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The tiny nuggets of copper woven into the braids of the Bullwhip begin to glow with a strange yellow light.

You tug it free from your pack and the phantoms give a ghastly shriek as the yellow rays scorch their unnatural forms. Unused to the sensation of pain, they recoil and take shelter in the shadows.

The presence of the phantoms has triggered a spell that was cast upon the whip long ago by a former owner. Whenever the Bullwhip comes into contact with undead beings, it protects its owner by radiating a power that is abhorrent to them.

The phantoms retreat but they do not disperse or abandon their attack. Their need to feed on your life-force overcomes their fear of the whip and with a terrifying howl of anger they swoop out of the trees and strike.

Cener Ghosts: COMBAT SKILL 24 ENDURANCE 40

These creatures are immune to Mindblast (but not Psi-surge). Owing to the power of the whip, add 2 points to your COMBAT SKILL for the duration of the combat.

If you win the fight, turn to 156.