&inclusion.trevor.newton.bio.lw;
</creator>
<publisher>Project Aon</publisher>
- <date class="publication"><year>2009</year><month>5</month><day>16</day></date>
+ <date class="publication"><year>2009</year><month>6</month><day>23</day></date>
<description class="blurb">
<p>The Moonstone is a legendary artefact that was created by the god-like Shianti. It contains the might of all their magic and wisdom, the sum of their divine knowledge. Lone Wolf<ch.emdash/>Supreme Master of the Kai<ch.emdash/>has succeeded in retrieving it from the clutches of Naar, the King of the Darkness.</p>
<p>Now the Moonstone must be returned to its creators who are exiled upon the remote Isle of Lorn in Southern Magnamund. Someone must take the fabled artefact to the Shianti and Lone Wolf has chosen you, the most promising warrior among the ranks of the New Order Kai, to carry out this vital mission. Armed with the special weapons and skills of a New Order Grand Master, you embark upon a secret voyage to the distant Isle of Lorn. However, your mission quickly becomes a life-and-death struggle when you encounter intrigue and deadly danger <foreign xml:lang="x-fr">en route</foreign>.</p>
<line>Stuart Bradshaw</line>
</dd>
<dt>Illustration Transcription</dt>
- <dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
+ <dd>
+ <line>Jonathan Blake</line>
+ <line>Ryan Marshall</line>
+ </dd>
<dt>XML</dt>
<dd>
<line>Jonathan Blake</line>
<dt>Alternate Illustrations</dt>
<dd>
<line>Jan Charv<ch.aacute/>t (Map)</line>
- <line>Brian Williams (New Order Disciplines, Equipment)</line>
+ <line>Brian Williams (Weapons, Equipment)</line>
</dd>
<dt>Proofreading</dt>
<dd>
<dt>Coordination</dt>
<dd>Jonathan Blake</dd>
<dt>Special Thanks</dt>
- <dd>Jan Charv<ch.aacute/>t, Benjamin Krefetz, Anders <ch.Ouml/>sterberg, Robert Wellock</dd>
+ <dd><line>Jan Charv<ch.aacute/>t, Benjamin Krefetz, Anders <ch.Ouml/>sterberg, Robert Wellock</line>
+ <line>We would also like to extend special thanks to Anita Newton for her blessing in using her husband<ch.apos/>s work as part of Project Aon.</line></dd>
</dl>
</data>
</section>
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="weapons.png" width="386" height="310" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="weapons.gif" width="386" height="310" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="weapons.png" width="386" height="310" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="weapons.gif" width="386" height="310" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="weapons.pdf" width="386" height="310" />
</illustration>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="wpnmast.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="wpnmast.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="wpnmast.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
+ <instance class="html" src="wpnmast.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="wpnmast.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="wpnmast.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
</illustration>
<p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to become supremely efficient in the use of all weapons. When you enter combat armed with one of your Grand Master weapons, you may add 5 points to your <typ class="attribute">COMBAT SKILL</typ>. The rank of Kai Grand Master Senior, with which you begin the New Order series, means that you are skilled in the use of <em>one</em> of the weapons listed in the <a idref="equipmnt">Equipment section</a>.<footref id="discplnz-1" idref="discplnz-1-foot"/> For every adventure that you complete successfully in the New Order series while possessing the Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery, you will gain proficiency with one additional weapon.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="anmlmast.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="anmlmast.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="anmlmast.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="anmlmast.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="anmlmast.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
</illustration>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="delvrance.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="delvrance.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="delvrance.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
+ <instance class="html" src="delvrance.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="delvrance.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="delvrance.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
</illustration>
<p>New Order Grand Masters are able to use their healing power to repair serious battle-wounds. If, while in combat, their <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is reduced to 8 points or less, they can draw upon their mastery to restore 20 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points. This emergency ability can only be used once every 20 days.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="assmlnce.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="assmlnce.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="assmlnce.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
+ <instance class="html" src="assmlnce.png" width="386" height="55" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="assmlnce.gif" width="386" height="55" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="assmlnce.pdf" width="386" height="55" />
</illustration>
<p>New Order Grand Masters are able to effect striking changes to their physical appearance, and maintain these changes over a period of one to three days. They have also mastered advanced camouflage techniques which make them virtually undetectable in an open landscape.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="huntmstr.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="huntmstr.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="huntmstr.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
+ <instance class="html" src="huntmstr.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="huntmstr.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="huntmstr.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
</illustration>
<p>New Order Grand Masters are able to see in total darkness and they possess great natural speed and agility. They also have a superb sense of touch and taste. If you have chosen the Discipline of Grand Huntmastery as one of your skills, you will not need to tick off a Meal when instructed to eat.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="pathsmn.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="pathsmn.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="pathsmn.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
+ <instance class="html" src="pathsmn.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="pathsmn.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="pathsmn.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
</illustration>
<p>New Order Grand Masters are able to resist entrapment by hostile plants. Also they have a super-awareness of ambush, or the threat of ambush, in woods and dense forests.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ksurge.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ksurge.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ksurge.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ksurge.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ksurge.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
</illustration>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="kscreen.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="kscreen.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="kscreen.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
+ <instance class="html" src="kscreen.png" width="386" height="56" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="kscreen.gif" width="386" height="56" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="kscreen.pdf" width="386" height="56" />
</illustration>
<p>During psychic combat, New Order Grand Masters are able to construct mind-fortresses capable of protecting themselves and others. The strength and capacity of these fortresses increase as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="nexus.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="nexus.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="nexus.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="nexus.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="nexus.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
</illustration>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="telegnss.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="telegnss.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="telegnss.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="telegnss.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="telegnss.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
</illustration>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="magimagc.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="magimagc.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="magimagc.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="magimagc.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="magimagc.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
</illustration>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="alchemy.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="alchemy.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="alchemy.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
+ <instance class="html" src="alchemy.png" width="386" height="55" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="alchemy.gif" width="386" height="55" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="alchemy.pdf" width="386" height="55" />
</illustration>
<p>Under the tutelage of Lone Wolf and Guildmaster Banedon (the leader of Sommerlund<ch.apos/>s Guild of Magicians), you have mastered the elementary spells of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. These spells include <spell>Lightning Hand</spell>, <spell>Levitation</spell>, and <spell>Mind Charm</spell>. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Brotherhood magic increase.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="astrolgy.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="astrolgy.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="astrolgy.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="astrolgy.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="astrolgy.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
</illustration>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="herblism.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="herblism.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="herblism.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="herblism.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="herblism.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
</illustration>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="elmntlsm.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="elmntlsm.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="elmntlsm.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
+ <instance class="html" src="elmntlsm.png" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="elmntlsm.gif" width="386" height="53" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="elmntlsm.pdf" width="386" height="53" />
</illustration>
<p>This Discipline enables a New Order Grand Master to manipulate the four basic elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. By drawing upon individual elements that are available, or combinations thereof, he is able to detach, affix, increase, concentrate, intensify, remove, or accelerate this matter to fulfil a specific purpose, e.g. create a wall, hurl a rock, spray sand, remove air, intensify fire. The versatility of this Discipline increases as a New Order Grand Master advances in rank.</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="bard.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="bard.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="bard.png" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="bard.gif" width="386" height="54" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="bard.pdf" width="386" height="54" />
</illustration>
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="qurtstff.png" width="386" height="45" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="qurtstff.gif" width="386" height="45" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="qurtstff.png" width="386" height="45" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="qurtstff.gif" width="386" height="45" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="qurtstff.pdf" width="386" height="45"/>
</illustration>
</li>
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="bow.png" width="386" height="64" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="bow.gif" width="386" height="64" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="bow.png" width="386" height="64" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="bow.gif" width="386" height="64" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="bow.pdf" width="386" height="64"/>
</illustration>
</li>
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="quiver.png" width="386" height="127" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="quiver.gif" width="386" height="127" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="quiver.png" width="386" height="127" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="quiver.gif" width="386" height="127" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="quiver.pdf" width="386" height="127"/>
</illustration>
</li>
<li><p>Flute (Backpack Item)</p>
<illustration class="inline">
<meta>
- <creator>Brian Williams</creator>
+ <creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="flute.png" width="386" height="68" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="flute.gif" width="386" height="68" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="flute.pdf" width="386" height="68"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="flute.png" width="386" height="14" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="flute.gif" width="386" height="14" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="flute.pdf" width="386" height="14"/>
</illustration>
</li>
<li><p>Dagger (Weapons)</p>
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="dagger.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="dagger.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="dagger.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="dagger.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="dagger.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
</li>
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="sword.png" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="sword.gif" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="sword.png" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="sword.gif" width="386" height="69" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="sword.pdf" width="386" height="69"/>
</illustration>
</li>
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="food.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="food.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="food.png" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="food.gif" width="386" height="150" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="food.pdf" width="386" height="150"/>
</illustration>
</li>
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="rope.png" width="386" height="109" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="rope.gif" width="386" height="109" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="rope.png" width="386" height="109" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="rope.gif" width="386" height="109" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="rope.pdf" width="386" height="109"/>
</illustration>
</li>
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="potion.png" width="386" height="167" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="potion.gif" width="386" height="167" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="potion.png" width="386" height="167" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="potion.gif" width="386" height="167" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="potion.pdf" width="386" height="167"/>
</illustration>
</li>
<meta>
<creator>Brian Williams</creator>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="axe.png" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="axe.gif" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="axe.png" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="axe.gif" width="386" height="112" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="axe.pdf" width="386" height="112"/>
</illustration>
</li>
<p>With a rousing cheer, the second wave of enemy raiders follow their leader and leap aboard <cite>The Pride of Sommerlund</cite>. The ship<ch.apos/>s crew and the marines have suffered many casualties and they are now too weak and exhausted to be able to repel this renewed assault. You know that you must act swiftly if you are to avert a disaster.</p>
<p>Steeling yourself for what must be done, you shoulder your Bow and unsheathe a weapon. Then you leap from the rigging as the enemy leader passes below the mainmast. You hit the armoured warrior feet-first and slam him to the deck, but he quickly recovers from your surprise attack and, in the ensuing struggle, he manages to kick the weapon from your hand.</p>
<p><quote>Leave him to me!</quote> he screams, warning off his henchmen who are poised to rush forward and cut you down. Slowly he unsheathes his scimitar and, with a sneer fixed to his cruel lips, he raises the blade in readiness to strike a mighty blow to your head.</p>
-<!--
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>Slowly he unsheathes his scimitar and, with a sneer fixed to his cruel lips, he raises the blade.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill1.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill1.png" width="386" height="642" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill1.gif" width="386" height="642" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill1.pdf" width="386" height="642" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<combat><enemy>Dar-Isun</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">39</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">38</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>You must fight the first round of this combat empty-handed. If you possess a close-combat weapon, you may use it from the beginning of the second round.</p>
<choice idref="sect340">If you win this fight, <link-text>turn to 340</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>6</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>The village consists of a circle of conical huts thatched with toa leaves. As you ride towards them, a giggling swarm of young children comes rushing from the open doorways and quickly surround your horse. They hold open their grubby palms and beg you for money.</p>
+ <p>The village consists of a circle of conical huts thatched with toa leaves. As you ride towards them, a giggling swarm of young children comes rushing from the open doorways and quickly surrounds your horse. They hold open their grubby palms and beg you for money.</p>
<choice idref="sect166">If you wish to give these children some Gold Crowns, <link-text>turn to 166</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect12">If you do not, <link-text>turn to 12</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>Over the years you have heard many tales about the slave auctions of Vassagonia, but you had never anticipated that one day you would witness one. This cruel auction fills you with feelings of anger and revulsion as, one by one, the slaves are dragged from the line and sold to the highest bidder. The owner of the slaves is a stout Vassagonian with small piggy eyes and a wart which sits like a ripe brown cherry on the end of his nose. Every time a slave is sold he cackles like a witch when the new owner steps forward to pay the auction price.</p>
<p>You are about to suggest to Oriah that you should leave the square and go back to the horses, when suddenly your Kai senses alert you to danger. Within the crowd there are many pairs of eyes that have been staring avariciously at your beautiful companion. The slave trader has become aware of this and you see him signal to his henchmen. Immediately they enter the crowd and move to encircle you and Oriah. You unsheathe your weapon and command the slaver to call off his men, but he ignores your order. Suddenly the crowd melts away to reveal his six muscular thugs. They are no longer holding knotted ropes; now they hold scimitars and axes with which they slash the air as they advance slowly towards you.</p>
<p><quote>Slay him!</quote> shouts the slaver. <quote>Slay the Northlander and bring me the girl!</quote> You must fight them.</p>
-<!--
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>Six muscular thugs slash the air with scimitars and axes as they advance slowly towards you.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill2.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill2.png" width="386" height="613" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill2.gif" width="386" height="613" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill2.pdf" width="386" height="613" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<combat><enemy>Slave trader<ch.apos/>s henchmen</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">33</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">36</enemy-attribute></combat>
<choice idref="sect289">If you win this combat in four rounds or less, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect195">If you win the combat in five rounds or more, <link-text>turn to 195</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Dromodon strides into the arena with his arms flung wide to receive the frenzied adulation of the crowd. He is a magnificent lion of a man, with broad shoulders and a mighty chest that ripples with bronzed muscle. His grim face is stern and majestic beneath a mane of wild black hair, and he moves with the confidence and grace of a huge, predatory animal. At first he appears to be the very embodiment of gladiatorial perfection, and you regret that you should have to fight this heroic warrior to the death. But your regrets soon evaporate when you look into his eyes, for you see revealed there his true nature. Beneath the fa<ch.ccedil/>ade of his heroic exterior lurks a soul filled with evil. Your senses tell you that he is a secret worshipper of Naar. The Dark God has given him many rewards<ch.emdash/>his strength and his status<ch.emdash/>and in return Dromodon has consigned hundreds of noble souls to an eternity of slavery in the thrall of Naar. Now you see him for what he really is<ch.emdash/>a ruthless murderer, a heartless killing machine<ch.emdash/>and all empathy with him as a fellow warrior is lost. This will be a fight to the death and you must fight to win!</p>
-<!--
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>You see Dromodon for what he really is<ch.emdash/>a ruthless murderer, a heartless killing machine.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill3.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill3.png" width="386" height="606" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill3.gif" width="386" height="606" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill3.pdf" width="386" height="606" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<combat><enemy>Dromodon</enemy><enemy-attribute class="combatskill">44</enemy-attribute><enemy-attribute class="endurance">39</enemy-attribute></combat>
<p>This enemy is immune to all forms of psychic attack.</p>
<choice idref="sect268">If you win the combat, <link-text>turn to 268</link-text>.</choice>
<p>You ride the benign thermal currents that swirl between these lower mountain peaks and enjoy a spectacular aerial view of the Great Masourn Range. Within the hour you emerge from the peaks and drift towards columns of rock that rise up from the lower slopes of the timbered mountainside. Circling above one of these columns are six large, black winged birds. You magnify your vision and your pulse quickens when instantly you recognize them to be Itikars<ch.emdash/>giant Vassagonian eagles.</p>
<p>The leader of this predatory group has golden markings on his wing tips that glint in the sun, giving them a metallic appearance, and when he sees the balloon approaching he veers away from the column. The others follow his lead and all six come flying towards you in a wedge-shaped formation.</p>
<p>They fly past overhead and stare down at the balloon with their cold black eyes. Then the leader turns about and you sense that he intends to attack you on his next pass. His companions form up behind him in a line and he leads them in a steep dive.</p>
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+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>The leader of the Itikars turns and you see that he is about to attack with his razor-sharp claws.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill4.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill4.png" width="386" height="595" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill4.gif" width="386" height="595" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill4.pdf" width="386" height="595" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<p>As he comes to within a hundred feet, he spreads his razor-sharp talons and fixes his cruel eyes on the balloon<ch.apos/>s vulnerable canopy.</p>
<choice idref="sect141">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 141</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect168">If you possess Animal Mastery, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 168</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The enemy ship is less than a hundred yards off the port beam when you see the dark shape at its prow begin to twitch and shudder. At first it resembles the body of some grotesque gigantic tick; then eight rubbery legs spring from its black underbelly and suddenly the shape takes on a far more sinister aspect.</p>
<p>A gasp of terror arises from the crew when this spider-like monstrosity opens its scarlet maw and emits a high-pitched chittering shriek. As the enemy vessel speeds nearer you watch with mounting dread as this hideous spider-creature raises its forelegs, as if in readiness to pounce. Furiously it rubs its forelimbs together and a mass of blue-white sparks appear at their tips. Then suddenly there is a deafening crackle of electrical power. A bolt of blazing energy shoots from the creature<ch.apos/>s maw and snakes across the water towards the crew and marines aboard your ship. The creature<ch.apos/>s attack hits its mark and the effect is swift and devastating. The crackling bolt ignites timber and sail, and leaves a dozen men sprawled dead or unconscious across the decks. Through the smoke of the burning sailcloth you see the enemy vessel bearing down to ram <cite>The Pride of Sommerlund</cite>. Impact is but seconds away.</p>
-<!--
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>A crackling bolt of blazing energy shoots from the creature<ch.apos/>s maw towards your ship.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill5.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill5.png" width="386" height="612" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill5.gif" width="386" height="612" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill5.pdf" width="386" height="612" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<choice idref="sect101">If you possess a Bow, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 101</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect270">If you do not possess a Bow, or choose not to use it, <link-text>turn to 270</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>A dozen arena guards rush into the room and elbow their way through the gladiators<ch.apos/> advancing ranks. They are armed with Bor muskets which they level at your head and chest. These primitive firearms are wildly inaccurate at ranges where a bow can be precise and deadly, but they are devastating when used at close quarters. Reluctantly you sheathe your weapon and raise your hands in surrender for to attempt an escape now is futile.</p>
<p>The gladiators surround you swiftly and drag you out of the room. You are manhandled roughly along the tunnel and brought before a distinguished-looking man who is clad in fine white linen and jewel-encrusted armour. He is Torvax, the owner of the dead warrior-slave Malduz. The news that his finest gladiator is dead sends him into a blind fury. Malduz was to fight at dusk in the final combat of the circus. Now Torvax stands to lose the winner<ch.apos/>s purse of 1,000 Gold Crowns. In his rage he orders that you be executed at dusk before the entire arena. The situation is looking hopeless until, as you are being dragged away, you offer to fight for Torvax in Malduz<ch.apos/>s place.</p>
-<!--
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>In his rage, Torvax orders that you be executed at dusk before the entire arena.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill6.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill6.png" width="386" height="639" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill6.gif" width="386" height="639" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill6.pdf" width="386" height="639" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If your current <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> score is 20 or higher, add 2 to the number you have picked. If your <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> is 8 or lower, deduct 2 from the number you have picked.</p>
<choice idref="sect304">If your total score is now 3 or lower, <link-text>turn to 304</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect193">If it is 4 or higher, <link-text>turn to 193</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You are in good spirits when you reach the ancient gates of Gologo. Your day<ch.apos/>s ride has been swift and enjoyable, and you are looking forward to beginning the final leg of your journey to Elzian tomorrow at first light. You are now only two days<ch.apos/> ride away from that wondrous city.</p>
<p>The town of Gologo has a mysterious and exotic aura. Its ancient streets are cobbled with lime green stone, and ornate structures of vivid Vakeros art embellish every building and street corner. There is a festival taking place here tonight and the town is in a lively carnival mood. As you ride down a steep, narrow street towards the beach, you can see a crowd of native Vakeros are gathered there in brightly coloured costumes. Some wear elaborate headgear made from lacquered wood and feathers, and others are covered from neck to ankle with garments made from vibrant jungle blooms. There is a full moon tonight and the people of this town are celebrating the fertility of their land with ritual offerings of food and wine to the Goddess Ishir. It is a joyous festival and everyone on the beach is smiling and happy.</p>
-<!--
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>The town of Gologo is in a lively carnival mood and native Vakeros gather on the beach below you.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill7.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="html" src="ill7.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill7.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
<instance class="pdf" src="ill7.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<choice idref="sect251">If you wish to go to the beach and join in the festival, <link-text>turn to 251</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect321">If you choose instead to look for an inn or a lodging house where you can stay the night, <link-text>turn to 321</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>You stare across the ocean at the banks of angry clouds which are growing larger and darker with every passing minute. You sense that within them are tremendous natural forces that are building up at a dangerous rate. You feel certain that the presence of the Moonstone is partially responsible for this, although these waters are notorious for their sudden and violent sea-storms.</p>
<p>Gradually the temperature drops and the gentle undulation of the waves grows fiercer. The wind becomes a gale and the azure sky grows darker and darker, until the sun is lost from view and the ship is shrouded by a deep grey twilight. Soon lightning is the only source of illumination. It tears the roiling clouds and transforms the sea into an angry beast that lashes and batters the ship with a supernatural fury. Then the darkness is obliterated by a great curtain of white fire. Tongues of flame lance down, boiling the sea where they strike the surface and sending up great clouds of steam in their wake. Miraculously these terrifying bolts of power miss the ship, but soon they are rivalled in their ferocity by another terrifying force that is battling to free itself from this hellish storm.</p>
<p>A hundred balls of dancing fire fall from the clouds like a shower of blazing meteors. One such meteor strikes the helmsman who is struggling with the ship<ch.apos/>s wheel, and it engulfs him. For a few dreadful moments his head and chest are contained within a roaring yellow orb; then the burning ball is caught by the wind and it spins away into the darkness. The crew scream with terror when they look upon their comrade, for his upper body has been transformed into a blackened and fleshless skull that perches precariously upon a hollow, smoking rib cage.</p>
-<!--
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>For a few dreadful moments, the helmsman<ch.apos/>s head and chest are engulfed in a roaring ball of fire.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill8.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill8.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill8.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill8.png" width="386" height="613" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill8.gif" width="386" height="613" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill8.pdf" width="386" height="613" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<p>Panic grips the Vassagonian sailors. They abandon their posts and rush to seek shelter below decks in the crowded cargo hold. You are trying to rally them when suddenly a ball of flame drops from the raging skies and comes hurtling down towards your head.</p>
<choice idref="sect197">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Elementalism, <link-text>turn to 197</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect51">If you do not possess this skill, <link-text>turn to 51</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Fernant<ch.apos/>s servant returns to the room with a beautiful young woman by his side. She is dressed in the simple brown robes of a peasant girl, yet her long black tresses and smooth olive complexion indicate that she is of high-born ancestry. For a moment she holds you with her deep brown eyes and you sense at once that she is as intelligent as she is beautiful.</p>
<p><quote>This is Oriah,</quote> says Fernant, rising from his seat. <quote>Welcome, my dear. You are among friends here.</quote> The young woman offers him her elegant hand and he kisses it lightly before turning to face you. <quote>I have promised her safe passage to Bisutan aboard <cite>The Pride of Sommerlund</cite>. I trust you do not object?</quote> he says.</p>
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<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>Oriah holds you with her deep brown eyes, and you sense at once that she is as intelligent as she is beautiful.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill9.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill9.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill9.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill9.png" width="386" height="641" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill9.gif" width="386" height="641" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill9.pdf" width="386" height="641" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<p>At first you are wary of permitting a stranger to join the ship. She is a very attractive young woman, and her company would certainly be appreciated during the long voyage south, but the agents of Naar have been known to adopt many guises to further their evil aims. Fernant, sensing your reticence, attempts to persuade you by explaining the predicament in which Oriah has been placed through no fault of her own.</p>
<p>You learn that Oriah is the daughter of Khazullo<ch.emdash/>the Funtal of Fio Fadali<ch.emdash/>a rich, powerful, and very ruthless man. He has pledged his daughter<ch.apos/>s hand in marriage to Sesketera, the ruler of the city-state of Ghol-Tabras in northern Shadaki. Sesketera is a cruel and brutal suitor, and Oriah will be sure to spend the rest of her life as little more than his slave if the marriage takes place as her father has planned. Her father is deaf to her wishes; his only concern is for the political union of the two cities. His daughter<ch.apos/>s happiness means nothing to him when compared to the riches and power he will gain from a marriage to the House of Sesketera.</p>
<p>Oriah has run away from her father<ch.apos/>s palace in Fio Fadali and she has sought refuge in Barrakeesh. But agents in the employ of her father and Sesketera have traced her to the capital and now she must flee once more. Fernant, moved by the plight of this brave young woman, has pledged to help her reach Bisutan where trusted friends will smuggle her to safety in neighbouring Kakush.</p>
<p>Beyond its encircling wall the deserted streets of Khor lend it the aspect of a ghost town. You magnify your vision and you are able to count more than a hundred freshly-dug graves within fifty paces of the town gates. The gates themselves hang open and unguarded, and when you pass through them, the hooves of your horses make a hollow echo along the empty streets beyond. You hear a distant bell tolling and you follow the sound to a mount which overlooks the town harbour. Here you see some of the inhabitants for the first time and you are shocked by how pale and gaunt they all appear.</p>
<p>A funeral is in progress and the bereaved are walking in line behind a hearse which bears a casket draped with black silk. The procession halts when it reaches the top of the mount and then the casket is quickly interred and sealed inside a marble tomb. A dignified-looking man addresses the mourners. He praises the qualities of the man they have laid to rest and then, in his official capacity as the Mayor of Khor, he declares that a state of quarantine will exist in the town from midnight onwards.</p>
<p><quote>This quarantine will be strictly enforced,</quote> he says with a stern voice, <quote>until the scourge of Bita Fever has been eradicated from our midst!</quote></p>
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<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description><ch.lsquot/>The quarantine will be strictly enforced until the scourge of Bita Fever has been eradicated from our midst!<ch.rsquot/></description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill10.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill10.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill10.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill10.png" width="386" height="639" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill10.gif" width="386" height="639" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill10.pdf" width="386" height="639" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<choice idref="sect265">If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Deliverance, <link-text>turn to 265</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect178">If you do not possess this Discipline, <link-text>turn to 178</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>Young city children wave and cheer as the caravan trundles out of Bisutan. Soon you cross the great southern bridge, and when you look down at the sparkling blue waters of the Khorda, you see there a flotilla of tiny fishing craft plying their trade. For the first hour of the journey you content yourself with the view and watch the lush scenery and picturesque villages of the river basin pass before your eyes. However, when the caravan enters the Bavari Hills this pleasant landscape soon gives way to a more mundane vista<ch.emdash/>a seemingly endless sea of barren mounds and arid rocky outcrops.</p>
<p>After a while your attention turns to the other passengers. They are a cheerful group of Vassagonians who are returning to their homes in Bavari after family visits and business in Bisutan. You pass the time exchanging stories and playing cards. You learn that this caravan is regularly used by the merchants of Bavari and Hikas. They prefer to transport their wares by road rather than risk the sea voyage through the Bay of Sharks. Contrary to its name, you hear that there are no longer any sharks in this bay; they migrated to southern waters many centuries ago. One of the passengers jokingly suggests that the reason they left was because of the pirates. The bay is a notorious haunt of buccaneer fleets and renegade privateers.</p>
<p>The surrounding country may be bleak and barren to the eye, but the road is good and the territory is safe. The merchants have established armed outposts every 20 miles which help to deter bandits from raiding the caravans <foreign xml:lang="x-fr">en route</foreign>. The first night is spent at an outpost and the second night a camp is struck at an oasis where the road is joined by a track. This neglected track traverses the mountains and leads to the Great Masourn Trail, an ancient trade route. Many of your fellow travellers have been looking forward to arriving at the oasis, for it allows them the chance to visit Temujun the Sage<ch.emdash/>the famous soothsayer of the Dry Main, and when the caravan arrives there, they hurriedly disembark. You watch with fascination as half of your wagon<ch.apos/>s passengers scurry towards Temujun<ch.apos/>s tent, which is pitched at the edge of a shimmering pool, whilst the other half gather about a blazing campfire and share their food while they enjoy a performance given by a troupe of actors.</p>
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+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>Half of the passengers make for Temujun<ch.apos/>s tent whilst the other half gather about a blazing campfire.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill11.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill11.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill11.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill11.png" width="386" height="615" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill11.gif" width="386" height="615" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill11.pdf" width="386" height="615" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<choice idref="sect282">If you wish to visit Temujun the Sage, <link-text>turn to 282</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect40">If you wish to go to the campfire and watch the actors, <link-text>turn to 40</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect185">If you prefer to stay aboard the empty passenger wagon, <link-text>turn to 185</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You sit up with a start and reach instinctively for your weapon. Your horse is neighing wildly. He rears up repeatedly on his hind legs and fights to break the reins which hold him fixed to a tree. He is clearly terrified of something from which he cannot escape. You wipe the sleep from your bleary eyes and scan the darkness. And then you see the object of his terror and your blood freezes in your veins.</p>
<p>Creeping slowly from the shadowy undergrowth is the Deathstalker, his amber eyes blazing like two evil gems. At first you cannot believe what you are seeing. The beast is dead. You saw the flames consume his carcass. Then the realization strikes you that this is not the beast you slew in Hikas. This is his mate. She has hunted you and now she comes for you in the dead of night<ch.ellips/>and she is ravenous for revenge.</p>
-<!--
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>This is not the beast you slew. This is his mate who has hunted you, and is ravenous for revenge<ch.ellips/></description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill12.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill12.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill12.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill12.png" width="386" height="617" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill12.gif" width="386" height="617" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill12.pdf" width="386" height="617" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<p>She howls and the jungle falls silent. Now her amber eyes blaze with evil fire as she bounds out of the undergrowth and launches her vengeful attack.</p>
<choice idref="sect3">If you possess Kai-alchemy, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 3</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect147">If you possess Elementalism, and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 147</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Dressed in the plain green tunic, breeches, and cloak of a Kai journeyman, you return to the Vault of the Sun at midnight as ordered. Lone Wolf approves of your appearance and commends you for your determination to succeed. He is confident he has chosen the right Grand Master to fulfil this vital mission. He opens a concealed portal in the wall of the chamber and he motions you to follow him as he steps through into a torchlit tunnel. This secret passage passes under the walls of the monastery and emerges at a clearing in the surrounding Fryelund Forest. Here awaits a party of men and horses<ch.emdash/><ch.eacute/>lite troopers from King Ulnar<ch.apos/>s Court Cavalry Regiment. Lone Wolf bids you good luck and godspeed as you climb into the saddle of a chestnut mare and, with a proud salute, you bid farewell to your leader before galloping away with the horsemen along a moonlit forest track.</p>
<p>Your bodyguard of King<ch.apos/>s troopers have orders to ensure that you reach Holmgard harbour swiftly and safely; they know nothing about your mission. You ride all night and enter the capital shortly after dawn, whereupon you are escorted through the awakening streets to the harbour where <cite>The Pride of Sommerlund</cite>, an armed caravel, is moored alongside the stone quay. From its mainmast flies a red flag emblazoned with a golden galleon and a five-pointed crown. It is the Holmgard ensign, the flag of this city<ch.apos/>s trading fleet. As you rein your mare to a halt, you cast your eyes along the ship<ch.apos/>s deck and note that it is equipped with several light swivel cannon mounted upon the gunwales. It is uncommon for traders to be armed, even those that venture regularly into the Kuri Sea which is notorious for its brigands and pirate raiders. Your voyage is destined to traverse these perilous waters and so the unexpected sight of the ship<ch.apos/>s guns comes as a welcome surprise.</p>
-<!--
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>An armed caravel, <cite>The Pride of Sommerlund</cite>, awaits your arrival at the quay.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill13.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill13.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill13.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill13.png" width="386" height="601" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill13.gif" width="386" height="601" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill13.pdf" width="386" height="601" />
</illustration>
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<p>A bristle-bearded First Mate called Paoll is on dawn watch and he beckons you to come aboard. Your cavalry escort, having delivered you safely to the quay, now bid you a safe voyage and depart from the harbour with your horse in tow. Paoll welcomes you and offers to show you to your cabin. He says that the ship<ch.apos/>s master, Captain Raker, is still ashore after having spent last night celebrating at the Good Cheer Inn. He says he was due back at dawn, yet he does not appear to be particularly concerned by his absence. It is not uncommon for Captain Raker to be late back from shore leave, especially when he and his crew are to embark on a long voyage. Paoll tells you not to worry and says that Raker should be back within the hour.</p>
<choice idref="sect311">If you wish to wait on board for Captain Raker to return, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect88">If you decide to go and look for him at the Good Cheer Inn, <link-text>turn to 88</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You follow a broad avenue which is teeming with commercial travellers, people who have come here from the four corners of Magnamund to trade their wares. Merchants, farmers, jewellers, and slaves are just a few of the people you observe as you ride towards the heart of this great city. Everywhere is bustle and hurry, even at this late hour.</p>
<p>At a fountain of fresh water you stop to allow your horse to drink. As you sit and wait, you observe a struggle taking place on a flight of stone steps close by. Two greasy young louts are attacking a woman who is attired in a long black dress and black head scarf, indicating that she has been recently widowed. Incensed by the sight of this cowardly attack, you leap from your horse and rush towards the steps with your weapon drawn. As you begin to climb the stairs, to your surprise you see the two louts and the woman cease their struggle. Together they run to the top of the steps and disappear through a door which they slam shut behind them. On reaching it you discover it has been bolted shut from the inside. You are trying to make sense of the situation when suddenly you realize what has happened. From the top of the steps you look down at the fountain below to see that your horse has now disappeared; he has been stolen. Cursing your own na<ch.iuml/>vet<ch.eacute/>, you descend the steps and continue on foot along the busy avenue until you arrive at a place called Dhanamet Square where a busy evening bazaar is taking place. You are mindful of your need to find lodging for the night, and also some new means by which you will be able to continue your journey to Elzian. As you stop to look at the market and the fa<ch.ccedil/>ades of the shops and taverns which encircle it, your eye is caught by the gaily decorated merchants<ch.apos/> stalls and the exotic wares they display.</p>
-<!--
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<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>From your seat by the fountain, you observe a struggle taking place nearby.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill14.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill14.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill14.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill14.png" width="386" height="655" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill14.gif" width="386" height="655" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill14.pdf" width="386" height="655" />
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--->
+
<choice idref="sect7">If you wish to take a closer look at the market stalls, <link-text>turn to 7</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect236">If you choose instead to try to find a place to stay for the night, <link-text>turn to 236</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<p>You enter the right alley and the militia, who are following closely, split into two groups. Roughly half their number searches the other alley whilst the remainder stays with you.</p>
<p>As you are running along this narrow thoroughfare, suddenly you hear the sound of splintering timbers somewhere in the distance. A hundred yards later the alley opens out into a tree-lined plaza which is bordered by shops selling rare artefacts of the Old Kingdom, and expensive works of art. Their windows and doors are securely barred and shuttered and show no signs of a forced entry. Then your eye is drawn to a grand building on the far side of the plaza: it is a temple. Its great stone door is closed, but a smaller wooden door at the side has been torn off its hinges. You magnify your vision and see that beyond the door is a flight of stone steps which ascend to a bell-tower.</p>
<p>Cautiously you approach the shattered door. You unsheathe your weapon and scan the darkened stairs before silently ascending the steps. You have climbed twenty steps when suddenly you hear a hideous snickering growl and an icy chill runs the length of your spine. There is an ominous creak of stone on stone and a movement in the darkness above, and then a crashing fills your ears. Out of the darkness you see a great marble statue come smashing down the narrow stairway. It rapidly gathers speed as it tumbles end-over-end towards you.</p>
-<!--
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>From out of the darkness, you see a great marble statue come crashing down the narrow staircase towards you.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill15.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill15.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill15.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill15.png" width="386" height="619" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill15.gif" width="386" height="619" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill15.pdf" width="386" height="619" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<choice idref="sect85">If you possess Kai-alchemy, <link-text>turn to 85</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect98">If you do not possess this Grand Master Discipline, <link-text>turn to 98</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The crowd scream with excitement the moment you overcome the last of the evil slaver<ch.apos/>s henchmen. At first you think they are expressing their appreciation of your superb Kai fighting skills, but then you notice a large shadow is moving across the market square and when you look up you discover the real cause of the crowd<ch.apos/>s excitation.</p>
<p>Swooping down out of the cloudless sky come two gigantic birds with razor-sharp beaks and talons that glint like mirrored steel. They are Itikars and seated astride their feathered backs are warriors armed with spears and shields. Frantically the slaver signals to the riders and one of them responds by hurling his weapon at your head. You dive to avoid being skewered to the ground by this deadly missile and it thuds harmlessly into the beaten earth, but as you are pulling yourself to your feet, you see the second Itikar come swooping down towards Oriah. You scream a warning yet she is frozen with fear and does not respond. The great bird sweeps past her and its rider casts a lasso which falls over her head. As the bird soars into the sky the rope tightens about her waist and she is hoisted screaming into the air. You spring to your feet and race after her as she is carried away over the rooftops of Kilij, and as you sprint across the square you see a dozen armed men emerge from the crowd to block your path. The Itikar and its precious cargo are rapidly disappearing towards the northern hills and you know in your heart that it is now too late to save Oriah. Then you hear the sound of cruel laughter echoing across the square and it brings you skidding to a halt. It is the laugh of the slaver: he can barely contain his delight at having captured such a beautiful young woman, and he is relishing the thought of watching as the remainder of his henchmen make you pay for the deaths of their comrades.</p>
-<!--
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>As the bird soars into the sky, the rope tightens about her waist and she is hoisted screaming into the air.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill16.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill16.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill16.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill16.png" width="386" height="654" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill16.gif" width="386" height="654" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill16.pdf" width="386" height="654" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<p>Swiftly you assess your perilous situation and determine two ways in which you may save yourself from the slaver<ch.apos/>s gang of bloodthirsty thugs.</p>
<choice idref="sect78">If you wish to run back across the square and attack the slaver, <link-text>turn to 78</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect126">If you wish to attempt to reach the town<ch.apos/>s bazaar and find the marines, <link-text>turn to 126</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>You move nearer to the trembling man and try to calm him with soothing words and a promise that you will protect him. You look to the bell and use your Sixth Sense in an attempt to locate the creature, but you can detect nothing unusual. Then you hear a faint gurgling growl and a knot of fear tightens in your throat. Now you can detect a powerful aura of evil. You glance at the cowering cleric and your fear becomes an icy terror when you realize that <em>he</em> is the source of this evil. He continues to plead with you to save him, but then he sees the shock register on your face and he abandons his pretence.</p>
<p>The pupils of his eyes shimmer and become spheres that glow darkly amber and, in a terrifying instant, his body transforms. One moment he is a bearded holy man and, in a split-second blur, he becomes a snarling hulk of black-furred death. With breathtaking speed he leaps at you and slashes at your throat with his razor-sharp talons. Instinct makes you propel yourself backwards to avoid these deadly claws and, as you spring away, you slip and tumble headlong down the spiral stairs.</p>
-<!--
+
<illustration class="float">
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>In a split-second, he becomes a snarling hulk of black-furred death.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill17.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill17.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill17.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill17.png" width="386" height="581" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill17.gif" width="386" height="581" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill17.pdf" width="386" height="581" />
</illustration>
--->
+
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>.</p>
<choice idref="sect248">If the number you have chosen is 0<ch.endash/>4, <link-text>turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect94">If it is 5<ch.endash/>9, <link-text>turn to 94</link-text>.</choice>
<p>Paoll shows you to your cabin which is situated at the stern, next to the Captain<ch.apos/>s quarters. He suggests you rest here and offers to call you when the Captain returns, but you are keen to familiarize yourself with the layout of the ship and you decide instead to accompany him as he goes about the task of rousing the sleeping crew.</p>
<p>The forward hold of this sailing ship has been converted into a dormitory for the ship<ch.apos/>s complement of eighteen men. Yet as Paoll<ch.apos/>s bellowing voice stirs them reluctantly from their hammocks, you count thirty-one men berthed here.</p>
<p><quote>Welcome aboard,</quote> says a fair-haired young man whose blue surcoat is emblazoned with the scarlet anchor of the Kirlundin Isles. <quote>My name<ch.apos/>s Dryan<ch.emdash/>Sergeant Dryan of the 1st Kirlundin Marines. My men and I have been assigned a tour of duty aboard <cite>The Pride of Sommerlund</cite> for the duration of the voyage.</quote></p>
-<!--
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<illustration class="float">
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<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description><ch.lsquot/>Welcome aboard,<ch.rsquot/> says Sergeant Dryan as you enter the cabin.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill18.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill18.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill18.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill18.png" width="386" height="632" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill18.gif" width="386" height="632" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill18.pdf" width="386" height="632" />
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--->
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<p>You speak with Sergeant Dryan for a few minutes and learn that he and his marines have been ordered aboard the ship by King Ulnar. Dryan<ch.apos/>s instructions are to protect the ship<ch.apos/>s cargo from the threat of pirate attack for, in addition to yourself, <cite>The Pride of Sommerlund</cite> is carrying a valuable consignment of wheat and timber bound for Bisutan. At first you are suspicious; in his briefing Lone Wolf said nothing about an escort of marines. To determine whether Dryan is telling the truth, you probe the Sergeant<ch.apos/>s mind using your psychic skills and discover at once that he is genuine. He does not know or suspect the true purpose of your journey.</p>
<p><quote>Well I<ch.apos/>m glad to be sharing this voyage with you and your men,</quote> you say. <quote>It makes me feel much safer knowing we have marines on board.</quote></p>
<p>You salute the Sergeant and allow him to attend to his men. As you turn to leave, Paoll appears at the exit to the hold.</p>
<data>
<p>The elder points the tip of his black staff at the satchel containing the Moonstone which is slung over your shoulder. You feel the warmth of the stone rapidly increasing until the satchel becomes uncomfortably hot against your thigh (lose 2 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). You are about to cry out in pain when suddenly the elder moves his staff and the heat of the stone swiftly cools.</p>
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<illustration class="float">
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<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>The elder points the tip of his black staff at the satchel containing the Moonstone.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill19.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill19.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill19.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill19.png" width="386" height="638" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill19.gif" width="386" height="638" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill19.pdf" width="386" height="638" />
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--->
+
<p>Although you have suffered physical discomfort induced by his magical staff, you sense that the elder is still unaware of what the satchel contains. The korlinium lining has kept your secret secure.</p>
<choice idref="sect302"><link-text>Turn to 302</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>Your refusal to pay infuriates the toll collector. He brandishes his sword at you and threatens to cut off your ears. The marines laugh at his bravado; they are in no doubt who would end up the loser if he was foolish enough to pick a fight with you. Their disparaging laughter wounds his pride and you sense that he is about to fly into a blind rage. Using your psychic Kai powers, you cool his anger and persuade him to put away his sword. He does so, and politely now he asks that you pay a toll of 4 Gold Crowns to cross the bridge. With a nod of your head you indicate to your companions that this is a fair price and you each hand him 1 Gold Crown apiece (deduct this 1 Gold Crown from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>; if you have no money you must erase one Backpack Item instead).</p>
-<!--
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<illustration class="float">
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<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
<description>Infuriated, the toll collector brandishes his sword and threatens to cut off your ears.</description>
</meta>
- <instance class="html" src="ill20.png" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/png"/>
- <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill20.gif" width="386" height="640" mime-type="image/gif"/>
- <instance class="pdf" src="ill20.pdf" width="386" height="640" />
+ <instance class="html" src="ill20.png" width="386" height="634" mime-type="image/png"/>
+ <instance class="html-compatible" src="ill20.gif" width="386" height="634" mime-type="image/gif"/>
+ <instance class="pdf" src="ill20.pdf" width="386" height="634" />
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<p>The reduced toll charge does not include a night<ch.apos/>s lodging at the inn and so you ride through the village and set up camp on a wooded slope a mile beyond. The night is bitterly cold and the close proximity of scavenging timber wolves frighten your horses and prevent you from getting much sleep (lose 3 <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points). At first light you strike camp and continue your ride through the Koneshi Pass.</p>
<choice idref="sect156"><link-text>Turn to 156</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>The Central Route Between Sommerlund and Dessi</title></meta>
<data>
-<!-- <illustration>
+ <illustration>
<meta>
<creator>Trevor Newton</creator>
</meta>
<instance src="map.jpg" width="1024" height="882" class="html-compatible" mime-type="image/jpeg"/>
<instance src="map.pdf" width="1024" height="882" class="pdf" />
</illustration>
--->
+<!--
<illustration>
<meta>
<creator>Jan Charvát</creator>
<instance src="map.png" width="1294" height="1368" class="html" mime-type="image/png"/>
<instance src="map.pdf" width="1294" height="1368" class="pdf" />
</illustration>
+-->
</data>
</section>
<p>(<a idref="sect3">3</a>) Replaced <quote>Brotherhood spell</quote> with <quote>Brotherhood Spell</quote>. Replaced <quote><ch.emdash/><spell>Lightning Hand</spell><ch.emdash/></quote> with <quote><spell>Lightning Hand</spell></quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect4">4</a>) Replaced <quote>tavernkeeper</quote> with <quote>tavern-keeper</quote>. Replaced <quote>hay loft</quote> with <quote>hay-loft</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect5">5</a>) Replaced <quote>bow</quote> with <quote>Bow</quote>.</p>
- <p>(<a idref="sect6">6</a>) Replaced <quote>a giggling swarm of young children come</quote> with <quote>a giggling swarm of young children come</quote>.</p>
+ <p>(<a idref="sect6">6</a>) Replaced <quote>a giggling swarm of young children come</quote> with <quote>a giggling swarm of young children comes</quote>. Replaced <quote>surround</quote> with <quote>surrounds</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect7">7</a>) Replaced <quote>philtres and</quote> with <quote>philtres, and</quote>. Replaced <quote><strong>Potion of Laumspur</strong></quote> with <quote>Potion of Laumspur</quote>. Replaced <quote><strong>Potion of Alether</strong></quote> with <quote>Potion of Alether</quote>. Replaced <quote><strong>Potion of Mustow</strong></quote> with <quote>Potion of Mustow</quote>. Replaced <quote><strong>Potion of Sebaris</strong></quote> with <quote>Potion of Sebaris</quote>. Replaced each occurrence of <quote>use only once</quote> with <quote>one use only</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect8">8</a>) Replaced <quote>If you have no money</quote> with <quote>If you have no money, or do not wish to pay</quote>.</p>
<p>(<a idref="sect9">9</a>) Replaced <quote>on to</quote> with <quote>onto</quote>.</p>
<data>
<ul class="unbulleted">
-
<!-- <li>Illustration I (<a idref="sect5">Section 5</a>)</li>
+ <li>Illustration I (<a idref="sect5">Section 5</a>)</li>
<li>Illustration II (<a idref="sect31">Section 31</a>)</li>
<li>Illustration III (<a idref="sect50">Section 50</a>)</li>
<li>Illustration IV (<a idref="sect68">Section 68</a>)</li>
<li>Illustration XVII (<a idref="sect297">Section 297</a>)</li>
<li>Illustration XVIII (<a idref="sect311">Section 311</a>)</li>
<li>Illustration XIX (<a idref="sect332">Section 332</a>)</li>
- <li>Illustration XX (<a idref="sect338">Section 338</a>)</li>-->
+ <li>Illustration XX (<a idref="sect338">Section 338</a>)</li>
<li><a idref="map">The Central Route Between Sommerlund and Dessi</a></li>
<li><a idref="action">Action Chart</a></li>
</ul>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / commitdiff