Editing Swamp of the Scorpion

{{comicstory
|seriesissue=''[[The Transformers Adventure Game Books]]''
|next=Desert of Danger
|prev=Highway Clash
|image=Corgi-5-Swamp of the Scorpion.jpg
|caption=
|title="Swamp of the Scorpion"
|publisher=[[Corgi Books]]
|published=Great Britain
|imprint=Young Corgi Adventure/Adventure Game Books
|date=1987
|writers=[[Dave Morris]]
|illustrator=[[Bob Harvey]] (interior pencils and cover painting)
|pagecount=72pp
|ISBN=ISBN 0 552 525014
}}

'''[[Zarak (G1)|Lord Zarak]] plans to steal from a [[oil|oil rig]] to fuel the Decepticons' plans of conquest. You must team up with the Autobot [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] to save your home planet of [[Nebulos]]!'''
==Synopsis==
{{anchor|page 1}}
;'''Page 1'''

[[You]] are a young [[Nebulan]]. You work as a technician on an oil rig which is built on the edge of the great swamp that covers much of the southern continent of [[Nebulos]]. An important job, as this rig taps into the [[oil]] deposits that supply most of the planet’s fuel needs. One evening, at the end of the week, when the rest of your coworkers have already left for the Nebulan "weekend," you notice a flashing light in the radio room. Someone is attempting to initiate contact with the oil rig.

'''''Answer the radio?'' [[#page 7|page 7]]'''

'''''Ignore the incoming message?'' [[#page 35|page 35]]'''

{{anchor|page 7}}
:;Page 7
:''(From [[#page 1|page 1]])''

:'''''You answer the radio.''''' 
:Once you answer the call, the symbol of the heroic Autobots appears on the viewscreen. You hear a voice that identifies itself as [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]], and requests immediate assistance. The Autobot has crash-landed in the swamp, and is rapidly sinking in quicksand. You jot down Highbrow’s coordinates. Though he is only a few kilometres away, the situation seems very urgent.

:'''''Head out right away to come to Highbrow’s aid?'' [[#page 15|page 15]]'''

:'''''Attempt to find other people to go with you first?'' [[#page 23|page 23]]'''

{{anchor|page 15}}
::;Page 15
::''(From [[#page 7|page 7]] or [[#page 23|page 23]])''

::'''''You head out to rescue Highbrow immediately.''''' 
::You grab a [[hover-scull]] from storage, to easily skim over the swamp’s rough terrain. It is nearly sunset when you locate the sinking Autobot, and you find him submerged almost all the way to his head in the quicksand. If you do not act quickly, he will sink forever.

::'''''Hover over Highbrow and try to pull him out of the quicksand?'' [[#page 36|page 36]]'''

::'''''Fetch the end of some creepers for him to grab onto?'' [[#page 42|page 42]]'''

::'''''Try pushing a log out to him so he can haul himself free?'' [[#page 49|page 49]]'''

{{anchor|page 36}}
:::;Page 36
:::''(From [[#page 15|page 15]])''

:::'''''You hover over Highbrow and attempt to pull him out of the quicksand.''''' 
:::Using a rope to secure Highbrow’s head to the scull, and set your vehicle’s jets to full throttle. But the scull’s jets are not powerful enough to haul Highbrow out of the quicksand, and he continues to sink. The mud is up to his mouth now.

:::'''''Fetch the end of some creepers for Highbrow to grab onto?'' [[#page 42|page 42]]'''

:::'''''Push a log out to Highbrow so he can haul himself free?'' [[#page 56|page 56]]'''

{{anchor|page 42}}
::::;Page 42
::::''(From [[#page 15|page 15]] or [[#page 36|page 36]])''

::::'''''You fetch some creepers for Highbrow to grab onto.''''' 
::::These plants are nearly as strong as steel cables. You choose two of which look particularly thick, and pull them over towards the sinking Autobot. He struggles to grasp the creepers, but once he has them firmly in his hands, he is able to haul himself out of the mud pit, and assume his helicopter mode. '''[[#page 64|page 64]]'''

{{anchor|page 64}}
::::;Page 64
::::''(From [[#page 42|page 42]] or [[#page 49|page 49]])''

::::Highbrow notices that the wind generated by his twin rotors is too powerful for you to stand, and so finds a patch of firm ground to land onto and resume his robot mode. Highbrow apologizes, and notices that your hover-scull was damaged by his rotor-draft. You assure him that you can fix the device later, and that you are simply glad that he is no longer in danger. Highbrow sincerely thanks you for rescuing him, and asks if you are willing to lend him a helping hand once more.

::::'''''Tell Highbrow you are willing to help?'' [[#page 8|page 8]]'''

::::'''''Ask Highbrow how he came to be stuck in the quicksand first?'' [[#page 16|page 16]]'''

::::'''''Ask Highbrow why he’s here first?'' [[#page 22|page 22]]'''

{{anchor|page 8}}
:::::;Page 8
:::::''(From [[#page 16|page 16]] or [[#page 22|page 22]] or [[#page 64|page 64]] or [[#page 67|page 67]])''

:::::'''''You tell Highbrow you are ready to help him.'''''
:::::You ask the Autobot to fill you in on what is going on, and how you can help. In response, Highbrow opens a storage compartment built into his leg. He tells you that any one of these items can help you function as a very effective assistant. But he warns you that the items are bulky, and you shouldn’t attempt to carry more than one. Additionally, if you do choose to carry one of these items, they risk impeding your ability to quickly progress through the swamp. Which (if any) of the items will you take?

:::::'''''A radio transmitter?'' [[#page 50|page 50]]'''

:::::'''''A Transformer detector?'' [[#page 43|page 43]]'''

:::::'''''An electronic circuit-jammer?'' [[#page 57|page 57]]'''

:::::'''''A [[laser cannon]]?'' [[#page 65|page 65]]'''

:::::'''''None of the items?'' [[#page 70|page 70]]'''

{{anchor|page 50}}
::::::;Page 50
::::::''(From [[#page 8|page 8]])''

::::::'''''You take the radio transmitter.'''''
::::::The device is nearly as big as you are. Highbrow explains that it is atomically powered in order for it to penetrate the foil leaves of the jungle. The radio needs to be so large in order to safely shield its user from its power source. You strap the radio onto your back, and Highbrow tells you that you may use it to signal him at any time. '''[[#page 70|page 70]]'''

{{anchor|page 70}}
[[File:Swamp of the Scorpion Highbrow.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
::::::;Page 70
::::::''(From [[#page 8|page 8]] or [[#page 43|page 43]] or [[#page 50|page 50]] or [[#page 57|page 57]] or [[#page 65|page 65]])''

::::::Highbrow explains that he has been sent to investigate and halt nearby Decepticon activity before any innocent civilians are put in harm’s way. His fellow Autobot [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] was to accompany him, but Brainstorm overheated his power-lines and had to stop at a nearby city for repairs. [[Gort|Grot]]{{sic}}, Highbrow’s Nebulan companion, stayed behind to help Brainstorm. [[Arcana]], the Autobot-Nebulan alliance’s biomechanics engineer, was able to build Highbrow a spare head for him to use while his [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmaster]] partner is away. Although you are a little confused by the enormous influx of new information that Highbrow is delivering, you understand the general idea of the situation at hand. You are to be Higbrow’s temporary Nebulan partner; you won’t transform to become his head, but can help Highbrow on other important tasks he wouldn’t be able to accomplish on his own.

::::::'''''Suggest that Highbrow take to the air while you reconnoitre on foot?'' [[#page 2|page 2]]'''

::::::'''''Suggest that you both get airborne?'' [[#page 9|page 9]]'''

::::::'''''Suggest you both explore the swamp on foot?'' [[#page 17|page 17]]'''

{{anchor|page 2}}
:::::::;Page 2
:::::::''(From [[#page 70|page 70]])''

:::::::'''''Highbrow takes to the air while you explore the swamp on foot.'''''
:::::::Because, like most Nebulan life-forms, the jungle’s foliage has a silicate metabolism, Highbrow’s sensors cannot penetrate it. You will explore the swamp on foot, and call to Highbrow for help if ever you need it. As Highbrow soars higher in his helicopter mode, he warns you not to try and take on the Decepticons on your own. '''[[#page 24|page 24]]'''

{{anchor|page 24}}
:::::::;Page 24
:::::::''(From [[#page 2|page 2]] or [[#page 9|page 9]])''

:::::::You move quickly through the jungle while Highbrow tracks your movements as best he can from the air. About an hour into your search, you see a light approaching you, accompanied by the sound of a small motor. You deduce that there is a hovercraft coming towards you.

:::::::'''''Do you have the radio, and wish to use it to call Highbrow?'' [[#page 31|page 31]]'''

:::::::'''''Do you have the laser cannon, and want to get ready to fire it at whoever is approaching?'' [[#page 44|page 44]]'''

:::::::'''''Do you not have, or don’t want to use, either of these items?'' [[#page 38|page 38]]'''

{{anchor|page 31}}
::::::::;Page 31
::::::::''(From [[#page 24|page 24]])''

::::::::'''''You use the radio to call Highbrow.'''''
::::::::You tell your Autobot companion about the hovercraft as quietly as possible, and he soon answers that he can see the incoming vehicle from his viewpoint. Highbrow tells you he has cut his rotors, and is now gliding down in order to take the hovercraft’s driver by surprise. Two Nebulans then enter the clearing before you; a tall lordly figure and his thuggish henchman. The lord draws a [[Plasma blaster|plasma gun]] and points it towards you. You realize that you do not have the time to turn and run before he pulls the trigger. '''[[#page 54|page 54]]'''

{{anchor|page 54}}
::::::::;Page 54
::::::::''(From [[#page 31|page 31]])''

::::::::Suddenly, the two Nebulans are knocked unconscious after being hit by a painful shower of luminous raindrops. Highbrow, having changed to robot mode in mid-air, lands next to you, and tells you that the projectiles that hit your aggressors were courtesy of his [[Acid rainmaker rifle|corrosive rainmaker rifles]]. '''[[#page 47|page 47]]'''

{{anchor|page 47}}
::::::::;Page 47
::::::::''(From [[#page 32|page 32]] or [[#page 54|page 54]])''

::::::::Looking over the unconscious Nebulans, Highbrow identifies them as the evil [[Zarak (G1)|Lord Zarak]] and [[Krunk]]. He notes that Krunk is especially nasty, having been [[Binary bonding|binary-bonded]] to the Decepticon [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]]. And Zarak’s presence indicates that whatever the Decepticons are up to, it must be something important. You ask Highbrow what you should do with your prisonners? '''[[#page 62|page 62]]'''

{{anchor|page 62}}
::::::::;Page 62
::::::::''(From [[#page 47|page 47]])''

::::::::Highbrow tells you his plan while he repairs the evil Nebulan’s hovercraft. While up in the air, he spotted a city. He has concluded that it is a Decepticon base, and where Zarak and Krunk were headed towards it. Highbrow ties and gags Zarak and Krunk, props them up on the once-more functional hovercraft, and guides it forwards towards the city as a makeshift decoy. Zarak wakes up on route, but can only grunt indignantly. Less than a quarter of an hour later, you have reached the city. '''[[#page 68|page 68]]'''

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::::::::;Page 68
::::::::''(From [[#page 62|page 62]])''

::::::::The city is a sprawling complex of purple and green metal. The Nebulan [[Grax]] waits at the base of a ramp leading into the city. Highbrow tells you that he is a unscrupulous industrialist who sees the Autobots as a threat to free enterprise. Seeing the incoming hovercraft’s light piercing the night, Grax greets his master, Lord Zarak. Two Decepticons emerge from the city; [[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]] and Snapdragon. Highbrow tells you that though the two robots will be more difficult to deal with, taking care of Grax will be an easy job. He uses a nearby log to jam the hovercraft’s accelerator full on. Not expecting this turn of events, Grax is knocked into the city’s metal wall by the hovercraft. '''[[#page 5|page 5]]'''

{{anchor|page 5}}
::::::::;Page 5
::::::::''(From [[#page 48|page 48]] or [[#page 68|page 68]])''

::::::::Recognizing the incoming Highbrow, Skullcruncher and Snapdragon spring into action. Snapdragon unleashes a blast of his [[Gyro gun|gyro-gun]] onto Highbrow before the Autobot can use his own weapons, causing Highbrow to collapse dizzily to the ground. Meanwhile, the Nebulans have recovered. Krunk and Grax join their respective Decepticon companions, and Zarak rushes into the city, calling for [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]] to awaken and destroy his enemies. The entire city then rises up and transforms into a gigantic robot scorpion. With Highbrow not yet recovered from the Decepticon’s attack, it’s up to you to make the next move.

::::::::'''''Do you have a laser cannon?'' [[#page 12|page 12]]'''

::::::::'''''Have you found a magnetic pistol in an underground ruin?'' [[#page 58|page 58]]'''

::::::::'''''Do you have neither the cannon nor the pistol?'' [[#page 20|page 20]]'''

{{anchor|page 12}}
:::::::::;Page 12
:::::::::''(From [[#page 5|page 5]])''

:::::::::'''''You ready your laser cannon.'''''
:::::::::Scorponok and Snapdragon are your nearest targets. Which one will you fire towards?

:::::::::'''''Scorponok?'' [[#page 27|page 27]]'''

:::::::::'''''Snapdragon?'' [[#page 33|page 33]]'''

{{anchor|page 27}}
::::::::::;Page 27
::::::::::''(From [[#page 12|page 12]])''

::::::::::'''''You fire on Scorponok...'''''
::::::::::Only for the blast to ineffectually glance off his metal armour. You do not get the chance for a second shot as Scorponok’s pincer closes in around you...

::::::::::'''THE END'''

{{anchor|page 33}}
::::::::::;Page 33
::::::::::''(From [[#page 12|page 12]])''

::::::::::'''''You fire on Snapdragon...'''''
::::::::::Just as he is readying another blast from his gyro-gun. In a stroke of luck, Snapdragon is thrown off-balance by the shot and blasts Scorponok with his gyro-gun’s disorienting ray. Scorponok loses his balance and topples onto Skullcruncher, pinning him to the ground. Highbrow recovers, and while Snapdragon is still struggling from being hit, lays a mighty punch onto the Decepticon. You cheer as Snapdragon collapses into the mud. '''[[#page 72|page 72]]'''

{{anchor|page 72}}
::::::::::;Page 72
::::::::::''(From [[#page 14|page 14]] or [[#page 33|page 33]] or [[#page 58|page 58]])''

::::::::::Once his fellow Autobots arrive to help him with the battle’s aftermath, Highbrow returns you to the oil rig. You ask Highbrow what will happen to the Decepticon captive, only to be informed that they will be exchanged for Autobot prisoners of war. Highbrow tells you that today’s victory was quite minor, but you tell him that it counted for a lot more than Highbrow gives it credit. The Decepticons have been stopped from gaining access to the local oil wells, and possibly killing all those who work at the rig. This cheers Highbrow up, who in turn tells you that victory wouldn’t have been possible without your help.

::::::::::'''THE END'''

{{anchor|page 58}}
[[File:Swamp of the Scorpion Skullcruncher attacks.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
:::::::::;Page 58
:::::::::''(From [[#page 5|page 5]] or [[#page 37|page 37]])''

:::::::::'''''You ready your magnetic pistol.'''''
:::::::::Aiming at Snapdragon, you pull the weapon’s trigger. Snapdragon is flung against Scorponok with tremendous force. While you hold your magnetic ray in Scorponok and Snapdragon’s direction, Highbrow rushes forwards to deal with Skullcruncher. Highbrow jams one of his rainmaker rifles into Skullcruncher’s alligator maw, causing its ammo pod to burst. A torrent of corrosive acid streams down Skullcruncher’s throat, prompting him to revert to robot mode. Highbrow then holds Skullcruncher at gunpoint with his second rifle, and forces the Decepticon to surrender. '''[[#page 72|page 72]]'''

{{anchor|page 20}}
:::::::::;Page 20
:::::::::''(From [[#page 5|page 5]])''

:::::::::'''''You find yourself without a weapon with which you can help Highbrow.'''''
:::::::::The ground quakes as Scorponok edges closer. You run to Highbrow’s side, but are too small and weak to help him get up. You look up to see Lord Zarak at Scorponok’s controls. He makes one of Scorponok’s pinchers reach towards you. You cannot get out of the way without leaving Highbrow behind. The pincher begins to close around you. This is...

:::::::::'''THE END'''

{{anchor|page 44}}
::::::::;Page 44
::::::::''(From [[#page 24|page 24]])''

::::::::'''''You get ready to fire the laser cannon towards whoever is approaching.'''''
::::::::When the hovercraft comes into view, you see that a tall Nebulan nobleman and his guard are sitting within. They address one another as "Lord Zarak" and "Krunk," respectively. When he sees you, armed with the laser cannon, Zarak orders Krunk to accelerate forwards. He means to run you down before you can use the laser! '''[[#page 32|page 32]]'''

{{anchor|page 32}}
::::::::;Page 32
::::::::''(From [[#page 10|page 10]] or [[#page 44|page 44]])''

::::::::You have difficulty pointing the heavy laser cannon towards the incoming hovercraft as it speeds towards you. Then, a flash of sapphire-blue laser light shoots out of your weapon, melting the front portion of the hovercraft. The hovercraft’s motor cuts, the vehicle spins out of control, and hits a tree-trunk, sending its occupants flying out. '''[[#page 47|page 47]]'''

{{anchor|page 38}}
::::::::;Page 38
::::::::''(From [[#page 24|page 24]])''

::::::::'''''Since you do not know who is in the incoming vehicle, you decide to stay out of sight.'''''
::::::::Running on, you find a crumbling stone doorway half-sunk in the swamp. It is one of Nebulos’s ancient ruins. You look over your shoulder and see that the hovercraft is still headed in your direction. You could hide in the ruins, but the darkness beyond the doorway has an ominous feel to it…

::::::::'''''Hide in the ruins?'' [[#page 52|page 52]]'''

::::::::'''''Decide against entering the ancient stone structure?'' [[#page 60|page 60]]'''

{{anchor|page 52}}
:::::::::;Page 52
:::::::::''(From [[#page 38|page 38]])''

:::::::::'''''You step into the ruins to hide.'''''
:::::::::The inside of the ancient structure has a gloomy ambience to it, which sets your nerves on edge. The hovercraft speeds past the ruins’ entrance. You catch a brief glimpse of its occupants; a nobleman and his bodyguard. Once the noise of the hovercraft’s engine fades away, you notice another sound; a ghostly wailing echoing out from somewhere within the ruins.

:::::::::'''''Investigate the noise?'' [[#page 66|page 66]]'''

:::::::::'''''Exit the ruins immediately?'' [[#page 3|page 3]]'''

{{anchor|page 66}}
::::::::::;Page 66
::::::::::''(From [[#page 52|page 52]])''

::::::::::'''''You investigate the ghostly wailing.'''''
::::::::::Driven on by curiosity, you step deeper into the ancient tunnel before you. After what seems like an eternity, you emerge from the tunnel into a large underground chamber. A grey-blue light shines through cracks in the walls before you, and the moaning sound has become louder.

::::::::::'''''Return to the entrance and continue exploring the swamp?'' [[#page 3|page 3]]'''

::::::::::'''''If you have the radio, do you call Highbrow?'' [[#page 11|page 11]]'''

::::::::::'''''Press forwards into the ruins?'' [[#page 19|page 19]]'''

{{anchor|page 3}}
:::::::::::;Page 3
:::::::::::''(From [[#page 11|page 11]] or [[#page 26|page 26]] or [[#page 34|page 34]] or [[#page 51|page 51]] or [[#page 52|page 52]] or [[#page 66|page 66]])''

:::::::::::'''''You head out of the ruins and continue to explore the swamp.'''''
:::::::::::Trudging through the marshy terrain, you eventually begin to see lights shining through the trees. You signal up to Highbrow and move to investigate. In a clearing before you is a city of purple and green metal. No-one seems to be around.

:::::::::::'''''Enter the city?'' [[#page 41|page 41]]'''

:::::::::::'''''Ask Highbrow to join you?'' [[#page 48|page 48]]'''

{{anchor|page 41}}
::::::::::::;Page 41
::::::::::::''(From [[#page 3|page 3]])''

::::::::::::'''''You enter the city.'''''
::::::::::::Did Highbrow give you the Transformer detector?

::::::::::::'''''Yes.'' [[#page 55|page 55]]'''

::::::::::::'''''No.'' [[#page 63|page 63]]'''

{{anchor|page 55}}
:::::::::::::;Page 55
:::::::::::::''(From [[#page 41|page 41]])''

:::::::::::::'''''The Transformer detector alerts you of a nearby Decepticon.'''''
:::::::::::::It’s the city itself! You decide against continuing inside of the city, and signal to Highbrow. He comes down to join you. '''[[#page 48|page 48]]'''

{{anchor|page 48}}
:::::::::::::;Page 48
:::::::::::::''(From [[#page 3|page 3]] or [[#page 6|page 6]] or [[#page 40|page 40]] or [[#page 55|page 55]])''

:::::::::::::'''''You watch the city from the cover of a fern thicket.'''''
:::::::::::::Minutes later, you see two robots lumber into the clearing. Each of the robots is accompanied by a Nebulan, with a third Nebulan leading the group. Highbrow informs you of their identity; the leader is Lord Zarak, the robots are Decepticons called Snapdragon and Skullcruncher. Snapdragon is accompanied by Krunk, and Skullcruncher is accompanied by the industrialist, Grax. If Grax is involved, Hightower continues, it must signify that they are after the nearby [[oil]]. Highbrow then comes to a snap decision, and rushes out into the clearing. '''[[#page 5|page 5]]'''

{{anchor|page 63}}
:::::::::::::;Page 63
:::::::::::::''(From [[#page 41|page 41]])''

:::::::::::::'''''You rush into the city.'''''
:::::::::::::You step into a control room, and begin to look for clues to the Decepticons’ plan. When you accidentally brush against a bank of switches, an overhead screen lights up. On it are the words "Transform Sequence - Manual Override." Under the screen, you notice a red button with a safety over-lock.

:::::::::::::'''''Press the button?'' [[#page 13|page 13]]'''

:::::::::::::'''''If you have the radio transmitter, do you decide to contact Highbrow first?'' [[#page 69|page 69]]'''

:::::::::::::'''''If you have the circuit jammer, do you wish to use it now?'' [[#page 37|page 37]]'''

:::::::::::::'''''Leave the city immediately instead?'' [[#page 6|page 6]]'''

{{anchor|page 13}}
::::::::::::::;Page 13
::::::::::::::''(From [[#page 63|page 63]])''

::::::::::::::'''''You press the red button.'''''
::::::::::::::The onscreen message begins to flash as a siren begins to wail. You decide to run towards the exit as the city begins to quake, only for a steel door to close before you. It turns out that the city itself is the giant Decepticon Scorponok, and the button you just pressed has initiated his transformation to robot mode. You are now trapped, and about to be crushed between shifting joints and gears as Scorponok assumes his robot form.

::::::::::::::'''THE END'''

{{anchor|page 69}}
::::::::::::::;Page 69
::::::::::::::''(From [[#page 63|page 63]])''

::::::::::::::'''''You use the radio transmitter to contact Highbrow.'''''
::::::::::::::You ask your Autobot friend whether or not you should initiate the transformation sequence. Highbrow warns you against doing so, explaining you are within the giant Decepticon Scorponok. He tells you to get out before his voice trails off to static. Having heard enough to know it is unwise to stay put, you head back for the city’s main ramp. '''[[#page 6|page 6]]'''

{{anchor|page 6}}
::::::::::::::;Page 6
::::::::::::::''(From [[#page 63|page 63]] or [[#page 69|page 69]])''

::::::::::::::You find Highbrow waiting for you outside the city. He tells you that you need not search for the Decepticons any further, as they will soon come to this location. The both of you hide in nearby bushes. '''[[#page 48|page 48]]'''

{{anchor|page 37}}
::::::::::::::;Page 37
::::::::::::::''(From [[#page 63|page 63]])''

::::::::::::::'''''You place the circuit jammer under a control panel.'''''
::::::::::::::You suspect that this "city" is in fact the giant Decepticon Scorponok. If that is the case, the jammer will prevent him from taking part in any battle you and Highbrow might have to fight. You head out of the city to meet up with Highbrow, only to find him surrounded by Snapdragon, Skullcruncher, and their Nebulan companions. Do you have the magnetic pistol from the ancient ruins?

::::::::::::::'''''Yes.'' [[#page 58|page 58]]'''

::::::::::::::'''''No.'' [[#page 21|page 21]]'''

{{anchor|page 21}}
:::::::::::::::;Page 21
:::::::::::::::''(From [[#page 37|page 37]])''

:::::::::::::::Snapdragon takes to the air, and Skullcruncher begins to taunt Highbrow. He notes that if Highbrow takes flight, Snapdragon’s gyro-guns will send him tumbling down, and if he stays ground-bound, he will fall victim to Skullcruncher’s own metal-softening rays.

:::::::::::::::'''''Shout at Highbrow to shoot at Snapdragon?'' [[#page 28|page 28]]'''

:::::::::::::::'''''Tell him to shoot Skullcruncher instead?'' [[#page 14|page 14]]'''

{{anchor|page 28}}
[[File:Swamp of the Scorpion Snapdragon.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb]]
::::::::::::::::;Page 28
::::::::::::::::''(From [[#page 21|page 21]])''

::::::::::::::::'''''You tell Highbrow to shoot at Snapdragon.'''''
::::::::::::::::He complies, and sprays Snapdragon with acid. The Decepticon screeches down and crashes into the undergrowth. Highbrow then turns to strike Skullcruncher next, but the crocodilian Decepticon bathes the Autobot in his metal-softening rays. Skullcruncher then begins to encroach towards Highbrow, telling him he will make a nice chewy meal. You don’t get a chance to help Highbrow, as Snapdragon is behind you, having returned to his robot form after crash-landing. He is scarred by his acid bath, and covered in mud, but still plenty capable of destroying you.  As he stoops down to seize you, you realize this is…

::::::::::::::::'''THE END'''

{{anchor|page 14}}
::::::::::::::::;Page 14
::::::::::::::::''(From [[#page 21|page 21]])''

::::::::::::::::'''''You tell Highbrow to shoot at Skullcruncher.'''''
::::::::::::::::Highbrow aims his rifle slightly wide, and waits until Skullcruncher deploys his metal-softening rays to fire. Skullcruncher easily dodges Highbrow’s shot, but in the process his beam lands upon Snapdragon instead of its intended target. His wings and fuselage weakened by Skullcruncher’s beam, Snapdragon plummets down and crashes. Highbrow then sends twin jets of scorching acid into Skullcruncher’s face, causing the Decepticon to buckle and curl up in pain. The battle is won. '''[[#page 72|page 72]]'''

{{anchor|page 11}}
:::::::::::;Page 11
:::::::::::''(From [[#page 66|page 66]])''

:::::::::::'''''You call Highbrow on the radio.'''''
:::::::::::But the radio gives out nothing but a hum and a crackle of static. You are too far below ground, and will have to explore the ruins on your own.

:::::::::::'''''Press on further into the ruins?'' [[#page 19|page 19]]'''

:::::::::::'''''Return outside?'' [[#page 3|page 3]]'''

{{anchor|page 19}}
::::::::::::;Page 19
::::::::::::''(From [[#page 11|page 11]] or [[#page 66|page 66]])''

::::::::::::'''''You continue exploring the ruins.'''''
::::::::::::You walk towards a heavy stone door, which slides open as you approach. You are unsure if it is magic, or ancient machinery that made the door move by itself. The moaning rises in pitch, and suddenly a giant spider scuttles forwards through the doorway. The only way to get through the doorway is to get past the giant spider.

::::::::::::'''''If you have the laser cannon, do you wish to use it now?'' [[#page 26|page 26]]'''

::::::::::::'''''Do you try to dodge past the spider into the next room?'' [[#page 51|page 51]]'''

::::::::::::'''''Do you return to the exit?'' [[#page 34|page 34]]'''

{{anchor|page 26}}
:::::::::::::;Page 26
:::::::::::::''(From [[#page 19|page 19]])''

:::::::::::::'''''You use the laser cannon against the giant spider.'''''
:::::::::::::Oddly, the laser passes straight through the spider, as though it wasn’t there. A muffled explosion resounds from the room beyond, and the spider disappears. Looking into the next room, you find the burnt-out projector that was projecting the hologram of the spider. The wailing you heard earlier has also stopped, as it was the high-pitched whine of the projector’s power supply. Searching the room, you find a strange pistol that emits a beam of soft white light. Testing it out on scraps of rusted machinery laying about, you discover that this is a magnetic pistol, with the power to magnetize any piece of metal touched by its beam. The magnetic charge it creates is so strong that not even the mighty Autobot [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] could hope to part metal magnetized by this weapon. You pocket the pistol and rush back outside to continue your exploration of the swamp. '''[[#page 3|page 3]]'''

{{anchor|page 51}}
:::::::::::::;Page 51
:::::::::::::''(From [[#page 19|page 19]])''

:::::::::::::'''''You try to dodge past the spider into the next room.'''''
:::::::::::::To your horror, you slip and tumble directly towards the spider’s glistening mandibles! But when you find yourself on the floor, the spider is nowhere to be seen. You look up and see an image projector set into the far wall. You can clearly see its beam shoot out through the air, and project the holographic image of the spider in the doorway. You further discover that the wailing sound you heard earlier is the high-pitched whine of the projector’s power supply. You search the room and eventually come across an odd pistol. Instead of firing projectiles, it produces a beam of soft white light. Sweeping the beam across the room, you discover its unique property. Whenever the beam touches a piece of metal, it magnetizes it. The charge of the pieces of metal magnetized this way is so great that even the renowned strength of the [[Horrorcon (G1)|Horrorcon]] [[Apeface]] would not be enough to pry them apart. You pocket the pistol and return outside to continue searching the swamp. '''[[#page 3|page 3]]'''

{{anchor|page 34}}
:::::::::::::;Page 34
:::::::::::::''(From [[#page 19|page 19]])''

:::::::::::::'''''You decide to avoid the spider altogether and return to the exit.'''''
:::::::::::::Racing back through the tunnel, you soon emerge into the cool night air. '''[[#page 3|page 3]]'''

{{anchor|page 60}}
:::::::::;Page 60
:::::::::''(From [[#page 38|page 38]])''

:::::::::'''''You remain outside the ruins.'''''
:::::::::You hide nearby in the swamp instead. The hovercraft soon glides into view. Within it are two Nebulans; a tall imperious-looking figure, and his burly, battle-scarred henchman. The grander one orders his subordinate to pause, while they let Highbrow pass overhead. Highbrow is searching the swamp with his searchlight, but fails to spot the hover-car. The grander figure, "Lord Zarak," then orders his henchman to drive towards the "Scorpion Base." When the henchman turns on the vehicle’s, he inadvertently illuminates your hiding spot, bringing you into clear view! '''[[#page 10|page 10]]'''

{{anchor|page 10}}
:::::::::;Page 10
:::::::::''(From [[#page 60|page 60]])''

:::::::::Immediately assuming you are a spy for the Autobots, Zarak orders "Krunk" to deal with you. Krunk throws the hover-car’s joystick forward, veering in your direction. He is going to run you down!

:::::::::'''''Try to dodge aside?'' [[#page 18|page 18]]'''

:::::::::'''''Try throwing yourself flat just before the collision?'' [[#page 25|page 25]]'''

:::::::::'''''If you have the laser cannon, do you wish to use it now?'' [[#page 32|page 32]]'''

{{anchor|page 18}}
::::::::::;Page 18
::::::::::''(From [[#page 10|page 10]] or [[#page 46|page 46]])''

::::::::::'''''You try to dodge the incoming hover-car'''''
::::::::::But you do not move quickly enough! Krunk only needs to nudge the hover-car’s joystick to have you in his sights once more. And you do not have the time to dodge aside on his second pass. As the hover-car’s headlights blind you, your adventure has come to...

::::::::::'''THE END'''

{{anchor|page 25}}
::::::::::;Page 25
::::::::::''(From [[#page 10|page 10]] or [[#page 46|page 46]])''

::::::::::'''''You throw yourself flat just before the hovercraft collides with you.'''''
::::::::::You feel the hovercraft passing over you with a painful jolt. Thankfully, you will have no more than a few bruises for the incident. Krunk and Zarak stop and glance back in your direction. You remain still in the swamp’s muddy water. Zarak congratulates Krunk on killing you, but threatens his goon that any damage done to the vehicle’s paintwork will come out of his pay. They hear Highbrow returning, and quickly depart. Once Zarak and Krunk have fled the scene, you get back up and wave down Highbrow. Seeing what condition you are in, Highbrow transforms and lands next to you. You tell Highbrow what happened. Highbrow tells you that the two criminals you encountered are Lord Zarak, leader of the evil Nebulans, and his bodyguard Krunk. He then decides that the two of you would be better off if you stuck together. '''[[#page 17|page 17]]'''

{{anchor|page 17}}
::::::::::;Page 17
::::::::::''(From [[#page 9|page 9]] or [[#page 25|page 25]] or [[#page 70|page 70]])''

::::::::::'''''The two of you agree to proceed together on foot.'''''
::::::::::Highbrow doesn’t think the two of you will make much headway, as he has to walk slowly in order to avoid pockets of quicksand. Nonetheless, the two of you prefer to play it safe in case you are attacked by Decepticons. '''[[#page 40|page 40]]'''

{{anchor|page 40}}
::::::::::;Page 40
::::::::::''(From [[#page 17|page 17]])''

::::::::::You soon come to a futuristic city made out of purple and green metal inside of a clearing. Pipes are running out of the city and into the ground, as though someone is planning on drilling for oil. Though the city appears as though it is a veritable fortress, no one is manning it currently. Highbrow suggest the two of you wait in hiding until the Decepticons turn up. '''[[#page 48|page 48]]'''

{{anchor|page 9}}
:::::::;Page 9
:::::::''(From [[#page 70|page 70]])''

:::::::'''''You climb into Highbrow’s helicopter cockpit, and take to the air.'''''
:::::::Highbrow turns on a spotlight on his undercarriage so that you can both see better into the swamp as the sun’s light begins to fade. But because of the "organ-metallic" nature of Nebulos’s bioforms, Highbrow’s scanning systems won’t be able to penetrate the canopy bellow. You have difficulty spotting anything from this height yourself. You conclude that one or both of you will have to continue on foot to explore the area properly.

:::::::'''''Should Highbrow set you down and proceed in the air by himself?'' [[#page 24|page 24]]'''

:::::::'''''Should the both of you land and continue your search together?'' [[#page 17|page 17]]'''

{{anchor|page 43}}
::::::;Page 43
::::::''(From [[#page 8|page 8]])''

::::::'''''You take the Transformer detector.'''''
::::::The device consists of several gold hoops. You take it and coil it over your shoulder. Highbrow points out a panel attached to the junction between two hoops. At the moment, the panel reads: "Autobot: HIGHBROW." Highbrow the panel will change accordingly if any other Transformer come into range. '''[[#page 70|page 70]]'''

{{anchor|page 57}}
::::::;Page 57
::::::''(From [[#page 8|page 8]])''

::::::'''''You take the electronic circuit jammer.'''''
::::::The device consists of three large steel globes joined by crystalline rods. Highbrow tells you the jammer contains a magnetic limpet that will adhere to the armour of a Transformer. Once in place, the jammer will prevent a Transformer from assuming another mode. He tells you that he once used it against the Decepticon [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] to prevent him from taking flight and battling both himself and Brainstorm. '''[[#page 70|page 70]]'''

{{anchor|page 65}}
::::::;Page 65
::::::''(From [[#page 8|page 8]])''

::::::'''''You take the laser cannon.'''''
::::::It is about the size of a bazooka. Highbrow explains that Transformers usually power their weapons off of atomic batteries built into their bodies. This laser cannon has an internal power supply, which is what makes it so heavy. Although the cannon might not be powerful enough to take out any Decepticon, it should buy you some time if you encounter one. '''[[#page 70|page 70]]'''

{{anchor|page 16}}
:::::;Page 16
:::::''(From [[#page 64|page 64]])''

:::::'''''You ask Highbrow how he came to be stuck in the quicksand.'''''
:::::Highbrow is embarrassed to admit that he simply lost his balance while he was flying and hit the mud. He admits he was lucky that you came along, and asks once more for your help.

:::::'''''Agree to help Highbrow in any way you can?'' [[#page 8|page 8]]'''

:::::'''''Refuse to help Highbrow any more?'' [[#page 30|page 30]]'''

{{anchor|page 30}}
::::::;Page 30
::::::''(From [[#page 16|page 16]] or [[#page 22|page 22]])''

::::::'''''You refuse to help Highbrow.'''''
::::::You apologize to him, but admit that you don’t think you’d be much help in any case. Highbrow says that you might have been more help than you’d imagine as he begins to lift off. He claims that it is not only strength that wins a battle, and that very few people are without fear. But if one has courage, they can overcome fear, and everything else. You wave goodbye as Highbrow flies away, still convinced that you would not have been much help on his mission. '''[[#page 46|page 46]]'''

{{anchor|page 46}}
::::::;Page 46
::::::''(From [[#page 30|page 30]])''

::::::As you try to make your way back towards the oil rig, you find yourself lost in the swamp. You hear Highbrow flying overhead, continuing his search for the Decepticons. Then, you spot two figures in a hover-car, hiding from Highbrow as he passes overhead. The two Nebulans, calling each other "Krunk" and "Lord Zarak" decide that you are an Autobot spot, and steer their vehicle in your direction. They mean to run you down!

::::::'''''Try to dodge aside?'' [[#page 18|page 18]]'''

::::::'''''Throw yourself flat?'' [[#page 25|page 25]]'''

{{anchor|page 22}}
:::::;Page 22
:::::''(From [[#page 64|page 64]])''

:::::'''''You ask Highbrow what he is doing here.'''''
:::::Highbrow tells you that the Decepticons are after the oil that lies beneath the surrounding jungle. Lord Zarak, leader of the Nebulan collaborators, has ordered them to obtain it. Unlike the Nebulan’s drilling rigs, Decepticon technology has no regard for nature, and will destroy the entire jungle if need be. They are also likely to destroy oil rigs like the one at which you work to prevent the Autobots from obtaining any oil themselves. The situation certainly sounds dire, and you realize that many of your friends that work at the oil rig could be killed if Zarak’s plan is carried out.

:::::'''''Agree to help Highbrow?'' [[#page 8|page 8]]'''

:::::'''''Refuse to help Highbrow?'' [[#page 30|page 30]]'''

{{anchor|page 56}}
::::;Page 56
::::''(From [[#page 36|page 36]])''

::::'''''You push a log towards Highbrow so he can haul himself free.''''' 
::::You steer your hover-cull around the edge of the clearing to find a suitable log. You settle on one that is both sturdy and light enough for you to shift. But when you return to Highbrow, you find that he has already sunk beneath the quicksand. Maybe other Autobots will come to rescue him, but your part in this adventure is over.

::::'''THE END'''

{{anchor|page 49}}
:::;Page 49
:::''(From [[#page 15|page 15]])''

:::'''''You try pushing a log to Highbrow so he can haul himself free.''''' 
:::You find one that is both sturdy enough for Highbrow to haul himself out, and light enough for you to bring it over to him. You haul one end to him, then anchor the other end by landing the hover-scull onto it. Highbrow begins to free himself from the mire, but the log then slips from under the scull. You are alarmed by this development, but now that Highbrow has his arms free, he is able to deploy his rotor blades, and lift himself out of the mud. '''[[#page 64|page 64]]'''

{{anchor|page 23}}
[[File:Swamp of the Scorpion Nebulans.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
::;Page 23
::''(From [[#page 7|page 7]])''

::'''''You attempt to find others who will help you rescue Highbrow.''''' 
::You find a few senior technicians and oilmen playing cards in the rig’s lounge area. But they are so enraptured in their game that they pay you no heed.

::'''''Go rescue Highbrow on your own?'' [[#page 15|page 15]]'''

::'''''Keep badgering your coworkers until they come?'' [[#page 29|page 29]]'''

{{anchor|page 29}}
:::;Page 29
:::''(From [[#page 23|page 23]])''

:::'''''You keep badgering your coworkers.''''' 
:::They finally give in, and agree to come along with you to rescue the Autobot in distress. But by the time you arrive at Highbrow’s last coordinates, there is no sign of him. You do not know whether Highbrow sank to the bottom of the quicksand pit, or if he managed to escape on his own. In either case, this is the end of your adventure.

:::'''THE END'''


{{anchor|page 35}}
:;Page 35
:''(From [[#page 1|page 1]])''

:'''''You ignore the incoming message.''''' 
:As you head towards the recreation lounge, a supervisor stops you. He tells you that your coworker, [[Klab]] had to go home sick. He then assigns you to take over his post in the monitoring room. You begrudgingly return to the monitoring room and sit down with a book. Yawning, you wonder what’s the point of security on an oil rig. '''[[#page 39|page 39]]'''

{{anchor|page 39}}
:;Page 39
:''(From [[#page 35|page 35]])''

:You suddenly bolt upright, having fallen asleep while on monitor duty. Looking over the screen before you, you notice that in the supply room are two figures rifling through the stores.

:'''''Alert your coworkers?'' [[#page 53|page 53]]'''

:'''''Go down to the supply room yourself?'' [[#page 61|page 61]]'''

{{anchor|page 53}}
:;Page 53
::''(From [[#page 39|page 39]])''

::'''''You alert the rest of the oil rig.'''''
::But by the time anyone can scramble to stop them, the intruders have left the premises. The Chief Engineer inspects supply room, and finds that all of the [[trilithium power crystal]]s have been stolen. This will hold up drilling by a month. Although the Chief Engineer considers reprimanding you for falling asleep on the job, he admits that at least you did well to raise the alarm as quickly as you did. Although you are spared disciplinary actions, you have also missed out on a great adventure.

::'''THE END'''

{{anchor|page 61}}
::;Page 61
::''(From [[#page 39|page 39]])''

::'''''You go down to the supply room yourself, pausing only to grab a flashlight.'''''
::Looking through the store room, you find that several crates have gone missing. You sweep your flashlight about the marshlands outside, only for its light to be blotted out by the thick mist that has settled. Then you hear nearing throb of helicopter rotors. You watch as the vehicle drops to hover beside the rig, scanning the marsh with its searchlight. Guessing the helicopter is also looking for the figures who broke into the supply room, you attract its attention by waving your arms. As the helicopter looms nearer, you notice that there is no pilot in the cockpit. '''[[#page 67|page 67]]'''

{{anchor|page 67}}
::;Page 67
::''(From [[#page 61|page 61]])''

::The helicopter lands and transforms into a robot. The robot introduces himself as Highbrow, the electronics and surveillance expert among the Headmaster Autobots. He tells you he knows that a theft has taken place at your oil rig. He had sent out a message earlier, warning that such a thing might happen, but it was not answered. He then arrived on scene too late to apprehend the thieves. Checking the stores, you take note that three crates of expensive trilithium crystals are missing. You realize that you will be in a lot of trouble when your superiors find out you were sleeping while on monitor duty. Highbrow suggests that you should come along with him, and help him recover the stolen crystals, before anyone notices they have gone missing.

::'''''Agree to go along with Highbrow?'' [[#page 8|page 8]]'''

::'''''Tell Highbrow that you should stay behind?'' [[#page 4|page 4]]'''

{{anchor|page 4}}
:::;Page 4
:::''(From [[#page 67|page 67]])''

:::'''''You tell Highbrow that you should stay behind.'''''
:::You explain that although you will be disciplined for allowing the crystals to be stolen, the consequences might be worse if you also abandon your post. You watch Highbrow lumber off into the marsh. You can only wish him luck, as you are sure he must be outnumbered by the evil Decepticons waiting for him in the night.

:::'''THE END'''

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]]

|c2=
*[[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]]
*[[Skullcruncher (G1)|Skullcruncher]]
*[[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]]

|h4=[[Nebulan]]s|c4=
*[[You]]
*[[Zarak (G1)|Lord Zarak]]
*[[Krunk]]
*[[Grax]]

|nonumbering=true
}}

==Notes==
*All Transformers' names are printed in [[To sell toys|CAPITAL LETTERS]]. 
*On [[#page 48|page 48]], you make a reference to the story of Jonah and the whale. Who knew Nebulans were versed in biblical literature?
*Whatever path you choose, you never recover the stolen crystals (if any crystals are stolen at all).
*In all depictions of Highbrow, the highly toy-accurate illustration always show him with flip-down panel of his chest opened, showing off his Tech Spec readouts.
*All Nebulans are depicted as being robotic, or as Highbrow describes Nebulon's organisms, "organ-metallic".
*The words "jungle" and "swamp" are used interchangeably throughout the whole book. Maybe on Nebulon they're the same thing?
*The one time Gort's name is mentioned in the book, it is spelt "Grot". Curiously, the same error appears in the [[Transformers Annual 1987#Errors|Transformers Annual 1987]], which was also produced in the UK the same year – implying one could have potentially influenced the other.
*The Autobots [[Brainstorm (G1)|Brainstorm]] and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]], the Decepticons [[Apeface]] and [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], and the Nebulans [[Gort|Grot]], [[Arcana]], and [[Klab]] are all mentioned, but do not make an appearance.
*One volume in the wildly popular ''[https://fightingfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Fighting_Fantasy Fighting Fantasy]'' series of multipath adventure books, published three years before ''Swamp of the Scorpion'', is called, um... ''[https://fightingfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Scorpion_Swamp_(book) Scorpion Swamp]''. Perhaps the latter was unknown to the producers of the Transformers gamebook, and the alliteration of the same two words in both titles was simply too irresistible to each author, independently – but by golly it's a coincidence if so.

===Advertisements===
* At the end of the story are adverts for other Young Corgi book "[[Desert of Danger]]".

[[Category:Generation 1 multipath adventures]]