(Well, the innkeeper said Huw was "half mad;" I think he was underestimating.)
The old priest cannot disguise his joy as he beholds the gem-encrusted gold ring resting on the palm of your hand. He snatches it from you and exults: 'Just as Oiden foretold! Neuburg has found its champion at last! My friend, I can help to prepare you for the trials you must endure; but first, I suggest you fortify yourself with a square meal. Follow me!'
Surprisingly, the table is stocked with provisions. You eat well in a cavernous kitchen. You can restore up to 4 points of STAMINA, and you may put in your backpack enough for another three meals. If you do so, add them to your
Adventure Sheet. While you eat, Huw gives you information.
(Why
wouldn't we put more food in our backpack? Trading priceless signet rings for food and exposition is actually a really good deal in a Fighting Fantasy book.)
'I am older than I look, my young friend, although you may not think it possible,' Huw tells you. 'I helped to build this temple, and I know why it was built here and which evil forces it was intended to contain. Many legends tell of the clashes of armies, the slaughter and the sacrifice that took place when the ancestors of these townfolk drove the southern hordes out. The stories do not dwell on the unseen side of that conflict: the struggle between the priests of Oiden and Xakhaz, the accursed archmage of the despicable gods of Zagoula.
Xakhaz was not destroyed, but his earthly form was sundered, and his spirit sealed deep beneath the earth. This temple was constructed over one of the entrances to those subterranean chambers; Neuburg Keep was built to guard the other. The seals beneath this building are still intact. But I began to worry when Baron Tholdur announced his intention to visit the infernal city of Zagoula. When he returned with a retinue of southern soldiers I was displeased; and when it became clear that leading the soldiers was a mysterious wizard whom none in Neuburg has yet seen, my fears were confirmed. Xakhaz is stirring. He may already have material form. I cannot guess what he will be like or what he will do after so many centuries in limbo!'
(A crazy priest of a presumably Good god who doesn't like establishing any relations with the defeated Evil nation and the worshipers of the Evil gods? This guy is starting to sound like Greystaff. In Huw's defense, he seems to be right on this one.
Robed Southerners led by a Wizard tend to be bad news.)
The old priest of Oiden continues his explanation: 'If Xakhaz is resurrected and restored to his ancient powers, Neuburg and all its people will be helpless before his vengeful sorcery. I shudder to imagine the terror and despair he will inflict! However, he can be defeated and imprisoned again, especially while he is still weak. His physical form can be destroyed by the sword of a mighty warrior—such as you—and he and his minions can be weakened by the Talisman of Loth. Unfortunately, the Talisman is missing. A week ago, I sent Cernic, my fellow priest, to explore the Keep. He has not returned, and I cannot contact him—although I think he is still alive. You must go to the Keep, and try to find the Talisman of Loth before you descend into the lower caverns. Do not enter the castle by the main gate—it is heavily guarded. There is a little-known side-entrance that you will find if you turn to the right before you reach the main gate. I can give you no more information; but if you wish to undertake the Ordeal, Oiden may yet bestow gifts upon you.'
If you want to try the Ordeal
If you would rather get on with your quest
(Damn, this guy talks a lot! Well he is old, and a priest, so I guess it's to be expected. Also, the exposition is quite useful. But still, 4 large paragraphs of exposition is a quite a lot for a gamebook.)
Holden McGroin, a.k.a Fukkerjack
SKILL 11/11
STAMINA 18/18
LUCK 9/9
WILLPOWER 10/10
Equipment: Sword, Armor
Provisions: 3 (+4 STAMINA each)
Gold Pieces: 5
Running Total of Deaths: 1