### 291

You climb a steep path which ascends to the cliff-top park, and when you arrive there you are rewarded by a spectacular view of the Gulf of Tentarium and the city streets below. The park is empty of people, except for a small group of men who are gathered around the remains of a stone statue which lies broken and overgrown with weeds. A plaque attached to the shattered base declares that it was once a likeness of Shasarak, the Wytch-king of Shadaki. He was an infamous necromancer who inflicted a reign of terror upon this land until finally he was defeated and his empire destroyed in the year MS 5057.

As you move nearer you see that the group is listening to the rantings of a bald man who is attired in grimy, tattered grey robes. His wild eyes roll in his cadaverous face as he tries to persuade his listeners to join with him in the overthrow of the city’s ruling council. Between rantings, he offers them food from a large wooden bowl.

If you possess the Grand Master Discipline of Herbmastery, turn to 212.

If you do not possess this skill, turn to 334.