</dd>
<dt>Editing</dt>
<dd>
+ <line>Ingo Kl<ch.ouml/>cker</line>
<line>LeRoy McSwain</line>
+ <line>Jennifer Sigman</line>
<line>Simon Osborne</line>
</dd>
<dt>Coordination</dt>
</li>
</ul>
- <p>List the four items
bat you choose on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, under the appropriate headings, and make a note of any effect they may have on your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points or <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
+ <p>List the four items
that you choose on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, under the appropriate headings, and make a note of any effect they may have on your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points or <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>.</p>
<section class="frontmatter" id="howuse">
<meta>
<meta><title>92</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>After the dangers of Eldenora, the plains of peaceful Slovia seem like a tranquil paradise. The grasslands are rich arid fertile, and an abundance of game keeps you well fed during the five days it takes you to ride north to the walled city of Tekaro. Here, at an inn close by the city<ch.apos/>s cathedral, where, years ago, you discovered one of the Lorestones of Nyxator during your quest for Kai knowledge, you spend a fortunate evening in the company of a band of Salonese mercenaries. Aided by your Kai skills, you fleece them of 30 Gold Crowns while playing cards, and with your gain you purchase a fresh horse
(or your continuing journey home. (Your new horse and a night<ch.apos/>s lodging at the inn cost you 25 Cold Crowns; you may add the balance of 5 Cold Crowns to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, maximum allowances permitting.)</p>
+ <p>After the dangers of Eldenora, the plains of peaceful Slovia seem like a tranquil paradise. The grasslands are rich arid fertile, and an abundance of game keeps you well fed during the five days it takes you to ride north to the walled city of Tekaro. Here, at an inn close by the city<ch.apos/>s cathedral, where, years ago, you discovered one of the Lorestones of Nyxator during your quest for Kai knowledge, you spend a fortunate evening in the company of a band of Salonese mercenaries. Aided by your Kai skills, you fleece them of 30 Gold Crowns while playing cards, and with your gain you purchase a fresh horse
for your continuing journey home. (Your new horse and a night<ch.apos/>s lodging at the inn cost you 25 Cold Crowns; you may add the balance of 5 Cold Crowns to your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>, maximum allowances permitting.)</p>
<p>Early the following day you leave Tekaro and set out on the highway bound for Tido. You plan to reach Casiorn by means of the North Pass through the Slovarian Range, but during your second day on the road you are forced to revise your plans drastically. During a chance meeting at a wayside inn with a merchant who has journeyed from Casiorn, you learn that an avalanche has blocked the North Pass and travel by that route is now impossible. It will be several months before the pass is cleared and the mountain road rebuilt. You resolve instead to reach Casiorn by way of Varetta, the ancient city of crossed swords, and the following day you resume your ride north.</p>
<p>During your ride, you stop to assist a farmer whose cart has shed a wheel. In return for your help, he offers the services of his brother who operates a raft ferry across the River Quarl. Gladly the brother transports you and your horse across the river to Salony, where you enter the great forest by way of a timberland trail. After a full day<ch.apos/>s ride along this lonely track, you find yourself approaching the outskirts of a town called Ellio.</p>
<p>During your long day<ch.apos/>s ride through the forest of Salony, unless you possess Grand Huntmastery, you must eat a Meal or lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<data>
<p>From the depths of its cavernous gullet, the dragon coughs forth a concentrated jet of white-hot flame that comes speeding towards your chest. Wide-eyed with fear, you leap aside desperately to avoid being incinerated by this lance of dragon-fire.</p>
- <choice idref="sect46">If you possess Kai alchemy, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect46">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 46</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect153">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 153</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p><quote>Thank Ishir you are alive, Banedon,</quote> you say clasping his hand in friendship. <quote>In Holmgard they fear that you and Rimoah were killed aboard your skyship. It gladdens my heart to see this is not so.</quote></p>
<p><quote>And it warms me to see you safely home, Grand Master,</quote> he replies.</p>
<p><quote>Though we<ch.apos/>ve been hard-pressed to keep your home safe in your absence,</quote> adds Lord Rimoah, with a wry smile.</p>
- <p><quote>You both have my deepest thanks,</quote> you reply. <quote>You took a great risk in corning to the aid of the Kai. I have seen what became of your skyship, Banedon. You were indeed fortunate to have survived.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>You both have my deepest thanks,</quote> you reply. <quote>You took a great risk in coming to the aid of the Kai. I have seen what became of your skyship, Banedon. You were indeed fortunate to have survived.</quote></p>
<p><quote>Aye,</quote> he replies, sadly. <quote>Yet, alas, three of my Brotherhood were not so blessed. They perished when the lavas dragged us from the skies.</quote></p>
<p><quote>Take heart, Banedon, for their deaths will not be in vain. They shall be avenged.</quote> And with these prophetic words you take the Sun-crystal from your pocket and show it to your grieving friend. <quote>With this crystal I shall destroy the Shadow Gate and put an end to Naar<ch.apos/>s evil plan.</quote></p>
- <p>Together with Banedon and Rimoah, you make a tour of the monastery to assess for yourself the extent of the battle damage. Your presence among the young Kai greatly improves their morale and strengthens their resolve to withstand the lavas<ch.apos/> siege. You Ask every area of the monastery, including the Lore Hall of Solaris where the bodies of those slain in battle have been laid out, awaiting burial. It saddens you to see so many Kai dead and, as you walk among their still ranks, you recognize many in whom you had held high hopes; Spring Rain, Eastwind, Sharp Dove, Deep Heart. Frost Lark, and Firefly. As you turn to leave the Lore Hall, you vow to Banedon and Rimoah that the sacrifice they have made will never be forgotten.</p>
+ <p>Together with Banedon and Rimoah, you make a tour of the monastery to assess for yourself the extent of the battle damage. Your presence among the young Kai greatly improves their morale and strengthens their resolve to withstand the lavas<ch.apos/> siege. You visit every area of the monastery, including the Lore Hall of Solaris where the bodies of those slain in battle have been laid out, awaiting burial. It saddens you to see so many Kai dead and, as you walk among their still ranks, you recognize many in whom you had held high hopes; Spring Rain, Eastwind, Sharp Dove, Deep Heart. Frost Lark, and Firefly. As you turn to leave the Lore Hall, you vow to Banedon and Rimoah that the sacrifice they have made will never be forgotten.</p>
<choice idref="sect256"><link-text>Turn to 256</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>Once you and Ardan are safely aboard, Lord Constable Nathor shouts a terse command to the driver and the coach speeds away from the harbour, escorted by the troop of court cavalry. A swervingly swift journey through Garthen<ch.apos/>s steeply narrow streets ends when the coachman reins in his horses in the courtyard of the Royal Citadel. Everywhere you look you see soldiers of the Royal Household in uniforms bedecked with glittering braid. A fanfare of trumpets announces your arrival and, with minimal delay, Nathor escorts you personally to the State Hall where Queen Evaine of Talestria, seated upon a throne and surrounded by a dozen of her court advisors, is waiting patiently for you to appear.</p>
<p><quote>Welcome, Grand Master.</quote> she says, graciously, <quote>we have been expecting you. King Sarnac sent word of your arrival by message-hawk and we have made arrangements to help speed your passage homewards,</quote></p>
<p>Respectfully you bow to the queen and voice your thanks for the cooperation she has seen fit to offer you.</p>
- <p><quote>Not at all. Grand Master, for Talestria is in your debt. Were it not for you, our land would be in the thrall of the Darklords.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Not at all, Grand Master, for Talestria is in your debt. Were it not for you, our land would be in the thrall of the Darklords.</quote></p>
<p>With this, Queen Evaine dismisses her advisors and motions for you, Ardan, and Lord Constable Nathor to approach to the foot of her throne.</p>
<p><quote>I understand the urgency of your journey, Grand Master,</quote> she says, her voice hushed as if she fears being overheard, <quote>but I must caution you to be on guard. The Dark God Naar<ch.apos/>s agents are abroad with plans to thwart your homecoming. I have received word from my garrisons in the north that Zlanbeast and Kraan riders have been sighted in the night skies. They venture forth from the ruins of the Darklord cities of Nadgazad and Cragmantle, sent by the express command of Naar himself. They know now that you triumphed in Ixia and they are watching expectantly for your coming.</quote></p>
<p><quote>I thank you for this information, your majesty, but I am sure that I can avoid these night-riders,</quote> you reply confidently.</p>
<data>
<p>Still shaking from the effects of your return through the Shadow Gate, you slowly get to your feet and look out across the surrounding foothills. Here, on your home world, several hours have passed since you were carried through the Shadow Gate and into the Plane of Darkness, and as you survey the land, you notice that the first rays of the Fehmarn dawn are beginning to colour the eastern horizon.</p>
<p>You look down at the mountainous slopes which descend before the yawning black mouth of the Shadow Gate, and, to your relief, you see the faint golden shimmer of the Sun-crystal. It is still lying where it fell, thirty feet below where you are now standing.</p>
- <choice idref="sect54">If you possess Kai alchemy, and have attained the Kai rank of Sun Thane or higher, <link-text>turn to 54</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect54">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and have attained the Kai rank of Sun Thane or higher, <link-text>turn to 54</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect10">If you do not possess this skill, or if you have yet to attain this level of Kai Mastery, <link-text>turn to 10</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>When you focus your Kai senses upon this device, you suddenly realize its true purpose: it detects light in the infrared spectrum. It is a means by which the Cener Druid can locate objects in the dark by the heat radiating from them. Many of the men, whose corpses now provide you with cover, were detected crossing the river this way.</p>
<p>Forewarned by your advanced mastery, you slip back into the water and allow the current to carry you a few hundred yards downstream. Here you discover a shallow bay in the river bank which affords you cover from the device, and also from the nearest enemy trench. Quickly you slither like a snake up the muddy bank and drop silently into this trench. A dull-witted Eldenoran is quickly dispatched with a blow from the edge of your hand, enabling you to move further along this log-walled ditch. Just as you are passing the opening to a makeshift dugout, you sense danger ahead. A single file of Eldenoran swordsmen are marching along the trench in your direction: it will only be a matter of seconds before they are close enough to see you.</p>
- <choice idref="sect185">If you wish to dive into the dugout to avoid being seer by these men, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect185">If you wish to dive into the dugout to avoid being seen by these men, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect57">If you choose to unsheathe your weapon and prepare for combat with this advancing file of troops, <link-text>turn to 57</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>This narrow lane is flanked by hovels and makeshift shelters for the poor of the city. Beggars assail you from all sides, pleading for money with outstretched hands, but there are so many of them that you quickly abandon the idea of making a donation.</p>
<p>At length, the lane opens into a rubbish-strewn square faced by a shadowy, unsigned building. As you draw nearer, its grey door creaks open and a curly-haired youth beckons you to approach.</p>
<p><quote>Welcome, stranger,</quote> he says, in a syrupy voice. <quote>You look lost. Why don<ch.apos/>t you rest here a while. I<ch.apos/>m sure I can help you find your way.</quote></p>
- <choice idref="sect2">If you possess Kai alchemy, <link-text>turn to 2</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect2">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 2</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect155">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 155</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<p>It is near midnight when you arrive at a ridge which commands a view of the mighty River Storn. Moonlight pours molten silver over the rushing water, illuminating a ford where a crossing can be made over this unusually deep and fast-flowing river. To the far horizon stretch the plains of Slovia, peaceful and inviting. You long to be on the other side, but you suspect that crossing here, despite the ford, will not be an easy task. Heavily fortified border posts stand at the approaches to the ford, and many keen-eyed sentries are scanning the surrounding countryside on both sides of the river. The Eldenorans are watching for deserters attempting to flee to the safety of Slovia, a neutral territory in the war against Palmyrion; the Slovians keep watch for signs of an Eldenoran attack. It would not be the first time an invasion by their hostile neighbour had come this way.</p>
<p>Patiently you observe the ford for more than an hour, trying to determine the optimum time to make your move, but then suddenly the choice is taken out of your hands. In the middle distance you see an Eldenoran patrol riding towards the ridge. Unless you abandon the ridge at once, they will be sure to see you and raise an alarm.</p>
<p>Taking your courage in both hands, you spur your horse to the gallop and rush headlong down the rocky slope that leads directly to the ford.</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. And if you possess Kai alchemy, add 1.</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. And if you possess Kai-alchemy, add 1.</p>
<choice idref="sect218">If your total score is now 2 or less, <link-text>turn to 218</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect87">If it is 3<ch.endash/>6, <link-text>turn to 87</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect119">If it is 7 or more, <link-text>turn to 119</link-text>.</choice>
<p>(<a idref="sect116">116</a>) Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect120">120</a>) Replaced <quote>Nathor, <ch.lsquot/>it<ch.apos/>s</quote> with <quote>Nathor. <ch.lsquot/>It<ch.apos/>s</quote>. Replaced <quote>Hail Tranius!</quote> with <quote>Hail, Tranius!</quote>. Replaced <quote>turn to 72</quote> with <quote>turn to 72.</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect121">121</a>) Replaced <quote>time, I</quote> with <quote>time; I</quote>. Replaced <quote>e<ch.apos/>er</quote> with <quote>e<ch.apos/>en</quote>. Replaced <quote>smile, <ch.lsquot/>I</quote> with <quote>smile. <ch.lsquot/>I</quote>. Replaced <quote>replies, <ch.lsquot/>the</quote> with <quote>replies. <ch.lsquot/>The</quote>. Replaced <quote>Lone Wolf</quote> with <quote><cite>Lone Wolf</cite></quote> when referring to the series.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect122">122</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai alchemy</quote> with <quote>Kai-alchemy</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect125">125</a>) Replaced <quote>Discipline turn</quote> with <quote>Discipline, turn</quote>. Replaced <quote>treeline</quote> with <quote>tree-line</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect128">128</a>) Replaced <quote>Kai healing</quote> with <quote>Kai Healing</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect129">129</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>.</p>
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