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You raise the hood of your robe and join the procession of acolytes who are filing into the hall. The interior is a dark and forbidding place, decorated with the ritualistic trappings of the Acolytes of Vashna. Spluttering candles dimly illuminate a central altar and a sickly-smelling incense saturates the air. The acolytes encircle the altar several ranks deep and listen intently as two of their Elders conduct a liturgy in praise of Darklord Vashna, and the victory he has seen fit to grant them. They conclude their sinister ceremony by crying out the words, 'We celebrate this eve of the "Great Welcoming". May Lord Vashna, our master, vanquish his enemies and rule unchallenged ever more!'

The acolytes respond spontaneously by repeatedly chanting their master's name. 'Vashna! Vashna! Vashna!' they cry, as they slowly shuffle out of the hall in single file. At the door, each acolyte is handed a burning torch and made to parade past the Elders who give them their unholy blessing. You take care to keep your face concealed within the raised hood of your robe as your turn comes to pass before them.

Pick a number from the Random Number Table. If you possess Kai-alchemy, Kai-screen, or Assimilance, add 2 to the number you have picked.18

Also, if you possess a Runic Disc, add 1; if you possess the Sommerswerd, deduct 3; and for every rank you have attained above that of Kai Grand Guardian, add 1.

If your total score is now 4 or less, turn to 322.

If it is 5 or more, turn to 192.

[18] It is most likely that these Discipline bonuses are not intended to be cumulative.

Text copyright © 1991 Joe Dever.
Illustrations copyright © 1991 Brian Williams.