[Let's Play] Rider of the Black Sun

[angelfromanotherpin]

740     You drum with both fists on the black dragon's scaly back and shout: "Rosh, rosh!"

Clever Kyrna understands the command and takes a deep breath. Even through the saddle's thick leather you can clearly feel the roll and rumble moving up her powerful dragon body and into her serpentine neck and shooting out of her throat as a flaming inferno. Even though the jet of fire is directed away from you, you instinctively take cover from the searing heat.

Depending on the option designated in the last section,
turn to (A)726, (B)736, or (C)765.

726     When, after a few seconds, you look up, there is only a smoking black chunk plummeting to the ground – all that is left of the Baronyak mercenary and his lizard.

> Ha, bull's eye! <
Turn to 702.

702     You have killed one Baronyak, but the others — spurred by their brother's death — are pursuing you with even more determination. You are already expecting the first attack when, directly in front of you, you see a strange cloud formation. Like a gigantic funnel made of fog, it connects the fine grey clouds above you with the apparently impenetrable cumulus clouds below.

If you want to fly a feint maneuver, turn to 711.
If you want to risk luring your enemy into the dangerous storm winds, turn to 773.

Character Sheet

Stats:
STRENGTH: 10, DEXTERITY: 7, VITALITY: Fit (5/5)
KARMA: 2, RAGE 2/5

Weapons (max 3):
1: Captain's Sword +4 (+1 Defense if Strength 10+)
2: Epee +3 (+1 Defense)
3: Moon Sickle of the Keșra +4 (Add 20 to a reference to use its power and reveal yourself. Spend Karma for autohit/+1 damage)

Clothing:
Body: Empire Uniform +1
Legs: Soldier Boots +1
Disguise: Fisher Coat

Special Items (max 12):
1: Figurine of the Ancients
2: Signet Ring
3: Lump of Gold
4: Captain's Doubloon

Utensils (max 6):
1: Strong Obsidian Potion
2: Star Stone (+3 Vitality)
3: Heavy Bomb
4: Bull's-Eye Lantern
5: Rope
6: Bottle of Brandy

Abilities:
2: Sharpened Senses
3: Free Breath
4: Mental Focus
5: Magical Lore
6: History Knowledge
7: Good Fighter (+2 Melee Attack)
8: Power of the Full Moon
9: Immune to Sunlight
10: Shadow Walk
11. Power of Xorox

Money:
24 Dinars
13 Shekels

Kyrna
Vitality: Battered (3/4)
Rank: Companion (1/5)
Saddlebags
1: Prayer Book (Utensil)
2: Wicker Basket (Utensil)
3: Bolt Cutters (Utensil)

[Darth Rabbitt]

I’d try a feint, as I suspect that the storm will screw us over in a “you don’t see this bad thing coming despite your Sharpened Senses” way.

[pragma]

Half vote for storm winds because I think it will be worse for Baronyaks than us unless we instagib. Not confident enough to overrule Darth.

[angelfromanotherpin]

711     In blind fury, the Baronyaks continue to chase you. With your dexterous maneuver you have managed to draw them out. Their arrows are useless near the raging storm. They can only drive their small lizards forward so as to catch up with you.

Determined to lure the bastards into a trap, you head towards the storm. Tensely, you take note of every air current. Suddenly powerful wind shear tears at your dragon!

You pull on the reins and shout: "Pagot, pagot!" At once, Kyrna drops down, shoots towards the ground, and escapes the powerful maelstrom. You almost pity the lightweight lizards of the Baronyaks. They are tossed through the air like balls of wool between the paws of a playful kitten. A few screams for help later, the cloud funnel has swallowed them up.

Turn to 739.

739     You have done it! With the last rays of sunlight you have shaken the Baronyaks. Under cover of night they should have no chance of following you — if they even dare. Despite that, the battle was exhausting for you and especially for Kyrna. Marked by her exertions, the obedient dragon drops her head.

Now is no time for weakness! "Torah torah!" you encourage her as the first stars begin to twinkle in the sky. On any other day you would be happy to see the constellations and bright Ugar — but not today! The Shadows will soon appear and hunt you, striking without mercy.

A chill runs down your spine as you imagine what terrors Calderal may have sent after you. During your training in the Shadow Tower you had to fight some of them. The only reason for their existence is to hunt and kill humans. In this, they are calculating and single-minded, just as you have been. They know neither fear nor mercy.

Besides these terrible thoughts, you brood over the fact that the Baronyaks started to chase you just after you flew from the Varoon.

> How could they know we were visiting the holy mountain? Only Tarus knew our destination. Has he betrayed me? Or did someone else betray him? <

Turn to 721.

721     Worried, you search the horizon. Yet nothing unusual has happened for several hours. You do not feel the need for rest, but Kyrna does. You can feel that the beating of her wings is becoming more and more sluggish. It pains your heart to drive her on, but you know the truth: neither of you will be safe until the wasteland of the Guanoko Steppes lies behind you and you have reached the dense forests of the Jengal.

Turn to 719.

719     You have flown south several hundred miles. It is the middle of the night, but it has grown much warmer. Finally, you recognize on the horizon the first foothills of the Jengal Jungles in the wide delta of the river. The mighty stream branches out into many smaller tributaries. From up here it looks as if a fan streaked with countless silver threads lay beneath you. A short while later, you rush over the canopies of huge tree giants higher than the tallest structures in Seraph.

> Finally! You have done it, Kyrna! <

Then your gaze falls on your right hand holding the reins. The moon sign is glowing brightly. A feeling of uncertainty overwhelms you.

> What is happening here? <

You drive Kyrna forward again: only a short distance and then you can land. You are about to give the command to go down when for an instant the pale light of the moon darkens and a rush of air passes over you. Something, someone, is pursuing you.

Turn to 763.

763     Out of the corner of your eye you can see a shadow. Was it not directly behind you just now? You spin around. There is a short tremor and Kyrna lurches. The shadow has jumped from its flying dragon onto yours!

The figure can now be seen clearly against the night sky. She is an Ugar-Salasari, a moon dancer, an infamous Shadow Assassin. You are impressed and surprised at the same time as she tears her cape from her powerful shoulders and tosses it into the wind.

If you want to loosen the reins and lean forward, turn to 750, option (B).
If you want to beat Kyrna's back with your fists, turn to 740, option (B).
If you want to pull the left rein and lean forward, turn to 730, option (B).
If you want to pull on the right rein and lean to the right, turn to 720, option (A).
Use the flying maneuver card at C20 before you decide.

Character Sheet

Stats:
STRENGTH: 10, DEXTERITY: 7, VITALITY: Fit (5/5)
KARMA: 2, RAGE 2/5

Weapons (max 3):
1: Captain's Sword +4 (+1 Defense if Strength 10+)
2: Epee +3 (+1 Defense)
3: Moon Sickle of the Keșra +4 (Add 20 to a reference to use its power and reveal yourself. Spend Karma for autohit/+1 damage)

Clothing:
Body: Empire Uniform +1
Legs: Soldier Boots +1
Disguise: Fisher Coat

Special Items (max 12):
1: Figurine of the Ancients
2: Signet Ring
3: Lump of Gold
4: Captain's Doubloon

Utensils (max 6):
1: Strong Obsidian Potion
2: Star Stone (+3 Vitality)
3: Heavy Bomb
4: Bull's-Eye Lantern
5: Rope
6: Bottle of Brandy

Abilities:
2: Sharpened Senses
3: Free Breath
4: Mental Focus
5: Magical Lore
6: History Knowledge
7: Good Fighter (+2 Melee Attack)
8: Power of the Full Moon
9: Immune to Sunlight
10: Shadow Walk
11. Power of Xorox

Money:
24 Dinars
13 Shekels

Kyrna
Vitality: Battered (3/4)
Rank: Companion (1/5)
Saddlebags
1: Prayer Book (Utensil)
2: Wicker Basket (Utensil)
3: Bolt Cutters (Utensil)

[Omegonthesane]

Pull the right rein and lean right into a barrel roll.

[pragma]

Yeah, barrel roll. She's not tired in.

[Thaluikhain]

I agree with that logic.

[angelfromanotherpin]

720     With a jerk, you pull on the right rein, shout "Limrah! Limrah!" and lean to the side. Kyrna reacts as commanded; she folds up her left wing and drops the right one. You immediately start to spin around the dragon's long axis — around and around, faster and faster. You become dizzy.

Depending on the option designated in the last section,
turn to (A)732, (B)705, or (C)744.

732     The world about you is spinning madly. You see the Shadow woman behind you clutching desperately at Kyrna's flapping saddle cloth.

"You are agile, traitor!" she screeches at you. Hatred glitters in her pupil-less eyes, even though she is whirling about like a leaf in the wind with you. Then you grab her icy hand and tear it free of the cloth. Her drawn-out scream does not fall silent until her black body smashes through the canopy of the giant trees. Only when you can hear nothing more do you end Kyrna's dizzying dive.

Glancing down, you notice that a strange object is dangling from your right stirrup. During combat, you thought it was an extravagant necklace, but now you realize what has caught on your saddle — an eyepiece!

If you want to take the Damaged Eyepiece (Utensil) with its massive brass frame, write it down on your adventure sheet. The windproof goggles with their round dark glasses are usually worn loosely around the neck, but its strap is torn. Hence, you cannot wear the eyepiece and have to put it in your bag.

Turn to 722.

I'm slinging it into the saddlebags, let me know if you want to trade it out for something we're actually carrying.

722     Only with great difficulty can you control the exhausted Kyrna and guide her flight just above the canopy of the Jengal jungle towards a clearing. Before you can start to land, the dragon's wings go limp and you drop. Helpless, you close your eyes and shout a short prayer. Bushes and trees break under the weight of your dragon as you come crashing down. For seconds, Kyrna slides unchecked through dense undergrowth; then her heavy body lies still.

Quickly you jump out of the saddle and run past her long neck to hold her head. Your companion is breathing heavily. Her eyes are glazed. Kyrna has fought to a point beyond exhaustion — for you! With tears in your eyes, you look down and see that her strong paws have driven deep furrows into the ground.

> Oh, Kyrna! <

Lovingly, you stroke her curving horn. A hoarse hum emanates from her throat. You can do nothing for Kyrna but remain close to her and pray that the gods show mercy.

Turn to 759.

759     Saddened, you sit by Kyrna's flank and listen to her final heartbeats. Then you are startled by a shadow racing by over your head. At once, you roll over to your saddlebags and feel for your weapon. At the same time you hear the familiar rush of giant dragon wings.

Just a stone's throw away, an especially lean and wiry specimen appears out of the darkness. This dragon — barely larger than Kyrna _ moves towards you. There is an orphaned saddle on its back. This may well be the companion of the fallen Shadow Assassin.

If you want to attack the dragon, turn to 712.
If you want to hide, turn to 724.
If you want to address the dragon, turn to 703.

Character Sheet

Stats:
STRENGTH: 10, DEXTERITY: 7, VITALITY: Fit (5/5)
KARMA: 2, RAGE 2/5

Weapons (max 3):
1: Captain's Sword +4 (+1 Defense if Strength 10+)
2: Epee +3 (+1 Defense)
3: Moon Sickle of the Keșra +4 (Add 20 to a reference to use its power and reveal yourself. Spend Karma for autohit/+1 damage)

Clothing:
Body: Empire Uniform +1
Legs: Soldier Boots +1
Disguise: Fisher Coat

Special Items (max 12):
1: Figurine of the Ancients
2: Signet Ring
3: Lump of Gold
4: Captain's Doubloon

Utensils (max 6):
1: Strong Obsidian Potion
2: Star Stone (+3 Vitality)
3: Heavy Bomb
4: Bull's-Eye Lantern
5: Rope
6: Bottle of Brandy

Abilities:
2: Sharpened Senses
3: Free Breath
4: Mental Focus
5: Magical Lore
6: History Knowledge
7: Good Fighter (+2 Melee Attack)
8: Power of the Full Moon
9: Immune to Sunlight
10: Shadow Walk
11. Power of Xorox

Money:
24 Dinars
13 Shekels

Kyrna
Vitality: Battered (3/4)
Rank: Companion (1/5)
Saddlebags
1: Prayer Book (Utensil)
2: Wicker Basket (Utensil)
3: Bolt Cutters (Utensil)
4: Damaged Eyepiece (Utensil)

[pragma]

I sort of like 'address the dragon'. The chapter has emphasized how much empathy we're supposed to have for Kyrna. I would also be happy with attack. Definitely don't hide because Kyrna can't.

[Omegonthesane]

Address the dragon. We can't hope to defeat it in combat and indeed Kyrna can't hide so why should we.

[Thaluikhain]

Ask the dragon if they can help our dragon.

[angelfromanotherpin]

703     Determined to address the dragon, you courageously step in its path.

If you have the RIDER RANK Dragon Ally, turn to 729.
If not, turn to 741.

741     With a queasy feeling caused by fear and a protective instinct, you confront the dragon. It snarls at you loudly, but then hesitates for a moment.

If you want to attack the dragon, turn to 749.
If you want to step cautiously to the side and wait to see what it will do, turn to 708.

Character Sheet

Stats:
STRENGTH: 10, DEXTERITY: 7, VITALITY: Fit (5/5)
KARMA: 2, RAGE 2/5

Weapons (max 3):
1: Captain's Sword +4 (+1 Defense if Strength 10+)
2: Epee +3 (+1 Defense)
3: Moon Sickle of the Keșra +4 (Add 20 to a reference to use its power and reveal yourself. Spend Karma for autohit/+1 damage)

Clothing:
Body: Empire Uniform +1
Legs: Soldier Boots +1
Disguise: Fisher Coat

Special Items (max 12):
1: Figurine of the Ancients
2: Signet Ring
3: Lump of Gold
4: Captain's Doubloon

Utensils (max 6):
1: Strong Obsidian Potion
2: Star Stone (+3 Vitality)
3: Heavy Bomb
4: Bull's-Eye Lantern
5: Rope
6: Bottle of Brandy

Abilities:
2: Sharpened Senses
3: Free Breath
4: Mental Focus
5: Magical Lore
6: History Knowledge
7: Good Fighter (+2 Melee Attack)
8: Power of the Full Moon
9: Immune to Sunlight
10: Shadow Walk
11. Power of Xorox

Money:
24 Dinars
13 Shekels

Kyrna
Vitality: Battered (3/4)
Rank: Companion (1/5)
Saddlebags
1: Prayer Book (Utensil)
2: Wicker Basket (Utensil)
3: Bolt Cutters (Utensil)
4: Damaged Eyepiece (Utensil)

[Omegonthesane]

Step aside.

(Were we meant to be able to get to that rank by now?)

[pragma]

Cautiously step aside.

[Thaluikhain]

Step aside.

[Darth Rabbitt]

Step aside.

[angelfromanotherpin]

708     You follow the azure dragon closely, prepared to intercept should it want to hurt Kyrna. As it reaches your mount, it looks at you again with some contempt. Then, lowering its mighty skull, its brow plate armed with a long horn, the dragon touches Kyrna with it and takes a deep breath. Immediately, its horn begins to shine in the warm, almost divine light of the morning sun. A moment later, Kyrna's hind legs start to twitch, and she opens her eyes. Even you feel a bit better; the healing light has touched you too.

Before you realize what has happened, the unknown dragon has swooped up into the air, disappearing with a long drawn outcry over the dense Jengal forests.
Your VITALITY rises by a level, possibly even to fit.

Turn to 717.

Weirdly, despite this healing radiance, we aren't told to adjust Kyrna's vitality at all.

717     With joy and gratitude you pat the palm-sized scales on the back of your dragon: "I thank you, Kyrna! What would I be without you?" A drawn-out roar of camaraderie echoes through the night. She has understood.

What to do now? You look around, clueless.

If you have the RIDER RANK Dragon Ally, turn to 775.
If not, turn to 713.

713     You notice how your perplexity is also of concern to Kyrna. She looks deep into your eyes, as if trying to comprehend what is troubling you. Then, for the first time, you are filled not only with emotions of friendship and trust, but also with a feeling of deep understanding.
Your RIDER RANK rises to Dragon Ally!

Turn to 775.

775     Kyrna wants to tell you something — as do you her. You lose yourself inescapably in the hypnotic gaze of her golden eyes. A conversation begins in your heads, as in a veiled dream.

"Why did the dragon spare you, Kyrna?"
"Dragons do not kill each other."
"But why did it not kill me?"
"All the enlightened know your true destiny — the same goes for Atolm!"

You pause. You sense no deception in her. You will simply have to digest these words.

"Kyrna, what about you? You too?"

A thundering cry, her only answer to your question, fills the night. It has barely faded when you continue pensively, using your outward voice: "So then our journey was predestined..."

Turn to CHAPTER 6: "IN THE LIGHT OF TRUTH".

•

Have you found the FATE POINT (#10) in this chapter? If not, you should perhaps fly over the Guanoko Plains again and try different maneuvers.

In addition, it was possible to achieve the second RIDER RANK of Dragon Ally in this chapter.

What the hell is an Atolm? Anyway, Chapter 6 coming soon.

Character Sheet

Stats:
STRENGTH: 10, DEXTERITY: 7, VITALITY: Fit (5/5)
KARMA: 2, RAGE 2/5

Weapons (max 3):
1: Captain's Sword +4 (+1 Defense if Strength 10+)
2: Epee +3 (+1 Defense)
3: Moon Sickle of the Keșra +4 (Add 20 to a reference to use its power and reveal yourself. Spend Karma for autohit/+1 damage)

Clothing:
Body: Empire Uniform +1
Legs: Soldier Boots +1
Disguise: Fisher Coat

Special Items (max 12):
1: Figurine of the Ancients
2: Signet Ring
3: Lump of Gold
4: Captain's Doubloon

Utensils (max 6):
1: Strong Obsidian Potion
2: Star Stone (+3 Vitality)
3: Heavy Bomb
4: Bull's-Eye Lantern
5: Rope
6: Bottle of Brandy

Abilities:
2: Sharpened Senses
3: Free Breath
4: Mental Focus
5: Magical Lore
6: History Knowledge
7: Good Fighter (+2 Melee Attack)
8: Power of the Full Moon
9: Immune to Sunlight
10: Shadow Walk
11. Power of Xorox

Money:
24 Dinars
13 Shekels

Kyrna
Vitality: Battered (3/4)
Rank: Ally (2/5)
Saddlebags
1: Prayer Book (Utensil)
2: Wicker Basket (Utensil)
3: Bolt Cutters (Utensil)
4: Damaged Eyepiece (Utensil)

[angelfromanotherpin]

CHAPTER 6

IN THE LIGHT OF TRUTH

The air battle was a nerve-wracking experience. You receive 1 KARMA point.
Use your VITALITY from the last chapter and update the Save Points for all your information on your adventure sheet.
The moon has changed one phase clockwise. Note this in the MOON CALENDAR at section 600.

"The Isle of Truth is an almost unachievable island midst a raging sea of lies and desperation."

— THE ORACLE OF KABETH

776     In no time at all the impenetrable Jengal jungle lies behind you and you are gliding over the rough hills of the Red Rocks. Kyrna follows her instincts and the cues from Atolm the Heavenly. He probably meant that there is a sunken sanctum of Kar somewhere in the Gawana. You trust the two dragons to lead you there. many hours pass before the dunes of Gawana desert, followed by the burning fields of the Fire Plain, spread beneath you. The horizon has no limits.

It is a ghostly landscape: A sulfurous stench rises from yellow-brown hills. In some places, billowing fountains of burning liquid shoot up into the air out of sickly yellow puddles of mud. Wherever you look, the landscape is bleak. There are no animals or plants to be seen, no signs of civilization.

Nevertheless, the Gawana desert is considered the cradle of the Kar faith. Giant cities and temple structures have lain hidden under the sulfurous sand for generations. An inner voice tells you that your destiny will be fulfilled amid these inhospitable surroundings.

"Kyrna, there is something that has been troubling me for a while. I aks myself why I awakened in the dungeon of the Ningal Tower, not in Calderal's rooms."

If you want to refresh your memory, do it at section 301 and return here. Read the text between the moons (( ... )), then come back here (put your finger between the pages).

You clarify your thoughts: "His explaining that it was a misunderstanding makes no sense. I was abducted from the temple in Kyphi by Aonus himself."

It takes Kyrna a short while to answer, which is very unusual. "The Shadow master wanted to test his beloved child. He wished to find out whether Kathum's curse influenced you or if you were still loyal to him. He could not see your true intentions — thanks to Tarus' ring."[/i]

You have flown for countless miles when you see a small group of humans laboring over the Fire Fields. A dozen simple carts and wagons, laden with haggard people, refugees from war.

> How desperate must they be to travel through this wasteland? <

Flying further down, you see men and youths armed with pitiful spears and sticks, but also women and children sitting on the wagons. Even the Toka, normally untiring draft lizards, are sluggishly setting one paw before the other.

If you want to land near the refugees and try to start up a conversation, turn to 817.
If you want to leave them to their fate, turn to 806.

Okay, I think Atolm is the other dragon's name. That was not clear.

Character Sheet

Stats:
STRENGTH: 10, DEXTERITY: 7, VITALITY: Fit (5/5)
KARMA: 3, RAGE 2/5

Weapons (max 3):
1: Captain's Sword +4 (+1 Defense if Strength 10+)
2: Epee +3 (+1 Defense)
3: Moon Sickle of the Keșra +5 (Add 20 to a reference to use its power and reveal yourself. Spend Karma for autohit/+1 damage)

Clothing:
Body: Empire Uniform +1
Legs: Soldier Boots +1
Disguise: Fisher Coat

Special Items (max 12):
1: Figurine of the Ancients
2: Signet Ring
3: Lump of Gold
4: Captain's Doubloon

Utensils (max 6):
1: Strong Obsidian Potion
2: Star Stone (+3 Vitality)
3: Heavy Bomb
4: Bull's-Eye Lantern
5: Rope
6: Bottle of Brandy

Abilities:
2: Sharpened Senses
3: Free Breath
4: Mental Focus
5: Magical Lore
6: History Knowledge
7: Good Fighter (+2 Melee Attack)
8: Power of the Full Moon
9: Immune to Sunlight
10: Shadow Walk
11. Power of Xorox

Money:
24 Dinars
13 Shekels

Kyrna
Vitality: Battered (3/4)
Rank: Ally (2/5)
Saddlebags
1: Prayer Book (Utensil)
2: Wicker Basket (Utensil)
3: Bolt Cutters (Utensil)
4: Damaged Eyepiece (Utensil)

[Omegonthesane]

We probably lose hero points if we leave refugees to their fate. So land.

Given they didn't mechanically reduce Kyrna's health for a cutscene in which she became mortally wounded, I'm not that fussed that she didn't get one of her game mechanical hitpoints back for being healed of that cutscene wound.

[Darth Rabbitt]

Talk to the refugees.

[pragma]

Talk to refugees.

[angelfromanotherpin]

817     "Stay away, Empire!" a young man snarls at you. His face, though pitifully emaciated, speaks of wild determination. Spinning a spear over his head, he positions himself — like his companions, somewhat unsteady on his legs — half-way between the carts and Kyrna's landing place. You admire these men's courage; they would try and defend their families even against an all-powerful dragon.

"Lower your spears!" you shout at them, swinging gracefully from the saddle. "I do not work for the Empire. I am not here to harm you! The dragon and my equipment are spoils of war."

"Liar!" a frail man in the second row croaks passionately.

"Well," you begin calmly as you pet Kyrna's flank, "if I has wanted to attack you, I could have done so without any danger, couldn't I?" Kyrna emphasizes your words with a low grunt.

Hesitantly, the men put away their weapons and lead you into the center of their barricade of wagons. There are many more refugees than those you saw from the sky. Most of the women and children have been hiding beneath the tarps of the wagons. Kyrna and you have little trouble with the sulfurous vapors, but the humans are finding it difficult to breathe. There is always somebody coughing.

"Where are you headed?" you address a young mother sitting on the bed of a cart and nursing a baby.

"To Kurnugia," she answers shyly.

You are surprised. "You all seek to cross the Great Barrier?"

"Yes, that is what we want to do!" an old woman with a voice like dry gravel enters the conversation. You had overlooked the crone sitting in the rear end of the cart before, but here she is now.

"Does the Empire want to stop us?" she asks sharply.

"Yes," you answer somewhat rashly, but then correct yourself. "I mean, no... Well, the Empire would probably want to stop you, but as I have said, I do not fight under the Shadow banner."

The crone laughs. "If that is true, then the question arises: what are you doing here, non-Empire?"

If you want to tell her that you are trying to find the old Kar sanctum, turn to 820.
If you want to hide your plans, turn to 808.

Character Sheet

Stats:
STRENGTH: 10, DEXTERITY: 7, VITALITY: Fit (5/5)
KARMA: 3, RAGE 2/5

Weapons (max 3):
1: Captain's Sword +4 (+1 Defense if Strength 10+)
2: Epee +3 (+1 Defense)
3: Moon Sickle of the Keșra +5 (Add 20 to a reference to use its power and reveal yourself. Spend Karma for autohit/+1 damage)

Clothing:
Body: Empire Uniform +1
Legs: Soldier Boots +1
Disguise: Fisher Coat

Special Items (max 12):
1: Figurine of the Ancients
2: Signet Ring
3: Lump of Gold
4: Captain's Doubloon

Utensils (max 6):
1: Strong Obsidian Potion
2: Star Stone (+3 Vitality)
3: Heavy Bomb
4: Bull's-Eye Lantern
5: Rope
6: Bottle of Brandy

Abilities:
2: Sharpened Senses
3: Free Breath
4: Mental Focus
5: Magical Lore
6: History Knowledge
7: Good Fighter (+2 Melee Attack)
8: Power of the Full Moon
9: Immune to Sunlight
10: Shadow Walk
11. Power of Xorox

Money:
24 Dinars
13 Shekels

Kyrna
Vitality: Battered (3/4)
Rank: Ally (2/5)
Saddlebags
1: Prayer Book (Utensil)
2: Wicker Basket (Utensil)
3: Bolt Cutters (Utensil)
4: Damaged Eyepiece (Utensil)

[Darth Rabbitt]

Ninja Honesty.

[pragma]

Tell about old Kar Sanctum. These folks don't seem to be informants.

[angelfromanotherpin]

820     Deep lines of worry show on the crone's face. "You have to fly into the middle of the Ashen Lake," she whispers mysteriously. "But be warned, Non-Empire! The temple hidden there has a deadly secret. The Shadow Master has sent many loyal scouts to find it. None have returned." Usually you do not believe in fantastic tales, but coming from the old woman's throat the words sound like self-fulfilling prophecy.

You are just about to turn away when, with trembling hands, she holds out to you a leather neckband. A small golden pyramid dangles from one end. It is covered with ancient hieroglyphs, just like those you saw in the temple of Ugar.

"What is that?" you stammer, fascinated.

"I would guess it is worth 40 Dinars, so give me 50, and it is yours." True to her tribe's nature, she haggles, certain that you want the artefact badly."

If you have 50 Dinars (or Diplomacy and 42 Dinars) and want to give them to the old woman in exchange for the jewelry, turn to 803.
You can also trade items in your possession. Each Utensil on your adventure sheet (also those in Kyrna's saddlebag) you give to the old woman is worth 3 Dinars to her. For a Lantern, Bull's Eye Lantern, Blanket, Dried Meat, or any Bronze Bottle, she would give 5 Dinars! By the way, she does not take currency from the land of the enemy, such as Shekels. Special Items cannot be sold.
If you do not have neough money or valuable items or do not want to spend so much for the neckband, you can take it by force (turn to 834).
If you would rather give up on the choker, say your goodbyes and go to the campfire (turn to 839).

Character Sheet

Stats:
STRENGTH: 10, DEXTERITY: 7, VITALITY: Fit (5/5)
KARMA: 3, RAGE 2/5

Weapons (max 3):
1: Captain's Sword +4 (+1 Defense if Strength 10+)
2: Epee +3 (+1 Defense)
3: Moon Sickle of the Keșra +5 (Add 20 to a reference to use its power and reveal yourself. Spend Karma for autohit/+1 damage)

Clothing:
Body: Empire Uniform +1
Legs: Soldier Boots +1
Disguise: Fisher Coat

Special Items (max 12):
1: Figurine of the Ancients
2: Signet Ring
3: Lump of Gold
4: Captain's Doubloon

Utensils (max 6):
1: Strong Obsidian Potion
2: Star Stone (+3 Vitality)
3: Heavy Bomb
4: Bull's-Eye Lantern
5: Rope
6: Bottle of Brandy

Abilities:
2: Sharpened Senses
3: Free Breath
4: Mental Focus
5: Magical Lore
6: History Knowledge
7: Good Fighter (+2 Melee Attack)
8: Power of the Full Moon
9: Immune to Sunlight
10: Shadow Walk
11. Power of Xorox

Money:
24 Dinars
13 Shekels

Kyrna
Vitality: Battered (3/4)
Rank: Ally (2/5)
Saddlebags
1: Prayer Book (Utensil)
2: Wicker Basket (Utensil)
3: Bolt Cutters (Utensil)
4: Damaged Eyepiece (Utensil)