The Curse of Naar (141 to 210)
Checked by James R Chown
-There is a rather funny spelling mistake on section 151. In paragraph 1--line 10,
+There is a rather funny spelling mistake on section 151. In paragraph 1-line 10,
the book writes "scrabble" where it should be "scramble"... I wonder if a person's wordpower
has ever saved their life... :-p
I have noticed that certain END GAME sections all end with sentences like:
"Your life and your quest end here." I was wondering if this was absolutely correct grammar.
-Correct me if I'm wrong, but--shouldn't it be "Your life and your quest ends here." ?
+Correct me if I'm wrong, but shouldn't it be "Your life and your quest ends here." ?
I was thinking about this when I read sections 171, 172 and 189... I know that there are others.
<CENTER><P>For Piet Snyman</P></CENTER>
<H2>THE STORY SO FAR...</H2>
-<P>You are Grand Master Lone Wolf, the sole survivor of a massacre that wiped out the First Order of the Kai--the warrior elite of Sommerlund. It is the year MS 5081, thirty-one years since your brave kinsmen perished at the hands of the Darklords of Helgedad. These champions of evil, who were sent forth by Naar, the King of the Darkness, to destroy the fertile world of Magnamund have themselves since been destroyed. You vowed to avenge the murder of the Kai and you kept your
-pledge, for it was you who brought about their downfall when alone you infiltrated their foul domain--the Darklands--and destroyed the base of their power that was the infernal city of Helgedad. In the wake of their destruction, chaos befell the Darkland armies that had been poised to conquer all of Magnamund. Their disorder escalated into a mutinous civil war which allowed the free-state armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a successful counter-offensive. Against the odds, a swift and total victory was secured over the feuding enemy armies.</P>
+<P>You are Grand Master Lone Wolf, the sole survivor of a massacre that wiped out the First Order of the Kai - the warrior elite of Sommerlund. It is the year MS 5081, thirty-one years since your brave kinsmen perished at the hands of the Darklords of Helgedad. These champions of evil, who were sent forth by Naar, the King of the Darkness, to destroy the fertile world of Magnamund have themselves since been destroyed. You vowed to avenge the murder of the Kai and you kept your
+pledge, for it was you who brought about their downfall when alone you infiltrated their foul domain - the Darklands - and destroyed the base of their power that was the infernal city of Helgedad. In the wake of their destruction, chaos befell the Darkland armies that had been poised to conquer all of Magnamund. Their disorder escalated into a mutinous civil war which allowed the free-state armies of Magnamund time in which to recover and launch a successful counter-offensive. Against the odds, a swift and total victory was secured over the feuding enemy armies.</P>
<P>For more than ten years now, peace has reigned in Sommerlund. Under your direction the once-ruined monastery of the Kai has been rebuilt and restored to its former glory, and the task of teaching a New Order of Kai warriors the skills and
proud traditions of your ancestors has been re-established. The new generation of Kai recruits, all of whom were born during the era of war against the Darklords, possess strong latent Kai skills and all show exceptional promise. These skills will be nurtured and honed to perfection during their time at the monastery so that they may teach and inspire future generations, thereby ensuring the continued security of your homeland in future years.</P>
<P>Your attainment of the rank of Kai Grand Master brought with it great rewards. Some, such as the restoration of the Kai and the undying gratitude of your fellow Sommlending, could have been anticipated. Yet there have also been rewards which you
could not possibly have foreseen. The discovery that within you lay the potential to develop Kai Disciplines beyond those of the Magnakai (which were once thought to be the ultimate that a Kai Master could aspire to) was truly a revelation. This discovery has inspired you to search for the wisdom and power that no Kai lord before you has ever possessed. In the name of your creator, the God Kai, and for the greater glory of Sommerlund and the Goddess Ishir, you have vowed to scale the very
-pinnacle of Kai perfection--to attain all of the Grand Master Disciplines and become the first Kai Supreme Master.</P>
+pinnacle of Kai perfection - to attain all of the Grand Master Disciplines and become the first Kai Supreme Master.</P>
<P>With diligence and determination you set about the restoration of the Kai Monastery and the training of the New Order recruits. Your efforts were swiftly
rewarded for within the space of two short years the first raw recruits had graduated to become a cadre of gifted Kai Masters who, in turn, were able to commence the teaching of their skills to subsequent intakes of Kai novices. Readily the Kai Masters rose to their new-found responsibilities, leaving you free to devote more of your time to the pursuit and perfection of the Grand Master Disciplines. During this period you also received expert tutelage in the ways of magic from two of your most-trusted friends and advisors: Guildmaster Banedon, leader of the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star, and Lord Rimoah, speaker for the High Council of the Elder Magi.</P>
<P>In the deepest subterranean level of the monastery, one hundred feet below the Tower of the Sun, you ordered the excavation and construction of a special vault. In this magnificent chamber wrought of granite and gold you placed the Lorestones of
-Nyxator--seven gems of Kai power which you had recovered during an earlier quest for Kai knowledge. In this vault, bathed in the golden light of the radiant gems, you spent countless hours in pursuit of perfection. Sometimes alone, sometimes in the company of your two able advisors--Banedon and Rimoah--you worked hard to develop your innate Grand Master Disciplines, and grasp the fundamental secrets of Brotherhood and Old Kingdom magic. During this time you noticed many remarkable
+Nyxator - seven gems of Kai power which you had recovered during an earlier quest for Kai knowledge. In this vault, bathed in the golden light of the radiant gems, you spent countless hours in pursuit of perfection. Sometimes alone, sometimes in the company of your two able advisors - Banedon and Rimoah - you worked hard to develop your innate Grand Master Disciplines, and grasp the fundamental secrets of Brotherhood and Old Kingdom magic. During this time you noticed many remarkable
changes taking place within your body: you became physically and mentally stronger, your five primary senses sharpened far beyond all that you had experienced before, and, perhaps most remarkably, your body began to age at a much slower rate. Now, for every five years that elapse you age but one year.</P>
<P>In the years since your victory over the Darklords, peace has reigned victorious and the peoples of the Free Kingdoms have rejoiced in the knowledge that the evil which once threatened to destroy them has been banished from the face of Magnamund.
although there are still some who maintain their vigilance, for the agents of the Dark God Naar come in many guises and there are those upon Magnamund who wait quietly in the shadows for the chance to do his evil bidding.</P>
<P>Already your new-found skills have been tested against Naar's agents and you have, on each occasion, acquitted yourself admirably. Yet your continuing victories have enraged the Dark God and inflamed his lust for vengeance. From the depths of his stronghold upon the Plane of Darkness he created and sent to Sommerlund an evil
-champion called 'Wolf's Bane' who was the very image of yourself. While you were engaged upon a quest overseas, this impostor terrorized your homeland and sought to destroy your reputation and the honour of the Kai. And he would have succeeded had it not been for your courage and determination. You returned home and pursued your enemy to an ancient necropolis in the city of Tyso. Here, in a deep subterranean crypt, you and your evil alter-ego were drawn through a Shadow Gate--an astral corridor which connects your home world of Magnamund to several other planes of
+champion called 'Wolf's Bane' who was the very image of yourself. While you were engaged upon a quest overseas, this impostor terrorized your homeland and sought to destroy your reputation and the honour of the Kai. And he would have succeeded had it not been for your courage and determination. You returned home and pursued your enemy to an ancient necropolis in the city of Tyso. Here, in a deep subterranean crypt, you and your evil alter-ego were drawn through a Shadow Gate - an astral corridor which connects your home world of Magnamund to several other planes of
existence. You both emerged upon the remote planet of Avaros where a deadly duel ensued. With the unexpected help of an enigmatic elemental called Alyss you vanquished your foe, but before you could find your way back to your home world, you and Alyss were both sucked through a second Shadow Gate which led to the Plane of
-Darkness--the fell domain of Naar himself.</P>
+Darkness - the fell domain of Naar himself.</P>
<P>In the throne hall of Naar a titanic struggle took place as you and Alyss fought desperately to escape from the Dark God and his court of powerful minions. During this battle you discovered that Naar had in his possession the fabled Moonstone
-of the Shianti--a wondrous artifact created many thousands of years ago by the godlike Shianti, whose presence upon Magnamund had heralded the dawn of humanity. This stone of power contains the combined might of all their magic and wisdom, the sum of all their knowledge. So significant was the creation of this stone that all time on Magnamund is measured from the date of its creation. It had long been held that the Moonstone's location was a secret known only to the remnants of the Shianti, who dwell upon the Isle of Lorn in remotest Southern Magnamund, yet the
+of the Shianti - a wondrous artifact created many thousands of years ago by the godlike Shianti, whose presence upon Magnamund had heralded the dawn of humanity. This stone of power contains the combined might of all their magic and wisdom, the sum of all their knowledge. So significant was the creation of this stone that all time on Magnamund is measured from the date of its creation. It had long been held that the Moonstone's location was a secret known only to the remnants of the Shianti, who dwell upon the Isle of Lorn in remotest Southern Magnamund, yet the
evidence of your eyes told you that this mystical artifact had somehow fallen into the hands of the Dark God.</P>
<P>Suddenly the significance of the Moonstone became crystal clear. Naar had been using its legendary powers to generate Shadow Gates within the world of Magnamund, at locations and times of his own choosing. Such power had enabled him to send his loathsome champions to your home world, while the goodly forces of Kai and Ishir had
<P>This Discipline enables a Grand Master to spirit-walk for far greater lengths of time, and with far fewer ill-effects. Duration, and the protection of his inanimate body, increases as a Grand Master advances in rank.</P>
<H5>Magi-Magic</H5>
-<P>Under the tutelage of Lord Rimoah, you have been able to master the rudimentary skills of battle magic, as taught to the Vakeros--the native warriors of Dessi. These skills include the use of basic magi-magic spells such as Shield, Power Word, and Invisible Fist. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Old Kingdom magic increase.</P>
+<P>Under the tutelage of Lord Rimoah, you have been able to master the rudimentary skills of battle magic, as taught to the Vakeros - the native warriors of Dessi. These skills include the use of basic magi-magic spells such as Shield, Power Word, and Invisible Fist. As you advance in rank, so will your knowledge and mastery of Old Kingdom magic increase.</P>
<H5>Kai-alchemy</H5>
<P>Under the tutelage of Guildmaster Banedon, you have mastered the elementary spells of Left-handed magic, as practised by the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. These spells include Lightning Hand, Levitation, and Mind Charm. As you advance in
<P>List the four items that you choose on your Action Chart, under the appropriate headings, and make a note of any effect that may have on your ENDURANCE points or COMBAT SKILL.</P>
-<H4>Equipment--How to use it</H4>
+<H4>Equipment - How to use it</H4>
<H5>Weapons</H5>
<P>The maximum number of weapons that you can carry is two. Weapons aid you in combat. If you have the Grand Master Discipline of Grand Weaponmastery and a correct weapon, it adds 5 points to your COMBAT SKILL. If you find a weapon during your adventure, you may pick it up and use it.</P>
<H2>LEVELS OF KAI GRAND MASTERSHIP</H2>
<P>The following table is a guide to the rank and titles you can achieve at each stage of your journey along the road of Kai Grand Mastership. As you complete
-successfully each adventure in the Lone Wolf Grand Master series, you will gain an additional Grand Master Discipline and progress towards the pinnacle of Kai perfection--to become a Kai Supreme Master.</P>
+successfully each adventure in the Lone Wolf Grand Master series, you will gain an additional Grand Master Discipline and progress towards the pinnacle of Kai perfection - to become a Kai Supreme Master.</P>
No. of Grand
Master Disciplines
<H2>GRAND MASTER'S WISDOM</H2>
-<P>You are about to embark upon the ultimate quest against the Dark God Naar--the master of all Evil. Your search for the precious Moonstone will take you to the Plane of Darkness where you can expect no help at all from the monstrous creatures who inhabit this terrible realm. You should remain wary and on your guard at all times for this mission will be the most dangerous you have ever undertaken.</P>
+<P>You are about to embark upon the ultimate quest against the Dark God Naar - the master of all Evil. Your search for the precious Moonstone will take you to the Plane of Darkness where you can expect no help at all from the monstrous creatures who inhabit this terrible realm. You should remain wary and on your guard at all times for this mission will be the most dangerous you have ever undertaken.</P>
<P>Some of the things that you will encounter during your quest will be of use to you, while others may be red herrings of no real value at all. If you discover items, be selective in what you choose to keep.</P>
<p>Despite your brave attempt to dodge the onrushing lance of flame, it glances your back and sends you spinning backwards across the hall's slimy floor.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a> (0=10). The number you have picked is equal to the number of <typ class="attribute">ENDURANCE</typ> points you have lost as a result of your wounds. If you possess Deliverance, you may reduce this total by 1 point.</p>
<p>Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you stagger to your feet and shout out his secret name. Immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form, and the sudden cessation of mind contact, throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the tide of larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size.</p>
- <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Künae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
+ <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Knae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is Rhunotar, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect311">If you think the secret name is Rhunadan, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect289">If you think the secret name is Rhunaguin, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>Your speed and skill have devastated the maggot swarm. You have slayed more than half their number and forced the remainder to seek shelter in the shadowy recesses of this reeking hall. You sense also that your victory over the swarm has greatly weakened the spirit of Cadak. You are about to seize the advantage and launch a psychic attack when suddenly you hear something quite unexpected.</p>
- <p>'Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,' pleads Cadak's plaintive voice in your mind. 'I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the Künae.'</p>
+ <p>'Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,' pleads Cadak's plaintive voice in your mind. 'I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the Knae.'</p>
<p>The receding tide of maggots has revealed a glowing ring that lies on the slime-smeared floor at the centre of the hall.</p>
<p>'Take the ring, Lone Wolf. Take the ring and grant me your forgiveness. With the ring the way is clear for you to leave this hall through the Tunnel of the Wyrm.'</p>
<p>Beyond the flame-like spirit of Cadak you can see the rotting ribcage of the reptillian carcass. The semi-circular shadow that occupies it is now pulsing with a warm, amber light.</p>
<data>
<p>Successfully you dodge the onrushing lance of flame and it speeds across the chamber to smash harmlessly against the shimmering green metal of the hall's grand portal.</p>
<p>Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you shout out his secret name. Immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form, and the sudden cessation of mind contact, throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size.</p>
- <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Künae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
+ <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Knae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is Rhunotar, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect311">If you think the secret name is Rhunadan, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect289">If you think the secret name is Rhunaguin, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
<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 Künae, renounce all falsehood and trickery for thou art transparent beneath our gaze. Pay homage to the Lords of Decay lest thy soul be devoured by the insatiable horde of Nemagog. Place gold within the circle for thy wish to be fulfilled; base metal without for thy fate to be sealed.'</p>
- <p>With 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 Künae. Then you discover three small slots: one circular, one square and one triangular in shape.</p>
+ <p>'Ye who seek entry to the Hall of the Knae, renounce all falsehood and trickery for thou art transparent beneath our gaze. Pay homage to the Lords of Decay lest thy soul be devoured by the insatiable horde of Nemagog. Place gold within the circle for thy wish to be fulfilled; base metal without for thy fate to be sealed.'</p>
+ <p>With 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>
</data>
<meta><title>44</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You hit out at the onrushing column of fire and it connects with the flat of your magical blade. There is a terrific flash of blinding golden light and you feel an electrifying jolt that sets every nerve in your body jangling. You follow through with your blow and send the Künae flame rebounding from your blade to slam into the far wall where it dissipates harmlessly across its surface.</p>
+ <p>You hit out at the onrushing column of fire and it connects with the flat of your magical blade. There is a terrific flash of blinding golden light and you feel an electrifying jolt that sets every nerve in your body jangling. You follow through with your blow and send the Knae flame rebounding from your blade to slam into the far wall where it dissipates harmlessly across its surface.</p>
<p>Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you shout his secret name and immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form, and the sudden cessation of mind contact, throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the tide of larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size.</p>
- <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Künae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
+ <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Knae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is Rhunotar, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect311">If you think the secret name is Rhunadan, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect289">If you think the secret name is Rhunaguin, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>57</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>As you pass through the curtain of black flames, the three magical items vanish from your hands (erase the Nza'pok Amulet, the K
ünae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon from the Special Items section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>). Beyond the flaming curtain lies a hall of grey adamanite which is seemingly devoid of all life. You scour this eerie chamber and your senses detect Alyss's lifeforce. Hers is the only goodly presence, save your own, in the whole of this evil stronghold, and although her aura is weak it is sufficient enough for you to be able to track it.</p>
+ <p>As you pass through the curtain of black flames, the three magical items vanish from your hands (erase the Nza'pok Amulet, the Knae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon from the Special Items section of your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>). Beyond the flaming curtain lies a hall of grey adamanite which is seemingly devoid of all life. You scour this eerie chamber and your senses detect Alyss's lifeforce. Hers is the only goodly presence, save your own, in the whole of this evil stronghold, and although her aura is weak it is sufficient enough for you to be able to track it.</p>
<p>Guided by your instincts and shielded by your Kai Disciplines, you follow Alyss's trail as it wends its way deeper into the heart of this citadel of Evil. During your exploration you encounter many of Naar's newest creations who populate the halls and dungeons of Dazganon. Their repugnant forms, and depraved and brutal behaviour provide you with an unsavoury insight into Naar's seemingly infinite capability to create evil and monstrous life forms. You shudder to imagine these foul beings running loose upon your home world of Magnamund, and the thought strengthens your resolve to fulfil your quest for the Moonstone.</p>
<p>For what seems like an hour, your camouflage and psychic skills make you invisible to the creatures that dwell within Dazganon. It is not until you reach a busy junction at the heart of a maze of tunnels that your skills are truly put to the test. Your senses detect the presence of Alyss at the end of an adjacent tunnel, yet the entrance to this wide passage is virtually blocked by creatures who are bickering with Naar's armed guards.</p>
<p>Pick a number from the <a idref="random">Random Number Table</a>. If you possess Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked. If you possess Grand Huntmastery, or Grand Pathsmanship, add 1. Also, for every level of Kai rank you have attained above the rank of Grand Guardian, add a further 1.</p>
<data>
<p>You soar across the shimmering span of this colossal bridge towards a new and terrifying realm. Ahead you see a sprawling plateau burning with magical flame. At its centre there is a vast crater of cinder and ash and, rising like a towering spike at the heart of this desolate bowl, you glimpse a titanic fortress.</p>
- <p>As you traverse the great Bridge of the Damned, you consult the Tome of Darkness and it confirms your highest hopes and your deepest fears. Ahead lies the realm of Naar and his dread stronghold of Dazganon. The tome warns those who would voluntarily seek to enter Naar's fortress that they must possess three magical artifacts: the Nza'pok Amulet, a Künae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon. The final page of the tome lists the names of Naar's closest minions who dwell within Dazganon, and one who dwells without whose name is 'Tzor--The Guardian of the Plain of Despair, Keeper of Evil Souls'. The text of the final page states that there is no secret name to bind Naar and, most chillingly, that there is no exit from his dread fortress.</p>
+ <p>As you traverse the great Bridge of the Damned, you consult the Tome of Darkness and it confirms your highest hopes and your deepest fears. Ahead lies the realm of Naar and his dread stronghold of Dazganon. The tome warns those who would voluntarily seek to enter Naar's fortress that they must possess three magical artifacts: the Nza'pok Amulet, a Knae Ring, and the Scarab of the Wingless Dragon. The final page of the tome lists the names of Naar's closest minions who dwell within Dazganon, and one who dwells without whose name is 'Tzor--The Guardian of the Plain of Despair, Keeper of Evil Souls'. The text of the final page states that there is no secret name to bind Naar and, most chillingly, that there is no exit from his dread fortress.</p>
<p>As you close the tome it suddenly ignites and is consumed by voracious tongues of blue flame. You drop the blazing book and it disappears below, to be swallowed up by the fabric of the bridge (erase this Special Item from your <a idref="action">Action Chart</a>).</p>
<choice idref="sect248">To continue, <link-text>turn to 248</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<data>
<p>The column of fire speeds across the hall and roars through the body of your double before impacting harmlessly against the surface of the closed portal. Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you shout his secret name and 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 Künae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
+ <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Knae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is Rhunotar, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect311">If you think the secret name is Rhunadan, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect289">If you think the secret name is Rhunaguin, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>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 Künae 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: 'Slay him, Jantoor!'</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 recognize the vengeful visage of Darklord Gnaag--the Archlord of Helgedad--who was destroyed by your hand and whose body was incarcerated in the ruins of Helgedad. As his tortured soul falls back into the howling mass, you begin to see others that you recognize immediately, for their evil countenances are etched indelibly upon your mind.</p>
- <p>The spirit of Darklords Haakon and Kraagenskûl are trapped upon this plain. So, too, are those of Warlord Magnaarn, many Cener druids, acolytes of Vashna, Nadziranim and their Liganim minions.</p>
+ <p>The spirit of Darklords Haakon and Kraagenskl are trapped upon this plain. So, too, are those of Warlord Magnaarn, many Cener druids, acolytes of Vashna, Nadziranim and their Liganim minions.</p>
<p>But there is one ghostly figure that is more terrifying than all the others, and when you see him appear at the back of the encircling ranks of tortured souls, he strikes a new chord of terror deep in your heart.</p>
<choice idref="sect170"><link-text>Turn to 170</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>228</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Seated on the two throne-like chairs perched upon the back of the rotting carcass appear the ghastly forms of the Künae--the Lords of Decay. They are a hideous sight, and your stomach churns with revulsion as you struggle to comprehend their abominable manifestation. Their torsoes resemble two mounds of glistening black jelly, studded with polyps and ulcers and sores that exude a noxious grey slime. They have flat heads that are oval-shaped and shell-like, with puckered mouths and indented eye-slits that radiate an evil yellow light. From their rubbery sides protrude two snaky limbs ending in three-fingered hands coloured a sickly, leprous green-grey. And fixed upon the first fingers of their right hands you see rings of gleaming gold that are exquisitely crafted and embellished with intricate patterns. These rings are exceptionally beautiful and seem glaringly out of place upon the fingers of these grotesque beings.</p>
- <p>As you stare at the rings you recall the text of the Tome of Darkness and its instruction that if you are to leave this rotting domain, you must first obtain a ring from the Künae. Your Kai sixth sense confirms that these are the rings, and the tunnel-like opening in the body of the carcass is the exit from this realm of putrefaction. Your senses also reveal that the Künae are communicating with each other telepathically. Their eyes glow with increasing intensity and you fear that they are getting ready to launch a magical assault against you.</p>
+ <p>Seated on the two throne-like chairs perched upon the back of the rotting carcass appear the ghastly forms of the Knae--the Lords of Decay. They are a hideous sight, and your stomach churns with revulsion as you struggle to comprehend their abominable manifestation. Their torsoes resemble two mounds of glistening black jelly, studded with polyps and ulcers and sores that exude a noxious grey slime. They have flat heads that are oval-shaped and shell-like, with puckered mouths and indented eye-slits that radiate an evil yellow light. From their rubbery sides protrude two snaky limbs ending in three-fingered hands coloured a sickly, leprous green-grey. And fixed upon the first fingers of their right hands you see rings of gleaming gold that are exquisitely crafted and embellished with intricate patterns. These rings are exceptionally beautiful and seem glaringly out of place upon the fingers of these grotesque beings.</p>
+ <p>As you stare at the rings you recall the text of the Tome of Darkness and its instruction that if you are to leave this rotting domain, you must first obtain a ring from the Knae. Your Kai sixth sense confirms that these are the rings, and the tunnel-like opening in the body of the carcass is the exit from this realm of putrefaction. Your senses also reveal that the Knae are communicating with each other telepathically. Their eyes glow with increasing intensity and you fear that they are getting ready to launch a magical assault against you.</p>
<choice idref="sect273">If you possess Assimilance, and have attained the Kai rank of Sun Prince, <link-text>turn to 273</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect188">If you possess the Sommerswerd and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 188</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect347">If you possess Skarn-Ska and wish to use it, <link-text>turn to 347</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'pok's realm is now blank, but the one following it has changed in both colour and texture. Lines of spidery writing have appeared on a page that now looks and feels like cured animal hide. Once again, using your Magnakai Discipline of pathsmanship, you are able to decipher much of this arcane text.</p>
- <p>The writings tell of two powerful beings called the Künae--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 Künae 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 Künae 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 Künae forever upon the realm of putrefaction'. The text gives no indication of how to identify each of the Künae 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 Künae'.</p>
+ <p>The writings tell of two powerful beings called the Knae--the Lords of Decay--and of their throne of power which is located upon 'the rotting corpse of Ghandezh--the Wyrm of Naaros'. You scan the page, passing over a long list of vile deeds that have earned the Knae the right to rule their ignoble realm, until you come to the part which details the secret names which can bind them. The names are 'Jantoor' and 'Rhunadan'. The text instructs those who would use these names in the presence of the Knae to exercise great caution, for if the name that is spoken is not directed at the correct Lord of Decay, the 'evocator will sacrifice his body and soul and be enslaved to the Knae forever upon the realm of putrefaction'. The text gives no indication of how to identify each of the Knae and does not state how and when their secret names should be used to bind them. Yet it does state that in order to leave their realm one must possess a 'ring of power', one of two such rings which exist and are worn 'upon the first fingers of the right hands of the Knae'.</p>
<p>You close the tome and stow it in your backpack. Time has passed rapidly while you have been consulting the book, and your canoe is now but a few hundred yards from the shore. Directly ahead you can see the estuary of a river, and away to your left you note a stony beach which gently ascends to a forest of grey-green trees.</p>
<choice idref="sect216">If you wish to paddle your canoe into the river estuary, <link-text>turn to 216</link-text>.</choice>
<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>A closer look at the raised stonework surrounding the trapdoor reveals an unbroken line of engravings that flow around a number of square indentations in the scorched basalt. You focus on these and your Kai senses reveal them to be part of a combination lock which activates the spell that protects this hatch. If you press the correct number of hollows in the correct order; you will cause the shielding spell to vanish.</p>
- <p>Carefully you study the engravings and decipher a series of clues within their shapes which help you to deduce the correct number of hollows, and the order in which they must be pressed. This secret sequence is equal to exactly half the value of the runic number inscribed on the inner band of the Künae Ring.</p>
+ <p>Carefully you study the engravings and decipher a series of clues within their shapes which help you to deduce the correct number of hollows, and the order in which they must be pressed. This secret sequence is equal to exactly half the value of the runic number inscribed on the inner band of the Knae Ring.</p>
<p>If you think you know what this secret number is, turn now to the entry that is the same as your answer.</p>
<choice idref="sect172">If you do not know the answer, <link-text>turn to 172</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's evil eyes glowing hypnotically. You draw on your psychic defences to shield yourself from an imminent attack and, moments later, you feel pulses of energy bombarding the wall that you have erected around your mind. You sense that your speedy and successful defence has greatly weakened your old enemy. You are about to turn the tables by launching a counter-attack when suddenly you hear something quite unexpected.</p>
- <p>'Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,' pleads Cadak's plaintive voice in your mind. 'I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the Künae.'</p>
+ <p>'Spare me and forgive me, Lone Wolf,' pleads Cadak's plaintive voice in your mind. 'I renounce my evil past. Forgive me so that death may free my soul from the slavery of Evil. Grant me this salvation and I shall help you to escape from the realm of the Knae.'</p>
<p>The host of maggots which carpet the floor of this foul hall suddenly recede like an ebb~tide. As they retreat, a glowing ring is revealed lying on the slime-smeared ground.</p>
<p>'Take the ring, Lone Wolf. Take the ring and grant me your forgiveness. With the ring the way is clear for you to leave this hall through the Tunnel of the Wyrm.'</p>
<p>Beyond the flame-like spirit of Cadak you can see the rotting rib-cage of the carcass. The semi-circular shadow that occupies it is now pulsing with a warm, amber light.</p>
<data>
<p>This circular hall is chillingly familiar, although you are sure that you have never been here before. Then a cold shiver runs down your spine when suddenly you recall where it was that you saw a chamber and runes uncannily similar to these. It was in Mogaruith, in the antechamber to Arch Druid Cadak's Throne Hall.</p>
<p>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 Künae, renounce all falsehood and trickery for thou art transparent beneath our gaze. Pay homage to the Lords of Decay lest thy soul be devoured by the insatiable horde of Nemagog. Place gold within the circle for thy wish to be fulfilled; base metal without for thy fate to be sealed.'</p>
- <p>With great caution, you cross the floor of the chamber and examine the engraved surface of the portal after a gentle push confirms that the door is locked. You were hoping that the runes which cover this great metal portal would reveal how it can be opened, but to your dismay they merely catalogue (in sickening detail) the evil accomplishments of the Künae. Then you discover three small slots: one circular, one square and one triangular in shape.</p>
+ <p>'Ye who seek entry to the Hall of the Knae, renounce all falsehood and trickery for thou art transparent beneath our gaze. Pay homage to the Lords of Decay lest thy soul be devoured by the insatiable horde of Nemagog. Place gold within the circle for thy wish to be fulfilled; base metal without for thy fate to be sealed.'</p>
+ <p>With great caution, you cross the floor of the chamber and examine the engraved surface of the portal after a gentle push confirms that the door is locked. You were hoping that the runes which cover this great metal portal would reveal how it can be opened, but to your dismay they merely catalogue (in sickening detail) the evil accomplishments of the Knae. Then you discover three small slots: one circular, one square and one triangular in shape.</p>
<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>
<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 Künae. 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: 'Slay him, Jantoor!'</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>
<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 Künae 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 Künae.</p>
+ <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>Tragically, your life and your quest for the Moonstone ends here in the Hall of the Knae.</p>
</data>
</section>
<meta><title>306</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You sense that your physical presence within this throne hall is causing the Künae 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: 'Slay him, Jantoor!'</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>
<meta><title>311</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You shout the name 'Rhunadan' and the remaining Künae immediately ceases to move. All trace of its psychic energy vanishes and its flailing limbs become frozen in mid-air; lending it the semblance of a petrified tree. The advancing horde of maggots rapidly shrink to their former size and retreat before you, seeking the safety of the hall's furthest corners. The power which drove them and caused them to mutate has suddenly disappeared and they are thrown into chaos. You stride towards the carcass and swallow hard as you step through the ancient rotting remains that ooze from its rib-cage. You raise your weapon and, with one swift blow, you sever the fingers of the Künae'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 Künae. 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 'Rhunadan' and the remaining Knae immediately ceases to move. All trace of its psychic energy vanishes and its flailing limbs become frozen in mid-air; lending it the semblance of a petrified tree. The advancing horde of maggots rapidly shrink to their former size and retreat before you, seeking the safety of the hall's furthest corners. The power which drove them and caused them to mutate has suddenly disappeared and they are thrown into chaos. You stride towards the carcass and swallow hard as you step through the ancient rotting remains that ooze from its rib-cage. You raise your weapon and, with one swift blow, you sever the fingers of the Knae's right hand and quickly retrieve the gold ring.</p>
+ <p>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>319</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>You strike out at the onrushing column of fire and it connects with the flat of your magical blade. There is a terrific flash of blinding golden light and you feel an electrifying jolt that sets every nerve in your body jangling. You follow through with your blow and send the Künae flame rebounding from your blade to slam into the far wall where it dissipates harmlessly across its surface.</p>
+ <p>You strike out at the onrushing column of fire and it connects with the flat of your magical blade. There is a terrific flash of blinding golden light and you feel an electrifying jolt that sets every nerve in your body jangling. You follow through with your blow and send the Knae flame rebounding from your blade to slam into the far wall where it dissipates harmlessly across its surface.</p>
<p>Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you shout his secret name and 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 Künae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
+ <p>If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Knae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is Rhunotar, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect311">If you think the secret name is Rhunadan, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect289">If you think the secret name is Rhunaguin, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
<meta><title>328</title></meta>
<data>
- <p>Your speed and agility save you from being burnt to a cinder. The column of fire speeds over your body and impacts harmlessly against the surface of the hall's closed portal. Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you leap to your feet and shout his secret name. Immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form, and the sudden cessation of mind contact, throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size. If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Künae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
+ <p>Your speed and agility save you from being burnt to a cinder. The column of fire speeds over your body and impacts harmlessly against the surface of the hall's closed portal. Aware now that the Lord of Decay seated on the right-hand throne is Jantoor, you leap to your feet and shout his secret name. Immediately the creature becomes immobile. The sight of his frozen form, and the sudden cessation of mind contact, throws his brother-lord into a state of panic and confusion. In a blind rage he utters a curse and, to your horror, you see the maggot swarm emerge from the shadowy recesses of the hall. As the larvae writhe towards you they begin to swell grotesquely in size. If you are to save yourself from this monstrous horde you must quickly use the secret name of the remaining Knae. But there is no time to consult the Tome of Darkness--you must try to recall the name from memory.</p>
<choice idref="sect96">If you think the secret name is Rhunotar, <link-text>turn to 96</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect311">If you think the secret name is Rhunadan, <link-text>turn to 311</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect289">If you think the secret name is Rhunaguin, <link-text>turn to 289</link-text>.</choice>
<data>
<p>The portal opens into a vaulted corridor lined with wall-paintings that exude a crude aura of evil. This procession of gaudy murals depict nightmarish scenes: diseased creatures, alien landscapes blighted with pestilence, hosts of larvae writhing in awful triumph over the goodly forces of Kai and Ishir. This macabre celebration of decay fills you with revulsion, yet it pales in comparison to the sight awaiting you at the corridor's end.</p>
- <p>Beyond the corridor lies a vast chamber, rough-hewn from the bedrock of this rotting land. The decomposing carcass of a gigantic reptile rests here upon a floor which shimmers in the eerie yellow half-light. Bile rises in your throat when suddenly you realize why the floor is shimmering--it is carpeted with a seething sea of maggots. Gagging with fear and nausea, you snatch your cloak to your mouth and steady yourself against a pillar as you survey this ghastly hall. Mounted upon the broken back of the great reptillian carcass are two throne-like chairs carved from black wood. Between and below them, lying deep within the creature's exposed ribcage, is a dark semi-circular shadow that resembles the entrance to a cave. Drawing upon your Magnakai Discipline of divination, you scan the hall and quickly determine that all is not what it seems. You detect the presence of three powerful entities protected by spells of illusion and invisibility. You feel sure that two of them are the Künae--the rulers of this hellish domain--but the third eludes you. Its aura feels oddly familiar yet you cannot readily determine its location or identity.</p>
+ <p>Beyond the corridor lies a vast chamber, rough-hewn from the bedrock of this rotting land. The decomposing carcass of a gigantic reptile rests here upon a floor which shimmers in the eerie yellow half-light. Bile rises in your throat when suddenly you realize why the floor is shimmering--it is carpeted with a seething sea of maggots. Gagging with fear and nausea, you snatch your cloak to your mouth and steady yourself against a pillar as you survey this ghastly hall. Mounted upon the broken back of the great reptillian carcass are two throne-like chairs carved from black wood. Between and below them, lying deep within the creature's exposed ribcage, is a dark semi-circular shadow that resembles the entrance to a cave. Drawing upon your Magnakai Discipline of divination, you scan the hall and quickly determine that all is not what it seems. You detect the presence of three powerful entities protected by spells of illusion and invisibility. You feel sure that two of them are the Knae--the rulers of this hellish domain--but the third eludes you. Its aura feels oddly familiar yet you cannot readily determine its location or identity.</p>
<choice idref="sect18">If you have ever visited Mogaruith, Kaag, or Helgor, in a previous Lone Wolf adventure, <link-text>turn to 18</link-text>.</choice>
<choice idref="sect320">If you have never visited any of these places, <link-text>turn to 320</link-text>.</choice>
</data>
<meta><title>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 Künae 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: 'Slay him, Jantoor!'</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>
Project Aon Git Repositories / project-aon.git / commitdiff