay. Its pustulant raw skin is studded with warts and tufts of rust-coloured hair. Chuckling maniacally, it drags itself around the edge of the pit by means of six claw-tipped tentacles and you note, with disgust, that it leaves a trail of steaming grey slime wherever it passes. Through its bulbous lower lip there hangs a chain to which is attached an amulet, seemingly crafted of iron. You magnify your vision and see that an inscription on this crude amulet bears the name 'Nza'pok'. Instantly you recall the text of the Tome of Darkness and realize that this creature must be Nza'pok himself--the ruler of this territory within the Plane of Darkness.</p>
- <p>Nza'pok opens his crooked mouth to reveal several rows of rotting jagged teeth. Then words of the Dark Tongue rumble from his gullet to send shivers down your spine. You suspect that he is commanding his followers to slay you and your worst fears are confirmed when you witness spears being passed overhead to the front ranks of his chaos-horde. The humanoids snatch them up in their twisted hands and raise them in readiness to hurl at you upon the word of command from their hellish leader.</p>
+ <p>Cursing your luck, you struggle to your feet amongst a deep carpet of bones and look up at the rim of the pit, some fifteen feet above. An unbroken line of ghastly faces are shrieking and staring back at you with unconcealed glee. Then suddenly the faces fall silent and a gap appears in their ranks to allow access to their hideous leader. You swallow hard to suppress the rising nausea you feel upon seeing this creature<ch.apos/>s grotesque features. Its body resembles a huge bloated bubble, endowed with a misshapen humanoid face--like that moulded by a child from wet clay. Its pustulant raw skin is studded with warts and tufts of rust-coloured hair. Chuckling maniacally, it drags itself around the edge of the pit by means of six claw-tipped tentacles and you note, with disgust, that it leaves a trail of steaming grey slime wherever it passes. Through its bulbous lower lip there hangs a chain to which is attached an amulet, seemingly crafted of iron. You magnify your vision and see that an inscription on this crude amulet bears the name 'Nza<ch.apos/>pok'. Instantly you recall the text of the Tome of Darkness and realize that this creature must be Nza<ch.apos/>pok himself--the ruler of this territory within the Plane of Darkness.</p>
+ <p>Nza<ch.apos/>pok opens his crooked mouth to reveal several rows of rotting jagged teeth. Then words of the Dark Tongue rumble from his gullet to send shivers down your spine. You suspect that he is commanding his followers to slay you and your worst fears are confirmed when you witness spears being passed overhead to the front ranks of his chaos-horde. The humanoids snatch them up in their twisted hands and raise them in readiness to hurl at you upon the word of command from their hellish leader.</p>
<choice idref="sect43">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 43</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect184">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 184</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect71">If you possess neither of these Disciplines, or choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 71</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>291</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your third arrow only grazes the creature's neck and fails to inflict any damage to its nervous system. You begin to feel the effects of your levitation spell wearing off and, in a moment of regrettable haste, you fire off all of your remaining arrows at the creature in rapid succession.</p>
+ <p>Your third arrow only grazes the creature<ch.apos/>s neck and fails to inflict any damage to its nervous system. You begin to feel the effects of your levitation spell wearing off and, in a moment of regrettable haste, you fire off all of your remaining arrows at the creature in rapid succession.</p>
<p>Your final shaft finds its mark, causing the beast to emit a high-pitched squeal. As you descend, it rears up with its forelegs scrabbling the air in a last futile effort to get at you. Then it surrenders to death and comes crashing down upon the canoe.</p>
<p>You land on the muddy shore and struggle towards the bank. Once you are free from the. mire, you set off across the clearing towards the distant perimeter of jungle where you happen upon the remnants of a track. You follow this overgrown trail for nearly a mile until you come to the edge of another clearing. This expanse of level ground is devoid of foliage yet it is littered with strange fruits that resemble gigantic grey pineapples. Beyond these curious fruits you can see the ruins of a settlement partially overgrown with moss. Warily you leave the jungle, make your way around the fruits, and hurry across the clearing towards a statue which is crouching among the ruins. It is constructed of a smooth, lustrous black mineral and is fashioned in the likeness of some evil beast of prey. It reminds you of a hyena, but one with a massive lower jaw set with a pair of sabre-toothed fangs. Between its forelegs is a flight of rubble-strewn steps leading down to an open door. You detect waves of power emanating from somewhere beyond this darkened doorway, but you are unable to determine just how deep below the ground the source of this energy is located.</p>
<choice idref="sect76">If you possess Telegnosis and wish to use this skill to spirit-walk through the doorway to investigate what lies beyond, <link-text>turn to 76</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>293</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Swiftly the creature's apprehension turns to blind rage. Howling maniacally, it scrapes its claws back and forth on the stone ramp to sharpen their curved tips, then it hurls itself towards you with its fang-filled jaw opened wide.</p>
+ <p>Swiftly the creature<ch.apos/>s apprehension turns to blind rage. Howling maniacally, it scrapes its claws back and forth on the stone ramp to sharpen their curved tips, then it hurls itself towards you with its fang-filled jaw opened wide.</p>
<choice idref="sect326">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 326</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect182">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 182</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect74">If you do not possess these skills, or if you choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 74</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You give voice to the Old Kingdom power word--Gloar!--and project its concussive energy at the towering warrior. He shudders momentarily as the invisible force of your spell-word collides with his chest, but the shock is insufficient to topple him from this narrow beam of rock and he quickly recovers.</p>
- <p>The warrior retaliates by raising his black sword and releasing a crackling surge of electrical energy from its tip. It passes over your head and earths itself to the end of the stone beam, at the place where it joins the chasm wall. You feel a jolt beneath your feet as the beam cracks and breaks away from the wall and, to your amazement, you watch as this solid spar of rock curls up and slowly rolls in towards you, like a snake's tongue returning to its mouth.</p>
+ <p>The warrior retaliates by raising his black sword and releasing a crackling surge of electrical energy from its tip. It passes over your head and earths itself to the end of the stone beam, at the place where it joins the chasm wall. You feel a jolt beneath your feet as the beam cracks and breaks away from the wall and, to your amazement, you watch as this solid spar of rock curls up and slowly rolls in towards you, like a snake<ch.apos/>s tongue returning to its mouth.</p>
<p>The coiled beam retracts towards the mouth of the Dragon-gate, forcing you nearer and nearer to the fearsome black warrior. As he watches your reluctant approach he swings his mighty sword above his head, slicing and stabbing at the air with it in eager anticipation of the coming fight. When you are pushed to within ten yards of the gate itself, you reach for your own weapon and brace yourself for a fight that seems unavoidable.</p>
<choice idref="sect254">If you possess the Sommerswerd, or Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 254</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect147">If you possess neither of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Rimoah picks up a sigil of platinum which is strung upon a loop of braided cord, and he offers it to you.</p>
<p>'Grand Master, will you please accept this amulet? It possesses powers which may help you survive the rigours of your coming ordeal.'</p>
- <p>'As you wish,' you reply, and take the amulet from your advisor
's outstretched palm. (Record this Platinum Amulet, which you wear around your neck, as a Special Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
+ <p>'As you wish,' you reply, and take the amulet from your advisor
<ch.apos/>s outstretched palm. (Record this Platinum Amulet, which you wear around your neck, as a Special Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<p>As you tuck the amulet inside the collar of your robes, Lord Ardan picks up a small package from the table which is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly this time, you take it from him.</p>
<p>'It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,' he says. 'A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was found buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.'</p>
<p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty--devoid of script, pictures or diagrams of any sort.</p>
<p>'I do not see how this book will help my quest,' you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
- <p>'This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,' replies Lord Rimoah, 'but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar's domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.'</p>
- <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah
's judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your Backpack. As with the Platinum Amulet, you need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
+ <p>'This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,' replies Lord Rimoah, 'but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar<ch.apos/>s domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.'</p>
+ <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah
<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your Backpack. As with the Platinum Amulet, you need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>297</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Using your improved Grand Mastery, you are able to mask successfully your mental and physical self from the unwanted attentions of Tzor. Patiently you wait for the demonic being to herd his vast pack of tortured souls around to the far side of Dazganon before you cross the Plain of Despair and make your approach to Naar's stronghold.</p>
+ <p>Using your improved Grand Mastery, you are able to mask successfully your mental and physical self from the unwanted attentions of Tzor. Patiently you wait for the demonic being to herd his vast pack of tortured souls around to the far side of Dazganon before you cross the Plain of Despair and make your approach to Naar<ch.apos/>s stronghold.</p>
<p>The outer gate of Dazganon is open and unguarded and you are able to pass through unhindered. Clearly the Dark God considers the need for guards here unnecessary for the walls and bastions appear never to have been manned. It is not until you reach the archway to the inner keep that you meet with resistance. Filling the inner arch is a curtain of black flames which crackle and spit venomously. You recall the text of the Tome of Darkness and retrieve from your pockets the three items that are required to gain entry to Dazganon. Then, with trepidation, you close your eyes and step directly into the wall of blazing black flame.</p>
<p>Add together the three numbers which appear upon the three special items that will enable you to gain entry to Dazganon. If you have gathered all three items, you will have noted these numbers in the margin of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. To continue your quest, turn now to the entry which is the same as your total.</p>
<p>If you have not obtained all three special items, sadly you are doomed to spend the rest of eternity running with the lost souls upon the Plain of Despair.</p>
<meta><title>300</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As your blood mingles with the fluids of the pool, the great shiny gates that fill the far wall of this chamber suddenly vanish to reveal an awesome vista. Beyond where these gates once stood now lies an expanse of deep space, an infinite darkness, a void speckled with distant stars and the wispy trails of passing comets. The thought of stepping into the vast perspective of this void fills you with fear, but you choke back your doubts and anxieties for you know that it is the only certain way that you can escape from Shamath's domain.</p>
+ <p>As your blood mingles with the fluids of the pool, the great shiny gates that fill the far wall of this chamber suddenly vanish to reveal an awesome vista. Beyond where these gates once stood now lies an expanse of deep space, an infinite darkness, a void speckled with distant stars and the wispy trails of passing comets. The thought of stepping into the vast perspective of this void fills you with fear, but you choke back your doubts and anxieties for you know that it is the only certain way that you can escape from Shamath<ch.apos/>s domain.</p>
<p>With a prayer to Kai and Ishir on your lips you sprint towards the void, but you are forced to dodge and weave as you run in order to avoid being hit by the hail of missiles that come whistling towards your back.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Kai-alchemy or Magi-magic, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you possess Assimilance, add 2. If you possess Grand Huntmastery or Grand Pathsmanship, add 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect233">If your total score is now 4 or less, <link-text>turn to 233</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Icy fingers of fear grip your heart when you see the huge, dread form of the Demoness Shamath seated upon the marble throne. She is slumped forward over the adjacent table, her face buried in her crossed arms as if she is asleep. The few remaining parts of her body which are visible appear to be sheathed in sections of shiny black armour. You note that it is the same armour she wore when you defeated her five years ago.</p>
- <p>Suddenly the sound of approaching footsteps echos from one of the nearby tunnels. Anxious to avoid the risk of a confrontation, you slip into Shamath's chamber and take cover behind one of the icy pillars that encircle the walls. Moments later, you see two robed figures glide into the chamber. They are carrying between them a large phial of golden fluid which rests upon a pillow of purple silk. As they pass close by your hiding place, you hastily call upon your Kai skills to mask your physical and mental presence.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly the sound of approaching footsteps echos from one of the nearby tunnels. Anxious to avoid the risk of a confrontation, you slip into Shamath<ch.apos/>s chamber and take cover behind one of the icy pillars that encircle the walls. Moments later, you see two robed figures glide into the chamber. They are carrying between them a large phial of golden fluid which rests upon a pillow of purple silk. As they pass close by your hiding place, you hastily call upon your Kai skills to mask your physical and mental presence.</p>
<choice idref="sect243"><link-text>Turn to 243</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You are about to cut your way through this barrier of vines when you notice something very odd: each creeper is trembling slightly, as if it is shivering with cold or fear. You draw back your weapon and take careful aim before striking your first blow which severs three of the thick vines.</p>
<p>As if in response to your attack, the mass of hanging creepers suddenly rise up and flail the air. They lash out at you with stunning ferocity, forcing you to retreat along the trail before their stinging blows: lose 1 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point. With mounting dread you realize that these vines are not plants at all--they are hostile living creatures.</p>
- <p>Beneath the coating of moss which sheathes them are hundreds of tiny hollow barbs, easily capable of ripping flesh to shreds. One passes close to your face and you strike out at it, cutting it in half. It emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its sundered tip. As if enraged by their companion's cry of pain, the other vines come snaking towards you with increased tenacity. You must fight them.</p>
+ <p>Beneath the coating of moss which sheathes them are hundreds of tiny hollow barbs, easily capable of ripping flesh to shreds. One passes close to your face and you strike out at it, cutting it in half. It emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its sundered tip. As if enraged by their companion<ch.apos/>s cry of pain, the other vines come snaking towards you with increased tenacity. You must fight them.</p>
<combat><enemy>Haemodyls</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">49</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">47</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>These vine-creatures are immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray. If you possess Animal Mastery, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect19">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Rimoah ushers you to a refectory table at the entrance to the chamber where Lord Ardan is carefully arranging some magically-crafted artifacts upon a sheet of scarlet silk. He invites you to inspect these items and Lord Ardan steps aside to allow you a closer look. The first object to catch your eye is a double-edged sword with a jewel-encrusted hilt. The blade looks exceptionally sharp and appears to have been crafted from a rich golden alloy. It shimmers brightly, like sunlight on water, even in the gloom of this torchlit chamber.</p>
- <p>'This is 'Skarn-Ska',' says Rimoah proudly. 'It was crafted by Lord Ardan and myself in the weapons forge at the Kai Monastery, during your absence. It was tempered in spell-fire and is imbued with Old Kingdom magic. It will never lose its razor-keen edge. There are few blades better suited to the slaying of the Dark God's foul spawn than this.'</p>
- <p>'Aye,' comments Ardan, 'and we have named it in your honour, Grand Master. In the tongue of the Old Kingdoms, 'Skarn-Ska' means 'Wolf's Blade'.'</p>
+ <p>'This is 'Skarn-Ska',' says Rimoah proudly. 'It was crafted by Lord Ardan and myself in the weapons forge at the Kai Monastery, during your absence. It was tempered in spell-fire and is imbued with Old Kingdom magic. It will never lose its razor-keen edge. There are few blades better suited to the slaying of the Dark God<ch.apos/>s foul spawn than this.'</p>
+ <p>'Aye,' comments Ardan, 'and we have named it in your honour, Grand Master. In the tongue of the Old Kingdoms, 'Skarn-Ska' means 'Wolf<ch.apos/>s Blade'.'</p>
<choice idref="sect50">If you wish to take this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 50</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect89">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 89</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>A halo of light engulfs the razor-sharp blade of your magical sword, illuminating the surrounding gloom of the chasm. The towering warrior roars with anger as this light washes over him; it is as if its goodly glow is causing him great pain. He bellows a phrase in the Dark Tongue and suddenly his broadsword is sheathed with a black fire that crackles and spits venomously. Then the cruel dagger clenched in his left hand begins to glow red. When its poisoned tip becomes white hot, it emits a trail of noxious steam.</p>
- <p>You yell your battle-cry as you launch your swift attack, and as your sword hits your enemy's blade, the sudden release of power knocks him back towards the glowing dragon-gate. Yet he recovers quickly, and when he expertly counters your second blow with the hilt of his black sword, you suddenly realize that you are now embroiled in a desperate fight to the finish.</p>
+ <p>You yell your battle-cry as you launch your swift attack, and as your sword hits your enemy<ch.apos/>s blade, the sudden release of power knocks him back towards the glowing dragon-gate. Yet he recovers quickly, and when he expertly counters your second blow with the hilt of his black sword, you suddenly realize that you are now embroiled in a desperate fight to the finish.</p>
<combat><enemy>Zantaz</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">50</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">46</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This warrior is immune to all forms of psychic attack. Remember to add the appropriate bonus to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> whilst using your magical sword for the duration of this combat (Sommerswerd = +8; Skarn-Ska +5).</p>
<choice idref="sect186">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 186</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>311</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shout the name 'Rhunadan' and the remaining Knae immediately ceases to move. All trace of its psychic energy vanishes and its flailing limbs become frozen in mid-air; lending it the semblance of a petrified tree. The advancing horde of maggots rapidly shrink to their former size and retreat before you, seeking the safety of the hall's furthest corners. The power which drove them and caused them to mutate has suddenly disappeared and they are thrown into chaos. You stride towards the carcass and swallow hard as you step through the ancient rotting remains that ooze from its rib-cage. You raise your weapon and, with one swift blow, you sever the fingers of the Knae's right hand and quickly retrieve the gold ring.</p>
+ <p>You shout the name 'Rhunadan' and the remaining Knae immediately ceases to move. All trace of its psychic energy vanishes and its flailing limbs become frozen in mid-air; lending it the semblance of a petrified tree. The advancing horde of maggots rapidly shrink to their former size and retreat before you, seeking the safety of the hall<ch.apos/>s furthest corners. The power which drove them and caused them to mutate has suddenly disappeared and they are thrown into chaos. You stride towards the carcass and swallow hard as you step through the ancient rotting remains that ooze from its rib-cage. You raise your weapon and, with one swift blow, you sever the fingers of the Knae<ch.apos/>s right hand and quickly retrieve the gold ring.</p>
<p>Suddenly a squeal of hinges draws your attention to the great portal on the far side of the hall. It swings open to reveal an angry horde of corpse-creatures who stagger into the chamber and come surging towards the carcass. They are the Dregants--a decomposing army of humanoids enslaved to the Knae. They have sensed their rulers' plight and have flooded here in their hundreds to protect them. Desperate to escape from this ghoulish host, you turn and leap feet-first into the cave-like hole that occupies the belly of the carcass.</p>
<choice idref="sect100"><link-text>Turn to 100</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Using your Magnakai Discipline of Divination to spirit-walk, you cause yourself to soar at speed towards the distant bridge. Within this astral domain, your body and spirit do not separate from one another when using this innate ability. Instead, it has the effect of propelling you through the void by the force of your will alone. However, the use of such willpower takes its toll upon your reserves of strength and stamina: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
- <p>Your sudden and unexpected acceleration take Avarvae and her minions completely by surprise. By the time they react to your escape it is already too late; you have reached the Bridge of the Damned--the exit from Avarvae's domain.</p>
+ <p>Your sudden and unexpected acceleration take Avarvae and her minions completely by surprise. By the time they react to your escape it is already too late; you have reached the Bridge of the Damned--the exit from Avarvae<ch.apos/>s domain.</p>
<choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You hurry away along a track that winds through the settlement of huts and down to a beach covered with coarse black sand. Here a ramshackle jetty, constructed from wood and bone, protrudes from the lee of a sand dune and out into the sluggish grey sea. Fringing the beach is dense jungle from where there suddenly arises a cacophony of hellish cries. You glimpse shadows moving in the undergrowth and when you stop momentarily to take a longer look, several arrows come shooting out of the trees. They arc towards you and explode when they hit the sand close by. Your Kai senses warn you that there are a great number of archers lurking in the jungle, far more than you can hope to defeat single-handedly. Anxious to escape while you are still able, you hurry down the beach to the jetty where you discover a sea-going canoe. Without daring to look back, you leap into this canoe, cast off its mooring rope, and paddle as fast as you can away from the shore.</p>
<p>Once you feel sure that you are beyond arrow range, you attempt to follow the coastline in the hope of finding a safer place to put ashore. But a mist sweeps in across the water and engulfs your tiny craft before you can change course. This mist thickens rapidly to become a dense sea fog, the like of which you have never experienced. Despite your advanced Kai skills, you are unable to see through it and quickly you lose all sense of time and direction.</p>
- <p>After what seems like many hours, you eventually catch sight of a dark shape low in the water which, at first, appears to be a distant island. You paddle towards it but as you draw closer you sense that all is not what it seems. Then you feel a warm glow radiating from the pocket of your robe and discover that it is the Nza'pok Amulet. Carefully you remove it and, guided purely by instinct, you hold this glowing disc of iron above your head. In the distance you can hear the sound of rushing water which is followed by an incredible sight: the island is sinking slowly into the sea. In less than a minute it has completely disappeared without trace. The amulet no longer glows and so you slip it back into your pocket before continuing your eerie voyage across this uncharted ocean.</p>
+ <p>After what seems like many hours, you eventually catch sight of a dark shape low in the water which, at first, appears to be a distant island. You paddle towards it but as you draw closer you sense that all is not what it seems. Then you feel a warm glow radiating from the pocket of your robe and discover that it is the Nza<ch.apos/>pok Amulet. Carefully you remove it and, guided purely by instinct, you hold this glowing disc of iron above your head. In the distance you can hear the sound of rushing water which is followed by an incredible sight: the island is sinking slowly into the sea. In less than a minute it has completely disappeared without trace. The amulet no longer glows and so you slip it back into your pocket before continuing your eerie voyage across this uncharted ocean.</p>
<choice idref="sect232"><link-text>Turn to 232</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>315</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your Kai sixth sense detects that Shamath's Potion has properties that can heal your body and restore lost energy.</p>
+ <p>Your Kai sixth sense detects that Shamath<ch.apos/>s Potion has properties that can heal your body and restore lost energy.</p>
<p>If you wish to drink all of this potion you can restore all of the <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you may have lost on your quest so far. However, if you drink the entire potion you must erase it from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. Alternatively, you may drink half of the potion and restore 5 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. If you drink only half of the potion you need not erase this item from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>.</p>
<p>After making your choice of action, remember to adjust your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> accordingly.</p>
<choice idref="sect218">To continue, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>317</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You aim and fire an arrow which arcs towards the reptillian's chest with deadly accuracy. Moments before the missile strikes, the creature shifts slightly and the arrow hits the shaft of its trident. The impact shatters the weapon in two and the beast, stunned by this unexpected attack, loses its balance and falls headlong into the void.</p>
+ <p>You aim and fire an arrow which arcs towards the reptillian<ch.apos/>s chest with deadly accuracy. Moments before the missile strikes, the creature shifts slightly and the arrow hits the shaft of its trident. The impact shatters the weapon in two and the beast, stunned by this unexpected attack, loses its balance and falls headlong into the void.</p>
<p>A pair of passing lavas dive into the chasm, screeching and cawing in alarm. The handful of creatures who are on the bridge at this time immediately rush to the parapet. They are eager to watch as the lavas attempt to save the falling reptillian before it splashes into the molten river far below. From the sound of their cackling laughter, you get the distinct impression that they are hoping the rescue will be less than successful.</p>
- <p>While this ghoulish group are enjoying the sight of their comrade's plight, you seize the opportunity to make a dash across the open bridge.</p>
+ <p>While this ghoulish group are enjoying the sight of their comrade<ch.apos/>s plight, you seize the opportunity to make a dash across the open bridge.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Assimilance, add 3 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, add 2. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 10 or lower, deduct 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect25">If your total score is now 6 or lower, <link-text>turn to 25</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect95">If your score is 7 or higher, <link-text>turn to 95</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>324</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Cautiously you approach the entrance to Naar's inner sanctum. Your Kai sixth sense cannot detect any presence other than Alyss within this chamber yet, even so, you are loath to go another step further.</p>
+ <p>Cautiously you approach the entrance to Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum. Your Kai sixth sense cannot detect any presence other than Alyss within this chamber yet, even so, you are loath to go another step further.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Assimilance, add 1 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Nexus, add 2. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 9 or lower; deduct 2.</p>
<choice idref="sect168">If your total score is now 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 168</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect81">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 81</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>327</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The sight of Huan'zhor fast approaching galvanizes you into action. You abandon your physical search for the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon, and instead you close your eyes and focus your psychic Kai skills in an attempt to detect its presence. The tactic seems to work for the image of the scarab crystallizes in your mind's eye, but when you open your eyes you are disappointed to discover that you are staring at a seemingly plain orb of gold. Through the wall of flames you can see Huan'zhor flaring his mighty wings; he is slowing his approach to the temple in preparation to land upon his nest of fire. In desperation, you stoop to retrieve the orb from among the other treasures and, as your fingers touch its golden surface, it breaks open to reveal the scarab within. Moments later the shadow of Huan'zhor darkens the nest--he is now seconds away from landing.</p>
+ <p>The sight of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor fast approaching galvanizes you into action. You abandon your physical search for the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon, and instead you close your eyes and focus your psychic Kai skills in an attempt to detect its presence. The tactic seems to work for the image of the scarab crystallizes in your mind<ch.apos/>s eye, but when you open your eyes you are disappointed to discover that you are staring at a seemingly plain orb of gold. Through the wall of flames you can see Huan<ch.apos/>zhor flaring his mighty wings; he is slowing his approach to the temple in preparation to land upon his nest of fire. In desperation, you stoop to retrieve the orb from among the other treasures and, as your fingers touch its golden surface, it breaks open to reveal the scarab within. Moments later the shadow of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor darkens the nest--he is now seconds away from landing.</p>
<choice idref="sect155">If you wish to keep the scarab and leap into the transporter beam, <link-text>turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect64">If you wish to pocket the scarab and find a place in the nest where you can hide from the approaching Dragonlord, <link-text>turn to 64</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>328</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your speed and agility save you from being burnt to a cinder. The column of fire speeds over your body and impacts harmlessly against the surface of the hall's closed portal. Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you leap to your feet and shout his secret name. Immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form, and the sudden cessation of mind contact, throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size. If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Knae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
+ <p>Your speed and agility save you from being burnt to a cinder. The column of fire speeds over your body and impacts harmlessly against the surface of the hall<ch.apos/>s closed portal. Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you leap to your feet and shout his secret name. Immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form, and the sudden cessation of mind contact, throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size. If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Knae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is Rhunotar, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect311">If you think the secret name is Rhunadan, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect289">If you think the secret name is Rhunaguin, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>330</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You retreat from the pile of stones and hurry back to the causeway where you follow the course of this sunken wall for nearly a mile before it sinks without trace into the swamp. Fortunately, you discover a chain of knolls and dry earth mounds by which you are able to continue your trek without falling foul of the swamp's treacherous pools.</p>
+ <p>You retreat from the pile of stones and hurry back to the causeway where you follow the course of this sunken wall for nearly a mile before it sinks without trace into the swamp. Fortunately, you discover a chain of knolls and dry earth mounds by which you are able to continue your trek without falling foul of the swamp<ch.apos/>s treacherous pools.</p>
<p>For more than an hour you make your way deeper into this unwholesome morass yet you encounter no further signs of animal or insect life. A strange quietness overhangs this part of the swamp, an eerie calm which seems to accentuate the aura of evil that is radiating from every mound and murky pool. Progress is slow and an hour passes before you discover another possible place to shelter. It is a tight clump of stunted, thorn-studded trees which stand upon a knoll several hundred yards ahead. You set off towards it, anxious to get under cover even though the rain has already damaged your clothing and equipment. Your cloak is in tatters and your backpack is full of holes. Briefly you stop to repair your backpack and discover that three of the items contained within have been ruined. (Delete from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> the items which you have recorded in the last three sections of your Backpack Items list.)</p>
<choice idref="sect123">If you possess the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery, and have reached the Kai rank of Grand Guardian or higher, <link-text>turn to 123</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect78">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai mastery, <link-text>turn to 78</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You are deeply suspicious of entering this jungle, but you are equally reticent to remain on the beach where there is no cover. You can hear the distant cries of unknown creatures circling in the high clouds above and you know that it can only be a matter of time before the wreckage of your canoe is discovered.</p>
- <p>You decide to explore the perimeter of the undergrowth and have walked almost a mile along its edge before you come across the remnants of a path which leads into the jungle's dark interior. Cautiously you advance along this overgrown trail until you are forced to a halt by a thick curtain of hanging creepers. You are about to unsheathe your weapon and cleave a way through them when suddenly your advanced Kai senses detect tiny movements among these moss-covered vines. It is as if they are shivering with fear. Using your Grand Pathsmanship skills, you command the mossy creepers to move aside and the reaction to your order is immediate and dramatic. There is a deafening noise, like the sound of heavy tropical rainfall, and suddenly the mass of hanging vines rise up and flail the air. They lash out at you with stunning ferocity, forcing you to retreat along the trail before their stinging blows. Rapidly your sense of surprise is surpassed by a rising fear when you realize that these vines are not plants at all; they are hostile living creatures.</p>
+ <p>You decide to explore the perimeter of the undergrowth and have walked almost a mile along its edge before you come across the remnants of a path which leads into the jungle<ch.apos/>s dark interior. Cautiously you advance along this overgrown trail until you are forced to a halt by a thick curtain of hanging creepers. You are about to unsheathe your weapon and cleave a way through them when suddenly your advanced Kai senses detect tiny movements among these moss-covered vines. It is as if they are shivering with fear. Using your Grand Pathsmanship skills, you command the mossy creepers to move aside and the reaction to your order is immediate and dramatic. There is a deafening noise, like the sound of heavy tropical rainfall, and suddenly the mass of hanging vines rise up and flail the air. They lash out at you with stunning ferocity, forcing you to retreat along the trail before their stinging blows. Rapidly your sense of surprise is surpassed by a rising fear when you realize that these vines are not plants at all; they are hostile living creatures.</p>
<choice idref="sect35">If you wish to attempt to evade their attack, <link-text>turn to 35</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect46">If you decide to try to fight your way through them, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>338</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your precautions prove successful and you are able to mask successfully your mental and physical self from the unwanted attentions of Tzor. Patiently you wait for the demonic being to herd his vast pack of tortured souls around to the far side of Dazganon before you cross the Plain of Despair and make your approach to Naar's stronghold.</p>
+ <p>Your precautions prove successful and you are able to mask successfully your mental and physical self from the unwanted attentions of Tzor. Patiently you wait for the demonic being to herd his vast pack of tortured souls around to the far side of Dazganon before you cross the Plain of Despair and make your approach to Naar<ch.apos/>s stronghold.</p>
<p>The outer gate of Dazganon is open and unguarded and you are able to pass through unhindered. Clearly the Dark God considers the need for guards here unnecessary for the walls and bastions appear never to have been manned. It is not until you reach the archway to the inner keep that you meet with resistance. Filling the inner arch is a curtain of black flames which crackle and spit venomously. You recall the text of the Tome of Darkness and retrieve from your pockets the three items that are required to gain entry to Dazganon. Then, with trepidation, you close your eyes and step directly into the wall of blazing black flame.</p>
<p>Add together the three numbers which appear upon the three special items that will enable you to gain entry to Dazganon. If you have gathered all three items, you will have noted these numbers in the margin of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. To continue your quest, turn now to the entry which is the same as your total.</p>
<p>If you have not obtained all three special items, sadly you are doomed to spend the rest of eternity running with the lost souls upon the Plain of Despair.</p>
<p>Lord Rimoah steps towards the table and picks up a seemingly ordinary scabbard.</p>
<p>'Here, take this,' he says, placing it into your hands, 'it is woven from strands of pure korlinium. It will keep secret the true powers of your mighty blade.'</p>
<p>You exchange your old scabbard for this new one and affix it to your belt. (Record the Korlinium Scabbard as a Special Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You need not discard another item in its favour if you already carry the maximum permissible.)</p>
- <p>'Your new scabbard will shield your goodly blade, Grand Master;' comments Lord Ardan, 'but what of yourself? You are imbued with Kai powers that may readily be detected. Your formidable skills of body and mind could alert Naar's minions to your presence.'</p>
+ <p>'Your new scabbard will shield your goodly blade, Grand Master;' comments Lord Ardan, 'but what of yourself? You are imbued with Kai powers that may readily be detected. Your formidable skills of body and mind could alert Naar<ch.apos/>s minions to your presence.'</p>
<choice idref="sect53">If you possess a Platinum Amulet, <link-text>turn to 53</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect296">If you do not possess this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 296</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>343</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The portal opens into a vaulted corridor lined with wall-paintings that exude a crude aura of evil. This procession of gaudy murals depict nightmarish scenes: diseased creatures, alien landscapes blighted with pestilence, hosts of larvae writhing in awful triumph over the goodly forces of Kai and Ishir. This macabre celebration of decay fills you with revulsion, yet it pales in comparison to the sight awaiting you at the corridor's end.</p>
- <p>Beyond the corridor lies a vast chamber, rough-hewn from the bedrock of this rotting land. The decomposing carcass of a gigantic reptile rests here upon a floor which shimmers in the eerie yellow half-light. Bile rises in your throat when suddenly you realize why the floor is shimmering--it is carpeted with a seething sea of maggots. Gagging with fear and nausea, you snatch your cloak to your mouth and steady yourself against a pillar as you survey this ghastly hall. Mounted upon the broken back of the great reptillian carcass are two throne-like chairs carved from black wood. Between and below them, lying deep within the creature's exposed ribcage, is a dark semi-circular shadow that resembles the entrance to a cave. Drawing upon your Magnakai Discipline of divination, you scan the hall and quickly determine that all is not what it seems. You detect the presence of three powerful entities protected by spells of illusion and invisibility. You feel sure that two of them are the Knae--the rulers of this hellish domain--but the third eludes you. Its aura feels oddly familiar yet you cannot readily determine its location or identity.</p>
+ <p>The portal opens into a vaulted corridor lined with wall-paintings that exude a crude aura of evil. This procession of gaudy murals depict nightmarish scenes: diseased creatures, alien landscapes blighted with pestilence, hosts of larvae writhing in awful triumph over the goodly forces of Kai and Ishir. This macabre celebration of decay fills you with revulsion, yet it pales in comparison to the sight awaiting you at the corridor<ch.apos/>s end.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the corridor lies a vast chamber, rough-hewn from the bedrock of this rotting land. The decomposing carcass of a gigantic reptile rests here upon a floor which shimmers in the eerie yellow half-light. Bile rises in your throat when suddenly you realize why the floor is shimmering--it is carpeted with a seething sea of maggots. Gagging with fear and nausea, you snatch your cloak to your mouth and steady yourself against a pillar as you survey this ghastly hall. Mounted upon the broken back of the great reptillian carcass are two throne-like chairs carved from black wood. Between and below them, lying deep within the creature<ch.apos/>s exposed ribcage, is a dark semi-circular shadow that resembles the entrance to a cave. Drawing upon your Magnakai Discipline of divination, you scan the hall and quickly determine that all is not what it seems. You detect the presence of three powerful entities protected by spells of illusion and invisibility. You feel sure that two of them are the Knae--the rulers of this hellish domain--but the third eludes you. Its aura feels oddly familiar yet you cannot readily determine its location or identity.</p>
<choice idref="sect18">If you have ever visited Mogaruith, Kaag, or Helgor, in a previous Lone Wolf adventure, <link-text>turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect320">If you have never visited any of these places, <link-text>turn to 320</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>344</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Suddenly the fearsome Dragonlord ceases to roar and spit fire. The wounds you have inflicted have weakened him and he is forced to retreat from the combat momentarily in order to recoup enough strength to continue. Before he can strike again, you use the lull in the deafening noise that has accompanied this fight to shout out the Dragonlord's secret name.</p>
- <p>'Zhula!' you cry. Huan'zhor shudders when he hears the name, and a naked panic grips his heart. Bleating like a frightened lamb, the great dragon takes to the air and flees in terror. You watch him fly back across the chasm and soar upwards into the vent in the ceiling of the titanic cavern, from where he first appeared. Your swift and timely use of Huan'zhor's secret name has routed your enemy. Yet, unfortunately, the lavas and the reptillian minions do not follow the example of their terrified leader. Sensing an enemy in their midst, they rapidly muster their numbers and encircle the temple. Through the wall of flames you glimpse several dozen lavas approaching the nest by air from the far side of the chasm. Rather than risk being caught here when they launch their attack, you walk across the floor to the apex of the transporter beam and step in.</p>
+ <p>Suddenly the fearsome Dragonlord ceases to roar and spit fire. The wounds you have inflicted have weakened him and he is forced to retreat from the combat momentarily in order to recoup enough strength to continue. Before he can strike again, you use the lull in the deafening noise that has accompanied this fight to shout out the Dragonlord<ch.apos/>s secret name.</p>
+ <p>'Zhula!' you cry. Huan<ch.apos/>zhor shudders when he hears the name, and a naked panic grips his heart. Bleating like a frightened lamb, the great dragon takes to the air and flees in terror. You watch him fly back across the chasm and soar upwards into the vent in the ceiling of the titanic cavern, from where he first appeared. Your swift and timely use of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor<ch.apos/>s secret name has routed your enemy. Yet, unfortunately, the lavas and the reptillian minions do not follow the example of their terrified leader. Sensing an enemy in their midst, they rapidly muster their numbers and encircle the temple. Through the wall of flames you glimpse several dozen lavas approaching the nest by air from the far side of the chasm. Rather than risk being caught here when they launch their attack, you walk across the floor to the apex of the transporter beam and step in.</p>
<choice idref="sect155"><link-text>Turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>345</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw your weapon and strike out, cleaving through its middle. The vine emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its sundered torso. Gagging at the stench of the creature's foul ichor, you pull yourself upright and stagger away along the trail. You are within a few yards of the beach when your escape is suddenly blocked by a wall of flailing vines which descend with alarming speed from the canopy of low branches. You must fight them.</p>
+ <p>You draw your weapon and strike out, cleaving through its middle. The vine emits a high-pitched squeal as it recoils, trailing a spray of sticky green slime from its sundered torso. Gagging at the stench of the creature<ch.apos/>s foul ichor, you pull yourself upright and stagger away along the trail. You are within a few yards of the beach when your escape is suddenly blocked by a wall of flailing vines which descend with alarming speed from the canopy of low branches. You must fight them.</p>
<p>Haemodyls: COMBAT SKIII 49 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> 47</p>
<p>These creatures are immune to all forms of psychic attack, except Kai-blast and Kai-ray. If you possess Animal Mastery, you may add 2 to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ> for the duration of this fight.</p>
<choice idref="sect19">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 19</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>350</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you tumble into the dark vortex of this newly-created Shadow Gate, you see the glow of the Moonstone illuminating the silhouette of Alyss in the middle distance. Behind and above, the mouth of the gate by which you entered the abyss is rapidly shrinking. Alyss is using the power of the Moonstone once more, this time to seal the gate in Naar's inner sanctum to prevent his fell minions from following you home to Toran.</p>
+ <p>As you tumble into the dark vortex of this newly-created Shadow Gate, you see the glow of the Moonstone illuminating the silhouette of Alyss in the middle distance. Behind and above, the mouth of the gate by which you entered the abyss is rapidly shrinking. Alyss is using the power of the Moonstone once more, this time to seal the gate in Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum to prevent his fell minions from following you home to Toran.</p>
<p>The deeper you fall into the spiraling darkness so it seems the stronger Alyss becomes. Gripping the precious Moonstone with both hands, she extends her arms and glides easily through the whirling funnel towards you. As she draws level, you hear her speaking softly in your mind:</p>
<p>'Thank you, Grand Master. I shall never forget what you have done for me. Had you not returned when you did I would have forfeited my freedom to the Dark God. And freedom, to me, is the most precious of things. For without freedom I would cease to be.'</p>
<p>For a moment, the whirling frigid darkness of the Shadow Gate is illuminated brightly by the flaring rays of the Moonstone. Alyss passes the sacred artifact into your safe keeping, kisses you fondly on the cheek, and with the parting words--'Farewell Lone Wolf. Kai and Ishir should be proud. You are indeed their most worthy champion'--she flashes you an impudent smile and in the blink of an eye she is gone.</p>
</ol>
<p>Bonus Disciplines:</p>
<ol>
- <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 5th Discipline if you've completed one Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventure successfully</li>
- <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 6th Discipline if you've completed two Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventures successfully</li>
- <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 7th Discipline if you've completed three Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventures successfully</li>
- <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 8th Discipline if you've completed four Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventure successfully</li>
- <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 9th Discipline if you've completed five Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventures successfully</li>
- <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 10th Discipline if you've completed six Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventures successfully</li>
- <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 11th Discipline if you've completed seven Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventures successfully</li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 5th Discipline if you<ch.apos/>ve completed one Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventure successfully</li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 6th Discipline if you<ch.apos/>ve completed two Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventures successfully</li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 7th Discipline if you<ch.apos/>ve completed three Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventures successfully</li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 8th Discipline if you<ch.apos/>ve completed four Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventure successfully</li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 9th Discipline if you<ch.apos/>ve completed five Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventures successfully</li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 10th Discipline if you<ch.apos/>ve completed six Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventures successfully</li>
+ <li><ch.blankline></ch.blankline>: 11th Discipline if you<ch.apos/>ve completed seven Lone Wolf Grand Master Adventures successfully</li>
</ol>
<p>Weapons:</p>
<ol>
<tfoot>
<tr>
- <td colspan="14">Combat results are given enemy's endurance loss first followed by the hero's endurance loss. For example, "12/0" means that the enemy loses 12 endurance points while the hero loses 0 endurance points. A combat result of "k" means that the combatant is killed. For example, "0/k" means that the enemy loses 0 endurance points while the hero is killed.</td>
+ <td colspan="14">Combat results are given enemy<ch.apos/>s endurance loss first followed by the hero<ch.apos/>s endurance loss. For example, "12/0" means that the enemy loses 12 endurance points while the hero loses 0 endurance points. A combat result of "k" means that the combatant is killed. For example, "0/k" means that the enemy loses 0 endurance points while the hero is killed.</td>
</tr>
</tfoot>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / commitdiff