<data>
<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><quote>Take up the axe, Lone Wolf,</quote> she cries, <quote>use Kekataag<ch.apos/>s weapon to smite the power that holds me captive!</quote></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>
<data>
<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><quote>So perish all spawn of evil,</quote> 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>16</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you tumble and spin through the void of the Shadow Gate, you struggle to keep your eyes focused on a tiny mote of light which glimmers in the dark, immeasurable distance. You sense that your passage through this astral corridor is being guided by the concerted will of the council gathered at the entrance to the portal. Using their psychic powers they are attempting to steer your body through a maze of channels which will lead towards that remote speck of light. Sensing this, you draw upon your improved Kai Discipline and use it to aid the magicians' efforts. By doing so you are able to stabilize yourself and reduce the terrible fatigue of your journey.</p>
+ <p>As you tumble and spin through the void of the Shadow Gate, you struggle to keep your eyes focused on a tiny mote of light which glimmers in the dark, immeasurable distance. You sense that your passage through this astral corridor is being guided by the concerted will of the council gathered at the entrance to the portal. Using their psychic powers they are attempting to steer your body through a maze of channels which will lead towards that remote speck of light. Sensing this, you draw upon your improved Kai Discipline and use it to aid the magicians' efforts. By doing so you are able to stabilize yourself and reduce the terrible fatigue of your journey.</p>
<choice idref="sect90"><link-text>Turn to 90</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Suddenly you fathom the identity of the third spirit occupying this hall. It is Cadak--Arch Druid of the Cenerese--sworn enemy of the Kai and all who ally themselves to the cause of Good. His body was destroyed on Magnamund five years ago but his spirit survives here, in this reeking hall, bound in eternal servitude to the Lords of Decay.</p>
- <p>Your heart pounds as you witness a swirling, ghostly, gossamer shape arise from the hollow ribcage of the carcass and snake towards you like a vampiric mist. As it draws closer, you hear the chilling voice of Cadak invade your mind: 'From beyond death the powers of decay grant me revenge, Lone Wolf!'</p>
+ <p>Your heart pounds as you witness a swirling, ghostly, gossamer shape arise from the hollow ribcage of the carcass and snake towards you like a vampiric mist. As it draws closer, you hear the chilling voice of Cadak invade your mind: <quote>From beyond death the powers of decay grant me revenge, Lone Wolf!</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect249">If you possess Kai-screen, <link-text>turn to 249</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect4">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 4</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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<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><quote>Well, I see you<ch.apos/>ll have no need of new weaponry, Grand Master. Surely there can be no blade better suited to the slaying of the Dark God<ch.apos/>s foul creatures than the one you already possess--the Sword of the Sun.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Aye,</quote> comments Ardan, <quote>tis true. Your divine sword can vanquish any of Naar<ch.apos/>s creations. It may even possess power enough to smite the Dark God himself!</quote></p>
<p>Lord Ardan<ch.apos/>s words lift your spirits. It is comforting to hear that you possess at least one effective weapon against the horrors you may have to face during your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
- <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>
+ <p><quote>It is a fine blade, Grand Master,</quote> says Rimoah, <quote>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.</quote></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<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><quote>Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,</quote> pleads Cadak<ch.apos/>s plaintive voice in your mind. <quote>I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the Knae.</quote></p>
<p>The receding tide of maggots has revealed a glowing ring that lies on the slime-smeared floor at the centre of the hall.</p>
- <p>'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><quote>Take the ring, Lone Wolf. Take the ring and grant me your forgiveness. With the ring the way is clear for you to leave this hall through the Tunnel of the Wyrm.</quote></p>
<p>Beyond the flame-like spirit of Cadak you can see the rotting ribcage of the reptillian carcass. The semi-circular shadow that occupies it is now pulsing with a warm, amber light.</p>
<choice idref="sect128">If you agree to forgive the spirit of Cadak and wish to pick up the ring, <link-text>turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect20">If you refuse to forgive the spirit of Cadak, and decide that you will not pick up the ring, <link-text>turn to 20</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<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<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>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 <quote>deep realm of rock, iron, steel and flame</quote>, and that among the many eternal duties he has been set by Naar, his primary task is to forge weapons of power for the Dark God<ch.apos/>s champions. Zantaz has no secret name, but you are able to translate the text which details how one can leave his domain. It makes for uneasy reading. The tome states that any who wish to depart must first <quote>defeat Zantaz in mortal combat and cast his body into the Pit of Darkflame, from whence he shall be reborn.</quote> Only by proving oneself worthy in combat against Zantaz can one cause <quote>the Gate of Dragonflame to release the worthy victor.</quote> The name <quote>Zantaz</quote> is vaguely familiar; you are sure that you have heard it before. As you ponder the remaining text which lists his infamous deeds, you suddenly recall where it was that you heard his name spoken. It was many years ago, while you were still an initiate at the Kai monastery, and your old tutor--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>
<data>
<p>You focus on the runes that have been chiselled into the floor. They are similar to those you encountered on the portal to this subterranean labyrinth when first you entered. 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><quote>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.</quote></p>
<p>With caution guiding your every step, 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 had hoped 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>
<choice idref="sect109">If you possess any Gold Crowns, <link-text>turn to 109</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect65">If you have no Gold Crowns, <link-text>turn to 65</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>50</title></meta>
<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>Ardan and Rimoah are honoured that you have chosen to take this sword which they have spent many months creating. (Record this sword--
<quote>Skarn-Ska</quote>--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<ch.apos/>s domain these radiant energies could attract the unwanted attentions of those who dwell therein.'</p>
+ <p><quote>We are delighted that you approve of Skarn-Ska, Grand Master,</quote> says Rimoah, <quote>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.</quote></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<ch.apos/>s true power from Naar<ch.apos/>s foul spawn.</p>
+ <p><quote>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.</quote></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<ch.apos/>s minions to your presence among them.'</p>
+ <p><quote>The scabbard will shield your blade, Grand Master,</quote> comments Lord Rimoah, <quote>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.</quote></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>
<data>
<p>Freed from the constraints of the force field, Alyss is able to use the power of the Moonstone to bring into being a Shadow Gate which materializes in the floor of the chamber.</p>
- <p>'Come, Grand Master,' she implores as she gets ready to step into the whirling black abyss, 'Follow me!'</p>
+ <p><quote>Come, Grand Master,</quote> she implores as she gets ready to step into the whirling black abyss, <quote>Follow me!</quote></p>
<p>And with these words she is swallowed up by the inky abyss. Seconds later, you drop the heavy axe and take a running leap into the Shadow Gate, escaping in her wake barely moments before a pack of screeching, gnawing, parasitic horrors engulf the place where you last were standing.</p>
<choice idref="sect350"><link-text>Turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<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><quote>Ah, I see that you already possess a sigil of power,</quote> says Lord Rimoah, approvingly. <quote>It seems you are better prepared for the quest than we had anticipated.</quote></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<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><quote>You<ch.apos/>ll not be requiring this after all,</quote> he says, <quote>but there is something which I<ch.apos/>m sure you will find most useful. And I<ch.apos/>m certain that you have not come across anything of its like before.</quote></p>
<p>Once again Rimoah motions to Ardan and the elderly wizard responds by taking up a small package that is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly, you take it from him.</p>
- <p>'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><quote>It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,</quote> says Ardan. <quote>A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.</quote></p>
<p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty, devoid of script, pictures or diagrams of any sort.</p>
- <p>'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<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><quote>I do not see how this book will help my quest,</quote> you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
+ <p><quote>This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,</quote> replies Lord Rimoah, <quote>but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar<ch.apos/>s domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.</quote></p>
<p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your backpack. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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<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><quote>Gnekasha!</quote> 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<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>
<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<ch.apos/>pok emits a hideous, bubbling laugh. He is mocking your futile attempt to save yourself by calling upon the powers which bind him in fealty to the Dark God. As his foul form wobbles with undisguised mirth, you quickly unshoulder your backpack and tear open the flap to retrieve the Tome of Darkness. Nza<ch.apos/>pok ceases to laugh when he glimpses its jet black cover for he is aware of its origins and the powerful secrets it contains.</p>
+ <p>You shout the name <quote>Lukha</quote> aloud but it has no effect. For a moment there is an uneasy silence, then the rubbery mouth of Nza<ch.apos/>pok emits a hideous, bubbling laugh. He is mocking your futile attempt to save yourself by calling upon the powers which bind him in fealty to the Dark God. As his foul form wobbles with undisguised mirth, you quickly unshoulder your backpack and tear open the flap to retrieve the Tome of Darkness. Nza<ch.apos/>pok ceases to laugh when he glimpses its jet black cover for he is aware of its origins and the powerful secrets it contains.</p>
<p>With a terse growl, he gives the signal to his minions and they hurl their spears into the pit with chilling accuracy. You are struck by more than a dozen of these deadly lances and, unlike most who have fallen foul of Nza<ch.apos/>pok, your death is mercifully swift and almost painless.</p>
<p>Sadly, your life and your quest for the Moonstone ends here.</p>
</data>
<data>
<p>As you pass into the void, a sensation of unimaginable speed assaults your senses. You fly through the stellar darkness and a universe unfolds before you, like a million gems strewn upon an endless sea of black velvet. Your physical body is sheathed within a casing of pale white light, and you sense that it is a protective shell generated by your platinum amulet to protect you from the icy chill and airlessness of this astral starscape.</p>
- <p>You surrender yourself to the invisible currents that ebb and flow through the void and, as you glide across this immeasurable no-space, once more you consult the Tome of Darkness. The transparent page that revealed information about Shamath<ch.apos/>s realm is now blank, but the one which follows has changed in colour and texture. Lines of glowing text have appeared on a page that is as dark as deep space. Again, using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of the text and you discover that it tells of '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>You surrender yourself to the invisible currents that ebb and flow through the void and, as you glide across this immeasurable no-space, once more you consult the Tome of Darkness. The transparent page that revealed information about Shamath<ch.apos/>s realm is now blank, but the one which follows has changed in colour and texture. Lines of glowing text have appeared on a page that is as dark as deep space. Again, using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of the text and you discover that it tells of <quote>Avarvae the Tormentress</quote>, and it reveals that this void--which is her domain--is called <quote>The Oblivion of the Tortured Souls</quote>. You ignore the list of her cruel and evil deeds, and search out her secret name.</p>
<p>Unfortunately you discover that there is no name to bind her. However, you do learn that no special artifact is required to leave her realm and there are two exits: The Gates of Darkness, by which you entered, and the Bridge of the Damned. Having no desire to return to Shamath<ch.apos/>s domain, you put away the tome and resolve instead to find the Bridge of the Damned. Yet, as you stare across the infinite distances of this void, it is hard to dispel your fears that you may end your days lost here forever.</p>
<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>
<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><quote>Zhula!</quote> 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>
<meta><title>71</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>With cool defiance you stare back at the ghoulish mutant horde. You count more than thirty spears raised and ready to be hurled at you upon Nza'pok's command, far more than you can hope to dodge at once, yet still you refuse to show him and his loathsome spawn any sign of weakness. Then, in the face of imminent death, you suddenly 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>With cool defiance you stare back at the ghoulish mutant horde. You count more than thirty spears raised and ready to be hurled at you upon Nza'pok's command, far more than you can hope to dodge at once, yet still you refuse to show him and his loathsome spawn any sign of weakness. Then, in the face of imminent death, you suddenly 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>
<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>75</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The first bolts come whistling through the air as 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 suddenly notice the waters of the strange pool which lies less 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 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>The first bolts come whistling through the air as 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 suddenly notice the waters of the strange pool which lies less 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 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>
<choice idref="sect300"><link-text>Turn to 300</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>77</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The sight of Huan'zhor fast approaching galvanizes you into action. Frantically you search for the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon but you cannot detect any artifact that resembles either a scarab or a wingless dragon. Through the wall of flames you can see Huan'zhor flaring his mighty wings; he is slowing his approach to the temple in preparation to land upon his nest of fire. You feel a wave of magical energy sweeping over the nest and you sense that the Dragonlord has reactivated the spell which shielded the trapdoor. This route of escape is now sealed. Moments later his shadow darkens the flames - he is but seconds away from landing.</p>
+ <p>The sight of Huan'zhor fast approaching galvanizes you into action. Frantically you search for the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon but you cannot detect any artifact that resembles either a scarab or a wingless dragon. Through the wall of flames you can see Huan'zhor flaring his mighty wings; he is slowing his approach to the temple in preparation to land upon his nest of fire. You feel a wave of magical energy sweeping over the nest and you sense that the Dragonlord has reactivated the spell which shielded the trapdoor. This route of escape is now sealed. Moments later his shadow darkens the flames - he is but seconds away from landing.</p>
<choice idref="sect209">If you wish to escape the nest by leaping into the transporter beam, <link-text>turn to 209</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect185">If you wish to attempt to find a place in the nest where you can hide from the approaching Dragonlord, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>80</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You use your Kai skill to command the apprehensive creature to abandon its thoughts of attacking you and run away. The beast's evil eyes widen with uncertainty and then, in a moment of sheer terror, its nerve breaks and it scrambles back up the ramp. You watch it disappear through the archway before you turn your attention to the portal and examine its surface in an attempt to find a way to open it. 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>
+ <p>You use your Kai skill to command the apprehensive creature to abandon its thoughts of attacking you and run away. The beast's evil eyes widen with uncertainty and then, in a moment of sheer terror, its nerve breaks and it scrambles back up the ramp. You watch it disappear through the archway before you turn your attention to the portal and examine its surface in an attempt to find a way to open it. 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>
</section>
<meta><title>81</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Suddenly you sense movement behind you and you turn around to face it. You see nothing, but your swift reactions do save you from suffering the full effects of a powerful psychic shock-wave. The blast glances your shoulder and spins you backwards through the bloodstained entrance to Naar's inner sanctum. This entrance then closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound.</p>
- <p>You leap to your feet and unsheathe your weapon in readiness to defend both Alyss and yourself against any threat that Naar may launch. You do not have long to wait. Bursting from out of the smoky wall of the chamber comes Naar'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>Suddenly you sense movement behind you and you turn around to face it. You see nothing, but your swift reactions do save you from suffering the full effects of a powerful psychic shock-wave. The blast glances your shoulder and spins you backwards through the bloodstained entrance to Naar's inner sanctum. This entrance then closes behind you like a rapidly healing wound.</p>
+ <p>You leap to your feet and unsheathe your weapon in readiness to defend both Alyss and yourself against any threat that Naar may launch. You do not have long to wait. Bursting from out of the smoky wall of the chamber comes Naar'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>. 82-83</choice>
<meta><title>83</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You attempt to dodge the onrushing lance of flame but it glances your shoulder and sends you tumbling backwards across the hall's slimy floor.</p>
+ <p>You attempt to dodge the onrushing lance of flame but it glances your shoulder and sends you tumbling backwards across the hall'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 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 Kunae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness - you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
<meta><title>84</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>This gloomy cavern looks chillingly familiar, and when suddenly you recognize its derelict features a sense of fear and loathing pervades your mind. It was here you first encountered the Demoness Shamath with her army of attendants and dread automatons. You shudder when you recall how you seized the evil Deathstaff from this place, escaped from here by way of a Shadow Gate, and later thwarted Shamath's attempt to resurrect Darklord Vashna from the depths of the Maakengorge. The chamber's cracked and crumbling walls seem to reaffirm your past victory over the Demoness for you can detect no trace of the Shadow Gate nor of the supernatural creatures who previously dwelt in this once-splendid chamber. Cautiously you step out of the transporter beam and enter the cavern. The shattered remnants of the crystal dais crunch underfoot as you make your way across the floor towards a tunnel which gradually descends for more than a mile before reaching a circular cavern. The mouths of several smaller tunnels meet at this chamber, and all of these entrances are dark, save for one which radiates an icy blue luminescence. Before approaching any closer, you retrieve the Tome of Darkness from your backpack and consult its pages.</p>
- <p>The black page that revealed to you information about the realm of Huan'zhor is now featureless, but the one which follows it has transformed; it has taken on the appearance of a thin sheet of ice. Sandwiched within its transparent layers are lines of blood-red writing interposed with intricate diagrams and astrological charts. Relying once more upon your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this sorcerous text. The writings confirm some of what you already know, and they also provide you with fresh information that may aid your quest. You have entered the realm of the Demoness Shamath - the Mistress of the Gates of Darkness. The tome does not tell of her defeat by your hand, but you assume that this is because it was written long before your recent victory over her and her minions. Speaking as if she were still in control here, it says that she rules this domain from her throne of power which stands beside the Pool of Sorrows. You pass over the long list of unspeakably cruel deeds which earned her the right to rule this icy realm, and the revelation of her secret name - 'Gnekasha', until you discover that which interests you most: details of how to escape from this realm. You swallow hard when you read that all those who would seek to leave the realm of Shamath must first 'spill their own blood in the Pool of Sorrows'.</p>
+ <p>This gloomy cavern looks chillingly familiar, and when suddenly you recognize its derelict features a sense of fear and loathing pervades your mind. It was here you first encountered the Demoness Shamath with her army of attendants and dread automatons. You shudder when you recall how you seized the evil Deathstaff from this place, escaped from here by way of a Shadow Gate, and later thwarted Shamath's attempt to resurrect Darklord Vashna from the depths of the Maakengorge. The chamber's cracked and crumbling walls seem to reaffirm your past victory over the Demoness for you can detect no trace of the Shadow Gate nor of the supernatural creatures who previously dwelt in this once-splendid chamber. Cautiously you step out of the transporter beam and enter the cavern. The shattered remnants of the crystal dais crunch underfoot as you make your way across the floor towards a tunnel which gradually descends for more than a mile before reaching a circular cavern. The mouths of several smaller tunnels meet at this chamber, and all of these entrances are dark, save for one which radiates an icy blue luminescence. Before approaching any closer, you retrieve the Tome of Darkness from your backpack and consult its pages.</p>
+ <p>The black page that revealed to you information about the realm of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor is now featureless, but the one which follows it has transformed; it has taken on the appearance of a thin sheet of ice. Sandwiched within its transparent layers are lines of blood-red writing interposed with intricate diagrams and astrological charts. Relying once more upon your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this sorcerous text. The writings confirm some of what you already know, and they also provide you with fresh information that may aid your quest. You have entered the realm of the Demoness Shamath - the Mistress of the Gates of Darkness. The tome does not tell of her defeat by your hand, but you assume that this is because it was written long before your recent victory over her and her minions. Speaking as if she were still in control here, it says that she rules this domain from her throne of power which stands beside the Pool of Sorrows. You pass over the long list of unspeakably cruel deeds which earned her the right to rule this icy realm, and the revelation of her secret name - <quote>Gnekasha</quote>, until you discover that which interests you most: details of how to escape from this realm. You swallow hard when you read that all those who would seek to leave the realm of Shamath must first <quote>spill their own blood in the Pool of Sorrows</quote>.</p>
<p>You close the tome and stow it away into your backpack, then stealthily you approach the tunnel entrance which is radiating a pale azure light. When you halt upon its threshold and peer through its embellished archway, you witness a scene which both shocks and confounds you.</p>
<choice idref="sect275"><link-text>Turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Upon reaching the crater you are relieved to discover that its steep sides are covered with hardened lava, dusted with loose volcanic ash. You climb towards the rim, pausing halfway to take cover from the searing hot winds in the lee of a jagged boulder. While you are sheltering here, you take the opportunity to consult the Tome of Darkness given to you by Lord Rimoah. Its metallic pages appear as blank as when you first looked through them, but then you discover a page that is now very different. Bold black text stands out from a page that glimmers like mirrored steel. Using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of the arcane script which fills this page.</p>
- <p>The text tells of a creature called Huan'zhor the Dragonlord, and of his throne of power which is located within 'a nest of fire atop the Tree of the Wyrm'. It lists the many acts of Evil perpetrated by Huan'zhor during his long existence, for which he has been generously rewarded by Naar; the Dark God has granted him this fiery domain within the Plane of Darkness. It continues at length to describe the creatures who are enslaved to him, which include the Lavas, the Zarthryn, and the Chugotha. But most interestingly it reveals his secret name - 'Zheva' - which can be used to bind him, and tells of a magical item - the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon - which can be found in the 'nest of fire' and which can be used to effect an escape from his realm.</p>
+ <p>The text tells of a creature called Huan<ch.apos/>zhor the Dragonlord, and of his throne of power which is located within <quote>a nest of fire atop the Tree of the Wyrm</quote>. It lists the many acts of Evil perpetrated by Huan<ch.apos/>zhor during his long existence, for which he has been generously rewarded by Naar; the Dark God has granted him this fiery domain within the Plane of Darkness. It continues at length to describe the creatures who are enslaved to him, which include the Lavas, the Zarthryn, and the Chugotha. But most interestingly it reveals his secret name - <quote>Zheva</quote> - which can be used to bind him, and tells of a magical item - the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon - which can be found in the <quote>nest of fire</quote> and which can be used to effect an escape from his realm.</p>
<p>You close the tome and slip it back into your pack. From your makeshift shelter you command a view over the surrounding landscape in which there is nothing that remotely resembles a nest or a tree. All you are able to discern with any clarity is the blazing firestorm which is now sweeping across this charred land. Fearful of what could befall you when the firestorm reaches this exposed flank of the crater, you continue your climb and seek cover within the crater itself.</p>
<choice idref="sect194">If you have ever visited the city of Tahou in a previous Lone Wolf adventure, <link-text>turn to 194</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect339">If you have never visited this city, <link-text>turn to 339</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Even though you decline to accept the sword which Rimoah and Ardan have painstakingly crafted, they show no disappointment. They accept your decision without comment or question. Rimoah returns the blade to the table and takes up a sigil of platinum which is strung upon a loop of braided cord.</p>
- <p>'Grand Master will you accept this amulet? It possesses powers which may help you survive the challenge of your coming ordeal.'</p>
- <p>
'Very well,' 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><quote>Grand Master will you accept this amulet? It possesses powers which may help you survive the challenge of your coming ordeal.</quote></p>
+ <p>
<quote>Very well,</quote> 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 tuck the amulet inside the collar of your robes, Lord Ardan picks up a small package from the table that is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly this time, you take it from him.</p>
- <p>'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><quote>It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,</quote> he says. <quote>A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was found buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.</quote></p>
<p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty - 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><quote>I do not see how this book will help my quest,</quote> you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
+ <p><quote>This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,</quote> replies Lord Rimoah, <quote>but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar's domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.</quote></p>
+ <p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah
'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>
<data>
<p>Gradually the distant speck grows larger until, with a sudden violent surge, you pass through its white-hot core and feel yourself engulfed by a damp and fetid atmosphere. Moments later your journey ends abruptly when you splash feet-first into a swampy morass. Despite the speed of your impact, your natural balance and agility prevents you from plunging beneath the surface of the stinking swamp into which you have fallen.</p>
<p>After wiping away the slime that has splashed your face, you cast your gaze out across an unlovely vista of steaming mud pools fringed with dark jungle vegetation. A cloying aura of evil permeates every part of this vile landscape, leaving you in no doubt that you have successfully arrived at your destination - the Plane of Darkness. You look up and scour the corpse-green skies, but dense clouds of acidic vapour hide all traces of the Shadow Gate through which you have entered this plane. Feeling suddenly vulnerable standing waistdeep in steaming swamp mud, you decide to wade through the gluey sludge towards a nearby mound of barren grey earth. Once out of the mire, you rest on your haunches and consult the Tome of Darkness given to you by Lord Rimoah. Its metallic pages appear to be as blank as when you first flicked through them, but then you turn to one page that is now very different. Coloured designs have appeared, surrounded by a ragged text which radiates a flickering spectrum of light. Using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this arcane writing.</p>
- <p>The text tells of a creature called Nza'pok - Lord of the Mire - and of his throne of power which is located upon an islet at the mouth of the River of Flies. It describes the many vile deeds he has perpetrated for the cause of Evil, for which he has been greatly rewarded by Naar. The Dark God has granted him his own domain within the Plane of Darkness. It goes on to list the names of the creatures who are enslaved to him. But most interestingly it tells of a secret name - 'Khula' - which can be used to bind him, and of an amulet which he possesses that will enable one to leave his territory. You study the text for some time and conclude that this swamp must be a part of Nza'pok's realm. The pages of the tome seem to hold the key to the hierarchy of the Plane of Darkness and contain information that is needed to move from one domain to another. Unfortunately, not all of the book appears legible at any one time. You close the tome and slip it back into your pack. Your natural instincts tell you that the Moonstone is not to be found here in this swampland, and, in view of what you have discovered, you decide that you must escape from here as soon as possible. However, if you are to do so successfully you will first have to find Nza'pok - the ruler of this domain - and take the amulet which he possesses. Suddenly your sixth sense warns you that the seemingly empty swamp harbours hidden enemies. They are distant but they are drawing closer with every passing minute. You get to your feet and look for the best route away from this mound, but only two ways offer any promise. To the south you see a shattered causeway of mouldering grey stones and, to the east, you catch sight of a shallow ridge that barely breaks the surface of the swamp.</p>
+ <p>The text tells of a creature called Nza'pok - Lord of the Mire - and of his throne of power which is located upon an islet at the mouth of the River of Flies. It describes the many vile deeds he has perpetrated for the cause of Evil, for which he has been greatly rewarded by Naar. The Dark God has granted him his own domain within the Plane of Darkness. It goes on to list the names of the creatures who are enslaved to him. But most interestingly it tells of a secret name - <quote>Khula</quote> - which can be used to bind him, and of an amulet which he possesses that will enable one to leave his territory. You study the text for some time and conclude that this swamp must be a part of Nza'pok's realm. The pages of the tome seem to hold the key to the hierarchy of the Plane of Darkness and contain information that is needed to move from one domain to another. Unfortunately, not all of the book appears legible at any one time. You close the tome and slip it back into your pack. Your natural instincts tell you that the Moonstone is not to be found here in this swampland, and, in view of what you have discovered, you decide that you must escape from here as soon as possible. However, if you are to do so successfully you will first have to find Nza'pok - the ruler of this domain - and take the amulet which he possesses. Suddenly your sixth sense warns you that the seemingly empty swamp harbours hidden enemies. They are distant but they are drawing closer with every passing minute. You get to your feet and look for the best route away from this mound, but only two ways offer any promise. To the south you see a shattered causeway of mouldering grey stones and, to the east, you catch sight of a shallow ridge that barely breaks the surface of the swamp.</p>
<choice idref="sect202">If you wish to explore the causeway, turn to 67. If you decide to investigate the ridge, <link-text>turn to 202</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>93</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You have taken no more than a dozen paces towards the archway when the lavas detects your presence. It spins around and emits a loud snickering growl, as if it is ordering you to halt. Then, with one beat of its golden wings, it propels itself in an arc towards the tower's open archway in an effort to block your route of escape. Fearful that it could raise the alarm at any time, you unsheathe your weapon and rush forward to attack it the moment its webbed feet touch the ground.</p>
+ <p>You have taken no more than a dozen paces towards the archway when the lavas detects your presence. It spins around and emits a loud snickering growl, as if it is ordering you to halt. Then, with one beat of its golden wings, it propels itself in an arc towards the tower's open archway in an effort to block your route of escape. Fearful that it could raise the alarm at any time, you unsheathe your weapon and rush forward to attack it the moment its webbed feet touch the ground.</p>
<combat><enemy>Lavas sentry</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">45</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">45</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect119">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 119</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>96</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shout the name 'Rhunotar' but it has no effect. The remaining Lord of Decay utters a bilious laugh and watches with undisguised glee as his growing maggot horde closes in and suffocates you beneath ever-swelling bodies. You fight bravely to save yourself, but your fate is sealed when the Kunae discharges a second lance of flame. It rips through the maggot swarm and consumes your upper body; death is instantaneous.</p>
+ <p>You shout the name <quote>Rhunotar</quote> but it has no effect. The remaining Lord of Decay utters a bilious laugh and watches with undisguised glee as his growing maggot horde closes in and suffocates you beneath ever-swelling bodies. You fight bravely to save yourself, but your fate is sealed when the Kunae discharges a second lance of flame. It rips through the maggot swarm and consumes your upper body; death is instantaneous.</p>
<p>Tragically, your life and your quest for the Moonstone ends here in the Hall of the Kunae.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>97</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>A feeling of dread makes your hands tremble the moment you catch a clear sight of the huge, ant-like creatures. You have encountered these insectoids once before, although in a location which could not be more different than the humid jungle settlement into which you are now descending. They are Dentaag - giant spindly-limbed insectoids who possess ghoulish heads implanted with evil composite eyes. They are an ancient breed, a cruel creation spawned by Naar for the armies of the Deathlord of Ixia. It was in the Deathlord's frigid chamber, atop the Spire of Xaagon, that you last faced these terrible creatures and you had hoped then that your first encounter with them would also be your last. Fate has decreed otherwise.</p>
+ <p>A feeling of dread makes your hands tremble the moment you catch a clear sight of the huge, ant-like creatures. You have encountered these insectoids once before, although in a location which could not be more different than the humid jungle settlement into which you are now descending. They are Dentaag - giant spindly-limbed insectoids who possess ghoulish heads implanted with evil composite eyes. They are an ancient breed, a cruel creation spawned by Naar for the armies of the Deathlord of Ixia. It was in the Deathlord's frigid chamber, atop the Spire of Xaagon, that you last faced these terrible creatures and you had hoped then that your first encounter with them would also be your last. Fate has decreed otherwise.</p>
<p>Memories of your ordeal in Ixia suddenly come flooding back to haunt you. As you recall your previous encounter, you remember that these horrific beings possess strong psychic powers. Forewarned, you draw upon your mental Kai defences as your captors prepare to land with you inside the settlement.</p>
<choice idref="sect242">If you possess Kai Screen, <link-text>turn to 242</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect59">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 59</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>98</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 withdrawing into 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's tongue withdrawing into its mouth.</p>
<p>The coiled beam retracts towards the mouth of the dragon-gate, forcing you nearer and nearer to the fearsome black warrior. As he watches your reluctant approach he swings his mighty sword above his head, slicing and stabbing at the air with it in eager anticipation of the coming fight. When you have been pushed to within ten yards of your adversary, you give voice to the power word - Kai! - and project its concussive energy at the towering warrior. He shudders as the terrific force of your spell-word hits his chest and forces him back towards the glowing gate. Instantly you seize the advantage. You draw your weapon and rush forward to strike the first blow while your enemy is caught off-balance.</p>
<choice idref="sect310">If you possess the Sommerswerd, or Skarn-Ska, <link-text>turn to 310</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect147">If you possess neither of these Special Items, <link-text>turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Using your improved Grand Mastery to spirit-walk, you cause yourself to soar at great speed towards the distant bridge. Within this astral domain, your body and spirit do not separate from one another when using this 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 2 <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's domain.</p>
<choice idref="sect150"><link-text>Turn to 150</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>102</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>To your relief you sense that 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 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>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>105</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shout the word 'Khula' and the effect is both immediate and electrifying. Nza'pok freezes, as if he has suddenly turned to stone, and a sheen of grey ice appears on his foul-smelling blubbery skin. Then the iron amulet which is hanging by a chain from his lower lip begins to pulsate with an eerie green light. The chaos-horde are at first stunned by their leader's transformation, then shock rapidly becomes a blind panic and they turn and flee, dropping their spears and trampling each other in their scramble to get away.</p>
- <p>Swiftly you climb the wall of the pit and as you pull yourself over the edge, you see the mass of humanoids and ant-creatures swarming across a bridge which leads to a neighbouring delta island. Once the last few are across, a rope is pulled and the middle section of the bridge drops away into the river to prevent you from pursuing them. Confident that the horde no longer poses any threat, you return your gaze to its frozen leader. Nza'pok is completely immobile except for his eyes which blaze with a potent mix of fear and hatred. You sense that this once all-powerful being is terrified that you will now enact your revenge upon his helpless body.</p>
- <choice idref="sect13">If you wish to unsheathe a weapon and slay Nza'pok while he is unable to resist, <link-text>turn to 13</link-text>.</choice>
+ <p>You shout the word <quote>Khula</quote> and the effect is both immediate and electrifying. Nza'pok freezes, as if he has suddenly turned to stone, and a sheen of grey ice appears on his foul-smelling blubbery skin. Then the iron amulet which is hanging by a chain from his lower lip begins to pulsate with an eerie green light. The chaos-horde are at first stunned by their leader's transformation, then shock rapidly becomes a blind panic and they turn and flee, dropping their spears and trampling each other in their scramble to get away.</p>
+ <p>Swiftly you climb the wall of the pit and as you pull yourself over the edge, you see the mass of humanoids and ant-creatures swarming across a bridge which leads to a neighbouring delta island. Once the last few are across, a rope is pulled and the middle section of the bridge drops away into the river to prevent you from pursuing them. Confident that the horde no longer poses any threat, you return your gaze to its frozen leader. Nza'pok is completely immobile except for his eyes which blaze with a potent mix of fear and hatred. You sense that this once all-powerful being is terrified that you will now enact your revenge upon his helpless body.</p>
+ <choice idref="sect13">If you wish to unsheathe a weapon and slay Nza'pok while he is unable to resist, <link-text>turn to 13</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect139">If you decide not to kill him, but wish to take the glowing amulet which hangs from his mouth, <link-text>turn to 139</link-text>.</choice>
- <choice idref="sect126">If you choose to ignore Nza'pok and the amulet, you can escape from the settlement by <link-text>turning to 126</link-text>.</choice>
+ <choice idref="sect126">If you choose to ignore Nza'pok and the amulet, you can escape from the settlement by <link-text>turning to 126</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>Your fear of being engulfed by the approaching firestorm prompts you to take immediate and decisive action. You leap into the well and a painful jolt runs the entire length of your body as you are consumed by the shimmering light. It feels as if you have just jumped into a pool of ice-cold electricity: lose 4 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points.</p>
<p>The initial shock quickly passes and you surrender yourself to a long descent through a column of glimmering azure light. You feel your platinum amulet glowing warmly at your throat and you sense that it is protecting you from the rigours of this journey into the unknown.</p>
- <p>Looking down through the curtain of blue 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 blue 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>
<choice idref="sect72">If you possess Assimilance, and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Guardian, <link-text>turn to 72</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect174">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>
<p>You run to where Alyss sits imprisoned within her sparkling force field and, with one precise and powerful blow from your magical blade, you shatter her sorcerous prison. The anguished scream of Naar echoes through the corridors and dungeons of Dazganon. As its terrible timbre begins to rumble and fade, you are horrified to see a host of monstrous creatures burst forth from the smoky walls of the inner sanctum and close in upon you from all sides.</p>
<p>Freed from the constraints of her prison, Alyss is able to use the power of the Moonstone to bring into being a Shadow Gate which materializes in the floor of the chamber.</p>
- <p>'Come, Grand Master,' she implores as she gets ready to step into the whirling black abyss, 'Follow me!'</p>
+ <p><quote>Come, Grand Master,</quote> she implores as she gets ready to step into the whirling black abyss, <quote>Follow me!</quote></p>
<p>And with these words she is swallowed up by the inky abyss. Seconds later, you take a running leap and dive head-first into the Shadow Gate, escaping in her wake barely moments before a pack of screeching, gnawing, parasitic horrors engulf the place where you last were standing.</p>
<choice idref="sect350"><link-text>Turn to 350</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>111</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You take hold of your rope and make a lasso from one end. Then you cast this loop at a sapling growing on the bank, several yards from the water's edge. The rope hits its mark and you are able to pull yourself over dry land before cancelling the effects of your levitation spell.</p>
+ <p>You take hold of your rope and make a lasso from one end. Then you cast this loop at a sapling growing on the bank, several yards from the water's edge. The rope hits its mark and you are able to pull yourself over dry land before cancelling the effects of your levitation spell.</p>
<p>The moment your feet touch the ground, you retrieve your rope and run headlong across the clearing towards a distant perimeter of trees and dense undergrowth. At first the arachnids give chase, but they are not so agile on dry land and you are soon able to outdistance them. On entering the jungle perimeter, you force your way through thick foliage and discover the remnants of a trail which you follow for nearly a mile until you arrive at the edge of a second 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>
<choice idref="sect177">If you do not possess this skill, or choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 177</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>114</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>To your relief you sense that you have persuaded the dragon that it is not 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 you have persuaded the dragon that it is not 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>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>116</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You wait until the bickering dies down and the tunnel traffic thins out. When you see your chance I to move you seize it swiftly and successfully. Shielded by your Kai skills, you avoid the guards and hurry along this tunnel. The deeper you explore, the stronger the sensation and concentration of Evil becomes, but still you can sense the presence of Alyss. Eventually you reach the tunnel's end at an ante-chamber, where an open archway to an adjoining hall is dripping with blood. You peer through this gruesome entrance and recognize the hall beyond to be the inner sanctum of Naar's stronghold - his personal chamber. The walls comprise swirling smoke in which alien shapes writhe and contort themselves into impossible shapes. A circular plinth occupies the central section of the floor; and your heart skips a beat when you glimpse something beyond the plinth, something encased within a glimmering field of energy.</p>
+ <p>You wait until the bickering dies down and the tunnel traffic thins out. When you see your chance I to move you seize it swiftly and successfully. Shielded by your Kai skills, you avoid the guards and hurry along this tunnel. The deeper you explore, the stronger the sensation and concentration of Evil becomes, but still you can sense the presence of Alyss. Eventually you reach the tunnel's end at an ante-chamber, where an open archway to an adjoining hall is dripping with blood. You peer through this gruesome entrance and recognize the hall beyond to be the inner sanctum of Naar's stronghold - his personal chamber. The walls comprise swirling smoke in which alien shapes writhe and contort themselves into impossible shapes. A circular plinth occupies the central section of the floor; and your heart skips a beat when you glimpse something beyond the plinth, something encased within a glimmering field of energy.</p>
<choice idref="sect40"><link-text>Turn to 40</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<p>You raise the Sommerswerd and a blinding halo of golden light engulfs the blade. You sense that Naar is present in this chamber, but he will not materialize and show himself so long as your divine blade is unsheathed, for he fears that your god-forged weapon could destroy 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>
+ <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 - <quote>For Sommerlund and the Kai!</quote> 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. You may double all <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> point losses which you inflict upon him during this combat.</p>
<choice idref="sect29">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Cautiously you step out of the transporter beam and enter the cavern. The shattered remnants of the crystal dais crunch underfoot as you make your way across the floor towards a tunnel which gradually descends for more than a mile before reaching a circular cavern. The mouths of several smaller tunnels meet at this chamber, and all of these entrances are dark, save for one which radiates an icy blue luminescence. Before approaching any closer, you retrieve the Tome of Darkness from your backpack and consult its pages.</p>
- <p>The black page that revealed to you information about the realm of Huan'zhor is now featureless, but the one which follows it has transformed; it has taken on the appearance of a thin sheet of ice. Sandwiched within its transparent layers are lines of blood-red writing interposed with intricate diagrams and astrological charts. Relying once more upon your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this sorcerous text. The writings inform you that you have entered the realm of the Demoness Shamath - the Mistress of the Gates of Darkness - who rules from her Throne of Power which stands beside the Pool of Sorrows. You pass over a long list of unspeakably cruel deeds which have secured for her the rulership of this realm, until you come to two very useful pieces of information. The first reveals Shamath's secret name - 'Gnekasha' - and the second details how one can escape from this realm. You swallow hard when you read that 'all those who would seek to leave the realm of Shamath must first spill their own blood in the Pool of Sorrows'.</p>
+ <p>The black page that revealed to you information about the realm of Huan<ch.apos/>zhor is now featureless, but the one which follows it has transformed; it has taken on the appearance of a thin sheet of ice. Sandwiched within its transparent layers are lines of blood-red writing interposed with intricate diagrams and astrological charts. Relying once more upon your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this sorcerous text. The writings inform you that you have entered the realm of the Demoness Shamath - the Mistress of the Gates of Darkness - who rules from her Throne of Power which stands beside the Pool of Sorrows. You pass over a long list of unspeakably cruel deeds which have secured for her the rulership of this realm, until you come to two very useful pieces of information. The first reveals Shamath<ch.apos/>s secret name - <quote>Gnekasha</quote> - and the second details how one can escape from this realm. You swallow hard when you read that <quote>all those who would seek to leave the realm of Shamath must first spill their own blood in the Pool of Sorrows</quote>.</p>
<p>You close the tome and stow it away into your backpack, then stealthily you approach the tunnel entrance which is radiating a pale azure light. When you halt upon its threshold and peer through its embellished archway, you witness a scene which both shocks and confounds you.</p>
<choice idref="sect275"><link-text>Turn to 275</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>You drag yourself to your feet and look with mounting dread at the nightmarish landscape into which you have fallen. A blazing vista meets your gaze, a burning dead world of volcanic magma, boiling lava pools, and shifting islets of cinder and ash. The smoky orange sky is lit frequently by geysers of yellow flame which shoot forth from vents in the uncertain ground, and a hellish temperature conspires with a toxic atmosphere to overwhelm your senses.</p>
- <p>Your initial feelings of dread suddenly deepen when memories of this dark domain come flooding back to haunt your consciousness. You have been here once before, four years previously, when your brave actions in defence of the Kai Monastery resulted in a mortal combat upon this evil domain, against Vaxagore - the leader of Naar's dragon army. You had wished then never to return to this terrible place - but fate, it seems, has decreed otherwise.</p>
+ <p>Your initial feelings of dread suddenly deepen when memories of this dark domain come flooding back to haunt your consciousness. You have been here once before, four years previously, when your brave actions in defence of the Kai Monastery resulted in a mortal combat upon this evil domain, against Vaxagore - the leader of Naar's dragon army. You had wished then never to return to this terrible place - but fate, it seems, has decreed otherwise.</p>
<p>You are aware that your Platinum Amulet is affording you protection from the searing heat and poisons of this realm. However, your Kai senses tell you that a firestorm is brewing in the skies above and you fear that the powers of the amulet will not be sufficient to save you when this storm breaks. Anxiously you scan the bleak horizon in search of anything that may provide shelter from the coming storm. The only feature which promises to provide cover is the cone of a seemingly dormant volcano several miles away on the distant horizon.</p>
<choice idref="sect245">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and have attained the Kai rank of Grand Crown, <link-text>turn to 245</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect165">If you possess Telegnosis, and have attained the Kai rank of Sun Lord, <link-text>turn to 165</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>128</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The very instant you touch the ring it transforms into the mouth of a huge scaly worm. Your whole hand and forearm disappear into its fang-filled maw and, before you can save yourself, it snaps shut its powerful jaws. Red-hot agony engulfs your arm and sears your senses. Instinctively you pull away and, to your horror, you fall backwards with blood spilling freely from your severed limb. Cadak's malicious laughter fills your ears as, in a swirl of pain and confusion, you feel the numbing chill of shock begin to fill you with a deadly lethargy.</p>
- <p>Seated upon the two throne-like seats which adorn the great carcass appear the ghastly forms of the Kunae - the Lords of Decay. Their braying laughter echoes Cadak's vicious howl; they are clearly delighted by his use of base trickery to defeat you. Tragically, this awful sound is the last that you will ever hear. You have allowed yourself to be deceived by the spirit of the Arch Druid and you have paid the ultimate price. In a moment of sheer terror, the Kunae focus their terrible powers of disease and decay and turn them upon you, consigning you swiftly to oblivion.</p>
+ <p>The very instant you touch the ring it transforms into the mouth of a huge scaly worm. Your whole hand and forearm disappear into its fang-filled maw and, before you can save yourself, it snaps shut its powerful jaws. Red-hot agony engulfs your arm and sears your senses. Instinctively you pull away and, to your horror, you fall backwards with blood spilling freely from your severed limb. Cadak's malicious laughter fills your ears as, in a swirl of pain and confusion, you feel the numbing chill of shock begin to fill you with a deadly lethargy.</p>
+ <p>Seated upon the two throne-like seats which adorn the great carcass appear the ghastly forms of the Kunae - the Lords of Decay. Their braying laughter echoes Cadak's vicious howl; they are clearly delighted by his use of base trickery to defeat you. Tragically, this awful sound is the last that you will ever hear. You have allowed yourself to be deceived by the spirit of the Arch Druid and you have paid the ultimate price. In a moment of sheer terror, the Kunae focus their terrible powers of disease and decay and turn them upon you, consigning you swiftly to oblivion.</p>
<p>Sadly, your life and your quest end here in the dreaded Hall of the Kunae.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>132</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Rapidly the creature's apprehension turns to rage. Growling maniacally, it scrapes its claws repeatedly on the stone ramp to sharpen their curved tips, then it hurls itself towards you with its fang-filled jaw opened wide in readiness to bite.</p>
+ <p>Rapidly the creature's apprehension turns to rage. Growling maniacally, it scrapes its claws repeatedly on the stone ramp to sharpen their curved tips, then it hurls itself towards you with its fang-filled jaw opened wide in readiness to bite.</p>
<choice idref="sect11">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 11</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect349">If you possess Magi-magic, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 349</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect234">If you do not possess these skills, or if you choose not to use them, <link-text>turn to 234</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>133</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Hastily you retreat into the forest of flames and pray that your Kai psychic and camouflage skills will keep you safe from Tzor's dread gaze.</p>
+ <p>Hastily you retreat into the forest of flames and pray that your Kai psychic and camouflage skills will keep you safe from Tzor's dread 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 2 or lower, <link-text>turn to 262</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect338">If it is 3 or higher, <link-text>turn to 338</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You raise your right hand and utter the words of the Brotherhood spell - Lightning Hand. Moments later a bolt of crackling energy leaps from your palm and hits the towering warrior squarely in the chest. He shudders momentarily, but the power and impact of the spell proves 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'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>
<meta><title>137</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Using your Kai skill, you command the hesitant creature to abandon its thoughts of attacking you and run away. The beast's evil eyes widen with uncertainty and then, in a moment of sheer terror, its nerve breaks and it scrambles back up the ramp. You watch it disappear through the archway before you turn your attention to the portal and examine its surface in an attempt to find a way to open it. 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>
+ <p>Using your Kai skill, you command the hesitant creature to abandon its thoughts of attacking you and run away. The beast's evil eyes widen with uncertainty and then, in a moment of sheer terror, its nerve breaks and it scrambles back up the ramp. You watch it disappear through the archway before you turn your attention to the portal and examine its surface in an attempt to find a way to open it. 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>
</section>
<meta><title>139</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You hook a link of the chain upon the tip of your weapon and wrench the amulet free from Nza'pok's frozen lip. The amulet ceases to glow the moment it is cut free, and you sense that it is now safe to touch. When you pick it up, you notice that on the facing side is engraved Nza'pok's name and on the reverse side you discover a runic number.</p>
- <p>Record this Nza
'pok Amulet on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item, which you keep in your pocket. The runic number on the reverse side is a six. Make a note of this number in the margin of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> for future reference.</p>
+ <p>You hook a link of the chain upon the tip of your weapon and wrench the amulet free from Nza'pok's frozen lip. The amulet ceases to glow the moment it is cut free, and you sense that it is now safe to touch. When you pick it up, you notice that on the facing side is engraved Nza'pok's name and on the reverse side you discover a runic number.</p>
+ <p>Record this Nza
'pok Amulet on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item, which you keep in your pocket. The runic number on the reverse side is a six. Make a note of this number in the margin of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> for future reference.</p>
<choice idref="sect314">To continue, <link-text>turn to 314</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<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<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>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>
<data>
<p>You soar across the shimmering span of this colossal bridge towards a new and terrifying realm. Ahead you see a sprawling plateau burning with magical flame. At its centre there is a vast crater of cinder and ash and, rising like a towering spike at the heart of this desolate bowl, you glimpse a titanic fortress.</p>
- <p>As you traverse the great Bridge of the Damned, you consult the Tome of Darkness and it confirms your highest hopes and your deepest fears. Ahead lies the realm of Naar and his dread stronghold of Dazganon. The tome warns those who would voluntarily seek to enter Naar<ch.apos/>s fortress that they must possess three magical artifacts: the Nza<ch.apos/>pok Amulet, a 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 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 <quote>Tzor--The Guardian of the Plain of Despair, Keeper of Evil Souls</quote>. The text of the final page states that there is no secret name to bind Naar and, most chillingly, that there is no exit from his dread fortress.</p>
<p>As you close the tome it suddenly ignites and is consumed by voracious tongues of blue flame. You drop the blazing book and it disappears below, to be swallowed up by the fabric of the bridge (erase this Special Item from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>).</p>
<choice idref="sect248">To continue, <link-text>turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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<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><quote>Gnekasha!</quote> 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<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>
<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>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><quote>Thank you, my lord,</quote> he says with pride, <quote>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.</quote></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><quote>We sensed that you were still alive somewhere in the void beyond the universe of Aon,</quote> says Rimoah, beaming delightedly, <quote>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.</quote></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>
+ <p><quote>This is grave news indeed, Lone Wolf,</quote> says Lord Rimoah, in a suddenly sombre tone. <quote>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.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>I for one shall not permit this,</quote> you reply defiantly. <quote>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!</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Your courage is an inspiration to us all, Grand Master,</quote> says Lord Ardan respectfully.</p>
+ <p><quote>Aye, to us all,</quote> echoes Lord Rimoah. <quote>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.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect145"><link-text>Turn to 145</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
</section>
<data>
<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><quote>Ah, I see that you already possess a sigil of power,</quote> says Lord Rimoah, upon noticing the oblong of precious metal as you withdraw it from beneath the collar of your robes. <quote>It would appear that you are better prepared for the quest than I had anticipated.</quote></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<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><quote>You<ch.apos/>ll not be requiring this after all,</quote> he says, <quote>but there is something which I<ch.apos/>m sure you will find most useful. And I<ch.apos/>m certain that you have not come across anything of its like before.</quote></p>
<p>Once again Rimoah motions to Ardan and the elderly wizard responds by taking up a small package that is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly, you take it from him.</p>
- <p>'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><quote>It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,</quote> says Ardan. <quote>A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.</quote></p>
<p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty, devoid of script, pictures or diagrams of any sort.</p>
- <p>'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<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><quote>I do not see how this book will help my quest,</quote> you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
+ <p><quote>This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,</quote> replies Lord Rimoah, <quote>but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar<ch.apos/>s domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.</quote></p>
<p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your backpack. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>188</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw your sword and sense at once that its mere physical presence within their throne hall is causing the Knae a great deal of discomfort. You detect a surge of anxiety in the mental communication passing between them. The creature seated upon the left throne becomes agitated and begins to flail the foul air with its snaky limbs. Then it utters a sinister command to its partner and you hear the words echo in your mind: 'Slay him, Jantoor!'</p>
+ <p>You draw your sword and sense at once that its mere physical presence within their throne hall is causing the Knae a great deal of discomfort. You detect a surge of anxiety in the mental communication passing between them. The creature seated upon the left throne becomes agitated and begins to flail the foul air with its snaky limbs. Then it utters a sinister command to its partner and you hear the words echo in your mind: <quote>Slay him, Jantoor!</quote></p>
<p>The creature seated upon the right throne responds immediately. It raises its right limb and a gout of fire shoots from the palm of its leprous hand and comes speeding towards your chest.</p>
<choice idref="sect130">If you wish to attempt to dodge this gout of fire, <link-text>turn to 130</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect319">If instead you wish to try to deflect it with the blade of your sword, <link-text>turn to 319</link-text>.</choice>
<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<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>
+ <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--<quote>For Sommerlund and the Kai!</quote> 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>
<choice idref="sect29">If you win the fight, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
<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<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>The writings tell of two powerful beings called the Knae--the Lords of Decay--and of their throne of power which is located upon <quote>the rotting corpse of Ghandezh--the Wyrm of Naaros</quote>. 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 <quote>Jantoor</quote> and <quote>Rhunadan</quote>. 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 <quote>evocator will sacrifice his body and soul and be enslaved to the Knae forever upon the realm of putrefaction</quote>. 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 <quote>ring of power</quote>, one of two such rings which exist and are worn <quote>upon the first fingers of the right hands of the Knae</quote>.</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>
<choice idref="sect85">If you decide to beach your craft on the stony shore and explore the forest beyond, <link-text>turn to 85</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>In unison, the robed figures levitate several paces from the floor so that they are able to rest the pillow and phial upon the surface of the great marble table. Then silently they lower themselves back to the ground where they wait patiently for the Demoness to stir from her slumber. After several minutes she raises her head and you are shocked to see that her womanly face is hideously scarred and disfigured.</p>
- <p>'Ah, my lieutenants,' she says, yawning and stretching her arms wide, 'I see your work is complete. By Naar, I hunger for revenge upon Avarvae--I trust your elixir will make her pay for the torment she has wrought me.'</p>
- <p>'All is ready, supreme mistress,' reply the robed ones, sycophantically. Clearly their answer pleases the Demoness. Her ruined face twists into the semblance of a smile as she picks up the phial and examines it closely. The glass bottle looks especially fragile and tiny as she holds it between her gigantic index finger and thumb.</p>
- <p>'Excellent!' she murmurs. 'Soon she shall pay for what she did to me.'</p>
+ <p><quote>Ah, my lieutenants,</quote> she says, yawning and stretching her arms wide, <quote>I see your work is complete. By Naar, I hunger for revenge upon Avarvae--I trust your elixir will make her pay for the torment she has wrought me.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>All is ready, supreme mistress,</quote> reply the robed ones, sycophantically. Clearly their answer pleases the Demoness. Her ruined face twists into the semblance of a smile as she picks up the phial and examines it closely. The glass bottle looks especially fragile and tiny as she holds it between her gigantic index finger and thumb.</p>
+ <p><quote>Excellent!</quote> she murmurs. <quote>Soon she shall pay for what she did to me.</quote></p>
<p>The Demoness Shamath rises from her throne and turns towards the seething pool of black fluid which is set into the floor close by. The shimmering waters grow calm and you see her scarred reflection in the pool. Then the fluids seethe afresh and her image swirls and changes. When it reforms you see, to your horror, that the reflection is no longer that of the Demoness. The face staring back from the surface of the pool is yours!</p>
- <p>'Ayeeeeeee!' howls Shamath, 'it is Lone Wolf! The Kai Lord is here!'</p>
+ <p><quote>Ayeeeeeee!</quote> howls Shamath, <quote>it is Lone Wolf! The Kai Lord is here!</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect22">If you have ever encountered Demoness Shamath in a previous Lone Wolf adventure, <link-text>turn to 22</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect227">If you have never encountered this being before, <link-text>turn to 227</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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<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><quote>Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,</quote> pleads Cadak<ch.apos/>s plaintive voice in your mind. <quote>I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the Knae.</quote></p>
<p>The host of maggots which carpet the floor of this foul hall suddenly recede like an ebb~tide. As they retreat, a glowing ring is revealed lying on the slime-smeared ground.</p>
- <p>'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><quote>Take the ring, Lone Wolf. Take the ring and grant me your forgiveness. With the ring the way is clear for you to leave this hall through the Tunnel of the Wyrm.</quote></p>
<p>Beyond the flame-like spirit of Cadak you can see the rotting rib-cage of the carcass. The semi-circular shadow that occupies it is now pulsing with a warm, amber light.</p>
<choice idref="sect128">If you agree to forgive the spirit of Cadak and wish to pick up the ring, <link-text>turn to 128</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect20">If you refuse to forgive the spirit of Cadak, and decide that you will not pick up the ring, <link-text>turn to 20</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>258</title></meta>
<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><quote>With respect, Lord Rimoah,</quote> you reply, <quote>but the scabbard in which I carry the Sommerswerd is woven from strands of pure korlinium.</quote></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>
+ <p><quote>Indeed, it is korlinium and it will keep hidden the blade<ch.apos/>s true power from Naar<ch.apos/>s foul spawn,</quote> he says, and then he smiles wryly. <quote>Until, that is, the time comes when you decide to unleash that power against them.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Your scabbard will shield your goodly blade, Grand Master,</quote> comments Lord Ardan, <quote>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.</quote></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>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><quote>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.</quote></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>
<choice idref="sect109">If you possess any Gold Crowns, <link-text>turn to 109</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect65">If you have no Gold Crowns, <link-text>turn to 65</link-text>.</choice>
<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<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><quote>Gnekasha!</quote> 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<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>
<meta><title>273</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw upon your improved Discipline to create an illusory double of yourself which appears standing a few yards away to your right. You sense that this unexpected apparition causes a wave of anxiety in the mental communication passing between the Knae. The creature seated upon the left throne becomes agitated and begins to flail the foul air with its snaky limbs. Then it utters a sinister command to its partner and you hear the words echo in your mind: 'Slay him, Jantoor!'</p>
+ <p>You draw upon your improved Discipline to create an illusory double of yourself which appears standing a few yards away to your right. You sense that this unexpected apparition causes a wave of anxiety in the mental communication passing between the Knae. The creature seated upon the left throne becomes agitated and begins to flail the foul air with its snaky limbs. Then it utters a sinister command to its partner and you hear the words echo in your mind: <quote>Slay him, Jantoor!</quote></p>
<p>The creature seated upon the right throne responds immediately. It raises its right limb and a gout of fire shoots from the palm of its leprous hand.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect58">If the number you have picked is 0-4, <link-text>turn to 58</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You sense that the Dark God Naar is present in this chamber, but he is being prevented from materializing by Alyss who is courageously using the last of her stamina to hold him at bay to assist you in the fight against his champion.</p>
- <p>Kekataag pounds the floor repeatedly with his armoured boot to demonstrate his impatient 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>
+ <p>Kekataag pounds the floor repeatedly with his armoured boot to demonstrate his impatient eagerness to commence combat. In response, you give voice to your battle-cry--<quote>For Sommerlund and the Kai!</quote> 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>You gain a temporary advantage from your speedy attack: you may ignore any <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points losses sustained in the first two rounds only.</p>
<choice idref="sect29">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 29</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>289</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shout the name 'Rhunaguin' but it has no effect. A bilious laugh echoes from the mouth of the remaining Lord of Decay as he watches, with undisguised glee, his growing maggot horde close in and suffocate you beneath their ever-swelling bodies. You fight bravely to save yourself, but your doom is sealed when the Knae discharges a second lance of flame. It rips through the maggot swarm and consumes your upper body; death is instantaneous.</p>
+ <p>You shout the name <quote>Rhunaguin</quote> but it has no effect. A bilious laugh echoes from the mouth of the remaining Lord of Decay as he watches, with undisguised glee, his growing maggot horde close in and suffocate you beneath their ever-swelling bodies. You fight bravely to save yourself, but your doom is sealed when the Knae discharges a second lance of flame. It rips through the maggot swarm and consumes your upper body; death is instantaneous.</p>
<p>Tragically, your life and your quest for the Moonstone ends here in the Hall of the Knae.</p>
</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<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>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 <quote>Nza<ch.apos/>pok</quote>. 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>
<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<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><quote>Grand Master, will you please accept this amulet? It possesses powers which may help you survive the rigours of your coming ordeal.</quote></p>
+ <p>
<quote>As you wish,</quote> you reply, and take the amulet from your advisor<ch.apos/>s outstretched palm. (Record this Platinum Amulet, which you wear around your neck, as a Special Item on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>. You need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<p>As you tuck the amulet inside the collar of your robes, Lord Ardan picks up a small package from the table which is wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Carefully he unfolds the patterned silk square to reveal a book which is bound in jet-black hide. A wave of nausea makes you swallow hard as your natural Kai instincts detect that the origins of this book are wholly evil. Ardan offers it to you and, reluctantly this time, you take it from him.</p>
- <p>'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><quote>It was discovered a decade ago in Northern Dessi,</quote> he says. <quote>A party of our brethren found it on the Isle of Khor. It was found buried in the ruins of Kazan-Oud.</quote></p>
<p>Carefully you open the stiff black cover and, to your surprise, you discover that the inner pages comprise several sheets of pliable metal. They have the feel of parchment but they sparkle and glimmer like plates of polished steel. You turn through the pages and note that every one appears to be empty--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<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><quote>I do not see how this book will help my quest,</quote> you say, as you flick back and forth through the seemingly empty pages.</p>
+ <p><quote>This may be true while you are here in Sommerlund,</quote> replies Lord Rimoah, <quote>but once you arrive upon the Plane of Darkness I suspect that its secrets will be revealed. We of the High Council believe it contains information about the many realms and territories within Naar<ch.apos/>s domain. It may help guide you to the location of his throne hall and, with luck, to the Moonstone of the Shianti.</quote></p>
<p>You are dubious as to the true value of this item but, in deference to Lord Rimoah<ch.apos/>s judgement, you agree to take it. (Record this Tome of Darkness on your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a> as a Special Item which you keep in your Backpack. As with the Platinum Amulet, you need not discard another Special Item in its favour if you already hold the maximum number permissible.)</p>
<choice idref="sect329">To continue, <link-text>turn to 329</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>306</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You sense that your physical presence within this throne hall is causing the Knae a great deal of discomfort. You detect them psychically probing your mind in an effort to discover your identity and, when you repulse these intrusions, you feel a surge of anxiety in the mental communication that is passing between them. The creature seated upon the left throne becomes agitated and begins to flail the foul air with its snaky limbs. Then it utters a sinister command to its partner and you hear the words echo in your mind: 'Slay him, Jantoor!'</p>
+ <p>You sense that your physical presence within this throne hall is causing the Knae a great deal of discomfort. You detect them psychically probing your mind in an effort to discover your identity and, when you repulse these intrusions, you feel a surge of anxiety in the mental communication that is passing between them. The creature seated upon the left throne becomes agitated and begins to flail the foul air with its snaky limbs. Then it utters a sinister command to its partner and you hear the words echo in your mind: <quote>Slay him, Jantoor!</quote></p>
<p>The creature seated upon the right throne responds immediately. It raises its right limb and a gout of fire shoots from the palm of its leprous hand and comes speeding towards your chest.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Grand Huntmastery or Assimilance, add 1 to the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect83">If your total score is now 5 or lower, <link-text>turn to 83</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<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>
+ <p><quote>This is <quote>Skarn-Ska</quote>,</quote> says Rimoah proudly. <quote>It was crafted by Lord Ardan and myself in the weapons forge at the Kai Monastery, during your absence. It was tempered in spell-fire and is imbued with Old Kingdom magic. It will never lose its razor-keen edge. There are few blades better suited to the slaying of the Dark God<ch.apos/>s foul spawn than this.</quote></p>
+ <p><quote>Aye,</quote> comments Ardan, <quote>and we have named it in your honour, Grand Master. In the tongue of the Old Kingdoms, <quote>Skarn-Ska</quote> means <quote>Wolf<ch.apos/>s Blade</quote>.</quote></p>
<choice idref="sect50">If you wish to take this Special Item, <link-text>turn to 50</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect89">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 89</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<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<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>
+ <p>You shout the name <quote>Rhunadan</quote> 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>
</section>
<meta><title>320</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your heart pounds when you witness a swirling, ghostly shape arise from the ribcage of the rotting carcass and come snaking towards you like a coil of vampiric mist. As it draws closer, you hear a chilling voice invade your mind: 'From beyond the veil of death the powers of putrefaction grant me, worthy Cadak, the privilege of destroying you, Kai Lord.'</p>
+ <p>Your heart pounds when you witness a swirling, ghostly shape arise from the ribcage of the rotting carcass and come snaking towards you like a coil of vampiric mist. As it draws closer, you hear a chilling voice invade your mind: <quote>From beyond the veil of death the powers of putrefaction grant me, worthy Cadak, the privilege of destroying you, Kai Lord.</quote></p>
<p>Instantly, you recognize the name and identity of the third spirit occupying this hall. It is Cadak--Arch Druid of the Cenerese--a deadly enemy of both the Kai and the Elder Magi of Dessi. His body was destroyed on Magnamund five years ago yet his spirit survives here, in this reeking hall, bound in eternal servitude to the Lords of Decay.</p>
<choice idref="sect249">If you possess Kai-screen, <link-text>turn to 249</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect4">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 4</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<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><quote>Here, take this,</quote> he says, placing it into your hands, <quote>it is woven from strands of pure korlinium. It will keep secret the true powers of your mighty blade.</quote></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<ch.apos/>s minions to your presence.'</p>
+ <p><quote>Your new scabbard will shield your goodly blade, Grand Master;</quote> comments Lord Ardan, <quote>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.</quote></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>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>
+ <p><quote>Zhula!</quote> 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>347</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You draw Skarn-Ska from its korlinium scabbard and sense at once that its mere physical presence within this throne hall is causing the Knae a great deal of discomfort. You detect a surge of anxiety in the mental communication passing between them. The creature seated upon the left throne becomes agitated and begins to flail the foul air with its snaky limbs. Then it utters a sinister command to its partner and you hear the words echo in your mind: 'Slay him, Jantoor!'</p>
+ <p>You draw Skarn-Ska from its korlinium scabbard and sense at once that its mere physical presence within this throne hall is causing the Knae a great deal of discomfort. You detect a surge of anxiety in the mental communication passing between them. The creature seated upon the left throne becomes agitated and begins to flail the foul air with its snaky limbs. Then it utters a sinister command to its partner and you hear the words echo in your mind: <quote>Slay him, Jantoor!</quote></p>
<p>The creature seated upon the right throne responds immediately. It raises its right limb and a gout of fire shoots from the palm of its leprous hand and comes speeding towards your chest.</p>
<choice idref="sect130">If you wish to attempt to dodge this gout of fire, <link-text>turn to 130</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect319">If instead you wish to try to deflect it with the blade of your sword, <link-text>turn to 319</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>As you tumble into the dark vortex of this newly-created Shadow Gate, you see the glow of the Moonstone illuminating the silhouette of Alyss in the middle distance. Behind and above, the mouth of the gate by which you entered the abyss is rapidly shrinking. Alyss is using the power of the Moonstone once more, this time to seal the gate in Naar<ch.apos/>s inner sanctum to prevent his fell minions from following you home to Toran.</p>
<p>The deeper you fall into the spiraling darkness so it seems the stronger Alyss becomes. Gripping the precious Moonstone with both hands, she extends her arms and glides easily through the whirling funnel towards you. As she draws level, you hear her speaking softly in your mind:</p>
- <p>'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>
+ <p><quote>Thank you, Grand Master. I shall never forget what you have done for me. Had you not returned when you did I would have forfeited my freedom to the Dark God. And freedom, to me, is the most precious of things. For without freedom I would cease to be.</quote></p>
+ <p>For a moment, the whirling frigid darkness of the Shadow Gate is illuminated brightly by the flaring rays of the Moonstone. Alyss passes the sacred artifact into your safe keeping, kisses you fondly on the cheek, and with the parting words--<quote>Farewell Lone Wolf. Kai and Ishir should be proud. You are indeed their most worthy champion</quote>--she flashes you an impudent smile and in the blink of an eye she is gone.</p>
<p>Congratulations, Grand Master, for you have braved the many terrors of the Plane of Darkness and emerged triumphant, your quest fulfilled. By denying the Dark God the power of the Moonstone you have won a great and lasting victory which will help keep your world secure. Your achievement will live forever in the legends of Sommerlund, and the tales that will be told of your valiant deeds will inspire future generations of Sommlending to follow the ways of the Kai.</p>
<p>Your triumph over Naar paves the way for your accedence to rank of Kai Supreme Master. It also heralds the dawning of a new age, when new challenges will arise to test the courage and bravery of your New Order Kai. Under your paternal stewardship, the first of the New Order adventures is about to begin with the return of the fabled Moonstone to the remote and mysterious Isle of Lorn. If you wish to accept the challenge of the new era, the first exciting quest awaits you in the next Lone Wolf adventure which is entitled:</p>
<p><bookref series="lw" book="21votm"><cite>Voyage of the Moonstone</cite></bookref></p>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / commitdiff