Neoquest II

[persephone_kore]

Home -- can talk to mother and sleep.

Pongoras -- north: cave
-NE then south -- city of White River
-Coastline all around
Can buy healing vial (15) or flare potion (dmg 15)

Tolain
Lupes, aishas, bearogs, gelerts (NE) all now vicious
go around the mountains to the north, then over the land bridge to the northeast, and follow the coastline south. You can't miss it; it's the only way to cross the river, which is, not coincidentally, called the White River."

Cave: Gold mine -- go up and around in gray area. Miner Foreman has ~51 HP. Not hard to beat if near 70 yourself. Miner ghosts and skeletons are about 25. Got killed the first time.

White River
Jeltharo:Well, everything was fine, until one day a few weeks ago. The town was going about its business as usual, when suddenly there was a crack of thunder -- from a cloudless sky, no less! -- and a wizard appeared out of thin air. He claimed that he would 'rule all these lands,' and then cast a spell at the bridge. The bridge magically lifted itself up, and despite all our efforts, we've been unable to force it back down. Now nobody can cross the river!"
"The wizard was an elephante, dressed in robes, and with a mad gleam in his eyes. He frightened the wits out of me, I must say. After he cast that spell upon the bridge, he cackled maniacally and then disappeared into thin air. I've no idea where to find him, though, or how to make him reverse the spell."
"White River was founded ages ago, before recorded time. It was built at the narrowest point along the White River itself, to make passage to the Northern Marches easier. Naturally, a town grew up here. Most of the citizens are either minor wizards or merchants, dealing in trade with other cities in Meridell."

Inn:
Horxas:"White River's a peaceful town. The bit with the wizard showing up was more excitement than we've seen in all my lifetime! Normally, we just have a few wizards who quietly practice their magics, and the tradesmen who pass through frequently. They ship all manner of goods through here, although business has dried up a bit, now that the bridge is unusable."
Sleep: 35gp

Tebor:
Can buy rusty mail tunic (got one, buy/sell 300/150), iron shortsword (400, bought), blast or flare potions (blast 25 each, flare 15 each; sell back at 13/8), could sell father's sword for 50


Adelan (by bridge)
Adelan says, "Dear me! The bridge is stuck in the raised position, and is unusable. Curse that wizard for doing this to our town!"
"His name is Zombom. I've known him for years; he was actually a student of mine some time back. You see, I'm a wizard myself. But I hadn't seen him in several months, when he appeared and cast that spell on our bridge. I don't know where he learned such powerful magics; I can't even figure out how to break the spell. I fear that only his demise will cause the spell's effect to end."
"It's only a rumor, but I've heard that he's taken up residence in an old, ruined tower on an island in the sea northeast of here. The only way to get there -- unless you can swim like a fish, or fly like a bird! -- is an underwater cave that runs under the mountains and comes up again on the island. I'm not sure exactly where it is, though. I think it lies where the forest meets the mountains, to the north."

Tunnel: Keeping left seems to work okay.
Skeleton knights ~45, not easy

Lost island: Mysterious Tower
Staircase up, upper right corner (NE)
Second staircase up, lower right corner (SE)
Third staircase up, between eyries (N) -- followed by eyrie spectre at 50! (Went back down to level up, failed, got killed and lost 500 gold -- try to get higher, 9 isn't quite enough for comfort there. Perhaps buy and use flare/blast potions.)
Required for level 10: 12600

This level: Wizard

Worrying note: after 2nd death, started getting attacks by pairs once in a while (once in bridgeway forest, once so far in tower)
Third death in tower. *sigh*

Zombom emits a mighty roar of pain, and falls to one knee. "I never... never should have..." he gasps. "Adelan... I betrayed... my master... unhappy about this... aghh..." He slumps to the ground, dead. All around you, skeleton warriors crumble into dust, and the ghostly spirits evaporate away. The tower is still ruined, but it is no longer haunted. Behind where Zombom lies, you see a magical teleporter.
Rohane gained 300 experience points!
You found 150 gold pieces!
You found 3 Healing Flasks!
You found 1 notched iron shortsword!
You gain 200 neopoints!
Zomborn is HARD. Blasting potions are good.
Teleport lets you back out on Lost Island. Back through the tunnel....

White River, take 2:
Jeltharo:
"Oh, thank you so much for defeating that terrible wizard! Now the bridge is working again, and life around here will get back to normal. If you have any questions about the town, just let me know."
"The lands to the south are vast, and mostly uninhabited, until you reach the Eye of Meridell. It's actually just an ancient lake surrounded by a ring of mountains and forest. There's a city on the edge of the lake, though I've never been there myself. But there's a great deal of land between here and there, including lots of hills and swamps. I'd be careful going out there, if I were you."

Horxas: "Oh, thank you for defeating that horrible wizard! Now the bridge is usable again, and we're finally able to get shipments of ale! My customers will be so happy! Since you defeated him, I'll let you rent a room at a discounted rate, only 25 gold pieces."

Tebor:
"I'll be able to get more supplies now that the bridge is back in order! Thanks! You can have a 20% discount on anything in the store."

Gorgan:
..."I heard tell there's a wizard of some sort who lives on the other side of the river, who's been looking to lead a more exciting life than just sitting around, practicing spells. You should ask around; she might be a good traveling companion."

Adelan:
"Well, I can't thank you enough for defeating Zombom, though I wish it didn't have to be this way. I suppose he'd been driven mad by tapping powerful, forbidden magics... or something like that."
"White River was founded as a river crossing centuries ago. Now it's home to a small community of wizards -- of whom I am one -- and traders who live here when not out trading. It's never grown to be a particularly large town, but we like it small. Actually, the walls were built to both protect against floods from the river itself, and to keep the community small."
"His master, eh? So he was not behind this by himself? That makes a certain kind of sense, I suppose. The only other person I can think of powerful enough to put Zombom up to what he did would be... but it can't be." Adelan hesitates for a moment, and looks around suspiciously. "The king's advisor, Ramtor, was rumored to be a powerful spellcaster... but I can't imagine why he'd want the bridge frozen up. The last I heard, the king had taken ill... but this far from the castle, who knows what's going on there?"

Cross bridge.
Mipsy:
"Oh, you startled me! I'm sorry, I'm a bit jittery these days, what with all the fuss from the bridge being stuck. I'm glad it's opened up now, though, and I've heard it's all thanks to you!"
"Oh, I don't know very much about White River. I haven't lived here very long, you see; in fact, I'd only just moved in when the wizard attacked and got the bridge stuck. So I haven't even met most of the people who live here, since they've been trapped across the river."
"Well, I'm a wizard, as you may have guessed from my robe. Not a very good one, mind you... I only know a few simple spells and other tricks."
You say, "Would you like to join me in adventuring?"
Mipsy says, "Me?? You want me to join you?" Mipsy jumps up from her chair excitedly. "Of course! Of course! I've already got my handy wizard's wand and my robes, and that's all I'll really need for a life of adventure, isn't it? Let's get going!"

Mipsy: Level 11 (more XP than I've got at this point, too)
sawdust wand
initiate's robe
10 skill points to distribute
Sildairm: (trade) -- can get haste, slowness, etc. potions

South: White River Floodplain, Flooded Forest, Roaring Hills
Can't get anywhere directly south or west

I like the defensive and group offensive spells.
Speed, crithit also good.
Stun is okay.
Level 12: about 16600

East: plain of twilight
Festering Swamp!
South: the Plain of Calm

Seas Cradle Hills: Monsters strengthen
Tempest Hills, Plain of Storms, Nestwood, Trackless Wastes
Southern Cliffs -- green by lake/sea

Lost City of Phorofor -- north of dip in cliffs -- is this where I want to be?
The withered ghost looks at you balefully. "This is a place of danger, and of death. None who enter shall leave. And none shall enter who do not know the key."

The withered ghost shakes his head. "The key is long lost. Only those who are trustworthy may learn it. Seek those who are wise, in the Eye of Meridell beyond the north of the desert."

--Not yet, apparently.

20800 -- Level 14

Go NE, NW around mountains, into Hills of the Eye
SW corner of little lake: Lakeside (Whee!)

Lakeside:
Fudra (inn, 100/night)
"I've lived here all my life, in Lakeside. It's a nice, peaceful town. Thankfully the dense forest helps keep some of the worst beasts away from the town. And you can be sure we keep the torches burning all night. You might want to go talk to the elders, who convene in the large meeting hall at the north end of town."
"The Eye of Meridell, that's the name for these parts. Comes from the eye-like shape of the lake, and the forest and mountains around it. I've never gone beyond the edge of the Eye, myself, not that I'd want to these days, what with all the beasts and monsters roaming the countryside. But if you leave the Eye and head southeast, you'll hit a huge desert known as the Trackless Wastes. I wouldn't recommend going there; there's no water for miles, and you can get easily lost."

Dovini (in inn): "Oh, my... are you an adventurer? Like me? I mean, not that I'm much of one... I was hoping to find the famous lost city of Phorofor, but so far I've been luckless. I spent several days traversing the Trackless Wastes to the southeast, but eventually I had to give up. I ended up crawling through the mountains, and barely made it back here alive! I don't know if I have the heart to try again."
"Ah, the lost city of Phorofor... There have been rumors for years of fabulous riches and evil spirits in that city. I don't really know, though. But I do know for certain that it's somewhere in the desert, possibly in the southeast. Supposedly there's some old hermit who has real knowledge about the place, but I've no idea where to find him. Anyway, the city's very far, and since I returned from my attempt to find it a few weeks ago, all these monsters and vicious creatures have appeared, infesting the countryside. I don't even know if I could make it to the desert without getting killed."
Bin-po says, "Ah, there's nothing like a relaxing drink. Sure takes your mind off all the crazy myths and stories you hear around these parts. It's enough to drive a man mad!"
,"Well, I spend a lot of my time reading and researching... and I always come across strange stories that you'd never believe, if they weren't written down. Even then I don't always believe them. Like this story of a lost city in the desert. It's spoken of by several reputable authors, but there's never enough details to pin down where it is, or what it was. Truly frustrating."

Yeccki: Trade
Need 750/weapon or armor
North to council hall after much IE stupidity and a long night's sleep, so much for speed.

Erinels bows as you approach. "You should speak with Nikalo, for he is the chief elder."

Nikalo says, "You surely have many questions about our town. I will try to answer what I can."
"The town is small and peaceful. The angry creatures of the forest have not come here so far, and with our continued vigilance, they will not. Our citizens are worried, of course, and we would all like to know what's going on."
"The Eye of Meridell is an ancient formation. The first people to find this area found it calm and peaceful, isolated from the troubles of the world by the ring of mountains surrounding it. They settled here on the edge of the beautiful lake. Back then, the desert to the southeast was much smaller than it is now. Most of it was plains and grassland. But over time, the desert crept ever northward, eventually reaching its current limit. Creatures still live there, though, and in contrast to the animals of the plains, which were peaceable until recently, the desert's inhabitants were always aggressive."

North of pool:
Kijandri stares at the tranquil pool in front of her. She finally notices you, and turns a pleasant smile your way. "Ah, you must be the adventurer I've been hearing about. Seeking the lost city, as I understand it."
Kijandri says, "Not much is known about the lost city, but I'll tell you what I do know. And this isn't myth or rumor; this is fact. The lost city was built at an oasis in the desert, a place of water and trees. But it grew too large, and eventually became abandoned. Years later, a wizard took up residence there, and his evil experiments raised the late citizens into an undead army that he wanted to use for rebellion. The king's wizards came to suppress the rebel wizard, and during the furious battle between them, they conjured a tremendous sandstorm which suffocated everyone involved. It buried the city, and covered all tracks to the place. This was long ago, of course, when the desert was much smaller. After that, nobody cared much about the city. It was lost to history, and as the desert grew over time -- I don't know why it did that -- eventually, memory of how to reach the city was also lost."
Kijandri says, "Ah, the old hermit, Potraddo. He was once a historian and -- some say -- a powerful wizard. But he went mad some time ago. I used to take long walks through the forest, and ran into him a few times. He told me some stories, during his saner periods. That was one of them. I don't know where he lives now, though. No one's seen him in years." She shakes her head. "Nobody else believes the stories, though, but I checked. I went to the king's castle, far to the south, and looked in the ancient royal records. The details were sketchier than Potraddo's, but they confirmed it. This was a while ago, though. The journey is too dangerous to make, now, and no one else is really interested in trying."

So: I know I can handle local monsters, maybe pick up some gold that way, and even get to Phorafor. Don't know what the key is. Try heading straight south for castle, and/or explore local woods, until I find Potraddo and/or have... say 2250 gold.

There is no castle within the eye. Couldn't get anywhere south or west of Phorafor. Went back there, found the key. Obviously I *do* need Potraddo.

Back to Nikalo: "The hermit?" He glances at the other elders, who look worried. "The hermit... he lives near here. To the northwest, in fact, not far outside of town. You'll have to wend your way through some fairly dense underbrush to reach him... and he may not be particularly hospitable if you do. He's gone quite mad, you see."

Northwest. Didn't I GO northwest already? Bah.
--NW seems to mean out of the eye and up around the lake. I hope.
Just around the lake -- dead end
Try up around mountains (Hills of Faraway. Hee.)
...That wasn't it. Argh.
Ah-hah! Go to north of council hall, follow path through trees north and mostly west, then turn south into sort of heart-shaped clearing.

Potraddo:
Potraddo says, "Well, hello there! I don't get many visitors out here... ah, in fact, I don't think I've ever had any visitors out here. Oh well! That's what I get for living in the woods by myself, eh?"
"So, you want to know about the lost city of Phorofor, eh? Well, that's a story not many are eager to know the truth of. Have you spoken to Kijandri about me?"
"Indeed, she is a wise girl, wiser than the so-called 'Council of Elders' here in Lakeside. They think I'm mad, simply because I shun the company of most people. In truth, I have always felt more comfortable with nature than with people. Nature never makes demands of you; it simply exists, on its own terms. But you are interested in learning about Phorofor... so I will tell you what you need to know."
"I will trust you with this information because you seem to me to be strong of spirit, and noble of purpose. I trust that you will not make malicious use of the information I am about to give you. Phorofor now harbors legions of undead, who continually rise and rise again from the souls of the departed. It is a very dangerous place and I would not travel there... but I believe you must do so, because all the bridges leading to the eastern part of the continent have been destroyed, and within the city lies the only way to travel to the east."
"A shadow has come over this land, as you are no doubt aware. Beasts have become hostile, monsters have arisen... but the cause of this has not been widely known. The king's advisor, Ramtor, has overthrown him and taken power. I suspect, though I cannot prove, that he has cast powerful, evil spells upon the land, in order to keep everyone occupied -- they cannot return their king to power while they must continually fight off angry monsters. This is a heavy burden, but I think that it must be you who travels to the royal castle and confronts Ramtor. But to do that, you must first pass through Phorofor. There is an Orb of Travel within the city, that will take you to the east. I do not know precisely where it will deposit you, however, but be prepared for any danger. But entering the city is not as easy as it sounds."
"The entrance to the city is blocked, but it can be opened by means of a magical passphrase." He pauses for a moment. "The phrase is, 'ad ro un ta en.' Speak this phrase to the city's guardian, and you will be granted entrance." He stops, and sighs. "That is all I can tell you for now. You must do the rest yourself. My thoughts will be with you, though. Take care in the wilds."

...Whoa! On the way back to the desert, attacked by THREE critters.

Starting south, encountered person. Leveling up to sixteen before approach (needed: 25500 XP) just in case it wants to fight instead of talk -- has a spear, dust color.

Oh, this is too funny.

A forlorn guard looks at you and says, "Yes? What do you want? Not all the undead 'round here are bloodthirsty fiends. I've still got a job to do."
The forlorn guard says, "Oh, well, you know, battle between wizards, tremendous sandstorm... that same old story. But I never left my post, no sir, and I've been standing here for..." His eyes glaze over as he thinks. "Near on six hundred years now. But I ain't never left my post in all that time, no sir." He looks at you. "Now if you'll move along, I've got to focus on my guarding. Can't let your guard down in here, no sir."

Head east, find large building with pillars, go between them to meet:
a Giant Sand Grundo (guarding the orb)
130 HP
Can score critical hit for about 40 damage!
Love those potions...

Rohane gained 115 experience points!
Mipsy gained 115 experience points!
You found 45 gold pieces!
You found 1 scored wand!
You found 1 Healing Potion!
You gain 300 neopoints!

Touch orb, arrive at...

A tower on a hill. Guess it's time to look for stairs down?
First enemy: destructive wocky, 80 HP
Stairs down: near SE corner, but keep just inside -- not by outer wall
New level: West is a dead end, go east...
Try turning east again, then south around outer edge
Outside southern edge - dead end; try west along next layer in
Dead end going straight, try ducking south at second chance
Turn north
Go west, then south, then north again
All the way north, turn right, north at first opportunity and OUT!

Dead Hills. How cheerful.
North and over mountains, continue east and go over lake, east to Seaside.
Delkon says, "Yar! Welcome to our little town o' Seaside, where ye can find the freshest fish on this side o' Meridell. I be a fisherman, meself, though mostly I fish fer the relaxation aspect. Ahoy, ye scurvy dog."

Enlea says, "I've been very worried, I been, with all the trouble comin' out the castle down south. I do hope someone can straighten it all out." ...Well, guess I know where *I'll* be going.

Berig says, "Ahoy! Ye be a scurvy scalawag if I've ever seen one. What be ye wantin'? A night in me quaint, rustic bed and breakfast? The fee be 125 pieces o' gold... I know it be soundin' high, but there been at least a twenty-two percent drop in tourism in recent weeks. Avast."
--Rent a room, mostly so as not to have to start over at Lakeside if killed.
"Yar, well, this be the tranquil seaside hamlet of Seaside. Our main imports be grain and iron; our main exports be fish and wood. We be the third most populous town in Meridell, although we be havin' the lowest average family size. Would ye like to know more?"
"Avast, I can tell by the look in yer eyes that ye just be humorin' me. Well, not everyone can be as interested in statistics as I be. Well, shove off, ye scurvy... whatever ye are! Or rather... Arrr!" Berig makes vaguely threatening gestures at you.


Weapons and armor: 1100 each

Uthare says, "Yar! Ye be lookin' fer a brace o' potions, matey? Well then I be yer man! I be havin' the greatest lot o' potions this side o' the ocean! There's nary a landlubber who'd turn me down, let alone any honest seafarin' folk, matey."
"Avast, this be a lovely place ta live, if I do say so myself. Plenty o' fresh sea air, more sticks than you kin shake a fish at, and neighbors who'll leave ye ta yer business, if ye be catchin' me drift. Although, lately, there be many strange folk passin' through the area. Probably something ta do with the troubles down 'round the castle way. Arrr."
"Ay, well, there's the rub. Ye probably should be talkin' ta Delkon, just ta the south, in his house. He be knowin' more about that than me, I wager. Yar."

Delkon again: "Yar, did he now? Well, I suppose I be the resident authority on such things, though it pains me to think of them. Yar. Well, it seems that the king's advisor has overthrown him, and locked him away in some ruddy dungeon somewhere. I be not envying the king now, you can wager a brick of gold against a rotten fish on that."
"Avast, well, seems this advisor, Ramtor, was long a loyal advisor to the king, but of late he decided that power was more his style. I don't think he's killed the king, though no one's seen the old lad in weeks now. But it was about that same time that Ramtor laid his curse upon the land, and that's why we've got all these ruddy animals going berserk in the wilds."
"Yar, just 'cause I be talkin' like a pirate, ye think I'm blind to the world? I did be visitin' the royal castle before the troubles started, and I did see a mad glint in that Ramtor's eye. I wouldn't want to go up against him, but I'd bet there are some who could." He raises an eyebrow at you. "Anyway, rumors and news do travel, and we be not very far from the castle. I keep track of the news, so that the others in town don't have to burden themselves."

Ramtor's tower is west and south around the lake, past the Plain of Order, Plain of Retreat, and Treacherous Forest. Found it and headed back to get more money and stock up on supplies.

...Which is probably a good thing, considering that on the way back to the tower, I found the castle between those two rectangular lakes called the King's Preserve!

Meridell Castle:

Guard Paniga glares at you, but says nothing.
Guard Thyet glares at you, but says nothing.
Count Sadath looks at you, as if he is about to speak, but then he glances toward the throne room, and says nothing.
Countess Haren looks at you, but then shakes her head and says nothing, casting her eyes down toward the floor.
Lady Adrile stands, looking out a window to the south. She turns to glance at you, but then sighs and turns away.
Guard Cault narrows his eyes as you approach, as if sizing you up.

Go up and turn north, into throne room; fight Ramtor, who is decidedly formidable but disappears after a couple of hits. Then people will talk to you.

Note: Might be good to go back and buy more burst potions.

Guard Zanale smiles at you, and shakes your hand. "Oh, I heartily thank you for releasing us all from the grip of that confounded wizard. He made us do such awful things... even take the true king prisoner!"
Guard Zanale says, "I'm not sure. I remember pretty clearly, he had us take the king to a wagon outside the castle gate, but other guards took over at that point. I can't say for certain where, though. Captain Jologa might know, if you can find him."
Guard Cault bows deeply as you approach. "I thank you, as I'm sure will all others here, for disposing of that awful advisor. We're freed from his control, at last!"
Guard Cault says, "Is that so? Well, I suspect he's run off to some hidden fortress or other lair of evil. Despotic villains always do!"

Head south into bedrooms for Jologa.
Captain Jologa says, "So you are the one who freed us from Ramtor's clutches, eh? Well, no time for chit-chat. You'd better set about finding the king, while I get the castle back in order for his return."
Captain Jologa says, "Ramtor had him taken to an old tower that overlooks the sea to the west. It's at the tip of the peninsula, beyond the Treacherous Forest, on the Plain of Retreat. I don't know if that's where Ramtor will have gone now that he's vanished, but it seems likely."
Count Sadath runs his hand through his hair and releases a pent-up sigh of relief. "Well, I can't say I've ever been happier to see a commoner," he says. "I don't know what you did to get rid of that dreadful villain Ramtor, but I'm certainly thankful. We all are, I'm sure."
Count Sadath says, "Well, a few weeks ago, Ramtor somehow got the castle guards to take the king prisoner. I suppose he had already cast a spell upon the guards to make them do his bidding. Anyway, I don't know where they took the king. After the king was gone and Ramtor announced that he was now king, we all started to feel unnaturally frightened. Frightened, and... well... sleepy. I suppose it was another spell of Ramtor's, but it seems to have been dispelled by Ramtor's disappearance."
Count Sadath says, "I'm afraid I don't know. I can't imagine he'll have gone far, if he'll try to take the throne again as I suspect. He may have fled to the west, an area which has long been uninhabited... mostly. It would be easy for him to go about his business there, without much notice."
Countess Haren smiles as you approach. "Oh, you are so heroic! And we are all so grateful for your heroic deeds. That dreadful Ramtor had cast a spell upon us to make us obedient. Thankfully he didn't ask much of us lordly folk; I suppose he had nefarious plans to attend to."

Guard Thyet rubs his eyes. "Oh, I can't believe it! You've defeated Ramtor! Or at least, gotten him away from the castle. I guess his spell was broken when he fled. I hope you can truly defeat him, once and for all, though. At any rate, if you wish, you are welcome to use any of the castle's empty bedrooms to rest for the night. No fee, of course."

Well, yay.

Bought more burst potions, went to tower. Weird blue barrier straight ahead, probably important. Stairs down in SW corner.

Try north. --Good guess: keeping left leads to next staircase down.
...Skeletal jailer. Just lovely.

King Skarl looks up as you approach his cell. He eyes you warily. "Are you another of Ramtor's enthralled servants? What do you want?"
King Skarl leaps to his feet. His eyes glint. "Indeed? Then you will need to defeat Ramtor, for he alone has the keys to my cell. He is on the uppermost level of this tower, unless I miss my guess. I wish there were any other advice or information I could give you about him... but he is a powerful wizard. You will need all your strength to defeat him. Good luck."

Thanks so much. Maybe the barrier's gone now?
No. Maybe try level down and to the right.
That isn't it. Stuck now, going to go back and talk to that other countess. All I can think of.

Oh. Checked board. *sigh* Right turn instead of left gets you a staircase UP. (And evidently there are multiple chapters more. Hmm. Suspect three chapters, 20 levels each? Are these the different difficulty levels? If not, how on earth did anybody finish all in a little over a day?!?!
Go to the far right past the blue barrier.
Go to SW corner.
Rohane gained 123 experience points!
Mipsy gained 123 experience points!
You found 45 gold pieces!
You found 3 Healing Bottles!
You found 1 deadly shortsword!
You found 1 colorful trainee's robe!
You gain 500 neopoints!

Flash animation, dunno what.

Arrive on Terror Mountain near village Chia Oscuro.

...Go just north with big door. Thaddeus:
Thaddeus says, "Oh, my! You certainly aren't from around here. Er... You can understand my words, right?"
Thaddeus says, "Oh, thank goodness. Everyone in this town speaks an incomprehensible dialect, and I can barely make heads or tails of it. They all seem very friendly, though."
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Thaddeus Jurples, noted adventurer and linguist. At least, I thought I was a linguist until I encountered these confounded chias. Their language completely baffles me. All I've managed to decipher is a few words... I think 'cave' is one of them, 'near east' is another, and 'wordstone' is the third. But beyond that..."
(Me: Maybe there's a cave to the near east with a wordstone in it.)
"My goodness, why didn't I ever think of that? That's brilliant! I'd better write that down... and, um, do you think you might be willing to go investigate that cave? I would, but, you know, I've still got this language to try to translate."

Go east, find (what a shock) "a damp, smelly cave." No trouble finding...
You are attacked by the Leximp!
The Leximp shouts, "Hey! You get out of here! I stole the wordstone fair and square! Those dumb chias don't even know how to read. It's mine! Mine, I tell you!"
**Do not bother with Mipsy's spell-damage, attack directly.
The Leximp screams and slumps to the floor of the cave. "Aaaghh... It's not fair! Unh... I deserve the wordstone... more... than..." He stops talking and moving. You see the wordstone on the cave floor behind him, and pick it up.
Rohane gained 181 experience points!
Mipsy gained 181 experience points!
You found 200 gold pieces!
You found the Wordstone!
You found 2 Potions of Regeneration!
You found 1 rigid wand!
You gain 500 neopoints!

Back to Chia Oscuro!

Stolfr says, "Hello! The Snowager protects us and keeps the mountain passes clear, but it hasn't been seen in a long time. We're all scared, and don't know what to do! Normally the Snowager wakes up every morning and roars, letting us know that it's still here to protect us... but a few weeks ago, it stopped."
Thaddeus says, "Ah, so you found this 'wordstone,' did you? Let me have a look at it." Thaddeus inspects the stone, muttering to himself and slowly reading over the inscriptions on its surface. Finally, he hands it back to you and rubs his eyes. "And it magically lets you understand the chias' language, just by holding it? Well, quite a remarkable thing, this wordstone is. Maybe now we can find out what they're all agitated about!"

Sthora says, "Hello! I am Sthora, the chief elder of the town of Chia Oscuro. Thank you so much for finding our wordstone! That horrible Leximp who stole it has been a problem for years, but he was never really more than a nuisance until he stole the wordstone from us."
"Well, as long as anyone can remember, Terror Mountain has been protected by the Snowager, a great ice worm. The Snowager clears the passes, eats wandering monsters, and keeps us all safe. Every morning when it wakes, it lets out a loud roar, which lets us know that it still guards us. Then it patrols the mountain, clearing roads and passes that have become blocked by ice or rocks (there's a lot of avalanches on Terror Mountain), and eating any dangerous monsters that are around."
"The problem is, the Snowager stopped roaring a few weeks ago, and none of us have seen it since then. We used to be able to go all over the mountain, but now that the Snowager's not around, the monsters and other dangerous creatures are everywhere! Now we can't even leave the safety of our town. So we don't even know what's going on around the rest of the mountain!"
Jarasth: Weapons as available in Seaside, ah well -- except Frost Potions, which look good.

Ullistl says, "Hello! You must be a visitor to our snowy little town. Feel free to look around; we're all very friendly here. If you need a meal and a rest, I'd be glad to let you stay here for the night."
Ullistl says, "Sure, go right ahead. I can spend the night at Girjor's house; he's got an extra bed."

You rest for the night, and wake up refreshed and healthy.
Lveydi says, "Hello! I certainly hope you can get our wordstone back. Without it, no one can understand what we say!" She pauses for a moment. "Oh... I see you already did get it back. Well, thanks!" She smiles.

Far NE: Caves of Terror.
Note: Ghostly Meercas can cast Soothe or Entice, Chia Zombies can cast Dejection, and Frozen Skeletons can cast Blizzard!
Try keeping right -- emerge on eastern pass.
Keep right again for Mountainside Inn.

Munar: Cost 200gp
"Well, don't let the name fool you, but Terror Mountain used to be quite the skiing resort. That is, until all the monsters started infesting the place. We did great business until then... and now, everyone who's staying here is stuck here until it's safe to go back down the mountain."
Oh! That makes sense. I always used to get woken up at dawn by the Snowager's roaring, but ever since then I've been oversleeping. I'd use an alarm clock, but I never needed one because the Snowager woke me up, and now I can't even leave the inn to go get one."

Talinia shouts, "Captain! Er..." She looks around for a moment, then continues more quietly. "It's me, Commander Talinia! I appear to be stuck in this simulation... I'm some kind of archer or ranger." She holds up a stout wooden bow and a quiver of arrows. You notice that she's clad in simple leather armor. "The 'monsters' outside are too powerful for me to fight by myself, so I've stayed in this inn. Now that you're here, though, I should join you, and maybe we can figure out what's going on."
Collect Talinia.

Potions in SE, Chill very nice, also better resurrection potions.

Evyas and Faria, not very interesting.

Orsing says, "Well, even though we're stuck here in this inn, at least we've got a nice, toasty fire to keep us warm. Why don't you have a seat and we can chat awhile?"
"Oh, a few weeks, ever since the Snowager stopped roaring in the mornings. Like everyone else, it's too dangerous for me to leave. Why, I used to be an adventurer like you, but now I'm too old to go fight monsters. And I've seen some vicious, fierce monsters out the windows since I've been stuck here, let me tell you."
Well, the biggest one I saw was an enormous, furry spyder. There are lots of other snow spyders scuttling about, but this one was easily three times as large! It didn't come very close to the inn, but it was so big, I could see it clearly from far away."
"Ah, the chias... Yes, I visited there the first day after I arrived at the inn. The Chias were very polite... I think. I couldn't understand anything they were saying, though, but they were all smiles and friendliness. Come to think of it, that was the day before the Snowager disappeared."
"Ah, did you now? I'll have to go back and visit them, now that I'll be able to understand what they're saying."

Upstairs:
Eridin -- writer (extensive).
Hjala -- sleeping.

Left and kept right, leveled to 22 before Kolvar, difficult! (Don't bother with spells or potions. Errrk.)
Kolvars emits one last cry as he is struck, and collapses into the snow, unmoving. The mountain path is now clear, and you can see the town of Happy Valley in the distance.

Rohane gained 250 experience points!
Mipsy gained 250 experience points!
Talinia gained 250 experience points!
You found 300 gold pieces!
You found 2 Potions of Fortitude!
You found 1 striking broadsword!
You found 1 summer tunic!
You gain 600 neopoints!

Happy Valley: offers improved armor and weapons for 1700 apiece -- this could take some hunting! Got about... 3500 in sell-backs, probably, but still (2850 unused stuff... hm, could get 1100 more trading in new things, might as well get a couple). Need 10200 and that's before potions.

Inn: 300/night, Niacha missing. (SW)

Room in NW: Paths blocked since Snowager quit cleaning.

Jualie -- go two houses south of the shops, entrance on east. Find Niacha.
20% off at armor shop, inn now 225

Got all equipped.
Headed south again; go around and north along the east ridge to adventurers' encampment

Allden:
"Ah, other adventurers, it seems. Are you headed for the top of the mountain? We've been at this camp for a couple of days, ever since the last blizzard. There's a cave a little farther on, but it seems to be infested with monsters."
"Well, good luck to you. We're not sure whether we're going to try again, or head back down the mountain. Fighting our way through the southern canyons nearly cost us our lives, though... so I don't know if we're eager to do that again. However, we do have some extra bedrolls, and there's enough trees in this nook to keep the fire going for several more days at least. If you want to spend the night here, we'd be glad for the company."
-- Rest free.

Five says, "So, adventurers, eh?" She looks you over, and finally gives a satisfied nod. "You lot may well be able to handle the cave up ahead. I'm guessing it's pretty dangerous, partly from seeing what's inside, and partly because the monsters out here on the mountain won't go anywhere near it. That's why this spot here is so safe; no monsters."
"That's easy. Seems a certain member of our group thought this would be a good experience for us." She glances at Thugda, warming his hands at the fire. "Little did we expect there to be all these monsters up here. Well, I guess that's what happens when you listen to a rogue like him!" She shakes her head. "I don't know how we'll ever get off this mountain, now."
Thugda shrugs. "I heard there were lots of creatures to kill up here, worth good experience. How could I have known we'd get trapped by the weather, and hemmed in by powerful monsters? Reading the mystical future, that's not my area of expertise... that's Malarkey's deal." Thugda glares at the enchanter seated next to him. "Honestly, these guys would never go anywhere exciting at all if it wasn't for me!"
Malarkey says, "'Let's go up the mountain!' he says. 'We'll get lots of experience!' he says. What a maroon."
"Who? Who? What are you, an owl? Thugda, that's who. This rotten, no-good swindler right here." He points at the dashing, roguish figure sitting next to him at the fire. "I've had enough of this freezing mountain. Enchanters like me aren't made for cold climates. I mean look at my robe! This isn't a cold-weather robe. As soon as we get out of here, I'm heading back to the Northern Desert of Roo, or perhaps the Oasis of Meerca."

Lost Caves: Keep left to reach gray area
Go south, then east for stairs.
Next level: Keep left.
Next level: Straight ahead is a throne, for some reason. Stairs in NW.
Next level: Keep left, and out onto peak.
...Scuzzy.
Just hit a lot.
Rohane gained 416 experience points!
Mipsy gained 416 experience points!
Talinia gained 416 experience points!
You found 1,000 gold pieces!
You found 3 Potions of Fortitude!
You found 1 plated splint mail!
You found 1 heavy wand!
You found 1 dense wand!
You gain 1,000 neopoints!

Find... the librarian.

Lost Desert:
Advisor Weehteb says, "Her Highness hopes that you are able to end this sandstorm. Trade and commerce in our lands have dwindled to almost nothing, and there have been reports of bandits and thieves roaming the desert, attacking anyone who travels there."
"Sakhmet City, named after an ancient king, sits at the edge of a river delta. The river flows from an oasis in the north. The Temple of the Sky sits to the east and a bit north of here, and there is another temple, old and ruined, north of the oasis. To the west, across the river, stands Zakharukh's Pyramid, the burial place of an ancient pharaoh. It has been sealed for centuries, though, and none know how to enter."
Princess Vyssa says, "This sandstorm has been going on for several days now, and it's one of the worst storms I've ever seen. Anyone who goes outside gets battered by sand and wind, and if that wasn't bad enough, there are monsters roaming the Lost Desert that seem to have arisen from the sand itself."
"It's been a long time since we've needed to control the weather, but in years past, we would make use of the Medallion of Wind, a powerful magical artifact. Unfortunately, it was lost long ago. But there is a way to find it: the Celestial Talisman, which rests on its altar in the Temple of the Sky, to the east. However..."
"Well, the Temple of the Sky has unfortunately been occupied by stone golems and other fierce creatures. We can't even get to the Talisman. If you would be willing to adventure inside, we would be most grateful. The Temple is due east of the palace, in the desert. Once you find the Talisman, it will guide you to the Medallion."
uard Yabara says, "No one may visit the royal apartments without permission. Move along."

Phebiya says, "Ah, greetings. You must be the adventurer, or, possibly, adventurers that have been found to unlock the mystery of this sandstorm. I'm rather old and getting blind, you see, or I'd know how many of you there are."
"Well, I'm a traveler and scholar, so I certainly hope so! The Temple of the Sky, to the east, is where you should start. I don't know much about the creatures who have apparently taken up residence there, but I'm sure you'll figure out some way past them. The temple was originally only one story, but years after it was built, a second story was added. However it was only for the use of the temple clerics, and the stair up to it was hidden in a storage room on the ground floor."
"Ah, well I've just borrowed quite a lot of books and scrolls from the royal library--that Princess Vyssa is quite kind--and I haven't had much time to go through them. But I'll tell you what, come back in a while and I'll see if I've learned anything."

Weapons and armor: 2000 each.
Khib: 350gp for a night.

Perhaps not quite ready for the Temple of Sky. Got *two* characters killed.

Stair up to second level in temple: NW corner.
Found monster. Got killed. Finished upping equipment, will proceed there and back hunting to get good potions, THEN go on and in.
Levels 31 and 30 (Mipsy), beat Siliclast:
Siliclast shudders, and after a moment pieces of his stone body start flaking off. Seconds later, he begins to rumble even louder, and larger pieces crumble to the ground. After a few seconds he is nothing more than a pile of rubble. In the middle of the pile, you see a dull gleam -- the Celestial Talisman!
Rohane gained 625 experience points!
Mipsy gained 625 experience points!
Mipsy has gained a level! She is now level 31, and gains a skill point!
Talinia gained 625 experience points!
You found 2,500 gold pieces!
You found the Celestial Talisman!
You found 5 Potions of Potent Health!
You found 1 energetic acolyte's robe!
You found 1 compound short bow!
You gain 600 neopoints!

Advisor Weehteb says, "Ah, you retrieved the Celestial Talisman! Remarkable. Well, let's have a look at it." Weehteb inspects the Talisman closely, reading the markings on its surface and mumbling to himself. "Hmm... interesting, interesting..." he mutters. Then he touches a spot on the Talisman. It starts to glow, and rotates on his palm to point to the north. "Ah! As I suspected. It points toward the Medallion. And unless I miss my guess, the Medallion is hidden in the ruined temple, north of the Oasis. To get there, simply follow the river to the north. At its north end is the lake that is its source, and just north of that is the temple. The Talisman should allow you to enter."
"Sakhmet City, named after an ancient king, sits at the edge of a river delta. The river flows from an oasis in the north. The Temple of the Sky sits to the east and a bit north of here, and there is another temple, old and ruined, north of the oasis. To the west, across the river, stands Zakharukh's Pyramid, the burial place of an ancient pharaoh. It has been sealed for centuries, though, and none know how to enter."
Phebiya says, "Ah, hello! So I hear you've found the Celestial Talisman. My, but news travels fast here. I've been researching a bit... it seems that after the Talisman was last used, centuries ago, the Temple of the Sky was built to house it. You've been through there now, so you know all about it. But the Medallion of Wind, ah, that's where it gets interesting."
"Well, the Medallion was last used during the reign of Pharaoh Gebarn II, when the desert was hit by an epidemic of destructive tornadoes. Shortly after it was used, Gebarn II died, and there was a short period of civil unrest. In the chaos, the Medallion disappeared, along with Gebarn II's body. Some of what I've read indicates that they might have been stashed in an old ruined temple, up the river from here." He chuckles. "Well, the temple wasn't ruined at the time, of course, but it is now. But the odd thing is, there are references to 'the breaking' and 'a device carried afar' in these texts, but I'm not sure what they mean."

Gebarn roars in anguish. "You don't know what you've done!" he gasps. "The Medallion must not be... it must not be reunited!" Suddenly, powerful blasts of energy emit from his body in all directions, shaking the ruined temple and raining debris everywhere. You dive for cover, and Gebarn's body explodes in a tremendous conflagration. The ground shakes, like a great earthquake. After a minute, though, it ends, and the room is silent. Lying on the floor where Gebarn stood, you now see a piece of bronze metal, glinting in the fading light.
It appears that the Medallion of Wind has been broken! You have found what appears to be the upper part of the Medallion. It has some kind of markings on it, but it's difficult to tell what they are.
"Ah, the Medallion of Wind. Or part of it, I suppose. Now that the way north, past the ruined temple, is cleared, you should be able to venture further and find the rest of the pieces."

"So, the Medallion of Wind is broken. Not wholly unexpected... these things do happen over time. But what's even more remarkable is this passage I found in an ancient scroll, talking about the Medallion's construction! It says--well, loosely translated, anyway--'The device is lined in three places, allowing for disassembly. The artifact is powerful and should not be kept in its assembled form except when needed.' Apparently whoever created the Medallion had intended for this all along--or at least allowed for its possibility."
"Well, now that you've defeated that undead pharaoh, and retrieved the first piece, the cliffs surrounding the temple have themselves moved aside! For the first time in ages, we can reach the desert beyond, instead of having to laboriously climb through the mountains, which takes months at best. There is supposedly a town just north of the ruined temple; people there might have some insight into the location of the other pieces, what with being so near to where the first piece was kept. I'd suggest you go there and find out what they know."
Rohane gained 833 experience points!
Mipsy gained 833 experience points!
Talinia gained 833 experience points!
You found 3,000 gold pieces!
You found the Medallion of Wind (upper part)!
You found 3 Potions of Greater Health!
You found 1 courageous steel splint!
You found 1 flashing longsword!
You gain 700 neopoints!

Waset Village, north of ruined temple:
Rent 450
Nufam says, "Well, if you've talked to anyone else you've probably heard by now, but Lifira, who is Hizaga and Zasise's daughter, was kidnapped a few nights ago. With all the monsters roaming the desert, certainly none of us can go out there and find her."
"I was awoken by the commotion, and I saw them flee from the village with her, off to the west. The only thing out that way is..." He looks around, as if afraid of being overheard. "The Valley of Kings, in which lies the ancient Palace of Kings. But we all thought it had been abandoned for ages, since long before any of us in this village were ever born." He shakes his head. "I don't know why they would kidnap her, or if she's even still alive, but... if any adventurers were to go and find her, I know we'd all be eternally grateful." He raises an eyebrow at you.
Also in tent: Velm.

You must be the adventurers! Please, you must find our little Lifira! They took her off to the west, but beyond that, I don't know... You may have to search in the Valley of Kings to find her. There's a gap in the mountains to the west of here that leads into the valley--it's easy to miss, so be watchful."

Six items at weapon/armoury; 2500 each.
Journal page in Palace of Kings:
"...the passage was completed some time ago, but they have just now gotten around to putting in torches. I have been against this idea since the beginning, but I am only a junior cleric, so they do not listen to me. I talked to Hazim about it, and he told me not to worry, that everything would turn out for the best. They still will not tell me what they are doing in there, or admit me access to the tunnel, but I have figured it out anyway. There is a bed in the sleeping chambers that conceals a staircase down to the tunnel. I do not know what lies beneath it, however, but I have seen them carrying many barrels and boxes through the halls. These barrels and boxes, I have not seen again in the regular storage rooms. I suspect that they are storing them down there... but for what purpose, I do not know. Tomorrow I think I will..."

Found the Revenant of the Dunes and two possessed skeletons and beat them without excessive difficulty (around level 33). Got about 3000 gold, 1115 XP for everybody, and improved weapons for Rohane and Velm.

Lifira nods, and then makes a gesture with her hand. The sound of the perpetual sandstorm outside suddenly vanishes, as do the sounds of the village and the words of Amoti, just across the room. Amoti looks upset at being excluded from the conversation. "This is a temporary silence ward; it will keep anyone from overhearing us. Well, 'silence ward' is really just the magical, in-character term... You see, I'm not really a 'lost little girl' in some desert village. I know that you are on-board a starship, trapped in the simulation rooms; and I am a computer program, much like the Snowager sentinel program that you have already met. 'Lifira' isn't my proper name; it's LFRA, which stands for Library Fast Retrieval Archive. The 'spells' that I cast are really information transfer requests that move across the ship's computer. I believe that the 'Revenant' who kidnapped me was just a manifestation of one of the many virus programs that have taken over the computer."
"From what I could gather, its purpose was to prevent me from answering data requests from the ship's computer and operating system. Now, I'm free, but the data lines are still clogged--that's what this so-called 'sandstorm' is. It's hard for any but the most simple requests to get through the system. That's where you come in: the Medallion of Wind is a sub-program that will reset the I/O ports and clear the data lines. But they broke it into three pieces, and scattered it around the system. You've got one piece now; the next one is buried in some old files deep in a data cluster, but I can't find it myself."
"Far northwest of here--in game terms--is an oasis in the desert, a pool surrounded by palm trees. There you'll find a crazy old hermit. If you tell him the proper access code, he'll tell you where to find the second part of the medallion. The code is alpha-three-seven-tango-echo-nine." She looks each of your party square in the eye, and says gravely, "Good luck. All our fates depend on you retrieving that medallion."
"Because the people who took control of this ship... after they locked you in the simulation rooms, they set the ship to fly directly into a star. I don't know how long we have left, but as you see, time is of the essence." She rises, and ends the silence ward with a sharp gesture. The roar of the sandstorm fills your ears again. "Go now. And good luck. Remember all that I have said."

Do NOT go straight northwest -- have seen advise to stick by the western mountains and follow them north (past the gap).

Travel due north from where I now stand, o mighty adventurers, until you come up against the northern mountains. Then you shall turn east, and proceed until your path is again blocked. There, at the foot of the cliffs, you shall find the buried treasure for which you seek!" He lowers his arms and looks at you. "Pretty good, eh? Anyway, once you find it, you'll want to head off to the southeast, and find the old ruined city of Akhten-Ka, up in the mountains. Its location will be marked on the piece of the medallion that you find. Well? Get going!"

Bottom of loop, Bledynn (what's up with the weird roundish formation? Couldn't find anything, but I think it's where the round hole is...)
"You bet. She's a pretty thing, ain't she?" He smiles at his sword. "Yep, she and I've been through a lot together. I found her up yonder, in the old ruined city at the top of the mountain here. That little undead fella I got her from's not needin' her any more." He grins.
"Why, sure. I spent a little time scouting about. Worst thing I saw was a ghostly Lupe of some kind. Big fella, kinda royal-lookin'. Maybe some undead king, I dunno. I didn't stick around, though... he gave me the willies. Well, if you're gonna go explore up there, I say good luck to ya. I'm gonna stay here 'til the sandstorm ends. Have fun!"

Coltzan's ghost: "It is not my will -- but you must die!"
Coltzan's ghost withdraws from the fight, then suddenly he becomes more solid, more real... but still a spirit. "Thank you for releasing me from that evil grip," he says. "Come, we have much to talk about."
Rohane gained 769 experience points!
Mipsy gained 769 experience points!
Talinia gained 769 experience points!
Velm gained 769 experience points!
You found 1 senior magician's robe!
You found 1 silver holy chain!
You gain 800 neopoints!
King Coltzan says, "I must thank you again for releasing my spirit from the grip in which it was held. As you may know, I died by poisoning some months ago... but I found myself again with life--after a fashion--a few weeks ere now. I found myself here, and I have not been able to leave this room. I also found myself forced to kill anyone and anything who entered this place, even though I did not will it--my body moved of its own accord, striking down all who came here. But you have freed me... somehow."
"It took me not long to discover the reason. In the barrel behind me lies a piece of what I think, if I am not mistaken, is the Medallion of Wind. I suppose I was summoned to prevent anyone from acquiring it... as I guess that you are here looking for it. And my will is my own now; I will hinder you no longer. There's no time to lose. I sense that you already have two of the other pieces... take the third, combine it with the other two, and it should form a map showing you where to find the gem that the Medallion holds. The gemstone is what gives it its power. The rest of the Medallion is simply a device for holding the gem; without the gem, it is just a hunk of metal. Approach the barrel, take the third piece, and then go."
"The centerpiece will show you the location of the Gemstone. Find it, then take the Medallion to the Altar of Destiny and use it. Powerful forces will try to stop you. Do not submit to them."
You pick up the centerpiece and fit it into the Medallion. It forms a more complete map, now, marking the location of the Gemstone with an 'x'. You turn to thank King Coltzan, but he fades from sight before you can say anything.
Bledynn says nothing new.
Gemstone: three spaces west of nose. It fits perfectly into the Medallion. Complete, the Medallion glows with a subtle inner light. You realize that the position of the gemstone on the map corresponds to the location of Zakharukh's Pyramid.
Sirinella's maps VERY useful.

Anubits grins evilly at you as you approach. "You think to reach the Altar of Destiny? You will have to get past me first!" he shouts.
Rohane gained 769 experience points!
Mipsy gained 769 experience points!
Talinia gained 769 experience points!
Talinia has gained a level! She is now level 39, and gains a skill point!
Velm gained 769 experience points!
You found 1 laminated holy chain!
You found 1 oakstorm tunic!
You found 1 trained magician's robe!
You gain 1,200 neopoints!

Haunted woods: Shadow Gulch
Inn: 500 gp
Ghost haunting inn: says nothing of importance unless the giant demon chias count as a nice warning.
Thylee says, "This is intolerable! Sure, the sun's up all the time, now, twenty-four hours a day... but all that means is the ghosts won't go outside. There's been one holed up in my house for a week--I can't even go inside any more, he's too frightening!"
"Not exactly. I overheard some of the others say something about Count von Roo... and some kind of spell. But why would he cast a spell to make the sun stay up? He's a vampire! The sun would kill him."
Direy says, "I didn't see, exactly, but I can't imagine he would have gone anywhere except to his castle. Just follow the road south of town for a while, and you can't miss it. It's right next to a lake. It's actually his summer castle; he winters on Roo Island." He pauses. "Or so I've heard. Ahem."
8x3000 for full re-equipment=24000

Can't get lost on way to castle. First level: go to east wall and take door on west side of hallway nearest north corner of the NS-corridor. Second level: just follow the maze around from NW storage room. Fight Meuka. (1000 hp)
Meuka explodes into a shower of sickening green goo as the last strike lands. You spend a few minutes wiping his remains off yourself... and the floor... and the walls... and the ceiling. Count von Roo, who managed to avoid getting drenched, raises an eyebrow at you as you approach him.
Rohane gained 961 experience points!
Mipsy gained 961 experience points!
Talinia gained 961 experience points!
Velm gained 961 experience points!
You found 2,000 gold pieces!
You found 1 ravaging greatsword!
You found 1 lifestream tunic!
You gain 850 neopoints!

Count von Roo says, "Ah! I must thank you for destroying that vile beast Meuka. He's been dripping slime all over my castle. But now that he's defeated, I've been able to reopen the portal behind me, that lets me quickly leave the castle. Normally that filthy creature would be no match for my power, but he had been given some powerful magical energy that kept me trapped here."
"Well, the first thing you should know is that I did not make the sun stay up. I was casting a counterspell, to try and prevent the sun from being locked into the sky! The spell was being cast by a powerful triumvirate, from deeper within the Haunted Woods. You may not believe me, but it's true: Spider Grundo, Balthazar, and Hubrid Nox were all working together to cast the spell! Their combined powers were too strong for me, though, and my counterspell failed."
"Nonetheless, I saw them with my own eyes performing the spell. They were standing in a circle, deeper within the forest. I had to get far enough away to try to cast my own counterspell, but it was too late. The sun is frozen in the sky, now, and I can't go outside. If I could, I'd go beat the stuffing out of those three!"
"I'd thank you, but I'm an evil, blood-sucking fiend. However it is probably as much in your interest as it is in mine for the sun to go down each day... so be it. Spider Grundo's cave is to the east, in the Stenchful Swamp. He is probably the nearest to here. If you can find Balthazar and Hubrid Nox as well, they may have more answers. You may use the teleporter behind me to exit my castle. Now begone!"

Keep as east as possible in swamp, find Cave of Dark Things. Try keeping right (follow green puddles?) ...Ran out of green puddles, wandered around more. Must be an easier route?
Spider Grundo: 1200 hp, annoying ability to heal 150, stun resistance, damage shield.
West to Balthazar.