### 275

The golden blade spins through the air and slices deep into the Darklord's shoulder, drawing forth a splash of vile ichor before it clatters noisily to the floor. Kraagenskûl screams in agony, his arm virtually severed from his torso, yet still he manages to touch the silvery liquid. It emits a humming sound, which rises above his cries of pain, and a sparkling mist illuminates the bowl. Swiftly the mist clears to reveal the hideous face of Darklord Gnaag floating upon the surface.

'Aki-amaz narg kog Argazad!' shrieks Kraagenskûl, before you kick the bowl from its plinth, destroying the communicator. The Darklord lashes out with his sword, but you sidestep the wild blow with little difficulty, then stoop to retrieve the Sommerswerd before he strikes a second time.

Darklord Kraagenskûl (wounded): COMBAT SKILL 36 ENDURANCE 38

This being is immune to Mindblast (but not Psi-surge).

If you win the combat, turn to 318.

Text copyright © 1988 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1988 Brian Williams.