Voodoo Planet · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Voodoo Planet by Andre Norton.
Chapter 1
I
Chief Ranger Asaki visits the Solar Queen and invites Captain Jellico, Medic Tau, and Dane Thorson to Khatka. Asaki reveals that a mysterious killing magic is being used against key men on his world, and he seeks Tau's expertise. The crew accepts the invitation, with Dane excited about the opportunity.
Chapter 2
II
Dane and the crew arrive at the fortress of Khatka, a palace half fortress and half frontier post. Chief Ranger Asaki discusses the legend of the graz graveyard and the taming of animals for the Zoboru preserve. Tau confronts Lumbrilo, the witch doctor, in a display of magic, summoning an elephant shadow to counter Lumbrilo's cat-dog illusion. Asaki reveals his concern over Lumbrilo's growing power and asks Tau to determine if his magic is trickery or genuine.
Chapter 3
III
After Tau demonstrates his power by drawing on Lumbrilo's magic to show Asaki a vision of an elephant, Asaki openly admits he hopes to use Tau as a weapon against Lumbrilo. Jellico accepts Asaki's oath of protection, and the group flies to the Zoboru preserve. Their flitter crashes in a magnetic region near a swamp, forcing them to travel on foot. They find a cave, and Dane suffers a sand worm infection in his feet.
Chapter 4
IV
The party rests during the heat of the day, but Dane spots a rock ape spying on them. Asaki kills it, but the ape's nest of fire-wasps is released, stinging the men. A pack of rock apes attacks, and the group fights them off. After cleaning up and treating their wounds, Nymani discovers a death pit left by poachers, and Asaki confirms the trail leads into Mygra swamp.
Chapter 5
V
The party continues their climb away from the lowlands, haunted by nightmares and a growing sense of being watched. They discover that Lumbrilo has been using a drug mixed into their water purifier to induce mass hallucinations, causing them to see and fight phantom rock apes that repeatedly resurrect. Tau explains that the magic feeds on their own fears and imagination. Asaki's rage against Lumbrilo intensifies as they realize they can no longer trust their senses.
Chapter 6
VI
The group, trapped between mountains and swamp, faces a graz stampede and is forced to flee into the swamp. After a harrowing journey through treacherous bogs, they find a water tree and rest, only to discover a poacher camp nearby and hear mysterious drums.
Chapter 7
VII
The fugitives observe a phosphorescent apparition of Lumbrilo sent to drive them into the poacher camp. They plan to feign panic and storm the camp, with Nymani silencing sentries and Dane tasked to play a drum. The group prepares for a coordinated assault to capture Lumbrilo and disable the off-world poachers.
Chapter 8
VIII
Medic Tau engages in a psychic duel with Lumbrilo, transforming into beasts and countering the witch doctor's magical attacks. Tau turns Lumbrilo's own magic against him, summoning shadow lions to hunt the witch doctor, who breaks and flees. After the confrontation, Tau collapses from exhaustion. The crew captures the poachers, and Chief Ranger Asaki invites them to visit the Zoboru preserve, but Captain Jellico declines, citing the need to return to the Solar Queen.