Murk transforms into the Spirit of Chaos

Level 30

Murk appears in the Commercial District and introduces himself as an old blind gnome.  He assures you he’s not a demon and he used to have eyes, but a leap of faith rendered him blind.    You can’t imagine how sad it is to live in eternal darkness but, thanks to you, his dull days became a little brighter.  He’s bound to lead a miserable existence since an evil witch stole his eyes.  Thanks to you Murk has hope of getting his eyes back.  He performs a rite to find his eyes, but erred in his calculations and the rite doesn’t work.  With the help of some of the sorcerer’s charms Murk managed to preserve, he’s sure a new rite will yield positive results.  But once again, the rite fails.  That cunning witch hid his magic eyes very well. 

Level 31

Murk reveals that he destroyed the two previous Expeditions.  He may be blind but his sorcerer’s power is still with him.  Truth is it wasn’t his idea to harm the destroyed Expeditions; he is a slave to another’s will until he gets his eyes back.  His eyes will give him freedom and strength.  While it won’t be easy, the evil witch will pay for everything!  He vows to help your Expedition when he regains his eyes.  With special reagents, his sight returns.  The witch has no control over him and his strength is restored.  Murk transforms into the Spirit of Chaos.

Level 31

The Released One rids himself of the slave collar but couldn’t stay intact with his eyes stolen.  He begins feeling the surge of energy and vows the guilty ones will pay for their atrocities!  It’s a slow process, but the Spirit of Chaos is gradually regaining his powers. 

Arabella says you made an awful mistake returning Murk’s eyes.  Now she fears his revenge since the creature is much stronger than the witch.  Long ago, Arabella summoned the ancient Chaos Spirit, but his strength was so great she removed his eyes in order to control him.  For reasons of her own, she ordered Murk to get rid of the first two Expeditions.  Something horrible will surely happen now that the Spirit is free.  Arabella sent an agent to find out about Murk’s plans, but lost touch with him.  Hopefully he didn’t blab too much to the Spirit of Chaos before he died.  In order to get more reliable people from the greedy Spy Guild, palms must be greased.  It doesn’t matter though because the Guild terminated the contract, so there will be no help.  A simple plan might be the best choice. 

The Spirit of Chaos is amused the witch sent you to learn about his plans.  He claims to have no grudge against the witch for taking his eyes because his plans are more important.  The Spirit of Chaos intends to open a Portal and summon chaos from his world, forcing this world to surrender to him! 

Arabella knows the Spirit of Chaos has ominous intentions and the world is on the brink of catastrophe! 

Level 32

The Spirit of Chaos has grand plans that require the work of many elements, of which you are one.  He will be the one to benefit from your Expedition to the Source of Sorcery.  When you open the gates to the Source of Sorcery, the world will fill with magic.  The Spirit’s legions are late, but when they come, it would be better for the world to be filled with magic.  The more magic there is the more chaos can devour!

Ragnus Beardrune, Keeper of the Rune Garden, asks how the Spirit of Chaos got here.  It doesn’t belong in this world and could disturb the balance.  Even as Ragnus is trying to help banish the demon, the Spirit of Chaos is growing stronger.  Searching through ancient volumes, Ragnus discovers the Unicorn is the only hope.  But Oberon won’t give away the Unicorn’s whereabouts, so he’ll have to be tracked.    The demon can’t be defeated without the Unicorn.  (This went nowhere)

Both Chris Arwin and Henry the Archeologist agree to help banish the demon and are ready to face armed guests.  They make a test foray to check the surroundings when Chris begins to mistrust his powers.  Memories return and all Chris wants to do is escape with a fair lady, preferably Valeria.  Chris and Henry tried to attack the target, but they failed.  Chris blames himself for the failure because his mind is always on Valeria.

Level 33

Arabella wants to do what she can to banish the demon.  Back before the Chamberlain felt her power, he offered to teach her.  Arabella had to give away part of her soul to fulfill her power.  At some point, the pupil surpasses the teacher, and the shared knowledge should be enough to defeat the Spirit of Chaos.  Arabella finds out the Spirit of Chaos draws magic power from his own dimension and was able to weaken him.    

Anabel is beside herself with worry about the Spirit of Chaos interfering more and more.  She doesn’t want to involve the Knight for fear he would attack the demon and get killed.  As long as the Spirit of Chaos is here, she’ll be buried in problems.

Valeria wants to help too, but her powers are limited.  So she makes a contribution to the Guild and begins taking assassin lessons from Chris.    

Level 34

Anabel manages to sever the link between the Spirit of Chaos and his dimension.  Then with the help of the Wise Dragon, she creates a magic trap to prevent the Spirit of Chaos from escaping justice.  The Spirit, deprived of all earthly power, vows these dragons will know his fury.  Incredulous it was Anabel’s plan, the Spirit wonders how he could have been so wrong.  Spirit of Chaos explodes and disappears from the Commercial District.

The poor little Griffin didn't have very much to do at all.  Near the end of Level 29, Oberon disappears from the Castle Gates and the Griffin appears.  His description says "This griffin won't let anyone fly him yet."  But once you get the final piece to the Griffin's Horn, it sounds at the Castle Gates and the Griffin flies away to Cloud City.  Cloud Pier opens and you can see in the pics right above Rudoguil's head the Griffin Stall both before and after his arrival.

Level 25

The Stone Fairy in Ancient Park was flying to a flower holiday when she was suddenly petrified.  The Fairy is very weak and wants to know what happened.  There should be at least a tiny drop of magic but it feels like magic is gone all over the world.  Why would anyone petrify a fairy?  With your help, she tries to perform a fairy ritual.  But she’s been petrified so long, she forgot how to make magic and perform rituals.  It’s over and the Fairy is worn out. 

Level 28

Strange creatures (Oberon, King of Elves and his spies) are wandering around and the Stone Fairy is worried.  It turns out these creatures don’t only inhabit Ancient Park and the Stone Fairy wonders what they want and who they serve.  She also feels someone’s invisible presence.  Since the Source of Sorcery is getting weaker, supernatural forces are making their way into the world.  The Fairy temporarily manages to distract the ghosts, but the fabric of the world is getting weaker without the Source of Sorcery.  She doesn’t like what’s going on.    

Level 31

The Fairy is aware of the upcoming Expedition and wants to help.  She’s heard the Expedition procurement leaves much to be desired and gives you a few things for the leader of the Expedition.  She so wants to fly like the other fairies and wonders if she’ll be made of stone forever.  She’s so sad and you do your best to lift her spirits.  The Fairy recalls another ritual that may help dissolve the spell and it seems to work.  Her hand becomes less stony. 

Level 36

Jeronimo, heartsick over Chris and Valeria, wanders into Ancient Park just to be close to Valeria.  While there he meets the poor petrified Stone Fairy.  He spoke to every merchant he knows in the hopes of finding help for the Stone Fairy.  Touched by her suffering, Jeronimo finds it odd that anyone could be in more pain than him.  The Stone Fairy noticed the innkeeper’s ghost around a lot lately and wonders what he’s looking for.  The Stone Fairy comes to realize Jeronimo is wrapped in sadness because his spirit loves Valeria, but she’s busy with Chris.  He can’t rescue himself but the Stone Fairy vows to cheer him up.  Jeronimo promised to find a sorcerer to rescue the Fairy, but while he has a very kind heart, the Fairy doubts anyone can help.  Stone Fairy transforms into Lost Fairy.

Level 36

Free at last, the Fairy can feel her wings fluttering behind her back.  Overwhelmed with thankfulness for all that Jeronimo has done, the Fairy must find a way to thank the innkeeper.  He always seems gloomy and worried. 

Level 37

The Fairy heard the news of Jeronimo’s confession to murdering gnomes.  She strongly disapproves of what Jeronimo did, but is sure he’s no cold-blooded murderer.  He was fueled by his unrequited love for Valeria and hoped the murders would be blamed on Chris.  The Fairy worries about Jeronimo; he must be rescued from himself.  The Fairy manages to send Jeronimo a message in Cloud City Prison that there are people willing to help him.  But first, Jeronimo must get his body back!  The water from the Elvish Pond would do the trick.  But there is a war under way in the forest (between the elves and werewolves) so getting into the forest, finding the pond and getting out alive won’t be easy.  Henry the Archeologist tries to arrange a truce in the forest since many creatures are willing to help.  But the truce failed.  The Fairy never liked those werewolves!  They smell like wet dog. 

Level 39

The Fairy, unable to speak to Jeronimo, is very worried about him being completely alone in prison.  Those wild gnomes are demanding revenge and the hardest part is that Ragnus promised to punish Jeronimo.  While she understands their anger, the Fairy’s heart is with Jeronimo and she must figure out a way to save the kind innkeeper.  The King of Elves is kind and just, so the Fairy hopes for some advice from King Oberon.  Hopefully he’ll find time to talk despite the werewolf attack in his forest.  She can’t go empty-handed and asks your help in finding gifts for Oberon. 

Level 42

The Lost Fairy manages to arrange a meeting with the elf king, Oberon, but he has his mind on the Elf war in the forest and can’t be bothered with humans.  Someone needs to convince him that a human life is important.  It wasn’t easy, but the Fairy managed to get Oberon to understand the power of a single human soul.  This is a matter of life and death for Jeronimo.  King Oberon had a vision of the future so he agrees to give the Fairy water from the Pond of Life.  The Fairy is a little worried what King Oberon will ask in return.  You bring the water to Jeronimo in Cloud City Prison and one sip transforms him from a ghost to a young man.  However, the effect is temporary so the Fairy works on making it permanent.  She suspects King Oberon knew the effect from the water wouldn’t last but had to promise him not only her help in the future, but that of Jeronimo too.  She had no other choice but worries how bad a deal she made.  Still she’s happy Jeronimo is young again! 

Level 47

King Oberon is ready to collect from his debtors for the water from the Pond of Life.  The Fairy will do her best but hopes Oberon doesn’t ask her to do anything cruel.  Jeronimo has a sneaking suspicion nothing good is going to come of this, but he knows he owes Oberon a great deal.  Oberon’s diabolical plan is for Jeronimo and the Fairy to poison the werewolves’ wells.  The werewolves won’t even notice them, and if Jeronimo and the Fairy act fast, King Oeland won’t have time to raid the forest and the Elvyn people will be safe.  (The elf Ilreth brought Oberon news of the impending werewolf raid.)  The Fairy can’t believe the terrible task Oberon has requested.  It’s hard to get to Oeland’s land and Oberon wants them to poison the spring in the werewolf capital.  It seems everyone knows Jeronimo and the Fairy are spies and the Fairy is feeling low about doing something so awful. 

Level 48

How kind of Jeronimo to offer to do the deed himself.  Jeronimo owes the Fairy, so he must be the only one with dirty hands.  But a good deed for Oberon is an evil one for Oeland’s people.  The Fairy never felt so terrible so Jeronimo tells her only Oeland’s evil soldiers will suffer.  But the Fairy knows that isn

Oh, oh, oh......please don't forget the pics of Rudoguil as his meek self and as his pirate self........ (I will delete this post afterwards)..

Level 54

Desperate to help her beloved Jeronimo in his battle with the Elemental of the Abyss, Valeria suggests persuading the Light Bringer to assist Jeronimo.  The Light Bringer appears in Throne Hall with the less than helpful introduction, “You won’t know my name, so why share it?”  He is, however, willing to help Valeria and Jeronimo.  The Light Bringer is a member of the Order of Light, formed to fight evil.  He suspects you know his brother, but they’re different as night and day.  The Light Bringer offers to make a protection amulet for Jeronimo.  The Light Bringer says you have a kind nature, but cruel circumstances can turn anyone into a monster and violence always has an impact.  He must cleanse this place in preparation for a commemoration ritual to remember a soul left behind.  Forgiveness is a good way to say goodbye to those we mourn.  Then strangely adds “The Chamberlain was evil indeed, but it matters not.”  The Light Bringer’s Order is said to guard a legendary heirloom of great age and power, a splinter of an elfish crystal. 

Level 56

For the second time, the elf Ilreth is wounded by an arrow.  He’s feeling worse and worse and must see a doctor.  The Light Bringer may be his last hope.  The Light Bringer says helping the wounded Ilreth is the duty of every knight in his Order.  Due to unforeseen circumstances, he can’t leave the castle right now but will try to make the healing brew.  You provide two rare ingredients and give the Light Bringer some time until the brew is ready.  Once a cleansing rite enhances it, the healing brew could even resurrect the dead!  Ilreth is returned to good health.  **This is the unceremonious end to the Light Bringer***

Level 8

A confused Mountain Troll introduces himself as ‘Rustle.’  He professes that while you may be smarter, he’s uglier.  The troll describes your uncle as a decent man. 

Level 9

The troll’s memory is described as a black portal in his mind and remembering the past is a struggle.    

Level 10

While Anabel is getting used to her new abilities, she remembers her father saying that with great abilities come greater responsibilities.  Meanwhile, being a Mountain Troll and not a Snow Troll all this white snow and ice bores him.  He barely remembers a time when he had a friend. 

Level 11

The troll fakes having the troll flu instead of guarding the tavern.  He claims his master is looking for him, so he disguises himself as a fortune teller.  Too bad, the disguise didn’t work and he’ll have to go back to growling and threatening people. 

Level 14

You try your best to do everything the troll wants in an effort to become his friend and, thankfully, he decides not to eat you.  In the end, he accepts you as his true friend.  After his delicate sensibilities are offended, the troll calls for a dual.  But the cowards ran away when they saw the Troll standing in his battle armor polishing his clubs.  “Rustle’ recites the tale of the beauty and the ugly troll where she kisses him and he becomes normal again.  Alas, he can’t get anyone to come that close to him.  You are his only friend.  Some old sorcerer put a curse on him, but trolls aren’t afraid of anything; at least not anything they’d admit to.  ‘Rustle’ knows a lady troll that gave him 3 boars to leave her alone.  No romance, but he’s not hungry!  Anyway, a lady troll would be better than a human girlfriend; less demanding.  It makes him very sad that no one talks to him, except you.  The troll thinks about, and then decides against, a pet goblin.  He would hate to feed it humans.  An alchemist claims he can cure the troll; if he lied the troll will be crushed, and so will the alchemist!  It’s a success, Mountain Troll ‘Rustle’ transforms into human Henry the Archeologist. 

Level 14

Henry’s head is spinning since becoming human again is determined to find out who cursed him.  He sees an image of the traitor…the Chamberlain cursed Henry!  Henry warns you to tread carefully with him.

Level 15

Henry wonders how you like him in human form and, while grateful he can concentrate on his work, needs help with his insomnia.  After all…one paw washes another.  Henry warns you to be careful of vampires prowling around and needs help getting rid of horrible rats.

Level 17

Anabel begins looking for her father.  All she knows is his name is Henry, he’s alive and living nearby.  New info came to light of a troll living in the ice cave.  How can she be a troll’s daughter, but a vampire?  The stress of being a troll’s daughter has caused Anabel’s blood thirst to soar.  What if he has the mannerisms of a troll?

Level 18

Henry is trying to understand everything he missed while a troll.  His daughter, Anabel, is so grown up and beautiful.  Although Anabel is a vampire, as her father, Henry wants to know everything about his daughter’s admirer.  An odd ritual was carried out nearby and Henry asks you to collect what’s left.  Among those things Henry noticed the initials of Anabel’s admirer…and a werewolf’s sign.  Henry doesn’t like any of this and protection might be in order.  Helping Henry understand his daughter proves so invaluable, he vows not to eat you.  Henry wants to give Anabel a gift but has no idea how to shop for a vampire.  He gets a teddy bear and can’t wait to see her pale face at the surprise visit.  He also confirms your uncle was murdered by the Chamberlain.

Level 19

Henry is plagued by insomnia and terrible dreams about being turned back into a troll.  Thinking about the fate of your uncle, Henry knows how fleeting life is.  He’s completely broke; owing you and a dozen other people.  He plans to search through his chests for treasures and sell the ones in high demand.  He saw on Facebook one of his troll friends is having a birthday.  And another friend, a necromancer (one who practices magic or sorcery), had a birthday recently, too.  He needs gifts; one belated.  Luckily the necromancer forgot his own birthday so Henry was his happy reminder.  While resting, goblins broke into Henry’s hut and ransacked it.  Henry thought about hiring a guard, but couldn’t afford his special demands.    

Level 24

Henry thinks about opening a store of relics but first needs to find some things to sell.  The launch will be incredible!  Now he needs a pretty sales assistant.  Henry found a nice hut he could use for the store, but its location may be a problem.  How sweet is the chime of the first coins earned!  Cooperation is a good thing and Henry gladly pays you your share.  But Henry’s not in a good mood today because of a terrible nightmare where he was a troll again and had two she-trolls fighting over him.  Henry hopes business will distract him from those terrible images in his mind.  Exhausted, Henry concludes he’s not really a businessman.  Before the doors close for good, there are two more orders to deliver; one to a necromancer and the other to a werewolf.  A horrible witch has threatened Henry so, despite being nearly ready to close the shop, he agrees to fill her order.  Henry’s afraid to refuse her for fear she will turn him back into a troll.  Finally, the business is closed, the witch is pleased and Henry is still human!  Henry wants to get to the bottom of your uncle’s death.  Despite his lack of detective skills, the facts are clear.  Your uncle’s body was never found.

Level 25

Henry thinks your uncle had something to do with the dragon in the Forbidden Tower. 

Level 31

Henry thinks he can help find out why previous Expeditions failed.  Traces of a strange fire where the Expeditions disappeared were found; a demonic fire!  It seems old Jeronimo Took knows something but won’t share it.  Even still, Henry continues h

Level 32

As the Broken Automaton greets you at Metro Station he’s must restore new human area and develop communication with human subject.  He learned a new word…gratitude.  After getting help restoring original functions, his capacity has increased and body alignment restored.  After finding parts to restore his hydraulic drive, movement drill was successful and he calls you friend.  More complex thinking is essential so Broken Automaton needs help attaining greater intelligence from human friend.  Unknown complications with muscular system have been resolved.  Movement is life so overcoming immobility is required to mirror human movement.  Damage discovered from new data received and immediate restoration and repair accomplished.  The Broken Automaton underestimates the repair complexity and requests help.  The shiny new parts fit well and bring new opportunities and new functions. 

Level 33

Broken Automaton transforms into Automaton.  Data on surface problems received and search for new algorithms begins.  Specifics required for search detector on necessary component.  Retrieval activated for item.  Sensor repair required to determine time and whether it’s morning or evening.  The Automaton admires your efforts.  The Automaton notes danger from external sensors.  He begins decoding the external sensors and, once completed, settings are adjusted.  Rudoguil’s help is needed to increase storage capacity for analysis and calculation.  Rudoguil the Stony says the mechanical brain can’t be trusted and the Automaton wasn’t meant for hard tasks.  But his gnome kin worked well on this little machine, so Rudoguil provides what’s necessary to take the Automaton to the next level.  He now has faster thought and human command of the English language.  His intelligence has increased and things are much clearer now. 

Level 34

Internal circuits are almost restored, some relays need link and the Automaton feels pleasure in company.  Although much has been forgotten, new layers of memory have opened for the Automaton.  Memory recover is in progress, but it’s not easy to decode memory with centuries of storage.  Finally, memory block was cleared and stored again.

Level 35

Ragnus Beardrune, Rune Priest, fears the ancient evil said to possess the gnome subway.  He’s opposed to your search for the key to the Source Gate and refuses to let Rudoguil and his expedition enter the abandoned tunnels.  Ragnus believes the Automaton can help.  The Automaton must wait for a data update when his sensors don’t work underground.  Initially, Ragnus’ inquiry is declined because of a missing hint decoding unit.  Once Ragnus’ assignment is decoded, a program controversy arises.  The Automaton is asked to follow a false program due to Ragnus’ corrupt data.  While the Automaton is programmed for obedience and submission, to obey the Rune Priest Ragnus would be a contradiction.  His orders threaten lives.  The Automaton rejects Ragnus and agrees the Gate must open.  Just yesterday, acting on Ragnus’ orders, strangers attempted to damage the Gate using force.  Rudoguil was furious when he found out the Rune Priest had tried to seal the Gate, and that strange feeling did not compute for the Automaton.  Ragnus knows it would be much easier if the Automaton were on his side so he’s not yet ready to give up controlling the Automaton.  He’ll need the best engineers in Cloud City, but he’s determined to keep his people away from the subway. 

Level 36

Caution is advised when the Automaton registers a strange disturbance in the tunnel.  The troublemakers are tunnel rats but once they’re taken care of, the scheduled renovation can be finished.  Finally, the true motherland of the gnomes has been located, but a terrible thing must have happened to take the gnomes from their homeland. 

Level 39

Once systems are functioning normally, the Automaton begins searching for King Franmar (the old gnome king).  Data analysis shows the Gnome Emblem is the key to the treasury.  Rudoguil is happy with the Automaton’s good news.    

Level 40

In the wall, the Automaton finds a stash containing a secret ciphered message.  The text says Master Valdo works for Rune Priest and the goblin should meddle with the search and stop Master Rudoguil.  Is Valdo a double agent?  Must tell Master Rudoguil the truth about the goblin.

Level 50

Rudoguil the Stony wonders if the Elemental of the Abyss has anything to do with the Automaton’s disappearance from Metro Station.  He found a few strange footprints where the Automaton was last seen.  Rudoguil blames himself for freeing the Elemental of the Abyss from King Franmar and hopes to be able to fix his mistake one day.  Meanwhile, he must find that poor mechanical creature.  Rudoguil the Bloody, on the other hand, calls the Automaton a mechanical blockhead and longs to sell the junk to get better weapons.  ***Strange dark matter is appearing everywhere, even beyond the mountains.  It must be the Elemental!***

Level 53

The Automaton, now possessed by the Elemental of the Abyss, stands in the Residential District.  Rudoguil, finding the Automaton in the Residential District, is disturbed by his appearance.  Something has happened to him; something inhuman.  Even old King Franmar agrees.  Rudoguil is very worried the Automaton no longer responds to him and fears King Franmar was right…the Elemental of the Abyss now possesses the Automaton.  The Elemental needed to get a tangible form to fulfill its plans and now the Automaton is the embodiment of evil.  In an effort to reach the Automaton, Rudoguil pours through all the technical codes.  But to no avail.  Evil has won the battle!

Level 56

Armed with the Spectral Blade and protected by the World Tree amulet, Jeronimo and the possessed Automaton do battle in the Residential District.  They both disappear and the entrance to Limb Entrance is revealed.  Jeronimo is a hero, however, because the Elemental of the Abyss is destroyed.  (All the black vines around the castle disappear.)

(Rudoguil the Stony and his alter ego the pirate, Rudoguil the Bloody)

Level 21

Skull Pete notes that his friend, Rudolph, would have considered you a good soul. (Is that Rudoguil?)

Level 29

Rudoguil the Stony appears in Cloud Pier and introduces himself as leader of the Expedition.  But with neither specialists nor supplies, the Expedition is doomed. 

Level 30

Rudoguil the Stony found an experienced guide who requires something in return for his help.  This is the third Expedition to the Source of Sorcery and it needs help to be successful.  Although every Expedition requires supplies, this one requires peculiar supplies.  Rudoguil, expelled from the clan, says this Expedition is his last chance to restore his reputation.  And while everyone considers him a villain, he’s really a kind person.  He wants to know why he’s rejected in Cloud City.  His name has been slandered by constantly being blamed for things he hasn’t done.  It all gives him such a headache.  Turning back to the subject of provisions, food is needed and there are bargains to be found.  Thanks to you the Expedition managed to get good provisions cheap.  Rumor has it a blood-thirsty gnome pirate has been seen in the neighborhood.  Rudoguil the Stony admits the gnome pirate was a friend, but after being accused of his crimes, Rudoguil the Stony now wants justice.  Skull Pete knows all about the Expedition and Rudoguil.  But he knew him by a different name…Rudoguil the Bloody.  And what a pirate he was, ruining many lives!  But apparently Rudoguil had memory problems.  But Pete has fond memories of them polishing off a whole barrel of rum and asks you to give old Bloody his regards.  Today, Rudoguil the Stony was once again insulted by being called an evil pirate, but he just sees himself as a peaceful citizen of Cloud City.  Everyone must be confusing Rudoguil the Stony with some criminal gnome. 

Rather suddenly, Rudoguil changes into Rudoguil the Bloody.  He describes himself as the threat of all seas and demands to know who you are and why you’re there.  This Expedition that everyone seems crazy about can be more fun and Rudoguil the Bloody proves that by framing the guide for robbery.      

Level 31

There are certain bonds at sea, one of them between Rudoguil the Bloody and Skull Pete.  Rudoguil the Bloody understands you are acquainted with the pirate and asks you to deliver a bottle of rum to his old friend.  Skull Pete can’t believe his friend would gift him a bottle of that famous Elvish rum.  In return, Pete decides to gift old Bloody some homemade gnome wart.  There is a problem with one of the ingredients, she-gnome’s ringing laughter, but some vendors sold you some.  Once finished, Pete asks you to try it but there’s just something off-putting about the color.  Anyway, you promise to deliver the gnome wort to Rudoguil personally.  Rudoguil the Bloody likes his rum, but this gnome wort is really strong.  Back to the work at hand, Rudoguil wonders if the Expeditions’ provisions weigh too much and, being light-fingered, decides to get rid of the excess provisions.  Unfortunately, he gets rid of all the provisions and is very happy with the money he’s made.    

Rudoguil the Stony is beside himself that the supplies of food and tools have disappeared and the guide is in jail. He begins restoring the provisions but wonders who could have committed this robbery.  The provisions turned out to be with the city merchants and they all looked surprised when Rudoguil the Stony bought them all back.  But travelling without a guide is a problem.  No one has agreed to take his place and it’s probably not a good idea to leave the guide suffering in prison.  Maybe the procured items will be enough to bribe the guard to release the guide.  The jail guard turned out to be quite greedy so more is needed to free the guide.  Meantime, the merchant Rudoguil bought the supplies from stated that he (Rudoguil) sold him the supplies and then destroyed half of his kiosk.  That’s nonsense, but Rudoguil makes good with the merchant for all the damage, feeling framed in the process.  The provisions and equipment are almost ready when the guide refuses to go saying he needs the redemption of his moral damage.  Rudoguil the Stony notices the guide acting strange, as if he’s afraid of Rudoguil.      

Level 33

The Automaton needs some updates from Rudoguil the Stony who insists you can’t trust that mechanical brain.  Rudoguil the Bloody wonders what all the fuss is about but knows he can make a fortune while everyone is busy with the Spirit of Chaos.  Rudoguil the Bloody thought the second smartest person, after himself, was the Automaton but you surprise him.  You’d make a good pirate, unlike that silly machine.  Rudoguil’s mental health has surely suffered bringing up that little machine.  He senses a change when his head begins aching and Rudoguil the Stony picks up his list of provisions for the Expedition.  He realizes the Automaton hasn’t felt well lately; although he tries, he wasn’t meant for hard tasks.  Rudoguil gives you supplies for the Automaton and hopes they will take him to the next level.

Level 34

Rudoguil the Stony worries preparation is taking way too long for the Expedition and swears people are laughing at him.  Suddenly, he feels sick…and Rudoguil the Bloody shows up declaring it’s time to cast off.  Rudoguil the Bloody asks if you know about Franmar the Wise.  He was the last king of the gnomes and rumor has it Franmar had an heir.  No one knows who or where he is, but the one who finds the crown prince to the gnome throne will get immense fortune.  Rudoguil the Bloody is all for that!  Rudoguil the Stony picks up the story declaring a disaster was the reason the gnomes left the mountains.  King Franmar insisted on the Departure but the gnomes didn’t like it.  The king might have saved all the gnomes…or not.  He hasn’t been seen since the Departure.

Level 35

Rudoguil the Stony disappears from Cloud Pier and reappears at Source Gates.  Rudoguil is satisfied to have made it this far, but the Gate of the Source is only the first destination.  Rudoguil’s assistants explored every stone, tried every opening rune, but the Gate didn’t budge.  It appears the Gate is sealed with hard-to-find ancient symbols of power.  Rudoguil the Stony thinks the gnomes’ symbols of power must be in the gnome homeland – under th

(1) Rune Priest Ragnus Beardrune (2) King Ragnus Sagesmith (3) King Ragnus with Spectral Blade

Level 32

Ragnus Beardrune appears in Rune Garden and introduces himself as keeper of the rune garden.  He’ll help you look for the Source of Sorcery, but his help is expensive.  He wants to know more about the Spirit of Chaos.  It seems this creature doesn’t belong to our world but how did it get here?  If this spirit was summoned from a different world, it might disturb the balance here.  Instead of chasing the demon away, it appears the Spirit of Chaos is growing stronger.  Ragnus discovered that collecting a certain amount of magic artifacts might help keep the balance in our world.  Thanks to you, the balance is intact for now but it might change at any moment.  After searching through ancient volumes, Ragnus finds out the only hope in defeating the demon lies with the Unicorn.  But it’s not easy to find this magic beast.  Oberon won’t give away the Unicorn’s whereabouts and the demon can’t be defeated without him. 

Ragnus Beardrune admits hearing a lot about the Source of Sorcery over the years but has never seen it.  However, he knows for sure the way to the Source of Sorcery goes right through the Rune Garden.  It’s his responsibility, as keeper of the rune garden, to collect magic from all over the world.  Magic is in danger as long as the Spirit of Chaos remains, so Ragnus is collecting as much as possible to preserve magic in this world.  If magic suddenly disappears, Ragnus will be able to revive it using the collected runes and magic.  The next generation of gnome-conjurers will appreciate your help and your name will stay in the world’s historical records.  The witch, Arabella Scales, prepares a potion for Ragnus that is especially good.  She found out Ragnus is storing magic power and doesn’t want to waste her efforts.  She spend too much time destroying the first Expeditions to let Ragnus meddle now.  The gnomes destroyed their own mountains and took hold of the Source of Sorcery.

Level 34

Ragnus hands you special charms to help you fight the evil spirits on the way to the Source of Sorcery.  They will protect your Expedition and hopefully prevent another disaster.  Many decades ago a horrible catastrophe took place caused by Ragnus’ ancestor.  He doesn’t want to lose his home again so will try to convince the gnomes about the importance of your Expedition.  Ragnus did manage to find different specialists for the Expedition, but they won’t work for free.

Level 35

While the Rune Priest seems to be in favor of opening the Gate to the Source, he insists on staying away from the ancient subway.  A long time ago, the gnomes abandoned the subway because of untold horror – but the memories linger.  Ragnus is scared that entering the subway may disturb the evil there.  So the Rune Priest votes no to letting Rudoguil and his Expedition enter the abandoned tunnels; it’s just too dangerous.  Ragnus believes the Automaton can help, but the machine finds a false program with corrupt data.  To obey the rune priest will threaten lives, so the Automaton rejects Ragnus and declares the Gate must open.  Apparently Ragnus attempted to use strangers to damage the Gate, which infuriated Rudoguil.  Ragnus is desperate to keep his people away from the subway and contemplates getting the best engineers in Cloud City to control the Automaton.  But the people still search all possible catacombs and stashes looking for a way through the Gate, with no success.  And now Ragnus has more important things on his mind.  A murderer has appeared in Cloud City and the gnomes dread going out into the dangerous streets.  Fearing the gnomes may not be up to this challenge, Ragnus sends for a professional detective.

Level 37

Rudoguil is determined to open the Gate despite Ragnus’ opposition.  He thinks Ragnus is against the search because if the old king is found, that would threaten Ragnus’ power in Cloud City.  Ragnus can’t find the map of the subway and wonders about the loyalty of some of his people.  Ragnus is loath to reveal the truth about the previous king because it could hurt many and Ragnus refuses to allow that.  Besides, the trial of Jeronimo the innkeeper concluded not long ago and he has admitted his guilt.  Jeronimo committed all those murders just to frame Chris the Assassin and Ragnus calls him “a blind man in love.”  Jeronimo Took is now in Cloud City Prison but there’s trouble ensuring his security.  Many gnomes whose relatives suffered want the innkeeper dead.

Level 38

Ragnus needs help resolving some issues around the city.  Jeronimo is in prison, but there is still call for revenge.  The people want Jeronimo executed, but he’s a ghost!  How do you execute someone already dead?  An angry crowd gathered around the prison and Ragnus managed to soothe the people’s wrath by promising to punish Jeronimo soon.  The citizens are quiet for now, but it won’t last long. 

Level 39

The Lost Fairy is beside herself that the poor innkeeper is alone in prison and the wild gnomes are demanding revenge.  The hardest thing is that Ragnus promised to punish Jeronimo.  Something must be done.

Level 40

The Automaton finds a coded message and deciphers it.  It appears Valdo, the goblin treasure hunter, was working for Ragnus in trying to stop Rudoguil.  But while Valdo admits helping Ragnus, he didn’t know about your search then.

Level 42

The quiet life of Ragnus Beardrune didn’t last long.  There is chaos in the city, people are rising and the city will soon be engulfed in riot.  Ragnus’ promise to punish Jeronimo didn’t have any effect.  Ragnus still hasn’t found a way to punish the ghost murderer and he’s desperate for some way out of this situation.  He must have an audience with the Council of Elders , a meeting at the highest level, to discuss the situation.  After talking to the Elders for hours, one possible solution was reached.  They want to crown Ragnus!  It wouldn’t be his first choice, but the Elders see the coronation as the only way out.  Only a legitimate sovereign can put it all to rights.  Today, Ragnus will make an announcement to the gnomes about the upcoming coronation.  The sooner the coronation process, the sooner the gnomes will be happy to have a king again.  The coronation ritual gets underway and now

Level 35

Rune Priest Ragnus Beardrune is busy trying to keep his people out of the abandoned tunnels when a murderer appears in Cloud City.  Suddenly the gnomes dread going out into the dangerous streets and Ragnus knows this situation demands outside help.  That’s why he sent for a professional detective.  Detective Norman Hayes appears in the Commercial District and immediately begins investigating the gnome murders.  For starters he has a hunch about Anabel and would like to find out what she thinks about the murders.  Anabel, very upset by the murders, urges all castle residents to speak with the detective.  But what Detective Hayes needs is evidence, hard evidence, so he decides to interview all the city dwellers.  To the detective Henry appears shifty, but Henry is appalled at being suspected of the murders.  He allows nothing to interfere with his archeological studies but agrees to turn over any information he comes across.  The detective then has a gut feeling Chris Arwin had something to do with the murders but Valeria Steiner gives him a solid alibi.  Seems her and Chris were practicing their craft at the time.  Next on the detective’s interview list is Keeper of the Castle, who has been so busy in the castle he claims he doesn’t know anything about the murders.  Did those gnomes bother anyone?  The detective is puzzled how this murder case seems so entangled and yet none of the suspects seem to have a motive. 

Level 36

Detective Norman Hayes, not wanting any more gnomes to die, decides magic is needed to find the murderer.  Not being good at magic himself, he must find an expert, human or not.  The detective’s knowledge of magic is enough to release Lord Chamberlain from his spell.  Since the Chamberlain was a pudgy purple bat at the time, he couldn’t possibly have committed the murders and his magical expertise is essential.  Lord Chamberlain is back to normal in Throne Hall.  Once recovered, Lord Chamberlain creates a unique amulet to help in the investigation.  Detective Hayes gives the Chamberlain everything he needs to restore his magical powers and any materials he needs for the investigation.  The detective feels the case is so close to cracked, he can taste it!  But this crime was committed in a strange way. 

Level 37

As the circle of suspects narrows, Lord Chamberlain announces he’s found the criminal.  From the magical tracks left, it’s clear the murderer is no ordinary man.  Maybe a werewolf or a vampire.  The Chamberlain performs further analysis of anomalies found at the crime scene and find the murderer is a…ghost!  Now there’s something you don’t see every day.  The Detective never had to arrest a criminal before and hopes the Chamberlain will help.  The innkeeper Salty Took, who didn’t resist arrest, is the murderer.  Salty disappears from the tavern.

Level 38

Very distraught over the Knight and Arabella, Anabel seeks professional help.  Meanwhile, Detective Norman Hayes is looking for the rascal who covered the walls in nasty words and has put another smuggler of pearl crawfish behind bars.  He’s intrigued by Anabel’s request to follow the Knight, but the detective respects the knight and doesn’t know if he should spy on him.  However, since it concerns the witch, he decides to take the case.

Level 39

The sooner the detective gets started, the sooner Anabel will get her information.  Anabel knows the detective is a professional and she’ll soon learn who the Iron Knight really loves. 

Level 40

Spying on the Knight takes a lot of the detective’s time, but he does his best to keep a close eye on him.  The detective asks for your help and reminds you not to forget the password…saw-fish.  The Knight has been seen talking to a strange man in the tavern so the Detective makes an eavesdropping device to help hear what is being said.  All he hears from the Knight is the usual talk about tournaments, hunting, dragons and ale.  Not a word about Anabel.  The detective waits to see if someone will visit the Knight at night.  While the witch didn’t visit, the Knight disappeared!  There were traces of struggle in his room.  Anabel was notified about the Knight’s disappearance and immediately suspected the Witch of using a love potion.  Anabel has the entire castle looking for the Knight and will never give up searching.  While Detective Hayes has several leads, he employs the help of Chris Arwin.  Following his own leads, Chris finds the lair where the Knight, poisoned by the spell of forgetfulness, was imprisoned and frees him.  Anabel holds a celebration to welcome the Knight home and is more determined than ever to find the kidnapper.  Unfortunately, Chris discovers the criminal close to home when his sister, Lilian, admits to kidnapping the Knight; a misguided attempt to lure the Knight’s father, Sir Oeland, into a trap as revenge for his allegedly murdering her family.

Level 41

Lilian desperately needs Detective Norman Hayes to help her escape Oeland’s sleuths.  The detective just finished the Wild Hunt Diamond case where the butler turned out to be the abductor so he has time to help Lilian.  But Lilian has been in Cloud City for a while and with so many eyes around, she might have been seen by many people.  But he knows how to hide Lilian and the detective has a plan.    

Level 42

This is modern times; all those invisibility hats and invisibility potions are so mid-century.  Werewolves are more like wolves than people, right?  So using their own sense of scent against them is the way to keep Lilian safe.  Lilian is grateful to the detective (spelled Haze) for his help. 

Level 60

(After his battle with the Elemental of the Abyss, Jeronimo disappears.  Ghostly Messenger, claiming to be the Source of Sorcery, promises to bring back Jeronimo.  But the Nature Blessing is needed to fully restore his powers.  Once that happens, power will also be restored to the Chamber of Wishes.  Then the Rune Scroll can be used to make one of your wishes come true (the return of Jeronimo).  Detective Hayes knows the search for runes will take money; information isn’t free and informers must be paid.  To crack this case, he’ll have to comb the castle so the detective begins packing for the