[Let's Play] Legendary Kingdoms: The Valley of Bones

[angelfromanotherpin]

Tasha gets the boost, Ti'quon trades out his armor, and we attempt the trap-filled corridor.

44

Tackling the room will come in two stages. Firstly, you must attempt to figure out the safest route. By examining the positions of the orc bodies you might be able to work out which parts of the room are safe and which parts are deadly traps. Secondly, someone must attempt to carefully sneak through the room.
     Discern the safe route (Team check)
     Skill and DC: Lore (5+)
     Successes Required: Special
You cannot fail this test, but remember the number of successes you managed to get. Next, pick someone to try and sneak through the room, and make the following check.
     Sneak through the room (Individual check)
     Skill and DC: Stealth (4+)
     Successes Required: 7
Note: For every Lore success you achieved, lower the number of successes required by 1.
If you succeed, turn to 385. If you fail, turn to 769.

Lore team has 13d v 5+:6,4,1,6,2,4,6,2,4,6,5,3,5=6 hits, which means that Tasha's stealth check only needs 1 hit.
I assume that we pass Tasha the better stealth gear while the smarties are scoping the risk, so she has 8d v 4+:2,4,1,6,1,4,1,3=3, success!

385

Hardly daring to breathe, your party member manages to step carefully across the chamber, avoiding every pressure plate and hidden tripwire. You may take the black prism from the pedestal. You only hope it was worth the danger retrieving it! Gain the code A80.
     Retracing your steps with a heart-thumping precision, you manage to make it out of the chamber to the warm congratulations of your colleagues. Roll 2 dice. If this number exceeds the party member’s Stealth score, raise their Stealth score by 1 point. You return to the crossroads. Turn to 310.

Tasha doesn't have the best chance of getting this advancement, but it seems like there's no choice but the one who dared the pointy hallway. 2d:5+4=9, the boost is good! Let me know what to drop for the prism.

310

You have reached a crossroads, with the corridor splitting off into four directions. To the north you make out a door in the eastern wall. The western branch of the corridor has a door in the north wall. The tunnels lead off into darkness to the south and east.
     Go through the door in the north tunnel (turn to 361)?
     Go north, past the door, down the tunnel (turn to 634)?
     Go through the door in the west tunnel (turn to 247)?
     Go south (turn to 196)?
     Go east (turn to 23)?

I think we've been just about everywhere in this whole place, and our only real choices are to either leave by going up two sets of stairs or go back to the harbor and see what the code we got after defeating the orcs does. If you've noticed some other unexplored corner, let me know.

Name	Fighting	Survival	Stealth	Charisma	Lore	Health	Caster?	Gear	Notes
Sar Jessica Dayne	6(9)	2	2	4(6)	3(5)	8/9	x	Skallos Runeblade (Fighting +3, Lore +2), Steel Longsword (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armour (Armour +2), Glittering Necklace (Charisma +2), Fairbrother Family Crest, Iron Sceptre, Ring of the Patriarch, Seal of House Ross, Talisman of St. Elias	x3 for Tasha, Skeleton (+2F, 3/6)
Lord Ti'quon	3(5)	2	2	2(3)	6(8)	5/6	√	Steel Scimitar (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Chain Armour (Armour +2), Handsome Brooch (Charisma +1), Tome of Knowledge (Lore +2), Grey Talisman, Incense, Magical Weave, Scroll of Rage, Vial of Quicksilver	Skeleton (+2F, 6/6)
Tasha	4(6)	5(6)	7(8)	5(7)	1	8/9	x	Steel Scimitar (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armour (Armour +2), Amulet of Defense (Armour +1), Warm Cloak (Survival +1), Soft Boots (Stealth +1), Glittering Necklace (Charisma +2), Bar of Gold Bullion, Dragonyak Horn, Potion of Invulnerability	x3 for Jessica, Skeleton (+2F, 1/6)
Akihiro	6(9)	6	4(6)	1(2)	2(3)	8/9	x	Steel Greatsword (Fighting +3)*, Iron Shortsword (Fighting +1) x2, Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armor (Armor +2), Fine Boots (Stealth +2), Handsome Brooch (Charisma +1), Reference Book (Lore +1), Soft Boots (Stealth +1), Potion of Invulnerability	Skeleton (+2F, 5/6)
Skullcracker	8	3	1	2	1	12/12	x	Club (Fighting +0)	No carrying, no cities, no boats

Money: 2744 silver coins.
Spellbook (Ti'quon): Armor of Heaven, Clinging Dread (50), Ice Bolt (50), Magic Cabinet, Soothing Touch, Unfailing Strike
Codes: A1, A2, A8, A13, A14, A15, A16, A17, A20, A21, A23, A24, A25, A26, A27, A30, A32, A34, A35, A36, A41, A42, A43, A44, A51, A54, A55, A56, A57, A58, A59, A62, A64, A65, A66, A67, A69, A71, A72, A74, A75, A76, A78, A79, A80, A82, A85, A86, A87, A90, A91, A92, A93
Your Armies: Luutanesh Spears (Strength 3, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks), Faithful Irregulars (Strength 1, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Kensai Warriors (Strength 4, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Chalice Archers (Strength 2, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks), Lhasbreath Berserkers (Strength 5, Morale 2, Saltdad Barracks).

[pragma]

I think we could also read the hypnotic book that killed Amelia

[SGamerz]

Go back to the harbour for codeword check.

[JourneymanN00b]

I vote to return to the harbor.

[angelfromanotherpin]

I'm going to skip over the intervening corridor entries and go straight to the destination.

662

You are in the magnificent ruins of Mordain harbour. Four hundred years of tidal forces have not yet eroded its stone dockyard, with the stone faces of Mordainian kings, carved from the cliff face, peering out to sea. Although the grand stairway to the top of the cliff has long since collapsed, a great tunnel, carved to resemble the mouth of some gluttonous god, leads into the cliffside.
     If you have the code A68, turn to 13. If not, read on. Bobbing shabbily in dock is large wooden ship, built of crudely hammered planks with sails made of animal skins. The decorations and savage glyphs on the side can mean only one thing. This is an orcish vessel. What has possessed those vile creatures to travel all the way to the Valley of Bones? The ship is abandoned but will require a crew. If you have a ship docked in Mordain harbour you may transfer your crew to the orc hulk. It has a large cargo bay, but little else to recommend its use as a sailing ship. If you have the code A69, turn to 738.
     Transfer your crew to the orc hulk (only if you have a ship here, turn to 894)?
     Board your ship (only if you have a ship here, turn to 851)?
     Enter the wide tunnel (turn to 593)?

738

The slaves you rescued from the dungeons of Mordain are here. They have already boarded the ship and made it seaworthy. They urge you to become their new captain and lead them to fame and riches. Gain the code A68.
     Agree to their request and set sail (turn to 112)?
     Decline, gifting them the ship and wishing them luck (turn to 800)?

Score?

Name	Fighting	Survival	Stealth	Charisma	Lore	Health	Caster?	Gear	Notes
Sar Jessica Dayne	6(9)	2	2	4(6)	3(5)	8/9	x	Skallos Runeblade (Fighting +3, Lore +2), Steel Longsword (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armour (Armour +2), Glittering Necklace (Charisma +2), Fairbrother Family Crest, Iron Sceptre, Ring of the Patriarch, Seal of House Ross, Talisman of St. Elias	x3 for Tasha, Skeleton (+2F, 3/6)
Lord Ti'quon	3(5)	2	2	2(3)	6(8)	5/6	√	Steel Scimitar (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Chain Armour (Armour +2), Handsome Brooch (Charisma +1), Tome of Knowledge (Lore +2), Grey Talisman, Incense, Magical Weave, Scroll of Rage, Vial of Quicksilver	Skeleton (+2F, 6/6)
Tasha	4(6)	5(6)	7(8)	5(7)	1	8/9	x	Steel Scimitar (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armour (Armour +2), Amulet of Defense (Armour +1), Warm Cloak (Survival +1), Soft Boots (Stealth +1), Glittering Necklace (Charisma +2), Bar of Gold Bullion, Dragonyak Horn, Potion of Invulnerability	x3 for Jessica, Skeleton (+2F, 1/6)
Akihiro	6(9)	6	4(6)	1(2)	2(3)	8/9	x	Steel Greatsword (Fighting +3)*, Iron Shortsword (Fighting +1) x2, Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armor (Armor +2), Fine Boots (Stealth +2), Handsome Brooch (Charisma +1), Reference Book (Lore +1), Soft Boots (Stealth +1), Potion of Invulnerability	Skeleton (+2F, 5/6)
Skullcracker	8	3	1	2	1	12/12	x	Club (Fighting +0)	No carrying, no cities, no boats

Money: 2744 silver coins.
Spellbook (Ti'quon): Armor of Heaven, Clinging Dread (50), Ice Bolt (50), Magic Cabinet, Soothing Touch, Unfailing Strike
Codes: A1, A2, A8, A13, A14, A15, A16, A17, A20, A21, A23, A24, A25, A26, A27, A30, A32, A34, A35, A36, A41, A42, A43, A44, A51, A54, A55, A56, A57, A58, A59, A62, A64, A65, A66, A67, A68, A69, A71, A72, A74, A75, A76, A78, A79, A80, A82, A85, A86, A87, A90, A91, A92, A93
Your Armies: Luutanesh Spears (Strength 3, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks), Faithful Irregulars (Strength 1, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Kensai Warriors (Strength 4, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Chalice Archers (Strength 2, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks), Lhasbreath Berserkers (Strength 5, Morale 2, Saltdad Barracks).

[JourneymanN00b]

If we set sail, I think we go to another book? Is there anything else that we want to do before leaving? If so, I vote to agree to their request.

[pragma]

I think there are things to do in this book with a boat.

[SGamerz]

If we set sail now, we lose the ogre. Let's wrap everything up before we leave this island.

At the very least, we should turn in the black prism quest token we came here to find, to Unbraaki for his support in taking the other city for Everchild.

[angelfromanotherpin]

I am requesting a tie-breaker vote from someone.

[JourneymanN00b]

Please make my vote a half one to resolve the tie.

[angelfromanotherpin]

Okay, our destination is the Palace, and I'm going to skip over the uneventful parts. I'm also going to ditch the Iron King's iron sceptre for the black prism, as I'm pretty sure that questline is now defunct.

800

The slaves are disappointed that their saviours will not be joining them but thank you once again for their freedom. With a cheer the crew unmoor their ship and head out into the ocean depths. You wish them luck.
     Gain the code A70. Now turn to 662.

We go back into the complex and up the stairs, back past the kitchen, and the skeleton room, and up again into the ruins. Then it's west towards Cursus, and as we leave Mordain, our skeletons fall apart.

752

You are crossing a vast expanse of desert, that alternates between rocky Badlands and sweeping dunes of rich yellow sand. The heat is oppressive. Few things live in this barren place.
     Manage your water (Team check)
     Skill and DC: Survival (4+)
     Successes Required: 4
If you succeed, you manage to conserve water by travelling mostly at night and sheltering from the worst of the sun. If you fail, each party member loses 1 Health from heatstroke.
     Roll a die. On a 1 or 2, turn to 108. On a 3, turn to 534. On a 4 or more, turn to 840.

Survival team swings 12d v 4+:3,2,6,5,6,5,3,4,4,3,2,2=6, success. The encounter die is a 6.
We pass through Lhasbreath, pausing to top off our health, and move on to the Palace of Unbraaki, where we seek audience.

559

You inform the soldier that you are agents of the queen of Saltdad and have come to plead for Unbraaki’s support in her cause. The soldier nods and asks you to wait in the garden until his return. Slave girls deliver iced fruit juices to you as you sit upon a bench in the shade. Eventually the soldier returns.
     “Please, come with me,” he says. “Unbraaki will see you now.”
     You follow the soldier into the gorgeous palace, quite the equal of any manorial estate in Royce or Drakehallow. You are led into a private study where you meet Unbraaki himself. He is an elegant, though rather short, man with a long, thin oiled moustache. His robes are a dazzle of colours that seem to shift before your eyes. On his desk sits a small monkey, oddly wearing a tiny wizard’s hat. It looks at you with penetrating, intelligent eyes. Unbraaki bids you to sit, seating himself on a throne-like chair cunningly designed to make him look taller.
     “I am pleased you came to see me,” smiles Unbraaki. “I have been following your progress, and that of your queen, with great interest. I am now satisfied that the wind is changing in the valley, and that the Everchild is both a promising and likely leader.”
     “You will support her, then?” you press.
     “Perhaps,” says Unbraaki suddenly cold. “My soldiers are some of the best in the land, and their loyalty comes with a cost.”
     “I’m sure the Everchild can provide you with the necessary compensation,” you say breezily.
     “The Everchild does not have what I want,” Unbraaki says.
     “And what do you want, eminence?” you ask.
     Unbraaki rises and walks to a bookcase. He snaps his fingers, and the monkey on the desk scales the tall shelves, pulling down an ancient tome and passing it to his master.

     Unbraaki opens the book at a particular page and shows you a picture. It appears to be a triangular object, grey or black in colour, with light streaming through it. “The black prism,” says Unbraaki. “It holds the secrets of light itself. Long I’ve sought it, in this world and the world of shadow, but to no avail. I have consulted an oracle in Drakehallow who told me that only the agents of the queen of Saltdad can find the prism. Of course, there has been no queen in Saltdad for a thousand years. You have just made that happen. I want you to find me the black prism, and in exchange I will provide my soldiers to the Everchild’s cause.”
     If you have a black prism, turn to 818.
     If not, read on.
     “Where can I find it?” you ask.
     “I only know that it was hidden on the south coast of the valley,” says Unbraaki. “Perhaps the patriarch has it hidden in his vault? Or maybe it lies in the dread city of Mordain? You are fated to find it, so I doubt you will struggle hard to locate it.”
     Well, the directions are vague, but it’s something to go on. You thank Unbraaki for his time and promise to return with the prism. You are escorted out of the palace. Turn to 265.

818

Unbraaki’s eyes rise in astonishment as you produce the black prism. He eagerly snatches it from your grasp (cross it off your equipment list). “You have done well... very well indeed,” he purrs, almost seeming to stroke the prism with his thin hands. “The Everchild shall have my soldiers. She may dispose of them as she wishes.”
     Add the following soldiers to the Saltdad barracks. Unbraaki’s soldiers are dependable, professional soldiers, who obey orders well.

Spears of Unbraaki – Strength 3, Morale 4

     Gaining Unbraaki’s support has been quite an endeavour. Choose a party member roll 2 dice. If the result is higher than their Lore skill, raise their Lore by 1 point. Thanking the dread sorcerer for his time, you depart. Gain the code A89 and turn to 265.

Who gets the boost?

818

You are leaving the Palace of Unbraaki. Where will you venture now?
     Go north, towards Clifftop (turn to 725)?
     Go east, to the Tumblestones (turn to 137)?
     Go southeast, to Lhasbreath (turn to 775)?
     Head south, into the jungle (turn to 370)?

Where to next?

Name	Fighting	Survival	Stealth	Charisma	Lore	Health	Caster?	Gear	Notes
Sar Jessica Dayne	6(9)	2	2	4(6)	3(5)	9/9	x	Skallos Runeblade (Fighting +3, Lore +2), Steel Longsword (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armour (Armour +2), Glittering Necklace (Charisma +2), Fairbrother Family Crest, Ring of the Patriarch, Seal of House Ross, Talisman of St. Elias	x3 for Tasha
Lord Ti'quon	3(5)	2	2	2(3)	6(8)	6/6	√	Steel Scimitar (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Chain Armour (Armour +2), Handsome Brooch (Charisma +1), Tome of Knowledge (Lore +2), Grey Talisman, Incense, Magical Weave, Scroll of Rage, Vial of Quicksilver
Tasha	4(6)	5(6)	7(8)	5(7)	1	9/9	x	Steel Scimitar (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armour (Armour +2), Amulet of Defense (Armour +1), Warm Cloak (Survival +1), Soft Boots (Stealth +1), Glittering Necklace (Charisma +2), Bar of Gold Bullion, Dragonyak Horn, Potion of Invulnerability	x3 for Jessica
Akihiro	6(9)	6	4(6)	1(2)	2(3)	9/9	x	Steel Greatsword (Fighting +3)*, Iron Shortsword (Fighting +1) x2, Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armor (Armor +2), Fine Boots (Stealth +2), Handsome Brooch (Charisma +1), Reference Book (Lore +1), Soft Boots (Stealth +1), Potion of Invulnerability
Skullcracker	8	3	1	2	1	12/12	x	Club (Fighting +0)	No carrying, no cities, no boats

Money: 2741 silver coins.
Spellbook (Ti'quon): Armor of Heaven, Clinging Dread (50), Ice Bolt (50), Magic Cabinet, Soothing Touch, Unfailing Strike
Codes: A1, A2, A8, A13, A14, A15, A16, A17, A20, A21, A23, A24, A25, A26, A27, A30, A32, A34, A35, A36, A41, A42, A43, A44, A51, A54, A55, A56, A57, A58, A59, A62, A64, A65, A66, A67, A68, A69, A70, A71, A72, A74, A75, A76, A78, A79, A80, A82, A85, A86, A87, A89, A90, A91, A92, A93
Your Armies: Luutanesh Spears (Strength 3, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks), Faithful Irregulars (Strength 1, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Kensai Warriors (Strength 4, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Chalice Archers (Strength 2, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks), Lhasbreath Berserkers (Strength 5, Morale 2, Saltdad Barracks), Spears of Unbraaki (Strength 3, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks).

[SGamerz]

Give Sar Jessica Dayne the boost, since she has a high chance of passing e roll.

I want to take full advantage of the ogre while he's still around, and explore all the non-civilised areas with him around.

We only went to the jungle once, and it was under a specific quest, so I want to see if there are more content if we visit again.

But first, I vote to go re-stock spells first (and turn in whatever talisman or incense that can be traded for stat in that city) and re-buy cheap junk to put in our inventory in case we run into item-stealing monkeys again.

Was it Lhasbreath or Clifftop that doesn't allow restocking spells? Whichever it is, I vote we go to the other one.

[JourneymanN00b]

Yes, I vote to give Sar Jessica Dayne the Lore Boost, and also to restock spells at Clifftop. I then vote to return to the jungle.

[angelfromanotherpin]

Lore advancement check is 2+1=3, and Sar Jessica actually fails, which is a bummer.
Because it has been a while, I will remind you that the Everchild also asked us to try recruiting among the nomads.
I'm going to skip over the trip and back to Clifftop for spell refreshes because nothing happens in the interim except a couple of not-too-difficult Survival checks. Let me know if there's anything you want to sell while we're there.

370

You have come to the outskirts of a thick jungle that lies just to the west of Lhasbreath. It is too difficult to traverse far into the jungle without a proper expedition, but perhaps you might discover something interesting with a quick look.

Roll 2 dice and add them together to determine what you discover:
     2-4 turn to 701.
     5-6 turn to 343.
     7 turn to 598.
     8-9 turn to 449.
     10-12 turn to 547.

The roll is a 9.

449

Tramping through the jungle you have attracted attention to yourselves. A pair of jungle panthers have been stalking you. They leap upon you, quite unexpectedly.

Opponent	Attack	Def	Health
1st Panther	5(4+)	4+	6
2nd Panther	4(4+)	4+	7

Note: The panthers have ambushed you! They get the first turn.
     If you win, you quickly make your way out of the dangerous jungle. Turn to 618.

Round 1:
1st Panther attacks, 5d v 4+:3,6,1,2,5=2, assigned to Tasha (armour 5:1,1,3,1,3) now at 7/9
2nd Panther attacks, 4d v 4+:5,5,3,6=3, assigned to Sar Jessica (armour 4:2,6,2,5) now at 8/9
...and then they are crushed.

618

You are leaving the Lhasbreath jungle, happy to be rid of the biting insects and draining humidity in that place. Where will you venture now?
     North, to the Palace of Unbraaki (turn to 890)?
     East, to the city of Lhasbreath (turn to 775)?

Name	Fighting	Survival	Stealth	Charisma	Lore	Health	Caster?	Gear	Notes
Sar Jessica Dayne	6(9)	2	2	4(6)	3(5)	8/9	x	Skallos Runeblade (Fighting +3, Lore +2), Steel Longsword (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armour (Armour +2), Glittering Necklace (Charisma +2), Fairbrother Family Crest, Ring of the Patriarch, Seal of House Ross, Talisman of St. Elias	x3 for Tasha
Lord Ti'quon	3(5)	2	2	2(3)	6(8)	6/6	√	Steel Scimitar (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Chain Armour (Armour +2), Handsome Brooch (Charisma +1), Tome of Knowledge (Lore +2), Grey Talisman, Incense, Magical Weave, Scroll of Rage, Vial of Quicksilver
Tasha	4(6)	5(6)	7(8)	5(7)	1	7/9	x	Steel Scimitar (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armour (Armour +2), Amulet of Defense (Armour +1), Warm Cloak (Survival +1), Soft Boots (Stealth +1), Glittering Necklace (Charisma +2), Bar of Gold Bullion, Dragonyak Horn, Potion of Invulnerability	x3 for Jessica
Akihiro	6(9)	6	4(6)	1(2)	2(3)	9/9	x	Steel Greatsword (Fighting +3)*, Iron Shortsword (Fighting +1) x2, Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armor (Armor +2), Fine Boots (Stealth +2), Handsome Brooch (Charisma +1), Reference Book (Lore +1), Soft Boots (Stealth +1), Potion of Invulnerability
Skullcracker	8	3	1	2	1	12/12	x	Club (Fighting +0)	No carrying, no cities, no boats

Money: 2641 silver coins.
Spellbook (Ti'quon): Armor of Heaven, Clinging Dread, Ice Bolt, Magic Cabinet, Soothing Touch, Unfailing Strike
Codes: A1, A2, A8, A13, A14, A15, A16, A17, A20, A21, A23, A24, A25, A26, A27, A30, A32, A34, A35, A36, A41, A42, A43, A44, A51, A54, A55, A56, A57, A58, A59, A62, A64, A65, A66, A67, A68, A69, A70, A71, A72, A74, A75, A76, A78, A79, A80, A82, A85, A86, A87, A89, A90, A91, A92, A93
Your Armies: Luutanesh Spears (Strength 3, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks), Faithful Irregulars (Strength 1, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Kensai Warriors (Strength 4, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Chalice Archers (Strength 2, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks), Lhasbreath Berserkers (Strength 5, Morale 2, Saltdad Barracks), Spears of Unbraaki (Strength 3, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks).

[JourneymanN00b]

I vote to sell the 2 Iron Shortswords from Akihiro, a Steel LongSword form Sar Jessica, and possibly a Bar of Gold bullion from Tasha. I then vote to head to the nomads.

[SGamerz]

If we sell the low-level swords, I vote that we replace them with the cheap curved blades again as filler junk that can be dropped again if we need the inventory space. I think the bullion should be kept though.

Either way, east to the city to the city for the transactions, then continue east towards the steppes for the nomads.

[angelfromanotherpin]

I sold the iron shortswords, and also the extra soft boots and reference book because they were always vendor-bait. Unfortunately, the economy in Clifftop is too small for anyone to buy a steel longsword, so that'll have to wait. I've stacked the crude blade fillers on Aki because I don't want to actually go through and redistribute everything, but I'll assume that everyone actually holds one of them in case of another monkey-theft-style event.

We go east to Lhasbreath, where the market does support selling a steel sword, so we do that as well as resting up. East again, passing an unchallenging survival test, reaching the oasis, which is from now on too busy with travelers to have further romantic interludes. East again, another survival check, we reach the black ziggurat and pass on north into the Withered Steppes to try to find the nomads again, which we do.

473

It takes great patience and skill to find the nomad camp. Little wonder, since they are despised by all the kings of the valley. They are an ancient people, who lived as desert wanderers even before the desolation of Abraxas. They greet you with some confidence, for you are in their homeland, and each nomad is a skilled warrior who can best the toughest soldier.
     See the nomad chief (turn to 30)?
     Trade with the nomads (turn to 768)?
     Bid them farewell and return to the desert (turn to 115)?

30

You sit down with the nomad chief and share a pipe of smoking weed with him. He is a jovial fellow, unaffected by the woes of a nomadic life.
     If you have the code A1, and you do not have the code A37, turn to 737. Otherwise you have nothing of importance to discuss with him. Turn back to 473.

737

You broach the subject of the queen, and her requirement for more soldiers to prosecute her war against the patriarch of Cursus. He laughs as you extol her virtues as a ruler. “You do not have to tell me what she is like, why, she is my own daughter,” he laughs.
     “You are the Everchild’s father?” you gasp.
     “I am Milagros’s father,” he chides. “This tale about her being the eternal queen is just so much nonsense. The girl was too easily led by her aunt, who was a fabulous storyteller, but didn’t have an ounce of wit about her.”
     “But surely her magical powers are enough to convince…” you begin.
     “She can cast a spell or two, to be sure, but no more than she has learnt from the hedge wizards of her own tribe,” he smiles indulgently. “The Everchild of legend could raise mountains and turn seas to fire. Have you ever seen Milagros do that?”
     You are silent, suddenly filled with doubt.
     “Mark my words, many in the valley will meet their deaths before my child is done with her ambitions, and you’ll not see a whit of change for the better,” he warns.
     You rise, now uncertain whether you have backed the right monarch, but the nomad chief calls you back. “She is still family,” he shrugs. “Tell her she shall have my finest horsemen, but bid her remember where she comes from. It is not out of the pages of a story book, that is for certain.”
     Add these soldiers to the Saltdad Barracks on your adventure sheet:

Nomad Horsemen — Strength 4, Morale 3

Gain the code A37 and turn to 473.

737

It takes great patience and skill to find the nomad camp. Little wonder, since they are despised by all the kings of the valley. They are an ancient people, who lived as desert wanderers even before the desolation of Abraxas. They greet you with some confidence, for you are in their homeland, and each nomad is a skilled warrior who can best the toughest soldier.
     See the nomad chief (turn to 30)?
     Trade with the nomads (turn to 768)?
     Bid them farewell and return to the desert (turn to 115)?

Nothing left to do here, so...

115

You are travelling across a stretch of rocky desert, that rolls and twists into great gulches and canyons. Paths have been worn into the stone from hundreds of years of travel by nomads and barbarians who avoid the well-guarded roads that link the cities. It is hot and dry, and getting lost is a distinct possibility.
     Navigate the Withered Steppes (Team check)
     Skill and DC: Survival (4+)
     Successes Required: 3
If you fail the check, have each party member lose 1 Health point as your rations dwindle. If you succeed, you manage to get your bearings enough to explore your surroundings.
     Look for a nomad camp (turn to 253)?
     Explore some of the canyons (turn to 884)?
     Go west to the Granite Hills (turn to 275)?
     Go southwest into the deep desert (turn to 202)?
     Go south to the Temple of the Unbroken (turn to 535)?
     Go east to the Northroad (turn to 113)?
     Go northeast to Luutanesh (turn to 614)?
     Go north to the Westroad (turn to 177)?
     Go northwest towards Saltdad (turn to 858)?

Name	Fighting	Survival	Stealth	Charisma	Lore	Health	Caster?	Gear	Notes
Sar Jessica Dayne	6(9)	2	2	4(6)	3(5)	9/9	x	Skallos Runeblade (Fighting +3, Lore +2), Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armour (Armour +2), Glittering Necklace (Charisma +2), Fairbrother Family Crest, Ring of the Patriarch, Seal of House Ross, Talisman of St. Elias	x3 for Tasha
Lord Ti'quon	3(5)	2	2	2(3)	6(8)	6/6	√	Steel Scimitar (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Chain Armour (Armour +2), Handsome Brooch (Charisma +1), Tome of Knowledge (Lore +2), Grey Talisman, Incense, Magical Weave, Scroll of Rage, Vial of Quicksilver
Tasha	4(6)	5(6)	7(8)	5(7)	1	9/9	x	Steel Scimitar (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armour (Armour +2), Amulet of Defense (Armour +1), Warm Cloak (Survival +1), Soft Boots (Stealth +1), Glittering Necklace (Charisma +2), Bar of Gold Bullion, Dragonyak Horn, Potion of Invulnerability	x3 for Jessica
Akihiro	6(9)	6	4(6)	1(2)	2	9/9	x	Steel Greatsword (Fighting +3)*, Crude Blade x4, Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armor (Armor +2), Fine Boots (Stealth +2), Handsome Brooch (Charisma +1), Potion of Invulnerability
Skullcracker	8	3	1	2	1	12/12	x	Club (Fighting +0)	No carrying, no cities, no boats

Money: 3635 silver coins.
Spellbook (Ti'quon): Armor of Heaven, Clinging Dread, Ice Bolt, Magic Cabinet, Soothing Touch, Unfailing Strike
Codes: A1, A2, A8, A13, A14, A15, A16, A17, A20, A21, A23, A24, A25, A26, A27, A30, A32, A34, A35, A36, A37, A41, A42, A43, A44, A51, A54, A55, A56, A57, A58, A59, A62, A64, A65, A66, A67, A68, A69, A70, A71, A72, A74, A75, A76, A78, A79, A80, A82, A85, A86, A87, A89, A90, A91, A92, A93
Your Armies: Luutanesh Spears (Strength 3, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks), Faithful Irregulars (Strength 1, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Kensai Warriors (Strength 4, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Chalice Archers (Strength 2, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks), Lhasbreath Berserkers (Strength 5, Morale 2, Saltdad Barracks), Spears of Unbraaki (Strength 3, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Nomad Horsemen (Strength 4, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks).

[JourneymanN00b]

Have we already explored the canyons? If not, I vote to do that.

[angelfromanotherpin]

We have. The big canyon has aggressively territorial draonyaks, and the little canyons have an opportunity to cast the Shadow Door spell that we still don't know.

[SGamerz]

We have a dragonyak horn now, so explore the big canyon.

[JourneymanN00b]

I vote to explore the big canyon since we have a dragonyak horn then.

[angelfromanotherpin]

605

You descend into a mighty canyon, different coloured bands of earth clearly visible along the tall walls of the cleft. Water pools in some places, with patches of lush vegetation clogging parts of the valley. A herd of wild dragonyaks, like scaled buffalo, cluster around the oasis, munching contentedly. A dragonyak bull, appalled at your intervention, stamps his clawed hoof and utters a roar of challenge. He is clearly unwilling to yield the water to you.
     Back away, out of the canyon (turn to 115)?
     Hold your ground (turn to 149)?
     Cast an Animal Speech spell, if you have it (turn to 248)?

Name	Fighting	Survival	Stealth	Charisma	Lore	Health	Caster?	Gear	Notes
Sar Jessica Dayne	6(9)	2	2	4(6)	3(5)	9/9	x	Skallos Runeblade (Fighting +3, Lore +2), Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armour (Armour +2), Glittering Necklace (Charisma +2), Fairbrother Family Crest, Ring of the Patriarch, Seal of House Ross, Talisman of St. Elias	x3 for Tasha
Lord Ti'quon	3(5)	2	2	2(3)	6(8)	6/6	√	Steel Scimitar (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Chain Armour (Armour +2), Handsome Brooch (Charisma +1), Tome of Knowledge (Lore +2), Grey Talisman, Incense, Magical Weave, Scroll of Rage, Vial of Quicksilver
Tasha	4(6)	5(6)	7(8)	5(7)	1	9/9	x	Steel Scimitar (Fighting +2), Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armour (Armour +2), Amulet of Defense (Armour +1), Warm Cloak (Survival +1), Soft Boots (Stealth +1), Glittering Necklace (Charisma +2), Bar of Gold Bullion, Dragonyak Horn, Potion of Invulnerability	x3 for Jessica
Akihiro	6(9)	6	4(6)	1(2)	2	9/9	x	Steel Greatsword (Fighting +3)*, Crude Blade x4, Shield (Armour +2), Bone Armor (Armor +2), Fine Boots (Stealth +2), Handsome Brooch (Charisma +1), Potion of Invulnerability
Skullcracker	8	3	1	2	1	12/12	x	Club (Fighting +0)	No carrying, no cities, no boats

Money: 3635 silver coins.
Spellbook (Ti'quon): Armor of Heaven, Clinging Dread, Ice Bolt, Magic Cabinet, Soothing Touch, Unfailing Strike
Codes: A1, A2, A8, A13, A14, A15, A16, A17, A20, A21, A23, A24, A25, A26, A27, A30, A32, A34, A35, A36, A37, A41, A42, A43, A44, A51, A54, A55, A56, A57, A58, A59, A62, A64, A65, A66, A67, A68, A69, A70, A71, A72, A74, A75, A76, A78, A79, A80, A82, A85, A86, A87, A89, A90, A91, A92, A93
Your Armies: Luutanesh Spears (Strength 3, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks), Faithful Irregulars (Strength 1, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Kensai Warriors (Strength 4, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Chalice Archers (Strength 2, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks), Lhasbreath Berserkers (Strength 5, Morale 2, Saltdad Barracks), Spears of Unbraaki (Strength 3, Morale 4, Saltdad Barracks), Nomad Horsemen (Strength 4, Morale 3, Saltdad Barracks).

[JourneymanN00b]

I vote to hold our ground.

[Thaluikhain]

Oh right, we were going to get Animal Speech first. But, since we are here, hold ground, I guess.

[SGamerz]

Hold ground, and hope we have the opportunity to use the horn.