AUTHOR'S
DEVELOPMENT
BLOG
Its 2012 and it looks very positive for the gamebooks genre. The new gamebook apps that have become a part of the interactive fiction scene in the last few years are proving a great boost to the genre overall, and certainly increasing interest in game-books in general. Kudos have to go to Gamebook Adventures for their commitment to new and original gamebooks and their capacity to take interactive fiction to places it may not necessarily have been before. The new Judge Dredd gamebook series is a really exciting develop-ment and it is good to see sci-fi is now taking off. Infinite Universe and Gun Dogs are new series that should really increase gamebook interest as well.
For the Chronicles of course this is nothing but good news. The interest generated by all the new players in this genre has left readers/players with a hankering for everything game-book that might be out there and this has translated into a huge increase in the number of downloads taken through the Chronicles website. In this coming year a number of new titles will be added to the series catalogue and I can only see good things happening in the genre in general. It does indeed look like 2012 will be a good year for gamebooks.
Wayne Densley
18 Jan 2012
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MYTHOLOGY
OF THE
OERA'DIM
The Mythology of the Oera'dim is a compilation edition of all myths and stories that relate to the Oera'dim of Arborell. Available in a pdf format, including the Book of Scars, it is presented with full colour covers and introduction and is free to download from the link given below.
Download
THE LEXICON
OF ARBORELL
Within the pages of the Lexicon of Arborell can be found a glossary of terms, places and character names that are unique to the books and supplementary documents of the Chronicles of Arborell. At this stage the glossary is a comprehensive listing of over 400 words and can be freely obtained from the link given below.
Download
SHARDS OF
MOONLIGHT
PDF EDITION
A new PDF version of one of our most popular gamebooks is now available. This new edition contains all the content of the online version enclosed in a set of full colour covers. To have your copy just click on the link below.
PDF Download
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BLOOD AND
IRON
Here can be found the tale of Mallen and Tomas Cael, Men of Kalborea and metalsmiths by trade. Their story begins in the Year of Settlement 517, some four hundred years before the destruction of the great Dragon Windhammer. For the Brothers Cael life is untroubled, the violence of the Horde only a distant memory for the residents of their coastal home of Callenfrey. In one night of destruction however, their quiet existence is torn from them and they are thrown into the quest that is the centre of this epic tale. It will be their fate to travel deep into the Lands of Perdition and on that journey discover the hidden magic of Arborell.
All episodes of this story can be found below. It is my hope that you will enjoy the journey...
Read Online
PDF Edition
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Page Last Updated 18 January 2012
Here you can download all available Chronicles of Arborell books and associated files. For your convenience they are listed below. Please take note of the information given with each title you wish to download, especially file information on how to properly access each book once unzipped. All titles are provided in an online format also. Some of these books are also provided in a pdf format and will require Adobe Acrobat to access. An Adobe Acrobat Reader accessible to screen readers can be found here.
Download Quick Links
Within this section can be found quick links to all the main titles currently available in the Chronicles of Arborell series. Please note that some titles have supplementary downloads that can be accessed by clicking on the "more info" links for each.
GAMEBOOKS
Windhammer Core Gamebook - ( new PDF edition now available )
If you would like to download this gamebook click on the links provided below. Here can be found two versions of this popular core gamebook encompassing 600 new or revised sections, new character generation and combat rules, new background appendices and in the case of the PDF edition a range of new and upgraded graphics and illustrations. Please note that the HTML download comes bundled with pdf versions of the First Book of Haer'al and the Inquisitor's Lament companion novella and works through your default web browser by double-clicking on the index file to begin.
Click here for your copy of the Windhammer PDF edition.
Click here for your copy of Windhammer HTML edition.
Windhammer Enhanced Combat System
This new rule set is now available for use with the Windhammer Core Gamebook and all other gamebook adventures that encompass the Chronicles of Arborell. If you like your combat realistic and intense then this guide to close quarter fighting in the realms of Arborell can be yours as an alternative to the Standard Rules. This guide includes Attack and Defence tables, new combat round guidelines, the capacity to develop offensive and defensive combat tactics and new rules regarding endurance and combat point reduction. Its all here in this fifteen page guide and yours to be had for free with a simple click on the link below.
Click here for your copy of the Windhammer Enhanced Combat System.
Shards of Moonlight - ( new PDF edition now available )
Shards of Moonlight is the first in a series of gamebooks that trace the adventures of a Jotun Warrior as he uncovers one of the greatest mysteries of Arborell. Here can be found the story of Tansen'Delving, a Jotun of the West, as he completes the rigours of his right of passage to warriorhood, and finds in the dark of night the dangerous possibilities of a far greater destiny. This adventure is provided as both a html file and as a pdf file. Please note that the html version is distributed as a zip file and once downloaded must be unzipped and then opened by double-clicking on the index file.
Click here for your html copy of Shards of Moonlight
Click here for your pdf version of Shards of Moonlight
A Murder of Crows - ( Available online only )
This is the second gamebook in the Jotun of the West series that follows the adventures of Tansen'Delving as he awaits his father's End of Days and his ascension as Chieftain of Kraal Delving. Upon the first breaths of a cold winter he treks into the north of his lands looking to fulfil one final test of courage that will prove him worthy of becoming Chief of his Kraal. What he finds instead is assasination and treachery, and a new challenge that will bring him face to face with a hidden enemy. At this time A Murder of Crows is available online only, its release being staged in a series of instalments. Once complete however, the book shall be compiled into a standalone download file.
Click here to play A Murder of Crows Online
Torchlight - Quest for the Orncryst - ( New 2011 Edition now available )
The Chronicles of Arborell is proud to release a new 2011 Edition of Quest for the Orncryst, the world's first card-based gamebook adventure, utilising the new Torchlight game system. In this gamebook you take the part of a Brother of the Deep Guild, charged with the finding of a priceless artifact. Whether you survive the task will depend on a measure of good luck, and considerable good judgement. If you ever wanted a gamebook that will provide a new challenge no matter how many times it is played, then this is the one for you.
If you wish to take a free copy of this game for yourself, Quest for the Orncryst may be downloaded using the links given below. If this is the first time you have downloaded this fantasy adventure a full download version is provided. If you have previously obtained a copy of Quest for the Orncryst and you now need only the updated 2011 Edition manual a link is provided also.
For the Players Manual in pdf format click here
For the full game download click here
Torchlight Text Editions - Quest for the Orncryst
Adapted from its sister gamebook of the same name, this text edition is a randomly generating fantasy adventure set in the deep ruins of Arborell. Quest for the Orncryst includes printable character, combat and mapping sheets and features a randomized dungeon mapping system, multiple playing modes and a wide range of creature interactions, search and trap evasion scenarios and room environment modifiers.
Quest for the Orncryst is available both to play online, and as a free download file. This text edition has been optimised for players who must use screen readers and will soon be complemented with an audio tutorial for visually impaired readers who wish to get the most from their adventure. If you are using a screen reader your adventure begins with the index file. If you are not using a screen reader to access this game look to the tae_cover.html file to begin.
NOVELS
The Complete Blood and Iron - ( new pdf version now available )
Here can be downloaded a complete novelisation of all sixteen episodes of this popular web serial in both html and pdf formats. This is the story of Mallen and Tomas Cael and of their journey from the coastal port of Callenfrey to the Lands of Perdition. On their way they uncover the true nature of their world and must confront the malevolence of the Horde as each tries to survive in unknown lands. In its html version Blood and Iron comprises 127 files available as an easy to download zip file. Once unzipped you need only click on the index file to begin.
Click here for your html copy of The Complete Blood and Iron
Click here for your pdf copy of The Complete Blood and Iron
Song of the Dromannion - ( new 1024 x 768 version )
The journals of Emmers Nahr trace the epic journey of the Last Fleet of Men as they flee the power of the Old Enemy into the new world of Arborell. Here can be found a download file that contains the completed journal and all its associated map files. Once unzipped the story can be accessed by double-clicking on the songindex file.
Click here for your html copy of Song of the Dromannion
Song of the Dromannion - ( new pdf version )
Now available is this pdf version of this popular adventure. Click on the link that follows to have a printable copy of your own.
Click here for your pdf copy of Song of the Dromannion
Song of the Dromannion
The journals of Emmers Nahr are now also available as a web serial adaptation. To access this daily serial please click the link below.
Song of the Dromannion web serial
PLAY BY EMAIL ADVENTURES
Shards of Moonlight PBEM - ( new 1024 x 768 version )
Here can be found a Play-by-Email edition of the popular Shards of Moonlight gamebook. This adaption has been developed as a means by which any email-capable device can be used to access the story of Tansen'Delving. All that is required is an email address and the Players Guide available at the link below. Once unzipped you can begin play by clicking on the index file.
Click here for your copy of the Shards of Moonlight Players Guide
CHRONICLES COMPANION SERIES
The Inquisitor's Lament - ( now provided in an online format and as a pdf file )
This companion book to the Windhammer Core Gamebook is now available. The Inquisitor's Lament can now be accessed both in an online format or as a downloadable pdf document. If you wish to print the book a colour front cover has also been provided. This current download file is a new updated version of this popular supplement to the Windhammer gamebook.
To view this book online click here
Click here for your copy of The Inquisitor's Lament pdf file
For a colour front cover for your copy of the Inquisitor's Lament click here
SUPPORTING TITLES
The First Book of Haer'al
Here is your guide to the Elder Tongue of Arborell. Within its pages can be found grammer guides, punctuation conventions, language history, 2 x 2750 word vocabularies, pronunciation guidelines and a sample text. There are many clues that can be found within the words of this ancient language and the First Book of Haer'al is the key to unlock them. If you wish to understand the only functional fantasy language constructed specifically for a gamebook adventure series then this is the book you need.
To have your copy of the First Book of Haer'al click here.
Please note that if you are accessing the Chronicles using a screen reader a rich text file (rtf) version of this book is now available as well.
Mythology of the Oera'dim
The Mythology of the Oera'dim is a compilation edition of all myths and stories that relate to the Oera'dim of Arborell. It encapsulates all the mythological tales provided within the Chronicles of Arborell in pdf format, including the Book of Scars, and is presented with full colour covers and introduction.
To have your copy of the Mythology of the Oera'dim click here.
The Book of Scars - ( new 1024 x 768 version )
This companion to the Jotun of the West interactive gamebook series is now available for download. At just under 300Kb it is one of the smaller books currently available, but provides a glimpse into the dark Underworld of the Jotun. Unzip the file to its own folder and double-click on scarscover.html to begin.
Click here for your copy of The Book of Scars
Atlas of Arborell - ( new 1024 x 768 version )
Here can be found an ebook compilation of the Atlas of Arborell. Includes all 18 Atlas map files and associated webpages as displayed in this website. Also includes printing instructions and cover page. Unzip the file to its own folder and double-click on the atlas file to begin.
Click here for your copy of the Atlas of Arborell.
Atlas of Arborell Mapset 1
If you do not wish to download the entire atlas, but would like the map files necessary to create the Arborell wall chart then the following download is for you. Sized at 1.5 Mb all directions for printing these maps can be found in the readme file.
Click here for your copy of the Atlas of Arborell Mapset 1.
The Sorrows of Gedhru and Aume
Here resides the oldest story of Arborell, told by the Silvan Tree herself and translated from inscriptions found upon the walls of Traebor by the Maturi Hedj. Within this ancient tale lies the beginnings of the world of Arborell and the origins of EarthMagic, woven upon a dark tapestry of malice and betrayal. Soon to be published as a part of the Book of Moot this story is available now as a pdf download.
Click here to view The Sorrows of Gedhru and Aume.
The Hammer and the Darkness
In this tale of the Hammer and the Darkness can be found the origins of the Great Insurrection and the destruction of the Trell'sara. Told by the Living Book at Shalamai it is the story of Qirion'Delving and the fall of the Word of Command, and of the end of Aggeron, Utterer of the Word and Master of All. This story uncovers the nature of the Circle of Existence and tells how the Oera'dim found freedom at the height of the power of the Masters. Soon to be included as a supplement to the upcoming Murder of Crows gamebook it is available now as a pdf download.
Click here to view The Hammer and the Darkness.
Hamulkuk and the Moon Dragons
In the darkest hours of the War of Tree and Leaf the Trell'sara stand on the brink of destruction. Overwhelmed by the companions to the Silvan Tree they must look to a new weapon, one stronger and more lethal than themselves. Into this world is born Hamulkuk, First Hresh in the world and first of the Oera'dim, a Being built for war and with much to prove to his new Masters. In this tale Hamulkuk is sent into the mountains of Ul'ashma to remove from the world the threat of the Moon Dragons. Within the setting of a world not yet despoiled by tyranny Hamulkuk must battle not only the deadly power of the Ell'adrim but also the forces of a world finding its way into a New Order.
Click here to view Hamulkuk and the Moon Dragons.
The Lexicon of Arborell
Within the pages of the Lexicon of Arborell can be found a glossary of terms, places and character names that are unique to the books and supplementary documents of the Chronicles of Arborell. At this stage the glossary is a comprehensive listing of over 400 words gathered from four titles in this series, including The Windhammer Gamebook, Blood and Iron, the Song of the Drommanion and the introductory section of A Murder of Crows. As the series grows the lexicon will be enlarged to accommodate the new terms and placenames that will have become a part of the growing world of Arborell. This title is provided in a pdf format and can be obtained by clicking on the link below.
Click here to obtain a copy of the Lexicon of Arborell.
Warriors of the March
The world is in flames and the lives of all who live in Arborell hang upon a thread. From the north a great army smashes its way southwards and against this overwhelming tide stand the defenders of the Four Nations. It is the time of the Sixth Horde War and there will be no prisoners taken and and no mercy given.
Warriors of the March is a wide ranging strategy wargame, set in the world of Arborell and available as a free download to all who wish to recreate the great battles between the Grand Army of the Four Nations and the March of the Oera'dim. It is upon these fields that the history of Arborell will be written and the lands of Men will either be saved, or sent into oblivion.
Warriors of the March requires two download files; a Commanders Guide and a Basic Tile Set that deliver all the materials required to play the game. Both of these files can be obtained from the links given below. For more information on Warriors of the March click here.
Click here to obtain a copy of the WotM Commanders Guide.
Click here to obtain a copy of the WotM Basic Tile Set.
Problems with downloading
If you find that you have any difficulty downloading any of these files please contact me at the link provided. I will reply to your email within 24 hours and if necessary include a copy of the file as an email attachment.
 Want to know more about gamebooks? Here are some excellent blogs worth visiting.
Lloyd of Gamebooks
An excellent blog written by Stuart Lloyd and updated on a regular basis. Covers topics from gamebook writing to reviews and information on other gamebook series. Even covers the Windhammer Prize and general info regarding the Chronicles of Arborell. A great read and one well recommended.
Lone Tiger Gamebooks
This is a newly created blog that will be covering gamebooks and gamebook series that include amateur gamebooks and other titles not usually reviewed in the wider media. Written by Stuart Lloyd and Andrew Wright, both Windhammer Prize award winners, this blog covers gamebooks as I like them and is certainly recommended.
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This site, and associated books and other documents are the intellectual property of the author, Wayne F Densley, and all rights are reserved by him. Unless otherwise stated all books in this series should be viewed at a 1024 x 768 resolution or higher. Any questions regarding the Chronicles of Arborell can be answered by emailing the author at densleyw@shoal.net.au
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THIS MONTH'S FEATURED RELEASE
QUEST FOR THE
ORNCRYST
2011 EDITION
In January of 2007 the Chronicles of Arborell released the first in a new series of card-based gamebook adventures entitled Quest for the Orncryst. This unique adventure has proven itself in the intervening years to be one of the most popular titles in the Chronicles' catalogue and has now been made available in a new 2011 edition. With an updated Player's Manual that includes an improved rule-set and a wide-ranging review of the game's section references this edition brings Quest for the Orncryst up to date with all other gamebook titles in this series, and in doing so takes advantage of a number of important rule enhancements.
Quest for the Orncryst is a card-based gamebook system unique to the Chronicles of Arborell that delivers a totally random gamebook experience. Based on the Torchlight adventure system this game allows a player to meet a range of quest objectives whilst experiencing a different set of encounters and dungeon setups with each attempt. This one of a kind gamebook system comes with a 100+ page manual, a set of 77 game cards and a range of additional materials and documents. If you have ever wanted to play a truly unique gamebook the Quest for the Orncryst is now available for free download both in its card format and as a purely text-based adventure.
More Info
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WINDHAMMER
PDF
EDITION
For some time the first core gamebook in the Chronicles of Arborell has been available both as an online title and as a html-based download file. As a part of an ongoing commitment to provide all titles in this series in the PDF format Arborell.com is pleased to announce the release of a new PDF edition of this popular gamebook title; complete with updated graphics, 600 sections, more than 400 A4-sized pages and a further 200 pages of supplementary documents and information. At over 600 pages this is one of the largest gamebook titles available in the genre and as with all the books in this series is free to download. For a copy just click on the link below.
Download
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WARRIORS
OF THE MARCH
WARGAME
Arborell.com is proud to announce the release of Warriors of the March, a large-scale wargaming system set in the lands of Arborell at the time of the Sixth Horde War. This new war-gaming rule-set and tile system is available free to download and includes everything required to recreate the Grand Army of the Four Nations and the Armies of the Oera'dim.
Warriors of the March requires two download files; a Commanders Guide and a Basic Tile Set that deliver all the materials required to play the game. Both of these files can be found at the link given below.
More Info
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JOTUN OF THE WEST
The Jotun of the West series is a selection of gamebook adventures that introduce readers to the character of Tansen'Delving, a Jotun of Kraal Delving and a major character in the second core gamebook in the Chronicles of Arborell series - Earth and Stone.
Through the five books planned for this associated series the reader follows the quests of Tansen as he evolves from an enemy of the Four Nations to Halokim Vesh's ally in his quest to kill the Shadowch, a creature of malice and wrath that wishes the death of all living things. These stories take the reader to the lands of the Jotun of the West, and deep into the culture of the Jotun themselves.
More info...
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CHRONICLES COMPANION SERIES
The Chronicles Companion Series is an exciting new addition to the Chronicles of Arborell gamebook adventures. Behind the scenes of great events, and in the progress of epic quests, you will find characters and circumstances that shape their cause and their outcome. In your journeys through Arborell you will meet many characters, for both good and ill, and hear of battles and lost secrets that have made the world the way it is. The Companion Series tells these stories. Some of these tales begin in the forgotten recesses of history, whilst others occur as you journey upon your quest, but all are important to what happens to you as you travel the wilds of Arborell.
More info...
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